December 2025 issue | Northern Connection Magazine

Traci Kovacic and Shine On Pittsburgh

At UPMC Senior Communities, you can enjoy winter again...minus the slips, falls, maintenance, and mess.

You’ll find fewer burdens and more friendships.

Visit one of the UPMC Senior Communities near you and see how true independence can mean more of the things you want to do, and less of the things you have to do.

Call 1-800-324-5523 or visit srcare.org/UPMC.

Communities located in: Allison Park • Hampton Monroeville • Washington, PA

Scan the QR code to learn more.

So close, we’re part of your holiday plans.

Financial advice is closer than you think.

Federally Insured by NCUA

Cover photo of Traci Kovacic was taken at The Block Northway

NC Features

36 Local Authors: Dissention: A Disagreement that Leads to Discord by Rodney Phillips Emily

Health & Wellness

8 Keeping the Old While Embracing the New Maura L. Johnson

12 The 12 Ways to Practice Wellness: Caring for Your Mental & Physical Health This Holiday Season Elisabeth Plutko, Revelations Counseling & Wellness

Kids & Education

16 School Movers & Shakers

2025 Holiday Guide

20 Senior Living: All I Want For Christmas... Janice Lane Palko 26 What to Do When the Holidays Are Sad Laura Ellis, Acupuncturist, Practitioner of Oriental Medicine

Holiday Worship

In

Every

Issue...

4 Movers & Shakers

5 Mover & Shaker of the Month: Zip With Us® Paula Green 17 MOM2MOMS: Rising Above Setbacks and Challenges, With So Much Gratitude and Joy! Sofya Stearns

22 December Happenings

28 Trivia Connection: A Charlie Brown Christmas Trivia

Paula Green

29 From the Editor: Traditions Emily King

31 Support Our Troops: Military Members Make Christmas Merrier with Their Successful Fundraising Campaigns

Paula Green

Laura Lyn Arnold

Publisher Emeritus & Contributor

Marion Swanson Piotrowski

Executive Editor

Emily King

Emily@northernconnectionmag.com

Managing Editor/Public Relations Coordinator

Paula M. Green

Paula@northernconnectionmag.com

Marketing & Account Executives

Mary L. Simpson

Sharon Yezerski

Design & Production Kostilnik & Associates Graphics, Inc.

Paula Green

Janice Lane Palko

Sofya Stearns

Movers & Shakers

The Wexford Post Office celebrated 202 years of safe driving and work practices on October 31. Twenty-two employees were recognized for their safety excellence. Rural carrier Steven Roberts was inducted into the National Safety Council’s Million Mile Club. This nationally recognized distinction is earned for driving 30 years or one million miles without a preventable accident. Roberts, who has delivered in Bradford Woods and Wexford his entire career, said, “There’s no secret to safe driving; it’s common sense and courtesy.” Knowing the route and tendencies of the community plays a big role in daily decisions. “I know the peak times when school is in session and avoid that area because of the increased traffic and the number of excited children and parents involved.” Robert’s advice for fellow carriers is, “Slow down, give plenty of space, and don’t use your cell phone when delivering.” Roberts added, “Be respectful of all delivery drivers, we all want to deliver safely in the neighborhoods we service and return home to our families safely.” Postmaster Jerry Kennedy said, “I love this office, and you make it a great place.” He’s had many opportunities but chose to stay with the Wexford office for 15 years. “This is a great community. If you’re interested in joining us, apply at www.usps.com/careers.”

Doctors and researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC have developed a new treatment for epilepsy patients who don’t respond to medication and aren’t candidates for surgery. Their approach, published in Nature Communications, uses deep brain stimulation (DBS) that is tailored to each patient’s unique brain wiring. The research received financial support from grants from the National Institutes of Health.

The Pennsylvania Library Association has recognized Kimberley Hrivnak, Chief Operating Officer for the Allegheny County Library Association, with the 2025 Distinguished Service Award for her efforts to champion both local and statewide libraries.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission Director of Communications, Leslie L. Gervasio, was recognized for her exceptional commitment, professional excellence, and active community involvement. On Nov. 8, Gervasio received the Pennsylvania Public Relations Society’s highest honor, the Ernest R. McDowell Award, during the PPRS 75th Anniversary Celebration.

ZIPWITHUS®

Adds a Medical Layer of Comfort

By Paula Green

When a child becomes medically complex whether from cancer, chronic illness, or frequent hospital care, a parent’s world is consumed by fear and uncertainty. Treatments offer hope but also bring major changes: children feel unwell, miss school and time with friends, and endure ongoing medical interventions. Improving the quality of life becomes critical.

Angela Degnan of the North Hills understands this reality intimately. Her son, Thatcher, now 11, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) at age two while the family was on vacation. What began as a sick visit to an emergency room resulted in a transfer to Boston Children’s Hospital and a life-changing diagnosis.

“Thatcher was med-flighted to UPMC to begin his 3.5-year treatment, which included blood transfusions, infusions, chemotherapy, procedures, inpatient stays, clinic visits, home nursing, and many ER visits,” Angela said.

Like most children in intensive treatment, Thatcher received a chest MediPort for his medications, transfusions, and infusions. Port access brings anxiety and pain not just from large needles but also from repeatedly removing clothes for access.

Early in his treatment, Thatcher received a surprising gift: a bright yellow t-shirt with a handsewn zipper across the chest, making it easier and more dignified to access his port. A note attached read, “I am someone who has been there before, and I understand the shirt would make a considerable difference.”

When Thatcher wore his shirt, nurses and families noticed. Parents wanted one for their children. That single act of kindness and the impact it had on Thatcher during treatments sparked the creation of Zip With Us®, an organization dedicated to providing comfort, safety, functionality, and dignity to medically complex babies, children, and young adults who rely on medical lines, tubes, ports, drains, monitors, and other medical devices.

“We began piecing together the program we wanted to offer, and how we would make and provide our ZipShirts™ free of charge,” Angela explained. “We received our 501(c)(3) status in 2018 while our son was still in treatment. We made him several ZipShirts™ throughout those years and they remained a cornerstone of his treatment days and an incredible resource.”

Today, Zip With Us® partners with nearly 190 pediatric hospital floors nationwide. Their in-house team of nine staff members in Pittsburgh and six in Charlotte, N.C. sews custom-adapted ZipShirts™, Drew’s Cruisers™ onesies, ZipCruisers™, and other garments for medically complex pediatric patients. To meet national demand, they also work with two trusted manufacturing partners: Pro Knitwear in Pittsburgh and Opportunity Threads in Morganton, N.C.

Aware of families’ financial strain, Zip With Us® removes those barriers. Any medically complex patient can order a free garment directly and privately through the website. The head of production reviews each order and works with families to adapt garments to each child’s needs. Each shirt combines function, safety, comfort, and the personal touch of someone making it just for them.

