June 2024 Issue • Northern Connection Magazine

Fif ty years. That ’s how long we’ve been building new homes But not just any new homes: your home. On your land. One that reflects your needs and wants perfectly … because that ’ s how we work. And it’s no different right here in Pittsburgh, where Midwest manners and seasoned craftsmanship come together for one great custom homebuilding experience. So, what can we build for you?

Learn about building a custom home on your land at WayneHomes.com | Pittsburgh: 866-912-1380

DELIVERING MORE

For generations, UPMC Magee-Womens has been advancing women's health care.

As one of the largest gynecologic programs in the country, we're delivering more research, innovative therapies, and treatments for women everywhere.

And, of course, we're still delivering more babies.

With more than 160 locations, virtual care options, and online scheduling, access to renowned care has never been more convenient. Visit UPMC.com/DeliveringMore

President & Publisher

Laura Lyn Arnold

Publisher Emeritus & Contributor Marion Swanson Piotrowski

Executive Editor Janice Lane Palko Janice@northernconnectionmag.com

Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Paula@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson

Design & Production Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc.

Web

Core Writers

Maura Brown

Belinda Burchick

Ron Eichner

Paula Green

Janice Lane Palko Sofya Stearns

cover: Masonic Village of Sewickley

By Paula Green with Caleb Kolb

ADVENTURES in TRAINING with a PURPOSE

Adventures in Training with a Purpose (ATP), located in Wexford, was founded in 2015 by Jon Kolb, Pittsburgh Steeler and four-time Super Bowl champion. ATP assists service members and first responders by providing free physical and mental health services to help clients retrieve a quality of life that may have been taken away by physical injury, depression, PTSD, and other conditions. Additionally, they provide services for civilians at a reduced cost. This local nonprofit organization is dedicated to enhancing the lives of those in need through purposeful, adventure-based physical training, setting it apart from traditional fitness programs.

Aurelius, a special division of ATP, is geared towards service members and first responders. ATP’s executive director, Caleb Kolb, said, “We offer a 12-week program for veterans and first responders. Part of the program concentrates on functional training and complex movement patterns. Another portion is ‘adventures,’ where we venture outdoors with a variety of activities, ranging from bonfires, hiking in North Park or McConnell’s Mill, to hiking the Grand Canyon or climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Once the client graduates from the 12-week program, they can return to ATP anytime and utilize our facility.”

ATP also works with clients who experience chronic conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, MS, ALS, strokes, and paralyzed individuals. Utilizing activity-based training such as boxing is a big part of their approach to wellness.

ATP offers a comprehensive range of ser-

vices, from mental health and neuroscience to regenerative medicine. “Our shared office space fosters an integration of physical and mental wellness programs, guaranteeing our clients the best possible care. It’s a one-stop shop for all your wellness needs, where the movement builds the mind, providing a reassuring sense of comprehensive support,” Caleb said.

“ATP’s commitment to individualized care is evident in our assessment process and goal setting. We believe that each goal should be manageable and tailored to the individual. We work with our clients to create a schedule that best suits their needs. Our facility is equipped with specialized equipment designed to aid in physical recovery, such as the HydroWorx tank. This aquatic water system is particularly beneficial for those with mobility issues, providing a unique and effective solution to their needs,” Caleb said.

The commitment to supporting the whole person also includes supporting the caregivers and families of the clients who train there, as well as the children of the community. New this year, ATP has initiated programs for children, with the focus of exploring the benefits of being active and bringing a positive atmosphere to physical activity.

Mark your calendars, for ATP’s Annual Golf Outing on July 29, from 8:00 a.m. to 3 p.m. (shotgun at 9 a.m.) at Diamond Run Golf Club, Sewickley. For information on ATP’s mission and services, opportunities to support, upcoming events, and other programs please visit their website at www.adventurestraining.org n

Jewelry Repairs

Broken chains, diamond fell out of your ring, tennis bracelet broken? Lose one earring? All repairs are done at our store. We have three in-house jewelers with over 100 years of combined experience who can handle any issue.

Clean and maintain

Stop in anytime with your jewelry for a quick check and clean. Our jewelers will go over all of it and make sure all of the diamonds and gemstones are tight for no charge – even if it wasn’t purchased with us.

Appraisals welcome. By appointment only. Call or message us to schedule your appraisal appointment

We truly have the best and most talented jewelers in the business!

Merger Announced

John J. Craig Bookkeeping & Tax Preparation is merging with Ragan and Connell PC. The company will still offer its bookkeeping services: collecting, recording, and organizing financial transactions, and bringing books to a trial balance. Tax preparation-preparing taxes to help individuals and businesses get the most out of their returns as well as discrepancy resolution: finding, resolving, and eliminating discrepancies in financial records. The merger provides an opportunity to expand services and provide a great, quality staff to accommodate their growing client base, of which the firm is welcoming new clients. With the merger, there will be an additional location, at 3025 Washington Road, Suite 300, McMurray to complement the 1936 Lowrie Street, location on Troy Hill, Pittsburgh. n

412-628-5455

www.PittsburghTaxes.com

JCraig@pittsburghtaxes.com

Hall of Valor Honors and American Legion Awards Held at Soldiers & Sailors

Memorial Hall

By Paula Green

Two significant military awards ceremonies were recently held in our area. On April 6, the prestigious Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum hosted their annual Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor induction ceremony. This esteemed program, which recognizes Pennsylvania veterans who have displayed exceptional bravery and heroism during times of military conflict, saw the induction of six heroes this year. The honorees from the 2024 class include three US Army veterans and three US Army Air Force veterans.

The inductees were US Army servicemen –Private Clark Hazlett from World War I, Chief Warrant Officer 2 William Koshar from the Vietnam War, and Sergeant Elmer Reese from World War II. The US Army Air Forces veterans inducted were from World War II: Lt. Colonel Joseph DeChicchis and Technical Sergeant Leonard Staniszewski. Colonel John Hinds from the Vietnam War was also a part of the 2024 class.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum has inducted over 700 veterans into the Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor since 1963, when the Hall of Valor was dedicated to the military history museum.

At the other military awards ceremony held in April at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall, our local community celebrated three outstanding Pine-Richland/ Mars Area US Air Force JROTC program members. Junior Abby Hagen was honored with the General Military Excellence Award, senior Reva Kalbhor received an Academic Excellence Award, and junior Dylan Weitzell was recognized with a Scholastic Excellence Award. The trio also demonstrated their skills as members of a nine-person color guard.

These annual awards are presented to outstanding cadets who have demonstrated general military and academic excellence through leadership, discipline, character, and citizenship. Nominees are honored in several categories, including academics, athletics, and music. The student’s instructor is Chief Michael Gasparetto.

