May 2023 issue • Northern Connection Magazine

May

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 24 YEARS

A High-Risk Pregnancy: The Care You Need — Close to Home

Also... 2023

Women’s Health

Women in Business

Miracle League of Southwestern PA

Begins 15th Season

Stronger Than Ever

Saturday, May 20, 2023

2 and 7:30 p.m.

Britishmania

Saturday, June 24, 2023

2 and 7:30 p.m.

Ruby Shooz

Oldies Band

Saturday, July 22, 2023

2 and 7:30 p.m.

Beach Party Boys

Tribute to the Beach Boys

Saturday, August 19, 2023

2 and 7:30 p.m.

Elton John

TRIBUTE BY JEFF SCOTT

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FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

Integrating Pittsburgh Sports

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

11 a.m.

Speaker: David Finoli, sports historian and author of numerous sports history books

Dealing with the Family Vacation Home: It’s Not Always a Day at the Beach!

Thursday, May 18, 2023 1 p.m.

All About Hummingbirds

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

11 a.m.

Speaker: Julie Travaglini, Senior Director of Education & Curriculum, Allegheny Land Trust

Back Pain and Aging - Common Causes and a Physical Therapy Approach to Treatment

Tuesday, June 6, 2023

11 a.m.

Speaker:  Craig Maartmann-Moe, DPT, Cert. MDT, CSCS

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NC Features

P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

Phone: 724-940-2444

ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Laura Lyn Arnold

Publisher Emeritus & Contributor

Marion Swanson Piotrowski

Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko

Janice@northernconnectionmag.com

Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green

Paula@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson

Design & Production

Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc.

Web Master

Swanson Publishing , LLC

Core Writers

Maura Brown

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Ron Eichner

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Janice Lane Palko

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Bronwyn Wain

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

The mission of the Swanson Publishing, LLC 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.

the Cover: Elyse Wolff received the advanced pregnancy care she needed from UPMC Magee-Womens – close to her home in Economy, Pa.

A High-Risk Pregnancy: The Care You Need — Close to Home

Throughout her high-risk pregnancy, Elyse Wolff received the advanced pregnancy care she needed close to her home in Economy, Pa., north of Pittsburgh — including monitoring by maternal fetal medicine providers at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

When Elyse became pregnant with her first child in 2022, she never expected a problem. But she made sure she had a doctor who would deliver at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh. After all, she was born there 30 years earlier and even volunteered there as a teenager.

“I never considered any other hospital. I was born at UPMC Magee. I’m very aware of the services they offer,” says Elyse, a UPMC Western Behavioral Health child therapist.

“Magee has been delivering babies for a long time. It was comforting to me knowing that they have seen every scenario.”

Rising Blood Pressure

Elyse, now 31, received prenatal care at UPMC Greater Pittsburgh OB/GYN, part of UPMC Magee-Womens located in Cranberry Township at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. The office is just 15 minutes from her home.

“It started off as a normal pregnancy,” says Elyse. But at 15 weeks, doctors noticed her blood pressure was edging upward and

diagnosed her with hypertension.

“Hypertension can be dangerous for both the mother and the baby,” says Marydonna Ravasio, DO, an obstetrician-gynecologist at UPMC Greater Pittsburgh OB/GYN who cared for Elyse. “Once she was diagnosed with hypertension, her pregnancy was considered high risk.”

Managing a High-Risk Pregnancy

Hypertension during pregnancy increases the risk of complications for the mother, including preeclampsia (a form of high blood pressure combined with protein in the urine), stroke, or heart attack. It also can restrict the baby’s growth and lead to preterm delivery and stillbirth, says Dr. Ravasio.

This content is sponsored by UPMC.

Marydonna Ravasio, DO, obstetriciangynecologist, UPMC Greater Pittsburgh OB/GYN

Elyse, Elliot, and Sean Wolff of Economy, Pa.

Although Elyse remained in Dr. Ravasio’s care, she was referred to the maternal fetal medicine (MFM) specialists at Magee in Pittsburgh for extra monitoring. She was pleasantly surprised her appointment with MFM specialist Tiffany Deihl, MD, was done via telemedicine.

“I was relieved to have the additional team of specialists monitoring the health of me and my baby,” says Elyse. “Being able to do this via telemedicine was so convenient. I could continue seeing my doctors in Cranberry and still get that specialized care.”

Throughout her pregnancy, Elyse’s doctors worked together closely to manage her care. She was initially prescribed a baby aspirin and given a blood pressure cuff to use at home. Extra ultrasounds were ordered to check her baby’s growth. All test results, imaging, and doctor’s reports were shared via UPMC’s electronic medical records system, MyUPMC.

“It’s seamless,” says Dr. Ravasio. “We work as a team to ensure women and their babies receive top-notch care.”

Another High-Risk Diagnosis

As her pregnancy progressed, Elyse’s blood pressure remained stable. But at 28 weeks, a routine glucose test detected another high-risk condition: gestational diabetes.

Gestational diabetes that isn’t carefully managed can lead to complications from high blood sugar levels. For the mother, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and stillbirth. It also can cause the baby to grow too big, leading to a difficult delivery or a cesarean section. The baby’s blood sugar can be dangerously low at birth.

Magee’s MFM team met with Elyse — again via telemedicine — to review her diagnosis and treatment. “Controlling these high-risk conditions is very important. It translates to much better outcomes for the mom and baby,” says Mary Lee, PA-C , an MFM provider. “We also want to ensure that patients understand their diagnoses, have the opportunity to ask questions, and are fully informed and part of the decision making.”

An MFM diabetes educator met with Elyse to discuss lifestyle changes, including what she should eat, how to count carbohydrates, and how to check her blood sugar after eating. When her blood sugars remained high, another diabetes educator taught Elyse how to administer insulin.

“These specialists were an amazing resource,” says Elyse. “Being able to meet virtually was great. I didn’t have to worry about traffic, parking, or taking time off from work.”

Seamless Access to Care

Because of her diagnoses, Elyse began having more frequent appointments. That included twice weekly nonstress tests to check

her baby’s heartbeat, plus monthly ultrasounds to check the baby’s growth and the health of her placenta.

“Going to the doctor’s office twice a week was a bit overwhelming, but I knew it was good for my baby,” says Elyse. “I was so happy I could continue seeing my doctors close to home in Cranberry. Everyone there is so friendly and supportive.”

Elyse’s test results were automatically shared with her doctors in Cranberry and at the hospital. When her blood pressure began to increase, Mary met with Elyse via telemedicine. She put her on a beta blocker to control her hypertension and recommended changes to her delivery plans.

“It’s a big deal if we can’t get the blood pressure down,” says Mary. “I sent a plan to her obstetrician recommending that she deliver at 37 weeks if her blood pressure remained elevated.”

A Healthy Baby, Continued Care

Dr. Ravasio agreed and at 37 weeks, Elyse went to Magee where she was induced. The next day, she gave birth to 5-pound, 12-ounce Elliot — delivered via c-section by Dr. Ravasio.

“I never thought I’d have hypertension or gestational diabetes during my pregnancy. And I never imagined being induced at 37 weeks,” says Elyse. “But everyone looked after me and my baby throughout my pregnancy. And I have a perfect, healthy baby boy.”

Elyse’s care didn’t end with her delivery. Because she had hypertension that worsened at the end of her pregnancy, she had a higher risk of developing postpartum preeclampsia — a serious condition that can lead to brain damage, stroke, and death if untreated.

Following her discharge, Elyse continued to be monitored remotely through the UPMC Postpartum Hypertension Program at UPMC Magee. For six weeks, a team of nurses carefully watched Elyse’s blood pressure readings — sent via text message — with protocols to follow if it became elevated.

Although Elyse never developed preeclampsia, “This program can be lifesaving because preeclampsia must be treated quickly,” says Dr. Ravasio. “Elyse had the best care possible throughout her pregnancy and beyond. It doesn’t get any better.” n

Tiffany Deihl, MD, maternal fetal medicine specialist, UPMC MageeWomens Hospital

Mary Lee, PA-C, maternal fetal medicine, UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital

Elliot Wolff

Karen Anspaugh | Surrett & Anspaugh, LLC

Karen Anspaugh is a partner at the law firm of Surrett & Anspaugh LLC. She has helped companies form and thrive for over 33 years. Combining her business law practice with her experience in estate planning and asset protection, she helps businesses and individuals implement beneficial tax strategies and safeguard all they have worked for. Karen also operates Adrienne Abstract & Closing Company, where she manages every stage of residential and commercial real estate transactions, from drafting documents to settlement. She routinely works with real estate investors and assists with transactions involving nontraditional financing.

724-831-1410 | www.surrett-anspaugh.com | karen@surrett-anspaugh.com

Heather Egli | Joseph Lane & Co.

When Heather Egli started Joseph Lane & Co., she committed to giving her customers 120% of herself and to making them feel welcome and wonderful. Owning and operating her own business allows Heather, a mother of three, to stay equally involved with her family and the community, and she enjoys encouraging women by helping them to look and feel their best. Just two years old, Joseph Lane & Co. assists women by offering them stylish clothes to purchase in her store or online by helping them to select a flattering hairstyle in her salon and giving manicures and pedicures. A stickler for details, Heather believes the most important detail is the way you feel when you leave her home away from home. Visit Joseph Lane & Co. and experience it for yourself.

