July 2012 - Northern Connection Magazine

Transcription

Actual Patient
Shanan
June 2012
Arms
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Waist
2.375” lost
Hips
4.25” lost
Glutes
3.375” lost
Thighs
25%
off
Our Customized
6-week Program
4” lost
Chiropractic Family
Health Center
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*Not valid with other offers.
Must call on or before 7/31/12.
www.swansonpublishing.com
Northern Connection |July 2012 1
NC| CONTENTS July 2012
55
28
NORTHERN
CONNECTION
This Month
Summertime Fun
Health & Wellness
8 Festival Revs Up for Jeep Lovers
21 Physicians & Healthcare
Professionals 2012 Guide
Janice Lane Palko
9 Soergel’s Orchards
10 Pine Richland Youth Center
Summer Camp
8
24 Are You as Fit as a Fifth Grader?
Michael Parkinson, MD, MPH, FACPM, UPMC
WorkPartners
In Every Issue
28 The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh
and Lemieux Family Center
4
14 Slippery Rock University
2012-13 Performing Arts Series
33 HealthSouth Leads the Way
in Providing a Higher Level of
Outpatient Rehabilitation Care
6
Movers & Shakers
6
Features
34 Advanced Pain Medicine
Business Spotlight:
Polesky Agency of Erie Insurance
17 Tech Talk: Family Fun with
Geocaching Marianne Reid Anderson
38 The Benefits of Breastfeeding
11 Staying Fit and Healthy on Your
Summer Vacation Joella Baker
55 The Battle of the Divas II Benefits
Children in Guatemala Janice Lane Palko
Image + Style
18 Dressing to the Max Kelly A. Smith
20 If Two is Company,
Is Four a Crowd?
Robert and Michele Tedder
Education
47 Dealing with Ticks Kelly Heidenreich, MD
Senior Living
48 What’s in Your Basket?
Barbara A. Killmeyer
49 Vincentian Rocks Allegheny County
with a Twist on a Traditional
Fundraiser
Find us on
under Northern Connection Magazine!
2 July 2012 | Northern Connection
Hilary Garbon, MD, FAAP, IBCLC and Mary Pagnotto, MD,
FAAP, IBCLC
From the Publisher
Marion Piotrowski
Janice Lane Palko
7
Mover & Shaker of the Month:
Community Health Clinic
Paula Green
40 Special Education and Learning
Disabilities Susan Oliverio, MSED
10 Town Crier: Jump Into July
40 Quick and Easy Relaxation Exercises
to Help Relieve Adult Stress During
Trying Times
12 Just a Thought: The Worst of Times
Real Estate
52 Still Haven’t Refinanced? Now is
the Time!! Jacquelyn Brinker
53 With General Rental Center, DIY
Doesn’t Have to Mean #*@!%
Janice Lane Palko
Advertorials
Joe Bullick
Janice Lane Palko
16 Trivia Connection:
Rumbling Tumbling Trivia
Paula Green
21 Support Our Troops:
Dr. Karl Blake
Paula Green
30 Health Tips:
Fighting an
Internal Threat
West Penn Allegheny Health System
15 Divine Providence
43 School Movers & Shakers
37 Adult Athletes: A Special Breed
50 Happenings for Seniors
Dr. Shannon Thieroff
@NCONNECTIONMAG
www.northernconnectionmag.com
54 NC Happenings
Northern Connection | July 2012 3
NC| From the Publisher Welcome to Northern Connection!
T
he July issue of Northern Connection magazine
features some great ideas for Summer Fun for all
the family to enjoy. There are special happenings
and events taking place all over Pittsburgh and the surrounding area through the summer months that will provide entertainment to please folks of all ages. July also is
Northern Connection magazine’s annual Health Care/
Professionals Guide. We are very fortunate to live in a
city that has so many trained experts in the Health Care
Profession. Northern Connection magazine is proud to
showcase some of the area’s finest physicians and specialist, along with some of the
best health care facilities in the
world. The July issue also provides some great tips on relieving stress, how to stay healthy
and fit on your summer vacation and some important health
tips. The July Trivia will jog
your memory about U.S. natural disasters.
Enjoy reading all NC magazine’s special features along with our regular monthly
columns. As we celebrate Independence Day this year, let
us all remember what a blessing it is to live in this great
country and never forget the price that was paid for our
freedom. Thank you for your support. Together we continue to to make our community an outstanding place to
live and work. F
“My God! How little do my countrymen know what
precious blessings they are in procession of, and which
no other people on earth enjoy.”
NORTHERN
CONNECTION
P.O. Box 722
Wexford, PA 15090-0722
Phone: 724-940-2444
Fax: 724-940-2447
Email: [email protected]
Laura Piotrowski
[email protected]
Executive Editor
Janice Lane Palko
Managing Editor/
Public Relations Coordinator
Paula M. Green
Marketing & Account Executive
and Office Coordinator
Laura Lyn Piotrowski
Mary Simpson
[email protected]
Web Master
Pat Miller, TypeLink
Janice Lane Palko
[email protected]
Coming in Northern
Connection Magazine:
Paula Green
CALL TODAY AND SEE HOW NORTHERN
CONNECTION MAGAZINE CAN HELP YOU
GROW YOUR BUSINESS BY HELPING YOU
CONNECT TO THE COMMUNITY!
Core Writers
Joella Baker
Jacquelyn Brinker
Joe Bullick
Mike Doerfler
Rosemary Garrity
Paula M. Green
Barbara A. Killmeyer
Donna Summers Moul, M.S.Ed.
Janice Lane Palko
Marianne Reid Anderson
Kelly Smith
Michele Tedder, MSN, RN, CC
Distribution
Linda Watkins
Lori Palmer
Dominion Distribution
[email protected]
September issue: Extracurricular Activities and
Senior Living
Find us on
under
Northern Connection Magazine!
Marketing & Account Executive
Mary L. Simpson
Design & Production
Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc.
By Thomas Jefferson
August issue: Back to School
President & Publisher
Marion Swanson Piotrowski
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.
If your roof looks like
one of the photos above, help
is only a phone call away!
What is going on with your roof?
The black stains on your roof are caused by
a hardy strain of algae called Gloeocapsa
magma. These dark algae are usually most
visible on the north face of a roof since that
side usually retains moisture the longest
because it receives less sunlight. These
algae literally eat the limestone in the shingle.
Once on your roof, the only way to get rid of
them is to kill them. Gloeocapsa magma are
airborne, meaning that they are light enough
to be carried on air currents from one home
to the next, one city to the next, one state to
the next.
Why am I seeing stains more now than
ever before?
Wind currents have been carrying these
algae north from roofs in the Southern states
for the past few years. People there have
had to deal with the issue for decades. Sadly,
Gloeocapsa magma is here to stay—there
is no way to completely eradicate it from
the region. Each homeowner in our area
will need to get their own roof cleaned and
protected.
roof. Some are too old or too damaged, and
some are made of materials that aren’t good
to clean. But if your roof is made of asphalt
shingles and is less than 15 to 20 years old,
then our shingle cleaning will amaze you!
If your roof has black stains or streaks on
it, then the algae are literally dining on your
roof…and your shingles, unfortunately, are
the main course. As the algae eat the limestone, they loosen the top coat of granules
that give the roof its color. If left untreated for
too long, the top coat will wear down to the
point that the black asphalt layer below it will
be exposed and it will look stained forever.
Our biodegradable soaps and detergents
kill 99.9% of those roof destroying algae
immediately, leaving you with a beautiful,
stain-free roof. Your roof will look cleaner and
newer than it has looked in years! We are
so confident in our services that we offer a
satisfaction guarantee… if you are not happy
with the results, then you don’t owe us a
dime! We also offer a 2-year warranty against
future staining from Gloeocapsa magma.
After those 2 years, we offer to come out and
spray a preventative treatment on your roof
(at a fraction of the initial low treatment cost).
Shingle Replacement vs. Cleaning
Many experts believe that almost 25% of roof
replacements in the U.S. last year were not
needed; instead, the roofs just needed to be
cleaned. Don’t spend thousands of dollars
needlessly if roof cleaning is all you needed.
One call today will protect your roof for its
entire life.
Cleaning your shingles might be
the answer.
We say “might” because we can’t clean every
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Here are what the three roofs above look like after they were treated and cleaned.
Locally owned • Fast, friendly, professional service
2 year written warranty • Local references • Satisfaction guaranteed.
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NC| Movers & Shakers July 2012
Movers & Shakers
Passvant Hospital Foundation
held their Vigil of Hope on June
6. Guest speaker was Dennis C.
Daley, PhD. The vigil was held
to remember those who died from
drugs and to shine a light of hope
for tomorrow.
James D. Turco
has been promoted to senior vice
president of St.
Barnabas Health
System.
James Turco
The Woodlands
Foundation announced the addition of three new members to its
board of directors. They are: Alan
Balla, Craig Tillotson and Robert
Vertullo.
Tri-State Neurological Associates
announced that two of its physicians Matt El-Kadi, MD, PhD,
FACS and Joseph Maroon, MD,
FACS were featured in a recent
issue of Pittsburgh magazine recognizing their accomplishments.
Dr. Marc Oster has joined Butler
Health System Nallathambi
Medical Associates as an Internal
Medicine physician at 147 Mulone
Drive in Sarver.
A statewide organization that
honors hospitals and health systems for innovation, creativity and
commitment to patient care has
lauded UPMC for its work on nurse
retention, the creation of en energy
and environmental engineering
department and efforts to improve
children’s access to behavioral
health services.
Leslie Merrill, senior consultant for Government Relations
at UPMC, and UPMC were recognized for their support of the
Woodlands at its Annual Board of
Directors meeting. Board president Douglas Clark and executive
director Peter Clakeley presented
Merrill with a framed photo of participants in the Woodlands 2011
Notes from the Heart Summer
Music Camp.
Andrew Stockey,
of WTAE, was
honored with
the Spirit of
Golf Award at
the Woodlands
Golf Classic presented by Range
Resources on
June 22 at Butler
County Club.
Andrew
Stockey
Edna Spang, fitness instructor at
the Woodlands,
will compete
in Lake Placid
Ironman on July
22. The athletic
Edna Spang
competition features a 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile
bike and 26.2 mile run.
Rocking for Residents was recently
held at local nursing homes. A
100-year old sister rocked with a
seven-year old and four generations of rockers. Marian Manor
resident, Sister Loretta Shelby,
Business Spotlight:
Polesky Agency of Erie
Insurance
By Janice Lane Palko
S
cott Berney, an agent with the Polesky Agency of Erie
Insurance, offers all types of insurance for every kind of
business, individual or family. However, he offers something even better. “One of the main products that we sell is a
good night’s sleep,” Berney said. “I make sure to review each
client’s specific situation and ‘risk aversion’ and take the time
to explain exactly what coverage is provided and how insurance
works. I work to make sure that each client doesn’t lie awake
worrying about whether they are properly protected.”
Located at 1150 Thorn Run Road in Moon Twp., the
Polesky Agency is independent, so it also represents carriers like
Travelers, Hartford, Zurich, Chubb and Progressive. Berney has
been with the agency since last November. Prior to that, he spent
nearly four years with a large commercial insurance agency. He
grew up in the Harrisburg area and graduated from Grove City
College with a degree in business management. He has lived in
the Pittsburgh area since 2003.
Most people have the standard policies, but they may not be
aware of other coverage that is available to protect them. “For
individuals and families, ID Theft is a big one to be aware of –
from stealing Social Security numbers to your bank information –
ID theft helps to rebuild your credit and repair your good name. Also, flood insurance is something most people either don’t consider or assume is automatically included – when it’s not. And
flood doesn’t just have to be a stream, river, or lake overflowing.
It can be any surface water: heavy rain is an obvious example,”
Berney said.
Businesses may also be
underinsured. “Employment
practices liability is one coverage that I always recommend
for any company that has
employees. It protects against
claims like sexual harassment,
wrongful termination and racial
discrimination. Also, any type
of contractor should ALWAYS
carry voluntary property damage. This is NOT covered by
their general liability policy. It
protects the contractor from
simple situations - if they need
to move an appliance or piece of furniture to complete a job and
what they moved is damaged. Simple coverage—but it is almost
always overlooked,” Berney said.
Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware of how insurance
works and wonder why their premiums sometimes increase when
they haven’t had a claim. “Essentially, when someone pays their
premium, that money goes into a larger “bucket” from which
insurance companies pay claims. The premium we pay is based
not only on our own track record, but the losses that ALL the
clients of a particular company experiences. When the money
going out of the “bucket” to pay for claims is more than the
premium dollars coming in, the increase required to cover it will
be spread over ALL clients,” Berney said. “That’s how insurance
works – by spreading risk over a large group of people.”
For more information on how Scott Berney can help to
ensure that you have a good night’s sleep, contact him at 724678-2992 or [email protected]. Visit the website at
poleskyagency.com and be sure not to miss his fun and addictive
blog at pittsberneyinsurance.com. F
Mover & shaker of the month
Community
Health Clinic
By Paula Green
T
here is a wise old saying by ancient Roman poet Virgil
–“The greatest wealth is health.” We all long to stay
healthy, but, unfortunately, that is not always the case.
There are many individuals who don’t have insurance and
simply can’t afford the rising cost of medical treatment. In
Butler County, 11,000 people fall into this category.
That is where the Community Health Clinic in Butler
County steps in to help those in need in their region. The
clinic’s goal is to offer primary healthcare services needed to
keep their patients healthy, so they can continue to work, care
for their families and be productive members of the community.
Located on Bonnie Drive in Butler, this nonprofit agency
is committed to providing free health care and dental care for
uninsured, income-eligible ($21,660 per year for a single person household and $44,100 per year for a four person household). Butler County residents ages 19 through 64 that meet
the income range are eligible.
The much welcomed addition to the Butler community opened its doors in 2008. It is a VIM (Volunteers in
Medicine) clinic. It is staffed with over 150 volunteers that
100, rocked for an hour, while
Sister Irene Margaret Ellis, a
Marian Manor employee collected
pledges. Seven-year old Aidan
McCue, of Overbrook rocked for
his grandmother, Marian Manor
resident Jean McCue. Four generations of rockers were led by
Vincentian Personal Care resident
Jean Nofsinger. Participates
included her son Bill and his
children, daughter Connie along
with many grandchildren and two
great grandchildren (age two and
an infant). More than ten family
members were in attendance to
rock the house.
Sister Linda
Larkman
of the
Benedictine
Sisters of
Pittsburgh
made her
final profession of
monastic vows at Vespers, an
Evening Prayer of Praise, on May
12. She received a ring that
marked her perpetual commitment
as a vowed member of the community.
The Portiuncula Foundation
of the Sisters of St. Francis
of the Neumann Communities
distributed $129,700 in grants
and $8,500 in memorial nursing
scholarships at its annual Little
Portion of God’s Goodness Awards
Brunch at Mt. Alvernia in Millvale
on June 5.
Richard Horn
of Aspinwall has
been named
executive director
of Priority Two by
the organization’s
board of directors. The orgaRichard Horn
nization provides
pro-active job search skills training
and support for people who are
unemployed, under-employed or
experiencing career transitions in
the Greater Pittsburgh area.
St. Margaret Foundation held
their 5K Fitness Classic Run/
Walk on May 20. The event
raised $79,000 to benefit the
Foundation’s Bed Fund which
supports underserved patients
who may need transportation for
treatments and testing, as well
as medication or medical devices
needed to stay healthy.
include: physicians, nurses, medical assistants, pharmacists,
case managers, clerical workers, and many other dedicated
assistants.
The clinic offers services such as diabetic education and
counseling, assistance with financial aid program at Butler
Memorial Hospital, and referrals to other agencies. It also
utilizes the Patent Assistance Program, which allows patients
to receive their medication at no cost by applying to the pharmaceutical companies.
The need for the clinic is reflected by a patient who said,
“If the clinic wasn’t here, I would not be receiving regular
health care. I don’t know where I would get my medication.”
