Passavant Hospital Foundation Serving the Health of All in the Community Also in this Issue
Back-to-School 2015 – Part 2 Pittsburgh Pirates Trivia A.W. Beattie Career Center Celebrates 50 Years
CONTENTS September 2015
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NORTHERN CONNECTION NC Features
Back to School 2015
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28 More Innovations in the Classroom Marianne Reid Anderson
Brooktree Health Services Opens New Wexford Location
10 Celebrating Senior Champions
35 Back to School Directory
Health & Wellness
36 Business Spotlight: Dance for FUN! at Cynthia’s School of Dance
11 Cover Story: Passavant Hospital Foundation 16 Teacher and Triathlete Returns to School After Severe Brain Injury 19 Fit Families: Continuing to Live Gluten-Free Joella Baker 20 Terrance R. Krysinski, MD, RVS, RPhS - Vein Institute of Pittsburgh
Image & Style 23 5 Denim Must-Have Pieces for Your Fall Wardrobe Kelly Smith
38 A.W. Beattie Career Center Celebrating 50 Years of Preparing Students for Their “Next Step” in Life 41 Studio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex 42 School Movers & Shakers
Senior Living 50 Town Crier: Summarizing September – Our Ninth Month Joe Bullick
11 In Every Issue 4
From the Publisher
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Movers & Shakers
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Mover & Shaker of the Month: Mike Flinn Paula Green
Marion Piotrowski
25 Starting the Conversation: What Do You Think of the “Cursive Controversy?” Marianne Reid Anderson
44 September 2015 Happenings 48 Trivia Connection: Pittsburgh Pirates Trivia Paula Green 49 Support Our Troops: Veterans Recognition & Military Shows Paula Green
51 Happenings for Seniors
Advertorials
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15 “I Felt Like I was Turning into My Grandma!” Dr. Shannon Thieroff 24 Lose Up To 30 Lbs. in 30 Days Dr. Michael Vactor
ON THE COVER: Front row: Janet Lindner, Terri Petrick, Christine Koenig; Back row: Elaine Wolford, Dr. Daniel Sullivan, Dr. Thomas Schauble, Richard Hamilton, and Jeanmarie Daugherty.
COVER PHOTO: Courtesy of Corbelli Photography
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PUBLISHER NOTES
Welcome to the September 2015 Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!
NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722
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assavant Hospital Foundation is once again honoring the outstanding individuals who have contributed to its legacy of caring and growth. The second Legacy of Caring Gala will be held on Thursday, October 8th at the Marriott North in Cranberry. Read all about this year’s nominees and their accomplishments on page 11. Tickets are on sale now for this year’s event. To purchase your tickets or for further information on this year’s event call Passavant Hospital Foundation 412-748-6640 or visit PassavantHospitalFoundation.org Now that the children are back to school, Northern Connection magazine is continuing with the special feature, More Innovations in the Classroom. Read more about what some of our area’s schools are offering the students for the 2015-2016 school year in this feature. There are also some great late summer and early fall events highlighted in our Happenings section. Take advantage of the weather and enjoy some of these events with your family and friends. Enjoy reading all of Northern Connection magazine’s special features and regular monthly columns. Thank you for your continued support and together, we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! F
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MOVERS & SHAKERS September 2015
Movers & Shakers For six years, The Home Depot’s Clays for the Cure has raised funds to support research and services for premenopausal breast cancer patients at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC and the Hillman Cancer Center. This year’s event raised nearly $70,000, bringing Home Depot’s support, in partnership with A Glimmer of Hope Foundation, to over $200,000. Magee-Women’s Hospital of UPMC will receive more than 1,000 handmade caps for the babies who are born there, including those treated in its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). A team from Cigna knitted and crocheted the caps as part of a March of Dimes campaign and will present them to families of babies born at Magee. Edward V. Prochownik, M.D., Ph.D., director of oncology research at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, and the Paul C. Gaffney professor of Pediatrics, has been awarded a research grant of $100,000 from the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a volunteerdriven charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research.
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UPMC has received national recognition for its clinical expertise earning 13th position on the annual U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll of America’s “Best Hospitals.” UPMC announced the appointment of Michael Grace as president of UPMC Mercy. Dr. Lauren Apter Bairnsfather has been appointed director of the Holocaust Center of Pittsburgh, an affiliate organization of the Jewish Federation of Greater Pittsburgh. Bairnsfather will oversee transformation of the 33 year-old Holocaust Center into a regional destination for education and research. Expedia has ranked Cranberry Township among “Most Comfortable Places.” Cranberry Township has climbed in the ranks of top American visitor destinations. The online travel site Expedia ranked Cranberry Township as #8 among its 101 Most Comfortable Cities for Travelers. The recognition, which appears at https://viewfinder. expedia.com/features/101-mostcomfortable-cities-for-travelers, is based on survey results from
more than 600,000 guests who responded to Expedia’s request for reviews of the community’s accommodations. The company’s website, which draws millions of visitors annually, is credited with raising awareness among tourists about the most comfortable places to visit. Cranberry Township has been awarded Platinum Certification for its sustainability practices by the Pennsylvania Municipal League and Sustainable Pittsburgh. The Platinum Certificate - the award’s highest level of recognition and one of only two presented statewide - follows a rigorous assessment tracking 131 policies and practices that define a sustainable community. Cranberry had previously earned Gold Certification through the program. Columbia Gas of PA in a recent partnership with Medical Rescue Team South Authority (MRTSA), contributed $19,000 for the purchase of a Smart Stat Patient Simulator. The Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber, Inc. has announced that Patty Bittle has been selected as the Business and Key Accounts executive.
Northern Connection | September 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com
The Cranberry Township Area Lions Club held their annual pancake breakfast at Cranberry Township Community Days on July 11. This year 488 people were served pancakes and sausage. The breakfast was capped off by the drawing of the club’s 50-50 raffle and the lucky winner received $875. On the prior evening, July 10, the Lions held their first bison burger dinner. The premise was to celebrate the history of Cranberry, particularly when the Seneca Indians lived in the area. Over the two-day span the club took in over $2,000.
MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH
Mike Flinn BY PAULA GREEN
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oss Township resident, Mike Flinn recently soared through a special gathering in his honor. Flinn, a longtime board member and advocate of The National Aviary on Pittsburgh’s North Side has volunteered his time, expertise and financial support for over 20 years. On July 1, The Aviary held a reception and plaque unveiling in which they named their new bald eagle “Flinn,” in Mike’s honor. The placard is displayed in The Aviary’s Condor Court near the Bald Eagle exhibit. “It is quite an honor to have an eagle named after me, and I truly appreciate the staff recognizing me in this manner. I have received so much satisfaction from my involvement with the National Aviary, and take much joy from seeing what this remarkable staff has built. When you see the passion they bring to their mission, it is hard not to do whatever you can to help them realize their vision,” Flinn commented. Flinn, an attorney for Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney, helped The Aviary achieve privatization in 1991. The facility was in jeopardy of closing its doors due to budget cuts. At the time, Flinn was doing pro-bono work when the organization turned to him for legal assistance. Flinn worked as the chief negotiator for the privatization contact. In 1992, he joined the board of directors at The Aviary and served as its president from 1992-1997. Under his leadership, The Aviary achieved national designation, held their first
fundraising initiative and underwent a significant renovation project. Flinn served a second term as board president from 20072010. During this time, The Aviary undertook a major expansion and doubled its size of visitor space. “There are so many staff and board members who have done so much for the Aviary and share in this honor. I really want to thank my family for all of their support and their understanding of the time I spent at the Aviary. They are a big part of what has been accomplished at The Aviary, and share in this honor as well,” Flinn added. Flinn graduated in 1967 from North Catholic High School, he then earned his bachelor of English degree from Notre Dame in 1971. Flinn received his law degree in 1974 from the University of Pittsburgh Law School. He is married to Eileen and has two children – Erin and Kevin and daughter-in-law Megan. “Flinn” the bald eagle is a four-year old, juvenile that sustained a wing injury in the wild. He would be unable to survive on his own due to his adversity. He is now part of The Aviary’s education collection and is being trained to participate in their educational programs. F
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COMING IN OCTOBER
Brooktree Health Services Opens New Wexford Location.
Women’s Health & Wellness Call Today to Advertise
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rooktree Health Services is a premier, outpatient drug and alcohol recovery program. The program offers an individualized holistic treatment program rooted in the 12- step principles. The facility offers partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient treatment and outpatient care. Brooktree Health Services prepares you for a long-term, sober lifestyle utilizing both individual and group counseling sessions, family therapy, and the development of a sober support system. In addition to treatment, Brooktree Health Services partners with Greater Pittsburgh Sober Living to provide complimentary housing for both partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient clients. Their staff of highly skilled and dedicated professionals create a therapeutic and supportive environment where individuals can feel safe and comfortable enough to begin their road to recover. To learn more about Brooktree Health Services and all they have to offer, visit http://www.brooktreehealth.com or call (724) 935-0460. F
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MOVERS & SHAKERS September 2015
Charles F. Reynolds, III, MD
Maxwell King
Brian Catale
Celebrating Senior Champions Creating a Better Life for Seniors
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n Wednesday October 21, UPMC Senior Services, the Aging Institute and the University of Pittsburgh will host the seventh annual Celebrating Senior Champions Benefit Dinner and Auction at the Omni William Penn. Nearly 400 business leaders and friends will attend this event to celebrate three outstanding individuals and organizations that go above and beyond to support seniors in western Pennsylvania. Larry Richert of KDKA-Radio will emcee the event. This year’s Senior Champions Honorees include: Charles F. Reynolds, III, MD will be honored as the Grand Champion. Dr. Reynolds is the UPMC Endowed Professor in Geriatric Psychiatry at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Professor of Behavioral and Community Health Sciences at the Graduate School of Public Health, Director of the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services and the University of Pittsburgh, the NIHM-sponsored Center of Excellence in Prevention and Treatment of Late Life Mood Disorders, and the John A. Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatric Psychiatry. Dr. Reynolds is internationally renowned in the field of geriatric psychiatry. His primary research interests focus on mood, grief, and sleep disorders of later life. “Dr. Reynolds is a wonderful physician, researcher, philanthropist and collaborator for the geriatric community. The aging population of Pittsburgh is fortunate to have such a talented and caring individual looking out for them,” says Deborah S. Brodine, president of UPMC Community Provider Services. The Pittsburgh Foundation under the direction of Maxwell King, President and CEO will be honored as the Community Champion. The Pittsburgh Foundation was established in 1945 and is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations as well as the 14th largest of more than 750 community foundations across the United States. The Pittsburgh Foundation’s resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses, and organizations with a passion for charitable giving, and a deep commitment to the Pittsburgh community. The Pittsburgh Foundation is recognized for its support of: At-risk seniors, seniors who wish to age in place, caregivers, research to treat and ultimately prevent delirium of hospitalized seniors, the study of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia disorders. “Their efforts have improved the lives of many older adults in the region by leveraging and promoting like philanthropic interests. They provide opportunities to promote improved care models and research across a variety of care settings,” expresses Brodine. Operation Veteran Benefits, a Community Service of Brian Catale and Associates will be honored as the Caregiver Champion. Operation Veteran Benefits is a community service offered by Brian and his associates to assist seniors who are eligible to obtain Aid and Attendance benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. While assisting a family member, Brian learned of the difficulties of the application process and the inconsistency of information available to secure this critical financial benefit. Brian has made it his mission to assist veterans and their families to receive the assistance when they are housebound or require the assistance of a caregiver at home or in a senior community. “Brian and his associates devote hundreds of volunteer hours to serve aging veterans and their spouses,” remarks Brodine. All proceeds from the Celebrating Senior Champions Dinner and Auction will benefit the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund to help support residents in need of charitable care. For more information about the event, contact Debbie Panei, UPMC Senior Services, at (412) 864-3524 or PaneiD@upmc.edu. F
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Passavant Hospital Foundation Serving the Health of All in the Community
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assavant Hospital Foundation advances the health and wellness of our community through educational seminars and special community initiatives. Working with Crisis Center North and UPMC Passavant’s Domestic Violence Advisory Committee, Passavant Hospital Foundation is funding specialized training for local police to aid in identifying the most dangerous domestic violence situations and the most appropriate law enforcement response. Partnering with the Baierl Family YMCA and the UPMC Passavant Heart and Vascular Institute, the Foundation is helping to underwrite cardiac rehab maintenance for individuals who otherwise could not afford to participate. In cooperation with the American Heart Association and six local school districts, the Foundation will fund CPR training for all area seventh graders this coming school year. At the Kearns Spirituality Center, a gift from the Foundation helps families from out of town who cannot afford to stay at a hotel while a loved one is hospitalized. The Foundation partners with Club Julian 24-Hour Fitness for a monthly Wellness Wednesday health lecture series. Held the first Wednesday of each month from 1 – 2 pm, the Foundation brings top-notch clinicians to the club for presentations that are free and open to the public; you need not be a member to attend. Upcoming sessions include: • October 7 - Nerve Pain: Causes and What I Can Do About It presented by Emily Toussant, MPT, UPMC Centers for Rehab Services • November 4 - Muscles: What are They Trying to Tell Us? by Brian S. Caricato, DPT, MS, OCS, UPMC Centers for Rehab Services CCAC-North on Rt. 19 is another location for Foundation health education programming. Sessions from 6:30 – 8:30 pm are free and open to the public. A certificate of attendance is awarded. (UPMC Passavant is a hospital accredited by The Joint Commission and an approved provider for continuing education requirements for professional nurses.) Registration is required; call 412-369-3701 to register. The fall schedule includes: • October 20 – The Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver presented by Frank J. Koziara II, MD, board certified gastroenterologist, Gastroenterology Associates of Pittsburgh • November 17 – The Do’s and Don’ts of Dementia by Patricia Ann Meyer, CRNP, UPMC Passavant The Foundation also presents health education programming at Cumberland Woods Village in McCandless and Sherwood Oaks in Cranberry, and partners with nurses from the UPMC Passavant Emergency Department to offer bike helmets and car seats to those who need them at various community presentations. To receive email notices about all upcoming community sessions, email PHF@upmc.edu. n
Passavant Hospital Foundation board member Marilyn Cain saw images provided by the new software, with explanation from Jeff Kelly, lead CT technologist.
Donor Gift Improves Cardiac Testing
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PMC Passavant Imaging now has advanced software for cardiac examinations. The new software significantly decreases the amount of radiation that cardiac patients receive in their computed tomography (CT) studies, while at the same time improving the pictures the radiologists see. The new technology allows doctors to image the heart only during a specific part of the cardiac cycle when the heart is not contracting, and turns off the radiation for the remainder of the cycle, decreasing the patient’s radiation dose significantly, as much as 50 percent. This is particularly important when patients require repeated studies. “At UPMC Passavant Imaging we are committed to offering our patients the most advanced technologies and especially those that enhance patient safety,” said Karen Barkey, MD, radiologist. This new technology was made possible by a generous gift from an anonymous donor through Passavant Hospital Foundation which granted $40,450 for the software purchase. The Foundation made grants for 34 hospital projects totaling $405,016 in fiscal year 2015. n
Remember or Honor a Loved One in the Healing Garden
T The Gonabe grandchildren at the bench dedication.
