Northern Connection Magazine - June 2016 Issue

Advances in Men’s Health Page 20

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

JUNE 2016

The Time Is

NOW! Lose weight and learn how to keep it off with Dr. Michael Vactor, D.C.’s innovative weight loss program

Business Spotlight:

M.R. LAWNscape

Healthy Dad, Healthy Family

Summer Fun & Events

335 Miles for Veterans

Contents NORTHERN CONNECTION CONTENTS | June 2016

18 Features

Senior Living

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28 Town Crier: The June Journal

Joe Bullick

North Hills School District Alum Gets Stamp of Approval from the U.S. Postal Service

10 Business Spotlight: Enjoy Your Own Outdoor Oasis through M.R. LAWNscape

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Image & Style 32 Summer Fun Skin Care Kelly Smith

18 Cover Story: The Time is Now! Lose weight and learn how to keep it off with Dr Michael Vactor, D.C.’s innovative weight loss program.

34 School Movers & Shakers

Health & Wellness 20 Advances in Men’s Healthcare 26 Fit Families: Healthy Dad, Healthy Family! Joella Baker

In Every Issue...

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From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

39 Trivia Connection: Head of the Class Trivia Paula Green

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Movers & Shakers

40 June 2016 Happenings

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Mover & Shaker of the Month Jack Cohen

48 Support Our Troops: Rally for Troops and Veterans Leadership Journey Paula Green

12 Starting the Conversation: The Restroom Privacy Controversy Marianne Reid Anderson

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30 Happenings for Seniors

13 Special Section: North Pittsburgh Network Joins Together to Support Charities

46 How the Farm to Table Movement Looks in PA Amanda King

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Kids & Education 37 Student of the Month: Jaime Martinez Paula Green

Advertorials 21 Peripheral Neuropathy Suffers Have Hope

Dr. Shawn Richey 25 Feeling Stiff, Tight or Squished?

Try These Tips...

Dr. Shannon Thieroff

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Welcome PUBLISHER NOTES | June 2016

Welcome to the June issue of Northern Connection magazine!

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ummer is fast approaching and in this issue’s Happening section, there are a lot of summertime activities and festivities going on in and around the area that are sure to keep you and your family entertained and on the go!

Our Farm to Table article this month is very informative and will encourage you to take a trip to some of the local farms and farm markets.

These foods are available to enjoy at home as well as at your local restaurants. This is a great way to feed your family the area’s finest, freshest and healthiest foods and also help support our local farmers.

Every month, Northern Connection magazine features the latest from our area’s medical experts to help keep you informed on some of the latest medical information. This month, we are featuring Advances in Men’s Healthcare.

Since we are heading into Graduation season, our Trivia might surprise you on who graduated head of the class! See how many of these famous people you know that hit momentous mile“Don’t let stones! anyone ever dull Enjoy reading all this month’s your sparkle.” special features along with Northern Connection magazine’s regular colDoreen Virtue umns. Thank you for your support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work!

Enjoy the summer and Happy Father’s Day to all the men that have had and continue to have a positive influence on the life of a child! l l l

NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722

Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com

Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Marianne Reid Anderson ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Core Writers

Joella Baker Joe Bullick Paula M. Green Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Dominion Distribution Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

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 July Annual Physicians & Specialists Issue

Coming in August Back to School – Summer Fun Call (724) 940-2444 today to reserve your ad space

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.

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.

@NCONNECTIONMAG Find us on Facebook under Northern Connection Magazine! http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com/

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | June 2016

Movers & Shakers John Love, MD, PhD has recently joined Butler Health System’s medical staff.

UPMC CancerCenter Dr. John Love and its Breast Cancer Program at Magee Womens Hospital of UPMC hosted a plaque dedication to Glimmer of Hope, a Pittsburgh-based breast cancer foundation, for its generous support of nearly $20,000 to renovate the radiation oncology waiting room and resource center at Magee.

UPMC physicians make up 78 percent of the Pittsburgh Magazine annual listing of Best Doctors, published in its May issue.

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Four young investigators from the same laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, partner with UPMC Cancer Center, have been recognized with American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) scholar-in-training awards. They are: Su Hyeong Kim, PhD; Subrata K., Pore, PhD; Krishna Beer Singh, PhD; and Ruchi Roy, PhD. The Kohl’s Hard Head Patrol, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC’s program educating children of all ages on the importance of wearing a helmet correctly and at all times, while riding anything with wheels, returns for the season. For details, visit www.chp. edu/helmetsafety.

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The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center has attained the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program’s highest designation, Good Sleep Safe Champion.

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Jack Cohen

Executive Director of Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau

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ince 2003, Jack Cohen has been the executive director of Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau and over the past thirteen years, Jack’s dedication and vision have been instrumental in the growth of the Bureau. BCTCB started as a three employee organization with an annual revenue of $500,000 and under Jack’s leadership has grown to ten full time employees, an annual revenue of over $2 million and is one of the most successful and respected convention bureaus in the state and the country.

Jack also dedicates his time to several other associations. Jack is chair of the Pennsylvania Destination Marketing Organization for the Pennsylvania Tourism and Lodging Association and has served as the vice president of the Community Development Corporation of Butler County since 2012. He is also a board member of the Moraine Preservation Fund and the Cranberry Township Sister Cities Association with Haiyang, China. Recently, Jack was awarded by the Pittsburgh Business Times as one of Pittsburgh’s Most Admired CEO’s.

Perhaps one of Jack’s most notable contributions to Butler County is the conceptualization of the Bantam Jeep Heritage

Festival. Upon discovering that the Jeep was invented in Butler County, Jack jumped on the opportunity to create a community event celebrating the phenomenon that is the Jeep culture. Since the first event in 2011, the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival has become one of the most anticipated events of the year and attracts Jeep enthusiasts from all over the continent.

Most recently, Jack has been overseeing the revitalization project of The Kaufman House in Zelienople. Plans are in place to restore Zelienople’s landmark building back to its original grandeur. Once complete, The Kaufman House, will operate once again as a restaurant, lounge and boutique hotel and will be reinstated as the “gem of Zelienople.”

Jack resides in Cranberry, with his wife Janine. They have three grown children and five grandchildren.

To learn more about the exciting events and happenings going on around Butler County, be sure and visit the Butler County Tourism and Convention Bureau website at www.visitbutlercounty.com. l l l

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | June 2016

North Hills School District Alum Gets Stamp of Approval from the U.S. Postal Service

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stunning star trail photograph comprised of 200 images taken at Mt. Rainier National Park by North Hills School District Class of 2009 graduate Matt Dieterich has been selected for a U.S. Postal Service Forever Stamp.

The photograph is one of 16 Forever Stamp images selected to celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th anniversary this year. The stamp will be available to purchase nationally starting on June 2.

Dieterich captured the images for the stamp last June when he worked at Mount Rainier in Washington as an intern with the National Park Service Geoscientist-in-the-Parks program.

“This night was one I will never forget. After working with visitors at the Mount Rainier astronomy program on June 22, 2015, I noticed there was an aurora, so I drove down to Reflection Lake to capture it,” Dietrich remarked.

He is a graduate of Robert Morris University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental science holds a master’s degree in geology from the University of Pittsburgh. He is the owner of Matt Dieterich Photography and specializes in astrophotography. His work can be found at http://www.mdieterichphoto.com. l l l

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Angela Kilburg

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cCandless resident and Moravian College Graphic and Interactive Design major, Angela Kilburg won first place in the Society of Publication Design’s National Student Design competition.

She is also the recipient of the National Mitch Shostak Award for outstanding publication design. Angela’s prizes include - $2,500 monetary prize, a summer internship at a top NYC magazine of her choice, inclusion in the Pub 51 SPD Annual and an invitation to the SPD Awards Gala in New York City. l l l

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Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes

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4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456

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Business SpotLight

Enjoy Your Own Outdoor Oasis through M.R. LAWNscape M.R. LAWNscape: A Family Run Business Providing Quality and Professionalism

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scape into your own tranquil outdoor oasis that is serene, tasteful and elegant as well as beautifully picturesque. An oasis that is designed, built and created especially for you by a team of professionals at M.R. LAWNscape.

Among their dedicated staff, devoted to treating your yard as their own, is a Landscape Designer who can help you plan and design your property with healthy, zone-appropriate plants.

They also have a team of experienced staff for any hardscape you would like to incorporate into your projects, such as pavers, walkways, patios and retaining walls.

And for a lush, thick green lawn, they offer a 5-step aeration program that can be done in either the spring or fall. This aeration program is essential for restoring nutrients for a greener, healthier lawn.

In addition to providing you with a tranquil and restorative environment, landscaping is one of the first observations made by visitors, perspective buyers, and potential clients. At M.R. LAWNscape, they have the knowledge, understanding and the skills needed to provide you with premier landscaping to attract beneficial

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Praise from Customers for M.R.LAWNscape!

Known throughout the region for their commitment to quality and attention to detail, before during and after any project, care or treatment, here are what just a few of their customers are saying: “M.R. LAWNscape handles themselves in a professional manner with true consistency. Their aeration program has done wonders for my lawn in which it has never looked better.” Jack Casey “M.R. LAWNscape is very detailed oriented which is why their work stands true to their commitment to quality.” Goodrich and Greist “M.R. LAWNscape has provided us with years of quality service. Their aeration program is without question, one of the best. Every spring, I am amazed with the overall outcome of my lawn.”

Baker Young Corporation

appreciation to your property.

The professional services provided by M.R. LAWNscape to create your own outdoor retreat include: • Landscape Design and Planting Schemes • Mulching • Retaining Walls • #1: Aeration for either a Fall or Spring program • Top Soil, Mushroom Manure, Organic Compost • Mowing, Trimming and Edging • Fertilization • And all supportive services including Pruning, Hedging Hauling, and Leaf Removal, among others Their extensive services include programs that are tailor made to meet the needs of your property and your budget.

M.R. LAWNscape LLC has been providing professional grade lawn care maintenance and landscaping to commercial and residential customers in and around the Pittsburgh area since 2002. Over the years, M.R. LAWNscape has grown into a full service, licensed, and insured landscape company with employees who are knowledgeable and well trained, with on-site owners present for your project.

Call today for a FREE estimate at (412) 415-0455 lll

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Starting the Conversation

The Restroom Privacy Controversy

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BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

honestly never thought about privacy regarding a public restroom before the recent controversy.

Usually, I’m just relieved one is available when I require it. But a few years ago, before there was any controversy, a young Dad that I know mentioned to me, “The best thing ever invented was the ‘family restroom.’ Being a Dad with two young daughters, it makes my life so much easier. Before the family restroom or when I go to places without a family restroom, I have to seek out a trustworthy-looking woman and ask her to take my daughters to the restroom. Even when they were babies, it was tough because very few men’s rooms have diaper changing stations.”

Likewise, a woman I know with “betweener” aged sons agreed. She said, “They are too old to go into the ladies room with me but not old enough to leave alone unsupervised. Then, I also worry about them going into the men’s room alone. The family restroom solves all issues.”

