Local Farms Growing Quality & Service
Men in Our Community Making a Difference How to Become a Golfer Innovations in Summer Camps Summer Fun & Events
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
1
CONTENTS June 2014
47
NORTHERN CONNECTION NC Features
Image & Style
12 Men in Our Community Making a Difference
40 Summer Style
Paula Green
14 How to Become a Golfer Marianne Reid Anderson
29 Warm Your Heart This Summer with St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran’s Fireside Worship Paula Green
Local Farms 16 Buying Local Ryan C. Meyer 18 Local Farms in Pennsylvania: Growing Quality and Service Marianne Reid Anderson
Health & Wellness 31 Fit Families: Exercising While on Vacation Joella Baker 32 Passavant Hospital Foundation Presents Free Workshops the Improve the Health of Our Community 36 How to Keep Your Knees Healthy Mark J. Langhans, MD
Kelly A. Smith
41 Enhancing Your Life: Love is Not a Noun Donna Summers Moul
Kids & Education 42 Innovative Classrooms, Camps and Summer Programs Marianne Reid Anderson
44 School Movers and Shakers 47 Spotlight on Education: St. Gregory’s Catholic School 48 North Allegheny Students Take Top Honors Paula Green
16 In Every Issue 4
From the Publisher
6
Movers & Shakers
7
Mover & Shaker of the Month: Father Joseph McCaffrey
Marion Piotrowski
Rosemary Garrity
10 Trivia Connection: Flag Fever Trivia Paula Green 11 Support Our Troops: Albert J. Zimmerman Paula Green
Senior Living
13 Starting the Conversation: “Manly, Yes, But I Like It, Too!” Marianne Reid Anderson
49 Some Advantages to Being a Senior
24 Happenings
Barbara A. Killmeyer
Advertorials
50 Happenings for Seniors 52 Town Crier: Jumping Into June Joe Bullick
35 Attitude Adjustments? Dr. Shannon Thieroff
53 Divine Providence
29
11 2
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
3
PUBLISHER NOTES
Welcome to the June issue of Northern Connection magazine!
NORTHERN CONNECTION P.O. Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722
T
his issue’s cover story features Family Farms. Western Pennsylvania is richly blessed with farming talent and traditions that have been passed on from one generation to the next. When you get a chance, visit some of these local farms and experience firsthand the unique, fresh and hometown goodness of all the specialties grown and prepared by our local farmers. Last month, we took a look at some local women in our community making a difference. This month we are focusing on men in our community making a difference. It is encouraging and interesting to read about these men and all they do and all they have accomplished. With the official start of summer this month, Northern Connection magazine’s Happenings section will give you some ideas of what is going on in and around our community that are interesting and fun for the whole family. Be sure to follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and our blog. Enjoy reading all the special features in this issue along with our regular monthly columns. Thank you for your support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. Happy Father’s Day and enjoy the summer! F
Phone: 724-940-2444 Laura Arnold
laura@northernconnectionmag.com
President & Publisher
Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor
Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator
Mary Simpson
marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com
thankful FOR EVERY LITTLE THING IN YOUR life. YOU WILL COME TO REALIZE HOW blessed YOU TRULY ARE.
”
Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator Marketing & Account Executives
Mary L. Simpson Marisa Tomasic Design & Production
Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Marisa Tomasic, PhD
marisa@northernconnectionmag.com
Web Master
Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers
Marianne Reid Anderson
AS YOU START YOUR DAY, BE
LIVEHAPPY.COM
Paula M. Green
Laura Lyn Arnold
ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
“
Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com
Joella Baker Jacquelyn Brinker Joe Bullick Rosemary Garrity Paula M. Green Barbara A. Killmeyer Suzanne (Suz) Mauro, AICI Ryan C. Meyer Liz Miles Donna Summers Moul, M.S.Ed. Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution
Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com
Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Donna Smith Dominion Distribution
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.
Coming in the July NC...
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.
Northern Connection Magazine’s Annual Physicians & Healthcare Professionals Guide Call to reserve your ad space by June 16th!
The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.
@NCONNECTIONMAG Find us on Facebook under Northern Connection Magazine!
4
Northern Connection | June 2014
http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com/
“When I developed peripheral neuropathy, the condition was painful and debilitating. I shared my problem with my chiropractor, Dr. Shawn Richey. He suggested that I try a program he had specifically designed. I began the comprehensive, step-by-step program. I am now only a quarter of the way through and I have complete pain relief 95% of the time. I would recommend anyone, who suffers from peripheral neuropathy, choosing to have Dr. Shawn help you to your way to recovery as he has helped me.” -Nance Stewart
My doctor said there was no help for my neuropathy . . . Until Now! What is Peripheral Neuropathy? Occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts.
P
eripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs, and feet. When damage occurs, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. It can affect multiple nerves (polyneuropathy) or only one nerve or nerve group (mononeuropathy) due to trauma, injury, local compression, prolonged pressure, or inflammation. It starts with numbness, prickling or tingling in the toes or fingers. It may spread up the feet or hands and cause burning, freezing, throbbing and/or shooting pains. It is often worse at night. Sometimes it is constant or periodic and usually the pain is felt equally in both hands or in both feet. It can develop suddenly, while others progress more slowly over many years. It is a sensation of wearing an invisible ‘glove’ or ‘sock,’ a burning sensation, freezing pain. Sharp jabbing
www.northernconnectionmag.com
electric-like pain. Extreme sensitivity to touch. Difficulty sleeping because of feet and leg pain. Loss of balance and coordination. Muscle weakness. Difficulty walking or moving the arms. Unusual sweating. Abnormalities in blood pressure or pulse. I have the solution. I have the necessary tools to the uncover the underlying cause of the nerve damage. *Certified Neuropathy Professional. Member of the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of America
Call for a free consultation TODAY!
Dr. Shawn Richey
drshawn@backnline.com www.backnline.com/ 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 Sewickley, Pa. 15143
724-940-9000
Northern Connection | June 2014
5
MOVERS & SHAKERS June 2014
Movers & Shakers Renovations have begun for a new senior affordable housing facility in Ross Township. Presbyterian SeniorCare, in a first time partnership with Senior Living is transforming an 89-year old Motherhouse into a modern senior apartment complex. The facility which is located on the Mt. Nazareth Commons Complex is slated to be open in the fall of 2015. The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center held its 13th annual signature fundraising event, Shake Your Booties on Mar. 29, at Heinz Field with a crowd of over 400 in attendance. The event raised $180,000 for its various programs. A Child’s Place at Mercy and the Operation Backpack Children’s Foundation presented “Above & Beyond Awards during May. The honorees were Det. Sgt. Dawn Shane, an officer with the Rochester Borough Police Dept., and Kimberly Rogers, director of Washington County Children & Youth Services. Pittsburgh Mercy Health System (PMHS), part of CHE Trinity Health, in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, has for the fourth consecutive time received three-year accreditation from CARF International for PMHS as well as for four community-based crisis programs of Mercy Behavioral Health. Passavant Hospital Foundation announced that it has recently changed its
6
phone number. The Foundation’s number is now (412) 748-6640 - the former number was (412) 367-6640. McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy Health System’s grant-making foundation, has awarded seven grants totaling $225,000 to local nonprofit organizations. The recipients are: ACH Clear Pathways, Consumer Health Coalition, Grow Pittsburgh, Hill District Consensus Group, Pittsburgh Foundation for the Jail Collaborative, Youth Places, and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. Genesis Medical Associates with locations throughout the northern suburbs is acting to meet the many changes coming to the practices of medicine. Among the strategies now in place for Genesis is the development of PatientCentered Medical Home and My Medical Record Patient Portal. Alicia Dal Lago of Alicia’s Photography in Wexford has been selected as one of the Faces of Professional Photographers of America. Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., received a Love Alicia Dal Lago Your Block grant through the city of Pittsburgh. Love Your Block is a partnership of Mayor William Peduto and The Home Depot Foundation to revitalize Pittsburgh block by block. Broadway came to Pittsburgh on Apr. 4, at the Family Guidance 50 Year Legacy Gala at the Fairmont Pittsburgh, where over 400 sponsors, guests and volunteers gathered to raise
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
funds that support core services for Pittsburgh’s most vulnerable children and families. The World Tang Soo Do Association’s Region 22 held its annual Regional Championship on Apr. 12 in Clearfield. Two girls from Cranberry Township, Kelsey Lutz, 17 and Leiah Maloney, 15 earned the title of Grand Champion in their respective divisions. Kimberly E. Hamilton finished the Pittsburgh Marathon race in 4:58. This was her first marathon. Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics’ students and instructors received major recognition at the Aviation Technician Education Council Conference on Apr. 7 in San Antonio, Texas. The council selected PIA students for three scholarships valued at a total of $3,750. SnapOn Incorporated also provided a PIA student with a $4,000 tool certificate. Dr. Maura Massucci, a Wexford native and PineRichland grad, has opened Massucci Vision Plus at 6600 Brooktree Road in Wexford. Dr. Massucci provides modern, comprehensive eye care for all ages, including children’s vision Dr. Maura care, contact lenses, dry eye Massucci treatment, vision therapy, and post-concussion visual rehabilitation. Her office also features a designer boutique optical with the latest in eyewear for all ages. For more information about all of her services call 724719-2712 or visit www.massuccivisionplus.com.
MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH
A Heavenly Trip… With a Flying Priest! BY ROSEMARY GARRITY
M
ost everyone has heard of “The Flying Nun,” one of Sally Field’s most popular roles, but right here in the North Hills, we have a priest who flies… not like Sally…but in a plane! Father Joseph McCaffrey is the pastor of Saints John and Paul Parish located on Wexford Bayne Road. Father Mac, as he is affectionately called, learned to fly in 1998 at the New Castle airport while he was pastor of St. James the Apostle Parish in New Bedford. After completing the requirements, he then received his certification as an instrument rated private airplane pilot. Saints John and Paul Parish has over 2,400 families, so Father Mac
Father Joseph McCaffrey prepares to take off!
doesn’t get much free time. However, when he can find some time from his very busy schedule, Father loves to get in his plane and fly. On one occasion, he even convinced Bishop David Zubik to fly with him! Recently, he was pleasantly surprised to receive an invitation to fly with the world famous Blue Angels on June 4, at The Arnold Palmer Airport in Latrobe. He was asked to be the celebrity guest in the ride-along with one of the Blue Angels. Mike Ferro, president of New Income LLC, a company that is helping to promote the Air Show, extended the invitation to Father Mac. Ferko thought that Father Mac would be a unique guest for a variety of reasons.
www.northernconnectionmag.com
He commented, “I guess you can say that Father was ordained by a Bishop, pilots a Cessna Cardinal and now gets to fly with a Blue Angel….not a bad gig!” The irony of it all! Father plans to fly his plane to the airport early, and hopes to be able to get a photograph of his “puddle-jumper” next to the fighter jets. Father Mac’s flight on June 4, will be a promotional ride-a-long to advertise the Air Show that will be held at the Arnold Palmer Airport on June 7 and 8. Television station WPXI and CBS radio will be there to cover the events. There are many flying enthusiasts in the area, so huge crowds are expected. F
Northern Connection | June 2014
7
8
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
9
TRIVIA CONNECTION June 2014
Flag Fever Trivia A PATRIOTIC SALUTE TO OLD GLORY
I
t’s time to break out your American flag and fly it high because June 14th marks Flag Day in the United States. Legend has it that Betsy Ross made the first American flag in 1776. No one knows for sure who designed the flag or why the particular color combination and pattern were chosen. On June 14, 1777, The Second Continental Congress passed a resolution which adopted the “Stars and Stripes” as the official national symbol of the United States of America. In 1885, school teacher, Bernard Cigrand of Waubeka, Wisconsin held the first observance of Flag Day at the Stony Hill School. Cigrand spoke around the country promoting the need for the annual observance of a flag day on June 14. His effort to ensure a national observance of Flag Day finally came when President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation for this on June 14, 1916. Flag Day however, did not become official until Aug. 1949, when President Harry Truman signed the legislation and proclaimed June 14 as Flag Day. In 1966, Congress also requested that the President issue annually, a proclamation designating the week in which June 14 occurs as National Flag Week. A composition honoring the American Flag, The Pledge of Allegiance was written by socialist minister Francis Bellamy in 1892. His original writing read:
“I pledge allegiance to my Flag and the Republic, for which it stands, one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” In 1923, the words, “the Flag of the United States of America” were added. In 1954, in response to the Communist threat of the times, President Eisenhower encouraged Congress to add the words “under God,” creating the 31-word pledge we say today. The American flag inspired Francis Scott Key to write The Star-Spangled Banner. The poem, originally titled The Defence of Fort McHenry was written after Key witnessed the Maryland fort being bombarded by the British during the War of 1812. Only the president and governors of the states can order flags on government buildings to be flown at half-staff. When a flag is no longer serviceable or repairable, it should be destroyed in a dignified manner, such as burning. Since we’ve unfolded flag history we can now hoist our attention on this “Old Glory” query. Get set to fly your thoughts, because it’s time to get a little trivial... 1. 2. 3.
