March 2020 issue - Northern Connection Magazine

March 2020

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 21 YEARS

Lifesaving Experts The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant Also...

2020 Home Guide Alfred Hitchcock Trivia March Happenings

Summer Camps Guide

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

1

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

March

Features 8 FRZY Records Music Video in Sewickley 28 Facts From the Farm Ron Eichner 43 The 1st Amendment & Free Speech Weston Waite

Home & Garden 16

10 Mr. Sewer 11 Stephany Insurance LLC 12 It’s Your Move—Now is the Time to Enter the Real Estate Market Janice Lane Palko

Health & Wellness 16 Cover Story: Lifesaving Experts – The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant 18 “Shut Out the Spring Breeze,” You Say? Belinda Burchick

Image & Style 22 Public Grooming Etiquette – What’s OK, What’s NOT OK Kelly A. Smith

20

Senior Living 26 Happenings for Seniors 27 Are You Allowing Guilt to Get You Off Track?

28 Enjoy An Energizing Evening with Ben Stein April 23

2020 Summer Camp Guide 31 33 34 36

BAM at Oakland Catholic Butler County Family YMCA Shady Side Academy Summer Programs Tech it Up: Techy Must-Haves for Summer Camp Marianne Reid Anderson

37 Act One Summer Camp

30

Kids & Education 38 School Movers & Shakers

Advertorials

On the Cover:

Michael Fallert, MD with patient, Al Schmidt

5

Get Your “ING” Back: Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey 20 The Future of Health Care is Membership Medicine

In Every Issue...

4

From the Publisher

6

Movers & Shakers

7

Mover & Shaker of the Month: Hampton Students Design an Adaptive Glove for Middle School Teacher Paula Green

9 2

Marion Piotrowski

From the Editor: One Love

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

24 Trivia Connection: Alfred Hitchcock Trivia Paula Green

Janice Lane Palko

30 Support Our Troops: MARCHing into the Latest Military News in the ‘Burgh Paula Green

40 March 2020 Happenings

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

3

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to the March Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

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

W

e should be seeing some flowers popping up and hearing the birds singing this month as we welcome spring. This winter has been very dreary, and it’s always nice to have spring in the air and a little bit more daylight to enjoy.

If you or someone you love suffers from heart disease, this month’s cover story will enlighten patients on what UPMC Passavant has to offer. Read about the state-of-the art care delivered by a team of UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists and vascular surgeons.

If you are planning to sell your home, spring is a popular time to prepare your house so you can get the most value as possible. In this month’s Real Estate section, we offer a few sugges“It doesn’t matter tions from some of the local experts. how big the house Check out the Happening section for is, it matters how some interesting things to do and see in happy the home is.” and around the Pittsburgh area. This is Unknown also the time of year for local fish fries.

You can enjoy eating some of the best fish the city has to offer, and most places offer take out as well as dine in!

Enjoy reading this month’s feature articles along with 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! n

Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Laura Arnold laura@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 Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Joella Baker Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest

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.

4

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

ADVERTORIAL

Get Your “ING” Back Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have HOPE

Announcing Our Newest Location!

Dr. Shawn Richey has restored the lives of thousands of peripheral neuropathy sufferers.

1385 Washington Rd., Suite 100, Washington, PA 15301 Across from the Meadows

Open Carla S. walkING to watch my grandson’s soccer game!

Michael walkING again

Gretchen B. sleepING again

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 utilizing brand new technologies is available at the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH. It includes the combination of very specific, non invasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Shawn’s SUPERVISED, MONITORED and IN OFFICE program has a 90 percent satisfaction rate. With the experience of seeing over 3000 patients, he is able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results.

Marla C. balancING again

Pat H. wearING shoes again

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 marydancedin.com.

Three Locations:

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands Extreme Sensitivity to Touch Loss of Balance or Coordination Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles Weakness in the Arms and Legs Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers Dependency on Medications If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait till they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.

Debra B. sleepING again

Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207

Latrobe 1901 Ligonier Street

Washington, Pa

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH

1385 Washington Rd., Suite 100

MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000

Visit us on Facebook under Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH and join our private support group

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Movers & Shakers Passavant Memorial Homes Family of Services (PMHFOS) announce that Zachary Senft, chief administrative officer, has been recognized by the Pittsburgh Smart Business magazine as one of the top executives of the 50 smartest companies in the Greater Pittsburgh region.

Butler Memorial Hospital is one of 24 organizations to win the John A. Hartford Foundation Tipping Point Challenge national award. Over 1,500 health care organizations participated in the challenge.

Kim M. Pierce, M.D., joined BHS Primary Care on February 1. She is seeing patients at their office located at 102 Technology Drive in Butler. Dr. Pierce completed her premed studies at SUNY in Buffalo, N.Y., and received her medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

An Evening for Autism

Dr. Kim Pierce

The Pittsburgh Shorts jury award winner for best live action takes home the Oscar! The Neighbor’s Window won the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film at the Oscars which were held on February 9.

Members and Friends of the Unitarian Universalist Church of the North Hills announced the installation of their new settled minister, Rev. Jane Thickstun, at 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, at Rev. Jane the church, located at 2359 West Thickstun Ingomar Road. Rev. Jane grew up in Potsdam, N.Y., and has degrees in Linguistics and Philosophy, both from Georgetown University. She was ordained in 2000 after receiving her Masters in Divinity from the Meadville Lombard Theological School. Rev. Jane began serving Unitarian Universalist congregation as its settled minister in August 2019.

T

he 13th Annual An Evening for Autism will be held 6:30-10:30 p.m., March 6, at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry. The Monte Carlo night will feature dinner, auctions and raffles.

According to the National Autism Association – autism affects one in 59 children. The rate of this disorder has steadily grown over the last twenty years. Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disorder, yet the most underfunded.

North Allegheny teachers and the NA community are pulling together to do their part with An Evening for Autism. One hundred percent of the funds raised at the event go to Autism Speaks. Follow updates on this worthy cause at Facebook: http://www.facebook. com/AnEveningForAutismPittsburgh Twitter: @Evening4Autism. For more information or to purchase a ticket, contact Mike Lyons at (412) 580-1934 or mlyons@northallegheny.org. n

6

On Thursday, February 13, Dr. Shawn Richey of Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH held a patient appreciation lunch at Bravo Restaurant in Cranberry. Attendees were thanked with a delicious lunch and gift basket raffle plus free health products.

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Hampton Students Design an Adaptive Glove for a Middle School Teacher

By Paula Green Hampton High School sophomores Danielle Sutterlin and Dakota Basista have designed an adaptive glove to assist a teacher within their district. The teens came up with their creation as they took part in the SourceAmerica Design Challenge.

T

he duo constructed an assistive glove for Hampton Middle School math teacher, Bethann Dolan. In 2006, Dolan was diagnosed with transverse myelitis, a rare, sudden-onset neurological disorder that caused inflammation in her spinal cord that left her a quadriplegic. Danielle and Dakota’s new glove is equipped with a specialized clipboard and pen to help Mrs. Dolan write.

“Our engineering design teacher, Mr. Scott, approached us with this design challenge. He came across the SourceAmerica Design Challenge, where the goal was to create a device to help a person with disabilities in the workplace. Dakota and I have always been interested in engineering, and we especially loved the idea of helping someone, so we decided to enter the competition as a team. We wanted to help Mrs. Dolan. She is known as a positive and encouraging teacher, so we were excited to try and help her during the challenge,” said Danielle.

The two teens spent about four months modifying the glove.

They began working on the prototype in October and completed it in February. “Danielle and Dakota met with me every week and tried to figure out what needed to be done to make this glove work. It wasn’t just a project for them; they cared and wanted to get it right,” said Mrs. Dolan.

Their invention has helped Mrs. Dolan with her daily teaching methods. “It was a difficult project for us and challenged us to think outside of the box, to come up with a solution. Every time we would have something work well, there was another thing we wanted to fix. It was a very humbling experience to see Mrs. Dolan be able to use a skill that she lost a decade ago.

We write every day, but she couldn’t. So being able to design something that truly works, that helps someone write, was an experience that can’t really be put into words. I know that I am incredibly honored to be a part of something like this, and I hope that other people see just how much innovation and engineering can accomplish,” Danielle remarked.

Danielle Sutterlin and Dakota Basista with Hampton Middle School math teacher Mrs. Bethann Dolan

The two sophomores plan to continue with design and craftsmanship. Danielle is planning on attending college to study engineering, leaning towards Electrical Engineering.

Dakota is also planning to attend college and study Aerospace Engineering. In addition to teaching, Mrs. Dolan mentors to individuals who are newly paralyzed. She loves the new glove as she noted, “It added a piece of independence to my life.

Every little piece that you get back is incredibly helpful!” n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

7

MOVERS & SHAKERS

FRZY Records Music Video in Sewickley

O

n a Saturday evening in mid-February, at the Tull Family Theater in Sewickley, Pittsburgh native and Emmy Award Winning Rapper/national recording artist Harvey “FRZY” Daniels shot the last scene of his soonHarvey “FRZY” Daniels, J’Nai to-be-released music video Middleton for his upcoming single “On Tonight” (featuring Donny Wo and director BMER).

Tune in next month for a featured article on the artist, and to learn more about an amazing accomplishment he recently achieved at the Block at Northway on January 11—the second annual FRZY day in Pittsburgh. n

Neighbors North Presents City of Man – a Musical Revue in Two Acts

N

eighbors North Youth Ministry (CYO) is proud to present their 47th annual musical City of Man – a Musical Revue in Two Acts. The greatest story ever told comes alive while set in modern-day.

Performances of the show will be held at 7:30 p.m., Friday, March 27; 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 28; and 2 p.m., Sunday, March 29, at Holy Cross Academy Getty Hall, 307 Siebert Road in Ross Township.

Come and see 41 local high school students from 12 local high schools and nine local parishes come together to raise money for Project H.O.P.E. and the Diocese of Pittsburgh Chimbote Fund. This youth group raises at least $30,000 per year for the poor through this musical, as teens from many local high schools join together for their causes.

