February 2021 Issue of Northern Connection Magazine

February 2021

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 22 YEARS

Solevo Wellness

More Than a Medical Marijuana Dispensary

Also...

2021 Health Care Guide | Fighting Flu and COVID-19 Presidential Firsts Trivia | Remembering Joanne Rogers

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FEBRUARY 2021 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

February

NORTHERN CONNECTION 10

NC Features 6 Year of the Ox Rothrock’s Kung-Fu and Tai Chi 26 Home Guide 28 Facts From the Farm Ron Eichner

Kids & Education 22 School Movers & Shakers 23 SkillsUSA at A.W. Beattie Builds Leaders Janice Lane Palko

2021 Healthcare Guide 10 Cover Story: Solevo Wellness: More Than a Medical Marijuana Dispensary Janice Lane Palko 12 Dr. Jeffrey Astbury: Presenter, Panelist, and Collaborator for the Council on Perioperative Echocardiography and the American Society of Echocardiography in 2020 14 AHN Wexford Hospital – Keeping Exceptional Health Care in the Community Janice Lane Palko 16 St. Margaret Foundation Announces New Board Chair and Vice Chair 18 Boost Immune System to Fight Against Flu and COVID-19 Virus Belinda Burchick, PPh, BPharm

Senior Living 20 Difference Between Medicare AEP and OEP Crystal Manning

Advertorials 5

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

In Every Issue...

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Movers & Shakers of the Month: Joanne Rogers Paula Green From the Editor: Another “‘R” Janice Lane Palko

24 Support Our Troops: Celebrating 80 Years of the United States Coast Guard Reserve Paula Green 25 Trivia Connection: Presidential Firsts Trivia Paula Green

Welcome to the February issue of Northern Connection Magazine! We look forward to our 22nd year of connecting you to the community. We would like to thank all our advertisers and readers for your support.

Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work.

Enjoy reading our February issue!

Marion Piotrowski President & Publisher

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P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

Phone: 724-940-2444 ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 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.

ADVERTORIAL

Cindy P. As heard on KDKA

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Year of the Ox Courtesy of Rothrock’s Kung-Fu and Tai Chi

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e will feel the yoke of responsibility coming soon on us this year. Success cannot be achieved without conscientious efforts. The trials and tribulations the Ox year brings will be mainly on the home front. It is a good time to settle domestic affairs and put your house in order.

This year will no doubt bear fruit, but the motto is “No work, no pay!” Time waits for no man; if we are too lazy to sow, then we can blame no one if we have nothing to reap. We will find many things requiring our attention, and the list of what needs to be done will seem endless.

Most conflicts this year will arise more from a lack of communication and refusal to give in on small technicalities than anything else. But hang on and be patient. Everything will be sorted out, and we will be rewarded for our efforts.

The Ox Personality

The Ox or the Buffalo sign symbolizes prosperity through fortitude and hard work.

A person born during this year will be dependable, calm, and methodical. A patient and tireless work

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Joanne Rogers

By Paula Green “I don’t mean to sound boastful, but he was my icon before he was anyone else’s. Being Mrs. Fred Rogers has been the most remarkable life I could ever have imagined.” – Joanne Rogers

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n January 14, the Pittsburgh community and folks from around the country were deeply saddened to learn of Joanne Rogers’s passing at the age of 92.

Joanne was married to Fred Rogers, who was the host of the children’s TV show Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The two had a loving relationship and were married for over 50 years until his untimely death in 2003. The couple shared a passion for music. After Fred’s death, Joanne helped develop the Fred Rogers Center for Early Learning and Children’s Media at St. Vincent College in Latrobe.

Some may think that Joanne lived her life in the shadow of her famous husband, but she was quite an accomplished entertainer herself. Joanne was an acclaimed pianist and a great advocate for the arts, and she was involved in the Pittsburgh Youth Symphony Orchestra.

Joanne was born Sara Joanne Byrd in Jacksonville, Florida, in 1928. As a southern girl with two first names, she decided to go by Joanne and dropped the name Sara.

Joanne met Fred McFeely Rogers when they both were attending Rollins College in Orlando, Florida. In her last year at the college, Fred wrote Joanne a letter and proposed marriage. They were married in New York City in 1952 and moved to Pittsburgh in 1953 when Fred joined WQED and hosted The Children’s Corner.

In 1968, Fred’s program series called Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood aired nationally for the first time on February 19, 1968. The successful children’s show ran on PBS until August 31, 2001. During the series run, Joanne was always the driving force behind her husband’s production; she even made a few guest appearances. She was the inspiration for the puppet character Queen Sara, wife of King Friday XIII. In 2019, Joanne vigorously promoted the film based on her husband’s life called It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. The movie featured Tom Hanks as Mr. Rogers and Maryann Plunkett as Mrs. Rogers. Joanne and Fred had two sons, James and John, who were also occasional visitors to Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood. We thank Joanne for her many years of happiness that she brought to the Pittsburgh community. May she rest in peace. n

Sources: https://www.biography.com/news/mister-rogers-wife-joanne-love-story, https://allthatsinteresting.com/joanne-rogers, https://www.misterrogers.org/, https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/joanne-rogers-widow-of-tvs-famed-misterrogers-dies-at-92

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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FROM THE EDITOR

Another “R”

By Janice Lane Palko When You’re Going Through Hell, Keep Going – Winston Churchill

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t is said that in school they teach you the three “Rs” reading, writing and arithmetic, but there is another “R” that we’ve all be studying, whether we like it or not, and that is resilience. And for many of us this, may be the most important class we will ever take.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines resilience as “the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened” or “the ability of a substance to return to its usual shape after being bent, stretched, or pressed.”

