The Four-Leaf Miracle
By Roy Hess Sr.
Everyone has some kind of talent, something they can do better than the average citizenry. I believe that’s the way the Creator planned it. Some discover their talent early, hone it and become a sports hero, actor, doctor or rocket scientist. Others waste their God given talent and become short story writers or politicians!
My wife Bertha (Bert) has no designs on becoming a rocket scientist or a politician. But she does have a multitude of talents, and in that mix is one that is pretty difficult to match. At just about any time, she can reach into a patch of clover and come up with one of the four-leaf variety.
It is well known that the four-leaf clover has a reputation as a good luck charm. Its history dates back to the Druids who felt
the 1 in 10,000 occurrence certainly insured good luck to the bearer.
Bert has given these good luck symbols to countless relatives, friends and strangers. She has been privileged to hear revelations of how the little green token has brought blessings and well-being. None however is as remarkable as the story of the Stewart family. We became aware of the saga when we were visiting lifelong friends Ellis and Patty Stewart at a community picnic. While Ellis was greeting us, Bert reached into the spring grass, picked up a large clover and presented it to Ellis for a grandson who was entering the service. He smiled, thanked her, and then related this incredible story of family and love of country.
The Stewart family was large, as families were in the era. Lydi and Frank Stewart reared a family of 10 sons and one (very protected) daughter.
Leslie was the oldest son, Newton the youngest. Between them came John Ray, Wilbur (Buzz), George, Carl and Jim, then sister Betty, followed by Bob, Joe, Ellis and Newton.
It’s not that such a large family is unusual, especially in that hard working farm envi-
ronment. What makes the Stewart story so special is that the family ages bridged the years between World War II through Korea and the Cold War era, and every son served his country in the military.
One by one, as each son came of age, each entered the service, nine serving in the Army, and one, Joseph, in the Navy.
One by one, as they departed, Lydi gave each a four-leaf clover, with the admonition that they were to return it to her at the end of their tour.
One by one as each soldier returned, the good luck charm was symbolically returned to mom.
When the youngest, Newton, returned home, the cycle was complete. Ten farm boys leaving home, 10 strong young veterans returning. Ten four-leaf clovers were preserved and returned.
During WWII, in the midst of the industrial revolution, steel mills were short of help, and Lydi walked every morning to Route 201, caught the mill bus and worked in the steel mill for the duration of the war.
While sister Betty did not enter the service, she served at home, helping with the chores and prayers.
Call it patriotism, dedication, bravery or allegiance – whatever term you come up with seems to fit this family.
No one knows for sure if four-leaf clovers are truly good luck to the bearer. But I believe it would be hard to convince the Stewart family otherwise.
Roy Hess Sr. is a retired teacher and businessman from Dawson.
Progressive mobility gets people moving again
By Michele Gillis
When Richard Karmann found himself in need of a scooter, he trusted Progressive Mobility, a medical equipment supplier, to help him out.
“I had an outstanding experience with Brian,” said Karmann. “His professionalism, politeness and knowledge were exceptional. He went above and beyond to ensure my scooter was adjusted to my needs and took the time to demonstrate all the features. I cannot thank him enough and highly recommend his service.”
Progressive Mobility was started in 1978 by Bob and Joy Kerr in their home in Trinity Park. They are the current owner’s (Heather) parents. Heather Matthews and her husband Brian bought the company from her parents in 2012 and have been running it ever since. They have brought their son, Brandon, into the business as the store manager. They also have two daughters, Morgan and Brooke.
Progressive Mobility provides mobility equipment from a simple walking aid, like a cane, to a complex rehab power wheelchair. Also if somebody's trying to negotiate the steps and can't safely do that, then they provide options for that as well.
Some of the equipment they have includes wheelchairs, both manual and power, mobility scooters, lift chairs, vehicle lifts, stair lifts, walking aids, ramps, hospital beds, bath safety products and medical-grade compression stockings.
The company offers a showroom of items. Some of those items can be billed to the insurance companies, but insurance doesn’t necessarily pay for all those pieces of equipment, or what the customer decides they want or need.
The items offered by Progressive Mobility are not just for seniors, they are for anyone experiencing a loss of mobility such as a broken leg, balance issues, surgeries, hip replacement, MS and more.
“It's based on medically necessary and the equipment options are pretty much determined through the policy,” said Matthews. The staff that can inform them of what is Medicare equipment approved or insurance equipment approved. Items not covered can be purchased outright, possibly rented or purchased through Care Credit.
“But we have other options for people that want more than just what insurance will cover,” said Matthews. “So we give them a lot of choices and we have a showroom that is accessible from the time they walk in the door to automatic door openers, you know, to just let them walk in or drive in whatever they need to do. And they can try everything. It's a working showroom, I call it, and that's where people can come in and ride stair lifts. They can drive the scooters in the parking lot into different terrain to see if it fits their needs.”
The company was started by Kerr who was an independent salesman of electric scooters and
his tagline was “Independence with style.”