In Nov. 2009, the facility added a dental section. It is
staffed with seven volunteer dentists and two oral surgeons.
CHC relies on the support of the community. It receives
no federal dollars and relies solely on private donations, corporate giving and grants. The facility sponsors various fundraisers through the year to help with operating cost.
For more information on the Community Health Clinic
in Butler County, call (724) 841-0980 or visit their website
www.butlerhealthclinic.org. F
Dr. Reed Hankinson
O
n June 7, the Ambridge Area
School District inducted the
fourth round of recipients into
the “Hall of Honor,” which was established to honor outstanding Ambridge
Area School District graduates who have
made significant community contributions and/or career-related accomplishments. The purpose of the Hall of
Honor is to recognize alumni who have
achieved outstanding accomplishments
and to establish a lasting relationship with their alma mater.
The goal of the Hall of Honor is to provide a visual incentive to current Ambridge area students to aspire to greatness.
Among the recipients of the award this year is Dr. Reed
Hankinson, a 1988 graduate of Ambridge and consummate
leader in many facets of education. Hankinson began his
career as a teacher and continued in his roots of education by
developing software programs to aid education professionals. He now owns the business, EduLink Inc. and has led the
team that developed PA-ETEP, an electronic portal used to
facilitate the new teacher evaluation process in PA school districts. Hankinson is a current resident of Cranberry Twp. with
his wife and two sons and are expecting their third child. F
Festival Revs Up
for Jeep Lovers
“G
oing rogue” has become a “buzz phrase” in the
media, indicating the desire to flout conventional
wisdom or practices. For drivers, the ultimate way to
go rogue is to drive a Jeep. There is no other driving experience
more freeing or exhilarating than cruising down the road sans
roof and doors. Perhaps this love of freedom is at the core of why
so many Jeep enthusiasts turned out for Bantam Jeep Heritage
Festival in Butler last year. More than 1,300 Jeeps from 25 states,
a new Guinness World Record, and 50,000 spectators came
together to celebrate at the birthplace of this beloved vehicle.
This year’s festival, which will be held August 10-12, promises
an even more incredible time. “We were entirely overwhelmed
by the enthusiasm of all of the Jeep owners who traveled to Butler
last year for our festival,” said Patti Jo Lambert, event director.
“Our intent was to create a fabulous event that celebrated our
Jeep heritage and give Jeep enthusiasts an opportunity to admire
all of the makes and models of Jeeps that were created since the
very first Bantam was produced. Without realizing it at the time,
we ended up creating a homecoming for Jeeps.”
With the United State gearing up for what would be World
War II, in 1940, the U.S. Army asked tractor and auto manufacturers if they could design a four-wheel-drive, 40-horsepower,
1,300-pound reconnaissance car that could carry soldiers and
heavy artillery. The kicker was that the army needed a working
prototype to test run within 49 days. The American Bantam
Car Company in Butler accepted the challenge and won the contract by promising to deliver a prototype in 45 days. Although
Bantam made good on their promise and the army accepted
their prototype, Bantam was not capable of producing the army’s
requirement of making 75 vehicles a day. Using Bantam’s blueprints, Ford and Willys-Overland Motors of Toledo, Ohio, were
able to build the more than 600,000 Jeeps. Bantam produced
2,675 of the vehicles and never produced another vehicle after
that. Bantam closed in 1956.
Organized by the Butler County Tourism & Convention
Bureau, with support from the Butler County Historical Society,
Butler Downtown, other local organizations, and a group of
committed volunteers and Jeep enthusiasts, the goal was to
create a signature annual event celebrating Butler’s role as the
birthplace of the jeep. The Festival will take place in Downtown
Butler and at the Big Butler Fairgrounds along Route 422, and
it offers something for everyone to enjoy.
More Jeeps than ever will be able to participate this year. A
“Maximum Jeep Capacity” has been established for each activity
and has been published on the festival’s website. Registration
numbers will be updated in the site’s registration section so
everyone knows how much space is available for each activity.
Maximum quantities were established so that Jeepers know at the
outset that registration for various events is limited.
The Festival kicks off in Downtown Butler on Friday, August
10 with the Jeep Invasion. The event will feature up to 1,200
Jeeps parked along Butler’s Main Street and side streets. The
evening event will have a party atmosphere with DJs, food vendors and thousands of Jeep enthusiasts strolling up and down the
streets admiring all of the Jeeps.
Three new events are slated for Saturday night. The Jeep
Team Challenge allows spectators to watch 50 Jeep owners try
their hand at some entertaining driving challenges. The event
will begin at 6 p.m. and is sure to be one of the highlights of the
2012 event.
The Mystery Road Rally will give 200 Jeeps the chance to go on
a scavenger hunt throughout Butler County. Prizes will be awarded
to the Jeeps who correctly answer trivia questions and return to the
festival closest to the pre-determined time and mileage.
The Great Pig Out enables Jeepers to feast on a traditional
pig roast with all of the trimmings. The evening will also include
music, games and other activities designed to give attendees a
chance to meet more Jeep enthusiasts and have fun together.
Another new event for 2012 is Ruff ‘n Tuff. The Sundayonly event is a spin-off of the traditional Show ‘n Shine and will
offer Jeepers the chance to compete in some non-traditional
categories. Judges will select the Jeep with the Most Mud, Most
Tattoos and the Most Extreme, among others. Trophies will be
awarded to the winner in each class.
In addition, the festival is inviting dealers and individuals
to sell their military antiques/collectibles and used Jeep parts
to attendees. “Since so many people really enjoy the military
aspect of the Jeep, we’re also planning an area for dealers to sell
military antiques and collectibles which will expand the historical components of the event,” said Lambert. “Jeep owners look
forward to finding old parts that are difficult to locate so we’re
hoping many Jeepers will clean out their garages and rent a space
at the festival to sell their items.”
Nearly all of the elements of the 2011 Festival will also be
back. The off-road Jeep Playground and On-Site Trails, Show ‘n
Shine, Bantam Jeep history exhibit, Moraine Trail Ride, World
War II Encampment, How-To Clinics and merchandise vendors
will offer attendees and participants even more to see and do.
For more information on the Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival,
visit the website at www.BantamJeepFestival.com. F
Soergel’s Orchards
W
e are now at the peak of the season for locally
grown, fresh produce. Right now the Soergel
family is growing and harvesting over 75 different
varieties of fruits and vegetables. They don’t just grow the
apples that they are known for, but many other things such as
berries, peaches, beans, melons, tomatoes, peppers, zucchini,
squash, cucumbers, sweet corn and more. In the fall they
harvest multiple varieties of fall squash, pumpkins, gourds,
and other fall decorative crops. In addition to fruits and vegetables, the Soergel family is now raising their own, all natural, premium Angus beef. They have chosen to raise the
Black Angus breed due to its high marbling and great flavor.
It is dry aged and flash frozen in order to keep the freshness
and quality that you would expect from the Soergel family.
Check out their many summer events and harvest schedule at
www.soergels.com. F
Pine Richland Youth
Center Summer Camp
P
ine Richland Youth Center summer camp is very affordable
and has flexible hours and days. Kids age 4-12 will play
outside sport activities, inside games in our gym and go on
fun and exciting field trips every Friday! We have full time and
part time hours and fees and before and after-camp hours. The
camp counselors are all college adults who are majoring in childhood education. Camp starts June 18 and ends August 24 and the
hours are 6:30am to 6:00pm. Please call 724-443-3796 or e-mail:
[email protected], visit our website @www.pryc.org. F
Town Crier
Jump Into July
By Joe Bullick
H
ello, July! I hope you had a
great June with graduations
and weddings now a thing of
the past. I was working hard in our
garden, and I was always glad the grass
did not grow so fast. In July, when I
was young, I had to cut a half acre with
a push mower. We had no air conditioning in our house, so I slept on the
porch on the hot nights.
As a young boy, I loved
Independence Day, commonly known
as the Fourth of July. It is a federal holiday in the United States and
commemorates the adoption of the
Declaration of Independence on July 4,
1776, when we declared independence
from Great Britain. This day is associated with fireworks, parades, barbecues,
carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, baseball games, family reunions and political
speeches and ceremonies, in addition to
various other public and private events
celebrating the history, government and
traditions of the U.S.
In 1778, General George
Washington marked July 4 with a double ration of rum for his soldiers and
an artillery salute across the Atlantic
Ocean. Ambassadors John Adams and
Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for
their fellow Americans in Paris.
In 1791, the first recorded use
of the name “Independence Day”
occurred. Independence Day fireworks
are often accompanied by patriotic
songs such as the National Anthem The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless
America, America the Beautiful, My
Country Tis of Thee, This Land is Your
Land, and Stars and Stripes Forever.
Regionally, we heard Yankee Doodle
Dandy in the northeastern states and
Dixie in the southern states. Some
of the lyrics recall images of the
Revolutionary War, or the War of 1812.
There are some great television
shows that I did not see as a young
boy; thanks to TV, I can watch The
Boston Pops Orchestra, which hosts
music and fireworks show over the
Charles River. Then on the Capitol
lawn in Washington, D.C., they have
A Capitol Fourth. A free concert precedes the fireworks and attracts over
half a million people annually.
Many people will be going to parks
for picnics and enjoying amusement
parks. As a young boy we spent time
at West View Park. Now schools enjoy
Kennywood Park. As a young boy, July
was hot and humid. I know I drank a
lot of lemonade and loved eating ripe
peaches.
Remember, if you were born June
21-July 22, your sign of the zodiac
is cancer and your birthstone is ruby.
Here are a few facts: in 1976 the first
women were admitted to the U.S.
Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., in
1839 industrialist and philanthropist
John D. Rockefeller was born.
Have a safe Fourth of July. Be careful with fireworks and don’t eat too
much. I leave you with this,
“So live that your memories will
be part of your happiness.” – Author
unknown
Staying Fit and
Healthy on Your
Summer Vacation
By Joella Baker
I
love to go on vacation. It’s a time to spend with family,
to see new sites, to relax and most of all, I use it as a time
to exercise. Unfortunately, for a lot of people, they don’t
use their vacation as an opportunity to get into better shape or
at least stay in shape, and that’s OK. That’s your choice, but I
think you’ll find that fitting in exercise is easier than you think.
Here are some tips to help you stay in shape on your next
vacation…
Plan ahead to make it a point to exercise. Before you
even go away, check and see what opportunities are available to
you to exercise. If you’re staying in a hotel, do they have a pool,
exercise room, access to a beach, snorkeling, walking trail or
even exercise classes. If you’re staying in a house, check and see
if bicycles are available, boogie boards, basketballs and more.
Choose to eat healthy. One of the biggest mistakes people
make on vacation is how they eat. For many, it’s an opportunity
to eat out a lot, which leads to over eating and poor food choices. In addition to poor food choices is the poor drink choices.
Indulging in too many alcoholic drinks and especially the high
calorie fruity and frozen style drinks, is simply adding to your
waist line.
Choose a vacation that includes exercising. This could
be a vacation that includes a bicycle tour, hiking a mountain, a
destination where you plan to do a 5K, marathon or triathlon.
It could be a snorkeling vacation or one to Disney World where
you know you’ll be walking for hours each day.
Check out the sites. I enjoy going on vacation so I can run
and bike and check out the sites in a way you can’t in a car. I’ve
used exercise as a way to scope out restaurants, family activities,
and fun places to go while on vacation.
Try a new sport or form of exercise. While on vacation,
take the opportunity to try a new form of exercise. Swim in the
ocean, go snorkeling, hiking, parasailing, try surfing, rent some
bicycles, play golf, tennis or beach volleyball. Standing paddleboards are becoming very popular, along with windsurfing.
Be careful with the sand. The number one thing people
enjoy doing on the beach is walking or running. I recommend
always wearing shoes if you do choose to walk or run on the
beach. If you don’t, you can pull a muscle, get shin splints, or
end up with major foot injuries. Sand is very tough to walk or
run in. In fact, you can burn more calories walking or running
in sand then you do on a road, but it can come with a price
Lastly, watch what shoes you wear at the beach. I know
many of you probably enjoy flip flops, but they are by far the
worst shoes you can wear on your feet. In choosing a pair of
shoes to wear, choose a sandal that straps onto your foot and not
one you need to grip with your toes and try and get something
with some support so your feet and legs do not end up injured.
Vacations are great, and an opportunity to have so much fun,
but don’t throw all your hard work and exercise away for that
one week. Instead, build it into your vacation and come home
in just as good of shape, or even better shape than when you left.
Happy Summer! F
Just a Thought...
The Worst of Times
No vacation goes unpunished. ~Karl Hakkarainen
I
t’s vacation season, a time most of us
look toward with longing. As much
as I like vacation, I must admit that
at times they can be like a Dickens’ novel:
the best of times, the worst of times.
I’ve had my share of bad vacation
experiences. The earliest dud I remember occurred when I was about nine.
We were camping at Shawnee State Park
near Bedford, when I sat up suddenly in
the middle of the night in the tent and
promptly vomited on my seven-year-old
brother. Not surprisingly, he began to
cry. While my mother fumbled in the
dark with a lantern to clean up the messy
sleeping bags and find him clean clothes,
he got sick too. All that I remember is
lying on a picnic table the next morn-
ing with my brother. He was clad in my
mother’s stretch pants that came up to
his arm pits because he had no unsoiled
clothes left while my dad and mom took
down the tent. On the ride home, we
had to take turns lying down in the station wagon and vomiting into a bucket—
that’s a Kodak moment I’d like to forget.
The summer I was first married, we
went to the Outer Banks with my family.
I was having a great time until Tuesday
when I began to feel a bit creepy. When
I spiked a high fever later that evening,
we headed for the doctors. We had to
drive to secluded Collington Island—
think setting for the Swamp People show.
After navigating through abandoned cars
and Spanish moss, we found the doctor who diagnosed strep throat. I spent
the rest of the week on the couch while
everyone enjoyed the glorious beach
weather. My only source of entertainment was the Democratic National
Convention, which was on all three of the
channels we received on the portable TV
in the cottage. Fun times, that was.
The following April my husband
and I thought it would be fun to take
Amtrak to Washington, D.C., for the
Cherry Blossom Festival. Traveling by
train conjured up romantic images of The
Orient Express, but that was quickly dispelled A trip that takes five hours by car
took nine by train. But the scenery must
have been gorgeous, one would think.
Unfortunately, no. Train tracks do not
run in the most scenic areas of towns.
We got a nine-hour tour of every slum
and depressed town between Pittsburgh
and D.C. It rained the whole time we
were there, knocking off all the cherry
blossoms. I had purchased new jeans
for the trip, and because we were so wet,
the dye bled and stained my legs. To top
off my tour of the nation’s capitol as a
Smurf, I came down with the flu on the
way home. Nothing like sitting for nine
hours on a train with fever and chills and
returning to a lovely Pittsburgh greeting
of a late-April snow storm. Of course, we
had no coats.
Vacation accommodations are always
a gamble. The year my mom booked
a cottage for us right on the lake in
Sandusky, Ohio, when we went to Cedar
Point sounded ideal on paper. Yes, we
were right on the lake--next to a drawbridge that went up and down all night
with clanging and boats tooting horns.
It reminded me of that scene in Annie
Hall where Woody Allen’s character as a
child lived under the Coney Island roller
coaster.
Through the years, we’ve had bats in
our cottage, skunks under our camper,
and have been evacuated twice for
impending hurricanes headed for the
Outer Banks.
While those vacation disasters were
unpleasant, it’s not every holiday mishap that induces nightmares for years to
come. The pièce de résistance of vacation
catastrophes that holds a special place in
my family lore, even today, is our fateful
trip to Skyline Drive, in the Blue Ridge
Mountains of Virginia. I was probably
10 and, once again, we were in our tent,
and to make things really pleasant, it was,
you guessed it, raining. In fact, the days
we were there, the area set records for
rainfall. During one brief respite from
the deluge, we--my parents and my three
siblings and I--emerged from our tent
to take a walk. My little sister’s shoes
got wet, so as my mom headed back to
the tent to get her different a pair, we
saw people pointing. We were heading right toward a black bear. Our legs
turned into wheels like those of the Road
Runner, and you never saw six people run
and cram into a station wagon so fast.
