June 2020
CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 21 YEARS
Allegent Community Federal Credit Union Responding to Your Needs
Also... Oakland Catholic Thrives During COVID-19 Men in Business | Donut Trivia Catholic Community Food Bank
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www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2020
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
June
Features 10 Cover Story: Allegent Community Federal Credit Union – Responding to Your Needs Janice Lane Palko
18 Celebrating Men in Business 32 Facts From the Farm Ron Eichner
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Kids & Education 12 Strategic Vision, Community, and Leadership: How Oakland Catholic High School Thrives in a COVID-19 World 14 School Movers & Shakers 15 PA Cyber – The Learning Never Stops 16 The Future of Learning is Already Here at Agora Cyber Charter School
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Health & Wellness 21 Solevo Men in Health Care 22 Medical Marijuana Gives Butler Man His Life Back Janice Lane Palko 24 Be Sun-sensible and You Will Feel Sun-sational Belinda Burchick
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events usually featured in our Happenings and Senior Happenings have been cancelled. Therefore, we have not published those sections in the June issue. We will update our website when we learn of activities resuming. Also, it would be advisable to check with any business or organization hosting an event to make sure that it is still scheduled before venturing out.
In Every Issue...
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From the Publisher
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Movers & Shakers
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Mover & Shaker of the Month: Area Moms and North Catholic Students Rally to Fill The Catholic Community Food Bank of Troy Hill Paula Green
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Marion Piotrowski
26 From the Editor: Risk Versus Reward Janice Lane Palko
29 Trivia Connection: Take a Bite Out of Donut Trivia Paula Green 31 Support Our Troops: Bryce Billetdeaux Paula Green
www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2020
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome to the June Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!
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ith the start of summer upon us, it looks like we may be able to begin to live our new normal, having a mask, gloves, hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes prepared as we step out of quarantine. I hope we will be able to enjoy some outdoor activities and social gatherings as in the past before COVID-19. As I look back on the past three months, I appreciate all the frontline workers who have kept us going during this difficult time. Their unselfish commitment to the community has not only been a necessity but also a true blessing. It is encouraging to see so many people going out of their way to help others. My husband, daughter and granddaughter and I were going through the takeout line for lunch the other day, and the car in front of us paid for our lunch! Paying it forward seems to be happening a little more during these trying times. My daughter said that happened to her once before at a Starbucks, and it happened to me once at a nail salon. My husband was quite surprised that anyone would do that, and wondered why, so we explained it to him, and he paid for the car behind us! Needless to say, we got the better of the deal! The many thoughtful and kind deeds that many of us experienced at this time are one I hope will continue as we do get back to “People working together in thing living our lives. This month’s cover story is about Allegent a strong community with a Community Federal Credit Union. They are shared good and a common growing in the community and have opened a new branch in Cranberry. When we were talking purpose can make the with them about their article, they informed us impossible possible.” about how things will be different even going into the branches to do business. Could you Tom Vilsack ever imagine going into a financial institution wearing a mask? A few months ago, that was illegal; and now it is required for you to be able to get in the door. However, at Allegent Community Federal Credit Union, they have assured us that their services will be as friendly and efficient as ever and that their goal is to respond to your needs. It is nice to know that The Block at Northway will be opening their Farmers Market this month. This is a great way to get local produce at great prices and a lot of variety! Enjoy reading this month’s feature articles as well our regular monthly columns. All of us at Northern Connection Magazine appreciate the readers and advertisers for your continued support. Together, let us continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. n
NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722
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Happy Father’s Day to all men that have or had a positive influence on the life of a child! Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
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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. 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.
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
Movers & Shakers Joella Baker
Northern Connection Fit Families writer, Joella Baker, won a USA Triathlon Multisport Award by Wahoo Fitness. Baker was bestowed with the Jeff Jewell Award. This award is given each year to an athlete who gives back to the sport outside of competitions and is considered a role model to other athletes, particularly youth.
Retired UPMC Passavant hospital physician Dr. John Orie was recently honored with a surprise birthday parade on May 10. The 98-year-old was humbled as his neighbors on Montgomery Drive in McCandless threw a surprise, socially distancing party for him. He has resided in the same house for 65 years. McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grantmaking foundation, announced 28 new grants totaling $961,210 to support capacity building, community and economic development, education, out-of-school time and health and wellness initiatives in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Uptown and
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West Oakland communities. McAuley Ministries responded to the COVID-19 emergency by granting $297,500 to 13 community partners, so they can continue serving vulnerable populations by providing food and other resources. Bradford Woods Community Church at 4836 Wexford Run Road is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year. The church routinely supports North Hills Community Outreach, the Brothers Brother Foundation, Hearth and North Country Meals on Wheels and is home to an active Little Free Library.
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
Mover & Shaker of the Month
Area Moms and North Catholic Students Rally to Fill The Catholic Community Food Bank of Troy Hill By Paula Green During the pandemic, many people rallied together to help others. A group of dedicated moms and North Catholic High School students pitched in to assist the Catholic Community Food Bank of Troy Hill. The facility was depleted and in desperate need of replenishment.