“My dad decided to be an independent sales rep and I would ride around with him at like 8 years old,” said Matthews. “We would drive all over to people's houses. He repaired the scooters, showed them how to use them or introduced a new piece of equipment. He would always have stickers. We would put the stickers on it that said ‘Independence with Style’ because that was kind of the vision that my mom brought into it as well, that you know it was something that you could get around on your own, you know and you actually could be stylish instead of in a manual wheelchair wheeling, trying to wheel around and looking medical.”
Matthews took a few detours before joining the family business by starting a mall mobility store and pursuing teaching until she and her husband decided to purchase the business from her parents a little over 20 years ago.
The options Progressive Mobility offers range from knee scooters to a full complex rehab chair. Matthews feels they have taken the business to the next level by having certified RESNA employees.
“We have RESNA (Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America) and NART certified staff that can fit people for the complex rehab chairs, which is more like your Christopher Reeves type of power chair, which we call that complex rehab,” said Matthews.
Matthews said not just anybody can fit somebody into those chairs. She said they
have to be RESNA certified, which means many hours of training, certified through testing and with therapists.
“They protect the consumers and allow us to gain insight into adaptations to different mobility needs, you know, to what's out there and what's appropriate for this disability and then this piece of equipment with these features on it,” she said. “So that's been a really complex thing which has helped us in all the other areas of our retail store as well because we can look ahead to some things that maybe they haven't seen because we've been down that path with another client or something.”
The best advice would be to visit the showroom and try out some of the items they offer to find a solution to your mobility needs and maybe have a little fun in the meantime. They even have a bedroom set up with different things to give you an idea of things you may like or need for your bedroom to make life easier. They try to carry price points to cater to everyone’s needs.
They have installed four different types of stair lifts to try different ones for different house layouts. They also have 10 to 12 scooters to ride around in to see what customers like about other companies, manufacturers, and features that fit their personalized needs.
“We have resources that we provide at our counter that anybody that comes in and wants to look for something specifically, we will look through our vendors' catalogs online or, you know, in person like with the catalog,” said Matthews.
After you get your equipment, you can bring it back to the store for service and repairs. They also have a free cleanup and checkup in the fall and spring.
“If they want to bring it in, we'll shine it up for them,” she said. “We'll test their batteries. And, you know, sometimes I'll have food and maybe someone playing music, you know, just to enjoy life better. And it's just been a great reward.”
Matthews said she and her husband are very involved in the community and just want to let the community know they are there and are ready to help with anyone’s mobility issues.
“We treat them personally, you know, like they're our family members,” she said. “I mean, my husband and I both have had family members that we've had care for. And so not only have we been able to be educated on these kinds of equipment, but we've been able to implement them with loved ones from day in and day out. So, you know, we know that not one size fits all in this industry.”
She said she also recognizes that everyone has a different lifestyle and they have different things that they want to find solutions for.
“We just try to provide that in our showroom so that they can be able to live the fullest life that they can and just be independent and enjoy people and things that they used to love to do,” said Matthews. The 7,000-square-foot showroom is located at 320 Cameron Rd. Visit progressivemobility.com for more information.
Boy Scout honored 60 years later for role in helping save friend’s life
By Zach Petroff
It was a crisp, snowy afternoon on Dec. 30, 1963 when three friends, all members of Boy Scout Troop 101, went sledding in Connellsville.
What happened during that adventure would test what two of the Scouts – Ron Goron and Rich Dunston – learned, when their friend William Leighty found himself in a life-threatening situation.
“We happened to be recreating at Billy’s family farm when Bill got a little too close
to the edge of a short cliff,” Dunston, now 77, recalled. “And when he went over the side the snow was very deep, and by the time we got to him it was apparent that he had landed on his head and stopped breathing.”
Dunston and Goron, who were 17 at the time, sprang into action using their Boy Scout training and immediately rendered first aid to their unconscious friend.
“The proper protocol was to treat the victim for shock and then begin artificial respiration (CPR) if he wasn’t breathing,”
Dunston said. “And the other thing to do – at the same time – was to send someone for help.”
Goron left to get help while Dunston administered CPR until Dr. William Colvin arrived on scene and was able to treat Leighty. According to an article from the Connellsville Daily Courier, the doctor praised the young men, calling their actions “instrumental” in saving Leighty’s life.
However, despite both boys’ efforts in saving their friend, only one Scout, Dunston, would be recognized for his actions.
Rich Dunston (left), 77, gives Ron Goron ,76, of Connellsville a Certificate of Merit from the Boy Scouts of America for his role in saving friend and fellow Scout William Leighty during a sledding accident on Dec. 30, 1963.
“When I got my award, it was on a Sunday morning during a regular church service with the Scoutmaster, and some people from the congregation and I were very surprised,” Dunston said. “But over the years It’s always bothered me that Ron never got any recognition.”
Now, 60 years, 5 months and 20 days later, Goron is getting the recognition Dunston knows he deserves.
On Saturday, July 13 at the Church of The Immaculate Conception on Crawford Ave in Connellsville, Goron was recognized for his actions. Wanting to keep it a surprise from his friend, Dunston coordinated with the church to give Goron an official Certif-
icate of Merit from the Boy Scouts during the evening Mass.
Both honored and surprised, tears ran down Goron’s face as Dunston delivered the citation to the congregation.