Doors open 30 minutes before showtime. Seating is on a first-come basis. No tickets will be sold for the musical revue, but there will be a free-will offering for Chimbote and Project H.O.P.E. Cash, check, or Venmo accepted. n

8

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

FROM THE EDITOR

From the Editor

One Love

By Janice Lane Palko

I

had the great fortune to take a break from winter and embark on a cruise in the Caribbean at the end of January beginning of February. We stopped at 12 islands and in addition to enjoying the feel of the sun on my face, refreshing saltwater washing over me and the warmth of powdery sand beneath my feet, I enjoyed something else—freedom.

If you have never been on a cruise, you may not know that there are people aboard, passengers and crew alike, from all over the world. In addition, the islands are inhabited by people who have mixed races of African, Dutch, Spanish, English, French and local Indians depending upon which port was visited.

Unless they were presenting a false face to us or it was the euphoria of escaping snow, not once did the citizens of any of the islands we met stress that they despised Columbus, felt oppressed, or focused on what color skin they had or you had. We were just people. Different in skin pigment and cultural practices but just people.

But they weren’t ignorant of their history, and they showed us the impossibly austere huts on Bonaire, where slaves lived while forced to make salt. We saw

the Hato Caves on Curacao and the soot from fires on the cave ceilings left from the slaves who had hidden in there from their slave masters. In Puerto Rico, our taxi driver proudly showed us the monuments to Christopher Columbus and Ponce de Leon and told us proudly that Puerto Ricans are a mixture of Spanish, Taino Indian, and African.

In Antigua the store owners looked at us in amusement when we asked them if they knew where we could buy more sunscreen, implying do you think with my skin color I need sunscreen? On board ship, it was no different. My husband explained some things about the Super Bowl to an inquisitive man from India while watching the big game, and I chatted for an hour with a man from Toronto who had immigrated to that city from Trinidad back in the 1980s. We laughed when he told me how cold his Caribbeanweight cloth pants left him when he arrived there in December.

People on board engaged in games, enjoyed music, laughed, drank, swam, conversed, held elevators doors, and dined with people who did not look like them. It was so freeing. There was no

looking back to the past and all the mistakes made there. There was only now.

So, imagine my sadness when I recently interviewed a black businessman who had traveled the world and told me that he found Pittsburgh to still be very racist. I couldn’t argue with him; I don’t know. I’m not in his skin, but if it is, I’m very sad.

Not only for him but for all of us.

In the Bible they often describe heaven as a wedding feast, but sometimes I think it’s more like a cruise ship where all God’s children from around the world are enjoying themselves, laughing, dancing and feasting and the lyrics of Bob Marley are playing: “One love; One Heart. Let’s get together and feel alright.” n

Angels By Your Side 2nd Annual Family Picnic & Fundraiser April 11, 1:00 p.m.

Blueberry Hill Park, Blaine’s Way, Sewickley, PA 15143

A

ngels By Your Side was founded in the memories of Joseph Guzzetti and Michael Kovacic, two people who were taken from their families and friends far too early and provides assistance to families in the community who have experienced the loss of a loved one. After a loss, the day-to-day tasks can seem unbearable. Larger tasks like preparing to move or decorating for the holidays can seem impossible. Angels By Your Side helps families navigate this difficult time. Join Angels By Your Side for their 2nd Annual Family Picnic on Saturday, April 11, to raise funds to support their future service projects. Lots of food, drinks, activities for kids, and fun! Suggested donation: $20. Kids free. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

9

HOME & GARDEN

Jason Daugherty

Business Spotlight

Mister Sewer No one wants to need a sewer and drain expert, but when you do, you want a repair specialist that you can trust—and that specialist is Mister Sewer. Founded in 2009 by Jason Daugherty of Upper St. Clair, Mister Sewer is a prompt, courteous and professional company delivering sewer and drain line video inspection, cleaning and repair.

M

ister Sewer’s mission is to provide clients with trenchless sewer repair, a less invasive method of pipeline rehabilitation than traditional excavation. Trenchless sewer repair saves time and money, is less invasive and there are no long-term labor costs. And best of all, your new pipes will last a lifetime! ”Relationships are built on trust,” said Jason. “Our solutions are designed to be easy on your property and your wallet. We have the tools and 25+ years of experience in this business to solve your problems efficiently and within your budget. Trenchless sewer repair means the work gets done quickly, efficiently, and with no mess.” In addition to trenchless repair, Mister Sewer also provides cleaning services through the use of high-pressure water, also known as hydro jetting, as well as video inspections, which are common with real estate transactions.

In addition to working on routine repairs and replacements, Mister Sewer also has the expertise in dealing with local ordinances within your community and understands the procedures and permits that are required.

Jason urges homeowners to take care when selecting a plumbing company. “Cheapest does not mean best and the experience that Mister Sewer has really does count. We employ trustworthy technicians, offer a risk-free guarantee and transparent pricing as well as having the best equipment and service record, offering 24/7 service every day of the year,” said Jason.

To learn more about Mister Sewer or speak to Jason directly, call (412) 835-2135. Or for additional information, please visit their website at: www.mistersewer.com. n

10

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Stephany Insurance LLC Home—there’s no other place like it. It’s where you’re most comfortable; it’s where you spend your days and nights; it’s where love flourishes and where your memories are made.

A

t Stephany Insurance LLC, we know how important your home is to you, and we can help you to protect it with a Home Protector policy through ERIE Insurance. We provide exceptional coverage for whatever you call home, whether it is a house, apartment, condo, mobile or manufactured home.

ERIE’s base policy includes many features that are better than a typical competition policy, including the following: Guaranteed Replacement Cost – Only ERIE offers ERIESecure Home with 100% Guaranteed Replacement Cost Coverage, which means we’ll rebuild your house NO MATTER the cost!

Peril Deductibles – This is a flexible option ERIE offers that lets you choose different dollar amount deductibles for different perils-such as wind, fire, theft and storms.

Since every home is different, it’s important to get what’s right for yours. We can customize and expand beyond our standard home policy with bundling. Some available bundling options are: Identity Recovery – This coverage helps you to recover after identity theft or fraud. Unfortunately, this is becoming more and more prevalent and recently happened to someone close to us.

Fortunately, they had this coverage on their policy and were able to recover their losses.

Equipment Breakdown Coverage – an extra cushion of protection for major appliances and home systems including computers and smart home technology, which can be costly to repair or replace when something goes wrong.

Service Line Coverage – Repairing or replacing underground utility lines are typically the homeowner’s responsibility and can be quite costly. With Service Line Coverage, you don’t have to worry about running up exorbitant bills replacing these service lines.

Sewer or Drain Backup Coverage – No one wants to think about sewer problems, but if you have this protection, you can rest assured that if there is backup, you have coverage for your sewers, drains and sump pumps.

Liability Protection – We offer personal liability protection anywhere in the world. It can help protect you if you hurt someone or damage someone’s property. Did you know falls on icy walkways and dog bites are small things that can turn into big problems and possibly lawsuits, jeopardizing your home?

ERIE offers multi-policy discounts when you insure your auto and home with them. Your home is one of your largest investments, and Stephany Insurance can help to make sure that your home remains safe and secure and continues to be that “happy place” you love and enjoy.

To find out how you can protect your home and family, call (724) 935-8010 or visit www.stephanyinsurancellc.com.

Call Stephany Insurance today! n www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

11

HOME & GARDEN

It’s Your Move – Now Is the Time to Enter the Real Estate Market

By Janice Lane Palko

We all know the economy is booming, but has that rosy picture extended to the real estate market? We asked some local experts their thoughts.

“P

Karen J. Anspaugh Attorney at Law

Adrienne Abstract & Closing Company 4499 Mount Royal Blvd Allison Park, PA 15101 Mobile: 231-668-1934 karen@adrienneclosings.com www.AdrienneClosings.com Adrienne Abstract & Closing Company

12

ittsburgh continues to enjoy a steady upward market surge in real estate, and it’s happening east, west, north and south,” said Michelle Bushée, Realtor, Piatt Sotheby’s International Realty. “For every unit that hits the market, there are 6-10 active buyers in the market.”

“Interest rates are the lowest they have been in three years,” said Kim FerraroBuchanan, Northern States Mortgage, LLC “but credit is key. However, I do go down to a 500 credit score.”

When asked if it was a buyer’s or seller’s market, Deb Walton, Realtor, Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services, replied, “It’s a seller’s market. Inventory in Pittsburgh is down 12.6%, so if you’re looking to sell, it’s a perfect time to do so.”

“It is an amazing time to invest in real estate. The interest rates are low and stable!” said Colleen Anthony, broker/owner, MABC Mortgage.

“I am asked whether it’s a good time to buy or sell daily,” said Michelle, “and my answer to both is yes! We simply do not have enough existing homes on the market to satisfy the market demand; however, the rates are so low that it is actually less expensive to buy a home today than to rent.”

If you are considering entering the market, there are some things that you should do. “It’s always smart to contact your insurance agent early in the process,” said Peter Piotrowski, State Farm Insurance in Wexford. “We can go out and inspect the home before closing, which can save you money and a lot of trouble” “Given the low inventory situation, there is currently little to no competition.

So now is the time to sell,” said Deb. “Interest rates remain low allowing many the ability to afford a home purchase. It’s important that buyers are prepared. They should obtain a mortgage pre-approval before looking for a home and hiring a Realtor with experience navigating multiple offer situations, which can occur due to low inventory.”

“You definitely need to be pre-approved, preferably not from an online source,” said Colleen. “Local agents like working with verifiable lenders. If it is a multiple offer situation, price escalation should be considered and evaluated. This should be considered during your preapproval. A lot of situations require the agent to call the lender when in a multiple offer situation for price escalation. Having a local, assessable lender that can evaluate the buyer’s ability to negotiate with price escalation is imperative.”

“At Northern State Mortgage, we have grant money available up to $7,500,” said Kim. Michelle cautions those DIY folks who may think that they do not need to engage a Realtor. “In today’s market a buyer absolutely needs a buyer’s agent to represent their interests and be able to navigate negotiations on their behalf.

