Northern Connection Magazine - September 2017 Issue by Northern Connection Magazine

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YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2017

Passavant Hospital Foundation A Legacy of Caring, A Commitment to Excellence

L O O K A N D F E E L YO U R B E S T AT A N Y AG E

Pages 22-23

National Desert Storm War Memorial

Pittsburgh Sports Mascot Trivia

Commonwealth Charter Academy Pages 28-29

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Contents NORTHERN CONNECTION 27

In Every Issue... 4

From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

Movers & Shakers

Mover & Shaker of the Month: Samantha Goetz Paula Green

27 Trivia Connection: Pittsburgh Sports Mascot Trivia Paula Green 38 Support Our Troops: National Desert Storm War Memorial Paula Green 47 Where Was I?: No privacy. Chips! Janice Lane Palko

CONTENTS | September 2017

Features

Kids & Education

Business Spotlight: John Craig Bookkeeping & Taxes

28 I Am CCA

Real Estate: FSBO: A Road Filled with Potholes Vince Parrucci

Cover Story: Passavant Hospital Foundation: A Legacy of Caring, A Commitment to Excellence

49 North Pittsburgh Network Supports The Emmaus Community

30 Back to School with Allergies and Asthma 32 OLSHâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Multi-Faceted Approach to a Quality, Catholic Education 34 School Movers & Shakers 36 Blessed Trinity Academy

Senior Living

56 Business Spotlight: Wayne Homes

40 Town Crier: Ready or Not, Here Comes September! Joe Bullick

Image & Style

42 Happenings for Seniors

22 Ideal Image: The Most Trusted Name in Laser Hair Removal 24 Never-Fail, Fall-Proof Transitional Style Kelly Smith 25 COLOR! Salon Nolas

Living Fit 26 Fit Families: Stretching & Flexibility: Improving Your Health This Fall Joella Baker

44 Celebrate a Well-Earned Retirement at Shenango on the Green 47 St. Barnabas Health System Announces 2017 CEO Leadership Conference

Advertorials 5

Mary Danced In / Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

46 Medicare Versus Marketplace Coverage Crystal Manning

Featured on the Cover: Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy of Caring Honorees (from L to To R) Jo Ann Hovis, Dr. Louis W. Heyl, Gayle Sklarsky, Dr. Steven Jones, Cindy Emminger, Dr. Theodore Crandall, Maggie Lattanzio, Frank Finley, Judy Shisler. NOT Pictured, Darlene Hills. On the Roof Top Garden at UPMC Passavant

52 September 2017 Happenings

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Welcome PUBLISHER NOTES | September 2017

Welcome to the September issue of Northern Connection magazine!

hope you enjoyed your summer and had some time to relax with your families. It definitely goes way too fast! Once again, Northern Connection magazine is pleased and honored to partner with Passavant Hospital Foundation as we honor ten outstanding people who have contributed so much to the community. These people are being honored at the annual Legacy of Caring Gala, Commitment to excellence at UPMC Passavant Hospital. This year’s Legacy of Caring Gala will be held at the Marriott North on Thursday, September 28. For more information about Passavant Hospital Foundation, the honorees and how to purchase your tickets, check out this month’s cover story. Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazines congratulate all the honorees and thank you for your service and commitment to UPMC Passavant Hospital and to our community. With September being back-to-school month, we are continuing to feature “We can’t help “Innovations in the Classroom.” Thank you to all the schools that participate in everyone, but everyone can help this special feature, and we invite you to send your school’s “Innovations in someone.’” the Classroom” along with a photo to be Ronald Reagan included in one of this year’s features. September marks the start of fall and fall sports. This month’s Trivia is about Pittsburgh Sports Mascots. Test your knowledge and see how many of these famous mascots you know. Enjoy reading Northern Connection magazine’s special features along with our regular monthly columns. Thank you for your support, and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! l l l

The Staff of Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazines join Passavant Hospital Foundation in extending congratulations to this year’s honorees for the “Legacy of Caring” Awards!

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

Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com

Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Core Writers

Joella Baker Joe Bullick Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year. The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area. The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

@NCONNECTIONMAG Find us on Facebook under Northern Connection Magazine! http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com/

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Mary Danced In... “When Mary arrived for her second visit, she opened the door and danced from the front door to my desk with this huge smile on her face and then, she started bawling. She starts telling me that this was the first time in 12 years that she felt relief. Then I started to well up.” Mary Danced In is just one of Dr. Shawn’s hundreds of neuropathy success stories. Mary was about to start using a walker, but instead, Dr. Shawn set her up on a Brand New Technological Light System that is non-invasive and painless. She felt relief – and hope – after her first visit!

Visit MaryDancedIn.com to learn more!

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!

DR. SHAWN RICHEY

Are you being told, “Nothing can be done?” or that, “You need to learn to live with the pain?” Are you being over-medicated with pain medicines that don’t cure? Have you been through test after test with no result, explanation or treatment? Are you becoming discouraged?

specialized treatment protocol is available at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. It includes nine specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. Once thought to be incurable, 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. Unlike laser therapy that does not address the involved damaged small nerve fibers or home light therapies that do not offer all the frequencies needed to heal them, our program utilizes stateof-the-art technology with combined therapies to restore life to the dead nerves. Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep. Since 2013, Dr. Shawn Richey’s program has had a 90 percent satisfaction rate. Dr. Richey has seen thousands of patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy who 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 associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, PAINLESS, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair. Dr. Richey has helped thousands of sufferers of peripheral neuropathy throughout the region, and he has expanded his practice to include Westmoreland as well as Allegheny Counties. Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 and Latrobe at 1901 Ligonier Street. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

“About a year after I had my knee replaced, my legs and feet began to have a tingling sensation that kept increasing over the years. I also had really bad balance whenever I closed my eyes and other than the tingling, I really felt nothing with my feet. I was even starting to have trouble driving because I really couldn’t feel the pedals right. I went to see doctors and specialists, and they said it was “neuropathy” but that there wasn’t a cure. Several family members are nurses and healthcare professionals – they checked with doctors they know, and they all said there was no cure for neuropathy. So, I was very skeptical when I went to see Dr. Shawn. All the experts were saying there was no cure, and then there was just this one guy saying he might be able to help. Well, I gave it a go, and I am a skeptic no longer. Not only is the pain and tingling going away but the feeling is coming back. The other day, I was walking with bare feet on the carpet, and I felt myself step on something – I hunted for it and finally found it was the tiniest pebble. I never would have been able to feel that before the treatments. I have already recommended Dr. Shawn to other people experiencing the same thing and I encourage other people to give it a try no matter how skeptical they are.” – Bill, West View

For a FREE Consultation, contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | September 2017

Movers & Shakers and Adolescent Health Research. Children and families will now have an online resource to learn about research projects in which they may be eligible to participate and become partners with the scientific team. It will also help answer critical questions that may lead to health improvements for the research participant and the community.

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center has partnered with ClinicalConnect Health Information Exchange (HIE) to better serve their patients with a smooth transition to other healthcare institutions in the Pittsburgh region. This new partnership allows The Children’s Home to electronically share information with 10 ClinicalConnect HIE healthcare facilities throughout the region to ensure a smooth transition of medical records from varying levels of care. Regis A. Singer has been named IT director for Genesis Medical Associates, Inc., the largest still independent primary care physicians group serving the Greater North Hills of Pittsburgh.

Construction for VA Butler’s new Health Care Center (HCC) is complete. The new facility will officially be open for Veterans on Sept. 5. An official ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Tuesday, Aug. 29, to mark the occasion. When 20-year-old Hunter Holt joined the Cranberry Township Area Lions Club in June, he carried on a family tradition of service with the Lions. Lion Tim Holt, Hunter’s father, presented his son with his grandfather’s Lion pin at his induction ceremony. Tim Holt’s grandfather, Verner Holt, was an active Lion in Marion Center, Pa., in the 1940s until the early 1960s. In addition to his grandfather, Hunter has uncles in Lions clubs in western and central Pennsylvania.

Regis Singer

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC has earned the distinguished Magnet® recognition once again, granted by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and achieved by 8 percent of hospitals nationwide. To improve the effectiveness of clinical research for infants, children and young adults, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have created the Center for Excellence in Child

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Flamingo chicks hatched recently at the National Aviary and they made their debut on Friday, July 21. The adorable, fluffy white chicks showed off their wobbly but already long legs for visitors and cameras as they bobbled their way around the National Aviary’s Rose Garden lawn. Covered in fuzzy down, the chicks are already on the move and enjoy stretching their legs. The new additions provide a unique opportunity to share flamingos’ amazing adaptations with the public as they grow and develop. AJ Jugan, a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Pittsburgh, has been named to the list of “America’s Top NextGeneration Wealth Advisors” published by Forbes Magazine. The list recognizes millennial financial advisors who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism and success in the business. In our July issue of Northern Connection, we featured a story on the fifth annual Woodland Farms Lemonade Stand, which was held on Saturday, July 15, on the corner of Pinkerton Road and Scarlet Circle in Wexford. We are pleased to announce the event was a big success; over $1,500 was raised for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, which benefits pediatric cancer research. The Wexford Volunteer Fire Department even showed up to support this worthy cause. Kelly Haywiser, owner of Holistic Approach 4 Life, LLC, has published a workbook for women seeking peace, passion and purpose in their lives. You Are So Much More can be ordered Kelly online at amaHaywiser zon.com.

Correction: In the August issue of Northern Connection in the polio story, it stated that Dr. Jonas Salk was “Pittsburgh-born” that is incorrect. Dr. Salk was actually born in New York, New York. We apologize for the error.

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Samantha Goetz BY PAULA GREEN

teenage girl’s surgical experience has persuaded her to seek a medical career path. Two years ago, Shaler Area High School sophomore Samantha Goetz, 16, underwent a nine-hour spinal fusion and stabilization surgery to correct severe scoliosis. Allegheny Orthopedic Association surgeon, Dr. Mark Sangimino, who practices out of Wexford, performed the surgery. “I can’t say enough about Dr. Sangimino and the care he gave Samantha. Afterwards, Samantha completed physical therapy with Dan Glatz, owner and founder of Performance Unlimited Physical Therapy, also in Wexford. These two men worked together to get Samantha back to where she needed to be and among other things, she has returned to cheerleading,” said Samantha’s mother, Lori Goetz. This past July, Samantha attended the 2017 National Youth Leadership Forum (NYLF) Medicine. She was awarded a scholarship to this career development symposium, which introduces young scholars to the many challenges and career options in the field of medicine. The forum sessions were held in nine U.S. cities, and Samantha attended the program at UCLA in Los Angeles, Calif. This next generation of healthcare professionals was intro-

duced to numerous medical fields such as research, general practice, Dan Glatz and Samantha Goetz public health and medical ethics. The students toured clinical facilities and medical schools. “A highlight of the forum is a simulation that enables students to test their knowledge as they triage injured patients in a mass-casualty disaster scenario,” Lori added. Last year, when Samantha was a freshman, she wrote an autobiography in school and noted how her medical issues made her want to help others. She stated, “I wish to become a surgeon, I prefer orthopedics. I want to go into orthopedics because I want to perform surgeries like the one I had. If I don’t become a surgeon, then my second choice is to become a physical therapist like Dan Glatz. He helped me emotionally get back onto to me feet after a setback so large like spinal surgery. I am thankful I met him, and I still think of his life lessons every single day.” l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | September 2017

Business Spotlight:

John Craig Bookkeeping & Taxes A small business must be mindful of its bottom line. Often to keep within a budget, a business owner will try to save some pennies by handling some of the day-to-day tasks of conducting business by themselves. That may be fine for some aspects of a business such as handling correspondence or ordering supplies, but for other areas, that do-it-yourself attitude can be an invitation for trouble.