“It was my job,” Dunston said after receiving his accommodation, “same way it was with Rich. It was our job to help people.”
Duston read from the citation which notes Goron’s “equally vital role” in saving Leighty’s life.
“Scouting relies on training and teamwork and that day both Dunston and Goron worked together as they had been trained to save their friend and fellow Scout’s life,” the certificate read.
Dunston praised his friend’s actions on that day and gave thanks to the Westmoreland Fayette Boy Scouts Council for recognizing Goron.
The Rev. Paul Lisik, who celebrated the Mass, said the actions of the two young men on that day set a shining example for others to follow.
“They left everything go, they didn’t worry about themselves, and they went for their incurred fellow Scout and friend,” Lisik said. “And that is the whole teaching of Christ – No greater love hath one to lay down one’s life for one’s friend – and that’s what they did that day.”
LIVING
Bethel Park woman celebrates 100th birthday
By Eleanor Bailey
As Angelina Luisi blew out the candles on her birthday cake, she jokingly said, “I don’t feel a day over 99.”
On July 7, however, the Bethel Park resident turned 100. As Luisi watched fellow residents attempt to break a piñata during her birthday bash at Provincial Bethel Park, an independent senior living community, she credited several reasons for her longevity.
One of 12 siblings growing up in Brookline, she recalled the mad dashes to the dinner table.
“I’d run in there as fast as I could and eat all the desserts,” she said.
Growing more contemplative, Luisi added, “Just lucky, to live to 100.”
Born July 7, 1924, Luisi is the daughter of Pietro and Maria Bonura. She was the 10th of their 12 children and the second to reach
the century mark. Her sister, Josie, died two weeks shy of 101.
Luisi said her dad provided for the family and her mother was a great cook – two additional reasons why she has survived to be 100.
“We ate breakfast, lunch and dinner. All big meals. Healthy, too,” she said.
Luisi also noted “public school” for her prosperity. Initially, she attended Resurrection Catholic Elementary School but bar-
Angelina Luisi attempts to break a pinata during her birthday party.
tered with her father to attend Brookline School, about a mile from her home on Brookline Boulevard.
“I wanted to go there because they had gym (class),” Luisi said. “My dad said, ‘You can go but you had to walk’ and my sister, Josephine, and I did. We walked quite a distance. Up that great big hill and passed the fire house,” she added.
“Mom always told me walking to school, taking gym (classes) and being active were reasons why she was so healthy,” said Luisi’s daughter, Gina. “She was tough. She played sports. Everything. She was a tomboy unlike her other sisters.”
Luisi remembers when her father died. He was 49. Her mother passed at 65.
When asked about her most memorable moment Luisi answered, “When my dad recovered from pneumonia. It eventually got him though.” She also noted how back then parents died at an early age. “Today, you live to be over 100,” she said.
Luisi spent 65 of those years married to her hus-
band, John, who hailed from Canonsburg.
“We met at a picnic at Canonsburg Dam,” Luisi said. “He was the highlight of my life.”
The couple spent their early married years stationed at Camp Lee, now Fort Gregg-Adams, Prince George County, Virginia. Luisi worked in the laundry, tying bundles, while her husband was a barber.
After their tour of duty, they returned to the region and settled in Bethel Park to work and raise a family.
While John owned the barbershop in the South Park Shops until his death at 83, Angelina worked at Red Cap Cleaning, Kaufmann’s Tic Toc Restaurant and the St. Clair Country Club. She was active in the Bethel Park Women’s Club and St. Valentine Church, where she was involved with the Christian Mothers organization, the Altar Society and the Bereavement Choir.
Luisi also reared four children: Joan, 78, who lives in New Jersey; Joyce, who died at 73 in 2020; John, 70, who resides in Florida, and Gina, 67.
Thirteen years ago, when her husband died, Luisi moved into the senior living facility, not too far from the house the family built on Sherwood as well as the home in which they later resided on Broad Street.
“I love it here,” she said. “I’m comfortable. My kids are always around me. I never had a day that I didn’t like it.”
Some 100 residents and staff attended the birthday party that featured a reading from a book compiled of congratulatory notes from Bethel Park Mayor Jack Allen, Gov. Josh Shapiro and state Rep. Natalie Mihalek. Luisi also received a certificate from Smucker’s, which sponsors a segment on “The Today Show” recognizing significant birthday milestones.
“It was a nice party,” Luisi said. “When you have family and friends all together, it’s a wonderful time.
“So, take care of yourself and you can live to be an old lady,” she said in her parting words of advice to the younger ones in the crowd.
Angelina Luisi (left) reacts as her daughter, Gina, (right) reads from a book of congratulatory notes from dignitaries sent to celebrate her 100th birthday.
Angelina Luisi (left) blows out the candles on her cake as her daughter, Gina, watches. Luisi turned 100 on July 7, 2024.
Angelina (left) is led into her 100th birthday celebration by Beth Ketterman, director of activities at Provincial Senior Living Bethel Park, (center) and her daughter, Gina (right).
