Summer Fun in
Greene County 2014 Healthcare Professionals Guide Innovations in Healthcare Summer Fun & Events “A Wound Care Patient’s Remarkable Journey”
Local Farms & Bountiful Crops
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Northern Connection | July 2014
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CONTENTS July 2014
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NORTHERN CONNECTION NC Features
Senior Living
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Business Spotlight: Clover Hill Golf Course
38 Be “Well on your Way” with Vincentian’s Short-Term Rehab
Marianne Reid Anderson
39 Lazy Days of Summer?
10 Cover Story: Greene County Tourism 22 Slippery Rock University’s Performing Arts Series has Musical Focus
Health & Wellness 14 Fit Families: The Best of Summer Joella Baker
25 Innovations in Healthcare Marianne Reid Anderson
26 Ohio Valley Hospital: A Wound Care Patient’s Remarkable Journey 34 Enhance Your Life: Be Careful What You Wish For... Anita Sinicrope Maier, MSW
36 Healthcare Guide
Barbara A. Killmeyer
Local Farms 42 Local Farms and Bountiful Crops Marianne Reid Anderson
Kids & Education 46 Innovative Classrooms, Camps and Summer Programs Marianne Reid Anderson
48 School Movers and Shakers 51 Local Girl Crowned Pennsylvania State Cinderella Miniature Miss Paula Green
Advertorials 33 5 Things You Should Know to Keep Your Discs Healthy Dr. Shannon Thieroff
10 In Every Issue 4
From the Publisher
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Movers & Shakers
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Mover & Shaker of the Month: Pastor Ed Glover
Marion Piotrowski
Paula Green
15 Trivia Connection: Sing Along with Baseball Themed Songs Trivia Paula Green 16 Happenings 40 Town Crier: Enjoying July Joe Bullick
41 Happenings for Seniors 41 Starting the Conversation: Should We Bury the PA Death Tax? Marianne Reid Anderson 52 Support Our Troops: D-Day Remembrances; Bob Buckler Honored at the Gala of Champaign Aviation Museum; Aquinas Academy Students Say “Thank You” Paula Green
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PUBLISHER NOTES
NORTHERN CONNECTION
Let the Summer Fun Begin!
P.O. Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722
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he July issue of Northern Connection magazine features our 15th annual Healthcare and Professional guide. We are very blessed to live in a city that has state-of-the-art medical advancements and innovations. Also, in this issue we are promoting summer fun. From church festivals to county fairs and community days, there is so much to do in and around Pittsburgh that the summer time will surely keep us all busy and entertained. Be sure to check out the cover story on Greene County. There is so much going on there, it is a nice drive from Pittsburgh and a very enjoyable time for the entire family. In this issue, we once again encourage our readers to visit our local farms and farm markets. You will enjoy home grown goodness and nutrition, and you will be helping to keep our local farms working. Enjoy reading all Northern Connection magazine’s special features along with our regular monthly columns. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and “continue the conversation” with our editor, Marianne Reid Anderson on our blog. As we celebrate Independence Day this year, let us all be thankful and remember what a blessing it is to live in this great country. Let us never forget the price that was paid for our freedom. Thank you for your support. Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. God Bless America! F
Phone: 724-940-2444 Laura Arnold
laura@northernconnectionmag.com
President & Publisher
Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor
Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator
Mary Simpson
marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com
Mary L. Simpson Marisa Tomasic Design & Production
Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Marisa Tomasic, PhD
marisa@northernconnectionmag.com
”
Web Master
Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers
AMERICA WILL NEVER BE
ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator Marketing & Account Executives
Marianne Reid Anderson
destroyed FROM THE OUTSIDE. IF WE FALTER AND LOSE OUR freedoms, WE DESTROYED ourselves.
Paula M. Green
Laura Lyn Arnold
ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
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Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com
Joella Baker Jacquelyn Brinker Joe Bullick Rosemary Garrity Paula M. Green Barbara A. Killmeyer Suzanne (Suz) Mauro, AICI Ryan C. Meyer Liz Miles Donna Summers Moul, M.S.Ed. Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution
Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Donna Smith Dominion Distribution
Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.
Coming in the August NC...
The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area.
CALLING ALL SCHOOLS! Be sure to be included in our 15th Annual Back-toSchool issue! Call 724-940-2444 today to reserve your space.
The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.
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Northern Connection | July 2014
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“When I developed peripheral neuropathy, the condition was painful and debilitating. I shared my problem with my chiropractor, Dr. Shawn Richey. He suggested that I try a program he had specifically designed. I began the comprehensive, step-by-step program. I am now only a quarter of the way through and I have complete pain relief 95% of the time. I would recommend anyone, who suffers from peripheral neuropathy, choosing to have Dr. Shawn help you to your way to recovery as he has helped me.” -Nance Stewart
My doctor said there was no help for my neuropathy . . . Until Now! What is Peripheral Neuropathy? Occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts.
P
eripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs, and feet. When damage occurs, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. It can affect multiple nerves (polyneuropathy) or only one nerve or nerve group (mononeuropathy) due to trauma, injury, local compression, prolonged pressure, or inflammation. It starts with numbness, prickling or tingling in the toes or fingers. It may spread up the feet or hands and cause burning, freezing, throbbing and/or shooting pains. It is often worse at night. Sometimes it is constant or periodic and usually the pain is felt equally in both hands or in both feet. It can develop suddenly, while others progress more slowly over many years. It is a sensation of wearing an invisible ‘glove’ or ‘sock,’ a burning sensation, freezing pain. Sharp jabbing
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electric-like pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch. Difficulty sleeping because of feet and leg pain. Loss of balance and coordination. Muscle weakness. Difficulty walking or moving the arms. Unusual sweating. Abnormalities in blood pressure or pulse. I have the solution. I have the necessary tools to the uncover the underlying cause of the nerve damage. *Certified Neuropathy Professional. Member of the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of America
Call for a free consultation TODAY!
Dr. Shawn Richey
drshawn@backnline.com www.backnline.com/ 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 Sewickley, Pa. 15143
724-940-9000
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MOVERS & SHAKERS July 2014
Movers & Shakers North Hills native, Susan Evans recently published the book Don’t Write The Obituary Yet. The book was written in collaboration with Dr. Thomas C. Krivak, one of Pittsburgh’s note gynecologists/oncologist, who is Evan’s doctor. In June of 2012, Evans was diagnosis with ovarian cancer. The story tells of her journey and experience at Magee Women’s Hospital. It is available at http://www.amazon.com/ Dont-Write-Obituary-Susan-Evans/ dp/159571975X.
Walnut Grill is pleased to announce are opening a restaurant in Ellisville, Mo. (St. Louis). The new establishment will be located at 1386 Clarkson Center Drive.
Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma (PCS) presented the proceeds from 2013 Fundraising Events to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute at Hillman Cancer Center on June 12.
The Woodlands Foundation announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors: Nicholas J. Barcellona, Chris Berexa, James S. Cullen and John Stampfel.
AXA Advisors Greater Pittsburgh and West Virginia division announced and welcomed Sheri Ward as marketing assistant to certified financial planner, Timothy Buggy.
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., announced that the Theatre Historical Society of America (THS) visited Soldiers & Sailors during their 44th annual Conclave Theatre Tour on Jun. 28.
VA Butler Healthcare held a ribbon cutting ceremony on Jun. 11. The event was a dedication of the completion of 30 newly constructed beds in its Community Living Center (CLC).
The Cranberry Rotary honored a few local residents during their “Service Above Self” Awards. The recipients were: Cranberry Township Fire Chief Brian Kovac was named Public Servant of the Year; Vic Conrad was awarded Business Leader of the Year; Curt Johns, Seneca Valley Middle School Dean of Students won Educator of the Year; Seneca Valley seventh grader, Elexa White garnered the Community Servant of the Year Award and Seneca Valley senior Cassandra Bachik won Student of the Year.
Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., hosted the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) 86th Flag Day Ceremony on Jun. 14.
Attorneys Todd Berkey and Christopher Hildebrandt, North Hills residents and attorneys at the law firm of Edgar Snyder & Associates®, have been selected to the 2014 Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list. (Continued on page 8)
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MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH
Pastor Ed Glover President and Founder of Urban Impact Foundation BY PAULA GREEN “At Urban Impact, we’re providing options for those who have few or no options.” – Pastor Ed Glover
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n 1995, Rev. Dr. Ed Glover and his wife Tammy founded the Urban Impact Foundation on Pittsburgh’s North Side. It all began when Pastor Ed became a youth minister at the Allegheny Center Alliance Church in 1986. During this ministry, he witnessed the profound struggles that faced the urban communities. He felt that the daily challenges these communities endured could be overcome by utilizing a holistic approach. This insightful belief led to the development of the Urban Impact Foundation, a ministry which has affected thousands of youths and their families on Pittsburgh’s North Side. As Pastor Ed noted, “The vision of Urban Impact Foundation is to see lives holistically transformed in our community one person, one family, one block at a time, who in turn, make a powerful impact locally and globally for Jesus Christ.” They are having a tremendous amount of success ministering to these families. “We’re seeing lasting, positive change amongst our students. Last year, Urban Impact reached 1,500 kids, and 325 youth responded to the Gospel. During the last three years in our Options Program, 97% of our core students have graduated from high school, and 96% transitioned from high school into one of our five options: college, trade school, jobs, the military, or into ministry”, Pastor Ed added. In addition to Urban Impact, Pastor Ed is also the founder, in collaboration with Coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers, of the ManUp Pittsburgh Dads’ Conference. This one-day event is designed to encourage and build men to become stronger dads to their own children, while challenging them to address the needs of fatherless youth in our city. This year marked the second annual ManUp Pittsburgh, and over 850 men gathered at Orchard Hill Church on June 7 to hear from Pastor Ed, Coach Tomlin, Coach Clint Hurdle, Dr. Tony Evans and more renowned speakers.
The Glover Family
Pastor Ed was honored in Oct. 2011 for his contributions by the Epoch Missions Gala held in Atlanta, Ga. He took the top award in the “Restoring Places” category, out of 448 nominees across 32 countries. Over the years, he has become a highly respected soughtafter speaker. He also serves as Associate Preacher and director of Urban Missions for Christ Church of Grove Farm in Sewickley. Pastor Ed graduated from Lambuth University in Tenn., and earned his Masters of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary in Nyack, N.Y. He received an honorary doctorate from Toccoa Falls College for his work in urban setting. He has served as an adjunct professor ay Nyack College. Pastor Ed and Tammy served as adjunct professors at Alliance Theological Seminary. They were both recipients of the Alumni of the Year Award for both the Alliance Theological Seminary and Nyack College. They reside on the North Side with their four children Nathan, Joshua, Jonathan and Abigail. For more information on Urban Impact Foundation, visit http://www.uifpgh.org/ F
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P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.
Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes
Penny Ann Erbe
Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner
412-487-1009
4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456
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Pennsylvania Downtown Center presented awards during the organization’s annual statewide Townie Awards gala. The winners were: Bucks County Preservationists, Penn State Altoona & Steve and Nancy Sheetz, United Neighborhood Centers of NEPA, Butler Downtown, Venture Lititz, Easton Main Street Initiative, Ardmore Initiative, Greensboro Borough, Deborah Adamik, Len Bodnar and Manheim Girl Scout Troop 70239. Dr. Shannon Thieroff, of Choice Chiropractic and Healthyworks is proud to be appointed to the Board of the North Boroughs YMCA. Working alongside Bruce Berringer, the Dr. Shannon North Borough’s Thieroff executive director, and other board members, she’s looking forward to supporting the YMCA’s mission to deliver programs that promote youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Correction…in our June issue on page 12 of our “Men in Our Community Making a Difference” story we published the incorrect contact information for Joe Bullick, curator North Allegheny History Museum. The correct contact is – phone (724) 9351854 or email JEBullick@zoominternet.net. We apologize for the error!