I don’t know about you but for nearly a year since the pandemic gripped us, I’ve been feeling a bit bent, stretched and pressed, and I bet many of you are too.

To borrow from Charles Dickens, this time has not been the “best of times.”

Unless you are detached from reality, I’m guessing that you and everyone you know has suffered something this past year be it the postponement of a special event like a wedding, the loss of a loved one or maybe a job or income, the ability to travel at will, freedom to breathe without a face covering, or maybe a way of life or an enormous amount of anxiety over what our future holds.

So, how do we spring back from all of this? According to a 2018 Psychology Today article, called “Resilience 101,” one of the most important things you can do when enduring or trying to spring back from a difficulty is to check your negative thought patterns. Are you hearing your mind repeating things like: I can’t take this much longer! This is never going to get better. What’s going to happen now?

You need to stop this. As I have mentioned in past columns, that when I was in my thirties, I suffered with an anxiety disorder and panic attacks, and one of the best books that helped me get my negative thoughts under control was Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by Dr. David Burns. The book teaches you to pay attention to what you are thinking and put the lie to them because you, essentially, are what you think. Therefore, if your mind is polluted with “stinkin thinkin,” you are going to be miserable. And don’t forget there is a mind-body-spirit connection.

If your thinking is negative, it affects your health and your spirit. It is a difficult task to rein in your thoughts, but there are some things you can do help. The first is to take good care of yourself—eat well, get out in the sun if we get a sunny day, exercise and get sleep. When you are tired, everything goes out of whack.

Spiritually, pray, meditate, and take time to be quiet, which is exceedingly harder to do these days with cell phones and all of us being cooped up together.

Also, reflect on your past, you’ve been an overcomer before, and you can do it again. Maybe you were cut from a team in high school, or maybe you lost a job or loved one. Maybe you failed at school or in business. No one escapes an education from the school of hard knocks. If you’ve made this far, you can keep on going!

Finally, and most importantly, if you are really struggling, seek help. It may be as simple as just telling someone how you are feeling that will lighten your load, or maybe you need some professional help. There’s no shame in that. Smart people admit it when they need help. And I’ll clue you in on something, you are not alone.

When I finally revealed that I was terribly worried and suffering from panic attacks, nearly everyone I told, either revealed that they had felt the way sometime in their life or had someone in their immediate family struggling too.

So, though we’ve all been tested this year, there is hope. Nothing bad lasts forever. One of my favorites quotes is: The Lowest Ebb is the Turning of the Tide. Here’s looking forward to that tide changing soon and all of us riding a wave of good times and fortunes and coming back better, stronger and wiser than ever. n

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www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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COVER STORY

More Than a Medical Marijuana Dispensary

By Janice Lane Palko There are many medical marijuana dispensaries in the area, but there is only one like Solevo Wellness.

Since 2018 when Solevo became the first medical marijuana dispensary in Allegheny County, it has strived to provide quality care and more for those in the community. Solevo now has grown to three locations: Squirrel Hill, Cranberry and Washington. Northern Connection magazine recently caught up with Solevo Wellness, speaking with Rocco Levine, Operations Director, and Dr. Richard Greer, Pharmacy Director.

Q. What sets Solevo apart?

A. Solevo Wellness has been built upon education and patient support. In the medical marijuana industry, we tend to see the lack of both very important types of information and support throughout the United States. Understanding our patients and their needs helps us create a safer and more medical approach to marijuana. We strive on educating our staff, in every position, to help a patient along their journey to a better life. – Rocco Levine Q. How do most of your patients come to you?

A. Most patients find Solevo Wellness through their physician or by word of mouth. Solevo Wellness has built a Wellness Center dedicated to helping our patients and their needs. This and our very accessible buildings help people understand that this is a medical facility, and you should expect the highest level of professionalism. – Rocco Levine Q. What sort of results are patients reporting to you?

A. Each patient is different and has different needs with regards to medical marijuana and what it could help treat. At Solevo Wellness, we take an approach to medical marijuana where we slowly build the patient’s education about the endocannabinoid system and the medicine we provide. This helps ensure little to no adverse effects, and a higher success rate than when dealing

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solely with a patient’s symptoms. Obviously, we wish we could say this helps with everything for everyone, but as we know, everybody responds differently to medical marijuana. – Rocco Levine Q. Have you been surprised by any of the results you are seeing?

A. If you are new to medical marijuana, some of the results or stories patients provide may seem impossible. Medical marijuana has helped patients from the age of two up to 98. Since this is a relatively new industry, there will always be results that surprise all of us. Medical marijuana has not been researched enough, or to the degree that we completely understand this. Until we start understanding the medicine more, we will be surprised by the results we do see daily. – Rocco Levine Q. You have expanded to three locations?

A. Yes, the patient base is continuing to grow due to education, outreach and new diagnoses being added to the program. Since anxiety has been added as a qualifying condition, the program has grown over 25%. We will continue to see growth in our industry with more conditions being added to list, opening the range of qualified patients. – Rocco Levine

Q. Are people becoming more receptive to using medical marijuana?

A. Time will always help reduce the stigma associated with using medical marijuana, due to the very nature of humanity. Word-ofmouth, education and research will reach more people, and more people will become more comfortable once they know the plant and its possibilities. Our facilities help lift the presence of marijuana to a medical standard. – Rocco Levine Q. Is the medical community becoming more comfortable with recommending that patients try medical marijuana?