Social Security Disability & Supplemental Security Income
New Eagle veteran recalls D-Day at Omaha Beach
By Paul Paterra
Tom Sollosi Jr. has told the story many times, and even though it’s been 80 years since D-Day, the World War II veteran from New Eagle recalls the Normandy invasion with vivid detail.
“My memory is fading, but I can still remember a lot of stuff,” Sollosi said in an interview in early June in advance of the invasion’s 80th anniversary.
Sollosi, who turned 99 on July 16, was at Omaha Beach, the bloodiest of five Allied landing beaches, on June 6, 1944.
As the naval veteran spoke, he frequently disappeared in thought, but quickly returned to recalling events of that historic day, as well as others from his military service, including being shot in the hip.
It wasn’t until recent years that he was able to speak about his experience.
“He would never talk about it until the Iraq War,” said his daughter, Shari Necciai. “When the Iraq War happened, he started talking about it.”
Sollosi still has his Navy uniform. When Necciai pulled it out, he smiled brightly and said, “I was little.”
Sollosi was 16 years old and living in Elrama when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on Dec. 7, 1941.
“I said to myself, I’m going to be drafted into the Army, so I’m going to join the Navy at
17,” Sollosi said.
In June 1943, a month shy of his 18th birthday, Sollosi went to Pittsburgh to join the Navy.
Though Sollosi was in the Navy, it was an Army uniform he wore on D-Day. The Army took over his unit for training in Florida before it was sent to England.
“The big shots in the Army said they wanted 100 of those sailors sent to England,” Sollosi recalled.
Once the sailors arrived, they were told to remove their naval uniforms and wear the Army ones they were given.
“They gave us a rifle and said you’re going to be under our command. The Army is going to take over,” Sollosi said. “They didn’t have time to train their own (soldiers). So they put us under their command.”
The 100 sailors were divided into crews of five and sent to Plymouth to prepare for the invasion. Sollosi was on the same crew as his friend, Joe Session of Elizabeth.
En route to Plymouth, the sailors encountered 750 dead American soldiers floating in the English Channel, victims of Operation Tiger, the deadliest training incident of World War II. They had been in a boat that was struck by a bomb. Sollosi and the troops pulled them from the water and took them for a proper burial.
“They died in that cold water,” Sollosi said. “That was the saddest thing I witnessed.”
Tom Sollosi displays his Navy uniform, Purple Heart and metal Bible he carried in his pocket.
Initially, the plan was for the crews to trek to Omaha Beach early in the morning of June 5, but rough waters forced the mission to be moved to June 6.
On that day, Sollosi manned a boat loaded with dynamite.
“The first, second and third waves hit the beach,” he recalled. “They were shooting from the shore. They had a steep hillside. There was a pillbox (camouflaged building) up in the right corner shooting down at these soldiers hitting the beach and killing a lot of the soldiers. Finally, they gave us the signal to hit the beach and unload our dynamite. I looked and said, ‘Boy, what a dangerous place to be.'”
Sollosi recalled stepping over numerous bodies on the beach.
“That was sad,” Sollosi said. “I was 18 years old at that time. When I went to bed, I cried a lot, seeing all those dead bodies on the shore … We didn’t have any help like they had today to be counseled. Every night I went to bed, I couldn’t forget all that. I finally got over it.”
While he escaped Omaha Beach unharmed, he was later injured, struck in the left hip by German fire while crossing the Rhine River.
He credited a metal Bible he carried in his pocket for sparing him serious injury.
Sollosi still has that blood-stained Bible.
“He felt that protected him,” Necciai said. Sollosi also recalled spending a couple of hours
in a prison in Paris after being caught carrying a Navy pass while wearing the Army uniform.
“They put me in jail,” Sollosi said. “They thought I was AWOL.”
He returned home in 1945 and married Ruth Clark in December of that year. The couple had five children – Marilyn (Ricci), Tom, Rick, Ron and Shari (Necciai). Sollosi worked for five years at a technical school in Pittsburgh before taking a job with the Norfolk Southern Shire Oaks Yard in Elrama until retiring in July 1986.
“It’s sad to even talk about it,” Sollosi said of his military service. “I sort of got over it on my own. I didn’t get any counseling to help me. But I was blessed. I’m still alive and well.”
A LIFE OF YOUR OWN
Community LIFE helps keep seniors independent and in their homes with an all-inclusive program and insurance plan. With eight Health and Wellness Centers throughout the region, you can drop by and have a cup of coffee, laugh with friends, and take care of your health all at once. And for your convenience, this program offers transportation to and from the centers and to medical appointments.
This friendly, vibrant community is created through Community LIFE’s commitment to inclusivity and diversity, as they welcome seniors from all walks of life to join their program. They offer a complete network of medical specialists to cover the full spectrum of medical and health care needs, from diseases like dementia to physical disabilities. Comprehensive health care teams help coordinate care with access to physical and occupational therapists, dietitians, social workers, and more.
“My life just completely turned around.”
-James Y.
Community LIFE services:
• Medical care
• Pharmacy
• In-home care
• Transportation
• Recreation
• Meals
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Let Community LIFE handle your everyday care, so you can spend more time with the people you care about.
Visit commlife.org to apply or call 1-866-419-1693 to learn about program eligibility.
