March 2017 Issue of Northern Connection Magazine

2017 Summer Camps Guide

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

MARCH 2017

Oakland Catholic

GOES GLOBAL! Natural Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Hair & Skin

March Happenings

Mary Tyler Moore Trivia

L O O K A N D F E E L YO U R B E S T AT A N Y AG E

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Contents NORTHERN CONNECTION 8

CONTENTS | March 2017

Features

Living Fit

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36 At Smoothie King, Your Kids Can Have Their Veggies – and They’ll Eat Them, Too! Elizabeth Szabo

Business Spotlight: Pittsburgh Web Designs Puts Clients at the Top of the List

10 Cover Story: Oakland Catholic Goes Global 52 Lenten Fish Fries

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2017 Summer Camps Guide 13 Sensational Summer Camps: Fabulous Fun and So Much More!

19 Shady Side Academy Summer Programs Has It All! 19 Summer Camps Directory

In Every Issue...

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From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

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Movers & Shakers

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Mover & Shaker of the Month Rita Canton

Kids & Education 20 Innovations in the Classroom

36 Fit Families: Every Little Bit Helps Joella Baker

All About Pets 39 New Puppy Training Tips Dr. Kim Morgan

Home & Garden 40 Jane of All Trades

Senior Living 42 Town Crier: Good Old March Joe Bullick 44 Happenings for Seniors

21 School Movers & Shakers

Advertorials

Image & Style

31 If You Have Arthritis and You Don’t Like It...Read This Dr. Shannon Thieroff

24 Natural Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Hair and Skin Kelly Smith

Health & Wellness 26 Ideal Image: Experts in Laser and Medical Spa Services

34 Lose Up to 30 Lbs in 30 Days

Dr. Michael Vactor, D.C.

47 March 2017 Happenings

28 Safety Tips and Guidelines for Summer Fun

49 A THIRD Opinion? Seriously?

Marianne Reid Anderson

29 Health & Wellness Spotlight: NURTURE Feeding and Communication Support, LLC

43 Hearing and Brain Health...

Implications for Children and Adults

Dr. R. Patrick Francis

38 Trivia Connection: Mary Tyler Moore Trivia Paula Green

30 Aging Institute Website Enhancements Connect Caregivers with Resources

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Sponsored by

33 Mary Danced In / Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

37 Support Our Troops: Fisher House Foundation Paula Green

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NC March 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

On the Cover: Oakland Catholic Social Studies instructor Cindy McNulty conceived of the GCI program after her travels and work with the University of Pittsburgh’s Global Studies Center.

Is Your Business Looking to Reach 55+ Readers?

CALL now to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!

724-940-2444 www.pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com

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Welcome PUBLISHER NOTES | March 2017

Welcome to the March issue of Northern Connection magazine

E

ven though summer is a bit away, now is the time when parents start to consider summer camps and programs for their children.

Once again, Northern Connection magazine is featuring the annual camp guide. We will be continuing this feature throughout the next few months.

This month’s cover story is about Oakland Catholic. It is fascinating to read about the decision Oakland Catholic made over 15 years ago to include “Global Leadership” as a core element of its mission statement. Education certainly has changed over the years. Northern Connection magazine is proud to continue the special section, Innovations in the Classroom, as a monthly feature so we can continue to inform our readers of the students’ achievements.

In January, we lost a very special actress, Mary Tyler Moore. For many of us, Moore was almost a part of the family because we watched her in two very popular shows and grew up “It’s better to walk with her. This month’s Trivia is a alone than with a tribute to Mary Tyler Moor and her crowd going in the many accomplishments. Test your wrong direction.” knowledge and see how much you Diane Grant remember about Mary Tyler Moore.

Enjoy reading all this month’s special features along with Northern Connection magazine’s regular columns.

Thank you for your continued support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. l l l

Looking to grow your business?

Advertise in Northern Connection Magazine, celebrating our 18th year in business, Connecting you to your Community.

Call today 724-940-2444

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

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

Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Marianne Reid Anderson ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Core Writers

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

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

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

The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area.

The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

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

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This is the Testimonial Statement from Anastasia S.

Anastasia S. Before

I became heavy in college and yo-yoed for the last 8 years.

Dr. Chufo has helped me tremendously. She has helped me to retrain myself, food is fuel and pleasure is to be taken in moderation.

I still have a ways to go before I meet my goal but I am proud of the 35 pounds I’ve lost in 4 months.

Anastasia S. After

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | March 2017

Movers & Shakers Jeffrey Astbury has been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, in recognition of his professional achievement and commitment to quality cardiovascular care. Dr. Astbury’s Fellow designation will be officially recognized during the convocation ceremony on Sunday, March 19, in conjunction with the ACC’s 66th Annual Scientific Session in Washington, D.C. David J. Deitrick, DO, has been nominated to serve as the 2017 president of the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS). He is the 152nd president of the local physician organization.

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has been successfully revalidated for Stage 7 certification on the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model (EMRAM).

Dr. Jeffrey Astbury

Dr. David Deitrick

St. Margaret Foundation announced that its 29th annual 5K Race has a new name: ‘The Brian Demchak Hope Run - 5K Run/Walk’ and will occur at 8:30 a.m., on Sunday, May 21, at UPMC St. Margaret. A new addition to the race this year is the Plant the Seed of Hope Honor/Memorial Garden. Race participants will start and finish the race adjacent to this garden of vibrant pink, yellow, orange and purple flower wind spinners, honoring and memorializing loved ones.

Register at www.stmargaretfoundation.org.

Frank Libson of Franklin Park recently retired from the McCandless-Franklin Park Ambulance Authority. Libson was a founding member of the authority, where he served as a board member, and spent 40 years as their treasurer. He is also a former Franklin Park Borough council member.

The McGuire Memorial Foundation has hired Dawn McHugh-Woodfill as its director of advancement.

McHugh-Woodfill comes to the Foundation with 20 years of nonprofit experience, including director of institutional advancement at the Dawn McHughCommunity Day School and direcWoodfill tor of development and marketing at Providence Connections, Inc. She is the current treasurer of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

Thank you for voting us

“King of the Wings!”

2016 People’s Choice –

Best Overall Wings Stop in today and try our award-winning recipes

ST. PATRICK’S DAY WEEKLONG CELEBRATION! Stop in during the week of St. Paddy’s Day for our Green Beer Specials! We will have Murphy’s Stout cans and green Miller Lite & green Yuengling on Draft!

Drop by to enjoy our NEW MENU! 10501 Perry Highway • Wexford Flats www.wexfordalehouseonline.com

CE L E BRATING

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724-935-9870

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a $20 Lunch Purchase Weekdays M-F 11am-4pm

Coupon must be presented at time of purchase.

Not valid on alcohol. Expires March 31, 2017.

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Y E A RS!

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NC/03-17

It’s good to be KING!

Mike Huwar has been named president of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Columbia Gas of Maryland, effective Feb. 13. The companies serve approximately 456,000 natural gas customers in 29 counties throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. is in the process of restoring some Albert P. Burchfield paintings and lithographs from the Civil War. The Mary Hillman Jennings Foundation awarded the museum a $10,000 grant to help Soldiers & Sailors with this endeavor. For more info, visit albaconseration.com or http:// www.soldiersandsailorshall.org.

Former Pittsburgh Steeler, Brett Keisel sheared his beard on Feb. 13 in support of cancer programs at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Keisel was joined by WWE Hall of Famer, Shawn Michaels, as well as other current and former Steelers players who conducted the “shaving ceremony.” Last year, ‘Shear Da Beard’ raised over $75,000 for the Division of Hematology/Oncology at Children’s Hospital.

Roundabout Theater Company announced that Leigh Ann Larkin (a North Hills High School graduate) will star in CABARET as Sally Bowles.

Larkin whose real name is Wielgus, is excited about her opportunity. “This is like a dream come true for me,” said Larkin who has been performing on stage since the third grade starting out with the North Star Kids, a local performing group.

Leigh Ann Larkin

Everest Holding Company, the new parent company of Northwood Realty Services, has named Wendy West chairwoman of its board of directors, and Wendy West Marv Levin Marv Levin will lead Northwood Realty’s new commercial division.

The Tull Family Theater, a newly constructed independent film center in Sewickley, opened its two screening rooms and its event/performance space on Feb. 17. Classic Tuesdays, Hollywood’s best shown on the first Tuesday of each month and international classics screened on the third Tuesday of each month. The initial Hollywood classic, To Kill a Mockingbird, will kick off the series on Mar. 7. For info, visit www.thetullfamilytheater. org.

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Rita Canton New Principal and Head of School at Vincentian Academy

O

n January 23, 2017, Mrs. Rita Canton was commissioned as Principal and Head of School

by Western Province Provincial of the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Sister Adeline Fehribach, SCN and Sister Michelle Grgurich, SCN, Director of the Office of Congregational Ministries.

Mrs. Canton, who became Principal at Vincentian Academy in May of 2016, previously served as the Principal at Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy, a parochial school that she had been the head administrator since its inception in 2010. Mrs. Canton’s high standards enabled Sister Thea Bowman Catholic Academy to become a model school for the nation.

Mrs. Canton is dedicated to maintaining the high academic standards at Vincentian Academy. Her academic excellence dates back to her high school days where she was Valedictorian of her class at St. Mary’s Academy in New Orleans.

“I am blessed to serve as Principal and Head of School at Vincentian Academy,” expresses Rita Canton, “The mission of this fine institution closely parallels my personal mission. As an educator, I have always endeavored to inspire students to use their God-given gifts to be the best that they can be as students, citizens and faith-filled leaders.”

Mrs. Canton graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Electrical Engineering, earning 30 credits towards a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering while there. She received her Secondary Mathematics Certification at Chatham College, and received her

Educational Administrative Certification at the University of Scranton. Mrs. Canton was a mathematics teacher at North Catholic High School for eight years and has 15 years of secondary and elementary teaching experience.

Mrs. Canton also has a Master of Theology from Xavier University of Louisiana. She is active in her Parish at St. Benedict the Moor and serves as a Eucharistic Minister there. She has been a retreat director at five different institutions. At North Catholic High School, Mrs. Canton was the Campus Minister from 1996-2004. She helped plan the liturgies and prayer services, the faculty and student retreats, and was the liaison between the Diocese Department of Religious Education and North Catholic High School. She has lived her faith through community service such as Girls’ Hope retreats and serving as a Master Catechist for the Diocese of Pittsburgh.

To learn more about Vincentian Academy, visit http://www. vincentianacademy.org. l l l

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | March 2017

Business Spotlight

Pittsburgh Web Designs Puts Clients at the Top of the List Pittsburgh Web Designs has been building websites for local, national, and international companies for over twelve years.

B

eyond building websites, founder Jeremy Richey and the team at Pittsburgh Web Designs are experts in Search Engine Optimization (SEO). SEO is the ability to create and enhance your website so that it shows up as high as possible in the search engines, such as Google or Microsoft Bing. The team at PWD are Custom Website Designers and coders who build websites

“I feel very compelled to give Pittsburgh Web Designs a 5 star review! The very next morning after they launched our website, we were number one in Bing, Ask and Yahoo. In one week, we were showing up number one in Google.

We’re now getting several phone calls daily from people who are finding us on the web.

THANK YOU, PWD!” Jodie E. (Pittsburgh)

specifically for what the search engines look for based on a client’s particular business and services.

Richey explains, “People type in keywords of products or services they need to find companies they don’t know the name of yet. If your website is only show-

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ing when you type in your full company name, that is good, but it is completely irrelevant for generating NEW business.

In fact, if you are not in the top three under the ads when you type in your exact company name then you should seriously question your online marketer.

The trick is to get your website to show for all of the main keywords and search terms for services or products that you offer. The only way to do that without having to buy search ads, keywords, or paying monthly sums of money to marketing firms, is to custom build the website from the ground up rather than using templates. Pre-built website templates are entirely cosmetic and not built with SEO in mind for a particular business, service or product.”

“When a customer reaches out to us, we often hear many of the “horror stories” out there and have learned that it is hard for a customer to trust where to go with online marketing. We provide the truth of our experiences and prove our skills and knowledge to where it makes perfect sense on what to do, well before we even take a dollar,” comments Richey. “Every business is different, so we listen to our clients’ needs and develop a custom marketing plan for their particular business and market. Our full intention is to turn clients into our own sales and marketing team through their recommendations and satisfaction in our services. We achieve this goal by build-

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ing relationships with our clients, networking them with other clients in their particular field and, most importantly, bringing them business.”

Pittsburgh Web Designs now has partnerships with various digital marketing and video production services

Jeremy Richey

outside of web design with who we consider the elite in Pittsburgh. They consult with many major companies around the country on their online marketing strategies and founder, Jeremy Richey, is also the vice president of the North Pittsburgh Network aimed at helping various Pittsburgh charities and non-profit organizations. l l l

To get your website to the top of the search engines and generate business, visit Pittsburgh Web Designs at www.PghWebDesigns.com or call

(724) 987-3730.

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Cover

HEALTH & WELLNESS | March 2017

“Engagements” for Oakland Catholic’s GCI program can include world travel, the World Affairs Council Summer Institute, or the school’s GCI Book Group.

Oakland Catholic

GOES GLOBAL

Increasing technological interconnectedness brings world events to our attention sometimes seconds after they occur. A simple alert and some brief text across the your phone’s home screen, and in that moment, you are called to make snap decisions about an event and how it might affect your immediate surroundings.

T

he simple concept of “global awareness” - a basic knowledge of a culture, an appreciation of its arts, literature, or language - is no longer sufficient to understand the world in which we live. Instead, we require “global competence.” In this interconnected world, where interactions take place across time zones in the blink of an eye, a greater understanding of the situation, thoughts, and values of the individual on the other end of that phone call, text message, or tweet is necessary.

Over 15 years ago, Oakland Catholic High School made a conscious decision to include global leadership as a core element of its mission statement. Since then, program and curriculum development have reflected that mission and are integral to the educational experience provided to the young women who attend Oakland Catholic. Daily exposure to international authors and artists, to global issues that directly impact current affairs, and to the perspectives of different cultures through foreign language studies have all been incorporated into a curriculum designed to move a student from global

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awareness to global competence. By welcoming students from Asia, Africa, and Europe, the student population itself reflects a more global perspective. This global outreach and global consciousness is a natural extension of the school’s Catholic identity and value-centered focus. Annual travel experiences through mission and service trips to Jamaica, Washington DC, NYC, Appalachia, and Guatemala complement more traditional student travel tours to China, France, Greece, Italy, and Spain.