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It seems to me that their views and particularly the last sentence is profound: “The family restroom solves all issues.” Perhaps since there are more parents needing the convenience of family bathrooms, buildings and businesses should address providing this kind of private restroom for those who need it or prefer it. Personally, more family restrooms seems infinitely more pragmatic to society as a whole rather than trying to create and enforce policies and labels on who can use which restroom.

Perhaps that’s just my opinion. Of course, I’m still shocked that not all men’s rooms have diaper changing stations.

But as always, I am interested in what you think.

Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http:// northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson. l l l

Feature FEATURE | June 2016

North Pittsburgh Network Joins Together to Support Charities North Pittsburgh Network (NPN) is not your typical networking group. Instead of networking strictly to grow business relationships, NPN comes together to support and assist the events and programs of local charities. It is through this philanthropic focus that the members chose to network and learn more about each other and their businesses

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ccording to NPN co-founders, Colleen Anthony, owner of MABC Mortgage, LLC and Brian Stumpf, financial advisor with Ameriprise Financial, it was the original intention to focus on charitable work in conjunction with business networking. “It was a common thread among the original members of the group and continues with each member that we add.” It turned out that people were more interested in getting together to sponsor a food drive or volunteer at a shelter than to meet for a happy hour after work.”

(Continued on page 14)

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The transition was a natural adaptation. “We had built solid business relationships and friendships from within a traditional networking group,” continues Mrs. Anthony, “but there was an opportunity to do more. We took the best features that traditional networking has to offer, like structuring our meetings and combining a variety of business professionals from different backgrounds, but then we really wanted to get our group involved in the community. On average, our members have 15 years of experience in their fields, some with more than 30 years of industry experience! It is probably not a surprise that many were already active in the community, so membership in NPN was a natural fit.”

This year, NPN is supporting both The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh and Light of Life Rescue Mission.

Ms. Anthony explains, “The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh

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has been a member of NPN since 2013, so naturally our members try to support their cause through volunteering, fundraising and building awareness. We have also tried to incorporate at least one other charity organization in our efforts each year and that is based on suggestions from our members and voted on as a group. Light of Life was suggested by one of our members as a great cause to get behind and help support.

There was an overwhelmingly positive response from the group when presented with the opportunity to support Light of Life, and I think that has a lot to do with the alignment of both Emmaus’ and Light of Life’s mission. There are ALWAYS opportunities to support these causes – and that it is also really easy to do so.

Whether you are able to spend time with the residents of the organizations or assist with special events and fundraising, there are year-round

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opportunities. If you register for the Ride-N-Stride event you will be supporting both causes, as well as, having a great time with your friends and family.”

Here is some background on these two, extremely worthwhile causes being supported by NPN:

The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh For people with intellectual disabilities and their families, life after graduation can be a time of crisis.

Without support, individuals may experience isolation and difficulty attaining a high quality of life. Many parents continue to care for their adult children with disabilities into their 70s and 80s and are forced to ask the most difficult question: “Who (Continued on page 16)

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will care for my loved one when I’m gone?” The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh works to turn crises into opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to flourish.

The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh is a faith-based, nonprofit organization which has been providing homes and services for people with intellectual disabilities for more than 26 years. At Emmaus, people with and without disabilities share their gifts and their lives. The Emmaus name is taken from a Biblical story in which three disciples encounter Jesus on the road to Emmaus but don’t recognize him until they sit and break bread together. At Emmaus, we come to know the unique gifts of each person by “breaking bread” together—literally, at the dinner table, but also figuratively, by walking the road of life together.

Participants of the Emmaus Residential Program live in inclusive,

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family-style homes, where a caring team provides individualized support 24 hours a day, 365 days per year.

Staff provide assistance in all areas of daily life, and Emmaus residents are highly involved in their communities, whether working, volunteering, participating in classes and teams, attending church, or dining and shopping. In the Non-Residential Program, Emmaus provides support to individuals who are living in personal or family homes, helping them to build independence, develop new relationships, and prepare for future transitions.

Each resident or client comes to Emmaus with a unique story. Some of Emmaus’ residents grew up before community living was an option and spent years living in state-run institutions. Others came to Emmaus when their parents became too ill to care for them or passed away. For some, Emmaus is their only family. The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh

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ensures that every resident, regardless of their background, has a life full of meaningful opportunities and caring people, as well as a welcoming place to call Home.

For more information, visit http:// www.emmauspgh.org.

Light of Life Rescue Mission When people think of Light of Life Rescue Mission, the first thing they typically think of is feeding the homeless. It’s easy to see why food comes to mind since in 2015 alone Light of Life provided over 190,000 meals.

And while it is true that the Mission serves breakfast and dinner to the community every day of the year, they also offer much more than a meal.

Men and women with children come to Light of Life during really difficult times in their lives. Often times they walk through the doors feeling hopeless and overwhelmed

with their life circumstances, which can include homelessness, addiction, unemployment, and untreated mental or physical health issues.

Light of Life offers long-term programs for homeless men and women with children, which a person is typically in for 12-18 months. The first half of the program is focused more on stabilizing, recovering, and healing from the past hurts that might have led to homelessness and addiction while the second half of the program is more geared toward identifying a person’s strengths and interests in order to connect them with education and employment opportunities.

Light of Life Rescue Mission

Not only have the lives of the men, women and children who have gone through the programs been changed, but the lives of their family members and future generations have been positively affected.

Everything done at Light of Lifefrom the daily food service to the emergency shelter to the work program to the long-term programs- is done to form relationships with the homeless and hurting in order to meet their immediate needs and to share with them the hope of Christ.

It is because of the generous people of Pittsburgh that Light of Life has been able to provide food, shelter and hope for over 60 years.

For more information, visit https://www.lightoflife.org.

If you are interested in joining the North Pittsburgh Network or if you are a local Pittsburgh Based Non Profit or Charity that needs assistance with networking or to grow awareness for your cause, you can contact NPN to discuss potential options for networking, visit http:// npghnetwork.com. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC June 2016

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Cover

COVER STORY | June 2016

The Time is Bob

Total weight loss = 72 lbs in just 90 days!

$50

Discount See text at right for details.

Before

After

Susan

Total weight loss = 50 lbs kept off for over a year!

“After repeatedly trying and failing on other programs to lose weight, I started Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program. In less than 90 days, I was able to lose over 50 pounds of weight. I feel great, have increased enerBefore After gy, was never hungry, and enjoyed eating real food.

And, the best part was, never visiting the gym!” – Eric Hagman, Sports Anchor/Reporter with both 93.7 The Fan and KDKA AM

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Before

After

NOW!

Lose weight and learn how to keep it off with Dr. Michael Vactor, D.C.’s innovative weight loss program.

You are not alone! Millions of Americans have let the pounds creep on and are now carrying too much weight to enjoy the active lifestyle they deserve.

W

hether it’s due to mid-life metabolism, baby-weight, a desk job, or a busy grab-and-go lifestyle that has caused weight gain, you can shed the pounds and keep it off, with Dr. Vactor’s Innovative Weight Loss Program!

No Stimulants, No Risky Operations or Procedures, Best of all: EXCERCISE is NOT required. Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program focuses on getting the weight off first. This way exercise programs will not contribute to the risk of, injury, joint pain or over-exertion from carrying too much weight.

Call Dr. Michael Vactor TODAY for a No Obligation, FREE Consultation at (724) 742-2700 to start getting the weight off and keeping it off before you let another day pass you by.

Dr. Vactor’s innovative weight loss program focuses on losing the weight and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. Unlike other programs that you may have experienced, where you lose weight but then gain it all back or even more, this program focuses first on weight loss, then helping you readjust to the thinner you.

In addition, this program has consistent, predictable weight loss results where people also see a dramatic improvement in their overall HEALTH in about a month’s time. According to Dr. Vactor, “I have seen cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and blood sugar levels return to normal in 30 days. People who follow our program as outlined get great results! Our average patient loses as little as 1/2 to as much as 1 pound per day!”

To date, 90-95% of his patients have achieved their weight loss goals. YES, 90-95% of patients have achieved their weight loss goals. Dr. Vactor is so absolutely sure of the results and outcomes of his program, that he offers a GUARANTEE of RESULTS!

Who is Dr. Michael Vactor, DC? Dr. Michael Vactor is a doctor of chiropractic, and a natural healthcare advocate in the north Pittsburgh area for over sixteen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, Cornerstone-TV, radio shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor cares for players, coaches and family members of our Black and Gold teams in Pittsburgh.

During this time, Dr. Vactor and his family have lived in the Cranberry and Mars area, where he is also devoted to his community and helping his patients reach their goals.

With over sixteen years in this community, he would not and could not make any such guarantee claims for weight loss, if they weren’t true.

How to Get Started: If you are committed to losing the weight now and improving your overall health in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, in-office review of this revolutionary weight loss system. Dr. Vactor’s office is conveniently located at 673 Castle Creek Drive, Ext. Suite 106 Seven Fields, PA 16046. Http://www.drvactor.com Improve your health today! Call now, at (724) 742-2700.

Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program also makes a great Father’s Day gift, to help keep your Dad fit and healthy!

If you can’t call now, take a picture of the number with your SMART phone so you have the number ready to call.

If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention you saw Dr. Vactor on the cover of the Northern Connection June issue, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs. Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible. l l l Results may vary based on an individual’s physical health, diet, personal commitment, and adherence to the program. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Guarantee can be reviewed in the office prior to starting the program.

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | June 2016

Advances in Men’s Healthcare We, at Northern Connection magazine, are proud to help create awareness regarding several healthcare concerns that can effect men and in some cases both men and women, throughout their lives and the various methods of care and treatments that are available from the dedicated healthcare professionals in our area.

COLON AND RECTAL CANCER - Colon and rectal cancer is PREVENTABLE, through a procedure known as a colonoscopy. “A colonoscopy is a 20-30 minute procedure that uses an optic probe while the patient is asleep to check the health and wellness of the bowel.

Colon and rectal cancer begins as a growth known as a polyp. Should the probe find a polyp, even a very small one, it can be immediately removed via the probe with no invasive surgery required,” explains Dr. Brad Levinson, Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon. Due to the increase in awareness and more people having colonoscopies, rates of colon cancer have dropped about 30 percent over the past ten years. Yet, over 40 percent of people do not have colonoscopies on a regular basis. “For the probe to get the clearest picture of the colon as possible, patients are required to prepare for the colonos(Continued on page 22)

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Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!

DR. SHAWN RICHEY

Are you being told, “There’s nothing to be done?” or that, “You need to learn to live with the pain?” Are you being over-medicated with pain medicines that don’t cure? Have you been through test after test with no result, explanation or treatment? Are you becoming discouraged?

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specialized treatment protocol is available at the Chiropractic Family Health Center.

It includes 9 specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms.

Once thought to be incurable, 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. Unlike laser therapy that does not address the involved damaged small nerve fibers or home light therapies that do not offer all the frequencies needed to heal them, our program utilizes state of the art technology with combined therapies to restore life to the dead nerves.

Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep. Over the years, Dr. Richey’s program has a 91 percent success rate in helping sufferers feel 75-100 percent better.

Dr. Shawn Richey (a member of the NeuroTCA) has seen hundreds patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. He has treated patients that have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. This can leave patients still struggling and wondering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now we are able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair.

