Franklin Park resident Dr. Cindy Zurchin didn’t learn resilience by choice, but by necessity. When she was just 17 years old, her car was rearended by a speeding driver, and she was pushed into oncoming traffic. A truck then hit the front end of her car and her Ford Mustang exploded into flames as she was ejected and violently thrown to the side of the road, 30 feet away. She was on fire.

This month, while still exploring restaurants in the North Pittsburgh area, we ventured away from the usual Italian trend and moved more into Mediterranean cuisine. Tucked away on the side streets of a quaint Fox Chapel neighborhood, Avva is a cute little restaurant with a great patio that sets the vibe for a casual, relaxing evening.

Check out local sales, entertainment, networking and more this October!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It's a time for reflection on breast cancer research, prevention, and treatment. A special group of area ladies is gearing up this month in their fight for the cure!

The time has arrived for streaming services and theatres alike to roll out their horror lineups and, as usual, I could not be more thrilled. From the latest take on Stephen King’s classic Carrie, to the prequel series Camp Crystal Lake, as well as Scream celebrating 30 years by playing in theatres, nostalgia is having a moment. The question of “Why do you like this stuff?” has always been asked, and for good reason.

Beginning this October, with the blessing of Laura Arnold, the magazine’s President and Publisher, I’m adding a little spice to my MOM2MOMS column. I’ve realized how fortunate I am to meet people of all ages, ethnicities, backgrounds, and upbringings every day. Whether in person, by phone, or by email, or while teaching a cooking class, hosting a Dinner in the Dark, or hosting a networking event, I’m always hearing new stories, and I want to share them. We all have a story. W

For the past several years, a 33-foot Veterans train display has been an uplifting part of the HJ Heinz Aspinwall VA Hospital at 1010 Delafield Road. Located in the main entrance atrium, the impressive exhibit wraps around three sides of the grand staircase in Building 71. The exhibit replicates so many nostalgic and memorable pieces of Pittsburgh.

For decades, vegetable sales have been strong, especially sweet corn from September to October. However, now it is said that kids are back at school and eating habits have changed. Well, I agree with starting school, but for decades customers have sought fresh vegetables and sweet corn through the end of the season, and the harvest season can run well into October.

The most extraordinary thing in the world is an ordinary man and an ordinary woman and their ordinary children. G. K. Chesterton

School is back in session. Some people feel down about it, while others are excited. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of fictional schools on TV and in movies. Let’s educate ourselves on various made-up places.

Passavant Hospital Foundation partners with UPMC Passavant to offer a wide variety of educational programs featuring physicians, clinicians, researchers and experts in their field to provide up-to-date information in layperson’s terms.

Passavant Hospital Foundation will host its annual Legacy of Caring Gala on September 17 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh-Cranberry to honor eight extraordinary individuals who embody a Legacy of Caring and have served long and well to make UPMC Passavant a world-class hospital.

Every year since 2014, the girls’ varsity volleyball team at Grove City Area High School has held a Pink Out event during one of their biggest rivalry matches of the season. At the game, they sell T-shirts, hold a basket auction and conduct a 50/50 raffle to honor a local resident or family member in their fight against cancer. All the money raised from the event goes to the honoree to use any way they wish.

This month's feature is Severina, a small suburban gem tucked into the middle of a neighborhood in West View. With its charming patio and greenery, you may find yourself wondering what this little neighborhood spot is all about. Step inside, and you'll find a restaurant serving impressive Italian cuisine, with each dish made fresh and to order. There's no rushing the process, and you can taste the difference.