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INSIDE Senator Pat Stefano Brian Winfield Scott Ludwick
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INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT TO A GROUP EFFORT | Spring 2018
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By Karen Novak
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5 GOAL After Hours with Chroma Studios By the GOAL Magazine Team The Isotonix Daily Essentials Kit
I’m an entrepreneur
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“Faster and more effcient absorption into the bloodstream increases the value of taking nutritional supplements.”
“Even foods without labels, like fruits and vegetables, aren’t as
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U nderstanding Risk By SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Team
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10 From Vineyard to Palette
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12 Building the PA Budget
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By Ernie Vallozzi
By State Senator, Pat Stefano
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Raising Capital By RJ McElhaney Westmoreland County is an Amazing County to Play By Westmoreland County Commissioner, Gina Cerilli
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I’m Not the Kind of Person Who Sues By Jessica Rafferty, Esq
By Mark Marino of the Community Foundation
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I love Mennutritious as we expect them to be.” By Wendy Bell
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Giving Back
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Touring American’s Favorite Battlefield By Jerry Ferraro Think Spring By Chad Amond Flip or Move? By Inselmini Construction Company Ripping the Historical Mask off Opioids By Dr. Reed Nelson The Farm Life and Mine Recues By Bill Arnold Springtime Photography Ideas By Autumn Stankay Animal Friends Sanctuary By Candy Valentino
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2018’s Most in Demand Home Upgrade Projects By Scott Ludwick What Would You Do in the Event of a House Fire By Brian Winfield Taxation of Investments By Bryan Kisiel GOAL Magazine’s First Cover Party By The GOAL Magazine Team Inspiration from Others By Lydia Daily T he Unique Quatrini Rafferty Multiple Streams of Income Strategy By Adam and Michael Quatrini, Esq. The Well-heeled Man By Hector Olave
Cover Story: Gentlemen of GOAL - Fashion and Philanthropy
In this issue
of GOAL Magazine, we proudly feature some of our male contributors who have been instrumental in building this publication’s credibility and popularity. The cover portrays a professionally diverse group from a variety of fields and life experiences. This cover story provides readers with a glimpse into who they are as individuals. You’ll learn about what led them into their fields, their philanthropic interests, who inspires them, how they achieve work and life balance and what contributes to their personal style. Photography by award-winning photographer Autumn Stankay owner of SkySight Photography of Greensburg, Pa. Clothing by Larrimor’s, a family- owned upscale store in Pittsburgh. Larrimor's specializes in men’s and women's contemporary and designer clothing, jewelry and accessories. Consistently ranked by Esquire Magazine as one of the top 20 stores in the country for excellence in men's tailored clothing, made-to-measure suits, custom shirts, great sportswear and accessories. For more than 75 years, Larrimor's has emphasized exceptional customer service, impeccable tailoring, exquisite fabrics and superb styling.
On the Cover L to R: (front row) Bill Arnold, William Urbanik, Michael Quatrini and Pat Dicesere (middle row) Adam Quatrini and Anthony Slezak (back row) Jerry Ferarro, Chad Amond, Scott Ludwick, Bryan Kisiel, Dr. Reed Nelson and Hector Olave www.go2goalus.com 3
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On Wednesday February 28th, GOAL Magazine hosted it’s first After Hours event at fellow contributor CME’s newly expanded office in Jeanette. Three of their four office spaces within the establishment were multiple food, beverage and informational tables decked out with black linens and vibrant napkins, plates, cups and literature all matching their newly designed logo. The food was catered by Jaden’s Catering in Monroeville, C&S Market and Enrico’s Bakery, both local to Jeannette.
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GOAL Magazine arrived on the scene in the summer of 2016 and has quickly become known as a must-read publication for those looking to be enlightened by local professionals. GOAL Magazine’s progress over the last year has exceeded original expectations and has already surpassed 5,000 subscriptions in its inaugural year. The magazine was created as a way of bringing local professionals and leaders within the community together to collaboratively educate and interest readers with thought-provoking and intriguing content. The creators’ hope was to inspire entrepreneurs and other community leaders to share their knowledge in order to become a part of something bigger than they are individually, thus creating a collective and empowering wealth of knowledge within each issue. Participation in GOAL Magazine can be rewarding in many ways. Not only do you gain an opportunity to promote your business through sharing your experience and wisdom, but you become a proclaimed member of a collaborative group of local leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals who are committed to bringing value to their communities. With each contributor distributing and promoting the magazine in their own ways, everyone benefits from cross-promotion and the shared expenses of doing so.