Dr. Richey has helped hundreds of sufferers of peripheral neuropathy throughout the region, he has expanded his practice to include Westmore-

Here’s What Dr. Shawn’s Patients Say...

“I suffered from peripheral neuropathy for 17 years. It felt as if someone was constantly torturing my feet with electric shocks. Night time was even worse. No position eased the pain and I couldn’t stand the sheet or blanket to touch my feet. When I would take a shower, it felt as if I was being electrically shocked with each drop of water that hit my feet. Test after test, doctor after doctor, there was no result or help. I was even told, “There’s nothing to be done; you’re just going to have to live with it.” I had seen Dr. Shawn’s ad in Northern Connection magazine, I carried around that magazine with me for almost three years. I just had no hope. I couldn’t face being disappointed again. But then, as the pain was increasingly getting worse, I realized that I had nothing to lose. So I made the call for my free consultation and assessment…” – Paul, Wexford Be sure to follow the rest of Paul’s story though his treatments in the July issue of Northern Connection magazine.

“I lived in pain from peripheral neuropathy for 15 years. I don’t have diabetes. I wasn’t in an accident. I was simply working in the garden when all of a sudden, I felt this tremendous pain hit my feet and it never went away. I saw so many doctors and had so many tests. But then I found Dr. Shawn! I am completely blown out of the water that this is working. Anyone with peripheral neuropathy should not get discouraged or lose hope, they should call Dr. Shawn.” – Sheila, Latrobe “I was in pain from peripheral neuropathy for 12 years before I found Dr. Shawn.

I noticed a difference after the first treatment. I even danced my way into his office for my second appointment. I so believe in the treatment that I have become a neuropathy specialist and assist Dr. Shawn and I am so pleased to see wonderful results in patients.

Relieving them of the pain that I once endured myself.” – Lynne, Jeannette

land as well as Allegheny Counties.

Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 and Latrobe at 1901 Ligonier

Street. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | June 2016

copy by flushing the colon by drinking a colonoscopy prep,” continues Dr. Levinson. “Fortunately, there have been tremendous advances in the prep as well as the procedure.

Now patients have easy-to-drink, more flavorful options of only one cupful of prep that works overnight.”

This is a dramatic change to the large quantities of liquid that were required only a few years ago. Dr. Brad Levinson is a Board Certified Colon and Rectal Surgeon. His office is conveniently located in Cranberry Township at 105 Brandt Drive, Suite 202. To schedule an appointment to discuss the procedure and easy alternatives for the colonoscopy prep, call Dr. Brad Levinson, at (724) 741-6020.

PODIATRY (Foot Care) – According to Dr. Teimouri, DPM, there have

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been significant advances in treatments for sufferers of a whole plethora of foot ailments, many of which are non-surgical or minimally invasive. For example, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive solution that treats a variety of conditions such as tendonitis in the Achilles tendon, heel, sole or arch using pressure waves through water, completely outside the body. ESWT breaks up chronic inflammation and scar tissue to promote a more natural way of healing.

In addition, there are several laser treatments available for conditions such as planter warts and toenail fungus. These treatments are relatively pain free but most importantly, they are DRUG-FREE treatments.

There is also an incredible new office procedure to correct hammertoes.

NC June 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

With only a shot of Novocain, a less than one centimeter incision at the knuckle and a few stitches, the arthritis causing the pain is removed.

According to a recent patient survey of this ten-minute office procedure, “I wish I’d have known how easy this was, I would have done it years ago.” For more information on these and other foot care treatments, contact Dr. Christina Teimouri, DPM at Beaver Valley Foot Clinic with its five convenient locations of Cranberry, Ambridge, Hopewell, Chippewa and Moon Township by calling 724-375-1577 or visit http://www.bvfootclinic.com.

PERIPHERAL NEUROPATHY – Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and (Continued on page 25)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC June 2016

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ADVERTORIAL

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.

UROLOGY – Today, many difficulties that face men as they age can be treated with medications and in cases where medications or side effects are ineffective or problematic, there are minimally invasive procedures that can help.

For example, “if a man is having to urinate frequently or throughout the night, it may be due to an enlarged prostate that is causing stress on the bladder, explains urologist Herman Bagga, M.D. “The enlarged prostate may just be due to age and can be reduced through medications or via cystoscopy, minimally invasive procedures can be performed to remove excess amounts of prostate tissue.

Whether through medications or a cystoscope, the patient has improved function and quality of life.” Dr. Bagga also advises, “Men over 55 years of age or men with significant risk factors for cancer such as a strong family history can consider screening for prostate cancer with annual prostate exams.” Other dysfunctions that can be treated by an urologist include erectile dysfunction which may be caused by diabetes or a vascular problem that can be corrected. Likewise, a man with a low libido or suffering from fatigue may require testosterone supplements. In the case of infertility, an urologist will work together with a fertility endocrinologist to determine the best treatments.

Herman Bagga, M.D. practices with the Triangle Urology Group which has six convenient office locations including the Health + Wellness Pavilion in Wexford. For more information, visit http://triangleurology.com.

Be sure and look for more Advances in the Healthcare in our very special 2016 Physicians & Specialist Guide in the upcoming July issue! If you know of additional healthcare treatments and procedures, be sure and let us know so that we can continue to inform and create awareness for the community by emailing NorthCon@consolidated.net or calling (724) 940-2444. l l l

Feeling Stiff, Tight or Squished?

Try These Tips...

BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF

Y

ou may have never heard of “postural strain” but chances are that you have it. That term describes stress to your body that occurs from being in one position too long and being under the stress of gravity.

Here’s what you need to know: Your Skeleton “settles” like the Foundation of a House. The effect of gravity on our body is to compress it.

Anything soft, such as muscle, cartilage or connective tissue, gets more compressed as we go through the day. In addition to gravity, if you spend a lot of your day sitting or being in one position, the effects of stress are multiplied.

The Effects of Postural Strain can Really Hurt You. Joint stiffness, tension, knots in our muscles, pain and fatigue are all potential problems created by postural stress. Over time, postural stress can lead to permanent damage including arthritis, poor posture and muscle dysfunction. These symptoms often affect people’s quality of life, sleep, and ability to get through the day.

Chiropractic Helps. The science of chiropractic supports that when we have misalignments of the joints of the body it causes problems with the nervous, skeletal and muscular systems. Often these misalignments start in infancy and get worse over time. Here’s how chiropractic adjustments safely and effectively correct the problems of postural strain: • Repositions the bones for normal movement • Restores better nerve signals which decreases pain and improves the function of the muscles • Reduces fatigue and improves posture Feeling as if the weight of the world is on your shoulders every day shouldn’t be your “normal.” We may be able to help you. To find out, schedule an appointment for a consultation today. l l l

Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates 8199 McKnight Road (412) 364-9699 www.choicechiropractic.net

Like us on Facebook www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC June 2016

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | June 2016

Fit Families

Healthy Dad, Healthy Family!

BY JOELLA BAKER

I

t’s June, summer time, grill is going, it’s warm outside and it’s the month to celebrate all the dads out there. Dads are busy guys. They work, they take care of stuff at home and they fix things that we break, just to name a few. But dads are also fun and goofy and are often times a lot like the kids in our house. Of course, just like moms, stress of work and family and running around, often leaves them with little time to take care of themselves. It’s time we let the dads out there have their time to get in shape, stay active and eat better.

How can you get your dad moving with you this summer?

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Pick one night a week this summer to grill out and try something new: Try grilling some fresh veggies with olive oil, fresh herbs and a hint of fresh lemon and add some yummy grilled fish or even grilled shell fish and add a big fresh salad and add as many different vegetables to it as you can.

It’s a great activity to do together and stay healthy by eating healthier. Visit www.getfitfamilies.com for some fun and fresh recipe ideas for the summer.

Go on a weekly adventure: It’s summer time, get out as a family and get in the woods. One of our favorite places to hike is McConnell’s Mills in Butler County. This beautiful park has

NC June 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

challenging trails, huge climbing rocks, beautiful waterfalls and wildlife to seek out. Write up a scavenger hunt before you leave the house and as you head out on your excursion, see if you can find everything on your list. Other places in the area to hike include North Park, Zelienople Community Park, Moraine State Park, Brady’s Run Park to name a few.

Sign up for a local race: Challenge your dad to a 1 mile or 5k race. Sign up for a local race and set-up a training schedule for the two of you. Plan your workout times together, maybe two, three or even five times a week. This is a chance to spend some time with

your dad while allowing you both stay fit. It’s also a great way to support a local charity and have fun. Once you achieve your goal, celebrate by going out to dinner somewhere fun or getting some frozen yogurt or custard.

Go canoeing or kayaking and plan a healthy picnic: Plan a day in downtown Pittsburgh, at North Park or at Moraine State Park and rent kayaks, paddleboards or canoes. Go on a fun adventure on the water, check out the wildlife and stop on shore for a family picnic. This is a great way to try something new, get outside and relax in nature.

Take dad out on a real excursion that will challenge both of you: Head to Go Ape at North Park. This fun outdoor adventure will keep your heart pumping and allow you all to challenge yourselves throughout the course. The course is tough, but fun and worth every penny.

Hit a local bike trail: Cycling is so much fun and our area is more accepting to cyclists. Head out to one of the local parks or trails. The Montour Trail, the Buffalo Creek Trail, the Moraine State Park Trail and the Trail along the rivers in Pittsburgh are all flat and fun and for all level of cyclists. You can also visit the Bud Harris Bicycle Oval on Washington Blvd near the Pittsburgh Zoo. This fun oval is a half mile loop with a nice infield where you can bike without having to worry about cars. You can even try out some cycling races on Tuesday nights. If your dad used to really enjoy cycling, this may be a fun way to get him out on the bike and more active again.

Hit the local pool: Swimming is always a great activity in the summer.

Visit the beaches at Moraine State Park for a more adventurous swim outing.

You can also hit one of the local outdoor pools, including Cranberry Township, Zelienople, Evans City, and North Park to name a few.

There are so many ways to have fun with your dad this summer and throughout the year. Get creative, think outside the box and surprise him with something completely new and different this summer.

Have fun and Happy Fathers Day! l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC June 2016

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Seniors SENIOR LIVING | June 2016

Town Crier

The June Journal

BY JOE BULLICK

H

i June, I hope May was good to all of you and all mother’s had a great day. June was named for the Roman goddess Juno, the patron of marriage and women. This month is embraced by brides, gardeners, school children and strawberry growers.

June offers the most hours of day light out of any of the month of the year for farmers and gardeners.

One of the things I remember in June was several of my friends had small water gardens. Water creates the illusion of space and reflects the sky, which invokes tranquility. It’s also a nice environment for aquatic bog plants and exotic flowers such as lilies and lotuses. Fish enjoy the excitement and have fun in the pond; it also attracts a wonderful array of wildlife from thirty birds to dragonflies. Recirculating pumps are able to reuse

water so nothing is wasted. If you want to start one work with the space that you have, no garden is too small for a fountain or even a tiny pond.

