August 2026 | Northern Connection Magazine

August 2026

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 27 YEARS

Mud, Mindset & Motocross How PA Cyber gives Tatum and Brody Veon the flexibility to chase their motocross dreams— and the grit to keep going.

Racing With Heart. Learning Without Limits.

Back-To-School Feature

Also in this Issue: NATIONAL PARKS TRIVIA | AUGUST HAPPENINGS | USO TURNS 85

ANNOUNCING OUR

NEWEST LOCATION UPMC Center for Geriatric Medicine and Cognitive Health is now accepting new patients.

Kelly Bellia, DO Geriatrician Dr. Bellia offers primary care for ages 65+ and geriatric consultations for dementia. She completed her geriatric medicine fellowship at UPMC and her residency at Baptist Memorial Hospital-North Mississippi. Dr. Bellia earned her medical degree from Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, call 412-692-4200.

UPMC Center for Geriatric Medicine and Cognitive Health, Cranberry, Part of UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital West Medical Building 6 20130 Rte. 19, Suite 2300 Cranberry Township, Pa. 16066

TABLE CON T ENOF T S CONTENTS

P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

Phone: 724-940-2444

8 NC Features 22 33 36

Senior Living: The Whole Bunch Janice Lane Palko Down On the Farm: Farm Freshness and Nutrition Matter Ron Eichner Local Author Spotlight: Marie Benedict (with co-author Victoria Christopher Murray) Emily King

Kids & Education 8 10 12

Cover Story: Mud, Mindset, and Motocross Jennie Harris School Movers & Shakers Discover the Difference of Catholic Education at NHRCES

Health & Wellness 14

16 20

Is Your Child Struggling to See Clearly? The Hidden Signs of Vision Problems Massucci Vision Plus Beyond the Physical: Concussions and Mood Maura L. Johnson Grants from a McCandless-based foundation aim to alleviate a common chemotherapy side effect for breast cancer patients

In Every Issue...

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AUGUST 2026

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Movers & Shakers Mover & Shaker of the Month: Cross Roads Presbyterian Church Paula Green Local Flavor: Where Food, Cocktails, Hospitality, and Good Vibes Come Together: Il Pizzaiolo Marisa Vaccaro From the Editor: All That Glitters Emily King Support Our Troops: The USO Celebrating 85 Years of Entertaining the Troops Paula Green August Happenings Trivia Connection: National Parks Trivia Paula Green

ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher

Laura Lyn Arnold Publisher Emeritus & Contributor

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Emily King

Emily@northernconnectionmag.com Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green

Paula@northernconnectionmag.com Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc. Graphics, Inc. Core Writers

Maura L. Johnson, LCSW, PMH-C Ron Eichner Paula Green Janice Lane Palko Sofya Stearns Marisa Vaccaro Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscriptions can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

The mission of Swanson Publishing, LLC 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.

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MOV ER S / SH A K ER S

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, MageeWomens Research Institute (MWRI) and UPMC are part of a multiinstitution team awarded up to $39.3 million from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H.) They’re developing a wearable monitoring system that could give labor and delivery teams a clearer picture of fetal health in real time.

OMEGA (Optical, Mechanical and Electrical Global Assessment) of fetal hypoxia, is being developed as part of ARPAH’s Making Obstetrics Care Smart program.

Families in the North Hills now have more convenient access to expert heart care. Pediatric cardiology services from the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh are now available at Children’s Pine Center in Wexford. You can now find fetal cardiology, general pediatric cardiology, adult congenital heart disease care, and more together under one roof.

This expansion helps reduce travel time for patients and brings trusted pediatric heart specialists closer to home. For information or to schedule an appointment, call 412‍‍692‍-‍5540.

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AUGUST 2026

Doug Marinack Banking Center Manager doug.marinack@wesbanco.com (412) 902-3542

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Cranberry’s Wound Healing Services’ hyperbaric oxygen therapy program has achieved national accreditation from the National Board of Diving & Hyperbaric Medical Technology. This reinforces UPMC’s commitment to the highest standards of patient care and safety. This prestigious accreditation recognizes excellence in hyperbaric medicine, including high standards for quality, technology, protocols, and staff expertise. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy plays a critical role in the treatment of certain complex and nonhealing wounds by delivering 100% oxygen in a pressurized environment to support the body’s natural healing process.

Clear Thoughts Foundation (CTF) announced the selection and funding of its newest CTF Consortium research team, marking a significant milestone in CTF’s continued commitment to accelerating breakthrough dementia research throughout 2026-2027. The newly funded research will investigate whether FDAapproved and clinically established medications, including Amlexanox, Bosutinib, Glutathione Disulfide, and Metformin, can be repurposed to protect critical brain connections associated with cognitive decline.

On July 15, the Cranberry Artist Network had the opening for the “ Summer Night with Monet” Show at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. The following awards were bestowed: Marian Salade first place, Gina Judy second place, and Shauna McChesney third place. Mary Mason, Linda Kirby, and Elaine Heitzer received honorable mentions. James Warmbrodt and Nicollette Tolomeo-Germain were also honored.

Local artist Tim Kostilnik won the Curator’s Choice Award at the 2026 Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival at Twin Lakes Park over the Fourth of July weekend for his painting titled “Grizzled.”

More than $2 million for vital improvement projects will be awarded in the 28th Legislative District through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP). Funding will support the Township of Pine - $752,120 for the construction of a new parking lot to meet current facility needs and support the planned expansion of the Pine Community Center.

North Allegheny School District received $1.25 million for an expansion and additions to its indoor swimming facility.

Do you know a person or group who is making a difference in the community?

Let us know at paula@ northernconnectionmag.com

MOV ER A ND SH A K ER OF T HE MON T H

CROSS ROADS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Celebrates its 200th Anniversary with a Fun Family Festival

By Paula Green

No matter what denomination you are, churchgoers know it’s not the brick and mortar that makes a church, but rather its people. This year, the congregation of Cross Roads Presbyterian Church on Wexford Road in Gibsonia is celebrating a major milestone. Two hundred years ago, Scotch-Irish Presbyterians bought land in Pine Township for just 20 cents an acre.

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AUGUST 2026

y 1826, the newly formed church building was called a “meeting house.” Initially referred to as X-Roads, the name was eventually spelled out. Cross Roads Presbyterian was the first church of any denomination within Pine Township. It was the eighth Presbyterian Congregation north of the Allegheny and Ohio rivers.

The church property was deeded for use by the church and the school. The log church and the first brick church were used as a school until 1870, when a separate school building was erected on the church grounds. It was named Cross Roads School. In 1956, the school was remodeled into a four-room Children’s Chapel for use in Sunday School. In 1960, one of the rooms was converted into a church office.

On the evening of May 23, 1971, Cross Roads experienced a tragedy when a fire broke out in the furnace room.

The church’s interior was severely damaged, resulting in $50,000 in losses. The Pittsburgh Bible Institute kindly offered their facilities, so church services were held there for the next three years.

Groundbreaking for the new church took place on April 1, 1973, and the first service was held on Palm Sunday, April 7, 1974. Since then, Cross Roads has continued to grow and thrive.

“We may be a small church in terms of membership, but we’re very active in supporting local missions like the Lighthouse food bank, Mars Home for Youth, and Hosanna Industries. North Country Meals on Wheels has been part of our church for decades. We also started a Blessing Box during the pandemic to help anyone who needs extra groceries,” said Patty Baylor, who serves on the Session at Cross Roads on the membership committee.