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he Healing Garden at UPMC Passavant is a place to experience peace and connect with nature while staying in or visiting the hospital. Commemorative bricks line the garden path, with proceeds benefiting Passavant Hospital Foundation projects such as the recently established Patient Assistance Fund. Administered by the Care Management team of social workers and nurses at the hospital, the Fund aids financially struggling patients who cannot afford medications or equipment needed at discharge. “The Fund does not cover the hospital bill,” said Fay Morgan, Passavant Hospital Foundation President/CEO. “It assists our most vulnerable patients to have the best opportunity to return to health when they return home.” Brothers Steve, Greg and Ty Gonabe dedicated a bench to their mother Geraldine’s memory in the hospital’s Healing Garden earlier this year. Gerry was a dedicated hospital volunteer 2005-11. n
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Passavant Hospital Foundation Celebrates a Legacy of Caring
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PMC Passavant is celebrating its 166th year of providing health care in the greater Pittsburgh area. Originally named the Pittsburgh Infirmary, the hospital was founded in 1849 by Lutheran pastor William A. Passavant in the town of Allegheny (now the northside of Pittsburgh), quickly moving to a more permanent location in Lacyville (now the Hill District). The collective effort of community members brought the hospital to its present location in 1964 as North Hills Passavant. The merger with UPMC in 1997 has helped it grow into the state-of-the-art medical facility it is today, with strong specialty programs in heart care, cancer care, orthopaedics, and spine surgery at the McCandless campus. In 2002 the old St. Francis Hospital in Cranberry became UPMC Passavant Cranberry, now housing a comprehensive Breast Center and state-of-theart Imaging Center. Passavant Hospital Foundation will host a dinner at the Marriott North in Cranberry on October 8 to celebrate the hospital’s history and service, and will honor outstanding individuals – including medical professionals, volunteers and community leaders – who have contributed to its legacy of caring and growth. Honorees for the Foundation’s “Legacy of Caring” awards have been announced. They are:
Gerald Cessna, MD* – OB/GYN physician Gerald Cessna was a staunch supporter of Passavant’s growth, practicing at the hospital when it was located in the Hill District and at its present location. He ran the OB/GYN department for many years and was a medical staff leader. Dr. Cessna was nominated by Jesse Weigel, MD, who worked closely with Dr. Cessna while heading the hospital’s Emergency Department. Jeanmarie Daugherty, RN, CEN – Nurse Jeanmarie Daugherty has been employed at UPMC Passavant for 37 years, 16 years in the Emergency Department. But even before that, while in high school, she was a volunteer. Since 2005 she and Donna Galbraith, BSN, RN, CEN, have conducted the UPMC Passavant Injury Prevention Program, giving community presentations and distributing child safety seats and bike helmets free of charge to those who need them. Ralph DeStefano, Esq. – Ralph DeStefano was elected to the board at North Hills Passavant Hospital in 1976, then hired to serve as President and CEO in 1990. Under his tenure the facility grew in size and added tertiary (advanced) services. Cindy Tomazich, PT, a 40-year Passavant employee who is now head of A legacy of caring the hospital’s inpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy departments nominated has characterized Mr. DeStefano. She remembers meeting him the hospital through when she was a new staff member in 1976. all of its locations “He was knowledgeable, understanding, and supportive of the challenges the staff faced and names. in their work.” Auxiliary member Pat Kutcher also nominated Mr. DeStefano, noting his leadership in the building of Cumberland Woods Village senior living facility and the Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center and Legacy Theatre, two great community assets adjacent to the hospital. Mr. DeStefano served as President of Passavant Hospital Foundation from 2009 to 2013. Robert Ford, MD – From 1967 to 2002, Dr. Robert Ford served as an OB/GYN physician at the hospital, delivering more than 9,000 babies. But he was nominated by Dr. Lewis “Pete” Netrour for his leadership that enabled Passavant to serve Nigeria. From 1990 to 2004, Dr. Ford led 12 mission trips to the Jos University Teaching Hospital, beginning with a core group of Passavant physicians and eventually growing to more than 50 medical volunteers from the Pittsburgh area and beyond. “We supplemented the teaching program of nurses, interns and 170 residents,” said Dr. Ford. With the donation of machines and expertise from Passavant, this volunteer effort resulted in the first ultrasound care and training program in northern Nigeria, covering five million people; it remains in operation today. Their work also revolutionized anesthesia care there in the same way. The group also took books from Passavant’s library to establish the first medical library there. With help from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Dr. Ford and his volunteers enabled Jos’ one microbiologist to establish a large HIV/AIDS lab now serving over 1,000 patients each day. Dr. Ford’s wife Karen served as chief organizer for the trips. Since 2006 the Fords have hosted six physicians from Nigeria here in their home for specialty post-graduate training. Richard S. Hamilton – Richard Hamilton is presently chair of the UPMC Passavant board, serving with energy, leadership, vision and longevity. He first joined the hospital board in 1993, becoming chair in 2004, and he is Passavant’s elected representative to the UPMC board. But his leadership in health care doesn’t stop there. He also serves on the boards of UPMC Altoona, UPMC Hamot, the UPMC Health Plan, UPMC Senior Communities, and Passavant Hospital Foundation, serving to improve healthcare throughout our region.
From the top, clockwise: Jeanmarie Daugherty (37 years of service), Janet Lindner (38), Elaine Wolford (35), Dr. Thomas Schauble (23), Christine Koenig (15), Terri Petrick (9), Richard Hamilton (22) and Dr. Daniel Sullivan (25).
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Christine Koenig – Project specialist Christine Koenig joined the Passavant family when the old St. Francis Hospital in Cranberry became a campus of UPMC Passavant. Her supervisor, Director of Nursing Melanie Heuston, describes her as the “go to” person at the Cranberry site, a steady force through changes and often working S eptember 2015
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“Hopeful Hearts” Campaign Launched
Passavant Through the Years
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Passavant Hospital of Pittsburgh 1899
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behind the scenes unsung. Writes a colleague: “Chrissy is always a great ambassador for UPMC Passavant Cranberry…dedicated to the growth of this campus and the health and well-being of the Cranberry community.” Janet D. Lindner, RPh – Janet Lindner started at Passavant 38 years ago as a pharmacy intern, retiring in 2014 as the hospital’s Director of Pharmacy. With her leadership, the hospital implemented a wide range of computerization and automation projects including a robot for medication cart fill, automated dispensing cabinets and anesthesia carts, and the first computer generated medication administration record. Janet is noted for leading by example, and she served on many hospital and system-wide committees to improve procedures and interdepartmental communication and ultimately patient care. Alexander McAliley* and William Slowik* – Alexander McAliley was the first president and Bill Slowik was the architect of the hospital at its present location. According to Diane Kolling, Director of Volunteer and Guest Services, these two men had a strong and unique relationship, with Mr. Slowik’s design of the facility making Mr. McAliley’s vision a reality. “They always kept the patients and visitors in mind,” said Ms. Kolling. To bring the hospital to the North Hills in 1964, the two men were involved in traditional fundraisers such as black-tie galas and art shows, but they also initiated and participated in talent shows including one where Mr. McAliley wore a tutu, and musicals including one where Mr. Slowik played Elvis. Mr. McAliley served as hospital president until his retirement in 1988. Mr. Slowick – and his son Paul, following in his father’s footsteps – went on to design many additions and renovations at the hospital.
assavant Hospital Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign for the advancement of open heart surgery in the greater North Hills of Pittsburgh. The Open Heart Service at UPMC Passavant began in 1996 with the hospital now performing close to 300 open heart surgeries a year. While new cardiac operating rooms were introduced in 1999, over the past 15 years there have been advancements in technology. If implemented, these new technologies will allow additional procedures to be done at Passavant instead of being referred elsewhere. “State-of-the-art equipment will allow surgeons to continue to provide the latest and best surgical care for patients with the added benefits that some need not undergo a transfer to another facility at a critical time,” said Fay Morgan, President/CEO at Passavant Hospital Foundation. “Instead they can be treated and recover close to home which helps patients and their families.” Individuals wishing to learn more about the Hopeful Hearts campaign should contact the Foundation at (412) 748-6645. n
Terri Petrick – Terri Petrick was President of UPMC Passavant from 2002 to 2010, following the hospital’s merger with UPMC. She formed a strong collaborative relationship with the hospital’s board of trustees and led the development and implementation of a strategic plan that resulted in a six-year expansion of Five Centers of Excellence. During her tenure admissions grew 36 percent, market share increased 10 percent, and the employee base grew by almost 50 percent while staff turnover decreased by the same amount. The medical staff grew from 500 to 700 with both primary care physicians and sub-specialists (Cardiology/Cardiac Surgery, Oncology, Orthopedics and Neurosurgery). In 2010 the hospital opened the clinical pavilion, reflecting the growth and development of the facility under her leadership.
See local dentist Scott Winkler talk about his successful heart surgery close to home on the Passavant Hospital Foundation YouTube channel (PsvntHospFound).
Thomas Schauble, MD – Dr. Tom Schauble has been with Passavant for 23 years and has been instrumental in transforming it from a community-based hospital to one that provides advanced care and services. A leader in critical care, Dr. Schauble has led a number of change teams, with a focus on providing safe and excellent patient care. He has grown his medical practice, Pulmonary Partners, to nine critical care physicians and four mid-level providers, able to respond to every emergency situation in the hospital to initiate the “Rapid Response Team,” a national patient safety initiative. Dr. Schauble has served as president of the Medical Staff, a member of the Medical Executive committee, chair of the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, chair of the Department of Medicine, and a member of the credentialing and peer review committees. “Dr. Schauble is not only a skilled provider but compassionate and caring in many challenging situations that require delivery of difficult news,” according to Maggie Lattanzio, MSN, RN, CCRN, clinician on the Intensive Care Unit. “Dr. Schauble has always focused on what is right for the patient.”
Medical Ethics Conference – October 30
Daniel Sullivan, MD – Dr. Dan Sullivan has served UPMC Passavant as an anesthesiologist, joining the medical staff in 1989. In 1996, he was chosen as Chief Anesthesiologist, leading the department of 60+ clinicians with exemplary clinical practice and professional conduct. Colleague Ralph Gaudio, MD noted that Dr. Sullivan has worked hard to build a strong team, improving efficiency and work flow in the OR. He has served on the hospital Board since 1989 and has been a member of the Passavant Hospital Foundation Board of Directors since 1998, chairing the Foundation Board since 2012. “His contribution, work ethic and dedication make him a distinguished leader among his peers,” said Dr. Gaudio. Elaine Wolford, MSN, RN – Elaine Wolford has been a dedicated employee of UPMC Passavant for 35 years. She started as a staff nurse on the Medical/Surgical floor, moved to serve in the ICU, and arrived in Surgical Services in 1990. She worked in Perianesthesia nursing and became the Clinical Director of Surgical Services in 2004. “She has never lost sight of the patient and family experience and what it takes to achieve excellence,” said Kimberley Confer, MSN, RN, CAPA, who directs the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. “Elaine demonstrates empathy and concern for patients on a daily basis.” Ms. Wolford currently has responsibility for the smooth operation of all the operating rooms at both McCandless and Cranberry – 25 operating rooms – making sure that patients, staff and surgeons have both the equipment and support needed for quality, safe patient care. n *Deceased
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assavant Hospital Foundation will host a free, day-long Medical Ethics Conference in the Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center and Legacy Theatre on October 30. The keynote address will be given by Audiey C. Kao, MD, PhD, Vice President of the Ethics Group of the American Medical Association. Stuart J. Youngner, MD, Department of Bioethics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine will be the featured speaker; he is President of the Association of Bioethics Program Directors. Other presenters include: Denise Stahl, MSN, ACHPN, Executive Director, UPMC Palliative and Supportive Institute; Andrew Thurston, MD, Medical Director, Palliative Care, UPMC Mercy; and Kathy Detar Gennuso DHCE, MSBLE, CEO, ICBioethics. Attendees will be eligible for various continuing education credits. Seating is limited. For registration information, call the Foundation at (412) 748-6648. n
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assavant Hospital Foundation supports this important peer support and education group for local families affected by a loved one’s substance abuse. The group meets every Wednesday at 7 pm in the Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center at Cumberland Woods Village. The group sponsored an Overdose Prevention Class on April 1, with 56 attendees. Alice Bell, LCSW, Overdose Prevention Project Coordinator at Prevention Point Pittsburgh, conducted the training, providing practical information about: • How to identify symptoms of an overdose • What to do and what NOT to do if you are present when someone overdoses • How to administer Naloxone (Narcan) • Information about the new Overdose Prevention Law – PA ACT 139
From left: Vigil co-coordinator Joanne Kreider, Dr. Michael Flaherty, co-coordinator Joan Ward, US Attorney David Hickton at the event on June 3
As a result of the training, Bridge to Hope received this note: “Thanks for having the Naloxone training last week. I have already used it and saved my son’s life. I cannot thank all of you enough for organizing that training.” The Beyond Bridge to Hope group serves those who have lost a loved one due to substance abuse. The Vigil of Hope on June 3 was a moving, healing experience for 116 community members in attendance to hear Dr. Michael Flaherty, psychologist with 30 years’ experience in treatment, research, and policy development related to substance use, and US Attorney for WPa, David Hickton on new directions in drug enforcement. For more information visit Bridge2Hope.org or call (412) 748-5120. n
Auxiliary Makes an Impact
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assavant Hospital Auxiliary is a committed group raising funds for projects that benefit patients and their families. One recently purchased item was a handheld echo/ultrasound machine for quick diagnosis at bedside in an emergency situation. “It has dramatically improved the speed and accuracy of our assessment in patients that are acutely short of breath or those with low blood pressure,” said pulmonologist Thomas Rice, MD. “The ability to rapidly image the heart and lungs at the bedside to not only diagnose but also guide therapeutic interventions improves patient care and will ultimately lead to lower health costs as less further diagnostic testing will be required.” A forthcoming Auxiliary project is the outfitting of the hospital’s two hospice rooms for patient and family comfort in a more home-like environment. Upcoming Auxiliary sales in the hospital’s main hallway include: n “What’s Hot” Sports September 15-16 Tees and many other sports-themed items to choose from!
n “McFeely’s Gourmet Chocolates” October 6 Homemade chocolates, hand-dipped fresh fruits made daily. Gluten free fudge.
n “Goody House” Chocolates September 24-25 Gourmet chocolates and other delectibles made right here in Pittsburgh.
n “Masquerade” Sale October 14-17 Experience the frenzy – jewelry and accessories sale!
n “Euro Haus” Gifts October 1-2 Jewelry, scarves, Eastern European items as well as unusual gifts to delight.
n “Pretzel Crazy” Halloween Sale October 23 Locally made caramel and chocolate pretzels and marshmallows in over 20 flavors. n “Dressed in Deception” Jewelry November 5-6 Don’t spend a fortune to look fabulous – affordable high-end reproduction jewelry! n “Fabulous Homemade Nut Rolls” November 12-13 Homemade baked goods and fancy treats – just like Grandma used to make.
