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Is Your Child Water-Ready? Discover Why Parents Are Talking about Goldfish SwimSchool®
As a parent, nothing matters more than your child’s safety — especially around water. Pool days, beach vacations, and backyard parties should be filled with fun, not fear. That’s why Pittsburgh families vote Goldfish Swim School Best Swim Lessons year after year. Goldfish offers engaging, effective swim lessons designed specifically for children ages 4 months to 12 years old.
Carols, Crafts, and Cocoa returns for 2026
As the holiday season approaches, Northern Connection magazine is proud to once again sponsor Pittsburgh Youth Chorus’ beloved annual event, Carols, Crafts, and Cocoa! Join us on Sunday, November 15 from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at Pine Community Center for an afternoon of community, holiday cheer, and the joy of music.
Local Author Spotlight: Erin Frankel
Meet Erin Frankel, children’s book author and Pittsburgh transplant. Originally from South Jersey, she has lived here for over a decade, which officially makes her a Yinzer. Her beautiful books inspire empathy and wonder, introducing children to extraordinary people and their stories.
Worth the Detour
One of my first jobs was at a bakery when I was a teenager. It was not a cool job like working at the mall. We did everything the old-fashioned way, from peeling apples by hand to icing dozens upon dozens of cookies. I had to wear an apron and a frilly bonnet to work. Can you imagine being 16 and bagging up baked goods for one of your classmates? In a bonnet? Mortifying.
Transitioning into November
November is a time of transition, reflection, and preparation. As the year draws to a close, many family farms that grow fruits and vegetables finish out their harvest season.
Each November begins with All Saints’ Day on November 1 and All Souls’ Day on November 2. Traditional Christians observe and honor saints and remember their deceased loved ones.
Wendell August Forge
Since 1923, Wendell August Forge has made a major impact in the Pittsburgh region. Wendell McMinn August founded the company in Brockway, Pennsylvania, initially crafting custom iron latches and hardware.
Sitting in Gratitude
As the days have continued to get shorter, the weather a bit cooler and the schedules even busier, it’s common to experience feelings of overwhelm and frustration. The holiday of thankfulness is upon us, though many of us may be finding it difficult to readily call upon feelings of gratitude. We may be able to easily name the general aspects of our lives we appreciate and value, but how many of us have considered a daily gratitude practice?
Party Time!
Maybe it’s because of my age, but recently social media has been flooding my feeds with nostalgic videos of what times were like in the 70s and 80s. They show people crammed into homes for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other social events, smiling, laughing, and simply enjoying themselves.
The Supper Club of the 1920’s
In 2006, Jimmy Wan and his father, Jimmy Wan Sr., opened Jimmy Wan’s Restaurant and Lounge, a beloved spot in Cranberry Township known for classic Chinese cuisine and sushi. But as the years passed, both gentlemen began envisioning something new for the community.
Bite Into Sandwich Trivia
National Sandwich Day is Tuesday, November 3. People celebrate it on this date because it’s the birthday of John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich (born November 3, 1718). Montagu is credited with popularizing eating meat between two slices of bread.
Commemorating the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
If you have visited Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia, you have seen a historic military site. For 105 years, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has been the cemetery’s centerpiece. The white marble tomb sits on a hill overlooking Washington, D.C., and encourages visitors to reflect on service, bravery, sacrifice, and loss.
World Class Care for Women and Babies
When we talk about what makes Pittsburgh such a great place to live, we tend to think of the pro sports teams, affordable housing, a vibrant arts scene, and that million-dollar view from the Fort Pitt tunnel.
Oktoberfest Trivia
Many people get excited for fall because it brings Oktoberfest. This well-known beer festival actually began as a wedding party. The first Oktoberfest took place in 1810 in Munich, Germany, to celebrate Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen.
Get the Most From Primary Care: So Much More Than You Expect!
When it comes to your health, the saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” still rings true. It’s up to you and your primary care team to aim to prevent illness and injury whenever possible. This is done through preventive measures like adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle, having routine physicals and screenings, and avoiding risk factors for disease.
What UPMC Passavant's Best Hospital Recognition Means for Communities
When UPMC Passavant was recently recognized as the No. 2 Best Hospital in the Pittsburgh region by U.S. News & World Report, I felt immense pride. But more, I felt gratitude.
Gratitude for the physicians, nurses and countless others whose dedication makes this possible. Most importantly, gratitude for the trust our communities place in us every day.
October Movers & Shakers
5 Generations Bakers, producer of the well-known Jenny Lee Swirl Breads, has joined with two other local companies to introduce a new Jenny Lee Swirl Brew.
School Movers & Shakers - October
Fox Chapel Area High School 2026 graduate Emily Korczyski was named a third-place national winner in the 2026 Create Real Impact Contest. The students produced a public service announcement (PSA) titled, The Final Rose.