A. There will always be hesitation from the medical community regarding medical marijuana, due to the lack of research provided and approved in our industry, which sometimes hinders a medical professional’s approach to medical marijuana. Medical professionals are very well-educated individuals with years of training. Taking on a new medicine that has little to no research on its effects, dosing, etc. will create an uncomfortable feeling for these professionals. Since the Pennsylvania program has brought medical professionals into the industry, we have seen a huge step in the right direction for all sides in the medical community.

– Rocco Levine Q. Is there one form of medical marijuana that is more popular, or does it depend on the condition that is being treated?

A. When we talk about forms, we are talking about the types of medical marijuana products we carry. Everyone has a different path, and depending on their comfortability with medical marijuana, we will choose a form that works best for them. The form that is the most “popular” is dry leaf, or the flower of the plant.

– Rocco Levine Q. What kind of community involvement does Solevo support or participate in?

A. For 2021, you will see Solevo Wellness continue with many of the same initiatives we have been involved with while including some new ones as well. We have traditionally been involved with general medical marijuana advocacy for patients, but more specifically for children who qualify for medical marijuana, veterans, and first responders. Essentially, any businesses or organizations that has an interest in the betterment of people’s lives are potential targets for Solevo’s participation. – Dr. Richard Greer Q. How are you helping the senior population?

A. Throughout the course of the pandemic, the senior population has become even more of a focus for us at Solevo Wellness.

COVID-19 has left seniors especially vulnerable, not only from potentially contracting the virus but also from the isolation from family and friends. This has provided us with the opportunity to partner with several organizations over the past year who serve this population and offer these individuals some relief from the isolation they may be experiencing through gifts as well as companionship. – Dr. Richard Greer

out of our buildings - both employees and patients - are required to wear masks when inside. We installed iWave air filters in our HVAC system to kill airborne bacteria and viruses, we have our locations professionally cleaned/disinfected 2-3 times per week and, we have increased our cleaning protocols by employees throughout the workday. Due to the high transmission of the COVID virus, we have been especially vigilant with quarantining certain employees with potential exposure(s) but have not experienced significant issues with this. Most noticeably, you will see plexiglass dividers between our staff and patients to decrease the spread of COVID. With everything stated above, we have maintained focus on the patient. We hope any adaptations have had little - if any - disruption to the patient experience at Solevo Wellness. If a line forms outside of our door because we can only let a certain number of patients inside, we hurry to get patients in/out ASAP. If we are missing a Patient Care Consultant or two because of sickness, we allocate other employees to consult with patients.

Any mandates that we are required to follow are always taken seriously, but we are keeping everyone safe in a way that does not seriously sacrifice our services. – Dr. Richard Greer Q. With the restrictions in place for the COVID pandemic, in what ways are you able to still help educate the community?

A. Everything we do with community education has changed in comparison to how we did things pre-pandemic. With the capacity restrictions on public gatherings and requirements for social distancing, we went from having multiple educational events weekly to almost zero. There have been a select few in-person events, but we are mainly using Zoom, Teams, Google Meet or other means to educate in a group setting.

Fortunately, we’ve built strong relationships with some local organizations who are dedicated to helping patients with medical marijuana therapy. We have partnered with local groups dedicated to helping veterans, Parkinson’s patients, children with autism, and patients suffering from chronic pain to name a few educational presentations we have done throughout the pandemic.

Another fortunate outcome of the pandemic was dispensaries being deemed as essential businesses, in the same light as a traditional pharmacy. That allowed us to keep our doors open, uninterrupted, throughout the course of this pandemic and to continue to educate western Pennsylvania patients coming through our doors. – Dr. Richard Greer n

Q. How have you adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic?

A. Solevo has made several changes to adapt to the COVID pandemic. We have limited the number of patients who are allowed into our building to avoid crowds in our waiting rooms and so that we can maintain social distancing. Everyone coming in-and-

For more information on Solevo Wellness, visit the website at: www.solevowellness.com. www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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2021 Health Care Guide

Dr. Jeffrey Astbury: Presenter, Panelist, and Collaborator for the Council on Perioperative Echocardiography and the American Society of Echocardiography in 2020

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effrey Astbury, MD, FASE, FACC, FASA, MSBE, MSEE, Vice-Chairman for Cardiovascular Services, Department of Anesthesiology, Butler Health System was a panelist for the Council on Perioperative Echocardiography (COPE) at the virtual 31st American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) Scientific Sessions in August 2020. Dr. Astbury spoke about how to excel as an intraoperative echocardiographer while maintaining a busy clinical practice with other professionals in the field. The ASE Sessions focuses on cardiovascular ultrasound in clinical patient care.

Experts come together to discuss innovations and advancements that set the standards and guidelines within the field.

In November 2020, Dr. Astbury was asked to host an online forum called “Ask the Expert” for the Council on Perioperative Echocardiography of the American Society of Echocardiography.

During the session he fielded ques-

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tions from physicians regarding miniature TEE used in the ICU, complexities of transthoracic echocardiography use in the perioperative period, and echocardiographic techniques used to guide atrial transseptal puncture.