Joseph Lane & Co. | 22089 Perry Highway, Suite 201, Zelienople, Pa | www.ShopJosephLane.com @ShopJosephLane | (724) 473-0267 | SalonMeraki724@gmail.com

Each year it is Northern Connection’s pleasure to introduce you to the business and professional women in our area. They come from many different industries and specialties, and each brings her own expertise and experience to make them the best at their chosen profession.

Sally Power | Treasure House Fashions

Sally Power is a self-proclaimed “hot mess” but readily adds her mess has become her message. After inheriting over $200,000…worth of debt… while navigating a divorce, Power secured a resale shop to augment her teaching income. Within a year, the for-profit evolved into a mission to help women overcome challenges. Treasure House Fashions is a nonprofit women’s resale shop with a tender heart. Since 2002, the agency has served over 40,000 women and collaborates with over 65 agencies in the Greater Pittsburgh area serving women. Their clients receive giving gift certificates to shop at Treasure House, getting what they like, as well as what they need, at no cost to the individual or agency. Power shares messages of hope and encouragement with these clients, and her enthusiasm and zest for life is contagious! In addition to her passion for empowering women, Sally taught Deaf and Hard of Hearing students for 36 years and retired from North Allegheny School District in June of 2012. In addition to writing her friend’s memoir, Power is a sought-after speaker for groups and organizations of various sizes. More than any award or achievement, Sally is most proud of her three children: Nathan, Stephanie, and Chad. “To watch them passionately pursue their dreams, despite challenges, is the best legacy.” To support the mission of empowering women, YOU can shop at Treasure House Fashions! Learn more at www.thfashions.org

Deb Walton, Realtor®, SRES® | Coldwell Banker Realty

Deb is originally from Upstate New York and has been a resident of Cranberry Township for 30 years after being transferred here by her former employer, Eastman Kodak Company. Deb has 25+ years of experience in Consumer Product sales and served as a Kodak Account Executive, calling on the Navy and Marine Corps Exchanges throughout the world. After being home with her children until they entered elementary school, Deb started her real estate career and has received many accolades as a consistent annual multi-million dollar producer. Married for 24 years to a retired PA State Trooper, she has three children. Deb represents buyers and sellers throughout Metro Pittsburgh, and specializes in helping our Veterans, Active-Duty and Military Families buy and sell homes. She also serves on the Capital Campaign Committee for the Friends of Pittsburgh Fisher House, helping raise funds to build a second Fisher House in Pittsburgh for the families of Veterans and active-duty military who are hospitalized. Deb enjoys serving her clients and prides herself on the relationships she builds. Please visit RealtorDebWalton.com to learn more about her. C. 724.480.6690 | O. 724.776.2900 | deb.walton@pittsburghmoves.com

Lisa Brooks | Premier Wealth Partners

Lisa A. Brooks, CFP, CRPC, financial advisor and partner with Premier Wealth Partners, has helped her clients thrive for more than 23 years. Lisa focuses on Retirement Planning Strategies for clients and specializes on Retirement Income Strategies and Women’s Financial Strategies. At Premier Wealth Partners, we look to provide comprehensive financial care to help clients with their wealth management strategies.  We take the time to understand what’s truly important to you. Together, we will document your goals, track your progress, and then make ongoing recommendations to help you diversify your portfolio, protect your income and assets, and adjust to whatever life brings – both the expected and the unexpected. In working with clients, she strives to help them achieve their financial goals and objectives. “Many people don’t start working with a financial advisor until they are planning to retire. Even though they may have a broker, an insurance agent and even an accountant, many fail to have one person to bring it all together. The sooner you start with an advisor, the better off you will be. If you start out early, small strategies and adjustments can be implemented over time to enhance your financial situation.”

Lisa.A.Brooks@ampf.com | 412-249-6904

Stacey Perry | Guardian Angel Home Care Services, Inc.

Guardian Angel Home Care Services, Inc. has been in business since 2001 and is one of the oldest privately-owned agencies in Pittsburgh. Stacey Perry is the founder and CEO, and she knew that she wanted to work with seniors because of her love for her grandmother. “My grandmother was a strong Hungarian woman who helped to raise me. She was my best friend, and I spent so much time with her and her friends growing up,” Perry said. Unfortunately, she also watched many of them age and go into nursing homes. “My passion for the elderly and wanting to make sure that our seniors can age in place in the comfort of home is why I created Guardian Angel Home Care,” she said. The company offers personal care assistance, medication reminders, meals and so much more. Many staff members have been with Guardian Angel for years and years. “We treat all of our employees like family, and have a low turnover rate,” said Perry. ““When I look at how many lives we have touched, it gives me so much joy and gives me the drive to keep doing what I love—keeping seniors safe in their own home.” 412-492-8290 or visit guardianangelinhomecare.com. ALWAYS HIRING CARING HEARTS!

BOK Law & Mediation Services

You’ll be OK with BOK. BOK Law & Mediation Services, PLLC recently launched in January 2023. Prior to that, Dorothy O’Neil managed the Family Law Practice at a mid-sized law firm in Pittsburgh. Rachael Bowe, Aleksandra Kocelko and Dorothy O’Neil worked together for several years, and it was an easy transition to not only become partners in the practice of law, but business owners as well.

At BOK Law & Mediation Services, we help families navigate through periods of transition. Whether you are getting married and need a premarital agreement, a new family wanting to discuss estate planning, a separating family seeking help with divorce or custody, or even a family who recently lost a loved one working through the probate process, we provide diligent, comprehensive, and compassionate representation.

We believe we stand apart because we offer out-of-court options for finalizing your family law matter. We offer both premarital mediation and divorce mediation, as well as collaborative divorce to alleviate the stress involved in making these difficult decisions. We also offer many flat-fee options, so that our clients know exactly what they will be paying to finalize their case. Finally, we offer free one-hour consultations to potential clients, as we believe educating clients on a process that is best for them is essential.

Boklawfirm.com | 454 Perry Highway, West View, PA 15229 | 412-941-9410

Toni Shelaske | Healthy Pet Products

While operating my own pet-sitting business, I became increasingly concerned about the various health afflictions that I was seeing in my customer’s pets. The list of ailments included allergies, itchy skin, auto-immune disorders, and a multitude of other problems. I began researching these health concerns and discovered that every symptom seemed to point to food and the environment. Coincidentally, there was a local store up for sale that only sold natural pet food and treats. I bought the store in 2008 to spread the word about how important it is to feed quality pet food to our pets. Healthy Pet Products now has three locations in Pittsburgh PA and one in Port Charlotte, Florida.

I have found that many of the ailments our pets are suffering from these days can be greatly improved or completely eliminated with premium pet foods, raw feeding, and supplementation. My true passion in life is to reach as many people as possible and help them to understand what better nutrition can do for their pets and in turn for themselves.

In addition to Healthy Pet Products, I have a podcast called Toni Unleashed, which can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music as well as both the Toni Unleashed and Healthy Pet Products websites. Healthypetproducts.net | (412) 366-0700

Colleen Anthony | MABC Mortgage

Mortgage proves to be the answer for how Colleen Anthony, Broker/Owner of MABC Mortgage could combine her financing skills and passion for helping others. MABC Mortgage has been servicing Pennsylvania for over 20 years, specifically in the Pittsburgh region. Colleen has provided financing in several sectors throughout her career including commercial, investment, construction and residential.

In addition to providing mortgage financing, Colleen is also an active investor in real estate. She has recently extended her portfolio into other states such as Texas and Florida focusing on Short Term Rentals/ Airbnb properties.

She is actively involved in her community. She sits on the Board of Directors for A Place To Grow Learning Centre, located in Fox Chapel, servicing over 180 students. She is also active in fundraising for Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh which helps provide housing and respite care for older individuals with Intellectual disabilities. She also provides free seminars for first time buyers through several of the local colleges, teaching college graduates about the need and value of establishing credit as well as basic financing knowledge needed for obtaining a mortgage.

Our team is committed to providing the best possible experience, which is supported by 87% of our leads coming from previous/ existing customers.

In addition to her mortgage business and investment portfolio, Colleen also manages McKnight East Condo Association. She is a member of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers, PA Association of Mortgage Brokers, APEX Investors, Pittsburgh Women in Business, Emmaus Capital Campaign committee and sits happily as a core volunteer for Furs and Tails Animal Rescue as well as several other animal rescue shelters.

If you are considering a Residential Purchase or Refinance or if you are interested in securing a spot for a financing seminar, contact her office at 412-358-9680. www.mabcmortgage.com.

