Northern Connection Magazine - May 2016 Issue

Advances in Women’s Health Page 20

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

MAY 2016

Fifth Annual

PyroFest2016 to Light Up Cooper’s Lake Spring Happenings

Business Spotlight:

Yours to Mine

L O O K A N D F E E L YO U R B E S T AT A N Y AG E

Pages 28-29

Contents NORTHERN CONNECTION CONTENTS | May 2016

19 Features

Image & Style

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38 Navigating Through 8 Spring Fashion Trends Suzanne Mauro

Kean Quest Winners

12 Cover Story: Fifth Annual PyroFest to Light Up Cooper’s Lake 10 Business Spotlight: Yours to Mine

Home & Garden

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Health & Wellness

50 Selecting the “Right” College or University Marianne Reid Anderson

28 Ideal Image: Look and Feel Your Best at Any Age 30 Fit Families: Strong Bones, Strong Women! Joella Baker 36 Cancer Care Close to Home

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Movers & Shakers

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Mover & Shaker of the Month Erin Karsman

14 May 2016 Happenings

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46 School Movers & Shakers

51 Student of the Month: Elizabeth Hamblin Paula Green

Senior Living 53 Making May Memories

Joe Bullick 54 Happenings for Seniors

Advertorials 25 3 Things You Should Know Before You Take that Pill...

Dr. Shannon Thieroff

In Every Issue...

From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

42 Summer Camps Directory

Kids & Education

26 Numbers DO Matter in the Weight Game of Life Dr. Bridget Chufo

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2016 Summer Camps Guide

19 Wayne Homes: Affordable, Customized Builder with Attention to Detail

20 Advances in Women’s Healthcare

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32 Starting the Conversation: Is There Still a Taboo over Mental Illness?

Marianne Reid Anderson 52 Trivia Connection: Misquoted Movie Lines Trivia Paula Green 56 Support Our Troops: A Memorial Day Tribute to The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Paula Green

NC May 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

35 Lose Up To 30 Lbs. in 30 Days

Dr. Michael Vactor

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC May 2016

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Welcome PUBLISHER NOTES | May 2016

Welcome to the May issue of Northern Connection Magazine!

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his month’s cover highlights PyroFest! This is the fifth year that America’s largest and most fantastic firework festival will light up the sky! It will be coming to Butler County’s Cooper Lake on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29. Additional information about this year’s fireworks display is found in our feature story on pages 12 and 13. If you can, be sure to visit Pyrofest this year! It is a fantastic display of lights and choreography that the entire family will enjoy!

May is a great month to appreciate the weather and there is plenty of entertaining events going on in and around the Pittsburgh area. Be sure to check out the Happenings section and take advantage of all the fun and educational things there are to do in Pittsburgh.

This month, Northern Connection magazine also features Advances in Women’s Healthcare to help create awareness of some of the health-related issues “For fast-acting that affect so many women in our community. relief, try As we celebrate Memorial Day slowing down.” this month, let us never forget all of the fallen men and woman who have Lily Tomlin served our country and the great price they paid for our freedom. For all of those that have served our country, a heartfelt thank you.

I wish all the mom’s, and any woman that has had a positive and loving influence in a child’s life, a very Happy Mother’s Day. Enjoy reading all of this month’s special features along with Northern Connection magazine’s regular columns.

Thank you for your continued support. Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work! l l l

Coming in June Men’s Health

Coming in July Annual Physicians & Specialists Issue Call (724) 940-2444 today to reserve your ad space

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

Phone: 724-940-2444 Fax: 724-940-2447 Email: northcon@consolidated.net www.northernconnectionmag.com

Laura Arnold laura@northernconnectionmag.com

President & Publisher

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Marianne Reid Anderson Managing Editor/ Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Mary Simpson marysimpson@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Marianne Reid Anderson ncmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com

Core Writers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The specialized treatment protocol offered at the Chiropractic Family Health Center includes 9 specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. This therapy has long been well recognized internationally, and these recent advancements offer hope for many more to live a more pain-free and enjoyable life.

Peripheral Neuropathy symptoms can include: • Sharp Pains or Cramps in the Feet or Legs • Burning Pain in the Legs, Feet or Hands • Extreme Sensitivity to Touch • Loss of Balance or Coordination • Feelings of Walking on Pins and Needles • Weakness in the Arms and Legs • Numbness and Tingling or Pain in the Toes, Feet, Hands, Arms and Fingers • Dependency on Medications Dr. Shawn Richey (a member of the NeuroTCA) has seen many patients suffering with peripheral neuropathy. He has treated patients that have tried everything including potentially harmful medications and other painful testing and treatments. This can leave patients still struggling and wandering down the long road of endless disappointment. Now we are able to address the pain associated with peripheral neuropathy with a successful, non-invasive, drug-free approach that includes the use of light therapy to stimulate tissue repair. He is the only doctor in Pittsburgh that has the right solution and the right technology that will heal peripheral neuropathy. Laser therapy and minimal light therapy will not produce results. His seven phase advanced low level light system is the only technology that will regrow small nerve fibers hence eliminating peripheral neuropathy symptoms.

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

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

I started seeing results after only three treatments. After several weeks, I no longer awake during the night with nerve pain or electric shocks in my foot. I now walk with little or no pain and I am able to complete an hour-long Jazzercise class or 90-minute Pickleball game. What little soreness I may feel after activity is significantly reduced and goes away quickly without medication. — Christine H. “For a few months I was experiencing tingling and numbness in my feet, I was also becoming off balance when I walked. A friend of mine saw an article in Pittsburgh 55+ Magazine describing exactly what I was experiencing. It was called neuropathy. It has only been a short time and already I’m feeling 50% better. Thank you Dr. Richey.” — Liz H. Originally, my neuropathy was diagnosed as due to my diabetes, even though I had symptoms years before I had diabetes. So a friend of mine suggested that I go to Dr. Shawn Richey. I immediately felt better after each treatment and noticed a significant change by the time I was on a third of the way through the process. Dr. Shawn also adjusts my back for me and that always makes such a difference, as well. I highly recommend Dr. Shawn for both neuropathy and for chiropractic care. — Phyllis Neszpaul I’ve suffered with peripheral neuropathy in my feet and legs for 12 years. I travel 100 miles a day for treatments, my feet and legs are waking up after a long hibernation. I’m going to see my neurologist and tell him that I beat neuropathy!

I can’t wait to see his reaction! I now take my brother’s 88-year-old mother-in-law with me. She also noticed improvement after one visit. Dr. Shawn and his neuropathy treatments are awesome! Life is good… — Lynne Karanovich

Call for a free consultation TODAY!

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

724-940-9000

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

CING OUR ANNOUN BE LOCATION O NEW LATR onier St., 1901 Lig PA 15650 Latrobe,

People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | May 2016

Movers & Shakers St. Barnabas Health System announced its Employees of the Month for March. They are – Annamaria Magee, Belinda Wilker, Lauren McCall, Nely Kennedy, Chelsie Mercer and Lauren Bradley.

Rich Morgan, president of Team Pittsburgh Transplant for the Transplant Games of America, spoke at UPMC Passavant – McCandless on Apr. 18. Morgan has been a member of Team Pittsburgh Transplant since receiving a kidney in Nov. 2009. In addition to a flag raising ceremony and music from clinical education specialist Betsy Tedesco, other speakers included: Susan Hoolahan, chief nursing officer, Jessica Yokubeak, CORE manager of organ donor referral services, James Boyle, chief medical officer.

The Town of McCandless has been named a Banner Community by the Allegheny League of Municipalities for the fourth year in a row.

Researchers at Magee-Womens Research Institute have been awarded a four-year $3.7 million grant from the American Heart Association Go Red for Women Research Network to examine whether certain pregnan-

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cy-related blood vessels change can uncover mechanisms of later-life cardiovascular disease in women, identify women at highest risk, and guide new interventions to help them.

On Apr. 6, VA Butler Healthcare held a Topping Out ceremony to celebrate the construction progress of the new Health Care Center.

Apr. 10-16, VA Butler Healthcare celebrated National Volunteer Week. The event recognized the citizen volunteers who give back to Veterans every day at VA medical facilities.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, VA Butler Healthcare held a Vietnam Veterans appreciation breakfast on Mar. 30. The event was held at the American Legion Post 778 in Lyndora.

Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Hall & Museum Trust held a “Cocktails & Camaraderie” over 21 event on Apr. 8. The evening featured vintage music and cocktails that were popular during the eras of various conflicts, including the Civil War, WWII, Korea and Vietnam.

NC May 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

The third annual We Wish Diamond Gala was held Apr. 9 at The Fez in Aliquippa. The event raised $12,000 to support lung cancer research and patient education and awareness.

Total Learning Center congratulates sophomore student and parttime junior assistant Janine Paulson on winning the Topical Category for the Live Poets Society of NJ Spring poetry contest for her poem Midnight Thoughts. Janine’s poem was submitted by TLC’s teacher Ruth Butler, who has taught reading and writing for 20 years.

The Disciplinary Board of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania has appointed Pittsburgh attorney John “Jack” Goodrich as a Board Member. Goodrich will serve a three-year term.

Jack Goodrich

(Continued on page 9)

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Erin Karsman

Member of the Disney Parks Moms Panel

BY PAULA GREEN

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his past year, a local woman’s enchanted dream was magically fulfilled. Erin Karsman of Franklin Park was selected as a member of the 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel. This informative online resource helps to provide guests with tips and insight on arranging their Disney getaways. The panel is composed of real moms, dads and grandparents who have mastered the art of Disney planning. The program is offered in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese to accommodate Disney enthusiasts from around the world.

Karsman, her husband Chase and their three daughters: Lily (10), Chloe (8) and Claire (5) have been to Disney numerous times (once or twice a year for the past ten years). They are Disney Vacation Club members and love sailing with Captain Mickey on the Disney Cruise Line. When Karsman heard about this forum it definitely sparked her interest.

“I learned about the Disney Parks Moms Panel a few years ago when planning for an upcoming trip to Walt Disney World Resort. As someone who has a passion for Disney and a love of helping others plan their Walt Disney World Resort vacations, I knew that I wanted to be a part of the Disney Parks Moms Panel. I quickly discovered that the Disney Parks Moms Panel

application process would be rigorous and exciting. Over a two month period, I went through multiple application rounds, which included essay writing as well as a video application, and in the final round, a telephone interview. Not too long after that interview, I received the magical news that I was selected to be part of the 2016 Disney Parks Moms Panel,” remarked Karsman.

“Being on the Disney Parks Moms Panel is truly a dream come true. It is an honor to be able to share my personal experiences, tips and advice with others so that they can get the most out of their Walt Disney World Resort vacations,” Karsman added.

In addition to being a panelist, Karsman also teaches parttime at Duquesne University’s Law School. Be sure to check her out, and the other Disney Parks Moms Panelist at https:// disneyparksmomspanel.disney.go.com. l l l

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People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | May 2016

Kean Quest Winners

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s the proud prize sponsor of the Kean Quest Talent Search 2016 Youth competition, Northern Connection magazine would like to thank the hundreds of talented contestants. After months of intense competition, the winner is: Roma Angelica Hendricks, 10, of Harmony Township, a fourth grade student at Highland Elementary School, received the winning trophy after wowing the audience with her rendition of “There’s a Winner in You” by Patti LaBelle. Her powerful vocals stunned a crowd that wasn’t expecting such a big voice to come from such a little girl.

“Hendricks’ performance was moving for any age, but especially for such a young contestant,” said Robin Taylor, co-host of the event and St. Barnabas spokesperson.

Meghan McKenzie, 12, of Treesdale, a sixth grade student in the Mars School District, won the Audience Choice award with her rendition of “All of Me” by John Legend.

The sold-out crowd in the Kean Theatre was also on hand to see Jackie Evancho, an ‘America’s Got Talent’ finalist and former Kean Quest competitor, present the Jackie Evancho Award to Jane Fusco, 14, an eighth grade student at North Hills Middle School. Jane sang “Neverland” from the musical ‘Peter Pan.’ The Jackie Evancho Award is presented to a contestant

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Amanda Bishop

Jane Fusco with Jackie Evancho

Katie Zemaitis

who has competed two or more years in the Kean Quest competition and never gives up on his or her dream.

The competition’s first runner up was Katie Zemaitis, 17, of Whitehall, who is a junior at Baldwin High School.

Katie sung, “She Used to Be Mine” by Sara Bareilles.

Second runner up went to Amanda Bishop, 14, of Center Township, who sang “If I Had it My Way” by Linda Eder.

The youth round is for singers age 18 and younger and winners received prizes including a recording package with Grammy award-winning Audible Images, professional head shots, along with singing lessons and theatre scholarships.

Held at the Kean Theater at St. Barnabas. UPMC Health Plan and TRIB Total Media were the signature sponsors of the event. l l l

Mars resident Debra Whittam, LPC of the Cranberry Psychological Center recently published her first book called, Am I Going To Be Okay? Weathering the Storms of Mental Illness, Addiction and Grief.

