March 2018 issue

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

Not All Real Estate Agents Are Created Equal Vince Parrucci, Author, Real Estate Investor and Realtor Plus...

• Irish & More • Home & Garden • 2018 Summer Camp Guide

MARCH 2018

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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I N T H I S I SSUE

NORTHERN CONNECTION March 2018

Contents 8

20

Home & Garden

Health & Wellness

8 Cover Story: Not All Real Estate Agents Are Created Equal Janice Lane Palko

34 Fit Families: Time to Tri Joella Baker

11 The Block Northway to Host Home Show and Business Expo Janice Lane Palko 12 Jane of All Trades Breathes New Life into Your Home 13 Our House is a Very, Very, Very Fine House Janet McKay 14 Replacement Cost vs Market Value Pete Piotrowski 15 Windows R Us

2018 Summer Camps 16 2018 Summer Camp Guide 20 Shady Side Academy Summer Programs 22 2018 Summer Camps Directory

Image & Style 38 4 Fast Tips for Makeup Removal Kelly Smith

Senior Living 40 Town Crier: Hello March!

Joe Bullick 42 Happenings for Seniors

Advertorials 10 What is Socially Responsible Investing? Michael Labos 37 Lose at Least 20 lbs. in 6 Weeks GUARANTEED on Dr. Vactor’s Program! Dr. Michael Vactor

In Every Issue...

4 From the Publisher: Marion Piotrowski 6 Movers & Shakers 7 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Lindsay Wagerer Paula Green 24 Trivia Connection: Crunch Into Cereal Trivia Paula Green 44 Support Our Troops: Arthur E. Inks Paula Green 45 Where Was I?: Irish and More Janice Lane Palko 46 March 2018 Happenings

41 Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

Kids & Education 25 La Roche Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the John J. Wright Library 26 Innovative Education at Clarion University 26 Eden Christian Academy 28 School Movers & Shakers 2

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MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

On the Cover: Cover photos and cover story photos on pages 8-9 by Justyna Montazez, Cosita Linda Photography, 724-939-0192, www.cositalindallc.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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P U B LI SH E R ’S NOT ES

Welcome to the March Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

S

pring is right around the corner! For many of us, that sounds like a welcome relief after the cold and snow of this winter. For many parents, now is the time to start thinking about summer camps and programs. In this issue, Northern Connection magazine features a variety of choices for you to choose from. Whether it be sports, academics or the arts, the Pittsburgh area offers a wide variety of programs that will fit your child’s interests and needs.

With spring approaching, many of us start to think about preparing our homes for sale or just to spruce and fix up the inside and outside. This issue offers some suggestions and businesses that can help you accomplish your buying, selling or refurbishing needs for your home. For more information on homes and businesses, visit the North Pittsburgh Regional Home Show/Business Expo at The Block Northway on Friday and Saturday, March 16 and 17.

Trivia this month will test your knowledge of one of the American “Life is not about staple foods, cereal. See how much you know about the breakfast food that so waiting for the many of us love to eat!

There are many things of interest storm to pass...but to do around the Pittsburgh area this learning to dance spring. Don’t forget to try some of the local Fish Fries in the area along in the rain.” with the many suggestions listed in the Vivian Greene Happenings section.

Enjoy reading this month’s feature articles and Northern Connection magazine’s regular monthly columns. Thank you for your support.

Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! 4 4 4

Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook and Instagram

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MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

Phone: 724-940-2444 Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

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

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko

Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

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

Paula Green

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer

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.

10 REASONS (EXCUSES) NOT TO LOSE WEIGHT 1. I don’t have the time.

2. I don’t have the finances.

3. I don’t have the will power.

4. My life is way too busy.

5. I travel too much for my job.

6. I have to eat out a lot for my job and family.

7. I don’t have the discipline.

8. I’m totally stressed.

9. My weight is genetic.

There’s nothing I can do about it.

10. I’ll start tomorrow.

12 TOP REASONS TO LOSE WEIGHT 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

I’ll feel a lot better.

I’ll be healthier.

I’ll have more energy.

I’ll look better.

I’ll look and feel younger.

I’ll be much more confident in all situations.

7. I’ll be able to move better.

8. I’ll be able to bend over and tie my own shoes.

9. I’ll be overall happier.

10. I’ll fit into my clothes better and they won’t be so darn uncomfortable.

11. I’ll have my diabetes under control or not even have it.

12. I’ll reduce my joint pain overall.

MOVERS & S HA KE RS

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John Craig Bookkeeping is Pittsburgh’s top firm for professional tax and bookkeeping services!

Specializing in: Tax Preparation Small Business Accounting Bank Reconciliations Bookkeeping Budgeting Fair priced • Office appointments available or we can travel to you

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P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.

Movers & Shakers Two of the Cranberry Township Emergency Medical Service’s 24-member clinical staff were honored by their co-workers at an awards ceremony on Jan. 22 as part of an annual recognition program started in 2011. Andrew Bell, a Cranberry native and former EMS volunteer, was elected Emergency Medical Technician of the year. Matt Nickl was chosen as the Cranberry EMS Paramedic of the Year. In addition to receiving commemorative plaques, each of the men was given a $100 bonus.

Providence Point dedicated its newly constructed chapel, Providence Chapel, at 500 Providence Point Boulevard on Jan. 20. The 2,100 square foot chapel seats up to 100 persons, providing a space for residents to gather privately or collectively for religious services regardless of denomination. The centerpiece of Providence Chapel is a set of three stained glass windows made by the preeminent glass maker Rudy Bros. & Reich of Pittsburgh in 1894. The windows were originally commissioned for Mansfield Baptist Church in Carnegie, and were rescued in the mid-20th century.

Robert C. Cicco, MD, has been nominated to serve as the 2018 president of the Allegheny County Medical Society (ACMS). He is the 153rd president of the local organization that represents physicians from all specialties and provides leadership and advocacy for patients and physicians.

Jack Roseman, 86, of McCandless Township along with Evan Pattak recently published the book Jump. The book is available through Amazon.com.

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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Dr. Robert Cicco

Northern Allegheny Women’s Association (NAWA) is accepting new members. The organization focuses on empowering women in the North Hills and the North Side.

They do this through service projects directed at women and by building friendships/personal & professional connections/support of women within the North Allegheny community. The group volunteers with and collects donations for approximately 10 nonprofit causes in the area, donating thousands of dollars worth of goods and monetary contributions to women and people in need.

NAWA supports nonprofit organizations in the community and provides meal service to women during times of transition. They are currently accepting applications for a $500 scholarship. For more information, visit their website, at www.nawomen.org.

MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Lindsay Wagerer Founder of Linda’s Court Memorial Fundraiser “Score A Cure for MS”

By Paula Green

M

ultiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease that attacks the central nervous system. It affects the brain, spinal cord and optic nerves. Mars Township resident, Lindsay Wagerer, 36, is quite familiar with this debilitating disease since her mother was diagnosed with MS. It was an ailment her mother lived with for 29 years.

“My mom Linda was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1985 at the age of 38. I was two years old, and my brothers were four and six. She helped to run my grandfather’s business and continued to do so from home. Having a family member that lives with MS or any disease is not only hard on them but also the family,” said Lindsay.

“My parents never let my mom’s disease cause us any suffering. My dad was her rock; he retired early to take care of her. My brothers and I continued to lead as normal of a life as possible. We played sports, we went on family vacations, we went shopping and to dinner. We did everything any family with three kids would do. On May 4, 2014, my mom passed away at the age of 67. I was 32 years old at the time,” Lindsay said.

In honor of her mother, Lindsay has organized Linda’s Court Memorial fundraiser. “My mother was an avid tennis player.

Her love and dedication didn’t end with the disease. She played as long as she could, but my mom lost her physical ability to play, and she was forced to stop. The MS didn’t dampen her enthusiasm for the sport. She would diligently watch tennis on TV on the most obscure channels. MS took away her ability, but not her passion for the sport she loved and missed,” Lindsay said.

Last year, was the inaugural launch of this tennis fundraiser. It was very successful, with 24 teams participating. The event raised over $10,000, which was donated to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

This year’s Linda’s Court Memorial Tennis Fundraiser will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, March 10, at Pure Athletex Sportsplex, PA Tennis Academy, located at 119 Neely School Road, Suite 200 in Marshall Township. The event will consist of a triples tennis tournament, food, music, Chinese auction and fun! Lindsay is grateful to Elizabeth Szabo, owner of Smoothie King in Wexford, for sponsoring this year’s event.

For more information on Linda’s Court and how you can participate or donate, visit http://www.lindascourt. myevent.com/ or email any additional questions, to lindascourt47@ gmail.com. 4 4 4 From left to right in the photo: Henry (Butch), Craig, Lindsay, Brian, in front, mother Linda.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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COV E R S TORY

V

Not All Real Estate Agents Are Created Equal

By Janice Lane Palko

For many people, the biggest investment they will ever make is in a home. A home, however, is not merely a financial investment but an investment of your hopes and dreams as well. That being said, finding the perfect agent to partner with you in the selling or buying of your home is not to be taken lightly. It is estimated that in the Route 19 corridor between the North Hills and Cranberry alone, there are over 1,000 real estate agents. With so many agents to choose from, how can you be certain that the one you choose will be the perfect fit for you?

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ince Parrucci, author, real estate investor and Realtor with Coldwell Banker Real Estate, said, “Everyone knows a real estate agent. It may be a friend, a relative or a neighbor. Here is where thoughtfulness and planning come into play. If you don’t do your due diligence and look into just how accomplished and experienced these agents may or may not be, problems can, and often do, arise.

Simply being a Real Estate Agent in this competitive field isn’t enough. The buying or selling of a home is far too important for anything less than the absolute best. You need to ask yourself the question: Are you really willing to trust what may be the biggest financial decision of your life to someone who isn’t at the top of their field?”

“A Realtor/Real Estate Agent is a professional like any other,” Vince said.

“If you were selecting a doctor or a lawyer, you would check their credentials, education and experience. The same vetting is advised when choosing a Realtor/Real Estate Agent. For many, buying or selling their home is just as important because we are dealing with a big part of their financial life.”

Vince is more than qualified to speak regarding the qualifications necessary to properly represent someone.

After working more than 17 years in the financial and banking industry as a vice president for both Mellon Financial Corporation and Allegheny Financial Group, Vince began to invest in real estate over 18 years ago and quickly built a considerable portfolio of investment properties, at one time, owning 147 rental units that were worth over $5 million and generating $720,000 annually in gross rental receipts. “I had very few problems with tenants, but with that many properties, I spent most of my days paying bills,” Vince said with a laugh. Knowing the importance of understanding the financial ramifications that come with the purchase of a home or investment property, Vince now focuses his time and attention on families looking to buy and sell their homes. He also has

an exclusive program for investors looking to gain their financial freedom through real estate investment.

Vince also has extensive experience with high-end “flips” with values ranging from $367,000 - $620,000 in areas such as Squirrel Hill. “Flipping is a very attractive option due to the potential big profits, but the big profits only come when you minimize your risk. That is how you maximize your profits,” said Vince.

Very few real estate agents have ever owned investment properties let alone accomplished some of the milestones that Vince has over the years.

His experience allows him to see the unseen in a potential home purchase or sale. Unfortunately, in this business, mistakes equal money. It can be something as simple as a provided comparison being off by a few thousand dollars or an estimate from a contractor that is off by a couple thousand. The average person or realtor may not recognize these mistakes, but they are critical.

Missed money adds up very fast. Vince has the hard-earned track record that allows him to be the professional you need, whether you’re looking to buy or sell your dream home or jump into the world of investment real estate.

To find out how to obtain Vince as your personal agent, contact Vince Parrucci at Vincent.parrucci@pittsburghmoves.com, call (724) 612-3770 444

Here are Vince’s top-5 tips when looking for a qualified real estate agent.

Are they a full-time agent and if so, for how long? Most often, parttime just agents just don’t treat the business as serious as it needs to be treated.