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orth Catholic High School opened in 1939, and for 75 years, it was located in Troy Hill. In 2014, the school relocated to Cranberry Township. “Even though the school moved, North Catholic families did not abandon the Troy Hill residents who counted on the school families. They’ve always had a tradition of helping the community,” said Wexford resident Wendy Porter. Wendy has worked with several food banks. She started assisting with the Wexford one in 2011. She learned that the one in Troy Hill was in lacking in numerous food items. “The volunteers at this food bank are amazing, but their support was from a small parish the Most Holy Name of Jesus,” Wendy added. “I asked Beverly Baker, who’s in charge of the Troy Hill Food Bank, if I could help. I started picking up donations from the Market District Giant Eagle every third Monday of the month, and I delivered them to their facility. I began doing this in 2014, and this tradition continues today,” Wendy said. In April, Wendy noticed that church closings and the lack of financial support from parishes affected the food bank shelves. The place was barren. Wendy purchased some items, and then she enlisted the help of the Marianist Moms from North Catholic High School. “I told them about the empty shelves at Troy Hill, and they jumped at the opportunity to fill them. The dedication, generosity and compassion of these women is humbling. They are workhorses, and they get the job done,” Wendy noted. One of the moms that Wendy recruited to help was Amy Madonna of Gibsonia. Her daughter, Isabella, is a junior at North Catholic; she is the one that spearheaded this project. “I had been texting with Wendy, Katie Cullo, Lisa Clerici, Ranea Daugherty, Michele Mitchell, Terri McSteen and Lisa Rivetti about helping the Troy Hill food bank. As we were texting, Isabella was sitting beside me, and I asked her if she wanted to help fill the empty shelves at the Troy Hill foodbank, and without hesitation she said YES! She then contacted Mr. Amoruso, division dean of religion from North Catholic. He was supportive and permitted us to use North Catholic as the drop-off site. The helpers were - Jack and Nate Cullo, Ellis Dunn, Lena and Maylee Clerici, Ian and Aislin Daughterty, Elizabeth Mitchell, Alex O’Donnell, Domenic and Carli Rivetti, Andrew and Connor Maddalon and Reagan Miksch organized a neighborhood food drive. They did an amazing job; it was truly a group effort,” said Amy. Katie Cullo of Sewickley is a member of the Marianist Mission Moms at North Catholic and has been involved with them since their inception. As she explains, “The Marianist Mission Team was formed at the end of the 2012/2013 school year. This was our last year on Troy Hill, before the move to Cranberry. Its purpose is to support carrying forward the Marianist charism and the Marianist principle of educating students in the family spirit. The kids did a tremendous job filling the food bank on Troy Hill, serving a community that is isolated, despite being in the city. They answered a need, just because they saw that it existed.” A special thanks to everyone who worked tirelessly to make this food drive such a success. You helped so many families in need and have touched their hearts! n
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COVER STORY
Allegent Community Federal Credit Union Responding to Your Needs By Janice Lane Palko Front row from Left: Angela Surrena, Teller; Alayah Mullins, Teller Back row from left: Sara Shinsky, Branch Manager; Meghan Giannoccora, Assistant Manager
The hallmark of a thriving, growing business is how responsive it is to its members’ needs. Allegent Community Federal Credit Union was founded precisely to address its members’ financial needs. Established in March 1935 as Allegheny County U.S. Government Employees Federal Credit Union with 10 members and $70, Allegent, in October 2006, progressed to a community charter, allowing it to open its membership and provide its services to others. It was then that it changed its name to Allegent Community Federal Credit Union. Allegent offers membership to anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Allegheny or Butler Counties and offers all the products and services that larger financial institutions do.
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Mark Bruno, VP of Lending
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ast October, Allegent opened a new location in Butler County in Cranberry Township at the corner of Haine School and Freedom Roads. “We renovated an existing building, which was ideal for us. It was a dry-cleaning business, but prior to that, the building was a financial institution and still had a walk-in vault,” said Angelo Lucatorto, Chief Executive Officer. The credit union has three other locations: its original site in downtown Pittsburgh on Liberty Avenue and branches in Penn Hills and Wexford. “We have ATM access at all four branches and drive-thru access in Cranberry and Wexford,” said Mr. Lucatorto. “Our Cranberry Township branch is another example of how we continue to seek growth of our membership base. As always, we offer great products and services as we look forward to a bright future for the credit union!” said Mr. Lucatorto. Like banks, credit unions are financial institutions, but
unlike them, it is the members who own the credit union. Therefore, the members have a vested interest in it and naturally strive to make their credit union more convenient, responsive and financially worthwhile. Allegent has nearly 15,000 members. Allegent offers everything that the large banks do for consumers, but it offers so much more. Allegent provides a variety of savings and checking accounts, investment and retirement products, home equity loans, vehicle loans, Visa credit cards and personal loans as well as online and mobile banking. Now more than ever technology has become essential. “Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, we have seen increased traffic to our online banking platform including the mobile app. We’ve also seen increased usage of our ATMs from each of our branch network locations,” said Mark Bruno, Vice President, Lending, who has seen these services become vital for their members. With social distancing, options like mobile deposit have become more important than ever. It allows members to take a photo of a check on their phone and deposit that check with Allegent without ever leaving home or touching a screen. Popmoney is another convenience that has revolutionized how money is transferred. It is a personal payment service that lets you send, receive or request money from friends, family or just about anyone with an email address or cell phone number. If you can’t be near others, it’s proven indispensable for giving gifts to family and friends; collecting rent from tenants or roommates; requesting money for club dues, your sports team or a group vacation; paying your dogwalker, babysitter, or lawn care service; sending money to your child at college; or for reimbursing friends for a fun outing, like a dinner or concert. “Allegent offers home equity loans and home equity lines of credit at great rates with no closing costs, and you can apply from the comfort of your home. During the pandemic, we’ve experienced an increase in online loan applications, and the turnaround time is still approximately 24 hours for credit decisions,” said Mr. Bruno. Another convenient feature is Allegent’s auto financing program. As a part of the Keystone Lending Alliance (KLA), a Credit Union Service Organization owned and operated by Allegent and four other credit unions in the area, Allegent, through the KLA offers lending services to members for auto financing, allowing members to finance through Allegent right at the dealership. That means no longer stopping by the credit union to sign loan documents and then heading back to the dealership. You can even purchase a car when the credit union is closed. Allegent’s service goes beyond aiding only its members; it’s an active participant in the community. Recently, Allegent donated $2,000 to the Pittsburgh Food Bank, which provided 10,000 meals to people in need from the pandemic. St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital is another charity it supports. The credit union began selling Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups at its locations for $1. In less than three months, Allegent raised almost $500 this year prior to the pandemic, which has slowed efforts.
Angelo Lucatorto, CEO
But Allegent looks forward to continuing the fundraiser. “Hershey’s heard about our efforts and is quite supportive. They even sent us a display case,” said Mr. Lucatorto. “We have also partnered with radio station Y108-FM and presented St. Jude with a semi-annual donation. This is our second year raising funds for St. Jude’s.” Whatever your financial needs, Allegent is there to assist with them, and you can be sure it is poised to adapt to future needs be it on an individual level or on a community-wide basis. n For more information on Allegent Community Federal Credit Union, visit: www.allegentfcu.org Cranberry Township: 412-642-2875 Franklin Park: 412-642-2875 Penn Hills: 412-642-2875 Liberty Center: 412-642-2875 www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2020
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Strategic Vision, Community, and Leadership: How Oakland Catholic High School Thrives in a COVID-19 World At Oakland Catholic High School, planning and commitment to the school’s mission allowed for a quick and smooth transition to remote learning, where education continues to be an experience, and not just an academic checklist to complete for a diploma.
