April 2021 issue - Northern Connection Magazine

April 2021

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 22 YEARS

Agora Cyber Charter School Offers Continuous Education for PA Students Grade K-12

Also...

Wedding Guide | Coffee: Friend or Foe? | Beds for Kids in Need Summer Camps | Lawn & Garden Trivia

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

NORTHERN CONNECTION

April

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NC Features

Health & Wellness

4 The Guardian Way 8 Omega Federal Credit Union 27 Facts From the Farm: A Time to Sow Ron Eichner

22 Coffee: Friend or Foe? Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm 24 Butler Health System COVID-19 Vaccine Update

Wedding Guide

Summer Camps

9 10 12 13 13

Weddings Under COVID Janice Lane Palko Shannopin Country Club Jewelry by Alicia & Scott The Camelot Event Center Allegheny County

Kids & Education 14 AGORA Cyber Charter School Offers Continuous Education for PA Students Grade K-12 19 School Movers & Shakers 20 Thiel College’s new graduate and traditional bachelor’s degree programs will get you to your goal faster 20 Chatham University

17 Impressive Line-Up of Industry Leaders at OC Career Symposium 2021

Home Guide 29 Home Guide

Advertorials 3

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey 25 SkinnyLight Inch-Loss Therapy – Making Fat Cell “Grapes” into “Raisins!” Janice Lane Palko

In Every Issue...

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Movers & Shakers Movers & Shakers of the Month: Retirees Launch Nonprofit to Build Beds for Kids in Need 26 From the Editor: The Hang of It Janice Lane Palko 28 Support Our Troops: Reflecting Upon the Bay of Pigs Paula Green / Soldiers & Sailors Hall of Valor Induction Ceremony Eleven Heroes Inducted 30 Trivia Connection: Lawn & Garden Trivia Paula Green

Welcome to the April issue of Northern Connection Magazine! We look forward to our 22nd year of connecting you to the community. We would like to thank all our advertisers and readers for your support.

Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work.

Enjoy reading our April issue!

Marion Piotrowski President & Publisher

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APRIL 2021 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

Phone: 724-940-2444 ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

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.

ADVERTORIAL

Vince M.

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The Guardian Way Guardian Storage was established in Pittsburgh in 1987 with a mission to provide our customers with an extraordinary experience and peace of mind. Today, Guardian Storage remains locally owned and operated and has since grown to be the market leader for self-storage with 19 locations in the greater Pittsburgh area.

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e strive every day to deliver on our mission by providing exceptional customer service, modern security features, immaculate, welllit properties and a wide variety of solutions and amenities. Customers can choose from interior, drive-up, climate-controlled and drive-up climate-controlled units in a range of sizes to fit their needs. Our amenities include free use of our moving trucks, covered loading docks, moving carts, large elevators, online bill pay, package acceptance and much more. We’ll even recommend a mover if our customers need one.

We know our customers often come to us during a stressful life transition - renovating their home or moving to a new one, downsizing elderly parents, preparing for a new baby, combining or separating households through marriage or divorce, or cleaning out a deceased loved one’s home. As such, we want to make sure their experience with Guardian Storage is as easy and stress-free as possible. To accomplish this, each of our properties has a highly trained, dedicated property team that includes a maintenance specialist. We’re known for our warm, friendly professionals who care for their customers and take pride in their work.

And our compassion and commitment go beyond our four walls. Over the last three decades, we’ve committed to giving back to our neighbors by volunteering our time and resources to support over 40 community events and non-profit organizations. We also invest in sustainable business practices to help make our world a better place.

To experience the Guardian Difference, visit http://www.guardianstorage.com. n

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Larry Richert was appointed to the Butler Health System Board of Trustees and BHS Foundation Board. Tim Morgus, a 5-year trustee of Butler Health System, became BHS Board Chair on January 1. Other appointees to the Larry Richert board include Jud Stewart and April Stilley, MPA, PA-C. Mr. Stewart retired from the Armstrong Group in July 2020 after 41 years of service. Ms. Stilley completed her undergraduate studies at The Pennsylvania State University in Tim Morgus Psychology and then went on to obtain her master’s degree from Duquesne University, Physician Assistant program.

Darby Hupp

Rich Pongratz

Sara Manfredi

Heritage Valley Health System congratulates the Health System’s 2020 Cameos of Caring Awardees,

Darby Hupp, RN, Cardiopulmonary Unit, Heritage Valley Beaver; Rich Pongratz, RN, Emergency Department, Heritage Valley Kennedy; and Sara Manfredi, RN, Progressive Care Unit, Heritage Valley Sewickley.

Mary Lee Gannon, ACC, CAE of O’Hara Township is a recipient of the Pittsburgh Professional Women 2021 Influential Leadership Award.

Mary Lee

St. Richard’s Run Across Gannon Guatemala 5K will happen Saturday, April 10, 2021, in North Park. Google us to sign up online! Additional race information can be found at http://runacrossguatemala.wix.com/ guatemala5k.

At the end of 2020, The Sewickley Spa was sold, and Dorothy Andreas passed the ownership over to her valued employee, Jonelle McMahan. For the past 12 years, McMahan has been running the day-to-day operations of Jonelle McMahan The Sewickley Spa. “We treasure the relationships we build with our customers and the new clients and friends we welcome will become equally as precious,” said McMahan. “The mission of providing a place where men and women come to be pampered soothed and made to feel fabulous, even if only for just a day, will live on at The Sewickley Spa for many years to come.”

