May 2022 issue of Northern Connection by Northern Connection Magazine

May 2022

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 23 YEARS

Samantha’s Story: A High-Risk Pregnancy Also... Women in Business | Animated Moms Trivia Women’s Health & Wellness

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

May

NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

NC Features 17 18 29 32 34

Happy Mother’s Day from The Sewickley Spa Celebrating Women in Business May Moments Ron Eichner Home Guide Business Spotlight: Pella Windows Janice Lane Palko

Health & Wellness 8 10

Cover Story: Samantha’s Story: A High-Risk Pregnancy Baby Blues vs Perinatal Depression: What is the Difference and When to Seek Help Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C Wexford Hospital – An Integral Part of the Community Janice Lane Palko

Kids & Education 24 26

School Movers & Shakers Summer 2022

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 Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing , LLC Core Writers

In Every Issue... 4 6 15

28 30 31

Movers & Shakers Mover & Shaker of the Month: Sofya Stearns From the Editor: Where Are the Children? Janice Lane Palko May Events Trivia Connection: Amazing Animated Moms Trivia Paula Green Support Our Troops: Christopher Hulbert Memorial Paula Green

Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko

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.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Movers & Shakers The Genesis Medical Associates’ Heyl Family Practice has added a second location to its longtime West View-based practice with a new office at the Passavant Hospital Medical Building in McCandless Township. According to Dr. Louis Heyl, one of the original founders of Genesis Medical Associates more than 25 years ago, “the growth of our practice in northern Allegheny County necessitated adding a second office, the former offices of our retired Genesis colleague Dr. William Zillweger was the perfect fit for our needs.” Folds of Honor of Western PA’s Golf Outing on March 13 was a tremendous success. Eighteen teams played Topgolf, and $34,040 was raised to support educational scholarships. Grove City Country Club won the team competition, and the individual winner was Rich Baer of Grove City Country Club. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc. announced that we are the recipient of the 2022 PA Museums Special Achievement Awards. McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grant-making foundation, announced 15 new grants totaling over $1.8 million to support education, health and wellness, and capacity building in Pittsburgh’s Hill District, Uptown, and West Oakland communities. McAuley Ministries responded to the emergency in Western Kentucky created by devastating tornadoes by granting $10,000 in emergency disaster funds to assist in relief efforts.

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH

Sofya Stearns Izabella’s Gourmet Chow By Janice Lane Palko

Food is our common ground, a universal experience – James Beard

othing brings the world together better than food, and even though we love food, some of us prefer oysters, or maybe a profiterole, or sushi. Sofya Stearns, founder of Izabella’s Gourmet Chow figured that out. Her cooking classes open a window to the world for kids, making them feel closer to the kids all over the world. Sofya of Pine-Richland grew up in Moscow in a family of three generations, her grandparents, parents and her twin sister. “My grandmother’s name was Izabella, and she was an excellent baker and cook and my best friend,” said Stearns, 52, who has lived in California, Washington DC, New York and Chicago before moving to

the area when her husband, Jeff, was relocated for a job here. “My daughter is 10 and was named after my grandmother. I grew up learning other languages, visiting museums and listening to classical music, and I wanted my daughter to have those experiences as well,” said Stearns, who speaks numerous languages. “Little children are like sponges when it comes to learning, especially languages. Five years ago, I took my daughter to an art class, and one of my friends who knew my passion for cooking suggested that I start teaching cooking classes.” Sofya sent out emails to local families and taught her first class in September 2016. “When the class was done, I began to get emails wondering when the next class would be, and Izabella’s Gourmet Chow was born!” said Stearns. Stearns teaches students ages 3 to adult. “We don’t just make something delicious from scratch, we travel the world. For instance, when I teach children how to make Sushi, we talk about Japan—its geography, the country’s capital, history, music and art. We also learn some Japanese,” said Stearns. In addition to cooking skills, the students learn about the ingredients, nutrition, and how the food they cook is used to build their bodies. “We learn the difference between the various tastes such as savory, sweet, sour, etc. We discuss the difference between onions and scallions and that

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there are five different types of peppers and that green peppers are actually unripe and difficult to digest, etc.,” said Stearns. Her courses for children were so wellreceived that she expanded to teaching after school programs in various schools; weekly and monthly classes as well as for birthday parties and sleep overs for kids; couples, family reunions and bachelorette parties. Stearns’ classes are a favorite activity for local Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts groups. “Anyone can follow a recipe,” said Stearns, “but when I teach a cooking class, I teach with a twist. I want my students to be creative and make the dishes their own because cooking is another form of art, and art makes you creative. Virtual experiences became essential when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “Out of necessity, I started teaching classes online,” Stearns said, “and then one day I saw a report by NBC news correspondent Richard Engel, who has a young son with Rett syndrome, a rare neurological disorder, and how those with special needs were regressing under the lockdown. It broke my heart, and I knew I had to do something to help people.” Stearns reached out to numerous organizations working with families with disabled members and that’s how her monthly Zoom classes began. She started to work with Chicago down syndrome, NADS and occasional Zoom classes with Pittsburgh Down syndrome, DSAP, as

well as monthly cooking Zoom classes for The Woodlands, which continued in person during last summer. “Teaching these classes has brought such joy to so many families and as well as for me, a different perspective on life, which I pass on to my family and friends. I always look for ways to reach more families with family members with special needs,” said Stearns. During all zoom classes she conducted, she donated 30% of proceeds to a local hospice, Ronald McDonald House, and donated 600 meals to the Pittsburgh Food Bank. Right before the pandemic, she conducted a class for a Jewish women’s organization, 36% of her proceeds went to the Tree of Life community after the tragic shooting. Recently, Stearns’ heart and mind has been on Ukraine. “In my previous position, I used to travel internationally and often visited Kyiv and Mariupol for work. Sadly, I, and my former colleagues in various parts of Ukraine, don’t even know anymore what has happened to our colleagues from those two towns.” Since Izabella’s Gourmet Chow is primarily directed towards kids, Stearns decided to conduct a charity cooking class with 100% of the proceeds going

for donations to help kids of Ukraine. “To date, we have collected $2,305, which we have donated to UNICEF. I picked UNICEF because of their small overhead, and they take very little from donations for administrative expenses,” said Stearns.

She is also planning a Mother’s Day baking event where students will bake profiteroles, commonly known in the U.S. as cream puffs, and again 15% of proceeds will go to UNICEF. However, Stearns is not content with just sending donations; like with her cooking classes, she wants to

connect on a personal level with those in Ukraine affected by the war. “We are launching a campaign #KIDtoKID . The Initiative is for children to write letters to kids of Ukraine. “I have already started this campaign with the students from my monthly cooking classes and continuing at Pine-Richland Schools; and I hope to expand it,” said Stearns. “Going forward, I want to make this campaign international, I want children from all over the world to start writing letters to each other. I want kids to learn from each other. Kids are kids; all kids like the same toys and games, but in a lot of places in the world, not everyone can afford them; however, there are schools in many countries which can provide kids with a pencil and a piece of paper where they will be able to express their thoughts. No matter what I do, whether teaching cooking or reaching out in charity, I want kids to have awareness, that there’s a whole world out there. I’m doing this for my community, for my city, for my country, and I’m thrilled to do that. It makes the world is a better place and makes me a better person.” For more information, visit Izabella’s Gourmet Chow at: www.izabellasgourme-

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COVER STORY

Samantha’s Story: A High-Risk Pregnancy After trying for nearly two years to get pregnant on their own, Samantha and her husband, Stephen, turned to the Center for Fertility and Reproductive Endocrinology at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

here, she learned she had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Her doctors prescribed medicine to help boost her ovulation. Within a few months, Samantha was pregnant.