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uring end-of-day announcements on Thursday, March 12, Oakland Catholic students were instructed to bring home anything they might need for a possible extended school closure. They were quickly reassured that classes and studies would continue, but in a different fashion, and for as long as necessary. Despite disappointment that the annual Spirit Week was cut short by a day, there was no panic or major outcry because letters from administration about the developing coronavirus situation had been arriving at this point on a fairly regular basis. Leadership had been following research and the virus since it first impacted the school in January, when it forced six international seniors who had traveled home to be with family during the Lunar New Year, to remain in China and complete their final semester of high school remotely. Thanks to a forward-thinking Board of Directors, an ambitious strategic plan that focused on technology, and a holistic mission built on an integration of academics, community, and spirituality, shifting instruction remotely was not only possible, but already in place and tested. With only one day of in-service to review protocols and the newly devised A/B schedule of alternating classes, Oakland Catholic High School was up and running in full remote capacity. They even had a new logo: We Are OC! Now remote! The quick and effective transition served both students and parents well. By providing structure and routine at a time when disruption and anxiety reigned, Oakland Catholic provided an anchor of familiarity when few reassurances of normalcy seemed to exist. All was well and the school year would finish on time! Advance planning and decision-making certainly didn’t predict COVID-19,
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but it did prepare the school and its students well for whatever the future presented. The school’s mission? Educate young women to become competent, confident, compassionate, and ethical global leaders. COVID-19 presented yet another opportunity to live this mission. Not a new responsibility, just different circumstances. Oakland Catholic has always been in the business of preparing for the unpredictable. The goal remained intact; faculty and leadership simply needed to adapt the means of achieving that goal. Of course, there were the inevitable cancelations. And, the Seniors naturally despaired at the loss of ceremonies and events planned out years in advance. But long before this year’s Commencement Speaker, Kelley Cooper Miller, OCHS’91, advised the Class of 2020 to not wallow in questions of “why” when things go awry, but instead urged them to pursue the “what” of a situation, this class, along with all OC students, faculty, staff, and parents asked a lot of “what” questions. What can we do to transform traditions so that they still occur? What are the ways we can adapt pedagogy so that lessons are equally effective despite a remote environment? What do we need to create in order to not just maintain community, but build connection and engagement with each other, with our studies, and with the larger world? This is when the mission of the school, the spirit of the community, and the expertise of so many converged. This is how Oakland Catholic is not only surviving this pandemic, but continues to thrive. Gifts were delivered to the Class of 2020 on two occasions, along with their caps, gowns, honor cords, and eventually diplomas. A virtual Commencement, aired on the same date as graduation was scheduled to take place, was personalized with video clips
of each graduate “walking” in her cap and gown when her name was announced. Annual events like the Language Fair, the Global Competence Initiative (GCI) Global Showcase, and Admissions events all went virtual as keynote speakers recorded themselves from home, an “OC At Home” hub on the school’s website was created, and Student Council recorded the daily prayer for the announcements that came out each Motivational Monday, Together Tuesday, Wellness Wednesday, Thankful Thursday, or Faith-filled Friday. These are just some of the moments and events that built community, but the real story about any school has to do with learning. OC Faculty quickly recognized that good teaching is good teaching, regardless of the environment in which it occurs. Teachers built instructional videos and designed flipped classroom lesson plans. They held office hours and presented engaging lectures via zoom. They employed OC Alumnae to present lectures and hold discussions with students on topics relevant to the subject matter being taught. They filled Schoology and Edpuzzle, two platforms that were pushed out to all school laptops at the start of this school year, with discussion boards, posts, assignments, and formative assessments. Mission Forward, the school’s 1:1 laptop program instituted six years ago, has been an essential component of the school’s success. Another is the commitment of leadership to frequent, honest, and direct communication. Sessions like the President’s ThinkTank for different groups of students and Conversation with the President - for Parents Only were well-attended in evenings, allowing students to provide feedback on what was working and not working with remote instruction, and offering parents a forum for making suggestions, asking questions, and receiving transparent answers. The typical weekly electronic newsletter still appeared in everyone’s inbox on Wednesday morning, supplemented by the Sunday evening Student Announcements, but daily bulletins, letters that were emailed and then posted on the OC At Home update page, and daily video conferencing among administrators, academic departments, directors, and office staff kept everyone in the loop and on the same page. Forward-thinking, progress, and positivity were the vocabulary words and mantra of all invested in closing campus but continuing learning. Before COVID-19 became a household vocabulary word, the academic year calendar was set. Oakland Catholic will finish as
scheduled. Campus will remain closed into the summer, but learning at Oakland Catholic never ceases. Knowing that the incoming ninth graders have missed some instruction, and that returning OC Students still need the community’s support and connection, a Virtual OC Summer is gearing up! Communication strategies for each grade level are being mapped out so that students have a chance to interact socially online and continue their educational experience. The mentoring program for incoming freshmen will begin earlier than usual to facilitate friendships and familiarity with all that Oakland Catholic offers to young women of this region. They will receive their laptops by the end of June and Zoom sessions will be offered for free as teachers create learning experiences in the arts, mathematics, literature, and science. Scenarios for the start of school at the end of August are in full development, and although it is clear that even the most “normal” return will entail safety measures and constraints on how school typically operates, there is certainty within the Oakland Catholic halls that the mission to educate young women to become competent, confident, ethical, global leaders will be carried out to its full extent. n
144 North Craig Street Pittsburgh, PA 412.682.6633 www.oaklandcatholic.org/admissions
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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N
School Movers & Shakers Saint Joseph
Shaler Area
Saint Joseph High School junior Robert Lipnichan III was recently awarded the Duquesne University Chancellor’s Scholarship.
The Shaler Area High School team placed first overall in the Fairchild Challenge at Phipps. The Shaler Area High School team consisted of senior Aliza Zelina; juniors Olivia Jarzynka, Alyssa Juzwick, Hannah Coleman, Jamie Eichmiller and Caitlin Fedorek; and sophomores Rebecca Schiavone and Anna Sheets.
Robert Lipnichan III
In a virtual awards ceremony for the Pittsburgh region of National History Day competition, two Saint Joseph High School students advanced to the State Competition. Sam Sam Ethan Wygonik, ’22, took sec- Wygonik Schroeder ond place in the research paper category, and Ethan Schroeder, ’20, took first place in the individual performance category. Both students also received the King Award.
Pine-Richland Pine-Richland/Mars Area U.S. Air Force JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp) was selected as one of 387 units to receive the 20192020 Air Force JROTC Distinguished Unit Award.
Seneca Valley Seneca Valley Sophomore Veronica Pimenova was awarded a scholarship from Gannon University for her excellent work on a nanoparticles project for the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF). Seneca Valley students Kaitlyn Moore, Rachel Spear and Veronica Pimenova were recognized by the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NCWIT). Kaitlyn and Rachel were selected as 2020 Central and Western Pennsylvania Affiliate Honorable Mention recipients of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing. Veronica was named a 2020 Central and Western Pennsylvania Affiliate Rising Star recipient of the NCWIT Award for Aspirations in Computing.
Seneca Valley High School Math League team placed first in the region and 16th out of 34 high schools in the state. Individually, junior David Choi tied for 18th place in the state with a cumulative score of 27 out of 30 over the six tests. Rachel Spear, sophomore, tied for 24th place in the state with a score of 26 out of 30. Tracy Richards, a Ryan Gloyer Middle School (RGMS) lions team math teacher, reached out to various Seneca Valley teachers, coaches and parents to help with a food drive. The group brought in thousands of dollars’ worth of food donations and made 33 deliveries to SV families during the pandemic.
