April 2014 Northern Connection Magazine

America’s Largest and Most Fantastic Fireworks Festival Spring Cleaning Tips The Green Way 6 Keys to a Successful Garage Sale Innovative Summer Programs

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Northern Connection | April 2014

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CONTENTS April 2014

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NORTHERN CONNECTION Features

Image & Style

10 Cover Story: PyroFest 2014 – America’s Largest and Most Fantastic Fireworks Festival

40 5 Common Style Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Marianne Reid Anderson

18 Innovative Classrooms, Summer Programs and Camps Marianne Reid Anderson

22 Summer Programs and Camps Directory 46 When in Rome...Speak Italian!

Marianne Reid Anderson

Kelly A. Smith

41 Summer Sunwear Fashion is Heatin’ Up! 42 All That Glimmers Bridal Event a Shining Success!

Living Simply 41 Simple Pleasures of Spring Marisa Tomasic, PhD

Kids & Education

Home & Garden

24 School Movers and Shakers

44 Spring Cleaning Tips: The “Green Way”

Health & Wellness 32 Fit Families: Helmet Safety—Why It’s Important Joella Baker 34 Enhancing Your Life: Are You Small-Talk Challenged?

Evy Severino, ACC, SPHR

38 April is Autism Awareness Month and I am in “awe” of what my child CAN do... Paula Green

Paula Green

45 6 Keys to a Successful Garage Sale Marianne Reid Anderson

Senior Living

7 In Every Issue 4

From the Publisher

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Movers & Shakers

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Mover & Shaker of the Month: Annie Rosellini

Marion Piotrowski

Paula Green

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Support Our Troops: Alexis Werner Paula Green

12 Happenings 28 Trivia Connection: Bible Trivia Paula Green

46 Starting the Conversation: Planning Vacation Memories?

Marianne Reid Anderson

49 Happenings for Seniors 50 Town Crier: Springing into April Joe Bullick

48 It’s Finally Here!

Barbara A. Killmeyer

Final Thought 52 Sowing, Tending and Savoring Spring Ryan C. Meyer

Advertorials 30 Divine Providence 37 Easy Do’s and Don’ts to Manage Headaches Dr. Shannon Thieroff

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PUBLISHER NOTES

Welcome to the April issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

N

ow that it is spring, looking ahead to nicer weather always reminds me of spring-cleaning. This issue offers tips on how to make some of those tough chores a little easier by doing things the natural and green way. In addition, springtime is also a great time to have a garage sale. So in this issue, you can also find out how you can have a successful sale without all the hassle.

If your Spring Break plans are to stay around Pittsburgh for entertainment and special events, you will not be disappointed. There is plenty to keep you and your family busy. One event that you must mark your calendars for is PyroFest held at Hartwood Acres on Saturday, May 24. This is a super charged fun day that the whole family will enjoy. Be sure to check out the details of PyroFest on page 10 & 11 and all the springtime activities and events that are right in your own back yard in Northern Connection magazine’s Happening section!

Enjoy reading all the special features along with the regular monthly columns. Thank you for your support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. Happy Easter & Happy Spring! F

“

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

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

failure ON YOUR WAY TO success.

BY MICKEY ROONEY

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold 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

YOU ALWAYS PASS

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

ncmagazine@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

Coming in the May NC...

Pitch for Hope — Women’s Baseball Clinic, A Glimmer of Hope fundraiser Women’s Health & Wellness Spring & Summer events

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.

The mission of the Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. is to connect the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh by publishing the area’s finest community publication, Northern Connection. The publication is dedicated to the people, communities, educational, religious, travel, and recreational needs of the area.

The contents of Northern Connection magazine may not be reproduced or copied in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. Northern Connection magazine reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertisements that do not meet the standards of this publication.

@NCONNECTIONMAG Find us on Facebook under Northern Connection Magazine!

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MOVERS & SHAKERS April 2014

Movers & Shakers April 2014 St. Barnabas Health System announced its

Employees of the Month for the month of February. They are Katherine Arbuckle, Elaine Hague, Gary Homison, Brandy Jordan and Kelly Parsell.

The Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus has donated $400 to the Magee Women’s Cancer Center’s wig fund from the proceeds of the annual show. Fifty dollars will be given to help them purchase an attractive wig.

Early Years Pre-school Class Celebrates National Dental Health Awareness Month The children at Early Years Child Care in Ross township, Babcock Boulevard, enjoy a visit from Miss Chelsea, a dental Hygienist from Babcock Dental last month. The children learned the importance of proper brushing and flossing and took turns practicing in February during National Dental Health Awareness month.

Five awards recognizing preservation and other community improvements were presented on Feb. 15 by Historic Harmony. The honorees were: Stanley E. Whiting, Great Things LLC, Thomas Murray Jr., Jeffrey Byko, Megan Meeder and Michael Webb.

Pittsburgh attorney Jack Goodrich served as the Grand Marshall of this year’s St. Patrick Day Parade on Mar. 15 in downtown Pittsburgh.

CRAFT BEER WEEK April 28 – May 1 Monday April 28th: 5-7pm - Finch’s Brewing 7-9pm - Founders Brewing

Wednesday April 30th: 5-7pm - Southern Tier Brewing 7-9pm - Bell’s Brewing

Tuesday April 29th: 5-7pm - Kona Brewing 7-9pm - Victory Brewing

Thursday May 1st: 5-7pm - Great Divide Brewing 7-9pm - Samuel Adams Brewing

Purchase of $25 or more

Dine in only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Only one coupon per visit, per party.

Not valid on daily specials. Excludes alcohol. Expires 4/30/14.

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NC 4-14

$5 Off

MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH

Annie Rosellini

BY PAULA GREEN

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nnie Rosellini is the current Miss Pennsylvania and a former Kean Idol winner. She has visited nearly every corner of the state and has fulfilled many of her own personal aspirations.

Her mother Lou Ann serves as her official State traveling companion, and as she notes. “So far Annie and I have logged over 30,000 travel miles in Pennsylvania for her state appearances.”

Annie began dancing when she was just four years old. She was encouraged to dance competitively by her instructor Lee Garrard. In 2004 and 2005, Annie was one of the original cast members of the Radio Disney Dancers in Pittsburgh.

In 2008, she won the Kean Idol Dance Award which benefits St. Barnabas Charities.

Annie was also in the ensemble of a few Kean Theatre shows. She was a chorus girl / dancer in Viva Broadway and also performed with Johnny Angel and the Halos and the Rat Pack.

In 2011, Annie was cast a dancer in the Disney Family Channel musical movie Lovestruck which was filmed entirely in Pittsburgh.

It was during this rewarding time in Annie’s life that a personal tragedy struck. On Apr. 17, 2010, in the spring of her senior year Annie (left), Barbara Roth, CMP, Regional of high school her father Jaime passed away at Senior Division Director for the American the age of 51, from heart disease. The followHeart Association ing year, Annie decided to honor him and she (Continued on page 8)

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Annie and family at Jaime V Rosellini Healing Hearts Foundation Memorial 5K

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MOVERS & SHAKERS April 2014

Rosellini (Continued from page 7)

formed the “Jaime V. Rosellini Healing Hearts Foundation.”

“This year will mark the 4th Memorial 5K held in her father’s name at the Butler County Community College campus. The race/walk benefits the American Heart Association, the Children’s Miracle Network and other local charities that were close to

her father,” said Lou Ann. “She is passionate about her personal platform of ‘Heart Disease Awareness and Prevention for the Future.’ Annie has volunteered numerous hours working with the American Heart Association specifically as a committee member for the Butler/Beaver County Heart Ball held annually at the Marriott in Cranberry. She also served

as the 2012 ‘Open Your Heart’ spokesperson which raised over $56,000 for children’s research and education.

This past March, Annie emceed the Westmoreland County Heart Ball,” Lou Ann added.

Annie also enjoys educating elementary school students on how to maintain healthy hearts through nutritious eating and regular activity. She resides in Butler Township. She plans to return to her studies at Point Park College in the fall, where she is majoring in public relations and advertising with a minor in dance. F

Integrative Health Fair Saturday, April 12, 2014 11am -4pm Free Admission Hosted By:

Balance for Wellness, Inc

Physical Therapy & Integrative Health Center 158 Brickyard Rd Suite 400 Mars, Pa 16046 www.balanceforwellness.com

724-687-0731 8

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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS April 2014

High School Senior Sprouts Support for the Military with “Seeds of Hope”

BY PAULA GREEN

E

ighteen year old, Alexis Werner of Etna is passionate about her support for the military. The Shaler Area High School senior was recently named one of Pennsylvania’s top youth volunteers of 2014 by The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards.

Werner received this prestigious honor because she formed the Seeds of Hope campaign. This initiative is a student-run organization designed to aid homeless veterans and to promote greater appreciation for the sacrifices U.S. service members have made serving our country.

Werner’s support for the military comes from her own personal experiences. “My journey came to a crossroads when I was 15 years old. During my freshman year of high school, my stepfather, Greg, came home from his third tour of duty in Afghanistan. This time it was different; he was different. He was a casualty of the war, coming home with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Words cannot explain how difficult this was on not only me, but my whole family. This was undoubtedly the worst point of my life, but the most pivotal point as well. I didn’t know who to go to or what to do,” explained Werner.

“I was angry and upset at the situation I had been thrown into. I realized I could continue to be angry, or I could do something to change it. This was when my non-profit, Seeds of Hope sprouted. It was my turn to step up and advocate for others like my step dad,” Werner added.

Werner has help from about 30 of her peers in planting the military gardens. “Seeds of Hope members are involved with Fisher House Foundation, as they house nine gardens across the country and volunteers from Pittsburgh annually cook holiday meals for the residents in the Pittsburgh house. We are also involved with Veteran’s Place, which is a homeless veteran facility that has two of our self-sustaining gardens. We also cook dinners there four times a year. Our newest project is a serenity garden at the Project Journey house, an organization that helps veteran women get back on their feet,” Werner said.

Werner and two others spend time reading the book Seeds of Hope: The Beginning to students in elementary schools. This children’s book is geared for kids ages 7-10. It focuses on the importance of community service, healthy eating, and Veteran appreciation.

Another military project that Werner is involved with is a video entitled Our Way Home. This student-made documentary follows the homecoming stories of nine veterans from World War II to present day focusing on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“I am working on this film with two adult professionals. The one person who has been helping me is Gregg Dietz, an outreach specialist at the University of Pittsburgh who runs an organization called Youth Advocacy League in Shaler Area High School.

He has taught me how to run a successful program and how to build relationships with volunteers, professionals, etc.,” said Werner.

“This summer I will be traveling to Haiti to do outreach work with Team Tassy.

In the fall I plan on going to Temple University in Philadelphia and continuing my work with Seeds of Hope. I hope that when people read my story that they feel inspired to find the silver lining in their situations whatever that might be,” Werner added.

For more information on the Seeds of Hope, visit http://www.seedsofhopeforvets.org/ F 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.

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COVER STORY April 2014

PYROFES

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

Appearing on May 24, 2014 at Hartwood Acres, PyroFest is a one-of-a kind spectacular fireworks event designed to amaze, thrill and captivate audiences of all ages.

On May 24th the sky will become a festival of light and pyrotechnic special effects that are choreographed with split-second timing to a monumental musical score.

Produced by Pyrotecnico, PyroFest 2014 brings techniques and products from around the globe in an effortless array of pyrotechnic presentations to include both daytime and nighttime fireworks that will dazzle spectators with a thrilling sensory and visual experience they will never forget.

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2014

EST

America’s Largest and Most Fantastic Fireworks Festival

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yroFest displays are designed to entertain and delight everyone, young and old alike. Among the productions and activities planned for this year’s PyroFest are: Daytime & Colored Smoke Fireworks – New technology makes pyrotechnic displays possible even in the daylight hours. Among the daylight displays will be a very special choreographed presentation of the National Anthem and a U.S. Military Salute, complete with skydivers, to pay tribute to our troops, veterans and their families.

Veterans and current members of the military are encouraged to enter a special free drawing for a $3,000 vacation package to Nemacolin Woodlands.

Pyro UFO Launch – Science fiction fans of all ages will be overwhelmed by witnessing a pyrotechnic alien aircraft. The flying saucer will launch, hover and zoom into outer space right before your eyes.

“Fantasy in the Sky” Fireworks Challenge – Selected by PyroFest judges to kick-off the night-time displays, “Fantasy in the Sky” is the debut of a uniquely-designed display by an aspiring fireworks choreographer.

Internationally acclaimed Ricardo Caballer, S.A. Ricasa Fireworks Production – Direct from Spain, this world-renowned, awardwinning fireworks choreographer returns to PyroFrest where in 2013 he had his United States debut. Best known for choreographing the fireworks for the Olympics, Ricardo Caballer brings his latest innovative and European production techniques to captivate spectators at PyroFest 2014.

Grandest Finale of All Time – The evening culminates with a Grand Finale beyond compare. This World Premiere of a Unique, Never-BeforeSeen, Pyrotecnico Production is sure to

awe, amaze and delight the fireworks fan in all of us.

In addition to this best-of-class, pyropacked lineup, Pyrofest will also include all-day, live music provided by the great musical groups of The Defibulators known for their high-energy sounds of Brooklyn Country, NOMaD a.k.a. North of Mason Dixon debuted on the charts after releasing their first two singles brings their vibrant songs and sounds, and Pittsburgh’s own four-piece rock band The Options winners of many young band and battle of the bands competitions will be rocking the crowd.

