CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 23 YEARS Home Guide | Occupational Songs Trivia | Fall Fun Also... 2022September Passavant Hospital Foundation Honoring a Legacy of Caring in our Community
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P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046
Publisher Emeritus & Contributor Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor Janice Lane Janice@northernconnectionmag.comPalko
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.
The mission of the Swanson Publishing, LLC is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, commu nities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area.
Web Master Swanson Publishing , LLC Core Writers Maura Brown Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green
Phone: 724-940-2444 ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.comwww.northernconnectionmag.com
2 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com NC Features 33 Why Good Sources of Protein Are Important Ron Eichner 34 Home Guide Health & Wellness 9 Cover Story: Honoring a Legacy of Caring in Our Community Passavant Hospital Foundation 14 Autumn is Your Time to Change with the Leaves Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm 22 Strategies for Coping with the Stress of a New School Year Maura Johnson Senior Living 8 Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence in Senior Living Sherwood Oaks 20 Expect More From Where YOU Live! Shenango on the Green Kids & Education 24 School Movers & Shakers 25 A.W. Beattie Career Center 25 Art Has A Place in Cyber Education PA Cyber 9 In Every Issue... 4 Movers & Shakers 6 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Evolve Dance Complex Junior Small Contemporary Group Wins First Place in a National Competition By Paula Green 18 Support Our Troops: George Pann Paula Green 20 From the Editor: Roll With the Changes Janice Lane Palko 26 MOM2MOM: Back to School, Back to the Grind Sofya Stearns 28 September Events 32 Trivia Connection: Occupational Songs Trivia Paula Green September TABLE OF CONTENTS
Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator Paula M. Paula@northernconnectionmag.comGreen Marketing & Account Executive Mary L. Simpson Design & Production
President & Publisher Laura Lyn Arnold
Janice Lane Palko Sofya Stearns Intern Bronwyn Wain Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.
NORTHERN CONNECTION
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Rising singer-songwriter Sydney (Hutchko) Mack has signed a global publishing deal with Warner Chappell Music. The Nashville-based artist kicked off her career on Season 14 of American Idol, followed by starring in NashNext Top 10 where she toured with Raelynn. She has opened for Miranda Lambert, Florida Georgia Line, Brett Eldredge, and more. Mack is a former Franklin Park resident, and she has been singing and song writing since she was 12 years old.
Movers & Shakers
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MOVERS & SHAKERS St. Barnabas Charities hosted the 31st annual Free Care 5K on Saturday, August 6, on their Meridian Road campus. Top honors were awarded to first place finisher Lance Nicholls (left) of Pittsburgh, crossing the finish line with a time of 15:41. Overall female winner was Michelle Murray, of Greenlawn, NY, with a time of 17:49. To view full results from the 31st annual St. Barnabas Free Care 5K, visit www.RunHigh.com.
n MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH Evolve Dance
Evolve Dance Complex also had several other top awards in the mini, junior and teen levels, but our junior group took 1st place in Junior Performance Awardwinning $1,000. To win this prestigious award was one of the greatest moments for our studio, and a true testimony to the dancers and teacher’s work ethic, talent and passion for dance,” Jennifer said. This dance contest is enormous. “The Dance Awards is a national dance conven tion and competition held annually in Las Vegas and Orlando. Dancers between the ages of five through 19 are awarded to recognize excellence in dance. TDA is widely regarded as the most prestigious award presented for dance in the U.S. and is considered to be one of the toughest competitions internationally for young pre-pro fessional dancers. It is a convention-based competition, so from September through June, dancers attend regional convention competitions throughout the country. They take convention dance classes from an amazing faculty of choreographers/instruc tors during the weekend, many of whom are Emmy Award-winning choreographers. Then they compete with typically the same high-level choreographers and instruc tors as their judges,” said Jennifer.
6 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com MOVERS & SHAKERS &ChelseaJenniferSebes
By Paula Green
Northern Connection magazine congratulates Evolve Dance Complex on their first-place national honor! Complex Contemporary Group Wins First Place in a CompetitionNational
“Evolve Dance Complex is a mom and daughter operation. I was a dancer for many years in upstate New York before sustaining an injury in my teens. Chelsea began dancing at the age of three and continued to be a high-level competition danc er and then continued dancing at Ohio University and La Roche College. We opened in 2011 with just a 1,000-square-foot space and a small dividing wall separating two dance spaces in La Salle Plaza Cranberry Twp. Since then, we have evolved into three dance spaces and 5,000 square foot space. We offer recreational classes as well as two competition levels of dance. Our award-winning and nationally recognized faculty is truly what makes Evolve so special. They are committed to their craft and helping dancers reach their greatest potential, regardless of their level. For more info, visit www.evolvedancecomplex.com/.
Junior Small
Agroup of local dancers from Evolve Dance Complex in Cranberry Township recently garnered first place honors in a national competition. Top honors were bestowed during The Dance Awards (TDA). According to one of Evolve’s owners, Jennifer Sebes, “This competition is the Academy Awards of Dance!” Evolve’s Junior Small Contemporary group were the winners. “What was so exciting is that this small but mighty group won against extended lines, some hav ing more than 20 dancers, and these were top studios in the country. There were over 130 junior groups in the division. The winning dance called, The Others was cho reographed by Chelsea Sebes, Evolve Dance Complex’s Choreographer and Artistic Director. Six dancers ranging between the age of 10 and 14 are Cameron Voorhees, Elyse Wingertsahn, Camryn Lanigan, Ava Carroll, Bella Rose Penrose, and Kensington Dressing,” said Jennifer.