Mars Area Mars Area High School junior Ellie Coffield was nominated for Cover Three Athletics 2019-2020 Female Athlete of the Year.
Ellie Coffield
Michael Carmody
Mars Area High School senior Michael Carmody was named to the 2020 Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class 5A All-State Team Boys Basketball First Team. Mars Area High School freshman Gracyn Thatcher joined with the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra (TRYPO) in its performance of a virtual concert.
Gracyn Thatcher
Mars Area High School junior Alexandra Knotts earned first place in the Art Category at the 2020 Three Rivers German Day. Alexandra Knotts
Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com
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PA Cyber - The Learning Never Stops
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Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School freshman Prajval Sreenivas won second place in Impromptu Speaking at the virtual freshman-sophomore tournament hosted by Shady Side Academy. The virtual tournament took place April 18. A total of 50 students representing 12 high schools from across Western Pennsylvania competed in various speech and debate events as part of the tournament. Fox Chapel Area High School senior Gwendolyn Davison was named a national medalist in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2020.
Gwendolyn Davison
The Fox Chapel Area Board of School Directors elected Mary Catherine Reljac, Ed.D., as the district’s next superintendent. Dr. Reljac comes to the Fox Chapel Area School District from the Franklin Regional School District Mary in Murrysville where she has served Catherine as the assistant superintendent since Reljac, Ed.D. August 2013. The Fox Chapel Area School District has been named among the 2020 Best Communities for Music Education. FCASD is one of 115 in the state
ince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, PA Cyber has proven that not only does the learning never stop, but the teaching never stops; the caring for one another never stops; and fundamentally, PA Cyber never stops. Even under these circumstances that no one could have predicted just six months ago, our community – the PA Cyber community – has stepped forward to ensure that we do what every great school does. We create an enriched environment in which students can thrive, regardless of their situation or circumstance. The teachers and staff of PA Cyber are deeply appreciative to every one of our students and their families for the many ways they have demonstrated patience, understanding and initiative. Our teachers are regularly inspired by our student’s perseverance and adaptability in these unprecedented times. One of our 2020 graduating seniors said it best, “Not only is PA Cyber good for me, but it’s good for my family as well.” With the landscape of education continuing to adapt to a new normal, our team will once again answer the call to educate all students well. We will be ready for the new school year in August because at PA Cyber, “The Learning Never Stops.” n
of Pennsylvania and one of 754 school districts in the nation chosen for this honor that recognizes outstanding commitment to music education. Four Fox Chapel Area High School senior varsity wrestlers recently received All-State Academic Honors. Joshua Miller and Luke O’Connor were named to the first team, Alexander Wecht was named to the second team, and Eddie Farrell was named to the third team.
BC3 Lauren Buchanan, of Grove City, on July 1 will become director of Butler County Community College’s additional location in Mercer County, succeeding John Suesser, who will retire after 11 Lauren years as BC3 @ LindenPointe’s leader. Buchanan
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N C F E AT U R E
The Future of Learning is Already Here at Agora Cyber Charter School Agora Cyber Charter School, established in 2005, is an online public school for Pennsylvania students in kindergarten through 12th grade. With year-round enrollment, students are welcome to enroll with us any time during the school year. Once enrolled students are provided with a computer, a printer and the resources needed for success.
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rigorous curriculum taught in live sessions by PA-certified teachers trained to provide virtual instruction, Agora students attend classes throughout the school year, uninterrupted by the learning impediments faced by traditional brick and mortar schools such as snow days, adverse building conditions, and or any other societal situations. More than 87% of Agora students must be logged in, present and participating in live, virtual lessons each day. Live classroom instruction provides students with an engaging education, while going to public school in the safety and comfort of their homes. Agora also offer asynchronous instruction which is awarded to some students under special circumstances after a determined period of live instruction. Deciding which educational opportunity best fits a child’s needs is crucial, and Agora has spent over 15 years ensuring their online educational model allows each student’s needs to be met. Equally important as Agora’s academic programs, are the extended services offered to students. Agora is classified as a trauma-informed school, the first virtual school given this designation in the U.S. Agora assists more than 1,000 students each year through the Student Assistance Program, which includes a virtual crisis room, crisis coordinator and social worker. Agora has found this online team approach to be quite successful, since students are more apt to share personal problems in an online environment. This, in turn, allows Agora staff to provide the students with the guidance they need in an environment they consider safe and nurturing, as they navigate through difficult times in their lives. 16
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Agora’s provides additional layers of individualized attention and support from the cyber school team. For example, at Agora, each family is assigned a “family coach,” who serves as the liaison between the school and the student’s family. The regionally assigned family coach provide consistent oneon-one support throughout the school year, conducts home visits, and monitors the student’s attendance. Family coaches also work with the student’s teachers and family to ensure he or she is fully engaged and participating in all facets of learning. Many prospective cyber charter parents fear that their children will not receive the same overall experiences offered by brick-and-mortar schools, but this could not be further from the truth. From Agora Days Out that bring students together at events across the state, to over 50 online club offerings and to “get up and dance” breaks that encourage movement throughout the day for the younger students, the experiences offered by Agora easily match and oftentimes exceed those offered at any other school. No matter the circumstances, Agora prides itself on the ability to offer education to any child in Pennsylvania who needs it. Our job is to educate kids, and we will always do just that. As long as we recognize the need to both develop and accept viable alternatives for education, we will find ourselves living in a society built on the promising futures we make possible by prioritizing the education and well-being of every student above all else. n
To learn more about enrollment at Agora, visit Agora.org or phone 844-462-4672.
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CELEBRATING MENin BUSINESS “Be so good they can’t ignore you” – Steve Martin In this our June issue, we celebrate local businessmen from variety of industries and professions who are so good, you should not ignore them. Northern Connection is pleased to introduce you to them in this year’s Men in Business feature.
