September 2020
CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 21 YEARS
Redefine Retirement
Learn more about Vincentian’s innovative independent living community.
Also... • Fall Home Guide • Colorful Songs Trivia • Just Plain Everyday Chemicals? • Folds of Honor Foundation
www.beattietech.com A.W. Beattie Career Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex disability, age or limited English proficiency in its programs or activities.
A.W. Beattie Career Center Adds State-of-the-Art Instructional Technology and Three New Instructors By A.W. Beattie Career Center | Sponsored Content Seniors Riley Isaac and Lauren Graff, who are in A.W. Beattie’s Sports Medicine program, were recently invited to explore the Career Center’s brand new Anatomage machine, which features virtual, life-sized cadavers for students in seven medical programs to see 3D rendered anatomy from the whole body in such fine detail as to see individual bones and blood vessels. The new equipment enables students to create their own quizzes, view live body functions like joint movement and brain activity and make surgical incisions. “The new students are going to have it so good for the next three years,” Lauren said. “It’s a game-changer,” Riley added. The Career Center also added new equipment to its Auto Tech and Auto Body programs to instruct students on the innovative collision avoidance systems present in many new cars. Collision avoidance systems tend to be sensitive, so much so that a modified windshield, new paint or low tire pressure can render a system ineffective until is readjusted. “With these calibration tools, we can now adjust and modify vehicles when we perform tire, suspension, and alignment services,” Auto Tech instructor Larry Parks said. “Auto Body can test and calibrate the vehicles after repainting or glass service. As far as I know, we are the first and only career center with this equipment.” A.W. Beattie also welcomed three new instructors. Douglas Moran and Sarah Dietz will teach the Health and Nursing Sciences program, and Vincenzina Olszewski is Pennsylvania’s first high school Surgical Sciences teacher. They have 40 years of combined experience working in the medical field. www.northernconnectionmag.com | SEPTEMBER 2020
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September
TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S
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Features 10 Cover Story: Vincentian Terrace Place 14 Facts From the Farm Ron Eichner 20 Where You Live Matters – Shenango on the Green Caroline DeAugustine
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Health & Wellness 12 Just Plain Everyday Chemicals? Belinda Burchick
Kids & Education 24 School Movers & Shakers 26 Where the Learning Never Stops PA Cyber
Home & Garden 8
28 Fall Home Maintenance Checklist Peter Piotrowski 32 A Change of Plans? No Problem. Wayne Homes
Advertorials 7
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events usually featured in our Happenings and Senior Happenings have been cancelled. Therefore, we have not published those sections in the September issue. We will update our website when we learn of activities resuming. Also, it would be advisable to check with any business or organization hosting an event to make sure that it is still scheduled before venturing out.
In Every Issue... 4 From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski 6 Movers & Shakers 8 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Isabella Porta Paula Green
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Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey
16 Support Our Troops: Folds of Honor Foundation Paula Green 22 From the Editor: The Rules Are: There Are No Rules! Janice Lane Palko 27 Trivia Connection: Colorful Songs Trivia Paula Green
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
Welcome to Northern Connection Magazine!
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his month’s cover story will update you on Vincentian Terrace Place. Built in 2019, this unique Independent Living Community is redefining the meaning of retirement. Be sure to read what Vincentian Terrace Place offers those who are looking for a state-of-the-art, independent living community. It has been a dreary year so far, and this month’s Trivia will put a little color in your reading! See if you know some of the most popular songs that have a “color” in the title. “If you want to be happy, As we continue to navigate do not dwell in the past, through COVID and are moving do not worry about the into the fall, many of our schools future, focus on living fully are trying to work out the best way in the present.” to educate our children. All of us Roy T. Bennett at Northern Connection magazine wish all the parents, students and teachers best of luck for a successful school year. Enjoy reading this month’s features and regular columns. Thank you for your support, and together, we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. n
NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722
Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com
President & Publisher
Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor
Janice Lane Palko Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com
Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator
Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator
Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive
Mary L. Simpson Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com
Design & Production
Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master
Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers
Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
Joella Baker Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution
Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest
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.
