Janice Lane Palko Janice@northernconnectionmag.com
Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator
Paula M. Green
Paula@northernconnectionmag.com
Marketing & Account Executives
Mary L. Simpson
Sharon Yezerski
Wellness
Design & Production Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc.
Core Writers
Maura
Belinda Burchick
Ron Eichner
Paula Green
Janice Lane Palko Sofya Stearns
at McIntyre Square
McIntyre
Penny Zacharias, Pittsburgh Managing Partner for McGuire Woods LLP, received the “Food Forward” award from Food21 of Pennsylvania for her contributions to the nonprofit’s mission.
Food21 of Pennsylvania is pleased to welcome Rick Ebert of Blairsville, Westmoreland County, to its board of directors. Ebert, owner of Ebert Family Farms, brings decades of agricultural, government, and community outreach experience to the non-profit organization.
Sojourner House announced that Nishauna Ball, LCSW, a dedicated advocate for families in recovery, will be honored with the prestigious Pearl of Hope Award at the 21st Annual Victorian Tea on Sunday, April 27, at the Wyndham Grand Hotel Pittsburgh.
Richland Township will be awarded $235,000 for new traffic signal installation at the intersection of Gibsonia Road (Route 910) and Community Center Drive. The improvement project is being initiated through the PennDOT Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) program.
On March 28-29, Butler VA Health Care System joined the nation and recognized Vietnam Veterans for National Vietnam War Veterans Day when they hosted a two-day event. Commemorative Vietnam Veteran lapel pins were available for Butler VA’s community outpatient clinics located in Armstrong, Clarion, and Lawrence counties and Cranberry Township, Butler County.
Brother Andre’s Opens a Second Café in Bellevue
By Paula Green
Coffee and cookie enthusiasts now have a new destination to enjoy thanks to the recent opening of Brother Andre’s second café in Bellevue.
On Saturday, March 1, Brother Andre’s celebrated its grand opening at its new location, below Regina Coeli—Assumption Church at 45 N. Sprague Street.
In addition to coffee and cookies, the café offers a wide selection of sandwiches, scones, and seasonal lattes, all of which have become particularly popular.
What makes Brother Andre’s unique is its mission to employ adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The story began in 2019 when Mike and Terri Fitzgerald faced daily challenges in finding a job for their son, Patrick, who has autism. The family leaned on their strong faith and engaged in daily prayer, hoping that Patrick would find his way in the world and secure meaningful employment.
Mike and Terri conceived the idea of opening a café where Patrick could work and showcase his baking skills. The Fitzgeralds also aimed to provide meaningful employment for other adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. To bring their vision to life, they approached Father Chris Donley, a diocesan priest and co-founder of Move a Mountain Missions (MMM). He was eager to expand his mission, and the café seemed like the perfect opportunity to do so.
With the plans in place, Mike, Terri, Fr. Chris, their friend Dan Gallagher and Megan Donley Stella made the café a reality. The final challenge was finding the perfect name for their establishment. They decided to honor a saint who was dear to their hearts: Brother André Bessette. He faced difficulties in finding employment during his youth due to poor health; however, once he secured a job, he began to perform miracles as the doorkeeper of Notre Dame College in Montreal.
The first Brother Andre’s opened its doors on October 2, 2021. The café is uptown at Epiphany Church, which is part of Divine Mercy Parish on Washington Place (next to PPG Paints Arena).
“It has been such a blessing to witness the incredible growth of Brother Andre’s! In a short time, we’ve gone from a small kiosk at the Epiphany Fish Fry—where my son Patrick was our only employee— to two beautiful, full-service cafés that now provide meaningful employment to 26 adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Brother Andre’s has been life-changing for us, our team members, and their families. Terri and I are honored to work alongside Father Chris Donley, Dan Gallagher, Megan Donley Stella, Bridgette Pepmeyer, Matt Pioch, Scott Huffmyer, and our incredible support staff. We are so excited to see where God continues to lead us on this journey,” said Mike.
Brother Andre’s employees genuinely enjoy their jobs. Patrick is the head baker and specializes in snickerdoodles. I can personally attest that Brother Andre’s is an incredible workplace for adults with IDDs. It gives these folks a sense of purpose, and they form special bonds with one another. My husband Paul and I feel blessed that our son Nathan, who has autism, is a Brother Andre’s team member at the new Bellevue location.
If you’re in the Uptown or Bellevue areas, be sure to visit one of the Brother Andre’s Cafes. You’ll enjoy tasty coffee and great food while being greeted by the cheerful staff. Plus, your patronage supports Move a Mountain Missions, which helps raise funds and assist the most vulnerable individuals at home in Pittsburgh and abroad in Jamaica. n
Photos courtesy of Alex Jones
Terri, Patrick & Mike Fitzgerald
Dan Gallagher, Terri Fitzgerald, Bridgette Pepmeyer, Matt Pioch, Patrick Fitzgerald, and Scott Huffmyer
Fr. Chris Donley, Patrick Fitzgerald, and Fr. Tim Deely
Smarts and Style: Multigenerational Living by Wayne Homes
Longtime homebuilder Wayne Homes understands three all-important factors when it comes to building a multigeneration home: the benefits of multigeneration design, the range of floor plans and features to consider, and the fact that every family is different.
In much of the world, having kids, parents and grandparents under one roof is simply the way families live. And over the past five decades, the number of people in the U.S. who live in a multigenerational household has doubled.
It only makes sense. With life expectancy increasing and the economy evolving, America was bound to rediscover the many advantages of this arrangement.
The price is right
Let’s start with the obvious upside: economics. A multigeneration home lets expenses be shared by more people. So as a rule, a large, new home will be significantly more affordable for individual family members than owning, maintaining, insuring and paying taxes on two or more smaller homes.
When you add in all the little stuff (lawn mowers, snow blowers, weed trimmers, vacuum cleaners and so forth) the numbers look even better. There’s even the possibility of sharing largerticket items, such as cars. All the way around, multigeneration homes are just good fiscal sense.
