December 2015 Issue Northern Connection Magazine

Staying Fit Through the Holidays Holiday Events & Happenings

CONTENTS December 2015

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NORTHERN CONNECTION NC Features

Health & Wellness

10 Cover Story: Aviary Story title

32 Connected Health

17 Christmas Worship Guide

34 More Advances in Family Healthcare Marianne Reid Anderson

Kids & Education 19 Education Spotlight: The School at McGuire Memorial—Providing Individualized Special Education Services 24 School Movers & Shakers 26 Innovations in the Classroom Marianne Reid Anderson

30 Hampton Senior and Montessori Grad Heads Up Global Montessori Preschool Initiative Paula Green

42 Fit Families: Staying Fit Through the Holidays Joella Baker 44 The Math of Colds Dr. Todd Wolynn 44 Lucky to Be Alive

In Every Issue 4

From the Publisher

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Movers & Shakers

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Mover & Shaker of the Month: Local Secret Santa Family Makes Christmas a Little Merrier Paula Green

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Memorable Moments

9

Starting the Conversation: It’s Okay to Wish Me a Merry Christmas Marianne Reid Anderson

Paul Neugebauer

Image & Style 46 5 Simply Perfect Anti-Aging Products and Tips Kelly Smith

Marion Piotrowski

Senior Living

12 December 2015 Happenings

48 Town Crier: The Merry Month of December Joe Bullick

51 Trivia Connection: Frank Sinatra Trivia Paula Green

49 Happenings for Seniors

52 Support Our Troops: A Special Welcome Home and Vets Honored at Seneca; A Diploma Ceremony & Shaler Grad Unveils Vets Documentary Paula Green

Advertorials 39 Your Body...An Owner’s Guide

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Dr. Shannon Thieroff

43 The Evolution of Medical Care: The Wait Should End Kevin Prag, Humane Health

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Northern Connection | December 2015

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PUBLISHER NOTES

Welcome to the December issue of Northern Connection magazine!

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

T

he holidays are upon us and in this issue, we feature some great holiday happenings and events for the entire family! One great holiday tradition for the family is a visit to the National Aviary in the North Side. This month’s cover story informs us of the many attractions that the Aviary is promoting this holiday season. The family will enjoy the beautiful setting and exotic birds that are on display at the Aviary along with the fantastic holiday show. The National Aviary is a great place to visit anytime of the year, but especially during the holidays!

Whether you are young or young at heart, many of us know the impact Frank Sinatra had on our entertainment enjoyment. Through songs, movies, TV specials, concerts and the Rat Pack, Frank Sinatra became a household name. Check out this month’s trivia and see how much you remember about Ol’ Blue Eyes, The Chairman, also known as, Frank Sinatra!

In this issue, we continue to feature many of our area schools and their Innovations in the Classroom. Also, be sure to check out our continued feature article on Advances in Family Healthcare.

Enjoy reading all the special features along with Northern Connection magazine’s regular columns. Thank you for your continued support, together we continue to make our communities an outstanding place to live and work! F

“

Phone: 724-940-2444 Laura Arnold

laura@northernconnectionmag.com

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

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Mary Simpson

marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Marianne Reid Anderson

ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

love NEVER SPOILS CHILDREN. CHILDREN BECOME spoiled WHEN WE SUBSTITUTE presents FOR presence.

Core Writers

Joella Baker Joe Bullick Paula M. Green Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Distribution

TOO MUCH

— DR. ANTHONY P. WITHAM

”

Coming in January 2016

Northern Connection Magazine’s

17th Annual Education Issue

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer Dominion Distribution Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

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

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

All preschools, elementary, middle and high schools, continuing education, and extracurricular facilities… Don’t miss this opportunity to showcase your school along with photos of your students in this informative and popular issue. Reserve your ad space and send photos (please identify school and class) by Friday, December 11, 2015.

Call early and reserve your space! 724-940-2444

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@NCONNECTIONMAG Find us on Facebook under Northern Connection Magazine! http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com/

Over 91% Patient Satisfaction End Your Peripheral Neuropathy Now! Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur.

Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. It is commonly associated with diabetes, however, neuropathy symptoms can also occur in patients with restless leg syndrome, sciatic neuropathy, and has been recently linked to statin drugs used to lower cholesterol. Although, there are also patients who just have neuropathy without a particular cause.

Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep.

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • • • • • • •

Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands Extreme Sensitivity to Touch Loss of Balance or Coordination Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles Weakness in the Arms and Legs Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers • Dependency on Medications The specialized treatment protocol offered at the Chiropractic Family Health Center includes 9 specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. This therapy has long been well recognized internationally, and these recent advancements offer hope for many more to live a more pain-free and enjoyable life.

Dr. Shawn Richey (a member of the NeuroTCA) has seen many patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. He has treated patients that have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. This can leave patients still struggling and wandering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now we are able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair.

Dr. Shawn Richey’s treatment program has given me miraculous relief from a debilitating and painful disease. I would recommend anyone, who suffers from peripheral neuropathy, choosing to have Dr. Shawn help you to your way to recovery as he has helped me.”

“Following foot surgery, I suffered with constant pain and inflammation in that foot for 17 months. Visits with three physicians, expensive shoes and orthotics provided little relief. When I saw Dr. Richey’s ad for a peripheral neuropathy treatment, I called for more information. Dr. Richey was very honest on the phone, explaining that my nerve pain was more complicated than peripheral neuropathy and he didn’t know if the treatments would help in my situation. He recommended coming in for a free evaluation and tests to determine if my case was something he felt that could help. I requested a trial treatment program and started seeing results after only three treatments. After several weeks, I no longer awake during the night with nerve pain or electric shocks in my foot. I now walk with little or no pain and I am able to complete an hour-long Jazzercise class or 90-minute Pickleball game. What little soreness I may feel after activity is significantly reduced and goes away quickly without medication. I am so happy to have my active life back. Thank you.”

— Christine H.

This ground-breaking treatment has achieved a 90% overall satisfaction rate. The treatment identifies the cause and enables nerve endings to regenerate and heal rather than remain damaged. As the treatments repair the nerve endings, pain is reduced, and patients regain balance and coordination.

For a free consultation, contact Dr. Shawn Richey at 724-940-9000 or email him at drshawn@backnline.com.

Call for a free consultation TODAY!

Dr. Shawn Richey drshawn@backnline.com www.backnline.com 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 Sewickley, Pa. 15143

724-940-9000

We may not be your first choice, but we will be your last!

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Northern Connection | December 2015

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MOVERS & SHAKERS December 2015

Movers & Shakers UPMC Senior Services honored Charles F. Reynolds III, MD, as its 2015 Grand Champion for demonstrating exceptional leadership in improving the lives of seniors in Western Pennsylvania and beyond. The event was held Oct. 21 at the Omni William Penn hotel.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has awarded Robert H. Squires, M.D., director of pediatric hepatology, a program of the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, its 2015 Murray Davidson Award.

Weinstein Imaging Associates welcomed the addition of Danielle E. Sharek, MD to their private, office-based radiology practice.

For additional info, visit weinsteinimaging.com.

Dr. Danielle Sharek

James Cunningham, CFRE, has been appointed director of Development for the Community Health Clinic of Butler County.

The Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau Board of Directors welcomed two new members at their meeting on Oct. 15. Ed Tanski of Buttercup Woodlands Campground and Ed Wethli of Kiva Han Coffee were appointed as the new representatives for Camping and Agritourism.

Yes, You Can Dance “Ballroom Shoe Event” was a huge success. The fundraiser netted $580 which benefits special needs students.

The newly relocated Cranberry Township Community-Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC), a partnership between VA Butler Healthcare and Valor Healthcare celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 6.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced the appointment of Dr. Michael Adelman as the new network director of VISN 4. Dr. Adelman will oversee delivery of health care to more than 320,000 veterans.

Forging Futures, a national provider of therapeutic and educational consulting services for families with struggling teens, young adults and adults announced that Michael G. Fisher has joined their staff as operations manager.

VA Butler Healthcare is participating in the first ever National Access Stand Down to ensure all Veterans are receiving the care they deserve in a timely manner.

Wendy O. Lydon, business coach and vice president at ThistleSea Business Development has earned the designation of “Master Business Coach” from the Professional Business Coaches Alliances (PBCA).

CA Technologies celebrated ten years of its employees volunteerism program “CA Together in Action” during October. In Pittsburgh, CA Technologies employees volunteered with Western Pennsylvania Conservancy where they removed plant material, plastic and debris from garden beds. They also helped the Pittsburgh Community Food Bank where volunteers packed boxes of food.

Local students in grade K-6 from school districts in Allegheny County created artwork for NHCO 2016 calendar depicting their interpretation of North Hills Community Outreach’s tagline “People Helping People.” The winners were – Erin Stein, Emma Stein, Vincent Wittmer-Bagby, Claire Stevens, Izzy Czechowski, Logan Krushinski, Allison Little, Sarah White, Janita Michael, Addelyn Hastings, Leah Flaherty, Laila Tuffiash, Kayla Karmanos and Isaac Thatcher.

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MOVER & SHAKER OF THE MONTH

Local Secret Santa Family Makes Christmas a Little Merrier

BY PAULA GREEN

S

ometimes during the holiday season it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle; as a result, the true joy of Christmas can be overshadowed. However, one extended North Hills family really enjoys sharing their Christmas merriment. Instead of exchanging gifts amongst each other, they pull together and buy presents for a family in need. This is the seventh year that they are embarking in this selfless act. The gift buying is always done anonymously, so to respect their privacy, we aren’t going to reveal their names.

We are going to simply refer to the kind-hearted shoppers as “Secret Santa.”

There are 18 family members that are involved in this Christmas project. One of the family members explained how this fun-filled tradition all came about, “Prior to Secret Santa, we used to have a family grab bag where we would spend a specific dollar amount and buy something for that person.

We got to the point where we were purchasing yet another sweater or yet another pair of gloves, so we decided to take

that money and shop for a family.”

“We contact one of the churches that we belong to and ask if there is a needy family that we could help. We ask the church to provide us with the ages of the children and a list of what they would like from Santa. Once we have the list, then the fun begins! The Secret Santas meet one evening after work at the store to shop which typically takes several hours, depending on the families’ needs. We try to ensure that everyone has a gift to open. One thing we like to do is to add a cookie mix, new pajamas, and the book, The Night Before Christmas.” These gifts are marked: ‘Open Christmas Eve.’ Once all the gifts are purchased, we wrap them, tag them with the child’s name, then deliver them to the church for the family to pick up,” Secret Santa added.

The seven year tradition has been well-worth it for this generous clan. They have learned that it is in giving, that you receive.

Secret Santa shared with us what a wonderful experience this really is. “This gives us such a great feeling to know that we can bring some Christmas joy to a family. We enjoy spending time together as a family shopping; it takes a few hours, as there are lots of ideas. We have so much fun doing this; I don’t think we’ll ever go back to the family grab bag. We hope the families enjoy the gifts as much as we enjoy shopping.”

“If there are other families out there who are tired of the family grab bag and need an idea, get together, call your local church or food bank and go shopping for a family in need. You won’t believe how much fun you will have!” F

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MOVERS & SHAKERS December 2015

Memorable Moments Local Area LIONS Clubs Hold Successful First Ever Bowl-a-thon Benefit

O

n Saturday, August 15, the Cranberry Township Area, Butler Area, and Evans City Area Lions Clubs held their First Annual Lions Clubs bowl-athon, benefitting A Night to Remember. The event was held at the Family Bowl-away Fun Center in Butler with 34 bowlers participating. The groups ranged from local area Lions and Leos, Butler Blind Association clients and staff. The Lion’s Club presented A Night to Remember, director Bryan Gratton with $413.00 to support the cause. Cranberry Area Lion’s Club member, Mike Doerfler organized the bowl-a-thon and served as its MC. A Night to Remember is an annual event held in the spring, and is overseen by Gratton since its inception three years ago. Special needs teens and young adults (ages 16-40) are presented with an unforgettable evening where they enjoy themselves in the spotlight. The Cranberry Woods Marriott Hotel hosted the one-of- a-kind affair. Each guest is paired with a volunteer buddy for the evening. The buddy’s job is to make sure the guest enjoys the night to the fullest – like a memorable high school prom. A Night to Remember is made possible by donations from area businesses. For more information, visit discovertogether.com.

Pennies from Heaven Oktoberfest Fundraiser

JustHarvest’s Snapshots of Poverty

P

I

ennies from Heaven held an Oktoberfest on Sept. 26, at the Elias Fry Barn in Marshall Township. The fundraising event raised over $100,000. The evening featured amazing food, cheer, campfires, live music and silent and live auction items. The 300 available tickets sold out days before the event and guests commented that the Pennies from Heaven Oktoberfest was “the charity event of the year.” Every penny raised goes directly to economically challenged families to allow them to remain at their sick child’s bedside during admissions to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

By December, the total raised may exceed $2.3 million and the number of gifts granted to families to exceed 100,000.

Pennies from Heaven is a charitable 501(c)(3) organization, established by Jon and Joni Perry. The fund is administered by the staff at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh as needy families are identified. To learn more, visit http://penniesfromheavenpittsburgh.org.

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nspired by Witnesses to Hunger™, Just Harvest presented Snapshots of Poverty.

Unfiltered and unedited, five area residents documented their personal experiences in photographs that showed the impact of poverty on our community. The project empowered those who knew from firsthand experience what it means to face poverty. Using digital photography, the participants sparked dialogue, engaged and informed policymakers and inspired changed. The exhibit ran Oct. 9-Nov. 6, at Broad Street in Pittsburgh. To learn more, visit http://www.justharvest.org.

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STARTING THE CONVERSATION

It’s Okay to Wish Me a Merry Christmas

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

B

asically, it is okay to wish me a “Merry Christmas” because that’s what I celebrate. I also never mind receiving a “Happy Holidays” or a “Season’s Greetings” sentiment especially from people who may be unsure of my own personal affiliations and views. Likewise, I try to do the same: if I know the appropriate greeting for someone, then I use it and if I don’t, then I go generic in my greeting.

