Northern Connection Magazine - December 2018 issue

Holiday Gift Guide

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2018

Helping Clients Turn Financial Goals Into Reality Also...

Family Health & Wellness | Worship Guide | Christmas Novels Trivia

I N T H I S I SSUE

NORTHERN CONNECTION December 2018

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NC Features

Senior Living

10 Cover Story: Hefren-Tillotson – Helping Clients Turn Financial Goals into Reality Janice Lane Palko

34 Town Crier: It’s December Once Again! Joe Bullick

25 Presents for Patients Celebrating 35 Years of Giving

Kids & Education

8 Where Was I?: The Code of the Universe Janice Lane Palko

40 School Movers & Shakers

2018 NC Holiday Guide

31 Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

13 2018 NC Holiday Guide

37 Reclaimed Memories, LLC Comes to the Rescue Janice Lane Palko

19 Holiday Worship Guide

44 Is the Real Estate Market Shifting Back to the Buyer?

Vince Parrucci

Health & Wellness 26 Fit Families: Fitting It All In – Staying on Track Through the Holidays Joella Baker 30 Ideal Image: Experts in Laser and Medical Spa Services

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4 From the Publisher: Marion Piotrowski 6 Movers & Shakers

Advertorials

17 Katie’s Clay Studio

In Every Issue...

36 Happenings for Seniors

39 INPAX – Live with Confidence

14 Essential Oils for Our Hearts on Christmas Fe Tubio

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12 Trivia Connection: It’s a Novel Christmas!

Trivia Paula Green 22 December 2018 Happenings 28 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Kathleen Osten, M.D. 38 Support Our Troops: The U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” Program / Missing in Action Serviceman Honored and a Diploma Presented to a Vietnam Veteran Paula Green

On the Cover: Hefren-Tillotson’s new building in Wexford.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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P U B LI SH E R ’S NOT ES

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

Phone: 724-940-2444 Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

Welcome to the December Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko

Mary Simpson

Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold

F

or this issue, Northern Connection magazine’s Executive Editor Janice Lane Palko wrote a very touching and moving column about the meaning of Light in the world.

With the tragedies that have occurred around the country, the world and especially at the Tree of Life Synagogue, we thought it would be an appropriate time to reflect on the true “Light of the World.” Read it on page 8.

Enjoy reading this month’s special features along with our regular monthly columns. Thank you for your continued support, and together let us continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. 4 4 4

Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook and Instagram

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Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc.

Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Joella Baker Joe Bullick Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith

Paula Green ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Distribution

Linda Watkins Lori Palmer

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.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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M OV E R S & SH AKER S

Movers & Shakers The Block Northway announced the opening of Blaze Fast-Fire’d Pizza.

The 2,600 square-foot eatery is located at 8011 McKnight Road, Ross Township. It officially opened its doors on Nov. 15.

The Block Northway announced the opening of David’s Bridal, the nation’s leader in bridal and specialty apparel. The 9,000 square-foot store is located at 6258 Northway Drive, Ross Township. It officially opened its doors on November 15.

Dr. Mark Woodburn, board member and treasurer of Genesis Medical Associates, Inc., has been named one of Pennsylvania’s Top Physicians Under 40 by the Pennsylvania Medical Society. Genesis’ Grob, Scheri, Woodburn & Griffin have offices in Ross Township and Wexford.

InVision Human Services announced the appointment of Gary Blumenthal to the position of vice president of government relations and advocacy.

Dr. Mark Woodburn

Hope Grows announced it has recently been awarded a Forbes Funds Management Assistance Grant. The grant will be used to develop an integrated business plan and financial model for Hope Grows, in support of new business opportunities.

Vincentian Collaborative System, a CMS five-star rated nonprofit health care and human services organization with ministries across Allegheny County, and K4Connect, a mission-centered technology company that creates solutions that serve and empower older adults and individuals living with disabilities, announced a strategic partnership to deploy K4Connect’s smart senior living solution, K4Community, at Terrace Place, Vincentian’s new active 55+ community in Pittsburgh’s North Hills.

On August 22, Kelsie Klajnowski, milieu therapist at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic (WPIC), received the 2018 Mountain Laurel Award. This award was created to recognize extraordinary direct care staff in the behavioral health community. On Nov. 3, Kelsie was honored once again with UPMC’s 2018 Award for Commitment and Excellence in Service (ACES) at the ACES Ball at the David Lawrence Convention Center. Kelsie received this award for going beyond what is asked of her to deliver Life Changing Medicine every day.

On Sunday, Nov. 11 the Double Tree by Hilton Hotels PittsburghCranberry hosted the second annual Great Birthday Bake, Pittsburgh’s first kid’s baking competition, supporting Beverly’s Birthdays.

Mike Harding, Beverly’s Birthdays Board Chair; Archie Shattuck, Crowd Favorite; Nina Hillard, Patriotic Pastry Winner; Megs Yunn, Beverly’s Birthdays Founder and Executive Director; Pamela Smith, Chocoholic Winner and Overall Best Cookie Winner; Zoe Szymanski, Fruity & Fun Winner.

Thirty-five bakers gathered at the Double Tree to compete in five premier categories. The event was open to the public and tickets prices were $10 per adult $8 for veterans and kids under five were free. More that 350 attended the event and had an opportunity to taste their way through the delicious cookie extravaganza! After sampling the creative and colorful creations, the guests and judges cast votes for the winners.

Beverly’s Birthdays raised over $4,000 to support their mission of giving birthday parties to homeless children and families in need and was able to cultivate the creativity and passion of 35 local kids.

“The Great Birthday Bake is such a fantastic, family friendly event to support our organization,” said Megs Yunn, founder of Beverly’s Birthdays. “It teaches children the value of giving back, in a fun, meaningful, sweet way. We are beyond impressed by the skill the young bakers show and how invested they are in the competition. Additionally, it helps us reach new supporters of the organization.”

For more information about Beverly’s Birthdays, visit https://www.beverlysbirthdays.org/

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WH E R E WAS I?

The Code of the Universe

By Janice Lane Palko

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f I get up at night to visit the bathroom, I pass three windows on my way. My house sits high on a hill, and when I glance out those windows, I can see across a small valley to the next street over where the light from a gas lamp pierces the darkness and sends out rays of light, shining like a star. For some reason, that small light always makes me feel better.

After the shooting at the Tree of Life Synagogue, I’ve been thinking a lot about light. The tragedy happened at the darkest time of the year, making the grief and sorrow that has descended upon those living here seem that much bleaker. Dwelling in darkness is not comfortable, and I believe a longing for light has been encoded into our souls

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because ever since we’ve discovered fire and the sun, humanity has been attracted to light.

Most every religion, ancient or otherwise, celebrates or incorporates light into its practices. The ancient Druids had several light festivals. Hindus, Jains and Sikhs celebrate the festival of light known as Diwali. Jews celebrate Hanukkah, which commemorates the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem, when a miracle happened. Even though they only had enough oil to keep the Menorah lit for one day, the lamp burned for eight days. Christians light candles, Christmas trees and decorate their homes with lights at Christmastime.

The sacred books are filled with references to light. In fact, the third verse of the Old Testament tells us that one of the first things God created was light saying, “Let there be light.” In John’s Gospel in the New Testament, he tells us in the Nativity narrative that, “What has come into being in him was life, life that was the light of men; and light shines in darkness, and darkness could not overpower it.

A few nights after the shooting at Tree of Life it occurred to me why that small light I see in the middle of the night gives me hope and comfort. It’s because no matter how dark it may get, light cannot be vanquished by the darkness. But light can defeat darkness. In the midst of a bright summer day, have you ever seen a patch of darkness? No. However, you can see light shining in the darkness, but you will never see a patch of darkness penetrating the light. Not only are we created to embrace the light, it is foreordained that light overcomes the darkness. Therefore, no matter how dark it may feel this December whether from the loss of daylight, genuine sorrow or sadness, know that in the end the light always triumphs—it’s written into the code of the universe. Happy Hanukkah and Merry Christmas! 4 4 4

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COV E R S TORY Craig A. Tillotson, Vice Chairman, Hefren-Tillotson

Helping Clients Turn Financial Goals Into Reality

By Janice Lane Palko

“A goal without a plan is just a wish,” wrote Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Since 1948, HefrenTillotson, a privately-owned wealth management company founded in Pittsburgh, has been creating financial plans that turn client’s goals and wishes into reality.

H

efren-Tillotson co-founder Willard J. “Bill” Tillotson had the vision to recognize that for clients to achieve their long-term financial goals, they needed a step-by-step, detailed plan. More than 35 years ahead of the competition, he developed the MASTERPLAN®, which provides clients with a comprehensive, written review of an individual’s financial goals and objectives. The MASTERPLAN® was a stroke of financial genius and has contributed to Hefren-Tillotson’s longevity and success. When the company began 70 years ago, it had one loca-

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tion in the Benedum Trees Building and now has two offices in downtown Pittsburgh as well as locations in Butler, Greensburg, North Hills and South Hills. Hefren-Tillotson has expanded from 40 employees in the early 1980s to 250 and is now one of the oldest and largest full-service wealth management firms headquartered in Western Pennsylvania, managing over $12 billion in client assets. Hefren-Tillotson has clients in 42 states and numerous countries around the world.

“Since 1960, we’ve been developing financial plans for clients. This was

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especially unusual in those days since most people had pension plans that were managed by their employers,” said Craig A. Tillotson, Vice Chairman, HefrenTillotson. His sister, Kim Tillotson Fleming, serves as Hefren-Tillotson’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer following their father and grandfather, Art Hefren, who founded the firm in 1948. Their father joined the company in 1958.