Buyers typically do not pay their agent. A buyer’s agent is paid by a cooperating

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

broker’s agreement with the seller’s agent or in the case of new construction, the builder,” said Michelle. “More and more buyers are finding themselves in multiple offer situations on a home, and it’s imperative to have a skilled professional on your team to work on your behalf. My background is in the law, and I wouldn’t go to court without an attorney, and you shouldn’t enter a real estate transaction without a seasoned Realtor.”

Another benefit of engaging a Realtor is that they can advise you on how to best prepare your home to sell quickly. “Coldwell Banker offers an exclusive program called RealVitalize, which will cover upfront home improvement costs, and Coldwell Banker gets paid back when the home sells,” said Deb. Preparation is the key to being a savvy buyer or seller.

“I specialize in listing homes. Often people think, ‘I’ll get my house ready and then call an agent.’ Not only is this the wrong thinking, it will cost you time and money. I need to do a walk-through and lay eyes on the property inside and out. Often the items the owner thinks will add value do not,” said Michelle. “I pay to bring in a professional stager to give the seller a detailed game plan to get the house ‘market ready.’ Once the home is properly staged, I bring in my professional photographer. Buyers begin their home search (Continued on page 14)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

13

HOME & GARDEN

online, and you only get one chance at a first impression, and it needs to be the best.”

“Your homeowner’s policy is only as good as your agent. Most homeowners don’t understand what’s covered in their policy, and your agent can help you,” said Pete.

“If you’re not prepared to buy or sell with a market-educated, experienced advisor at your side, it’s very difficult to act quickly and be competitive in this market,” said Deb. “Interview full-time Realtors and find one that fits your personality and has experience. This is one of the biggest life decisions you’ll make!”

“Anyone can open a door and show you a house, but not everyone can get you to the closing table. It’s typically a 30-45-day process once you sign an offer—that’s when a Realtor’s work for you really begins. Why would you trust it with someone who is not a seasoned professional?” said Michelle. n

14

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

COVER STORY Michael Fallert, MD with patient, Al Schmidt

Lifesaving Experts The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute at UPMC Passavant Diseases of the heart and blood vessels often go hand-in-hand and can strike at any age.

In fact, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and disability among adults nationwide. Patients at UPMC Passavant have access to state-of-the art care delivered by a team of UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute cardiologists, cardiovascular surgeons, interventional cardiologists, and vascular surgeons.

A

t age 89, Al Schmidt, was an energetic retiree who worked out three days a week. But one day last March, the Glenshaw resident found himself out of breath before he even reached the door.

“I couldn’t breathe. I felt lightheaded and weak,” says Al. His primary care doctor referred him to Michael Fallert, MD, chairman, Department of Cardiology at UPMC Passavant, and associate director of clinical cardiol-

ogy, UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute.

Dr. Fallert, an interventional cardiologist, performed a diagnostic heart catheterization procedure to determine the severity of Al’s condition. “He was extremely sick from a combination of cardiac problems,” says Dr. Fallert. He diagnosed Al with ventricular tachycardia, a serious heart rhythm disorder caused by heart valve disease and coronary artery disease. “Surgery was Al’s only real option.”

UPMC cardiothoracic surgeon Pyongsoo Yoon, MD, worked in collaboration with Dr. Fallert. He replaced Al’s aortic valve, repaired the mitral valve, and performed a double coronary artery bypass in an open-heart surgery procedure.

“This was not routine heart surgery, especially for an 89-yearold,” says Dr. Fallert. “It’s an extremely complicated procedure — something that can only be done at an advanced cardiac surgery center like UPMC Passavant.”

Reprinted with permission from the March 2020 issue of Northern Connection magazine.

Nationally Recognized Now 90, Al no longer feels dizzy or short of breath. He plans to return to driving and his exercise routine soon. Al’s quick to praise Dr. Fallert and the entire medical team who cared for him during his two-week stay at UPMC Passavant. “They were so good to me I didn’t want to leave,” he says.

“I wouldn’t be here without that surgery. I can honestly say, ‘I didn’t choose to get sick. But I did choose UPMC Passavant — and I’m glad I did.’”

General to Complex Care At UPMC Passavant, doctors care for a wide range of cardiovascular conditions — from hypertension, peripheral artery disease, and limb salvage to arrhythmias, coronary artery disease, valvular disease, and heart attacks. The hospital’s team of experts also performs the latest minimally invasive procedures like the Watchman™ device to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation. And they will soon offer transcatheter aortic valve replacement, known as the TAVR. “At Passavant, we’re able to treat all acute cardiac conditions. Our cardiac catheterization lab operates 24/7 to treat heart attacks and other issues,” says Dr. Fallert. “For patients requiring evaluation for heart transplantation or mechanical heart support, we work with our colleagues in the HVI at UPMC Presbyterian to get the best care possible.”

Both heart and vascular patients benefit from the hospital’s multidisciplinary approach, says Georges Al-Khoury, MD, chief of vascular surgery at UPMC Passavant. Although separate specialties, UPMC Passavant’s vascular and cardiology experts

Georges Al-Khoury, MD

see patients in the same office and share the same staff. They also share access to the latest technology, devices, and medication needed to treat complex heart and vascular issues.

“We have a great relationship with the doctors in cardiology and cardiac surgery,” says Dr. Al-Khoury. “It’s an ideal situation.

We work as a team for the benefit of the patients.

“We provide a full scope of care from elective procedures to emergencies like aortic dissections,” he adds.

UPMC Passavant has earned distinguished three-star ratings from The Society of Thoracic Surgeons for its patient care and outcomes in aortic valve replacement (AVR) and mitral valve replacement and repair (MVRR) surgery combined with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The three-star rating denotes the highest category of quality, placing the hospital among the elite for AVR and MVRR+CABG surgeries in the United States and Canada.

A Life-Saving Procedure Last September, Shaler resident Michael Parise was feeling weak and having trouble sleeping. He didn’t think too much of it until he began feeling numb from the waist down. His family rushed him to UPMC Passavant. A CT scan revealed his aorta — the main artery that supplies blood from the heart to the rest of the body — was tearing. It’s a complicated condition known as an aortic dissection.

Michael was admitted to the cardiovascular ICU and later moved into surgery under the care

Michael Parise, patient

of Dr. Al-Khoury, who performed a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This minimally invasive procedure fixes or relines the aorta with a stent graft.

“If I had waited another day, I wouldn’t be here,” says Michael, 57. “I’m so happy Dr. Al-Khoury was there to take care of me that night. He saved my life.” n Watchman™ is a trademark of Boston Scientific.

Reprinted with permission from the March 2020 issue of Northern Connection magazine.

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

“Shut Out the Spring Breeze,” You Say? Yes, If You Have Spring Allergies

By Belinda Burchick

Spring is fast approaching, bringing warm air and budding vegetation, which means an increase in pollen and mold.

A

n allergy occurs when your immune system has a hypersensitive reaction to a foreign substance, which produces antibodies that cause the release of histamines, giving you an allergic reaction and symptoms. Tree and grass pollen are not the only spring allergens; mold starts to grow in the warm and moist areas.

It’s time to get prepared for allergy season.

First, prepare the inside and outside of your dwelling.

Start with spring cleaning. Monitor your humidity levels with an indicator. You may decide to buy a dehumidifier to keep it below 50%. Use a high-efficiency grade air cleaner and change it every three months.

Once you can feel that warmer air, keep the doors and

windows closed. Stay inside during the mid-morning and early evening, since these are high-pollen count times of the day.

Follow the local pollen counts reports. If the pollen count is high, try not to go out. After being outside, change your clothes immediately and shower before bed. This will help prevent the spread of pollen. Wear a hat and sunglasses to limit the amount of pollen that sticks to your hair and gets into your eyes. Beware of hot, dry, and windy days. It is hard to believe, but the pollen count is lower on cold and rainy days. Now that you are out and driving, keep car windows closed and use recirculated air.

Prepare your garden for spring by removing dead leaves and plants to limit mold growth. You may need to wear a NIOSH approved N95 mask if you are sensitive to mold spores.

Second, selecting certain foods can either alleviate symptoms or make them worse. Go for the foods rich in Vitamin C, such as, berries, citrus fruits, broccoli and leafy greens. These work as natural antihistamines. Other foods with probiotics and certain teas, like green tea, can kill allergens. Increased consumption of Omega-3 Fatty Acids, found in walnuts and fatty fish helps with inflammation. On the flip side, avoid inflammatory foods, such as wheat, dairy, sugar, and simple carbohydrates.

Third, get medication-ready. Allergy medication should be taken one to two weeks before the allergy season begins.

Antihistamines reduce or block histamines that cause your allergy symptoms, but make sure that you select a brand that indicates non-drowsy.

Other alternatives to consider are nasal irrigation or acupuncture. There are studies to show they are effective, but please research further and check with your physician. If you have recurring allergies, it may be time to see a specialist.

Learn about what gives you an allergic reaction, so you know how best to treat it. n Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states.

Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.

18

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

19

ADVERTORIAL

The Future of Health Care is Membership Medicine

E

arl Jennings used to spend $294 a month on medications. He used to battle on the phone with impersonal, faraway call centers only to get a five-minute appointment three months later with a health care provider who he has never met. That all changed when he became a direct primary care patient.

“I never knew doctors like this existed!” said Earl, until one day he heard Dr. Kirsten Lin on KDKA radio and scheduled an appointment with her later that week to find out more. Now, Earl is greeted by name and immediately ushered into the exam room when he comes to the office, and his appointments are usually 30-45 minutes long. As an added bonus, Earl is now spending only about $34 per month on his medications because he is able to purchase them at wholesale cost directly from the doctor’s office.

Direct Primary Care (DPC), a grassroots movement across the United States, has emerged in response to the broken health care system. DPC is an innovative, patient-centered form of health care that brings back distant memories of the old-fashioned family doctor.

Too good to be true?

DPC has been called the “Netflix of medicine” because it is a subscription-based model that delivers great value.

DPC doctors never bill health insurance companies; instead, they charge patients a monthly fee in exchange for a wide array of primary care services, ranging from physical exams, to urgent care, to procedures. The subscription cost is typically less than what most people spend on their monthly cable TV or cell phone bills. Most patients find that this arrangement allows them to stay healthier, and therefore save on health care costs. This model works well for many, including uninsured patients, those with catastrophic or high-deductible plans and even Medicare patients like Earl.