With such emphasis on global experiences, the development of a more encompassing program seemed a natural expression of Oakland Catholic’s mission.

Enter the Global Competence Initiative certificate program. One of Oakland Catholic’s more recent innovative endeavors, it represents a culmination of the framework in global perspective built at the school for the last two decades.

More commonly referred to as GCI, this intensive 4-year certificate program offers OC Students the opportunity to actively engage with different cultures outside the classroom setting, to strive to understand the importance of issues that

Mission trips are an integral part of Oakland Catholic’s global leadership mission.

impact the human race cross culturally, and to develop leadership and presentation skills that will lay a foundation for their own eventual roles as global leaders. At a time when many schools are just beginning to develop programs that clarify this concept of global competence, Oakland Catholic’s Global Competence Initiative certificate program stands out as a structured, clearly articulated, and mission driven program that serves to educate informed, college-bound high school students as they seek to understand the world. By forming opinions grounded in research, on broader issues placed within cultural contexts, GCI Scholars are representative of the school’s mission “to educate young women to serve as future global leaders and agents of change in the world.” Introduced to Oakland Catholic by former English Department Chair and current Social Studies instructor, Cindy McNulty, GCI is also

The GCI program uses world literature as a vehicle for critical thinking and discussion about current events.

unique in that it is accessible to ALL students, not just those who achieve a particular GPA. Now serving as the Director of the Global Competence Initiative, McNulty was inspired to create the program by her own personal travel experiences and encounters with other cultures, as well as her extensive work with the University of Pittsburgh’s Global Studies Center. Her 40 years as an experienced teacher in both the social sciences and literature contribute directly to the comprehensive vision of the program, and its dual emphasis on scholarly requirements and experiential criteria.

To be awarded a GCI certificate at graduation, a student must pursue two years of World History and one year of

World Literature, achieve a certain level of Foreign Language proficiency, and complete a research project on a crossdisciplinary issue of global significance that is paired with a public presentation. In addition, students must attend twelve “Encounters” and participate in three “Engagements” throughout their four-year commitment to the program.

Encounters consist of lectures, seminars, films, and cultural events. With Oakland Catholic High School prominently located in the heart of the educational and cultural center of Pittsburgh, near the world-renowned institutions of the University of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Mellon University, there is no shortage of “encounters” readily available to the students. Engagements are different in that they demand a more intensive investment of time on the student’s part, but, as a result, permit her to connect on a deeper level with the international world. Examples of “engagements” include international travel experiences like those mentioned earlier, summer programs offered by the World Affairs Council and the Global Studies Center at Pitt, or the school’s internal GCI Book Group. After each encounter and engagement, students must write a reflection on the event. In these reflections, students are encouraged to challenge their thinking, critically assess their immediate environments and cultural norms, and focus on a broader understanding of the concerns and achievements that impact the larger world.

The Global Competence Initiative certificate program is a unique offering at Oakland Catholic High School that encourages young women to become globally conscious agents of change through scholarly and experiential immersions in other cultures and different parts of the world. With a deeper understanding of the world and the ability to effectively communicate with a broader cultural audience, Oakland Catholic High School students are actively preparing to be globAs part of an “Encounter” for the GCI program, students attended the “Forced From Home” exhibit presented by al citizens. l l l Doctors Without Borders.

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2017

Summer CAMPS GUIDE 12

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Sensational Summer Camps: Fabulous Fun and So Much More!!

Our region offers an unprecedented array of summer camps and activities designed to benefit our area’s youth.

Be sure and check out these amazing summer programs for children, tweens and teens. Remember – the key to your child’s summer fun is to register early!

CAMP INVENTION® - Imaginations get their rocket fuel at Camp Invention! An exciting, weeklong summer adventure for K-6th graders awaits with activities that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. A nonprofit program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame®, Camp Invention allows children to experience real-world problem solving, creative thinking, invention, and teamwork. Modules include challenges and achievements from the brightest thinkers around—the Inductees of the National Inventors Hall of Fame! This summer, children will work together to transform the terrain and ecosystem of a distant exoplanet. They will also take risks as budding business owners, blast rockets, fire air cannons, fling rubber chickens, and wire circuits to create their own Spy Gadget Alarm Boxes! Local, certified educators lead this week of hands-on activities that fuel children’s confidence in their natural ability to dream and create.

Early registration discounts are available. Use promo code INNOVATE25 by 3/20 to save $25 on registration or INNOVATE15 after 3/20 to save $15.

Availability is limited, so visit www. campinvention.org or call 800-9684332 to secure your child’s spot today!

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 (Continued on page 14)

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2017SUMMERCAMPSGUIDE 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 Sawmill Theater.

Early Bird Discount is available for resident students if they register before May 1st. In addition to the 4-5 classes a day that both resident and day students enjoy, resident students also receive shared lodging in the Lodge, 3 meals a day and access to all camp activities. Forest Dancing is also offering a two-day Teachers Workshop that will include overnight accommodations, dinner and breakfast, class demonstration, a panel discussion, syllabus and notes. To learn more, visit www.forestdancing.com for details.

GLEN MONTESSORI SCHOOL – Come and enjoy a unique international experience through a wide range of programs at The Glen Montessori School. Your child will be navigating the globe in a safe and nurturing environment where young “Explorers” will be encouraged to develop new interests and appreciate other cultures!

Their team of skilled and enthusiastic Montessori teachers, Montessori assistant teachers, and counselors are ready and dedicated to accompany your child on a journey through stimulating and interactive fun by exploring each country’s traditions, languages, geography, science, art, games, and music.

The mission is for each child to explore, make new friends, and

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prepare their passports for a fun-filled summer adventure. To learn more, visit http://www.glenmontessori.org.

JUMONVILLE CHRISTIAN CAMP AND RETREAT CENTER – Top ten benefits of their summer camp: 1. Fun Activities – One camper wrote, “Camp is like a thousand recesses!”

2. Friendship – Camp is a place to make new friends that often last a lifetime!

3. Adventure – New experiences help campers learn trust, self-confidence, & problem-solving in an affirming atmosphere.

4. Cooperation – Children & adults learn to interact & live with others who are different from them.

5. Responsibility – Campers are encouraged to see the results and rewards of their actions.

6. Success – Exposure to new interests or skills are in a setting designed so each child can shine.

(Continued on page 16)

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2017SUMMERCAMPSGUIDE 7. Health – Campers eat, sleep, and exercise well, & also tend to their social, & spiritual needs.

8. Good Citizenship –Youth are immersed in democratic group living where values of fairness, equality & order are modeled & imitated.

9. Inspiration – Spiritual values are learned from nature itself & the quality of the camp community in mentoring & discipleship in spiritual growth.

10. Independence – The separation really will be good for both of you! It allows them to test what you’ve taught them, & learn from others. Plus, you’ll both enjoy the fun of sharing exciting new experiences when they come home!

Ninety-nine percent of campers surveyed had an “awesome” experience at Jumonville’s summer camp! See their ad for discounts, and sign up today! To learn more, visit https://jumonville.org.

ROSE E. SCHNEIDER FAMILY YMCA IN CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP – Get Ready for Camp Rose 2017! At least 11 weeks of SUMMER FUN at this annual Summer Day Camp. Each week will be filled with activities around an entertaining theme such as Adventure is Out There, Over the Oceans, Pittsburgh Pride and many more. There will also be pool time, music, art, dance, a talent show and hot dog picnic just to name

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a few activities. Every Thursday, there will be a fun and exciting field trip including Ducky Tours, a Pirate game, a skate park and the list keeps going.

Open registration begins March 6th and be sure to mark your calendars to attend their Summer Day Camp Orientation on Wednesday, May 31, 6:30-7:30PM. At this meeting, you will have a chance to meet the staff, learn more about the schedule and get your child comfortable and ready for camp!

In addition, Seneca Valley School District is delaying the start of the 2017-2018 school year by two weeks.

The summer camp team is working (Continued on page 18)

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2017SUMMERCAMPSGUIDE

diligently to extend their Summer Day Camp and seize the opportunity of a few more golden days of summer fun.

Please feel free to contact Karen Guise, Senior Program Director, at 724452-9122, x230 or kguise@bcfymca.org with questions or comments regarding this incredible summer day camp program.

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In addition to the camps listed in this issue, be sure to read our April issue to learn about even more summer activities. 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) 9402444. l l l

Summer Camps Directory Camp Deer Creek

www.campdeercreekonline.com 412-767-5351

Camp Invention

www.campinvention.org 1-800-968-4332

Camp Spirit of the Game

www.camps.PghUltimate.org

Forest Dancing

www.forestdancing.com 814-938-8517

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

Jumonville Summer Camp www.jumonville.org 800-463-7688

Katie’s Clay Studio

www.katiesclaystudio.com 412-486-2184

MySTEM Academy

Technology Learning for Kids www.mystemacademy.com 412-513-6155

Penn State Beaver Summer Camps www.beaver.psu.edu/camps 724-773-3700

Pittsburgh CLO

www.pittsburghCLO.org 412-281-2234

Pittsburgh Center for the Arts

http://pfpca.org/summerartcamps 412-361-0455

Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA

Camp Rose 2017 http://rose.bcfymca.org/day-camp1/ 724-452-9122 x230

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

Saint Joseph High School Basketball Summer Camp www.saintjosephhs.com 724-226-4932

Sarah Heinz House

www.sarahheinzhouse.org 412-231-2377

Shady Side Academy

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

Wexford Acting Studio

www.wexfordactingstudio.com 412-491-2416

Windwood Park

www.windwoodpark.com 724-935-6880

Shady Side Academy Summer Programs Has It All! Summer is a unique time for students to grow. After the school year ends, a good summer camp or class can give kids the opportunity to discover new passions, develop existing talents, forge new friendships and tackle personal challenges.

S

hady Side Academy offers a wide variety of fun, affordable summer programs for kids from any school in grades PK-12. SSA’s Middle and Senior School campuses in Fox Chapel play 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 free lunch and before-care, plus optional paid aftercare. A convenient North Hills bus makes transportation a snap for working parents.

At Day Camp Discovery, held on the 130-acre Senior School campus, 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, theater and more. Special activities such as competition days and Friday picnic dance parties add to the fun.

At Camp Ren, held on the 35-acre Middle School campus, kids entering grades 6-9 enjoy greater autonomy and can choose from cool activities such as robotics, rocketry, cooking, ceramics, geocaching, filmmaking and sports to personalize their camp experience. Ninth graders have the option to help out at the elementary camp through a leaders-in-training program.

Both Day Camp Discovery and Camp Ren are offered in three two-week sessions from June 19 to July 28.

Focus Camps allow kids to focus on a single interest, from film to science to sewing. Nine different weeklong camps are offered from July 31 to Aug. 11.

Sports Camps led by SSA coaches give kids the chance to learn the fundamentals of a sport while having fun. Weeklong camps are offered in lacrosse, tennis, basketball, baseball, golf and ice hockey in June and August.

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 full day of learning and fun.

Offerings for high school students include for-credit courses in math, science, computer science and art, as well as SAT/ACT test prep, a college essay-writing workshop and various enrichment classes.

For information or to register, visit www.shadysideacademy.org/summer or call 412-447-2230. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | March 2017

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Entrepreneur 101 students make a donation to Share our Strength for the No Kid Hungry program

Innovations in the Classroom At Northern Connection magazine, we feel incredibly blessed in our community to have so many dedicated educators, administrators and caring adults that work tirelessly to bring fun and intriguing programs into our school. Be sure and enjoy the highlighted programs in this month’s column. Past Innovations in the Classroom are still available on our website at www.northernconnectionmag.com and we will continue highlighting new innovations and programs in the coming months.

CARDINAL WUERL NORTH CATHOLIC - Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Entrepreneur 101 students are pleased to make a donation of $935 to Share our Strength for the No Kid Hungry program. Students enrolled in the class had the opportunity to pitch some ideas about how they could best utilize their resources and communication skills. Students went through the process of designing, making and selling ornaments, creating a business plan and presenting a “Pitch Presentation.” To add an extra philanthropic spin on the project, the students decided to donate their winnings from the class pitch competition to a local charity of the students’ choice. CWNC is proud to announce that the winning team “Winter Wonderland” raised $935 and decided to donate to their charity of choice: No Kid Hungry. Giving back in the holiday spirit sets CWNC students apart from the rest in hopes to better the world. To learn more about Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic and its innovative and character-building programs, visit http://www.cwnchs.org.

LA ROCHE COLLEGE - On Monday, March 20, La Roche College will showcase more than 150 works of student art during opening night of its annual juried art and design exhibit, Positive Space. Organized by La Roche design students, Positive Space will debut at 6 p.m. with a reception in the Cantellops Art Gallery, followed by an awards ceremony at 7 p.m. in the Zappala College Center Square. The show features

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artwork across the following categories: 3-D modeling, branding, corporate design, drawing and painting, foundations, health care design, hospitality design, illustration, multimedia, package design, photography, typography, residential design and social design. Students are responsible for planning and promoting the show, as well as coordinating opening night.

Heather Clay, a junior graphic design student, was a member of the team that developed the winning design and concept for this year’s theme, Reflections. “Positive Space is a memorable event that I love to share with my friends, family and mentors,” Ms. Clay said. “It’s awe-inspiring to walk through the gallery, exploring the amazing creativity and talent of fellow students, knowing the tremendous amount of work it took to create each piece. We’re all so proud of our contributions to the Positive Space experience.” The exhibit will be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., including weekends, through the end of March. Admission is free. Please visit designatlaroche.com for more information about Positive Space or the La Roche Design Division.

Be sure and look for more Innovations in the Classroom in our April 2017 issue! If you are implementing an innovative lesson, extra-curricular activity or summer program, be sure and let us know by emailing NorthCon@consolidated.net or calling (724) 940-2444. l l l

School Movers & Shakers Seneca Valley Seneca Valley juniors Arushi Subba and Maxwell Moore earned first place as the Outstanding Delegation to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) at the Duquesne Model United Nations competition held at Duquesne University on Jan. 27.

Seneca Valley students with special needs now can gain work experience in their very own coffee shop, “Grounds for Thought…” As part of PAES, this shop will provide vocational training for students to learn about customer service, and gain food and beverage work experience. The grand opening was held in the senior high school lobby on Feb. 9.

Seneca Valley juniors Magdaline Hill and Isabella DeFabbo received awards in biology and chemistry, respectively, at Seton Hill Magdaline University’s 29th Hill Annual Women in Science Day on Dec. 14.