Supporting medically complex patients is central to the Zip With Us® mission, and the organization depends on the community. “We thrive because of our sponsors, donors, and supporters who host shirt and onesie drives nationwide to help us fulfill our mission,” Angela said. “If you’re a fitness enthusiast, join team Zip With Us® for the Dick’s Sporting Goods Marathon Run for a Reason program. We welcome donations, connections to foundations or grants, and anyone interested in hosting a drive or fundraiser. We appreciate every gesture.”

Thatcher’s at-home support includes his parents, Angela and Brian; siblings Elle, Hayes, and Esme; and the family’s two dogs, Sunny and Walter. To learn more, donate, volunteer, or fundraise, visit zipwithus.org. Your support makes a difference for medically complex children and young adults. n

Traci Kovacic and Shine On Pittsburgh

By Emily King

For Traci Kovacic, the past decade has brought life challenges that could easily have broken her. Ten years ago, her husband Mike collapsed while running the EQT 10 Miler race in Pittsburgh. The 32-year-old died a half hour later of a previously undetected heart arrhythmia. She spent the following years deeply in grief and picking up the pieces of her life.

If that wasn’t enough hardship for one family, just seven years after her husband’s tragic death, their 9-year-old daughter, Josie, suffered a skiing accident that almost took her life. A snowboarder lost control and collided with Josie, throwing her 20 feet into the air and stopping her heart. It took 10 minutes for ski patrol to resuscitate her with a defibrillator. Josie’s neck injury was so catastrophic that most patients die before they make it to the hospital. After three months in the hospital, Josie not only survived, but surpassed her entire medical team’s expectations. Today she is almost completely recovered, despite the odds. Some may call it a miracle, and Traci certainly does.

What does it take to get through more trauma and tragedy than most people experience in a lifetime? Traci credits her personal mantra, “Shine on.” No matter what life brings, her resilient nature

refuses to let it dull her shine. The tenth anniversary of Mike’s death just passed, and it has been a decade of grief, trauma, and healing for Traci. Now she is ready to conquer her next phase of life.

Since experiencing the unimaginable, Traci has dedicated her career to preparing others for the unexpected. She has worked in the life insurance field for over twelve years as the vice president of Riverfront Financial, a life insurance and financial investing firm in Pittsburgh. Now she’s taking the next step in her career, forming her own company with two other women, in a male-dominated field, working with Primerica. Her new company is aptly named Shine on Pittsburgh, a testament to her resiliency in both life and investing. She specializes in life insurance, retirement planning including Roth and traditional IRAs, and college savings strategies.

“My approach is simple: meet clients where they are and provide personalized, jargon-free guidance that creates real financial security. I believe everyone deserves to understand their financial options clearly and to build a future where we all shine on,” she says.

Traci works with people of all income levels; there are no account minimums, and she doesn’t charge advisory fees.

Traci has a passion for working with widows and widowers, as she knows personally how devastating the death of a spouse is. She helps support those families and makes sure they are set up for financial security. She also sets up a financial future for her clients that protects them in the case of unforeseen life challenges.

Traci also uses her life experiences as an opportunity to help others.

“Beyond financial services, I’m passionate about giving back to my community and helping others navigate life’s challenges with empathy and support,” she says.

In 2020, along with the family of another friend who died tragically, Traci created the Angels By Your Side nonprofit organization. The nonprofit helped families who had experienced the sudden death of a loved one pick up the pieces.

Just months after her husband’s death, a group of friends stepped in to decorate Traci’s home for the holidays, so that her two young children would still have the magic of Christmas, despite the devastating loss they were experiencing. Traci, who was in the throes of grief, said she probably wouldn’t have decorated at all if it weren’t for her friends. She credits them with stepping in to help her children feel a sense of normalcy in a time of tremendous change.

As a way of coping with her loss, Traci wanted to pass on this generosity and love to those who didn’t have a strong support network. With Angels By Your Side, groups of volunteers provided support to widows, widowers, and their families, helping with everything from yard work to preparing for a move. Though the nonprofit is no longer operating, Traci is proud of the work they did and has made community service an important part of her mission.

Traci is most recently fea tured in a television series called Legacy Makers, which shares the stories of indus try leaders, entrepreneurs, pro athletes and other influential change-makers and explores how they make their own success and thrive in their fields. In Traci’s episode, she shares how she built her brand on the back of adversity, using her financial and investing expertise to prepare families for the unthinkable and build them back up after tragic loss. You can watch Traci’s episode at legacymakerstv.com/traci-kovacic.

Today, life is looking up for Traci. She’s engaged to be married, just bought a new house, and is celebrating the launch of her new business. The legacy of her late husband and the miracle of her daughter’s survival serve as constant reminders of the fragility of life and the gift of personal strength which guides her through hardship. Her endless supply of hope and resiliency has shaped her career and inspired Shine On Pittsburgh. To learn more about Traci and Shine On Pittsburgh, visit Primerica.com/tracikovacic or call (412) 463-9181. n

The last Thanksgiving of a long tradition

Keeping the Old While Embracing the New

By Maura L. Johnson

On the morning of November 22, 2018, I awoke with a sense of heaviness, much different than any Thanksgiving morning in years past. Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays, surpassing Christmas, even in childhood. I let my family know I was going out for a quick drive for a coffee at the nearby and ever-reliable (read: open) Sheetz.

What I didn’t mention, however, was the pain of experiencing this “first” Thanksgiving in a completely new way was completely overwhelming to me. I began driving towards my aunt’s empty house, turning onto her street and into her driveway, the same driveway once filled with our family’s cars. As I sat there on that cold morning, I came to the stark realization that this cherished tradition was no longer part of our lives. And while I could accept this at face value, I couldn’t imagine that morning going by without pulling into that driveway one last time.

While the holidays often bring a sense of joy, togetherness and spirit, many are also coping with grief and readjustment. When we lost my aunt in 2018, and then my maternal grandmother in 2019, the need for togetherness was stronger than ever. This has looked like changing locations while continuing to make the same recipes they always included in

their Thanksgiving meals. The first year, my other aunt held the annual Thanksgiving at their hunting camp in Medix Run, Pa. While there was certainly a sense of sadness in the air, we found great comfort in being together, sharing memories and eating those same foods. Each year, the place may change but the people, food and shared experiences remain the same.

