June 2021
CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 22 YEARS
Women’s Cardiology Program Expands to UPMC Passavant Also... Men in Business & Health Care | Home Guide Summer Camps | Father’s Day Trivia
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www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
June
NORTHERN CONNECTION 8
NC Features 21 25 26 28
Celebrating Men in Business A Momentous Milestone Creating Summer Christmas in June Ron Eichner Home Guide
Health & Wellness 8 11 12 24
Cover Story: Women’s Cardiology Program Expands to UPMC Passavant Business Spotlight: Volofit Janice Lane Palko What Matters Most in Men’s Health Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm Men in Health Care
Kids & Education 14 Agora Cyber Charter School Offers Continuous Education for PA Students Grade K-12 16 PA Cyber for Your Family 18 School Movers & Shakers
Advertorials 3
Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey
In Every Issue... 4 5
Movers & Shakers Mover & Shaker of the Month: Two Local Teams Headed to Orlando for World Odyssey of the Mind Finals Paula Green 6 From the Editor: Can You Appreciate That? Janice Lane Palko 20 Trivia Connection: Father’s Day Trivia Paula Green 26 June Events 27 Support Our Troops: Warren Goss Paula Green
Welcome to the June issue of Northern Connection Magazine! We are now in our 22nd year of connecting you to the community. We would like to thank all our advertisers and readers for your support. Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. Enjoy reading our June issue! Marion Piotrowski President & Publisher
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P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046
Phone: 724-940-2444 ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher
Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor
Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator
Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator
Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive
Mary L. Simpson Design & Production
Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master
Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers
Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 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.
ADVERTORIAL
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Ten years ago, I hurt my foot, and it continued to get worse over the years. It got to the point that my feet were so sore and cold constantly and with no relief. I had lots of pain walking and was always trying to get my feet warm. In November, I made an appointment with the podiatrist and explained my symptoms and that my balance was affected causing me to have difficulty walking on uneven surfaces. He stated my neuropathy was due to my age and would have to live with it. Outdoor activities are very important to me, and I was losing the ability to do them. I felt there was no hope. A friend of mine learned of Tri-State Neuropathy Centers, and I made an appointment. The results have been unbelievable. The treatments are painless, easy and effective. I have no more pain and my feet are no longer cold. My range of motion is so much better, and my balance is back. I am now enjoying all the outdoor activities I used to and am nearly 100% better.
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
Movers & Shakers Last September, we featured Isabella Porta as our Mover and Shaker of the month after she won Miss Teen Gibsonia International 2020. Isabella moved into the MISS division and competed in the 2021 Miss Pennsylvania International Pageant as Miss Pittsburgh International. On April 10, she won the title of Miss Pennsylvania International 2021. Congratulations Isabella!
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UPMC East and UPMC Passavant are now offering robotic arm-assisted total and partial knee replacements with Stryker’s Mako SmartRobotics application, a highly advanced robotic technology. The surgeon-controlled system enables the accurate alignment and positioning of implants. Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestras (TRYPO) has announced the selection of Pierce Cook as the next conductor of Symphonette.
Pierce Cook
Mover & Shaker of the Month
Two Local Teams Headed to Orlando for World Odyssey of the Mind Finals By Paula Green In 1978, an innovative problem-solving program was founded called Odyssey of the Mind. Students were encouraged to participate in ventures, which enabled them to utilize their creative skills. Over the past 40+ years, OM has flourished, and now 25 countries from the world participate in the world finals tournament. Locally, two teams are headed for this year’s tournament held June 11 in Orlando, Florida. These groups trained for this competition through the nonprofit STEAM Studio in Warrendale. The facility is run by Sarah Ezolt. Sarah and her husband, Phil, coached the students. “STEAM opened four years ago. We have students that have come to us from different avenues and are from a variety of schools. The beautiful part of Odyssey of the Mind is it is run by volunteers, and it allows these kids to be creative and problem-solve. Team members learn so many new skills, from sewing and art to soldering and using power tools. They also code and write scripts. It’s all-encompassing,” said Sarah. “The first team was composed of eighth and ninth graders. The participants were Nicolai Ezolt, Avyu Nagrath, Prisha Dargan, Luke Ridgeway and Connor Foote. The problem that they had to solve was called ‘OMer the Romer,’ and they were tasked with making a vehicle that traveled without the use of human power, without the use of batteries, and that could travel both forwards and backward. They designed and built a vehicle using an old wheelchair as a base and using ratchets attached to the center of the wheels. They then made huge weights attached to the ends of the ratchets and used gravity to propel the vehicle. The team also used Arudino coding to make their vehicle ‘laugh’ and ‘smile’ using sound modules and motors. They won second place in the state of Pennsylvania,” Sarah noted. “The second team consisted of sixth and seventh graders and included Noah Ezolt, Sidney Rice, Kimaya Matai, Sofia Dent, Dominic Dent, and Luca Boudreau. The problem they had to solve was called ‘OMer and the Beanstalk.’ They researched folk tales worldwide and made a skit to perform that included original song parodies, a talking lion with glowing eyes, a talking bird, a dragon that breathes fire, and a beanstalk that grows. This team won first place in Pennsylvania,” Sarah said. STEAM Studio is slated to start a new team in the fall for third and fourth graders. To learn more about it, visit https://www.thesteamstudio. com/. For more information on Odyssey of the Mind, visit https://www. odysseyofthemind.com. We wish these two teams the best of luck in Orlando! n www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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FROM THE EDITOR
Can You Appreciate That? By Janice Lane Palko
T