Terrified, we kids refused to leave the car.
My dad thought we were nuts, but we
wouldn’t let him sleep that night in the
tent either. After an uncomfortable night
of six people sleeping in the back of a
Ford LTD, we packed up and headed to
a safer Pennsylvania campground.
The saying goes A Bad Day of
Vacation is Better than a Good Day at
Work—I don’t know about that--I’ve
never had nightmares from work. F
Janice Lane Palko, a recent
recipient of the prestigious Amy
Foundation Award for writing,
has numerous articles in print
in such publications as The
Reader’s Digest, Guideposts
for Teens, Woman’s World and
The Christian Science Monitor.
Her work has also been featured in the books A
Cup of Comfort for Inspiration, A Cup of Comfort
for Expectant Mothers and Chicken Soup for the
Single’s Soul.
Saint
Alexis
Festival Days
August 1, 2, 3 & 4 • 6-11pm Nightly
10090 Old Perry Highway
•
Live stage entertainment Games
Rides Food Raffles
•
•
Flea Market • July 21 8:00 am–2:00 pm
Join us for the 20th annual Saint Alexis Festival from
Aug. 1-4, 6-11 p.m. nightly on the church grounds.
Fun for all ages including rides, live stage entertainment,
games, delicious festival-style food and nightly indoor
dinner specials, auctions, Kiddieland, blackjack & poker,
raffles and so much more!
For more information: (724) 935-4343 or www.stalexis.org
Don’t miss the Slippery Rock University
2012-13 Performing Arts Series
T
he Slippery RockUniversity Performing Arts Series is fun, entertaining and the best deal in the
area. Their audience will again be pleased by this year’s series that will offer season subscribers
three shows and the opportunity to select one of the special ‘café-style’ seating shows.
The 2012-13 SRU series will offer :
n The Dukes of Dixieland, Sept. 7, traditional Dixieland, jazz, pop, gospel and country;
n The Moscow Boys Choir’s “Christmas Around the World Tour,” Dec. 2;
n “The Marvelous Wonderettes,” March 9, ;The musical includes favorites from the 1950s
and 1960s, including “Mr. Sandman,” “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “It’s My Party,” and
“Respect;”
n and the choice of Joe Negri and Friends in Concert, Oct. 12, one of the best jazz
guitarists in the country; or The Hunts, a champion fiddling and world-ranked step dance
family, April 28.
All concerts are at 7:30 p.m., except the April 28 program, which is at 4 p.m., in the MultiPurpose room in the University Union. The Hunts will offer a free step-dance workshop at 1:45
p.m. on April 28 for children who have purchased show tickets with their family. Advanced registration is required.
Season tickets for 4 events are: $76 - adults; $68 - seniors; $60 - youth; and $28 - SRU students. There is a $3 overall handling fee. Tickets may be ordered by calling 724.738.2018.
Individual show performance tickets are available to order now but will not be filled until after
the subscriptions requests are filled. Opportunities for individuals and businesses to be sponsors.
Be a part of this special season today! F
Purchase of
$25 or more
Dine in only. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Only one coupon per
visit, per party. Not valid on daily specials. Excludes alcohol.
Expires 7/31/12.
NC7-12_1
$5 Off
NC| TRIVIA July 2012
Rumbling Tumbling Trivia
Tracking U.S. Natural Disasters
By Paula Green
leaving an estimated 162 people dead. The Joplin tornado is the
deadliest single tornado since modern recordkeeping began in 1950
and is ranked as the seventh deadliest in U.S. history.
Since we have stormed through natural U. S. disasters, we must
now see “weather” or not we can breeze through some questions.
Get ready to rumble because it’s time to get a little trivial…
1. Hurricane Katrina caused $81 billion in damages. What day did
it hit New Orleans?
2. In the 1930s, drought and erosion brought on this destructive
weather event in the Great Plains.
3. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. When does it officially end?
4. On June 2, an EF-1 tornado hit this area in Westmoreland
County.
5. The 1964 Alaskan earthquake struck during which religious day
of observance?
6. March 11-15, a massive blizzard stretched from Canada thru
Central America, causing snow, heavy rains, and tornadoes.
What year did this occur?
7. In 1980, this active volcano erupted in Washington State, killing 57 and destroying 200 homes.
8. This sporting event was interrupted by an earthquake in the
“Bay” area in 1989.
9. Name the hurricane that hit Homestead, Florida, in Aug. 1992?
10.On April 3, 1974, a deadly tornado swept through this city in
Ohio?
11.The West Coast has the San Andreas Fault line. What is the
name of the fault line that runs in the central U.S.?
12.An intense vortex that forms into a funnel cloud over the sea is
called?
13.During Nov. 11-12, 1940, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa,
Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan were hit with a storm
called?
14.Tornadoes are measured on an EF Scale. What does the EF
stand for?
15.In 1950, the Pittsburgh blizzard began during this holiday. F
Sources: http://genealogy.about.com/od/histroic_disasters/tp/deadliest_us/htm, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/03disasters-in-us-anextreme_n_947750.html, http://www.livescience.com/11365-10-worst-naturaldisasters-html, http://www.noaa.gov/2011_tornado_information.html, http://
www.wikipedia.com
Answers: Aug. 29, 2005 2. The Dust Bowl 3. Nov. 30 4. Ligonier 5. Good
Friday (Mar. 27) 6. 1993 7. Mount St. Helens 8. World Series (game 3) 9.
Andrew 10. Xenia 11. New Madrid 12. waterspout 13. Armistice Day Blizzard
14. Enhanced Fujita 15. Thanksgiving
F
irst the earth shook, then along came a hurricane drenching.
The East Coast was hit with a double-whammy within a week.
On August 23, 2011, a powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake
(dubbed the East Coast Earthquake) was felt in Washington, D.C,
at the Pentagon, at the nation’s Capitol and up and down the East
Coast. It was followed by Hurricane Irene, whose impact equated
to the size of Europe.
Natural disasters are unwelcomed, but they’re, unfortunately, a
part of our existence. They include: avalanches, blizzards, cyclones,
drought, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tornadoes, tsunamis, volcanic eruptions and wildfires.
Hurricane Katrina showed us how tragic natural disasters can
be. While Katrina caused extensive damage throughout New
Orleans, Texas and Mississippi, it was not the worst natural disaster
in American history.
The deadliest was the hurricane that ripped into Galveston,
Texas, on Sept. 18, 1900. The Category 4 storm with 16-foot
waves devastated the island city, killing one in six residents and
destroying buildings in its path. Damaged to the region was estimated to be $30 million, while the death toll ranged from 6,000 to
12,000.
A massive earthquake rocked San Francisco in 1906. The
destruction left over half of San Francisco’s population homeless and
killed between 700 and 3,000 people.
A major natural disaster occurred in Pennsylvania: the Great
Johnstown flood claimed an estimated 2,200 lives. Heavy rains
caused the South Fork Dam to collapse on May 31, 1889. More
than 20 millions tons of water, in a wave reaching more than 70-feet
high, swept 14 miles down the Little Conemaugh River Valley,
destroying everything in its path, including most of the industrial
city of Johnstown.
The heat wave of 1980 proved to be one of the nation’s most catastrophic prolonged weather events. A high-pressure ridge pushed temperatures across the central and southern United States above 90 degrees
for most of the summer. Agricultural damage tallied an estimated $48
billion due to a massive drought, and 10,000 people died from heat
related ailments.
In 1964, a 9.2 earthquake struck south central Alaska; tsunamis
from the quake caused approximately 131 deaths. It’s the second largest
earthquake recorded in history.
The deadliest tornado on record in the U.S. occurred on March
18, 1925. The “Tri-State Tornado” (Missouri, Illinois and Indiana)
had a 291-mile path, was rated F5 based on a historical assessment
and caused 695 fatalities.
On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado hit the city of Joplin, Mo.,
By Marianne Reid Anderson
G
eocaching is a worldwide phenomenon. It is a treasure
hunt and a family-fun activity for all ages! All you need is
a GPS-device and an account on www.geocaching.com.
You begin by registering on the www.geocaching.com website. You will need to create a special “geocaching name” for
you or your team. For example, there’s the Cuddy Cache Crew,
Team LegoTJL, and Noctivagan, the silvered hair bat. You can
then look for coordinates and descriptions of geocaches near
you. Next, you enter the coordinates of the caches that you want
to find into your GPS and off you go
to hunt and explore.
People all over the world hide
waterproof containers and log the
GPS coordinates on www.geocaching.com. The containers range in size
from large to micro. The larger containers contain various “swag” such
as Happy Meal® toys, key chains,
company giveaways and so forth. The
rule is that if you take something out,
you need to put something back into
the container. So you should always
bring some items of swag along to
leave behind in the caches.
Through geocaching, our family
team of all ages is out together, hiking in fresh
air and sunshine, learning how to use a GPS
and best of all, hunting for buried treasure.
Caches are located all over the world –
from parks to parking lots, from drive up,
convenient “stop and go” to much more difficult ones that require SCUBA diving.
The locations can vary in terrain and difficulty so caches are rated on a scale of 1 to
5 for each with 5 being the toughest. These
ratings help people pick the caches suitable for their abilities. Terrain 5 generally
means that special equipment is required
such as climbing gear. Difficulty describes
how hard the item is to solve or find. For
example, you could have an item in the
middle of a flat field with a terrain of 1, but it is so well hidden
that there is a difficulty of 5.
The caches are also categorized in various ways such as dogfriendly, so even the family pet can participate. Other categories
include night caches with reflectors, caches that are wheelchair
accessible and ones that require you to solve a puzzle first to
determine the coordinates.
When we go geocaching with a group, our dear friends The
Cuddy Cache Crew taught us the following protocol: The first
one to find the cache saunters away and calls out “leprechaun”
– meaning the cache has been spotted. Then in turn, as each
member of the group spots the cache, he or she saunters away
and calls “leprechaun.” This way everyone has a chance to find
it before it is pulled out of its hiding spot. The only problem is
NC| TECH TALK
Family Fun with Geocaching!
that this requires a good deal of self-discipline. Many times the
first person to spot the cache is just too excited and forgets to be
coy before yelling “leprechaun.”
Geocaching.com also offers a mobile app so you can interact
with the website while you are hunting for caches, including asking for hints, logging finds, or reporting a lost cache, also known
as a “muggled” cache.
You can also use your SMART Phone’s GPS functionality
to find the coordinates. However, a regular GPS available from
DeLorme®, Megellin® or Garmin®
is more accurate in pinpointing a
cache. If you have children under
the age of 12, I highly recommend
the GeoMate Jr®. It is designed for
smaller hands, has bigger buttons
and is extremely accurate and very
easy to use.
Geocaching.com has everything
you need to get started, but they also
have lots of fun and interesting items
for the more advanced cacher. There
are collectible medallions called
“path tags” and teams can design
and mint their own coin to distribute
into caches. My personal favorite
items are the “Travel Bugs.” Each travel bug
has a unique identification code that you can
log with geocaching.com and the location
where it was first found. As fellow cachers
find the travel bug, they move it to another
cache. You can then watch the progress of the
travel bug around the world. On a recent trip
to Europe, we took a travel bug from Frick
Park and placed it in a cache in Ireland. It is
now somewhere in The Netherlands.
There are also geocaching events where
geocachers get together to swap stories, trade
collectibles and offer tips and advice. Just last
month, Team LegoTJL, sponsored an Easter
Cache Hunt and Picnic in North Park and plans
to make it an annual event.
I asked Tommy and Andy, the six- and tenyear-old members of the Cuddy Cache Crew, why they like to
geocache. The six year old simply said, “Cuz it’s good.” I think
that pretty much says it all.
I hope any readers out there who are fellow geocachers will
add an anecdote or two about their geo-caching adventures
or share important fun facts about geocaching on Northern
Connection magazine’s Facebook page or by emailing me directly at [email protected]. F
Marianne Reid Anderson is the Lead Professional Writer and Social Media
Consultant at Solutions4networks. Solutions4networks provides a vast array of
network consulting services including social networking. For more information,
go to our website at www.s4nets.com or you can contact Marianne directly at
[email protected].
NC| Image + Style
Dressing to the
MAX
By Kelly A. Smith
T
he maxi dress used to be
synonymous only with summer vacations, but gone are
the days of labeling it as a “vacation
only” dress. With so many lengths,
prints and styles to choose from, the
possibilities are endless. The maxi
dress gives a sophisticated look that is
appropriate for not just summer parties but for the office as well. They
can be worn casual with sandals and
bangles or teamed up with heels and
sleek jewelry. You really don’t need
to be a certain height or weight to
make this dress work for you, but
you do need to find the right fit for
your body type.
Fit To find a customized look
that flatters you, choose a style with a
hemline that just brushes against the
top of your ankles. As far as the fit
itself, look for fabrics that just drape
over your natural curves because too
much material will leave you swimming in a sea of fabric. If you are
petite, pleats or tiered accents will
make you appear more proportional,
while halter styles are great for those
who are a bit top heavy (bigger bustline, broader shoulders).
Color/style The color and pattern should also be considered to
create a sleek silhouette. Darker,
solid colors are always slimming but
don’t be afraid to show some print.
If you are plus-sized, stick with small,
sparse patterns. Geometric or color
blocking will only add pounds. For
a petite frame, large prints or vertical
stripes will add height and create a
streamlined look. Also, keep in mind
that an A-line style will make you
appear slimmer, while a V-neck will
visually elongate a short frame.
JOIN THE
REVOLUTION!
You Can Lose 3-9+ Inches in 2 Weeks
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• Zerona specializes
in all over body
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• Northern
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Accessories Adding the right
We will match any Local Zerona or
Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
accessories will help you to “pull off”
www.Laser-Enhancements.com
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the maxi dress. Since these dresses
*Conditions apply
Laser Enhancements Cranberry Twp. • 724-591-5670
have so much material, a belt can
*With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Exp. 7-31-12
almost always be worn to cinch a
All Lasers used are safe for men and women, painless, no side effects.
waist where curves may need to be
created. And if the thought of baring your arms or shoulders leaves you cringing, you can
always add a lightweight sweater or blazer. When considering accessories, always go by the old adage of “less is
more.” In other words, if you are wearing a loud print,
let the print do the talking by wearing understated jewelry.
In contrast, if you choose a solid color, turn up the volume with lots of shiny, bold statement pieces.
And of course, adding the grand finale, shoes! With
this dress, just about anything goes: sandals, wedges, and
heels are all appropriate. A good rule of thumb: Open
toed are a “go,” closed toed are a “no.”
The maxi dress should be celebrated this summer, so
give it equal treatment and let it see more than the back of
your closet this summer! F
724-591-5670
NC| Image + Style
If Two Is Company,
Is Four A Crowd?
By Robert and Michele Tedder
Sponsored by
W
hen was the last time you and your spouse went out on a date?... Still thinking?...
Can’t remember?... Are you asking what’s a date?...That’s not good.
Dating after marriage is an essential part of keeping your relationship healthy. Most
of us made it a priority to plan special moments together during the courtship phase of
our relationships. Nothing could keep us from those precious stolen moments: walks
in the park, candlelight dinners, attending a baseball game, a boat ride or nights at the
movies just to name a few. Somehow after the “I do’s,” the demands of married life
slowly squeeze out the time you once shared just dating and enjoying one another.
Sadly, it becomes easier and easier to fall into the trap of going to work, taking kids to
activities, managing day-to-day responsibilities at the expense of spending quality time
together as a couple.
Usually we think of dating as private time spent with our spouses. While private
time is valuable and necessary, there is also room for dating with other couples. A recent
research study at the University of Maryland (published in the Huffington Post, 2012)
found that double-dating could be one of the secrets to a long and happy marriage.