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MOVERS & SHAKERS
Movers & Shakers Jeffrey C. Astbury, MD, FASE, FACC, FASA, MSBE, MSEE, Vice Chairman of Cardiovascular Services and the Director of Intraoperative Echocardiography, Dept. of Dr. Jeffrey Anesthesiology, Butler Health Astbury System, has been appointed to the Steering Committee of the Council on Perioperative Echocardiography. This branch of the American Society of Echocardiography focuses on echocardiography for patients undergoing cardiovascular procedures, both invasive and minimally invasive. Dr. Astbury is the first private practice physician ever to be appointed to this council. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has awarded a grant of $2.59 million to George Gittes, M.D., director of the Richard King Mellon Foundation Institute for Pediatric
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Research and co-scientific director at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, to support continuing development of gene therapy technology that may have the potential to cure Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, which affects approximately 10% of the U.S. population, or more than 34 million people. UPMC and Achieva are partnering to help qualified candidates with disabilities connect with job postings, navigate interviews and develop long and meaningful careers with UPMC. The Department of Veterans Affairs recently recognized the Butler VA Health Care System for Overall Excellence in Patient Experience. The Butler VA was among eight finalists across the country who exemplified exceptional Patient Experience and Employee Experience scores in patient satisfaction, trust and VA’s All Employee Survey (AES) Best
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Places To Work. Programs such as the New Veteran Orientation Tour, Own The Moment training, and Veterans Input Pool have all contributed to the overall patient and employee experience. A team of University of Pittsburgh, Michigan Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina and Stanford Medicine researchers were awarded funds from the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) in collaboration with the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), totaling more than $7 million to collaboratively study the role of convalescent plasma in mitigating symptoms of COVID-19 in patients with mild illness and preventing the progression of the disease from mild to severe.
ADVERTORIAL
Cindy P. As heard on KDKA
Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have
HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!
Get Your “ING” Back!
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. A specialized treatment protocol utilizing brand new technologies is available at the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH. It includes the combination of very specific, non invasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
Ray B. balancING again
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Dr. Shawn’s SUPERVISED, MONITORED and IN OFFICE program has a 90 percent satisfaction rate. With the experience of seeing over 5000 patients, he is able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results.
Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs • Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands Take • Extreme Sensitivity to Touch PREQU our ALIFY ING • Loss of Balance or Coordination www.M SURVEY at aryDa ncedIn • Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles .com • Weakness in the Arms and Legs • Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers • Dependency on Medications If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait till they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.
The most rewarding change is I no longer suffer from electrical shocks in my feet especially prior to and during sleep. The anxiety caused by the anticipation of electrical shocks were horrible. Also, my numbness is gone and they are no longer freezing. I am walking, shopping, sleeping and walking bare foot again. My improvements are amazing, close to a miracle is all I can say. Fourteen years of suffering, fear of walking even in my own home, the dread of going to bed, tired of disappointing friends and family… ALL GONE!! All in the past!! A new me in 2020!! I’m already a walking advertisement. I have never been to any Doctor’s office where I felt more welcomed. It was more like family than a patient, welcomed with open arms. Everything is all up front and honest. Everything was explained and all questions were answered. I also made lifelong friends at the office that I’m going to miss seeing on a regular basis.
Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH Three Locations: Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207
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Call for your FREE in office or phone consultation to begin your path to recovery. Call Dr. Shawn Richey at 724-940-9000 to schedule your time.
1385 Washington Rd., Suite 100
Visit us on Facebook under Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH and join our private support group
MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000
1901 Ligonier Street
Washington, Pa
MOVERS & SHAKERS
Mover & Shaker of the Month
Isabella Porta By Paula Green
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sabella Porta was recently named Miss Teen Gibsonia International 2020. She graduated from Aquinas Academy in 2019, where she attended from kindergarten through 12th grade. She is currently enrolled at Duquesne University and is double-majoring in Modern Languages and Mathematics. Isabella aspires to be a future leader in the FBI. She knows what it takes to be in charge because Isabella is a LeadersNow International Professional Association member. This organization serves the needs of young women who aspire to become leaders within their schools, communities and families. Isabella joined LeadersNow in 2013 and is currently serving as an assistant director for the LNI Summer Leadership Training Program. “I began LeadersNow International in the 6th grade when it was offered as a monthly meeting at Aquinas. I have been a member for seven years. I assist the group’s founder and president, Annie Lang. We work on various projects to expand the organization and educate the members already in the program,” said Isabella.