Also, be sure and have the kids visit the PNC Kid’s Zone presented by the PA Leadership Charter School to enjoy this fun and fabulous area designed just for them. There will be games, face painting, inflatables, make & take crafts, and various interactive educational presentations.

Concession stands will be serving all your festival favorites and delicious summer-fare to keep your tummies and taste buds satisfied – and be sure to remember to savor a warm, freshly made funnel cake among the bevy of yummy treats. Ales and Lagers will also be available for attendees over 21 years old with proper identification.

Parking is limited at Hartwood Acre; therefore once it is full, additional parking and a convenient free shuttle service from Hampton High School is also available.

Hampton High School is located at 4591 School Drive, Alison Park, PA 15101.

PyroFest is expected to sell-out, so be sure and purchase your tickets early by going to www.pyrofest.com and click “Buy Tickets.” Purchase price is $23 for general admission; Students/ children receive a discounted price of $14.

Children 6 and under are FREE. There are also special VIP passes available for $70 each.

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If you have always wanted to choreograph your own fireworks display and would like to enter your design into the “Fantasy in the Sky” Fireworks challenge, create an 8-10 minute show simulation with Finale Fireworks Pro software at www.finalefireworks.com and go to http://pyrofest.com/fantasyinthesky.html to download an entry form and learn the rules and judging criteria. You must submit your entry by April 10th. The lucky winner will get: • PyroFest crew to produce the winners display live at the event.

• Two tickets to PyroFest with exclusive backstage access (for the winner and one friend) • Travel expenses and room & board for two (the winner and one friend) • All firing systems to execute the show provided by Pyrotecnico • All product for the show provided by Pyrotecnico To view last year’s winning entry, go to http://pyrofest.com/videos.html to watch the video of this spectacular dream-come-true production.

For more information about PyroFest 2014, an unforgettable Memorial Day experience that will be enjoyed by everyone, both young and old, friends and family, visit www.pyrofest.com. F

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HAPPENINGS April 2014

Happenings North Happenings Glade Run Foundation events: Cherish the Children Gala, Apr. 4, Circuit Center Ballroom; Highmark Walk, May 17, Heinz Field. Call (412) 452-4453 or www. gladerun.org.

Hazardous Waste & Electronics Collections, Apr. 12, May 3 & 17, Jun. 7 & 28, Jul. 12 & 26, Aug. 16 & 30, Sept. 13, Oct. 18 & Nov. 8, Butler County. Visit www. recyclebutler.us.

Township of Pine Annual Recycle Rama Community partners will be on hand to accept furniture, clothing, construction materials, electronics, medical supplies, and batteries Apr. 12, 10a.m. to 1p.m. Pine Municipal Building Parking Lot, 230 Pearce Mill Rd., Wexford. Visit www. twp.pine.pa.us.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Community Auto Program is looking for vehicle donations that will provide transportation for lowincome individuals. Call (724) 443-8300 or www.communityauto.org.

North Hills Community Outreach is collecting donations of organic seeds for their Rosalinda Sauro Sirianni Garden. Call Rosie (412) 307-0069 ext. 3311 or rmwise@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.

WorkAble offers free employment services to unemployed and underemployed people in Allegheny County. Orientations & workshops held in March. Call Harriet, (412) 408-3830 ext. 3219 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.

Mondays 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., Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Movie Matinee Mondays, 2 p.m. Mondays, Apr. 7, Iron Man 3; Apr. 14, Definitely Maybe; Apr. 21, Labor Day, The Legacy Theatre, 700 Cumberland Woods Drive, McCandless Twp. For info, (412) 6358080 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.

Wednesday 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., from May thru Oct., Dorseyville Alliance Church. Volunteers needed to assist. For details, call Marti or Gary (724) 443-2616.

5th Annual Team Alex 5K/5 Mile Run/Walk

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he 5th Annual Team Alex 5K/5 Mile Run/Walk will be held 9:00 a.m., (registration 7:30 a.m.), May 17, at North Park Boathouse. Cost is $20 before May 3 ($27 after or day of event) T-shirts guaranteed to those who register by April 17. Register online at: www.teamalexfund.org.

A donations-only spaghetti dinner will be held Friday, May 16, the night before the race, at St. Ferdinand’s Parish on Rochester Road in Cranberry Twp. There will also be both Chinese and silent auctions. F

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National Aviary Night, 5-9 p.m., 3rd Thurs., of the month (Apr. 17). 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. RSVP for reservations, (412) 741-5960. Visit The Needles Eye and Earthly Treasure. For the menu, visit ststephenschurch.net.

Fish Dinner, 4 p.m., Apr. 4, 11 & 18, South Butler Township Fire Hall, 98 Old Plank Rd., Butler. Take-out available.

Saturdays Saturday Singles Dance for ages 40+, 8 p.m.-midnight, Apr. 5, “Black & Gold Pirates & Penguins Party,” free dance lesson 7:30 p.m., dance 8 p.m., Apr. 19, “Choco-holic Buffet, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy, West View. Call, (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

Second Saturday Divorce Workshop for Women, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Apr. 12, Cooper Siegel Community Library, 403 Fox Chapel Rd. Pre-register at, (724) 493-9695.

Arts & Entertainment Dance! With Ade’ Williams, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 12, Butler Intermediate High School. Sponsored by Butler County Symphony. Visit http://butlersymphony.org/ JazzLive, 5-9 p.m., Tues., Apr. 1, Mark Strickland; Apr. 8, Michele Bensen; Apr. 15, Tim Stevens; Apr. 16, Sean Jones Quartet CD Release Party; Apr. 22, Tony DePaolis, Apr. 29, Roger Humphries, Backstage Bar. Visit www.TrustArts.org/cabaret.

Jergel’s Rhythm Grille: Cure Rock Fundraiser for Oncology Dept. @ Children’s Hospital; Hillbilly Way, 9 p.m., May 3; Outlaws, 8 p.m., May 7; Average White Band, 8 p.m., June 19; Nightrain: Guns N. Roses Tribute Band, 8 p.m., June 26; 7 Bridges: Eagles Tribute Band, 8 p.m., July 31. Visit http://tickets.jergels.com.

International Children’s Theatre, May 14-18, Cultural District, downtown Pittsburgh. For details, (412) 4566666 or www.PghKids.org.

Legacy Lineup at Cumberland Woods Village, 11 a.m., Apr. 8, Kennywood: A Century of Change,700 Cumberland Woods Dr., Allison Park. Visit TheLegacyLineup.com Legacy Theatre: Jimmy Beaumont & The Skyliners, 7:30 p.m., Apr. 26, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, 7:30 p.m., May 3 & 10 & 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., May 4 & 11, Legacy Theatre. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

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North Hills Chorale presents, “Going to the Movies,” 7 p.m., Apr. 26 & 3 p.m., Apr. 27, in the Visitation Chapel at Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd. For info, visit www.nhchorale.com.

North Star Kids auditions for singers and/or dancers in grades two thru seven will be held Apr. 4 with callbacks Apr. 6, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 311 Cumberland Rd. Call Annie at (412) 3666610 or www.northstarkids.com.

Out of the Archives, Apr. 4-13, Stewart Hall in Harmony Museum, 218 Mercer St., Harmony. For info, (724) 4527341 or www.harmonymuseum.org.

Pittsburgh Concert Chorale presents: Big Band & Beyond, 7:30 p.m., May 3, Fox Chapel Presbyterian & 4 p.m., May 4, Ingomar United Methodist Church. For tickets, call (412) 635-7654 or http://www.pccsing.org/tickets/index.php.

Swimmy, Frederick & Inch by Inch, 11 a.m. & 7 p.m., Apr. 11, and 11 a.m. & 2 p.m., Apr. 12, Byham Theater. For tickets, (412) 456-6666 or TrustArts.org/kids.

Health & Wellness Lizzy’s Bikes, a Kiwanis Club of Mars community action program, provides free bikes to local needy children. Call (724) 7794364 or email LizzysBikes@yahoo.com.

North Hills Community Outreach is participating in Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community on May 17 on the North Shore. Join their team & raise funds for NHCO’s Back-to-School program.

Call, (412) 408-3830 or register at www.

WalkforAHealthyCommunity.com.

Palliative Care Seminar, 7:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m., Apr. 5, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Rangos Research Center, 4401 Penn Ave. Register online classes. upmc.com. For info, visit UPMC.com.PSI. Passavant Hospital Foundation presents: Heart & Stroke Expo featuring multiple speakers and offers free screenings, informational tables and vendor displays. May 1, 8a.m.-1:30p.m., at Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center & Legacy Theatre. Register online at PassavantHospitalFoundation.org.

Prescription Drug Take Back Day, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 26, Shaler North Hills Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw.

Unwanted, expired or unused prescriptions, in leak-proof containers. For info, visit http:// www.shaler.org.

Yough River Trail 5K/10K Run & 2-Mile Fun Walk, 9 a.m., May 10.

Begins at the King Trail Access Parking Lot. Must pre-register by Apr. 10. For info, (724) 872-5586 or www.bikewyct.org.

“Speak Easy” Jazz Night

T

he first “Speak Easy” Jazz Night to benefit Community Health Clinic of Butler County “An Evening of Cool Jazz,” will be held 7-10 p.m., April 26, at the Hilton Garden Inn, 2000 Garden View Lane (Rt. 228), Cranberry Twp. Featured entertainment will be “Antoinette,” noted Pittsburgh area jazz songstress accompanied by area jazz musicians. Specialty drinks, food and dessert popular in the “Speak Easy’s” era will be featured.

Tickets are $100.00 per person and can be purchased from the Community Health Clinic, at 724841-0980 ext.101. All proceeds benefit the Community Health Clinic of Butler County. F

Counseling 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., Apr. 3 & 17, 2662 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Call Marcia, (724) 538-3059.

Criders Corner Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets noon, Apr. 10 & 24, Cranberry Echo Restaurant, Rt. 228, Cranberry Twp. Call Annette, (724) 316-8005.

Friday Morning “Coffee Club,” 8-9 a.m., Fridays, Butler County Chamber of Commerce. For details, call (724) 283-2222 or Jennifer@ButlerCountyChamber.com Meet-N-Move Networking Luncheon w/Ellwood City, Zelienople, Harmony & Beaver County Chambers of Commerce, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., May 13, Shakespeare’s at Old Stonewall. For info, call (724) 283-2222 or email Jennifer@ ButlerCountyChamber.com.

North Hills Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets 12:30 p.m., Apr. 11 & 25, Atria’s Restaurant, 5517 William Flynn Hwy. Call Debbie, (724) 449-8368.

North Hills Newcomers and Friends spring raffle, 10 a.m., May 13, Shannopin Country Club. Proceeds benefit Glade Run. For info, visit www. northhillsnewcomers.org or email NHNFmembership@gmail.com.

Professional Referral Exchange (PRE) meets 7:15 a.m., Weds, Deck House, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Ken, at (610) 4967600 or visit, www.prenetworking.net.

Ross-West View Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets, 7:30 a.m., Apr. 10 & 24, Perry Perk Coffee Shop, 1012 Perry Hwy, Ross Twp. Call Donna, (724) 493-9695.

Seven Fields Chapter of the Women’s Business Network meets, 8:15 a.m., Apr. 3 & 17, Concordia Life Care Community, Rt. 228, Adams Ridge. Call Nina, (724) 772-1922.

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., Apr. 8 & 22, Atria’s Restaurant, Rt. 19, Wexford. Call Denise, (412) 716-1322.

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 email sharon. stalter@cancer.org.

Tutoring Volunteers Needed, 1-3 hrs., per week w/homework & study skills.

Call Sandy at Anchorpoint Ministries (412) 366-1300 x23.

Volunteer Book Sorters Needed for Anchorpoint’s annual used book sale. For info, call Denise a (412) 3661300 x13.

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 Avonworth School District Mobile Makeshop every Tuesday til the end of May. Offered in conjunction with the Children’s Museum. For info, visit www. avonworth.k12.pa.us.

Celebrate La Roche dinner event, 5:30 p.m., Apr. 11, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 985 Providence Blvd. Price $175 or $130 alumni. For info, visit http://www. laroche.edu/support/celebrate-laroche.htm.

Charlie Batch will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters and deliver the commencement address at La Roche College’s 49th commencement ceremony on May 3. For info, visit laroche.edu/commencement.

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HAPPENINGS April 2014

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.

5th Grade PTO/PTA Partnership Program for Parents & Students, 7 p.m., Apr. 9, Carson Middle School. For kids transition into middle school.

For info, visit northallegheny.org.

Kennywood Day for North Allegheny, June 19. In-school ticket sales at all NA schools on May 15.

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 invites all alumni to celebrate their alma mater at Homecoming Weekend Apr. 12-13. Pre-registration is required for Homecoming events, visit www. larocheedu/homecoming.

La Roche College Undergraduate Open House, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 5, Babcock Blvd., McCandless Twp. Call (412) 536-1272 or visit laroche.edu. For info, contact admissions@ laroche.edu.

Meet Your Tour GuideAdvisement & Registration workshop, 6-8 p.m., Apr. 23, CCAC campuses. For details, visit www.ccac.edu.

Saint Vincent Summer Theatre, Heroes by Gerard Sibleyras, May 29-June 14; Summer Theatre Gala, July 11. For details, www.stvincent.edu.