In 1978, Congress passed the Revenue Act, which allowed employers to sponsor 401(k) retirement saving plans for their employees whose tax-deferred

contributions are invested at the employee’s direction into one or more funds in the plan. “When people began moving their retirements dollars into 401(k) plans, many of them didn’t know how to invest their money. We’ve never been taught in school how to manage money, but we’d already had decades of using the MASTERPLAN® for our clients and were poised to help,” said Mr. Tillotson.

“When you talk to clients, their greatest fear is running out of money in retirement; some fear that more than death,” said Mr. Tillotson. “The best way to avoid that is to develop a plan. It’s never too late to start planning, but the earlier you start, the better.”

The first step in the MASTERPLAN® is to meet with you. A Hefren-Tillotson advisor will get to know you, your goals, your beliefs about life, your ideas about money and the values you hold dear. Then your advisor will examine your unique situation and determine your short-and long-term needs. From there a financial plan is developed that is tailored for you. Hefren-Tillotson is a privately-held firm, free of conflicts of interest associated with proprietary products.

“We love the opportunity to compete for a client’s business. I advise anyone who needs some help managing their money to come in, sit down and talk to us. Learn about the way we do things.

Learn our philosophy, and we can determine if we’re a match,” said Mr. Tillotson. “Once we put a plan in place, 95 percent of it is staying the course and making slight adjustments periodically to get back on track.”

Having a financial plan in place is a huge stress reliever, and today’s financial plans need to address aspects that weren’t such an issue in earlier times. “College costs have sky-rocketed, so that must be considered. Also, long-term care is a newer cost that must be factored into a financial plan. Years ago, families took care of their loved ones, but today we’re scattered, and we’re more independent.

While family members may be willing to care for us, many of us don’t want to be dependent on them. We don’t want to burden them,” said Mr. Tillotson.

“My grandfather, Art Hefren, always

said, ‘Do what’s right for the client, and you’ll be fine.” Hefren-Tillotson embraces the time-tested values of respect for the individual, integrity in thought and action, teamwork through family oriented culture and relentless commitment to excellence.

“Part of what makes us different is our commitment to the community, which comes from the top down,” said Mr. Tillotson. “We’ve worked with Habitat for Humanity in Pittsburgh and have had 23 employees go build homes with them in Guatemala as well.”

Hefren-Tillotson also supports numerous other charitable causes from the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to the United Way to the Walk for Children’s Hospital.

Hefren-Tillotson also believes in educating the public as well as children about financial matters and hosts numerous free, no-obligation seminars throughout the region as well as airing a weekly radio show “Your Money & You,” on Sundays at 9 a.m. on KDKA radio, which is hosted by James G. Meredith, CPA/PFS. Their website has a wealth of information from videos and blog posts to a weekly podcast called “Ask the Advisor.” “Our President Donald Belt has developed a financial education curriculum for grade school children, and numerous people are using it,” said Mr. Tillotson.

The company has received many awards and accolades, including being named the Best Place to Work in the Extra Large Company category three times since 2011 by the Pittsburgh Business Times. It has been honored by being included in the United Way Hall of Fame, receiving the Outstanding Performance Award from 2009 to 2018.

“I believe our success comes from being a family. We consider our employees and clients to be part of that family.

We treat everyone with deep respect and with the highest level of integrity, which is evident by how many long-term employees we have and the retention and stability of our clients,” said Mr. Tillotson. “We love to see people get started with a sound financial plan so that they can achieve the goals they have set.” 4 4 4

For more information on how Hefren-Tillotson can help you develop a financial plan that achieves your financial objectives, visit: www.hefren.com.

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T R I V I A CO NNEC T ION

It’s a Novel Christmas!

By Paula Green

T

Dr. Seuss – How the Grinch Stole Christmas

here’s nothing like curling up in front of a cozy fire and reading a good book. It’s even better this time of the year when you can become enthralled with a classic holiday story. This month we’re going to examine Christmas novels and poems.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. There are a few poems that focus on this – The Journey of the Magi by T.S. Eliot, On the Morning of Christ’s Nativity by John Milton and The Three Kings

by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. In the book realm, there is B is for Bethlehem, The First Christmas and The Little Angel.

Charles Dickens penned a few masterpieces. There was A Christmas Carol, which focuses on Ebenezer Scrooge and his bitter bah-humbug attitude towards Christmas. Dickens also wrote the holiday novels What Christmas is as We Grow Older, The Chimes and The Cricket on the Hearth.

A few holiday classic books that contain the word Christmas in the title include – At Christmas Time, The Beggar Boy at Christ’s Christmas Tree, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, A Child’s Christmas in Wales, A Christmas Inspiration, The Christmas Miracle, A Country Christmas, Jesus Calling for Christmas, Papa Panov’s Special Christmas and Tilly’s Christmas. A few other good Christmas reads are – The Adventures of the Blue Carbuncle, Madeline’s Christmas, The Tailor of Gloucester and Silent Night: The Story of WWI Christmas Truce.

Moreover, there are poems and stories about jolly-old St. Nick. The most famous being Clement Clarke Moore’s A Visit From St. Nicholas.

Other ones include Mark Twain’s A Letter From Santa Claus, A Book of Santa Claus, Is There a Santa Claus and The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus.

There are also the Christmas books and stories that were made into movies and TV specials. Some of these include – A Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Story, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, The Polar Express, Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer, The Snowman, The Year Without a Santa Claus and Yes, Virginia There is a Santa Claus.

Since we have browsed over Christmas books, we must now page through this novel exam. Get set to ace this query, because it’s time to

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get a little trivial . . .

1. The Father Christmas Letters were created by this English writer, poet and university professor.

2. In 1916, Robert Frost wrote this holiday circular letter (poem).

3. The 1943 novel The Greatest Gift by Phillip Van Doren Stern was the basis for this 1946 holiday film.

4. This person wrote The Gift of the Magi, which is a short story about a husband and wife and their challenge of buying secret Christmas gifts for each other with little money.

5. This famous minister wrote The Cradle, Cross and Crown and God’s Blessings of Christmas.

6. Pulitzer and Nobel Prize-winning author Pearl S. Buck and artist Mark Buehner published this heartwarming story that illustrates the true meaning of Christmas.

7. Name the renowned author who penned One Christmas and A Christmas Memory.

8. The poem A Visit From St. Nicholas is also known by this title…..

9. Valentine Davies wrote this book that was eventually made into a movie which starred Natalie Wood.

10. How many ghosts visit Ebenezer Scrooge in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens?

11. He wrote The Fir Tree, The Little Match Girl and The Steadfast Tin Soldier.

12. These siblings wrote The Elves and the Shoemaker.

13. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow composed this holiday poem that eventually turned into a song.

14. This female author wrote: Amazing Peace: A Christmas Poem.

15. Which Northern Connection staff member wrote the Christmas book A Shepherd’s Song? 4 4 4 Sources: https://medium.com/the-mission/the-30-best-christmas-books-of-all-timec492c468051b, https://interestingliterature.com/2014/12/24/24-amazing-literature-factsfor-christmas/, https://daringtolivefully.com/christmas-stories-and-poems, https://www. bookbub.com/blog/2017/11/21/classic-christmas-books-to-read https://www.christianbook. com/page/christmas/christmas-books/christmas-inspiration Answers: 1. J. R. R. Tolkein 2. Christmas Trees 3. It’s a Wonderful Life 4. O. Henry 5. Billy Graham 6. Christmas Day in the Morning 7. Truman Capote 8. ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas 9. Miracle on 34th Street 10. Four 11. Hans Christian Andersen 12. The Brothers Grimm (Jacob & Wilhelm) 13. Christmas Bells 14. Maya Angelou 15. Janice Lane Palko

“Maybe Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas …perhaps … means a little bit more!”

2018 NC Holiday Guide Let Northern Connection magazine help you make the season bright!

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2018 NC HOLIDAY GUIDE

Essential Oils for Our Hearts on Christmas

By Fe Tubio

B

ringing joy to others is one of the greatest gifts of Christmas.

That means getting together with family and friends, being kind to others and helping those in need.

Two awesome essential oils, CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Essential Oils and ABUNDANCE Essential Oils will help open our hearts. It taps into the happiness, joy and comfort associated with this season.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Essential Oils combines cinnamon bark, spruce, and orange.

With ABUNDANCE Essential Oils, you experience frankincense, myrrh and other oils.

These essential oils help bring feelings of joy, ground the body, create balance and openings necessary to receive and give. It encourages a positive outlook and brings joy, peace and happiness to the mind and body. It will enhance the emotions and memories of beautiful times of Christmas.

How to use: • TOPICAL (CHRISTMAS SPIRIT and ABUNDANCE): Dilute 1 drop with 1 drop of V-6™ or olive oil, and apply to the desired area of your body as needed.

• AROMATIC: (Abundance) Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily.

(Christmas Spirit) Diffuse or sprinkle on logs in the fireplace, on Christmas trees, on cedar chips for dresser drawers or on potpourri.

Create air freshener by combining 30 drops of oil with 2 cups water in a glass spray bottle and shake well.

Need to gift essential oils?

You can access this link. http://oily.life/fetubio/ 14

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2018 NC HOLIDAY GUIDE

This year, as we welcome the Holiday Season, all of us at Northern Connection and Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazines wish all of you a Christmas and holiday season that is full of love, peace and laughter.

Have a Healthy and Happy New Year!