I was under the impression that these were the basic melting-pot rules of etiquette that we go by here in the States.

After all, this is the season of peace on earth and the fellowship of mankind which is the main point of a seasonal greeting. However, there seems to be quite an uproar lately over the political correctness in holiday greetings. In the news, people were outraged over how Starbucks was choosing to serve coffee in red and green cups as not being substantial enough for holiday cheer. On Facebook, there was an outrage on “Holiday Nog” which is egg nog without eggs but apparently that detail didn’t matter as compared to the name. Personally, I wish people would get that outraged and full of energy over a cause such as, homelessness, poverty, or the war on drugs, rather than beverages; but maybe that’s just me.

Of course, I did think it rather strange when a parish in the Pacific Northwest sent me a “Season’s Greetings” card.

After all, if it’s politically incorrect to wish members of your own congregation a “Merry Christmas,” then who can you?

But as always, what do you think? Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http://northernconnectionmagazine. blogspot.com or email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net to leave a comment or to wish me a “Merry Christmas.” F

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COVER STORY

A NEW Look Inside the

NATIONAL

AVIARY! I n the past five years, the National Aviary has undergone dramatic growth: new exhibits, a free-flight immersion theater, and more ways than ever before to have unique, up-close encounters with rare and exotic birds. As a hub for education, avian medicine, conservation studies and breeding programs for species survival, the National Aviary’s impact stretches worldwide. While cutting-edge research propels the National Aviary forward, personal encounters with a vast array of birds remain the heart of its mission.

A child’s laugh as a Lorikeet alights on him, a grandfather taking his grandchild’s hand as they visit the penguin exhibit, a student intently observing a medical procedure on her rounds - these small moments make lasting impressions that inspire people to protect and care for birds and our environment. See what’s new – bring your group, host a live bird program at your school or community event, attend a camp, or start a new tradition with a visit this holiday season. The National Aviary today is a whole new experience for visitors of all ages!

(Gift certificates are available, too – perfect for the holidays!)

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Wings in Winter Create a new holiday tradition at the National Aviary! A variety of seasonal events will bring you up-close to Snowy Owls and nut cracking macaws.

Create special family memories with great photo opportunities this holiday season.

Special Family Events You Don’t Want to Miss Photos with Santa and His Penguin Pals! Every Saturday before Christmas!

Saturday, December 5, 12, 19 • 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Smile and say “FISH!” Bring your camera and meet Santa and his African Penguin friends for unique holiday photos. Kids can also stop by Santa’s Aviary workshop and make an ornament to take home. Included with admission Brunch with Santa… and a Holiday Bird Show!

Sunday, December 13 Two seatings: 9:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Santa invites you to a very special holiday brunch!

Reservations are $40 per person and include a delicious brunch

by Atria’s Catering, general admission to all of the National Aviary’s exhibits, a special bird appearance, a children’s craft kit, tickets to the Wings in Winter Holiday Show, and photos with Santa and a penguin. Take a break from the season’s stress for a fun-filled morning you and your children will never forget. Call 412-258-9445 today to register. Space is limited; reservations required.

Fleury’s KIDS ONLY Night Out Saturday, December 19, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Ages K – Grade 2 and Grades 3-5 Fleury, the Snowy Owl is hosting a very special KIDS ONLY night at the National Aviary! Mom and Dad can finish their shopping while their kids discover the National Aviary after dark. Led by the National Aviary’s team of professional educators and bird experts, there will be stories, bat feedings, crafts, a scavenger hunt, flashlight hike and opportunities to meet a penguin up close! Registration Required: call 412-258-9439 or email education.programs@aviary. org. Space is limited. $50 per child (additional $5 for pizza dinner).

Holiday Penguin Camps Monday, December 28, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., for ages 6-8 Tuesday, December 29, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., for ages 9-12 Wednesday, December 30, 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., for ages 13-18 Spend the holidays with the African Penguins! Help prepare breakfast for the National Aviary’s colony of penguins, attend a private feeding, and learn what makes these endangered birds so special. Camp includes a close-up encounter and an original masterpiece painted by one of our penguins.

Gift certificates are available! Register by calling 412-258-9439 or email education.programs@aviary.org. $75 National Aviary members/$85 nonmembers.

Connecting Students & Birds Like Never Before!

A visit to the National Aviary or a traveling program featuring free flight falcons and waddling penguins brings science, biology, math, geography and conservation education to life!

Dynamic Field Trips and Traveling Programs

If you are seeking a structured learning opportunity presented in a fun, dynamic and interactive format – and including live birds! – we have a number of options to meet your needs.

Visit us for a field trip, homeschool class, or scout program. Or, we’ll fly to you! Visit before February to receive the best rates.

Little Learners: Pre-K and Toddler Classes

Offered Monthly in 2016 Little learners discover a world of birds at the National Aviary! You and your child will explore our exhibits, participate in play activities, listen to stories and create crafts designed to develop his innate curiosity. Special discounts available when you register in December. Check aviary.org for details!

Summer Camps

It’s never too early to start thinking about Summer Camps!

Your camper will journey through a tropical jungle, feed our colony of African penguins, investigate veterinary science, and discover falconry. National Aviary Summer Camps enable children and teens to explore the wild world and their place in it—both indoors and out! Register before April and save.

For more information about all of the National Aviary’s education programs or to book today, visit aviary.org or call 412-258-9439.

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HAPPENINGS December 2015

Deadline for submissions is by the 12th of the month prior to publication.

December 2015 Happenings North Happening Mondays Chisel and Chips Carvers of North Pittsburgh meetings, meets 6:30-10 p.m., the 2nd Monday of every month, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Call (724) 940-0034.

Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus, meets every Monday at 7 p.m., Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. Visit Bogmeisters.com.

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 3rd Monday of every month 7 p.m., Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Free & open to the public. Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m.

Mondays, Dec. 7, Jurassic World; Dec. 14; Slumdog Millionaire, Dec. 28, Minions, Jan. 4, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jan. 11, Inside Out; Jan. 25, Ricki and the Flash, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www. thelegacylineup.com/movies/

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Tuesdays North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples meeting, 7:30 p.m., 3rd Tues., of the month, North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. Visit www. facebook.com/NPMOMS.

Thursdays Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m. the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 779-1854.

Friday Christy House in Sewickley, the lunch room is open on Fridays. Homemade food and kid’s menu available, corner of Frederick & Walnut. RSVP for reservations (412) 741-5960. Visit The Needles Eye & Earthly Treasure. Visit http://www.ststephenschurch.net/christy-house.

Arts & Entertainment Children’s Theatre: Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School, 2 p.m., Jan. 10, Byham Theatre; 5:30 & 7:30 p.m., Jan. 14, Marshall Middle School; 2 p.m., Jan. 17, Seneca Valley Intermediate. For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or TrustArts.org.

Legacy Theatres shows: Johnny Angel & the Halos Christmas Show, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5; Sinatra: A Century of Song, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup.com.

Health & Wellness ADHD Treatment: How Chiropractic and Behavioral Strategies Are Your Best Bet, 6:30-7:30, Dec. 15, Dr. John Carosso, Child Psychologist, and Drs. Kelly and Lucas Amorose, Chiropractors, discuss how to best support your child with ADHD. 8160 Perry Hwy. (412) 847-8946 or email amorosefamilychiro@gmail.com.

Dance Fitness, 9 a.m., Sat., Lighthouse Foundation, 1302 E. Cruikshank (Rt. 8), Butler.

Bring pantry items for the food bank in lieu of class fee. Contact heather.simplynatural@ gmail.com.

the food pantry. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Outreach Aiello & Brooks of Ameriprise Financial, Inc., is collecting hats & mittens for girls & boys ages 0-2. No monetary donations. Collection runs 8:30 a.m-5 p.m., Mon-Fri thru Dec. 16, 8150 Perry Hwy., Suite 212. For info, call (412) 837-1050.

Community Auto (a program of North Hills Community Outreach) is accepting old vehicles. For details, call (724) 443-8300 or www.communityauto.org.

Expand your outreach at Treasure House Fashion, 8035 McKnight Rd. Shop, volunteer or donate. For info, call (412) 3643256 or www.thfashions.org.

Zumba Fitness, 9:30 a.m. Mon., & 6:45 p.m., Thurs, Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Ave., Mars. Try a free class! Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Allison Park is now a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

Zumba Fitness, 6:00 p.m., Sats, North Way Christian Community, 12121 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Suggested $5 donation to benefit

North Hills Community Outreach Sharing Winter Warmth project is under. If your organization can display a

Northern Connection | December 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

Sharing Warmth wreath with removable gift tags, call (412) 487-6316, opt. 1 or vdburst@ nhco.org.

North Hills Community Outreach is seeking volunteer tax preparers to help low-income families. For details, email www. swpafreetaxes.org.

North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m. every Tues & Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www. northhillsfoodbank.com. Donations always welcome.

Support Groups Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. Free of charge, no registration is necessary. Call (412) 748-6640.

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed. Hosted by St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

Bereavement Support Group in the North Hills, 10-11:30 a.m., 2nd & 4th Thurs. of each month, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Call Heritage Hospice (724) 334-6600.

Breast Cancer Support Group, 6 p.m., 2nd Wed., of every month, Allegheny Health Network-Wexford Health & Wellness Pavilion. RSVP at (412) 622-1212.

Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., every Wed., of the month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Phone, (412) 748-6640.

Cancer Support Group, 5-6 p.m., 4th Mon., of every month, Allegheny Health Network’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion, 12311 Perry Hwy. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

Professional Counseling for seniors, families & kids, for those who can’t afford counseling or lack healthcare coverage. Call (412) 366-1300 or www. anchorpointcounselingministry.org.

S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 1st & 3rd Weds, thru May 18 (Single Parent Information Network). For info regarding this FREE group contact Joan at (412) 366-1300 x118.

Women’s Self Care Support Group, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Sats., Anchorpoint Counseling. Call (412) 366-1300, ext. 129 or www.anchorpointcounselingministry.org.

Counseling Berkley Hills Lutheran Church is offering it Stephen Ministry Program for people experiencing grief, divorce, cancer, illnesses, job loss, loss of home, military deployment & other life struggles. Free & confidential program for people of any faith. Call (412) 486-4010 or www.bhlc.org.

Group Services, Intensive Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30 p.m., M,W, Th.,Therapy Group 6-8 p.m., Tues., Family Only Group 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2nd Tues, Psycho-educational Support Group 7-9 p.m., (Continued on page 14)

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HAPPENINGS December 2015

4th Mon. Contact Anita at 412-215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.

Professional Counseling, need someone to talk with but can’t afford it or lack health coverage. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300.

Networking AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Wed, at North Park Deckhouse, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village.

Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

Butler County Chamber December Events: Dec. 4, Holiday Celebration at The Atrium; 8 a.m., Dec. 9, Chamber Officers Meeting; Dec. 11, Leadership Butler County Media & Political Process Day; 8 a.m., Dec. 15, Butler County Young Professionals Board of Directors; 7:30 a.m., Dec. 16, Chamber Board of Directors Meeting; Dec. 16, Slipper Rock Business Association Holiday Dinner.

For info, visit butlercoutnychamber.com.

Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters Club meets at noon every Mon., Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Visit http://cranberryhighnoon.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Friday Morning Connections - join the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber at 7:30 a.m. every Friday, at Hosanna Industries’ new Gibsonia location: 3930 Dickey Rd., Gibsonia. Free networking, guests are welcome. Email hschwartzbauer@pghnorthchamber.com.

North Allegheny Special Ed. Parent Networking meetings, 9:30 a.m., Jan. 8, at North Allegheny High School Baierl Center. For info, visit http://www. nasepng.org/.

Western PA Professional Business Association Network Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Tuesdays, King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8, Gibsonia. Call Mary Ann, at (724) 935-2221 or www.wpabusiness.com

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon.stalter@ cancer.org.

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided. Call (412) 393-7600 or http://www.gplc.org/become-a-volunteer. cfm.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide vision –Give hope. For details, call (724) 553-3114 or www.missionvision.org.

Seeking hospice volunteers...if you can find the time to sit with hospice patients we would love to have you. For details, call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209.

Volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy skills. 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutoring training provided. Call Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council, (412) 393-7600 or http:// www.gplc.org/become-a-volunteer.cfm.

Volunteer Tutors Needed for children struggling with school work. Call Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry, (412) 366-1300 or www. anchorpointcounselingministry.org.

Presents for Patients

T

he 2015 PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS® Christmas Program is underway and we need your help.

Celebrating its 32nd season, the annual PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS program aims to encourage groups and businesses to get involved to help reach our goal of connecting local people with more than 15,000 patients in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

Individuals and businesses can get involved in so many ways. You can plan to visit a facility near you, host a party, and collect gifts or money. We have more than 200 facilities in Western Pennsylvania, so there’s sure to be one near you.

Visit www.presentsforpatients.com for more information or call St. Barnabas Charities Headquarters at (724) 443-0011. F

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Courses & Symposiums Dinner Theatre, 6-9 p.m., Dec. 11, The Civil War Experience, Muriel McCarl Gallery, St. Vincent. Visit www.mccarlgallery.org.

Camps Winter Micro Mini Cheer Camp w/the North Allegheny High School Cheerleaders, 4:30-7:30 p.m., Jan. 15, NASH cafeteria & gym. Learn cheers, chants & dance. To register, email nacheerminicamp@gmail.com.

Seminars & Workshops GriefShare Surviving the Holidays, 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 7, Room 205, Upper Level, Orchard Hill. For info, call (724) 935-5555 or http://www.orchardhillchurch.com/ The ICONz® Program Middle School Parent Meeting with Dr. Russell Johnson, 6-6:45 p.m., Dec. 9. Info meeting for a 10-week program that runs Jan. 5-Mar. 3. Details available, at (724) 473-0990 or www.parentsintoto.org.