Mom always had a great garden, she had a crazy hat. She would wrap a strip of fly paper around her hat to catch blackflies that swarmed around her head.

Mom always had home remedies for her sore muscles.

She would mix together equal parts of witch hazel and rubbing alcohol and use it to massage her aching pains, this also refreshed her skin.

June is a month for fathers, any man can be a father but it takes a special person to be called dad. The idea for creating a day for children to honor their fathers began in Spokane, Wash. In 1909, a woman by the name of Sonora Smart thought of the idea while listening to another day sermon.

In 1972 President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance of Father’s Day to be celebrated on the third Sunday of June. Father’s Day was born in memory and gratitude to all good fathers.

Let’s not forget about Flag Day which is observed in the United States on June 14. This special day commemorates in 1777 when the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as our flag. At the time, the American flag only had 13 stars and stripes.

President Harry S. Truman, sign the national Flag Day on June 14, 1950.

An interesting note about the month of June – it is the only month of the year in which no U.S. president was born. However, many other important people were born this month – Pat Boone (Jun. 1), Judy Garland (Jun. 10), Prince Philip (Jun. 10), John Wesley (Jun. 17), and Helen Keller (Jun. 27).

Happy birthday, to all of you folks who fall under the zodiac signs of Gemini and Cancer. I leave you with this – Then let us, one and all, be contented with our lot; The June is here this morning, and the sun is shining hot; Oh! Let us fill our hearts up with the glory of the day.

And banish ev’ry doubt and care and sorrow far away.

James Whitcomb Riley

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Happenings for Seniors Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work.

For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext.

3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

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.

McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkley Hills, Swan Acres & part of McCandless Twp. Call (412) 487-4088.

Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring is seeking volunteers (age 50+) to tutor in the Pittsburgh and Woodland Hills School Districts. Training sessions 9:30 a.m.-

2:30 p.m., Jul. 12-14, Koppers Building, 9th Floor, Seventh Ave. Call (412) 393-7648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. For details, call Suzie, at (412) 337-6731.

Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/ Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 3 p.m., the 1st Mon., of every month, and 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

Entertainment & Social Bullet & Barbecue fundraising dinner and show, Jun 7, Cranberry Township Senior Center. For details, call (724) 772-6086.

St. Alexis Over 50 trips: July 21, Rivers Casino & Pirate ballgame (fireworks night); Sept. 5, Cleveland Air Show & Cruise; Oct. 14-15, Samson, Sight & Sound Theatre; Nov. 18, Light-Up-Night on the Gateway Clipper. For info on the ballgame & Cleveland, call Rose, (724) 728-2563 or (412) 908-0124. For details on Samson or LightUp, call Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

Seminars Legacy Theatre senior seminar; 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., June 7, AARP Driver Safety Refresher Course. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

Medicare: Putting the Pieces Together, 7-8:30 p.m., Jun. 9, Northland Library. For info, visit northlandlibrary.org or (412) 3668100 x103.

Senior Meetings 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.

Gateway North Chapter of AARP meets the 3rd Monday of the month (June 20) at West View Fire Hall, Perry Hwy next to the VFW. All are welcome.

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7 p.m., every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 776-9274.

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. Call (724) 444-0064.

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. Call (412) 741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.

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Volunteer Opportunities: Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. For details, call (412) 367-3685.

Neighborly Gnomes helps seniors with disabilities with yard tasks. For details, visit NeedsByNeighborhood.org.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Faith in Action program is seeking Senior Companion volunteers. Contact Nancy, at (412) 307-0069 or nljones@nhco.org.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Free Rides for Seniors shuttles, funded by St. Margaret Foundation are seeking volunteer ride-along dispatchers. The shuttle operates weekdays in the lower Freeport Rd. area. Contact Kerry at (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org.

North Hills Community Outreach needs volunteers for their senior programs.

Contact Patti, at (412) 408-3830 ext.

3204.

Olive Branch non-profit fair trade shop located at 11160 Perry Highway, Wexford is seeking volunteers. For info, call (724) 799-8700 or email info@olivebranchwexford.org.

Open Your Heart to a Senior Volunteer Orientations, 10 a.m., June 16, Shaler Eat-N-Park, 930 Butler Street; 9:30 a.m., June 22, Panera, 7217 McKnight Road, Ross Township; Jun. 16, contact, Kerry (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org; Jun. 22, contact Cathy (412) 307-0069 x3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

Pittsburgh Friendship Group is looking for volunteers to help visually impaired seniors. No experience is necessary.

Call (724) 444-0064.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. To register, call (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC June 2016

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Chic

IMAGE & STYLE | June 2016

Summer Fun Skin Care

BY KELLY SMITH

The lazy days of summer are just upon us and that means easy living! Summer is synonymous with sandals, shorts and sleeveless dresses, so it makes sense to start thinking about protecting all of that exposed skin. When the beach is beckoning and the pool is calling your name, it’s important to remember to safeguard your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

U

sually, sunscreen is the first choice and, rightly so, but, that’s only the first line of defense against the sun. You don’t need to wrap yourself up like a mummy that’s on an island retreat, but good summer protection starts with a little planning.

Summer skin protection isn’t just limited to UVB rays toasting our skin. The high heat and humidity can really wreak havoc on everything from our hair and lips, and to everything in between. Read on for quick tips to keep you dancing the day away in the sun!

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Sunscreen essentials – obviously, a good sunscreen is a summer staple.

Any brand will do, but to get the maximum protection, an SPF of at least 30 is recommended and even higher for those of us with fair skin. Truth be told, a good SPF of between 30-50 will offer just as good of protection as an SPF of 100 if used correctly. In other words, some people may negligently think that an SPF 100 will allow them to frolic in the surf all day but, unless you reapply every hour or so, that SPF is not going to be much different than its lower counterpart. The high SPF’s tend to give a false sense of sun security so a good rule of thumb to follow is to just reapply every hour.

Silky skin – the best time to moisturize is straight from the shower. Your skin will be freshly exfoliated so be sure to load up and lock in that moisture! Pay attention to areas that are often abused by shaving, i.e.: arm pits, legs, bikini zone. These areas tend to feel the burn, so, by using a good hydrating moisturizer, you’ll create a much need barrier for tomorrow’s shave.

So, shower, shave, pat dry and moisturize. I really like the spray moisturizers because they can be used with ease and require little to no dry time. Suave® and St. Ives® both have a great selection in fun summer scents such as, coconut and grapefruit.

Hair, face and lip service – Your hair will no doubt, take a lot of abuse this summer. Between salt water, chlorine and the sun’s rays, your hair needs some TLC too! If you can get away with washing your

hair every other day, do so. Your hair needs the essential oils to keep it naturally protected but if you must wash, use a good “leave in” conditioner and, if prudent, one that contains an SPF. I would recommend this if you plan on spending a full day at the beach or pool. Your face and lips deserve equal treatment. This seems like a no-brainer but you wouldn’t believe how many of us still fry our faces to get that sun kissed glow. It’s no secret that the sun’s harmful UVB rays damage skin if left unprotected, not to mention premature aging. If your face absolutely, positively seeks a slice of summer solstice, then a self-tanner will do the trick. Keep your kisser moist and safe by using a sheer lip balm with a 15 SPF. Your lips will thank you!

Easy, breezy style to go – IF the idea of slathering on sunscreen multiple times a day seems just

too tedious for you, then I suggest letting UPF clothing do all the dirty work. These specially formulated frocks, once reserved only for cute toddlers playing in the surf, are now mainstream and, compared to your average cotton shirt, can protect your skin as well as sunblock. The technology is really quite a wonder and, the styles are so vast that there really is no shortage of style. Hats off to UPF protected headwear too!

Columbia® Sportswear carries a line of cute straw hats at a reasonable price. Scarves are getting in on the act too so don’t forget to pick a few up and let them fly in the summer breeze!

Summer comes but once a year so make the most of it! Whether you’re lounging at the pool on a long, lazy day or beachcombing in the morning sun, remember to care for your skin. ’Tis the season of fun in the sun- enjoy it as the seasons change so fast! l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC June 2016

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Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | June 2016

School Movers & Shakers Seneca Valley Jim Lucot, a senior high school history teacher at Seneca Valley, has been granted a $5,000 scholarship by Classrooms Without Borders (CWB) and Dr. Zipora Gur, executive director and founder of CWB, to go to Poland on a Holocaust study Jim Lucot this summer. Lucot will leave for Warsaw, Poland, on June 26, and return on July 4, from Krakow. The tour will include the Treblinka Death camp, several Ghettos of Poland and the Auschwitz complex with survivors and international experts as guides.

First Sgt. Ron Cepak, First Cavalry Division of the U.S. Army and Vietnam Veteran, Sgt. Bob Kunkle, U.S. Marine Corps., spoke to students at Seneca Valley Senior High School on Apr. 14.

Seneca Valley was named the best overall ceramics program, out of 16 participating school districts, at the 2016 Standard Ceramics: Pittsburgh Area High School Student Exhibition.

The Seneca Valley Biology Club won first and second place in the Butler County Envirothon Competition on May 3. First place team members include: Sydney McGahey, Jonnie Poepoe, Hannah Hale, Mariah Mack and Kathryn Hines.

Second place team members were: Audrey Lang, Maya Albanowski, Nora Gavaghan, Hannah McCann and Thalia Muno.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced Seneca Valley senior Siona Sharma has been award a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winner.

Evans City Schools, grades K-6, hosted the 9th annual STOMP Out Siona Sharma Cancer Walk on May 13. Over 1,000 students and staff took turns walking around the building at different times throughout the day to help raise money and awareness for cancer.

STOMP participants have raised $122,203.40 over the past eight years with all of the money going to the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute for cancer research.

Three Evans City Middle School fifth graders were recognized as 2016 BASF Earth Day poster contest winners.

Sommer Barnhill won first place, Cassidy Matteo won second place, and Veronica Grassle was the third place winner.

Two Rowan Elementary School second grade students have been named top winner in the 2016 National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) Earth Day poster competition. Maddy Dorigo was named a winner and Abby Stack earned a second runner-up award.

Pine-Richland The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National School Teacher of the Year named Pine-Richland Middle School Teacher Patricia Cekella as one of 12 Finalists for the 2017 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

North Allegheny Two juniors from the North Allegheny School District (NASD) received prizes for their work completed during the Three Rivers German Day competition at Washington and Jefferson College.

There were more than 200 students representing 14 schools from Western Pennsylvania and West Virginia at this year’s competition. Juniors Bailey Daftary and Gage Koontz both won 3rd place prizes for their respective work in the Poster and Drawing categories.

Two high school students from North Allegheny Senior High School and the 2014-2015 NASH yearbook, Safari, were recognized for excellence at the Pennsylvania Student Press Association Journalism Competition held at Penn State University. Senior Maura Sanguigni won first place in the Literary Magazine Poetry Contest and senior Nick Koehler won first place in the Newspaper Feature Photo competition.

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Two students from the North Allegheny School District, Mehrnaz Tiv and Anuska Shah won prizes in the Ligonier Valley Writers annual student poetry contest.

William McGahee has been appointed assistant principal for North Allegheny Senior High School.

