IN Pine-Richland Fall 2017 | Page 8

WHAT’S NEWS IN PINE-RICHLAND ROSE YMCA BLOOD PRESSURE MONITORING PROGRAM The Million Hearts campaign was launched in 2012 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services with the goal of preventing one million heart attacks and strokes by 2017. As part of this effort to prevent cardiovascular disease, the Y-USA designed a program to reduce participants’ blood pressure based on the successful “Check It, Change It” research study. The YMCA’s Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program supports adults with high blood pressure in developing the habit of self-monitoring blood pressure and understanding the role nutrition plays in pressure management through personalized support. The BPSM evidence-based program is a four-month program designed to help adults with high blood pressure develop the habit of routine blood pressure monitoring. The goals of the program are: 1) Reduce blood pressure. 2) Develop new skills for managing blood pressure. 3) Gain the ability to identify and control triggers that raise blood pressure. 4) Increase confidence in adopting healthier eating habits. Heart Healthy ambassadors from the YMCA will take participants’ blood pressure during face-to-face meetings and will train participants to take their own blood pressure accurately using the American Heart Association ABCD protocol. In addition, the YMCA will offer a nutrition education seminar each month. For more information, email the Healthy Living Director at the Rose Family YMCA in Cranberry Township at [email protected]. RING PITTSBURGH AUDITIONS Ring Pittsburgh—an auditioned handbell performance group—will be holding open auditions at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 22, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, located at 1965 Ferguson Road in Allison Park. Ring Pittsburgh formed during the summer of 2016 under the direction of Jim Rossetti with 13 experienced ringers. 6 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Pine-Richland During its inaugural year, eight concerts were held at various sites in the area including The Benedum Center (a pre-“Nutcracker” performance), the Grand Lobby of Heinz Hall and Northland Library, in addition to area churches and nursing homes. Rehearsals for the 2017-2018 year start in late August at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. Anyone who has experience ringing handbells and is interested in playing with a community handbell ensemble is encouraged to contact Jim Rossetti at [email protected] for more information. ELANA SANGUIGNI HONORED WITH HIGHEST AWARD IN GIRL SCOUTING Girl Scouting’s highest awards—the Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards—are a girl’s chance to make a lasting difference in the world. For Elana Sanguigni from Pine-Richland High School and Gibsonia, “going gold” means earning the highest achievement in Girl Scouting—the Gold Award. This award, presented to Elana by Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, recognizes girls in grades nine through 12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through sustainable and measurable Take Action projects that address important community needs. Elana will be a senior at Pine-Richland High School and has served as Student Government Junior Class Secretary, Spanish Club President Elect, and is a member of National Honor Society, Forensics Team, Future Business Leaders of America, Key Club, Pine-Richland High School Marching Band, Jazz Ensemble, Wind Ensemble and Musical Orchestra. A Girl Scout member for 10 years, Elana is a Girl Scout Senior of Troop 50442. She was supported in her Gold Award effort by Kelly and Robert Sanguigni, and Allison Cooper of the St. Barnabas Health System, along with family and friends. Her Gold Award project began in July 2016 and was completed in February 2017. Elana’s Gold Award project was entitled “The Gift of Music Therapy.” Its aim was to reflect on fond memories, alleviate pain and stress, and relax nursing home residents during this stage of life. Elana regularly visited the St. Barnabas Health Care System, where she played piano and flute music of different genres for the residents. On occasion she led the group in sing-a-longs of many older memorable tunes. Elana assisted in transporting the residents to and from the facility’s chapel, as she enjoyed spending time with them. Each visit, Elana wrote an original themed poem, which she presented to the residents at the end of each session. She also researched history on the music she played, and shared this information with the residents. Elana produced and presented to the residents a memorable CD for them to enjoy, titled “The Gift of Music,” that includes soothing piano selections. She plans to continue “The Gift of Music Therapy” as it is a rewarding time for both the residents and herself as she shares her musical talent and enjoys their happiness in return. Elana’s project was inspired by her love of music and her passion for sharing her gifts. Elana Sanguigni is currently exploring many STEM-related careers and universities for her future academic endeavors. She also plans to continue her musical pursuits. SISTERS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE 2017 SUMMER SWEEPSTAKES The Sisters of Divine Providence are in the midst of the 2017 Sisters’ Summer Sweepstakes. It offers the chance to win cash prizes; $2,000, $500 and $100 will be given away. To enter the Sisters’ Summer Sweepstakes, visit cdpsisters.org/SummerSweeps. Proceeds benefit the ministries and mission of the Sisters of Divine Providence. No purchase is necessary to enter, and the winner need not be present to win. Sweepstakes ends Sept. 1. n