• As a central location in town, both the pavilion and patio provide a place for Main Street shoppers to relax, re-energize, and meet other community members. Your donation can help build the community! Donation checks can be mailed to: SARC (Saxonburg Area Rotary Club) P.O. Box 411 Saxonburg, PA 16056. Or stop by the booth at the Saxonburg Arts Festival, Octoberfest Sept 9-11 or at a monthly Mingle on Main Events in Saxonburg. For info, email Saxonburgrotary@gmail.com n
The Saxonburg Area Rotary Club is fundraising to build a pavilion for their community at the South Butler Com munity Library. As the library plans for an expansion of services, outreach, and its role as a community center, creating an outdoor learning and gath ering space is an important compo nent to accomplish their mission.
• Children’s programs all year-round will be enhanced with large area activities.
Saxonburg Area Rotary Club Pavilion Fundraiser
• A pavilion in the library’s back yard, surrounded by green space, will provide a place where people can enjoy nature, including our Master Gardener gardens. Programs during the summer when library utilization is at its highest can be conducted in the pavilion.
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• Walls of the storage area of the pavilion will be used for edu cational displays and interactive activities. Community members and organizations will be able to schedule use of the pavilion for their outdoor activities.
n 8 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com MOVERS & SHAKERS
Celebrating 40 Years of Excellence in Senior Living
fiftymoretieslistThethemselves.activitiesofcurrentofactivinumbersthangroups.Interestsasvariedasgardening,woodworking, drama, bell choir, fitness, and civic affairs are among the offerings. Some residents are eager to try their hand at something new; others may be revisiting a lost enthusiasm. But as Gary Brandenberger, president, Sherwood Oaks Residents’ Association (SORA) explains, opportunities are unlimited and“Theever-evolving.realbeauty of Sherwood Oaks is bringing together all these people with so many talents and skills. Each of us has a role. If someone brings forward an idea for an activity, it’s understood that it will include a plan to execute it,” says Gary. “There is great satisfaction in watching it all unfold.” That collegial spirit translates to an inviting and welcoming atmosphere. As SORA vice president Jean Henderson describes it, “It is better than home. It’s a real community of friends and neighbors.” You can get a taste of Sherwood hos pitality at the anniversary open house scheduled for Thursday, September 22 at 100 Norman Drive from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. To register for this free event, call 1-800642-2217, Monday through Friday.
Sherwood Oaks, part of UPMC Senior Communities, is marking its 40th year as a premier con tinuing care retirement community here in western Pennsylvania. Spread across eighty-four acres in a convenient Cranberry Township location, the cam pus is known for its beautiful landscape, which features walking trails, abundant gardens, green space, and a lake to greet you as you Anotherenter.feature that distinguishes the Sherwood campus is the dynamic resident life. From its foundation 40 years ago to the present day, residents continue to organize and direct a wide array
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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 phar macies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.
Seek Out In-season Fruits and Vegetables Benefit of eating in-season is that the produce is fresher, closer to har vesting and higher in nutritional value. Antioxidants such as Vitamin C, folate and carotenes will quickly decrease if in storage for a long time.
Beware of Germs
Create a “Keep Moving” plan to be ready for the winter months, because it’s easy to snuggle up to the TV or computer if we don’t have an active routine. Keep moving daily to help lower your risk of heart disease and diabetes.
The CDC recommends you to get your flu vaccine by end of October. You can still get vac cinated afterward, best by the end of year. It takes about two weeks to be effective and peak flu season is February. Every week, during cold and flu season, sanitize items that you constantly touch, such as, cell phone, keyboard, TV remote and tablet. Keep hand sanitizer nearby.
Prioritize your overall well ness as it is key to healthy living. Schedule your annual physical and wellness screening. It is also a good time to check in on your mental health, dental health and skin health. Don’t forget about your mental well-being. Do you succumb to Seasonal Affective Disorder or experience stress during the holidays? Consider finding a therapist now, because it can take a few months for an appointment. Relationships are key for our feelings of contentment and happiness, so spend quality time with friends and family. On the flip side, it is vital to have time alone to reflect. Open yourself up to your creative spirit, and watch new ideas flow and your motivation soar with energy. Enjoy the beauty of Autumn , while preparing yourself for the colder months ahead. Come this winter, you will be glad that you were proactive. n & AutumnWELLNESS is Your Time to Change with the Leaves
As the season changes from summer to autumn and the days get shorter and cooler, it is the best time to slow down, refresh on wellness, take time for yourself, recharge and prepare for the winter and busy holiday season.
Schedule Health Checks
By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm
Boost Your Immune System Eat healthy food with vitamin C such as citrus type fruits, broccoli, spinach, almonds. It is important to include whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans and lean proteins.
14 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com HEALTH
Start thinking about a transition to indoor activities. Join a class, in person or virtual. Simply build movement into your daily routine at home and work. While you walk or stand, get your arms up, lift your legs higher and add a twist. Minimize sitting and lying down. Do extra chores or deep-cleaning projects. Lift small weights, stretch or do light exercise while you watch TV.
September brings the sense of routine for most, bringing beautiful colors, early sunsets and cozy clothing. Be proactive this autumn and consider the following to feel your best.
Autumn brings us produce such as beets, broccoli, brus sels sprouts, cabbage, eggplant, kale, pumpkin, cranberries, turnips, apples, pears, squash, peppers, tomatoes, beans, wal nuts, spinach and many grains. Add these foods into soups, stews and other warm dishes to stay cozy this season.