Traditions tie us together in many ways, often being what we treasure (or sometimes dread, if we’re being honest) about the holiday season. With one constant in life being change, eventually we find ways to adapt these to our changing families, locations and/or beliefs. Changing them can feel overwhelming and we may find ourselves resistant to do so. First, normalize and accept these feelings; it’s completely okay to grieve what was and experience resistance. Second, consider how you may be able to merge the old with the new in an effort to continue honoring what is important to you. This

can look like continuing to make family recipes, engaging in your favorite childhood pastimes with your own children, taking trips or engaging in any of the many holiday-themed activities available. And finally, should you find yourself experiencing grief and loss during this season, it’s also okay to take a step back from holiday pressures and honor what feels manageable during this time. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year! n

The 12 Ways to Practice Wellness: Caring for Your Mental & Physical Health This Holiday Season

By Elisabeth Plutko, Revelations Counseling & Wellness

The holiday season brings light, tradition, and celebration—but it can also bring stress, pressure, and emotional overwhelm. December often comes with a lot of extra. We often find ourselves juggling more than usual: more gatherings, more expectations, more decisions, and sometimes, more emotions. It brings a period of reflection – observing what we gained or lost, what we accomplished or where we fell short, relationships that either strengthened or strained.

As you begin writing the last chapter of your 2025, here are 12 ways to approach this month with intention and to support your mental and physical health this holiday season.

1. Practice Presence

Presence allows us to notice what’s happening right now instead of rushing through the season. Deep breaths before a busy event, a quiet moment in the car, or a shared pause with your family can calm the nervous system and help anchor you.

2. Create Gentle Boundaries

Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable, but boundaries protect your peace. Consider what your family truly values this month and let go of activities or expectations that drain rather than nourish.

3. Prioritize Movement

Movement supports mental health by boosting mood, increasing resilience, and improving sleep. Whether it’s walking, stretching, dancing, or structured exercise, choose activities that feel accessible and enjoyable.

4. Give Yourself Permission to Rest

Rest is not laziness—it is essential for emotional regulation. Short breaks, consistent bedtimes, and screen-free evenings can restore energy and calm.

5. Nourish Your Body with Intention

Holiday foods are part of the joy, but balanced nourishment supports energy, focus, and mood. Following your personal nutrition protocol allows room for a holiday meal without guilt. The goal is realistic, sustainable habits: regular meals, adequate hydration, and mindful choices that help your body feel steady and supported. When those habits are in place, it becomes easier to enjoy a splurge because you have a defined structure that keeps you grounded and helps you to quickly reset the next day.

6. Manage Expectations

Expectations can make the season feel heavier than it needs to be. Let go of comparisons or the pressure for everything to look perfect. Focus instead on moments of connection, small traditions, and memories that matter.

7. Make Room for Feelings

With celebrations come emotions: joy, grief, nostalgia, overwhelm, loneliness, excitement, and everything in between. All feelings deserve attention, not judgment. Helping children name what they feel builds emotional resilience; giving adults space to process their emotions does the same.

8. Create Moments of Connection

Connection is one of the strongest protectors of mental health. Reach out to someone you haven’t talked with in a while. Shared experiences—large or small—help reduce isolation and deepen a sense of belonging.

9. Slow Down Your Schedule

If your calendar feels overwhelming, choose one thing you can remove. Slowing down brings more meaning to what remains. Families often find that even small adjustments lower stress and increase enjoyment. It’s okay—healthy, even—to do less.

10. Support Children’s Emotional Worlds

Children experience the intensity of this season too. Predictable routines, play, open conversations,

and gentle guidance help them stay grounded.

11. Practice Self-Reflection & Set Intentional Goals

As the year comes to a close, take time to reflect on your successes— large or small. Celebrate what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and what you’ve overcome. Then begin to look toward the year ahead. What do you hope to accomplish? What habits support those goals? What daily choices help you become the person you’re striving to be? This gentle practice invites clarity, focus, and purpose as you get ready to enter a new year.

12. Seek Support When You Need It

There is strength—not weakness— in reaching out. Whether it’s talking with a trusted friend, joining a group, leaning on a partner, or meeting with a counselor or wellness professional,

support can make the season feel lighter and more manageable. No one has to navigate things alone.

A Season of Care, Gratitude, and New Beginnings

As we celebrate our first anniversary, we want to express heartfelt gratitude for welcoming us into the community and entrusting us with your care. It has been our honor to walk alongside you this past year.

If we could offer one message of guidance this month, it is this: You deserve care, rest, and support—during the holidays and every day of the year.

If you are looking for encouragement, guidance, or a safe, welcoming place to work toward your mental and physical wellness goals in the year ahead, our team at Revelations Counseling & Wellness is here to walk with you, ready to offer clarity, balance, encouragement, hope, and support. n

HEALTHY HOLIDAY CRANBERRY

BITES

INGREDIENTS (MAKES 12–15 BITES)

1

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INSTRUCTIONS:

r k c h o c o l a t e c h i p s

1 . I n a m e d i u m m i x i n g b o w l , c o m b i n e t h e o a t s , a l m o n d b u t t e r , h o n e y ,

v a n i l l a , c i n n a m o n , a n d s e a s a l t

2 . S t i r u n t i l t h e m i x t u r e b e g i n s t o c o m e t o g e t h e r .

3 . A d d i n t h e c r a n b e r r i e s , a l m o n d s , a n d c h o c o l a t e c h i p s ( i f u s i n g ) .

4 U s i n g c l e a n h a n d s , r o l l t h e m i x t u r e i n t o 1 - i n c h b a l l s

5 . P l a c e o n a p l a t e o r b a k i n g s h e e t a n d r e f r i g e r a t e f o r 2 0 – 3 0 m i n u t e s t o

s e t

Victor Thomas, MD • Brian Jewell, MD • Mark Langhans, MD

Steven Kann, MD • Jeffrey Kann, MD • Gerard Werries, MD

Michael Pagnotto, MD • Christopher Emond, MD • Michael Sybert, MD • Daniel Kopolovich, MD

School Movers & Shakers

Fox Chapel

The Fox Chapel Area High School Marching Band won first place at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association (PIMBA) Championships. The Marching Foxes placed first in Class 2A at the competition which was held October 18, at Deer Lakes High School. The Marching Foxes earned a score of 86.375, and also won awards for the highest Music and General Effect.

Six Fox Chapel Area High School students had their artwork selected for the Slippery Rock University Art Department 2025 Juried High School Art Exhibition. The students are Adele Grady,  Rylie Graham, Nora Kelley,  Emma Kuhns, Samantha Van Kirk, and Troy White.

Fourteen Fox Chapel Area High School students participated in the third annual Allegheny County Chorus Festival: Cascie Banachoski,  Abigail Ornelas Barajas, Aubrielle Cheatham, Daniel DeMotte,  Anita Fava,  Sophia Geraci,  Maggie Jones,  Kassidy Joyce, Evangeline Sereno, Benjamin Shuttleworth, Addison Smith,

Emma Smith, Robert Svenson, and  Margot Walter

Seven Fox Chapel Area High School students placed at the annual M&M Lake Erie Invitational Speech and Debate Tournament. The debate team of Joanna Li, Emmanuella

Seneca Valley

Together with the nine municipalities that comprise the Seneca Valley School District, the district unveiled its new “Home of the Seneca Valley Raiders” signs during a special ceremony on Monday, Nov. 3, in Jackson Township, the epicenter of the district.

