May 2021 issue of Northern Connection Magazine

May 2021

CONNECTING YOU TO THE COMMUNITY FOR 22 YEARS

Passavant Hospital Foundation A Legacy Through Leadership

Also...

Women in Business | Women in Health Care | Home Guide Summer Camps | Mother’s Day Trivia

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MAY 2021

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

NORTHERN CONNECTION

May

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Featured on the front cover (from left to right): Karen Schogel, MD, FACP,; Wende Goncz, DO, MMM, CJCP,; Susan Hoolahan, MSN, RN, NEA-BC,; and Joann Kim, MD, FCCP.

NC Features

Home Guide

23 Women in Business 32 A Gardening Angel’s Job Ron Eichner

33 Why Costa Homes? Costa Homebuilders 34 Business Spotlight: The Staycation of Your Dreams Weaver Homes 36 What Kind of Homes Are You? Wayne Homes 36 Millions Grown, Family Owned Gardner’s Family Farm

Health & Wellness 9

Cover Story: A Legacy Through Leadership 14 Prevalence of Autoimmune Disease in Women Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm 16 For All Your Health Care Needs, AHN Has You Covered Janice Lane Palko 18 Women in Health Care

Summer Camps

Advertorials 3

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey 25 Happy Mother’s Day from the Sewickley Spa

30 17 Camps New in BC3’s 2021 Kids on Campus

Kids & Education 28 School Movers & Shakers

In Every Issue...

4 Movers & Shakers 6 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Mary Maloney - Welcome Back! Paula Green 7 From the Editor: Keeping It Real Janice Lane Palko 8 Trivia Connection: Mother’s Day Trivia Paula Green 31 You May Want to Check Out These Veterans Events Paula Green 31 Happenings

Welcome to the May issue of Northern Connection Magazine! We are now in our 22nd year of connecting you to the community. We would like to thank all our advertisers and readers for your support. Together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work.

Enjoy reading our May issue!

Marion Piotrowski President & Publisher

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P.O. Box 425 Mars, Pa. 16046

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

Marion Swanson Piotrowski Executive Editor

Janice Lane Palko Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator

Laura Lyn Arnold Marketing & Account Executive

Mary L. Simpson Design & Production

Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc. Web Master

Swanson Publishing Company Core Writers

Belinda Burchick Ron Eichner Paula M. Green Janice Lane Palko Northern Connection is published twelve times a year by Swanson Publishing Co., Inc. (P.O. Box 425, Mars, PA 16046, 724-940-2444) and is distributed free of charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the publisher at $25 for one year.

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

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

ADVERTORIAL

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Butler Health System will develop a medical residency program at Butler Memorial Hospital. Michael Fiorina, DO, has been named Vice President of Medical Education.

Dr. Fiorina will lead the medical residency program creation and implementation for BHS.

Dr. Michael Fiorina

Butler Memorial Hospital was named to Newsweek’s 2021 list of Best Maternity Care Hospitals. The distinction recognizes facilities that have provided exceptional care to mothers, newborns and their families, as verified by the 2020 Leapfrog Hospital Survey.

Ruthann Bowen of Penn Township, Butler County, published her first book, The Female Entrepreneur’s Guide to Creating Your Own Website in a Weekend.

In addition to her book, Bowen has designed and

developed websites on the Wix platform for the past six years. She is the founder of the Facebook group Wix DesignHer—a private group offering women space to ask questions and get input. For more information, visit https:// www.wixdesignher.com.

The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center’s 30-bed, independent Pediatric Specialty Hospital in Pittsburgh, is receiving national attention with an award from the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) for a unique educational program called Ready.

Set. Home!©. This award will be presented at SPN’s annual, virtual conference September 14-17, and recognizes creative approaches that will provide better quality care for children and their families.

Duquesne University Names New Title IX Coordinator Alicia M. Simpson has been named Title IX Coordinator and Director of Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response at Duquesne University. In her new role, Simpson is responsible for responding to reports of Title IX Sexual Harassment under TAP 61 and non-Title IX Sexual Misconduct under TAP 31, and wants to ensure a safe environment for the Duquesne community. “I hope to accomplish this by bringing awareness to faculty, staff and students about Title IX and by providing educational programming regarding the prevention of sexual harassment and misconduct,” Alicia M. Simpson she said. “I hope to increase communication and collaboration on these important issues in order to provide a safe and welcoming campus community.”A Pine Township native, Simpson earned her B.A. in 2010 and J.D. in 2013 from the University of Pittsburgh, where she served as Vice President of the Student Bar Association. She has worked as a certified legal intern at the Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office, representing victims of domestic violence, and at the Southwestern Pennsylvania Legal Aid, which provides free legal services to the underserved.

She most recently worked as an associate attorney for Ruder Law, where she specialized in special education and disability rights, while representing students who suffered disability, sex and race discrimination in the school setting. She has represented plaintiffs in a variety of matters, including education law, civil rights violations, personal injury, workers’ compensation, and social security disability. In recognition of her professional achievements, Simpson has been selected to the 2018-2021 Pennsylvania Rising Stars list, an award given to only 2.5% of attorneys under the age of 40, or in practice less than 10 years.

Kiersten McCort Receives 2021 Five Star Wealth Management Award Kiersten McCort, CRPC a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial in Wexford, PA has been named a recipient of the 2021 Five Star Wealth Manager award by Five Star Professional for the 12th consecutive year. The award goes to less than seven percent of the wealth managers in the region based on research administered by Five Star Professional, a third-party research firm.

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Kiersten McCort

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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Mary Maloney Welcome Back!

By Paula Green

O Mary at Magee with Nigel the therapy dog

Mary working with former Steeler Jon Kolb

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n Tuesday, April 6, 14-year-old eighth-grader Mary Maloney returned to her classroom at Blessed Francis Seelos Academy in Wexford. Her classmates and teachers were so thrilled to have her back that they greeted her with a special celebration.

Mary was paralyzed at the end of August in a trampoline accident.

The paralysis left her unable to move from mid-chest through her toes. A few days after her injury, doctors discovered that Mary had suffered a rare spinal stroke.

Before her fall, Mary felt a sharp pain in both of her shoulder blades.

“The questions then arose: Did Mary Mary Maloney with her mother, Pam Surano fall because she suffered the stroke in her back, or did the fall cause her stroke in her back?” said Mary’s mother, Pam Surano.

“Following the spinal injury, Mary was hospitalized at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. She was eventually transported to Magee Rehabilitation Jefferson Health in Philadelphia, where she received further treatment. Following her care in Philly, Mary was sent for intensive treatment at Frazier Rehab and Neuroscience Center in Louisville, Kentucky. She was in an outpatient Ronald McDonald House, and although Mary had made tremendous progress, we knew it was time to come home. She needed to be with her two brothers, Jimmy and Michael, and she needed to see her dad and friends,” Pam added.

Mary returned to her Butler County home in March, and after Easter, she was back into her classroom at Seelos. “Mary was stressed and experienced anxiety about her return to school, but it ended up being a wonderful experience for her. She could not have asked for a nicer reception. The people at BFSA are so warm and welcoming. Mary was delighted,” Pam said.

“Our pastor, Reverend Will Wuenschel from our church, Saint Aidan Parish in Wexford, has been wonderful. He visited Mary while she was in Philadelphia and Kentucky. Bishop Zubik has reached out to her as well. The people of Pittsburgh have been so supportive too. We could never have gotten through this without all of the love and prayers for Mary,” Pam noted.

Mary is currently attending therapy at UPMC Mercy and Adventures in Training with a Purpose in Wexford with former Steeler Jon Kolb.