The Auxiliary awarded $3,000 in college scholarships in June to outstanding hospital volunteers. From left: Scholarship Committee chair Eileen Black and Soumya Parashar, Jaehee Cho, Peter Thistle and Zachary Anderson.
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n “In Design Jewelry” November 23-24 All jewelry $6; designer inspired handbags, scarves and other select merchandise.
with permission from the
S eptember 2015
issue of
n “Flowers by Bidwell” Holiday Floral December 2 Bidwell Training Center with holiday floral displays to further student careers – great deals! n “Just My Style Jewelry” December 8 Handmade jewelry pieces that are conversation pieces and won’t break the budget! n “Betsy Ann Chocolates” December 10 A Pittsburgh long-time favorite for all chocolate lovers. n “What’s Hot” Stocking Stuffers December 15 Tees, hoodies, scarves, hats, gloves, jewelry and many other items! Individuals who enjoy special events, friendship and making a true difference for the health of the North Hills community should call president Beverly Aufman at (412) 364-1814 or treasurer Kathy Buck at (412) 364-0260 for more information about the Auxiliary. n
N orthern C onnection
magazine
ADVERTORIAL
“I Felt Like I was Turning into My Grandma!” BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF
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ne of the biggest concerns that patients describe to me is avoiding the round-shouldered posture that so many people develop over time. Often referred to as “looking hunchbacked,” or “the hump” and a variety of other unflattering terms, this condition, known as “hyper-kyphosis” can be a real problem. The curve in the upper back or thoracic spine, is designed to bend forward. When this forward curvature becomes more exaggerated, it creates that hunched appearance. Here are some reasons that this happens: • Scoliosis • Poor posture habits • Weak muscles • Osteoporosis or fractures • Nutritional deficiency or birth defects
The problems with hyper-kyphosis are more than cosmetic. Over a period of time, left untreated, this problem can worsen and cause health complications. Some of the most common complications include: • Back pain and tense muscles • Neck pain • Increased fatigue and problems with activity • A loss of height and inability to stand upright • Decreased breathing capacity
Slouched posture can affect how you look, how you feel, and can even affect your confidence. Chiropractic can help.
The good news is that most of these curvatures are not caused by fractures and that a majority of people are able to be helped with gentle, easy options. Also, if you are a young person and are noticing changes already, you can start taking measures to correct this and prevent future problems. As a chiropractor, we usually use the following measures to help our patients without drugs and surgery: Chiropractic adjustments – to restore normal position and movement to the bones. This decreases stiffness, pain, nerve pressure and muscle tension. Exercise – this helps to re-train weakened muscles to support your spine better. It’s an essential part of trying to make your body strong again. Therapies – we may use therapies, such as traction, to help the healing process, Education – you can learn how to sit, stand, sleep, and work smarter to decrease spinal stress If this has been bothering you and you’re worried about the future, I encourage you to take that first step to feeling better and schedule your consultation with us. We also offer a complimentary workshop for groups and companies called “Straight, Strong, and Staying that Way” that teaches you how to avoid “the Hump.” Have a healthy and safe month. F Brought to you as a Public Service by:
Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates McKnight (412) 364-9699 Harmar (412) 826-9030 www.choicechiropractic.net We are your “in-network” provider Like us on Facebook www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | September 2015
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Teacher and Triathlete Returns to School After Severe Brain Injury Hard-earned sweat trickled down her back and dripped from her forehead while the intense August sun heated up the morning air. Megan Kruth contently smiled as she rhythmically peddled her triathlon bike along a North Hills corridor and meandered her way into the tree-lined entrance of North Park.
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hese are the journeys that the spirited and optimistic second-grade teacher eagerly awoke for each day. Her passion for fresh air gliding across her cheeks and a warm burning in her calf muscles created a determination that pumped her way up steep hills on daily bike rides and through the grueling hours of swimming, cycling and running at Ironman triathlons. Until that one summer bike ride in 2013 came to an excruciatingly painful halt. Megan cycled with her friend along a section of Babcock Boulevard that she had peddled so many times before. Her tire hit a groove on the road that caused the bike to jerk, shake and then abruptly pause, flipping the 43-year-old over the handlebars and catapulting her headfirst into the hard, hot concrete. “I don’t remember the accident at all, but my friend who was with me sure does,” Megan said of the calamity that occurred just five miles from her home. “My helmet was cracked, and soon after, I lost consciousness. Apparently, my brain bounced off of my skull.” Her friend called an ambulance, and Megan was taken to Allegheny General Hospital (AGH) where she was diagnosed with a subdural hematoma, a collection of blood in the layers of tissue that surround the brain. As blood accumulates, pressure on the brain increases, which leads to unconsciousness and can cause death. Khaled Aziz, MD, neurosurgeon at the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Neuroscience Institute, performed a surgical procedure called a craniotomy that involves removing a part of the skull to eliminate the hematoma. “She suffered a severe brain injury from the tremendous impact,” Dr. Aziz said. “We had to relieve that compression on the brain that restricted her cerebral blood flow.” Sitting daily at her bedside, holding her hand and praying for her eyes to open, Megan’s parents and siblings rallied around her. They were left numb by the still body that lay in the bed, but were reassured that Megan’s strength and will would pull her through. “Dr. Aziz and everyone on the staff, who worked with Megan day after day, took such wonderful care of her and were extremely kind and helpful to us as her family,” said George Kruth, Megan’s father. “The dire moments of watching Megan in a coma were difficult, and they were so outstanding with their medical care and with supporting us emotionally on a personal level.” She was in a coma for 10 days, remained at AGH for another 10 and began an outpatient rehabilitation program to learn how to walk and eat again. While living with her parents, Megan had additional surgeries over the next year, including a biomaterial implant to properly reconstruct her skull and plastic surgery performed by Michael White, MD. She also experienced seizures – a common occurrence after a brain injury – that are now being managed with medication.
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“I am so fortunate that my parents were there for me. I wasn’t able to drive because of the seizures, and I really had to start all over again,” said Megan, who has only a divot on the left side of her head as physical evidence of her accident. “Recovering from a traumatic brain injury takes time and patience. I had the support of my family, friends, school and community, and that helped me to keep my chin up and move forward and say ‘let’s do this; let’s get to the finish line.’” This fortitude, coupled with the medical expertise Megan received at AHN, streamlined her along an accelerated road to gaining her life back. Having an innate passion for sports and a healthy life in general, Megan established a game plan that started with short walks and progressed to riding a stationary bike in the basement of her parents’ home. “When the doctors told me I could swim again I almost did a backflip!” Megan giggled while describing her joy of returning to the pool and eventually rejoining her Masters Swim Team at the YMCA in Wexford. “Participating in sports channels my energy in such a positive direction, so it is a significant driver in my life.” Whether Megan will resume on-road biking or participate in triathlons as she had for eight years prior to the accident remains on the questionable list for now, but it’s definitely a desire. She feels immense gratitude to have returned to her townhouse and to have regained her driver’s license. And Megan will soon walk back into work to begin her 20th year teaching at Hance Elementary in the Pine -Richland School District. “I’m ready, definitely, to venture back into teaching and being with the kids. I’m so excited to do so.” It’s been two years since she has decorated bulletin boards, prepared lesson plans and worked alongside the colleagues who championed her healing process – even donning “Team IronMeg” T-shirts and raising money to support her recovery. “You can see the smile that comes to my face when I talk about my recovery because so many people encouraged me and got me through,” Megan said. “And the incredible AHN doctors, nurses and all the staff throughout the hospital made a difference in my life, literally. Their treatment and care is why I am here and able to do what I’m doing. And it wasn’t just the medical aspect, but it was also the support and care they gave to me and my family along the way – even after I left the hospital. It was remarkably amazing.” And surely anyone who knows Megan would undoubtedly say, “So is she.” F
Northern Connection | September 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com
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Northern Connection | September 2015
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HEALTH & WELLNESS SEPTEMBER 2015
FIT FAMILIES
Continuing to Live Gluten-Free BY JOELLA BAKER
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he longer you stay away from gluten, the more you’re affected by even the smallest amount. As with most allergies, gluten allergies can be mild to severe. Some people, like me, have celiac disease. This disease is a severe allergy to gluten that makes you extremely sick even if you get just the smallest amount of gluten in your system. A small amount could be from a spoon, knife, fork or spatula just touching an item with gluten and then touching your gluten-free food. Some people are simply gluten sensitive. This means gluten will make you feel sick, or not quite right, but it won’t make you so sick you feel like you need to go to the hospital. However, one thing all of us with a gluten allergy or sensitivity have in common is the fact that the longer you go without gluten in your system, the stronger the effect will be on your body. When I first had to go gluten-free, I could still eat out at restaurants and tolerate some cross-contamination. Now, the smallest bit of cross-contamination makes me so sick, that I often feel like I may die. Overall, though, I have to say restaurants are getting much better. More are showing up with gluten-free or gluten-sensitive menus, but making sure they know how sensitive you are to cross-contamination is still important. When I go to a restaurant, I have to let the waiter or waitress know that I have a severe allergy. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t. Many people don’t understand the severity of the allergy and the effects of the disease. That is why you have to be very clear about your allergy and how it affects you, if you plan to get glutenfree food at area restaurants. It simply comes down to education. As people get more educated about gluten-free allergies and the fact they are real and severe in some cases, the more
progress will be made at local restaurants. Restaurant owners should adhere to their gluten-free menu and make sure they are truly serving gluten-free items that are free from cross-contamination. Extending beyond restaurants, it’s critical for those with a severe gluten allergy to always read labels. I’ve been learning this the hard way. I rarely drink alcohol. However, on occasion I enjoy a glass of wine or a beer. I decided to go to the beer distributor and I asked for their best gluten-free beer. That one beer made me sicker than I’ve been since being diagnosed with celiac disease the year
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before. My husband checked the label afterwards and it said it was produced to remove gluten, but was not guaranteed a gluten-free product. In other words, if you are recently diagnosed with celiac disease or if you have a severe sensitivity to gluten, don’t let your guard down. Check the labels. Cross-contamination is very easy in restaurants, however, if you are nice to people and explain your situation well, you will be able to get a quality, gluten-free meal at a lot of local restaurants. Happy gluten-free eating! F
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HEALTH & WELLNESS SEPTEMBER 2015
Terrance R. Krysinski MD, RVS, RPhS Vein Institute of Pittsburgh
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Pittsburgh native and lifelong resident of the North Hills, Terrance R. Krysinski MD, RVS, RPhS, graduated from North Allegheny High School and attended Washington and Jefferson College where he earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and graduated summa cum laude. Dr. Krysinski earned his medical degree from Temple University and undertook his surgical training at Albert Einstein Medical Center. After completing his residency, he began a private surgical practice in Western Pennsylvania. Dr. Krysinski is credentialed as a Registered Vascular Specialist (RVS) as well as a Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS). He is an active member and a board certified Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine. Dr. Krysinski is the founding physician of the Vein Institute of Pittsburgh. Here, patients are offered a full spectrum of venous care ranging from small spider veins to bulging varicose veins. Specializing in highly advanced and minimally invasive outpatient procedures to treat venous disease, Dr. Krysinski performs various procedures daily to alleviate patient’s complaints of aching, pain, swelling and restless legs. Dr. Krysinski proudly serves as a member of national societies including the American College of Surgeons, American Society for Lasers in Medicine and Surgery, American College of Phlebology, and American Medical Association. Dr. Krysinski also serves as a member of local organizations including the Pennsylvania Medical Society and Allegheny County Medical Society. His love for animals benefits both the Pittsburgh Zoo and Animal Friends. In Dr. Krysinski’s spare time, he enjoys traveling, antique collecting and skiing with his wife and son. F
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Northern Connection | September 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com
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Northern Connection | September 2015
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Over 91% Patient Satisfaction End Your Peripheral Neuropathy Now! Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. It is commonly associated with diabetes, however, neuropathy symptoms can also occur in patients with restless leg syndrome, sciatic neuropathy, and has been recently linked to statin drugs used to lower cholesterol. Although, there are also patients who just have neuropathy without a particular cause. Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep.
Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • • • • • • •
Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands Extreme Sensitivity to Touch Loss of Balance or Coordination Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles Weakness in the Arms and Legs Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers • Dependency on Medications
The specialized treatment protocol offered at the Chiropractic Family Health Center includes 9 specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. This therapy has long been well recognized internationally, and these recent advancements offer hope for many more to live a more painfree and enjoyable life. Dr. Shawn Richey (a member of the NeuroTCA) has seen many patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. He has treated patients that have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. This can leave patients still struggling and wandering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now we are able to address the pain asso-
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“I highly recommend Dr. Shawn Richey and everyone at his practice. Before finding Dr. Richey, my neuropathy was getting worse and during the past year, it was getting really bad; but after receiving these treatments, I am already feeling a significant reduction in symptoms and pain relief even though I’m only partway through my treatments. The best part is that I feel that I am taking an active role in getting better and I am even improving my overall health since now, I can go for walks and be more active. The treatments are great and very relaxing – their office is beautiful and while I receive infra-red light therapy on my feet, I can connect to their WiFi and do my email!” — Lynda E.
ciated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair. Dr. Shawn Richey’s treatment program has given me miraculous relief from a debilitating and painful disease. I would recommend anyone, who suffers from peripheral neuropathy, choosing to have Dr. Shawn help you to your way to recovery as he has helped me.” This ground-breaking treatment has achieved a 90% overall satisfaction rate. The treatment identifies the cause and enables nerve endings to regenerate and heal rather than remain damaged. As the treatments repair the nerve endings, pain is reduced, and patients regain balance and coordination. For a free consultation, contact Dr. Shawn Richey at 724-9409000 or email him at drshawn@backnline.com.
Call for a free consultation TODAY!
Dr. Shawn Richey drshawn@backnline.com www.backnline.com 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 Sewickley, Pa. 15143
724-940-9000
We may not be your first choice, but we will be your last!
Northern Connection | September 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com
IMAGE & STYLE September 2015
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Denim Must-Have Pieces for Your Fall Wardrobe
BY KELLY SMITH
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ummer is still shining but autumn is waiting on the horizon. It won’t be long until we start to instinctively crave fresh denim looks as the crisp air begins to move in. Jeans almost always come to mind when September begins but there is more than just jeans when it comes to wearing denim. Denim is a year round favorite for most of us but each season has its own look, feel, color and texture. For the transitional fall weather, read on to find inspiration for spicing up your fall wardrobe by adding the right pieces that will work for you!