A vexillogist is an expert in what? What was the name of the first flag of the United States? In the opening music of this 1960s TV show, a flag is flying at half-staff because President John F Kennedy
BY PAULA GREEN
4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
was assassinated on the final day of filming of its pilot. How many American flags are on the moon? Which branch of the armed services shares the June 14th birthday with Flag Day? If you fly the American flag upside down, it means what? In 1831, Captain William Driver is credited with what action regarding our U.S. Flag? ______ is a rope or cable used to raise and lower a flag on a flagpole. This resident of Collier Township, Pa., founded the American Flag Day Association of Western Pennsylvania in 1888. Where is the proper location to wear a flag pin? In 1896, John Philip Sousa wrote this march_____, which is the official march of the United States. How long is the flag to be flown at half-staff following the death of a current or former U.S. president? Who cut the American flag into pieces and was even honored for doing this? On what holiday does the flag fly at half-mast until noon, then full-mast from noon until sunset? How many folds does it take to get a flag folded into a triangle shape? F
Sources: http://www.nationalflagday.com/history. asp, http://www.history.com/news/a-flag-day-history-of-the-stars-and-stripes, http://www.kidzworld. com/article/2223-flag-day, http://www.va.gov/opa/ publications/celebrate/flagday, http://www.history. com/this-day-in-history/key-pens-star-spangledbanner, http://www.ushistory.org/btesy/flagtriv. html, http://www.ushistory.org/betsy/flagtriv.html, http://magazine.foxnews.com/at-home/10-thingsyou-didnt-know-about-american-flag, http://www. brownielocks.com/flagtrivia.html Answers: 1. flag history 2. Grand Union flag 3. Gilligan’s Island 4. six (from Apollo 11,12,14,15,16 & 17) 5. The Army (founded in 1775) 6. It is a May Day, you are in trouble 7. He named it “Old Glory” 8. Halyard or hoist rope 9. William T. Kerr 10. left pocket (closest to your heart) 11. Stars & Stripes Forever 12. 30 days 13. Robert Peary (at the North Pole) 14. Memorial Day 15. thirteen
10
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
SUPPORT OUR TROOPS June 2014
Albert J. Zimmerman Legion of Honor recipient BY PAULA GREEN
W
e introduced our readers to Albert J. Zimmerman, 90, of Allison Park in our Support Our Troops column in our Mar. 2011 issue. We are pleased to announce that on Mar. 26; this brave WWII veteran received a prestigious award at the French Embassy in Washington, D.C. Zimmerman was pinned with the Legion of Honor, which is France’s highest medal of valor. It is presented to United States veterans who risked their lives fighting on French territory during World War II. Zimmerman served in the U.S. Army for 38 months, from Jan. 4, 1943 through Mar. 13, 1946, where he attained the rank of Sergeant. He was awarded the Legion of Honor for this leadership of a light machine gun squad against the Germany enemy. He was a member of the 42nd Rainbow Infantry Division which liberated the Dachau concentration camp north of Munich. Zimmerman and his fellow soldiers fought off the German armored thrust for ten days at the battle of Hatten-Rittershoffen while the Battle of the Bulge was taking place north in Belgium during the Christmas season of 1944-1945. Over the years, he has been presented with other prominent military accolades – the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantry Badge and the Expert Infantry Badge. He was also bestowed with three battle stars for conflicts in Alsace, Rhineland and Middle Europe.
Zimmerman is a graduate of Etna High School, and the University of Pittsburgh where he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English. He married Edith Bauer of Millvale in 1948. After college, Zimmerman worked as a newspaper editor in Fairmont, W.Va., and Richmond, Va. He returned to Pittsburgh and joined the fundraising organization Ketchum, Inc., where he worked for 33 years. Since his retirement 26 years ago, Zimmerman has been actively involved with Christ Lutheran Church in Millvale. He served as its president and was elected three times to the Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod Council of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America. Zimmerman has volunteered at the Carnegie Library and at the model railroad display. He is also active in military veterans’ organizations. In his spare time he likes to listen to jazz. He and Edith have three children: Craig of Attleboro, Mass., Marsha Kruze of Loveland, Ohio, and Terry Shand of Frankstown, Colo., and six grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Northern Connection magazine congratulates Albert J. Zimmerman for Legion of Honor award, and we thank him for his commitment and devotion in serving our country in wartime. F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
We welcome brief biographies and photos of local servicemen and women from our community. If you know of someone you’d like to see featured in this column, please call (724) 940-2444 or mail the information to: Northern Connection Magazine, P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722 or email northcon@consolidated.net.
Northern Connection | June 2014
11
NC FEATURE June 2014
Men in Our Community Making a Difference BY PAULA GREEN
Last month, we enlightened you on several women that are making a difference in our community. This month, we are pleased to introduce a few inspirational men that have found the keys to success, and are willing to share their triumphant journeys. Joe Bullick, curator North Allegheny History Museum. If you want to walk down a historical path in the North Hills, then contact Joe Bullick. Nearly 16 years ago, Joe started the history museum at North Allegheny. As he notes, “My son suggested that I open a museum since I have thousands of collectibles. I received the backing of Dr. Lawrence Bozzomo (who was NA’s superintendent at the time). The museum started off at Bradford Woods and moved numerous times. Currently it is at McKnight Elementary. McCandless Township is in the process of building a permanent museum. This is rewarding for me because I am making people happy. So many folks have donated items to my museum. I love it when school kids visit, they get so excited, and it is educational for them. It is really important to give of yourself. I also feel that everybody should write down their life’s story. It is a good way to leave your legacy. If you want to do something, then do it, and be sure to love what you are doing.” To learn more, call (412) 635-4080 or email jbullick@ northallegheny.org. Dr. R. Patrick Francis, of Francis Audiology is committed to, “Expand Your Hearing Experience.” As he explains, “I came to work in the field of Audiology out of a desire to work with, and help people. I worked in a variety of hospital settings before finding a ‘home’ in audiology. I found the profession to be a combination of science, and art, and enabled many avenues of service. After working in the school system of southern West Virginia, I spent the next twenty years working in hospitals and in medical offices in and around Pittsburgh. Finally, I opened my own office eight years ago. The most rewarding aspect of my work, is to the ability to help people regain their independence, social activities and relationships that have been threatened by the insidious nature of hearing and balance disorders.
12
I would encourage students to investigate the various avenues open to audiologists, from research to expert witnesses and from medical settings to private practice before committing to an educational path.” Visit the Francis Audiology website at http://www.francisaudiology.com/. Dr. Bradley Levinson, MD is a board-certified colon and rectal surgeon in Cranberry Township. Dr. Levinson discusses how he got started in his medical practice, “I believed, correctly so, that a career as a colon and rectal surgeon would allow me to perform major surgery, diagnostic tests such as colonoscopies, and at the same time be in contact with patients on a regular basis. Above all, I feel honored to have had the opportunity to meet so many interesting patients over the last almost 30 years. Treating and often curing them of disease only adds substantially to the rewarding sense of purpose. If you want to perform many different types of surgery and have an office practice where you can get to know your patients in a personal and professional manner, then colon and rectal surgery is for you. For more information on Dr. Levinson’s colon and rectal surgery practice, call (724) 741-6020. Dr. Robert H. Potter, MD is a physician who specializes in Family Medicine and works with Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. He attended Allegheny College and majored in Biology. Eventually, he followed in his father’s footsteps and became a physician. As Dr. Potter notes, “My father was a family doctor, and I learned from him. It amazed me how well he knew his patients, I have gotten to be the same way. I have treated some of my patients for 25 to 30 years, and it is rewarding to be able to help these people. The other thing that I find rewarding is the trip I take every year with a group of about 20 volunteers. We go down to Honduras, and we treat
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
STARTING THE CONVERSATION the residents in this impoverished community. We visit the same village every year, and these people are truly grateful for the medical care they received from us. Even though there is so much training and commitment involved in being a physician, it is well worth it, because you do so many positive things and make people feel better. Dr. Potter serves as physician for North Allegheny and North Hills School Districts. For more information on Dr. Potter and Genesis Medical Associates, Inc., call (412) 630-2670 or visit www.genesismedical.org. Dr. Shawn Richey, DC, chiropractor. Dr. Shawn feels you should be passionate about what you do and never forget what your purpose is. “When I was 29 and in the corporate world, I realized that my career was not my passion. I knew I wanted to spend every day doing something that would make a difference. Realizing the potential of Chiropractic Care, and the opportunity to improve a person’s life who has ultimately given up hope I knew this was what I wanted to do every day. I continued my education, and in addition to treating typical aches and pains, I also specialize in Peripheral Neuropathy and weight loss. I have witnessed miraculous stories of how my treatments have changed people’s quality of life. Most people that come to my office have gone to every length to improve their impaired health and given up hope that they will not be able to live the way they want. To see a person transform from a beat down, exhausted soul to an inspired, excited for life individual is better than anything you can imagine.” For more information on Dr. Shawn’s Chiropractic Family Health Center, call (724) 940-9000. David E. Smith, attorney with Malone Middleman and owner of the Wexford Ale House. Dave has a dual role in the corporate world; he is both a practicing attorney and a business owner. He shares why he chose his career path. “I became an attorney because I enjoy the analysis and thought process behind legal reasoning, but even more so because it is a profession that allows me to truly help people. The same was true about starting the Wexford Ale House. I wanted to create a place that was a comfortable place for people to enjoy themselves and brighten their day. What I like the most in regards to the legal profession and the restaurant business is the opportunity to make someone’s day a little better. I have learned that you should follow your instincts, and stick to your beliefs and vision, no matter what your profession. In providing legal advice or starting a business, the confidence to believe in your position and your ability to follow through with your position is of the utmost importance.” Visit Dave’s website, at http://www.wexfordalehouseonline.com/. F
“Manly, Yes, But I Like It, Too!” BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
G
rowing up, this old slogan for Irish Spring® bath soap, pretty much said it all! Let’s break out of stereotypical thinking! Being born and raised a Pittsburgher, I always assumed that all girls were like me and were huge fans of professional sports, such as the Steelers and the Pirates. I was shocked when I moved and lived in other areas of the country to find out that I was pretty much alone. My husband, a Seattleite, once told me he couldn’t believe his luck in finding a girl that loved football and baseball as much as he did. Later, I got hooked on golf and introduced him to the sport. Of course, my husband grew-up in the 60’s and 70’s too and has always rejected stereotypical thinking, as well. Shortly after we got engaged twenty-three years ago and were planning our wedding, we went out for dinner with his parents and there was a jazz band playing. At one point, my soon-to-be Father-in-law, asked to take me for a spin around the floor, just like in the movies. When we got back to the table, my soon-to-be hubby announced that he wanted to be like his Dad and know how to move his feet and me around the floor. Not being a fool, I instantly said, “Yes! That’s a great idea!” So off to ballroom lessons we went, we learned to waltz for the wedding, but we also learned how to rumba, tango and foxtrot. This was long before Dancing with the Stars brought coupledancing back in style again. So initially, Tom had to put up with some teasing from his groomsmen but by the time the wedding rolled-around, everyone was duly impressed. I was so proud of him for standing up to his friends. The best thing has been the willingness of each of us to embrace the interests of each other and not be afraid to try new things, regardless of what others might say. I think next might be kayaking or maybe cooking lessons, definitely a foreign language. What do you think? Ever break a stereotype or want to? Why do you think people tease or bully to stop people from doing what they want? I’d love to hear from you, please feel free to visit my blog and leave a comment or suggestion at http://northernconnection. blogspot.com. F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
13
NC FEATURE June 2014
W How to Become a
Golfer BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
Almost 20 years ago, when my husband and I moved back to Pittsburgh from the Pacific Northwest, I quickly realized that one of the most popular past times here is the game of golf. We also realized that quite a bit of business and deals are done here on the golf course. Well, I learned all about camping in the Pacific Northwest, so now, obviously, I needed to learn how to play golf in Western Pennsylvania.
