November 2023 issue • Northern Connection Magazine by Northern Connection Magazine

November 2023

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 24 YEARS

Robotic Surgery

Leading the Way at UPMC Passavant UPMC is among the world’s largest centers for robotic surgery. UPMC Passavant alone is on course to perform more than 1,500 robotic-assisted surgeries — its highest number on record – in 2023.

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Holiday Guide | All Saints’ Day Trivia | Celebrate Adoption Handling Holiday Stress | Band Together Pittsburgh

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TABLE TABLE OF OF CONTENTS CONTENTS

P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

November

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

A robotic-assisted surgical system combined with low-dose CT screenings allows Ryan M. Levy, MD, and other surgeons at UPMC Passavant-McCandless to navigate deep inside the lungs for an earlier, more precise detection of cancer.

NC Features 6

Band Together Pittsburgh Opens a World for Those on the Autism Spectrum Janice Lane Palko Thankful for November Ron Eichner Holiday Guide Joey’s P.A.W. Helps Special-Needs Pets Janice Lane Palko

28 32 34

Health & Wellness 8 12

Cover Story: Robotic Surgery: Leading the Way at UPMC Passavant AHN Wexford Hospital Debuts Expanded Pediatric Services Janice Lane Palko Navigating the Holiday Season: A Guide to Staying Healthy Mindfulness for the Holidays Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C Digital Technology to Assist Older Adults with Aging in Place Belinda Burchick, RPH, BPharm

14 16 18

Senior Living 20

Full of Surprises

Kids & Education 24 24

Foster Love Project School Movers & Shakers

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 Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula Green Janice Lane Palko Sofya Stearns

In Every Issue... 4

22 25 30 31 32

Mover & Shaker of the Month: Three Cheers for These Three Anniversary Celebrations: Vincentian, Northland Library, and Edgeworth Bridge Club Paula Green From the Editor: Gather ‘Round the Table Janice Lane Palko MOM2MOMS: Life Can Be Very Mysterious. Adoption By Choice or By Fate Sofya Stearns Trivia Connection: All Saints’ Day Trivia Paula Green Support Our Troops: World War II Veteran Howard Pfeifer Celebrates His 100th Birthday Paula Green November Events

Correction: In the October Military Hauntings, it stated that there were 50,000 killed at Gettysburg. It should have said 50,000 causalities. We apologize for the error.

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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

MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH

Three Cheers for These Three Anniversary Commemorations: Vincentian, Northland Library, and Edgeworth Bridge Club By Paula Green

n September 27, Vincentian began a Yearlong Centennial Celebration called A Centennial of Care: An Evening of Hope, Legacy and Light. The event kicked off with a twilight gathering on the grounds of the St. Louise Convent in McCandless, and it celebrated the thousands of lives touched by Vincentian. Over 200 guests participated, and it was the first in a series of events celebrating 100 years of healthcare service to vulnerable community members in need. “Since 1924, Vincentian has acted boldly to meet the unmet needs of our community,” Vincentian President and CEO Dean Owrey said. “That heritage is alive today and remains the most vivid expression of human compassion. Our centennial marks an opportunity to honor our rich history while impassioning others to carry this remarkable legacy forward in this noble mission to serve future generations.” Vincentian’s healthcare operations started when the Vincentian Sisters of Charity opened the Vincentian Home for the Incurables on what is now known as simply Vincentian Home along McKnight Road. The Vincentian system has grown to serve thousands of seniors and hundreds of childcare children per year, employing more than 600 people across eight campuses in Allegheny County. For more information, visit www.vcs.org. Northland Public Library, located at 300 Cumberland Road in McCandless Township, recently celebrated its 55th birthday. “We had a birthday week celebration. As part of the festivities, we had a large card displayed at the library, and we asked the patrons to sign it to help us celebrate,” said Nicholas Yon, Northland Library’s director of Communications. Northland was founded on October 6, 1968, with its first site being situated on Three Degree Road in Ross Township. After a decade, they found the need to expand, so exactly ten years later, on October 6, 1978, they relocated to their current site. The library serves the Town of McCandless, Ross Township, Marshall Township, the Borough of Franklin Park, and the Borough of Bradford Woods. It is the second-largest library in Allegheny County. Northland Public Library has nearly 200,000 items in its physical collection, including books, magazines, newspapers, DVDs, and CDs. The library offers programming for people of all ages and a quiet place to study, read, and learn. For more information on their facility, visit www.northlandlibrary.org/. The Edgeworth Bridge Club (EBC) will celebrate its 90th Anniversary on Wednesday, November 15, at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Sewickley. At the luncheon, EBC will unveil silver trays engraved with the names of club winners dating back to 1933. The club’s roots extend back nine decades when a group of bridge enthusiasts at the Edgeworth Club formed their club in 1933. They joined the Inter-Club Bridge League, the nation’s longest running bridge league. “Our attendance is good. We have the largest bridge club turnout in Pittsburgh,” said Denise Dufour, Edgeworth’s club manager and vice president of the bridge club. “Our sessions are open to the public; anyone can play. There is no cost involved. Folks don’t need to worry about their skill levels. Long-time members help support the new people. Show up and play.” Dufour added. If you want to improve your game, the Edgeworth Bridge Club offers free lessons through a “Lunch and Learn” series. The lessons provide a variety of bridge skills. Beginner Bridge lessons will start in early 2024. Bridge games are held at 12:15 p.m. every Wednesday at Edgeworth Club. For more information about playing bridge or lessons, contact EdgeworthBridgeClub@gmail.com. n

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NC FEATURE

Band Together Pittsburgh co-founders - John Vento (left) and Ron “Moondog” Esser (right)

Band Together Pittsburgh Opens a World for Those on the Autism Spectrum By Janice Lane Palko

Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and life to everything – Plato

