July 2012 1 NC

Actual Patient Shanan June 2012

Arms 2” lost

Waist 2.375” lost

Hips 4.25” lost

Glutes 3.375” lost 25% off Thighs Our Customized 4” lost 6-week Program

Chiropractic Family Health Center 724-940-9000 *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

28 55 NORTHERN CONNECTION This Month Summertime Fun Health & Wellness 8 8 Festival Revs Up for Jeep Lovers 21 Physicians & Healthcare Janice Lane Palko Professionals 2012 Guide 9 Soergel’s Orchards 24 Are You as Fit as a Fifth Grader? 10 Pine Richland Youth Center Michael Parkinson, MD, MPH, FACPM, UPMC Summer Camp WorkPartners In Every Issue 28 The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh 11 Staying Fit and Healthy on Your 4 From the Publisher and Lemieux Family Center Summer Vacation Joella Baker Marion Piotrowski 33 HealthSouth Leads the Way 14 Slippery Rock University 6 Movers & Shakers in Providing a Higher Level of 2012-13 Performing Arts Series Outpatient Rehabilitation Care 6 Business Spotlight: Polesky Agency of Erie Insurance Features 34 Advanced Pain Medicine Janice Lane Palko 17 Tech Talk: Family Fun with 38 The Benefits of Breastfeeding 7 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Geocaching Marianne Reid Anderson Hilary Garbon, MD, FAAP, IBCLC and Mary Pagnotto, MD, Community Health Clinic FAAP, IBCLC 55 The Battle of the Divas II Benefits Paula Green Children in Guatemala Janice Lane Palko 40 Special Education and Learning 10 Town Crier: Jump Into July Disabilities Susan Oliverio, MSED Joek Bullic Image + Style 40 Quick and Easy Relaxation Exercises 12 Just a Thought: The Worst of Times to Help Relieve Adult Stress During 18 Dressing to the Max Janice Lane Palko Kelly.h A Smit Trying Times 20 If Two is Company, 16 Trivia Connection: Is Four a Crowd? Real Estate Rumbling Tumbling Trivia Robert and Michele Tedder Paula Green 52 Still Haven’t Refinanced? Now is 21 Support Our Troops: the Time!! Jacquelyn Brinker Education Dr. Karl Blake 53 With General Rental Center, DIY 47 Dealing with Ticks Paula Green Kelly Heidenreich, MD Doesn’t Have to Mean #*@!% 30 Health Tips: Janice Lane Palko Senior Living Fighting an Internal Threat 48 What’s in Your Basket? Advertorials West Penn Allegheny Health System Barbara. A Killmeyer 15 Divine Providence 43 School Movers & Shakers 49 Vincentian Rocks Allegheny County 37 Adult Athletes: A Special Breed with a Twist on a Traditional 50 Happenings for Seniors Dr. Shannon Thieroff Fundraiser 54 NC Happenings

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2 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 3 NC

rom he July issue of Northern Connection magazine features some great ideas for Summer Fun for all

the Tthe family to enjoy. There are special happenings and events taking place all over Pittsburgh and the sur-

Pub NORTHERN rounding area through the summer months that will provide entertainment to please folks of all ages. July also is lisher Northern Connection magazine’s annual Health Care/ CONNECTION Professionals Guide. We are very fortunate to live in a city that has so many trained experts in the Health Care Welcome to Northern Connection! P.O. Box 722 Profession. Northern Connection magazine is proud to Wexford, PA 15090-0722 showcase some of the area’s finest physicians and special- Phone: 724-940-2444 ist, along with some of the Fax: 724-940-2447 best health care facilities in the Email: [email protected] www.northernconnectionmag.com world. The July issue also provides some great tips on reliev- Laura Piotrowski President & Publisher ing stress, how to stay healthy [email protected] Marion Swanson Piotrowski and fit on your summer vaca- Executive Editor Janice Lane Palko tion and some important health Managing Editor/ tips. The July Trivia will jog Public Relations Coordinator your memory about U.S. natu- Paula M. Green ral disasters. Marketing & Account Executive and Office Coordinator Enjoy reading all NC maga- Laura Lyn Piotrowski zine’s special features along with our regular monthly Mary Simpson Marketing & Account Executive columns. As we celebrate Independence Day this year, let [email protected] Mary L. Simpson

us all remember what a blessing it is to live in this great Design & Production country and never forget the price that was paid for our Kostilnik & Assoc., Inc. freedom. Thank you for your support. Together we con- Web Master tinue to to make our community an outstanding place to Pat Miller, TypeLink live and work. F Core Writers Joella Baker Jacquelyn Brinker Joe Bullick “My God! How little do my countrymen know what Mike Doerfler precious blessings they are in procession of, and which Janice Lane Palko Rosemary Garrity [email protected] Paula M. Green no other people on earth enjoy.” Barbara A. Killmeyer Donna Summers Moul, M.S.Ed. By Thomas Jefferson Janice Lane Palko Marianne Reid Anderson Kelly Smith Michele Tedder, MSN, RN, CC Coming in Northern Distribution Linda Watkins Connection Magazine: Lori Palmer Dominion Distribution Paula Green August issue: Back to School [email protected]

September issue: Extracurricular Activities and Senior Living 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 CALL TODAY AND SEE HOW NORTHERN charge to the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh. Subscription can be purchased from the CONNECTION MAGAZINE CAN HELP YOU publisher at $25 for one year. GROW YOUR BUSINESS BY HELPING YOU 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. CONNECT TO THE COMMUNITY! 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. Find us on under Northern Connection Magazine!

4 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com If your roof looks like Gloeocapsa magma is here to stay—there roof. Some are too old or too damaged, and is no way to completely eradicate it from some are made of materials that aren’t good one of the photos above, help the region. Each homeowner in our area to clean. But if your roof is made of asphalt is only a phone call away! will need to get their own roof cleaned and shingles and is less than 15 to 20 years old, protected. then our shingle cleaning will amaze you! What is going on with your roof? The black stains on your roof are caused by If your roof has black stains or streaks on Our biodegradable soaps and detergents a hardy strain of algae called Gloeocapsa it, then the algae are literally dining on your kill 99.9% of those roof destroying algae magma. These dark algae are usually most roof…and your shingles, unfortunately, are immediately, leaving you with a beautiful, visible on the north face of a roof since that the main course. As the algae eat the lime- stain-free roof. Your roof will look cleaner and side usually retains moisture the longest stone, they loosen the top coat of granules newer than it has looked in years! We are because it receives less sunlight. These that give the roof its color. If left untreated for so confident in our services that we offer a algae literally eat the limestone in the shingle. too long, the top coat will wear down to the satisfaction guarantee… if you are not happy Once on your roof, the only way to get rid of point that the black asphalt layer below it will with the results, then you don’t owe us a them is to kill them. Gloeocapsa magma are be exposed and it will look stained forever. dime! We also offer a 2-year warranty against airborne, meaning that they are light enough future staining from Gloeocapsa magma. to be carried on air currents from one home Shingle Replacement vs. Cleaning After those 2 years, we offer to come out and to the next, one city to the next, one state to Many experts believe that almost 25% of roof spray a preventative treatment on your roof the next. replacements in the U.S. last year were not (at a fraction of the initial low treatment cost). needed; instead, the roofs just needed to be Why am I seeing stains more now than cleaned. Don’t spend thousands of dollars One call today will protect your roof for its ever before? needlessly if roof cleaning is all you needed. entire life. Wind currents have been carrying these algae north from roofs in the Southern states Cleaning your shingles might be for the past few years. People there have the answer. Call today had to deal with the issue for decades. Sadly, We say “might” because we can’t clean every 724-486.2161 Here are what the three roofs above look like after they were treated and cleaned.

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M Andrew Stockey, overs of WTAE, was honored with Movers & Shakers the Spirit of Golf Award at & S the Woodlands Passvant Hospital Foundation A statewide organization that Golf Classic pre- held their Vigil of Hope on June honors hospitals and health sys- sented by Range hakers tems for innovation, creativity and Andrew 6. Guest speaker was Dennis C. Resources on commitment to patient care has Stockey Daley, PhD. The vigil was held June 22 at Butler to remember those who died from lauded UPMC for its work on nurse County Club. drugs and to shine a light of hope retention, the creation of en energy for tomorrow. and environmental engineering Edna Spang, fit- July 2012 department and efforts to improve ness instructor at James D. Turco children’s access to behavioral the Woodlands, has been promot- health services. will compete ed to senior vice Tri-State Neurological Associates in Lake Placid president of St. announced that two of its physi- Leslie Merrill, senior consul- Ironman on July Barnabas Health cians Matt El-Kadi, MD, PhD, tant for Government Relations 22. The athletic Edna Spang System. FACS and Joseph Maroon, MD, at UPMC, and UPMC were rec- competition fea- James Turco FACS were featured in a recent ognized for their support of the tures a 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile The Woodlands issue of Pittsburgh magazine rec- Woodlands at its Annual Board of bike and 26.2 mile run. Foundation announced the addi- ognizing their accomplishments. Directors meeting. Board presi- tion of three new members to its dent Douglas Clark and executive Rocking for Residents was recently board of directors. They are: Alan Dr. Marc Oster has joined Butler director Peter Clakeley presented held at local nursing homes. A Balla, Craig Tillotson and Robert Health System Nallathambi Merrill with a framed photo of par- 100-year old sister rocked with a Vertullo. Medical Associates as an Internal ticipants in the Woodlands 2011 seven-year old and four genera- Medicine physician at 147 Mulone Notes from the Heart Summer tions of rockers. Marian Manor Drive in Sarver. Music Camp. resident, Sister Loretta Shelby, Business Spotlight:

Businesses may also be Polesky Agency of Erie underinsured. “Employment practices liability is one coverage that I always recommend Insurance for any company that has employees. It protects against By Janice Lane Palko claims like sexual harassment, wrongful termination and racial cott Berney, an agent with the Polesky Agency of Erie discrimination. Also, any type Insurance, offers all types of insurance for every kind of of contractor should ALWAYS Sbusiness, individual or family. However, he offers some- carry voluntary property dam- thing even better. “One of the main products that we sell is a age. This is NOT covered by good night’s sleep,” Berney said. “I make sure to review each their general liability policy. It client’s specific situation and ‘risk aversion’ and take the time protects the contractor from to explain exactly what coverage is provided and how insurance simple situations - if they need works. I work to make sure that each client doesn’t lie awake to move an appliance or piece of furniture to complete a job and worrying about whether they are properly protected.” what they moved is damaged. Simple coverage—but it is almost Located at 1150 Thorn Run Road in Moon Twp., the always overlooked,” Berney said. Polesky Agency is independent, so it also represents carriers like Unfortunately, most people aren’t aware of how insurance Travelers, Hartford, Zurich, Chubb and Progressive. Berney has works and wonder why their premiums sometimes increase when been with the agency since last November. Prior to that, he spent they haven’t had a claim. “Essentially, when someone pays their nearly four years with a large commercial insurance agency. He premium, that money goes into a larger “bucket” from which grew up in the Harrisburg area and graduated from Grove City insurance companies pay claims. The premium we pay is based College with a degree in business management. He has lived in not only on our own track record, but the losses that ALL the the Pittsburgh area since 2003. clients of a particular company experiences. When the money Most people have the standard policies, but they may not be going out of the “bucket” to pay for claims is more than the aware of other coverage that is available to protect them. “For premium dollars coming in, the increase required to cover it will individuals and families, ID Theft is a big one to be aware of – be spread over ALL clients,” Berney said. “That’s how insurance from stealing Social Security numbers to your bank information – works – by spreading risk over a large group of people.” ID theft helps to rebuild your credit and repair your good name. For more information on how Scott Berney can help to Also, flood insurance is something most people either don’t con- ensure that you have a good night’s sleep, contact him at 724- sider or assume is automatically included – when it’s not. And 678-2992 or [email protected]. Visit the website at flood doesn’t just have to be a stream, river, or lake overflowing. poleskyagency.com and be sure not to miss his fun and addictive It can be any surface water: heavy rain is an obvious example,” blog at pittsberneyinsurance.com. F Berney said.