Perspectives Program with Dr. Shaun Eack with ACE Perspectives Program, 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 9, 143 S. Main St., Zelienople. Details available, at (724) 473-0990 or www. parentsintoto.org.

Teen driver safety FOCUS program is being offer thru Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and The Allstate Foundation. For schools interested, call (412) 692-8229 or www.chp.edu/ CHP/street+and+off-road+for+parents.

Worry about the New SAT? Total Learning Center is offering practice testing free of charge, 11 a.m., 1st Saturday of every month, 12051 Perry Hwy., Wexford.

For info, call (724) 940-1090 or success@ totallearningcenter.com.

Veterans North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park.

Call (412) 487-9532 or www.qovf.org.

Pennsylvania Community-Based Programs Awarded VA Grants to Support Disabled Veterans in Adaptive Sports at Slippery Rock University. Visit www.va.gov/adaptivesports.

Veterans Discover HOPE HereCareer, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45 p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@gmail. com or www.discoverhopehere.com.

Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_ Physically_ Active.asp.

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext.

2498.

“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse recovery program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler.

Visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.

Dancing Country Knight Line Dancers host a line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine.beley@ gmail.com.

Handicapable Square Dancing, 7-8 p.m., weekly on Thursdays, Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd. For ages 16 & older. Register at (412) 915-8486 or (724) 443-2616 or beatty3@consolidated.net.

Saturday Singles Dance.

For ages 40+, 8 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 5, Free Speed Dating & Free Nachos; Dec. 19, Holiday Party w/ appetizers & desserts, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Free dance les-

son 7:30 p.m. Call, (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

Yes, You Can Dance! (YYCD) is a special needs ballroom program for teens (16+). Participants meet one hour on Sundays at DancExplosion Arts Center in the North Hills or Steel City Ballroom in the South Hills.

Participants are paired with a trained volunteer dance mentor. Call (412) 999-3998 or info@yesyoucandance. org.

Environmental & Gardening Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals, Electronic and Freon Appliances (no refrigerators), Dec. 19, 129 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City. Nominal fee, must preregister at 1-866-815-0016.

Fundraisers Caring Kids Campaign through Eat’ N Park runs thru Dec. 13. Benefits children’s hospitals throughout the region. For details, visit http://www.eatnpark.com/ CaringForKids.

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P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.

Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes

Penny Ann Erbe

Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner

412-487-1009

4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456

Red Gem Events’ inception was in 2012. Our first event was a wedding held at Camp Mary Orton in Columbus, Ohio. Camp Mary Orton was traditionally known as a summer camp for children. We turned this venue into a rustic dream wedding utilizing the beautiful outdoor space and their historic lodge.

Since then, my wife and I have been planning fundraising events, weddings, concerts and parties. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing the event you helped plan with someone exceed everyone’s expectations. We spend a lot of time making sure the details are ironed out in the beginning of the planning stages. When the details fall in to place, the execution easily becomes flawless.

A lot of people are hesitant to hire an event planner thinking that it’s an unnecessary cost, but later when they are in the middle of the chaos involved in planning an event, they realize they should have contacted an expert.

We know the fun is picking out decorations, creating themes, and being part of the planning. That’s why we can be involved as little or as much as you want. We are there to help, and we are a lot more affordable than people think. We have pricing packages available on our website, but we can also customize something just for you. RedGemEvents.com. F

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HAPPENINGS December 2015

Holiday Rum Cake is a Sweet Deal to Benefit The Woodlands. The sale runs thru Dec. 23, 134 Shenot Rd., Wexford. For info, visit www.MyWoodlands.org.

The Sisters of Divine Providence are selling 2016 Lucky Number Calendars, based off of the evening Pick 3 Daily Number. Cost $25, runs the entire year.

To participate, call (412) 635-5401 or cdpsisters.org/LuckyNumber.

Holiday Happenings Advent Lessons and Carols, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 4, St. Alexis Church, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford. Adult, Children & and Handbell Choirs from St. Alexis & St. Alphonsus Parishes. For info, call (724) 935-4343.

Breakfast with Santa, 9 a.m., Dec. 12, Pine Community Center, 100 Pine Park Drive, Wexford. Register at http://twp.pine.pa.us/communitycenter/ home.html.

Butler Symphony, Holiday Day Tour of Homes, Dec. 5; Holiday Tradition concert, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 5, Butler Intermediate High School, 551 Fairground Hill Rd. Call, (724) 283-1402 or butlersymphony@ zoominternet.net.

Community Auto “Too Big for The Stocking” Car GiveAway is underway until Dec. 14 for low-income, working families. Winner will be announced Dec. 24. For detail, call (724) 443-8300 or www.communityauto.org.

Dreher Chorale Christmas Concert, Light Out of Darkness,7:30 p.m., Dec. 11, Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School and 3 p.m., Dec.13, Mars Alliance Church, Rt. 228. For info, contact dc@saintkilian.org.

Edgewood Holiday Art & Garden Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Dec. 5 & 6, Edgewood Club, One Pennwood Ave. For info, email homeec2006@ yahoo.com.

Festival of Lights, 3-9 p.m., Dec. 4, La Roche College and the Sisters of Divine Providence campus. 6-8 p.m., donations of canned cocoa will be accepted at Kerr Fitness at La Roche.

For info, call (412) 536-1069 or laroche. edu/lights.

Franklin Park Borough’s Lunch with Santa Claus, 11 a.m., Dec. 12, Blueberry Hill Activity Center. Seating is limited. Pre-register by Dec. 7, call Matt at (412) 364-4115 x347.

Gift Wrapping Fundraiser benefiting Hosanna Industries, 9-4, Dec. 5 & 19; 11-5, Dec. 6, 18 & 20. Bring your gifts to Sincerely Yogurt in the Richland Mall (near TJ Maxx & Kohl’s) and Hosanna Industries will wrap them for you in exchange for a donation.

Help Light the Christmas Tree at St. Barnabas. Donate in honor of a loved one and support the Free Care Fund. For details, call (724) 6253700 or StBarnabasCharities.com.

Holiday Cookie Walk, 9 a.m.noon, Dec. 12, St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral, 8290 Thompson Run Rd., McCandless. Homemade Greek, Russian & traditional cookies & more. For info, call (724) 612-6492.

Milk & Cookies with Santa, in the mornings of Dec. 5 & 6, Cranberry Municipal Center, Grange Hall & Dec. 12, Cranberry Highlands Golf Course Clubhouse. To register, call (724) 779-4386 x1129 or www.

CranberryTownship.org/Programs.

A Musical Christmas Carol, Dec. 4-23, Byham Theatre. For tickets, call (412) 456-6666 or pittsburghCLO.org.

North Hills Chorale Christmas Concert, 7 p.m., Dec. 12 & 3 p.m., Dec. 13, Visitation Chapel at Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd., McCandless. Free-willing offering accepted. Bring non-perishable donations for the foodbank. For details, visit www.nhchorale.com.

North Hills Community Outreach Holiday Gift Collection runs through Dec. 11. For details, call (412) 487-6316, opt. 1 or visit www.nhco.org or vdburst@nhco.org.

Presents for Patients campaign is currently underway at St. Barnabas Health Systems. For info, call (724) 443-0011 or visit www.stbarnabashealthsystem.com.

Saint Alexis

Catholic Church Come Home to Christ This Christmas!

Pittsburgh Mercy Reindeer Ball, 4-7 p.m., Dec. 6, the Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel, 1000 Penn Ave. Holiday gala, storybook characters, craft making, Santa’s arrival.

Purchase tickets at www.pmhs.org/ events.

Silvester New Year’s Eve Celebration, Dec. 31, Harmony Museum. For details, (724) 452-7341 or harmonymuseum.org.

St. Ferdinand Parish New Year’s Eve Party, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 31-12:30 a.m., Jan. 1, Marriott Pittsburgh North, Rt. 228, Cranberry.

For info, call (724) 776-9177 ext. 313 or (724) 779-3986, or StFerd.org.

St. Ursula Cookies w/Santa, 1-3 p.m., Dec. 5, Social Hall, 3937 Kirk Ave. Admission $5 per person. For info, (412) 486-5511.

Village Garden Club Christmas Trees & Greens Sale, runs thru Dec. 23. Fresh greens arrangements available for purchase Dec. 12-14, Sewickley Public Library.

Benefits community projects. For details, visit HYPERLINK “http://www. villagegardenclubofsewickley.org” www.villagegardenclubofsewickley.org.

Library Northland Library Events: Medical & Natural Therapies for Children w/Autism, 7 p.m., Dec. 2; Family Fun Night, 7-8 p.m., Dec. 8; Winter Wonderland Storytime, 10 a.m., Dec. 9; Victorian Family Christmas, 7 p.m., Dec. 16; Craft Palooza, 10 a.m., Dec. 30; 300 Cumberland Rd., McCandless. Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www.northlandlibrary.org.

Christmas Eve Masses

December 24, 2015 4:00 p.m. Children’s Choir 7:00 p.m. LIFETEEN Mass 10:00 p.m. Adult Choir and Handbell Choirs (Prelude 9:30 p.m.)

Christmas Day Masses December 25, 2015 9:00 & 11:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m. – Handbell Duo 11:00 a.m. – Harp

Sacrament of Penance Wednesday, December 16, 2015 7:00 p.m. _______________

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday: 7:30-7:50 a.m.

Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon _______________

Eucharistic Adoration Wednesday Evenings 7:30 p.m. _______________

Little Sisters of the Poor Christmas Cards

L

ittle Sisters of the Poor are selling Christmas cards sketched by Sister Martha, lsp. The cards are: seven for $10 (plus $1.50 shipping), 12 for $15 (plus $2.00 shipping) or 30 for $25 (plus $5.00 shipping). Cards are available by calling, (412) 307-1100 or online at littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org. Make checks payable to Little Sisters of the Poor, 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212. All proceeds from the sale of the cards help to support the elderly poor residents in the Little Sisters care. F

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Weekday Masses

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

Friday: 8:30 a.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m. _______________

10090 Old Perry Highway Wexford, Pennsylvania 15090 724.935.4343 www.stalexis.org

Christmas Worship Guide Wexford Community Presbyterian Church 412-935-5650

December 24, Christmas Eve 6:30 pm – Early Family: 45-minute worship service geared for families & children, including: Carol singing, and candle lighting.

8:00 pm – Traditional Candlelight Communion: One-hour service with communion, individual candles and Silent Night, carol singing, choirs and hand bells.

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Come Celebrate Christmas

at New Community Church

Candlelight Services Dec. 23 at 5 & 7 p.m.

Dec. 24 at 4 & 6 p.m.

3100 Wexford Road, Wexford, PA 15090 www.NCCinWexford.org

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All of us at Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazines wish you a Christmas and Holiday Season that is full of Love, Peace & Laughter.

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year!

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KIDS & EDUCATION

EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

The School at McGuire Memorial: Providing Individualized Special Education Services The School at McGuire Memorial is licensed as an Approved Private School providing individualized special education services for students ages 3 to 21 who have intellectual disabilities, multiple disabilities or who are on the autism spectrum.

T

hey provide a comprehensive education, a range of therapeutic services, and individualized support within a nurturing and loving environment. This nondenominational school is dedicated to McGuire Memorial’s founding premise that every life is sacred, and that every child, no matter the scope of his or her abilities, should experience a fullness of life.

The curriculum is individualized to each student and the special educators continually create and develop state-of-theart programs using SMART boards, iPads, and touch screens, implementing the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication related handicapped Children (TEACCH) methodology and using web-based applications such as VizZle.com where they can create engaging, visualized lesson plans.

To better prepare students for life after graduation, The School offers the LIFE (Learning in Functional Environments) Academy for its secondary students. Students are taught life skills to become as independent as possible including realworld functional environments including laundry, kitchen indi(Continued on page 20)

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KIDS & EDUCATION McGuire

(Continued from page 19)

vidual work stations, vocational training of both hard on-the-job skills and soft skills such as what to do on break and so forth. There is also an emphasis on functional academics such as making change, telling time, measuring recipes, applying words associated with jobs and much more.

All students also enjoy extra-curricular activities, gym class, health class, library and lessons in the creative arts.

The curriculum is also adapted to the students’ preferred means of communication, whether it be verbal, via devices or sign language, whichever method helps a child reach their full potential is used.

There are 6 behavior technicians available to provide positive behavior supports within the classrooms. The behavior techs are supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) in this restraint-free facility. There is also a fulltime school nurse and a full complement of therapists including occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech therapy.

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Since the curriculum is individualized to the student, the School at McGuire Memorial is able to offer rolling admissions so any student can start attending any time of the year and at any age between 3 and 21 years.