Researchers found that maintaining healthy friendships with other couples can help to
solidify a couple’s sense of themselves as a unit and can even increase partners’ attraction to one another.
The studies were conducted between 2008 and 2010 on over 426 individuals. The
results indicated that when couples spend time dating with other couples, they can
serve as role models for one another. Often couples begin to model the strengths of
another couple or may gain some insight about what doesn’t work so well in a relationship. Another benefit of dating with other couples is that you get to see your partner
(hopefully) at their best when they are around other people. Sometimes certain positive aspects of our personalities come out when we are in the presence of people we are
not normally around. Seeing these qualities in another context can remind us of what
attracted us to one another in the first place.
We totally believe in the importance of making time to date one another. It is how
we keep our relationship fresh and interesting. Not only do we enjoy spending time
together, we have benefited from spending time with other couples who share our commitment and values for nurturing relationships. Strong marriages result in strong families.
Because we enjoy the benefits of dating one another and believe other couples
should too, we have decided to offer Marvelous Marriage Mondays in partnership
with Walnut Grill once a month beginning on July 23, 2012, from 7-9pm. Walnut Grill
is located at 12599 Perry Hwy Wexford.
Marvelous Marriage Mondays are designed to provide a unique opportunity to have
dinner, participate in fun couples activities and healthy facilitated discussions that are
sure to enhance your relationship. Reservations are required and space is limited.
If you want to enhance your relationship by spending quality time together as well
as reaping the many benefits of getting to know other couples, mark your calendars, get
a sitter and reserve your spot today by emailing us at [email protected]. The
first 10 couples who reserve their spot will get a special gift on the night of the event. F
Rev. Robert W. Tedder, MSW, the Senior Pastor of Union Baptist Church of Swissvale, is a clinical social
worker with over 20 years of experience. A graduate of Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh,
he is a seasoned presenter and former adjunct instructor at the University of Pittsburgh. A. Michele Tedder,
MSN, RN, CC is a professional life coach certified by the Life Purpose Institute and a registered nurse with
a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a Master of Science Degree in
Nursing Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. A former clinician and community wellness educator for UPMC, Michele has a wealth of knowledge and experience from the health and mental health arena.
The Tedders have been married 27 years and are the parents of three children. They are the co-founders of
Marvelous Marriages, a division of Joy for Life, a life purpose, career and marriage and family coaching organization. Joy for Life offers individual, couples and group coaching, as well as seminars and workshops. For
more information, contact Michele directly at (412) 983-7661 or [email protected]. Be sure to like us
on Facebook at Joyforlifecoaching.
A Triple Triumph
By Paula Green
E
nlisting in the military takes courage, dedication and
patriotism. But once you decide to join, the question
then becomes: What branch of the armed services should
you choose?
Eighty-eight-year-old, Pittsburgh resident Dr. Karl Blake is a
veteran who dutifully served his country in not one or two, but
three different branches of the military. There aren’t that many
individuals that have achieved such a notable feat.
Dr. Blake first joined the military in 1942, as a member of
the Navy Reserve. “I spent a brief stint with them, about six
months. They eventually discharged me because I was color
blind,” said Dr. Blake.
Next, he was drafted by the United States Army, and placed
in their ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program). This
program was instituted by the Army during World War II at a
number of American universities to meet wartime demands for
junior officers and soldiers with special skills. Its purpose was to
provide continuous and accelerated flow of high-grade technicians and specialists needed by the Army.
Dr. Blake was sent to the University of Pennsylvania for premed studies. After that, the Army placed him in medical school
at the University of Pittsburgh, where he eventually became a
surgeon and a teacher.
NC| Support Our Troops
Dr. Karl Blake
“I wanted to go overseas, but
they wouldn’t take me because I
was an instructor. I spent two and
a half years in the Army. I left in
the middle of my sophomore year.
I was discharged because the war
was ending, and I then returned to
my civilian life,” Dr. Blake said.
“When the Korean War came
along, I was put on active duty
in the U.S. Air Force. I was an
instructor and a flight surgeon.
After the Korean War, I finished
up on the G.I. Bill of Rights. I had to be ready to go at a
moment’s notice, but I didn’t end up being reactivated. It was
hard getting through all of it but I managed,” Dr. Blake said.
In addition to being a surgeon, Dr. Blake taught Anatomy
courses, part-time at the University of Pittsburgh. He was raised
in Mercer, and at one time, he lived in Carnegie. He currently
resides in the North Hills.
He and wife Dorothy raised six children; four boys, John,
Tom, Matt and Dwight and two girls Nancy and Sue. He has
18 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
Northern Connection magazine salutes Dr. Blake for years of
military service in the Navy Reserve, U.S. Army and Air Force. F
We welcome brief biographies and photos of local servicemen and women
from our community. If you know of someone you’d like to see featured in
this column, please call (724) 940-2444 or mail the information to: Northern
Connection Magazine, P.O. Box 722, Wexford, PA 15090-0722 or email [email protected].
Physicians & Healthcare Professionals 2012 Guide
Advanced Liposuction
Center
Beaver Valley
Foot Clinic
Advanced OB/GYN
Associates
CCP – Bellevue
Pediatric Associates
AdLipoCenter.com
724-987-3221
advancedobgyn.com
724-776-4535
cc-peds.net
412-761-1190
Advanced Pain
Medicine
Body Beautiful
Laser Medi-Spa
Advanced Vein Center
Butler Memorial
Health Systems
Cardiovascular
Advancedpainmedicine.com
724-933-0300
AdVeinCenter.com
724-987-3220
Allegheny Imaging of
McCandless
Alleghenyimaging.com
412-367-SCAN
Always at Home
alwaysathome.org
412-348-1065
Balance for Wellness
Balanceforwellness.com
724-687-0731 Mars
724-477-3181 Butler
bvfootclinic.com
724-772-FOOT(3668)
BBLMSpa.com
724-987-3221
Dr. Jonas Cooper MD, MPH
BHSCardiovascular.org
724-431-0550
Celtic Healthcare
Celtichealthcare.com
800-355-8894
Center for
Digestive Health
gihealth.com
412-262-1000 (opt. 2) – Moon
724-772-3660 (opt. 2) –
Cranberry
Chiropractic
Family Healthcare –
Dr. Shawn Richey
laserawayinches.com
724-940-9000
Choice Chiropractic
& Wellness Center
choicechiropractic.net
412-364-9699
Laser Enhancements
enhancementlasers.com
724-591-5670
Brad Levinson, MD
Colon and Rectal Surgeon
724-741-6020
Malec, Herring,
& Krause
Circulatory Centers
www.malecherringkrause.com
724-772-4949
De Novo Chiropractic
& Health
metroent.org
724-772-2711
veinhealth.com
800-517-6172
Metropolitan ENT
Associates
denovopittsburgh.com
412-443-8873
Pediatric Alliance
Grice Chiropractic
Seven Fields
Veterinary Hospital
Gricehiropractic.com
412-387-9977 Pittsburgh
724-776-9977 Mars
HealthSouth Hospitals
of Pittsburgh
DemandHealthSouth.com
1-877-937-3422
Hope Hospice
pediatricalliance.com
www.sevenfieldsvet.com
724-742-4433
St. Barnabas
Health System
stbarnabashealthsystem.com
724-443-0700
hopehospicepgh.org
1-877-367-3685
Tri-State Orthopeadics
tristateortho.com
412-369-4000 – North Hills
724-776-2488 – Seven Fields
412-787-7582 – Robinson
412-696-0300 – Fox Chapel
UPMC
www.findadoc.upmc.com
1-800-533-UPMC (8762)
UPMC Eye Center
upmc.com/eyecenter
412-647-2200
Vactor Family
Chiropractic
vactorchiropractic.com
weightlossnorthpittsburgh.com
724-742-2700
The Vein Institute –
Terrance R.
Krysinski MD
veininstituteofpittsburgh.com
724-934-VEIN
(Wexford/Warrendale)
412-809-VEIN (Robinson)
WPAHS
wpahs.org
(412) DOCTORS (362-8677)
PHYSICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS
Are You as Fit as
a Fifth Grader?
Michael Parkinson, MD, MPH
Senior Medical Director, Health and Productivity
UPMC Health Plan
M
any of you have seen the popular TV show, “Are You
Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” And, no doubt you
came away with more of an appreciation for the things
fifth-graders know that adults do not – or at least have forgotten!
Well, it’s just as likely that many adults would be surprised
to learn the answer to this question: “Are You as Fit as a FifthGrader?” Chances are you don’t know the answer and it’s very
unlikely that you easily could find out from either your doctor or
your corporate wellness program.
My fifth-grade son recently brought home his “Fitness
Gram,” which recorded how he scored in a number of physical tests designed to measure fitness. What struck me was how
detailed the assessment was, especially in contrast to its equivalent wellness assessment in the corporate or “adult” world.
Employers have been measuring and promoting workplace
wellness primarily through the use of a health risk assessment
which measures personal health behaviors and self-reported
height and weight, or body mass index (BMI). Many employers
add biometric screenings, which include blood pressure and lipid
or blood fat levels as well. And, of course, all employers are now
required to pay for preventive care at no cost to their employees.
Typically, individuals whose scores or lab values indicate low
risk are considered the most healthy. But the absence of risk does
not equal “health.” And, clearly, the absence of risk does not
equal “fitness.” Simply put, in the corporate world at least, the
bar has been set too low on the measurement and definition of
“wellness.”
My fifth-grader was assessed for his aerobic capacity, otherwise known as “VO2 Max.” VO2Max or aerobic capacity, is
the maximum volume of oxygen an individual’s body consumes
during peak exercise. It is widely considered the test that best
reflects the overall cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) physical fitness of an individual. VO2 Max has been shown to be the best
single predictor of “all cause mortality” – how long we’ll live.
Aerobic testing is almost never part of corporate wellness
tests for adults, but the information is important to assessing and
improving one’s health and fitness. Greater aerobic capacity has
been associated with the ability to better perform both physical
and mental work – clearly required in today’s demanding and
competitive workplace.
My son’s fitness test also included an assessment of his
muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility – other core components of total fitness. He was measured by the number of
sit-ups, trunk lifts, push-ups and sit-and-reach exercises he could
perform in a certain time
period. For example, in
order for a 10-year-old
boy to be classified as
being in the “healthy
fitness zone,” he needed
to be able to do 12 sit-ups and seven push-ups.
Employers might be surprised to learn that muscle
strength and flexibility are equally important in the workplace. Musculoskeletal injuries such as strains and sprains are
due often to obesity, lack of core body strength, and fitness.
Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of lost workdays,
as well as medical and disability costs. Back injuries, slips, and
stretching mishaps are common work-related incidents that
employees face and that could be avoided with improved core
body strength.
The final fitness measurement test for fifth-graders is the one
that is common in health risk assessments as well: BMI. BMI
is based on a formula that takes into account your height and
weight in determining whether you have a healthy percentage
of body fat. A BMI of less than 25 is ideal, 25 to 29.9 means
you are overweight, and 30 or more means you are obese. In
general, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of
screening for one’s potential to develop a variety of medical conditions from hypertension and diabetes to many types of cancer
and arthritis.
One reason fifth-graders may be more fit than adults is that,
generally speaking, they are more active. In order to improve fitness people need to participate in moderate aerobic activity for
30 minutes a day, five days a week. It does not matter if the 30
minutes is all-at-once or split into three 10-minute segments.
What’s important is to try to get moving! Some exercise at any
level of intensity is better than none as you start your journey to
build endurance.
Trying to become as fit as a fifth-grader is within your
reach – not immediately, but over time. Any company – (or,
individual, for that matter) – that wants to take wellness to “the
next level” should start measuring fitness the way fifth-graders
do. Comprehensive fitness assessment can be incorporated into
onsite wellness screening.
So for companies serious about “raising the bar” on fitness
and corporate productivity the answer is clear, “Yes, we should
ALL be as fit – and assessed for comprehensive fitness – as our
own fifth graders!” F
The Children’s Home of Pi
& Lemieux Family Cente
Where it’s all about the kids!
A
you.
t The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center, it’s all about the kids! Whether your child has to transition from a hospital setting to home, needs a specialized day care center because of a medical condition or if you are
interested in growing your family through adoption, The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center is the place for
Adoption
Child’s Way®
The Social Workers in our Adoption Program provide a
lifetime of support services, including extensive counseling
and support for everyone involved in adoption before, during
and years after the adoption. The skilled professionals at The
Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center understand that
the involvement of birthparents and adoptive parents helps to
ensure that each adoption progresses to a successful, stable and
joyous outcome.
Every day in Child’s Way® we care for children with
medical complications. From seizure disorders to respiratory
illnesses, we are a vital alternative or supplement to in-home
nursing care. Child’s Way enables children to participate in a
typical school experience whether in story time, water play or
dance class, all while receiving necessary nursing care, therapies and medical monitoring. The staff prides itself on serving
every single child that enters our doors with specialty care,
concern and compassion.
“I wanted to make sure my baby had what I never
had, and, by choosing adoption with The Children’s
Home, I could give him that – a mother and a
father in a situation where I knew he would be
taken care of and where I knew he would be okay.”
-Birthparent, Adoption Program
It’s all about the kids! Our Adoption Program is very
close to obtaining a contract with the Statewide Adoption
and Permanency Network (SWAN), where we will join many
other agencies throughout Pennsylvania to help older children prepare for and to achieve permanency.
“There aren’t enough words in the English language to express how thankful we are to have you
to help us raise our precious daughter. Not a day
goes by that we don’t sing your praises to family,
friends, doctors, nurses, and complete strangers.”
- Child’s Way parents
It’s all about the kids! Our next step for the kids is to
continue to advocate for new legislation through PA House
Bill 1960 to increase the age of children we can legally serve
in Child’s Way, from eight to 21. Based on feedback from
families, we know this service expansion will be integral to
ensuring continued care for these children.
ittsburgh
er
Pediatric Specialty Hospital
You are Home
Since 1984, our acute care 24-bed Pediatric Specialty
Hospital has been providing transitional care to children from
hospital to home. Our medical staff brings decades of knowledge and pediatric experience to providing high-quality medical care for patients and one-on-one attention to family members. Also available to family members is the Lemieux Family
Center, a dedicated family living area. This gives families the
convenience of staying in the same building as the Hospital,
while also providing the opportunity to practice caring for
their child in a home-like setting with the reassurance that
nurses are just a few steps away.
It is through our three signature programs – Adoption,
Child’s Way and the Pediatric Specialty Hospital, that our
staff continues to put their best efforts into caring for every
kid on an individual basis.
We are humbled to be in our 119th year of serving families in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our energy for continuing
this work is strong – we are filled with big ideas for enhancing
our existing programs and constantly looking for our next
step to enrich the lives of the children and families we serve.
“When we arrived at The Children’s Home, the
staff was amazing! Everyone goes out of their way
to make you feel at home and comfortable and it’s
all genuine. They took care of not only my child,
but also of me and my family. They accommodated
us in every way, shape and form.”
Keep in touch with us! We’d love to send you our new
e-newsletter! It’s filled with important information on children’s issues. If we do not have your email address, please
email [email protected] or sign up at our web site www.
childrenshomepgh.org. F
- Parent, Pediatric Specialty Hospital,
Lemieux Family Center
It’s all about the kids! Our next step for the kids is the
implementation of a telemedicine initiative where the use of
real-time interactive telecommunications technology delivers
consultation services.
Fighting an Internal Threat
T
he immune system produces antibodies that identify and destroy
foreign invaders. In cases of autoimmune disease, however, antibodies
can’t distinguish between good and bad
cells, which results in the destruction of
healthy tissue.
“Autoimmunity is a condition that
essentially causes a person’s immune
system to turn against itself,” says Amy
Kao, MD, director of biomedical informatics at the Lupus Center of Excellence
at West Penn Allegheny Health System.
“Instead of defending against invaders,
such as bacteria or viruses, the immune
system attacks the body’s own tissues and
organs.”