he first time I visited Rome, we toured the Vatican Museum, and in one hall with numerous statues from Roman antiquity, our Italian tour guide had us note the hairstyles of the women depicted on many of the statues, which were a pile of curls around the statues’ faces. She explained that when the Romans brought back Germanic slaves to the city, the Roman men thought these blonde-haired women were fascinating and pretty hot. Not to be outdone in an age before Lady Clairol, the Roman women took their slave’s hair and made these blonde curly hair pieces that they affixed to the front of their heads. She then pointed to her own blonde hair and said, “You laugh at them, but ever since then, we Roman women have been dying our hair blonde to attract men!” Two years ago, we were in Puerto Rico and went to a traditional Puerto Rican cuisine restaurant and had mofongo, which is a mountain of fried and mashed plantains smothered in a garlic sauce with either shrimp or steak. In addition to its being the heaviest thing I’ve ever eaten—it was like a brick—it was delicious. For New Year’s Eve this year, I wanted to make something special, and I tried my hand at mofongo. Recently, my three little granddaughters watched and fell in love with The Sound of Music movie so much so that my youngest, 18-month-old Scarlett, now goes around yodeling. While searching on YouTube for the video of The Lonely Goatherd from the movie to play for her, I came across a video of the late Takeo Ischi, a Japanese yodeler. Who knew there were Japanese yodelers? Why am I telling you all these disjointed, seemingly unrelated stories? Because they are all what some would call “cultural appropriation,” the adapting of another’s culture into their own without permission. I can understand people getting peeved when a politician poses as a Native American to get into a prestigious college. I can understand getting annoyed with someone like the person I once worked with many years ago who bragged about claiming Hispanic heritage by way of a relative in Spain to get preferential hiring status, but I can’t work up any righteous indignation with other cultures copying from each other. If you do, maybe you should stop eating pizza; that was appropriated from the Neapolitans. Maybe you should forgo pasta; it is believed that Marco Polo brought that back from China. Don’t forget to dump your anorak then, as it is a style native to the Inuits. Can’t have a parka either; that belongs to the Aleuts. And don’t forget to deep-six your poncho or pashmina while you are at it. I could go on and on from the words adapted from other cultures to fashion to music styles, food, etc. The list is endless. What I can get upset about are misguided cultural warriors who seem intent on sucking the joy out of everything in life. In truth, people have been copying from one another since time immemorial. Not everything is nefarious, and neither is everyone. Most people are kind and simply curious and like to share, mingle, swap, experiment and try and learn new things from others. It’s the way of the world and no matter how much they complain, it will continue to be so. So maybe instead of reading everything as appropriation maybe they should lighten up, and really see it for what it is: not cultural appropriation but cultural appreciation. n
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COVER STORY
Women’s Cardiology Program Expands to UPMC Passavant For Barbara Jo Dunn, 57, of Sarver, Pa., walking at a fast pace at work leaves her short of breath. But Barbara Jo recalls she didn’t always feel this way. As a full-time registered nurse at UPMC Passavant’s Cardiac Diagnostic Testing Center, she administers up to 15 cardiac stress tests per day and used to walk from her car in the parking lot at the top of the hill to the hospital before and after work.
“L
ess and less activity was making me short of breath and I could feel tightness in my chest intermittently. Now I have to ride the shuttle from the hospital parking lot up the hill,” says Barbara Jo. “I’ve switched things up so it’s not as hard for me.” These symptoms, combined with feeling fatigued and her hard-to-control diabetes, made Barbara Jo concerned about her health – she wondered if her symptoms, especially the shortness of breath, could be due to an underlying heart condition. In February 2021, she heard about the new MageeWomens Heart Program at UPMC Passavant and called to schedule a formal cardiovascular risk assessment.
A Focus on Women’s Heart Health
Led by medical director Katie Berlacher, MD, the MageeWomens Heart Program has proven successful in providing personalized care for women with heart disease for several years. Under the leadership of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute’s Lydia Davis, MD, and Venmathi Indramohan, MD, patients in Pittsburgh’s northern communities now have convenient access to this world-class care at UPMC Passavant– Cranberry.
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This dedicated women’s cardiology program, a collaboration between UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, provides complete care for women with or who are at risk for heart disease – the number one cause of death for women in the United States. For years, heart disease has been under-diagnosed and misdiagnosed in women, who have unique biology and risk factors compared to men. “Women can also present with different cardiovascular symptoms and have different lifestyle factors compared to men,” says Dr. Davis, a cardiologist specializing in women’s health and medical director of the Cardiac Stress Test Lab and Nuclear Cardiac Imaging at UPMC Passavant and Outpatient Echocardiography at UPMC. “For this reason, having access to the Magee-Womens Heart Program at UPMC Passavant means we can bring tailored diagnostics and treatments specific to women’s heart health to the community.” The Magee-Womens Heart Program at UPMC Passavant services include: • Sex specific risk assessment for heart disease • Optimal treatment of chronic conditions that lead to heart disease in women
Lydia Davis, MD, and Magee-Womens Heart Program patient Barbara Jo Dunn
• Assessment of cardiac risk related to hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation • Thoughtful utilization of cardiac testing including stress tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, and catheterizations • Collaborative care with other cardiac specialists
An Individualized Approach to Care
Since 2013, Barbara Jo has worked closely with Dr. Davis, who would inquire about her diabetes and cautioned her to keep it under control. “Diabetes is a huge cardiac risk factor for women because your vascular system is compromised,” says Barbara Jo. “Typically, women with this type of diabetes get coronary microvascular disease, a small vessel disease that can cause chest pain.” Barbara Jo’s appointment with Dr. Davis was conveniently scheduled around her workday at UPMC Passavant– Cranberry. Dr. Davis assessed Barbara Jo, and determined she had risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD), the most common form of heart disease. “She impressed me right away. Dr. Davis is very thorough and patient-oriented,” says Barbara Jo. “She went through my history, trying to figure out if something was wrong.” Dr. Davis recommended Barbara Jo have a stress cardiac MRI, a new assessment that’s similar to a cardiac stress test, done at UPMC Presbyterian hospital, which would provide photos of Barbara Jo’s heart. “Only certain people can qualify for this test and Dr. Davis tried to find the best one for me. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate that,” says Barbara Jo.