14
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
hat I learned was a lot more than just the rules and how to hit a ball. Instead, I learned that it is a sport for all ages and all skill levels, that while I’m concentrating on that little white ball, I don’t think about anything else, and I’m out and about getting exercise and plenty of fresh air. I also meet a wide variety of people from all walks of life and from all over the world. I began my goal of learning how to golf by taking lessons. The best part is that golf is a game you can pick up at any point in your life and still get to a very acceptable skill level. I took up the sport in my thirties but my uncles did not take up golf until after they retired in their late sixties. My Uncle Mike even had a hole-in-one to his credit. You can take lessons through continuing education classes, at a driving range or even through the pro shop at your local country club without having to be a member of the club. I took lessons through a continuing education class and then did my follow-up practices at a driving range. You can get started playing golf without making a huge investment in equipment and accessories. Most driving ranges, especially at country clubs, have demo clubs to use or rent to see what brand of golf club you like best. Also, you don’t need a full set of 14 clubs to get started. You can start with just four clubs: a 3 wood, a 5 iron, a pitcher, a putter and then fill in from there, getting a driver, more irons and more woods. If you start with only 4 clubs, you can get what’s called a “Sunday” bag which is a small, inexpensive bag to carry your clubs, tees, balls and a glove and that’s all you need. I started by getting a secondhand, gently-used set online. Eventually, you need to move off the driving range and actually start to play a round of golf. Begin by going to “Pitch ‘n Putt” courses, these are shorter courses where each hole is a “par 3” or where, ideally, you take only 3 hits to get the ball in the hole. It will take a while to get there. But, when you begin, give yourself “double-par” which means you get 6 hits to get the ball there. You will find that this is much more reasonable and you will enjoy the game infinitely more. Once you get use to the Pitch ‘n Putt format, then you want to start playing 9-hole courses such as Clover
Hill Golf Course (www.cloverhillgolf. com) on Reis Run Road. This is where I began and it is the perfect course to get started, everyone is welcoming and every hole is unique and interesting. By this time, you will want to have a driver, another wood, a few more irons and a bigger bag but by now you should also know if you have any enjoyment playing golf. If you’re a lady golfer, be sure and get completely out-fitted and accessorized at Gals on and Off the Green. This is also a good time to start signing up for charity golf outings. These are no pressure events that are usually played in what is called a “scramble” format. In this format, there is a team of four players, each of you hit a tee shot but then you decide which the best shot is and then you pick up your ball and drop at the decided best location and then each person hits his or her next shot from there and this keeps going for each shot. In other words, no stress, you’ve got three other people playing the hole with you. Be sure and check out our Happenings section here in Northern Connection and Like our Facebook page to learn
about upcoming golf outings. Personally, I feel the real key to becoming a golfer is to not record your score for the first several rounds at least. Just keep track of playing “double-par,” if a hole is a par 3, hit 6 times and pick up and move on to the next hole whether you made it to the cup or not, if it is a par 4, hit 8 times and then pick up and move on and so forth, particularly with a par 5. This way, you won’t get frustrated and even the best of golfers will be encouraging (and probably give you more advice than you want or need). Before you know it, you will be making it into the cup and be a true golfer. The point is to keep up with the group in front of you, not get the ball in the hole and it is perfectly acceptable to pick up and move on to the next hole when you are first starting out. This shows very good etiquette and consideration for your fellow golfers. Which is the main reason to play golf in the first place. I hope this information gives you a basic understanding of how to get started in, what I believe, is one of the truly great sports of all time, the game of golf. Hope to see you on the links! F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
15
LOCAL FARMS & FARM MARKETS
Buying Local BY RYAN C. MEYER
In this fast-paced world, time has become one of the most precious commodities. A day’s hours are few and its stresses many. To fit our tight schedules, speed and efficiency are favored while quality seems to be pushed aside. Massive industries meet our demands with cheap merchandise and fast food, but are we making the right demands?
M
any of us want a quick meal so that we can move on to more enjoyable activities, but it would be healthier and even more efficient if we were to make the meal itself something we truly enjoy. Not everyone is a skilled cook, but one doesn’t have to have their own show on television or a collection of fine utensils to make something palatable. A dinner cooked with fresh ingredients and a light-hearted attitude is almost certainly going to be satisfying (and a pleasure to make as well as eat). Farmers’ markets provide a place where anyone can obtain fresh, healthy ingredients directly from the people that grow them. While shopping for groceries at a supermarket is a time-consuming hassle, picking out goods at a farmers’ market can actually be pleasurable. One can feel the sun and breathe fresh air, rather than wander through a maze of aisles illuminated by fluorescent light. While no
16
one can argue against the convenience of fast food, stepping through the doors of a McDonald’s is rarely followed by good feelings. The smell of grease is heavy in the air and you think about the next chance you will get to wash your hands each time you touch something. The hectic environment behind the counter only makes the other side look even more sluggish and your feet stick to the floor as you shuffle forward in line, just wanting to grab your order and escape. Good food doesn’t come from places like this. Buying food from a farmer’s market helps support local growers who, in turn, support the community. They are individuals whose land can be viewed and appreciated, who spend money at other small businesses. Unlike the larger businesses that swallow up competition, leaving little (if any) options for shopping destinations, a farmer has a symbiotic relationship with his/her community. It will always be more fulfilling to give money to your neighbor
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
than to feed it into a machine. Having grown up on a farm, I know how important it is for people to believe in what you are doing. Farming is one of the most difficult jobs there is, but it is also very rewarding. One of farming’s most rewarding aspects is interacting with people that appreciate what you do. Whether that person is also a farmer or just someone who prefers fresh milk and produce and realizes the effort that it takes to bring those goods to them, the acknowledgement and empathy make arduous labor worthwhile. Any task is easier when it’s appreciated. Despite the many advantages to farmers’ markets, it hasn’t always been easy to hear about and locate them. Modern technology has changed that, though, allowing us to search and find anything with the click of a mouse. Our own Northern Connection’s magazine, website (northernconnectionmag.com) and Facebook page expedite the process by pointing out locations close to us. Another way of seeking locally grown food is through Giant Eagle Market District, which has many products that they buy from Pennsylvanian growers. While it may lack the atmosphere of an outdoor market, most of us are already familiar with these locations. It provides the familiarity and convenience of a larger chain, while still providing fresh groceries and helping local farmers. F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
17
LOCAL FARMS & FARM MARKETS
Local Farms in Pennsylvania: Growing Quality and Service BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
According to the last U.S. census, Pennsylvania has the densest rural population of any state with over 51,000 local farms. Unlike other states, where large corporations are responsible for growing only one or two crops, local farms here in Pennsylvania each grow an amazing assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables plus offer a variety of other high-quality goods and services and are supported whole-heartedly by our local communities and businesses.
I
n addition, studies show that children here in Pennsylvania are more likely to eat fresh, seasonal produce when it comes from a farm or farm market that they have visited. We here at Northern Connection would like to applaud these hard-working families and share some highlights of these particularly special places and people in our community:
18
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
the farms. For more information and directions to their retail shops, visit http://www.brenckle.com/.
Brenckle’s Farms and Greenhouses
Brenckle’s Farms and Greenhouses – has two convenient retail locations, one on Mt. Troy in Pittsburgh and the other in Butler County. The Brenckle farm is also a wholesale provider and is one of the local farms selected by both Giant Eagle and Eat n’ Park to supply fresh produce. The Brenckle’s Farm started over 80 years ago when Alfred C. Brenckle purchased property in Pittsburgh and has grown substantially to other farming locations in Western Pennsylvania. Now the 3rd and 4th generations own and operate
Clarion River Organics - is a cooperative of 10 family farms working together from Sligo, Pa. All farms are certified organic and strive to maintain healthy soils as their main means of pest and disease control. You can find their food in a number of different places and ways: Subscribe to their CSA* to get a weekly box of produce, Visit one of their farmers’ markets, Order food from them at wholesale quantities/prices. In addition, you can also find their food in several Pittsburgh grocery stores, including Whole Foods Market, the East End Food Cooperative and some Giant Eagle Market Districts, as well as several Pittsburgh restaurants. To become a member of their CSA or to learn more about this amazing (Continued on page 20)
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
19
LOCAL FARMS & FARM MARKETS cooperative of family farms, visit their website at http://www.clarionriverorganics.com/ . Deener’s Farm Market – located on Rt-19 at the north end of Cranberry. Deener’s has been at this location for 33 years and is owned by Becky Deener who graduated with a degree in horticulture from Penn State University. Becky is helped by her children, two of her sisters and now their children. Opened from May 1st to Halloween, Deener’s starts by offering beautiful flowers, hanging and combination pots and then will transition into a fully-stocked vegetable market complete with special varieties, including macaroni sweet corn and for hot-pepper aficionado’s, the very popular “inferno” hot peppers. Deener’s continues into the fall featuring pumpkins and potted mums. For more information, email
Becky094@gmail.com or call the market at 724-452-7994.
Dillner Family Farm
Dillner Family Farm – owned and operated by Don and Jane Dillner and family at their location in Gibsonia since 1940. Dillner’s enjoys a longer growing season due to their hightunnel greenhouses that enable them to roll-up the sides and control temperature and irrigation. Dillner’s CSA* memberships are completely sold-out for the 2014 season, but fortunately,
in addition to their own location on Sandy Hill Road, they participate in many farm markets in and around the city including, downtown, Oakland, Sewickley, Verona, Lawrenceville among others so you can still get your supply of their produce. Visit their website http://www.dillnerfamilyfarm.com/ for a complete list of farm markets and locations. Eichner’s Farm Market and Greenhouses – located at 285 Richard Road in Wexford, Eichner’s has often been referred to as ‘Wexford’s Best Kept Secret,’ even though their great grandfather bought
Eichner’s Farm Market and Greenhouses
the farmland in 1897. The secret is that in addition to produce, they also raise their own hens laying white and brown eggs, home-raised turkeys and even have their own smokehouse of a whole array of pork products and sausages and they already have a waiting list for their turkeys for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their smokehouse produces all-natural goodness with no msg or preservatives including maple sausage, sweet and hot sausages, their own kielbasa recipe, hot dogs, hams and much more. For more information or to place your smokehouse order if you want 3-5 pounds or more, email eichnerfarm@gmail.com or call 724935-2131. Giant Eagle Market District – For decades and for your convenience, Giant Eagle brings the produce from over 100 local farms direct into their stores, providing your local favorites while also supporting the local farmer. In addition, the Market District has started to identify local specialty markets and producers to bring great
20
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
quality foods from around the area. For example, Giant Eagle Market District works with DeLallo to bring several limited-edition types of olives, and with Greek Gourmet Market Place for their renowned hummus, also, locallymade shonklish which is a delicious aged, Lebanese cheese made with Middle Eastern herbs, and they have also started offering a variety of cured meats from a small business located in Beechview operated by Kevin Costa. For more information, visit your local Giant Eagle Market District or online at http://www.marketdistrict.com. Harvest Valley Farms – This 4th generation farm of the King family has its farm market on Cunningham Road in Gibsonia. In addition to its abundant and excellent produce, they have partnered with several other local farms to bring customers free-range eggs, local milk and cheese and even highly-rated, grassfed beef. They also provide CSA* services at convenient Harvest Valley Farms locations around the area. The farm is owned and operated by Larry, Art, and David King. For more information, visit their website at www.harvestvalleyfarms.com and be sure to sign-up for Art’s newsletter (under the News Tab) to receive highly informative articles on the benefits of correctly-raised produce, dairy products and meat products. Kaelin’s Family Farm – is located on Brandt School Road in Franklin Park. Kaelin’s is open from mid-March to Christmas. They start with beautiful flowers and baskets, transition to delectable produce and then they even sell trees, wreaths and cookie trays at Christmas. Kaelin’s farm market also includes the Kaelin Country Kitchen that offers fresh daily lunch specials, breakfast and homemade baked goods. For more information or to download their daily lunch menu that includes 2 daily soups, sandwiches such as their Turkey Apple Panini, Corned beef or Turkey
Reuben’s, and even hot dogs and PB&J’s for the kids among many others delights, go to http://www.kaelinfarms.com/. Marburger Dairy Farm - Marburger Dairy Farm delivers milk, teas and cultured products to customers all over the Pittsburgh area. Perhaps one of their most unique features is that they still offer HOME DELIVERY to many residential areas. They deliver farm-fresh milk, cheeses, ice cream and much, much more. Be sure and try their amazing buttermilk for that special something in pancakes, mashed potatoes and fried chicken. They produce fresh quality dairy products daily with employees on the clock twenty-four hours a day! For a complete list of products and to see if your area receives delivery, visit their website at http://www.marburgerdairy.com/ or call 1-800-331-1295 or 724-538-4800. Organic Brenckle’s Farm and Greenhouse - is located on Glen Eden Road bordering Cranberry Township. 3rd generation farmers beginning with
One of the beautiful greenhouses at Kaelin’s Family Farm
www.northernconnectionmag.com
(Continued on page 20)
Northern Connection | June 2014
21
LOCAL FARMS & FARM MARKETS the growing process, instead, they come from all-natural sources such as a natural pesticide derived from Chrysanthemums. Brenckle’s Organic also provides CSA* Services with three different subscription levels for members to receive their particular box of produce. For more information or to become a member of their CSA, go to http://www.brencklesfarm.com/.