Transition Your Fitness Routine Summer is full of outdoor activities like gardening, pickleball, bicycling, etc. We tend to do less outdoor activity as we approach the end of October. You can still enjoy the outdoors, so dress warm and enjoy a relaxing nature walk and take in the beauty of the changing leaves and crisp air.
Nutritional supplements are helpful as we approach the winter cold and flu season, such as, vitamin E, selenium andAszinc.the daylight fades in autumn, so does the exposure to vitamin D. It is essential to either take a supplement or con sume foods such as fatty fish, cod liver oil and eggs. Also, look for fortified vitamin D in milk, juices and yogurt.
George Pann
“George is a humble man, and we love hav ing him as a resident,” said Amie Feeney, direc tor of quality assurance at Magnolia Place.
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS 18 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
By Paula Green President Franklin D. Roosevelt Decemberdescribed7,1941,“as a date which will live in infamy.” For on this day, the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. The strike happened in Pearl Harbor in Oahu, Hawaii. A local man, George Pann, 100, of Magnolia Place in Saxonburg, is a Pearl Harbor survivor. At the time of the bombing, Pann was 19 years old and was a PFC in the United States Army. He was assigned to the 55th Coast Artillery in Oahu. Pann was in the coastal artillery and was a gunman. He feels fortunate to have survived the attack. It was 8 a.m. and Pann was eating breakfast when suddenly mayhem ensued. “The events of that day were indescribable. I was scared at first, but then I realized that I had a job to do, and I did what I was told to do,” Pann said. Sadly, one soldier was killed and three were wounded in Pann’s platoon on that tragic day. When the war ended, Pann joined a Pearl Harbor survivors group. “Every two years, we would hold a reunion. We met in different states, but we would return to Oahu every five years. I have been back to Hawaii ten times. As much as you don’t want to, you never forget that day,” Pann noted.
Honoring a Pearl Harbor Survivor
Pann enlisted in the service when he 18 years old, and he was not drafted. He had a cousin who was in the military, so he decided to follow in his footsteps. Pann served for three years, and when his military career ended, he worked for PPG for 38 years. Pann never mar ried, and he has enjoyed a single life.
Pann has resided at Magnolia Place for the past three years. He celebrated a major mile stone this past year, and he turned 100 years old on April 21. “We declared that ‘George Pann’ day. We had a nice celebration for George. In the morning, we had a petting zoo. Later that day, the boy scouts held a flag retire ment and raising ceremony. George’s centennial party also included a parade sponsored by the American Legion Riders and Cabot Cruisers. In addition, State Rep. Marci Mustello presented George with a declaration from the House of Representatives. It was a special day for a spe cial guy,” said Feeney. Northern Connection magazine salutes George Pann for his bravery and service to our country, and we also congratulate him on his cen tennial milestone! n
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Are you looking for independence, well-being and peace of mind? Now more than ever, liv ing at Shenango on the Green is a real advan tage. Our residents continuously Expect More from our community. We are proud that they are staying connected, engaged, and supported by our compas sionate team members. We are a community that is defining engagement, lifestyle and freedom.
“Living at Shenango on the Green, comes with many comforts. Not only can our residents enjoy apartments and homes that are styled to their per sonal tastes, but also live with the confidence of knowing that our team members are committed to help them flourish,” 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
FROM THE EDITOR
By Janice Lane Palko
How do you remain united when you are both changing? I believe we’ve been able to live and love for so many years together because at my core and my husband’s, we’ve never changed. We’ve been anchored together through our beliefs, goals, convictions and in general outlook on life. We have always believed in God and have adhered to certain morals, and we’ve believed in each other. We’ve been united at the deepest level no matter what has happened. It is because of our being united that we’ve been able to enjoy the happiness that I though marriage should be when I wrote those words way back when. n 20 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com
“Shenango on the Green is committed to keeping our residents engaged in healthy practices. Giving our residents and their family members peace of mind is what we do best,” remarks Shenango on the Green Executive Director Kevin Henderson.
But I’ve changed too and so has my husband. I’m a different person from the 22-year-old bride saying my vows. Not just physically, that is obvious. With each passing decade, I’ve experienced life as a different person. My mom and dad have been married for nearly 64 years, and she’s often said that you are married to different people during your marriage.
On August 28, I was married 40 years. Looking back on the past four decades, I feel a bit like a late-night comedian. How long ago were you married? I was married so long ago that I had a band and not a deejay. I was married so long ago, that it was before videographers. I was married so long ago, no one rented limos. I was married so long ago, that Banns of Marriage were posted for three weeks in our church bulletin. I was married so long ago, that I didn’t have a wedding registry. I was mar ried so long ago that if someone had suggested having your wedding at a farm the way people like to do now, people would have thought you were crazy. I was married so long ago that when a bride wore a white dress down the aisle, the gossips pondered whether the bride “was worthy” of that white dress. Yes, things have changed a lot since 1982. Some things changed and are circling back. When we got married, mortgage rates were hovering around 15% and there was a recession. Unfortunately, it looks like we’re heading for a replay of that economy.
Roll with Changesthe
Expect More From Where YOU Live!
“Shenango on the Green residents have a strong foundation of connection. And I have witnessed that connection grow deeper with each other and other members of our surrounding community over the last year,” remarks Shenango on the Green Executive Director, Kevin Henderson. “From exercise classes to creative walking groups and access to our abundant library, our residents continue to prosper with all that Shenango on the Green offers through our life style engagement programming.”
