Northern Connection Magazine - December 2020 issue

December 2020

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 21 YEARS

A One-Two Punch: Battling Lung Cancer with Cutting-Edge Technology at UPMC Passavant

Also...

COVID Vaccine Coming Soon December Trivia Holiday Guide Worship Guide

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December

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

NC Features 30 Something to Celebrate!

32 Home Guide

2020 Holiday Guide 10 Facts From the Farm Ron Eichner

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Health & Wellness 14 Cover Story: A One-Two Punch: Battling Lung Cancer with Cutting-Edge Technology at UPMC Passavant 17 A New Name, New Physicians & New Locations as the Hand & Shoulder Center Still Provides the Same Excellent Care Janice Lane Palko 18 COVID Vaccine Coming Soon – What is Operation Warp Speed? Belinda Burchick 22 Direct Primary Care

Kids & Education 26 School Movers & Shakers 27 Online schooling done right: CCA brings decades of experience to the virtual classroom 28 Blessed Francis Seelos Sports

Homebuilder Profiles 31 Costa Homebuilders 31 Best Contractors

Advertorials 30

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PUBLISHER’S NOTE: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events usually featured in our Happenings and Senior Happenings have been cancelled. Therefore, we have not published those sections in the December issue. We will update our website when we learn of activities resuming. Also, it would be advisable to check with any business or organization hosting an event to make sure that it is still scheduled before venturing out.

In Every Issue...

4 From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski 6 Movers & Shakers 6 From the Editor: 2020 – Worst Year Ever? Janice Lane Palko

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Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

DECEMBER 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

7 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Gavin Zoelle Paula Green 24 Support Our Troops: Veteran’s Tributes and Collections Paula Green 29 Trivia Connection: Delving into December Paula Green

FROM THE PUBLISHER

NORTHERN CONNECTION We w is ha an M e r d you l l of y r ry C o Ho l h r i fa m i ly u a lov i day Se st m a s e, p as an a h e e ac e , o n f u l d a and l of a lt hy jo Ne w a n d H y a n d a Ye a pp y r!

Welcome to the December Issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

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he Christmas season is upon us, and this sure has been a different year. We have had to adapt and change our regular way of celebrating the holidays. I hope we can still enjoy the Christmas season with our loved ones. Even though it is a different year, it remains a time of the year when we want to count our blessings. All of us would like to take this opportunity to thank our advertisers and readers who make it possible for us to publish Northern Connection magazine.

We appreciate your support and look forward to our 22nd year of connecting you to the community. Together, we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! n

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

Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Janice Lane Palko ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Paula Green

Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko

ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Keep in touch with Northern Connection on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest

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.

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DECEMBER 2020 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

ADVERTORIAL

Cindy P. As heard on KDKA

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

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Dr. Shawn’s SUPERVISED, MONITORED and IN OFFICE program has a 90 percent satisfaction rate. With the experience of seeing over 5000 patients, he is able to tailor a specific and successful treatment plan for each individual to provide maximum results.

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The most rewarding change is I no longer suffer from electrical shocks in my feet especially, prior to and during sleep.

The anxiety caused by the anticipation of electrical shocks were horrible. Also, my numbness is gone, and they are no longer freezing. I am walking, shopping, sleeping and walking barefoot again. My improvements are amazing, close to a miracle is all I can say. Fourteen years of suffering, fear of walking even in my own home, the dread of going to bed, tired of disappointing friends and family… ALL GONE!! All in the past!! A new me in 2020!!

I’m already a walking advertisement. I have never been to any doctor’s office where I felt more welcomed. It was more like family than a patient, welcomed with open arms. Everything is all upfront and honest. Everything was explained and all questions were answered. I also made lifelong friends at the office that I’m going to miss seeing on a regular basis.

Neuropathy Treatment Centers of PGH Three Locations: Sewickley 2591 Wexford-Bayne Rd, Suite 207

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1901 Ligonier Street

Washington, Pa

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Movers & Shakers After 25 years as executive director of Genesis Medical Associates Mark Dr. Atul since its foundKissinger Vaidya ing, Mark Kissinger will retire at the end of December and Dr. Atul Vaidya will succeed him.

McAuley Ministries, Pittsburgh Mercy’s grant-making foundation, has awarded 13 grants totaling $757,000 to community partners to support health & wellness, community & economic development, and education initiatives in the Hill District, Uptown, and West Oakland communities.

McAuley Ministries continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, awarding grants totaling $631,000 to date.

The College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) announced that Heritage Valley Health System has earned 2020 CHIME Digital Health Most Wired recognition for Acute and Ambulatory Care. The CHIME Digital Health Most Wired program conducts an annual survey to assess how effectively healthcare organizations apply core and advanced technologies into their clinical and business programs to improve health and care in their communities.

Thanks to the Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation, TRYPO (Three Rivers Young People Orchestra) has a new home at the Energy Innovation Center for our 2020-21 Season in-person rehearsals.

From the Editor

2020 – Worst Year Ever?

By Janice Lane Palko

H

ere we come to the end of 2020. To paraphrase the Grateful Dead, “What a long, strange trip it’s been.” I’ve seen many people posting Facebook memes or tweets saying that this was the worst year ever and that they can’t wait to kiss it goodbye.

While this has not been the best year on record, I feel guilty for wishing it out the door. See, because I am still alive and every day on earth is a gift.

So, was 2020 really the worst year ever? Not by a long shot.

Have you ever heard of the 4.2 kiloyear event? I hadn’t. There is a great YouTube channel called UsefulCharts.com, and by way of easyto-understand graphics, it explains history. A while back I came across their chart “Timeline of World History | Major Time Periods & Ages,” which illustrates the concurrent historic events of the world across time periods.

