September 2016 issue - Northern Connection Magazine

Back-toSchool Part 2 Page 24

YOUR COMMUNITY MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2016

Passavant Hospital Foundation Celebrates a Legacy of Caring Fall Happenings

Add Fall Flair Into Your Wardrobe

Star Trek Trivia

Page 26-27

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have

HOPE Don’t GIVE UP!

DR. SHAWN RICHEY

Are you being told, “There’s nothing to be done?” or that, “You need to learn to live with the pain?” Are you being over-medicated with pain medicines that don’t cure? Have you been through test after test with no result, explanation or treatment? Are you becoming discouraged?

A

specialized treatment protocol is available at the Chiropractic Family Health Center.

It includes 9 specific treatments that are designed to heal rather than just deal with the symptoms.

Once thought to be incurable, 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. Unlike laser therapy that does not address the involved damaged small nerve fibers or home light therapies that do not offer all the frequencies needed to heal them, our program utilizes state of the art technology with combined therapies to restore life to the dead nerves.

Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from this debilitating disease. Many patients are suffering from symptoms of painful cramping, burning and tingling, difficulty walking, numbness and even interruption of sleep. Over the years, Dr. Richey’s program has a 91 percent success rate in helping sufferers feel 75-100 percent better.

Dr. Shawn Richey (a member of the NeuroTCA) has seen hundreds 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 wondering 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.

Dr. Richey has helped hundreds of sufferers of peripheral neuropathy throughout the region, he has expanded his practice to include Westmoreland as well as Allegheny Counties.

Here’s What Dr. Shawn’s Patients Say...

“I’m HEALED! And I’m doing great! I completed all my treatments with Dr. Shawn and my life is night and day from the way it was. Before I found Dr. Shawn, I suffered from peripheral neuropathy for 17 years. It felt as if someone was constantly torturing my feet with electric shocks. Night time was even worse. No position eased the pain and I couldn’t stand the sheet or blanket to touch my feet. I was even told, ‘There’s nothing to be done; you’re just going to have to live with it.’ But then I had seen Dr. Shawn’s ad in Northern Connection magazine and I made the call for my free consultation and assessment.

After the first treatment, I was actually able to take a shower and have a good night’s sleep. It was fantastic and it filled me with hope!! Now, I’m sleeping nights, doing things I’ve missed and things I’ve never done before. I can even sit and watch television and not be in pain. I would hate anyone to have to live with such pain. I highly recommend Dr. Shawn and encourage other sufferers to call him.” – Paul, Wexford “A dear friend of mine from Pittsburgh saw Dr. Richey’s ad in Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus magazine, the sister magazine to Northern Connection magazine. She sent it because one of the stories was just like I was experiencing. I had a reaction to my cholesterol medication where my feet were constantly burning and it was getting worse. They switched up my meds.

They took me off the meds. Nothing helped. All the doctors said there was nothing they could do and that I was just going to have to live with it. Once I saw the ad, I had hope. I came up to Pittsburgh to be assessed by Dr. Richey and felt relief after the first treatment. I stayed in Pittsburgh for six treatments and then Dr. Richey helped me get a home kit for the rest of the treatments. I have continued on and I continue to get better. Now, my brother in Sacramento, who also has peripheral neuropathy is going to get help too.” – Ron, North Carolina Two Years Later...

“I was in pain from peripheral neuropathy for 12 years before I found Dr. Shawn.

I noticed a difference after the first treatment. I even danced my way into his office for my second appointment. I so believe in the treatment that I have become a neuropathy specialist and assist Dr. Shawn and I am so pleased to see wonderful results in patients. Relieving them of the pain that I once endured myself.” – Lynne, Jeannette

Chiropractic Family Health Center now has offices in both Sewickley at 2591 Wexford-Bayne Road, Suite 207 and Latrobe at 1901 Ligonier Street. For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000

and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www. backnline.com.

For a FREE Consultation contact Dr. Shawn Richey at (724) 940-9000 and your appointment will be made at the location that is most convenient for you. To learn more, visit www.backnline.com.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

1

Contents NORTHERN CONNECTION 7

CONTENTS | September 2016

Features

Senior Living

8

38 Shenango on the Green

Celebrating Senior Champions

Image & Style

40 Town Crier: See You in September!

Joe Bullick

10 4 Clever Ways to Add Fall Flair into Your Wardrobe Kelly Smith

42 Happenings for Seniors

Health & Wellness

37

13 Passavant Hospital Foundation Celebrates a Legacy of Caring 17 Bad and Good News About FluMist (live nasal flu vaccine) 20 Fit Families: Multi-sport Fun: Something for Everyone! Joella Baker 22 Brooktree Health Services

In Every Issue...

4

From the Publisher Marion Piotrowski

6

Movers & Shakers

7

Mover & Shaker of the Month Memorial Park Mission Trip to Mexico

2

23 Hitting Home: The Drug Problem in the North Hills Rosemary Garrity

Back-to-School 2016 – Part 2 24 Public Schools Need to Abandon Antiquated Education Model to Produce Career-Ready Students Dr. Maurice Flurie

36 Starting the Conversation: Would Changes to the School Year Help Parents? Marianne Reid Anderson

28 Educator Making a Difference: Dr. Todd Allen of Grove City College

37 Trivia Connection: Star Trek Trivia Paula Green

31 Advertorial: The School at McGuire Memorial

45 Support Our Troops: Honor Flight Pittsburgh Venturing to the Nation’s Capital Paula Green

32 A.W. Beattie Career Center Where High-Tech is Hands-On

46 September 2016 Happenings

13

30 Providence Heights Alpha School: We Don’t Just STEM. We STREAM

32 Saint Alexis “Twins” with School in India 34 School Movers & Shakers

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Your Home 50 Jane of All Trades 52 IDI Landscaping 52 Wayne Homes

Advertorials 1

Peripheral Neuropathy Sufferers Have Hope Dr. Shawn Richey

17 3 Stresses That Affect Kid’s Bodies

Dr. Shannon Thieroff 18 The Time is Now!

Dr. Michael Vactor, D.C.

Featured on the Cover: Passavant Hospital Legacy of Caring Award winners (from left to right) LouAnn Brindle, Dr. James Boyle, Susan Hoolahan, Dr. Alex Chen, John Houston, and Cynthia Stauber. Not Pictured: Kiran Rajasenan Cover photography by Tim Kostilnik

Wesley Spectrum is Looking for Some Special People TSS\TS (Wexford, Penn Hills, Bridgeville):

BSC/MT (Wexford, Penn Hills, Bridgeville):

BSS (for Upper St. Clair):

We are seeking candidates with primarily evening availability (3-8pm) during the week. Weekend hours are also available.

Full Time and PRN positions available for BSC/MT in Autism Services. This position can work in the Behavioral Health Rehabilitation Program (BHRS), Wonder Kids (sited based), and/ or Autism Outpatient Program.

Education:

Minimum Qualifications: • Bachelor’s Degree in psychology, social work, counseling, sociology, education, criminal justice, or similar human service field, with no previous work experience; or • Bachelor’s Degree in any other field, with the equivalent of at least one year of full-time paid work experience in a job that involved direct contact with children or adolescents; or • Licensed registered nurses, with the equivalent of at least one year of full-time paid work experience in a job that involved direct contact with children or adolescents; or • An Associate’s Degree, or sixty credits toward a Bachelor’s Degree, with the equivalent of at least one year of full-time paid work experience as a TSS aide; or • An Associate’s Degree, or sixty credits toward a Bachelor’s Degree, with the equivalent of at least three years of full-time paid work experience in a job that involved direct contact with children or adolescents; or • Licensed practical nurses, with the equivalent of at least three years of full-time paid work experience in a job that involved direct contact with children or adolescents.

Minimum Qualifications: • Professional license required: BSL, LSW, LCSW, LPC, LMFT • One year experience working with children, adolescent, and young adults up to the age of 21 who have mental health disorders and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders • Experience developing treatment plans and writing measurable goals • Experience in developing therapeutic programs that guide treatment goals • Experience with various data collection methods • Experience collecting data and reporting outcomes for goal attainment • Experience writing Behavioral Modification Treatment Plans preferred • BCBA preferred

1. Minimum of HS diploma/GED with 1 year related experience working directly with children. Or 2. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree with no work experience. Degree preferred to be in Social Work, Psychology, Education or a related human services field from an accredited institution. Degrees in any field will be accepted.

Experience: • Working with children in classroom setting preferred • Work with behavioral or mental health program preferred • Intern experience will be considered

To apply please contact April Rudick at 412-342-2292 or/and arudick@wesleyspectrum.org.

To see all our career openings go to www.wesleyspectrum.org and click on the career tab.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

3

Welcome PUBLISHER NOTES | September 2016

Welcome to the September 2016 issue of Northern Connection magazine!

I

hope you all enjoyed your summer and thank you for picking up the September issue of Northern Connection magazine.

In this issue, we are proud to feature Passavant Hospital Foundation. This year PHF will celebrate their third annual Legacy of Caring Gala on Thursday, October 13 at the Marriott North in Cranberry. Seven individuals will be honored who embody a legacy of caring and who have served and helped UPMC Passavant become a world-class hospital. Be sure to read all about this year’s recipients and the outstanding work that Passavant Hospital Foundation does to support UPMC Passavant. Northern Connection magazine is very proud to support the Passavant Hospital Foundation and the Legacy of Caring Gala.

School is back in session and this school year, Northern Connection magazine continues to bring awareness to the many innovations happening in the classrooms and educators making a “A good sense difference by improving the quality of of humor is curriculum for the students. Thank you essential to deal to all the schools for your participation helping us to continue this special with the world’s in feature. reality.”

Enjoy reading Northern Connection magazine’s special features along with Anonymous our regular monthly columns. Thank you for your support and together we continue to make our community an outstanding place to live and work. l l l

Coming in October Women’s Health & Wellness

Coming in November

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.

Holiday Events & Happenings @NCONNECTIONMAG

Call (724) 940-2444 today to reserve your ad space Email: northcon@consolidated.net

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

4

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

How do You get Rid of that Middle-Age Belly Weight AND have a Toned Body with a Healthy Shape after 50?

Any change is hard, but losing fat with Dr. Chufo is easy. It is somewhat simple to lose weight, but the entire key to losing weight is to keep it off and get rid of the old “yo-yo” syndrome. Dr. Chufo starts on day one planning with you for 10 years from now. She gives you more food to eat than you could ever imagine, supplements that give you lots of energy without feeling nervous or jittery, and works each week with you, one-on-one, herself.

When you have unlimited foods, help to suppress your appetite, and a life coach (Dr. Chufo) who will work personally with you until you get the weight off and keep it off for at least 30 more weeks, how can you not beat the “battle of the bulge?” We’ve done it all and if she can’t get it off after doing this for 36 years, believe me, no one can! You leave her office feeling a million times better and more motivated than you thought was possible!

“I just got sick and tired of being lethargic, tired and overweight.

So I called Dr. Chufo and went to see her in the next 20 minutes. What she said made sense to me and I felt I could do it, so I started right then and there. I saw her every week for accountability, I took supplements that gave me more energy and did suppress my appetite. I live a very hectic lifestyle, travel some and have a family. I eat out a fair amount and I was able to do this program. It’s also an enjoyable place to go and you get plenty to eat; no 500 calorie diet! It’s a lifestyle change. Go see her in the 20 minutes like I did or at least call. I’m down 60 pounds!” Justin

“I’m in my mid70’s and with my weight loss, no one believes it.

The pressure of the fat off of my knees means no knee replacements I cried when I first met with Dr. Chufo.

I was so lost and depressed about the way I looked.

But, I found the care and kindness I received by Dr. Chufo and her staff was like none I had ever had before at weight loss places. I’ve lost 46 pounds and over 70 inches because she takes off fat, not muscle. I can play with my great-grandson and bend over and pick him up.