NMLS ID 119413, 134430. Licensed by the PA Department of Banking, 20471,29248

Jackie Sorrenti | Gals On and Off the Green

Gals On and Off the Green is a women’s golf and casual wear boutique. Our passion is simple: to help women of all ages, shapes and sizes look and feel better about themselves (We offer fashions in sizes from double zero to 22!). Our flagship store in Pittsburgh is coming up on 19 years in June and a new location outside of the Pittsburgh market will be announced and opening later this year! Our fashions are not just clothes for golf – the are truly clothes for everyday LIFE! About 80 percent of the fashion we carry are beautiful and stylish and of great quality –and they are fashions for EVERY DAY! The fabrics do not wrinkle, they hold their shape, they quickly dry if you get caught in a sweat or downpour, they are easy care….They are great for travel and 18-hour days….and they do not say “I am going golfing” – they are smart clothes for life! We provide one-on-one attention to your particular fit needs and sense of personal style – and accentuate your best features. We offer over 40 different brands and fits - the best selection of colors, lengths and styles. We can help you be “every you”- sporty-chic Gal, classic Gal, fashion-forward Gal, modern Gal – our selection provides something for a Gal’s EVERY style! www.galsonandoffthegreen.com

Amy Tedrow | Believe, Create, Inspire LLC

Amy Tedrow is Owner and Photographer at Believe, Create, Inspire LLC | Amy Tedrow Photography. Every family, individual, small business or non-profit organization has a unique story to tell. Her mission is to help create a visual representation of that story through stunning headshots, commercial and event photography, and beautiful portraits. As a photographer, Amy strives to provide a positive and fun experience that captures your personality and vision and as a result, creating amazing portraits for your family or business to be proud to display. 724.824.3070 | amy@believecreateinspire.com | www.believecreateinspire.com

Dana Cupples and Nicole Bush A Place to Grow Learning Center

Dana Cupples is the owner of A Place to Grow; she followed her dream of opening the center in 2001. Dana couldn’t run this amazing facility without the help of her director, Nicole Bush. Nicole has been with the center for 21 years, starting as a pre-k teacher and working her way up to director in 2008. At A Place to Grow, we focus on exhibiting a personal touch, and our goal is for the children to have the most positive “first” school experience. We have been in the Fox Chapel community since opening the center. Dana and Nicole pour their hearts into the center, and because of that, parents and children sing their praises. We also have a great team of teachers and assistants. This incredible team of dedicated staff is the reason behind our success!

Our Vision is to create a love of learning and a lifetime of memories. With video surveillance and security cameras both inside and outside the building, we provide a safe and secure environment. Specialized childcare software along with biometric ID scanning allows convenient and secure check-in and check-out.

Contact us today to schedule a tour of the facility, meet our teachers and receive more information about our programs and curriculum. Hours of operation are 6:30a.m. to 6:00p.m. Monday through Friday.

www.aplacetogrow.net | 412-963-1222

Nicole Bush and Dana Cupples

Marla Turnbull, NBC-HWC | Nature’s Divine Healing – Optimal Recovery, LLC

I believe in taking a holistic approach to optimal recovery. In 2020, I overcame a major sepsis infection by healing my body naturally. By combining energy work with health and resiliency coaching, I aid the body, heart and soul through optimal recovery.

I offer the AO Scan that is a comprehensive tool for measuring and regulating the body for emotional and physical healing. Our bodies are made to heal if given the right nutrients for synergetic balance through lifestyle care, whole-food, plant-based choices, reducing stress and getting restorative sleep.

As a National Board-Certified Health and Emotional Wellness Coach, I am passionate about working with committed achievers who are ready to take charge of their life. I believe the success of any program includes dealing with limiting beliefs that keep sabotaging our best efforts. 412-302-4638 | www.Naturesdivinehealing.com

Crystal Manning | Medicare Consultant

Crystal A Manning, Licensed Medicare Advisor is the founder of Crystal Clear Medicare. After being in the Insurance business for over 30 years, in 2015 she established her own company. Licensed to sell Medicare in 10 states. Crystal focuses on educating her clients to enable them to make the best decisions for their unique health care situations. Specifically, she explains the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Part D (drug) and optional pharmaceutical plans and the enrollment requirements for all Medicare plans. Additionally, she provides each client with no-cost annual reviews to ensure that they are in the right plan at the most affordable cost. Crystal enjoys networking and belongs to various groups such as several local Chambers of Commerce throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. She was selected as a former Pittsburgh Fifty Finest. Locally, she belongs to Pittsburgh North Professionals, Inspired Women and North Allegheny Women’s Association. She has conducted Medicare presentations for interested organizations throughout the year in various locations. Crystal volunteers for North Hills Community Outreach, Ladies of Charity, Carnegie Museums and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust. Her hobbies include reading, traveling as much as possible, golfing, bicycling, and relaxing with family and friends. To contact Crystal call 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com

Restore Hyper Wellness

By Janice Lane Palko

“Essentially, we’ve known for hundreds of years that heat and cold therapy help people; people have taken Turkish baths, bathed in hot springs, and have done cold plunges. It’s just that now we can maximize those health benefits in a faster, more controlled method,” said Thomas Kanyok, who along with partner J. J. Durant have opened two Restore Hyper Wellness locations in the North Hills. The Cranberry Twp. location opened in April 2022, and the McCandless Crossing location opened in August 2022, and both centers focus on nine elements of hyper wellness—oxygen, hydration, cold, heat, nourishment, rest, light, movement and connection.

Restore Hyper Wellness offers different modalities that support each of these elements. For example, humans can’t live without oxygen and at Restore Hyper Wellness, their Mild Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber can enhance the body’s natural healing processes and may optimize sleep, speed up athletic recovery, repair muscles

and boost cognitive clarity.

“Athletes have known for some time that hyperbaric oxygen treatment speeds up healing. In fact, Steeler Hines Ward slept in a hyperbaric chamber when he sprained a knee during the AFC Championship game so that he would be ready for Super Bowl XLIII,” said Kanyok. “But we’ve made hyperbaric oxygen therapy affordable and convenient,” said Kanyok.

Restore Hyper Wellness also offers Cryotherapy, Red Light Therapy, Infrared Sauna and Compression Therapy as well as specialty services such as Cryoskin, which is a non-invasive cosmetic service that promotes a slimmer, more toned appearance to the skin, and NAD + IV Therapy. NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) is a coenzyme found in all living cells. “Unfortunately, as we age, we don’t have as much NAD in our system,” said Kanyok, “and by dripping it into the blood stream, it helps to repair and revitalize our bodies. We have clients say that the only way they could describe the results is that their

greens seemed greener, and their blues seemed bluer. Everything was enhanced.”

Restore Hyper Wellness was founded in 2015 in Austin, Texas, by two triathletes and the franchise has grown by leaps and bounds. It offers free consultations and has a registered nurse on staff with access to Telemed doctors or nurse practitioners to make sure that Restore Hyper Wellness’s therapies are right for you.

“It’s gratifying to see clients experiencing amazing results. One woman came in who was suffering terribly with Lyme disease. Nothing was helping and now she has her health back and has brought her parents and well as an uncle in to take advantage of our services,” said Kanyok, who encourages anyone who wants to optimize their health to schedule a consultation. They offer several different levels of membership. n

For more information, visit: www.restore.com or call the Cranberry location at: (412) 837-4163 or the McCandless Crossing location at: (724) 776-4507

Recognizing Maternal Mental Health During the Month of May

By Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C

May often brings us reminders of new beginnings: Warmer weather, the blooming of trees and flowers and the anticipation of summer activities and adventures. When I think of Maternal Mental Health Awareness being highlighted this month, I often consider how analogous this is to the often deep, very painful struggle of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).

While you’re in it and fighting, it can be an incredibly dark and lonely time, one that seems like it will never end. But then the light starts staying around a bit longer, the enjoyable moments are more frequent, and the relief is palpable. We’ve made it through the darkest and longest days and can truly begin to enjoy what is in front of us.

While mood and anxiety disorders during the perinatal period are certainly nothing new, focus and attention to these very treatable conditions remain a continuous work in progress. Many organizations work tirelessly to raise awareness of the signs, symptoms and risk factors of perinatal mental illness, as well as educate partners and families. In doing this, the first World Maternal Mental Health Month was enacted in 2014, to occur each year in May. During this month, we strive to normalize the conversation around PMADs, destigmatize these illnesses, honor those lost too soon and bring awareness to charitable organizations on the frontlines of addressing, supporting and treating maternal mental health needs.

One of the most powerful tools we have in helping others is sharing our stories. Coping with perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can be extremely isolating, with sufferers often feeling ashamed to admit they are struggling. My own struggle began within five months of my daughter, Sloane’s, birth and was a long and arduous process. The first picture in this article shows me on one of my absolute hardest days, one where my husband finally convinced me to spend a day on the North Shore as a family. While others may see this as a sweet moment captured on camera, all I can remember from that day are the intense feelings of anxiety and sadness. The second picture is me in complete recovery, focusing on the present and experiencing true

happiness. The differences between the two are striking and both will forever be incredibly valuable to me.

You may be wondering how you can get involved in supporting this amazing and incredibly important mission. May 3, 2023, is the official World Maternal Mental Health Day, within the month honoring this cause.

Postpartum Support International has many ways you can participate and show your support for those impacted by PMADs. The following is from their website, www.postpartum.net:

During the month of May, you can participate in PSI’s campaigns and events to raise awareness for maternal mental health!