“We organize social events like progressive dinners, trips and events for our members, women’s tea parties, and special gatherings during church seasons like Lent and Advent. The membership committee takes care of our shut-ins. Stem Steps preschool rents space here. Bakerstown and Gibsonia Presbyterian were mission churches that were planted from Cross Roads,” Patty said.

On Saturday, September 19, Cross Roads Presbyterian Church will celebrate 200 years of faith with a special anniversary festival. The big event will take place from 2 to 6 pm at 3281 Wexford Road in Gibsonia.

The festivities will include game booths, a petting zoo with a petting pig, a balloon artist, and plenty of food trucks. Musical groups and singers will perform all afternoon. There will be a community hymn sing. The 200th anniversary celebration is free, and everyone is welcome!

Mark your calendars and come celebrate with Cross Roads. For more details, visit www.crossroadsgibsonia.org or call (724) 935-3636. n

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LO C A L FL AVOR

Where Food, Cocktails, Hospitality, and Good Vibes Come Together:

Il Pizzaiolo

By Marisa Vaccaro

As this month’s featured restaurant, I couldn’t think of a better choice than Il Pizzaiolo in Warrendale. It has been my favorite restaurant in the Cranberry/Wexford area for many reasons. As an Italian, I’m especially particular about Italian restaurants. I appreciate authentic flavors, quality ingredients, and dishes that stay true to tradition. Il Pizzaiolo delivers every single time. From the atmosphere and food to the cocktails, desserts, and exceptional hospitality, this restaurant truly checks every box.

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AUGUST 2026

ne of the things I love most about Il Pizzaiolo is that there’s definitely something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, celebrating a special occasion, meeting friends for happy hour or a night out, or enjoying a date night, the restaurant creates the perfect setting. I’ve celebrated countless occasions here over the years, making memories over incredible meals and handcrafted cocktails.

The hospitality is what truly sets Il Pizzaiolo apart. Owner Bob welcomes guests with homemade limoncello or orangecello, immediately making you feel like part of the family. Families with young children are just as welcome, with thoughtful touches and small trinkets to keep little ones smiling throughout the meal. It’s these personal details that transform dinner into an experience.

The atmosphere is equally impressive. During the warmer months, the outdoor patio is one of my favorite places to dine. It’s beautifully landscaped and also serves as a wonderful venue for private events. Even in the winter, the enclosed and heated patio allows guests to enjoy the space year-round. Inside, the lively bar creates an energetic yet inviting atmosphere, and the bartenders are always happy to customize cocktails and make drinks to order. Il Pizzaiolo has also become one of my go-to cocktail spots in the area, whether I’m enjoying a glass of wine, a refreshing spritz, a dirty martini, or Dan’s signature espresso martini. He consistently crafts my espresso martini exactly to my liking, making it one of my favorite cocktails in Pittsburgh.

Choosing a favorite dish is nearly impossible because I’ve worked my way through much of the menu over the years. To start, I always recommend the stuffed banana peppers, creamy burrata, beef carpaccio, or cheese arancini. Their seasonal

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salads showcase fresh, high-quality ingredients.

When it comes to pizza, Il Pizzaiolo is hard to beat. Wood-fired pizza is my favorite style, and in my opinion, they serve some of the best in the area. While I can never resist a classic Margherita or Prosciutto and Arugula pizza, the Fig and Goat Cheese pizza is a specialty pie that impresses me every time with its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.

Another standout is the homemade pasta, which adds an extra level of quality and care to Il Pizzaiolo delivers the menu. Beyond the pasta dishes, Il Pizzaiolo offers an impressive selection of entrées, whether every single time. you’re in the mood for fresh seafood like salmon From the atmosphere or a perfectly prepared filet medallion. Every dish reflects the restaurant’s attention to detail and and food to the thoughtful preparation. cocktails, desserts, and Of course, no meal is complete without dessert. Il Pizzaiolo’s desserts are made in house and exceptional hospitality, provide the perfect ending to any meal. Some of this restaurant truly my favorites are the rich chocolate cake and the newly added pistachio cake, which has quickly checks every box. become another must-try.

For me, Il Pizzaiolo is much more than just an Italian restaurant—it’s a place where exceptional food, warm hospitality, and memorable experiences come together. Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, it’s the kind of restaurant that keeps you coming back and one I’ll continue recommending to anyone looking for a standout dining experience in the Cranberry and Wexford area. n

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COV ER S TORY

AUGUST 2026

You will find siblings Tatum and Brody Veon at motocross tracks most weekends. PA Cyber middle school student Tatum does it for the adrenaline rush; elementary student Brody does it for the trophies.

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Mud, Mindset, and Motocross

These students have grit, and PA Cyber is the right fit.

By Jennie Harris

C

hoosing PA Cyber for their education has provided the siblings with the flexibility to pursue their passion for motocross. After school, they can practice racing dirt bikes in their backyard on their homemade track. Their parents also mention traveling to see family and sidestepping bullying as perks of attending a cyber charter school.

They fell in love with dirt bike racing five years ago, and it has been a huge part of their lives ever since. The friends they’ve made at the tracks have become like family. The Veons sleep at the track in their trailer and wake up to the sound of bikes revving.

They mostly compete in motocross, which is held on a wide dirt track.

Sometimes they compete on narrow tracks through woods or on oval tracks. In the winter, races move to large indoor spaces.

They participate in races hosted by American Motorcyclist Association, Pennsylvania Motocross Association, and Competition Riders of America. Their goal is to someday make it to the amateur national motocross championship, held annually at Loretta Lynn Ranch in Tennessee. It’s one of the biggest amateur motocross races in the world. Parent Christopher explained, “They will take the 40 fastest kids in the world, per class.”

The Family Sport

Back at Home

The family has a backyard track at home in Beaver County. That’s where the Veon children learned how to ride, and today it’s where they practice after school.

Racing dirt bikes involves some mundane but necessary tasks. Once Tatum and Brody return home from a weekend of racing, they wash their bikes, check parts, and take them to the mechanic if needed.

Their bedrooms are decorated with stunning trophies, including six-foot-tall ones from triathlons. Brody proudly said the trophies “make our bedrooms really cool.” Tatum said dusting them “takes forever.”

They enrolled at PA Cyber last school year so they can visit their father when he works out of town, all while staying on pace with schoolwork. “There was also a little bullying happening at [the last] school,” said Chelsie.

What would Tatum and Brody say to someone who is interested in competing in motocross? “Pick the right bike and just do your best,” Brody said. Then Tatum added, “Get training to learn the basics.

Practice a ton. Make sure you get the right gear. And then go to smaller tracks. Don’t give up unless you’re actually hurt. Get back on.” n

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You have to get over the fear, or you work on the fear. It’s a mindset.

”

– Tatum Veon, PA Cyber student

Discover if PA Cyber may be a good fit for your child by visiting pacyber.org or calling 724-643-1180.

AUGUST 2026

From a very young age, Tatum watched her dad race dirt bikes and decided she wanted to do it too. In turn, little brother Brody grew up watching Tatum and, of course, wanted to join the family sport! Tatum really got into racing at age 7 when she was eligible to ride a bigger 50cc bike. Brody began at age 3.

Tatum has been competing in an allgirls class, and this year she’s eligible to compete in the girls’ and women’s class.

She has sponsors for tires, goggles, boots, training, suspension, and so on. She has a competitive edge when racing in mud.

“Tatum happens to be really good at it, and a lot of kids spin out and wreck,” said parent Chelsie. “But man, she comes out really muddy.”