Approximately 4.2 thousand years ago an event happened that experts aren’t exactly sure what caused it, but nevertheless, it resulted in 100 years of extremely dry conditions that wiped out fledgling civilizations around the world. It really was a reset.

Jump ahead a few thousand years and we come to the year 536 A.D., which many historians site as the worst year ever. Europe, The Middle East and Asia were plunged into darkness. According to the Byzantine historian Procopius the sky was dark for 18 months,

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writing “For the sun gave forth its light without brightness, like the moon, during the whole year.” Without the sun, temperatures on earth fell, ushering in the coldest decade in 2300 years, resulting in crop failures and mass starvation. The Irish chronicles recorded “a failure of bread from the years 536–539.”

Evidence found in tree rings and the polar ice caps point to a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in Iceland that spewed ash around the world, blotting out the sun and changing the course of civilization.

To make things even worse, shortly after that, the Justinian plague broke out and rampaged the world wiping out one-quarter of the world’s population and hastening the fall of the Roman Empire.

Skip ahead to the lovely year 1346 when the Black Death swept Europe wiping out 60% of Europe’s population. A little over a hundred years ago in 1918, we had the tragic trio of World War I, the Spanish Flu epidemic and the Russian Revolution. The year 1968 was no picnic either as assassinations, civil unrest as well as the Vietnam War raged.

So yeah, 2020 wasn’t the worst, and no, it certainly wasn’t the best year ever, but as we turn the page on a new calendar, let’s acknowledge our losses, be grateful for what we brought out of the year and stake our hopes on a better 2021. Happy New Year! n

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Gavin Zoelle

By Paula Green

Gavin Zoelle is a senior at Seneca Valley High School. Since it is his final year, Gavin knew he would be immersing himself in his major class assignment. “When I had to plan a senior project, I was excited to do a fundraiser for The Highmark Caring Place. I was excited to give back to a place that helped me so much,” Gavin said.

“I

went to The Caring Place after my little brother passed away when I was ten. Caden was eight years old when he succumbed to a brain tumor. I found the Caring Place to be a wonderful place for kids to go to grieve. Families come together and be with others who understand what they’re going through. When I was there, I felt like I could relate to everyone around me,” added Gavin.

To raise money for The Caring Place, Gavin decided to sponsor a charity car show. “My grandfather, Rick Zoelle, has a true passion for cars. I had attended many car shows with him, especially when I was younger. My cousin also did a car show for his senior project several years ago, and it was very successful. I just knew having a car show was the right thing for me to do. To get started, I had to come up with a name for my show. I came up with ‘Cars That Care.’ I then went to a local business and asked for donations. I was blown away by how generous everyone was. Local businesses, family, friends, and people I have never even met all donated to this wonderful event. We had 26 gift baskets donated to raffle off. I started this fundraiser with a goal to raise $1,000. I ended up raising $11,300,” Gavin said.

Gavin resides in Harmony Township with his parents, Chris and Rachael Zoelle. He plays football and baseball for Seneca Valley. Gavin also plays baseball for The Pittsburgh Diamond Dawgs. He plans to attend a four-year college and wants to major in Special Education.

Gavin is grateful for the help that he received from The Highmark Caring Place. As he noted, “The encouragement from this organization was truly impactful. I will be forever grateful for all of their support.” n

CALL NOW

to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!

724-940-2444 www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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2020 Holiday Guide As the song goes, “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!” To ensure that your holidays are the most wonderful ever, Northern Connection magazine is happy to bring you this guide featuring holiday events, merchants to help you find that special gift and places where you can worship and celebrate the reason for the season.

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Saturday, December 12 • 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Santa will be escorted on a fire truck through the center—waving safely from a distance!

Letters to Santa Sweepstakes – 19 Winners Winners chosen by random drawing on Monday, Decmber 14 Winners receive a $50.00 Visa Christmas Gift Card!

(Winners chosen and contacted by telephone on Monday, December 14)

Drop Off Your Letter to Santa: Santa’s North Pole Mail Box – McIntyre Square – 7900 McKnight Road North Pole Mail Box is located between Gabes and Fitness 19

At Home Chuck E. Cheese CopyMax CosmoProf Edible Arrangements Fine Wine & Good Spirits Fitness 19 Gabe’s GNC Great Clips H&R Block Laurie’s Hallmark Life Uniform

McIntyre Beer My Eye Doctor National Tire & Battery OfficeMax Once Upon A Child Original Pancake House PNC Subway Tan Seekers Nails Center Ting’s Kitchen Valley Pool & Spa Weight Watchers

Drop off your Letter to Santa

by December 12 Include your Name, Address & Phone Number Children 12 & Under No Purchase Necessary Bring to Santa’s North Pole Mail Box (Between Gabes and Fitness 19) McIntyre Square – 7900 McKnight Road

McKnight Road

McIntyre Square Ross Park Mall

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McIntyre Square McIntyre Square Drive Ross Township /Town of McCandless

Route 19

To Wexford

To Downtown Pittsburgh

2020 Holiday Guide

Facts from the Farm

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By Ron Eichner

i Folks! December is National Fruitcake Month along with it being National Eggnog Month, and December 27 is National Fruitcake Day. I have made homemade fruitcakes for our farm market for more years than I can count, and when Ron and fruitcake are mentioned in the same sentence, family and friends say it’s truly fitting of my character and heavy on the nuts!

There are thousands of fruitcake recipes from all around the world that are popular for the Christmas season. Traditional American fruitcakes are packed with fruits and nuts with green and red cherries added. Most mass-produced fruitcakes are alcohol free; however, there are recipes that are saturated in one’s favorite liquor or brandy. Some like a sugar glaze, and it is said, “powdered sugar prevents mold.” Some family recipes swear that fruitcakes even improve with age.