Many hands …
… make light work, as the ancient wisdom tells us. Owning a multigeneration home means having plenty of hands, and plenty of life-experience, around the house. Which can not only lighten the load but make dinner prep and Saturday chores a time of laughter, learning and family connection.
It also means built-in babysitters. Just imagine: a new home that comes with regular date nights and the occasional spontaneous vacation for two. Talk about a great feature.
Healthy togetherness
When grandparents help raise the little ones, there are proven benefits for everyone. Studies have shown that active grandparenting reduces stress, increases mental engagement, encourages better physical health and boosts longevity. It offers the opportunity to age in place and avoid what can be a challenging transition to a retirement community.
Kids, on the other hand, can learn from their grandparents’ unique perspective and time-tested wisdom. And they’ll grow up feeling more at ease around people of all ages.
Consider the possibilities
Wayne Homes has been building custom on-your-land homes for more than 50 years. Over those years they’ve also built a reputation for creating homes that are beautifully fitted to the needs of each family. Wayne Homes is constantly designing and refining new home plans and new features, including plans and options tailor-made for multigenerational living.
But before we discuss a few of those plans, let’s talk about the range of possibilities.
A multigenerational home can be everything from a home that simply includes an additional bedroom with its own bath to a home that includes a full multigenerational suite, complete with bedroom, bath, kitchen, living area and private entry. Wayne Homes breaks down multigeneration layouts to three basic options.
The Annapolis
Option A adds a bedroom, wall closet, and a full bathroom.
Option B adds a bedroom, wall closets, full bathroom, kitchenette, and living room area.
Option C adds a bedroom, wall closets, full bathroom, ensuite laundry, kitchen, and living room.
Explore the floor plans
Wayne Homes offers dozens of different floor plans. Any one of them can be customized to become a multigeneration home. And yet Wayne has a selection of plans that are particularly wellsuited for multigenerational living. Here are a handful.
The Alexandria
Many families choose the simplicity of a single-level ranch plan as the starting point for their multigenerational home. And the Alexandria is a great example. In its typical configuration, the Alexandria comes with four bedrooms. Which allows two of the bedrooms to be converted into a multigeneration suite on the opposite side of the home from the owner suite. And voila: just like that you have a spacious two-bedroom plus multigen home.
If you need even more space and you like the idea of spreading that space across two floors, the Annapolis is a great way to go. The beauty of this floor plan is that it places a very spacious owners suite on the main level, with another three bedrooms and a loft upstairs. This gives you some great choices when it comes to creating a multigenerational layout. You can either combine two upstairs bedrooms or a single upstairs bedroom and the upstairs loft to make a place for a multigen suite. Or you can use those spaces to create another owners suite, allowing your extended family to take the main-floor owners suite.
The Gettysburg
On the other end of the spectrum, the Gettysburg shows how even a smaller ranch plan can make space for family. By combining the two secondary bedrooms of this three-bedroom plan, you can create a very comfortable and convenient multigenerational suite.
How to get started
On WayneHomes.com, you’ll find all of Wayne’s floor plans as well as some tools that let you visualize different features, finishes and fixtures. Or you can head right into a Wayne Homes Model Home Center and let the pros walk you through the possibilities.
Pittsburgh Model Center
7116 State Route 22 Greensburg, PA 15601 (866) 912-1380
The Alexandria Craftsman
The Annapolis Farmhouse
A Farmer’s Perspective on the Avian Flu
By Ron Eichner
Proud to support the neighborhood
Being a good neighbor means being there for my community. As your local State Farm® agent, I'm ready to help whenever you need me. Give me a call.
Hey folks, April is a busy month and the first full month of spring. April 1 is April Fool’s Day, and Passover begins at sundown on April 12. Income taxes are due on April 15. Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday on April 13, followed by Holy Thursday on April 17, which commemorates the Last Supper. Good Friday, marking the crucifixion of Jesus, is on April 18, and Easter Sunday, celebrating His Resurrection, is on April 20.
The press releases from the media about the avian bird flu can pose many concerns. The current avian bird flu started in early 2022. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack was asked, “Will the poultry mortality in 2022 exceed the 2015 mortality count?” He responded, “The mortality count of poultry is lower to date, and when the warm summer weather comes, the bird flu will end.” His comment was valid, which is why the bird flu has been seasonal for 100-plus years.
Now, the first twist a year earlier, in April 2021, happened when in a USDA southeast poultry research laboratory in Athens, Georgia, along with the Erasmus University Medical Center in Rotterdam, Netherlands, with the help of Chinese scientists, created a more substantial avian bird flu strain. The strain was induced into mallard ducks, and there was a laboratory leak. This is why the avian bird flu has gone unchecked for three-plus years instead of being a three- or four-month seasonal bird flu for 100-plus years. This process is called “gain of function.”
The avian bird flu was a concern on our farm for generations. My dad and I felt the best way to help safeguard our chickens and seasonal turkeys was to support their immune system with a good balance of prebiotics, probiotics, and essential oils to support their immune systems.
The USDA lab created a monster virus in 2021, and since 2022, the USDA has spent over $1.7 billion addressing the avian bird flu virus. This is like the fox guarding the hens. Where has the $1.7 billion been received, and by whom?
So, buckle up for questionable behaviors and spending of our USDA, who are to help and protect farms and farmers, and the actions of our government and their spending of our dollars.
USDA member Phyllis Fong, who served for 22 years, was fired in February for signing avian bird flu claims on
(Continued on page 12)
poultry farms in several states in 2024, despite no confirmed cases of bird flu. Farmers have been threatened with millions of dollars in fines if they challenge the USDA claims and do not cull or kill the laying hens.
Many good doctors like Dr. Pete McCullough questioned the culling of the laying hens at all of the farms when herd immunity is the better path to battle the flu since the “Genie is out of the bottle.” The USDA has spent more than $2.1 billion dollars over the last four years to reimburse poultry and dairy farms for losses due to the avian bird flu. The USDA and other federal agencies have put over $300 million dollars into developing and stockpiling emergency avian bird flu vaccines for poultry and livestock.