Northern Connection magazine extends its highest respects to the six Hall of Valors inductees, and we extend our warmest congratulations to the three JROTC students on their well-deserved awards. We are grateful for your service to our country! n

Pine-Richland/Mars Area U.S. Air Force JROTC members, Abby Hagen, Dylan Weitzell and Reva Kalbhor (pictured with Chief Mike Gasparetto and Pine-Richland student James Cerny)

Masonic Village at Sewickley, a continuing care retirement community in Aleppo Township, offers first-class amenities, engaging events and convenient services, all just minutes from Pittsburgh and everything the city has to offer.

The campus features 228 retirement living apartments and 54 villas. A centralized clubhouse includes a bank, convenience store, library, medical clinic, restaurant, grill room and salon. The Barley Wellness Center encompasses a 24-hour fitness center, an indoor pool and a hot tub.

Residents spend their days in the art studio, at lifelong learning and social functions, on outings to nearby attractions and events and enjoying entertainment, intergenerational programs or volunteering in the community. All clubs, classes and activities are listed in the monthly Village Living magazine.

Masonic Village gives residents the time to do things they want to do rather than housekeeping, cooking and home maintenance, which is handled by professional staff.

With this new-found freedom, residents Dick and Mollie Cotten have made new friends and learned new things. The two visit the wellness center and participate in aquatics classes. They play mahjong and take trips to concerts and plays in the city. Mollie volunteers on the recreation committee, which provides feedback to staff on what events and programs to schedule.

She’s also a greeter for new residents, making sure their learning curve is lessened and they have quick access to services, including technology, which provides online connections to event calendars,

Dick and Mollie Cotten

dining menus, the campus library and resident-recommended services in the local community.

Mollie and Dick started looking into retirement communities after their son was transferred to Florida, and they knew they’d need continuing support. After visiting Masonic Village, with all its woods and wildlife, it reminded them of their hometown, Greenville, Pennsylvania.

“When we drove on the campus, it was absolutely beautiful,” Mollie said. “The grounds are well maintained, people are friendly and it’s a very clean environment.”

The number one thing Masonic Village provides, in their opinion, is a continuity of care, so they can receive skilled nursing care if they ever need it. They joined the priority wait list, and three years later, “when we were ready, we just called, and they made it happen,” Dick said.

“We wanted to be able to make the decision to move when we wanted to, not when we had to,” Mollie said. “It’s good to have a solid plan.”

“Masonic Village offers us so many things and takes care of everything,” Dick said. “It’s carefree. You can be involved in something 20 hours a day if you want. All the services are there.”

The assistance that’s available if needed, combined with the freedom to do what they want, makes Masonic Village the “best of all worlds,” Mollie said. “We considered this decision to be one of the most important we had to make in our lives. We’re so glad we came to Masonic Village. It’s all we thought it was going to be and more.”

A View of Pittsburgh

tutions and now, retirees. Masonic Village residents can take advantage of scheduled trips to city attractions or arrange their own visits.

Resident Toni Vosseler, who was born and raised in Pittsburgh, moved to Masonic Village in 2021 with her husband, Harry.

“I absolutely love living near Pittsburgh because it has everything you want or need in regard to sports, arts, places to go in the evening, things to do … it really has everything,” Toni said.

The city of Pittsburgh is home to an array of major league sports teams, entertainment venues, academic insti-

Toni and Harry are “snowbirds,” spending six months of every year in Sewickley and the other six in Florida. Toni said though they enjoy Florida because of the warmer weather, nothing compares to Pittsburgh, and Sewickley, specifically.

“Sewickley is just a charming place, and the people here are extremely nice,” Toni said. “People say hello to each other in this city. If you look at someone eye-toeye, they’ll smile at you.”

She finds the same warmness among residents and employees of Masonic Village.

“I have so many things I like about living here. It’s worry-free,” Toni said. “If you have any problems, they get fixed immediately, and the meals are prepared by a chef. The residents are very cheerful and welcoming, and everybody living here is so happy with their decision.”

As a Lifecare community, Masonic Village offers personal care and skilled nursing services at the same basic monthly service fee you would be paying in retirement living for future peace of mind. The Lifecare plan also affords residents potential tax deductions. n

Toni and Harry Vosseler

CELEBRATING LOCAL BUSINESSMEN

Each year it is Northern Connection’s pleasure to introduce you to the business and professional men in our area. They come from many different industries and specialties, and each brings his own expertise and experience to make them the best at their chosen profession.

Peter Piotrowski

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 over 500 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 stressfree 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

Christopher Stevens,

L.Ac., MAc.

Bridges Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

“I practice Traditional Chinese Medicine: a form of holistic medicine that’s been around for more than 2,000 years,” said Christopher Stevens, L.Ac., Mac. “What drove me into TCM was its clinical efficacy in treating disorders by simply stimulating various points throughout the body.” Stevens has been practicing as a licensed acupuncturist for two years, although he’s been in the field of medicine, first as a certified personal trainer doing physical rehabilitation work, for around five years. “Acupuncture is able to provide a safe alternative to pharmaceuticals and high-risk surgeries either as a stand-alone treatment or one that’s complementary,” said Stevens, who wants readers to know that needles he uses in acupuncture are hair-thin and not the thicker gauge needles people are used to when getting injections.

2469 Evans City Road, Harmony, PA 16037

724-453-4335

info@bridgesaom.com www.bridgesaom.com

Antonio Aiello

Premier Wealth Partners

Antonio C. Aiello, CFP ®, CRPC TM is a seasoned Private Wealth Advisors and Partner at Premier Wealth Partners a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, who specializes in retirement planning and wealth management. What makes Premier Wealth Partners unique is its team approach and the relationship that Tony maintains with his clients. “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. 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.”

Tyler Shimko, DACM, L.Ac.

Bridges Acupuncture & Oriental Medicine

“I am a licensed acupuncturist who treats a variety of health concerns including pain/ musculoskeletal injuries, GI disorders, migraines, allergies, respiratory conditions, anxiety/depression/insomnia, gynecological issues, and many other conditions,” said Tyler Shimko, DACM,L.Ac., who has been practicing since 2021. He was inspired to pursue a career in healthcare to better understand the complexities of the human body and help people enjoy life to the fullest extent via Traditional Chinese Medicine. “Before becoming an acupuncturist, I was a registered nurse. My training in both allopathic medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine allows me to integrate these two paradigms to have a more complete and natural approach to health care,” he said. “I also furthered my education and hold a Doctorate in Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine, which is a degree beyond what is required for licensure here. This degree gave me a much deeper and more practical understanding of the integration of allopathic and Eastern medicine.” Healing and wellness looks different for each individual. “A goal of my practice is to help patients have a better relationship with wellness, be more in tune with their bodies, and optimize their lives through natural health interventions,” said Shimko.