In December, Dr. Astbury participated on a Panel Discussion for the Steering Committee of the Council of Perioperative Echocardiography with Dr. Alina Nicoara, Ms. Natalya Read, Dr. Richard Shue, Dr. Daniel Drake, Dr. Sheela Pai Cole, Dr. Kimberly Howard-Quijano, Dr. Sam Bhatt and Dr. Alan Findley. They focused on planning educational initiatives for 2020-2021. Dr. Astbury was requested to write an article for the “Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography” (JASE) titled “Achieving Excellence in Perioperative Echocardiography for Non-Academic Practices.”

In addition to working with the Council on Perioperative Echocardiography and the American Society of Echocardiography, Dr. Astbury

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Dr. Jeffrey Astbury

also accepted an invitation to be a Case Reviewer for the journal titled “Cardiovascular Imaging Case Reports” where he reviewed two articles: “Cardiac Echinococcosis Associated Other Organ Involvement” and “Successful MitraClip Implantation in a Barlow’s Valve”.

In November 2020, he virtually met with the Future Women in Healthcare Club to speak about preparing for success, how to excel academically, and finding your career path.

In 2021, Dr. Astbury plans to continue to improve the echocardiography services at Butler Health System, as well as remaining active with the American Society of Echocardiography, the American College of Cardiology, the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Heart Association. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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2021 Health Care Guide

AHN Wexford Hospital Keeping Exceptional Health Care in the Community

By Janice Lane Palko “Receiving care close to home shouldn’t mean that if you or your loved ones require elevated levels of care that you need to go downtown. At Wexford Hospital, our objective is to keep high quality, state-of-the-art care right here in the community where our patients live,” said Allan Klapper, MD, President, AHN Wexford Hospital.

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r. Klapper says that the new hospital being constructed along Route 19 in front of the AHN Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion in Pine Township is on time and is scheduled to debut this fall. The hospital will not only bring the most sophisticated care to the community, but it will also be a boon to local businesses and provide a plethora of employment opportunities.

The new, 160-bed hospital will include a 24-room emergency department with specialized pediatric and behavioral

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health rooms, state-of-the-art operating rooms with minimally invasive robotic surgery capabilities, cardiac catheterization lab and hybrid OR, a short stay observation unit, advanced diagnostic imaging, and an adult intensive care unit. The hospital will offer a range of surgical specialties, as well as leading edge specialty care in cancer, neurology, cardiology, radiology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, endocrinology, orthopaedics and more.

Wexford Hospital will also offer comprehensive women and infant care, including the only labor and delivery unit in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, as well as advanced high-risk pregnancy services and a Level II neonatal intensive care unit. Women who are expecting in the fall will be able to deliver close to home. “We will have one of the region’s most robust OB/GYN programs with more than 17 physicians on staff, providing a range of women’s inpatient and outpatient services,” said Dr. Klapper. Additional women’s services will include gynecologic oncology, urogynecology, reproductive infertility services, menopausal care, breast care and minimally invasive surgical care.

Providing a wide range of care requires numerous caregivers and support staff. “We plan to hire more than 750 healthcare professionals across a variety of job types,” said Amy Cashdollar, Chief Operating Officer, Wexford Hospital.

At the core of providing high-quality care at Wexford Hospital will be its nurses. “From a nursing quality perspective, we intend to earn nurse Magnet® recognition status,” said Lisa Graper, Chief Nursing Officer, Wexford Hospital.

The Magnet® designation from the American Nurses Credentialing Center recognizes health care organizations that provide nursing excellence.

While the pandemic has prevented traditional in-person recruiting events, Graper says they have held a number of virtual recruiting sessions over the last several months.

To learn more about AHN Wexford Hospital and to view currently open positions, ranging from frontline medical staff to environmental services and pharmacy support, visit www.ahn.org/724reasons. n

2021 Health Care Guide

St. Margaret Foundation Announces New Board Chair and Vice Chair

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t. Margaret Foundation is pleased to announce the appointment of two new executive leaders to its board of directors - Stephen A. Botos as Chair of the Board of Directors and Dr. Michelle Keane Domeisen as Vice Chair.

Their board leadership terms will be for two years.

Stephen A. Botos is the Chief Communications and Strategy Officer for Aerotech, and serves on its board of directors. Prior to his current position, Steve Stephen A. was the Vice President of Botos Marketing and was responsible for all the company’s worldwide marketing activities. At various points in his 30+ year career with Aerotech, Steve managed the company’s European subsidiar-

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ies, oversaw the Sales department and was instrumental in leading Aerotech’s expansion into the Asia/Pacific region.

Prior and current board positions include the University of Pittsburgh Katz Business School and the Three Rivers Young Peoples Orchestra. Steve earned an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in English Literature and Business also from the University of Pittsburgh. Steve and his wife, Lisa, are the proud parents of their three sons, Tilman, Evan and Liam.

“The mission of St. Margaret Foundation, to support health and wellness both at St. Margaret hospital and in our local communities, has always been most important to me,” said Mr. Botos.

“Directly helping neighbors, supporting our frontline health care heroes at my

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local hospital has become even more urgent during this pandemic.”