Tea Soiree, 6-8 p.m., Apr. 10, Saint Vincent College McCarl Coverlet Gallery. For info, contact Lauren at (724) 805-2188 or lauren.churilla@stvincent.edu.

Bluegrass Benefit Concert for St. Joseph House of Hospitality, 7 p.m., Apr. 25, Synod Hall, 125 North Craig St., Oakland. For info, (412) 471-0666 ext. 227.

Titan Tots for incoming kindergarteners in the Shaler School District, 6-7:15, Apr. 24, For info, visit www.sasd.k12.pa.us.

Children’s Festival, May 14-18, Cultural District, downtown. For details, visit www.pghkids.org.

Spiritual “Discovering Christ,” Tues 6:45 p.m., thru Apr. 8, St. James Parish in Sewickley. For info, visit www.saintjamessewickley.org.

Geneva Colleges’ Christian choral group “New Song,” directed by Louise Copeland, 7 p.m., Apr. 5, New Life Community Church, 42 N. Fremont Ave., Bellevue. The public is welcome.

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) 7798323, discoverhopehere@gmail.com or www. discoverhopehere.com.

North Allegheny Special Education Parent Networking Group (NASEPG) meeting: 9:30 a.m., Apr. 11, Lyn DeSanti, occupational therapist, Baierl Center at NA. For info, visit http:// www.nasepng.org/

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.

Pittsburgh Fringe Festival, 6:30 p.m., Apr. 1, 22, 29 & May 6, Cathedral of Learning, University of Pittsburgh. For info, visit www.pghfringe.org.

Tax Preparation

Preschool Story Time in the Fox Chapel School District: 2 p.m., Apr. 23, Fairview; 1:30 p.m., Apr. 24 at Hartwood; 2 p.m., Apr. 22 & May. 13, Kerr.

For details, visit www.fcasd.edu.

Presentation w/former NFL player Wade David, 7 p.m., Apr. 16, Sewickley Academy, Rea Auditorium, 315 Academy Ave., Sewickley. Open to the public. For info, visit, http://www.sewickley.org/ Professional Development Series, 6:30 p.m., Apr. 7, Ryan Room of the Zappala College Center at La Roche. Call (412) 536-1193 or laroche.edu.

Pump House Run, Apr. 12, North Allegheny Intermediate High School. For info, call (412) 369-5530 or http://www.northallegheny.org/page/141.

Saint Vincent College is offering graduate classes 6-10 p.m., Tues, May 20, 27 & Jun. 3, 10, 17, 24 & July 1, at Somerset Senior High School. For those works a master of science degree in curriculum and instruction or education. Call (724) 85-2933 or www.stvincent.edu/grduateprograms.

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Conventions, Festivals, & Sales

St. Athanasius Parish Education & Community Center (West View) & NHCO in sponsorship by Allegheny County Dept. of Human Services are offering free tax prep for lowincome individuals, families, the disabled & the elderly. Contact Frank (412) 350-3463 or frank.grande@alleghenycounty.us.

Courses, Trainings & Presentations “Affordable Care Act for Small Businesses,” Apr. 4. Sponsored by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. Call (724) 283-2222.

All the Hats Owners & Managers Wear workshop, 11:30 a.m., May 28. Sponsored by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce.

Call (724) 283-2222 or email Stan@ ButlerCountyChamber.com.

Pittsburgh Dyslexia Today Conference, 8-3:30 p.m., Apr. 5, Double Tree by Hilton, 500 Mansfield Ave., Greentree. For info, call 855-220-8885.

Register at www.pdida.org.

Little Sisters of the Poor Rummage Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Apr. 10-12, 1028 Benton Ave., Brighton Heights.

Bag sale Apr. 12. Proceeds benefit the elderly residents.

Steel City Con, Apr. 11-13, Monroeville Convention Center. Featuring Lee Major, Cindy Williams, Brent Spiner, Lou Ferrigno, Bruno Sammartino & George ‘The Animal” Steele. Visit http://www.steelcitycon.com.

Fundraisers American Diabetes Association “Tour De Cure,” May 18, Seneca Valley High School, 124 Seneca School Rd. For info, call (412) 824-1181 x4604 or www. diabetes.org/pittsburghtourdecure.

Eden Christian Academy and Sarcoma Center Foundation 5K & 1K Fun Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Apr. 26, Ohio Township Park, 325 Nicholson Rd., Sewickley. Register at http://wwwsmileymiles.com. For more info, visit http:// www.edenchristianacademy.org.

Mexi-Bowl, 1-4 p.m., Apr. 13, Pines Plaza Lanes, Perry Hwy., behind Shop N’ Save.

Proceeds help fund Heritage Presbyterian’s Youth Group mission trip to Caring Hearts Orphanage in San Luis, Mexico. For info, call (312) 366-1338, heritagepcusa@verizon.net or www.facebook.com/heritagechurchpcusa.

A Night of Hope, 5:30 p.m., May 22, Rodef Shalom Congregation in Oakland.

Sponsored by POWER Promises. To register, call (412) 243-7535 ext.223 or email estimmel@power-recovery.com.

Ole’ 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Anna Seethaler Hospital in Oaxaca, Mexico, 10 a.m., Apr. 5, in North Park. Post-race fiesta. For info, visit http:// www.ole5k.com/ 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.

Spring Events Afternoon Tea, 1:30-3:30 p.m., May 4, St. Ferdinand Church, Oldenski Hall, 2535 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Advanced reservations required by Apr. 27. Call (724) 779-3986 or www.StFerd.org.

Depreciation Museum: Civil War Exhibit, Apr. 12-May 6; Battle Cry of Freedom: Music of the Civil War, 1 p.m., Apr. 12; Civil War Weapons Demonstration, May 3; Children’s Heritage Day, May 4; Adventures in Pioneering Camp, June 16-20 & July 21-25

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(ages 8-12). Call (412) 486—0563 or www.

DepreciationLandsMuseum.org.

Kidsburgh Community Celebration for youth 7 families, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Apr. 26, Millvale Community Library. For info, contact info@kidsburgh.org.

Spring Concert, 8 p.m. (doors open at 7 p.m.), Apr. 23, Kerr Fitness & Sports Center at La Roche College. For info, (412) 536-1044 or laroche.edu.

Spring Craft Fair, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., May 3, East Union Presbyterian Church, 292 East Union Road, Cheswick. Hand-crafted items & Chinese auction. Free admission. Call Mary Lynn, at (412) 767-5750.

Spring Job & Career Fair, 9:30 a.m., Apr. 9, Days Inn, Butler, sponsored by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce. For details, call (724) 283-2222.

Summer Camps are available at Sarah Heinz House. For info, call or (412) 231-2377 or www.sarahheinzhouse.org.

Gardening & Outdoor Adventures Boot Camp Boost, 6:15 a.m., 7 a.m. or 7 p.m., Apr. 7-18, Pine Community Center.

Open to all fitness levels. Register by Mar. 31. Call (724) 625-1636 x3 or pinecenter@ twp.pine.pa.us.

Earth Day Celebration, 1-3 p.m., Apr. 26, meet at Pine Lake Park for fun outdoor activities. Sponsored by Pine Township.

Call (724) 625-1636 x3 or pinecenter@twp. pine.pa.us.

Kids Fun & Fitness Day, 10:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Apr. 6, Pine Community Center. Register not required. For info,(724) 625-1636 x3 or pinecenter@twp.pine.pa.us.

Ingomar Garden Club meeting, 10:30 a.m., Wed., Apr. 2, St. John of Lutheran Church, Cumberland Rd., McCandless Twp. The public is invited. For info, contact Ruth at (412) 366-7824.

Shaler Garden Club Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-noon, May 3, Kiwanis Park. Annuals, perennials, planters, vegetables, raffles. Rain or shine.

Easter Egg-citement Easter Brunch at the Aviary featuring Aria’s, seating 10:30 a.m. & 12:30 p.m., Apr. 20. Required reservation, (412) 258-9445.

Easter Egg Hunt, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Apr. 12, for kids 1-9, Pine Community Center.

Register by Apr. 5. Call (724) 625-1636 x3 or pinecenter@twp.pine.pa.us.

Easter Eggstravaganza (Franklin Park), 10 a.m.-noon, Apr. 12. Easter egg hunt for preschool thru 5th grade, Heritage Presbyterian Church, 2262 Rochester Rd. For info, call (412) 366-1338 or www.heritagelogos.blogsport.com.

Egg Hunt Extravaganza, 7 p.m., Apr. 4, Shaler North Hills Library. For info, contact Shaler Youth Services at (412) 4860211 x116.

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HAPPENINGS April 2014

Eggstravanganza at the Aviary, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Apr. 12-13 & 18-20. Included with your admission. No reservation required.

Amputee Support Group meets 2nd Mon., of each month, 3-4 p.m., HealthSouth Rehab in Sewickley, 303 Camp Meeting Rd. For info, call (412) 749-2255.

Butler Area Mind Matters Brain Injury Support Group, 7 p.m. every 3rd Thurs., Butler Memorial Hospital, Dimmick Room. For info, call (724) 283-6666.

Lupus Foundation Support Group, 7 p.m., 3rd Tues., of the month, UPMC Passavant. Free. Contact Valarie Brown, RN, (412) 527-3335.

Hippity Hop Egg Hunt w/Mr. Bunny, 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m., Apr. 6, Cranberry Township Municipal Center. For info, call (724) 776-4806 x1129.

Bereavement Support Group, 6:30-8 p.m., Mondays, UPMC Passavant.

Group meets for 8 weeks. To register, call Toni (412) 358-3173.

Homemade Lunch w/the Easter Bunny, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Apr. 6, Mihelic Shop N’ Save Stores, Glenshaw, Rochester Rd. & Pines Plaza. Cost $5. Benefits the Undercliff Volunteer Fire Dept.

Bereavement Support Group, 7-9 p.m., alternate Mon., The Baierl YMCA, Nicholson Rd. Call Chuck, (412) 913-0272 or acwein123@gmail.com.

Butler Breast Cancer & Women’s Support Group meets 7-9 p.m., the 1st Tues., of every month, 4th Floor of the former Morgan II Building, the corner of Rt. 38, 68 & 422. Call Cheryl,(724) 282-4421.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Beaver County Support Group meets 7:30 p.m., 3rd Thur. of the month, Staunton Clinic, Heritage Valley, 176 Virginia Ave., Rochester, PA. Contact (724) 728-3243 or namibc12@gmail. com.

Teen Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt, 7:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Apr. 18, for ages 10-15, Pine Community Center. Register by Apr. 11. Call (724) 625-1636 x3 or pinecenter@twp.pine.pa.us.

Golf St. Barnabas Charitable Golf Open, “Gold for Good,” 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) 625-3770 or StBarnabasGolf.com

Library Northland Library – Let the Gravestones Speak: Tracing Your Family History through Cemeteries, 7 p.m., Apr. 3; After Hours Genealogy Lock-In, 6:30-10 p.m., Apr. 4, Computer Classes are scheduled every month, pre-registration is required; Spring Used Book Sale, May 1 (ticket holder preview sale), May 2-3 (regular sale), May 4 $5 Bag Sale. Call (412) 366-8100 or http://northlandlibrary.weebly.com/

Support Groups Amp Up! (amputee support group) meetings are held 3rd Tues., of every month at UPMC Mercy South Side Outpatient Center, 2000 Mary St, Pittsburgh. Call (412) 2156926.

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

Beyond Bridge to Hope Support Session, for families that have lost a loved one to substance abuse, 7 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month at Conference Center, Cumberland Woods Village, UPMC Passavant McCandless Campus, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr. Call (412) 367-6640 or bridge2hope.org.

Boundaries & Self Care, 6 p.m., 2nd & 4th Tues., Anchorpoint Counseling Ministries. For women over 30. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

Brain Injury Support Group “Mind Matters,” 7 p.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, in the Dirrick Room at Butler Memorial Hospital. Call (724) 283-6666.

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, meets the 3rd Wed., of each month, noon-1:30 p.m., Health South Rehab Hospital Sewickley, 303 Camp Meeting Rd. For info, call (412) 749-2388.

Breast Cancer Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., 1st & 3rd Weds of every month, UPMC Passavant Cranberry, Breast Center Conference Room, Building #3, St. Francis Way. Free, required registration. Call (412) 622-1212.

Bridge to Hope Support Group meeting 7 p.m., each Wed., Conference Room #1, Passavant Hospital Foundation Conference Center, Cumberland Woods Village, UPMC Passavant McCandless Campus, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr. Call (412) 367-6640 or bridge2hope.org.

Cancer Caring Center Free Support Groups, general patient group meets 7 p.m., 1st & 3rd Thurs, & breast cancer group meets 7 p.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs., at UPMC Passavant Hospital. To register, (412) 622-1212 or www.cancercaring.org.

Chronic Pain Support Group in the Pittsburgh area. Affiliated w/The American Chronic Pain Association (theacpa. org). For info, contact Mariann at (412) 8228078 or mainnmcentee@gmail.com.

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous meets 6:30 p.m., Fridays, Perry Hwy. Lutheran Church. No dues. Call (412) 225-1664.

Development Disabilities Support Group meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month, 7-9 p.m., at Orion Adult Day Services, 4361 Rt. 8, Allison Park. Call (412) 213-3500.