10 Competition. Travis Rychorcewicz, a building construction student earned a bronze medal.

Sabrina Shick, a cosmetology student received a silver medal.

Mars Area High School’s special education class has opened a new school store, offering students an opportunity to purchase everything from school supplies to “Mars” apparel and accessories.

Mars Area senior Caleb Brake, a placekicker/punter on Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Football Team, was named to the Pennsylvania Football News AllState Class 4A Offense First Team.

Caleb Brake

Howard Huang, a Mars Area sophomore displayed a framed American flag that will be presented to Adams Area Fire District later this year on behalf of Mars Area High School Student Council.

Isabella DeFabbo

The Seneca Valley Foundation received a donation of $17,500 on behalf of NexTier Bank through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program grant.

Mars Area High School senior Tori Kopchak signed a letter of intent to join the Dukes Women’s Soccer Team at Duquesne University.

(Continued on page 22)

Farmers National Bank officials donated a $3,500 check to the Seneca Valley Foundation through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program on Jan. 23.

The Seneca Valley Middle School MATHCOUNTS team won the 2017 MATHCOUNTS Midwestern PA regional competition held Feb. 4, at Grove City College. In addition to the team placing first, Seneca Valley took six of the top ten individual places, and the team qualifies to move on to the state competition in Harrisburg next month. Winners were: David Choi, Nate Craig, Zach Garcia, Chris Helmsen, Jackie Ko, and Rachel Spear.

Mars Area Two Mars Area High School seniors and Butler County Area VocationalTechnical students were honored at the “Champions at Work” District

Travis Rychorcewicz

Sabrina Shick

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Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | March 2017

Mars Area Middle School seventh-grader Christopher Dvorak took first place in the 2017 Mars Area Geography Bee Final Round Qualifier, held Feb. 1 at Mars Area Centennial School.

Two members of the Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Hockey Team, Noah Raymundo and Keaton Hanna competed in the Pennsylvania Noah Interscholastic Raymundo Hockey League AllStar Class AA Game on Jan. 29.

Keaton Hanna

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School junior Shania Khatri was chosen to present her breast cancer research at the American Medical Informatics Association (AMIA) 2016 Annual Symposium in Chicago.

Two Fox Chapel Area High School students, Ellen Pil and Grace Stasolla placed at the Pine-Richland High School Invitational Forensic Tournament.

Two Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the Duquesne University Model United Nations (UN) Conference. Seniors Jonathan Monroe and Clare O’Connor were recognized as the “Excellent Delegation” representing Japan in the United Nations Environment Programme.

Fox Chapel Area High School seniors Mihir Garimella, Darwin Leuba, William “Tim” Marsh, and Suvir Mirchandani have been named candidates in the 2017 United States Presidential Scholars Program. Approximately 4,000 students from across the United States, and 136 from Pennsylvania, have been named candidates in this year’s program.

Thirteen Fox Chapel Area High School seniors have been designated as National Merit Finalists.

They are: Rohan Chalasani, Mihir Garimella, David Han, Elizabeth Heidenreich, Darwin Leuba, William “Tim” Marsh, Tanvi Meringenti, Suvir Mirchandani, Grace Mueller, Hannah Mueller, Mary Clare O’Connor, Ellen Pil and Kai Shaikh.

Dorseyville Middle School seventh grader Zoe Lakkis won an Honorable Mention award in the 2017 Pittsburgh Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition.

Dorseyville Middle School has been named the state winner in the 2017 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow contest. The school is one of only 51 state winners from across the nation from thousands of schools and Dorseyville’s submission was headed by technology education teacher Joe Eisel.

North Hills North Hills School District’s Board of Education has been chosen as one of two area school boards to receive the Tri-State Area School Study Council’s 2017 D. Richard Wynn Distinguished School Boards

Award. Board members Arlene Bender, Thomas Kelly, Joe Muha, Annette Giovengo Nolish, Louis Nudi, Kathy Reid, Dee Spade, Edward Wielgus and Michael Yeomans will be honored at the 69th annual School Board and Distinguished Educator Banquet on March 9 at Edgewood Country Club.

North Hills School District’s director of Technology David Charles has been selected as a CIO of the Year finalist in the area of education by the Pittsburgh Technology Council. He will be honored during the council’s CIO of the Year event on March 22 at the Westin in downtown Pittsburgh.

Dave Charles

North Hills High School’s Wind Ensemble has received a national honor from the National Association for Music Education. The ensemble was chosen from among music ensembles from throughout the United States’ east coast to perform at the 2017 National Association for Music Education All-Eastern Convention in Atlantic City, N.J., in April.

North Hills High School and Middle School students have advanced to the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) competition after securing top honors at the regional competition.

Award winners were: First place - Maria Arlia, Lyndsey Edmondston, Lauren Rebel and Hannah Sciulli. Second place - Katlyn Imler, Hannah Kunsak, and Allison Lukac.

Shaler Area Shaler Area Varsity Competitive Cheerleading squad competed in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 11-12. The girls won a gold medal in the World School Cheerleading Championships and silver medal in the National High School Cheerleading Championship.

The Shaler Area Varsity Competitive Cheerleading squad’s second place performance at Nationals will be aired on ESPN in the spring.

Shady Side Academy Four Shady Side Academy students won 14 Regional Scholastic Writing Awards in the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. The winners were: Caldwell Holden (7 awards), Bridget Hughes (2 awards), Max Minard (3 awards), and Nick Sawicki (2 awards).

Sixteen Shady Side Academy Senior School students won 58 regional Scholastic Art Awards in the 2017 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Winners were: Jillian Aiken, Michelle Bohn, Sydney Cleveland, Yumeng “Rain” Du, Kate Foster, Eliana Gagnon, Caldwell Holden, Kay Hughes, Aniket Kumta, Jeanne Lauer, Nicholas Lauer, Hyelim “Rose” Lee, Connor Leemhuis, Hank Lin, Sanjna Narayan, and Arusha Nirvan.

St. Sebastian The Saint Sebastian School Forensics team placed second out of 15 schools at the Holy Trinity tournament. Winners were: Ava Barkich, Marlene

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Battista, Justin Bell, Zoe Blankenship, Fulton Fontana, Gabby Geyer, Courtney Helwich, Tia Henry, Naomi Jesionowski, Kristin Kaminski, Becca Moorhead, Joey Silvaggio, Charlotte Soltesz, Jack Stanton, McKenna Stevick, Rachel Sweeny, Phoebe Tebbs and Thomas Zizan.

St. James

competition. The following 7th grade students earned first place awards:

Six students from 6th and 8th grade classes at Saint James School in Sewickley were given awards on Feb. 5, from Coraopolis Elk Lodge #1090 for an essay competition on “Why it is important to vote.” Winners were: Sofia Bencic, Candice Cardwell, Julia Centofanti, Joel Fabian, Catherine Martsolf, and Tyler Pontello. These students won the local competition and have now moved on to the District level.

Gigi Corcoran, Carson Jacob, Evan Moncheck, Andrew Pritchard, Maura Shernisky and Riley Warda. Eighth grade first place honors: students Christian Farls, David Foody, Maile Oravitz, Colleen Moosman, Annie Snyder, Macy Worrall and Lindsay Worrall.

The Providence Heights Alpha School Forensics Team attended the Southwestern Pennsylvania Forensic League Competition at the East Catholic School on Jan. 15. The mixed grade team of 14 students took Second Place.

Aquinas Academy

Total Learning Prep

Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh seventh grade student, Jillian Mercer, Richland Township, won the school-level competition of the National Geographic Bee on Jan. 31, and a chance at a $50,000 college scholarship. The school-level Bee, at which students answer oral questions on geography, was the first round in the annual National Geographic Bee.

Total Learning Prep in Wexford congratulates sophomore Zach Ravish on winning a merit prize in the fall 2016 Creative Communications poetry contest.

St. Joseph Saint Joseph High School student Isabel Horgan’s watercolor artwork was chosen first place in the “Companion Plants” Fairchild Challenge project at Phipps Conservatory.

Isabel Horgan

Saint Joseph High School Team #2 was the winner of the Jan. 19 Mock Trial competition against West Mifflin High School at the Allegheny County Courthouse. SJHS team members include: Allie Wygonik, Stephanie Edwards, Spencer Brackett, Sam Shadle, Cayleigh Jenkins, Otto Conroy, and Austin Rodriguez.

Providence Heights Alpha School

La Roche College is pleased to announce that 358 students were named to the dean’s list for the fall 2016 semester.

Twenty-one students entered La Roche College’s CheM Scholar Program after receiving a scholarship from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

They are: Amber Alcindor, Robert Behers, Amanda Bodner, Noah Borland, Nicole Fulton, Felicia Gehres, Owen Hill, Alexander Hudak, Jinsuk Kim, Miranda Lasher, Dakota Leonard, Breanna Marvin, Megan Mason, Kayla Ordos, Gina Quahliero, Alaya Rhymer, Kara Sainato, Ricardo Serrano Perez, Aleta Tyrell, Thomas Vukson, and Isabella Wallance.

CCAC Daniel Lowe, English professor at Community College of Allegheny County, Allegheny Campus, has published his first novel, All There is to Tell. The novel is about an American businessman who is kidnapped in Pakistan and develops a relationship with one of his female captors.

Enrichment Center of Western PA

Several Saint Joseph High School students were winners in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 7 Meeting. First place honors: Spencer Brackett, Tyler Fontana, Skylar Geibel, Joseph Godinez, Caroline Maltese, Joshua Maltese, Sophia Maltese, Julianna Nichols, Tom Preston, Julia Singleton and Ava Swanson.

La Roche College

Four students from the Enrichment Center of Western Pennsylvania, a homeschool center in Baden were honored for their work in the annual essay contest from the Daughters of the American Revolution. Sue Clark, from the Kushkushkee Trail chapter presented the awards.

Two students of the Enrichment Center of Western Pennsylvania, a homeschool center in Baden, were announced merit level winners of Creative Communications Fall, 2016 poetry content. High school senior, Miranda Streitman wrote “Nature Raging Wild” and Esther Hess, 7th grade, wrote “World of Darkness.”

BC3

Criminology students at Butler County Community College can now transfer credits earned in their associate in arts degree program toward a Bachelor of Arts degree in jurisprudence at California University of Pennsylvania.

First National Bank of Pennsylvania’s $15,000 donation to the BC3 Education Foundation, Inc., will create scholarships for high school students enrolled in Butler County Community College courses taught as part of the LindenPointe Entrepreneurship Academy Program.

Fifteen Middle School students from Providence Heights Alpha School participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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Chic

IMAGE & STYLE | March 2017

Natural Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Hair and Skin

BY KELLY SMITH

The transition from winter to spring is my favorite time of year. But, one thing that isn’t easy is the stark move from everything thick and cozy to light and airy. Spring clothes are just the beginning of showing some skin.

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s the weather warms up, alot of us are emerging with dry, flaky, and pale skin, which is never in style. Hair too, has not escaped the wrath of winter. Our crowning glory also has also been subjected to indoor heat and low humidity, making the perfect spring storm for a dry, brittle and frizzy mess.

It’s time to get winter off the brain and put it into storage with all those sweaters. Start removing those winter layers and start prepping yourself for spring!

SKIN SO SOFT – The first step to shedding your dry and scaly winter skin is to start exfoliating. The best way is to try a DIY natural concoction to get the most gentle, yet best results. A good, natural scrub doesn’t need a lot of ingredients, in fact, the” less is more” adage definitely fits in nicely here. Fresh from the pantry goodies such as coconut oil mixed with sugar will provide your skin with not only a good exfoliation, but also a much needed boost of moisturization, not to mention, the yummy fragrance will stay with you all day. Use it in the shower by scrubbing gently all over then rinse with warm, not hot water.

Your skin will feel as soft and silky as a freshly bloomed spring tulip! Have you ever heard of a body brush? Well, it’s just what you would expect it to be! A specially designed brush takes aim to remove dead skin cells. Much like a loofah, a good body brush should be made with natural boar bristles that will gently exfoliate all of your dead, dry skin cells and will leave you with smooth, radiant skin. Give yourself a good brush-down paying attention to elbows, knees and heels. Don’t forget to moisturize after your brushing. BY moisturizing right after, you will be sure to keep that fresh layer of baby soft skin protected. Do this every day, preferably before bedtime to help not only soften skin but to detoxify as well as our bodies detox better when we sleep.

TAMED TRESSES – Your hair has most likely been victimized by the frigid and dry air. It’s been exposed to a plethora of harsh elements from cold wind to indoor dry air to everything in-between. To help get it in shape for the new season, you’ll need more than just conditioner. First, a good cut will rid

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lackluster tresses of split ends, and don’t discount the need for a good brushing. Your hair, just like skin needs to be exfoliated too, and the way to do that is by brushing out all the dead strands.

Choosing a good conditioning balm or mask works well but if you prefer natural, fresh ingredients then try a DIY hair mask. There are lots of recipes to use but one of my favorite never fail pantry fares include olive oil. Never underestimate the beauty power of olive oil. By combining just a few teaspoons with some tea tree oil, you have a natural and potent hair repair that will let your hair shine as bright as the spring sun rising! Massage the fresh mixture into your scalp and pull through to the ends. Leave on for a few minutes then rinse, and wash and condition using your regular products. Keep this up for at least once a week for a few weeks and feel the difference- your hair will be thanking you with all of the compliments that are likely to follow!

HANDS, FEET AND NAILS – Your hands and feet have been tucked away all winter beneath bulky socks and gloves and now that spring has sprung, you need to get moving on your spring cleaning if you want their big debut to be beautiful! One of the easiest DIY foot and hand remedies are salt and sugar scrubs.

These scrubs really deliver and not only because it’s pleasantly pleasing, the exfoliation factor really packs a punch. A few good combinations are all it takes to get your hands, nails and feet in working order so do try and enjoy! These combos are a lot like baking- just combine, mix and slather on! Each one has a good mixture of exfoliation, moisture and scent that will be sure to please even the most persnickety person! Banana, sugar and vanilla scrub, sea salt and peppermint extract scrub, pink sea salt and lavender scrub, Rosemary, lemon rind and coarse salt scrub, salt & citrus (orange, lime or lemon) scrub, sugar and fresh tomato scrub, and brown sugar, vanilla and coconut scrub.