I could never do that before I lost this weight and I feel I found a friend for life. I worked with physicians and they all are astounded with the way I look and the results of all my health tests seeing that I HAD high blood pressure, edema, and joint pain and arthritis. But, that was in the past. No more because of the weight loss!!!” JoE.P. (Ben Avon)

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

5

People

MOVERS & SHAKERS | September 2016

Movers & Shakers Plus Quality Achievement Award, hospitals must achieve 85% or higher adherence to all Get With The Guidelines-Stroke achievement indicators for two or more consecutive 12-month periods and achieved 75% or higher compliance with five of eight Get With The Guidelines-Stroke Quality measures. This is the third time that Butler Memorial Hospital has received this designation.

The 25th Annual St. Barnabas Free Care 5K was held Aug. 6. Jed Christiansen, of Greenville, was the Top Male Finisher for the third year in a row with a time of 15:16. Christiansen, who is a Thiel College graduate, has qualified for the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and coaches cross country and distance track at Thiel. The Top Female Finisher, with a time of 18:12, was Lisa Lucas, 50, of Pittsburgh.

Butler Memorial Hospital received the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award. The award recognizes the hospital’s commitment and success in ensuring stroke patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. To receive the Gold

Rosann Sgro-Mueser has joined Genesis Medical Associates Heyl Family Practice in West View as practice director.

Rosann SgroChildren’s Hospital of Mueser Pittsburgh of UPMC’s primary care network, Children’s Community Pediatrics (CCP), has been selected by the HealthChoices managed care organizations to take part in a new program to improve behavioral health treatment for children in the state.

UPMC earned 12th position on the annual U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll of America’s “Best Hospitals,” moving up from 13th place in last year’s rankings. Nationally, UPMC is ranked for excellence in 15 of the 16 specialty areas, and is among the top 10 hospitals in four specialties: ear, nose and throat; gastroenterology and GI surgery; pulmonology; and rheumatology.

Andrea Jaecks of Gibsonia’s Jeter Backyard Theater was one of eight outstanding educators from schools and performing arts centers around the country selected to work one-on-one with Broadway greats at the 7th Annual FREDDIE G FELLOWSHIP in New York City.

Hampton Township held a ribbon cutting ceremony event during the township’s annual Independence Day celebration on July 3 to present the new Hampton Community Park playground to the public.

Yes, You Can Dance has formed a partnership with The University of Pittsburgh’s School of Rehabilitation Sciences and the Western Pennsylvania Multiple Sclerosis Society to pilot an instructional program that served the needs of those with MS. For more information, visit http:// www.yesyoucandance.org/events/ms-ballroomparticipants/.

Youth triathletes Hannah Fetterolf, 11, Ryder Fetterolf, 8, of Sewickley won the national titles at the USA Triathlon National Championships and their brother Hunter Fetterolf, 13, placed 5th in the 13-year-old boys race. Zachary Baker, 13 of Harmony, earned 3rd place. The young team won 4th place among 81 national teams.

Zachary Leachman, 15, of Mars, the Youth Elite athlete for Get Fit Families raced with the top 13-15-year-old boys. He placed 37th out of the water among 75 athletes. Zachary raced with two of the fastest runners in his age group and came in 5th place. There were 42 kids from the state of Pennsylvania, 30 represented the Get Fit Families Triathlon Team. Get Fit families is looking for young athletes who love to swim, bike and run.

Contact www.getfitfamilies.com or (724) 321-4265 or email, coach Joella Baker at joella@zoominternet.net.

$5 off

Sam Adams Stein Hoisting Event

Shelly Duff Music

Friday, October 7 from 8pm-10pm Do you think you have what it takes to be America’s Stein Hoister of the Year? Our National Stein Hoisting Competition returns for another season as we search high and low for two national champions (male and female) to send to the 2017 Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, Germany!

Live Music events starting at 9pm: • SEPTEMBER 16 • OCTOBER 7 (10pm start) • NOVEMBER 4 • DECEMBER 2 • DECEMBER 23

Weekdays M-F 11am-4pm Coupon must be presented at time of purchase.

Not valid on alcohol. Expires September 30, 2016.

6

NC Mag-9/16

a $20 Lunch Purchase

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent not-for-profit agency, recently provided some enriching summer experiences for low-income children in New York. A group recently paid a visit to the Pittsburgh area.

Mover & Shaker of the Month

Memorial Park Mission Trip to Mexico

BY PAULA GREEN

A

n enthusiastic group of parishioners from Memorial Park Church in McCandless Township recently returned from a mission to Camp Kikomar, near Tuxpan, Mexico on the Gulf coast. “Outreach projects are an important part of the church’s vocation,” according to Don Creasy, Memorial Park’s minister of Mission and Outreach.

“Our church has been partners with Mexican missionaries Mirna Sotomayor and Diana Garrett for over 20 years.

Our missionary partnerships are rooted in friendships that are established over time. These two Mexican women are the directors of Camp Kikomar. We were invited by their Mexican partners to visit several of their churches in very rural mountain communities. Our group was actually the first “Gringos” invited into some of these areas, which happened because of our many years of friendship with Mirna and Diana.”

This is the third time Memorial Park has embarked on a trip to Camp Kikomar. There were 15 people in attendance, 13 from Memorial Park, one Rwandan Mission partner (Yohani Kayinamura) as well as a friend from another local church. It was a rewarding and fulfilling week for the mission group.

“In many places we went, we listened to the plight of very poor communities and the churches in those communities.

One of the things that we assisted the residents with was an eyeglass clinic. We examined and gave out glasses to about 150 people. Veterinarian eye surgeon, Dr. Larry Bagley was in charge of this ministry,” said Creasy.

“Another ministry was run by Headto-Toe salon owner, Amy Beaudry. Amy gave free haircuts to over 100 people, mostly women. These women are very poor. A haircut from a professional like Amy is a real treat. Memorial Park Women’s Ministry director, Michele Holmes was in charge of Vacation Bible School (VBS) and women’s ministry. The women were grateful for a time to make crafts together and to have the opportunity to tell their stories.”

“The kids had a blast as they participated in hearing Bible stories, games and crafts. At the end of the week we invited many of the village kids to VBS Camp at Camp Kikomar, which is on a beautiful beach. These kids had never seen the ocean. For anyone who is considering this type of outreach work, Kikomar is a great first time international mission trip. It is a safe environment with lots of translators, and the missionaries speak English,” added Creasy.

For more information on this program, contact Christ for the City International at https://cfci.org/trip/ camp-ministry-in-tuxpan-mexico/. l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

7

Neil M. Resnick, M.D.

James S. Withers, M.D.

Elaine H. Berkowitz, M.D.

Master of Ceremonies Rocky Bleier

Celebrating Senior Champions Creating a Better Life for Seniors

P

ittsburgh Steeler Super Bowl champion, Rocky Bleier will serve as master of ceremonies when UPMC Senior Services honors extraordinary individuals and organizations who contribute significant time and energy to serving seniors throughout Western Pennsylvania. To celebrate and support the UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund, more than 400 business leaders, physicians and supporters of senior causes will gather on Wednesday, October 26, for the Eighth Annual Celebrating Senior Champions Dinner and Auction at the Omni William Penn Hotel. This year’s honorees are: Neil M. Resnick, MD will be honored as the Grand Champion. Dr. Resnick leads one of the largest and most innovative geriatric programs in the country with more board-certified geriatricians than nearly any program and a wide array of senior services and an extensive research portfolio.

Dr. Resnick, Thomas Detre Professor and Chief of the Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, also serves as Associate Director of the Aging Institute of UPMC Senior Services at the University of Pittsburgh and Director of the Hartford Center of Excellence in Geriatrics. His expertise has been recognized by inclusion in “Best Doctor” lists both locally and nationally as well as by awards from the NIH, International Continence Society, Society for General Internal Medicine, and American Urological Association. More recently, Dr. Resnick and his colleagues have been working to re-engineer geriatric care. Their goal is not only to improve it, but also to make it more feasible for non-geriatricians to provide.

James S. Withers, MD and Pittsburgh Mercy’s Operation Safety Net will be honored as the Community Champion.

Operation Safety Net, Pittsburgh Mercy’s award-winning, innovative medical and social service outreach program for people who are experiencing chronic homelessness, was founded in 1992 by internal medicine physician Dr. James Withers.

As part of Pittsburgh Mercy and Trinity Health, serving in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, Operation Safety Net delivers integrated healthcare, case management, housing follow up, and other vital health and human services to individuals living on the streets of Pittsburgh. Approximately 1 in every 22 homeless individuals is a senior citizen, with numbers expected to increase substantially in upcoming years. To date, Operation Safety Net has reached approximately 10,000 individuals with more than

8

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

68,000 visits and helped more than 1,200 individuals who were once homeless to find homes of their own. Dr. Withers, whose interest in service-oriented medicine grew in the course of medical missions to Central America and India, continues to serve as the organization’s medical director.

Elaine H. Berkowitz, DMD will be honored as the Caregiver Champion. Dr. Berkowitz practices geriatric and special needs dentistry in private homes, nursing homes, personal care homes, rehabilitation hospitals and general hospitals, bringing essential oral care to the home-bound. She has been distinguished as one of Pittsburgh’s top dentists.

Dr. Berkowitz retired as a Lieutenant Colonel with 38 years of service in the United States Army Reserves. She completed four deployments and received numerous medals and distinctions.

A member of several military and dental organizations, she is active in the Reserve Officers Association, the Military Order of World Wars, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the American Dental Association and Special Advocates in Dentistry. She recently received a Doctor Honoris Causa from the University of Prizren in Kosova, an award previously bestowed upon Bill Clinton and Tony Blair.

All proceeds from the Celebrating Senior Champions Dinner and Auction will benefit UPMC Senior Communities Benevolent Care Fund, which provides financial assistance and support services to eligible seniors. For more information about the event, contact Debra Panei, Director of Development for UPMC Senior Services, at 412-864-3524 or PaneiD@upmc.edu. l l l

Tickets on Sale NOW! Wednesday, October 26, 2016 • Omni William Penn Hotel 5:30 P.M. Reception, Silent Auction and Diamond Give-Away 7:00 P.M. Dinner and Program For reservations, congratulatory advertisement placement or to donate silent auction items phone 412-864-3524 Proceeds benefit the Benevolent Care Fund of UPMC Senior Communities Proudly sponsored by Pittsburgh Fifty-Five Plus Magazine

Get More Holiday Business

by advertising in Northern Connection’s 17th Annual Holiday Guide featured in the November & December issues.

Discounted rates apply

Featuring:

Holiday Gifts • Specials • Events • And much more!

Call: 724-940-2444

or email: NCmagazine@northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

9

Chic

IMAGE & STYLE | September 2016

Clever Ways to Add Fall Flair into Your Wardrobe

BY KELLY SMITH

T

ransitional dressing can stump the mind of even the most style savvy smart cookie. It may be September but the crisp, autumn breeze that you would expect to feel dancing off your skin is instead, still just a hot blast of heat enveloping your new cozy fall frocks. What’s a girl to do? Fall weather is the toughest of the seasons in which to transition just because of the drastic temperature changes alone. You need to be a bit quick witted in trying to outwit the weather. So what can you do to stay cool, yet still stay in the spirit of fall while traipsing through the pumpkin patch? It may sound like a tall order, but by sporadically, and stealthily adding some fall flair, you will be sure to look fall fabulous!

Add the colors of the fall rainbow – the addition of “pop” colors for any season change is always a no brainer. For autumn, some jewel tones to the tune of cranberry, mustard, oxblood or hunter green will do the trick. All of these colors have their summer counterparts (think pink, yellow, coral and lime). White can be replaced in a pinch with any neutral color such

as taupe, ecru or even light gray. You can still wear your summer threads as long as you have some fall on your back with darker hues. Try to add at least a single piece of fall color from top to bottom. For example, try a plum lip color, a summer tunic top in a neutral shade, gingerly gathered at the waist with a hunter scarf and a chocolate colored sandal to ease into the season with style.

Break out the leather and suede – By introducing just a bit of texture, you can really amp up a ‘still summer’ wardrobe by splashing a few leather or suede pieces to and fro.