J Jack at the keyboards

Jack promoting his new book

Moondog introducing one of the performers

ohn Vento and Ron “Moondog” Esser always knew that music had power, but they didn’t know how much until they started Band Together Pittsburgh in 2016. Vento is a father of three, a successful Pittsburgh businessman, and the front man for the high-energy Nied’s Hotel Band. Ron owns Moondog’s and the Starlite Lounge in Blawnox, and he produced the Pittsburgh Blues Festival for more than 20 years. “John was playing at Moondog’s, and one of the band members was on the autism spectrum, and as someone who has raised a son, James, for 21 years who is on the spectrum, John and I thought we should do more to bring music to the lives of others with autism,” said Esser. “And Band Together Pittsburgh was born.” The nonprofit’s mission is to provide innovative programming, experiences, and vocational opportunities to enhance the lives of those on the autism spectrum. BTP uses music to inspire and enrich the lives of those on the autism spectrum, enabling them to integrate with family, friends, and society. BTP regularly hosts Autism Friendly Open Mic nights at Moondog’s Clubhouse and various other venues throughout the area. Everyone is welcome to come and have fun, regardless of musical experience. BTP provides mics, keyboards, guitars, amps, and percussion instruments for anyone who wants to make music and friends. And for those who don’t want to take the stage, BTP provides opportunities for those who would like to set up and operate the sound equipment as well as training as professional DJs and securing them gigs at local events. BTP also creates opportunities for musicians to show off their talents at the Pittsburgh Blues & Roots Festival and at their Featured Artists Concerts. “Autism is not the boogey man that people think it is,” said Esser. “Those on the spectrum don’t judge; they see into your soul. My son works with me every day, and he’s a joy.” “The miracles have come one after another since we’ve started Band Together Pittsburgh. A woman in Walmart in tears stopped me to thank me for what the program has done for her son,” said Esser. “Before coming to BTP, she told me, he’d just sit in his room.” BTP has transformed many other lives for those with autism. “We’ve had a musician go on to study online at the Berkley School, making straight A’s. It has enabled people to earn real money doing something they love. And to see a blind girl on the spectrum take the stage and sing a song, is miraculous,” said Esser. But more than musical opportunities BTP has provided something most on the autism spectrum lack and that is a social circle. John Wessel of Avalon has a son Jack, 32, who is on the spectrum. Jack went to Northgate High School where he was popular and well-treated by his classmates, but he lacked one thing-he had no friends just to hang out with. “His mom, Gretchen, heard about this new program, BTP, and Jack who plays the keyboard went to the Open Mic, and he played a song or two.” said Wessel. “BTP has opened a whole world to Jack. In addition to playing at the Open Mic nights, he practices with in David Granati’s studio. He also is an artist and author.” At the Blues Fest, Jack set up a table where he sold his paintings and drawings, and through networking through BTP, Jack was able to author and publish two children’s books, Carol and Zane, and Farmer Plinket’s Pumpkin Farm, both of which are available on Amazon.” Perhaps more important is that now Jack has friends. “He goes bowling and miniature golfing with people he’s met through BTP,” said Wessel who volunteers with BPT and encourages others to give BPT a try. Esser also encourages others to give BTP a go. “You don’t even have to play an instrument,” said Esser. “My son works the sound board. Come and take a chance. We’re here for kids and adults with autism. You never know until you try it,” said Esser. For more information on BTP or to volunteer or donate, visit the website: bandtogetherpgh.org n

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COVER STORY

UPMC Passavant surgeons have access to the latest robotic technology, including the da Vinci® Surgical System. Patients may experience shorter hospital stays, less pain, and a quicker recovery following robotic-assisted surgery.

Robotic Surgery:

Leading the Way at UPMC Passavant This content is sponsored by UPMC.

It’s been 13 years since UPMC Passavant–McCandless first introduced robotic-assisted surgery to its patients. Since then, it’s become a medical destination for advanced robotic surgeries, offering more than 60 different routine and complex procedures.

obotic-assisted surgeries at UPMC Passavant–McCandless continue to grow in number as specialists find new applications to enhance patient care and outcomes. Patients are benefitting from the advantages of smaller incisions, less pain and bleeding, reduced hospital stays, and faster recoveries. Michael J. Bonidie, MD, is a board-certified urogynecologist specializing in complex uterine and vaginal prolapse surgery. He joined UPMC Michael J. Bonidie, MD, Passavant just as is a board-certified its robotic surgery urogynecologist program was specializing in complex starting in 2010. uterine and vaginal prolapse surgery. Today, he sits

on the robotics oversight committee for all UPMC facilities. “In just over a decade, we’ve developed a very robust, multidisciplinary robotics program at UPMC Passavant,” says Dr. Bonidie. “From the start, there was a commitment to bring in top experts with the launch of each specialization. There are now high-level robotic offerings in many areas across the hospital. It’s something I’m very proud to still be part of — and it’s a tremendous resource for northern community residents.” Robotic surgery procedures are regularly performed at UPMC Passavant in these nine specialty areas: • Cardiac (Heart) • Colorectal • General Surgery • Gynecological • Neurological • Orthopaedic

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• Surgical Oncology • Thoracic • Urology Currently, there are 20 skilled UPMC Passavant surgeons using robotics for more than 60 different procedures. They care for conditions ranging from leaky heart valves and painful uterine fibroids to complex liver resections, head and neck tumors, and pancreatic and prostate cancer.

Technology That Started on the Battlefield

Robotic-assisted surgery owes its roots to the military, which was looking for a way to perform surgery remotely on wounded soldiers they couldn’t immediately reach. That goal — still not realized — led to the beginnings of today’s robotic-assisted surgery in 1985. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted approval

for the first da Vinci® Surgical System for general use on patients. Two years later, the system was approved for mitral valve surgery on heart patients and in 2005, the FDA approved its use for gynecologic surgery. • UPMC Passavant acquired its first da Vinci® Surgical System in 2010. In early 2024, the hospital will add its third da Vinci to meet the growing demand. • Surgeons at UPMC Passavant use a number of other specialized roboticassisted technologies, such as the Monarch™ robotic bronchoscopy system. This system allows doctors to maneuver into the lung’s tiniest passages to inspect suspicious lesions and collect tissue samples to determine whether they are cancerous or benign. • Orthopaedic specialists use the Mako SmartRobotics™ system at UPMC Passavant for joint replacement procedures. The system’s 3D modeling and CT scans let surgeons create a personalized surgical plan before operating. • The Mazor X Stealth™ surgical robot is used in a wide range of individualized spine surgeries — from treating degenerative spine disease to eliminating tumors. It offers real-time 3D imaging so surgeons can navigate the spine more precisely than ever before in less invasive procedures.

Laparoscopic or Robotic: What’s the Difference?

Surgeons are always looking for ways to achieve better outcomes for their patients. One of the most important medical milestones in achieving that goal was the introduction in the 1980s of minimally invasive surgery, known as laparoscopic surgery. Instead of making a large incision to enter the body (also called open surgery), surgeons make tiny cuts at the treatment site, then insert slender surgical tools and a small camera to visualize the procedure. “Robotic-assisted surgery is part of the evolution of laparoscopic surgery. Both are forms of minimally invasive surgery,” says Dr. Bonidie. “Robotics offers surgeons greater wrist flexibility, magnification, and a 3D view when compared to laparoscopic surgery. Depending on the type of surgery being performed, that can make an important difference, offering surgeons greater precision and access to hard-to-reach areas of the body.” “I really value the significant exposure I had as a resident and fellow in both laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries.

I still use both of those skill sets regularly today when operating — and when training oncology fellows,” says Madeleine CourtneyBrooks, MD, MPH, a Madeleine Courtneyboard-certified Brooks, MD, MPH, is a board-certified gynecologic gynecologic oncologist oncologist at at UPMC Passavant UPMC Passavant and director of the and director of the Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Magee-Womens Program of UPMC Gynecologic Hillman Cancer Center. Cancer Program of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “Minimally invasive surgery has many advantages for our patients. It decreases recovery time, reduces time spent in the hospital, and gets people back on their feet more quickly,” says Dr. CourtneyBrooks. “We’re always looking for ways to shorten surgical recoveries for our patients while ensuring that we’re not negatively impacting cancer outcomes in any way. Laparoscopic and robotic-assisted surgeries allow us to do that.”