What is their proven track record? Anyone can get lucky and sell a home every now and again, but what you need is someone that can show consistent successes.

Do they know the market? Many neighborhoods are what I call “niche” neighborhoods, and it is very important to know the area like the back of your hand. I can personally recall years back people losing lots of money investing on the North Shore and Mexican War streets area due to values swinging wildly from street to street. You can never assume that an entire area is a good choice.

Does the agent understand and possess the sales psychology needed to be successful for you? The commodity we deal in is a house, but make no mistake that sales sit at the top of this game. This is where your money is made or lost. My good friend Frank McKinney who designs and sells spec homes in the $50 million range is the master of this. I have studied under Frank and apply the same strategies with my clients that he uses to sell to billionaires.

This last tip is a big one, and I have found it to be very applicable to finding the perfect agent. I’m a firm believer that an agent should have plenty of their own personal buying and selling experiences, more specifically, owning investment properties. Being an investor myself has helped me relate to my clients on another level, giving me the edge to make the buying/selling experience the best it can be. It’s an entirely different game when you’re playing with your own money, and that is how your client needs to be treated as if it is your money.

“Many people have emotional ties to their homes, but at the closing table, buying or selling a home boils down to an important business transaction. As such, it is essential that your real estate agent be well versed in all aspects of the real estate business. My experiences have made me uniquely qualified to represent people not only in a manner they deserve but in a manner they need,” said Vince.

VINCE PARRUCCI

Residential/Commercial Realtor vincent.parrucci@pittsburghmoves.com

Real Estate Services

724-776-2900 Ext. 259 Office 724-776-2930 Fax 724-612-3770 Cell 20510 Route 19, Suite 100 Cranberry Township, PA 16066

Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC

www.smartbuystrongsale.com www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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NC ADVERTORIAL | FINANCES

What is Socially Responsible Investing?

By Michael Labos Financial Advisor

It’s an exciting time to be an investor. It’s also an exciting time to be a Financial Advisor. New strategies and markets are now more accessible than ever. One of these growing markets is Socially Responsible or ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) investing. I am excited to both offer and educate clients on the opportunity to align their portfolios with their convictions. We are experiencing a dynamic shift in investor sentiment where performance and how you obtain that performance are becoming equally important.

T

here is a lot of noise out there about this strategy, so I would like to clarify what Socially Responsible investing is. As defined by Investopedia, it is a set of standards for a company’s operations that socially con-

scious investors use to screen investments. Environmental criteria looks at how a company performs as a steward of the natural environment. Social criteria examines how a company manages relationships with its employees, suppliers, customers and the communities where it operates.

Governance deals with a company’s leadership, executive pay, audits and internal controls, and shareholder rights.

Now with any investment all managers in this space aren’t created equal. I work with Vicus Capital to offer a multiple manager approach offering best in class managers. This portfolio is monitored on an ongoing basis and customized to meet your needs.

To see if this strategy makes sense for you, please contact me at 724-934-3880 (direct line), 800-477-4507 (toll free) or by email at mlabos@pfginc.com. You can also find me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pfgpgh. To learn more about me and my company check out our website at www.pfgpgh.com or stop by my office at 2591 Wexford Bayne Road, Suite 202, Sewickley, PA 15143. We are all planning for our futures, now you can feel good about your investments as well. 4 4 4 Michael Labos has been a Financial Advisor for over 13 years and has worked at Pennsylvania Financial Group for six years. He grew up in the Pittsburgh area, attended Central Catholic High School and resides in Cranberry Township. He enjoys golfing, attending Pirates games and travelling. His passion is offering clients a unique experience and he is always looking for new ways to add value to help them achieve their goals. Working together, he will help you discover your own path towards financial success.

Registered Representative of and offering securities through Cetera Advisor Networks LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, Cetera is under separate ownership from any other named entity. Advisory Services and Financial Planning offered through Vicus Capital, a Federally Registered Investment Advisor.

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MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

HO ME & G A RDE N

The Block Northway to Host Home Show and Business Expo

By Janice Lane Palko

O

n March 16 and 17, The Block Northway will host The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Home Show and Business Expo. “The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber has hosted a Business Expo for many years. In order to attract a broader audience, we decided to enhance the event by adding the Home Show element,” said Patty Bittle, director, Marketing & Events for the Chamber. The event combines all the best elements of a home and garden show and a business-to-business expo in one location.

The Block seemed to be the ideal venue for hosting the expo. “Members of the community we serve have been shopping at this location for decades and are extremely excited about the dramatic changes that have taken place over the past couple years. Not only is The Block’s brand new south atrium the perfect place to host an event, but the focus on creating a community gathering spot, rather than just another shopping center, makes it the ideal fit,” said Jamie Pavlot, director of Experience for The Block.

The expo provides small business owners an opportunity to share innovative ideas, products and services with potential customers, as well as network with others in the local business community. Visitors will be able to speak with experienced professionals and discuss ideas to help improve their business and lifestyle. In addition to reaching Chamber Members and the greater business community, the event will also reach shoppers throughout the North Hills that may not potentially have had access to such vendors and businesses.

Exhibitors include a diverse array of products and services, including home

improvement, health care, education, business, restaurants, financial services and family entertainment. The expo will take place on Friday, March 16, from 4-8 p.m. and on Saturday, March 17, from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. in The Block Northway’s new, 2-level south atrium,

which is accessible from either the east side along McKnight Road (the entrance next to Core Life Eatery) or the west side near DSW Shoe Warehouse.

For more information, visit: www.

PghNorthChamber.com. 4 4 4

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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HO M E & G A RD E N

Jane of All Trades Breathes New Life into Your Home Jane of All Trades, LLC, can renew your home both inside and out. Laura Grunert, founder of Jane of All Trades, is a licensed contractor providing professional residential painting—interior and exterior—and landscape design projects from creating a masterplan through construction.

H

iring Jane of All Trades gives you the most value for your home repair or remodeling dollar. “Everyone knows that kitchens and baths add value. But a professional painting can refresh any space, and on

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Our House is a Very, Very, Very Fine House the flip side, a non-professional (doit-yourself) painting can detract from the value of your house. Updating a house with a cohesive and designed color scheme, decluttering and sometimes just rearranging what you already have, can make the space seem brand new and current,” said Laura. “Adding entertaining spaces outside that are well designed and constructed, adds tremendous value to your property. Not only does it add to the size and versatility of your home, but it also retains its value over time.”

Janes of All Trades welcomes small as well as large projects. “For painting projects, I have a minimum daily rate. I do get called occasionally for the smallest of painting jobs, or a single plaster repair. I try to service those customers just the same, and often that small job leads to larger projects,” said Laura.

“People are so grateful that I am willing to help them, because no one else would.”

“As for landscaping projects, I am a Landscape Architect, so I work with customers who need a professional design or large-scale planting plan, and who are ready to implement them,” said Laura. Some of the most popular projects are creating exterior entertaining spaces, patios, outdoor kitchens and fire features.

If you need to update your home, you need to contact, Jane of All Trades.

“I am always somewhere between busy and crazy busy. At the moment, I am semi booked for painting projects as far out as June, but I have gaps that will be booked solid over the coming weeks.

I design and plan landscaping projects year-round,” said Laura. For more information on Jane of All trades, visit the website at www.jane-ofall-trades. com. 4 4 4

“Our house is a very, very, very fine house…” at least that’s the lyrics to the popular Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song. You may think your house is fine just the way it is, but when it’s time to sell, you want to be sure prospective buyers think so, too.

W

e know this is the house where you’ve hosted every Thanksgiving since before microwaves were invented, but your buyer doesn’t care about that. You need to stop feeling so sentimental and think about what you can do to make it as appealing as possible to as many buyers as possible!

First, assess the exterior. Does it have curb appeal? Does it entice prospective buyers to want to come inside? If not, a fresh coat of paint on the front door works wonders. Put away brooms, worn out doormats, snow shovels and Christmas lights (Come on, people, it’s Spring already!) Prune overgrown bushes and rake last Fall’s leaves. Set the stage with flower pots and a charming door decoration.

Walk into each room and notice what draws your eye’s attention first? Is it the pile of magazines stacked near the fireplace or the grimy tile in the bathroom?

Decluttering and cleaning are essential. Organize closets and drawers. Donate things you no longer need. Rent a storage unit for the excess. That way you’ll be packed and ready to go. Clean your house from top to bottom. Don’t be afraid to hire someone; it may be the best money you’ve ever spent.

You know all those small repairs that have been on your “To-Do List?” Now is the time to tackle them. If you can’t fix something, hire a handyman. For major repairs that you can’t afford, obtain estimates for prospective buyers. If you’re not sure what repairs your home will need, ask your agent if a pre-inspection would be worth your while. Remember, when prospective buyers are looking at your house, they are also mentally compiling a list of things they will need to do.

Next, consider your home’s cosmetic appearance. Kermit the Frog may find lime green walls appealing, but most buyers won’t. Today’s buyers like soft, neutral colors; however, don’t go to the other extreme and paint everything white. You’re selling a home, not a hospital! Also, although wallpaper is slowly making a comeback, if yours isn’t neutral, you may want to remove it.

Unless you plan on selling to a family of vampires, make everything as light and bright as possible. Remove heavy draperies, clean windows and make sure light bulbs are at the highest wattage recommended for each fixture.

Finally, keep track of what homes are selling for in your neighborhood and how they compare with yours. Most importantly, do your research and find a competent, full-time realtor who is familiar with your area. Check their online reviews on websites like Zillow.com.

Follow these suggestions, and before you know it, your house will be sold, and your buyers will be singing, “I’ll light the fire and you put the flowers in the vase that you bought today.”

Call me for free, honest advice on what you need to do to get your house ready! 4 4 4 www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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H OM E & G AR DEN

Replacement Cost vs Market Value

By Pete Piotrowski, State Farm Agent

When you purchase a homeowners insurance policy, you’ll make a number of decisions. One of the most important is the amount of coverage which best meets your needs. Understanding your options will help you make an informed choice that safeguards your home and your family’s financial future.

What is Replacement Cost?

Replacement cost is the cost necessary to repair or replace your entire home. When you insure your home for its replacement cost, your insurer will reimburse you for the cost of rebuilding or repairing your home, based on the size and structure of the home that was lost or damaged.

The most appropriate way to estimate the replacement cost of your home is to hire a building contractor or other building professional to produce a detailed replacement cost estimate. Or Pete Piotrowski, as a State Farm Agent can utilize an estimating tool from Xactware Solutions—to assist you with an estimate. Only the cost of the property’s structure and its associated systems, fixtures, and finishes will be included in the estimate; land value is included in a home’s market value but should not be included in the amount of insurance you buy.

BENEFITS: In the event of a loss, replacement cost coverage will help your family return to their home and usual quality of life with minimal financial interruption. For the best protection, experts recommend that you insure your home for at least 100 percent of its estimated replacement cost.

RISKS: Replacement costs can change over time, so you should review your policy annually to make sure its coverage meets your needs. Inform your insurer if you have upgraded or improved your home, because these alterations may increase your home’s estimated replacement cost. Also, you’ll want to stay informed about changing market conditions in your area. Rising labor, materials, and transportation costs can directly affect your home’s estimated replacement cost.

For maximum protection, consider a policy that includes an inflation clause that automatically adjusts to account for changes in construction costs.

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What is Market Value?

Market value is the amount that a buyer would pay to purchase your home and its land in its current condition.

Unlike your home’s estimated replacement cost, its market value is influenced by factors beyond the material and labor costs of repairs or reconstruction, such as proximity to good schools, local crime statistics, and the availability of similar homes. Also, the land itself will be included in the home’s market value, although it will not be covered by the homeowners policy.

BENEFITS: In some cases, market value coverage may be the most practical option. Take the example of an ornate older home. In today’s market, the cost of rebuilding or restoring artisanal woodwork, masonry, and plastering to their original condition may be much higher than the home’s purchase price. Therefore, the replacement policy premiums for the home would be high. (Special policies are available for some historic homes, but these also come at a higher price.)