Both siblings have developed grit that comes naturally from crashing and learning to get back on the bike. Tatum said, “You have to get over the fear, or you work

on the fear. It’s a mindset. If you have a good mindset, then you’ll be good. If you have a bad mindset and you’re like, I can’t do this, I’m not going to win, then you’re not going to win.”

Chelsie said, “Motocross is definitely a very dangerous sport, but we’ve lucked out very much so that neither one of them has broken a bone yet.”

More than a year ago, Brody went to the hospital after a crash where the handlebar jammed under his helmet, knocking out a few teeth and almost breaking his jaw. His sister has told him to let go of the bike when he is crashing, but he said everything happened so fast in the moment.

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School Movers & Shakers Fox Chapel

Fox Chapel Area High School 2026 graduate Zinta Jacob has been named a recipient of a Stamps Scholarship through the University of Pittsburgh. The scholarship is one of the nation’s most prestigious scholarships for undergraduate students. It is valued in excess of $190,000 and is offered to five incoming firstyear Pitt students and covers full tuition; mandatory fees; room and board; book allowances;

and enrichment funds for study abroad, internships, leadership development, and conferences.

high school students from the United States and Canada, with 56 chosen as prize winners.

Fox Chapel Area High School 2026 graduate Ulyana Kubini was named a finalist in the high school division of the 2025-26 national Stossel Essay Contest. Students were asked to write an essay based on four topics, selecting one of their choices. Ulyana received a $200 cash award. Thousands of essays were submitted by middle school and

Three Fox Chapel Area School District students were named winners in the 2026 WQED Writers Contest. Hartwood Elementary School third-grader Emmerson McCormick was named a first-place winner for her story “The Mystery of the Midnight Gym.” The second-place winner was O’Hara Elementary School third-grader Camden Lenz and Hartwood Elementary School first-grader Celia Chan was awarded third place.

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Guenthenspberger successfully completed all training and evaluation requirements to graduate.

Junior Makayla Thornton was selected for an Outstanding Cadet Award, placing first out of 26 cadets in Delta Flight.

MHY Family Services

On Tuesday, July 14, MHY Family Services on Route 228 in Mars, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony marking the official opening of Longmore Academy’s new Therapeutic Kindergarten Program, a specialized learning environment designed to provide individualized therapeutic support and nurturing care for kindergarten-age students. Representatives from MHY Family Services and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh were in attendance.

La Roche University

Mars Area High School graduate Callahan Johnson was named valedictorian of the Class of 2026 and Anna McGrath was named salutatorian.

Members of Pine-Richland/ Mars Area U.S. Air Force JROTC (Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps) participated in the 25th annual Mountaineer Cadet Officer Leadership School, held June 21-27 at Concord University (Athens, W.Va.). Senior Connor Schweinberg, junior Makayla Thornton, and sophomores Jacob Brock and Rachael

On Friday, June 26, La Roche University and the Sisters of Divine Providence marked their 150th anniversary of the Sisters’ arrival in America with a Founders Day covenant-signing ceremony honoring their shared mission in education, faith, service, and justice. The ceremony included a covenant signing by representatives of the Sisters of Divine Providence, La Roche University, and the Board of Trustees, followed by the ringing of the bells of the former Motherhouse tower. After the ceremony, attendees were invited to add their names as witnesses to the Covenant.

AUGUST 2026

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Send us your Events, Movers & Shakers & School News.

Email ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com.

Deadline for submission is the 15th of the month.

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AUGUST 2026

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K IDS / EDUC AT ION

Discover the Difference of Catholic Education at NHRCES

For more than a decade, North Hills Regional Catholic Elementary Schools (NHRCES) has been committed to providing students with an exceptional educational experience rooted in faith, academic excellence, service, and community.

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AUGUST 2026

erving families across northern Allegheny and Butler Counties, NHRCES consists of eight Catholic elementary schools:

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Blessed Francis Seelos Academy, Blessed Trinity Academy, Butler Catholic School, Holy Cross Academy, Holy Sepulcher Catholic

School, Saint Kilian Catholic School, Saint Gregory School, and Saint Wendelin School.

At NHRCES, students receive

far more than a traditional education. Our schools combine strong academics with faith formation, leadership development, service opportunities, athletics, fine arts, and extracurricular programs that help children grow into confident, compassionate young people. Small class sizes, dedicated teachers, and supportive school communities allow every child to be known, valued, and encouraged to reach their Godgiven potential.

Families continue to choose NHRCES because of our commitment to educating the whole child’s mind, body, and spirit. Our students consistently excel academically while learning the importance of character, kindness, and service to others. From innovative STEM and STREAM programs to championship athletics, performing arts, and community outreach initiatives, students are provided with opportunities to learn, lead, and thrive.

As NHRCES celebrates continued growth and enrollment across the region, we remain focused on preparing students not only for success in high school and beyond, but for lives rooted in faith and purpose.

We invite families who are exploring educational options to visit one of our schools, meet our outstanding educators, and experience firsthand what makes Catholic education so special. n

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To learn more, schedule a tour, or begin the enrollment process, visit www.nhrces.org.

If you are an NHRCES alumnus or alumna and would like to stay connected and informed about all that is happening throughout the region, please visit www.nhrces.org/alumni.

AUGUST 2026

If you would like to support the NHRCES and our schools, please visit www.nhrces.org/ donate.

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HE A LT H / WEL L NE SS

Is Your Child Struggling to See Clearly?

The Hidden Signs of Vision Problems Discover how vision therapy can address underlying issues that affect reading, focus, and confidence.

Does Your Child Need Vision Therapy?

AUGUST 2026

While 20/20 vision might seem like the gold standard, Dr. Maura Massucci at Massucci Vision Plus reminds us that clear sight isn’t just about seeing small letters, it’s about how the eyes work together and how the brain processes visual information. Unfortunately, many standard screenings overlook underlying issues with focusing, tracking, and eye coordination, leaving children to silently struggle.

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Watch for these physical signs:

• One eye turning in or out, frequent squinting or eye rubbing, and excess blinking • Blurred or double vision, dizziness or nausea after reading, head-tilting, or covering one eye

Academic and performance clues can include:

• Avoidance of near work, frequent loss of place in text, rereading, or omitting words • Letter/word reversals, difficulty copying from the board, poor handwriting

• Inconsistent performance in sports, low reading comprehension, lagging behind peers These are key signals that a child may be battling hidden vision-processing weaknesses, not laziness or learning difficulties.

What Is Vision Therapy?

Dr. Massucci explains that vision therapy is akin to physical therapy, but designed for the visual system.

A customized program of exercises, lens work, or specialized tools strengthens the eyes and brain to improve visual performance. Such treatment addresses conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye), strabismus (crossed eyes), convergence insufficiency, focusing disorders, and even visual problems stemming from brain injuries.

Amblyopia, often symptom-free, can impair depth perception, reading efficiency, and response times.

Vision therapy complements traditional approaches, like patching, by retraining both eyes to work together effectively.

INTRODUCING OUR

Powerful Benefits of Vision Therapy

NEWEST DOCTOR

1. Improved eye coordination and comfort. Exercises help eyes work in unison, easing double vision, headaches, eye strain, and fatigue, especially during reading or screen work.

2. Better focus and academic success. Strengthening visual attention enhances concentration, enabling kids to sustain longer study sessions without mental strain.

3. Enhanced visual processing. Therapy refines tracking, depth perception, and eye‑hand coordination— skills vital for reading fluency, sports, and daily activities.