The earliest fruitcake recipes came from ancient Rome and spread all over Europe, eventually finding their way to the United States. Crusaders and 10

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hunters carried fruitcakes to sustain themselves over long periods of time away from home, so it would be smart to have at least one fruitcake in a survival kit.

Even though fruitcakes are known to be a popular food for the holidays, they have been often looked at as a ridiculed dessert. The former Tonight Show’s host, Johnny Carson, would always joke that there really is only one fruitcake in the world, and it gets passed from one family to another. One town in Colorado, Manitou Springs, has a contest on January 7 each year to see who can throw or chuck their fruitcake the farthest and with the greatest accuracy. I would like to wish everyone and their family and friends Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year in 2021.

If anyone wants to talk about fruitcake, feel free to stop by our farm market and ask for Ron at Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses and experience Farm Fresh at 285 Richard Road in Wexford and get the “rest of the story.” n

Little Sisters of the Poor Christmas Cards

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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 beige with a red 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. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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Christmas Worship Guide

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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COVER STORY

A One-Two Punch: Battling Lung Cancer with Cutting-Edge Technology at UPMC Passavant A new robotic device — the first in southwestern Pennsylvania — allows doctors at UPMC Passavant–McCandless to navigate deep inside the lungs for earlier, more precise detection of cancer. Now a top user of this minimally invasive technology, the hospital is combining it with low-dose CT screenings to punch back at the nation’s number one cancer killer.

K

athy Trent considers herself lucky.

The lifelong smoker was among the first high-risk patients to begin yearly low-dose computed tomography (CT) lung cancer screenings at UPMC Passavant.

Now, five years later, she’s among the first to benefit from the hospital’s Monarch™ robotic bronchoscopy system — deemed an innovative tool in the fight against lung Kathy Trent cancer.

“This technology and the wonderful doctors at UPMC Passavant saved my life,” says Kathy, 69. “They caught my lung cancer early before I felt any symptoms.”

Early Diagnosis: The Key to Survival

More than half of all lung cancer patients die within one year of diagnosis. But when cancer is detected early — especially before it has a chance to spread beyond the lungs — the five-year survival rate rises from 5% to 56%.

“Early diagnosis is critical,” says Ryan Levy, MD, chief of thoracic surgery at UPMC Passavant and thoracic surgeon with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. “When lung cancer is

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detected at an earlier stage, we’re able to offer our patients more treatment options—meaning patients have better outcomes and increased cancer-free rates.”

UPMC Passavant is among the first hospitals in the nation and the first in Pittsburgh to use the robotic bronchoscopy system. The device allows doctors to maneuver into the lung’s tiniest passages to inspect suspicious lesions and collect tissue samples to determine whether they are cancerous or benign.

“It takes us to a whole new level of cancer diagnosis and treatment,” says Dr. Levy.

Finding Cancer’s “Fingerprint”

Since robotic bronchoscopy was introduced in May 2020, specially trained pulmonologists and thoracic surgeons at UPMC Passavant have performed nearly 100 diagnostic procedures. Patients from across the state have been referred to the program making UPMC Passavant one of the busiest hospitals in the nation to use the device.

UPMC pulmonologist Peter Kochupura, MD, says the system’s “brilliant” design uses a minimally invasive endoscope to view deep inside the lungs.

The technology integrates robotics, software, and data science with endoscopy, using tiny cameras and tools to enter the body through the patient’s mouth. The result is a continuous, extraordinarily detailed 3D view of the lungs’ airway passages.

“We can direct the probe with a hand-held controller, see exactly where it is going, and identify the best spots to biopsy,” says Dr. Kochupura, who leads the robotic bronchoscopy program. “That’s critical because a certain number of cells is needed to identify the tumor’s ‘fingerprint’ and select the appropriate targeted therapy.”

A Suspicious Nodule

When Kathy learned she had emphysema in 2014, she immediately quit her pack-a-day smoking habit. Thomas Rice, MD, her pulmonologist at UPMC Passavant, also recommended that she begin yearly low-dose CT lung cancer screenings — a program the hospital had just introduced for high-risk patients.

“I was more worried about the emphysema, but I thought it was a good idea,” says Kathy, a resident of Emsworth, Pa. In June 2019, a nodule appeared deep in the upper left lobe of her lungs. Although a PET scan determined it was noncancerous, Dr. Rice continued monitoring the suspicious mass with more frequent follow-up CT scans. In May 2020, a scan showed the nodule had suddenly doubled in size.

“Thankfully, we had the Monarch™. We needed it to obtain a more precise needle biopsy and make decisions about her care,” says Dr. Rice. “She already had emphysema. We didn’t want to subject her to surgery if she didn’t have lung cancer.”

Kathy was referred to Dr. Kochupura, who used the robotic bronchoscopy device to reach the nodule deep in her lung. The biopsy showed she had stage one lung cancer.

“Before this new technology, we couldn’t reach these areas of the lungs to reliably biopsy a nodule,” he says. “It’s remarkable.”

A Textbook Case

One month after her diagnosis, Dr. Levy removed the tumor and 16 lymph nodes in a minimally invasive robotic lobectomy procedure.

“The technology allowed us to fast forward her care,” says Dr. Levy. “Without it, Kathy likely would not have been diagnosed for another year or two. That time gap would have allowed her cancer to progress to a more advanced stage.”

“I feel good,” says Kathy, who recovered from surgery and did not need further treatment. “And I feel hopeful about my prognosis because my cancer was caught so early.”

All three doctors cite Kathy’s case as a “textbook example” of how UPMC Passavant’s comprehensive lung cancer program — with its early screening, advanced technology, and team approach to managing care as part of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center — benefits patients.

“It’s an awesome example of how our program works,” says Dr. Kochupura. “We work together as specialists to find earlystage cancer, diagnose and manage patient care, and surgically remove tumors for an early cure.”