Antonio C. Aiello, CFP, CRPC
| Premier Wealth Partners
Antonio C. Aiello, CFP, CRPC, Premier Wealth Partners, is a Certified Financial Planner and Private Wealth Advisor who specializes in retirement planning and wealth management. Tony chose Ameriprise Financial based on the ability to become a business owner. “As a franchise, our team at Premier Wealth Partners can provide clients with the best of both worlds—access to a Fortune 500 company and the freedom to customize our work,” said Tony, who has been in the business for 20 years and his team has over 260 years in combined experience. What makes Premier Wealth Partners unique is its team approach and the relationship that Tony maintains with his clients. Having a team who possesses diverse skill sets enables Premier Wealth partners to help their clients achieve their financial goals and objectives. In addition to the depth of professional expertise, the team strives to live according to a common set of values – Integrity, Independence, Success, Gratitude and Health. Tony has chosen to keep his client base limited in order to understand and appreciate the uniqueness of each individual client, allowing him to provide a higher level of personalization than most other financial advisors. “I really consider my clients as an extension of my friends and family. I truly care about each one of them, beyond just their finances. I believe most people wait too long to hire a personal financial advisor,” said Tony. Most people in their lifetimes will intermittingly work with a broker, an insurance agent or the retirement plan representative from their company. However, many people wait too long to hire a personal financial advisor to put it all together. “Most people will come to us when they plan to retire, whereas if they would have come to us 5-10 years earlier, we could have implemented strategies years in advance to improve their situation or make it an easier process.” 412-922-7700 | antonio.c.aiello@ampf.com
Dr. Peter Peduzzi
| American Back Centers
American Back Center has been helping patients for over 50 years and specializes in disc, back and joint conditions and is the Pittsburgh area’s leading practitioner of the revolutionary VAX-D therapy system. VAX-D is instrumental in treating herniated discs, bulging discs, failed back surgery, degenerated discs, chronic low back pain, sciatica and spinal stenosis. They also have a 2nd part of the process which features a medical procedure that is non invasive and non surgical that helps people avoid surgery and the potential long term permanent complications from surgery. “I have always been into natural health and helping people in general – health and nutrition—and the importance of doing things as naturally as possible,” said Dr. Peter Peduzzi, who has a Bachelor’s degree in biology from Slippery Rock University and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences in Chicago. “I came across American Back Centers and Dr. Miskovich after I finished school and realized it was different than other practices. American Back Center is more disc specific and has people coming from all over the country so that we can help people avoid surgery. American Back Centers was even featured on Channel 11 News showing how many people he has helped,” said Dr. Peduzzi, who has 17 years of experience. “I made a very good decision and purchased the practice from Dr. Miskovich. I am happy to be in a practice that not only focuses on chiropractic and nutrition but also helps people to avoid surgery and the long-term effects of surgery. We are happy to say that over 3,000 patients a day, with over 300 centers, get treated successfully,” said Dr. Peduzzi. americanbackcenters.com | 724-935-3300
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Ken Eisner
| Eisner Law, PC | Bridging GAPs since 2010
A Different Approach to Legal Services Generations – Bridging your family from one Generation to the next. Estate planning and administration services, enabling you to pass on your legacy to the ones you love. Adversaries – Bridging Adversaries together. Creative alternative dispute resolutions to enable us to understand each party’s position to ensure a successful resolution for all. Persons – Bridging all interested Persons together. Contract drafting and negotiation for businesses and individuals to result in a mutually beneficial relationship. Situated in Fox Chapel for convenient access. If you or somebody you know has a “GAP” to be bridged, please call us today. 412-406-8077 | www.eisnerlawfirm.com | contact@eisnerlawfirm.com
Tyler Franklin
| Heartland
Our motto is, “Entrepreneurs Respectfully Serving Entrepreneurs.” At Heartland, we have the ability to help business owners with accepting Payments, HR/Payroll solutions, Lending options and Customer Engagement. I was inspired by my family and athletic background to become an entrepreneur. I have been in this position for one year now, and Heartland has given me the ability to start my own business and build it from scratch. We take pride in our security and protecting our customer’s credit card information and provide 24/7/365 American customer service in addition to my local support. Our technology and small business personal focus has helped us to develop things like Text to Apply, resources for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit and Analytics to know who your returning and new customers are. Kindness is the answer - in business and in life. Heartland uses our solutions along with honesty and integrity to provide more value to local businesses. Shop local and keep local alive! 412-737-0802 | tyler.franklin@heartland.us
Michael McGroarty, Jr. CIC
| McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance
Michael McGroarty, Jr. CIC has been with McGroarty & Bradburn Insurance since 2007. I was working for a large corporation and did not like how managers were fighting for the next promotion, often at the expense of their employees and customers. I wanted to cut out the corporate bureaucracy and grow a business that would benefit my team and our clients. Not all insurance agents and companies are the same. We shop your insurance with our 25+ companies to make sure you are getting the right coverage at the best price. We “do the right thing” for our clients and team. We explain insurance in simple terms so the client can make an educated decision. This allows us to customize insurance policies to meet their needs and budget. 412-444-4470 | www.mbbinsurance.com
Forrest Works
| New York Life
I have been with New York Life for 4 years as an Agent, Associate Partner, and now Partner. Also, as a Registered Representative with NYLIFE Securities LLC, I was able to work directly with clients and build both retirement and protection plans for several various clients. Learning and exceling at that process from the ground up allowed me to take a promotion into the management space as an Associate, then full time Partner. Now, I hire and manage a team of Agents and Representatives under New York Life, NYLIFE Securities LLC, and Eagles Strategies. Hiring for New York Life, I offer an opportunity to work with the oldest and largest mutual life insurance company in the world. 175 years in the business and a Fortune 100 company full of resources allows me to offer an opportunity for individuals to be in the Financial Services Industry for themselves, but not by themselves! Currently interviewing and looking to expand, I encourage any professional who is driven, determined, and entrepreneurial to inquire about interviewing. Forrest T. Works, Partner – New York Life Insurance Company Cell: 814-558-8285 | Office: 412-392-3654 | Email: fworks01@ft.newyorklife.com
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Peter J. Piotrowski
| State Farm Insurance