“A

ccounting/bookkeeping is really time consuming for most business owners, and trying to handle this on their own can create a lot of confusion about taxes, assessing how profitable your business is, and it also leave a business vulnerable to security issues such as fraud, etc.,” said John Craig, owner of John Craig Bookkeeping & Taxes. A Pittsburgh-native, Craig is a graduate of Robert Morris University and has both corporate and personal

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bookkeeping experience. In 2012, Craig founded John Craig Bookkeeping & Taxes on Troy Hill and has been aiding clients with bookkeeping, tax preparation, payroll, debt elimination and tax planning. He works with clients all over Western Pennsylvania. “I will sit with everyone from businesses making over a million dollars per year to ones able to file a simple EZ tax return,” said Craig. The old proverb says that “Time is money.” And both time and money are precious resources to a business, and John Craig Bookkeeping & Taxes can help you to preserve both. “Hiring a bookkeeper and tax professional does save time and money. A bookkeeper takes care of the back-office things that most business owners don’t want to do. This frees up more time for them to do their core money-making activities. And tax preparation saves time for the person that isn’t analytical.” Craig said. Also, engaging Craig’s services can save money, especially if you don’t keep up with tax law. You may overlook deductions, so having a professional help is the best solution. Craig can either come to your office or you can come to his—whatever is most convenient for you. He charges on a case-by-case basis, depending on the needs of the business or individual. “I can be as handson or hands-off as need be,” said Craig. “My passion is helping businesses and individuals grow. Helping families become better financially or helping a business owner save $1,000 in taxes so they can put it to grow their business or put it away for retirement is one of my greatest joys,” Craig said. For more information on how John Craig Bookkeeping & Taxes can help you or your business, visit the website at: http://pittsburghtaxes.com/ or call: (412) 628-5455. You can also email John Craig at: jcraig1936@comcast.net. l l l

Homes

REAL ESTATE | September 2017

FSBO: A Road Filled With Pot Holes BY VINCE PARRUCCI, LICENSED REAL ESTATE AGENT/REALTOR AND PROFESSIONAL REAL ESTATE CONSULTANT

SBO means For Sale by Owner, and it’s the “road less traveled” by homeowners bent on selling a home as economically as possible. It does seem to make common sense. It’s the homeowner who knows their own home best. Why lose any part of the sale proceeds to some real estate agent? The latest sampling from the NAR (National Association of Realtors) shows that the majority (88 percent) of today’s successful sellers are assisted by a real estate agent. That proportion has been growing, It’s up 19 percentage points since 2001. If it’s common sense, why does the majority eventually wind up going with a real estate agent? Most homeowners don’t even realize that the reality of trying to sell your home on your own has far too many disadvantages than benefits to the seller that can dramatically delay or even prevent the seller from selling his/her home. Most buyers work with agents because it costs them very little and gives them the assurance that a professional is representing them. Professional Real Estate Agents have the expertise and know and understand the real estate market better. They also have tools available to them that are not available to the public that are used to accurately determine the market value of your home. Real Estate Brokerages/Professionals have agreements with multiple internet websites to maximize exposure on the internet. Homes listed by Real Estate Professionals will typically have 3-4 times more internet exposure than homes marketed by homeowners. There are several other disadvantages when trying to sell your own home. Homeowners are left to prequalify and interview prospective buyers on their own before letting them into their house. They will be forced to handle the difficult items to be discussed throughout the selling process. Plus, any advertising costs will be paid for out of the owner’s own pocket—an expensive strategy.

One final note, buyers expect these FSBO homes to VINCE PARRUCCI have a built-in savings to the Residential/Commercial Realtor vincent.parrucci@pittsburghmoves.com buyer since the homeowner is NOT working with a Real Estate Real Estate Services 724-776-2900 Ext. 259 Office Agent. The buyers are expecting 724-776-2930 Fax a discount! 724-612-3770 Cell Considering a move? 20510 Route 19, Suite 100 Whether it is buying or selling, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 have an expert work for you. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC www.smartbuystrongsale.com Contact Vince Parrucci, Licensed Real Estate Agent, Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant, at Vincent.parrucci@pittsburghmoves.com, call (724) 612-3770 or visit: www.smartbuystrongsale.com. In addition to being a Licensed Real Estate Agent/Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant, Vince Parrucci is the author of Smart Buy, Strong Sale: The Consumer’s Guide to Buying and Selling Your Next Home is available through Amazon.com. His extensive experience includes VP of Mellon Bank, VP of Allegheny Financial Group, Real Estate investor, mentor and coach to thousands on investment real estate and flipping of houses and property. l l l

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The Physicians and Staff at

Metropolitan ENT-UPMC Want to congratulate all of the Legacy of Caring Award Winners including our partner,

Dr. Steven R. Jones

We join the Passavant Hospital Foundation in recognizing his long medical career serving UPMC Passavant and the North Hills community. We are going to miss the top quality care that he has provided when he retires at the end of October. 16

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Information for hand and/or foot pain, tingling, numbness sufferers who have tried all kinds of medications for their Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms and have been to several specialists, but they are still saying:

“Doctor, I Can’t Go on Living With This Excruciating Hand and/or Foot Pain. I Am At The End of My Rope!” If you are undergoing or have undergone successful chemotherapy, are a diabetic, suffer with spinal stenosis, take cholesterol pills or suffer from failed back surgery, you MUST READ THE FOLLOWING: Dear Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferer: Too often I hear patients say, ‘Dr., I am at the end of my rope,” I have tried Lyrica, Gabapentin, Cymbalta and I even had that needle test, and the neurologist says, “ I don’t know” so they prescribe yet another medication to try, only to experience some awful side effect from these anti-seizure medications. My patients consist of those who have suffered failed back surgeries, spinal stenosis, taken several medications, undergone or currently undergoing chemotherapy successfully or taking statin drugs for cholesterol. Their greatest concern is falling and their inability to feel the gas pedal while driving potentially hurting themselves as well as others because of the loss of sensation in their feet. Do You Suffer With Peripheral Neuropathy? • Are your feet so swollen, that the skin is shiny and discolored, maybe even red or purple? • Do you have toe nail fungus? • Do your toes feel like stuffed sausages? • Do your hands or feet fell like you are wearing a glove? • Do you feel like you have rocks in the bottom of your shoes? What Is Peripheral Neuropathy? Peripheral Neuropathy occurs at the end of the longest nerves (i.e. sciatic nerve). The blood vessels that surround the nerves become diseased, and the oxygen and nutrients can no longer supply the nerve. It’s like tying a rubber band to your finger. Eventually the finger will turn purple from the lack of oxygen and nutrients. So when these nerves begin to “die,” they cause you to lose balance, not feel the gas pedal, pain, prickling, burning or cold sensations and/or numbness.

What Can Be Done? Can we help everyone? No. Unfortunately, there is a point with peripheral neuropathy where the nerve damage is so extensive that our non-surgical, noninvasive electroanagelsic stimulation approach will not be effective. My goal is to determine the nerve sensory loss before it reaches 85% or greater. The sooner we examine the amount of sensory loss (nerve damage), the greater our success is, so if you are experiencing anything I have discussed so far, don’t wait another minute! Call 724-709-7709 to schedule your FREE Peripheral Neuropathy screening.

What Our Patients Are Saying . . .

Good-Bye To Pain and Numbness John P. has suffered persistent leg, ankle and foot pain for years and after one week of treatment noticed an improvement in his balance and ability to feel the floor. His main complaint was numbness in his toes and the excruciating burning at night. It was just a week and his symptoms have begun to subside! “Being a diabetic, I never thought I would be on my way to pain-free feet UNTIL NOW!” I Have Feeling In My Feet Again! Susan told me with tears in her eyes that her peripheral neuropathy had taken over her life. Her feet were getting to the point that she was feeling crippled. The pain and numbness affected her daily activities and at night, just the bed sheets touching her feet hurt. It all started when she began taking statin drugs for her high cholesterol. As first her feet were numb, then they felt like they were heavy to lift, then suddenly there was PAIN. She couldn’t understand why she could hardly walk and every step sent a shooting pain from her toes to her legs, and it felt like there were rocks in her shoes. Initially,

her neurologist prescribed Lyrica, when that didn’t work he changed her to Cymbalta then Gabapentin (Neurotin) only to find her symptoms increasing. She was told there is no “cure” for her neuropathy, and she had to live with it. “Twelve treatments in, and the bed sheets don’t bother my feet, and I am not walking clumsy. THANKS Dr. Askar!!” Sound Familiar? I hear countless stories on a daily basis just like John’s and Susan’s, and the good news is there is HOPE! My name is Dr. Michele M. Askar, D.C., owner and operator of the Beaver County Spinal Disc Center & Neurology Center, and I am a board eligible chiropractic neurologist. I pride myself in thinking outside the box, and I take a functional approach to correct the problem, not to mask the problem with drugs which cover up the symptoms while your nerves continue to degenerate. In order to effectively treat your peripheral neuropathy, I will perform a peripheral neuropathy screening which will assess how much nerve damage has been sustained and if you are a candidate for our non-surgical, non-invasive, functional approach. This program is a combination of the latest innovations for peripheral neuropathy. Your treatment may consist of one or more of the following: Cold Laser Therapy, nerve simulation therapy, electroanagelsic therapy, and/or metabolic treatment therapy. My patients already know the insider secrets to recovery. They have already received their individual peripheral neuropathy treatment program and are seeing-and feeling-the AMAZING results! ARE YOU AT THE END OF YOUR ROPE!

WHAT TO DO NEXT? This offer is good for the next 15 days so call 724-709-7709 and tell the receptionist you want your FREE Peripheral Neuropathy Screening.

BEAVER COUNTY SPINAL DISC & NEUROLOGY CENTER 3582 Brodhead Rd., Suite 108, Monaca, PA 15061

Dr. Michele M. Askar

Board Eligible Chiropractic Neurologist

This offer does not apply to Federal Insurance Beneficiaries & ACN Participants.