Mars Area

Two Mars Area School District students achieved certificates

in Tae Kwon Do at the Kukkiwon World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. Mars Area Middle School eighthgrader Joshua Wright earned a 4th Poom (fourth degree junior black belt) certificate. Mars Area Centennial School sixth-grader Annabelle Wright earned a 3rd Poom (third degree junior black belt) certificate.

Mars Area High School junior Jonnie Maestra was selected for the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Jerome Bettis Leadership Award. Maestra, 16, is a three-year member of the Fightin’ Planets Varsity Football Team. The award recognizes high school football players from the Pittsburgh region who go above and beyond to be a leader in their community and to provide mentor-like support for their teammates and peers.

Baseball & Fastpitch Softball Association’s Bartle 10U Softball Team ended the 2025 Fall Season with an overall record of 16-0. Team members include Mars Area Centennial School students Gianna Adams, Averie Baker, Kendall Bartle, Mila Ciafre, Leah DiGioia, Harper Jones, Jane Lyons, Eleanor McCauley, Everlyn Montgomery, Kaylin Midget, Anastasia Trombulak and Brienna Thompson.

Mars Area High School Marching Band earned first place in the Class A Division at the PIMBA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association) Championships, held on Oct. 18 at Deer Lakes High School.

The Fightin’ Planets received a combined score of 83.10 and earned top honors for Music Performance, and Visual Performance as well as Music Effect, and Visual Effect.

BC3

The Butler County Community College Education Foundation has received the largest Pennsylvania Educational Improvement Tax Credit contribution since its first in 2012 and from the Cranberry Township-based MSA Safety, an international developer and manufacturer of advanced safety products. MSA Safety’s $50,000 gift will support a BC3 program that enables sophomores through seniors to earn affordable and transferable credits in college courses and it benefits a game played by pupils that increases financial literacy.

RISING ABOVE SETBACKS AND CHALLENGES, WITH SO MUCH GRATITUDE AND JOY!

By Sofya Stearns

I’m not going to lie, 2025 was a challenging year for me, health-wise. It started off with two torn shoulders followed by physical therapy, knee surgery followed, again, by physical therapy and I have now undergone a toe surgery, which again, will be followed by PT.

However, what gets me through the pain and being homebound are my family and friends, laughter, and flowers. Crutches or a walker, boot or a splint; we all gotta eat so why not be merry? In my situation, all three challenges were mild setbacks and I’m grateful for them. I do have to add, during the homebound days and moments free from excruciating pain, those intervals always made me realize that there is going to be a light at the end of my tunnel, and how blessed and gratified I am. In these moments, I remember that there are people, families, who might not see the light at the end of the tunnel; their recovery and outcome might not be as easy as mine.

I’d like to suggest to all of us: let’s begin to celebrate the holiday season, not tomorrow, not in a week, not after we decorate our Christmas tree or Hanukah Bush, not when we take our first sip of eggnog or bite of latkes, not when, but today. I mean it! And why not? Are there any precise rules about when we can start? Absolutely NOT! Because Christmas and Hanukkah or any holiday are not only about faith, but also about our state of mind and soul, about leading a good life full of love, compassion; being surrounded by family and friends and having a full understanding of gratitude. Enjoying every second spent around the dinner table, making jokes, telling funny stories, eating pizza or sushi or any favorite food we like with good wine (for us) and hot chocolate (for the kids), listening and dancing to holiday music without waiting for the official day is what life is all about.

Today, my dear ladies, my readers and followers, let’s wish each other a merry Christmas and happy and healthy New Year!

Cheers! Until next month! Until 2026!

La Dolce Vita!! n

2025GuideHoliday

As we enter the most magical season of the year,

we’re excited to present our annual Holiday Guide, a celebration of the people, businesses, and traditions that make our communities shine. This issue is filled with festive inspiration, from unique gift ideas and seasonal services to helpful editorial features and local advertisers who bring so much value to our neighborhoods year-round.

The holidays are a reminder of what matters most: connection, generosity, and supporting the places we call home. Now more than ever, choosing to shop locally makes a meaningful impact. Every purchase from a neighborhood retailer, family restaurant, artisan, or service provider directly supports local jobs, strengthens our economy, and helps small businesses continue to thrive. These are the businesses that sponsor youth teams, donate to community fundraisers, and greet you by name when you walk through the door. When you support them, you’re giving back to the very community that supports you all year long.

Inside this guide, you’ll discover a collection of local ads and editorial features highlighting some of the area’s best offerings for the season.

We encourage you to explore, shop, dine, and celebrate right here in our region. Let this season be a reminder of the warmth and unity that come from supporting local because when you invest in your community, your community gives back in countless ways.

From all of us, we wish you a joyful, meaningful, and memory-filled holiday season. May it be full of peace, kindness, and the special moments that make this time of year truly unforgettable.

All I Want for Christmas Is...

By Janice Lane Palko

It’s that time of year again when that big question is asked: What do you want for Christmas?

For many of us, that question can stump us as we are fortunate to have accumulated a lot of material things over the decades and don’t need or want anything.

At the risk of sounding like Oprah, I’m going to list some of my “favorite things” I’ve been given as gifts or have come across or purchased recently that I really like and that you may want on your gift list or find appropriate to give to others.

One of the gifts I’ve received that I’ve enjoyed was being enrolled in the Book of the Month Club. For the reader in your family, it’s the gift that keeps on giving as you select books throughout the year. My daughter and son-in-law gave me this last year with a six-book membership. It was fun to get the selections each month and figure out what books I wanted to read. Two books that I selected stood out in my mind. The first was the historical fiction novel, The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali. Set in Iran, it details the turmoil in 1979 when the Shah of Iran was overthrown, and the Islamic Republic was established. For me, learning history through fiction makes it more impactful and easier to comprehend.

The other book was called Homeseeking by Karissa Chen. It follows two friends from China over numerous decades from the occupation in China by Japan, the Chinese Civil War, the rise of Communism and the Cultural Revolution, and to coming to America. I learned so much about China and its history, but what was more important is that books link you to others.

On my recent trip to Central Europe, there was a couple who grew up in China on the tour, but who now live in Las Vegas. Lisa was the name of the wife, and she was just the sweetest person. I sat next to her at dinner one night, and we got to know each other. I asked her about her life, if she has any family in the U.S. Her story paralleled some of the events of the book. She was born in Shanghai but was visiting her grandmother in Hong Kong when she was four when the Communists launched the Cultural Revolution, persecuting and killing up to 2 million people. She was never allowed back into Shanghai. She came to the U.S. to go to school at UCLA, where she met her husband, who was also from China and is now a doctor.