• Use the hashtag #maternalMHmatters on social media

• Like the PSI’s Facebook page and share your events, stories, facts or research

• Adopt the Twibbon on your Facebook or Twitter profile picture – MMHday Twibbon●

• Tell your story to help raise awareness of maternal mental health issues so that more women will get treatment and fewer will suffer on our blog●

• Come up with your own ideas to highlight that #maternalMHmatters in your area and let others know by submitting your event details to us via email●

• Use our infographic to highlight that maternal mental health is an issue globally

Please also consider visiting the WMMH Day official website, https://wmmhday. postpartum.net/, to learn more about the campaign, ways to get involved, sign the WMMH Day petition and find links to various resources. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know help is available and there is absolutely no shame in reaching out. We are incredibly fortunate to have a number of outpatient resources and support groups dedicated to MMH in the Pittsburgh area. The following communities are free, virtual and inclusive spaces for finding sup-

The July issue of Northern Connection magazine will feature the 2023 Pittsburgh Doctors & Health Care Professionals Guide.

Call today to reserve space to feature your practice.

port and connecting with others who truly understand:

• https://www.postpartum.net/get-help/ psi-online-support-meetings/

• https://www.smartpatients.com/communities/postpartum

• Call 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)

#1 En Español or #2 English

Text in English: 800-944-4773

Text en Español: 971-203-7773

The PSI HelpLine is a toll-free telephone number anyone can call to get basic information, support, and resources

• Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-9-HELP4MOMS n

Maura Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker currently in practice at Cranberry Psychological Center. She is a certified perinatal mental health provider, as well as a contributing staff member with Postpartum Support International. While her primary focus is treating PMADs, she also treats a variety of conditions and clients of all ages. She resides in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Brendan, daughter, Sloane, and dog, Max.

AHN Wexford Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center Striving to Prevent Strokes

By Janice Lane Palko

The old adage goes that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” However, when it comes to strokes, prevention may save your life. A stroke is a medical condition that occurs when the blood flow is inhibited in the brain, which prevents the brain from receiving needed oxygen and nutrients. This causes cell death in the brain. There are two types of strokes: ischemic, when the blood flow to the brain is blocked, and hemorrhagic, when a sudden bleed in the brain occurs damaging brain tissue.

“Strokes kill more women than men each year, and it is the No. 3 cause of death in women,” said Kristen Ronosky, RN, MSN SCRN, Manager of Allegheny Health Network’s Wexford Campus Stroke Program. “Unfortunately, African American and Hispanic women have an even greater risk than Caucasian women, and it can lead to disability and death.”

AHN Wexford Hospital’s Primary Stroke Center is working to prevent strokes by making women aware of risks factors, symptoms of stroke and for those who may be experiencing a stroke, to provide fast, accurate diagnosis of stroke and innovative treatment and therapies. It recently received certification by the Joint Commission as a Primary Stroke Center.

“Primary stroke designation recognizes the exceptional care stroke patients have been receiving at Wexford Hospital all along; our standardized, evidence-based approach to management; as well as the strong commitment from the entire leadership team and staff to ensure excellence in the care of our patients and communities. Having a primary stroke center in Wexford ensures that the communities north of Pittsburgh have a hospital close to home to receive the highest quality of care for conditions like stroke when minutes make a difference in outcomes,” said Dr. Allan Klapper, President, AHN Wexford Hospital.

AHN Primary Stroke Centers have a dedicated stroke treatment program staffed by stroke specialists. They work together to create individualized treatment programs for each patient, including making sure each patient has the continuing care they may need after they’re able to leave the hospital.

Led by AHN stroke director and interventional neurologist Russell Cerejo, MD, Wexford Hospital’s acute, multidisciplinary stroke team is comprised of physical, occupational and speech therapists, case management and social work, stroke navigators, neurologists, ER physicians along with dedicated stroke certified nursing staff.

It is believed that 80% of strokes can be prevented by making lifestyle changes and managing chronic health conditions. “The two most important things you can do to prevent stroke is to know

your risk factors and your numbers,” said Ronosky. “Risk factors for women include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity and smoking. Some contraceptives also increase the risk. Pregnancy is also a risk factor, especially when preeclampsia is present. Women live longer than men, and longevity raises your risk. While there is a genetic component as well, you can’t control that. But you can take charge of your health.”

Research has shown that African American and Hispanic women have higher rates of diabetes and obesity due to dietary habits, and that increases their risk of stroke. “Recent studies have also shown a link between sickle cell disease and stroke. Also, we’re learning that there is a higher risk of stroke in women who have experienced depression,” said Ronosky.

There are ways to mitigate those risk factors. “One important way is to know your numbers,” said Ronosky. “You should know your blood pressure numbers. The acceptable rate has dropped recently so your blood pressure should not be greater than 130/80. You should also know your cholesterol levels and hemoglobin A1c, which is an indicator of diabetes or prediabetes. You should also know your weight.”

“The common symptoms of stroke include a drooping face and arm weakness, particularly on one side of the body, along with slurred speech and difficulty seeing. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and diabetes are leading causes of stroke,” said Dr. Cerejo.

There is a mnemonic device to help you remember them, and it is the words BE FAST. B stands for balance. E is for eyesight changes. F is for facial drooping. A is for arm weakness, and T is for time to call 911.

“You don’t have to experience all of the symptoms to be having a stroke,” said Ronosky. “Time is of the essence when you are dealing with a stroke. Clot-busting drugs have to be given within 4.5 hours. We’d much rather have you come in and be evaluated than lose precious time.”

Once there is cell death in that part of the brain, there is no recourse to getting it back. If you present at the hospital with stroke symptoms, diagnostics such as a CT scan, CT with perfusion may be performed. And if a stroke is diagnosed, the Stroke Center’s physical, occupational, and speech therapists can help you to regain strength, movement, and speech capabilities.

“While the Stroke Center is striving to help patients, truly preventing a stroke is the best course of action,” said Ronosky.

To learn more about AHN stroke care and how to reduce your risk of stroke, visit www.ahn.org/stroke. n

Even if you don’t see it, you might be at risk for stroke. Learn how to protect yourself at ahn.org/stroke

5 Health Concerns Every Woman Should Know

By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm

Studies have shown that your biological makeup impacts your predisposition to certain health conditions. Below are some of the most prevalent health concerns impacting women, and what you can do to manage your risk.

Diabetes

During the food digestion process, blood sugar rises and the cells in our body take in the sugar (glucose) and use it for energy, releasing a hormone called insulin produced by the pancreas. If the body does not produce insulin or effectively use insulin, the blood sugar increases in the bloodstream. Therefore, the cells do not get this source for energy. Women have a greater chance at having secondary issues related to diabetes, such as kidney complications, heart disease, depression and even blindness. Gestational diabetes can occur during pregnancy.

If you are at risk for diabetes or experiencing prediabetes symptoms, now is the time to take action to significantly reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Some suggestions on eating healthy:

• Limit foods that contain starchy carbohydrate, high salt, and high sugar

• Choose lean proteins like fish, chicken, and pork

• Eat more leafy greens like kale, spinach, arugula, and chard

• Fill up with fiber, such as, beans, broccoli, raspberries, apples, and avocados

• Snack on healthy fats such as, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate

• Drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water every day

• Keep portions small even with healthy foods

No matter how healthy you eat, it is vital to stay active daily.

Urinary tract infections

Women are more susceptible to urinary tract infections because they have a shorter urethra than a man, so the bacteria has less distance to travel to reach the bladder. After menopause, a decline in circulating estrogen causes changes in the urinary tract. Frequent and untreated urinary tract infections could

put you at risk for kidney damage. Symptoms include frequent urination, pain or burning when urinating, pelvic pressure and cloudy or pinkish urine.

Try the following:

• Drinking water helps dilute the urine, causing increased urination to flush out bacteria before infection begins

• Wipe from front to back

• Empty your bladder soon after having sex

• Avoid potentially irritating feminine products

Osteoporosis

Postmenopausal women are at higher risk for fractures associated with osteoporosis, which is a disease causing your bones to become more porous. The hormonal changes that happen during menopause can decrease bone density.

Suggestions on prevention:

• Eat foods that support bone health, which include calcium, vitamin D, and protein

• Get active. Some examples include strength training, walking, climbing stairs, pickleball, and dancing

• Don’t smoke

• Limit alcohol consumption

Heart disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women. Symptoms of a heart attack include shortness of breath, chest pain, extreme fatigue, and nausea. For women, it can start out to just feel like heartburn, back pain, or jaw pain.

Risk factors are obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, high cholesterol. Some of these risk factors are more common after menopause, due to lower estrogen levels.

Suggestions on prevention:

• Do daily activities

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Make heart-healthy food choices

Breast cancer

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women, most likely due to family history and our environment.

It is important to schedule your mammogram each year, starting at age 40. Also, you can identify changes in your breast when performing monthly self-examinations.

Some risk factors, such as all the chemicals used in packaging foods, cleaning products, and personal care products, can seem daunting, you can choose to look up which chemicals cause the most harm and limit your exposure.

Manage risks by making healthy lifestyle choices:

• Exercise regularly

• Eat healthy

• Quit smoking

If you’re looking for more ways to stay on top of your health, learn about additional health concerns for women and ask your provider for information on regular health screenings for your age. 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.

Giving Ourselves Permission for Self-Care

By Marla Turnbull

In February 2020, when the world was still blissfully unaware of the pandemic that was about to take over, I found myself in the ICU facing septic shock. My life was almost taken away from me, and it made me realize how important self-care is.

Since then, I have been giving myself permission to prioritize my own well-being. Self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. It’s about understanding our needs and taking action to meet them. It means setting boundaries and saying no when we need to, as well as giving ourselves permission to rest and recharge.