John Marshall Catering received the Bronze Reader’s Choice Award from the Tribune Review for exquisite catering.

John Marshall Additionally, he is an avid member in his community by doing charity work and volunteering.

Pittsburgh parents have gained a new resource. Pittsburgh Moms Blog is a site dedicated to parenting in the Pittsburgh Area. Visit pittsburghmomblog.com / facebook.com/pittsburghmomblog.

Thirteen year old Jaime Antonio Martinez of Boy Scout Troop 171, based at Ingomar United Methodist Church is working on his Eagle Scout Service Project.

Jaimie is teaming up with Passavant Hospital Foundation and JML Landscape Management to revamp the landscaping in front of UPMC Passavant CancerCenter. For more information visit the online video at https://www.crowdrise.com/ UPMCEagleScoutServiceProject.

The Reverend Jennifer Fuhr is now the Pastor at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Wexford. She was officially installed as Pastor in a worship ceremony held on Apr. 24, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2500 Brandt School Road in Wexford.

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Business Spotlight

Yours to Mine Opening the door to Yours to Mine consignment shop, is like lifting the lid on a treasure chest. Inside you’ll find exquisite furniture, stylish home décor, antique trunks, unique paintings, and dazzling jewelry. Located at 251 Church Road in Wexford near the intersection of Routes 19 & 910, Yours to Mine’s inventory is always changing so each time you visit, it’s a new shopping experience. You never know what gems you may find.

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he business started in April 2014, and the response has been great. People love the selection of items. We offer all types of furniture. We have shabby chic pieces, industrial metal and wood rustic pieces—unique things,” said owner Karen Marks. In addition to furniture, Yours to Mine has china and crystal, neon signs, knickknacks and signed movie posters as well as rugs, beds, chairs, dining room sets and chandeliers and inexpensive to expensive art.

Yours to Mine is also a find for those who’d like to reap some cash for their no-longer-needed items. Sure,

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you could sell on eBay or Craigslist, but if you’d like the convenience and safety of having someone else offer your items, then Yours to Mine is ideal. You simply go to the website and press the sell button and upload pictures or email Karen a photo of the item you would like to sell. “We offer pick-up service for a fee,” Karen said.

The shop operates on a 90-day-cycle, the number of days your item or items will be featured in the store.

If your item has not sold by then, you have the option of picking up your item within seven day or designating it for donation. “Also, there are items that part of the proceeds goes to a local charitable organization,” Karen said.

When Yours to Mine sells your item, the store splits the sale price 50/50 with you. Checks are issued the following month after the item sells.

Yours to Mine is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Yours to Mine is closed on Sunday and Monday, (but is available by appointment only.)

For more information about Yours to Mine, visit the website at: www.yourstomineconsignmentcom. You can also contact Karen by emailing her at: yourstomine@hotmail.com. l l l

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Cover

COVER STORY | May 2016

Fifth Annual to Light Up Cooper’s Lake Caution: What you are going to read is not about your average fireworks display over Memorial Day weekend. Rather, a chance to feast your eyes on the return of America’s largest fireworks festival, the most jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring weekend of skyscraping glory.

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elebrating its fifth year, and returning to Cooper’s Lake, PyroFest will feature four international headlining pyrotechnic companies for the first time. These techniques and products from around the globe create daytime and nighttime pyrotechnic displays.

“We are creating more than an event, we are building a phenomenon that people look forward to year-toyear,” said Stephen Vitale, president and CEO of Pyrotecnico.

The action starts on Saturday, May 28 with Vulcan and Ricardo Caballer Ricasa taking turns lighting up the sky. Vulcan, hailing from Guangxi, China, will bring their actionpacked show “Road Trip Ramble,” an extravaganza that took Bronze at the 2015 L’International des Feux Loto in Montreal.

NC May 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

World-renowned pyro company Ricardo Caballer Ricasa, returning to PyroFest with another electrifying display, follows Vulcan. The Spanish Company supplies pyrotechnics products to five continents and is the provider of special effects fireworks to several thematic parks, including Disney. Ricasa has won over 100 competitions across five continents.

On Sunday, May 29, Sirius Pyrotechnics, from Quebec, Canada, and Pyrotecnico, the largest fireworks company in America, will ignite the sky. The work of Sirius Pyrotechnics, established in 2006, is most recognizable from the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

Pyrotecnico, headquartered in New Castle, Pa., has been creating oohs and aahs since 1889. With over 3,000

displays created across 38 states in 2015 alone, and promising a world premiere display at 2016 PyroFest, Pyrotecnico has won numerous international awards, including the coveted Gold Jupiter award. Its special effects division, Pyrotecnico FX, produces creations for major sports teams, film and television, music festivals and tours. Most recently, Pyrotecnico FX has toured with Justin Timberlake, The Weekend, Zedd, and Nicki Minaj, to name a few.

In addition to this remarkable twoday, pyro-packed lineup, PyroFest will also include a headlining performance from Rusted Root, as you’ve never seen them before. Pyrotecnico FX will present a world premiere choreographed special effects production to a live performance by Rusted Root.

PyroFest also features musical performances on the main stage, a military salute, various vendors, and a Kids Zone.

The PNC Kid’s Zone, presented by the PA Leadership Charter School, is a fun and fabulous area designed to keep the kiddies involved and active. There will be games, face painting, inflatables, make & take crafts, a rock climbing wall, mechanical bull, and various interactive educational presentations.

There will also be concession stands serving all your festival favorites and delicious summertime treats, as well as merchandise vendors offering quality goods especially selected for Pyrofest visitors.

With VIP tickets, you can enjoy a private tent with out front chairs for the best views of the rockin’ bands and breathtaking fireworks displays, and tables and chairs to enjoy ONE complimentary dinner ticket, event-long com-

plimentary non-alcoholic beverages as well as beer, wine, and late night hot beverage & cookie table (provided you have state issued proof of age). Please be advised anyone 7 years of age and older must have their own VIP ticket to be in the VIP area. VIP ticket holders also have complete access to the General Admission area.

Parking is included in the ticket price and all vehicles will be directed to free on-site parking at Cooper’s Lake.

VIP ticket holders are guaranteed parking in the VIP lot area next to the VIP tents. VIP tickets must be shown prior to entry into this area. Handicapped Parking: Handicapped parking is located onsite at Cooper’s Lake by the main gate entrance. Only vehicles having handicapped license plates or regulation handicapped placards will be permitted to park in these spaces. All others will be ticketed. Please be aware there is NO OVERNIGHT PARKING and NO TAILGATING allowed in the parking lots. This will be strictly enforced by local police authorities. Anyone in the parking areas must buy an event ticket and enter the event gate, otherwise they will be asked to leave the park.

RVs and campers are welcome overnight in the campground areas as seen on the ticketing website.

PyroFest is expected to sell-out

again this year, so be sure and purchase your tickets early by going to www.pyrofest.com and click “Buy Tickets.” VIP tickets are limited and will not be available for sale at event.

PyroFest 2016 will appear Memorial Day weekend: Saturday, May 28 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.

Sunday, May 29 3 p.m. – 11 p.m.

In case of inclement weather, there will be a Rain Day held on Monday, May 30.

Children 6 and under are FREE. Purchase price for Saturday or Sunday is $25 for adults; Students/Military receive a discounted price of only $15. There are also special VIP passes available for Saturday or Sunday at $75 each. There are also special discounted weekend bundle passes of $40 for Adults, $25 for Student or Military passes and $125 VIP pass for both nights. ** ALL TICKETS PURCHASED ONSITE WILL HAVE AN ADDED $5.00 BOX OFFICE FEE Cooper’s Lake is located at 205 Currie Road, Slippery Rock, Butler County.

For more information, visit the website at www.pyrofest.com l l l

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Events HAPPENINGS | May 2016

May 2016

Happenings

North Happenings

Tuesdays

Fridays

Mondays

North Hills Community Outreach Workable Services in Bellevue, 1-5 p.m.

Christy House in Sewickley, the lunch

Chisel and Chips Carvers of North Pittsburgh meetings, meets 6:30-10 p.m.,

the 2nd Monday of every month, Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd., Allison Park. Call (724) 940-0034.

Greater Cranberry Barbershop Chorus,

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

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Table meets the 3rd Monday of every

month 7 p.m., (May 16 & June 20) Hampton Township Community Center, 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Free & open to the public.

Call, Bob or Margie (724) 625-2329.

Legacy Theatre Movies, 2 p.m. Mondays, May 2, 90 Minutes in Heaven; May 9, Love the Coopers; May 16, Daddy’s Home; May 23, Brooklyn; 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www.thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Self-Care for Women, eight-week support

group for women struggling with stress and depression, 6-8 p.m., Mon. Scholarship available. Call (412) 366-1300.

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every Tues., at NHCO AGH-Suburban. For an appt., call (412) 904-5993.

North Pittsburgh Mother of Multiples

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

Sanctuary for Teens, eight-week group

for teens with depression & anxiety meets 4-5:30 p.m. Tuesdays; Self-Care after Divorce, ten-week educational group for coping after divorce, 6-7:30 p.m., Anchorpoint.

Scholarships available. Call (412) 366-1300.

Wednesdays Custodial Grandparents Group, a support group for individuals raising grandchildren, 12:30-2:30, Weds., Anchorpoint. Call (412) 366-1300.

Thursdays Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m.

the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 7791854.

NC May 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

Arts & Entertainment I Could Have Danced All Night concert: Celebrating Dance through Music, 7:30

p.m., May 7, Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church; 8 p.m., May 8, Ingomar United Methodist.

Sponsored by Pittsburgh Concert Chorale. For info, visit www.pccsing.org.

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., May

14, Pittsburgh Doo Wop Big Band, June 11, Jimmy Beaumont and The Skyliners, June 25; The Ultimate Johnny Cash with Terry Lee Goffee, July 23; The Fabulous Hubcaps. For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup. com.

Martini’s with Monet Art Exhibition,

July 6-Aug. 3, at the Cranberry Township Municipal Building. Artists are invited to

enter up to two pieces and must pre-register at www.cranberryartistsnetwork.com by May 16.

Pittsburgh Philharmonic 40th Anniversary Concert, 8 p.m., May 20,

Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater; 7 p.m., May 21, Scotus Hall at Mt. Alvernia. For tickets, call (724) 284-8505 or visit https://itki.chociecrm.net/templates/ BCCC/.

Tales Under the Trees, 1-5 p.m. June

4, Amphitheater, 2447 Tilbrook Rd. in Monroeville. For info, (724) 519-7940 or (501) 253-4656 or stastells@gmail.com.

Health & Wellness Community Fitness, 9:30 a.m., Woodland Valley Church, Mars; 6 p.m., North Way Christian Church, Wexford; 6:30 p.m., Woodland Valley Church, Mars; 9 a.m., Lighthouse Foundation, Butler. Tues. & Sat. classes benefit the food bank. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Lupus Pennsylvania, Day of Giving, 8

a.m.-midnight, May 3, Lupus Foundation, 100 W. Station Square Drive. www.pittsburghgives.org.

Tai Chi Exercise for Beginners, 7-10 p.m., May 13, Orchard Hill, Wexford. For details, visit orchardhillchurch.com.

Zumba Fitness, 9:30 a.m. Mon., & 6:45 p.m., Thurs,

Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Ave., Mars. Try a free class! Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Zumba Fitness, 6:00 p.m., Sats, North Way Christian

Community, 12121 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Suggested $5 donation to benefit the food pantry Contact heather.simplynatural@ gmail.com.

Outreach Community Auto (a program of North Hills Community

Outreach) is accepting old vehicles. Call (724) 443-8300 or www.communityauto.org.

Nativity Lutheran Church, 4517 Mt. Royal Blvd. in Allison

Park is a donation site for non-perishable groceries for North Hills Community Outreach for its three food pantries. Dropoff hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

North Hills Community Outreach Speakers are available

regarding their programs and volunteer opportunities. Call (412) 487-6316 opt. 1 x3112 or JLKissel@nhco.org.

North Hills Food Bank, 10 a.m.-1:45 p.m. every Tues &

Thurs, rear parking lot of Hiland Presbyterian Church, 845 Perry Highway. Call, (412) 366-7477 or www.northhillsfoodbank. com. Donations always welcome.

Walk, raise funds for NHCO in the Highmark Walk, May 14. Register at walkforahealthycommunity.org. For info, call (412) 408-3830 or mschristina@nhco.org.

WorkAble provides free career consulting and employment

mentoring to unemployed and underemployed job seekers in Allegheny County. For details, call (412) 904-5993.

Support Groups Anchorpoint: Siblings Support Group, 1-Week group for kids 8-12, 4:30 p.m., Mon., & Life Skills Group, 4:30. Tues., Anchorpoint. Call (412) 366-1300.

Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope,

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

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

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

Breast Cancer Support Groups, 5:30-7 p.m., 3rd Mon.,

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

Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30 p.m., every Wed., of the month,

Passavant Hospital Conference Center, McCandless Twp. For drug & alcohol addiction. Phone, (412) 748-5120 or Bridge2Hope.org.