“Big Wow” Possibilities

Dr. Levy says the robotic bronchoscopy technology has “big wow” possibilities for the future.

“This isn’t just another diagnostic tool,” says Dr. Levy. “The

system is still in its infancy.

The more we do with it, the further we realize its potential to revolutionize treatment.”

Doctors have begun using robotic bronchoscopy to mark lesions with dye or fluorescent material to identify the surgery site. Dr. Levy believes the technology eventually will be used to deliver chemotherapy and immunotherapy directly to a lesion.

Dr. Levy is optimistic that in the future we will be able to treat cancer using robotic bronchoscopy with microwave or radiofrequency ablation.

“UPMC Passavant is poised for the future,” says Dr. Levy.

“We’re pleased to offer the highest level of lung cancer care. And we look forward to using more advanced technologies to treat our patients.” n * Monarch™ is a trademark of Auris Health, Inc.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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

A New Name, New Physicians & New Locations As The Hand & Shoulder Center Still Provides the Same Excellent Care

By Janice Lane Palko During a year when it seems that everything has either been modified, curtailed or entirely closed, The Hand & Shoulder Center has been moving ahead, expanding and growing. It even has a new name.

“W

e were formerly called the Hand & Upper Ex Center, but the name was a bit confusing,” said Tara Sanderson, Practice Manager. “We specialize in treating patients from the fingertips to shoulder, and we wanted our new name to reflect that.”

The Hand & Shoulder Center offers evaluation, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care for conditions affecting the nerves, bones, tendons, joints, skin and vascular supply of the hands and upper extremities.

In addition to updating its name, the practice recently added two new physicians: James R. Mullen, M.D., and Kristin Buterbaugh, M.D. They joined Glenn A. Buterbaugh, M.D.; Joseph E. Imbriglia, M.D.; William C. Hagberg, M.D.; Marshall L Balk, M.D.; and Aaron G. Grand, M. D. in the prevention and treatment of all disorders of the upper extremity musculoskeletal system. All the physicians are fellowship trained and are either board-certified or board-eligible with the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery and with a Subspecialty in Surgery of the Hand.

Recently, Physician Assistant Kristen Jackson joined the practice, and together with the physicians and therapists on staff, they have established The Hand & Shoulder Center as the premiere Orthopaedic practice for caring for the hand, wrist, elbow and shoulders.

A private, independent practice, the center provides medical care to all ages including children and has privileges at many of the area’s hospitals. In addition, the practice has its own therapy department providing quality occupational and hand therapy on site, and an ambulatory surgical center that is located on site, offering patients comprehensive care thereby making scheduling

and treatment more advantageous for patients.

The Hand & Shoulder Center has three locations: Wexford, Jefferson and Beaver. “In addition to our Wexford location at Stonewood Commons, we moved our Jefferson office from the Jefferson Regional Medical Center to the old Toys R Us store in West Mifflin near Century III Mall on December 2. Drs. Balk and Mullen will be seeing patients there Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and on the first, third and fifth Thursdays of the month,” said Ms. Sanderson.

On January 4, The Hand & Shoulder Center will debut a new Beaver office. “We have been in a temporary location while we were building a new office on the site of the old O C Lumber Company,” said Ms. Sanderson. “We are excited to have a permanent location where we can continue to bring shoulder-to-hand care to Beaver County.”

To accompany all these updates, the Hand & Shoulder Center has also introduced a new website to keep patients informed and make learning about the practice more convenient. “We now have a wealth of educational information online, including downloadable brochures on various medical conditions. We have a patient portal and an online payment capacity,” said Ms. Sanderson. “Even with the COVID-19 epidemic, our goal has been to remain the premiere hand-to-shoulder orthopaedic practice in the area.” n For more information on the Hand & Shoulder Center, visit the new website at: www.handandshouldercenter.com. Or email them at: info@wpahc.com. Contact the office to schedule an appointment today at 724-933-3850. www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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

COVID Vaccine Coming Soon What is Operation Warp Speed?

Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm Immediately following the announcement of increased cases of COVID-19 in the United States, several manufacturers began development of a vaccine, with the support of the federal government, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). On May 15, 2020, Operation Warp Speed, a partnership and collaboration between private firms and federal agencies, was officially initiated by the U.S. government to support and expedite the development, manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics.

O

peration Warp Speed’s goal is to provide over 300 million vaccines by January 2021, distributed through pharmacies across the nation in a safe and effective manner. While HHS is leading the vaccine development, the Department of Defense and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are coordinating the supply, production, and distribution of the vaccine. During the initial availability of the vaccine, about 60% of the pharmacies will have access to the vaccine for immunization. Longterm care pharmacies, providing essential pharmacy services and medications daily to over 15,000 nursing homes, have been on the front lines of this emergency from day one and plan to vaccinate the most vulnerable population effectively and quickly. It has also been reported that the vaccine will be provided at no cost.

As of early November, reports show that the leading manufacturers of the vaccine are indicating that the vaccine is over 90% effective and have shown no serious safety concerns. There have been more than 50,000 participants in the clinical trials to test the vaccine. Some of the vaccines may require two separate doses, given 21-28 days apart.

As the vaccine becomes available, the below proposed plan is to vaccinate in phases based on the most vulnerable groups of people. As of mid-November, there have been no specific dates of availability for each phase, but it is projected that the first availability of the vaccine may be January 2021.

Phase IA and 1B will include 15% of U.S. population, with example list below: • High-risk Health Care Workers and First Responders • Nursing Home Staff and Home Health Aides • Morticians and Funeral Workers • Adults in Nursing Homes • Adults with 2 or more Comorbidities Phase 2 will involve 30-35% of U.S. population, with example list below:

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• Adults with 1 comorbidity • Teachers and School Staff • Prisons, Homeless Shelters, and 1 Group Homes • Essential Critical Infrastructure workers (i.e. grocery workers, meat packers, farm workers, etc.)