However, when we allow ourselves to practice self-care and make time for it, we can find a renewed sense of energy and motivation that will help us get through difficult times. When I have been at the breaking point before, (I can say this because I have been there) allowing yourself permission for self-care is one degree from separation from feeling like you are back in control again.

Women are 30% more likely than men to experience the symptoms of chronic stress due to juggling multiple demands, from their work, family and social lives. Taking time out for ourselves can help us manage our stress levels and give us permission to take care of our physical and mental health.

One way of practicing self-care is by setting a specific time on your calendar to find a quiet place where you can be alone with your thoughts. This could be a corner in your house or even a park bench outside where you can take some time for yourself each day. Taking time out for yourself will help you relax and recharge so that you can handle whatever life throws at you with more ease.

In addition to finding your quiet place, there are many other practical tips that can help us practice self-care on a daily basis. These include setting aside time for exercise, eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep, creating boundaries around work and leisure activities, engaging in creative activities like writing or drawing, and spending quality time with friends and family members.

I often hear clients say in our coaching sessions that they are too tired at the end of the day, that they don’t have any time for themselves or that they are always putting themselves last. This can lead to feelings of burnout and of being overwhelmed, which can impact our productivity, relationships and mental health.

It is important to give ourselves permission to take at least 10-30 minutes of daily self-care; not out of selfishness but because we need it in order to be able to give our best in all other aspects of life.

Women have often been conditioned to put the needs of others before their own. But self-care is an essential part of taking

care of our mental and physical health. To make sure that we are taking care of ourselves, we can then take care of the needs before us.

Unfortunately, many of us don’t make it a priority. That’s why I would like to dedicate May as Women’s Self-Care Month to give ourselves permission to take the time to focus on our well-being.

During this Women’s Self-Care Month, let us take one aspect of self-care to focus on each day and commit to doing something for ourselves. It could be something small like taking 10 minutes out of our day for a quick walk outside or something bigger like scheduling a coaching appointment with me or getting a massage. So, let’s give ourselves permission to take this step together and make May all about taking care of our mind, heart, body, and soul! n

Marla Turnbull, NBC-HWC

Nature’s Divine Healing – Optimal Recovery, LLC

I believe in taking a holistic approach to optimal recovery. In 2020, I overcame a major sepsis infection by healing my body naturally. By combining energy work with health & resiliency coaching, I aid the body, heart & soul through optimal recovery.

I offer the AO Scan that is a comprehensive tool for measuring and regulating the body for emotional & physical healing. Our bodies are made to heal if given the right nutrients for synergetic balance through lifestyle care, whole-food, plantbased choices, reducing stress & getting restorative sleep.

As a National Board Certified Health and Emotional Wellness Coach, I am passionate about working with committed achievers who are ready to take charge of their life. I believe the success of any program includes dealing with limiting beliefs that keep sabotaging our best efforts.

Marla@NaturesDivineHealing.com

https://www.naturesdivinehealing.com/

Patriot Provisions Gives Back

By Paula Green

A local company honors those who serve and protect our freedoms and communities. Patriot Provisions Gives Back supplies tasty go-to snacks, beef jerky, and beef smokies, and each sale’s net revenue is given to the Special Forces Foundation. The company is a familyrun business by folks with a special place in their heart for the military and first responders.

Patriot Provisions was founded in 2018. The couple who spearheads PPGB has a son who became a certified EMT in high school. Then he qualified as a paramedic and professional firefighter. After graduating from emergency medicine, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and qualified as an 18-Delta, Special Forces combat medic.

The son was severely injured during an overseas deployment. He ended up with a long recovery at Walter Reed Hospital. Fortunately, when he was well enough to return home, the local firefighters, police, and medical communities displayed unwavering support for his recovery.

The couple vowed to find a way to give back to the benevolent military and community organizations here and beyond our local area. Thus, Patriot Provisions Gives Back was born. The idea for the jerky and smokies is to serve as a vehicle to give back to organizations that helped their son and his family.

Their beef jerky is available in various flavors, original, hickory, pepper, teriyaki, and sweet & hot. In addition, the smokies are sold in mild or spicy varieties. They are looking to add a beef smokie flavor that they had taste tested which is honey and spicy.

The savory products are sold locally at multiple Shop N’ Saves, Kuhn’s, Foodland, Ambridge Do It Best, and some local beer distributors and restaurants, such as Baruni’s in Harmony Township. The couple started by approaching people with whom they had long-term friendships within Beaver County and grew into Allegheny County, including many in the North Hills and South Hills. They are actively seeking additional retail outlets to stock the products via a small footprint circular display.

Patriot Provisions use a copacker in Ohio, a family-owned and operated manufacturer. They also sell gift cards and offer fundraising opportunities. And, of course, folks can purchase their jerky and smokies via their website at patriotprovisionsgivesback.com/.

Northern Connection magazine thanks Patriot Provisions Gives Back for supporting the US military and our first responders. Look for their jerky and smokies, which can be found at footprint displays at your local stores or visit them via the web. n

Miracle League of Southwestern PA Begins 15th Season Stronger Than Ever

By Jim Lachimia

The Miracle League of Southwestern Pennsylvania (MLSWPA) is celebrating its 15th season, and the organization that provides children and adults with special needs with an opportunity to play organized baseball is a testament to the hard work and commitment of a lot of great people.

Its facility, known as the Pirates Charities Miracle League Field, is situated in the heart of Cranberry Township’s Graham Park. It features an all-weather rubberized field surface that can accommodate players with crutches, walkers and wheelchairs. The “big-league” environment also includes an electronic scoreboard, public address system, covered dugouts and a covered pavilion.

When the MLSWPA’s inaugural season got underway in May of 2009, it featured approximately 130 participants. That number has grown to more than 450 this year.

The success of the league also led to the creation of seven other Miracle League facilities in the region over the years — in Upper St. Clair, Moon Township, Murrysville, Indiana and Altoona in Pennsylvania and Wheeling and Morgantown in West Virginia.

Mike Sherry and his wife Chris are co-founders of the MLSWPA. The couple was living in Birmingham, Alabama, in 2003 when they saw a Miracle League Field for the first time. A year later, they moved back to Pittsburgh and their daughter Jordan was born.

In 2007, Jordan was diagnosed with autism, and something else also happened that guided the Sherrys toward starting a Miracle League program in Cranberry. Mike was coaching his son Tanner’s baseball team as it was making the transition from tee-ball to coach-pitch when he received an email from a parent who asked if her son could continue to hit off a tee because of a physical disability.

“The email was very simple, but it had a profound impact on our lives,” Mike Sherry said. “I sat at the kitchen table with Chris and said, ‘Are we going to be the next parents asking for

an exception so Jordan can do something?’ And Chris said, ‘You know, we should build one of those fields we saw down in Birmingham.’ That simple email was God’s trigger.”

“After that I went to the township and things heated up. Plans for Graham Park had already been approved and they were about to begin moving dirt, but we put on a heck of a pitch. We said, ‘Look, you can’t be a community of inclusion with opportunities for all and build a 150-acre park that kids with special needs don’t have access to.’ The township agreed and converted one of the fields into a Miracle League field.”

Current Cranberry Township Manager, Dan Santoro, said: “Mike Sherry knows how to get things done. He and his wife Chris were the perfect people to spearhead the effort to bring a Miracle League facility to the region. It’s been an outstanding partnership from the beginning. From a community perspective, we’re fortunate to have an organization like that here.”

“It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb that means the entire community needs to have positive interactions with children for those children to grow up and become

healthy and productive adults. The Miracle League is an example. Each year scores of volunteers help to organize and execute league activities, serve as coaches and buddies (who assist players during their time at the ballpark), and fulfill other duties that keep things running smoothly. Outside organizations also help the MLSWPA raise needed funds.

“It’s amazing how the community comes together and really supports us,” Chris Sherry said. “We’ve always had a great outpouring of support from community leaders, the Pirates, volunteers, the school district, everybody.

“We wouldn’t have become successful without all those people. In turn, we’ve been supportive of others who want to start their own Miracle League program. They say, ‘Hey, we’re interested.’ And we say, ‘Okay, great. Here’s how you do it. Feel free to change whatever you’d like, but here’s what worked for us.’”

Kevin Delaney managed a team in the early years of the MLSWPA and now serves as vice president and league coordinator. Among his duties are overseeing registration, organizing teams, and recruiting managers, coaches, buddies, and other volunteers. Mike Sherry refers to Delaney the

(Continued on next page)

organization’s “boots on the ground guy.” He also said: “Kevin Delaney is the Miracle League. I get way too much credit. Kevin is an angel.”

Delaney, who is content behind the scenes, said: “As the league has grown so has the number of things on my desk. My hair has changed colors along the way, but this has always been so rewarding. At five years, we said it was a quick five years. Then we said it again at 10 years, and now here we are at 15. With everything these kids and families go through, this is just an opportunity to come out and

enjoy some baseball on a Saturday afternoon.”

Holly Recker signed her son Luke up for the MLSWPA’s inaugural season. Luke, who has cerebral palsy, is a young adult now and still loves the program.

“We’ve been involved with the Miracle League since Luke was just a little kid,” she said. “He’s grown up here. We’re here every Saturday in the summer and every Saturday in the fall. Miracle League changed Luke’s world. It gave him the freedom to come to a place where everyone is the same.