There’s nothing quite as splendid as a bit of “at home” beauty TLC to start off not only your day, but a brand new season! Bring your hair and skin back to life in synchronicity with the soon to be blooming of the spring trees and flowers! l l l

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Receive a Complimentary Skin Assessment

L O O K A N D F E E L YO U R B E S T AT A N Y A G E Consultant Michelle Makepeace

Ideal Image: Experts in Laser and Medical Spa Services 4 ways we can guess your age

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hey say it’s bad manners to ask, “Wait, how old are you?” at a social gathering, but let’s admit it – it makes us a little bit gleeful when a stranger guesses we’re much younger than we are.

There are a few giveaways that can actually make you look older than you are. Your skin is the culprit that makes different body parts age you. As it thins and loses collagen, skin can change in texture, making you look older.

Here are four telltale signs that are giving away your age: • Your hands: If you spend a lot of time outdoors, the backs of your hands can look and feel rough, almost leathery like.

• Your neck and chest: If you love spending time on the beach or at the pool, but you neglect to lather on sunscreen every few hours, your neck and chest will also likely give away your age.

• Your eyebrows: The thinning hair paired with sagging skin can make you look much older.

• Your face: The most noticeable sign of aging is sun damage and brown spots.

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Do you want to prevent aging?

Do you want fresh looking skin?

Do you want to keep them guessing?

Ideal Image is dedicated to helping you look and feel your personal best. Giving you the confidence you deserve. Do you have sun damage, age spots, rosacea that are keeping you down?

If you feel like your skin could use a little rejuvenation, don’t hesitate any longer, Ideal Image has a solution.

BroadBand Light Skin Therapy is the solution. BroadBand Light is the world’s most powerful IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) therapy. BroadBand Light therapy produces younger looking skin that’s firmer, and more even in tone and texture. With little recovery time and no surgery, BBL™ offers a safe, FDA-cleared option for sun damage, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation.

At Ideal Image, we can treat the face, neck, back of hands, chest/ décolletage.

The most common areas to be treated are those exposed to the damaging effects of sunlight. During a BBL™ treatment, the BBL therapy gently delivers heat to the upper layers of the skin. The heat is then

absorbed by targeted areas, stimulating your skin cells to regenerate, restoring it to its natural beauty.

The result is clearer, smoother, vibrant and younger looking skin that can be maintained over your lifetime.

Fight these signs of aging by scheduling a BBL™ Skin Therapy consultation with Ideal Image, where you will receive a personalize skin assessment. See how a photofacial can turn back the clock – and then it’s anyone’s guess how old you are!

Ideal Image also provides a full array of anti-aging, skin and body services that include: Laser Hair Removal – at Ideal Image, we have mastered the process of laser hair removal and stand behind our methods as one of the best ways to achieve permanent hair reduction. No more bumps, stubble or irritation. Treatments average just under 30 minutes and then guest can go back to work or play.

Coolsculpting® - FDA-cleared procedure uses patented cooling technology to eliminate fat cells, without surgery, and little to no downtime.

The reduction in fat cells in the treated area provides noticeable, and lasting results to help you look and feel your very best.

Ultherapy® Skin Lifting - Ultherapy® is a non-surgical, non-invasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound and the body’s own natural healing process to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin on the brow, neck, under the chin, and even the décolletage (upper chest area). It’s the lift without the surgery!

Wrinkle Relaxers & Fillers - With safe and effective anti-aging treatments services including Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvederm Ultra, Voluma, and Kybella. You’re able to unlock more youthful looking skin, with only minimally invasive procedures requiring little, if any downtime.

Whether your goal is to instantly add volume to sunken cheekbones, fill in deep lines, reduce the appearance of wrinkles or add beautiful contours, the medical and healthcare professionals at Ideal image are just a phone call away.

Treatments at Ideal Image are only administered by medical and nursing professionals, with an uncompromising concern for your comfort and safety. Ideal Image® also prides itself on accommodating its customers’ divergent needs with economical payment plans and interest free financing for all services.

Ideal Image has two convenient locations in the Pittsburgh area: Ideal Image Wexford in the Wexford Flats at 2000 Village Run Road, Suite 204 and Ideal Image Pittsburgh in Robinson Town Centre at 1934 Park Manor Boulevard.

To learn more and watch informative videos, visit our website https://www. idealimage.com or call (724) 759-2620 for our Wexford location and ask to speak to Michelle. Or call Lisa at our Robinson location at (412) 706-5262. lll

The Ideal Image experience in the words of our guests: I am a dark skinned African-American female who has had significant facial hair (which had gotten worse over time) for more than 30 years. I had thought about laser hair removal for many, many years. Meanwhile, I spent exorbitant amounts of money on razors, depilatory creams, bump stopping creams and skin lighteners to address my irritated, painful and discolored skin. I even considered traveling over 150 miles ONE WAY to a center that specifically addressed African-American skin. Finally, I found Ideal Image. At my initial consultation, I was greeted by a wonderful staff that immediately made me feel at ease. Later, I was presented with a realistic goal plan and I received several affordable payment options.

There was a noticeable difference after the very first treatment. During each cycle of treatments, the percentage of hair on my affected areas decreased dramatically each time. I cannot say enough about how Ideal Image and laser hair removal have changed my life. Please, love yourself enough to call them TODAY!!

– Raecyne Every time I’ve been in for injectables and fillers over the past year, Michelle and her office exceeds my expectations. I’ve seen her at the end of a 12 hour shift still smiling and still eager to make the next guest feel their best. While at my computer earlier, it went into sleep mode, I looked up and my refection literally reminded me of when I was 24. You cannot put a price on that, and I adore them. Michelle takes such time and care to help me decide what works best for me and my budget. – Dawn My heart is utterly overwhelmed with emotion and gratitude for Ideal Image. I must have cried at least a dozen times (tears of joy).

Even when I left the Ideal Image office after my treatment this evening, I cried the whole way home (on the phone with my mom). I am overcome with emotion. I cannot Michelle enough for sharing such a significant amount of your time and expertise with me. It quite literally gave me a level of hope that I have never experienced in my life. I love my results and I thank you for helping me find hope and giving me a reason to believe again. This truly is the first day of the rest of my life and I owe that to you! – Kat

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | March 2017

Safety Tips and Guidelines for Summer Fun Sunscreen & Sun Protection A Note From Dr. Hartung With warmer weather finally here — or at least on its way soon — we hope that everyone will be outside enjoying the sunshine and getting plenty of exercise.

Here are a few tips to keep you and your children safe while in the sun: • Always protect yourself while outdoors, including protective clothing. We recommend lightweight, tight-woven cotton, hats with a brim to help protect your eyes, sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection, and of course, sunscreen.

• Apply a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15 about a half hour before you go outside. Reapply every 2 hours while outside. Be sure to reapply after swimming.

• Use sunscreen with broad spectrum coverage to protect against UVA and UVB rays. (Sunscreens have a new UVA

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• • •

•

rating system; 1 star gives the least protection, 4 stars the most.)

Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone.

Minimize outdoor activities between 10am and 4pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.

Children under 6 months should avoid being in direct sunlight, and always wear protective clothing and hats. If direct sun exposure is unavoidable, apply sunscreen to the exposed areas before going out, then wash it off after coming back in.

When outside, try to find a shady spot, or keep the infant covered with a stroller canopy or umbrella.

And, finally: avoid tanning salons!

Following these tips will make your time in the sun much safer and healthier. As always, please call with any questions you may have regarding your children and their sun protection.

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | March 2017

Health & Wellness Spotlight

NURTURE Feeding and Communication Support, LLC Providing Pediatric (Birth to 21 Years) In-Home Therapy

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here is a myriad of reasons children may have difficulties eating and communicating,” explains C. Renee Gwin M.S. CCCSLP, LMT a speech language pathologist and owner of NURTURE Feeding and Communication Support, LLC. “For example, a child may be struggling with the necessary oral motor skills, unsafe swallowing, difficulty understanding others or expressing themselves, among many other reasons.”

C. Renee Gwin began NURTURE Feeding and Communication Support, LLC in 2011 to provide pediatric feeding/swallowing and speech/language therapy within the home environment.

“By providing therapy within the home, children are more relaxed and responsive to therapy. The home provides a natural environment for the child as opposed to the clinical environment,” continues Ms. Gwin.

Beyond feeding skills, NURTURE Feeding and Communication Support, LLC also offers support for children with communication difficulties such as apraxia, expressive/receptive language disorders, stuttering or some other communication disorder. For instance, in a recent case an infant who was born prematurely at only twenty-four weeks, had a tracheostomy tube and severe feeding issues. But now, at three years old, the

tracheostomy tube has been removed and due to feeding and speech therapy from NURTURE, the child can now safely eat and communicate.

NURTURE also provides therapeutic pediatric massage therapy. “Through pediatric massage therapy, children with physical and emotional discomfort can find decreased pain, relaxation, improved sleep, reduced anxiety and many other benefits,” explains Ms. Gwin.

Ms. Gwin graduated from Geneva College in 1997 and Clarion University with her masters in 1998. She became a massage therapist in 2016. She has experience working in clinics, hospitals, schools, early intervention, and home based care. She has extensive continuing education in feeding/swallowing and speech/language skills with additional training in the SOS approach, sensory integration, pediatric massage therapy, pediatric massage therapy for kids diagnosed with autism and cancer, and is a member of the American Speech Language Hearing Association.

To learn more about how your child, or a child you love, can benefit from NURTURE Feeding and Communication Support, LLC, visit http://www.nurturesupport.com, call (412) 708-2080, or email info@nurturesupport.com l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | March 2017

Swimmer’s Ear A Note From Dr. Wolf In my last Doctor’s Note, I wrote about getting kids comfortable in the water and learning how to swim. This time, I thought I should write about a common problem that can occur once kids start spending a lot of time in the water.

Swimmer’s Ear is an infection or inflammation of the skin in the ear canal, outside the ear drum. This is different than a “regular” ear infection, which is an infection in the space inside the ear drum. When water gets into the ear canal (from swimming or bathing) and doesn’t drain properly, it starts to break down the protective barrier of the ear canal’s skin, and provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

When the ear canal becomes infected or inflamed, children will often complain of itching or pain, especially when the ear itself is touched or moved. In these cases, we need to look into the ear to make the diagnosis — things like a “regular” ear infection, trauma/scratches in the ear canal, and foreign objects can also cause similar symptoms, but need to be treated differently.

Because the infection in a swimmer’s ear is outside the ear canal, this type of infection can typically be treated with ear drops. (“Regular” ear infections, being inside the ear canal, need oral antibiotics, because the ear drum prevents drops from getting inside the ear to where the infection occurs.) Occasionally the ear canal will swell due to the infection, and we may need to put a special gauze wick into the ear to help the drops get all the way into the canal. If this happens, we’ll certainly show and explain how it works, and we’ll show you what to do with it when you get home. While the ear is healing, you’ll want to keep it clean and dry until the symptoms have resolved.

The best way to prevent swimmer’s ear is to keep the ear canals dry. If this is a recurring problem for your child, you can buy over-the-counter drops that help dry the ear (Star-Otic, Swim-Ear, Auro-Dri, etc.) or make your own at home — just mix up a small batch of half rubbing alcohol and half white vinegar.

Use a drop or two in each ear after swimming, and that can help lessen the risk for developing swimmer’s ear.

Dr. Albert Wolf, the CFO of the practice, taught swim lessons for seven years while in high school and college. (He was also a three-time Pennsylvania state champion in the 100-yard breast stroke at Bethel Park High School, and the captain of the swim team at Harvard, where he was a 4-time All-American and 4-time Academic All-American. He doesn’t like to brag about those things, but we like to do it for him!)

............................................................................................................

Trampoline Safety Another Note From Dr. Hartung The warmer weather is finally here, and that means plenty of chances to get outside and play! We talked a few weeks ago about playground safety, and today we want to talk specifically about every child’s favorite and every parent’s nightmare… the dreaded trampoline.

I have 2 girls of my own and we go through, the same conversation that each of you go through every day: Why can’t we get a trampoline? Why can’t I jump on it with all my friends? Why can’t I do flips?

In the office, we often get questions about trampolines from concerned and curious parents. The American Academy of Pediatrics does not support the use of home trampolines, or trampolines for recreational purposes. At Kids Plus, we support that recommendation and urge families to avoid the use of recreational trampolines.

Aging Institute Website Enhancements Connect Caregivers with Resources

T

he Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh has made two significant enhancements to their website which identify comprehensive resources for seniors and caregivers. Both are accessible from the Resources for Caregivers tab of the site’s main page, upmc.aging.com.

The first enhancement is a descriptive listing of caregiver and senior-related resources available at UPMC. This centralized hub includes both clinical and non-clinical supports broken down into the following categories: comp​rehensive geriatric assessment and care, in-hom​e supports, partnerships, clinical support, staff supports, and residential options. The Caregiver Resources hub is designed so that the user can move back and forth between resources with ease.

The second enhancement is a Caregiver Support Group Location Search. This features both a map and a tool by which to search for a support group according to zip code and/or a variety of caregiving topics including: bereavement, cancer, dementia, mental health, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. Easily navigable, this element is not specific to senior needs and encompasses groups in Allegheny County and the surrounding area.

The Aging Institute encourages you to explore and share these enhancements. The intent is to provide current and comprehensive information in support of your efforts should you find yourself in the role of caregiver.

We at the Aging Institute are committed to supporting the specialized needs of our community’s aging population. Please contact our help and referral line at 1-866-430-8742 with any additional questions. l l l

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ADVERTORIAL

If You Have Arthritis and You Don’t Like It...Read This

In 2009, the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) reported almost 98,000 injuries and 3,100 hospitalizations from recreational trampoline use. Approximately 75% of those injuries occurred when more than one person was jumping at the same time. As you might expect, the smallest children were at the greatest risk; kids under 5 years of age were the most-injured age group.

Common trampoline injuries range from muscle strains, bruises, and broken bones to concussions and even spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis. How do these injuries occur?

Children get hurt by landing incorrectly on the mat, being struck by another individual, attempting (and failing) to complete stunts (especially flips or summersaults), falling off the trampoline, or landing on the springs of the trampoline. Contrary to popular belief, netting around a trampoline has NOT been found to significantly reduce injuries.

The AAP recommends not purchasing or using any size recreational trampoline for your home, or using one at other homes or on playgrounds. Trampolines should only be used as part of a supervised training program in gymnastics, diving, or other competitive sport. Most importantly, only one person should be training on the trampoline at a time, and always under direct supervision.

If you already have a trampoline at home, or your children have access to one, and you still allow its use, we urge you at least to follow afew simple rules. Your children may not be always happy about them, but they may help keep them out of the Emergency Room…

• Never allow more than 1 person on at a time.