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Saint Barnabas Golf Outing
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winning team of 180 charitable golfers, Pittsburgh Steelers
veteran Andy Russell, dozens of volunteers along with dedicated planning committee members and sponsors worked together to raise $115,083 at the 27th annual St. Barnabas Charitable Golf Open held Monday, June 2 at the Butler Country Club to benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund. F
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Clover Hill Golf Course
A True Treasure of a Golf Course Celebrating their 25th Anniversary BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
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estled in Franklin Park at 2200 Reis Run Road is the absolutely idyllic Clover Hill Golf Course. Besides being beautiful and extraordinarily wellkept and well-maintained, this 9-hole course manages to be both fun and challenging without being intimidating. This feat is accomplished due to the fact that each hole is unique, offering an incredible variety of golf experiences and skills. Whether you are a beginner learning the game, an experienced golfer wanting to practice some special shots or somewhere in between, Clover Hill Golf Course welcomes you. You start off with a downhill par three, then go immediately to a very long par 4 where you need to drive over a water hazard and so it continues with a whole array of golf shots. At Clover Hill, you can also choose your level of exercise that you may want while playing, for example, you can rent a golf cart to drive the course, rent a pull cart to wheel your clubs as you walk the course, or carry your clubs. Opened in 1990, six of the holes were originally part of the former Keystone Moose Country Club, which, once closed, three additional holes were added to make what is now Clover Hill and giving the country club course caliber to this affordable public course. This fall Clover Hill will be completely rebuilding the redesigned 1st and 5th golf holes and building a new tee on the 9th hole. In addition to welcoming all skill levels, Clover Hill welcomes, men, women, junior golfers and families to play together or with friends. There are also special leagues that play. You can also book Clover Hill for small outings, events and parties. Discounts are offered by joining their e-specials club available on their website. For more information about what all Clover Hill Golf Club has to offer, visit their web site at http:// www.cloverhillgolf.com/ or give them a call at 412-364-2447. F www.northernconnectionmag.com
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COVER STORY July 2014
Greene County July marks the beginning of a signature season of summer events in Greene County, Pa., just two hours south of Butler County. The Jacktown Fair kicks off the middle of the month, running July 15-19 in Wind Ridge, on the western end of the county. The longest continuously running fair in the country, the Jacktown Fair is celebrating its 149th year in 2014. Scheduled activities include the three-night “Jacktown Fair Idol” singing contest, musical acts, truck and tractor pulls, fireworks, and carnival rides. Admission and activity prices vary. For more information and a full schedule of events, visit www.jacktownfair.org. Greene County is home to another long-running tradition in July – the annual Rain Day festival, held in Downtown Waynesburg in the heart of the county. This year’s festival is the 141st observance of the day it almost always rains in Waynesburg. The day-long street festival features music, food, children’s activities, umbrella and window decorating contests, craft and information vendors, and hopefully a few drops of rain. For more information and the full history of Rain Day, visit www.raindayfestival.com. A more recent addition to the slate of Greene County summer events is the Flashlight Drags drag-racing series, held at the Greene County Airport in
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Tourism Waynesburg. Flashlight Drags offers a safe alternative to street racing, with a 1/8th-mile race between two vehicles, just for fun. The next event is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, with two more races – Sunday, Aug. 3, and Saturday, Sept. 13 – to close out the 2014 racing season. Gates open at 11 a.m. each event day, with racing from 2 to 6 p.m. “Outlaw Hour” follows from 6 to 7 p.m. Cost is $30 to race and $6 to watch, and plenty of car-related vendors fill the grounds as well. And since Flashlight Drags doesn’t share the same love of
inclement weather as Rain Day, rain dates are planned. For more information and schedule updates, visit www.flashlightdrags.com. The Sept. 13 Flashlight Drags date coincides with 50’s Fest in downtown Waynesburg and the Lucas Oil Truck Pulling Expo at the Greene County Fairgrounds, two more gearhead-geared signature events. That weekend also signals the end of the summer events season in Greene County. Before it ends, though, August’s events include the
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Greene County Fair from Aug. 3-9 at the fairgrounds, the Bituminous Coal Show Aug. 16-23 in Carmichaels, and Art Blast on the Mon, Aug. 30 in Greensboro. And for summer produce, Waynesburg and Greensboro each have weekly farmers’ markets until mid-October. With all of these events, you’ll see why summer is the perfect time to Go Greene! For a full calendar of events and more information on attractions, visit www.GoGreeneCounty.org. F
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FIT FAMILIES July 2014
The Best of Summer BY JOELLA BAKER
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ow is the time to get your nutrition under control. I love summer. You get the best of all the fruits and veggies from your own garden and from local farm markets or CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) programs. However, for some, leaving the schedule of school days and routine can leave some families eating poorly in the summer. Don’t let that happen to you and your family. Summer, to me is the best time to boost your healthy eating habits. When you go to local restaurants, get the best of summer with seasonal features. At home, how do you prepare the best of summer? Here are some tips to make sure you’re getting the most out of your favorite summer foods. Plan your meals. Just as you do in the fall and winter during the school season, plan your meals in the summer. I enjoy hitting the farm stand and seeing what they have that’s fresh. When I get home, I plan my meals around what I bought or if you are in a CSA program, what you got that week in your bushel. Cooking your fresh veggies
with brown rice or creating a summer veggie risotto dish is simple and tastes great. It’s also perfect for leftovers. I also enjoy making grilled veggie salads and it’s so simple to add grilled fish, chicken or steak to your salad and make it the perfect meal. Involve your family in the summer meal planning. If your kids aren’t much for eating veggies or fruit, take them to the farmer’s market and tell them they can pick out three fruits or veggies that he or she can use to make a meal with that week; by getting the kids involved, it will encourage them to try something new. Wash all your fruits and veggies you get from your local farm market, grocery store or CSA. We know these veggies are typically rinsed, but you still want to wash everything again, even organic items. Olive oil and the grill should be your place to cook this summer. It doesn’t matter if you’re home or camping or even on vacation, use the grill. All you need is olive oil, a little seasoning and a grill and you can turn simple veggies and even fruits into a gourmet dinner. Drink a lot of water. In the summer, it’s easy to get dehydrated. By keeping yourself hydrated, your body will crave the healthy food it needs to keep up with your active and healthy summer plans. In the summer, your body should be craving healthier and lighter foods, so listen to it and don’t give in to the indulgences out there. More and more places are offering healthy wraps or salads at fairs and festivals that are very good and if you really want a funnel cake, order a small one and share it with the family. Lastly, stock your fridge with healthy choices. A bowl full of fresh cherries, black berries or strawberries is perfect for a grab and go snack. Sliced watermelon is perfect in the summer. Encourage your family to grab the fresh fruits and veggies that you bought instead of going for the chips and dips. Better yet, whip up your own home made salsa or guacamole and keep that on hand for a quick and easy snack or appetizer this summer. The sky is the limit during the summer months. Don’t limit yourself, try new recipes, keep fresh fruit in a bowl that’s quick and easy to grab and make sure you are offering your family the best of the summer season. Happy eating! F
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TRIVIA CONNECTION July 2014
Sing Along with Baseball Themed Songs Trivia BY PAULA GREEN 1. Babe Ruth is known for being a “Yankee slugger,” but before he played for the Yankees, he began his career as a left-handed pitcher with this major league team. 2. In the song Centerfield, John Fogerty is referring to this baseball player when he sings,” You know I took some lumps when __ __ __ struck out.” 3. In 1990, comedienne Roseanne Barr, slaughtered the National Anthem at the stadium of this California baseball team. 4. In 2003, during a Red Sox vs. Yankees game this crooner was caught peeking at his palm, which had National Anthem lyrics scrawled on it. 5. Name the baseball player that Simon & Garfunkel sang about in the hit single - Mrs. Robinson. 6. What song by Don Henley has the same title as a book by Roger Kahn about the Brooklyn Dodgers? 7. Which group sang the baseball song Right Field? 8. What song by Meatloaf contains a baseball radio broadcast? 9. In 1985, Bruce Springsteen released Glory Days, on which popular album did it debut? 10. Which country band came out with the song Cheap Seats in 1993? 11. In 2007, the country band Whiskey Falls released this baseball song. 12. This singer came out with the tune The Greatest in 1999, which centers on a young boy playing baseball. 13. Eddie Vedder’s baseball song All the Way was written for this National League team. 14. In 2009, Tom VandenAvond released Mister Baseball in honor of this famous former player and sportscaster. 15. This country music artist released the baseball song Swing. F Sources: http://pencils.com/the-15-best-baseball-songs-ever-written/, http:// www.history.com/this-day-in-history/babe-ruth-makes-mlb-debut, http:// www.baseball-almanac.com/asgmenu, http://www.billboard.com/articles/ list/513562/10-worst-national-anthem-performances-ever, http://www.funtrivia. com, http://www.amazon.com
Answers: 1. The Boston Red Sox 2. The Mighty Casey 3. The San Diego Padres 4. Michael Bolton 5. Joe DiMaggio 6. Boys of Summer 7. Peter, Paul & Mary 8. Paradise By the Dashboard Lights 9. Born in the U.S.A. 10. Alabama 11. Load Up the Bases 12. Kenny Rogers 13. The Chicago Cubs 14. Bob Uecker 15. Trace Adkins
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he “Boys of Summer” are now in full-swing. This month marks the centennial anniversary of the appearance of one of baseball’s greatest players; George Herman Ruth made his debut in the majors on July 11, 1914. “The Sultan of Swat” or “The Bambino,” as he was alternately known, was the greatest gate attraction in baseball until his retirement as a player in 1935. Another July baseball event is the annual All-Star Game. The first Major League All-Star Game was played on July 6, 1933 at Comiskey Park in Chicago. For over eighty years, the “Midsummer Classic” has remained a fan favorite showcasing the top talent in baseball. Baseball enthusiasts in Pittsburgh, also enjoy venturing to PNC Park to watch our beloved Pirates play ball. Whether you head to the North Shore or any other professional ball park, you will get to participate in a few sing-alongs. The first occurs before the ceremonial opening pitch, when we hear the announcer say, - “Please rise, and remove your hats for the singing of our National Anthem – The Star Spangled Banner.” Then it’s onto the seventh inning where we utilize our vocal chords again. Take Me Out To The Ballgame is always sung by the fans during the “seventh inning stretch.” This catchy tune was written by a songwriter named Jack Norworth who scribbled the lyrics on a scrap piece of paper while riding the train to Manhattan in New York. Following the attack on America on September 11th, Major League Baseball rose to the occasion as part of the healing process and added God Bless America to its song list. Other popular baseball songs include – All the Way, America’s Favorite Pastime, Baseball on the Block, Baseball Song, Boys of Sumer, Brand New Game, Catfish, Centerfield, Cheap Seats, Cubs in Five, Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit the Ball, Glory Days, The Greatest, Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio, Joe DiMaggio Done it Again, Load the Bases, Losing, I Love Mickey, Love Is Like a Baseball Game, Mister Baseball, Nolan Ryan (He’s a Hero to Us All), A Perfect Day for Baseball, Right Field, Talkin’ Baseball-Willie, Mickey & the Duke, Swing, Tessie and Zanzibar. Since we have walked through baseball tunes, we must now wind-up our thoughts on this baseball musical query. Get set to pitch your responses, because it’s time to get a little trivial…
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HAPPENINGS July 2014
Happenings North Happenings Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collections, Jul. 12 & 26, Aug. 16 & 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 18 & Nov. 8, Butler County. Visit www.recyclebutler.us. North Allegheny Horsemen’s Association shows, Jul. 6-Youth/Fun, Jul 20-All Day Pleasure, Aug. 17-Open Show, Sept. 7-All Day Pleasure, Sept. 28-Fun/Game, North Park Horse Show Ring. For info the Jul. 6 show, call (412) 364-6500, all others call (412) 784-0860. North Hills Community Outreach’s Community Auto Program is looking for vehicle donations that will provide transportation for low-income individuals. Call (724) 443-8300 or www.communityauto.org. North Hills Community Outreach is collecting new backpacks and school supplies through July 31. For info, contact Vicki at (412) 487-6316, opt. 1 or vdburst@ nhco.org.
North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.1:45 p.m. every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www. northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.
Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 4th Monday of every month 7 p.m.(Jul. 28), Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Topic “The Battle of Fisher Hill.” Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.
Thursdays
WorkAble offers free employment services to unemployed and underemployed people in Allegheny County. Call Harriet, (412) 408-3830 ext. 3219 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.
Tuesdays
Handicapable Square Dancing Lessons, Thurs., thru Oct., Dorseyville Alliance Church. Volunteers needed to assist. For details, call Marti or Gary (724) 443-2616.
Mondays Chisel and Chips Carvers of North Pittsburgh meetings, meets 6:30- 10 p.m., the 2nd Monday of every month, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. For info, call (724) 940-0034. Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus, meets every Monday at 7 p.m., Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. Visit Bogmeisters.com.