Business owners who contract directly with DPC practices are realizing huge savings when it comes to employee benefits.

What you get for the money

• Price transparency – Instead of a surprise bill months after receiving a medical service, DPC patients know their costs in advance.

• Affordable diagnostic testing – Costs of most outpatient diagnostic tests are negotiated in advance.

For example, a panel of bloodwork for a diabetic

20

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

patient might cost about $25 for a DPC patient.

• Affordable generic medications – Most DPC practice dispense mediations at wholesale costs, saving some patients hundreds of dollars a month.

• Increased access to physician – DPC eliminates the numerous barriers that separate patients from their physicians in the traditional health system.

Most DPC patients contact their physicians directly via office visits, E-visits, phone calls, emails, and/or text messaging.

Hundreds of patients like Earl Jennings, who are fed up with the expensive, impersonal “big box” health care system, are turning to DPC practices across the U.S. every day. Here in Pennsylvania, the DPC movement is growing steadily, with offices in Pittsburgh, Erie, Altoona, State College, Allentown, Lancaster, Philadelphia and more. If you are a prospective patient, or an employer looking for savings on healthcare benefits, please reach out to any of the DPC practices listed on our website. (https://padpca.com/). n

www.padpca.com The Pennsylvania Direct Primary Care Association® is a non-profit dedicated to representing all independent DPC offices in Pennsylvania. This year, the organization was the proud recipient of the Pennsylvania Medical Society’s first annual Practice Innovation Grant to educate about the affordable, attentive and accessible medical care provided to patients of independent DPC offices.

IMAGE & STYLE

Public Grooming Etiquette – What’s OK, What’s NOT OK

By Kelly A. Smith

W

e’re all probably guilty of some inappropriate or illtimed primping here and there. A little mascara session between traffic lights, a quick touch up to our hair at the office or a bit of lipstick refreshing between bites while dining.

Hey, it happens. I know I’ve gotten a few objectionable looks from the primping police brigade through the years, such as a much needed quick spritz of my long locks or a swift sweep of blusher to my cheeks. Although I have bolstered my grooming habits through the years, there are some exceptions to this unwritten rule. We all know it’s best to keep our public preening private.

However, what do you do when you just must freshen up your look, but can’t seem to get to private quarters to doll yourself up?

Let’s keep our focus on a few common places such as dining out, on a plane or bus and at work. Read on to see when and how to get your glam on with good sense!

n Lipstick

OK – to quickly and inconspicuously touch up your lips without using a mirror NOT OK – To apply a fresh coat using a large mirror, finishing with a lipliner.

n Pressed powder/Blush

OK –to discreetly blot your nose or chin with a small, powder puff using only a handheld mirror.

NOT OK –To apply foundation, setting powder or bronzer, blowing about the person next to you.

n Hair

OK – to discreetly pull your hair back in a clip or ponytail.

OK –to gently sweep your hair away from your face or twist around to one side.

NOT OK –to whip out any brush, hairspray or styling product.

n Eye products

OK to use a tissue to blot a teary allergy eye or use a small compact mirror to quickly check for any runny mascara.

NOT OK –Its best to keep the eye shadow, liner and mascara for a trip to the ladies’ room so please, start and finish those smokey eyes at home!

22

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

n Body lotions/Perfumes

OK –Its perfectly fine to soften your hands with a touch of hand cream as long as its lightly scented or better yet, unscented.

NOT OK –to break out your 16-ounce tube of coconut mango body butter and apply on your arms, legs, etc.…

NOT OK –soaking yourself in any type of perfume, body mist or any other overpowering fragrance NOT OK –unleashing your tube of deodorant during dinner- no ma’am!

Here are some grooming no-no’s that are NEVER OK in any social situation

• Nail painting/nail biting/ nail trimming/nail filing • Flossing your teeth or using a toothpick • Using an undue amount of hairspray (I say “undue amount” because I have mastered the art of “stealth- spritzing” on the go, thanks to my love of trial sized products!)

• Shaving/ Tweezing – this applies to both men and women as does plucking anything!

• Nose Blowing – it’s one thing to touch a tissue to your nose, it’s quite another to hear that awful sound that’s almost as synonymous as another bodily sound. Just don’t!

There are also a few places that should never be used, under any circumstances to pull out the grooming gear, such as in church, at a wedding or funeral or at a business meeting or interview. These are just common-sense facts, but I felt it necessary to include them in here since I have witnessed some offenders at these whereabouts. (I could have, and probably should have given them a visual cease and desist!)

With spring upon us and all the impending weddings, graduations and more, we should all be on our best beauty behavior!

Now, we all have our days when we run out of time in the mornings or just need a quick touch up during the day. Sometimes, life just happens and if you must primp, try to do so in the privacy of a nearby bathroom or even a hallway that’s out of view from others, or you too, may end up on the receiving end of a side eye from a primp police out on patrol! n

TRIVIA CONNECTION

Alfred Hitchcock Trivia The Man Behind the Silhouette

By Paula Green

“The only way to get rid of my fears is to make films about them.” - Alfred Hitchcock

24

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

years, Alma Reville. Since we’ve unveiled the man behind the silhouette, we must now unhitch these thrilling questions. Get set to don those thinking caps, because it’s time to get a little trivial…

1. Alfred & Alma Hitchcock had one daughter, what was her name?

2. Bodega Bay was the location for which Hitchcock movie?

3. How much money did Marion Crane steal from her employer in Psycho?

4. Which Hitchcock movie has a man fall from the Statue of Liberty?

5. Doris Day gets to sing her signature song Que Sera Sera in this Hitch film.

6. In the movie, Vertigo what does the hero have a fear of?

7. Name the Hitchcock film that features a chase sequence at Mount Rushmore.

8. Cary Grant starred in the 1955 flick To Catch a Thief, who was the leading lady?

9. This film is said to be Hitchcock’s personal favorite; a young woman grows suspicious of her uncle.

10. What color of hair did the majority of Hitchcock’s leading ladies have?

11. In Hitchcock’s Frenzy, what was the murder weapon used?

12. Who portrayed the character Jennifer Rogers, in 1955 flick The Trouble with Harry?

13. Which James Bond actor starred in the movie Marnie?

14. What was Hitchcock’s final film in 1976?

15. This 1977 Mel Brooks comedy pays homage to Hitchcock films.

It contains many parodies from The Birds, Psycho, and Vertigo.

Sources: https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/537233/facts-about-alfred-hitchcock, http://www.alfredhitchcock.com/life-and-legacy/biography/, https://parade. com/564352/samuelmurrian/the-10-greatest-films-of-alfred-hitchcock/, https:// www.triviaplaying.com/211-Hitchock-movie.htm, https://quizpug.com/can-youanswer-these-12-alfred-hitchcock-questions/, www.funtrivia.com, https://www.history.com/news/9-things-you-may-not-know-about-alfred-hitchcock

Answers: 1. Patricia 2. The Birds 3. $40,000 4. Saboteur 5. The Man Who Knew Too Much 6. heights 7. North by Northwest 8. Grace Kelly 9. Shadow of Doubt 10. blonde 11. necktie 12. Shirley MacLaine 13. Sean Connery 14. Family Plot 15. High Anxiety

E

nglish-born film director Alfred Hitchcock was known as the “Master of Suspense.” He went by the nickname “Hitch” and was one of the most recognizable Hollywood icons. Hitchcock directed over 50 feature films in a career that spanned six decades.

This creative genius even has a day dedicated to him – March 12 is National Alfred Hitchcock Day. Hitchcock gained notoriety as a director who delivered suspense, twisted-endings and dark subject matter. He has been credited with pioneering many camera and editing techniques for peers and aspiring directors to emulate. The most constant image in Hitchcock’s films seemed to be Hitchcock himself. The filmmaker perfected the art of the cameo, making blink-and-you’ll-miss-them appearances in 39 of his own films.

A few of his classic films include – The Birds, Frenzy, The Lady Vanishes, Lifeboat, Marnie, North by Northwest, Notorious, Psycho, Rear Window, Rebecca, Rope, Shadow of Doubt, Spellbound, Strangers on a Train, Suspicion, The 39 Steps, The Trouble with Harry, To Catch a Thief, and Vertigo.

Hitchcock also worked in television with his show Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955–62). The title of the program was changed to The Alfred Hitchcock Hour (1962–65). Hitch always greeted his audience with the polite phrase, “Good evening.” He managed to juggle between movies and television with stellar results.

If it wasn’t for his determination, Hitchcock’s renowned film Psycho might not have happened. Hitchcock approached Paramount Pictures—where he was under contract—to put up the money to make a movie, but they balked. So Hitchcock financed the movie himself, foregoing his regular salary in exchange for 60% ownership of the rights to the film; Paramount agreed to distribute the film. To cut costs, the filmmaker enlisted his relatively cheaper Alfred Hitchcock Presents TV crew and shot the film on a less pricey black and white film. Hitch’s gamble worked: He reportedly personally earned $6 million from Psycho—about $50 million in today’s dollars.

As brilliant as Hitchcock was, he never won an Oscar. In 1967, the Academy bestowed him with an honorary lifetime achievement Oscar. He gave one of the shortest acceptance speeches in the ceremony’s history, saying only, “Thank you…very much indeed.”

In 1980, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Hitchcock. Three months later, Sir Alfred Hitchcock died of kidney failure at the age of 80 in his home in Bel Air. He was married to the same woman for 51

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

25

SENIOR LIVING

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.

Counseling

Presented by Lutheran SeniorLife & St. John Lutheran Church of Highland. Call (412) 364-1606 or (412) 3071797.

North Hill Community Outreach provides Safety Checks for Seniors. Interested seniors who reside in northern Allegheny County should email Cathy at clpschirer@nhco.org or call (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Meals on Wheels

Just Ask Julian: Elder Law Questions Answered,

1 p.m., Mar. 19, Cumberland Woods Village. For info, visit ThelegacyLineup.com or call (412) 635-8080.