Fruits and vegetables at Brenckle’s Organic
their Grandfather in 1949, Brenckle’s Organic has been certified for growing organic produce for the past eight years. Growing organic means that no chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers are used during
22
Reilly’s Summer Seat Farm and Garden Center – With an original land grant that dates from 1786, current owner Mike Reilly is celebrating his 30th anniversary since taking the farm commercial. In addition to its farm market, Reilly’s is also known for its Garden Center with its vast selection of gardening supplies, decorations, and plants; its amazing harvest festivals with as many as 11 wagons to the pumpkin patch, corn maze and haunted house; its visits and pictures
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
with Santa, and their family-oriented u-pick berry fields starting in June, full of strawberries, then black and red raspberries and then blueberries. Since berries are weather dependent, you can check the status of their u-pick berry crops, by calling their info line at 412-364-8270. For more information about their market, Garden Center, and upcoming events and festivals, visit. http://www.reillyssummerseatfarm.com/ Ross Township Farmer’s Market – is opened on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. from May 14 until the last Wednesday in October. The farm market is located in the parking lot across from St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church on Rt. 19 Perry Highway in Perrysville. Organized by Mazur’s farms in Zelienople, they have brought together a wide variety of produce and specialty items
including Olive Tap olive oils, Sam’s Gyro’s, Fontana Pasta, Liz’s Ice Balls, Flame Bar-b-que, Uncle Fester’s Condiments, Yvonne’s Dried Pasta, Pittsburgh Cookie Goddess, Yoder Amish Baked Goods and much, much more. St. John’s refuses to receive any vendor fees for the use of their parking lot, so monies are donated to the North Hills Food Bank. For more information, go to their Facebook page: Ross Twp. Farmers’ Market. Shenot Family Farm – is located on Wexford Run Road between I79 and Rt-19 in Wexford. Ed and his son Rob are 5th and 6th generation Shenot farmers, both with degrees in horticulture from Penn State. In addition to their incredible produce and award-winning apple cider, wife and mom, Mary Lou, makes off-thecharts, delectable homemade fudge. She started with only two flavors and now offers 50 flavors due to customer demand. Also, due to demand and their close relationship with other farms, Shenot’s will now be open year-round. Be sure and take home some popcorn too for a true heavenly popcorn experience. For more information, check out their website at http://shenotfarm.com/. Soergel Orchards, Country Store and More – is located on Brandt School Road off the Wexford Exit on I79. In operation since 1850, they have grown their farm market to include a wine shop featuring
Vegetable case at Shenot Family Farm
Arrowhead wines; a gift shop featuring bath and body items, accessories, home accents, teas and accessories, customized gift baskets and much more; lunch specials and farm-fresh catering, festivals and events such as their Strawberry festival and Live music performances; and lots of activities, games and summer camps for kids including their Tiny-Town play area. So much to do and see, it has become a popular family and tourist destination particularly for children and with out-of-town guests and relatives. For more information and a calendar of events, visit http://soergels. com/. We at Northern Connection encourage our readers to support our local farms and businesses. If you know of any other farms, festivals or events or local specialty stores. Be sure and let us know at NorthCon@ consolidated.net or call us at 724-9402444. F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
*CSA – stands for a Community Supported Agriculture program in which, for a fee, you become a member and receive a box of weekly produce for you and your family to enjoy, for pickup at selected, convenient locations. [Editor’s Note: As a special note, on behalf of all of us here at Northern Connection magazine, I would like to personally thank the many wonderful families that took the time from all their hard work and literally turned off the tractor to speak with me in the creation of this article. Your hard work and dedication is greatly appreciated and inspiring.]
Northern Connection | June 2014
23
HAPPENINGS June 2014
Happenings North Happenings
Mondays
Wednesday
Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collections, Jun. 7 & 28, Jul. 12 & 26, Aug. 16 & 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 18 & Nov. 8, Butler County. Visit www.recyclebutler.us.
Chisel and Chips Carvers of North Pittsburgh meetings, meets 6:30- 10 p.m., the 2nd Monday of every month, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. For info, call (724) 940-0034.
Ask an Attorney, 7 p.m., June 11, NHCO in Allison Park; July 9, NHCO Millvale. Must pre-register, call (412) 408-3830 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.
North Allegheny Horsemen’s Association shows, Jun. 1-Open Show, Jul. 6-Youth/Fun, Jul 20-All Day Pleasure, Aug. 17-Open Show, Sept. 7-All Day Pleasure, Sept. 28-Fun/Game, North Park Horse Show Ring. For info the Jul. 6 show, call (412) 364-6500, all others call (412) 784-0860. North Hills Community Outreach’s Community Auto Program is looking for vehicle donations that will provide transportation for low-income individuals. Call (724) 443-8300 or www.communityauto.org. North Hills Community Outreach Dinner Theatre Don’t Tell Mother, Dessert Theatre, June 11 & Dinner Theatre, Jun. 12, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Call Cheryl (412) 487-6316, Opt. 1, or www.nhco.org, or clenglish@nhco.org. North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m. every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www.northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.
Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus, meets every Monday at 7 p.m., Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. Visit Bogmeisters.com. Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 4th Monday of every month 7 p.m., (Jun. 23), Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329. Movie Matinee Mondays, 2 p.m. Mondays, Blue Jasmine, Jun. 2; The Book Thief, Jun. 9; Winter’s Tale, Jun. 16, Enough Said, Jun. 23 & All is Lost, Jun. 30. The Legacy Theatre, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, McCandless Twp. For info, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.
Tuesdays North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3rd Tues., of the month, North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. For info, visit www. facebook.com/NPMOMS.
Country Knight Line Dancers host a line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine.beley@gmail.com.
Thursdays Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m. the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 779-1854. Handicapable Square Dancing Lessons, Thurs., thru Oct., Dorseyville Alliance Church. Volunteers needed to assist. For details, call Marti or Gary (724) 443-2616. National Aviary Night, 5-9 p.m., 3rd Thurs., of the month. Half price admission, 21 and over. For details, (412) 258-9445.
Friday Christy House in Sewickley, Friday luncheons, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Frederick Ave., Sewickley. Homemade soups & specialty breads. Call (412) 741-5960. Visit The Needles Eye and Earthly Treasure. Visit ststephenschurch.net.
Saturdays Saturday Singles Dance for ages 40+, 8 p.m.midnight, Jun. 7, “Coney Island Cookout,” free dance lesson 7:30 p.m., dance 8 p.m., Jun. 27, “A Perfect Pair Mix & Ice-Breaking Singles Dance,” West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy, West View. Call, (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.
Arts & Entertainment JazzLive International Festival, June 20-22, Cultural District. For details, visit http://pittsburghjazzlive.com. Joyful Sounds presented by the St. Alexis Adult & Handbell Choirs, 2 p.m., Jun. 8, St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Hwy. Light refreshments following the concert. For info, call (724) 935-4343 or stalexis.org. Mythology art exhibit by Richard Claraval, Jun. 1-30, the Spinning Plate Gallery, 5821 Baum Blvd. Portraits of Air: Pittsburgh, Jun. 6-Jul. 13, Penn Gallery. Exhibition opening reception, 5-7 p.m., Jun. 6. For details, visit TrustArts.org. Psychic Panic Art Exhibition, runs thru June 29, Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Space Gallery, 812 Liberty Ave. For info, visit TrustArts.org.
Health & Wellness Blood Drive sponsored by Ingomar Volunteer Fire Dept., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jun. 14, Harmony Drive Station, (corner of W. Ingomar Rd.) For info, call (412) 209-7000. Knee Pain Conservative & Surgical Treatments, 1 p.m., June 4, Club Juian, 101 Corbett Ct. Sponsored by Passavant Hospital Foundation. To register, call (412) 366-1931. Lizzy’s Bikes, a Kiwanis Club of Mars community action program, provides free bikes to local needy children. Call (724) 779-4364 or email LizzysBikes@yahoo.com. (Continued on page 26)
24
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
Join the Rebellion!
T
he Whiskey Rebellion Festival, that is, on Main Street downtown Washington, Pa., Thursday July 10 through Saturday July 12. The Whiskey Rebellion Festival celebrates the unique heritage and history of Western Pa., and specifically, the farmer’s rebellion of 1794 that was the first serious challenge of authority to the newly formed Federal government of the United States. The spirit of the Rebellion lives on during the festival in colorful, dramatic street theater, reenactments and historical demonstrations by local heritage organizations, museums and attractions from throughout Washington County. Thursday’s events begin with the Main Street Farmers Market, serving up the freshest locally sourced farm-to-table items in the county, and then segues into a concert under the stars by the Washington Symphony Orchestra. Friday night’s Blues, Brews and Barbeque concert promises smokin’ good ‘que, cold beverages and hot blues capped off by “The Reigning Queen of Beale Street”, Memphis blues legend Barbara Blue. Festival Saturday begins with a Main Street Community Parade, followed by a full day of heritage demonstrations and music, family and children’s events, a frontier art show, mercantile tent, historic house and frontier fort tours, and a dramatic climax to the living theater presentation. Saturday night’s Americana music lineup begins with the Shelf Life String Band and the WeedRags, then the festival proudly presents internationally renowned artists The Felice Brothers as the evening’s headliner. The festival finale is a dazzling pyrotechnic display soaring over the streets of Washington. The Whiskey Rebellion Festival is free, open to all, and quickly becoming a highlight of the regional summer festival season. Go to www. WhiskeyRebellionFestival.com for more. And Join the Rebellion! F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
BENEFITING K-9 POLICE AND FIRE UNITS AND MAKE-A-WISH®
FUNDRAISER WEEKEND
PARTY
JUNE 22, 2014
Jergel’s Rhythm Grille
GOLF INVITATIONAL
JUNE 23, 2014 Treesdale Golf & Country Club
www.BRFfundraiser.com 412-441-1077
Northern Connection | June 2014
25
HAPPENINGS June 2014
Wexford Ale House – 2nd Annual Pig Roast Saturday, June 21st starting at 3 p.m. $5 per plate donation--Proceeds benefit T.R.Y. – a Wexford based special needs organization. Beer samplings/visiting breweries from 3-9 p.m. DJ starts outside at 5 p.m. • Dunk Tank all day long! Trivia starts at 10 p.m. • Raffling off a Cabelas smoker/grill combo unit at 7 p.m. For more info check us out on Facebook or visit our website at: www.wexfordalehouseonline.com F
26
Lupus Foundation Events: Jun. 14, Ronin Ride & Awareness Picnic, Penn Hills; Jun. 24, Constellation Senior Players Championship, Fox Chapel; Jul. 14, Lupus Gold Challenge, Nelvillewood; Jul. 16, Alpha Wolfe Conference, Drums, Pa. For info, visit www. lupuspa.org.
Restaurant, Rt. 228, Cranberry Twp. Call Annette, (724) 316-8005.
St. Margaret Foundation seminar - Vanishing Varicose Veins, Heart & Vascular Institute, 6-7:30 p.m., June 5. For info, call (412) 784-4022 or www.stmargaretfoundation.org.
North Hills Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 12:30 p.m., Jun. 13 & 27, Atria’s Restaurant, 5517 William Flynn Hwy. Call Debbie, (724) 449-8368.
Vigil of Hope, 7 p.m., Jun. 4, Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre, McCandless. For details, call (412) 748-6640.
Professional Referral Exchange (PRE) meets 7:15 a.m., Weds, Deck House, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Ken, at (610) 496-7600 or visit, www.prenetworking.net.
Counseling
Seven Fields Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets, 8:15 a.m., Jun. 5 & 19, Concordia Life Care Community, Rt. 228, Adams Ridge. Call Nina, (724) 772-1922.
Professional Counseling, need someone to talk with but can’t afford it or lack health coverage. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300.
Networking Cranberry Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 7:30 a.m., Jun. 5 & 19, 2662 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Call Marcia, (724) 5383059. Criders Corner Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets noon, Jun. 12 & 26, Cranberry Echo
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
Friday Morning “Coffee Club,” 8-9 a.m., Fridays, Butler County Chamber of Commerce. For details, call (724) 283-2222 or Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com
Toastmasters Cranberry High Noon Club, meets noon-1 p.m., every Mon., at the Cranberry Library, 2525 Rochester Rd., Suite 400. Guest & new members are welcome. Call Mary Jo, (412) 367-7710 or http://3331281.toastmastersclubs.org. Wexford Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets, 8:00 a.m., Jun. 10 & 24, Atria’s Restaurant, Rt. 19, Wexford. Call Denise, (412) 716-1322.
Three Rivers Adoption Council
T
hree Rivers Adoption Council is celebrating 35 years of creating families through adoption, with its 2nd annual “MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE GOSPEL EXTRAVAGANZA” featuring Grammy nominated gospel artist VaShawn Mitchell. Friday, June 13 at 7:00 pm. Mt. Ararat Baptist Church 271 Paulson Street, Pittsburgh PA 15206 Tickets are $20 and are available at Dorsey’s Records – Stedeford’s Records or online at: www.3riversadopt.org or call 412-471-8722. F
Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers should call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon. stalter@cancer.org. Lupus Foundation is seeking volunteers to run the concession stand at the Constellation Senior Players Championship, Jun. 24-29, Fox Chapel Golf Club. For info, call (412) 261-5886 or mtonti@lupuspa.org. Tutoring Volunteers Needed, 1-3 hrs., per week w/homework & study skills. Call Sandy at Anchorpoint Ministries (412) 366-1300 x23. Volunteers are needed at the Repurposed Thrift Store in the Northway Mall. The store is accepting donations of any kind. They support Living in Liberty, a nonprofit who helps women rescued from human trafficking. To volunteer, call (412) 548-3755.