4. Boosted confidence and quality of life. As visual challenges fade, children often experience increased self‑esteem and engagement in school, sports, and hobbies.

When to Seek Help

Absolute Primary Care-UPMC welcomes Allison Verenna, MD, to our office in Cranberry Township.

Allison Verenna, MD Dr. Verenna earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. She completed her residency at UPMC Washington and is certified by the American Board of Family Medicine. She is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Medical Association, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians.

New patients are welcome. Call today or scan the QR to book online.

We care for minor injuries, and acute and chronic illnesses.

Absolute Primary Care—UPMC 20630 Route 19, Suite 101 Cranberry Township, PA 16066 724-779-CARE (2273)

Dr. Massucci recommends early eye exams, even in infancy and before starting school, to catch vision problems before they interfere with learning. If your child shows any of the signs above or seems bright but struggles academically or athletically, vision therapy at Massucci 26PCP572100-TCR-absolute_pc_verenna_print_3.5x4.75_c.indd 1 7/10/26 3:17 PM North Hills Vision Plus may offer transformative (412) 369-4000 Fox Chapel results.

(412) 696-0300 Seven Fields (724) 776-2488 Butler Vision therapy tackles the root (724) 905-0009 Robinson Twp. of learning and performance issues, (412) 787-7582 where eyesight isn’t just about clarProudly accepting all major insurances including Highmark & UPMC Health Plan ity, but coordination and interpretation. Under Dr. Massucci’s guidance, personalized therapy can sharpen a child’s visual skills, leading to stronger focus, comfort, and confidence. If your child shows signs of visual processing difficulty, don’t wait, schedule an evaluation and let them see the world more clearly. n Providing the most advanced orthopaedic care and treatment of sports-related injuries for more than 50 years

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www.massuccivisionplus.com 6600 Brooktree Road Suite 2800 Wexford, PA 15090 Phone: (724) 719-2712

Victor Thomas, MD • Brian Jewell, MD • Mark Langhans, MD • Steven Kann, MD Jeffrey Kann, MD • Gerard Werries, MD • Michael Pagnotto, MD • Christopher Emond, MD Michael Sybert, MD • Daniel Kopolovich, MD • Derek Andreini, MD

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HE A LT H / WEL L NE SS

Beyond the Physical: Concussions and Mood

By Maura L. Johnson

On a cold January evening in 1997, five friends and I packed ourselves into my friend’s Geo Metro, a vehicle most certainly not made to accommodate a group of that size. Most of us were still just 15, but our friend had the lucky October birthday and the brand new driver’s license to go with it.

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AUGUST 2026

s we drove around aimlessly (a favorite pastime of small-town teens everywhere), we felt a sudden, sharp jerking motion, followed by fishtailing and a crash into a telephone pole. While only one of us came out completely unscathed, we were incredibly fortunate that no one was injured beyond recovery. Three of us, including myself, were diagnosed with concussions of varying severity. I was told to be mindful of several potential concussion-related ailments, such as headaches, dizziness, and muscle pain and whiplash. While I experienced each of these in spades, my family and I were wholly unprepared for the agitation and depression that followed.

What I later learned is that mood changes after concussion are far more common than many people realize.

Concussions can affect mood both in the days immediately after the injury and, for some people, for weeks or months afterward. Symptoms can occur even when brain imaging may appear “normal” and may also vary from person to person. Some mood-related symptoms to watch for following a concussion may include:

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• Irritability or feeling short-tempered • Anxiety or excessive worry • Sadness or depression • Emotional sensitivity, such as tearfulness in response to events that would not typically cause upset • Mood swings • Apathy, feeling “flat,” or reduced motivation These symptoms can arise for several reasons: • The brain is recovering from the injury, which can temporarily affect networks involved in emotion regulation.

• Physical symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, poor sleep, and fatigue can worsen mood.

• The stress and sadness of missing typical activities, inability to exercise and limits on physical activity, missing out on experiences with friends and family can negatively affect mood.

• Having a history of anxiety and/or depression may make symptoms more noticeable

Working with children and teens, it’s not uncommon for me to see several post-concussion clients each year. Sportsrelated accidents appear to be the most common, particularly among those who have suffered multiple concussions.

One of the first things I focus on is screening for depressive symptoms, including increased irritability, agitation, and emotional flatness. Lack of motivation or lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, as well as sadness related to limits on movement and activity participation and difficulty focusing may also be present. If possible, I will also provide psychoeducation to parents regarding the possibility of post-concussion mood disturbance, encouraging support, understanding, and, most of all, patience.

It’s important to realize that mood-related symptoms are common after a concussion and may be a completely new experience for affected individuals. Keeping providers informed, engaging support, and seeking therapy can all be incredibly helpful in aiding one’s recovery. Prioritizing sleep, social connections, maintaining routines, and being as physically active as permitted are also ways to support recovery, as well as improve mood in general. n

It’s important to realize that moodrelated symptoms are common after a concussion.

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.

AUGUST 2026

17

HE A LT H / WEL L NE SS

FAQs on Primary Care Services:

By Genesis Medical Associates, INC. What is a Primary Care Doctor?

A primary care doctor is a general wellness physician that can manage most of a patient’s care in a non-emergency situation. Primary care physicians are the #1 resource for generalized aches, pains, and colds. More importantly, a primary care doctor can help patients assess their wellness and lifestyle goals over time and provide preventative care and advice.

In general, primary care doctors are also referred to as “Primary care providers” - PCPs for short. However, it is important to note that primary care also operates under four main types of care: • Family medicine, where the doctor cares for an entire family (i.e. will see patients of any age or gender, including newborns).

• Internal medicine, where the doctor provides primary care to adults.

• Pediatrics, where the doctor provides primary care to infants, children, and adolescents specifically.

• Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN), where the doctor cares for women’s reproductive health and offers family planning services.

Genesis Medical Associates proudly offers internal medicine, family medicine, and gynecologic care - meaning that our offices can cover the basic care needs of your entire family, at every stage of We are especially proud of our ability to maintain continuity of care into adulthood. If that is not the definition of a family doctor, we don’t know what is!

AUGUST 2026

Why are PCPs Important?

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A PCP has an advantage over other doctors: they can get to know their patients over time, i.e. during annual visits.

This allows a PCP to build a connection with an individual; to maintain a comprehensive file on that person’s yearto-year health information; and to provide tailored health feedback during an appointment based on a patient’s history. And while specialists can assess and treat immediate symptoms as needed, PCPs specialize in offering long-term preventative care that helps minimize the need for a specialist at all.

Of course, we all need specialist care eventually for one reason or another. And when that happens, primary care doctors can offer you a referral to a trusted physician in their network. Your primary doctor will then communicate with that specialist and make sure any additional care you

need is properly coordinated and administered.

When Should I Visit a PCP?

There are two primary reasons to visit a primary care doctor.

The more obvious one is because you feel unwell. This could be due to cold and flu season, ear infections, allergies, a potential sprain, and a variety of other non-emergency reasons. While an emergency room should always be visited in a true emergency, visiting a primary care doctor (vs an ER or urgent care) is often a cheaper resource for patients (due to what insurance does and does not cover).

Even if you feel fine, you should visit with your primary care doctor at least once a year for an annual wellness exam.

These exams give your doctor an opportunity to check things such as your weight and blood pressure, as well as discuss how you have been doing and feeling overall. If your doctor spots any red flags during this appointment, they can provide feedback and advice on how to address them before they develop into serious, chronic health issues (including heart disease, diabetes, etc.).