North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3rd Tues., of the month, North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. For info, visit www.facebook.com/NPMOMS.
Wednesday Ask an Attorney, 7 p.m., July 9, NHCO in Millvale; July 9, NHCO North Boroughs, Aug. 13. Must pre-register, call (412) 408-3830 or hzgibbs@nhco.org. Country Knight Line Dancers host a line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine.beley@ gmail.com.
Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m. the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 779-1854.
National Aviary Night, 5-9 p.m., 3rd Thurs., of the month. Half price admission, 21 and over. For details, (412) 258-9445.
Saturdays Saturday Singles Dance for ages 40+, 8 p.m.-midnight, Jul. 19, “Free Pizza Party,” free dance lesson 7:30 p.m., dance 8 p.m., West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy, West View. Call, (724) 316-5029 or www. dancetonight.weebly.com.
Saint Alexis Festival Days
July 30, 31, Aug. 1, 2 • 6-11pm Nightly 10090 Old Perry Highway
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Live stage entertainment Games Rides Food Raffles
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•
Flea Market • July 19 8:00 am–1:00 pm July 20 9:00 am–noon • half-off sale Join us for the 22nd annual Saint Alexis Festival from July 30 through Aug. 2, 6-11 p.m. nightly on the church grounds. Fun for all ages including rides, live stage entertainment, games, delicious festival-style food and nightly indoor dinners, Kiddieland, blackjack & poker, raffles and so much more!
For more information: (724) 935-4343 or www.stalexis.org (Continued on page 26)
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Arts & Entertainment
Networking
The Greater Cranberry 23 male chorus is looking for singers to attend guest night, 7-9 p.m., July 14, at the Adams Ridge Clubhouse, 100 Adams Ridge Blvd., Mars. We sing Broadway, patriotic, Christmas and spiritual music in 4-part harmony. For info, call Bill (724) 780-4425, email nms1633@comcast.net, or www.bogmeisters.com.
Cranberry Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 7:30 a.m., Jul. 17, 2662 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Call Marcia, (724) 538-3059.
Jazz Cabaret at the Kean, 7-10 p.m., July 30. Performance by the Donna Bailey Trio, 5847 Meridian Rd., Gibsonia. For info, call (412) 366-1035. Pittsburgh Cultural Trust art exhibit “Cataloguing Pattern,” runs Jul. 11-Aug. 31, Space, 812 Liberty Ave. for info, visit TrustArts.org. The Takeaway: Make with Love art exhibition, 100 amateur artworks, Jul. 11-Aug. 1, 937 Gallery / 937 Liberty Ave., 2nd Fl. For info, visit www.TrustArts.org. Tommy Emmanuel, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 23, Byham Theater. For info, call (412) 4566666 or TrustArts.org.
Health & Wellness Lizzy’s Bikes, a Kiwanis Club of Mars community action program, provides free bikes to local needy children. Call (724) 779-4364 or email LizzysBikes@yahoo.com.
Counseling Professional Counseling, need someone to talk with but can’t afford it or lack health coverage. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300.
Criders Corner Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets noon, Jul. 10 & 24, Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza, 2045 Mackenzie Way, Cranberry Twp. Call Annette, (724) 316-8005. Friday Morning “Coffee Club,” 8-9 a.m., Fridays, Butler County Chamber of Commerce. For details, call (724) 283-2222 or Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com North Hills Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 12:30 p.m., Jul. 11 & 25, Club Sandwich, 10150 Kummer Rd., Allison Park. Call Debbie, (724) 449-8368. Professional Referral Exchange (PRE) meets 7:15 a.m., Weds, Deck House, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Ken, at (610) 496-7600 or visit, www.prenetworking.net. Seven Fields Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets, 8:15 a.m., Jul. 17, Concordia Life Care Community, Rt. 228, Adams Ridge. Call Nina, (724) 772-1922. Toastmasters Cranberry High Noon Club, meets noon-1 p.m., every Mon., at the Cranberry Library, 2525 Rochester Rd., Suite 400. Guest & new members are welcome. Call Mary Jo, (412) 367-7710 or http://3331281.toastmastersclubs.org.
Wexford Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets, 8:00 a.m., Jul. 8 & 22, Atria’s Restaurant, Rt. 19, Wexford. Call Kathy, (724) 934-5143.
Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers should call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon. stalter@cancer.org. North Hills Community Outreach has volunteer opportunities available. Volunteer orientation is 10 a.m., Jul. 10, NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. For info, call (412) 408-3830 or lkrobins@ nhco.org. Volunteers are needed at the Repurposed Thrift Store in the Northway Mall. The store is accepting donations of any kind. They support Living in Liberty, a nonprofit who helps women rescued from human trafficking. To volunteer, call (412) 548-3755.
School Happenings & Summer/Fall Courses Ballroom Dancing, 7 p.m., 1 & 3 Fri., Sept. 5-Dec. 5, Orchard Hill. For info, call (724) 935-5555 or visit http://www.orchardhillchurch.com/.
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Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) open house (at all eight campuses), 9 a.m.-3 p.m., July 12. To learn more, visit www.ccac.edu. Discover Days for prospective graduate, adult and transfer students, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Tues., thru Aug. 12, at La Roche College’s Palumbo Service Center, Room 104. Register online, at (412) 536-1260. The First Step to Small Business Success, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Jul. 16, Saint Vincent College Small Business Development Center. Call (724) 537-4572 or www.stvincent.edu/sbdc. La Roche College & the University of Pittsburgh have signed an articulation agreement that will allow Engineering students to earn a degree from both institutions. To learn more, call (412) 536-1272 or admissions@ laroche.edu. Mommy & Me Ballet, 10-11 a.m., Weds, Oct. 15-Nov. 19, Orchard Hill. For info, call (724) 935-5555 or visit http://www. orchardhillchurch.com/. Saint Ursula School is accepting registration for Pre-K, kindergarten thru 8th grade 2014-15 school year. They also offer an aftercare program until 6 p.m., 3937 Kirk Ave., Allison Park. For info, call (412) 486-5511. Saint Vincent Gallery fifth Nationwide Juried Catholic Arts Competition & Exhibition will be held over the summer and fall offer $3,500 in cash prizes. For details, call (724) 805-2107 or www.gallery.stvincent.edu. (Continued on page 18)
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HAPPENINGS July 2014
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre, Jeeves in Bloom, July 10-26; A Grand Night for Singing, July 31-Aug. 17. For details, www.svst.org.
Summer Artisan Bazaar, July 19-Aug. 9, North Hills Art Center, 3432 Babcock Blvd., Ross Twp. For info, call (412) 364-3622 or www. northhillsartcenter.org.
Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala, 6:30 p.m., July 11, Robert S. Carey Student Center at St. Vincent College. For details, (724) 805-2901.
Summer Visit Day at La Roche College, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Jul 12 & Aug. 8, Babcock Bld., Allison Park. For info, call (412) 5361272 or 800-838-4572 or laroche.edu.
Tai Chi Exercise for Beginners, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Sats., Sept. 6-Dec. 6, (no class Nov. 29), Orchard Hill. For info, call (724) 9355555 or visit http://www.orchardhillchurch.com/. Yoga with a Twist, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Thurs., Sept. 11-Dec. 4, Orchard Hill. For info, call (724) 935-5555 or visit http://www.orchardhillchurch. com/.
Zumba, 6:15-7:15 p.m., Tues., Sept. 9-Dec. 2, Orchard Hill. For info, call (724) 935-5555 or visit http://www.orchardhillchurch. com/.
Seminars “How to Give a Successful Presentation,” noon1:30 p.m., Jul. 30. Sponsored by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. For details, call (724) 283-2222 or email Stan@ ButlerCountyChamber.com.
Spiritual Community Bible Study, a non-denominational group is accepting registrations for the fall program which begins Sept. 4. Meetings are 9:15-11:15 a.m., every Thurs., Sept.-May. For info, call Norma at (412) 366-5079 or cnjl@comcast.net or pittsburghnorth.cbsclass.org. Community Nursing Foundations of Faith, 4-day prep course for faith community nurses and lay health ministers, Sept. 12 & 13 and Oct. 3 & 4, UPMC Mercy, 1400 Locust St., uptown. Visit www.pmhs.org. Imagine & Build with God Vacation Bible Camp, 9:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., July 28-Aug. 1, Parkwood Presbyterian Churches, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Register at http://2014cokesburyvbs.com/ GPVBS. International Spy Academy, Agents for the one True God Vacation Bible Camp, 6:30-8 p.m., Aug. 6-8, closing 10 a.m., Aug. 9, Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd. To register, call (412) 7674600. Vacation Bible School, 5:30-8:30 p.m., July 13-17, Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Call (412) 4871071 to register.
Veterans North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www. qovf.org. Veterans Discover HOPE Here-Career, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45 p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www. discoverhopehere.com.
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Veteran’s Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. For details, visit www.prevention. va.gov/B_Physically_ Active.asp.
Reunions St. Athanasius Grade School Class of 1970 Reunion, 10 a.m., Oct. 19, Four Points Sheraton, 910 Sheraton Dr., Mars/Cranberry. Classmates from ’69 & ’71 are invited to join. Looking for classmates of St. A’s & North Hills HS Class of’74. RSVP to Marigrace at (412)653-7696 or mg62529@att.net.
Workshops Butler Chamber of Commerce seminar – “How to give a successful presentation,” noon-1:30 p.m., Jul. 30. For info, call (724) 283-2222 or Stan@ButlerCountyChamber.com.
Camps Camp Bloom, transitional camp for young adults w/disability and chronic illness, Aug. 3. Applications will be accepted thru Jul. 4. For info, call (724) 934-5470 or www. MyWoodlands.org. Challenger British Soccer Camp, Aug. 4-8, Pine Park. For ages 3-16. Register online, visit http://www.challengersports.com/britishsoccercamps. aspx. Register by Jun. 20 & receive a free jersey.
“Future” Titan Football Skills Camp, 3-9 p.m., Jul. 11, Mt. Royal Stadium. For grades 2-8. For info, call (724) 561-2942 or (412) 818-3260.
Sales Giant Flea Market, 8 a.m.1 p.m., Jul. 19, 9 a.m.-noon, Jul. 20 (half off sale). Open 6-9 p.m., Jul. 30, 31, Aug. 1 & 2 during the festival, St. Alexis Parish, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. For info, call (724) 935-4343. Little Sisters of the Poor Rummage Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jul. 17-19. Bag sale, Jul. 19, 1028 Benton Ave., Brighton Heights. Proceeds benefit the elderly residents living at the home. For info, call (412) 307-1100. (Continued on page 20)
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HAPPENINGS July 2014
Festivals Arts & Crafts Colonial Festival, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Aug. 29-31 & 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 1, Westmoreland Fairgrounds. For info, call (724) 863-4577 or www.familyfestivals.com. Cranberry Township Community Days, 4-10 p.m., July 10, 3-11 p.m., July 11, 1-11 p.m., July 12, Cranberry Community Park. Visit http://www.ctcchest.org/content/ community-days/2014-community-days.
Saint Alexis Festival, 6-11 p.m., Jul. 30, 31 & Aug. 1 & 2, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. Rides, games, nightly dinners, family fun. For info, call (724) 935-4343 or visit www. stalexis.org. Saint Ferdinand Church Family Festival, 6-11, Aug. 8; 5-11, Aug. 9 and 4-9 p.m., Aug. 10, 2535 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. For info, visit www.StFerd.org. St. Gregory’s Parish Lawn Festival, 7-11 p.m., July 24 & 25, 6-11 p.m., July 26, 2 West Beaver St., Zelienople.
Nightly dinners (4-7 p.m.), live entertainment, Chinese auction, bingo, games, rides and bake sale. For info, (724) 452-7245.