Leather boots, bags, and belts, especially in blacks or browns are typically reserved just for the fall/winter season. You don’t need to go all Catwoman to look the part (best to wait for Halloween for that look!) but try starting small with, perhaps a black leather embellished belt, or perhaps a sleek cross body bag in brown suede with fringe. You can even throw on a pair of tan leather mules with your (still necessary) flowy maxi dress The key is to add just touches of these because if you over do it, you defeat the purpose of staying cool. It’s best to leave that leather jacket hanging in the closet for when the autumn air actually is crisp and cool.

These boots are made for walking – Ok, boots are also made for talking, and talk they will (in a good way), if you wear them right. You can never go wrong with boots simply because they are so versatile that they can be worn throughout the year but, certain styles are better during certain times of the season. For early fall, ankle boots work wonders to showcase a transitioning wardrobe. Try to steer clear of knee boot until at least October due to their awkward chunkiness against the lighter weight fabric of September styles. A favorite style of mine is the peep-toe ankle bootie. Some lace up the front, zip up the back or latch around the ankle but whatever your preference, they still have all the perks of a summer shoe with a fall vibe.

Make a statement – To really make the change from summer to fall, be sure to toss in some statement pieces. I’m not talking so much about the “go-to” accessory for most of us- the infinity scarf or any scarf for that matter, (although it is a good, year-round accessory) I am thinking more along the lines of actual statement pieces in the true hues and textures of fall.

Adding anything metallic will surely spark the fall flame for most of us. Try adding a hammered metallic bangle to your look or perhaps a pair of chandelier earrings. Look for purses adorned with tassels or hardware such as chain straps or heavy buckles on handbags.

Bring out the best in your hairstyle by adding pins or headbands with chunky décor. Anything you can do to add some shine to your look will set you apart from the rest of the summer pack!

Autumn is a great time to enjoy the last days of summer weather but now you can do it in style and comfort! There’s nothing quite like frolicking through the leaves, or the pumpkin patch while sipping on a pumpkin spice latté to get into the spirit of autumn. Just don’t wear that Catwoman suit while doing your fall frolicking! l l l

10

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

11

12

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

13

14

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

15

Bad and Good News About FluMist (live nasal flu vaccine)

BY WILLIAM COPPULA, M.D., PEDIATRICIAN AT PEDIATRIC ALLIANCE, ARCADIA DIVISION, 412-366-7337

I

n June, the ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) determined that the FluMist is currently not effective enough to recommend its use this year. The bad news is that many people who dislike shots embraced the nasal flu vaccine (especially school age children). The good news is that our system works.

Experts at the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) and other experts around our country monitor all vaccines and the diseases that vaccines are supposed to prevent. Since the FluMist vaccine went from trivalent (3 flu types) to quadravalent (4 flu types) a couple years ago, it hasn’t been as effective as the original studies showed.

This isn’t as easy a determination as one may think. The flu virus changes strains in a difficult to predict way from year to year. The flu vaccine takes months to prepare for manufacture and distribution. A new one is needed every year. In fact, just two years ago the trivalent FluMist data from 2-3 years ago showed the mist preformed better than injectable flu vaccine for children ages 2-8 years. That was the first time one type of a flu vaccine was recommended over others (FluMist over injectable flu vaccine). However, after experts crunched the numbers and looked back at the last 2 flu seasons, the ACIP voted to advise against the use of FluMist.

As much as this complicates my job as a Pediatrician (trying to order the correct amount of vaccine and find ways to get it to our many patients), it gives me confidence that our system works. Scientists, statisticians and physicians doing their jobs provided as much information as possible to the committee. The ACIP agrees on a recommendation and for it to be official, the CDC needs to five final approval. Outside agencies like the AAP then review and comment on the recommendations. These are some of the reasons why many Pediatricians feel confident about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines.

So, even though it will be a tough year for the kids (and many adults) who love the mist over a shot, it is still best to get vaccinated to avoid influenza. With some luck and hard work from the researchers who developed the FluMist originally, I hope to see it back as an option soon. l l l

ADVERTORIAL

3 Stresses That Affect Kid’s Bodies

BY DR. SHANNON THIEROFF

B

ack to school can bring a new set of stresses for kids.

Some are mental, such as new classes, teachers etc., and some are physical. It’s no surprise that a lot of the health problems that we face as adults start when we’re children. I’m going to teach you about three things that can stress your child’s body and how you can prevent them.

Backpack Strain – Studies show that 30% of kids will report having back pain. A backpack, used properly, is a good way to carry things. The problem is that most of us don’t know how to load or fit a backpack. Here are some tips: • The pack should not weigh more than 10% of your child’s body weight when full.

• Both shoulder straps should be used at all times.

• The pack straps should be shortened so that the pack sits in the small of the back above the buttocks.

For a video on how to fit a backpack, visit the Choice Chiropractic Facebook page.

Sports Injuries include big traumas like falls or tackles, or repetitive movement traumas that occur with performing the same movements over and over like pitching, kicking, or even dance routines. Repetitive movement traumas are more common and over time can lead to problems like tendonitis, bursitis, or muscle issues. Treating injuries quickly, conservatively and safely leads to the best results. Choosing treatment options that don’t rely on the use of medicines or invasive solutions are safest.

Posture Problems and Pain are on the rise. Most experts relate this to the overuse of electronics like tablets, laptops, cell phones and video games. There’s a term called “text neck” that describes the neck and upper back pain, tension, headaches and wrist/thumb pain that results from overuse of electronics.

Parents can help by limiting screen time, teaching kids about how to use good ergonomics, and having a plan in place to help if your child does end up with symptoms.

Chiropractic is a safe and drug-free option that you may want to consider to help raise a healthier family. The earlier you take care of problems the easier they are to treat. To learn more about chiropractic please visit www.choicechiropractic.net or visit the “Parents” section at the webpage for the American Chiropractic Pediatric Association. Ready to see if we can help?

Just reach out… We’re here when you need us. l l l

Choice Chiropractic & Wellness Center, P.C. Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates 8199 McKnight Road (412) 364-9699 www.choicechiropractic.net

Like us on Facebook www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

17

ADVERTORIAL

NOW! The Time is

$50

Lose weight and learn how to keep it off with Dr. Michael Vactor, D.C.’s innovative weight loss program.

Discount See text at right for details.

“After repeatedly trying and failing on other programs to lose weight, I started Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program. In less than 90 days, I was able to lose over 50 pounds of weight. I feel great, Before After have increased energy, was never hungry, and enjoyed eating real food. And, the best part was, never visiting the gym!” – Eric Hagman, Sports Anchor/ Reporter with both 93.7 The Fan and KDKA AM

Susan Total weight loss = 50 lbs kept off for over a year!

Before

18

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

After

You are not alone! Millions of Americans have let the pounds creep on and are now carrying too much weight to enjoy the active lifestyle they deserve.

W

hether it’s due to mid-life metabolism, baby-weight, a desk job, or a busy grab-and-go lifestyle that has caused weight gain, you can shed the pounds and keep it off, with Dr. Vactor’s Innovative Weight Loss Program!

No Stimulants, No Risky Operations or Procedures, Best of all: EXCERCISE is NOT required. Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program focuses on getting the weight off first.

This way exercise programs will not contribute to the risk of, injury, joint pain or over-exertion from carrying too much weight.

Call Dr. Michael Vactor TODAY for a No Obligation, FREE Consultation at (724) 742-2700 to start getting the weight off and keeping it off before you let another day pass you by.

Dr. Vactor’s innovative weight loss program focuses on losing the weight and keeping it off through a safe, healthy system that is made up of ALL-NATURAL INGREDIENTS with NO STIMULANTS. Unlike other programs that you may have experienced, where you lose weight but then gain it all back or even more, this program focuses first on weight loss, then helping you readjust to the thinner you.

In addition, this program has consistent, predictable weight loss results where people also see a dramatic improvement in their overall HEALTH in about a month’s time. According to Dr. Vactor, “I have seen cholesterol numbers, blood pressure and blood sugar levels return to normal in 30 days. People who follow our program as outlined get great results! Our average patient loses as little as 1/2 to as much as 1 pound per day!”

To date, 90-95% of his patients have achieved their weight loss goals. YES, 90-95% of patients have achieved their weight loss goals. Dr. Vactor is so absolutely sure of the results and outcomes of his program, that he offers a GUARANTEE of RESULTS! Who is Dr. Michael Vactor, DC? Dr. Michael Vactor is a doctor of chiropractic, and a natural healthcare advocate in the north Pittsburgh area for over sixteen years. He is also an award winning expert in weight loss management and is frequently featured on KDKA-TV, WPXI, Cornerstone-TV, radio shows and other public speaking venues on health and weight-loss issues. In addition, Dr. Vactor cares for players, coaches and family members of our Black and Gold teams in Pittsburgh.

During this time, Dr. Vactor and his family have lived in the Cranberry and Mars area, where he is also devoted to his community and helping his patients reach their goals. With over sixteen years in this community, he would not and could not make any such guarantee claims for weight loss, if they weren’t true.

How to Get Started: If you are committed to losing the weight now and improving your overall health in about a month’s time, call for a FREE, in-office review of this revolutionary weight loss system. Dr. Vactor’s office is conveniently located at 673 Castle Creek Drive, Ext. Suite 106 Seven Fields, PA 16046. Http://www.drvactor.com

Bob

Total weight loss = 72 lbs in just 90 days!

Before

After

Improve your health today! Call now, at (724) 742-2700. Dr. Vactor’s Weight Loss Program also makes a great Father’s Day gift, to help keep your Dad fit and healthy!

If you can’t call now, take a picture of the number with your SMART phone so you have the number ready to call.

If you are one of the first 25 callers to schedule your no cost/no obligation consultation and in office review, and mention you saw Dr. Vactor in the September issue of Northern Connection, you will receive a $50 discount good towards any of his guaranteed weight loss programs. Not valid with any other offers and new patients only are eligible. l l l Results may vary based on an individual’s physical health, diet, personal commitment, and adherence to the program. Information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Guarantee can be reviewed in the office prior to starting the program.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

19

Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | September 2016

Fit Families

Multi-sport Fun:

Something for

BY JOELLA BAKER

I

n four weeks I will be heading to my fifth ITU Long Course World Championship Race. I will have to swim 2.5 miles, bike 75 miles and run 18.6 miles as I compete for Team USA in Oklahoma City on September 24. My family lives a multisport life. My son and husband both race triathlons too. But, what exactly does that mean? In essence, we swim, we bike, we run and we also kayak and hike. That is the glory of multi-sport.

It has grown so much that it literally encompasses so many different types of races and events. Everyone can participate in a multi-sport event.

So what exactly is multi-sport? A multisport competition is a family of athletic competitions in which athlete’s race in a continuous series of stages or “legs,” and quickly move to the next event trying to get the fastest time they can get. Most multisport events are endurance races, consisting of aerobic activi-

20

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Everyone!

ties such cycling, running, kayaking and even cross-country skiing. The classic multi-sport event is the triathlon where athletes swim, bike and run in consecutive order. However, now there are so many other options to this sport so many of us love. Here are examples of each….

The Duathlon: If you don’t like to swim, you can compete in a duathlon where you run, bike, then run again. This may be a 3.1 mile run, a 14 mile bike and a 3.1 mile run, as an example.

The Adventure Race: This is another option for the nonswimmer. In an adventure race, you might kayak for 2 miles, bike 14 miles and run 3.1 miles, as an example.

The Aqualthon: If you aren’t crazy about cycling, then this is your best option. The aqualthon can consist of a swim and run or sometimes a run, swim and run. Sometimes you may even see an adventure aqualthon where you kayak and run.

The Aqua Bike or Aqua Velo: These are for the people who don’t want to run or often for triathletes who may be injured and are unable to run. This is a swim and bike and these can be in a variety of distances from a sprint distance to a full Ironman distance.

The Relay: If you want to try a multi-sport race with your friends, the relay may be for you. The relay is a great way for friends to get together and one person swims, another person will bike and another person will run.

