New Cardiothoracic Surgeon joins the BHS Heart Team
Butler Health System is pleased to announce the addition of Dinesh Bhaskaran, M.D., F.A.C.S. to the BHS Heart Team. Dr. Bhaskaran brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in high quality cardiac, thoracic, and vascular surgical care to the team. Dr. Bhaskaran earned his medical degree from the University of Zambia, and completed an internship in general surgery at Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield, MA, a residency in general surgery at Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY, a residency in cardiothoracic surgery at SUNY Science Center, Brooklyn, NY, and a fellowship at the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, MA. Dr. Bhaskaran is American Board Certified in Surgery and Thoracic Surgery. To learn more, call 724-282-4370 to schedule an appointment or visit www.butlerhealthsystem.org/services/cardiothoracic-surgery2.
Pittsburgh Opera begins 84th Season with “Opera’s Little Mermaid”
Pittsburgh Opera’s first production of its 2022–23 season is Dvořák’s Rusalka, “Opera’s Little Mermaid,” Sept. 17-25 at the Benedum Center. Rusalka is the Czech version of the popular fairy tale The Little Mermaid. Rusalka premiered in 1901 and has become one of the most beloved lyric fairy tales of all time. These are the first-ever performances of Rusalka in Pittsburgh Opera’s 84-year history. Full cast and artistic team information, a synopsis of the
opera, an audio preview, and more are available at pittsburghopera.org/rusalka.
Annual Gary Lincoff Mushroom Foray
On Sat., Sept. 24, 2022, the 22nd Annual Gary Lincoff Mushroom Foray will be held at the Lodge at North Park. Presented by the Western Pennsylvania Mushroom Club, the foray will include guided morning mushroom walks, afternoon presentations, cooking demos and a mushroom feast. Guest mycologists include Alan and Arleen Bessette and Stephen Russell. $50 for WPMC members, $70 for nonmembers includes a 2022-23 membership. $30 for students with ID and kids ages 11 to 18. Kids 10 and under free. Registration required at
Vincentian to Hold Inaugural Heavenly Hogs Motorcycle Run in September
On Sat., Sept. 10, the Heavenly Hogs Motorcycle Run will start and end at Vincentian’s North Campus in McCandless. After hundreds of riders complete the 70-mile route, everyone will come together for a family-friendly afterparty with live music by Washboard Tony & Rockin’ Rob, 50/50, kid-friendly activities, a photo booth, and more. The afterparty will be catered by Vincentian’s own Unconventional Kitchen, where every bite of delicious food makes a difference because 100 percent of profits are donated back to Vincentian. Eleventh Hour Brewing Co. will have beer available for purchase. Registration is required. Event proceeds benefit the mission of Vincentian. For info, visit www.vcs.org/heavenlyhogs.
Seneca Valley Foundation Charity Golf Outing Sets Record
The Seneca Valley Foundation (SVF) hosted its 10th annual Gift of Hope Golf Classic presented by Batavia Studios on Aug. 4 and raised a record-setting profit of just over $50,000 which will help the SVF to continue providing the gift of hope and promise of excellence to Seneca Valley students and staff. The SVF funds many important initiatives including STEM activities, mental wellness efforts, capital improvement projects and professional development. With the support of repeat sponsors like ComDoc, Eckles Construction, Edulink and Penna Flame Industries, along with the addition of a new presenting sponsor, Batavia Studios, the SVF welcomed over 136 golfers to one of the state’s best municipal golf courses, Cranberry Highlands, to raise funds to further its mission. For more info, visit https://www.svsd.net/Page/28104.
The Original Eagles Tribute Band Coming to The Palace Theatre in September
Hotel California has been the leading world-class Eagles tribute production, and tickets sell quickly for their shows. The concert will be held Wed., Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at The Palace Theatre, 21 W. Otterman St., Greensburg, PA 15601. Tickets are $28, $38, and $68 and can be purchased online at www.thepalacetheatre.org or by calling the box office at
724-836-8000.
Baker Consulting Services Open House
Baker Consulting Services will be holding a ribbon cutting and open house on Thurs., Sept. 8 at 10 a.m. at 126 East Cunningham St., Unit 1, Butler, 16001. Butler Consulting Services is a full-service health and life insurance brokerage specializing in travel insurance, health insurance, supplemental insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Support Feeding America this Labor Day by Drinking The Union Forge Vodka
Food banks across Pennsylvania are feeling the pressure of rising costs and declining donations due to current inflation. PA-made, The Union Forge Vodka, is committed to helping feed those in need in local communities by partnering with a number of bars in Pittsburgh to help support Feeding America. Bars include BLEND Bar, Pizzaiolo Primo, Scapacis, Scratch & Col, Sienna Mercato, Sly Fox Brew Pub, St. Clair Social, The Warren Bar & Burrow and the Tiki Lounge. For every Union Forge featured cocktail sold over Labor Day Weekend, September 2-5, The Union Forge will donate $1 on behalf of the partnering bar to www.feedingamerica.org.