6 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com Mover & shaker of the month Community Health Clinic

By Paula Green

include: physicians, nurses, medical assistants, pharmacists, here is a wise old saying by ancient Roman poet Virgil case managers, clerical workers, and many other dedicated –“The greatest wealth is health.” We all long to stay assistants. Thealthy, but, unfortunately, that is not always the case. The clinic offers services such as diabetic education and There are many individuals who don’t have insurance and counseling, assistance with financial aid program at Butler simply can’t afford the rising cost of medical treatment. In Memorial Hospital, and referrals to other agencies. It also Butler County, 11,000 people fall into this category. utilizes the Patent Assistance Program, which allows patients That is where the Community Health Clinic in Butler to receive their medication at no cost by applying to the phar- County steps in to help those in need in their region. The maceutical companies. clinic’s goal is to offer primary healthcare services needed to The need for the clinic is reflected by a patient who said, keep their patients healthy, so they can continue to work, care “If the clinic wasn’t here, I would not be receiving regular for their families and be productive members of the commu- health care. I don’t know where I would get my medica- nity. tion.” Located on Bonnie Drive in Butler, this nonprofit agency In Nov. 2009, the facility added a dental section. It is is committed to providing free health care and dental care for staffed with seven volunteer dentists and two oral surgeons. uninsured, income-eligible ($21,660 per year for a single per- CHC relies on the support of the community. It receives son household and $44,100 per year for a four person house- no federal dollars and relies solely on private donations, cor- hold). Butler County residents ages 19 through 64 that meet porate giving and grants. The facility sponsors various fund- the income range are eligible. raisers through the year to help with operating cost. The much welcomed addition to the Butler commu- For more information on the Community Health Clinic nity opened its doors in 2008. It is a VIM (Volunteers in in Butler County, call (724) 841-0980 or visit their website Medicine) clinic. It is staffed with over 150 volunteers that www.butlerhealthclinic.org. F

100, rocked for an hour, while The Portiuncula Foundation Sister Irene Margaret Ellis, a of the Sisters of St. Francis Marian Manor employee collected of the Neumann Communities pledges. Seven-year old Aidan distributed $129,700 in grants Dr. Reed Hankinson McCue, of Overbrook rocked for and $8,500 in memorial nursing his grandmother, Marian Manor scholarships at its annual Little n June 7, the Ambridge Area Portion of God’s Goodness Awards resident Jean McCue. Four gen- School District inducted the erations of rockers were led by Brunch at Mt. Alvernia in Millvale Vincentian Personal Care resident on June 5. Ofourth round of recipients into Jean Nofsinger. Participates the “Hall of Honor,” which was estab- included her son Bill and his Richard Horn lished to honor outstanding Ambridge of Aspinwall has children, daughter Connie along been named Area School District graduates who have with many grandchildren and two made significant community contribu- great grandchildren (age two and executive director an infant). More than ten family of Priority Two by tions and/or career-related accomplish- members were in attendance to the organization’s ments. The purpose of the Hall of rock the house. board of directors. The orga- Honor is to recognize alumni who have Richard Horn achieved outstanding accomplishments Sister Linda nization provides Larkman pro-active job search skills training and to establish a lasting relationship with their alma mater. of the and support for people who are The goal of the Hall of Honor is to provide a visual incen- Benedictine unemployed, under-employed or experiencing career transitions in tive to current Ambridge area students to aspire to greatness. Sisters of Among the recipients of the award this year is Dr. Reed Pittsburgh the Greater Pittsburgh area. made her Hankinson, a 1988 graduate of Ambridge and consummate St. Margaret Foundation held final pro- leader in many facets of education. Hankinson began his their 5K Fitness Classic Run/ fession of Walk on May 20. The event career as a teacher and continued in his roots of education by monastic vows at Vespers, an raised $79,000 to benefit the developing software programs to aid education profession- Evening Prayer of Praise, on May Foundation’s Bed Fund which 12. She received a ring that als. He now owns the business, EduLink Inc. and has led the supports underserved patients marked her perpetual commitment team that developed PA-ETEP, an electronic portal used to who may need transportation for as a vowed member of the com- treatments and testing, as well facilitate the new teacher evaluation process in PA school dis- munity. as medication or medical devices tricts. Hankinson is a current resident of Cranberry Twp. with needed to stay healthy. his wife and two sons and are expecting their third child. F

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 7 their prototype, Bantam was not capable of producing the army’s requirement of making 75 vehicles a day. Using Bantam’s blue- Festival Revs Up prints, 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 for Jeep Lovers that. Bantam closed in 1956. By Janice Lane Palko Organized by the Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, with support from the Butler County Historical Society, oing rogue” has become a “buzz phrase” in the Butler Downtown, other local organizations, and a group of media, indicating the desire to flout conventional committed volunteers and Jeep enthusiasts, the goal was to “Gwisdom or practices. For drivers, the ultimate way to create a signature annual event celebrating Butler’s role as the go rogue is to drive a Jeep. There is no other driving experience birthplace of the jeep. The Festival will take place in Downtown more freeing or exhilarating than cruising down the road sans Butler and at the Big Butler Fairgrounds along Route 422, and roof and doors. Perhaps this love of freedom is at the core of why it offers something for everyone to enjoy. so many Jeep enthusiasts turned out for Bantam Jeep Heritage More Jeeps than ever will be able to participate this year. A Festival in Butler last year. More than 1,300 Jeeps from 25 states, “Maximum Jeep Capacity” has been established for each activity a new Guinness World Record, and 50,000 spectators came and has been published on the festival’s website. Registration together to celebrate at the birthplace of this beloved vehicle. numbers will be updated in the site’s registration section so This year’s festival, which will be held August 10-12, promises everyone knows how much space is available for each activity. an even more incredible time. “We were entirely overwhelmed Maximum quantities were established so that Jeepers know at the by the enthusiasm of all of the Jeep owners who traveled to Butler outset that registration for various events is limited. last year for our festival,” said Patti Jo Lambert, event director. The Festival kicks off in Downtown Butler on Friday, August “Our intent was to create a fabulous event that celebrated our 10 with the Jeep Invasion. The event will feature up to 1,200 Jeep heritage and give Jeep enthusiasts an opportunity to admire Jeeps parked along Butler’s Main Street and side streets. The all of the makes and models of Jeeps that were created since the evening event will have a party atmosphere with DJs, food ven- very first Bantam was produced. Without realizing it at the time, dors and thousands of Jeep enthusiasts strolling up and down the we ended up creating a homecoming for Jeeps.” streets admiring all of the Jeeps. With the United State gearing up for what would be World Three new events are slated for Saturday night. The Jeep War II, in 1940, the U.S. Army asked tractor and auto manu- Team Challenge allows spectators to watch 50 Jeep owners try facturers if they could design a four-wheel-drive, 40-horsepower, their hand at some entertaining driving challenges. The event 1,300-pound reconnaissance car that could carry soldiers and will begin at 6 p.m. and is sure to be one of the highlights of the heavy artillery. The kicker was that the army needed a working 2012 event. prototype to test run within 49 days. The American Bantam The Mystery Road Rally will give 200 Jeeps the chance to go on Car Company in Butler accepted the challenge and won the con- a scavenger hunt throughout Butler County. Prizes will be awarded tract by promising to deliver a prototype in 45 days. Although to the Jeeps who correctly answer trivia questions and return to the Bantam made good on their promise and the army accepted festival closest to the pre-determined time and mileage.

8 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com 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 Sunday- only 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 e are now at the peak of the season for locally grown, fresh produce. Right now the Soergel Wfamily 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

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 9 Pine Richland Youth Center Summer Camp ine Richland Youth Center summer camp is very affordable and has flexible hours and days. Kids age 4-12 will play Poutside 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 child- hood 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 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 Jump Into July lawn in Washington, D.C., they have A Capitol Fourth. A free concert pre- By Joe Bullick cedes the fireworks and attracts over half a million people annually. ello, July! I hope you had a traditions of the U.S. Many people will be going to parks great June with graduations In 1778, General George for picnics and enjoying amusement Hand weddings now a thing of Washington marked July 4 with a dou- parks. As a young boy we spent time the past. I was working hard in our ble ration of rum for his soldiers and at West View Park. Now schools enjoy garden, and I was always glad the grass an artillery salute across the Atlantic Kennywood Park. As a young boy, July did not grow so fast. In July, when I Ocean. Ambassadors John Adams and was hot and humid. I know I drank a was young, I had to cut a half acre with Benjamin Franklin held a dinner for lot of lemonade and loved eating ripe a push mower. We had no air condi- their fellow Americans in Paris. peaches. tioning in our house, so I slept on the In 1791, the first recorded use Remember, if you were born June porch on the hot nights. of the name “Independence Day” 21-July 22, your sign of the zodiac As a young boy, I loved occurred. Independence Day fireworks is cancer and your birthstone is ruby. Independence Day, commonly known are often accompanied by patriotic Here are a few facts: in 1976 the first as the Fourth of July. It is a fed- songs such as the National Anthem - women were admitted to the U.S. eral holiday in the United States and The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md., in commemorates the adoption of the America, America the Beautiful, My 1839 industrialist and philanthropist Declaration of Independence on July 4, Country Tis of Thee, This Land is Your John D. Rockefeller was born. 1776, when we declared independence Land, and Stars and Stripes Forever. Have a safe Fourth of July. Be care- from Great Britain. This day is associ- Regionally, we heard Yankee Doodle ful with fireworks and don’t eat too ated with fireworks, parades, barbecues, Dandy in the northeastern states and much. I leave you with this, carnivals, fairs, picnics, concerts, base- Dixie in the southern states. Some “So live that your memories will ball games, family reunions and political of the lyrics recall images of the be part of your happiness.” – Author speeches and ceremonies, in addition to Revolutionary War, or the War of 1812. unknown various other public and private events There are some great television celebrating the history, government and shows that I did not see as a young

10 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com Staying Fit and Healthy on Your Summer Vacation By Joella Baker

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 Ito 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 paddle- boards 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