According to the National Institutes
of Health, more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases affect as many as 22
million people in the United States.
These conditions can cause symptoms
in nearly any part of the body and are
often characterized by severe inflammation. Common illnesses that fall into this
category include: Crohn’s disease, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus
erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome and
Type 1 diabetes
Symptoms of autoimmune diseases,
which present during episodes called
“flares,” vary according to the condition
and the organs involved, but common
bodily responses include fatigue, fever
and general feelings of illness.
Additionally, gender can affect a person’s chances of developing one of these
conditions. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention, women
make up more than 78 percent of people
affected by autoimmune diseases.
Who’s at Risk?
Although physicians and researchers are unsure what causes autoimmune
diseases, many cases result from a combination of risk factors, notably genetic
predisposition.
“Family history is one of the most
significant contributing factors to the
development of autoimmune disease,”
Dr. Kao says. “However, environmental
and lifestyle factors also play important
roles. For example, cigarette smoking can
increase risk for and severity of rheumatoid arthritis.”
Treating Autoimmunity
Treating autoimmune diseases
requires a multidisciplinary team of specialists skilled in disease management.
These health professionals develop treatment plans aimed at reducing symptoms,
gaining control of the body’s autoimmune process and sustaining the body’s
disease-fighting abilities.
Learn more about the treatment
options for autoimmune diseases at
West Penn Allegheny Health System.
To be referred to a specialist, call 412.
DOCTORS (412.362.8677). F
M.D., RPhS, RVS
Board Certified Phlebologist, General Surgeon
H
ealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals of Pittsburgh outpatient rehabilitation services provide patients and their
families with access to highly skilled professionals representing a wide variety of rehabilitation techniques and the newest
of treatments and technology.
With locations at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of
Sewickley and HealthSouth Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital,
many residents are able to access HealthSouth’s advanced outpatient rehabilitation care a short drive from home.
Specialized Programs
Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan. A
patient’s first visit includes a complete evaluation with a licensed
physical, occupational or speech therapist who develops a treatment plan with the referring physicians. This plan is carefully
customized to the patient’s specific needs. The treatment plan
includes one or more of HealthSouth’s specialized programs.
“No two plans are ever the same, just like no two patients
are ever the same,” said Scott Bleakley, PT, therapy team leader
at HealthSouth Sewickley. “Each and every patient is carefully
evaluated to ensure that the treatment they receive is the best
match for their current rehabilitation needs. Every moment
spent in outpatient therapy is precious and we don’t want any
time wasted.”
Outpatient rehabilitation services specialize in three concentrated areas of therapy: physical therapy, occupational therapy
and speech therapy.
“Whatever needs exist with the patient will be met with an
appropriate therapy,” said Bleakley. “Some of our patients only
need one area of therapy, some need all three. It all goes back to
what was determined in your individualized treatment plan.”
After the initial evaluation, a patient’s treatment plan may
utilize one of several of the hospital’s specialized outpatient
rehabilitation programs including amputee, arthritis, brain injury,
driving assessments, fractures, general orthopedics, hand therapy,
multiple sclerosis, neurorehabilitation, occupational therapy, pain
therapy, Parkinson’s disease, physical therapy, post concussion,
speech therapy, spinal cord injury, stroke and vestibular therapy.
“Because we’re a rehabilitation hospital, we are able to
specialize ourselves with a variety of rehabilitation-related programs,” said Dale Reckless, PT, outpatient rehabilitation manager at HealthSouth Harmarville. “This makes us unique in that
we can provide a strong, outpatient rehabilitation treatment plan
for many different kinds of patients. From stroke survivors to hip
fractures, we have a specialized program to treat the patient.”
patient’s outpatient rehabilitation treatment plan. It can provide
a patient with that extra bit of support or assistance needed to
get over a hurdle in recovery. For each patient, the appropriateness of technology is determined in the initial evaluation.”
Some examples of technology used at HealthSouth include
the AutoAmbulator®, Interactive Metronome™, Reo™ Therapy,
VitalStim® Therapy, SaeboFlex®, Bioness NESS L300™ and
more.
“Many times, we are among the first in the region to utilize
a technology in our outpatient rehabilitation programs,” said
Reckless. “We are always striving to be on the cutting edge of
technology. We want our patients to have everything they need
to succeed in therapy and in some cases; technology is a great
piece of the treatment plan.”
Learn more
For more information about HealthSouth Rehabilitation
Hospitals of Pittsburgh’s outpatient rehabilitation services, visit
demandhealthsouth.com or call 1 877 937-7342. F
HealthSouth Leads the Way
in Providing a Higher Level of
Outpatient Rehabilitation Care
State-of-the-art technology
In many instances, a patient’s personalized treatment plan
may include the use of rehabilitation technology.
“HealthSouth is big on technology,” said Reckless. “In
many instances, technology is the perfect way to complement a
Advanced
Pain Medicine
Specializing in advanced
techniques in the treatment of
acute and chronic pain
A
dvanced Pain Medicine specializes in advanced techniques in the
treatment of acute and chronic
pain management. The pervasiveness of
chronic pain is staggering. In fact, recent
statistics show that pain affects as many as
86 million people.
Advanced Pain Medicine provides a
pain management program that considers
the specific needs of each patient. Our
doctors and staff will render treatment
that is of the highest quality and delivered with both dignity and respect. Our
aim is to improve each patient’s quality
of life.
The Physicians and Physician
Assistants have helped many patients suffering from many different causes and
types of pain. In many cases, patients
have told them that APM succeeded
in relieving their pain after many other
medical approaches failed. F
Brad Levinson,
M.D.
B
rad Levinson, M.D. is a Boardcertified Colon and Rectal surgeon,
specializing in the practice of medical and surgical conditions
of the colon and rectum
for 28 years. Dr. Levinson
is also a Fellow of the
American Society of Colon
and Rectal Surgeons and
a Fellow of the American
College of Surgeons. (He
is also Board-certified in General and
Laser Surgery.) He practices out of many
hospitals in western PA with offices in
Cranberry and Mckess Rocks.
Dr. Levinson’s emphasis is preventive
medicine, since most colon and rectal problems, epecially cancer, are totally preventable with procedures such as colonoscopy.
In addition, he emphasizes that most rectal
problems, particularly hemorrhoids, can be
dealt with quiclkly, sometimes in seconds,
and painlessly in the office. Above all, he
believes in giving every patient as much
time as needed with no time restraints
regarding their personal needs.
He accepts ALL insurance! F
By Dr. Shannon Thieroff
A
thletes are a special breed of
people. Whether they’re kids in
school, world-class competitors or
seniors, their bodies need special attention to last. Because of the physical conditioning necessary to play a sport at a
competitive level, athletes can experience
wonderful benefits that last through a
lifetime…if they avoid injury and abnormal wear and tear. Often, people start in
their sport of choice as kids. Continuing
with an active lifestyle into our senior
combines endurance, strength, and
flexibility
n Update your equipment as it wears
out or when more advanced or
“body friendly” options become available
n Eat right and supplement if necessary
n We recommend that adult athletes
get regular chiropractic check-ups.
Keeping a healthy spine and nervous
system becomes crucially important
if you’d like to continue enjoying
sports. Some of the benefits of chiropractic care for athletes include:
n Taking less medicines and having less
surgery
n Faster healing with less restrictions
n Improved balance, reaction time and
muscle strength
If you’ve ever thought about using
chiropractic to improve your health or
your competitive edge, you’re on the
right track. We’re here to help you enjoy
your sports and leisure activity. Have a
very healthy and safe summer sports season! f
CHOICE CHIROPRACTIC
& WELLNESS CENTER, P.C.
Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates
McKnight (412) 364-9699
Moon (412) 424-0019
www.choicechiropractic.net
Adult Athletes:
A Special Breed
Keeping a healthy spine and nervous system
becomes crucially important if you’d like to
continue enjoying sports as you age.
years has been shown to have significant
health benefits including lower rates of
diseases (like heart disease and diabetes),
less depression and longer periods of
independent living.
In adulthood, our bodies become
less elastic and our potential for injury
becomes a lot higher. Here are some tips
to help decrease your risks:
n Exercise through the year, not just
during your competitive season and
use a cross-training approach that
The Benefits of
Breastfeeding
By Hilary Garbon MD, FAAP, IBCLC and
Mary Pagnotto MD, FAAP, IBCLC
T
he decision whether or not to breastfeed your baby can be a
difficult one. Many factors can affect your attitude toward
breastfeeding, such as work situations, family support systems, and cultural factors. As pediatricians, we recommend and
encourage exclusive breastfeeding for infants. Breastfeeding has
an array of benefits for both baby and mother.
Breast milk is the optimal nutritional source for your baby.
The composition of breast milk makes it easier to digest than most
commercially-available formulas. In the United States, death rates,
including SIDS deaths, are reduced in breastfed infants compared
with those who are formula fed. Breast milk provides all of the
calories needed by infants to grow and develop. It also has added
benefits on the immune system. In a number of studies, breast
milk has been found to decrease the incidence of many infectious
diseases, including meningitis, ear infections, respiratory infections, bowel infections, blood infections and urinary tract infections. In addition, breastfed infants have a lower risk of developing
both food and environmental allergies compared with formula fed
infants. There have also been studies to suggest a decreased risk
of asthma, obesity and diabetes in breastfed infants.
Breastfeeding has many benefits for mothers as well. It has
been shown to decrease maternal blood loss after childbirth and
can lead to a faster recovery. The act of suckling at the breast promotes bonding between infants and mothers, and the hormones
released during breastfeeding can improve maternal response to
stress. Breastfeeding
requires a significant number
of calories and
therefore helps
with post-partum
weight loss. It also
delays the return of
mother’s menstrual
period and can be a natural
form of post-partum contraception. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovarian cancer later in life. In addition, breastfeeding is the most cost
effective way to feed baby and is readily available, requiring little
preparation (which can be a big benefit in the middle of the night).
There is also less environmental waste with breastfeeding.
There are a few common barriers to breastfeeding. There is
often a lack of education regarding all the benefits of breastfeeding,
a lack of support from family members, friends and colleagues, and
difficulty with breastfeeding initiation. It is important to discuss
your decision to breastfeed with your significant other. Mothers
with more support often have a more successful and enjoyable
breastfeeding experience. There are many resources available to
help you with your decision to breastfeed, including local breastfeeding centers, hospital lactation consultants and your pediatrician.
Breastfeeding is best for your baby. It is a natural source of
nutrition and helps you bond with your newborn. Like all things
new, breastfeeding takes practice. Your pediatrician can be a useful resource for any questions you have regarding your decision to
breastfeed. F
Reference source: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, AAP Policy
Statement. PEDIATRICS Vol. 115 No. 2 February 2005
Not many of us take care of our bodies
the way we should. We let some things go unattended like
losing weight and getting healthy. I had two heart attacks
and my heart doctor told me I had to lose 35 pounds of
weight or risk death. I wasn’t sure what or how to do it.
Frankly, they gave me no game plan or system to make
it happen.
I was introduced to a local doctor named Michael Vactor who
has extensive experience in the natural health field. He is a
weight loss expert and knows what it takes to get results. You
may have seen him on television, heard him on the radio, or
read about him in the newspaper. As a matter a fact, he has
worked with professional athletes from both the Pirates and
Steelers organizations. This doctor absolutely knows what it
takes to lose weight and keep it off. I started on his Ultimate
Fat Loss System and Food Management Plan, and I have lost
35 pounds in the first 30 days. That’s right, you did not read
a typo: 35 pounds in 30 days. I feel great and I have tremendous energy. I’m not on any medication, which is very unusual
for a post cardiac patient. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate
this doctor and his program a 10 plus! He is caring and very
compassionate to his patients.
The program was very easy to follow, and the natural products work like magic to take the weight off. I’m so glad that I
could lose the weight without drugs or surgery. I did not even
have to go to the gym and sweat to lose the weight. The best
part is, unlike most diet plans, I wasn’t hungry at all. I was not
only losing weight, but putting good quality nutrition and supplementation into my body. I feel so healthy and my energy
levels are better than they have been in years.
I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who
is serious about losing weight and keeping it off. Dr. Vactor
custom tailors a program to each individual’s needs. His program not only works fast, but is very safe (no drugs), and is
a fraction of the cost of other weight loss programs.
Call Now To Have Access
To This Amazing Weight
Loss Technology
724-742-2700
(only 15 spots available)
To learn more about this complete system that was formerly
only available in Europe, contact his office to schedule your
“no-cost” workshop. It will explain all the details and answer
your questions. Call now as space is limited and many of his
workshops have a waiting list to attend.
His office number is 724-742-2700. You can also go on his
website and request a “free report” at www.weightlossnorthpittsburgh.com. When you call, tell them Richard sent you,
and they will take great care of you.
P.S. There is no program on the planet that gets these types
of results in this short period of time. It is doctor supervised
and comes with a guarantee. You have nothing to lose but
the weight.
P.P.S. This program not only takes the weight off, but
allows you to keep it off forever. He has helped so many
people that have lost hope and felt that they could not
lose weight. He is a leader in the natural health care
field. There is a reason patients drive
from West Virginia and Ohio to see him.
He gets results and he is willing to
guarantee it!
DR. MICHAEL VACTOR
724-742-2700
weightlossnorthpittsburgh.com
Special Education
and Learning Disabilities
By Susan Oliverio, MSEd,
Certified School Psychologist
S
pecial education is a broad term
used by the law to describe specially
designed instruction that meets the
unique needs of a child who has a disability. Under Pennsylvania law, children
with a specific learning disability may be
eligible to receive special education services through the public school system
and at no cost to the family.
What is a Learning Disability?
A child may have a specific learning
disability in one or more of the following
areas: oral expression, listening comprehension, written expression, basic reading
skills (dyslexia), reading fluency skills,
reading comprehension, math calculation
(dyscalculia) and math problem solving.
A learning disability is not determined by
academic achievement alone. For example, a child who has never been exposed
to appropriate reading instruction or
reading materials would likely read far
below age and grade level. However, the
child’s inability to read would not be
explained by a reading disability.
The most common way in which
a learning disability is determined is
through the use of the discrepancy
model. Students with a learning disability
will show an unexpected gap between
their potential (IQ) and academic
achievement. You will frequently hear
parents say, for example, “She is very
bright and creative. She learns quickly
and easily, but just can’t quite master
Quick and Easy Relaxation Exercises to Help
Relieve Adult Stress During Trying Times
M
aster Ernest Rothrock, owner of Rothrock’s Kung
Fu & Tai Chi Academy, says adults can reduce the
excessive stress caused by current economic and
employment concerns with relaxation exercises and regular
physical activity.
Rothrock recommends the following relaxation exercises
that only require 60 to 90 seconds.
n Step 1 - Assume a passive and comfortable position.
Although sitting may be most conducive to relaxation,
you can do these exercises while standing, riding in a car,
lying down or as you prepare for an anticipated stressful
event.
n Step 2 - Practice one or more of the following activities several times each day. This will help keep you calm,
and reduce tension when it occurs.
 Deep breathing: Exhale slowly, and relax all your muscles.
Say, as you exhale, “I feel tension and energy flowing
from my body.” Repeat the above exercise five or six
times and you’ll become more relaxed.
 Whole body tension: Tense every muscle in your body,
stay with that tension, and hold it as long as you can
without feeling any pain. Slowly release the tension, and
very gradually feel it leave your body. Repeat three times.
Notice how your feelings change.
Shoulder shrugs and head rolls: Try to raise your shoulders
to your ears. Hold for the count of four, and then drop
your shoulders to their normal position. Rotate your head
and neck. Vary this exercise by rotating your shoulders up
and down, and your head and neck from side to side, and
then together.
reading.” Determining whether the gap
is unexpected or unexplained requires
assessment from a psychologist who will
administer an IQ test and an achievement
test. The results of these assessments will
be compared to determine if there is a
significant gap between the scores.