For a cash-strapped homeowner, buying a policy based on market value offers the best chance to recoup at least partial expenses after a loss.

RISKS: When you insure a typical home for its market value, you are at risk of having incomplete coverage. For example, imagine that a family buys a home for $175,000 and takes out a homeowner’s policy for the same amount.

The replacement cost for the home, though, is $225,000. If a fire or other insured event destroys the house, the insurance settlement would be $50,000 less than the actual replacement cost of the home. The family would either have to make up the difference themselves or build a new, less expensive home. 4 4 4

Windows R Us

W

indows R Us is Pittsburgh’s premiere exterior replacement company, selling windows, roofing, siding, doors, gutters and shutters—anything a customer needs for the exterior of their home. Windows R Us carries vinyl replacement windows from Polaris Technologies and Thermal Industries as well as wood and Fiberglas windows from Pella. It is a GAF-certified roofing contractor and James Hardie siding preferred contractor. We also offer a full line of vinyl siding as well.

The company rejects deceptive sales gimmicks like “buy one get one free” and huge discounts that try to cover up the MASSIVE markup competitors charge. Our motto is: Don’t Pay Double! Our windows outperform any window on the market and have a much better price point because we embrace a “menu pricing” model. We start with an extremely low base price, and then let you choose what options you’d like to add. In other words, you only pay for what you want – not for what you don’t. In addition, we offer a price match guarantee, so you can be confident knowing you got the very best deal!

Windows R Us uses factory-trained, fully insured installers for all our installations. We have the fastest turnaround time in the industry. In most cases, our windows take four weeks from order to installation. On installation day, most normal sized houses are done in 1-2 days. Windows R Us also offers a variety of financing options available (subject to credit approval) through GreenSky and Dollar Bank. We also offer a discount to customers who prefer to use cash or check.

We would love the opportunity to help Pittsburgh homeowners create the home of their dreams. We say, “New home, same address.” Feel free to contact us at 412-892-9960, or reach out via our website: Windowsruspittsburgh.com or email: windowsrus@live.com 4 4 4

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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2 018 S U M M ER C AMPS GUIDE

2018 SummerCamps Guide When March comes, our thoughts naturally turn to spring, but if you have children, your thoughts should zoom ahead to summer and summer camps. Now is the time to explore the summer camp options available for your children. In our Summer Camp Guide, we feature a wide variety of summer camps, everything from farm experiences to educational enrichment. Be sure to sign up early to ensure that you get the camp of your choice.

Backyard Flag Football Association

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ey kids are you looking for something new and different to do this spring? Look no further! Backyard Flag Football Association is hosting its 33rd season beginning Sunday, May 6. All games will be played at McKinney Soccer Complex in North Park. Backyard Flag Football Association is a nonprofit organization that was established in the North Hills neighborhood of Pittsburgh in 2003. We emphasize good sportsmanship, safety and team play. We would like to offer all children ages 4-17 in Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas the opportunity to participate in an organized team sport, learn the game of flag football, meet new friends and have fun. Join as an individual or a team‌if you have 1 or 2 friends or relatives that would like to participate, we will place you on the same team. Visit our website at www.backyardflagfootball.org for additional details.

Click on the Players of the Week and Photo Gallery tabs to get a glimpse of what goes on each week. Don’t miss out on the fun of Backyard Flag Football. You may register online via our website or print a form and mail it. If you have any questions, please call the Backyard Flag Football Hotline at 412.318.4557. 4 4 4

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BAM! Because Academics Matter Summer Enrichment Program

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AM! (Because Academics Matter) is Central Catholic and Oakland Catholic’s Academic Summer Enrichment Program for boys and girls entering the 7th and 8th grades. The two-week camp ties the rigorous academics of Central Catholic and Oakland Catholic with a fun and engaging environment.

The courses and activities are designed to show students what high school is like in a college preparatory setting while creating excitement and curiosity for deeper learning at a higher level.

The BAM curriculum is centered on improving mathematics and writing skills while giving students the opportunity to explore interests in other fields.

Every student will participate in two weeks’ worth of mathematics and writing in preparation for the rigors of high school.

They will also be able to choose two electives from our diverse offerings. Our highly trained and distinguished faculty excels in engaging students in their content areas through handson and applicable instruction.

Their instruction will help your son or daughter to become ready for the next stage in his or her academic career. Space is limited; sign up now to reserve your spot at bam-pgh.com. 4 4 4

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Camp Allegheny

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odern lodges, excellent food, indoor meeting and activity spaces and the beautiful setting of the Laurel Highland Mountain—Camp Allegheny has it all. Planning a ski retreat? We are less than an hour’s drive from three ski resorts. Want an educational retreat for your school or youth group? We offer 330 acres of largely undeveloped highland forest for environmental education. We are a half hour’s drive from both Historic Bedford Village and Fort Ligonier and less than 2 miles from the 9-11 Flight 93 Memorial. Want a weekend of fun on site? Take advantage of our many activities, which include laser tag, an indoor gym, blacklight dodgeball and volleyball, an indoor climbing wall, challenge course, hay rides, a game room, (Continued on page 18)

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2018 S UM M E R C A MPS GUIDE mini golf and much, much more.

Camp Allegheny is committed to excellent hospitality and amazing value. You will pay significantly less than you would with other overnight options, and our weekend hosting team will ensure that your group is cared for from the moment you arrive until your departure.

Camp Allegheny can host groups from 15-150 guests. Contact Camp Allegheny today to plan your retreat or to ask about our excellent Summer Camp programs for youth and children. Visit www.campallegheny.org or call 888-251-0771. 4 4 4

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Camp Invention

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ild and crazy ideas become reality in this year’s all-new Camp Invention program, Fast Forward! A nonprofit program of the National Inventors Hall of Fame, Camp Invention allows children in kindergarten through 6th grade to experience real-world problem solving, creative thinking, invention, and teamwork – all while having FUN! Activities include challenges and achievements from the brightest thinkers around—National Inventors Hall of Fame Inductees – to inspire children! This year, campers will bring their “smart” home to life with smart furniture and eco-smart energy, design a robotic dog and diagnose puppy problems, explore sensors by designing tracks for an Optibot, a robot that senses dark and light surfaces, and build Cake Catapults! Local educators lead the week of fun, hands-on, STEM activities that allow children to think big, explore their curiosity, and never give up. Early registration discounts are available. Visit campinvention.org or call 800.968.4332 to register.

Use promo code RegCamp25 to save $25 (expires 3/23) and RegCamp15 to save $15 (expires 5/4). 4 4 4

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HTSD Summer Programs

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There’s no excuse to be bored this summer! The Hampton Township School District offers an incredible summer program for kids in grades K-8. The program is open to everyone, including cyber, parochial and students from neighboring school districts. Favorites such as theater and babysitting 101 will be offered again this year, along with a sprinkling of STEAM-related opportunities with MakeyMakeys, Finch robots and other cool technology tools and gadgets. SAT-prep classes also will be available again this year for our older students. To learn more, or to register, please visit the HTSD website at www.ht-sd.org and select the Community Tab/HTSD Summer Program. 4 4 4

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Katie’s Clay Studio

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atie’s Clay Studio offers a safe, creative and fun atmosphere that encourages children’s artistic growth and personal development. We pride ourselves on an in-depth knowledge of child development and artistic mediums--we combine these into a studio bursting at the seams with curriculum perfect for all ages, backgrounds, needs and skill levels. All staff is certified, and we are happy to provide federal and state background clearances at your request. Visit our website for prices, dates and summer camp themes. Katie’s Clay Studio offers half-day, full-day, themed, and day camps perfect for ages 5-16. Our studio philosophy is that everyone benefits when we GET MUDDY! Summer camp provides the ideal curriculum for fun and learning--all squished, rolled, squeezed and smashed into one to four days. Visit KatiesClayStudio. com and click on the summer camp brochure to register today! 4 4 4

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Little Farmers Day Camp

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ittle Farmers Day Camp is an experience that your child will never forget.

Let your child be entertained, educated and amazed by the everyday wonders of the farm. Enjoy this beautiful 138-acre farm located close to Moon Township.

Experience life on the farm with handson interaction. Imagine your child bottle feeding a new born calf, riding a pony, holding and petting a bunny from our rabbitry.

How about feeding and caring for lambs, baby goats, ducks, chicks, and pigs. Or better yet learning to care for and cultivate an expansive garden. Collecting eggs from the chicken coop and preparing dishes such as homemade pickles and strawberry jam or goats milk fudge..all from items on the farm. However farm life is not all work.

Crafts, games, nature walks also round out the day of work, play and learning. Rain or shine there is always something happening . New this year is a climbing wall, a rabbitry, a greenhouse and lots of new baby animals. We are always looking for new experiences for return campers. For more information, visit blueribbonfarmsinc.com, or call (412) 974-1650. 4 4 4

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2 018 S U M M ER C AMPS GUIDE

Shady Side Academy Summer Programs: Fun, Flexible, Affordable!

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

Shady Side Academy offers fun, flexible, affordable summer programs for kids entering grades K-12. SSA’s Middle and Senior School campuses in Fox Chapel play host to a variety 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 after-care. A convenient North Hills bus makes transportation a snap.

At Day Camp Discovery, held on the 130-acre Senior School campus, kids entering grades K-5 enjoy a full day of activities including swimming, tennis, media arts, outdoor

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adventure, theater and more. Special activities such as competition days, and Friday picnic dance parties add to the fun. Seven weekly sessions are offered from June 18 to Aug. 3.

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 and theater.

Ninth graders have the option to help out at the elementary camp through a leaders-in-training program.

Three two-week sessions are offered from June 18 to July 27.

Focus Camps allow kids to focus on a single interest such as drama, chess, sewing or filmmaking. Fourteen weeklong camps, including six new drone STEM camps, are offered from June 11 to Aug. 10.

Sports Camps led by SSA coaches give kids the chance to learn the fundamentals of a sport while having fun. Weeklong camps in tennis, basketball, soccer, golf and ice hockey are offered from June 11 to Aug. 10.

SSA 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. High school offerings include for-credit courses in math, science, computer science and art, as well as SAT/ACT test prep and a college essaywriting workshop.For information or to register, visit www.shadysideacademy.org/summer or call 412-447-2230. 4 4 4

Wexford Acting Studio

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oes your child love musical theater? Do your children love to be in shows singing and dancing? Do you love seeing them on stage? Even if a student has never had the opportunity to perform, Wexford Acting Studio is here to train each and every kid who would love to learn during this awesome camp week!

Register now for our Summer Musical Theater Camp, held June 25-July 1. The campers will spend their week at the studio learning production numbers, solos, and duets from many different musicals under the careful tutelage of camp counselors who are all alumni of Wexford Acting Studio along with Sarah McGraw Krushinski, Instructor. On Sunday, July 1, family and friends will provide an audience for our Summer Showcase at The Kean Theatre.

Campers age 5-8 will attend half-day camp from 9:00-12:30 and full-day campers, age 9-18 will attend from 10:00-5:00 at the studio Monday through Saturday. On our showcase date, July 1, we will be at the theatre venue, and you will be given our schedule for that day during the camp week. For more information and online registration, please visit the Wexford Acting Studio website, www.WexfordActingStudio.com Register now, before the camp fills up. Hope to see you in June! 4 4 4

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2 018 S U M M ER C AMPS GUIDE

Summer Camps Directory Backyard Flag Football

www.backyardflagfootball.org (412) 318-4557

Camp Allegheny

www.campallegheny.org (814) 754-4336

Camp Deer Creek

www.campdeercreekonline.com (412) 767-5351

Camp Invention

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

Hampton Township School District (HTSD) www.ht-sd.org (412) 492-6346 / (412) 492-6358

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HeartPrints Center for Early Education http://heartprintsed.org/ (724) 741-1008

Katie’s Clay Studio

www.katiesclaystudio.com (412) 486-2184

Little Farmers Day Camp at Blue Ribbon Farms www.blueribbonfarmsinc.com (412) 974-1650

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart www.olsh.org/summer/ (412) 262-3300

Penn State Beaver Summer Camps www.beaver.psu.edu/ce/youth (724) 773-3700

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Pittsburgh Superstars

www.pittsburghsuperstars.com/ (724) 591-5008

Shady Side Academy

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

Trust Arts Education Summer Camps Pittsburgh Cultural Trust www.trustarts.org/education

Wexford Acting Studio

www.wexfordactingstudio.com (412) 491-2416

Young Writers Institute www.wpwp.pitt.edu

Youth Sports at North Park

Allegheny County Parks www.alleghenycounty.us/youthsports

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M OV E R S & SH AKERS

Crunch Into Cereal Trivia

By Paula Green

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Crunch. His place of birth is Crunch Island in the Sea of Milk.