As a State Farm agency owner, my team and I strive to provide our customers with expert knowledge and guidance on risks they or their families could face in life. From the simple bump in the parking lot or a small roof leak to a catastrophic accident or house fire, we help people understand what could happen and fill any gaps they may be concerned about. My goal is to help people repair, replace and keep their cars, homes and way of life. I was inspired to be an entrepreneur because I loved the idea of working for myself and my family. I have been in the insurance and financial service industry since 2001 and have been an agency owner since 2009. I chose to be a State Farm agency owner because I believe that State Farm does provide some of the best insurance products on the market. With my background and passion for helping people in life, I feel that I can give them expert guidance, service and insight so they are empowered to take care of themselves and their families when the improbable catastrophes happen in life. I am a small business but am backed by the largest homeowners and auto insurance company in the country. You get peace of mind knowing your insurance company is strong and helps millions across the country, yet I am here in your hometown to make sure you get personalized service and options! 724-935-6330 | pete@petesinsurance.com
John Craig
| John Craig Bookkeeping & Taxes
John Craig, owner of John Craig Bookkeeping & Taxes, has been in business since 2012, and he feels that the Lord put it on his heart to become an entrepreneur. He has helped upwards of 300 clients get the most out of their hard-earned money. His personal, attentive approach to tax preparation and bookkeeping allows his clients to remain both stress-free and informed year-round, not just during tax season. He prides himself on providing professional customer service that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. “I will get the job done. If I don’t know the answer, I will obtain it for my clients. I feel blessed to have each and every one of my clients,” he said. 412-628-5455 | www.PittsburghTaxes.com
Dr. Shawn Richey
| Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Dr. Shawn Richey, graduated from North Hills High School and earned his first bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. In 2003, he graduated from Logan College of Chiropractic with a Doctorate of Chiropractic degree and a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology. Dr. Shawn Richey has seen thousands of patients suffering with peripheral Neuropathy neuropathy. Through Neuropathy Treatment Center of PGH, Dr. Richey provides a specialized Treatment treatment protocol with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that is designed to Centers of PGH heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. It includes the use of light and magnet therapy to stimulate the growth of small nerve fibers that were once thought to be incurable. Over the years, Dr. Richey’s program has a 90% success rate in helping sufferers feel 50-100% better. He has expanded his practice to include Westmoreland, Washington and Allegheny Counties in efforts to helps as many sufferers as possible. “After witnessing the incredible, healing results that I see every day and hear patients talk about how their life is being restored, I am truly inspired to help as many people suffering with this horrible, life stealing disease.” ~Dr. Shawn Richey 724-940-9000 | MaryDancedIn.com
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SOLEVO MENin HEALTH CARE Rocco Levine
| Solevo
Rocco Levine serves as the Operations Director for Solevo Wellness and works closely with the COO Mr. Britz. As the Operations Director, Rocco works with both patients and employees to create a comfortable atmosphere that focuses on the provision of information and medical products. Rocco’s professional and personal background has provided him with immense experience in the medical marijuana field. Over the course of the past eight years, Rocco has lived outside of Pennsylvania researching both the medicinal potential of cannabinoids and the proper operation of legal distribution. He spent most of that time in San Francisco as a medical marijuana dispensary manager. Rocco has the expertise and the patient-centered approach needed to help patients increase their quality of life through the medicinal use of marijuana. With several family members who suffer from Multiple Sclerosis, Rocco knows firsthand the impact that medical marijuana can have on a patient’s wellness and comfort. Rocco has over 10 years of general management background spanning multiple industries, but it is his mission to continue to focus his energies in medical marijuana so that he can help people find relief. He hopes to provide every patient with the best possible experience through excellent patient care and his commitment to their satisfaction and well-being.
Patrick Gannon
| Solevo
Patrick Gannon has served as the Director of Marketing for Solevo Wellness for the past two years. Patrick is responsible for all aspects of marketing, communications and social media efforts for Solevo. In addition, he directs branding, advertising, website development and custom software projects. Patrick has more than 20 years of software management experience in different industries such as concrete construction materials, retail and health benefit administration. He was the founder and CEO of ExtendSMS, a mobile marketing agency. Prior to joining Solevo he spent 5 years as an eCommerce Product Manager for a Fortune 500 retailer based in Pittsburgh, PA. Patrick graduated with a B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Science.
Dr. Andrew Bucciarelli
| Solevo
Dr. Andrew Bucciarelli, Clinical Pharmacist at Solevo Wellness in Cranberry Township, dedicates his time at Solevo by meeting with patients individually to provide them with information and custom-tailored recommendations for optimal results from medical marijuana. Andrew graduated from Robert Morris University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science, Accounting degree, then received his Doctorate of Pharmacy degree in 2015 from Duquesne University. Andrew has over 10 years of retail pharmacy experience allowing him to communicate the importance of patient safety and beneficial therapeutic outcomes.
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Medical Marijuana Gives Butler Man His Life Back By Janice Lane Palko
“It was like night and day,” said Justin Timpy, 41, of Butler about how he felt after being treated with medical marijuana. Justin was suffering with PTSD, depression and anxiety.
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he father of four had the classic symptoms of feeling down, lack of energy, and little joy. “I’d been taking prescription medications for a while, and my physician was the one who suggested trying medical marijuana to me,” said Justin. By that time, he’d weaned himself off his prescriptions and began visiting medical marijuana dispensaries from Washington to Erie. Currently, medical marijuana is approved in Pennsylvania for 23 medical conditions among them ALS, autism, epilepsy, intractable pain, neurodegenerative disorders and anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are one of the most common mental health concerns in the United States. According to the Anxiety and Depression Society of America (ADAA), an estimated 40 million adults in the U.S. (18%) have an anxiety disorder. Meanwhile, approximately 8% of children and teenagers experience an anxiety disorder, and most people develop symptoms before age 21. “In all honesty, I went to Solevo in Cranberry because it was the nearest dispensary to my house, and 22
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I can’t recommend them enough,” said Justin. “I have never found a more caring group of people. From my first consultation, they have monitored me and worked with me to find the best treatment for my condition.” Medical marijuana comes in several forms from creams that provide localized pain relief to capsules that are swallowed to tinctures that are applied under the tongue to oils that are inhaled. “It took a bit of time to find what form of medical marijuana, what dosage and what way to administer it was best for me,” said Justin, “but I started with Solevo in August 2019, and what a difference it has made.” “With prescription medication, I often felt as if I was numbed or put into a coma, but now I have energy again and a better mood,” said Justin. “I can enjoy life again.” Solevo Wellness has three locations in Western Pennsylvania: Cranberry, Squirrel Hill and Washington. For more information, visit the website at: solevowellness.com n
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Be Sun-sensible and You Will Feel Sun-sational By Belinda Burchick
It’s definitely summertime and our schedules are packed full of pool-side fun, vacations, outdoor sports, going to the beach, camping, plus many more outdoor activities. It is a gift from the sun.