No one judges. We’ve made so many friends here. I don’t know what else to say without crying.”

Heartwarming stories like that are plentiful whenever you talk to anyone associated with the program.

Fred Roberts, a member of the MLSWPA board of directors, has a son named Jack who will turn 21 this year and has participated in the program since he was eight.

“My son was hooked from his first exposure to the league,” Roberts said. “He loved everything about it -- from making friends to being on a team to putting on his uniform. Then you watch from the stands and see your child with a disability hit the ball and run to first base, and they’re elated. That’s when you think, ‘This is the greatest thing ever.’

“If I had to cut back on the things I’m doing, the Miracle League would be last. I love doing it. It creates such a great environment within our community. It’s one of my favorite things to do.”

The facility in Cranberry is called the Pirates Charities Miracle League Field for a reason. It’s because Pirates Chairman Bob Nutting provided $150,000 in seed money to help build the complex, and Miracle League programs remain a point of emphasis in the ballclub’s community relations efforts.

“Seeing it start from the small seed of this very field and expand into the Pirates supporting nine total fields (including one in Bradenton, Florida) -- the number of kids impacted, the number of parents impacted, the number of families impacted -- has been remarkable,” Nutting said at the Miracle League fantasy camp in Cranberry last summer. “There are so many places where we (as a society) get divided today, and too few places where people come together. One place where they do come together, frankly, is baseball. And one of those is the Miracle League program.”

In quiet moments, Mike Sherry

sometimes allows himself to think about everything that’s happened over the past 15 years. How the MLSWPA grew from a suggestion that Chris made into a thriving program. How numerous other Miracle League fields have resulted, at least in part, from the success the one in Cranberry enjoyed. How people too numerous to mention contributed greatly to the program achieving its goals.

And last, but certainly not least, how Jordan has enjoyed participating in the program from the very first game back in 2009 to this year as a 19-year-old.

“You realize the impact your daughter has had, directly or indirectly, with the special needs community,” he said. “You can’t help but think, ‘Without God blessing Chris and I with Jordan would this have ever happened?’ And part of me goes, ‘No, it wouldn’t have.’

“Jordan has blessed so many people. I wish someday she would know that. I wish she could know the impact she’s had in our lives, in the lives of the people of Cranberry, and in a lot of other places.

“In the beginning, all I had was a vision. I didn’t know how to make this happen. I didn’t have any architectural plans or anything like that. God just kept putting people in front of me. Every time I had an issue, someone would introduce themselves to me. Someone was always there when I needed help. That’s the fascination of this story.”

It takes a village, indeed. n

For more information about the Miracle League or the register as a player or volunteer, please visit our web site at www.mlswpa.org

Generosity

By Janice Lane Palko

Are you generous? I hope I am, but sometimes I wonder.

Recently, we celebrated the 90th birthday of one of my good friend’s mother, Millie. From the time I was 14 years old, her house was open to me and my gang of high school friends. We had slumber parties there, and when her daughter won a turkey at our school’s annual Turkey Bingo, she cooked it for a dozen girls. When we went to the prom, she opened her home for us bleary-eyed prom goers, getting up at 4 a.m. to cook us homemade waffles after we departed the Gateway Clipper after-prom cruise. Neither I nor my friends were wealthy. We all grew up in three-bedroom, one-bath homes, sharing rooms with siblings, and no one at that time had a “family room.” But we were welcomed into all of their homes, and drinks and snacks were generously provided.

Contrast that to something that I also experienced when I was in high school. In my senior year, I was a contestant in the North Hills Junior Miss Pageant. Upon making the cut as one of 16 finalists, (I didn’t win), all the contestants were welcomed at a party in a rather hoity-toity neighborhood, in what I would call back then a mansion. Our refreshments? They hostess passed around one small bowl of nuts and served us lemon water. They didn’t even crack open a bottle of Pepsi or pop the top on some Pringles.

It often seems that those who have a lot are the cheapest. When I was in 6th grade, my group of friends decided to go Christmas caroling and donate any money we earned to Children’s Hospital. We went door-to-door in my girlfriends’ neighborhood, and almost every house we stopped at gave us a dollar or two and some even gave us a five-dollar bill! Adjacent to her neighborhood was a plan of newly built homes that looked to me back in 1972 to be homes like the Brady Bunch lived in. When we caroled at these new homes, person after person who opened their door to us gave us a measly quarter.

When I worked at Westinghouse back in the early 80s, someone in our department suffered a tragedy, and one of the secretaries decided to take up a collection for our co-worker. Everyone threw some money into her bag until she got to the “big boss,” who said, “Sure, I’ll contribute. Write a check from petty cash and sign my name.” The secretary replied, “No, we’re not soliciting money from the company; we want cash from just the co-workers.” Sadly, this person could not grasp that giving money from the company funds was not the same as giving a personal gift.

Stinginess is not an attractive quality, and I hope my meter falls on the side of generosity. Not all of us are St. Francis, renouncing material goods, or have a lot of extra cash to give, but like my friend’s mom, you don’t always have to give cash, you can be generous with your time, your hospitality, your talent and even with your smiles and complements. n

National Foster Care Month

Foster Love Project

We know that there are approximately 15,000 children in foster care in the state of Pennsylvania. Often with short notice, foster parents have to scramble to have the basic clothing and necessities for the children being placed in their homes. Andrew and Kelly Hughes had this experience in 2013 when three foster children arrived at their door. As a result of this experience, Foster Love Project was created by Kelly Hughes in 2014 to provide Love in Action through goods, services and support for families and children impacted by foster care.

The inaugural program was a placement bag drive which received overwhelming community support. As the placement bag drive continued to grow there was still a need for additional support services for foster youth.

Therefore in 2016, Foster Love Project formed a board of directors, and the organization became a registered, nonprofit organization. Foster Love Project now offers several programs throughout the year: our free Shopping Center, our monthly Teen Connections, our Back 2 School event, our annual Family Support Weekend, our Excellent Haircare program and our Angel Tree holiday gift program. On an annual basis, through all seven of our programs, we serve 4,000 youth in the region.For more information visit www.FosterLoveProject.org n

TRAC Services for Families

TRAC Services for Families is a full-service agency that works directly with children and families connected to the child welfare system. With over 40 years of experience, TRAC prides itself on being the leader in Allegheny County by creating innovated strategies to meet the multi-level needs of all individuals served throughout the organization.

TRAC is known for our unique foster and adoption services; however, many are unaware of our Outpatient Therapeutic Services that have been extremely critical in stabilizing individuals of all ages during these trying times.

TRAC has a credentialed outpatient clinic, providing psychiatric evaluation and medication management as well as therapeutic services for a range of clients. TRAC therapists have experience in a variety of relationally focused, attachment oriented, trauma-informed therapies. We provide individual and family therapy as well as a specially designed program called Reparative Relational Therapy (RRT). RRT is designed with parents and children involved in the child welfare or family court systems in mind, and it provide a nurturing space to work toward repairing and rebuilding relationship between parents and their children. Please contact Candice Robinson at 412-471-8722 ext. 226 to make a referral.

May is National Foster Care Month! We need your help. Consider fostering a child; help us spread the word and/or give a donation. For more information contact us at 412-471-8722 or visit us at www.tracpgh.org n

Logan McCarthy

Honored for her heroic actions

By Paula Green

Logan McCarthy was working at her second-shift job at Sheetz in McCandless Township on Wednesday, February 22. It seemed like a typical shift for all intents and purposes when an unexpected medical incident suddenly occurred.

“Agentleman in his early 20s entered our store, went into the bathroom, and injured himself. It seemed unintentional, but he was bleeding from his arm. I bandaged his wound, and then he sat in our dining area. I spoke with a guy who was in the bathroom and witnessed the incident, so I realized the severity of what happened. While the injured man was seated, I kept checking on him because I knew he needed medical treatment. It seemed like he was going into shock, which wasn’t good. Fortunately, the guy allowed me to call 911. An ambulance was dispatched, and he could receive medical help,” Logan said.

You can call it fate, but it was fortuitous that Logan happened to be working that shift that evening. She has a medical background that allowed her to act fast. Last year, Logan graduated from North Allegheny High School and attended A.W. Beattie Career Center, where she studied Emergency Response Technology. “In addition to the training that I received from Beattie, both of my grandparents worked in the medical field, so I knew what to do when the man injured himself,” Logan added.

After Logan graduated from NA last June, she entered college a month later. Since July, Logan has been attending Pittsburgh Technical College and studying Criminal Justice. She plans to become a homicide detective for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. She recently put her application in at Allegheny County Police Academy.

While Logan was in high school, she earned a certificate from the McCandless Township Police Department for completion of the Citizen’s Police Academy. In March, Pittsburgh Technical College honored Logan for her heroic actions in saving the man’s life at Sheetz. She has worked at Sheetz for the past two and half years. Although she hasn’t seen or heard from the gentleman who injured himself, she wants to know how he is doing, and hopes that he is O.K.