Summer Events Ambridge Eagles Wings Cook-Off, 2-6 p.m., Aug. 3, Ambridge Eagles Club on the corner of 4th & Maplewood Ave., in Ambridge. Benefits the American Diabetes Association & Diabetes Research Center in Iowa. Craft Beer and Art Street Party, 6:30-10 p.m., Jul. 12, Bank St., Sewickley. For info, visit http://www.showclix.com/ events/18473. Cranberry Township Community Days Pancake Breakfast, 8-11 a.m. (7:30 a.m. for 5K & Fun Run runners), July 12, Jaycees shelter, Community Park. For info, visit www.CranberryLions.org. National Aviary: Brunch featuring Atria’s, seating 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., July 6, Aug. 10 & Sept. 21, required reservations (412) 258-9445. Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social, 1-4 p.m., July 13, Depreciation Lands Museum, 4743 S. Pioneer Rd., Allison Park. There will be a fleece-to-shawl demo as well. For details, www. depreciationlandsmuseum.org. Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council “Neighborhood Block Party: A Roundtable Discussion on Planned Giving Best Practices,” 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Jul. 8, Cambria Suites Pittsburgh at Consol Energy Center. Register at (412) 680-2149 or www. ppgc.net or email office@ppgc.net. Steel City Con, Aug. 8-10, Monroeville Convention Center, Guest appearances by Penny Marshall, Steve Guttenberg, Billy Dee Williams, Butch Patrick, Pat Priest and more. For info, visit http://ww.steelcitycon.com. Train Rides in the Mars Shortline Railroad in Mars, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., every Fri., & 1-4 p.m., the 2nd Sat., of every month thru Sept., Mars History & Landmark’s Society, #1 Brickyard Rd. Donations are appreciated. For info, call (724) 272-9588 or www.marshistory.org.
Gardening & Farmers Markets Farmers Market at Shady Side Academy, 3-6 p.m. thru Oct. 29, first parking lot on the Shady Side Academy Senior School campus, 423 Fox Chapel Rd., Fox Chapel. For info, www.shadysideacademy.org/ssafarm. Great Local Garden Contest runs thru July 8. Sponsored by Shaler North Hills Library. For details, call (412) 486-0211 or visit www.shalerlibrary.org. Volunteer hours at the Rosalinda Sauro Garden, 119 Davis Ave., Bellevue, a program of North Hills Community Outreach. Hrs. are 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 1st, 2nd & 4th Weds & 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., the 3rd Thurs. For info, visit www.nhco.org or contact Rose at rmwise@nhco.org.
Golf & Sporting Events Antique Gun Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 9, Harmony Museum, 218 Mercer St., Stewart Hall. For info, call (724) 4527341 or www.harmonymuseum.org. Cranberry Township Rotary Golf Outing, shotgun start 12:30 p.m., Aug. 25, Stonewall Golf Club in Ellwood City. For info, or to register, contact Jerome at jeromes@sailmc.com. Pine Community Parks Golf Classic, Aug. 21, at Olde Stonewall. For info or to register, call (724) 625-1636 x3 or pinecenter@twp.pine.pa.us. Youth Dragonboating, 6-8 p.m., Thurs., thru July 31, TRRA’s Millvale Boathouse, Three Rivers Rowing Association & Communities. For details, call Judy, at (412) 366-3528 or Joy (412) 231-8772.
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Pine’s Living History
M Library Millvale Library: Join MCL Kids, noon-2 p.m., Tues-Fri., thru Aug. 26, (includes free lunch, registration requested); Junior Gardeners, 1-2 p.m., Weds, thru July 30; Summer Reading Program 1-2 p.m., runs thru Jul. 29, Maker Thursdays, 1-6 p.m. Call (412) 822-7081 or millvalelibrary@gmail.com. Northern Tier Library: Fizz, Boom Read, 10:30 a.m., Arts & Crafts, 2 p.m., thru Jul. 29; Legos, Games & Puzzles, 2 p.m., thru Jul. 30; Electric Co., 2 p.m., thru Jul 31; Teen Summer Reading, 6 p.m., thru Jul. 29; Book Bingo (for adults) runs thru Jul. 31; Computer & Electronic Resource Assistance, thru Jul. 29; All About EReaders, 6:30 p.m., Jul. 24. Intro to the Flute, 10:30 a.m., Jul 11. Visit, http://northerntierlibrary.org/.
ark your calendars for 2-4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 3, when a special historical event will take place in at Pine Park in Pine Township. Join in the history of Pine Park and reminisce on the part it played in Jonas Salk’s contribution to medical science. Special Guest Speaker: Dr. Peter L. Salk, son of Jonas Salk. Refreshments will be provided by Friends of Pine Community Parks. Friends and family welcome! For more information contact Joni Patsko, director of Parks & Recreation at 724-625-1636 option or jpatsko@twp.pine.pa.us. F
Northland Public Library: Mission (3rd-5th grades), 4:30 p.m., July 7; Food Crafts w/Courtney (3rd-5th grades) 10 a.m., Jul. 10, 17, 24 & 31; Stress and Our Brains, 10 a.m., July 10; Birds of Western Pa., 7 p.m., July 10; Writers at Work, 6:30 p.m., July 14; Indian Cooking, 7 p.m., July 24; Women’s Vintage Clothing, 7 p.m., July 28; Kindergarten Boot Camp, 10 a.m., Aug. 11-13. For info, on more events, visit www.northlandlibrary.org. Shaler North Hills Library: Summer Reading Program for All Ages runs until Sept. 2; Call (412) 486-0211, or visit www.shalerlibrary.org.
Jazz Cabaret at the Kean
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he Bartletts of “Jazz in the Meadow” are collaborating with the St. Barnabas Health System to present a Jazz Cabaret at St. Barnabas. The performances will take place at the Kean Theatre annex – the Mt. Vernon Room – at Washington Place, located at 5847 Meridian Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044. This will be a retro presentation of the jazz cabaret genre – a place where one can sit back, relax, and listen to music from the “great American songbook” – a setting for a quiet interlude where one can go and hear songs that have a melody and lyrics that you can hear and understand – music for jazz lovers and all music lovers. There will be a cash bar with adult beverages and soft drinks. Free savory appetizers will be provided, as well as, free parking. Tickets are $25.00 per couple, $12.50 per person. Our plan is to present this on a quarterly basis. The series will start Wednesday, July 30, 7 to 10 p.m. when the Donna Bailey Trio will perform. For more information, contact TheBartlettPair@aol.com, 412-366-1035. F
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HAPPENINGS July 2014
Slippery Rock University’s Performing Arts Series has Musical Focus
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lippery Rock University is celebrating its 125th anniversary with a whole array of shows in its 2014-2015 Performing Arts Series. The series will offer: New York City’s Gilbert & Sullivan Players, two performances by musician Livingston Taylor, the Celtic music of Cherish the Ladies and a salute to Frankie Valli. In addition there are two optional performing arts bus excursions, one to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre production of ‘Beauty and the Beast,’ and one to the Butler Institute of American Art for an SRU Concert Choir performance. Both subscription and individual tickets for the entire Slippery Rock University’s 2014-15 Performing Arts Series are now available! The series opens at 7:30 p.m., Sept 5 and runs through May 1. The on-campus performances will be in SRU’s University Union.
Performances include: n The New York Gilbert & Sullivan Players will start the series with “I’ve Got a Little Twist,” an inside look at the legacy of Gilbert and Sullivan in American musical theater and also features selections from Rodgers and Hammerstein, Bernstein, Sondheim, Lerner and Loewe, Meredith Willson and Jerry Herman, and will make reference to SRU’s 125th Anniversary celebration. n Livingston Taylor will perform in concert at 3 and 7:30 p.m., Oct 19, with cabaret seating. Livingston’s Top 40 hit list include, “I Will Be in Love with You” and “I’ll Come Running,” to “I Can Dream of You” and “Boatman,” both recorded by his brother James. n Cherish the Ladies, which began in 1985, takes its name from a traditional Irish jig and will perform at SRU at 7:30 p.m., March 27. Best-known for its Celtic music featuring instrumental talents, vocals, arrangements and step dancing. The show is a blend of Irish traditional culture and humor. Cherish the Ladies was named Best Musical Group of the Year by the BBC, Top North American Celtic Group at the Irish Music Awards, Entertainment Group of the Year by the Irish Voice Newspaper, among many other accolades. n “Lets Hang On,” is a premier Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons Tribute show coming to SRU at 7:30 p.m., May 1. The stage production is complete with the Four Season’s sound, provided by a live band. The production includes four males singing the collection of the pop-group’s best songs in a 90-minute show, including “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Sherry,” “I’ve Got you under My Skin,” “C’mon Marianne,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” “December of ‘63,” “Who Loves You?,” “My Eyes Adored You,” “Lets Hang On,” “Working My Way Back to You,” “Stay,” “Beggin’,” “Dawn,” “Rag Doll” and “Big Man in Town.”
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In addition, the series is offering two optional trips: n Butler Institute of American Art, located on Wick Avenue, adjacent to Youngstown State University, which includes a “Songs of Americana concert by the SRU Concert Choir featuring folk songs by American composers presented by the SRU choir, at 2 p.m., Nov. 9. Participants will have time to tour the museum’s display of prominent American artists, including Norman Rockwell, Ryder, Potthast, Sargent, Cassatt, Bierstadt and O’Leffee. Transportation will leave SRU’s Russell Wright Alumni House and Conference Center at 11:15 a.m. n “Beauty and the Beast” is the second optional event at 2 p.m., Feb. 14. The performance is by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre in Pittsburgh’s Benedum Center. Bus transportation will leave from the Alumni House at 10:30 a.m. A box lunch and a backstage tour are part of the package. For complete information on pricing and to order tickets for both season tickets, individual performances, optional performances and available student discounts, call (724) 738-2018. F
Picture yourself in Armstrong County!
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ess than an hour away from Cranberry, Armstrong County is the perfect place for a weekend get-a-way. Start your weekend by catching an early round of golf at one of the many pristine golf courses in the area. Follow up your day with a little bit of relaxation at Crooked Creek Lake or Belmont Complex. Eat dinner with options for fine dining or quick meals on the go. Stay at one of our fabulous accommodations including Bed-andBreakfasts, campgrounds, hotels, or resorts. Other weekend activities include hiking & biking, kayaking, train rides, Horse Drawn carriage rides, and more! Upcoming Events include Fort Armstrong Folk Festival July 31-August 3, and Dayton Fair August 10-16. FREE events at Kittanning Riverfront Park- June 28 is Marty Stuart, July 19 Verb Ballet, and August 23rd Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes. Call the Armstrong County Tourist Bureau at 1-888-265-9954, or go to www.armstrongcounty.com for more information. F
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HEALTH & WELLNESS July 2014
2014 NC Guide to
HEALTHCARE For the past 15 years, we at Northern Connection magazine have been proud dedicate an annual issue to the amazing healthcare treatments, services and medical advancements that are available to our readers as Western Pennsylvania continues to lead the way in pioneering medicine. This year, in addition to our healthcare guide, we have highlighted advancements by specialty in our Innovations in Healthcare article, as well as, informative articles on disc and spinal health, warnings about anorexia and much, much more as we continue to provide the most up-to-date information available for the health and wellness of our readers and community.