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“In June, I competed at the Pennsylvania International pageant. At the state level, I received an award titled the Erin Joy Landis Award. This award was a check for $500 already made out to an organization I was involved with. At this pageant, it was necessary to have a platform. My platform is Mentoring the Female Leaders of Tomorrow. My platform parallels the morals and motives of LeadersNow International. The judges who selected the recipient of the award researched each participant and her associated organizations. The judges chose LeadersNow Intentional to receive the award,” Isabella said. Isabella has also been involved with other organizations. “I was a Rhythmic Gymnast (national level) for 13 years with Pittsburgh Northstars. And at the age of 15, I became the youngest Rhythmic Gymnastics coach in the nation. I began competitive dance in the 10th grade and placed nationally as well. I also work at my dance studio LDI DanceWorks,” Isabella added. She resides in Gibsonia with her parents Laura Valles and Anthony Porta. n
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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Just Plain Everyday Chemicals? By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm
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ith fall approaching, your household to-do list is overflowing with cleaning and bringing everything in from the outside. Many times, we are all in a hurry and don’t take the time to read the labels or take the appropriate safety precautions when handling chemicals. We get complacent with everyday household chemicals because they are perceived as safe. Before you begin your fall cleaning and storage, you need to inventory your household chemicals. Taking a few simple precautions before handling, storing and discarding your everyday household products can keep these tasks safe and enjoyable. Many chores around your home, yard, garden, garage, require use of products that may contain hazardous ingredients:
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paints, cleaners, automotive fluids, batteries, weed killers and insecticides. Many of these everyday household chemicals can be toxic, flammable or corrosive. First, read and understand the product labels. There are many reference books and information online regarding ingredients, what they do and their hazards. Use appropriate breathing masks, gloves and protective clothing. Second, get only the amount you will use to avoid storage. Try to keep in original container or have it well-marked. Keep in mind that cats tend to walk on shelves and knock items to the ground. Discard these products with care. Never empty these products on the ground, into drains or toilets. Find out from your local trash collector what items are recyclable or what items cannot go into the trash. Find out where to dispose of batteries; they can cause serious health injury due to the metal content. Listed below are just plain everyday chemicals that can have potential health effects, and require proper handling for safe use, storage and disposal: • Benzene some paints, paint thinners, petroleum, motor oils and resins, is cancer causing and is toxic if swallowed, inhaled or absorbed by the skin. • Toluene some paints, thinners, lacquers, wood putty. Can cause liver and kidney damage. • Mineral Spirits oil-based paint. A skin, eye, nose throat and lung irritant. High air concentrations can cause nervous system damage, unconsciousness and death. • Petroleum Distillates car wash and polish, tar and bug remover. Associated with skin and lung cancer, irritant to skin, eyes, nose and lungs. Entry into the lungs may cause fatal pulmonary edema, most marked “Danger, Harmful or Fatal.” • Bleach many household products. It is a strong corrosive. It will irritate or burn the skin, eyes and respiratory tract. It may cause pulmonary edema or vomiting and coma if ingested. WARNING: never mix bleach with
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ammonia it may cause toxic fumes which can lead to death. • Formaldehyde mold and mildew cleaners, air fresheners, paints, glues. It is also listed on labels as formulin, urea, methylene oxide, oxymethyline, methylaldehyde and oxomethane. Highly toxic, known carcinogen. Irritant to eyes, nose, throat, and skin. May cause nausea, headaches, nosebleeds, dizziness, memory loss and shortness of breath. • Triclosan some antibacterial cleaners. Absorption through the skin can be linked to liver damage. • Sodium Laurel Sulfate some engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners, toothpastes, shampoos and soaps. Why is it used so often? Because it foams up nicely and makes a rich lather. Believe it or not, this chemical can potentially damage hair follicles, cause hair loss, harm the eyes and is implicated in the formation of cataracts in adults. Don’t get me started about insecticides and weed killers. Read precautions or look up online. Please wear a respirator type mask, goggles and gloves when spraying. This is just a short list of the most common chemicals used in our everyday life. They do the job, but you just need to use the necessary safety precautions when handling. Stay safe and enjoy your fall cleaning! n Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states. Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.