2469 Evans City Road, Harmony, PA 16037

724-453-4335

info@bridgesaom.com www.bridgesaom.com

Why Won’t Men Go to See a Doctor?

By Janice Lane Palko

In 2019, the Cleveland Clinic conducted a study on men and their reluctance to seek health care. The study found that 72% of men would rather do chores than visit a physician, and a full 66% preferred to self-diagnose.

“Ithink there are a lot of reasons why men don’t go to the doctor, but overall, I think men seem to want to ignore or deny they have a medical problem,” said Daniel Grob, MD. “They feel they are too busy to go to the doctor and would rather believe the issue will go away on its own. Some men are not comfortable admitting that they are having a problem to another person. They want to be invincible. They also tend to feel that preventative screening is not of any benefit.”

Subheading

a 1 to 2 month follow up visit is often recommended until that issue improves or resolves.”

Often times, that reluctance can prove to be costly or worse, fatal. “It is important to find and establish a relationship with a primary care physician that understands your perspective on life and can help you achieve your best health outcomes by weaving sound medical advice into your life perspective. We live in an era where there is a wealth of information. When it comes to your health outcomes, the challenge is to know what information pertains to you. Just like shopping for a tool or gadget to use during your favorite hobby, finding the right physician for you can take time,” said Eric Griffin, DO. “At a minimum, a yearly well visit is recommended to establish a patient doctor relationship. If you have chronic health issues, then a 4 or 6 month follow up is often recommended. If you are experiencing an illness or have chronic medical issues that require testing or medication changes, then

It is important for men to establish a relationship with a primary care physician once they graduate from their pediatrician’s office for a variety of reasons. “I feel it is important to have a strong focus on preventing medical problems. Men who have established relationships with physicians are counseled on healthy eating habits and on their ideal body weight, and have screening labs to check for high cholesterol and other medical conditions,” said Tad Scheri, MD. “They get blood pressure screenings to ensure they do not have high blood pressure. They are encouraged to exercise routinely. And once a relationship with a physician is established, it becomes easier to get appointments to treat acute illnesses like sinus infections along with chronic medical conditions.”

Everyone wants to live a long, healthy life, including men, and seeking regular medical care is vital to that. “Having a long-term longitudinal relationship with a primary care physician is an important part to living a long, healthy life,” said Dr. Scheri. n To schedule your appointment with Genesis Medical, call (724) 935-5330 or visit: genesismedical.org

Bridges Acupuncture

At Bridges Acupuncture the most common condition their male patients come to see them for is back pain (from any cause - chronic from a lifetime of hard labor, recent injuries from exercise, and anything in between). However, many of their male patients also suffer from other conditions that they weren’t necessarily seeking help for, but which have resolved anyway throughout the course of treatment. These are usually conditions like prostate and urinary issues (oh, the number of times they’ve heard, “Guess what? I’m not waking up at night to pee anymore!”), poor sleep, stress, restless legs, and heartburn.

All their patients can expect excellent and expert care. They listen carefully to their patient’s history and create individualized treatments according to the patient’s Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis. They clearly explain their process so that patients are as fully informed as possible about their care. In addition, they work collaboratively with patients to create a treatment plan that is effective and works for them, and they have flexible options for scheduling and payment to make that happen. Patients retain their agency with Bridges; they will not force or pressure you into following a specific protocol. They respect your choice to seek treatment with them (or not!).

Acupuncture is relatively painless. Sometimes during acupuncture you might feel a pinch. That is, if you feel anything at all. (Remember, these needles are a tenth of the size of the needles used for injections.)

Everyone is different, so Bridges adjusts their treatment plans as necessary as they go, but generally patients expect to come in weekly for about three months to get a lasting change. Generally, it is expected that you’ll feel some amount of relief after the first treatment, but that relief will (probably) not be total and will (probably) not last. Just like exercising, it takes time and repetition to change a pattern permanently. The good news is that if you’re consistent with your treatments, it will take less time to feel better when something different comes up in the future. Your body remembers acupuncture and the effect is cumulative, so the long-term payoff can be huge.

Most of their patients experience relief from their complaints by coming to see Bridges. Mileage varies greatly, but by and large, they hear “this week was much better” from more than half of their patients every single day. They also frequently hear that patients feel better from symptoms they didn’t even know they had. They’ve seen shoulder pain work out in one session, prostate tumors disappear, and Bell’s Palsy resolve, to name a few of the more notable results. Sometimes, insurance will cover acupuncture treatments. While Bridges does not accept insurance as a form of payment, they can help you submit for reimbursement yourself. They’ve researched the most common insurance plans in the Pittsburgh area, so they can advise you on how likely it is that your plan reimburses and how many treatments you might expect to get as part of your plan. Bridges also accept HSA and FSA cards as payment. n

TRI-STATE NEUROPATHY CENTERS

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

One of the largest treatment centers in the country.

Have successfully seen over 13,000 patients in over 11 years offering the most experience in the industry.

100% dedicated to treating Peripheral Neuropathy.

Most powerful technology on the market today.

Have grown to eight locations in the Tri-State area.

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include:

• Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs

• Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands

• Extreme Sensitivity to Touch

• Loss of Balance or Coordination

• Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles

• Weakness in the Arms and Legs

• Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers

• Dependency on Medications

With over 90% satisfaction rate and the experience of seeing over 13,000 patients, Tri-State Neuropathy Centers are able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, don’t wait until they get worse.

Little patients have little patience.

AHN Wexford Hospital has kids care close to you, including an ER with short wait times. Because the sooner they get seen, the sooner you’ll both breathe easier. See all our pediatric services at ahn.org/wexfordkids.

Strike a Pose and Breathe

By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm

A blend of a 5000-year-old discipline and the western modern version, yoga has taken on a new life of its own. Simple, modified yoga has been shown to increase flexibility, strength, oxygenation, and peace of mind. Deep breathing improves blood circulation, which can ease muscle tension. Focusing on breathing soothes the nervous system.

You can incorporate these yoga practices into your daily life. Yoga can be done on a yoga mat, but also can be done from a chair or bed, even from your office. It can be done during travel, housework, or homework. These poses and breathing exercises can be done anywhere, anytime, by anybody.

Chair Yoga for all ages

Do not be intimidated by yoga. Simple, modified yoga can be done in minutes. Read on.

Traditional yoga connects our body with our breathing, leading to a quiet mind. It is in this state that we find true enlightenment, peacefulness, and happiness.

Western modern yoga is geared toward physical fitness, strengthening muscles and bones, flexibility, and balance.