Seneca Valley Celebrates Grand Opening of Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School
The Seneca Valley School District officially unveiled its beautiful K-6 building, Ehrman Crest Elementary/Middle School, during a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, Aug. 22. The Grand Opening was combined with the district's annual All-Staff Welcome Back event, themed as “New Beginnings,” in recognition of the continued growth, evolution and progress taking place across the District. Seneca Valley’s faculty, staff and administration was joined by representatives from education, architecture, construction and planning, past and present school board members, local dignitaries and Ehrman Crest student representatives to celebrate this momentous occasion. The District will host a public tour of Ehrman Crest from 10 a.m.-noon on Sat., Sept. 24, in which community members can take part in self-guided tours of the new building.
Tint World Cranberry Celebrates Opening
On Sat., August 13, Tint World Cranberry held a ribbon cutting & grand opening at its location at 790 Commerce Park Dr., Cranberry Township, 16066. The premier auto styling & window tinting franchise, Tint World® has provided high-quality window tinting and vehicle accessories to people who love their cars since 1982. Registration is now open for the Pittsburgh Hearts of Steel Dragon Boat Festival to be held on Sat., Sept. 24, 2022 from 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at North Park Lake Boathouse. Now in its fourth year, this annual event at North Park Lake brings together the exciting sport of dragon boat racing, entertainment, food, and fun family activities! Anyone can learn how to paddle a dragon boat and form a team. Interested individuals can form a dragon boat team by gathering 20-24 of their friends, family and co-workers and registering by no later than Sept. 10, 2022. Register online at www.heartsofsteelpittsburgh.org or http://pghdragonboatfestival.org. With a team entry, teams get a one-hour lesson/practice the week before the race. All paddling equipment will be supplied. Paddlers must be 12 years of age and older. Also on hand will be food trucks and other family activities.
Fox Chapel Area Named Learning 2025 Demonstration System to Watch
The Fox Chapel Area School District was named an AASA (The School Superintendents Association) Learning 2025 Demonstration System to Watch. The district is one of only 18 across the nation to receive this designation in 2022. Fox Chapel Area School District was recognized for providing a student-centered, equity-focused, and future-driven educational system that serves all learners with specific attention to cognitive growth. Fox Chapel Area School District’s award was accepted by Superintendent Dr. Mary Catherine Reljac during the AASA Learning 2025 Summit in Washington, D.C., at the end of June. During the national conference, Dr. Reljac also co-presented a session on the district’s cognitive growth model.
GASP Pittsburgh Seeking Applicants for ‘Fresh Voices for Clean Air’ Youth Education Initiative
For the second year, GASP is partnering with Greater-Birmingham Alliance to Stop Pollution (GASP), a nonprofit organization working in the greater-Birmingham area in Alabama to advance healthy air and environmental justice through education, advocacy, and organizing. GASP will pair a small group of high school students in Allegheny County with a group of their peers in Birmingham, Ala. for a school year-long collaborative partnership. The team will learn more about air quality while building the skills necessary to become effective environmental advocates. Upon successful completion of the program year, participants will earn a $100 award. This unique STEAM opportunity is open to high school students in Allegheny County in grades 9, 10, and 11. The deadline to apply is Monday, Sept. 12. Apply at https://voicesforcleanair.com.
Carnegie Science Center Announces Carnegie Science Awards
The Carnegie Science Center recently announced this year’s impressive class of Carnegie Science Award recipients, who will be celebrated at the inaugural Geek Out Gala on Thurs., Oct. 13, 2022. Carnegie Science Award winners are chosen by a committee of peers – both past awardees and industry leaders – who selected the most deserving scientists, educators, business leaders, and innovators whose contributions have led initiatives that have provided significant economic or societal benefits to western Pennsylvania. The 2022 Carnegie Science Award honorees are:
Chairman’s Award – John Thornton, Astrobotic Technology, Inc.
Best Interdisciplinary Approach to STEM Education – Pittsburgh DataWorks
Champion for STEM Equity and Inclusion – Arvind Seshan, Droid Robotics
Champion for Sustainability – Mary Ellen Ramage, Borough of Etna
Corporate Leadership – PITT OHIO
Entrepreneur – Dr. Susan Catalano, PhD, CODA Biotherapeutics
Exemplary Educational/Corporate Collaboration – MECCO & Robert Morris University
Innovation – Dr. Eric Lagesse, PharmD, PhD, Pittsburgh Liver Research Center
Most Inspiring Educator – Denny Quinn, Chartiers Valley School District
Junior Division Student – Tai Luangkesorn, Marshall Middle School
Intermediate Division Student – Vanessa Ibrahim, Mary Queen of Apostles School
Senior Division Student – Adhitya Thirumala, Fox Chapel Area High School
Pittsburgh Opera Announces Resident Artists
The Pittsburgh Opera recently announced its 2022-23 resident artists. They are Brandon Bell, baritone; Darius Gillard, opera administrator; Julia Swan Laird, soprano; Evan Lazdowski, bass-baritone; Daniel O'Hearn, tenor; Jazmine Olwalia, mezzo-soprano; Emily Richter, soprano; and Haley Stamats, stage director. The opera’s Resident Artist Program is one of the country's leading training programs for young singers. More than 500 applicants from around the world vying for just a handful of openings.