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Chic

IMAGE & STYLE | September 2017

Never-Fail, Fall-Proof Transitional Style BY KELLY SMITH

all is almost here although it still feels like summer. The leaves haven’t quite changed, but change is definitely in the air. There’s a cool autumn breeze one day, and the next, a blast of warm air. Should I order my pumpkin spice latte on the rocks or full steam ahead? Why does transitional dressing — for any season — need to be so complicated? Every fashion maven knows when one season ends and another begins, but there’s something about the summer-to-fall switch that really makes it a tough style shift. There is no need to revamp your entire wardrobe if you add only a few of the right things to your current summer stash to be ready for fall. Let’s simplify things and get right to it, and take your current closet cache from summer to fall in one fell swoop. BOOT BRIGADE — Swap out your favorite sandals or mules with ankle booties to wear with your still-summer maxi dress. Any boot will do, but do keep it at an ankle style. You don’t want to be traipsing through all those newly fallen leaves with knee-high boots — not yet, anyway. The peep-toe bootie is just perfect for this time of year since you’ll still want to show off your pedicure. It’s also a great time to invest in a strong, stylish statement boot that includes lots of laced up ties as well as grommets, zippers and other bold embellishments. Remember, you don’t need to be limited to just black or brown; try one of the cooler hues of the season such as tan, plum or rust. LEATHER WEATHER — Perhaps a

full leather jacket isn’t quite in the forecast just yet; however, do try to add a few touches of leather or even suede into a transitioning wardrobe. A sleek leather vest over a flannel top will work wonders for an evolving fall wardrobe. Do try a chunky leather belt in a bold color, paired with an oh-so-cute solid summer tee and cut offs for a weekend fall frolic in the pumpkin patch. For even warmer days, feel free to still rock your summer shorts by adding a suede sandal and little leather cross body bag to acknowledge the autumn breeze dancing on your skin. DENIM DOUBLE DUTY — Denim is always in style — all the time — but there’s something about denim and September that are just synonymous. Perhaps denim is so widely associate with our back-toschool psyche or maybe it really just is a great wardrobe staple that never fails us. There are, however, slight ways to still use our lighter summer jeans into fall without buying more of the traditionally acceptable “fall” denim, AKA dark wash denim. Fall denim is typically heavier than its summer counterpart but that also equates to us working up a sweat when it’s a warmer fall day. Keep your lightweight denim current by simply adding a few colors from the fall rainbow such as wine, purple, teal or mustard. By swapping out your summer colors with the darker hues of the season, you’ll be ready to face the fall in comfort and style. Also, don’t underestimate the fabulousness of a lightweight denim top. It can be a very practical and fashionable alternative to a denim jacket on a warm, not hot day. Throw one over top of a crisp white summer tee and keep it unbuttoned to catch the autumn air. ACCESSORY ESSENTIALS — Adding a few fall accessories to a still summer wardrobe is a great way to stretch out the season, not to mention your wallet. Some good ideas that I always suggest are not always considered accessories. Take for example, my favorite go-to staple item is a good pair of black leggings. Not a thin, see-through yoga pant, but an actual pair

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of leggings. A black pair can be worn with anything, and lest we forget about the slimming power of black! Throw on a summer shift or tunic, then add one of the ankle boots I suggested and you’re in for a fun fall look while still showcasing (and enjoying) your summer frocks! Also, don’t forget about the never-fail friend, the scarf. Scarves are so affordable, not to mention versatile, that there’s every reason to stock up. Just be sure to get the latest fall colors and materials when shopping, especially if you plan to incorporate them into some of your stillsummer pieces. Fall will be right on top of us before you know it, so make sure you look on point and put together! l l l

COLOR! BY SALON NOLAS

resently in Hollywood the celebrity trend is pink hair in all of its hues including baby pink, neon and fuchsia. This delicate color holds meanings of unconditional love, compassion and sweetness and is associated with baby girls, flowers and cotton candy. Celebrities have been wearing this controversial color since the 80s. Cindy Lauper, Madonna and Gwen Stefani to name a few have sported pink locks. However, pink is not the only trend hitting the streets. All fashion colors are becoming widely accepted in all age groups of people. Women are putting blue or pink in their hair to symbolize the gender of their unborn babies. Breast cancer awareness month (October) is the month of pink everything. Children are wearing the colors of their favorite sports team in their tresses. Schools and companies are allowing fun bright hair colors more now than ever. Finding the right stylist to help you express yourself is very important. All the fun colored looks out there need to be processed the right way. No one wants to end up with fried or muted colored hair and then having to cut it off. There are a numerous products on the shelves that can help achieve the look you want. However, using at-home lighteners is not always the safest route. The hair must be pre-lightened to get the brightest colors such as yellow, orange and all the neon or hot pinks, blues and purples. Lightening hair can be very tricky, leaving the hair cuticle open and exposed to breakage. Once the color of choice (a pure pigment) is applied, the hair cuticle must be sealed closed to lock in the color and protect the hair shaft, enabling the fashion color to last to the longest of its ability. There are endless color combos one can wear if the hair is treated properly and professionally by a stylist. Most individuals have a style in mind to accent their creative hair color. Edgy, asymmetrical or long wavy cuts and styles are popular. At Salon Nolas, we specialize in fun, funky styles and colors, always keeping the health of your hair as our No. 1 priority. Make an appointment with Jinx today to have your hair colored today. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Fitness LIVING FIT | September 2017

Fit Families

Stretching & Flexibility: Improving Your Health This Fall BY JOELLA BAKER

ou’re never too old to try something new. We hear this all the time. When it comes to stretching, it’s true. Stretching is something everyone can do. There is no competition involved and improving is easy for everyone. There are so many ways to stretch. You can take a yoga or Pilates class. You can get stretching videos online or on Netflix. You can even make up your own stretching routine. The Basics of Stretching Your stretching program doesn’t have to be complicated. Prior to exercise or in the morning when you wake up, perform dynamic stretches. Dynamic stretches work to activate the muscles before working them harder. This includes exercises like walking high knees, walking butt kicks, walking on your toes, walking on your heels, walking lunges, soldier walk, hip flexor extensions, running high knees, running butt kicks just to name a few. After a workout, you can incorporate static stretching.

These are stretches you will hold for 10 seconds to actually elongate the muscles and help them to relax after a tough day or workout. For example, a forward fold, a downward dog, a basic quad stretch are all examples of static stretching. Janiss Garza, About’s former yoga guru says, “It is a cardinal fitness sin to skip stretching after a workout. If you want to promote stiffness, invite injury and lengthen your recovery time, you can do all that by not stretching the moment you finish your exercise routine and just head right back to your desk or the couch.” Here are some major benefits to stretching… • It helps to relieve stress — Since stretching relaxes muscles, it is a great way to release stress. A great yoga session can do wonders for the mind and body. • Improves posture — Since stretching actually relaxes your muscles and reduces pain, this means stretching the muscles of the lower back, chest and shoulders can help to keep your spine in better alignment. This will improve your overall posture. Reduced pain means a reduced desire to hunch or slouch. • Increased flexibility — By increasing your flexibility, you will improve your range of motion. • Increase blood flow — Stretching loosens your muscles and tendons, which relieves muscle fatigue and increases blood flow. When you stretch, you can delay the onset of muscle fatigue by ensuring oxygen is efficiently flowing through your blood. • Injury prevention — Stretching will help to increase a greater nutrient supply to muscles. This will assist in helping to speed recovery after a tough workout. • Increase your energy during the day — On those days you simply can’t stay awake, stand up from your desk and go through five to 10 minutes of stretching. A quick stretch will help you to revitalize your energy levels. • Improve athletic performance — You need to have relaxed muscles for optimal performance. Stretching on a consistent basis will assist you in being a better athlete. • Reduced soreness — Stretching before and after a workout gives your muscles time to relax and warm-up. Increases in blood flow will increase nutrient supply to the muscles, and this will relieve soreness in the muscles after a workout. Always incorporate stretching after your workouts and on a daily basis. Consistency is key. So get up and stretch. Take a class, do it on your own, watch it on a video, on your TV or on your computer. The important thing is to take 10 to 30 minutes a day to stretch and relax. I stretch before and after my workouts. I also like to stretch in front of the TV watching one of my favorite shows. You can fit stretching into your day since you can literally stretch anywhere. lll

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Trivia

TRIVIA CONNECTION | September 2017

Pittsburgh Sports Mascot Trivia eptember is a great time of the year for sports enthusiasts. Pittsburgh is well-known for being a sports town. This month is unique because we get to watch all our local favorites. The Pirates are in full-swing as we near the end of the MLB season. In the football realm, the Pitt Panthers and the Steelers have kicked-off their seasons. The Penguins will launch their pre-season hockey season when they take on the Buffalo Sabres on Sept. 19. These four Pittsburgh sports teams have had their ups and downs. No matter what the outcome, they’ve always had exciting mascots to rev up the crowd and cheer the home team on. The Buccos have the fun-loving Pirate Parrot who was introduced in 1979. He entertains the crowds at home games by dancing and interacting with fans. The Pierogies are an important part of the baseball festivities. Following the end of the fifth inning, these lovable mascots take the field to run the 280-yard Pierogi Race. Over the years, the pierogi’s lineup has included: Potato Peter, Cheese Chester, Jalapeno Hannah, Sauerkraut Saul, Oliver Onion, Bacon Burt and new this year, Pizza Penny. The University of Pittsburgh has a “Panther” as its mascot. Pitt adopted him during a meeting of student and alumni leaders in 1909. In the 1990s, they named him Roc in honor of Steve Petro, a former Pitt football player, coach and athletic department assistant. Petro was nicknamed The Rock because he was said to be the foundation that Pitt football build itself upon. Roc can be found at all of Pitt’s sporting events. In the summer of 2007, the Pittsburgh Steelers introduced Steely McBeam. His name was selected out of a pool of 70,000 suggestions from the fans. This blue-collar mascot appears to be a hard-working steel man. With a strong jaw, he wears a hard hat and carries a steel beam. The Pittsburgh Penguins introduced their first non-flying mascot, Pete, during a game against the Philadelphia Flyers. “Penguin Pete,” an Ecuadorian-born penguin on loan from the Pittsburgh Aquazoo, made his first appearance at the Civic Arena on February 21, 1968. The Penguins’ current mascot was created at the urging of Martha Johnson (wife of former Penguins Coach Badger Bob Johnson). A “name the mascot contest” was held, and Iceburgh debuted in the 1992-93 season. Since we’ve surveyed our sporty characters, we must now