The key is to have a blend of both traditional and modern yoga, while making it simple with modification to help those of us that might not be able to touch our toes or who get thrown off balance easily while standing. Simple modified yoga poses can be done by young and old, thin and overweight, abled and disabled.

You can modify your poses so that it is comfortable and safe for you and still get the same great effects. Always visu-

alize your pose before attempting. For some, modifying yoga can prepare you for traditional yoga, while others may be more apt to continue the modified version, experiencing the same health benefits.

Whichever option you choose, there are some key elements to consider:

1. Use a yoga mat or a regular chair (with no arms) on a non-slip surface.

2. Warm up before starting any style of yoga and be well-hydrated.

3. Take slow deep breaths on a count of 3 or 4, breathing in through the nose and out through the nose, or out through mouth depending on your health condition.

4. Slow relaxing movement and hold

pose, while being aware of breathing. Good Posture and body alignment. Feet 4-6 inches apart, with toes forward and knees lined up with ankles.

5. Give in to rest and relaxation, and positive thinking to get you closer to inner peace.

Every day, we are in constant motion, physically and mentally, which can create havoc on our bodies and minds, causing undue stress. It is important to find time in your day to just stop, recharge, and rejuvenate our body and minds.

Long-term benefits may include increased concentration and focus, improved energy levels, increased sense of calmness, reduction in stress and tension levels, and potentially decreased anxiety.

Now you are ready to start simple modified yoga. Before you begin, review the below on when not to do yoga:

• Don’t do strenuous exercises after yoga.

• Not immediately following a meal (wait at least 2 hours).

• Not during illness, exhaustion, surgeries, sprain, or if in a hurry.

• Not during menses for women, except for relaxation techniques.

• Don’t wash/shower, eat, or drink water for 30 minutes after yoga session.

• Don’t do yoga in hot and humid temperatures, or extreme cold temperatures.

Consider chair yoga, which is a gentle modified version of yoga where you can either do yoga poses while seated or use the chair itself for balance while standing. Chair yoga can help you feel stronger and more flexible, plus you receive the other benefits stated above that come from breathing exercises. You can go online and look up the types of modified yoga exercises. Just practicing yoga a few minutes a day, you may notice positive effects immediately. Together now: Move slowly. Strike a pose. And breathe. Try it and let me know! n

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.

SERVICES FOR ATHLETES OF ALL LEVELS

Release Technique with Dr Chad Stemmler

Time for a Makeover?

By Janice Lane Palko

A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness — John Keats

When I was a kid, there was a nationwide campaign called Keep America Beautiful that encouraged community improvement throughout the country. Also, during the 1960s, former First Lady of the United States, Lady Bird Johnson initiated a Beautification Project. According to the National Park Service, the “beautification, as conceived by Lady Bird Johnson, was concerned with matters of environmental improvement and condition enhancements. Quoting Churchill and expanding on his concept, Lady Bird stated that, “‘First we shape our buildings, and then they shape us.’ The same is true of our highways, our parks, our public buildings, and the environment we create. They shape us.”

Sadly, I think we’ve let ourselves go and are out of shape. I just spent 12 beautiful days touring Greece, Malta, and Italy. And when I say beautiful, I’m not just talking about the weather, which was splendid, the natural beauty of the Mediterranean Sea, or the star-glittered nights as viewed from the deck of our cruise ship. I’m also talking about the man-made beauty of art, architecture, and fashion found throughout Europe.

Coming back home, it’s apparent that it’s time for a makeover in the U.S. We need an infusion of beauty.

Many years ago, when I was studying for my degree, I did an examination of the nature of beauty—what it is, what purpose it serves. Since antiquity, greater minds than mine

have been contemplating beauty, and even today intellectuals still contemplate its nature.

Psychologist and Harvard faculty member Nancy Etcoff in her book Survival of the Prettiest: The Science of Beauty says that “Common to all these theories is the idea that the properties of beauty are the same whether we are seeing a beautiful woman, a flower, a landscape, or a circle. And those properties are: clarity, symmetry, harmony, and vivid color.”

Certainly, we have our bits of beauty, but whether it was a simple home adorned with decorative cornices and medallions, soaring cathedrals decked with marble and gilded with frescoes to shopping galleries with vaulted domes guarded by bronze angels to stylish Italian businessmen exquisitely turned out in perfectly tailored blue suits, pocket squares and sunglasses, it seemed that in Europe they pay more attention to the aesthetic.

Beautiful art, architecture, and fashion reflect a society—it’s a barometer of a thriving world. Sadly, our surroundings have become uglier, which I think is a symptom of sickness in our world. Europe as well as American is in a bit of a decline, but you wouldn’t know it by its appearances. With litter in the streets, uninspiring architecture and the wearing of pajamas in public, America needs a new beautification program. Perhaps if we paid more attention to beauty and worked more to improve our visible world, we could also revitalize our society. n

Coping with Anxiety While Away at Camp: Enjoying a Common Summer Pastime

By Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C

One of my most favorite childhood experiences was attending sleepaway camp with my Girl Scout troop. We would gather for a week filled with hiking, swimming, cooking over the campfires and getting our first real taste of independence. Summer camp can be a memorable experience for children, filled with new adventures, friendships, as well as personal and emotional growth. However, for some children, the anticipation of being away from home and the unfamiliarity of the camp environment can trigger feelings of anxiety and worry. Whether it’s separation anxiety, social anxiety, or general nervousness about new experiences and/or, it’s beneficial to address these concerns to ensure a positive camp experience for everyone.

Anxiety at summer camp can manifest in various ways. Some campers may experience separation anxiety, feeling distressed when away from their families. Others may struggle with social anxiety, fearing judgment or rejection from their peers. Leaving the comforts of home, their routines and their friends can cause the “what if” thoughts to become overwhelming, as well. This is particularly true if this is their first experience separating from their primary caregivers for an overnight period.

So how can we help our kids make the most of this experience? One of the most effective ways to alleviate anxiety before camp begins is through thorough preparation. Involving our children in the planning process can be incredibly helpful in easing worry. Discussing what to expect at camp; exploring the camp’s website or literature together, and addressing any concerns or questions your child may have could also help build confidence and foster feelings of excitement. Familiarizing the camper with the camp environment, routines, and staff can help reduce the fear of the unknown.

If possible, building social connections prior to starting camp can help create a support system and ease feelings of anxiety. Check to see if your child’s camp has any pre-camp meet ups, social media groups or ways to connect with future bunkmates/campers. Additionally, knowing that there are supportive

adults at camp, such as counselors and staff members, can provide reassurance to anxious campers. Parents can also arrange for their child to bring a security item from home, such as a blanket, photo(s), stuffed animals, etc. as a comforting reminder of home.