Six North Allegheny High School William students were awarded Gold and McGahee Silver medals at the Pennsylvania Family, Career and Community Leaders of America contest. The honorees were: Kathleen Kenna, Mehrnaz Tiv, Tanner Neely, Savanna Wilson, Victoria Rombach and Adam Kiefer.

The North Allegheny Senior High School (NASH) Forensics Team finished in third place at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League’s state tournament. The team received the Lutz Award for cumulative continued success at the state tournament. Several students won individual honors. They were: Sid Narayan, Nony Anand, Grace Jin, Samir Yellapragada and Julie Chen.

Jaime Vernocy has been appointed principal of Bradford Woods Elementary School. The effective date of appointment is June 6.

Jaime Vernocy

The following North Allegheny students won awards in the National 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards program. Gold medalists were: Kayla Romanelli, Thalia Driscoll, Leonardo Lupidi and Vanessa Anthony. Silver medalists were: Zehra Mehdi, Leonardo Lupidi, Emma Kiley and Serena Yan.

Mars Area Mars Area High School German teacher Shawna Peters was selected to receive a 2016 Red Apple Education Award presented by the United Way of Butler County.

Shawna

Mars Area junior Brittany Dean Peters was accepted to the Summer Scholars Program at Miami University of Ohio in Oxford, Ohio to be held in July.

Mars Area High School has named its Renaissance Students of the Month for March. They are: David Anderson, Cole Greer, Caileigh Sesky and Marissa Seles.

Three Mars Area High School students, Rebecca Dvorak, Isabel Wroblewski and Alicia Fenton were selected to receive Society of Women Engineers – Pittsburgh Section Certificates of Merit.

Mars Area seniors Camille Cipkins and Nathan Sablowski were selected as school nominees for the 2015-16 WPIAL Scholar/Athlete Award Program.

Mars Area Primary Center collected 9,648 diapers as part of the school’s “Stuff the Bus” Diaper Drive. The event was held Apr. 11-15 to benefit The Lighthouse Foundation food bank in Middlesex Township.

Mars Area Primary Center first-graders raised $2,989 to benefit the American Heart Association through the school’s annual “Hockey for a Healthy Heart” fundraiser, held April 4-5.

North Hills North Hills School District graduates Sandra Carson, M.D., and Kurt Weiss, M.D., are the newest honorees to receive Kurt Weiss Sandra the district’s annual Carson Distinguished Alumni Award. They were honored on May 19 during the North Hills High School Awards Night on May 19.

Carson is a member of the North Hills High School Class of 1971, and Weiss is a member of the North Hills High School Class of 1992.

North Hills High School is one of only seven schools in Allegheny County and 39 schools in Pennsylvania to be ranked in the Washington Post’s America’s Most Challenging High Schools listing. This honor places North Hills among the top nine percent of public and private high schools in the nation.

(Continued on page 36)

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Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | June 2016

North Hills High School senior Danny Porter has been selected for the Nordenberg Leadership Scholars Program at the University of Pittsburgh. He is one of only 10 students selected for the program from across Pennsylvania.

members included: Joseph Klaas, Jacob Smith, Brian Koglin, Dylan Lion, Jacob Pilarski, Darrien Thomas, Andrew Wirkowski, Thomas McFadden, Christopher Snider, Andrew Sobek, Amanda Trusiak and Skylor Wright.

Danny Porter

North Hills High School has been named one of the best schools in the nation and in Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report.

Nationwide, the high school was ranked in the top seven percent of approximately 21,000 public schools evaluated in the listing.

The North Hills High School World Language Department has been recognized as an exemplary high school foreign language program and honored with a Silver Award by the Pennsylvania State Modern Language Association.

Shaler Area Shaler Area students earned top awards at the Festivals of Music held in Nashville, Tenn. The school earned 15 top awards as well as the Dr. Tim Lautzenhauser’s Esprit de Corps award presented for the students’ exemplary attitude of positive support and outstanding personal behavior.

Fox Chapel A team of Fox Chapel Area High School students won seventh place at the PA BotsIQ State Competition and qualified for the National Robotics League Battle Bot competition. The robot is named La Venganza del Diablo. Team

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Several Fox Chapel Area High School students won awards at the Pennsylvania Technology Student Association State Leadership Conference. Award winners were: Jeremy Rodrigues and Jonathan Monroe who advanced to the national competition. Additional finalists were: Daniel Beluk, Jacob Caruso, Ishan Khatri, Jonathan Monroe, Jacob Smith, Erik Bothe, Sean McCoy, Mackenzie Myers, Juliette Naugle, Elizabeth Mountz and Jorgen Wu. Fox Chapel Area High School student Delaney Roberts won third place in the Lincoln-Douglas Debate at the Freshman-Sophomore Forensics Tournament.

Fourteen Fox Chapel Area High School students earned high marks on the 2016 National Latin Exam. The honorees were: Ariane Akhand, David Han, Anna McDougall, Suvir Mirchandani, Nathan VanDemark, Marissa Hardiman, Elizabeth Kaslewicz, Ziya Xu, Shania Khatri, Elizabeth Sodini, Catherine McDonough, Karissa Becer, Delaney Roberts and Annika Urban.

Hampton The Hampton Township School District Board of School Directors unanimously approved Dr. Michael Loughead as Hampton’s next superintendent.

NC June 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

The Hampton Township School District Board of School Directors appointed Colleen Hannagan as the new principal of Poff Elementary School at the April 25 special Board meeting. She will replace Dr. Michael Mooney, who plans to retire from the District on June 30.

Shady Side Academy Shady Side Academy senior Roy Navid of Fox Chapel has been awarded a National Merit $2,500 Scholarship. He has also earned the distinguished title of National Merit Scholar. Navid plans to attend Trinity College at the University of Cambridge in England.

Roy Navid

Eleven Shady Side Academy theatre students will perform at the American High School Theatre Festival Aug. 5-10, in Edinburgh, Scotland.

They are: Rori Cain, Connor Colombo, Rylee Hickey, Caldwell Holden, Jacob Lokay, Leonard McAllister, Shravni Ragoor, Felicia Devorris, Emily Weiss, Rachel Winterhalter and Julia Zoratto.

Vincentian Academy Vincentian Academy has hired Rita Canton as the new principal.

Canton comes from Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy where she was the principal since 2010.

Rita Canton

Student of the Month

Jaime Martinez

BY PAULA GREEN

T

hirteen year-old Jaime Martinez is an eighth grade student at the Campus School of Carlow University. He is also a boy scout who is striving to make a difference in his community. Jaime joined scouts at the age of ten, and he is a member of Boy Scout Troop 171, based out of Ingomar United Methodist Church.

Last year, Jaime obtained the rank of Life Scout, which is one rank before Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Boy Scouts.

He has also been inducted into the Boy Scout’s national honor society, the Order of the Arrow. Jaime is currently working towards obtaining his Eagle Scout rank.

“In order to obtain my Eagle rank, I needed to organize and execute a service project that benefits the community. For my Eagle Scout Service Project, I teamed up with the Passavant Hospital Foundation and JML Landscape Management to revamp a landscape on a hill in front of the UPMC Passavant CancerCenter, located on Babcock Blvd. in McCandless Township,” noted Jaime.

“The hill is situated in front of the windows of where cancer patients receive treatment. My project is worth a total of

$35,000.00. The new landscape will include attractive plants, dramatic trees, eye-catching bushes and shrubs, a 100-foot addition of a retaining wall, 1,900 square feet of high-quality grass, and decorative landscaping stone,” Jaime added.

“The goal of this project is to create an aesthetically pleasing landscape, with something to keep the cancer treatment patients focused on during their hours-long stays at the CancerCenter. Studies have shown that plants increase positive energy levels, reduce stress, and are even therapeutic to trauma patients,” remarked Jaime. This beautification project is slated to be complete in June or July.

Besides being involved in scouts, Jaime is also active in martial arts. He has received his black belt in Shotokan, Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo. He currently has a second degree black belt in Taekwondo at Young Brothers, and holds the position of assistant instructor.

Jaime is also involved with forensics at school. He resides in McCandless Township with his parents Jaime Antonio Martinez, Sr. and Ada Francis Lovo-Martinez.

For more information on Jaime’s “Scout Cancer Landscape” project visit, https://www.crowdrise.com/upmceaglescoutserviceproject. l l l

Central Catholic Central Catholic High School junior Nathan Vislosky was selected to represent Team USA in June in Italy at the Inline Hockey World Championships.

Nathan is the only player from the north east United States to be selected for the team that is made up of players from around the USA.

St. Joseph Materials Science and Physics teacher at Saint Joseph High School, Mr. Robert Wesolowski, will receive a 2016 Carnegie Science Award in the High School Educator category for his lifelong commitment to interactive, collaborative STEM teaching.

Wesolowski is an educator and master teacher for American Society for Metals (ASM) International.

Robert Wesolowski

St. Alexis Saint Alexis eighth grade student Will Mann, of Richland Township, competed in the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair at Heinz Field and won a Kennametal Sponsor Award for his “Bright Ideas for Growing Plants” experiment.

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Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | June 2016

St. Teresa of Avila Saint Teresa of Avila sixth grader, Bridget Lucas was awarded second place honors at the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair held on Apr. 2 at Heinz Field.

dents included: Kimberly Aland, Chelsea Artman, Hannah Brinkman, Ana Paula De Marco Teixeira, Danielle Demme, Bryan Mutiso and Jessica Seidl. Seidl received The Richard G. Kotarba Outstanding Honors Presentation Award for her project, “An Overview of Adapted Aquatics for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.”

Bridget Lucas

St. Ursula Saint Ursula student Cassidy Horgan earned a spot as a Pennsylvania Grade Four Level Winner for Public or Private schools in the 2016 ZanerBloser National Handwriting Contest. Cassidy’s entry was among more than 270,000 entries from students across the country.

Saint Ursula student Anna Norman competed in the track championships on May 14 at Robert Morris University.

Saint Ursula Viking band participated in the Central Catholic High School All Star Band. The event was coordinated by Sr. Serafina and band instructor Mrs. Chambers.

Providence Heights Alpha School Providence Heights Alpha School has joined up with Pittsburgh Three Rivers Marathon (P3R) to promote wellness and fitness at the school. Thirtyone students from Alpha School participated in the 8th Kids of Steel Marathon. Representatives from P3R awarded Alpha a $1,000 grant. The grant will be used for the physical education department or any program which will increase physical activity and encourage positive eating habits within the school and outside of school.

La Roche College Seven graduating seniors presented original research at La Roche College’s annual Honors Convocation this spring. Departmental honors stu-

La Roche College inducted 11 members into its Alumni Circle on Apr. 22. The inductees were: Riley B. Folds, Dione L. Graswick, Ernestine Harris, David J. Kasievich, Kristen Marie Kruszewski, Mary E. Michalek, Tara Kay Race, Suellywn Stewart, Janice M. Talerico, Dawnita J. Wilson and Maurita Wisniewski.

Students from La Roche College’s Interior Design program partnered with Charleroi School District to transform the main entrance of The Charleroi Elementary Center.