School Happenings Fairy Tales & Folklore Exhibit runs through June 6, McCarl Gallery at St. Vincent College. Admission is free & open to the public. For info, (724) 805-2569 or www. mccarlgallery.org. Kennywood Day for North Allegheny, June 19. For details, visit www.northallegheny.org/athletics.
Introduction to Catholic Liberal Arts will be offered June 15-20, at Saint Vincent College. For info, visit (724) 805-2844 or www.stvincent.edu/faithandreason. La Roche College & the University of Pittsburgh have signed an articulation agreement that will allow Engineering students to earn a degree from both institutions. To learn more, call (412) 536-1272 or admissions@ laroche.edu. Saint Vincent Gallery fifth Nationwide Juried Catholic Arts Competition & Exhibition will be held over the summer and fall offer $3,500 in cash prizes. For details, call (724) 805-2107 or www.gallery.stvincent. edu. Saint Vincent Summer Theatre, Heroes by Gerard Sibleyras, runs thru June 14; Boeing, Boeing, June 19-July 5; Jeeves in Bloom, July 10-26; A Grand Night for Singing, July 31-Aug. 17. For details, www.svst.org. Saint Vincent Summer Theatre Gala, 6:30 p.m., July 11, Robert S. Carey Student Center at St. Vincent College. For details, (724) 805-2901.
Veterans North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www.qovf.org. Veterans Discover HOPE HereCareer, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45 p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, (Continued on page 28)
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
27
HAPPENINGS June 2014
P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.
discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www. discoverhopehere.com. Veteran’s Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. For details, visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_ Physically_ Active.asp.
Reunions
Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes
Penny Ann Erbe
Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner
412-487-1009
4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456
28
St. Athanasius Grade School Class of 1970 Reunion, 10 a.m., Oct. 19, Four Points Sheraton, 910 Sheraton Dr., Mars/Cranberry. Classmates from ’69 & ’71 are invited to join. Looking for classmates of St. A’s & North Hills HS Class of ’74. RSVP to Marigrace at (412) 653-7696 or mg62529@att.net.
Workshops Business Leader Wellness Series, noon-1 p.m., Jun. 17, Anchorpoint. For info, call Wendy (412) 366-1300 ext.12, or visit anchorpointcounselingministry.org. Butler Chamber of Commerce seminar – “How to give a successful presentation,” noon-1:30 p.m., Jul. 30. For info, call (724) 283-2222 or Stan@ ButlerCountyChamber.com.
Fundraisers BrightStar of Pittsburgh is collecting donations for quadriplegic Tim Hemmes. For details, call (724) 482-0133 or send donations to: Tim’s Wheels, Farmers National Bank, 101 Meridian Rd., Butler, PA 16001. Ladies Auxiliary Rummage Sale, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., Jun. 7, Pine Creek Shopping Center parking lot, McCandless. Proceeds benefit Ingomar Volunteer Fire Dept. For info, call (412) 364-3571. Peace. Love. Run 13.1 Half Marathon & 5K Run/Walk, 7 a.m. (half marathon) & 7:45 a.m. (5K Run/Walk), June 22, North Park Boathouse. Sponsored by Catholic Hospice and Palliative Services. To register, call 1-866-933-6221. Pittsburgh Walk Now for Autism Speaks, (8 a.m. registration), 10 a.m., walk, June 14, Heinz Field. Visit www.walknowforautismspeaks. org/pittsburgh to register your team. For info, call (412) 367-4571. 5th annual Izzie’s Dash for Organ Donation Saturday, June 7th at North Boundary Park in Cranberry Twp., PA (1171 North Boundary Road) The 5K race will begin at 8:30 a.m. and the family fun walk begins at 9:30 a.m. In addition, there will be kids’ activi-
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
ties, silent and Chinese auctions, music and food rain or shine. For info and to register, visit: http://www.izziesgifts. org/events.php. Food Truck Round Up, St. Teresa of Avila Church, Perrysville, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., Sunday, June 8. Over 7 food trucks in the parking lot next to Henninger Auditorium. Proceeds will benefit St. Teresa Youth Ministry and Music Ministry.
Camps Adventures in Pioneer Living Camp, 9-11:45 a.m., Jun. 16-20 (session I); Jul. 21-25 (session II). For info, (412) 486-486-0563 or www. depreciationlandsmuseum.org. Challenger British Soccer Camp, Aug. 4-8, Pine Park. For ages 3-16. Register online, visit http:// www.challengersports.com/britishsoccercamps.aspx. Register by Jun. 20 & receive a free jersey. Imagine & Build with God Vacation Bible Camp, 9:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m., July 28-Aug. 1, Parkwood Presbyterian Churches, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Register at http://2014cokesburyvbs.com/GPVBS. (Continued on page 30)
Warm Your Heart This Summer with St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran’s Fireside Worship BY PAULA GREEN
T
he mission statement for St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church is – “To know the love of God. To show the love Christ.” This summer the church located at 920 Perry Hwy., in Perrysville is showing their love of God and their neighbors as they expand their services to include a Fireside Worship. The spiritual devotion will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday evenings, starting on June 11th and running through Aug. 20th following the weekly Farmer’s Market. “This is the first time we are offering Fireside Worship. We have parishioners that have cottages, or go on weekend/ summer trips or have been away from the church for a while; this is our way of accommodating them and welcoming them back, said Senior Pastor, Rev. Michael Robinson. St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran has served the North Hills region for the past 147 years. “Our church was founded in 1867 by German farmers. The original sanctuary was a small frame building; a new one was built in 1960. We added on an educational wing in 1983. Our church has over 700 baptized members. We welcome all of those who wish to join us at our church-home,” said Pastor Robinson. In addition to the Fireside Worship, St. John’s also offers weekend worship services at 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays and 9:15 a.m. on Sundays. The Fireside Worship will take place rain or shine in the Beckert Pavilion; if the weather is inclement, then the service will be held in the church’s undercroft. They will offer Communion on the first and third Wednesday of the month which is open to all Christian who have made their Communion. Be sure to stay after the service for some s’mores and fellowship. You are encouraged to bring a chair or a blanket. For more information, call the church office, at (412) 364-6626 or visit them on the web, at StJohnsperrysville.org or on Facebook. F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
29
HAPPENINGS June 2014
SonQuest Treasure Island Vacation Bible Camp, 9 a.m.-noon, June 23-27, Saint Alexis Parish, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. For info, call (724) 935-4343 or www. stalexis.org.
Antique and Classic Car Show, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 1, Mars Area Senior High School, Rte., Mars. Sponsored by the North Hills Historic Auto Club. For info, call Joe at (412) 443-0359 or joeandkath@verizon.net.
Steel City Con, Aug. 8-10, Monroeville Convention Center, Guest appearances by Penny Marshall, Steve Guttenberg, Billy Dee Williams, Butch Patrick, Pat Priest and more. For info, visit http://ww.steelcitycon.com.
Spring & Summer Events
National Aviary: Brunch featuring Atria’s, seating 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., June 15, July 6, Aug. 10 & Sept. 21, required reservations (412) 258-9445.
Little Sisters of the Poor Rummage Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Jul. 17-19. Bag sale, Jul. 19, 1028 Benton Ave., Brighton Heights. Proceeds benefit the elderly residents living at the home. For info, call (412) 307-1100.
Anchorpoint Used Book Sale, Jun. 7-12, Shoppes at Northway. Volunteers are needed, contact Denise at (412) 366-1300 or visit anchorpointcounselingministry.org.
Gardening & Outdoor Adventure Annual Hosta Show, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., June 7, at Soergel Orchards Farm Market, Wexford. Hosta Plant Sales start at 10:00 a.m. Presented by the Daffodil & Hosta Society of W. PA. Free & Open to the Public Butler County Symphony Garden Tour, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., June 14. Tickets $15 pre-sale. Call (724) 283-1402 Fairy House Making Party w/the Shaler Garden Club, 7 p.m., Jun. 20. Register at, (412) 486-0211. Great Local Garden Contest runs thru July 8. Sponsored by Shaler North Hills Library. For details, call (412) 486-0211 or visit www.shalerlibrary.org “Burgh Bees,” presentation, 9:30 a.m., June 11, Fellowship Hall of Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Sponsored by Greybrooke Garden Club. For info, call (412) 487-1072. Herb & Garden Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Jun. 14, Harmony Museum. For info, (724) 452-7341 or www.harmonymuseum.org. Shaler Garden tour, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Jun. 29. Purchase tickets at the Shaler North Hills Library. (412) 486-0211. Southern Butler County Garden Club Garden Tour, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., June 28, (registration 9 a.m.10 a.m.) at the Cranberry Municipal Building. Self-guided tour. For info, visit www.southernbutlercountygardenclub.org.
Golf & Sporting Events Golf Outing Fundraiser for Elliott Acres Therapy Riding, 8 a.m. registration, 9 a.m. shotgun start, June 8, Hiland Golf Course. For info, call (724) 287-8814. Open Wide Open Charity Golf Event & The Union Orthotics & Prosthetics Golf Event, Jun. 6, Pittsburgh National Golf Club, Gibsonia & Jun. 20, Quicksilver Golf Club, Midway. Benefits Woodlands Foundation. For info, visit www.MyWoodlands.org. Pine Community Parks Golf Classic, Aug. 21, at Olde Stonewall. For info or to register, call (724) 625-1636 x3 or pinecenter@twp.pine.pa.us. St. Barnabas Charitable Golf Open, June 2. Choose from two field, 7:45 a.m. or 12:45 p.m., Butler Country Club. Celebrity golfer “Andy Russell.” For info, call (724) 6253770 or StBarnabasGolf.com Youth Dragonboating, 6-8 p.m., Thurs., June 5-July 31, TRRA’s Millvale Boathouse, Three Rivers Rowing Association & Communities. For details, call Judy, at (412) 366-3528 or Joy (412) 231-8772.
Library Shaler North Hills Library: Summer Reading Program for All Ages runs Jun. 1-Sept. 2; Acrylic Painting classes, 2 p.m., Weds in June; Minecraft Madness, 7 p.m., June 6; Meet the Firefighters 6:30 p.m., June 9; Filing for Social Security 6:30 p.m., Jun. 19; Meet Pete the Cat, 6:30 p.m., Jun. 24; Father-Child Dance 7 p.m., Jun. 27; Teen “All You Can Read Buffet,” 3-9 p.m. Jun. 28. Call (412) 486-0211, or visit www.shalerlibrary.org.
30
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
HEALTH & WELLNESS June 2014
Exercising While on Vacation BY JOELLA BAKER
I
’m writing this article from Emerald Isle Beach, North Carolina. This morning, my 11 year old son Zachary and I woke up and rode our bikes over 7 miles to a small deli in town for breakfast and then rode back. While on the ride, we were chatting and having fun and I asked him what I should write my article about this month. He said enthusiastically, “exercising while on vacation, we’re doing that right now.” What a great idea I thought, so here it is.