Family Caregiver Support Group meets 3-4 p.m., the 3rd Tues., of the month, and Bereavement Support Group meet 4:30-5:30 p.m., the 3rd Tues of the month, 9380 McKnight Rd, Suite 201. For details, call (412) 536-2020.

Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous meets Fridays, 10:30-noon, Union Project, 801 N. Negley Ave., Pgh. No dues or fees. Call Sue, (724)625-1683 or visit www.foodaddicts.org.

Hair Peace Women’s Support Circle meets 7:30 p.m. the third Wed., of the month at Ingomar United Methodist Community Life Center. Hair Peace Charities raises money to help women buy wigs while undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Call (412) 527-5177 or www.hairpeace.org.

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NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Family Support Group meets 7 p.m., 1st Wed. of the month, Rm. 231 (2nd floor), 105 Braunlich Dr., McKnight Plaza, Ross Twp. Contact (412) 366-3788 or info@namiswpa.org.

NAMI Support Group for Families of Individuals with Borderline Personality Disorder, meets 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 3rd Sat. of the month, Rm. 231 (2nd floor), 105 Braunlich Dr., McKnight Plaza, Ross Twp. Call (412) 366-3788 or info@namiswpa.org.

North Hills MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Support Group meets 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues of the month, Donor Hall, UPMC Passavant Hospital. For info, email judpot50@yahoo.com.

Pennsylvania Educational Network for Eating Disorders (PENED) offers two support groups.

Meetings are 7:30 p.m., the 2nd Tues, of the month & 7 p.m., the 4th Monday of the month, North Hills Village Mall, 4801 McKnight Rd., Suite 205. For info, (412) 215-7967.

Self-Care, support group for women over age 30, meets 6 p.m., 2nd & 4th Tues, Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, 800 McKnight Park Dr., Suite 802, Ross Twp. For details, call (412) 366-1300.

Support Group for Parents of Children and Teens with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), meets 7 p.m., 3rd Wed, of the month, Conference Room at NAMI office, 2nd Floor, 105 Braunlich Dr., McKnight Plaza, Ross Twp. For info, email mariecm167@comcast.net.

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HAPPENINGS April 2014

Innovative Classrooms, Summer Programs and Camps

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

T

he amazing amount of innovations happening in our schools, summer programs and camps throughout the area is no less than spectacular. We are all so fortunate to have so many opportunities for our young people to learn, experience and explore, all while having fun. Any interest your child may have can be fostered and encouraged.

The opportunities listed here highlight a few of the innovative openings available but by no means lists them all. Please be sure and visit the web sites for more details and additional opportunities available. Also, the key to seizing these opportunities, is to sign-up early as there are a limited number of spaces available and fillup quickly. I also strongly recommend that you encourage your daughters, as well as your sons, to sign-up for the science and

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technology opportunities as these fields are very lucrative and open for women technologists.

Carnegie Science Center – Innovation is off the charts at Pittsburgh’s own world-renowned Carnegie Science Center. Experiment with roller coasters, build a bridge, explore our city and navigate the three rivers, learn robotics, science mysteries, astronomy and much more. Summer campers have access to hundreds of hands-on exhibits, the world-class Buhl Digital Dome high-definition planetarium, a real Cold War submarine, the Rangos Omnimax Theater, Highmark SportsWorks®, and dozens of science communication professionals. Camps are available for ages 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-12, and 12-14 years

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of age. There is also a very special science camp “Livin’It! A CanTEEN Camp” for girls only, ages 13-14, July 14-18.

Visit www.CarnegieScienceCenter.org/ SummerCamps for a complete list of camps Hampton School District – Open to everyone, including cyber, parochial and students from other districts, Hampton School District offers an incredible list of opportunities available as part of its summer programs in the arts, sciences and much more. From dance, cooking, scrapbooking, photography, creative writing to graphic design, video production, drivers Ed instruction with CCAC, SAT-prep, college essay prep, even ultimate Frisbee, board game strategies and the list keeps going. I would like to specifically mention

their new programs offered in cooperation with Hi-Tech Learning: Minecraft 3D Design and Printing and Mobile Game Design.

Minecraft enthusiasts will be able to design and print their creations on a 3-D printer! In Mobile Game Design, participants will learn how to program their own mobile app games and learn the skills to develop their own games. The Visit www.ht-sd.org, go to the Community tab and select HTSD programs to access their brochure and full list of opportunities.

EQT International Pittsburgh Children’s Festival – is moving downtown! May 14-18 Pittsburgh becomes host to performances and artists from around the world, offering innovative, entertaining and even interactive performances and activities.

In the show Animals, animals come to life made from recycled and everyday objects, the show Invisi’Ball is a live-action soccer game that transforms the theater into a stadium. Audiences will be chanting, laughing and cheering along to a game played WITHOUT a BALL! These are only two of an amazing lineup of shows, live bands, and activities including arts, crafts and a huge sand box plus much, much more. Visit http://www.pghkids.org to learn about this incredible festival program of summer fun!

Forest Dancing – Forest Dancing is a one-week intensive summer dance camp for serious dancers ages 8 and older with a minimum of 1 year ballet training. Located in one of the most beautiful settings in Pennsylvania, dancers have the opportunity to do what they love best surrounded by the beauty of virgin pine forests and mountain laurel overlooking the Clarion River.

A Forest Dancer’s week also includes the fun of crafts, a canoe trip on the Clarion River, a talent show, nature walks, swimming and an evening out at the local theater. Visit our website at www. forestdancing.com for details about this innovative and creative summer camp.

National Aviary – Explore the depths of a tropical jungle, feed the colony of African penguins, discover what it takes to be a falconer or veterinarian, or develop the artist or photographer within! Campers can interact with some of their favorite birds, including African penguins, flamingos, toucans, parrots and raptors, and gain access to many behind-the scenes spaces not accessible to the public. Camps are available for ages 4-5, 6-8, 9-12, and 12-18 years of age. All the camps are beyond amazing but I’d like bring a very special notice to their camps for the 12-18 year olds, particularly the Vet Experience. Perfect for teens who love animals and are considering a career as a veterinarian, the Vet Experience teaches teens how to think like a vet!

Experiencing a day in the life of a zoo veterinarian, participants will go on a behind- the-scenes tour of the National Aviary’s bird hospital, meet some of the patients, conduct a physical exam with the guidance of the staff, and perform a necropsy.

Participants will also meet with one of the veterinarians for an exclusive question and answer session, and go on rounds throughout the exhibits and bird holding areas. Visit http://www. aviary.org/Summer-Camps for more information.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Education & Community Engagement Department – provides a wealth of opportunities for students including these three amazing workshops: Camp Broadway EXP on April 26th is a one-day musical theater camp, enabling theatre-loving kids ages 10-13 to develop their confidence, character and presentation skills through ensemble performance. The instructors are New York Broadway professionals who provide helpful insight regarding dance and voice techniques, and guide camp-

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HAPPENINGS April 2014

Innovations (Continued from page 19)

ers’ through staging a performance from beginning to end. ArtCity Reed Dance Intensive from July 7-18th with a staged performance on July 19th for 8-12 year olds celebrating the diversity of dance,

participants are immersed in a curriculum designed to provide a rigorous, two week course of study with dynamic teaching artists, particularly, Pittsburgh’s own nationally acclaimed, Greer Reed. ArtCity Green Artists and Writers from July 28-August 1 also for 8-12 year olds who will try their hand at poetry and fiction, finding new stories and inspirations, as well as, sculpt, weave, paint and print using recyclables from everyday life in combination with traditional art materials with Artist Educator, Alison K. Babusci. Visit http://www.trustarts.org/education/students/ for details.

Saint Gregory – St. Gregory School in Zelienople will have Google Chromebooks for next year’s 6th, 7th and 8th grade classrooms. Chromebooks have built-in cloud storage, popular Google products for education, apps, plus much more in order to better a student’s learning experience. Students and teachers can use “GAnimate” to create video projects, “Geogebra” to learn geometric theorems, and other apps for conferencing and collaboration. With the new Chromebooks, the middle school students

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will have technology incorporated in their daily learning. The vision is to integrate technology as much as possible into the middle school curriculum to better prepare students for high school. Next year the 8th graders, and possible the 7th graders, will also be learning computer programming. Exciting things are happening at St. Gregory School. Visit http://stgregzelie.org/ to learn more about this innovative school.

Soergel Orchards – Soergel Orchards offers real down-on-the-farm experiences in their hands-on, age-appro-

priate half-day summer camps. Let history come to life in their Back in Time: Pioneer Days where children can learn and appreciate the skills of the pioneers including churning butter and the care of barnyard animals such as chickens, sheep and even Gnatty, their miniature highland cow, their donkey Noah and their pig Dudley. Other camps include Be a Framer where kids can really get down and dirty while they learn how to grow food and discover the wide array of farm equipment used to grow their food, Explore the Barnyard, Butterflies, and Something to Buzzzz About! Visit http://soergels.com/ and click on Summer Camps for all the details.

Throughout this issue are additional summer camps and educational activities and be sure to look for our May issue that will highlight even more innovative schools, summer programs and camps. If you are offering an innovative program or camp, be sure and let us know by emailing NorthCon@consolidated.net or calling 724-940-2444. F

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KIDS & EDUCATION April 2014

Summer Camps and Programs Directory

Carlow University 2014 Summer Workshops

La Roche Summer College

Carnegie Science Center

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Summer Day Camps

412-578-6000 www.carlow.edu

www.carnegiesciencecenter.org/summercamps 412-237-1637

Chatham Music and Arts Day Camp http://www.chatham.edu/daycamp/ 412-365-1174

Early Years Child Care

www.earlyyearsinc.com

Forest Dancing

www.forestdancing.com 814-938-8517

Gymkhana

www.gymkhanafun.com 412-366-3800

Hampton Township School District (HTSD) www.ht-sd.org 412-492-6393 or 412-492-6357

La Roche College/ UPMC Passavant Summer Soccer Camp Miguel.lozano@laroche.edu

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www.laroche.edu 412-536-1080

www.trustarts.org/artcity 412-471-6079

Pittsburgh International Film Festival www.pghkids.org 412-456-6666

Sewickley Academy

www.sewickley.org/summer 412-741-2230 Ext. 3326/4411

Shady Side Academy

www.shadysideacademy.org/summer

Soergel Orchards Down on the Farm Summer Camps www.soergels.com

Wexford Acting Studio

www.WexfordActingStudio.com 724-716-1920

Winchester Thurston

www.winterchesterthurston.org/summercamp

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KIDS & EDUCATION April 2014

School Movers & Shakers Fox Chapel The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports announced that Erin Mathias of Fox Chapel Area High School as its 2013-14 Gatorade Pennsylvania Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

Fox Chapel Area High School senior Yonatan

Quemado won the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra (PYSO) Conducting Competition.

Eight Fox Chapel Area School District students won awards in the 2014 Pittsburgh Regional Scholastic Writing Awards competition. Winners were: David Han, Suvir Mirchandani, Yiyi Zhao, Anna Wang, Emma Paulini, Timothy Sutton, Margaret Edgecombe and Sophia Lee. Six Fox Chapel Area High School students were chosen to perform with two Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) bands. They are: Max Jahnke, Zoe Niman, Dan Docimo, Tynan Englert, Jennifer Mountz and Olivia Van Dyke.

Three Fox Chapel Area High School students will be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society on Apr. 1. They are: David Dunn, Henry Hartman and Hassan Mada.

Fox Chapel Area High School students

Amogha Vijayvargiya and Ella Meyler won second place honors at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League’s (PHSSL) District 2 State Championship Qualifying Tournament.

Fox Chapel School District student David

Han is a Luminari Award Scholar recipient.

Han received a merit-based scholarship for an all-expense-paid admission to Luminari’s “I Want to be an Ambassador” camp.

Two Fox Chapel Area High School students Rama Godse and Frank Lou won honors at the Pittsburgh Diocesan Qualifying Tournament for the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament.

Fox Chapel Area High School junior Mikhail

Ferree received an honorable mention in the 2013-14 Pittsburgh Public Theatre Shakespeare Monologue & Scene Contest.

A team of Dorseyville Middle School students won first place in the state in the 2013-2014 Pennsylvania 6th Grade Thinking Cap Quiz Bowl. Team members were: Jackson Boychuk, Serena Fisher, Rajeev Godse, Noah Hertzman, Claire Katz, Shando Naini, Luke O’Connor, Christiana Paljug, Thaleia Papapetropoulou, Angelique Uku, Ameya Velankar and Felix Veser.

Seneca Valley

efforts to raise $100,000 to benefit the American Heart Association by serving as spokesperson for its Open Your Heart Campaign in 2013. Madeline Christenson was honored for her exemplary volunteer service with a Service Award.

Seneca Valley Senior High School social studies teacher,

Jim Lucot has been named a semi-finalist in the search for the 2015 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year.

Jim Lucot

More than 30 Seneca Valley students were named winners in the 2014 Western Pennsylvania Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Gold & silver keys, along with honor mentions were awarded in the categories of painting, drawing, mixed media, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics and glass.

Winners were recognized during a program.

A group of students from Connoquenessing Valley Elementary in the Seneca

Rosanne Harrison and Robert Kunkel, Seneca Valley seniors, have been named finalists in the 2013-14 National Merit Scholarship Competition.

brated their annual Random Acts of Kindness Week by collecting money for those who battle childhood cancer. They purchased materials, created posters and sold Rainbow Loom bracelets to CVE students. They raised $677.05 for the Children’s Hospital Oncology Dept.

