Northern Connection Magazine March 2015 Issue

2015 Summer Camps & Programs Guide

YMCA Giving Kids Their Best Summer Ever!

Educators & Camp Counselors Making a Difference March Happenings & Events Business Spotlight: Three Rivers Healthy Vending, LLC

CONTENTS March 2015

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NORTHERN CONNECTION Features

Kids & Education

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Dr. Charles Krauthammer to Receive St. Barnabas’ Hance Award

20 Student of the Month: Jane Fusco Paula Green

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Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital opens Avalon Veterinary Hospital

21 Educators Making a Difference Marianne Reid Anderson

22 St. James Preschool

2015 Summer Camps & Programs

24 School Movers & Shakers

10 Summer Camps: Offering the Best in Tradition and Innovation

26 Winter Weather Care for Your Outerwear Kelly Smith

Marianne Reid Anderson

Image & Style Health & Wellness

13 2015 Summer Camps & Programs Directory 14 Cover Story: The YMCA is Giving Kids Their Best Summer Ever!

16 Shady Side Academy Summer Programs Have It All! 18 Glade Run to Host 16th Annual Spring Symposium 19 Fit Families: You Have to Start Somewhere Joella Baker

28 March Health Awareness 30 Be “Well on your Way” with Vincentian’s Short-Term Rehab 32 Enhance Your Life: How to Keep Costs Down During Divorce

14 In Every Issue 4

From the Publisher

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Movers & Shakers

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Mover & Shaker of the Month: The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth

Marion Piotrowski

Paula Green

12 Trivia Connection: Happy Camper’s Motion Picture Trivia Paula Green

31 Starting the Conversation: Coping with an Empty Nest?

Marianne Reid Anderson

40 Support Our Troops: A Salute, A Command and A March Paula Green 44 March 2015 Happenings

Donna M. Cheswick

34 Business Spotlight: Three Rivers Healthy Vending, LLC Will Cooper

Senior Living 38 Town Crier: The Amazing Month of March Joe Bullick

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39 Happenings for Seniors

Home & Garden 41 Art Expose: It’s Truly One-of-a-Kind 43 Are You Prepared for the Spring Selling Season Linda Honeywill

Advertorials 35 Lose up to 30 Lbs in 30 Days Dr. Michael Vactor

37 5 Things You Should Know If You’ve Had An Accident.

Dr. Shannon Thieroff

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Northern Connection | March 2015

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PUBLISHER NOTES

Welcome to the March 2015 issue of Northern Connection magazine!

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

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his issue focuses on summer camps and programs. The cover story, sponsored by the YMCA, details some of the reasons that summer camp is an important experience in the lives of children. Not only is it fun for the children to play sports and games, it gives them the opportunity to learn new skills that they otherwise would not have the chance to explore. Camp also helps them learn to get along with others and work together, that goes a long way to help them adjust in life. Like many others, I, too, have a great memory of summer camp. I attended a two-week camp in the Ligonier area with my cousins when I was eight years old. I participated in many camp activities and it is where I learned to swim. I have loved the water ever since! Because of my experience, my children and grandchildren are all excellent swimmers and we barely miss a chance for a day at the pool or a summer vacation at the beach! All my grandchildren look forward to camp every summer and really enjoy all of the opportunities to learn, explore, meet new friends and have fun.

In this issue, there are many different camps that have advertised for you to choose from. Hopefully, you will find just the right camp for your child that fits their individual personality and needs. I would like to thank all the camps and summer programs that participated in this special issue. We will continue featuring these wonderful opportunities next month.

If you are looking for some interesting things to do this month, be sure to check out the Happenings Section. There are a great deal of remarkable events taking place in and around the area. Enjoy reading all Northern Connection magazine’s special features and regular columns.

Thank you for you continued support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! F

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Phone: 724-940-2444

Laura Arnold

laura@northernconnectionmag.com

Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Mary Simpson

marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executives

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Marianne Reid Anderson

ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Joella Baker Joe Bullick Rosemary Garrity Paula M. Green Barbara A. Killmeyer Suzanne (Suz) Mauro, AICI Ryan C. Meyer Liz Miles Donna Summers Moul, M.S.Ed. Marianne Reid Anderson Stacie Sikora Kelly Smith Distribution

Paula Green

Never UNDERESTIMATE THE importance OF HAVING Fun. —RANDY PAUSCH

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ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Donna Smith Dominion Distribution

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

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.

Coming in April

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.

SUMMER CAMPS/PROGRAMS 2015 WEDDING GUIDE 4

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

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MOVERS & SHAKERS March 2015

Movers & Shakers Evalyn ‘Sam” Hartzell of Renfrew, Forward Township in Butler County is St. Barnabas Health System’s 2014 Hoppy Award winner. This honor is equivalent to an Employee of the Year Award. Hartzell was chosen from more than 635 employees.

Pittsburgh Mercy Health System (PMHS) part of Trinity Health; serving in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy became a tobacco-free environment and implemented tobacco-free work shifts on Feb. 1.

McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy Health System’s grantmaking foundation announced its new board of director and officers.

They are: Marie Immaculée Dana, RSM; Emma T. LucasDarby; Diane Majte, RSM and James H. Myers Jr. Cranberry Noon Rotary Club president, John Marshall joined past president Jerry Savoroski as they presented Salvation Army Maj. Richard Lyle with a check for $1,516. The check is the

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result of members ringing the Salvation Army bell in December, and from raising funds through club “fines.”

Family House announced that Randy Struk is their new chairman of the board.

Struk has served on its board for a decade.

Randy Struk

The Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council (PPGC) announced that Thomas E. Boyle, Esquire (61) a shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll and Rooney has been awarded the organization’s 2014 Allied Professional of the Year Award.

Consiglio Financial Group, LLC. is pleased to announce that August D. Consiglio, ChFC has been selected for the 7th consecutive August Consiglio, year as a 2015 ChFC 5 Star Wealth Manager in the Pittsburgh area.

August is an independent financial advisor registered with NFP Advisor Services and has been a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) for over 25 years. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon in 1985 with degrees in Industrial

Treesdale Golf & Country Club in Gibsonia has named award-winning chef Adam Gooch as its new executive chef. In his new role, Gooch will oversee food and beverage operations of Treesdale Golf & Country Club, a private premier country club and member of the ClubCorp family of clubs.

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Management and Economics and is a lifelong resident of Western PA. He lives in Wexford with his wife, Barbara, and their children, Angela 16 and David 14.

Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center announces Drive Beehive, a new, free app.

Helps decrease accidents and deaths due to texting or talking on cell phones while driving.

You can “sponsor” people and reward them when they drive safely. All current clients of Choice Chiropractic can sign up with Choice Chiropractic as your sponsor and be rewarded for “Distraction Free Driving.”

Teams members from Eat ‘n Park and the Neighborhood Ford Store were on hand on Monday, Jan. 26 to present the keys to a 2015 Ford Fusion to Ruth Hamilton, winner of Eat ‘n Park’s Caring for Kids Campaign car raffle.

Dr. Charles Krauthammer to Receive St. Barnabas’ Hance Award St. Barnabas Charities Founder’s Day Slated for April 30th

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r. Charles Krauthammer will be the featured speaker and honored with the Hance Award as St. Barnabas celebrates its 115th Founder’s Day, Thursday, April 30. Be inspired by this extraordinary American - Dr. Krauthammer is a Pulitzer prizewinner, a syndicated columnist, a bestselling author, trauma survivor, and a physician.

St. Barnabas Charities’ annual fundraising dinner will be held at the Marriott Pittsburgh North in Cranberry Twp. and begins with a cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and inspirational message by Dr. Krauthammer at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $300 per person to attend dinner and the program, available by calling 724-444-5521 or by visiting www.StBarnabasCharities.com. Guests may also attend a private VIP reception with Dr. Krauthammer before the dinner program for $800 per person, limited tickets available. Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which annually provides more than $6 million in free care to needy patients at St. Barnabas.

William V. Day, president of St. Barnabas Health System, will present Dr. Charles Krauthammer with the prestigious Hance Award, named for St. Barnabas founder Gouverneur P. Hance (1871-1954), the lay Episcopalian brother who founded St. Barnabas in 1900 as a refuge for incurably ill men and boys who could not afford their care. Each year, the Hance Award is presented to a person of national acclaim who exemplifies Hance’s ideals of benevolence, patriotism and service to others. Among the past Hance Award recipients are

entertainer Debbie Reynolds, Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, first lady Barbara Bush, astronaut “Buzz” Aldrin and President Gerald Ford and many more.

St. Barnabas Health System is Pennsylvania’s largest health care concern of its kind. In its 115th year, St. Barnabas is like no other - diverse and expansive - meeting the needs of young retirees through those who require hospice. St. Barnabas’ spectrum of care includes four retirement communities, three living assistance

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facilities, two skilled nursing homes, and a community outpatient medical center. Providing $6 million in free care annually, St. Barnabas engages in innovative methods to raise money for its Free Care Fund such as The Jackie Evancho award in its Kean Quest Talent Search, The Kean Theatre, The Crystal Conservatories, Rudolph Auto Repair and Beautiful Buys Thrift Shoppe.

For more information visit www.

StBarnabasHealthSystem.com. F

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MOVERS & SHAKERS March 2015

Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital opens Avalon Veterinary Hospital

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elcome to Avalon Veterinary Hospital! A “sister� hospital of Seven Fields Veterinary Hospital, Avalon is locally owned and their mission is to provide your family with excellent, affordable, and quality veterinary care. Dr. Ann and John Cirillo purchased Avalon in December 2013 from Dr. Tom Moore who owned the hospital for over 50 years, and was a pillar of the community. Capital improvements, state of the art equipment, and expanded hours are only a few of the positive changes that have been made to serve their clients and provide exceptional medicine for their patients.

Caring for your family pets has always been and will continue to be the primary focus of the doctors and staff whether it be for routine preventive care and surgery, general illnesses, complicated and involved internal medicine ailments, soft tissue surgery, or urgent and critical care.

Along with the physical changes, there are some new and enthusiastic staff members including veterinarian,

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Dr. Brandi Cox, whose career focus is on exotic animals including birds, reptiles, and pocket pets. Dr. Cirillo has a special interest in canine and feline dentistry and had specific training in anesthesiology but loves every aspect of her job. Dr. Stephanie Clauss enjoys internal medicine and surgery, and is exceptional at client education. Dr. Shanie Verret, originally from Louisiana, has a special interest in companion animal reproduction. Dr. Christine Koch particularly enjoys feline medicine and internal medicine.

Dr. Gunther Lill sold his veterinary hospital in Cranberry Township and was retired for a short time before he realized that his passion for veterinary medicine was too strong to retire completely and he is working at Avalon part-time.

The doctors and staff at Avalon Veterinary Hospital welcome you to stop in and meet them any time you would like. Above all, they want you to know that caring for you and your pet(s) is their number one priority. F

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MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH

The Sisters of Charity of Nazareth Assemble Sleeping Mats for the Poor

BY PAULA GREEN

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he Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is an international religious organization that follows the teachings of Saint Vincent de Paul. This 17th century priest spent his time serving the poor and disadvantaged.

The local congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth is housed at St. Louise Convent on McKnight Road in McCandless Township. True to the teachings of St. Vincent, the Sisters in this facility are working on a new project to benefit the poor: The Sisters are crafting handmade sleeping mats from plastic bags. This outreach project is being organized and directed by Sister Anne Kull.

“I was on a retreat in August, and a friend of mine showed me some purses that she made from weaving strips of brown bags with pieces of colored plastic bags. She decided to work on the mats as well. I thought that this would be a good project for our Sisters to do too,” said Sister Anne.

“The Sisters at my convent were very receptive to the idea. We started on this venture sometime before Christmas around October or November. The sleeping mats that we design are 6 feet long and 4 feet wide. The mats are made from plastic bags, which are cut into strips which are looped together and rolled into plarn balls which are used to crochet the mats. The word plarn means plastic yarn,” Sister added.

“So far we have eight that are complete. There are about a dozen nuns who are working on this. We have some that cut the strips, others who crochet and a few of them work with the plarn balls. The more colorful the bags, the more vibrant the design,” noted Sister.

The sleeping mat initiative was fortunate enough to have some additional support from their neighboring school, Vincentian Academy,

which is located next door to the convent and got involved in the mission. The high school students held a plastic bag drive to help furnish the Sisters with the need supplies for the sleeping mats. Their charitable act also help benefited the poor, which is a value tool according to Saint Vincent de Paul –“Charity is the cement which binds Communities to God and persons to one another.” F

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SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS

Top Row: Get Fit Families Bottom Row: Pittsburgh Center for the Arts

Summer Camps: Offering the Best

in Tradition and Innovation

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

Oh to be a kid again!! The opportunities in our region for children, tweens and teens continues to amaze and inspire. Choose among these incredible summer camps or mix-and-match, either way, enjoyment awaits and as our children will be embracing, sun, fun and incredible learning experiences throughout the summer! Remember – the key is to register early!