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 11 Just a Thought... 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 The Worst of Times Point sounded ideal on paper. Yes, we No vacation goes unpunished. ~Karl Hakkarainen were right on the lake--next to a draw- bridge that went up and down all night By Janice Lane Palko with clanging and boats tooting horns. It reminded me of that scene in Annie Hall where Woody Allen’s character as a t’s vacation season, a time most of us ing with my brother. He was clad in my child lived under the Coney Island roller look toward with longing. As much mother’s stretch pants that came up to coaster. Ias I like vacation, I must admit that his arm pits because he had no unsoiled Through the years, we’ve had bats in at times they can be like a Dickens’ novel: clothes left while my dad and mom took our cottage, skunks under our camper, the best of times, the worst of times. down the tent. On the ride home, we and have been evacuated twice for I’ve had my share of bad vacation had to take turns lying down in the sta- impending hurricanes headed for the experiences. The earliest dud I remem- tion wagon and vomiting into a bucket— Outer Banks. ber occurred when I was about nine. that’s a Kodak moment I’d like to forget. While those vacation disasters were We were camping at Shawnee State Park The summer I was first married, we unpleasant, it’s not every holiday mis- near Bedford, when I sat up suddenly in went to the Outer Banks with my family. hap that induces nightmares for years to the middle of the night in the tent and I was having a great time until Tuesday come. The pièce de résistance of vacation promptly vomited on my seven-year-old when I began to feel a bit creepy. When catastrophes that holds a special place in brother. Not surprisingly, he began to I spiked a high fever later that evening, my family lore, even today, is our fateful cry. While my mother fumbled in the we headed for the doctors. We had to trip to Skyline Drive, in the Blue Ridge dark with a lantern to clean up the messy drive to secluded Collington Island— Mountains of Virginia. I was probably sleeping bags and find him clean clothes, think setting for the Swamp People show. 10 and, once again, we were in our tent, he got sick too. All that I remember is After navigating through abandoned cars and to make things really pleasant, it was, lying on a picnic table the next morn- and Spanish moss, we found the doc- you guessed it, raining. In fact, the days tor who diagnosed strep throat. I spent we were there, the area set records for the rest of the week on the couch while rainfall. During one brief respite from everyone enjoyed the glorious beach the deluge, we--my parents and my three weather. My only source of entertain- siblings and I--emerged from our tent ment was the Democratic National to take a walk. My little sister’s shoes Convention, which was on all three of the got wet, so as my mom headed back to channels we received on the portable TV the tent to get her different a pair, we in the cottage. Fun times, that was. saw people pointing. We were head- The following April my husband ing right toward a black bear. Our legs and I thought it would be fun to take turned into wheels like those of the Road Amtrak to Washington, D.C., for the Runner, and you never saw six people run Cherry Blossom Festival. Traveling by and cram into a station wagon so fast. train conjured up romantic images of The Terrified, we kids refused to leave the car. Orient Express, but that was quickly dis- My dad thought we were nuts, but we pelled A trip that takes five hours by car wouldn’t let him sleep that night in the took nine by train. But the scenery must tent either. After an uncomfortable night have been gorgeous, one would think. of six people sleeping in the back of a Unfortunately, no. Train tracks do not Ford LTD, we packed up and headed to run in the most scenic areas of towns. a safer Pennsylvania campground. We got a nine-hour tour of every slum The saying goes A Bad Day of and depressed town between Pittsburgh Vacation is Better than a Good Day at and D.C. It rained the whole time we Work—I don’t know about that--I’ve were there, knocking off all the cherry never had nightmares from work. F blossoms. I had purchased new jeans for the trip, and because we were so wet, Janice Lane Palko, a recent recipient of the prestigious Amy the dye bled and stained my legs. To top Foundation Award for writing, off my tour of the nation’s capitol as a has numerous articles in print Smurf, I came down with the flu on the in such publications as The Reader’s Digest, Guideposts way home. Nothing like sitting for nine for Teens, Woman’s World and hours on a train with fever and chills and The Christian Science Monitor. returning to a lovely Pittsburgh greeting Her work has also been featured in the books A Cup of Comfort for Inspiration, A Cup of Comfort of a late-April snow storm. Of course, we for Expectant Mothers and Chicken Soup for the Single’s Soul.

12 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com 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

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 13 Don’t miss the Slippery Rock University 2012-13 Performing Arts Series

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 Tthree 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 Multi- Purpose 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

$5 Off 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

14 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 15 NC

TRIVIA July 2012

Rumbling Tumbling Trivia Tracking U.S. Natural Disasters By Paula Green

irst the earth shook, then along came a hurricane drenching. leaving an estimated 162 people dead. The Joplin tornado is the The East Coast was hit with a double-whammy within a week. deadliest single tornado since modern recordkeeping began in 1950 FOn August 23, 2011, a powerful 5.8 magnitude earthquake and is ranked as the seventh deadliest in U.S. history. (dubbed the East Coast Earthquake) was felt in Washington, D.C, Since we have stormed through natural U. S. disasters, we must at the Pentagon, at the nation’s Capitol and up and down the East now see “weather” or not we can breeze through some questions. Coast. It was followed by Hurricane Irene, whose impact equated Get ready to rumble because it’s time to get a little trivial… to the size of Europe. Natural disasters are unwelcomed, but they’re, unfortunately, a 1. Hurricane Katrina caused $81 billion in damages. What day did part of our existence. They include: avalanches, blizzards, cyclones, it hit New Orleans? drought, earthquakes, floods, hurricanes, landslides, tornadoes, tsu- 2. In the 1930s, drought and erosion brought on this destructive namis, volcanic eruptions and wildfires. weather event in the Great Plains. Hurricane Katrina showed us how tragic natural disasters can 3. The Atlantic hurricane season begins June 1. When does it offi- be. While Katrina caused extensive damage throughout New cially end? Orleans, Texas and Mississippi, it was not the worst natural disaster 4. On June 2, an EF-1 tornado hit this area in Westmoreland in American history. County. The deadliest was the hurricane that ripped into Galveston, 5. The 1964 Alaskan earthquake struck during which religious day Texas, on Sept. 18, 1900. The Category 4 storm with 16-foot of observance? waves devastated the island city, killing one in six residents and 6. March 11-15, a massive blizzard stretched from Canada thru destroying buildings in its path. Damaged to the region was esti- Central America, causing snow, heavy rains, and tornadoes. mated to be $30 million, while the death toll ranged from 6,000 to What year did this occur? 12,000. 7. In 1980, this active volcano erupted in Washington State, kill- A massive earthquake rocked San Francisco in 1906. The ing 57 and destroying 200 homes. destruction left over half of San Francisco’s population homeless and 8. This sporting event was interrupted by an earthquake in the killed between 700 and 3,000 people. “Bay” area in 1989. A major natural disaster occurred in Pennsylvania: the Great 9. Name the hurricane that hit Homestead, Florida, in Aug. 1992? Johnstown flood claimed an estimated 2,200 lives. Heavy rains 10. On April 3, 1974, a deadly tornado swept through this city in caused the South Fork Dam to collapse on May 31, 1889. More Ohio? than 20 millions tons of water, in a wave reaching more than 70-feet 11. The West Coast has the San Andreas Fault line. What is the high, swept 14 miles down the Little Conemaugh River Valley, name of the fault line that runs in the central U.S.? destroying everything in its path, including most of the industrial 12. An intense vortex that forms into a funnel cloud over the sea is city of Johnstown. called? The heat wave of 1980 proved to be one of the nation’s most cata- 13. During Nov. 11-12, 1940, Nebraska, South Dakota, Iowa, strophic prolonged weather events. A high-pressure ridge pushed tem- Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan were hit with a storm peratures across the central and southern United States above 90 degrees called? for most of the summer. Agricultural damage tallied an estimated $48 14. Tornadoes are measured on an EF Scale. What does the EF billion due to a massive drought, and 10,000 people died from heat stand for? related ailments. 15. In 1950, the Pittsburgh blizzard began during this holiday. F In 1964, a 9.2 earthquake struck south central Alaska; tsunamis from the quake caused approximately 131 deaths. It’s the second largest Sources: http://genealogy.about.com/od/histroic_disasters/tp/deadli- est_us/htm, http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/03disasters-in-us-an- earthquake recorded in history. extreme_n_947750.html, http://www.livescience.com/11365-10-worst-natural- The deadliest tornado on record in the U.S. occurred on March disasters-html, http://www.noaa.gov/2011_tornado_information.html, http://

18, 1925. The “Tri-State Tornado” (Missouri, Illinois and Indiana) www.wikipedia.com

had a 291-mile path, was rated F5 based on a historical assessment Thanksgiving 15. Fujita Enhanced 14. and caused 695 fatalities. Blizzard Day Armistice 13. waterspout 12. Madrid New 11. Xenia 10. Andrew

On May 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado hit the city of Joplin, Mo., 9. 3) (game Series World 8. Helens St. Mount 7. 1993 6. 27) (Mar. Friday Answers: Aug. 29, 2005 2. The Dust Bowl 3. Nov. 30 4. Ligonier 5. Good Good 5. Ligonier 4. 30 Nov. 3. Bowl Dust The 2. 2005 29, Aug.

16 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com NC

TECH TALK Family Fun with Geocaching! By Marianne Reid Anderson

eocaching is a worldwide phenomenon. It is a treasure that this requires a good deal of self-discipline. Many times the hunt and a family-fun activity for all ages! All you need is first person to spot the cache is just too excited and forgets to be Ga GPS-device and an account on www.geocaching.com. coy before yelling “leprechaun.” You begin by registering on the www.geocaching.com web- Geocaching.com also offers a mobile app so you can interact site. You will need to create a special “geocaching name” for with the website while you are hunting for caches, including ask- you or your team. For example, there’s the Cuddy Cache Crew, ing for hints, logging finds, or reporting a lost cache, also known Team LegoTJL, and Noctivagan, the silvered hair bat. You can as a “muggled” cache. then look for coordinates and descriptions of geocaches near You can also use your SMART Phone’s GPS functionality you. Next, you enter the coordinates of the caches that you want to find the coordinates. However, a regular GPS available from to find into your GPS and off you go DeLorme®, Megellin® or Garmin® to hunt and explore. is more accurate in pinpointing a People all over the world hide cache. If you have children under waterproof containers and log the the age of 12, I highly recommend GPS coordinates on www.geocach- the GeoMate Jr®. It is designed for ing.com. The containers range in size smaller hands, has bigger buttons from large to micro. The larger con- and is extremely accurate and very tainers contain various “swag” such easy to use. as Happy Meal® toys, key chains, Geocaching.com has everything company giveaways and so forth. The you need to get started, but they also rule is that if you take something out, have lots of fun and interesting items you need to put something back into for the more advanced cacher. There the container. So you should always are collectible medallions called bring some items of swag along to “path tags” and teams can design leave behind in the caches. and mint their own coin to distribute Through geocaching, our family into caches. My personal favorite team of all ages is out together, hiking in fresh items are the “Travel Bugs.” Each travel bug air and sunshine, learning how to use a GPS has a unique identification code that you can and best of all, hunting for buried treasure. log with geocaching.com and the location Caches are located all over the world – where it was first found. As fellow cachers from parks to parking lots, from drive up, find the travel bug, they move it to another convenient “stop and go” to much more dif- cache. You can then watch the progress of the ficult ones that require SCUBA diving. travel bug around the world. On a recent trip The locations can vary in terrain and dif- to Europe, we took a travel bug from Frick ficulty so caches are rated on a scale of 1 to Park and placed it in a cache in Ireland. It is 5 for each with 5 being the toughest. These now somewhere in The Netherlands. ratings help people pick the caches suit- There are also geocaching events where able for their abilities. Terrain 5 generally geocachers get together to swap stories, trade means that special equipment is required collectibles and offer tips and advice. Just last such as climbing gear. Difficulty describes month, Team LegoTJL, sponsored an Easter how hard the item is to solve or find. For Cache Hunt and Picnic in North Park and plans example, you could have an item in the to make it an annual event. middle of a flat field with a terrain of 1, but it is so well hidden I asked Tommy and Andy, the six- and ten- that there is a difficulty of 5. year-old members of the Cuddy Cache Crew, why they like to The caches are also categorized in various ways such as dog- geocache. The six year old simply said, “Cuz it’s good.” I think friendly, so even the family pet can participate. Other categories that pretty much says it all. include night caches with reflectors, caches that are wheelchair I hope any readers out there who are fellow geocachers will accessible and ones that require you to solve a puzzle first to add an anecdote or two about their geo-caching adventures determine the coordinates. or share important fun facts about geocaching on Northern When we go geocaching with a group, our dear friends The Connection magazine’s Facebook page or by emailing me direct- Cuddy Cache Crew taught us the following protocol: The first ly at [email protected]. F one to find the cache saunters away and calls out “leprechaun” – meaning the cache has been spotted. Then in turn, as each Marianne Reid Anderson is the Lead Professional Writer and Social Media Consultant at Solutions4networks. Solutions4networks provides a vast array of member of the group spots the cache, he or she saunters away network consulting services including social networking. For more information, and calls “leprechaun.” This way everyone has a chance to find go to our website at www.s4nets.com or you can contact Marianne directly at it before it is pulled out of its hiding spot. The only problem is [email protected].