H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S
Facts from the Farm By Ron Eichner Hi Folks! As a fourth-generation farmer, 2020 has been a year racked with challenges. It began with plenty of greenhouse work to do, and my farm team melting away with the COVID-19 in play, fearing that they could contract the virus. April and early May’s cold weather kept the soil temperatures below average. Soil temperatures are important to monitor because if it’s too cold, it can affect seed germination and plants trying to grow. Toss in a couple of frosts, and now our spring was complete. Late spring and early summer brought a couple droughts and the third drought was the charm, and we are in the fourth drought of the season. With weeks without measurable rain, our first three strips of sweet corn didn’t have the energy to develop proper sweet corn ears. The multiple days in the 90s and afternoon winds acted like a vegetative blow torch to rob any moisture that was left in the soil. So, you can end up with stunted plants. A farmer only has a few wishes, and one is for an inch of rain each week through the growing season for the benefits to the crops. Farm to table has been a buzz word of a two-step process of fresh farm items from a local farm to your table. The retail stores have tried to encroach on the farm-to-table model, but all they are missing is the farm fields and the sweat and effort and long hours
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most farmers put in. A great narrative by Paul Harvey is, “God made a farmer” and it is one to share with your family and friends. The last few sentences are what can make farmers succeed. Fresh, local farm fruits and vegetables have an average of twelve weeks of harvest, unlike how most stores have produce year-round due to shipping. So, the most important choice to make for local farmers to succeed is to seek out and support the local farms in your community. Local stores, for the last handful of years, have put a lot of fruits and vegetables on sale in order to get customers in the stores, which most of their regular store items you never find in a farm market. Farming isn’t like walking through the Garden of Eden. There is tremendous work in sowing, planting and nurturing the fields and harvesting. Half of the game is what you harvest. The second half is what you can sell. So, take time and enjoy local farm harvests and get out to our area farm markets and take part in the farm-to-table concept, which supports area farm families in these troubled times. For those who want added nutrition in what they eat, it all starts with the fertility of the farms soils, aka U.S. Senate document #264, and when farms use the synthetic fertilizer practices promoted by our local schools, it feeds nutritional and mineral absence. By God’s design when people and livestock lack minerals from their diets, they can’t utilize the vitamins in what they consume, hence this is what fuels disease. With that in mind, feel free to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses and experience Farm Fresh at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and get the “rest of the story.” n
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SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS
left to right: Jason Roth, Jennifer Roth, Crystal Popella, and Mike Popella
Dan Rooney and Mike Popella
Folds of Honor Foundation By Paula Green
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uring a military funeral, the flag of the United States is draped over the casket. As a final salute, Taps is played. The flag is carefully folded 13 times and tucked into the shape of a bicorne hat. It is presented to the next of kin as an ultimate symbol of the military’s appreciation for their loved one’s honorable and faithful service. In 2006, Lieutenant Colonel Dan Rooney was on a flight back to the United States. When the plane was landing, the captain asked the passengers to remain on board while they were carried the remains of Corporal Brock Bucklin from the plane. Lt Col
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Rooney watched Bucklin’s twin brother somberly accompany the casket and meet his family. Surprisingly, nearly half of the passengers failed to honor the captain’s request. That heart-wrenching experience caused Lt Col Rooney to commit himself to help the families of fallen soldiers. In 2007, he formed the Folds of Honor Foundation (FOH), a 501C-3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the families of these heroic Americans. FOH’s motto is “Honor Their Sacrifice. Educate Their Legacy.” To date, they have awarded approximately 24,500 scholarships in all 50 states and some U.S. territories, including over 4,500 in 2019 alone. They are headquartered in Owasso, Oklahoma. Last year, the 26th chapter of FOH was launched in the Western Pennsylvania region, covering Altoona, Erie, Pittsburgh, State College and all towns in between. “This new chapter had 45 total recipients awarded scholarships of $213,700 that was funded by the corporate entity. There were 53 qualified applicants in which eight had to be turned away due to lack of funding, that is why we need to raise funds in Western Pennsylvania to ensure that no one is turned away that qualifies for one of these scholarships,” said FOH Western PA chapter president, Mike Popella. Mike explains how the local chapter was formed. “I met Lt Col. Dan Rooney about five years ago at a conference where he was the keynote speaker. I introduced myself, and I knew that I would be part of Folds of Honor in some capacity. Later that year, Dan was the keynote at my company’s conference, and Crystal (my wife) and I became Wingman Sponsors of the organization that year. In 2018, Crystal and I decided to start a foundation in the region to raise scholarships for students in need. We chose Folds of Honor since it has a wonderful platform. We inquired and found out that there was no local chapter. At that time, we started to assemble a group of us and formed the Western PA Chapter of Folds of Honor.” “We are moved to be part of the Folds of Honor. It’s a wonderful organization that helps those in need and for the right reasons. I did not serve in the military. It is my way of serving and honoring those that served our country. I believe things happen for a reason and purpose. This is our give-back, and I couldn’t be more pleased with our first full year,” said Mike. For more information on the Fold Of Honor Foundation, visit https://www.foldsofhonor.org/about-us/. To watch their video visit, Folds of Honor: A Fighter Pilot’s Mission to Deliver Healing and Hope to America. To learn more about the Western PA chapter, visit westernpa.foldsofhonor.org or email Mike Popella, at mpopella@foldsofhonor.org. n
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SENIOR LIVING
Where You Live Matters Caroline DeAugustine, Shenango on the Green
Now more than ever, living independently at Shenango on the Green is a real advantage. “Providing our residents and their family members peace of mind is what we do best, especially during these unique times,” remarks Shenango on the Green Executive Director Caroline DeAugustine.