Spring Craft Auction & Sale hosted by The Little Sisters of the Poor Apr. 16-30, on Benton Ave. in Brighton Heights. Please visit their website www.littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org to view the craft and ceramic items available and to make a bid. For information, call (412) 307-1100 or email adevpittsburgh@littlesistersofthepoor.org.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Movers & Shakers of the Month

Retirees Launch Nonprofit to Build Beds for Kids in Need

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t a time in life when most couples are enjoying some well-earned rest or spending lots of time with grandchildren, retirees Ed and Elaine Snyder of Mars, Penna., are spending their days sanding wood, pounding nails, organizing volunteer groups and soliciting donations. The couple recently started the Mars Chapter of the national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace (SHP) when they learned of an acute need for beds for children. They build beds for kids ages 3 through 17 who don’t have a bed to sleep in. They will service parts of western Butler, eastern Beaver, and northern Allegheny Counties. The couple solicited the assistance of their friend, Dave Nock, of Cranberry Twp, who co-chairs the Mars Chapter with them. They have a motto for the organization, “No Kids Sleeps on the Floor in Our Town.”

“It’s hard for us, who sleep comfortably every night and have the things we need and want, to imagine that there are kids sleeping on the floor,” said Mrs. Snyder. “But it happens every night and not that far from your home or ours. There are lots of poor and single parent families who are struggling. Before Children & Youth Services places a child with a relative or with foster parents, they must have a bed for that child to sleep in and that magnifies just how important a bed is to the well being and stability of a child. The beds, complete with mattress, sheets, blanket, comforter and pillow are free to any qualifying family.

The group recently held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the warehouse that they are renting in Rochester, Penna. and had their first bed-building day. Once they put the word out that they were officially open for business, it took less than 24 hours to receive two requests for beds.

They delivered their first beds to two families and got five kids off of the floor to sleep in heavenly peace.

For more information, to volunteer or to donate, visit http://www.shpbeds.org/ chapter/pa-mars. The Snyders can be reached via email at elaine.snyder@shpbeds.org n 6

APRIL 2021 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

OMEGA Federal Credit Union

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MEGA Federal Credit Union is a full-service financial institution providing services to Pittsburgh and its surrounding communities for over 80 years. OMEGA offers great rates on loans, a free checking account, surcharge-free debit card access at all PNC Bank ATM machines, competitive rates on our savings accounts and so much more. When you join OMEGA you are not a customer, you are a member and it’s our goal to treat you like part of our family. We pride ourselves on superior member service. We invite you to “Experience the Difference” of membership with us and join today. Check out all we have to offer at omegafcu.com or give us a call at 412-369-3800. n

Saint Aidan Parish Easter Triduum Holy Thursday, April 1

Mass of the Lord’s Supper 7:00 p.m. – Saint Alphonsus Altar of Repose after Mass until midnight

Good Friday, April 2

Stations of the Cross - 12:00 p.m. Saint Alphonsus Mass of the Lord’s Supper 2:00 p.m. - Saint Alexis Stations of the Cross - 7:00 p.m. - Saint Alexis

Holy Saturday, April 3

Blessing of Food Baskets 12:00 p.m. – both churches

Easter Vigil, April 3 8:00 p.m. – Saint Alexis

Easter Sunday Masses, April 4

7:00 a.m. - Saint Alphonsus 8:00 a.m. - Saint Alexis (outdoors) 9:00 a.m. - Saint Alphonsus 10:00 a.m. - Saint Alexis w/choir (live-streamed) 11:00 a.m. - Saint Alphonsus

For more information, visit saintaidanparish.org or call (724) 935-4343 8

APRIL 2021 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

WEDDING GUIDE

Weddings Under

COVID

By Janice Lane Palko

While most everyone dreams of the perfect wedding, sometimes the world intervenes making that impossible. World War II was such a case.

When the country entered the war and men enlisted to join the war effort, there was a drastic spike in weddings. According to a 2017 New York Times articles looking back on war brides, it stated that “In 1942 alone, 1.8 million weddings took place, up 83 percent from 10 years before. And twothirds of those brides were marrying men newly enlisted in the military.”

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Laura & Mike Mundorf photo courtesy of Amanda Brisco photography

eddings with all the trappings were abandoned and “Stories abounded throughout the country of small wedding cakes baked with rationed ingredients, and of brides wearing modest, nontraditional dresses, some even made of silk from the parachutes that they had saved from their grooms in battle.”

This past year, the world intervened once again with the COVID-19 pandemic, which wreaked havoc on weddings plans. Most weddings scheduled for 2020 were either postponed or modified in some way and 2021 seems to be still fraught with uncertainty. I know a bride from my neighborhood who last fall abandoned the big wedding for a small family gathering, because “she just wanted to get married.” I know of someone else who chose to get married in a neighboring state because they had looser restrictions on the guest count. I have also heard of a few couples who got married in church and have opted to schedule a marriage celebration when we are free from COVID. (Continued on page 10)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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WEDDING GUIDE

Shannopin Country Club One of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets

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hannopin Country Club is a beautiful private club and wedding venue in the Pittsburgh area. Our talented staff is dedicated to bringing the details of your vision together to create an event that is as unique as your relationship.

While the club is steeped in a rich 100-year-old history, Shannopin boasts a newly renovated Ballroom that combines a touch of elegance with its historical charm. We are proud to be considered one of Pittsburgh’s best kept secrets!