At the start of 2018, CME Websites, a Jeannette, PA based web developer, announced their rebranding as “Chroma Studios,” a full-service digital marketing and software development agency with two divisions:
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• Chroma Marketing Essentials, offering comprehensive digital marketing services, and • Chroma Technology Solutions, providing agile software engineering and systems integrations. The story of Chroma begins 1999, when founder Jane Noel decided to leave her job as a Project Manager of Computer Game Development at DreamForge Intertainment to start a business of her own. For many years, CME Websites was a homeoffice operation, growing slowly both in size and
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services, until 2015, when it became clear commercial space was needed. That’s when CME moved to their new digs in the Lowry Commons building at 516 Lowry Avenue in Jeannette. According to Jane Noel: “We moved into a small suite with 6 employees and a three-year lease. Little did we know what the next three years would bring. Today, Chroma Studios employs 24 digital marketers, graphic designers, web developers, writers, social media and SEO experts, as well as full team of software engineers. Scot and Jane stated that “A lot of our stunning growth can be attributed to Chrissy Giagnocavo, who signed on with the CME team in 2012 and whose visionary approach has earned her the title of Chroma’s very own Steve Jobs, a teasing moniker she is far too modest to agree with. Today, Chrissy is their CEO, and under her leadership we expect Chroma Studios to grow for many years to come.”
Sponsors are given a banner at the bottom of a page that is otherwise not sold to advertisers or contributors. Sponsorship banners fund informational pages related to the magazine or contributor pages of contracted contributors who do not pay a fee due to their field being non-profit or related to public service. If you want to be considered for a role as a GOAL Magazine Contributor, Advertiser or Sponsor for future issues, please email us at info@go2goalus.com.
The Chroma Studios Team
L to R: Jessica Urbnaik of GOAL Magazine, Tony Slezak Managing Partner at SecondHalf Coach, Hector Olave of Larrimor’s; PA House of Rep Eric Nelson; Jessica Marazza Partner at SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management
L to R: Dr. Daniel Lovette, Allana Wilson and Jane Noel
GOAL Contributors Jane Noel, Bill Arnold and Karen Novak
L to R: GOAL Magazine’s Jessica Urbanik, Caleb Crousey, Autumn Stankay, Chad Amond, Scot Noel and GOAL Magazine’s Tawnya Rockwell.
“GOAL Magazine’s After-Hours events are the place to be.” – Chrissy Giagnocavo “We are excited and thrilled to be working with GOAL Magazine and honored to have hosted the first GOAL After Hours Event. The presence of people like Representative Eric Nelson, of the PA House of Representatives, and Chad Amond, President & CEO of the Westmoreland Chamber, as well as many wonderful guests and friends made for an incredible evening.” – Scot Noel
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CORE VALUES: ACE William J. Urbanik Co-Founder
Anthony E. Slezak Co-Founder
Jessica S. Urbanik Chief Relationship Manager
Tawnya Rockwell Chief Production Manager
Bree Edgerly Writer/Editor
DEFINED Vision - To innovatively reveal to readers the power of being diversely informed and doing so with style, class, and authenticity. Mission - Promote entrepreneurial spirit while enriching minds with meaningful and thought provoking information through an eclectic and collaborative effort of local professionals. Motto - Individual Commitment to a Group Effort was chosen as our
Kathleen Lloyd Editor
Jaimee Greenawalt Chief Designer
4 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
Autumn Stankay Photographer
Jessica M. Marazza Relationship Manager
Amanda Mayger Relationship Manager
motto to reinforce the commitment all the contributors have collectively made to bring this magazine and its purpose to life.
Authenticity - Authenticity is defined as being real or genuine, true and accurate
and worthy of acceptance and belief while remaining true to one’s own personality, spirit, talent, and character. The intention of GOAL Magazine, first and foremost, is to be considered a valuable ambassador of information you can trust.
Collaboration - Collaboration is defined as the willingness to work, one with
another; to cooperate and connect in order to achieve a desired result. The value of GOAL Magazine is in the eclectic content provided without compensation by some of the most respected and well-known professionals in their fields, while effectively connecting readers to one all-encompassing fountain of local knowledge.