Prenatal Care in the North

Samantha, 30, received prenatal care at UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services in Wexford, minutes from her home in Franklin Park. “Since I wasn’t sure which provider would be there to deliver my baby at UPMC Magee, I was able meet and receive care from all of the doctors at the practice,” says Samantha, who works in the Human Resources Department at UPMC. “It was a great experience. Everyone was very friendly and I felt that I was in good hands.” At 35 weeks, Samantha was diagnosed with gestational hypertension, a mild form of high blood pressure. “One of the risks of gestational hypertension is that the mother can develop

a condition called preeclampsia. This can be dangerous to both mother and baby,” says Katherine Bunge, MD, an ob-gyn at MageeWomens Specialty Services. “Usually, Katherine patients develop it at the Bunge, MD, end of their pregnancy obstetriciangynecologist, or sometimes right at UPMC Mageethe time of delivery.” Womens To avoid the posSpecialty Services sibility of Samantha developing preeclampsia, Dr. Bunge decided it would be best to induce labor at 37 weeks. But soon after her gestational hypertension diagnosis, Samantha tested positive for COVID-19. Worried how the virus would affect both her and the delivery of her baby, Samantha went to Magee for monoclonal antibody treatment the next day. “Getting vaccinated at the begin-

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ning of my pregnancy helped to reduce my symptoms. But I still felt completely drained,” says Samantha. “Within a few days after receiving the antibodies, though, I started to feel much better.” Although she was placed in quarantine at Magee, Samantha was able to get the additional antenatal testing recommended for women diagnosed with gestational hypertension through the hospital’s triage unit. “We have the resources to care for pregnant patients with COVID-19,” says Dr. Bunge. “Thanks to the monoclonal antibodies that Samantha received, she was able to recover quickly. That allowed us to avoid postponing her delivery.” Dr. Bunge adds that the baby’s health was monitored while keeping other hospital patients safe from COVID-19. “We have designated areas to care for patients with COVID-19 and our staff is well trained in proper COVID19 precautions.”

An Uncomplicated Delivery

Before Samantha knew it, it was time to have her baby. She was given medicine to start labor contractions. “When I started dilating, the process went very quickly,” says Samantha. “Within an hour or so, it was time to start the delivery. Then, 36 minutes later, our baby boy arrived.” Samantha and Stephen welcomed their first child, Weston, into the world on Sept. 26, 2021.

“I’m so glad that Dr. Bunge was so accessible. I was able to reach out to her with questions or concerns, which was a lifesaver,” says Samantha. “I even had the direct number to triage so I would know exactly who I needed to contact. As a high-risk patient, it was very comforting to know that the right people were taking care of me. I was never left in the dark.”

It’s All Here: The Specialists You Need, Closer to Home

A Rare Postpartum Condition, Treated Close to Home

Samantha was enrolled in Magee’s blood pressure monitoring program, and once home from the hospital, she was instructed to take her blood pressure every day using a simple blood pressure cuff. A few days later, Samantha notified Dr. Bunge’s office that her blood pressure exceeded acceptable values. “Her blood pressure was very high, so I encouraged her to go back to the hospital,” says Dr. Bunge. “Samantha was diagnosed with postpartum preeclampsia, which is rather rare. For that reason, we readmitted her for observation and to get her blood pressure under control.” After her discharge home, Samantha continued to watch her blood pressure every day. “Due to the frequent fluctuation of my blood pressure, we decided it would be best to have my readings done in person,” says Samantha. “I went back to Magee-Womens Specialty Services in Wexford five days a week for the first six weeks after having the baby. The office is so close to my home, which was convenient.” “Most women don’t develop postpartum preeclampsia,” says Dr. Bunge. “Plus, most people don’t need to come so frequently to our office, especially with a newborn at home. But Samantha needed close follow up, and that’s what we did.” Samantha says she is extremely thankful for the care she received throughout her pregnancy journey.

“I went back to Magee-Womens Specialty Services in Wexford five days a week for the first six weeks after having the baby,” says Samantha. “It wasn’t inconvenient at all, though, since the office is so close to my home.”

PMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services offers convenient access to expert medical care for patients in the northern communities of Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties.

Specialty Services

Samantha, 30, and baby Weston at their home in Franklin Park. Photo credit: Sarah Ferrari Photo

And, with UPMC’s strong network of pediatric care north of the city and beyond, Samantha’s family continues to receive top-notch medical care, right in their neighborhood. Baby Weston now regularly sees Virginia Hofmann, CRNP, a nurse practitioner specializing in pediatrics at UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics – Pittsburgh Pediatrics, Wexford Office. n

Schedule your visit today with UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services at UPMCPassavant.com/Magee. The information in this article was provided by UPMC.

• • • • • • • •

Breast cancer risk assessment General obstetrics and gynecology Gynecologic oncology Lymphedema services Maternal fetal medicine Midlife health Midwifery Reproductive endocrinology and fertility • Urogynecology • Women’s imaging • Surgery • Advanced laparoscopic surgery • Breast surgery • Minimally invasive gynecologic surgery

Locations in the north include:

• UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex • UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services–Butler • UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services–Wexford • UPMC Outpatient Center in Hampton • UPMC Passavant–Cranberry • UPMC Passavant–McCandless • UPMC Primary and Specialty Care in Sewickley

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Baby Blues Vs. Perinatal Depression: What is the Difference and When to Seek Help

By Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C

he arrival of a new baby is often considered a joyous occasion in a woman’s life, a time of celebration and transition. Whether it be from no children to one, two or three or more, each new addition brings new adventures and challenges to the family unit. While many may feel happy, albeit exhausted, in those early days and weeks postpartum, some notice that things don’t seem quite right. Approximately 70-80% of women will experience what is often referred to as the “Baby Blues’’ in the immediate days after giving birth (Source: The American Pregnancy Association). These emotional shifts are a natural reaction to the incredibly dramatic decrease in hormones immediately following birth. These symptoms may include weepiness/crying for no known reason, impatience, irritability, restlessness, anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, mood changes and trouble concentrating. The adjustment to sleep deprivation, change in routines and limited time for self-care, may all contribute to these symptoms, as well. What’s important to know is that the Baby Blues is generally short-lived and does not leave the mother feeling unable to care for herself and/or her baby. Symptoms are often relieved by complementary measures and this condition usually resolves within two weeks. If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, or include feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, severe anxiety, lack of motivation, insomnia, trouble caring for self and/ or baby or thoughts of suicide, it’s time to seek help for a postpartum depression. Postpartum Depression is considered a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder, or PMAD. It is estimated that anywhere from 15-20% of women experience a PMAD (Source: Postpartum Support International). In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, there may also be intense anxiety and panic attacks, difficulty bonding with the baby, feeling “crazy” or out of control, feelings of anger or rage, low mood, low or increased appetite and neglecting basic self-care. Symptoms will persist beyond a two-week period and may impair functioning in a variety of areas. These symptoms may begin at any time within 10

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the first 12 months postpartum and may also occur during pregnancy. PMAD’s are family illnesses and require support, education and prompt treatment. It is imperative that partners and support persons learn to recognize the signs and assist in seeking treatment. In the event that a woman is endorsing suicidal thoughts, plan or intent, seek help immediately. Please also be aware of symptoms of Postpartum Psychosis, which is severe and constitutes a medical emergency. These may include a decreased need for sleep/not feeling tired despite not sleeping, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, hyperactivity, feeling very irritated and rapid mood swings. Most women’s first points of contact in seeking help are their OB/GYNs, Midwives or PCPs. This is often a positive step in starting the treatment process. We are incredibly lucky to have a wealth of perinatal mental health treatment facilities in our area, including the Alexis Joy D’Achille Foundation at AHN and the NEST Program at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital. In addition to these, here are some easily accessible, free resources and support groups available within our community and beyond:

• https://www.postpartum.net/ get-help/provider-directory/ • https://www.postpartum.net/ get-help/psi-online-supportmeetings/ • Postpartum Support International Warmline: 1-800-944-4PPD • Text Support: 800-944-4773 • BabySteps Support GroupSt. Clair Hospital (currently meeting virtually) The most important thing to remember is you are never alone in this, and with the right help and support, you will recover. 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.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Wexford Hospital — An Integral Part of the Community By Janice Lane Palko

“R

eceiving expert care provided by medical professionals who live in your community at a nearby state-of-the art hospital—that makes all the difference,” said Marcia Klein-Patel, M.D., chair of Allegheny Health Network Women’s Institute, of the new AHN Wexford Hospital in Pine Township. “In 2012, Highmark and AHN realized that medical care for those living in the northern suburbs was lacking,” said Allan Klapper, M.D., President of AHN Wexford Hospital. “In 2014, the Health + Wellness Pavilion, an out-patient medical, surgical, and diagnostic center, opened, and the community’s response to it was overwhelmingly positive,” said Dr. Klapper. “Then we also realized that we needed an in-patient facility that would not just be for those with Highmark insurance but for all those living north of Pittsburgh, and it made sense to provide that next to the Health + Wellness Pavilion.” Plans for a new Wexford Hospital were designed in 2018, and the hospital opened on September 30, 2021, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, and it provides emergency treatment and expert medical care across a wide range of specialties. Not only does the Wexford Hospital provide the inpatient care found in teaching hospitals in Pittsburgh, but it also has an OB/GYN department. AHN Wexford Hospital features a broad range of OB-GYN care, high-risk obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecology surgery, gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, and menopausal management. 12

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“Except for the most high-risk patients, we can care for you at the Wexford Hospital,” said Dr. Klein-Patel, “and even for those few who must be treated in the city, we can provide office visits in the north.” “In planning the new hospital, we identified that there wasn’t an OB unit in northern Allegheny County,” said Dr. Klapper. “The new hospital also has a state-of-the-art Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, which means we can care for those babies born 32 weeks of gestation and above. For those babies needing Level III NICU care, we have a heliport on site to transport patients to West Penn Hospital.” The NICU at Wexford Hospital was modeled after the renovated unit at West Penn Hospital, and each baby has a private room with sleeping accommodations for parents to remaining with the baby. It also has a milk safe for breastfeeding mothers to safely store milk for their babies. Another feature is NICVUE, a camera that allows those who can’t be with the baby in the NICU to see the baby remotely. Since the hospital’s opening in September 550 babies have been born there, and they are averaging 100 newborns each month. “In fact,” said Dr. Klapper, “on the morning the hospital opened, it was to debut at 8 a.m., but at 7:45 there was a patient waiting in the ER. Of course, we opened early to accommodate the patient, but that only illustrates how much the community has welcomed AHN Wexford Hospital.” n

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FROM THE EDITOR

Where Are the Children? By Janice Lane Palko

“The soul is healed by being with children.” – Fyodor Dostoevsky

appy Mother’s Day! From the time I was little, I always knew I wanted to be a mom, and happily that dream came true. I had twins and then a single birth. Throughout time, motherhood has been revered as a noble calling in life. Today, that is not so. There is a movement afoot for people to refrain from having children. In fact, there are entities such as the group Stop Having Kids that promotes a child-free existence and even takes out billboards urging people not to procreate. If you are dead set against having children, that is your prerogative, and I would never browbeat anyone into having children. However, I believe most women would be good mothers and would love being a mom. This anti-children movement seems to me to be nothing more than a trend trying to shape society away from a natural inclination to have children. Urging people to stop having children poses large and small problems. A lack of children is detrimental to society. I’m no fan of Russia, but I recently read an article on how the Russian population has declined since the Communism takeover, although in recent years their government has incentivized people to reproduce. The article explained how dire a dearth of children is for their military and national security. In previous wars, there were many more young men to defend their nation; now that is no longer the case. And if this trend continues here, we will have fewer young people to defend us too. Innovation and enterprise stalls when you have an older population. In Malcolm Gladwell’s best-selling book Outliers, he examines successful people and notes that most great accomplishments come from young people because they have more energy and are more willing to take risk. A December 2021 Fortune magazine article highlights this conundrum. ”The U.S. birth rate declined by 4% in 2020, but fertility rates have been at a record low since before the pandemic, and a growing number of adults have recently expressed they don’t expect to ever have children.” Innovators like Elon Musk have warned that the world’s declining birth rate will create a disastrous outcome, and urges “So many people, including smart people, think that there are too many people in the world and think that the population is growing out of control. It’s completely the opposite. Please look at the numbers—if people don’t have more children, civilization is going to crumble, mark my words.” Fewer people in the country will collapse our Social Security system as we will have fewer workers to support our retirees. And we are already seeing a shortage of workers. Those urging people to refrain from having children site many reasons from the tired old canard—that it’s cruel to bring children in such a messed-up world. When hasn’t the world been messed up? They also say that the world is already overpopulated. However, I’ve read environmental reports that the entire earth’s population could fit into the state of Texas with each person getting a 33’ x 33’ plot of land. Texas is a tiny speck on the globe. One could debate the pros and cons of having children for hours, but there is one thing you cannot debate. I once read a great article about the difference between fun and happiness. Most moms, would say that they are not having fun when they are changing diapers, walking the floors with a teething toddler,

or dealing with a child taking a fit. But most would say they are happy. Fun is fleeting; happiness is something deeper and requires sacrifice. Many people site being selfish as a reason to not have children. But being selfish is not something forever baked into your character. You can change and become more giving. In fact, one of the best things about being a mom is not only forming and shaping the future through your children, but also that they, in turn, help you to mature, think less of yourself and make you a better person. What was one of the most heartbreaking results of the COVID-19 lockdowns? For many, it was being alone in your old age in a nursing home and not having relatives visit. Think long and hard before eschewing children. I’ve been to several nursing homes in my life, and when you’re old, that career you’re so concerned about? No one cares that you were the CEO when you’re in a home. That Gucci bag you’d rather have than a kid? When you’re 90, you’ll have nowhere to show it off. What matters in life is who you’ve love and who has loved you. If you’re only loving yourself, that’s all you’ll have at the end of your life aside from loneliness. n

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WOMEN In Business

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Happy Mother’s Day from the Sewickley Spa

“E

very year at Mother’s Day, I reflect on memories of my mother. When I think of her, I remember most vividly her warmth and the special ability she had to make people immediately feel comfortable. It was much more than just making them feel comfortable, she made people feel special and she made them feel welcome. It was such a gift. She was the most important person in my life, guiding me, watching me, loving me, and most importantly, always letting me know when she was proud of me. This year, it will be 21 years in May that I lost my dear mother to breast cancer. For many years after that, I had a hard time facing Mother’s Day. I was in pain over losing her and it was difficult to not be able to celebrate like others did with their mom’s. Time has offered me opportunity for not only reflection, but for hope and healing. I became determined to make new happy memories. Mother’s Day weekend of 2009 became one of the most important celebrations of my life, as I married my husband, Brett, and we began our life together. Working over the years as Spa Director, I realized that everyone comes to a day spa for different reasons. Some people see it as an escape from a hectic world, some come to search to find their sense of ‘self’ while others come to relax and feel pampered. It is so fulfilling to me to play a part in the positive effect the experience has on our clients. Looking back now, I realize that I learned so much from my mother and that maybe, just maybe, some of her special ability to make people feel welcome rubbed off on me. Now as owner of The Sewickley Spa, I take special delight in seeing those that come in to celebrate Mother’s Day. The mothers and daughters and friends, that come to enjoy a little pampering and relaxation while making new memories is a beautiful reminder to me of the special holiday we are celebrating. I still miss my mother desperately, but I look at my life as she taught me, with pure gratitude and joy and

Women in Business

ADVERTORIAL

Jonelle McMahan, New Owner of the Sewickley Spa

I hope with all my heart that I continue to make her proud. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s and all the children, young and old, who have cherished memories of Mom. “ In loving memory of Betty Jane Connelly, The Sewickley Spa will donate proceeds of all services in the month of May to Hair Peace Charities, a local organization that provides financial assistance to women and girls to purchase wigs due to the devastating effect of chemotherapy.

www.sewickleyspa.com 412-741-4240 www.northernconnectionmag.com | M A Y 2 0 2 2

Women in Business

CELEBRATING WOMENin BUSINESS 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.