Teaching campers coping strategies to manage anxiety during their time at camp can empower them to navigate challenging situations effectively. Deep breathing exercises, mindfulness techniques, and positive self-talk can help calm anxious thoughts and promote relaxation. Encourage your child to focus on the present moment and engage in enjoyable activities that can distract

them from feelings of anxiety. There may also be a designated safe space at camp where campers can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed, which can provide a sense of security. Normalize their experience and consider sharing some of your own, if possible. Sharing our own experiences with vulnerability can help us further bond with our children and help them realize they are not alone in experiencing these feelings.

While it’s natural for children to experience some level of anxiety when leaving home, it’s helpful to remind them that facing challenges often leads to personal growth, resilience and confidence. Encouraging our kids to step out of their comfort zones and try new experiences not only fosters growth but may also result in some of their best memories yet. Wishing everyone a safe, fun and exciting summer! n

Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker currently in practice at Cranberry Psychological Center. She is a certified perinatal mental health provider, as well as a contributing staff member with Postpartum Support International. While her primary focus is treating PMADs, she also treats a variety of conditions and clients of all ages. She resides in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Brendan, daughter, Sloane, and dog, Max.

Maura

The Farina Foundation

At the Farina Foundation, we are committed to helping young people in our communities pursue their musical dreams and passions. We provide opportunities that foster knowledge of music and offer instruments to those who need them. We believe that every child should have the chance to discover and develop their musical talents, and we are dedicated to making that a reality. To achieve our mission, we accept instruments that can be feasibly and economically repaired. Donating your unused or unwanted instruments can make a significant difference in the lives of students who may not have access to such opportunities. We rely on the generosity of donors like you to continue providing students with the tools they need to pursue their musical passions. Join us in making a difference in students’ lives today by donating instruments and contributing to a brighter future for our youth! If you want to find out more, please visit us at https://farinafoundation.org. n

School Movers & Shakers

Providence Heights Alpha School

Providence Heights Alpha School Students Never Grow ... at least during their recent performances April 18 and 19 in the musical  Peter Pan, Jr. at the Parkwood Church.

Directed by Carissa Zozos, Cathy Thimons, and Doug Beacham, the third through eighth grade students sang, danced, and even seemed to fly!

Mars Area

Mars Area High School senior Addison Girdwood was selected to receive a 2024 James Collins Scholar-Athlete Award.

Mars Area High School freshman Paige Lauten is nominated for a 2023-2024 Western PA Positive High School Athlete Award. Lauten, a member of Mars Area High School Varsity Softball Team, was seriously injured when she was struck by a vehicle in November 2022. She is also a member of the River City Venom travel softball team.

Mars Area Primary Center collected 3,883 diapers as part of the school’s “Stuff the Bus” Diaper Drive, held April 15-19 to benefit The Lighthouse Foundation food bank (Middlesex Township).

A team of Mars Area Centennial School sixth graders received second place in the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful 2024 Litter Hawk Youth Awards. Sixth-graders Emma Johnston, Everly Henderson, Jacqueline Li and Mary Rhenish received the award for their video submission, “Litter Hawk — Open Your Eyes to Litter,” which sheds light on how trash affects the environment.

Mars Area Elementary School fourth-grader Ellie Spaulding earned second place in the Female 10-14 Division 2024 Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon 5K.

Mars Area Elementary School third-graders Elizabeth Evans, Olivia Evans, Aarna Dubey, Aleena Syed and Anastasia Trombulak received awards in the 2023-2024 Highmark Caring Place Children’s Grief Awareness Day Poster Contest.

Fox Chapel

Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore  Theodore Tedesco is being honored by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and InnerView Technologies as part of the 2023-2024 Community Service Impact Awards.  The program is open to students across the nation and is designed to connect student community service activities, skill development, and commitment to Sustainable Development Goals to transform our world.

Six Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the annual Westminster College High School Model United Nations (UN) Conference.  Logan Dressman and Ori Goldin won the Outstanding Delegation award (equivalent to first place).  Adhitya Thirumala and Dylan Paserba won the second place Country Delegation award.  Hannah Parker and  Caterina Wu won an Honorable Mentions.

The Fox Chapel Area Board of School Directors has appointed Fox Chapel resident Dr. Jessica Haselkorn to fill the unexpired term of Kimberly Andrews in Region III.

A group of Fox Chapel Area High School and Dorseyville Middle School students raised the most money in Pennsylvania for the 2024 Cool Schools Polar Plunge.  The Fox Chapel Area team raised $46,642 to support the Fox Chapel Area School District Special Olympics Unified Sports teams and Unified Sports teams across Pennsylvania.  The teams promote inclusion through competitive experiences.  This is the second consecutive year that the Fox Chapel Area team raised the most money out of all the school teams in Pennsylvania, and Fox Chapel Area broke its own record for the most money raised.

The Dorseyville Middle School Philharmonic Orchestra earned the highest rating possible at the Trills & Thrills Music Festival.  The orchestra was rated “Superior,” and the group received a trophy for its performance.  The festival was held May 3, at Hersheypark. The Dorseyville Middle School Philharmonic Orchestra includes 41 students n grades six, seven, and eight.  The orchestra is under the direction of teacher  Jeffrey Bryer

The New School Experience

The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School (PA Cyber) offers students in grades K-12 an alternative to traditional education. Families look beyond their school district for a range of reasons, and sometimes it’s necessary to try a new school experience. After 24 years of perfecting online education and with a legacy of 21,000 graduates, PA Cyber has demonstrated that learning online is an effective long-term solution for many students.

As a public school, PA Cyber is similar to traditional schools in many ways. State-certified teachers follow curriculum guidelines set

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by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students gather for field trips and school dances, join clubs, and form friendships. They meet specific gradua-

tion requirements so they can earn their diploma, walk across the stage, and toss their caps into the air.

Where PA Cyber stands out is how students learn—they find learning online to be the best option for them. Students’ experiences can be customized because of their virtual learning environment. Each student has their own reason for choosing PA Cyber, but they all benefit from the flexibility of cyber school. Students can take school on the

road to soccer practice or to grandma’s house. They can attend in-person events at one of nine regional offices, and afterward resume classes with their school-provided laptop and headset. They gain more time for family, work, volunteering, athletic training, and creative pursuits. They are empowered to never stop learning.

Enrollment is open for the 20242025 school year. Explore PA Cyber as an option for your child’s education by visiting pacyber.org or calling (724) 6431180. n

Provident Charter School

By Janice Lane Palko

The word “provident” means “to provide for the future,” but it’s difficult for children to look to their future when they have difficulty reading. Provident Charter School was founded to offer children who have dyslexia and other language-based learning differences with a high-quality, well-rounded education delivered through multisensory instructional methods and individual learning plans that enable students to move into high school prepared to succeed and confident in their own abilities.