Phase 3 will involve 40-45% of U.S. population, with example list below: • Colleges and Universities • Children • Workers in industries essential to the functioning of society and are at increased risk of exposure Phase 4 will be for the remaining U.S. population who have not received the vaccine in the previous phases.

If you would like more detailed information about the COVID Vaccine and Timeline, please go online to: www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/explaining-operation-warp-speed In the meantime, remember that you can be presymptomatic or asymptomatic, so please be mindful to not spread the virus by wearing your mask, hand sanitizing and keeping a safe distance of six feet. There have been several studies now on cloth masks, including experiments using high speed video which showed that hundreds of droplets are expelled from your mouth even when you are saying a simple phrase, but nearly all droplets were blocked when wearing a mask. This may be why we are seeing a decrease in the flu and common cold this season so far. n

Always be safe and healthy!

Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm, has focused her career on geriatric pharmacy and automated dispensing systems to promote patient safety and improve health outcomes. For the last 10 years, she has served as Chief Pharmacy Officer (CPO) for a long-term care pharmacy, servicing the geriatric population in nursing homes, assisted living, independent living, and the senior day programs, such as, Pennsylvania’s LIFE programs and the PACE programs in multiple states. Belinda oversees the pharmacy operations in three pharmacies, located in Denver, Philadelphia and headquarters in Pittsburgh.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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

I

Direct Primary Care

n a world that has been turned upside down by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have found themselves without health insurance as a result of changes in employment. Many are also fearful of seeking medical care, especially in public facilities, due to risk of contracting COVID-19 or other infectious illnesses.

Direct primary care (DPC) practices are perfectly positioned to help all patients who are seeking high-quality medical care in safe, low-traffic facilities. Because DPC practices utilize a subscription model of payment, a patient’s lack of health insurance does not present a barrier for accessing medical care.

DPC has been referred to as “the Netflix of medicine” because this model offers easily accessible, personalized health care, for a low monthly subscription fee. Contrast this with the traditional healthcare system which moves patients through high-traffic medical facilities just like widgets on a conveyor belt.

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Patients should ask themselves:

• Does my doctor know my name or other details about me without looking at the chart?

• Am I able to easily access my doctor through prompt office visits, emails, phone calls, or texting?

• Do I have adequate time to discuss all of my concerns during a typical office visit?

• Do I understand the financial costs before receiving medical care?

Patients who respond NO to one or more of the above questions may want to consider transforming the way they consume healthcare. DPC practices are popping up all over the country, including right here in Western Pennsylvania.

A guide to the DPC model and a listing of local direct care physicians can be found at directcarepgh.com. n

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SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS

Veteran’s Tributes and Collections

By Paula Green

V

eterans Day is celebrated annually on November 11, even though we are still amid a pandemic, that did not deter the military tributes from happening. Students at Blessed Francis Seelos Academy in Wexford collected and donated various food items, snacks, and other necessities to the Soldiers’ Angels organization. Soldiers’ Angels’ mission is to provide aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their families.

The armed forces project was organized by BFSA eighth grade middle school teacher Mrs. Nicole Maxwell, assisted by Mrs. Sarah Desciak. The seventh-grade class also participated in the effort.

The students packaged the items, and as an added surprise, they included over 200 handmade Christmas cards. The gifts were presented to Soldiers’ Angels volunteer Lynne Belko, who was deeply moved by the student’s generosity. For more information on Soldiers’ Angels, visit www.soldiersangels.org.

In Hampton, the township held its annual Veterans Day 5K in support of Operation Troop Appreciation. This military organization is a 100% volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to the active and veteran members of our Armed Forces who serve and sacrifice for our country. The race was held on Sunday, November 8.

Proceeds from the event were used to provide holiday care packages for active-duty troops. Participants for the race included the Hampton High School Band, Scouts from Troop 195, the Hampton Township Police Department, and Fire Police, along with two local fire companies. For more information on this military outfit, visit www.operationtroopappreciation.org.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum had a bright way of honoring veterans. They held a special luminary campaign called “Fill the Hill.” During November, individuals were able to go to the Soldiers & Sailors website and sponsor a flag in honor of a veteran in their life. Once a sponsorship was received, a flag was placed on the front lawn of Soldiers & Sailors with the honoree’s name placed on it. The names were also noted on their website. It was a successful undertaking; hundreds of flags were purchased and flown proudly to honor those who served. For more information, visit https://www.soldiersandsailorshall.org/.

Finally, this time of the year, the Marine Corps is having their “Toys for Tots” campaign. This program has been around since 1947. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, collections have been a bit tougher this year. The Marine Corps graciously accepts toy and monetary donations. To find out how you can help, visit https:// www.toysfortots.org/. n

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

School Movers & Shakers Shady Side Academy

Pine-Richland

Shady Side Academy named Junior School pre-kindergarten student Abram AmosAbanyie as its newest EQT Scholar. As one of Abram AmosAbanyie only two EQT Scholars at SSA, Abram is the recipient of a scholarship worth full tuition for his entire Shady Side education through grade 12.

Pine-Richland sixth grade student Siena Smith, 11, placed top 5 in the state for the National American Miss pageant. Siena won City Siena Smith Queen with title of “Miss Pittsburgh” in her pre-teen division and will be competing in Orlando, Florida, at the end of November. Pennsylvania cancelled the state pageant in September due to the pandemic.

Instead, they held the pageant virtually with interviews over Zoom. Siena won based on interview, her resume, essay and accomplishments in piano and other activities.

