North Fayette, Pa. (March 1, 2023) – Representatives of Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network (AHN) today joined community leaders for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting to celebrate the launch of AHN’s North Fayette Health + Wellness Pavilion – a state-of-the-art facility offering an array of primary and specialty outpatient services anchored by the network’s Center for Reproductive Medicine.

The new $70 million, 68,000-square-foot AHN facility, located at 200 Quinn Drive in North Fayette Township, will officially open to patients on Monday for most services being offered at the location. AHN’s Center for Reproductive Medicine will open to patients in May.

“Today marks the latest milestone for AHN and Highmark Health in our ongoing journey to transform health care for patients and their families in the communities where they live and work,” said Bruce Meyer, MD, Executive Vice President and Western PA Market President, Highmark Health. “This investment in Pittsburgh’s western suburbs is an exciting expansion of our footprint, and we truly look forward to the remarkable health experiences that it will provide to those who seek care here.”

AHN North Fayette will serve as the new home base for AHN’s comprehensive Center for Reproductive Medicine, a leading reproductive endocrinology program and licensed ambulatory surgery facility for infertility treatments. The AHN reproductive medicine team will work exclusively from the new location to provide tailored plans, from initial consultation through prescribed care journey, which could include ovulation-stimulating medications, in vitro fertilization (IVF), intrauterine insemination, and sperm testing, among other infertility therapies.

AHN worked closely with clinicians, architects and buildings designers to create a world-class facility centered around the patient experience. AHN North Fayette features a separate, distinct entrance for women undergoing infertility treatments. Inside, the center is equipped with private, spacious waiting areas and exam rooms – away from obstetric patients, families, and those who may be expecting.

“Thoughtful collaboration among our teams has resulted in a beautiful, patient-centered design that considers the deeply complex health journey of these patients, both physically and emotionally,” said Marcia Klein-Patel, MD, PhD, Chair of AHN Women’s Institute, “With their own entrance and separate facilities, women undergoing infertility procedures are welcomed in an appropriate, calming environment and will be among those who are on similar care paths.”

The surgical center, post-op area and outpatient labs are also accessed via a designated entrance and exit. For patients accessing primary care or other specialty outpatient services, the facility’s main entrance will direct them to a centralized registration hub.

Additional clinical services offered at the Pavilion include primary care, behavioral health for adults and children, including AHN Women’s Behavioral Health; a full spectrum of diagnostic imaging capabilities; and onsite specialists in orthopedics, endocrinology, rheumatology, obstetrics and gynecology services; as well as physician-led rotating specialty clinics for maternal-fetal medicine, urogynecology, cardiology, gastroenterology, pulmonology, neurology and neurosurgery, pain medicine, bariatrics and podiatry.

Express care and walk-in services will also be available at the Pavilion for extended and weekend hours starting in May, complemented by an on-site laboratory and advanced imaging suite. AHN North Fayette will house one of the area’s first 3T MRI scanners – a leading-edge technology that produces exceptionally detailed images of the anatomy. CT, ultrasound, DEXA bone density scanner, xray and mammography are also available at the Pavilion.

“The opening of this magnificent facility is yet another example of our Living Health model coming to life through more convenient community access to services, through innovative solutions and care pathways that help patients live their best lives and through leading clinical expertise across every discipline,” said Jim Benedict, chief operating officer at AHN.

AHN partnered with Orangestar Property Advisors and Sentinel Construction to develop the North Fayette Health + Wellness Pavilion. RM Creative served as the project architect.

North Fayette will become AHN’s sixth Health + Wellness Pavilion, joining others serving the communities of Wexford, Bethel Park, Peters Township and Erie’s east and west sides. Today’s ribbon-cutting comes on the heels of the opening of AHN’s Montour Sports Medicine complex in November 2022, AHN Seneca Valley outpatient center in August 2022, and AHN Wexford hospital in September 2021.

Middletown, PA – As the Shapiro Administration recognizes the start of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, the Pennsylvania Lottery is once again collaborating with national and state responsible gambling groups to let players who may be suffering from gambling-related harms know that free and confidential help is available.

By calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) or accessing the Council on Compulsive Gambling of Pennsylvania (CCGP) by phone, text, or chat, players can learn about the warning signs, or gain access to counselors and self-help meetings.

“It’s hard to believe that this year marks the 20th anniversary of Problem Gambling Awareness Month, but we know the issue doesn’t stop after the month ends,” said Pennsylvania Lottery Executive Director Drew Svitko. “That’s why the Pennsylvania Lottery is committed to not only raising public awareness but also providing tools and resources to players who may be suffering from gambling-related harms.”

Some of those tools are available on the Lottery’s website, palottery.com, where online players have the option to set limits, take cool-off periods, or self-exclude for six months, one year, or five years. Additionally, players can access a short survey to assist them in evaluating whether they need to modify their gambling behavior.

By law, players must be 18 or older to play the PA Lottery, and online players must be located within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to play games online and win prizes. Before allowing and setting up online accounts for players, the PA Lottery also performs electronic verification to verify the identity and ages of all players.

“We are also reminding parents that Lottery tickets are not toys and should not be given to children. Parents should also avoid leaving their computers or mobile devices unattended while logged into their online accounts,” added Svitko.

The Pennsylvania Lottery holds multiple certifications for its responsible gambling work, including from the World Lottery Association. The Lottery’s “Please Play Responsibly” message is visible in all aspects of its consumer marketing and advertising; it also appears on items such as game tickets, live televised drawings, media materials, social media, and the Lottery’s website.

This year’s Problem Gambling Awareness theme is “Celebrating 20 Years.” The goals of this national campaign are: (1) to increase public awareness of problem gambling and the availability of prevention, treatment, and recovery resources; (2) to encourage healthcare providers to screen clients for problem gambling. The campaign is being recognized on social media using the hashtag #PGAM2023.

To learn more about the warning signs of gambling-related harms and find out about available services, visit the Lottery’s website: Please Play the PA Lottery Responsibly.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 1, 2023 10:45 A.M.

(Beaver County, PA) Students in sixth grade enrolled in public and private schools in Beaver County are invited to participate in the annual spelling bee that is returning after a 3 year absence. Dutch Ridge Elementary School is hosting the event and registration of a student and alternate is required by March 15, 2023.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 1, 2023 10:32 A.M.

(Ambridge, PA) Ambridge Area School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Pasquerilla   issued a statement regarding an incident involving a student and teacher at the middle school on Tuesday morning.  He said, ” The safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. We have consistently taken these types of matters seriously, and it was investigated and responded appropriately, although it is inappropriate to share specific details of student related incidents. The issue will be investigated and addressed. We will continue these efforts to forge a school culture based  upon respect and personal responsibility. We appreciate the support of our families, teachers, school resource officers, school personnel and administration.”

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Beaver County’s Chief Assessor Josh Eckelberger and Solicitor Garen Fedeles will join Eddy Crow in the 10 o’clock hour on Thursday, March 2, 2023, right after Ask the Commissioners to provide information and to answer your questions about the County’s Reassessment that is coming to a close. Residents will start seeing more information with their new assessment arriving in the mail this month.

You will be able to ask any questions you have by calling 724-843-1888 or 724-774-888. The show will also be on Facebook Live at https://www.facebook.com/beavercountyradio

[PITTSBURGH, MARCH 1, 2023] — As climate disasters, blood donation needs and other emergencies upend lives, local community heroes are stepping up to care for one another.

This March, the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania is honoring those who make its mission possible during the 80th annual American Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition that began in 1943 when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first Red Cross Month proclamation.

“When help can’t wait during emergencies, people in Pennsylvania rally together to provide relief and hope for neighbors in need,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO, American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “This humanitarian spirit is at the heart of our community, and we are proud to honor all those who make our mission possible during this year’s Red Cross Month celebration. You can join in their commitment by donating, volunteering, giving blood or platelets, or taking a lifesaving skills course.”

