Fall 2023 issue • Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine

1 show $39

2 shows $64

3 shows $84

4 shows $96

5+ shows $20 per ticket

1 to 4 tickets for one show $39 each

5 to 9 tickets for one show $31 each

10 or more tickets for one show $26 each

Saturday, September 23 2 and 7:30 p.m.

The Fabulous Hubcaps

Saturday, October 21 2 and 7:30 p.m.

The Corvettes

Doo Wop Revue

Saturday, November 18 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Chuck Blasko and The Vogues

Saturday, December 9 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Johnny Angel and The Halos Christmas

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Visit TheLegacyLineup.com. For information on free movies and to RSVP for free seminars, call 412-635-8080

Located on the UPMC Passavant campus at Cumberland Woods Village. Find us on Facebook: The Legacy Lineup or TheLegacyLineup.com

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FREE MATINEE MOVIES

MONDAY, 2 P.M.

Everything, Everywhere, All at Once (PG-13, 139 MIN.)

Sept. 18, 2023

Dog Gone (PG, 95 MIN.)

Sept. 25, 2023

Champions (PG-13, 124 MIN.)

Oct. 2, 2023

Glass Onion: A Knives Out Movie (PG-13, 139 MIN.)

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The Quiet Girl (PG-13, 95 MIN.)

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Jesus Revolution (PG-13, 120 MIN.)

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Moving On (R, 85 MIN.)

Oct. 30, 2023

Somewhere in Queens (R, 107 MIN.)

Nov. 6, 2023

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (PG-13, 144 MIN.)

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FREE EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

Pittsburgh to the Moon

Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023

11 a.m.

Speaker: Mike Hennessy, Manager of Learning & Programs at the new Moonshot Museum

Bigfoot in Pennsylvania

Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023

11 a.m.

Speaker: Mary Fabian, Founder of the online discussion group, Pennsylvania Bigfoot Project, with over 17,000 members

Lewis and Clark in the Rockies

Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023

11 a.m.

Speaker: Gary Augustine, Historian

Spooky Spots in the Burgh

Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023

11 a.m.

Speaker: Gail Griffith, instructor with the Life Enrichment Program for seniors through CCAC

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Pittsburgh Fifty Five Plus Magazine is published four times a year by Swanson Publishing, LLC (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge throughout the Greater Pittsburgh region. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

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On the Cover: Happy, healthy, and around the corner -Kathie Bosiljevac stays close with her mother, Ruth Feitl, who chose retirement living at St. Barnabas.

Saturday,

St. Barnabas Charities Ladies Day Out Event

October 7

Prizes

Tickets on Sale Now!

724-625-3770

StBarnabasCharities.com

You are invited to this exclusive event to enjoy an afternoon of food, prizes, shopping, raffles and fun, as St. Barnabas Charities hosts its annual Ladies Day Out on Saturday, October 7 at Trees Manor at St. Barnabas, 660 Warrendale Road, Gibsonia.

Ladies Day Out begins at 11:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. Tickets include chances to WIN PRIZES valued at more than $5,000 drawn every 30 minutes including cash, Fendi handbag, jewelry & more, in addition to shopping with exclusive vendors, cocktails and delicious food stations by Il Pizzaiolo. Plus, themed basket and 50/50 raffles.

Can’t make it to the event? You can still buy a ticket and be eligible to win prizes. You do not need to be present to win!

Tickets are $80 or $100 per person, and includes a chance to win prizes, food, shopping, cocktails and more. Buy tickets today at StBarnabasCharities.com or call 724625-3770. Volunteer opportunities are also available.

Proceeds benefit the St. Barnabas Free Care Fund, which provides more than $6 million in care to residents and patients that cannot afford their care. To donate to the Free Care Fund, TEXT the word ‘GIVE’ to 41444. n

The Perfect Place for MOM:

How One Retirement Community Makes the List and the Checklist

To Kathie Bosiljevac, her parents’ move to a St. Barnabas retirement community made perfect sense. Kathie Bosiljevac, the daughter of the Village’s 99-year-old resident, Ruth Feitl, recently wrote a note of appreciation to St. Barnabas Health System President William V. Day. “Thank you, Mr. Day, for giving my mother such a beautiful home and for keeping her so young at heart.”

Eight years ago, Kathie helped Mrs. Feitl and her late husband, Karl, move from Shaler to a spacious two-bedroom apartment with a balcony. Even better than what initially attracted her parents to The Village, she realizes, are the unanticipated benefits provided by this ‘built-in’ neighborhood.

Being at the right place at the right time is life-sustaining. Now so many years later, having survived her husband and one of her daughters, there are many benefits of living at St. Barnabas. Her mother has friends, enjoys a host of activities, and is very grateful that Kathie lives close enough to visit almost daily. “She is surrounded by a wonderful, caring staff and loving neighbors. My mother would not be here today if it were not for St. Barnabas.”

Ruth represents a growing population in western Pennsylvania: those fortunate to live into their tenth decade, well beyond their initial retirement. Considered the Silent Generation, these hard-working traditionalists born between 1928 and 1945 look to communities like The Village to meet the needs of their re-retirement.

What is important to re-retirees? Just look at their checklists —so common among prospective residents that St. Barnabas features it in promotional material. Universally, the simple yet important checklist almost always include six vital essentials.

Fortunately for the residents of its 252-condominium style apartments, The Village meets those criteria. By design, The Village’s architecture, programming, and talent management cater to the preferences of this generation of traditionalists.

1. Close Proximity to family and old friends

Eighty percent of residents are from the greater Pittsburgh area and that figure increases when hometown folks from Florida are factored in.

St. Barnabas Communities admissions team appreciates a boomerang effect that returns former Pittsburghers from their distant bungalows to their old stomping grounds. Within miles of loved ones, they also live closer to friends and colleagues, many of who reside at the Village. With fewer degrees of separation than Kevin Bacon, residents quickly renew their kinships and enjoy common ground. There is good reason that Pittsburgh is known as the ‘World’s Largest Small Town’ where everyone knows someone who knows someone, and so on.