Dr. Davis’ office scheduled the diagnostic test for her in a timely manner and the staff at UPMC Presbyterian prepped Barbara Jo on what the test would entail. “They contacted me and asked me a thorough list of questions and gave me an overview of the test. The woman who I spoke to is also 57 years old and she told me she’d be there the whole time,” says Barbara Jo. “It made me feel very good.” Shortly after her MRI, Barbara Jo underwent a left heart catherization performed by Suresh Mulukutla, MD, an interventional cardiologist, at UPMC Passavant–McCandless. In this procedure, a thin tube is used to enter the left side of the heart in order to diagnose heart conditions. “The results revealed no significant blockages in my coronary arteries, but I learned I do have diabetes-related microvascular disease,” says Barbara Jo, who is scheduled to return in three months to discuss with Dr. Davis further adjustments to her lifestyle risk factors and medication. “Overall, my prognosis is excellent. What a relief!” she exclaims. n
To schedule an appointment with the Magee-Womens Heart Program at UPMC Passavant, visit UPMC.com/WomensHeartPassavant or call 412-748-6484. www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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IMAGE & STYLE
Summer Weather Beauty Tips By Kelly A. Smith
Sue Golden
B
Mary Kay Cosmetics I’ve been in Mary Kay Cosmetics for 30 years, 20 of those as a Director, and I’ve had the honor of being on the National Court of Personal Sales for 22 years as well as studying with five internationally renowned makeup artists. With a full boutique of products in my home and same-day ‘free’ delivery, I cater to all my customers’ needs, including consulting one-on -one with them. Founded in 1966 and now in 40 countries, Mary Kay has donated over $80 million to battle cancers that affect women and to stop domestic violence. The company has a zero-carbon footprint and is responsible for planting over 1 million trees. Our anti-aging skin care carries the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval, and our leading dermatologists have also created specialized skin care products for teens, men and women from head to toe with the highest grade of raw materials and using scientific research. All Mary Kay products come with a 100% customer satisfaction guarantee. Visual aging doesn’t come from birthdays, it comes from poor products, poor choices and poor habits. I want you to be “happy with the skin you’re in!” If you’d like more information, a private consultation on the phone or in person, and do not already have a Mary Kay Consultant, please contact me at (724) 316-4934 www.marykay.com/sgolden to see the products, videos, etc.
Susan Golden…. Changing lives one face at a time! 10
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each bunnies, heat mavens and sun goddesses, listen up! While you may enjoy frolicking through the sand and wading in the pool, chances are your hair, skin and makeup may not be as forgiving. Even though it’s hot and humid out there, you still want to look cool and collected. At the end of a hot summer day, you can end up looking melted and wilted, or a.k.a., a hot mess! So, how do you get and keep a polished look that stands up to high temperatures? Well, it’s not as hard as it seems but you do need to change up your everyday beauty regime to a new normal. Don’t let sunburns, bug bites or melting makeup shatter your summertime hoopla! From switching products, to quick- witted DIY’s, read on for ways to combat your hot weather beauty woes! MISTAKE PROOF MAKEUP – Try switching up your summer style by changing your formulas. Here are a few suggestions to swap out during the summer months: If you use: Liquid foundation...........................................................................Try tinted moisturizer Smokey eyes......................................................................................Try bronzer over lids Pressed powder.............................................................. Try loose powder with a brush Matte/dark lipstick............................................................... Try nude or peach lip-gloss Heavy eyeliner..........................Try long, thick dark lashes with waterproof mascara Brush on blush...............................................................Try a sheer creamy bright color BABY POWDER POWER— When your fun in the sun is at day’s end and you feel like you could be a walking sandcastle, it’s time to break out the big guns- in a little bottle. Baby powder has the amazing ability to absorb anything that is wet, sandy or salty. Just sprinkle it all over you from your feet, legs, arms and even your hair! It’ll remove all of the sweat and saltwater which, by the way, is what adheres the sand to your skin, and you’ll be able to brush that scratchy sand off your skin with ease! MANICURE MAGIC— Get your best manicure in minutes! Have you ever had your polish bubble up in the heat? Well, try throwing a few bottles in the fridge as lacquer goes on smoothly when it’s chilled. Also, if you’re in a huge hurry, (and aren’t we all?) and have no time to dry, you can dip your fingertips into a bowl of cold water for 2 minutes or so and that will basically flash freeze-dry your polish enough to make them scuff free. LEMON MANIA– I love the diversity of lemons! Never have I used an edible item more often for DIY purposes than for sustenance. Try lemons to fix a self-tanning mishap by mixing with baking soda or to exfoliate dry, summer skin by mixing it with sugar. We all probably have a few sweat stain on our whites (come on, you know you do!) but, the power of lemon juice will whisk those stains away! Simply squeeze directly onto stains before washing and the acidity will lift those stains out in no time! Make your own healthy, and invigoration face mask after a long day of sand and sun with just 2 ingredients; lemon juice and honey. Whip up this fresh concoction and apply all over and you’ll see bright, even skin in just 15 minutes! BUGGED AND BOTHERED— The creepy crawlies and flying pests are out in full strength but if you’re like me, spray repellants, even the ones that boast “deet free”, creep me out, no pun intended. I don’t want harsh chemicals seeping into my skin. The alternative? Try a dryer sheet. Yes, it seems those little anti-static “buggers” are fragranced to hit the spot with our noses but not so much with the bug community. Try rubbing one all over your clothes and even lightly over your exposed skin to keep the bug bites at bay. And, don’t forget to tuck a few away in your pocket or purse. Summer is full of pleasures but melting makeup, frizzy hair and dry, sunburned skin is not one of them. Even if those summer rays are delivering a beauty beat down, they’re no match for our knowledge of combating them with style! n
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Business Spotlight
Volofit
By Janice Lane Palko
You don’t have to be in top shape to join Volofit!
Each workout is a uniquely optimized balance of cardio and strength so you can get leaner, fitter, and more agile in no time.