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 31 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

Destination Weddings

| Calla Events, Design, & Travel, LLC

Katherine Shaw has been planning both local and Destination Weddings and events for over 25 years. She holds certifications in the Group Travel, Destination Wedding, and Honeymoon realms, and is a Sandals, Beaches and Cruise Ship specialist, and a master of Caribbean Vacations. She was certified as an Event Coordinator through NBS in 1999, earned her ABC Wedding Planner Accredited status in 2012, and has coordinated over 1000 weddings and events throughout her career, including those for professional athletes, military dignitaries, and other public figures. After formal education at the University of Kansas and Stirling University in Great Britain, Katherine began her Events career in the fields of Public Relations & Marketing and worked for the NFL, NHL, AFL, & the WB Network. She became the PA state director for the Association of Bridal Consultants in 2017. Her weddings and events have been featured in dozens of newspapers and magazines. She has taken part in numerous radio and television appearances and has a passion for public speaking. There are travel agents and then there are wedding planners. However, experts advise that Destination Weddings require years of experience with BOTH travel AND event planning to carry out the complexities and logistics of this unique destination wedding market, and Katherine possesses all of that. 724.679.5701 | www.DestinationWeddingspgh.com

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| Northern States Mortgage, Inc.

Kimberly Ferraro is a Mortgage Broker with over 19 years of experience, working for a locally owned mortgage company in Zelienople with license in PA, CT and FL. Being a mortgage broker enables me to help people with not-soperfect credit and perfect credit. It’s given me the ability to make their home-buying dreams come true. I work with 11 different lenders, so I have the flexibility to shop for the best loan option available and interest rate. Being such a small company, we pride ourselves in customer service and attention to detail, which allows us to consistently close loans in 30 days or less. If you go through a bank, you will only have access to what that bank has to offer, so no rate shopping and limited products. I’m passionate about my work and will help anyone to make their home purchasing dream come true. If you’re looking for the best service in town, low rates, no fees and options, please give me a call. Kim@NorthernStatesMortgage.com | 724-272-0770 or 877-808-6611

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 23 years to a retired PA State Trooper, she has three children. Deb 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. She enjoys serving her clients and prides herself on the relationships she builds and continues to maintain after closing. Please visit the following link to learn what her clients have to say about her service: realtordebwalton.com/cp/my-reviews C. 724.480.6690 | O. 724.776.2900 | deb.walton@pittsburghmoves.com

Lisa Brooks

| Premier Wealth Partners

Women in Business

Kimberly Ferraro

Lisa A. Brooks, CFP, CRPC, is a financial advisor and partner with Premier Wealth Partners. Lisa has helped her clients thrive for more than 22 years. Lisa focuses on retirement planning/income strategies and specializes in women’s financial strategies. At Premier Wealth Partners we look to provide comprehensive financial care to help clients with their wealth management strategies. Our approach starts with your dreams and goals, not just numbers. We have experience helping clients with the complexities of wealth management and customized financial planning. We work to achieve this through consistent, disciplined processes and strategies. “Many people start working with an advisor when they are about to retire,” said Lisa. “Even though they may have a broker, an insurance agent and an accountant, many fail to have one person bringing it all together. If you start early, small strategies and adjustments can be implemented over time to enhance your financial situation.” Lisa.A.Brooks@ampf.com | 412-922-7700

Dr. Anu Anand

| PCMA Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

PCMA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a group that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our patients. “I graduated medical school in 2009 and have been a specialist in PM&R since 2013,” said Dr. Anu Anand. We want to improve pain, function and return them to enjoy their favorite hobbies and time with family. “I found rehab medicine to be a very fulfilling field, since I get to see the difference I make in a person’s life in a short period of time. I have always loved medicine and truly enjoy seeing my patients every day, especially If I see them happy and pain free after I treat them,” said Dr. Anand. We have a multidisciplinary approach to pain which includes starting with a comprehensive evaluation and management with conservative methods. If needed we have interventional procedure rooms for epidural and nerve blocks in both office locations, and we also offer innovative ways to help with pain such as PRP and Stem Cell therapy. We strive to help patients and are accommodating. We can usually get someone in within that week for evaluation and if needed a procedure. 724-741-0633 | info@pcmanetwork.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | M A Y 2 0 2 2

Women in Business

Dr. Bridget Chufo

| Dr. Chufo’s Weight Loss and Wellness

Dr. Bridget Chufo from the Weight Loss and Wellness Center in Wexford has a unique approach to losing weight and becoming healthier. She has been in the weight loss field for 42 years and as she says, can get the weight off of you with her eyes closed. After the desired weight is gone, she really focuses on keeping the weight off once and for all. Why take the weight off if you’re not going to keep it off? And she believes that you have to lose the weight the way you’re going to keep it off. She works one-on-one with her clients and works within their lifestyle. She has a proven track record after helping over one million people. She is an RN, Ph.D, with degrees from Villanova University, Duquesne University, New York University and has studied at Duke University, all in the weight loss and wellness arena. She can be reached at 1-800-900 THIN.. 1-800-900-THIN | www.dbcweightloss.com

Marianne McCloskey

| Tricycle Learning Company

Marianne McCloskey is the Operations Manager of Tricycle Learning Company, a full service tutoring company that serves students from coast to coast, It was founded by her brother Christopher Yco in 2011 in California and expanded their services in PA in 2018. Tricycle Learning Company offers high-quality college admissions prep through academic tutoring, test-taking training, admissions services, and accountability coaching. Prior to joining the family business, Marianne served as a Human Resources Manager in the manufacturing sector. Recognizing the need to grow the business, she took on the challenge of helping to standardize operating procedures and support its marketing efforts. Marianne appreciates the opportunity to work closely with and be connected to her family. (412) 952-2938 | www.tricyclelearning.com

Jen Schellhammer Coldwell Banker Realty Commercial Sales and Leasing When my husband and I purchased our first home, I was just enthralled with the entire process. My husband is a successful entrepreneur, and he encouraged me to start my own business. This meant leaving the only field I knew - organ donation and transplantation, to enter real estate. After selling a few homes, I had a unique opportunity to have one-onone training in real time commercial transactions. I was fortunate enough to learn from and work alongside a leadership team of industry-known, experienced commercial developers, owners, and landlords. It was then that I found a niche in commercial leasing. I have been in business five years and franchisees, existing and small business owners, and groundup development lessors comprise most of my business. Not many potential commercial tenants of any kind know they or their business are able to have a dedicated representative at no expense. That’s where I come in. If you think you may benefit from the representation of a CRE agent, call me! It could mean the difference of a couple hundred to thousands of dollars. Nevertheless, forming a lasting business relationship is paramount, and I look forward to hearing from you soon!. Email: jennifer.schellhammer@cbrealty.com (814) 248-0061 mobile | 412) 366-1600 office | 814) 248-0061 direct

M A Y 2 0 2 2 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

CRANBERRY TOWNSHIP CHAPTER

Women in Business 2022 Mary Simpson

Marketing & Account Executive Northern Connection & Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazines Connecting You to the Community for 23 years!

Providing high quality print advertising and digital marketing opportunities to help you grow your business and connect to the community.

Dorothy C. O’Neil, Esq., CDFA®

Co-Chair Family Law Practice Group Burns White LLC

Full service Family Law practice representing clients in divorce, custody & support matters in litigation, mediation and the collaborative process.