Primary care physicians are the #1 resource for generalized aches, pains, and colds.

Can You Provide a Few Examples of the Care Your Primary Care Team Offers?

The following are just a few examples of the immediate and long-term services you can obtain through primary care visits with our team: • Flu Care (Including vaccinations, symptom monitoring, etc.)

• CHF, or Congestive Heart Failure (Including prevention and treatment) • Diabetes (Including prevention, number tracking, lifestyle recommendations, etc.)

• High Blood Pressure (Including prevention and treatment) • Vaccines (We will ensure your vaccinations are administered and boosted as needed) • Preventative care (Includes tailored counseling based on the findings of our exams) n

AUGUST 2026

19

HE A LT H / WEL L NE SS

Grants from a McCandless-based foundation aim to alleviate a common chemotherapy side effect for breast cancer patients Submitted by Glimmer of Hope

Several years ago, Allegheny Health Network medical oncologist Casey Moffa had a patient who aggressively researched ways to avoid peripheral neuropathy — nerve damage in the fingers and toes that is a common side effect of the chemotherapy regimens used to treat breast cancer.

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AUGUST 2026

hat patient, who needed full function in her fingers for her job, ended up submerging her fingers in ice water during her treatments. The treatment was successful in that she ultimately preserved full feeling in her hands.

Since that time, Moffa became aware of a product called SuzziPads, mittens and socks designed to keep extremities cold during chemotherapy. She recommended them to her patients, who had good results.

“Just anecdotally, if you looked at it, it was clearly working,” she said.

Now, local breast cancer patients won’t have to procure SuzziPads themselves. A new $33,000 grant from the McCandlessbased Glimmer of Hope Foundation will cover SuzziPads for breast cancer patients at AHN’s largest breast cancer treatment sites, system wide. A similar $13,800 grant from Glimmer of Hope will cover breast cancer patients at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital.

“It sounds like a small amount of money, but the impact, according to these oncologists, is really great,” said Diana Napper, founder and executive director of Glimmer of Hope. “We try to keep life as normal as possible for breast cancer patients. If we

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For more information please call: Eileen Earley 412-327-5791

see something like this come along that we know will benefit patients, we do it.”

Peripheral neuropathy is the most common side effect of a class of chemotherapy drugs known as taxanes, which are often used to treat breast cancer. One study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute in 2017, found that 42% of breast cancer patients treated with one of three common chemo drugs still experienced peripheral neuropathy side effects two years after the start of treatment, with 10% experiencing severe side effects.

Even at the time of treatment, peripheral neuropathy can be severe enough that doctors will cut back the dose or cut chemotherapy treatments short, said Moffa, especially when the numbness of pain travels up the fingertips into the hands or up the toes to the bottoms of the feet.

Breast cancer chemotherapy patients can also have other side effects in the fingernails, she said, where the nail lifts up and causes fingernail pain.

In the last couple of years, since Moffa started recommending that her patients use the SuzziPads during treatments, she has very rarely had to adjust a chemotherapy dose because of peripheral neuropathy. She tried to do a clinical trial to measure the difference scientifically, but didn’t have many patients willing to be in a control group and not use the cold pads.

There aren’t many large scientific studies on cold therapy for peripheral neuropathy. One Chinese study, published in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery in 2023, found that about half of participants who used cold therapy experienced peripheral neuropathy, versus more than 85% in the control groups. A 2025 review of multiple studies by researchers in Turkey, published in Seminars in Oncology Nursing, found cooling therapy to be effective in more than half of the studies reviewed.

The science behind using cooling therapy is that cold makes blood vessels smaller, limiting the amount of chemo drugs that reaches the hands and feet. It’s similar to the philosophy behind “cold capping,” the use of intense cold on the head to reduce the impact of chemotherapy on hair follicles to try to prevent hair loss.

The SuzziPads are filled with a gel that stays frozen for about 20 minutes, and can then be swapped for a freshly frozen gel pack.

It is not particularly comfortable to wear freezing cold mittens and gloves during chemotherapy, said Moffa, but most patients are glad that they endured the cold to prevent side effects.

The pads are relatively affordable, at about $40 for a set, but Moffa is thankful that the grant will provide them to patients free of charge, lessening not just the financial burden but the mental load of procuring them.

“This is a hard thing for anyone to go through,” she said.

“If we just have the ability to give it to them, it’s one less thing that they have to worry about. It will be a huge relief to a lot of patients.” n

Through your entire journey, we see you.

For life’s calmest stretches. For health’s bumpiest journeys. AHN is ready with expert care, diagnostic precision, and a hand to hold.

See our approach to care at AHN.org/ExpertCare.

SENIOR L I V ING

The Whole Bunch

By Janice Lane Palko

AUGUST 2026

Did you watch any of the FIFA World Cup coverage, specifically the visitors who extolled the American culture? Scads of posts from people from all over the world praising our food, scenery, vastness, abundance, kindness, generosity, and hospitality, appeared all over the various social media platforms.

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Recently, I’ve witnessed two such instances of that.

A couple of weeks ago, I was heading into a grocery store, when a young woman with a brace on her leg while pushing a cart out of the store, lost her balance and faceplanted on the sidewalk. I and two other women immediately came to her aid, to ask if she had been hurt. She said no, which was a relief, but with the brace, she was having difficulty getting up from the sidewalk. We tried to assist her, but she was too heavy for us. A man of about 80 came over, but he looked a bit unstable himself. Right then several younger men exiting the store stepped up and helped her to her feet.

The second occurred back in March. We had new carpeting installed in our family room. When the installers came, I headed upstairs with the dog, while my husband stayed downstairs to direct them where to move some of the furniture so that they could get to work.

A few minutes later, my husband came into our bedroom and said, “The installers found the wallet.” I was

puzzled because I hadn’t lost a wallet. “They found Jordan’s wallet,” he said. My son-in-law lost his wallet at Christmas four years ago. He had just withdrawn some cash out of the bank and lost his wallet. He assumed he had lost it when he had stopped to get gas. But apparently, it had fallen into our recliner, when they came to visit. The recliner is very heavy, and when the installers moved it, the wallet fell out.

My husband wasn’t in the room when the installers found it, so they could have easily pocketed the $400 that was still tucked in there, and we would have never known.

But to their credit, they did the admirable thing and gave us the wallet and money.

According to the Cicero Institute, a non-partisan public policy institute, a very small minority commit the majority of the crime in the United Stated. Some studies show that less than 5 percent of the population commit 63% of violent crime, and when you add in property crimes that jumps to 90% of all reported crimes.

Back in 1971, my teen crush Donny Osmond and his brothers had a hit song, called “One Bad Apple,” whose lyrics advised that, “One Bad Apple don’t spoil the whole bunch, girl.”

When you doomscroll and watch the news, it’s easy to believe that everyone is evil, self-seeking, and nefarious.

But as the statistics show and our World Cup visitors have reminded us, and the numerous acts of kindness and virtue that go unnoticed, the whole bunch of us have not been spoiled by the few bad apples in our midst. n

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AUGUST 2026

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25

FROM T HE EDI TOR

All That Glitters Emily King

I recently read a quote by Anna Quindlen: “Life is made up of moments, small pieces of glittering mica in a long stretch of gray cement.” Okay, the gray cement part is kind of bleak, but I do like thinking of small pleasures as “glittering mica.”

AUGUST 2026

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his is the time of the year where we feel summer winding down. The cicadas become a steady soundtrack, the Monarch butterflies stop by on their migration path, the light becomes softer in the evening as the sun sets a little earlier. It’s time to savor the small glittering mica of summer.