The European Union secured 40 million doses of the avian bird flu experimental vaccine for 15 European countries. In February, Zoetis ZTS approved an experimental avian flu vaccine for poultry, but it is currently off the table.
Herd immunity is the best way to battle the avian bird flu virus instead of culling hundreds of millions of laying hens. To put the icing on the cake, I discovered that Dr. Clayton Baker and Dr. Eric Berg have a video titled “Egg Prices Are Not by Accident.” It’s about 12 minutes long, but it’s worth the view.
Now, the DOJ is investigating the high egg prices, and the largest egg producer, Cal-Maine Food Inc. in the USA, with 62 million laying hens, is one of the DOJ targets. Our farm egg prices have been the same for four years, and the egg wholesale and retail prices doubled and tripled, but now they are coming down.
So, if anyone is looking for goodies for Easter, our farm market could be a destination. We offer super lean, fully cooked hams; you heat, serve, and eat. We sell high-energy eggs by the dozen. We also have a meat case full of pork, poultry, beef, 14–20-pound turkeys, homemade cookies, and candy. Our beef cows, lambs, and Kunekune pigs will be birthing the next generation of offspring, so if your kids or grandkids want to do a farm visit, check out the little livestock. We have a nice selection of Easter flowers for Easter week.
Our family farm wishes you a Blessed Easter holiday! We are nestled in a valley, and our farm market is open seven days a week. We welcome you to come and visit Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses at 285 Richard Road, Wexford, to experience farm-fresh and discover “the rest of the story.” n
Financing Your Home Renovation: Insights from Douglas Marinack of WesBanco
Home renovations can be exciting but costly. To help homeowners navigate their financing options, we spoke with Douglas Marinack, Banking Center Manager at WesBanco Bank, Inc.
Choosing the Right Loan
When financing a renovation, homeowners often choose between a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), a Home Equity Bridgeline, or a personal loan.
“A HELOC is one of the most flexible ways to finance home improvements,” says Marinack. “You can borrow as needed and only pay interest on what you use.”
For those buying a new home while renovating their current one, WesBanco’s Home Equity Bridgeline loan allows homeowners to leverage their equity for a down payment or even cover the full purchase price.
What Lenders Consider
Lenders evaluate applications based on three key factors:
• Cashflow: Steady income from employment, retirement, or investments.
• Credit Score: A strong credit history improves loan terms.
• Collateral: The home’s value influences borrowing limits.
“Understanding your financial picture before applying is essential,”
Marinack advises. “We look at a borrower’s full profile to ensure they can afford their loan payments.”
Maximizing Your Investment
Homeowners should prioritize renovations that add value and work with reputable contractors.
“One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is underestimating costs,” says Marinack. “A financial cushion for unexpected expenses is always a good idea.”
To secure the best loan terms, Marinack recommends monitoring credit, managing debt wisely, and planning renovations carefully.
“Preparation is key,” he says. “Smart financial decisions lead to cost-effective improvements that benefit homeowners for years to come.”
For more information, contact Douglas Marinack at WesBanco Bank, Inc at (412) 902-3542 or learn more at www.wesbanco.com n
Douglas Marinack
Baseball-Themed Songs Trivia
By Paula Green
Major League Baseball is back and in full swing! It’s time to enjoy the hits, hot dogs, and cold brews. Another highlight is the amusing songs played at the ballpark, so sit back and sing along as we focus on baseball-themed tunes.
Before any pitch is thrown, baseball fans sing The National Anthem as they remove their hats and honor our country. The seventh-inning stretch is enjoyable when we sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game. This classic song was written in 1908 by lyricist Jack Norworth and composer Albert Von Tilzer. The two were inspired to write it while riding the subway, where they spotted an advertisement for an upcoming game. Surprisingly, neither one ever attended a baseball game!
Another popular baseball tune is Glory Days by Bruce Springsteen, in which he sings about an encounter with an old friend who was a star baseball player in high school. John Fogerty knows how to get fans rocking with his hit song Centerfield. Fogerty even owns a Louisville Slugger guitar, which he uses when performing Centerfield in concert.
The Intruders combine romance and athletics in (Love Is Like a) Baseball Game. Les Brown’s Joltin’ Joe DiMaggio pays tribute to the legendary outfielder, while Wilco also honors the Yankee great with Joe DiMaggio’s Done It Again
Randy Newman’s The Natural is an iconic baseball song. Did You See Jackie Robinson Hit That Ball salutes the athlete’s historic achievement as the first African American to play in Major League Baseball. Tessie celebrates the Boston Red Sox and their devoted fan base. The song Baseball highlights the connection between America’s beloved sport and its fans. America’s Favorite Pastime serves as a soulful ode to baseball. Knock It Out of the Park is another song that strikes up enthusiasm.
Talkin’ Baseball is a 1981 song that describes Major League Baseball from the 1950s to the early 1980s. Other energetic sports songs include Baseball Boogie, Baseball Glove, Brand New Game, Load Up the Bases, Say Hey, and Willie Mays Is Up at Bat. Now that we’ve covered ballparkthemed songs let’s test your baseball knowledge. Get ready to don those ball caps because it’s time to get a little trivial.
1. In the 1989 baseball film Major League, Charlie Sheen portrays pitcher Rick Vaughn. What was his entrance theme?
2. What song by Don Henley has the same title as a book by Roger Kahn about the Brooklyn Dodgers?
3. In 1973, this famous singer released the tune There Used to Be a Ballpark on his Ol’ Blue Eyes is Back album.
4. Name the song by Meat Loaf that features a baseball verse narrated by sports announcer Phil Rizzuto?
5. He sings the song Catfish as a tribute to the legendary baseball pitcher Catfish Hunter.
6. This song is played at home Steeler games, but it is also the walk-up song for Pirates relief pitcher David Bednar.
7. In John Fogerty’s Centerfield, he sits on the bench with which fictional baseball team?
8. Simon & Garfunkel mention this legendary ballplayer in the tune Mrs. Robinson
9. In 1979, the Pittsburgh Pirates won the World Series. What was their theme song that year?
10. The song, The Greatest, is about a Little League player who believes he is a great baseball player. Who sings it?
11. Name the Alabama song that is a reminiscence of minor league baseball in the narrator’s hometown in the Midwestern United States.