The first “monster cereal” produced by General Mills in the 1970s was Count Chocula. It is still produced today, but it is sold only around Halloween.

Since we’ve sunken our teeth into cereal facts, we must now try to conquer this tasty test. Get set to think flavorful thoughts, because it’s time to get a little trivial...

1. Voice actor Thurl Ravenscroft, sang You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch in the holiday classic. He was also the voice of this Kellogg’s cereal mascot.

2. Since Lucky Charms came out in 1964, this marshmallow is the only original shape to survive changes over the years.

3. What is name of Captain Crunch’s ship?

4. Name the classic cartoon duo that are the mascots for Cocoa/ Fruity Pebbles.

5. Which cereal features the “Dig’em” frog?

6. This 1971 TV ad featured a picky little eater named Mikey for which cereal?

7. Which cereal was the first mass-marketed commercial item to offer a prize?

8. Post and Kellogg’s both make this brand of cereal.

9. Until 2009, Cinnamon Toast Crunch boxes featured a chef named _____?

10. Toucan Sam tells folks to follow their nose when in search of this cereal.

11. Which U.S. city is nicknamed the “Cereal Capital of the World?”

12. This hot breakfast cereal is similar to grits, but it’s made with farina?

13. Which athlete has appeared the most on the Wheaties box?

14. Name the cereal that is “Kid tested. Mother approved.”

15. What is the #1 selling cereal in the United States?

Sources: http://www.historyofcereals.com/cereal-facts/interesting-facts-about-cereals/ https://www.creditdonkey.com/breakfast-cereal-statistics.html, https:/www.holidailys.com/ single-post/2017/03/07/National-Cereal-Day, https://www.kelloggs.com/en_US/who-weare/our-history.html, https://www.mrbreakfast.com/cereal_list_by_company, https://factualfacts.com/facts-about-cereal/, www.funtrivia.com

Answers: 1. Tony the Tiger (Frosted Flakes) 2. the pink heart 3. S.S. Guppy 4. Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble 5. Honey Smacks 6. Life 7. Corn Flakes 8. Raisin Bran 9.

Wendell 10. Froot Loops 11. Battle Creek, Mich. 12. Cream of Wheat 13. Michael Jordan (18 times) 14. Kix 15. Honey Nut Cheerios

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his month rolls in with a special commemoration for breakfast lovers—March 7 is National Cereal Day. Cereal aisles are loaded with crispy, crunchy, flaky and frosted choices; you’re bound to find something to tantalize the taste buds.

The term “cereal” comes from Ceres, the ancient Roman goddess of agriculture. One of the predecessors of breakfast cereal was popcorn, which American colonists used to eat with cream and sugar.

The first mass-produced breakfast cereal was introduced in 1863 and was called “Granula.” The main problem with this new invention was that it had to be soaked overnight before it could be eaten.

In 1898, two brothers William and Dr. John Kellogg were attempting to make granola, when they accidentally flaked wheat berry. William kept experimenting until he flaked corn and created the recipe for Corn Flakes. Today, Kellogg’s is the world’s largest maker of cereals. The other top three cereal manufacturers are - General Mills, Post and Quaker Oats.

Over 2.7 billion packages of cereal are sold every year. Americans eat 50 kilograms of cereal per person every year or 160 bowls.

One bushel of wheat (36 liters) can produce 53 boxes of breakfast cereals.

The cereal industry in the United States uses over 400 million kilograms of sugar per year.

Cereals are the third most popular item sold in grocery stores; they follow milk and carbonated beverages. The United States is the fourth largest cereal consuming country, before them are Ireland, England and Australia. Breakfast cereal is so popular, it’s even made its way into outer space.

Kellogg’s Corn Flakes were eaten by astronauts aboard Apollo 11, which made the first landing on the moon. The cereal was mixed with fruit and pressed into cubes to make them easier to eat in the conditions of zero gravity.

Cheerios hit store shelves in 1941 and were originally called “Cheerioats” but Quaker Oats complained, so the name was changed in 1945.

Most of us are familiar with the three brothers for Rice Krispies cereal, Snap, Crackle, and Pop. Interestingly, there was once a fourth brother named “Pow?” He was intended to portray the potent nutritional value of the cereal, but apparently, he didn’t really help much with the marketing and Pow was phased out.

The full name of “Cap’n Crunch” mascot is Horatio Magellan

KIDS & E DUC ATIO N

La Roche Celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the John J. Wright Library

“New Beginnings at La Roche College” by Linda Barnicott

By Janice Lane Palko

Photos courtesy of La Roche College Archives.

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a Roche College has been a fixture in the North Hills since its opening in September 1963. Recently, La Roche celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the opening of the college’s John J. Wright Library. When the college opened, the library was located in the bottom of Ketteler Hall and then later moved to Providence Heights.

Since Cardinal Wright, who was then Bishop of the Diocese of Pittsburgh, was so supportive of the Sisters of Divine Providence in their quest to establish La Roche, the Sisters honored him by naming the library after him. The new library opened in August 1967. Move in day was August 30, 1967, and a human chain of more than 200 sisters, students and volunteers moved over 28,000 books from Providence Heights to the new John J. Wright Library using cloth shopping bags borrowed from a local store.

The library was officially dedicated on Nov. 26, 1967, and a procession which consisted of state legislators, faculty, administration, students and other invited guests was formed in Ketteler Hall and advanced to the Wright Library. Bishop John J. Wright officiated at the ceremony. After the blessing of the library, the procession moved to the Motherhouse chapel in which the Bishop gave an address. A dinner was also held for the invited guests.

Vast changes have been made since 1967 when the library entirely held print resources such as books, journals and indexes. The library now has 30 computers for student use. It also subscribes to over 50 electronic databases where students research topics and have access to over 35,000 electronic journals. There are over 200,000 electronic books and internet access. The library was renovated in 2010 and also has the Providence World Café, a popular gathering place for coffee and conversation.

The library’s 50th Anniversary was celebrated on Nov. 21, 2017, with a party in the Fisher Room of the library where refreshments were served.

Mary Celine Boyer, the head librarian of the library when it was located in Providence Heights, was an honored attendee. Everyone enjoyed a PowerPoint presentation of the history of the library authored by the College Archivist Rachel M. Landau and the Assistant Archivist, Sr. Agnes Vogel. 4 4 4

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K I D S & E D U C AT ION

Innovative Education at Clarion University

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larion University, in recent years, has honed its focus on the development of professional programming that meets both student needs as well as the workforce demands here in Pennsylvania, and beyond. Clarion University leads the State System in professionally accreditation particularly in education, business, information, and health and human services.

One of Clarion’s most innovative new programs, the Respiratory Care three-year bachelor’s program, quickly prepares students to be registered respiratory therapists and to serve as educator, researcher, clinical specialist and other roles throughout the health care delivery system. An indemand field, respiratory therapists serve a vitally important role, one that saves and improves lives. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment growth of about 23 percent, amounting to 30,400 new positions by 2026. Historically, most schools have produced associate-level respiratory therapists, which has caused a gap in the field. Respiratory care is

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a high-priority occupation because of the demand for qualified respiratory therapists. Factors that play into this are an aging population and increasing incidence of respiratory disease. Advanced health systems are beginning to require that therapists who wish to work in specialty areas such as ICU, NICU, ED, PICU, and many others have a bachelor’s degree in respiratory care, as well as pass the registry at the RRT level. Clarion’s program is designed to close these gaps to help prepare tomorrow’s respiratory specialist, while doing so in one year less than traditional bachelor’s programs.

To learn more about this and other innovative programs Clarion offers, please visit www.clarion.edu. 4 4 4

Eden Christian Academy

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den Christian Academy is an independent, college preparatory, Christian school for students in preschool through grade 12. Founded in 1983, Eden is the largest non-denominational school in the greater Pittsburgh area with three beautiful campuses in Ohio Township, Ross Township and Wexford.

Eden’s new, state-of-the-art, high school academic building opened in 2017.

Eden provides a Christ-centered, full and engaged school experience that translates into early success at the next level. Each day, students are encouraged to become lifelong learners, directed by faith. In a recent survey, parents responded that they value the exceptional academics, the caring and safe environment and the scholastic, spiritual and moral growth they see in their children.

Eden offers eight Advanced Placement courses as well as two College in High School courses through the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University. Ninety-eight percent of Eden’s 2017 graduating class enrolled in colleges or universities, and Eden’s average SAT score is 1231. A vibrant International Student Program has resulted in hosting students from China, South Korea, Taiwan, Venezuela, Germany and England. Eden is a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (PIAA) and Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association (WPIAL). Visit www.edenchristianacademy.org 4 4 4

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K I D S & E D U C AT ION

School Movers & Shakers First Legos League ArtiFISHal Intelligence (AI), the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) team of North Allegheny middle school students Bryan Chen, Raj Ginde, Shomik Telang, Abhi Yarlagadda and Coleman Walsh; Pine Richland middle school students Luke Kastner, Ryan Scott, and Matt Farmar; and Seneca Valley middle school student Lucas Boyle won one of the Champion’s Awards at the Western PA regional championship. The event was held on Jan. 13.

The team is now headed to the FIRST LEGO League Razorback Invitational in Arkansas on May 17-20.

Seneca Valley The late Sgt. 1st Class Ryan Gloyer of Zelienople, died courageously in battle in Kunduz, Afghanistan, on Nov. 3, 2016, in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel. The former Seneca Valley student was a member of the elite Green Berets. In his honor, four Seneca

Valley students proposed to the Seneca Valley board of school directors an idea of renaming the Seneca Valley Middle School the Ryan Gloyer Middle School.

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School seniors Alyssa DiPaolo and Bridget Wang have been named candidates in the 2018 United States Presidential Scholars Program.

Eight Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the Duquesne University Model United Nations (UN) Conference. First-place awards went to Boomba Nishikawa and Aaron Santilli. Isabella Boleng, Tristan McClelland, and Ziya Xu and Hanna Chen, Rajeev Godse, and Olivia Tang won secondplace awards.

The Seneca Valley Foundation received a donation of $22,500 on behalf of NexTier Bank through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Education Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program grant.

Several Fox Chapel Area High School students qualified to compete in the Pennsylvania Technology Student Association (TSA) State Leadership Conference. First Place winners were Nathan VanDemark, Jorgen Wu and Aaron Wu. Elizabeth Mountz won second place and Nikita Bargaje garnered third place honors.

Seneca Valley senior Alexander Garcia has been named a finalist in the 63rd Annual National Merit Scholarship Program held by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC).

Seneca Valley Middle School (SVMS) and Evans City Middle School (ECMS) students won various awards at the 2018 regional MATHCOUNTS Competition at Grove City College on Feb. 3. Team members were Rachel Spear, Chris Helmsen, Kason Kunkelmann and Tanya Gupta, placed first overall.

Pine-Richland Two seniors from Pine-Richland earned the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouts of America program – the Eagle Scout. Seniors Seth Kornbau and Andrew Fernie constructed 12 nesting boxes for blue birds and tree swallows to replace dilapidated ones along the Skyline Trail at the Latodami Nature Center in North Park.

North Hills North Hills High School students advanced to the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) competition after securing top honors at the regional competition. First place honors went to Lauren Rebel and Hannah Sciulli.