Able to hold up to 225 people, couples can use both indoor and outdoor facilities for their special day. The lush green hills surrounding the venue are ideal for pictures or a tranquil outdoor ceremony. Whether you are dancing in the Ballroom or relaxing out on the Patio, you can also enjoy a magnificent backdrop of the city skyline. For more information, visit the website at: www.shannopincc.com or call (412) 761-2900. n

Weddings Under COVID

(Continued from page 9)

But what if you still have your heart set on the dream wedding? How does one have a wedding during a pandemic?

The key word is flexibility. And generally, the bigger and broader the wedding celebration the more flexibility you will need. For instance, you have more of a possibility of holding your wedding if you have a smaller guest count. Presently, indoor events are only permitted to be at 15% of capacity. You may have to wait longer to have a wedding with 250 guests.

If your dream is a destination wedding at a villa in Tuscany, you may have to wait until next year as international travel is iffy right now. You have a greater chance of having a wedding closer to the U.S. in the Caribbean than abroad. Keep in mind, that guests may be hesitant to travel though.

All this uncertainty can be quite nerve-wracking, but there are some tips to consider to help navigate a wedding when the world has been in lockdown. First, consider hiring a wedding planner. A planner can monitor the situation and can offer advice as well as making the couple aware of what to look for when signing contracts with vendors in light of COVID. They can also work with vendors if plans need to be modified.

If you’re recently engaged, you may want to consider booking vendors now. There is a “backlog of brides” and once things open again, there is going to be a rush on finding florists, photographers, etc.

While “perfect weddings” are nice, in truth, they are a bit boring. It’s the things that go wrong—the best man leaving the rings back at the house, the limo breaking down, the groom fainting—that make life and weddings interesting and memorable. Look on the bright side, 50 years from now, think of the stories today’s COVID wedding couples will have to share with their grandchildren. n 10

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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WEDDING GUIDE

Jewelry by Alicia & Scott

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et’s be honest. Planning the perfect ring for the prefect proposal can be downright intimidating. Trying to determine what properties of a diamond best fit your needs while scrutinizing the perfect setting can make your head spin!

At Jewelry by Alicia & Scott, we put your mind at ease during this very important and big purchase. We consult with each client explaining how to grade a diamond and how to know what aspects are most important for your achieved look.

With our 20+ plus years in custom-jewelry design and manufacturing, we can suggest a setting that is already in our inventory, or we can create a custom work of art through CAD design. Don’t think of us as just jewelers; think of us as your personal jewelry stylist and consultant.

To see more of our work and to read reviews, visit us at facebook.com/jewelrybyaliciaandscott or instagram.com/jewelrybyaands/ n

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WEDDING GUIDE

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osting events for the entire North Hills community for over 40 years!

With two unique and flexible venues, The Camelot Event Centers in Wexford and Warrendale are the answer to all your event hosting needs. Our newly renovated venue in Wexford is a gorgeous neutral-modern space that can be easily transformed into the event of your dreams. Our romantic and charming venue in Warrendale is a 108-year-old previous church with gorgeous original stained glass windows framing the entire space. We pride ourselves on our straightforward and all-inclusive packages, expertly prepared

on-site catering, owner-involvement, and excellent customer service. Host your next Wedding, Sports Banquet, Business Meeting, Shower, Anniversary, Celebration of Life, Holiday Party, Reunion, or

Get-Together with us! Visit our Website www.thecameloteventcenter.com or Call 724-935-4550. Let’s get your party started! n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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COVER STORY

Agora Cyber Charter School Offers Continuous Education for PA Students Grade K-12 Agora Cyber Charter School, an online public school established in 2005, has delivered an uninterrupted education to Pennsylvania students grades kindergarten through 12 for the last 16 years. The continuous educational choices begin with kindergarten and extend to graduation from the 12th grade.

Agora Stands Alone

A rigorous curriculum is delivered to all Agora students in real-time by PA-certified teachers. Live classroom instruction provides students with an engaging education, while going to public school in the safety and comfort of their homes. Deciding which educational opportunity best fits a child’s needs is crucial, and Agora has spent over 16 years ensuring its online educational model allows each student’s needs to be met.

Agora teachers incorporate a variety of options to differentiate and work with the range of skill levels that exist within the classroom. We believe that a student succeeds best when there is a strong partnership between home and school—one that thrives on communication. It is Agora’s vision to assist students in becoming lifelong learners.

Agora’s enrichment programs span throughout all grades with the National Honor Society chapters available for grades 4 to 12. Elementary and Middle School have Advanced Learners Programs, High School has 19 AP courses and 14 honor courses. Agora’s student-driven programs and curriculums are designed to provide all students with the best educational options which will meet their individual needs.

Twenty-eight percent of Agora students have an IEP. Upon enrollment the student’s IEP is immediately implemented, a review of the special education documents and

curriculum-based measures are then completed. Following those processes a meeting with the family is conducted and the IEP is adapted to cyber education. Specially designed instruction and a standards-based curriculum are delivered by qualified staff to meet the educational, emotional and physical needs of all students.

Unique to Agora are 83 family coaches who are the first point of contact to welcome the families to Agora and online learning. We refer to the family coaches as boots on the ground, as they are regionally located throughout the state.

They are the liaison between the school and the family and provide an extra layer of support to the student for a successful educational experience. The family coach also organizes social opportunities for the students. During the last year this was done online.

Sixteen years of perfecting online cyber education has allowed Agora to offer robust schooling to any child in Pennsylvania who desires it, no matter the circumstances.

Upon enrollment, each student receives a laptop, printer and all resource materials needed for online success. It takes a village to educate a student. At Agora from your first contact with the Enrollment Concierge, to the orientation and school advisers, principals, teachers, family coaches, we all rally around your student with you, as an essential support, for a successful cyber education. n

Register to attend the Virtual Open House and meet live with an Agora Enrollment Concierge, who will walk you through an overview of Agora and answer your questions at agora.org or call us directly at 844-462-4672.