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he summer sun can be very friendly, offering numerous health benefits such as fighting depression, promoting weight loss, providing energy production and protection against some cancers. The sun helps promote the body to manufacture vitamin D, giving you a great energy boost and helps with the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Sunshine is essential to life on earth. Vitamin D is good for your immune system, bones and blood cells. Early morning sunlight not only helps you sleep better at night, but it may help you lose weight. Some scientists feel that getting 30 minutes of morning sun, between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m., may shrink fat cells just under your skin. Imagine that! You only need 15 minutes outside three times a week to get a good dose of this sunshine vitamin. More sun exposure does not increase vitamin D production but may increase the dangers of skin damage. How do you get enough Vitamin D without getting burned? Understand and make friends with the sun. Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) reaches the earth through the atmosphere as part of the sun’s electromagnetic field. UVR has 3 categories: UVA, UVB and UVC. • UVA makes up about 99%. It cannot penetrate the skin deeply but causes tanning and may be involved in skin tumor formation. • UVB makes up 1%. It deeply penetrates the skin, causing sunburn and skin cell damage. • UVC is blocked by ozone but is the most toxic to living things and carcinogenic to humans. Sun Protection Factor (SPF) standardized sunscreen rating system. Factor how long it takes you to burn by the SPF rating to get total sunburn protection. For example, 10 minutes x SPF 30 = 300 minutes (5 hours). This only applies to UVB, so make sure you have UVA blocking ingredients because your skin can still be damaged even without a sunburn. Choose a safe, non-toxic form of sunscreen, with both UVA and UVB-blocking ingredients. Chemical-
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free sunscreens use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which are considered physical barrier sunscreens and are excellent UVA/UVB blockers. Today, these ingredients are “micronized,” meaning they leave no visible film on the skin. Added ingredients such as vitamin C and vitamin E, tocopherol, can protect from the damaging effects of free radicals which break down collagen, causing wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity. Avoid sunscreen products with the ingredients: PABA, oxybenzone, Padimate-O, as these ingredients have been known to cause allergic reactions. Check with dermatologist before applying sunscreen on your infant. After a day in the sun, cool and heal your skin with fresh aloe vera or aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil, lavender essential oil and a cool bath or shower. For sunburned skin, you may also need to use a lidocainebased spray, oatmeal baths, along with ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Overexposure to the sun can increase your risk of skin damage such as sunburn, prematurely aged skin and skin cancer. Limiting the time you spend outdoors during midday hours and wearing tightly woven clothing, sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats will minimize the risk of overexposure to the sun. Be Sun-sensible and you will feel Sun-sational!
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Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states. Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
From the Editor
Risk Versus Reward By Janice Lane Palko
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y the time you are reading this, we will be in the process of trying to reclaim the lives we had before the Coronavirus derailed it. Thankfully, we didn’t suffer as many deaths as was once predicted, but we are deeply sorry for those who did lose a loved one or suffered a hardship. Now, we move into another unknown territory: How to safely go about our lives. While we were holed up in our homes, when I wasn’t spending my free time reading novels, I was watching television. I don’t know if it was because I was hypersensitive to pandemics, but it seemed as if everything I watched at some point contained a thread about a pandemic. Some I suspected were purposely broadcast. One Saturday while I was working out in my game room, I thought I’d try MeTV. Many of my friends love this channel because it plays reruns of old television shows. Gunsmoke came on and the episode that aired dealt with a pandemic of typhoid, that threatened to shut down Dodge City much to the dismay of the merchants who saw their livelihoods jeopardized. Next on was Bonanza and Hoss, Little Joe and Adam, although not suffering through a pandemic, were going a bit “squirrely” because they’d been holed up at the Ponderosa for more than a month because spring rains had washed out the roads to Virginia City. It was funny to see people react on the show the same way people were reacting today. I’m a big fan of historical dramas, and we watched the Netflix series Medici, which followed the famed family in 15th Century Florence. In one episode the plague struck, slowing down the building of The Duomo. My favorite show ever on Netflix is The Last Kingdom, and a new season debuted while we were at home. In this season, we see fearless warriors quake in their boots when they meet Saxons fleeting from the castle in Mercia because of the “sickness.” I like to fact check these historical shows, and while doing that, I came across a book published in 1891 called A History of Epidemics in Britain from A.D. 664 to the Extinction of the Plague. What was captivating about this book after glancing through it online, was that sickness, death and subsequent famine was such a common occurrence it is as much a part of the human experience as life itself. For many of us, we’ve been lucky to have been born in a day and age when we know more about preventing disease and nothing of famine than our forebearers, and we’ve been blessed and a bit naïve to expect that we would never suffer the things previous generations have had to endure. We have forgotten that life has always been a crap shoot. Another show I watched on Netflix a while back was Hell on Wheels, which dramatized how incredible a feat building of the transcontinental railroad was across America. The show featured a character named Eva, who had a chin tattoo given to her while she was a captive of the Indians. I also like to watch a series on YouTube called Biographics and what caught my eye was a woman’s bio on there named Olive Oatman, and she was a real-life person who was captured as a child by Indians while on the Oregon Trail and was given that kind of tattoo. While watching Oatman’s biography, the narrator dropped this fact: That there are 65,000 people buried along the Oregon Trail who died either from sickness, starvation or Indian attack. Can you imagine that? Or what about the thousands who died on coffin ships while traveling to our shores for a better life? Or what about the 5,000 Americans who died building the Panama Canal? Or the nearly two dozen astronauts who perished in their quest to explore space? Now as we venture out of our houses and timidly dip our toes back into civilized society, remember to take the necessary precautions to do what you can to remain safe, but to also remember all of those who have gone before us who knew that life has always been a risk. They also knew that not taking a chance, living your life in fear is no reward, and can be a fate worse than death. n
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TRIVIA CONNECTION
Take a Bite Out of
Donut Trivia By Paula Green
this sugar-coated query. Get set to cream the answers, because it’s time to get a little trivial. 1. What do you call Polish donuts that are often sold in grocery stores? 2. In 1934, Clark Gable started the trend of dunking donuts in coffee when he did this in which film? 3. This donut is made from rolled dough and has a twisted, braided, elongated shape. 4. Which New England city has the most donut shops in the U.S., one shop for every 2,480 people? 5. This bakery has been around for 122 years, and turns out 100,000 donuts every hour. Their products are sold in grocery stores. 6. Long John donuts are yeast-based and deep-fried, then filled. This similar donut is made of choux dough, baked then filled. 7. Who famously sang The Donut Song? 8. This Canadian-based restaurant invented the Apple Fritter and Dutchie variety of donuts in the 1960s. 9. Name the cartoon character whose favorite food is donuts. 10. This donut shop was founded in Pittsburgh’s Strip District in 2009. 11. Among Americans of German descent, this donut has been thought to bring good luck to those who eat them on New Year’s Eve. 12. Name the made-to-order donut store prominent on the eastern seashore. 13. This national chain sells donut centers called Munchkins. 14. Which chain boasts “hot doughnuts now” in their signage? 15. What type of donut is the number one seller in the United States? Sources: www.quora.com/How-many-doughnuts-do-Americans-consume, www. allthatsinteresting.com/historyofdoughnuts, www.foodreference.com/html/doughnuts, www.brownielocks.com/donuts.html, https://www.thethings.com/theseare-the-15-most-popular-donut-flavors-in-america/, https://www.mentalfloss.com/ article/71300/15-delicious-facts-about-doughnuts, https://www.factretriever.com/ doughnut-facts, mobile-cuisine.com/did-you-know/doughnut-fun-facts