Dr. Michelle Keane Domeisen is Senior Vice President of Investment Services in the Colliers International Pittsburgh office with primary responsibility for the sale of investment properties in the commercial real Dr. Michelle estate market in Western Keane Pennsylvania. Selected Domeisen as one of Pennsylvania’s 50 Best Women in Business, she is the founding member of Pittsburgh Women in Commercial Real Estate (now CREW) and holds the Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation as well as the Society of Industrial and Office Realtors

(SIOR) designation where she has served as President of the Western Pennsylvania Chapter. Past and present board appointments include Chair of the University of Pittsburgh Katz Business School Alumni, Vice Chair of the Rebecca Residence Foundation and a board member of Concordia Lutheran at Rebecca Residence, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.

Ms. Domeisen holds an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, a D.Min. from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and is a Penn State Master Gardener where she is a contributing gardening author for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

Michelle and her husband, Frank, reside in O’Hara Township. Their daughter, Natalie, and son-in-law, Adam, are resident physicians in Michigan.

“The work of Saint Margaret Foundation is vitally crucial to the insurance of an excellent healthcare delivery experience in our area and to the support systems that uphold that process,” said Dr. Domeisen. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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2021 Health Care Guide

Boost Immune System to Fight Against Flu and COVID-19 Virus

N

Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm

ow that we are in the midst of the flu season and still fighting the COVID-19 virus, it is a great time to strengthen our immune system, which is a set of tissues working together to resist infections. The immune system can detect and identify various pathogens or foreign bodies, such as, viruses, bacteria and parasites, then create antibodies to fight the intruders.

Scientific findings have shown that supplements and foods rich in certain vitamins and minerals are vital to a healthy immune system, in addition to vital practices, such as, physical distancing, proper hygiene practices and if available, vaccinations against viruses, especially the COVID-19 and Flu viruses.

Common supplements known for their immune-boosting power:

• Vitamin D can help fight viruses and bacteria by reducing the duration of the infection. Although Vitamin D comes from the sun, we still may need to supplement, especially this time of year living in the northeast, or if you do not go outside for at least 15 minutes a day. Foods: tuna, salmon, sardines, liver, egg yolks, red meat.

• Magnesium plays a key role in regulating the immune response. Foods: spinach, avocado, black beans, kidney beans, cashews, dark chocolate, almonds, pumpkin seeds.

• Zinc is an essential mineral and crucial for normal development and functioning of cells, and can inhibit the replication of some viruses. Foods: legumes, seeds, yogurt, red meat, shellfish, dairy, whole grains.

• Vitamin C has long been known as a powerful antioxidant and source for enhancing the immune system.

Stress and infections can quickly deplete our vitamin C. This vitamin promotes the health of leukocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections, including viruses, such as, flu, COVID-19, and common cold. High doses of vitamin C have been given intravenously in hospitals to patients with severe infections and the COVID19 virus. Foods: strawberries, orange juice, citrus fruits, broccoli, kale, tomatoes, papaya, bell peppers.

• Selenium is a mineral and essential for a healthy immune system and may help defend against viral infections. Foods: brazil nuts, fish, pork, turkey, chicken.

As mentioned earlier, it is important to include nutrient-rich foods in your daily meal planning. Although the following nutrients may not protect you from getting the flu, COVID-19, or common cold, they may enhance your

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immune functions through common food sources.

• Garlic has powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties and has shown to stimulate protective white blood cells.

• Curcumin is a powerful anti-inflammatory and is the active compound in turmeric.

• Ginger (Ginger root specifically) contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties.

• Probiotics of certain strains may prevent upper respiratory tract infections. Foods: yogurt, some fermented products.

• Vitamin A has anti-inflammatory properties. Foods: yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, dairy products, eggs.

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) decreases inflammation in the lungs. Foods: fish, nuts, meats, poultry, grains, beans.

• Vitamin B6 deficiency is an indication of a weakened immune system and a decrease in the production of serum antibodies. Prevents cellular damage and antibacterial proteins to fight infection. Foods: fish, beef, liver, starchy vegetables, non-citrus fruits, potatoes.

• Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid/Folate) has shown to prevent respiratory infections. Folic Acid found in fortified foods, such as, bread and pasta. Folate found in leafy greens, such as, spinach, arugula, kale, chard.

• Teas contain germ-fighting antioxidant (catechin and theanine).

• Fruit and Vegetable Juices are a quick way to provide a boost of immune-strengthening antioxidants.

In addition, maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, get quality sleep, and stay active. Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods are ways to help keep your immune system healthy and reduce your chances of infection and disease.

Always talk with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements, because they can interact with your prescription or over-the-counter medications, and may not be recommended based on certain health conditions.

Be healthy and boost your immune system! n 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.

2021 Health Care Directory Advanced Pain and Rehab Specialists

Crystal Manning, Medicare Advisor

AHN

Encompass Health

(724) 308-7401

ahn.org/heart

BHS Telehealth Visits (833) 602-CARE (2273)

Butler Health System ButlerHealthSystem.org

Concordia Retirement Living www.ConcordiaRetirement.org

Dr. Brad Levinson (724) 473-4047

crystalmanning33@gmail.com

Massucci Vision Plus

www.massuccivisionplus.com

ehc.rehab/gh20 Pittsburgh: (877) 937-7342 Sewickley: (412) 749-2396

Solevo

Francis Audiology Associates

Tri-State Neuropathy Centers

www.solevowellness.com

www.FrancisAudiology.com (724) 933-3440

Genesis Medical Northern Area Family Medicine www.genesismedical.org

MaryDancedIn.com

UPMC Passavant

UPMCPassavant.com/HVI

UPMC Senior Services 1-866-430-8742

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SENIOR LIVING

CONFUSED ABOUT MEDICARE?