O
ne of the things people who exercise complain about is that they often workout for months and see no results. Volofit, a new type of gym, is dedicated to changing that. Earl Schweinsberg is the Volofit franchise owner for Pittsburgh, and he is set to open the first of three planned Volofit gyms in the McKnight Siebert Shopping Center in Ross Township by the end of July. “Volofit workouts focus on functional, highintensity interval training (HIIT) and are specifically designed to maximize your workout and your results,” said Mr. Schweinsberg. “We concentrate on four pillars of fitness—endurance, power, strength and agility, and through our specifically designed workouts, all of those aspects are addressed and will transform your body.” The group classes are 50 minutes long and are instructor-led and employ fitness technology to make sure that you are getting the most from your workout. “We use heart-rate monitors and track progress on screens in the studio and on the Volofit app as you make your way through each station,” said Mr. Schweinsberg. Studies have shown that when you exercise for at least 20 minutes above the 70% zone, it produces the greatest benefit to the body. Volofit uses a point system which awards 1 point for each minute spent in that zone and encourages those working out to accumulate 20 points during each workout for optimal results. With three to four classes a week, you will succeed in transforming your level of fitness. The workouts change daily and employ a variety of equipment from assault bikes, rowers, battle ropes, kettle bells, etc.—so a Volofit workout is never boring and is always challenging, allowing you to achieve excellent results. However, you don’t have to be in top shape to join Volofit. “Volofit workouts are functional in that they correspond to activities you do in real life, and all classes are led by a coach who can make sure you are using correct form, the right amount of effort and motivate you,” said Mr. Schweinsberg. “For instance, if you cannot do a chin-up, we use different strength straps to assist until you are doing them on your own.” Although the studio is not due to open until the end of July, discounted memberships are being offered now, and you can lock in that discounted rate for as long as you belong to Volofit. “Even though we aren’t officially opened, we are offering online workouts and outdoor workouts, and you won’t be charged your membership fee until the gym is opened,” said Mr. Schweinsberg. Classes will be offered throughout the day from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. n To learn more or to sign up for a membership, visit volo-fit.com/ross-township or their Instagram page at volofitrosstownship or call 412-752-7005. www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
What Matters Most in Men’s Health By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm
P
revention matters most when it comes to decreasing risks in the leading health dangers in men. The most common conditions in men, such as, heart disease, cancer and chronic lower respiratory diseases may be prevented with lifestyle modifications. First, it is important to understand the basics and risks about these conditions, then you need to learn what it takes to prevent these health dangers. Good news! These conditions have some similar prevention tactics. And only one hurdle, and one word, Habit. Sounds simple, right? Well, we all know that habits are hard to break and hard to start. One way to start is with small consistent steps and focusing on what matters and why it matters. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. — Lao Tzu This motivational Chinese quote is about determination. You must begin your journey to reach your goal, so take the first step and avoid procrastination.
Important first steps that matter most: What you eat matters. If your favorite foods are high in
saturated/trans fat and sugar, start out by adding some vegetables, fruits and foods that are high in fiber. The next step is to replace high fat meats with lean sources of protein at least weekly. Try some type of fish at least monthly. Moving matters. Exercise can be a hard habit to start and maintain. Focus on any activity that goes from sitting to moving. If you are watching TV, working at your desk, or on the computer, stand up and move about every hour for at least 5 minutes. Increase your footsteps every chance you get. Make time for the activities that you enjoy. Flexibility and strength matters. Every chance you get, stretch, bend and twist, even if it is for a few seconds multiple times a day. Keep small weights next to where you sit. If watching TV, use these weights during commercials. And do a few squats too. Stable healthy weight matters. Pay attention and limit your sugar intake and read labels for foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. Limit deep fried foods. Keeping these foods limited and the increase in body movement will help toward maintaining a healthy weight. Relaxation matters. Although it is important to move, it is equally important to rest your mind and body. Making time to do what you enjoy helps you unwind for the day. Relaxation can be translated to fishing, working on cars, wood working, watching favorite TV show or simply doing nothing at all. Eliminate exposure to smoke, chemicals, pollution matters. If you smoke, check with your health care provider on programs to help you quit, and never give up trying. This habit is one of the toughest to break but extremely vital to your health. Avoid exposure to secondhand smoke, chemicals and air pollution. Limiting alcohol matters. It is best to eliminate alcohol. If you enjoy alcohol consumption, then moderation is key, so look up recommended limits for daily consumption. Going to the doctor matters. The most important factor to prevention is making time for routine check-ups, screenings, blood work, exams and vaccines. Follow your current treatment plans if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or metabolic syndrome. These conditions contribute to risks of heart disease and some cancers. Start your journey today with a few small steps. You will be surprised how great you will feel. Now, are you ready? Open your eyes wide, take a deep breath, and take that one step toward a better you! Let’s do this. 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.
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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N
Agora Cyber Charter School Offers Continuous Education for PA Students Grade K-12 Agora Cyber Charter School, an online public school established in 2005, has delivered an uninterrupted education to Pennsylvania students grades kindergarten through 12 for the last 16 years. The continuous educational choices begin with kindergarten and extend to graduation from the 12th grade. Agora Stands Alone
A rigorous curriculum is delivered to all Agora students in real-time by PA-certified teachers. Live classroom instruction provides students with an engaging education, while going to public school in the safety and comfort of their homes. Deciding which educational opportunity best fits a child’s needs is crucial, and Agora has spent over 16 years ensuring its online educational model allows each student’s needs to be met. Agora teachers incorporate a variety of options to differentiate and work with the range of skill levels that exist within the classroom. We believe that a student succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school—one that thrives on communication. It is Agora’s vision to assist students in becoming lifelong learners. Agora’s enrichment programs span throughout all grades with the National Honor Society chapters available for grades 4 to 12. Elementary and Middle School have Advanced Learners Programs, High School has 19 AP courses and 14 honor courses. Agora’s student-driven programs and curriculums are designed to provide all students with the best educational options which will meet their individual needs. Twenty-eight percent of Agora students have an IEP. Upon enrollment the student’s IEP is immediately implemented, a review of the special education documents and
curriculum-based measures are then completed. Following those processes a meeting with the family is conducted and the IEP is adapted to cyber education. Specially designed instruction and a standards-based curriculum are delivered by qualified staff to meet the educational, emotional and physical needs of all students. Unique to Agora are 83 family coaches who are the first point of contact to welcome the families to Agora and online learning. We refer to the family coaches as boots on the ground, as they are regionally located throughout the state. They are the liaison between the school and the family and provide an extra layer of support to the student for a successful educational experience. The family coach also organizes social opportunities for the students. During the last year this was done online. Sixteen years of perfecting online cyber education has allowed Agora to offer robust schooling to any child in Pennsylvania who desires it, no matter the circumstances. Upon enrollment, each student receives a laptop, printer and all resource materials needed for online success. It takes a village to educate a student. At Agora from your first contact with the Enrollment Concierge, to the orientation and school advisers, principals, teachers, family coaches, we all rally around your student with you, as an essential support, for a successful cyber education. n
Register to attend the Virtual Open House and meet live with an Agora Enrollment Concierge, who will walk you through an overview of Agora and answer your questions at agora.org or call us directly at 844-462-4672. 14
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Elementary School
Elementary school principal Jansen Hornbake stated, “Agora’s elementary program builds a strong foundation of skills as students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. The students develop a deep conceptual understanding of math skills that lay the groundwork to success in their later years of schooling. Students who begin their journey here at Agora are able to shine as this learning progression continues through each school year.” Students in kindergarten through grade 2 will be assigned one teacher for all core subjects. However, in grades 3 to 5, students will work with a team of teachers who each teach a specific core subject. Agora elementary teachers use their talents to develop and execute engaging, academically challenging lessons to meet the diverse needs of the learners in the classroom. Agora teachers and staff work alongside students and Learning Coaches to develop warm, caring learning environments where students can take academic risks in a safe space. It is our goal each day to help students achieve their potential.