Seneca Valley Middle School has been re-designated as one of the nation’s “Schools to Watch.” This recognition program was developed by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform.

Valley School District cele-

Two Seneca Valley School District students were honored for their exceptional volunteer work through the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards Competition. Exela White was chosen in recognition of her

Seventh graders on Seneca Valley Middle School Bobcats Team collected 41 pairs of pajamas, from newborn to adult sizes, as part of this year’s National Pajama Program. All of the PJs collected by SVMS were donated to the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County for those in need.

Avonworth Avonworth Elementary School celebrated Dr. Seuss’ birthday with the University of Pittsburgh football team.

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Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

Players and coaches were assigned a homeroom to read a book to the students related to a theme selected by each grade level.

Avonworth Elementary School has been selected to receive 20 Kindle Fire tablets from the “Tablets in Education Program,” a partnership of the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and the Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3.

Shaler Shaler Area High School host-

ed a World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh Special Seminar and Video Conference on Mar. 19. The topic for the forum was “A Look at Japan Ambassador in 2014.” The keynote Ichiro Fujisaki speaker for the event was Ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki, former Ambassador of Japan to the United States.

North Allegheny

Sinelnikova, Derek Wang, Christopher Ryan Chang, Shruti Ravindramurthy, Jade Song and Michelle Xu.

Sewickley Academy Ally Aufman, a third grade student at Sewickley Academy has become a celebrity in the world of Rainbow Looming. Her YouTube channel, AllysBracelets has more than 2.3 million viewers, two of her original designs were included in a bestselling book and she was also recently mentioned on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Sewickley Academy senior Margaret

Weber has made connections between Sewickley Academy and a school 7,642 miles away in Nepal. She has created a blog called “Joining Hands 7,642 Miles Apart.”

Vincentian Academy Two Vincentian Academy

earned First Place in the Upper Division Monologue in the 2013-14 Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest as Trinculo in The Tempest.

seniors have advanced from Semifinalists to Finalists to be considered for Isabella Viducich Daniel Robinson National Merit Scholarships to be offered as collegiate scholarship awards for fall 2014. They are; Isabella Viducich and Daniel Robinson.

North Allegheny seniors Anisha Reddy and

Vincentian Academy senior, scholar athlete

North Allegheny senior Sami Beining

earned First Place in the Fairchild Challenge at Phipps, Challenge 4B with a unanimous score of 100 points.

North Allegheny senior Catherine Baird

Michael Becich have been named 2014 Coca-Cola Scholars.

A team of North Allegheny High School students participated in the regional competition of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl where they won Third Place. Winning team members were: John Barczynski, Sean Geiger, Russell Ruffolo, Kyle Silberstein and Joe Zhao.

North Allegheny Intermediate

student Sophia S. Lee was named the winner of the Young Artist Competition held in January. She performed with the Butler County Symphony Orchestra at concert held on Mar. 8.

North Allegheny Intermediate students Katy

Barancyk, Ciara Cullen and Melody Doerfler all received their Girl Scout Silver Award. They are all members of Troop 50755, each girl completed 50 hours of service projects to earn their award.

Thirteen North Allegheny students are National Merit Finalists. They are: John Barczynski, Nivedha Kannapadi, Adam Rest, Jeffrey Michael Swartzlander, Angela Zhang, Caroline Bojarski, Natalie Lewis, Anna

lacrosse player Alexander Mueser signed his Letter of Intent to play with the Lake Erie College NCAA Lacrosse Team as an incoming freshman recruit this fall.

Shady Side Academy A team of four Shady Side Academy Senior School students won the 13th annual Academic WorldQuest competition. They are: Shaun Gohel, Zach Kosbie, Max DeGregorio and Sameer Annamraju.

Several members of the Shady Side Academy Senior School Speech and Debate Team qualified for the Pennsylvania High School Speech League (PHSSL) State Tournament.

First place honors were awarded to: Shaun Gohel, Abbie Minard, Shaan Fye, Anand Tayal, Shea Minter, Adam Hart and Brad Steiner. Other award recipients were: Arya Prasad, Emily Winterhalter, Nathan Genstein and Riya Gohel.

(Continued on page 25)

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KIDS & EDUCATION April 2014

Aquinas Academy The following Aquinas Academy students were selected for the Shakespeare Monologue and Scene Contest final round Showcase. They Are: Sophia Henry, Maya Nelson, Gabrielle Lisanti, Julia Bukowski, Lara Salibi, Nick Navari, Tyler Fort and Catherine Blume.

Aquinas Academy High School Girls basketball team won the Southwestern Christian Athletic Conference (SWCAC) championship. The team finished with a record of 20-2, defeating First Baptist Christian School of Butler in the championship game at Penn state-New Kensington on Feb. 22 by the score of 46-32.

St. Sebastian Saint Sebastian School seventh grade

students competed in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition.

Those that received honors are: Grace Doerfler, Mary Doerfler, Anne Kilpatrick, Christina Koman, Emma Sennott, Matthew Santucci, Timothy McClelland, Alexis Moskala, Brianna McDonagh, Abbey Ripko, and Lauren Krebs.

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Providence Heights Alpha School

Eyster, Lauren Rebel, Katie Bartlett, Madelyn Fischer, Matthew McHugh, Amanda Ungerman, Christopher Bailey, Josh Musher, Andy Wolff, Maya Maxwell, Nathan Shernisky, Sean Schollaert and Luke Barrante.

Saint Teresa of Avila Forensics Team received

Nineteen Providence Heights Alpha School students participated in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition.

They are: Adrianna Amelio, Olivia Neuman, Michael Niggemyer, Ashley Norling, Maria Pellegrino, Hannah Schupansky, Christian Tsounos, Claire Green, Sofia Heller, Nolan Jacob, Christopher Katyal, Jacob Lowry, Emily Meinert, Nitesh Ramanathan, Anna Wisniewski, Leah Colaizzi, Chloe Ditka, Gracie Walters, and Joe Schurer.

St. Teresa of Avila A group of seventh and eighth graders at Saint Teresa of Avila School participated in the regional Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science Competition. Awards were given to: Maria Arlia, Andrew Walker, Marina

Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

a first place award at a competition at Our Lady of Fatima School. Award recipients included: Maria Arlia, Marina Eyster, Lauren Rebel, Mary Bozik, Moira Folan, Makara Smocer, Luke Barrante, Lizzy Snell, Robby Yoho, Tessa Goldstein, Olivia Whiteacre, Kylie Wolff, Julia Arlia, Christopher Bailey, Andy Wolff and Cade Quinn.

Saint Teresa of Avila eight grader, Luke

Barrante has been named a Carson Scholar for his academic achievements and his service to the community. He received a $1,000 scholarship.

CCAC The Community College of Allegheny County North Campus Intercollegiate Ice Hockey Team competed in the Collegiate Ice Hockey Association’s Founders Cup National Championship Tournament Mar. 13-15.

La Roche College La Roche College president Sister

Candace Introcaso, CDP, Ph.D., was the recipient of the 2014 Diamond Award and a 2014 Business Women First Award by The Pittsburgh Business Times.

Charlie Batch will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters and deliver the commencement address at La Roche College’s 49th commencement ceremony on May 3. For info, visit laroche.edu/commencement.

La Roche College recently named Godfrey

Biravanga, vice president and audit function manager for PNC Bank, to its board of trustees.

St. Vincent College Four Saint Vincent College English students had their essays accepted for the International Sigma Tau Delta Conference.

Those chosen included: Joseph A. Carroll, Danielle M. Catalano, Evan J. Hrobak and Bennett T. Summers.

Japanese violinist Mayuko Kamio, 2007 Gold Medalist of the International Tchaikovsky Competition was a featured performer during the Mar. 29th concert held in the Robert S. Carey Student Performing Arts Center at St. Vincent College.

Jesse Campbell

Joseph Carroll

Sean Malone

Four students were honored

by Saint Vincent College on Feb. 15 with the presentation of the Maria Leonard Book Awards for 2014. The honorees were: Jesse Campbell, Joseph Carroll, Sean Malone and Patrick Wilkinson Patrick Wilkinson.

Br. Elliott C. Maloney, O.S.B., professor of theology at Saint Vincent College’s School of Humanities and Fine Arts has had his book Saint Paul, Master of the Spiritual Life ‘in Christ’ published by Liturgical Press.

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WORSHIP April 2014

TRIVIA CONNECTION

Bible Trivia

BY PAULA GREEN

A

lthough it is impossible to obtain exact figures, The Holy Bible is the world’s best-selling, most widely distributed, most read, and most quoted book of all time. The word “Bible” means “book.” The Bible is the “Book” of all books.

This sacred scripture contains 66 books, divided among the Old and New Testaments. There are 39 in the Old and 27 in the New. Moses wrote the first five books of the Bible, referred to as the Pentateuch; the foundation of the Bible. The Apostle Paul wrote 14 books (over half) of the New Testament.

The Bible was composed over a span of 1500 years, by over 40 authors using three different languages (Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek), and living on three conti-

nents (Africa, Asia and Europe). The entire Bible was written by the inspiration of God; God the Holy Spirit was its author. Its writers came from all walks of life: shepherds, farmers, physicians, fishermen, priests, philosophers and kings.

Because the Bible is written by many people, God used their personalities, strengths, experiences, backgrounds and abilities to bring forth His message. This is why the Bible contains a great number of different literary styles and approaches. It is a collection of historical narratives, commandments, prophecies, letters, sermons, songs, prayer, praises, warnings, genealogies, proverbs, parables, and practical sayings.

The writers cover numerous topics, such as - the nature of God, the creation and purpose of mankind, and the coming of the Promised Messiah. Christians believe this book to be the true Word of God. Over the years, we’ve seen the emergence of biblicalthemed movies. Some popular ones include – The Ten Commandments, Ben Hur, King of Kings, The Greatest Story Ever Told, and Mel Gibson’s The Passion of the Christ.

Last year, The Bible miniseries which aired on the History Channel was highly acclaimed. Its creators Mark Burnett and Roma Downey recently released the movie Son of God on Feb. 28. The film is based on the miniseries. This is the first of the biblical movies to come our way this year. Other films slated to be released include – Noah, Heaven is for Real, Resurrection, Exodus, Gods and Kings, Pontius Pilate, Redemption of Cain, and Mary Mother of Christ.

Since we have hallowed our thoughts on Sacred Scripture, we must reflect upon this Biblical query. Get set to be inspired because it’s time to get a little trivial...

1. God promised Noah that he would never again send another flood to destroy the earth. What was the sign of this covenant?

2. How many plagues did God bestow upon Egypt?

3. The story of Samson is found on chapters 13-16 in this Old Testament book.

4. According to the Bible, who became the first anointed King of Israel?

5. He wrote most (but not) of the Psalms in the Bible?

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6. What Biblical character lost all of his money, his children died, and he was inflicted with a severe illness, in spite of his misfortune he remained loyal to God. 7. Name the King of Babylon who destroyed the Temple of Jerusalem.

8. Jonah was swallowed up by a large fish, how many days and nights did he spend inside its belly?

9. Isaiah 7:14 announced, “The virgin shall be with child, and bear a son, and name him ________.”

10. At what age did a young Jesus preach in the Temple as his parents were searching for him?

11. Name Peter’s brother who was also a fisherman.

12. Jesus was arrested in which garden?

13. Name the four Gospel writers.

14. Paul (originally called Saul) persecuted Christians. Where was he was blinded that resulted in his conversion to Christianity?

15. This number appears frequently in the Bible – days of rain during Noah’s flood, Jesus’ days in the desert, number of years the Israelites searched for the promise land. F Holy Bible, New American Bible, A Saint Joseph Edition, http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/ records-1/best-selling-book-of-non-fiction/, http://ministerbook.com/topics/facts-about-bible/, http://carm. org/bible-writers, http://www.holybible.com/resources/poems/ps.php?sid=626, http://www.huffingtonpost. com/2013/10/27/bible-films-hollywood_n_4151671.html, http://www.keloo.ro/doc/bible_questions.pdf,

Saint Alexis Catholic Church 2014 Lenten and Easter Triduum Liturgical Schedule

Daily Masses

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday: 8:00 a.m.

Friday: 8:30 a.m.

Sacrament of Penance Communal Service 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 9, 2014 _______________

Stations of the Cross Fridays 1:45 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. _______________

Fish Fry

Apr. 4 & 11 No Fish Fry on Good Friday _______________

Answers: 1. A rainbow (Gen: 9:12-13) 2. ten (Ex: 7-14-11:10) 3. Judges 4. Saul (1 Samuel 9:1-11:13) 5. King David 6. Job 7. Nebuchadnezzar (Jer: 52, 12-13) 8. three (Jon: 2-1) 9. Immanuel 10. twelve (Luke 2, 41-41-48) 11. Andrew (John 1:40) 12. Garden of Gethsemane (Matt: 25, 36-56) 13. Matthew, Mark, Luke & John 14. the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-31) 15. forty

Palm Sunday Masses

Join Us! We have over 1000 “Likes” on Facebook www.facebook.com/ northernconnection and over 1000 Followers on Twitter @NCONNECTIONMAG

April 13, 2014 Anticipated Mass: Saturday 4:00 p.m.