I was glad I had read that book as it gave me some perspective on what my new friend had endured under Communism. I told her about the novel, and she said she would like to read it.

Another great thing about books is that they are shareable. When I’m done with one, I usually pass it on to my daughter and then to my mother for them to enjoy, and then if I don’t want to keep it when they are done reading them, I put it in the “Little Library” in my neighborhood. Truly a gift that keeps on giving.

A little bit more on the practical side, one thing that I really like and that I have bought for my parents are

motion-activated night lights that can be installed on your baseboards so that they light up a path for you if you get up in the middle of the night.

We first discovered them while we were on a cruise. The first time I stepped out of bed, they gently illuminated a path to the bathroom. My husband also remarked how nice they were. The ones on the ship were hard-wired onto the wall, but you can get a multipack of rechargeable ones for under $25 that will stick to your baseboards or to the bottom of your furniture. I got mine on Amazon but I’m sure other places have them as well. I’ve had mine for nearly 18 months now, and I have only needed to recharge them once. The nice thing about rechargeable ones is that if there is a power failure, these still provide some light.

Finally, when it comes to grandchildren, for the past two years, we’ve decided to give experiences rather than gifts. The first year, we took each child individually to the movies and to their favorite place to eat afterwards. Last year, we took all three girls to Spring Street Studios in Zelienople where they made their own stained-glass gingerbread house ornament. They loved it. And they have a tangible reminder of their fun day out to look back on each Christmas when they get out their ornaments.

This year, we are taking all four of them, including their two-year-old brother, on the Gateway Clipper’s Santa Fun Cruise. These are just some ideas that have worked for us, but most of the major attractions in the area have special events at this time of the year.

I wish you the happiest of holidays, but I’m sorry that unlike Oprah, You don’t get a car! You don’t get a car! And You don’t get a car! n

HAPPENINGS

Collections

Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood Sweater Drive, presented by Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh runs through Dec. 18. Collection sites: Club Pilates and Row House at Block Northway, Orangetheory Fitness at Pine Tree Shoppes, MADabolic North Hills, Yoga Six at the

Wexford Plaza. For details, visit pittsburghkids.org or call (412) 322-5058.

Concerts

North Hills Chorale Winter Concert, Winter’s Alleluia, 7:30 pm, on Friday, Dec. 5 & 3:00 pm, Sunday, Dec. 7, at Vincentian, St. Vincent Hall, 8150 McKnight Rd,

McCandless Twp. Spiritual music composed by women. Free-will offerings are welcome to support the NHC. Bring a non-perishable food donation for the North Hills Community Outreach. For info, visit nhchorale.com.

Fairs / Fest

Pirate Fest 2026, 10 am-6 pm, Saturday, Jan. 24, David L. Lawrence Convention Center in downtown Pittsburgh, 1000 Duquesne Blvd. For details, visit www.mlb.com/pirates/fans/ piratesfest.

Where to Turn Resource Fair is back again in 2026! Save-thedate, Wed., Jan. 14, at the Power Center Conference Center in Pittsburgh at Duquesne University.

Historical

Greater Pittsburgh Civil War Roundtable, Steve and Lisa Ball present Music of the Civil War, 7 pm, Monday, Dec. 15, at Hampton Township Community Center, 3200 Lochner Way, Allison Park. Presentation is free and open to the public.

Holiday

Cranberry Artists Network Holiday Show, runs thru Jan. 2, Cranberry Township Municipal Building, 2525 Rochester Rd., Cranberry. For info, visit www. cranberryartistsnetwork.com/.

Menorah Lighting Ceremony, 6 pm, Dec. 19, on the McCandless Crossing Town Green (near the fountain and flags, between Bonefish Grill and BJ’s Restaurant). Temple Ohav Shalom congregation members will celebrate Hanukkah, the Festival of Lights. For more information mccandlesscrossing.com or follow McCandless Crossing on Facebook.

Northland Library Deck the Halls: Holiday Craft Night, 6 pm, Dec. 11, craft stations, a hot chocolate bar & treats. Northland Radio Hour: A Christmas Carol, 6:30 pm, Dec. 15. A Zoom link will emailed the week before the program. Required registration for both events, visit northlandlibrary.org.

The Nutcracker presented by Texture Contemporary Ballet & Texture Ballet School, 2 pm & 7 pm, Dec. 6, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, 980 Liberty Ave., Pittsburgh. For tickets, visit www. textureballet.org/the-nutcracker.

The Nutcracker presented by Three Rivers School of Classical Ballet, 2:30 pm & 7:30 pm, Dec. 6, and 2:30 p,m, Dec. 7, at Carnegie One Braddock, 419 Library St., Braddock. For tickets & info, visit www.conservatoryofdancearts.org/performances.

(Continued on page 24)

Discover the Perfect Gift for Every Budget

At Trinity Jewelers, we believe meaningful gifts come in all sizes and prices. From custom designs to timeless pieces, our expert jewelers are here to help you find or create something unforgettable this holiday season—right in your own community. Make this Christmas truly personal by giving the perfect piece of jewelry!

Stay connected with us on Facebook @TrinityJewelers and Instagram @trinityjewelers for exclusive updates, sales, and giveaways.

Saturday Singles Holiday Dance Party, doors open 7:15 pm, dance 8-11 pm, Dec. 13, at West View VFW. Featuring Santa Claus at Art’s Photo Booth & DJ Platter. Admission $12. For info, email dancetonight09@aol.com, or visit www.dancetonightweebly.com or call (724) 316-5029.

Sounds of the Season, 7:30 pm, Dec. 13, at the New Hazlett Theater, 6 Allegheny Square, Pittsburgh. Holiday music featuring jazz, soul, and global rhythms. For details, visit newhazletttheater.org.

Library/Reading

Northland Library has numerous events scheduled for December. For a complete list of events, visit northlandlibrary.org.

Vintage Market is a non-profit store in Shaler that benefits The Blessing Board. Open 10 am-3 pm every Th/F/Sat in the Shaler Plaza, 880 Butler Street & Rt. 8 (look for the gray door between Rite Aid & Planet Fitness).

Meals/Nutrition/Teas

Free Community Meal First Monday Meal, 5-7 pm each 1st Monday of the month at

Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 1719 Mt. Royal Blvd., Glenshaw. Meal includes entrée, starch, vegetable, salad, homemade dessert, and drink. Open to the public. For info, call (412) 486-0550.