Answers: 1. paczki 2. It Happened One Night 3. cruller 4. Boston 5. Entenmann’s 6. eclair 7. Burl Ives 8. Tim Horton’s 9. Homer Simpson 10. Peace, Love & Little Donuts 11. Jelly donut 12. The Fractured Prune 13. Dunkin 14. Krispy Kreme 15. glazed
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t is a sweet, round, fried cake usually with a hole in its center. Yes, it is - the donut or doughnut. Whichever way you spell it, this tasty delight is tremendously popular. English folks generally use the extended doughnut spelling version. Americans tend to shorten it to donut. There are raised donuts that contain yeast, and cake donuts that use a batter containing baking powder or baking soda. According to a May 2019 survey by quora.com, the average American eats 31 donuts a year. That is around two or three a month. There are over 25,000 donut shops in this country, and they are producing more than 10 billion donuts a year. There is evidence that donuts have been around the world for centuries. In Ancient Rome and Greece, they cooked fried strips of dough. Dutch people introduced the first oily cakes (or olykoeks, as they were often called) to America in the early 1800s. Historians credit a Marine ship captain, Hanson Crockett Gregory, with the modern-day donut. It was his idea to remove the center of the donut. When World War I began, donuts were famous in America. During this era, the Salvation Army’s “Donut Lassies” served the sweet treats to soldiers on the front lines. In 1938, National Donut Day was established to honor these dedicated ladies. This day is celebrated annually on the first Friday in June; this year it is June 5. In 1920, Adolph Levitt, a Russian-born immigrant, invented the first automated doughnut machine. He called it the “Wonderful Almost Human Automatic Donut Machine.” At the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, donuts were called the “hit food of the century of progress.” There are two famous donut chains; Dunkin Donuts was founded in 1948 by William Rosenberg. When it first opened, it was called Open Kettle. It is the oldest continuously running chain of donut shops. Krispy Kreme was founded in 1937. Vernon Rudolph rented a building in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, where he sold donuts to grocery stores. Per capita, Canada has more donut shops than any other country. Randy’s Donuts is a landmark in Inglewood, California. The 22-foot diameter donut on top of the building has been featured in numerous TV and movies. Some wedding receptions now feature donut cakes. The enduring stereotype of the police officer with a donut emerged in the 1940s50s, when the only places open during the graveyard shift, were donut shops. Since we’ve sprinkled donut facts, we must now jam through
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THANK YOU! All of us at Northern Connection Magazine would like to thank ALL of the frontline and essential workers that are keeping our community running and our families fed. Make sure to visit our website and follow us on Instragram and Facebook to read uplifting stories about how our community is coming together during the COVID19 crisis.
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SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS
Bryce Billetdeaux Honoring a 100-Year-Old Navy and War Veteran By Paula Green
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hen Bryce Billetdeaux was born in 1920, Woodrow Wilson was president, and the Nineteenth Amendment that gave women the right to vote was ratified. This Navy and war veteran recently celebrated his 100th birthday with a hero’s welcome. On May 16, an Armed Forces Day Parade and centennial birthday celebration were held for Bryce at the Richland Township Municipal Building on Dickey Road in Gibsonia. The event was organized by District Judge Tom Swan, the Northern Regional Police Department and St. Barnabas, where Bryce has resided for the past 23 years. Bryce joined the U.S. Navy in April 1943 during the height of World War II. He was assigned to the Construction Battalion and served as a supply clerk and earned the rank of Storekeeper 1st Class (SK1). Bryce’s final naval assignment was in Okinawa. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Bryce and his wife, Rosella, moved to The Village at St. Barnabas in March 1997. They transferred to The Arbors at Washington Place in July 2018. Rose passed away last year on February 26, 2019. The couple wed on New Year’s Eve and was married for 75 years. While Bryce and Rose resided at The Village, they were actively involved with their community. The couple mentored over 100 couples. Both served on the Steering Committee for many years. Additionally, Bryce spent much time as the group’s chairman. He was also the resident representative on the annual Founder’s Day Committee. Bryce is initially from the Johnstown area. He graduated from the Carnegie Institute of Technology. He worked as an accountant with the Dravo Corporation, where he traveled internationally for his job. Bryce and Rose had three children and no grandchildren. Before they took up residents at St. Barnabas, they resided in Moon Township for 38 years. Northern Connection magazine salutes Bryce Billetdeaux for years his years of service with the U.S. States Navy, and we congratulate him on his 100th birthday celebration. n www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2020
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N C F E AT U R E
Facts from the Farm By Ron Eichner
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i Folks! June is recognized each year as National Dairy Month and Pennsylvania is home to many dairy farms from small to large scale. Since dairy farming is a part of Pennsylvania culture, I wanted to talk about dairy farming. Dairy farming is a class of agriculture for longterm production of milk which is processed either on the farm or at a dairy plant for eventual sale of dairy products. A dairy farm can have milk cows, goats, sheep or other mammals that produce fresh, raw dairy that can be processed into milk, butter, cheese,
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ice cream, yogurts and more for human consumption. Milk is an opaque white liquid, which contains fats, proteins, lactose and various vitamins and minerals. Milk is secreted by the mammary glands of a female mammal for serving the nourishment of their young or offspring or for human consumption. Milk by definition is black and white, even by the FDA’s regulated definition of milk, as something that comes from a female’s mammary gland. With the growing popularity of non-dairy products, the Dairy Industry has been challenged for decades that milk classification should
not be broadened with processed liquid like coconut, soy, almond and oat milk by description should only be dairy because the milk definition is black and white. The other liquids now make the color grey. The best nutritional dairy milk comes from the cows that graze on lush green grass pastures and that the pasture soils have various values. Most small family farms dairy cows graze every day in pastures. Most large dairy farms have their cows contained on concrete and their feed is brought to them. The benefits of pasture-grazed cows for milk, is of most importance and hence not all milks are equal. Pasture grazing can add 12-plus year to their life, compared to confined cows. In addition to the growing popularity of non-dairy products, there has been a growing interest in the consumption of raw dairy by the general public as well in recent years. Interestingly, raw dairy is an excellent source for complete proteins, vitamins and nutrients and has been compared to the incredible whole egg for its nutritional components. It is a fact that when you process milk by pasteurization, which
is a heating process and homogenization, you lessen certain nutritional values of milks. Another reason for its popularity is that raw milk does not spoil like processed milk does when it ages. Raw milk sours as it ages instead. At our farm market, we offer by advance order, Creamline “milk from pasture grazed cows,” which is low-temped pasteurized. It is no mystery that I am a supporter and express the nutritional values of raw dairy in addition to processed dairy. If you wish to further expand your knowledge on dairy, there are some interesting articles posted on the Weston A. Price Foundation’s website. So if you are seeking a broader selection of dairy products, feel free to stop by our family farm, Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses, and experience Farm Fresh at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and get the “rest of the story.” P.S. Don’t forget Sunday, June 21 is Father’s Day and to all Dads a Happy Father’s Day wish for the roles that Dads play in family life. Happy Father’s Day Dad! n
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