delve into this marvelous mascot query. Get set to parade through the answers, because it’s time to get a little trivial . . . 1. On July 9, 2003, this Pirates first-baseman hit Guido, the sausage mascot, with a bat during a game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Miller Park. 2. What year was Roc awarded “All-American” status, as well the “Most Collegiate Mascot” at NCA’s Collegiate Mascot Camp? 3. Steely McBeam was introduced as part of what celebratory event in the Steelers franchise? 4. Iceburgh was known as ___in the 1995 film Sudden Death, which was filmed at the Civic Arena. 5. Which local university has a mascot called Black Diamond the Bison? 6. Every year the “Pierogies” travel to Milwaukee to race the “Sausages.” They also go to the nation’s capital. Who do they race in D.C.? 7. During the 2006-2010 season, the Pirates had this secondary swashbuckling mascot who is called? 8. The Pens live mascot, Pete, only lasted one year with the team; sadly, he passed away from what? 9. Name the college who has a mascot called “Duke.” 10. This professional soccer team has a doggone fun mascot named AMO. 11. Chatham College named their cougar mascot Carson in whose honor? 12. A second live penguin mascot was loaned to the Pens and made it through the 1971-72 season. They called him ___? 13. What is the name of the mascot at Robert Morris University? 14. At which university will you find Scotty the Scottie Dog? 15. What’s the name of the mascot that energizes the crowd during the baseball games in Washington, Pa.? Sources: http://pittsburgh.pirates.mlb.com/pit/fan_forum/mascots.jsp, http:// pittnews.com/article/63915/arts-and-entertainment/roc-star-the-life-of-acollege-mascot/, http://www.pittsburghpanthers.com/sports/2017/6/17/trads-pitt-trads-mascothtml.aspx, https://footballgreatsteelers.wordpress.com/steelers-facts-and-history/, http://pittsburghhockey.net/old-site/PensPages/Mascots/mascots.html Answers: 1. Randall Simon 2. 2010 3. 75th Anniversary 4. Icey 5. Point Park 6. U.S. Presidents 7. Captain Jolly Roger 8. Pneumonia 9. Duquesne University 10. Pittsburgh Riverhounds 11. Rachel Carson 12. Re-Pete 13. RoMo the Colonial 14. Carnegie Mellon 15. Wild Thing

BY PAULA GREEN

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | September 2017

Back to School with Allergies and Asthma

all not only means back to school but also signals peak allergy and asthma season. As you prepare for a new school year, the most important thing to do is to make sure your child takes his asthma or allergy medications as prescribed. Skipping medications can lead to increased symptoms, which often equals less time learning. Depending on your child’s allergic condition, you may want to tour the school to identify potential asthma or allergy triggers, including dust mites, mold, chalk dust and animal dander. Talk with your child’s teachers and coaches about your child’s condition and treatment plan. If your child has allergic rhinitis (hay fever), sign up for regular National Allergy BureauTM pollen count email alerts. When pollen and mold levels are high, make sure your child takes their medication to control symptoms. When indoors, ask staff to keep windows closed to keep pollen out.

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Children with exercise-induced asthma may have trouble participating in physical activities. However, it is very important for children to stay active, so work with your doctor and school staff to develop strategies to keep your child symptom-free while exercising. One option is to use a short-acting inhaler 15 minutes prior to exercise. Accidental exposures to food allergens can cause severe reactions in children with food allergies. Similarly, insect bites can cause severe reactions in children with stinging insect allergy. If your child is at risk for life-threatening allergic reactions to food or insect stings, complete an Anaphlyaxis Action Plan and your child should always carries autoinjectable epinephrine in case of an emergency. l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | September 2017

OLSH’s Multi-Faceted Approach to a Quality, Catholic Education

t Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School, student education is regarded as much more than the achievement of good grades. It is the belief that students must not only be provided with a rigorous curriculum, but also be taught by caring, talented and well-trained teachers in a top-notch facility where the administration, parents, benefactors, and Felician Sisters, of which OLSH is a ministry, all support students as they are educated and transformed into young men and women ready for lives of Christian leadership, stewardship and service. Located in Coraopolis, OLSH, a private, Catholic high school and ministry of the Felician Sisters, has instituted

the AP Advantage Program, which features a collaboration with the University of Notre Dame and Johns Hopkins University to provide OLSH students with the highest quality education. “OLSH is the only school outside the state of Indiana to participate in Notre Dame’s AP Teacher Investment Program,” said Timothy Plocinik, principal of OLSH. “It has become our goal to increase the amount of AP courses offered, increase the number of students taking AP courses and increase the amount of students who achieve a score of 3, 4, or 5 on the AP tests.” To achieve those goals, teachers from OLSH attended Notre Dame’s AP-Summer Institute, where they

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received professional development and additional resources as well as on-going, hands-on support. Another facet of the AP Advantage Program affords OLSH students to take online AP courses offered by Johns Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. “We are finding that students who succeed in AP courses succeed at the college level,” said Mr. Plocinik. While many schools focus on STEM classes, OLSH emphasizes STREAMScience, Technology, Religion, English, Arts and Math. “We believe that no matter what field a student pursues, the ability to write well is essential,” said Mr. Plocinik. “A few years ago, we set up a writing center, patterned after the one at Duquesne University.” OLSH is also retrofitting its Physics Lab and TV station. Providing the best in education doesn’t happen by accident. “We have a wonderful relationship with the Felician Sisters who support us in all that we do and from benefactors. We have a lot of people who believe in OLSH,” said Mr. Plocinik. For more information on Our Lady of the Sacred High School, visit the website at: www.olsh.org. l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | September 2017

School Movers & Shakers North Allegheny North Allegheny is ranked as one of the best school districts in the nation by Niche. com. Among the 10,574 school districts analyzed nationwide, North Allegheny was ranked as one of the Best Districts in the Nation (#15), Best Districts in Pennsylvania (#3), Best District in the Pittsburgh area (#1), and Best District in Allegheny County (#1). North Allegheny was the only school district in Western Pennsylvania to be ranked in the top 40 of the national Best School Districts list. Joni Sturgill of Healthy Body Peaceful Soul, LLC, has teamed with the North Allegheny School District to bring Joni Sturgill a new program to the students and faculty of

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the district. Sturgill is a 500hour ERYT yoga instructor and teacher trainer working with an emphasis on positive psychology and mindfulness using her Masters in Counseling Psychology from Chatham University. She has partnered with the North Allegheny School District to bring “mindfulness” to the classroom with her new program “Plugged into Mindfulness.”

North Hills North Hills High School principal Beth Williams was selected from nearly 800 speak- Beth Williams ers to present at the 2017 National Principals Conference in Philadelphia in July. Williams’ selection spread North Hills’ innovative techniques to administrators from across the country who are

involved with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area School District teacher Alison Francis has been named a firstplace winner in The Henry Ford’s Innovation Nation Teacher Innovator Awards. Francis, who is the facilitator of the district’s Creativity and Literacy Program, was one of 10 first-place winners from across the nation in this contest that recognizes America’s most innovative teachers. Fox Chapel Area School District teacher Scott Vensel has been selected as an education leader. Vensel was named to the Pittsburgh-based The Incline’s “Who’s Next: Education” class featuring 18 young educators under 40 preparing Pittsburgh for the future. Vensel is currently an eighth grade English Language Arts teacher at Dorseyville Middle School where he has taught since 2007.

Seneca Valley At Seneca Valley’s School Board Meeting on Monday, July 17, board members approved the appointment of Megan Lizewski as assistant principal at Haine Middle School in Cranberry Township and Evans City Middle School in Evans City.

Catholic Schools of the Pittsburgh Diocese REGISTER NOW for the 2017-2018 School Year Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh (Gibsonia)

Head of School: Leslie Mitros 724-444-0722 www.AquinasAcademy.info Megan Lizewski

Shady Side Academy Judi Williams joined the Shady Side Academy administration on July 1 as the director of Equity, Inclusion and Community Relations. In Judi Williams this newly created, full-time position, Williams will work closely with the heads of school and administration to develop and implement systematic, missiondriven frameworks that advance diversity and inclusion efforts across the Academy’s four campuses. The North Hills Pittsburgh branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) has awarded Peggy Schmiedecke, La Roche College’s associate director of admissions, the 2016-17 Outstanding Woman Award.

La Roche College Beginning in fall 2018, a new agreement between La Roche College and Butler County Community College will allow students to transfer up to 75 credits and complete a bachelor’s degree in information technology. BC3 students will complete an associate degree in computer information systems, along with one additional semester of coursework, then transfer to La Roche to complete their final three semesters.

Blessed Trinity Academy (Glenshaw)

(Formerly St. Bonaventure School, St. Mary of the Assumption, St. Ursula) 412-486-7611

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic Catholic High School (Cranberry Twp) Principal: Luke Crawford 412-321-4823 www.cwnchs.org

Central Catholic High School (Oakland)

Principal: Brother Tony Baginski, FSC 412-621-7505 www.centralcatholichs.com

Christ the Divine Teacher Catholic Academy Principal: Mr. Mark Grgurich (412) 781-7927 www.cdtca.org

Holy Cross Academy

(Saint Sebastian School / Saint Teresa of Avila School) Principal: Mr. John Benzing 412-364-7171

Holy Sepulcher Catholic School (Middlesex Twp)

Principal: Sister Anna Marie Gaglia, CSJ Phone: 724-586-5022 www.holysepulcher.org/school

Oakland Catholic High School www.oaklandcatholic.org (412) 682-6633

Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park)

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

Quigley Catholic High School (Baden) Principal: Mrs. Rita McCormick 724-869-2188 www.qchs.org

Saint Gregory School (Zelienople) Principal: Erin Harris 724-452-9731 school.stgregzelie.org

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

Saint Wendelin Catholic School (Butler) Principal: Mrs. JoLynn Clouse 724-285-4986 www.stwendelinschool.com

Vincentian Academy (North Hills, PA)

Principal: Mrs. Rita Canton 412-364-1616 www.vincentianacademy.org

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Schools

KIDS & EDUCATION | September 2017

Blessed Trinity Academy www.btacademy.net (412) 486-7611

n 2017-2018, Blessed Trinity Academy will open its doors for its inaugural school year. Blessed Trinity will be combining over 300 years of educational excellence with the merger of St. Mary of the Assumption in Glenshaw, St. Bonaventure and St. Ursula on two separate campuses. The St. Mary campus will offer programing for kindergarten through 8th grade while the St. Bonaventure campus will house the Early Childhood Center. The Early Childhood Center will offer programming for 3- and 4-year olds providing whole- and half-day options. Both campuses will continue to offer before- and after-school care. With the addition of Mrs. Jessica Rock, their new

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

principal, BTA hopes to enhance their already strong STREAM curriculum. In addition, they look to continue the Catholic tradition of service to the local communities among all grade levels throughout the year. As the doors to Blessed Trinity Academy prepare to open, the administrators, students, teachers and parents are excited to be a part of this next big step in Catholic education. If you are interested in being a part of this journey, please call 412-486-7611 for more information or to schedule a tour today! l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Honor