Aquinas Academy Six Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh seniors and alumni were awarded AP Scholar awards for their success in taking College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Exams. The honorees are - Genevieve Archer, Helen Rothfus, Macrina Vollmer, Benjamin Stalder, Anna Plazek and Samuel Schirra.

Mars Area Mars Area School District collected $8,149 to benefit Susan G. Komen Greater Pennsylvania as part of the

District’s annual “Hats for Heroes,” held Oct. 23.

Macy Barshick

Isabella Gaydosh

Theodore Ruffner

Three Mars Area High School students were selected as Rich-Mar Rotary Students of the Month for September, October and November. he honorees are: Macy Barshick, Isabella Gaydosh and Theodore Ruffner.

Scott Heinauer, head coach of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Football Team, was named Steelers Week 6 Scott Coach of the Week.

Heinauer Mars Area High School’s 2019-2020 Planet Yearbook was selected for induction into the Walsworth Yearbooks Gallery of Excellence.

Seneca Valley Seneca Valley student Rishika Raman, 10, has published her first book. Rishika is a current fifth grader at Evans City Middle School. Her book is entitled Sonia’s Journal: A Stream of Thoughts. According to Amazon.com, Sonia is a sassy 13-year-old full of spunk. With her two sisters, Sonia has many adventures including secret vacations, hair-terror, zany pranks, backup boyfriends and much more. Her yearlong journal is a wacky, breezy trip into the world of a young girl and her stream of thoughts.

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honor from the PIAA. Both of these coaches led their teams to win the PIAA championships in their respective sports last school year.

Three Fox Chapel Area High School students placed in the annual Upper St. Clair Novice Forensic Tournament.

In Lincoln Douglas Debate, sophomore Silas Owens won fourth place and junior Daniel Thomas won sixth place, and, in Impromptu Speaking, freshman Lilly Friedman was awarded fifth place.

Three Fox Chapel Area High School students won their round-one competition on KDKA-TV’s “Hometown High Q.” The team members were Amulya Garimella, Jackson Romero and Elijah Conklin. The team competed against students from Upper St. Clair and Valley high schools.

Four Fox Chapel Area School District students placed at the annual M & M Lake Erie Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. The honorees were Alaina Kaslewicz, Jackson Romero, Ian Mackey-Piccolo and Swati Mylarappa from Dorseyville Middle School.

Bishop Canevin Bishop Canevin High School raised more than $58,000 on its inaugural Giving Day. The funds were raised with the support from nearly 400 alumni, friends, faculty, parents and students.

Seneca Valley Seniors Ty Brinkley, Vincent Horvath, Jacklyn Ko, Katie Monahan, Kaitlyn Moore, Ashleigh Patterson and Brenna Wrubel have been named Commended Students in the 2021 National Merit Scholarship Program.

Royal Oak

Fox Chapel

La Roche University

Two Fox Chapel Area High School coaches were named PIAA Coaches of the Year for 2019-2020. Alex Slezak, last year’s girls head tennis coach, and Bryan Deal, the boys head golf coach, both received the

Global Sisters Report, a project of National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company, named La Roche University Professor Sister Rita Yeasted, SFCC, Ph.D., to its 2020-21 panel of The Life.

Royal Oak Nursery School donated their blue and white 48-passenger bus and their 15-passenger van to Bauerstown so the volunteer firefighters can use the vehicles for practice.

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

CCAC Allegheny County has issued proclamations honoring recent graduates of the Community College of Allegheny County FireVEST scholarship program.

Evan The new CCAC FireVEST graduates are Orowetz - Jordan Brennan, Kari Burnham, Steven Maszkiewicz, Evan Orowetz, Rebecca Pritchard Lalor, Nicole Schluep, and Ryan Sweeny.

Online schooling done right: CCA brings decades of experience to the virtual classroom

A

s we celebrate a socially distant season amid continued uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, at least two things have become clear: An online education has become a reality for many families and those families are learning that all online schooling isn’t of equal quality.

Founded nearly two decades ago and now the largest online public cyber charter school in Pennsylvania, CCA is a pioneer in online learning. Unlike most schools that scrambled at the start of the pandemic to move a brick-and-mortar curriculum online, CCA has long offered a personalized online K-12 education to all Pennsylvania students with programs designed to match your child’s skills, interests, and educational needs at no cost to families.

CCA is the premier provider of a hands-on, college-, and career-ready education that meets students and families where they are. CCA partners with families to ensure that curriculum is tailored to best suit each student and that families remain an integral part of online learning as they are essential to a student’s success.

An added bonus to personalized learning is that CCA works on your schedule. At a time when every family member may be learning and working from home simultaneously, or be operating on completely different schedules, it is reassuring to know that students can engage in their coursework in real time with their virtual classmates and CCA’s accredited teachers or learn from a recorded lesson at a later time that’s more convenient for the family.

CCA not only tailors a child’s education to their interests, but couples modern career skills and a core academic education with course options from Chinese and Arabic to marketing and photography to web design and engineering.

With the soon-to-be opening of TechWorks at CCA in Pittsburgh, which will provide students with hands-on learning in areas including information technology, computer programming, drones, STEM and robotics.

It complements our unique AgWorks at CCA facility. Located at our Capital Campus in Harrisburg, it’s the largest state-of-the-art, public educational aquaponics facility in the country.

CCA currently is working on developing MedWorks in southeastern Pennsylvania to expose students to medical and health care careers.

Unlike much of the online instruction rushed into being by school districts, CCA understands the critical role that social interaction plays in creating a rich online learning environment. CCA students have the opportunity to make friends from across the state -- not just across their neighborhood -- and join as many of CCA’s more than 30 clubs that interest them.

