South Central Pennsylvania 7 by The 55 Spotlight

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

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WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN

COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

BANANA DATE NUT BREAD

• 3 ripe bananas mashed

• 2 eggs

• 1 stick butter

• 1 cup unbleached flour

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1/2 cup shelled walnuts chopped

• 3/4 cup Medjool dates chopped and pitted blitzed with 1/4 cup water in a blender ( or 3/4 cup of sugar without water)

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

• Grease a 9x5x3 bread pan

• Cream butter and date mixture

• Add eggs one at a time, beating well

• Sift flour, baking soda, and salt and add to creamed mixture

• Fold in mashed bananas, vanilla and walnuts

• Pour mixture into the bread pan

• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean

• Cool for 10 minutes and then put on a rack

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATES TOURNAMENT

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday + Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open

TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JUNE

JUNE 1

- 9 | ARTS FESTIVAL

One of the biggest festivals in Pittsburgh every year is the Three Rivers Arts Festival. This massive event runs for roughly 10 days and features artists from all over southwest Pennsylvania and the country at large plus musical acts, unique art exhibits, and a whole lot more. For more info visit: traf.trustarts.org

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

The City of Pittsburgh’s Independence Day celebration returns to the Point on July 4th! Enjoy a family-style picnic at historic Point State Park, complete with patriotic music and food vendors! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/5ey3vct8

JULY

- 21 | PICKLESBURGH

Picklesburgh is a dill-icious weekend in Downtown Pittsburgh dedicated to the humble Pickle. Headlined by a giant flying Heinz

pickle balloon, the Picklesburgh festival is a true culinary celebration. Why pickles? Well, you may be surprised to know that Pittsburgh has a wonderful pickle history and enjoys celebrating the current pickle nostalgia! For more info visit: picklesburgh.com

AUGUST

AUG 12

- 18 | RESTAURANT WEEK

Discover the most delicious time of year in Pittsburgh at the annual Restaurant Week! Pittsburgh Restaurant Week seeks to highlight the wide-ranging dining options that the Greater Pittsburgh region has to offer. walk the streets and enjoy special menus from the restaurants that add to the diversity and celebration of the steel city. For more info visit: pittsburghrestaurantweek.com

AUG

- 18 | LITTLE ITALY DAYS

For four days in Bloomfield it’s all-Italian-all-the-time! Expect lots of music and food, games and activities for the kids, more food

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

and other fun things to do amidst Bloomfield’s unique shops and fine restaurants. For more info visit: littleitalydays.com

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 1 - 30

| RENAISSANCE FEST

Ready thyself to revel with master revelers, watch artisans create original works of their ancient craft and be taken in by the tantalizing aromas of roast turkey legs, steak on a stake, fresh baked goods and much more. Featuring a cast of hundreds of authentically costumed merrymakers living and working throughout the village and performing, continuously, upon the Festival’s stages, the illusion of a rollicking 16th Century festival day is created. For more info visit: pittsburghrenfest.com

SEPT 6 - 8 | IRISH FESTIVAL

Learn about the ethnic richness of the Irish and Irish-American culture at this three day festival. The Pittsburgh Irish Festival celebrates the Irish experience in America.

Our “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Festival” has become a springboard for a new cultural awakening of all things Celtic in Western Pennsylvania, the beauty of Irish dance, music, and literature bridges many borders. For more info visit: pghirishfest.org

SEPT 19 - 22 | JAZZ FESTIVAL

Don’t miss this soulful weekend with more than 140 jazz musicians.The event will continue the legacy of past festivals and feature legendary jazz musicians from around the world! For more info visit: pittsburghjazzfest.org

OCTOBER

OCT 5 | COMMUNITY DAY

his free family-friendly event features local vendors, artisans, performers, and themed community building activations at the August Wilson African American Cultural Center. Community days. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/35zza2r4

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

OCT

12 | THE FAB FOUR

If you want to experience the best Beatles tribute ever, you won’t want to miss The Fab Four-The Ultimate Tribute. The 2024 tour brings their all-new show to the stage, celebrating The Beatles’ first visit to the USA, with performances from the Ed Sullivan show and the Meet The Beatles album, as well as the Beatles’ greatest hits of every era. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdhc7jcm

NOVEMBER

NOV TBA | LIGHT UP NIGHT

Even though we haven’t carved into the Thanksgiving turkey yet, Pittsburgh kicks off the two month-long holiday season with Light-Up Night. Several trees scattered around the city illuminate at different times throughout the night, each giving way to a series of holiday-themed shenanigans. For more info visit: https://bit.ly/3jZdJb8

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 31 | HOLIDAY LIGHTS

Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year at Kennywood, when the entire amusement park is transformed into a winter wonderland of dazzling lights. The best place to visit during the holidays in Pittsburgh is Kennywood, without a doubt! For more info visit: kennywood.com