For most people, a vacation is just that, a vacation from your everyday life. However, that means for a lot of people, it’s a vacation from exercise too. But it doesn’t have to be. I find myself wanting to exercise even more on vacation, especially if I’m somewhere fun and scenic. It’s such a great opportunity to see the area from a different vantage point. I love running and biking in new places. At home, I get tired of the same routes. Being away from home, I feel a new sense of energy, where going for a 2 hour bike ride isn’t nearly as difficult because I have something new to see. So how can you make the most of your time on vacation? Here are a few tips… Take your walking shoes. Walking is the simplest form of exercise. It’s good for you, it burns calories, and it can be so relaxing and enjoyable. Walking is my number one favorite vacation activity. If you’re traveling by car, pack your bike. If not, find a place to rent a bike. (ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET) You don’t need a fancy bike to get in a good workout. Cycling on a beach bike, hybrid or road bike will still burn calories and get your heart rate up. Plus it’s so much fun. Just hop on your bike and ride and you’ll see so many new things at your vacation destination. Run, run, run. Running is another simple thing to do and easy to pack for. I love throwing on my running shoes and going for an easy run to check
things out. I’ve found great restaurants, shops and fun activities by just running around. Remember, stay off the beach and sand. I know it sounds great to run on the beach, but the tilted ground and hard or soft sand can actually cause injuries. Stick to the road for running. Walk on the beach and sand. Swimming and fun in the sun. This summer, most of you will vacation someplace where you can swim. Always take your swim suit. Swimming is fun and one of the best forms of exercise. Whether you’re swimming in the ocean or in a pool, you’ll get a great workout being in the water. Remember to apply your sunscreen. Hiking in a local, state or National park. Most places you go to will have a cool local park you can go to where you can hike. Hiking is great for you and is a great opportunity to find some hidden gems in the beautiful
www.northernconnectionmag.com
parks around our country. Ask the locals where a good place to hike is. Most will be able to point you in the right direction. Other fun things to try are golfing, surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, skiing (snow or water), mountain biking and more. Whatever activity you choose to do, make the best of it and remember, if you exercise on vacation, you can eat more of the fun vacation foods without feeling so guilty. If you exercise on vacation, you won’t lose your current fitness level when you get home and feel like you’re starting from scratch on your return to the gym. Most of all, exercising on vacation let’s you either spend some quality time by yourself or with a friend or family member and it makes you feel more comfortable slipping into that swimsuit as you head to the beach to read that book on the sand. Happy Summer and Happy Vacation Readers! F
Northern Connection | June 2014
31
HEALTH & WELLNESS June 2014
Passavant Hospital Foundation Presents Free Workshops that Improve the Health of Our Community
06/04/14
Knee Pain - Conservative & Surgical Treatments Club Julian Fitness – North Hills 1:00 pm Christopher Emond, MD; Specialist in Sports Medicine, Arthroscopic Knee & Shoulder Surgery, Tri-State Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine
It is important to know all of your options before deciding a course of treatment. This seminar will discuss multiple surgical treatments for knee pain and other conservative approaches. Call 412-366-1931 to register. 06/18/14
Effects of Parkinson’s Disease
Senior Center - Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 12:30 pm Erek Lam, MD; Neurologist, UPMC Passavant Professional Staff Parkinson’s disease touches many lives. Doctor Lam will discuss when to call the doctor, the advancements in Parkinson’s medication, and managing the symptoms. Call 412-748-6640 to register. 06/24/14
Save Your Shoulder! Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatments for Shoulder Pain
Passavant Hospital Foundation Legacy Theatre, 11:00 am John M. Richmond, MD; Orthopedic Surgeon, Tri Rivers Surgical Associates From arthritis to rotator cuff tears, find out why your shoulders may hurt and what you can do about it. Discussion will include rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthritis, and the treatment approach to shoulder pain. Call 412 635-8080 to register. 06/25/14
Eating Out Healthy . . . Cholesterol and Nutrition
Sherwood Oaks Auditorium, Cranberry Township, 10:30 am Registered Dietitian; Nutrition Services, UPMC Passavant Learn the basic of healthy ordering and menu selection. Find out which foods to choose for controlling calories, cholesterol, fat and sodium when eating out. Call 800-642-2217 to register.
PassavantHospitalFoundation.org
32
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
33
34
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
ADVERTORIAL
Attitude Adjustments? BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF
T
here is a funny cartoon that depicts a woman sitting on her chiropractor’s table explaining “The pain starts in my husband’s back, then it travels up his spine to his neck then it comes out his mouth and into my ears. And this is why I get these headaches.” The not-so-funny part is this is often the truth. I used to chuckle when my patients would ask me if I gave “Attitude Adjustments” to get them out of their grumpy moods, depression, and low energy levels that often accompanied their physical pain and symptoms. Then, I realized that the mind-body connection is so powerful that in fact, by getting their physical problem relieved, my patients were happier, less stressed, and more engaged in their lives. This often meant a lot more to them than the actual pain relief they got. So I did some research on the way that pain problems affect our mood and the results were very interesting. Chronic Low Back Pain is closely associated with clinical depression. The following was found in several large studies and published in the journal Spine:
• Depression is four times more likely in back pain sufferers • The severity of depression increases with the severity of the back pain • The physical pain often leads to restricted ability to do activities which leads to social withdrawal and feelings of worthlessness
Pain bringing out the worst in you? Now’s the time to stop it in its’ tracks.
Similar findings were noted in people suffering with Headaches, especially chronic recurring headaches. Studies show: • 90% of headache sufferers reported that their problem interfered with their ability to work and concentrate. • The functioning of people with chronic headaches was worse than people with arthritis and diabetes and was similar to people who had had severe heart attacks. Medscape reported on studies that showed that people with Neck Pain and other unexplained body pain could experience: Mood disorders in 80-95% of people with the mood problems affecting women more often than men Quality of life was dramatically improved in patients with neck pain treated using adjustments and neck strengthening All the numbers aside, let’s just face the facts and understand that when we don’t feel good it reflects in the way live our lives. When we can’t be a good friend or feel like being social, when we can’t work productively, and when we can’t be active in our relationships with our families and spouses it affects a lot more than our body. Chiropractic has helped millions of people, without using drugs and surgery, heal their bodies and free themselves from the burdens of pain and poor health. If you’re suffering or if someone you know just isn’t themselves and is badly in need of an “Attitude Adjustment,” suggest they see a chiropractor. A happier healthier future is ahead of you. F
Brought to you as a Public Service by:
Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates McKnight (412) 364-9699 Harmar (412) 826-9030 www.choicechiropractic.net We are your “in-network” provider Like us on Facebook www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
35
HEALTH & WELLNESS June 2014
How to Keep Your Knees Healthy MARK J. LANGHANS, MD TRI-STATE ORTHOPAEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE • WWW.TRISTATEORTHO.COM
O
ur knees are elegantly designed, highly efficient machines. The bones that form the knee (femur/thigh bone, tibia/shin bone and patella/kneecap) are covered by articular cartilage, a smooth gliding surface able to withstand loading greater than body weight with every step. The menisci/ spacer cartilages cushion and stabilize the joint, protecting the joint surfaces. Four ligaments (the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments and the medial and fibular collateral ligaments) hold the bones together and control side-to-side, back-to-front, and rotational movements of the knee. Thigh and leg muscles, including the quadriceps, hamstrings and calf muscles provide power to move the knee and also act as important dynamic stabilizers. Like any machine, knees are subject to breakdown. Common traumatic injuries include ligament sprains or tears and meniscus tears. Overuse injuries often affect the patellar and quadriceps tendons in adults and growth plates around the knee in active kids. Cartilage surfaces in older adults are subject to degeneration or osteoarthritis. Our knees benefit from regular maintenance as well as prompt and thorough evaluation and treatment when problems
do arise. Some suggestions to maintain healthy knees may include: Move! Regular movement helps to provide nutrition for the knee joint surfaces. It also helps maintain the strength, flexibility and coordination of muscles that power and stabilize the knees. Adults can benefit from 2-1/2 hours per week of moderate aerobic physical activity and at least an hour of physical activity per day for children. Even for older adults with arthritis, regular activity leads to improved pain management, function, and quality of life. Vary your activities. Repetitively performing a single type of exercise may increase your risk of overuse injuries such as tendinitis or stress fractures about the knee. Introduce new exercise activities gradually. In general, follow the 10% rule with regard to weekly increases in mileage, training time, or weight amounts lifted. Don’t overdo it. Warm up before exercise. Consider at least a 5 minute walk before initiating more strenuous exercise. Build and maintain strength, flexibility and coordination of muscles throughout the body. While it is important to target muscles around the knee including the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, don’t forget core muscles including the low back, abdomen and hip girdle. Weakness and imbalance of these muscles can limit body control during sports activities, increasing the risk of serious knee injuries such as ACL tears. Strength training improves dynamic joint stability, balance and overall function, and may decrease the risk of osteoarthritis. Maintain a healthy body weight. Normal walking involves loads of at least 3 times body weight across each knee with every step. Every extra pound means three extra pounds of load per step. Use proper equipment for sports and work activities. Choose the right shoes for different athletic activities and learn how to use exercise equipment correctly. Take to the water! Swimming is great aerobic exercise, but also improves flexibility and strength. It’s good exercise for people with arthritis of the knees or low back, older adults, overweight people and those recovering from knee injuries or surgeries. Listen to your body. Consult your doctor if you experience any substantial knee pain, swelling or instability. Accurate diagnosis is essential to appropriate and effective treatment of knee disorders and injuries. F
36
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
37
38
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
39
IMAGE & STYLE June 2014
Summer Style Mix & Match Your Best & Brightest BY KELLY SMITH
S
ummer is finally here and I don’t know about you but I am tossing aside the dark and dreary duds
40
and pulling out the bright and cheery colors of summer! Everyone can rock the mixing and matching trend this year but there are a few tricks that you should stick to when mixing bold colors. You can create a perfect match but do not go overboard with the mindset of “anything goes.” Your goal should be to look bright and beautiful in your ensemble when you leave your home but not so jumbled
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
in color that you look like you’re hopping a flight to Rio to partake in a Samba at Carnaval. Following these few guidelines will keep you in bright spirits this summer: Color blocking – This look is back and in a big way this year. Color blocking is pretty foolproof as long as you stick to solids and avoid small prints. If mixing lots of bright colors seems too daring, start by choosing
ENHANCING YOUR LIFE 2 solid colors even if one is white. For example, choose a solid fuchsia top and pair it with white jeans then top it off with accessories in a complimentary color, such as turquoise. If the creative part of your brain is on pause, don’t worry! You can try a ready to wear look such as a maxi dress or a cute bright blouse, perhaps in 2 shades of chartreuse thrown over jeans and carefully paired with silver or gold jewelry. Color wheel -- Never try to mix too many colors at once. Remember, you want to create interest, not a spectacle. Here’s my idea of some good color combos that mesh well together. For sake of ease, I am using the colors in their best received understanding to most of us but feel free to tweak these either way on the color wheel: red & pink, pink & orange, pink & purple, purple & green, green & blue, yellow & blue, well, you get the point and let’s not forget to throw in some small doses of black and white in there! These are all really pretty general ideas and there are so many variations of shades (I especially love the sherbet & coral this year!) that dressing in bright colors is almost mistake proof. Accessories --- As always, a good outfit is easily transformed into a great outfit once you slap on those accessories! Try to pick one color from your outfit and keep the look uniform. In other words, choose 1 or 2 accent pieces like a scarf and a bracelet or a bright pair of sandals teamed up with a cute matching purse. If you’re not into bright accessories then by all means, opt for a shiny metal in gold, silver, or even crystal gemstones. Dressing in bright colors can really be uplifting but there’s a fine line between a mild mis-match and a fashion clash of the colors so if you stick close to the color wheel (just Google “fashion color wheel”) you’ll be fashionably fine! If not, start practicing those Samba moves. F
Love is Not a Noun
BY DONNA SUMMERS MOUL
“Love is a friendship set to music,” – Joseph Campbell
P
hilosophers, poets and academics have been discussing the meaning of love for centuries, but in my opinion, John Mayer, writer and musician, captures the essence of love in his song, “Love is a Verb,” coupled with the refrain that is repeated over and over, “show me, show me, show me.” Love is a verb. A verb means action. People are often quick to say, “I love you.” But words are not enough - evidenced by the abuser who professes his love every time, after he beats his victim. Even in healthy relationships, words are not enough. Author, Anais Nin reveals “love never dies a natural death...it dies of blindness and errors and betrayals...it dies of weariness, of witherings, of tarnishings.” Unless you are continuously taking some action to replenish your love, your relationship will probably not survive. Many couples include the popular bible verse from Corinthians 13:4 in their marriage service; “love is patient, love is kind,” “... it does not dishonor others,” “..always protects, always hopes, always perseveres.” Real love occurs 8-week Coaching when we stand by our partner even when they don’t Group for Women live up to these ideals and our partner returns the Tuesday evenings, favor when we fall short. starting July 8 Today, some marriages don’t even last two from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. years. One of the excuses I often hear for divorce is $40.00 per session that “I don’t feel the love anymore.” If you wake up and don’t feel the love, do something loving; then Explore strengths, values, keep doing loving things until the love is flourishing passions and break through your barriers. again. Many couples quit before they experience the richness of life, together. You have to hang in there Contact Donna (724) 935-6275 through the rough times. Be patient; love takes time www.Especially-for-Women.com to nurture, grow and bloom. Back in 1970’s, the movie Love Story perpetuated the myth that “love means never having to say you’re sorry.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Love is having to say you’re sorry over and over again. Forgiveness is a daily occurrence in a lasting relationship. Love is getting beyond the hurt. Think about someone that you love. What can you give more of? Your time, your attention, acts of service? Remember the wisdom of St. Francis, “it is in giving that we receive.” F Donna Summers Moul is a Certified Life Coach. Her passion is to help women create their best lives. She offers Individual Coaching and Coaching Groups for Women. Contact Donna: (724) 935-6275 or E-mail: donnamoul@gmail.com. Website: www.Especially-For-Women.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
41
KIDS & EDUCATION June 2014
Cool off in the pool!
Make great friends!
Have a blast! Photos by Camp Spirit of the Game
Innovative Classrooms, Camps and Summer Programs BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON
A
s the year continues, so does our series on innovative happenings in our areas schools, summer camps and summer programs. We are continually impressed with the wide array of opportunities available and the incredible jobs performed by the educators in our area. The Art Place Studio – ideal for children of all ages, including adults, you can drop in any time (or drop the kids off) to create fun and interesting art projects from the cornucopia of art supplies available at the studio and in their “Art Buffet” and there is no registration needed. You can paint, sculpt, sew and so much more. They also have a Kids Night Out every Saturday for kids to get together for pizza and art. They also have 10 weeks of summer camps with both half day and full day camps available. This innovative “open” studio is a unique opportunity for the artist in all of us. For more information, visit http://www.theartplacestudio.com.