The School at McGuire Memorial is conveniently located on Route 65 (Mercer Road) at 2119 Mercer Road, New Brighton, PA 15066. Placement in the school is funded by the students’ home school districts, and daily transportation is provided for day-students by their school districts. The school also has van access for transportation to community-based field trips. The School individualizes its breakfast and lunch programs to honor all dietary issues and maintains a nut free environment. To schedule a tour, call (724) 891-7222. To learn more, visit http://www.mcguirememorial.org. F

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Catholic Schools REGISTER NOW

Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh (Gibsonia)

Head of School: Leslie Mitros 724-444-0722 www.AquinasAcademy.info

Assumption School (Bellevue) Principal: Mary Ann Miller 412-761-7887 www.assumptionschool.org

Butler Catholic School (Butler) Principal: Sister John Ann Mulhern, C.D.P. 724-285-4276 www.butlercatholic.org

Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic High School (Cranberry Twp) Principal: Luke Crawford 412-321-4823 www.cwnchs.org

Central Catholic High School (Oakland)

Oakland Catholic High School (Oakland)

Holy Family Academy

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School (Coraopolis)

Principal: Brother Robert Schaefer, FSC 412-208-3400 www.centralcatholichs.com

Principal: Lisa Abel-Palmieri 412-307-0230 www.hfa-pgh.org

Holy Sepulcher Catholic School (Middlesex Twp)

Principal: Sister Anna Marie Gaglia, CSJ Phone: 724-586-5022 www.holysepulcher.org/school

Northside Catholic School (Brighton Heights) Principal: Rosanne Kwiatkowski (412)761-5043 www.northsidecatholicschool.org

President: Mary Claire Kasunic 412-682-6633 www.oaklandcatholic.org

Principal: Tim Plocinik 412-262-3300 www.olsh.org

Providence Heights Alpha School (McCandless)

Principal: Margaret Ruefle M.ED.M.S. 412-366-4455 www.alphaschool.org

Quigley Catholic High School (Baden) Principal: Mrs. Rita McCormick 724-869-2188 www.qchs.org

Catholic Schools Week is 22

Northern Connection | December 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

of the Pittsburgh Diocese

for the 2015-2016 School Year Saint Alexis Catholic School (Wexford)

Saint James School (Sewickley)

Saint Teresa of Avila School (Perrysville)

Saint Alphonsus (Wexford)

Saint Joseph High School (Natrona Heights, PA)

Saint Ursula School (Allison Park)

Saint Mary (Glenshaw)

Vincentian Academy (North Hills, PA)

Principal: Mr. Jim Correll 724-935-3940 www.stalexis.org

Principal: Mr. Robert Reese 724-935-1152 www.stals.org

Saint Bonaventure (Glenshaw)

Principal: Jacqueline B. Easley 412-486-2606 www.stbonaventureparish.org

Saint Gregory School (Zelienople) Principal: Erin Harris 724-452-9731 www.stgregzelie.org

Principal: Sister Christy Hill, CSJ 412-741-5540 www.stjamesschool.us

Principal: Beverly K. Kaniecki (724) 224-5552 www.SaintJosephHS.com

Principal: Mrs. Judith Riegelnegg 412-486-7611 www.stmaryglenshaw.org

Saint Sebastian School (Ross)

Principal: Dr. Michael J. Pendred II 412-367-9001 Ext. 530 www.saintteresas.org

Principal: Sr. M. Joanita Fedor, S.C.N. 412-486-5511 www.stursulaschool.org

President: Mr. John Fedko Principal: Mr. Ed Bernot 412-364-1616 www.vincentianacademy.org

Principal: Dr. Patricia Thomas 412.364.7171 www.SaintSebastianParish.org

January 31–February 6, 2016 www.northernconnectionmag.com

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KIDS & EDUCATION

School Movers & Shakers WPMS

Western Pennsylvania Montessori School (WPMS) celebrated its 50th anniversary by hosting a gala at Wildwood Country Club on Oct. 24. Over 215 attendees of the gala enjoyed the festive commemoration.

Hampton Hampton High School was presented with an official NFL football from William “Red” Mack (former Pittsburgh Steeler and Green Bay Packer, retired). Red played in the first Superbowl and is one of the oldest living professional football players.

High School students were inducted into the Spanish National Honor Society. They are - Kelly Arel, Jessica Berg, Lydia Beyer, Francesca CanoCzagany, Matthew Friday, Benjamin Friedland, Kota Furuhata, John Gurklis, Mary Humphrey, Nadia Islam, Melissa Jerpe, Kathleen Kiszka, Julia Lynch, Nathan Matisko, Ryan Morrissey, Amanda Puthenpurayil, Siddharth Rajupet, Jesuloluwa Shodipo, Alexander Smolar, Brad Vayonis, Michele Wolff, Emilie Yousem, and Megan Zonker.

Dorseyville Middle School seventh grader Amulya Garimella has been named a third place winner in the 2015 Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge.

Amulya received a $1,000 prize and a student adventure trip to a destination.

Fox Chapel

Four Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the annual M&M Lake Erie Invitational Forensic Tournament.

Madeleine Doerr won first place, Jeremy Rodrigues garnered third, Darwin Leuba and Sara Puthenpurayil took fourth place honors.

Fox Chapel Area School District teachers Cathie Gillner and Michelle Ulanowicz have been named Champions of Change by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit’s Center for Creativity and its partner, Common Sense Media.

Eight Fox Chapel Area High School students were selected to perform with the 2015 Pennsylvania Music Educators (PMEA) District 1 Honors Band. The performers were Olivia Van Dyke, Rohan Chalasani, Philip Swigon, Benjamin Franks-Meinert, Elizabeth Mountz, Zachary Zytnick, Hannah Kim, and Glenna Van Dyke.

Twenty-third Fox Chapel Area

24

Erin Crimone has been appointed to the position of assistant principal at Carson Middle School in the North Allegheny School District.

A team of O’Hara Elementary School fourth graders were named winners of the Fox Chapel Area High School District Battle of the Books Tournament. The winners were – Madelyn Jones, Whitney Jones, Clara Kelley, Kate Leland and Megan Mulhern.

Shaler Area The Shaler Area School District welcomed Sean Aiken as the new Superintendent of the Schools.

Sean Aiken

Five Shaler Area High School students participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Honors ensembles. They are – Paige Milsvec, Dan Bitter, Talha Lone, Adam Bleil and Sam Panza.

Seneca Valley Middle School teacher, Traci Kuntz was recognized by the Seneca Valley Diversity Committee as a winner in their bi-annual Respect, Education, Advocacy and Love (REAL) Award Program.

Mars Area High School Boys and Girls Varsity Cross Country Teams competed in the 2015 WPIAL Cross Country Championships held Nov. 7 in Hershey. The team earned eighth place with 229 points and an average time of 17:53.

Mars Area High School Marching Band competed in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association Class AAA Championships. The marching band took second place at the event with a score of 83.03.

St. Alexis

Shaler Area Middle School students raised $380 for Parkinson’s Foundation of Western Pennsylvania.

Saint Alexis second and third grade soccer teams each won the championship in their divisions at the Diocese of Pittsburgh Soccer Tournament which was held on Oct. 31.

Mars Area

Aquinas Academy Student teams from schools across the Pittsburgh region gathered at Aquinas Academy Pittsburgh on Nov. 21 to test the robots they built as part of U.S. First Robotics.

Seneca Valley Jacob Geil, a high-achieving freshman from Seneca Valley Intermediate High School was awarded high honors for being among the highJacob Geil est-scoring participants in the 2015 International Talent Search. Geil will receive a one-course scholarship at Grove City College in recognition of his outstanding performance on the SAT in the 2015 Talent Search.

Mars Area students raised $12,487 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, through the school’s annual “Hats for Heroes” fundraiser held on Oct. 23.

Erin Crimone

Shaler Area High School senior Amanda Sartori signed her National Letter of Intent to play softball at Marist College in New York.

Kevin Peterson, chief technical officer for Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic served as the keynote speaker for Hampton High School Robotics Club “Robocamp.”

Fox Chapel Area High School junior Jeremy Rodrigues placed at the John F. Kennedy High School Invitational Forensic Tournament. Jeremy won fourth place in Student Congress.

North Allegheny

Honors Chorus Festival which was held Oct. 21-31.

St. Joseph Mars Area seniors Kelly O’Connell and Jimmy Pierre were selected winners of the Wendy’s High School Heisman Award.

Two Mars Area High School students Lukas Johansson and Ian Steward performed in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 5

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Saint Joseph High School continued their Centennial Celebration by having Bishop Malesic from the Greensburg Diocese celebrate Mass on Oct. 8.

Monsignor Larry Kulick, Vicar

General for Greensburg Diocese, Father John Moineau pastor of Immaculate Conception Church and Fr. Daniel Ulishney, parochial vicar of St. Mary of Czestochowa concelebrated Mass.

Saint Joseph High School men’s soccer team became the Class A Section II champions on Oct. 14. This is the first time in school history that the men’s soccer team has won the section.

Saint Joseph High School student Augusta Beaver was selected for the Western Pennsylvania High School Girls Soccer Coaches Association Section 4 All-Section team.

Augusta Beaver

Alpha School

Students from Providence Heights Alpha School visited La Roche College for an educational field trip celebrating Partners in Learning on Nov. 13. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade rotated through nine activity stations and participated in a variety of hands-on activities led by La Roche faculty and students.

La Roche College

Saint Vincent

Chase Rowe, head coach of the La Roche College baseball team has been named the 2015 Chuck Tanner Collegiate Baseball Head Coach of the Year.

Dr. Kathleen (Katie) A. Paciga has been named Early Career Research Fellow at the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at Saint Vincent College.

Rose Marie Manley, CTP recently became a member of the Board of Trustees at La Roche.

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Puppeteers from St. Ursula School

KIDS & EDUCATION

Innovations in the Classroom

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

We, at Northern Connection magazine, continue to highlight the many diverse ways educators in our area make learning a fun and innovative experience that will last a lifetime. Past Innovations in the Classroom are still available on our website at www.northernconnectionmag.com and we will continue highlighting new innovations and programs in the coming months.

Aquinas Academy – Aquinas Academy hosted a Robotics Scrimmage on November 21 where 24 student robotics teams from schools across the Pittsburgh region gathered to compete and test the robots they have been building as part of US First Robotics in preparation for regional championships “The scrimmage is an important opportunity for students to test their creations in a competitive environment, prior to the regional championships in January at La Roche College,” says Matt Stalder, organizer of the robotics club at Aquinas Academy. “The program is an outstanding STEM opportunity for students to grow their critical thinking, to learn to work together as a team to design a robot that is capable of completing some very challenging tasks, and to know the sense of achievement that comes from persistence in a task. These kids work very hard. At Aquinas, they meet Saturdays, sometimes

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Aquinas Academy as long as five hours a day, as well as some weeknights. Most importantly, the program reinforces the core values of cooperation and encouragement of others.”

In designing their robots, students create innovative solutions for challenges facing today’s scientists as part of their research project. For example, this year’s challenge is based upon “trash” and how society

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can do a better job of eliminating trash via recycling or better use of manufacturing components. Students are tasked with strategizing as a team to design, build, program, and test a robot using LEGO MINDSTORMS® technology to simulate the sorting, moving and reusing of trash.

In the process they apply real-world math and science concepts, and develop employment and life skills including, time management, collaboration and communication while becoming more self-confident. To learn more, visit http://www.aquinasacademy.info.

La Roche College – On Friday, Nov. 13, high school students from Hampton, PineRichland and Bethel Park visited La Roche College for the first Junior Achievement (JA) College Day in Western Pennsylvania.

JA College Day is a one-day event for middle and high school students to tour a college, meet faculty and staff, and participate in JA programming. Students had the opportunity to explore La Roche, learn more about career planning, and tour campus. Peggy Schmiedecke, La Roche’s assistant director of admissions, said, “La Roche is building a partnership with Junior Achievement. We support their efforts to help students in the community connect the dots between what they learn in school and becoming workforce ready.” Junior Achievement is a nonprofit organization that works with more than 70,000 students in Pre-K through grade 12 across 30 counties in Western Pennsylvania each year.

La Roche College The organization utilizes volunteers from the local community to teach their programming on financial literacy, workforce readiness and entrepreneurship. To learn more, visit http://www.laroche.edu.

Providence Heights Alpha School – Providence Heights Alpha School takes math education to the next level. For example, one of their exceptional math teachers is Susan Shick, who holds certifications in K-6 education and mid-level, grades 6-9 mathematics. What distinguishes her in the classroom during her nine years at Alpha, is her ability to make math concepts relatable through cross-curricular projects. In celebration of Banned Books Week this year, Susan planned a crosscurricular project where students calculated how much dough, cheese, and Providence Heights sauce they Alpha School would need to make pizzas after reading Jack Prelutsky’s A Pizza the Size of the Sun. The project gave students a chance to practice their skills and engage their creativity. Students made their own pizzas to display their calculations and even made their own chef hats. Her lesson plans always find the fun in math and her ability to engage students through a variety of activities truly shows how important making a difference is in Susan’s classroom. From making pizzas to creating videos of the PEMDAS Shuffle—a song and dance to help remember the order of operations—students find an enriching and meaningful experience in Susan’s classroom. To learn more, visit http://www.alphaschool.org.

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KIDS & EDUCATION Innovations

(Continued from page 27)

Saint Mary School – At Saint Mary School, the focus this year is all about technology. Recently, their middle school students received brand new HP laptops.

The students use the laptops in school to research, write papers, design PowerPoint presentations, construct spreadsheets, and work on science fair projects. The school has also purchased Google Chromebooks for students both in our primary and middle school grades. Students use the Chromebooks for research and enrichment applications. Even the youngest students have received a technology upgrade with brand new tablets for students in grades K-3. These students use the tablets during centers and for enrichment activities. At Saint Mary’s, they are using technology across the curriculum, while ensuring that devices are appropriate for our students’ developmental needs. We recognize that technology is not “one-size fits all.” In addition, the school has two computer labs; one for our middle school and one full-access lab for all students. They also have Wi-Fi throughout our building and every classroom is equipped with an Interactive Smartboard.

Students also learn the importance of technology as it relates to communication. Each

Saint Mary School student has his or her own email account and the school regularly communicates via email with students and parents through Option C. For more information on the innovations in the classroom at Saint Mary School, please call 412-486-7611 or visit us at www.stmaryglenshaw.org.

into furniture and toothpicks. He meets Amy Boulder who sees the beauty in the trees and tries to stop him from cutting them down. Regal Eagle and Sam Squirrel remind him that they are homes to animals. Students creatively constructed the puppet characters using many different materials. Some worked with a partner.

As one partner expressively read the lines of the character, the other partner worked as the puppeteer to manipulate the character to tell the story. Sam Squirrel, the detective character, was even created as “Samantha” Squirrel this year. Students in Ready K through third grade had the opportunity to enjoy the puppet show this week in the fourth grade classroom which was transformed into a puppet theatre. The student audience experienced a fun way

Saint Ursula – Puppetry was a form of theatre experienced by the fourth grade when they recently worked in reading class with Mrs. Cross on the story The Saga of Amy Boulder by Tim Merriman and performed it for grades Ready K through to third grade. It’s a fourth grade tradition to perform the story of Cyrus Woods who wants to cut down trees to make them

Saint Ursula to learn about the story’s message on the importance of taking care of our forests.