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Elementary School

Elementary school principal Jansen Hornbake stated, “Agora’s elementary program builds a strong foundation of skills as students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. The students develop a deep conceptual understanding of math skills that lay the groundwork to success in their later years of schooling. Students who begin their journey here at Agora are able to shine as this learning progression continues through each school year.”

Students in kindergarten through grade 2 will be assigned one teacher for all core subjects. However, in grades 3 to 5, students will work with a team of teachers who each teach a specific core subject.

Agora elementary teachers use their talents to develop and execute engaging, academically challenging lessons to meet the diverse needs of the learners in the classroom. Agora teachers and staff work alongside students and Learning Coaches to develop warm, caring learning environments where students can take academic risks in a safe space.

It is our goal each day to help students achieve their potential.

Middle School

Agora’s middle school is the grade span in which youngsters are most transformed throughout their academic career. They enter middle school as children and leave as young adults. Bridget Kozar, middle school principal, stated, “We help students become independent with their learning and take responsibility for their education, as they continue to find their unique strengths and encourage them to flourish as they move towards high school.”

In middle school, Agora students are offered a standards-based curriculum in four core content areas: history, science, math and ELA. In addition, students may have the opportunity to participate in teacher-led electives of music, art and physical education. Agora’s goal is to prepare students for life beyond the classroom, so middle school students are exposed to a career-readiness course as well as a computer-literacy course.

High School

The high school team has designed courses and instruction to engage the 21st-century learner with multiple units, lessons and activities that allow for differentiation, practice, exploration and assessment of learned skills. Parents can easily support their students by accessing the student calendar, which clearly illustrates assignments, due dates and grades in one easy-to-use tool designed to improve student focus.

Agora’s high school credit-based program values a well-rounded individual and believes that students who study the arts as well as history, mathematics, science and language arts have the best chance to be competitive members of their community after graduation. Agora students are offered a variety of career paths to post-secondary life. In addition to the core subjects, students have the option of choosing from 80 electives, 19 AP courses, and 14 honor courses. Destinations Career Academy offers industry-relevant pathways in Healthcare, Business and Information Technology and are complementary courses to the traditional high school program. “At Agora, we support your student in charting a new course. Whether it is a career pathway or college prep, we have courses that will guide them on their path to success,” explained high school principal Jeff Miller. Eighteen Agora school counselors are on hand to assist students with their academic, social and emotional needs, to help them navigate high school and beyond. www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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Impressive Line-Up of Industry Leaders at OC Career Symposium 2021

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n February, Oakland Catholic High School held its annual OC Career Symposium virtually. The dynamic event connects female leaders from various industries with students. This year’s remote event was even more expansive! Since March 2020, Oakland Catholic has conducted many successful online events - traditional ceremonies, musical cabarets, global competence showcases, Open Houses, etc. The limit on gatherings demands continued innovation, despite in-person instruction since August. OC Career Symposium 2021 demonstrates the school’s ability to do more than adapt to circumstances. Creativity and strategy made the event more impactful, with alumnae from around the world easily participating via the remote platform. True to the school’s mission, it was a global affair.

Keynote Speaker and Alumna Kathleen Foley Hughes rose early on the West Coast to deliver a moving presentation to students about how her background in finance, her entrepreneurial Kathleen spirit, and a passion to provide Foley Hughes authentic employment for disabled individuals like her son, produced her visionary coffee shops that bear the name Ada’s Café (American Disability Act). OC Alumna Preeti Gupta, Director Preeti Gupta of Corporate Affairs, BMW Group Asia, drank coffee all day to be ready late that night in Singapore to deliver an enthusiastic morning presentation. Gillian Henker, OCHS’07, spoke to groups about her work as Co-Founder/CEO Heather of Medical Device Engineering.

Worthy Wilson From her California home, Sarah Vagley Middleton, OCHS’97, engaged with OC Eagles about her passion for ensuring that the work you do is meaningful – to you and to the world. Leaders like Dr. Claire Casper Yanta and Heather Worthy Wilson, both alumnae of the OC network, shared insight and experience with students interested in medicine, business, and other areas. Messages of finding value in your work, recognizing failure as part of the journey, and taking advantage of opportunities when they arise, resonated across sessions. An impressive array of global talent came back to OC - the launchpad of so many amazing female leaders! n www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N

School Movers & Shakers Western PA Enrichment Center Eighth grade Enrichment Center of Western Pennsylvania student Riley Jasper won the Pennsylvania level of the Daughter’s of the American Revolution Annual Essay Contest. This was submitted by the Kushkushkee Trail Chapter of the DAR. Her entry will now move on to the Eastern Region level of the contest. The essay commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Boston Massacre. Pictured is Riley and her teacher, Mrs. Ruth Butler.

Aquinas Academy Seventh grade Aquinas Academy student, Mark Bence, won the school Geo Bee on January 29. Sixth grader, Brigid Mercer, secured the runnerup award this year.

Shady Side Academy Shady Side Academy has announced the appointment of Sean Simmons as its next director of athletics, effective this summer at a date to be determined.

Sean Simmons

Seneca Valley Seneca Valley senior, Sophia Kunkel was recently recognized when she was awarded a Gold Key in the 2021 Sophia Scholastic Art and Kunkel Writing Awards for the Northeast Writing Region-at-Large.