“Provident Charter School is the only school of its kind in southwestern Pennsylvania, and we have two locations. PCS Central opened in 2016 and is located on Troy Hill in the former North Catholic High School on the North Side, and it is chartered under the authority of the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Our newest location, PCS West, is located in Baden and is housed in the former Quigley Catholic High School and is chartered under the Ambridge Area School District,” said Maria Paluselli, Provident’s Chief Executive Officer.

Provident is currently serving an increasing number of students from nearby school districts, including Aliquippa, Ambridge Area, Blackhawk, Central Valley, Hopewell Area, Mars Area, Moon Area, New Brighton Area, North Allegheny, Quaker Valley, Rochester Area, and Seneca Valley. The school continues to see growth in interest from parents and caregivers from around the area.

It is estimated that up to 20% of the population has dyslexia, and this neurological condition can frustrate and perplex students as well as parents. “We see students come into the classroom afraid, lacking in confidence, hating school, and with PCS’s instructional model that is designed for students with dyslexia, we see dramatic changes time after time,” said Ms. Paluselli.

PCS is a tuition-free, brick-and-mortar public school, and PCS Central educates students from 45 different school districts. Enrollment at PCS Central is nearly full, but PCS West is currently accepting students in grades 1-4. “Our goal is to prepare students to transition to high school, and so far, we are hearing positive things from the students who have moved on to high school,” said Ms. Paluselli

Some of the unique features of PCS include: Daily reading instruction by teachers certified using the Wilson® Reading System, small group instruction with classrooms having two teachers and 12 students. The school day is slightly longer, and no homework is given until fifth grade. In addition to specialized interventions, PCS is the only public school in the country that offers Tae Kwon Do as a weekly special area class along with traditional Music, Art, PE and Digital Media. A well-used Makerspace allows students to design, build and creatively demonstrate their knowledge of content using other media besides paper and pencil.

“It’s incredible the transformation we see in our students,” said Ms. Paluselli. “I receive texts with pictures from parents of their children on the beach reading for enjoyment. These were students who would never consider picking up a book. We start by building strong relationships with our students, so they are willing to take academic risks with us. For some students, several years of intense remediation is required, but the payoff is significant. Now, instead of tears because of frustrations in the classroom, we have more tears at graduation because of what our students have been able to achieve.”

For more information on Provident Charter School, visit the website at: www.providentcharterschool.org. n

National Dairy Month and Other June Events

By Ron Eichner

Hi folks, June is a month of happenings. June is National Dairy Month, which originated in 1939 and is a month-long celebration throughout the United States. It commemorates the dairy industry’s contributions for the past 85 years. Trusted for decades, dairy farm families pride themselves on producing wholesome dairy products that help families grow up strong and healthy. An

8-ounce glass of whole milk has more nutrients than the same serving of juices, and whole milk is the number two food source for complete protein right after the whole egg. Raw milk is more nutritious than pasteurized milk because it is not subject to the heat base that strips away some essential nutritional values. You can’t raise calves on processed milk because it is their

only food source until it grazes in the pastures; again, by God’s design, raw milk is packed with the nutrition to grow a healthy calve into a cow. Most dairy cows are milked two to three times a day. If you want to see some Dexter cows, please stop by our family farm for a visit. We sell weekly Creamline Milk from Pasture Maid Creamery in half gallon glass bottles.

Let’s talk about a recent development in the dairy industry. New York congresswoman Elsie Stefanik celebrated the passage of the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act. This act is significant as it directs area schools to include milk on their menus. It’s a step that’s been debated for decades in the dairy industry, sparking discussions about what truly qualifies as milk.

There are two interesting YouTube videos for people who wonder how to get almond milk. The first is Milking Almonds by Tom Jazdzewski, which was posted on October 27, 2018. It gives insight into how almond milk is produced. Then, if you want a follow-up, look for Nut Milking, The Re-Milking, which was posted on December 5, 2022. Most folks will find them to be interesting videos.

June 14 is Flag Day, a day honoring old glory. The U.S. flag symbolizes our cherished freedoms, for which we, as Americans, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and should never lose sight of the words and their true meaning.

June 16 is Father’s Day, celebrated on the third Sunday of June. It’s a time to celebrate the men in our lives. They can be our fathers, grandfathers, uncles, godfathers, and God our Heavenly Father—any men who are role models in our lives. I can attest to our family farm and what my dad and grandfather did for decades to support our farm daily. It is a day for children to show appreciation for their fathers and father figures. Adults show love and appreciation for the hard work of the fathers, father figures, and husbands in their lives.

June 20-22 is the summer solstice. It is the day with the most daylight and the start of summer in the northern hemisphere. June 21 is the full moon, which is called the Strawberry Moon. June 25 is our newest holiday. It is “Summer Christmas,” which is six months after Christmas day. During Christmas time, area front yards come to life with illuminated varieties of colors and lights. Recently, many yards have lacked color or no color at all. If you want to bring your yard to life, cluster a little color, and you can even illuminate it at night. The colorful geranium is like a poinsettia. It is a summer Christmas flower, and it comes in several colors. If you want to add a splash of Christmas colors, please stop by our farm greenhouses and get some good ideas.

If you are firing up your grills and need help, make our farm market your destination for a meat case filled with pork, beef, lamb, roasting chickens, natural casing wieners, kielbasa, and so much more. Fresh vegetables will be in season, as will our famous high-energy eggs. If you have kids or grandkids, our farm has three Dexter calves, nine young lambs, and two litters of piglets. We are a genuine working family farm, even with the honest farm smells.

All of us at our family farm want to wish all the fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, and uncles a Happy Father’s Day. Visit us at 285 Richard Road, Wexford, and make Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses a destination. We are open seven days a week. Discover the rest of the story! Stay tuned for July for insight on the avian flu. n

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SUMMER DINNER SERIES

THURSDAYS 4:30-7:30 P.M.

Chatham University

Eden Hall Campus, Large Barn 6035 Ridge Road, Richland Township

Each week, Parkhurst Dining’s expert chefs create dishes utilizing produce from Eden Hall’s farm and other local vendors.

No Farm to Fork June 6 or July 4

View the menu each week at edenhall.chatham.edu

State Farm Bloomington, IL

June Happenings

Adventures in Training with a Purpose (ATP) Annual Golf Outing, 8:00 am-3 pm (shotgun 9 am), July 29, at Diamond Run Golf Club, Laurel Oak Drive, Sewickley. For details, visit www.adventurestraining.org.