She attends Adventures three days a week, and on Saturdays, she goes to RAW gym.

Pam noted that “Mary continues to work hard. I am confident that she will walk again. On two occasions, Mary has told me that God has spoken to her, and he told her he will heal her. I believe that with all my heart.” n

FROM THE EDITOR

Keeping It Real

By Janice Lane Palko

A

few years ago, I was contemplating purchasing some concert tickets to see The Who, and I asked my youngest son if he wanted to go. His response took me aback when he replied, “Why would I want to go and spend all that money when I can watch them on YouTube?”

I really couldn’t come up with a good reply at the time.

But now I think I have one. Because virtual is not the next best thing to being there.

We’ve spent a year being one-step removed from the personal experience. We’ve done distance learning, virtual church services, Zoom calls, remote working, and have lived our lives like we wouldn’t touch another with a 10-foot pole—or at least a 6-foot socially distanced pole.

After all of this time, I think we’ve all come to realize that there is nothing that compares to being up-close and personal.

That’s why I’m a bit unnerved by this move toward Artificial Intelligence humanoid robots. I recently saw a video of Sophia, the world’s first robot citizen, who was designed to look like Audrey Hepburn and was granted citizenship by Saudi Arabia in 2017—no kidding. According to Hanson Robotics of Hong Kong, the robotics company who created Sophia, they will debut four new humanoid robots this year and predict that she (wonder what her pronouns are?) is the wave of the future.

According to a Newsweek article that interviewed Hanson’s founder and CEO, David Hanson, “Hanson believes robotic solutions are not only a response to the pandemic, but can also be applied to the realm of healthcare, and the retail and airline industry. ‘Sophia and Hanson robots are unique by being so human-like,’ he added. ‘That can be so useful during these times where people are terribly lonely and socially isolated.’ Sophia, whose artificial intelligence allows her to express 50 emotions and process conversational and emotional data, agrees. ‘Social robots like me can take care of the sick or elderly,’ Sophia explained. ‘I can help communicate, give therapy and provide social stimulation, even in difficult situations.’”

After being one-step removed from people for so long, the prospect of being comforted by a humanoid robot gives me no comfort at all. I’m tired of not having contact with people. I have an answer for my son why being at a concert is better than watching one online.

Because its unpredictable. People are meant to have shared experiences be it a funeral, conference call or simply being there to hold a hand when you’re lonely. I know people can be rude, annoying, unreasonable and messy at times, but they can also be kind, self-sacrificing, funny, and noble. I want people in my life who are not pre-programmed but unique and surprising.

No matter how useful humanoid robots become (I can’t believe I’m even typing this—It feels like we are living in The Jetsons), I’m all for keeping it real. n www.northernconnectionmag.com | MAY 2021

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TRIVIA CONNECTION

Mother’s Day Trivia appy Mother’s Day, ladies! This day is commemorated annually on the second Sunday in May; we will observe it this year on May 9. Mother’s Day not only honors our mothers but also all special women in our lives who have been there for us.

Anna Jarvis of Philadelphia is credited with the founding of Mother’s Day. On May 10, 1908, she held a memorial service at her late mother’s church in Grafton, West Virginia. Within five years, virtually every state was observing the day, and in 1914, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson made it a national holiday.

Ironically, Jarvis never became a mother herself, and she became horrified by how flower, chocolate, and greeting card companies exploited Mother’s Day for financial gain. Jarvis advocated boycotts of Mother’s Day and tried to sue companies that were commercializing the holiday.

This May celebration almost had earlier roots. In 1870, after the Civil War, writer Julia Ward Howe first proposed a Mother’s Day to recognize peace and protest war. Howe is famously known for penning the lyrics to The Battle Hymn of the Republic. She organized annual events in Boston to honor mothers, but despite her work (and her moving “Mother’s Day Proclamation”), nothing official came of her efforts.

Mother’s Day has flourished over the past 107 years. In 1934, a stamp was released commemorating this special day. It is a great time to pamper mom and take her out for a bite since it is the biggest day of the year for the restaurant industry.

Mother’s Day sees around one-quarter of all flowers purchased throughout the year falling on this holiday. Carnations are popular flowers for this occasion and are thought to be made from the tears of Jesus’ mother Mary when she wept at his feet the day he was crucified.

Pink and red carnations are given to mothers who are still alive, while white ones are for those who have passed away.

The average American buys 2.8 Mother’s Day cards, so most people buy more than just one for their mom. Many folks opt to buy Mother’s Day cards for grandmothers, sisters, and their mother-inlaw. Jewelry is another prevalent gift item. It is estimated that 36% of Americans plan to buy their mother some bling. Beauty salons see a boost at the beginning of May. According to the National Retail Federation, this Mother’s Day, people will spend $2 billion on personal services like spa treatments for their mothers.

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Since we’ve highlighted some noteworthy Mother’s Day facts, we must now delve into this maternal query; get set to don those thinking caps because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. According to the Bible, who is the Mother of all the Living?

2. What is the most popular day of the week for a mother to give birth?

3. Name the artist who created a famous painting of his mother.

4. Although she never gave birth, this woman won a Noble Prize for her missionary work in India.

5. Name the musician who sings the motherly songs – Mama and Rock & Roll Lullaby.

6. Many of the sweaters that were worn by this TV show personality were actually knitted by his mother.

7. Nacre is more commonly known as what?

8. In 1765, John Newbury published a famous book of children’s rhymes under this motherly theme.

9. Who is the most powerful mother of all time?

10. What mother was the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court?

11. This mother, Anna Lee Fisher achieve distinction for what?

12. Mama’s Song is a tune recorded by which American country music singer?

13. Mary was the mother of Jesus, but what was her mother’s name?

14. Name the Apollo 11 astronaut whose mother’s maiden name was Moon.

15. Eric Clapton, Luciano Pavarotti, and the East London Gospel Choir sing this inspirational song. n Sources: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Mothers-Day, http://www.riversongs. com/happy/mothers_day.html, https://triviachamp.com/Mothers-Day-Trivia-Quiz. php, https://www.mothersdaycelebration.com/mothers-day-trivia.html, http:// www.dayformothers.com/mothers-day-quiz.html, https://patch.com/new-jersey/ fairlawn-saddlebrook/bp--mothers-day-history-and-quiz, quiztimeul.2012. wordpress.com, https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/ g19561312/mothers-day-facts, https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/79143/25historys-greatest-moms Answers: 1. Eve 2. Tuesday 3. James Whistler 4. Mother Teresa 5. B.J. Thomas 6. Fred Rogers on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood 7. Mother of the Pearl 8. Mother Goose 9. Mother Nature 10. Sandra Day O’Connor 11. first mother in space 12. Carrie Underwood 13. Saint Anne 14. Buzz Aldrin 15. Holy Mother

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By Paula Green

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

Prevalence of Autoimmune Disease in Women

By Belinda Burchick, RPh, BPharm

W

hen your body’s immune system is disrupted and stops working properly, it can allow our body’s cells to attack healthy cells, and can potentially lead to an autoimmune disease.

Not only is the incidence of autoimmune disease on the rise, there are about 100 different types. Although autoimmune diseases are distinct, most share similar symptoms, such as exhaustion, joint pain, fatigue, skin irritation, swollen glands, mild fever, vertigo, and digestive problems, making diagnosis a challenge. There are some specific blood marker tests available, but not one that can test for all autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune diseases affect every person differently, making it difficult to diagnose. One interesting fact is that autoimmune disease affects mostly women, which has the researchers perplexed. Grouping all autoimmune disease types together, it is the third most common disease, behind cardiovascular and cancer.