12. This musical trio released the song Right Field in 1986.
13. Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam sings the tune All the Way about which National League Central team?
14. Who sings Night Game, which showcases the magic of baseball played under the lights?
15. This song is sung during the seventh inning stretch on Sundays, and patriotic holidays. n
the Mudville Nine 8. Joe DiMaggio 9. We Are Family by Sister Sledge 10. Kenny Rogers 11.
The Cheap Seats 12. Peter, Paul & Mary
Chicago Cubs 14. Paul Simon
God Bless America
Get Creative at Katie’s Clay Studio!
Looking for a unique night out? Whether it’s a romantic Date Night Wheel
Throwing experience or a fun-filled evening with friends, Katie’s Clay Studio offers the perfect blend of creativity and connection!
Our Date Night Wheel Throwing special lets couples get hands-on at the wheel, creating pottery while enjoying a relaxed, BYOB-friendly atmosphere. Looking for a one-time experience? Our One-Time Wheel Lessons are great for beginners wanting to try something new without the commitment of a full class.
Gather your girlfriends for a Ladies’ Night Out—sip, spin, and laugh while making unforgettable memories. Plus, fun isn’t just for adults—families are always welcome! Bring the kids for an artistic adventure, where all ages can get messy and creative together.
Visit us at Katie’s Clay Studio, 5562 William Flynn Highway, Gibsonia, PA 15044. Book your experience today at www.katiesclaystudio.com or call 724-502-4700! n
Nestled in the heart of our North Hills community for over 50 years, Trinity Jewelers is your trusted family jewelers. Our legacy is deeply rooted in crafting unforgettable jewelry for generations to come.
Planning your special day? Say “I do” with confidence as you explore our exquisite collection of engagement rings and wedding bands.
As wedding season approaches, make Trinity Jewelers your destination for all your jewelry needs. We specialize in custom design jewelry!
Stay connected with us on Facebook @TrinityJewelers and Instagram @trinityjewelers for exclusive updates, sales, and giveaways.
Scorpion Hair Co.
HSara Scott Simpson, Owner & Stylist at Scorpion Hair Co.
i, I’m Sara, owner & stylist of Scorpion Hair Co., a private salon suite dedicated to creativity, confidence, and personal style. I specialize in blondes, lived-in color, and extensions. I’m all about crafting customized looks that enhance your natural beauty and fit your lifestyle. Whether we’re perfecting your dream shade or adding seamless length and volume, I love making your hair goals a reality – all while chatting like we’ve known each other forever. Never in my life did I think I’d own a business, but here we are! I’m so excited for this journey and grateful for the support from my family, friends, and amazing clients.
To celebrate my Grand Opening, I will be sharing special offers, giveaways, and updates on social media. Follow along and book your appointment today! I’d love to see you in my chair! n
10020 Pendleton Way, Suite 10B, Cranberry Twp. PA 16066
Book online at www.scorpionhairco.com or message me on instagram to book a free consult to discuss your hair goals! @scorpionhairco | @hairbysarascott
Betsy’s Barn at Cheeseman Farm
Betsy’s Barn is the perfect rustic yet modern venue for a variety of events, including weddings, receptions, proms, graduation parties, and more! It is offered as an all-inclusive venue with a capacity of up to 300 people. The barn features a wrap-around porch entirely under the roof.
We are proud of our modern bathrooms, bar area, open-air lounge, and glass-enclosed deck. You can call 724-368-3233 or text 724-333-2807 and visit our website at www.cheesemanfarm.com. n
This is the venue “Where memories are made!”
Your Perfect Pittsburgh Wedding: Local Experts to Make Your Day Unforgettable
Planning a wedding is an exciting journey, and choosing the right vendors can make all the difference. Pittsburgh is home to incredible local businesses that help couples create a seamless, stylish, and stressfree celebration.
A Picture-Perfect Venue
For couples dreaming of a rustic-chic wedding, Betsy Barn at Cheeseman Farm offers breathtaking countryside views and an elegant barn setting, perfect for an intimate or grand celebration. If you’re envisioning a sophisticated event, Treesdale Country Club provides a stunning golf course backdrop, refined reception spaces, and exceptional service for an elegant wedding experience.
Personalized Details for a One-of-a-Kind Celebration
Jewelry is one of the most lasting symbols of love, and Trinity Jewelers specializes in custom-designed engagement rings and wedding bands to create timeless treasures. For unique, handcrafted keepsakes, Katie’s Clay Studio offers custom-painted ceramics and bridal party gifts, perfect for personalizing your wedding.
Flawless Beauty & Elegant Atmosphere
Every bride deserves to feel her best, and Scorpion Hair Company ensures picture-perfect bridal hairstyles and expert styling for the entire wedding party. When it comes to bringing your dream wedding to life, Windswept Entertainment & Event Rentals offers everything from elegant tents to stylish décor, creating the perfect ambiance.
A Feast to Remember
No Pittsburgh wedding is complete without delicious food. Aviva Brick Oven Catering serves up gourmet Italian cuisine, from handcrafted pizzas to full-service wedding catering, ensuring your guests leave satisfied and impressed.
With the right vendors, planning your dream wedding in Pittsburgh is effortless. By choosing local experts, you’ll create a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. n
How to Live Happily Ever After
The puffy white dress, the bells, the violin and the river of bubbly. Radiant bride and dazzling groom.
“And they lived long and happily ever after.” The end to every fairy tale and a beautiful beginning to life after the wedding.