So, if we are ever-changing, how do you make a commitment to love and live with someone until death? I’ve been thinking a lot about that, and as an old married lady, I’d like to share some thoughts. When we were get ting married, it was required that we go through marriage classes to get married in our church. During one of those classes, the instructor posed this question: What is the goal of marriage? We had to write down our answers in a notebook and I wrote down. “To be happy.”
I was wrong. The instructor informed us that the goal of marriage is unity. There are times in marriage when you will not be happy, sometimes due to circumstances beyond your control like sickness, misfortune, or death, and even then, you must remain united.
Yes, there are stages of life. I’ve been a newlywed, a young mom, a col lege mom, empty nester, middle-aged, grandmother, etc. I’m considerably different from who I was forty years ago. I’d like to think I’ve improved and learned a lot along the way. When I got married, I never dreamed I’d have twins, live in such a lovely home, deal with the accidental death of my young brother-in-law, become a writer, and be able to travel as much as I’ve had. My husband has journeyed through all these phases of life with me and has gone through changes of his own.
SEPTEMBER
Schedule a personal visit of our welcoming com munity to explore our retirement living apartments and new carriage home community-StoneCreek of Shenango on the Green-Lawrence County’s first smart-home community. From our model apartment and home, to our newly built clubhouse, our restau rant style dining room and exercise areas, you’ll be able to get a first-hand look at the Expect More life style that Shenango on the Green offers.
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By Maura Johnson
Many would agree that the easiest time to start at a new school is during the early elementary years. While I don’t disagree, going to a new school and leaving familiar faces and places is rarely easy. During adolescence, this can present a particular challenge, as it may seem as though others have already found their “people.” This is another situa tion where empathy and listening go a long way, as well as supporting a child who may be grieving the loss of their “old life.” While it’s cer tainly beneficial for them to engage in school related activities, sports, etc., they may need your patience with this. Encouraging activities like school-related clubs, student council and athletics can be particularly helpful in meeting new peers. If the move was somewhat local and they can still see old friends periodically, encourage them to nurture those friendships as well. They may seem as though they are hanging on or holding themselves back, but they may need time to really open up to their new environment.
For those in Kindergarten, it likely brings a mix of excitement and nervousness, with parents possibly feeling a mix of sadness and pride. School can be enjoyable, but it can also bring on a range of stressors at different points. Here are some of the more common ones I see in practice, along with some coping strategies:
4. Not wanting or refusing to attend school
1. Being assigned a different class than most of your close friends
Strategies for Coping with the Stress of a New School Year
2. Being the new student in school or transitioning to the next building (middle, high school, etc.)
3. Being too involved/overscheduled
22 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com HEALTH & WELLNESS
Maura Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker currently in practice at Cranberry Psychological Center. She is a certified peri natal mental health provider, as well as a contributing staff member with Postpartum Support International. While her primary focus is treating PMADs, she also treats a variety of conditions and clients of all ages. She resides in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Brendan, daughter, Sloane, and dog, Max.
If you’ve experienced this one, then you know just how challeng ing it can be. One common reason I’ve seen with this is often related to a phobia, such as fear of becoming ill at school, fear of embarrass ment or possibly symptoms of depression. It’s important to identify the reason(s) and also to engage your student’s guidance counselor. Many schools are more than willing to assist in meeting the student at drop off, allowing for time in the guidance office and providing spaces for students to be alone, as needed. Therapy may also be helpful in this situation, as the student may be dealing with a phobia, separation anxiety or bullying. School is often said to be the job we have during childhood, and as with any job, there is bound to be stress. Some years may be better than others but just know that experiencing some hardships along the way is to be expected. Wishing you a wonderful 2022-2023 school year! n
I encounter a fair amount of anxious students each year, primarily related to a mix of rigorous academics and extracurriculars. When this occurs, we often evaluate what is happening and what can be mini mized or, if necessary, eliminated. It’s imperative to reconsider how we define productivity and reframe it to include rest and leisure activities. If it’s not possible to necessarily stop an activity or drop a class, we consider where there are pockets of time and how to take advantage of them. We evaluate how much sleep they are getting, the quality of their sleep and prioritize that first.
This one tends to be more relevant for elementary age students and can lead to significant disappointment. The fear of not having friends or others they know in class can be very distressing to young children. It’s important to validate their feelings by empathizing with them, provid ing support and actively listening to their specific concerns. It can then be helpful to help them consider the positive aspects to being in a new class. What type of new friendships can they develop? How might this help them grow their friend group and possibly engage in new activi ties? For every “what if” fear that is negative, there is the same possibil ity that will be a positive experience. I like to remind kids that anxiety is all about overestimating the perceived negative event and underesti mating their ability to cope with it.
The first day of a new school year often brings on a range of emotions for both children and adults. It signals the end of our (painfully) short Pittsburgh summer, along with readjusting to a new grade and possibly a new school.
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School Movers & Shakers KIDS & EDUCATION
Mars Area Mars Area School Board has unanimously voted to appoint Zach Matusak to serve as Mars Area School District’s new Athletic & Activities Director. After 38 years as the “Voice of the Planets,” Kent Shoemaker is putting down his microphone. The 2021-2022 School Year was the last for Shoemaker, who has been has been offering play-by-play commentary at Mars Area High School varsity football games, basketball games and track & field meets since 1984.