Medicare is confusing – call for a one-to-one, no charge consultation with a Medicare expert!

Remove the FEAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND COSTLY MISTAKES from the Medicare enrollment process.

Crystal A. Manning

Medicare Advisor

Call 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com 10008 Pine Ridge Drive Wexford, Pa. 15090

Follow us on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM to keep up to date with your community and more!

Difference Between Medicare AEP vs OEP

By Crystal Manning

M

edicare’s Annual Enrollment Period otherwise referred to as AEP, is the time of year when a Medicare beneficiary can make changes to their current coverage. This enrollment window runs from October 15 to December 7. Each September before AEP begins, the plan benefit changes for the next year are released, allowing Medicare beneficiaries time to investigate plans to ensure they are electing the one that best fits their needs. With Medicare Advantage and Part D plans changing every year, premiums could increase, benefits can change, and prescription drug formularies can also change. Every year in September, you will receive an Annual Notice of Change (ANoC) letter. This letter explains all the changes that will be affecting your plan in the upcoming year.

What Can I Do During the Medicare AEP?

• Drop an Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

• Elect to change from one Advantage plan to a different one.

• Change from Original Medicare to an Advantage plan.

• Elect to change or cancel prescription drug plans.

• Pick up a Part D plan if you currently do not have one.

Any changes you make during the AEP will go into effect on January 1st of the following year.

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What Can I Do During the Medicare OEP?

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, runs from January 1 to March 31. A Medicare beneficiary may only make changes if they are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Only one change may be made during this enrollment window. Be sure to choose wisely the first time!

Due to the confusing enrollment windows and benefit plan choices that you have with Medicare, you should speak to a licensed insurance agent that specializes in Medicare. Allow Crystal Manning, licensed Medicare Advisor, to assist you with your choices and help you with the enrollment process.

Call 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com n

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to reserve your advertising space for the Spring issue!

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

School Movers & Shakers Seneca Valley Seneca Valley junior Veronica Pimenova is the founder of Seneca Valley’s first-ever Women in Engineering Veronica Courtney Cyberpatriot team, Pimenova Beals which placed in the Gold Division, the secondhighest division possible.

Cyberpatriot is an Air Force Association cybersecurity competition that Vivian Dilini is held globally each Palmer Ranaweera year. Along with Miss Pimenova, members of the team include juniors Courtney Beals and Vivian Palmer, and senior Dilini Ranaweera.

Several Seneca Valley students received handcrafted desks so that they would have the proper workspace at home to do virtual work or Cyber School. The amateur woodworkers were inspired by a story that aired on the evening news and learned how to make the desks from a video they found

online. They handcrafted each desk and donated them to disadvantaged families in the SV District.

Mars Area Mars Area High School junior Audrey Gehm was selected as a member of the 2020-2021 Youth Arts Council at The Andy Warhol Museum.

Fox Chapel

Audrey Gehm

Fox Chapel Area School District students streamed their 31st annual telethon December 23 and raised more than $16,400. This year’s total brings the money raised by Fox Chapel Area students and staff to more than $918,383 over the last 31 years for various local and regional charities.

Several Fox Chapel Area High School students won awards at the 24th Annual University of Pittsburgh Model UN Conference. Best Delegate (first-place) individual winners were Aidan Ireland, Cecilia Rike, Patrick Alexander and Janise Kim. Outstanding Delegate (second-place) winners were Nathaniel Mueller and Omar Shalaby.

Additionally, Benjamin Rickin Marks, Janise Kim, Omar Shalaby, and Ethan Tan received first place by being named the Best Large Delegation. The Outstanding Small Delegation (second-place) award went to Cecilia Rike and Sydney Kennedy.

Four Fox Chapel Area High School students won diplomacy awards at the virtual Montreal UN Conference hosted by Dawson College in Montreal, Canada. Aidan Ireland, Patrick Alexander and Siddharth Yende, and Connor Mazzoni received Diplomacy Awards.

Mars Area High School juniors Luke Weiland and Lauren Miko qualified as semifinalists in The Actuarial Foundation’s Modeling the Future Challenge.

BC3 Butler County Community College announced the retirement of Larry Stock who served as the director of the Succop Theatre.

Butler County Community College announced the retirement of Ruth Purcell who served as the executive director of BC3’s Education Foundation, Inc.

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

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The Community College of Allegheny County students Madysen Kelly and Sabrina Ukasik Madysen were selected by the Kelly Campus Vote Project to serve as Democracy Fellows.

Sabrina Ukasik

A.W. Beattie students Ella Graham and Julian Shea work on the Robotics Engineering Technology program’s new state-of-the-art CNC machine to manufacture products.

SkillsUSA at A.W. Beattie Builds Leaders

By Janice Lane Palko

“S

killsUSA is a nationwide student leadership organization that enables students in career and technical education programs to hone their professional skills alongside their technical and career skills. SkillsUSA promotes continued education and hands-on learning to prepare students for the future workforce,” said John M. Brown, Building Construction Instructor and SkillsUSA Advisor/Board of Directors, at A. W. Beattie Career Center.

As an advisor in SkillsUSA, he assists students at A. W. Beattie in preparing for leadership conferences and skills competitions throughout the school year. Alongside his fellow advisors, they help the students fundraise and promote community service in their student body. Additionally, Brown is in charge of running the annual Pennsylvania SkillsUSA Western Region Conference, a three-day student leadership event normally held each fall at Seven Springs.