Sunday: 8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. _______________

Easter Triduum Holy Thursday

Mass of the Lord’s Supper: 7:00 p.m.

Good Friday

Stations of the Cross: 12:00 noon Spiritual Reflection: 1:00 p.m.

Celebration of the Lord’s Passion: 2:00 p.m.

Good Friday Evening Tenebrae Service: 7:00 p.m.

Holy Saturday

Blessing of the Baskets: 11:00 a.m.

Easter Vigil: 8:30 p.m.

Easter Sunday Masses

8:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 12:00 noon No 6:00 p.m. Mass _______________ 10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, Pennsylvania 15090 724.935.4343 www.stalexis.org

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FIT FAMILIES April 2014

Helmet Safety:

Why it’s important!

BY JOELLA BAKER

When I was young, things were different. I remember hopping between the back seat and the back of my Mom’s station wagon while we were on the highway on long trips. I remember riding in the back of pick-up trucks from the hay field back home and riding my horses for hours without a helmet on, and back then, riding a bike with a helmet just wasn’t cool.

S

omehow we survived. But things were different.

Roads weren’t as crowded and people weren’t as distracted on the road ways. How many times are we distracted while driving these days? It could be as simple as changing a radio station, to talking to someone in our car, grabbing for that dropped sippy cup, texting or taking a phone call. When we’re distracted driving, bad things can happen.

A few weeks ago one of my athletes was hit head-on

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by a car. Thankfully he is going to be okay, but he has some severe injuries. Fortunately, he was wearing a helmet. If he wasn’t, he would be dead. Today, you will find very few cyclists or triathletes who do not wear a helmet. We are all very aware of the dangers of vehicles on the road and the distractions drivers face.

However, I’m still amazed at how many kids I see cycling, on scooters and especially skateboarding without a helmet. We have a huge hill at Zelie Park and in the summer, every day, there are kids skateboarding down that hill without helmets. It’s scary, because people are always crossing that street and cars are always traveling up and down the hill. The risk for an accident is very high. Here are a few statistics that every parent should consider before they allow their child to skate or bike without a helmet: According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, nearly 16,000 people a year seek emergency treatment due to skateboarding head injuries. According to brainandspine.com, skateboarding head injuries have been as serious as loss of consciousness to death. 60 percent of skateboard injuries occur in males under the age of 15. An increased risk occurs in those who are inexperienced skaters, participate without protective gear and for those who skate near traffic. Also according to Brainandspine.com, helmets can reduce the risk of skateboarding head injuries by 85 percent and brain injury by 90 percent.

With bike accidents, statistics from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons show bike accidents were the cause of 86,000 sports-related head injuries in 2009.

By comparison, football accounted for 47,000 head injuries, and baseball played a role in 38,394 head injuries.

After a single concussion, the chances of receiving another are much higher. Second impact syndrome occurs when the combined effect of repeated head trauma becomes fatal.

Preventing head trauma with a helmet decreases the risk of head injury and second impact syndrome.

Approximately 90 percent of bicyclists killed in 2009 in the U.S. were not wearing helmets. Furthermore, if you’re a parent, you should know that cycling was the leading cause of head injuries among kids under age fourteen. According to

Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

Safe Kids USA, helmet use can reduce the risk of head injury by 85 percent and severe brain injury by 88 percent.

More children are wearing bike helmets in recent years, but there is significant room for improvement. While approximately 50 percent of U.S. children between 5- and 14-years-old own a helmet, only 25 percent report always wearing it while bicycling.

Of course, it’s not just important to wear a helmet, but to wear it correctly. Helmets must always cover the forehead. If they don’t, they won’t work properly. Helmets must also be tight so they don’t move. Two fingers should fit in the chin strap, not four fingers or your whole hand. It should be snug. See the photos below on proper helmet fit.

Incorrect: Not over forehead

Correct: Over Forehead

Incorrect: Too far back

Correct: Down low on the forehead, not too loose

I hope everyone reading this will be safe this summer. The warm weather is upon us and that means kids and adults will be enjoying the outside.

Don’t make the mistake of not being safe. Knowing that a helmet can literally save your life should be enough to always wear one. Remember, kids replicate their parents. If you always wear a helmet, they will be more inclined to wear one as well. Set a good example for your child. Be safe!

Be responsible! F www.northernconnectionmag.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS April 2014

ENHANCING YOUR LIFE

Are You Small-Talk Challenged?

BY EVY SEVERINO, ACC, SPHR

What’s the difference between small talk and conversation? Small talk is like treading water on dry land. You work hard. You end exactly where you started. A conversation is a connection that can take you somewhere. It can make you laugh or give you a nugget of wisdom. It can be a way to practice generosity. Bring you a new client. Or be the start of a life-long friendship.

A

ccording to a Stanford University study (Hansen and Harrell) the best predictor of their MBAs’ financial success 20 years after graduation wasn’t grades or test scores – it was the ability to converse.

Here are 4 Ways to Turn Small Talk into Quality Conversation: Make it real – Disclose something that’s not too personal but is currently on your mind. Take a small risk and see what happens. Are you frustrated with traffic? Are you still laughing at the joke you heard on the radio?

Are you looking forward to your class reunion? If you are authentic, you will invite the other person to do the same.

Make it useful – Think of it as a

time to get ideas. Share what has you stuck. Whether it’s how to get the wallpaper off the powder room walls or why the system keeps crashing, you could discover a missing puzzle piece.

Focus on the other person – Be curious. Ask - what was the highlight of their weekend? Where did they go on vacation? What was their favorite holiday gift? Then pause and actively listen. Resist the temptation to talk about yourself. You will give the gift of your attention.

Follow up – Next time you cross paths, ask about their home improvement project or their new pet. Share the next chapter from one of your stories. Is there a shared energy? Do you want this

exchange to lead to something more significant?

“

THERE IS SOMETHING

OF

yourself THAT

YOU LEAVE AT EVERY MEETING

another person.

WITH

”

FRED ROGERS

As a mutual friend of ours once said: “There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person.” (Fred Rogers).

Who knows? The lady in line behind you at Giant Eagle might just be your new best friend! F Evy Severino is a dynamic executive coach, business owner and Vice President of the Board of the International Coach Federation Pittsburgh Chapter.

She works with companies who want to bring out the best in their people by growing great leaders.

8-week Women’s Coaching Group Starting Tuesday, April 29 from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. Explore strengths, values, passions and break through your barriers.

Contact Donna (724) 935-6275 donnamoul@gmail.com

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ADVERTORIAL

Easy Do’s and Don’ts to Manage Headaches

BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF

L

ots of people live with headaches because they don’t know what to do to stop them. I’m going to teach you easy ways to handle headaches and avoid a lot of problems.

What’s the big deal with headaches? Here are some things that may surprise you: • Headaches are the #1 reason people use and abuse prescription and over-the-counter drugs.

• The quality of life of people with chronic headaches is comparable to people who have had massive heart attacks.

The most important thing to know is that even if you’ve had headaches for a long time, you can start to change your body a little at a time until you’re a lot more comfortable. Here are my favorite headache-helper tips: • Don’t Forget Your Water – Every body function depends on proper hydration. If you don’t drink enough water, it causes or aggravates headaches. Six to eight glasses daily is the recommended amount.

• Do Evaluate Your Work and Sleep Space – Ergonomics, or setting up your work station for good posture, can make a big difference with headaches. 90% of headaches come from the structures of the neck. When the joints, mus-

cles, or nerves become stressed it can cause migraine and tension headaches. Sitting in an abnormal position and prolonged periods of looking down (paperwork or handheld devices are especially stressful). Also, check your pillow and sleep position. There are videos available on our website at www.choicechiropractic.net under the “do it yourself” tab that will help you.

• Do Get Checked by a Chiropractor – One of the most common causes of headaches is abnormal spinal and neurological function.

The vast majority of people with headaches have problems like forward head posture, arthritis, muscle tension and Headaches interfere with work and limit your abnormal movement of ability to enjoy your life. the bones of the neck.

Chiropractic is the only health discipline concerned with restoring normal position and function to the neck. In a report released by Duke University (2001), researchers found that “Spinal manipulation resulted in almost immediate improvement for those headaches that originated in the neck and had significantly fewer side effects and longer lasting relief of tension type headache than a commonly prescribed medication.”

Don’t Overuse Medicines- What does Dr. Oz term “The #1 Headache Mistake?” Using too much medicine. In fact, he states that 25% of all headaches are the result of taking medicine. This condition is referred to as “rebound headaches.” The people who are most likely to have rebound headaches are people who have three or more headaches per week. The rebound effect is due to the body building up a tolerance, decreasing its ability to make its’ own pain killers, and causing withdrawal. The only way to get rid of rebound headaches is to stop taking medicine. Pretty ironic.

Rebound headaches are related to prescription and over the counter drugs. Dr. Oz also explains that it can take 6 months to a year for the body to get back to normal after someone stops taking medicine.

Before I was a chiropractor, I had no idea why someone with headaches would need chiropractic care. I now know why. I’ve seen hundreds of people, who often come to chiropractic after lots of failed treatment, get better. If you’re just putting up with headaches or looking for a better result, I urge you to try my tips and see a chiropractor. 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

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HEALTH & WELLNESS April 2014

Nathan, Paul, Tyler & Paula Green

April is Autism Awareness Month and I am in “awe” of what my child CAN do...

BY PAULA GREEN

38

“

THERE NEEDS TO BE A LOT MORE

emphasis ON WHAT A CHILD can do INSTEAD OF OF WHAT HE cannot do.

DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN

G

”

randin has first-hand experience on this subject. She was diagnosed with autism at age two. She went on to receive her doctorate, is a best-selling author and is an activist for autism rights.

Grandin is living proof that kids with autism can prevail.

My son Nathan was diagnosed with autism in 2006. After my husband Paul and I were dealt the initial blow, I cried buckets of tears. Many years later, I realized that I was crying not because of the autism itself, but rather because my dreams for him were shattered.

I needed to stop looking at what Nathan was incapable of; but instead focus on what he “could” do.

For the past five years, Nathan has attended an Autism Support (AS) class within the public school system.

This is his final elementary school year and I admit, in the fall, I was nervous about fifth grade.

The reason for my apprehension was fifth graders in our school district attend a three-day overnight camp

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in Zelienople at Kon-A-Kwee. We were faced with a major decision, what do with do with Nathan during this three-day overnight camp?

Should we let him go during the day? Or do we let him stay the whole three days? We chose to let him stay. His speech teacher and the inclusion facilitator (both males) were spending the evenings there as well, so I knew he was in good hands.

During his excursion his teachers sent me lots of text messages and emails on his adventures.

Nathan did everything the other kids did – the rock climbing wall, the zipline, and canoeing.

When he came home, I noticed he looked disappointed that camp was over. For at least two weeks after his return, every time we left our house he put on his hiking boots. Fond memories of Camp Kon-A-Kwee! I was never more proud of him, that he “could” do this.

I am in awe to see all of his daily accomplishments. His coloring is exceptional and very precise.

He enjoys the simple things in life.

Rolling down a hillside, lying in the grass and blow dandelion seeds. He loves to please others, and is always proud of his own accomplishments.

There is a quote in the book of Genesis 1:27 – “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

So if your child has autism or any other disabilities, remember to take a look at the positives, and focus your attention on what they CAN do such as climbing their hurdles. Your child was created in God’s image, and they’re beautiful in his eyes and yours, and very capable of conquering life’s many challenges. F Cross references: Genesis 1:27 : S ver 1 Genesis 1:27 : Ge 2:7; Ps 103:14; 119:73 Genesis 1:27 : S ver 26 Genesis 1:27 : Ge 5:1 Genesis 1:27 : Ge 5:2; Mt 19:4*; Mk 10:6*; Gal 3:28 Genesis 1:27 : Dt 4:32

Coming in the May issue of Northern Connection magazine: Spotlight on Women:

Health & Wellness, Beauty, Fashion, Business & Family!

Call today for special rates and be included in this women’s issue!!!

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

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IMAGE & STYLE April 2014

5

Common Style Mistakes and How to Fix Them

BY KELLY SMITH

No one likes to admit that they’ve made a mistake, a fashion faux pas if you will, but sometimes, conceding is the best way to avoid a style snafu. Take a look around the next time that you are in a crowded mall, event or other gathering place and chances are, you will see more than your fair share of common style blunders. No one wants to be guilty of a fashion no-no so let’s take a glimpse into the most common style mistakes we make and how to fix them.

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Wrong size-- ill-fitting clothes, whether they’re too baggy or too tight is never a good look on any body type. A lot of women have the mindset that if they buy a smaller size they will lose weight quickly. This is rarely the case and most often, that size 8 blouse that should really have been a 12 is money down the drain and motivation crushed. Clothes look best when properly fitted so it’s best to try on everything before buying as each brand can vary with measurements.

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Too trendy-- We all love perusing through the latest and greatest of those monthly, high-end fashion magazines but don’t depend solely on them as your go-to personal shopper. While they are a great tool to supplement the mind of a budding fashionista, they are not always practical for everyday dressing. It’s always a great idea to keep on top of the latest styles and trends but not so much if you have the expectation of looking exactly like one of the professional models, who by way, have a team of stylists including hair, makeup, lighting technicians and photographers who are trained to get exactly the look that is in the finished product (the magazine).