Participate in Red Cross Month by visiting redcross.org to make a financial donation, give blood or platelets, become a volunteer or take a class in lifesaving skills, such as first aid, CPR and how to use an AED. On March 22, you can also join our annual Red Cross Giving Day campaign by donating at redcross.org/givingday to help provide shelter, food, relief items, emotional support and other assistance for people affected by disasters big and small.

JOIN A REWARDING DAY OF GIVING BACK Home fires are the most frequent disaster response for the Red Cross, which is also working to help families stay safe by installing free smoke alarms during its Sound the Alarm home fire safety events in at-risk communities. Volunteers are needed for an event on May 13 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. in Ambridge — register and learn more at soundthealarm.org/greaterpa.

PREVENT A BLOOD SHORTAGE When volunteer blood and platelet donors lend an arm this March, they’ll help keep the blood supply from dropping this spring. All who come to give blood, platelets or plasma March 1-31, 2023, will receive a $10 Visa® Prepaid Card by email.* Plus, they’ll be automatically entered for a chance to win a $3,000 Visa Prepaid Card – which could help toward expenses like gas or groceries. There will be five lucky winners.*

Annville, PA – As the nation celebrates Women’s History Month in March, the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) reminds drivers that purchasing an Honoring Our Women Veterans License Plate both recognizes the importance of women who served and supports programs assisting women veterans in Pennsylvania.

Each plate costs $37, with $15 going directly to the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF). The VTF regularly issues grants to statewide charitable organizations assisting veterans service organizations and county directors of veterans affairs. The grants are used to aid veterans in need of shelter, essential goods and other services.

“Pennsylvania’s nearly 64,000 women veterans have made significant contributions to our military, nation, and communities. It is with great pride that we recognize their commitment to our country with a special license plate created in their honor,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s acting adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Purchasing one of these special plates not only pays tribute to women veterans and their contributions, but a portion of the proceeds helps to fund the Veterans’ Trust Fund grants that support all veterans across the commonwealth.”

“PennDOT is proud to recognize the accomplishments of women veterans by offering this special license plate created in their honor,” said Mike Carroll, acting PennDOT secretary. “With this plate attached to cars traveling throughout the Commonwealth, Pennsylvanians everywhere are reminded that we owe a debt of gratitude for the sacrifices of women veterans who served to preserve our freedom.”

The Honoring Our Women Veterans license plate is available for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds.

Additionally, Honoring Our Veterans license plates for passenger cars, trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds, and motorcycles are available for $38 each, with $15 from each plate also going to the VTF.

In addition to the sales of these license plates, there are a variety of programs designed to help fund the VTF in support of Pennsylvania’s more than 700,000 veterans. To learn more about how to purchase these plates and support the VTF, visit www.vtf.pa.gov or follow DMVA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/padmva.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 1, 2023 10:27 A.M.  

(Ambridge, PA) Ambridge Police were called to the middle school Tuesday morning at approximately 11 a.m. for an incident involving a student and a teacher.  Lt. John Chickos said Wednesday morning that the incident is under investigation.

Story by Sandy Giordano – Beaver County Radio. Published March 1, 2023 10:25 A.M.

(Hopewell Township, PA) Hopewell School Board met Tuesday night and approved the retirement of junior high school secretary Dixie Loverede effective August 18, 2023 and Soccer coach Chet Papczynski effective 3/1/2023. Brenna Wandel was hired as the girls tennis coach. She will be paid a $5,100.00 stipend. Madison Martin was hired as a day to day substitute teacher effective 2/21/2023.
The district’s 2023-24 school calendar was approved. Shauna Howard and Nicole Ozimok were hired for the after-school learning program that runs from 2/28/2023 to 3/30/2023. The program is funded by ESSER III 7% set aside monies by the district.

(New Brighton, PA) The Schaedler Yesco location in New Brighton has announced they will be operating under new business hours.  The location will now operate Monday through Friday from 7am to 5pm and the store will stop operating on Saturdays after March 25th.