724-940-2444 Ext. 4 www.northernconnectionmagazine.com marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

412-995-3107 burnswhite.com dconeil@burnswhite.com

Cathleen Wiltrout

Kiersten McCort, CRPC

The Sign Shop+

Over 27 Years in Business! Indoor & outdoor signage, backlit panels, window graphics, decals, banners, vinyl and magnetic signs, vehicle lettering, custom-made wood signs, yard signs and more!

724-841-5073 TheSignShopPlus@gmail.com

Cindy Milcic, REALTOR®

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices I have been a full time Realtor, representing buyers and sellers for the past 16 years, and I have enjoyed every minute of it! My goal is to always provide a smooth transition for buyers and sellers and to get them the best value for their homes. I make a personal commitment to each of my clients to provide them with personalized, exceptional service -- I am always available when you need me!

O: 724-776-9705 C: 412-974-3732 cmilcic@tprsold.com

Private Wealth Advisor & President The McCort Baker Group A financial advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. CA Insurance #0E18919 Financial planning to help clients save for education, retirement and more.

724-799-8512 mccortbaker.com Kiersten.l.mccort@ampf.com

Natalie Corsello Frazier, NMLS #134243

Vice President First Choice Mortgage Services, Inc. NMLS #101840

Serving You Since 1989 Natalie has been in the Real Estate Industry since graduating from Washington and Jefferson in 1993. She has positioned herself with knowledge of all facets of Real Estate holding her Mortgage Loan Originators License, Title Insurance License and Real Estate License.

724-772-2022 natalie@ourfirstchoice.com

Leslie McKinney

Owner/CEO Caring Transitions of North Pittsburgh At Caring Transitions we give clients and families the peace of mind by managing all the details and work that go into senior relocation. We take a compassionate approach to downsizing by helping to right size your possessions for a new or existing home. We provide complete packing, moving and resettling services. Additionally we liquidate saleable items to offset other expenses when moving or settling an estate.

O: 724-939-6212 C: 724-612-2923

CaringTransitionsNorthPittsburgh.com

lmckinney@caringtransitions.com

Mary Ann Nudi Sembrat Nina Nudi Dryna The Print Shop at Office Things

Offset • Digital • Blueprints • Logo Design 724-935-2221 133 Grand Avenue Mars, PA 16046 www.printshoppgh.com 49 years in Business www.northernconnectionmag.com | M A Y 2 0 2 2

Women in Business

Sally Powers

| 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.

Debra Swift

| Swift Audiology

Debra Swift, founder and owner of Swift Audiology, opened her full-service audiology & hearing care practice in 1987. Her mission is to help people who are having hearing difficulties to hear better with the assistance of hearing devices. The practice has four locations – North Hills, Allison Park, South Hills, and Washington, Penna. Choice is in the patient’s hands - we help educate our patients on the options by taking into account their needs, lifestyle, budget and hearing profile. Through our Hearing Aid Test Drive Program, patients can test drive their hearing ads in real-time and in real life. Our patients experience a family-like atmosphere with state-of-the-art technology and the best option to meet their hearing needs. Her diverse staff includes Doctors of Audiology and Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialists who make it their mission to help those in our community hear better and continue enjoying life. To learn more, visit our website at www.swiftaudiology.com/hear. Ad code NC522.

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 opened in June of 2004 – we will be celebrating 18 years in Pittsburgh this year! We also have a second location in the Dallas, Texas, that has been open almost eight years. 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

Stacey Perry

| Guardian Angel Home Care Services, Inc.

Keeping seniors in their homes has never been so important as it is today. Stacey Perry, the founder and CEO of Guardian Angel Home Care Services, Inc. says that the pandemic has brought a harsh reality for many who are caring for elderly loved ones and an elderly person should not be forced into isolation without being able to see the people they care most about. Allowing seniors to age in place, at home, has always been the top priority of Guardian Angel. Surpassing 21 years of providing outstanding service with a strong reputation in our region, Stacey credits her long time and loyal caregivers and administrative team, who she maintains are the heart and soul of the business. Guardian Angel Home Care Services, Inc. is a proud provider of the PA Medicaid/Community Health Choice Program (CHS). For additional information please call 412-492-8290 or visit guardianangelinhomecare.com.

ALWAYS HIRING CARING HEARTS! 22

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| Joseph Lane & Co.

Heather Egli is the owner and founder of Joseph Lane & Co. Joseph Lane & Co., a salon and boutique that offers hair, skin, and nail services as well as clothing and gifts. I started this company to ensure that I can give the public 120% of myself and welcome you into my home away from home. As a mother of three, my kids are the reasons for every decision I make. Owning and operating my own business allows me to stay equally involved with my family and community. Not only do I want to encourage the women who visit my business, but I also want to educate and encourage the youth in this industry. Joseph Lane & Company is constantly evolving to grow, serve, and empower women. Just one year old, Joseph Lane & Co.’s goal is to help women feel confident and beautiful from the inside out. Whether it’s the clothes you purchase or the hairstyle you choose, the most important detail I will never leave out is the way you feel when you walk out the door of my home away from home. Heather has over 17 years of experience in the hair industry. Joseph Lane & Co. | 22089 Perry Highway, Suite 201, Zelienople, Pa | www.ShopJosephLane.com @ShopJosephLane | (724) 473-0267 | SalonMeraki724@gmail.com

Tammy Croftcheck & Katie Watts

| Studio19

Studio 19 Dance Complex opened its doors in 2005 and is a nationally recognized and award-winning dance studio. Located at 164 Brickyard Rd. in Mars, it is coowned and operated by Tammy Croftcheck and Katie Watts, who serve as coartistic directors, with 31 years of experience. Together with their extensive team of talented and highly trained professionals, Tammy and Katie are members of all the professional dance organizations and are safety-certified by USA Gymnastics. Studio 19 was voted by Federation of Dance, as one of the top three dance studios in the U.S. and has been featured on every national dance and variety show, including AGT, So You Think You Can Dance, World of Dance, Dance Moms, People’s Choice Awards, AMA’s, VMA’s, and So Sharp. Studio 19 has done choreography for local and international artist Jackie Evancho’s song Pedestal, and recently won a Telly Award for their choreography on a Judge Judy commercial for WPXI. The studio has produced many dance stars throughout the years, including several dancers who have gone on to star in movie motion pictures, as well as performing with Pink, (who’s new documentary, ”All I Know So Far” features studio alumni/dancer/ choreographer/actress Madelyne Spang) Jonas Brothers, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber and Kidz Bop. Current student Layla Stiscak (Pine Richland) stars in Kidz Bop Layla and is a current Kidz Bop kid @kidzboplayla. Who knows? Maybe the next big superstar or Kidz Bop kid will be coming out of Studio 19 again! In addition to movies and dance tours, many of Studio 19’s dancers go on to dance and perform professionally, as well as dancing for Division I Dance Teams. Studio 19 offers competitive and recreational classes for ages two through adult, at all levels of talent, including Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, Tumbling and Contortion as well as preschool and tot classes. Cheerleaders are also welcome for tumbling classes. To register for classes or more information, please Call: 724-779-0019 or visit our Facebook page: Studio19 Dance Complex or Instagram: @Studio19 Dance Complex.

Women in Business

Heather Egli

Women in Higher Education | Chatham University Chatham University has an enrollment of over 2,400 students across 60+ undergraduate and graduate programs in our areas of excellence: sustainability & health, the arts & sciences, and business & technology. Consistently named a College of Distinction and a “Best College” by U.S. News & World Report, Chatham’s campuses include its flagship location in the heart of Pittsburgh and Eden Hall Campus in the North Hills of Pittsburgh, built from the ground up for the study of sustainability. Chatham offers time- and money-saving opportunities including integrated degree programs that let qualified students earn undergraduate and graduate degrees in as few as five years. Visit Chatham this summer for a summer visit day or open house, where you can tour Shadyside Campus, meet with faculty, hear from student life, learn about scholarships, and more. For more information, visit chatham.edu.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | M A Y 2 0 2 2

KIDS & EDUCATION

School Movers & Shakers Aquinas Academy Helayna Baer, a senior cellist from Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh, reached the highest level a high school musician can achieve by earning a place in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival music ensemble.