42
Camp Deer Creek – This incredible action-packed day camp is beginning its 82nd season. This camp is such a popular tradition that the Grandparents of many of the kids who currently attend also attended when they were young. For boys and girls ages 4-15, the day camp is Monday through Friday from June 16 to Aug. 8th. Swimming, horse-back riding, an innovative nature program complete with zip lines, a climbing wall, music, archery and so much more. Transportation via school bus to and from the camp is available every day from pickup points all around the area including Cranberry, Wexford, Shaler, Hampton among many others. Lunch is provided of kid favorites, hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, chicken nuggets, mac and cheese just to highlight a few. To register and learn more, go to http://www.campdeercreekonline.com. Camp Spirit of the Game – uses the fast-paced, fast growing sport of Ultimate Frisbee to build character, teach ethical behavior,
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
constructive approaches to dispute resolution, good sportsmanship and so much more. Ultimate Frisbee is a team sport that has no referees, so the players must self-officiate, therefore a code of conduct has been developed known as “Spirit of the Game” and what camp organizers use to teach ethical behavior. During the camp, a different word such as Integrity or Enthusiasm is the word of the day and its meaning is worked into the many activities. Camp Spirit North will take place at La Roche College July 7-11 and July 21-25. To register, go to http://www.ulticamp.com. Community College of Allegheny County – is home to the extremely innovative Labor & Management Institute. The institute was born out of the incredibly popular Robert M. Mill Lecture Series which was developed to recognize and enhance the understanding of labor-management relations and economic development in western Pennsylvania. The Robert M. Mill Lecture series is FREE and open to the public. Its guest speakers and panel participants feature labor and industry leaders from both locally and around the world. The Labor & Management Institute has also developed The Labor & Management Studies Certificate Program. For more information on the Labor & Management Institute and the Robert M. Mill Lecture Series, visit http://ccac.edu. Glen Montessori – Open to all children in the area, Glen Montessori School in Perrysville is offering an innovative international and cultural awareness camp called “Passport to Summer 2014.” Where each week, participants will experience different cultures from around the world through, art, music, dance, cooking various cuisines, playing a country’s sports and games, going on a weekly field trip and so much more. The individual cultures include French, Irish, Brazilian, Chinese and man, many others. As the world continues to get smaller, this experience will broaden both a child’s mind and future. To register, go to http://www.glenmontessori.org. Gymkhana – Gymkhana gymnastics facility offers innovative summer camps designed to keep children, creative, busy and active
this summer. Theme-based kamp activities including dry-land water games, parachute play, awesome obstacle courses, craft activities, zoom-zoom zipline, climbing cargo net, bouldering and more. In particular, there is their KHIDS KAMP for 3-10 year olds, using all of the gymnastics equipment including: floor exercise, balance beam, rings, uneven bars, mini trampoline, tumble trak the goliath trampoline and our incredible inflatables. And their Survivor Kamp for 6 to 16 year olds. Based on the popular Survivor TV show, campers will be split into tribes, where they create their own tribal flags and compete in challenges for rewards. To register, go to www.gymkhanafun.com. Oakland Catholic – has teamed-up with Apple Corporation to provide, via a lending-program, MacBook® Air Laptops for each student and faculty member. Specialists from Apple locations across the country have come to Oakland Catholic to configure servers, teach faculty and student instructors and prepare the MacBooks for the rigourous academic programs available at Oakland Catholic from their online text books for learning Mandarin Chinese to the complex bioinformatics program and software from CMU. For more information, schedule a tour, or to register to be a part of this amazing high school, visit http://www.oaklandcatholic.org/ Saint Gregory School – located in Zelienople, St. Gregory’s provides a complete combination of the latest educational technical developments such as Chromebooks®, along with the best teaching methodologies while integrating a true –catholic education. Read more about St. Gregory’s in this issue’s: Spotlight on Education. Also, be sure to visit their website at http://stgregzelie.org. Throughout this issue are additional schools that are taking applications, summer camps and educational activities. If you are offering an innovative program or camp or planning an innovative program for the coming school year, be sure and let us know by emailing NorthCon@consolidated.net or calling 724-940-2444. F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
43
KIDS & EDUCATION June 2014
School Movers & Shakers Hampton
Ceremony and Gala Event in Washington, D.C., in June.
Dr. Marguerite Imbarlina has been appointed as the new principal at Hampton High School.
North Hills
University of Pittsburgh student and Paralympic Gold medalist Daniel McCoy visited Poff Elementary School on Apr. 22.
North Hills High School principal John Kreider was honored as one of The Challenge Program, Inc’s “Educators of John Kreider the Year” at the Crystal Owl Community Partner Award Dinner.
Avonworth
North Allegheny
The Avonworth School District board of directors appointed Scott Miller as the new principal of the Avonworth Primary Center which is scheduled to open this fall. The board also appointed Cindy Donovan as the new confidential secretary to the Superintendent and board secretary, and Janet Gaffney as the director of Food Services.
North Allegheny students swept the University of Pittsburgh High School Integration Bee. James McGaa took first place, Mike Becich and Gabe Ren tied for second.
Central Elementary School fifth grader Anna Karis was named the first place winner in the 2014 Pittsburgh Pirates Jackie Robinson Art, Essay and Poetry Contest.
Avonworth Middle School eighth grade student Richard Danylo has been named a semi-finalist in the Stossel in the Classroom national essay contest. Former Pittsburgh Marathon winner (2011) Jeffrey Eggleston visited Avonworth Elementary on May 1. The school had 210 students participate in the one-mile fun run on May 3. Blues artist, Tas Cru performed and spoke to the Avonworth High School and Middle School students on Apr. 4.
Shaler
North Allegheny junior Brian Leubbert-Hill placed second in the Westinghouse Science Honors institute (WSHI) competitive exam. A team of five North Allegheny Senior High School students have received an Honorable Mention Award and $200 scholarships (each) in the Moody’s Mega Math (M₃) Challenge. They are: John Barczynski, Mike Becich, Songela Chen, Sean Giger and Bobby Upton. North Allegheny placed first in Allegheny County and seventh in the state at the Pennsylvania Mathematics League competition. In addition, Gabe Ren and John Barczynski were among those named to the High Scorers Honor Roll. A team of Carson Middle School students competed in the 2014 Purple Comet Math Meet and won First Place in Pennsylvania. Team members were: Logan Herman, Tony Kim, Frank Li, Tolik Borisov, Sunjae Lee and Ethan James.
Shaler High School was selected as the Pittsburgh regional recipient of the Jefferson Awards for showcasing the program’s goals in the Students in Action program, and for their outstanding philanthropic contributions to their community and school. Shaler will represent the Pittsburgh/ Southwestern Pennsylvania region at the Jefferson Awards National
44
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
Seneca Valley Eric McElhinny, a junior at Seneca Valley was selected to attend the BASF Science Academy, “From Molecules to Marketplace,” Jul. 12-24, at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Seneca Valley junior, Eric McElhinny finished with the 7th best overall score out of nearly 225 students in the region on the Westinghouse Science Honor Institute end-of-institute exam. He won a check for $250 for his achievement. Devin Latsko, a third grader at Connoquenessing Valley Elementary School has his artwork chosen to appear on t-shirts promoting the Midwestern Intermediate Unit IV’s “Very Special Art Exhibit.” Three Evans City fifth graders Gabriella Donatucci, Natalie Miller and Hunter Reynolds were top place winners in the BASF Earth Day poster competition.
Fox Chapel A small reception/ceremony was held May 14 at Fox Chapel Area High. The following Fox Chapel senior athletes signed their letters of intent – Matt D’Amico – Clarion University (basketball); Tricia Panos – Robert Morris, (track); Darrin DePellegrini – University of Charleston (volleyball).
Vincentian Academy Vincentian Academy senior pitcher, Kimberly Corcoran signed a Letter of Intent to play softball for Urbana University, located in Urbana, Ohio. Vincentian Academy student Ally Bartoszewicz, was honored with a Positive High School Athlete award during a ceremony held May 3 at the Senator John Heinz History Center.
Angela Cotugno, Tara Ferguson, Anna Forrest, Matthew Harris, Haley Heusey, Greg Kaniecki, Nicole Kosuda, Patrick McDunn, Dave Morgano, Thomas Nash, Crystal Ning, Katie Sarosi, Kara Shannon, Nathan Smith, Emily Snell, Ian Taylor, and Wendy Wei.
Sewickley Academy Sewickley Academy senior Jason Schuchardt qualified to take the USAMO exam. Schuchardt is one of only 270 students across the nation that qualified for this exam and the only one in Allegheny County. On May 15, Sewickley Academy hosted 13 students and two adult facilitators from Nepal for a blueberry bush planting ceremony in the school’s Secret Garden. Sewickley Academy seniors Connor Duddy and Billy Sullivan won top awards at the annual Antelope Film Festival held at the Melwood Screening Room in Oakland.
Shady Side Academy Shady Side Academy seventh grader Walter Navid of Fox Chapel has been selected as a winner of the Young Naturalist Award, presented by the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The following Vincentian Academy students have been inducted into the 2014 National Honor Society - Olivia Babich, Dominick Battaglia, Ellie Belko, Joey Blaszkiewicz, Olivia Brendel, Leah Brown, Lindsay Caprio, Sylvia Ciocca, Kaetlyn Conner,
Shady Side Academy Middle School Science Olympiad Team won the Pennsylvania State Tournament. Team winners were – Djibril Branche, Jai Ganesh, Grant Jiang, Deepa Kadidahl, Sameer Annamraju, (Continued on page 42)
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
45
KIDS & EDUCATION June 2014
Adam Bozzone, Shivam Patel, Kevin Liu, Tom Scherlis, Nikhil Ganjoo and Sonya Hammer.
Providence Heights Alpha School
Shady Side Academy sophomore Zachary Kosbie and Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Konrad Urban were both winners of the National Society of Colonial Dames of America Essay Contest.
Providence Heights Alpha School raised $5,900 for the American Heart Association.
St. Sebastian Saint Sebastian School Forensics won third place honors at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Forensic League Finals. They also placed fifth in the Diocese of Pittsburgh for the Forensic competition season. Team members were: Mary Doerfler, Alexis Moskala, Emma Sennott, Jack Wells, Alecia Spagnolo, Christina Koman, Domenic Melchiorre, Vincent Melchiorre, Claire Skirtich, Nicole Costa, Nicholas Kasper, Lisa MacQueen, Kristen Markabawi and Ryan Petrunia.
St. Athanasius
Saint Athanasius Cym Basketball team captured the Catholic Diocese Championship by defeating Our Lady of Grace 59-48. The team advanced to the State Championship and placed second in the State.
St. Gregory
Seven students from Saint Gregory School in Zelienople competed in the PJSA (Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science). The event was held May 18-20 in State College. These students all earned first place recognition at the Region 9 meet at Slippery Rock University in February which qualified them to move onto state competition.
Saint Vincent College held its 168th annual commenceDr. Paul S. ment ceremony on May 10 in the Robert S. Carey Student Follansbee Center Gymnasium. More than 300 graduates received bachelors and masters degrees.
CCAC Community College of Allegheny County Boyce campus student Rebecca Stevens has been honored with a 2014 Newman Civic Fellows Award.
La Roche College
Saint Vincent College engineering professor Dr. Paul S. Follansbee, is the author of a new engineering textbook, Fundamentals of Strength.
Rebecca Stevens
Four graduating PreK-4/Special Education majors from La Roche College presented at the National Student Teaching and Supervision Conference in Slippery Rock. They are: Christiana D’Agostino, Amanda De Angelis, Ashlynn Guerriero and Ashley Schmidt.
Tanner Beal, a double major in politics and criminology, law and society has been named the winner of the President’s Award, Saint Vincent College’s highest student honor.
Nine graduating senior at La Roche College presented honors theses at the college’s annual Honor Convocation. The departmental honors were: Edward Alan Catozella, Christopher Fedosick, Nikki Johnson, Sarah Leslie, Rebecca Lostetter, Nathaniel Marsh, Daniel Skender, Shelby Weber and Katherine Wilson.
Point Park University Pennsylvania Women’s Press Club recognized the following Point Park News Service reporters. First place honors – Emily Balser, second place – Megan Guza and third place – Amy Walker, honorable mention- Brian Reed.
St. Vincent College Dr. William Snyder, professor of English in the Saint Vincent College School of Humanities and Fine Art was honored with the Boniface Wimmer Faculty Award at the Saint Vincent College spring Honors Convocation.
A team of five Saint Vincent College marketing students won first place in a marketing competition sponsored by the Pittsburgh Education Recruitment Consortium (PERC). They are: Julianne Bartko, Hannah Brock, Maura Fitzpatrick, James Singer and Lauren Watford. Alexander Schwartz, a junior engineering science major at Saint Vincent College has been awarded two prestigious scholarships that will enable him to study at St. Mary’s University College in Belfast, Northern Ireland during the fall semester.