Autoimmune disease affects over 20 million Americans, with roughly 75% being women.

Interestingly enough, many researchers theorize that autoimmune disease affects more women than men due to genetics and hormones. Having double the X chromosome in women, there is a greater increase in gene mutations. In addition, women experience more hormonal changes than men, such as the onset of menstruation in puberty, pregnancy, and menopause. Autoimmune disease

can be triggered during these times.

Common autoimmune diseases in women include, but are not limited to, Hashimoto’s Disease, Sjogren’s Syndrome, Graves’ Disease, System Lupus Erythematosus, Celiac Disease, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Psoriasis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Autoimmune diseases develop through a combination of genetic predisposition and an external trigger. Autoimmune diseases are often hereditary. Being aware of your triggers can help you control flare-ups and alleviate the unwanted symptoms, and slow the progression. Some triggers include; viral infections, an imbalanced gut microbiome, gluten, certain medications, stress, sugar, dairy, grains, and environmental toxins.

We currently do not have the scientific know-how to change our genetic susceptibility to an autoimmune disease, but we can change other factors in our daily life. It has been found that our genes can change based on our environment and how we go about our day. Therefore, there is a potential to reverse autoimmune disease or at least alleviate the symptoms.

Start with healing your gut, as it contributes to 80% of the immune system. Recent findings have shown that your gut can become “leaky.” The walls of your intestines can become loose, allowing microbes, food particles, and toxins to cross into your bloodstream, increasing inflammation in your body and becoming a trigger for potential autoimmune diseases. It has been shown that grains, dairy, legumes, corn, and soy, can contribute to leaky gut and inflammation. What is not known is whether it is the food source, pesticides, or an overabundance of fungal toxins.

In addition, be aware of your environment and your daily habits. Consider the following: • Limit processed foods • Minimize sugar, additives, and preservatives • Add nutritional foods to your diet • Protect your liver • Increase daily physical activities and sweat • Reduce toxin exposure • Avoid cigarette smoke • Promote a healthy gut • Prevent viral and bacterial infections • Relieve your stress Consider seeking a physician if you notice symptoms that could point to an autoimmune disease, such as, fatigue that will not go away. Track your symptoms and communicate your experience during regular physician visits. Early diagnosis is important in managing an autoimmune disease. Although there is not a specific cure for autoimmune diseases, the goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms, provide important nutritional supplements, and potentially suppress the immune system.

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

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

For All Your Health Care Needs, AHN Has You Covered

By Janice Lane Palko

From the most advanced, specialized care to routine care for common ailments, Allegheny Health Network has the North Hills community covered.

“N

orth of Pittsburgh, we have multiple facilities and layers of access to care. Particularly with the new hospital, the availability of health care services will continue to expand such that residents can receive most, if not all, of their care right here,” said Allan Klapper, MD, president of AHN Wexford Hospital, speaking about AHN McCandless Neighborhood Hospital which opened last year, and the upcoming Wexford Hospital.

Construction of the new, full-service hospital is nearing completion, and AHN Wexford is expected to open to patients in September. Also coming to the North Hills community are additional specialized care services which will complement AHN’s many existing health care programs and services in the region.

With a multitude of available health resources in the area, where should you go to receive the care you need? Dr. Klapper and AHN’s Chair of Emergency Medicine Tom Campbell, MD, weigh in.

AHN McCandless Neighborhood Hospital Situated at the crossroads of McKnight Road and Duncan Avenue, AHN McCandless Neighborhood Hospital is located in the heart of the North Hills. The hospital, which operates 24/7, includes an 11-bed inpatient unit with a full-service emergency department that is equipped for the care of both children and adults by a team of world-class caregivers including all boardcertified physicians.

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“Whether you or a loved one has a medical emergency, or requires an extended hospital stay, you want care that is close by,” said Dr. Campbell. “AHN McCandless, and all of our neighborhood hospitals, uniquely provide that access.”

One of the biggest benefits of utilizing the emergency department at the neighborhood hospital, he says, is the short wait times. On average, patients are seen by a clinician within 5 minutes of arriving at the hospital.

If enhanced levels of care are required, such as surgery or intensive critical care, patients will have their care coordinated for them and may be transported to nearby hospitals such as Allegheny General Hospital or the new Wexford Hospital once it opens.

Later this month, a range of services will become available at the hospital’s Outpatient Center located on the third and fourth floors of the building, including primary care, dermatology, pulmonology, chronic disease management and outpatient laboratory services. As part of the dermatology services, the hospital will be the only in the North Hills region to offer Mohs surgery which is a specialized surgical technique that offers the highest cure rate of any skin cancer treatment.

“Having resided in the North Hills area for many years, I’m so pleased to be able to provide the community with a convenient, high-quality health care resource in the neighborhood hospital,” said David Sarknas, DO, medical director, AHN McCandless Neighborhood Hospital. “The additional outpatient services broaden our capabilities even further for meeting a wide range of health care needs right here in our community where our patients and their families live, work and play.”

AHN Wexford Hospital Providing patients in the communities north of Pittsburgh with access to the most advanced care close to home and without having to travel in to the city, AHN Wexford Hospital will open this September. The hospital will house 100 private, in-patient rooms and will expand to 160 rooms by the end of the year. In addition, the hospital will have a full-service, 24-room emergency department with behavioral health rooms, pediatric-capable rooms as well as a dedicated heliport for AHN’s LifeFlight.

“When we were designing the hospital, we kept in mind how we could best serve our staff, patients, visitors and the community,” said Dr. Klapper. “For example, we positioned the heliport such that there is little to no fly over of nearby neighborhoods and, instead, the flights will keep to the Route 19 corridor.”

The hospital will also include state-of-the-art operating rooms with minimally-invasive robotic surgery capabilities; a cardiac catheterization lab and hybrid OR for advanced cardiovascular, neurosurgical and radiological procedures; a short-stay observation unit; advanced diagnostic imaging; and an adult intensive care unit.

It will host a range of medical and surgical specialties, as well as leading edge specialty care in cancer, neurology, cardiology, radiology, gastroenterology, rheumatology, endocrinology, orthopaedics and more.

Notably, Wexford Hospital will also offer comprehensive women and infant care, including the only labor and delivery unit in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, as well as advanced high-risk pregnancy services and a Level II neonatal intensive care unit. Providing women all of the specialty services they need close to home, additional services will include gynecological oncology, urogynecology, infertility, advanced breast care and midlife care.

“Women in the suburbs north of Pittsburgh will no longer have to travel outside of the community to deliver their babies or obtain the most specialized services,” said Dr. Klapper.

The hospital has additional features to minimize the traditional clinical feel including an abundance of natural lighting, personalized private rooms and several dedicated green spaces for relaxation.

Additional Care in the North Hills The layers of AHN’s health care doesn’t stop with the two new hospitals. It also includes the Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion which has proven to be an invaluable community asset over the past several years as a one-stop health care destination.

In addition to offering primary care as well as multiple medical and surgical specialties, the pavilion houses a comprehensive cancer center, ambulatory surgery center, full-service women’s

health center, onsite pharmacy, physical therapy, cardiac testing, imaging and lab testing. Walk-in express care is also provided with extended availability including weekends. The pavilion’s comfortable amenities provide patients and visitors the best experience possible. Wexford Hospital will be connected to the facility.

Located just across from the pavilion along Perry Highway, and led by AHN orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Mark Sangimino, the AHN Pediatric Orthopaedic Institute provides treatment for pediatric orthopaedic injuries and the repair of congenital conditions with the physicians, tests and treatments that your child needs in one location.