Always Learning

If you need surgery, health care experts recommend choosing your doctor first — not the technology. “Our goal is to ensure we’re using the best surgical approach for each patient,” says Dominick A. Motto, MD, a board-certified general surgeon at Dominick A. Motto, MD, UPMC Passavant is a board-certified who specializes general surgeon at UPMC Passavant who in abdominal wall specializes in abdominal hernia repair. wall hernia repair. Dr. Motto was trained in robotic surgery under the careful eye of mentors when he joined the UPMC Passavant staff as a surgical resident about a decade ago. “I was among the lucky people to undergo intense training in those early years,” he says. Ongoing training and continuing education in robotic surgery remain a top

The Growth of Robotics at UPMC Passavant–McCandless • Robotic-assisted surgery was introduced at the hospital in 2010. With 73 operations performed that first year, robotic surgeries more than tripled the following year. • In all, more than 6,500 robotic-assisted surgeries have been performed at UPMC Passavant over the last 13 years. • The hospital’s most frequently performed robotic surgery procedure is inguinal hernia repair — more than 1,000 to date. • Today, more than half of all joint replacement surgeries are robotically assisted. • This year, UPMC Passavant is on course to perform more than 1,500 robotic surgeries — its highest number on record.

priority for UPMC Passavant surgeons, says Dr. Motto. “There are very robust continuing education programs on robotic surgery for practicing surgeons because there’s always new information to learn about novel techniques, adjustments, and benefits,” he says. “Here at UPMC Passavant, we actively share insights. Working together, we’re refining and perfecting the surgeries we offer our patients. The end result is better outcomes and faster recoveries.” n da Vinci® Surgical System is a trademark of Intuitive Surgical Operations, Inc. Monarch™ is a trademark of Auris Health, Inc. Mako SmartRobotics™ is a trademark of Stryker. Mazor X Stealth™ is a trademark of Medtronic.

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

AHN Wexford Hospital Debuts Expanded Pediatric Services By Janice Lane Palko

No parent relishes having to take their child to the Emergency Department or admit them into the hospital, but if you need to, you want to be sure your child is receiving the utmost care in a state-of-the-art setting.

ith the expansion of pediatric services this fall, now parents in the northern communities of Pittsburgh have that care at AHN Wexford Hospital. “We provide cutting-edge medical care in a family- and childfriendly setting,” said Evelina Krieger, MD, Director of Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Allegheny Health Network. “On staff, we have five full-time Pediatric Hospitalists, who provide care 24-7, yearround,” said Dr. Krieger. She explained that a Pediatric Hospitalist is a sub-specialty where doctors only see children in a hospital setting. She did a Fellowship in that sub-specialty, and Dr. Krieger says they are able to treat common pediatric illnesses, asthma, pneumonia, dehydration and sports injuries, and they can also provide IV antibiotics and oxygen. “In addition to adding pediatric hospitalists, we supplemented our team with a team of nurses experienced in pediatrics,” said Karla Persia, MSN, RN, Nurse Manager, Pediatrics, who said they treat children from newborn to 18 years. All rooms at AHN are private rooms. Pediatric patients who require an overnight stay, whether from orthopaedics, ENT or as the result of a visit to the emergency room, AHN Wexford is prepared to accommodate pediatric needs. The hospital accommodates two surgical lines – Orthopaedics and ENT as well as being able to admit patients directly from the Emergency Department. “The Emergency Department is geared to treating children and is very competent at placing pediatric IVs, and we have a Child Life Specialist on staff as well to facilitate that your child has the best treatment and experience while here,” said Ms. Persia. Children can be admitted either through the Emergency Department or by their own pediatrician requesting admittance. “We follow best practices for children and go the extra mile. For example, we have a separate procedure room for things like inserting IVs, so that the child feels secure and doesn’t have pain-

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ful treatments in their room. Their room is their safe space in the hospital,” said Ms. Persia. “We provide individual refrigerators in the room for breast-feeding mothers to store their milk for cases where this need arises.” The entire space has been designed and planned with purpose. Nearby is a playroom, and a Physical and Occupational Therapy gym. The space also offers the Make Room for Kids program, an extension of the Lemieux Foundation’s Austin’s Playroom Project. This gives patients access to gaming and other multimedia resources during their hospital stay. Everything has been taken into consideration, even the food. “We have a pediatric menu and can accommodate special diets, among them vegan, kosher, gluten-free as well as allergy-free items,” said Ms. Persia. AHN Wexford Hospital also has a Neurodivergent Adaptive Care Program. “It is estimated that 15% of kids have some neurodivergence, and we can make notes in the child’s EPIC file to address that and offer decreased stimulation or increased—whatever the child needs,” said Dr. Krieger. “We have a four-foot lighted bubble tube with fiber optic lights that helps to distract and calm the children,” said Ms. Persia. “We are so proud of this space and the care we provide.” Even the smallest detail has been taken into consideration. “Children can even select the art for their room, and parents can stay in the private room during their child’s entire stay,” said Dr. Krieger. “With a Pediatric Hospitalist on staff providing personalized, one-on-one care, the reactions we are hearing from parents is that they have never had so much time with a doctor,” said Dr. Krieger. “The care we are providing exceeds all expectation.” To learn more about children’s services at Wexford Hospital, visit //ahn.org/wexfordkids. n

Little patients have little patience. AHN Wexford Hospital has kids care close to you, including an ER with short wait times. Because the sooner they get seen, the sooner you’ll both breathe easier. See all our pediatric services at ahn.org/wexfordkids. www.northernconnectionmag.com | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Navigating the Holiday Season: A Guide to Staying Healthy

give l ve this Season

Let your generosity shine this season! Please consider making a tax-deductible donation and help provide life-saving medical care to a dog in desparate need.

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Website: https://theizziefund.org or scan QR Code Check to: The Izzie Fund: 128 Inverness Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 The Izabela Dior Bouvier Foundation, operating as, The Izzie Fund, is a 501(c)(3) IRS registered nonprofit with federal tax-exempt status as a publicly funded charitable organization. Our Federal Tax ID number is 86-3554897.

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s the festive season approaches, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can often feel like an uphill battle. However, with mindful choices and a bit of planning, you can enjoy the holidays without compromising your well-being. Firstly, prioritize balanced nutrition. Indulge in holiday treats but also include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals. Opt for smaller portions to savor the flavors without overindulging. Stay hydrated by drinking water, herbal teas, and natural juices to keep your body functioning optimally. Secondly, incorporate physical activity into your festivities. Gather your family and friends for a walk after meals or engage in fun outdoor activities. Exercise not only burns calories but also boosts your mood and energy levels, crucial during the busy holiday season. Furthermore, manage stress. Highstress levels can weaken your immune system. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. Allocate time for yourself, even amidst the celebrations, to unwind and rejuvenate. Lastly, prioritize sleep. Lack of sleep can negatively impact your immune system and overall health. Maintain a consistent sleep schedule, aiming for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. By making mindful choices regarding nutrition, exercise, stress management, and sleep, you can savor the holiday season while nurturing your health and well-being. n

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HEALTH & WELLNESS

Mindfulness for the Holidays By Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C

With the rush of the holiday season upon us, many of us will find ourselves in a state of overwhelm and exhaustion. While it may be a time of celebration for many, getting lost in the planning, cooking, shopping and general chaos of this season can make it seem like a blur. Leaning into mindfulness practices can be a helpful way of staying present, absorbing the small moments, and creating lasting memories for years to come. But how do we do this?

indfulness is a type of meditation in which you focus on being aware of what you are sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. In a larger sense, this practice is often very helpful in coping with anxiety and uncomfortable feelings/sensations that we experience. We often judge these feelings and sensations as something that must be avoided and judged as negative, instead of allowing and accept-