Alexander Schwartz
Nearly a hundred Saint Vincent alumni, friends and Benedictine monks gathered in Sebastian’s Garden on the campus of Saint Vincent Archabbey College and Seminary on May 3 for a tea and formal dedication ceremony to initiate the Father Sebastian Samay Endowment Fund for Landscaping and Gardens. Dr. Jason Jividen, assistant professor of politics at Saint Vincent College was honored with the Quentin Schaut Faculty Award at the Saint Vincent College Spring Honors Convocation on Apr. 23 in Saint Vincent Basilica.
46
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATION
St. Gregory’s Catholic School
A
s soon as you walk through the doors at St. Gregory’s Catholic School in Zelienople, you experience the feelings of family, pride and accomplishments. Students, faculty and administration work together as a team, they support each other and have a sense of camaraderie that trickles through every aspect of the school. The teachers and administrators devote themselves to providing the best possible education to the children. Teachers also take classes and training sessions on the latest teaching methodologies as well as classroom technologies including the Smart Boards and Google® Chromebooks® and integrating them into the lesson plans to make learning fun, interesting and innovative. “But even more importantly,” explains first grade teacher Mrs. Samantha Corcoran, “we provide a strong Catholic education and identity. For example, students that go out of their way to help others or in some other way demonstrate Catholic principles, are rewarded with Christian fish stickers that they can accumulate to earn a small gift or reward. Also, at the end of the year, each grade holds an anonymous election for a Christian Leadership award to go to the student who is the best example of Christ’s teachings. The faculty and administration have been delighted that the students embrace the sanctity of the event and elect a truly worthy, service-giving student.” In addition, the students also work together with faculty and administrators to eliminate and prevent any bullying from occurring in the school through their “Be the One to Stand-Up to Bullying” program. Programs like these are what create the true family atmosphere at St. Gregory’s. To learn more about the incredible education being offered at St. Gregory’s Catholic School in Zelienople, visit their website, schedule a tour and be sure to watch the cool video that is on the home page of the school website by going to http://stgregzelie.org. F
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
47
KIDS & EDUCATION June 2014
Alex Haney, Nikola Topich, and Davis Cameron
North Allegheny Students Take Top Honors
Zachary Nimmo and Edgar Snyder
Orchestra crowned Grand Champions and NA Senior wins “Words to be Heard” Scholarship BY PAULA GREEN
T
his past April, North Allegheny High School orchestra students boarded busses and headed south to Myrtle Beach, S.C. Out of the 340 students in the high school orchestra, 184 of its members made the trip, accompanied by 24 chaperones and directors.
48
The ensemble participated in the Fiesta-Val Music Festival. The musical event attracted many talented musicians from various eastern U.S. regions. “There were about 15-20 orchestras, bands and choirs from across the east coast participating in the festival. The adjudication was open to any music programs who wanted to participate. Each group is evaluated by three college music professors,” said NA school orchestra director, Sarah Lavelle. “Our students did a fantastic job at the adjudication. Our ensembles all scored well and our Honors Chamber Orchestra was named the best orchestra overall at the festival. Our school, represented by the three orchestras, was named the Grand Champion of the festival, as our groups had the highest combined score of any school there. The NA students were also complimented numerous times by hotel and restaurant staff for their graciousness and maturity throughout our stay in Myrtle Beach. They were focused and disciplined in their rehearsals and performances, and I could not have been more pleased with their hard work,” Lavelle added. While the North Allegheny orchestra was crowned “Grand Champions” in Myrtle another NA student was chosen the grand prize winner in the Edgar Snyder & Associates® “Words to be Heard” Scholarship Contest. Senior, Zachary Nimmo won with his anti-drunk driving public service announcement that utilized Google searches to tell the story of a drunken driving accident. Nimmo’s video uses a montage of Google search queries and dramatic music to tell one teen’s story through his search path. After researching the issues of drunk driving and texting while driving, Nimmo says he realized these are only two of the many accidents causes. “People regard these two factors as the main reasons for accidents, but I’ve come to realize that there is so much more; anything from eating while driving to loud music can affect your ability to drive safely; so it’s necessary to be extra cautious when you’re on the road.” Nimmo was awarded a $5,000 scholarship. He plans to attend the College of William and Mary next fall, majoring in Chemistry on a Pre-Med track. F
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
SENIOR LIVING June 2014
Some Advantages to Being a Senior BY BARBARA KILLMEYER
A
s senior citizens, we get some good perks such as senior discounts, but one perk that my husband and I use regularly is our senior bus pass. We use this especially when we go to town for our
rehearsals for our Vintage Radio Group, as well as, any other time that we can go anywhere on the Pittsburgh Port Authority bus. We are very fortunate that we live not too far from a busway which avoids a lot of traffic.
www.northernconnectionmag.com
We drive to the shopping center, park our car there and walk just a few blocks to the busway. When we come home again, we get off the bus and walk back down to our car then we (Continued on page 51)
Northern Connection | June 2014
49
Happenings for Seniors Free Home Safety Inspection is
available for seniors through the Open Your Heart to a Senior program. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 or clpschirer@nhco.org.
Free Rides for Seniors, to grocery
stores, doctor’s appts & more thru St. Margaret’s Foundation. Pick up & drop off seniors in the corridors from Sharpsburg to Blawnox & Rt. 28 to the Allegheny River. Sign up by calling, (412) 449-0151. Home Instead Senior Care®
is offering a unique approach to help area families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available for families at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com. Parkwood Suburban North Meals on Wheels provides home
delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Meals on Wheels services Hampton & southern Richland townships. Call (412) 486-7115.
Safety for Seniors will conduct
FREE Home Safety Checks. For info, call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org. UPMC Senior Communities
offers independent living & personal care. For details, call 1-800-324-5523.
Senior Meetings Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St.
Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300. Cranberry Senior Citizens Club
for residents 55+ meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (724) 816-4977 for info and programs.
Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets
every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The
Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. For info, call (724) 444-0064. Mars AARP Chapter #3359
meets 2nd Wed. of every month, 1 p.m., Adams Township Municipal Building, 690 Valencia Rd., Mars. All Butler seniors are welcome. Cost $5 a year. Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets
the 1st Mon., of every month 6-8 p.m., and the last Fri., 1:30 p.m. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020. Perrymont AARP Chapter #2991, Northmont Church at the
12:30 p.m., Jun. 18, Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building. Sponsored by Passavant Hospital Foundation. To register for this free course, call (412) 748-6640. George Westinghouse: The Forgotten Genius, 10:30 a.m.,
Jun. 3, Hampton Fields Village, Allison Park, (412) 793-1700; Lighthouse Pointe Village Fox Chapel (412) 781-2707. John James Audubon’s Birds of America Lands in Pittsburgh, 11 a.m., Jun. 17,
Cumberland Woods Village. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.
corner of Perrymont Rd. & Rte. 19 in the North Hills. Meetings held 11:30 a.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, Sept-May. A light lunch is served. Events - June 3-4, play “Moses” in Lancaster PA; Chapter picnic, June 19, North Park. All are welcome. Call (412) 389-2369.
How to Take the Stress Out of Moving, 2:30 p.m., Jun. 12, Strabane
Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the
my shoulder hurt? 12:30 p.m., Jun. 24, Senior Center, Cranberry Township Municipal Building. Sponsored by Passavant Hospital Foundation. To register for this free course, call (412) 748-6640.
month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. For info, call (412) 741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.
Entertainment & Social Events The Best of Donna featuring Donna Groom & the Skyliners,
2 p.m., Jun. 20, Sherwood Oaks. Call 1-800-642-2217.
Trails Village, (724) 225-4100.
Protecting Your Retirement Assets: Lunch & Learn, 11 a.m.,
Jun. 11, Sherwood Oaks. Call 1-800642-2217. Shoulder Pain…Ouch, why does
Soldiers & Sailors Museum Topic: WWII, 2:30 p.m., Jun. 6,
Vanadium Woods Village, Bridgeville. Call (412) 221-2900.
East End Kids, 7:30 pm., Jun. 26,
Volunteer Opportunities:
Elvis Tribute, 2:30 p.m., Jun. 16,
North Hills Community Outreach’s Faith in Action
Seneca Hills Village, (412) 793-1700.
Beatty Pointe, Monroeville, (412) 374-9000; Jun. 17, Strabane Village, Washington,(724) 225-4100 ; Jun. 19, Lighthouse Pointe, Fox Chapel, (412) 781-2707; Jun. 20, Vanadium Woods Village, Bridgeville, Call (412) 2212900.; 3 p.m., Jun. 18, Seneca Hills Village, Verona, (412) 793-1700; 7:30 p.m., Jun, 19, Hampton Fields Village, Allison Park, (412) 492-8448. Greg Kenny as Roberto Clemente, 2:30 p.m. Jun. 4, (412)
374-9000.
Saint Alexis Over 50 Trips & Events, Jun. 11, Chadwick Dancing in
the Street. Contact Rose at (724) 7282563 for information.
Seminars & Courses A Day of Health for Seniors, 9
a.m.-1 p.m., Jun. 3, Cumberland Woods Village. Admission is Free. Attendees must RSVP by calling (412) 635-8080.
50
Effects of Parkinson’s Disease,
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
program is seeking Senior Companion volunteers. For details, contact Nancy, at (412) 307-0069 or nljones@nhco.org. Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring, help your child learn to
read. If you’re 50 or older you’ll be trained. Tutor training sessions run 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at downtown Macy’s. For details, call John (412) 2322021 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org. Open Your Heart to a Senior,
Snow Squad volunteers are needed, to shovel snow for seniors. For details, call (412) 307-0071 or 2-1-1, or visit www.oyhs.org or email allegheny@ openyourhearttoasenior.org. Yard Work Help for Seniors,
volunteers are needed in all neighborhoods of Allegheny County. To register as a volunteer with Open Your Heart to a Senior, call (412) 307-0071 or email allegheny@openyourhearttoasenior.org.
usually go to a local restaurant to get something to eat. If you don’t have a bus pass I would advise you to get one. You can get it through your local senior center, or you can go directly to the Port Authority office at 534 Smithfield Street. They are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you go to the Port Authority office you will need a photo identification. This pass is really one of the best things we have and we use it quite often. F
Barbara Killmeyer is author of: It’s Nobody’s Business but Yours www.barbarakillmeyer.com, www.trafford. com, www.amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, or directly from the author. Visit Barbara’s blog at http://barbarakillmeyer.net/ wp-admin
Look for it wherever you find Northern Connection CALL now to reserve your advertising space for Summer 2014!
724-940-2444
www.pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com www.northernconnectionmag.com
(Continued on page 33)
Northern Connection | June 2014
51
SENIOR LIVING June 2014
TOWN CRIER
Jumping Into June BY JOE BULLICK
H
ello June! I know you offer the most hours of daylight of any of the months of the year for farmers and gardeners. This added hour of daylight allows these folks to concentrate on their fields and flowers. There is an old proverb that says, “Calm weather in June sets corn in tune.” This particular month has many significant events, such as Father’s Day. During this special day, we take the time out to honor our fathers. We can thank Sonora Dodd for the founding of Father’s Day. She is the daughter of civil war veteran William Jackson Smart. Her father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father’s Day celebration on June 19, 1910 in Spokane, Wash. In 1924, President
Calvin Coolidge supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. In 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed an executive order declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. Finally, in 1972, under President Richard Nixon, Congress passed an act officially making Father’s Day a national holiday. I did have a natural father and I had a stepdad, who loved baseball, so I saved up my paper money and I treated him to a baseball game. It turned out to be a great day! After the game, I treated him to a hamburger at White Tower, and a milkshake. For that day, I spent a total of $6.00. Be sure to take the time out and have fun with your dad. I always loved this quote from George Herbert – “One father is more
than a hundred schoolmasters.” Another special commemoration in June is Flag Day. President Woodrow Wilson issued a presidential proclamation establishing a national Flag Day on June 14. President Harry Truman signed it into law in 1949. June is also a great month to get married. The history of wedding celebrations in June goes all the way back to early Roman time, well over 2,000 thousand years ago. In today’s world, weddings are costly, many families help as best as they can. Most young couples go on a honeymoon. This word has a historical origin, referring to the moon after the summer solstice, June 21, which was called the “honeymoon.” One of the big news events that occurred when I was a young boy of age 13, was D-Day, June 6, 1944. This date marked one of the greatest military invasions. The whole world was glued to there radios and newspapers. Most people don’t know of this celebration, but Juneteenth (June 19, 1865) is the oldest known celebration commemorating the ending of slavery in the United States. There are a few other significant events that occurred in June – the first drive-in theatre opened in New Jersey in 1933. If you like donuts they were created on June 22, 1847. Bobby Kennedy was assassinated on June 5, 1968. If you were lucky, enough to own a Superman comic book it was first published on June 1, 1968. Well, enjoy June and the summertime, make sure you take sometime off. Happy birthday to all who fall under the Zodiac signs of Gemini and Cancer. I leave you with this – “Remember one just man causes the devil greater affliction than a million blind believers.” Kahlil Gibran
52
Northern Connection | June 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com
www.northernconnectionmag.com
Northern Connection | June 2014
53