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | September 2017

National Desert Storm War Memorial BY PAULA GREEN

“Think about the men and women of Desert Storm. Let us honor them with our gratitude. Let us comfort the families of the fallen and remember each precious life lost.” -President George H. W. Bush

The proposed memorial would be designed in the shape of a left hook which pays tribute to the bold and innovative strategic gamble that shortened the war. It will be located at the National Mall, two blocks from the Vietnam War Memorial and the Lincoln Memorial. The goal of the memorial’s design is to create an educational, meaningful and deeply moving sequential experience for visitors that 1) educates them about the historical events of the war; 2) identifies each of the coalition countries and illustrates the historical significance of the 34-nation coalition that liberated Kuwait; 3) memorializes the names of those Americans who sacrificed their lives in the war; 4) reflects the unique environment and battle conditions experienced by our service members; 5) leaves visitors with an enduring memory of the historical significance and moral accomplishments of the Desert Storm War.

n August 2, 1990, turmoil hit the Middle East when Iraq invaded Kuwait. President George H. W. Bush condemned Iraq’s “naked aggression” and stated that the United States was considering all options. The aircraft carrier CV-62 USS Independence was moved toward the Persian Gulf. On January 16, 1991, the U.S. involvement in Operation Desert Storm began with an extensive aerial bombing campaign. Iraq attacked Israel with seven Scud missiles. U.S. Patriot missiles successfully intercepted the first Scud over Dhahran, Saudi Arabia. This military action represented the first time the United States sought to shape, control and configure the Middle East from the air. This historic event is sometimes referred to as The First Gulf War, Persian Gulf War and/or Desert Shield. No matter what name you call it, it was the war which expelled Iraqi troops from Kuwait and checked a decade of Saddam Hussein’s aggression toward his neighbors. According to www.u-s-history.com, the U.S. casualties list from Operation Desert Storm is as follows: Army: 98 battle, 105 nonbattle; Navy: six battle, eight nonbattle; Marines: 24 battle, 26 nonbattle; Air Force: 20 battle, six nonbattle. There was a total of 148 U.S. battle deaths and 145 nonbattle deaths, including 15 women, and 467 wounded in action. In late 2014, Congress passed legislation to build a National Desert Storm War Memorial in Washington, D.C. On April 13 of this year, the U.S. House passed a Senate Joint Resolution by a unanimous vote to erect this moving memorial.

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On January 20, 2016, former U.S. President George H.W. Bush joined the National Desert Storm War Memorial Association as honorary chairman. It has not been announced when the memorial will open since funds are still being raised for this initiative. For more information, visit www.ndswm.org, facebook. com/NationalDesertStormWarMemorial/, twitter.com/ DesertStormMeml or https://www.instagram.com/desertstormmeml/. l l l Sources: https://www.thebalance.com/desert-shield-desert-storm-basic-timeline-3357157, https://undertheradar.military.com/2015/09/21-facts-about-thefirst-gulf-war/, https://www.ndswm.org

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Seniors

SENIOR LIVING | September 2017

Town Crier

Ready or Not, Here Comes September! BY JOE BULLICK

eptember (septem meaning seven) was the seventh month in the old Roman calendar. When Julius Caesar decided to add two months — January and February — to the calendar year, September kept its name but became the ninth month of the year. I love September right where it is. As Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote: The morrow was a bright September morn; the earth was beautiful as if new-born. There was that nameless splendor everywhere, that wild exhilaration in the air. . . The only thing prettier than a September morn is the sight of the full harvest moon rising and bathing our gardens and fields in golden light. School is back in session. When I was a boy, I couldn’t wait

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

for the first day of school and to be able to see my classmates and review our summers. Things have changed. We did not have hot lunches, cell phones, computers. We had the first Monday in September off to honor the American worker with Labor Day. The farmer enjoys the harvest time with crisp apples. We are already enjoying fresh ears of corn, tomatoes and green beans. My mom always did a lot of canning, and because I helped with it, she would put money in my piggy bank. I think everyone has a had a piggy bank at one time or another. Piggy banks started in the Middle Ages when metal was expensive. Most household items were made of clay called pygg. People would save a coin or two in a pygg pot. Over time the pot became known as a piggy bank. Sports are in high gear in September with football and baseball games. If you are looking for something to do other than sports, why not go to the Andy Warhol Museum? Or how about a bike tour, or a boat ride, or a visit to the History Center? If you are born between August 23 and September 22, your astrological sign is Virgo. September’s birthstone is sapphire and its flower is jasmine. The rest of the month belongs to Libra. Some notable people born in September are William Howard Taft, our 27th president (Sept. 15), and Grandma Moses (Sept. 7), the renowned American folk artist. I leave you with this:

The hardest thing to raise in my garden is my knees. — Author Unknown

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Happenings for Seniors Free Services for Seniors through North Hills

Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. Call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an inhome registration visit.

Home Instead Senior Care® has a program to help

families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training available at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com.

McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered

meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkeley Hills, Swan Acres McCandless, Shaler & Hampton. Call (412) 487-4088.

North Country Meal on Wheels provides home

delivered meals to the elderly, homebound & disabled. Services Marshall, Pine, Richland, Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, parts of McCandless, West Deer, Cranberry, Adams, Seven Fields, Mars & Valencia. Call (724) 935-1877.

North Hills Community Outreach is collecting safety

items for seniors. For details visit nhco.org or call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Olive Branch is giving away free “Fidget Blankets” for

families who care for dementia & Alzheimer’s patients. To request one, call (724) 799-8700 or visit the store located at 11160 Perry Hwy., in Wexford.

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

Entertainment & Social 2nd Act, 10 a.m.-noon, 2nd Thurs., of the month, Sept.

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 (412) 415-1892 or (724) 538-4408 for info and programs.

14-May 10, Orchard Hill Church lobby. Adults 55 & older, music, inspirational speakers, outreach projects. For info, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7 p.m., every 1st

St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Cape Cod, Oct. 8-12; Light-Up

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. Call (724) 444-0064.

Night, Nov. 17. Contact, Rose (724) 728-2563, or (412) 908-0124, or Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

Health & Wellness Caring for Aging Loved Ones, 7-9 p.m., Sept. 21-Nov. 16,

Orchard Hill Church, Room 206, Upper Level. For details, visit http://www.orchardhillchurch.com/.

Healthy Start Café, 8:45 a.m., every Mon & Thurs, St.

John Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. Presented by Lutheran SeniorLife & St. John Lutheran Church of Highland. Call (412) 364-1606 or (412) 307-1797.

Seminars Legacy Theatre Seminars: War to End All Wars: World

War I and the American Expeditionary Forces (AEF), 11 a.m., Sept. 5; A Taste of Appalachia, 11 a.m., Sept. 19. For info, visit http://thelegacylineup.com/

Medicaid & Nursing Home Planning,

1 p.m., Sept. 18, Shaler North Hills Library. Register online at www.shalerlbrary.org or (412) 486-0211.

Taking Care of Caregivers, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 19, Shaler

North Hills Library. Register online at www.shalerlbrary. org or (412) 486-0211.

Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 776-9274.

Gateway North AARP #3586 meets at 1 p.m., the 3rd

Monday of the month, at West View Banquet Hall at 398 Perry Hwy. Short meeting with entertainment and cake & coffee. Everyone is welcome.

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs. of the month, Christ

Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. Call (412) 741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.

Social Groups Amazing Singles, for singles in the Pittsburgh region,

visit, http://www.amazingsingles.com/pittsburgh.html.

Association of University People (AUP), are looking

for single, college, graduates over 50 to join them for monthly dinners and summer gatherings. Call (412) 7348445 or visit www.aupsinglespittsburgh.org.

Catholic Alumni Club of Pittsburgh, has dances,

retreats and plays various sports and other great events. Visit their website http://www.cacpittsburgh. org/.

Visit Pittsburgh Events & Festivals lists upcoming

events for singles, kids, and married folks. It enlightens Pittsburghers on dining, shopping and recreational events. Go to http://www.visitpittsburgh.com/eventsfestivals.

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Call Suzie, at (724) 799-7049.

Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

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

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

North Hills Community Outreach urgently needs vol-

unteers in the upper Route 28 corridor to help seniors. Visit http://nhco.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteerhelp-seniors/. For details, call Cathy, (412) 307-0069 x3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program

assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. Register at (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Seniors

SENIOR LIVING | September 2017

Celebrate a Well-Earned Retirement at Shenango on the Green You’ve probably spent a lot of years helping others, whether at home or on the job. Now you are at a time in your life when you can focus more on you and the things you really want to do.

his is a great time to explore a worry-free lifestyle at Shenango on the Green, located in the quaint and scenic New Wilmington, Lawrence County. Here you’ll appreciate social programs and tasty dining instead of worrying about housekeeping, maintenance and chores. You’ll enjoy independent living as well as the comfort and security of knowing that you are part of a community with accommodations that provide for higher levels of care, if and when you may need it. Established in 1967, Shenango on the Green is the only Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) in Lawrence County. A CCRC offers older adults the support and services

they need, no matter where they are on life’s journey. The biggest benefit of a CCRC is the ability for you to access a continuum of care that’s available on-site. If your health condition changes and you need a little bit of help, we have a personal care neighborhood that offers assistance on an asneeded basis as well as secure memory support apartments and care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or a related dementia. At our skilled nursing neighborhood, we provide 24/7 nursing care as well as physical, occupational and speech therapy in the rehabilitation center. Shenango on the Green sits immediately across from Westminster College. Our location has allowed us to build good relationships with the college. Just a quick walk across the street affords our residents the opportunity to participate in continued learning. For more information about Shenango on the Green, a Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Community, visit www. ShenangoSrCare.org or call 724-946-3516. l l l

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Seniors

SENIOR LIVING | September 2017

Medicare Versus Marketplace Coverage BY CRYSTAL MANNING

eciding what to do as you approach Medicare eligibility when you have a Marketplace plan (state or federal) depends on your unique circumstances. In most cases it’s to your advantage to sign up when you’re first eligible because: • Once you’re eligible for Medicare, you won’t be able to get lower costs for a Marketplace plan based on your income. • If you enroll in Medicare after your initial enrollment period ends, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. If you currently have a Marketplace plan, you can keep it until your Medicare

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coverage starts. At that time, you would have the option to end your Marketplace plan without penalty. If you like, you can keep your Marketplace plan too. But once your Medicare Part A coverage starts, you’ll no longer be eligible for any premium tax credits or other cost savings you may be getting for your Marketplace plan. Let’s review what your options might be. If you have kidney disease (ESRD) that requires dialysis or transplant and are eligible for Medicare, you have the choice to enroll in a Marketplace plan with cost assistance, or keep your current Marketplace plan. If you are thinking of delaying Medicare enrollment to keep or enroll in a Marketplace plan, you should consider how the Marketplace plan coverage and costs compare to Medicare. If you have ESRD and are considering whether you should enroll in Medicare, it is best to speak with someone that can compare your choices and the outcomes of your decision. Another option is available if you do not qualify for Medicare Part A. Most people have paid into the Social Security system simply by working 40 quarters or 10 years, or are a dependent of someone that has. If you are eligible for Medicare but would have to pay a premium for Part A, you can keep your Marketplace plan with cost assistance as long as you do not enroll in Medicare. You should consider all consequences carefully before deciding to take a Marketplace plan instead of Medicare. If you decide to enroll in Medicare in the future, rules may apply to delay your enrollment which may result in gaps in your coverage. You might also have a late enrollment penalty for not signing up for Medicare when you were first eligible. Federal law requires you to have health insurance;