2. Secure surroundings

On the Gibsonia and Valencia campuses, the biggest crime is exceeding the 10 MPH speed limit. Resident safety is paramount at St. Barnabas and slow driving is just one precaution-

“My parents lived longer and happier lives because they came to The Village at St. Barnabas.”

ary measure of its system-wide security program. Buildings are gated and surveilled by St. Barnabas Health System Security Force- a network of 50+ officers who patrol properties inside and out, guard entrances, and monitor all buildings 24/7. Background checks and training for all employees are also part of the security protocol.

On a smaller scale, the “St. Barnabas Hello” contributes to a safe and secure neighborhood. The friendly greeting is a tradition encouraging a polite exchange between residents, staff, and visitors.

In their apartments, the specially designed interiors of each residence features subtle blueprints of safety: well-lit interiors, wide doors, emergency call cords, and attractive, easy-access hardware. Safe and secure.

3. Camaraderie and social connections

Countless opportunities exist for the gregarious, from gourmet dinner clubs to Pittsburgh Symphony performances. Relationship building is also attributed to the building itself. The Village Mall spans all buildings and is the epicenter of its sense of community. To get from one place to the next, social butterflies and loners alike walk through the pedestrian throughway. Residents typically rendezvous at lunch, happy hour, and dinner at the chef-hosted Village Restaurant. Others smile and wave as they hustle past, en route to hair appointments, banking, a lecture, or their favorite elliptical in the Health Club. Foursomes can be seen in the Leisure Lounge. Look around, you’re sure to see Ruth!

Closer to “home,” lobbies on each level offer elegant settings for intimate parties, informative coffee chats, and meet-ups. Free spirits who prefer alone time are respected yet continually invited to join others. There is a concerted effort to ensure no one is isolated. Hostesses suggest restaurant seating with others. Program directors call upon their expertise. Housekeepers care about more than cleaning. Sometimes staff drops by with a sweet Barnabas Bakery treat, just to say hello.

4. Healthcare onsite if needed

On-site health care is on all retiree checklists, since, according to St. Barnabas Home Care Services Director Kellie Kelly, most older people want health care readily available, but hope they never need it. Her large staff of RNs, LPNs, Certified Home Health Aides, therapists, and companions are the reason a large number of residents stay for decades. Home care is just one of the many healthcare options for residents of St. Barnabas Communities.

“Catering to residents’ individual needs, including healthcare, actually starts before they move in,” says Communities Director of Admissions, Cynthia Boyd. She and her team develop rapport with prospective residents and their families throughout the onboarding process. Medical attention can begin on Day One with the assistance of a resident relations specialist who guides newcomers as well as long-timers to home care and outpatient services at St. Barnabas Medical Center. This typically is the first step into St. Barnabas’ broad continuum of care.

If and when needed, restorative and continuing healthcare is available at St. Barnabas Health System: round-the-clock, respite, and post-hospital rehabilitation at six clinical facilities. Living assistance is a unique benefit for couples who live together under the St. Barnabas umbrella but in different buildings. And unlike the process between stand-alone senior communities and outside facilities. St. Barnabas partners with its providers and guarantees a smooth admissions process.

5. Simplified finances

Retirement living can span 10-30 years, causing most older Americans to place freedom from financial worries on their retirement checklists. And quite simply, they want to pay fewer bills. This 65+ population is advised by Fox Business to use “pensionizing” as a strategy for managing retirement living expenses. It stresses the importance of holding on to assets and investments to fund a happy and healthy retirement.

St. Barnabas Communities incorporates exactly that strategy into its payment plan. Years ago, The Village abandoned upfront ‘endowment’ fees and multi-year committments. Annual contracts with tiered monthly fee schedules allow residents to retain their assets to fund living expenses. An added perk is the disappearance of homeowners’ insurance, repairs, and even automobile expenses. Because of transportation and the all-inclusive physical and social structure, many Villagers forego car ownership completely.

Worry-free finances? Cross this off the checklist as well. Throughout St. Barnabas’ 123-year history, sound financial management and unrivaled debt-free status make it all possible.

6. Peace of mind

See above!

The Village at St. Barnabas is part of St. Barnabas Communities that also includes The Woodlands carriage homes in Valencia and White Tail Ridge townhouses in Gibsonia. Persons interested in retirement living at St. Barnabas should contact Cindy Boyd at 724-444-5568 or cboyd@stbarnabashealthsystem.com. n

Why Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease is NOW so Important

By Joseph Maroon, MD, FACS

Alzheimer’s disease and the associated dementia is the number one fear of older Americans, according to annual health surveys. This fear is certainly well deserved. There has been widespread interest in the new drug Leqembi that was recently approved for payment coverage by Medicare for Alzheimer’s disease. Leqembi is the first medical approved medication proven to temporarily slow the progression of the disease, following an earlier US FDA approval for this drug.

Leqembi researchers have reported that the medication could help slow the rate of cognitive decline of people with early Alzheimer’s disease by 27% after 18 months of treatment. Leqembi is a monoclonal antibody, developed by pharmaceutical companies Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc., which works by clearing beta-amyloid from the brain. A Leqembi prescription would cost about $19,500 per year, with estimated out-ofpocket costs as high as $10,000.

Alzheimer’s disease is a devastating disease that afflicts over 6.7 million older Americans generally over the age of 65 and is rapidly increasing due to our aging population. The Medicare approval to pay for the drug requires being diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment or mild Alzheimer’s disease dementia. This requirement is due to the initial research results using Leqembi, which showed this group demonstrated significant cognitive improvement. In addition, specialized brain scans, such as

a PET or MRI, must be done to document evidence of beta-amyloid plaque, the abnormal protein found in the brain, of those with Alzheimer’s disease. The cost of this testing may have to be borne by the patient.

Leqembi, and other similar acting drugs that are in the research pipeline, are thought to reduce that amount of plaque, but not thought to cure the disease. There are also known side effects of these drugs that must be considered. The most common are swelling and bleeding in the brain that usually subsides over time. Some people may have symptoms such as headache, confusion, dizziness, vision changes, nausea, and even seizures that occur with the swelling and bleeding.

Why Early Diagnosis is Better

People with dementia can live meaningful and productive lives for many years after an early diagnosis. An early diagnosis helps both the person and caregivers learn about dementia, set realistic expectations, and plan for their future together. In addition, as seen with the results for the drug, Leqembi, improved cognitive function only in those in the early phase of the disease. Therefore, it is critical to obtain an accurate diagnosis at the first sign of dementia symptoms. In many instances, Alzheimer’s disease can go undiagnosed for several years. According to research produced by John Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, the average amount of time between when diagnosis is made and

when symptoms start is approximately 2.8 years.