God Bless Us All!

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2018 NC HOLIDAY GUIDE

Katie’s Clay Studio

K

atie’s Clay Studio helps take the guess-work out of gift-giving this year—let us help you make the perfect gift for everyone on your list! We are a small and locally owned business that specializes in do-it-yourself clay and pottery, as well as various other unique craft mediums. We offer classes, workshops, parties, and tables for walk-in artists.

Handmade gifts are sure to impress! Currently we’re so excited about Pallet Art, a great “make and take” project that captures some of the best maker-movement design elements all with your own unique spin. Boards are constructed from reclaimed wood, and then stained, distressed, and painted with each customer’s personally designed stencil. Best yet, the projects are BYOB and food friendly, and Katie’s Clay Studio has a private party room that can be booked to host your own holiday get together complete with tradition making craft! Can you imagine anything more special? Last but not least, if you want to give the gift of creativity to an artist, there’s nothing quite like a gift card from Katie’s Clay Studio! It’s the perfect stocking-stuffer for the person on your list who wants to create rather than just receive. 4 4 4

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2018 NC HOLIDAY GUIDE 18

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Holiday Worship

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The Little Sisters of the Poor

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he Little Sisters of the Poor are once again offering Christmas Cards sketched by Sister Martha, LSP. This year’s card is white with a blue sketch of Mary holding baby Jesus. The previous year’s cards are also available. The cards are: 7 for $10 (plus $2.00 shipping), 12 for $15 (plus $3.00 shipping) or 30 for $25 (plus $6.00 shipping). Cards can be viewed and ordered online at www.littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org, by calling (412) 307-1100, sending a check made payable to Little Sisters of the Poor at 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 or stopping at the Main Entrance of the Home. All proceeds from the sale of the cards help to support the elderly poor Residents in the Little Sisters care. 4 4 4

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December 2018

Happenings Arts & Entertainment Cranberry Artists Network Members Show runs thru Dec. 21,

at the Back Hall Gallery in Cranberry Township Municipal Building. For info, visit www.cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

Kente Arts Alliance presents jazz

saxophonist James Carter & his Quintet, 8 p.m., Dec. 8, New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square East. For info, visit www.kentearts.org.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m.,

Tully, Dec. 3; The Miracle Season, Dec. 10; Sherlock Gnomes, Dec. 17; no movies Dec. 24 & 31, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30

p.m., Johnny Angel & the Halos

Christmas Show, Dec. 1; Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band Christmas Show, Dec. 8, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/productions.

Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Traveling Series: Your Alien,

5:30 & 7 p.m., Jan. 10, Marshall Middle School. Visit, trustarts.org/ pct_home/events

St. Brendan’s Book Club will

meet 7 p.m., Dec. 6, to discuss The Janissary Tree by Jason Goodwin. St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church is located at 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www.stbrendans. org or call (412) 364-5974.

Winter is Coming: A Festival of Fantasy & Fiction, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.,

Dec. 8, Cooper-Siegal Library, 403 Fox Chapel Rd. Features authors and artists. For info, visit https://www. coopersiegelcommunitylibrary.org/.

Collections North Hills Community Outreach is accepting new toys, games, sporting equipment, apparel & gift cards for children ages birth thru 18, until Dec. 12 at all NHCO offices. For details, visit nhco.org or (412) 4876316 opt 1.

College Butler County Community College (BC3) free certificate program provides training for entry-level health care jobs. For info, email kelly.mckissick@bc3.edu or call (724) 287-8711, ext. 8171.

Butler County Community College (BC3) is offering online winter sessions Dec. 17-Jan. 21. Earn up to 6 credits in 5 weeks. For details, visit bc3.edu/winter.

Community College of Allegheny County’s North Campus winter

intersession courses, Dec. 18, to Jan. 11. For more info on the four-week courses, visit https://www.ccac.edu/.

Former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt will be featured at Saint

Vincent College History Dinner Theater, 6 p.m. on Dec. 6, in the Fred M. Rogers Center. To reserve, call (724) 805-2188, or visit www.mccarlgallery.org.

Concerts EduNations Benefit Concert,

6 p.m., Dec. 14, Memorial Park Church. Features Christian music artist Fernando Ortega. Register for this free event at mpcepc.org/ bulletin-board or www.edunations. org/benefit-concert.

North Hills Chorale Christmas concert, “Favorite Christmas

Memories,” 7 p.m., Dec. 8 & 3 p.m., Dec. 9, Kearns Spirituality Center, 9000 Babcock Blvd. Bring a nonperishable food item for North Hills Community Outreach. For details, visit www.nhchorale.com.

Ring Pittsburgh concerts, 6:30

p.m., Dec. 14, The Frick Art Museum; 6:30 p.m., Jan. 5, St. Frances Cabrini Parish, Aliquippa. For info, visit www.

RingPittsburgh.org or (412) 9135728.

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Sing We Noel Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19, St. Kilian Church, 7076 Franklin Rd., Cranberry Twp. Admission is free. For details, visit www.saintkilian.org/noel.

Dancing Events Ballroom Dancing at Orchard Hill, 1st, 3rd & 5th Fri., (Dec. 7)

7-8 p.m., Beginner Dance Lesson; 8-10:30 p.m. Social Dancing; Wexford, gym. For info, visit www. orchardhillchurch.com/ or call (724) 935-5555.

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) 9316971 or janine.beley@gmail.com.

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages

40+, 8 p.m. to midnight, Dec. 1, Chile Con Queso Nacho Bar, Dec. 15, Holiday Party. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m., West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Call (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

Fundraiser Sisters of Divine Providence 2019 Lucky Number Calendar fundraiser. The lucky ticket is based on the evening Big 3 (daily number).

Cost is $25 valid throughout 2019.

To participate visit cdpsisters.org/ LuckyNumber or call (412) 6355401.

Health & Wellness Cancer Caring Center free exer-

cise programs for cancer patients, 7:30-8:30 p.m. every Wed., Rose E. Schneider Family YMCA; 9:30-10:30 a.m., every Sat., Sewickley YMCA. Registration is required, call (412) 622-1212.

Co-ed Indoor Soccer, 7:30-9 p.m., Thurs., Dec. 6 & 13, Orchard Hill gym. For info visit, https://www. orchardhillchurch.com/

Co-ed Volleyball, 7:30-9 p.m., Dec. 4 & 11, Orchard Hill gym. For info visit, https://www.orchardhillchurch. com/

First Place 4 Health is a Christian

Bible-based weight loss group that meets 6:15-7:30 p.m., Tuesdays at 536 Lincoln Ave., Bellevue. Call (412) 487-4819.

Parkinson’s Exercise programs

are available at the Oxford Athletic Club in Wexford. For details, visit http://www.oxfordathleticclub.com/ knocking-out-parkinsons-with-thenewest-programs-at-oxford/ or call (724) 933-1911.

Revelations Fitness® Fusion (car-

dio, strength & flexibility) classes, 9:30 a.m., Mon; 6:30 p.m., Thurs., 2 p.m., Sundays, Get Moving for those with special needs, Woodland Valley Church, Mars; 6:30 p.m., Tues., Revelations Fitness® Fusion, North Way Christian Community. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Tai Chi Classes, gentle martial

art that provides health benefits, 1:30 p.m., Tues., at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., corner of Rochester Rd., Franklin Park. Visit www.stbrendans.org or call (412) 364-5974.

Tai Chi Exercise, 11 a.m.-noon,

Sats., Dec. 1 & 8, Orchard Hill gym.

For info visit, https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/

Historical Eager to Serve: Young George Washington, The Venango Path & Logstown on the Ohio, 7 p.m., Feb. 20, Depreciation’s Land Museum, 4743 S. Pioneer Rd., Allison Park. $6 per person/free for DLMA members.

For info, www.DLMuseum.org or call (412) 486-0563.

Holiday Butler County Chamber “Celebrate the Season,” 5:30-

7:30 p.m., Dec. 7, Furniture Galleries, 465 Pittsburgh Rd., Butler.

Reservations requested at Jennifer@ ButlerCountyChamber.com or (724) 283-2222.

Christmas Vendor & Craft Fair,

10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dec. 2, St. Kilian Church, 7076 Franklin Rd., Cranberry Twp. Admission is free & light refreshments. For details, visit www.saintkilian.org/fair.

Festival of Lights holiday event,

3-9 p.m., Dec. 7., at La Roche & the Sisters of Divine Providence campus, including Providence Heights Alpha School. Sponsored by McCandless Crossing, Free & open to the public.

Hampton Township Holiday Celebration, 7 p.m., Dec. 6, 3101

McCully Rd., lower-level fireworks display. Santa & Rudolph arrive via fire trucks, free pictures with Santa, live holiday music, cookies & refreshments. Free to the public. For info visit, www.hampton-pa.org or call (412) 487-7870.

Holiday performances will be

featured in December at The Block Northway. For a complete of performances, visit www.theblocknorthway.

com or call (412) 364-1171.

National Aviary: Holiday Lights

Display, photos w/Santa & his Penguin Helper, Brunch with Santa, Holiday Camps. For details, visit www.aviary.org.

North Hills Cares presents: A

Community of Music Holiday Show, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 7, at The Block Northway in the south corridor (near DSW & Wahlburgers). For more info, visit www.northhillscares.com.

North Hills High School Choirs Madrigal Dinner 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 8 in the Hiland Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall at 845 Perry Hwy. in Ross. To reserve your seats, visit www.nhchoiranddrama.net.