24 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com MatusakZach
Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) www.SaintJosephHS.com224-5552
Scott Heinauer, athletics & activities director, retired on Aug. 5, after 34 years at Mars Area School District. BC3 A 23-year-old recognized in 2022 for having the fast est-growing practice of all first-year Northwestern Mutual financial advisers nationwide has become the youngest director with the Butler County Community College Education Foundation in its 35-year history. Matthew Reitler, who finished first in the Mike Gish Award competition with the financial security company based in Milwaukee, is a 2019 gradu ate of BC3 @ Armstrong in Manor Township, Armstrong County. Educators at James Madison University have selected a Butler County Community College student from applicants nationwide to attend a residential National Science Foundationfunded research program in Virginia. Ash Eury, a 19-year-old Cranberry Township resident, is one of 11 first-year community college students chosen in 2022 for the biological and biochem ical research experience for undergraduates at the university in Harrisonburg, Va.
Robotics team also competed in WVRox in West Virginia where the team placed ninth. FIRST Robotics teams design and build robots for a variety of compe titions across the world. n
The Career Pathways Showcase: Health Services team –Northgate graduate Sarah Kabanda and Avonworth seniors Kayla Turcsanyi and Warren Lillie III – competed at nationals. North Allegheny graduate Thomas Barrante and senior Blaise Husek competed in Pin Design and T-Shirt Design, respectively.NorthAllegheny senior Anna Miklos earned a silver medal in the Culinary Arts category at FCCLA nationals in San Diego,A.W.California.Beattie’sFIRST
PA Cyber has teamed up with the Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center—a leading provider of arts and education pro gramming in Pennsylvania—to design ArtReach curricu lum. Visit pacyber.org/ArtReach for details. n
The Career Center’s Career Pathways Showcase: Arts and Communication team – North Allegheny graduate McKenzie Harrison, North Allegheny graduate Noel Malis and Shaler Area graduate Callum Montgomery – earned third place in nationals and bronze medals.
About 20 A.W. Beattie Career Center students and recent graduates competed this summer in SkillsUSA and FCCLA nationals and a regional FIRST Robotics tourna ment.Six A.W. Beattie students, which combined to make up two teams, medaled in their SkillsUSA events in Atlanta, Georgia.
PA Cyber’s ten regional offices host numerous art classes and activities onsite.
“We’re floored with how well all of our students did during their competitions and presentations,” Mrs. Heather Brown, Advertising Design instructor and SkillsUSA advisor, said. “As an organization, only roughly 1% of all SkillsUSA students get a chance to even make it to nationals. To have 11 amaz ing competitors from Beattie make it that far is just incredible. Regardless of what place anyone came in, just being there is truly a testament to how hard all of our students have worked on their career and professionalism skills.”
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Art Has a Place in EducationCyber
PA Cyber is a public charter school that offers students in grades K-12 an alternative to traditional educa tion. One of PA Cyber’s many unique offerings is its in-person ArtReach program, which provides students with hands-on arts experiences in a supportive classroom environment. ArtReach classes enrich students’ creative knowledge and skills while giving them an opportunity to socialize and express themselves. Each semester, the school offers about 100 art classes across Pennsylvania. Students attend ArtReach classes at the PA Cyber office closest to them. (PA Cyber’s Pittsburgh area offices are in Warrendale and the South Side.) Classes take place one day per week for twelve weeks each semes ter and are typically 1 hour and 15 minutes in length. Classes are available for all age groups and are free of charge.ArtReach aims to broaden and deepen students’ knowl edge of diverse art forms and cultivate their artistic talents. Class options include visual arts, graphic arts, music, the ater, dance, and home arts, such as cooking and sewing.
CareerBeattieCenter
A.W. Beattie’s Chapter Display team - North Hills graduate Marisa White, North Allegheny graduate Sarah Woods and Pine-Richland junior Alijah Christner - earned second place in nationals and silver medals.
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“Where did the summer go?” In a blink of an eye, the school year is upon us, and we are back to the grind. To be honest, I’m not ready, and I’ve come to find out, neither are a lot of you moms. However, ready or not, school and after school activities here we come. Since I started this column, I get a lot of questions, and here is my take on a few dilemmas we moms must face. 1. iPhones. 2. Worthwhile after school programs. 3. Weekend fall activities. A recent trip to Trader’s Joe, couldn’t have been better timing for this month’s column. I overheard a conversation, “Mommy, I really think I need my own iPhone.” “Really? What for?” the mom responded. “A lot of my friends have it.” “Well, good for them,” mom replied. “You are only 10?” “But don’t you want to know where I’m or check on me time-to-time?” “Well, I’m your Uber, so I know exactly where you are.” That conversation made me think. There must be an alternative to the iPhone, and being a helicopter mom, per my friend’s opinion, of course, I would absolutely love to send my Izabella a quick text, “I love you” or “TOU” or just to check on her. So, as of a month ago, Izabella is a proud owner of Gabb watch, which is an interactive watch that acts as a cell phone and GPS device. I say, problemAftersolved.school programs you ask? Music to my ears, and a little bragging about my school would never hurt anyone. How would you like your kiddo to “travel” city to city, country to country, continent to continent, discovering the world through cooking? Intrigued? Check out my monthly classes, IZABELLA’S GOURMET CHOW. Every dish is always made from scratch. We learn a language, history, geography, infamous sites and dance of the dish’s country of ori gin. And if this doesn’t intrigue you, would a dance studio, with the most magical shows do? Izabella has been