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ing them. In the smaller sense, we can utilize mindfulness practice as a way to stop, breathe and take in what is occurring around us in that very moment. When we think of the holidays and plethora of activities and tasks around them, it’s rare that we stop, reflect and “take it all in.” I like to consider mindfulness as something that is simple but not exactly easy. The practice requires very little physical effort or external items, but it can

be difficult to implement. Many of us are accustomed to functioning at a more rapid pace, making this very intentional act of slowing down rather difficult. The following is a beginner set of steps for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life, particularly during this incredibly busy season: • Set aside some time. You don’t need a meditation cushion or bench, or any sort of special equipment to access your mindfulness skills—but you do need to set aside some time and space. • Observe the present moment as it is. The aim of mindfulness is not quieting the mind or attempting to achieve a state of eternal calm. The goal is simple: we’re aiming to pay attention to the present moment, without judgment. Easier said than done, we know. • Let your judgments roll by. When we notice judgments arise during our practice, we can make a mental note of them, and let them pass. • Return to observing the present moment as it is. Our minds often get carried away in thought. That’s why mindfulness is the practice of returning, again and again, to the present moment. • Be kind to your wandering mind. Don’t judge yourself for whatever thoughts crop up, just practice recognizing when your mind has wandered off, and gently bring it back. That’s the practice. It’s often been said that it’s very simple, but it’s not necessarily easy. The work is to just keep doing it. Results will accrue (Source: Mindful.org). Finding ways to express gratitude can also be a meaningful part of daily mindfulness practice. One of the most effective ways to express gratitude is through journaling. There’s no right or wrong way to do this and no set frequency; it’s truly an individual activity. Some people find it helpful as a daily practice, perhaps by writing 2-3 things they are grateful for each morning and/or evening. Others may find weekly to a few times weekly as being

what works best for them. The idea is that you are taking that time to consider what brings you joy and gratitude and making space to express it. Other ideas may include a gratitude jar, where you place slips of paper with statements of gratitude and read back after a period of time. Giving yourself gratitude prompts, such as “three things I am grateful for” can also be a helpful tool in taking inventory of what you have. No matter how you celebrate this time of year, taking a few moments here and there to allow for quiet, intentional reflection can make a significant difference. Enjoy the moments as you can and remember to take whatever time you can to prioritize yourself. Wishing everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving! 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

Digital Technology to Assist Older Adults with Aging in Place By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm

Ninety percent of the older adult population in the United States would prefer to age in their own home. There are challenges, but with new and upcoming technological advancements targeted at this age group, it will become easier to maintain this independence.

ging in place means having the ability to live in your own home and community comfortably, safely, and independently. You can maintain your social network, keep your pets, have friends and family over, and engage with your grandkids. There is a pronounced negative impact on moving from your own home, which can lead to serious health implications.

There have been health technology advancements in the last few years, targeting the older adult population and allowing them to age in place. Technologies, such as wearable sensors, smart phones, and telehealth, have provided timely monitoring at home. Older adults are able to manage their chronic diseases at home. Smart home technology is evolv-

ing quickly with network sensors, new software, artificial intelligence, and other systems providing data connection between devices and the internet. There are many digital options that can assist with health maintenance, such as monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation rate, and memory aids. Smartwatches, wearable alert systems, and personal health track-

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NEWEST DOCTOR Internal Medicine Associates of Cranberry–UPMC welcomes Rutaba Tajammal, MD, to our office in Cranberry Township. Rutaba Tajammal, MD Internal Medicine Dr. Tajammal received her medical degree from the King Edward Medical University in Lahore, Pakistan. She completed her residency at the University of Buffalo in New York. Dr. Tajammal is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and a member of the American Medical Association and American College of Physicians.

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10/16/23 9:04 AM

ers can provide important metrics and alert you when needed, such as when to take your medication. Medication adherence in older adults is a major concern. Nearly half the older adult population do not take their medications as prescribed. In addition, they are usually on several prescription medications, along with over-the-counter medications and supplements. Vision loss can also make it hard to read directions and distinguish between medications. There are many new devices on the market that help assist in taking the right medications at the right time. These devices can alert you when it is time to take medication, automatically dispense your medication, and have capability to connect to caregivers and family to let them know that you are taking your medication. Health services can perform continuous monitoring of older adults, along with Telemedicine and Tele-visits. Healthcare providers can evaluate vital

signs, medication management, mobility, falls, and quality of life. Also, a smart home can monitor and automatically adjust air temperature and humidity. Older adults with limited mobility can also use technology to assist them in daily tasks. Voiceactivated home devices can help with weather reports, play music, adjust lighting, or just simply answer a question. For security and safety, these systems can detect hazards or intruders. Security systems can help you feel protected. All can be set up to alert authorities and family members. Smart wearable devices can detect changes in daily patterns, such as missing a meal, not waking up or not going to sleep, or falling. Aging in place has been more viable compared to ten years ago. Every year, there have been several advances in this technology and automation. To learn more, go online and you can find more information on what is available now

and in the near future. Learning how to use current technology, such as cell phones, computers, internet, and social media. There are books, virtual classes, and in-person classes. The older adult population is growing significantly, so we will see lots of great technology for this age group. My profession is geriatric health, providing medications to older adults, so I am excited to see more of this technology in the coming years. 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.

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SENIOR LIVING

Jurassic gardening at Sherwood Oaks

FULL OF Monkeying around at Hampton Fields Village

n serving thousands of older adults across multiple levels of care, staff at UPMC Senior Communities take their responsibilities very seriously. That said, there is no time like the approaching holiday season to set aside the cares of the day and just enjoy the gifts of living. Years of experience in senior living throughout many Pittsburgh neighborhoods proves that the best days are when we follow our residents’ lead and simply embrace the opportunities of the moment. This is the pervasive spirit at UPMC Senior Communities. The results are often surprising, as this series of photos demonstrates. n

Summering at Sherwood Lake

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Close encounters of the Sherwood kind

SURPRISES Go-pher It at Asbury Heights

Residents having fun is a priority at UPMC Senior Communities. Sound appealing? Learn more and schedule a tour today.

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FROM THE EDITOR

Gather ‘Round the Table

or some strange reason, the year my younger brother Tim made his First Holy Communion in 1970, our parish thought it would be a great idea for that to occur on Thanksgiving Day instead of at the customary springtime like I had two years prior. Aside from making it difficult to find Communion attire, greeting cards and decorations at that time of the year, it posed a great quandary for my parents: Do we hold a Communion party and skip the traditional Thanksgiving dinner or host a crowd for turkey and all the fixings? Of course, a hue and cry rose from those attached to a turkey dinner when my mom tossed out the idea to toss the turkey that year. So, my mom, to appease the family, opted for a sitdown, turkey dinner for 28 people. At that time, my dad had not yet put in our game room, and we had a small kitchen, a dining room that only accommodated our family of six comfortably, and a living room. To help my mother, both of my grandmothers and my maternal greatgrandmother offered to help with the feast. On the big day, my family set up folding tables and card tables everywhere and both sides of my family came for the happy occasion. My paternal and maternal grandparents were very different in temperament. My widowed Grandma Aggie Lane went to Mass most every day and 22

By Janice Lane Palko

never swore except for one time when my youngest brother, David, squirted her in the butt with a hose, and she exclaimed, “Damn you, David.” It was shocking and still lives in family lore. My maternal grandma, Gert Hughes, and her mother, my GreatGrandmother Cornelia Ledergerber, swore like crazy (not F bombs, but vulgarities.) Grandma Gert smoked, read novels, and loved soap operas. She believed in God but was not nearly as devout at Grandma Aggie. If you want to create tension, throw four cooks into a tiny kitchen to prepare a massive Thanksgiving dinner. The Hughes side of the family made their stuffing with an egg in it, and the Lane side of the family liked their stuffing dry. One side liked the jellied canned cranberries and the others liked whole cranberries. My Grandma Leder was old school and wanted to sew her turkey shut with twine after stuffing it, while Grandma Aggie thought the new metal wires that closed the cavity and came on the turkey was a great innovation much to the disgust of Grandma Leder. Each of these women had their own method for making gravy, and as they stood in the kitchen with their turkey drippings in cups trying to concoct their “best” gravy, my Uncle Bill on his way to get a drink, called out, “I’m next in line to make gravy!” To which my Grandma Leder replied, “Oh, Billy you’re full of sh*t.”