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Denim vests – These are the sleeveless version of the denim jacket of course, so they crave to be layered. Pair one with a loose, billowy blouse and a modern skinny jean in black or tan then top it off with a cute printed scarf and a pair of mules and you’re flying high in the fashion department this fall! Shirt dresses – This style is so versatile that practically anyone can wear the look. The benefit of a shirt dress is that it provides a loose fit without being sloppy looking as long as you tie it at the waist with either a belt or a scarf. They offer flexibility for any style and can be dressed up by adding tights and a black pair of patent pumps or keep it casual with a pair of leggings underneath complimented with a chic military ankle boot.
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Skirts/skorts/shorts – choose your favorite or all three! Whether you stick with a long classic pencil skirt or the mini for you frisky fashionistas, either way, you’re covered. Look for button-ups and zippers on both lengths this fall. Keep the look simple by teaming them up with a casual scoop neck tee and cardigan. Ballet flats add a touch of fun to this simple but trendy look.
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Jean jacket/ jean shirt – Denim jackets and tops are perfectly paired with just about everything in a wardrobe. Try a pair of black denim jeans and crisp white blouse under your favorite color denim jacket and listen to the compliments pour in! Don’t forget the accessories and a cute pair of wedge heels to finish the look. A light colored denim shirt layered over an otherwise stale outfit will give an instant urban-chic vibe to be envied. Slap on some accessories in the hot hues of fall such as crimson or amethyst and you’ve got all the makings of a fashionable fall weekend!
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Jeans – Last but not least, let’s talk jeans. While skinnies are still hanging on strong, some of us still prefer a more classic look. Thankfully, flared jeans are right back in full force and are seen in lots of colors in addition to the classic blue denim. Flared jeans are my favorite simply because of their versatility. They can make a statement with a simple knit top and scarf or provide a more sophisticated look by adding a blouse and a sleek fitted blazer. Since your shoes will most likely be undercover, you can get away with just a simple flat. Denim and autumn are synonymous with one another and can be worn so many different ways. Denim pieces are surely most women’s go-to favorite for the weekends while still providing an option for a more polished evening look. From dark wash to light wash and everything in-between, denim offers a fashion choice for almost every occasion. Here’s to making denim feel fresh and new this fall! F
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Northern Connection | September 2015
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Lose 30 lbs. in 30 Days up to
and Keep it Off with Dr. Vactor’s Innovative Weight Loss Program!
Jen S., Pittsburgh PA Lost 47 lbs.
Before
Tammy T., Cranberry Twp. PA Lost 48 lbs.
After
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as your weight loss plateaued? Do you eat right and exercise but the scale doesn’t move? Is your metabolism slowing due to middle age or over-eating? Are you having health-related issues due to your weight? Feeling aggravated, frustrated and helpless every time you get on the scale? With Dr. Michael Vactor’s innovative weight loss program, you can lose up to 30 lbs. in 30 days and learn to keep it off, permanently. How it Works: Unlike other weight loss programs, Dr. Vactor’s plan focuses on losing the weight and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. The system is, quite simply, designed to increase your metabolism. The system increases your metabolism by naturally invigorating your hypothalamus (responsible for your metabolism), without stimulants, while decreasing your hunger response. This way, your own fat-burning engine works at its optimum performance while re-acclimating your metabolism to first lose the weight and then adjust to your new body to keep off the weight. Unlike other programs that you may have experienced, where you lose weight but then gain it all back or even more, this program focuses on first weight loss, then helping you readjust to the thinner you. In addition, this program has consistent, predictable weight loss results where people also see a
Here is my weight loss journey…
I Patty M., Cranberry Twp. PA – Lost 67 lbs. & 30 inches
was over 205+ pounds, miserable and uncomfortable! I wanted to be healthy and thin so I could go and do everything my husband and stepson like to do! I was sitting in my home office one day, at the end of my rope about 5 minutes away from signing up for Nutrisystem (even though in my heart, I didn’t believe it would work for me because I travel for my job 50-75% of the time). I came across an ad and it was Dr. Vactor’s program. I called and made an appointment for the next free seminar to hear more…MY LIFE HAS CHANGED EVER SINCE! Not only did I lose over 65 pounds in less than 10 months, I am the happiest and healthiest, I have ever been! Plus, I have been able to successfully learn how to manage my body and keep the weight off for good!! I am NOT an actress, I am a normal woman who always struggled with her weight! This program really works if you follow it and you are willing to find the foods that don’t work for your body and stop eating them! Here are the pictures of my results…I hope you give it a try and find the same happiness and success that I did. Tina Z. (Wexford, PA)
Juanita S., Ambridge PA – Lost 43 lbs.
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Northern Connection | September 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com
dramatic improvement in their overall HEALTH in about a month’s time. According to Dr. Vactor, “I have seen cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and blood sugar levels return to normal in 30 days. People who follow our program as outlined get great results! But I must be straight-forward about our system. You must be dedicated, committed and want results.” Several different products come with the plan, as well as, a simple, easy-to-follow meal plan that is based on normal food that you can get anywhere and prepare easily for yourself. In addition, they supply pH-balanced, ionized drinking water which is another important part of the system. Also, exercise is NOT required. Alternatively, the focus, is getting the weight off first, so that exercise programs will help tone and strengthen rather than contribute to the risk of over-exertion from carrying too much weight. Who is Dr. Michael Vactor, DC? Dr. Michael Vactor is a doctor of chiropractic, and a natural healthcare advocate in the north Pittsburgh area for over fifteen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, Cornerstone-TV, radio shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor also cares for the players, coaches and families of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ and Pirates’ organizations. To date, 90-95% of his patients have achieved their weight loss goals. YES, 90-95% of patients have achieved their weight loss goals. Dr. Vactor is so absolutely sure of the results and outcomes of his program, that he offers a GUARANTEE of RESULTS! Dr. Vactor and his family have lived in the Cranberry and Mars area, where he is also devoted to his community and helping his patients reach their goals. Over fifteen years in this community, he would not and could not make any such guarantee claims for weight loss, if they weren’t true. How to Get Started: If you are serious about losing up to 30 lbs. of extraneous weight, inches off your waist and, most importantly, improving your health in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, in-office review of our revolutionary weight loss system. Our office is conveniently located at 673 Castle Creek Drive Ext., Suite 106, Seven Fields, PA 16046. http://www.drvactor.com Improve your health today! Call now, at 724-742-2700. If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention you saw Dr. Vactor in the Northern Connection September issue, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs. Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible. F Individual results may vary, depending on starting weight, adherence to the program and other factors. Complete details of the guarantee can be reviewed prior to starting the program.
www.DrVactor.com 724-742-2700 Dr. Michael Vactor, DC
STARTING THE CONVERSATION
What do you think of the “Cursive Controversy?” Is handwriting a thing of the past? BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
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here are only so many hours in a day and so many schools have stopped teaching cursive, also known as handwriting or penmanship. They are teaching “keyboarding” instead. Since computers have become an integral part of the learning environment, I understand the need to be proficient at typing and using the keyboard. However, I can also see the importance of learning to read and write cursive. Personally, I write extensively in cursive and perhaps it’s rather selfish, but, I want the younger generation to be able to read my handwriting, my journals, little notes and so forth. Even more importantly, I want them to be able to read historical documents in their original form, such as the Declaration of Independence. Although most importantly, I want them to be able to sign their own name. Therefore, I took it upon myself to homeschool my nephews in cursive during their summer break. As with any chore, they weren’t too crazy about the idea. But now that they have the skill, they are rather proud of it. Their ability to read and write cursive may even become a marketable skill; perhaps one day, they will become “handwriting translators” and bridge the past with the future. But, as always, what do you think? What do you think of abandoning cursive and what do you think of homeschooling in general or homeschooling for specific skills and classes? Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com or email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net. F
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Northern Connection | September 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com
Selling The North Area! Hampton Twp. $985,000
Richland $769.000
Gloria Carroll 412-551-0616
Paul Murray 412-219-2060
Patty Pellegrini 412-303-8888
All brick exterior home in The Villas of North Park with 5 BR; 4.5 baths & 3-car attached garage on manicured level lot. Five fireplaces throughout home including master suite with his & her walk-in closets. Kitchen with custom cabinetry opens to hearth room and breakfast area. Huge finished lower level offers wet bar, full bath & MORE!
This Italian Design Custom home with Stucco & Stone finish offers 5 bedrooms and 4 full baths. Complete with a gorgeous “Mother-in-law” suite this beautiful home has a fantastic entertaining space, fenced in pool area and a back yard unlike anything around it. Just minutes from Cranberry and Pittsburgh.
Ross Township $294,000
Ross Twp. $164,900
Marge or Don Kolessar 412-496-7717
Richard Bozzo 724-777-1678
Charming 4 bedroom 2 story featuring a three season sunroom and a two car integral garage with a deep concrete driveway built upon a beautiful large yard. Great Location! Convenient to schools, shopping and major transportation routes!
Three bedroom, two full baths split entry in Ross Township at 4541 Brethauer Avenue in the North Hills School District. Updated kitchen and baths. Easily accessible to the entire Pittsburgh Area. Great schools and great communities.
Bellevue $154,900
Shaler Twp. $136,000
Mark Ritchey 412-527-6979
Rachel Berlin 412-266-2280
Beautiful, Updated 4 Bedroom 2 Full Bathroom home in Bellevue. This home features a large 21x12 1st floor Master Bedroom, large kitchen with tile countertops, and stainless steel appliances. Convenient off street parking with integral one car garage. First floor laundry. Privately fenced large backyard with a pool! A rare find in Bellevue, Minutes to I-279 or route 65!
A traditional cape cod in the heart of Shaler! This lovely home is on an oversized lot and has solid hardwood floors on both 1st and 2nd floors. The home has two generous-sized bedrooms and 1.5 bath. Many new items throughout this home, such as a kitchen, garage door & opener, full bath, A/C, hot water heater, porch awning, outdoor stairs, gas fireplace, and retaining wall. Minutes to McKnight Rd, Route 8 and close to downtown.
West Deer $144,900
Adams Twp. $304,900
Dawn Landis 412-559-6286
Betsy Goetz 412-999-8091
Adorable cape cod in a beautiful, peaceful setting with an amazing price. This well-built, charming home sits on nearly 3 acres of beautiful land. Whoever buys this will own a wonderful piece of history! This was the site of the Tonet Christmas tree farm. Also, some of the only producing chestnut trees in the area are included in this property. This 2 bedroom home has been updated with a newer furnace, water heater, and granite counters in the kitchen.
This beautifully appointed townhouse has everything you have been looking for. Bay Windows in the Living Room and Master Bedroom. Raised hearth Fireplace. Crown molding in the Kitchen and Dining Room with Corian counter tops/Peninsula with Cherry Cabinets. Deck and Patio for entertaining. Convenient location !
412-367-8000 ©2015 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchise of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc.® Equal Housing Opportunity. Information not verified or guaranteed. If your home is currently listed with a Broker, this is not a solicitation.
BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 - PART 2
More Innovations in the Classroom BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
We, at Northern Connection magazine, continue to applaud the many educators in our area schools that continually seek out new, leadingedge technologies and methodologies to integrate into their classrooms. Working extensively to instill a sense of the love of learning into their students. Past Innovations in the Classroom are still available on our website at www.northernconnectionmag.com and we will continue highlighting new innovations and programs in the coming months. Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh is gearing-up for another great year participating in the international, FLL LEGO Challenge. The mission of the club, “is to inspire young people to be science and technology leaders, by engaging them in exciting mentor-based programs that build science, engineering and technology skills, that inspire innovation, and that foster well-rounded life capabilities including self-confidence, communication, and leadership.” Designed for 9-14 year olds, the team members design, engineer and program robotics to achieve and navigate through a series of challenges. In addition, the students
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must collaborate, problem-solve, and use mathematical calculations to calculate time, distance, and effort required in achieving each challenge. The Lego EV3 Mindstorm robot is a computer with attachments including infrared sensors, touch sensors, color sensors, gyroscopes, ultrasonic sensors and motors that the students can program to accomplish a challenge. Last year was the club’s rookie year and achieved 7th out of 64 teams and the club is already looking forward to this year’s competition. This year the team is moving into the ARC - “the Aquinas Robotics Center” where the motto is: “And then came the robots.” To learn more, visit http://www.aquinasacademy.info. A.W. Beattie Career Center – A.W. Beattie Career Center offers many innovative and high tech programs of study including Computer Systems Technology, Advanced Computer Programming, Network Engineering Technology and Agile Robotics/Advanced
A.W. Beattie Career Center Manufacturing. The Agile Robotics/ Advanced Manufacturing program is supported through partnerships with the Advanced Manufacturing Industry, local colleges and universities including California University of Pennsylvania, Community College of Allegheny County and Carnegie Mellon University. In this program students move through a series of introductory activities into advanced design and control challenges using curriculum developed through the National Robotics Engineering Center. Students also develop skills related to Advanced Manufacturing including CNC, FANUC Robotic Arm and 3D modeling (Continued on page 30)
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BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 - PART 2
and printing. During the summer of 2015, A. W. Beattie Career Center received a STEM Pilot Project Grant in the amount of $56,000 through the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board. The Career Center was able to host an Advanced Robotics Camp that engaged students with new hands-on robotics and programming. The second part of this grant was to provide on-the-job learning experiences for students. To learn more, visit http:// www.beattietech.com. Edinboro University – Edinboro University integrates state-of-the-art computer technology and cutting-edge scientific instruments to facilitate effective classroom learning. The EU Nursing Department includes three high-fidelity human-patient simulator rooms (a maternity suite, a pediatrics room and an adult medical/surgical room), allowing for
Edinboro University simulation of clinical situations within an interactive and safe learning environment. A recent grant allowed the department to replace the Adult Human Patient Simulator with a more-sophisticated model that includes an advanced drug recognition system. The system allows students to administer drugs while simultaneously registering the amount, speed and type of drug automatically and apply-
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ing the appropriate physiological responses, among numerous other innovations. In the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, the Oculus Rift, a virtual reality head-mounted display, has bridged the famous divide between the arts and sciences, rallying students from across the academic spectrum and opening the door to limitless interdisciplinary possibilities. Used by the University’s nationally ranked Game and Virtual World Development major, on which the Computer Science Department collaborates with EU’s celebrated animation program, this one small instrument allows our students to develop professional-level gaming environments. Professors at the University are exploring how the device can be utilized to re-create major events and place students inside them virtually to create a real-time feel, creating limitless educational possibilities in the fields of history, the forensic and military sciences, psychology and education. Beyond the classroom, the University has committed itself to innovative green energy initiatives and sustainability projects that attest to our work toward an energy-efficient future. These include a solar array, geothermal heating systems in several residence halls and academic buildings, and motion sensor-based lighting systems. Both in and outside of the classroom, Edinboro University is at the forefront of technological innovation in an effort to fully prepare our students to be competitive in today’s tech-centric world. To learn more, visit http://www.edinboro.edu. Holy Family Academy – Holy Family Academy is an innovative, independent Catholic high school for families of any means. This state-of-the-art school
employs several advanced teaching methodologies, including integrated learning that blends academics across disciplines; a work study program that provides students with real-life experience; and the “flipped-classrooms” teaching-style in several classes. With the “flippedclassroom,” homework becomes classprep where students prepare for class by doing a reading assignment or watching
Holy Family Academy a video; then, during class time, they do projects, experiments, work in teams to collaborate, problem solve, and so much more. For example, in conjunction with Edmentum, an online learning program designed to drive student achievement for academic and career success, math classes have been “flipped” so that each student can have a personal, individualized learning plan for math. Using what is called the “lab rotation model,” the class has two teachers and students rotate through three groups that can include one-on-one time with a teacher, a teacher led group, or a team-based project that is peer-led. This way, students can move and learn at their own pace. Likewise in the sciences, students first explore a topic such as ecology within Canvas, the Academy’s learning management system and then use class-time for performing hands-on experiments and projects. With a “flipped” classroom, students learn collaboration, creative problem solving and other skills necessary for success both today and within the innovative jobs of the future. To learn more, visit www.hfapgh.org or call (412) 307-0230 to schedule a tour. Oakland Catholic – Oakland Catholic has been busy over the summer with many innovative programs and projects, including the building out and refurbishing of the computer center to a new, high-tech Collaboration Center. In the Collaboration Center, new four-person pods have been installed where each (Continued on page 32)
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student can connect her school-provided MacBook Air, wirelessly to the pods for group projects. The pods are outfitted with a large monitor and digital, interactive whiteboards for Oakland Catholic brainstorming and other collaborative communication and problem-solving. There is also a Teacher Center, where the teacher can push materials out to the pods, students can push to the teacher, or she can push out to the rest of the class. The Collaboration Center and high-tech pods are ideal for many projects and are transforming many of the classes to include small-group projects from businesses, other schools and other countries. For example, in Karisa Haslett’s math class, students will be working in teams to plan an activity for local elementary school students and will use the Collaboration center to prepare and present to the elementary school in monthly face-time sessions, via the webcams and other technologies in the Collaboration Center. Other activities will include international projects and students will even be able to celebrate the Chinese New Year in real-time with families and counterparts in China. To learn more, visit http://www.oaklandcatholic.org.