Over 20 Aquinas Academy students participated in speaking competitions throughout this school year. At the PHSSL State Championships, held online on March 19 – 21, Andy D’Angelo competed in humorous interpretation, and Elizabeth Swift competed in impromptu speaking. Chase Harrison participated in congress and served as presiding officer for

the opening session. Clara Yuo finished in the top 12 in the commentary category, and Anne Dolan and JJ Ortiz finished in the top 12 in duo interpretation of literature. Around the World in Eighty Days was performed at the Aquinas Academy stage during the evenings of April 1 and 2. All four leads were eighth grade students: Luke Crawford (Phileas Fogg), Elliot Keverline (Passepartout), Sarah Rhodes (Detective Fix), and Francesca Hite (Aouda).

St. Joseph HS Saint Joseph High School (SJHS) has named Kimberly Sr. Lisa three recip- Rosalie Kupec Minick Paffrath ients for its 2022 Spirit of Saint Joseph Awards. The 2022 honorees include: Rosalie Polchinski Kupec, ‘61; Kimberly Minick, and Sr. Lisa Paffrath, C.D.P., ‘63. The awards will be given out Saturday, May 14.

Shady Side Academy Five Shady Side Academy students won seven national Sophia Jho medals in the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition, including six gold medals and one American Visions Medal. The awards are presented by the Alliance for

Crystal Ma

Maria Schwendeman

Hannah Song

Anker Zhao

(Continued on page 26)

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

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | M A Y 2 0 2 2

SUMMER 2022

Young Artists & Writers. The SSA winners are, Sophia Jho, Crystal Ma, Maria Schwendeman, Hannah Song and Anker Zhao.

Grant Cummings

Hannah Song

Sophia Jho

Three Shady Side Academy Senior School students earned places in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) All-State Festival music ensembles. The students performed April 8-9 with the ensembles at the annual PMEA All-State Festival at Kalahari Resort in The Poconos. The all-state musicians are: Grant Cummings, Hannah Song, and sophomore Sophia Jho.

Seneca Valley Seneca Valley School District Athletic and Activities Director Heather Lewis has been named 2022 Region IV Athletic Director of the Year by The Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association (PSADA).

M A Y 2 0 2 2 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Fox Chapel Building on its recognition as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School, Fox Chapel Area High School recently added a Unified Robotics program, the first of its kind in the eastern United States. Four Fox Chapel Area High School students ranked among the best at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League (PHSSL) State Championship Tournament. Winners were Patrick Alexander, Ian Mackey-Piccolo, Adhitya Thirumala and Isabella White. Fox Chapel Area High School seniors David Lydia David Dering Turnquist Dering and Lydia Turnquist were named 2022 All-American Athlete Strength and Conditioning Athlete of the Year Award recipients in swimming. The athletes are also recognized for their academic accomplishments, as well as their integrity as student-athletes. Two Fox Chapel Area High School students Nicholas Goodman and Anna Ferris were named national winners in the 2022 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.

Fox Chapel Area School District senior Colin Stephens earned a $10,000 scholarship by placing in the Greater Pittsburgh Automotive Dealers Association/Pennsylvania Automotive Association competition at CCAC West Hills. Colin is a second-year student in A.W. Beattie’s Automotive Technology program.

Mars Area Mars Area School Board appointed Eric Kasperowicz as the head coach of Mars Area High School Varsity Football Team, beginning with the 2022-2023 School Year.

Eric Kasperowisz

Mars Area High School students Lucas Kuremsky, Riley Lefcakis and Luca Moran set new records at the United States Powerlifting Association Steel City Clash which held April 3 at Steel City Barbell in Swissvale.

Mars Area Middle School students Preston Heynes, Emma Ladesic, Addison Pangonis, and Luke Reinhart were selected as Grand Prize winners in the school National Library Week challenge.

BC3 Butler County Community College will offer 172 courses in summer 2022 sessions and Fast Tracks that follow those in which guest students transferred nearly 900 of BC3’s affordable credits to other institutions of higher education in states such as Alabama, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Current, new, transfer, guest and returning students can learn more at bc3.edu/summer. www.northernconnectionmag.com | M A Y 2 0 2 2

HAPPENINGS

May Events Butler County Disability Summit, 8:30 a.m.4:30 p.m., May 16, at the Robert M. Smith Center at Slippery Rock University. Sponsored by the Special Needs Consortium and the Institute for Nonprofit Leadership. For information, visit us at www.specialneedsconsortium.org.

Longvue Acres Garden Club Plant Sale, 9 a.m.noon, May 14, Northmont United Presbyterian Church, 8169 Perry Hwy, McCandless. Cash only sale will feature 500+ perennials grown in members’ gardens and donated for the sale. For info, contact longvueacresgardenclub1950@gmail.com.

Depreciation Lands Museum, Friendship Day, 1-4 p.m., May 15, free admission, Spinning Class, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., June 4; Frontier Skills: Natural Dyeing to achieve Green, 1-4 p.m., June 5; Adventures in Pioneer Living: June 20-24. For details, visit www.DLMuseum.org.

Magnificat Prayer Meeting for Women of all Faiths, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. May 14, St. Paul Seminary, O’Connor Hall, 2900 Noblestown Rd, Carnegie. Speaker is Sister Marie Fidelis Sledgeski, DLJC. Registration $15 and includes music by Living Praise, speaker, and lunch. Register online or download mail-in registration at: www.magnificatpittsburgh.org.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable, 7 p.m., Monday, May 16, Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Civil War Northern Virginia 1861 by William Connery. Lecture is free & open to the public. Masks & social distancing required. Greybrooke Garden Club meeting, 9:30 a.m., May 11, Fellowship Hall of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd, Allison Park. Topic: Making Paper Seed Cards, guests are welcome. For questions contact, Karen (412) 366-2096. For info about Greybrooke Garden Club, visit www.greybrookegardenclub.org. Ingomar Garden Club Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., May 21, corner of Ingomar Rd & 9600 Perry Hwy (Rte 19), in front of the Commodore Perry Plaza and Brusters. Perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, herbs, vegetables, and a flea market. Visit https://www.ingomar-garden-club.com.

NA Class OF 1977 45th Reunion, 7-11 p.m., Saturday, August 20, Doubletree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Cranberry, 910 Sheraton Dr., Mars. For details, email nashclassof1977@gmail.com. To register, https://nashclassof1977.wixsite. com/reunion. North Hills Chorale Spring concerts, Sounds of Sondheim: A Tribute Concert; 7 p.m., May 14, First Presbyterian Church of Bakerstown, 5825 Heckert Rd., and 3 p.m. May 15, Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd, McCandless. Free-will offerings accepted. Visit www.nhchorale.com. Northland Library, has numerous events scheduled for May. For a complete list of events, visit www.northlandlibrary.org or call (412) 366-8100.