In general, almost all treatments for dementia have shown the best results with early intervention. Cognitive training intervention focuses on improving memory, attention, and other cognitive skills. Physical exercise, social engagement, healthy lifestyle, such as eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can all help to improve cognitive function and reduce both the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and may slow dementia progression in those with Alzheimer’s disease.

There is often little insight or recognition by older individuals who begin to show the typical symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. Forgetfulness, speech, and behavioral changes are often ignored-considered “old age.” Social stigmas and embarrassment also play a large role in delayed evaluation and treatment. It is more important than ever to seek medical help promptly and learn about the latest treatments that can improve quality of life for millions of Americans. n

Joseph C. Maroon, MD is a Board-Certified Neurosurgeon, Nutritional and Sports Medicine Expert. Dr. Maroon has written and lectured extensively on brain health and healthy life choices. As a competitive Ironman triathlete, Dr. Maroon practices what he preaches and is committed to the promoting healthy choices to his patients and readers.

What Makes an Age-Friendly Community?

Does our community grow with us? How well does it respond to the changes that occur in the demographics that make up each of our neighborhoods? Depending on your location and your own personal experience, your answer may vary. Each neighborhood will likely have a wide array of responses among its residents.

The Commonwealth is interested in hearing and gathering your input as it develops its Master Plan for Older Adults. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, “The Master Plan is a 10-year, state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan designed

to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians. The plan will also reflect the needs and preferences of this population to live where they choose and access the supports they need to thrive and age in place.”

The Commonwealth is currently hosting listening sessions in-person throughout the region. There are also virtual options available. During these listening sessions, the moderators discuss AARP’s 8 Domains of Livability. These domains comprise what features are considered for the age-friendliness of a community.

1. Outdoor space and buildings: what outdoor and green spaces are available? Are there accessible features that make the space enjoyable for all? Are there sidewalks available and if so, how are their conditions?

2. Transportation: what public transit and paratransit options are available? What is their frequency? What is the availability of other transit options, like taxis or ride-shares?

3. Housing: is affordable housing available? If someone needs a higher level of care, are there assisted living, nursing facilities nearby? Is there anything in between, such as domiciliary care or personal care homes?

4. Social participation: is there a local senior activity center? What about adult day programs in the neighborhood for those who need assistance with activities of daily living? For family caregivers, are there close by support programs? Are there other options for social activities through community centers, churches, or other gathering places?

5. Respect and social inclusion: how does the community connect with its older residents? Are there intergenerational programs, for instance, linking up with the home school district? Do residents see any ageism present in their neighborhood? What is the response when someone sees such an issue? For others who speak another language, have differing physical or cognitive abilities, etc., do they feel included?

6. Work and civic engagement: for someone who has retired or is looking for a second career, what options exist? Are there paid or volunteer opportunities available?

7. Community and information: how do community leaders share information and is it accessible? For example, are the community magazines or newsletters in accessible formats (large print, Braille, another language) or could be made available? What options exist for someone who does not have a smart device to receive emergency alerts? Is information on community organizations such as the Area Agency on Aging easy to find?

8. Community and health services: what types of health services are available? Is there a local hospital or urgent care for critical needs? Are there are geriatric medicine and mental health providers in the neighborhood’s vicinity? Are there waitlists to see specialists? Are there support groups available to meet and talk with others who may be going through a similar situation? Do equipment lending closets exist nearby?

If you have feedback to share for this plan, you can submit input by e-mailing AgingPlan@pa.gov or sending a letter to:

Pennsylvania Department of Aging

c/o Master Plan

555 Walnut St., 5th Floor Harrisburg, PA 17101

If you have questions about community resources related to older adults, please reach out to Education and Consultative Services of UPMC Senior Services. Our phone number is 866-430-8742, our e-mail is UPMCSeniorServices@ UPMC.edu, and our website is SeniorServices.UPMC.com. Join us on Facebook at facebook.com/groups/ UPMCSeniorServices. Please note that we are not a crisis or emergency line. n

Sources: AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities Pennsylvania Department of Aging

Dementia Caregiver Training

The University of Pittsburgh’s Pittsburgh Regional Dementia Caregiver Training and Employment Program was awarded a grant through the Henry L. Hillman Foundation as a part of its Healthy Aging Challenge. In partnership UPMC Senior Services, free training sessions for family caregivers, professionals, and intergenerational champions provide new ways of interacting and supporting individuals living with dementia. If you would like to learn more about this opportunity, please reach out to Education and Consultative Services of UPMC Senior Services at 866-430-8742 or UPMCSeniorServices@UPMC.edu.

Wednesday, October 25, 2023, will commemorate fifteen years of honoring esteemed individuals and organizations for achievements in creating better communities. Co-hosted by UPMC Senior Services and UPMC Western Behavioral Health, the annual Celebrating Champions Dinner and Auction will take place at the Westin Pittsburgh.

Guests will have the opportunity to greet honorees during a cocktail reception, place bids on items in a robust silent auction, purchase tickets for a month-long raffle of lavishly themed gift baskets and enjoy a superb dinner. The highlight of the evening is the awards presentation which recognizes the extraordinary impact that this year’s honorees have made to communities throughout our region and beyond.

The Grand Champion Award is the highest honor presented and is bestowed to an individual who has provided unparalleled leadership in cultivating better communities. Antoine Douaihy, MD, has been selected to receive this distinction. Dr. Douaihy is a full professor of Psychiatry and Medicine with the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. He is board

certified in both psychiatry and addiction medicine and holds clinical and academic titles such as senior academic director, Addiction Medicine Services; co-director, UPMC Tobacco Treatment Service; associate director, Office of Residency Training; and director, Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program. In addition, he has won numerous awards for his outstanding teaching and mentorship. Beyond the clinical and educational achievements, he has also been successful in many research and publishing endeavors.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Douaihy has focused his career on patient care, education, advocacy, and research in the field of addiction, psychology of behavior change, motivational interviewing, and HIV. His areas of clinical and research expertise are tobacco, cannabis, and other

substance use disorders (SUDs) and SUDs co-occurring with psychiatric disorders in adults and adolescents, tobacco cessation, and the psychology of behavior change. He also has substantial experience in training and disseminating evidence-based treatments for SUDs and is considered expert in mentoring practitioners across disciplines in medical and psychiatric settings on local, national, and international levels.