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Innovations in Healthcare BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
Western Pennsylvania and surrounding areas are known for leading the way in innovative healthcare. Treatments, surgeries, procedure, medications and much more continue to improve the lives of the people in our community to a vastly greater extent than you will find elsewhere in the nation and in the world. The following list highlights a few of the advancements in various specialties that are now available. Audiology – The newest developments in the technology of hearing aids are making it easier and easier for people to get the hearing assistance they need. The higher the technology, the less a person needs to do to maintain their hearing aids. For example, there are now “extended-wear” hearing aids that are inserted at the office into the ear canal and placed only 4 millimeters from the eardrum. They can be worn 24 hours a day, even in the shower or in the pool, for up to 4 months, when you come into the office to have them exchanged for new and you never even need to change the battery. If for some reason a patient can’t wear the extended-wear hearing aids, there are also nano-hearing aids also known as “invisible in the canal” or IIC hearing aids that are very small but do not go quite as far in the canal so are removed at night by the patient and cannot get wet. And for the techy-patient, there are even hearing aids that can be connected to their devices such as iPhones and iPads via Bluetooth technology and can monitor and program the efficiency of their hearing aids in different environments. For more information, contact Francis Audiology Associates at (724) 933-3440 or through their website at http:// francisaudiology.com. Cardiology – Atrial Fibrillation is a conduction disorder which causes the heart to beat irregularly. People with atrial fibrillation can be at an increased risk of stroke. There are many new drug options utilized to protect patients from having a stroke. For an evaluation of your atrial fibrillation and /or discussion of new drugs for protecting stroke, contact Wexford Cardiology (724) 940-6000. Drug and Alcohol Rehab – Addiction to opiates such as Oxycontin and heroin are reaching epidemic levels, particularly in young people. These opiates are so strong and addictive that new treatments in overcoming a disease that effects the mind, body and spirit include medication-assisted treatments that treat the physical symptoms in conjunction with intense therapy to change the lifestyle of the patient. Medicated-assisted treatments are available and found to be successful in all types of addiction, including alcohol, where the medications act as a deterrent. However, in the case of these intense opiates, two new medications that have been developed that act as “blockers” i.e. they completely block the effects of the opiates so that the patient feels no effect or “high” should they take an opiate. These blocker medications last 30 days and are used to
augment therapy. For more information or to get help for yourself or a loved one, contact Gateway Rehab at 1-800-472-1177 or through their website at www.gatewayrehab.org. General Surgeries – These surgeries are used to treat a large range of medical conditions including, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, gallbladder removal, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and many more acute and elective surgeries. Today, advanced ad innovative technologies, including laparoscopy and robotic laparoscopy surgeries, enable the surgeons to perform surgeries and procedures with intense precision and accuracy. For more information, contact the Innovative Surgical Group at Weirton Medical Center, only 35 minutes from the Wexford/Cranberry area at (304) 914-4250. Hospital and Operating Room Safety – The newest technology for patient care in hospitals and operating rooms is a portable room disinfection system. The system, which looks like a robot, uses pulsed Xenon ultraviolet light to penetrate cell walls for a quick kill of all major classes of microorganisms, including viruses, bacteria and bacterial spores on high-touch surfaces. Organisms are no longer infectious and can no longer replicate. The light does not replace traditional cleaning but can reach where cleaning by hand cannot. The robot, which has been nicknamed “Violet” due to its ultraviolet light, is a green technology. The light kills the microorganisms that cause hospital-acquired infections including C-diff, MERSA and MERS to name a few. Locally, “Violet” has been purchased by the Passavant Hospital Foundation for use in UPMC Passavant’s operating theater and isolation rooms. Medical Scheduling Practices and Software – recognized by Earnst & Young Entrepreneur Awards, among other notables, this new paradigm enables practices to receive walk-ins, all-day long for established patients at a practice.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS July 2014
Dr. Todd Wolynn, Kids+ Pedistrics
This innovative methodology has been piloted in Cranberry for the past year and will now be rolling out to other locations. For more information, contact Kids Plus Pediatrics at http://kidspluspgh.com/ for office nearest you and be sure to follow them on Facebook as they are the recognized innovators in providing information via social media at https://www.facebook. com/KidsPlusPediatrics
Ophthalmology – Having an annual eye exam can detect early signs of many conditions that cause the loss of vision before symptoms occur or become extreme. For example, in the case of glaucoma, which is a disease that will eventually damage the optic nerve and can result in vision loss and blindness, early detection and treatment is possible before the optic nerve is damaged. Unfortunately with glaucoma, there are no early detection symptoms, but it can be tested for during your annual exam. Likewise, in many cases of macular degeneration, which causes vision loss in the center of your field of vision, can be treated before the vision loss becomes too acute. There are also many advances in the development of prescription lenses, specifically, thinner lenses (for those of us with strong prescriptions), progressives for bifocals and transitionals that become sunglasses when you step outside to protect your eyes from UV rays from the sun. For more information or to schedule your annual eye exam, contact Daniel J. Nadler M.D. and Associates at (412) 741-5577.
Patient Centered Medical Home – a new concept in providing primary care from your “medical home” or practice that focuses on single-point access to quality care, access to information through electronic medical records and a patient “portal” that provides information, sends reminders and manages immunization records, care status and much more all while reducing the cost of care. For more information and a location nearest you, contact Pediatric Alliance at http://www.pediatricalliance.com/ Peripheral Neuropathy – Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep. However there is now an innovative, specialized treatment protocol that includes 9 specific combination of treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. Locally, this innovative treatment protocol is offered at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 or through the website at www.backnline.com. Rectal and Gastroenterology – Innovations in rectal and gastroenterology are seeing an incredible reduction in colon cancer and other colon disorders. Today, the scope used during a colonoscopy is so advanced that it can detect and remove a polyp as small as only one millimeter in diameter. Just as incredible, that patients will be happy to know, is that there are new advances in the preparatory procedure that are quicker, easier and better, specifically in one new development, you only need to drink the equivalent of four glasses instead of an entire jug of preparatory fluid. For more information on these and other rectal treatments, many of which are minimally invasive and can take place in the office, such as the treatment of internal hemorrhoids, contact Brad Levinson M.D. at (724) 7416020. Varicose and Spider Veins – Extraordinary advances have occurred in the treatments of varicose and spider veins. In the case of spider veins, there are now two new FDA-approved injectable medications (as opposed to the former saline or unapproved compounds of a few years ago. In the case of varicose veins, there are now a minimally invasive procedure using a new high-tech laser. The procedure is so quick and easy, patients are able to resume daily activities, including going back to work on the same day as the procedure. After the procedure, you will need to wear compression socks and even in the area of compression socks there have been remarkable advancements in thinness and appearance where you can get ones that resemble socks, stockings or nylons. For more information, contact the Vein Institute at (724) 934-8346 http:// veininstituteofpittsburgh.com. Weight Loss – There is an innovative, customized six-week program guaranteed to enable you to lose at least 15 pounds and 5 inches. This program uses a combination of technolo(Continued on page 30)
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HEALTH & WELLNESS July 2014 gies known as ZERONA and ChiroTHIN. Zerona is a new body-sculpting procedure designed to remove fat and contour the body without invasive surgery. Zerona works by utilizing the FDA approved Erchonia LipoLASER to emulsify adipose tissue which then releases into the interstitial space. The excess fat is passed through the body during its normal course of detoxification. Zerona is used in conjunction with ChiroTHIN, a homeopathic formula which
has been specially designed for boosting your metabolism, suppressing cravings and to help detoxify your body while losing weight. This innovative weight-loss treatment is offered at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 or through the website at www.backnline.com. Wound Care – If you or someone you love has a wound that has not
healed in 30 days (1 month) then it is considered a chronic wound that could get horribly infected and possibly lead to amputation. Fortunately, there are several major advances in the treatments of chronic wounds such as a whole array of biological tissues that can actively stimulate the healing process, advances in improving circulation if that is what is causing the delayed healing, the use of oxygen-infused hyperbolic chambers in case low-levels of oxygen in the blood stream is the cause, the use of Cellu Tome® Harvesting System that uses the patient’s own skin cells, and many, many other advances. For more information contact the Wound Care Center at Pittsburgh’s Ohio Valley General Hospital, where wounds and their causes have been treated for over 22 years, at (412) 847-7500. In conclusion, there are a tremendous amount of innovations happening every day in healthcare. No matter what your ailment, there is hope in the miracle of modern-day medicine. F
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ADVERTORIAL
5 Things You Should Know to Keep Your Discs Healthy BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF
T
he discs are the pads between the spinal bones. Their job is to absorb shock, allow for movement, and make space between the bones for the nerves to exit from the spinal cord to the body. There are two conditions that commonly affect the discs: Degenerative Disc Disease and disc bulges or herniation. I’m going to teach you 5 simple things you can do to prevent these conditions.
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Don’t Assume that if You Don’t Have Back Pain that Your Discs are Fine: You know that if you have a bulging disc that it can be really painful. The funny thing about discs is that only about 30% of people who have bulging discs have pain. The other 70% don’t have symptoms. In the case of degenerative disc disease, by the time you have stiffness or can see arthritis on an X-ray, the problem has been developing over many years. It always makes sense to be careful with your spine and to prevent problems.
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Discs Need Movement To Stay Alive: And by movement, I don’t just mean movement from exercise or stretching. The disc is 90% water. It depends on normal movement
of the spinal joints to push fresh water in and the bad waste water out. When a spinal bone gets stuck out of place the cartilage cells start to die within 2 weeks. The changes become irreversible in 4 weeks. This is where chiropractic becomes essential. There is no substitute for There is no good replacement for the the adjustment to restore that spinal discs. Protect and preserve the normal movement. After the ones you have. position is corrected it makes sense to use exercise to stabilize the spine.
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Water and Nutrition Matter: The body needs water to maintain its processes. If it doesn’t have enough for the really important functions, it will steal it from less essential areas…like your discs. With dehydration comes increased cell death in the cartilage. Studies have shown that using supplements like glucosamine sulfate, hyaluronic acid, omega fatty acids and anti-oxidants can help preserve healthy cartilage cells.
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Most Disc Problems Will Not Require Surgery: It’s now estimated that only 5% of disc herniations will need surgery. The other 95% will resolve with conservative treatment, like chiropractic. In a study done by AVMED, an HMO, 100 cases of low back pain considered “medical failures” were sent for chiropractic. 12 of those cases were diagnosed as needing disc surgery. 86% of those in the study reported significant relief with chiropractic and none of the 12 surgery cases ended up needing surgery.
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Do The Little Things to Make Your Posture Stronger: Who would guess that prolonged periods of sitting can be more stressful to your discs than lifting? Make sure your work station, car, bed etc. are all arranged to keep your spine in a neutral ad relaxed position. Also, doing simple core exercise like abdominal crunches and planks can strengthen the structure of the spine. Keep these tips in mind and do your best to protect your spine. Wondering if chiropractic can help you be healthier? We’d be happy to let you know if we can help. Mention this article and you can have our new patient exam, including any necessary X-Rays, for $20. (Medicare and recipients of federally funded programs not eligible. Offer expires July 31, 2014). F
Brought to you as a Public Service by:
Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates McKnight (412) 364-9699 Harmar (412) 826-9030 www.choicechiropractic.net We are your “in-network” provider Like us on Facebook www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | July 2014
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HEALTH & WELLNESS July 2014
ENHANCING YOUR LIFE
Be Careful What You Wish For... BY ANITA SINICROPE MAIER, MSW
I
wish I had a nickel for every time people said to me, “I wish I could have just a little anorexia.” After thirty years in the eating disorder field, I would probably be a rich woman! Now, intellectually I know that they are just meaning to say they want to eat less or lose some weight, but the reality is that when eating disorders are referred to in such a way, it proves very little is still known about the subject. Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia and binge eating disorder) are very serious, potentially life-threatening illnesses. Anyone can develop one - at any time. There are no barriers in race, age, socioeconomic status or gender. They not only affect the sufferer, but also her or his family, friends, work or school environment. They often come on stealthily, creeping into someone’s life unnoticed until they rear their ugly heads in ill health, impaired functioning and chaotic relationships. Eating disorders often manifest on a continuum. One
could begin with more anorexic behaviors and then, when restricting becomes overwhelming, the person moves into bulimia or binge eating disorder. All are very serious illnesses and all are very difficult to treat. The longer they have been in existence, the more difficult it is to change what may have become a lifestyle for the sufferer. Early intervention is the best indicator for recovery. Anorexia has the highest death rate of any mental disorder and many victims are adolescents or young women and men. The strongest entrée into an eating disorder is dieting. Our prevention work often concentrates on teaching diets that don’t work. In our body-focused culture, however, excessive exercise can also lead to eating disorders; yet, people generally view any type of exercise as ‘good.’ When someone uses exercise to ‘purge’ calories, it can become an insidious addiction which is tremendously hard to stop - even though it stops ‘working’ over time. Self-help is not the avenue to recovery. Primarily because eating disorders are not about weight or body image! It is not just a ‘fix the behavior, fix the problem’ kind of thing. The reasons behind the development of these illnesses are as varied as the individuals who suffer them. It takes a skilled, specialty trained therapist to break through the web of issues that need to be addressed for recovery to occur. Help is available, however, and recovery is possible. At Footsteps for Recovery, we will help you find the way! F Anita Sinicrope Maier, MSW, is a licensed social worker in private practice and founder of the Pennsylvania Educational Network for Eating Disorders. She is also a founder of the National Eating Disorder Association and a new organization, Footsteps for Recovery. An Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) has been created for those needing more intensive treatment. Call 412 215-7967 for an intake. On September 14, a walk/run event and fundraiser will take place in North Park (visit www.footstepsforrecovery.org ). Please join us there!
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Northern Connection | July 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
Lose 30 lbs. of FAT in 30 days up to
and learn how to keep it off permanently!
M
y name is Dr. Michael Vactor. I’ve been a doctor of chiropractic, a natural health care advocate and weight loss expert in the north Pittsburgh area for the last 14 years. I have been featured on KDKA television as an expert. You may have heard me in the past on my various radio shows speaking about health and weight loss issues. I have taken care of the players, coaches, and their family members from the Pittsburgh Steelers’ and Pirates’ organizations. My office has received many awards and accolades from the community. Most recently, we were voted best office by the readers of the Tribune Total Media. I routinely travel around the United States training with the top wellness and weight loss doctors in the world.