Dec 6 - 27 | The Nutcracker

The dazzling world of The Nutcracker returns to the Benedum Center this December. Set in turnof-the-century Pittsburgh, The Nutcracker sweeps audiences into a thrilling journey with Marie and the Nutcracker Prince as they travel through sparkling snow into the Land of Enchantment. Experience spectacular dance at its finest, colorful characters, gorgeous costumes, stunning scenery and the iconic Tchaikovsky score as you are whisked into the most delightful time of the year. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/52r7m7kc

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

JANUARY

JAN

TBA | RESTAURANT WEEK

Discover the most delicious spots in Pittsburgh during the annual Restaurant Week Celebrations. Find dates, participating restaurants, maps and more. For more info visit: pittsburghrestaurantweek.com

JAN 11 -12 | HOME SHOW

At the Home Show, our goal is simple: to inspire, motivate and excite you for your upcoming home improvement - whether it’s a minor renovation or a major remodel. Our events feature a wide selection of home improvement professionals in a fun, interactive environment. More importantly, we want you to be excited for all the fantastic possibilities that come with your project! For more info visit: lancasterhomeshow.com

FEBRUARY

FEB 8 | CHOCOLATE, WINE & WHISKEY FESTIVAL

Enjoy Chocolate in a multitude of decadent presentations, from sweet hand-rolled truffles to crunchy S’mores and an amazing selection of bean-to-bar artisan chocolates. More than just a Chocolate Festival, quench your thirst with Champagne, Prosecco and premium wines and a sip of fine whiskies. Delight your taste buds with so many different things to try! For more info visit: chocolatewinewhiskey.com

FEB 14 - 16 | ROMEO AND JULIET

The world’s most famous love story is brought to life by PBT in the emotional and timeless saga of Romeo and Juliet. Jean-Christophe Maillot’s version of the ballet takes a fresh approach to Shakespeare’s classic story by focusing on the youthfulness of the characters, and portrays the tragedy from the perspective of the priest, whose good intentions ultimately lead to the demise of the two

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE

SOUTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA

young, star-crossed lovers. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4sm9k3xp

MARCH

7 - 16 | HOME & GARDEN

SHOW

Farm to Table Buy Local brings farms and food & beverage producers to the Pittsburgh Home and Garden Show! See our Buy fresh buy local stage to hear from local farms and gardeners who will provide tips and tricks on how to grow & prepare healthy fresh foods. For more info visit: pghhome.com

APRIL

APRIL TBA | FRINGE FEST

This free, 22-hour long festival fills a gigantic warehouse location with art and performances from new and emerging artists. This inclusive and family-friendly event features live painting, interactive exhibits, films and 500+ participants. For more info visit: pittsburghfringe.org

MAY

MAY TBA | FOOD TRUCK FEST

Get ready to taste the best food on four wheels! Dozens of the region’s best food trucks will be in attendance, plus live music and entertainment, craft beer and wine, regional artisans and vendors, and lots more. For more info visit: pghfoodtruckfest.com

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT

SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

MAY 25 - SUN 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 26 - MON 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 26 - MON 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 27 - TUE 12:00 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 27 - TUE 8:15 PM 1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 28 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 29 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 29 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 30 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single MAY 31 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 31 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 11:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - TUE 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 03 - TUE 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 11:00 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - WED 8:15 PM 1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - THU 3:00 PM 1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 06 - FRI 2:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 06 - FRI 5:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 08 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single

DATE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AM Men's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final * Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

HEALTH & FOOD

Eating healthy and having a holistic approach to wellness focuses on mind, body and soul. Foods that enhance energy, heart health, improve sleep and increase muscle strength are growing in popularity. High protein, low calorie, and low carbohydrate meals are the way to go. The movement towards plant-based items for health and environmental reasons is here to stay.

Sugar intake is a concern for many.

A popular sugar alternative is dates which are very sweet and have been used for thousands of years. They are high in nutrients, antioxidants and fiber. Some say they are good for brain health as well as digestion. Eaten whole or used in baked treats, they provide all the sweetness needed.

To lose weight or simply to eat a little bit healthier, there are several different approaches you can take.

The Whole Food Diet is probably the most recommended diet. It is about avoiding or limiting processed foods, preservatives or artificial ingredients while sticking to lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts, beans, fish, shellfish and eggs. Limiting meat is a part of this diet as well. Not only is this diet healthy for you, but it is healthy for the planet as processed foods require more resources such as water and energy, thus creating more pollution.

The PALEO Diet is based on foods eaten in the Paleolithic period of hunter gatherer societies thousands of years ago, before farming.

The KETO Diet is a low carbohydrate, high fat diet that helps burn fat for energy rather than carbs, thus triggering weight loss. According to Healthline, the foods to eat on this diet are: meat, fatty fish,eggs, butter and cream, cheese, nuts and seeds, olive or avocado oil, avocados, and low carb vegetables and condiments.

The Vegetarian Diet is made up of plant-based foods which include fruits and vegetables, grains, legumes and nuts. No meat or dairy products including eggs and other milk products are consumed. There is a trend to eat more fruits and vegetables and new products are continually coming to the market. Non-dairy milk alternatives like oat, soy and almond are popular replacements for milk. New plantbased pasta alternatives like chickpea or zucchini pasta help us eat more vegetables and additional options are continually being introduced.

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.

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