Xterra races: These are multi-sport events done on trails and often consists of swimming or kayaking, mountain biking and running or hiking on trails.

Multi-sport is truly my life. I race it. I coach it. I hold camps and clinics about multi-sport. I even organize multi-sport events that include the Mighty Moraine Man Triathlon Festival on September 10 and 11 at Moraine State Park. Mighty Moraine Man is great because we offer a triathlon, duathlon, aqua bike and even an adventure race. I also believe in the sport so much that I support other local events that include the Butler Family YMCA Triathlon, the Pittsburgh Triathlon, the Davis Family YMCA Triathlon, The North Park Triathlon, the Edinboro Triathlon, and the Erie Triathlon. I may not always race in these events, but I am happy to promote them and let others know about them and even have my athlete’s race in these events.

If you want to try something new, consider a multi-sport event.

You don’t have to be fast or a super athlete to race. You just need some goggles, a bicycle, a helmet and some running shoes, oh, and don’t forget your swim suit. If you have these items, you can compete in a multi-sport race. Check one out today and you may find that you love it as much as I do. Visit www.getfitfamilies.com or www.mightymoraineman.com today. l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

21

Brooktree Health Services

B

rooktree Health Services is a state licensed facility for Partial Care/ Day Program, Intensive Outpatient Services, and Outpatient Services.

Brooktree Health Services can provide off site supportive housing in the community, including recovery coach services 24/7. The clinical program is grounded in a 90-day curriculum with 3 phases of treatment. As the patient progresses through the stages of change, the curriculum is built to adapt to the patient’s readiness and level of insight into recovery. Each patient will have an individualized addiction treatment plan developed upon intake. Clinical staff will monitor patients’ progress throughout treatment and determine patients’ discharge/aftercare plans.

Brooktree Health Services provides a holistic approach to its patients and their families. They believe that in order to effectively address the disease of addiction, the life areas of the patient must be evaluated and addressed while in treatment. Appropriate interventions are suggested to patients as they progress through treatment. l l l

22

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Health

HEALTH & WELLNESS | September 2016

Hitting Home…

The Drug Problem in the North Hills!

BY ROSEMARY GARRITY

F

or many parents, it is hard to imagine that there is a drug problem in the North Hills. The reality is that there is, specifically, with the use of prescription drugs and heroin.

Unfortunately, four out of five heroin users started out taking prescription drugs. About 80% of all heroin users started out with opioids. Opioid drugs such as OxyContin, Percocet, Vicodin and a few others, appear to be the drugs of choice. The teens get them from their parents’ medicine chest, from friends, grandparents, or maybe a doctor. According to Brian Dempsey, intelligence analyst, DEA, Pittsburgh, it has been recently reported that some get them from visiting real estate Open Houses, where home sellers leave drugs that are easily accessible. When these drugs are used without a prescription, this is drug abuse.

The drugs are used to get high and sometimes girls think they will help them lose weight; so users are not always aware that these drugs affect the brain and body in a dangerous fashion.

This often leads to the desire for a better “high,” and people turn to heroin, which is highly addictive.

Father Joseph McCaffrey, pastor of Saints John and Paul Parish on Wexford Bayne Road in Sewickley, and chaplain for the FBI in this area, invited some FBI agents to lead a seminar about the abuse of opioids. “We recognize that there is a significant problem and we want to do whatever we can to shed some light on the danger of addiction.” In May, over 200 people attended the seminar in the church’s Cardinal DiNardo Center. The seminar was very well received so a second one has been scheduled for September 22 at the same site. Jen Katzfey, outreach coordinator at the church, says, “Unfortunately the drug problem has been spreading and programs like the FBI HOPE (Heroin Outreach Prevention and Education) Program help make the community aware of the dangers of drug abuse and addiction.”

In addition, at Saints John and Paul, Chico Ficerai facilitates a group for parents and family members, entitled “Six Steps to Sanity,” which helps participants deal with young adults who are suffering with addiction. They learn how to set boundaries to deal with the problem. There are six other churches in the North Hills that also provide this program. This fact alone should indicate how serious the problem is in this area.

Kelly Wesolosky, FBI community outreach specialist, stated that the first seminar attracted the largest group to attend these seminars. The second meeting, that will be held on September 22, is entitled “A Call to Action: Second Chance.” Wesolosky states,

“We would love to stress that all are welcome (non-denominational) to come and learn about the dangers of opioid abuse, how to recognize abuse, the latest trends, and what you can do to help raise awareness, or help a friend or family member affected by this crisis.”

If you would like more information about the seminar, or the HOPE program, you can contact Jen Katzfey, Outreach Coordinator at Saints John and Paul Parish at jkatzfey@stsjohnandpaul.org l l l

12 Tips from The FBI’s HOPE Initiative: • Talk to your children: Kids who learn about the risks of drugs at home are significantly less likely to use them.

• Offer advice and guidance.

• Show concern rather than anger.

• Ask openended questions.

• Work to understand your teen’s point of view.

• Keep talking to them…no matter what.

• If your teen has been prescribed a medicine, BE SURE YOU CONTROL THE MEDICINE, AND MONITOR DOSAGES. • Take note of how many pills are in each of your prescription bottles or pill packets.

• Keep track of your refills.

• Keep medication hidden and locked up in your home, not in your medicine cabinet!

• Ask your healthcare provider if any medications have potential for abuse.

• If your child needs medications during school hours, discuss with school officials.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

23

Public Schools Need to Abandon Antiquated Education Model to Produce Career-Ready Students SUBMITTED BY DR. MAURICE FLURIE

By 2020, the U.S. will face a shortage of 5 million workers to fill skilled jobs, according to a recent article published by U.S. News & World Report. Our educational institutions are simply not producing graduates qualified for the jobs available.

A

s an educator with more than 30 years of experience, I believe public education must produce career-ready students, not simply graduation-ready ones. This requires an institutional shift from the mindset that graduation from high school is preparation for college or the workforce. I contend that a systemic commitment to family service and engaging parents in our schools can help achieve these goals.

Public schools as institutions need to reinvent themselves to be more efficient and effective, and to get rid of century-old established standards and self-imposed impediments or roadblocks for the sake of the system.

Nontraditional and traditional models need to work together with lawmakers, leaders in the private sector, and

24

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

others to collaborate on a sensible, scalable, 21st century solution that makes use of technological advances but retains the personalization of our hard-working teachers.

The kids who can fill these workforce gaps are most often the most in need. There is a whole segment of kids that we need to stay in Pennsylvania so they can be productive citizens within this community.

The old, traditional model of education is an old, sinking ship that is dragging us down. Educators need to abandon the ship and save the kids by giving them the education and training required to be successful. l l l Dr. Maurice Flurie is CEO of Commonwealth Charter Academy, a K-12 public cyber charter school with yearround open enrollment for all Pennsylvania residents.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

25

Educator Making a Difference:

Dr. Todd Allen of Grove City College Dr. Todd Allen, professor of communications studies, is making a difference in the classroom at Grove City College and beyond.

A

llen teaches courses in persuasion, rhetoric, culture and communication, civil rights/public memory and crisis communications, but his

28

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

work as an educator isn’t limited to the classroom.

In 2006 he founded The Common Ground Project, a community based non-profit group dedicated to promoting an understanding of the Civil Rights Movement, and for more than a decade, in partnership with the PNC Foundation, he’s led an annual “Returning to the Roots of Civil Rights” bus tour, which visits many key Southern sites of the movement’s history.

“Unfortunately for many, the civil rights movement is a chapter of history that has received minimal coverage at best in their educational experience,” Allen said. “I view my teaching as a bridge between the past and the present historical moment in hopes that we will learn what it means to live together as sisters and brothers.”

Allen said there is power in going to the places where this history happened, which often includes interacting with the veterans of this historic struggle for freedom.

“Being present in these places with those who lived this history brings these stories of the past to life in a very unique and compelling way,” he said. “In remembering these sites and people we remember that we too in this present day have an obligation to make this nation a better place for future generations.”

Allen is a great example of how Grove City College faculty combine academic excellence and a passion for making the world a better place. To learn more, visit www.gcc.edu. l l l

Providence Heights Alpha School: We don’t just STEM. We STREAM

I

nnovation is nothing new to the Providence Heights School. Celebrating their 90th anniversary this year, the Providence Heights Alpha School has mastered the art of combining its long held tradition of academic excellence with technology and change. Where others have built a STEM program, the Alpha School has gone beyond with a STREAM program. Science, Technology, Reading and Religion, Engineering,

30

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Arts and Math have all been the focus for evolution.

The Science program, which begins in Pre-Kindergarten, aligns with state and the Next Generation Science Standards.

Students engage in hands on, inquiry based learning. They participate in scientific debate, experimentation, data analysis, and compete at PSERF and PJAS. This is the only school in the region which includes robotics as a class held during the school day. Students in Kindergarten through 8th grade use Lego WeDo and EV3 Mindstorms to learn about engineering, programing, teamwork, and leadership. Those with a passion for the subject utilize the after school program preparing to go to battle at the robot scrimmage tables while also developing inventions and challenge solutions, which are presented to industry leaders on the national stage.

This year, the school launches an accelerated reader program. Team members spent the summer cataloging and label-

ADVERTORIAL

ing by reading level over 7000 books.

The library offers a tranquil space to enjoy the plethora of reading options.

The Alpha School prides itself on blending its own rich history with the promise of its future. Students engage in service projects and master the use of smartboards. They develop handwriting skills and engineer robots.

They attend religion classes and take swimming lessons. They are let loose in the art program and on the theatrical stage. With a performing arts program that begins in 3rd grade, the annual performance is a show not to miss. This school takes innovation seriously, but does it mindfully and across the entire experience. The Alpha School; deep roots and a bright future. Truly innovative. To learn more, visit www.alphaschool.org. l l l

The School at McGuire Memorial Holistic Approach to Therapy

O

ccupational therapy at The School at McGuire Memorial works to promote, maintain, and develop the skills needed by students to be functional in a school setting and beyond. Therapy programs are designed for each student who qualifies using a holistic approach. Therapists take into account the physical, social, emotional, sensory, and cognitive abilities and needs of students as programs are planned. Our overall goal is to help students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other multiple disabilities improve his or her quality of life at school and at home. We introduce, maintain, and improve upon skills so our students can be as independent as possible and grow in their self-care skills, social participation, and health maintenance.

Once a thorough evaluation is completed, therapists work on Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals related to fine motor and visual perceptual skills that assist with reading, writing, typing, and using scissors; activities of daily living including dressing, feeding, and grooming; social skills; gross motor skills to facilitate coordination of movement and balance; sensory skills; and vocational skills.

Our senses make it possible to learn about the world around us. The brain must make sense of the varied sensory information from the body and the environment to respond to events, pay attention, learn, plan, and organize. This process is called “sensory integration.� For most children, sensory integration develops naturally through ordinary childhood activities. For some children, sensory integration does not develop as efficiently as it should, challenging how a child responds and interacts with the environment and others around them. The goal of sensory integration therapy is to improve the ability of the brain to process sensory information based on each child’s sensory system so that the child will function better in his/her daily activities.

Another focus of our program is a functional feeding program based on the principles of the Sequential Oral Sensory (S.O.S.) approach to feeding, which is a program designed by Dr. Kay Toomey to assess and treat children with feeding difficulties. We work with children in many different areas of feeding including, but not limited to helping to reduce the fear of food, increasing the variety of food intake, learning how to properly use utensils, and teaching children how to tolerate touching, smelling, chewing, and tasting various foods. Therapists use a variety of techniques to help bring a child into healthier relationship with food.