We also strongly believe in giving back to our community. We support numerous church and charitable organizations. I share all of this with you, not to impress you, but to impress upon you, that you are dealing with a doctor that is completely committed to helping his patients reach their goals. I’m sure you have seen my ads over the past year with this dramatic weight loss claim. When people approach me about these ads, the most common question someone will ask is, “C’mon…are you serious… Is it really true?” The answer is ABSOLUTELY! I have lived in both Cranberry Township and Mars for the last 14 years. My parents also live here. I
finished my schooling in 1999 and began my practice. I have two children currently in school in Mars. If you are wondering why I mention this, it is because I have deep roots in our community. I would not make claims if I weren’t absolutely sure of the outcomes. I’m so sure that you can lose the weight that I offer a GUARANTEE. (So far, 90 to 95 percent of our patients have achieved their weight loss). I have been approached with many different types of weight loss programs over the past several years to offer to people interested in losing weight. Frankly, many of them weren’t really promising and did not have consistent results. Some “weight loss” fads or gimmicks simply don’t work. Magical fat burning lasers, chemicals to block fat absorption, herbal body wraps, super supplements and many other (ridiculous) things being sold out there can make weight loss frustrating and confusing. I have chosen to offer this weight loss system not only because of the consistent, predictable weight loss results but also because people are seeing a dramatic improvement in their HEALTH in about a month’s time. I have seen cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and blood sugar levels return to normal levels in 30 days. People who follow our program as outlined get great results! But I must be straight-forward about our system. You must be dedicated, committed and want results. Several different products come with our plan, as well as a simple,
easy-to-follow meal plan. The food choices are normal food you can get anywhere and prepare easily yourself. Drinking pH-balanced ionized water (which we supply) is also an important part of our system. If this sounds complicated, don’t worry…it’s not hard to follow at all. We have made this as simple as possible. Also, exercise is NOT required. All of the products in our system are made up of ALLNATURAL ingredients, and this program is completely safe! Learn how to keep the weight off. We have a follow-up period to help your body reset itself to your new weight. So, if you are serious about losing up to 30 pounds of FAT, inches off of your waist and IMPROVING YOUR HEALTH in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, IN-OFFICE REVIEW of our revolutionary weight loss system or you can attend one of our blockbuster workshops. Call now, 724-742-2700 – Seating and space is limited. Yours in health,
Dr. Michael Vactor, DC P.S. – if you are one of the first 10 callers to respond to this offer, I will provide to you a free month’s supply of Ultra-Vit (a high-potency pharmaceutical grade multivitamin) just for coming in and previewing our amazing weight loss program.
DR. MICHAEL VACTOR, DC 673 Castle Creek Dr., Ext. Suite 106 Seven Fields, PA 16046
CALL 724-742-2700 NOW! WeightLossNorthPittsburgh.com
ADVERTISEMENT Individual results may vary, depending on starting weight, adherence to the program and other factors. Complete details of the guarantee can be reviewed prior to starting the program in our office.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS July 2014
Healthcare Guide Allegheny Health Network
Daniel J. Nadler MD and Associates
Always at Home
Ohio Valley Hospital
Health + Wellness Pavilion AHNWEXFORD.org alwaysathome.org 412-348-1065
Care Unlimited Inc
http://www.careunlimitedinc.com/ 1-800-535-3747
Chiropractic Family Health Center Dr. Shawn Richey
backnline.com 724-940-9000
Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center Choicechoicechiropractic.net 412-364-9699
Colon and Rectal Wellness Center Brad Levinson, M.D. Cranberry Twp, Pa. 727-741-6020
Compression Management Services The Lymphedema Centers compressionmanagement.com 412-364-3720
Francis Audiology
www.francisaudiology.com 724-933-3440
Hope Hospice
Hopehospicepgh.org 1-877-367-3685
Gateway Rehab
GatewayRehab.org 1-800-472-1177
Kids Plus Pediatrics
www.kidspluspgh.com 671 Castle Creek Dr, Seven Fields, PA 16046 (724) 761-2020
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Sewickley, Pa. • 412-741-5577 Beaver, Pa • 724-774-5920 www.ohiovalleyhospital.org 412-847-7500 412-250-2600
Passavant Hospital Foundation
PassavantHopsitalFoundation.org 412-748-6640
Pediatric Alliance
pediatricalliance.com
Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital sevenfieldsvet.com 724-742-4433
St. Barnabas Health System
Stbarnabashealthsystem.com 724-443-0700
UPMC Senior Communities
UPMCSeniorCommunities.com 1-800-324-5523
Dr. Michael Vactor, DC
www.weightlossnorthpittsburgh.com 724-742-2700
Vein Institute of Pittsburgh
Dr. Terrance R. Krysinski Warrendale, Pa veininstituteofpittsburgh.com 724-934-8346
Vincentian Collaborative System www.vcs.org 412-630-9980
Weirton Health Center 304-914-4250
Wexford Cardiology
www.wexfordcardiology.com 724-940-6000
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SENIOR LIVING July 2014
Be “Well on your Way” with Vincentian’s Short-Term Rehab
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ollowing an illness or surgery, active adults rely on short-term rehabilitation to get them well on their way to recovery. With the right therapy program, you can return home happier, healthier and better than ever. The Vincentian Ministries have designed rehabilitation centers focused on this very outcome and have delivered proven results, receiving rave reviews in the process. Vincentian provides compassionate care throughout the Allegheny County at three locations: • Vincentian Home in the North Hills • Marian Manor in the South Hills • Vincentian de Marillac in the City of Pittsburgh New short-term rehab centers at Vincentian Home and Marian Manor feature the latest innovations in equipment and technology. An occupational therapy suite is equipped with appliances and fixtures to mimic home tasks. Nearby, the large, bright physical therapy gym and private speech therapy office are staffed with experts ready to help. Restaurant-style country kitchen dining provides residents with 24/7 access to share a meal with their friends and families. Residents will find comfort and relaxation in private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Lately, testimonials have poured in: “The care I received from the staff met and exceeded my expectations on every level,” said Ron Bua after his recent stay at Marian Manor. “Rehab is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. The staff lightened my load by providing kind encouragement and expert advice in a loving environment.” Elizabeth writes: “My mother received outstanding care. [She] came home able to do more than when she entered the hospital.” More than 94 percent of Vincentian’s short-term rehab residents return home after their initial visit, well above the industry average. Residents return home faster, too. The average length of stay is just 22 days. The Vincentian ministries are part of the worldwide Sisters of Charity of Nazareth congregation. Interested in learning more about Vincentian’s short-term rehabilitation services? Call Linda at 412-348-2366 or visit www.vcs.org. F
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SENIOR LIVING July 2014
Lazy Days of Summer? BY BARBARA KILLMEYER
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hoever coined the phrase “lazy days of summer” must be on vacation for the entire month. There is so much to do during the warm (hot?) summer days that there is no time to be lazy. I guess I’m just not a hot weather person. My favorite seasons are spring and fall. One thing that I do like about the summer months is that we go for some nice long excursions in the car. I’ve found that since I’m now a senior citizen, I can get discounts at many of the restaurants. Of course, you have to ask for it most of the time, but a simple, “Do you give senior citizen discounts?” can save you a bunch of bucks. It took me a while to get used to asking that question but now it’s a natural thing for me to do. So the next time you go into a restaurant, either fast food or regular, ask and you might be pleasantly surprised. It’s difficult for me to think of myself as old enough to be considered a “senior citizen,” but if I just give it a little thought, then I realize that this November 6 my husband Don and I will be married 60 years. Also, my grandchildren are 19 and 22 years old. I guess I better just get used to the idea that I’m not a young person anymore. But the good part of it is all the experience that I have gained in so many different areas and I wouldn’t trade any of that for anything. I wish you all the best July and beyond, that you have ever had. F
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SENIOR LIVING July 2014
TOWN CRIER
Enjoying July BY JOE BULLICK
H
i July, and thanks to Julius Caesar who named July after himself when he reworked the old Roman calendar. Although Earth is at its farthest point from the sun this month, also known as the aphelion, the sunshine comes with enough power to make July the warmest month in most of the country since the northern hemisphere is tilted directly at the sun. After this bitter cold winter, people will be happy to have the warm days. The farmers who planted corn would say – “sweet corn, knee high by the Fourth of July.” With any luck, an attentive farmer can literally hear it growing (just listening for the creaking sound). As a young boy, I had to concentrate on weeding the garden. If
there was no rain, I had to haul water for the plants. One of the problems I had with July, as a young boy, was trying to beat the heat. We had no air conditioning and our house was hot. However mom always had a plan. She would leave the windows open and the main door as well. We had screens on the windows. There was a breeze usually after sunset. The house would stay cool, because she would close up the windows and the door; it worked most of the time. Sometimes the hot days of July are called “the dog days of summer.” A great place that we went to during the summer months, especially in July was West View Park. Mom would pack a
basket and off we went. Another nice place was North Park which has that great swimming pool, ball fields and picnic pavilions. You could also rent bikes, and it is a nice place to walk and run if you so decide. I remember the horse that was in the park. One of the big, fun days for me was to go to the Butler Fair. It was billed as the largest fair in Western Pennsylvania. It has been operating for 159 years. I really enjoy the animals, the concerts, and the horse races. I remember when I was young, flea markets were not that big then, and we would go to auction sales. Today flea markets are a big thing, people always look for antiques, hoping to buy it cheap, resell it and make some money. We also enjoyed going to Forbes Field for a double header ball game. It was a sad day for me when it was the final games at Forbes Field. During the second game of that Sunday afternoon double header with the Chicago Cub, Bob Prince and Nellie King broadcasted that memorable day in the history of the city of Pittsburgh and Pirates baseball. Bill Mazeroski had the last Pirate hit at Forbes Field, a double to left center in the seventh inning. It was fitting that he also recorded the final out in the field. He fielded a ground ball by Don Kessinger; he touched second base to retire Willie Smith, who as a pinch hitter registered the last hit at Forbes Field. The scoreboard read from the final game – June 28, 1970. Score: Pirates 4, Cubs 1, attendance 40,000. Well I hope you enjoy July, so many things to do. Happy birthday to you people born under the Cancer and Leo sign. God bless you! I leave you with this – “God does not work evil, He gives reason and learning so that we may be On our guard against the pitfalls of error and destruction.” -Kahlil Gibran
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STARTING THE CONVERSATION
Happenings for Seniors Free Home Safety Inspection is available for seniors through the Open Your Heart to a Senior program. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 or clpschirer@nhco.org. Free Rides for Seniors, to grocery stores, doctor’s appts & more thru St. Margaret’s Foundation. Pick up & drop off seniors in the corridors from Sharpsburg to Blawnox & Rt. 28 to the Allegheny River. Sign up by calling, (412) 449-0151. Home Instead Senior Care® is offering a unique approach to help area families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available for families at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com. Parkwood Suburban North Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Meals on Wheels services Hampton & southern Richland townships. Call (412) 486-7115. Safety for Seniors will conduct FREE Home Safety Checks. For info, call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org. UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.
Senior Meetings Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 3661300. Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents 55+ meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (724) 816-4977 for info and programs. Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. For info, call (724) 444-0064. Glenshaw AARP #3744 Picnic, 2-6 p.m., Jul. 8, at the Ranch House in North Park. Please bring a dish to pass. For info, call Phyllis at (412) 486-4282. Mars AARP Chapter #3359 meets 2nd Wed. of every month, 1 p.m., Adams Township Municipal Building, 690 Valencia Rd., Mars. All Butler seniors are welcome. Cost $5 a year.
Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets the 1st Mon., of every month 6-8 p.m., and the last Fri., 1:30 p.m. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020. Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. For info, call (412) 741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.
Entertainment & Social Events Saint Alexis Over 50 Trips & Events, Jul. 22, Meadows Casino; Sept.
1-5, Wildwood, N.J. trip. Contact Rose at (724) 728-2563 for information.
Seminars & Courses Shoulder Pain…Ouch, why does my shoulder hurt? 12:30 p.m., July 16, Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building. Sponsored by Passavant Hospital Foundation. To register for this free course, call (412) 748-6640.