YMCA – The YMCA has a long-standing tradition of offering both day and overnight camping. The Y’s day camp offers a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being, such as swimming, hands-on science experiments with University of Pittsburgh’s School of Science, nature hikes and developing 21st Century skills through leadership and small group team building. The Y’s camp Kon-O-Kwee offers both day and overnight camping with over 60 unique activities from archery to nature crafts to zip-line and so much more. To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s Day Camp programs throughout Allegheny County, visit www.YDayCamps.org or contact your local Y http://www.

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ymcaofpittsburgh.org/locations/. For Y Day Camps in Butler and Cranberry visit: www.bcfymca.org. Rose E. Schneider YMCA, 724-452-9122. Butler YMCA, 724-287-4733 and for Y Day Camp in Sewickley visit: http://www.sewickleyymca. org. Sewickley Valley YMCA 412-741-9622 ext. 103. Register for overnight camp at Camp Kon-O-Kwee by MARCH 10th to receive EARLY-BIRD PRICING! For more information, call us at 877-YMCA-KOK or visit www.ycampkok.org n Pittsburgh Center for the Arts – The Pittsburgh Center for the Arts is celebrating their 70th anniversary this year and offering an incredible array of camps from traditional studio arts to high-tech graphic design and multi-media to an

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incredible blend of visual arts with other creative mediums like performance, literature, architecture and science under the direction of teaching artists who are working professionals in these creative fields. Eleven weeks of camps are available and include Zen-Yoga, Clay Animation, Digital Photography, Legomation, Stained Glass, and so much more. High School students will have the unique opportunity to participate in a more immersive, elevated level that will give them a professional and collegiate experience to advance skills and learn what it means to pursue a career in the arts. These weekly camps are available from June 8 – August 21st. There is a rolling admission, but be sure and register early as camps fill-up quickly and if you register on March 13th, you can receive a 10% discount. To learn more and register, visit http://pca.pittsburgharts.org/education/summer-camps Hampton School District – Open to everyone, including cyber, parochial and students from other districts, Hampton School District offers an incredible list of opportunities available as part of its summer programs in the arts, sciences and much more. In addition to dance, knitting, weaving, edible science experiments, summer theater productions, drivers Ed instruction with CCAC, SAT-prep including the re-designed SAT, Intro to Debate, college essay prep, and the list keeps going. Technology enthusiasts, can learn 3-D design and how to use a 3-D printer! Participants can even learn how to develop their own video games. There is even a special Babysitting class where participants learn CPR and first aid, learn how to market their babysitting business and even earn a certificate upon successful completion of the program. Visit www.ht-sd.org, go to the Community tab and select HTSD Summer Program 2015 to access the brochure and full list of opportunities. n Get Fit Families offers Get Fit Summer Camps. These summer camps keep your child active and fit during the summer break with innovative training techniques. These camps are week long camps for 4-13 year olds. Camps include Triathlon, Running and Cross Country. All camps include personalized and group instruction. All meals and snacks are included. And, all camps are held at the Zelienople Community Park. For camp dates and more information visit the Get Fit Families Website at www.getfitfamilies.com or contact Joella Baker at joella@zoominternet.net.

Chatham University – The Chatham Music and Arts Day Camp provides intensive music and art experiences to students Pre K – 9th grade. Campers enjoy both traditional summer camp activities such as swimming and sports available every day, as well as, the core art, theater and music curriculum. While, pre-k through 4th graders are given a structure agenda to art and music, 5th through 9th graders can choose and arrange their own schedule to what they particularly wish to pursue from American sign language, to musical theater, to ceramics, to archery and to so much more. To learn more about this well-rounded, traditional and innovative camp experience, visit http://www.chatham.edu/daycamp.

Forest Dancing – Forest Dancing is a one-week intensive summer dance camp for serious dancers ages 8 and older with a minimum of 1 year ballet training. Located in one of

the most beautiful settings in Pennsylvania, dancers have the opportunity to do what they love best surrounded by the beauty of virgin pine forests and mountain laurel overlooking the Clarion River.

A Forest Dancer’s week also includes the fun of crafts, a canoe trip on the Clarion River, a talent show, nature walks, swimming and an evening out at the local theater.

Visit our website at www.forestdancing.com for details about this innovative and creative summer camp.

This issue is filled with camps programs to explore and be sure to read our April issue to learn about even more innovative classrooms and summer camps. If you are implementing a summer camp or would like us to feature a camp counselor or volunteer that is making a difference, be sure and let us know by emailing northcon@consolidated.net or calling 724-940-2444. F

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TRIVIA CONNECTION March 2015

Happy Camper’s Motion Picture Trivia Hiking our way through Camping Movies

BY PAULA GREEN

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1. Which actress portrayed Kate Craig in The Great Outdoors?

2. This 2006 camping flick starred Robin Williams and Cheryl Hines.

3. Kristy McNichol and this actress starred in Little Darlings.

4. Maureen O’Hara portrayed the twin’s mother in the 1961 camp film The Parent Trap who played that role in the 1998 remake?

5. This 2004 classic starred Seth Green and Dan Shepherd as childhood friends united for a trip to the wilderness, searching for lost treasures.

6. Fred Savage directed the 2007 flick Daddy Day Camp, name the actor who starred in it?

7. This documentary captures the experiences of a group of children over the course of their summer at the Swift Nature Camp in the woods of Wisconsin.

8. He starred in the comedy Ernest Goes to Camp.

9. Spending the summer in a holiday camp with her family, Frances “Baby” Houseman falls in love with the camp’s dance instructor Johnny Castle in 1987 hit.

10. Wet Hot American Summer is set on the last day of camp, in the hot summer of what year?

11. Pugsley and Wednesday attend summer camp in this 1993 film.

12. Jennifer Aniston, John Ratzenberger, Candace Cameron and Danica McKellar starred in this 1990 adventure.

13. Farrah Fawcett, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and this actor starred in the 1995 film Man of the House.

14. This 2006 documentary focuses on kids who attend a summer camp hoping to become the next Billy Graham.

15. This 1997 animated film featured the Peanuts gang on a camp adventure. F Sources: http://www.screenjunkies.com/movies/movie-lists/10-best-campingmovies/, http://www.campingroadtrip.com/tips-and-articles/top-8-kids-campingmovies, http://www.teen.com/2014/04/10/movies/movies-about-summercamp/#1, http://www.imdb.com/title, http://scaryfilm.blogspot.com/2011/02/ top-10-horror-camp-movies.html, http://horrornews.net/38420/top-10-horrorfilms-about-camping/

Answers: 1. Annette Benning 2. RV (Runaway Vacation) 3. Tatum O’Neal 4. Natasha Richardson 5. Without a Paddle 6. Cuba Gooding, Jr. 7.

Summercamp! 8. Jim Varney 9. Dirty Dancing 10. 1981 11. Addams Family Values 12. Camp Cucamonga 13. Chevy Chase 14. Jesus Camp 15. Race for Your Life Charlie Brown

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his month you can hike along, as we explore the “happy campers” that have appeared in movies.

Some of these flicks are downright hilarious, while others are spine-tingling. There was even a comedy film called Happy Campers that was released in 2001.

The slapstick hit Meatballs starred Bill Murray as a camp counselor who teaches kids to take pride in themselves. The film was followed up with three sequels Meatballs Part II, Meatballs 3 and Meatballs 4. The Great Outdoors was a 1988 camping comedy that starred John Candy and Dan Akroyd.

The 1994 movie Camp Nowhere starred Christopher Lloyd. Ben Stiller garnered a few laughs with his portrayal as a kid’s weight-loss camp counselor in 1995 hit Heavy Weights.

The 2003 film Camp was a fictional ode to performing arts camp. There were musical camp flicks – American Pie Presents: Band Camp, Camp Rock and Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. Some folks even enjoyed launching into orbit with the 1986 movie Space Camp.

A few camp films were scout-themed – such as Bushwhacked, Father and Scout, Follow Me Boys, Moonrise Kingdom, Mr. Troop Mom, Scout Camp, Scout’s Honor: Badge to the Bone, and Troop Beverly Hills.

Other camp films that have hit the theatres included – The Acorn People, Camp Takota, Continental Divide, Daddy Day Camp, Ernest Goes to Camp, Fred 3: Camp Fred, Gorp, Indian Summer, Into the Wild, The Kings of Summer, Little Darlings, Magic Rock, Mile…Mile and a Half, The Parent Trap, Party Camp, The Rainbow Tribe, Summerhood, and Summertime Switch.

Leave it to Hollywood to introduce us to horror-camping films, there were plenty of them. In these movies, the campers start off happy, but their pleasant trip ends in tragic results. These flicks included Friday the 13th (series) and Sleepaway Camp and several of their sequels. Other frightening camp films included - The Blair Witch Project, Blood Lake, The Burning, Cabin Fever, Camp Fear, Camp Fire Tales, Camp Slaughter, Cheerleader Camp, Day of the Animals, The Evil Dead, Grizzly, Iced, Just Before Dawn, Summer Camp Nightmare, and Timber Falls.

There were drama camp movies such as Deliverance, The River Wild and Standing Up. Since we have hiked our way through camping films, we must now a-TENT to this test. Get set to sail through these questions, because it’s time to get a little trivial...

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2015 Summer Camps & Programs Directory Camp Deer Creek

www.campdeercreekonline.com 412-767-5351

Camp Spirit of the Game www.camp.pghultimate.org

Chatham Music & Arts Day Camp www.chatham.edu/daycamp 412-365-1174

Cranberry Twp. Parks & Recreation cranberrytownship.org/Camp 724-776-4806 x129

Early Years Child Care www.earlyyearsinc.com

Forest Dancing

www.forestdancing.com 814-938-8517

Glen Montessori International Summer Camp www.glenmontessori.org 412-318-4885

Gymkhana

www.gymkhanafun.com 412-366-3800

Hampton Township School District (HTSD) www.ht-sd.org 412-492-6393 412-492-6357

Katie’s Clay Studio Summer Camp www.katiesclaystudio.com 412-486-2184

La Roche College/ UPMC Passavant Summer Soccer Camp Miguel.lozano@laroche.edu

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Summer Day Camps www.trustarts.org/artcity 412-471-6079

Pittsburgh International Film Festival www.pghkids.org 412-456-6666

Royal Oak Nursery School & Kindergarten www.royaloaksch.com 412-487-1668

Sewickley Academy

www.sewickley.org/summer 412-741-2230 Ext. 3326/4411

Shady Side Academy

www.shadysideacademy.org/summer 412-447-2230

Wexford Acting Studio

www.wexfordactingstudio.com 724-716-1920

Winchester Thurston

www.winterchesterthurston.org/summercamp

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SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS

is Giving Kids Their

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Best Summer

rading stories and sharing a favorite book or song with a new friend. Being greeted with smiles and high-fives from staff and team-mates after scoring the winning point. Always fitting in, just for being you. This is what the Y’s day camp is all about, and we are ensuring kids get more out of summer: more learning, more exploration and more achievement. For parents and guardians who enjoy seeing their child’s face glow when retelling a camp story, and want to see their child accomplish things, consider adding Y day camp to your list of things to do this summer.

The Y’s day camp offers a mix of fun and educational activities aimed at improving kids’ well-being, such as swimming, hands-on science experiments with University of Pittsburgh’s School of Science, nature hikes and developing 21st century skills through leadership and small group team building. Our program centers on three areas proven to impact kids’ development: friendship, accomplishment and belonging.

Working with SEER Analytics, a national research firm, the Y recently surveyed nearly 30,000 parents and caregivers with kids enrolled in camp at nearly 190 Y associations across the country to find out how camp benefits kids. Ninety-two percent of parents/caregivers said they agreed the Y’s day camp program helped kids make new friends. In addition, 83 percent said they agreed the program helped their kids discover what they can achieve, while 87 percent agreed their child felt a sense of belonging at their Y camp.

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“At the Y, we know that when kids are given an opportunity to accomplish new skills, make friends and feel like they belong, they are comfortable expressing individuality and feel more confident, connected and supported,” says Todd Brinkman, vice president of Camping Services at the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. “We are focusing on these youth development areas to ensure that kids in our day camp program go home with so much excitement for all they’ve accom“I really like that my plished and enjoyed that they daughter gets to be outcan’t wait to come back the side during summer and next day.” is busy with a variety The Y’s day camp activiof activities and making ties help kids grow socially, new friends. She’s safe emotionally, cognitively and while I’m at work and the physically. Character developcounselors seem to take a ment provides a universal genuine interest in her and theme that’s been a hallmark really try to make it a posiin Y youth programming for tive experience.” — Day over 160 years. Caring, honCamper’s Mom 2014 esty, respect and responsibility are woven in to activities and modeled by counselors. Kids develop in to better leaders when they learn to work with and support other kids for a common goal. They increase their appreciation of diversity by learning to respect people of different cultures, abilities and incomes. And, they can develop

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Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer Now Offers Day & Overnight Camping!