Middle School
Agora’s middle school is the grade span in which youngsters are most transformed throughout their academic career. They enter middle school as children and leave as young adults. Bridget Kozar, middle school principal, stated, “We help students become independent with their learning and take responsibility for their education, as they continue to find their unique strengths and encourage them to flourish as they move towards high school.” In middle school, Agora students are offered a standards-based curriculum in four core content areas: history, science, math and ELA (English Language Arts). In addition, students may have the opportunity to participate in teacher-led electives of music, art and physical education. Agora’s goal is to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, so middle school students are exposed to a careerreadiness course as well as a computer-literacy course.
High School
The high school team has designed courses and instruction to engage the 21st-century learner with multiple units, lessons and activities that allow for differentiation, practice, exploration and assessment of learned skills. Parents can easily support their students by accessing the student calendar, which clearly illustrates assignments, due dates and grades in one easy-to-use tool designed to improve student focus. Agora’s high school credit-based program values a well-rounded individual and believes that students who study the arts as well as history, mathematics, science and language arts have the best chance to be competitive members of their community after graduation. Agora students are offered a variety of career paths to post-secondary life. In addition to the core subjects, students have the option of choosing from 80 electives, 19 AP courses, and 14 honor courses. Destinations Career Academy offers industry-relevant pathways in Healthcare, Business and Information Technology and are complementary courses to the traditional high school program. “At Agora, we support your student in charting a new course. Whether it is a career pathway or college prep, we have courses that will guide them on their path to success,” explained high school principal Jeff Miller. Eighteen Agora school counselors are on hand to assist students with their academic, social and emotional needs, to help them navigate high school and beyond. www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N
PA Cyber for Your Family
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s a public school founded in 2000, the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School is open for enrollment to any school-age child residing in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and does not charge tuition to students or families. PA Cyber offers a modern, fully accredited curriculum, balancing
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fine and performing arts with a wealth of other programs such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) courses. Through the Writing Lab, teachers provide interactive feedback to help students understand specific areas for improvement while heightening the students’ con-
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fidence. The PA Cyber library, which is always open, includes e-books, videos, guides, and a variety of physical resources. Students may choose from more than 70 clubs and workshops that fulfill a variety of specific interests. PA Cyber maintains an outreach program called Family Link that offers families the chance to connect through field trips and local parent-planned activities. These events broaden and enrich the cyber school experience by creating an important social network for PA Cyber students and their families. “Students enjoy opportunities to spend time with classmates who share their interests. Parents gain the chance to talk to and share ideas with other parents who respect and understand their educational choice,” says PA Cyber CEO Brian Hayden. “Family Link members are also given opt-in access to a secure, online directory of other members’ contact information.” This unique directory helps families connect and communicate with others to foster support, enhance learning, and create lasting friendships. “PA Cyber has grown and matured with its students, becoming one of the largest, most experienced, and successful online public schools in the nation,” says Hayden. “In fact, it could be the perfect environment for your children to blossom.” Enrollment is now open for the 2021-2022 school year. Start personalizing your child’s education today at pacyber.org. n
www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N
School Movers & Shakers OLSH OLSH senior Ellie Troiani received a nomination for Best Actress by the Pittsburgh CLO Gene Kelly Awards for Excellence in High School Musical Theater. Earlier this year, she was named to the PA All State Cast by the Pennsylvania High School Speech League for her performance in the OLSH fall play, The Spoon River Project.
St. Joseph Saint Joseph High School announced the winners of its inaugural Earth Day Challenge. The winners were: Gabriella Palochik, Richard Konopski, Isabella Thomas, Sophia VanFossen, Mary Huth, Arella Mackalica, Emma Rodriguez, Peter Stickney, Ava Roxberry, Jovi Cagnacci, Leah Troiano and Louisa Palumbo.
Seneca Valley Out of 26 states across the nation, the Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon Team placed fourth in the large school division at the (virtual) United States Academic Decathlon (USAD) National Competition on April 30.
Medal winners were Allison Flatt, Shanker Pillai, and Nicholas Nedzesky. The National Honor Society (NHS) announced that Simren Jayaraman, a senior at Seneca Valley Senior High School and member of NHS, has been selected as an NHS Scholarship semifinalist.
The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced that Seneca Valley Seniors David Choi, Zachary Garcia and Ananya Rao are National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners.
Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School senior Isabella Krisky passed the LEED Green Associate exam. She is the first student in Fox Chapel Area history to take and pass the test. Fox Chapel Area School District Superintendent Mary Catherine Reljac, Ed.D., is a recipient of a University of Pittsburgh School of Education 2021 Distinguished Alumni Award. Fox Chapel Area High School senior Ashton Monroe was named a winner at the 2021 Pennsylvania Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) State Leadership Conference. Ashton, a culinary arts student A.W. Beattie Career Center, was awarded a first place and a silver medal in the PA Table Service category. She was also awarded a $12,000 scholarship to Sullivan University in Kentucky. Fox Chapel Area High School senior Jessica Jing McCann was named an All-American Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year.