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 17 NC

I mage

+ S Dressing to the t y le MAX By Kelly A. Smith

he maxi dress used to be synonymous only with sum- Tmer 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

18 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com 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 swim- JOIN THE ming 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 REVOLUTION! who are a bit top heavy (bigger bust- line, broader shoulders). You Can Lose 3-9+ Inches in 2 Weeks

Color/style The color and pat- tern should also be considered to create a sleek silhouette. Darker, solid colors are always slimming but • Zerona specializes don’t be afraid to show some print. in all over body contouring If you are plus-sized, stick with small, • Cranberry Twp’s 1st and only sparse patterns. Geometric or color Before After authorized site 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 • Designed for targeted results that an A-line style will make you • Northern Pittsburgh’s appear slimmer, while a V-neck will 1st and only visually elongate a short frame. authorized site Before After

Accessories Adding the right 8001 Rowan Rd., Suite 205 LOWEST PRICE! We will match any Local Zerona or accessories will help you to “pull off” Cranberry Twp, PA 16066 www.Laser-Enhancements.com Yolo Curve ad for same services the maxi dress. Since these dresses *Conditions apply have so much material, a belt can 724-591-5670 Laser Enhancements Cranberry Twp. • 724-591-5670 *With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases. Exp. 7-31-12 almost always be worn to cinch a waist where curves may need to be All Lasers used are safe for men and women, painless, no side effects. created. And if the thought of bar- ing your arms or shoulders leaves you cringing, you can always add a lightweight sweater or blazer. When con- sidering 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

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 19 NC

mage If Two Is Company, Is Four A Crowd? + S By Robert and Michele Tedder t y

le Sponsored by

hen was the last time you and your spouse went out on a date?... Still thinking?... WCan’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’ attrac- tion 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 posi- tive 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 educa- tor 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.

20 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com NC

| “I wanted to go overseas, but

they wouldn’t take me because I Su was an instructor. I spent two and Dr. Karl Blake pport a half years in the Army. I left in A Triple Triumph the middle of my sophomore year. I was discharged because the war Ou By Paula Green was ending, and I then returned to my civilian life,” Dr. Blake said. r

“When the Korean War came T nlisting in the military takes courage, dedication and along, I was put on active duty roops patriotism. But once you decide to join, the question in the U.S. Air Force. I was an then becomes: What branch of the armed services should E instructor and a flight surgeon. you choose? After the Korean War, I finished Eighty-eight-year-old, Pittsburgh resident Dr. Karl Blake is a up on the G.I. Bill of Rights. I had to be ready to go at a veteran who dutifully served his country in not one or two, but moment’s notice, but I didn’t end up being reactivated. It was three different branches of the military. There aren’t that many hard getting through all of it but I managed,” Dr. Blake said. individuals that have achieved such a notable feat. In addition to being a surgeon, Dr. Blake taught Anatomy Dr. Blake first joined the military in 1942, as a member of courses, part-time at the University of Pittsburgh. He was raised the Navy Reserve. “I spent a brief stint with them, about six in Mercer, and at one time, he lived in Carnegie. He currently months. They eventually discharged me because I was color resides in the North Hills. blind,” said Dr. Blake. He and wife Dorothy raised six children; four boys, John, Next, he was drafted by the United States Army, and placed Tom, Matt and Dwight and two girls Nancy and Sue. He has in their ASTP (Army Specialized Training Program). This 18 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. program was instituted by the Army during World War II at a Northern Connection magazine salutes Dr. Blake for years of number of American universities to meet wartime demands for military service in the Navy Reserve, U.S. Army and Air Force. F junior officers and soldiers with special skills. Its purpose was to provide continuous and accelerated flow of high-grade techni- cians and specialists needed by the Army. We welcome brief biographies and photos of local servicemen and women Dr. Blake was sent to the University of Pennsylvania for pre- from our community. If you know of someone you’d like to see featured in med studies. After that, the Army placed him in medical school 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 north- at the University of Pittsburgh, where he eventually became a [email protected]. surgeon and a teacher.

Physicians & Healthcare Professionals 2012 Guide

Advanced Liposuction Beaver Valley Chiropractic Laser Enhancements Tri-State Orthopeadics Center Foot Clinic Family Healthcare – enhancementlasers.com tristateortho.com AdLipoCenter.com bvfootclinic.com Dr. Shawn Richey 724-591-5670 412-369-4000 – North Hills 724-776-2488 – Seven Fields 724-987-3221 724-772-FOOT(3668) laserawayinches.com Brad Levinson, MD 724-940-9000 412-787-7582 – Robinson Advanced OB/GYN CCP – Bellevue Colon and Rectal Surgeon 412-696-0300 – Fox Chapel Associates Pediatric Associates Choice Chiropractic 724-741-6020 UPMC advancedobgyn.com cc-peds.net & Wellness Center Malec, Herring, 724-776-4535 412-761-1190 choicechiropractic.net www.findadoc.upmc.com & Krause 1-800-533-UPMC (8762) Advanced Pain Body Beautiful 412-364-9699 www.malecherringkrause.com Medicine Laser Medi-Spa Circulatory Centers 724-772-4949 UPMC Eye Center Advancedpainmedicine.com BBLMSpa.com veinhealth.com upmc.com/eyecenter Metropolitan ENT 412-647-2200 724-933-0300 724-987-3221 800-517-6172 Associates Advanced Vein Center Butler Memorial De Novo Chiropractic metroent.org Vactor Family AdVeinCenter.com Health Systems & Health 724-772-2711 Chiropractic 724-987-3220 denovopittsburgh.com vactorchiropractic.com Cardiovascular Pediatric Alliance weightlossnorthpittsburgh.com Allegheny Imaging of Dr. Jonas Cooper MD, MPH 412-443-8873 pediatricalliance.com BHSCardiovascular.org 724-742-2700 McCandless 724-431-0550 Grice Chiropractic Seven Fields Alleghenyimaging.com Gricehiropractic.com The Vein Institute – 412-367-SCAN 412-387-9977 Pittsburgh Veterinary Hospital Terrance R. Celtic Healthcare www.sevenfieldsvet.com 724-776-9977 Mars Krysinski MD Celtichealthcare.com 724-742-4433 Always at Home 800-355-8894 veininstituteofpittsburgh.com alwaysathome.org HealthSouth Hospitals St. Barnabas 724-934-VEIN 412-348-1065 Center for of Pittsburgh (Wexford/Warrendale) DemandHealthSouth.com Health System Balance for Wellness Digestive Health stbarnabashealthsystem.com 412-809-VEIN (Robinson) gihealth.com 1-877-937-3422 Balanceforwellness.com 724-443-0700 WPAHS 724-687-0731 Mars 412-262-1000 (opt. 2) – Moon 724-772-3660 (opt. 2) – Hope Hospice wpahs.org 724-477-3181 Butler hopehospicepgh.org Cranberry (412) DOCTORS (362-8677) 1-877-367-3685

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 21 22 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com PH Y SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 23 PH Y SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS Are You as Fit as a Fifth Grader?

Michael Parkinson, MD, MPH Senior Medical Director, Health and Productivity UPMC Health Plan

any of you have seen the popular TV show, “Are You perform in a certain time Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” And, no doubt you period. For example, in Mcame away with more of an appreciation for the things order for a 10-year-old fifth-graders know that adults do not – or at least have forgotten! boy to be classified as Well, it’s just as likely that many adults would be surprised being in the “healthy to learn the answer to this question: “Are You as Fit as a Fifth- fitness zone,” he needed Grader?” Chances are you don’t know the answer and it’s very to be able to do 12 sit-ups and seven push-ups. unlikely that you easily could find out from either your doctor or Employers might be surprised to learn that muscle your corporate wellness program. strength and flexibility are equally important in the work- My fifth-grade son recently brought home his “Fitness place. Musculoskeletal injuries such as strains and sprains are Gram,” which recorded how he scored in a number of physi- due often to obesity, lack of core body strength, and fitness. cal tests designed to measure fitness. What struck me was how Musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of lost workdays, detailed the assessment was, especially in contrast to its equiva- as well as medical and disability costs. Back injuries, slips, and lent wellness assessment in the corporate or “adult” world. stretching mishaps are common work-related incidents that Employers have been measuring and promoting workplace employees face and that could be avoided with improved core wellness primarily through the use of a health risk assessment body strength. which measures personal health behaviors and self-reported The final fitness measurement test for fifth-graders is the one height and weight, or body mass index (BMI). Many employers that is common in health risk assessments as well: BMI. BMI add biometric screenings, which include blood pressure and lipid is based on a formula that takes into account your height and or blood fat levels as well. And, of course, all employers are now weight in determining whether you have a healthy percentage required to pay for preventive care at no cost to their employees. of body fat. A BMI of less than 25 is ideal, 25 to 29.9 means Typically, individuals whose scores or lab values indicate low you are overweight, and 30 or more means you are obese. In risk are considered the most healthy. But the absence of risk does general, BMI is an inexpensive and easy-to-perform method of not equal “health.” And, clearly, the absence of risk does not screening for one’s potential to develop a variety of medical con- equal “fitness.” Simply put, in the corporate world at least, the ditions from hypertension and diabetes to many types of cancer bar has been set too low on the measurement and definition of and arthritis. “wellness.” One reason fifth-graders may be more fit than adults is that, My fifth-grader was assessed for his aerobic capacity, oth- generally speaking, they are more active. In order to improve fit- erwise known as “VO2 Max.” VO2Max or aerobic capacity, is ness people need to participate in moderate aerobic activity for the maximum volume of oxygen an individual’s body consumes 30 minutes a day, five days a week. It does not matter if the 30 during peak exercise. It is widely considered the test that best minutes is all-at-once or split into three 10-minute segments. reflects the overall cardiorespiratory (heart and lung) physical fit- What’s important is to try to get moving! Some exercise at any ness of an individual. VO2 Max has been shown to be the best level of intensity is better than none as you start your journey to single predictor of “all cause mortality” – how long we’ll live. build endurance. Aerobic testing is almost never part of corporate wellness Trying to become as fit as a fifth-grader is within your tests for adults, but the information is important to assessing and reach – not immediately, but over time. Any company – (or, improving one’s health and fitness. Greater aerobic capacity has individual, for that matter) – that wants to take wellness to “the been associated with the ability to better perform both physical next level” should start measuring fitness the way fifth-graders and mental work – clearly required in today’s demanding and do. Comprehensive fitness assessment can be incorporated into competitive workplace. onsite wellness screening. My son’s fitness test also included an assessment of his So for companies serious about “raising the bar” on fitness muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility – other core com- and corporate productivity the answer is clear, “Yes, we should ponents of total fitness. He was measured by the number of ALL be as fit – and assessed for comprehensive fitness – as our sit-ups, trunk lifts, push-ups and sit-and-reach exercises he could own fifth graders!” F

24 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 25 PH Y SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

26 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 27 PH Y SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center Where it’s all about the kids!

t The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center, it’s all about the kids! Whether your child has to tran- sition from a hospital setting to home, needs a specialized day care center because of a medical condition or if you are Ainterested in growing your family through adoption, The Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center is the place for you.

Adoption Child’s Way® The Social Workers in our Adoption Program provide a Every day in Child’s Way® we care for children with lifetime of support services, including extensive counseling medical complications. From seizure disorders to respiratory and support for everyone involved in adoption before, during illnesses, we are a vital alternative or supplement to in-home and years after the adoption. The skilled professionals at The nursing care. Child’s Way enables children to participate in a Children’s Home & Lemieux Family Center understand that typical school experience whether in story time, water play or the involvement of birthparents and adoptive parents helps to dance class, all while receiving necessary nursing care, thera- ensure that each adoption progresses to a successful, stable and pies and medical monitoring. The staff prides itself on serving joyous outcome. 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 “There aren’t enough words in the English lan- Home, I could give him that – a mother and a guage to express how thankful we are to have you father in a situation where I knew he would be to help us raise our precious daughter. Not a day taken care of and where I knew he would be okay.” goes by that we don’t sing your praises to family, -Birthparent, Adoption Program friends, doctors, nurses, and complete strangers.” - Child’s Way parents It’s all about the kids! Our Adoption Program is very close to obtaining a contract with the Statewide Adoption It’s all about the kids! Our next step for the kids is to and Permanency Network (SWAN), where we will join many continue to advocate for new legislation through PA House other agencies throughout Pennsylvania to help older chil- Bill 1960 to increase the age of children we can legally serve dren prepare for and to achieve permanency. 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.