Emma Polen and Veronica Sciulli won second place.

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Members of the Fox Chapel Area Educators Association (FCEA) collected over 165 new and gently used blankets as part of their ongoing efforts to help others. The association collected the blankets and donated them to Aspinwall residents Nancy and Ralph Heil, who venture out every Monday evening to deliver blankets to the homeless in the greater Pittsburgh area.

The following Fox Chapel Area students were Gold Key winners in the regional Scholastic Art Awards. They are: Hannah Higgins, Rachel Himmel, Michela Nicholas, Sofia Porter Bacon, Seo Yeon Wang, Hosoo Yoo, Fiona Healy, Jessica McCann and Nora McDougall. The Dorseyville Middle School Gold Key winner was Kadence Boykin.

Shaler Area Shaler Area High School announced their winners in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Gold key awards: Kelly Cross, Alexis

McKee, and Shannon Roche. Silver key winners: Claire Raines, Bailey Ritchey and Claire Schreiber.

Mars Area For the 2018-2019 School Year, Mars Area School Board voted in favor of a crosstown agreement with Pine-Richland School District to enable interested Mars Area High School students to participate in the Pine-Richland U.S. Air Force JROTC program.

Mars Area School District is listed among the Top 500 School Districts in America, according to a 2018 ranking by the National Council for Home Safety & Security.

Catholic Schools of the Pittsburgh Diocese REGISTER NOW for the 2018-2019 School Year

Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Hockey team members Patrick Roach and Will Scurci Patrick Will were selected Roach Scurci for the 2018 PIHL All-Star Class AA Team White (NorthWest).

Central Catholic High School (Oakland)

Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights, PA)

Three Mars Area students were selected to receive 2018 Northwest Region-at-Large Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. They are: Madison Ceasar, Symia Taimuty-Loomis and Audrey Gehm.

Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy (Aspinwall) Principal: Mr. Mark Grgurich (412) 781-7927 www.cdtca.org

Vincentian Academy (North Hills, PA)

Mars Area High School’s “Renaissance Students of the Month” for January 2018 are senior Rachel Wawrzynski, junior Alexis Garza, sophomore Connor Bird and freshman Mike Schmuck.

Mars Area freshman Ariana Volkar was selected to receive four 2018 Northwest Region-atLarge Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Principal: Brother Tony Baginski, FSC (412) 621-7505 www.centralcatholichs.com

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com

Principal: Mrs. Rita Canton (412) 364-1616 www.vincentianacademy.org

Principal: Margaret Ruefle M.ED.M.S. (412) 366-4455 www.alphaschool.org

Saint Gregory School (Zelienople) Principal: Erin Harris (724) 452-9731 school.stgregzelie.org

Ariana Volkar

Holy Cross Academy Several Holy Cross Academy students were selected by audition for the Diocesan North Honors Band. They include: David Burkhart, (Continued on page 30)

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K I D S & E D U C AT ION

Mackenzie Butler, Michaela Butler, Andrew Engelhardt, Richard Harless, James Polen, Odell Robinson, Benjamin Sibenac, Nicholas Santucci and Clark Soltesz.

Providence Heights Alpha School

the agency’s outstanding service award in late January.

The Holy Cross Academy Forensics team competed at Butler Catholic and received first place out of seven other teams. Individual awards were achieved by Katelyn Baker, McKenna Stevick, Emily Koman, Bridget Lucas, Gabriele Geyer, Maeve O’Connell, Shannon Schollaert, Joe Silvaggio, Marlena Battista and Mackenzie Butler.

Holy Cross students participated at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science regional competition. First place winners: Brianna Cobbey, Joe Daeschner, Jackson Farrell, Colleen Kilpatrick, Bridget Lucas, Alyssa Minton and Ben Tarquinio. Second place winners: Luke Daeschner, Gabriele Geyer, Cannon Herring, Will Hoerster, Kristin Kaminski, Andrew Koman, Patrick Orie, James Polen, Nicholas Santucci, Elsa Schneider, Shannon Schollaert, Jack Stanton, Rachel Sweeny, Nick Tarquinio and Thomas Zizan. Courtney Helwich earned third place.

The second-grade students of the Providence Heights Alpha School were introduced to Micheline Ouedraogo from Burkino Faso, a French speaking country in West Africa. Two years ago, Quedraogo’s sisters, Wendyam and Wendkouni, started a school in the village of Tamssin. Having a new school in this impoverished area brings relief for the parents of that village and opportunity for the children.

BC3

St. Joseph Saint Joseph High School senior, Isabel Horgan, is the recipient of a Silver Key for her film, Rebirth, from the Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards.

La Roche College Andrea Luciano, an interior design student at La Roche College, is the recipient of the annual William F. Slattery Student Merit Award.

Isabel Horgan

The following Saint Joseph High School students won awards at the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Region 7 Meeting. First place winners: Michael Konopski, Robert Lipnichan, Diesel Losch, Brody Porter, Samantha Skeba, Andrew VanFossen, Spencer Brackett, Ethan Schroeder and Julia Singleton. Second place winners: Keavy Callwood, Kelsey DuVall, Sean LeMay, Madelyn Neelan, Andy Nguyen, Paul Shadle, Zachary Szep, Skylar Geibel and Leah Grady.

The Ellis School The Ellis School beat out teams from 28 other schools to win Carnegie Science Center’s Pittsburgh Regional Future City Competition on Jan. 20 at Carnegie Music Hall. The team’s three presenters, Rowan Cain, Moira Connell and Abby Fagersten; teacher sponsor, Karen Compton; and engineer mentor, John Wojtyna advanced to the 26th annual Future City Finals. The Ellis School also won two special awards, those for Best Essay and Best Power Supply System.

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Dr. Nick Neupauer, president of Butler County Community College, received the Shirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction at the centennial celebration of Phi Theta Kappa.

Farmers National Bank of Emlenton’s $17,000 gift to Butler County Community College’s Education Foundation will assist BC3 in offering a financial literacy program for 700 area pupils as young as fourth-graders and help sophomores through seniors take advantage of BC3’s College Within the High School program.

Crystal Recklaw, a 38-year-old Butler Community College (BC3) @ Lawrence Crossing student, received a $500 “Finish What I Started Scholarship” awarded from the regional chapter of an Crystal international academic honor Recklaw society. Recklaw who is a single mother, is one of only two Pennsylvanians to receive this honor.

Butler Community College (BC3) professor Chris Calhoun, whose expertise in helping to author the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s water-rescue programs, received

MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Mikayla Ambler, an interior design student at La Roche College, is the recipient of a Planning and Visual Education (PAVE) student aid program grant.

CCAC The Community College of Allegheny County’s North Campus held a ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Jan. 25, to celebrate the launch of the college’s first-ever Innovation Lab. The new facility will connect industry representatives with students and faculty in project-based and interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

St. Vincent College United States Marine Corps 2nd Lieutenant Drew C. Meeker, a 2016 graduate of Saint Vincent College who completed training at the United States Marines Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Quantico, Virginia, in September 2017, is being featured prominently on a new USMC recruiting poster.

Butler Catholic School

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utler Catholic School recently found out that they are one of 12 Innovations in Catholic Education finalists awarded from Today’s Catholic Teacher magazine.

Butler Catholic’s principal Sister John Ann Mulhern, CDP is going to the National Catholic Education Association Convention the first week in April to accept the award. 4 4 4

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H E A LT H & WEL L NESS

Fit Families

Time to Tri

By Joella Baker and USA Triathlon

USA Triathlon and IRONMAN recently introduced Time to Tri, a campaign to grow the sport of triathlon at all levels, at all distances, in all parts of the country, and bring 100,000 new participants into triathlon by the end of 2020. This is a groundbreaking initiative for the sport of triathlon.

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s a USA Triathlon race director and coach, this is a very important initiative for me. Triathlon is now in the process of becoming an NCAA sport. USA Triathlon has 22 colleges and universities already in the NCAA program. What does this mean? Our young female athletes who excel at the sport of triathlon and who are good students now have an opportunity to compete in triathlon at the collegiate level and earn scholarships.

I am working with USA Triathlon as an ambassador for the sport and will be approaching our local colleges and universities to come on board as a school who will host an NCAA female triathlon team. Our hopes are to get at least one local school in the program within the next three years.

My team, Get Fit Families, already has 63 youth athletes in the program, 36 of them are female athletes. Our goal now is to get even more young athletes in our program in hopes of having them continue to race through their college years.

How do we do this? Through the Time to Tri initiative. We need to promote the sport of triathlon to youth and adults. The more people we get to try a triathlon, the more success we will have in recruiting colleges and universities to have triathlon as an NCAA sport.

In addition, our goal through this initiative is to promote the sport to current triathletes and potential triathletes. “By reaching out to potential triathletes and helping these ‘newbies’ on their way to their first triathlon, we will see more and more people falling in love with triathlon,” two-time Olympian Sarah True said. “Getting into the sport can be intimidating, but with the resources that USA Triathlon and IRONMAN are providing, we can help break down some of the common barriers that keep interested people from delving into triathlon. None of us are able to get into the sport without some help.”

Why should you care about growing the sport? Well, as the age-old adage goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. A growing and thriving sport means more race opportunities, more scholarship opportunities for young athletes, and more benefits for you and your fellow triathletes. You have the oppor34

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tunity to help us make the triathlon community more diverse and welcoming than ever.

What is MyTimeToTri.com?

The online hub of Time to Tri, mytimetotri.com, is a comprehensive resource for anyone chasing their first triathlon finish line. It includes training and racing tips, motivational tools and free training plans, all tailored to an individual’s specific skill level in the swim, bike and run.

How Can You Get Involved?

• Follow @MyTimeToTri on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share content and introduce your network to the sport you love.

• Point potential triathletes to MyTimeToTri.com, the online hub for this initiative, which provides valuable free resources for athletes on the path to their first finish line.

These resources include 70-plus articles for newbies, free training plans customized to an athlete’s ability level and much more.

• Have friends or family contact me at joella@zoominternet. net to learn about our newbie clinics, youth camps and our local races. These include the Mighty Moraine Man Multi-Sport Series, the USAT Youth Splash n’ Dash and the Mini Moraine Man Multi-Sport Series. These races are meant for the new triathlete, we host shorter distances, races that may not include a swim (duathlon) or a bike (splash n’ dash) or a run (the aqua-bike). We even have an adventure race for those who love to kayak or paddle instead of swimming. To get more on our series of races, visit www.mightymoraineman.com. Sign-up for the Mighty Moraine Man Time to Tri Training Plan and get ready to reach the finish line at your first triathlon.

To learn more about Time to Tri, access customized training resources and help grow the sport of triathlon in your community, visit mytimetotri.com. For a list of sanctioned triathlon events taking place in 2018, visit usatriathlon.org/eventcalendar.

Try a Tri This Year! 4 4 4

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Lose at Least 20 lbs. in 6 Weeks GUARANTEED on Dr. Vactor’s Program!

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all Dr. Michael Vactor TODAY at (724) 742-2700 to get the weight off and keep it off – don’t wait until the end of Spring and miss the hot, summer fun! Instead, CALL TODAY! EXERCISE is OPTIONAL. The focus of Dr. Vactor’s weight loss program is getting the pounds off first. This way exercise programs will not contribute to the risk of injury, joint pain or over-exertion from carrying too much weight. A trimmer you will be much more energetic and capable of joining in your favorite summer activities.

Dr. Vactor’s innovative weight loss program focuses on shedding the pounds and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. Unlike other programs that you may have tried, this program focuses on weight loss first; then, helps you to readjust to the thinner you.

Here are just a few of the overall benefits of Dr. Michael Vactor’s LIFE-CHANGING Program: SAFE, FAST, EASY AND EFFECTIVE NATURAL WEIGHT LOSS • Lose at least 1/2 pound per day, during first cycle • NO cravings, NO hunger pains, NO pre-packaged foods • Helps burn fat while you sleep, raises your metabolism • Learn life style tools to keep it off • This program targets belly, bum, hips, thighs • GUARANTEED RESULTS

Do you want to have a fun and enjoyable spring? Do you want to be showing off a new you in only a month’s time?