• ALWAYS have adult supervision.

• No summersault or flips (to help avoid head and neck injuries) • Make sure the equipment is checked routinely, and that here is adequate protective padding.

• Don’t allow your child on a trampoline without your permission, and the permission of the homeowner.

• Don’t keep a ladder at or near the base of the trampoline, to avoid allowing children access without supervision.

• Homeowners should check their homeowners policy for coverage related to injuries sustained on their trampoline.

As always, we encourage all children to get out and be active, but remember there are many safer things that they can participate in that have a much lower risk of injury.

Enjoy the summer, have FUN, and be SAFE! l l l Dr. Alicia Hartung, a shareholder in the practice, has been a Kids Plus Doc since 2001. For more information on summer safety, visit http://kidspluspgh. com.

BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF

D • • • • •

id you ever think you would get arthritis because that’s what people just do when they get old? Here are the real causes: Trauma to a joint from an injury or repetitive motions can cause a loss of movement.

The loss of movement causes the cartilage to break down.

When the trauma or fixation is present over a long period of time, the body will lay down calcium deposits (spurs).

The nerve endings in a joint that’s degenerating become highly sensitive.

Those changes cause the body to “pick up the slack” in other areas and causes stress on adjacent joints…potentially causing arthritis there.

Some Surprising Data - By the time you can see arthritis changes on X-rays, the process has been underway for years.

Cartilage cells start to die within two weeks of when the loss of movement occurs. You may not feel pain until years after this process starts.

How do you stop it? - Studies have shown that when a joint is deteriorating, if you restore movement in that joint, that the degeneration will slow down. The movement is thought to help get the cartilage cells hydrated.

What Does Chiropractic Do? - Chiropractic is the most commonly used form of alternative medicine used by arthritis patients. Here’s how chiropractic makes a difference: • The adjustment restores movement to the joint • It decreases pain and allows you to be able to have more function in your day-to-day life • When people are under chiropractic care, they use less pain medicine and anti-inflammatories. This decreases stomach, liver, kidney and heart, side effects that happen with the use of anti-inflammatory medicines. There is no pill that restores normal motion or function to the joint.

If you have arthritis and you don’t want to take a lot of medicine or live with pain, I encourage you to take the first step and see if chiropractic could make a difference for you. l l l Like us on Facebook

www.choicechiropractic.net Be sure to check out our new online scheduler!

Complete new patient exam including X-rays (if necessary)

$17 Value of $150-200 Expires 4/15/17

CHOICE

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

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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Mary Danced In...

“When Mary arrived for her 2nd visit, she opened the door and danced from the front door to my desk with this huge smile on her face and then, she started bawling. She starts telling me that this was the first time in 12 years that she felt relief. Then I started to well up.”

Mary Danced In is just one of Dr. Shawn’s hundreds of neuropathy success stories.

Mary was about to start using a walker, but instead, Dr. Shawn set her up on a Brand New Technological Light System that is non-invasive and painless. She felt relief – and hope – after her first visit!

Visit MaryDancedIn.com to learn more!

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!

DR. SHAWN RICHEY

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

A

specialized treatment protocol is available at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. It includes nine specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms.

Once thought to be incurable, peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body.

Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. Unlike laser therapy that does not address the involved damaged small nerve fibers or home light therapies that do not offer all the frequencies needed to heal them, our program utilizes state of the art technology with combined therapies to restore life to the dead nerves.

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

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

Dr. Richey has helped hundreds of sufferers of peripheral neuropathy throughout the region, he has expanded his practice to include Westmoreland as well as Allegheny Counties.

Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 WexfordBayne Road, Suite 207 and Latrobe at 1901 Ligonier Street. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

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

“It hasn’t even been a month and I’ve come a long way! I struggled with peripheral neuropathy for ten years. I had three knee replacements and my foot was completely numb – I couldn’t feel the pedals and crashed my new car. So, I had to give up driving and my wife has to chauffer me.

Then a friend of my wife told us about Dr. Shawn’s treatment. What a difference after only four treatments! Now the numbness has gone away, my balance is better and I could even drive again; but I like that my wife drives. I recommend Dr. Shawn! I think he’s GREAT!” – George, Beaver County “Dr. Richey has done WONDERS for me!! I was suffering from peripheral neuropathy for two years before I went to see Dr. Richey. For me, however, my pain was in my hands and arms. But the symptoms were exactly the same as some of my fellow sufferers. In my case, I couldn’t drive or turn the steering wheel, I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t even press the buttons on the remote control without agonizing pain. Other doctors just kept giving me the run-around. With Dr. Richey, I felt relief after the first treatment and now, after several weeks I am 90% better. After that first treatment – the relief was unbelievable, I couldn’t wait to go back. I am sticking with Dr. Richey and his treatments and I encourage other sufferers – whether it’s their arms or legs, hands or feet to make an appointment. I am absolutely tickled.” – Doug, Indiana Township

For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you.

To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

Don’t miss Dr. Shawn on the radio show “Pittsburgh Works” on KDKA 1020AM, Saturday, March 4 at 7:00 AM. www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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Lose 30 lbs. in 30 Days up to

H

as your weight loss plateaued? Do you eat right and exercise but the scale doesn’t move? Is your metabolism slowing due to middle age or over-eating? Are you having health-related issues due to your weight? Feeling aggravated, frustrated and helpless every time you get on the scale?

With Dr. Michael Vactor’s innovative weight loss program, you can lose up to 30 lbs. in 30 days and learn to keep it off, permanently.

George from Port Vue, PA - Age 63 Lost 68 lbs.

Vickie from Mars, PA - Age 49 Lost 107 lbs.

How it Works: Unlike other weight loss programs, Dr. Vactor’s plan focuses on losing the weight and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALLNATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. The system is, quite simply, designed to increase your metabolism.

The system increases your metabolism by naturally invigorating your hypothalamus (responsible for your metabolism), without stimulants, while decreasing your hunger response.

This way, your own fat-burning engine works at its optimum performance while re-acclimating your metabolism to first lose the weight and then adjust to your new body to keep off the weight. Unlike other programs that you may have experienced, where you lose weight but then gain it all back or even more, this program focuses on first weight loss, then helping you readjust to the thinner you.

In addition, this program has consistent, predictable weight loss results where people also see a dramatic improvement in their overall HEALTH in about a month’s time.

According to Dr. Vactor, “I have seen cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and blood sugar levels return to normal in 30 days. People who follow our program as outlined get great results! But I must be straight-forward about our system. You must be dedicated, committed and want results.”

T

oday marks our 14th day into our maintenance phase. We waited until now because we were interested in if we would continue to hold our weights. We are happy to report that this phase is keeping its promise just like the rest of the program. We started on December 6, my weight was 360 and Sue started at 219.

I should mention that we were off the program from December 23 to January 2. We did not pig out over the holidays but did put a couple of pounds back on. We picked up the program on the same day number that we left and continued until day 40 plus the three day transition. At that time I weighed 310 (-50) and Sue weighed 195.6 (-23.4). After two weeks on maintenance, my weight is 212.2 and my wife’s is 195.4. Needless to say we are both very pleased and will go back on the program next week, my goal is 270 and Sue’s is 170.

Everything with the weight loss was exactly as promised.

People could not believe that we only ate such a limited number of calories but I can definitely state that I was never hungry. We have been on almost all conceivable diets over the last 25 years and although we lost some weight it was a struggle doing so and most called for and exercise program also. Let’s face it, when you are 50 to 100 lbs. over weight, exercise is not a good alternative.

We really did not have good before pictures because who wants there pictures taken when that much overweight. I don’t have good pictures showing pants size because for the past two or more years I was constantly in stretchy sweats, it was a struggle to put on socks and all my shoes were slip-ons. 3XLT shirts were tight and I had trouble sleeping and did not enjoy going to movies or sporting events because I could not fit in the seats. All of that has changed.

We cannot wait until our next 40 day program is over.

Bob & Sue F., Washington PA

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and Keep it Off with Dr. Vactor’s Innovative Weight Loss Program!

Several different products come with the plan, as well as, a simple, easy-to-follow meal plan that is based on normal food that you can get anywhere and prepare easily for yourself. In addition, they supply pH-balanced, ionized drinking water which is another important part of the system.

Also, exercise is NOT required. Alternatively, the focus, is getting the weight off first, so that exercise programs will help tone and strengthen rather than contribute to the risk of over-exertion from carrying too much weight.

Who is Dr. Michael Vactor, DC? Dr. Michael Vactor is a doctor of chiropractic, and a natural healthcare advocate in the north Pittsburgh area for over seventeen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, CornerstoneTV, radio shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor also cares for the players, coaches and families of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ and Pirates’ organizations.

To date, 90-95% of his patients have achieved their weight loss goals. YES, 90-95% of patients have achieved their weight loss goals. Dr. Vactor is so absolutely sure of the results and outcomes of his program, that he offers a GUARANTEE of RESULTS! Dr. Vactor and his family have lived in the Cranberry and Mars area, where he is also devoted to his community and helping his patients reach their goals. Over sixteen years in this community, he would not and could not make any such guarantee claims for weight loss, if they weren’t true.

How to Get Started: If you are serious about losing up to 30 lbs. of extraneous weight, inches off your waist and, most importantly, improving your health in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, in-office review of our revolutionary weight loss system. Our office is conveniently located at 673 Castle Creek Drive Ext., Suite 106, Seven Fields, PA 16046. http://www.drvactor.com Improve your health today! Call now, at 724-742-2700.

If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention you saw Dr. Vactor in the March 2017 Northern Connection, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs.

Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible. n

Here is my weight loss journey…

I

tried every fad diet out there and never got the results that I have with this plan!!

I was at my heaviest weight and needed to do something, my clothes weren’t fitting anymore, and I was getting depressed and mad at myself! A good friend of mine told me about Dr. Vactor and what he had did for him in his own weight loss journey. So I called and made an appointment. The staff was very polite and very informative and answered all my questions and concerns. Dr Vactor was wonderful and made this plan sound so easy and explained how quickly I would see results if I followed through with it.

Well let me tell you how RIGHT he was!! My starting weight was 365 lbs and I lost 50 lbs in 42 days!!! I did 2 courses of the plan and am now down 72 lbs!!

I feel so much better health wise! No more back or knee pain anymore!! Would highly recommend this Plan to everyone!!

Thanks Dr. Vactor and Theresa!!

Bob J., McCandless PA

Guarantee can be reviewed in office prior to starting the program. Results may vary based on an individual’s health, diet, personal commitment, and adherence to the program. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Before starting any type of weight loss program, consult with a healthcare professional.

www.DrVactor.com 724-742-2700 Dr. Michael Vactor, DC

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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Fitness LIVING FIT | March 2017

Sponsored by

Fit Families

At Smoothie King, Your Kids Can Have Their Veggies – and They’ll Eat Them, Too!

Every Little Bit Helps

BY ELIZABETH SZABO, OWNER, SMOOTHIE KING WEXFORD AND SMOOTHIE KING BRIDGEVILLE

I

f you’re a parent, perhaps even more frightening than the daily ubiquitous cries of “what’s for dinner?” are the inevitable groans of “I’m hungry” that come immediately after school, maybe before a soccer practice or dance class. It’s that bleak period known as “snack time,” when you wonder what you can assuredly offer your children to tide them over until dinner without spoiling their appetites or loading them up with processed bites. Or maybe you’ve got snack time covered with clever little shapes made out of sliced fruits, cheese and the like (“ants on a log” is a classic for a reason!). But if it’s a struggle getting your kids to eat their fruits and vegetables, we’re here to help. At Smoothie King, we’re all about transparency, but we also know that sometimes you have to “hide” fruits and veggies to make them more appealing for kids’ delicate palates (enter the cute, but time-consuming, tree and animal shapes made out of celery and raisins). If you want a quick, healthy option, try one of our Kids Kups such as the Apple Kiwi Bunga, blended with apple juice, kiwi juice, and… drumroll… kale! Instead of calling it the Apple Kiwi Kale, similar to the nearly identical Veggie Blend on our main menu, we gave it a cute name kids love, and we promise they’ll never know there’s a vegetable in it. You can also swap out a fruit or add carrots or kale into any Kids Kup. We don’t use any artificial dyes or flavors, everything on our menu is gluten-free, and we can accommodate virtually any dietary restriction or allergy, so you can feel confident about what’s in your child’s smoothie. In the words of a recent six-year-old guest, in between sips, “this is way too good to be healthy!”

Now that’s music to our ears! l l l

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BY JOELLA BAKER

W

hat a beautiful February we had this year. Local parks were filled with people walking, running and cycling. That leads me to this month’s topic. How much exercise do you need and most of all, at what point does any exercise make an impact?

A recent study that came out on January 9, 2017 stated that if you only have time to exercise on the weekends or twice a week, you will still see some health benefits. They tested 60,000 people and the research showed being inactive is simply dangerous and your goal should be to move when you can. That means, if you are simply a weekend warrior, you are still reaping some benefits with small amounts of exercise. Even at work, if you can get up and walk around and stretch every 30 minutes, it will improve your overall health.

The research showed that moving and exercising only twice a week can still help in lowering blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. I suggest for the other days, trying to do 10 to 15 minutes of exercise. I guarantee if you get out for those 10 or 15 minutes, they will eventually turn into 20 or 30 minutes.

The downfall of only exercising twice a week is the following…

• It won’t assist in weight-loss.

• You could overdo it.

• You could cause an injury.

As far as how much exercise you should get each week, many studies recommend the following but always be sure to check with your healthcare provider before beginning any exercise routine for you or your family…

• Aerobic activity. Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75

Honor

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | March 2017

minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week. Examples include brisk walking, jogging, elliptical, cycling, swimming, playing ball, mowing the lawn, doing yard work, hiking, kayaking and paddle boarding.

• Strength training. Do strength training exercises for all major muscle groups at least two times a week. Aim to do a single set of each exercise, using a weight or resistance level heavy enough to tire your muscles after about 12 to 15 repetitions. This includes strength training with weights, body weight exercises like push-ups, sit-ups and pull-ups.

(From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention).

Your kids also need to be active. Get the kids away from the TV’s and computers and get them moving. Best of all, move with them.

Children ages five to 18 should be moving 60 minutes a day or 1 hour. This should include a mix of moderate-intensity activities (an activity that allows their heart-rate to rise enough to break a sweat) and vigorousintensity activities (this includes breaking a sweat and working hard enough that it is hard to hold a conversation).

The key is that everyone should be moving, even if it is only two or three days a week.