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Ever!

stronger personal and family relationships by learning to care more about how they communicate and interact with friends and family.

As a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, the Y offers so much more than a place to play and have fun. Through a holistic approach to youth development, the Y nurtures the potential of children and teens from birth to career to help them achieve in school and life. Through day camp and other youth development programs, the Y is working to keep kids active and address gaps in learning when school is not in session.

To learn more about the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh’s Day Camp programs throughout Allegheny County, visit www.YDayCamps.org or contact your local Y http://www.ymcaofpittsburgh.org/locations/ For Y Day Camps in Butler and Cranberry visit: www.bcfymca.org Rose E. Schneider YMCA, 724-452-9122 Butler YMCA, 724-287-4733 For Y Day Camp in Sewickley visit: http://www.sewickleyymca.org Sewickley Valley YMCA 412-741-9622 ext. 103

oes youth development begin and end at home and in the classroom? At YMCA Camp Kon-OKwee Spencer we believe that a developing young person who grows in a supportive home, school, and camp environment is more equipped for adulthood and has a stronger ability to make fulfilling decisions than someone who is isn’t fully supported at home, in school, or through camp.

Employers note an overwhelming shortcoming of skills amongst the majority of candidates entering today’s workforce. Increasing numbers of college freshman report not being prepared to make decisions about their chosen field of study while others lack the grit and adaptive skills it takes to adjust to life after high school. Skills like effective oral communication, collaboration, and perseverance are not as abundant in individuals who grow without the opportunity to practice these skills.

At Kon-O-Kwee Spencer our campers are Growing Inside By Getting Outside; Practicing skills that lead them to be more independent, resilient, collaborative, and self-confident in an environment of support, healthy risk taking, free play, and group living. Through the camp environment and culture we offer programs that support 30 character competencies built around our core values of Honesty, Caring, Respect, and Responsibility. By delivering over 60 unique activities, from archery to nature crafts, a canoe trip or the zip-line, and so much more, an experience is delivered that teaches skills needed for future success in an atmosphere of fun and adventure by college-age role models and mentors. This experience, topped off with friendships and memories that our campers keep forever, is the perfect way for your son or daughter to spend their summer.

When our job is done, we’ve inspired and equipped campers to find their path, unlocked potential within our campers, and played a role in creating people of consequence. F

Register for overnight camp by

MARCH 10th to receive EARLY-BIRD PRICING! We believe everyone should have a Kon-O-Kwee experience and we will never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Call the camp office for information on full or partial camp scholarships OR to make a donation to send kids to camp programs.

For more information, call us at 877-YMCA-KOK or visit www.ycampkok.org.

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ADVERTORIAL

Shady Side Academy Summer Programs Have It All!

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ummer is a unique time for students to grow. After the school year ends, a good summer camp or class can give your child the opportunity to discover new passions, develop existing talents, forge new friendships and tackle personal challenges.

For more than 75 years, Shady Side Academy has offered Pittsburgh families an array of fun, flexible and affordable summer programs for kids from any school. The SSA Middle and Senior School campuses in Fox Chapel play

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host to a wealth of day camps, focus camps, sports camps and summer school classes. High-energy programming, combined with a knowledgeable and experienced staff, make SSA Summer programs unlike any other in the region!

All full-day camps include lunch and free before- and after-care. A convenient North Hills bus makes transportation a snap.

At Day Camp Discovery, held on the 130-acre Senior School campus,

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kids entering grades K-5 are grouped into coed squads by grade. Campers enjoy a full day of activities including swimming, tennis, media arts, outdoor adventure, arts and crafts, theater, and more. Special activities like competition days, trips to Squaw Run Park, Friday picnic dance parties and field trips add to the fun.

At Camp Ren, held on the 35-acre Middle School campus, kids entering grades 6-9 enjoy more autonomy and even cooler activities like robotics, rocketry, cooking, ceramics, geocaching, filmmaking, deejaying, sports and more.

Ninth graders develop leadership skills in a counselor-in-training program.

Both Day Camp Discovery and Camp Ren are offered in three twoweek sessions from June 15 to July 24.

Ten different Focus Camps allow kids to focus on a single interest for a whole week, from film to science to fitness to sewing. Nine camps are offered from July 27 through August 7.

Got a budding athlete? Sports Camps led by SSA coaches give kids the chance to learn the fundamentals of a sport while having fun. Coed weeklong camps are offered in lacrosse, tennis, baseball, ice hockey and basketball.

Shady Side’s Summer School features small class sizes and individualized attention from the area’s finest teachers. Elementary and middle school students can pair math or language arts classes with day camp for a well-rounded day of learning and fun. High school students can take for-credit courses in math, science, computer science and art, as well as a college essay-writing workshop.

For more information or to register, visit www.shadysideacademy.org/summer or call 412-447-2230. F

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SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS

Glade Run to Host 16th Annual Spring Symposium It’s time to THINK SPRING! Glade Run Adventures will host its 16th annual Spring Gardening Symposium on Saturday, March 28. This one-day educational workshop will be held in the Annex Building on main the campus of Glade Run Lutheran Services in Zelienople, Pa.

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egistration opens with a continental breakfast at 8:30am.

Participants will enjoy educational presentations, demonstrations, luncheon, silent auction, plant sale and vendor tables along with Q&A time with presenters and networking opportunities.

Keynote speakers include the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Backyard Gardener, Doug Oster and professional gardener and pruning expert, Carol Chernega. Featured topics

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include: Savvy Solutions to Common Gardening Mistakes, Proper Pruning Techniques, and Cuttings and Plant Propagation. In addition, a presentation by the Zelienople Historical Society will highlight Zelie’s garden at the Passavant House.

The cost for the Symposium is $65 for early bird registration, $75.00 after March 1st, and $360 for a sixperson table. All proceeds benefit the Therapeutic Programs at Glade Run Adventures.

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Registration is required and seating is limited. To register, contact Cheryl Martin at 724-452-4453 ext.1277 or download a registration form at www.gladerun.org. F Glade Run is a non-profit organization that provides educational, mental health, cultural, and autism services in both residential and community settings. Program offerings include residential treatment for children with emotional health issues, private education for students with behavioral health issues and autism, community-based mental health and autism services, and innovative therapeutic activities. Glade Run serves over 4,000 individuals annually through offices in Zelienople, Butler, Beaver Falls, and Pittsburgh.

FIT FAMILIES

You Have To Start Somewhere

BY JOELLA BAKER

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ast month, I asked readers to submit an essay if they were interested in receiving 3 months of personal training to achieve their resolution goals. I’m happy to say we have a wonderful couple from Butler who will be the recipients of this program. The couple wanted to lose weight, get in shape and change their eating habits so they could lead a healthy lifestyle.

I’m happy to say they are off to a great start and are already working out more, eating healthier and losing weight.

It’s not too late. Remember, you have to start somewhere and taking that first step is always the toughest. Once you take that first step, you will be on the road to success. The key is to not try and do it yourself. It’s easier if you have help. The best way to start is to join a group, a club, a gym, hire a personal trainer or coach, or you can join a program like Weight Watchers® or Jenny Craig®. The key is to have someone who will hold you accountable. Starting with someone who can hold you accountable for the first few months will allow you to make your resolution a habit.

We have a wonderful running and triathlon club at the Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA®. The best part about our group is we hold one another accountable. We make sure we are all meeting, doing our planned workouts and best of all, we make sure we aren’t doing these things alone.

When you work out with others, you don’t just make sure you’re working out, you work harder. You reach your goals when you’re with other people.

Today, you need to take control of your healthy lifestyles. You need to decide what or who can hold you accountable so you can achieve your goals. I challenge you to start today and to stick to it by making yourself accountable to someone else.

What is your next step? What motivates you? Being with a group with the same goals, working one on one with someone or joining a class, you need to know who and what will keep you motivated.

This is your chance. It’s your opportunity to start your path. You may go off track at times, but when you have that one person or that group who can hold you accountable, you won’t go off track for long. They won’t let you.

Take that first step today. You won’t regret it. F

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Jane Fusco

Featured in Discovery Girls Magazine

BY PAULA GREEN

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13-year old local girl will be featured in a national magazine that will hit the newsstands in late March.

North Hills Middle School seventh grader, Jane Fusco will appear in the April/May edition of Discovery Girls. This magazine was created by girls, for girls and each issue features real-life situations. The magazine has an approximate readership of one million, and is geared towards tweens ages nine through 12.

Each year, Discovery Girls searches the country for “real girls” to be featured in their magazine. Jane was one of 36 girls selected out of thousands of applicants. According to the magazine, “Jane’s unique drive, determination, work ethic, and initiative resulted in her selection as a Discovery Girl.

“This past summer, she traveled to California for three days of photo shoots and interviews. She also attended a leadership summit where she and the other girls talked about issues like bullying, selfesteem and other teenage topics,” said Jane’s mother, Cindy.

Jane is a singer, dancer and actress,

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and she dreams of appearing on Broadway someday.

She has numerous years of training.

Jane was enrolled at the Pittsburgh CLO Academy. She was a member of the North Star Kids musical theatre troupe. She participates in the school chorus and musicals at North Hills.

Jane also studies tap, jazz and ballet at Tammy’s School of Dance. She was a two-time finalist at the Kean Talent Quest at the Kean Theatre. On Apr. 18-19, she will appear as Veruca Salt in Act One’s production of Willy Wonka the Musical.

In July 2013, Jane was the winner of the Oh Say, Can You Sing? talent contest sponsored by the Pittsburgh Pirates. She sang the National Anthem before a sold-out crowd of 33,000 people at PNC Park on July 3, 2013.

Jane has been taking dance class since age three and musical theatre classes since age six. “I didn’t give up on my dream and didn’t let anything, even disappointment, get me down. If you want to achieve something, you have to take that step and put yourself out there. Be confident and work hard…dreams do come true,” Jane commented.

Jane resides in Ross Township along with her parents Cindy and John Fusco. F

Photo courtesy of Discovery Girls

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

KIDS & EDUCATION March 2015

Educators Making a Difference

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

In this, our third installment of highlighting a few of our region’s Educators Making a Difference, we at Northern Connection our proud to continue featuring these incredible teachers who continually go above and beyond in their devotion to educating the future generation.

Anne Marie Brock of Saint Kilian Catholic School– Anne Marie Brock’s love of teaching and education began at a very young age.

Her mother, who is a retired art teacher, inspired her and her passion to teach was cultivated by wonderful teachers at Butler Catholic School where she attended preschool to eighth grade. There was never a doubt that she wanted to become a teacher.

After Butler High School, she attended Clarion University were she received her bachelors degree in Early Childhood Education and went on to achieve her masters from Duquesne University in Special Education. She is now a second grade teacher at Saint Kilian Parish School. According to Ms. Brock, “I love teaching for many reasons but as I reflect and think about my favorite part it’s hard to pick one, so I’ll settle on two. I love when students have the moment when they truly understand what they are learning. In my classroom, we call that the “light bulb” moment. Children’s honest inquiry and exploration of the world fascinates me and I love that I have the privilege to be a part of their growth for a short time. The second favorite is that I have been given the gift to teach about the faith during such an important sacramental year for my second grade students. They have a beautiful love for God and you can truly see the works of the Holy Spirit through each and every one of them. This past week, one the little girl in my class shared her beautiful insight as to why we thank God for our good days and our tough days.

She explained to the class, without a doubt in her mind, that ‘we need the good and bad days because without the bad days, how else would we learn to be a good person and be close with God?’ What a gift I am given each day by spending it with a classroom filled with wonderful little people!” To learn more about St. Kilian Parish School, visit http://school.saintkilian.org.

Anne Olon of Saint Alexis Anne Olon teaches 7th and 8th grade math and science and is also very active in directing the 6th and 7th graders in the Saint Alexis Catholic School AIM (Activating Inquisitive Minds) Team. Recently, the team competed for the first time in the Pittsburgh Regional Future City Competition. The Saint Alexis team was one of 47 teams who had to design a computerized simulation of a city that included researching and investigating a solution for feeding the citizens of their city. They also had to design a model of their simulated city using recyclable materials. The entire project was judged in more than 20 categories, and the Saint Alexis team won the award for the city with the Best Transportation System.

Their specific award was presented by the American Society of Highway Engineers. The daylong event took place at Carnegie Mellon University. The members of the Saint Alexis AIM team include seventh-grade students Morgan Balkovec, Ansley Haught, Kayleigh Robic and Christopher Wilkinson and sixthgrade student Clare Nettleton. To learn more about St. Alexis Catholic School, visit http://www.stalexis.org.