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I neglected to share that among the guests that day was my dad’s Aunt Gert, Grandma Aggie’s older sister, who was officially known as Sr. Euphemia, a Mercy nun. When Grandma swore, my mom shushed her, “Grandma, the nun!” And Grandma replied, “Ah, the hell with the nun.” When dinner was ready, we all sat down for a memorable Thanksgiving dinner. Although my grandparents’ personalities were very different, they always respected one another and, in fact, liked each other and got along well, even under stressful circumstances like competing to make the best gravy. And why? Because they shared something. They loved us. There’s a home movie of that Communion Party/Thanksgiving Dinner, and on it are all my grandmas, clad in their aprons, crammed in the kitchen. In the next segment, Grandma Leder is standing with several of her great-grandchildren, including my brother, Tim, the Communion boy, and she’s hugging us and giving Tim a kiss. It doesn’t matter who makes the best gravy, how you stuff your turkey, or if you’re stuck sitting on a telephone book at a card table. What matters is if there is love around your table, and this Thanksgiving, I hope you have an abundance of it. n

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KIDS & EDUCATION

Foster Love Project

oster Love Project’s mission is to show love in action to children impacted by foster and kinship care through the provision of goods, services and support. There are several ways the community can support our mission, make a financial contribution, shop from one of our several wish lists, or host a collection drive of our most-needed items. To learn more about who we are and how we serve children and families, visit our website at www.fosterloveproject.org. n

LOVE IS AN ACTION!

School Movers & Shakers Aquinas Academy

Pine-Richland

Seventeen of Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh’s current students and graduates of the Class of 2023 earned AP Scholar Awards for their achievements on AP Exams. The AP Scholar award was earned by Clara Yuo, Seraphina Myron, Alexandra Taylor, Nicole Jerich, and Thomas Quinn. AP Scholar with Honor was awarded to Anne Austin, Chase Harrison, Joshua Schlemmer, Samuel Buchanan, Liam Ellis, and Julia Meland. AP Scholar with Distinction was awarded to Benjamin Everson, Maryam Bou Samra, Cecilia Burchill, JohnPaul Calvino, Benjamin Tarquinio, and Sarah White.

Several members of Pine-Richland/Mars Area U.S. Air Force JROTC attended a Veterans Breakfast Club event on Sept. 26 at Christ United Methodist Church. Cadets, including Alanna Shaw, Abby Hagen and Amberlyn Lutes, and Rachel Snyder, along with Pine-Richland students Tim Ha, Logan Jackson and Chase Lavezoli, presented the Colors and performed the U.S. Flag-Folding Ceremony. Shaw then presented the flag to a 101-year-old veteran, who served with a World War II U.S. Navy construction battalion in Iwo Jima, Japan.

Mars Area Mars Area High School’s National Honor Society (NHS) chapter collected 2,513 diapers to benefit the Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank. Members of Mars Area High School Marching Band paused for a picture with their first-place trophy earned at the Gateway Contest of Champions, held Oct. 7. Mars Area Elementary School fourth-grader Ellie Spaulding earned first place in the Women 10U division of the 2023 Pittsburgh Great Race, held Sept. 24. Spaulding finished the race with a time of 24:41. For more information, visit www.rungreatrace.com/results.

OUR MISSION FOSTER LOVE PROJECT SHOWS LOVE IN ACTION TO CHILDREN IMPACTED BY FOSTER AND KINSHIP CARE THROUGH THE PROVISION OF GOODS, SERVICES AND SUPPORT.

SCAN TO LEARN MORE

Butler County Community College has been ranked as the No. 1 community college in Pennsylvania for the ninth time since 2015. BestColleges.com analyzed data from the U.S. Department of Education and considered factors such as academic quality, affordability and online competency in picking BC3 as the top accredited community college in the state in 2023. Dr. Shanea Clancy and Ivory Dunlap were honored on October 14 as Butler County Dr. Shanea Ivory Dunlap Community Clancy College’s Distinguished Alum at the Oak Hills celebration.

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Over 50 Years Experience

MOM2MOMS

Life Can Be Very Mysterious. Adoption By Choice or By Fate By Sofya Stearns

Before I was a mom, before I had my own business, before I lived in Pittsburgh, before I was married to my best friend, I lived in Chicago and worked for a company in the rail industry. I was a manager and with that, I had to travel quite a lot, including Ukraine and Russia. I absolutely loved my job. From childhood, I always loved choo choo trains. They always brought me happy memories. Growing up in Moscow, it was the only type of transportation we used when going on vacations.

uring one of my trips to Moscow, as I was sipping coffee in the hotel’s breakfast area, waiting for my car, I noticed a lot of families with little kids of different ages. I didn’t really think anything of it and went on with my day. The next day, I saw the same scenario, but different families. As I was talking to my driver, I just had to ask him if the hotel was known for being kid friendly. It happened to be that this hotel was used by various adoption agencies and families from all over the globe who were staying there to finalize an adoption. I was blown away and touched by how many families wanted to adopt kids from Russia. As I was waiting for my flight to Chicago, I saw a young couple who were with two children, an older boy and a girl. A boy was trying to calm his little sister in Russian. “They are our parents now, our lives will change, they saved us, and we will never be separated.” As I heard this, my eyes filled with tears as I realized they were one of those adoptive families, who just saved two innocent kids. I went up to the family and asked if I could help them to translate in either language. Mom, with tears in her eyes, said, “Yes please, please. Please tell them, we love them very much, and we will learn more Russian and when we get home, we will find kids who speak Russian, and they will have friends.” It took every strength in me not to break down. When I relayed the message, both kids smiled, and the family embraced in a hug. I then told the parents what the little boy told his sister. They were from Indiana, and they always wanted to adopt. When they got to the agency, they were

told there are two kids from the same family, and they can have them both if they like. On the flight back, I couldn’t stop thinking how amazing and brave that couple was to fly all the way to Moscow to adopt not just one child but two. And would I be able to do the same? Fast forward, since I opened Izabella’s Gourmet Chow, I have met quite a few families who have adopted. One family adopted a little boy who was on the spectrum with autism and being aware of it, they went all in. Unfortunately, mom had to quit her job to stay with the baby, so the second child wasn’t in the cards for them. Another family tried for years and years to conceive and after multiple failed IVFs, they were able to adopt. Another family I met has kids of their own but wanted to save a baby’s life, so they adopted. And the list can go on and on and on. I admire, praise and respect families who have so much love to give that they want to share that love with an innocent child who was brought into this world not by his choice, families who sometimes sacrifice their lifestyle for the baby whose life they want to save and offer a bright future. Adoption can go sour at any moment; the birth mother can change her mind, or the birth mother or father can appear out of nowhere or even a grandparent can claim the child. And when that happens, it’s the most tragic day of their lives. However, I know families, who overcome the grief and start the process again. So, I want to salute every family who saved a child’s life. I want to salute every family who is going through this process. I want to salute every family who is thinking about saving an innocent life. I salute to all the families I know, who were kind enough to share their journeys with me. La Dolce Vita!!