One of the best ways to get a good feel for a CCA education is to attend a virtual Q&A session. During these one-hour scheduled events on Zoom, families can ask CCA teachers or administrators questions about the enrollment process, resources available at the school, and what it is like to be a CCA family. You can register for the free sessions at https://ccaeducate.me/ upcoming-events/ or by calling 844-590-2864.

Can’t make one of the dates? That’s fine -- CCA is all about flexibility. On the same event registration site, you’ll also find an on-demand open house video to learn from teachers and administrators how the school can serve your family.

CCA is always ready to speak with families who want more information about a modern, comprehensive online education and is equally ready to connect you with currently enrolled families who can share their experiences.

With the benefit of year-round enrollment, CCA makes it easy to sign up and get started.

All you need to start the ball rolling is an email address. Learn more and enroll at https://ccaeducate.me/enroll/ or call 844-590-2864. n www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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

Blessed Francis Seelos Sports

T

he Blessed Francis Seelos Academy varsity soccer team and the 4th grade team placed first at the Diocesan Soccer Tournament, earning the title of Diocesan Champions. The JV team finished as the Diocesan Runner-Up. Congratulations to the athletes and coaches.

Blessed Francis Seelos Academy Cross Country Teams wrapped up their 2020-21 season at the Diocesan Championships. The Developmental Girls along with the undefeated JV Boys and JV Girls teams placed first and were Diocesan Champions. The Varsity boys placed fourth place and the Varsity Girls just missed in sixth. Seventh grader Audra Lazzara completed her perfect season with a first place at the race, becoming the JV Girls Diocesan Champion. Runnersups were - Annaliese Duchi, Anna Lazzara, Victor Wagner, and Giacomo Lepore. n

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TRIVIA CONNECTION

Delving into December elcome to December, the final month of the year. The word December comes from the Latin word decem, meaning ten. It was originally the tenth month in the early Roman calendar.

The big holiday this month for Christians is Christmas Day, December 25, when birth of Jesus Christ is celebrated. Jewish people observe Hanukkah (Chanukah) for eight days. This year, it begins at nightfall December 10 and lasts until nightfall December 18. Hanukkah reaffirms the ideals of Judaism and commemorates the Second Temple of Jerusalem’s rededication by lighting a candle on each day of the festival. When the temple was dedicated, the Jews had only one day’s supply of oil, but it miraculously lasted for eight nights. Besides these two observances, December has other celebrations and historical events. This month, we’ll take a look at events from our twelfth month.

The birthstone for December is turquoise, and the flower is white narcissus, holly or poinsettia. The zodiac signs are Sagittarius - Nov. 22-Dec. 21 and Capricorn - Dec. 22-Jan.19.

On Dec. 1, 1955, Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of a bus in Montgomery, Alabama; this earned her the nickname “the first lady of civil rights.” December 5, 1933, was when Prohibition ended.

Tragic events have occurred in December. President Franklin Roosevelt called December 7, 1941, “the day which will live in infamy.”

It was the catastrophic date when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in Honolulu, Hawaii. On December 14, 2012, Adam Lanza entered the Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Connecticut, and shot 26 people, and then killed himself.

On the positive side of the month, December 6, is Saint Nicholas Day (the original Santa). Also, on this date, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer debuted on NBC in 1964.

December 8, 1952 – On I Love Lucy, a pregnancy was acknowledged on TV for the first time, with the announcement, “Me and my husband are about to have a blessed event.” Speaking of blessings, December 8 is when Christians commemorate the Immaculate Conception. It is a day to celebrate the dogma of Mary’s conception, as mother of Jesus, without any stain of the original sin.

On December 12, 1787, Pennsylvania became the second state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. December 21 had several events – in 1620, the Pilgrims landed in Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts. The Disney classic Snow White debuted in 1937. It’s also the winter solstice and Crossword Puzzle Day. December starts on the same day of the week as September does every year. It always ends on the same day of the week as April.

Since we have delved into December, we must now try and pass this monthly query, get set to don those party hats, because it’s time to get a little trivial…

1. On December 7, 1787 – this state became ‘The First State’ to ratify the US Constitution.

2. This 1939 blockbuster film premiered on December 15.

3. Poinsettia Day is celebrated in the second week of December on what date?

4. The film Christmas Vacation was debuted on December 1, what year?

5. This musical gem opened up in New York City on December 27, 1932.

6. On December 15, 1944, this band leader’s plane disappeared. He was never found.

7. This musical icon perished on December 8, 1980, after being shot

by Mark David Chapman.

8. On December 15, 1791, this was added to the United States Constitution.

9. Name the animated holiday classic that premiered on December 9, 1965, on CBS. 10. This historical unrest occurred in a U.S. harbor on December 16, 1773.

11. Where did the Wright brothers fly their first airplane on December 17, 1903?

12. Bah humbug! A Christmas Carol was published on December 19, 1843; who wrote it?

13. What date is Kwanzaa celebrated?

14. On December 23, 1972, Steelers running back Franco Harris scored the game-winning touchdown with his Immaculate Reception in the AFC divisional playoff game against what team?

15. We celebrate New Year’s Eve on December 31; what year did the ball drop begin in New York City’s Times Square? n Sources: https://www.almanac.com/content/how-did-months-get-their-names, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanukkah, http://holidayinsights.com/history/ history12.htm, https://www.thoughtco.com/today-in-history-december-calendar-1992495, https://popculturemadness.com/PCM/2019/december-in-pop-culturehistory/http://www.gone-ta-pott.com/facts-about-the-month-of-December.html#.

X6sntmhKiUk, https://timessquareball.net/ball-history/ Answers: 1. Delaware 2. Gone With the Wind 3. December 12 4. 1989 5. Radio City Musical Hall 6. Glenn Miller 7. John Lennon 8. The Bill of Rights 9. A Charlie Brown Christmas 10. The Boston Tea Party 11. Kitty Hawk, N.C. 12. Charles Dickens 13. December 26 14. Oakland Raiders 15. 1907

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By Paula Green

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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N C F E AT U R E

Something to Celebrate!