28 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com The Children’s Home of Pittsburgh & Lemieux Family Center Where it’s all about the kids!

Pediatric Specialty Hospital You are Home Since 1984, our acute care 24-bed Pediatric Specialty It is through our three signature programs – Adoption, Hospital has been providing transitional care to children from Child’s Way and the Pediatric Specialty Hospital, that our hospital to home. Our medical staff brings decades of knowl- staff continues to put their best efforts into caring for every edge and pediatric experience to providing high-quality medi- kid on an individual basis. cal care for patients and one-on-one attention to family mem- We are humbled to be in our 119th year of serving fami- bers. Also available to family members is the Lemieux Family lies in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our energy for continuing Center, a dedicated family living area. This gives families the this work is strong – we are filled with big ideas for enhancing convenience of staying in the same building as the Hospital, our existing programs and constantly looking for our next while also providing the opportunity to practice caring for step to enrich the lives of the children and families we serve. their child in a home-like setting with the reassurance that nurses are just a few steps away. Keep in touch with us! We’d love to send you our new e-newsletter! It’s filled with important information on chil- “When we arrived at The Children’s Home, the dren’s issues. If we do not have your email address, please staff was amazing! Everyone goes out of their way email [email protected] or sign up at our web site www. to make you feel at home and comfortable and it’s childrenshomepgh.org. F 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.” - 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.

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 29 PH Y SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS Fighting an Internal Threat

he immune system produces anti- category include: Crohn’s disease, psoria- bodies that identify and destroy sis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus Tforeign invaders. In cases of auto- erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome and immune disease, however, antibodies Type 1 diabetes can’t distinguish between good and bad Symptoms of autoimmune diseases, Additionally, gender can affect a per- cells, which results in the destruction of which present during episodes called son’s chances of developing one of these healthy tissue. “flares,” vary according to the condition conditions. According to the Centers for “Autoimmunity is a condition that and the organs involved, but common Disease Control and Prevention, women essentially causes a person’s immune bodily responses include fatigue, fever make up more than 78 percent of people system to turn against itself,” says Amy and general feelings of illness. affected by autoimmune diseases. Kao, MD, director of biomedical infor- matics at the Lupus Center of Excellence Who’s at Risk? Treating Autoimmunity at West Penn Allegheny Health System. Although physicians and research- Treating autoimmune diseases “Instead of defending against invaders, ers are unsure what causes autoimmune requires a multidisciplinary team of spe- such as bacteria or viruses, the immune diseases, many cases result from a com- cialists skilled in disease management. system attacks the body’s own tissues and bination of risk factors, notably genetic These health professionals develop treat- organs.” predisposition. ment plans aimed at reducing symptoms, According to the National Institutes “Family history is one of the most gaining control of the body’s autoim- of Health, more than 80 types of auto- significant contributing factors to the mune process and sustaining the body’s immune diseases affect as many as 22 development of autoimmune disease,” disease-fighting abilities. million people in the United States. Dr. Kao says. “However, environmental Learn more about the treatment These conditions can cause symptoms and lifestyle factors also play important options for autoimmune diseases at in nearly any part of the body and are roles. For example, cigarette smoking can West Penn Allegheny Health System. often characterized by severe inflamma- increase risk for and severity of rheuma- To be referred to a specialist, call 412. tion. Common illnesses that fall into this toid arthritis.” DOCTORS (412.362.8677). F

30 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 31 M.D., RPhS, RVS Board Certified Phlebologist, General Surgeon

32 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com PH Y SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS HealthSouth Leads the Way in Providing a Higher Level of Outpatient Rehabilitation Care

ealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospitals of Pittsburgh outpatient’s outpatient rehabilitation treatment plan. It can provide patient rehabilitation services provide patients and their a patient with that extra bit of support or assistance needed to Hfamilies with access to highly skilled professionals repre- get over a hurdle in recovery. For each patient, the appropriate- senting a wide variety of rehabilitation techniques and the newest ness of technology is determined in the initial evaluation.” of treatments and technology. Some examples of technology used at HealthSouth include With locations at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of the AutoAmbulator®, Interactive Metronome™, Reo™ Therapy, Sewickley and HealthSouth Harmarville Rehabilitation Hospital, VitalStim® Therapy, SaeboFlex®, Bioness NESS L300™ and many residents are able to access HealthSouth’s advanced outpa- more. tient rehabilitation care a short drive from home. “Many times, we are among the first in the region to utilize a technology in our outpatient rehabilitation programs,” said Specialized Programs Reckless. “We are always striving to be on the cutting edge of Each patient receives a personalized treatment plan. A technology. We want our patients to have everything they need patient’s first visit includes a complete evaluation with a licensed to succeed in therapy and in some cases; technology is a great physical, occupational or speech therapist who develops a treat- piece of the treatment plan.” ment plan with the referring physicians. This plan is carefully customized to the patient’s specific needs. The treatment plan Learn more includes one or more of HealthSouth’s specialized programs. For more information about HealthSouth Rehabilitation “No two plans are ever the same, just like no two patients Hospitals of Pittsburgh’s outpatient rehabilitation services, visit are ever the same,” said Scott Bleakley, PT, therapy team leader demandhealthsouth.com or call 1 877 937-7342. F 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 concen- trated 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 man- ager 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.”

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

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 33 PH Y

SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS Advanced Pain Medicine Specializing in advanced techniques in the treatment of acute and chronic pain

dvanced Pain Medicine specializes in advanced techniques in the Atreatment 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 suf- fering 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.

rad Levinson, M.D. is a Board- certified Colon and Rectal surgeon, Bspecializing 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 prevent- able 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

34 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 35 36 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com PH Y Adult Athletes: SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS A Special Breed By Dr. Shannon Thieroff

thletes are a special breed of combines endurance, strength, and If you’ve ever thought about using people. Whether they’re kids in flexibility chiropractic to improve your health or Aschool, world-class competitors or n Update your equipment as it wears your competitive edge, you’re on the seniors, their bodies need special atten- out or when more advanced or right track. We’re here to help you enjoy tion to last. Because of the physical con- “body friendly” options become avail- your sports and leisure activity. Have a ditioning necessary to play a sport at a able very healthy and safe summer sports sea- competitive level, athletes can experience n Eat right and supplement if necessary son! f wonderful benefits that last through a n We recommend that adult athletes lifetime…if they avoid injury and abnor- get regular chiropractic check-ups. CHOICE CHIROPRACTIC mal wear and tear. Often, people start in Keeping a healthy spine and nervous & WELLNESS CENTER, P.C. their sport of choice as kids. Continuing system becomes crucially important Dr. Shannon Thieroff and Associates with an active lifestyle into our senior if you’d like to continue enjoying McKnight (412) 364-9699 sports. Some of the benefits of chiro- Moon (412) 424-0019 practic care for athletes include: www.choicechiropractic.net n Taking less medicines and having less surgery n Faster healing with less restrictions n Improved balance, reaction time and muscle strength

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

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 37 PH Y SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS stress. Breastfeeding The Benefits of requires a significant number of calories and Breastfeeding therefore helps with post-partum By Hilary Garbon MD, FAAP, IBCLC and weight loss. It also Mary Pagnotto MD, FAAP, IBCLC delays the return of mother’s menstrual he decision whether or not to breastfeed your baby can be a period and can be a natural difficult one. Many factors can affect your attitude toward form of post-partum contracep- breastfeeding, such as work situations, family support sys- tion. Mothers who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast and ovar- T ian cancer later in life. In addition, breastfeeding is the most cost tems, and cultural factors. As pediatricians, we recommend and encourage exclusive breastfeeding for infants. Breastfeeding has effective way to feed baby and is readily available, requiring little an array of benefits for both baby and mother. preparation (which can be a big benefit in the middle of the night). Breast milk is the optimal nutritional source for your baby. There is also less environmental waste with breastfeeding. The composition of breast milk makes it easier to digest than most There are a few common barriers to breastfeeding. There is commercially-available formulas. In the United States, death rates, often a lack of education regarding all the benefits of breastfeeding, including SIDS deaths, are reduced in breastfed infants compared a lack of support from family members, friends and colleagues, and with those who are formula fed. Breast milk provides all of the difficulty with breastfeeding initiation. It is important to discuss calories needed by infants to grow and develop. It also has added your decision to breastfeed with your significant other. Mothers benefits on the immune system. In a number of studies, breast with more support often have a more successful and enjoyable milk has been found to decrease the incidence of many infectious breastfeeding experience. There are many resources available to diseases, including meningitis, ear infections, respiratory infec- help you with your decision to breastfeed, including local breast- tions, bowel infections, blood infections and urinary tract infec- feeding centers, hospital lactation consultants and your pediatri- tions. In addition, breastfed infants have a lower risk of developing cian. both food and environmental allergies compared with formula fed Breastfeeding is best for your baby. It is a natural source of infants. There have also been studies to suggest a decreased risk nutrition and helps you bond with your newborn. Like all things of asthma, obesity and diabetes in breastfed infants. new, breastfeeding takes practice. Your pediatrician can be a use- Breastfeeding has many benefits for mothers as well. It has ful resource for any questions you have regarding your decision to been shown to decrease maternal blood loss after childbirth and breastfeed. F can lead to a faster recovery. The act of suckling at the breast pro- Reference source: Breastfeeding and the Use of Human Milk, AAP Policy motes bonding between infants and mothers, and the hormones Statement. PEDIATRICS Vol. 115 No. 2 February 2005 released during breastfeeding can improve maternal response to

38 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com 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 To learn more about this complete system that was formerly Fat Loss System and Food Management Plan, and I have lost only available in Europe, contact his office to schedule your 35 pounds in the first 30 days. That’s right, you did not read “no-cost” workshop. It will explain all the details and answer a typo: 35 pounds in 30 days. I feel great and I have tremen- your questions. Call now as space is limited and many of his dous energy. I’m not on any medication, which is very unusual workshops have a waiting list to attend. for a post cardiac patient. On a scale of 1 to 10, I would rate His office number is 724-742-2700. You can also go on his this doctor and his program a 10 plus! He is caring and very website and request a “free report” at www.weightlossnorth- compassionate to his patients. pittsburgh.com. When you call, tell them Richard sent you, The program was very easy to follow, and the natural prod- and they will take great care of you. ucts work like magic to take the weight off. I’m so glad that I P.S. There is no program on the planet that gets these types could lose the weight without drugs or surgery. I did not even of results in this short period of time. It is doctor supervised have to go to the gym and sweat to lose the weight. The best and comes with a guarantee. You have nothing to lose but part is, unlike most diet plans, I wasn’t hungry at all. I was not the weight. only losing weight, but putting good quality nutrition and sup- P.P.S. This program not only takes the weight off, but plementation into my body. I feel so healthy and my energy allows you to keep it off forever. He has helped so many levels are better than they have been in years. people that have lost hope and felt that they could not I would strongly recommend this program to anyone who lose weight. He is a leader in the natural health care is serious about losing weight and keeping it off. Dr. Vactor field. There is a reason patients drive custom tailors a program to each individual’s needs. His pro- from West Virginia and Ohio to see him. gram not only works fast, but is very safe (no drugs), and is He gets results and he is willing to a fraction of the cost of other weight loss programs. guarantee it!