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Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School (OLSH) – OLSH is proudly growing its OLSH Writing and Learning Center (or O.W.L. Center.) The focus of the O.W.L. Center is to develop students into stronger writers for college and for the rest of their lives. This innovative center was founded by the Chair of the English Department, Barbara Desman, and through a partnership with Duquesne University and led by Duquesne University’s own Dr. Jim Purdy, PhD., who trained teachers and peer tutors to help students develop polished writing styles of a professional quality and help students find their own “voice” as a writer. The O.W.L Center has a total of 22 peer writing tutors and 41 peer academic subject experts dedicated to assisting their fellow students. For example, the center can help students with any writ-
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart ing assignment in any subject such as, history term papers, senior cross-cultural projects and much more. Last year, in its inaugural year, over 75% of students were either involved in the center tutoring or being tutored. Now, entering its second year, the O.W.L. Center continues to grow. To learn more, visit http://www.olsh.org/. Quigley Catholic High School Autumn is arriving with its annual splash of colors and the promise of crisp morning air, and Quigley Catholic High School is adding its own array of brightness and freshness to the season. Over the summer the gym was completely repainted and refreshed and the burgundy and white ambience emits a powerful symbol of both renewal and tradition. The gym hosts not only athletic competitions but also many other student activities including drama productions, assemblies and school Masses. The athletics program is also boosted this year by the appointment of Matt Kuntz as the new athletic director. Bringing with him (Continued on page 34)
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BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 - PART 2 a wealth of experience as both an athlete and coach, Mr. Kuntz is excited about the prospects for Spartan squads this year. “My goal is to promote participation and sportsmanship,” he said. Quigley Catholic is also pleased to announce that Madie Hudak will be the head coach of the rejuvenated girls’ varsity volleyball team. The library at Quigley Catholic also is sporting a new look. Freshly painted and re-designed to offer a better environment for both private study and group interaction, the library offers access to technology and a comfortable and quiet place for students to sharpen their research skills while casting an occasional glance out the expansive windows that look upon the courtyard. To learn more, visit http://www.qchs.org. St. Gregory School – St. Gregory School has a strong focus on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in our middle-level grades. Did you know that only 1 in 10 schools (high schools included) teach computer programming? St. Gregory School is very proud to be one of those schools. So
St. Gregory School far, they have been able to expose their students to two different programs. The STEM focus has been very beneficial to their students. Students in grades six through eight each receive a Google Chromebook. Chromebooks are a type of computer/tablet designed to help students and teachers get things done faster and easier. Chromebooks have built-in cloud storage, popular Google products for education, apps, and much more to better students’ learning experience. Students and teachers can use “GAnimate” to create video projects, “Geogebra” to learn geometric theorems, and other apps for conferencing and collaboration. With the new Chromebooks, our middle school students have technology incorporated in their daily learning. Their vision is to integrate technology as much as possible into their middle school curriculum to better prepare their students for high
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school. Since all of their classrooms are equipped with SMARTboards teachers are able to engage the students better and make for an exciting, learning environment. In addition, the younger grades attend weekly computer class where they are taught computer coding along with educational, innovative games. Technology is an important part of the St. Gregory students’ education in addition to Spanish and the rigorous diocesan aligned curriculum. If you would like more information about St. Gregory School and the ways they can help prepare your children for the future, visit stgregzelie.org or call (724) 4529731 and schedule a tour. Saint James Catholic School in Sewickley – Saint James Catholic School: Excellent Minds - Exceptional Hearts. Saint James School is getting ready for the 2015-2016 school year with 161 students is proud to welcome Ms. Jamie Zik as the new Second Grade Teacher. In addition, several improvements and upgrades include: 25 iPads for student use in grades 6-7-8. iPads were also purchased for teachers at all grade levels and will have interactive capability with the SMARTboards that are in each classroom. The school itself has an updated look with new carpeting installed in the middle school rooms on the second floor; stairs, handrails and the kitchen in the cafeteria were painted royal blue; motion light fixtures were placed in the bathrooms to help save on utility bills; new surveillance cameras have been installed throughout the school. St. James Catholic School in Sewickley offers kindergarten thru eighth grade and half -day Pre-School for 3 year olds on Tuesday and Thursday, and full or half- day Pre-School for 4 year olds on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. St. James Catholic School is located at 201 Broad Street in Sewickley. For more information or to schedule a tour, please call (412) 741-5540 or visit www.saintjamesschool.us. Saint Vincent College – Saint Vincent College’s growing Master of Science in Management: Operational Excellence (MSMOE) program is now offering a hybrid online option in a new high-technology classroom on campus. Students can take courses either in a classroom or “online” but in real-time and in person via a new, tele-presence technology system. The heart of the
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Saint Vincent College system is a pan zoom tilt camera that shoots in all directions. The faces of all of the students in the class – whether they are present in the classroom or thousands of miles away – appear on a screen in the classroom along with the instructor. And the instructor has the ability to project anything written on a whiteboard as well as auxiliary images from PowerPoint presentations, spreadsheets, Internet sites or other sources. Current students to classroom lectures come from Pennsylvania, California, Georgia, West Virginia, Florida and China among other national and international areas. As an online learner, students are expected to log-in during class lectures to join their in-classroom counterparts in order to contribute to discussions. Students in China log-in at 5:30 in the morning to participate live in the classroom. “The major benefit to the students is flexibility,” commented Dr. William J. Hisker, professor of management, “Because these are graduate students and many of them do not have control over their schedules. But this system enables them to log on from wherever they are. It also preserves the advantage of the in-class experience.” To learn more, visit www.stvincent.edu. Sewickley Academy – Middle School science at Sewickley Academy is where engaged students and passionate teachers work together in the classroom. Specifically through the new program “Investigating and Questioning our World through Science and Technology (IQWST)” which is a new world-class, rigorous, investigation-centered science curriculum designed to challenge and engage Middle School students. IQWST includes a truly Interactive Digital Edition (IDE) for tablets and laptops, enabling students and faculty to leverage the power of a 1-to-1 environment. As a 1-to1 school, the Academy uses the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) model, taking advantage of the enormous power of technology by ensuring that it is in the hands of every student Grades 6 through
12. Students will use their digital devices while investigating phenomena, collecting, organizing, and analyzing data, and using their data to construct explanations. The IDE expands the ways in which students are able to engage with science as it incorporates audio, video, graphic simulations, and writing and drawing tools. Lessons are organized into thematic units that support students as they build understanding of core ideas in science as well as understanding and use of scientific practices. Students also pursue their own original questions in units that integrate the fundamentals of Physical Sciences, Life Science, and Earth and Space Science. To learn more, visit http://www.sewickley.org. Be sure and look for more Innovations in the Classroom in our October issue! If you are implementing an innovative program or enrichment lessons for the coming school year, be sure and let us know by emailing NorthCon@consolidated.net or calling (724) 940-2444. F
Back to School Directory Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh aquinasacademy.info 724-444-0722
A.W. Beattie Career Center Beattietech.com 412-366-2800
Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School Cwnchs.org 412-321-4823
The Campus School of Carlow University Campusschool.carlow.edu 412-578-6158
Carlow University Carlow.edu 412-578-6000
Central Catholic High School Centralcatholichs.com 412-621-7505
Cynthia’s School of Dance cynthiasschoolofdance.com 412-367-3330
Early Years
EarlyYearsInc.com 412-318-4607
Eden Christian Academy
Montessori Centre Academy
Berkeley Hills Campus Edenchristianacademy.org 412-364-8055
Oakland Catholic
Eden Christian Academy
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart
Wexford Campus Edenchristianacademy.org 724-935-9301
Eden Christian Academy Mt. Nebo Campus Edenchristianacademy.org 412-741-2825
Edinboro University Edinboro.edu 888-8GO-BORO
Holy Family Academy Hfa-pgh.org 412-307-0230
The Glen Montessori School Glenmontessori.org 412-318-4885
Holy Sepulcher Catholic School holysepulcher.org/school 724-586-5022
La Roche College laroche.edu 800-838-4572
Little Appleseed Learning Ctr, LLC
montessoricentreacademy.com (412) 486-6239
615 Warrendale Road Gibsonia, Pa. 15044 724-625-4029 www.littleappleseedlearningcenter.com
Oaklandcatholic.org 412- 682-6633 olsh.org 412-264-5140
Saint Joseph High School
http://www.saintjosephhs.com/ 724-226-4932
PA Cyber Charter School Pacyber.org 1-888-PACYBER
Saint Vincent College
Providence Heights Alpha School 412-366-4455 Alphaschool.org
www.stvincent.edu/academics/ english www.stvincent.edu/visit 412-486-5511
Quigley Catholic High School
Sewickley Academy
Qchs.org 724-869-2188
Sewickley.org 412- 741-2230
Rothrock’s Kung Fu
Studio 19 Dance Complex
Rothrockskungfu.com 724-940-0120
Saint Alexis Catholic School Stalexisschool.org 724-935-3940
Saint Gregory School Stgregs.net (724) 452-9731
Saint James School Stjamesschool.us 412-741-5540
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Facebook/Instagram @studio19dancecomplex 724-779-0019
TenderCare Learning Centers
Wexford, McCandless, Hampton & Cranberry Earlyeducationpros.org
Vincentian Academy
Vincentianacademy.org 412-364-1616 ext. 123
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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL 2015 - PART 2
Dance for FUN! at Cynthia’s School of Dance! Lessons Learned at Cynthia’s School of Dance Build Resilience.
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ynthia’s School of Dance helps children become confident and build resiliency at a very young age. Through dance skills, children learn stage presence, to work as a team and much more, all in preparation to recognize opportunities and handle the challenges they will face later in life. We create success, both in and out of the dance classroom, in our comfortable, relaxed, non-competitive environment. Children come to Cynthia’s starting around 2 years of age. They have limited vocabulary and some don’t talk yet. It’s pre-verbal time and it is okay to attend in diapers. Dr. Cynthia Zurchin recommends girls and boys start early to be healthy, happy and have success!
By joining classes at Cynthia’s you will notice your child build:
• Self-control – Learning to take turns and be patient. • Confidence – Dance steps which seemed difficult last week eventually become easier with continued effort. Cynthia’s gives support to the students to keep improving. Performing in front of an audience at an early age builds confidence. Many students find they like to perform in front of large audiences. Students will carry this confidence with them in and out of the dance classroom. • A Positive Outlook – By giving encouragement, students learn at Cynthia’s that continued effort produces achievement. • Responsibility – Students have to make choices during class. The teacher facilitates the learning and the students are 100% involved. The teaching staff at Cynthia’s are positive caring role models- Miss Eileen, Miss Andrea, Miss Jenny, Miss Kaylin, Miss Kaitlyn & Miss Nicole – many staff members have been with us- 5, 10, 15 and over 20 years. • Participation – At Cynthia’s, dancers of all ages meet new friends and learn to be kind to each other. • Thinking skills – Children learn to follow directions, Cynthia’s incorporates math and language arts skills into their dance curriculums. Thereby, students become comfortable in a classroom setting and ready for school.
Dance Classes at Cynthia’s help children develop:
• Physically – coordination, balance, movement, patterns as physical control. • Emotionally – dance provides a physical release of emotions, awareness of others, appreciation of oneself and the great things they can do as young children. Cynthia’s incorporates yoga into many of the dance classes helping students learn to breath and relax while they focus on their time in class. • Socially – cooperation with group dynamic and make lasting friendships
Also, studies show that children who participate in dance perform better academically.
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Cynthia’s offers classes for girls and boys ages 2- adult. We also offer an interactive child and adult class for ages 18-24 months, as well as, classes for young teens who love to dance and have other school and family commitments.
When looking for a dance studio, what are the questions to ask? Q. What are the qualifications of the Director and teachers of the Studio? A. Cynthia holds a doctorate degree in education and was principal of an elementary school. Many of the teachers hold a degree in dance and/or education. Their students have gone on to dance professionally on cruise ships, Busch Gardens, Disney, or achieved other successful careers. Q. Are background checks conducted on the Teachers? A. At Cynthia’s all instructors have been screened with background checks. Q. Can you observe your child at all times? A. Cynthia’s School of Dance has large windows into the classroom where parents and families can watch their child’s participation and growth. Q. Is the dance teacher a caring, knowledgeable, patient and willing work with each child? A. The instructors at Cynthia’s, most of whom are professional educators, have been personally selected for their nurturing skills for each, individual child. Q. Is the curriculum, choreography, costumes & atmosphere age appropriate? A. Cynthia’s School of Dance proudly maintains an age appropriate curriculum, expectations, costumes, songs and choreography. Cynthia’s School of Dance is conveniently and centrally located at 4721 McKnight Road in the Northland Shopping Center. To learn more, visit www.cynthiasschoolofdance.com or call 412367-3330. F
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EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT
A.W. Beattie Career Center Celebrating 50 Years of Preparing Students for Their “NEXT STEP” in Life.