Entertainment Fox Chapel Area School District senior citizens are invited

to attend the dress rehearsal of “Legally Blonde, 3:45 p.m., Mar. 3, at the Fox Chapel Area High School auditorium, 611 Field Club Rd. in O’Hara Twp. Refreshments served prior to the 3 p.m. show. The event is free for Fox Chapel Area School District senior citizens age 60 and older. Required reservations. Call (412) 967-2410.

Health & Wellness

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

Services Blawnox, Aspinwall, Fox Chapel, Sharpsburg, and O’Hara. Call (412) 820-8350.

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) 935-1877.

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.

Medical North Hills Community Outreach offers free medication

safety screenings for seniors living in northern Allegheny County, north of the city of Pittsburgh. For details contact, Cathy at (412) 307-0069, ext. 3313.

Seminars Now That This Happened, What Do I Do to Get My Life Back? 11 a.m., Mar. 3; Osteoarthritis of the Hand, 11 a.m., Mar. 17; My Old Books: Trash or Treasures, 11 a.m., Mar. 31, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr. For info, visit ThelegacyLineup.com or call (412) 635-8080.

Spiritual 2nd Act, ages 55+, 10 a.m.-noon, 2nd Thur. thru May 14, Wexford, lobby, Orchard Hill. Fosters spiritual growth thru music, inspirational speakers & outreach projects. For info, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

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

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 AUP Club, have fun & meet new people with the Association of University People/AUP. We are looking for single, 4-year college graduates over 50 to join us for monthly dinners, meet at various social spots, gatherings and Scrabble. For info, call (412) 734-8445 or visit us at www.aupsinglespittsburgh.org.

Catholic Alumni Club of Pittsburgh, has dances, retreats and plays various sports and other great events. Visit their website http://www.cacpittsburgh.org/.

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 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 AARP & Northland Library tax prep for seniors & low-

income residents, 9 a.m.-noon, Tues & Thurs., Feb. 4-Apr. 14, at Northland Library. NO Walk-ins! Call State Senator Lindsey Williams’ office to schedule your appt (412) 3640469.

Volunteer Opportunities Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. Call (412) 367-3685.

Lighthouse Foundation is looking for volunteers to help in the food pantry for prep and packing, distribution, & greeters. For details, contact Lee Ann at (724)586-5554.

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with disabilities with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

North Hills Community Outreach urgently needs volunteers

Senior Meetings 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 local trips. For info, call Bill at (724) 776-1933.

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) 816-2159.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group

meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. from 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon., 1-2:30 p.m., at Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church, Sangree Rd., Ross. Call (724) 444-0064.

26

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

in the upper Route 28 corridor to help seniors. Visit http:// nhco.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-help-seniors/.

For details, call Kerry, (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco. org.

Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program is

seeking volunteers (50+) to tutor in Pittsburgh Public, Wilkinsburg and Woodland Hills School Districts in grade K-4. Trainings held at 411 Seventh Ave., Suite 525 (Duquesne Light Building) downtown Pittsburgh. Training, materials & clearances are provided. For info or to register, call 412) 393-7648 or email 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.

SENIOR LIVING

Are You Allowing Guilt to Get You Off Track?

C

aring for someone with dementia is often referred to as an “emotional roller coaster.” Caregivers may identify the experience with negative emotions such as unsureness, frustration, irritability, embarrassment, grief and resentment. However, guilt is often at the helm of the wheel for this emotional roller coaster. The dictionary defines guilt as “feelings of deserving blame especially for imagined offenses or from a sense of inadequacy.” This definition can take caregivers off track. Guilt can send caregivers down a steep slope of self-doubt where positive and confident emotions from being a care partner are forgotten or not experienced.

As a care partner, mistakes are going to be made and decisions are going to be tough. Possibly one of the most guilt inducing decisions is considering nursing home placement. Guilt may be experienced from doubting if you did enough. Guilt might come from a broken promise to “never put me in a nursing home,” or fear that your loved one will further decline or that you will not be there when your loved one passes away.

Taking on the responsibility to care for another person comes with a huge amount of pressure, especially if that person is living with dementia. You are the one making decisions regarding the health, finances and safety of another human being in a situation you have no control over. Coping with the feelings of guilt in placing an individual with dementia in long-term care starts first with resilience. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from a tough situation. Developing skills in resiliency can help you bounce back from the turmoil of a difficult situation without becoming broken.

cannot live life for others.

Donna Schempp, LCSW of the Family Caregiver Alliance writes, “You need permission to forgive yourself.”

Jumping tracks from guilt to forgiveness will allow you to experience the positive emotions associated with being a care partner. Instead of allowing guilt to get you off track, seek out a journey of gratitude. Switching tracks from guilt to gratitude will help bring peace in knowing you did the very best you could.

To learn more about support groups, resources and education for older adults, care partners and families, contact UPMC Senior Services at 866-430-8742 or visit UPMC. com/SeniorServices. Visit us on Facebook at facebook. com/groups/upmcseniorservices/ n References: Schempp, D. “Emotional Side of Caregiving.” Family Caregiver Alliance. www.caregiver.org.

Keys to becoming resilient:

• Connect with family and friends • Act on what you can control • Learn from past experiences • Take care of you • Meditation, journaling, connect with nature

The truth is . . . you are not perfect. You did not cause this illness or level of decline. We have little to no way of knowing how an illness or disease will progress down the road. Professional care is often necessary for the safety and comfort of an individual living with dementia. They still need you, but now it is as their advocate. Share their life story; communicate with the staff; get to know the Ombudsman, the official who oversees resident rights and quality of care; join a support group. Acknowledge and appreciate the difficult position you are in and accept you www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

27

Facts from the Farm

By Ron Eichner

H

i, folks! As you may or may not have thought about before, agriculture is the primary source of our food supply. With continual growth in population, it is absolutely vital to get higher yields from the crops that are grown.

One way a farmer increases production is by enriching the soil the crops are grown in by using inorganic fertilizer methods. If you think of soil as the heart, fertilizer is the lifeblood going through it. Livestock manure, in our case chicken manure, is the organic fertilizer that we use to support better soil quality by adding much-needed nutrients besides just nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. Livestock manure is not water soluble and cannot be easily washed away. Synthetic fertilizer, on the other hand, is chemical-based, inorganic and water soluble. Organic manure builds up the nutrients in the soil, which is something synthetic fertilizers cannot do.

When you have livestock on a farm, those animals require care seven days a week, and it is costly to take proper care of them. When you exclusively use manure as a fertilizer, you are limited to the acreage you can grow crops on based on the amount of manure generated. When you exclusively use synthetic fertilizers, you don’t have the added daily work and expense of caring for the livestock, but your soil gets depleted each time you grow a crop on it, and you miss out on those important minerals and trace elements. You are only limited on the acreage you are able to grow on by the amount of fertilizer you can purchase and apply. Manure fertibility values are dictated by what the livestock is eating. That is why I say, “the first nutritional step starts with a nutritionally balanced soil.”

Synthetic or inorganic fertilizers are very popular for farmers and gardeners because these types of fertilizers are absorbed quickly, compared to manure.

Using manure and fertilizer are like taking two different paths, trying to get to the same destination. Using manure is like taking the scenic route with a lot of nutrition, minerals and trace elements along the way. Fertilizer use is like getting on a jet plane and getting to your destination faster. The faster route results in growing crops with a lack of minerals and trace elements. Keep in mind that you can’t measure nutritional values on the appearance of fruits and vegetables.

How farmers treat their soils will determine the soil’s long-term sustainability. When you have nutritional balance in the soil, you then have nutritional balance in the crops and the food that are produced for human and livestock consumptions.

Next month I will focus on the importance of minerals and how they support one’s overall health. As a fourth-generation farmer, our family farm is the last full-time farm in Allegheny County to use livestock manure exclusively for soil fertility and growing seasonal vegetables.

Please feel free to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and get the “rest of the story!” n

28

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Enjoy An Energizing Evening with Ben Stein April 23 Economist, Lawyer, Entertainer & Author

E

njoy an energizing and inspiring evening as St. Barnabas Charities honors Ben Stein at the 120th St. Barnabas Founder’s Day Celebration to be held Thursday, April 23, at the Pittsburgh Marriott North in Cranberry Twp. Founder’s Day tickets are on sale now and event proceeds support residents and patients who rely upon the Free Care Fund at St. Barnabas.

Ben Stein will receive the 2020 St. Barnabas Hance Award. The Hance Award was named in honor of St. Barnabas founder Gouverneur Hance, who was inspired to provide medical care for poverty stricken and chronically ill and injured men and boys in 1900. The Hance Award is presented to a person of national acclaim who exemplifies Hance’s ideals of benevolence, patriotism and service to others.

Ben Stein is the most famous economics teacher in America. His comedic role as the droning economics teacher in “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” has been ranked as one of the 50 most famous scenes in movie history. But in real life, Ben Stein is a powerful speaker on economics, politics, education, history and motivation and is considered one of the great humorists on political economy and how life works in this nation.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception, auction and raffles – including a chance to win a trip to Nashville or cash – followed by a dinner celebration.

Tickets range from $295 – $475. For event tickets or to purchase books or raffle tickets, call 724-6253770 or visit stbarnabashealthsystem.com/foundersday/ Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which supports elderly patients and residents who cannot afford their care. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

29

SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS

MARCHing into the Latest Military News in the ‘Burgh

By Paula Green

We have now entered into the third month of 2020, and it is a perfect time to “March” you through the latest military news in Pittsburgh.

F

or veterans who have returned from military service and are looking for employment, there is a local job fair. RecruitMilitary and DAV (Disabled American Veterans) have partnered together for the Pittsburgh Veterans Job Fair, which will be held from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., March 5, at Heinz Field, located at 100 Art Rooney Way on the North Shore.

The event is open to anyone who has served on active duty, in the National Guard, or in the Reserves, and their spouses are welcomed. Some of the companies that will be in attendance are: DAV, Airstreams Renewables, the city of Pittsburgh, Highmark Health, Tamco Tools, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security plus many others. The job fair is free. For a full company list and furSpring is just a few short weeks away, and that means bug season is approaching.