Call Now To Have Access To This Amazing Weight DR. MICHAEL VACTOR Loss Technology 724-742-2700 724-742-2700 weightlossnorthpittsburgh.com (only 15 spots available)

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 39 PH Y SICIANS & HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS pecial education is a broad term Special Education used by the law to describe specially Sdesigned instruction that meets the unique needs of a child who has a disability. Under Pennsylvania law, children and Learning Disabilities with a specific learning disability may be eligible to receive special education ser- By Susan Oliverio, MSEd, vices through the public school system Certified School Psychologist 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

aster Ernest Rothrock, owner of Rothrock’s Kung  Deep breathing: Exhale slowly, and relax all your muscles. Fu & Tai Chi Academy, says adults can reduce the Say, as you exhale, “I feel tension and energy flowing Mexcessive stress caused by current economic and from my body.” Repeat the above exercise five or six employment concerns with relaxation exercises and regular times and you’ll become more relaxed. physical activity.  Whole body tension: Tense every muscle in your body, Rothrock recommends the following relaxation exercises stay with that tension, and hold it as long as you can that only require 60 to 90 seconds. without feeling any pain. Slowly release the tension, and n Step 1 - Assume a passive and comfortable position. very gradually feel it leave your body. Repeat three times. Although sitting may be most conducive to relaxation, Notice how your feelings change. you can do these exercises while standing, riding in a car, Shoulder shrugs and head rolls: Try to raise your shoulders lying down or as you prepare for an anticipated stressful to your ears. Hold for the count of four, and then drop event. your shoulders to their normal position. Rotate your head n Step 2 - Practice one or more of the following activi- and neck. Vary this exercise by rotating your shoulders up ties several times each day. This will help keep you calm, and down, and your head and neck from side to side, and and reduce tension when it occurs. then together.

40 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com 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

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 41 42 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com NC | KIDS + EDUCATION 43

2012

July

Matt | William

Laura Peter JJ Hrechun, Marissa Jay Fyda, Connection

(Continued on page 44) Dayna Kirby, Ella Walsh, Morgan Dillon, Nate Lieb, Northern

Jarek Ingros, John Paul Lisella, Claire Allman, Jackie Miller and Tess urnet, B Walt Debo, Caitlan Carney, David Fudurich, Molly Patsch, Kaye leiel, B ner in the 2012 Sixth Annual Edgar Snyder & Edgar Snyder Annual the 2012 Sixth ner in scholarship to be Heard” “Words Associates’ drink- underage drinking and contest. Their them a $2,500 scholarship. ing video earned in the attend Penn State Behrend Roethlein will will attend Pitt. fall. Bianconi a School has received Hampton Middle Engineering, Grant for use in an $20,000 STEAM project. and Arts-focused education Technology Quigley Catholic The following students were inducted into Quigley Catholic High School National Honor Society. They are: Shelby Wasil, Calligan, Jordan Ehrenberg, Koshut, Scolieri, Majewski, Coleman Myron, Emily Guerdan, Scibilia. Mason Beaudry ridget B eaudry has B www.swansonpublishing.com Mason Joseph North Hills ianconi, 19, of Allison Park were the win- been awarded the Freddie Fu been awarded Scholarship. Sports Medicine receive a $2,000 Beaudry will scholarship and will complete a six-week summer internship Sports at the UPMC Center for Medicine. Two Senior High School students, Plazek and Matt Pack were among the 11 finalists to represent the American Chemical the Pittsburgh section of 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 B North Hills Senior High School North Hills Senior student Autumn Stephanie Mueller, . Angela Kryl and Emma Weaver

- North Hills lacrosse players were recog Kevin Dave Collins, Class of 1981;

Dzadovsky, nized for their performance on the field and nized for their performance honored included: in the classroom. Those Emily Jamison, Five Marc Mitchell, Class Donas, Class of 1982; , Class of 1968, and of 2001; Robert Weidner Sara Zilles, Class of 2002. Five individuals have been inducted into the have been inducted Five individuals They District Hall of Fame. North Hills School are: North Hills North School Movers & Shakers & Movers School

| Rasp. Second place honorees Garcia, Ryan Stelitano, Dmitri Peter Pearson, Lucas Axiotakis, Seneca Valley were: Cody Campbell, Jessica Zalnasky, Andrew Funovits, Nisha Bhat, Samantha Bigley, KIDS + ED The Alliance for Youth Artists & Dressler, Aren Morris, Katie Sarah Donaldson, Lucy Nigel Halliday, Kathryn Knapp, Writers announced that Seneca Rose and Kerry Uram. Third Geronime, Dhruv Kohli, Mark Jonathan Marks, Alexandra Valley students were the recipi- place went to: Allison Frayer, Livingstone, Kyle Cindrich, Marshall, Catherine McAnney, ents of 28 regional and national Caitlyn Goncz, Sara Goncz, Siona Sharma, Urvi Gupta, Michael Morrissey, Lauren awards as presented in the 2012 Olivia Griffith and Morgan Natalie McKinley, Lucy and Muchnok, Joni Mulvaney, Justin Scholastic Art Awards Competition. Vrana. Sammi Logan. Olshavsky, Rebecca Olson and U National Exhibitions winners were: CATION Taylor Perz. Gold Medal – Kelly Pfab and Seven Seneca Valley Senior WQED Pittsburgh announced that Silver Medal – Ashleigh Nadzam. High School students have been four Evans City Middle School stu- Pine-Richland invited to participate in the 2013 dents were winner of The National High School Four National Merit Program. They are: Stem Video Game Challenge. They recent gradu- Seneca Rosemary Emmerling, Joseph are: Campbell Kriess, Drew ate Alexandra Valley Geyer, Colten Gill, Michael McCarron, Justin Bicehouse and Marshall placed students Glatz, Dhruv Kohli, Katherine Connor Schexnaildre. first in the state- were Miller and Jennifer Rowekamp. wide speech and recog- Connoquenessing Valley Elementary debate competi- Alexandra nized as Two Seneca School first grader Josh Stickle tion hosted by Marshall top per- Valley Middle set a goal of raising $2,000 for the Pennsylvania formers in Congressman Jason School stu- the Jump Rope for Heart event High School Speech League at Altmire’s 2012 Congressional dents won which benefits the American Heart Susquehannah University. Art Competition. Winners were: the top Association. Josh exceeded his Taylor Lantz, Bria Davis, Tyler honors in a goal and raised $2,355. Pine-Richland Dorsch and Deanna Magiske. poster contest parent volun- hosted by teer Christine Animal Friends Pine-Richland Misback is of Pittsburgh. Pine-Richland Middle School stu- this year’s Hannah dent Kylie Manuppelli won first recipient of the Beaudoin and place in the National History Day Pennsylvania Hannah Hale both won first place State competition. State Education Association’s honors. Honorable mentions were Friends of Education Award. The Seneca Valley Envirothon/ awarded to: Bobby Giebel, Dan Twenty-one Pine-Richland seniors Biology Club won first, second and Rupert, and Maria Alfano. earned commended or final- third place awards at the Butler ist status in the National Merit North Allegheny County Envirothon. First place Several Seneca Valley students Scholar Program. They Are: The North Allegheny School winners were: Graham Bitzer, were honored during the National Cameron Barnes, Branden District announced they have Madeleine Burr, Sarah Francino, Academic Games competition. Glass, Laura Herrle, Evan Klei, been recognized as a 2012 ‘Best Katie Maloney and Sydney Award recipients were: Alex Brian McWilliams, Ji-Ho Park, Communities for Music Education’

44 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com by the NAMM (National Association Fox Chapel recent graduate of Music Merchants). Theresa McGrath received the Silver Medal Congressional Award North Allegheny Senior High by U.S. Congressman Jason School has been named one of Altmire in May. Additionally, Fox ‘America’s Best High Schools’ by Chapel Area High School students Newsweek Magazine. were honored for the work they did interviewing and honoring veterans North Allegheny Senior High for the veterans History Project. School has been listed among the nation’s best schools by the Several Fox Chapel Area High Washington Post. NASH ranked School District students won #14 in Pennsylvania on the list. awards at the 78th Annual State Meeting of the Pennsylvania Mark Demkee, a teacher at the Junior Academy of Science (PJAS). North Allegheny Intermediate High First place winners were: Ishan School has been honored for his Chatterjee, Rohan Meringenti, efforts and achievement in German Minu Nagashunmugam, Manu language instruction by the presen- Goyal, Amogha Vijayvargiya, tation of the Duden Award. Sonia Appasamy, Rama Godse, Dana Boyd, a Gifted Program Rishi Mirchandani, Elianna teacher at Ingomar and Marshall Paljug, Deepika Sarma, Anna Middle Schools has been selected Wang, Anja Schempf, Rohan as this year’s recipient of the Chalasani, Austin Fisher, Mihir Pennsylvania Association for Gifted Garimella, Darwin Leuba, Tanvi Education’s (PAGE) Outstanding Meringenti, Suvir Mirchandani Education Award for 2012. and William Schwartzman.

Rachael Cooper, Dorseyville Middle School a recent gradu- Sinfonia Orchestra participated in ate of North the Pennsylvania Music Educators Allegheny Senior Association (PMEA) Music High School, was Performance Assessment and awarded the Gold earned a rating of “Superior.” Award by Girls Scouts Western Dorseyville Middle School Girls Rachael Cooper Pennsylvania. Chamber Chorus and the DMS Fox Tones performed both inde- North Allegheny Senior and pendently and together as the DMS Intermediate High Schools, Honors Choirs and won first places Junior ROTC, Unit PA-022, has in their divisions at the Music in been selected to receive the the Parks Festival in Hershey. 2011-12 Air Force Junior ROTC Distinguished Unit Award by the Dorseyville Middle School Department of the Air Force Air Honors Band earned a second University. place award at Music in the Parks Festival. The band also earned rating of “Superior” which is the high- Fox Chapel est rating possible. The Fox Chapel Area District announced they have been Providence Hts recognized as a 2012 ‘Best Communities for Music Education’ Alpha School by the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants). Radio Disney and Disney Theatrical Group announced that Providence Fox Chapel Area High School Heights Alpha School student Bella was ranked among the best high Mazziotti won the “Make Your schools from across the nation, Own Musical” Sweepstakes. As according to rankings by Newsweek the grand prize winner, Bella will be and The Daily Beast. The school the honorary producer of her very Three St. Sebastian teams com- Ruth Mustovic, Melina Owens ranked number 12 in Pennsylvania own Disney musical at her school. peted in a Stock Market simula- and Natalie Santucci. and number 488 in the nation. tion vying against 44 other middle Abigail Gourdie of Gibsonia, school teams across the area. St. Sebastian students raised Fox Chapel Area High School Jacqueline & Angeline Chalifoux Finishing in third place were 7th $1,360 in a Penny Wars competi- was ranked among the best high and were named winners in WQED tion through the school. The schools from across the country. graders: Alexander Cherry, Clay Pittsburgh “PBS Kids Go! Writers winning classroom was Colleen The school received a Silver Medal Contest.” Myers, Nicholas Poilucci and th Koch’s first grade. The money rank by the U.S. News & World Alexander Riccardi. The 8 was donated to the Mario Lemieux Report for the third time. place team included Nico Dey, St. Sebastian Alexander Kosylo and Wyatt Foundation. Members of the Fox Chapel Crew Schueler and the 10th place St. Sebastian student Moreen Club won bronze medals at the team Alexander Boone, John McGrath has won first place at St. Teresa 2012 Midwest Scholastic Rowing Galbraith and Jeremy Scholze. Championships. Award recipients the local level for West View VFW of Avila included: Anna Burns, Christina Post 2754 and second place St. Sebastian 6th grader Anastasia at the Allegheny County level. Cho, Alexandra Drzewinski, Michlik received first place in the St. Teresa of Avila School has Additionally, Mary Doerfler and Katherine Johnston, Gabrielle Junior Academy of Science state been awarded accreditation by Alecia Spagnolo have won first Kyle, Allison Redfern, Sophie competition. Earning second place the Middle States Association of places in the Post 2754 Loyalty Colleges and Schools. Roe and Emma Schwartzman. awards were Lauren DuPlessis, Day poster coloring contest. Mark Faller, Kaylee Moskala, (Continued on page 46)

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KIDS + ED Shady Side Academy U CATION

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 Jenna Chris Vivek Han Herbert Leech 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.