Isabella Krisky
Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac
Ashton Monroe
Jessica Jing McCann
Mars Area Mars Area School District has welcomed Debbie Brandstetter as the District’s next Business Manager. Mars Area High School freshmen Ethan Lipchin will join the North Pittsburgh Wildcats 14U Hockey Team at the 2021 USA Hockey-Chipotle Youth Tier II National 14U National Championships. Mars Area High School sophomore Ryan Steigerwald earned first place at the 2021 Isaly’s Junior Golf Tournament held May 1 at Tam O’Shanter Golf Course. Mars Area High School sophomore Blake Bertolo earned first place in the Boys 15-16 Division of the Buckeye Junior Golf Tour Pittsburgh Junior Golf Shootout.
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Debbie Brandstetter
Ethan Lipchin
Ryan Steigerwald
Pine-Richland/Mars Area The Pine-Richland/Mars Area U.S. Air Force JROTC Drill Teams competed in the Parkersburg South JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp) Drill Competition.
Central Catholic Congratulations to Nathan Vislosky Central Catholic ‘17 who graduated from Penn State in Petroleum Engineering, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences Academy Laureate, Phipps and Ellis George Engineering Scholar. Nathan will be a program and systems engineer for OSI software, based out of London and Philadelphia.
La Roche University La Roche University announced the 2020 and 2021 recipients of the President’s Awards for Leadership and Scholarship. Winners were Julia Felton,
Micheline Ouedraogo and Danielle DiNatale. Additionally La Roche awarded the Woman of Providence Award to Sister Rose Michele Sieber, CDP. La Roche University’s student newspaper, the La Roche Courier, ends its 25-year run and transitions to a new platform: Redhawk Post.
Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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TRIVIA CONNECTION
Father’s Day Trivia By Paula Green
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1. On New Year’s Eve we see the emergence of this fellow. 2. According to Galileo, who is the father of invention? 3. English author A.A. Milne created this fictional character as a gift to his son, Christopher. 4. Gregory Peck was the father of Jem and Scout in the 1962 film To Kill A Mockingbird; what was his character’s name? 5. In Italy, Father’s Day is celebrated on which Saint’s Day? 6. The TV show Father Knows Best ran from 1954-1960; who played the dad in the series? 7. Name the actor who voiced Mufasa (Simba’s dad) in the original animated and 2019 versions of The Lion King. 8. He was considered to be the father of modern evolutionary science, and he had ten children of his own. 9. Name the musician who wrote and performs the song My Father’s Eyes. 10. Sean Connery starred as Indiana Jones’ father in The Last Crusade; what biblical item was he searching for? 11. Bill Bixby played Tom Corbett in this TV series, which ran from 1969-1972. 12. James Bradley wrote this book about his naval father and five U.S. Marines who were photographed during the Iwo Jima flag-raising. 13. This song was written in memory of Catholic martyrs. The lyrics read - living still, in spite of dungeon, fire and sword. 14. Name the lewd TV pop, who constantly insulted his son who was his business partner. He frequently quarreled with his sister-in-law as well. 15. This famous blue-collar father is noted for the catchphrase, “3-2-1 win!” n Sources: https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/fathers-day, https://triviachamp. com/Fathers-Day-Trivia-Quiz.php,meatalfloss.com/fathersday, https://www.biography.com/people/groups/founding-fathers, https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/ fatehrs_day.php, https://www.thebump.com/a/inspiring-dad-stories
Answers: 1. Father Time 2. doubt 3. Winnie the Pooh 4. Atticus Finch 5. Joseph (March 19) 6. Robert Young 7. James Earl Jones 8. Charles Darwin 9. Eric Clapton 10. The Holy Grail 11.The Courtship of Eddie’s Father 12. Flags of Our Father 13. Faith of Our Fathers 14. Fred Sanford (Redd Foxx) 15. The Pittsburgh Dad
H
appy Father’s Day, gentlemen! Last month, we acknowledged the ladies with Mother’s Day Trivia; now it’s dad’s turn to be pampered. Father’s Day falls on June 20 this year. Father’s Day was founded by Sonora Dodd in Spokane, Wash., on June 19, 1910. The idea for commemorating a special day for dad didn’t officially occur for another 50+ years. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. Finally, in 1972 President Richard Nixon signed this commemoration into law; since then, it has become a significant holiday in the U.S. Father’s Day ranks fourth among U.S. holidays with the largest number of greeting card sales. The official flower for Father’s Day is a rose. If your father is living, you wear a red flower, and if he is deceased, you don a white one. When talking about famous fathers, number one is God the Father. He is sometimes called Lord, Ruler of the Universe, The Almighty, The Creator, Light of the Word, and Yahweh, to name a few. Then there was Joseph; even though he wasn’t Jesus’ biological father, he was his earthly one. Joseph loved Jesus unconditionally because he trusted in the Lord. Our country was established back in 1776; we owe a special thanks to our Founding Fathers. George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, Alexander Hamilton, James Monroe and Benjamin Franklin structured the democratic government of the United States. Washington is considered to be the “Father” of our country, although he had no biological children of his own. Speaking of biology, in the aquatic world the seahorse has an interesting parenting role. Female seahorses lay their eggs inside the males pouch. He then carries the eggs while they develop, and then he gives birth to them. Now that’s a dedicated pap-pap! Here is a tale of another dedicated dad - in 1977, Dick Hoyt of Holland, Mass., began racing marathons across the country while pushing his son, Rick, in a wheelchair. Rick was born a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy. Sadly, Hoyt passed away in March, but the special love he had for his disabled son will live on. Since we doted over some dads, we must now gear up for this Father’s Day query. Get set to don those patriarchal hats because it’s time to get a little trivial.