General Cancer Center Support Groups, 5-6 p.m., 4th Mon.,

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

Grief Support Group for widows and widowers over fifty, 2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., of the month, St. Sebastian Parish, 311 Siebert Rd. Visit http://www.saintsebastianparish.org/

Lupus Foundation meetings, 7-8:30 p.m., every 3rd Tues,

UPMC Passavant Hospital, 9100 Babcock Blvd., Donor Hall. Call (412) 261-5886 or ccallen92@aol.com.

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Pittsburgh Cultural Trust 30th Annual EQT Children’s Theater Festival – May 12-15

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he Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announces the EQT Children’s Theater Festival will be held May 12-15, in the Cultural District, downtown Pittsburgh. This year’s EQT Children’s Theater Festival is offering a variety of events for all ages. Highlights include sensory-friendly performances, a U.S. premiere and Pittsburgh premiere as part of a first U.S. cities national tour. The festival is programmed by the Children’s Theater Series and Festival division of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

The EQT Children’s Theater Festival features ticketed performances by seven award winning theater companies from Canada, Northern Ireland, Mexico, Peru, Scotland and the United States.

Festival goers can enjoy over 35 free things to see and do, including hands-on activities, public art and music at a variety of outdoor pop-up green spaces and indoor lobbies located through the Cultural District. New festival event locations in the Cultural District have been added including EQT Plaza (625 Liberty Avenue), August Wilson Center and Trust Arts Education Center.

Featured ticketed performances include: Air Play by Acrobuffos (United States), Peek by Teatro al Vacio (Mexico), Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny by Mermaid Theatre of Nova Scotia (Canada), Egg by Cahoots NI (Belfast, Northern Ireland), Short Stories by Teatro Hugo e Ines (Peru), Titus by Red Bridge Arts (Scotland), The Sheep by Corpus (Canada), Sensory-friendly performances schedule: Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny, 11:45 a.m.

Saturday, May 14; Air Play, 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 14.

Festival hours are 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 12 and 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 13, Saturday, May 14 and Sunday, May 15.

Visit www.TrustArts.org/PGHkids, call (412) 456-6666, or pick up tickets in person at Theater Square Box Office, 655 Penn Avenue. For groups of 10+ call (412) 471-6930, or visit GroupSales@ TrustArts.org. For information about parking lots and garages in the Cultural District, visit www.ParkPGH.org. l l l

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Events HAPPENINGS | May 2016

Cranberry Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets,

Saint John’s Lutheran Church of Highland

311 Cumberland Rd. McCandless Annual Garage Sale Saturday, June 4 7:30 a.m. – noon *Children’s toys/accessories, household, sporting equipment, tools, furniture, vintage items & Christmas décor.

7:30 a.m., Thurs., May 5 & 19, Cranberry Community United Presbyterian Church, Cranberry Twp. Call Chris at (412) 735-9494.

Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters Club meets at noon

every Mon., Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Visit http://cranberryhighnoon.toastmastersclubs.org/.

Criders Corner Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, 12 p.m., Thur., May 12 & 26, The Sports Grille, 1294 Freedom Rd. Call Jan at (412) 366-1600.

North Hills Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets,

9:00 a.m., Thur., May 6 & 20, Eat N’ Park, Route 8 & Saxonburg Blvd. in Etna. Call Pat at (412) 486-8938.

Sarver Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets, MISS Foundation (Mothers in Sympathy and Support) for

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

S.P.I.N. For Single Moms: 6-7:30 p.m., 4th Monday of the Month in Bellevue. For details, call (412) 366-1300.

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

Counseling Ask the Attorney, free legal consultation for low-income

families. Held 7 p.m., the 3rd Wed, May 18, NHCO Allison Park, June 15, NHCO Millvale. Call (412) 408-3830, ext. 3217 or briedel@nhco.org.

Berkeley Hills Lutheran Church is offering it Stephen Ministry Program for people experiencing grief, divorce,

cancer, illnesses, job loss, loss of home, military deployment & other life struggles. Free & confidential program for people of any faith. Call (412) 486-4010 or www.bhlc.org.

Group Services, Intensive Outpatient Program, 5:30-8:30 p.m., M,W, Th.,Therapy Group 6-8 p.m., Tues., Family Only Group 7:30-9:00 p.m., 2nd Tues, Psycho-educational Support Group 7-9 p.m., 4th Mon. Contact Anita at (412) 215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.

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

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business networking group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Panera Bread, Cranberry.

Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

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

Call Glen at (412) 916-8699.

Volunteers needed at The Emmaus Community of Pittsburgh, 282 Sarah Street on the Southside. Help make a difference in the lives of those with intellectual disabilities.

For details, call (412) 381-0277 or www.EmmausPgh.org.

Volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students

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

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

School

11:30 a.m., Thur., May 5 & 19, Coopers Station Restaurant, Route 356 in Sarver. Call Michele at (724) 353-2431.

Arts Alive, 5-9 p.m., May 6, North Hills High School. Sponsored

Western PA Professional Business Association Network Breakfast, 7:15 a.m., Tuesdays, King’s Restaurant, Rt. 8,

Community College of Allegheny County is enrolling

Wexford Chapter of Women’s Business Network meets,

Exploring Solutions to Pittsburgh’s Growing Skills Gap – A Community Facilitated Forum, 3-5 p.m., May 4,

Gibsonia. Call Mary Ann, at (724) 935-2221 or www.wpabusiness.com.

8 a.m., Tues., May 10 & 24, Atria’s Restaurant, Wexford. Call Judith, at (412) 848-7986.

Volunteer Opportunities American Cancer Society is looking for volunteers to drive

cancer patients who are undergoing treatments to & from their appts. Interested volunteers call (412) 919-1100 or emailsharon.stalter@cancer.org.

Concession Volunteers needed for the 2016 U.S. Open,

June 13-19, Oakmont Country Club. Contact Shelly at (Lupus Foundation) 800-800-5776 or mtonti@lupuspa.org. Anchorpoint needs concession volunteers. Call (412) 366-1300.

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

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for their patients.

Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart!

Call (412) 367-3685.

iBike@QV is looking for volunteers for their bike camp, which

by Linda Mitzel Photography. For info, visit nhsd.net.

students for the fall 2016 semester for the final year of a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration. For info, call (412) 469-6229 or crobinson@ccac.edu.

CCAC Allegheny Campus, Foerster Student Services Center Auditorium. For details, visit LaborManagement@ccac.edu.

La Roche College is offering summer courses at reduced tuition rates. For details, visit http://laroche.edu/summercollege/.

La Roche College AAUW North Hills Pittsburgh’s Tech Savvy Conference, 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., May 14. For girls

6th-9th grade. Registration http://northhills-pa.aauw.net/ tech-savvy/. For info, contact Peggy, (412) 536-1274 or peggy. schmiedecke@laroche.edu.

North Hills Kennywood Day May 28. Discounted ride-all-

day-tickets may be purchased for $26 on May 3, at Highcliff, McIntyre, Ross, & West View Elementary; North Hills Middle & North Hill High School, or 8 a.m.-noon, May 16-20 at the district Athletics & Activities Office. all (412) 318-1438 or email zimmermanm@nhsd.net.

Saint Vincent College Challenge program, a STEM-based

academic summer program for students from K-12. A Micro Force day program for students grades K-4 from June 27-July 1. A Galaxy overnight program for students grades 5-12 from June 26-July 1. Visit www.stvincent.edu/challenge.

runs June 13-17 and June 20-24, Quaker Valley Middle School.

For info, visit ibike@qvmail.org.

Seussical, Jr., 7:30 p.m., May 12 & 13, St. Ursula School.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide vision–

Seminars, Workshops, Courses & Conferences

Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www.mission-vision.org.

North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientations,

10 a.m., May 12, NHCO in Millvale, 10 a.m., July 14, NHCO, Allison Park. Call (412) 408-3830 ext. 3204 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.

Seeking hospice volunteers...if you can find the time to sit

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

http://www.stursulaschool.org/.

AAUW North Hills Pittsburgh Branch STEM Program for Girls, May 14, La Roche College. Register at http://northhillspa.aauw.net/tech-savvy.

Legacy Theatre Seminars: 11 a.m., May 17, Who Killed

Jon Benet Ramsey, presenter Cyril Wecht; June 21, A Taste of Spain; July 5, What is the Purpose of My Brain: A Gift For Salvation, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

Teen driver safety FOCUS program is being offer thru

Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and The Allstate Foundation. For schools interested, call (412) 692-8229 or www.chp.edu/CHP/street+and+off-road+for+parents.

Worried about the New SAT? Total Learning Center is offering practice testing free of charge, 11 a.m., 1st Saturday of every month, 12051 Perry Hwy., Wexford. Call (724) 940-1090 or success@totallearningcenter.com.

Retreats & Camps GreenEAcademy Lego & Robotic camps, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.,

Mon-Fri, June & July, at Alpha School, 9000 Babcock Blvd. For grades 2 thru 7. Visit www.greeneacademy.net/

National Aviary has Summer Camps available June-Aug. For details, call (412) 323-7235 or www.aviary.org.

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Township of Pine Recycle Rama Reduce/Reuse/Recycle

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he Township of Pine is partnering with community organizations and businesses to provide a one-stop recycling event. Recycle Rama will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 7, at the municipal building parking lot, 230 Pearce Mill Road.

Recycle Rama partners include – Evolution E-Cycling, LLC; Out of Sight Shredding; Construction Junction; Battery Giant of Cranberry; Off the Floor Pittsburgh and The Salvation Army.

For a details list of items collected as well as some associated fees visit, http:// prc.org/programs/collection-events/hardrecycle-collections/west/. l l l

Stem Adventure Day Camp, dates in June & July, Camp

Guyasuta. Call (412) 782-2669 or www.CampGuyasuta.org.

Fundraiser & 5K Race/Walks Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation Walk, June

4, Flagstaff Hill in Schenley Park. Celebration of 125th anniversary of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh UPMC. Visit www. givetochildrens.org/walk.

“Jeans Jewels,” 6 p.m., June 30, Left Field Meeting Space on the North Shore. Benefits the Cancer Caring Center. For info, visit www.cancercaring.org.

Mars Band on the Run 5K Run/Walk, 10K & 1K Children’s Fun Run, 8:55 a.m., May 21, Mars Area High School. For details, visit www.marsband5k.com.

North Allegheny School District (NASD) 16th Annual Pump House Run, 7:30 a.m., May 21, North Allegheny

“Veteran X” mental health & substance abuse recovery

program for vets meets 6 p.m., every Mon., at VA Butler Healthcare, Room 213, East South (ES), 325 N. Castle Rd., Butler. Visit http://www.butler.va.gov/.

Bowling Fun Night sponsored by Yes, You Can Dance, 6-10

Walk, raise funds for NHCO in the Highmark Walk, May

Country Knight Line Dancers host a line dance 7-10:30 p.m.

14. Register at walkforahealthycommunity.org. For info, call Maria (412) 408-3830 or mschristina@nhco.org.

every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine.beley@gmail.com.

Young Professionals Committee Hosting DePaul SPEAKeasy, 6:30-9:30 p.m., May 19, at the Union Project.

Handicapable Square Dancing, 7-8 p.m., weekly on

Veterans North Pittsburgh Quilts of Valor meets 7-9 p.m., 2nd Mon., of the month, Quilt Company, Middle Rd., Allison Park. Call (412) 487-9532 or www.qovf.org.

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

Veterans Discover HOPE Here-Career, 3rd Wed., 6:30-8:45

p.m., Cranberry Twp., Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Free. Call (724) 779-8323, discoverhopehere@ gmail.com or www.discoverhopehere.com.

Veterans Fitness Classes 5 Days a week, 4:30-5:30 p.m., VA

p.m., May 14, Sports Haven Bowl, Bridgeville. http://www. yesyoucandance.org/events/special-events.

Thursdays (starting May 5), Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd. For ages 18 & older. Register at (412) 9158486 or (724) 443-2616 or beatty3@consolidated.net.

May is Yes, You Can Dance! Volunteer Appreciation Month, 2-5:15 p.m., May 7, Special Needs Symposium, Mount Lebanon Municipal Building. For info, http://www.yesyoucandance.org/events/special-events.

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages 40+, 8 p.m. to midnight,

May 7, Anniversary Extravaganza; May 21, Free Speed Dating & Nacho Bar Night, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m. Call, (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

Yes, You Can Dance! (YYCD) is a special needs ballroom

program for teens (16+). Participants meet one hour on Sundays at DancExplosion Arts Center in the North Hills or Steel City Ballroom in the South Hills. Participants are paired with a trained volunteer dance mentor. Call (412) 999-3998 or info@yesyoucandance.org.

Butler Healthcare Auditorium (bldg. 1), 325 New Castle Rd., Butler. Visit www.prevention.va.gov/B_Physically_ Active.asp.