Erin Marron of Hampton Township High School – Erin Marron teaches 9th and 10th grade English during the regular school year and in addition to incorporating innovative technology and exercises into her classroom, Ms. Marron has developed a very popular summer program: “Mastering the College Application Essay” for 9th-11th graders. In addition to helping students produce a polished essay, the program examines the entire college application process and how the essay is an opportunity for students to differ(Continued on page 23)

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KIDS & EDUCATION March 2015

St. James Preschool

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hat do you want to be when you grow up?

Children must be asked this question a thousand times when they are young! At St. James Preschool, we know that your child can be, do and accomplish anything with a good start. Our 3 and 4 year preschool programs offer letter, number, color recognition, prewriting and creative free time.

Since our preschool operates in the St. James School elementary building, we have a full library, gymnasium, cafeteria and even a computer lab that our preschool students utilize. We would be happy to meet you and show you our facilities, or you can attend our open house on Sunday, March 15 from 10:00-12:00.

St. James Preschool will give your child an introduction to school in a nurturing, exciting and happy atmosphere, where they can practice being anything they want!

For more details please call the St. James School office at 412 741-5540 ext. 100, or take a look at our website at http://www.stjamesschool.us/, F

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entiate themselves from other applicants and show colleges what unique perspectives, experiences, and personalities they have to offer. Ms. Marron summer program is open to ALL students (not just those enrolled at Hampton High School).

To learn more and register for Ms. Marron’s summer program, go to http:// www.ht-sd.org, click on the Community Tab and select HTSD Summer Program 2015 to download the summer program brochure and registration and health forms.

Maria Yamanaka of Providence Heights Alpha School – Maria Yamanaka recently joined the faculty at Providence Heights Alpha School as a Computer Teacher specializing in Robotics. Maria received her Master’s Degree in Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1996.

She worked several years in Supply Chain Management projects for major companies such as Unilever and Bay Valley Foods in Pittsburgh. Maria has been involved in teaching children science, technology and engineering since 2007. Founder of GreenE Academy, she has trained over 1,500 students in Computer Technology programs such as Lego Robotics, Programming with Scratch, Video Game Design, and Coding with RobotC. The GreenE Academy has received several awards in Programming and Engineering Design. Maria creates new programs in science, technology and engineering every year to prepare young audiences in careers where logical thinking, system oriented programming and collaboration will be the key to professional success. The administration, faculty and families of Providence Heights Alpha School feel very fortunate to have Maria as a part of the Alpha family. In addition to teaching Computer to students in kindergarten through eighth grade, Maria also coaches and moderates for Alpha’s Robotic Competition team. To learn more, visit http://www.alphaschool.org.

If you know of an educator, administrator, camp counselor or volunteer making a difference, contact us by emailing NorthCon@consolidated.net or by calling 724-940-2444. F www.northernconnectionmag.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION March 2015

School Movers & Shakers Shaler

Shaler Area student musicians were in the spotlight for the 7th annual Shalerpalooza. The event was held Feb. 28, at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale.

Shaler Area High School art students created genre posters for the school library.

Shaler Area Elementary School fifth graders are exploring computer coding by programming robots. They are embracing robotics “full throttle.”

Hampton Hampton High School juniors Emily Hoover and Nicole Perrone created illustrations to accompany a book written and published by high school Enrichment facilitator, Scott Stickney. The book is entitled, Camp Birchbark…1963: The Adirondack Adventures of a Talented Troop of Teens.

Avonworth Avonworth Middle School has been redesignated for a second time as a “PA Don Eichhorn Schools: School to Watch.”

North Allegheny Seventeen North Allegheny School District (NASD) students took First Place awards at the regional competition for the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS). The winners were: Nikhil Behari, Mohit Bhide, TJ Faber, Adelle Fernando, Shanelle Fernando, Akshath

Jain, Sophia Lee, Zain Mehdi, Zehra Mehdi, Eric Mi, Tania Mulherkar, Pranav Murthy, Ashwin Reddy, Ashvath Sekhar, Nila Suresh, Serena Yan, and Jack You. Second place winners were: Abhilash Dhanvada, Anuleka Elapavaluru, Thomas Kim, Vibha Reddy, and Samidha Sane.

North Allegheny High School senior Jamie Feldman has been recognized as a Distinguished Finalist in the 20th Annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Program. Jamie will receive an engraved bronze medallion to commemorate this honor.

Twenty-eight North Allegheny High School seniors were named National Merit Semi-Finalists by the National Merit® Scholarship Corporation.

Seneca Valley Fifteen instrumentalists from Seneca Valley participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District Band Festival at Greenville High School.

They were: Sarah Kochis, Arielle Meltzer, Hanna Behr, Mitch Topf, Julia Scanlan, Zach DeDionisio, Becca Danik, Mitch Weaver, Adam Johanknecht, Lauren Agnello, Aaron Jackson, Austin Treu, Seb Demetter, Katy Kolor and Brendan Kennelty.

Eric McElhinny, a Seneca Valley senior, has been named a finalist in the 60th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program held by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Seneca Valley seniors Mitch Weaver and Haley Hoss were awarded two of only three scholarships from the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) at their respective district festivals at the end of January.

Kelsie McElroy, a junior at Seneca Valley, was awarded with the National Center for Women & Information Technology Kelsie McElroy (NCWIT) Award for Aspirations in Computing.

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Seneca Valley students Jason Johnson, Kristina Johnson, Sam Kochis, Natalie McKinley, Meggie Moore, Marisa Ortiz, Nicole Popp and Megan Sebring were selected for Slippery Rock University’s (SRU) School of Music Honors Flute Ensemble.

A Haine Middle School team placed first, second and fifth in the Propaganda tournament. First team members were: Beniafer Sepai, Anoop Savio, Parker Luge, Zach Garcia and Renhan Xu. Second place: Ananya Rao, Megan Bablak, Dilini Ranaweera, Arya Nayak and Brenna Wrubel.

Fifth place: Dora White, Nate Trost, Jack Veverka, Jason Hartenstein and Matt Murphy.

Haine Middle School art teacher Noele Reynolds was one of just three educators selected to be part of the upcoming 25th Anniversary Exhibition of the Empty Bowls Project in Providence, Rhode Island.

During the LinguiSHTIK tournament held at the Heinz History Center, the Haine Middle School team finished in the top five spots and also had eighteen qualifiers, including five perfect scores. First place team members were: Dora White, Matt Murphy, Renhan Xu, Dilini Ranaweera and Brendan Malloy.

Haine Middle School has been named a national American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) for making exemplary commitment to comprehensive school counseling programs.

Aquinas Academy Aquinas Academy held Spirit Week, Jan. 26-30, as a weeklong celebration of Thomas Aquinas and Aquinas Academy’s commitment to Knowledge, Faith and Services to others.

Shady Side Academy Six Shady Side Academy students have been recognized by by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers as regional award winners in the writing category of the 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. The winners are: Abbie Minard, Caldwell Holden, Emily Weiss, Tanay Kumta, Elena Xiong and Max Minard.

The Coraopolis Elks Lodge 1090 presented awards to St. James Catholic School students who participated in the writing an essay on “What the Pledge of Allegiance means to me.” Awards recipients were - John Auth, Lauren Guy, Francesca Taylor, Victoria Gevaudan, Mary Rose McNelis and Ida Reilsono.

Twelve Shady Side Academy Senior School students have been recognized by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers as regional award winners in the art category of the 2015 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. They are: Sydney Cleveland, Yumeng Du, Juliana Sandford, Charlotte Redican, Liza Crisanti, Kay Hughes, Samantha Smith, Sasha Arefyev, Crosby Deliman, Naomi Shimada, Caldwell Holden, and Alisa Pugacheva.

St. Sebastian

La Roche College

Eight Saint Sebastian eighth grade students have been recognized as regional winners in The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition presented by the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers. Earning a Gold Key were: Lauren Bell, Matthew Gauntner and Briana Rios. Mary Doerfler, Anne Kilpatrick and Dana Schaich received Silver Keys, and Jack Catanzarite and Liam Oberst earned Honorable Mention.

La Roche College is pleased to announce that 296 students were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2014 semester.

St. James

Saint Sebastian School seventh and eighth grade students competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition. First place awards: John Adamczyk, Mary Doerfler, Anne Kilpatrick, Lauren Krebs, Xavier Moskala, Emma Sennott, Patrick Sharpe, Michael Taffe and Katherine Wells. Second Place awards: Luca Consalvi, Eric Ford, Timothy Kunsak, Madison McBurney, Timothy McClelland, Abbey Ripko, Joe Ryan and Matthew Santucci.

At the PJAS competition Saint Sebastian student Mary Doerfler received a perfect score, the video competition award, the Duquesne University Dept. of Chemistry award and the Carnegie Mellon award. Anne Kilpatrick and Katherine Wells each received the Society of Women Engineers award and Xavier Moskala received the Biochemistry award.

La Roche College will add NCAA Div. III women’s lacrosse to its roster of athletic programs for the 2015-16 academic year.

The Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) acknowledged that La Roche College’s Master of Science in Human Resources Management Program has renewed its alignment with SHRM’s HR Curriculum Guidebook and Templates.

Saint Vincent College Saint Vincent College Latimer Family Library has been awarded $6,000 by the National Endowment for the Humanities to help plan for conservation and preservation of the library’s special collections.

Dr. Catherine Petrany, assistant professor of theology at Saint Vincent College published an article “Instruction, Performance, and Prayer: The Didactic Function of Psalmic Wisdom,” in The Shape and Shaping of the Book of Psalms: The Current State of Scholarship.

Dr, Catherine Petrany

The following Saint Sebastian students received awards at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Forensic League. They are: Mary Doerfler, Vanessa Martocci, Xavier Moskala, Sarah Berger, Emma Sennott, Kate Wells, Sydney Ryan, Luca Consalvi, Dana Schaich, Ethan Rihn, Emma Polen, Nick Marks, Carlie Kreutzer, Lauren Lutz, Sarah Petrunia, Savannah Powers, and Rachel Rombach.

Vincentian Academy Three Vincentian Academy students were awarded first place honors at the PJAS (PA Junior Academy of Science) regional competition. The event was held on February 7, at Duquesne University. The winners were Joey Blaszkiewicz, Lindsay Caprio, and Thomas Nash. Nash also won the Center for Computational Sciences Award and Caprio won the School of Pharmacy Excellence Award.

Benjamin W. Watt, a senior home-schooled student was awarded the top prize of a full tuition, room and board scholarship valued at $162,736 in Saint Vincent College’s 33rd annual Wimmer Scholarship competition. Other winners were: Josiah Stickles, Jacob A. Maneval, Timothy Grassi and Daniel J. Young.

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IMAGE & STYLE March 2015

Winter Weather Care for Your Outerwear

BY KELLY SMITH

Spring is only about a month away so why are we still dashing through the snow, not to mention, the ice, sleet, slush and rain? March really is coming in like a lion and all of that slushy mess can leave us covered in dirty, soggy and salt covered clothes. Did you ever drop a nice pair of gloves in the slush covered street? Has your beloved pair of Uggs fell victim to a muddy Pittsburgh pothole? Or, how about trying in vain to slip out of your car in a tight parking spot?

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like to think that my stealthy sideways walk move will save my coat from giving my car door a quick cleaning but no. My car door’s dirt and my coat are now united as one. My suede and leather boots have also been ravaged, at times, by winter’s ferocity. From leather and suede to faux fur and puffer jackets, there is a benefit to keeping your outerwear in tip-top shape. Think of your coat, boots and gloves as an extension of your skin. You take a shower everyday to keep clean, right? Why would you not want to keep your outer most layers tidy? These protect your skin from the elements and so they need to be maintained as well.

Always follow the care instructions and read on for important tips to help make the most of your winter gear!

Leather Goods – Leather is a natural material so it needs some TLC! With so much salt and chemicals lying around, it’s all but impossible to get around it and if it gets on leather boots it should be removed right away. The best way is to

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rinse off all residue in warm water then pat dry but if a sink isn’t available then you need to improvise. Always carry baby wipes as they are presoaked with a gentle cleanser and are good for on the go cleanings. For long term care, you can use a solution of water and white vinegar to remove salt and dirt build up. You can also use olive oil or beeswax to keep a good shine but use only a soft cotton cloth or cotton balls on any leather product.

Suede – dry cleaners now add boot cleaning services to their menu but it comes at a price. $30-$40 a pair is the going rate and that can get pricey if you have multiple salt-stained Uggs that can literally leave you screaming the word “ugggggg!” Instead, keep them looking fresh by using a soft bristle brush to loosen any dirt and soften the nap. Kiwi sells a good cleaner or you can again, use white vinegar mixed with warm water and baby soap and clean the entire surface.