PeopleOne Health to Hold Open House
On Wed., Sept. 14 beginning at 3 p.m., PeopleOne Health will hold a ribbon cutting and open house at its location at 100 North Pointe Circle, Seven Fields, 16046. PeopleOne Health is an integrated healthcare system that enhances existing health insurance plans by offering dramatically better care, lower cost, and more convenience. Focused on preventive practices and building health, its members get access to a dedicated medical team, mental health support, nutritionists and health coaches, and pharmacy guidance with no additional out-of-pocket expense.
Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable to Meet
On Mon., Sept. 19 at 7 p.m., Col. Kevin Weddell will present, Lincoln’s Forgotten Admiral; The Life of Samuel Francis DuPont. The lecture is free and open to the public. Masks are required. Hampton Township Community Center, 1301 McCully Road, Allison Park.
Morgart Jr. Promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt
Sensei John W. Morgart Jr. was recently promoted to 5th Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do under Grandmaster Cynthia Rothrock (8th Degree Black Belt in Tang Soo Do and Black Belts in Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Eagle Claw, Wu Shu, Northern Shaolin and Pai Lum Tao Kung). Grandmaster Morgart created his own style of martial arts called "Wei Son Do" and is a high-level competitor and legend in martial arts, winning championship tournaments in the U.S. He instructs martial art seminars, volunteers for Kickstart Kids, and serves as a network administrator for Westmoreland County Courthouse.
Aquinas Academy Athletics' Breakout Year
Aquinas Academy of Pittsburgh's 2021-2022 school year proved to be a breakout year for the high school athletic department. Eleven of 13 Aquinas varsity teams competed in WPIAL playoffs with two teams winning WPIAL Championship Runner-up. Fifteen athletes competed individually in WPIAL Championships in cross country, tennis, and track and field. One team and three athletes competed in PIAA state tournaments with two individuals earning medals. The boys varsity fencing team won Runner-up in the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Fencing Association's Championship tournament. Of particular note, both the girls basketball and field hockey teams competed in the Single A WPIAL Championships for the first time in school history and Junior Vinnie Cugini is the first Aquinas athlete to win First Team All-State awards for basketball, score over 2,000 points, be named a Post-Gazette Class 1A Fab 5 for three seasons, and lead all of WPIAL basketball in scoring for three seasons.
Women’s Business Network, Inc.’s Chapter Meetings
The Women’s Business Network is an award-winning business association spanning over 20 chapters throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania. Members can take advantage of networking with other business women throughout the region, ongoing professional education, and leadership opportunities. All professional women are invited to visit a local meeting as a guest; find out more at www.wbninc.com.
The Cranberry Chapter holds meetings the 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at the Cranberry Community United Presbyterian, 2662 Rochester Road, Cranberry. Upcoming meetings are Sept. 1st & 15th. For more information contact Chapter Representative Suzanne Sekula at 412-889-7738.
The Pittsburgh North Chapter holds meetings on the 1st & 3rd Friday of each month at 9 a.m. at Parkwood United Presbyterian Church, 4289 Mount Royal Blvd, Allison Park. Upcoming meetings are Sept. 2nd and 16th. For more information contact Chapter Representative Kathy Bell at 412-855-0578.
The Wexford Chapter holds meetings on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month from 8:15 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., at Omega Federal Credit Union, 10455 Perry Hwy, Wexford. Upcoming meetings are Sept. 2nd & 15th. For more information contact Chapter Representative Suzanne Venneri at 412-264-8446.
The Criders Corners Chapter holds meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 12pm-1:15pm, at The Sports Grille, 1294 Freedom Road in Cranberry Township. Upcoming meetings are Sept. 8th & 22nd. For more information contact Chapter Representative Jocelyn Cilik at 724-772-5593.
The Beaver Chapter holds meetings virtually on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 7 p.m. Due to the Labor Day holiday, their only meeting in September will be Sept. 19th. For more information contact Chapter Representative, Lynda Zelesnak, at 724-601-2084.
The Virtual Chapter holds meetings via Zoom on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of each month at 7:00 pm. Upcoming meetings are Sept. 7th and the 21st. For more information contact Chapter Representative Jennifer Pasquale at 412-908-1663.