Pittsburgh Mercy presents The

Reindeer Ball: Santa’s Christmas Circus, 4-7 p.m., Dec. 9, the Westin Convention Center Pittsburgh Hotel, 1000 Penn Ave. Proceeds benefit Pittsburgh Mercy’s programs & services for families and children. For info, visit www.pittsburghmercy.org/ event/pittsburgh-mercys-15th-annualreindeer-ball/

Library Northland Library, Wines of

Christmas Yet to Come, 7 p.m., Dec. 6; Ugly Sweater Holiday Party, 7 p.m., Dec. 7, Handmade Holiday, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 13; Come Write-In, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Dec. 20; Tasty Food Trucks, Dec. 6, Pittsburgh Pierogi & Pgh Crepes; Dec. 20, Revival Chili and Pittsburgh Pierogi.

For info, visit www.northlandlibrary. org or (412) 366-8100.

Meetings are held the 2nd Sunday of the month with a social & refreshments. If interested, call Joanne at (724) 443-8303.

Outreach for its three food pantries.

Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

Butler Area County Chamber of Commerce Friday Morning Coffee, Dec. 14, NexTier Bank, 100

North Hills Community Outreach provides grants. Applicants must

Networking

Moraine Pointe Plaza, Butler. For info email, Jennifer@butlercountychamber.com or (724) 283-2222.

AmSpirit Business Connections, Cranberry Referral Based Networking group, meets 7:15

a.m. every Wed, at North Park Lounge, Cranberry Twp. Contact Jim at jhumphreys@psipc.com.

AmSpirit Business Connections, McCandless Referral Based Networking group, meets 12:00

p.m. every Wed, at Wildwood Golf Club, Allison Park. ContactAdam at adam@navageinsurance.com.

AmSpirit Business Connections, Pittsburgh North Referral Based Networking group,meets 8:00 a.m. every Thur, Sports Grille, Cranberry Twp. Contact Dan at novakovich@ zoominternet.net.

AmSpirit Business Connections, Wexford Referral Based Networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. Contact Jen at jnodonnell86@yahoo.com.

Amity Lodge #45 affiliated with

Italian Sons & Daughters of America is welcoming new members.

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.

Outreach Donate your vehicle to NHCO’s Transportation Assistance program. Free pickup or towing and

hassle-free donation process. For details, visit nhco.org/donate/donatecar or (412) 408-3830 x3225.

Knitters needed to join the Busy

Hands Group at The Olive Branch Fair Trade Store and Missions. The group meets 9:15-11:15 a.m., 1st & 3rd Monday of the month, at 11160 Perry Highway in Wexford. Bring your needles! For info, call (724) 799-8700.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517

Mt. Royal Blvd. in Allison Park is a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community

reside in or attend college or postsecondary trade school in northern Allegheny County north of the city of Pittsburgh and demonstrate financial need. For info, visit nhco.org/gethelp/college-scholarships or contact Jackie at (412) 408-3830 x3217.

North Hills Community Outreach’s Pathways program

offers goal-setting help for those who are struggling. Call Abby at North Boroughs (412) 307-0069; Nicole in Millvale (412) 408-3830 or Shela in McKees Rocks (412) 331-1685 x233.

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) 3667477 or www.northhillsfoodbank.com.

Donations always welcome.

Shop through AmazonSmile this

season and support North Hills Community Outreach. If you shop on Amazon, your purchases can support NHCO if you switch your login to AmazonSmile. Amazon donates a portion of each purchase to NHCO, helping local families in need.

Visit http://smile.amazon.com/ch/251553057 to switch.

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UPMC Passavant Auxiliary Membership Opportunities,

are you looking for an opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join UPMC Passavant Auxiliary’s tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept.-June) at 10 a.m. New members welcome.

For info, contact Alice at (412) 7486640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

Recreational Happening Children’s Doll Tea, 2 p.m., Jan. 27, Depreciation’s Land Museum, 4743 S. Pioneer Rd., Allison Park. $15 per child/$12 DLMA members. For info, www.DLMuseum.org or call (412) 486-0563.

Spiritual Gatherings A Visit to Bethlehem, 1-4 p.m., Dec. 8-9, 15-16, St. John Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. The Village includes: carpenters, potters, musicians, basket makers, wine makers, weavers, innkeepers, herbalists, bakers, shepherds, rabbi & soldiers. For info, email sjlutheran@ verizon.net or (412) 364-1606.

Sealarks Women’s Group: Christmas Gathering, 1 p.m., Dec. 12, Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., Allison Park. This group provides Christian fellowship for women who are alone. For details, call (412) 487-7194.

Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous, 7 a.m., Tues., at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www. stbrendans.org or call (412) 3645974.

Amputee Support Group, 4-5:30

p.m., 3rd Wed. of every month, HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Sewickley, 3rd Floor Boardroom, 303 Camp Meeting Rd., Sewickley.

For info, call Michelle at (412) 7492388.

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., St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call Anchorpoint at (412) 366-1300.

Bereavement Support Group in

Grief Support Group for widows

Brain Injury & Stroke Support Group, noon-1:15 p.m., 3rd Weds.,

Lupus Foundation meetings,

Brain Injury Support Group,

Metastatic Cancer Support Group, 5-6:30 p.m., 1st Thur. of each

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. To register, call (724) 334-6600.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Sewickley, 3rd Floor Board Room.

For info, call Michelle at (412) 7492388.

Mind Matters, 7-9 p.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center. Call (724) 283-6666.

Brain Tumor Support Group, 6:308 p.m., 3rd Thurs., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Breast Cancer Support Groups,

5:30-7 p.m., 3rd Mon., AGH Hospital; 7-8:30 p.m.,1st & 3rd Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry; 6-7:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., AHN Health & Wellness Pavilion. Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

Bridge to Hope, 7 p.m., every Wed., of the month, Passavant Hospital Conference Center, at Cumberland Woods Village, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Visit bridge2hope.org, or call (412) 7485120. bridge2hope.org.

Cancer Support Groups at Our Clubhouse: Breast Cancer, 6:30

p.m., 1st Tues of the month; Living Life w/Metastatic Breast Cancer, 6 p.m., 3rd Tues; Multiple Myeloma, 6 p.m., 2nd Tues of the month, Pancreatic Cancer Group, 6:30 p.m., 2nd Thurs., Prostate Cancer Group, 6:30 p.m., 1st Tues, 2816 Smallman Street Pittsburgh. Call to register (412) 338-1919.

Christian 12-Step Recovery, 7-9

p.m., Dec. 6 & 13, Orchard Hill Church Wexford Kidzburgh. For info visit, https://www.orchardhillchurch.com/

Compulsive Eaters Anonymous,

10:30 a.m., Tues., Prayer Room of Memorial Park Church, 8800 Peebles Rd., McCandless. For info, call Jane at (412) 951-9517.

Divorce Care, 7-9 p.m., Thurs thru

Dec. 6, (no meeting Nov. 22), Orchard Hill Wexford Student Ministry Room, upper level. For info visit, https:// www.orchardhillchurch.com/

General Cancer Center Support Groups, 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd & 4th

Weds, UPMC Passavant Cranberry.

Free & open to cancer patients & caregivers over 18, no students.

Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. Register at (412) 622-1212.

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DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

and widowers over fifty, 2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., of the month, St. Sebastian Parish, 311 Siebert Rd. Visit http://www.saintsebastianparish.org/ 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues, UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 2615886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

month, UPMC Passavant HospitalMcCandless. For cancer patients and survivors with metastatic disease.

Caregivers are welcomed. No cost to attend. Led by Wendy Myers, MSW, LSW. Free parking & light refreshments. Sponsored by the Cancer Caring Center. New members register at (412) 622-1212.

National Coalition Cancer Coalition (NOCC) “Teal Hearts Network” meets 6-8 p.m., the

3rd Monday of every month at the Cancer Caring Center. This network group is for ovarian cancer survivors.

For info, visit http://ovarian.org/component/events/event/483.

Our Clubhouse Cancer Support Groups, 6:30-8 p.m., 1st Tues,

Breast Cancer Support and Prostate Cancer Group; 6-8 p.m., 2nd Tues, Multiple Myeloma; 6-8 p.m., 3rd Tues, Living Life with Metastatic Breast Cancer; 6:30-8 p.m., 2nd Thurs., Pancreatic Cancer Group, 2816 Smallman St., Pgh. Call (412) 338-1919 to register.

Overeaters Anonymous, 7 p.m.,

Weds, at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., in Franklin Park. For info, visit www.stbrendans. org or call (412) 364-5974.

Parent-Child Alienation Support Group, 7-8:30 p.m., Dec. 6 & 13,

Wexford Room 204, upper level at Orchard Hill Church (no meeting Nov. 22). For info visit, https://www. orchardhillchurch.com/

Recovery from Codependency,

7-9 p.m., Dec. 6 & 13, Orchard Hill Church, Wexford Kidzburgh 3-year old room. For info visit, www.orchardhillchurch.com/

Parkinson’s Support Group, 10

a.m., 1st Tues of each month, Rose E. Schneider YMCA. For details, contact Dale at (724) 591-8121 or d.reckless@mrsphysicaltherapy.com.

Parkinson’s Support Group,

1-2:30 p.m., last Wed of each month, HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd. Contact Jessica, at (412) 828-1300 x7710.

Pittsburgh L.A.M.P.S. is for those

grieving the loss of a child – includes miscarriages, still birth and prematurity. Meetings held 7:30 p.m., 1st Tues of the month, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Cumberland Rd., McCandless. Contact Laurie.