Moisten the entire boot -it needs to be

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wet but not dripping in order to absorb the cleaning product. Suede loses its shape when wet so either stuff them with tissue paper or insert a 2-liter bottle (or a wine bottle for you fancy folk) to help them keep their shape while drying. In 24-36 hours, you’ll have what looks like a brand new pair of boots!

Faux fur – I love faux fur-lined anything but if it gets wet, it’s a sloppy mess.

I have learned the hard way that you can’t throw a fur-lined hat or coat in the wash because you’ll end up with a matted mess. Instead, try cornmeal! Yes, that’s correct, cornmeal will clean up that ratty matted fur in a snap. Cornmeal’s properties allow it to absorb dirt and moisture from fur, much like a bag of rice absorbs moisture from a cell phone. If your furlined hat happens to fall into a puddle of slush, don’t fret! Simply fill a paper bag with cornmeal and give it the old vigorous shake and bake treatment. Let it sit for a few hours then brush it out and your fur lined hat is as good as new! This also works for fur-lined coats, boots and gloves.

Parka /puffer/ ski coats – Again, always follow the care instructions, but generally speaking, synthetic coats can be washed on a gentle cycle using cold water and mild detergent with success. I like to air dry in the dryer on a low setting to keep its shape but you can’t go wrong with a drip dry on a short ski-style jacket.

Hopefully March really will go out like a lamb- whatever that actually means but what it means to me is waving with one hand, in my best pageant wave of course, “bye-bye” to winter while the other is waving “hello” to spring! F

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HEALTH & WELLNESS March 2015

March Health Awareness

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arch has important medical observances. It is National American Red Cross Month, Brain Injury Awareness, Colorectal Awareness, National Developmental Disabilities Awareness, Endometriosis Awareness, Eye Donor Awareness, Hemophilia Month, National Kidney Month, National Nutrition Month, Save Your Vision Month and Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month.

Consult the websites for information on these health topics: • American Red Cross, National Headquarters or contact your local chapter - www.redcross.org.

• Brain Injury Awareness - www.biausa.org • Colorectal Awareness Cancer Research and Prevention Foundation - www.preventcancer.org/colorectal • Developmental Disabilities - The Arc of the United States - www.thearc.org • Endometriosis Association - http://www.endometriosisassn.org/ • Eye Donor Awareness - EBAA, Eye Bank Association of America - www.restoresight.org • National Hemophilia Foundation - www.hemophilia.org • National Kidney Foundation - www.kidney.org • Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics - www.eatright.org • Save Your Vision - American Optometric Association www.aoa.org • Workplace Eye Health and Safety Month - Prevent Blindness America - www.preventblindness.org

March daily/weekly health observances • March 1 – 7: Aplastic Anemia and MDS Week - Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Inc. - www.aamds.org • March 2 – 8: National Sleep Awareness Week -National Sleep Foundation - www.sleepfoundation.org • March 2 – 6: National School Breakfast Week - School Nutrition Association - www.schoolnutrition.org • March 8 – 14: National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week - American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation - www.aacvpr.org • March 15 – 21: National Poison Prevention Week - Poison Prevention Council - www.poisonprevention.org • March 20: National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day National Native American AIDS Prevention Center -www. nnaapc.org • March 23-27: National Youth Violence Prevention Week National Association of SAVE www.nationalsave.org • March 24: American Diabetes Alert Day - American Diabetes Association - www.diabetes.org • March 24: World Tuberculosis Day - American Lung Association - http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/tuberculosis/

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Northern Connection | March 2015

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Be “Well on your Way” with Vincentian’s Short-Term Rehab

F

ollowing an illness or surgery, active adults rely on short-term rehabilitation to get them well on their way to recovery. With the right therapy program, you can return home happier, healthier and better than ever. The Vincentian Ministries have designed rehabilitation centers focused on this very outcome and have delivered proven results, receiving rave reviews in the process.

Vincentian provides compassionate care throughout the Allegheny County at three locations: • Vincentian Home in the North Hills • Marian Manor in the South Hills • Vincentian de Marillac in the City of Pittsburgh New short-term rehab centers at Vincentian Home and Marian Manor feature the latest innovations in equipment and technology. An occupational therapy suite is equipped with appliances and fixtures to mimic home tasks.

Nearby, the large, bright physical therapy gym and private speech therapy office are staffed with experts ready to help.

Restaurant-style country kitchen dining provides residents with 24/7 access to share a meal with their friends and families. Residents will find comfort and relaxation in private bedrooms with private bathrooms. Lately, testimonials have poured in: “The care I received from the staff met and exceeded my expectations on every level,” said Ron Bua after his recent stay at Marian Manor. “Rehab is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. The staff lightened my load by providing kind encouragement and expert advice in a loving environment.”

Elizabeth writes: “My mother received outstanding care. [She] came home able to do more than when she entered the hospital.”

More than 94 percent of Vincentian’s short-term rehab residents return home after their initial visit, well above the industry average. Residents return home faster, too. The average length of stay is just 22 days.

The Vincentian ministries are part of the worldwide Sisters of Charity of Nazareth congregation. Interested in learning more about Vincentian’s short-term rehabilitation services? Call Linda at 412-348-2366 or visit www.vcs.org. F

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STARTING THE CONVERSATION

Coping with an Empty Nest?

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

I

can’t even cope with putting my dog in a kennel, let alone sending children, of-age or not, off into the world. After years of helicopter parenting, how do you stop hovering and let go? From school age, to sleep-away camps, to college, to that first apartment? As the child to adult, I remember the thrill of the independence, but I have to admit I was always so homesick so much so that I ended-up moving back to Pittsburgh and buying a house only a half mile from my mother (a very Pittsburgh-girl tendency). But, for all my happiness now, I never would have found it, if I hadn’t spread my wings and flew away from the nest.

As Dorothy says when she returned back to Kansas from Oz, “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own back yard.” It’s a sentiment I agree with and like Dorothy, never would have realized without venturing over the rainbow. So, now that I have returned, I am sure that I am no expert on letting go.

Especially now that the shoe is on the other foot, and the younger generation is wanting to take flight, I’m finding it exceptionally difficult to let go. A friend said that she finds the difficulty to be that she spent all these years building a family and now that it’s changing, it feels like it is breaking-up. I tried to be a good friend and assure her that it was only until the grandkids start arriving but is that true and am I just being a good friend? I do believe the term “empty nest” is very apropos because letting go does leave a very “empty” feeling. But how do you fill it? I’m sure this has been the situation since the dawn of time but do you think it is somehow worse since we have such graphic news channels and horrible reports or is it better because we have such great background checks and other technology such as texting and Skype® to keep us connected? How do you cope? Do you have any advice for

others coping with an empty nest?

Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com. F

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HEALTH & WELLNESS March 2015

ENHANCE YOUR LIFE

How to Keep Costs Under Control During Divorce

BY DONNA M. CHESWICK

There is no doubt that divorce can be expensive. But, that does not mean that the expense is uncontrollable. With a determined effort to be organized, proactive and levelheaded, it is possible to keep the costs associated with divorce from spiraling out of control.

Limit conflict: The more you “fight” the longer and more drawn out your divorce will be, and the more it will cost. Don’t let your attorney or your spouse’s attorney encourage conflict.

Try to think rationally, keep the lines of communication open, and be open to compromise; it will potentially save thousands of dollars. There is no benefit in trying to extract vengeance on your spouse. The division of marital property typically culminates in a fashion that is fair to both parties.

Don’t use your attorney as your therapist: Your attorney is your legal representative, not your psychologist. At $200 - $400 per hour, it is very expensive to use your attorney for this purpose. If you need support, use a trained mental health professional. Their hourly rate will be significantly less, and services may be covered by your health plan.

Do your own discovery: Accurate information on your case is critical for your attorney to adequately represent you. He

or she will need detailed information regarding all assets, debts, sources of income, expenses, tax information, real estate holdings, and employee benefits. You are your best source of information. Invest your own time locating and providing as much of this information as possible. If you don’t, your attorney will spend significant time (and your money) gathering the information or requiring your spouse to produce the documents.

Get help to understand your financial situation: Only about 25% of the issues that arise during divorce involve legal concerns. Financial issues and property division can be the most complicated. You retain an attorney because of their expertise on legal issues. Many attorneys do not possess specialized knowledge of complex financial issues. Seek the services of a certified divorce financial analyst (CDFA) to get the necessary help organizing information and understanding the various property and tax issues you will be facing. CDFA’s use specialized software to compare and contrast the short and long-term effect of proposed agreements before you consent to a settlement. Get professional assistance so that you don’t make irreversible mistakes.

If at all possible, stay out of court: The costs of a

DIVORCE WORKSHOPS FOR WOMEN: Four-hour educational workshop to address the legal, financial and emotional issues of divorce. Receive important knowledge and resources that will inform, prepare and protect you and help save time and money while you progress through the challenges of divorce. n Saturday, March 14 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Medallion Wealth Management – Franklin Park PA n Saturday, March 21 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Beatty Pointe Village - Monroeville PA n Saturday, April 11 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Peters Township Library – McMurray PA n Saturday, May 16 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at the Cooper Siegel Library – Fox Chapel PA n Saturday, June 13 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Medallion Wealth Management – Franklin Park PA Cost is $35 per person and pre-registration is required to Donna Cheswick at 724-493-9695

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Northern Connection | March 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

litigated divorce can often “wipe out” or seriously deplete a couple’s marital assets. Investigate mediation and collaborative divorce as a way to save time, money and avoid an adversarial atmosphere. These methods help a couple to find common ground, settle on an agreement that is mutually satisfactory, and stay out of court.

Educate yourself: Relying on your attorney to manage every aspect of the divorce can be expensive. There are many excellent books, internet sites, local workshops and support groups available.

Take the time to research the aspects that relate to your situation, so that you can become knowledgeable, informed and make good decisions. F Donna M. Cheswick is a Financial Advisor, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Trained Divorce Mediator with Medallion Wealth Management Inc. Contact Donna at 724-934-8615 or visit her website at www.medallion-wealth.com/ divorce-services Securities offered through Cambridge Investment Research, Inc., a broker-dealer, member FINRA/ SIPC. Cambridge Investment Research Advisors, Inc., a Registered Investment Adviser. Cambridge and Medallion Wealth Management Inc. are not affiliated. This material is for informational purposes and is not intended to provide legal or tax advice.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS March 2015

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Make the Smart Snack Choice

BY WILL COOPER THREE RIVERS HEALTHY VENDING LLC, A FRESH HEALTHY VENDING FRANCHISE

Fresh Healthy Vending is dedicated to inspiring all of us to make healthy snack choices. That very important choice can only be made when healthy choices are available. With that in mind, Fresh Healthy Vending provides communities with vending machines stocked with only healthy, delicious and natural foods.

F

or example, Fresh Healthy Vending is aligning with many schools which are now required to operate within the new, strict Smart Snacks In School regulations.

Additionally, Fresh Healthy Vending is partner-

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ing with many types of facilities which value a healthy snack alternative including community centers, YMCAs, youth athletic facilities and corporate locations. “Traditional vending machines only offer

Northern Connection | March 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

access to high-calorie, sugary snacks and beverages,” explains Will Cooper owner of Three Rivers Healthy Vending LLC, the Wexford based Fresh Healthy Vending franchise. “We are excited to empower people to make healthy choices by giving them convenient access to the type of food and beverages they want or need for a healthier lifestyle.” Fresh Healthy Vending machines are state of the art and, in addition to cash, accept credit card and wireless smart phone payments for accessibility.

Best of all, hosting a Fresh Healthy Vending machine is incredibly easy. There is no cost or maintenance required on the part of a facility. “We meticulously maintain the machines and make sure they are routinely stocked with healthy and appealing snacks and drinks,” says Cooper. Fresh Healthy Vending provides profit-sharing as well, which can help fund wellness programs and other initiatives or programs.

If you would like a healthier vending option in your facility, business or school, simply contact Three Rivers Healthy Vending to explore a Fresh Healthy Vending partnership.

Inspire your members, customers, employees and students to make a healthier snack choice! F

Three Rivers Healthy Vending LLC ThreeRiversHealthyVending@ gmail.com 412-915-4495 @3RiversVending Visit www.freshandhealthy.org for more information. www.northernconnectionmag.com

Northern Connection | March 2015

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Look for it wherever you find Northern Connection CALL now to reserve your advertising space for Spring 2015!

724-940-2444

www.pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com

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Northern Connection | March 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

ADVERTORIAL

5 Things You Should Know If You’ve Had An Accident

BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF

M

ost of us have had a “fender-bender” at some point. I had mine the day that I got my driver’s license (sorry, Mom).