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stablished in 1965, A. W. Beattie Career Center has educated well over 27,000 students during the past 50 years. Throughout its 50 years, all students who attend A. W. Beattie Career Center build upon their academics with real-life experience, due to an innovative blending of their sending district academics and Beattie’s authentic hands-on career preparation and technology courses. This innovative school is completely out-fitted with everything students will need to succeed. For example, the Culinary Arts have a professional kitchen and a fully equipped restaurant; Cosmetology has a complete salon, and the Agile Robotics and Advanced Manufacturing program has industry level equipment, including a FANUC Robot Arm, plastic injection modeling, along with PLC’s and PIC’s. Over the past 50 years, the community has supported the continued efforts and programs offered through the A. W. Beattie Career Center with many business leaders participating on their advisory board and providing real-life experience. For instance, the
students have been instrumental in building the new McCandless History Museum where they have done framing, roofing, HVAC and carpentry finish work within the building. Regarding the building of the McCandless History Museum, Northern Connection’s own Town Crier and historian, Joe Bullick, explains, “I personally met and shook hands with each of the 30 students who were involved in the building of the museum, and they nicknamed me the ‘Old Man’. I thought it was important to be visual throughout the project and emphasize to the kids on how proud they should be with the great job they are doing, and how they are creating a legacy for the rest of their lives.” Students have the opportunity to earn industry certifications for their particular program while attending the A. W. Beattie Career Center. For example, in the Automotive Technology Program, students may earn their PA State Inspection and Emissions Certifications along with S/P2 Work Place Safety. Similarly, for the Culinary Arts Program, students can earn ServSafe Food
Safety, Pro Start, S/P2 Work Place Safety, and S/P2 Food Safety industry certifications. Last year, A. W. Beattie Career Center Students achieved 943 industry certifications. According to Rick Okraszewski, director of Training at the Carpenter’s Joint Apprenticeship and Training program, “Beattie does a great job in preparing their students. Beattie students are always exceptionally prepared to step into our program and excel at their apprenticeship.” Through A. W. Beattie Career Center, students split their time between Beattie and their home school where they can take classes one half of the day and spend the other half day at Beattie. Students are provided transportation and can still participate in the extracurricular activities at their home school. The eighteen program areas are designed for students in grades 10-12 enrolled from the following school districts: Avonworth, Deer Lakes, Fox Chapel Area, Hampton Township, North Allegheny, Northgate, North Hills, Pine Richland and Shaler Area. The Programs at A. W. Beattie Career Center include: • Advanced Computer Programming • Advertising Design • Agile Robotics/Advanced Manufacturing • Automotive Collision Technology • Automotive Technology • Carpentry/Building Construction • Computer Systems Technology • Cosmetology • Culinary Arts • Dental Careers • Early Childhood Education • Emergency Response Technology • Health and Nursing Sciences • Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning • Network Engineering Technology • Pastry Arts • Pharmacy Based on a survey of recent alumni, 46% were enrolled in post-secondary education; 56% are gainfully employed and 2% are serving in the military. During the summer of 2015, A. W. Beattie Career Center received a STEM Pilot Project Grant in the amount of $56,000 through the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board. The Career Center was able to host an Advanced Robotics Camp that engaged students with new hands-on robotics and programming. The second part of this grant was to provide on-the-job learning experiences for students. A. W. Beattie was able to place nine students on stipend learning experiences for the 2015-2016 school year. The Career Center additionally received a $36,000 Business & Education partnership grant through the Three Rivers Workforce Investment Board to provide students with on-site internships, industry certifications, and dual enrollment opportunities. The A. W. Beattie Career Center is conveniently located at 9600 Babcock Boulevard in Allison Park, to learn more, visit http:// www.beattietech.com. F
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Studio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex
tudio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex is a nationally recognized studio, owned and operated by Tammy Croftcheck who is also the artistic director. Most recently, Studio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex won both the 2015 VIP National Studio of the Year and 2015 Top VIP Choreography/ Choreographer of the Year at the VIP National Dance Competition. Tammy is a member of Dance Educators of America (DEA), Professional Dance Teachers Association, USA Gymnastics (Safety Certified) and Who’s Who for Executives and Professionals. Tammy began dancing at the age of six and had an extensive career of her own where she continued to dance, model and act, professionally and was featured in numerous television commercials and TV appearances, print ads, billboards, calendars etc. However, she realized she truly loved teaching, choreographing and helping her students reach their full potential. She was the recipient of the 2004/2005 International Teacher/ Choreographer of the Year Award and Outstanding Over-All Studio Excellence. Tammy Croftcheck has owned and operated a studio for the past 25 years. Her current studio, Studio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex, is now in its 11th season. Studio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex has been named by the Federation of Dance as the NUMBER ONE DANCE STUDIO in PENNSYLVANIA, NUMBER ONE DANCE STUDIO IN THE NORTHEAST REGION and one of the TOP THREE DANCE STUDIOS IN THE UNITED STATES. In addition, several of their students have gone on to dance professionally on the east and west coasts in award shows and as back-up dancers to many A-list celebrities. Also, students and the studio have been featured on Glee, Star Search, America’s Got Talent
and So You Think You Can Dance. Tammy has also been joined by an extensive staff of highly-trained professionals. Including their Master Ballet teacher, Alan Obuzor, formerly of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater and who is now the director of his own professional contemporary ballet company called “Texture.” Mr. Obuzor was recently featured in Dance magazine as one of the top 25 male dancers in the world. In addition, Chloe and her sister Clara, formerly from the hit television series Dance Moms, have joined the studio to further their dance education. Chloe recently won the 2015 Nickelodeon® Teen Choice Dancer.
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At Studio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex, classes include Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Tammy Croftcheck Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, Tumbling, Contortion, as well as, preschool and tot classes. Studio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex welcomes dancers from two years old through adult. Both competitive and non-competitive classes are available. Fall registrations for the 20152016 season at Studio 19 Dance and Tumbling Complex are now being accepted. Late registration is on Wednesday, September 2 from 4:008:00. Fall classes begin September 9. New students are always welcome. For more information, be sure and visit and Like their Facebook page at https:// www.facebook.com/pages/Studio-19Dance-Complex/216313705083055 and on Instagram at Studio 19 Dance Complex. F
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School Movers & Shakers The Tuition Assistance Fund Committee of the AOH St. Patrick Division 4 of the North Hills held a check presentation on March 13 at St. Alphonsus Parish in Wexford for twelve Catholic elementary schools from the North Side and North Hills. St. Alphonsus is in the midst of celebrating their 175th year as a parish and 125th anniversary of their school. Each school received $750 for their Angel Funds. They were Assumption School (Bellevue), Northside Catholic, Christ the Divine Teacher Academy (Aspinwall), St. Alexis (McCandless), St. Alphonsus (Wexford), St. Bonaventure (Shaler), St. James (Sewickley), St. Kilian (Cranberry), St. Mary (Glenshaw), St. Sebastian (Ross), St. Teresa of Avila (Perrysville) and St. Ursula in (Hampton). The monies raised for this event comes from AOH Division 4’s Irish Heritage Golf Classic held in September at Diamond Run Golf Club. Over the past seven years it has raised nearly $25,000 for these schools. This year’s event is September 28. Corporate and tee sponsors and players, as well as prizes donation, are welcomed.
Fox Chapel Three Fox Chapel Area High School 2015 graduates and four students placed at the 2015 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference. Brad Jamiolkowski, Christopher Selwood, and Andrew Wissinger placed first in Marketing; Stephen Polcyn placed fourth in Networking Concepts; Rohan Chalasani placed fifth in Intro to Business; and Sophia Lee and Yelim Lee placed seventh in LifeSmarts. A total of 140 current Fox Chapel Area High School students and 2015 graduates have been named Advanced Placement (AP) Scholars by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level AP examinations taken in May 2015. Dorseyville Middle School seventh grader Amulya Garimella has been named a finalist in the 2015 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Amulya is one of only 10 students to be named a finalist from across the nation.
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Shaler Area Fifteen Shaler Area High School students traveled across the globe to Japan to learn about the country and people from July 10-20. Led by Gerra Gembarosky, Shaler Area Middle School Japanese teacher, students had the opportunity to use their Japanese language skills and experience their culture firsthand. Burchfield Primary School students made a connection with students in a remote mountain village in Honduras through sharing art and music. Art teacher, Jennie O’Dell and music teacher Susan Randall helped raise awareness and spirits of the Honduran people in the town of San Jose del Negrito, a village of 1600 people in El Negrito District of Yoro Province. Working with a local Pittsburgh branch of a national organization called Shoulder to Shoulder, Inc. Burchfield families and friends helped raise $1,200 for the local community of San Jose.
Seneca Valley Two Connoquesnessing Valley Elementary (CVE) teachers in the Seneca Valley School District were invited to be Situated Multimedia Arts Learning Lab (SMALLab) Ambassadors. Elizabeth Wimer and Linda Orr were chosen because of their expertise in this field.
Shady Side Academy A total of 19 current students and recent graduates of Shady Side Academy Senior School have earned 2015 AP Scholar Awards in recognition of their exceptional achievement on AP Exams. Two of those 19 students, Connor Colombo (Hampton), and Roy Navid (Fox Chapel), earned the additional designation of National AP Scholar.
University of Pittsburgh The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine has been awarded a $2 million, five-year, Title VII grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Saint Vincent College
Saint Vincent College has announced publication of a book, Pittsburgh Steelers Training Camp: 50 Years at Saint Vincent, in conjunction with the observance of the 50th annual summer training camp. Lauren M. Churilla, curator of the Saint Vincent College Foster and Muriel McCarl Coverlet Gallery and lecturer in the department of history, is a co-author of Kentucky by Design: The Decorative Arts and American Culture, published in July by the University of Kentucky Press. Ben Schachter, professor of fine arts at Saint Vincent College, authored a chapter entitled, “The Eruv: Urban Drawing, Social Structure,” in a book on contem-
porary drawing, Drawing in the Twenty-First Century, The Politics and Poetics of Contemporary Practice, published by Ashgate Lund Humphries, Ltd. Publishers, London. Dr. Susan Huffman, national president of Alpha Lambda Delta National Honor Society for FirstYear Students, announced that a Jo Anne J. Trow Scholarship in the amount of $2,000 has been awarded to Maura Snyder, a junior psychology major at Saint Vincent College. Dr. Matthew A. Fisher, associate professor of chemistry in the Herbert W. Boyer School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Computing at Saint Vincent College, is one of 78 members of the American Chemical Society (ACS) named to its 2015 Fellows Program. Shimira Williams has been named the first Community Fellow at the Fred Rogers Center for Ealy Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College.
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HAPPENINGS September 2015
Deadline for submissions is by the 12th of the month prior to publication.
September 2015 Happenings North Happenings Mondays Chisel and Chips Carvers of North Pittsburgh meetings, meets 6:30-10 p.m., the 2nd Monday of every month, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Call (724) 940-0034. Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus, meets every Monday at 7 p.m., Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. Visit Bogmeisters.com. Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 3rd Monday of every month 7 p.m., Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Sept. 21, “Belle Boyd, Confederate Spy.” Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329. Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m. Mondays, no show Sept. 7 (Labor Day), Cinderella, Sept. 14, The Longest Ride; Sept. 21, Woman in Gold; Sept. 28, Little Boy; Oct. 5, The Age of Adeline, Oct. 12, I’ll See You in My Dreams, Oct. 19, Tomorrowland, Oct. 26, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www. thelegacylineup.com/movies/
Tuesdays North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3rd Tues., of the month, North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. Visit www. facebook.com/NPMOMS.
Thursdays Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m. the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 779-1854.
Arts & Entertainment Butler Symphony Orchestra presents One Night Only Maestro Matthew Kraemer, Concertmaster, with Bill Purvis, Jim Pugh & Steve Heyde, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 26, Community Alliance Church, Mercer Rd., Butler. Visit butlersymphony.org. Cabaret Theatre: Tommy Tune, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 5, 655 Penn Avenue. For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or TrustArts.org. Children’s Theatre: Alexander Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move, 2 p.m., Oct. 18 & 10:15 a.m., Oct. 19, Byham Theatre and 7 p.m., Oct. 23 & 11 a.m., Oct. 24, Marshall Middle School, Caps for Sale: The Musical, 2 p.m., Nov.
15 & 10:15 a.m., Nov. 16, Byham Theatre, 2 p.m., Nov. 22, Seneca Valley Intermediate. For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or TrustArts.org. Comedy – Ask Me Another, 8 p.m., Sept. 29, Byham Theatre. For tickets, (412) 456-6666 or TrustArts.org. Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shady Side Academy upcoming shows: King Michael: A Glorious Tribute to the King of Pop, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 17; Cas Public: Symphonie Dramatique, Nov. 14. Purchase tickets at, (412) 968-3040 or www.thehillman.org. Legacy Theatres shows: The Philadelphia Story, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 12 & 19; 2 p.m., Sept. 13 & 20, Elvis Tribute: One Night With You, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 17; Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 14 & 21 & 2 p.m., Nov. 15 & 22; Johnny Angel & the Halos Christmas Show, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5; Sinatra: A Century of Song, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup. com.
Health & Wellness Allegheny Health Network, Wexford Health & Wellness Pavilion: Whole Grains: Understanding Carbohydrates, noon-1 p.m., Sept. 10, healthycookingforlife@wpahs. org; Celebrate Life: Cheers to a GlutenFree Lifestyle, 5-9 p.m., Sept. 10, (412) 359-3733; Planks in the Pavillion: Stray Dog Yoga & The Dailey Method, 9-10 a.m., Sept. 12, (412) 330-4469; Summer Running Club, 7:3-8:30 a.m., Sept. 12, (412) 330-4469; Health for Her: Don’t Let Menopause Give You “Pause,” 6:30-8 p.m., Sept. 24, (412) 469-7002; Weight Loss Information Session, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Sept. 30 (412) 3628677, opt. 1. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and Pirates Charities team up and created recipe cards that focus on nutrition. Visit www.pittsburghfoodbank.com. Lupus Events – Oct. 3, Fall Education Seminar, 9 a.m., Grand Concourse; Lopin for Lupus Get-a-Gold Futurity & Open Show, Pure Gold Equestrian Center in Salem, Ohio. Visit www.lupus.pa.org. Our Clubhouse is opening registration for CLIMB, a free six-week support program for children who have a parent with cancer. The program begins Sept. 8. Call (412) 338-1919 or visit ourclubhouse. org/climb.