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hrough our partnership with Masterpiece Living®, Shenango on the Green uses evidence-based research to help residents contemplate opportunities for wellness and growth according to the four focus areas that matter most to successful living—Social, Intellectual, Physical and Spiritual. In fact, research shows that 70% of how we age is determined by our lifestyle choices. That’s why Shenango on the Green is dedicated to helping residents explore the choices that can help them live even more successfully. From virtual exercise classes and creative walking groups to our campus chapel and abundant library, residents can “Expect More” from all that Shenango on the Green offers. Security and peace of mind are easy to come by whether living in the spacious apartments on campus or at the new off-campus, carriage-homes— StoneCreek of Shenango on the Green—Lawrence County’s first smart-home community. DeAugustine added, “Our residents have a commitment to our town and a special bond with Westminster College, which sits across the street from our campus. Some of the college students even sent our residents a beautiful video of themselves reading a poem as a way to stay connected during this time.” “At Shenango on the Green, an abundance of caution comes with many comforts. Our residents are able to not only enjoy apartments and homes that are styled to their personal tastes, but live with the confidence of knowing that our team members are committed to help them flourish even during this uncertain time,” adds Bobbi Jo Haden, vice president of Retirement Living for Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Shenango on the Green is part of the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network 10-county family of living and service options dedicated to Making Aging Easier®. For more information, visit www.ShenangoSRCare.org. n 20
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FROM THE EDITOR
The Rules Are: There Are No Rules! By Janice Lane Palko Do not be surprised when those who ignore the rules of grammar also ignore the law. After all, the law is just so much grammar. – Robert Brault Bear with me and read this little passage: When the family arrived at the hotel, they dropped off her luggages. At the restaurant, they will eat dinner and ate dessert. They accidentally What the heck was that, you may be wondering? The above example is an illustration of what the written word would be like without grammar. No one would ever write like that unless they were an illiterate you may think. But if our crazy world has its way, this may become acceptable because recently, the misguided Rutgers University’s English department declared that proper grammar is racist, saying: “This approach challenges the familiar dogma that writing instruction should limit emphasis on grammar [and]
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sentence-level issues so as to not put students from multilingual, nonstandard, ‘academic’ English backgrounds at a disadvantage,” department chairwoman Rebecca Walkowitz said. “Instead, it encourages students to develop a critical awareness of the variety of choices available to them [with] regard to micro-level issues in order to empower them and equip them to push against biases based on ‘written’ accents.” I don’t even understand that gobbledygook, and they are supposed to be the experts. Think this is only Rutgers? Think again. Anarchists are not content to demolish every institution from government to religion they are throwing out all the rules of the written word we have spent years as students learning. Though not tied to racial issues, nevertheless all the rules are being tossed out like the trash. According to an article last year in Inc. there was an incident between a young employee and boss that illustrated just how bad things have gotten. When the employee spelled the word “hamster” with a “p” in a communication, her boss asked her to correct it, pointing out that there is no “p” in hamster. The employee replied, “But that’s the way I spell hamster and that’s all that matters.” And then the employee’s mother called to berate the boss! The purpose of grammar is to provide a framework for conveying clear meaning in communications—so people can understand each other. As someone who has made a living with words, I think this move to throw out the rules of grammar is not only absurd and just another indication of how far our society has declined but it is racist as well. It assumes that those people of color cannot master the rules of grammar. Tell that to Frederick Douglass, who taught himself to read and write and penned several books. Or Martin Luther King who wrote the inspiring s Not to mention Thomas Sowell, who has written 30 books or the excellent black teacher who taught English at my children’s school and the scores of other black writers. Black educators and authors like former Vanderbilt and Princeton professor Dr. Carol Swain, said that relaxing the standards for minority students is “demeaning.” Before the Civil War, there were anti-literacy laws on the books in some states that prohibited teaching slaves how to read and write. The thinking was that teaching a slave would make them dangerous and would encourage a slave revolt. While those laws were reprehensible, they at least respected the intellect of black people because they believed that they could learn grammar. Rutgers and all who advocate for throwing out the rules should be ashamed because they presume that blacks do not have the acumen or intelligence to learn. That is not only racist; it’s a disgrace. n
K I D S & E D U C AT I O N
School Movers & Shakers Aquinas Academy Aquinas Academy’s Thomas Bird has been honored as “one of the brightest young students in the world” according to a statement by the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth (CTY). Bird, a Beaver resident, is a rising fifth grade student at Aquinas Academy in Hampton Township.