Community Events

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST) Support Group,

Barnyard Round-Up Vacation Bible Camp, 9 a.m.-noon,

10 a.m., Fridays, VA Butler Healthcare. Call 800-362-8262 ext. 2498.

a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 8, Sisters of Divine Providence. Call (412) 635-5401 or pserafini@cdpsisters.org or cdpsisters. org/2016CraftExtravaganza.

Marshall Township Camps: Baker’s Dozen Summer Camp, 10

Dancing & Recreation

Intermediate High School Athletic Field, 350 Cumberland Rd., For info, call 412-369-5530 or visit http://www.northallegheny. org/page/141.

Tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Benefits the DePaul School for Hearing & Speech. Visit www.depaulhearingandspeech.org for details.

Crafters needed…for a Craft Extravaganza, 10

June 13-17, St. Alexis Parish, 10090 Old Perry Hwy, Wexford.

For info, call (724) 935-4343 or stalexis.org.

a.m.-noon, Jun. 27-29; Playground Program, 9-11:30 a.m., Jun. 13-Jul. 6; Summer Recreation, 8:45 a.m.-noon, Jun. 13-Jul. 8; Baker’s Dozen Summer Camp, 10 a.m.-noon, Jul. 25-27;

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St. James Parish Sponsors Trip to Flight 93 Memorial and Ligonier

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he 55 Plus Group of St. James Catholic Parish in Sewickley is sponsoring a trip to the Flight 93 Memorial on Tuesday, June 14.

The trip includes roundtrip motor coach transportation from St. James to the Flight 93 Memorial in Shanksville; lunch and musical performance of Proud to Be an American at the Ramada Inn in Ligonier; visit to the Greendance Winery and Sand Hill Berries Pie Shoppe. Cost is $88 per person.

For information, call Suzanne at (412) 264-6386. Reservations due by May 19.

St. James Catholic Parish is located at 200 Walnut Street. For more information, call (412) 741-6650 or www.saintjames-church. com l l l

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AGH - Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion May Community Events A Taste of Wellness, noon-1:30 p.m., May 10, Betsy Blazek-O’Neill, MD, Integrative Medicine, featured restaurant: Whole Foods; Breast Cancer Support Group, 6-7:30 p.m., May 11, Mary Beth Malay, MD, Breast Oncology Surgeon, to register, call (412) 622-1212; Health for Her- “Healthier Homes, Happier Families,” 6:30 to 8 p.m., May 18, Deborah Gentile, MD, Allergist, to register, call (412) 469-7002; Community Doc Talk – Forget Me Not: What you need to know about Dementia, 6 to 7:30 p.m., May 19, Robert Fishman, MD, Neurologist; Community Doc Talk – Suffering from reflux? 6 to 7:30 p.m., May 25, Lana Schumacher, MD, Thoracic Surgeon, to register, call (412) 330-4469 or visit AHNWexford.org

Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion 12311 Perry Highway Wexford, PA 15090

Events HAPPENINGS | May 2016

Engineering for Kids Out of This World, 9 a.m.-noon, Aug. 1-5; Nature Discovery Camp, 9 a.m.-noon, Aug. 1-5. (724) 935-3090 x115.

North Boroughs YMCA “Zoe for President” Picnic, 1-5

p.m., May 22, Avonworth Community Park Pavillion. Food and games. Proceeds benefit the North Boroughs YMCA programs.

Tickets can be purchased at www.ymcapgh.org or by calling (412) 761-1227.

“Quilt in a Day” program, 10-noon, May 31, Stewart Hall,

Harmony Museum. Reservations recommended. Call (724) 4527341 or harmonymuseum.org.

Summer Event at Depreciation Lands Museum, 1-4 p.m.,

May 1, Children’s Heritage Day; 2:30 p.m., May 15, Friendship Day, 2:30 p.m., July 17, Ice Cream Social and Fleece-to-Shawl Demonstration, 4743 S. Pioneer Rd., Allison Park. For info, http://www.depreciationlandsmuseum.org/.

Flea Markets Flea Market, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., May 14, St. Nicholas Church, 24

Maryland Ave., Millvale. Household items, clothing for adults, books, toys & holiday items. Homemade baked goods. For info, call (412) 821-1893 or (412) 821-4106.

Flea Market & Bake Sale, 7 a.m.-1 p.m., May 7, Northmont

United Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall in McCandless.

Featuring “almost new” toys, baby, holiday & household items, books, jewelry, and baked goods. Proceeds go to local, national and international missions. For info, http://northmontchurch.org/.

Strawberry Festival Mt. Nebo Presbyterian Church Saturday, June 18 • 4-7 p.m.

Picnic Food & Antique Car Show For more info: 412-741-6880

Festivals, Fairs & Fashion Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival, June 10-12, Coopers

Lake Campground. For info, call (724) 256-4050 or visit www.

BantamJeepFestival.com.

Food Bank’s Feed More Festival, July 17, at Stage AE on

the North Shore. For details, visit www.pittsburghfoodbank. org.

Environmental & Gardening Great American Cleanup of PA, runs thru May 31. For details, visit gacofpa.org.

Greybrooke Garden Club meeting, 9:30 a.m., May 11,

Fellowship Hall of Parkwood Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd. For info, contact Barbro, at (412) 296-0538.

Herb & Garden Fair, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., June 11, Harmony

Museum barn annex, 303 Mercer Rd. Vegetables, herbs, and roses. For details, call (724) 452-7341 or harmonymuseum.org.

Ingomar Garden Plant Sale, 8 a.m.-3 p.m., May 7, corner of

Ingomar Rd. & Rt. 19 (by Bruster’s). Perennials, annuals, hanging baskets & vegetables. For info, visit http://www.ingomargarden-club.com/

North Hills Community Outreach is seeking individuals

or garden groups to grow seedlings for transplanting in their organic garden. For details, call (412) 307-0069 x3311 or nhcogardens.squarespace.com.

Shaler Garden Club 63rd Annual Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-noon,

May 7, Kiwanis Park, 399 Wetzel Rd., Glenshaw. Perennials, annuals, bake sale, flea market. For details, visit www.shalergardenclub.org.

Golf Play Mini-Golf w/friends, raise funds for NHCO and families in need, 5 p.m., May 12, RMU’s Island Sports Complex.

Register online at nhco.org/2016-minimasters-registration or call Nancy at (412) 307-0069 x2211.

Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber Golf Outing, May 23, Butler Country Club. Sponsorships are available. Visit http:// members.pghnorthchamber.com/events/details/2016-drive-tothrive-spring-golf-outing-2972

Verland Golf Tournament, June 6, Siliciano Golf Tournament at Green Oaks CC. For details, visit verland.org.

Library Northland Library Events: Spring Book Sale, 9 a.m.-4

p.m., May 6 & 7; 1-4 p.m., May 8 ($5 bag sale). Food Truck, noon-6 p.m., May 5, Las Chicas (Mexican for Cinco de Mayo) & May 19 – Bacon on the Fly, Jun. 2, Wood Fire Flatbreads.

Programs: Connected By Our Streams: A History of the Pine Creek Watershed, 7 p.m., May 12; After Hours Genealogy Lock-In, 6:30 p.m., May 13; Cookies and Coloring, 7 p.m., May 26, required registration. Call (412) 366-8100 x103 or www. northlandlibrary.org.

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NC May 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Homes

HOME & GARDEN | May 2016

Wayne Homes:

Affordable, Customized Builder with Attention to Detail Over 18,000 dream homes built and the next one could be yours.

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ayne Homes was founded in 1973 and was named in honor of Wayne County, Ohio, where their first homes were built. They are currently serving Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Indiana and Michigan, and have been building here in Pennsylvania for well over a decade now!

Their Pennsylvania office is conveniently located on RT-22 in Greensburg where they have two model homes on site, a two-story and a multi-level, that you can tour and explore before sitting down to discuss well over 40 floor plans and how each are customizable to your specific

needs and decorative style.

“We have a courteous and knowledgeable staff of experts that lead the way to your dream home,” explains sales manager, Toni Moreland. “From design, to cabinets and fixtures, to permits and inspections to every aspect of your new home, our experts will be there to make it happen. All of our employees love what they do and take enormous pride in a job well-done.”

This dedication and attention to detail is why Wayne Homes has won numerous local, state and national awards for value, energy efficiency, price and design; including America’s Best Builder, Builder of the Year, and two-time winner of the National Housing Quality award.

Their success comes from combining high quality and affordable prices while consistently delivering a great customer

experience. Wayne Homes’ priority is personalization and customer service. One stand-out tool that Moreland mentioned is the Personal Value List. Wayne Homes’ New Home Consultants work one-on-one with homeowners to craft the Personal Value List, determining what is important to each unique customer, creating a specialized, personal experience.

Wayne Homes can also recommend a preferred lender who specializes in construction loans and how how construction loans differ from traditional standard loans.

However, customers are also welcome to use their own lender, if they prefer.

To learn more about how Wayne Homes can make your dream home a reality, please visit www.WayneHomes.com or call 866-883-2852 to make an appointment. l l l

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | May 2016

Advances in Women’s Healthcare We, at Northern Connection magazine, are proud to help create awareness regarding several healthcare concerns that can effect women throughout their lives and the various methods of care and treatments that are available.

Breast Cancer Screening – New technology is available with 3D mammography, known as tomosynthesis, for identifying potentially harmful masses in breast tissue.

This state-of-the-art technology is the same procedure as with a typical mammogram, but takes many more pictures, showing very thin layers of breast tissue and a very clear identification of potential masses. With a standard mammogram, which only takes two pictures, there was often an overlapping of dense tissue that could result in a call-back for another mammogram. Now with 3D mammograms, there are fewer call-backs and a better chance of finding much smaller masses, as small as only a few millimeters, and at earlier stages. For more information, visit the Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion at https://www. ahn.org/locations/healthwellnesspavilion.

Menopause – A woman goes through tremendous changes, both physical and emotional, during midlife. Fortunately, there have been many advances in healthcare that take a holistic approach to a woman’s care, considering all aspects of her life. These aspects are often described as the 5-S’s (sleep, stress, sex, sweats and self-aware-

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ness) and may require a series of specialists and focused care including endocrinologists, gynecologists, urologists, osteopathic specialists, psychologists and more that can provide help and relief from the effects of menopause. The whole spectrum of mid-life care is available through the Women’s Health specialists of Allegheny Health Network. For more information, visit https://www.ahn.org/specialties/womens-health and be sure to register for their “Health for Her” educational series.

Peripheral Neuropathy – Peripheral Neuropathy occurs when nerves are damaged or destroyed and can’t send messages to the muscles, skin and other parts of the body. Peripheral nerves go from the brain and spinal cord to the arms, hands, legs and feet. When damage to the nerves takes place, numbness and pain in these areas may occur. Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep. However there is now an innovative, specialized treatment protocol that includes 9 specific combination of treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms. Locally, this innovative treatment proto-

NC May 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

Pregnancy – The continuity of care from preconception through birth to care in the home, effects the entire family, both mom and dad as well as mother and infant.

There have been significant developments throughout each stage to provide the best possible continuity of care. For example, there have been advances in helping a couple prepare for conception, making their bodies as healthy as possible, decreasing or removing potentially harmful toxins from their systems, and increasing certain supplements. Other innovations include the importance of bonding between among mother, infant and father at the moment of birth such as skin to skin contact that can improve breastfeeding, latching and the overall health of the infant and family unit.

Additionally, for mothers wanting alternative birth options, West Penn Hospital offers an entire midwifery program. Mothers and mothers-to-be interested in a more natural childbirth process (Continued on page 22)

Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | May 2016

may opt for nurse-midwife birthing specialists to provide care. In the event of complications during pregnancy or labor, the nurse midwives collaborate with the obstetrician gynecologists of Allegheny Health Network’s Women’s Health.

For more information on all the

pregnancy and newborn services provided through AHN at its three hospitals that deliver babies locally, Forbes, Jefferson and West Penn, visit https://www.ahn.org/specialties/womens-health/obstetricalcarepregnancy-and-newborn-services.

Primary Care - As a woman, your healthcare needs vary and change throughout your life. BHS Primary care physicians serve as an integral part in helping to coordinate care.

They work with you to diagnose and treat health problems while helping you to achieve the healthiest quality of life. Your family doctor can support you to connect with quality specialists including: • BHS Dermatology for conditions like acne and eczema to options for skin cancer treatments.

• The BHS Medical Spa offers a variety of services that can help you achieve a younger, more refreshed look. Our conveniently located site in Cranberry Township offers Botox, fillers and medical grade skin care products.

• The BHS Center for Advanced Vein Care specializes in minimally invasive vascular surgical procedures (like varicose veins) that at one time may have required surgery.