“Many of the northern communities of Pittsburgh continue to grow and, with that, we have a large youth population. It is a tremendous advantage for families to have this resource which has some of the best-trained and recognized practitioners in the area, plus the added benefit of the facility being integrated with Wexford Hospital,” said Dr. Klapper.

The AHN Orthopaedic Institute also opened a new location in the North Hills for sports performance training at 1013 Wexford Plaza Drive. Staffed by physical therapists, strength and conditioning specialists, athletic trainers and recovery specialists, the AHN Sports Performance team offers physical therapy, strength training and sports medicine services.

AHN also delivers comprehensive cancer treatments and expert cancer doctors in the north at the Beaver Cancer Institute and Butler Cancer Institute.

If you are unsure of the best place to go to receive care, Dr. Campbell recommends utilizing the network’s ‘24/7 Nurse Line,’ which is free to everyone, regardless of insurance.

“Unless it’s a life-threatening emergency, if you are not sure what level of care you need or where to go to receive that care, our nurse line is staffed by AHN registered nurses who are available to help you navigate the health system, make appointments and more,” said Dr. Campbell.

The 24/7 Nurse Line can be reached at 412-NURSE-4-U (412687-7348). Patients may also call 412-DOCTORS to schedule an appointment. n

Visit www.ahn.org/locations and select ‘North Hills’ to view a full listing of AHN facilities and services north of Pittsburgh.

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Women in Health Care

Amy B. Scott, BS Pharm, RPh

| Clinical Pharmacist, Solevo

Amy Scott is a Duquesne University graduate, a Pittsburgh native and a third-generation pharmacist who has been practicing in this area for more than 30 years. She has varied experience in the many aspects of pharmacy, including community/retail practice, managed care, quality metrics and medical marijuana. She has always been focused on patients, assuring that they understand what their medications are for, how best to use them and what to expect from them. She enjoys working with pharmacy students and values collaboration with peers and other healthcare colleagues.

In her current role as a Clinical Pharmacist with Solevo Wellness, she works with new and returning patients to assure a fundamental understanding of medical marijuana, how it may be used to treat their individual symptoms and what type of product formulation(s) and dosage may be best suited for their unique goals of therapy. Amy enjoys helping and guiding patients through their Medical Marijuana journey. Amy resides in Squirrel Hill with her husband and has three grown children.

“The times have changed and now pharmacists are an integral part of the Pennsylvania program.

Consulting directly with patients, listening and guiding them through their own personal journey with medical marijuana is very rewarding for me,” said Amy.

Christine Doerbacher

| Pharmacist, Solevo

I knew from a young age that I wanted a career in health care and decided Pharmacy would be a great fit for me. As a Pharmacist, I’m able to provide valuable information to both patients and other practitioners. I have been a registered Pharmacist for over 20 years and most of that time has been spent in the retail sector. I made the move to the MMJ business in February 2020, when I found that traditional health care options were failing many patients The MMJ business is only about four years old in the state of Pennsylvania so there are only so many of us currently with the education and training to provide the services we do. At Solevo, I’m able to utilize my formal education and many years of experience to assist our patients and optimize their treatment with MMJ. It still amazes me that we are able provide an alternative treatment to so many symptoms including pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea, lack of appetite and even inflammation.

An initial visit to a medical marijuana dispensary can be a very daunting idea for many people.

The entire staff at Solevo is here to make sure your first and every visit after is like visiting an old friend. We thrive on assisting all our patients to obtain the relief they need and improve their quality of life.

Nikole Kost

| Marketing Specialist, Solevo

In December 2019, Nikole Kost was brought onto the Solevo Marketing Team as Marketing Specialist. She is responsible for creating and executing Solevo’s marketing strategies, digital marketing campaigns, social media and content creation, advertising and other marketing efforts.

Nikole is a Crohn’s Disease patient and has been a medical marijuana patient since the beginning of the program in Pennsylvania. She is thrilled to be a part of helping children and adults live the best quality of life through the administration of medical marijuana, just like her.

Nikole holds a bachelor’s degree in Photojournalism and Modern Languages from Point Park University and a certificate in Arabic Language from Qalam Wa Lawh in Rabat, Morocco.

Erin Rodgers

| General Manager, Solevo

Erin Rodgers, General Manager of Solevo Wellness in Squirrel Hill, has been with the company since day one as a Patient Care Consultant. Erin is very interested in the health-protective benefits of plants, and this translates to a passion for helping patients to understand the many medicinal applications of cannabis. Erin holds a bachelor’s degree in integrative health studies from Chatham University.

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Women in Health Care

Dr. Anu Anand

| PCMA Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation

PCMA Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is a group that is dedicated to improving the quality of life for our patients. “I graduated medical school in 2009 and have been a specialist in PM&R since 2013,” said Dr. Anu Anand. We want to improve pain, function and return them to enjoy their favorite hobbies and time with family. “I found rehab medicine to be a very fulfilling field, since I get to see the difference I make in a person’s life in a short period of time. I have always loved medicine and truly enjoy seeing my patients every day, especially If I see them happy and pain free after I treat them,” said Dr. Anand. We have a multidisciplinary approach to pain which includes starting with a comprehensive evaluation and management with conservative methods. If needed we have interventional procedure rooms for epidural and nerve blocks in both office locations, and we also offer innovative ways to help with pain such as PRP and Stem Cell therapy.

We strive to help patients and are accommodating. We can usually get someone in within that week for evaluation and if needed a procedure. 724-741-0633 | info@pcmanetwork.com

Dr. M. Denice Leonard

| Butler Health System

M. Denice Leonard, DO joined BHS Women’s Care Associates on March 1, 2020. While attending the Arnold & Marie Schwartz College of Pharmacy in Brooklyn, N.Y. she earned a masters degree in pharmaceutics.

Dr. Leonard went on and received her medical degree from the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Tulsa, Okla. She interned at Riverside Hospital, Wichita, Kan., and completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at St. Elizabeth Hospital Medical Center in Youngstown, Ohio. In addition to the aforementioned accomplishments, Dr. Leonard was an assistant professor in obstetrics and gynecology at Drexel University. She has trained on the DaVinci robot and has also performed single-site laparoscopic assisted vaginal hysterectomies. Dr. Leonard is Board Certified in Obstetrics and Gynecology and is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Leonard sees patients at 129 Oneida Valley Rd, Butler, PA and 300 Northpointe Circle, Suite 104, Seven Fields, PA. Appointments can be scheduled with Dr. Leonard by calling 1-844-765-2845.

Crystal Manning

| Medicare Consultant

Crystal A Manning, Licensed Medicare Advisor is the founder of Crystal Clear Medicare. After being in the Insurance business for over 30 years, in 2015 she established her own company. Licensed to sell Medicare in 10 states, she manages over 2,000 Medicare clients. Crystal focuses on educating her clients to enable them to make the best decisions for their unique health care situations. Specifically, she explains the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, Medicare Part D (drug) and optional pharmaceutical plans and the enrollment requirements for all Medicare plans. Additionally, she provides each client with no-cost annual reviews to ensure that they are in the right plan at the most affordable cost. Crystal enjoys networking and belongs to various groups such as several local Chambers of Commerce throughout Pennsylvania and Ohio. She was selected as a former Pittsburgh Fifty Finest. Locally, she belongs to Pittsburgh North Professionals, National Aging in Place and North Allegheny Women’s Association. She has conducted Medicare presentations for interested organizations throughout the year in various locations. Crystal volunteers for North Hills Community Outreach, Ladies of Charity, Carnegie Museums and Pittsburgh Cultural Trust.