The School at McGuire Memorial, located at 2121 Mercer Road in New Brighton, Pennsylvania is easily accessible to students from Allegheny, Beaver, Butler, Lawrence, and Mercer counties. If you would like more information about our School or Occupational Therapy program, call 724.891.7222 or send an e-mail to schoolot@mcguirememorail.org. l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

31

A.W. Beattie Career Center Where High-Tech is Hands-On

A

.W. Beattie Career Center is welcoming Mr. Michael Purucker as the new Engineering Design and Advanced Manufacturing/Robotics instructor. This program has been approved for 20 college credits from California Dental Careers/Introduction to Pharmacy University of Pennsylvania students engaging in first day activity upon successful completion of the program. Mr. Purucker holds an Electrical Science and Engineering degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Science degree in Bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh. The A.W. Beattie Career Center has also appointed Mr. Jason Watkins as its new principal. Mr. Watkins will be joining the Beattie staff from Slippery Rock Area High School.

In addition, the Career Center has continued to upgrade its technical training equipment. The Emergency Response Technology program will now have a 911 simulator dispatch unit and is also receiving an ambulance simulator to help with various hands-on training such as performing CPR in a moving vehicle as well as a whole array of other components. Other technical equipment includes a nursing Advanced Life Support mannequin, a Carbon Fiber 3D printer, and a variety of automatic training simulators to meet the demand of today’s high tech industries and products. These items were secured in part through grants and donations from program advisory members, the ALCOA foundation and Caterpillar, Inc. To learn more, visit www.beattietech.com. l l l

Saint Alexis “Twins” with School in India

S

aint Alexis Catholic School is embarking on a new crosscultural international program this fall. The Wexford school will begin a “twinning” program with the co-educational primary and secondary Saint Joseph School at Manavalakurichy, Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu, India.

The Catholic school in India is 9-1/2 hours ahead of Saint Alexis in time, so the students will share their experiences through a secure YouTube channel that is being created. Videos will be posted by both schools and shared among the grade levels.

It is a wonderful opportunity for the Saint Alexis students to learn about another culture through the eyes of children their own age. Through the YouTube channel, students will be able to ask/ answer questions, share cultural differences and many more things that will spark their desire to learn and grow in a global way.

The students will be learning about the Indian culture and how technology helps them to communicate with their peers in another country.

To learn more, visit www.stalexis.org. l l l

32

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Back to School 2016 – Part 2 School Movers & Shakers Oakland Catholic It is rare for any school in the country to field an Olympic athlete, let alone two, but Oakland Catholic High School (OC) – the only all-girls Catholic high school in Amanda Polk Leah Smith Western Pennsylvania – has earned the designation. Two alumnae from the Pittsburgh school represented Team USA at Rio 2016. Leah Smith, OC ’13 of Mt. Lebanon, earned a gold and a bronze medal in swimming, while Amanda Polk, OC ’04 from Bloomfield neighborhood, received a gold medal in rowing.

Ties Through Taiko project through the Japan America Society of Pa.

Central Catholic

Shaler Area High School students, upcoming junior Jacob Aluise and Kathy Graczyk senior Evan Lysko, are two of ten Pittsburgh students that traveled to Japan in August to take part in a special exchange program.

Jacob and Evan were the only two Shaler Area students chosen to participate in the TOMODACHI

Two 2016 Fox Chapel Area High School graduates and a Dorseyville Middle School student were named winners in the 2016 Founding Freedoms Essay Contest. First place in the twelfth grade portion of the essay contest went to 2016 graduate Ryan Humbert and second place went to 2016 graduate Conor Gaffney. Second place in the eighth grade portion of the essay contest went to 2015-2016 eighth grader Jessica Klein.

Fox Chapel Area High School business education teacher Brian Yanizeski was honored as part of the Next Generation Personal Finance (NGPF) Teacher Innovator Award. Yanizeski won an honorable mention designation for his “Home-Buying Project.”

Shaler Area The Shaler Area School District welcomes Kathleen Graczyk as the new director of Student Services.

Fox Chapel

Central Catholic student Nathan Vislosky (‘17) was selected for and played in his third Keystone State Games for Ice Hockey in York Pa. Nathan ranked 2nd in goals for Team West during the event, and competed against high school ice hockey players from across the Commonwealth.

The Keystone State Games, in its 35th year, was modeled after the Olympic Games and are PA’s largest annually held multi-sport competition.

Fox Chapel Area High School boys’ and girls’ tennis coach Alex Slezak has been named the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Middle States Allegheny Mountain District (AMD) High School Coach of the Year.

A Fox Chapel Area High School 2015-2016 junior placed at the 2016 Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) National Leadership Conference. Tanvi Meringenti placed seventh in Insurance and Risk Management at nationals.

Fox Chapel Area High School 2015-2016 junior Ellen Pil advanced to the semifinal round in Student Congress at the National Catholic Forensic League Grand National Championship Tournament. This accomplishment places Ellen in the top 60 students in Student Congress in the nation. The Grand National Championship Tournament was held May 27-29, in Sacramento, Calif.

Two Fox Chapel Area School District publications received national awards in the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) 2016 Publications and Electronic Media Contest. The district received an Award of Merit for the summer 2015 IN Fox Chapel Area Community Magazine in the finance publication category. The district also received Awards of Honorable Mention for the spring 2015 and summer 2015 IN Fox Chapel Area Community Magazine in the magazine category and for the 2014-2015 Fox Chapel Area School District State of the Schools.

Mars Area Richard Cornell, retired Mars Area Middle School principal, will return to the District to serve as substitute principal at Mars Area High School during the maternity leave of current principal Lindsay Rosswog.

Richard Cornell

North Hills North Hills School District has hired Amy Scheuneman as the district’s new director of Athletics.

Amy Scheuneman

34

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Hampton Marlynn Lux has been appointed by the Hampton Township Board of School Directors to serve as the acting principal for Hampton Middle School for the 2016-2017 School Year.

The Hampton Township Board of School Directors appointed Dr. Roberta Good as the acting assistant principal for Hampton Middle School. Dr. Good was appointed to fill the vacancy left by Mrs. Marlynn Lux. Standard & Poor’s – an American financial services company that publishes financial research and analysis on stocks, bonds and commodities – recently has released its rating of the Hampton Township School District’s financial health. S&P has assigned Hampton an AA- rating.

North Allegheny

On July 27, the North Allegheny School District (NASD) donated more than 3,200 used desks, chairs, tables and other school furniture to the Kanawha County School District, which has several schools facing severe damage following the flooding in West Virginia. In addition to the furniture donation, NA staff and faculty members organized a school supplies drive to benefit the students and teachers of Kanawha who were affected by the floods.

La Roche College James E. (Chip) Weisgerber, Ph.D., has been named vice president for Enrollment Management at La Roche College.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

35

Starting the Conversation

Would Changes to the School Year Help Parents?

BY MARIANNE REID ANDERSON

I

often hear parents say that they believe the school day starts much too early. Many students catch the bus as early as 6:30 a.m. Some studies show that students have a hard time focusing so early in the morning. While other studies show that girls tend to be more morning people than their male counterparts.

In speaking with one parent, she pointed out that the only way to fit in school, make the most of the added-value opportunities of extra-curricular activities and complete the stacks of homework sent home, is to start the day early.

Some parents would like to have school all throughout the year. But that would significantly decrease the incredible opportunities now available for children throughout the summer. It would also never give a child a break from certain bullies and older children would not have the opportunities to earn their own wages at summer and part-time jobs. Worst of all, children may risk serious scholastic burn-out rather than embracing a lifetime of learning.

Other parents would like their children to still have the same number of weeks off so they don’t burn-out with overstudying but to space them throughout the year rather than have them all lumped in the summer.

But as always, what do you think? What changes to the school calendar would help you? Let’s continue the conversation on my blog at http://northernconnectionmagazine.blogspot.com, 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

P.A. ERBE & Associates Inc.

Accounting & Tax Preparation Service for Personal & Business Income Taxes

Penny Ann Erbe

Enrolled Agent Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner

412-487-1009

4767 William Flynn Highway Allison Park, PA 15101-2456

36

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Trivia

TRIVIA CONNECTION | September 2016

Star Trek Trivia To boldly go where, no man has gone before….

BY PAULA GREEN For the transporter, the sparkling materialization sequences were created by dropping tiny bits of aluminum foil and aluminum perchlorate powder against a black sheet of cardboard, and photographing them illuminated from the side by a bright light. The characters stepped onto the pads, and then stepped off. Back in the studio, after filming, the actors were superimposed fading out and the fluttering aluminum fading in.

Since we beamed through the galaxy we must now explore this trekkie test. Get set to transport the correct answers…because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. What is James T. Kirk’s middle name?

2. She was known as the “First Lady of Star Trek?”

3. The episode Space Speed was continued in which of the show’s films?

4. She appeared in part of the first season as the captain’s personal aide.

5. Was the registry number of the U.S.S. Enterprise?

6. Which alien race invented the cloaking devices?

7. This Star Trek actor was originally offered the role of Spock.

8. What was Chekhov’s first name?

9. This Star Trek actor lost his middle finger during World War II. 10. Powerful Vulcan leader, the only person ever to turn down a seat on the Federation Council.

11. Who commanded the Enterprise before Kirk took command?

12. Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) wanted to leave the show after season one, who talked her out of this?

13. Which Star Trek actor refused to watch himself; and never tuned into the show.

14. This actor missed nine episodes of season two because he was filming The Green Berets.

15. What was the title of the last episode of the original Star Trek series? l l l Sources: http://facts.randomhistory.com/2009/08/11_startrek.html, http://io9.gizmodo.com/5827581/10-things-youprobably-didnt-know-about-the-original-star-trek, http//www. funtrivia.com, http://whatculture.com/tv/20-mind-blowingfacts-you-never-knew-about-star-trek?page=15, http://www. daviddarling.info/encyclopedia/T/transporter.html

Answers: 1. Tiberius 2. Majel Barrett (she married Rodenberry in 1969) 3. Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan 4. Yeoman Janice Rand 5. NCC-1701 6. Romulans 7. DeForest Kelley 8. Pavel 9. James Doohan 10. T’Pau 11. Captain Christopher Pike 12. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 13. William Shatner 14. George Takei 15. The Turnabout Intruder

“S

pace the final frontier…” many folks recognize the opening from the original Star Trek series that aired from Sept. 8, 1966 to Sept. 2, 1969. This month in honor of its 50th anniversary, we will explore Star Trek and the phenomenon it launched.

Star Trek creator Gene Rodenberry took a generation of viewers on a journey through space aboard the Starship Enterprise. The show starred Captain Kirk (William Shatner); Mr. Spock (Leonard Nimoy); Dr. McCoy (DeForest Kelley); Scotty, the chief engineer (James Doohan); Sulu (George Takei); Chekhov (Walter Koenig); Lieutenant Uhura (Nichelle Nichols) and Nurse Chapel (Majel Barrett).

This scientific adventure aired 79 episodes, which spawned a huge fan following known as “trekkies.”

The original series went into syndication after its cancellation, and is still being aired today. It was followed by numerous Star Trek spin-offs which included: The Animated Series (1973–1974); The Next Generation (1987–1994); Deep Space Nine (1993–1999); Voyager (1995–2001); and Enterprise (2001–2005).

The next trekkie chapter - Discovery will air in 2017.

There were several Star Trek movies. Six films followed the original series - Star Trek: The Motion Picture (1979); Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982); Star Trek III: The Search for Spock (1984); Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986); Star Trek V: The Final Frontier (1989); and Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991).

The Next Generation movies were: Star Trek Generations (1994); Star Trek: First Contact (1996); Star Trek: Insurrection (1998); and Star Trek: Nemesis (2002). Reboot films included: Star Trek (2009); Star Trek Into Darkness (2013) and the recently released Star Trek Beyond (2016).

After the show debuted, NBC asked Roddenberry to get rid of the “guy with the pointy ears” because they were worried about his “satanic” appearance.

Fortunately, Rodenberry didn’t relent, Spock turned out to be a very popular star. The character Chekov was added in the second season. The network wanted to attract a younger audience and decided to cast a “Davey Jones” type.