Your kids, on the other hand, should be moving every day.

Get out there, get moving, take your dog for a walk. Go hiking with your kids at a local park.

Start a weekly family workout time. Remember to keep it fun for you and your family. l l l

Fisher House Foundation

BY PAULA GREEN

When a veteran is hospitalized, it is a trying time for their loved ones and family.

Where do these families stay while this person is receiving medical treatment?

Fortunately, there is a national foundation that strives to ease the families’ burden. Fisher House Foundation is a network of comfort homes where military and veteran’s families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving care.

T

he idea for Fisher House was conceived

by Pauline Trost, wife of Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Carlisle Trost.

Pauline and her husband foresaw the need for temporary lodging facilities for families at major military medical centers. They in turn, told their friends, Zachary and Elizabeth Fisher about their housing concept.

Fortunately, the Fishers were avid military supporters. Zachary, a prominent builder and philanthropist decided to make this dream a reality. In 1990, the couple began the Fisher House program, dedicating more than $20 million to the construction of comfort homes for families of hospitalized military personnel.

In 1991, the first two Fisher Houses were opened – one located at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda, M.D., was dedicated by President George H.W. Bush. The other facility opened at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. The Pittsburgh Fisher House opened in 2012. The facility is located on the VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System’s Oakland campus. It houses ten, 5-star suites; each has its own TV, Wi-Fi, handicap accessibility and cots for additional guests.

According to Jim Bruder, chairman of the board of the Pittsburgh facility, “Nothing helps a veteran more than their family. Since we opened our facility we’ve been 95% to 98% full (except for a brief period when we had a broken electrical line). To date there are 75 Fisher Houses: one in Germany, and one in England and 73 nationally. Each facility has their own uniqueness, but they try to keep the layout the same. It has a calming effect for the families and it gives them a sense of familiarity.”

In July 2012, Fisher House Foundation launched another initiative called Hotels for Heroes.

This program provides hotel rooms to the families of wounded, injured, and ill military service members who are undergoing treatment at authorized medical centers when a Fisher House is not available. Rooms are made possible through the donation of rewards points by the hotel’s rewards members.

Fisher House Foundation also operates the Hero Miles program, which uses donated frequent flyer miles to bring family members to the bedside of injured service members. The Foundation also manages a grant program that supports other military charities and scholarship funds for military children, spouses and children of fallen and disabled veterans. To learn more about The Fisher House Foundation, visit https://www.fisherhouse.org/. For information on the Pittsburgh facility, visit http://www.pittsburghfisherhouse.org/fisher-house-foundation. html. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC March 2017

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Trivia

TRIVIA CONNECTION | March 2017

Mary Tyler Moore Trivia

BY PAULA GREEN

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ing her cap — a magical moment, frozen in time. Since we have walked down memory lane with Mary Tyler Moore, we must now conquer this inquisitive query. Get set to toss those tam hats… because it’s time to get a little trivial...

1. Moore starred as a nun in this 1969 film with Elvis Presley (Ed Asner was in this movie too).

2. In the Dick Van Dyke Show, Laura Petrie lets this secret out on national television about Alan Brady.

3. When Lou Grant interviewed Mary Richards, he told she had this (and he hated it).

4. Who played Rob & Laura’s son Richie on The Dick Van Dyke Show?

5. How many television series spun-off of The Mary Tyler Moore Show?

6. How old was Laura Petrie when she married Rob? 7. What were the call letters of the newsroom where Mary Richards worked?

8. Rob & Laura Petrie lived in which suburban neighborhood outside of New York City?

9. In season six of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Mary can’t stop laughing at whose funeral?

10. Name the actor who marked his directorial debut with Moore’s film Ordinary People.

11. What year did Moore marry Dr. Robert Levine?

12. This actor played Moore’s son Conrad Jarrett in Ordinary People.

13. What did Ted and Georgette Baxter name their daughter on The Mary Tyler Moore Show?

14. In 1996, Mary Tyler Moore published an autobiographic book called?

15. In the final episode of The Mary Tyler Moore Show, what song does the cast sing together? l l l Sources: http://www.biography.com/people/mary-tyler-moore-9413674, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001546/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm, http://www. npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/25/461947952/she-turned-the-worldon-with-her-smile-mary-tyler-moore-dies-at-80, http://www.thefamouspeople. com/profiles/mary-tyler-moore-4973.php, http://www.usatoday.com/story/ news/2017/01/25/mary-tyler-moore-type-1-diabetes/97058152/ Answers: 1. Change of Habit 2. he’s bald and wears a toupee 3. spunk 4. Larry Matthews 5. three (Rhoda, Phyllis & Lou Grant) 6. seventeen 7. WJM 8. New Rochelle 9. Chuckles the Clown 10. Robert Redford 11. 1983 12. Timothy Hutton 13. Mary Lou 14. After All 15. It’s a Long Way to Tipperary

“W

ho could turn the world on with her smile?”

Mary Tyler Moore, of course! On Jan. 25, we lost this beloved celebrity at the age of 80. Moore was born on December 29, 1936, in Brooklyn, New York, and was the eldest of three children. Her family moved from New York to Los Angeles when she was eight years old, and she began acting and dancing while in high school.

Moore’s first break in show business was in 1955 in television commercials. She portrayed a dancing kitchen appliance elf – Happy Hotpoint for Hotpoint Appliances.

Her first major series was that of adored housewife, Laura Petrie on TV series The Dick Van Dyke Show. Laura wore capri pants in a time when skirts and heels were the height of TV fashion. Moore’s portrayal in two classic TV comedies made her one of the most popular actresses in television history.

Her other famous role was in the sitcom The Mary Tyler Moore Show. Moore’s character Mary Richards was pitched to TV executives as a young divorcée. But network executives feared that she was so identified as Laurie Petrie from The Dick Van Dyke Show that viewers would think her character had divorced Van Dyke. The character was rewritten as a single woman.

Moore not only starred in the show, she also produced it with her second husband Grant Tinker through their company MTM Enterprises. The series also starred Ed Asner, Gavin MacLeod, Ted Knight, Betty White, Valerie Harper and Cloris Leachman.

In addition to Tinker, Moore was married to Richard Meeker (her first husband). Her third marriage was to Dr. Robert Levine, who was Moore’s husband at the time of her death.

In 1980, Moore starred as a grieving mother in the film Ordinary People. Her stellar performance earned her an Academy Award nomination. Sadly, during the filming, she had to endure the tragedy of the death of her only child Richard Meeker Jr., 24, who accidently shot himself. That same year, her sister died of an overdose, as well.

Moore had to endure some of her own health issues. She was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in her 30s, and became an outspoken advocate for the disease. For many years, she served as the international chairman of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.

To this day, however, it’s her comedy that endures. In downtown Minneapolis, there’s a statue of her as Mary Richards twirl-

Pets

ALL ABOUT PETS | March 2017

New Puppy Training Tips

BY DR. KIM MORGAN, SEVEN FIELDS VETERINARY HOSPITAL

I

t’s spring and a great time to adopt a puppy! Adopting a new puppy is an exciting time for everyone involved. The fluff, that cute face, who could resist? While it is certainly a lot of fun, it can be hard work too. Training a young puppy has its challenges. Here are some useful tips when it comes to training your new furry friend.

1. Use positive reinforcement. This means pairing treats or your pup’s favorite toy with training. Whether that means rewarding with treats or play after asking your pup to sit and stay, or using treats during a storm to distract them from that scary boom. Any time you can pair food or something fun, with something that may not be so fun or even scary, it changes a pet’s emotional response to that stimulus. A puppy’s attention span is often pretty short, so you may only be able to get a few minutes of training each time, but that is okay! You can have multiple mini training sessions a day.

2. Be careful with punishing. A dog learns within 2 seconds of an event. This means if you find an accident in the house, be careful correcting your new furry friend. It is better to ignore the accident and take the puppy outside to reward positive behavior when they go to the bathroom in the appropriate

place, than to punish for the accident. Sometimes, if you punish the puppy for the accident and it is longer than 2 seconds after they did it, they may learn to relieve themselves in areas away from you. If you catch them in the act, scoop them up, take them outside, let them finish in an appropriate place, and then reward that behavior.

3. Socialization. Puppies learn best from other dogs. Getting them play time with well behaved, vaccinated dogs will teach them how to play and greet other dogs appropriately. It is also helpful to have your puppy meet other people, men, women, children, and adults alike. Always pair these greetings with food or their favorite toy to make the interaction positive and enjoyable.

A little overwhelmed? Your puppy may be too. If you see your puppy retreating, lip licking, ears pulled back, looking at you from the side of their eyes, stop the interaction, remove the puppy from the stressful situation and give them their favorite toy to distract them. Remember, positivity is key! For more tips and information on puppy adoption, visit http://sevenfieldsvet. com. l l l

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Homes

HOME & GARDEN | March 2017

Jane of All Trades Landscape Architect, Residential Painting, Project Management.

Residential Painting - Bringing over 10 years of professional painting experience, a meticulous eye and honest work ethic to projects both large and small.

This includes plaster repairs, wallpaper removal, painting for two-story walls and foyers, and exterior painting.

Jane of all Trades - Landscape Architect. Providing clients oneof-a-kind landscape designs, master plans, and project man-

agement that takes you from start to finish. Outdoor living designed and built especially for you! Custom water features, patios, fireplaces, walls, lawns, irrigation, planting, lighting, and outdoor kitchens. “Transforming Lives, One Residence at a Time!� Call today for a consultation, 412512-0973. l l l

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NC March 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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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Seniors SENIOR LIVING | March 2017

Town Crier

Good Old March

BY JOE BULLICK

H

ello to the good old month of March, which we all know is the third month of the year. The Romans named this month for Mars, the god of war. It is often a month of first – the first daffodil, robin and earthworm.

If you are Irish, (or wish you were) then the highlight of March is the feast day of Saint Patrick on the 17th. This patron saint of Ireland was born in Britain around 385 A.D. In his name, we bake Irish soda bread, eat corn beef and cabbage and proudly wear green.

When we look at March, it is notoriously temperamental weather-wise. According to old weather proverbs, “if it comes in like a lion, it will go out like a lamb,” and vice a versa.

March is a time when sap is running, and we tap the maple trees when daylight

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temperature reaches 40° or 50° F and nighttime temperatures still drop below freezing. Why not give it a try? To tap a maple tree, drill a two to four inch hole into the south side of the tree at any convenient height. Try to make the hole 3/8 to 5/8 in diameter, drill a larger hole for a larger tree.

The hole should slant upward slightly. You need to drive a metal sap spigot (available at any hardware store) into the hole, stopping short of the full distance of the hole. Hang a bucket on it to collect the sap. Remember it takes time, so be patient. Good luck!

Another great thing about March is basketball and “March Madness,” as the NCAA calls it. This basketball playoff period runs from March 14 thru April 3. Predicting the winner is not an easy task.

Then, there is also baseball. There is an international professional baseball competition known as the 2017 World Baseball Classic. The games will be played from March 6 until March 22. The games will be played in three different stadiums around the world including – Los Angeles, San Diego, Miami, Tokyo, Seoul, and Guadalajara.

The Pirates are in full swing, getting ready for their league games which start on April 3 in Boston. Their home opener will

NC March 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

be played on April 7 against the Braves. As a young boy, we didn’t have TV, so we loved the sports page. I delivered the newspapers and it was great, because I got free papers.

The month of March was also the sound of Big John Rag’s Old Iron. In my childhood, there was man who came around - the junkman who would take anything – old newspapers, lamps, furniture, old toys, etc. Now we pay big bucks to haul our junk. Old John would say, “One man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” I wish I could give him a hug right now.

March was also a time when I had to get ready for spring cleaning, which was a great time to do this at our house. It’s also a perfect time for farmers as well. It is also the time of year to get your tools in shape. We also see the return of the migrant birds.

Some important birthdays in March Albert Einstein was born on March 14, 1879.

Actress Joan Crawford was born on March 23, 1904.

Happy birthday to you Pisces and Aries!

Well God Bless and I leave you with this –

“You cannot just waste time.

Otherwise you’ll die to regret it.”

-Harriet Doerr

ADVERTORIAL

Hearing and Brain Health...

Implications for Children and Adults

BY DR. R. PATRICK FRANCIS, BOARD CERTIFIED AUDIOLOGIST

W

hen we have a healthy auditory system, hearing is a sense which requires no effort on our part.

This is evident by the fact that we are startled by unexpected sounds or are annoyed by the unexplained rattle in the car. We did not choose to attend to these sounds, it just happens.

Our brain on the other hand, is a highly-sophisticated organ which allows us to organize the sounds around us into meaningful bits if information. Infants will be calmed by their mother’s voice, children will know that it’s time to quiet down when the teacher claps her hands, and adults know that the water is boiling when the teapot whistles.

These examples of assigning meaning to hearing sounds are so simple we could train our pets to react to the same sounds. Your pet may come running at the sound of preparing their favorite snack, however they do not possess the cognitive ability to know that if you do not go to work, you will not have the money to purchase the snack.

What separates us from our pets, in the hearing world, is the skill of listening. It is our extraordinary ability to apply meaning, organize sounds, develop language, learn, form concepts and among other things, apply these things we have learned through listening, to shape our thoughts through past experience.

Brain power or cognition is defined as: “the mental action or process of acquiring knowledge and understanding through thought, experience, and the senses.” Our cognition, at least in part, is formed based on the input from our senses, of which hearing is very important. The brain can only organize itself based on the information it receives.

With children, we are concerned with normal cognitive development. It is very important that we offer them accurate auditory information as the auditory system is not generally completely formed until about the age of 15 years.

If we consider a hearing impairment in conjunction with an undeveloped auditory system, the implications for abnormal cognitive development are concerning. If the available auditory information is distorted through a hearing impairment, the brain organizes itself differently and in ways not considered normal development. Children do not have the ability to “fill in the gaps” of missed auditory information and this is why normal hearing acuity is so important for our children in the early years of development. They are literally developing their perception of the world and all it has to offer, through the distorted lens of a hearing loss.

Adults, on the other hand, are able to use their developed cognitive abilities to facilitate communication. They have a reservoir of life experiences and have already acquired language to help them “fill in the gaps” of missed

auditory information. Generally, the greater the hearing impairment or the more difficult the listening environment, the more the individual is forced to divert cognitive resources into understanding conversation. Here in lies the problem. We all have a finite amount of cognition to use at any given time. When using more cognitive resources to understand speech, we have less resources available for other mental and physical activities.