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Medicare Part A meets the minimum essential coverage requirement, which means you will not get a tax penalty if you are enrolled in Part A. Note that Medicare Part B alone is not minimum essential coverage (MEC) and you would likely get a penalty for not having minimum essential coverage. When you enroll in Medicare, be sure to find out the date that your coverage will start. For example, if you enroll in Medicare during the first three months of your Initial Election Period (IEP), your Medicare benefits will start on the first day of your birthday month. You should plan to disenroll from your Marketplace plan before your Medicare benefits start. Keep in mind that you want your Marketplace plan to cover you up until your Medicare starts. You do not want any gaps in coverage, so timing is important. For complete instructions or more information, go to www.medicare.gov. As a reminder, It’s unlawful for an agent who knows that you are enrolled in Medicare to sell you a Marketplace plan. The Medicare Open Enrollment period, which begins on October 15th and extends through December 7th, is a time when there’s a higher risk for fraudulent activities. The Medicare rules and understanding when and how to enroll is not simple. To assist with any of your Medicare questions or concerns, please contact Crystal Manning, licensed Medicare Advisor at 412-716-4942 or crystalmanning33@gmail. com lll

Editor

WHERE WAS I? | September 2017

No privacy. Chips! BY JANICE LANE PALKO

St. Barnabas Health System Announces 2017 CEO Leadership Conference

n Friday, September 29, St. Barnabas campus in Gibsonia will hold their 31st annual St. Barnabas CEO Leadership Conference. This event is free, but space is limited. Transportation Innovation is the theme for the conference, which begins with a 7 a.m. networking breakfast, followed by the 8 a.m.-noon forum. An optional luncheon is available for purchase. Five dynamic CEO speakers and panelists, representing some of the region’s fastest growing companies, will discuss progress and growth through innovation.

The speakers will include: • Rich Fitzgerald, Allegheny County Chief Executive • David White, CEO – Pittsburgh Bike Share • Noah Zych, Head of System Safety, Uber • Bryan Salesky, President – Argo AI • Mathew Maguire, CEO – OneJet Bill Flanagan of the Allegheny Conference is the conference moderator and former Allegheny County chief executive, James Roddey is the panel moderator. St. Barnabas Leadership Awards will be presented to outstanding leaders and companies that have made a difference in our region. This year’s honorees include: Mike Blehar, Fort Pitt Capital; Paul Furiga, Wordwrite; Kim Geyer, Butler County Commissioner; Vicki Hinterberger, Butler Radio Group; Rich Kaminsky, Subway; Marion Piotrowski, Northern Connection Magazine; Win Smathers, Shorebridge Wealth Management; and Jim Thurby, Ford; as well as awards going to the Beaver County Times and Bronco Denardic. For information or registration, visit StBarnabasLeadership.com or call (724) 4445570. l l l

ack in the 1970s, Saturday Night Live featured a recurring skit called the “Olympia Café” that starred the late John Belushi as Pete Dionasopoulos, the owner of the Greek cafe. What made the skit such a hit was that no matter if a customer ordered fries, Pete always shouted, “No fries. Chips!” Everyone got chips. There was no choice. I’m afraid that we may be approaching a day when “chips” are no longer funny. On August 1, Three Square Market, a technology company in River Falls, Wisconsin, gave their employees the choice of having a microchip inserted into their flesh between their thumbs and index fingers or not. More than half of the company’s 80 employees opted to have the microchip, which is the size of a grain of rice, embedded. The company makes cafeteria kiosks that it hopes will replace vending machines and says the chips will eliminate the need for employees to swipe to get into a building or pay for food in their cafeteria. All that will be accomplished by a wave of the “chipped” hand. I can understand the employees agreeing to this as an example of “practicing what you preach,” but I wouldn’t be so keen on this. The company says it has no GPS capabilities imbedded in the chip so it cannot track employees, but this could be just the first step to the greatest loss of privacy and independence ever known to humankind. As with most innovations, there comes the duality of advancement and abuse. The invention of cars gave us greater mobility and convenience while at the same time creating pollution, noise and traffic. Television opened the world to us, but also has seduced us into spending countless hours watching mindless shows. Cell phones allowed us to remain in touch wherever we go, yet when we are face-to-face with an individual, many of us still stare at our screens. I can see how “chipping” someone would have benefits. But I can see many more problems. What if it becomes “beneficial” to chip you with your medical information? What if it becomes “beneficial” to chip you with your passport information? I’m not just wary of governmental abuse, tracking citizens whereabouts and what they are doing. What about employer abuse? Could they track how many bathroom breaks you take? How long you spend on the phone or sending emails? What if Joe can sell as many products as Jane but he does it with less minutes spent on the phone or with fewer emails? Can Jane be let go for that? With the government playing an even bigger role in health care, I’ve felt the nudge by my insurance carrier to be more accountable to them. This year they’ve introduced “wellness activities” that persuade subscribers to do certain things to receive a discount on monthly premiums. This month I’ve been tracking the fruits and vegetables I eat. But what if they insist on having their customers chipped as a condition of being insured? The possibilities for abuse are endless. While there may be good reasons to embrace this technology, I can think of many more bad ones. So for now I will have to say: No chips! What are your thoughts about being microchipped? l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Events

HAPPENINGS | September 2017

North Pittsburgh Network Supports The Emmaus Community

orth Pittsburgh Network (NPN) is not your typical networking group. Instead of networking strictly to grow business relationships, NPN comes together to support and assist the events and programs of local charities. It is through this philanthropic focus that the members choose to network and learn more about each other and their businesses. NPN was founded by Colleen Anthony, owner of MABC Mortgage, LLC, and Brian Stumpf, Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial. Their original intention was to focus on charitable work in conjunction with business networking. “It was a common thread among the original members of the group and continues with each member that we add. It turned out that people were more interested in getting together to sponsor a food drive or volunteer at a shelter than to meet for a happy hour after work,” said Ms. Anthony. The transition was a natural adaptation. “We had built solid business relationships and friendships from within a traditional network(Continued on page 50)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

ing group,” continued Mrs. Anthony, “but there was an opportunity to do more. On average, our members have 15 years of experience in their fields, some with more than 30 years of industry experience. It is probably not a surprise that many were already active in the community, so membership in NPN was a natural fit.” NPN is supporting The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, which is a faithbased, nonprofit organization. For 26 years, it has been providing homes and services for people with intellectual disabilities. “The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh has been a member of NPN since 2013, so naturally our members try to support their cause through volunteering, fundraising and building awareness,” said Ms. Anthony. Participants of the Emmaus Residential Program live in inclusive, family-style homes, where a caring team provides individualized support 24-hours-a-day, 365-daysper-year. Staff provide assistance in all areas of daily life, and Emmaus residents are highly involved in their communities, whether working, volunteering, participating in classes and teams, attending church, or dining and shopping. In the Non-Residential Program, Emmaus provides support to individuals who are living in personal or family homes, helping them to build independence, develop new relationships, and prepare for future transitions. “There are ALWAYS opportunities to support their cause – and that it is also really easy to do so. Whether you are able to spend time with the residents of the organization or assist with special events and fundraising, there are year-round opportunities. If you register for the Ride-N-Stride event, you will be supporting their cause as well as having a great time with your friends and family,” said Ms. Anthony. For more information, visit http://www. emmauspgh.org. If you are interested in joining the North Pittsburgh Network, you can contact NPN to discuss potential options for networking, visit http://npghnetwork.com. l l l

Make sure you visit our Gold Sponsors... • A Place to Grow Learning Center, Inc. • Lula Roe • Dots and Doodles • Ideal Image • Eisner Law • MABC Mortgage, LLC • Joy Fitwear • J&D Waterproofing • Integra One

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Events

HAPPENINGS | September 2017

Happenings

September 2017 Arts & Entertainment Beaver Valley Choral Society fall

rehearsals begins 7 p.m., Sept. 11, New Brighton Methodist Church, 1033 Sixth Ave. for details, visit bvchoralsociety. net.

Bodiography, 8 p.m., Sept. 23, Succop Theatre, BC3. For info, visit www. pgharts.org or call (412) 456-6666.

Butler Symphony Concerts, noon, Sept. 6, Tom Panei; Sept. 13, Jessica Sanzotti; Sept. 20, Jim Schaffner & Friends Jazz; Sept. 27, TBA, 259 S. Main St., Butler. Free & open the public. For info, visit http://butlersymphony.org.

Film Pittsburgh, ReelAbilities,

Sept. 6-13, SouthSide Works Cinema; Pittsburgh Shorts, Oct. 25-29, August Wilson Center; For details, visit FilmPittsburgh.org.

Hillman Center for Performing Arts at Shady Side Academy, The Jason Bishop Show, 7:30 p.m., Oct. 21, 423 Fox Chapel

Recovery from Codependency, 7 p.m.,

Road in Fox Chapel. Learn more at www. thehillman.org.

Williams Tribute; Nov. 18, The Vogues; Dec. 2, Johnny Angel & the Halos Christmas; Dec. 9, Doo Wop Big Band Christmas. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup.com.

Join the Pittsburgh Symphony North

Oil Painting artist, James Sulkowski

Recovery for Parents of Addicts, 7

Pittsburgh North Hills Harmony Line Chorus, We can cook too! Barbershop

Craft Shows

and help broaden music appreciation & raise funds in support of the Pittsburgh Symphony. Meetings are 11 a.m., the 3rd Tues of each month, Sept.-May. For details, email infopsnorg@gmail.com or visit Facebook at Pittsburgh Symphony North.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m., Sept. 4, (no movie-Labor Day); Sept. 11, The Shack; Sept. 18, A Dog’s Purpose; Sept. 25, Manchester By the Sea; Oct. 2, Patriot’s Day, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 16, The Martin & Lewis Tribute; Oct. 7, The Marcels; Oct. 21, The Legend of Hank

will demonstrate his oil painting techniques, Sept. 14, at the Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 5th Ave., New Brighton. For details, visit www.beavervalleyartists.org.

style, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 16, St. John’s Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. For info, contact Tom at tbsoccer1@verizon.net or (412) 486-2550.

Community North Hills Community Outreach win-

ter coat drive runs Sept. 1-Oct. 17. For details, email vdburst@nhco.org or 9412) 487-6316, opt. 1.