going to Wexford Dance Academy since she was three, and if you are a dance junkie like me, you will be blown away by the shows, music and chore ography.Oh,time for a foliage weekend and build ing memories. We love visiting farms filled with pony rides, face painting, apple picking, corn mazes and abundance of apple pies. This is the way to live a weekend life. And, if you are like my family, we take family photos for the holiday cards, which I say, nothing is wrong with planning ahead. So, till the next month, moms. Tell your kids, keep up the learning. Enjoy the fall foli age, indulge in extra apple pie and find family time on the weekends. “La Dolce Vita” n Sofya Stearns is the proud owner of Izabella’s Gourmet Chow and the mother of a young daughter, and she is brimming with tips and ideas to share with other moms, step-mothers, grandmothers and moms-to-be to make their lives easier. Sometime, being a mom is difficult, and she hopes that she can help to connect others as they care for and raise the little ones in their charge. Do you have an idea for a feature in an upcom ing MOM2MOMS article or looking for more healthy tips? Feel free to send an email to me at izabellasgourmetchow@gmail.com
MOM2MOMS
Back to School, Back to the Grind
By Sofya Stearns
Fall Has Arrived! Think McIntyre Square! Ace FineEdibleChuckChoiceAtHardwareHomeMedicalECheese’sCitizensBankCosmoProfCrunchFitnessDollarBankDunham’sSportsArrangementsWine&GoodSpiritsFitness19Gabe’sGiantEagleGNCGreatClipsH&RBlock Huntington Bank Laurie’s Hallmark Life NationalMyMcIntyreUniformBeerEyeDoctorTire&BatteryOnceUponAChildOriginalPancakeHousePNCSeasonsofAmericaSubwayTanSeekersNailsCenterTing’sKitchenValleyPool&SpaWeightWatchers McIntyre Square McIntyre Square Drive Ross Township / Town of McCandless I-279 RoadMcKnight Peebles RoadRossMallPark ToPittsburghDowntown To Wexford McIntyreSquare19Route
Northland Library has numerous events scheduled for September. For a complete list of events, visit www.northlandlibrary.org or call (412) 366-8100.
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Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club Friday Night Classic Movie After Dark, 8 p.m. Sept. 16, The VIPs, Elias Fry Barn at Knob Hill Park, 415 Knob Hill Rd., Marshall Twp. For info, visit Pittsburgh Classic Movie Club.
Harvest Home Dinner, 12:30-6:30 p.m., Sept. 11, at Saint Aidan Parish at St. Alphonsus Church, 221 Church Rd. in Wexford. Enjoy a delicious homemade dinner. For details, visit saintaidanparish.org or (724) 935-4343.
Pumpkin Fest & Flea Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 8, Ascension Lutheran Church, 8225 Peebles Rd., McCandless. “Almost famous” homemade apple and pumpkin pies will be on sale, as well as hot dogs, beverages, and other goodies. Pumpkin sale. Vendors & crafts and trea sures both inside & outside the church. Reserve a space for $20, contact vickig@ zoominternet.net or (724) 816-0413.
Musical concerts, 3-6 p.m., Fridays 3-6, thru Sept. 30, at The Block Northway. Events held rain or shine in the indoor/outdoor south corridor located between DSW and Lands’ End. The full concert schedule is available online at www.theblocknorthway.com.
September Events
Cradles of the Reich author, Jennifer Coburn will discuss the breeding program and the research behind her novel, 1 p.m., Oct. 17, at Mount Lebanon Public Library, 16 Castle Shannon Blvd. This community event is free and open to the public.
Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets 1:00 p.m. the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. Members must be residents of Cranberry Township. The club features activities, social opportunities, and visits to nearby points of interest. For info, contact Bill at (724) 776-1933.
Cranberry Township Farmer’s Market, 3-7 p.m., every Friday, thru Sept. 30, at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, cen ter front lot. Food trucks, live music, special events. For info, visit pghnorthchamber.com.
Farmer’s Market & Food Trucks every Friday from 3-6 p.m. thru Sept. 30, at The Block Northway. For details, visit www.the blocknorthway.com.
SEPTEMBER
Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel Dragon Boat Festival, 8:30-3 p.m., Saturday, September 24, 2022, at North Park Lake Boathouse. For details, visit: www.pghdragonboatfestival.org.
Pittsburgh Mercy Parish Nurse & Health Ministry Program will host “Foundations of Faith Community Nursing,” a five-day, vir tual course that offers valuable education and resources to those preparing for faith community nursing and health ministry. Course will be held 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Sept. 23-24, Oct. 1, 21 & 22. For details, visit www. pittsburghmercy.org.
Artisan Markets at McCandless Crossing, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sept. 17, under the big tent on the Town Green. Live music from noon to 2 p.m. For details, visit www.mccandless crossing.com.
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UPMC Passavant Hospital Auxiliary Membership Opportunities, are you looking for a stimulating opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of our community hos pitals—UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month, 10 a.m., Sept. through June. New members are welcome. For info, contact Nicole Kaib at (412) 748-6640 or kaibn@ upmc.edu.
The Cranberry Chapter of Am Spirit Business Connections meets Wed. morn ings from 7:15-8:30 am at the Best Western Plus in Cranberry. (also via Zoom) Currently looking for an accountant, veterinarian and personal trainer to join the group. To visit a meeting or join, contact Dorothy at dconeil@burnswhite.com 22nd Annual Unique Boutique presented by Heritage Valley Health Systems 50 Artisans & Vendors:Clothing, Home Decor, Gourmet Food & Jewelry/ Accessories. Saturday, November 12, 2022 from 10:00am to 4:00pm, Edgeworth Club, 511 East Drive, Sewickley, PA 15143, Admission $20 or $40 Admission & Lunch. RSVP/Questions: 412.749.7121 or founda tion@hvhs.org. Online Registration: www. heritagevalley.org. Courtesy shuttle service is available from Sewickley Hospital to Edgeworth Club
Swing Into Rescue Golf Scramble, Saturday, Oct. 15, at Pittsburgh North Golf Club, Gibsonia. Register 12:30 p.m., shotgun start 1:30 p.m., dinner/awards 6 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.Charlieandfriends.org or by emailing info@charlieandfriends.org.