World War II veteran gets diploma from Albert Gallatin
By Amy Fauth
At 96, Louis Watkins Davis of Masontown has lived a full life.
He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II, opened a small coal mine in Ronco, married the love of his life, and was father to five children, grandfather to nine and great grandfather to 12.
But among his many life experiences, there was one he missed out on: his high school graduation.
On Wednesday, June 5, with his loving and large family at his side, that changed during a private commencement ceremony at Albert Gallatin Area High School.
Davis didn’t receive his diploma because he left high school after his freshman year to follow his older brother Robert into the
military. In the Navy, Davis served on NTS Great Lakes, Ill.; Beach Battalion “F” ATB Oceanside, Calif.; Beach Battalion “B” ATB Oceanside; USS North Carolina and USS Philadelphia. While on the USS North Carolina, he served as a signalman.
Superintendent Christopher Pegg agreed.
“It’s a great honor for us to be able to do this,” said Pegg.
Davis said he has no regrets about leaving high school for the military and was honored to receive his diploma – even if his graduation came nearly eight decades late.
“This is very nice,” Davis said. “I think it’s very nice that they put the time in and I’m really proud to be able to have (done) what I did.”
The idea of presenting Davis with his diploma came about after Ryan Porupski, AG school board president, met Davis when his daughter brought him to the polls for the primary election. After hearing his story, Porupski knew that had to change.
After the ceremony, school officials, Davis and his family went down the hall to visit the school’s Hall of Honor, which displays photos of Albert Gallatin graduates who have served in their country. They unveiled the newest addition – a photograph of Davis dressed in his uniform.
Everyone in attendance just had one question for Davis. “Where are you going for college?”
His daughter, Carolyn Balsega had the answer.
“He used to tell us he went to Whyel College of Technical Knowledge because he grew up on Whyel Avenue in Uniontown,” said Balsega.
World War II veteran Louis Watkins Davis received his Albert Gallatin Area High School diploma during a private ceremony on Wednesday, June 5. Standing behind Watkins are, from left, Dr. Eric Witt, high school principal; Ryan Porupski, district school board president; and district Superintendent Christopher Pegg.
At Paradise Confectionary in Washington, launched in the 1920’s, visitors can still enjoy delicious treats at the business started by Peter Paradise.
Paradise Confectionary continues 104-year-old tradition
By Melissa Gibson
David and Anna Berg of Washington are continuing the legacy of Anna’s family.
It all started with chocolatier Peter Paradise launching the business in the 1920’s and eventually bringing his nephew Jake (Anna’s father) over from the Greek island of Leipsoi.
“My dad came from Greece in 1948 to work with his uncle. The uncle sold him the business when he retired. At that time, the shop was on Chestnut Street, but when I was in the first grade, dad
moved the shop to the house I grew up in,” Anna said.
That childhood home at 1295 Donnan Ave. is where the shop remains.
When Anna’s father became ill in 1993, he knew it was time to pass the torch to his daughter and son-in-law.
“Dad said ‘If you want to keep it going, you’d better learn.’ We started working with him in the fall of 1993, and he passed away in February of 1994,” Anna said. “We’ve been doing it ever since.”
“It” is Paradise Confectionary, formally Paradise Candy, in Washington County. They create hand dipped, individually made chocolates.
For more than a century, they’ve made chocolate creams, chocolate-covered nuts, caramels and mint patties.
While some of the classics remain, the couple continues to grow and are willing to experiment with new combinations and ideas.
The Berg’s added chocolate covered pretzels, dipped almond biscotti and their
popular Frozen World, a vanilla and chocolate ice cream treat the size of a tennis ball.
They have chocolate lollipops, chocolate covered popcorn and more.
“We’ve expanded a bit,” Anna said. “We do parties and wedding tables. We try new things, and it really takes an artistic ability. David is the artist between us. He took to it very well, and what we didn’t know, we’ve learned as we went.”
Of course, the Bergs go out of their way to find the best quality in chocolate and other supplies but most of all, they’re proud to continue the family tradition.
“I grew up helping open the store before school and remember the kids in the neighborhood stopping in on the weekends,” Anna said. “I think so many people enjoy the ‘old school’ little shop.”
In fact, not only have generations in Berg’s family continued the business, but generations of customers continue to come back to the store.
“We do see grandchildren and great-grandchildren of customers stop by. Holidays in particular are busy. I think Valentines Day gets busier every year, and it’s always popular at Christmas time,” according to Anna. “We’ve been very blessed.”
Anna said her two sons help regularly, and they’re hopeful someone in the family will want to carry on when she and David are ready to retire.
“When I was growing up, I never thought I’d be doing this, but as long as God gives me the energy and the strength, we love what we’re doing and we’ll keep going for as long as we can,” Berg said.
Paradise Confectionary accepts orders online and ships all over the world.
in
By Paul Paterra
South Hills Knights of Columbus Council celebrates 75th anniversary
The Knights of Columbus South Hills Council No. 3084 is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year.
To mark the milestone, an anniversary dinner was held March 23 at St. Thomas More Church in Bethel Park.