In recognition of his dedication to education and mentoring, Dr. Douaihy has been the recipient of multiple teaching awards including the Leonard Tow Humanism in Medicine Award, the Charles Watson Teaching Award, and the Donald Fraley Award for Medical Student Mentoring, recognizing him for the qualities of a masterful clinician, academician, educator, mentor, and contributor to the

medical school community and the community at large.

The Community Champion Award, given to acknowledge an organization that has demonstrated exceptional leadership to improve communities in an around the Pittsburgh region, is being presented to Achieva. Under the leadership of Stephen H. Suroviec, Achieva supports and empowers individuals with disabilities and their families. The vision of the organization is to build a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance.

Achieva was founded in 1951 by a group of family members with a common goal: to ensure their children with disabilities had the same chances in life that all children should be given. Their steadfast commitment helped establish a nationwide movement that changed the long history of isolation and segregation for both children and adults with disabilities.

Achieva is the only agency of its type in southwestern Pennsylvania that provides lifelong support. From early intervention therapies and diverse housing options to employment services and special needs trusts, Achieva provides services throughout the entire lifespan. These direct services are in addition to free advocacy and family support services - foundational services on which Achieva was built. Achieva is a nonprofit parent organization that has comprehensive services and supports through its several affiliate organizations, serving thousands of people with disabilities and their families each year.

The Caregiver Champion Award recognizes an extraordinary individual

whose dedication to the realm of caregiving significantly enhances the well-being of others. Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN, is the 2023 awardee. Dr. Dunbar-Jacob is Dean Emeritus and Distinguished Service Professor of Nursing, as well as a professor of Psychology, Epidemiology, and Occupational Therapy at the University of Pittsburgh. She was the dean of the School of Nursing from 2001 to 2022.

Dr. Dunbar-Jacob has been a member of the faculty at the University of Pittsburgh since 1984. She has worked as a staff nurse, unit manager, nursing director, and taught nursing at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her most recent teaching is primarily at the doctoral level.

As both a nurse and a psychologist, Dr. Dunbar-Jacob’s scholarly work focuses on the study of patient adherence to treatment in individual studies and multicenter trials, addressing a variety of patient populations including rheumatological conditions, cardiovascular risk factors, and diabetes. She also was the first director of the School of Nursing’s Center for Research and Evaluation from 1987 to 1996. Her work has been recognized with the University of Pittsburgh Chancellor’s Distinguished Research Award, the Pennsylvania Nightingale Award for research, the Pathfinders Award for research by the Friends of the NINR, and induction into the Sigma Theta Tau International Inaugural Nurse Researcher Hall of Fame.

During her tenure as dean, Dr. Dunbar-Jacob played a prominent role in the nursing community, shaping generations of caregivers and improving quality of

care. She has had a considerable influence on the community broadly and specifically to the psychiatric mental health nurse community. She has touched the lives of countless nursing students, supporting their development, professional and clinical curiosity, and pride in the nursing profession. Additionally, she has elevated the profile of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing to national standing.

Proceeds from Celebrating Champions will be shared between the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care program, in support of senior residents who have outlived their financial resources, and the Making Minds Matter Fund at UPMC Western Behavioral Health, which provides for enhanced patient and family experiences for those navigating mental health challenges. Since 2009, the event has presented more than $2 million in net proceeds to further charitable care. n

$1,700 Per Table of Ten

To reserve your ticket and/or participate in related activities including the raffle and silent auction, contact Debra Panei, director of development, UPMC Senior Services, at 412-864-3524, email PaneiD@upmc.edu , or visit 2023CC.givesmart.com.

Antoine Douaihy, MD Stephen H. Suroviec and the staff of Achieva Jacqueline Dunbar-Jacob, PhD, RN, FAAN

Let our family take care of yours!

Waldman Holdings

We are a family-owned business with over 40 years of experience in senior living communities in Western Pennsylvania. We are the third-largest private owner of senior care facilities in the area. Our owners are always on-site and assisting with our residents. Let us introduce you to our communities!

Introducing The Gardens at Magnolia Place of Saxonburg! Magnolia Place of Saxonburg has been an integral part of the Saxonburg community by providing both personal and memory care support for residents. The Gardens is a new luxury addition that was just opened

in 2023. This wing features spacious private rooms complete with a variety of features ranging from kitchenettes to 1-bedroom apartments. This wing also features two lounges and a private dining room. The original building of Magnolia Place has also been fully renovated with new flooring,

lighting, and furniture.

The Seasons of Saxonburg finished a complete renovation in 2021. The memory care community was specially designed for dementia and Alzheimer’s and includes a walking path, sky lights and specialized calming colors. The memory care community also includes all private rooms with private bathroom and shower. Our personal care wings were also renovated to provide affordable luxury in a charming farmhouse setting in the Saxonburg community. There are only 28 personal care beds allowing for individualized attention in an intimate setting.

Norbert Personal Care, situated in Pittsburgh’s Overbrook community, has been offering senior care services since 1983. We’ve undertaken various renovations and expansions over the years. Recently, we’ve enhanced our services with a newly added Memory Care wing to better serve our residents and facilitate aging in place, featuring improvements like LED lighting to help reduce falls. The facility sits on 5 acres of a safe park-like environment.

Please call our Regional Marketing Director Kasandra at 412-889-1903 to schedule a tour!

Tips for Selling Your Home Faster

Selling a home can feel overwhelming, but you can attract potential buyers more quickly with the right approach. Here are tips to help you sell your home faster.

1. Hire an SRES® Designee for Expertise in Senior Markets:

When it comes to selling your home, enlisting the help of a Senior Real Estate Specialist® is invaluable. An SRES® designee is a real estate agent who has received specialized training to understand the unique needs and challenges older adults face in the housing market. By working with an SRES® designee, you benefit from their knowledge and experience in setting a competitive price, marketing your property effectively, and negotiating with potential buyers.