Blessed Francis Seelos Academy Blessed Francis Seelos Academy was awarded a $125,000 grant from the Redevelopment Authority of Allegheny County Gaming Economic Development Tourist Fund (GEDTF).
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The grant will allow the school to improve its physical plant at the K-8 campus by providing an updated HVAC system. It will also provide enhanced security to the school.
Fox Chapel Four Fox Chapel Area School District publications received national awards in the 2020 National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) Publications and Digital Media Awards contest. The district received an Award of Merit for the “2018-2019 Fox Chapel Area School District State of the Schools.” The district also received Awards of Honorable Mention for the “IN Fox
Chapel Area� community magazine spring 2019, summer 2019 and winter 2019 issues.
Mars Area Anastasia DiLorenzo was appointed as a substitute principal at Mars Area Primary Center for the 2020-2021 School Year.
Anastasia DiLorenzo
La Roche University La Roche University recently announced the appointment of Sarah White, a resident of Ross Township, as the Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion/Chief Diversity Officer, a new central administrative position. The Board of Trustees at La Roche University recently welcomed two new members: Ralph A. Falbo and Jack Zduriencik. Mr. Falbo, who currently heads Falbo Group, LLC, has been in the real estate development business for the past 47 years. Mr. Zduriencik is the former general manager of the Seattle Mariners.
BC3 Hermitage resident Suzanne Wasilewski has been selected as Butler County Community College’s assistant director of admissions.
Suzanne Wasilewski
Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com
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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N
Education Spotlight
The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School Where the Learning Never Stops
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ince the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, The Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School has proven that not only does the learning never stop, but the teaching never stops; the caring for one another never stops; and fundamentally, PA Cyber never stops. The entire PA Cyber community of educators has stepped forward to ensure that Pennsylvania’s most experi-
enced, tuition-free, online school does what every great school does– safely educate students well. Even through quarantine, PA Cyber continues to maintain an enriched environment in which students can thrive, regardless of situation or circumstance.
Reed and Katy Verdesoto with their daughters Lila, Eden, and Adeline. Reed and Katy Verdesoto, whose daughters are PA Cyber students, have plenty to say about their family’s experience with PA Cyber. “We love that the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School continues to prepare our kids for the digital world with wide-ranging instruction. I want my children to understand technology and how to use it; instead of just using the computer as an emergency classroom replacement.” shared Reed Verdesoto. Families like the Verdesoto’s who are looking for a way to provide their children with a safe, comprehensive education while also creating flexible, family-specific schedules can greatly benefit from all that PA Cyber has to offer. Both parents and their kids truly benefit from having the support and oversight of a modern, fully functional online public-school team. As Katy Verdesoto explained, “Thanks to PA Cyber, we as parents are able to take a very active role in our children’s education; from daily class in the living room, to field trips around the state. Enrolling our daughters in PA Cyber has been one of the very best decisions we have made as a family.” n
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TRIVIA CONNECTION
Songs Trivia By Paula Green A few tunes that emphasize brown include – Bad, Bad Leroy Brown, Brown Eyed-Girl, and Brown Sugar. There is White Christmas, White Rabbit, White Wedding, A Whiter Shade of Pale, and White Lightning for white songs.