Cindystock 21, Yates Fund for Cancer Hope Events: Bike Ride, 4-9:30 pm, Aug. 16, hosted by Helicon Brewing; Music Festival, 3:30-10 pm, Aug. 17, in Wexford. For details, visit www.cindystock. org/.

Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets 1 pm the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. Members must be residents of Cranberry Township. The Club features activities, social opportunities, and visits to nearby points of interest. For info, contact Frank at (724) 3165807.

Divine Grace Parish Family Festival, August 9-11, at St. Ferdinand Church, Cranberry Twp. Carnival, games with prizes, dunk tank, food booths, raffle baskets, 50/50 drawings, bingo, nightly meals, entertainment, white elephant sale, Kiddieland area with bounce houses, train rides, and a $15,000 cash raffle. For details, visit divinegracepgh.org.

Dravet Syndrome Foundation

Dye It For Dravet fundraiser. Visit the link for info on Dravet and how you can donate for this epileptic seizure disorder, secure.qgiv.com/ event/2024dyeitfordravet/.

Farm to Table June Zoom Classes, June 6, Companion Planting Secrets; June 13, It’s Not Too Late to Plant a Garden; June 20, Succession Planting to Extend the Season. For details, visit farmtotablepa.com/online-gardeningwithdougoster/.

Flea Market, 8 am-4 pm, July 12 and 8 am-3 pm, July 13, (half-price sale starts at noon on the 13th), Sts. Martha and Mary Parish at St Richard Church Social Hall, 3841 Dickey Rd, Gibsonia. Huge selection of kitchen & dining items, small furniture items, jewelry, purses, books, toys, holiday and home decor and much more.

Flea Market, 8 am-1 pm, July 20 and 9 am-2 pm, July 21, Saint Aidan Parish (the old St. Alexis Church), 10090 Old Perry Hwy. For info visit saintaidanparish.org or call (724) 9354343 x225.

Free Community Meal First Monday Meal, 5-7 pm each 1st Monday of the Month at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw, PA.   Meal includes entree, starch, vegetable, salad, homemade dessert, drink. Open to the public. For info, call (412) 486-0550.

Free Matinee Movies on Mondays: 2 pm, June 3, Oppenheimer; June 10, The Hill; June 17, Golda; June 24, The Sound of Freedom; July 1, Wonka, at the Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Crossing in McCandless Twp. For details, visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

Glenshaw AARP 3744 meets at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, Mt. Royal Blvd. 2 pm, second Tuesday of the month. Call (412) 487-1041 for more info.

Great Day on the GAP, 11 am-2 pm, June 8, Cedar Creek Park, pavilion 18, along the Great Allegheny Passage (near mile marker 110). For info visit, gaptrail. org/register-now-for-2024-greatday-on-the-gap.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable, The Battle of Cedar Mountain presented by Chris Bryan, 7 pm, Monday, June 17, at Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Rd, Allison Park. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Green Voice Speaker Series: Building for a Greener Future, 6-8 pm, June 18, the Duquesne Club. For info, visit www.eventbrite. com/e/building-material-reuse-inbuilding-renovation-waste-diversion-tickets.

Harmony Events: Drum & Dance Circle, 7 pm, June 6, Center of Harmony; Wine Walk tastings in Harmony, 5-9 pm, June 8, for tickets ZelieLibraryWineWalk2024.eventbrite.com; Concert in the Square, 7 pm, June 13; Harmony House & Garden Tour, 10 am-5 pm, June 15, info at harmonymuseum.org; Fiber Festival, 10 am-4 pm, June 15, Chicken Knitz, Weavers’ Cabin, and the Harmony Barn.

Ingomar Garden Club monthly meetings 10:30 a.m., the 1st Wed. of the month, light lunch and guest speaker, March through November at Northmont Church, 8169 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh 15237. For details, visit www.ingomar-gardenclub.com for additional information.

Jazz on a River Boat Ride, June 30, featuring the RH Factor Band and a special guest appearance by Hugo Cruz and the Caminos. For details, visit rogerhumphriesband. com or contact Pamela at lordmarketing2001@gmail.com.

Music Under the Stars free concert presented by the Butler Symphony, 7:30 pm, June 27, at the Rotary Amphitheater at the Cranberry Township Community Park. For info, visit butlersymphony.org.

Networking opportunity! Business Link McCandless Chapter of AmSpirit Business Connections meets every Wednesday from 12-1:15 pm at Shooters Golf in McCandless. We are always looking for new members and would like to learn more about you and your business. Contact Mary at: marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com for more information or to schedule a visit.

Northland Library has numerous events scheduled for June including a Summer Reading program. For a complete list of events, visit northlandlibrary.org.

Rummage Sales, 8 am-2 pm, June 1, and 11 am-2 pm, June 2, St. Matthew Parish at St. Aloysius Church, Mt. Troy Rd., in Reserve Twp. Sale, 9 am.2 pm, June 22, at Holy Spirit School. Huge selection of kitchen items, jewelry, books, seasonal items, clothing etc. Bake goods available on Saturday. If you have furniture to donate, call Deb at (412) 337-1713 or Claire at (412) 360-9866.

Saint Aidan Festival (formerly St. Alexis Festival), 5-10 pm, July 31-Aug. 1 and 5-11 pm, Aug. 2-3, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. Four nights of indoor dining. New carnival rides. Live entertainment including Dancing Queen, Throttle Junkies, The Vogues & BB Steal. For info, visit www.saintaidanfestival.com.

San Rocco Festa, August 9-11, in the field adjacent to the Beaver Valley Automall (750 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd). Italian festival rooted in faith, love and community. Entertainment & food booths. For details, visit www.sanrocco.org or call (724) 252-7732.

Sealarks Womens Group meeting, 1 pm, Wednesday, May 8 at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd, McCandless. Topic is Underground Railroad.  Sealarks provides Christian fellowship & social activity for alone women. For info, contact Edie at (412) 487-7194.

UPMC Passavant Hospital Auxiliary Membership Opportunities! Are you looking for a stimulating opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of our community hospitals—UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets at 10 am the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept. through June). New members are always welcome!  For more info, visit passavanthospitalfoundation. org/. Call (412) 748-6639 if you plan to attend a meeting.

Vintage Market is a non-profit store in Shaler that benefits The Blessing Board. Open 10 am-3 pm every Th/F/Sat in the Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler Street & Rt. 8 (look for the gray door between Rite Aid & Planet Fitness).

SATURDAY, JULY 20

Katie’s

Clay Studio

Katie’s Clay Studio in North Hills is not only a vibrant community hub for art enthusiasts but also a haven for unforgettable kids’ birthday celebrations. From pottery painting to glass fusion, canvas painting, and even tie-dye adventures, we offer a diverse range of creative activities to ensure a truly memorable experience for the birthday child and their friends.

