Business Spotlight:
Turner Jewelers
Turner Jewelers is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. on Saturday and
starting November 9,
11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Special Holiday Hours will be announced soon.
For more
information, visit the website at: www.jimthejeweler.com or call 724-443-4990.
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Movers & Shakers - November 2008
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Tri Rivers Surgical Associates is pleased to welcome Benedict C. Woo, M.D., a North Hills native, to its team of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists. Dr. Woo is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist. For more information, call 1-866-874-7483.
Special Olympics Pennsylvania (SOPA) announced that Matthew B. Aaron has joined its team as president and chief executive officer.
Allegheny County executive Dan Onorato promoted seven County police officers at a ceremony at the Allegheny county Police Academy in North Park. Those receiving promotions include: Thomas Ianachione, Daniel Meinert, Michael O’Keefe, Scott Scherer, Joseph Sotak, Perry Vahaly and William Wojnar.
The Hearth’s 7th Annual “Art of Wine & Food” event netted more than $40,000 for the benefit of local homeless women and their children. Mr. & Mrs. Robert J. McCarthy Jr., were this year’s honorary chairs, which was also sponsored by Parkvale Bank.
The Taste of Cranberry food fair sponsored by the Cranberry Area Chamber of Commerce drew a record crowd this year with more than 600 people in attendance. Over $300 was raised and donated to the Cranberry Township Community Chest organization.
Gateway Rehabilitation Center recently received a gift of $319,500 for its Youth Services Center from Richard and Janice Pagliari. The grant was given in support of expanding the Youth Extended Services and youth and young adult programs at Gateway Rehab.
Kelly T. Caddy [photo right]was named director of the Change of Heart: Franciscan Volunteer Program, ministry of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities in Millvale.
Edward D. Reidy, M.D. recently joined the medical staff at Butler Memorial Hospital specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Celtic Healthcare CEO Arnie Burchianti placed first in Pittsburgh’s CEO Fitness Challenge. “Through our first place in the CEO Challenge, we won the opportunity to give Celtic Charities $7,500 and another $7,500 to other various charities of our choice,” said Burchianti.

The Sounds of Pittsburgh Chorus, Sweet Adelines [phoro above] International Region 17 Champions performed at the Father Ryan Art Center’s Grand Opening which was held October 5.
Christian and Kyler Fedko were recognized as two of the top baseball players n the nation by USSSA Baseball. They will be featured in the 2008-09 edition of The Best in USSSA Baseball.
St. Barnabas Health System announced its Employees of the Month for September. They are: Lisa Lynch, Jeri MacQuarrie, Kerri Perenic, Elaine Shaffer and Bonnie Wiser.
Northern Connection magazine wishes to thank Simply Sew Boutique for its recent donations of handmade purses for the Bid for Hope and for the St. Barnabas Health System Fashion Gala. To view Simply Sew Boutique’s unique creations, visit the website at: www.simplysewboutique.com.
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In Memoriam…. In our August 2005 issue, we featured Julene Fabrizio as our Mover & Shaker of the Month. Julene served at one time as the president of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. We were saddened to hear of her passing in October. We express our sympathies to her family and friends. She will be surely missed.
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Zach Nadolski
26 years old
McCandless Township resident
Actor/Singer
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By Paula Green
The city of Pittsburgh has launched some famous stars: Gene Kelly, Shirley Jones, Michael Keaton and Jeff Goldblum. The North Hills area has also had its share of success stories. Christina Aguilera was raised in Marshall Township and graduated from North Allegheny High School and Leigh Ann Larkin, is a Ross Township native and North Hills High School graduate. She is currently starring in Gypsy on Broadway (she was Northern Connection’s May Mover & Shaker of the Month).
This month we are proud to introduce you to another bright and rising star from McCandless Township. Zach Nadolski is a 26-year-old North Allegheny High School graduate (class of 2000). He is currently performing at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Nadolski has acted in three productions at the Magic Kingdom, which include: Beauty and the Beast – Live on Stage, Finding Nemo – The Musical, and The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue.