St Ursula middle school students see the puppets displayed in the hall and have fun remembering when they did the same puppet play in fourth grade. To learn more, visit http://www.stursulaschool.org.

Vincentian Academy – Vincentian Academy Classroom Takes on New York. A new Model UN Club was formed at Vincentian Academy. “Vincentian Academy’s mission is more than just education. It is helping the world in Christ’s name. By taking this trip, I had the opportunity to learn more about how I can help the world,” said Colleen Ballantyne, a senior student. The Model UN Club provides a perfect forum for students to be informed, involved and inspired. “Being knowledgeable empowers students to be successful. There is no better way to empower a student than by connecting them to experiences of the world,” said John Fedko, president of Vincentian Academy, who approved the trip. The students visit to the United Nations was highlighted with a visit with Sister Teresa Kotturan, a Sister of Charity of Nazareth, who represents the Sisters of Charity

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Northern Connection | December 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

Federation at the United Nations. The meeting consisted of a tour and a question and answer session covering topics such as standing up for human rights, sustainable development, poverty, care of the earth, inequality, and Vincentian Academy climate change. She challenged the students to take one goal on as their own, and help change the world in their own incremental way. The Model UN Club also visited the 9/11 Memorial at Ground Zero and reflected on the tragedy and heroism of fellow Americans. Ed Bernot, Vincentian Academy principal, who accompanied the students to New York, commented “From an educational standpoint, it was a strong representation of history right before our eyes that the students could touch and see.� To learn more, visit http://www.vincentianacademy.org.

Be sure and look for more Innovations in the Classroom in our January 2016 Education issue! If you are implementing an innovative program, lesson, or extra-curricular activity, be sure and let us know by emailing NorthCon@consolidated.net or calling (724) 9402444. F

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KIDS & EDUCATION

STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Hampton Senior and Montessori Grad Heads Up Global Montessori Preschool Initiative

BY PAULA GREEN

Hampton High School senior Grant Muir believes in giving back to his community and is appreciative of his instructional foundation.

I

n 2009, Grant graduated from the Montessori Centre Academy (MCA) in Glenshaw. The educational support that he received motivated him to help others. Grant stated, “As I have developed and evolved as a student, I have never lost sight of the contribution Montessori made to my life.”

Grant recently founded a nonprofit organization called the Global Montessori Preschool Initiative. “The purpose of this action is to provide

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children in third-world countries the chance to have a valuable early education. It is my mission to collect school supplies for pre-k students that are donated by the Montessori Schools and send them overseas to schools in need. These materials can improve the approach of learning in young individuals anywhere in the world. We have started in African Rural Schools and the next target area will be Guatemala. I believe everyone should have the chance to learn as I did,”

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Grant stated.

Two years ago, Grant founded the Montessori Food Drive Association. “I organized a non-perishable items donation amongst local Montessori schools – Montessori Centre Academy, Children’s Community Montessori, Glen Montessori and Western PA Montessori,” added Grant.

The items collected went to North Hills Community Outreach. It was a huge success netting around $1,000 worth of food, toiletries and other necessities. In addition to initiating and organizing the food drive, Grant also did much of the labor. “I did all the pick-ups at these schools and delivered all of the goods to the North Hills Community Outreach. These items were distributed by NHCO to families in need,” Grant said.

Since last year’s drive went so well, Grant organized another Winter Drive this year which runs through Dec. 19.

The food drive is going to be handed down as children graduate to the next batch of Montessori children who can take on these larger ideas of community service.

In addition to being involved with his alma mater Montessori, Grant is also immersed in activities at Hampton High School. He is president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the student body, four-year letterman on the golf team, a math tutor and he has also volunteered with The First Tee. If you are interested in supporting Grant Muir’s Global Montessori Preschool Initiative, please visit www. gmipi.net or donations@gmpi.net. F

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2015

Dr. Andrew DeMarco

The CDC estimates that chronic diseases and conditions such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity and arthritis are among the most common, expensive and preventable of all health problems. In fact, almost half of all US adults have one or more chronic health condition and 1-in-4 of us have two or more chronic conditions.

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ore frightening than that, chronic diseases are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States, accounting for 70% of all deaths. They also place the greatest limitations on our aging well and enjoying activities of daily living for the 1-in-10 Americans living with them.

So what can be done?

ConnectedHealth believes that it has the key with an integrative, personal and proactive solution to our American healthcare crisis. ConnectedHealth provides primary care that is patient centered, healing oriented, emphasizes the therapeutic relationship, and uses therapeutic approaches originating from conventional and alternative medicine. Initially driven by consumer demand, ConnectedHealth places its attention on understanding the whole person and assisting with lifestyle change, which is now being recognized as a strategy to address the epidemic of chronic diseases across the US. ConnectedHealth recognizes the importance of patientcentered care, patient empowerment, behavior change, continuity of care, the importance of patient outcomes vs. just prescriptions and referrals and the challenges faced by individuals receiving fragmented care from multiple specialists and healthcare providers.

ConnectedHealth is grounded in team-based care. At the centerpiece is primary health physician, Dr. Andrew DeMarco (formerly with Pine Richland

32

Medical Associates) who is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, and whose sole purpose is to know the patient well and be able to address mind, body, and spiritual needs, and coordinate care with the help of the team. Collectively, the team can meet all the health needs of the particular patient with proactive, preventive and personal care.

All available data proves that personal and appropriate nutrition, fitness, medication and medical care can prevent, reverse and manage chronic disease – which is the ConnectedHealth team that surrounds the patient. Each patient receives: • A 2 to 3 hour physical and wellness exam by their personal, dedicated primary care doctor and health coach who take the time to listen and understand every facet of the patients health needs and concerns • A support team including a • Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician. You receive your doctor’s personal cell phone number to text or call 24 hours a day. Your doctor serves as your quarterback, cheerleader, teacher and advocate to help you reach your health goals and navigate all of the bumps along the way. Plus, they do house calls when medically necessary at your home or in your offices.

• Health coach who schedules all of your appointments, helps you navigate your insurance, answers all of

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your questions, coordinates all of your physicians and medical needs, as well as, prescription orders, labs, tests and results • Registered dietitian who reviews your nutrition and helps you understand your nutrition needs specific to your lifestyle, preferences and health/ weight/activity goals • PharmD (Pharmacist) who reviews and aligns your medications to help make it easier and more understandable for you to take your medications and ultimately become medicationfree as your health improves • Fitness team who review your cardio and strength levels as well provide a customized fitness plan individual to you. Whether you do CrossFit or need to work your way up to walking down the street – this team provides an easy-to-follow plan and personal session to help you get more active and feel better.

• Free Fitness Center membership to our State of the Art fitness center – which you can access 24 hours a day.

• Free Fitness and Nutrition Classes – whether you want yoga or a highintensity bootcamp – it is included at no additional charge.

• Individualized Careplan that provides a total picture of your health, goals and the small and larger tasks to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

• Caregiver programs and support – if you sign your mother or father up for this program, there are special considerations for you to help ease the emotional, financial, and time challenges of caring for a loved one.

• Your own, personal, secure, confidential, HIPAA-compliant health portal with access to thousands of health and wellness articles, your individual lab results, care plan and WellPerks™ rewards center.

• On-line appointment scheduling and interactive care planning tools • Telemedicine and telewellness™ tools – if you are sick, you can stay in your bunny slippers and meet with your physician over your computer, mobile phone or ipad – at no additional charge.

Time and Cost Favor ConnectedHealth

“A strong primary care approach can reduce 80% of unnecessary specialist, urgent care and emergency room costs,” stated Dr. Andy (Dr. Andrew DeMarco – but his patients call him Dr. Andy!)

ConnectedHealth has created a holistic and integrated “concierge” primary care model that allows individuals and employers to take charge of their health. With transparent pricing at a flat fee each month, the cost difference alone may encourage people to choose ConnectedHealth’s model.

In ConnectedHealth’s model, most of your primary, urgent care and first level specialist visit costs, with the exception of xrays , advanced diagnositics, labs, hospital visits etc... (which is offered at a steep cash discount or billed through your insurance) are included in your flat-fee every month. And, patients are seen same day, next day, weekends, after hours, holidays…with little to no wait. You still need health insurance, but you don’t need to use it as often.

ConnectedHealth aims to be the “apple store” of health and wellness and surround patients and customers with dietitians, fitness experts, pharmacists, physicians and health coaches. Their physicians are only board-certified internal medicine physicians to help save patients and employers the unnecessary time and cost of first line specialist visits.

With ConnectedHealth, you can talk and be seen by your doctor within minutes, your doctor serves as a first line specialist for minor needs such as skin rashes, migraines or acute/chronic diseases, urgent care services such as cuts, sprains, aches and pains and a behavioral health quarterback to help patients with depression, stress/anxiety, etc.…with the goal of improving your health and ultimately lowering the cost of healthcare for you and your family. Or, if you’re an employer reducing your claims costs, providing a higher return on your employee healthcare investment and improving the healthcare experience for your employees and their families. And it costs individuals less than a cup of Starbucks a day.

“We believe that with a proactive, integrated and personal approach to primary care and wellness, we can help patients and individuals prevent, reverse or manage 80% of chronic conditions.

With ConnectedHealth, the more you use, the more you save. Imagine, one physician and health coach who knows you, schedules all of your appointments and works only for you to keep you well and out of the hospital.” stated Betty Rich, CEO of ConnectedHealth.

To learn more what ConnectedHealth has to offer, visit the “ConnectedHealth For You” website at www.wegiveadarn. com or www.chforu.com. To schedule a tour to see, call us at (724) 933 - 4300 or send them an email at Michelle.Leibow@ chforu.com. F

As an example of cost savings: Traditional ER Visit

Traditional Urgent Care Visit

Connected Health

Flu Symptoms

$395

$50

Included

Sore Throat

$440

$100

Included

Laceration Repair/Stitches

$700

$150

Included

Sprain

$395

$65

Included

Abdominal Pain

$1,110

$35

Included

Migraine

$785

$50

Included

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Here are what people are saying about ConnectedHealth: “I signed my mother up for ConnectedHealth. Dr. Andy and the Health Coach met with her for an hour. The Pharmacist reviewed her medications with the Dietitian and put together a picture of all of her medications that she can follow, the foods she should eat and what I can do to help manage. Plus, from her care plan, I now have one picture of all of the doctors that she sees, her medications, what each is for and what I can to do to help her. I don’t feel guilty anymore and my life is easier. Her health coach calls her on a set schedule and she looks forward to it.” Mary, ConnectedHealth client “I came in to see Dr. Andy because my chest hurt after I worked out. It turned out that a lump had formed in the right side of my chest and Dr. Andy decided it should be removed.

He removed it the next day. If I didn’t use ConnectedHealth, I would have spent hours and days scheduling appointments, taking time off of work to have surgery, calling the insurance company and my family and I would have spent countless hours worrying. Within an hour of arriving at ConnectedHealth, the surgery was done and I was recovering comfortably. I didn’t have to schedule any appointments or take any time off of work. I paid nothing extra – no copays, facility fees, procedure charges – it was all included in my monthly fee – which is less than a cup of Starbucks a day. I would have paid $2,320 out of pocket and my employer would have paid over $11,000 for this procedure in the traditional healthcare system.

ConnectedHealth makes total sense.”

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2015

Advances

e r o M in Family Healthcare

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

We, at Northern Connection magazine, are delighted to continue highlighting the amazing advances in family healthcare brought about by our area’s many devoted healthcare professionals and their amazing commitment to bringing the latest advances in healthcare to us and our families. Previous Advances in Healthcare columns are still available on our website at www.northernconnectionmag.com.

In this issue, we are pleased to highlight the following latest developments: Appointment App – This new technological advance provides easy access to make patient appointments. A long time grumbling point for patients has always been getting a doctor’s appointment scheduled,” noted Mark Kissinger, executive director of Genesis Medical Associates, Inc., the largest, still independent, primary care physician practice serving the Greater North Hills. “We have taken the necessary steps through technology to make same day appointments easy. Genesis patients,” said Kissinger, “can simply go on the new Genesis app and schedule their appointments. No muss, no fuss.

They also have the option of just walking in at our new Wexford office located at the Allegheny Health Network Medical Pavilion on Perry Highway.

Now, only in its second month of operation, we have been delighted with the initial patient response.”

He added, “All Genesis physician offices also have same day appointment hours. Any time you can make things easier for the patient, especially something as simple as scheduling an appointment, you take a lot of stress out of the equation,” according to Kissinger. With 11 offices stretching north from the city of Pittsburgh to Cranberry Township, Genesis Medical Associates, Inc. has also been recognized as a Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) as a result of its

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joint venture with Keystone Clinical Partners. “That ACO contract with Medicare,” he noted, “along with the recognition of Genesis as a Patient Centered Medical Home demonstrates the high quality of care with all our physician offices.” To learn more about this convenient new appointment application, visit http://www.genesismedical.org.

Cardiology – Atrial Fibrillation is a conduction disorder which causes the heart to beat irregularly. People with atrial fibrillation can be at an increased risk of stroke. There are many new drug options utilized to protect patients from having a stroke. For an evaluation of your atrial fibrillation and /or discussion of new drugs for protecting stroke, contact Wexford Cardiology (724) 940-6000.

Childhood Nutrition – In a recent review done for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the following five apps were identified as fun, useful, kid-friendly tools for learning about the value of food as fuel for the body.