Claire Reynolds, a Seneca Valley senior, was announced as a Gold Key winner in the 2021 Scholastic Art and Writing Awards Pittsburgh Arts Region Competition.

Claire Reynolds

The Seneca Valley Aquatic Center opened Feb. 17, with an official ribbon cutting and amid cheers and chants

from the members of the Seneca Valley Swimming and Diving Team. The event celebrated the grand opening of the facility that replaces the 56-year-old natatorium.

Mars Area Mars Area High School senior Ian Buttermore was named a finalist in Saint Vincent College’s 40th annual Wimmer Scholarship Competition.

Mars Area Middle School seventh-grader Bryce Zatchey competed in the Academic Games League of America (AGLOA) Presidents academic competition.

Fox Chapel Area High School senior Vivian Shao was selected as a semifinalist for the 2021 class of the Coca-Cola Vivian Shao Scholars Program.

Six Fox Chapel Area High School students placed in the Pennsylvania High School Speech League’s (PHSSL) District 2 state championship-qualifying virtual tournament. Honorees from Fox Chapel were Jackson Romero, Ian Mackey-Piccolo, Lilly Friedman, Isabella White, Seoyoon “Heidi” Lee and Patrick Alexander.

La Roche University Ian Buttermore

Brice Zatchey

La Roche has been consecutively named a Military Friendly School since Victory Media’s publication of the list in 2009. “La Roche University is proud to be a Military Friendly institution. The University offers credit for military experience and an on-campus Veterans Organization for members to connect through shared experiences,

provide mentorship and encourage camaraderie in an inclusive and supportive environment.

The Board of Trustees at La Roche University welcomed two new members. They are Dr. Cynthia B. Piccirill, MD, and Tony Rocco.

The La Roche University Dance Department, in partnership with Bodiography Contemporary Ballet, will welcome Artistic Director Rikkai Scott of BDblaq as its 2021 guest artist this April. For more information, visit https://www.laroche.edu/.

La Roche University announced it will partner with the JED Foundation, a nationally recognized nonprofit, to improve campus mental health resources.

La Roche University announced that campus operations and face-to-face instruction will resume at full capacity for the fall 2021 semester on Aug. 23.

Members of Daisy Troop #28033, Averie Baker, Juliana White, Bridgett Domski, Katelyn Thompson, Brooklynn Burkovich, Nora Wiley, Maddie Chiplock and (Norah Gehlmann and Paige Vuckovich, plant “Pinwheels for Peace” outside Mars Area Primary Center.

Fox Chapel Two Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the virtual Deer Lakes Invitational Forensic Tournament.

Freshman Isabella White won second place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate and received her first bid to qualify for the Pennsylvania High School Speech League State Championships, and sophomore Silas Owens won sixth place in Lincoln-Douglas Debate.

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K I D S & E D U C AT I O N

Thiel College’s new graduate and traditional bachelor’s degree programs will get you to your goal faster

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hiel College has launched four master’s degree programs in the last year and has undertaken a refinancing plan that will upgrade many campus facilities and areas of vital infrastructure.

Thiel College graduate programs: • Counseling • Management M.B.A. • Physician Assistant Studies • Speech-Language Pathology

In the summer of 2020, students at Thiel College began taking classes in the Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology and in its Management M.B.A. and its Leadership M.B.A. programs. Joining those three graduate programs is the new Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies which will begin this summer and a new Master of Arts in Counseling. All of Thiel College’s graduate programs come with concentrated options for undergraduate students, who

Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights) Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com

can graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in just five years. Thiel College undergraduates can apply for one of the guaranteed spots in the Master’s degree programs. The College also has an innovative partnership with a local medical center to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree.

While all these programmatic changes are unfolding the College is in the middle of a $16 million financial reinvestment plan that will upgrade facilities and give the College a facelift. Renovations will include improved study and collaborative areas, athletic facilities, and living accommodations. New lab spaces, which will include a cadaver lab for students in the physician assistant program, are also part of the project’s scope.

Thiel College is a top regionally-ranked college in northwestern Pennsylvania in the Regional Colleges North Category by U.S. News & World Report. It is also a top regionally-ranked college for social mobility in northwestern Pennsylvania Regional Colleges North Category by U.S. News & World Report.

Contact Thiel at 75 College Avenue, Greenville, Pennsylvania 16125. Visit thiel.edu or call 1-800-24-THIEL. For more information, contact Thiel College at admissions@thiel.edu. n

Chatham University

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tudents at Chatham University live and study at some of Pittsburgh’s most remarkable campuses. Chatham’s Shadyside Campus is a 32-acre arboretum set in the heart of Pittsburgh. Located on nearly 400 acres just north of Pittsburgh, Eden Hall Campus is an academic community dedicated to sustainable approaches to energy, water, food and agriculture, and air quality and climate. And with over 40 majors and over 50 clubs and student organizations, along with 19 Division III sports, students are guaranteed as stimulating an experience outside the classroom as inside. n

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H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

COFFEE: Friend or Foe

By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm

Coffee has long been touted as being detrimental to your health, so why has this popular beverage persevered culturally throughout the years?

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any studies have shown that there may be multiple health benefits of coffee, along with the ill effects if you consume too much. This is mainly due to its main ingredient, caffeine, which was first isolated from tea and coffee in the early 1820s and studied extensively.

Researchers have found that coffee contains antioxidants and other active substances, such as caffeine, that may reduce inflammation and protect against disease. And to think that the purpose of the caffeine found in the plants used to produce coffee, tea, and cocoa is possibly to help protect the plant from insects and other pathogens.