Volunteer Opportunities: North Hills Community Outreach’s Faith in Action program is seeking Senior Companion volunteers. For details, contact Nancy, at (412) 307-0069 or nljones@nhco.org. Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring, help your child learn to read. If you’re 50 or older you’ll be trained. Tutor training sessions run 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at downtown Macy’s. For details, call John (412) 232-2021 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org. Open Your Heart to a Senior, volunteers orientations. For details on dates & locations, visit www.openyourhearttoasenior.org.
Should We Bury the PA Death Tax? BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
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reader from McKeesport wrote to me to awaken me to the injustice of the Pennsylvania Inheritance Tax also known as the “Death Tax.” As it turns out, Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states that taxes certain beneficiaries of someone’s will even though the deceased has already paid their taxes on these assets. Depending on the relationship to the deceased, the beneficiary may be exempt, as in the case of a spouse, or hit with a whopping 12-15% in the case of a sibling or third party. What is typically occurring, is that the estate isn’t in cash or any other liquid asset but is actually a home and in order to raise the money for the tax, the home must be sold and when it is, not only is the death tax owed but then any money received from the sale is then taxable as income and taxed again on top of the death tax. The result is that the beneficiary ends-up receiving only a fraction of what was left to him or her with the state taking the lion’s share. Only a few states ever adopted the death tax and several have already repealed it with Ohio being the most recent. Shouldn’t Pennsylvania do the same and repeal this tax that takes advantage of the bereaved? But what do you think? As always, I am interested in your thoughts, comments and feedback so let’s “Continue the Conversation” on my blog at http:// northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com where I have posted additional information, startling facts, links to supportive material and, most importantly, contact information to government officials. Looking forward to hearing from you. F
Yard Work Help for Seniors, volunteers are needed in all neighborhoods of Allegheny County. To register as a volunteer with Open Your Heart to a Senior, call (412) 307-0071 or email allegheny@openyourhearttoasenior.org.
Part-Time Work: Pittsburgh’s Fifty-Five Plus magazine Interested in part-time work as a sales representative, account manager or in business development? Join our great team on Northern Connection’s sister magazine. For details, contact Marion, at (724) 940-2444 or northcon@consolidated.net.
Look for it wherever you find Northern Connection CALL now to reserve your advertising space for Fall 2014!
724-940-2444
www.pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com
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LOCAL FARMS & FARM MARKETS
Local Farms and Bountiful Crops Photos courtesy of (l to r): Kaelin’s Family Farm, Shenot Family Farm, and Soergel Orchards
BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
Why shouldn’t you tell secrets on the farm? Because the corn has ears, the potatoes have eyes and the bean stalks. Our local farms and multi-generational families of farmers are not just hard-workers but they are also full of creativity, homespun goodness, and deep-rooted values. In this, our second look at local farms in our area, we are proud to bring you further insight to these amazing places and the people dedicated to bringing us the bounty of the earth.
Kaelin’s Family Farm – “Lettuce Be Your Farmers” is the very clever and apropro slogan of Kaelin’s Family Farm located on Brandt School Road in Franklin Park. In addition to the
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Kaelin Country Kitchen that offers fresh daily lunch specials, breakfast and homemade baked goods, Kaelin’s farm market also includes homemade frozen dinners and soups from scratch, a whole array of tantalizing natural produce including, as the slogan suggests, many varieties of lettuce, spinach, kale and other greens. Additional produce includes onions, beets, broccoli, peppers, zucchini, eggplant and much more and, of course, the much anticipated countdown to corn and peaches has begun! For more information on all
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their homemade and homegrown goodness, visit http://www.kaelinfarms.com/. Marburger Dairy Farm Marburger Dairy Farm still offers HOME DELIVERY to many residential areas. They deliver farm-fresh milk, cheeses, ice cream, teas, juices and much, much more. Locally owned and operated it has remained in the family for over 150 years! In 1838, George Marburger Sr. arrived in Baltimore from Germany. In 1842, he purchased 100 acres of land in Evans
City, Pennsylvania at $1.25 per acre. In 1923, his son Adam, who had previously maintained the area raising draft horses, converted the farm to a dairy operating facility. Today, deliveries are made to nearly 1800 homes each week and over 2500 schools, hospitals, restaurants and other businesses are also served. For a complete list of products and to see if your area receives delivery, visit their website at http://www.marburgerdairy.com/ or call 1-800-331-1295 or 724-538-4800.
Soergel’s Market
Soergel Orchards, Country Store and More – Has opened their Butterfly House which is poetry in motion. Opened from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays for $3.00 per person, visitors can have a close-up and personal experience with butterflies by feeding
them a concoction made from purple Gatorade on Q-tips that attract the butterflies directly to you. In addition to the butterflies, you can also experience caterpillars and depending the timing of your visit, you may even be able to spot a chrysalis hatching and the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly. The Butterfly House is part of their store location on Brandt School Road off the Wexford Exit on I79. For more information and a calendar of additional events, visit http://soergels.com/. Shenot Family Farm – The Shenot family are the connoisseurs of corn, apples and a whole bevy of natural produce. This family farm is located on Wexford Run Road between I79 and Rt-19 in Wexford and will be featuring 10-12 varieties of their renowned sweet corn in both bi-color and white throughout the summer. (Continued on page 44)
Some of the Fields at Shenot Family Farm
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LOCAL FARMS & FARM MARKETS Shenot Farm Market
Certain varieties do well in the earlier parts of summer whereas others do better in the later part, but all have been personally selected by the Shenot’s and include such varieties as Temptation, Charisma, Illusion, Providence and Silver Duchess, among others. They also feature over 25 varieties of apples and recommend blending both tart and sweet flavored apples together in recipes for such favorites as pies, applesauce, apple butter and is how they produce their award-winning apple cider. Be sure and stop by and treat yourself to these delectable varieties of produce. All the
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produce is completely natural and none has been genetically-modified. For more information, check out their website at http://shenotfarm.com/. Eichner’s Farm Market and Greenhouses – located at 285 Richard Road in Wexford, Eichner’s was originally purchased in 1897 by their great-grandfather Richard (who the street was named after) and the farmhouse built at the turn of the last cenGreenhouses at Eichner Farm tury still stands on the property. Being a large extended family with deep roots in the area, Ron Eichner, composed the following poem to illustrate the history of the farm and family: A Poem by Ron Eichner Our family memories all started in 1897, When John Richard bought his little piece of heaven. He didn’t realize how special the valley would be, But it was the place that a lot of us called home, like you and me. It started with a log house, adding a few small buildings and finally a barn, The story doesn’t stop here so you don’t have to say darn. As time went by, God blessed them with three boys and three girls, They truly were John and Clara Richards sparkling little pearls. With five of his kids building homes on a piece of the farm, It added 18 special grandchildren to turn their actions into little capers which could tell, Some of the funniest and craziest events, written as a story, I know would sell. It was Sister Alphonsine that spent her life as a Divine Providence nun, And her yearly visit home would turn into a family gathering in which everyone had fun. It was Aunt Teresa and Uncle Mike that begun to seriously work the land, With help from a lot of us at times, to give a hand. Whether it was to weed, feed or to pick something out in the field, We still get together and dress turkeys, knowing why their fate is sealed. Now, with fourth and fifth generations coming to be, We find a lot of homes, far from the base of our family tree.
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It is a gathering like this that brings us together, to laugh and have fun, And share even more stories of what we have done. So the challenge that each and every one of us has, Is to help nurture our family tree, ‘cause time continues to pass. But to try and get together again and again for more laughter and fun, More importantly, never losing sight by how it all begun. Eichner’s is happy to announce that they have additional turkeys available along with their chickens and eggs, so for more information or to place your turkey or smokehouse order, email eichnerfarm@gmail.com or call 724935-2131. We at Northern Connection encourage our readers to support our local farms and businesses. If you know of any other farms, festivals or events or local specialty stores. Be sure and let us know at NorthCon@consolidated.net or call us at 724-940-2444. F Are you a poet? Send us your poems and you may be selected to be published in an up-coming issue, our web site and our many social media outlets. Submit to NorthCon@consolidated.net.
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Innovative Classrooms, Camps and Summer Programs BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
As part of our series on innovations in our schools, summer camps and summer programs, we are proud to bring you the latest goings-on that are incredible offerings for our young people. We also applaud the amazing work of the educators throughout our area. Chatham University – The state-of-the-art Eden Hall Campus of Chatham University in Pine-Richland is
now open and devoted to sustainability. It is home to the Chatham’s Falk School of Sustainability and is even offering a new bachelors degree in sustainability. Part of the campus includes the extraordinary Hilda M. Willis Amphitheater which is carved directly into the surrounding landscape, offering stunning views and a one-of-a-kind, intimate outdoor performance space for musical, theatrical, and cultural performances. Events include music of all genres of bluegrass, classical, and kids music; movies from the latest releases, Oscar winners, documentaries, and movies for kids with “movies under the stars”; theater with a new take on a kids puppet show and a modern take on Shakespeare; farm-to-table to mix and mingle while you learn about sustainable agriculture and experience the best in locally grown and sourced food and drinks; plus workshops that showcase how residents can live a healthier, greener life. To learn more about this innovative new campus in Pine-Richland, visit http://www.chatham. edu/edenhall/. To learn more about the summer series of events and performances, go to http://www.chatham.edu/ summerseries/ Saint Alphonsus School – St. Alphonsus science students develop science projects where they research background information, formulate a hypothesis, develop an experiment, collect and analyze data, and form a conclusion. They then prepare and presented their projects at 80th
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Photo courtesy of St. Alexis
KIDS & EDUCATION July 2014
Annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) State Competition. At the competition, students present their scientific findings to a panel of judges during oral presentations and a question and answer period. Projects are evaluated on criteria including scientific thought, experimental methods, analytical approach, and presentation. Nineteen seventh and eighth grade students participated and won 15 first place awards and four second place awards. The competition featured presentations from approximately 3,000 of the best and brightest middle and high school science students from across the state. To qualify for the state competition, students must earn a first-place at one of 13 regional competitions that occurred earlier in the year. To learn more about St. Alphonsus and their incredible teaching, go to http://stals.org. Community College of Allegheny County – A whole array of new programs are being offered this fall, including the Mechatronics Technology program and the Land Administration program. The Mechatronics program is being offered in both associate degree and certificate options. Mechatronics is a relatively new engineering field that integrates mechanical and electronic components with hydraulics, pneumatics and computer controls in the manufacture of industrial products. Students may specialize in Robotics and Automation, Instrumentation and Process Controls or Supply Chain Technology. The Land Administration certificate program, developed in cooperation with EQT Corporation, is designed for students with an associate degree and who want a career in the region’s fast growing natural gas and oil industry. The primary role of land administration employees is to protect an energy company’s oil and gas assets, which include oil and gas leases, pipeline rights-of-way and natural gas and/or oil wells. Individuals interested in either enrolling or obtaining more information should call (724) 788-7500 or visit www.ccac.edu.
Saint Alexis – Two weeks of Pre-K Summer Camp at Saint Alexis is full of fun, art and science. The first week is Carnival of Colors and the second week is Pint-Size Science. The children are encourage to investigate and explore the miraculous world around them through guided projects and experiments. For example, one day in Pint-Size Science, students will investigate the phenomena of objects that sink or float and play with a cornstarch mixture known as oobleck where things can move across but
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if they stay they sink. The Carnival of Colors is July 21-25 and Pint-Size Science is July 28 to August 1st. To learn more, schedule a tour or to enroll, go to http://www.stalexis.org/ school or call (724) 935-3940. If you are offering an innovative program for the coming school year, be sure and be featured in our August’s special back-to-school issue, contact us by emailing NorthCon@ consolidated.net or calling 724-9402444. F Northern Connection | July 2014
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KIDS & EDUCATION July 2014
School Movers & Shakers Seneca Valley The Seneca Valley Bands returned from the Virginia International Music Festival where they earned to adjudication awards, including two Grand Champion titles. The Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble I and Jazz Ensemble II each received a superior rating which placed them first in the competition with a gold medal. In addition, Jazz Ensemble I received the Grand Champion award, which represented the highest score of all competing jazz bands. The Seneca Valley choir department returned from the FiestaVal Music Festival with 14 awards. The eighth, ninth, tenth, men’s, women’s and concert choirs along with madrigal singers all took first place with a superior rating in their separate divisions. Student volunteers in the C.A.R.E. (Create a Respectful Environment) program at
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Seneca Valley Intermediate High School were honored for their efforts in bullying prevention. Josh Stickle, a Connoquenessing Valley Elementary (CVE) third grader, came in second place for all of Western Pa. for the Jump Rope for Heart Event for the American Heart Association (AHA). The following Seneca Valley students qualified for the 2015 National Merit Program. They are: Jonathan Asseff, Marcin Chrzanowski, Hayley Hoss, Adam Johanknecht, Brendan Kennelty, Kelvin Lalonde, Andrew Lingenfelter, Eric McElhinny, Gregory McKibbin, David Osorno, Lauren Ottaviani, Michaela Palaski, Alexander Park, and Amanda Spangler.