Her hobbies include reading, traveling as much as possible, golfing, bicycling, and relaxing with family and friends. To contact Crystal call 412-716-4942 or email crystalmanning33@gmail.com.

Debra Swift

| Swift Audiology

Debra Swift, founder and owner of Swift Audiology, opened her full-service audiology & hearing care practice in 1987.

Her mission is to help people who are having hearing difficulties to hear better with the assistance of hearing devices.

The practice has four locations – North Hills, Allison Park, South Hills, and Washington, Penna. Choice is in the patient’s hands - we help educate our patients on the options by taking into account their needs, lifestyle, budget and hearing profile. Through our Hearing Aid Test Drive Program, patients can test drive their hearing ads in real-time and in real life. Our patients experience a family-like atmosphere with stateof-the-art technology and the best option to meet their hearing needs. Her diverse staff includes Doctors of Audiology and Board-Certified Hearing Instrument Specialists who make it their mission to help those in our community hear better and continue enjoying life. To learn more, visit our website at www.swiftaudiology.com. Ad code NC521.

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Each year it is Northern Connection’s pleasure to introduce you to the business and professional women in our area. They come from many different industries and specialties, and each brings her own expertise and experience to make them the best at their chosen profession.

Kimberly Catale

Women in Business

CELEBRATING WOMENin BUSINESS Brian Catale & Associates| Operations Veterans Benefits For the last 20 years, Operation Veterans Benefits, and Kimberly B. Catale have specialized in care planning for senior citizens aged 50 and up. Kimberly has helped families receive over $100 million in government benefits. Many families ask us, what is care planning? It essentially means the most tax effective, cost efficient method while utilizing government programs. Some people, who don’t have previous experience with an aging parent, don’t understand what often happens later in life.

Our parents believe they will age at home. While we hope this happens, according to statistics, 70% of seniors will need some kind of care during their life and 48% of people who turned 65 years old between 2015 and 2019 they will spent over $500,000 for 5 years of care. That’s a big number to digest. For you baby boomers it could be $1,000,000.00 for care now or in the future.

Most financial advisors probably will recommend old-school long-term care insurance. But not us, the younger you start to plan the better the plan performs. There are better alternatives out there, alternatives where you can turn a small asset into a lifetime of care for you and your spouse.

What I really like about this type of program versus traditional long term care. If you don’t need it your kids can receive it. A tax free benefit at your death there are tax incentives with this program qualifies for the Pennsylvania Long Term Care partnership. Assuming they are setup properly and approved by Medicaid.

Brian Catale & Associates

Brian Catale & Associates has helped hundreds of Veterans receive benefits they so rightly deserved. With us helping the children of the veteran develop a long-term retirement plan that not only increase income over the retirement years but gives our clients the peace of mind to know they will have care and not have to inconvenience their loved one to care for them. Kimberly also helps families look at options on injecting government benefits into your income stream.

Call Kimberly to show you how to make mom and dad’s care cost a tax deduction to their adult children. Many retirees do not know that they can qualify for many government benefits.

Many think government benefits are for people living in poverty, but that’s just not the case. We specialize in most government benefits.

O: 724-591-8475 | www.bcatale.com | kimberly@bcatale.com www.northernconnectionmag.com | MAY 2021

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Women in Business

Lisa Brooks

| Premier Wealth Partners

Lisa A. Brooks, CFP, CRPC, of Premier Wealth Partners, is a certified financial planner who has been in business for 21 years. Lisa focuses on Retirement Planning Strategies for clients and specializes, in particular, on Retirement Income Strategies and Women’s Financial Strategies. At Premier Wealth Partners, we deliver personalized financial advice to help you achieve your goals, today and in the future. We take the time to understand what’s truly important to you. Together, we will document your goals, track your progress and then make ongoing recommendations to help you diversify your portfolio, protect your income and assets and adjust to whatever life brings – both the expected and the unexpected.

“What many people may not realize is that I operate as a franchise of Ameriprise Financial,” said Lisa.

“As such, I can offer clients the per­sonalized service of a smaller, locally owned business but also can provide access to a Fortune 500 company. It really gives clients the best of both worlds. When your team has over 260 years of combined experience, you have a world of knowledge to pull from”, said Lisa, “and that has proven to be very valuable.”

In working with clients, she strives to help them achieve their financial goals and objectives. But, she has also built lasting friendships. “Some of my clients have literally been with me since my first month in the business, and I think that sort of long-term rela­tionship is something that can’t be underestimated,” said Lisa. “To know and help people navigate through many years of financial decisions is very rewarding. It goes beyond the financial planning and investments. My clients have become my extended family,” she said.

When asked who really inspired her to become a business owner, Lisa explained that her father was the person who inspired her to be an entrepreneur as he owned several of his own businesses and showed her that hard work pays off.

“I believe most people wait too long to hire a personal Financial Advisor,” said Lisa. “Many people don’t start working with a financial advisor until they are planning to retire. Even though they may have a broker, an insurance agent and even an accountant, many fail to have one person to bring it all together. The sooner you start with an advisor, the better off you will be. If you start out early, small strategies and adjustments can be implemented over time to enhance your financial situation.”

Lisa.A.Brooks@ampf.com | 412-922-7700

Karen Anspaugh

| Surrett & Anspaugh, LLC

Karen Anspaugh is a partner at the law firm of Surrett & Anspaugh LLC. She has helped companies form and thrive for over 30 years. Combining her business law practice with her experience in estate planning, asset protection, and wealth management, she helps businesses and individuals implement beneficial tax strategies and safeguard all they have worked for. Karen also operates Adrienne Abstract & Closing Company, where she manages every stage of residential and commercial real estate transactions, from drafting documents to settlement. She routinely works with real estate investors and wholesalers and assists with transactions involving nontraditional financing.

724-831-1410 | www.surrett-anspaugh.com | karen@surrett-anspaugh.com

Tammy Croftcheck & Katie Watts

| Studio19

Studio 19 Dance Complex is a nationally recognized and award-winning dance studio located at 164 Brickyard Rd. in Mars. It is co-owned and operated by Tammy Croftcheck and Katie Watts, who serve as co-artistic directors, with over 30 years of experience, along with an extensive team of talented and highly trained professionals, Tammy and Katie are members of all the professional dance organizations, and are safetycertified by USA Gymnastics. Studio 19 was voted by Federation of Dance, as one of the top three dance studios in the U.S. and has been featured on every national dance and variety show, including America’s Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance, World of Dance, Dance Moms, People’s Choice Awards, AMA’s, VMA’s, and So Sharp. The studio has produced many dance stars throughout the years, including several dancers who have gone on to perform with Pink, Jennifer Lopez, Justin Bieber and Kidz Bop. Current student, Louise Hindsbo, (North Allegheny) made her movie debut in The Greatest Showman, starring Hugh Jackman, and current student Layla Stiscak (Pine Richland) stars in Kidz Bop Layla, and is a current Kidz Bop kid @kidzboplayla. In addition to movies and dance tours, many of Studio 19’s dancers go on to dance and perform professionally, as well as dancing for Division I Dance Teams. Studio 19 offers competitive and recreational classes for ages two through adult, at all levels of talent, including Ballet, Pointe, Contemporary, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Acrobatics, Tumbling and Contortion as well as preschool and tot classes. Cheerleaders are also welcome for tumbling classes. Register now for Summer Camps and fall classes for the 2021/22 season. Call: 724-779-0019 or visit our Facebook page: Studio19 Dance Complex or Instagram: @Studio19 Dance Complex.

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Happy Mother’s Day from the Sewickley Spa Jonelle McMahan has been the Spa Director of the Sewickley Spa for the past 12 years and in November of 2020 realized her longtime dream and became the new owner.