The Butler VA Health Care System has unveiled a new concept in the battle against Lyme disease. The health care facility is offering veterans a pharmacist-run Lyme disease post-exposure prophylaxis clinic.

Butler is the first VA facility nationwide to offer this service.

If a Veteran has a tick-bite, a VA pharmacist will evaluate their need and start preventative treatment within 72 hours of tick removal. If necessary, medicine can be prescribed to help prevent the onset of Lyme disease. For more information on the clinic, visit butler.va.gov, or call 1-800-362-8262.

The Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall is having its annual Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor induction ceremony, from 2-3 p.m., Sunday, March 29. Since 1963, over 700 Pennsylvania military heroes have been inducted into this prestigious hall for their bravery during military conflicts. The honorees have received the military’s highest awards for valor. These honors include: the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Soldiers Medal, Airmen Medal, Coast Guard Medal or Navy/ Marine Corps Medal. For more information on Joseph A. Dugan Jr. Hall of Valor, visit https://soldiersandsailorshall.org/ n

30

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

2020 Summer Camp Guide BAM! is an academic summer enrichment program built around seven individual workshops - Art in Motion, Be an Author, Bring the House Down, Mad Scientist, Myths, Legends & Togas, Ready, Set, Cook! and Build a Better Bot. Campers take classes on the OC Campus, with our faculty members with years of expertise, innovators with a passion for teaching in their respective fields and current OC students who serve as teachers’ aids, BAM counselors, role models, and guides.

FOR: Girls entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades this fall DATES: Tuesdays and Thursdays in June TIME: Workshops runs from 9am-3pm COST: Individual Session: $75, You-Pick-3: $175 or Pick-All-7: $400

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

31

Summer Camps 2020 MAKE SUMMER UNFORGETTABLE! At Sing Sing Sing! we believe in the magic of summer camp. Our summer camps are designed to bring out the spark that will have each and every camper jumping out of bed in the morning with excitement! We combine glamour with joy, education with glitter, and creativity with pop culture. In each and every summer camp our goal is for our campers to find their own unique voice and gain the confidence to use it. Here’s a list of our 2020 camps!

Half Day Camp: $175 | Full Day Camp: $299

Popstar Camp: Taylor Swift

| June 15-19 | 9am-12pm | Ages 6+

Pop Star Camp is all about Glitz, Glam, and Glitter! Dance, sing, learn choreography, and make your own music video!

Finish the camp with a super fun MUSIC VIDEO PREMIER for your friends and family! Camp fills fast – register today!

Campfire Songs: Country and Pop

| June 15-19 | 1pm-4pm | Ages 6+

Campfire Songs: Country and Pop makes learning to play guitar and sing EASY. No experience or guitar necessary. (Think “Glamping.”) Campers will learn to sing and play several hit pop and country songs in one week! Parents are invited to a performance around our infamous “camp fire” at the end of the week.

Songwriting for Singers Camp

| June 22-26 | 9am-12pm | Ages 8+

Calling all singers and aspiring songwriters! Feel like you want to write a song but not sure where to start? Or maybe you love to write lyrics and sing but don’t know how to play an instrument? Songwriting for Singers is the perfect camp for you! No experience or instrument ability necessary! Already produced tracks are provided for you, so all you need to do is sing your heart out! Campers will learn about song form, melody, and get to record their song and take it home as an mp3 to share with friends and family. If you’d like to add the afternoon camp as well (Kids Rock Band) please choose “All Day Camp” at check out and you will automatically be registered for both camps.

Rock Band Camp

| June 22-26 | 1pm-4pm | Ages 8+

KIDS ROCK BAND CAMP is the most fun you’ll ever have learning to play your instrument! This performance based camp takes techniques you’ve learned in your lessons and applies them immediately in a rock band performance group. You’ll be blown away by how quickly you’ll become proficient on your instrument by playing your favorite pop and rock tunes! KIDS ROCK BAND CAMP takes keyboard players, guitarists, bassists, drummers, and singers. No experience? No problem!

ALL DAY POPSTAR PRO: LIZZO!

| July 6-10 | 9am-4pm | Ages 7+

Pop Star Camp is all about glitz and glam! Campers get to learn their favorite LIZZO pop tunes (Kidz Bop versions) and learn choreography to match! Then spend the rest of the week filming your very own music video! Break into teams and work with a professional film crew. If you’ve taken our half day Pop Star Camp and loved it before - this camp will blow your mind!

Flashmob Camp

| July 13-17 | 1pm-4pm | Ages 9+

Flash Mob Camp is here! A performance song and dance camp that culminates in several FLASHMOB performances in and around Pittsburgh on the last day of camp. Transportation to and from FLASHMOB performances provided by Sing Sing Sing! Parent chaperones needed. Performance will be recorded for parents who cannot make it. Sure to be a big hit!

Sing Sing Sing!

3611 Bakerstown Road #7, Bakerstown, PA 15007 724-502-4346 | www.SingSingSingUSA.com 32

Lessons, Performance Groups, and Award Winning Parties!

We offer individual voice, guitar, bass, ukulele, piano and drum lessons as well as performance groups, camps and signature karaoke Pop Star Birthday Parties.

Come check us out!

MARCH 2020 Register | www.northernconnectionmag.com online at singsingsingusa.com

or call us at 724-502-4346

© 2020 Sing Sing Sing!

Education Spotlight

Butler County Family YMCA

By Janice Lane Palko

T

he Butler County Family YMCA is renowned for its tradition of hosting fun and educational camps for children throughout the county during those special summer months. With Y camp enrollment opening soon, now is the time for parents to start mapping out their family’s summer plans.

“Our summer camps are remarkable for a multitude of reasons.

We employ staff who are educated as teachers and understand the progression of developmental learning in youth. Our curriculum regularly includes swimming, art, STEM activities, safety education, field trips, healthy snacks and so much more,” said Rachel Campbell, Clinical Director of Youth Services for the Butler YMCA. Campbell stresses the importance and value of time spent out-ofdoors for a child’s overall wellbeing. “We offer areas that give tons of opportunity for play, incorporating physical activity and social interaction into kid-friendly games and fun.”

The Butler YMCA offers a full-time summer day camp for children ages five to twelve years old, full- and part-time care throughout the year for children ages six weeks to five years, as well as before-and-after school care for students in grades K-6 at five locations during the school year, all supervised by expert staff.

“All of our employees are required to obtain state-mandated clearances; each staff working with youth follow a syllabus while providing strict supervision. Young adults working within our camps must obtain additional training in fire safety, water safety, and emergency procedures. Safety is always our number one priority!” said Ms. Campbell.

Similar to their school-year care, each week of camp has a different theme that coordinates the children’s curriculum, field trips and activities. “Our Butler YMCA Summer Camp is state-licensed, so it provides financial assistance to those who need this support,” said Ms. Campbell. This financial aid makes the Y’s camp a unique and attainable opportunity for those families who can benefit most from the Y’s programs and services.

Summer camp ages are based on years of completed schooling. Registration is open to children who have finished Kindergarten and are entering first grade up to children who have completed 6th grade and are entering 7th.

Camp registration begins in April. For more information, contact Rachel Campbell at rcampbell@bcfymca.org. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

33

A

Shady Side Academy Summer Programs: Day Camps, STEAM Camps, Sports Camps and More!

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 25 fun, affordable summer programs for kids entering grades K-12 on its Middle and Senior School campuses in Fox Chapel, including day camps, STEAM

34

camps, sports camps, focus camps and summer school classes. Highenergy programming, combined with a knowledgeable and experienced staff, make SSA summer programs unlike any other in Pittsburgh!

Designed with working parents in mind, full-day camps include lunch and before-care, plus optional paid after-care. A North Hills bus makes transportation to and from camp a snap.

Day Camp Discovery is a day camp for kids entering grades K-5 on the 130-acre Senior School campus.

Kids enjoy a full day of activities including swimming, tennis, media arts, theater and more. Competition

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

days and picnic dance parties add to the fun. Six weekly sessions are offered from June 15-July 24.

Camp Ren is a day camp for kids entering grades 6-9 on the 35-acre Middle School campus. Campers enjoy greater autonomy and cool activities such as robotics, rocketry, filmmaking and ceramics. An optional leaders-in-training program is available for rising ninth graders.

Three two-week sessions are offered from June 15-July 24, with weekly enrollments available.

STEAM Camps engage kids in creative, hands-on activities in science, technology, engineering, art and math. Ten weeklong camps are

offered, including two SSA Fab Lab camps (grades 6-8) in the stunning new Glimcher Tech & Design Hub and eight Snapology and Drobots camps (grades K-5).

Sports Camps are led by SSA coaches and enable kids of all ability levels to learn a new sport or enhance their skills. Weeklong coed camps in basketball (2-6), golf (4-8), ice hockey (K-8) and tennis (K-5) are offered.

Focus Camps allow kids to focus on a single interest or skill. Weeklong camps in drama (K-5), chess (1-6), mindfulness (K-5), sports & games (K-5), needle art (K-5) and sewing (6-9) are offered.

Summer School features small class sizes and individualized attention from the area’s finest teachers. Elementary and middle school students can pair summer school classes with day camp for a full day of learning and fun. High school offerings include for-credit courses in art, computer science, math and science, plus enrichment courses in college essay writing and SAT/ACT test prep.

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

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

35

Tech it Up: Techy MustHaves for Summer Camp

By Marianne Reid Anderson

W

herever your family members are heading this summer, you may want to consider these techy solutions for both summer and all year round:

PARENTAL CONTROL APP – These apps have become much more than a means to help protect your child in social media and on the internet. Today, these apps have a series of premier features that also include the abilities to limit screen-time, limit game access and track devices on a map. Qustodio is the industry-leader but can appear intimidating. There are, however, many alternatives available such as OurPact. OurPact is easy-to-use, allows you to set different rules for different family members and markets itself as both a Parental Control App and Family Locator. In addition to tracking your family’s whereabouts via the locations of their smartphones, you can also set a circular “geofence” or parameter around various places such as summer camp, school, home, work or “even

36

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Grandma’s house.” Should a family member leave the geofence with their phone, you will automatically receive an alert that their phone (and assuming your family member) has left the parameter. OurPact also has an interesting screen-time allowance feature that encourages responsibility by having children budget their own screen-time allotment throughout the day.