46 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com Dealing with Ticks Kelly Heidenreich,MD Pediatrician CCP Bellevue Pediatrics

his year’s uncharacteristically warm winter has increased tick Texposure for people of Western Pennsylvania. Many cases of Lyme disease have been reported from Allegheny County and surrounding counties. The Lyme disease bacteria, Borrelia burg- dorferi, is spread through the bite of infected deer ticks (blacklegged tick). Although not all ticks carry the bacteria for Lyme disease, one should take pre- cautions 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

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senior

living What’s In Your Basket? By Barbara A. Killmeyer

t’s that time of year again when we enjoy the many ways Everyone entered the park carrying their lunch, and the fami- and foods of a picnic. One of my favorite picnic foods ly headed right for the picnic pavilion to find and save a good Imay be a little different from what most people take in table, where, at an appointed time, the family would gather their basket. When I was a child and we lived to take a break from all the wonderful rides on 7th Street in Sharpsburg, we would carry and eat lunch. the basket as we walked over the bridge by Picnics are used for many different cel- Spangs Mill to the picnic area of the zoo. That ebrations. Some graduation parties are in basket always contained breaded pork chops, a the form of a picnic as well as some wedding favorite of my dad’s. Of course, there was also receptions. Maybe the fact that we have only a potato salad. I was used to the potato salad short few months to enjoy them makes a pic- that my mother made, which was cold and nic something special. Also, the guest list can mixed with mayonnaise. When I met the man be very flexible. You can have anywhere from who is now my husband and went to some of two to fifty or more people. The casual dress his family picnics, I discovered that his mother makes it much easier to attend since most made the warm, German-style potato salad and already have the clothes they can wear and it was delicious. I had a new favorite. don’t need to worry if they accidently drip One good thing about a picnic is that it can be held in something on themselves, as I usually do. many different places--from your backyard to a public park. Whatever your plans are for the summer, if they include There are many fond memories of the school picnics at one or more picnics, I hope your basket is full of all your West View Park with the basket filled with such good food. favorite foods and the weather is dry and warm. F

48 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com Cake walks and other good-natured games Vincentian resulted in friendly jesting and much hilar- ity. While rockers kept rhythm with their Rocks Allegheny chairs, other guests couldn’t help but get up and dance. County with Similar to a walk-a-thon, Rocking for a Twist on a Residents participants collected pledges in advance, promising to rock in rocking Traditional chairs for a specified period of time. Each At Vincentian Home’s Rocking for Residents home raised money for a specific item for event, four generations of rockers were led Fundraiser their residents’ comfort and well being. At by Jean Nofsinger. Her daughter Connie, granddaughter Katie, and two great grand- Marian Manor it was bladder scanners; at daughters joined in the fun. icture spending the afternoon in Vincentian Home and de Marillac it was a rocking chair; no doubt feelings therapeutic whirlpool tubs. taining care for seniors in the Vincentian Pof peace and relaxation come to The event had another goal, too. “The organization. In doing so, she raised more mind. Now imagine rocking while sing- day is uplifting for families visiting their in pledges than any other participant. ing to your favorite upbeat tunes, being loved ones, offering something unique “People want to help,” says Sister surrounded by dancing and laughter, and that they can do together,” said Karen LaVerne. “So many are grateful for what joining family and friends in an effort Kutzer, vice president of advancement at they have, and want to give to others. bigger than any one person. That spirit Vincentian. “Employees get involved, the They know me and trust in the care we abounded Saturday, June 16, as three Sisters are here with us; it’s just good fun.” provide at Vincentian, so this was a chance senior communities opened their doors for Perhaps the best example of the event’s for us to join together and make a real dif- Rocking for Residents. power to spread an organization’s mis- ference.” Hundreds of volunteers, residents, sion came from Sr. LaVerne Sihelnik, The homes were joined in their efforts employees, and friends joined forces at Vincentian’s vice president of mission inte- by Star Rocker sponsors including Blumling Vincentian Home, Marian Manor and gration. Beginning weeks in advance, she and Gusky, Butler Health System and Vincentian de Marillac, enjoying a day of reached out to friends and family by send- Medical Rehabilitation, Inc. To view event rocking and entertainment including DJs, ing letters, making phone calls, and sharing photos and read more about Rocking for swing dancers, even an organ grinder. the message about the importance of sus- Residents visit www.vcs.org. F

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 49 NC

senior 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) living 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.

50 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com Gateway North AARP #3586 trips - July 15 Happenings for Seniors “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. Non- members 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) 284- 4894. 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 hamp- tonpresbyterian.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: (412-367- 6640. 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, home- bound 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 pitts- burghsymphony.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) 443- 0800, 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.

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 51 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.

et’s take this from the beginning. consideration, however even one point Should a two percentage point What is a refinance? A refinance in savings may be sufficient to con- reduction can occur, savings would be Loccurs when the consumer pays sider action. Right now, the interest considerable, and the savings in lower off, or satisfies, their existing mort- rates are at all time lows – ALL TIME payments would certainly offset the gage by replacing it with a new one. LOWS! If you’ve been waiting to pull costs. Another scenario might occur Typically, the homeowner would elect to the trigger, wait no longer! Indications if the individual is enjoying a higher refinance when the interest rate is lower are that rates will begin rising after the income level, and would like to reduce than they are currently paying. There election in November. the term (or number of payments) on are circumstances when the need to A consumer may be in a situation their current loan. Ideally, a lower inter- replace the existing mortgage occurs and where he or she has improved their cred- est rate would be desirable in this case as the interest rate is not the primary rea- it score since their original mortgage was many mortgages do allow for additional son, but for our purposes, let’s concen- secured. In his scenario, a lower rate principal payments to be made without trate on the lower interest rate scenario. mortgage would replace the high interest the expense of a refinance. A drop in interest rate of two per- loan, and a lower payment would result - Adjustable rate mortgages have centage points would certainly warrant typically the goal in refinancing. 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 con- sider 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 rea- sons. 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 advi- sor 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

52 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com With General Rental Center, DIY Doesn’t Have to Mean #*@!% By Janice Lane Palko

ndertaking a do-it-yourself proj- thing you need for your next party from at: http://www.General-Rental-Center. ect often sounds like a good idea china and flatware to grills and games, com. The phone number is 724-776- Uuntil you figure out that you to tables and tents. “We have more than 6990. F don’t have the proper tools or equipment 6,000 chairs, 600 tables and 100 tents,” to complete it. That’s where General Hall said. “We can accommodate parties Rental Center comes to the rescue. “We from two to, really no limit.” can help you do it all from the fix-up to In addition, General Rental Center the party celebrating your new renova- also rents U-Haul trucks and trailers as tion afterward,” said Mike Hall, co- well as Lok Box, mobile storage units. owner of General “Many times Rental Center, when people are Cranberry Twp. doing a renova- P.A. ERBE Located at 20644 tion of a room, Perry Highway, they have to move & Associates Inc. General Rental all the contents Center is a of that room into family-owned another, tying up business that two rooms. With rents equipment a Lok Box, we and party sup- deliver it to your plies. “We can house, and you rent you anything can store the con- for the inside or tents of the room outside,” said Hall, who along with his being renovated in it,” Hall said. Accounting & Tax Preparation brother, David Hall, and sister, Kimberly “I like to joke and say that General Service for Personal & Business Gilliland, have been helping area resi- Rental Center can do it all. We can help Income Taxes dents with their rental needs for the past you with your inside or outside project, 14 years. supply you with the party items you need Penny Ann Erbe General Rental Center has equipment to celebrate the completion of your proj- Enrolled Agent for every project from aerators, thatchers, ect and then help you with the moving Federally Authorized Tax Practitioner floor sanders, bededgers and wallpaper truck when your neighbors run you out steamers to excavators, backhoes, skid of town for having such a great time!” loaders and straw blowers. Their knowl- said Hall. 412-487-1009 edgeable staff can help to match you with General Rental Center’s store is open 4767 William Flynn Highway the correct equipment for the job. Monday-Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 Allison Park, PA 15101-2456 General Rental Center also has every- p.m., and you can also visit them on line

www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 53 NC

| p.m., July 10, Koppers Building Saturdays Conference Center downtown, 436

happenings Seventh Ave. Register by calling, (412) Antique Gun Show, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Aug. 680-2149 or [email protected] or www. 11, Stewart Hall, Harmony Museum, NCHappenings ppgc.net. 218 Mercer St. for info, call (724) 452- 7341 or www.harmonymuseum.org. Tuesdays at 2 at the Kean Theatre: Friends of North Park meeting, 9 Little Sisters of the Poor Rock- July 10, Haywire; July 17, We Need to North Happenings Talk About Kevin; July 24, The Tempest; a.m., Aug. 18, Garden in the Park, a-Thon, noon-4 p.m., July 28, Little corner of Babcock Blvd & Wildwood Rd. Sisters Home, 1028 Benton Avenue, July 31, The Deep Blue Sea; Visit www. Genealogical Research Institute of For info, call (724) 544-7284. Pittsburgh. For info, www.littlesistersoft- keantheatre.com. Pittsburgh is offering 4 different week- hepoorpittsburgh.org. July 2012 long courses, July 23-27. For details, We Mean Business Showcase, 1-6 Mars Farmers Market, 9 a.m.-noon, visit www.GRIPitt.org. p.m., July 17, The Atrium, 1031 New Sats. thru Sept., 225 Crowe Ave.(park- North Hills Community Outreach is ing lot across from the post office). offering free computer classes for job Castle Rd., Prospect. For info, visit History, Reading, Writing & Listening seekers. Classes held 10 a.m., Weds ButlerCountyChamber.com. Camp, July 23-27, Soldiers & Sailors at NHCO Millvale & 5:45 p.m., Thurs, Memorial Hall & Museum. To register, Wexford Chapter of the Women’s Avalon Library. Call, (412) 487-6316, call (412) 621-4253, ext. 219 or tim@ Business Network meets, 8:00 a.m., Arts & opt. 2. soldiersandsailorshall.org. July 10 & 24, Atria’s Restaurant, Rt. 19, Entertainment North Hills Community Outreach is in Wexford. Call, Kathy (724) 934-5143. Hiring Our Heroes, 9 a.m.-noon, July need of volunteer instructors for a vehi- Ballet Under the Stars, 7:30 p.m., 30, a hiring fair for veterans, VA Butler cle ownership class. Call Linda, (412) Aug. 16, Hartwood Acres. Presented Healthcare, 325 New Castle Road, Wednesdays 487-6316, opt. 2. Also need a volun- by the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. Pre- Butler. Pre-register at hiringourheroes@ Ask the Attorney, 7-9 p.m., July 11, teer employment coach. For details, call performance activities begin at 5 p.m. uschamber.com NHCO, 1975 Ferguson Rd., Allison Park. Harriet, (412) 487-6316, opt 2. Appointments are required. Call Harriet, For details, visit http://www.pbt.org/ Perry High School Multi-Year (412) 487-6316, opt. 2. Chicago, dinner & show, 6:30 p.m., Presents for Patients Reunion, Classes 1965 thru 1969, Job Fair, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Aug. show only 8 p.m., July 13 & 14, Kean Christmas in July Gift noon-11 p.m., Aug. 25, Rose Barn North 22, Four Points Sheraton in Mars. Theatre. For tickets, (724) 444-KEAN Drive. First National Park. Teachers are welcomed. Bring Sponsored by the Chamber & PA Career (5326) or www.keantheatre.com. a covered dish. For details, call (412) Link in Butler County. For details, call Bank’s 69 branch locations 734-1750 after 4 p.m. Concerts in Community, 7 p.m., (724) 934-9700 or www.thechamberinc. July 13, Chamber Music Community are collecting gifts from com. July 2-16. Presents may Concert; Sponsored by Center for Mondays Young Musicians & Passavant Hospital dropped off at drop boxes Wednesdays at 1 at the Kean Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Round Theatre: July 11, John Carter; July 18, Foundation. Legacy Theatre. Free. th throughout W. Penna. Table meets the 4 Monday of every This Means War; July 25, A Thousand Contact Autumn, (724) 935-0505 or month, 7 p.m., (July 23 meeting) The Words. Visit www.keantheatre.com. [email protected]. Hampton Township Community Center, Horse Shows at N. Park Horse Show 3101 McCully Rd., Allison Park. Call Bob Kean Theatre August events: The Ring, July 8, All Day Pleasure Horse or Margie (724) 625-2329. Thursdays Vogues, dinner & show, 6:30 p.m., show only 8 p.m., Aug 4; Pure Gold, Show, call Joe, (412) 784-0860; July Cranberry Chapter of the Women’s Aug. 18, Kean Theatre. For tickets, 22, Youth Horse Show, call Wanda Business Network meets 7:30 a.m., Tuesdays (724) 444-KEAN (5326) or www.kean- (412) 364-6500; Aug. 12, Open Series July 5 & 19, 2662 Rochester Rd., theatre.com. Horse Show, call Joe. Sponsored by NA Neighborhood Block Party Cranberry Twp. Call, Mary (724) 251- Horsemen’s Association. Roundtable Discussion on Planned 9755 x214. Giving Best Practices, 11:30-1:30 Mylan Classic ANSYS TICKETS For Charity Program, Aug. 22-Sept. 2. Call Criders Corner Chapter of the (724) 746-3535 (be sure to designate Women’s Business Network meets sales to Focus on Renewal) or order noon, July 12 & 26, Cranberry Library, online at https://www.mylanclassic. 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry Twp. com/buytix/FOCUSONRENEWAL. Call, Melissa (412) 824-9636. Opera Theater Summerfest, runs thru Dining for Women is a dinner giv- July 15, 286 Main St., 3rd Fl., Pgh. For ing circle, next meeting is July 12, in info, (412) 621-1499 or info@otsum- Cranberry. To learn more visit http:// merfest.org. www.meetup.com/North-Pittsburgh- Dining-For-Women-Meetup. RiverStone House Tour, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., July 14, presented by Allegheny Ross-West View Chapter of the RiverStone Center for the Arts. Tickets Women’s Business Network meets, $75. For info, call (724) 766-5598. 7:30 a.m. July 10 & 24, Panera Bread, 7217 McKnight Rd. Call, Sarah (412) Suddenly Last Summer, 8 p.m., 915-1699. July 19-21 & 26-28, at the Peter Mills Theater in Rockwell Hall at Duquesne Seven Fields Chapter of the University. For ticket reservations, call Women’s Business Network meets, (412) 243-5201. 8:15 a.m., July 5 & 19, Concordia Life Care Community, Rt. 228, Adams Ridge. Call, Loretta (724) 772-3633. Health & Wellness Fridays Allegheny County Traveling Sports North Hills Chapter of the Women’s Clinic, 10 a.m.-noon, July 16 & 17, Business Network meets 12:30 p.m., Boys & Girls Club, 500 Farragut Street, July 13 & 27, Atria’s Restaurant, 5517 Millvale. Call, (412) 350-2478. William Flynn Hwy. Call, Susan (412) 965-4888. Celebrating Senior Champions Dinner & Auction, Oct. 11, at the Powerful Connections for Women Omni William Penn Hotel. For details Conference, 8:00 a.m., Aug. 3, at on sponsorships and tickets, call (412) the Robert M. Smith Student Center, 622-9239 or [email protected]. Slippery Rock University. To register, call the United Way of Butler County, Cindystock 9, 3:30 p.m., Aug. 18, (724) 285-4883. Wexford Bayne Rd., Wexford. For info, visit www.cindystock.org/ Benefits can- Zelienople-Harmony Chapter of the cer research. Women’s Business Network meets, 8:30 a.m., July 13 & 27, The Stohr Westmoreland Yough Trail Poker Haus Bakery, 534 Mercer St., Harmony. Run on Labor Day, Sept. 3, Arthur H. Call, Meg (724) 452-5232. King Access Area of the Youghiogheny River Trail. Cost $15 per person. For info, call (724) 872-5586 or www. bikewytc.org.