Jackson@missfoundation.org.

S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 6-7:30

p.m., 4th Monday of the Month in Bellevue. For details, call (412) 3661300.

Stroke Support Group, 1-2:30 p.m.,

once a month on Weds., HealthSouth Harmarville, 320 Guys Run Rd., For info, contact Valerie at (412) 8262784 or valerie.bucek@healthsouth. com.

Veterans Butler VA Healthcare Fall Flu Clinics for veterans are being held

various times in October. For a list of times and dates, visit https://www. butler.va.gov/features/Free_Flu_ Shots_for_Veterans.asp

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.

VA Butler Healthcare Flu Vaccination Clinics to Veterans at the main campus, Community-Based Outpatient Clinics, and other community locations this fall. For a list of date and times, call (724) 287-4781 or 1-800-362-8262.

VA Butler Healthcare’s Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Program now offers Veterans the

opportunity to work one-on-one with a personal trainer in its Wellness Center at the Abie Abraham VA Health Care Center. For info, visit https://www.butler.va.gov/services/ Health_and_Wellness.asp or call, 878-271-6484.

Veterans Breakfast Club Meetings, held every month

throughout the Pittsburgh region. For details, visit http://veteransbreakfastclub.com/.

Veterans Discover HOPE Here -

Career, 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.

Veteran HOPE, support group for

women Veterans recovering from mental illness, meet 6-8 p.m., every Tues., VA Butler Healthcare, Room 217WS, Building 1. Call (724) 996—8892 or (724) 285-2756 or butlerva.gov.

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group, 10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498.

“Veteran X” mental health & sub-

stance 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/.

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

Bell ringers needed in December for the Salvation Army. Two-

hour shifts are available at Kuhn’s Market in Hampton and Walmart in Gibsonia. Visit nhco.org/volunteer for registration links, or contact Harriet at hzklatte@nhco.org or 412-4083830 x 3204.

ESL Conversation Friends, which

teaches everyday language skills to immigrants meets at 10 a.m., Tues. & Thurs., and 7 p.m. Weds, at St. Brendan’s Episcopal Church, 2365 McAleer Rd., Franklin Park. New students & volunteer tutors are welcome. Visit stbrendans.org or (412) 364-5974.

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-avolunteer.cfm.

Hope Hospice is looking for volun-

teers for their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.

Mission Vision needs volunteers

to help with Provide vision–Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www. mission-vision.org.

Olive Branch Fair Trade Shop in

Wexford is collecting warm hats, gloves, and socks for the homeless.

Bring your donation to 11160 Perry Highway and receive a coupon for a 20% discount on one full-price item in the fair trade store.

Seeking hospice volunteers... if

you can find the time to sit with hospice patients, we would love to have you. Call Bethany Hospice, at (412) 921-2209.

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities. Call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

Celebrating 35 Seasons of Giving

N

othing lights up the eyes of elderly patients living in nursing homes and assisted living facilities more than the visiting neighbors and children.

Individuals, families, businesses and civic groups have long recognized the importance of giving back by simply adding a visit to a local nursing home patient as part of their Christmas tradition.

PRESENTS FOR PATIENTS® has spread Christmas cheer to thousands of patients since 1984. Founded by St. Barnabas Health System President, William V. Day, to help patients combat the loneliness they often feel during the holidays by providing them with a gift and a visitor.

Visit a Patient

The visit is the real gift – Plan now to make a personal visit. Contact a facility near you to schedule a visit during the holiday season!

Group visits are encouraged!

If a business or group is planning a gift drive suggested gifts include Pittsburgh sports themed sweatshirts and merchandise – Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins are sure to be a big hit! Warm cozy blankets, PJs, slippers, socks and large print word search books are also common requests.

Collected gifts can be delivered to a facility near you.

Plan now to make a difference - a little time will make someone smile this Christmas.

To visit one of the seven St. Barnabas facilities located in Allegheny, Butler and Beaver counties, call 724-6253770 or email Cheer@PresentsForPatients.com. 4 4 4 www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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H E A LT H & WEL L NESS

Fit Families

Fitting It All In: Staying on Track Through the Holidays!

By Joella Baker

I

t’s not easy, the holidays! You have the stress of fitting in the parties, the school activities and the family. How do you fit your workouts in too?

Remember, it’s important to fit in your workouts, mostly to stay sane during the craziness of the holidays.

If you stick with a workout routine, the holidays will be better. You’ll feel less guilty about that cookie you want to eat or that extra piece of ham or scoop of sweet potatoes, and exercise naturally reduces stress.

Here are my seven tips for keeping you on track this holiday season:

• Put your workouts on your calendar. The only way to fit them in is to make time for them. It might be 15 minutes, 45 minutes or an hour but schedule the time.

• Meet a friend. This is still the best way to stay on track. Meeting with your friend or friends will not only help you fit a workout in, but you get that social time too. A workout provides time to chat about that perfect gift, vent about the holidays or simply talk about anything other than the holidays.

• Sign up for a class. Sign up for a class and make sure you pay for it, so you actually feel inclined to go. If it’s a free class, skipping it won’t be as big of a deal. You need something to hold you accountable to attend the class. There are great classes at your local YMCA or gym like spinning or indoor cycling, aqua aerobics, body pump, core classes, yoga and Pilates. All of these are great options and can burn a lot of those holiday calories.

• Fit it in at home. Make a space that makes it easy to workout at home. If you have weights, stretch cord, a medicine ball, exercise ball and a foam roller, you can get a great workout in at your house. In reality, you don’t even need the equipment. Simply 20 minutes of squats, sit-ups, crunches, planks, calf raises, mountain climbers, bicycles, glute bridges and leg lifts will get you a great workout. Do one min-

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DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

ute of each and then repeat. That gives you a quick 20-minute workout that hits your total body.

• Go for a walk. If you live in a neighborhood, I suggest walking around your neighborhood each night after dinner. You will get to see your neighbor’s lights and decorations, and you will get a chance to get your heart rate up after dinner.

• If you’re a runner or someone who enjoys working out in the morning, a few tips for you. Lay all your clothes out the night before and have a simple breakfast of yogurt, granola, a bar or a piece of fruit ready.

When everything is ready to go, it’s so much easier to wake up and get going in the morning.

• Don’t be limited by time. You may be someone used to working out for a full hour 3 to 5 times a week. That’s great, but with the holidays, that time maybe limited. It’s important to know that even a short workout is worth your time. A sample of some short workouts, Monday: Run or walk for 15 minutes, Tuesday: Strength training, similar to the workout listed above, for 15 minutes. Wednesday, back to cardio, run, walk, elliptical, bike, walk steps, even Christmas shopping can count towards your 15-20 minutes. Thursday, back to the strength training workout for 15-20 minutes, then Friday, back to a 15-20 minute cardio workout. It might not seem like a lot, but if you increase the intensity, you can still get a great workout in and burn calories.

One last thing, get something to track your steps.

You may be surprised how many steps you can get in at your own house doing all the cooking, baking, wrapping and decorating. The goal is 10,000 steps, but my guess is you might hit closer to 15,000 steps. The key is to keep moving.

Most important is to stay on track, fit in those workouts, keep it fun and meet some friends. If you do that, you will release your stress this holiday season and enjoy the food a lot more than if you’re feeling guilty for not fitting anything in. 4 4 4

H E A LT H & WEL L NESS

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Kathleen Osten, M.D.

“Everyday Hero” Award recipient

K

athleen Osten, M.D., a family physician from Cranberry Township, has been named November’s Everyday Hero by the Pennsylvania Medical Society (PAMED). Dr. Osten is part of Heritage Valley Medical Group’s Associates in Family Medicine practice located at 1185 Freedom Road in Cranberry Twp. PAMED’s Everyday Hero Award is designed to showcase talented physicians who probably do not view themselves as heroes, but to patients and colleagues they are. The award is a monthly member honor.

“We are very proud and fortunate to have Dr. Osten as part of the Heritage Valley Medical Group,” said Norm Mitry, president and CEO of Heritage Valley Health System. “In addition to the time she spends directly caring for patients in the office, Dr. Osten is a physician leader at Heritage Valley, particularly in the area of quality assurance. Her knowledge and expertise have helped improve the management of patients with chronic disease throughout Heritage Valley.”

P.A. ERBE After serving in the Air Force as a physician at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, Dr. Osten returned to Pittsburgh in 1999 to practice with & Associates Inc. Heritage Valley Medical Group. She has served as co-chair of the Heritage Valley Medical Group Quality Committee as well chair of the Quality Assurance Committees for Heritage Valley Health Network’s (HVHN) Clinically Integrated Network (CIN) and Accountable Care Organization (ACO). Recently, Dr. Osten was named Medical Director of the HVHN CIN/ACO. Among her many responsibilities, she has taken a lead role in managing patients with chronic conditions like diabetes. She works with diabetes patients to make medication adherence as simple as possible and encourages maintenance Accounting & Tax Preparation care like eye doctor visits. Dr. Osten also pays close attention to issues like drug Service for Personal & Business costs and what the patient’s insurance will cover, which can be potential roadIncome Taxes blocks. “More and more people are getting diabetes and getting it at a younger said Dr. Osten. “My role, and that of other physicians, is to help patients Penny Ann Erbe age,” manage this lifelong disease so that it doesn’t control their lives.”

Enrolled Agent Dr. Osten is part of Heritage Valley Medical Group’s Associates in Family Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner Medicine practice that has locations in Cranberry Township and Edgeworth.