Unfortunately, many accidents can cause physical problems. Sometimes those problems are evident right away, and other times, they can go undetected for years. Here are some things you should know: The damage to the car does not have a lot to do with whether you have damage to your body. Surprisingly enough, if your car looks good after the hit, you might have more problems. When there is an impact, the force has to be absorbed somewhere. When a car crumples, it absorbs more of the shock. When a car “bounces” off of the other car and does not crumple, it means more force affects the occupants of the car. Accidents as low as 5 miles per hour have been shown in studies to cause damage to the soft tissues (muscles, nerves, ligaments and tendons) of the spine.

Many symptoms do not appear for 48-72 hours after impact. Many of my patients have told me that they felt fine after they had an accident and then were alarmed to find that the next day they started to have stiffness, pain, or other problems.

When we have an injury, our body sets up a series of chemical reactions to start to fix the damage. This is what we call “inflammation.”

Inflammation can take a while to develop. There is a peak in the

inflammation 72 hours after an injury occurs. This fact, combined with all of the adrenaline and “shaken-up” feelings that happen in an accident, can delay symptoms.

A car is replaceable but your body is NOT. Chiropractic helps people recover from accidents faster.

It is common to go to the ER and still have problems. After a wreck, a common course of action is to go to the local ER to have an exam and X-rays. If the ER docs rule out a fracture it’s really likely the patient will get a prescription for anti-inflammatory medicine and/or muscle relaxers and is sent home. Years ago, before it was shown to actually increase the chances of a patient having ongoing chronic pain, a neck collar would be ordered, as well. Now, research has shown that the best course of action, for a whiplash injury, is spinal mobilization.

Chiropractors are the only doctors trained to provide precise spinal adjustments. Patients treated with chiropractors have better rates of healing, with less future problems, than when treated with traditional medical care.

Whiplash does not only affect the neck. The force of an accident can affect the whole body. Often people will experience problems with their low or middle spine areas, shoulders (from the seatbelt, or arms and legs. Accidents most often affect the soft tissues of the spine and can also affect the discs (shock absorbers) of the spine. Many times, after an accident, people will notice other physical problems like tension, depression, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, or visual changes.

Delaying treatment causes more problems. With any health condition, early intervention is the best. The longer care is delayed, the more likely that the condition will worsen and be harder to treat. In the case of auto accidents, where bones often become stuck out of place, permanent damage can set in as early as 2 weeks after the injury. Over time, untreated spinal problems can lead to permanent nerve damage or arthritis. So be sure not to try to “tough it out” or “live with it.” You deserve to be healthy and have a body that works properly.

We have been able to help hundreds of people recover from auto injuries in our practice. Each person is different and we pride ourselves on treating patients in a personalized manner and getting them great results. If you’re having problems or want to consult about whether chiropractic could help you, please just contact us. F

Brought to you as a Public Service by:

Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates McKnight (412) 364-9699 Harmar (412) 826-9030 www.choicechiropractic.net We are your “in-network” provider Like us on Facebook www.northernconnectionmag.com

Northern Connection | March 2015

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SENIOR LIVING March 2015

TOWN CRIER

The Amazing Month of March

BY JOE BULLICK

H

ello March and good-bye February. Well, Super Bowl XLIX is long over and there wasn’t much talk of the deflated balls or stolen signals. The Patriots seemed to have won this one fair and square.

March is the third month of the year, and it is one of seven months that is 31 days log. This month is regarded as a guardian of agriculture. It is also the beginning of the season for farming.

If you are Irish (or wish you were) a highlight of March is the feast day of Saint Patrick on the 17th. It is in his honor that we bake Irish soda bread, eat corn beef and cabbage and proudly wear the color green. We also see many Saint Patrick’s Day parades, as well.

Pittsburgh is proud to have a St. Patrick’s Day Parade since 1869. In 2000 and 2003, the New Ross and District Pipe Band came over from Wexford, Ireland and marched in the parades. On both occasions, they won the “Best Band Award.” Thanks to their visits, the community of Wexford, Pa., has formed a strong bond with the New Ross Band.

Another delightful event, that March ushers in, is the migrant birds that are returning from the south. Be on the look-out for the Canadian snow geese, bald eagles, robins and meadowlarks. On Mar. 19, the swallows return to San Juan and Capistrano, Calif., as temperatures rise above 60° F. Robins begin to wing their way north as well.

Earthworms are migrating too. Worms travel upward through the soil as the ground gradually thaws, moving about three vertical feet from their winter quarters to the surface. Their appearance coincides along with the sightings of the first robins.

This time of the year is also the breeding season across the north for opossums, skunks, flying squirrels and muskrats. March hares and spring rabbits get frisky and males fight for mates and chase each other in a wild breeding frenzy. Their litters will be born within a month.

Chipmunks end their hibernation as the days get warmer.

March is also a time to tap the maple trees. If you have some maple trees at your place, then why not give it a try? It takes about 40 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup.

I remember during this time, my mother was a great one at getting things organized. She would say, “Winter is over, and spring is in the air.” She would also tell me, “Set some goals, and stay focused.”

Mom would always have what I had to do the week written down. There was “work time,” “fun time” and “time for me.”

For me, I am excited that is it Major League baseball season once again. Major League Baseball’s 2015 season is scheduled to start at 8:05 p.m., April 5, as the St. Louis Cardinals vs. The Chicago Cubs. The Pittsburgh Pirates open their season at 4:10 p.m., April 6 against their divisional rivals The Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park.

The NCAA men’s basketball tournament begins Mar. 19, and women’s begins Mar. 20. Good luck to the Girls Scouts and their cookie sales. One milestone to commemorate is on Mar. 26, 1953, when Dr. Jonas E. Salk announced that the polio vaccine was successful.

Well, it is time for me to move on. Happy Birthday to you Pisces and Aries! I leave you with this – Yesterday is history Tomorrow is a mystery And today is a “gift” That’s why it is called “the present.”

– Alice Morse Earle

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Happenings for Seniors Free Home Safety Inspection is available for seniors through the Open Your Heart to a Senior program.

For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069, ext. 3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

Free Rides for Seniors, to grocery stores, doctor’s appts & more thru St. Margaret’s Foundation. Pick up & drop off seniors in the corridors from Sharpsburg to Blawnox & Rt. 28 to the Allegheny River. Sign up by calling, (412) 449-0151.

Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. For info, call Cathy at (412) 3070069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

Home Instead Senior Care® is offering a unique approach to help area families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available for families at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com.

McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled.

Services Ross Twp., Berkley Hills, Swan Acres & part of McCandless Twp. Call (412) 487-4088.

Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring – An Hour a Week Can Change a Child’s Life. For adults 50 & over become a tutor. Training sessions are 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Mar. 10 & Mar. 12, Macy’s downtown. For details, call (412) 232-2021.

Entertainment & Social Events

Pittsburgh Friendship Group is looking for volunteers to help visually impaired seniors. No experience is necessary. For info, call (724) 444-0064.

Saint Alexis Over 50 Trips & Events, Lou Schreiber, piano player, Mar. 14. Contact Rose at (724) 728-2563 or Janet at (724) 869-5339 for information.

Saint Athansius Parish Education & Community Center (West View) & Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services need your help this tax season to provide tax preparation for low income individuals, families, the disabled & the elderly. If interested, call Frank at (412) 350-3463 or frank.grande@alleghenycounty. us.

Senior Link Lunch & a Musical, enjoy lunch at Monte Cello’s in Wexford, then the Senior Citizen performance of 42nd Street at North Allegheny High School – 12:30 p.m., Mar. 3. Call Cheryl at Orchard Hill Church (724) 935-5555.

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

Open Your Heart to a Senior volunteer orientations, 6:30 p.m., Mar. 10, Shaler North Hills Library, 6:30 p.m., Mar. 11, NHCO, Allison Park. For details, visit oyhs.org.

Open Your Heart to a Senior needs volunteers year round and countywide, Volunteers are needed to help seniors remain independent and stay safe at home.

For details, call (412) 307-0071 or visit oyhs.org.

Snow Angels are needed to Snow Shovel for seniors & disabled persons, volunteers are needed in all neighborhoods of Allegheny County. To register call (412) 863-5939 or http://alleghenysnowangels.org.

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit our Hospice patients. Our volunteer are caring people who would be willing to listen or read to our patients. Our patients are dealing with a life threatening illness. Our volunteers participate in a training program with emphasis on providing compassionate care to our patients and their families. Time commitment is flexible, once a week or 2 times a month. An unknown author said: “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time: They just have the heart.”

Please call our Hope Hospice office at: HYPERLINK “tel:412-367-3685” \t “_blank” 412-367-3685 and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator or leave your name and phone number and we will call you back.

UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-3245523.

Senior Meetings AARP #2991 invites you to join their monthly meetings 11:30 a.m., every 3rd Thurs. of the month (Mar. 19), in the hall at Northmont Church, located at Perrymont & Rt. 19. Light lunch at noon is provided for a nominal fee.

Travel and events will be discussed.

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

Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents 55+ meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (724) 816-4977 for info and programs.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. For info, call (724) 444-0064.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets the 1st Mon., of every month 6-8 p.m., and the last Fri., 1:30 p.m. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. For info, call (412) 7414900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.

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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS March 2015

A Salute, A Command and A March

BY PAULA GREEN

The 37th annual “National Salute to Veteran Patients” was recently held during the week of Feb. 8-14. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) always observes this event during the week of Valentine’s Day, which is a special time of caring and sharing for inpatient and outpatient Veterans.

The VA Butler Healthcare honored and showed their appreciation to veterans during this commemorative celebration. “The National Salute to Veteran Patients gives everyone a chance to let those who have given so much to our nation know that they are not forgot-

ten,” said VA Butler Healthcare’s director, John Gennaro.

This year’s commemoration included special lunches, dinners and visits from community members and organizations. The activities that were held focused on providing Valentine’s Day cheer to the veterans. The events were sponsored by the VFW, VFW Ladies Auxiliary and American Legion Riders of Butler County.

While the folks in Butler were “Saluting Veterans” the people in Hampton Township were excited to announce that one of their own has

been named to a prominent military appointment.

Cdr. Alysa L. Ambrose Mansfield has assumed command of the U.S. Navy destroyer the U.S.S. Gravely. She took over command of the vessel on Dec. 19, during a special ceremony held at the Naval Station in Norfolk, Va. Prior to her current command assignment, she served as the ship’s executive officer since May 2013, when the vessel launched its maiden deployment.

Ambrose graduated from Hampton High School in 1991. She is the daughter of Fred Ambrose Jr. and Diana Maury of Allison Park. She will remain in command of the U.S.S. Gravely for 18 months.

From Hampton Township we move our sights onward towards Cranberry Township where a special military walk will be held this month. The March for the Military 5K will be held 10 a.m.-noon, Mar. 22, at Graham Park in Cranberry Township. Registration deadline is Mar. 10. The event benefits Operation Troop Appreciation, which is an organization dedicated to the active and veteran members of our Armed Forces who serve and sacrifice for our country.

To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/CranberryTwp/ MarchForTheMilitary.

Northern Connection Magazine congratulates Cdr. Alysa Ambrose Mansfield on her command appointment of the U.S.S. Gravely. We welcome our readers to share with us their military stories. Drop us a line at northcon@consolidated.net. F We welcome brief biographies and photos of local servicemen and women from our community. If you know of someone you’d like to see featured in this column, please call (724) 940-2444 or mail the information to: Northern Connection Magazine, P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722 or email northcon@consolidated.net.

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Northern Connection | March 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

HOME & GARDEN March 2015

The Art Expose: It’s Truly One-of-a-Kind

T

he Art Expose is a genuinely unique, boutique shopping experience. “The kind of art boutique that you look for and are lucky to find when you are on vacation, is now available right here in the Village of Wexford,” explains owner and founder Carolyn Dorazio. The shop contains four rooms with different themes.

The renovated, 100-year-old farmhouse is filled with original and distinctive, hand-crafted artwork and fashion accessories created by hundreds of artisans from destinations around the world including locally here in Western Pennsylvania, throughout the continental United States including but not limited to New Mexico, South Carolina, Michigan, Vermont and Ohio, and around the world from such exotic locales as Europe, Haiti, Jamaica and Madagascar.

Many of our island crafts have a social mission intending to assist the poor, underprivileged and women in particular!

“Unlike a gallery, we offer hand-crafted art of various media and ‘art-wear’ like delicate shawls and crystal earrings, all completely original and one-of-akind,” continues Dorazio. “In addition to oil paintings, we also offer artwork in hand-blown glass, ceramics, photography and true, artist-quality porcelain and hand-made knitted scarves, hats and handbags and much, much more.” There is silk lamps from New Mexico and stainless steel baskets from New York City!

The Art Expose boutique was inspired by Ms. Dorazio’s own unique collection from her many travels and her appreciation for finding and collecting highquality items. “We are proud to bring this kind of unique shopping experience to the area, where people have a true appreciation for the arts as evidenced by our eclectic neighborhoods and Cultural District. Local artisans are spawned annually from the various schools of higher education in Pittsburgh and we like to represent as many as we can!”