PRE-INSTALLED APPS – Make sure your children can use certain apps on their phone that they may need, such as the Flashlight app, Contacts app and Phone app.

Educators are finding that children text so much that they end-up not knowing how to make a phone call.

EXTRAS – Be sure and pack an extra charger with your children, and depending where they are going, you may want to purchase an external battery so they can remain charged even out-of-doors.

Hopefully, these considerations will help you use today’s technology to help you manage your family’s connectivity, according to your rules, even when they are away.

Have a safe summer! n Marianne Reid Anderson is a freelance, high-tech writer. Her background and published works can be found on LinkedIn or through her website at www.maritom. com.

Act One Summer Camp June 15 – July 10

(3 & 4-week programs) Join ACT ONE SUMMER CAMP as we explore the world of theatre and create memories to last a lifetime!

O

ur curriculum is geared toward training the artist as creator & performer. Our students work with professional directors, composers, choreographers, actors, and music directors to create and perform both original material and the classics. Electives provide small group study of advanced, professional topics. The 5th – 12thgraders will perform FROZEN Jr!.

Our K/1 and 2nd – 4th graders will also perform on their last day of class.

ACT ONE SUMMER CAMP is FUN!! Friendships flourish as students support & encourage the work of others. n www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

37

K I D S & E D U C AT I O N

School Movers & Shakers Blessed Francis Seelos Academy Twenty-four seventh and eighth grade Blessed Francis Seelos Academy students participated in the regional competition of Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Competition. There were ten firstplace winners from BFSA. Zachary Moats won the Physics Award. In addition, he and Alex Aiello, Sarah Haskins and Grace Lazzara, won the Excellence in Scientific Pursuit award. Katie Dudkowski won the American Chemical Society for Excellence in Chemistry and Biochemistry. She also won the Society of Women Engineers Certificate in Achievement for Scientific Excellence.

Major Bill White had one wish for Valentine’s Day - he wanted to collect 100 Valentine’s from the people in America. His goal was to create a

scrapbook with those that he received. With just the help from Blessed Francis Seelos Academy, he was able to add more than 275+ to his collection!

All of the students were asked to create a Valentine for this retired Marine, they wanted to thank him for his service. This 104-year-old World War II Veteran and Purple Heart recipient, have his best Valentine’s Day ever! The whole story can be read at https:// www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/104year-veteran-receiving-valentines-day-cards-country-68445823.

Blessed Francis Seelos Academy students in Mrs. Susan Gazzo and Mrs. Kim Van Kooten’s first grade classes were visited by a local children’s book author Philip Damiani on January 31. Damiani read his book Penny Penguin Finds Her Way Home to the students.

Saint Joseph Saint Joseph High School students participated in PJAS Region 7 competition at Duquesne University.

The following students won awards: Skylar Geibel, Kathryn Huth, Joshua Kelly, Sean LeMay, Robert Lipnichan III, Gabriella Mason, Matthew Parsi, Brody Porter, Ethan Schroeder, Aaron Short, and Andrew VanFossen. The technician was Diesel Losch.

North Allegheny North Allegheny Intermediate High School donated $1,000 to Jamie’s Dream Team on Feb. 18.

The donation will go towards the 4th annual Ryan’s Flight, Disney Extravaganza. Jamie’s Team will send special needs children, who are living with severe intellectual disabilities or are on the autism spectrum, and their families on an all-inclusive trip to Disney World.

Mars Area Mars Area High School sophomore Casey Neff received a $1,000 EF Educational Tours Global Citizen Scholarship to help defer the cost of a “Spanish Fiesta” Tour of Spain this June.

Casey Neff

Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball player Michael Carmody, senior, has surpassed 1,000 career points.

Representatives of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Pirates Charities, Chevron and The Grable Foundation present teacher Joe Joswiak and his family (center) with a $1,000 check to benefit the health & physical education program at Mars Area Middle School.

Seneca Valley Four Seneca Valley students are participating in a regional orchestra festival.

Jacklyn Ko, Erin Keppler, Aaron Sedlak and Lindsay Walls Rivera will be moving on to the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Western Region Orchestra Festival in March.

Governor Tom Wolf announced that the Seneca Valley School District will receive $35,000 in grant money as part of the PAsmart Targeted grants, a state-wide effort to expand computer science (CS) classes and teacher training.

38

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

The Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon Team placed first in a regional Academic Decathlon Competition at Edinboro University.

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School senior Gwendolyn Davison won an award for her submission to the Pittsburgh Regional Scholastic Writing Awards 2020 competition. Gwendolyn was awarded a Gold Key for her short story entitled, “Blown in by the Hot Winds.” Her entry has now been sent to New York City for national judging.

Fox Chapel Area High School junior Amulya Garimella has been named a winner of a 2020 National Center for Women & Information Technology Award for Aspirations in Computing. Additionally, junior Vivian Shao was one of 360 young women nationwide designated as an honorable mention winner.

Two Fox Chapel Area High School students and two Dorseyville Middle School students placed at the annual Hampton Talbot Invitational Forensic Tournament. Sophomore Patrick Alexander was named the “Superior Speaker” (second place) in Student Congress. Eighth graders Camryn Eisner and Isabella White won fourth place in Public Forum Debate. Junior Suparna Agrawal won sixth place in Extemporaneous Speaking.

Two Fox Chapel Area High School students were octofinalists in the Bethel Park Black Hawk

Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. The Public Forum Debate team of seniors Boomba Nishikawa and Felix Veser advanced to the octofinal round and finished in the top 16 teams at the tournament.

Kerr Elementary School has been named a Pennsylvania Department of Education Title I Distinguished School for the 2019-2020 school year.

The designation is based on Kerr Elementary state assessment results from the 2017-2018 and 20182019 school years.

Shady Side Academy Four Shady Side Academy seniors were named semifinalists in the 65th annual National Merit Scholarship Program. These academically talented students will be considered for 7,500 National Merit Scholarships worth more than $31 million that will be offered this spring. The SSA semifinalists are: Akshay Amesur, Nicole Caputo, Arusha Nirvan, and Giri Viswanathan.

La Roche University Stacy Innerst, an adjunct professor of graphic design at La Roche University, received the Sydney Taylor Book Award for Picture Books.

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

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

Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com

Vincentian Academy (North Hills)

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

La Roche University earned the 2020-21 Military Friendly® school designation by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs® STEM JobsSM and Military Spouse. www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

39

March 2020 Arts & Entertainment Affordable Original Art Sale Benefit for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, 1-8 p.m., Mar. 14 & 1-6 p.m., Mar. 15, Shannopin Country Club. For info, visit www.buyartbenefit.com.

Legacy Movies: Downtown Abbey,

2 & 7 p.m., March 2; Where’d You Go Bernadette, March 9; Maleficient: Mistress of Evil, March 16; Last Christmas, March 23; Just Mercy, March 30, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/.

Legacy Theatres shows: The Skyliners, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., Mar. 21; Tribute to John Denver with Ted Vigil, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Apr. 11, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/productions.

40

Neighbors North Youth Ministry presents: City of Man 2020, a musical

revue in two Acts, 7:30 p.m., Mar. 27, 2 & 7:30 p.m., Mar. 28 & 2 p.m., Mar. 29, Holy Cross Academy Getty Hall, 307 Siebert Rd. Proceeds benefit Appalachia & Chimbote Missions. For info, call (412) 364-8999.

Bereavement Support Addiction Bereavement Support Group Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Cumberland Woods Village Chapel, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. Call (412) 748-5120.

Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills, 10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park.

To register, call (724) 334-6600.

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Grief Support Group for widows and

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

Wed., 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.

Pittsburgh L.A.M.P.S. is for those

Cancer Caregivers Support Group,

grieving the loss of a child – includes miscarriages, still birth and prematurity.

Meetings held 7:30 p.m., 1st Tues of the month, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland Rd., McCandless. Contact Laurie.Jackson@lifeaftermps. org.

Cancer Support Brain Tumor Group, 4:30-6:30 p.m.,

3rd Thurs., Wexford. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

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

6-7:30 p.m., the 3rd Tues, in the North Hills. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

Cancer Caring Center free exercise

programs for cancer patients, 8:30-9:30 p.m. every Wed., Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA; 9:30-10:30 a.m., every Sat., Sewickley YMCA. Registration is required, call (412) 622-1212.

Cancer Support Groups at Our Clubhouse, 6:30-8 p.m., 1st Tues,

Breast Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer Groups; 6-8 p.m., 2nd Tues, Multiple Myeloma; 6-8 p.m., 3rd Tues, Living Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer; 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd Thurs., Pancreatic Cancer Group, 2816 Smallman St., Pgh. Call (412) 338-1919 to register.

Gentle Yoga Cancer Support, 5:45-

6:45 p.m., 3rd Mon., North Hills. Visit www.cancercaring.org.

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.

Dancing Country Knight Line Dancers host a

line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person.

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

Oldies Dance with Golden Oldies D.J.

6-8:30 p.m., Weds., March 25-May 13, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd. Free nine week program.

To register email cdwyer@ourclubhouse. org or call (412) 338-1919.

Marty Tack, 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Sat., Mar. 21, (3rd Sat. each month) S.S. Peter & Paul’s Ukrainian Hall, 10 Arbor Street Lyndora. Songs from the 50’s, 60’s, & 70’s, $9 admission, snacks, coffee, tea, & ice provided.

B.Y.O.B. Open to the Public. For info, call Marty (724) 283-1867.

Living Life Post Cancer Treatment,

Saturday Singles Dance, ages 40+,

Living Life Post Cancer Treatment,

daytime starting in April, dates & times TBA, UPMC Butler. Free nine week program. To register email cdwyer@ourclubhouse.org or call (412) 338-1919.

Metastatic Cancer Support Group,

5-6:30 p.m., 1st Thur. of each month, UPMC Passavant Hospital-McCandless.

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. Register at (412) 622-1212.

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition

(NOCC) “Teal Hearts Network” meets 6-8 p.m., the 3rd Monday of every month at the Cancer Caring Center.