2. Use Technology for More Exposure:

When selling your home as an older adult, it is essential to work with a real estate agent familiar with technology to help you sell your space faster. They often post listings to the MLS, which reaches a wide network of buyers and agents, but ask about what other platforms and advancements they use. Virtual tour platforms allow buyers to explore your home remotely. Facebook and Instagram can attract a broader audience, and video conferencing tools like Zoom allow for virtual meetings and offer convenience for potential buyers. A tech-savvy agent who understands these technologies increases exposure and can sell your home faster.

3. Address Needed Repairs:

Before putting your home on the market, list features in your home that need some work. Repairing minor issues can greatly improve the appeal of your property and attract more buyers. Replacing worn-out flooring or painting walls an updated color are ways to “up” your property’s appeal without the financial burden of a full remodel. When assessing your home’s readiness to be sold, consider areas such as plumbing, electrical systems, roofing, and fixtures. Investing in these repairs can make your

home more attractive and help it sell faster. If you do not want to worry about any or all of the needed changes, talk with your SRES® designee to develop a strategy to meet your needs and sell your home quickly.

4. Set a Competitive Price:

Competitively pricing your home is crucial for a quick sale. Work with your Senior Real Estate Specialist® to determine an appropriate price based on market conditions, recent sales of other homes in your area, and the unique features of your property. Setting the right price from the beginning generates immediate interest and attracts serious buyers, increasing the chances of a faster sale.

5. Clean, Declutter, and Stage Your Home:

First impressions matter, so take the time to clean, declutter, and stage your home before showing it to potential buyers. Start by deep cleaning every room, and declutter by removing personal belongings and unnecessary items, including excess furniture. This creates an inviting atmosphere because you open up space and allow buyers to envision themselves moving in. Hire cleaners and professional stagers if you need help preparing your home. Bringing in cleaners can give your home extra sparkle and, stagers arrange the items in your home to maximize appeal. Although you want to make your entire property look as polished as possible, focus extra energy on the areas that highlight your home’s best features.

Sources: National Association of REALTORS®: NAR Finds Home Staging Helps Buyers Visualize, Homes Sell Faster https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/nar-finds-home-staging-helps-buyers-visualize-homes-sell-faster Forbes - Tips for Selling Your Home Faster: forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/sell-a-house-fast/

Deb Walton, SRES®

Are You Aware of Medicare Enrollment Rules?

By Crystal Manning

Medicare open enrollment is the annual period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 when people who have Medicare can change their health insurance plan. Specifically, you can apply for or make changes to your Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. All plan changes go into effect on January 1 of the following year.

Open enrollment for Medicare, also known as the annual election period or AEP, is the time when everyone who has a Medicare Advantage plan is allowed to make changes to their current Medicare

coverage. There are a few other times throughout the year when some Medicare recipients can change their health plans, but not everyone qualifies to make changes during those other times.

What is Medicare open

enrollment?

Medicare open enrollment starts Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7 each year. Specifically, open enrollment allows you to:

• Switch from Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) to Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C)

• Switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare

• Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another

• Enroll in a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan

• Switch from one Medicare prescription drug plan to another

Who can apply during Medicare open enrollment (AEP)?

The Medicare open enrollment period is for current Medicare beneficiaries, no matter what types of Medicare you’re enrolled in. It doesn’t matter if you use Original Medicare (Part A and B) or if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C).

Crystal A. Manning Medicare Advisor

What if I miss Medicare open enrollment?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is the time when you can switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another, or switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare with or without a Part D plan, if you did not do this before December 7. The MA OEP occurs each year from January 1 through March 31, and changes take effect on the first of the month following the month you enroll. You can only make one change during the MA OEP.

Special enrollment periods (SEPs)

Special enrollment periods allow Medicare beneficiaries to sign up for or make changes to their Medicare health plans following certain life events. Different events allow you to sign up for different parts of Medicare through a SEP.

If you need to sign up for Original Medicare but do not qualify for special enrollment, you won’t be able to enroll in Medicare until the next general enrollment period, which is from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. The only exception is if you are in your initial enrollment period, meaning you just became eligible for Medicare.

Medicare Supplement Insurance coverage (Medigap)

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also known as Medigap, helps beneficiaries pay out-of-pocket expenses associated with Original Medicare, including your copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. If you’re struggling with out-of-pocket costs, consider a Medicare supplement plan.

To apply for a Medigap plan, you must already be enrolled in Original Medicare. Once you enroll in Medicare Part B, you will have a six-month period to enroll in Medigap plans. You can also enroll in a Medigap plan during the standard Medicare open enrollment. It’s possible to cancel and enroll in a new Medigap plan at any time during the year, but insurers aren’t required to accept you for a new plan outside of the Medigap enrollment period, based on medical past history.

Getting Medicare for the first time — initial enrollment period

Individuals who are enrolling in Medicare for the first time do not sign up for Medicare or apply for plans during open enrollment. Instead, they have a sev-

en-month initial enrollment period when they can apply. Initial enrollment starts three months before you turn 65, includes the month of your 65th birthday, and ends three months after your birthday month.

Some Americans are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (Original Medicare) when they turn 65 if they are already claiming Social Security benefits or Railroad Retirement Board benefits.

If you aren’t automatically enrolled and you don’t sign up during the initial enrollment period, you usually must wait until the next Medicare general enrollment

period to sign up. General enrollment takes place from Jan. 1 to March 31 each year. Coverage then goes into effect on July 1. Penalties may apply if you do not follow Medicare enrollment guidelines.

The Medicare rules are complex and can be confusing. And mistakes can be costly. For more guidance as you make these decisions, please contact Crystal Manning, Licensed Medicare Specialist for a no cost consultation. 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com. n

Clear Thoughts Foundation — Roll for a Reason Gala

Clear Thoughts Foundation (CTF) is sponsoring a fundraising event.  Roll for a Reason Gala will be held 7:00-11 p.m. on Saturday, November 4, at the J. Verno Studios on Pittsburgh’s South Side.

“It is our largest fundraiser of the year, where 350+ attendees enjoy a Monte Carlo Casino Night featuring poker, blackjack, craps, roulette & slots; live, silent & basket raffle auctions; live magic; food, spirits, music & more. We are sponsoring this event so that we can continue to raise funds for this wonderful collaborative research. It is a great night for an even greater cause,” said Cait Fenello, CFT’s executive director.