54 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com The Battle of the Divas II Benefits Children in Guatemala By Janice Lane Palko

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, Abut 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 buf- fet. 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 Services- Northeast 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 congeni- tal 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

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held thru July 31. For info, contact x114 or [email protected].

| Walk-A-Thons & Vicki, (412) 487-6316, opt. 1. pa.us. Relays Preschool Camp, “Summer Movie in the Park, dusk, July 18, happenings Stars,” ages 4-5, 9 a.m.-noon, Spirit-Stallion of the Cimarron, at Pittsburgh Cure Sarcoma 5K July 16-20, “Carnival of Colors,” Knob Hill Park Sports Field. For Walk/Run, 9 a.m., July 14, North July 23-27, “Pint Size Science,” info, (724) 935-3090, ext. 115. Park Boathouse. Entertainment, St. Alexis, 10090 Old Perry Hwy, prizes and children’s activities. Wexford. 1 session $60, both Movies in the Park, July 18, Puss Register online at www.pitts- sessions $100. Call, (724) 935- in Boots; Aug. 1, Little Giants; burghcuresarcoma.org. 3940. Aug. 15, Dolphin Tale, at Pine Community Park. For info, (724) , 10 a.m., (ongoing Relay for Life Science, Technology, 625-1636, ext. 170 or www.twp. for 24 hrs.), July 21, North Boundry Engineering, Math & Medicine pine.pa.us. July 2012 Park, Cranberry Twp. Benefits the Academy, 9 a.m.-noon, Mon- American Cancer Society. For info, Thurs., begins July 9 (4 wks.), Fox Nature Discovery Camp, 9 (724) 222-6911 or email Relay. Chapel Area High School. For info, a.m.-noon, July 9-13, Knob Hill [email protected]. call (412) 967-2430 or http:// Park-Elias Fry Barn. For ages 6-11. stemm.fcasd.edu. Register by July 5. Call (724) 935- St. Barnabas Medical Center 5K 3090 x 115. Run/Walk, 9 a.m., Aug. 4, USA Track & Certified, out-and-back Pine Township Community Day, course on Meridian Rd. To register Gardening 4 p.m. til dusk, July 21, Pine call (723) 443-0800, ext. 5310 or Community Park. Fireworks display www.stbarnabas5K.com. Great Garden Contest, sponsored by Pyrotechnico. by Shaler Garden Club. Entries due July 15. For details, email Pittsburgh Blues Festival, [email protected]. July 20-22, Hartwood Acres. Religious Events Sponsored by Peoples Natural Gas. Great Gardens Tour, 11 a.m.-3 For details, visit www.pghblues. & Ministries p.m., July 8. Sponsored by Shaler com. Garden Club & Shaler North Hills Giant Flea Market, 8 a.m.-2 p.m., Pittsburgh Irish Fest, 4 p.m.-mid- July 21, St. Alexis school cafeteria, Library. For tickets, call (412) 486- 0211 or www.shalerlibrary.org. night, Sept. 7; 11 a.m.-midnight, 10090 Old Perry Hwy., Wexford Sept. 8 & 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sept. 9, (across from Target, Pine Creek), Riverplex, 1000 Sandcastle Dr., bag sale 1-2 p.m., everything West Homestead. For info (412) must go! Summer 422-1113 or www.pghirishfest.org. “Highland Rocks,” a Christian Excitement St. Alexis Parish Festival, 6-11 music festival, Aug. 4 & 5, p.m., Aug. 1-4, 10090 Old Perry Westminster Highlands, Emlenton. Allegheny Riverstone Center for Hwy., Wexford. Games, rides and For details, visit http://www.high- the Arts presents July Jazz Fest nightly dinners. For info, call (724) landsrocks.org. Weekend, 7 p.m., July 20, Harold 935-4343 or visit stalexis.org. Betters on the Foxburg Garden; 7 Little Sisters of the Poor p.m., July 21, Roberts & Ortner St. Ferdinand Church Family Rummage Sale, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Trio in Lincoln Hall; 6-9 p.m., July Festival & White Elephant Sale, July 12, 13 & 14, Little Sisters 22, Catro, on the deck at Allegheny 6-11 p.m., Aug. 10 & 11 & 4 p.m.- Home, 1028 Benton Avenue, Grille. Regional jazz groups, 2-5 10 p.m., Aug. 12. Nightly dinners, Pittsburgh. p.m., Sat & Sun, at the Foxburg games and rides. For info, call (724) 776-2888 or www.STFERD. National Association of Wine Cellar. For details, visit www. org. Pastoral Musicians 35th Annual gofoxburg.com-www.alleghenyriverstone.org. Convention “Renew the Face of Summer Fest - Ice Cream Eating the Earth,” July 23-27, David L. Concerts to Munch By, 12:15- Contest, 3-6 p.m., July 15, Lawrence Convention Center. For 12:45 p.m., every Wed thru Aug. Bruster’s of Ingomar. Sponsored info, visit http://www.npm.org/ 22 (except July 4), 259 S. Main by North Hills Community Outreach. Register at, (412) 366-9899. Teamster Horsemen with Cigna St., Butler. Sponsored by the Butler County Symphony Assoc. Riders, charity motorcycle ride, 11 Township of Shaler Community For info, call (724) 283-1402 or a.m., July 14, Teamster Temple, Day, July 4, Kiwanis Park; 8:30 www.butlersymphony.org. 4701 Butler Street, Pittsburgh. For a.m., Jane Neely Run for your Life info, call Lenny (724) 898-3058 or EQT Pittsburgh Three Rivers 5K Race; pool open noon-5 p.m.; (412) 877-9907. Teamsters benefit Regatta, June 30-July 4. For fire truck rides & inflatables; fire- Little Sisters of the Poor. details, visit threeriversregatta.net. works at dusk (raindate July 5). Foxburg Scottish Festival, 7 p.m., Aug. 17, Ceilidh, on the School Foxburg Green; gates open 9:00 Golf Outings Happenings a.m., Aug. 18, Scottish Festival, Allegheny Riverstone Center for the Ladies’ Golf Outing, Aug. 1, Conley Resort in Butler. Sponsored Admissions Open House, July 14, Arts. For details, call (724) 659- by the Butler County Chamber. La Roche College in McCandless 0003 or hotline (412) 867-1816 or Registration deadline is July 20. Twp. For info, call (412) 536- visit www.alleghenyriverstone.org. Call, (724) 283-2222 or online 1272 or [email protected]. ButlerCountyChamber.com. Registration is required. Marshall Township Events: Movies in the Park, dusk, July 18, Rege Harbison, Sr. Memorial AP Summer Camp, 9-11 a.m., Spirit-Stallion of the Cimarron; Golf Tournament, 7:45 a.m. Aug. 6-9, North Hills Senior High Nature Discovery Camp, 9 a.m.- (registration), 8:30 a.m. tee off, School. Cost $10 per student. noon, July 9-13, Knob Hill Park- Aug. 18, 193 Green Meadows Registration due by Aug. 4. For Elias Fry Barn. Call (724) 935- Lane, Volant. Sponsored by Hope info email [email protected]. 3090 x115. Lutheran Church in Cranberry. For Blood Drive, 2-6:30 p.m., July Marshall Township Community info, call (724) 538-3350 or hope- 26, Eden Hall Upper Elementary, Day, 4 p.m.-fireworks, July 28, lutherancranberry.org. 3900 Bakerstown Rd.,Gibsonia. Knob Hill Park, (724) 935-3090 Sponsored by the Pine-Richland School District. Schedule an appt at cmisback@zoominternet. The SSG Edward F. Greiner Jr. Memorial 5K Walk/Run ID/GD Summer Studio workshop, July 22-26, La Roche The SSG Edward F. Greiner Jr. Memorial 5K College in McCandless Twp. For Walk/Run will be held July 29, at the boat- info, call (412) 536-1017 or www. house in North Park. Registration begins at laroche.edu. 7:30 a.m., the event starts at 9:00 a.m. North Hills Community Outreach Proceeds benefit the Yellow Ribbon Girls of is collecting new backpacks and Ellwood City. For info or to register, visit school supplies for distribution to www.eddie5kwalk.com. low-income children. Collection

56 July 2012 | Northern Connection www.northernconnectionmag.com www.swansonpublishing.com Northern Connection | July 2012 57