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. Antonio C. Aiello, CFP, CRPC
| Premier Wealth Partners
Men in Business
CELEBRATING MENin BUSINESS
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
Doug Jones
| Forest Bathing
Douglas Jones, Ph.D. has worked as an independent psychologist in Sewickley for over 30 years. In retirement, he will follow his passion for guiding Forest Therapy/Forest Bathing walks as a way of staying in service to others and nature. Doug was certified as a Forest Therapy Guide in 2020 by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapists (www.anft.earth). Forest Therapy walks are leisurely, guided walks of two and a half hours, and cover a half mile. Forest Bathing has been scientifically shown to reduce stress, boost the immune system and improve cognitive functioning - to name just a few of its benefits. Coupled with his lifetime of vacationing in the woods of northwestern Michigan, Doug’s background as a psychotherapist has prepared him well to accompany and support others on these walks. The wonders experienced while Forest Bathing provide participants with the opportunity to recollect their sense of being at home in nature. The ANFT motto is: “The forest is the therapist, the guide opens the doors.” Go to www.forestbathingfinder.com to schedule your walk at Knob Hill Park and other beautiful Pittsburgh area parks. Immerse yourself in the healing properties of the natural world!
www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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Men in Business
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 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 stress-free and informed yearround, 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
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
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| 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
Dr. Shawn Richey
| Tri-State Neuropathy Centers
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. Through Tri-State Neuropathy Centers, Dr. Richey provides a specialized treatment protocol with a FDA approved, painless, non invasive, and drug free protocol that is designed to address the problem rather than just deal with the symptoms. 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, Allegheny Counties as well as West Virginia and Ohio 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
Patrick McCort
Men in Business
Michael McGroarty, Jr. CIC
| Modomation
Modomation LLC provides the latest technology and equipment in electronic Security, Electronic Fire, Access Control, Automation, and Data Cabling. Since March 2015, we have been providing our customers with the best service possible, on site and through other media. Modomation, a young, veteranowned business was formed to serve the Pittsburgh area in residential, commercial, and industrial markets using the latest technology and services to provide the highest protection for our clients. Today’s economic trends have changed, forcing many companies and individuals to reevaluate their systems to meet their bottom-line goals. We provide flexible, end-to-end solutions that assist companies and individuals to meet their objectives by providing services at an affordable rate to achieve the highest level of security possible. (724) 272-6779 | pmccort@modomation.com | www.modomation.com
Tim Kostilnik
| God’sCool Reading Series
Tim Kostilnik is a local graphic designer, portrait artist, and the creator of a Christian children’s reading series called God’sCool Reading Series, which helps children deal with problems in a Christian way. The first book in the series is “I’m So Angry: Learning to Deal With Anger God’s Way.” The story centers on a boy named T.J. Goodman who has a problem with anger which he needs to get under control. With the help of his Grandpa Sol, T.J. learns about selfish anger versus Godly anger and how to deal with anger God’s way. The second book in the series, “I Hate Myself: Learning to See Yourself the Way God Does,” tells the story of T.J. and a bunch of his friends, who have personal problems which cause them to not like themselves. A near disaster teaches them that God made them just them way He wanted to and the things they felt were problems can really be a blessing. Both books are available on Amazon. Tim can be reached by email at tim.kostilnik@godscool.net or by phone at 412-427-0568. www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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Men in Health Care
Richard Pine
| General Manager, Solevo
Richard Pine serves as the General Manager at Solevo Wellness in Zelienople and has been a part of the company for over two years. Prior to starting at Solevo, Pine was a founding member and the CEO of the Cleveland School of Cannabis. He was the leading factor in getting the school accredited in the state of Ohio, becoming the second cannabis-focused school in the nation to receive accreditation. Additionally, Pine has consulted with both Ugandan and Belizean Governments on cannabis education and legalization. In his free time, he enjoys flipping houses and mentoring people looking to launch small businesses. Pine holds a Bachelor of Business degree from Kent State University specializing in entrepreneurship.
Rocco Levine
| Operations Director, 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
| Marketing Director, Solevo
Patrick Gannon has over three years of medical cannabis industry experience as Solevo’s Marketing Director. He is responsible for all aspects of marketing, communications, and social media efforts. He directs branding, advertising, website development, and custom software projects. Gannon manages the highly regulated and constantly changing marketing requirements as required by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. These regulations span events, promotional materials, advertising, digital marketing, sponsorships, educational presentations, and web copy. Gannon has more than twenty years of software management experience across industries, including marketing, concrete construction materials, retail, and health benefits administration. Before joining Solevo, Gannon served as an eCommerce Product Manager for DICK’S Sporting Goods where he was responsible for leading the design, development and financial success of DICKS’ mobile and tablet retail shopping websites. Gannon holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Information Science.