Movies

Free Matinee Movies on Mondays: 2 pm, Dec. 8, Green and Gold; Dec. 15, Karate Kid: Legends; Dec. 22, Jingle, Jangle: A Christmas Journey, at the Legacy Theatre at Cumberland Woods Village in McCandless Twp. For details, visit TheLegacyLineup.com.

Kamin Science Center Movies, Fridays & Saturdays at 8 pm in December. Fridays: Dec. 5, Planes, Trains, and Automobiles; Dec. 12, Home Alone; Dec. 19, Elf. Saturdays: Dec. 6, Krampus. Saturday & Sunday at 10 am & 12:15 pm, Dec. 27, Frozen Sing-along, Dec. 28, Frozen II (3D). For tickets, visit KaminScienceCenter.org

Movie Matinee – 1:30 pm, 3rd Wed of the month, Dec. 17, Qatar/Lake Tahoe, Northland Library, 300 Cumberland Rd., McCandless Twp. For info, visit www.northlandlibrary.org.

New Year’s

The Child Health Association of Sewickley New Year’s Eve celebration, 8 pm-12:30 am, Dec. 31, at The Edgeworth Club in Sewickley. Around the World is a black-tie preferred soirée. For details, visit www.childhealthassociation.org.

Networking / Social

Cranberry Township 55+ Club meets 1 pm the 2nd Tuesday

of the month at the Cranberry Township Municipal Center. Members must be residents of Cranberry Township. The Club features activities, social opportunities, and visits to nearby points of interest. For info, contact Frank at (724) 316-5807.

Glenshaw AARP 3744 meets at Elfinwild Presbyterian Church, Mt. Royal Blvd. 2 pm, second Tuesday of the month. Call (412) 487-1041 for more info.

UPMC Passavant Hospital Auxiliary Membership Opportunities! Are you looking for a stimulating opportunity for social interaction with other dedicated people in support of our community hospitals— UPMC Passavant McCandless and Cranberry? Then join the Passavant Hospital Auxiliary’s long tradition of caring. The Auxiliary meets at 10 am the 2nd Monday of each month (Sept. through June). New members are always welcome!  For more info, visit passavanthospitalfoundation.org/. Call (412) 748-6639 if you plan to attend a meeting.

Young at Heart 60+ Singles luncheons meet at 1:30 pm on the 3rd Wed each month at Cracker Barrel, Cranberry Twp. To reserve a seat, text or call (724) 8310798 by Monday the week of the luncheon.

Sales

Treasures & Furniture Sale, 9 am-2 pm, Dec. 6, St. Matthew, Holy Spirit Campus, 608 Farragut St., Millvale. Six rooms of collectibles, religious items, holiday treasures, linens, framed artwork & furniture. If you have furniture to donate, call Deb at (412) 337-1713.

Schools

Mars Area Elementary School is seeking parents/ guardians & community members interested in speaking at the school’s Career Days, to be held Wed. through Fri., Jan. 21-23. To sign up, complete the online form at forms.gle/ohZE6jt6TU6gDUnX6 by no later than Thursday, Dec. 18. For info, contact Taylor or Amanda, school counselors, at (724) 625-3161.

Special Ed

Parenting for Different Needs; Supporting Children with Physical or Intellectual Disabilities, 6 pm, Thurs., Dec. 4, at Northland Library, 300 Cumberland Rd., McCandless Twp. Visit www.northlandlibrary.org.

Check Out the Christmas Special:

• 5 Class Christmas Special

• Free Tote Bag (a $10 value)

• A Free Info DVD (a $20 value)

• Classes at Your Convenience

• Start Anytime

• Kung Fu - Kids - Tai Chi

Just call or stop by and Get your Holiday Gift Packages for a Loved or even for yourself.

Sports

Pep Rally Media Preview on Thurs., Dec. 11, Kamin Science Center (doors open 10 am). To kick off Sports360 – a brand-new, high-energy long-term exhibition that explores the science, technology, and passion behind sports. For more info, visit KaminScienceCenter.org.

Support

My Grief Angels Inc., a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals coping with loss, has announced the launch of its new “Holidays Grief Support Care Package.” For info, visit HolidaysGrief. com.

What to Do When the Holidays Are Sad

By Laura Ellis Acupuncturist, Practitioner of Oriental Medicine

My heart is often feeling like it’s balancing between two (or four) different emotions this time of year. Do you know what I mean?

What used to be a purely joyful time of year for me has become a twisting road of heartache, joy, rest, and stress that often feels as fraught as navigating traffic from Ross Park Mall to the Cultural District (hello, Ft. Duquesne Bridge!)  As we grow up and start to learn about

loss, the holidays become a time when we’re confronted with “The Way Things Used to Be,” sometimes in ways that make our breaths catch and hearts pang. My father died when I was 14, so I felt both the loss of him and the childlike magic of Christmas that I was naturally growing out of in the same year, and those feelings come back every year as we open the Christmas boxes. I have ornaments of each of the pets I’ve lost over the years and remember them as I decorate my tree. (I need to get one for my cat now, who was killed by a car just two days ago - she was my inspiration for writ-

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ing this now because sharing grief helps us process it.)

This time of year is sad. AND it’s joyful. We see loved ones we forget to call the rest of the year, break out our favorite comforting recipes, and share that magical feeling with the next generation. It’s stressful planning our holiday events, remembering everyone on our gift list, fighting commercialism, and straining our wallets. We treasure those moments of quiet rest when we finally manage to sit down with that mug of hot cocoa.

So what do we do with all these different feelings? How do we hold all of these things without getting completely overwhelmed and breaking down at the worst possible time?

As an acupuncturist, I see this kind of overwhelm in my patients all the time. And even if they’re coming in for shoulder pain or digestion issues or something that seems unrelated (it’s probably not!), here’s what I recommend to them:

Provide space. Sometimes we need to

box up our feelings to function. That’s okay temporarily, but we all need some kind of space to feel those feelings. Find regular space in your schedule: it can be small, like an hour a week or ten minutes every day. Dedicate that space to noticing what you feel: meditate, journal, do yoga, whatever. Just. Feel those feelings.

Regulate the nervous system. If you’re chronically stressed, your body will learn to stay in a fight or flight state. Give yourself a one-minute ear massage every morning to help regulate your vagus nerve, helping you to feel less anxious, digest better, sleep better, and function better.

Take the fear out of discomfort. Studies show that you can’t learn or heal without some level of discomfort. When a wound heals it itches like crazy, right? Learning to do something new is exhausting, right? When I insert needles into my patients they might feel a quick pinprick and then...deep relaxation. Rejuvenation. Restoration. Discomfort is your body’s way

of knowing that something is changing, and sometimes that change is beautiful. Accept and embrace the discomfort and pay attention to what feels better or easier afterward.