Her partners in the practice are Michael A. Karp, M.D., Donna J. Craig, M.D., 412-487-1009 Lawrence A. Notaro, M.D. and Mary Ann Kopec, CRNP. To learn more about the 4767 William Flynn Highway practice or make an appointment, call (412) 749.6806 or go to www.heritagevalAllison Park, PA 15101-2456 ley.org. 4 4 4

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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H E A LT H & WEL L NESS

Ideal Image: Experts in Laser and Medical Spa Services The experts at Ideal Image can trim you down and make you look your best!

I

deal Image is dedicated to helping you look and feel your personal best. Giving you the confidence you deserve. Whether you are the bride, groom, bridal party member, parents, grandparents or guest, Ideal Image has a service or treatment for you. Don’t hesitate any longer, Ideal Image has a solution.

One of the most popular treatments is CoolSculpting®.

CoolSculpting is an FDA-cleared procedure that uses patented cooling technology to eliminate fat cells, without surgery, and little to no downtime. The reduction in fat cells in the treated area provides noticeable, and lasting results to help you look and feel your very best. Within one treatment, you’ll be on your way to achieving the sleek, toned body that you’ve always dreamed about.

What are the benefits of CoolSculpting?

Natural-looking results

After one session, the treated area will gradually appear smoother and more toned over the course of the following three months. The majority of the frozen fat cells will naturally work their way out of your body in the first two months, but many see some fat reduction after just four weeks!

FDA-cleared

CoolSculpting uses controlled cooling to target and freeze away fat cells. Developed by scientists at the Wellman Center for Photomedicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, it’s the only FDA-cleared fat freezing technology. The treatment is safe on your body - but tough on stubborn fat.

Convenient and comfortable

A session lasts only 60 minutes, making it quite possibly one of the best-used hours of your life.

Ideal Image also offers other anti-aging, skin and body services:

The Forever Young BroadBand Light™ Skin Therapy – produces younger looking skin that’s firmer, and more even in tone and texture. Broadband Light Therapy removes brown and red spots to leave your face looking younger and smoother.

Laser Hair Removal – achieve permanent hair reduction. No more bumps, stubble or irritation. Treatments average just under 30 minutes.

Ultherapy® Skin Lifting - Ultherapy® – a non-surgical, noninvasive procedure to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin on the brow, neck, under the chin, and even the décolletage (upper chest area).

It’s the lift without the surgery!

Wrinkle Relaxers & Fillers – With safe and effective antiaging treatments services including Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvederm Ultra, Voluma, and Kybella.

Ideal Image® also prides itself on accommodating its customers’ divergent needs with economical payment plans and interest free financing for all services.

Qualified professionals

Ideal Image employs more than 250 of the country’s top licensed medical and nursing professionals. While it’s an innovative technology, our staff members are very familiar with the process, and can even give you insight into the amazing results they’ve experienced first-hand.

To learn more and watch informative videos, visit our website https://www.idealimage.com or call (724) 759-2620 for our Wexford location. Or call our Robinson location at (412) 706-5262. 4 4 4

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DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Get Your “ING” Back Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have HOPE Dr. Shawn Richey has restored the lives of thousands of peripheral neuropathy sufferers.

Bob huntING again

George walkING again

Orlando golfING again

Jannie playING with grandkids again

Terri sleepING again

Mary dancING again

Once thought to be incurable, 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. A specialized treatment protocol utilizing brand new technologies is available at the Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH. It includes the combination of very specific, non invasive, FDA approved and painless treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.

Dr. Shawn’s SUPERVISED, MONITORED and IN OFFICE program has a 90 percent satisfaction rate. With the experience of seeing over 3000 patients, he is able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results.

For a FREE Consultation, contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit marydancedin.com.

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 If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait till they get worse. Call today to schedule your FREE consultation.

Two Locations: Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207

Latrobe

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH

1901 Ligonier Street

MaryDancedIn.com (724) 940-9000

Visit us on Facebook under Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH and join our private support group

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DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS TELLING US THE 12 REASONS NOT TO WAIT UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS TO LOSE WEIGHT! 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

I can’t fit into my clothes.

I don’t feel good at all because of this excess weight.

My blood pressure is up and getting higher.

My cholesterol is high.

I can’t walk up stairs without getting out of breath.

My self esteem is rock bottom because of my weight.

I hate my husband/wife seeing or feeling me.

I feel matronly.

I feel like a slob.

I’ve never had a belly, but I do now.

I look and feel older than I am.

I want to look attractive/handsome and I don’t feel like that anymore.

IF YOU ANSWER “YES” TO 3 OR MORE OF ANY OF THE ABOVE, IT’S TIME TO LOSE WEIGHT. If you’re saying, “I’ll wait until after the holidays,“ it’s just one more excuse. www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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SE N I OR LI V ING

Town Crier

It’s December Once Again!

By Joe Bullick

W

ell, once again, we come to December and the end of another year. Winter begins on December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere. As a young boy, December was the month for baking cookies, and my mom made many of them. My dad was in charge of the Christmas tree. We always had a live one cut from a tree farm. Some of the most popular types of Christmas tree are the Fraser fir, Colorado Blue Spruce, the Norway Spruce and the Scotch Pine.

Did you know that Indiana, Pennsylvania, claims to be the Christmas Tree Capital of the World? I think it’s more fun

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for the family to head to a farm, ride the hay wagon and cut down a Christmas tree rather than heading to a lot and picking one.

One of my favorite places to visit during the holidays is Kraynak’s in Hermitage. Their Christmas Lane display features 75 decorated Christmas trees and animated figures. It’s a great place to take the family. If you don’t feel like traveling, Pittsburgh has enough to dazzle you.

At my home before Christmas, we observed the Advent season. Many people will attend Christmas religious services to

DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

celebrate the birth of Christ.

December is also a time for sledding, skating, making snowmen, snow forts and snowball battles. When I was a kid, we had some grand snowball battles in Ingomar. There were always some winter storms that dropped some heavy snowfalls and some blizzards in December when I was young. Merry Christmas! I leave you with this: Good friends are like stars.

You don’t always see them, but you know they’re always there.

— Christy Evans

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SE N I OR LIV ING

Happenings for Seniors Collections North Hills Community Outreach is collecting safety items for seniors.

For details, visit nhco.org or call Cathy, at (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Health & Wellness Free Services for Seniors through

North Hills Community Outreach.

Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work. Call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext. 3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an inhome registration visit.

Healthy Start Café, 8:45 a.m.,

every Mon & Thurs, St. John Lutheran Church of Highland, 311 Cumberland Rd. Presented

by Lutheran SeniorLife & St. John Lutheran Church of Highland. Call (412) 364-1606 or (412) 307-1797.

North Hill Community Outreach provides Safety Checks for Seniors. Interested seniors who

reside in northern Allegheny County

should email Cathy at clpschirer@ nhco.org or call (412) 307-0069 x3313.

Swan Acres, McCandless, Shaler & Hampton Townships. Call (412) 487-4088.

Pennsylvania consumers are

North Country Meal on Wheels

encouraged to sign up for a new text alert system through his Bureau of Consumer Protection to raise their awareness on how to avoid becoming a scam victim. For info, visit https://www.attorneygeneral.gov/ consumer-alerts/

Holiday Seneca Valley School District Senior Holiday Event, 12:30 p.m.,

Dec. 14, at the intermediate high school. The event is free, but reservations are required. Call (724) 4526040, ext. 0 by Dec. 7.

Meals on Wheels McKnight Meals on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled.

Services Ross Twp., Berkeley Hills,

provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound & disabled.

Services Marshall, Pine, Richland, Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, parts of McCandless, West Deer, Cranberry, Adams, Seven Fields, Mars & Valencia. Call (724) 9351877.

Medical

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

Social Groups Amazing Singles, for singles in the

Pittsburgh region, visit, http://www. amazingsingles.com/pittsburgh.html.

AUP Club, have fun & meet new peo-

offers free medication safety screenings for seniors living in northern Allegheny County, north of the city of Pittsburgh. For details contact, Cathy at (412) 307-0069, ext. 3313.

Seminars

Catholic Alumni Club of Pittsburgh, has dances, retreats and

North Hills Community Outreach

Legacy Theatre Seminars, History

16,000 Years in the Making, Dec. 11.

For info, visit http://thelegacylineup. com/

UPMC Senior Communities offers independent living & personal care.

For details, call 1-800-324-5523.

Senior Meetings AARP 3736 welcomes new members, 7:30 p.m., every 2nd Thurs., of the month (except June & July) at St. Ursula Church Social Hall.

Cranberry Township 55+ Club

meets at 1 p.m., the 2nd Tues., of the month in the Cranberry Municipal Center. The club features activities, social events and local trips. For info, call Bill at (724) 776-1933.

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet

at 7 p.m., every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room.

Call (724) 816-2159.

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. Call (724) 444-0064.

DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

at 1 p.m., the 3rd Monday of the month, at West View Banquet Hall at 398 Perry Hwy. Short meeting with entertainment, and cake & coffee.

Everyone is welcome.

ple with the Association of University People/AUP. We are looking for single, 4-year college graduates over 50 to join us for monthly dinners, meet at various social spots, gatherings and Scrabble. For info, call (412) 734-8445 or visit us at www.aupsinglespittsburgh.org.

Senior Facilities

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Gateway North AARP #3586 meets

plays various sports and other great events. Visit their website http:// www.cacpittsburgh.org/.