Healthy Heroes 1 & 2: Nutrition for Kids - This game helps kids recognize healthy foods, and the value of healthy eating habits. Kids play the part of Healthy Heroes and attempt to save the city of Yogopolis from Hungry Monsters. By fending off the Hungry Monsters with fruits and vegetables,

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children can learn what foods fit into these nutrition-packed food groups.

Eat and Move-O-Matic: This app helps kids understand that food provides energy through calories, and compares the number of calories eaten with the activity required to use that energy. Examples of activities include dancing and running, and sedentary pursuits such as reading and doing homework. This app also provides healthy alternatives for high-calorie snacks and meals.

Perfect Picnic: A component of food preparation that isn’t often introduced to young people is the importance of food safety. This app does it very well by teaching food safety within the context of creating a safe picnic. Kids learn the importance of washing their hands before handling food, using a thermometer to monitor food temperatures, maintaining clean preparation surfaces, and keeping perishable foods at safe temperatures.

Smash Your Food: If you’re interested in your child learning about the sugar, salt, and fat content of certain foods, look no further than this fun app that invites kids to “smash” various foods and beverages such as pizza and soda.

Kids also learn about the recommended daily limits for these items.

Veggie Circus Farm: An app for children as young as two years old, Veggie (Continued on page 36)

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2015 Advances

(Continued from page 34)

Circus Farm helps children recognize all different types of vegetables and their nutrition benefits, and increases literacy skills at the same time.

For more information on healthy nutrition for children, visit Kids+ Pediatrics at http://kidspluspgh.com.

Concierge and Preventative Healthcare – Concierge and Preventative Healthcare helps you manage all aspects of healthcare for you and your family. For example, while some members may have illnesses or require prescription medications, other family members may want to improve overall fitness and work towards maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Concierge healthcare can provide you with everything from primary care to fitness.

You can get in-office lab tests, health assessments, and a care strategy that combines nutrition, fitness, pharmacy and medical services for every family member in one convenient location. You can also get the convenience of same

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or next day office visits, round-the-clock access to your doctor, even house and office calls when medically necessary.

They can also help you minimize out-ofpocket expenses – whether it’s avoiding unnecessary referrals to specialists, more efficient testing or counseling you on switching to lower-cost prescriptions. Your existing health insurance may cover certain services and types of visits, which also may apply to your annual deductible. To learn more about concierge medicine and preventative healthcare, visit the “ConnectedHealth For You” website at www.wegiveadarn. com or www.chforu.com. For more information or to schedule a tour to see what Connected Health has to offer, call us at (724) 933 - 4300 or send them an email at Michelle.Leibow@chforu.com.

Dentistry – The world of dentistry continues to advance to include implants, orthodontics, cosmetic dentistry and more. Pawlowicz Dentistry offers comprehensive dental care for the entire family. Whether you are

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looking for general dentistry, or a specialized treatment such as implants, orthodontics, sleep appliances and TMJ treatment, they can take care of it all! They also specialize in cosmetic dentistry, including porcelain crowns, veneers, teeth whitening and invisible braces. You can trust them to restore your smile to beautiful form and function. For those with heightened dental anxiety, they offer sedation dentistry under a certified, licensed anesthesiologist, so you are under the best care possible. For more information about any of their services, please contact Pawlowicz Dentisty today at (724) 287.4000 or visit our website www. wowsmilenow.com.

Menopause and Perimenopause – Perimenopause, also known as menopause transition, refers to the time when the reproductive system begins to slow down prior to entering menopause. During both of these stages of a woman’s life, her body goes through significant changes. However,

unlike in our grandmother’s day, there have been significant advances in medical practices to assist women through this time. For symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats and vaginal dryness, there are now a wide variety of treatments.

These include hormonal and non-hormonal treatments as well as lifestyle changes which can help reduce the menopause symptoms. Today, there are many innovative treatments and technology available to help women to treat or hopefully prevent medical problems as they age. One such diagnostic tool is the dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan which is a noninvasive procedure that measures bone density. Based on the results, recommendations for treatment may help prevent further breakdown or help to build bone density with the goal to prevent a fracture. If you are experiencing difficulties as you enter midlife, there are exceptional new treatments and assistance available. Please contact the Midlife Health Center at Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC at (412) 641-8889 with any questions, or to make an appointment at any of their convenient locations. In the North Hills, the Midlife Health Center is conveniently located in Wexford at 9000 Brooktree Road, Suite 400, (724) 9341600 or visit their website at http:// www.upmc.com/locations/hospitals/ magee/services/midlife-health-center to learn more.

Peripheral Neuropathy – Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet.

When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep. However there is now an innovative, specialized treatment protocol that includes 9 specific combination of treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. Locally, this innovative

treatment protocol is offered at the Chiropractic Family Health Center. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 or through the website at www.backnline.com.

Telemedicine – Research shows that 70% of doctor visits can be handled over the phone or via video consultation. Telemedicine enables physicians to see and speak to patients without having to be physically in the same room together. For a low monthly fee, the service provides members

unlimited, anytime access to on-call physicians without ever setting foot in the doctor’s office avoiding office visit co-pays, the waiting room and unnecessary travel. The on-call physician is board certified, licensed/credentialed and currently practicing medicine in the member’s state. This allows the on-call physician to prescribe medicine, if necessary, to the member’s local pharmacy. Also, employers can become involved as there are designed programs for employers to partner with the service to help make it avail(Continued on page 38)

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2015 Advances

(Continued from page 37)

able for their employees or customers.

For more information, contact Humane Health, LLC at (724) 705-4307 or visit www.1enrollment.com/128274, scroll down and click on more information for the 1800MD telemedicine plan.

Weight Loss – There is a new weight loss program that has consistent, predictable weight loss results where people also see a dramatic improvement in their overall health in about a month’s time. This new healthy system is made up of all-natural ingredients, no processed food or shakes and contains no stimulants. The system is designed to increase your metabolism by naturally invigorating your hypothalamus (responsible for your metabolism), without stimulants, while decreasing your hunger response. This way, your own fat-burning engine works at its optimum performance while re-acclimating your metabolism to first lose the weight and then adjust to your new body to keep the weight off. Also, exercise is NOT

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required. Alternatively, the focus, is getting the weight off first, so that exercise programs will help tone and strengthen rather than contribute to the risk of overexertion from carrying too much weight.

This program has proven results in individuals from adolescents of 12-13 years of age all the way through to people in their 80’s. Many people suffering from Diabetes Type 2 have also benefited with a significant loss in weight and with lower blood sugars. This program is also recommended for people seeking a non-invasive alternative before choosing to have bariatric surgery. To learn more about this innovative new weight-loss program, call Dr. Michael Vactor, D.C. at (724) 742-2700 for a FREE, in-office review or visit http://www.drvactor.com.

Wound Care – A chronic wound is one that has not healed within 30 days.

Such wounds can become infected, or even lead to amputation. Fortunately, Ohio Valley Hospital’s The Wound Care Center in Mt. Nebo offers the latest

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advancements in treatments that may help. They can actively stimulate the healing process through the use of biological tissue. When poor circulation causes a delay in healing, they can help improve your circulation. In cases where low levels of oxygen in the blood stream cause a chronic wound, they offer oxygen infused hyperbaric chambers. For more information on these or many other treatments, please contact the Wound Care Center in Mt Nebo.

The center is a place where wounds (and their causes) have been treated for more than 22 years. Call (412) 847-7500.

Be sure and look for Advances in Children’s Healthcare in our upcoming January 2016 issue! If you have experience with advances in healthcare treatments and procedures, be sure and let us know so that we can create awareness for the community by emailing NorthCon@consolidated.net or calling (724) 940-2444. F

ADVERTORIAL

Your Body...

An Owner’s Guide

BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF

Y

ou get one body to live out your 80-something years.

One of the biggest “unknowns” we have is how that will play out in regards to our health and our quality of life. I’d like to share some interesting facts and tips with you to help you maximize your health and function through your lifetime.

It’s not your genes…

The vast majority (80%) of what we experience in our health has nothing to do with our genetics. Only 20% of the diseases that we suffer from are directly linked to our genes.

The other 80% is lifestyle. That means that you have a lot of control over how your health changes over time.

Do your Positives Outweigh your Negatives?

Health and function are not black and white. There is a scale of well-being and vitality that changes as we go through our lifetime. Sometimes, depending on our habits and circumstances, we’re healthier than usual or sicker than usual. By performing healthy habits consistently such as eating well, sleeping enough, getting adjusted, avoiding toxins, and so forth, you

can offset some of the things you may not be able to control like your genetics, high stress level etc. If you perform healthy behaviors consistently over a three year period, experts state that the effects are the same as if you’d been having the healthy habit through your lifetime.

Are You Focused on Prevention?

This is absolutely key. As a It’s not hard to figure out chiropractor, I was indoctrinated what your body needs to into a philosophy that emphabe healthy... Chiropractic sized that the absolute “Mustcan help. do” is to improve the health of the patient from the inside out so that they don’t become susceptible to disease or dysfunction. This was a sharp contrast to the way I had grown up, seeing endless advertisements for medicines to fix problems after they started, but not doing anything to help myself avoid ending-up needing them. Here are some small things that you can do to prevent a lot of problems before they start: • Get enough rest • Exercise for 30 minutes a day • Eat a healthy diet and supplement if needed • Get preventative exams including spinal exams • Manage stress

The Chiropractic Connection

Chiropractic is the largest non-drug based healing profession in the world. The role of the chiropractor is to maintain the healthy function of the nervous system so that the body can coordinate its functions. Every function including breathing, digestion, movement, reproduction etc. is under the control of the nervous system. Studies have demonstrated that people under chiropractic treatment take less drugs, have less surgeries, have fewer hospital admissions and have better immune function compared to people who don’t have chiropractic care.

I hope you’ll keep these simple basic tips in mind as you go through your days. Remember… we’re here to help you live in a body that works properly and lasts a long time. F

Brought to you as a Public Service by:

Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates McKnight (412) 364-9699 Harmar (412) 826-9030 www.choicechiropractic.net We are your “in-network” provider Like us on Facebook www.northernconnectionmag.com

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2015

The Butterfly of Hope Supports Children in Grief

A

giant Butterfly of HOPE, made up of thousands of luminary bags, shown forth in the courtyard and along the paths of the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion on the evening of November 18th – the eve of Children’s Grief Awareness Day. A partnership between the Highmark Caring Place and the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion lit a path to hope for grieving children. These luminary bags lit the way to the Butterfly of HOPE, shining not just with candles inside but with messages of remembrance and encouragement on the outside of the bags as well, written and drawn

by Caring Place families, volunteers and partners who want to show their support of grieving children and help them know they are not alone. This year, the Caring Place will also be making the darkness a little brighter for these kids through the “Illuminating HOPE” campaign, letting grieving children know that we’re remembering them during this season and helping hope shine a little brighter. To learn more, visit https://www.highmarkcaringplace.com/cp2/ aboutus/cgad.shtml. F

Events in December Baseline Concussion Testing Every Wednesday from 5 to 6:40 p.m. $20/student $15/student if the parent is an Allegheny Health Network or Highmark employee. Children 10 years and older.

Weight Loss Information Session: We invite you and your family to our free session to enhance your understanding of weight loss surgeries and services offered by our Institute.

December 9, 2015 - 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

412.362.8677 Option 1 Breast Cancer Support Group: Free breast cancer support group on the second Wednesday of every month! Open to recently diagnosed breast cancer patients and survivors. This month we will host a holiday party!

December 9, 2015 – 6 to 7:30 p.m.

412.622.1212

Prenatal Yoga Tuesdays, December 15 – January 5 - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

412.578.7030 $50 for a 4 week session Getting Ready for Breastfeeding December 16, 2015 – 6 to 9 p.m. $40 per couple 412.578.7030 Cancer Support Group: You are welcome to join our free cancer support group which meets the fourth Mondays of every month! Newly diagnosed cancer patients, family members and survivors are welcome.

December 28, 2015, 5 to 6 p.m.

412.622.1212

One-Day Labor and Delivery Session: This intensive full-day class prepares couples for what to expect through labor, birth and beyond.

December 12, 2015 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

412.578.7030

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2015

FIT FAMILIES

Staying Fit Through the Holidays

BY JOELLA BAKER

I

t’s tough. You know it is, staying fit and healthy through the holidays.

There are parties, cookies, great food and so much to do. For most people, the first thing they let go of is their exercise routine. Most say they just can’t fit it in. What if you fit the holidays into your exercise plan?

This holiday season, look at how you can burn calories and how many calories you can burn holiday shopping, cooking, and wrapping gifts and more.

So don’t just decide that the holidays are a time to get stressed out, eat poorly, stop exercising and gain weight. This year, by adding a few things to your holiday schedule, you can stay fit, maintain

your weight and have the best holiday season ever.

• Decorating your house indoor and out can burn up to 350 calories an hour. That means moving boxes, hanging lights, putting up the tree.

Stay moving and you can burn a lot of calories.

• Christmas shopping can burn 200 calories an hour. The walking and the excitement adds to this. If you park further away from the store entrance, you can burn even more calories by walking further.

• Cleaning the house can burn from 75 to 120 calories every 30 minutes.

Everything from dusting, mopping,

vacuuming and more can burn a lot of calories.

• Cooking is an active activity and can burn around 140 calories an hour.

The trick is to not eat too much of what you cook or bake.

• Wrapping gifts for an hour can burn around 120 calories. Stand up while you wrap them and you can burn even more.

• Shoveling snow is a great way to burn calories. You can burn almost 450 calories an hour moving the heavy white stuff around. You can burn extra calories by starting a snowball fight or building a snowman.

• Carrying firewood and chopping firewood can burn 200 to 400 calories an hour.

• Sled riding, one of the most fun winter activities will help you burn around 400 calories an hour.

Downhill skiing will burn around the same as sled riding does but cross country skiing will burn around 800 calories an hour.

• Fun ice skating with the family will help to burn around 300 calories an hour.

Don’t forget to stop by the gym and take a fun class to relieve some stress. It will clear your mind and keep you on track throughout the holidays.