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Park ‘til Dark South Park, 7:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14, 1888 Brownsville Rd, South Park. For details, visit acparksfoundation.salsalabs.org/2022ParktilDark. Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club Friday Night Classic Movies After Dark, 8 p.m. start for all movies, May 20, North By Northwest; July 15, The Third Man; Aug. 19, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance; Sept. 16, The VIPs, Elias Fry Barn at Knob Hill Park, 415 Knob Hill Rd., Marshall Twp. For info, visit Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club. Pittsburgh Youth Chorus is accepting new singers in grades 1-12 for the 2022-23 school year. For details, visit www.pittsburghyouthchorus.org. Sealarks Women’s Group meeting – 1 p.m., May 11, 1:00 p.m., Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Road, Allison Park. Meeting topic: Therapy Dogs. This group provides Christian fellowship & social activity for women alone widowed, divorced or never married. All women alone are welcome to attend. For info, call (412) 487-7194. Shaler Garden Club Plant Sale, 9:00 a.m. to noon, May 7, Kiwanis Park, Wetzel Rd, Glenshaw. For details, go to halergardenclub. com. Shaler Great Local Gardens Contest runs thru July 8. For details, visit www.shalerlibrary.org or www.shalergardenclub.org.

St. Margaret Foundation Brian Demchak Hope Challenge runs from Sunday, May 15 to Saturday, May 21. Registration is open. For info visit, www.stmargaretfoundation.org/challenge or call (412) 784-4215. Summer Singers Day Camp, Aug. 1-5 (ages 7-10) Pittsburgh, Aug. 3-5 (ages 7+) Grove City. Sponsored by Pittsburgh Youth Chorus. For details, visit www.pittsburghyouthchorus.org. Transfer Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., every Tuesday thru May 17, La Roche University main campus in room 210 in the Wright Library. No registration or appointment necessary. Contact the Graduate Studies & Adult Education Office at (412) 536-1260. 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. Women’s Business Network has meetings scheduled in May at various times and locations. For a detailed list, visit www.wbninc. com.

FACTS FROM THE FARM

May Moments By Ron Eichner

Hi folks, There is a saying, “April showers will bring May

flowers.” May is known as a month of transition. The hardy spring flowers are blooming, trees are staging for their leafing out, birds are chirping, and spring life is stepping towards more summer-like days. But, don’t be fooled because May can nip things with old boy Jack Frost. Mother’s Day is celebrated annually on the second Sunday in May. It is a time to reflect upon and recognize mothers, expectant mothers, and mother figures’ roles in our daily lives. Memorial Day comes on the last Monday in May each year, and it is a day when people should remember those who have died while serving our country in the armed forces. Another exciting part of Memorial Day weekend for Indy raceloving fans is the Indianapolis 500, and it is held every year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. My Grandpap Eichner was born and grew up on his Dad’s dairy farm and sternly talked about the “Three Iceman Days,” May 11, 12, and 13. They are the three feast days of Saint Mamertus, Saint Pancras and Saint Gervais. These three men are known as the “chilly saints” because these days are the coldest of May. German and Swiss lore refers to mid-May as “Iceman Days,” sensing these days do not pass without a frost or two. However, like my dad, Grandpap also instilled in me to keep in mind when the full moons of May are each year because if there are clear nights, it can be the coldest nights of the moon cycle. This year the full moon is on May 16. However, these days used to fall later in the astronomical year, from May 19 to 22. My family farming experiences lean to the later dates of May for a host of farming experiences. For anyone who cares about taking my experiences and calling myself a “gardening angel” for six weeks from mid-April thru May, I caution to resist falling to the temptation of buying and planting too early or you may experience setbacks that could hinder your gardening. Always keep in mind cold, damp soil temperatures brought on by cold rains can hinder flower and garden plants. Mother’s Day week traditionally starts hanging basket sales. Keep in mind that all baskets, containers, planters, and pots should be fertilized at least once a week to continue to help nurture and flourish with bountiful colors. For those who like history, what about discovering a 5,300-year-old glacier mummy called Otzi the Iceman? It is an exciting story. Otzi the Ice Man, is an ancient mummified human body found by German tourist Helmut Simon on the Similaun glacier in the Otztal Alps on the border of Italy and Austria on September 19, 1991. Scientists have discovered that Otzi has at least 19 living Austrian descendants by tracing a rare genetic mutation on the Y-chromosome down the male line. Avian influenza or virus or bird flu is always a concern for poultry farmers. Wild birds, ducks, geese, turkeys, eagles, hawks and owls are at risk. The 2022 Avian Flu outbreak in the U.S. has affected over 22.8 million birds who had to be put to death over the past two months. The disease has been reported to infect over 110 flocks of poultry, including 46 backyard and 72 commercial flocks of farms in 24 states. The farms with high populations of

broiler chickens, layer chickens and turkeys generate the highest numbers. The migrations of the above wild birds are the spreaders of the bird flu. There have been confirmed cases in Pennsylvania with migrating wild birds, which had been the first confirmation in the state in the costly 1983-84 outbreak. As poultry farmers, raising chickens and turkeys, we have to remain alert. Most bird flu outbreaks are usually occur during the spring time with the wild bird migration period. As for poultry farmers, it’s a rule not to go to another poultry farm and risk bringing a disease home to your farm. In addition, the Pennsylvania Game Commission advises everyone to limit unnecessary contact with wildlife and use proper hygiene with any surfaces wild birds may have touched. In closing, our family farm members want to wish all moms a Happy Mother’s Day. We will have a great selection if you need a hanging basket or two or a farm gift certificate for mom. You are welcome to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm & Greenhouses, and let us be one of your year-round destinations for your spring needs at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and get the “rest of the story.” n

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TRIVIA CONNECTION

Amazing Animated Moms Trivia By Paula Green

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mothers, we must now delve into this female query if you know the answers, “Mums” the word because it’s time to get a little trivial. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.

Jean Vander Ply was the voice of Wilma and Peebles Flintstone; which character did she voice in The Jetsons? Marge Simpson has a pair of older sisters, the joyless twins, named Patty and ______? This TV mom is also on The Rugrats; she is Angelica’s mother and the wife of Drew Pickles. What is the name of the mom from the television cartoon The Proud Family? TV cartoon about a boy-genius and inventor with a hidden laboratory in his room. His mother is referred to only as “Mom.” In the 1941 fantasy film Dumbo, what is his mother’s name? This Disney classic features a mom named Kanga and her baby kangaroo named “Roo.” In the movie Finding Nemo, Nemo’s mom is named Coral; who portrayed her? This Petticoat Junction actress was the voice of Betty Rubble in The Flintstones. Jane Jetson is married to George and has two children, Judy and Elroy; what is her dog’s name? In the 1999 animated adventure film Tarzan; he is raised by an adopted female gorilla called_____? This actress voiced Helen Parr/Elastigirl in the two Incredibles movies. Mrs. Potts was a mother teapot in this 1991 animated gem. She was Atta and Dot’s mother in the Disney/Pixar film A Bug’s Life. In the animated TV show Kim Possible this neurosurgeon was Kim’s mother. n

Sources: screenrant.com/disneys-best-animated-moms/, www.mtv.com/ news/2628958/top-10-animated-mothers/, www.popsugar.com/family/ Famous-Cartoon-Moms-7172683, www.buzzfeed.com/michelleregna/milfalert,www.sporcle.com/games/Hejman/drawing_on_experience