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Support Local Small Business First National Bank

A Unique Christmas Gift

The widespread use of email, textmessaging and social-media have put the hand-written note on an endangered species list. An article,“24 Things About to Become Extinct in America,” lists the hand-written letter at number nine, even ahead of the VCR and the milkman. After presenting some pretty impressive figures to support its case, the message poses the question, “So where amongst this gorge of gabble is there room for the elegant, polite hand-written note? For those who regularly communicate on paper, they understand the wonderful emotional connection that is created between sender and receiver. Knowing that someone has taken the time to put pen to paper makes the communiqué special. It allows the note to be read and reread in years to come. Visit the Print Shop at Office Things for the unique gift of stationery for that special holiday gift.

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Mary Simpson

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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.

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. Natalie and FCMS specialize in shopping around for the best rates and programs to fit your Mortgage Financing needs. They have many loan products to choose from including Conventional, JUMBO, FHA, VA, USDA and New Construction.

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Kristen H. Thiel Mortgage Banking Consultant/AVP

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Kristen serves as an AVP/ Mortgage Banking Consultant for F.N.B. Corporation. She focuses on a smooth mortgage process from prequalification to post closing, while giving her clients 5 Star customer service. She is committed to finding the best residential loan program for her clients, whether it is Conventional, Government, Construction, Jumbo, Physician or First Time Homebuyer. Licensed in 16 states, she is able to provide financing for primary, second homes and investment opportunities. Visit www.FNB-online.com/Mortgage/ Thiel or call 724-321-3502 to get your Pre-Approval letter today!

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Michael Angelo Maccagnan, Esq.

Angelo & Angelo, LLC

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, asset protection, and wealth management, 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

Jewelry by Alicia & Scott Jewelry by Alicia & Scott is a husband and wife-owned jewelry business located in Wexford. They have over 21 years’ experience in custom design, fine jewelry, diamonds and gemstones. Modernizing their approach to the industry, Alicia & Scott’s custom jewelry is designed through CAD design with precision and only the finest materials. All setting work and repairs are done inhouse so that nothing leaves their showroom. Alicia & Scott’s dedication to their craft and their clients shows through in every piece of jewelry they design. They are truly passionate about their clients and are thankful to be a part of their journey through life. Alicia has been designing jewelry and grading diamonds for the past 25 years. Scott has over 16 years in metal fabrication from aircraft to jewelry. Together, these two are an incredible team. Check out their Facebook and Instagram profiles to learn more about their designs and services. 724-934-6296 | www.jewelrybyaliciaandscott.com

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FACTS FROM THE FARM

Thankful for November By Ron Eichner

Hi folks, as November unfolds, it brings

with it a tapestry of special days and traditions that hold a special place in our hearts. Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are the stars of the month, but November is also sprinkled with other significant occasions. Early in the month, Christians around the world observe All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day. Towards the end, the Advent calendar marks the countdown to Christmas. For many, this month also

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signifies the start of hunting season – a time when families, young and old, venture into the fields and woods in pursuit of game like small game turkey, black bear, and whitetail deer. Veterans Day, on November 11, holds profound significance. It commemorates the end of major hostilities in World War I in 1918 when the Armistice with Germany took effect. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was renamed Veterans Day in 1954. This day is a universal tribute, honoring all those who have served honorably in the military during wartime or peacetime. Countries such as Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and France also pay homage to their veterans on this day, often observing two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m. Then there’s Thanksgiving, a cherished holiday in the United States celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In Canada, our neighbors mark their Thanksgiving on the second Monday of October. Thanksgiving is a time for families and friends to come together, sharing a grand feast typically centered around a roasted turkey and all its trimmings. As a farmer raising seasonal turkeys, I often jest with my turkeys about the joy they bring to the table – they respond with a chorus of gobbles. For many, Thanksgiving is more than just a feast; it’s a moment of reflection and gratitude. It’s an opportunity to ask for forgiveness, express thanks for life’s blessings, and acknowledge our dependence on a higher power. Imagine a world where everyone practiced gratitude for everything they received. Farmers, especially, understand the importance of thankfulness as they navigate the uncertainties that nature throws their way while tending to their crops. As a fourth-generation farmer, standing on our family farm, I’m reminded of the sacrifices made by

our grandparents and parents for the sake of our land. It’s my mission to instill these core values in our fifth- and sixth-generation family members. Adversity is part of life, especially on a farm. We face challenges – mechanical and physical – and the choice is simple: accept it and lose, or challenge it and live to fight another day. In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, our farm bustles with activity. We process, bag, weigh, and sell our farm-fresh turkeys to our valued customers. It’s also a week of birthdays – Emily’s on the 16th, Michelle’s on the 20th, and the twins Don and Ron celebrate on the 21st. The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving are our busiest days, with hundreds of fresh turkeys being picked up. Customers also select our farm’s fresh eggs, bacon, sausage, roasting chickens, seasonal produce, and homemade baked goods. It’s a wild time, but there’s a deep sense of joy when we finally coast into Thanksgiving Day. November also marks the start of hunting season in Pennsylvania – a time for hunting grouse, wild turkey, small game, coyotes, black bear, and whitetail deer. For over 65 years, the opening day for deer gun season began on the Monday after Thanksgiving, a tradition cherished by generations. In 2019, changes were made, causing disruptions to Thanksgiving traditions and small businesses. We hope for a return to the old ways soon. As always, we, at Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses located at 285 Richard Road in Wexford, extend our warmest

Thanksgiving wishes to all of you. Come visit us, bring a friend, and enjoy our farm-fresh turkeys, eggs, bacon, homemade sausages, seasonal fruits, vegetables, jellies, preserves, and baked goods. We wish you a Blessed and Happy

Thanksgiving. Remember, at our farm, you’re not just a customer – you’re a friend, and we’re here to share in the spirit of gratitude and celebration. Let’s give thanks together and make this November a month to remember. n