Researchers have found that caffeine improved arterial function, which is helpful in reducing the risk of some cardiovascular diseases.

Caffeine has shown to potentially decrease effects of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, and possibly help those with the Parkinson’s disease to better control their movements.

Researchers believe that the antioxidants in coffee improve insulin sensitivity. Caffeine may help reduce fatty liver tissue caused by obesity, increase fat metabolism in the liver, and reduce fatty tissue build-up.

Caffeine can reach the brain in less than five minutes, with blood levels peaking in one hour, and lasting several hours. This is all good until you have had too much caffeine.

Below are some examples of when coffee can be your friend or foe: Caffeine helps you stay alert, improves memory, and concentration. It increases oxygen saturation in the blood, improving cognition. Too much caffeine can bring on anxiety, nervousness, rapid speech, and a fluttery feeling.

Although coffee helps you wake up in the morning, too much can have a negative impact on a restful sleep and on REM sleep, especially in the elderly. Try to avoid coffee after 3 pm.

Caffeine mixed with healthy carbohydrates can replenish the glycogen in your muscles after exercise by reducing oxidative stress on your joints and muscles promoting a faster recovery time. Too much caffeine can cause muscle twitching and tension.

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Caffeine stimulates your gastrointestinal tract, so it helps to relieve constipation. Excess caffeine results in loose stools, so it can be an issue for those with irritable bowel syndrome.

Although caffeine can give you the quick boost that you need, too much can cause a sudden crash afterward, especially if you are dehydrated or have not gotten any sleep.

Caffeinism (too much caffeine based on your sensitivity level)

Caffeine may increase your heart rate, so too much may change your heart rhythm, leading to atrial fibrillation. This has been seen with high-caffeine energy drinks. Other ill effects of too much caffeine are insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, headache, tachycardia, arrhythmia and even seizures.

Recently, there has been an increase in caffeine-related deaths due to consuming significant concentrations.

Genetics and your liver’s ability to metabolize caffeine can determine your sensitivity. Most people have a normal sensitivity, and can consume up to 400 mg daily with no adverse effect. About ten percent of the population has a genetic predisposition causing them not to be affected by caffeine. Then there are people who are sensitive to caffeine and experience an intense adrenaline rush after just a few sips of coffee.

The caffeine threshold hits much sooner and brings all the ill effects mentioned above. If you are sensitive to caffeine, limit your intake based on your sensitivity level.

Although too much caffeine can bring unwanted side effects it is nice to know the health benefits for those of us who enjoy drinking a cup or two of coffee each day.

Once you know your limits, enjoy that cup of coffee without the guilt. Not a fan of coffee, you can find caffeine naturally in tea and cocoa, and it is added to other beverages. n Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states. Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.

H E A LT H & W E L L N E S S

Butler Health System COVID-19 Vaccine Update

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utler Health System (BHS) is accepting ALL individuals eligible under PA Department of Health Group 1A, without restriction of any kind. This means the vaccine is no longer limited to residents of Butler, Clarion and Forest Counties.

For guidance on Group 1A eligibility visit www.butlerhealthsystem.org or www.health.pa.gov. BHS has proudly vaccinated over 55,000 individuals, including 35,000 who are fully vaccinated.

For more information and to sign up, visit https://www.butlerhealthsystem.org/. If you are without

access to a computer and need assistance with scheduling a vaccine, contact the Butler County Center for Community Resources at 888-550-7468. n

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Dr. Esposito, who holds a degree in behavioral psychology, invites anyone interested in a personalized weight loss plan to schedule a SkinnyLight Treatment and Consultation by either calling the office at (724) 553-5500 or visiting the website at www.CenkIntegratedHealth.com. n www.northernconnectionmag.com | APRIL 2021

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FROM THE EDITOR

The Hang of It

By Janice Lane Palko You can get used to hanging if you hang long enough – Anonymous

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n March 16, we celebrated the one-year anniversary of “14 days to flatten the curve,” when Governor Wolf locked down Pennsylvania due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As we headed into the lockdown last year, had they told us back then that a year later many of us would still be in lockdown, we’d probably would have, as they say “freaked.”

That initial two-week stay-at-home order was extended until June 4, which seemed like a lifetime. As summer rolled around, there was a bit of loosening of the restrictions, but heading back into the fall, things tightened again until on December 12, when we were back into more severe restrictions, including the advisory to avoid gathering with loved ones for the holidays.

Whether all those restrictions were necessary, I’ll let you decide, but looking back on the last year, one thing is for certain is that we missed out on a lot. Easter Mass and services were cancelled. Graduation celebrations were curtailed. Weddings were postponed. Grandparents were prohibited from meeting their new grandchildren. COVID patients suffered in hospitals without visits from loved ones. People lost work or moved to working from home.

Vacations were postponed. Funerals were closed affairs. Fourth of July fireworks fizzled. There were no live concerts, plays, and for a time no sports. It was like the Grinch came and stole the whole year from us.

Looking back now, I can’t believe that we actually got through all of that. How did we do it? One day at a time. I follow a few moms on Facebook who have children with serious health issues, and one thing that they all seem to have in common is they cope with their trials by taking things one day at a time.

Several of these moms have been dealing with their child’s health challenges for many years, and I’m sure when their children became ill had they been told that they would be facing years of uncertainty, doctors’ appointments, hospitalizations, worry, etc. they would have been overwhelmed and buckled under the weight of their trials.

Taking life one day at a time is a smart way to live no matter your circumstances because we can’t change the past, and we have very little control over the future. All we can do is live in the present.