Butler Health System has caring, compassionate specialty physicians to care for you through every stage of your life in convenient locations close to home. For more information on our physicians, visit butlerhealthsystem.org Be sure and look for more Advances in the Healthcare in our upcoming issue on Men’s health! If you know of additional healthcare treatments and procedures, be sure and let us know so that we can continue to inform and create awareness for the community by emailing NorthCon@consolidated. net or calling (724) 940-2444. l l l

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ADVERTORIAL

Coming Up in

3 Things You Should Know Before You Take That Pill…

June 2016

Men’s Health Call Today to Advertise

724-940-2444

BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF

I

n the United States, it is estimated that drug companies spend four to five billion dollars every year advertising to us. We are the most heavily medicated nation in the world. Often, that’s to our own detriment because we’ll use medicine to mask problems instead of fixing them.

Even Over the Counter Medicines Have Risks. It’s so easy to take a couple of Advil®, aspirin or Aleve® and get on with your day. What many people don’t realize is that these medicines can cause an increased risk of bleeding in the stomach or intestines, cardiac events (including heart attack), and kidney damage. On top of that, they actually slow down the healing process.

More People Die in the U.S. from Prescription Pain Pills than From All the Illegal Drugs Combined. It is truly a sad epidemic that we face… and more and more people end up accidentally addicted to pain medicine every year. These potent medications can be humane but they come at a high cost. Many people will develop physical dependence to pain medicines and will find they need higher doses to get the same results over time. All of these situations can contribute to the accidental overdoses that affect more of us every year.

Restoring Function is What Works. The structure of our body has to be intact for our health to work properly and for our body to be able to perform through what our life demands. Though a medicine may decrease pain, it will never restore function.

Chiropractic is focused on restoring function and health to the human body safely, naturally and effectively. If you haven’t tried chiropractic before or it’s been a while since you’ve been seen, please consider taking a closer look. We’re here to help. l l l

Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates McKnight (412) 364-9699 www.choicechiropractic.net

Like us on Facebook

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | May 2016

Numbers DO Matter in the Weight Game of Life

BY DR. BRIDGET CHUFO, PHD, RN

M

ost of us can get caught up in a numbers game when it comes to losing and gaining weight. The scale can become our best friend or our worst enemy. But, the scale is not always the “be all, end all.” Even the BMI (Body Mass Index) is not always an accurate way of looking at an appropriate weight. Sometimes, we need to look at numbers differently, numbers that can become part of our daily lives.

For example, most of us are dehydrated most of the time. When that happens, our organs are not acting as efficiently and effectively as they should and could cause major health issues. We should be drinking plain water on a daily basis according to our weight. We should be drinking half to all of our body weight

in ounces of water, if approved by your primary care physician. Water is water; it is not tea or coffee. A good rule of thumb is if you don’t wash your clothes in it, it is not water.

Another important number is the grams of protein we should be eating on a daily basis. Recent research shows that we should have .75% grams of protein in relation to our weight. So, if we weigh 175, we should have 131 grams of protein a day. Most Americans do not eat enough protein yet it is what builds and repairs our cells on a daily basis.

The circumference of our waists are important. Women should have a waist measurement of 35 inches or less and men, 40 inches at most. All of the vital organs of the body are in this area and if

they are surrounded by fat, they cannot operate in an optimum manner.

When looking at dietary labels, sugars should be 3 grams at the most and at least 5 grams of fiber. Carbohydrates can include fruits, vegetables and starches and we need carbs for energy. A major problem is that we overdue it especially on the amount of starches or starchy vegetables, like peas, corn, potatoes, and beans. There is no such thing as a “bad” food; it’s simply the frequency and the amount that we tend to eat these foods and starches and fats are first on the list. So, make them the last items to eat on your plate. A rule of thumb is to eat 40% of your daily meals in carbs with vegetables being first, then “good” grains and then, lastly, fruit. Never eat carbs late at night, opt for protein instead. If you are carb-sensitive, then you may want to temporarily eliminate fruits and eat less than 50 grams of carbs per day, making them green, leafy vegetables and lentils.

“Greens” are wonderful for so many reasons. They provide fiber, contain most every vitamin and mineral, are a great source of antioxidants, help strengthen the immune system, and they fill you up.

Vegetables are one of those groups of food that we usually never overeat. In fact, most people don›t eat nearly enough vegetables. It is best to eat the majority of your carbs early in the day and at a post-workout meal, tapering off on them over the day.

So, in the weight game of life, numbers do matter.

The bottom line is: if you want to lose one pound a week, you must cut your calorie intake by 500 calories a day. If you want to maintain your weight, simply add a zero to your present weight and that’s approximately how many calories you need to eat in a day. If we stick with these basic concepts, we should improve our health and our weight.

To get more information on numbers and how to lose weight and keep it off, call me at 1-800-900-THIN (8446).

Combined, I have helped people lose hundreds of thousands of pounds over the past 35 years. l l l

Dr. Chufo’s Weight Loss and Wellness Center 11279 Perry Highway, Suite 302 Wexford, PA 15090 1-800-900-THIN (8446) www.drchufosweightlossandwellness.com

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L O O K A N D F E E L Y O U R B E S T AT A N Y A G E

Ideal Image: Experts in Laser and Medical Spa Services Want to look and feel your best?

Tired of unwanted hair?

Want smooth and sexy skin?

Want to look and feel years younger?

A

t Ideal Image, we are dedicated to helping you look and feel your personal best. Giving you the confidence you deserve. Our services are performed by licensed medical and nursing professionals, with an uncompromising concern for your comfort and safety.

• Ideal Image has performed over 5.5 million laser hair removal treatments nationwide.

• Ideal Image is Americas #1 Choice for Laser Hair Removal.

• We use only the top licensed nursing and medical professionals in the country, and employ over 200 licensed medical professionals.

• Most of our guests can return to work or play immediately after a laser hair removal treatment.

• Ideal Image provides our Laser Hair Removal Guests with a Lifetime Membership for the areas purchased.

At I deal Image, we provide a full array of skin and body services: Laser Hair Removal – at Ideal Image, we have mastered the process of laser hair removal and stand behind our methods as one of the best ways to achieve permanent hair reduction. No more bumps, stubble or irritation. Treatments average just under 30 minutes and then guest can go back to work or play.

BBL™ BroadBand Light therapy – also known as Intense Pulsed Light therapy or the photo facial, produces younger look-

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35% off when you mention this article

ing skin that’s firmer, and more even in tone and texture. With little recovery time and no surgery, BBL™ offers a safe, FDA-cleared option for sun damage, anti-aging, and skin rejuvenation.

Coolsculpting® – Developed by renowned scientists of Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital, the FDAcleared procedure known as CoolSculpting uses patented cooling technology to eliminate fat cells, without surgery, and little to no downtime. The reduction in fat cells in the treated area provides noticeable, and lasting results to help you look and feel your very best.

Laser Tattoo Removal – Regret a Tattoo? Does it not look the way you wanted? We use FDA-cleared PicoSure™, the most advanced laser treatment available for tattoo removal.

PicoSure™ targets unwanted ink faster than ever before, successfully removing difficult ink colors, such as blue and green, as well as previously treated tattoos.

Ultherapy Skin Lifting – Ultherapy® is a non-surgical, noninvasive procedure that uses focused ultrasound and the body’s own natural healing process to lift, tone, and tighten loose skin on the brow, neck, under the chin, and even the décolletage (upper chest area). With Ultherapy®, there’s no downtime, no foreign substances, no radical change; just a healthy revvingup on the inside for a natural, noticeable effect on the outside.

The result? Tighter, better-fitting skin, even on the neck. It’s the lift without the surgery!

Injections – With safe and effective anti-aging treatments services including Botox, Dysport, Restylane, Juvederm Ultra, Voluma, and Kybella. You’re able to unlock more youthful looking skin, with only minimally invasive procedures requiring little, if any downtime. Whether your goal is to instantly add volume to sunken cheekbones, fill in deep lines, reduce the appearance of wrinkles or add beautiful contours, the medical and healthcare professionals at Ideal image are just a phone call away.

The experience in the words of our guests: “This definitely changed me as a person 100%. It is phenomenal. I haven’t bought razors - which are so expensive now. It’s not even anything on my mind anymore where it was always on my mind and the first thing on my mind before I had Laser Hair Removal. It’s amazing. It truly is amazing. If I could speak to my fifteen year old self… you have a lot to look forward to, is what I would tell her.” – Nicole “Now that I’ve had the Laser Hair Removal, I feel like my life is so much simpler. I feel like I look better; I feel better; I have more confidence.

The flexibility to be able to play with my children, being able to throw on a bathing suit and just go get in the pool without a second thought has been really a life saver.

And my husband has been really supportive. He knows that I struggled with the waxing and shaving for years. And so I think he’s happy to see me happy.” – Sammy “I started to notice hair on my back when I was probably 19 or 20 years old. It always bothered me. It was always one of those self-conscious things that I always felt like you know, can somebody see that? Can somebody else notice that? And it just got to me…No one actually ever suggested it to me because it’s honestly not things that guys are usually tell each other…I was in and out in like, 30 minutes – I mean I did it on my lunch hour – I was right back to work, I mean no problems. Went to the gym that night, and it was good. -- Steve

Ideal Image has two convenient locations in the Pittsburgh area: Ideal Image Wexford in the Wexford Flats at 2000 Village Run Road, Suite 204 and Ideal Image Pittsburgh in Robinson Town Centre at 1934 Park Manor Boulevard.

To learn more and watch informative videos, visit our website https://www.idealimage.com or for a FREE consultation, call (724) 759-2620 for our Wexford location and ask to speak to Michelle.

Or call Lisa at our Robinson location at (412) 706-5262. l l l www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC May 2016

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | May 2016

Fit Families

Strong Bones, Strong Women!

BY JOELLA BAKER

As we get older, we continue to be more concerned with staying healthy and fit. One of the most important health issues for women to worry about is strong bones.

D

uring childhood and adolescence, your body makes bone tissue faster than you lose it. By the time you’re 18 to 20 years old, you’ve built up about 90% of all the bone you’ll ever have. Most people continue to build bone faster than they lose it until about the age of 30, a point that’s known as your “peak bone mass.” After that, the rate of building bone mass slows down and your body starts to actually lose bone mass more quickly.

They say you can’t get back bone once it’s lost, but you can help maximize bone formation and minimize bone loss which

leads to osteoporosis. Research does tell us that there are a bunch of factors that are out of our control that can affect your bone mass. This includes genetics, gender age and race. However, despite this, there are things you can do to slow down this process and even improve your bone mass.

According to WebMD and the Mayo Clinic, the risk of a fracture due to osteoporosis in women over 50 increases by 50%. The numbers are astounding. They say about 70% of all hip fractures occur in women. There are a number of variables that influence your risk of fractures as you age. They include…

• Your gender: Women are more prone to fractures than men.

• Your medical conditions: Specific diseases that reduce vitamin D and calcium like thyroid issues, lupus and other autoimmune diseases that attack the joints are examples.

• Medications can often decrease your vitamin D and calcium. They can also cause dizziness which can lead to falling.

• Poor nutrition is a key factor. Simply improving how you eat can increase your bone density and taking proper supplements as well. If you want to build stronger bones, you need three key elements: calcium, protein, and vitamin D. Vitamin D actually helps our bodies absorb calcium. In 2010, the Institute of Medicine released new guidelines as to just how much calcium and vitamin D people need. Most adults, should get between 600 and 800 international units (IUs) of vitamin D every day, and between 1,000 and 1,300 milligrams (mg) of calcium daily.

• Physically inactive individuals are also prone to more falls and lower bone density. Exercise actually stimulates bone mass and increases muscular strength.

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• Tobacco and alcohol use decreases vitamin D and calcium in your body.

One way to increase bone density is through weight bearing activities. You can actually increase your bone density by 1% each year by increasing your exercise and activity. Therefore, in 10 years, you can increase your bone density by 10%. Those are great numbers as you age. Examples of exercise that can help increase density include…

• Weight lifting: I recommend low weight dumbbells, body weight exercises or weight lifting machines. If you’ve never lifted weights before, please talk to your doctor first. Then, find someone to help you set up a program that is right for you and have them show you how to properly do all the exercises so you don’t get injured.

Once you know how to properly do the exercises, you can do them on your own at a gym or at home.

• Yoga and Pilates: These are both great ways to increase bone density through strength exercises and stretching. You will build bone strength and muscular strength.

• Brisk walking: Find a friend, twolegged or four-legged and hit the streets. Brisk walking will build muscle, increase bone density and provide cardiovascular support.

Other fun exercises to try are hiking, racquet sports, golf and dancing. The key is to get out and get moving and most of all, to stay consistent. It’s not enough to go once or twice a week. This need to be daily. 30 minutes to 60 minutes a day or more will allow the greatest impact. Don’t work out one week, then take two weeks off. That won’t help you.

Bone health is one of the most important concerns you should have. Start today and you will see changes in your bone density and as you build stronger bones through a consistent exercise program and eating healthier, expect to see increased muscle mass, improved cardiovascular function and you may even lose some weight.