CTF was founded in 2010 by siblings Hayley and Matthew Jameson and longtime friend Sharon Sippel after watching their father and friend, Don Jameson, suffer through the long, painful road of dementia. The organization was formed in an effort to help end this debilitating disease. Additionally, they are funding the CFT Consortium, a collaborative research group comprised of Dr. Robert Friedlander, Dr. Oscar Lopez, and Dr. Amantha Thathiah. These skillful doctors are working together to provide dementia treatments in Pittsburgh.

For more information on CTF and their Roll for a Reason Gala, visit www.clearthoughtsfoundation.org/ n

Best Years Ever Band (B.Y.E. Band) Bands Together and Gives Back to the Community

By Paula Green

One Christmas gift purchased several years ago led to bigger and better things for Mike and Shirlene Bungo of Gibsonia. The couple has been performing together for the past year and a half. The name of their group is Best Years Ever Band (B.Y.E. Band). They have a unique and fun story about how things started for them.

“We have a band (duo) that plays around town. I bought my wife, Shirlene, a keyboard a few years back for Christmas. We got ourselves a music and vocal coach and began a journey toward being able to play some songs for our family and friends. After five years, a friend entered us in a talent show which went quite well. From there, we decided it would be fun to see if we could get good enough to perform. Little did we know that to play a three-hour gig, you need about 40 songs! We started our trek to be the best live local show in town,” Mike said.

B.Y.E Band plays a wide variety of music. The most compliments they generally receive are around their setlist. They have played popular songs from the last seven decades. The couple likes to play songs that people love and can sing along to.

B.Y.E. Band made its debut in early 2022 and has played 24 times. The fantastic part of their story is that they donate 100% of their fees and tips to charity and the staff and venue that host their performances.

“A few charitable causes that we support are The Lori Fund (fallen soldier families), The Izzie Fund (lifesaving medical care for pet families), Hammock Dunes Care (local police athletic leagues), Pennies From Heaven (financial support for families that have hospitalized children), and Treesdale Golf & Country Club Employee Scholarship Fund. We donate all tips and fees and make personal donations. To date, we have only worked with charities that have zero admin fees, and we want to keep it that way,” said Mike.

“We are always looking for bigger audiences at our performances, as a larger audience provides a means to support our charities substantially. The generosity of our fans has been heartwarming. We have been earning our following with great music and have found that the combination of a great night out with the addition of supporting someone in need is what brings people to our shows. We enjoy going to a familiar venue where we know the staff and have the logistics down. It makes life easier, and having a waiter or waitress welcome us back is always great.” Mike added.

The couple has come a long way from their old corporate jobs. Shirlene used to work for Tropicana. She was a computer programmer who then transitioned into Supply Chain Management. Mike worked at Eaton Corp. for 37 years. Since they are retired, they’re snowbirds, so in addition to performing concerts in Pittsburgh, they also play in Palm Coast, Florida. “We head to Florida in mid-October and stay until early May. We came back one year in April, and it snowed! So, our all-go on the weather is now any time after the Kentucky Derby,” Mike said.

For more information on Best Years Ever Band (B.Y.E. Band), visit www.byeband.com. n

Aunt Helen’s Cookies

By Janice Lane Palko

Basketball coach Red Auerbach said the secret to success was to “Just do what you do best.” Well, Carmella Buzzelli does cookies best and that is illustrated by how well her Aunt Helen’s Cookies business has taken off.

“Iwas always baking cookies,” said Carmella, 63, of Allison Park. She grew up with three older brothers and a large extended family. Her mother, Helen, was one of 17 children, giving her dozens of cousins. “Since she had so many nieces and nephews, my mom was called ‘Aunt Helen’ more often than she was ‘Mom,’” said Carmella, who watched her mom bake with her sisters and sisters-in-law. “We had cookie tables for most family events, which included graduations, bridal showers, holidays, and, of course, weddings,” said Carmella, who is the mother of three and grandmother to seven.

Carmella spent 40 years in the health care industry, but the last few years she kept thinking about doing what she does best and starting her own cookie baking business.

“We applied for our license with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and thought the process would take some time, but we got our license very quickly and started the home baking business in November 2022. I thought it would take a while to ramp up, but things took off faster than expected,” said Carmella, who was working and baking at the same

time. “That was difficult, and I had to retire to keep up with all the orders,” said Carmella, who bakes approximately 50 dozen cookies a week for clients as well as for the stand she has at The Block at Northway’s Farmer’s Market and local craft shows, where she sometimes has the assistance of her grandchildren helping her there.

Carmella bakes from generational recipes passed down to her that have made timeless memories for her family and friends, and she enjoys extending that love to others through her cookies. She offers approximately 30 different varieties of cookies from classics like chocolate chips and snickerdoodles to truffles to Italian specialties like biscotti and stuffed pizzelles to pretty-as-a-picture peach and lemon cookies.

“So many people have told me that my mother would be so proud of me for opening this business and continuing her tradition of providing love and cookies, but I had a difficult time designing a logo with my mother’s image on it. None of the pictures looked right, but then I remembered, that my mother hated having her picture taken so the caricature seemed appropriate, and relatives have said it captured her perfectly,” said Carmella.

“I’m just happy to be able to continue what she did and bring people together over cookies.” n

For more information on Aunt Helen’s Cookies and its mouth-watering confections, visit: AuntHelensCookies.com

F E A T U R E D I N T H E

N O V E M B E R & D E C E M B E R I S S U E S

P r o m o t i n g e v e r y t h i n g f r o m t r e e s , t r e a t s , P r o m o t i n g e v e r y t h i n g f r o m t r e e s , t r e a t s , h o l i d a y e v e n t s a n d g i f t s g a l o r h o l i d a y e v e n t s a n d g i f t s g a l o r e ! e !

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N o r t h e r n C o n n e c t i o n M a g a z i n e i s a

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P i t t s b u r g h a r e a .

I N V I T E S Y O U T O P A R T I C I P A T E I N P I T T S B U R G H ’ S

Pittsburgh’s Beer History

By Janice Lane Palko

September is the month that kicks off Oktoberfest celebrations. The first celebration was held in 1810 in honor of the royal wedding of King Ludwig I and Crown Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen in Bavaria.

Pittsburgh has had a fondness for beer even before the city was a city, and the area’s affinity for it predates Oktoberfest. The first brewery here was established in 1765, when the British Army began brewing the sudsy stuff at Fort Pitt, making it the first brewery west of the Alleghenies. The first commercial brewery, The Point Brewery, was founded in 1803, by Colonel James O’Hara.