Tony from Aliquippa lost 30 pounds in one cycle on the program

Michelle G. – lost 52 pounds

According to Dr. Vactor, “People who follow my program as outlined get great results! Our average patient loses at least half a pound per day per cycle!

To date, 90-95% of my 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! 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 eighteen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, Cornerstone-TV, radio

Amanda T. – lost 50 pounds

shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor cares for players, coaches and family members of our Black and Gold teams in Pittsburgh.

During this time, 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. With eighteen 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 committed to losing the weight now and be slim and trim in 6 weeks time, call for a FREE, in-office review of this life-changing weight loss system.

Call now, at

(724) 742-2700 If you can’t call now, take a picture of the number with your SMART phone so you have the number ready to call.

If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention that you saw Dr. Vactor in the March 2018 issue of Northern Connection, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs. Since losing weight is easier with a partner, we offer a double discount, $100 off per person, if you bring your spouse or significant other with you, and sign up together for our program, during your office consultation. Participants must both be present at time of program sign-up to receive the double discount. Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible.

Dr. Vactor’s office is conveniently located at 673 Castle Creek Drive, Ext. Suite 106 Seven Fields, PA 16046. Http://www.drvactor.com (724) 742-2700. n

Alex S. – Lost 40 pounds

Results may vary based on an individual’s physical health, diet, personal commitment, and adherence to the program. Average participant per cycle, loses 1/2 pound per day. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.

Guarantee can be reviewed in the office prior to starting the program. Before starting any weight loss program, consult with a healthcare professional.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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I M AG E & S T YL E

4

Fast Tips for Perfect Makeup Removal

By Kelly Smith

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fresh start for our face each morning is essential to beginning your day on a high note. Without a clean, invigorating scrub, I tend to feel like a zombie trying to navigate my new-found day with yesterday’s makeup, still plastered on me while shambling into the shower. Removing all of your makeup from the day’s activities is a must if you want to wake up with fresh, glowing skin. By removing your makeup at night, you’ll be doing yourself and your skin a big favor. Going to bed with a face full of makeup can lead to clogged pores, dry skin, acne and eventually premature wrinkles. Your skin needs to breathe and to do so, it needs to exfoliate itself, which can’t be done if it’s covered with layers of foundation, blush and powders. And those aren’t the only toxins that have accumulated on our skin throughout the day- no way! With all the dust kicking around indoors and the pollution blowing around outdoors, by day’s end, who knows what kind of creepy-crawlies have invaded your skin. Read on for some fast and easy techniques to remove that mess.

THE POWER OF STEAM – Get the advantage of a steam facial in just two minutes. Simply fill your sink with hot water, and then lean on over it with a small towel covering your head as a barrier to hold the steam in.

This will most definitely loosen up even the toughest of cosmetics, leaving you ready to move on to your own favorite removal process. For a fun spa vibe, try adding just a drop of lavender or peppermint oil RUB, NOT SCRUB – removing your makeup should always be a gentle process. It goes without saying that you don’t ever want to use a loofah or a scrubber sponge on your face. Using your fingertips to apply a cleansing oil or tonic is the best technique as this will really loosen up the hard to remove foundation or concealers. To finish the job, do use a cotton cloth or ready-to-use cotton cosmetic pad (in white) to be sure you didn’t skip a hard to reach place such as, your hairline, behind the ears, or under your chin.

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FOAMY FINISH VS. WONDERFUL WIPEOFF – There’s no wrong answer here. Both do away with end-of-day cosmetic chaos and both are equally effective. So, the choice is yours; however, wipes do tend to be favored simply for the sake of ease. I happen to prefer a nice, warm, foamy facial before bedtime. I, especially, am a big fan of Aveeno’s foaming face wash—it also has good moisturizing cream as a bonus.

THE EYES HAVE IT – Mascaras, liners and shadows, oh my! What us girls won’t do to get a perfect smoky eye. It sure is fun putting it on but taking all that product back off again off leaves a lot to be desired at the end of a long day. So, what is the quickest, yet most effective way to remove all that went into dressing up those pretty peepers? Start with an oil-based remover made specifically for eye makeup. Don’t use a cotton ball as that will just leave behind a mess of fibers all over your lashes so instead, use cotton pads or a presoaked formula. You don’t need to buy the high-end products because they all have cleanser as the main ingredient. A few good brands include Neutrogena, Burt’s Bees, Aveeno or even Nivea. Our eyes and the skin around them are one of the most sensitive areas of skin so removing stubborn mascara should be done gingerly. Let the remover do its job and dissolve the product a minute or so before your final rinse.

Now that you have a fresh face, be sure to moisturize right away- every night-you’ll thank yourself one day that you did. We all have those nights where we either fall asleep on the sofa or muster up just enough energy to do our best zombie shuffle to bed, and that’s ok every once in a while.

But if you make it a habit, that zombie appearance may just migrate up to your face. 4 4 4

SE N I OR LI V ING

Town Crier

Hello March!

By Joe Bullick

F

ebruary had its share of holidays with Groundhog Day, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day. March has its share as well. We celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17, and this year all of Holy Week falls in March with Easter kicking off April with it celebrated on the first.

Spring training has started for Major League Baseball. This year opening day is March 29; it will be the earliest opening day ever and the first in 50 years when all teams open on the same day. The first professional baseball team was the Cincinnati Red Stockings. The first official game took place in June 1846 in Hoboken, N.J. If

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you are a baseball fan, get ready to spend some money to take in a game. It is estimated that it will cost $77 for two people to attend a game. That includes tickets, parking and refreshments.

Hello to the farmers in our area. In March if the weather warms up, they will begin to prepare the soil for planting later in spring. It’s great that their hard work results in our having corn, carrots, cabbage, lettuce and potatoes.

As a young boy in preparation for Easter, I always got a new pair of shoes and white shirt. I also got a haircut. My dad took me to my Uncle Frank’s Barber

MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Shop for years. There used to be a shoe shine chair in every barber shop back then.

You could get a haircut, shave and a shoe shine for only a few dollars. Many famous people got their start shining shoes. Singer James Brown shined shoes in Augusta, Ga., before he became “The Godfather of Soul.” Baseball player Sammy Sosa and activist Malcolm X also earned money shining shoes.

This month we also have the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic on March 25 at Pitt’s Fitzgerald Field House. Look around, there’s always something doing in Pittsburgh. Happy birthday to those born under the signs of Pisces and Aries. I leave you with this: There are good ships There are wood ships The ships that sailed the sea But the best ships are friendships And may they always be.

– Unknown

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!

Dr. Shawn Richey

“I tried all kinds of treatments and nothing worked for me until I met Dr. Shawn! So far I am 75 percent cured. It feels so good to walk again without pain!”

Pat, Ross Township

“I saw so many doctors and had so many tests.

But then I found Dr. Shawn! I am completely blown out of the water that this is working.”

Sheila, Latrobe

“It hasn’t even been a month and I’ve come a long way! I struggled with peripheral neuropathy for ten years.”

George, Beaver Co.

“I am 80 percent cured! I can’t wait to go hunting & fishing again!!”

Bob, New Castle

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. 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 of peripheral neuropathy. Our program utilizes state-of-the-art technology with combined therapies to restore life to the dead nerves.

Dr. Richey has seen thousands of patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. Since 2013, his program has had a 90 percent satisfaction rate addressing the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy using a successful, non-invasive, PAINLESS, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair.

Dr. Richey has expanded his practice to include Westmoreland as well as Allegheny Counties. Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 Wexford-Bayne 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.

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.

“I love this treatment because I noticed a real improvement.

I would absolutely recommend this.”

Ed, Ross Township

“Before I found Dr. Shawn, I suffered from peripheral neuropathy for 17 years. Now I’m HEALED!”

Paul, Pittsburgh

“I’ve been suffering with painful neuropathy and nothing seemed to help before Dr. Shawn. I am so pleased that I can finally walk again!

Otto, Johnstown, Pa.

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SE N I OR LI V ING

Happenings for Seniors Collections North Hills Community Outreach is collecting safety items for seniors.

For details visit nhco.org or call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Entertainment & Social 2nd Act, adults 55 & older gather

monthly for music, inspirational speakers & outreach projects, 10 a.m.-noon, 2nd Thurs thru May 10, the lobby at Orchard Hill Church.

For info visit, https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/.

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

Services Ross Twp., Berkeley Hills, Swan Acres, McCandless, Shaler & Hampton Townships. 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) 9351877.

St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Spring

Flower Show to Phipps, Mar. 27; Niagara Falls, Erie, Salamanca Casinos, Apr. 4-6; Little Switzerland, May 17; Gateway Clipper & Fireworks, July 4; Mackinac Island, Sept. 9. Contact, Rose (724) 7282563, or (412) 908-0124, or Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

Stay in Touch with Your Community!

Deadline for submissions is by the 12th of the month.

Health & Wellness Free Services for Seniors through North Hills 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.

Healthy Start Café, 8:45 a.m.,

every Mon & Thurs, St. John Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. Presented

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

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Seminars Legacy Theatre Seminars, 11

a.m., Mar. 6, New Eyes: A Unifying Vision of Science and Spirituality; (9 a.m.-1 p.m.), Mar. 20, AARP Driver Refresher Class; Apr. 3, Kaufmann’s Department Store; Apr. 17, Charlie Chaplin’s Red Letter Days. For info, visit http://thelegacylineup.com/

Senior Facilities UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care.

For details, call 1-800-324-5523.

Senior Meetings AARP 3736 welcomes new mem-

bers, 7:30 p.m., every 2nd Thurs., of the month (except June & July) at St. Ursula Church Social Hall. Special dinners in Dec., May & Aug. and exciting trips.

Cranberry Township 55+ Club

meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. The club features activities, social events and visitations. For info, call (724) 776-9274.

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles

meet at 7 p.m., every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 776-9274.

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

MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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.

Gateway North AARP #3586

meets at 1 p.m., the 3rd Monday of the month, at West View Banquet Hall at 398 Perry Hwy. Short meeting with entertainment, and cake & coffee. Everyone is welcome.

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

Social Groups Amazing Singles, for singles in the

Pittsburgh region, visit, http://www. amazingsingles.com/pittsburgh.html.

Catholic Alumni Club of Pittsburgh, has dances, retreats

manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

Tax Prep Changes to AARP Tax Prep in 2018, Northland Library will part-

ner with AARP to offer tax prep for senior citizens and low-income residents. Appointments will be held 9 a.m.-noon, Tues. & Thurs., thru Apr. 12. For info, visit https://www. northlandlibrary.org/.

Volunteer Opportunities:

and plays various sports and other great events. Visit their website http://www.cacpittsburgh.org/.

Hope Hospice is looking for volun-

Have fun and meet new people with the Association of University People/AUP. They’re looking for

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors

single, college graduates over 50 to join monthly dinners, meet at social spots, book club, play bridge or scrapple and social gatherings. Call (412) 734-8445 or visit www.aupsinglespittsburgh.org

Visit Pittsburgh Events & Festivals lists upcoming events for singles, kids, and married folks. It enlightens Pittsburghers on dining, shopping and recreational events.

Go to http://www.visitpittsburgh. com/events-festivals.

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 (724) 799-7049.

Bereavement Support Group (for

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

Home Instead Senior Care®

has a program to help families in Northwest Allegheny County

teers to visit Hospice patients. Call (412) 367-3685.

with disabilities with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

North Hills Community Outreach

needs volunteers to snow shovel for seniors. Email clpschirer@nhco.org or (412) 307-0069 x3313.

North Hills Community Outreach

urgently needs volunteers in the upper Route 28 corridor to help seniors. Visit http://nhco.org/ volunteer-opportunities/volunteerhelp-seniors/. For details, call Kerry, (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco. org.

Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program

seeks volunteers (50+) to tutor in Pittsburgh & Woodland Hills School Districts in grades K-4. Trainings are held at the Duquesne Light Building downtown Pittsburgh. For info or to register, contact John at OASIS at (412) 393-7648 or jdspehar@ oasisnet.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.

CALL NOW

to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!

724-940-2444

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2018

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SU PP ORT OUR T ROOPS

Arthur E. Inks Serviceman on the SS Dorchester

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ast month, in our Support Our Troops column, we featured a World War II story on four Army chaplains who perished on the SS Dorchester on Feb. 3, 1943. After the ship was torpedoed, they helped soldiers board lifeboats and gave up their own lifejackets when the supply ran out. The chaplains joined arms, said prayers and sang hymns as they went down with the ship.

After we ran this story in our February issue, we received an email from one of our readers – Thanks for putting something in the Northern Connection magazine about Four Chaplains Day. Since I’ve gone down the genealogy rabbit hole, I have been so interested in the Dorchester. My greatgrandfather (Arthur Inks) died that night when the ship went down.

I lived with his daughter in McCandless for much of my life. At different times, Arthur’s wife and son also lived with us. I’m heading out to Philly to attend the 75th Anniversary with the Four Chaplains organization.

- Sharon Volpe of McCandless Township As a follow-up we’re retracing the days that led up to Arthur Inks departure on that ill-fated United States Army Transport (USAT) ship. As Sharon explains, “Arthur had been having problems at home. He and his wife were separated, and he and

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By Paula Green

his mistress had just put their newborn son up for adoption.

Arthur had an 18-year-old son, Jimmy, who recently enlisted in the Navy. Arthur’s daughter, Betty, was my grandmother,” Sharon said. “She listed swimming as one of her favorite activities in her senior yearbook. After her father’s assumed drowning, she would refuse to ever get into a pool again.”

“My great-grandfather boarded the Dorchester on Jan. 23, 1943. He had been in the military for about one year. Like many from Western Penna., he had worked as a laborer in both a steel mill and a coal mine. Right before, the war, his job was with a hanger company in Baltimore; it ended up closing its doors. Arthur moved back to Uniontown, where he lived much of life, and was living there when he got the news he had to report for duty. At age 41, he was one of the oldest men on that ship that even had a 14-year-old stowaway,” Sharon said.

When the Dorchester was hit, it immediately lost electricity and radio contact. There was no way they could radio for help.

Some lifeboats were inaccessible because of their location; others were frozen to the ship. This military transport ship sank quickly into the icy waters of the Atlantic. Of the 902 men aboard the Dorchester, 230 survived and 672 perished – including Arthur. Today, there is one lone survivor, William Bunkelman, who lives in a nursing home in Monroe, Mich.

“Many Pittsburghers have passed the chapel at the Pittsburgh International Airport. In 1994, it was dedicated to the Four Chaplains. The Jewish Community Center in Squirrel Hill has a large memorial to the men. I have no information about how my great-grandfather actually died that night, but I am happy that there is an incredible story about the Dorchester that we cannot let fade away. The research I have fallen into with this has made me cry on more than a few occasions. I have twice stood in front of his name engraved on the East Coast Memorial in Battery Park in New York City and grieved for this man I never knew,” said Sharon. 4 4 4

WHE RE WA S I ?

Irish and More

By Janice Lane Palko

I

f you’ve been reading this column, you know that last August I visited Ireland. It was everything I had hoped it to be and more. Since we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this month, I thought I’d share some of the “more” that I discovered during my trip.

In Ireland, they don’t speak Gaelic; they speak Irish. Gaelic is a language with branches, Irish, Scottish Gaelic, and Manx, which is spoken on the Isle of Man, the small island in the Irish sea between Ireland and Great Britain.

William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, spent his boyhood in Macroom, Ireland, at Macroom Castle. It was also in Macroom where Penn converted to become a Quaker, which was against English law, and landed Penn a stint in jail. King Charles II was indebted to the Penns and to settle the debt, the king gave William Penn land in the new world where the Quaker would be free to practice his religion.

The Irish have one of the highest incidences of celiac disease, an intolerance for gluten, in the world. The Ireland Coeliac Society (they spell differently in the Emerald Isle) estimates 1 out of every 100 Irish citizens is gluten intolerant. They are not sure why the disease is so common among the Irish, but if you have Irish ancestry and have digestive disorders, you may want to check to see if you have celiac disease.

If you are Irish, you also may have Viking blood coursing through your veins. The first Viking raiders attacked the east coast of Ireland around 795 and created the settlements of Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Waterford The Vikings were defeated in 1014 at the Battle of Clontarf, but when they weren’t pillaging, the Vikings did marry into Irish families. Today, in Dublin you can visit Dublinia, a museum devoted to the Viking history in Ireland. You can also take a Viking Splash tour, the city’s version of Just Ducky Tours, where passengers wear horned Viking helmets and roar at pedestrians.

Entrance to the souterrean. Photo courtesy of Bea Miccio.

The west of Ireland is mostly unspoiled.

The Viking penetration there was very limited, and the Romans never invaded. As such, there are archeological sites all over. It is estimated that there are more than 30,000 castles and castle ruins alone. There are prehistoric sites that are over 6,000 years old and predate the Pyramids in Egypt. On our way to Slea Head, the western most part of Ireland and Europe, our tour guide asked if we wanted to stop at the house of his friend, Gerry, to see a ring fort. Gerry met us on a sloped hill side near his farm house and lead us to a prehistoric site in his backyard. He told us that the stone fort had a souterrain, a passage into the hillside where these early inhabitants of the island would retreat when attacked. Gerry also told us humans were also sacrificed on the site.

The Irish take leprechauns and fairies seriously. We may scoff at that, but Gerry said something that made me think. He told us to imagine it’s the year 300 A.D., and you’re living in Ireland. Your crops fail, the cattle are ailing and your baby dies. There is no medicine or science to explain it, so it doesn’t seem that far fetched to blame your misfortune on “little people.”

Especially when you have a stone settlement in your back yard that no one knows how it got there and which has a small doorway leading into the earth.

Happy St. Patrick’s Inside the souterrean.

Photo courtesy of Bea Miccio.

Day! 4 4 4

The Rock of Cashel

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March 2018

Happenings Arts & Entertainment Colin Richards will be the guest

artist at the 7 p.m., Mar. 8 meeting of the Beaver Valley Artists, Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 Fifth Avenue, New Brighton. Visit www.beavervalleyartists.org.

Cranberry Artists Network Members Show, Mar. 12-Apr. 5, at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd. Opening reception is 6-8 p.m., Mar. 22. Visit www.cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

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Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m.,

Mar. 5, The Mountain Between Us; Mar. 12, The Glass Castle, Mar. 19, Gifted, Mar. 26, Thank You For Your Service, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www. thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Camps Week-long overnight experience

for young adults with autism or other intellectual/developmental disabilities at Glade Run. Reserve your spot, visit tharvan@gladerun.org.

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

Mar. 24, The Skyliners; Apr. 14, The Jersey Seasons: Frankie Vallie and the Four Seasons Tribute Concert; May 19, Night Fever: Bee Gees Tribute; Jun. 9, Johnny Angel & the Halos, Jul. 7, La Bohème Warhola by Giancomo Puccini, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http:// www.thelegacylineup.com/productions.

MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Classes Depreciation’s Land Museum classes: Mar. 3, Introduction into

Weaving; Mar. 10, Intermediate Weaving; Mar. 24, Tavern Night; Apr. 14, Spinning Class; Apr. 21, Open Hearth Cooking. Visit http:// www.depreciationlandsmuseum.org/ or call (412) 486-0563.

Counseling Ask the Attorney, free counseling

for qualified individuals, the 3rd Wed. of every month, 7 p.m., Mar. 21 at NHCO in Millvale, Apr. 18, NHCO in Allison Park. Pre-register at jmboggs@nhco.org or (412) 4083830 x3217.

Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church is

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

Group Services, Intensive

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

Dancing & Recreational Events Ballroom Dancing, 7-8 p.m. (begin-

ners); 8-10:30 p.m. (social dance), 1st & 3rd Fri., thru Jun. 1, Orchard Hill.

Visit https://www.orchardhillchurch. com/

Country Knight Line Dancers

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

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages

40+, 8 p.m. to midnight, Mar. 3, Free Hot Dog Bar w/Toppings Dance; Mar. 17, Pre-St. Patty’s day Party w/ Pot of Gold. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m., West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Call (724) 316-5029 or www. dancetonight.weebly.com.

Environmental Western PA Mushroom Club meetings, 7 p.m., Tues., Mar. 20, Apr. 17, May 15 (cultivation), Jun. 19, Jul. 17, Aug. 21, Sept. 18, Oct. 16 (photo contest results & election of officers), Nov. 20 (potluck dinner & member photos), Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd. For info, visit wpamushroomclub.org.

Fish Fries Fish Fry, 4:30-7 p.m., Fridays dur-

ing Lent (thru Mar. 30), St. James Gathering Space & school cafeteria, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. Fried or baked fish, salmon or shrimp plate.

For details, visit www.saintjameschurch.com or (412) 741-6650.

Lupus Luncheon & Fashion Show

benefiting the Lupus Foundation of PA, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 7, Fairmont in Pittsburgh. Visit lupus.org.

Shake Your Booties with guests

Jerome Bettis & Rick Sebak on Mar. 3, at Heinz Field for the gala in honor of The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center’s 125th anniversary! To purchase tickets, visit www.childrenshomepgh.org, or contact Jennie at (412) 441-4884.

Gardening Greybrooke Garden Club meeting,

9:30 a.m., Mar. 14, in Fellowship Hall of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Boulevard, Hampton Twp. Guests are welcome.

Contact Barbro at (412) 296-0538.

Ingomar Garden Club meets

10:30 a.m., the 1st Wed. of the month, Mar. thru Nov., at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 311 Cumberland Road, McCandless Twp. Business meeting followed by a light luncheon and speaker. All perspective members are invited. Visit https://www. ingomar-garden-club.com/

Health & Wellness Health Workshops at La Roche

College, 5:30 p.m., Mar. 20, Fit for Life; Apr. 10, How to Manage High Blood Pressure. Register at, laroche. edu/gethealthy.

Revelations Fitness® Fusion (car-

dio, 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.

Run for the Hills! NHCO seeks 5K

runners, relay teams and marathoners for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, May 5 & 6.

Visit www.crowdrise.com/northhillscommunitypitt2018 or call Harriet at (412) 408-3830 x3204.

Tai Chi Exercise for Exercise,

Fundraiser Express Employment Professionals hosts Express Clydesdales, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.,

Children’s Home of Pittsburgh; 4-7 p.m., Mar. 16, Donaldson Park. Visit https://www.paacc.com/events/ details/meet-the-clydesdales.

Great Allegheny Passage 5K/10K Run & 2 Mile Fun Walk, May 12,

Arthur H. King Access Area of the Great Allegheny Passage in West Newton. Register before Apr. 12 to get a free t-shirt. Visit www.bikewytc.org.

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m., thru Jun. 23, (no meeting Mar. 31 or May 26), Orchard Hill Church. Visit https:// www.orchardhillchurch.com/.

VA Butler Healthcare will be offer-

ing flu vaccination clinics to Veterans at the main campus, CommunityBased Outpatient Clinics, and other community locations this fall. For a list, call (724) 287-4781 or 1-800362-8262.

Historical Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 2nd Monday of the 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.

Library Northland Library, Northland

Genealogy Day, noon, Mar. 3; Yarn Bombing Display, Mar. 4-Apr. 7; Vision Development and Its Impact on Learning, 7 p.m., Mar. 8; Tech Talk, 1 p.m., Mar. 19; In the Line of Duty: Disability Compensation for Veterans, 7 p.m., Mar. 22. Visit www.northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100.

Living Stations Living Stations, 7:30 p.m., Mar.

25, presented by St. James Catholic Parish & St. Ferdinand Parish Youth Group in St. James Church, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. No charge, but a free-will offering. Visit www. saintjames-church.com or (412) 7416650, ext. 310.