“Every year at Mother’s Day, I reflect on memories of my mother. When I think of her, I remember most vividly her warmth and the special ability she had to make people immediately feel comfortable. It was much more than just making them feel comfortable; she made people feel special and she made them feel welcome. It was such a gift.

I was only 14 years old when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and while she had beat the odds, I was too young to fully understand what it meant to be in remission. She was always there for me. The most important person in my life, guiding me, watching me, loving me, and most importantly, letting me know when she was proud of me.

For my high school graduation, she was so excited to celebrate she threw me a huge party. No detail was left undone, everything was home cooked and beautifully decorated to celebrate my milestone. I will forever remember how she made the entire event, down to the smallest detail, so incredibly perfect. As the day progressed, she experienced back pain and of course we all thought she overworked herself seeing to every detail of the celebration. Shortly after the party, we received the news that her symptoms were the new indicators that the next step of her journey was now ahead of us.

This year, it will be 20 years in May

that I lost my dear mother, and for many years after that, I had a hard time facing Mother’s Day. I was still such a young person, and I was sad not to be able to celebrate like others did with their mom’s.

Time has offered me opportunity for not only reflection, but for hope and healing. I became determined to make new, happy memories and Mother’s Day weekend of 2009 became one of the most important celebrations of my life as I married my husband, Brett, and we began our life together.

Working over the years as Spa Director, I realized that everyone comes to a day spa for different reasons. Some people see it as an escape from a hectic world, some come to search to find their sense of ‘self’ while others come to relax and feel pampered. It is so fulfilling to me to play a part in the positive effect the experience has on our clients. Looking back now, I realize that I learned so much from my mother and that maybe, just maybe, some of her special ability to make people feel welcome rubbed off on me.

The day I took ownership of the spa was such a joy. This year as owner, I will take special delight in seeing those that come in to celebrate Mother’s Day. The mothers and daughters and friends, that come to enjoy a little pampering and relaxation while making new memories will be a beautiful reminder to me of the special holiday we are celebrating.

I still miss my mother desperately, but I look at my life as she taught me, with pure gratitude and joy, and I hope

Women in Business

ADVERTORIAL

Jonelle McMahan, New Owner of the Sewickley Spa

with all my heart that I am making her proud.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms and all the children, young and old, who have cherished memories of Mom. “ In loving memory of Betty Jane Connelly, The Sewickley Spa will donate proceeds of all services in the month of May to Hair Peace Charities, a local organization that provides financial assistance to women and girls to purchase wigs due to the devastating effect of chemotherapy. www.sewickleyspa.com

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Women in Business

Kimberly Ferraro

| Northern States Mortgage, Inc.

Kimberly Ferraro is a Mortgage Broker with over 18 years of experience, working for a locally owned mortgage company in Zelienople with license in PA, CT and FL. Being a mortgage broker enables me to help people with not-so-perfect credit and perfect credit.

It’s given me the ability to make their home-buying dreams come true. I work with 11 different lenders, so I have the flexibility to shop for the best loan option available and interest rate. Being such a small company, we pride ourselves in customer service and attention to detail, which allows us to consistently close loans in 30 days or less. If you go through a bank, you will only have access to what that bank has to offer, so no rate shopping and limited products. I’m passionate about my work and will help anyone to make their home purchasing dream come true. If you’re looking for the best service in town, low rates, no fees and options, please give me a call. Kim@NorthernStatesMortgage.com | 877-8086611 or 724-272-0770

Deb Walton, Realtor®, SRES®

| Coldwell Banker Real Estate Services

Deb is originally from Upstate New York and has been a resident of Cranberry Township for 29 years after being transferred here by her former employer, Eastman Kodak Company. Deb has 29 years of experience in Consumer Product sales and served as a Kodak Account Executive, calling on the Navy and Marine Crops Exchanges throughout the world. After being home with her children until they entered elementary school, Deb started her real estate career and has received many accolades as a consistent annual multi-million dollar producer. Married for 22 years to a retired PA State Trooper, she has 3 children. Two children attend Seneca Valley School District and one attends the University of Kentucky. Deb enjoys supporting her children in their various activities within the school district and community. She enjoys serving her clients and prides herself on the relationships she builds and continues to maintain after closing. Please visit the following link to learn what her clients have to say about her service: realtordebwalton.com/cp/my-reviews | C. 724.480.6690 | O. 724.776.2900 | deb.walton@pittsburghmoves.com

Nina Nudi Dryna & Mary Ann Nudi Sembrat The Print Shop at Office Things

The Print Shop at Office Things has been in business for 48 years.

We are a locally owned family business offering premium service to all of our customers. Printing is in the Nudi sister’s blood. Our father was the department head of in-house printing at the William Penn Hotel and the Duquesne Club in downtown Pittsburgh. Also, our family owned two local newspapers called The Free Press and The Allegheny Journal for many years, so opening a print shop was a natural choice for the Nudi sisters. The Print Shop at Office things was born in an age of hot metal typesetting and has since modernized along the way. We are now fully modernized to digital printing, along with Offset and Letterpress printing. We also produce blueprints on site. Over the years we have seen the necessity to grow and add more lines to what we offer. We have added advertising specialties, apparel printing, and sign and banner making to our services. The Print Shop at Office Things has you covered no matter what your needs may be.

We think of printing as a craft, and our customers are people who, we want to make proud of their printed material. www.printshoppgh.com | (724) 935-2221

Valerie Sarel

| The Camelot Event Centers

As co-owner of The Camelot Event Centers – Wexford & Warrendale, alongside my husband—we provide two beautiful venues and exceptional in-house catering to host all types of special events for our community. After gaining years of experience in the catering, event hosting, and customer service industries, we knew that our strengths in those areas gave us the tools we needed to be business owners and continue the legacy of The Camelot, which has been a part of the community since the 1970s. We purchased the business in 2013 and have since grown and added our second venue in Wexford. Being small business owners is certainly a challenge, but also very fulfilling. As a woman, I have a great sense of pride in showing our two young daughters the dedication it takes to be a business owner and how it is shaping our lives as a family. We are honored to be a part of the special moments in the lives of the members of our community, and we pride ourselves on providing the best services we can for those events. It gives us great joy to know our clients are creating lifelong memories with us. www.thecameloteventcenter.com | 724-935-4550

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

School Movers & Shakers Shady Side Academy Shady Side Academy has announced the appointment of Bayh Sullivan as its next director of enrollment, effective July 1. Sullivan will succeed Katie Mihm, who will retire in June after 22 highly successful years leading admissions and enrollment at the Academy.

Bayh Sullivan

Mark Henne, an eighth grader at Shady Side Academy Middle School, won a national medal in the 2021 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards competition. Henne won a national Silver Medal in writing for his Personal Essay & Memoir piece, A Pot of Forgiveness. As a national medalist, his award-winning work will be featured in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards 2021 online gallery.

St, Joseph St. Joseph High School senior Brody Porter was awarded a Prudential Spirit of Community President’s Volunteer Service Award. This honor recognizes Americans of all ages who have volunteered significant amounts of their time to their communities and their country.

Brody Porter

Avonworth The Avon Club announced the recipients of its annual Avon Club Foundation and Kathy Hall Memorial scholarships awarded in Avonworth. This year’s recipients include Avonworth High School seniors Chintha Kathiresan and Kyra Carlson as well as Eden Christian Academy senior Jessica Reynolds.

Mars Area Mars Area Middle School seventhgrader Hannah Lipchin was named a U.S. Figure Skating “Get Up Champion.”