Outreach Donations of food and school supplies needed at NHCO. For details,(412) 487-6316, opt. ext. 3143 or visit vdburst@nhco.org. Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Allison Park is now a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.
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North Hills Community Outreach Welcomes excess garden produce, Donations can be dropped off at NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Rd., Hampton. Call (412) 487-6316, or www.nhco.org. North Hills Community Outreach Winter Coat Drive begins Sept. 1 runs thru Oct. 30. Drop donations off NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Rd., Hampton. For info, (412) 487-6316, opt. 1 or vdburst@ nhco.org. North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.1:45 p.m. every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www.northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.
Support Groups Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. For details, (412) 748-6640. Bereavement Support Group (for widows/widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed. Hosted by St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300. Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills, 10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Contact Heritage Hospice at (724) 3346600 with questions. Breast Cancer Support Group, 6 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Allegheny Health Network-Wexford Health & Wellness Pavilion. RSVP at (412) 622-1212. Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., every Wed., of the month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Phone, (412) 748-6640. Cancer Support Group, 5-6 p.m., 4th Mon., of every month beginning Sept. 28, Allegheny Health Network’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion, 12311 Perry Hwy. Register at (412) 622-1212. Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. To register, call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com. Professional Counseling for seniors, families & kids, for those who can’t afford counseling or lack healthcare coverage. Call (412) 366-1300 or www.anchorpointcounselingministry.org. S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 1st & 3rd Weds, Oct. 7-May 18 (Single Parent Information Network). For info regarding this FREE group contact Joan at (412) 366-1300 x118. Women’s Self Care Support Group, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Sats., Anchorpoint Counseling. Call (412) 366-1300, ext. 129 or www.anchorpointcounselingministry.org.
Counseling Ask the Attorney, free legal consultation for low-income families. Sessions are 7 p.m., Sept. 9, North Boroughs; Oct. 14, NHCO, Allison Park. Call (412) 408-3830 or hzgibbs@nhco.org. Berkley Hills Lutheran Church is offering it Stephen Ministry Program for people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, illnesses, job loss, loss of home, military deployment & other life struggles. Free & confidential program for people of any faith. Call (412) 486-4010 or www.bhlc.org. Employment Counseling is available through Workable, a countywide United Way-funded program through North Hills Community Outreach. For info on workshops & counseling, contact Harriet at (412) 408-3830, ext. 3219 or visit www. workableac.com. Group Services, Intensive Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30 p.m., M,W, Th.,Therapy Group 6-8 p.m., Tues., Family Only Group 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2nd Tues, Psycho-educational Support Group 7-9 p.m., 4th Mon. Contact Anita at 412-215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com. Life After Divorce: Tuesdays, 6-7:30 p.m., Sept 15-Nov 17, Anchorpoint. Ten week educational group for life after divorce and learning to cope with the experience. Call (412) 3661300 to register. Professional Counseling, need someone to talk with but can’t afford it or lack health coverage. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300.
Meet and Move Luncheon sponsored by the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Sept. 14, Hilton Garden Inn, Cranberry Twp. For details, visit pghnorthchamber.com.
North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientations, 6 p.m., Sept. 10, NHCO, Allison Park, 10 a.m., Oct. 15, NHCO Millvale. Call (412) 408-3830 ext. 3204 or pmferraro@ nhco.org.
Networking
Sarver Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 11:30 a.m., Thur., Sept. 3 & 17, Savor in Sarver, 123 Malone Drive. Call Michele at (724) 353-2431.
Volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills. 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutoring training provided. To register call Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, (412) 393-7600 or http:// www.gplc.org/become-a-volunteer.cfm.
AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Wed, at North Park Deckhouse, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Glen at (412) 916-8699. AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. Call Glen at (412) 916-8699. Cranberry Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 7:30 a.m., Thurs., Sept. 3 & 17, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, Cranberry Twp. Call Chris at (412) 735-9494. Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters Club meets at noon every Mon., Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Visit http://cranberryhighnoon. toastmastersclubs.org/. Criders Corner Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, noon, Thur., Sept. 10 & 24, The Sports Grille, 1294 Freedom Rd. Call Annette at (724) 3168005.
Toastmasters Cranberry High Noon Club, meets noon-1 p.m., every Mon., Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Questions? Call (724) 316-3595 or email SueEllis@PeopleLearn.com. Wexford Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 8 a.m., Tues., Sept. 8 & 22, Atria’s Restaurant, Wexford. Call Judith, at (412) 848-7986.
Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon.stalter@cancer.org. Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.
Friday Morning Connections - join the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber at 7:30 a.m. every Friday, beginning Sept. 11, at Hosanna Industries’ new Gibsonia location: 3930 Dickey Rd., Gibsonia. Free networking, guests are welcome. Email hschwartzbauer@pghnorthchamber.com.
Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided. Call (412) 393-7600 or http://www.gplc.org/ become-a-volunteer.cfm.
North Hills Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 9 a.m., Fri., Sept. 18, Eat N’ Park, Rt. 8 & Saxonburg Blvd, Etna. Call Pat at (412) 486-8938.
North Hills Community Outreach has speakers available who will speak at your business, congregation, or school at no charge about our programs. Call Jen at (412) 4876316, opt. 1 or ext. 3112 or JLKissel@nhco.org.
Hiland Preschool’s Fall/Winter Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale Saturday, September 26th, 8:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, September 27th, 1:00pm - 3:00pm (Red Tag Sale 25-50% off.) Gently worn clothes NB- size 12 as well as toys, books and baby equipment. Proceeds support our non-profit preschool. 845 Perry Highway, Ross Twp. • Info @ hilandpreschool.com. www.northernconnectionmag.com
Volunteer Tutors Needed for children struggling with school work. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300 or www.anchorpointcounselingministry.org.
School Events & Courses & Symposiums Community College of Allegheny North (CCAC) Job Fairs: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 7, Boyce Campus; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 21, Allegheny Campus; 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Oct. 28, South Campus; 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 4, North Campus. Visit http://www.ccac.edu. Mercy Parish Nurse and Health Ministry Program, will host “Foundations of Faith Community Nursing,” a five-day, course Sept. 11, 12, 26 & Oct. 2 and 3, (times vary), at UPMC Mercy, 1400 Locust Street,(Uptown). For info, (412) 232-5815 or visit ParishNurse@pmhs.org. Pine-Richland P.A.G.E. (an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Education) presentation, 7 p.m., Sept. 23, PineRichland High School LGI-STEAM Room. Guest speaker Dr. Ann Lupklowski Shoplik, founder and director of C-MITES. Contact prsdpage@gmail.com or visit www.pinerichlandpage.weebly.com.
Seminars Legacy Theatre: How to Protect Yourself from Computer Phishing and Tax Fraud Scams, 11 a.m., Sept. 8; Fire and Ice: The World of Robert Frost, Sept. 25; Haunted Pittsburgh, Oct. 6; North Hills Road Show, Oct. 20. Open to the public. For tickets, call 1-877-987-6487. Psychic Investigators - Suzanne & Jean Vincent, 6:30-8 p.m., Oct. 21, Northern Tier Library, 4015 Dickey Rd., Gibsonia. Register at (724) 449-2654 and 6-7:30 p.m., Tues., Oct. 27, Cranberry Library. Register at (724) 7764806. Murder Mysteries, Ghost Stories and Haunted Places. Bring a food donation for a cat or dog for the Butler County Humane Society. (Continued on page 46)
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HAPPENINGS September 2015 You’re Not Alone: A Workshop for Families Affected by Substance Use & Addiction, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oct. 3, Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center. Sponsored by the Bridge to Hope. Pre-register at (412) 748-5120.
“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse recovery program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler. For info, visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.
Veterans
Cranberry Twp. Lions Club Family Mini-Golf Outing, noon-3 p.m., Oct. 10, Fun Fore All, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Monies raised benefits Leader Dogs for the Blind. $10 per person, includes golf, lunch, and prizes. Contact Chuck at ccaputy@ zoominternet.net.
North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www.qovf.org. Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA Grants to Support Disabled Veterans in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www.va.gov/ adaptivesports. Veterans Discover HOPE HereCareer, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45 p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com. Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. For details, visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_Physically_ Active.asp. Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. For info, call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498.
Fundraisers
Dancing Ballroom Dancing, 7-8 p.m. (beginners), 8-10 p.m., (social) Sept. 11, 25; Oct. 2, 16, Nov. 6, 20 & Dec. 4, Orchard Hill. Call (724) 935-5555 or orchardhillchurch.com. Country Knight Line Dancers host a line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine.beley@ gmail.com. Handicapable Square Dancing, 7-8 p.m., weekly on Thursdays, Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd. For ages 16 & older. Register at (412) 915-8486 or (724) 443-2616 or beatty3@consolidated.net. Holiday Dance Lesson, 7-10 p.m., Oct. 23, Orchard Hill, gym. Call (724) 935-5555 or orchardhillchurch.com.
Saturday Singles Dance. For ages 40+, 8 p.m. to midnight, Sept. 5, Black & Gold Pirates/Steelers Party with prize giveaways & free game tickets; Sept. 19, Perfect Pair Mix & Match Ice-Breaker, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m. For info, (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight. weebly.com. Yes, You Can Dance! (YYCD) is a special needs ballroom program for teens (16+). Participants meet for one hour on Sundays at DancExplosion Arts Center in the North Hills or Steel City Ballroom in the South Hills. Participants are paired with a trained volunteer dance mentor. Call (412) 999-3998 or info@yesyoucandance.org.
Car Shows Frank J. Farina, Jr. Memorial Car Cruise, in conjunction with the Town of McCandless’ 15th annual Community Day. 2–6 p.m., Sept. 12, North Allegheny Intermediate High School, 350 Cumberland Rd. Call Larry Steckel at (412) 364-1519 or lorenzoscribe@hotmail.com.
Environmental & Gardening Events Greybrooke Garden Club will meet at 9:30 a.m., Sept. 9, in the Fellowship Hall of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd in Allison Park. Presentation, “Getting your yard ready for the birds.” Guests are welcome. For info, call Barbro at (412) 296-0538. Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals, Electronic and Freon Appliances (no refrigerators), Sept. 19, Oct. 3 & 24, Nov. 21 & Dec. 19, 129 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City. Nominal fee, must pre-register at 1-866-815-0016.
Summer / Fall Events Butler County Kennel Club Dog Shows, 8 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 19 & Sept. 20, Big Butler Fair Grounds, 1127 New Castle Rd., (Rt. 422) Prospect. Bring the family, $5 per
carload. Pre-registered dog only. For details, (724) 538-5430 or butlercountykennelclub.com. Kathy Parry, “Your Real Food Coach” will be speaking, 7 p.m., Oct. 19, St. Ferdinand Church Education Building – Upper Room. Admission is free. Contact Barb McCarthy at St. Ferdinand with questions (724) 776-1357. Knittreat Bedford Springs, Pa has opened registration for Nov 12-15, featuring Kathy Zimmerman and Edie Eckman. Visit www.knittreat.com for registration forms or email knittreat@gmail.com. Taste of Cranberry, 5-7 p.m., Sept. 28, Double Tree by Hilton. Sponsored by the North Regional Chamber. Call (724) 934-9700 or pghnorthchamber.com. TOUCH-A-TRUCK, 1 p.m., Oct. 3, at Pine Community Center. See, touch, interact and learn about a variety of vehicles including: a fire truck, police car, tractor, dump truck, ambulance and more. Call (724) 625-1636 or http://twp.pine.pa.us/communitycenter/ home.html. Town of McCandless Community Day. 12:30–9:00, Sept. 12. McCandless Town Hall, 9955 Grubbs Rd., Wexford. Family fun, amusement rides, entertainment, food, and fireworks. Call (412) 364-0616 or visit townofmccandless.org. Train Rides on the Mars Shortline Railroad in Mars, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., every Fri, thru Sept., & 1-4 p.m., the 2nd Sat., of every month. Donations are welcome. Call (724) 272-9588 or www.marshistory.org.
5K Run/Walk JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) One Walk Pittsburgh), 8:30 a.m. registration & pre-walk festivities, 10:00 a.m. two mile non-competitive walk, Sept. 19, Schenley ParkFlagstaff. To register, (412) 471-1414 or visit www.walk.jdrf.org.
The Play With Rocky Bleier
F
ormer Pittsburgh Steeler’s running back, Rocky Bleier will depict his life in a oneman show. The Play with Rocky Bleier will be performed at 7:30 p.m., Tuesday, September 15, at Heinz Hall. The show, written by Gene Collier focuses on Bleier’s years with the Steelers as a four-time Super Bowl champion. It also centers on his return home from the Vietnam War as a wounded warrior. The play will highlight his family life and his commitment to the community. The show’s executive producers are Thomas and Alba Tull, Rob Citrone and former Steeler’s defensive lineman Chris Hoke. It is produced by Dan Fallon and directed by Scott Wise. This biographical narrative will give the audience an endearing look at this living legend, Rocky Bleier. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. Tickets are $150 and can be purchased at http://trustarts.culturaldistrict.org/production/46700/the-play-with-rocky-bleier. F
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Lupus Loop, 20th Annual 5K Walk/Run/Skate/ DogJog, Sept. 19, Station Square (please have your pet on a leash). Rain or shine. Visit https://friendraising2.donorpro.com/ campaigns/73. Penn Christian Academy 5K Run/Walk & 1/2 Mile Kids’ Fun Run, 9 a.m., Sept. 19, located in southern Butler County. Visit www.pennchristianacademy.org. Poker Run, 8 a.m., Labor Day, Sept. 7, Arthur H. King Access Area of the Youghiogheny River Trail in West Newton. Sponsored by the Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter of the Regional Trail Corporation. Visit www.bikewytc.org or email wytcnews@hotmail.com. World of Mae, 5K, 1 mile Fun Run, 10 a.m., Oct. 10, Hartwood Acres. Proceeds benefit Ada Mae Grashow, a little girl with Phelan-McDermid Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. To register, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/PA/Pittsburgh/ worldofmae
Golf St. Barnabas Charities Fall Classic, Sept. 14, Butler Country Club. Call (724) 625-3770, email St. Barnabas Charities or visit StBarnabasGolf.com.
Sales & Crafts 4th Annual Craft & Fun Show, noon-5 p.m., Sept. 19, St. Catherine of Sweden, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Sponsored by Knights of Columbus No. 10411. Crafters, artists & games. Money raised goes towards Coats for Kids campaign. Hiland Preschool Fall/Winter Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Sept. 26 & 1-3 p.m., Sept. 27 (red tag sale 25-50% off). Gently worn clothes NB-size 12 as well as toys, books and baby equipment. 845 Perry Hwy, Ross Twp. Visit info@hilandpreschool.com.