The brewing scene in the area has evolved over the centuries. Early breweries included the Wainwright Brewery in Lawrenceville, The M. Winter Brothers Brewery, which sold their brew in wooden kegs to biergartens and taverns.

Edward Frauenheim, who came from Germany, established Iron City Brewing Company in 1861. The Eberhardt & Ober Brewing Company was founded in 1870 by John Ober and his brother-in-law William Eberhardt. It was located on the North Side at Vinial Street, at the foot of Troy Hill in Deutschtown in what was then Allegheny City.

According to the 1895 Pittsburgh Business Directory, there were approximately 30 breweries in the Pittsburgh area. Back then, New York and Pennsylvania were the leading beer producers, brewing 85% of all the beer produced in America.

In 1899, the beer world in Pittsburgh went through a radical reorganization when 12 local breweries- Wainwright Brewing Company, Winter Brothers Brewing Company, Eberhardt & Ober Brewing Company, Iron City Brewing Company, Phillip Lauer, John H. Nusser, Hippely & Sons, Ober Brewing Company, J. Seiferth Brothers, Straub Brewing Company, Phoenix Brewing Company, and the Keystone Brewing Company as well as nine breweries from the outlying areas joined in as well. These 21 breweries united to become the Pittsburgh Brewing Company.

The Fort Pitt Brewing Co. operated from 1906 to 1957, and their advertising slogan was “That’s it, Fort Pitt.” Often when we ran out of something or we badgered my parents, to do something, they’d reply, “That’s it, Fort Pitt.” I still say that phrase myself.

The Benedictine monks at St. Vincent’s Archabbey in nearby Latrobe also brewed beer for a while selling their Monastery Beer to raise funds to help the poor. After 42 years, they closed the brewery in 1898. Latrobe is also the home of Rolling Rock beer, which was established in 1939 by the Tito Brothers.

In 1899, The Duquesne Brewing Company was established, and its beer became known as the “Prince of Pilsners.” It operated on the South Side and besides its beer, Duquesne Brewing was also noted for its large clock. The Pittsburgh icon was larger than Big Ben’s clockface and kept the time until 1999. Then Pittsburgh Brewing took it over and since then there has been a succession of owners.

The past several decades have been proven to be a Renaissance in the beer world with numerous micro-breweries opening throughout the region, which is a boon for beer lovers. And in keeping with the area’s rich beer history and its love for the beverage, a group has been working to establish a beer museum in the area called BREW. Knowing the area’s affinity for brewskies, I’m sure we’ll drink to that notion. n

MULTI-DAY TOURS

(All Multi-day are priced per person, double occupancy)

A Savannah Holiday

Nov 24-29

Christmas Mansions in Newport

$1,684

Nov 29-Dec 2 $1,252

New York at Christmas

Dec 1-3 $858

Williamsburg at Christmas

Dec 1-4 $899

Cape May Sugar Plum Memories

Dec 5-7 $764

A Country Christmas at the Opryland Hotel

Dec 7-10 $1,775

CASINO TOURS

Caesar’s Casino Atlantic City

Oct 15-18 $399

Seneca Niagara Casino

Oct 29-31 $368

Tropicana Casino Atlantic City

Nov 12-15 $444

ONE-DAY TOURS

The Big House-OH State Reformatory

Oct 6 $265

Blennerhassett by Candlelight

Oct 7 $180

Amish Harvest Delights-Walnut Creek, OH

Oct 17 $159

Progressive Wine Tour

Oct 19 $197

Amish Harvest-Middlefield, OH

Oct 25 $183

Castle Noel Christmas

Nov 4 $205

Christmas in Amish Country: Branson-Style

Nov 11 $199

Oglebay Dinner Show

Nov 15; Dec 5 $165

Christmas Gardens

Dec 1 $175

AIR TOURS & MOTORCOACH-TO-CRUISE

New Year’s Rose Parade

Dec 30-Jan 4 $3,675

National Parks & Canyons of the Southwest

May 4-9** $2,725

Bus to Bermuda

Jul 20-25* Starting at $1,295

*Includes port charges, taxes, fees, & shipboard gratuities!

**Includes round-trip airfare from Pittsburgh

Motorcoach Drivers Wanted! Current CDL Class B required with Passenger Endorsement. Contact Mark Snyder at 412-749-4188 or email your resume to mark.snyder@coachusa.com

Step Back Into...1953

The Korean War ends A Queen is crowned

By Paula Green

In 1953, Americans were buying homes in the suburbs, and they were busy purchasing new cars, televisions, and refrigerators. The “buy now, pay later” mentality had become popular. Virologist Dr. Jonas Salk announced that he had successfully tested a vaccine to prevent polio and that clinical trials would begin sometime in the next year.

Average

The average income was $4,000. Cost of a new home $9,550. and monthly rent was $85. A new car sold for approximately $1,650. Gasoline was 20 cents a gallon. A dozen eggs sold for 27 cents. A gallon of milk cost 94 cents, and a loaf of bread was 16 cents. A pound of hamburger meat was 53 cents and Romaine lettuce cost 10 cents a pound. A bottle of Coke cost a nickel. A first-class stamp was 3 cents.

Firsts

The first color television sets appear selling for $1,175.

Transistor radios start to appear for sale.

The first Corvette came off the production line in Flint, Michigan.

The first washer/dryer combo was introduced.

Burger King opened its first restaurant in Jacksonville, Florida.

Swanson made its first TV dinner, which consisted of a Thanksgiving meal of turkey, cornbread dressing, frozen peas, and sweet potatoes.

U.S. Events

U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare (now Health and Human Services) was created.

Television

On September 12, Senator John F. Kennedy (D-Massachusetts) married Jacqueline Bouvier at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Newport, Rhode Island.

World News

The United States and North Korea signed an armistice ending the Korean War after three years and one month.

Queen Elizabeth II is crowned on June 2 in a grand coronation ceremony at Westminster Abbey.

Josef Broz Tito is elected president of Yugoslavia. Soviet leader

Joseph Stalin died on March 5.