But often the query about how to live happily ever after comes sooner than any other after the wedding. How to reach the golden anniversary, which does not mark just half a century of love, but it also celebrates companionship, bond, and memories with each other. The simplest answer to this question is compromise. Compromise is essential for a harmonious relationship and being together, and if you and your partner embrace it, you will be happy even after the bells. We are human; we are different; we all come from different upbringing; we like and dislike different things; we have different priorities and opinions; but we have something that unites us. We love each other and that is why we have to adjust our differences and ignore the little things that we can’t change or control. “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff.”
Embracing that can lead to lasting happiness.
This is a gradual process when two people become ONE. You function as a team. When you are weak, your partner will pick up the weight, when your partner is deficient, you will fill the void.
So, what else can I say? Actually, a lot. But I prefer not to because this short essay is not an attempt to teach you how to live your life and live your marriage. You know that without me. It is just rumination, reflection on the topic.
La Dolce Vita! Happy Wedding! Happy Marriage!! Happy even ever after!!!
Until next month! n
Honoring World Autism Day During April
By Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C
With spring officially underway, many of us may be planning our celebrations for upcoming holidays. While holidays such as Easter, Passover and Memorial Day Weekend may come to mind, there are also many causes one can honor this season. In 2007, the United Nations established World Autism Day on April 2, to promote understanding, acceptance, increased visibility, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that often affects one’s communication, social interactions, and behavior. There may also be academic issues, motor skill impairments and/ or co-occurrence with other neurodivergencies, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Tourette Syndrome, and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Neurodivergence as a descriptor is rather recent, coined in the late 1990s by sociologist Judy Singer to challenge medicalized views of cognitive differences. Neurodiversity refers to the idea that all brain types are part of human variation, both neurotypical and neurodivergent. Neurodivergence describes individuals whose brain functions diverge from what is considered the societal “norm.”
It’s only fitting, then, that this year’s theme for World Autism Day is “Advancing Neurodiversity and the UN Sustainable Developmental Goals.” There will be a virtual event on Wednesday, April 2, which is available for registration via https://www.un.org/en/observances/autism-day. More locally, you may observe various businesses “lighting it up blue” to show their support, as well as various community events and school activities. As far as local
events, Azure Events will have a concert at the Children’s Museum on April 6, titled “Music from the Magic Kingdom.” On April 12, the Autism Awareness Fundraiser will take place at Patty Jo’s, an organization at 2700 Custer Road, Pittsburgh, with food, silent auction, and drink specials. The annual walk for Autism Speaks will also occur in 2025, with date TBD. These are just a few of the local activities that support the cause and present opportunities to engage further in the community. As a small gesture, consider wearing blue on April 2, while seeing what else may be available in your local community to show support.
Wishing everyone a wonderful month ahead, with the promise of new beginnings, longer days, and warmer days ahead! n
Maura Johnson is a licensed clinical social worker currently in practice at Cranberry Psychological Center. She is a certified perinatal mental health provider, as well as a contributing staff member with Postpartum Support International. While her primary focus is treating PMADs, she also treats a variety of conditions and clients of all ages. She resides in the Pittsburgh area with her husband, Brendan, daughter, Sloane, and dog, Max.
Holy Cross Academy Girl Scouts
Troop #51300
Takes Action for World Thinking
Day
This February, the fourth and fifth-grade Girl Scouts of Troop #51300 at Holy Cross Academy in Ross Township participated in World Thinking Day, a global event that celebrates international friendship and encourages young girls to reflect on global and local issues. After learning about the significance of this day, each scout proposed an initiative for their troop to focus on in the coming yearultimately selecting nine meaningful causes to support.
One of the initiatives the girls chose was addressing food insecurity in their community, which led them to collect food donations for the St. Vincent de Paul Food Bank, located in Haber Hall at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish in Ross Township. Last week, the troop gathered and delivered their donations to the pantry, where they were welcomed by longtime volunteer Mrs. Jackie Musgraves. Mrs. Musgraves guided the girls on a tour of the facility, explaining how families in need - referred to as “neighbors” - apply for assistance and are welcomed into the food bank.
The visit was an eye-opening experience for the young scouts. Alaina D., one of the girls, asked if the food was free, and Mrs. Musgraves explained that all donations come from generous community members, just like their troop. Kennedy Z. inquired whether the neighbors received more than just the food stocked on the shelves. Mrs. Musgraves shared that, in addition to pantry staples, the food bank receives near-expiration produce and packaged meats from Giant Eagle, as well as a $20 Giant Eagle gift card for each family upon their visit—offering a level of dignity and choice that sets this food pantry apart from others.
The experience left a lasting impression on the scouts, reinforcing the importance of service and giving back to those in need. As they waited for their families to pick them up, they reflected on what they had learned and posed for a group photo to commemorate the moment. Parent Jenn Miller praised the initiative, sharing, “This was such a wonderful idea, and the fact that the girls are able to support a parish initiative that helps sustain their school is truly a win-win.”
Through their commitment to service and leadership, the girls of Troop #51300 are making a real difference in their community - one thoughtful initiative at a time. n
School Movers & Shakers
Aquinas Academy
Several Aquinas Academy eighth grade students qualify for States at PJAS Region 7 Competition. The students won awards at the Region 7 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science (PJAS) Competition on February 10. First Place Award winners and State Qualifiers include Elizabeth Austin, Elizabeth Bird, Silvia Grimm, Juliana Gruber, Amelia, Morgan Randall, Hadley Rouce (Perfect Score), and Daniel You. Aquinas Second Place winners include Ava Best, Mary Grace Dolan, Gabriela, and Jack Leyenaar Director’s Award winners are Daniel Yuo, Hadley Rouce, and Elizabeth Bird. Duane Keenan won an excellence award in Biochemistry.
Mars Area
Mars Area Centennial School announced the winners of the school’s 2025 Read Across
America & National Reading Month Book Cover Poster Contest. Winners were Ella Reefer, Reese Carrel, Anna Goehring, Cayley Chaffee, and Aivree Vierling.
Mars Girls Youth Basketball Associations’ Girls Sixth Grade Gold Basketball Team earned first place in the 2025 Pittsburgh Youth Basketball League championship.