The Special Education Process
The special education process begins
with determining whether a child is eligible to receive specially designed instruction in the school setting. A group of
qualified professionals in the school will
review evaluation materials which can
include: medical reports, psychological
evaluations, review of educational records,
parent and teacher report and interviews,
and individual (one-on-one) assessment
with the child. If a child has been determined to be in need of specially designed
instruction, the school will create and
implement an individual education plan
(IEP) for the child. The IEP document
will include information about your
child’s current developmental and academic levels and will include educational
goals that the child will work towards.
The document will also include Specially
Designed Instruction (SDI’s) strategies
that teachers will use to assist the child in
reaching those goals. F
Call today for $200 off a
learning disability evaluation and
$100 off a giftedness evaluation
Imagine air as a cloud: Open
your imagination and focus on
your breathing. As your breathing
becomes calm and regular, imagine that the air comes to you as
a cloud- you inhale it and exhale
it. Notice that your breathing
becomes regular as you relax.
Some relaxation exercises work
better for some people than others.
Practice whatever exercises seem to fit
you best.
“My professional staff and I
highly recommend a regular exercise
program for all adults who are working harder than ever to keep their
jobs and their homes, and building a
secure future for their families,” said
Rothrock. F
Slippery Rock Office
Now Open
North Hills
Five individuals have been inducted into the
North Hills School District Hall of Fame. They
are: Dave Collins, Class of 1981; Kevin
Donas, Class of 1982; Marc Mitchell, Class
of 2001; Robert Weidner, Class of 1968, and
Sara Zilles, Class of 2002.
Five North Hills lacrosse players were recognized for their performance on the field and
in the classroom. Those honored included:
Emily Jamison, Stephanie Mueller, Autumn
Dzadovsky, Angela Kryl and Emma Weaver.
North Hills Senior High School
student Mason Beaudry has
been awarded the Freddie Fu
Sports Medicine Scholarship.
Beaudry will receive a $2,000
scholarship and will complete
a six-week summer internship
at the UPMC Center for Sports
Medicine.
Hampton Middle School has received a
$20,000 STEAM Grant for use in an Engineering,
Technology and Arts-focused education project.
Mason
Beaudry
Two North Hills
Senior High
School students, Joseph
Plazek and
Matt Pack
were among
the 11 finalists
to represent
the Pittsburgh section of the American Chemical
Society in the U.S. National Olympiad.
The North Hills Junior High School Concert
Choir and World Drumming Ensemble earned
a superior rating at the High Note Festival at
Carnegie Mellon University. The ensemble
earned 96 out of 100.
Hampton
Hampton High School graduates, Megan
Roethlein, 18, of Gibsonia and Bridget
Bianconi, 19, of Allison Park were the win-
Quigley Catholic
NC| KIDS + EDUCATION
School Movers & Shakers
ner in the 2012 Sixth Annual Edgar Snyder &
Associates’ “Words to be Heard” scholarship
contest. Their underage drinking and drinking video earned them a $2,500 scholarship.
Roethlein will attend Penn State Behrend in the
fall. Bianconi will attend Pitt.
The following students were inducted into
Quigley Catholic High School National Honor
Society. They are: Shelby Wasil, Marissa
Calligan, Caitlan Carney, Dayna Kirby,
Jordan Ehrenberg, John Paul Lisella, William
Koshut, Molly Patsch, Morgan Dillon, Matt
Scolieri, David Fudurich, Ella Walsh, Laura
Bleiel, Kaye Burnet, Jarek Ingros, Peter
Majewski, Walt Debo, Nate Lieb, JJ Hrechun,
Coleman Myron, Claire Allman, Jay Fyda,
Emily Guerdan, Jackie Miller and Tess
Scibilia.
(Continued on page 44)
Seneca Valley
The Alliance for Youth Artists &
Writers announced that Seneca
Valley students were the recipients of 28 regional and national
awards as presented in the 2012
Scholastic Art Awards Competition.
National Exhibitions winners were:
Gold Medal – Kelly Pfab and
Silver Medal – Ashleigh Nadzam.
Four
Seneca
Valley
students
were
recognized as
top performers in Congressman Jason
Altmire’s 2012 Congressional
Art Competition. Winners were:
Taylor Lantz, Bria Davis, Tyler
Dorsch and Deanna Magiske.
The Seneca Valley Envirothon/
Biology Club won first, second and
third place awards at the Butler
County Envirothon. First place
winners were: Graham Bitzer,
Madeleine Burr, Sarah Francino,
Katie Maloney and Sydney
Rasp. Second place honorees
were: Cody Campbell, Jessica
Dressler, Aren Morris, Katie
Rose and Kerry Uram. Third
place went to: Allison Frayer,
Caitlyn Goncz, Sara Goncz,
Olivia Griffith and Morgan
Vrana.
Garcia, Ryan Stelitano, Dmitri
Zalnasky, Andrew Funovits,
Sarah Donaldson, Lucy
Geronime, Dhruv Kohli, Mark
Livingstone, Kyle Cindrich,
Siona Sharma, Urvi Gupta,
Natalie McKinley, Lucy and
Sammi Logan.
Seven Seneca Valley Senior
High School students have been
invited to participate in the 2013
National Merit Program. They are:
Rosemary Emmerling, Joseph
Geyer, Colten Gill, Michael
Glatz, Dhruv Kohli, Katherine
Miller and Jennifer Rowekamp.
WQED Pittsburgh announced that
four Evans City Middle School students were winner of The National
Stem Video Game Challenge. They
are: Campbell Kriess, Drew
McCarron, Justin Bicehouse and
Connor Schexnaildre.
Two Seneca
Valley Middle
School students won
the top
honors in a
poster contest
hosted by
Animal Friends
of Pittsburgh.
Hannah
Beaudoin and
Hannah Hale both won first place
honors. Honorable mentions were
awarded to: Bobby Giebel, Dan
Rupert, and Maria Alfano.
Several Seneca Valley students
were honored during the National
Academic Games competition.
Award recipients were: Alex
Connoquenessing Valley Elementary
School first grader Josh Stickle
set a goal of raising $2,000 for
the Jump Rope for Heart event
which benefits the American Heart
Association. Josh exceeded his
goal and raised $2,355.
Pine-Richland
Pine-Richland Middle School student Kylie Manuppelli won first
place in the National History Day
State competition.
Twenty-one Pine-Richland seniors
earned commended or finalist status in the National Merit
Scholar Program. They Are:
Cameron Barnes, Branden
Glass, Laura Herrle, Evan Klei,
Brian McWilliams, Ji-Ho Park,
Peter Pearson, Lucas Axiotakis,
Nisha Bhat, Samantha Bigley,
Nigel Halliday, Kathryn Knapp,
Jonathan Marks, Alexandra
Marshall, Catherine McAnney,
Michael Morrissey, Lauren
Muchnok, Joni Mulvaney, Justin
Olshavsky, Rebecca Olson and
Taylor Perz.
Pine-Richland
High School
recent graduate Alexandra
Marshall placed
first in the statewide speech and
debate competiAlexandra
tion hosted by
Marshall
the Pennsylvania
High School Speech League at
Susquehannah University.
Pine-Richland
parent volunteer Christine
Misback is
this year’s
recipient of the
Pennsylvania
State Education Association’s
Friends of Education Award.
North Allegheny
The North Allegheny School
District announced they have
been recognized as a 2012 ‘Best
Communities for Music Education’
by the NAMM (National Association
of Music Merchants).
North Allegheny Senior High
School has been named one of
‘America’s Best High Schools’ by
Newsweek Magazine.
North Allegheny Senior High
School has been listed among
the nation’s best schools by the
Washington Post. NASH ranked
#14 in Pennsylvania on the list.
Mark Demkee, a teacher at the
North Allegheny Intermediate High
School has been honored for his
efforts and achievement in German
language instruction by the presentation of the Duden Award.
Dana Boyd, a Gifted Program
teacher at Ingomar and Marshall
Middle Schools has been selected
as this year’s recipient of the
Pennsylvania Association for Gifted
Education’s (PAGE) Outstanding
Education Award for 2012.
Rachael Cooper,
a recent graduate of North
Allegheny Senior
High School, was
awarded the Gold
Award by Girls
Scouts Western
Pennsylvania.
Several Fox Chapel Area High
School District students won
awards at the 78th Annual State
Meeting of the Pennsylvania
Junior Academy of Science (PJAS).
First place winners were: Ishan
Chatterjee, Rohan Meringenti,
Minu Nagashunmugam, Manu
Goyal, Amogha Vijayvargiya,
Sonia Appasamy, Rama Godse,
Rishi Mirchandani, Elianna
Paljug, Deepika Sarma, Anna
Wang, Anja Schempf, Rohan
Chalasani, Austin Fisher, Mihir
Garimella, Darwin Leuba, Tanvi
Meringenti, Suvir Mirchandani
and William Schwartzman.
Dorseyville Middle School
Sinfonia Orchestra participated in
the Pennsylvania Music Educators
Association (PMEA) Music
Performance Assessment and
earned a rating of “Superior.”
Rachael Cooper
North Allegheny Senior and
Intermediate High Schools,
Junior ROTC, Unit PA-022, has
been selected to receive the
2011-12 Air Force Junior ROTC
Distinguished Unit Award by the
Department of the Air Force Air
University.
Fox Chapel
The Fox Chapel Area District
announced they have been
recognized as a 2012 ‘Best
Communities for Music Education’
by the NAMM (National Association
of Music Merchants).
Fox Chapel Area High School
was ranked among the best high
schools from across the nation,
according to rankings by Newsweek
and The Daily Beast. The school
ranked number 12 in Pennsylvania
and number 488 in the nation.
Fox Chapel Area High School
was ranked among the best high
schools from across the country.
The school received a Silver Medal
rank by the U.S. News & World
Report for the third time.
Members of the Fox Chapel Crew
Club won bronze medals at the
2012 Midwest Scholastic Rowing
Championships. Award recipients
included: Anna Burns, Christina
Cho, Alexandra Drzewinski,
Katherine Johnston, Gabrielle
Kyle, Allison Redfern, Sophie
Roe and Emma Schwartzman.
Fox Chapel recent graduate
Theresa McGrath received the
Silver Medal Congressional Award
by U.S. Congressman Jason
Altmire in May. Additionally, Fox
Chapel Area High School students
were honored for the work they did
interviewing and honoring veterans
for the veterans History Project.
Dorseyville Middle School Girls
Chamber Chorus and the DMS
Fox Tones performed both independently and together as the DMS
Honors Choirs and won first places
in their divisions at the Music in
the Parks Festival in Hershey.
Dorseyville Middle School
Honors Band earned a second
place award at Music in the Parks
Festival. The band also earned rating of “Superior” which is the highest rating possible.
Providence Hts
Alpha School
Radio Disney and Disney Theatrical
Group announced that Providence
Heights Alpha School student Bella
Mazziotti won the “Make Your
Own Musical” Sweepstakes. As
the grand prize winner, Bella will be
the honorary producer of her very
own Disney musical at her school.
Abigail Gourdie of Gibsonia,
Jacqueline & Angeline Chalifoux
and were named winners in WQED
Pittsburgh “PBS Kids Go! Writers
Contest.”
St. Sebastian
St. Sebastian student Moreen
McGrath has won first place at
the local level for West View VFW
Post 2754 and second place
at the Allegheny County level.
Additionally, Mary Doerfler and
Alecia Spagnolo have won first
places in the Post 2754 Loyalty
Day poster coloring contest.
Three St. Sebastian teams competed in a Stock Market simulation vying against 44 other middle
school teams across the area.
Finishing in third place were 7th
graders: Alexander Cherry, Clay
Myers, Nicholas Poilucci and
Alexander Riccardi. The 8th
place team included Nico Dey,
Alexander Kosylo and Wyatt
Schueler and the 10th place
team Alexander Boone, John
Galbraith and Jeremy Scholze.
St. Sebastian 6th grader Anastasia
Michlik received first place in the
Junior Academy of Science state
competition. Earning second place
awards were Lauren DuPlessis,
Mark Faller, Kaylee Moskala,
Ruth Mustovic, Melina Owens
and Natalie Santucci.
St. Sebastian students raised
$1,360 in a Penny Wars competition through the school. The
winning classroom was Colleen
Koch’s first grade. The money
was donated to the Mario Lemieux
Foundation.
St. Teresa
of Avila
St. Teresa of Avila School has
been awarded accreditation by
the Middle States Association of
Colleges and Schools.
(Continued on page 46)
Shady Side Academy
Shady Side Academy Middle School Science
Olympiad team placed 26th of 60 teams at the
2012 Science Olympiad National Tournament,
held at the University of Central Florida in
Orland, May 18-19.
Shady Side Academy Magazine was honored
by the Council for Advancement and Support
of Education (CASE) with a Bronze Award in
the 2012 Circle of Excellence Awards in the
Independent School Magazines category.
Cody
Han
Jenna
Herbert
Chris
Leech
Vivek
Nimgaonkar
Four Shady Side Academy seniors have been
awarded scholarships in the 57th annual
National Merit Scholarship Program. Jenna
Hebert, Christopher Leech and Vivek
Nimgaonkar won National Merit $2,500
Scholarships. Cody Han was awarded a
National Merit PPG Industries Foundation Plant
Community Scholarship.
Cyber Charter School
Cyber Charter School student, Calista
Frederick-Jaskiewicz, 15, of Wexford has been
named the winner of the 2012 Pennsylvania
Association for Gifted Education (PAGE) Service
and Scholarship Award.
The Woodlands
The Woodland Foundation Announced its
2012 Scholarship award winners. They are:
Janelle DeChancie, Derrickius Poston and
Jacqueline Zollner.
La Roche College
Three La Roche College Interior design students
Carley Denner, Howard Fugitt and Julianna
Sneath each placed in the Top 10 in the
Raymond Waites IFDA Design Competition.
The Education Department of La Roche College
awarded Meghan Weinman ’10 with its Young
Professional of the Year Award during the
College’s 2012 homecoming festivities in April.
La Roche College announced its newly elected
board of trustees. They are: Steven Massaro,
Kathryn A. Jolly, and Jesse Campayno.
Dealing
with Ticks
Kelly Heidenreich,MD
Pediatrician CCP
Bellevue Pediatrics
T
his year’s uncharacteristically
warm winter has increased tick
exposure for people of Western
Pennsylvania. Many cases of Lyme disease have been reported from Allegheny
County and surrounding counties. The
Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, is spread through the bite of
infected deer ticks (blacklegged tick).
Although not all ticks carry the bacteria
for Lyme disease, one should take precautions to prevent tick bites, which will
minimize the risk of tick borne disease
for your family.
The following are suggestions for
avoiding tick bites, especially when hiking or playing in grassy or wooded areas.
Wear light colored clothes so that it
is easier to spot ticks. Wear long sleeves,
long pants, and tuck pants into socks.
Use insect repellant with 10-30 percentage DEET. Apply the insect repellant to clothes. You may do a judicial
application to exposed skin and wash
that skin when going indoors. Always
supervise children who may use insect
repellents.
Check yourself, your children and
your pets daily for ticks. Ticks may be
various sizes. Immature deer ticks are
called nymphs. They can be the size of
a pinhead. Adult deer ticks are the size
of a sesame seed and are easier to see on
the body.
Prompt removal of ticks will prevent
Lyme disease. Ticks that have been
removed within 24-48 hours are unlikely
to transmit Lyme disease. The best
way to remove a tick is to use tweezers.
Grasp the tick as close to the skin as
possible and firmly pull the tick straight
out without twisting. Sometimes the
mouthparts of the tick stick into the
skin. Once the body of the tick is
removed, the tick can no longer transmit
Lyme disease.
If you experience a bulls-eye rash,
joint swelling or an unexplained illness
with fever after a tick bite, you should
consult your physician. F
NC| senior living
What’s In Your Basket?