La Roche College conferred 44 master’s degrees and 313 undergraduate degrees at its annual commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 7.

St. Vincent College Saint Vincent College student Helena M. Shoplik, a psychology major and children’s studies minor from Pittsburgh, has been named the 42nd annual winner of the President’s Award.

Michelle Gil-Montero, associate professor of English at Saint Vincent College in the School of Humanities and Fine Arts, is one of nine recipients of a $33,000 fellowship from the George A. and Eliza Gardner Howard Foundation.

Michelle

Gil-Montero Dr. Veronica I. Ent, associate professor and chairperson of education and graduate program director in the Saint Vincent College School of Social Sciences, Communication and Education was recently honored.

Ent was presented with the Boniface Wimmer Faculty Award at the Saint Vincent College Spring Honors Convocation on Apr. 20.

Lawrence Hendrick, director of the facilities management office at Saint Vincent College was honored with a Student Government Association Award at the college’s spring honors convocation.

Brian Niemiec of Penn Township, a junior communication major with a minor in history has been elected president of Saint Vincent’s senior class.

Brian Niemiec

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Trivia

TRIVIA CONNECTION | June 2016

Head of the Class Trivia

BY PAULA GREEN

1. This TV star graduated with a biology degree, was a medical researcher for eight years and conducted research into headaches before joining the cast of F.R.I.E.N.D.S. 2. Name the children’s writer who graduated valedictorian from Springfield Central High School in 1921,

and attended Dartmouth University.

3. Which singer / comedienne graduated valedictorian from Radford High School before attending the University of Hawaii?

4. This former Cincinnati Reds baseball player and Hall of Famer was named valedictorian of his junior and senior classes.

5. Hillary Clinton graduated top in her class from which college in 1969?

6. Which former Steelers running back was a member of the National Honor Society at Mackenzie High School?

7. Can anyone name this former presidential speech writer, journalist, actor who graduated valedictorian from Yale Law School, Class of 1970? Anyone?

Anyone?

8. This presidential candidate’s daughter graduated summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business in 2004.

9. Name the model that was a member of National Honor Society and was valedictorian for the class of 1984 at DeKalb High School in Illinois.

10. At only 16 years old, this actor/magician was valedictorian for the North Hollywood High class of 1970.

11. Which country singer graduated from Monroe Christian High School as salutatorian and was offered a baseball scholarship at the University of Louisiana?

12. This Onion Field actor achieved a perfect 800 on the verbal and 779 on the math portions of the pre-1995 SAT. He enrolled in a linear algebra course at UCLA while still in high school.

13. Name the actor/comedian who’s IQ is 142, and is a member of MENSA. He graduated from California State University with a philosophy degree, and almost became a professor.

14. This actress has an IQ of 154. When she was 15, she accepted a scholarship to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, where she studied creative writing and fine arts.

15. Which actor earned degrees from UCLA, NYU, Columbia University, Brooklyn College, and Warren Wilson College? He also attended Yale.

Sources: www.ranker.com, http://moviepilot.com/ posts/2686950, stylecaster.com/famous-valedictorians, http://www.takepart.com/photos/celebrities-who-werevaledictorians, http://musichel.com/2014/07/25/7-starsvaledictorian-salutatorian/, http://www.businessinsider.com/ smartest-celebrities-in-hollywood Answers 1. Lisa Kudrow 2. Thedor Giesel (Dr. Seuss) 3. Bette Midler 4. Johnny Bench 5. Wellesley 6. Jerome Bettis 7. Ben Stein 8. Ivanka Trump 9. Cindy Crawford 10. Harry Anderson 11. Tim McGraw 12. James Woods 13. Steve Martin 14. Sharon Stone 15. James Franco

J

une is graduation time. In celebration of this momentous milestone, we’re going to look at some folks who finished the head of the class.

There were famous celebrities who were valedictorians (first in their class) and salutatorians (second in their class). We’ll also name some Ivy Leaguers and National Honor Society members.

Conan O’Brien was valedictorian of his 1981 Class at Brookline High School. He went on to Harvard where he graduated magna cum laude in U.S. history.

David Duchovny attended the Collegiate School for Boys where he was named valedictorian. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from Princeton and a Masters of Art from Yale University.

Weird Al Yankovic began kindergarten a year earlier than most children and he skipped second grade.

He graduated valedictorian of his senior class at the age of 16. Another comedian who graduated valedictorian is Saturday Night Live alum Chevy Chase.

Actor Dolph Lundgren of Rocky III and The Expendables was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to MIT and holds degrees in chemistry and chemical engineering. He also speaks six different languages.

Actor Kevin Spacey and actress Mare Winningham graduated as co-valedictorians from Chatsworth High School in New Jersey.

Natalie Portman graduated as valedictorian from Syosset High School. This Star Wars beauty then attended Harvard where she earned a degree in Psychology. She speaks Hebrew, French, Arabic, German and Japanese. Jodie Foster was valedictorian of Lycee Francais de Los Angeles. She went to Yale University and earned her degree in literature.

Before soaring up the charts with four platinum albums, a 16-year-old Alicia Keys was valedictorian of the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City.

Other famous valedictorians include: W.E.B. DuBois, Paul Robeson, Douglas McArthur, America Ferrera, Kira Kosarin, Tiffany Thiessen, Cole Porter, Sonia Sotomayor and Coretta Scott King.

Singer John Legend graduated from North High School in Springfield, Ohio at the age of 16 as salutatorian. Another famous singer that was second in her class was Carrie Underwood. Other famous salutatorians include Michelle Obama and Robin Roberts.

Since we’ve educated you on celebrity scholars, we must now graduate our thoughts on this insightful query. Get set to don those caps and tassels, because it’s time to get a little trivial...

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC June 2016

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Events HAPPENINGS | June 2016

June 2016 North Happenings 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.

Call (724) 940-0034.

Food donations are needed at North Hills Community Outreach. For info, contact Erica at emcochran@nhco.org or (412) 487-6316 opt.1 x3144.

Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus, meets every

Happenings Tuesdays

North Hills Community Outreach Workable Services in

Bellevue, 1-5 p.m. every Tues., at NHCO AGH-Suburban. For an appt., call (412) 904-5993.

North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples meeting, 7:30 p.m.,

3rd Tues., of the month, North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. Visit www.facebook.com/NPMOMS.

Thursdays Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m. the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 779-1854.

Steppin’ Out Live With Ben Vereen, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 17, The Hillman Center at Shady Side Academy. For tickets, visit www. thehillman.org or (412) 968-3040.

Health & Wellness Breathe Pennsylvania Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Cruise, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Jun. 17, on the Gateway Clipper Fleet. Register by Jun. 3, visit www.breathepa.org or (724) 772-1750 or 1-800-220-1990.

Community Fitness, 9:30 a.m., Woodland Valley Church,

Arts & Entertainment

Mars; 6 p.m., North Way Christian Church, Wexford; 6:30 p.m., Woodland Valley Church, Mars; 9 a.m., Lighthouse Foundation, Butler. Tues. & Sat. classes benefit the food bank. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Monday of every month 7 p.m., (June 20) Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Kinky Boots, Sept. 20-25, Benedum Center. Visit TrustArts.

Free Overdose Prevention Class, 10 a.m.-noon, Jun. 4, in

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m. Mondays, June 6, My

Beaumont and The Skyliners, June 25; The Ultimate Johnny Cash with Terry Lee Goffee, July 23; The Fabulous Hubcaps.

For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup.com.

Monday at 7 p.m., Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. Visit Bogmeisters.com.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 3rd

Favorite Wife; June 13, The 33; June 20, Creed; June 27, Spotlight; 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/

North Hills Community Outreach’s Back-To-School Collection runs thru Jul. 29. Need backpacks, notebooks,

binder, calculators & other school supplies. For info, visit nhco. org or (412) 487-6316.

org.

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., June 11, Jimmy

Martini’s with Monet Art Exhibition, July 6-Aug. 3, at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building.

Regional Show Display, Jun. 4-Jul. 1, North Hills Art Center, 3432 Babcock Blvd Blvd. Visit www.northhillsartcenter.org or (412) 364-3622.

Assembly Hall at UPMC Passavant McCandless. RSVP for this no cost event, online at http://bridge2hope.org, select Jun. 4.

For questions, call (412) 748-5120.

Healthy Teeth, Healthy Bodies, noon-3 p.m., Jun. 8, 249

South 9th St., Pgh. Sponsored by Pittsburgh Mercy & the American Dental Hygienists’ Association. Visit https://www. pmhs.org/

Vigil of Hope, 7 p.m., Jun. 8, at the Passavant Hospital

Foundation Legacy Theatre, next to Cumberland Woods Village on the campus of UPMC Passavant McCandless. Visit bridge2hope.org or (412) 748-5120.

Wellness Ministry Open House, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., June

5, Heritage Church Body & Soul for women at Heritage Presbyterian Church, 2313 Rochester Rd., Franklin Park.

Worship service 10 a.m. For info, email hpcbodyandsoul@ gmail.com or (412) 366-1356 or visit www.heritagepcusa.org or (412) 366-1338.

Zumba Fitness, 9:30 a.m. Mon., & 6:45 p.m., Thurs,

Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Ave., Mars. Try a free class! Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Zumba Fitness, 6:00 p.m., Sats, North Way Christian

Community, 12121 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Suggested $5 donation to benefit the food pantry Contact heather.simplynatural@ gmail.com.

Outreach Community Auto (a program of North Hills Community

Outreach) is accepting old vehicles. Call (724) 443-8300 or www.communityauto.org.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Allison

Park is a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries. Dropoff hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

North Hills Community Outreach Speakers or volunteer

speakers are available regarding their programs and volunteer opportunities. Call (412) 487-6316 opt. 1 x3112 or JLKissel@ 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.

WorkAble provides free career consulting and employment

mentoring to unemployed and underemployed job seekers in Allegheny County. For details, call (412) 904-5993.

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Support Groups Anchorpoint: Siblings Support Group, 1-Week group for kids 8-12, 4:30 p.m., Mon., & Life Skills Group, 4:30. Tues., Anchorpoint. Call (412) 366-1300.

Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope,

7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. Call (412) 748-6640.

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues,

Group 7-9 p.m., 4th Mon. Contact Anita at (412) 215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.

Mind Matters Brain Injury Support Group, 7-9 p.m., every

Networking

UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

3rd Thurs., of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center. Call (724) 283-6666.

MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and Support)

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed. Hosted by St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

for those grieving the loss of a child – includes miscarriages, still birth and prematurity. Meetings held 7:30 p.m., 1st Tues of the month, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland Rd., McCandless. For info, contact Laurie.Jackson@missfoundation. org.

Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills, 10-11:30

S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 6-7:30 p.m., 4th Monday of the

a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Call Heritage Hospice (724) 334-6600.

Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7 p.m., 3rd Mon.,

AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m., 1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion, Wexford. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., every Wed., of the month,

Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Phone, (412) 748-5120 or Bridge2Hope.org.

General Cancer Center Support Groups, 5-6 p.m., 4th Mon.,

AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion; 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd & 4th Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Grief Support Group for widows and widowers over fifty,

2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., of the month, St. Sebastian Parish, 311 Siebert Rd. Visit http://www.saintsebastianparish.org/

Month in Bellevue. For details, call (412) 366-1300.