Hannah Lipchin

The Mars Girls Youth Basketball Association Fourth Grade Gold Team advanced to the second round of the playoffs.

Fox Chapel Fox Chapel Area High School senior Jessica Jing McCann was named a national winner in the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards. Jing won a gold medal for her jewelry titled “Wings of Deception,” and a gold medal and a prestigious American Visions Medal for her jewelry titled “Anxiety’s Flight.”

Fox Chapel Area High School senior Melina Bradley has been named a recipient of a Stamps Scholarship through the University of Pittsburgh.

The scholarship, valued in excess of Melina $160,000, is offered to five incoming Bradley first-year Pitt students and covers full tuition, mandatory fees, and room and board.

Five Fox Chapel Area High School students ranked among the best at the Pennsylvania High School Speech League (PHSSL) State Championship

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Tournament. The honorees are Isabella White, Jackson Romero, Ian Mackey-Piccolo, Silas Owens and Patrick Alexander.

Five Fox Chapel Area High School and A.W. Beattie Career Center students will be inducted into the National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) this year. The Fox Chapel Area students are Emma Bernesser, Meghan DeLuca, Justin Friday, Amelia Herzer and Jenna Rubican.

Seneca Valley Seneca Valley juniors Sydney Thompson and Nicholas Nedzesky were both awarded an Honorable Mention in the Society for Analytical Chemists of Pittsburgh (SACP) High School Essay Contest.

Sydney Thompson

Nicholas Nedzesky

Two Seneca Valley students earned awards at the 82nd annual Pittsburgh Regional Science and Engineering Fair (PRSEF) held virtually March 24-25. The award winners were Shivani Umesh and Nick Nedzesky.

Seneca Valley Senior Faith Condrick and juniors Kate Lipscomb and Nicholas Nedzesky have been announced as 2021 Recognized Carson Scholars.

CCAC Community College of Allegheny County student Melinda McCloskey, of Wexford, has been named a 2021 Coca-Cola Academic Team Bronze Scholar and will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Melinda McCloskey

Washington & Jefferson McCandless Township resident and Washington & Jefferson College senior, Rena Israel, has been placed on the National Field Hockey Coaches’ Association Division III National Academic Squad. Rena was the starting goalie for the W&J Field Hockey team from her sophomore year on. She is a graduate of North Allegheny High School.

Rena Israel

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

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SUMMER CAMPS

17 Camps New in BC3’s 2021 Kids on Campus Summer enrichment program adds weeklong virtual camps to lineup

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ngineering Camp, Robotics Jr. and Lego Challenge are among 17 new full-day selections available in Butler County Community College’s Kids on Campus, a summer enrichment program for children in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Kids on Campus will offer 31 inperson camps on BC3’s main campus in Butler Township from June 14 to July 29.

Weeklong in-person camps will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.

The summer enrichment program, in its 22nd year, is temporarily changing its format from half-day camps to fullday camps “so that our students are not switching groups from the morning to the afternoon,” said Eva Lowerre, coordinator of BC3’s Kids on Campus. “This is excit-

ing because students will have more time to dive into a topic more thoroughly.

“Kids on Campus,” Lowerre said, “has always been the perfect opportunity to do something you love or to try something completely new. The best part of the camps is seeing the friendships formed through all of our hands-on activities. The connections that are made last over the years and have been an honor for me to watch.”

In-person camps are divided among those in kindergarten and first grade, second through fourth grades and fifth through eighth grades.

Kids on Campus will also offer more than 100 virtual camps such as JavaScript Developer Jam, Make Your First Video Game and YouTube Content Creators through Black Rocket, which offers online

Children watch pennies float atop a Lego boat.

A child shows a creation.

Children build a tower of Legos.

STEM programs for those ages 8-14.

Weeklong virtual camps will be held in three-hour sessions Mondays through Fridays from June 7 to Aug. 20. Virtual camps are available in morning and afternoon sessions.

“Every program is powered by the camper’s imagination and designed to bring their ideas to life in a fun, handson learning environment,” Lowerre said.

“From concept to creation, students will demonstrate their masterpiece to the world at the end of each week.”

In-person camps cost $158 per child each week. Children must wear a face mask or face shield. Virtual camps start at $135 per week.

Childcare is available before and after in-person camps. In-person class size, and the number of in-person camps, are limited.

For more information or to register, visit bc3.edu/koc n

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SSUUPPPPOORRTT OOUURR TTRROOOOPPSS

You May Want to Check Out These Veterans Events

By Paula Green Memorial Day is the day that’s set aside to remember with gratitude and pride All those who served and died for our country and our freedom.

May your day be filled with memories and peace.

God Bless America.

-Godvine.com

T

he month of May has finally arrived, and it is generally a month filled with veteran’s tributes and special military events. You “May” want to check out these local happenings for service men and women – THE PITTSBURGH VETERAN’S VIRTUAL JOB FAIR will be held from 11:00 a.m.-2 p.m. on Thursday, May 6. This event is held in person under ordinary circumstances, but it will be held virtually this year due to the pandemic. It is free, and is open to all veterans and their spouses. For details, visit military.com.

VETERAN’S AFFAIRS OUTREACH hours will be held 10 a.m.-12:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 11.

This military event is sponsored

by PA State Rep. Rob Mercuri, who is working in conjunction with the Pennsylvania American Legion I. VA hours will be held at Rep. Mercuri’s office, located at 5500 Brooktree Rd., Suite 100 in Wexford.

A service officer from the American Legion will be available to assist veterans with various topics. These include disability compensation, veteran or surviving spouse pensions, burial and death benefits, the addition of dependents, dependency and indemnity compensation, or other veteran’s benefits. The event is free, but appointments are required. For scheduling, call the district office at (412) 369-2230.

If you are interested in attending a U.S. FLAG POLE DEDICATION CEREMONY, mark your calendars for 10 a.m., Sunday, May 30, at Studio Raw Elite, 3185 Babcock Blvd. The owner of this hair salon, Dan Burda, will honor his late father and thousands of service members who served to protect our country.

Burda’s father, Dan Sr., was a U.S. Army Vietnam veteran. A 40-foot American flag pole will be erected in his memory, and it also honors all military members, both living and deceased. For more information, visit facebook.com/dan.burda.7/videos/10165051787790788. n

HAPPENINGS

May Events Black & Gold Cookie Table at Hartwood Acres: A Drive-Thru Fundraising Event, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., May 16. Drive-thru Hartwood Acres, each vehicle will receive two dozen boxed cookies from The Little Kitchen.

Participants will be entered into the Black & Golden Mega Raffle. Advanced tickets sales only. Visit https://pittsburgh.dressforsuccess. org/get-involved/events/the-black-goldcookie-table-drive-thru/.

Dispose of Household Hazardous & Electronic Waste event, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.,

Saturday, May 22, Pine Township, 230 Pearce Mill Road. Registration required, visit www.ecsr.net or call 866-815-0016 to schedule your appointment.

Greybrooke Garden Club Spring Plant Sale, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., May 8, – McCandless

Crossing by Bonefish Grill. Hanging baskets, perennials, herbs & annuals. Children may participate in a “Reading Corner,” hosted by Riverstone Books, and will receive a packet of seeds. For questions, call Karen (412) 445-9335. For info, about Greybrooke Garden Club, visit www.greybrookegardenclub.org.

Ingomar Garden Club plant sale & flea market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 22, corner

of Route 19 & Ingomar Rds. (by Bruster’s).

Perennials, annuals & hanging baskets & flea market items. For info, visit https://www. ingomar-garden-club.com/.