Also, humans have a capacity for adapting. When something new is foisted upon us, it can be quite unsettling; however, as the saying goes, “You can get used to hanging if you hang long enough.”

In some ways that it good. We can get accustomed to the new, but on another hand, it’s not so good.

You are probably familiar with the fable of the Frog and the Pot of Boiling Water, saying that if you threw a frog into a boiling pot of water, it would feel the heat and jump out. But if you put a frog into a pot of warm water and gradually increased the temperature until it was boiling, you could cook the frog.

I’m proud of all of us, how we coped with this last year, taking things one day at a time, but I certainly hope we haven’t gotten too accustomed to living with restrictions, that we haven’t forgotten what living freely was like. That’s something I never want to get the hang of. n

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FA C T S F R O M T H E FA R M

A Time to Sow

By Ron Eichner Hi folks, Each year most farm and garden crops get started by putting seeds in seed trays filled with potting soil or even direct sowing out in the farm fields or gardens where seeds will germinate and grow. Soil temperatures and moisture levels are important to get the seeds to germinate. First, having the soil ready to plant and fertilized for the crops’ nutritional benefits to grow and produce a crop to harvest is essential.

You may want to mulch with hay or natural grass clippings for moisture retention and/or manage the competing weeds during the growing stages. Then keep scouting for insect and wildlife damages, along with fungus issues.

The farming wisdom of billionaire Mike Bloomberg, who has no agricultural or farming skills, said, “I can teach anybody to be a farmer. It’s a process; you dig a hole, put in a seed, fill the hole with dirt, add water, and up comes the corn.” Well, I don’t know any billionaire farmers, but maybe Bloomberg could team up with the billionaire duo of Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos who have expanded their fortunes by purchasing enormous tracts of U.S. farmland. All three would be natural for farming.

Here is a unanimous farm quote, “Farmers don’t farm to make money; they make money to farm.”

Most farmers and gardeners have learned from their parents and or grandparents or from an agricultural school where you can get a horticulture degree. I wish farming and growing crops was as simple as what Mike Bloomberg says or thinks. Farming has become one of the most advanced industries because of all of the growing conditions and challenges faced each year.

Mother Nature is our silent partner, and weather for a growing season is truly unpredictable each year. Most crops want 70 to 80-degree soil temperatures for seed germination.

In April or May, the sun can warm the soil temperatures.

However, cold spring showers and rains can drop the soil temperatures back down. This is why for generations most tender vegetables and flowers were planted later in May because a couple of frosts and/or cold soil temperatures can still kill your crop.

At one point, 98% of the world worked in agriculture, and now it’s about 2% across the United States. There is a big difference between true family farms, those who work their farms every day throughout the year, and the rich businesspeople who are buying up countless farms throughout the United States.

My grandfather and dad have instilled in me to always pay attention to the full moon cycles of April and May in the spring and September and October in the fall. Generally, when you have clear nights within a five-day window of a full-moon

cycle it can be the coldest period. This year, May 26 is the last full moon of the spring, which could be a factor.

The success of a farm lies in growing the crops and being able to sell the yields your crops produce. In our area we have four full-time family farms - Kaelin, Shenot, Soergel, and ours, Eichner’s and we share a common goal of supporting our community. All we need is community support. So “Farm to Table” is a unique two-step from the farm to your table, where for most stores it is a four- to five-step process.

There are no days off with farming, and by no means is it as easy as digging a hole, dropping a seed, filling the hole and up pops a crop. Feel free to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm & Green houses and experience “Farm Fresh” at 285 Richard Road, Wexford, and get the “rest of the story.” n

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to reserve your advertising space for the Summer issue!

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SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS

Reflecting Upon the Bay of Pigs

By Paula Green

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pril 17 will mark the 60th anniversary of the Bay of Pigs invasion. This attempted military coup d’état was not successful, but rather a disastrous operation. The stage was set in January 1959 when Fidel Castro seized power in Cuba with a revolution. Castro was no friend to the United States since he attacked U.S. companies and interests. To further complicate matters, Cuba was allying itself with the Soviet Union. This led U.S. officials to believe that Cuba was a threat to our interests in the Western Hemisphere.

In 1961, two years after Castro’s regime began, the United States, under the CIA’s (Central Intelligence Agency) guidance and President John Kennedy’s orders, decided to invade Cuba. As part of the Cold War plan and in an attempt to topple Castro, the CIA trained Cuban exiles in guerilla warfare. Unfortunately, word got out and Castro was enlightened on the planned invasion.

The original plan was to have planes fly over and destroy the Cuban Air Force, but the U.S. refrained from providing necessary air support. Many U.S. paratroopers landed in the wrong places and some even ended up in the swamps. Some of the Cuban planes were damaged due to the early airstrike, but a few remained and attacked the invaders.

The ground attack crumbled as well. The landing force that landed at the Bay of Pigs was met with unexpected counterattacks from Castro’s military. Over 100 of the attackers were killed, and more than 1,100 were captured. The failed invasion heightened Cold War tensions between Cuba’s political ally, Soviet Russia, and the Kennedy administration. The following year, the Russians brazenly installed nuclear missiles in Cuba resulting in the Cuban Missile Crisis. President Kennedy tried to redeem himself by publicly accepting blame for the attack and its subsequent failure, but the botched mission left the young president looking vulnerable and indecisive. n Sources: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-bay-of-pigs-invasionbegins, https://www.ducksters.com/history/cold_war/bay_of_pigs.php, https:// www.historyplace.com/specials/calendar/april.htm

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Soldiers & Sailors’ Hall of Valor Induction Ceremony Eleven Heroes Inducted

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oldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust, Inc., held its annual Joseph A. Dugan, Jr. Hall of Valor induction ceremony and welcomed new members into the Hall of Valor on March 28. This special program recognizes Pennsylvania veterans who have received medals for bravery and heroism during times of military conflict.