A number of archives were available for perusal, including the minutes of the first meeting of the council
“I got chills going through it,” said Douglas Derda, chancellor. “It shows the progression from guys getting together in a basement at St. Bernard’s, going all the way to the incorporation and their official first
meeting. It’s really neat to see how they progressed the whole way through.”
Founded in 1948, the South Hills club serves four parishes – Resurrection, Our Lady of Hope, St Catherine Laboure and St. Paul of the Cross.
The Knights of Columbus national organization was formed in 1882 in New Haven, Conn.
Since those early days, it has been inspired by the principles of charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism.
“The special part about it is that not too many organizations make it to 75 years,” said Derda, a member since 2019. “Not too many make it to 25 anymore. So, being able
to join an organization that has so much history to it has been an incredible experience.”
The club has 200 members, which could be key to the group’s longevity.
“It comes down to personality,” Derda said. “When you join the Knights, you’re looking to serve. We’ve been able to fill that need that Catholic men have. They want to serve their community., They want to serve their parish. They want to do more. We’ve been able to do that through the Knights. Everything that I’ve been involved with has been incredibly rewarding spiritually, physically and mentally. It’s a very well-rounded organization.”
Derda said that the council’s presence on
Those
attendance at the Knights of Columbus South Hills Council No. 3084 75th anniversary celebration
social media has boosted its visibility. Plus, membership is growing because so many men are seeking a fraternal organization to join.
“They’re looking for a brotherhood that’s well-established,” he said. “We absolutely bring that.”
Activities in which the organization is involved are many.
Recently, members helped in the building of a new chapel at Seton-LaSalle High School.
“They asked the Knights if we would help with the labor so they could cut down on costs,” Derda said. “We were able to go in and help demolish two classrooms. Seeing it transition from two old classrooms to a beautiful new chapel has been incredible. It is gorgeous.”
The Knights also were able to repurpose pews for the chapel from a church that had closed.
Another project in which they were in-
volved was supplying and installing Miraculous Medal reliefs, which hang in every classroom of Seton LaSalle and South Hills Catholic Academy.
Members also replaced the kneelers at St. Thomas More Church and this summer plan to work on renovations to the Lamb of God Chapel.
The organization also hosts the Grace Gaita Memorial Spaghetti Dinner to raise money for two incoming Bishop Canevin High School students who have a love of the marching band and two incoming students from Ave Maria Academy. The first two dinners have raised more than $40,000 for the scholarships.
The organization supports various prolife organizations and activities, provides scholarships for Catholic school
students and seminarians, hosts memorial Masses and holy hours and helps with the St. Winifred Food Pantry.
Financial, material and service support is provided to the four parishes the Knights serve, which ranges from helping to make needed repairs, pulling weeds and cleaning up prayer gardens to sponsoring educational and social events, including the annual family picnic.
The organization also has a golf league.
The group meets at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of every month at Harkins Hall in St. Anne Church in Castle Shannon on the border of Mt. Lebanon. New members are always welcome.
Men who are in good standing in a Catholic parish can do so through southillsknights.com.
“Word is getting around that we have a vibrant community,” Derda said..
One of the Miraculous Medal reliefs that adorns the classrooms at South Hills Catholic Academy
Senior-friendly interior renovations
Home is where the heart is. That sentiment may be especially true for seniors who have spent decades living in their homes. A lot of hard work goes into home ownership, and seniors who have lived in the same space for a while undoubtedly have countless memories within the walls of their homes.
A lifetime of experiences in a home can make it hard to leave, but many seniors experience diminished mobility as they age. Mobility issues can make it hard for seniors to traverse their homes, but aging homeowners can make various renovations to make a home more accessible.
· Revamp entryways and staircases. A 2020 study of 1,000 adults in the United Kingdom found that 28 percent of individuals age 65 and older who don't exercise regularly struggle with activities like walking up stairs. The study, commissioned by Total Fitness, also found that 14 percent of men and women over 65 who regularly engage in moderate exer-
cise still find it challenging to climb up and down a flight of stairs. Seniors facing similar challenges can install a ramp at their home's entryway so they can comfortably go in and out. Inside, a chair lift can ensure seniors are not struggling to move from one floor to another.
· Raise the outlets throughout the home. They're easily overlooked, but outlets, particularly those outside the kitchen, tend to be close to the floor. AARP notes that's no accident, as outlets are generally placed at a height equal to the length of a hammer to save time with measuring when buildings are being constructed. Outlets close to the floor can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues to reach. Relocating the outlets a little higher off the floor is not an expensive renovation, but it can make a home more accessible for seniors who have difficulty bending down or getting down on one knee.
· Install door knob extensions. Verywell Health notes that nearly half of all people age 65 and older have arthritis or another rheumatic condition. Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to grip and turn door knobs. Door knob extensions can
make it easier for seniors with arthritis to open the doors in their homes. Such extensions are roughly five-inch levers that can be installed over an existing door knob, making it easier to grab and pull down. Extensions save seniors the hassle of turning the knob, which some may find painful and almost impossible.