This network group is for ovarian cancer survivors. Visit http://ovarian.org/component/events/event/483.

Young Adult Cancer Group, 5:30-7

p.m., 4th Tues, North Hills. Visit www. cancercaring.org.

Colleges & Universities La Roche University now offers

International Scholar Credit Initiative Program. For details, visit international@laroche.edu or call (412) 536-1279.

FAFSA 2020-21 Completion Workshop, 10 a.m.-noon, Mar. 21,

La Roche University, Huber Academic Center, Room 208. Register at finaid@ laroche.edu or (412) 536-1125.

Conferences & Seminars Autism: Stronger Together for a Lifetime Conference, Apr. 30, DoubleTree by Hilton

Hotel Pittsburgh, Cranberry. For detail, visit autismofpa.org.

Pennsylvania Branch International Dyslexia Association Spring Conference, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Apr. 25,

Carlow University’s Education Dept. For details, visit pa.dyslexia.org.

8-12 p.m., Mar. 7, Pre-St. Patty’s Day Party; 8-12 p.m., Mar. 21, Great Gift Card Giveaway. Free Dance Lesson 7:30 p.m. Dance Line (724) 316-5029, email dancetonight09@aol.com, visit www. dancetonight.weebly.com.

Environmental Latodami Nature Center: Adult Nature

Walk, 10 a.m.-noon every Thurs.; Nature Hike, 6:30-8 p.m., every 1st & 3rd Tues.; Maple Syrup Demo, 11:30 a.m., Mar. 7 & 10 a.m., Mar. 21 & 1 p.m., Mar, 21; All About Eagles, 6 p.m., Mar. 9; Maple Syrup Making, 10 a.m. & 1 p.m., Mar. 10; Project Bluebird Box, 6 p.m., Mar. 18; Beaver Hike, 6 p.m., Mar. 23; Nature Crafts: Natural Dyes, 4:30 p.m., Mar. 26. For details, visit alleghenycounty.us/latodami, or call (724) 935-2170.

Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club meetings, 7 p.m., Tues., Mar. 17,

Apr. 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 20 & Nov. 17, at Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve, 614 Dorseyville Rd. Meetings are free.

For info, email cs4wpmc@gmail.com or visit wpamushroomclub.org.

Fundraiser

Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Rd., Allison Park. The presentation is Civil War Jeopardy. Free & open to the public.

Outreach 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. Bring your needles! For info, call (724) 799-8700.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt.

Shaler Twp. For tickets and info, visit https://bauerstownvfd.com/events or on Facebook at Bauerstown VFD.

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.

Sportsman Bash, Apr. 25, Bauerstown

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

Purse Bash, May 16, Bauerstown VFD,

VFD & Undercliff VFC. For tickets & info, visit: https://bauerstownvfd.com/events or on Facebook at Bauerstown VFD.

Historical For You Were Strangers: Jewish Immigration to Pittsburgh exhibit is on

display thru May 31 at Holocaust Center, 826 Hazelwood Ave., Pittsburgh. For details, visit http://hcofpgh.org.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meeting, 7 p.m., Mar. 16,

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.

Ridgewood Food Pantry, open every

Tue. 5-7 p.m. & every Wed. 2-6 p.m., 335 Center Ave. Pgh. Street parking available. Helping the West View Community Call Judy at (412) 931-1313.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary Membership Opportunities, are you looking for an opportunity for

social interaction with other dedicated people in support of UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join UPMC Passavant Auxiliary’s tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept.-June) at 10 a.m. Contact Alice at (412) 7486640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

Races & Walks Brendan’s Boots, the hiking group of

St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, hits the trail every three weeks. The group meets at 10 a.m. & each hike is followed by lunch at a restaurant. For details, visit stbrendans.org or call (412) 364-5974.

Sales Saint Aloysius Rummage Sale, 8

a.m.-2 p.m. Sat., Mar. 7, and noon3:00 p.m., Mar. 8, 3610 Mt. Troy Rd., Reserve Twp. New & used treasures in 18 rooms & 3 garages. Clothing, linens, floral, crafts, furniture, electronics, toys & other quality pieces. Hot food & bakery items in the cafeteria.

Schools Legally Blonde the Musical, 7 p.m.,

Mar. 5-7, 2 p.m., Mar. 8, Fox Chapel Area High School auditorium. For details, visit fcasd.edu.

(Continued on page 42)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

41

Shows North Pittsburgh Quilters Guild Quilt Show, Apr. 24-26, the Ross Township

Community Center. The theme is “Log Cabin Fever.” Over 100 quilts displayed and a variety of vendors. For details on the show or becoming a member, visit www.NPQG.org.

Social Great Fellowship Social Club, meeting

noon, 2nd Sat. each month in Wexford, Bella Frutteto, 2602 Brandt School Rd., 15090. Live music, Dixieland, Jazz, & Eclectic sounds. $25 entertainment with a choice from Bella Frutetto’s special events menu. All are welcome! Cash bar opens at 11:30 a.m. For info, visit www. fellowsclub1904.com.

Special Needs Sensory Sensitive Summer Camps:

June 29-July 17 for ages 6-14. For details, visit, CarnegieScienceCenter.org or (412) 237-3400.

Special programs for People with Sensory Sensitivities: 9 a.m.-noon, Sundays, May 17, Aug. 2 & Nov. 8, Carnegie Science Center. For info,

42

CarnegieScienceCenter.org or (412) 237-3400.

Spiritual Orchard Hill Butler County events:

March Magic Madness, 6:30-8 p.m., Mar. 6; Women’s Retreat: Faith, Hope & Charity, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Mar. 14. For details, visit www.orchardhillchurch.com.

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 a.m.,

Tues., at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www.stbrendans. org or call (412) 364-5974.

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.

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group,

noon-1:15 p.m., 3rd Weds., HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Sewickley, 3rd Floor Board Room. For info, 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,

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center.

Call (724) 283-6666.

Brain Tumor Support Group, 6:30-8

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

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.

Parkinson’s Support Group, 1-2:30

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

Stroke Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m.,

of the 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.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous, 11

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

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.

Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m., Weds,

at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www.stbrendans.org or call (412) 951-9157.

Parkinson’s Support Group, 10

a.m., 1st Tues of each month, Rose E.

p.m., last Wed of each month, HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd. Contact Jessica, at (412) 828-1300 x7710. once a month on Weds., HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd., For info, contact Valerie at (412) 826-2784 or valerie.bucek@healthsouth.com.

Under One Roof helps people who are

housing extended family members under their roof. Anyone who is experiencing the challenges of extended family living is provided support & advice. For info, contact St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church at www.stbrendans.org or (412) 6352312.

Veterans Harmonicas for Health for individuals

with COPD & other chronic lung diseases, at Butler VA Health Care. For info, call 878-271-6484.

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 Flu Vaccination Clinics to Veterans at the main campus, Community-Based

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to

drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon.stalter@cancer.org.

Hiland Preschool’s Spring/Summer Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale Saturday, March 28, 8:00 am-1:00 pm Sunday, March 29, 1:00 pm-3:00 pm (Red Tag Sale 25-50% off)

Outpatient Clinics, and other community locations this fall. For a list of date and times, call (724) 287-4781 or 1-800-362-8262.

BotsIQ Competition is seeking volunteers for their com-

VA Butler Healthcare’s Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Program now offers Veterans the oppor-

Lighthouse Foundation is looking for individuals or

Gently worn clothes NB - size 14 as well as toys, books and baby equipment.

Proceeds support our non-profit preschool.

Mission of Mercy Pittsburgh (MOMPGH) is seeking

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

tunity 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.

petitions which will be held in March & April. For details, visit https://swpabotsiq.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer. groups to do local food donation pick-ups, help with food pantry distributions & special projects, and office assistant work. For details, call (724) 586-5554.

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

1,500 volunteers to assist with its free dental clinic which will be held July 24-25 at PPG Paints Arena. Help is also needed for set-up July 23. To learn more, visit http://www.mompgh.org/volunteer.

Veterans Discover HOPE Here-Career, 3rd Wed.,

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide

Veterans Breakfast Club Meetings, held every month

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.

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 Tutoring

Mentoring Program.For details, call (412) 366-1300 x123.

Veteran HOPE, support group for women Veterans recov-

Vincentian Home Personal Care is in need of volun-

ering 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.

teers. If you are interested, contact at smarkl@vcs.org or call (412) 925-8315. Vincentian is located at 111 Perry Rd. in McCandless. For info, visit vcs.org.

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help make

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/.

a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.

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

The 1st Amendment & Free Speech

O

By Weston Waite

ne of the best things about the United States and our Constitution is our right to freedom of speech. Some of you may recall the SCOTUS case Texas v. Johnson in the 80s. One man had demonstrated his frustration with President Reagan by lighting up the stars and stripes. Although this was unpatriotic and disturbing to many, it was upheld by the Supreme Court as an expression of free speech. Why was this so? Former ACLU President, Nadine Strossen, said that despite that hate speech can invoke feelings of fear or anger, it does not mean that it is best to censor it. What may be considered hate speech in one time can be totally acceptable in another time, and vice versa. Some of you may recall John Milton from school, who wrote Areopagitica to speak in opposition to the British Parliament’s Licensing Order of 1643, mandating that authors obtain

a license from the government before their work could be published. Milton reasoned that having the ability to write freely was necessary to a free society. For a society to be at its best, it must be willing to have difficult conversations, without unrestricted freedom of the press. Speaking more on the connection between American republicanism and free speech, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer states in his book, Active Liberty, that it is vital “to understand the first amendment as seeking to facilitate a conversation among ordinary citizens that will encourage their informed participation in the electoral process.” Free speech allows the many different factions of our country to talk things out. Anybody who loves America should love freedom of speech, even if you disagree. After all, there is no Union without unity. n Weston Waite is a senior at Duquesne University, majoring in Political Science and French. His academic specialties are those of American history and American politics. In addition, Weston is a member of the Duquesne Men’s Hockey Team and Sigma Nu Fraternity. He is a lifelong resident of McCandless, where he currently resides with his family.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MARCH 2020

43

44

MARCH 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com