The budget for Star Trek was tight, and some of the NBC sets were reused. Two episodes - Miri and The City on The Edge of Forever featured scenes from Mayberry and The Andy Griffith Show. You can see Floyd’s Barber Shop behind William Shatner and Joan Collins.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

37

Seniors

SENIOR LIVING | September 2016

Retirement living and service options in a picturesque setting

I

f you’re looking for a quaint, rural retirement community with access to on-site healthcare, Shenango on the Green, located in charming New Wilmington, Lawrence County, is the place for you! Shenango on the Green is a premier Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC).

38

So what exactly is a CCRC? The biggest benefit of a CCRC is the ability of a resident to transition to different levels of care without leaving the campus. At Shenango on the Green, healthy, active individuals who are able to live independently enjoy the opportunity to relinquish the dayto-day upkeep of a home to pur-

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

sue their passions, whether that’s volunteering or a specific hobby or activity. Residents also have the security of knowing that if, or when, their needs change they could transition to our personal care or skilled nursing communities right on the same campus.

Memory care services and living options also are available.

Shenango on the Green sits directly across from Westminster College. Our location has allowed us to build strong relationships with the college. Just a quick walk across the street affords our residents the opportunity to participate in continued learning.

We are also proud to be a part of the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, which is the leading aging services provider in western Pennsylvania serving more than 6,500 seniors annually.

Through Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, we have access to more resources and programs that allow us to remain at the forefront of excellence and quality services.

For more information about Shenango on the Green, a Presbyterian SeniorCare Network Community, please visit www.

ShenangoSrCare.org or call 724946-3516. l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

39

Seniors

SENIOR LIVING | September 2016

Town Crier

See You in September!

BY JOE BULLICK

H

i September, I hope you had a great August and enjoyed the Three Rivers Regatta at Point State Park.

The conditions were great this year for the Regatta, with tens of thousands turning out for the final day.

Another highlight in August was the Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. There were 206 countries and over 11,000 participants in 28 sports. Two local, Oakland Catholic graduates won medals, Amanda Polk won gold in rowing and Leah Smith claimed a gold and a bronze medal in swimming.

Michael Phelps, captured five golds and one silver medal in swimming. Boy, I wish I could have been there to see the men’s and women’s golf teams.

Baseball fans enjoyed seeing Miami Marlin, Ichiro Suzuki, triple off the wall for his 3,000th hit in the major leagues. He is the 30th player to reach this milestone, and the first Japanese player to accomplish this feat. New York Yankee, Alex

Rodriguez, played his final game on Aug. 12.

In other sporting news, golfer Jim Furyk shot a record 58 during the final round of the Traveler’s Championships.

Ex-Steelers, Kevin Greene and Tony Dungy, joined Brett Favre, Ed DeBartolo, Jr., Marvin Harrison and Orlando Pace as they were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. The late Dick Stanfel and Ken Stabler were voted in posthumously.

Here we are in September our ninth month. Perhaps the only thing prettier than a September morn is the sight of the full harvest moon rising, bathing our gardens and fields in golden light.

There is also the hustle of the start of the school year.

We have Labor Day where we honor our workers. For most Americans, this holiday has become symbolic as the end of summer.

As a young boy, I remember Labor Day was a day of rest and a time to have a great meal. Also in September, Oktoberfest celebration usually begins the third weekend of the month and ends the first Sunday in October. I always have a great time drinking beer, eating bratwurst and listening to a polka band. Oktoberfest all started in 1810 by Prince Ludwig of Bavaria. Enjoy it, but don’t drink too much beer!

At my house, September meant harvest time, and a time for me to bring in the tomatoes. I also dug up the potatoes because we stored them, and we never seemed to be without them. I also harvested apples, blackberries, peaches, strawberries, cabbage, onions, sweet corn and carrots. Boy, I was busy!

It’s always great to find a farm where you can pick your own produce; it’s a fun family project. It also teaches young people about farm life.

A highlight that I am looking forward to on Sept. 4 is the canonization of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. I wish my mother was alive to celebrate this event, what great time for Catholics. Don’t forget McCandless Community Day on Saturday, Sept. 10. It will also be the opening of the one-room school house on Grubbs Road.

Happy birthday to those under the Zodiac signs of Virgo and Libra. Athlete birthdays celebrated this month include – Arnold Palmer (Sept. 10, 1929), and baseball player Roger Maris (Sept. 10, 1934). Well God Bless and have a great harvest festival month. I leave you with this – Not all of us can do great things.

But we can do small things With great love.

Saint Mother Teresa

40

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

41

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) 4490151 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.

North Country Meal on Wheels provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound & disabled. Services

Marshall, Pine, Richland, Bradford Woods, Franklin Park, parts of McCandless, West Deer, Cranberry, Adams, Seven Fields, Mars & Valencia. Operated out of Cross Roads Presbyterian in Gibsonia. Call (724) 935-1877.

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) 393-7648 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.

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.

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.

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.

Entertainment & Social St. Alexis Over 50 trips: Sept.

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

Seminars Legacy Theatre senior seminars; 11 a.m., Sept. 13, Wealth Management; Sept. 27, Fashion Over 60, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless Twp. Call, (412) 635-8080 or TheLegacyLineup.com.

Health & Wellness Hope Grows, Therapeutic Respite Activities, registration open Sept.

20 & 22. For details, visit www. hopegrows.net or (412) 369-4673.

Senior Meetings AARP Chapter 2991 meets at noon, 3rd Thursday of each month, Sept.May (Sept. 15), no meeting in Dec., Northmont UP Church on Perry Highway. Refreshments served for a nominal charge. A business meeting follows the light lunch and includes a review of upcoming events and trips. Membership applications will be accepted at these meetings.

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.

42

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

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

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

Neighborly Gnomes assist seniors with disabilities with yard tasks. For info, visit NeedsbyNeighborhood.org.

North Hills Community Outreach’s In Service of Senior program matches volunteers w/seniors to provide rides to the doctors, help w/groceries or yard work.

Volunteer orientation is 4:30 p.m., Sept. 22 at NHCO, Allison Park.

Register by calling Cathy, (412) 3070069 x3313 or clpschirer@nhco.org.

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.

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) 2244700 x113 or ktobin@ursulinesupport.org.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

43

Look for it wherever you find Northern Connection

CALL now to reserve your advertising space for the next issue!

724-940-2444

www.pittsburghfiftyfiveplus.com 44

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Honor

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS | September 2016

Honor Flight Pittsburgh Venturing to the Nation’s Capital

BY PAULA GREEN

Honor Flight is a non-profit national, organization dedicated to providing veterans with honor and closure. Their main mission is to transport veterans that qualify, to Washington, D.C. This provides these individuals with a rare opportunity to explore memorials dedicated to honor the service and sacrifices of themselves and their friends.

To qualify, veterans must have that served on active duty sometime during the following timeframes: WWII (12/7/1941 – 12/31/1946), Korean War (6/25/1950- 1/31/955), and Vietnam War (2/28/1961 – 5/7/1975).

H

onor Flight has been in existence since 2005. The group’s top priority is senior veterans – World War II survivors, along with those other veterans who may be terminally ill. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 640 WWII veterans die each day. Honor Flight Network will continue do whatever it takes to fulfill the dreams of our veterans and help our heroes travel, which is absolutely free.

Recently, a local chapter Honor Flight Pittsburgh was created by veteran George Pry. Pry is responsible for organizing the first veteran’s trip from the Pittsburgh to the nation’s capital.

“I have known of the “Honor Flight” organization for a long time. My grandfather-in-law, Roscoe Mulvey was a WWII veteran. Back in 2010, my wife Maria, and three of our children were honored to take him to Washington, DC to receive an award from the French Government. We stopped by the WWII memorial, he and his wife were overcome with emotions and by chance, he ran into another soldier from the same unit.

Though he did not know this person before, he spent hours talking with him and walking around the memorial. It was an overwhelming experience for him. This January, Mr. Mulvey, passed away. During that time, many family and friends mentioned his trip to DC and how much it meant to him to see ‘his’ memorial. Maria and I wanted to get involved with the local “Honor Flight” in hopes of helping others experience this

trip, but we found, to our surprise, that there was not a local hub. Therefore we have been working to create the non-profit organization, get recognized by the national organization and get this organization off the ground,” Pry remarked.

monuments. Some of these veterans have never seen the Korean or Vietnam Veteran Memorials that bear the names of some of their friends and comrades. It is an emotional event,” Lucot added.

The organization is run by donations that make these memorable military gifts possible. To find out more about Honor Flight, or how you can donate, visit https:// www.honorflight.org/. l l l

Pry has recruited Seneca Valley history teacher, Jim Lucot to help him with this endeavor. The excursion will be held Saturday, Oct. 8.

“I invited multiple Korean and Vietnam vets with a focus on local veterans. I would love to have any WW II vets that would be interested. Three veterans are definitely coming - S/Sgt. Lou McAfee, Korean War vet; U.S. Army First Sgt. Ron Cepek, First Cavalry Division, U.S. Army Vietnam veteran, (three tours); Bob Kunkle, US Marines, Vietnam veteran. I also have seven more pending. We will focus on local vets first. It will be an annual event and I will include my classes with the planning, preparation and attendance,” noted Lucot.

“Since Washington D.C. is not that far away we are going to take a bus. Our group of veterans will be greeted by a police escort and they will take us to the www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

45

Events

HAPPENINGS | September 2016

September 2016 North Happenings Mondays 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.

Food donations are needed at North Hills Community Outreach. For info, contact Erica at emcochran@nhco.org or (412) 487-6316 opt.1 x3144.

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., (Oct. 17) topic “The U.S. Marine Corps: John Brown’s Raid & the Civil War,” 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, Sept. 12, The Music

Happenings

Thursdays Cranberry Women’s Club, meets 7 p.m. the 2nd Thurs of the month, Cranberry Library Meeting Room. Contact Sandy, (724) 779-1854.

Arts & Entertainment Cranberry Artists Network Members Show, Oct. 10-Nov. 3, at Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. Opening reception 6-8 p.m., Oct. 12. Visit www. cranberryartistsnetwork.com.

Finding Neverland, Oct. 18-23, Benedum Center. For info, visit TrustArts.org.

Kinky Boots, Sept. 20-25, Benedum Center. Visit TrustArts.org.

JFilm: The Pittsburgh Jewish Film Forum is accepting submissions for the 6th Annual Robinson International Short Film Competition. Deadline for submissions is Jan. 9. http:// jfilmpgh.org/

Man; Sept. 19, My Big Fat Greek Wedding 2; Sept. 26, West Side Story, 700 Cumberland Woods Dr., McCandless. Visit http://www. thelegacylineup.com/movies/

Legacy Theatres shows: 7:30 p.m., Sept. 17, The Vogues; Oct.

Tuesdays

Life Stories, a solo Pittsburgh art exhibit by Ray Sokolowski

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.

15, Cahal Dunne; Nov. 5, Bo Wagner’s Tribute to Frank Sinatra.

For tickets, 1-877-987-6487 or thelegacylineup.com. runs thru Sept. 30, Point Park University, Lawrence Hall Gallery.

For info, visit http://www.krooney.net.

North Hills Art Center Art Show, Sept. 10-30, 3432 Babcock Blvd. Opening Reception, 7-9 p.m., Sept. 10. For details, visit www.northhillsartcenter.org or (412) 364-3622.

Philharmonic’s Rhapsodic Concert, 8 p.m., Oct. 21, Butler County Community College’s Succop Theater, (724) 284-8505 & 7 p.m., Oct. 22, Scotus Hall at Mt. Alvernia, (412) 223-7051.

Saxonburg Arts Festival, noon-5 p.m., Sept. 11. Booths are set up on Main Street and at Roebling Park. Visit www.visitbutlercounty.com/events/8966-m/31st-annual-saxonburg-festivalthe-arts.

Steppin’ Out Live With Ben Vereen, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 17, Masters of the Mind, Oct. 22. The Hillman Center at Shady Side Academy. For tickets, visit www.thehillman.org or (412) 9683040.

Health & Wellness Arthritis Expo, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Sept. 24, Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry Twp. For info, http://arthritisexpo.kintera. org/pittsburgh or (412) 250-3343 or hornowski@arthritis.org.