“I was actually in Memphis when I landed a job with Disney. I was auditioning at the United Professional Theatre Auditions, where a talent scout from Disney saw me an offered me a contract. I really enjoy what I do, and I’ve have had some time off were I have been able to work in some other productions. I recently finished a performance in Pirates of the Penzance in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Also in July, I worked summer stock theatre in Forever Plaid in Morgantown, West Virginia. That was nice and close to home, and my family and friends we able to drive down to see my performance,” Nadolski said.
Nadolski attended Vanderbilt University in Memphis, Tenn., where he majored in voice and theatre. He acted throughout his college career and also during his high school days, where he sang in both school musicals and choruses. It was also during this time, that Nadolski cantored at his home parish, St. Alexis in McCandless Twp.
He actually got his start when he was a child, and he became a member of the North Star Kids. “I owe a lot of credit to my director, Annie Snyder. That’s where I got a real taste of what it is like to perform. Thanks to her, I learned to be a professional when I was only in sixth grade,” Nadolski said.
Nadolski’s mother Kathy resides in McCandless Township. His father, Frederick, is deceased. He has an older brother, Seth, who lives in Fort Myers, Florida, and a younger brother, Adam, who resides in Rochester, New York.
His younger sister, Sarah, is also employed at Walt Disney World. She works in operations.
Nadolski plans to continue performing and captivating audience with his magical talents. Best wishes Zach, or in theatre lingo - break a leg!!
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Spotlight on Schools
Eden Christian Academy announced that two new members have joined their board of directors. They are: Kirk Botula and Greg Wilson.
Rowan Elementary School in the Seneca Valley School District has launched a “Passport for Fitness” program that will run throughout the school year, thanks to a $7,465 grant from the Highmark Foundation.
Two Seneca Valley musical groups: The Seneca Valley Jazz Band and The Seneca Valley Madrigal Singers were chosen to perform on Apr. 24, at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) State Convention in Valley Forge, PA.
Kathleen Novakovich, Connoquenessing Valley elementary reading teacher in the Seneca Valley School District won the OfficeMax “A Day Made Better” contest. She received $1,200 in classroom supplies from OfficeMax.
Four Seneca Valley juniors were selected to attend the Westinghouse Institute at the George Westinghouse Research and Technology Park in Churchill. Those selected include: Grace Emmerling, Steven Muti, Craig Russell and Ryan Thomas.
Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced the names of ten Seneca Valley students who received semifinalist and commended student status in the 54th Annual National Merit Scholarship Program. Allison Russell and Kathryn Somerville were named semifinalist, while Alexa Becker, Adam Byko, Jacob Danowski, Steve Emling, Rebecca George, Paul Kurlak, Emily Ovenshine and Matthew Vogt were named to the commended students list.
Organizers for the USA Field Hockey selected Pine-Richland Hockey coach Donna Stephenson to serve on the USA Field Hockey State Affiliation Team.
Fourteen Seneca Valley High School students were named chosen to perform as members of the District 5 Honors Chorus in November at Westminster College. Those chosen are: Chelsea Carmella, Marina Napoli, Katie Acton, Kerry Reed, Alyssa St. Clair, Zach Renner, Cole Rapso, Josh Smith, Ryan Hestin, Trey Skalos, Chris Allen, Mike Traverso, Will Fleming and Erica Glynn.
Pine-Richland High School senior Caitlin Molloy received 2007-08 All-American Status in Swimming for her performance in the 500-yard freestyle with a time of 5:02.38.
Six Pine-Richland students were honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Senior Mark Beatty was named a semifinalist and Daniel Bauer, William Cenk, Jacob Dowling, Meghan Marks and William Miller were named commended students.
Two Pine-Richland High School lacrosse players recently earned top accolades. 2008 PRHS graduate Evan Malchano earned US Lacrosse All-American status for the 2008 season. 2008 PRHS graduate Ryan Nelson earned US Lacrosse Academic All-American status for 2008 season.
Hance Elementary [photo right] in the Pine-Richland School District collected $3,000 for diabetes research. The school held the “Seventh Annual School Walk” in support of the American Diabetes Association.