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Undergarment perfection-- Nothing beats a good fitting bra! You can quickly give the illusion of being 5 pounds less with the right bra. It also improves posture by adjusting your shoulders while balancing everything in the middle. An everyday bra can last up to a year with proper care, so do hand wash and drip dry. Control top is not just limited to panties as we all are aware of the wonder of spanx! These undergarments are truly a girls’ best friend as they are now so mainstream making them so affordable that just one won’t do. Wear

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them under everything from dresses to jeans to smooth out and hold in those troubled areas.

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Hair and there and everywhere in-betweenI don’t know about you but I have no team of beauty experts knocking on my door every morning to “fix me up.” So, like the rest of you I make it a point to take just a few extra minutes to finish my look with hair that is brushed and styled and makeup that is flawless with no fuss. You put time and effort into your wardrobe so do the same for your face. You don’t need smokey eye perfection but no matter how pressed you are for time, even just a little blush, lipgloss and mascara can go a long way.

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Accessories- If you accessorize over the top or under the radar, then keep reading. Accessorizing is quite the balancing act. A lot of women fall into the category of over or under accessorizing. To get just the right look, try sticking to the idea of simplicity. If you will be wearing casual clothes, such as jeans and a tee, then try a dressier tee with a scarf and perhaps a simple bracelet or watch. Maybe you’re going out for the evening and will be donning that little black dress so by all means, bring on the bling! The point of accessorizing is to compliment your outfit. Tailor your accessories to match your outfit and you’ll be stylin!

It seems that there are so many fashion do’s and don’ts out there and at times can overwhelm even the most style savvy women. You are your best critic, so with that, inspire to not only look but feel your best and always stay true to your own sense of style. F

Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

LIVING SIMPLY April 2014

Summer Sunwear Fashion is Heatin’ Up!

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ood Looks Eyewear, boasts the largest selection of eyewear in the tri-state area. With locations in Cranberry Township and Fox Chapel, we are kick starting summer fashion in Pittsburgh during its annual Summer Sunwear Fashion Preview! Join Good Looks Eyewear on April 12th in the Fox Chapel Plaza and on April 26th in the Cranberry Shoppes from 11am – 3pm to help kick off the summer sunwear fashion of 2014!

During this event, customers will save 25% on a complete pair of sunglasses (frame AND lenses).* The event not only includes incredible savings, but hourly give-aways including a Tiffany & Co. necklace, Oakley sunglasses, Bvlgari perfume, Ray Ban headphones, and more!

Come enjoy the sun, fashion models, refreshments, representatives from Oakley, Ray Ban, Gucci, Maui Jim, Michael Kors, Tiffany & Co., Tori Burch, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Coach, and Nike. Here is the opportunity to see the entire sunwear collections!

Oh, and there most certainly is music. DJ Scottro of 96.1 Kiss and Melanie Taylor of Star 100.7 will be recording live!

Shawn Karbinos of Reveal Photography will be on site capturing all of the excitement, while Silver Platter Sweets will be busy quenching thirsts and appetites!

For more information please contact CJ Wilson at (724) 772-5640. F *Offer cannot be combined with other discounts or insurances

Living Simply Simple Pleasures of Spring

BY MARISA TOMASIC, PHD

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hen my children were small, one of the activities I really enjoyed doing with them was hunting around the yard for signs of spring.

Every year, we would get excited to see the small grouping of lavender and purple crocuses and the very first buds on the forsythia bush that would soon be bursting with vibrant yellow blossoms. I would lift up the kids to reach and feel the buds on the big flowering pear tree.

There was something almost magical about being in the moment with spring as it emerged in tiny, glorious stages.

Many of us have had the experience of suddenly noticing trees and flowers in bloom and wondering “when did that happen?” It’s likely that fewer of us notice and savor the sequence of gradual changes that culminate in Spring›s splendor. It can truly be a challenge to be mindfully present with our day to day experiences as we navigate our hectic and stressful schedules.

With the arrival of a much welcomed spring just days ago, consider taking a few more moments to look around and notice what you see, hear, feel, and smell.

Are there traditions you have or activities that you do with your friends and families that help make the beginning of spring a celebration or special moment in time? We would love to hear about them! Please share your ideas with us and others on our Facebook page and have a simply memorable spring season. F

www.northernconnectionmag.com

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All That Glimmers Bridal Event a Shining Success!

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orthern Connection magazine was the proud sponsor of the 2014 All That Glimmers Bridal Event on March 15th hosted by Arista Catering and Event Planning at the brand new Holy Trinity Center at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church at the intersection of Babcock and Cumberland. Holy Trinity is very community focused and encouraged other venues to participate in the event including the lovely Crystal Conservatories at St. Barnabas.

One bride commented, “I thoroughly enjoyed the real quality time with the vendors, I wasn’t rushed or herded around. Instead, I got lots of individualized attention which made me feel like a princess for my very special day. And best of all, I got to support Glimmer of Hope.” Proceeds from the event benefited the Glimmer of Hope for Breast Cancer Research Foundation which funds research for premenopausal women.

In addition, the VIP event was particularly special, with a champagne brunch provided by hosts Arista Catering and Event Planning with a stunning fashion show by Bridal Beginning Pittsburgh of all the latest wedding gown styles and for every figure.

Several dresses were uniquely inspired by the European trends and several were sleek, elegant with sophisticated trains and veils.

Additional vendors also helped brides with their floral needs, photography, dessert tables, entertainment, and much more, all offering a whole array of creative and inspired ideas for a one-of-a-kind wedding, whether it be traditional or modern but always uniquely reflective of the bride and groom.

Although this was the first time Northern Connection has sponsored the All That Glimmers Bridal Event it will not be our last. So be sure and visit our website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for information about next year’s event! F

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Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

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Northern Connection | April 2014

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HOME & GARDEN April 2014

Spring Cleaning Tips: The “Green Way”

BY PAULA GREEN

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pring has finally sprung, after the brutal winter so many of us are breathing a collective sigh of relief. Now that winter is out of the way, it is time to tackle our “spring cleaning.” Being that my last name is Green – I’ve decided to enlighten you on the “green” way to concur this project; not so much my way, but rather the non-toxic method of sprucing things up. Here are 5 eco-friendly household products to try during your spring cleaning.

Distilled white vinegar is great for cleaning. It has multiple uses, such as cleaning surfaces. Spray a glass window with a 50 percent water, 50 percent vinegar solution, then wipe down with a soft cloth or old newspaper. Your windows will be clean and streak-free. Vinegar is safe to use on no-wax flooring.

You can also utilize it to remove soap scum from bathroom, kitchen faucets and shower doors. This handy kitchen product is also a good stain remover. Mix together 1 tsp. of vinegar, and 1 tsp of dishwashing soap with 1 cup of warm water.

Pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Spray the stain and wait 2 minutes, then blot the wet area using a sponge or towel. It can also eliminate unpleasant odors such as pet stains.

P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.

Baking soda – has numerous usages as well. You can clean your bathroom by mixing 2/3 cups baking soda, 1/2 cup liquid soap, 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons white vinegar and place in a squirt bottle. Spray on area to be cleaned.

Scrub with a nylon-backed sponge. Rinse off with water. For a natural drain-cleaner sprinkle 1/4 cup baking soda in the drain, followed by 1 cup vinegar. Let sit for 15 minutes then flush with hot water.

Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to your liquid laundry detergent will give you “whiter whites” and brighter colors. The baking soda also softens the water, so you can actually use less detergent. Add 1/2 cup of baking soda in top-loading machines (1/4 cup for front-loaders).

Lemons and bananas offer a fruitful way for sprucing things up. Clean your microwave and remove odors with lemons. Place a cup 3/4 full of water with a couple tablespoons of lemon juice in the microwave. Heat to boiling, leave door closed for 10 minutes. Then wipe away food particles with a clean cloth and dry. To get rid of scuff marks, rub the inside of a banana peel over silverware, leather shoes and leather furniture. Wipe with a soft cloth.

Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes

Shaving cream and toothpaste - Clean a bathroom mirror with shaving cream (the old-fashioned white kind, not a gel), then wipe with a soft cloth. This tip also helps keep the mirror fog-free after showers. Toothpaste is good for cleaning stains off your walls, such as crayons. Rub it on; wipe it off – good-bye stain.

Penny Ann Erbe

Salt is a helpful household cleaner. Mix salt with a dab of dish soap to make a soft scrub for stubborn coffee and tea stains. If someone spills wine on the cotton or linen tablecloth, blot up as much as possible and immediately cover the wine with a pile of salt, which will help pull the remaining wine away from the fiber.

After dinner, soak the tablecloth in cold water for thirty minutes before laundering (is also works on clothing). Sprinkle salt at doorways, window sills and anywhere else ants sneak into your house. Ants don’t like to walk on salt.

Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner

412-487-1009

4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456

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Whichever methods you decide to use, will hopefully prove to be beneficial.

Enjoy your cleaning and happy spring! F

Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

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Keys to a Successful Garage Sale

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

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f you have items that you no longer want or need, a garage sale is a great way to clean out your home and earn back some of the value of your items. Using the following keys to a successful garage sale will help you maximize your earning potential: The More the Merrier – The larger the garage sale, the larger the crowd of shoppers; otherwise, you may end up with a lot of drive-by looker-on’s that don’t bother to park and peruse. So if you are arranging a garage sale, be sure and let friends and family know that they are welcome to bring items and then give them a certain area where they can setup. Just make sure that they are responsible for making their own sales because it is impossible to know how they might negotiate a price. You may also want to consider organizing your neighbors to all having a garage sale on the same day because multi-family and neighborhood garage sales always attract a large number of shoppers.

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Everyone Wants a Deal – Bragging rights for a magnificent deal is part of the fun of going to a garage sale. Everyone wants to come home with their treasure or treasures and say, “I got this and this for only…” So you need to price your items accordingly. Know how low you are willing to go on certain items and then give yourself a retail mark-up of at least 25% so that you can negotiate down to your acceptable price. If you over-inflate a price, then many times you won’t even get an offer because shoppers think you won’t bargain enough; likewise, if you only promote the price you are willing to accept, then you have taken away the fun for the garage sale enthusiast in getting a bargain.

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Early Bird Catches the Worm – There are some very professional garage sale shoppers out there that compete be the first to examine your wares. They often show up hours before your designated start time while you are distracted and busy setting up. For example, if you say the garage sale is to start at 9:00 a.m. you may receive buyers as early as 7:00 a.m., wanting to be the first to see what collectibles or prized items you may be selling. Since this behavior puts you in the captain’s chair, you can set the rule of “no negotiations before start time” that way they can either choose to pay your asking price or take their chances and come back when you are more ready to deal.

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Setting up Shop – When throwing a garage sale, you are turning your garage and front lawn into a store and just like any establishment, you want to present your items for sale in the best possible way. Be sure and organize your items with like things or by like price, make sure electronics work even if they work slowly or noisily, and make

sure items are dusted and children’s items are washed and presentable. Taking the time to prepare your items for sale will enable you to ask for and receive the best possible offer.

Also, at the end of the sale, you will most likely have extra items, you may want to consider donating these to a local charity or for their rummage sale, such as The Little Sister of the Poor.

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Avoiding an “oops” – An “oops” is when you sell an item at a garage sale for very little that turns out to be rather valuable such as an original Barbie®, or a unusual version of Monopoly® that is still in shrink wrap or something that just plain looks like a piece of junk that someone considers a prized object. The key to avoiding an “oops” is to look up items on an auction site, such as Ebay® first, so you know what they are worth. This way, you can price the items accurately, knowing that selling at a garage sale is providing you the convenience of avoiding shipping, handling, and so forth but also empowers you to know that you have an alternative if none of your garage sale customers are willing to meet your price.

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Most Important Key: Letting People Know - So remember to advertise! If your neighborhood, church, or charity is planning a garage sale, flea market or rummage sale, be sure to let people know, beginning with us at Northern Connection magazine. Call 724-940-2444 or email us at NCmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com to learn about our special “Happening Highlight” pricing. F

Little Sisters of the Poor to Hold Rummage Sale

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he Little Sisters of the Poor are having a rummage sale of clothing, furniture, household items, jewelry, books and assorted items. Refreshments and baked goods will be available to purchase as well. Their Home is located in the Brighton Heights neighborhood at 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, 15212. The sale is April 10, 11, 12th from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. daily. Saturday April 12th is the bag sale. Everything must be sold. All proceeds will benefit the elderly Residents living at the Home. For more information or directions, please contact the Home at 412-307-1100. F

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Northern Connection | April 2014

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STARTING THE CONVERSATION

Planning Vacation Memories?

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BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

pring has sprung, so are you starting to plan your summer vacation? Are you going anywhere for spring break? Or is “Back Yard, USA” your destination this year?

My husband and I are getting a new roof for our home so it looks like Back Yard, USA for us this summer. But, honestly, I can’t think of a better place than Pittsburgh and our tri-state area to spend the summer. Kennywood and Idlewild are, of course, an annual must, and then there is always so much to do like the Regatta and the Arts Festival and I’m really looking to the amazing PyroFest at Hartwood Acres on May 24th. Then there’s the Carnegie Science Center, the Aviary, the fantastic lineup of shows and performances through the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust including the incredible EQT International Pittsburgh’s Children’s Festival and this is all just the tip of the iceberg of things to do and see. I hope I never

When in Rome…

Speak Italian!

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

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he world is getting smaller. Tourism to foreign countries is becoming more affordable, schools encourage study abroad and many businesses become International the second they launch their web-site, app or technology.