If and when you find yourself pulled in several different emotional directions this month, I hope you’ll think about what I’ve written and try at least one of these suggestions. If you need a little extra help navigating grief, we can customize a treatment plan including acupuncture and other complementary treatments to restore some peace and bring you back to functionality. Visit us online or call our office to ask about our openings.

I hope you and your family are well and happy this holiday season. n

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A Charlie Brown Christmas Trivia

By Paula Green

Good grief! Can you believe A Charlie Brown Christmas turns 60 this month? Premiering on CBS on December 9, 1965, this holiday classic was the first animated adaptation of Charles Schulz’s Peanuts comic. The show follows Charlie Brown, who, struggling with depression, searches for the true meaning of Christmas amid the season’s commercialism and superficiality.

The Coca-Cola Company commissioned and sponsored the holiday show. Written over several weeks and produced on a small budget in six months, this special came together through the collaboration of Schulz, television producer Lee Mendelson, and animator Bill Melendez.

The 25-minute program featured a few risky highlights, such as the voices of children instead of trained adults. Melendez and Schulz wanted to cast children in the special in order to preserve their innocence and voice because they believed it would not only make the cartoon more realistic but also funnier and edgier.

Including a Bible passage was also a remarkable feature. The show’s producers wanted to remove Linus’s scripture speech, which depicts the Nativity scene and the birth of Christ, but Schulz insisted it stay.

Choosing not to add a laugh track, which was unconventional for animated television specials at the time, further set the program apart. So canned laughter was shelved for the show.

The program’s musical style was cutting-edge. Vince Guaraldi, an American jazz pianist and composer, created a bubbly, childlike tone for A Charlie Brown Christmas with his compositions, including the famous “Linus and Lucy.” These tunes have become synonymous with the Peanuts franchise. Ironically, Schulz was initially leery of featuring jazz music, as he didn’t care for it.

Producers and the network, uneasy about the musical choice, tone, pacing, and animation, predicted disaster. Despite their apprehension, the project defied expectations and became a hit. Nearly half of American television sets—over 15 million households—tuned in for the Peanuts debut.

A Charlie Brown Christmas received high ratings and acclaim from critics. In 1966, this beloved holiday classic won a Peabody Award and an Emmy Award for outstanding children’s programming.

After its initial 1965 airing, the special ran annually for 35 years on CBS. In 2001, ABC acquired the rights, one year after Charles Schulz died. A Charlie Brown Christmas then made its way to video and DVD

formats. Today, you can stream this holiday hit exclusively on Apple TV+, where it will remain through 2030.

Since we have reminisced our way through A Charlie Brown Christmas, we must now see how “yule” do on this holiday query. Get set to think cheerful thoughts because it’s time to get a little trivial.

1. In the opening scene, what wintry activity is the Peanuts gang participating in?

2. During Charlie Brown’s psychiatric session with Lucy, it’s discovered that he suffers from pantophobia. What is that?

3. Instead of getting a lot of stupid toys, what does Lucy really want for Christmas?

4. What important job is Charlie Brown given in the Christmas play?

5. Which Peanuts character creates a dismal, gray snowman?

6. Lucy asks Schoeder to play what Christmas song on his piano?

7. What interesting gift does Sally want Santa Claus to bring her?

8. When Linus eats some snowflakes, he comments that it needs what?

9. In what month does Lucy like to start eating snowflakes?

10. Which contest does Snoopy receive a first-place honor in?

11. Regarding the Christmas play, Shermy notices that every year he gets asked to play this character?

12. Lucy starts to yell that she wants hot water, iodine, and disinfectant because this character kissed her.

13. What type of tree does Lucy tell Linus and Charlie Brown to buy?

14. Linus explains the true meaning of Christmas, which is one of the four Gospel writers does he quote?

15. At the end of the special, what Christmas song does the whole gang sing together around the tree? n

Sources: christmas-specials.fandom.com/wiki/A_Charlie_Brown_Christmas, smithsonianmag.com/history/charlie-brown-christmas-special-historytelevision-classic-cbs, animatedprojections.com/a-charlie-brownchristmas-the-heartwarming-story-behind-a-holiday-classic/, xmasfun.com/ ACharlieBrownChristmasTrivia.aspx, funtrivia.com, www.usefultrivia.com/ holiday_trivia/a_charlie_brown_christmas_trivia.html

Traditions

By Emily King

I love traditions, but I’m a big advocate for dropping the ones that don’t serve you. With a large extended family, and three young children, and a school calendar packed full of special dress-up days, I’m in a season of life where holidays can be more stressful than they’re worth.

Afew years ago, after an intense battle with several sets of shorted-circuited Christmas lights, I declared the tradition cancelled. Messing with the finicky lights in the freezing cold (or sweltering heat, because we are in Pennsylvania) and then undoing the whole process after New Year’s wasn’t fun for us, it was a burden. Even though I grew up with the tradition of watching my dad drag the lights out of the basement and grow increasingly frustrated as he spent a whole Saturday troubleshooting burnt-out bulbs and replacing fuses, it didn’t mean I had to carry on the custom. We get to choose which traditions to keep alive and the new ones we want to start.

So now we decorate each window with a hand-made wreath (a process I actually enjoy) an LED candle, and spotlights that accentuate the front of our traditional-style brick home. We’ve been told by a few people that it reminds them of the McCallister’s house in Home Alone, one of the highest compliments I can imagine. Hearing this made my kids forget any disappointment they may have had about ditching the string lights.

That’s not to say that I make the holidays about what’s best for me only. For example, that Elf on the Shelf keeps showing up every year even though he makes messes and ends up in weird places around my house. How does he find new hiding spots day after day, year after year? That must be very stressful for him. . . but he keeps coming back because my kids love him.

While we keep some traditions alive—I still use my mom’s sugar cookie recipe and have a box of childhood ornaments—it’s also fun to create new ones. We have a very specific drive-thru holiday light show that we visit every year. Buddy, our elf, brings a set of fresh Christmas pajamas for everyone on the night he returns each year. We usually do pizza on Christmas Eve, although last year we had an impromptu get-together with friends which may become a new tradition. See, it’s okay to make changes!

If fun family traditions are starting to feel more like a checklist of tasks, I encourage you to keep the ones that truly bring you joy and cut the ones that feel more like obligations. Find ways to replace old worn-out traditions with fun new ones. It’s the simple quirky traditions that are unique to your family that become cherished memories. n

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Military Members Make Christmas Merrier with Their Successful Fundraising Campaigns

By Paula Green

In the United States, we make it a priority to support our troops, who are an integral part of our country. It is essential to recognize the sacrifices that military members make in safeguarding our freedom and providing us with a sense of security.

During the holidays, military members actively give back to their communities. Let’s take a look at how their involvement in charitable organizations makes a real difference during the holiday season.