Located at 120 Church Road Wexford, The Art Expose is conveniently accessible from Route 19, Route 910 and I-79 with plenty of available parking for an absolutely delightful, shopping excursion.

To learn more about The Art Expose and their up-coming initiative to showcase more Pittsburgh-based artists, visit http://theartexpose.com or on Facebook or call (724) 900-6325. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10-6 and Saturday 10-4. Stop in and use your 20% off coupon. F

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase.

Expires 3/31/15

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Northern Connection | March 2015

20% Off

Your purchase at The Art Expose

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P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.

Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes

Penny Ann Erbe

Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner

412-487-1009

4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456

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Northern Connection | March 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

HOME & GARDEN March 2015

Are You Prepared for the Spring Selling Season?

BY LINDA HONEYWILL, ASSOCIATE BROKER WITH BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOMESERVICES, THE PREFERRED REALTY

Your Luxury Home Specialists

Spring is the most desirable time for buyers … the winter thaw and beginnings of spring trigger a “fresh start” feeling.

A

s a seller, that means that NOW is the ideal time to start the listing process on your home and a house that looks good will sell quicker and for top dollar! Today’s buyers are more educated than ever – but only 10% can envision a home’s potential. Follow these 7 simple staging tips to make your home irresistible to buyers.

Disconnect –Buying real estate is an emotional decision, but sellers must remove the emotion from the equation. The goal is for buyers to see the potential in THEIR new home.

Make your Home “Anonymous” – Take down personal family photos and mementos. Pack these items in boxes and place in a temporary storage unit.

Curb Appeal Counts - Clean up the yard, add fresh mulch and even paint the front door.

Remember, what you may spend in “staging” your home up front may be dramatically less than your first price reduction later!

It’s important to find an agent you can trust -- I have been serving the North Hills for 29 years, with a great track record of selling homes in our area. Let me help you start the process by offering a current market value on your home or a complimentary buyer consultation! Call me today at 412-367-8000 x237 or cell: 412-736-0112. F

De-Clutter – Clear flat surfaces and counters and place necessary items in accessible cabinets. Clear out or box up rarely used items and send them to storage. Go through every cabinet and drawer to present a clean, organized space.

Space - Pay attention to closets, basement and garage. Pack and store out of season clothing and items. If these areas look “crammed”, buyers will think you don’t have enough storage.

Small Repairs -- Professional carpet clean, spackle nail holes, replace lightbulbs, repair leaky faucets and even add a fresh coat of neutral paint.

Clean, Clean, Clean – Add fresh towels and area rugs, wash windows, re-caulk the tub and remove odors. Make your home sparkle!

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HAPPENINGS March 2015

March 2015 Happenings North Happenings

Mondays

Tuesdays

Saturdays

North Hills Community Outreach’s Community Auto Program serving the Greater Pittsburgh region needs car donations. Call (724) 4438300 or www.communityauto.org.

Chisel and Chips Carvers of North Pittsburgh meetings, meets 6:30-10 p.m., the 2nd Monday of every month, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. For info, call (724) 940-0034.

North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3rd Tues., of the month, North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. Visit www. facebook.com/NPMOMS.

Saturday Singles Dance for ages 40+, 8 p.m.-midnight, Mar. 7, Pre-St. Patrick’s Day Party, featuring a “Pot of Gold Drawing!” 7:30 p.m. free dance lesson; Mar. 28, Great Giftcard Giveaway, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy, West View. Call, (724) 3165029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

North Hills Community Outreach is requesting donations for their “Spring Share” program, donations are accepted thru Mar. 25, 1975 Ferguson Rd. For details, call (412) 487-6316, opt. 1 or www. nhco.org.

North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.1:45 p.m. every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www. northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.

WorkAble employment workshops and more for job seekers.

9:30 a.m., Mar. 10, Interviewing Workshop; Mar. 24, Job Search Strategies, NHCO in Bellevue. Call (412) 408-3830 ext. 3219 or visit www.workableac.com.

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Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus, meets every Monday at 7 p.m., Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. Visit Bogmeisters.com.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 3rd Monday of every month 7 p.m.,(Mar. 16) Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Event is Civil War Jeopardy.

Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m.

Mondays, Mar. 2, The Apartment; Mar. 9, When the Game Stands Tall; Mar. 16, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day; Mar. 23, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes, Mar. 30, The Giver, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www. thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Wednesday Country Knight Line Dancers host a line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person.

Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine.beley@ gmail.com.

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

Friday Christy House Tea Room Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fridays, on Walnut & Frederick in Sewickley.

Homemade soups, salads, breads & cookies.

Needles Eye & Early Treasures gift shops.

RSVP to (412) 741-5960.

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Arts & Entertainment Broadway Bound, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 7, Butler Intermediate High School auditorium.

Presented by the Butler County Symphony Association. For info, (724) 283-1402 or visit www.butlersymphony.org.

Butler Symphony Orchestra concerts: Mar. 7, Broadway Bound, Apr. 11, Celebrate Butler County, Butler Intermediate High School. Call (724) 283-1402 or visit ButlerSymphony.org.

Children’s Theatre: The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley, Apr. 4-10, Byham Theatre. Visit www.TrustArts. org/kids.

Hunter Gatherer Photography Exhibition, Mar. 6-Apr. 12, Penn Gallery, 707 Penn Ave. For details, visit TrustArts.org.

Legacy Theatres shows: The Vogues, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 21; Harvey, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 11 & 18, 2 p.m., Apr. 12 & 19, 7:30 p.m., May 16, Pure Gold. For tickets, call 1-877-9876487 or thelegacylineup.com Music Space concert series: Mar. 27, Majeure and RIVKA; Apr. 24, The Early Mays and Ben Shannon; May 29, The Garment District and Butterbirds, 812 Liberty Ave. For info, (412) 456-6666 or visit TrustArts.org.

Pittsburgh Concert Chorale presents Ein Deutsches Requiem, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 7, Ingomar United Methodist; 4 p.m., Mar. 8, Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church. For tickets, visit http://pccsing.org/ TicketFormTwoConcert_Paypal_New.html.

Pittsburgh Philharmonic “A Time to Shine,” featuring Beethoven’s Fidelio Overture and Fifth Symphony, Mar. 20, Butler County Community College’s Succop Theatre (724) 284-8505, Mar. 21, TBA in the North Hills. For info, visit www.pghphil.org.

Health & Wellness Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Pirates Charities team up and created recipe cards that focus on nutrition. For details, visit www.pittsburghfoodbank.com.

North Hills Community Outreach needs at least 50 runners to run in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon on May 3. For details, visit pittsburghmarathon.com or Patti (412) 408-3830 or pmferraro@nhco.org.

Osteoporosis: How to Keep your Bones Healthy, 1 p.m., Mar. 4, Club Julian in Ross Twp. Sponsored by Passavant Hospital Foundation. Open to the public; need not be a member to attend. Space is limited, reservations are encouraged. Call 412-366-1931 to register.

Alternatives for Animals with Arthritis, 11 a.m., Mar. 14, Dr. Shannon Thieroff presents overview of how alternative medicine approaches work for pets. BelaCoop Animal Hospital 2232 West Hardies Rd, Gibsonia, PA 15044. RSVP: 724-939-7062.

Support Groups Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. For details, (412) 748-6640.

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

Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills, 10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Contact Heritage Hospice at (724) 3346600 with questions.

Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., every Wed., of the month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Phone, (412) 748-6640.

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Flat Stanley Comes to Pittsburgh!

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he Pittsburgh International Children’s Theater is proud to welcome the Dallas Theater Group and their production of The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley to the Byham Theater, April 10-12th.

Based on the bestselling children’s book “Flat Stanley” by Jeff Brown, this hour-long, stage production centers on Stanley Lambchop.

For Stanley, life is too normal! He wants to travel the world and do something amazing – something no one’s ever seen before. One morning, Stanley wakes up flat after getting squished by his bulletin board. This is not an exaggeration – he’s really, really flat! In a whirlwind musical travelogue, Stanley (the ultimate exchange student) explores the globe and learns that heroes come in all shapes and sizes.

Best for 4-10 year olds and anyone with cherished memories of “Flat Stanley.” Tickets are only $9.50 per person with performances on Friday April 10th at 7 p.m., Saturday April 11th at 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. and Sunday April 12th at 11 a.m. and at 2 p.m. There is also a school day performance on Friday April 10th for group sales at 11 a.m. Visit http://trustarts.org/kids for ticket information. F

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HAPPENINGS March 2015

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. To register, call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

Recovery programs for Addicts & Codependents is available at Orchard Hill. For details, call (724) 935-5555 or visit http://www.orchardhillchurch.com

Counseling Ask the Attorney, free legal consultation for low-income families. Sessions are 7 p.m., Mar. 11 at NHCO in Bellevue, Apr. 8 at NHCO in Allison Park. For info, call (412) 4083830 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.

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

Group Services, Intensive Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30 p.m., M,W, Th.,Therapy Group 6-8 p.m., Tues., Family Only Group 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2nd Tues, Psycho-educational Support Group 7-9 p.m., 4th Mon. Contact Anita at 412-215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www. anitasinicropemaier.com.

Professional Counseling, need someone to talk with but can’t afford it or lack health coverage. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300.

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

Cranberry Chapter of Professional Referral Exchange meets 7:15 a.m., networking meeting every Wed., North Park Deckhouse, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Mary Ann, (724) 935-2221.

Darn Yarn Needles and Thread 5th Anniversary Celebration

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arn Yarn Needles and Thread (DYNT) is celebrating five years of business on March 17.

In honor of this special event, DYNT is offering specials, prizes, and extras all week. Lisa Krack, the owner, explains, “I’m so thankful for my customers. This fiber community is unique, and I’m happy that I get to be a part of it. I thought it would be fun to throw a week long party, as a way of thanking those who have supported me.”

Each day (Tuesday – Saturday) there will be drawings and prizes. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, orange, white, and green yarn will be on sale on March 17.

Friday, March 20, hours are extended to 9 p.m. and will include a WIP Work Night and Open House. WIP = Work In Progress. There will be snacks from a local bakery during the event. Bring your projects and socialize with others over tasty treats.

Saturday, March 21 is an Open House as well; hours are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will be cake, coffee from Wunderbar, and a gift basket drawing.

DYNT will feature trunk shows showcasing - Brown Sheep Yarn Company, Darn Good Yarn Company, Imperial Yarn, Mountain Meadow Wool, and Peace Fleece. There will be special sales on these items.

Darn Yarn Needles and Thread opened on March 17, 2010 in Butler. In January 2012, the shop relocated to its current location in Harmony. DYNT specializes in American Made yarns and supplies for knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, needle felters and fiber artists. They offer classes and have three monthly groups meetings. For information, visit www.darnyarnneedlesandthread.us. F

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Cranberry Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 7:30 a.m., Thurs., Mar. 5 & 19, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, Cranberry Twp. For info, call Marcia at (724) 538-3059.

Criders Corner Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, noon, Thur., Mar. 12 & 26, North Park Lounge, 20810 Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. For info, call Annette at (724) 316-8005.

Mixer with Shakers, 5-8 p.m., Mar. 19, Sheraton Pittsburgh Airport Hotel, 1160 Thorn Run Coraopolis. To register, call (412) 264-6270 or www.paacc.com.

North Allegheny Special Education Parent Networking meeting, 9:30 a.m., Mar. 13, Baierl Center at NA High School. For info, visit http://www. nasepng.org/ North Hills Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 9 a.m., Fri., Mar. 13 & 27, Eat N’ Park, Rt. 8 & Saxonburg Blvd, Etna. For info, call Jean at (724) 4430990.

Toastmasters Cranberry High Noon Club, meets noon-1 p.m., every Mon., Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Questions? Call (724) 316-3595 or email SueEllis@PeopleLearn.com.

Wexford Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 8 a.m., Tues., Mar. 10 & 24, Atria’s Restaurant, Wexford. For info, call Kathy at (724) 935-5143.

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers should call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon. stalter@cancer.org.

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! For details, call (412) 367-3685.

North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientation, 10 a.m., Mar. 12, NHCO, 416 Lincoln Ave., Millvale. Call (412) 408-3830 or pmferraro@ nhco.org.

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

School Events & Courses & Symposiums Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) Spring Job Fair, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mar. 18, CCAC Allegheny Campus, North Side (412) 237-2545; Mar. 25, CCAC North Campus in McCandless (412) 369-3632.

The Coverlet Casualty Civil War Exhibit is on display thru May 20, McCarl Gallery at Saint Vincent College. For info, call (724) 805-2188 or www.mccarlgallery.org.