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TRIVIA CONNECTION

All Saints’ Day Trivia By Paula Green

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saintly query, get set to don those halos because it’s time to get a little trivial. 1. He was Jesus’ cousin; his feast day is celebrated on June 24. 2. Which saint has a Florida City name after him? It is the oldest city in the United States. 3. Who wrote most of the books of the Bible? 4. Which Irish saint is often called the “Mary of Ireland?” 5. He was one of the twelve apostles and was the first pope. 6. He is the patron saint of athletes and archers. 7. St. Therese of Lisieux was a Carmelite nun who died of tuberculosis at the age of 24. What was her nickname? 8. Name the saint who was imprisoned in Auschwitz and volunteered to die in place of a man with a wife and children. 9. Saint Thomas Aquinas is the patron saint of what? 10. This Italian Capuchin friar had the stigmata (bodily marks, scars, or pains corresponding to those of the crucified Jesus Christ). 11. Saint Scholastica had a twin brother who was also a saint. What was his name? 12. He was a bishop of Philadelphia, and founded the first diocesan Catholic school system in United States. 13. St. Joachim was the father of the Blessed Virgin Mary, what was her mother’s name? 14. Who beatified St. Teresa of Calcutta on October 19, 2003? 15. She was the patroness of soldiers in France. At an early age she said she heard the voices of St. Michael, St. Catherine, and St. Margaret. n Sources: www.nationalshrine.org/blog/what-is-the-significance-of-allsaints-day/, catholicworldmission.org/important-catholic-saints/, www. gotoquiz.com/trivia_on_the_saints, hwww.usccb.org/prayer-and-worship/prayers-and-devotions/saints/american-saints-and-blesseds Answers: 1. St. John the Baptist 2. St. Augustine 3. St. Paul 4. St. Brigid 5. St. Peter 6. St. Sebastian 7. The Little Flower 8. St. Maximilian Kolbe 9. educators 10. St. Padre Pio 11. St. Benedict 12. St. John Neumann 13. St. Anne 14. Pope John Paul II 15. St. Joan of Arc

he All Saints’ Day feast originated in May 609 when Pope Boniface IV dedicated the Pantheon in Rome to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III changed the date to November 1, when he dedicated a chapel at the Vatican to honor all the saints. Pope Gregory IV later extended this celebration of all saints to the universal church. To commemorate All Saints’ Day, we will examine a few famous blessed, canonized men and women. St. Mary the Virgin, the mother of Jesus, is perhaps the most famous saint. God blessed Mary to carry and give birth to His Son, Jesus Christ. In Luke 1:28, the angel Gabriel refers to Mary as the “favored one.” She is the patron saint of the United States. St. Joseph was the husband of the Virgin Mary and the earthly father to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He displayed exceptional trust in the Lord when God commanded him to take Mary as his wife and have Jesus as his son. St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers and workers. A few other famous saints include St. Michael the Archangel, one of the angels battling Satan and winning. He is known as the protector, and St. Michael is the patron saint of soldiers and police officers. If you are hesitant and weary about traveling, pray to St. Christopher, the patron saint of travelers. St. Francis of Assisi is the patron saint of animals. The blessing of pets occurs annually around his October 4 feast day. St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and his feast day is March 17. St. Nicholas (a.k.a. Santa Claus) is the patron saint of sailors, merchants, and children. If you lose things and don’t know where to turn, pray to St. Anthony. He is the patron saint of lost items. Pray, “Tony, Tony, turn around! Something’s lost that must be found!” St. Valentine was a Roman priest who performed secret weddings. He is the patron saint of lovers, and his feast day is February 14. St. Vincent De Paul is the patron saint of hospitals and charities. St. Jude is the patron saint of desperate cases and lost causes. St. Cecilia is the patron saint of music. Since we have looked at some blessed souls, we must now delve into this

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World War II Veteran Howard Pfeifer Celebrates His 100th Birthday By Paula Green

On September 22, Allegheny County and Franklin Park issued Proclamations declaring it “Howard William Pfeifer Day.” There was a good reason to celebrate because Pfeifer, of Franklin Park, turned 100 on that date. Over the past century, he has lived a successful and rewarding life, including three years of military service.

oward grew up in Mt. Oliver and attended St. George’s in Pittsburgh’s Allentown section. At age 19, Pfeifer joined the Merchant Marines. “The US entered World War II following the December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor attack. I had not been called up as of January 1943, possibly because I was working at U.S. Steel in Homestead, a new government defense plant facility. My cousin was in the Navy, and he mentioned a desperate need for Merchant Marines. Although I had never heard of this military branch, he suggested I apply, so I did. After I was accepted, I was given 48 hours to report for duty,” Pfeifer said. In April 1943 Pfeifer was sent to Sheepshead Bay, New York, for extensive physical training by the U.S. Coast Guard. He and his crew set sail in the Pacific on his initial journey. Over the years, Pfeifer saw action in numerous countries including Omaha Beach (Normandy, France). “To have the war time experience and exposure of being in England, Scotland, Australia, Iran, Iraq, and Russia is something I will never forget,” Pfeifer said. He also experienced the trauma of war. While at sea one day, a tanker exploded into a ball of fire next to his ship from a U-boat attack. His final overseas journey was a “Murmansk Run” to supply the Soviet Union. In December 2020, Pfeifer was honored with the Russian Ushakov medal from the Russian government. He was given this award in appreciation for the dangerous Murmansk Runs the American Merchant Marines made while delivering supplies to Russians to combat Hitler. When the war ended, Pfeifer returned to civilian life and worked in the steel industry. He still found time to have some additional military involvement. Pfeifer served on the board of Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall for over 20 years. He also served as president of the Three Rivers Chapter of the WWII Merchant Marines chapter for many years. He was an executive committee member of the southwestern PA World War II Memorial, which is located on North Shore Drive near the Allegheny River. The memorial was dedicated in 2013. Howard not only served his country, but he served his community as well. Howard was Chairman of the Carpenter Apprenticeship Program for over 40 years, taught at Connelly Trade School for 15 year, and was president of the German club on the Northside for five years. Howard was also a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and rider for 80 years. Northern Connection wishes Howard a happy birthday, and we thank him for his years of military service. We wish Howard and all our military heroes a Happy Veterans Day! n www.northernconnectionmag.com | N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 3

Holiday Guide NOVEMBER EVENTS Beaver Valley Fall Artists, guest artist, Kim Freithaler, 7-9 pm, Nov. 9, Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 5th Ave, New Brighton. Kim is a painter & the director of the North Hills Arts Center. Features an oil portrait demo of animals. Free & open to the public. Refreshments provided. Carnegie Science Center is hosting TITANIC: The Artifact Exhibition through Mon., April 15. Visitors will experience the grandeur of the RMS Titanic through full-scale room re-creations and 154

authentic artifacts on display within the Science Center’s PPG SCIENCE PAVILION®. For info, visit CarnegieScienceCenter. org/Titanic. Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center celebrate their Adoption department’s 130th birthday, 11 am-2 pm, November 11, during National Adoption (November). Gather in the back parking lot of the facility at 5324 Penn Avenue to commemorate the founding program’s milestone anniversary. To register for this

free event, visit www.bit.ly/ AdoptionFallEventRSVP.

site to find out how to place a flag & “Fill the Hill.”

Chamber Music Pittsburgh welcomes the Kronos Quartet, 7:30 pm, Nov. 13, at the Pittsburgh Playhouse in downtown Pittsburgh. For tickets, visit www. chambermusicpittsburgh.org/.

Glenshaw AARP 3744 meets at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, Mt. Royal Blvd. 2 pm, second Tuesday of the month. Call (412) 487-1041 for more info.