So, it becomes increasingly necessary to communicate in a foreign language but where to begin?

My husband and I have traveled extensively on business and for fun and we have noticed that we are much more accepted when we at least try – no matter

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take for granted all the wonderful treasures we have right here in Pittsburgh. In the immortal words of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own back yard.”

Meanwhile, many have Spring Break this month. I would like to applaud the many college students in the area that are choosing to go on an “Alternative Spring Break” made possible through their college or religious affiliation. During an “Alternative Spring Break,” students participate in many noble trips to help the less fortunate around the world rather than go on a typical Spring Break vacation. In the United States, many students volunteer to help build homes through Habitat for Humanity® and other students take trips to places like Sao Paulo, Brazil; Guatemala; Haiti; and Calcutta, India; among others, to help out at orphanages and hospitals, giving the regular staff a helping hand, or perhaps a better roof, or give children lessons in hygiene, boiling water and much more.

Do you have any experiences from an Alternative Spring Break that you would like to share? Or perhaps you have some recommendations for me and our readers of your favorite vacation memory? Be sure and let me know on my blog ContinuingTheConversation.blogspot.com. I have also shared what is now a rather humorous vacation memory on my blog about a recent trip to Dublin that has simply become known as “The Incident.” Let me know what you think, recommend or any vacation memory you would like to share as well.

Wherever your plans may take you, may your travels be happy and safe! F

how badly we butcher the language – people appreciate that at least we are trying.

So we started by making a list of “must know” words (forgetting rules like verb tense and gender and concentrate on what is absolutely needed. For example, “Hello, Please, Thank you, Café, Restroom, and “Do you speak English.” And then we hope for the best. We have since moved on to various other words and phrases but we still have a long way to go.

Several of our colleagues, friends and family, have also realized the need to speak another language and here are a few of the ways and means that they have recommended to us to broaden our vocabulary and conversational phrases: Rosetta Stone® – the premier software for learning another language. Filled with exercises and tools to make learning

Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

fun and quick. The only problem is that it is very, very expensive which makes it suddenly less fun and a much greater commitment.

Immersion® – a competitor to Rosetta Stone, it also has lots of exercise and tools to learn via software on the computer but is a fraction of the price. The only reason I can figure for being so much more affordable is that they don’t have the marketing power of Rosetta Stone but yet Immersion is every bit as good.

DuoLingo® – better yet, this is a FREE SMART® phone app designed to help you learn how to speak another language. Granted, nearly as extensive as the two previous software package but DuoLingo will definitely get you started and to a descent baseline before spending on either Immersion or Rosetta Stone and since it is a mobile app, you can learn on-the-go Continuing Education Class – If learning online-only just isn’t for you and you learn best in a classroom, you may want to consider signing-up for a continuing education class at a local college or municipality that offers foreign language classes. A couple we know learned a great deal and would practice every evening together during dinner and afterwards as they cleaned-up.

I hope you will find these recommendations helpful in your quest to broaden your language horizons. And so as I bid you adieu, I will say parlez vous Anglais?

Hablas ingles? f

Look for it wherever you find Northern Connection CALL now to reserve your advertising space for Spring 2014!

724-940-2444

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Northern Connection | April 2014

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SENIOR LIVING April 2014

It’s Finally Here!

BY BARBARA A. KILLMEYER

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id you think that Spring would never come this year? If so, you were not alone. This past winter had everyone longing for the nice, warm Spring weather. So now that it’s here, we have to get outside and plant flowers and vegetables. Being the humans that we are, we’re never satisfied for long. I’ll bet it won’t be too long that we’ll be complaining about the heat. At least I probably will because I’m really not a hot weather person. But this past winter was a pretty rough one, especially for those of us who had a bout of illness to deal with in addition to the cold, snowy weather.

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One happy event, at least for me, was that my granddaughter Emma had a birthday. What I’m having a hard time believing is that she turned twenty-two. I think that I should be

Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

feeling a lot older than I do. Does everyone feel this way when their grandchildren grow older?

One thing that my husband Don and I are having a great time with is our involvement with the Vintage Radio Players. We’ve been doing our old time radio shows for different groups around the Pittsburgh area and we enjoy doing it as much as they enjoy seeing and hearing it.

Because this is income tax season the one we’ve been doing lately is a George Burns and Gracie Allen script that involves income taxes.

Whatever you do to celebrate the arrival of Spring enjoy it! F

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) 3070069 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) 3070069 or www.nhco.org.

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

Yoga and Tai-Chi for Seniors, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 22, Vanadium Woods Village.

Free registration, call (412) 221-2900 or UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.

Senior Meetings Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents 55+ meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (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.

Glenshaw AARP #3744 meets, 7 p.m., Tues., Apr. 8, Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, 3200 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. Entertainment by Waldo Young, country musician.

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.

Seniors end your boredom join Perrymont North AARP #2991.

Meetings are held 11:30 a.m., 3rd Thurs, of the month, (Apr. 17), basement of Northmont United Presbyterian Church, Rt. 19, McCandless. Upcoming one-day bus trips: Apr-Tulip Trail in Dover, Ohio; May-Rocky Gap Casino, MD; June-play Moses in Lancaster (2-day trip); July-picnic. For info, call (412) 389-2369.

Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. For info, call (412) 741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.

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Entertainment & Social Events The Best of Donna, featuring Donna Groom of the Skyliners, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 23, Hampton Fields Village, 4480 Mt. Royal Blvd. To register, call (412) 492-8448 or UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.

Johnny Angel Performing Live, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 17, Strabane Trails Village, 317 Wellness Way; Apr. 24, Lighthouse Pointe Village at Chapel Harbor, 500 Chapel Harbor Drive. Free registration, call (724) 225-4100 for Strabane and (412) 781-2707 for Lighthouse or UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.

(Continued on page 51)

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SENIOR LIVING April 2014

TOWN CRIER

Springing into April

BY JOE BULLICK

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ello April! After a cold and long winter, we were all ready for warm weather. The Latin word for April is “Aperire,” which means to open or bud. In the initial Roman calendar April was the second month of the year until January and February were added in 700 B.C. From Easter and Passover to our own Arbor Day, there are spring festivals around the world to celebrate the season’s renewal of life.

I remember when I was growing up, April was always busy, as my mom was getting ready for Easter. Easter is a Christian holiday that is the key event of the Christian faith. It commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his death by crucifixion. Jesus Christ is the central figure of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul even goes so far to say that if Jesus had not been resurrected, the Christian faith would be worthless and futile.

Easter is preceded by the season of Lent. As a young boy, I was always glad when the 40 days of Lent was over.

We went through fasting and repentance which culminated

into Holy Week and was followed by a 50-day Easter season that stretched from Easter Sunday through Pentecost which is the Holy day when the Holy Spirit descended to the apostles.

Although a Christian celebration, the word Easter is actually derived from the Anglo-Saxon “Estrie” the goddess of spring. My mom loved Easter. In particular, my mom loved the song, “In Your Easter bonnet…..you will be the grandest lady in the Easter parade”….hopefully you know the rest of the words.

Another popular Easter song is “Here Comes Peter Cottontail.” The Easter Bunny is not a modern invention, its origin as derive from pre-Christian fertility lore. The hare and the rabbit were the most fertile animals known and they served as symbols of new life during the spring season.

The Germans brought the symbol of the Easter rabbit to America. The first edible Easter bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800’s. The first bunnies were not made of chocolate; instead, they were made of pastry and sugar.

Eggs are also prominent during Easter. Most Christians view Easter eggs or other candies and treats as symbols of joy and celebrations and a taste of new life and resurrection.

Mom always made me an Easter basket, it was always hidden and I always got new clothes as well. I could not wait for Mass on Easter Sunday. Mom always wore her Easter bonnet. Everyone was dressed in their best. It was always great to see all the flowers – Easter lilies, tulips, daffodils, and narcissus.

Enjoy the season as we prepare for Easter, Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday and Good Friday, on this day where Jesus ate and drank with his followers, this meal was known as “The Last Supper.” Also be sure to commemorate Holy Saturday and the Feast of the Ascension, on this day, Jesus ascended into heaven.

Cleaning the house was always done at this time of the year; it is referred to as “spring cleaning.” The houses today seem to be cleaner than ever and they are more equipped.

There are no more coal furnaces, gas heaters nor wood-burning stoves to cook on – those were the good old days.

Daylight savings time is now in full swinging. At first it proved to be an unpopular change. This legislation was first passed in 1966 and was then later modified in 1986 establishing it, as we know it today. Of course, we have to remember the saying, “April showers, bring May flowers.” And we can’t forget about April Fool’s Day on the first of April.

Happy Birthday to you Aries & Taurus. God Bless and have a great Easter. I leave you with this.

“Winter’s done and April’s in the skies Earth, look up with laughter in your eyes.”

— Charles G.D. Roberts

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Northern Connection | April 2014 www.northernconnectionmag.com

Senior Happenings (Continued from page 49)

International Button Box Club, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 11, Vanadium Woods Village, 50 Vanadium Rd., Bridgeville; 2 p.m., Apr. 22, Sherwood Oaks, 100 Norman Drive, Cranberry Twp. Free Registration, call (412) 221-2900 (Vanadium) and 1-800-642-2217 (Sherwood Oaks) or www. sherwood-oaks.com.

Liz Calfo’s Tribute to Connie Francis, 3 p.m., Apr. 24, Seneca Hills Village, 5350 Saltsburg Rd., Verona. Free event. Register at (412) 793-1700 or visit UPMCSeniorCommunities. com.

Saint Alexis Over 50 Trips & Events, Apr. 2-4, Soaring Eagle, Apr. 5, Joe Diamond, singer & guitarist. For info, call Rose (724) 728-2563.

Senior Luncheon, noon-1:30 p.m., Apr. 14, Pine Community Center. All seniors are welcome.

Register by Apr. 7. Call (724) 625-1636 x3, or pinecenter@twp.pine.pa.us.

Swing into Spring Senior Citizens Breakfast, 9 a.m., Friday, Apr. 4, Hampton Middle School cafeteria. Required reservations, (412) 492-6355.

Seminars Hollywood Homicide, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 8, Hampton Fields Village, 4480 Mt. Royal Blvd.; 10:30 a.m., Apr. 10, Lighthouse Pointe Village at Chapel Harbor, 500 Chapel Harbor Drive, Fox Chapel. Free registration, call (412) 492-8448 (Hampton Fields) and (412) 781-2707 (Lighthouse) or UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.

Memory Maintenance Seminar, 2:30 p.m., Apr. 24, Strabane Trails Village, 317 Wellness Way, Washington, Pa. Free registration, call (724) 225-4100 or UPMCSeniorCommunities.com.

Volunteer Opportunities: North Hills Community Outreach’s Faith in Action 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) 232-2021 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.

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FINAL THOUGHT April 2014

Sowing, Tending and Savoring Spring

BY RYAN C. MEYER

E

ach season has its own appeal, its own possibilities. As winter draws to a close, the time for cold noses warming in the steam of hot chocolate gives way to a more inviting outdoors. A winter landscape is beautiful but the biting cold that accompanies it, is much less appealing. Spring brings a renewal of life, a surge of color, and the warmth to

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enjoy it. To not take part in the season’s splendor would be folly.

Getting out in the elements and immersing yourself in nature is one of the best ways to actively enjoy the changing of seasons. If we are only appreciating the world through a window, we are four senses short of a full experience. Each of our senses wants in on the action. There are a plethora of activities that come with the warmer weather, but none exemplify Spring quite so much as gardening.

Everywhere, flowers and leaves emerge from buds and life wakes from its winter rest. The cycle has begun once more and we too must come out of our homes to stretch our limbs. What better way to do so than to touch knees and shovel to soil in an activity that brings rewards throughout the year? Unlike other springtime endeavors, the satisfaction that comes with cultivating a garden does not end when the day is done.

After planting, one has the pleasure of witnessing its growth, harvesting and enjoying its fruits. There is, of course, the task of maintaining the garden but it is possible to find enjoyment in that as well.

Even though there is great satisfaction in initiating a long-considered project, digging in the dirt, and absorbing the year’s first warm air; the goal and most rewarding part of the garden is the harvest. While there is quite a bit of time between planting and harvesting, the wait is well worth it. The foods you plant are obviously

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ones that you will enjoy, but there is a special fulfillment that comes from homegrown produce not found anywhere else.

Rather than just exchanging a few dollars for a single serving, you have put passion, time and effort into growing something you will savor— this food will be something you have grown and anticipated for months and you will get out of it what you put in.

Witnessing and participating in the creation of what you eat brings about feelings of great appreciation. With all of today’s health concerns, there is also something to be said for knowing where your food comes from. Even if not a major concern, there is always peace of mind to be found in knowing how few hands have touched the produce before it comes to your kitchen.

If starting a garden is something you have ever considered, I strongly encourage it. For the price of a couple vegetables from the grocery store, one can get a packet of seeds that will produce many times that (and of a much more appealing variety). The most challenging part may be finding space for one. To this I can only say that you don’t have to go “all in.”

Even if you don’t have enough space for a full-sized garden, you can still get a taste of what it’s like with a few plants or even a window-box herb garden. Since we have four unique seasons, I think that it is important to get involved with each of them, and there are few places tied as closely to Spring as a garden. F

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Northern Connection | April 2014

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