Hampton Two schools within the Hampton Township School District have received the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Academics. The middle school and the high school received the award which acknowledges student academic achievement during the 2012-13 school year.
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Wyland Elementary in the Hampton School District held a special memorial ceremony on Apr.25, for Connor Michalek. The first grader passed away after a long battle with spine and brain cancer. A tree planter was placed outside of the school in his honor.
Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School senior Kaitlyn Schaffer was presented with the title of Western Pennsylvania’s “Most Positive High School Athlete” in the sport of Girl’s Tennis on May 3, by former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, and Roberto Clemente Jr.
Shaler Shaler Area School Board announced the hiring of Dr. Jonathan LeDonne, as its new high school head varsity football coach.
North Allegheny Representatives from Make-A-Wish Foundation visited Hosack Elementary to commend the students for their fundraising efforts. For the past six years, Hosack has supported Make-AWish by raising money through a “birthday” program. Their contributions have surpassed the $10,000 mark.
Two North Allegheny seniors have been chosen to receive the 2014 North Allegheny Federation of Teachers Rebecca Robles Sarah Zallow Scholarship. Rebecca Robles of Franklin Park will attend Slippery Rock University in the fall and major in Secondary English Education, and Sarah Zallow of Marshall Township will attend Ohio University and major in early childhood education. Sanjay Seshan, Arvind Seshan and Nick Faber (North Allegheny) and Arjan Guglani (Pine-Richland) are part of the robotics team Not the Droids You Are Looking For. They represented Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania at the International First Lego League Championship in Toronto, Can., which held Jun. 4-7. The team won a First Place Innovative Solution trophy at the FLL International Open.
Pine-Richland Pine-Richland junior Julia Herrle has been accepted into a highly competitive research internship program with Magee-Womens Research Institute in Pittsburgh.
Julia Herrle
Vincentian Academy Alexander Mueser, senior Vincentian Academy Varsity Boy’s Lacrosse player has been named a WPIAL All Section Mid-Fielder for 2014. He will be attending Lake Erie College as a Lacrosse Recruit this fall. Vincentian Academy announced the appointment of Ed Bernot as principal of Vincentian Academy. Bernot comes to Vincentian from Pittsburgh central catholic where he was the assistant principal for Student Affairs.
Ed Bernot
Sewickley Academy On May 15, Sewickley Academy hosted 13 students and two adult facilitators from Nepal for a blueberry bush planting ceremony. On May 31, Sewickley Academy hosted its fourth annual Zumbathon to support the Kurt Cerny Memorial Fund for Students.
Avonworth On Jun. 6, the 75th graduating class of Avonworth High School celebrated the historic and momentous commemoration of the formation of their school district.
Avonworth Middle School eighth grader Katie Carlson has won the Fan Choice Award and the middle school division’s top honor in the “Take a Shot at Changing the World” viral video contest hosted by the Steeltown Entertainment Project.”
Shady Side Academy announced the appointment of Gilbert Schneider as its chief financial officer, effective July 1.
Avonworth Elementary School has received a $20,000 grant from the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Center for Creativity. The STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) grant is funded through the Grable and Benedum Foundations.
St. Alphonsus science students shined at the 80th annual Pennsylvania Junior Academy of science (PJAS) State championship held May 19, at The Penn State University in State College. Nineteen seventh and eighth graders participated and won 15 first place awards and four second place awards.
Shady Side Academy Shady Side Academy senior Shaun Gohel of Fox Chapel has been awarded a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship, earning the distinguished title of National Merit Scholar.
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St. Alphonsus
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KIDS & EDUCATION July 2014
Students at St. Alphonsus School raised $6,021.98 through their participation in the American Heart Association’s Jump Rope for Heart Program. Third grade students from St. Alphonsus raised more than $778 for Animal Friends through a Lenten Acts of Kindness Project. Two students, Josh Virostek and Lucus Pingree also donated their birthday presents to the cause. They each raised $150.
St. Sebastian St. Sebastian students Mary Doerfler, Lauren Gauntner, Tim McClelland and Eric Naper were named semi-finalists in the “Do the Write Thing” essay contest for Allegheny County. St. Sebastian second grader Michael Gauntner and fifth grader Elizabeth Whelan won awards in the Loyalty Day poster contest sponsored by the West View VFW Post 2754. Saint Sebastian School students competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science State competition at the Pennsylvania State University. Participants were: Christina Koman, Grace Doerfler, Mary Doerfler, Anne Kilpatrick, Tim McClelland, Alexis Moskala, Matthew Santucci, Emma Sennott, Brianna McDonagh and Abbey Ripko.
St. Sebastian Novice Forensics Team competed for the first time and all students placed. The honorees were: Lauren Lutz, Savannah Powers, Sarah Petrunia, Carlie Kreutzer, Alex Yarbrough, Madyson Scott, Rachel Rombach, Xavier Moskala, Antonio Battista, Luca Consalvi, Nick Weising and Eric Ford.
La Roche College La Roche College has been named a College of Distinction for the 2014-15 academic year. La Roche College participated in the fifth annual Education USA Forum in Washington D.C. from Jun. 23-25. Colin Feikles, a second baseman and junior at La Roche College, is the first player in the history of La Roche Baseball named to the American Baseball Coaches Association/ Rawlings NCAA Div. III All-American Team.
Anthony V. Cancro has been named development officer in the Office of Institutional Advancement at Saint Vincent College. Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s May 10, 2008 commencement address at Saint Vincent College has been named by NPR (National Public Radio) as one of “The Best 300 Commencement Speeches Ever.” Internationally acclaimed cellist Yo-Yo Ma was honored as the inaugural recipient of the Fred Rogers Legacy Award. He also performed a recital to benefit the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media on May 23 at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe.
Former Pittsburgh Steeler Charlie Batch delivered La Roche College’s 49th commencement address on May 3rd. La Roche conferred 359 degrees at the ceremony.
St. Vincent College Saint Vincent College has signed a memorandum of understanding with East China Normal University (ECNU) to enhance relations between the two schools in the areas of education, research and other activities.
Thirteen Saint Vincent College students recently returned from a 12-day pilgrimage to Rome, the seventh annual journey sponsored by the College’s Office of Campus Ministry. Simon Stuchlik, digital marketing specialist and David Safin, director of multimedia services, earned joint awards for their achievements in utilizing social media for Saint Vincent College.
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Local Girl Crowned Pennsylvania State Cinderella Miniature Miss BY PAULA GREEN
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even is the “lucky” number for a local girl. Seven-year old Madison Denham of Seven Fields recently won a pageant at Seven Springs Resort. Her enchanted adventure unfolded over the Memorial Day weekend when she was crowned the 2014 Pennsylvania State Cinderella Miniature Miss at the 5th Annual Pennsylvania State Cinderella Scholarship Pageant. Madison competed in the Miniature Miss division with girls ranging in ages seven to ten. The competitive events included – interview, talents, modeling and photogenic. Now that she has won the coveted crown, she will advance to the International Finals. This event will take place, July 21-25 in Las Vegas, Nev. Madison will represent Pennsylvania as she competes for the International title along with other young ladies from all over the world. Thousands of dollars in scholarships, cash and other prizes will be awarded. The Cinderella Scholarship is considered to be the largest and most prestigious youth development program of its kind in the world, awarding over $100,000 in college scholarships and other prizes annually. It is more than a “beauty contest,” Cinderella is a development program that begins on the local levels. The Cinderella Scholarship Program promotes higher education and strives to help children follow their dreams and reach their highest potential. Madison is no stranger to this contest where she has competed before. As her mother Angie notes, “At age four, Madison won the title of Pennsylvania State Cinderella Tot at the 2011 PA State Cinderella Scholarship Pageant. She went on to compete at the International Cinderella Finals in Las Vegas. She placed in the Top Ten in the Tot Division (girls ages 3-6). She competed against approximately 80 girls from all over the globe.” “Madison joined the competitive dance team at Evolve Dance Complex in Cranberry Township this past year. This was her first year dancing competitively. She competed at six regional dance competitions this dance season. She won numerous Overall/High Point awards at each regional competition this season for her solo, duet and group dances,” said Angie. She is also involved in summer gymnastics classes at X-Cel Gymnastics. Madison also enjoys skiing at Seven Springs. She does modeling and acting and has been featured on The Goodnight Show on the Sprout Channel. Madison has a four year old brother named Jack, and her father is Mike Denham. She just completed first grade at Rowan Elementary, she will join the second grade class there in the fall. We wish her all the best in Vegas! F
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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS July 2014
Bob Buckler Honored at the Gala of Champaign Aviation Museum
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ob Buckler of Glenshaw was honored on Apr. 26, at the annual Gala of the Champaign Aviation Museum in Urbana, Ohio. Buckler, who will be 90 in Aug., was one of three B-17 combat veterans so honored. He enjoys reminiscing and telling stories of his time in “Glory Girl” as a Tail Gunner with Crew 65 – 562 Squadron, 388 Bomb Group of the 8th Army Air Corp flying out of England in 1943 & 1944. The highlight for Bob, as 19/20 year old, was being asked to sign the escape hatch near the rear of the plane where he was positioned during action against German fighters during his 22 ½ missions over enemy territory. The museum is currently restructuring the WWII B-17 flying fortress called Champaign Lady. The gala was held in the large hanger where the partially completed B-17 sits. This event is the museum’s biggest fundraiser. F
Aquinas Academy Students Say – “Thank You”
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everal students at Aquinas Academy in Gibsonia took the time out of their busy year-end school schedule to show their military appreciation. The sixth and eighth grade computer technology classes created computer generated thank you cards for the troops. The students selected images from the Internet for the face of the cards and inserted personal messages inside using Microsoft Word. The cards were generated under the supervision of teacher, Catherine Harshman. Their heartfelt thank you notes were sent to the Second Brigade in Washington, Pa., in appreciation for the sacrifices the members of the military made for our country. F
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D-Day Remembrances BY PAULA GREEN “You are about to embark upon the great crusade toward which we have striven these many months. The eyes of the world are upon you...I have full confidence in your courage, devotion to duty and skill in battle.” – General Eisenhower
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his past June marked a military milestone - the 70th anniversary of D-Day. On June 6, 1944, more than 160,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavilyfortified French coastline, to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. This was the largest seaborne invasion in history, and it was a significant turning point in the war. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade. More than 5,000 ships and 13,000 aircraft participated in the D-Day invasion, and by day’s end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in Continental Europe. The cost in lives on D-Day was high. More than 9,000 Allied Soldiers were killed or wounded, but their sacrifice allowed more than 100,000 Soldiers to begin the trek across Europe, to defeat Adolf Hitler’s troops. This past Jun. 6th, there were numerous remembrances held. Locally, thirty-four veterans gathered at the World War II Memorial in Beaver for a D-Day ceremony. The event was hosted by Congressman Keith Rothfus, who handed out commendations to servicemen who risked their lives for our country. Nationally, there were prayerful vigils and wreath-laying ceremonies. Internationally, all eyes were on Normandy, it was the place where many veterans visited. This time, they didn’t storm the beaches; rather they paid reverence to their fallen comrades. Some came from near others traveled great distances to return to this French coastline. The biggest travel story was that of 89 year-old British D-Day veteran, Bernard Jordan. On Jun. 5, Jordan went missing from his nursing home on England’s south coast. Turns out, he sneaked out, took a coach, and then a ferry as he made his way to Normandy. Jordan, a Royal Navy veteran donned his war medals as he joined his former comrades in the remembrance of historical, pivotal event. F We welcome brief biographies and photos of local servicemen and women from our community. If you know of someone you’d like to see featured in this column, please call (724) 940-2444 or mail the information to: Northern Connection Magazine, P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722 or email northcon@consolidated.net.
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