What are you waiting for! Get out and get moving, it may save your life! l l l Sources: The Mayo Clinic and WebMD

Starting the Conversation

Is There Still a Taboo over Mental Illness?

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

N

othing is more tragic than someone taking their own life. It is especially tragic when it is a young person.

The isolation, despondency and despair that must lead to such an act is heart-wrenching. The brain is the most sophisticated super computer in the universe and modern science knows more than ever before how to care for it.

Specifically, how hormones, negative thought processes and biochemical reactions can affect a person’s thought process and consequently, how it can be reversed. Additionally, anyone can feel overwhelmed and be in need of coping strategies during various dark times in their lives. Yet, we continue to be plagued by the loss of good people and adolescents. What can we do to reach them before we lose them?

According to licensed, practicing mental health therapist and published author, Debra Whittam, “It is the universal and generational impact of untreated mental illness, untreated addiction and unacknowledged grief that flows through our family tree which creates the most danger. Like on a river of silence and denial, old family rules of NOT talking about it brings death and destruction which is happening to our young adults right now. The main point of my book, Am I Going To Be Okay? Weathering the Storms of Mental Illness,

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Addiction and Grief. is to encourage all of us to start talking about it….all of it. Old, archaic and firmly entrenched family rules of silence are becoming the most dangerous opponents out there for admitting what is happening with our young people right under our very noses. Let’s start talking about it at home, in our schools, in group sessions at our counselor’s office. By remaining quiet, by not reaching out and sharing our own family stories with our teens, we participate in the growing number of suicides and overdoses that plague our young. Let’s talk about it.”

If you or someone you love needs help, it is perfectly alright to reach out. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week. Call 1-800-273TALK (8255), or visit http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline. org/ to click to chat.

But, as always, what do you think? Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http://northernconnectionmagazine. blogspot.com, where there are links to Debra Whittam’s book and other helpful resources or email me at NorthCon@consolidated.net or send me a “Letter to the Editor” at P.O Box 722 Wexford, PA 15090-0722 attn: Marianne Reid Anderson. l l l

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Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | May 2016

Cancer Care Close to Home After battling cancer for more than two years, Mary Jo Keeney is grateful that Allegheny Health Network’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion offers cancer care close to home.

“T

his has been a horrible experience going through this, but I’ve been getting such great care and the pavilion is beautiful. It’s made this a lot more tolerable,” said Mary Jo, of Ohio Township.

Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion offers comprehensive cancer care services, said Asthanasios Colonias, MD, a radiation oncologist for Allegheny Health Network (AHN).

“It’s designed in a way where it’s all for the patient,” said Dr. Colonias.

“It’s very patient-centric, it’s one-stop shopping. We have medical oncology, radiology, imaging, phlebotomy work and support services.”

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Mary Jo was first diagnosed with colon cancer in June, 2014, and began care under Thomas C. Krivak, MD, and Suzanne Schiffman, MD. When she started chemotherapy in October, Casey Moffa, DO, and Dr. Colonias joined Mary Jo’s care team.

Then, after she was diagnosed with uterine cancer, Mary Jo began another round of chemotherapy, in November, 2015. She is finishing radiation and chemotherapy treatments.

“It’s been a long road, but Allegheny Health Network has been wonderful, and I could not ask for better doctors, nurses, all the professional staff, everyone,” said Mary Jo.

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Mary Jo noted that the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion offers amenities during chemotherapy and radiation treatments including heated reclining seats and warm blankets.

“It’s been a blessing to go to Wexford and be around brightness and cheerfulness,” added Mary Jo. “I can’t imagine going to the hospital for all these treatments all the time.”

“It’s a facility that’s pleasing to the eye,” added Dr. Colonias. “Everything is neat and clean, there are lots of windows that allow in sunlight. There are a lot of benefits for the patients, with the building and the outside scenery.

I think that helps promote a positivity that patients can really feel.”

For more information about cancer services at AHN’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion, go to AHN.org. l l l

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Chic

IMAGE & STYLE | May 2016

Navigating through 8 Spring Fashion Trends

BY SUZANNE MAURO, AICI

N

avigating through spring 2016’s Fashion Trends can be a little bit overwhelming, even for a fashion folk like me. Deciding what to add to our wardrobes is quite a challenge, but luckily, I am here to do the work for you and fill you in on the must-have items to buy this spring, so read on to start your outfit planning now.

Anything Off-The-Shoulder. Some may call it the cold shoulder, but this trend is hot, hot, hot. An off-the-shoulder top or dress showcases just the right amount of skin, flatters a variety of body shapes and sizes and can give off that laid-back romantic vibe we are totally into for spring and summer. Plus you can pair your off-the-shoulder tops well with pretty much anything you have in your closet. Whether you are headed to a music concert, the farmer’s market or have an exciting evening planned, there’s a version of flattering off-the-shoulder top and dress fit for every occasion.

Denim, Denim, Denim. It is time to think outside of your typical jeans and chambray shirt and introduce other denim pieces into your wardrobe. This spring, denim reigns supreme, its versatility lets you create a style all your own. Whether it be a denim dress, hat or crop pant, you will want anything jean-like in your closet this season. Don’t be afraid to try a denim dress for the office. You can add a belt or jacket, taking it to a whole new level. With denim’s extended moment in the sun, you will want to experience every style.

Shoes That Wrap & Tie. Get ready for the lace-up shoe. You can go all-out with laces that go from toes to shin, or a lace-up ballerina flat.

They’re delicate, very feminine and they ask for attention. It is hard not to stare at someone when they have these gorgeous flats on their feet.

The good news is that they are a perfect transition piece into spring and summer.

The Culotte Crop Pant. This new pant was seen on the spring runways and pre-fall 2016 presentations. Lean and cut significantly above the ankle. I know this new pant may be scary, but fear not here are some tips to looking great in a pair. A crop pant should hit at the skinniest part of your ankle for the most flattering silhouette. Try pairing a shorter pant with a fitted top or jacket to keep your proportions balanced.

Lace. One of the big trends this season is colored lace. A colored lace makes quite a statement and is an excellent party dress and a great alternative to the LBD. Whether it is a staple part of your wardrobe or for a special occasion only, lace is an elegant and on-trend choice of fabric this spring. If you go for a colored lace dress pair it with neutral accessories.

(Continued on page 40)

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Chic

IMAGE & STYLE | May 2016

Floral Trend. Bigger and brighter prints are proving popular this spring and summer and with such a wide selection of floral clothing, shoes and accessories, you can be guaranteed to find something that takes your fancy. It is a time for being outside and showing off your personal style and with the superb range of floral prints, you can reflect upon these gorgeous seasons and embrace your style.

Pastels. Pastels is one of the major trends this spring season, but many women find wearing them a challenge. Some say they can wash you out or look too “sweet.� When wearing pastels greys, pinks and blues try to combine them with something colorful. A colorful necklace, scarf, bag or even lipstick. Pastels always look beautiful with cream or white which will create a very chic and soft look. Sometimes combining two renditions of the same pastel shade can be stunning as well.

Athleisure Trend. This trend is doing nothing but picking up speed. This trend of sportswear-meetsstreetwear blend is tricky, so when it comes to athleisure, it is all about balance and is best pulled off at

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a happy medium. You can mix your slouchy pants with a cropped jacket or a crisp white sporty shoe with a dress or skirt. Maybe break up a tailored tracksuit jacket with a skinny jean or denim shirt. Remember wear anything too oversized and baggy pieces will end up looking messy.

This spring you will find fashion to suit every mood and there are so many fun pieces out there for the taking.

So look around and I challenge you to buy at least one trend/piece and add it to your spring/summer wardrobe.

It will not only reboot your style but it will make you feel fabulous. Remember there are clothes that make you feel good, and there are clothes that make everyone around you feel good. I guarantee your new piece will make you feel and look great this season.

You can always read my weekly blog posts at: http://onebrilliant.com/blogs/news Suzanne Mauro, AICI twitter@suzmauro www.facebook.com/StyleEverydayWithSuz www.facebook.com/suzannemauro

2016 Summer Camps Guide T

he warm weather is here at last and summer is quickly approaching. This month’s Northern Connection Summer Camp Guide is filled with fun ways to keep your young people active and busy during their summer break.

Oh to be a child again in this day and age!

These camps offer such a wide-range of opportunities, activities, and potential future pursuits and pastimes. Most importantly, these summer camps offer children an exceptional way to experience new interests in a safe environment, meet new people, and become more independent. Best of all,

these summer camps are a fun way to learn without the pressure of tests, grades and peers truly giving them a break and a chance to grow more so than their everyday school.

While parents appreciate the creativity, the decision-making and collaboration skills, and the comfort in knowing that their children are being active, children simply describe their camp experiences as FUN! Be sure and provide your child with the memories and skills of a lifetime. Don’t delay. Spots are filling up fast! l l l

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Summer Camps Directory Camp Spirit of the Game Camps.PghUltimate.org

Cynthia’s School of Dance

www.cynthiasschoolofdance.com 412-367-3330

Beaver.psu.edu/ce/youth.htm 724-773-3700

St. Alexis Catholic School Summer Stars Day Camp 724-935-3940

Winchester Thurston

Glen Montessori International Summer Camp

www.winchesterthurston.org/summercamp

Little Appleseed Learning Center

412-365-1148 www.chatham.edu/daycamp

www.glenmontessori.org 412-318-4885

www.littleappleseedlearningcenter.com 724-625-4029

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Penn State Beaver Summer Camps

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Chatham / Eden Hall Music & Arts Day Camp Sewickley Academy

www.sewickley.org/summer

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Catholic Schools REGISTER NOW

Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh (Gibsonia)

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

Holy Sepulcher Catholic School (Middlesex Twp)

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

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

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

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

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Principal: Rosanne Kwiatkowski (412)761-5043 www.northsidecatholicschool.org

Providence Heights Alpha School (McCandless)

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

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

Oakland Catholic High School (Oakland)

Saint Alexis Catholic School (Wexford)

Our Lady of the Sacred Heart High School (Coraopolis)

Saint Alphonsus (Wexford)

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

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

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

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

of the Pittsburgh Diocese

for the 2016-2017 School Year Saint Bonaventure (Glenshaw)

Saint Kilian Parish School (Cranberry Twp)

Saint Ursula School (Allison Park)

Saint Gregory School (Zelienople)

Saint Mary (Glenshaw)

Saint Wendelin School

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

Principal: Erin Harris 724-452-9731 www.stgregzelie.org

Saint James School (Sewickley)

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

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

Principal: Mrs. Jane Pampena 724-625-1665 ext. 2101 www.saintkilian.org/school

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

Saint Sebastian School (Ross)

Principal: Sr. M. Joanita Fedor, S.C.N. 412-486-5511 www.stursulaschool.org Principal: Mrs. JoLynn Clouse 211 Saint Wendelin Road Butler PA, 16002 724-285-4986 www.stwendelinschool.com

Vincentian Academy (North Hills, PA)

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

Saint Teresa of Avila School (Perrysville)

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

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

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Schools KIDS & EDUCATION | May 2016

School Movers & Shakers Pine-Richland

Fox Chapel

The Pine-Richland School Board appointed new director Steven Stegman during their special meeting Mar. 14. Stegman will represent Richland Township Region 3 for the Pine-Richland School District. He was appointed to the empty seat vacated

by Laura Ohlund, who served more than four years.

Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Cassidy Carson has been selected to receive a CongressBundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship. She will spend her junior year studying abroad in Germany.

Steven Stegman

The Fox Chapel Area School District has been named among the Best Communities for Music Education through a program sponsored by the National Association for Music Merchants Foundation.

Eight Fox Chapel Area School District students won awards at the Covestro Pittsburgh Regional Science & Engineering Fair. The honorees were: Sreeroopa Som, Ellen Pil, Sarthak Navjivan, Rajeev Godse, Amulya Garimella, Siddharth Yende, Anzu Sekikawa and Elizabeth Schwartzman.

Fox Chapel Area High School junior Yelim Lee won first place in the 2016 Pittsburgh Brain Bee. Three Fox Chapel Area High School juniors placed at the Pennsylvania High School League’s State Championship Tournament. They are: Mihir Garimella, Ellen Pil and Suvir Mirchandani.

Fox Chapel Area High School sophomore Elizabeth Kauma was named a national winner in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards of 2016.

Two Fox Chapel Area High School students, Wonho Kang and Albert Liu qualified to take the American Invitational Mathematics Examination.

Eight Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the Pittsburgh Diocesan Qualifying Tournament for the National Forensic League Grand National Championship Tournament. They are: Ellen Pil, Jonathan Monroe, Sara Puthenpurayil, Madeleine Doerr, Julia Lynch, Priyanka Shah, Mihir Garimella and Darwin Leuba.

Hampton The second annual MiniTHON was held Apr. 1, at Hampton High School. The event raised $30,859,811 for the Four Diamonds movement to help conquer childhood cancer.

Shaler Area Three Shaler Area students garnered top honors in the 2016 High School Japanese Speech Contest.