Veteran HOPE, support group for women Veterans recover-

ing from mental illness, meet 6-8 p.m., every Tues., VA Butler Healthcare, Room 217WS, Building 1. For info, call (724) 996—8892 or (724) 285-2756 or butlerva.gov.

Women’s Self Care Support Group, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Sats., Anchorpoint Counseling. Call (412) 366-1300, ext. 129.

AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Wed, at North Park Deckhouse, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business networking group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Panera Bread, Cranberry.

Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business networking

group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. For info, visit https://www.amspirit.com/chapter. php?chapter=Wexford.

Cranberry Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 7:30 a.m., Thurs., Jun. 2 & 16, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, Cranberry Twp. Call Chris at (412) 7359494.

Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters Club meets at noon

Counseling

every Mon., Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Visit http://cranberryhighnoon.toastmastersclubs. org/.

Ask the Attorney, free legal consultation for low-income

Criders Corner Chapter of Women’s Business Network

families. Held 7 p.m., the 3rd Wed, June 15, NHCO Millvale; Jul 20, NHCO North Boroughs. Pre-register at (412) 408-3830, ext. 3217 or briedel@nhco.org.

meets, 12 p.m., Thur., Jun. 9 & 23, The Sports Grille, 1294 Freedom Rd. Call Jan at (412) 366-1600.

Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church is offering it Stephen

9:00 a.m., Thur., Jun. 3 & 17, Eat N’ Park, Route 8 & Saxonburg Blvd. in Etna. Call Pat at (412) 486-8938.

Ministry Program for people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, illnesses, job loss, loss of home, military deployment & other life struggles. Free & confidential program for people of any faith. Call (412) 486-4010 or www.bhlc.org.

Group Services, Intensive Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30 p.m., M,W, Th.,Therapy Group 6-8 p.m., Tues., Family Only Group 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2nd Tues, Psycho-educational Support

North Hills Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets,

Sarver Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets,

11:30 a.m., Thur., Jun. 2 & 16, Coopers Station Restaurant, Route 356 in Sarver. Call Michele at (724) 353-2431.

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Events HAPPENINGS | June 2016

Western PA Professional Business Association Network Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Tuesdays, King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8,

Gibsonia. Call Mary Ann, at (724) 935-2221 or www.wpabusiness.com.

Wexford Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 8 a.m., Tues., Jun. 14 & 28, Atria’s Restaurant, Wexford. Call Judith, at (412) 848-7986.

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive

cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon.stalter@cancer.org.

Friends of North Park are looking committee volunteers for

communication & Outreach, stewardship, water tower restoration, deer management and history. For info, call Gary at (724) 544-7284.

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided. Call (412) 393-7600 or http://www.gplc.org/become-a-volunteer. cfm.

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for their patients.

Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart!

Call (412) 367-3685.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide vision– Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www.mission-vision.org.

North Hills Community Outreach needs volunteers for

the Men’s US Open golf tournament, Jun. 13-19. Call (412) 408-3830 ext. 3204 or hzgibbs@nhco.org, or register at volunteerspot.com/login/entry/679052588051.

School

Fundraiser & 5K Race/Walks

Community College of Allegheny County is enrolling

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Walk, June

La Roche College is offering summer courses at reduced

Hampton Rotary Club Firecracker 5K, 9 a.m., July 4. Pre-

North Allegheny High School Cheerleaders 2016 Mini Camp, 9:30 a.m.-noon, Jun. 6-10. For details, visit nacheer-

“Jeans Jewels,” 6 p.m., June 30, Left Field Meeting Space

minicamp@gmail.com.

on the North Shore. Benefits the Cancer Caring Center. For info, visit www.cancercaring.org.

North Hills School District is accepting registration for its

St. Barnabas Charities 5K Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Aug. 6, St.

students for the fall 2016 semester for the final year of a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. For info, call (412) 469-6229 or crobinson@ccac.edu. tuition rates. For details, visit http://laroche.edu/summercollege/.

summer educational programs, open to students grades seven to 12. For details, visit habermand@nhsd.net or (412) 318-1017.

Saint Gregory Parish Summer Lawn Fete, Jun. 23-25, 2 W.

Beaver St., Zelienople. Homemade dinners nightly 4-7 p.m., live entertainment, games of chance, white elephant sale, family fun. For info (724) 452-7245.

Saint James School in Sewickley is accepting registration for their 2016-17 school year, pre-school thru eighth grade.

Visit www.stjamesschool.us or call (412) 741-5540 ext. 100.

Saint Sebastian School in Ross Twp., is accepting registra-

tions for Preschool thru 8th grade for 2016-17. For enrollment details, visit www.SaintSebastianParish.org or (412) 364-7171.

Transfer Tuesday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Jun. 7-Aug. 2, La

Roche College. For info, visit laroche.edu or call (412) 536-1260.

Reunions Shaler Area High School Class of 1972 Reunion. Join

4, Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. Celebration of 125th anniversary of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC. Visit www. givetochildrens.org/walk. register online to save time and money. Visit hamptonrotary. com.

Barnabas campus, 5850 Meridian Rd., Gibsonia. Visit stbarnabashealthsystem.com/stbarnabas5K or call, (724) 687-9140.

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.

Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA Grants to Support Disabled Veterans in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

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.

Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA

Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_Physically_ Active.asp.

North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientations,

our Facebook group for 2016 & 2017 reunion plans, tell your classmates!

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group,

Seeking hospice volunteers...if you can find the time to sit

Seminars, Workshops, Courses & Conferences

“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse recovery

10 a.m., July 14, NHCO, Allison Park. Call (412) 408-3830 ext.

3204 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.

with hospice patients we would love to have you. Call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209.

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.

For details, call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

Volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy

students on basic literacy skills. 4 hour/week commitment.

Free tutoring training provided. Call Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, (412) 393-7600 or http://www.gplc.org/become-avolunteer.cfm.

Volunteer Tutors Needed for children struggling with school work. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300 or www.anchorpointcounselingministry.org.

Divorce Workshop, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Jun. 11, Medallion Wealth Management, 2605 Nicholson Rd., Suite 2103 in Franklin Park. Pre-register by Jun. 9, call (724) 493-9695.

Legacy Theatre Seminars: 11 a.m., June 21, A Taste of

Spain; July 5, What is the Purpose of My Brain: A Gift For Salvation, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498. program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler. Visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.

Dancing & Recreation 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.

Teen driver safety FOCUS program is being offer thru

Handicapable Square Dancing, 7-8 p.m., weekly on

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and The Allstate Foundation. For schools interested, call (412) 692-8229 or www.chp.edu/CHP/street+and+off-road+for+parents.

Thursdays, Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd.

For ages 18 & older. Register at (412) 915-8486 or (724) 4432616 or beatty3@consolidated.net.

Worried about the New SAT? Total Learning Center is offer-

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages 40+, 8 p.m. to midnight,

ing practice testing free of charge, 11 a.m., 1st Saturday of every month, 12051 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Call (724) 940-1090 or success@totallearningcenter.com.

Jun. 4, Great Giftcard Giveaway; Jun. 18, Coney Island Cookout featuring an Indoor Picnic Dinner, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m. Call, (724) 316-5029 or www. dancetonight.weebly.com.

Yes, You Can Dance! (YYCD) is a special needs ballroom

program for teens (16+). Participants meet one hour on Sundays at DancExplosion Arts Center in the North Hills or Steel City Ballroom in the South Hills. Participants are paired with a trained volunteer dance mentor. Call (412) 999-3998 or info@yesyoucandance.org.

Social Events Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Food & Wine Classic, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Jun. 23, The Greater Pittsburgh Masonic Center, 3579 Masonic Way. For info, visit http://www.pghnorthchamber.com/join/programs-and-events/

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Strawberry Festival

Parkwood Presbyterian Church 4-8 p.m., June 4 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park For info: www.parkwoodchurch.org

Community Events Antique Classic Car Show sponsored by North Hills Historic

Auto Club, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Jun. 5, Mars Senior High School, Rt. 228, Mars. For info, call Joe at (412) 443-0359 or joeandkath@ verizon.net.

“Brand it Blue Day,” June 11, to fight hunger. Express

Employment Professional is sponsoring a food drive thru Jun. 11, at 6200 Steubenville Pike, Robinson. For info, visit expresspros.com/wpghpa or (412) 494-2000.

Crafters needed…for a Craft Extravaganza, 10

a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 8, Sisters of Divine Providence. Call (412) 635-5401 or pserafini@cdpsisters.org or cdpsisters. org/2016CraftExtravaganza.

Movies in the Park in Pine, Free movies at Pine Park Gazebo: June 17, Karate Kid (2010); July 22, Finding Nemo; August 19, Zootopia. Movies start at dusk (around 9:00 p.m). Rain date for each movie is one week after original date. Questions? Email pinecenter@twp.pine.pa.us.

Orchard Hill: KidsFest ’16, Jul. 11-15, Jul. 18-22, Jul. 25-29; Global Leadership Summit, 9:30 a.m., Aug. 11-12. Visit http:// www.orchardhillchurch.com/

Pine Community Day, 4 p.m.-dusk, July 16, Pine Community

Center. Train rides, Rock wall, pony rides, jumbo bouncer, giant slide, food, games & more. Fireworks display. For details, visit http://twp.pine.pa.us/

Rock-A-Thon, 1-4 p.m., Jun. 4, Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Ave. To register for the Rock-A-Thon, visit littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org or (412) 307-1268.

Train rides, Mars Shortline Railroad in Mars, 10 a.m.-2

p.m., every Friday & 1-4 p.m., every Saturday, June thru Sept., (weather permitting, Mars Area History & Landmark’s Society (GPS #1 Brickyard Rd., Mars). Donations are welcome. Visit www.marshistory.org or (724) 272-9588

Working families are waiting...donate your car to Community Auto. Your unwanted running vehicle can help low-income working individuals. For info, visit www.communityauto.org or (724) 443-8300.

Festivals, Fairs & Fashion Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, June 10-12, Coopers

Lake Campground. For info, call (724) 256-4050 or visit www.

BantamJeepFestival.com.

Food Bank’s Feed More Festival, July 17, at Stage AE on the North Shore. For details, visit www.pittsburghfoodbank.org.

Saint Sebastian Parish Festival, July 11-16, McKnight/

Siebert, Ross Twp. Super bingo, games, rides, nightly entertainment, basket raffle, car raffle, nightly dinners. Visit www.

SaintSebastianParish.org/festival.

Camps Barnyard Round-Up Vacation Bible Camp, 9 a.m.-noon,

June 13-17, St. Alexis Parish, 10090 Old Perry Hwy, Wexford.

For info, call (724) 935-4343 or stalexis.org.

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Events HAPPENINGS | June 2016

Hoops for Life Camp, for 6th-8th grade, 5-6:30 p.m. for girls,

Marshall Township Camps: Baker’s Dozen Summer Camp, 10

Kidz Kaboom Children’s Summer Camp, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.,

Environmental & Gardening

7-8:30 p.m. for boys, Jun. 27-30, St. Alphonsus in Pine Twp. Visit HoopsForLife@SaintAlphonsusWexford.org.