One year ago, St. Barnabas and the Safran Family teamed up to bring the best grocery shopping experience to the residents of Brighton Township. Thanks to our loyal SHOP ‘n SAVE customers, we are celebrating a very successful first year!

TUSCA PLAZA

Supporting the Free Care Fund

You may be asking, “Why did St. Barnabas get into the grocery business?”

Some 120 years ago, one of St. Barnabas’ earliest locations was in Carrick, PA. Adjacent to St. Barnabas Home was a grocery store owned by S.B. Charters, who donated food for the men and boys living at the home. Turn the clock forward to 2019, and groceries, once again, benefit the free patients of St. Barnabas. Since 1900, St. Barnabas has been caring for people that need help and do not have the financial resources to care for themselves. We provide this care through the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund. Each year, we raise millions of dollars to continue our mission of providing comprehensive, compassionate care regardless of ability to pay.

Whether we raise the funds through our donors, charitable events or through the dollars raised at our golf courses, Rudolph Auto Repair, Furniture at the Firehouse, Tusca Plaza or Tusca Fueling Center, we need to continually grow our Free Care Fund to meet the demands. Like the other examples mentioned, the SHOP ‘n SAVE provides a method of raising funds for our patients and residents.

Filling a need in the community.

Besides helping support the free care fund, the store fills a need in the community.

Brighton Township residents no longer have to drive 5-10 miles to get your groceries. You can find everything you need at the Tusca Plaza SHOP ‘n SAVE. To date over 300,000 customers have enjoyed the convenience and extensive product selection provided by this full-service super market!

Many regular customers start their day off right with a fresh brewed cup of coffee and pastries and doughnuts from our tasty on-site bakery. At lunch time, the deli counter experiences an increase in traffic. Pam, one of our loyal customers commented, “I love the selection of hot prepared foods at the deli, and the prices are low. A full meal for less than $7!”

Locals love the convenience of one-stop shopping. Getting in the recommended five servings of fruits and vegetables is never a problem for our shoppers, fresh is always in season in the produce department. While you’re in the store, take a minute and introduce yourself to our skilled butcher. He would be glad to custom-cut our fresh, quality meat to your liking.

Our shelves, dairy and freezer cases are stocked with Wild Harvest and Essential Everyday private label offerings as well as name brand and specialty local products.

To enhance your shopping experience even more, the Tusca SHOP ‘n SAVE offers a wide selection of beer and wine.

Start saving today!

If you haven’t already downloaded the SHOP ‘n SAVE app from the Apple store or Google Play, don’t miss out. Download the app today and save even more on your purchases! The app allows you to check Pump Perk balances, download coupons, view weekly ads, create a shopping list, search for recipes and order groceries.

Together, let’s celebrate our anniversary, the holidays and you. Watch your mail box for valuable specials and amazing savings as our way to say thank you! n

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S P E C I A L F E AT U R E

Homebuilder P R O F I L E S Your home is your castle, and whether you are considering building a new one or maintaining your present home, Northern Connection magazine is proud to feature these businesses that are able to build your dream home or keep and preserve the one you’re living in now.

Best Contracting

Costa Homebuilders This North Hills beauty is a cut-above design by Costa Homebuilders. We consistently provide our clients with custom living spaces that fit their aesthetic, lifestyle, and design needs. There are three reasons why: Our Process: We understand that you want your own special place that reflects your lifestyle and taste. Our trademark “New Life Process” allows you to describe what you want, the design team builds it, you approve it, and we build it.

Our Team: It’s our team’s mission to provide an ethical, transparent and enjoyable experience for each and every client. We work in collaboration with architects, skilled tradesmen and top suppliers to provide the Gold Standard to which every home is built, and every client has a 5 Star experience.

Our Execution: Close attention is paid to requirements of time, budget, design and craftmanship. Our ability to finish a project on time and on budget is our top priority! Whether you’re building your first home, or your forever home, working with experts like us means we will deliver the best possible experience from start to finish. (412) 384-8170 | www.costahomebuilders.com

When your name is “Best,” you have a high standard to meet, and Go Best Contracting has a reputation for reaching that standard time and again. The general contracting company was founded by Greg Best, who has been in the construction business for 35 years and who personally oversees each project. “Over the years, I’ve learned that I feel more comfortable overseeing our work and acting as project manager. I walk the site and personally meet with customers to make sure that their project is completed with the utmost in skill and professionalism, and that means being finished on time and on budget,” said Best, who is a Beaver County native. “Our company focuses on light commercial and retail construction as well as site improvements, new homes and additions,” said Best, who has completed numerous projects in the tri-state area. He has four employees and works only with the most reputable subcontractors. Best has a Construction Science degree from Kansas State University and played for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1983. “After I graduated from college, I played for a year with the Steelers with some of the greats from the 70s Super Bowl teams, and I also played for the Cleveland Browns and in the Arena Football League. When my football days were over, I decided to get to work,” said Best, who looked to put that college education to use and spent time working for a land developer and home builder in Northern Virginia. He then decided to come back home and opened his company in Beaver County.

Best Contracting has worked on government, commercial and residential projects throughout the area creating the vision their customers have come to fruition whether it is new construction, an addition or renovation. “We work on $2 million office buildings to $200,000 homes. We like the variety of the work and strive to ensure that Go Best Contracting is the best choice for your project,” said Best, who invites you to view their photo gallery of completed projects on the website at: www.gobestcontracting.com | (724) 622-1719 | greg@bestbuildersinc.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | DECEMBER 2020

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HOME GUIDE

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