Nick Harn took first place and was named the grand prize winner. Zach Hughes received second place honors and Nick DeBortoli received a third place.

Three Shaler Area Middle School students Elisa Gabriel, Michaela Brining and Mia Fantozzi presented at the 2016 International Green Schools Conference and Expo on Mar. 31 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center.

North Allegheny The North Allegheny School District has selected Dr. Robert J. Scherrer as its next superintendent.

Charity Istone was honored with the South West Regions School Nurse Dr. Robert Excellence Award by the Pennsylvania Scherrer Association of School Nurses and Practitioners. The award is given to a school nurse that shows outstanding skill, dedication and excellence in the field of school nursing. Istone has worked 23 years as a certified school nurse for the North Allegheny School District and is currently the nurse Charity Istone at the Intermediate High School.

Mars Area Mars Area School District is listed as eighth among districts in the Pittsburgh region, according to the latest rankings published by the Pittsburgh Business Times.

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A team of Mars Area High School students took first place in the Hometown High Q high school quiz show. Participants included: Rebecca Dvorak, Andrew Diefenbacher, Claire Staresinic, Andrew Deluca and Kelli Conley.

Two Mars Area High School German students Luke and Alyssa Jedry placed in the 2016 Three Rivers German Day event held Mar. 17 at Washington & Jefferson College in Washington, Pa. Two members of Mars Area High School Boys Varsity Basketball team, Robby Carmody and John Castello were named to the 2015-16 Pennsylvania Sports Writers All-State Class Basketball team.

Mars Area eight grader Zachary Leachman was named the 2015 USA Track & Field Three Rivers Male Youth Athlete of the Year for Cross Country.

Zachary Leachman

Mars Area School Board president, J. Dayle Ferguson was selected to receive a Paul Harris Award for community service, presented by Rich-Mar Rotary.

J. Dayle Two Mars Area Elementary School Ferguson students, Caden Patton and Ellie Koma, were named winners in the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s 2015-16 Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest.

Mars Elementary School raised $30,213 to benefit the American Heart Association through the school’s annual Jump Rope for Heart fundraiser held Feb. 22-26.

North Hills Eight North Hills High School students are part of this year’s class of new inductees to the A.W. Beattie Career Center’s National Technical Honor Society chapter. They are – Luke Chuderewicz, James Jacobs, Courtney Muzzey, Kayla Naper, Maya Palone, Alexis Randolph, Mary Slagel and Rhianna Yocum.

North Hills School District has been honored as one of the nation’s Best Communities for Music Education by the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation. North Hills is one of only nine districts in Allegheny County to be awarded the program’s highest designation this year.

North Hills High School musicians Arran Collins, Emily Kaup, Stephanie Latona and Brandon Falcona participated in the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association All-State Band and AllState Orchestra in Hershey.

Seneca Valley David Kristobak, junior at Seneca Valley High School will serve as a Delegate of the Congress of Future Science and Technology Leaders, June 29-July 1 in Lowell, Mass.

David The following Seneca Valley stuKristobak dents won awards at the Associated Artists of Butler County High School Art Show. The honorees were: Jack Reynolds, Maddie Tobelewski, Alex Lecce, Mary Malone, (Continued on page 48)

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Schools KIDS & EDUCATION | May 2016

Michah Schirra, Zofia Chrzanowska, Adam Mascio, Dennis Adams, Jamie Wallace, Sarah Foster, and Cara Mastrostefano. Senior Jessica Farra won Best in Show with her piece “Daniel Shade.”

high school leaders by the Coca‑Cola Scholars Foundation and has been awarded a $20,000 college scholarship.

Seneca Valley junior Julia Kooser placed first at the Region 9 Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Science competition held at Slippery Rock University on Feb. 27.

The Seneca Valley Academic Decathlon Team of Colton Botta, Rishin Sharma, Zachary DeDionioso, Kyle Cindrich, Sydney McGahey, Darpun Kohli, Emily Kastroll and Bryce Hrvinak placed fourth among schools from western, central and eastern Pennsylvania in the Academic Decathlon State Competition at Penn State, March 11-12.

Julia Kooser Seneca Valley Senior High School senior Siona Sharma has been recognized as one of the country’s most outstanding

Farmers National Bank officials donated a $3,500 check to the Seneca Valley Foundation through the Pennsylvania Department of

Community and Economic Development (EITC) Program grant.

Seneca Valley was awarded four awards in the Pennsylvania School Public Relations Association’s “Excellence in Education Communications” 2015 Contest.

Haine Middle School fifth grader Grace Davis created the winning design for the Superheroes Foundation’s 8th Annual 5K Walk/Run that was held in North Park on April 23.

Winchester Thurston Winchester Thurston School’s North Hills campus began working closely with experts at Aquatic Edge Consulting in January to learn more about water conservation and pond analysis. With recent water concerns in Flint, Mich., and even right here in Pittsburgh, the students are working this semester to raise the water quality of the pond located on the school’s campus.

Shady Side Academy Two Shady Side Academy Senior School students, Abbie Minard and Sydney Cleveland earned national recognition in the 2016 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s Abbie Sydney longest-running and Minard Cleveland most prestigious recognition program for creative teens in grades 7-12.

Saint Joseph Saint Joseph High School senior Alexandra Loperfito will be published in the abstract issue at the 2016 World Congress on In Vitro Biology in San Diego, Calif.

Saint Joseph High School student Sabrina Bowman placed first at the WPIAL Swimming Championships in the 100 yard butterfly and the 100 yard backstroke.

Saint Joseph High School students Sophia and Caroline Maltese, and Julia Singleton, placed at the PA Junior Science and Humanities Symposium at Juniata College.

Alexandra Loperfito

Sabrina Bowman

St. Ursula Students from St. Ursula School joined in the Science Olympiad on Mar. 16 at California University against 17 other middle schools.

Seventh and eighth graders participated in a variety of various challenges through the help of their advisor Mary Heyl.

The following Saint Ursula students participated in the 34th annual Northern Area Diocesan Honors Band concert which was recently held at Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic. They include – Adam Larson, Maya Bianco, Anna Norman, and Hannah Valenty. The students were accompanied by their music teacher Susan Chambers.

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La Roche College

Saint Vincent College

Kamela Gissendanner, head coach of La Roche College women’s basketball has been named the Advocates for Athletic Equity (AAE) Div. III Coach of the Year.

La Roche College honored its 2016 Distinguished Alumni Circle awardees at Celebrate La Roche on Apr. 22. The honorees were – Riley Folds, Dione Graswick, Ernestine Harris, David Kasievich, Kristen Kruszewski, Mary Michalek, Tara Race, Suellywn Sewart, Janice Talerico, Dawnita Wilson and Maurita Wisniewski.

Chatham University Chatham University has announced the completion of the first phase of construction of its Eden Hall Campus. The University celebrated the grand opening and dedication of the Eden Hall Commons Center on Apr. 28. Spanning 23,000 square feet and two floors, the Commons is a multi-purpose campus hub designed to exceed LEED Platinum standards and serves as the heart and main gathering space of this “first in the world” sustainable campus.

Saint Vincent College Fred Rogers Scholars Julianne Bartko and Maura Snyder won the top poster award for their session at the James C. McCroskey and Virginia P. Richmond Undergraduate Scholars Conference in Baltimore, Md. Saint Vincent College campus ministry students completed a successful Catholic Relief Services Rice Bowl campaign during the Lenten season that raised $1,340.52 to help those in need in the United States and overseas.

Saint Vincent College announced that five seniors have been named finalists for the 42nd annual President’s Award. They are – Jacob Boros, Brett Kurpiel, Helena Shoplik, Rabia Uddin and Julian Whalen.

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Schools KIDS & EDUCATION | May 2016

Selecting the “Right” College or University

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

A

s graduation nears, you may be feeling pressure to select a major or even a certain school. However, it is important to remember that 85%-90% of college students change their major at least once during their college career.

Therefore, you may want to consider a school that offers a variety of subjects or majors that interest you and then finetune to a more select major once you get through the first two semesters. For example, you can simply select an area of study such as “business” or “science” and then later choose a more focused area such as accounting or criminal forensics, or something altogether different, such as journalism.

Once you begin college, a whole world of possibilities opens-

up. A big part of the college experience is to discover who you are and what you want to pursue as a future career. Usually, this is impossible to know until you experience various opportunities and fields of studies on what the world has to offer through your college. For instance, as a high school student, you may want to study biology; but, as a college student, you may find you prefer to study zoology, marine biology or other science.

But where to begin when considering the right school?

Answering the following questions may help you determine which schools may be “right” for you.

Would you prefer a rural setting where you have more access to the natural world? Or, perhaps you prefer an urban setting in the heart of the city?

The choice comes down to which environment will enable you to study and learn the best.

Do you plan to commute or reside on or near campus?

There are pros and cons to each situation. Commuting definitely reduces the overall cost; however, you may want to look into public transportation so you can study during your commute. You also want to be sure to become involved in activities and join the commuters’ club. This club will help you to become better acclimated to college life, meet future colleagues and find study partners.

Do you prefer a nurturing environment or a larger, more widespread environment?

Since this may be the first time you are leaving home, it is perfectly fine to prefer an environment with a high-level of oncampus support and security that makes you feel safe and cared for so that you can focus on your studies.

Do you want to go on to a particular graduate program, medical or law school?

If you do, be sure to talk with the graduate program or school you want and discover from which schools they generally recruit students. For example, many medical schools do not recruit from their own undergraduates. So do not think that going to that same university as an undergraduate gives you any kind of preferential treatment for acceptance. It may actually hinder you.

When you discover from which schools they do recruit, you may be surprised to learn that it is a smaller, liberal arts school where the undergraduate professors have an emphasis on teaching rather than publishing. Also check the acceptance rates of their seniors and how well they performed on GMAT, MCAT and LSAT. Even if you do not plan to attend graduate school, finding out this information is a great way to find which undergraduate programs are the best in the academic world.

If you are unclear of what kind of school you would like to attend, the guidance counselors from your high school can help you narrow the selection. In addition, ACT® (American College Test) also offers a career and college tool at http://www.act.org/ profile/. This tool is designed to help anyone learn more about themselves and possible colleges and career paths that may interest them.

But, remember, if you find after two semesters that you really prefer a different atmosphere, you can always change your major or transfer to a different school. l l l Source: Lecture Notes from Marianne Reid Anderson as Guest Speaker for the Center of Talented Youth through Johns Hopkins University.

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Student of the Month

Elizabeth Hamblin Stars & Stripes Award recipient

BY PAULA GREEN

E

ighteen year old, Elizabeth Hamblin was bestowed with the Stars & Stripes Award on April 22, in a Court of Honor ceremony. This honor is the highest recognition offered to girls by the American Heritage Girls (AHG).

Hamblin is a member of AHG Troop PA2551 sponsored

by Orchard Hill Church in Wexford. She is both the first girl in her troop and in the Pittsburgh area to earn this distinguished award. She also is the 233rd girl nationally to receive this honor.

For her service project, Hamblin decided to lend her assistance to Heritage Presbyterian Church, located in Franklin Park. She built a storage unit for them, so they could stow away their outreach supplies of logos / recharge decorating and program supplies.

Hamblin was excited to be given this prestigious award.

“I feel it is a great honor to receive the Stars and Stripes award. Since I am the first one in our troop to receive this

award, I hope it helps others want to work towards this honor. I thank God for helping me to be able to work through this process, so that I was able to bless Heritage Presbyterian Church,” Hamblin commented. Hamlin has served in a leadership role as her troop hostess since last September. She has earned a total of 22 merit badges and numerous other accolades since she has been a member of AHG Troop PA2551.

She has been homeschooled since preschool, and attends the North Hills Homeschool Enrichment program, where she is currently a senior.

As for her future aspirations, “I am looking to attend Texas Bible Institute for a year, then to Cairn University to study early education with a concentration in special needs,” Hamblin mentioned.

Hamblin is a member of Victory Family Church in Cranberry Township. She has been involved with mission trips to the Dominican Republic. She also participates in drama in her homeschool enrichment program and she is active in ice skating in North Park. She resides in Cranberry Township with her parents Deborah and John Hamblin and her two brothers - Nathan, 22 and Michael, 20.

To learn more about American Heritage Girls, visit https://www.americanheritagegirls.org l l l

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Trivia

TRIVIA CONNECTION | May 2016

Misquoted Movie Lines Trivia

BY PAULA GREEN

1. Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal Lecter misquote – “Hello Clarice.” It should be 2. The correct quote for Wall Street is “The point is ladies and gentlemen, that greed for a lack of better word is good. Greed is right, greed works. What’s the misquote?

3. Tarzan the Ape Man (1932 movie) says – “Jane” “You?” “Tarzan, Tarzan.” “Tarzan.

Jane. Tarzan.” The misquote is ____?

4. Name the movie – misquote –“Do you feel lucky, punk?” Real quote – “You’ve got to ask yourself one question: ‘Do I feel lucky?’ Well do you punk?”