Pine Richland’s Crew Rowing Team “The Rams” won the following awards at the Head of the Ohio Regatta: Men’s Novice 4+ Gold, Girl’s Novice 4+ Silver, Girl’s 2x Bronze and Men’s 4+ Bronze.
The Highmark Foundation awarded Hance Elementary School in the Pine-Richland School District a $4,917 grant, through the Highmark Healthy High 5 School Challenge Grant Program. The grant will be used to continue support for Hance’s Pacesetters Program K-3.
The North Allegheny School District announced that Steven Verez has been named a Scholar in the 2008-09 National Hispanic Recognition Program (NHRP).
Twenty-six North Allegheny School District students have earned commended status in the 2009 National Merit Scholarships program, sponsored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC). The students are: Laura Amster, Phillip Briggs, Thomas Dean, Andrew Fishell, Kelly Gilmour, Adam Jacob, Douglas Kulchar, Lauryn Lepere, Jeffrey Lin, Jonathan Lin, Colin Madigan, John McElhattan, Sarah Musial, Dinesh Palanisamy, Bianca Palmisano, Samantha Polak, Ian Preston, Christopher Rullan, Kenneth Sandala, Kathyrn Schmiech, Sumeet Shroff, Ashley Truxal, James Walton, Kerri Woodward, Peter Wu and Conor Yates.
The Fox Chapel Crew Club Men’s Lightweight 4 [photo right] won a gold medal in their event at the Head of the Ohio Regatta. The rowers were: John Flickinger, Adam Miller, Tobias Foglia, John Power and Michael Sparta.
Several local students of Caterina Santucci of Santucci Music Studios performed as part of the Little Italy Days Festival in Bloomfield on Sept. 27. Fox Chapel Area High School students Marlo Wilhere and Anthony Verardi performed, along with Oakland Catholic High School student Catherine Pietrusinski.
The Girls, Math & Science Partnership (GMSP), a program of Carnegie Science Center, has received a $75,000 Innovation Generation grant from Motorola Foundation for the creation of a “science survival toolkit,” a resource to connect girls to science education and careers.
The Fox Chapel Area High School Marching Band scored its second straight win at the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association competition. The band won first place in the Class A category at the 48th Annual Norwin Band Festival which was held Sept. 13. Additionally, the band won first place at a Pennsylvania Interscholastic Marching Band Association (PIMBA) competition in the Class A category held at Woodland Hills High School.
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Business Spotlight — Turner Jewelers

By Janice Lane Palko
German philosopher G.W. F. Hegel said “Nothing
great in the world has been accomplished with out
passion.” It is the element of passion that distinguishes
Turner Jewelers from the cookie cutter jewelry
stores. Owner, Jim Turner, turned a passion for working
with metal from a hobby into his life’s work as a jeweler.
Turner, after training in California at the Gemological
Institute of American and attaining the certification of
Graduate Jeweler Gemologist, opened Turner Jewelers with
wife Monica, who is an Accredited Jewelry Professional.
Also on staff is John Kunic, who has 35 years of experience.
Turner Jewelers began in 2005 in Blawnox, but recently
moved to Shoppers Plaza on Route 8 in Allison Park. “We
are a full-service jeweler.We sell everything from $10 sterling
silver earrings to $20,000 necklaces,” Jim Turner said.
Turner Jewelers also offers custom design, custom
remounts, appraisals, repairs and a line of engraveable gifts.
In addition, Turner Jewelers carries designer handbags
by Pittsburgh-based designers Sydney Love and Littlearth,
whose collection features recycled products as well as
Debbie Brooks’ exclusive evening bags. They also sell
Seiko Melody in Motion clocks. Their jewelry line consists
of classic pieces as well as the latest trends in jewelry.
“My wife keeps up with all the latest styles, and if it’s in,
we have it,” Turner said.
The holiday season is one of the busiest times for jewelers,
and Turner invites shoppers to get a jump on their shopping
by stopping in to be dazzled by the array of merchandise
in the store. “Our unique products, exceptional service
and knowledgeable jewelers set us apart,” Turner said.
Turner Jewelers is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday trough Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and
starting November 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
Special Holiday Hours will be announced soon. For more
information, visit the website at: www.jimthejeweler.com or call 724-443-4990.
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