Don’t forget the dog. In the middle of everything, sometimes it’s great to get some fresh air and take the dog for a walk. It’s a great way to get out and check out the neighbors decorations and to enjoy the beauty of the season with your 4-legged friend.

The key is to stay moving. Watch what you eat and engage your family to stay moving and have fun! After all, the holidays should be fun and if you feel great about yourself, you and your family will have even more fun this winter season! F

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ADVERTORIAL

The Evolution of Medical Care: The Wait Should End

BY KEVIN PRAG, PRESIDENT OF HUMANE HEALTH

A

ll of us at some point over the last decade have had technology impact the way we live our lives. The most obvious advancement is the Internet. The Internet has changed the way we live and it has also driven all of us to make sure that we are connected at all times, no matter where we are located. In addition, we pay a substantial amount of money every month to ensure that we have internet access through our SMART® phone. This technology has dramatically impacted lives, businesses and the global market.

With all the facets of life that the internet and SMART phones have affected, medical care has also evolved as a result.

Physician groups have been forced to migrate to electronic medical records, large health systems are purchasing independent groups to increase their footprint and insurance reimbursement has been scrutinized time after time over the last decade.

The demand for physician care is also extremely high due to the internet. Patients have immediate access to information about doctors, illnesses and where to go to receive medical attention. The patient population is more educated than in years past and consequently, demands a high quality of medical care. Many present day doctors may see twice the amount of patients per day compared to ten years ago. There are only so many hours in a day for a doctor to fit people in; so now, many patients find themselves in the waiting room looking at the clock with disdain which only adds stress for both the patient and doctor.

Appointments are booking up weeks in advance at clinics and waiting is now commonplace. For instance, the following was reported in the NY Times in July 2014 by Elisabeth Rosenthal: The Commonwealth Fund, a New York-based foundation that focuses on health care, compared wait times in the United States to those in 10 other countries last year. “We were smug and we had the impression the United States had no wait times – but it turns out that’s not true,” said Robin Osborn, a researcher for the foundation. “It’s the primary care where we’re really behind, with many people waiting six days or more” to get an appointment when they were “sick or needed care.”

Furthermore, a report in the Washington Post in 2014 addressed the same issue and found longer wait times.

According to Merritt Hawkins, the leading physician research and consulting firm in the U.S., “Across 15 major cities in the U.S., the average wait for a new patient seeking a routine doctor visit from a family practice is 18.5 days.”

For many patients, waiting six days or 18.5 days in major cities for a relatively routine doctor visit causes more harm as the illness tends to fester and worsen, ultimately, leading to a more expensive hospital treatment. This is a growing problem that patients are faced with every day.

So how can medical care evolve and makes strides to meet this demand? There is no easy answer but a big step in the right direction is the use of telemedicine. Research shows that 70% of doctor visits can be handled over the phone or via video consultation. If you aren’t familiar with telemedicine, this service offers its members 24/7/365 access to on-call physicians. For a low monthly fee, the service provides the members unlimited access to on-call physicians without ever setting foot in the doctor’s office resulting in avoiding an office visit co-pay, the waiting room and unnecessary travel. The on-call physician is board certified, licensed/credentialed and currently practicing medicine in the member’s state. This allows the on-call physician to e-prescribe medicine, if necessary, to the member’s local pharmacy for convenient pickup. Telemedicine saves valuable time and money. Also, employers can get involved as there are designed programs for employers to partner with the service to help make it available for their employees or customers.

Because of the effect the internet has had, information is at everyone’s fingertips with SMART phones and iPads; therefore, anyone having to wait 6 to 18.5 days for medical care is unacceptable. Just ask any working parent how much spare time they have to get medical care for themselves or their children. The time is now for medical care to evolve, for employers and patients to take advantage of telemedicine and stop waiting.

For more information, visit www.1enrollment.com/128274, scroll down and click on more information for the 1800MD telemedicine plan. F

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HEALTH & WELLNESS DECEMBER 2015

Lucky To Be Alive

The Math of Colds

Heart Attack Survivor Shares Lessons Learned

BY PAUL NEUGEBAUER

I

am 53 years of age. I have low-blood pressure. I was walking 15 miles a week. I receive annual stress tests. But due to a family pre-disposition, I had a severe heart-attack despite no prior warning signs and no classical symptoms.

It started at 7:00 in the morning with what I thought must simply be heartburn and indigestion. I am not prone to heartburn and indigestion but I did not have any pain shooting down my left arm or up my jaw. So why would I think it was anything else?

I ended-up taking some antacids and some aspirin – regular aspirin not ibuprofen – to elevate the pain and discomfort I was feeling. I kept thinking I could push through the pain as it steadily got worse throughout the day. But by 10:30 at night, I was in so much pain that it felt as if there was a massive brick on my chest and two guys were on either side of me, going at it with sledgehammers. There was a moment when the pain was so intense that I thought of giving up, but instead, I decided to fight. To fight for my life or there wouldn’t be a tomorrow.

Fortunately, my daughter Carra was at home and she called 911. The EMT’s arrived prepared, knowledgeable and administered nitroglycerine.

They were able to call ahead to the hospital so that the ER was ready for me when I arrived. I had two major blockages of 70 percent and 80 percent that the doctors were able to stent without open-heart surgery.

Linda, Paul and Carra Neugebauer As it turns out, the doctors said, “Thank God you took that aspirin. It most likely saved your life.” But the benefit of aspirin therapy, for those of us with a family pre-disposition for heart attacks, isn’t the only thing I learned.

I also learned that I should have gone in much sooner. When the pain wasn’t subsiding, I should never have kept trying to man-up and push through. I should have called for help. If I had, I would have done less damage and my recovery would have been much quicker. Just as we know, if you see something -say something, it also holds true that if you feel something – do something. Don’t think, “I can take it.” Don’t wait. Call. Get help.

Also, I learned it was the correct choice was to call 911 rather than have my daughter drive me to the ER. The EMT’s got there faster and were able to help me and have the ER ready for me. This time-saving ended-up being crucial. I had waited so long to get help that I do not believe I would have made it if it had not been for the tremendous efforts of the first responders who came to my aid when my daughter called.

Now, while I am back to playing golf, I am also watching salt intake and taking an aspirin along with my other meds every day. I have even become a volunteer at the ER at UPMC Passavant to give back for the wonderful job they did in saving my life.

And every month, I give my daughter a package of Life Savers® to honor her for her actions and being with me.

It is my hope that by sharing the lessons that I have learned, I will be able to reach out and help someone in need to make the right decisions in their own care. I also want to thank my lovely and wonderful wife Linda for all she has done and continues to do for me. F

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DR. TODD WOLYNN

I

t’s that time of year again: Cold Season.

In fact, “Colds” got their name because the onset of symptoms was associated with exposure to cold weather.

Colds occur frequently, last about 7-10 days, and can occur back-to-back. Kids get a lot of them — on average, about 8 per year.

Worse still: those colds aren’t spread out over all 12 months. They typically hit from October to April.

Let’s say the average the duration of a Cold is 10 days. If your child gets 8 Colds, that’s 80 days of symptoms. Which means he or she spends almost 3 months of that 7-month span being sick. Which means that when you feel like your child has been “sick for months,” you’re probably right!

So I’m here to tell you: if you have kids, especially young kids, you better start buying lots of Kleenex! (Not that they’ll use it, of course, but it will be handy when you chase them down to wipe their noses.)

Your immune system has a great memory. Once it encounters specific infections, it typically becomes very good at fighting those them, and infections like them, in the future. The more years you live, the more exposure you have to infections, the better your immune system gets.

In other words: young children catch a lot of colds because they haven’t caught a lot of colds! They haven’t lived that many years, so they haven’t been exposed to, fought off, and built up immunity to that many colds. Once they have, they catch a lot fewer of them. A kid who’s been in child care and preschool for 3 years (or more) prior to heading off to Kindergarten has completed a kind of Green Beret Special Forces Immune System Training. They’re prepared!

It’s distressing for parents to see the sheer volume and range of colors little kids’ noses can produce when they have a cold.

Throw in sneezing, a cough, and a fever, and most parents would do anything to help their kids get better. But the real bummer about Colds is this: the only cure is time. F Dr. Wolynn is the CEO of Kids Plus Pediatrics.

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IMAGE & STYLE December 2015

5

Simply Perfect Anti-Aging Products and Tips

BY KELLY SMITH

I

n the race among beauty competitors to bottle and brand the fountain of youth, where does that leave us?

We are all on the same quest to look and feel our most youthful and fresh faced but with so many beauty empires boasting the best in the latest and greatest “anti-aging” products, it can leave us with a feeling of discombobulation.

There seems to be a myriad of wrinkle creams, moisturizers, and cosmetics that leave you with a promise of looking younger. While some products may be the real deal not every product will work as vowed. While it’s always fun to try new

products, be cautious not to fall prey to buying every lotion and potion that catches your attention. Smart marketing is meant to be eye catching and beauty products are notoriously aggressive with theirs. It’s not just products that can help us look our best but also the techniques used to finish our look.

You don’t need to be a makeup artist to create a flawless face but there are a few tricks of the trade, so to speak, to look younger and polished. Read on to see some of the most common areas of the face that tend to give away our age and the products and techniques to combat them. Best of all, these products can all be found at local drugstores so you won’t break the bank in your quest for that youthful glow!

Skin so soft – aging skin needs moisture, so a good moisturizer with an SPF is essential! You can try a tinted moisturizer or a moisturizing foundation. Some good ones I’ve used include: “Aveeno® Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer SPF”, “Olay® Definity” and “Neutrogena® Triple Age Repair.” Some good skin firming foundations to try, include “Revlon® Age Defying Firm & Lift” and “L’Oréal® Visible Lift Absolute.” Be sure to blend your foundation into your neckline and keep the shade as close to your natural tone as possible. This is usually a shade darker than your natural skin.

Eye see you! -- The eyes are probably the first on our face to noticeably age, luckily for us; there are lots of products that work! To combat bags and dark circles, your first line of defense is a good retinol cream.

“Olay Regenerist Intensive Repair” gets good reviews as well as “Garnier® Anti-Puff Eye Roller.” To conceal those dark circles after treatment, be sure to use a good concealer that has a brightener. Some tried and true brands that I like are: “Physician’s Formula® Youthful Wear Light Boosting” and “Milani® Secret Cover Concealer Cream.” Always use your ring finger when applying under eye products as it emits the least pressure out of them.

Happy Brows -- Your brows should make you look happy, not sinister so they deserve some attention too! As we age, brows loose fullness so they should be grown in and shaped, but full. If they are still on the skimpy side then there are a multitude of brow pencils

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and gels that will work for you. Among the good brands that I’ve tried myself are “Rimmel®”, “Prestige®” and my favorite, “Revlon Brow Fantasy.” It has a pencil on one end while offering a gel & comb on the other and it’s absolutely perfect! Remember to always feather-in your brows, not color-on.

Just cheeky! – Cheeks have those apples on them for a reason and apples are never pasty! Always swipe on a hint of color to give you that flushed look of youth!

Start where your cheekbone meets your nose and sweep upwards to blend into your temples. I also like to add a light layer of iridescent peach over top to give an extra glow of color. I like “L’Oréal Visible Lift” as well as “Maybelline® Dream Bounce” and “Physician’s Formula Nude Wear Glow.”

Lip service -- With age and bone density loss, many women find that their lips

aren’t as plump as they used to be. But, not to worry, as there are lots of good products guaranteed to plump your pout in no time! If you’re over 30, it’s best to steer clear of dark or matte lipsticks- they tend to make you look older.

Instead, opt for either sheer, nudes or pink hues to make those lips look full!

Also, don’t forget the liner, no matter how subtle as it keeps color from running into lines around the mouth. For a pretty pout try some of these super moisturizing lipsticks as I’ve tried and liked them all-“L’Oréal Colour Riche,” “Rimmel Moisture Renew,” “Burt’s Bees® Lip Shimmer” and “Revlon Super Lustrous” to name a few.

These products are great at combating changing (not aging!) skin so try not to think of them as anti-aging. Instead, while everyone else is trying to capture youth in a bottle, you will already be looking your best! F

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SENIOR LIVING December 2015

TOWN CRIER

The Merry Month of December

BY JOE BULLICK

D

ecember is the last month of the year and it is also the one with the shortest amount of daylight. It begins every year on the same day of the week as September and it ends on the same day of the week as April. December always seems to come in slow and then leave with a bang.

There were lots of great things that occurred in November – football season was in full swing – on the pro, college and high school levels. We also got to celebrate a Thanksgiving feast with our families and our friends.

By this time of year as a young boy, my outside work was complete, so I got to concentrate on my inside work. The radio became my best friend. When it was cold outside, I would listen to Amos

and Andy, Burns and Allen, Fibber McGee and Molly, The Goldbergs, and The Great Gildersleeve. Radio comedy ran the gamut from small town humor of Lum and Abner, Herb Shriner and Minnie Pearl.

I still remember Henry Aldrich and Henry’s classic answer, “Coming, Mother!”

Other shows were adapted from comic strips such as Blondie, Dick Tracy, Gasoline Alley, Lil Abner, Little Orphan Annie, Popeye the Sailor, Red Ryder and Terry and the Pirates. Those were great years when the whole family sat around the radio; it almost brings a tear to my eye.

The next fun thing that we used to do in December was my trip to Pittsburgh for Christmas shopping. We would take a trip to West View and ride in the street car. The first stop was Boggs & Buhl on

the North Side. I would look through the windows and I would see all the toys. I would also say hello to Santa Claus, then we would head to downtown Pittsburgh.

We would stop at Gimbels, Hornes and then we would go to Kaufmanns. I had my picture with the Lone Ranger; I had on my six shooter and my cowboy hat. I still have that picture. We ate at the Tic Toc restaurant for lunch, and then we would make our way home on the #10 streetcar.