Dance Fitness, 9:00 a.m. Sats, Lighthouse Foundation, 1302 E. Cruikshank Road, Butler; Zumba®, 9:30 a.m. Mon. & 6:30 p.m.

Thur., Woodland Valley Church, 225 Crowe Ave., Mars; Zumba®, 6:30 p.m. Tues, North Way Christian Community, 12121 Perry Hwy, Wexford. Tues. & Sat. classes benefit food bank. Special needs classes are offered. Contact heather.simplynatural@gmail.com.

Department of Conservation & Natural Resources & the PA Park & Recreation Society invite Pennsylvanians to find healthy fun at park & recreation programs. Visit www.

GoodForPa.com.

Docs That Rock, Oct. 26, Stage AE on the North Shore. Benefits Our Clubhouse. For more info, visit docsthatrock.org.

Fresh produce from gardens is being accepted at North Hills Community Outreach. Visit AmpleHarvest.org for info on locating NHCO’s three pantries.

Tai Chi Exercise, 10:45 a.m.-noon, Sats., Sept. 10-Dec. 10, Wexford, Gym. For info, call Orchard Hill Church at (724) 9355555.

Treating Lupus, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oct. 1, Grand Concourse Restaurant, Station Square. For info, visit https://lupuspaorg. presencehost.net/news-events/

Outreach 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. Drop-off hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Visit, www.nativitylutheranchurch15101.org.

North Hills Community Outreach Speakers or volunteer speakers are available regarding their programs and volunteer opportunities. Call (412) 487-6316 opt. 1 x3112 or JLKissel@nhco. org.

North Hills Community Outreach Winter Coat Drive runs Sept. 1-Oct. 16. For details, contact Vicki at vdburst@nhco.org or call (412) 487-6316 opt. 1

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.

WorkAble provides free career consulting and employment mentoring to unemployed and underemployed job seekers in Allegheny County. For details, call (412) 904-5993.

46

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Support Groups

Networking

Bereavement Support Group, Beyond Bridge to Hope, 7-8:30

AM Spirit Cranberry Chapter, a business networking group,

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

meets 7:15 a.m. every Wed, at North Park Deckhouse, Rt. 19, Cranberry Twp. Call Glen (412) 916-8699.

Bereavement Support Group (for widows/widowers over 50),

group, meets 8 a.m. every Thurs, at Panera Bread, Cranberry.

Call Glen (412) 916-8699.

1-2:30 p.m., 2nd & 4th Wed., St. Sebastian Parish, Haber Hall. To register, call Anchorpoint at(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,

AM Spirit Pittsburgh North Chapter, a business networking

AM Spirit Wexford Chapter, a business networking group, meets 7:15 a.m. every Mon, at Eat N’ Park, Franklin Village. Visit https://www.amspirit.com/chapter.php?chapter=Wexford.

Cranberry High Noon Toastmasters Club meets at noon every Mon., Pella Windows Training Center, 230 Thorn Hill Rd., Warrendale. Visit http://cranberryhighnoon.toastmastersclubs. org/.

North Allegheny Special Education Parent Networking Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m., Sept. 9, Baierl Center, Ponce Room at NASH. Topic: Project Lifesaver, Premise Alert & Overcoming Barriers to Communication. Speaker: Detective Scott Rick, Northern Regional Police Dept. Visit http://www.nasepng.org.

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

Hiland Preschool’s Fall/Winter Children’s Clothing Consignment Sale Saturday, Sept. 24, 8:00am - 3:00pm Sunday, Sept. 25, 1:00pm - 3:00pm (Red Tag Sale 25-50% off) Gently worn clothes NB - size 12 as well as toys, books and baby equipment.

Proceeds support our non-profit preschool.

845 Perry Highway, Ross Twp. consignmentsale@hilandpreschool.com

Friends of North Park are looking committee volunteers for communication & Outreach, stewardship, water tower restoration, deer management and history. Call Gary at (724) 544-7284.

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

Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council volunteer tutors needed to work with adult literacy students on basic literacy

Volunteer Opportunities

skills, 4 hour/week commitment. Free tutor training provided.

Call (412) 393-7600 or http://www.gplc.org/become-a-volunteer. cfm.

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.

Homework Buddies needed at Anchorpoint, 7-8 p.m., 1st & 3rd Weds of the month to help SPIN students w/homework. For info, call Sandy at (412) 366-1300 x 123.

(Continued on page 48)

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

Mind Matters Brain Injury Support Group, 7-9 p.m., every 3rd Thurs., of the month, Butler Memorial Hospital, East Brady St. in the Dimmick Center. Call (724) 283-6666.

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.

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, Sept. 21 at NHCO in Millvale, Oct. 19, NHCO North Boroughs. Pre-register at (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.

Divorce Workshop for Women, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sept.

10, Medallion Wealth Management, 2605 Nicholson Rd., Franklin Park. Register by Sept. 7, call Donna at (724) 493-9695.

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 (412) 215-7967, pened1@aol.com, or www.anitasinicropemaier.com.

Professional Counseling for families & kids who need to talk with someone but lack healthcare coverage. Call Anchorpoint at (412) 366-1300 or visit anchorpointcounselingministry.org.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

47

Events

HAPPENINGS | September 2016

Hope Hospice is looking for volunteer for

Volunteer Tutors Needed for children

Vincentian Academy Open House, 11:00

their patients. Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time, just have the heart! Call (412) 367-3685.

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

a.m.-2:30 p.m., Oct. 23, Vincentian Academy.

For info, call (412) 364-1616 x123 or visit VincentianAcademy.org.

School

Reunions

Community College of Allegheny County

Shaler Area High School Class of 1972:

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

Please join our Facebook group for a possible 2016 & definite 2017 reunion plans. Pass it on, tell your classmates. Questions? (412) 9968813 or kbrnorth@gmail.com.

Mission Vision needs volunteers to help with Provide vision–Give hope. Call (724) 553-3114 or www.mission-vision.org.

North Hills Community Outreach Volunteer Orientations, 10 a.m., Sept. 8, NHCO, North Boroughs, Bellevue; Oct. 13 in NHCO in Millvale. Call (412) 408-3830 ext. 3204 or hzgibbs@nhco.org.

North Hills Community Outreach has Speakers available, staff or volunteer speakers will speak to your congregation, business, civic group or school. For info, contact JLKissel@nhco.org or (412) 487-6316 x3112.

Olive Branch, a fair trade boutique and outreach center at 11160 Perry Hwy. in Wexford, is seeking volunteers for their gift shop. No experience necessary. Training is provided.

Stop in or call the shop at (724) 799-8700 if you are interested in volunteering.

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.

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.

La Roche College Open House, 5-7 p.m., Sept. 13, Nov. 10, in the Palumbo Science Center. Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice Program Virtual Open House, 9-11 a.m., Oct. 8.

Visit laroche.edu/gradopenhouse to register.

For info, call (412) 536-1260 or email graduateadmissions@laroche.edu.

Provident Charter School dedicated to children with dyslexia & other language-based learning differences is enrolling grades 3 & 4 for 2016-17. Located on Troy Hill. Call (412) 636-2014 or khanchett@providentcharterschool.org.

Saint Mary’s School in Glenshaw Homecoming Gala in Commemoration of their 50th Anniversary of their athletic association, 6 p.m., Oct. 1, St. Mary church campus.

Grand raffle, music by Drew Martier & Friends.

For info, email stmaryptg@gmail.com.

Seminars, Workshops, Courses & Conferences Better Living as We Age: Top 5 Conversations Every Family Should Have & the Importance of Pre-Planning, 6:30 p.m., Sept.

20, Shaler Library, 1822 Mt. Royal Blvd. For info, call (412) 486-0211.

Fearless Female® One-Hour Women’s Safety Seminars. For details, visit www.

Antique Show & Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sept. 17 & 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 18, Harmony Museum’s Stewart Hall, 218 Mercer St. in National Historic Landmark District. For info, visit harmonymuseum.org or (724) 452-7341.

Craft Show Knights of Columbus No. 10411, noon-5 p.m., Sept. 10, St. Catherine of Sweden, 2554 Wildwood Rd., Allison Park.

Money raised benefits nondenominational Coats for Kids campaign. For info, call (412) 486-6001 or (412) 638-6079.

Garage Sale, 8 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Oct. 1, Parkwood U.P. Church, 4289 Mt. Royal Blvd. Sponsored by Greybrooke Garden Club.

Proceeds will support the Club’s annual donations to worthy conservation and community non-profit organizations.

Veterans

Psychic Investigators: Psychic Sisters Suzanne & Jean Vincent, 6-8 p.m., Oct.

An Innovative New Project for Veterans Place, 9:30 a.m., Sept. 13, Fox Chapel

25, Cranberry Library. Topics: Caylee Marie Anthony, John Yelenic, Mickey Sheller, Cherrie Mahan, missing persons, murder mysteries, ghost stories, demon stories & haunted places. Free. Sign up for a chance to win a mini psychic reading. Bring a donation of cat or dog food for the Butler Humane Society.

Register at (724) 776-4806.

Soldiers & Sailors’ Cannon Ball Fundraiser, Red, White & Blue Jeans Celebration, Nov. 12, 4141 Fifth Ave. Visit http:// soldiersandsailorshall.org/.

Unique Boutique, fundraising event for Heritage Valley Sewickley Hospital, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 12, Edgeworth Club, 511 East Dr., Sewickley. Vendors, artists, clothing, gourmet food, home décor & jewelry. $10 admission or $35 admission & lunch. Benefits Heritage Valley BreastCare Program. Visit http://www. heritagevalley.org/

Vincentian Academy Awards Gala, 6:00 p.m., Oct. 13, The Grand Hall at the Priory, 614 Pressley St., North Shore. Proceeds benefit the Vincentian Academy Royal Fund. Visit the Support Us page at VincentianAcademy.org.

5K Race/Walks Hemophilia Walk, 10 a.m. (9 a.m. registration), Sept. 17, North Park Boathouse, 10301 Pearce Mill Rd., Allison Park. For info, visit https://securewalk.hemophilia.org/registrant/ LoginRegister.

JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) One Walk, 8:30 a.m. registra-

Presbyterian Church. Sponsored by Fox Chapel Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). For info, email lbtotten@comcast.net.

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 Breakfast Club Meetings: 8:30-10:30 a.m., Sept. 9, 911th Airlift Wing, Moon Township; Sept. 14, Grazie Restaurant, Wexford; Sept. 20, Georgetown Centre, Pleasant Hills, Sept. 24, Allegheny-Kiski Valley Heritage Museum, Tarentum; Sept. 30, Comfort Inn, Penn Hills. Visit http://veteransbreakfastclub.com/.

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

Veteran HOPE, support group for women Veterans recovering from mental illness, meet 6-8 p.m., every Tues., VA Butler Healthcare, Room 217WS, Building 1. Call (724) 996—8892 or (724) 285-2756 or butlerva.gov.

tion, 10 a.m. walk, Sept. 24, Schenley Park Flagstaff Hill. Benefits research for Type 1 diabetes. For info, visit www.walkjdrf.org or (412) 258-1323.

Veterans’ Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

Lupus Loop 5K Walk/Run, Skate & Dog Jog, Sept. 24, Station Square Pittsburgh. For

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/.

info, visit lupuspa.org.

Westmoreland Yough Trail Poker Run, NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Craft Shows & Sales

fearless-female.net.

Fundraisers

48

8:30 a.m., Sept. 5, Arthur H. King Access Area of the Great Allegheny Passage in West Newton. Visit www.bikewytc.org.

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

“Veteran X” mental health & substance

Fall and Christmas Craft Sale Dancing & Recreational Events

Nov. 12. For info, visit StFerd.org or (724) 776-2888.

Country Knight Line Dancers host a

7-10 p.m., Sept. 9, Knob Park-Elias Fry Barn.

Register by calling, (724) 935-3090 x115.

line dance 7-10:30 p.m. every Wed., in St. Athanasius Hall, cost $5 per person. Call, Janine (412) 931-6971 or janine.beley@gmail. com.