I
By Barbara A. Killmeyer
t’s that time of year again when we enjoy the many ways
and foods of a picnic. One of my favorite picnic foods
may be a little different from what most people take in
their basket. When I was a child and we lived
on 7th Street in Sharpsburg, we would carry
the basket as we walked over the bridge by
Spangs Mill to the picnic area of the zoo. That
basket always contained breaded pork chops, a
favorite of my dad’s. Of course, there was also
potato salad. I was used to the potato salad
that my mother made, which was cold and
mixed with mayonnaise. When I met the man
who is now my husband and went to some of
his family picnics, I discovered that his mother
made the warm, German-style potato salad and
it was delicious. I had a new favorite.
One good thing about a picnic is that it can be held in
many different places--from your backyard to a public park.
There are many fond memories of the school picnics at
West View Park with the basket filled with such good food.
Everyone entered the park carrying their lunch, and the family headed right for the picnic pavilion to find and save a good
table, where, at an appointed time, the family would gather
to take a break from all the wonderful rides
and eat lunch.
Picnics are used for many different celebrations. Some graduation parties are in
the form of a picnic as well as some wedding
receptions. Maybe the fact that we have only a
short few months to enjoy them makes a picnic something special. Also, the guest list can
be very flexible. You can have anywhere from
two to fifty or more people. The casual dress
makes it much easier to attend since most
already have the clothes they can wear and
don’t need to worry if they accidently drip
something on themselves, as I usually do.
Whatever your plans are for the summer, if they include
one or more picnics, I hope your basket is full of all your
favorite foods and the weather is dry and warm. F
Vincentian
Rocks Allegheny
County with
a Twist on a
Traditional
Fundraiser
P
icture spending the afternoon in
a rocking chair; no doubt feelings
of peace and relaxation come to
mind. Now imagine rocking while singing to your favorite upbeat tunes, being
surrounded by dancing and laughter, and
joining family and friends in an effort
bigger than any one person. That spirit
abounded Saturday, June 16, as three
senior communities opened their doors for
Rocking for Residents.
Hundreds of volunteers, residents,
employees, and friends joined forces at
Vincentian Home, Marian Manor and
Vincentian de Marillac, enjoying a day of
rocking and entertainment including DJs,
swing dancers, even an organ grinder.
Cake walks and other good-natured games
resulted in friendly jesting and much hilarity. While rockers kept rhythm with their
chairs, other guests couldn’t help but get
up and dance.
Similar to a walk-a-thon, Rocking for
Residents participants collected pledges
in advance, promising to rock in rocking
chairs for a specified period of time. Each
home raised money for a specific item for
their residents’ comfort and well being. At
Marian Manor it was bladder scanners; at
Vincentian Home and de Marillac it was
therapeutic whirlpool tubs.
The event had another goal, too. “The
day is uplifting for families visiting their
loved ones, offering something unique
that they can do together,” said Karen
Kutzer, vice president of advancement at
Vincentian. “Employees get involved, the
Sisters are here with us; it’s just good fun.”
Perhaps the best example of the event’s
power to spread an organization’s mission came from Sr. LaVerne Sihelnik,
Vincentian’s vice president of mission integration. Beginning weeks in advance, she
reached out to friends and family by sending letters, making phone calls, and sharing
the message about the importance of sus-
At Vincentian Home’s Rocking for Residents
event, four generations of rockers were led
by Jean Nofsinger. Her daughter Connie,
granddaughter Katie, and two great granddaughters joined in the fun.
taining care for seniors in the Vincentian
organization. In doing so, she raised more
in pledges than any other participant.
“People want to help,” says Sister
LaVerne. “So many are grateful for what
they have, and want to give to others.
They know me and trust in the care we
provide at Vincentian, so this was a chance
for us to join together and make a real difference.”
The homes were joined in their efforts
by Star Rocker sponsors including Blumling
and Gusky, Butler Health System and
Medical Rehabilitation, Inc. To view event
photos and read more about Rocking for
Residents visit www.vcs.org. F
NC| senior living
Happenings for Seniors
Advances in Conservative & Surgical Knee
Treatments, 12:30 p.m., July 18. Guest speaker Michael Weiss, MD, Senior Center, Cranberry
Twp. Municipal Bldg. Free. For info (412)
367-6640. Presented by Passavant Hospital
Foundation & UPMC Passavant.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support Group
meets at 7 p.m., the 2nd Wednesday of every
month, at Orion, 4361 William Flynn Hwy.
Sponsored by Orion Personal Care Residence.
Call (412) 337-6731.
Alzheimer’s Support Group, meets 10-11:30
a.m., the 2nd Saturday of the month, Christ
Church, North Hills, 5910 Babcock Blvd. For
info, call Karen (724) 934-0048.
Arden Courts, 1125 Perry Highway, offers a
support group for families dealing with dementia.
Meets every 3rd Weds. of the month. Call (412)
369-7887.
Celebrating Senior Champions Dinner &
Auction, Oct. 11, at the Omni William Penn
Hotel. For details on sponsorships and tickets,
call (412) 622-9239 or [email protected].
Friendship Group 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. For info, call 724-444-0064.
Gateway North AARP #3586 trips - July 15
“Anything Goes,” WV Public Theatre, Sept. 27-30,
NYC 1 day trip, 2 days cruise on the “Norwegian
Gem” For info, call Mary (412) 931-8478.
Glenshaw AARP #3744 covered dish picnic, 2 p.m.,
July 10, Ranch House, North Park. Bring a casserole
that serves 10-12 with serving utensil. Call Marian
(412) 486-3158 to attend. Cost $3 per person. Nonmembers welcome. No meeting in August.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support
Group meets 1 p.m. Thurs., Family Resource Center,
216 North Washington Street, Butler. Sponsored by
Butler Memorial Hospital. For info, call (724) 2844894.
GriefShare, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Sept. 6-Nov. 15,
Hampton Presbyterian Church, 2942 E. Hardies Rd.,
Gibsonia. To register, call (724) 443-3201 or hamptonpresbyterian.org by Aug. 31.
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.
How’s Your Hearing? 12:30 p.m., Aug. 15, Senior
Ctr., Cranberry Twp. Municipal Bldg. Guest speaker
Jonathan Urffer, MD. Free. For more info: (412-3676640. Presented by Passavant Hospital Foundation
& UPMC Passavant.
Mylan Classic ANSYS TICKETS For Charity
Program, Aug. 22-Sept. 2. Call (724) 746-3535
(be sure to designate sales to Focus on Renewal) or
order online at https://www.mylanclassic.com/buytix/
FOCUSONRENEWAL.
North Hills Community Outreach is partnering with
Christ Lutheran church to provide minor home repairs
this summer to qualified seniors and low income
adults with disabilities. To apply, call Cathy at (412)
307-0069.
North Hills Community Outreach is seeking lawn
service volunteers for area seniors. For info, call
Nancy at (412) 307-0069.
North Hills Community Outreach is seeking lawn
volunteer drivers and dispatchers for their Free Rides
for Seniors. For info, call Kerry at (412) 449-0151.
Nu-Beginnings II, a social group of widows and
widowers meets at Christ Church Grove Farm. For
meeting times, call (412) 741-6248 or http://www.
ccgf.org.
Parkwood Suburban North Meals on Wheels
provides home delivered meals to the elderly, homebound and disabled. Meals on Wheels services
Hampton & southern Richland townships. Call (412)
486-7115.
Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra Benefit Concert
featuring En Vogue, June 29. To order tickets, (412)
392-4900 or 800-743-8560 code 30314 or visit pittsburghsymphony.org.
Primetimers, noon, first Thurs of the month, Christ
Church Grove Farm, Ohio Twp. Meetings include a
meal, a devotion and a program. For info, call (412)
741-4900 or visit http://www.ccgf.org.
St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K Run/Walk, 9
a.m., Aug. 4, USA Track & Certified, out-and-back
course on Meridian Rd. To register call (723) 4430800, ext. 5310 or www.stbarnabas5K.com.
St. Alexis Over 50 Trips, July 15-16; Wildwood, NJ,
Sept. 3-7; Chadwick American Bandstand, Oct. 11;
November, Light-Up Night on the Majestic; November,
Chadwick 20-piece Orchestra Christmas Show;
December, Meadows & Oglebay Lights. For info, call
Rose (724) 728-2563.
NC| REAL ESTATE
Still haven’t refinanced?
Now is the TIME!!
By Jacquelyn Brinker
In fact, only you can decide whether or not it is time to refinance. Many homeowners
benefit from a refinance based on their individual circumstances, but factors involved
are often personal, and may require a consultation with a mortgage professional.
L
et’s take this from the beginning.
What is a refinance? A refinance
occurs when the consumer pays
off, or satisfies, their existing mortgage by replacing it with a new one.
Typically, the homeowner would elect to
refinance when the interest rate is lower
than they are currently paying. There
are circumstances when the need to
replace the existing mortgage occurs and
the interest rate is not the primary reason, but for our purposes, let’s concentrate on the lower interest rate scenario.
A drop in interest rate of two percentage points would certainly warrant
consideration, however even one point
in savings may be sufficient to consider action. Right now, the interest
rates are at all time lows – ALL TIME
LOWS! If you’ve been waiting to pull
the trigger, wait no longer! Indications
are that rates will begin rising after the
election in November.
A consumer may be in a situation
where he or she has improved their credit score since their original mortgage was
secured. In his scenario, a lower rate
mortgage would replace the high interest
loan, and a lower payment would result typically the goal in refinancing.
Should a two percentage point
reduction can occur, savings would be
considerable, and the savings in lower
payments would certainly offset the
costs. Another scenario might occur
if the individual is enjoying a higher
income level, and would like to reduce
the term (or number of payments) on
their current loan. Ideally, a lower interest rate would be desirable in this case as
many mortgages do allow for additional
principal payments to be made without
the expense of a refinance.
Adjustable rate mortgages have
been in the news over the last months,
and many homeowners are faced with
an adjustment coming due, which
would be an excellent reason to consider refinancing into a fixed rate
mortgage. This eliminates future
adjustments and keeps the principal
and interest payments level for the life
of the loan.
Homeowners often refinance due to
a need to cash out some of the equity
of the property, lower their monthly
expenses, desire to reduce in the number of years or interest rate on their
current mortgage, or for personal reasons. Refinancing does come with some
expense, which is also a consideration.
If refinances were “free” many people
may conceivably refinance with every
drop in interest rates, however slight.
How do you know when the time
is right? Contact your mortgage advisor and ask that they provide you with
some information on current rates and
payments, along with your “break even”
point. That is the point at which the
savings to you exceeds the costs of the
new loan. The answers to these questions merit consideration as you go
forward with refinancing your mortgage
because “your home loan matters.” F
With General Rental Center, DIY
Doesn’t Have to Mean #*@!%
U
ndertaking a do-it-yourself project often sounds like a good idea
until you figure out that you
don’t have the proper tools or equipment
to complete it. That’s where General
Rental Center comes to the rescue. “We
can help you do it all from the fix-up to
the party celebrating your new renovation afterward,” said Mike Hall, coowner of General
Rental Center,
Cranberry Twp.
Located at 20644
Perry Highway,
General Rental
Center is a
family-owned
business that
rents equipment
and party supplies. “We can
rent you anything
for the inside or
outside,” said Hall, who along with his
brother, David Hall, and sister, Kimberly
Gilliland, have been helping area residents with their rental needs for the past
14 years.
General Rental Center has equipment
for every project from aerators, thatchers,
floor sanders, bededgers and wallpaper
steamers to excavators, backhoes, skid
loaders and straw blowers. Their knowledgeable staff can help to match you with
the correct equipment for the job.
General Rental Center also has every-
thing you need for your next party from
china and flatware to grills and games,
to tables and tents. “We have more than
6,000 chairs, 600 tables and 100 tents,”
Hall said. “We can accommodate parties
from two to, really no limit.”
In addition, General Rental Center
also rents U-Haul trucks and trailers as
well as Lok Box, mobile storage units.
“Many times
when people are
doing a renovation of a room,
they have to move
all the contents
of that room into
another, tying up
two rooms. With
a Lok Box, we
deliver it to your
house, and you
can store the contents of the room
being renovated in it,” Hall said.
“I like to joke and say that General
Rental Center can do it all. We can help
you with your inside or outside project,
supply you with the party items you need
to celebrate the completion of your project and then help you with the moving
truck when your neighbors run you out
of town for having such a great time!”
said Hall.
General Rental Center’s store is open
Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5
p.m., and you can also visit them on line
at: http://www.General-Rental-Center.
com. The phone number is 724-7766990. F
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
NC| happenings July 2012
NCHappenings
p.m., July 10, Koppers Building
Conference Center downtown, 436
Seventh Ave. Register by calling, (412)
680-2149 or [email protected] or www.
ppgc.net.
North Happenings
Tuesdays at 2 at the Kean Theatre:
July 10, Haywire; July 17, We Need to
Talk About Kevin; July 24, The Tempest;
July 31, The Deep Blue Sea; Visit www.
keantheatre.com.
Genealogical Research Institute of
Pittsburgh is offering 4 different weeklong courses, July 23-27. For details,
visit www.GRIPitt.org.
History, Reading, Writing & Listening
Camp, July 23-27, Soldiers & Sailors
Memorial Hall & Museum. To register,
call (412) 621-4253, ext. 219 or tim@
soldiersandsailorshall.org.
Hiring Our Heroes, 9 a.m.-noon, July
30, a hiring fair for veterans, VA Butler
Healthcare, 325 New Castle Road,
Butler. Pre-register at hiringourheroes@
uschamber.com
Presents for Patients
Christmas in July Gift
Drive. First National
Bank’s 69 branch locations
are collecting gifts from
July 2-16. Presents may
dropped off at drop boxes
throughout W. Penna.
Horse Shows at N. Park Horse Show
Ring, July 8, All Day Pleasure Horse
Show, call Joe, (412) 784-0860; July
22, Youth Horse Show, call Wanda
(412) 364-6500; Aug. 12, Open Series
Horse Show, call Joe. Sponsored by NA
Horsemen’s Association.
Little Sisters of the Poor Rocka-Thon, noon-4 p.m., July 28, Little
Sisters Home, 1028 Benton Avenue,
Pittsburgh. For info, www.littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org.
North Hills Community Outreach is
offering free computer classes for job
seekers. Classes held 10 a.m., Weds
at NHCO Millvale & 5:45 p.m., Thurs,
Avalon Library. Call, (412) 487-6316,
opt. 2.
North Hills Community Outreach is in
need of volunteer instructors for a vehicle ownership class. Call Linda, (412)
487-6316, opt. 2. Also need a volunteer employment coach. For details, call
Harriet, (412) 487-6316, opt 2.
Perry High School Multi-Year
Reunion, Classes 1965 thru 1969,
noon-11 p.m., Aug. 25, Rose Barn North
Park. Teachers are welcomed. Bring
a covered dish. For details, call (412)
734-1750 after 4 p.m.
Mondays
Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round
Table meets the 4th Monday of every
month, 7 p.m., (July 23 meeting) The
Hampton Township Community Center,
3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Call Bob
or Margie (724) 625-2329.
Tuesdays
Neighborhood Block Party
Roundtable Discussion on Planned
Giving Best Practices, 11:30-1:30
Antique Gun Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug.
11, Stewart Hall, Harmony Museum,
218 Mercer St. for info, call (724) 4527341 or www.harmonymuseum.org.
Friends of North Park meeting, 9
a.m., Aug. 18, Garden in the Park,
corner of Babcock Blvd & Wildwood Rd.
For info, call (724) 544-7284.
We Mean Business Showcase, 1-6
p.m., July 17, The Atrium, 1031 New
Castle Rd., Prospect. For info, visit
ButlerCountyChamber.com.
Mars Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon,
Sats. thru Sept., 225 Crowe Ave.(parking lot across from the post office).
Wexford Chapter of the Women’s
Business Network meets, 8:00 a.m.,
July 10 & 24, Atria’s Restaurant, Rt. 19,
Wexford. Call, Kathy (724) 934-5143.