· Renovate the bathroom. Bathroom renovation projects can be costly, but seniors with mobility issues should know that bathrooms can pose a particularly dangerous threat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that roughly three million older adults are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments each year. A 2019 analysis published in The Journals of Gerontology noted that 22 percent of in-home falls resulted in a change in the person's walking ability. Replacing a step-over shower with a zero-step alternative can make it easier for seniors with mobility issues to get in and out of the shower, thus reducing their risk for falls. Grab bars along shower walls and a chair inside the shower can make it easier to bathe and towel off safely.
Seniors with mobility issues can make their homes more accommodating through an assortment of simple, yet effective renovations. Courtesy
GERIATRIC CARE
Aging sometimes means an increased potential for illness and health issues. At WVU Medicine, our caring team of board-certified geriatricians provides high-quality care for adults aged 60 and up.
With our team approach to senior health, we’ll work with you and your family or caregivers to prevent, diagnose, and treat diseases and possible disability that may occur with aging.
Are there ways to prevent Alzheimer's disease?
Researchers around the globe continue to investigate Alzheimer's disease, the most commonly diagnosed form of dementia. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive form of dementia
that affects around 6.5 million people in the United States. Since AD affects parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language, notable symptoms include memory loss and difficulties communicating.
AD can be a debilitating condition, so naturally people want to do all they can to avoid it. Right now there are no proven prevention strategies nor a cure. However, the Mayo Clinic says there is strong evidence that healthy lifestyle
habits may play a role in reducing AD risk, as well as risk for other types of dementia. The Alzheimer's Association and the Mayo Clinic recommend these strategies to help reduce dementia risk.
· Reduce risk for heart disease. Some autopsy studies show that as many as 80 percent of individuals with AD also have cardiovascular disease. Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels may, in turn, help individuals reduce their risk for AD.
· Eat a balanced diet. Many doctors recommend the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in vegetables, fruits and lean protein coming from sources con-
taining omega-3 fatty acids. This diet also is heart-healthy.
· Embrace physical activity. Regular physical activity may lower the risk of AD as well as vascular dementia. Exercise can boost blood and oxygen flow in the brain. Cardiovascular exercise is an essential part of any wellness plan.
· Quit smoking. Quitting smoking can help maintain brain health and reduce the risk for various diseases.
· Avoid head injuries. Always wear protective safety equipment when participating in sports or while riding motorcycles or other motorized vehicles.
Fall-proof your home and wear seatbelts while riding in cars.
· Maintain social connections and activity. A number of studies indicate that maintaining strong social connections and keeping mentally active as people age might lower the risk of cognitive decline as well as AD.
· Keep a healthy weight. Manage weight through diet and exercise.
Although there is no guaranteed way to avoid a dementia diagnosis, certain lifestyle changes may help people reduce their risk.
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The role of a home health aide
Caregivers come from all walks of life. Doctors and nurses may be the frontline medical providers people encounter most frequently, but there are plenty of others who do their part to maintain the well-being of individuals, including home health aides.
Home health aides, sometimes called personal care aides, are brought in to assist a person with activities of daily life. An HHA typically helps a person who may need some assistance with tasks they cannot perform due to illness or disability. HHAs may work in a person's home, in a group home or in another care facility.
AARP says home health aides are considered health care paraprofessionals and must meet established training require-
ments, which vary by location.
HHAs may perform various duties, including:
· assistance with personal care, such as dressing, toileting, feeding, and moving from bed to chair, etc.
· checking vital signs
· monitoring a client
· light housekeeping
· meal planning and cooking
· picking up prescriptions
· companionship
HHAs typically will not provide skilled nursing care and may not be able to offer recommendations on treatment or medications.
Individuals can find the services of HHAs who may work independently or are placed
through agencies. Sometimes a doctor or hospital will have connections to HHA services and can make referrals. It can be useful to interview several potential HHAs to find one who will fit with the needs and personality of the person requiring assistance. A good HHA will be compassionate, patient and flexible. As illness or injury also can affect a person's mood, HHAs must be able to adjust if a client is reluctant to receive help or is depressed or anxious from his or her limitations.
Home health aides serve vital roles in the health care community by providing care and companionship to those who can no longer live independently.
The healing power of nature
Being in good health and avoiding various diseases often comes down to a combination of factors. Individuals may be aware that nutrition and exercise play important roles in personal well-being, but it appears that nature may provide its own medicinal benefits as well.
A number of studies have examined the potential healing components of being in nature. The World Health Organization released a report in 2023 titled "Green and Blue Spaces and Mental Health," which indicated that time in nature improves mood, mindsets and mental health. This occurs regardless of
whether that nature was "country" regions or urban areas. The following are some of the ways nature can have a healing effect.
· Immunity protection: Trees and plants emit aromatic compounds called phytoncides. When inhaled, these compounds can ignite healthy biological
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changes similar to the concepts of aromatherapy. When people walk in forests or other green areas, they often experience changes in the blood that are associated with protection against cancer, improved immunity and lower blood pressure, says Dr. Qing Li, a professor at the Nippon Medical School in Tokyo.
· Get a brain break: When spending time in nature, attention is focused on the scenery, the animals and the rest of the environment. This may help quiet the rush of thoughts in the head that clutters the ability to think freely.