2nd Act, 10 a.m.-noon, Dec. 13,

Orchard Hill Church lobby. For adults 55 and up gather monthly for a time of music, inspiration speakers & outreach projects. For info, visit https:// www.orchardhillchurch.com/

Visit Pittsburgh Events & Festivals lists upcoming events for singles, kids, and married folks. It enlightens Pittsburghers on dining, shopping and recreational events. Go to http:// www.visitpittsburgh.com/eventsfestivals.

Support Groups Alzheimer’s Support Group, 10 a.m., 1st Monday of each month, St. Catherine of Sweden Parish, 2554 Wildwood Rd. Call Suzie, at (724) 799-7049.

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.

Home Instead Senior Care®

has a program to help families in Northwest Allegheny County manage the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Free training is available at HelpForAlzheimersFamilies.com.

Paramount Senior Living at Cranberry Alzheimer’s Affiliated Support Group meets 2 p.m., the last Friday. Contact Pam, at (724) 779-5020.

ADVERTORIAL

Reclaimed Memories, LLC Comes to the Rescue

By Janice Lane Palko

I

f the mere thought of decluttering, downsizing or perhaps even liquidating an estate induces sweaty palms or a rise in blood pressure, don’t stress. There is help.

Reclaimed Memories, LLC, can streamline the process, relieving you of the burden of parting with items.

“If you need help, all you need do is give me a call. We meet at your home; we walk-through and then we discuss what your needs are. In every case and every home, the needs are different,” said Kimberly Bocchi, owner of Reclaimed Memories, the family-owned and operated business. “I have recently had to liquidate my grandmother’s estate, so I know how sensitive a time this can be for a family,” said Kim.

Reclaimed Memories will quote a fee for their services, and then will sort, price and display items “We go through the house methodically to place items in logical order for sale,” said Kim. After the sale, Kim and her team clean up and leave the premises broom-swept.

She and her team also know how to reclaim or re-home collectibles. “My significant other and I have been into antiques for more than 20 years,” said Kim. Kim and her knowledgeable staff also advertise the sale and give an itemized accounting of things sold. “We also consult with clients about donating any leftovers to the charity of their choice. We have made donations to homeless veterans and women’s shelters around and in Pittsburgh,” said Kim. Not only does Reclaimed Memories do liquidations but it can also help you declutter or downsize. “I have helped people downsize their home while they are already living out of state,” Kim said.

When it comes to decluttering, you may not want people walking through your house. “In that case,” said Kim, “we can have a sale offsite.” Reclaimed Memories can even help hoarders.

Mom Janice Ashton, daughter Allie Early, and owner Kim Bocchi

Kim knows how hard it is to part with a loved one’s possessions. “I think about my grandmother and her things. Each item of hers came with a story. She owned nothing valuable, but she would have wanted her things to go to people who need them or who would reclaim them for future memories. I take personal items and the memories associated with them and pass them along to another, thereby reclaiming those memories.” 4 4 4

Call us for a free consultation: 724-487-3852 www.reclaimedmemoriesllc.com

Volunteer Opportunities: Hope Hospice is looking for volunteers to visit Hospice patients. Call (412) 367-3685.

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with disabili-

ties with yard tasks. Visit NeedsbyNeighborhood. org.

North Hills Community Outreach needs volunteer dispatchers for their senior shuttles. For info, contact Kerry at kkmulhern@nhco.org or (412) 449-0151.

North Hills Community Outreach urgently needs volunteers in the upper Route 28 corridor to help seniors. Visit http://nhco.org/volunteer-opportunities/volunteer-help-seniors/. For details, call Kerry, (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org.

Pittsburgh OASIS Intergenerational Tutor Program seeks volunteers (50+) to tutor in

Pittsburgh & Woodland Hills School Districts in grades K-4. Trainings are held at the Duquesne Light Building downtown Pittsburgh. For info or to register, contact John at OASIS at (412) 393-7648 or jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

UPMC Passavant Auxiliary Membership Opportunities, are you looking for an opportunity

for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join UPMC Passavant Auxiliary’s tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept.-June) at 10 a.m. New members welcome. For info, contact Alice at (412) 748-6640 or burkea2@ph.upmc.edu.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances pro-

gram assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. Register at (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org. www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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S U PP ORT OUR T ROOPS

The U.S. Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” Program

By Paula Green

Toys for Tots has been making Christmas magical for children for the past 71 years. It was founded in 1947 by Major Bill Hendricks, USMCR, and a company of Marine Reservists in Los Angeles. That year, the newly founded group collected and distributed 5,000 toys to needy kids.

T

he idea for this special holiday collection came from Bill’s wife, Diane. In the fall of ’47, she handcrafted a Raggedy Ann doll, and she asked him to deliver the doll to an organization, which would give it to a needy child at Christmas. Bill had no luck finding one, and she suggested that he start one, which he did. It really has taken off and evolved over the years.

Thanks to the success of the inaugural year, the Marine Corps adopted

Toys for Tots in 1948 and turned it into a nationwide campaign. The initial objective that remains the hallmark of the program today is to “bring the joy of Christmas to America’s needy children.”

Bill’s civilian job was director of public relations at Warner Brothers Studios. As fate would have it, he became friends with many celebrities due to his work position. Bill asked his well-known acquaintances to help support the newly created Marine Toys

for Tots Program. As a personal friend and as a favor to Bill, Walt Disney designed the first Toys for Tots poster, which included a miniature three-car train that was subsequently adopted as the Toys for Tots logo. It is still used today.

The foundation raises funds, purchases toys, provides promotional and support materials, manages all funds raised and donated, solicits corporate support, educates the public and handles day-to-day operations. Presently,

Missing in Action Serviceman Honored and a Diploma Presented to a Vietnam Veteran

C

ongressman Keith Rothfus (PA-12) welcomed home the remains of WW II Navy Petty Officer (PO) Third Class Walter E. “Bert” Mintus.

Shot down over the Pacific Ocean on July 27, 1944, PO Mintus was declared missing in action until his remains were identified on June 25, 2018. “For nearly 74 years, the Mintus family was unsure of the fate that befell their beloved family member,” said Congressman Rothfus. “Thanks to the U.S. Navy’s diligent efforts, Bert’s family can heal knowing what happened and finally lay him to rest at home. It was an honor to join the Mintus family in welcoming Bert home. May God grant him eternal rest, and may his family be consoled with many blessed memories.”

The North Allegheny School Board of Directors presented a high school diploma to a Vietnam Veteran

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DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

the Marine Toys for Tots Program distributes an average of 18 million toys to 7 million less fortunate children annually.

A few local organizations are helping with this annual campaign. All of the McCandless Township fire departments are collecting donations. Al’s ‘Toys for Tots” is sponsoring a bike ride. Visit alsbikedrive.com for details.

Learning Express Toys in Wexford is a national corporate sponsor. Visit learningexpress.com/stores/wexford.

The Musuneggi Financial group LCC on Cochran Road is sponsoring a Toys for Tots drive on Dec. 12. For info visit, www.mfgplanners.com. For more information on Toys for Tots, visit https://www.toysfortots.org/. 4 4 4

INPAX – Live With Confidence.

“It’s good to have a lifeguard, but it’s better to know how to swim.”

I at their November 14 School Board meeting. James A. Neal withdrew from North Allegheny Senior High School prior to his graduation and enlisted into the United States Navy in June of 1961 during the Vietnam War. Neal faithfully served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1965. Neal received his high school diploma and officially became part of the North Allegheny Senior High School Class of 1962.

The honor was presented as part of “Operation Recognition.” This state law authorizes school districts to grant a high school diploma to any honorably discharged veteran who served in the United States Military during World War II, the Korean Conflict or the Vietnam War and whose military service interfered with their high school education.eir service and selfless acts of gallantry. 4 4 4

n 2003, Sam Rosenberg founded INPAX Academy with a mission to empower people with the same skills used to protect public figures. A former Marine Officer and bodyguard to celebrities, dignitaries and business leaders such as Warren Buffet, and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, Rosenberg dedicated his life to protecting people and organizations and teaching them to protect themselves.

In August, the North Hills became home to INPAX’s new flagship facility.

Strategically located in McCandless Crossing, just north of Ross Park Mall, the 30,000-square-foot facility incorporates a state-of-the-art indoor shooting range, retail store and full-time, full-spectrum personal security academy offering fitness, self-defense, Jiu Jitsu and firearms training. “Central to our mission is ensuring that our community has a clean, safe, friendly environment to train, practice and better themselves in all aspects of personal protection,” said Rosenberg. “Obviously, firearms are not for everyone, but personal security and empowerment is.”

INPAX academy offers specialized, age-appropriate self-defense programs for youths, teens, adults, corporate groups and law enforcement officers and has conference and event space that can host groups up to 200. “Through two decades, we’ve been privileged to teach personal protection skills to tens of thousands of individuals across North America, and we’re excited for the INPAX in McCandless Crossing to become a true destination, where our community - and folks across the globe - can come together to learn and to better themselves.”

Open to the public and offering a variety of memberships, INPAX routinely provides free training for local community groups in personal security and critical incident response. It is a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project and the Oscar Mike Foundation - charities that support injured veterans and active duty service members. 4 4 4

For more information and the entire INPAX schedule of classes, visit LiveWithConfidence.com, call 724.759.7571, or e-mail at info@livewithconfidence.com www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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K I D S & E DUC AT ION

School Movers & Shakers Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School junior Paige Asbury was named a winner in the Nancy Thorp Poetry Contest. The contest was sponsored by Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia.