Answers: 11. Rosie 2. Selma 3. Charlotte Pickles 4. Trudy Proud 5. Dexter’s Laboratory 6. Mrs. Jumbo 7. Winnie the Pooh 8. Elizabeth Perkins 9. Bea Benaderet 10. Astro 11. Kala 12. Holly Hunter 13. Beauty and the Beast 14. Queen 15. Dr. Anna Possible

other’s Day is Sunday, May 8, and there is nothing like expressing your love for that special lady in your life. So this month, we will pay tribute to those amazing animated moms who have entertained us over the years on TV and in the movies. The cartoon The Flintstones entertained us with two great moms – Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble in the television realm. Then, moving out of the Stone Age and into another Hanna Barbera classic, we were amused by Jane Jetson in the futuristic show The Jetsons. For those fans of blue hair, you’ll love watching Marge Simpson in The Simpsons – her beehive hairdo is unique. Another cartoon mom with some wild-looking locks is Didi Pickles from The Rugrats. A few other memorable TV animated moms include – Bubbie from The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack, Mama from Berenstain Bears, Helen Morgendorffer from Daria, Linda Belcher from Bob’s Burgers, Lois Griffin from Family Guy, Mrs. Turner from Fairly Odd Parents, Francine Smith in American Dad and Peggy Hill from King of the Hill. We have watched numerous animated mothers in the movies. Who could forget Bambi’s courageous mom in the film Bambi? In a tear-jerking moment, the mother deer is killed by an unseen hunter known as Man. On to happier Disney moments – in Lady and the Tramp, Lady gives birth to a litter of four puppies, three daughters who are identical to Lady and one son who looks exactly like a Tramp. Another Disney film that featured numerous dogs was 101 Dalmatians; the proud mom of multiple pups was Perdita. From dogs to cats, The Aristocats had a mother named Duchess, and in The Lion King, Simba’s mother is Sarabi. Some memorable animated Disney moms include – Queen Leah from Sleeping Beauty, Queen Arianna from Tangled, Queen Elinor from Brave, Eudora from The Princess and the Frog, Mrs. Davis from Toy Story, Sina from the film Moana, and Mother Rabbit from Robin Hood. In the Pixar animated films – The Incredibles and The Incredibles 2, “supermom” Helen Parr is known as Elastigirl because she can stretch her body like rubber. A few other classy cartoon ladies include Antoinette from A Tale of Despereaux, Felicity Fox from Fantastic Mr. Fox, Queen Lillian from Shrek 2, and Ted’s Mom from the Dr. Seuss film The Lorax. Since we have explored the world of remarkable cartoon

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS

Christopher Hulbert Memorial By Paula Green

Every fourth Monday in May, we celebrate Memorial Day. It is a special day that commemorates those who have perished serving our country. This month, we honor Butler native USAF Captain Christopher Hulbert, who dedicated his life and time to his family, service members, education, and career. In addition, Hulbert was a loving husband and son who took his own life on January 3, 2019.

uring Hulbert’s time as an Airman, he was deployed to Germany, Africa, Afghanistan (2x), and Kuwait. He received several military awards, including Two Joint Service Commendation medals, an Air Force Commendation Medal, Joint Service Achievement Medal, and an Air Force Achievement Medal. In 2018, Hulbert was bestowed with Air Force Captain of the Year honors. Despite his military accolades, Hulbert suffered from Battlefield and Deployment Trauma, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Hulbert’s grieving family established the Christopher Hulbert Memorial in honor of his character, service and integrity. “The mission of our non-profit is to raise awareness and supply information to those suffering from deployment trauma, PTSD, TBI, etc., due to their service to our country,” said Mary Ann Hulbert. “We lost Chris because we were unaware of his suffering. Chris was home in California after his last deployment to Kuwait. We assumed that things were progressing well for him. He was an active reservist in the Air Force and employed as a project manager for the number one drone builder, General Atomics, in California. Chris was awarded Captain of the Year and was two months away from promotion to Major in the Air Force,” Mary Ann said. “It is our goal to raise awareness and support within the communities so that other families do not experience the same fate.” The foundation has three events scheduled for this year; one will occur this month. The 1st Annual Christopher Hulbert Memorial 5K Walk/Run will be held at 9:00 a.m., May 21, at Zelienople Community Park, 402 E. Beaver Street. The memorial walk is supported by the American Legion Post in Zelienople. On Saturday, July 23, the 3rd Annual Christopher Hulbert Memorial Golf Outing will be held at Black Hawk Golf Course, 644 Blackhawk Road in Beaver Falls. Finally, a Clay Shoot is scheduled for Saturday, October 15, at Lawrence County Sportsman’s Association in Wampum. Details for this event will be upcoming. To register for the 5K Walk in May or the Golf Outing in July, visit https://www.christopherhulbertmemorial.com/. “Please visit our website to review postings of articles and upcoming events. We ask that you like and share the information to help with our mission,” Mary Ann said. Portions of the proceeds from the three events are used to benefit Stop Soldier Suicide. Northern Connection magazine salutes USAF Captain Christopher Hulbert for his dedication and service to our country. May he rest in peace. n

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HOME GUIDE Sign-On

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Hands on History

May 14 - 15 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

CALL NOW

to reserve your advertising space for the Summer issue!

724-940-2444

This event brings history to life for visitors of all ages. We will have several demonstrations and you can also be an apprentice to one of our trades/crafts. Come try your hand at a variety of nineteenth century crafts & trades, such as blacksmithing, printing, cooking, textile production, laundry and more! Old Economy Village 270 Sixteenth St. Am bridge, PA 15003 (724) 266 - 4500 www.oldeconomyvillage.org

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Pella Windows By Janice Lane Palko

nlike say a roof, whose primary purpose is to provide shelter from the elements for a home, windows and doors serve several purposes in our homes. Windows allow light into our spaces, can keep out cold or when opened, permit a refreshing breeze to come inside. They can also be aesthetically pleasing as an element of architecture and add value to our homes. Doors, in addition to being the entrance or exit of our homes, are also the first thing one encounters when entering a home, and they add curb appeal to a house. Pella Windows and Doors was rated No. 1 in a 2021 survey of leading window brands among homeowners for good reason. Unlike other companies, Pella has an array of products that can meet any budget.

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“All of our products are high quality with industry leading warranties. Along with the product warranties, Pella also has a 10-year installation warranty, which is as important or even more important than the product warranties,” said Jennifer Erisman, Social Media and Marketing Specialist, for Pella, Gunton Corp. Pella offers wood, fiberglass and vinyl windows and doors, and all their products are manufactured in the United States. Pella can even create custom-made widows. Pella has a showroom in Warrendale and is open to the public six days a week. In general, new vinyl windows can be installed in eight weeks and wood from 13-16 weeks. The supply chain problems have affected the business. “We are working through it though,” said Erisman. “While other companies are hiding this issue, we take pride in being upfront and honest about it.” If you are considering investing in your home with new windows or doors, now is the perfect time to act. “In May, we will be offering $200 off window units and $550 off patio doors OR No Payments, No down Payment, No Interest for 12 Months,” said Erisman, who says the first step would be to schedule an in-home consultation. “Our reps will do a complete walk-thru and have discussions about what you would like. Once the product, painting/staining are chosen and the installation type is confirmed, they will provide you with a final quote or two if needed.” Black interior and exterior windows are currently the trend, and Pella has them. For more information on Pella Windows and Doors or to schedule a consultation, call 724-935-2050 or visit: www.pellabranch.com. n

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May 2022 issue of Northern Connection

Articles inside

Sally Powers | Treasure House Fashions

Marianne McCloskey | Tricycle Learning Company

Am Spirit Business Connections

Baby Blues Vs. Perinatal Depression: What is the Difference and When to Seek Help

Baby Blues Vs. Perinatal Depression: What is the Difference and When to Seek Help

Jen Schellhammer • Coldwell Banker Realty Commercial Sales & Leasing

Dr. Anu Anand • PCMA Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

Lisa Brooks • Premier Wealth Partners

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

Destination Weddings • Katherine Shaw

Calla Events, Design & Travel, LLC. • Katherine Shaw

Kimberly Ferraro • Northern States Mortgage, Inc.

Karen Anspaugh • Surrett & Anspaugh, LLC

Heather Egli • Joseph Lane & Company

May Events

Trivia Connection: Amazing Animated Moms

May Moments Ron Eichner

Support Our Troops: Christopher Hulbert

Business Spotlight: Pella Windows Janice Lane Palko

Summer 2022

Mover & Shaker of the Month: Sofya Stearns

From the Editor: Where Are the Children?

Happy Mother’s Day from The Sewickley Spa

Wexford Hospital – An Integral Part of the

Franklin Park resident Samantha received prenatal and postpartum care at UPMC Magee-Womens Specialty Services in Wexford.