In 1991, the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve founded the Toys for Tots program. From October to late December, the Marines sponsor annual local toy drives in over 800 communities across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Community members drop off new, unwrapped toys in collection boxes. Coordinators collect these toys and store them in central warehouses, where they are sorted by age and

as donation sites for the Toys for Tots program. Navy Fleet Readiness Centers contribute toys and bicycles on an annual basis.

The bottom line: Toys for Tots is a hugely successful holiday campaign, distributing over 30 million toys last year to nearly a million children and making the season brighter for those in need.

gender. The goal of the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to spread the joy of Christmas by ensuring that children have presents to open.

The U.S. Army and Navy also support the Toys for Tots campaign. The Army Installation Management Command (IMCOM) employees conduct internal toy drives with individual divisions. These donations are taken to a local Marine Toys for Tots drop-off point, where the toys are then distributed to underprivileged children in the community.

Navy bases, NEX Service Command, and Navy Fleet Credit Unions serve

Some military members enjoy braving the elements when they participate in bell ringing and spreading holiday cheer. The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Drive is a civilian fundraising effort, but many veterans volunteer their time for the drive as part of their community service.

In times of disaster or crisis, military units often assist The Salvation Army by providing personnel, vehicles, and other resources to help with emergency relief efforts, a role that complements their fundraising campaigns.

We thank military members for their support and dedication to Toys for Tots and The Salvation Army. We wish them a merry and blessed holiday season! n

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HolidayWorship

Christmas Masses

Wednesday, December 24

4:00 p.m., Incarnation of the Lord Church

4:00 p.m., Saint Athanasius Church

4:00 p.m., Saint Sebastian Church

4:00 p.m., Saint Teresa of Avila Church

6:00 p.m., Saint Sebastian Church

6:00 p.m., Saint Teresa of Avila Church

Midnight Mass

12:00 a.m., Saint Sebastian Church

Thursday, December 25

9:00 a.m., Incarnation of the Lord Church

11:00 a.m., Saint Teresa of Avila Church

Incarnation of the Lord Church

4071 Franklin Road

Observatory Hill

Saint Athanasius Church

7 Chalfonte Avenue

West View

Saint Sebastian Church

311 Siebert Road

Ross Township

Saint Teresa of Avila Church

1000 Avila Court

Ross Township Follow

Little Sisters of the Poor Christmas Cards and Crafts

The Little Sisters of the Poor are once again offering Christmas Cards sketched by Sister Martha, lsp. This year’s card is a red sketch on a white card of Mary holding baby Jesus. The previous year’s card (a blue sketch) is also available. The cards are: 7 for $10 (plus $2.00 shipping), 12 for $15 (plus $3.00 shipping) or 30 for $25 (plus $10.00 for priority shipping). They are also hosting an online store of Christmas Crafts & Ceramics from now through the end of the year.

Cards and crafts available can be viewed and ordered online at www.littlesistersofthepoorpittsburgh.org. Please call (412) 307-1100 or visit us at 1028 Benton Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 if you have questions or would like to order in-person. All proceeds help to support the elderly poor Residents in the Little Sisters care. n

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Dissension: A Disagreement that Leads to Discord by Rodney Phillips

By Emily King

Rodney Phillips’ debut novel began in a less than traditional way: in the warehouse of a discount furniture store in Pittsburgh, thirty-seven years ago. Phillips was 19 years old and working his way through college, and his job allowed plenty of downtime. To pass the hours, he started writing. Scribbled notes accumulated on stock cards, legal pads, and notebooks as he wove a tale full of crime, suspense, and deception. As Phillips went on to graduate college and begin his career, the handwritten manuscript was left unfinished, stored in boxes that would move with him from house to house throughout the years. He never gave up on the story that he believed in. As it turned out, what the story needed was time.

Phillips is not a Miami gang lord or a young criminal law student, like the characters in his story. He is a resident of Treesdale, an accomplished oncology pharmaceutical sales professional with a master’s degree in human resources and leadership. He has also spent more than twenty years coaching youth sports, including football and boys’ and girls’ lacrosse. And now, 37 years after he started writing his book, he’s a published author. Phillips spent months transcribing his handwritten manuscript onto his computer, with technology that didn’t exist when it was originally written. Then he was faced with the task of finishing the story.

The book, Dissension: A Disagreement that Leads to Discord, follows a young woman named Kiley, who is studying criminal law at the University of Miami. She gets caught in a war between two rival drug cartels and is hunted by hitmen. The book is packed with action and shocking twists to keep the reader turning the page. But it’s not all about action—the character development, specifically of the main character, demonstrates growth and change in the face of adversity.

Continuing a story that was written almost forty years ago was a challenge. Phillips had to update details in the story to bring it to current day, adding things like cell phones and fentanyl, which weren’t even in our vocabulary back then but have a significant impact on our world now. The unconventional timeline of writing the book, beginning it as a teenager and then finishing it with almost forty more years of personal growth and life experience, makes it almost seem like a collaborative effort of two writers, one on the brink of adulthood with all the hope and excitement of youth, and one with the wisdom that comes with age and weathering life’s joys and hardships. Phillips says that his day job, along with his experience in coaching and mentoring young people has affected the way he approaches

characters, conflict, and teamwork in his writing.

Since its release, the book has been very well received, with a five-star rating on Amazon. Readers have compared Phillips’ writing to James Patterson, noting the page-turning tension and unpredictable plot twists. Phillips has already been contracted for a sequel to the book, and he has been hard at work planning and writing the next installment. He has enjoyed the connections that have come from the book, like attending signings and discussing the book on a podcast. One of his favorite experiences was being the guest of a book club discussion. The book club was comprised of the mothers of some of the boys he coached in lacrosse. It was one of the first times that he really got to discuss the book in depth with readers.

“That was one thing that was really cool. I invested a lot into these characters, so they’re meaningful to me,” he says. Sharing the story with members of his own community was an incredible experience.

Phillips has advice for aspiring writers: “If it’s important to you, make time for it.” He had to approach writing in the same way he approaches work. He found that blocking off time to write, actually scheduling it in an appointment book, kept him on track and more productive. Even if he felt stuck and didn’t know what to write, he would still take that time to sit down and work on editing or research. Otherwise, it’s easy to get distracted and prioritize all the other responsibilities in life.

“Don’t give up on your dreams. Life took me in a totally different direction, and I put this book away for years. It doesn’t mean that you can’t go back and still fulfill that dream,” says Phillips. n

Welcome to our newest column, Local Author Spotlight, where we will introduce you to local writers who have recently published books. We’re excited to celebrate the literary accomplishments of our neighbors and recommend your next read. If you have recently published a book or know a local author to recommend, email us at emily@northernconnectionmag.com

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