Counseling Anchorpoint Events: SPIN for Single

Moms & their Kids, 6-8 p.m., two Weds a month Oct.-May, call (412) 366-1300 x105; Professional counseling for individuals, families & kids, call (412) 366-1300.

Ask the Attorney, free counseling for

qualified individuals, the 3rd Wed. of every month, 7 p.m., Sept. 20, NHCO Allison Park. Pre-register at jmboggs@ nhco.org or (412) 408-3830 x3217.

Berkeley 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.

DivorceCare, 7 p.m., Sept. 7-Dec. 7,

Room 201, upper level, Orchard Hill Church. For details, visit http://www. orchardhillchurch.com/.

Employment help is available at NHCO.

For details, contact NHCO resource coordinator, Jackie at jmboggs@nhco.org or (412) 408-3830 x3217.

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, Psychoeducational Support Group 7-9 p.m., 4th Mon. Contact Anita (412) 215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Thurs (no meeting Nov.23, Dec. 21 & 28), Kidzburgh, 3-year-old Room, Orchard Hill Church. Visit http://www.orchardhillchurch.com/. p.m., Sept. 7-Dec. 14, Kidzburgh, K-1 Room, Orchard Hill Church. Visit http:// www.orchardhillchurch.com/.

Crafters needed for the Sisters of

Divine Providence Craft Extravaganza to be held Oct. 7. For details, visit cdpsisters.org/2017CraftExtravaganza, or call (412) 635-5401 or pserafini@cdpsisters. org.

Dancing & Recreational Events Ballroom Dancing, 7 p.m. (beginners), 8

p.m. (social) 1st, 3rd & 5th Fridays, Sept. 1-Dec. 1; Line Dancing, 6 p.m., Thurs, Sept. 7- Dec. 7, Orchard Hill. For info, visit 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 18 & older. Register at (412) 915-8486 or (724) 443-2616 or beatty3@ consolidated.net.

Modern Western Style Square Dancing, 8-10 p.m., Sept. 5, St. Paul’s United Methodist, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park, or 7:30-9:30 p.m., Sept. 7, North Hills Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. Presented by the North Hills Squares & Y-Knots SQ Dance Clubs. For info, visit http://www.y-knotdance.org/.

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages 40+,

8 p.m. to midnight, Sept. 2, Black & Gold Steelers/Pirates/Pens Party. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m., Sept. 16, A Perfect Pair Mix & Match Ice-Breaking Singles Dance, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Call (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight. weebly.com.

Yes, You Can Dance! (YYCD) Fall Dance Classes, Level 1, noon-1 p.m.,

Level 2, 1:15-2:15 p.m., Level 4, 2;30-3;30 p.m., Sept. 17-Nov. 19, DanceExplosion, 5505 Babcock Blvd. Call (412) 999-3998 or info@yesyoucandance.org.

Ember & Vine

mber & Vine Woodfire Oven and Social Bar is known for Chef Sam Castrale’s delicious creations like the House-Cured Duck Reuben. This savory sandwich is stacked on fresh marble rye bread with house-made duck pastrami, sauerkraut, aged gruyere cheese and dijonnaise, and served with a side of hand-cut fries for the perfect lunch or dinner sandwich. Ember & Vine is open to the public and located in the atrium of the beautifully remodeled DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh Cranberry. Chef Castrale’s innovative, mouthwatering dishes are all inspired by seasonal ingredients and his scratch-cooking technique. Ember & Vine’s menu has something for everyone with crisp, fresh salads, loaded sandwiches, homemade soups and flavorful locally sourced entrees. Ember & Vine is a popular week night happy hour hot spot featuring unbeatable drink specials, $4 shared plates, $3 off woodfired pizzas and rotating drink and food specials throughout the week. l l l

Environmental EIC Worksite Safety Course, noon-4 p.m., Sept. 26, Oct. 31, Nov. 28 & Dec. 19, Butler County Community College main campus. Call (724) 287-8711 ext. 8355.

Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals, Electronics & Freon Appliances, Sept. 16, Oct. 14 & 28, Nov. 18 &

Dec. 16, 129 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City. Pre-registration if required 1-866-815-0016.

Fall Events Celebration of Champions, Sept. 22, Sheraton

Pittsburgh Hotel at Station Square. Benefits the Boys & Girls Club of Western PA. For info, visit www.sheratonstationsquare.com/celebrationofchampions.

Depreciation Lands Museum events: The Hydref, fall festival, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 7; Lantern Tours, 6-9 p.m., Oct. 21 & 28; 1-4 p.m., Oct. 29, last Sunday to visit the museum for the season, 4743 S. Pioneer Rd., Allison Park. For info, visit http://www.depreciationlandsmuseum.org/

Psychic Investigators, Suzanne & Jean Vincent,

6-7:30 p.m., Oct. 12, Cranberry Library, 2525 Rochester Rd. Topics: Caylee Anthony, Scott Fosnaught & Shawn Baur, John Yelenic, Melissa Barto, Cherrie Mahan, Mickey Scheller, ghost stories & hauntings. Free event. Bring a can of cat/dog food for the Butler County Humane Society or a donation to the Cranberry Library. Reserve your spot, call (724) 776-9100.

Special Olympics Turkey Bingo Fundraiser, doors open 6 p.m., Nov. 16, at Undercliff Volunteer Fire Hall, 700 Mt. Royal Blvd. Raffles & refreshments, admission $10. For info on the Turkey Bingo, contact Loretta at djoeski@ aol.com. For info on Special Olympics, Allegheny County, contact Kathy at kathysoac@verizon.net.

Festivals & Fun Nights Arts & Crafts Labor Day Festival, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,

Sept. 1, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 2-3 & 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 4, Westmoreland Fairgrounds, 123 Blue Ribbon Lane, Greensburg. For info, www.familyfestivals.com or (724) 863-4577.

Fall Family Fun Day, noon-3 p.m., Oct. 7, Dorseyville

Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd. Petting zoo, free food, pumpkin painting, live music, children’s games, prizes, giveaways. For info, call (412) 767-4600.

Family Fun Night Marshall Township, 6 p.m., Sept. 8, Knob Hill Park, 415 Knob Rd. Featuring The Eldorado Band in the Elias Fry Barn, 7-10 p.m. & Zambelli Fireworks. Chinese Auction, Living Treasures Wild Animal Park, ELF Inflatables, Food Venders, Face Painting, & Caricatures.

FoxFest, 5-10 p.m., Sept. 8 & 10 a.m.-10 p.m., Sept. 9,

Faith United Methodist Church, 261 West Chapel Ridge. Food trucks, children’s events, games and family fun. Free admission. For info, email lbowden11@comcast.net or call (412) 418-6254.

North Hills Community Outreach 30th Anniversary Dinner, 5:15 p.m., Sept. 17, Chadwick in Wexford. For tickets, contact Cheryl at (412) 487-6316, opt. 1.

5K Events & Walk-a-thons Hemophilia Walk, 10 a.m., Sept. 9, North Park

Boathouse, Pearce Mill Rd. For info, visit https://hemophiliawalk.donordrive.com/.

Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) One Walk Pittsburgh, 8:30 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. walk,

Sept. 23, Schenley Park-Flagstaff Hill. Benefits research for type one diabetes. Register at www.walk.jdrf.org

Lupus Loop, registration 8 a.m., skaters & runners, 9

a.m., walkers & dogs, 10 a.m., Sept. 16, Station Square. Get into the Loop! For info, visit https://friendraising2. donorpro.com/campaigns/73.

Westmoreland Yough Trail Chapter of the Regional Trail Corporation Poker Run, 8 a.m., registration, 8:30 a.m., run on Labor Day, Sept. 4, Arthur H. King Access Area of the Great Allegheny Passage, West Newton. $20 per person, children age ten and under $10. Rain or shine, no refunds. Visit www.bikewytc.org or email wytcnews@hotmail.com.

Fundraising Chipotle Fundraiser, 5-9 p.m., Oct.10, Chipotle, 11359

Burkina Faso, Africa. Any questions, visit Fasolife.org, or call (724) 799-7049.

Gardening Fall Hosta & Garden Forum, Sept. 16, Frank G. Pogue

Student center at Edinboro University. Sponsored by Daffodil & Hosta Society of Western PA & Western NY. For info, visit www.dhswp.com.

Greybrooke Garden Club meeting, 9:30 a.m., Sept. 13,

in Fellowship Hall of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Erika Young of Waste Management will present “Recycling and the Environment.” Guests are welcome. For info, call Barbro at (412) 296-0538.

North Hills Community Outreach accepts fresh pro-

duce from gardeners who wish to share their excess bounty. Drop-offs can be made 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Mon-Fri. For info, visit nhco.org or (412) 487-6316, opt. 1.

St. James Parish Farmer’s Market, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.,

Saturdays thru Nov. in the church parking lot, 200 Walnut St. in Sewickley. Fresh vegetables, organic farm products, pierogis, pasta plus much more. For info, visit www.saintjames-church.com or call (412) 741-6650.

Golf Anchorpoint Golf Classic, Sept. 15, Olde Stonewall Golf Club. For info, call (412) 366-1300.

St. Barnabas Charities Fall Golf Classic, shotgun

start at 10:15 a.m., Sept. 15, at Conley Resort & Golf Club. Benefits the PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS® campaign. Register online at StBarnabasGolf.com or call (724) 625-3770. (Continued on page 52)

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Events

HAPPENINGS | September 2017

Health & Wellness

Historical

Arthritis Expo presented by UPMC, noon-4 p.m., (regis-

Depreciation Lands Museum is open to visitors

tration 11:30 a.m.), Sept. 29, Cumberland Woods Village, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Contact, Jessica at jszramowski@arthritis.org or http://arthritisexpo.kintera.org/pittsburgh or (412) 250-3340.

Bone Bash Gala, Halloween-themed masquerade for

the Arthritis Foundation, Oct. 13, Carnegie Museum of Natural History in the Music Hall Foyer. For details, visit www.bonebashpittsburgh.com.

Babcock Dental Center’s Free Dental Event, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 15, 3372 Babcock Blvd. Freedom Day-Show appreciation to current & retired veterans, police officers, firemen and first responders. Mention Freedom Day when scheduling the appt (412) 369-9010.

Free CPR/AED Class, 7 p.m., Sept. 18, Heritage Church’s Body & Soul Wellness Ministry, 2262 Rochester Road, Franklin Park. Instructor Dan McSorley, a Paramedic from McCandless/Franklin Park Ambulance Authority. $2 fee for a certification card. All are welcome. Space is limited. To reserve your spot, call (412) 366-1356.

Living with Lupus, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sept. 29, Pittsburgh

Theological Seminary, 616 N. Highland Ave. For info, visit www.lupuspa.org.