Saint Aidan Over 50 Trip, Seneca Niagara Casino & Resort, Oct 12-14, $359 double occupancy, $516 single occupancy. Mid-trip to Buffalo Creek Casino. For info, call Dave at (412) 719-3172 or Lois (412) 400-4516.
Sealarks Women’s Group Kickoff Dinner, 4 p.m., Sept. 14, at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd, Allison Park. This group provides Christian fellowship & social activity for women alone – widowed, divorced or never married. Alone women are welcome to attend. Dinner is $10.00. For info, call Karen (412) 366-3109. Storybook Palooza, 6-8 p.m., Sept. 17 at Northland Library. Sponsored by Baierl Acura. Tickets sales end Sept. 10, no tickets sold at the door. For info, visit northlandli braryfoundation.com.
Vintage Market is a non-profit store in Shaler that benefits The Blessing Board. Open every 10 a.m.- 3 p.m. Th/F/Sat in the Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler St. and Rt. 8 (look for the gray door between RiteAid & Planet Fitness). Western PA Mushroom Club presents the Gary Lincoff Mushroom Forey, Sept. 24, at the Lodeg in North Park. For details, visit pamushroomclub.org.
Women’s Business Network has meetings scheduled in September at various times and locations. For a details list, visit www. wbninc.com.
CHEESEMAN FARM 2022 PUMPKIN FESTIVAL We are celebrating our 23rd year and invite everyone to come and celebrate with us! Start a family tradition with a hayride to the pumpkin patch to pick your own. Lots of activities for the entire family! Saturdays from 11am-5pm in September and Saturday & Sunday through October 30 CHEESEMAN FRIGHT FARM Don’t be afraid! Or maybe you should be!! Come to Cheeseman for the haunted hayride and haunted trail...featuring the haunted corn maze. Reserve your night and time online or just come to the farm! Friday & Saturday in September, and Friday, Saturday & Sunday in October beginning at dark until 10pm. 12 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Visit us at: www.cheesemanfrightfarm.com to purchase tickets and reserve a private bonfire. Cheeseman Farm Portersville, www.cheesemanfarm.comPA
ST. CHARITIESBARNABASLADIES
DAY OUT EVENT OCTOBER 8
30 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com Fitoberfest Pittsburgh North Fitness is excited to announce that tickets are on sale for their 1st Annual FITOBERFEST! FITO BERFEST will be an Oktober fest atwilltion.CancerOvarianthemoneyeventthemedtoraiseforNationalCoaliTheeventtakeplace11a.m.-2p.m.,
You are invited to this exclusive event to enjoy an afternoon of food, prizes, shopping, raffles and fun, as St. Barnabas Charities hosts its annual Ladies Day Out on Saturday, October 8, at Trees Manor at St. Barnabas, 660 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia. Ladies Day Out runs 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Tickets include chances to win prizes valued at more than $5,000 drawn every 30 minutes. Can’t make it to the event? You can still buy a ticket and be eligible to win prizes. You do not need to be present to win! Tickets are $80 or $100 per person, and includes a chance to win prizes. Buy tickets at StBarnabasCharities.com or call (724) 625-3770. Volunteer opportu nities are also available. Proceeds ben efit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund. To donate to the Free Care Fund, TEXT the word ‘GIVE’ to 41444.
Sept. 24 at Pittsburgh North Fitness, 16055 Perry Highway, Wexford PA 15090. It will include: Charity Workout, Live Music, Beer Tast ing & Biergarten, German Food and Oktoberfest Events. Learn more and get your tickets co/pnf-fitoberfest/pittsburghnorthfitness.lpages.at Shop, Eat & Win!
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6. Johnny Lee recorded the song Hey Bartender, which two Saturday Night Live alum re-released it in 1983?
In 1938, Disney launched the film Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs. Those seven little fellows were hard work ers, and they like to sing Heigh Ho (It’s Off to Work We Go!) Another classic hit from this movie was Whistle While You WorkWorking. is the common theme in occupational songs. Are you a Working Man or a Working Girl ? Do you have the Hands of a Working Man? Perhaps you enjoy Working on the Highway or Working on the Road ? It’s commendable when you are Working for the Weekend. It can turn you into a Working Class Hero or even a Working John, Work ing Joe. Maybe you like to Work From Home, if not you can develop Workin’ Man Blues. If you clean cars then you’re Workin’ at the Car Wash Blues, still others revel in Working in a Coal Mine. No matter which Honest Work you choose, we hope that the Lord Have Mercy on the Working Man
9. Name the songwriter who performed My Daddy (Flies a Ship in the Sky) and Union Burying Ground 10. This labor tune was written by Chrissie Hynde and was recorded by her band The Pretenders. 11. Donna Summer paid tribute to the ladies in this femi nine labor hit. 12. Who sang the catchy tune Workin’ for a Livin’ ?