I recently bought a cheap hammock on Amazon and it was the best decision. I love laying suspended in the air, gently rocking, trying not to look at my phone for ten minutes. We spend a lot of time looking forward to life’s headline moments, like weddings, babies, and once-in-a-lifetime vacations. But most of our lives are made up of small, simpler pleasures. The trick is just to notice them.

Professor emeritus of psychology at Loyola University of Chicago, Fred Bryant, pioneered the field of savoring research. He has spent decades researching and studying how humans can get the most pleasure

out of positive experiences. Because of evolution, we are hardwired for negativity. That’s because we always had to be on the lookout for predators and other dangers. It takes practice to notice the good things. But the research says that the practice of savoring the pleasurable moments in life leads to greater well-being and better moods.

If you’re anything like me, in a particularly busy phase of life with kids and activities, slowing down long enough to savor a cup of coffee can feel like a waste of precious time. But it’s not, it can actually make you a happier person. So as summer comes to an end, make sure you take the time to savor all of those moments that you wait the rest of the year for: ripe juicy peaches, running through the sprinkler with your kids, and even the smell of freshly sharpened pencils as you shop for school supplies. n

AUGUST 2026

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SUPP OR T OUR T ROOP S

The USO Celebrating 85 Years of Entertaining the Troops

By Paula Green

“I encourage those that are in the arts to take a moment to understand the military community and visit them.

And you can’t do it any better than with the USO.” – David Boreanaz

AUGUST 2026

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he USO, or United Service Organizations, helps support the well-being of active-duty U.S. military members and their families. For 85 years, it has brought entertainment to the troops through performances by celebrities.

One of the best-known USO entertainers was Bob Hope, a comedian, actor, singer, dancer, and humanitarian. He was known as “the one-man morale machine.” For almost 50 years, from World War II through the Gulf War, Hope devoted his time to entertaining the troops. He traveled around the world, visiting remote outposts in Alaska, battle zones in Beirut, and ships at sea to perform USO shows.

Because of his dedication, people often associate Bob Hope with the USO. There were countless other celebrities who entertained the troops over the years. A few included Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Humphrey Bogart, Judy Garland, the Andrews Sisters, Sammy Davis Jr., Marilyn Monroe, and Ann-Margret.

The USO officially began on February 4, 1941. It was created before the United States entered World War II at the request of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who sought an organization to provide recreational, social, and moraleboosting support to U.S. military personnel.

Since it began, the USO has grown significantly. Today, it operates more than 260 locations worldwide, including major airports in the U.S. and bases in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific.

Besides entertainment, the USO offers other programs for the military. At major airports around the world, they

run “airport lounges” where service members can get “a touch of home.” There, they can relax during layovers, enjoy free snacks, nap, do laundry, or use Wi-Fi. Traveling remotely is also part of USO programming.

Their Mobile USOs are large, climate-controlled centers that travel to remote military bases, training exercises, and natural disaster zones, equipped with Wi-Fi, gaming consoles, and TVs. Supporting families and building community are key parts of the USO’s work. For example, the Bob Hope Legacy Reading Program lets deployed service members record themselves reading books to their children and send the recordings home. The USO also hosts baby showers for expectant military parents and networking events to help people connect. These programs show that the USO’s support goes beyond just entertainment.

The USO offers programs and workshops to help service members and military spouses successfully navigate civilian life, focusing on employment, education, and financial readiness. They partner with Hire Heroes USA to provide resume help and job placement support. The organization helps wounded and fallen soldiers by attending dignified transfers at Dover Air Force Base. Through these efforts, the USO continues its support in a new phase of service.

Northern Connection magazine salutes the USO for its countless hours of entertainment and its unwavering support of the military. n Sources: www.uso.org/

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AUGUST 2026

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H A PPENING S

HAPPENINGS

Art Cranberry Artists Network, A Summer Night with Monet, runs through Aug. 28, at the Municipal Center. For info, visit cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

Concerts McCandless Crossing Concerts, 6-8 pm, Mon-Thurs, through Aug. 27, on the Town Green, between Old Navy and Ethan Allen.

Free & open to the public. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. In the event of inclement weather, concerts may be canceled or rescheduled. For a concert schedule, visit www.mccandlesscrossing.com or follow @mccandlesscrossing on Facebook.

Expos Autism Safety Expo, Friday, October 30, Monroeville Volunteer Fire Company #4, 4370 Northern Pike, Monroeville. Presented

by Autism Connection of Pennsylvania. For sponsor and vendor info, visit autismofpa.org/ sponsor-and-exhibitor/.

Festivals

AUGUST 2026

Divine Grace Parish Family Festival, 4-10 pm, Friday & Saturday, Aug. 7-8 and 1-7

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pm, Sunday, Aug. 9, St. Ferdinand, 2535 Rochester Rd, Cranberry Twp. Nightly dinners and a White Elephant sale. To learn more, visit parishfamilyfestival.org.

Fundraiser Cindystock 23, 6:30 pm, Friday, Aug. 21, Henry Diltz Photography slide show and Sweet Judys/a tribute to Crosby, Stills & Nash; 2:30 pm, Saturday, Aug. 22, Bill Toms & Hard Rain, Crystal Bowersox, Lisa Sanders, Brown Sugar & Rudy. Food/Music/Auctions.

Proceeds benefit local charities providing cancer screening & support services: Hair Peace Charities, Cancer Bridges, Adagio Health, UPMC and AHN. For tickets, visit www.cindystock.org/.

Hope Grows Uncorked & Skewered, 5:30-8 pm, Sept. 25, Iris Respite House, 183 Shafer Rd., Moon Twp. For details, visit hopegrows. org.

Putts with a Purpose Golf Outing, 3 pm, Thursday, Aug. 27, at the All American Field House (formerly the Racquet Club), 1 Racquet Lane, Monroeville. Sponsored by Seniors Helping Seniors Northeast Allegheny & Westmoreland Counties. To register, call (412) 742-8747.

Rock Against Cancer, 5 pm, Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Amphitheater at Pine Twp Community Park. Four bands: Genevieve Carlson & Friends, Buckingham Prep, Stealing Time, and The Hip Waders.

Suggested donation of $60, includes a meal and two drinks. Visit bit.ly/ RockAgainstCancer26. Hosted by Pine Township resident Mike Fitzgerald, who is a cancer survivor and Cancer Bridges board member. Proceeds benefit Cancer Bridges www.cancerbridges.org.

Gala Ecolution Fashion Show & Charity Gala, 6-10 pm, Wednesday, Sept. 30, The Pennsylvanian, downtown. For info, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ecolution-fashiongala-2026-pittsburghs-premier-sustainablefashion-show-tickets

Gardening Ingomar Garden Club monthly meetings, 10:30 am, 1st Wed. of the month, March-Nov., at Northmont Church, 8169 Perry Highway, McCandless Twp. Meeting, light luncheon & guest speaker. Prospective members are invited. Visit www.ingomar-gardenclub.com for additional info.

Health SMART Program, Seizure Management for People with Active Epilepsy (SMART) is a free online program for adults (18 years or older) living with epilepsy. Sessions will be held in small groups via Zoom once a week for about an hour, for 8 weeks. August 6 September 24. For detail, contact Jordan at jhinds@eawcp.org or 412-322-5880.