He also sits on the SkillsUSA Pennsylvania Board of Directors as a representative for the western region of the state.

“The program is incredibly beneficial to students in that it prepares them for the workforce by promoting participation in events that helps them to start networking at an early age. SkillsUSA has this incredibly broad reach when it comes to leadership and skilled workforce training, all of which has this amazing effect on the students and their view of work. Over time, you see that pride of a job well done surface in these students, and it’s incredibly inspiring,” said Brown. n www.northernconnectionmag.com | FEBRUARY 2021

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SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS

Celebrating 80 Years of the United States Coast Guard Reserve

By Paula Green

O

n February 19, the United States Coast Guard Reserve will celebrate its 80th birthday. The Coast Guard was formed in 1790 as one of America’s five armed forces. A historical moment came for this branch of the military in 1941. We saw the passage of the Coast Guard Reserve and Auxiliary Act during that year, which was the model after the Naval Reserve. Thanks to the establishment of this act, the Coast Guard Reserve was founded with two key components: Regular Reservists and Temporary Reservists. The Regular Reserve members served on active duty during World War II “for the duration,” while Temporary Reserve members consisted of volunteers and former Auxiliary members whose services were needed in a military capacity for coastal patrols and port security work. The Coast Guard Reserve made up over 90% of the 214,000 members serving in the Coast Guard in World War II. There is a difference between Active Duty and Reserve. A person who is on active duty is a full-time member of the Coast Guard.

Those who are members of the Reserve are part-time, and they can be deployed at any time should the need arise. Coast Guard Reservists often have full-time civilian jobs – they’re teachers, police officers, firefighters, salespeople, and real estate agents, etc. Even though they have full-time jobs, Reservists are required to participate in training drills one weekend a month and for two weeks per year.

These brave service members are the ones who are called in during times of crisis. Coast Guard Reservists contribute to the national response to disasters, terrorism and provide valuable support to the Department of Defense. Reserve units have been activated to respond to 12 hurricanes and six major flood operations, and 1,650 Reservists participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. These units also supported Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti and continue to play a role in joint military exercises worldwide.

Several celebrities have served in the Coast Guard Reserve or Temporary Reserve: Humphrey Bogart, Beau Bridges, Jeff Bridges, Senator Sam Nunn, Rep. Bill Delahunt, and Rep. Howard Coble. Women also played a pivotal in the Coast Guard Reserve. On November 23, 1942, the Women’s Reserve was established as a Coast Guard branch.

Members became known as SPARs, an acronym derived from the Coast Guard’s motto, “Semper Paratus, Always Ready.” SPARs became the foundation for women in the Coast Guard today. There are three Coast Guard Reserve tenets - Professionalism, Preparedness, and Patriotism.

These are prominently displayed on the Emblem of the Coast Guard Reserve. n Sources: https://www.military.com/coast-guard/coast-guard-reserve-birthday.html, https://www. reserve.uscg.mil/about/history/, https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/docs/em_activeReserve.html, https://americangimuseum.org/coast-guard-reserve-birthday/, https://allhands.coastguard.dodlive. mil/2018/02/16/dear-coast-guard-family-10-things-you-may-not-know-about-the-coast-guard-reserve/

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TRIVIA CONNECTION

Presidential Firsts Trivia

By Paula Green period, even though he was never elected to the office.

Since we have looked at “Presidential Firsts” let’s now delve into this initial commander-in-chief query, get set to don those thinking caps, because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. Who was the first president not to have been a founding father?

2. Three presidents died on July 4 – John Adams, Thomas Jefferson (both 1826), and James Madison (1831). Who was our first and only president to be born on the 4th of July?

3. Who was the first president to die in office?

4. Which president was the first to be born in a hospital?

5. Name the first president to ride in an airplane and submarine.

6. He was the first president to serve two nonconsecutive terms?

7. This U.S. president was our first and only bachelor to hold office.

8. He served as our first Republican president.

9. Name the first president to serve who was in his 70s when he took office.

10. Who was the first president to have women vote for him?

11. He was our first left-handed president and the first to use air conditioning.

12. Who was the first president to also serve as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court?

13. Which commander-in-chief was our first divorced president?

14. He was the first president to have a Ph.D. 15. Name the first U.S. president to be born in the 20th century.

Sources: https://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/the-first-president/ ten-facts-about-washingtons-presidency/, https://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/ World/Which-US-President-Was-First-To--381343.html, https://www.rd.com/ list/surprising-presidential-firsts/, https://www.seacoastonline.com/story/lifestyle/2020/09/20/ask-jerry-trivia-quiz-of-presidential-firsts/114089828/, https:// www.britannica.com/quiz/us-presidential-firsts, https://kidsdiscover.com/quickreads/theodore-roosevelts-amazing-list-firsts/, https://timeline.com/us-presidentfirsts-e90bbfc72743

Answers: 1. John Quincy Adams 2. Calvin Coolidge (July 4, 1872) 3. William Henry Harrison 4. Jimmy Carter 5. Theodore Roosevelt 6. Grover Cleveland 7. James Buchanan 8. Abraham Lincoln 9. Donald Trump 10. Warren J. Harding 11. James Garfield 12. William Howard Taft 13. Ronald Reagan 14. Woodrow Wilson 15. John Kennedy

W

elcome to our 21st year in the 21st century! This month we celebrate firsts and commemorate President’s Day (February 15), and we will focus on presidential firsts. George Washington, whose birthday was February 22, was our first commander-inchief. Washington was the first president to win the election unanimously since no candidates opposed him in 1789.