Sources: americansongwriter.com, thenation.com, top2040.com, www. musicgrotto.com/songs-about-work/, content.evite.com, funtrivia.com Answers:1.TheWorkSong2.Oney3.ThankGodIt’sFriday4.asteelhard hat5.Allentown6.TheBlueBrothers7.BachmanTurnerOverdrive
3. In 1978, Love and Kisses spun this disco song about the end of the work week.
15. Who expressed their employment disgust with Take This Job and Shove It? n
We got to include union songs such as Solidarity For ever, Which Side Are You On, Bread and Roses, The Ballad of Joe Hill, Maggie’s Farm, Casey Jones, Factory, There is Power In Union, Found a Job and Assembly Line And if you don’t feel like manual labor, then say, “I Don’t Want to Work, I Want to Bang on the Drum All Day!” Since we have labored through occupational songs, we must
8. Glen Campbell sang about this laborer in a Kansas town.
By Paula Green
Occupational
How about those Career Opportunities? Or Opportuni ties (Let’s Make Lots of Money). Greenery can be found in other labor songs, like the classic tunes Money or Money for Nothing. We can hardly forget the Hard Way to Make an Easy Living or Hard Hat and Hammer. All of that work can make you a Busy Man, especially if you are a Blue Col lar Man Let’s not forget about Dolly Parton who famously sang about working 9 to 5 . A few other timely, numerical labor hits include – Morning Train, Maniac Mondays, Five O’Clock World, Six Days on the Road, Sixteen Tons, Three Miles Down and 40 Hour Work Week
Every first Monday in September we honor American workers with a Labor Day celebration. In order to get us in the spirit, we’re going to look at occupational songs that can get you in the groove.
4. According to the Brooks and Dunn song what does a “Hard Working Man” wear?
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13. Name the musical group that sings Get Back in Line 14. The Beatles sang Tax Man, what was their other labor song?
8.WichitaLineman9.WoodyGuthrie10.BackintheChainGang 11.SheWorksHardfortheMoney12.HueyLewisandtheNews 13.TheKinks14.AHardDay’sNight15.JohnnyPaycheck
Labor Day Trivia A Trivial Look at Songs
TRIVIA CONNECTION
now work on this industrial query. Get set to don those hard hats, because it’s time to get a little trivial.
5. Billy Joel sang this tune about working in factories and mills in this Pennsylvania town.
2. Johnny Cash released this song that dealt with a la borer’s vendetta against his foreman.
1. Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass released this labor tune which is found on their S.R.O. album.
7. In 1974, this group came out with the hit Takin’ Care of Business
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By Ron Eichner
Proteins is the second largest matter in the brain, second only to water, so it’s important to nourish your brain with pro tein rich foods and good water. Proteins help neurons within the brain to communicate with each other through neurotrans mitters that are made from amino acids.
September 11 has special events including Patriot’s Day, which is not for New England’s football team, but rather it is held to honor and remember those who died on September 11, 2001. It is also Grandparent’s Day. Now that kids and grandkids have gone back to school, it would be wise to make the classic old-school breakfast—eggs, bacon and sausage. Everyone should revisit the incredible, edible egg. As a society, we have been told for over 60 years that eggs are bad for our health. That was to support the highcarb and low-fat diet. Well, that diet was misleading. Now it is whispered that we need low or no carbs and good fats. Then it’s time we reinvent the egg. Eggs are considered to be the number one complete source of high-quality protein because eggs contain all nine essential amino acids and are a source of all of the vitamins except vita min C. There are 14 minerals in an average egg. Additionally, eggs are God’s original multi-vitamin encapsulated in a shell. If you noticed I said, “An average egg.” Our laying hens are on an all-vegetable based feed with flax seed, kelp meal, essential oils, extra vitamins and probiotics to support their immune system. Kelp meal is a rich and dependable source of 60 minerals and trace elements, 21 amino acids and 12 vitamins. This is why I say our laying hens are producing high-energy eggs.
A member of franchise systems of BHHS Affiliates, LLC The current real estate market is hot and inventory is at a record low. I would love to provide a complimentary market consultation and market analysis.
increases the HDL levels by 10%. Maybe the health and medi cal departments have been misdirected for over 60 years. The cholesterol in eggs doesn’t raise cholesterol levels the way other foods that are over processed and refined with trans fats. So young and old can benefit from a good protein start to their day and revisits what some call the classic – old school breakfast, eggs, bacon and sausage. Our family farm’s highenergy eggs, sliced slab Canadian bacon and lean pork sausages can be a breakfast of champions! You are welcome to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses and let us be a nutri tional destination for your foundation of health and wellness. Bring a friend and be a friend at 285 Richard Road, Wexford and get the “rest of the story.” n (O) 724-776-9705 (C) 412-613-0249
IT’S A GOOD TIME TO SELL YOUR HOME. Mary Simpson, REALTOR®
Eating eggs leads to elevated levels of high-density lipo proteins (HDL), also labeled as the “good cholesterol.” Keep in mind your cells need both HDL and LDL the “bad cholesterol” to function. People who have high HDL levels have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health issues. According to research and studies, eating two eggs a day for six weeks
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Why Good Sources of Protein Are Important
Hi folks, September is one of our four transition months as summer fades into fall each year. The autumn equinox occurs at 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, September 22, and there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness on that day. The full moon is September 10, and if we get through that date with no frost, we should be safe until October 9 or later. Labor Day, on September 5, is our annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. It also reflects upon our willingness to improve our country through hard work. Inflation has hit us all right in the pocket book and the costs keep rising on just about everything.
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36 SEPTEMBER 2022 | www.northernconnectionmag.com CALL NOW to reserve your advertising space for the Fall 724-940-2444issue!