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Curator and historian, Joe Bullick, will be available at the NA History Museum on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during March. The NA History Museum is located in the Annex of McKnight Elementary School, 500 Cumberland Road, McCandless.

Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP) is taking registrations for 12 courses to be held 2 different weeks, Jun. 18-Jul. 3 & Jul 19-24 at La Roche College. For info, visit www.GRIPitt.org.

Global Development and Humanitarian Aid Training Program, Jun. 1-5, Essentials program; Jun. 1-12, Extended training, La Roche College.

Apply by Apr. 20. Call (412) 536-1215 or charlotte.reed@laroche.edu.

Faith & Reason Summer Program, Jun. 14-19, St. Vincent College.

For info, call (724) 805-2844 or michael.krom@ stvincent.edu/faithandreason. Students can register online at www.stvincentedu/faithandreason.

Father Maximilian Maxwell, O.S.B., vocation director of Saint Vincent Archabbey will at the speaker at the spring series on aging and spirituality. The presentation will be held 3 p.m., Mar. 11, at the Fred M. Rogers center at Saint Vincent. For info, (724) 805-2522.

42nd Street, North Allegheny’s Spring Musical, 7:00 p.m., Mar. 4-7, 2 p.m., Mar. 8, NASH. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling the NASH Box Office at 724-9347288.

Jesus Christ Superstar, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 19-21 and 2 p.m., Mar. 21-22, Penn State New Kensington theatre. Sponsored by St. Joseph High School. For tickets, (724) 2267897 or stjosephdrama@gmail.com.

Mary Poppins, 7 p.m., Mar. 6-7 & 13-14; and 2 p.m., Mar. 8, Shaler Area High School auditorium, 381 Wible Run Rd. For info, call (412) 492-1200 ext. 1530 or visit http://www. sasd.k12.pa.us/Musical.aspx.

La Roche College invites prospective graduate, adult and transfer students to an open house, 4-6 p.m., March 2, at the College’s main campus in the North Hills. The event will be held in the Cantellops Art Gallery in the Zappala College Center.

North Allegheny School District is accepting registration for the preschool classes for the fall 2015. For children between ages 3 ½ and 5 yrs. For info, call (724) 9347233 or kcoquet@northallegheny.org.

North Allegheny School District kindergarten registration will be held 9:30-11 a.m. & 1:30-3 p.m., Mar. 3 at each of the elementary schools. For info, visit http://www. northallegheny.org.

Pine Richland High School musical Pippin, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 13-14 & 20-21, 2 p.m., Mar. 21. For tickets visit, musicaltickets@pinerichland.org.

Pine Richland School District Kindergarten registration will be held 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mar. 9, Wexford Elementary; Mar. 11, Hance Elementary; Mar. 13, Richland Elementary. For info, visit www. pinerichland.org.

Saint Alexis Gala, reception and silent auction begins at 5:00 p.m., with dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m. Mar. 14, Omni Will Penn Hotel. Contact mhconklin@gmail.com with any questions regarding the event, including how to donate.

Saint Vincent College Information session on their Master of Science Management: Operational Excellence program, 5:30 p.m., Mar. 11. For info, visit www.stvincentedu. Global link for the session is https://glbal.gotomeeting.com/ join/420375733.

Saint Vincent College Summer Theatre auditions will be held 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Mar. 7, Robert S. Carey Student Center. For info, email greggorybrandt@stvincent.edu.

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

Veterans Discover HOPE HereCareer, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45 p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com.

Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. For details, visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_Physically_ Active.asp.

Seneca Valley is having their kindergarten registration in March for the 2015-16 school year. For details, visit www.svsd.net.

“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse recovery program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler.

For info, visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.

Seminars

Spiritual

Legacy Theatre, Dr. Knowledge, 11 a.m., Mar. 24; A Taste of Greece, Apr. 7; Brain Health Retreat, 9 a.m. or 6 p.m., Apr. 21, Legacy Theatre. Open to the public. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487.

Buddy Program Respite Night (for special needs kids), 6-9 p.m., May 22, Orchard Hill. Register at least day prior. Call (724) 935-5555 or visit http://www. orchardhillchurch.com/ChildrenBuddy.asp.

Veterans Harmony Museum presents “The Civil War in Pennsylvania,” Heinz History Center traveling exhibit. For info, (724) 452-7341 or www.harmonymuseum.org.

North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www.qovf.org.

Stations of the Cross, 1:45 p.m. & 7 p.m., Fridays in Lent (except Good Friday), St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford.

For info, call (724) 935-4343.

Tennabrae Service, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 3, (Good Friday), St. Alexis Parish, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. For info, call (724) 935-4343.

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Belacoop Animal Hospital Alternatives For Animals With Arthritis: Please join Dr. Shannon for an overview of how alternative medicine approaches work. We’ll cover animals with arthritis and how to handle them naturally. All questions are welcome. Where: BelaCoop Animal Hospital, 2232 West Hardies Road, Gibsonia, PA 15044; When: March 14th at 11:00 a.m. Please RSVP to 724-939-7062 Easter Treat Hunt and photos with the Easter Bunny” on Saturday, March 28th from 2PM to 4PM. F

Orchid Show

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he Orchid Society of Western Pennsylvania (OSWP) will hold its Orchid Show, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., on Saturday, March 21, and 10 a.m.4 p.m., Sunday, March 22, at the Phipps Garden Center, 1059 Shady Avenue (Fifth & Shady). Admission is free (donations are appreciated) and the public is invited.

The theme of this year’s show is Sixty years and growing…Orchids. We are celebrating the 60th anniversary of OSWP. For more information visit www.oswp.org or contact Carolyn Bolton (412) 714-0263. F

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Saint Alexis Catholic Church 2015 Lenten and Easter Triduum Liturgical Schedule

Daily Masses

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 8:00 a.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m.

Sacrament of Penance Communal Service 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015 _______________

Stations of the Cross Fridays 1:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. _______________

Fish Fry

4:30-7:30 p.m.

March 6, 13. 20 & 27 No Fish Fry on Good Friday _______________

Palm Sunday Masses

March 29, 2015 Anticipated Mass: Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 9:45 a.m. procession before 10:00 a.m. Mass 12:00 noon and 6:00 p.m. _______________

Easter Triduum Holy Thursday

Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday

Stations of the Cross: 12:00 noon Spiritual Reflection: 1:00 p.m.

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: 2:00 p.m.

Good Friday Evening Tenebrae Service: 7:30 p.m.

Holy Saturday

Blessing of the Baskets: 11:00 a.m.

Easter Vigil: 8:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Masses

8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 noon No 6:00 p.m. Mass _______________ 10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, Pennsylvania 15090 724.935.4343 www.stalexis.org

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Fundraisers

Winter Events

Comedy Show, 6:30 p.m., Mar. 28, Morningside VFW Banquet Hall. Benefits the Myasthenia Gravis Association of Western PA. For tickets, call (412) 566-1545 or visit www. mgawpa.org.

Ballroom Dancing, 7-8 p.m., Beginners, 8-10 p.m. Social Dancing, Fri., Mar. 6, Apr. 10, 24, May 1, 15 & 29, Orchard Hill gym. For info, call (724) 935-5555 or orchardhillchurch.com.

Empty Bowls Dinner, 2-6 p.m., Mar. 29, Rodef Shalom Congregation, 4905 Fifth Ave., in Oakland. Proceeds benefit Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Just Harvest. For info, visit www.pittsburghfoodbank.org or www.justharvest.org.

Mobsters, Molls & Marinara, 2-5 p.m., Mar. 8, The Spaghetti Warehouse. Benefits the Lupus Foundation. Register at (412) 261-5886 or 8000-800-5776 or info@lupus.pa.org.

Oxford Athletic Club is sponsoring an Any Footwear drive. The goal is to collect 7,500 pairs by May. For details, visit http://www.oxfordathleticclub.com/oxford-cares-shoe-drive/.

Picture This! 6-9 p.m., Mar. 21, Pittsburgh Glass Center, 5472 Penn Ave., East End. Proceeds benefit Ward Home. For info, (412) 722-1404 or www.wardhome.org.

Race for Joe, 9 a.m., Apr. 4, start & finish, 1572 King Charles Dr., in Franklin Park. 5K (run/walk) event held in honor of Joe Guzzetti. Sign up at www.raceforjoe.org.

Fish Fries St. James Catholic Parish, 4:30-7 p.m., Fridays in Lent thru Apr. 3, school cafeteria, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley.

For take-out (412) 741-5540 #2. Visit saintjames-church.com.

Winner Winner Fish Dinner, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Fridays in Lent (except Good Friday), Mar. 6, 13, 20, 27, St. Alexis Parish, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. Take-out available after 3:30 p.m., call (724) 401-1FRY.

Tax Preparation North Hills Community Outreach is offering free tax prep for low-income individuals thru Mar. 31, at NHCO sites in Bellevue & Millvale. Appointments must be made by calling 2-1-1 or 888-553-5778.

Northland Public Library in cooperation with AARP, free tax prep for seniors and low-income residents, 9 a.m.-noon, Tues., & Thurs., thru Apr. 14. For info, call (412) 366-8100 or northlandlibrary.org.

Festivals Pittsburgh Humanities Festival, Mar. 26-29, in Pittsburgh’s Cultural Trust. For info, (412) 456-6666 or TrustArts.org.

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival, Mar. 27-29, Westin Convention Center, downtown Pittsburgh. To learn more, visit www.pghknitandcrochet.com.

Celebration of Chocolate Event, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Mar. 7, Regional Learning Alliance in Cranberry Woods.

Sponsored by Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau. For info, (724) 234-4619 or www.visitbutlercounty.com/chocolate.

Spring Events Earth Day Celebration, 11 a.m., Apr. 22, Mellon Dquare, Schenley Plaza. For details, visit pittsburghearthday.org.

Glade Run Events: Shamrock n Roll, March 13 at The Rivers Club; Spring Symposium, March 28 at Glade Run. For info, call (724) 452-4453 or gladerun. org.

Neighborhood Street Fair for NHCO, 5:30-9 p.m., Apr. 30, The Chadwick. For tickets, call Cheryl, (412) 4876316, opt. 1 or clenglish@nhco.org.

Pittsburgh Spring Fever Festival, 10-5, Mar. 20-21 & 10-4, Mar. 22, Monroeville Convention Center. For info, call (724) 863-4577 or www.familyfestivals.com.

Show & Tea, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Mar. 21, Saint Ursula Social Hall, Kirk Ave., Allison Park. Reservation deadline is Mar. 16, no tickets sold at the door. Call Mary Ellen (412) 486-3019 or Loretta (412) 486-3672 or Joan (724) 449-2691.

Steel City Con, Apr. 10-12, Monroeville Convention Center. Featuring: Noah Wylie, Karen Allen and Tom Wopat.

For info, visit http://www.steelcitycon.com.

Garden Events Greybrooke Garden Club will meet 9:30 a.m., Mar. 11, in Fellowship Hall of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Hampton Twp. For info, call Bea at (412) 487-1072.

Piccadilly Herb Club meeting, Mar. 19, topic “The Fork and the Road,” Apr. 23, “Amazing Adaptations,” Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd., Fox Chapel.

Easter Egg-citement Easter Egg Hunt, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Mar. 28, Pine Community Center. Register by Mar. 21. Call (724) 625-1636 or http://www.twp.pine.pa.us/communitycenter/home.html.

Golf NHCO’s Mini Masters Golf Tournament, May 14, RMU’s Island Sports Complex on Neville Island. Call Pam, (412) 307-0069 ext. 3322 or pjlindenberger@nhco.org.

Sales Hampton Alliance for Educational Excellence is hosting a “Gowns Galore” consignment sale; dress collection is 6-9 p.m., Mar. 4 & 5, Hampton High school cafeteria. For details, visit www.hamptonalliance.org.

Hiland Preschool Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Mar. 14, 1-3 p.m., Mar. 15, Red Tag Sale, 845 Perry Hwy., Ross Twp. Clothing, newborn to 12 months, baby equipment, toys. For info, (412) 367-3566 or http://www.hilandpreschool.com/ New and Gently Worn Prom Dresses, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mar. 28, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, 2662 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. For info, call (724) 776-5310 or www.ccupc.org.

North Area Environmental Council (NAEC) Seedling Sale. Plants need to be ordered by Mar. 28, pick up is Apr. 25, at Latodami Nature Center, North Park. For details, call (724) 935-2170 or visit http://naecwpa.org/.

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St. James Fish Fry

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t. James Catholic Parish in Sewickley will host its annual Lenten Fish Fry, Fridays during Lent February 20 thru April 3, 4:30pm to 7pm in the St. James School Cafeteria. Weekly specials and various Ala Carte items. For takeouts call 412-741-5540 press 2.

St. James Parish is located at 200 Walnut Street in Sewickley.

Visit www.saintjames-church.com F

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