Cranberry Artists Network Holiday Art Show, Nov. 17-Dec. 21, Bottle Brush Gallery, 539 Main St., Harmony. Opening reception, 6-8 pm, Nov. 17. For info, visit www.cranberryartistsnetwork.com. Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets 1 pm 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. Edgeworth Bridge Club games are played every Wednesday at 12:15 pm, at the Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Sewickley. For info about playing bridge or lessons, email EdgeworthBridgeClub@gmail. com. EduNations Benefit Concert, 7 pm, Dec. 7, in the Memorial Park Church Sanctuary. The concert features artist Phillips, Craig & Dean. To purchase tickets, visit: EduNations.org/Concert. For details, call (412) 522-4756 or by email at info@edunations.org. “Fill the Hill” at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall during November. With every $20 donation, a flag will be placed on Soldiers & Sailors’ front lawn, with a special illumination the week of Veterans Day. For details, call (412) 621-4253 or visit the Soldiers & Sailors web-

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Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable meeting, 7 pm, Nov. 20, Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Lecture is free and open to the public. Topic: The Attack and Defense of Cemetery Ridge, July 2, 1863 presented by Scott Mingus. Grammy honoree and Woodstock photographer Henry Diltz has five photo books for sale. Diltz spent over 55 years photographing famous musicians. Proceeds from the sale of his books benefit the Yates Fund for Cancer Hope. For details, visit cindystock.org. Holly Jolly Holiday Party, 5-9 pm, Dec. 3, at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. Cost $25 adults, children 16 & under are free. Benefits Folds of Honor, Toys for Tots, Gunny’s Ridge & Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall. Register www.soldiersandsailorshall.org/ event/patriotic-holiday-concert. Indoor Holiday Craft Show, 10 am-4 pm, Nov. 5, Pittsburgh Syria Shrine Center, Crafts, Basket Auctions, Concession Stands. Proceeds benefit Daughters of the Nile. 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.ingomargarden-club.com for additional information.

Legacy Theatre shows: Chuck Blasko and the Vogues, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Nov. 18; Johnny Angel Christmas, 2 pm & 7:30 pm, Dec. 9, at the Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Crossing in McCandless Twp. For details, visit TheLegacyLineup.com. Northland Library has numerous events scheduled for November. For a complete list of events, visit northlandlibrary.org. Prime Stage Theatre, The Miracle Worker, Nov. 3-12. For info, visit primestage.com. Sealarks Women’s Group meeting 1 pm, Nov. 8 at Memorial Park Church, 8800, Peebles Rd., McCandless. The group provides Christian fellowship and social activity for women alone. All women alone are welcome to attend. For info, call Edie at (412) 487-7194. SYMcity Community Concert Series, 10:30 am-1 pm, Dec. 2, The Block at Northway Mall. 8013 McKnight Rd. Free event. Two Festivals: Pittsburgh Short Film Festival, Nov. 8-15; and Three Rivers Film Festival, Nov. 16-19, Braddock Ave., Pittsburgh. For details, visit filmpittsburgh.org.

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? Then join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets at 10 am the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept. through June). New members are always welcome! For more info, visit passavanthospitalfoundation.org/. Call (412) 748-6639 if you plan to attend a meeting. Vintage Market is a nonprofit store in Shaler that benefits The Blessing Board. Open 10 am-3 pm every Th/F/Sat in the Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler Street & Rt. 8 (look for the gray door between Rite Aid & Planet Fitness).

Send us your Events, Movers & Shakers & School News. Email ncmagazine@ northernconnectionmag.com. Deadline for submission is the 15th of the month.

Ski. Tube. Board.

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Joey’s P.A.W. Helps Special-Needs Pets By Janice Lane Palko

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n October 23, 2016, husband and wife team Charlie and Tanya Diable of Butler adopted a special needs pet, Joey, whose rear legs were intentionally cut off when he was six weeks old and left for dead. The Diables have adopted several special-needs dogs, but it was Joey’s need to keep moving despite his handicap that spurred the couple to help him and other dogs. Joey, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, now seven, uses a prosthetic to get around. To help other dogs, on August 26, 2017, Joey’s P.A.W. (P.A.W. stands for Prosthetics and Wheels) was founded. The nonprofit’s mission has two objectives. The first is to provide monetary funds for dogs in need of a wheelchair or prosthetic. “We collect and raise donations and purchase the wheelchair or prosthetic and have it sent to the recipient,” said Tanya. “Our mission is to get dogs up and moving as well as show people the joy of owning a special-needs dog.” “We also have a second underlying message,” said Charlie, “and that is to promote the joy of owning a special-needs dog and strive to find them a ‘furever’ home just like Joey did.” “In December 2017, the Diables adopted Boone, and his rear legs were intentionally cut off at five months by his previous owner who also kicked him so hard he broke his femur head off on his left leg. He had surgery at Ohio State Veterinary Hospital in Ohio to repair it,” said Tanya. Although he’s had a hard life, Boone is a happy pooch, and he loves bow ties and wears one daily. “He has a book called Bow Tie Boone, which is available to order at any bookstore or through Amazon, and it helps to raise funds for Joey’s P.A.W,” said Tanya. He also has a coloring book, Bow Tie Boone and Friends available through Amazon. In addition, the organization has partnered with actor and police officer Justin Melnick of CBS’s Seal Team to assist retired military and law enforcement K9s that have been injured or disabled and need a prosthetic or a wheelchair. On November 9, the Joey’s Santa Paws for a Cause fundraiser will be held at the Pittsburgh Mariott North, Cranberry Twp., with David Highfield of Pittsburgh Today Live as guest MC. To date, Joey’s P.A.W. has helped 1,550 dogs (and a few other animals). You can learn more about Joey’s P.A.W at their website: www.joeyspaw.org. You can also donate through their website, Facebook page, or at PayPal at: www.paypal.me/JoeysPAW. Those wishing to donate by check, can mail them to: Joey’s P.A.W. 301 Belmont Rd Butler PA 16001

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Holiday Peppermint Bark

It’s easy to make, looks festive, and tastes delightful. Perfect for sharing with family and friends during the holiday season. INGREDIENTS: 16 ounces (450g) high-quality white chocolate, chopped 6 ounces (170g) high-quality dark chocolate, chopped 1 teaspoon peppermint extract 1/2 cup crushed candy canes or peppermint candies Red and green food coloring (optional) Parchment paper DIRECTIONS: Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Melt the Dark Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Alternatively, you can melt the chocolate using a double boiler. Once melted, stir in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. If desired, add a few drops of green food coloring to the dark chocolate for a festive touch. Pour the dark chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer. Place it in the refrigerator to set while you prepare the white chocolate layer. Melt the White Chocolate: Melt the white chocolate in the same manner as the dark chocolate, stirring in 1/2 teaspoon of peppermint extract. If desired, add a few drops of red food coloring to the white chocolate for a festive touch.

Layer the White Chocolate: Pour the melted white chocolate over the chilled dark chocolate layer. Quickly spread it evenly using a spatula. Add the Peppermint Topping: Sprinkle the crushed candy canes or peppermint candies over the white chocolate layer. Press down gently to make sure the candies stick to the chocolate. Chill and Break Into Pieces: Place the baking sheet back in the refrigerator and chill the bark for at least 1-2 hours, or until completely set. Once set, remove from the fridge and break into pieces using your hands or a sharp knife. Serve and Enjoy: Your Holiday Peppermint Bark is ready to be enjoyed! Package it in festive boxes or tin containers for a delightful homemade holiday gift.

Enjoy this sweet and minty treat during the holiday season!

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