Entertainment

Popular films: The Band Wagon, Calamity Jane, From Here to Eternity, Gentleman Prefer Blondes, Hondo, House of Wax, How to Marry a Millionaire, Kiss Me Kate, Mogambo, Niagara, Peter Pan, Roman Holiday, Shane, Stalag 17, and The Robe.

GE Theatre, I Love Lucy, Life with Father, Name That Tune, Red Skelton Show, Robert Montgomery Presents, Romper Room, Search for Tomorrow, The Danny Thomas Show, The Life of Riley, Topper, The Tonight Show, Twenty Questions, What’s My Line, You Are There, and Your Show of Shows.

Songs

Hit tunes – Baby Don’t Do It, Broken Wings, Dragnet, Gee, Hey Joe, Hound Dog, I Believe, I’m Walking Behind You, Look at That Girl, Money Honey, Pretend, Rags to Riches, Shake a Hand, She Wears Red Feathers, Side By Side, Tell Me a Story, That’s Amore and The Orioles.

Publishing

TV Guide debuts; on the cover of the first issue are Lucille Ball and her newborn son, Desi Arnaz IV. Popular books: Battle Cry, Beyond This Place, Brave New World, Casino Royale, Catch-22, The Crucible, Doctor Zhivago, East of Eden, Fahrenheit 451, Foundation, Lord Vanity, Nine Stories and The Silver Chalice.

Sports

NFL - The 1953 season ended on December 27 with

U.S. Air Force test pilot Chuck Yeager sets speed record in X-1 rocket plane.

the NFL championship game; the Detroit Lions defeated the Cleveland Browns. MLB - New York Yankees over Brooklyn, 4-2 (fifth consecutive win). The Montreal Canadiens clinched the Stanley Cup. The Minneapolis Lakers were the NBA champs. In baseball news, St. Louis Browns move to Baltimore to become the Orioles, and Boston Braves move to Milwaukee.

Politics

President: Dwight D. Eisenhower; Vice President: Richard Nixon. General Dwight D. Eisenhower was sworn in as the President of the United States on January 20, he succeeded Harry S Truman.

Quotes

“Whatever America hopes to bring to pass in the world must first come to pass in the heart of America.”

~President Eisenhower, Inaugural Address, 1/20/53

“Ever since the morning of May 29, 1953, when Tenzing Norgay and I became the first climbers to step onto the summit of Mount Everest, I’ve been called a great adventurer.”

~ Edmund Hillary

“I first saw the site for Disneyland back in 1953. In those days it was all flat land – no rivers, no mountains, no castles, or rocket ships – just orange groves, and a few acres of walnut trees.”

~ Walt Disney

Sources: www.thepeoplehistory.com/1973. html, www.infowww.infoplease.com/year/1953, www.thepeoplehistory.com/1953.html, fiftiesweb.com/pop/prices-1953/, /www.pbs.org/ wgbh/americanexperience/features/eisenhower-world-timeline-1953, htwww.babyboomers. com/1953, hobbylark.com/party-games/FunFacts-and-Trivia-From-the-Year-1953, www. eisenhowerlibrary.gov/eisenhowers/quotes, quotestats.com/topic/quotes-about-1953/

Grilling Thru Former Burger Joints In the ‘Burgh

By Paula Green

How many of us remember Wimpy’s words from the  Popeye cartoon? “I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today!” Maybe Wimpy was on to something when you crave a burger; now works better than later.

Although there are many tasty fast-food burger restaurants, sadly, some have come and gone. We›re going to reminisce about some that have shuttered their doors.

White Castle was founded on September 13, 1921, in Wichita, Kansas; it’s been credited as the world’s first fast-food hamburger chain. White Castle is known for its small, square “slider” hamburgers. Currently, there are 351 White Castles left in the United States. During its prime, this eatery was located in Pittsburgh, but they’re all gone; only two remain in eastern

Pennsylvania in Allentown.

Another burger joint that was prominent in Pittsburgh was White Tower. Founded in 1926 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with its similar white fortress-like building, it is considered to be an imitator of White Castle. At its peak in the 1950s, there were 230 White Towers, but the chain steadily declined. The last location, in Toledo, Ohio, was permanently closed in April 2022 due to a fire.

An additional nostalgic eatery was Winky Burgers, founded in 1962. Their slogan was “Winky’s Makes You

Happy To Be Hungry.” The eatery featured The Big Wink, The Great One, and the Ground Rounder. Their signage read, “Winky’s Hamburger 15¢.” At its height in 1977, the company had 42 stores in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. A downturn in the local economy forced the company to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 1982.

Burger Chef was established in 1954 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In ten years, Burger Chef became the second-largest burger chain behind McDonald’s. Their signature creations were the Big Shef and the Super Shef. In 1973, Burger Chef catered to kids when they bundled burgers and a dessert with toys, puzzles, and colorful characters. They called this the “Fun Meal,” and it was introduced six years prior to McDonald’s “Happy Meal.” Burger Chef struggled financially in the late 70s and early 80s. In 1982, the 679 locations of Burger Chefs were purchased by Hardee’s. The burger chain faded away; the final Burger Chef closed in 1996.

Hardees opened on September 3, 1960 in Greenville, North Carolina. The one-of-a-kind menu included 15-cent hamburgers, 10-cent fries, and 20-cent milkshakes. By the end of the 60s, there were more than 200 Hardee’s locations, with various ones in Pittsburgh. Today, the only remain-

ing local one is on North Avenue in Millvale.

Another burger place that was in Pittsburgh and quickly vanished was Fuddruckers. Founded in 1979 in San Antonio, Texas, it is known for its large hamburgers made from 100% freshly ground beef and baked hamburger buns. Fuddruckers’ signs read, “World’s Greatest Hamburgers.” This establishment was a welcomed addition to the region. But as they say, all good things must come to an end. Fuddruckers are gone; there are none

in western PA, and only four remain in the eastern part of the state. Even though these places are a faded memory, you can still find plenty of places to grab a juicy burger. So, eat and enjoy; it will tantalize your taste buds! n

Sources: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Castle_ restaurants, sca-roadside.org/white-tower-takeson-pittsburgh/, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winky, burgerbeast.com/burger-chef/, www.mashed. com/238779/the-untold-truth-of-burger-chef/, www.hardees.com/about-us, www.thrillist.com/eat/nation/things-you-didnt-know-about-fuddruckers-trivia-about-theburger-chainpos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/ burger-quotes-and-captions