Our second president, John Adams, and his wife, Abigail, were the first to reside in the White House, and they moved in on November 1, 1800. Their son, John Quincy Adams, who served as our sixth president was the first to marry a woman (Louisa) born outside the United States. Thomas Jefferson was the first president to be inaugurated in Washington on March 4, 1801.

Our fifth president, James Monroe was the first senator to be elected president. Martin Van Buren was the first man born a U.S. citizen to hold presidential office. The seven previous presidents were born before 1776, and were colonial subjects of Great Britain.

Zachary Taylor was the first commander-in-chief to have held no prior elected office. Abraham Lincoln was the first to be photographed at his inauguration on March 4, 1861, in Washington D.C. Theodore Roosevelt was the first sitting president to take a trip abroad when he and his wife went to Panama to check out construction on the Panama Canal in 1906. A month later, he became the first president to win the Nobel Peace Prize. His distant cousin Franklin Roosevelt was the first president to appear on television. FDR was also the first president to nominate a woman to a cabinet position.

John Kennedy was the first Roman Catholic president. Barack Obama was the first black president. Ronald Reagan was the first president to wear contact lenses. He also was the first and only president to have headed a union - the Screen Actors’ Guild from 1947 to 1952.

Richard Nixon was the first president to resign. Our 40th president, Gerald Ford, succeeded to the presidency on President Richard Nixon’s resignation, under the process of the 25th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Ford became the country’s first and only chief executive who had not been elected president or vice president.

In 1849, our 11th President, James Polk, finished his office term at noon on Sunday, March 4. The president-elect Zachary Taylor a devout Christian, refused to take office or be sworn in on a Sunday, the Sabbath Day. David Atchison became interim President for a 24-hour

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HOME GUIDE Let Northern Connection Help You Make Your House a Home!

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FA C T S F R O M T H E FA R M

Facts from the Farm

By Ron Eichner

F

olks, it’s with a heavy heart that I must share that our family farm had a loss on Sunday morning, December 13, 2020.

Our dad, Dick Eichner, passed away with almost 88 years under his belt. He was a son, dad, grandad and great-grandad and was active right up to his last breath.

Dad and I were partners for 20 years as the 3rd and 4th generations of full-time farmers on our family farm. We both have spent our whole life nurturing our farm and the customers that support our family farm.

Our farm family legacy has been our actions, beliefs, guidance and accomplishments as a farm family, and we are carrying it all forward for current and future generations. Our farm legacy is like an open book with chapters already written and more chapters to come, always understanding each generation’s efforts and being an example of how we should continue to farm into the future.

Our legacy started in 1897 with the farm’s first and second generations of the family. Dad and I have shared our lives with our second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth generation family members on how to nurture our farm market and greenhouses each year. Dad spent 80 years as “The Egg Man” and you can learn more about that on a video from KDKA that you can find on YouTube. He delivered eggs house-to-house every Tuesday and Thursday, rain or shine to some families for 4 and 5 generations.

Farming is not just a job, but a way of life as the late Paul Harvey’s “God Made a Farmer” can attest, and it is filled with a lifetime full of challenges each and every day. Farming is a unique business and generally farmers don’t farm to make money, but farmers make money so they can farm.

Dad and I worked our family farm full-time together and recognized that my grandparents sacrificed, and all their efforts went into all our expansions without incurring a penny of debt.

That was the model Dad and I used to bring our family farm into the 21st century. I like to say most people have three identities: home, work and leisure. Well on the farm, home and work is one and the same, and you better make it fun because it also is your leisure.

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Each generation has seen how the next generations are continuing to nurture the farm and its land, working together through spring, summer, fall and winter each year. I could write a volume of books on our farm legacy and on our relationship with our valued, year-round customers.

I want to share two conversations Dad and I had. The first was 21 years ago. I made a decision, and dad made his, and I asked, “What is your plan?” Dad responded, “There is a time a son follows his dad; however, there comes a time when a dad has to follow his son.” The second, not knowing that Sunday morning on December 13 would be our last conversation, I asked Dad, “Are we both still praying to God the same way?” Dad responded, “If it is to get home, get on a tractor and be there for our customers, then yes!” I said, “We are both pulling in tandem.” Then Dad said, “Ron, as a Dad to a son, you are everything I hoped for in a son and with all your sacrifices and all your efforts for all the years, I just want to say, thanks!”

Folks, I hit the lottery of life with him as my dad. He and I both sacrificed and worked with all our effort to nurture our farm family, friends, and customers each and every year together as one. Dad left us to continue in heaven and our farm legacy.

Dad and I have farm projects yet to complete and together we will accomplish our goals. We will continue building off the efforts of each generation before us and continue to nurture our family farm for our family, friends and customers.

You are welcome to stop by our farm market and ask for Ron. We welcome you to Eichner’s Whole Farm and Greenhouses at 285 Richard Road in Wexford to share your stories of our dad and celebrate his life, long into the future. n

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of a community icon, Richard Eichner, of Eichner’s Farm in Wexford.

Mr. Eichner died on December 13, 2020, and his son Ron writes our Facts From the Farm column. Everyone at Northern Connection wishes the family and all who knew and loved Dick our deepest sympathies. Rest in Peace.