Five members of the Pittsburgh Yetis 10U Youth Hockey Team competed in the ATC Presidents Day Classic, held Feb. 14-16. The team went undefeated (5-0) in the tournament winning the championship. Team members included Mars Area students Maddox Munshower, Colette Boy, James Insco, Ethan Kight, and Jackson Kraus
Mars Girls Youth Basketball Association’s Fifth Grade Gold Team earned first place in the 2025 Lady Panthers Classic, held Feb. 28-March 2 at Battlefield Sports Complex in Export. Team members include Mars Area Centennial School fifth-graders Reagan Anke, Samantha Beckert, Avery Cooper, Lila Demetris, Ainsley Genis, Amelia Lavrinc, Hailey Rodgers and Nora Wiley
Several Mars Area Centennial School students participated in WQED’s Design Lives Here Challenge culminating event, held March 12 at Franklin Regional Intermediate School. The team of sixth-graders Ellie Kurnocik, Hannah Nam, Kristin Sadhu and Chaarvi Yogesh earned first place for their invention, a multipurpose surface cleaner that “wipes, scrapes, and dries all in one sweep.”
Fox Chapel
Fox Chapel Area High School junior Mira Owens had her artwork selected for the 2025
Kung Fu or Tai Chi
Men, Women, & Children
Safe and Friendly
Classes divided by Age
Designed for Beginners
National Art Honor Society/National Junior Art Honor Society (NAHS/NJAHS) Juried Exhibition. Mira’s piece is titled “Reminiscence,” and is a drawing using all the ink in one pen.
Three Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the annual FreshmanSophomore
Speech and Debate Tournament. Divya Thirumala won third place in Dramatic Interpretation and the team of freshmen Alyssia Gaucin and Amelia Tedesco won third place in News Broadcasting.
Two Fox Chapel Area High School students Joanna Li and Zachary Rubin qualified for the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Tournament. Additionally, Noelle Fouron and Elaine Huang won seventh place and are first alternates to the national tournament.
Seven Fox Chapel Area High School seniors have been designated as National Merit Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program. The Finalists from Fox Chapel Area High School are David Black, Anna Delale-O’Connor, Benjamin Fiedler, Rayna Huang, Arnim Kuchhal, Zhana Neumann, and Rohit Velankar
Four Fox Chapel Area High School students were selected by audition to perform with the 2025 Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) Region I Band. The students are Marina Dunham, Elliott Broyles, Jack Murray-Krezan, and Joshua Shah. The band included 150 of the best student-musicians from 60 high schools from throughout Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Mercer, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
THE LEARNING NEVER STOPS
Discover new K-12 education opportunities waiting for you at the Pennsylvania Cyber Charter School! Call (724) 643-1180 or visit pacyber.org to start your PA Cyber journey today.
Beaver County High School
The following Beaver County High School students received awards at the High School Senior Art Competition at the Merrick Art Gallery in New Brighton. First place winner was Cecilia McGee, Breyonna Pugh (2nd) and Maria Callaghan (3rd). Honorable mentions were awarded to Summer Lydic, Kaitlin Richko, Kiera Watkins, Alexandra Dietz, and Shaelyn McDonald. School Award: Nicolette Young and Olabisi Meade.
Take a Tour Through Veterans Memorial Gardens
By Paula Green
With the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time to start gardening and get your hands dirty. Locally, some beautiful gardens honor our military veterans.
In Allegheny County, North Park is a popular destination for activities such as walking, biking, picnicking, and enjoying the great outdoors. You’ll find a semi-circular stone monument and a historic cannon as you enter the park at the corner of Wildwood and Ingomar Roads. This peaceful area features the Veterans Memorial and the Penn State Demonstration Garden, which is surrounded by beautiful flower beds. The military garden was established in 1990, and each year, Penn State Master Gardeners work diligently to maintain this tribute to veterans.
Another garden that honors veterans is the David E. Councill Memorial Park. This park is situated at the intersection of W. Ingomar and Ingomar Heights Roads in McCandless Township and is maintained by the Ingomar Garden Club. David E. Councill was a local World War II veteran who served in the Army Air Corps. The garden club cares for this area from early spring, around April, through November.
Masonic Village at Sewickley features a Veterans’ Garden to offer a space for reflection upon the sacrifices of those in our armed forces and their families. This is a fitting tribute since this retirement community is the home of many veterans. The garden was dedicated on October 7, 2017, and it includes a water fountain, pond, benches, and a life-sized bronze statue of George Washington in his military regalia.
There are several other veterans’ gardens across the state. One notable garden is the Veterans Memorial Gold Star Healing & Peace Garden in York. This garden was dedicated on June 9, 2012, and is open to the public from dusk to dawn all year. It serves as a gathering place for those who want to commemorate and remember the fallen and celebrate the lives of those who volunteered to protect our country. The garden changes with each season and matures with every passing year.
In Elkins Park, Pennsylvania, a group of garden volunteers known as Heroic Gardens has found healing through horticulture. This mental health organization is dedicated specifically to veterans. They travel throughout the Philadelphia region, assisting veterans in creating both indoor and outdoor gardens. Heroic Gardens operates year-round, planting seeds and fostering friendships with veterans. Their motto is aptly, “Let freedom bloom.”
Enjoy the beauty of these military gardens, honoring those who dedicated their lives to serving our country. n
Beaver Valley Artists Spring Show, Opening 1-4 pm, Apr. 27, at the Merrick Art Gallery, 1100 5th Ave., New Brighton. The exhibit runs Apr. 27-May 8. For more info, visit www.beavervalleyartists.org.
Cranberry Artists Network Show Spring is the New Green runs through April 10 at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd. For details, visit www. CranberryArtistsNetwork@gmail.com.
Athletics
Dorseyville Middle School Foxes on the Run 5K and Kids’ Dash, 8:45 am Kids’ Dash; 9 am 5K race, Apr. 26, Hartwood Acres. To register & for info, visit runsignup.com/Race/PA/AllisonPark/ FoxesOnTheRunK.