Dr. Andrew Bucciarelli
| Clinical Pharmacist, 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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Dr. John Orie: A Momentous Milestone
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n May 15, Dr. John R. Orie’s friends and relatives celebrated a momentous milestone – his 99th birthday. The neighbors on Montgomery Road in McCandless threw the doctor a birthday celebration and parade. He is one of the pioneer neighbors who has lived on Montgomery Road for well over 65 years, and Dr. Orie, along with his late wife, raised nine children on Montgomery Road. He has 17 grandchildren. Dr. Orie had an enormous positive impact on the medical community and the North Hills community, with his outstanding legacy of compassionate care and devotion to his medical practice. On May 10, he received the distinguished McCandless Citizen Award of Recognition by the unanimous vote of the McCandless Township Council. The following day, UPMC Passavant Hospital President Susan Hoolahan and Passavant Foundation Chair, Dr. Daniel R. Sullivan jointly honored Dr. John Orie with an official proclamation for his outstanding medical contribution to the medical community and the community at large, as a physician for well over 55 years, and as a “pioneer physician” at UPMC Passavant, formerly Passavant Hospital. The University of Pittsburgh and the University Of Pittsburgh Medical School jointly honored Dr. Orie as a distinguished alumnus. In addition, The Pittsburgh Penguins honored him with an official Penguins jersey with the number 99 and his name, Dr. Orie, on the back of the jersey. Northern Connection magazine congratulates Dr. Orie on this significant milestone! n
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HAPPENINGS
FA C T S F R O M T H E FA R M
June Events The Block Northway Farmer’s Market runs every Friday 3-6 p.m., June 4-Oct. 29 between DSW and Land’s End. Saint Joseph High School summer camps: Girls & Boys Grades 3-8 Basketball (June 14-18), grades 5-8 Material Science (June 14-18), grades 4-8 Art Camp (June 21-25). For info visit, SaintJosephHS.com, or contact, Mrs. Shane Palumbo admissions@ SaintJosephHS.com or (724) 226-4932. The Sisters of Divine Providence 2021 Super Sweeps. the grand prize $5,000 cash prize 2nd place $500, 3rd place $100. Sweepstakes ends July 30. To enter, visit cdpsisters.org/SistersSweeps or call 412.635.5401. Proceeds benefit the Sweepstakes ends July 30. The St. Margaret Foundation Brian Demchak Hope Challenge runs June 16-22. Participants Run, Bike, Walk, Swim, or Dance. For infor or to register, visit https://www.stmargaretfoundation. org or call 412-784-4215. https:// runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/ BrianDemchakHopeChallenge 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? Join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month, 10 a.m., Sept. through June. New members are welcome. For info, contact Nicole Kaib at (412) 748-6640 or kaibn@upmc.edu. Zelienople-Harmony Farmer’s Market is located at the Zelienople Community Park on Beaver Street in Zelienople. Every Monday 3:30 – 7 p.m. rain or shine begins June 7. Wide variety of quality produce & vendors each week. Facebook @ ZelieHarmonyFarmersMarket. 26
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Creating Summer Christmas in June By Ron Eichner
Hi folks! June is a transition month, going from spring to summer
each year, and by the end of June, we are halfway through the year. Over the last 20 years, many yards have turned into dull landscaping with the absence of color. For generations, in late May and through June, people would plan, plant, and bring their yards to life with their favorite colors. The flowers would cast colors long into the fall and then add fall mums for late season enjoyment. Think of all the seasonal Christmas displays and illuminating the yards with colorful lights, which brings all the neighborhoods to life through the New Year. Well, for the last handful of years, I have been promoting “Summer Christmas” on June 25. Memorial Day is like Thanksgiving, and July 4 is like New Year’s, and stuck in the middle is Christmas. Summer Christmas is all about clustering in some of your favorite colors to give your yards some drive-by appeal. For Summer Christmas, geraniums could be like poinsettias, and they come in many colors. Geraniums are great to use in containers and pots, along with a variety of other long-blooming annuals. Once a week, fertilizing of baskets, containers and pots keep the plants promoting season-long color. You can cluster in your favorite colors by making a 10- or 12-inch circle and take a 6-pack of flowers and plant one in the center and place the other five around the center plant. It’s great to see your kids or grandkids involved in the landscaping activities, and if they have their own personal clusters, it can turn into family involvement. Then with a handful of clusters it gives nice drive-by curb appeal, and if you want to illuminate at night, just put a spotlight on the summer display. With today’s hustle and bustle, vegetable gardening, unfortunately, has turned into one and done. However, gardening for generations, like farming, has been a season-long activity. Your gardens can turn into a horn of plenty, and canning or freezing the vegetables can extend and preserve the harvest. Finally, June 20 is Father’s Day, and dad role models also could be grandfathers, uncles, godfathers, fathers-in-law for all the special things they do or did for us over the years. Whether they are present or past, we should have love and respect for all their everlasting, unconditional love. I know my family has had the best of all of the above so Happy Father’s Day, along with all the special guys in our hearts. If you need some personal Summer Christmas ideas, feel free to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses and experience “Farm Fresh” at 285 Richard Road, Wexford and get the “rest of the story.” n
SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS
Warren Goss Saluting a Normandy and Battle of the Bulge Veteran By Paula Green
T
he D-Day landings took place on June 6, 1944, and saw 156,000 Allied forces storm the beaches of Normandy to liberate the country from Nazi occupation. The Allied infantry began landing on the coast of France at 6:30 a.m., and by midnight, over 150,000 British, U.S., and Canadian troops had landed in Normandy. It was the most extensive seaborne operation in history, and while the Allies claimed victory on the Western Front, more than 10,000 people lost their lives. Local Army veteran Warren Goss, 96, of Sewickley, fought in this bloody battle. Goss was 19 years old and was a member of the 531st Engineers on that fateful day when his squadron landed on Utah Beach. “When I first joined the service in 1943, I was placed in the 4th Division. I volunteered for a special brigade and was sent over to England were I did all of my training. After a year, I headed over to Normandy and took part in the invasion,” Goss said. He recalls how that day unfolded, “We climbed down the rope ladders and got into the Higgins boat, then we just circled around. We couldn’t see the Germans, but they could see us. We couldn’t even see land,” Goss noted. “When the doors of the Higgin boat opened, a few of my fellow soldiers who were in the front were struck down. I decided to jump over the side, which ultimately saved my life. I waded through water that was up to my neck. I carried my rifle and gear, and I held my head above the water. We were under constant German fire, and I was fortunate enough to make it to shore,” Goss said. Most of the members of the 531st were killed on D-Day. Goss was then placed in the 70th Infantry Division, where his squadron fought their way through France and Saarbrucken, and that’s when they crossed into Germany. In addition to the Normandy invasion, Goss also fought in the Battle of the Bulge. “It was quite an ordeal; we slept in the snow,” Goss said. On May 7, 1945, Germany unconditionally surrendered to the Allies in Reims, France, ending World War II and the Third Reich. On June 6, 2019, a 75th Anniversary D-day Commemoration was held in Normandy, France. Goss was fortunate enough to attend the tribute. There were veterans in attendance from all branches of the military from land, air, and sea. Service members flew over from the United States, England, and Canada. It was the second time that Goss revisited Normandy. Prior to the anniversary tribute, he revisited this famous part of France with the local Veteran’s Breakfast Club. For his heroism, Goss was awarded the French Legion of Honor Medal, the highest decoration bestowed in France. Northern Connection magazine salutes Warren Goss for his valiant bravery and serving his country during World War II. n
Warren Goss with his father Edward, a WWI veteran www.northernconnectionmag.com | JUNE 2021
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