We can’t leave out pink. There’s the song called Pink; we also have Pink Cadillac and Pink Houses. Now that we have traveled through a rainbow, we must now see how colorful we are at answering this speckled query. Get set to don those thinking caps, because it’s time to get a little trivial… 1. This group sang the hit tune, Mr. Blue Sky. 2. Doris Day released this colorful tune about a farm animal. 3. Name the American Idol winner who sang Behind These Hazel Eyes. 4. Toby Keith belts out this vivid, patriotic hymn. 5. This musician sang the hit Ebony Eyes. 6. In 1960, Brian Hyland came out with a dazzling swimwear song. 7. Who crooned Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Ole Oak Tree? 8. He sang Raspberry Beret and Little Red Corvette. 9. In 1966, Barry Sandler released this tune about an elite military group. 10. This group sang the song, Black & White. 11. They sang Crimson & Clover and Crystal Blue Persuasion. 12. Which group sings the tune Orange Crush? 13. Bad Company’s colorful song on their Running with the Pack album. 14. Name the group that had the hit Nights in White Satin. 15. Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney sang this dual-colored tune. Sources: www.songfacts.com/category/songs-with-colors-in-the-title, bestlifeonline. com/songs-with-a-color-in-the-title, tunecaster.com/special/most-popular/songs-incolor.html, www.funtrivia.com Answers: 1. Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) 2. A Purple Cow 3. Kelly Clarkson 4. Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue 5. Bob Welch 6. Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini 7. Tony Orlando & Dawn 8. Prince 9. The Ballad of the Green Berets 10. Three Dog Night 11.Tommy James & the Shondells 12. R.E.M. 13. Silver, Blue & Gold 14. The Moody Blues 15. Ebony & Ivory
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t has been a dreary and gray year that needs some brightening. Well, kick back and sing along as we examine songs that contain colors in their titles. The group Chicago sang Color My World and Fancy Colors. Cindy Lauper joyously crooned True Colors. If you feel like exploring hues, the best place to start is with the “blues.” Are you feeling sad? Well, maybe you’re Tangled Up in Blue, or suffering from Wedding Bell Blues? But then again, I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues. A way to cheer up would be by wearing Blue Suede Shoes or some Electric Blue. Other cobalt songs include – Baby Blue, Blue Bayou, Blue Burns Orange, Blue Christmas, Blue Eyes, Blue Moon, Blue Velvet, Blueberry Hill, Devil with a Blue Dress, Forever in Blue Jeans, Jackie Blue, Suite Judy Blue Eyes, Rhapsody in Blue, and Song Sung Blue. Next up, there were famous purple and violet melodies. Jimi Hendrix released Purple Haze, while Prince had the hit Purple Rain. Let’s not forgot the fun hit Purple People Eater. There were also Deep Purple, Purple Heather, Purple Shade, Violet, Violet & Blue, Violet to Blue, and Ultra Violet. Are you feeling envious, then we need to look at green tunes. We heard Evergreen, Gone Green, Green Eyes, Green-Eyed Lady, Green Grass of Home, Green Grass and High Tides, Green Onions, Green River, and Green Tambourine. Now we are ready for red – Toby Keith gets a crowd moving with Red Solo Cup. Other ruby tunes included the tunes Lady in Red, Little Red Riding Hood, Red, Red Light Special, Red, Red Wine, Red Roses for a Blue Lady, Red Rubber Ball, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Roses Are Red, Snoopy vs. the Red Baron, 99 Red Balloons, Ruby and Ruby Jean. To brighten things up, we’ll discuss shades of yellow. There’s - Big Yellow Taxi, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Mellow Yellow, Yellow Ledbetter, Yellow Peril, Yellow Submarine, and the Yellow Rose of Texas. Let’s discuss gold; we’ve heard Band of Gold, Heart of Gold, Goldfinger, and Gold Digger. On to silver – there are Silver Bells, Silver Girl, Silver & Gold, Silver Lady, Silver Rocket, and Silver Springs. How about black? You can listen to Back in Black, Black is Black, Blackbird, Men in Black, Black Water, Black Velvet, and Paint It Black.
www.northernconnectionmag.com | SEPTEMBER 2020
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FA L L H O M E G U I D E
Fall Home Maintenance Checklist By Pete Piotrowski, State Farm Insurance Agent
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utumn home maintenance projects, such as cleaning gutters and checking your heating system, help you prepare for winter weather. As the leaves change and the days get shorter, take the time this autumn to prepare your home for winter. A few easy steps might help prevent some surprise repairs during an inconvenient time of year. To prepare your home for the deep freeze, layers of ice and drifts of snow, use this checklist to make sure you’re ready.