Senior Softball registration Northern Allegheny County Senior Softball League NACSSL is open for 2025. The competitive, slow pitch Senior Softball league is for ages 50+ and 62+ comprise 2 divisions. Tryout evaluations are MarchApril. Games are played May-August primarily at the North Park Senior Ballfield Complex at the Lodge in North Park. Sign up at www.NACSSL.com, or email nacssl@yahoo.com.
Camps
Summer Singer Day Camp presented by Pittsburgh Youth Chorus, 9 am-3 pm, June 16-20, at Duquesne University. For
ages 7-10, singing, dance, acting, creative movement and more. For details, visit www.pittsburghyouthchorus.org/ summersingerscamppgh.
Conferences
Sewickley Academy TEDxYouth Conference, 9:30 am, Apr. 5, Rea Auditorium at Sewickley Academy, 315 Academy Ave Sewickley. For details, swck.ly/tedx.
Entertainment
Dessert Elephants is showing in 3D and 2D through Sept. at the Rangos Cinema at the Carnegie Science Center. For info, visit CarnegieScienceCenter.org.
Free Matinee Movies on Mondays: 2 pm, Apr. 7, It Ends with Us; Apr. 14, I Am: Celine Dion; Apr. 21, The Idea of You; Apr. 28, Mending the Line; at the Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Woods Village in McCandless Twp. For details, visit TheLegacyLineup.com.
La Fleur Music, Art, Culture & Botanical Soiree, 6:30 pm, April 3, Phipps, One Schenley Drive, Pittsburgh. For more info, visit www.phipps.conservatory.org/.
Peter Pan, April 1-6, at the Benedum Center. For details, visit trustarts.org.
Some Like It Hot, April 15-20, at the Benedum Center. For details, visit trustarts.org.
Fundraisers
Adventures in Training with a Purpose 5K Run / Walk, 9 am, April 13, North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Rd. For details, visit www. AdventuresTraining.org.
For the Love of Books, 10 am-2 pm, May 31, La Roche University Zappala Center Campus Square, 9000 Babcock Blvd. Meet local authors, books signings, basket raffles, light lunch, supports AAUW. Cost $45. For details, visit wp.me/Pdl2o4-s6.
Gala / Teas
Garden Gala Down the Rabbit Hole, presented by UPMC & UPMC Health Plan, at April 26, at Northland Library. For info, visit mckinleya@northlandlibrary. org, or (412) 366-8100 x104.
Hope Grows Victorian Tea, 1-3:30 pm, May 18, Omni William Penn Hotel. For details, visit hopegrows.org.
Shake Your Booties Masquerade
Gala, presented by Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center, Saturday, May 10, at Rivers Casino. For info, visit www. childrenshomepgh.org/SYB.
Sojourner House Victorian Tea, 1-2 pm, April 27, at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh. For more info, about the Victorian Tea, visit www.sojournerhousepa.org/support/victorian-tea.
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Gardening
Big Bugs & the Mighty Pollinators art installation is a collaboration with the Cranberry Yarn Creations group and the Southern Butler County Garden Club (SBCGC). The project will be unveiled during National Pollinator Week June 16-22, at Cranberry Township Community Days at Graham Park. It will
be on display at the group’s Annual Garden tour on Saturday, June 28.
Southern Butler County Garden Club’s 17th Annual Garden Tour, 9 am-3 pm, Saturday, June 28. Six gardens on the tour. Registration and Day of Event ticket sales are from 9 am to 10 am only at The Cranberry Twp. Municipal Center, 2525 Rochester Road, Cranberry Twp. For info,
call: Linda at (412) 335-0550 or visit www. southernbutlercountygardenclub.org.
Historical / Library
Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable, A Comparison of Lee’s Two Invasions of the North, presented by Rich Condon, 7 pm, Monday, April 21, at Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Road, Allison Park. Presentation is free and open to the public.
Northland Library has numerous events scheduled for April. For a complete list of events, visit northlandlibrary.org.
Markets
Bases Loaded McSpring Handmade Market, 10 am-3 pm, Sat., April 5, at Block Northway. Indoor Artisan Market of Handmade Everyday Items, Décor & Gifts. A fundraising event hosted by McCandless Athletic Association. For details, visit www.mcaa.net.
Block Northway Farmers Market produced in partnership with I Made It! Market, every Thurs., 3-7 pm, June 5-Sept. 25. Fresh farm-to-table food and vendors: Jodikinos Farms, Binko’s Pepper Sauce, Couldn’t BEE Better Honey, Wednesday Snacks, Glencoe Gourmet, A Sweet Morsel Co., Boyd and Blair, and many more. For info, visit www.theblocknorthway.com.
Town Square Market Cranberry
Township Grand Opening, 3-7 pm, June 6, at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building, along the walkways of the Armstrong Great Lawn. Every Friday in the summer: food trucks, live music and special-themed events. For info, visit cranberrytownship.org/3198/ Town-Square-Market.
youth camps programs
Join the FUN in the Allegheny County Parks
TRAIL ADVENTURES
DEK HOCKEY
TENNIS
FLAG FOOTBALL
RANGER PROGRAMS
LATODAMI NATURE PROGRAMS AND MORE!
Register for programming happening in a park near you. Alleghenycounty.us/parkprograms
Boyce Park | Deer Lakes Park | Harrison Hills Park
Hartwood Ares Park | North Park | Round Hill Park
Settlers Cabin Park | South Park | White Oak Park
Meals / Nutrition
Free Community Meal First Monday Meal, 5-7 pm each 1st Monday of the Month at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. Meal includes entrée, starch, vegetable, salad, homemade dessert, drink. Open to the public. For info, Call (412) 486-0550.
Networking / Social
Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets 1 pm the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. Members must be residents of Cranberry Township. The Club features activities, social opportunities, and visits to nearby points of interest. For info, contact Frank at (724) 316-5807.
Glenshaw AARP 3744 meets at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, Mt. Royal Blvd. 2 pm, second Tuesday of the month. Call (412) 487-1041 for more info.