Fly Away Bash, Sept. 23, Voyager Jet Center, at Allegheny County Airport in West Mifflin. Sponsored by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh. For tickets, visit http:// bbbspgh.org/flyawaybash.

Free Dancing, North Hills Squares & Round Dance Club Open House, 8-10 p.m., Sept. 6, St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 1965 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Couples, singles & families are welcome, no experience or partners necessary. Casual dress. Call Ron or Mary (412) 408-3081.

Free Dancing, North Hills Squares & Round Dance Club Open House, 7:30-10 p.m., Sept.

8, North Hills Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Rd. For info, call Sharon at (724) 266-3232.

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

Concert in the Park with Eldorado,

Crafters needed…for a Craft Extravaganza, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 8, Sisters of Divine Providence. Call (412) 635-5401 or pserafini@cdpsisters.org or cdpsisters. org/2016CraftExtravaganza.

Cranberry Puppy Plunge, 9-10:30 a.m. & 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Sept. 10, Cranberry Waterpark.

Register at (724) 779-4386 or www.

Cranberry4Fun.com/register.

Join St. Barnabas Charities, as they honor the former Mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani, Thurs., April 27, Pittsburgh Marriott North, Cranberry Township. Seating is limited.

Proceeds benefit St. Barnabas Free Care Fund.

For info on corporate sponsorship packages, call (724) 625-3770 or email St. Barnabas Charities.

Main Street Mingles in Saxonburg, 5-8 p.m., Thursdays Sept. 15 & Oct. 20

weekly on Thursdays, Dorseyville Alliance Church, 3703 Saxonburg Blvd. For ages 18 & older. Register at (412) 915-8486 or (724) 4432616 or beatty3@consolidated.net.

Main Street of Saxonburg closes to vehicle

Orchard Hill Church events: Ballroom

your visit and dining.

Dancing, 2nd & 4th Fri., Sept. 9 & 23, 1st & 3rd Fri., Oct. 7-Dec.2; Coed Volleyball, 7:30, Tues, Sept. 13-Dec. 6; Co-ed Indoor Soccer, 8:30 p.m.

Wed, Sept.14-Dec.7; CIZE Live, 6:15 p.m. Thur., Sept. 15-Dec. 8; Men’s Pick-Up Basketball, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 15-Dec. 8. Visit orchardhillchurch. com or (724) 935-5555.

North Hills Community Swim Program

Saturday Singles Dance, for ages 40+, 8 p.m. to midnight, Sept. 10, Black & Gold Steelers/Pirates Party; Sept. 24, Great Giftcard Giveaway, West View VFW, 386 Perry Hwy. Free dance lesson 7:30 p.m. Call (724) 316-5029 or www.dancetonight.weebly.com.

Western Night, square dancing, line dancing, & various mixers, 7:30-10 p.m., Sept. 13, Covenant Community Presbyterian Church, 1630 Greentree Rd. No experience, costumes or partner required. Kids are welcome. Cost $4 ($2 under 18). Refreshments served.

Sponsored by the Peanuts Square Dance Club.

For info, call Paul at (412) 735-2423 or Diana at (412) 478-6318.

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.

Community Events Altmyer Park Public Meeting, 7 p.m., Sept.

13, Marshall Township Municipal Building. For info, visit twp.marhsall.pa.

Anchorpoint Golden Anchor Gala, Oct. 27, LeMont. For details, call (412) 366-1300 or anchorpointcounselingministry.org.

Auto Raffle at St. Ferdinand Church. 1st Prize Cadillac XTS & $5,000, 2nd Prize $3,000 & 3rd Prize $1,500 in Gift Cards. Drawing is

traffic from 5-8 p.m. Car Show,

Vendors for Dining & Handmade Goods, Farm Market. Local Shops will be open for

The Little Sisters are having their annual Holiday Craft Sale from 10:00am-4:00pm on September 23 and 24. Fall and Christmas crafts, ceramics and house plants will be available for purchase. The Little Sisters are located at 1028 Benton Avenue Pittsburgh, Pa 15212. For more information call (412) 307-1100.

Environmental & Gardening

Golf

Fox Chapel Farmer’s Market, 3-6 p.m.,

Stonewall Golf Club. For details, call (412) 3661300 or anchorpointcounselingministry.org.

Weds, thru Oct. 26, Shady Side Academy.

For info, visit www.ShadySideAcademy.org/ FarmersMarket.

North Hills Community Outreach welcomes donations of fresh produce from home gardeners for neighbors in need. For info, visit nhco.org or call (412) 487-6316.

Pitt Makes a Difference Day – North Park Stewardship, 9 a.m.-noon, Oct. 22, Latodami Nature Center. Sponsored by Friends of North Park. For info, call (724) 544-7284.

Rid Your Home of Unwanted Chemicals, Electronics & Freon Appliances, Sept. 17.

Oct. 15 & 29, Nov. 19 & Dec. 17, 129 Ash Stop Rd., Evans City. Pre-registration if required 1-866-815-0016.

Anchorpoint Golf Classic, Sept. 16, Olde

Hosanna Industries Golf Outing, Sept. 12, Wildwood Golf Club in Allison Park. Proceeds help build and repair homes for needy households in southwestern PA. Registration and sponsorship details are available at hosannaindustries.org.

Library Northland Library Events: Fall Book Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sept. 30; 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Oct. 1; 1-4 p.m., Oct. 2. (new) Not Just For Teens Book Discussion Group, 7 p.m., Sept. 7; Bells Across America, 4 p.m., Sept. 17; North Hills Genealogists, 7 p.m., Sept. 20. Call (412) 3668100 x103 or www.northlandlibrary.org.

registration to be held 6-7:30 p.m., Sept. 6, North Hills Middle School large group instruction room. Call (412) 318-1437 or fodorc@ nhsd.net.

North Hills International Day of Peace Festival, 3-5:30 pm., Sept. 18, Point Grove on Lakeshore Drive, North Park. All ages & cultures invited to celebrate “Building Blocks for Peace” w/ music, dance, activities, food & flag procession of 195 U.N. flags. Details at www.PNPP@northpgh.org or call Mary (412) 760-9390.

Oktoberfest, Sept. 10, Holy Spirit Parish, Millvale, Lyceum Hall. German food, Oktoberfest beer. Entertainment by Josef Wendl Orchestra. Required reservations, call (412) 821-4464.

Owl-O-Ween at the National Aviary, guests are invited to wear costumes, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Oct. 22 & 29. Birthday Celebration for Valentino the Sloth, Oct. 30 & 31. Free w/ admission. For info, visit https://www.aviary. org/.

PIZZAZZ, Oct. 19-21, Fox Chapel Golf Club.

Shopping event, twenty-eight exclusive boutiques from the east coast to as far west as Chicago will participate. Questions? Contact us at gcacpgh@gmail.com.

NOCC National Ovarian Cancer Coalition The 16th Annual Run/Walk to Break the Silence of Ovarian Cancer Sunday, September 18 Swimming Pool Loop in North Park http://runwalk.ovarian.org/Pittsburgh 412-661-1095

Pumpkin Pancake Brunch, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Oct. 16, Harmony Museum’s, Stewart Hall, 218 Mercer St. For info, visit www.harmonymuseum.org or (724) 452-7341.

Taste of Cranberry, 5-7 p.m., Sept. 26, UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex. Sponsored by the Pittsburgh North Regional Chamber. For info, visit pghnorthchamber.com.

Verland Sporting Clay Shoot, Oct. 10, at Seven Spring. For details, visit www.verland. org.

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

49

YourHome

Jane of All Trades Landscape Architect, Residential Painting, Project Management.

Residential Painting - Bringing over 10 years of professional painting experience, a meticulous eye and honest work ethic to projects both large and small. This includes plaster repairs, wallpaper removal, painting for two-story walls and foyers, and exterior painting.

Jane of all Trades - Landscape Architect. Providing clients one-of-akind landscape designs, master plans, and project management that takes you from start to finish. Outdoor living designed and built especially for you!

Custom water features, patios, fireplaces, walls, lawns, irrigation, planting, lighting, and outdoor kitchens. “Transforming Lives, One Residence at a Time!� Call today for a consultation, 412-512-0973. l l l

50

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

51

YourHome

Imagine.

Design. Install.

IDI Landscape Solutions Creates Your Dream Oasis With IDI Landscape Solutions, you can give your home an exquisite look with custom hardscapes and landscaping for you to showcase and enjoy.

F • • • • • • •

rom design to finish project, IDI Landscape Solutions offers true artistic alternatives in: Outdoor Kitchens and Living Space Fire pits and Fireplaces Water Features Patios and Walkways Walls and Pillars Steps and Stairs Designer Planters

All complete with accent colors, ambient lighting and so much more.

Owner and founder Matthew Eger explains, “At IDI Landscape Solutions, we focus on fluidity, function and flawless designs and installation. Most importantly, we offer a whole range of products, including multi-lock pavers and natural stone, and will customize design, materials and scope to achieve the results you want while keeping within your budget.”

“During the initial consultation,” continues Eger, “I learn about the client and what they want, whether they are into curves, angles, octagons, pavers, natural stone, any unique landscaping challenges and see where and how the landscape flows and access the best location for the outdoor kitchen, fire pit, water feature or other landscape possibility. Also, based on their wants and their budget, I can select the best combination of multiple products to make their dream a reality.”

A veteran of the First Gulf War, owner and founder Matthew Eger earned his landscape contracting degree from Penn State University but has been a landscaper and gardener for his whole life starting with his own garden at 8 years old. “I inherited my green thumb from

52

my mother, grandmother and even great grandmother,” explains Eger. “But what all my clients have preferred over the years is that I’m the one, rolling up my sleeves and doing the work. I’m at every work site, should anything need changed or any challenge arise.”

To learn more about having your own outdoor, home oasis, visit www.landscaperpa.com or call (412) 760-8801 today for a FREE estimate and take the first step towards your dream landscape and outdoor living space.

Recently, IDI Landscape Solutions created a two-tier patio and octagon fire pit for a client who had this to say: “Matthew is a master perfectionist.

On-time, detailed and communicative, he would send me a text every day about the status of the project. Matthew is a great contractor who is meticulous, personable and made the project a pleasant experience. He has a tremendous work ethic and kept at it until finished, even in bad weather. Best of all, there were no overruns. The cost was exact to quote. I highly recommend Matthew and IDI Landscape Solutions.” - Linda l l l

NC September 2016 | www.northernconnectionmag.com

Wayne Homes

T

hanks to a smart, flexible building process and an award-winning approach to customer service, Wayne Homes is blurring the lines between “custom” and “affordable.” It may sound crazy, but building a custom home can actually save you money. Let’s say you have a growing family. Which means you need more bedrooms and more storage space and a real kitchen. That’s the situation Laura and Matt Perkins found themselves in. They had one son and another little someone on the way. So they began to explore the idea of building a new home.

They searched the Internet and talked with friends. One thing they discovered is that people who own a Wayne home tend to feel that they would never build with anyone else. So Matt and Laura headed down to the nearest Wayne Homes model center and…ran into a dilemma. “I fell in love with a floor plan that was out of our price range,” Laura explains. Their sales consultant showed them a similar, but slightly smaller floor plan. “At first I dismissed it,” Laura says. “But then I went back to the smaller plan and thought: wait a second, we can customize this.” That night, Matt and Laura put their heads together and came up with a list of changes: • Turn the upstairs loft into a fourth bedroom • Rearrange the kitchen to allow for additional cabinets and a big pantry • Create a passage from the living room into the family room to provide a more open feel • In the master bath, turn the linen closet into a shower and add a second vanity sink They emailed their custom floor plan to their sales consultant and waited to hear what it would cost. Then they got the good news: Wayne was happy to make the changes and the whole thing was well within their budget. “I always dreamed of picking out my own piece of land and building a home,” Laura says. “We could have bought in one of those places where all the homes look the same. But for the same money, or even less, we were able to get a customized home. l l l

www.northernconnectionmag.com | NC September 2016

53