Historical Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable, Bill Binzel presents Mary Surratt - Innocent or Guilty? 6 pm, Monday, Aug. 17, at Hampton Township Community Center,

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3200 Lochner Way, Allison Park. Presentation is free and open to the public.

Library/Reading Children’s Gala 2026: A Rainforest Adventure, 6-8 pm, Sept. 19, at Northland Public Library. A special evening at the library full of fun and wonder for families with young children. Strolling book characters, games, live entertainment, raffles, face painting, balloon artists, food, photo-op areas, and much more! Tickets are $25 per person. For details, visit northlandlibrary.org.

Northland Library has numerous events scheduled for August. For a complete list of events, visit northlandlibrary.org.

Meals / Nutrition / Teas

Harvest Home Dinner, 12:30-6 pm, Sunday, Sept. 13, at Saint Aidan Parish, St. Alphonsus

Movies Free Matinee Movies on Mondays: 2 pm, Aug. 3, Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere; Aug. 10, The Thursday Murder Club; Aug. 17, Wake Up Dead Men: A Knives Out Mystery; Aug. 24, People We Meet on Vacation; Aug. 31, Soul on Fire, at the Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Woods Village in McCandless Twp. For details, visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

Horse Power, narrated by Academy Award nominee Josh Brolin, runs in 3D and 2D, through September at the Rangos Giant Cinema, at the Kamin Science Center. For details, visit KaminScienceCenter.org.

Nature Inclusive Nature Sensory Walk, 11 amnoon, Aug. 22, Sept. 26 & Oct.24, at Frick Park Environmental Center. For details, visit PittsburghParks.org.

Networking / Social Association of University People (AUP) welcomes singles 50+, who are four-year college graduates, to join them for various activities and to meet new friends. Events include happy hours, meals, meet-ups at live music venues and local wineries, book groups, day trips, and Scrabble. For further details email aupsingles@gmail.com.

Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets at 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.

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

AUGUST 2026

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, and drink. Open to the public. For info, call (412) 486-0550.

Church, 221 Church Rd., Wexford. Delicious homemade meals featuring grilled chicken, ham, or pulled pork with plenty of sides. Gift baskets and a Steelers watch party. For info, visit saintaidanparish.org or call (724) 935-4343.

(Continued on page 32)

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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 info, visit passavanthospitalfoundation.org/. Call (412) 748-6639 if you plan to attend a meeting.

Women’s Club of Southern Butler County meets on the 2nd Thursday of the month except for January, February and July.

Meeting starts at 6:00 pm at Glade Run Presbyterian Church (back entrance) - 1091 Pittsburgh Rd (Rt. 8) – Valencia. Email info, womensclubofsbc@gmail.com or Facebook www.facebook.com/ groups/1404514813435159/ about.

Young at Heart 60+ Singles meet at various restaurants in Cranberry/North Hills areas at 1:30 pm on the 3rd Wednesday of the month. To find out which restaurant and to reserve a seat, text or call (724) 831-0798 by Monday the week of the luncheon.

Sales

Little Sisters of the Poor to Hold Rummage Sale

AUGUST 2026

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he Little Sisters of the Poor are having a rummage sale of household items, clothing, furniture, jewelry, and assorted items. The sale runs 9:00 am-3 :00 pm, August 7 and 8 from at 1020 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pa 15212 (the building in back). Saturday is the “Bag Sale.” All proceeds will benefit the elderly residents living at the home. This is the final sale this year. For more information or directions, please contact the home at 412-307-1100. n

Rummage Sales, 8 am-2 pm, Aug. 8, and 10 am-2 pm, Aug. 9, St. Aloysius Campus, 3616 Mt. Troy Rd., Reserve Twp. Huge selection of kitchen items, jewelry, books, seasonal items, clothing etc. Baked goods available on Saturday. For more info, call Deb at (412) 337-1713.

Treasures & Furniture Sale, 9 am-2 pm, Aug. 15, St. Matthew, Holy Spirit Campus, 608 Farragut St., Millvale. Six rooms of collectibles, religious items, holiday treasures, linens, framed artwork & furniture. If you have furniture to donate, call Deb at (412) 337-1713.

Vintage Market is a non-profit store in 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). Spiritual Magnificat Prayer Breakfast for Women, 9 am-noon, Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Hilton Garden Inn/Southpointe, 1000 Corporate Dr, Canonsburg. Prayer-filled breakfast, praise, worship, and fellowship. Featured speaker is Tracy Riffon. $35 registration.

Register online, or to download a mail-in registration, visit, www. magnificatpittsburgh.org/.

Support Sensory Friendly afternoons, 1-5 pm, the 2nd Tues., of the month (Aug. 11, Sept. 8) at the Children’s Museum. Regular admission rates apply. For details, visit accessibility@pittsburghkids.org.

Valley Care Foundation launched a grant initiative to support older adults in Sewickley, Ambridge, Aliquippa, and Coraopolis/ Moon areas. To learn more, visit ValleyCareFoundation.org.

Volunteering Hope Hospice, a non-profit organization in the North Hills, is looking for compassionate volunteers to visit patients at home or in facilities. Consider helping those in your community by reading, socializing, doing arts/ crafts or merely offering your presence. Visit hopehospicepgh. org/ or call (412) 367-3685.

Are you hosting a local event or have news to share?

Let us know at info@ northernconnectionmag.com

DOWN ON T HE FA RM

Farm Freshness and Nutrition Matter

By Ron Eichner

Hi folks. August is often called the “Dog Days of August,” a fitting description for a month with the fewest events. It is the last full month of summer. Schools will welcome kids back for the new school year.

I

Our farm market also offers our high-energy eggs, bacon, six types of homemade pork sausage, kielbasa, lean ground beef and lamb, and four-pound roasting chicken, all ready for your grills.

We are nestled in a valley, and our farm market and greenhouses are open seven days a week. You are welcome to make our family farm a destination to visit Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses at 285 Richard Road, Wexford, and discover “the rest of the story.” n

Visiting the ONLY Harpy Eagle in the Northeast =

Core Memory Made.

Exciting Daily Activities, Engaging immersive shows, Interactive Play Spaces, and more… only at the National Aviary.

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AUGUST 2026

f you want fresh fruits and vegetables, seek out area family farms that put in months of seeding, growing, and harvesting. The farmto-table concept shortens the distance food travels from production to consumption. Buying locally grown produce ensures freshness and peak flavor.

Buying from local family farms reduces the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation used by area food stores. Homegrown gardening offers many rewards and helps you understand the challenges of growing crops for your table. If you are too busy to garden, area family farms can be a destination to visit. Family farms offer freshness every day, and community support helps keep them thriving.

For decades, large corporate farms have produced crops at a lower cost, making it difficult for small family farms to compete on price. If you value quality and responsibly grown crops, the additional cost is worth it.

Being part of a family farm and raising chickens and turkeys since 1897, the poultry manure generated is like gold for the fields’ soils. Poultry manure is a great source of natural forms of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are macronutrients vital for plant growth and development. It also contains trace elements, known as micronutrients, that are essential for plant health.

Several decades ago, all farms had livestock for the manure generated, which nourished the soil. However, livestock and poultry require care seven days a week, and you are limited in how much you can grow crops based on the amount of manure on the farm.

When synthetic fertilizer came on the scene decades ago, it reduced the reliance on manure. However, we prefer the natural nutrients that come from manure and continue to fortify our soil this way.

Minerals are one of the keys to health, and manures are packed with minerals. Since the 1960s, naturally fortified feeds have been used in poultry and livestock diets to support health and wellness.