Networking AM Spirit Business Link Chapter,

a business networking group, meets 11:45 a.m. every Wed, at Bistro 9101, 9101 Perry Hwy., McCandless Twp. Call Roy at rrudl@northwood.com.

AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a

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

AM Spirit McCandless Chapter, a

business networking group, meets at noon every Wed, at Bistro 9101, Rt. 19, McCandless Twp. Call Glen (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business networking

group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Sports Grille at 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.

Butler County Business Matters Friday Morning Coffee, 8 a.m., Mar. 30, Clearview Federal Credit Union. For info email Jennifer@ butlercountychamber.com or (724) 283-2222.

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Sales Bellwood Preschool’s KidStuff Sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Mar. 16 &

9 a.m.-noon, Mar. 17, 2359 W. Ingomar Rd. Gently used infant’s and children’s clothing, furnishings, toys & books.

The Block Northway Girl Scout cookies sales, Mar. 2-18. For details, visit http://theblocknorthway.com/

St. Aloysius Rummage Sale, 8

a.m.-2 p.m., Mar. 10 & 12:30-3:30 p.m., Mar. 11, 3610, Mt. Troy Road, Reserve Twp. Eighteen rooms filled with treasures. Homemade food & bakery in the cafeteria. Questions, call (412) 352-8959.

School & Classes Community College of Allegheny County (CCAC) Spring Job Fairs:

9:30-1:30 p.m., Mar. 7, South Campus; 9:30-1:30 p.m., Mar. 21, North Campus; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mar. 22, Boyce Campus; 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Apr. 4, Allegheny Campus. Visit ccac.edu.

Digital Boot Camp Series: Mar.

10; Digital Identity, Apr. 21; Social Media: What Parents Need to Know, Room 3002 at CCAC North Campus.

To register, visit www.northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100 ext.

113.

Western PA Professional Business Association Network Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Tuesdays,

King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8, Gibsonia.

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

Outreach Conversation Friends ESL offers

basic English practice to non-native speakers for the purpose of helping them navigate thru everyday life.

The group meets, 10 a.m.-noon, Tues & Thurs. & 7-8:30 p.m., Weds at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, Rochester & McAleer Rds., Franklin Park. Volunteer tutors & adults who want to learn conversational English are welcome. Visit www.stbrendans. org or call (412) 364-5974.

Donate your vehicle to NHCO’s

Transportation Assistance program, (formerly Community Auto). Free pickup or towing and hassle-free donation process. For details, visit nhco.org/donate/donate-car or (412) 408-3830 X3225.

Knitters needed to join the Busy Hands Group at The Olive Branch

Fair Trade Store and Missions. The group meets 9:15-11:15 a.m., 1st & 3rd Monday of the month, at 11160 Perry Highway in Wexford. For info, call (724) 799-8700,

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Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517

Mt. Royal 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.

North Hills Community Outreach is collecting items for their Spring Dinner, Mar. 9. For details, visit www.nhco.org or call (412) 4876316, opt. 1.

North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.-

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

Tickets are on sale for North Hills Community Outreach’s Neighborhood Block party, 5:30-

8:30 p.m., Apr. 26, Chadwick in Wexford. Visit nhco.org/2018-neighborhood-block-party or call Cheryl at (412) 487-6316, opt.1

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary is

looking for dedicated people who wish to support UPMC Passavant McCandless & Cranberry. The group meets 10 a.m., the 2nd Mon. of each month. (Sept-thru Jun.) Call (412) 748-6640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

MARCH 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Financial Aid (FAFSA) Completion Workshop, 5-7 p.m., Mar. 6; 10

a.m.-noon, Mar. 10, Palumbo Science Center, Room 209, La Roche College.

For info, email finaid@laroche.edu, or visit larcohe.edu or (412) 536-1125.

Fox Chapel Elementary schools Kindergarten storytimes in Mar. & Apr. Pre-registration is requested. For further details, visit www.fcasd.edu or call 9412) 963-0333.

Fox Chapel School District spring musical, Shrek the Musical, 7 p.m., Mar. 15-17 & 2 p.m., Mar. 18, in the high school auditorium.

Swamp Party, 12:15-1:30 p.m., Mar. 18. Visit www.fcasd.edu/ticket.

La Roche Professional Development Series, Five Practices

of Exemplary Leadership, 6:308:30 p.m., Mar. 26, Transforming Performance Management: Lessons Learned at MSA, Apr. 16, Ryan Room of the Zappala College Center. Preregister at laroche.edu/hrmseries.

Leadership program, presented

by Fox Chapel Area School District and Dale Carnegie & Associates, Jun. 18-28. For details, email Lisa_ Gibson@fcasd.edu or (412) 967-2479.

North Hills High School students will perform Dames at Sea, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 8-10 & Mar. 15-17. For reservations, email zimmermanm@ nhsd.net or (412) 318-1438.

North Hills Sports Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for its Class of 2018 inductees. Nominations must be received by Apr. 1. Visit www.nhsd.net.

Pine-Richland musical Oklahoma, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 9, 10 & 16; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Mar. 17, in the high school auditorium. Visit www.pinerichland.org/musical.

Seneca Valley All-School Musical, Tarzan will be held at 7 p.m. on March 8, at 7:30 p.m. on March 9-10 and at 2 p.m. on March 10-11, in the Seneca Valley Intermediate High School Auditorium. To order tickets, visit http://www.svsd.net/ SVMusical

Seneca Valley & Westinghouse Electric Co. has partnered to men-

tor students with autism. STEM meetings will be held, 2:45-4:45 p.m., Mar. 1, Mar. 15, Apr. 5 & Apr. 19, in the senior high school. For info, (724) 452-6040 ext. 1402 or email pylejm@svsd.net.

Shaler Area High School presents Anything Goes, 7 p.m., March 2-3 in the high school auditorium. For info, (412) 492-1200 Press 8 and ext. 1530.

Shalerpalooza X , 7 p.m., Mar. 9,

at Mr. Smalls Theatre in Millvale.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or email mangoldd@sasd.k12.pa.us.

St. Vincent College Planetarium shows, 11 a.m., Mar. 17, Apr. 28, & May 5 at the Angelo J. Taiani Planetarium. Visit www.stvincent. edu/planetarium.

Sports & Recreation Brad-Mar-Pine Baseball & Softball registration is open for

girls & boys, ages 3-19. Players who live in Marshall, Bradford Woods, Pine Twp. & neighboring communities are welcome. For details, visit www.bradmarpine.org.

Co-Ed Indoor Soccer, 7:30-9 p.m., Thurs., thru May 24, gym, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch. com.

Co-Ed Volleyball, 7:30-9 p.m., Tues., thru May 22, gym, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch.com.

North Hills Community Outreach

invites runners, relay teams & marathoners to run in the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon May 5 & 6. When you support NHCO team, you help families in need. Visit www. crowdrise.com/northhillscommunitypitt2018.

Spring Events

students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center.

Register at (412) 622-1212.

Depreciation Lands Museum, Talley Cavey Tavern Night, 10 p.m., Apr. 7, pre-paid reserva-

Bridge to Hope, 7 p.m., every Wed., of the

tions; Children’s Heritage Day, 1-4 p.m., May 6, 4743 S Pioneer Rd, Allison Park. Visit DLMuseum@ gmail.com or (412) 486-0563.

month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, at Cumberland Woods Village, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Visit bridge2hope.org, or call (412) 748-5120. bridge2hope.org.

Spring Bird Watching, Wonderful Waterfowl, 8

Christian 12-Step Recovery, 7-9 p.m., Kidzburgh

a.m.-4 p.m., Mar. 17, National Aviary. All ages are welcome. Space is limited. To register, call Audrey Beichner at 412-258-9463 email Audrey.Beichner@ aviary.org.

St. Patrick’s Day St. Patrick’s Day Dinner Dance, 6-10 p.m., Mar. 10, St. James Catholic School gym, 200 Walnut St., Sewickley. Visit www.saintjames-church.com or (412) 741-6650, ext. 310.

Summer Events Brook Park Swim Club, in McCandless Twp., wel-

4th-5th grade room, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, 10:30 a.m.,

Tues., Prayer Room of Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., McCandless. For info, call Jane at (412) 951-9517.

Divorce Care, 7-9 p.m., Thurs., thru May 31, Room 201, Upper level, Orchard Hill. For details, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

General Cancer Center Support Groups, 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.

comes new members. We aren’t just a pool – we’re an active community waiting for you to join. For info, visit our website: https://brookparkswimclub. wildapricot.org/

GriefShare, 7-8:30 p.m., Thurs., thru May 31,

Save a snowball and freeze it til Jun. 21. You

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

can use it as admission to the Carnegie Science Center’s annual Snowball. Visit carnegiesciencecenter.org.

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

Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month,

Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary.

Call (412) 748-6640.

Room 205, upper level, Orchard Hill. For details, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Grief Support Group for widows and widowers

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every

3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

Metastatic Cancer Support Group, 5-6:30 p.m.,

1st Thur. of each month, UPMC Passavant HospitalMcCandless. For cancer patients and survivors with metastatic disease. Caregivers are welcomed. No cost to attend. Led by Wendy Myers, MSW, LSW. Free parking & light refreshments. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. New members register at (412) 622-1212.

MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and Support) for those grieving the loss of a child –

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

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.

Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills,

Parkinson’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Tues of

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/

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

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, noon-

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

Brain Injury Support Group, Mind Matters,

7-9 p.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center. Call (724) 283-6666.

Brain Tumor Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m., 3rd

Thurs., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center.

Register at (412) 622-1212.

Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7 p.m., 3rd Mon., AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m.,1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no

each month, Rose E. Schneider YMCA. For details, contact Dale at (724) 591-8121 or d.reckless@mrsphysicaltherapy.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.

Recovery from Codependency, 7-9 p.m.,

Kidzburgh 3-yr old room, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Recovery for Parents of Addicts, 7-9 p.m.,

Kidzburgh K-1 room, Orchard Hill Church. Visit orchardhillchurch.com.

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

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

Stroke Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., once a month on Weds., HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd., For info, contact Valerie at (412) 826-2784 or valerie.bucek@healthsouth.com.

Tax Prep AARP Tax Prep, 9 a.m.-noon, Tues & Thurs, thru

Apr. 12, Northland Library. For details, visit www. northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100 x103.

North Hills Community Outreach is offer-

ing free tax prep for low-income individuals through the United Way’s Free Tax Prep program.

Appointments are required. Call 2-1-1.

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Hiland Preschool’s Spring/Summer Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale Saturday, March 17, 8:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, March 18, 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. Consignmentsale@hilandpreschool.com

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Local Worship This Easter

Saint Alexis Catholic Church 2018 Lenten and Easter Triduum Liturgical Schedule

Easter Sunday is April 1 Veterans North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www. qovf.org.

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

VA Butler Healthcare’s Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Program now offers Veterans the opportunity to work one-on-one with a personal trainer in its Wellness Center at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center. For info, visit https://www. butler.va.gov/services/Health_and_Wellness.asp or call, 878-271-6484.

Veterans Breakfast Club Meetings, held 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/.

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volun-

teers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Call (412) 9191100 or emailsharon.stalter@cancer.org.

Daily Masses

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 volunteers for their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with

Provide vision–Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www.mission-vision.org.

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.

Tutoring volunteers needed for Anchorpoint’s Fall Tutoring Mentoring Program. For details, call (412) 366-1300 x123.

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Call (412) 3810277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

Monday, Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. _______________

Sacrament of Penance Leave the Light On For You Wednesday, March 21, 2018 6:00-9:00 p.m.

Communal Service 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, March 22, 2018 _______________

Stations of the Cross Fridays 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. _______________

Palm Sunday Masses

March 25, 2018 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

Workshops

Holy Thursday

Pennsylvania Resources Council has various

compost workshops scheduled March thru June.

Vericomposting workshop, 1-2:30 p.m., Mar. 25, Ross Township Community Center. For details, www.prc.org/programs.

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

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2018 Fish Fries 52

Support these local fish fry fundraisers!

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