Northern Connection magazine congratulates Logan McCarthy on her heroism in stepping forward and rendering medical assistance to a stranger. We wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors! n

School Movers & Shakers

Shady Side Academy

Shady Side Academy senior

Elaine Gombos is one of only 150 high school seniors nationwide who were named 2023 Coca-Cola Scholars, a prestigious and highly competitive award that includes a $20,000 college scholarship. Gombos was the only student chosen from the Pittsburgh area and one of only five from Pennsylvania.

Alumnus and renowned economist John Taylor ’64 will be the featured speaker at Shady Side Academy’s Senior School Commencement Exercises, held 9 a.m., Friday, June 2, in Michael J. Farrell Stadium.

Three Shady Side Academy students won national medals in the 2023 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition, including one gold medal in art and two silver medals in writing: Yuntong Pan won a national

gold medal in art. Elaine Gombos and Sarah Voigt both won national silver medals in writing.

Four Shady Side Academy

Senior School students have reached the highest level a high school musician can achieve by earning places in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival music ensembles. The following students performed at the 2023 PMEA All-State Festival at the Kalahari Resort in The Poconos on April 19-22, Grant Cummings, Sophia Jho, Hannah Song, and Hari Viswanathan

Elaine Gombos

John Taylor

Sarah Voigt Yuntong Pan

Sewickley Academy

Sewickley Academy, Pittsburgh’s oldest coeducational, college-preparatory and independent day school, announced the hiring of Mr. Mark Shelley as new head of Middle School, starting in July.

Mars Area

Members of Mars Area High School JV Hockey Team celebrate after winning the 2023 PIHL Junior Varsity Tier 3A Tournament Championship.

Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Volleyball Team took first place in the Fox Chapel Boys Varsity Volleyball Invitational, held March 18 at Fox Chapel High School. Participating team members included Conor Tomcik, Amir Ali, Ryan Ceh, Mason Coone, Kaden Gratton, Liam Quinn, Tyler Raabe, Colton Riska, Derek Piatek, and Kyler Robinson

Two members of Mars Area High School Girls Varsity Basketball Team competed in the 26th annual A-K Valley Cager Classic, held March 23-25 at Highlands High School. Seniors Lauren Atwell and Olivia Donnelly competed as members of the 2023 East Girls Team in the Girls All-Star Basketball Game. Donnelly was named the East Team MVP and Hot Shot Winner and Atwell was selected as the winner of the Cager Classic Essay Contest.

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Two Mars Area School District students

Brooklyn Ligda and Zoey Krock competed as members of Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Hockey teams at the

Chipotle-USA Hockey National Championships, held March 30-April 3 in Dallas, Texas.

Mars Area High School seniors Cole Winstead and Avery Beller and junior Lauren Karg placed in the 2023 PHSSL State Championships.

University of Pittsburgh

The Oakland Business Improvement District congratulates Joan T.A. Gabel as the next chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh Ms. Gabel was introduced as Pitt’s 19th chancellor during a special board of trustees meeting. Chancellor-Elect Gabel will be the first woman to lead the university since it began in 1787.

Grove City College

The first Grove City College juniors will earn an associate degree in a Butler County Community College career program. Since fall 2021, Grove City College students have received clinical and technical training through BC3’s two-year Nursing, R.N., program as a result of a partnership established in 2019. Upon graduation from BC3 in May, Grove City College students Emma Clark, Finnley Coglon, Sadie Kriebel, Sara Layton, Elizabeth Mackey, Abigail Montgomery and Emily Smyth can take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.

Zoey Krock Brooklyn Ligda

Holy Cross Academy

It was another successful basketball season for the Holy Cross Academy Girls’ Varsity Basketball team. The team had an undefeated regular season record with 12 wins and also three wins in the post season earning them the titles of Backto-Back Section and Diocesan Champions. Holy Cross Academy had advanced to the PA Catholic Youth Organization State Tournament in Altoona, representing the Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh and taking third place in the state.

These girls, as well as Holy Cross Academy’s JV Girls’ basketball team, their coaches and family members also gave back to the community by holding a “Pink Out” game in February, donating all money raised through raffles, t-shirt sales, concession stand sales and game entry fees to the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

Congratulations to Addison Crummie, Keira Duffy, Naudia Zotter, Madison Pullen, Lily Zickefoose, Jayna Miller, Sarah Shay, Gianna Fuller, Ali Colasante, Head Coach Matt Marchione and Assistant Coaches Sheila Duffy and Lauri Miller

PITTSBURGH’S PREMIER LEARN-TO-SWIM FACILITY

In addition to teaching kids to be safer in and around the water, Goldfish Swim School is dedicated to giving back and making a difference in our community.

May Events

AAUW North Hills Pittsburgh Authors Lunch Fundraiser: Three Pittsburgh area authors will be featured speakers at the 10 a.m., May 20, fundraiser at La Roche University. The event includes author visits and book signings. Deadline to purchase tickets is May 15. Register at https://rb.gy/fjr84y

Butler VA Health Care System is seeking caregiver applicants for its new Medical Foster Home (MFH) Program. Medical Foster Homes are private homes in which a trained caregiver provides services to one to three individuals. MFH provides a choice for Veterans who are unable to live independently and prefer a family setting. For details, www.va.gov/butler-health-care/programs/medical-foster-home-program, or call 878-271-6723.

Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets 1 p.m. the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. Members must be residents of Cranberry

Township. The club features activities, social opportunities, and visits to nearby points of interest. For info, contact Bill at (724) 776-1933.  Do you like to knit or crochet? You’re invited to join the Busy Hands group at the Olive Branch Fair Trade Store in Wexford. We meet the first and third Monday of each month from 9:15-11:15 to make items for charity. For more information, call the store at: (724) 299-8700.

Free Matinee Movies on Mondays: 2 pm, May 1, Top Gun: Maverick; May 8, Elvis; May 15, Jurassic World: Dominion; May 22, Where the Crawdads Sing; May 29, (no movie) at the Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Crossing in McCandless Twp. For details, visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

Girls on the Run UPMC Magee-Women’s Hospital 5K Celebration, 9 a.m., May 21, at The Waterfront in Homestead. For details, visit www.gotrmagee.org/5k.

Good Agricultural Practices, training, food safety & assistance for farmers & produce growers, 10 a.m., June 5, Farm to Table Buy Local, 733 Washington Road, Suite 102, Pittsburgh, PA 15228. For details, email cclipper@american-healthcare.net or call (412) 563-5823.

Hope Grows’ 9th Annual Victorian Tea, noon, May 21, at Montour Heights Country Club. For details, visit hopegrows.org.

Ingomar Garden Club monthly meetings 10:30 a.m., meeting, light lunch and guest speaker, March through November at Northmont Church, 8169 Perry Highway, Pittsburgh 15237. For details, visit www.ingomar-garden-club. com for additional information.

Ingomar Garden Club Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, May 21, corner of Ingomar Rd & 9600 Perry Hwy (Rt. 19), in front of the Commodore Perry Plaza & Bruster’s. Perennials, Annals, Hanging Baskets, Herbs, and Vegetables plus a Flea Market. Visit,

https://www.ingomar-garden-club.com

Magnificat Prayer Breakfast for Women, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., on Saturday, May 13, at the Pittsburgh Marriott North at Cranberry Woods, 100 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Twp. Prayer-filled breakfast with guest speaker Caroline Gambale-Dirkes. Registration $35 includes music by Living Praise, speaker, and breakfast. Register online or download mail-in registration at:https://www.magnificatpittsburgh.org/.

New Community Church’s Yard and Bake Sale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., May 20, 3100 Wexford Rd, Wexford. All proceeds will go to AGROS, a nonprofit charitable organization working to break the cycle of poverty and create a path to prosperity for Central American farming families. Rain date June 3.

North Hills Chorale Spring Concert, “Sing On!” 7 p.m., Saturday, May 6; and 3 p.m., Sunday, May 7, at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, Allison Park, PA. Free-will offerings accepted. Visit: www.nhchorale.com.

North Hills Genealogists presentation, 7 p.m., Monday, May 15, How to Get Started Interviewing Family Members and Writing Down Their Stories by Lisa Grazan. This will be a virtual meeting via Zoom with a possible in-person component. Visit: NorthHillsGenealogists.org for details and instructions to register for this virtual Zoom meeting.

Northgate Church Mega Sports Camp, June 19-23 at Northgate Church, 238 West View Ave, Ross. Children, first-sixth grades can enjoy baseball, basketball, floor hockey, soccer, gymnastics, cheerleading, and art. The free camp runs from 6-8:30 p.m. each evening. New this year is a “mixer” format so kids can participate in a different sport each night. To register, visit www.northgatechurch. com/mega or call (412) 931-6016.

Northland Library has numerous events scheduled for May. For a complete list of events, visit northlandlibrary.org.

Rich-Mar Rotary Shred Your Documents

Event, 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., May 6, (rain, hail, snow or shine), parking lot of Mars High School, 520 PA-Rt. 228, Mars. Benefits Rotarian projects for the needy of Butler & Allegheny counties & helps you get rid of unwanted documents. Cost: by donation, cash or check for the value of this service. Help us, help others in need. For info, visit www.rich-mar.org.