So, if you digested these August Facts from the Farm and you are seeking nutritionally sustainable farming for a better foundation for health, check out our family farm.

This past spring, I added a fantastic greeting card selection called Cori’s Card Corner, featuring cards personally selected to reflect themes such as farming, pets, birthdays, and more. These cards have unique and special verbiage and are made in America.

Cori is our newest farm family member contributing to the success of our family farm.

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T RI V I A CONNEC T ION

National Parks Trivia

By Paula Green

AUGUST 2026

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raveling across the United States and seeing its natural beauty is always exciting. Many tourists love visiting national parks, and each one offers something special to discover.

There are 63 national parks in the United States. The national park system also includes 433 sites with memorials, historic landmarks, and heritage areas. The most visited park is the Great Smoky Mountains, located in Tennessee and North Carolina, with over 11 million visitors annually.

Yellowstone National Park is the oldest in the United States. It sits between Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho, and is famous for its hot springs and geysers, including Old Faithful. The south entrance to Yellowstone is 10 miles from the north entrance of another breathtaking place, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming.

The smallest national park is the Gateway Arch in St. Louis, Missouri, at 192 acres. In contrast, Alaska’s WrangellSaints Elias National Park & Preserve is the largest, with 13.2 million acres. It is bigger than Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Death Valley combined. Alaska has seven other beautiful national parks: Gates of the Arctic, Glacier Bay, Katmai, Kenai Fjords, Kobuk Valley, Lake Clark, and Denali, which is home to Mount McKinley, the highest peak in North America.

Death Valley National Park in California is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in the U.S. Temperatures there soar

above 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Also in California, is the world’s largest living tree, General Sherman, in Sequoia National Park. This gigantic tree stands 275 feet tall and is 36 feet wide at its base. Other national parks in California are Channel Islands, Joshua Tree, Kings Canyon, Lassen Volcanic, Pinnacles, Redwood, and the famous Yosemite.

Three states each have three national parks. Arizona has the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, and Saguaro. Florida’s parks are Biscayne, Dry Tortugas, and the Everglades.

Washington features Mount Rainier, the North Cascades, and the Olympics.

Aloha! Hawaii has two national parks: Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakala. Other states with two national parks are New Mexico: Carlsbad Caverns and White Sands, South Dakota: Badlands and Wind Cave, and Texas: Big Bend and Guadalupe Mountains. The National Park of American Samoa and the Virgin Islands National Park are in U.S. territories.

Since we’ve traveled through national parks, let’s explore this tourist query. Get set to don those thinking caps because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. Two national parks are within driving distance of Pittsburgh: New River Gorge in West Virginia and Cuyahoga Valley in this state.

2. Four national parks are found in this state: Black Canyon of the Gunnison, Great Sand Dunes, Mesa Verde, and Rocky Mountain.

3. This Kentucky national park is the world’s longest known cave system, over 400 miles.

Sources: www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/fun-facts-nationalparks, www.parkrangerjohn.com/us-national-parks-by-size/, thewanderclub. com/blogs/blog/25-fun-facts-about-national-parks, www.funtrivia.com

AUGUST 2026

4. From mid-October to early March, the first sliver of sunshine in the U.S. falls on Cadillac Mountain, the highest point in this Maine national park.

5. Congaree National Park is located 15 miles southeast of Columbia in this state.

6. Named after a U.S. President, this national park is in North Dakota.

7. This national park is in eastern Nevada near the Utah border.

8. Over 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail runs through this Virginia national park.

9. Which state has five national parks: Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion?

10. Our 61st national park was designated on February 15, 2019. It stretches 15 miles along the southern shore of Lake Michigan.

11. Name the national park on the northwestern corner of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

12. This Montana national park is on the Canadian border. Its pristine ecosystem is called the “Crown of the Continent Ecosystem.”

13. Located in Oregon, this national park has the deepest lake in the U.S., with a depth of about 2,000 feet and is the remnant of an extinct volcano.

14. Voyageurs National Park is a scenic place on the Canadian border, in which U.S. state?

15. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas, name this national park. n

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Answers: 1. Ohio 2. Colorado 3. Mammoth Cave 4. Acadia 5. South Carolina 6. Theodore Roosevelt 7. Great Basin 8. Shenandoah 9. Utah 10. Indiana Dunes 11. Isle Royale 12. Glacier 13. Crater Lake 14. Minnesota 15. Hot Springs

LO C A L AU T HOR SP OT L IGH T

Marie Benedict (with co-author Victoria Christopher Murray) Emily King

Avid readers may know Marie Benedict as a bestselling author from Pittsburgh, but her newest success is a collaboration with another talented author, Victoria Christopher Murray. This partnership resulted in an incredible story of two very different women forming an alliance to take down a powerful and corrupt mob boss. It also captured the attention of a well-known celebrity-led book club.

AUGUST 2026

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his is Benedict and Murray’s third book together. Their collaboration formed when Benedict, a young lawyer in New York City, was exploring The Morgan Library and Museum, which began as the personal library of J.P. Morgan. She learned the story of Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, who became the heroine of her first book with Murray, The Personal Librarian.

“Initially, I found Belle da Costa Greene, J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian, fascinating because she’d risen up to become a powerful force in the art world when women didn’t even have the right to vote. Over a decade later, when it was confirmed that Belle was a Black woman passing as white, I recognized that Belle deserved to have her story told by a Black writer,” says Benedict. Having just read one of Murray’s novels, Benedict reached out to her to see if she would be interested in co-writing the story.

“I’m so fortunate that Victoria agreed,” she says. After the success of The Personal Librarian and earning a spot on the New York Times Bestsellers list, Benedict and Murray went on to write a second novel, The First Ladies, which explores the partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune.

In their third novel, A Pair of Aces, the authors tell the story of Eunice Carter, assistant district attorney in New York City and Manhattan’s first Black female prosecutor, and Polly Adler, madam of a high-class brothel in New York. Despite their completely different backgrounds, the two women work together to bring down Lucky Luciano, head of one of New York City’s largest organized crime families.

“With this novel we wanted readers to consider whether two people with wildly different backgrounds—and even beliefs and values—can put aside those divides and unify for the common

good. It’s a question that’s as timely now as it was then,” says Benedict.

“From before we wrote the first words, we knew we wanted the novel to be about two women who understood that they didn’t have to be friends to be allies,” says Murray.

Publishing the book was already a milestone to be celebrated, but then their editor delivered even more exciting news.

“When our editor told us that A Pair of Aces had been chosen as a Reese’s Book Club pick, we were in disbelief — but obviously thrilled! It didn’t really sink in until we started to do several of the Reese’s Book Club in-person activities, podcasts, and interviews, and it’s been an unbelievable gift to be part of the Reese’s Book Club community,” says Benedict.

Being selected for Reese’s Book Club has opened new opportunities for the authors.

“We’ve had the opportunity to do a number of events including a large outdoor event in New York where hundreds of readers came out. I think Reese has introduced Marie and me to so many new readers,” says Murray.

Benedict, a Pittsburgh native, has found inspiration in the city’s history throughout her writing career. In fact, her novel Carnegie’s Maid was inspired by Andrew Carnegie’s life and explores the role that an Irish immigrant maid in the house of Andrew Carnegie may have had upon his decision to become a philanthropist and founder of the extensive Carnegie library system.

“I wanted to shine a light on the female immigrants like my ancestors (who did indeed work in the houses of wealthy Pittsburghers as domestics) who played such an important role in our country, but whose stories are often overlooked,” says Benedict. n

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