Large light-filled studio located in Gibsonia provides the perfect setting for these special occasions, complete with a gallery and retail gifts. Kids can unleash their imagination while exploring Pittsburgh’s largest selection of paint-your-own pottery items. Many packages to choose from for all budgets. Plus, our skilled instructors guide them through every step, ensuring their masterpieces reflect their unique creativity.

Gift cards are available for pottery painting experiences, making them the ideal present for any budding artist. To book your child’s unforgettable birthday party, visit our website or contact us at 724-502-4700. Be sure to reserve your spot early, especially during busy holiday seasons. Let Katie’s Clay Studio turn your child’s birthday into a colorful and joyous celebration they’ll cherish forever. n

The WOW Booth Co.

Great celebrations don’t just happen; they take planning, and to host an exceptional event, it requires something more. And the Wow Booth Co. provides that something extra. “I serendipitously stumbled upon the world of photo booth services, a realm that seamlessly harmonized with my multifaceted interests and proficiencies,” said Brittany Remington, owner of The Wow Booth Co, which was founded in April 2023. The Wow Booth Co. boasts a unique blend of personalized service, interactive experiences, and versatility that sets it apart in the industry.

“We take a hands-on approach to digital designs and event décor; each photo booth experience is infused with a personal touch, tailored to suit the specific needs and preferences of our clients. By engaging with guests during events, we create memorable moments and foster connections that go beyond just snapping photos,” said Remington.

Previously, Remington was entrenched in the role of a full-time mid-level manager and entangled in a partnership with an Airbnb, but “I felt compelled to embark on a journey of personal challenge, seeking to forge a path that both captivated my interests and relied solely on my own initiative,” she said. “I found myself consistently answerable to others, compelled to execute decisions that were not entirely my own. Yearning for more autonomy, I set out to navigate the realm of independent decision-making, determined to demonstrate my ability to initiate and nurture ventures single-handedly. Here, I discovered an outlet for my creative prowess in digital design and event embellishment, a platform for fostering connections during joyous occasions, and a conduit for facilitating unique marketing opportunities for businesses,” said Remington.

The Wow Booth Co. provides for a diverse range of events. “We cater to, from intimate celebrations like weddings and special occasions to large-scale corporate gatherings.

“Additionally, our photo booth doubles as a creative marketing tool, offering businesses a fun and engaging way to promote their brand,” said Remington. “With our passion and expertise guiding every aspect of our business, clients can trust that they’re receiving a service delivered with care, creativity, and professionalism that will make your event memorable.” n

724-984-7860

www.wowboothco.com wowboothco@gmail.com

Fatherly Music Trivia Songs for Dad

By Paula Green

Last month, we focused on motherly-themed songs; now, it’s dad’s turn. Some great tunes showcase fathers; let’s take a look. Chrisette Michele croons Your Joy while Madonna serenades Papa Don’t Preach. Mozella expresses gratitude with Thank You, and Brandi Carlile resonated with Carried Me With You. Reba McIntire muses The Greatest Man I Never Knew, and Miley Cyrus acknowledged I Learned From You

Cat Stevens sings Father and Son, while Paul Simon reveres it with Father and Daughter. Queen released Father to Son, and John Mayer introduced Daughters. Tim McGraw vocalizes My Little Girl, while Gary Allan serenades about Tough Little Boys. John Lennon resonated Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy)

Daddy is an underlying theme with some tunes. Coldplay has a song called Daddy. Then there’s the Bill Withers tune, I’m Her Daddy. Alan Jackson produced Drive (For Daddy Gene). Luke Bryan gave us Build Me a Daddy, while Dolly Parton quipped Daddy Come and Get Me. Beyoncé sang Daddy Lessons, and Holly Dunn harmonized Daddy’s Hand. Loretta Lynn reveals They Don’t Make ‘Em Like My Daddy Anymore. Shep & The Limelites released Daddy’s Home. Josh Thompson mused Daddy Had a Beer.

Keith Urban produced Song for Dad. John Hiatt sang Your Dad Did. Glady Knight and the Pips expose her father’s vulgar mouth with Dad Could Swear I Declare. Age plays a part in the Neil Young tune Old Man and My Old Man by the Zac Brown Band.

Father is prominently found in these titles: Father of Mine by Everclear, My Father’s House by Bruce Springsteen, and Dance with My Father by Luther Vandross. Father is a hit by Demi Lovato, and Baby Father is a song by Sade. There is a short list of songs praising stepfathers. The Winstons’ 60s soul hit Color Him Father and Brad Paisley’s song He Didn’t Have to Be. The Game got into the game with Like Father, Like Son

A few other paternal songs include Anything Like Me, Boy & The Best Part of Me, Family Man, Glory, Isn’t She Lovely, It Won’t Be Like This For Long, Just Fishin,’ Sweet Child of Mine, That’s My Job, Tough Little Boys, Watching You and You Should Be Here

Since we have focused on fatherly tunes, we must now put our paternal thoughts into this daddy query and get set to don those thinking caps because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. Harry Chapin sings this about a busy father who doesn’t have time for his son, and then the son turns around and grows up just like him.

2. He sang My Father’s Eyes and also the tune Tears in Heaven about the loss of his own fouryear-old son.

3. Will Smith turned this Bill Withers’ love ballad into a rapper song that salutes the joys of fatherhood.

4. This group spins the tunes My Girl and Papa Was a Rolling Stone

5. Natalie Cole recorded a posthumous duet with her late father; this song has become a fixture of father-daughter dances at weddings.

6. Which soul singer released the tunes Papa’s Got a Brand-New Bag and Papa Don’t Take No Mess?

7. Mike & The Mechanics sings this hit about a son who has a conflicted relationship with his dad.

8. Who sings the paternal song There Goes My Life?

9. Dan Fogelberg wrote this song as a tribute to his father, Lawrence.

10. Which male country musician sings Ready, Set, Don’t Go?

11. Randy Travis sings this song about his admiration for his great-grandfather.

12. Name the musician who sang Love Without End Amen, and The Best Days.

13. Bette Midler popularized this song about her hero.

14. He sang the hit Lullaby (Goodnight, My Angel) for his daughter.

15. Bob Carlisle wrote this song for his daughter Brooke’s 16th birthday. n

Sources: funtrivia.com, www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/best-fathers-day-songs/ www.southernliving. com/culture/music/songs-about-dads, hepioneerwoman.com/holidays-celebrations/g39476902/fathersday-songs/, www.etsy.com/listing/1231772382/printable-fathers-day-game-fathers-day, www.songfacts. com/category/songs-about-a-mother-or-father

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