R. Patrick Francis, AuD Additionally, our cognition naturally declines with age. It therefore becomes increasingly important to correct a hearing loss so that we are able to use our cognitive resources in ways that keep our life as fulfilling and dynamic as possible.

There was a slogan several years ago, “Better Hearing is Better Living.” In an age when people are living longer and have more active lifestyles, this statement could not be more true. l l l

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Happenings for Seniors

SeniorLife & St. John Lutheran Church of Highland. Call (412) 364-1606 or (412) 307-1797.

Free Services for Seniors through North Hills

Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/

Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. Call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

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

ing Safety for Seniors home safety checks on Tuesday, Apr. 4. Contact Cathy at clpschirer@ nhco.org or (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Home Instead Senior Care is free ®

training for families dealing with 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.

North Country Meal on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound & disabled. Services Marshall, Pine, Richland, Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, parts of McCandless, West Deer, Cranberry, Adams, Seven Fields, Mars & Valencia. Call (724) 935-1877.

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

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

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

Entertainment & Social St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Erie, Niagara,

North Hills Community Outreach is offer-

Community The Olive Branch, a fair-trade boutique & outreach center, 11160 Perry Hwy., is making and giving free “Fidget Quilts” to families caring for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients. Call (724) 799-8700.

Senior Meetings

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

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

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

Buffalo, and Seneca Casino, Mar. 29-31; Jonah in Lancaster stay at Hershey Farms, May 25-26; Cape Cod, Oct. 8-12; Light-Up Night, Nov. 17.

Contact, Rose (724) 728-2563, or (412) 908-0124, or Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

AARP Chapter 2991 meets at noon, 3rd Thursday of each month, Sept.-May, Northmont UP Church on Perry Highway. Refreshments served for a nominal charge. A business meeting, light lunch, membership applications will be accepted.

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with

Seminars

Allison Park AARP Chapter 3736 meets at

w/seniors to provide rides to the doctors, help w/groceries or yard work. Call Cathy, (412) 3070069 x3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

Legacy Theatre senior seminars; 11 a.m., Mar.

14, Pearl Harbor, Mar. 28, Healthy Humor, Apr. 11, America’s Blue Collar Heart; Apr. 25, Bone Health and Osteoporosis Prevention, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

7:30 p.m., 2nd Thursday of each month, Sept. thru May, St. Ursula School, Kirk Ave., Allison Park. For details, call Ruth at (724) 443-0647, or Mary Ellen at (412) 486-3019 or Mike at (724) 444-8772.

Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents

Health & Wellness

55+ meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (412) 4151892 or (724) 538-4408 for info and programs.

Healthy Start Café, 8:45 a.m., every Mon &

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7 p.m.,

Thurs, St. John Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. Presented by Lutheran

NC March 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room.

Call (724) 776-9274.

disabilities with yard tasks. For info, visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

North Hills Community Outreach’s In Service of Senior program matches volunteers

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

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

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Events

HAPPENINGS | March 2017

March 2017 North Happenings

Happenings

Opus I Music Society, 9:30 a.m., Mar. 13.

“Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Our National Park” with movie themes,

Support Groups

discuss his father’s book 1984, noon, Mar. 4, Barnes & Noble bookstore, Rt. 19 in Cranberry Twp. Free & open to the public.

LifePointe Alliance Church, Rt. 228 in Adams Twp. Open to the public.

Girl Scout cookies will be sold at various

Mar. 24, Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater. For tickets, visit https:// itkt.choicecrm.net/BCCC, 7 p.m., Mar. 25, Scotus Hall at Mt. Alvernia. For tickets, visit http:pghphil.org/tickets.

3rd Wed. of every month, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley, 3rd Floor Boardroom, 303 Camp Meeting Rd., Sewickley.

For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

p.m., 3rd Mon., AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m.,1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion, Wexford.

Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Bereavement Support Group, Beyond

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

George Orwell’s son Richard Blair, will

times the weekends of Mar. 4-Mar. 18 at The Block Northway. For details, visit www.theblocknorthway.com or (412) 364-1171.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 3rd Monday of every month 7 p.m., Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Hosanna Industries: Mug Making Course, 6-8 p.m., Tues. in March; Love Your Home, home repair workshop, 6-8 p.m., Mar. 23; Bible Study, 7-9 p.m. every Wed; Volunteers are needed to work w/HI in Richwood, W.V.; Volunteers are always welcome at Hosanna Industries. For info, visit hosannaindustries.org or call (724) 770-0262.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m. Mondays,

Mar. 6, Jason Bourne; Mar. 13, Star Trek Beyond; Mar. 20, The Secret Life of Pets; Mar. 27, Nine Lives; 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup. com/movies/

Tickets are on sale for North Hills Community Outreach’s Neighborhood Block Party, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Apr. 27. Tickets

Pittsburgh Philharmonic Concerts, 8 p.m.,

Positive Space Art & Design Show, 150 works of student art, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mar. 20, La Roche College. For details, visit designatlaroche.com.

George Orwell’s 1984, 8 p.m., Fri & Sats, 2:30 p.m., Sun., Mar. 3-12, New Hazlett Theater Center for Performing Arts, Allegheny Square, North Side. For tickets, visit www.primestage. com.

Center at UPMC Passavant, 9100 Babcock Blvd.

For ages 50-75. Must pre-register by Mar. 23, call (412) 748-5762.

Hip & Knee Pain Diagnosis & Treatment, 9 a.m., Mar. 29, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless.

Speaker William Abraham, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon w/Tri Rivers Musculoskeletal Centers.

Required reservations, at TRMC_Outreach@ upmc.edu, or (412) 367-5814, ext. 186.

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 2615886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

(Continued on page 48)

strength & flexibility) classes, 9:30 a.m., Mon; 6:30 p.m., Thurs., 2 p.m., Sundays, Get Moving for those with special needs, Woodland Valley Church, Mars; 6:30 p.m., Tues., Revelations Fitness® Fusion, North Way Christian Community. Contact heather.simplynatural@ gmail.com.

Outreach Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal

North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m.

Jimmy Beaumont & the Skyliners; 7:30 p.m., Apr. 22, Neil Diamond Tribute; 7:30 p.m., May 20, The Ultimate Johnny Cash w/Terry Lee Goffee; June 24, The Fabulous Hubcaps. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup. com.

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

Revelations Fitness® Fusion (cardio,

go on sale Mar. 30. Visit http://jfilmpgh.org/ programs-events/festivals/jfilm-festival.

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., Mar. 25,

noon-1:15 p.m., 3rd Weds., HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Sewickley, 3rd Floor Board Room. For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

Grief Support Group for widows and widow-

the big picture, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 22, Butler Memorial Hospital, Nixon Sarver Room, 1 Hospital Way, Butler. Sponsored by Tri Rivers.

Register by Apr. 18 at TRMC_Outreach@upmc. edu, or (412) 367-5814, ext. 186.

JFilm Festival runs Apr. 20-30. Tickets

details, visit http://www.janeaustenpgh. org/?page-id=553.

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group,

5-6 p.m., 4th Mon., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion; 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd & 4th Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students.

Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center.

Register at (412) 622-1212.

Mercy Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Program is offering a Spiritual Retreat, 4

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

Jane Austen Book Club, Mar. 24-25. For

General Cancer Center Support Groups,

widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call Anchorpoint at (412) 366-1300.

Hills, 10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Call Heritage Hospice (724) 334-6600.

Musculoskeletal Health: How you fit into

thru Mar. 29, at the Cranberry Municipal Building. Opening reception 6-8 p.m., Mar. 8.

Visit www.cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/

Bereavement Support Group in the North

Arts & Entertainment

From Dark to Light art exhibition runs

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

Free Non-Invasive Colon Cancer Screening, by appt only Mar. 25, UPMC Cancer

p.m., Mar. 31 & 4 p.m., Apr. 1, Kearns Spiritualty Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd. For details, email ParishNurse@pittsburghmercy.org or 9412) 232-7151.

Rochester Area School District are launching Summer High School Student Choral & Instrumental Academy, Jun. 14-23, Rochester Area High School. Visit www.rasd.org.

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

Health & Wellness

can be purchased til Apr. 13. Visit https://nhco. org/2017-neighborhood-block-party or (412) 487-6316, opt. 1.

Beaver Valley Choral Society (BVCS) and

Amputee Support Group, 4-5:30 p.m.,

Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7

every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www.northhillsfoodbank. com. Donations always welcome.

Spring Dinner Collection runs thru Mar. 10, at North Hills Community Outreach. For items needed, and drop offs, visit nhco.org or call (412) 487-6316, opt. 1.

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Events

HAPPENINGS | March 2017

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

North Hills Community Outreach offers underemployed or

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

unemployed job seekers free counseling thru Workable. For info, call (412) 408-3830 x3217 or briedel@nhco.org.

MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and Support) for

Right 4 You Advisors is offering free professional advice

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

Contact Laurie.Jackson@missfoundation.org.

about college planning and financial aid. Meetings are 2:30 p.m., Mar. 7, 6:30 p.m., Mar. 23, Cranberry Panera Bread; 2:30 p.m., Mar. 15 & Mar. 27, Wexford Panera Bread. For details, visit Right4YouAdvisors.com.

Parkinson’s Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., last Wed of each month, HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd. Contact Jessica, at (412) 828-1300 x7710.

Networking

Criders Corner Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets at noon, Mar. 9 & 23, The Sports Grille, 1294 Freedom Rd., Cranberry. Call Jan at (412) 366-1600.

North Allegheny Special Education Parent Networking Group, 9:30 a.m., Mar. 10, Baierl Center, Ponce Room. LanguageBased Learning Disabilities – Beyond Basic Decoding. For details, visit http://www.nasepng.org.

North Hills Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 9 a.m., Mar. 3 & 17, Eat N Park, Rt. 8 & Saxonburg Blvd. in Etna. Call Jessica at (412) 367-3200.

Sarver Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets

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

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

Stroke Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., once a month on Weds.,

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business networking

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

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

HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd., For info, contact Valerie at (412) 826-2784 or valerie.bucek@healthsouth.com.

Counseling Ask the Attorney, free counseling for qualified individuals, the 3rd Wed. of every month, 7 p.m., Mar. 15, NHCO Allison Park; Apr. 19, NHCO Millvale. Pre-register at bridel@nhco.org or (412) 408-3830 x3217.

Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church is offering it Stephen

group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Panera Bread, Cranberry.

Call Glen (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. Visit https://www.amspirit.com/chapter.php?chapter=Wexford.

Amity Lodge #45 affiliated with Italian Sons & Daughters of America is welcoming new members. Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month with a social & refreshments. If interested, call Joanne at (724) 443-8303.

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.

Cranberry Chapter of the Women’s Business Network

Group Services, Intensive Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30

Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters Open House, noon-1

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 (412) 215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.

p.m., Mar. 6, Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Visit http://cranberryhighnoon.toastmastersclubs. org/.

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meets 7:30 a.m., Mar. 2 & 16, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, 2662 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. For info, call Teresa at (724) 316-3427.

NC March 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

11:30 a.m., Mar. 2 & 16, Coopers Station Restaurant, Rt. 356 in Sarver. Call Miriah at (724) 681-7956.

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

Wexford Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 8 a.m., Mar. 14 & 28, Montecello’s Restaurant, 10441 Perry Hwy., Call Judith at (412) 848-7986.

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

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

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for their patients.

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

Call (412) 367-3685.

Hiland Preschool’s Spring/Summer Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale Saturday, March 18, 8:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, March 19, 1:00pm - 3:00pm (Red Tag Sale 25-50% off.)

Gently worn clothes NB- size 12 as well as toys, books and baby equipment.

Proceeds support our non-profit preschool.

845 Perry Highway, Ross Twp. Info @ hilandpreschool.com.

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

North Hills Community Outreach has Speakers available, staff or volunteer speakers will speak to your congregation, business, civic group or school. Contact JLKissel@nhco.org or (412) 487-6316 x3112.

North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientations, 10 a.m., Mar. 9, NHCO Allison Park; 6:30 p.m., Apr. 13, NHCO Millvale. Register w/Harriet at hzgibbs@nhco.org or (412) 4083830 x3204.

Seeking hospice volunteers...if you can find the time to sit with hospice patients we would love to have you. Call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209.

(Continued on page 50)

Starting the Conversation

A THIRD Opinion? Seriously?

I

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

’ve always been a big fan of the second opinion. Especially, when research alone is not conclusive and you are relying solely on someone else’s research and experience. I have found over the years, that more often than not the second opinion primarily agrees with the first with perhaps some other alternatives or a bit clearer explanation.But that’s NOT what happened the last time my husband took his car to be inspected. The first service center said his car would not pass inspection and that to fix it, would cost upwards of three thousand dollars. Granted his car is getting somewhat advanced in years, and makes funny noises in the morning; but, it is certainly not ready for retirement. So, we decided to take the car in for a second opinion.

The second service center agreed that the car would not pass inspection and that it would cost three thousand dollars to fix. But here was the problem, the second list of what was wrong was completely different from the first list of what was wrong! So, what did this mean? Was it going to cost us upwards of SIX thousand dollars? The car is nowhere near worth that much. Should we bag trying to get it fixed? Should we try trading it in with a failed inspection?

Finally, we shared our dilemma with my dear friend, Cindy. She recommended her friend “Larry” for a third opinion. Larry came clean and honest and said, yes, the car needed a couple things fixed but nothing that should prevent it from inspection. He fixed the couple things and passed the inspection. Total charge? One hundred thirty dollars.

Last month, I started the conversation on How Do You Know Whom to Trust? and the difficulty in finding the “right” person to trust. May God bless Larry all the years of his life.

But, as always, what do you think? How many opinions do we need to get? Should we keep getting opinions until we find the one we want to hear? Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http://northernconnectionmagazine. blogspot.com where you can leave comments. If you prefer, email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson. l l l

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Events

HAPPENINGS | March 2017

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street

door. For info, call (412) 492-1200 press 8 and ext. 1530.

on the Southside. Help make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.

Call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

Living Legend course about Bruno Sammartino, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Apr. 19 & 26,

10:30 a.m., Mar. 12, 200 Walnut St., in Sewickley. Visit www.stjamesschool.us or (412) 741-5540.

Dancing & Recreational Events

Vincentian Academy Musical Oliver! 7:30

Country Knight Line Dancers host a line

School

CCAC North Campus. To register, visit ccac. edu/community-education or call (412) 7887507.

p.m., Mar. 3 & 4, Great Pittsburgh Masonic Center. Adult $12, students $8. For tickets, visit www.vincentianacademy.org.