Jun. 21-24, Allison Park Church, 2326 Duncan Ave., Allison Park. For kids ages 3 yrs-6th grade. For details, visit www. kidskaboom.com or (412) 487-7220.

Playground Program, 9-11:30 a.m., Jun. 13-Jul. 6; Summer

Recreation, 8:45 a.m.-noon, Jun. 13-Jul. 8; Baker’s Dozen Summer Camp, 10 a.m.-noon, Jul. 25-27; Engineering for Kids Out of This World, 9 a.m.-noon, Aug. 1-5; Nature Discovery Camp, 9 a.m.-noon, Aug. 1-5. (724) 935-3090 x115.

a.m.-noon, Jun. 27-29;

Herb & Garden Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 11, Harmony

Museum barn annex, 303 Mercer Rd. Vegetables, herbs, and roses. For details, call (724) 452-7341 or harmonymuseum.org.

North Hills Community Outreach is seeking individuals

or garden groups to grow seedlings for transplanting in their organic garden. For details, call (412) 307-0069 x3311 or nhcogardens.squarespace.com.

North Park Latodami Environmental Events: (North

Events) Forest Bathing Outing, 7 p.m., Jun. 3; Wildwood Biodiversity Inventory, 10 a.m., Jun. 4; Taking in the Forest thru Tai Chi & Flute, 1 p.m., Jun. 4; Young Nature Explorers Class, 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., Jun. 14; Young Naturalists Program, 10 a.m., or 1 p.m., Jun. 14, 20-22, 27-29. (Deer Lakes) Arm Chair Birdwatching, 10 a.m., Jun. 8. (Hartwood) Geocaching Nature Game,7 p.m., Jun. 24. Pre-register at (724) 935-2170.

Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals, Electronics & Freon Appliances, Jun. 4 & 25, Jul. 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17.

Oct. 15 & 29, Nov. 19 & Dec. 17, 129 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City.

Pre-registration if required 1-866-815-0016.

Shaler Great Gardens Tour, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Jun. 26, benefits the Shaler Library. For tickets & info, visit www.shalerlibrary. org or www.shalergardenclub.org, or call (412) 486-0211.

Shaler Great Local Gardens Contest, winners will be

announced Jul. 26. For details, www.shalerlibrary.org or www. shalergardenclub.org, or call (412) 486-0211.

Southern Butler County Garden Club Garden Tour, 9:30

a.m.-3 p.m., Jul. 16, tour private gardens in Zelie & Harmony.

For details, visit www.southernbutlercountygardenclub.org or call Rose, (724) 272-0501.

Golf Butler County Chamber of Commerce, Diamond

Anniversary Chamber Golf Outing, Jun. 9, Lake Arthur Golf Club; Aug. 3, Ladies’ Outing at Conley Resort. Email Jennifer@ ButlerCountyChamber.com or (724) 283-2222.

Passavant Hospital Foundation Golf Outing, dinner &

silent auction, Jun. 13, Treesdale Golf & Country Club. For info, call (724) 748-5788.

St. Barnabas Golf Outing, Jun. 6, Butler County Club; For

info, email ssommariva@stbarnabashealthsystem.com or call (724) 625-3770.

Verland Golf Tournament, June 6, Siliciano Golf Tournament at Green Oaks CC. For details, visit verland.org.

Library Northland Library Events: 7 p.m., Jun. 2, George

Washington Walked Here; 10:30 a.m., Jun. 22, Ronald McDonald Book Time Juggling & Magic Show; 9:30 a.m., Jun. 25, Family Science Olympiad; 7 p.m., Jun. 27, Summer Planting for a Better Garden, 6 p.m., Jul. 7; Scrabble Night. Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www.northlandlibrary.org.

Strawberry Festival

Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Saturday, June 18 • 4-7 p.m.

Picnic Food & Antique Car Show For more info: 412-741-6880

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How The Farm to Table Movement Looks in PA Shenot Farm and Market

BY AMANDA KING

The farm to table concept has become so wildly popular among chefs and consumers that it’s now ingrained in our dining ritual.

N

ow, whenever you walk into a restaurant or sit down at your table, you instantly know where your food comes from and that it’s fresh.

And, we, as consumers, are eating it up.

Supporting local farmers has become easier than ever with local farms opening their farmers’ markets each spring across PA. in 2014, the Farm to Table Conference launched in Pittsburgh, providing consumers with the first citywide platform for discussing the value of locally grown food through cooking demonstrations, as well as networking opportunities.

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With all the opportunities we now have that enable us to support the farm to table concept, it’s no wonder the concept is helping grow our local economy. According to the London-based New Economics Foundation, a local farm’s income generated twice as much money for the local economy as a supermarket’s income in the same area.

Along with helping invigorate your town’s economy, when you buy local, the produce is perfectly ripe—meaning it’s at its flavor peak and is packed with vitamins and minerals. Local produce is picked when its ripe because it doesn’t have to travel far, so when you decide to buy local, you are getting the most nutrition and flavor from your food as you possibly can.

Consumers will be able to enjoy the farm to table experience for years to come.

According to the Pennsylvania State Data Center and U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, Pennsylvania rural counties are projected to have a total population of 3.57 million people, a 3 percent increase from 2010.

Two local area farm markets that are exceptional for embracing the Farm to Table concept are: the Shenot Farm and Market and Eichner’s Farm Market & Greenhouse.

The Shenot Farm and Market is a sustainable family farm believes that, “Good stewardship of the land and environment is a priority.” Ed Shenot and his son Rob are 5th and 6th generation Shenot farmers, both with degrees in horticulture from Penn State.

According to Rob Shenot, “The growth of the Farm to Table concept is exciting and it’s great to see people experiencing a re-connection with fresh, locally grown food and all the many benefits it has to offer such as nutrition, taste and quality. But, it is also great to see families teaching their children the benefits of farm freshness and having their children enjoy all the flavors.”

Shenot offers a whole spectrum of fresh produce to name just a few, they offer tomatoes, eggplants and peppers, zucchini and summer squash, cucumbers, cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower, brussels sprouts sugar snap peas, green and yellow snap beans and is expecting their first corn crop in by the 4th of July, then they have over 12

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varieties of sweet corn that are staggered throughout the growing season They also offer a whole array of fruit selection from apples, plums, peaches, melons, and back by popular demand this season is the much loved baby yellow watermelon and a new “personal-size” cantaloupe. And don’t forget to pick up some of their award-winning apple cider.

In addition to fantastic produce, Shenot’s also offers milk and dairy products, egg cheese and pasture raised meats from Mish Meats Farm Market.

Shenot’s is open year-round, but you can also keep their incredible produce yourself. They provide instructions, ingredients and know-how for canning, preserving and pickling for these Farm to Table favorites.

The market also offers all-natural infused olive oils and balsamic vinegars from the Enchanted Olive to heighten your own delicious Farm to Table cooking experience.

In the mood for the taste of sweetness?

In addition, to the sweetness of their various fruit selections their delectable homemade fudge, available in over 50 flavors in height of season. The fudge can be even be packaged for wedding, shower and party favors.

Also, be sure and take home some farmfresh popcorn too for a natural, fluffy yet crunchy, incredibly tasty snack.

Shenot’s Farm and Market is conveniently located between I-79 and Rt-19 in Wexford. Minutes from the Wexford exit and Cranberry, Shenot’s is north of SR 910 at 3754 Wexford Run Road.

For more information, call (724) 9352542 or visit http://shenotfarm.com/ and be sure to check out their “Fresh from the Field” section to see the latest harvests.

Another local farm market, offering Farm to Table freshness is Eichner’s Farm Market & Greenhouse: Eichner’s Farm Market & Greenhouse has a wealth of insight to offer their year round customers with 3rd, 4th, and 5th generation family members sharing their knowledge and wisdom. With entertainment for customers being an evolution, we want to invite you all for some “down on the farm” FUN (Farming & Nutrition). With Dick and Vi

always focusing on nutrition and supplements, Ron has elevated it all to a higher level. The buzz now in the media is “fruits and vegetables are nutritionally depleted” It leads to farmers growing crops with commercial fertilizers. Check out the US Senate Document #264. You’ll be alarmed what has changed nutritionally and disease increase since 1936. Our crops are nurtured with poultry manure, which is loaded with minerals and trace elements that commercial fertilizers can’t duplicate.

This spring we have partnered up with Serenity Hills Farms, Cheswick, PA which supply us with grass fed beef, pork and lamb meats. We’ve also teamed up with Thoma Meat Market, Saxonburg, PA for various meat products and Pasture Maid Creamery, New Castle, PA for raw milk and cheeses. These all complement our homemade pork products that we›ve offered for generations.

Our laying hens are busy producing our high energy eggs while we are busy getting our fields planted, for our delicious nutritionally fortified full line of vegetables, espeEichner’s Farm Market cially our butter and sugar & Greenhouse sweet corn! We are proud to offer our customers “farm to table with enhanced nutrition.”

Our greenhouses are stocked with an array of beautifully colored flowers to fit all of your gardening needs as well as herb and vegetable plants. So if you get a chance stop in our farm market & greenhouse, we are open 7 days a week. “Bring a friend and be a friend” 724-9352131 eichnerfarm@gmail.com There is also a certain warm and fuzzy feeling that comes with supporting a local business. When you do business with your nearby family farmer, you are supporting a member of your community. l l l

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Honor

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | June 2016

Rally for Troops and Veterans Leadership Journey

BY PAULA GREEN

“The willingness of America’s Veterans to sacrifice for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude.” – Jeff Miller (Florida congressman)

T

he people of Beaver, Pa., will once again show their appreciate this year for our troops who so valiantly fight for our freedom. The “Rally for The Troops” event will be held 5 p.m., Sunday, June 12 in Quay Park, next to the courthouse.

This patriotic gathering is hosted by the Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 862 and the Associates of Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 862. The event will pay special tribute to service men and women from all wars and conflicts from the past to the present.

There will be free food and entertainment. Bring your flag and chair, rally around and show your support for our brave troops. Donations are accepted. For further information, visit www.VVA862.org or call Bob Gwin at (724) 777-7772 or Rita Swesey at (724) 3123595.

The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania (VLP) is sponsoring a 335 Miles for Veterans. Last year, VLP, case manager and U.S. Army

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Veteran, Jack Kudrav embarked on a special journey to support our troops.

Kudrav, an avid cyclist, rode his bike 335 miles from Pittsburgh to Washington D.C. He will make the trek once again this year, except this time he will be accompanied by 21 other spirited cyclists.

The bike team will depart on Jun. 30 and are slated to arrive in the nation’s capital on July 4. For information on the ride visit, https://www.crowdrise. com/335MilesforVeterans.

The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania is an organization that fulfills the vital needs for Veterans and their families. VLP provides essential housing, employment and support services.

Their goal is to improve the quality of life of service members. They are located on East Carson Street in Pittsburgh. For more information, visit http://www. vlpwpa.org/ or email info@vlpwpa.org or call (412) 4818200. l l l

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