Six Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the annual Upper St. Clair Novice Forensic Tournament. Winners were – Mark Puthenpurayil, Nathaniel Mueller, Jonah Green, Jonathan Rodrigues, Suparna Agrawal and Siddharth Yende.

Seven Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the M & M Lake Erie Invitational Forensic Tournament. Winners were - Jackson Boychuk, Mona Gerges, Rajeev Godse, Jonah Green, Jonathan Rodrigues, Jackson Romero, and Siddharth Yende.

The tournament was held Nov. 3, at Penn State Behrend.

Seneca Valley

The Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon Team placed first among 18 schools and brought home a total of 25 medals in the Academic Decathlon Competition at Clarion-Limestone High School on Oct. 13. The team also placed first in a regional Academic Decathlon competition on Nov. 3 at Northwestern High School.

The Seneca Valley freshman class officers of 2022 organized a service project where they collected school supplies for Britton’s Neck Elementary School. The Pre-K school is located in Gresham, S.C. and they were severely impacted by Hurricane Florence in September.

Two Seneca Valley students, senior Mariah (Storm) Harvin and junior Grace Hilling, were selected by the Andy Warhol Museum to participate in the Youth Arts Council Program for the 2018-19 school year.

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Sixteen Seneca Valley students were accepted into a juried art show at Slippery Rock University’s (SRU) 2018 Regional High School Art Exhibition. The students were – Paige Biordi, Max Carpenter, Lindsey Edwards, Sonia Fernandes, Kelsey Gianfrancesco, Jessie Glatz, Alexis Gorman, Evelyn Graham, Allison Jaecke, Ashleigh Patterson, Emma Perdue, Amelia Reese, Ella Reynolds, Kate Scanlan, Anna Sikora, and Kerry Whittle.

North Allegheny The North Allegheny School District received the 2018 Heart Award from PSAHPERD and the American Heart Association (AHA). North Allegheny’s Health and Physical Education classes throughout the District have regularly participated in Jump Rope for Heart since 1999, ultimately fundraising nearly $1 million for the AHA. Peebles Elementary Health and Physical Education teacher Chris Jackson was named the Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year at the 97th annual Pennsylvania State Chris Association for Health, Physical Jackson Education Recreation and Dance, Inc. (PSAHPERD) convention, held Nov. 8-10 in Seven Springs.

Mars Area Mars Area High School Student Council raised $705 to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital.

Mars Area School District students in grades K-8 raised $7,556 to benefit Susan G. Komen for the Cure, through Mars Area School District’s annual “Hats for Heroes” fundraiser.

Mars Area Middle School’s FOR (Friends of Rachel) Club collected 632.8 pounds of candy as part of a “Sweets for Soldiers” project, held Nov. 1-2.

DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Mars Area High School’s Hometown High Q Team earned first place in the initial round of the annual quiz show. The team of Jack Ramsey, Adrian Zugehar and Christopher Dvorak defeated teams from Blackhawk and Greater Latrobe high schools.

Mars Area High School’s “Renaissance Students of the Month” for October 2018 are senior Mark Macri, freshman Ethan McMaster, sophomore Peyton Felicetti, and junior Lindsay Perrone.

Hayleigh Wolski, Mars Area Primary Center firstgrader, was selected as one of 12 winners of the 2018 Pittsburgh Penguin Foundation Holiday Card Contest.

Pine-Richland Pine-Richland School District welcomed two new administrators on Oct. 29.

Sean Simmons is the district’s direcSean Jacob tor of athletics and Simmons Minsinger Jacob Minsinger is the assistant principal at the middle school.

Shaler Area Shaler Area School District announced four high school students signed National Letters of Intent. Kelsey Cordera committed to Edinboro University (softball); Olivia DeLeonibus committed to Seton Hill University (soccer); Zach Hernon committed to Alderson Broaddus University (baseball); and Ryan Sullivan committed to the University of Pittsburgh (wrestling).

Shady Side Academy Shady Side Academy appointed Anna Sekine as director of Shady Side Academy Farms.

Anna Sekine

Blessed Francis Seelos Academy got to study the Intermediate Unit 1 Fab Lab the week of Nov 12. This technical lab offers STEM learning and activities. Students had the opportunity to explore the entire engineering design process. The lab serves as a motivational environment to encourage student engagement with technology.

Blessed Francis Seelos Academy Blessed Francis Seelos Academy recently held two soldout performances of The Lion King, Jr. The show held on Nov. 2-3, featured a cast of over 80 students and stage crew from grades 5 through 8.

Holy Cross Academy Holy Cross Academy welcomed Mrs. Kelly Klassen as Principal.

Holy Cross Academy students Marlena Battista and Joey Daeschner along with their teacher Karen McDunn represented HCA at the Peru Mission Dinner where they displayed their “Change for Chimbote” project.

First graders Parker Skrastins and Reagan Riley observe a 3-D printer making a boat.

First grader, Freya Klueber, excitedly learns about using Corel software in the IU1 Fab Lab at Blessed Francis Seelos Academy.

Lucas Palladino, a first grade student at BFSA, using Corel software to design a puzzle which will print on a laser engraver.

Mrs. Van Kooten’s first grade class at Blessed Francis Seelos Academy learn about designing and printing in the IU1 STEM Fab Lab.

Holy Cross students raised more than $671 for breast cancer awareness in memory of one student’s mother. The proceeds went to Glimmer of Hope Foundation.

Holy Cross Academy students collected surplus Halloween candy for organizations including the Red Door Lunch Program at Saint Mary of Mercy Church, which provides for the homeless and the Saint Sebastian Parish Food Pantry. Treats were also sent to the Ross/West View EMS and Berkeley Hills Fire Department, along with handmade thank you cards to show them how much their service is appreciated.

Holy Cross students will be represented at the North District Diocesan Honors Band.

Earning first chair positions through audition are David Burkhart, MacKenzie Butler, and Ricky Harless. Also participating are: Michaela Butler, Andrew Engelhardt, Patrick Engelhardt, Marie Harless, Odell Robinson and Ben Sibenac.

La Roche College Fourteen La Roche College students became members of Delta Mu Delta, the international honor society in business. They are: Emily Aftanas, Kasey Baronick, Angela Cisneros, Alysa Gumto, Courtney (Continued on page 42)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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KIDS & EDUC ATI O N

Knobeloch, Jessica Nakamura, Barbara Slade, Cameron Smith, William Steinmetz, Audrey Swanderski, Ian Muchiri Theuri, Luc Tyler, Thomas Vukson and Michael Wetmiller Jr. La Roche College announced that it is one of 57 colleges and universities nationwide that has joined the #YouAreWelcomeHere national scholarship program.

La Roche College English professor and author, Joshua David Bellin, Ph.D., recently released his new fantasy novel The Devouring Land.

CCAC

Allegheny County Council honored graduates of the Community College of Allegheny County FireVEST scholarship program. The eight CCAC graduates recognized were - Justin Bachinsky, Christopher Carr, Justin Fashian, Rachmiel Gallman, Kelsey Newman, Sean Ronick, Nicholas Skalos and William Supan III.

Saint Vincent College Providence Heights Alpha School (Allison Park) Principal: Margaret Ruefle M.ED.M.S. (412) 366-4455 www.alphaschool.org

The personal finance website WalletHub has ranked Saint Vincent College as one of the top institutions in Pennsylvania in its 2019 Ranking of Colleges and Universities.

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

Vincentian Academy (North Hills, PA) Principal: Mrs. Rita Canton (412) 364-1616 www.vincentianacademy.org

Saint Vincent College sophomore marketing major Patrick Counihan from Bethel Park has received an Army ROTC Minuteman Scholarship.

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

43

R E A L E S TAT E

Is the Real Estate Market Shifting Back to the Buyer?

By Vince Parrucci Licensed Real Estate Agent/Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant

F

or a while now, the real estate market has been considered to be a seller’s market, with soaring asking prices, tales of bidding wars, homes selling in mere hours and a lack of available properties. However, due to several factors, I think we are trending toward a shift and a return to it being a buyer’s market.

Indications are that more sellers are reducing their asking prices, and homes are remaining on the market for a longer time. Another of those factors is the time of year. Generally, at this time of year, the market slows with the holiday season.

We are also seeing more homes on the market. When there are more homes, buyers can be selective and drive bargains.

However, the greatest factor is rising interest rates. They are causing the market to swing from a seller’s market to a buyer’s market. Interest rates have risen, and there are indications that they will continue to rise at least a quarter point in the near future.

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DECEMBER 2018 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Keep in mind these rates still are not bad when you consider what mortgage rates were in 1998, when they averaged 7 percent for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage. When you go back even further to 1988, shockingly, the national rates hovered around 11 percent. The younger generation has never known a time with higher interest rates and seem to be a bit spooked by them.

So, if mortgage interest rates are concern, now maybe the time to buy or sell your house. For a seller you may want to list your home because rising interest rates may push some buyers out of the market. Conversely, if you are interested in buying a home, now may be the time to purchase a house while interest rates are still lower than what may be coming down the road.

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Considering a move? Contact Vince Parrucci, Licensed Real Estate Consultant, at: vinceparrucci@thepreferredrealty.com, or call (724)612-3770. In addition to be a Licensed Real Estate Agent/Realtor and Professional Real Estate Consultant, Vince Parrucci is the author of Smart Buy, Strong Sale: The Consumer’s Guide to Buying and Selling Your Next Home which is available through Amazon.com. His extensive experience includes VP of Mellon Bank, VP of Allegheny Financial Group, real estate investor, mentor and coach to thousands on investment real estate and flipping of houses and property.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2018

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