FREE COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

The Woodlands

Saturday, May 20th / 11:30am-1:30pm

Food

Raffle

134 Shenot Road, Wexford, PA 15090 | 724-935-6533

www.mywoodlands.org

Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., May 6 & 11 a.m.-2 p.m., May 7, St. Matthew Parish at St. Aloysius Church, Mt. Troy Rd., in Reserve Twp. Huge selection of kitchen items, jewelry, books, seasonal items, clothing etc. Bake goods available on Saturday. If you have furniture to donate, call Deb at (412) 337-1713 or Claire at (412) 360-9866.

Sealarks Women’s Group, 1 p.m., May 10, 1:00 at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd, Allison Park. This group provides Christian fellowship and social activity for women alone – widowed, divorced or never married. All women alone are welcome to attend. The program will be a demonstration of Tai Chi. For info, call Edie at (412) 487-7194.

UPMC Passavant Hospital Auxiliary

Membership Opportunities, are you looking for a stimulating opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of our community hospitals – UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month, 10 a.m. Sept. through June. New members are welcome. For info, contact Nicole Kaib at (412) 748-6640 or kaibn@upmc-edu.

Vintage Market is a nonprofit store in Shaler that benefits The Blessing Board. Open 10 a.m.-3 p.m. every Th/F/Sat in the Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler Street & Rt. 8 (look for the gray door between Rite Aid & Planet Fitness).

Memorial Day Trivia

By Paula Green

Memorial Day is a national holiday observed on the last Monday in May. The day honors the men and women who have died while serving in the United States military. Its early roots began during the American Civil War when citizens placed flowers on the graves of those killed in battle.

On May 5, 1866, Waterloo, New York, was the first U.S. city to host a memorial event. The town held a community-wide tribute, during which businesses closed, and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags. In 1966, the federal government declared Waterloo as the official birthplace of Memorial Day.

Two years after the Waterloo celebration, John A. Logan, the Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, chose May 30, 1868, as a day to decorate the graves of Union troops across the nation. Memorial Day used to be known as Decoration Day. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Civil War soldiers buried there.

Congress recognized Decoration Day as a federal holiday in 1938, and the name “Memorial Day” became more commonplace after World War II. But the federal government didn’t officially adopt that name until 1967. Then in 1971, Congress passed the Uniform Holiday Monday Act and established that Memorial Day was to be celebrated on the last Monday of May.

Memorial Day is commemorated annually at Arlington National Cemetery with a ceremony in which a small American flag is placed on each grave. Traditionally, the President or Vice President lays a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Approximately 5,000 people attend the service each year.

The National Moment of Remembrance takes place at 3:00 p.m. every Memorial Day. The red poppy is the flower associated with Memorial Day as a symbol of remembrance. The poppy is used in many countries to honor veterans and war dead; it was popularized by John McCrae’s poem In Flanders Field (1915).

Today, many Americans observe Memorial Day by visiting cemeteries or memorials, holding family gatherings, and participating in parades. Unofficially, it marks the beginning of the summer season. Since we have explored Memorial Day, we must now delve into this monumental query. Get set to don those thinking caps because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. What sports event takes place annually during Memorial Day weekend?

2. In 1950, this U.S. president issued a proclamation that broadened the purpose of Memorial Day. He called on Americans to also observe the holiday as a day of prayer for peace.

3. Which historical monument was dedicated on Memorial Day in 1922?

4. What organization first promoted a national holiday for decorating the graves of fallen soldiers?

5. The annual biker rally in Washington, D.C,. on Memorial Day is called what?

6. Which was the first veteran’s organization to sell red poppies nationally on Memorial Day?

7. Arlington National Cemetery used to be a plantation belonging to whom?

8. On Memorial Day, which position should the U.S. flag be flown from dawn until noon?

9. Which U.S. city is the host of the oldest Memorial Day parade?

10. Where can the iconic Iwo Jima military statue be seen?

11. Which of the southern states was the first to celebrate Memorial Day on April 25, 1866?

12. The 2012 film Memorial Day stars Jonathan Bennett and John & James _______?

13. God Bless the USA contains the lyrics “I’m proud to be an American / Where at least I know I’m free/ And I won’t forget the men who died / Who gave that right to me.” Who sings this tune?

14. Which U.S. President officially made Memorial Day a federal holiday?

15. When there was a shortage of natural poppies in 1924, which city was the first to manufacture artificial poppies?

Sources: history.com, www.britannica.com/topic/Memorial-Day, www. asomf.org/the-history-of-memorial-day/ www.history.com/topics/holidays/memorial-day-history, constitutioncenter.org/blog/rememberingthe-real-reason-for-memorial-day, www.pbs.org/national-memorial-dayconcert/memorial-day/history/, www.trivianerd.com/game/, antimaximalist.com/memorial-day-trivia-

You “May” be Surprised by When to Plant this May

By Ron Eichner

Hey folks, May can be interesting each year. We often get summer-like temperatures day and night, and this can fuel one’s temptation to start or rush the gardening and planting season. It doesn’t help since the box stores stock their gardening racks with truckloads of colorful flowers and vegetable plants four to six weeks early. Some local greenhouses, not wanting to lose sales to the box stores and not wanting to compete for their market share, join in. This marketing model hurts because the consumer buys on emotion while there is a selection, and it’s too early to plant the most tender flowers and vegetable plants. As a farmer and a grower, we should help educate our customers about – who, what, where, when, and why.

Planning and record keeping of the sowing, planting, and gardening conditions each year is a big help. Understanding frost dates, seeds starting indoors and outdoors, and planting dates can increase the chances of a successful garden season. The 170-day growing season is just an average to follow based on averages of the past years. The opportunity of frosts is always a threat and a concern, along with cold spring rains that can drop important soil temperatures. Cold, damp soils can hamper most gardening flowers and vegetable plants. Another mistake is forgetting to fertilize your garden and flower beds for the growing season. I like to use our poultry manure and suggest that even mushroom manure

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helps the soil. Getting a Penn State soil testing kit can tell you what your soil lacks or needs for the growing season.

The May 5 full moon is called the “flower moon,” so if you venture outdoors on the nights of May 4, 5, and 6, if the night sky is clear, you can get the best view of the bright full flower moon. Our area’s May 2023 long-range weather

forecast starts May 1-10 with rainy periods and cooler. May 11-15, sunny and warmer, and May 16-25 showers, then sunny and warmer, May 26-31, a few showers and cooler.

May’s “Three Icemen Days” are May 11-13 and are long associated with weather and planting. My Grandpa Eichner was born and raised on their family’s dairy farm in the Bavarian part of Germany. The Icemen Days were always observed in their farming and growing decisions yearly. It has been passed down to my dad and me. As a fourth-generation farmer, this is being shared with our fifth and sixth-generation family members because these three days have stood the test of time.

I get a question each year: “What is planting by the moon?” It is a traditional way to plant above and below-ground crops throughout the growing season. Plant annual flowers and vegetables that bear crops above ground during the

moon’s light. In other words, plant from the first day of the new moon until its full moon. Plant flower bulbs, bi-annuals, perennials, flowers, and vegetables that bear crops below ground during the moon’s dark side. In other words, plant from the day after the full moon until the day before it is new again. I was told that many farmers and ranchers wouldn’t put fence posts in the ground on the upside of the moon because it was said the fence posts wouldn’t stay firm in the ground.

For decades and generations, the rule of thumb has been to always plant tender flowers and vegetables around Memorial Day weekend. Usually, all the silly weather is done around Memorial Day, a national holiday observed on the last day, Monday of May. It was formerly known as Decoration Day and is a day to honor all the men and women who have died in military service for the United States for centuries.

Remembering all of the service members and their sacrifices have been to protect our God-given rights that ensure our constitutional freedoms.

We must remember mom and Mother’s Day; it falls on May 14 this year. It is a day to honor our mothers and never lose sight of the roles of all of our moms—also, respect, honor, and love towards mothers and the vital role of mothers in our society. Treating mothers to a favorite restaurant is an easy choice. Colorful hanging baskets are a greenhouse item for mom. For hard-to-buy moms, a gift certificate is nice.

Remember, our family farm market and greenhouses can help with a large selection of colorful hanging baskets and farm gift certificates. If an old fashion breakfast is a thought, our farmfresh eggs, sliced slab, and Canadian bacons, super lean sausages are a hit. Diane’s homemade cookies by the dozen are delicious..

Our family farm members want to wish all our customers, friends, and folks a happy, blessed Mother’s Day. Feel free to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses at 285 Richard Road, Wexford, and get “the rest of the story.” n

BORROWERS CAN NOW LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATE AND PAYMENT FOR THE FIRST 3 YEARS OF THE LOANSAVING HUNDREDS ON THE MONTHLY PAYMENT. CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS.

BORROWERS CAN NOW LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATE AND PAYMENT FOR THE FIRST 3 YEARS OF THE LOAN SAVING HUNDREDS ON THE MONTHLY PAYMENT.

BORROWERS CAN NOW LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATE AND PAYMENT FOR THE FIRST 3 YEARS OF THE LOANSAVING HUNDREDS ON THE MONTHLY PAYMENT. CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS.

BORROWERS CAN NOW LOWER YOUR INTEREST RATE AND PAYMENT FOR THE FIRST 3 YEARS OF THE LOANSAVING HUNDREDS ON THE MONTHLY PAYMENT. CALL TODAY FOR MORE DETAILS.

DEB WALTON, REALTOR®

DEB WALTON, REALTOR®

DEB WALTON, REALTOR®

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