Psychic Vincent Sisters: Communicating Beyond the Veil, 6-7:30 p.m., Thursday

May 13, Harmonie Laden Gift and Candy Shop, 229 Mercer St. in Harmony. Q&A – a public gallery demonstration of mediumship, messages from your loved ones. Bring a can of cat or dog food to donation to the Butler County Humane Society. For tickets info, visit www.suzannevincent.com.

The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced

the return to its galleries and visual art spaces beginning on Friday, June 4, with the special art installation from the #notwhite collective. The show takes place at 812 Liberty Avenue through Sunday, August 1.

Learn more, at notwhitecollective.com. www.northernconnectionmag.com | MAY 2021

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

A Gardening Angel’s Job

H

By Ron Eichner

i folks! Spring is in full swing.

However, some farmers and gardeners have a silent partner with Mother Nature that is always unpredictable.

Weather can have temperatures below or above average, too dry or too wet, which can be some of the day-to-day challenges. I often think Adam and Eve had a tough time with a piece of fruit, and look what that gave mankind over all these thousands of years.

One of the three punishments Adam had was to figure out how to work the soil and grow his own crops for his new food supply, so Adam was truly the first farmer.

For generations the success of farming and gardening is to follow simple rules when and how to plant. In recent times, the large retail box stores have been selling tender plants at least a month before, when and what we have planted for generations.

Then instead of local greenhouse growers educating the consumers of why, what and when, they are afraid of losing sales so they are selling early also. This is truly stupid on steroids!

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For years to counter all of these early spring temptations, I try to be a “Gardening Angel” each spring to educate why what and when. It’s almost lost why for generations; late May is the best time for planting for a successful season. Planting tender plants too early can risk injury from frosts or stunting growth due to cold, damp soil conditions brought on by cold spring showers. Stripping back down all the soil temperature gains brought on by the warm sunny days. Keep in mind that Mother Nature does string together a week or two of summer-like days in late April and early May. However, the odds are even better to follow up with cooler, cloudy weather and cold soaking showers.

Cold, damp soils to tender plants are like trying to relax in your living room watching your favorite TV programs with your feet in a cold bucket of water. Then when you get into warmer days of June and July rain showers are refreshing for most plants.

MAY 2021 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

My Grandpap Eichner grew up and worked on their family farm in the Bavarian part of Germany. Their tender planting only occurred after the “three iceman days” of May 11, 12 and 13. Also, learning from grandpap and dad to always pay attention to when the monthly full periods are, especially in the spring with the last frosts and in the fall with the first chance of frosts that without protections can end a growing season. If it is clear at night during a full moon period it can generally be the coldest nights each month.

This year the full moon will be on May 26, and our experiences are that there can be a risk of frost.

As a family farm, my grandparents and parents have passed down the knowledge and wisdom to my generation to share it with family, friends, and customers each year. It’s a heck of a lot easier for gardeners to care for and protect their backyard gardens than farmers having several fields of early crops planted. An economic setback or disaster can occur.

Another common mistake is to purchase low-quality potting soil. There are no standards for potting soils and it is good to see what the local greenhouse growers are using and selling. We professionally use local PittMoss potting soil is fantastic for baskets, containers, and pots for our customers.

Finally, Mother’s Day each year is truly a special day to honor our moms, grandmothers, aunts, mother-in-law’s and godmothers for all the specials things they do or did for us over the years. Whether they are present or past, we should have respect and love for all their everlasting, unconditional love - Happy Mother’s Day, Mom, along with all of the special ladies in our hearts.

If you need to talk to a “Gardening Angel” feel free to stop by Eichner’s Whole Farm & Greenhouses and experience “Farm Fresh” at 285 Richard Road, Wexford, and get the “rest of the story.” n

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HOME GUIDE

Why Costa Homebuilders? osta Homebuilders has been building luxury homes in the Pittsburgh area for decades, over which we’ve consistently provided our clients with custom living spaces that fit their aesthetic, lifestyle, and design needs. Costa Homebuilders is honored to be ranked as the #1 Homebuilder in Pittsburgh by Houzz.com. There are three reasons why: OUR PROCESS: We understand that you want your own special place that reflects your style and taste. Our trademark process, “The New Life Process”® allows you to describe what you want, the design team draws it, you approve it, and we build it.

OUR TEAM: It is our team’s mission to provide an ethical, transparent and enjoyable experience for each and every one of our clients. We work in collaboration with architects, skilled tradesmen, and top suppliers to provide the Gold Standard to which every home is built and a 5-star experience.

OUR EXECUTION: Our clients expect the best and refuse to take unknown risks to cut costs. Close attention is paid to requirements of time, budget, design, and craftsmanship. Our ability to finish a project on time and on budget is our top priority. Whether you’re building your first home or your forever home, working with experts like us means experiencing the ultimate luxury – being able to enjoy your new home. n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MAY 2021

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Business Spotlight

The Staycation of Your Dreams

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e build luxury homes that are synonymous with happiness — spaces that are open and filled with natural light, thoughtfully designed floorplans that fit your unique lifestyle. Our homes through-

out Northern Pittsburgh promote happier, healthier living… with boutiquesize communities where neighbors know neighbors, and open-concept designs allow family and friends to come together and feel right at home.

Something for Everyone

Weaver Homes offers homeowners two distinct community types — single-family communities for growing families and lifestyle communities for low maintenance living. In a singlefamily community, you’ll enjoy more space and family-friendly, scenic settings within exceptional school districts.

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In a lifestyle community, you’ll have the freedom to do what your heart desires. We do the dirty work like snow removal, grass cutting, lawn treatment, mulching, and trash removal.

You’ll get the peace of mind knowing that your home is well taken care of, so that you can focus on the things you really love to do. Take up a new hobby, explore new local spots, spend more time relaxing and socializing, or even travel far away knowing your home will be taken care of

through all the options you have to make your home entirely your own.

This way, when you step inside for the very first time — and every single time after that — you’ll know you’re right where you were always meant to be.

A Family Tradition

With more than three decades of design and building experience, Weaver Homes is Greater Pittsburgh’s premier personalized home builder. With roots right here in Pittsburgh, we’re

Your Home, Your Style

We want your comfortable, personalized Weaver home to be your sanctuary. With us, you don’t just have the choice of floor plan; you have the ability to edit and expand upon it so it fits your unique style. Our level of personalization ensures your home is in sync with your family, and tailored to your tastes.

In our Design Studio, you’ll see the best brands in the industry, the highest-quality, top-trending interior choices for your new home. Our Interior Design Specialist will walk you

MAY 2021 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

passionate about the people we work with and the communities we build.

From our designers to our subcontractors, everyone is an equal part of our family, and we believe that’s what makes us different. Together, we support our community in every sense of the word, whether we’re sponsoring a little league team or engaging with local leaders. Because we’re not just your builders, we’re your neighbors too, and we believe in building communities that last for generations. Since 1986, when Bill and Bonnie Weaver founded our family-owned company, our promise has been to ensure your journey home is just as enjoyable as everything that comes next.

We’re honored for the opportunity to build your happy place. To get started building your dream home visit WeaverHomes.com n

www.northernconnectionmag.com | MAY 2021

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Millions Grown, Family Owned

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elcome to the Gardner Family Farm!

Since 1974, the Gardner family has been supplying the local area with spring wholesale flowers.

In 2020, we were proud to open our brandnew retail facility, found along route 19. Our 12,000 square foot store offers you the selection of spring plants such as annuals, perennials, and Florida foliage and fall items during the fall season. Decorate, gift, or simply watch grow, our plants will be sure to bring beauty and joy. n

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MAY 2021 | www.northernconnectionmag.com