· Reduce stress: Stress is a catalyst for a number of adverse health conditions. The Mayo Clinic says stress can cause headache, muscle tension, fatigue, changes in sex drive, and a weaker immune system, among other things. Being outside in nature and away from work and home responsibilities can help reduce stress levels. Dr. Mathew McGlothlin, senior medical director with WellMed Medical Group, says being in nature provides stress relief.
· Get vitamin D: The body naturally produces vitamin D from sun exposure. The National Institutes of Health says it is optimal to have sun exposure for five to 30 minutes a day, most days a week, to absorb UVB rays and effectively make vitamin D. Vitamin D is a nutrient the body needs to build and maintain strong bones. Vitamin D also regulates many other cellular functions in the body, and may be able to prevent cognitive decline.
· Inspires exercise: People may be more inclined to be physically active while outdoors. Hiking, cycling, swimming, and even strolls in the park all make the outdoors more fun. Exercise promotes heart health and helps people maintain a healthy weight.
Nature can have a healing effect, and more time outdoors can promote mental and physical well-being.
Assisted living facilities provide an invaluable service. When a medical condition, developments associated with aging or another variable affects an individual's ability to live independently, assisted living facilities can ensure such men and women get the help they need to live as fully and actively as possible.
It's not always easy to identify when an individual may need to move into an assisted living facility. Some individuals choose to do so on their own, but families often make such decisions together. As families work to determine if a loved one should move into an assisted living facility, they can look for various signs that suggest the time is right to do so. According to the El-
Signs a loved one might need assisted living
der Care Alliance, signs that an individual may benefit from assisted living include:
· Requiring routine reminders to take medication
· Noticeable changes in weight, including weight loss or gain
· Loss of mobility or increase in falls
· Signs that household maintenance is being neglected
· Difficulty with daily tasks like grooming and meal preparation
· Increased isolation
· Loss of interest in hobbies
It's important for families to recognize that some of the signs noted above might suggest the presence of a condition or disease that would not, if treated successfully,
compromise an individual's ability to live independently. For example, the SilverSneakers program offered through Tivity Health notes that weight gain among seniors may be attributable to slower metabolism, a less active lifestyle or menopause for women. Each of those conditions can be addressed without requiring a relocation to an assisted living facility. Family members are urged to discuss anything that seems to be affecting a loved one's ability to live independently with that person's health care team before they consider if a person needs to move into an assisted living facility. It's equally important to ask a loved one's health care team which type of facility they think might be most beneficial
if, in fact, they think it's in an individual's best interest to relocate. No two facilities are the same, and the Elder Care Alliance notes many specialize in specific types of care, such as tending to individuals with cognitive issues like dementia or physical issues like limited mobility.
Assisted living facilities help millions of individuals every day. Families can work together to decide if a loved one can benefit from moving into such a facility.
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How caregivers work in concert with doctors
Managing an illness, disease or injury often requires a collaborative effort that involves a number of medical professionals, such as doctors and nurses. The support and assistance of family caregivers also is essential when managing illness. In fact, family members can play important roles when they work closely with medical professionals in helpful ways.
How can family caregivers assist doctors and nurses as their loved ones receive medical care? And what can medical professionals do to ensure caregivers are afforded the respect they deserve? There are many steps each can take.
· Become a communicator. Communication is key in a doctor-caregiver relationship. Doctors may strive for extreme focus on the patients' care, but they also can welcome input from family members who may have information that can help doctors work more effectively. Caregivers should not be afraid to speak up out of fear that their insight will be dismissed.
· Keep communications concise. In mod-
ern medical settings, health care professionals see many, many patients over the course of a day. This is likely followed by paperwork and then email or phone correspondence follow-up. Caregivers should realize that doctors and nurses are busy professionals and aspire to keep their communications concise.
· Be patient. According to the American Association for Physician Leadership and a 2018 survey by the Physicians Foundation, doctors work 51 hours a week and see 20 patients per day on average. Unless there is an extreme medical emergency, family caregivers should not expect an immediate follow-up to a concern or question following a visit. However, most doctors offer a call or patient portal message when time allows.
· Aim for assertive, not aggressive, interaction. A family caregiver is often a patient's most diligent advocate. But being too aggressive when interacting with nurses and doctors might lead the care team to view a caregiver as an adversary rather than an ally, advises AARP. Instead, it is best for
caregivers to come across as informed, pleasant and respectful partners.
· Do your research. It is alright for a caregiver to delve deeper into information about a patient's condition so they can be as informed as possible. Also, he or she should feel free to reiterate care directions back to the medical staff to make sure that everything is understood and can be followed according to the plan established by the doctor.
· Prepare for appointments. During medical appointments, patients have the undivided attention of their doctors. This is the best time to ask questions, bring up concerns and provide follow-up about what is going on at home. Caregivers and patients can come ready with a list of items that have been jotted down on paper or itemized on a smartphone.
Medical staff and family caregivers must develop relationships built on communication and respect to provide the best level of care to patients.
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Companionship
Grooming
Mobility/ Transferring - Medication Reminders - Meal Preparation - Routine Housework - Errands/ Transportation
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