Heating system maintenance
Your HVAC is central to keeping your home warm during the winter. Face the challenges of winter with these simple furnace tips. • Change the air filter in your furnace and check its efficiency before the cold weather begins. • Stock up on several air filters for the winter, and change them every month. • Call in an HVAC contractor to test the heating output and give the system a tune up. This technician can also check for and correct possibly hazardous carbon monoxide levels generated by your heating system. • If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, purchase one for the system to help lower your energy costs. In extreme cold weather conditions, consider leaving your thermostat at a set level.
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• After your furnace has been tuned up to its maximum efficiency, take a moment to inspect your heating ducts and vents. Dust them off and clear away anything that may have gotten into them over the summer.
Other areas of your home:
Check your windows for any leaks that may compromise your heating efficiency. If you feel cold air coming in, purchase a plastic sealing kit from the hardware store and place the plastic around the window to keep the heat from escaping. Be sure to check your doors as well, and replace the weather stripping if needed.
Check the fireplace, woodstove and/or chimney Most chimney sweeps recommend an annual sweeping, but depending on how often you use the fireplace or woodstove, you might be able to wait on a full sweep. If you’ll be using the fireplace or woodstove often, call a chimney sweep for an inspection. Hopefully you’ll have your older, seasoned firewood ready for use. Seasoned wood is best for fires, as it burns cleaner and longer. It’s recommended to keep the firewood covered at least 30 feet from the house.
Review home fire safety
The beginning of the heating season brings new potential for fire hazards, so take a moment to review fire safety in your home. Check fire extinguishers and replace them if necessary, and change the batteries in your smoke detectors. Also review your home fire evacuation plan with your family.
Clean out gutters
It’s best to inspect and clean your gutters a few times during the fall, especially if there are many trees around your house. If gutters remain clogged, water will spill over them and onto the ground next to the foundation, which can cause damage to the foundation or flood basements. Gutters and downspouts should be kept clean and should direct water away from the foundation, as well as from walkways and driveways, so they don’t become slippery or icy.
Yard maintenance
The orange, yellow and brown colors of the autumn leaves don’t look as nice on the ground as they do on the trees. Rake or blow the leaves into piles and put them at the curb according to your town’s yard waste requirements. Most areas have ordinances about burning leaves, so check with your local area government first. When sweeping the leaves off your patio, don’t forget to clean, pack up and store any patio furniture for the winter. Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. This reduces the chance of the pipes freezing in the section of pipe just inside the house.
Safely store gasoline
It’s recommended that you empty out unused fuel from any gaspowered equipment stored in the garage because sediment can build up and clog the fuel lines. Store gasoline in tanks out of children’s reach and have it ready for use in your snow blower or emergency generator, if needed.
Test your emergency generator
It’s a good idea to have an emergency generator if you live in an area that sees a lot of ice storms, as these are a major cause of blackouts during the winter. If you have a generator, give it a test run to see if it’s in good working order. Make sure you never run the generator in an enclosed space — like your garage — as it will present a carbon monoxide hazard.
Inspect your roof
Inspect your roof or hire a licensed professional to review the condition of your roof. Look for any wear and tear that might have happened during the previous season’s severe storms. If any shingles are curling, buckling or cracking, replace them. If there is extensive damage, you might consider re-roofing with impact resistant shingles. Don’t forget to check any flashing around skylights, pipes and chimneys to prevent snow and ice from creeping in. n The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with State Farm® (including State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company and its subsidiaries and affiliates). While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. State Farm is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the content of any third party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. State Farm makes no guarantees of results from use of this information. www.northernconnectionmag.com | SEPTEMBER 2020
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September Events Thursday, September 3 4-8pm Squirrel Hill Outdoor Pop-up Phillips Avenue Parking Lot Squirrel Hill
Thursday, September 17 4-8pm Squirrel Hill Outdoor Pop-up Phillips Avenue Parking Lot Squirrel Hill
Thursday, September 10 4-8pm Zelienople Open Air Markets Main Street Zelienople
Thursday, September 24 4-8pm Zelienople Open Air Markets Main Street Zelienople
Friday, September 11 4-8pm Pop Up Event 100 Adios Drive Washington
Friday, September 25 12-6pm Certification event with Dr. Warshel Virtual
Monday, September 14 Certification event with Dr. Rothschild Virtual
Friday, September 25 4-8pm Pop Up Event 100 Adios Drive Washington
Tuesday, September 15 12-4pm Certification event with Dr. Anand Virtual
Friday, September 25 Sponsoring the UPMC Family Hospice charity golf outing South Hills Country Club
www.northernconnectionmag.com | SEPTEMBER 2020
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