Sisters of Divine Providence Craft Show Extravaganza, 3 p.m., Oct. 3, at Providence Heights. Volunteers are needed, call (412) 635-5401 or pserafini@cdsisters.org. St. Ferdinand Church Auto Raffle tickets available now thru Nov. 14. First prize 2015 Mercedes Benz GLK350 SUV, second prize $3,000 & third prize $1,500 in gift cards. Drawing is Nov. 14. Tickets available at the church office, 2535 Rochester Rd., or (724) 776-2888.
Spook-tacular Events Halloween Party in the Park, 2 p.m., Oct. 24, Pine Community Park. Enjoy ghost stories, a hayride, bonfire, crafts, and a costume parade and contest. Call (724) 625-1636 or http:// twp.pine.pa.us/communitycenter/home.html.
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Library Northland September Events: Rite-Aid Flu Shot Clinic, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Sept. 4 (for questions, call 412-487-8767); Baseball Cards in the Attic & Other Collectibles, 10:30 a.m., Sept. 19; Shining a Light on Solar Energy in the North Hills, 7 p.m., Sept. 21. Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www. northlandlibrary.org. Northland Library Fall Book Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday, Oct. 2 & Saturday, Oct. 3; 1-4 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 4, ($5 Bag Sale...Northland provides the bag) 300 Cumberland Rd., McCandless. Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www.northlandlibrary. org. Shaler Library: The Music of James Taylor, 7 p.m., Sept. 11; Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Sept. 12; Trivia Night for Adults, 7 p.m., Sept. 12; Foster Care & Adoption Info Session, 7 p.m., Sept. 22; College Financial Planning Workshop, 6:15 p.m., Sept. 28. For info, call (412) 486-0211 or http://www.shalerlibrary.org/
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TRIVIA CONNECTION September 2015
Pittsburgh Pirates Trivia A Rundown of Our Battling Buccos BY PAULA GREEN
For the ugly - the team was founded in 1887 when they were known as The Pittsburgh Alleghenies. In 1890, after stealing away second-baseman Louis Bierbauer from the Philadelphia Athletics, a local newspaper called the team “a bunch of pirates.” The name stuck, but the move didn’t pay off as the Pirates sunk to the bottom of the National League with an awful 23-113 record. Another ugly occurrence was the team’s 20-year losing streak which final got snapped in 2013. According to www.thisgreatgame.com - The Pirates’ ten greatest hitters were – Honus Wagner (1990-17), Paul Waner (1926-40), Arky Vaughan (1932-41), Ralph Kiner (1946-53), Willie Stargell (1962-82), Max Carey (1910-26), Fred Clarke (1900-15), Barry Bonds (1986-92), Roberto Clemente (195572) and Dave Parker (1973-83). Five of these sluggers had their numbers retired - Kinear #4, Stargell, #8, Waner #11, Clemente #21 and Wagner #33. Homerun leaders according to http://pittsburgh.pirates. mlb.com were – Stargell, Kiner, Clemente, Bonds, Parker, Brian Giles, Frank Thomas, Andrew McCutchen, Jason Bay and Bill Mazeroski.
Mazeroski was renowned for his ninth-inning, seventh-game homerun that allowed the Pittsburgh Pirates to beat the New York Yankees in the 1960 World Series. A tragic day in Pirates’ history came on December 31, 1972, when Roberto Clemente died in a plane crash while helping earthquake victims in Managua, Nicaragua. Historically, The Pirates played in the first World Series in 1903, and lost to the Boston Americans. The Pirates became the first team to use an all-minority lineup on September 1, 1971. The lineup consisted of Rennie Stennett, Gene Clines, Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Manny Sanguillen, Dave Cash, Al Oliver, Jackie Hernandez and Dock Ellis. In the pitching realm – The Pirates had two Cy Young award winners – Vern Law (1960) and Doug Drabek (1990). Left fielder, Jason Bay was honored in 2004 as Rookie of the Year. We’ve also had some MVP (Most Valuable Player) recipients. Paul Waner (1927), Dick Groat (1960), Roberto Clemente (1966), Dave Parker (1978), Willie Stargell (1979), Barry Bonds (1990 & 1992) and Andrew McCutchen (2013). Two of the Pirates’ leaders have
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captured Manager of the Year Awards – Jim Leyland in 1990 & 1992 and Clint Hurdle in 2013. The team has won nine National League pennants and five World Series. Pirates’ fans should be proud of their team and the stadium, PNC Park has a reputation for being one of the best ballparks in baseball. Since we’ve pitched some Pirates’ history, let’s now walk through this Bucco’s query. Get set to “Raise those Jolly Rogers,” because it’s time to get a little trivial... 1. Name the first Pittsburgh Pirate to be inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame? 2. What statistic is shared by all of the Pirates’ World Series wins? 3. Pirates’ announcer Bob Prince made this famous? 4. Which Pirate finished his career with 3,000 hits? 5. How many years did the Pirates play at Forbes Field? 6. What year did the Pirate Parrot emerge as the team’s mascot? 7. This famous actor/singer owned the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1940’s. 8. On May 26, 1959, this Pirates’ pitcher threw a perfect game for 12-innings, and lost in the 13th inning 1-0 to the Milwaukee Braves. 9. Pierogi Race (5th inning) – there’s Cheese Chester, Jalapeno Hannah, Oliver Onion, Sauerkraut Saul and sometimes Potato Peter. Which pierogi was added this year? 10. Who led the Pirates pitching staff in wins in 1979? 11. How many Gold Gloves did Andy Van Slyke win from 19881992? 12. What was Willie Stargell’s nickname? 13. How many World Series championships did Danny Murtaugh manage? 14. On July 12, 1997, Francisco Cordova & Ricardo Rincon did this at Three Rivers Stadium? 15. What did Pirates’ manager Lloyd McClendon do on June 27, 2001 after he was ejected for arguing a call? F Sources: http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nl/pittpirates/pirates.html, http:// www.thisgreatgame.com/Pittsburgh-pirates-top-10-hitters leacherreport.com/ articles/1034905-pittsburgh-pirates-the-10-proudest-moments-in-franchisehistory, http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/, http://www.triviaquestions.net/sport/ baseball/pirates, www/funtrivia.com, http://www.123facts.com/play-quiz/ThePittsburgh-Pirates-4390.html
Answers: 1. Honus Wagner 2. each was a game seven series 3. Green Weenie 4. Roberto Clemente 5. 62 (from 1909-1971) 6. 1979 7. Bing Crosby 8. Harvey Haddix 9. Bacon Burt 10. John Candelaria (14) 11. five 12. Pops 13. two (1960 & 1971) 14. they threw a combined no-hitter 15. he stole first base
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ou’ve gotta love our Battling Buccos! Sometimes the Pirates’ season can play out like the Hollywood movie – The Good, The Bad and The Ugly. Over the years, we’ve had many good players, managers and exciting games. On the flip side, we’ve also had some bad players, managers and heartbreaking losses.
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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS September 2015
Veterans Recognition & Military Shows BY PAULA GREEN
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he Seneca Valley School District is doing their part to honor those who have served in the armed forces. A Veteran Recognition Event will be held Friday evening, Sept. 11 during the first official Raider football home game. Veterans who reside in this school district are encouraged to participate in this special tribute. Prior to warm-ups, military personnel will join the football team in their locker room of the Raider Field House. The veterans will adhere American flag-stickers to the player’s helmets. The military folks that are present will then gather on the NexTier Stadium track for a special pre-game ceremony. They will be honored and recognized for their service to our country. As an added bonus, veterans will be given free admission and special seating and parking accommodations for the game. For info, visit www.svsd.net/ VetsRecognition. A Military Antiques Extravaganza (MAX) Show will held Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3 at the Monroeville Convention Center. The event is sponsored by the Ohio Valley Military Society (OVMS) which is one of the oldest and largest militia collector’s clubs in the world with over 2,000 members. OVMS promotes the study and the discussion of military history, military artifacts, and their provenance through the collecting of military items. For more information, visit www.sosovms.com. A Veterans Appreciation Day Symposium & Expo will be held 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, October 10, at Recreation Hall / Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Penna. in Lebanon County. The symposium will include topics
such as – Today & Tomorrow’s Military, Veterans in the Workplace, Operation Family Caregiver, Veterans Court Program and other military topics. This free event is co-hosted by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) and Veteran Community Initiatives, Inc. The expo will include military recognitions for Gold Star Mothers/Families and Medal of Honor recipients. Vietnam veterans will also be revered as part of the commonwealth’s participation in the Dept. of Defense’s Vietnam War 50th Anniversary Commemoration Program. Also, being held on Oct. 10, adja-
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cent to the Veterans Appreciation Symposium & Expo, there will be a March for the Fallen. The MFTF is a day-long community event with 14 and 28 mile road marches, and a 5 kilometer run and a 1 kilometer kids run. This event is being held to honor the memory of all who have fallen in defense of our nation. For more information on the MFTF, visit http://www.gapmwr.com/ march-for-the-fallen. F We welcome brief biographies and photos of local servicemen and women from our community. If you know of someone you’d like to see featured in this column, please call (724) 940-2444 or mail the information to: Northern Connection Magazine, P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722 or email northcon@consolidated.net.
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SENIOR LIVING September 2015
TOWN CRIER
Summarizing September – Our Ninth Month BY JOE BULLICK
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ello September, I hope you had a great August. Boy does time fly! School already started for most kids in August. When I was a young boy, we began our school year after Labor Day, which is a national holiday to honor American workers and is celebrated the first Monday of September. The farmers are in full swing. We buy freshly harvested cranberries and crisp apples and scan the trees for the autumn tints. Perhaps the only thing prettier than a September morn is the sight of the full harvest
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moon rising, bathing our gardens and fields in golden light. On September 17, 1787, Ben Franklin made his final speech to the Constitutional Convention. When I was little, I often wondered what the world would be like if we didn’t have the master of invention, Benjamin Franklin. He invented so many things from bifocals, to the Franklin stove, to the lightening rod and so much more. I read all that I could on him. Franklin had to have been the patron saint of science and technology. Another great inventor was Wexford’s own Cyrus McCormick. After being raised in a farm area in Wexford, Cyrus McCormick at the age of 22, succeeded in building a reaper which mechanizes the task of cutting and collecting grain. Likewise, another brilliant inventor was John Deere who made the steel plow, which was better than a cast iron one. I think every kid should, at one time in their life, have to walk behind horses to plow a field. Boy, what a job that was before tractors came along! A notable southern inventor was Eli Whitney, who was best known for the invention of the cotton gin. It was a ground-breaking invention in the southern states and it had a huge impact on the economy in that region. Rachel Carson had an enormous agricultural and environmental influence. Her book entitled Silent Spring was published in 1962 and was a landmark event in the history of the environmental movement. For you gun enthusiasts, there was Samuel Colt and his Colt .45 six shooter. This gun was not only an efficient machine as a handgun, but was also heralded as revolutionary in
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the innovative use of interchangeable parts in manufacturing. Another brilliant inventor was Samuel Morse, who in 1844 invented the telegraph message. His first transmission message read, “What hath God wrought.” It was sent from Washington D.C. to Baltimore, Md. A significant date that comes to mind is Sept. 2, 1945 which was the formal surrender of Japan ending World War II. It took two atomic bombs on the major Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which hastened their surrender. I was in eighth grade at Ingomar School that year. Do you recall where you where? There always seems to be a lot of thing going on in September. For birthdays, Arnold Palmer is Sept. 10, 1929 and baseball great, Roger Maris was born on Sept. 10, 1934. The big story for September was Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorists took over and crashed our airplanes into both of the twin towers of the World Trade Center and into the Pentagon. A fourth plane went down in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, a borough of Somerset County. I wish good luck to all the men and women who labor in their jobs, and best wishes to the school students. Enjoy September – baseball is still great, football season has just begun. There’s also still time to enjoy the city, the parks and the warm weather and farm markets. Happy birthday to you Virgo and Libras! I leave you with this – “Where your pleasure is, there is your treasure: where your treasure, there your heart; where your heart, there your happiness” – Saint Augustine
Happenings for Seniors Free Home Safety Inspection is available for seniors through the Open Your Heart to a Senior program. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069, ext. 3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org. Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit. Home Instead Senior Care® is offering a unique approach to help area families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available for families at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com. McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkley Hills, Swan Acres & part of McCandless Twp. Call (412) 487-4088. Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring – An Hour a Week Can Change a Child’s Life. For adults 50 & over become a tutor. Training sessions are held on the fifth floor of the Duquesne Light Building. For details, call (412) 232-2021. UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.
Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. For details, call Suzie, at (412) 337-6731. Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.
Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 3 p.m., the 1st Mon., of every month, and 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.
Senior Meetings Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents 55+ meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (724) 8164977 for info and programs. Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. For info, call (724) 444-0064.
through music and prayer. For details, (724) 935-5555.
Volunteer Opportunities: Drivers Urgently Needed for Volunteer Shuttle Service, NHCO, in partnership with Allegheny County and St. Margaret Foundation. The new shuttle will pick up seniors on various days on the Route 28 corridor for local UPMC medical appts. No special license is required and training is provided. Contact Kerry at (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org. Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. For details, call (412) 367-3685. North Hills Community Outreach’s Faith in Action program is seeking Senior Companion volunteers. For details, contact Nancy, at (412) 307-0069 or nljones@nhco.org.
Open Your Heart to a Senior volunteer orientations, 10:30 a.m., Sept. 15, Lighthouse Pointe; 3 p.m., Sept 24, NHCO Allison Park; 2 p.m., Oct. 8, Cooper Siegel Library; 9:30 a.m., Oct. 20, AGH Suburban Campus; 6:30 p.m., Nov. 12, Eat N Park Mills Mall; 9 a.m., Nov. 18, Panera Bread. For details, visit oyhs.org. Pittsburgh Friendship Group is looking for volunteers to help visually impaired seniors. No experience is necessary. Call (724) 444-0064. Fall yard work help needed for seniors countywide. Call the United Way helpline at 2-1-1 or email allegheny@openyourhearttoasenior.org. Volunteer drivers are needed for various programs to help seniors. For details, call (412) 307-0071 or allegheny@openyourhearttoasenior.org.
Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. For info, call (412) 741-4900 or visit http:// www.ccgf.org.
Entertainment & Social Events Saint Alexis Over 50 Trips & Events, Nov. 20, Light Up Night; Sound of Music, March 2016; New York City trip; June 2016. Contact Rose at (724) 728-2563 or Janet at (724) 869-5339.
Health & Wellness Schenley Shuffle presented by Open Your Heart to a Senior & the University of Pittsburgh Student Occupational Therapy Association, 8 a.m., Sept. 26. For info, visit SchenleyShuffle.com.
Spiritual 2nd Act, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 2nd Thurs., Sept. 10-May 12, Orchard Hill Church, Brandt School Rd. For adults ages 55+ worship time
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412-487-1009
4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456
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724-940-2444
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