When I got home, I was always tired and slept all night – what a day!

Around the middle of the month, Mom would get ready for the birth of Christ. The house was cleaned from top to bottom, because when you heat with a coal furnace, the house gets dirty very quickly. I had to go to Confession usually a week before Christmas. Boy did I try to be a good boy and behave myself.

The Christmas tree was a highlight in our house. Our tradition was to have an evergreen tree. The evergreen tree was an ancient symbol of life in the midst of winter. Romans decorated their houses with evergreen branches during the New Year, and ancient inhabitants of northern Europe cut evergreen trees and planted them in boxes inside their houses in wintertime. Also to get ready for the big day, I always got a haircut at my uncle’s barber shop on the North Side, Frank Derk was his name and he was always good to me.

There are some important dates to remember in December – National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day is Dec. 7.

Glenn Miller died in a plane crash over the English Channel on Dec. 15, 1944, his plane was never found.

Well it’s time for me to wish you a “Merry Christmas” and God Bless. I leave you with this – You only live once But if you live right Once is enough.

– Mae West

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Happenings for Seniors

Senior Holiday Event sponsored by the Seneca Valley School District, 12:30 p.m., Dec. 18, Seneca Valley Senior High features jazz band, string ensemble and madrigal singers. Free, reservations are required; call (724) 452-6040, ext. 0 by Dec. 11.

Happenings for Seniors

Craft Show & Sales

Free Home Safety Inspection is available for seniors through the Open Your Heart to a Senior program. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069, ext. 3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

Holiday Craft Show, 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 11, Beatty Pointe Village, Monroeville, call (412) 374-9000 and 2-4 p.m., Dec. 17, Strabane Trails Village. For info, call (724) 225-4100.

Holiday

Entertainment & Social Events

Lifespan, Inc. Sweet Holiday Treats Cookie Drive, Dec. 1-14. The public is asked to bake/purchase cookies for seniors. For info, call (412) 464-1300.

Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 4490151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

Home Instead Senior Care® is offering a unique approach to help area families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available for families at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com.

McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Services Ross Twp., Berkley Hills, Swan Acres & part of McCandless Twp. Call (412) 487-4088.

Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring – An Hour a Week Can Change a Child’s Life. For adults 50 & over become a tutor. Training sessions will be held on the fifth floor of the Duquesne Light Building. For details, call (412) 393-7648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

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

The Best of Donna featuring Donna Groom of The Skyliners, 2:30 p.m., Dec. 2, Hampton Fields, call (412) 492-8448; Dec. 3, Lighthouse Pointe Village, 500 Chapel Harbor, Fox Chapel, call (412) 781-2707.

Christmas Teddy Bear Tea, 1-3 p.m., Dec. 5, Plum Community Center. For info, call (412) 795-2330.

Outreach

The Dream Machine: Ten for Ten, 2 p.m., Dec. 8, Sherwood Oaks, Cranberry Twp. For info, call 1 (800) 642-2217 or www.Sherwood-Oaks.com.

Wilson Chiropractic Health Center, Main St., Mt. Pleasant is collecting blankets during December for Jacob’s Creek Faith in Action to distribute to seniors during the holidays. For info, visit http://www.drgregorywilson.com/

Judi Figel with David Crisci, 3 p.m., Dec. 3, Seneca Hills Village. For info, call (412) 793-1700.

Seminars

The Keystone 3, 2:30 p.m., Dec. 11, Strabane Trails Village. To register, call (724) 225-4100.

River City Brass Band, 2 p.m., Dec. 1, Sherwood Oaks, Cranberry Twp., call 1 (800) 642-2217; 2:30 p.m., Dec. 7, Vanadium Woods Village, call, (412) 221-2900; Dec. 9, Hampton Fields Village, call (412) 492-8448; Dec. 10, Lighthouse Pointe Village, 500 Chapel Harbor, Fox Chapel, call (412) 781-2707.

Seminars at Cumberland Woods, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., Christopher Gist, Guide for George Washington, 11 a.m., Dec. 1; A Taste of Poland, 11 a.m., Dec. 15. Call (412)635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

(Continued on page 50)

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. For details, call Suzie, at (412) 337-6731.

Bereavement Support Group (for Widows/ Widowers over 50), 1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian, Haber Hall. To register, call (412) 366-1300.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 3 p.m., the 1st Mon., of every month, and 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

Senior Meetings Cranberry Senior Citizens Club for residents 55+ meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. Call (724) 816-4977 for info and programs.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets every Weds. 1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds.,1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. For info, call (724) 444-0064.

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

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Senior Happenings (Continued from page 49)

Spiritual 2nd Act, 9:30-11:30 a.m., 2nd Thurs., runs thru May 12, Orchard Hill Church, Brandt School Rd. For adults ages 55+ worship time through music and prayer. For details, (724) 9355555.

Volunteer Opportunities: Drivers Urgently Needed for Volunteer Shuttle Service, NHCO, in partnership with Allegheny County and St. Margaret Foundation.

The new shuttle will pick up seniors on various days on the Route 28 corridor for local UPMC medical appts. No special license is required and training is provided. Contact Kerry at (412) 4490151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org.

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. For details, call (412) 367-3685.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Faith in Action program is seeking Senior Companion volunteers. For details, contact Nancy, at (412) 307-0069 or nljones@nhco.org.

North Hills Community Outreach needs volunteers for their senior programs. For details, contact Patti, at (412) 408-3830 ext. 3204.

Open Your Heart to a Senior volunteer orientations, 10:30 a.m., Dec. 2, Pgh Mills Eat N Park, Tarentum, 412) 449-0151, kkmulhern@nhco.org; 3 p.m., Dec. 3, NHCO Allison Park, (412) 307-0069 x3313, clpshirer@nhco. org; 2:30 p.m., Jan. 6, AGH Suburban, (412) 307-0069 x3313, clpshirer@nhco. org; 6 p.m., Jan. 26, Lighthouse Pointe, Aspinwall,(412) 449-0151,kkmulhern@ nhco.org.

Pittsburgh Friendship Group is looking for volunteers to help visually impaired seniors. No experience is necessary. Call (724) 444-0064.

Seniors in all areas of Allegheny County need snow shovelers. Call the North Hills Community Outreach at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org to register for the Snow Angels program.

Volunteer drivers are needed for various programs to help seniors.

For details, call (412) 307-0071 or allegheny@openyourhearttoasenior. org.

Look for it wherever you find Northern Connection

CALL now to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!

724-940-2444

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Northern Connection | December 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com

TRIVIA CONNECTION

Frank Sinatra Trivia A Centennial Celebration of Ol’ Blue Eyes

BY PAULA GREEN query. Get set to don those fedoras…because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. The guys in the Rat Pack actually referred to themselves by a different name, what did they call themselves?

2. Sinatra starred in Anchors Aweigh, Take Me Out to the Ball Game and On the Town with this actor.

3. What is the title of Sinatra’s 1973 comeback album?

4. Sinatra won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of this character in the 1953 film From Here to Eternity.

5. What duet did Frank Sinatra do with his daughter Nancy?

6. Sinatra formed what record label in 1960 to allow himself more artistic freedom for his own recordings?

7. Name the holiday album that features Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. 8. What frightening event occurred in the Sinatra family in 1963?

9. What was Sinatra’s favorite drink?

10. Which Sinatra song title is engraved on his tombstone?

11. Which Sinatra tune was featured in the 1993 film Mrs. Doubtfire?

12. Sinatra: A Century of Song will be performed 7:30 p.m., Dec. 12 at which local venue?

13. What year did the United States Postal Service issue a 42-cent stamp depicting Sinatra?

14. Sinatra’s song Love and Marriage was the opening theme song for which comedy show.

15. Name the 1984 comedy that Sinatra starred in with Burt Reynolds. F Sources: http://www.stampsofdistinction.com/2008/05/10-things-you-dontknow-about-ol-blue.html, http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000069/bio, http://www.celebheights.com/s/ Frank-Sinatra-807.html, http://mentalfloss.com/article/29962/11-little-knownfacts-about-frank-sinatra, http://www.meredy.com/sinatrafranktriv.htmlhttp:// www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/quizshow.php?title=pp-are-you-listener-of-franksinatra&q=3&next=n, https://www.hobokenmuseum.org/self-guided-walkingtours/frank-sinatra-the-voice

Answers: 1. The Summit 2. Gene Kelly 3. Ol’ Blue Eyes is Back 4. Angelo Maggio 5. Somethin’ Stupid 6. Reprise Records 7. Christmas with the Rat Pack 8. Frank Jr. was kidnapped 9. Jack Daniels 10. The Best is Yet to Come 11. Luck Be a Lady 12. The Legacy Theatre in McCandless 13. 2008 (March 13) 14. Married with Children 15. Cannonball Run II

H

e was renowned for his smooth crooning voice, piercing blue eyes, and fedora hat. Francis Albert Sinatra was born in Hoboken, New Jersey on Dec. 12, 1915.

He was the only child of Italian immigrants Natalina “Dolly” Garaventa, and Antonino Martino “Marty” Sinatra. At his birth, Sinatra weighed a whopping 13 pounds and was thought to be stillborn until he was thrust under cold water and began to move about. Forceps used during his birth caused permanent damage to his left earlobe, check and neck.

Sinatra’s musical career began during the swing era.

Radio exposure brought him to the attention of band leader Harry James, with whom Sinatra made his first recordings. In 1940, Tommy Dorsey invited him to join his band. After two years of chart-topping success with Dorsey, he decided to strike out on his own.

Sinatra grew to be an entertainer extraordinaire. Over the years, he acquired such nicknames as Ol’ Blue Eyes, The Voice, Swoonatra, and Chairman of the Board or in Hoboken, simply “Frankie.” He is best remembered for such songs as - Fly Me to the Moon, Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas, Luck Be a Lady, Mack the Knife, My Way, New York, New York, and Strangers in the Night. In the movie realm, Sinatra starred in - From Here to Eternity, Guys and Dolls, and The Manchurian Candidate. Although he was bigger than life in stage and screen, in reality he was only 5 feet 7.5 inches tall, and it is said that he often wore lifts.

With his pals Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., Joey Bishop, and Peter Lawford, Sinatra led the Vegas clique known as the Rat Pack. Sinatra was also a gifted amateur painter. He is one of only five performers to have achieved both a Number One single and an Oscar for Best Actor. He was named Entertainer of the Century in 2000.

Sinatra was married four times. His first marriage was to his childhood sweetheart Nancy Barbato in 1939. They had three children Nancy, Frank Jr., and Tina. In 1951, Sinatra married Ava Gardner, after they split, he married Mia Farrow in 1966. That union also ended in divorce in 1968. Sinatra married for the fourth time in 1976 to Barbara Marx, widow of Zeppo. The two remained married until his untimely death on May 14, 1998.

Since we’ve reminisced through the life of “The Chairman” we must now entertain ourselves with this Sinatra

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Northern Connection | December 2015

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SUPPORT OUR TROOPS DECEMBER 2015

A Diploma Ceremony & Shaler Grad Unveils Vets Documentary

BY PAULA GREEN

A Special Welcome Home and Vets Honored at Seneca

BY PAULA GREEN

M

onday, Oct. 19, was a typical school day for Seneca Valley Intermediate High School freshman Ivy Taylor. As her day progressed, she was greeted by a special visitor at her school. Her father, Air Force Tech Sgt. Gerry Taylor returned home after being deployed for six ½ months in an undisclosed location in southwest Asia. Ivy was astonished since she didn’t expect him home until the Christmas holiday.

With one surprise visit down, TSgt Taylor ventured next to his son’s sixth grade class at Haine Middle School in Cranberry Township.

Jason was sitting in the gymnasium with about 75 of his fellow classmates. The students were told they were getting a bonus physical education class when guest speaker, TSgt Taylor entered the gym. Jason was stunned when his father appeared. He ran and gave his father a big welcome home hug. The Taylor family recently relocated to Cranberry Township from New Jersey. They are very excited to be reunited together as a family.

Another Seneca Valley School – Connoquenessing Valley Elementary honored military members during their Veterans Day celebration. The third graders of Connoquenessing Valley presented a Veterans Day program on Nov. 10 at Passavant Retirement Center in Zelienople. F Photos courtesy of the Seneca Valley School District

T

he Shaler Area School District held a special presentation on Veterans Day for a Vietnam War veteran.

Richard Smorey, 66 of Butler received his diploma on Nov. 11. Smorey attended Millvale High School from 19651967. He was supposed to graduate in 1969, but he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in April 1967 and served in the Vietnam War. Smorey received an honorable discharged in March 1970 after achieving the rank of sergeant. He was awarded several decorations including the Presidential Unit Citation.

In 1971, Millvale High School merged with neighboring school districts to form Shaler Area School District. As part of Operation Recognition, school districts can grant high school diplomas to honorable charged veterans who served in the U.S. military during World War II, Korean Conflict or Vietnam War. Shaler Area graduate and current Temple University student, Alexis Werner, produced a military documentary Our Way Home. The story follows the homecoming of nine veterans from World War II to present day who suffered Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Over 2,000 students, veterans and community members attended the premier on Nov. 12 at Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall.

A video clip of the documentary was previewed by 200 veterans at Shaler Middle School on Nov. 4. Our Way Home will be shown in 20 cities nationwide.

We featured Alexis in our April 2014 Support Our Troops column. She became actively involved with veterans in 2009, after her stepfather returned home with PTSD following a tour of duty in Afghanistan. Alexis founded Seeds of Hope which began as a community garden project, but flourished into a national organization helping thousands of veterans and their families.

For more information, visit OurWayHomeForVets.org and SeedsOfHopeForVets.org. F

We welcome brief biographies and photos of local servicemen and women from our community. If you know of someone you’d like to see featured in this column, please call (724) 940-2444 or mail the information to: Northern Connection Magazine, P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722 or email northcon@consolidated.net.

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Northern Connection | December 2015 www.northernconnectionmag.com