Revelations Fitness® Fusion (cardio, strength &

flexibility) classes, 9:30 a.m., Mon; 6:30 p.m., Thurs., 2 p.m., Sundays, Get Moving for those with special needs, Woodland Valley Church, Mars; 6:30 p.m., Tues., Revelations Fitness® Fusion, North Way Christian Community. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

1-4 p.m., thru Oct. 30. For more info, visit www. DepreciationLandsMuseum.org.

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. 18 topic, Buford at Gettysburg. Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Library Northland Library, How an Idea Becomes a Book, 7 p.m.,

Sept. 7; How Sweet (Healthy) Home: A Make it and Take It Workshop, 7 p.m., Sept. 14; Fall Vendor & Craft Fair, Sept. 23; Vision Development & Its Impact on Learning, 7 p.m., Sept. 28; For info, visit www.northlandlibrary.org or (412) 366-8100 x103.

Shaler North Hills Library events: Green Table, a

Vegetarian Life Style, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 6; WONDERful Birthday Celebration, 7 p.m., Sept. 15; Meet the Author Patricia Harman, 6:30 p.m., Sept. 21; Tail Waggin Tutors, 10 a.m., Sept. 30; Fall Book Sale, Sept. 29-Oct. 1. For info, call (412) 486-0211.

Networking AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a business network-

ing group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Wed, at North Park Deckhouse, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Glen (412) 9168699.

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business

networking group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Sports Grille at Cranberry. Call Glen (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business network-

ing group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. Visit https://www.amspirit.com/chapter. php?chapter=Wexford.

Amity Lodge #45 affiliated with Italian Sons &

Daughters of America is welcoming new members. Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month with a social & refreshments. If interested, call Joanne at (724) 443-8303.

Western PA Professional Business Association Network Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Tuesdays, King’s

Restaurant, Rt. 8, Gibsonia. Call Mary Ann, at (724) 9352221 or www.wpabusiness.com.

Outreach Donate your car to Community Auto, a program of

North Hills Community Outreach. For details, visit communityauto.org or (724) 443-8300.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd. in

Allison Park is a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

North Hills Community Outreach has speakers available for congregations, businesses and civic groups. To

find out more email JLKissel@nhco.org or (412) 487-6316 opt. 1 x3112.

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.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary is looking for dedicated people who wish to support UPMC Passavant

McCandless & Cranberry. The group meets 10 a.m., the 2nd Mon. of each month. (Sept-thru Jun.) For details, call (412) 748-6640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

Reunions North Hills Class of 1977 Reunion, 5-11 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 9, Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, Warrendale. For info, visit their Facebook page North Hills High School Class of 1977.

Sales & Flea Markets Church Rummage Sale, 8 a.m.-noon, Sats. & 12:30 p.m.3:30 p.m. Sun., Sept. 9-10, Oct. 7-8, St. Aloysius Church, 3616 Mt. Troy Rd., Reserve Twp.

Little Sister’s Holiday Boutique Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

daily, Sept. 28-30, 1028 Benton Ave., Brighton Heights. Fall and Christmas crafts, ceramics and plants will be available. For info, call (412) 307-1100.

St. Nicholas Church 50% Off Flea Market, 5-8:30 p.m., Sept. 22, 24 Maryland Ave., Millvale. Two floors of clothing, household and vintages items and lots more. For info, call (412) 821-1893 or (412) 821-4106.

School & Classes Butler County Community College (BC3) is offering

OSHA trainer courses in Sept., Oct. & Dec. For details, email thomas.baughman@bc3.edu or call (724) 287-8711.

Butler County Community College (BC3) students

can earn a bachelor’s degree in information technology

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

from La Roche College without leaving the BC3 main campus. For details, email transferadmissions2laroche. edu or (412) 536-1260.

La Roche College now offers a Clinical Nurse Leader

(CNL) concentration to prepare master’s degree students for advanced practice roles in all health care deliver settings. For info, email graduateadmissions@ laroche.edu of (412) 536-1260.

North Hills Community Outreach Let’s Cook Workshops, 10:30 a.m.-noon, the 3rd Sat. of the month, thru Nov., NHCO in Millvale. Register at (412) 408-3830 x3225.

North Hills School District is accepting nominations

for the 2018 North Hills Distinguished Alumni Award thru Nov. 15. For info, email mannarinop@nhsd.net or call, Dr. Mannarino at (412) 318-1004.

Seminars The Work of Pittsburgh for CEDAW, 9:30 a.m. (coffee),

10 a.m. meeting, Oct. 10, Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church, corner of Fox Chapel & Field Club Rds. Presented by the American Association of University Women. Open to the public. For info, email lbtotten@comcast.net.

Spiritual Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Program,

Foundations of Faith Community Nursing Preparation Course, two-part, five days, Sept. 15, 16 & 30 and Oct. 6 & 7. Register by Sept. 5. For info, visit https://www. pittsburghmercy.org/.

Summer Events Great Wheel Spinning Day, 1-4 p.m., Sept. 10,

Depreciation Land Museum. For info email, DLMuseum@ gmail.com or (412) 486-0563.

Kennywood vs. Luna: Pittsburgh’s Amusement Rivalry, 9:30 a.m., Sept. 12, Fox Chapel Presbyterian

Church. Speaker Brian Butko from Senator John Heinz History Center. Presented by the Fox Chapel Area Affiliate of the American Association of University Women. For info, email lbtotten@comcast.net.

Support Groups Amputee Support Group, 4-5:30 p.m., 3rd Wed. of every

month, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley, 3rd Floor Boardroom, 303 Camp Meeting Rd., Sewickley. For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

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. Call (412) 748-6640.

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/widowers over

Brain Tumor Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m., 3rd Thurs.,

AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7 p.m., 3rd

Mon., AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m.,1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Bridge to Hope, 7 p.m., every Wed., of the month,

General Cancer Center Support Groups, 6:30-8 p.m.,

Veterans Discover HOPE Here-Career, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45

2nd & 4th Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

GriefShare, 7 p.m., Thurs, Sept. 7-Dec. 7 (no meeting

p.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center. Call (724) 283-6666.

Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30

p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_ Physically_ Active.asp.

Grief Support Group for widows and widowers over

Veteran HOPE, support group for women veterans

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

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd

Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

Metastatic Cancer Support Group, 5-6:30 p.m., 1st Thur. of each month, UPMC Passavant Hospital-McCandless. For cancer patients and survivors with metastatic disease. Caregivers are welcomed. No cost to attend. Led by Wendy Myers, MSW, LSW. Free parking & light refreshments. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. New members register at (412) 622-1212.

MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and Support)

recovering from mental illness, meet 6-8 p.m., every Tues., VA Butler Healthcare, Room 217WS, Building 1. Call (724) 996—8892 or (724) 285-2756 or butlerva.gov.

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800362-8262 ext. 2498.

“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse recovery program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler. Visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to

for those grieving the loss of a child – includes miscarriages, still birth and prematurity. Meetings held 7:30 p.m., 1st Tues of the month, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland Rd., McCandless. Contact Laurie.Jackson@ missfoundation.org.

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

Parkinson’s Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., last Wed of

each month, HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd. Contact Jessica, at (412) 828-1300 x7710.

literacy skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided. Call (412) 393-7600 or http://www. gplc.org/become-a-volunteer.cfm.

S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 6-7:30 p.m., 4th Monday of

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers for their

the Month in Bellevue. For details, call (412) 366-1300.

Stroke Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m., once a month on

Weds., HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd., For info, contact Valerie at (412) 826-2784 or valerie.bucek@ healthsouth.com.

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic

patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide vision–Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www.missionvision.org.

North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientations, 10 a.m., Sept. 14, NHCO in Allison Park, 10

Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www.qovf.org.

Brain Injury Support Group, Mind Matters, 7-9

p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com.

Nov. 23), Orchard Hill Church, Room 205, upper level. For details, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills, 10-11:30

p.m., 3rd Weds., HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Sewickley, 3rd Floor Board Room. For info, call Michelle at (412) 749-2388.

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. consignmentsale@hilandpreschool.com

Veterans

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, noon-1:15

Saturday, Sept. 23, 8:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, Sept. 24, 1:00pm - 3:00pm (Red Tag Sale 25-50% off)

Passavant Hospital Conference Center, at Cumberland Woods Village, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Visit bridge2hope.org, or call (412) 748-5120. bridge2hope.org.

50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call Anchorpoint at (412) 366-1300. a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. To register, call (724) 334-6600.

Hiland Preschool’s Fall/Winter Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale

North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd

Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA Grants to Support Disabled Veterans in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www.va.gov/ adaptivesports.

Veterans Breakfast Club Meetings, held every month throughout the Pittsburgh region. For details, visit http://veteransbreakfastclub.com/.

a.m., Oct. 12, in NHCO Millvale. Register with Harriet at hzgibbs@nhco.org or (412) 408-3830 x3204.

Seeking hospice volunteers...if you can find the time

to sit with hospice patients, we would love to have you. Call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209.

Tutoring volunteers needed for Anchorpoint’s Fall

Tutoring Mentoring Program. For details, call (412) 3661300 x123.

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

make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org. www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

Homes

HOME & GARDEN | September 2017

Business Spotlight:

Wayne Homes I

t’s hard to build your dream home when your builder only gives you several floorplans to choose from, but at Wayne Homes, with their 50-customizable floorplans, you don’t have to fit your dream house into a builder’s mold. For over 40 years Wayne Homes has been building on-your-lot homes in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, West Virginia and Pennsylvania and has the expertise and experience to construct the home you’ve always desired. “We build an average of 600 homes per year between our nine locations, with approximately 100 being built in Pennsylvania each year,” said Rhonda Cooper, sales manager, Greensburg location. Some may wonder if it is more difficult to build on your own lot. “We offer a Complimentary Homesite Evaluation to make sure the home you have in mind will fit on the property before you purchase it. This also gives us a chance to review your land and make sure that it’s buildable and won’t cost you thousands to improve,” said Cooper. If you don’t have a lot, Wayne Homes can help you find one. “We work closely with local realtors who specialize in land and keep us

NC September 2017 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

updated on new properties on the market all the time,” Cooper said. Building a new home with Wayne Homes does not cost more than purchasing one in a development. “We allow our customers to work with their own contractors to complete site-related work that needs to be completed before we build to ensure they are getting the best deal. We can also recommend trades for site improvements along with helping you to get everything ready to start construction. And you get all this expert knowledge absolutely free!” said Cooper. Wayne Homes also has a 180-Day Guaranteed Completion Date, which begins the day your foundation’s waterproofing is completed. “Anyone can put sticks and bricks together, but not many have won the National Housing Quality Award twice or been chosen as one of the top places to work. We don’t want to just sell you a house. We want to help you and your family make the best decision possible for your home,” said Cooper. To learn more about Wayne Homes, visit the website at: https://waynehomes.com/ l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2017

“We Lost 342 Pounds! With Dr. Bridget Chufo’s Weight Loss Program