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5. In Field of Dreams – the quote in the film was, “If you build it, he will come.” What’s the misquote?

6. This actor is famously quoted as saying, “You dirty rat!” He never says that in any movie.

The closest he came was saying, “Mmm, that dirty, double-crossin’ rat,” in the 1931 film Blonde Crazy.

7. Snow White – the real quote is “Magic Mirror on the Wall, who is the fairest one of all?”

The misquote is___?

8. This famous detective is often misquoted as uttering – “Elementary, my dear Watson,” but he never says this in books or films.

9. Gone with the Wind – misquote - “Frankly Scarlett, I don’t give a damn!” It should be____.

10. Name this movie – misquote “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!” The real line “You want answers? I want the truth.”

“You can’t handle the truth!”

11. This 1931 Dracula actor is frequently quoted as saying, “I want to suck your blood,” but he never uses that line.

12. The Treasure of Sierra Madre – real quote -“Badges? We ain’t got no badges. We don’t need no badges. I don’t have to show you any stink’ badges.” Name the misquote – 13. Name the film – misquote – “I’m out of order?

You’re out of order! This whole courtroom’s out of order! Real quote – “You’re out of order! You’re out of order! The whole trial is out of order! They’re out of order!”

14. All About Eve – actual quote – “Fasten your seats belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.”

Name the misquote.

15. In The Wizard of Oz – Dorothy is often misquoted as “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore,” but what’s the real quote? l l l Sources: http://www.filmsite.org/moments0.html, listverse. com/2007/10/18/top-15-film/misquotes, buzzfeed.com, http:// whatculture.com/film/30-iconic-movie-lines-that-are-alwaysmisquoted Answers: 1. “Good evening, Clarice.” 2. “Greed is good.” 3.

“Me Tarzan, You Jane.” 4. Dirty Harry 5. “If you build it, they will come.” 6. James Cagney 7. “Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” 8. Sherlock Holmes 9.

“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn!” 10. A Few Good Men 11. Bela Lugoisi 12. “Badges? We don’t need no stinkin’ badges!” 13. And Justice for All 14. “Fasten your seat belts, it’s going to be a bumpy ride.” 15. “Toto, I’ve have a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore!”

“P

lay it again Sam.” Most of us recognize this quote from the 1942 movie Casablanca which starred Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The problem is, this is a misquote. The actual line was, “Play it once Sam, for old time’s sake, play As Time Goes By.” Star Wars fans will recall the scene in Empire Strikes Back between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. Vader is often incorrectly quoted as saying, “Luke, I am your father.” What he actually said was, “No, I am your father.”

A famous quote from Jaws is, “We’re going to need a bigger boat,” this is a misquote as well.

Sheriff Brody really said, “You’re going to need a bigger boat.”

Here’s a few other incorrect quotes: Frankenstein – “It’s Alive!” should be “He’s Alive!” Laurel & Hardy – misquote – “Well, here’s another fine mess you’ve gotten me into!” real quote – “Well, here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten me into!” Lives of A Bengal Lancer – “We have ways of making you talk,” should be – “We have ways of making men talk.”

A few movie misquotes involve verb tenses – as in Forrest Gump – My momma always said, “Life is like a box of chocolates.” The correct quote uses was, not is - “Life was like a box of chocolates.” Another one is from Apollo 13 – “Houston, we have a problem.” It should be past tense – “Ah, Houston we’ve had a problem.”

Since we delved through misquoted movie lines, we must now correctly answer this cinema query. Get set to don the thinking caps, because it’s time to get a little trivial...

Seniors SENIOR LIVING | May 2016

Town Crier

Making May Memories

BY JOE BULLICK

H

i May, as I am writing this column, the Pirates won their first game of the new baseball season. You can’t win them all, unless you win the first one.

The month of May was named for the Roman goddess Maia, an earth goddess of growing plants. In the northern latitudes, farmers and gardeners alike try to complete all seeding and planting by the end of the month. They work around May’s unpredictable weather. Old timers tend to get superstitious if the weather in May is too balmy. According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac: “A snowstorm in May is worth a wagon load of hay.”

May brings a surge of energy that sets us to scrubbing, organizing and airing out every corner of the house. I know spring cleaning was a big job in our house. I don’t think people do as much cleaning today. So many folks hire out and use maid services.

May always gave me an opportunity to thank Mom for all of her hard work and love. A few of us are dimly aware of the history of our modern celebration of these extraordinary women. It was originated by Anna Jarvis in 1908 when she organized the first official “Mother’s Day.” Mother’s Day received national recognition in 1914 when President Wilson proclaimed Mother’s Day an annual, national observance.

I always got a laugh at the things mom would say, for example: She taught me religion, “You had better pray that will come out of the carpet!” My mother taught me about weather, “This room of yours looks like a tornado went through it!” My mother taught me foresight, “Make sure you wear clean underwear, in case you’re in an accident.” One of the best ones was, “shut the door behind you! Do you think you were born in a barn?” And last but not least, “When you get to be my age, you’ll understand.” If only I could give you a hug right now – Happy Mother’s Day! Another special celebration in May is Memorial Day. It was originally called Decoration Day. It is a time to honor those soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in all wars. God bless those who gave up their lives serving our country.

May is also a month of devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

In the Roman Catholic tradition, we had a statue of the Blessed Mother. Mom always crowned the statue with flowers.

This month is also when the Kentucky Derby is run. I always place bets on the race. Why not? It is “the greatest two minutes in sports!”

Enjoy May – there is a lot to do in Pittsburgh. There’s baseball, spring flower shows, the Strip District, the National Aviary, the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, and Market Square. There’s also a four-hour drawing tour of the Golden Triangle by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust known as the Pittsburgh Sketch Crawl led by local artist Rick Antolic. If you like to draw and do sketching, join in. Give them a call at (412) 471-6079 or visit trustarts.org.

Well happy birthday to you Taurus (Apr. 21-May 20) and Gemini (May 21-Jun.20). Have a great May. God bless and I leave you with this – Do any human beings ever realize life while they live it every, every minute?

Thorton Wilder (Our Town)

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Happenings for Seniors Free Services for Seniors through North Hills Community Outreach. Help with rides to medical appts., grocery stores, yard work.

For info, call Cathy at (412) 307-0069 ext.

3313 or Kerry at (412) 449-0151 to schedule an in-home registration visit.

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

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

Oasis Intergenerational Tutoring – An Hour a Week Can Change a Child’s Life. For

adults 50 & over become a tutor. Training sessions held on the fifth floor of the Duquesne Light Building. Call (412) 3937648 or email jdspehar@oasisnet.org.

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

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

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

To register, call (412) 366-1300.

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

Entertainment & Social Senior Citizens’ Prom, 7-10 p.m., May 13, North Allegheny Senior High (NASH), Perry Hwy., Wexford, (McCandless). The prom is hosted by NA Senior High School students and offers free admission for all District senior citizens and their guests. All interested senior citizens are invited. For info or to make reservations, call (412) 369-5445.

St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Rivers Casino & Pirate ballgame (fireworks night) July 21; Cleveland Air Show & Cruise, Sept.

5; Samson, Sight & Sound Theatre, Oct. 14-15; Light-Up-Night on the Gateway Clipper, Nov. 18. For info on the ballgame & Cleveland, call Rose, (724) 728-2563 or (412) 908-0124. For details on Samson or LightUp, call Janet, at (724) 869-5339.

Seminars Legacy Theatre senior seminars; 11 a.m., May 24, Hearing Loss, Current Research & Amplification Solutions, 8:30

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a.m.-1 p.m., June 7, AARP Driver Safety Refresher Course. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

Senior Meetings AARP #2991, meeting, noon, 3rd Thursday of every month (May 19), at Northmont Presbyterian Church at Perry Highway and Perrymont, in McCandless. A small luncheon is offered for a nominal fee. Visitors and prospective members are welcome.

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

Gateway North Chapter of AARP meets the 3rd Monday of the month (May 16) at West View Fire Hall, Perry Hwy next to the VFW. All are welcome.

Friends and Fun 55+ Singles meet at 7 p.m., every 1st Friday, at St. Ferdinand’s, Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp., Oldenski Hall, Upper Room. Call (724) 776-9274.

Friendship Groups for Visually Impaired, Men’s Group meets every Weds.

1-3:15 p.m., Knitting & Crocheting Circle meets every Weds., 1-3:15 p.m., Monthly Meeting 2nd Thurs. of each month 1:15-3:15 p.m., The Lunch Bunch meets 4th Thurs. of every month 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m., The Talking Book Club meets 1st Mon. of each month 1-2:30 p.m. Call (724) 444-0064.

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

Spiritual 2nd Act, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m., 2nd Thurs., runs thru May 12, Orchard Hill Church, Brandt School Rd. For adults ages 55+ gather for music, inspirational speakers, and outreach projects. For details, (724) 9355555 or orchardhillchurch.com.

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

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

North Hills Community Outreach’s Free Rides for Seniors shuttles, funded

by St. Margaret Foundation are seeking volunteer ride-along dispatchers. The shuttle operates weekdays in the lower Freeport Rd. area. Contact Kerry at (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@nhco.org.

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

Olive Branch non-profit fair trade shop located at 11160 Perry Highway, Wexford is seeking volunteers. For info, call (724) 799-8700 or email info@olivebranchwexford.org.

Open Your Heart to a Senior Volunteer Orientations, 6 p.m., May 24, Lighthouse Pointe, 4:30 p.m., May 26, North Hills Community Outreach, 1975 Ferguson Rd., 10 a.m., June 16, Shaler Eat-N-Park, 930 Butler Street; 9:30 a.m., June 22, Panera, 7217 McKnight Road, Ross Township; May 24 & Jun. 16, contact, Kerry (412) 449-0151 or kkmulhern@ nhco.org; May 26 & Jun. 22, contact Cathy (412) 307-0069 x3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

Pittsburgh Friendship Group is looking for volunteers to help visually impaired seniors. No experience is necessary.

Call (724) 444-0064.

Ursuline Services’ Checks and Balances program assists those who have difficulty with financial affairs. To register, call (412) 224-4700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org. www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC May 2016

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Honor

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | May 2016

Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie

A Memorial Day Tribute to – The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

BY PAULA GREEN

Memorial Day is a special observance when we honor those who sacrificed their lives serving our country. This month, we’ll take a look one of America’s most somber and patriotic memorials: The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier located at Arlington National Cemetery in Va. The tomb itself is a white marble sarcophagus (coffin) that is the final resting place for unknowns from World War I, World War II and the Korean War.

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ts roots date back to Memorial Day 1921, when the remains of an unknown soldier from World War I were exhumed from an American cemetery in France. His remains were transported aboard the USS Olympia. Upon arrival on American shores, the casket was taken to the Capitol where it laid in the Rotunda until Armistice Day. On Nov. 11, President Warren G. Harding presided over the interment ceremony at the Memorial Amphitheater at Arlington.

Additional work was completed on the memorial and it was opened to the public on Apr. 9, 1932. Two unknowns – one from World War II and the other from the Korean War were interred in the plaza on May 30, 1958.

They were laid to rest beside their World War I comrade.

President Eisenhower awarded each the Medal of Honor.

A Vietnam War veteran unknown was laid to rest at the tomb on Memorial Day – May 28, 1984. The service was led by President Ronald Reagan, but due to scientific advances this unknown’s identity was actually solved. In 1994, DNA revealed that the remains were that of Air Force 1st Lt. Michael Joseph Blassie. In 1998, Blassie’s remains were exhumed and he was reinterred near his home at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Mo. It has been decided that the crypt that contained the remains of the Vietnam unknown will remain vacant.

The crypt cover has been replaced with one that has the

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inscription: “Honoring and Keeping Faith with America’s Missing Servicemen,” 1958-1975.

The Tomb of the Unknown is guarded by the Sentinels from the 4th Battalion of the 3rd United States Infantry Regiment known as “The Old Guard.” They guard the tomb 24 hours a day, seven days a week. There has been a Sentinel on duty in front of the tomb every minute of every day since 1937.

The guard is changed every thirty minutes during the summer (Apr. 1 to Sept. 30) and every hour during the winter (Oct. 1 to Mar. 31). During the hours the cemetery is closed, the guard is changed every two hours.

The Sentinel does not execute an about face, rather they stop on the 21st step, then turn and face the tomb for 21 seconds. They then turn to face back down the mat, change the weapon to the outside shoulder, mentally count off 21 seconds; and then, step off for another 21 step walk down the mat. They face the tomb at each end of each 21 step walk for 21 seconds. The Sentinel then repeats this step over and over again.

The west side of the tomb is inscribed: “HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.” If you visit the State Capitol, be sure to stop by and visit this humbling, patriotic site. l l l Sources: http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Explore/Tomb-of-the-UnknownSoldier, https://tombguard.org/society/faq/, http://www.american-historama. org/1913-1928-ww1-prohibition-era/tomb-of-the-unknown-soldier.htm.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC May 2016

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