Since its inception in 1963, Soldiers & Sailors has inducted over 700 veteran recipients of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Navy Cross, Air Force Cross, Silver Star and Distinguished Flying Cross (limited inductions also include Airmen’s Medal, Soldier’s Medal, Coast Guard Medal and The Navy & Marine Corps Medals).

This year the following military personnel were inducted into the Hall of Valor: • Captain Philip Bagian • Private First Class Donald Dukovich • Technical Sergeant Robert Kirsch • Lance Corporal Lance Monahan • First Sergeant Gilbert Moser • First Lieutenant Stanley Rykaczewski • Aviation Machinist Mate First Class Paul Stock • Electronics Technician Third Class Wayne Weaver • Corporal Albert Gettings • Specialist Four Larry Hohman • Captain James Siegman Soldiers & Sailors is accepting applications for our 2022 Inductees. To qualify, a member of the armed forces must have been born in Pennsylvania, or enlisted or lived during a significant part of their life in the Commonwealth and received one of the aforementioned medals. Soldiers & Sailors takes nominations all year and will accept nominations for next year’s induction through January 1, 2022. More information is available at soldiersandsailorshall.org. n

HOME GUIDE

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TRIVIA CONNECTION

Lawn & Garden Trivia

By Paula Green

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1. What is the oldest known lawn game?

2. Which is the most commonly used grass on MLB baseball fields?

3. What lawn game is played with a shuttlecock?

4. Name the insect that eats the roots of the lawn.

5. In the fertilizer, NPK – n stands for nitrogen, p for phosphorus; what does k stand for?

6. This process of gardening or landscaping reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation.

7. What is the technical term for planting seeds?

8. This type of garden educates the public on plant species, and it also showcases the beauty that the plant kingdom has to offer.

9. Spread this in your garden after planting; it shields the soil from the sun, conserves water, prevents moisture loss from evaporation, and reduces weeds.

10. Think about Asia; this landscape-style garden has a simple, natural setting design to inspire reflection and meditation.

11. Name the fruit (it’s not a vegetable) that has over 10,000 varieties. Over 60 million tons of these are produced each year, making it the world’s most popular fruit.

12. This garden flower was named after a Greek goddess who carried messages of love from heaven to earth using a rainbow as her bridge.

13. Which European country is home to The Poison Garden?

Visitors to this dangerous garden are prohibited from smelling, touching, or tasting the 100 murderous plants.

14. This fruit has an average of 200 seeds, which are found on the outside of the fruit.

15. Nearly 1,000 jasmine flowers and a dozen roses go into a single bottle of this popular perfume. n Sources: https://nationaldaycalendar.com/lawn-and-garden-month-april/, https:// blog.lawneq.com/10-fun-facts-about-lawns-and-lawn-mowers/, https://challengerirrigation.com/lawn-trivia-sports-edition/,https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/ story.php?title=are-you-a-lawn-guru, https://www.factretriever.com/gardeningfacts, https://www.homestratosphere.com/types-of-gardens/

Answers: 1. lawn bowling 2. Kentucky bluegrass 3. badminton 4. grubs 5. potassium 6. xeriscaping 7. sowing 8. botanical garden 9. mulch 10. Japanese garden 11. tomato 12. Iris 13. England 14. strawberry 15. Chanel No. 5

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pril is National Lawn and Garden Month. Lawns and gardens naturally go together. By April, we are tired of the cold, and we welcome spring and the beauty it has to offer.

Put on the garden gloves and tune up the lawnmower as we highlight some greenery.

In the United States, homeowners spend roughly $30 billion annually on their lawns. To maintain the upkeep of your yard, you must have a lawnmower, which was invented by Englishman Edwin Beard Budding, who patented it in 1830. Americans spend, on average, four hours per week taking care of their lawn. That adds up to an average of 208 hours per year or over eight days.

Lawns are great for producing oxygen. A 50-foot by 50-foot lawn can release enough oxygen throughout the day for the needs of one person. Given the length of their growing season, this makes grass great for maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Aerating your lawn allows water and oxygen to reach the root system more effectively. Roots need oxygen to grow and to help them absorb water and nutrients. It also allows fertilizers and pesticides to have more effect as they can be absorbed much quicker into the roots.

Speaking of roots, gardens have roots that have been around since the beginning of time. Remember, Adam and Eve resided in the “Garden of Eden?” There are so many types of gardens such as flower, vegetables, herbs, tropical, container, rock, and water to name a few.

According to Sir Francis Bacon, gardens are the “purest of human pleasures.” The earliest gardens were strictly practical and were used to grow food and medicinal herbs. The first decorative gardens appeared around 1500 B.C. in Egypt. Greenhouses have ancient roots as well. The first greenhouses were built in 30 A.D. in Rome, under Emperor Tiberius’s order, who wanted to eat a cucumber a day. The first greenhouse surfaced in the U.S. in Boston in 1737 under the direction of Andrew Faneuil.

The secret to a great garden is the soil, not necessarily the plant. It is good to add amounts of organic materials, such as crushed leaves, grass clippings, or homemade compost, to feed and nourish the garden. Since we have dug into lawn and garden info, we must now plow through the answers to this cultivating query. Get set to unearth the answers because it’s time to get a little trivial.

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