Butler County Community College (BC3) Spring Open Houses, 6-7:30 p.m., Mar. 30,

North Allegheny High School will perform Legally Blonde, 7 p.m., Mar. 1-4 & 2 p.m., Mar.

Fundraisers

LindenPointe, Hermitage; 6-7:30 p.m., Apr. 4.

BC3 @ Lawrence Crossing, New Castle; Apr. 26, BC3 @ Armstrong Ford City; Apr. 27, BC3 @ Brockway; May 11 @ BC3 @ Cranberry. Visit bc3. edu/open-houses.

Community College of Allegheny County Spring Job Fairs: Allegheny Campus, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mar. 8; North Campus, 9:30 a.m.1:30 p.m., Mar. 22; South Campus, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mar. 29; Boyce Campus, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 6; noon-2 p.m., Mar. 14, (OTA/PTA Job Fair). For info, visit https://www.ccac.edu/

Fox Chapel Area High School Spring Musical, Into the Woods, 7 p.m., Mar. 16-18, in the high school auditorium. For tickets, visit http://www.fcasd.edu/tickets

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 10, 11, 17; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Mar. 18, Pine-Richland High School.

For info, visit www.pinerichland.org.

Les Miserable, 7 p.m., Mar. 3 & 4 & Mar. 10-11, 2 p.m., Mar. 5, Shaler Area High School auditorium. Tickets sold in advance & at the

5, senior high school. For tickets, visit northallegheny.org.

Renowned poet Sam Hazo will conduct a noncredit course, 6-8 p.m., Weds, Mar. 15-May 3, Rm. 316 of the Academic Building at La Roche in McCandless. For info, email Janine. bayer@laroche.edu or (412) 536-1785.

Pine-Richland kindergarten registration, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Mar. 13, Richland Elementary; Mar. 15, Wexford Elementary, Mar. 17, Hance Elementary. For info, visit http://www.pinerichland.org/enrollment.

Professional Developmental Series, Get Out Your Crystal Ball: How Employment and Labor Laws Will Change Under the Trump Administration, Mar. 27; HR Audits and Workplace Investigations: Necessary and Value-Added Approaches, Apr. 10, La Roche College. Cost $15 per person.

Shaler Area School District kindergarten registration will be held Mar. 6-10. For details, visit www.sasd.k12.pa.us.

St. James Catholic School Open House,

Hosanna Industries, HI-5K to raise funds for needy neighbors, 9 a.m., Apr. 1, North Park Harmar Pavilion (near the swimming pool).

For details, visit hosannaindustries.org or call (724) 770-0262.

Ninth Annual Race for Joe, 9 a.m., Apr. 15, in Franklin Park. The race is held in memory of NA graduate Joe Guzzetti. Proceeds benefit scholarships for local students. For details or to sign-up, visit raceforjoe.org.

Spin Your Wheels fundraiser, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 1, Axle Fitness, 1913 Fox Chapel Rd. Learn more, visit www.RHWPA.org.

5K Events Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter of the Regional Trail Corp., 5K/10K Run & 2 Mile Walk, 9 a.m., May 13, Arthur H. King Access Area of the Great Allegheny Passage. For details, visit www.bikewytc.org.

weekly on Thursdays, Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd. For ages 18 & older. Register at (412) 915-8486 or (724) 4432616 or beatty3@consolidated.net.

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages 40+, 8 p.m. to midnight, Mar. 4, Pre-St. Patty’s Day party w/Pot of gold drawing, Mar. 25, Free Speed Dating & Chile Con Queso Nacho Bar, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Call (724) 3165029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

Yes, You Can Dance! (YYCD) is a special needs ballroom program for teens (16+).

Participants meet one hour on Sundays at DancExplosion Arts Center in the North Hills or Steel City Ballroom in the South Hills.

Participants are paired with a trained volunteer dance mentor. Call (412) 999-3998 or info@yesyoucandance.org.

Environmental / Gardening Earth Day Celebration, kids ages 5-12, 2-4 p.m., Apr. 22, Pine Park Lake. Pre-registration required, visit http://twp.pine.pa.us/.

North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets

EIC Worksite Safety Course, noon-4 p.m.,

Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA Grants to Support

Mar. 28, Apr. 25, May 30, Jun. 27, Jul. 25, Aug., 29, Sept. 26, Oct. 31, Nov. 28 & Dec. 19, Butler County Community College main campus. Call (724) 287-8711 ext. 8355.

Greybrooke Garden Club, 9:30 a.m., Mar. 8,

Disabled Veterans in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www.va.gov/ adaptivesports.

Fellowship Hall of Parkwood U.P. Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd. Guests are welcome. For info, call Barbro at (412) 296-0538.

Veterans Breakfast Club Meetings, held

Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals, Electronics & Freon Appliances, Mar. 18,

every month throughout the Pittsburgh region. For details, visit http://veteransbreakfastclub.com/.

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

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

Veteran HOPE, support group for women Veterans recovering from mental illness, meet 6-8 p.m., every Tues., VA Butler Healthcare, Room 217WS, Building 1. Call (724) 996—8892 or (724) 285-2756 or butlerva.gov.

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498.

“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. Visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.

NC March 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

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

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dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 9316971 or janine.beley@gmail.com.

Apr. 22, May 6 & 20, Jun. 3 & 24, Jul. 15, Aug. 19, Sept. 16, Oct. 14 & 28, Nov. 18 & Dec. 16, 129 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City. Pre-registration if required 1-866-815-0016.

Winter/Spring Events Afternoon Tea, 1:30-3:30 p.m., May 7, St. Ferdinand Church. Advanced reservations required. Call (724) 779-3986.

Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services & Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net® announced their shelter for homeless individuals this winter will be open 7 p.m.-7 a.m. thru Mar. 15, located at Smithfield Church of Christ, 620 Smithfield St., downtown. Visit www.pittsburghmercy.org.

Cancer Caring Center Rock N’ Roll Legend Awards, Apr. 27, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. For details, call (412) 622-1212 or email rebecca@cancercaring.org.

Join St. Barnabas Charities, as they honor the former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, Thurs., April 27, Pittsburgh Marriott North, Cranberry Township. Seating is limited.

Proceeds benefit St. Barnabas Free Care Fund.

For info on corporate sponsorships, call (724) 625-3770 or email St. Barnabas Charities.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 31st Annual EQT Children’s Theater Festival May 18-21 | Cultural District

T

he Pittsburgh Cultural Trust EQT Children’s Theater Festival will be held May 18-21, in the Cultural District in downtown Pittsburgh. The festival features ticketed performances by six award-winning theater companies from Australia, Mexico, the United States, Denmark and Northern Ireland. More than 35 free activities designed to complement featured performances, including hands-on activities, public art and music at numerous indoor and outdoor spaces will take place throughout the Cultural District.

A sensory-friendly event during this year’s festival includes Elephant and Piggie’s We Are in a Play. The program will be held at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 20 at the Byham Theater, 101 6th Street, Pittsburgh.

The festival grounds and performance venues are fully handicap accessible. For more on accessibility, please visit www.TrustArts.org/ Accessibility.

For tickets visit www.TrustArts.org/PGHKids, call (412) 456-6666, or visit the Theater Square Box Office at 655 Penn Avenue. Groups of 10 or more call (412) 471-6930 or visit http://pghkids.trustarts.org/kids/groups.

There are also reserved parking vouchers in the heart of the Cultural District at Theater Square Parking Garage. A limited number of vouchers will be held for festival visitors each day. Reserve one by, calling (412) 456-6666 or visit the Box Office at Theater Square or visit www.

ParkPGH.org. l l l

Marshall Township Events: The Etiquette Network: The Art of Dining, for ages 7-13, 6-8 p.m., Apr. 13. Call (724) 935-3090 x115 or www.twp.marshall.pa.us.

Marshall Township is taking reservations for the Park Reservations 2017 Season. For info, call (724) 935-3090 x115 or www.twp.marshall.pa.us.

Pine Township Events: Snow Day, 1 p.m., Mar. 4; Pajama Party (for ages 6-12), 7 p.m., Mar. 10; St. Patrick’s Day Zumba Fundraiser, 6 p.m., Mar. 13; Mother Daughter Tea Party, 11 a.m., Mar. 18; Kids Open Gym Night Dodgeball (ages 8-12), 7 p.m., Mar. 31. For info, visittwp.pine.pa.us.

Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet and Pittsburgh Creative Arts Festival, Mar. 24-26, David L. Lawrence of Convention Center. For details, call (412) 963-7030 or pghknitandcrochet@gmail.com.

Sales Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale, 8 a.m-3 p.m., Mar. 18; 1-3 p.m., Mar. 19, (red tag sale 25-50% off), Hiland Preschool.

Gently used NB-size 12, toys, books, baby equipment. For info, visit hilandpreschool.com.

Sports & Camps

Tax Prep AARP Tax Prep Assistance, 9 a.m.-noon, thru Apr. 13, at Northland Library. Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www.northlandlibrary.org.

North Hills Community Outreach is offering free tax prep for eligible individuals through the United Way Money in Your Pocket tax prep program. Appointments are required and can be made by calling United Way’s helpline at 2-1-1.

St. Patrick’s Day St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance, 6:30-10:30 p.m., Mar. 18, St. James Catholic School gym, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. Required reservation, visit www.saintjames-church.org or call (412) 7416650.

Easter Egg-citement Easter Egg Hunt, ages 1-3, 10:45 a.m.; ages 4-6, 11 a.m.; ages 7-9, 11:15 a.m., Apr. 8, Township of Pine Parks & Recreation. For info, visit http://twp.pine.pa.us/.

Passion Play Make Us Believers, 8 p.m., Apr. 7 & 7 p.m.,

Pine Community Center. For info, visit http://twp.pine.pa.us/.

Apr. 8 (Saturday performance with be preceded with d’oeuvres at 6 p.m.), St. Alphonsus, 201 Church Rd., Wexford. Free admission, free-will offering. For info email MusicDirector@ SaintAlphonsusWexford.org.

MySTEM Academy (formerly GreenE Academy) has summer

Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, ages 10-15, 7:30-9:30 p.m.,

Kids Open Gym Night Kickball, ages 8-12, 7-9 p.m., Apr. 28,

camps available at Winchester-Thurston, Vincentian Academy & Aquinas Academy schools. For details, visit http://www.mystemacademy.com/

Prime Stage Theatre registration is now open for 2017 Summer Theatre Camp for teens age 13-17. The camp runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m., June 19-22, 840 Saw Mill Run Blvd. The showcase performance will be held 7 p.m., June 23. To register, visit www. primestage.com.

Registration is now open for Brad-Mar-Pine Baseball & Softball for ages 4 thru 16. For details, visit www.bradmarpine. com.

Golf Hope Grows Tea & Tee, May 21, Club at Shadow Lakes in Aliquippa. For info visit, www.hopegrows.net or (412) 369-4673.

Apr. 14, Township of Pine. For details, visit http://twp.pine.pa.us/.

Library Northern Tier Library: Storytimes run Mar.-Apr., Technology Help, 10:30 a.m., Thurs; Chess Tournament, 9:30 a.m., Mar. 4; Drop-In Crafts, 2 p.m., Mon., Mar. 6-Apr. 3; Toddler & Preschool Fitness, 11:30 a.m., Tues., Mar. 7-Apr. 4; Conversation Group, 1 p.m., Mar. 9; Bridget’s Book Club, 7 p.m., Mar. 9; Second Saturday Workshop, 9 a.m., Mar. 11; Fly Fishing Simplified, 6:30 p.m., Mar. 15; Safety Skills for Women, 10 a.m., Mar. 18; Knit Lit, 7 p.m., Mar. 23; Book Discussion Group, 10 a.m., Mar. 30. Call (724) 449-2665.

Northland Library Events: Chess Tournament, 9:30 a.m., Mar. 4; Discover Italy, 7 p.m., Mar. 9; Mandala Art Meditation Workshop, 6:30 p.m., Mar. 20; Preschool Block Party, 10 a.m., Mar. 25; Skin Care for Children, 7 p.m., Mar. 30; Family Sleepover, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 31-8 a.m., Apr. 1; Garden Gala, 7 p.m., Apr. 22. Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www.northlandlibrary.org.

The Innovation Pittsburgh Series

T

he Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber of Commerce and St. Barnabas Health System have joined forces to create the Innovation Pittsburgh educational series. This program will be held quarterly at the Kean Theatre on the St. Barnabas campus in Gibsonia. It will be hosted by James Roddey, former Allegheny County Chief Executive.

The first Innovation Pittsburgh will be held 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Friday, March 17. The topic will be: “How the Presidential Election Results Will Affect Small Business.” Featured speakers for the first conference are: Bill Flanagan, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Chief Corporate Relations Officer and Ellen McLean, Port Authority of Allegheny County, Chief Executive Officer.

The series will also be held on Jun. 2, Aug. 18 and Nov. 3. For more information, contact Patty Bittle, Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber at (724) 934-9700 or Jim Lauteri at St. Barnabas Health System at (724) 444-5570. l l l

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Lenten Fish Fries ST ALEXIS FISH FRY!

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ridays during Lent (except Good Friday), 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in the school cafeteria. We offer choice of baked cod or our “King Cod” (fresh battered fried fish), two side dishes (pierogies, scalloped potatoes, green beans, cole slaw, apple sauce or macaroni and cheese), rolls, choice of the dessert from our delicious selection of homemade desserts and drink (no drink with takeout), $10 adults, $6 children under 10 and children under three are free, $30 family meal deal (2 child/2 adult meals). A fish sandwich is $6 and a bowl of soup and roll is $3. Back by popular demand we have our popular Boston clam chowder which is only $3 for a bowl.

Credit cards accepted.

There are plenty of handicapped and takeout parking spaces reserved behind the cafeteria. Take out ordering 724.401.1FRY (after 3:30 p.m.) or use our online ordering at stalexis.org.

Thanks for supporting our youth ministry! lll

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NC March 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Saint Alexis Catholic Church 2017 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, April 5, 2017 _______________

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

Fish Fry

4:00-7:00 p.m.

March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and April 7 No Fish Fry on Good Friday _______________

Palm Sunday Masses

April 9, 2017 Anticipated Mass: Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:30 a.m., 10:45 a.m. procession before 11:00 a.m. Mass 5:00 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.

Holy Saturday

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

Easter Vigil: 8:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Masses 8:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m.

No 5:00 p.m. Mass _______________

10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, Pennsylvania 15090 724.935.4343 www.stalexis.org