Arts &
Entertainment
Wednesdays
Ask the Attorney, 7-9 p.m., July 11,
NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park.
Appointments are required. Call Harriet,
(412) 487-6316, opt. 2.
Job Fair, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug.
22, Four Points Sheraton in Mars.
Sponsored by the Chamber & PA Career
Link in Butler County. For details, call
(724) 934-9700 or www.thechamberinc.
com.
Wednesdays at 1 at the Kean
Theatre: July 11, John Carter; July 18,
This Means War; July 25, A Thousand
Words. Visit www.keantheatre.com.
Thursdays
Cranberry Chapter of the Women’s
Business Network meets 7:30 a.m.,
July 5 & 19, 2662 Rochester Rd.,
Cranberry Twp. Call, Mary (724) 2519755 x214.
Criders Corner Chapter of the
Women’s Business Network meets
noon, July 12 & 26, Cranberry Library,
2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp.
Call, Melissa (412) 824-9636.
Dining for Women is a dinner giving circle, next meeting is July 12, in
Cranberry. To learn more visit http://
www.meetup.com/North-PittsburghDining-For-Women-Meetup.
Ross-West View Chapter of the
Women’s Business Network meets,
7:30 a.m. July 10 & 24, Panera Bread,
7217 McKnight Rd. Call, Sarah (412)
915-1699.
Seven Fields Chapter of the
8:15 a.m., July 5 & 19, Concordia Life
Care Community, Rt. 228, Adams Ridge.
Call, Loretta (724) 772-3633.
Fridays
North Hills Chapter of the Women’s
Business Network meets 12:30 p.m.,
July 13 & 27, Atria’s Restaurant, 5517
William Flynn Hwy. Call, Susan (412)
965-4888.
Powerful Connections for Women
Conference, 8:00 a.m., Aug. 3, at
the Robert M. Smith Student Center,
Slippery Rock University. To register,
call the United Way of Butler County,
(724) 285-4883.
Zelienople-Harmony Chapter of the
8:30 a.m., July 13 & 27, The Stohr
Haus Bakery, 534 Mercer St., Harmony.
Call, Meg (724) 452-5232.
Saturdays
Ballet Under the Stars, 7:30 p.m.,
Aug. 16, Hartwood Acres. Presented
by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Preperformance activities begin at 5 p.m.
For details, visit http://www.pbt.org/
Chicago, dinner & show, 6:30 p.m.,
show only 8 p.m., July 13 & 14, Kean
Theatre. For tickets, (724) 444-KEAN
(5326) or www.keantheatre.com.
Concerts in Community, 7 p.m.,
July 13, Chamber Music Community
Concert; Sponsored by Center for
Young Musicians & Passavant Hospital
Foundation. Legacy Theatre. Free.
Contact Autumn, (724) 935-0505 or
[email protected].
Kean Theatre August events: The
Vogues, dinner & show, 6:30 p.m.,
show only 8 p.m., Aug 4; Pure Gold,
Aug. 18, Kean Theatre. For tickets,
(724) 444-KEAN (5326) or www.keantheatre.com.
Mylan Classic ANSYS TICKETS For
Charity Program, Aug. 22-Sept. 2. Call
(724) 746-3535 (be sure to designate
sales to Focus on Renewal) or order
online at https://www.mylanclassic.
com/buytix/FOCUSONRENEWAL.
Opera Theater Summerfest, runs thru
July 15, 286 Main St., 3rd Fl., Pgh. For
info, (412) 621-1499 or [email protected].
RiverStone House Tour, 11 a.m.-6
p.m., July 14, presented by Allegheny
RiverStone Center for the Arts. Tickets
$75. For info, call (724) 766-5598.
Suddenly Last Summer, 8 p.m.,
July 19-21 & 26-28, at the Peter Mills
Theater in Rockwell Hall at Duquesne
University. For ticket reservations, call
(412) 243-5201.
Health & Wellness
Allegheny County Traveling Sports
Clinic, 10 a.m.-noon, July 16 & 17,
Boys & Girls Club, 500 Farragut Street,
Millvale. Call, (412) 350-2478.
Celebrating Senior Champions
Dinner & Auction, Oct. 11, at the
Omni William Penn Hotel. For details
on sponsorships and tickets, call (412)
622-9239 or [email protected].
Cindystock 9, 3:30 p.m., Aug. 18,
Wexford Bayne Rd., Wexford. For info,
visit www.cindystock.org/ Benefits cancer research.
Westmoreland Yough Trail Poker
Run on Labor Day, Sept. 3, Arthur H.
King Access Area of the Youghiogheny
River Trail. Cost $15 per person. For
info, call (724) 872-5586 or www.
bikewytc.org.
The Battle of the Divas II
Benefits Children in
Guatemala
A
s the home of the Pirates and Steelers, the North Shore has seen its
share of showdowns. On Sunday, July 15, another will take place,
but this time there will be no losers as every one will emerge a winner
from The Battle of the Divas II.
Held at Mullen’s Bar and Grill, 200 Federal Street, The Battle of the
Divas II is an annual charity event where 20-30 singing divas compete to
win a grand prize. The doors open at 2 p.m. and the show runs from 3-8
p.m. Tickets are $40 and that includes one free drink and an appetizer buffet. Proceeds from the event benefit the children of The Guatemala Healing
Hands Foundation.
“First and foremost, it is a fundraiser to help the children in Guatemala.
Secondly, it is a singing competition between undiscovered talent in
Pittsburgh,” said Michelle Makepeace, marketing director at Allegheny
Imaging of McCandless, LLC and a member of the volunteer committee.
The winner of the competition will receive the grand prize of $1,500.
Second place will receive $500. During the competition, there will also be
a Chinese auction, silent auction and a live auction. Items up for bid during
the live auction include Steelers tickets with a parking pass, Penguin tickets
in the loge box and Pirates tickets in the Cambria suite box, which includes
food and non-alcoholic beverages.
The Battle of the Divas committee is a group of volunteers that likes to
help charities raise money for their cause. In addition to Makepeace, the
committee includes Dr. Mark Baratz, orthopaedic surgeon at Allegheny
General Hospital; Vida the Singing Diva; Rachel Garzarelli, an R.N.; Chris
Baratz; Jaime Lardo, the Creative Director at Pittsburgh Design Studio;
Lori Czekaj, a Business Account Executive at Comcast Business ServicesNortheast Division; David Braun; and Brian Moore.
“Last year we helped the AGH Orthopaedic fund for Dr. Mark
Sangimino. The event was filled with exceptionally talented divas, battling
each other for a great cause—under and uninsured children in the Pittsburgh
region. We raised $15,000,” Makepeace said.
This year’s beneficiary, the GHHF, is a nonprofit organization dedicated
to improving the quality and availability of health care in Guatemala through
education, surgery and therapy. Specializing in the treatment of congenital hand conditions, burns and injuries, the organization aims to reach
Guatemalan children and adults through medical and therapy trips led by a
team of specialized and dedicated volunteers. Since the establishment of the
GHHF in 2004, the dedicated volunteers have evaluated 929 patients for
hand surgery and therapy, completed surgery on 389 patients, fabricated 856
orthotics, brought one child to New Mexico for extensive hand surgery and
brought one child to Shriners Hospital for Children for microsurgery.
Judges for this year’s competition are Claudia Benack and one of her
students, Larry Cervi, Judy Figel (last year’s winner) and Sam Badger. The
event would not be possible without sponsors, which include Allegheny
Imaging of McCandless, PGC (Professional Graphic Communications),
Pittsburgh Shoulder to Hand Center, The Cottage Bridge Foundation,
Austin’s Bleach, Popcorn-n-That, Dr. Mark Baratz and Inevo Contouring.
For more information about The Battle of the Divas II, visit the website
at battledivas.com. There you can purchase tickets, enter the competition,
become a sponsor or make a donation to GHHF. F
NC| happenings July 2012
Walk-A-Thons &
Relays
Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K
Walk/Run, 9 a.m., July 14, North
Park Boathouse. Entertainment,
prizes and children’s activities.
Register online at www.pittsburghcuresarcoma.org.
Relay for Life, 10 a.m., (ongoing
for 24 hrs.), July 21, North Boundry
Park, Cranberry Twp. Benefits the
American Cancer Society. For info,
(724) 222-6911 or email Relay.
[email protected].
St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K
Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Aug. 4, USA
Track & Certified, out-and-back
course on Meridian Rd. To register
call (723) 443-0800, ext. 5310 or
www.stbarnabas5K.com.
Religious Events
& Ministries
Giant Flea Market, 8 a.m.-2 p.m.,
July 21, St. Alexis school cafeteria,
10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford
(across from Target, Pine Creek),
bag sale 1-2 p.m., everything
must go!
“Highland Rocks,” a Christian
music festival, Aug. 4 & 5,
Westminster Highlands, Emlenton.
For details, visit http://www.highlandsrocks.org.
Little Sisters of the Poor
Rummage Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.,
July 12, 13 & 14, Little Sisters
Home, 1028 Benton Avenue,
Pittsburgh.
National Association of
Pastoral Musicians 35th Annual
Convention “Renew the Face of
the Earth,” July 23-27, David L.
Lawrence Convention Center. For
info, visit http://www.npm.org/
Teamster Horsemen with Cigna
Riders, charity motorcycle ride, 11
a.m., July 14, Teamster Temple,
4701 Butler Street, Pittsburgh. For
info, call Lenny (724) 898-3058 or
(412) 877-9907. Teamsters benefit
Little Sisters of the Poor.
School
Happenings
Admissions Open House, July 14,
La Roche College in McCandless
Twp. For info, call (412) 5361272 or [email protected].
Registration is required.
AP Summer Camp, 9-11 a.m.,
Aug. 6-9, North Hills Senior High
School. Cost $10 per student.
Registration due by Aug. 4. For
info email [email protected].
Blood Drive, 2-6:30 p.m., July
26, Eden Hall Upper Elementary,
3900 Bakerstown Rd.,Gibsonia.
Sponsored by the Pine-Richland
School District. Schedule an appt
at cmisback@zoominternet.
held thru July 31. For info, contact
Vicki, (412) 487-6316, opt. 1.
x114 or [email protected].
pa.us.
Preschool Camp, “Summer
Stars,” ages 4-5, 9 a.m.-noon,
July 16-20, “Carnival of Colors,”
July 23-27, “Pint Size Science,”
St. Alexis, 10090 Old Perry Hwy,
Wexford. 1 session $60, both
sessions $100. Call, (724) 9353940.
Movie in the Park, dusk, July 18,
Spirit-Stallion of the Cimarron, at
Knob Hill Park Sports Field. For
info, (724) 935-3090, ext. 115.
Science, Technology,
Engineering, Math & Medicine
Academy, 9 a.m.-noon, MonThurs., begins July 9 (4 wks.), Fox
Chapel Area High School. For info,
call (412) 967-2430 or http://
stemm.fcasd.edu.
Gardening
Great Garden Contest, sponsored
by Shaler Garden Club. Entries
due July 15. For details, email
[email protected].
Great Gardens Tour, 11 a.m.-3
p.m., July 8. Sponsored by Shaler
Garden Club & Shaler North Hills
Library. For tickets, call (412) 4860211 or www.shalerlibrary.org.
Summer
Excitement
Allegheny Riverstone Center for
the Arts presents July Jazz Fest
Weekend, 7 p.m., July 20, Harold
Betters on the Foxburg Garden; 7
p.m., July 21, Roberts & Ortner
Trio in Lincoln Hall; 6-9 p.m., July
22, Catro, on the deck at Allegheny
Grille. Regional jazz groups, 2-5
p.m., Sat & Sun, at the Foxburg
Wine Cellar. For details, visit www.
gofoxburg.com-www.alleghenyriverstone.org.
Concerts to Munch By, 12:1512:45 p.m., every Wed thru Aug.
22 (except July 4), 259 S. Main
St., Butler. Sponsored by the
Butler County Symphony Assoc.
For info, call (724) 283-1402 or
www.butlersymphony.org.
EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers
Regatta, June 30-July 4. For
details, visit threeriversregatta.net.
Foxburg Scottish Festival, 7
p.m., Aug. 17, Ceilidh, on the
Foxburg Green; gates open 9:00
a.m., Aug. 18, Scottish Festival,
Allegheny Riverstone Center for the
Arts. For details, call (724) 6590003 or hotline (412) 867-1816 or
visit www.alleghenyriverstone.org.
Marshall Township Events:
Movies in the Park, dusk, July 18,
Spirit-Stallion of the Cimarron;
Nature Discovery Camp, 9 a.m.noon, July 9-13, Knob Hill ParkElias Fry Barn. Call (724) 9353090 x115.
Marshall Township Community
Day, 4 p.m.-fireworks, July 28,
Knob Hill Park, (724) 935-3090
ID/GD Summer Studio workshop, July 22-26, La Roche
College in McCandless Twp. For
info, call (412) 536-1017 or www.
laroche.edu.
North Hills Community Outreach
is collecting new backpacks and
school supplies for distribution to
low-income children. Collection
Movies in the Park, July 18, Puss
in Boots; Aug. 1, Little Giants;
Aug. 15, Dolphin Tale, at Pine
Community Park. For info, (724)
625-1636, ext. 170 or www.twp.
pine.pa.us.
Nature Discovery Camp, 9
a.m.-noon, July 9-13, Knob Hill
Park-Elias Fry Barn. For ages 6-11.
Register by July 5. Call (724) 9353090 x 115.
Pine Township Community Day,
4 p.m. til dusk, July 21, Pine
Community Park. Fireworks display
by Pyrotechnico.
Pittsburgh Blues Festival,
July 20-22, Hartwood Acres.
Sponsored by Peoples Natural Gas.
For details, visit www.pghblues.
com.
Pittsburgh Irish Fest, 4 p.m.-midnight, Sept. 7; 11 a.m.-midnight,
Sept. 8 & 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 9,
Riverplex, 1000 Sandcastle Dr.,
West Homestead. For info (412)
422-1113 or www.pghirishfest.org.
St. Alexis Parish Festival, 6-11
p.m., Aug. 1-4, 10090 Old Perry
Hwy., Wexford. Games, rides and
nightly dinners. For info, call (724)
935-4343 or visit stalexis.org.
St. Ferdinand Church Family
Festival & White Elephant Sale,
6-11 p.m., Aug. 10 & 11 & 4 p.m.10 p.m., Aug. 12. Nightly dinners,
games and rides. For info, call
(724) 776-2888 or www.STFERD.
org.
Summer Fest - Ice Cream Eating
Contest, 3-6 p.m., July 15,
Bruster’s of Ingomar. Sponsored
by North Hills Community Outreach.
Register at, (412) 366-9899.
Township of Shaler Community
Day, July 4, Kiwanis Park; 8:30
a.m., Jane Neely Run for your Life
5K Race; pool open noon-5 p.m.;
fire truck rides & inflatables; fireworks at dusk (raindate July 5).
Golf Outings
Ladies’ Golf Outing, Aug. 1,
Conley Resort in Butler. Sponsored
by the Butler County Chamber.
Registration deadline is July 20.
Call, (724) 283-2222 or online
ButlerCountyChamber.com.
Rege Harbison, Sr. Memorial
Golf Tournament, 7:45 a.m.
(registration), 8:30 a.m. tee off,
Aug. 18, 193 Green Meadows
Lane, Volant. Sponsored by Hope
Lutheran Church in Cranberry. For
info, call (724) 538-3350 or hopelutherancranberry.org.
The SSG Edward F. Greiner Jr.
Memorial 5K Walk/Run
The SSG Edward F. Greiner Jr. Memorial 5K
Walk/Run will be held July 29, at the boathouse in North Park. Registration begins at
7:30 a.m., the event starts at 9:00 a.m.
Proceeds benefit the Yellow Ribbon Girls of
Ellwood City. For info or to register, visit
www.eddie5kwalk.com.

July 2012 - Northern Connection Magazine

Transcription

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