Now Booking Tee Times Now Booking Tee Times
At North Park Golf Course
Sealarks Women’s Group meeting, 1 pm, April 9, at Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., McCandless. Topic: FBI by Brook Riordan. Sealarks provides Christian fellowship and social activity for women alone, new members are welcome. For info, contact Edie at (412) 487-7194.
UPMC Passavant Hospital Auxiliary
Membership Opportunities! Are you looking for a stimulating opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of our community hospitals—UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets at 10 am the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept. through June). New members are always welcome! For more info, visit passavanthospitalfoundation.org/. Call (412) 7486639 if you plan to attend a meeting.
Scan the QR code to create an account and book your time or visit AlleghenyCounty.us/Golf
Recreational
The Edgeworth Bridge Club is sponsoring POP-UP Bridge games, 2-5 pm, on April 20, & June 29. The games will be hosted by The Lindsay Theater and Cultural Center in their Community Room, 418 Walnut St, Sewickley. For questions, email EdgeworthBridgeClub@ gmail.com
Reunions
General Braddock Area High School
Class of 1975 Reunion, 6:30 pm, Friday, Sept. 19 at Edgewood Country Club. If interested, contact Cindy Blasko at (412) 824-9272.
Sales
Little Sisters of the Poor Rummage Sale, 9 am-3 pm, Apr. 11 & 12, 1020 Benton Ave., Brighton Heights (building in the back). Clothing, furniture, household items, jewelry, & assorted items. Saturday is the “Bag Sale.” Proceeds benefit the
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elderly Residents living at the Home. This will be the first of two sales this year. For info or directions, call (412) 307-1100.
Rummage Sales
10 am-2 pm, Apr. 6, St Aloysius Campus, 3616 Mt. Troy Rd., Reserve Twp. Huge selection of kitchen items, jewelry, books, seasonal items, clothing etc…Bake goods available on Saturday. If you have furniture to donate, call Deb at (412) 337-1713.
Treasures & Furniture Sale
Apr. 16, at the Holy Spirit Campus, 608 Farragut St. Features six rooms of collect ibles, religious items, holiday treasures, linens, framed artwork & furniture. For more info, call Deb at (412) 337-1713.
Vintage Market
Shaler that benefits The Blessing Board. Open 10 am-3 pm every Th/F/Sat in the Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler Street & Rt. 8 (look for the gray door between Rite Aid & Planet Fitness).
CHRIST IS RISEN!
Join Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish this Lenten and Easter season as we observe Christ’s passion and death and celebrate his glorious resurrection.
Get the full schedule of Masses and much more at www.mountcarmelpgh.org
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish
Reverend John R. Rushofsky, Pastor
Saint Aidan Parish Easter Triduum
Holy Thursday, April 17
Mass the Lord’s Supper 7:00 pm – St. Alphonsus
Good Friday, April 18
Celebration of the Passion of the Lord 12:30 pm – St. Alphonsus 3:00 pm – St. Alexis 7:00 pm – Tenebrae – St. Alphonsus
Holy Saturday, April 19
Easter Basket Blessing 12:00 pm – St. Alphonsus
Easter Vigil, Saturday, April 19 8:30 pm – St. Alexis
Easter Sunday Masses, April 20
7:30 am, 9:30 am, 11:30 am – St. Alphonsus
8:00 am, 10:00 am – St. Alexis
*Please note there is No Evening Mass on Easter
For more information, visit saintaidanparish.org/easter or call (724) 935-4343
St. Alexis Church St. Alphonsus Church 10090 Old Perry Hwy. 221 Church Road Wexford, PA 15090 Wexford, PA 15090
Five Years On
By Janice Lane Palko
Can you believe that it’s been five years since the start of the COVID pandemic?
It was around this time of the year when we first heard the phrase “two weeks to flatten the curve.” Sadly, the two weeks morphed into years and flattened more than the curve.
My husband and I were on a Caribbean cruise during that February when things began to change. The first were minor. Midway through the cruise, we were no longer allowed to serve ourselves at the buffet, and when we checked in at the airport to come home, we were asked if we had been to China. By the time we got back to Pittsburgh, my sons, who were still living at home at the time, had begun to stock up on supplies as they told us that they had been monitoring Chinese news outlets online and that the Chinese were locking their citizens inside their homes.
The weekend before the lockdowns came in March, we celebrated my granddaughter’s third birthday at a family party. Little did we know that would be the last gathering for a
while. That Easter we sat outside on lawn chairs to eat dinner. My youngest son started a new job the day the lockdowns came. He set up an office in his room and didn’t meet a fellow coworker in person for nearly two years. My other son was sent home to work, and he took over the game room. My husband soon followed and set up shop in the family room. We were all working at home and surprisingly we all got along.
One of the most difficult things was that there was nothing to look forward to, and the days of work blended into the weekend. I’m not a big drinker, so to celebrate the end of the work week, I used to joke that I was going to live it up on Friday and put a straw in my flavored seltzer water.
The way we attended church, school, and entertainment and sporting events changed, if we could attend at all. How we exercised, shopped, sought medical care and socialized changed too—often not for the better.
Aside from the tragic loss of life, I know people who have never recovered. Mental health issues soared and still remain elevated. A February 2025 Pew Research study says “three-quarters of Americans say the COVID-19 pandemic took some sort of toll on their own lives. This includes 27% who say it had a major toll on them and 47% who say it took a minor toll.”
When I inquired about the financial implications of the pandemic, this AI-generated response revealed that the results were worse than I imagined: “The COVID-19 pandemic had a devastating impact on the global economy, including increased poverty and inequality, job losses, and business closures.
• Global poverty increased for the first time in a generation.
• Income losses were disproportionate, affecting disadvantaged populations the most.
• Women, youth, the self-employed, and casual workers with lower education levels were hit hardest.
Looking back now, I feel rather fortunate. I lost one friend during the pandemic, and some income, but my family tried to live as normally as possible during the pandemic and during the years afterward.
All of us should take a moment now at the five-year anniversary to remember those who lost so much and congratulate yourself that you lived through one of the most cataclysmic events in history. n