Enrichment - Enrichment is defined as the result of being supplied with an abundance of anything desirable; to add significance or value; to make finer in quality. GOAL Magazine was created with the intention of breathing life into the desire of information and recognition of the value of expertise within their communities.
www.go2goalus.com 5
I Love Men. Okay, granted. That might sound like a strange way to start a Goal Magazine article, but it’s the truth. I totally love ‘em. Men have played such an enormous role in my life. Ever since I was a little girl, my closest friends have always been boys. They’re just so... nononsense. There’s no drama or inane gossip. With boys, you get what you see and see what you get. Two boys can get into a fight, sock each other in the face and be done with it. Girls don’t do that. We’re an emotional, grudge-holding bunch who need a few weeks to get over even slightly bruised feelings.
6 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
I never could have dreamed I'd have five boys of my own, but the good Lord has gifted me to the stars and back. Sure, there have been times when I’ve wondered how a little girl would melt my husband’s heart, but the estrogen island on which I live is so unique, I’d never dream of trading it. Our sons are tall and lean and handsome with wild senses of humor and a deep vein of compassion that runs through them all. If I get hit by a bus tomorrow, my greatest blessing on this earth will have been the privilege of raising such special people.
-They dream, too. But they won’t share their dreams until they’re close to coming true.
By Wendy Bell, PositivelyWendyBell.com
My dad is certainly one of my favorite men. He’s where I get my emotion. That see-something-touching-and-start-to-cryimmediately thing comes directly from him. He’s smart, generous and noble. He taught me about character. About humility. About always doing the right thing. About following my dreams. And the older I get, the more I appreciate his endless layers. Just when I think I’ve peeled the last one back, Dad teaches me something new that pushes my own spirit to the next level.
But it’s been my husband Joe who’s likely influenced me the most. He’s irritatingly smart, deeply thoughtful and kind. With any career to choose from, I’m pretty sure he decided on cardiology because of the size of his own heart. He’s funny and loyal, and I can say without equivocation that I’ve never been loved by another person so deeply. When I miscarried our sixth baby and learned it had been a boy, Joe wrapped his arms around me and whispered in my ear, “Of course it was a boy, Wend. No girl could ever compete with you." Men, I find, are often misunderstood. Most usually by women. So please oblige me as I share what I’ve learned about the men I adore. -They’re emotional. Far more emotional than you think.
-They don’t need gaggles of friends. A few buddies is more than enough. -They’re proud. They like to figure things out on their own rather than ask for help. -They like strong women. As long as you allow them to protect you and keep you safe. -They adore their families. They would do anything for someone they love. -They dream, too. But they won’t share their dreams until they’re close to coming true. -They don’t see what we see or do things the way we do. And we should stop expecting them to. So… here’s to men. My men. Your men. ALL men. After all, none of us would be here today if not for you.
-Their feelings get hurt, too. They just don’t usually talk about it.
www.go2goalus.com 7
Advisors label as aggressive or risky an investment that has been prone to wild price gyrations in the past. The presumed uncertainty and unpredictability of this investment's future performance is perceived as risk. Assets characterized by prices that historically have moved within a narrower range of peaks and valleys are considered more conservative. Unfortunately, this explanation is seldom offered, so it is often not clear that the volatility yardstick is being used to measure risk.
UNDERSTANDING
RISK
By SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Team Few terms in personal finance are as important, or used as frequently, as "risk." Nevertheless, few terms are as imprecisely defined. Generally, when financial advisors or the media talk about investment risk, their focus is on the historical price volatility of the asset or investment under discussion.
Before exploring risk in more formal terms, a few observations are worthwhile. On a practical level, we can say that risk is the chance that your investment will provide lower returns than expected or even a loss of your entire investment. You probably also are concerned about the chance of not meeting your investment goals. After all, you are investing now so you can do something later (for example, pay for college or retire comfortably). Every investment carries some degree of risk, including the possible loss of principal, and there can be no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful. That's why it makes sense to understand the kinds of risk as well as the extent of risk that you choose to take, and to learn ways to manage it.
What you probably already know about risk
Even though you might never have thought about the subject, you're probably already familiar with many kinds of risk from life experiences. For example, it makes sense that a scandal or lawsuit that involves a particular company will likely cause a drop in the price of that company's stock, at least temporarily. If one car company hits a home run with a new model, that might be bad news for competing automakers. In contrast, an overall economic slowdown and stock market decline might hurt most companies and their stock prices, not just in one industry.
Financial Planners William J. Urbanik, MBA, Jessica M. Marazza and Anthony E. Slezak
8 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
However, there are many different types of risk to be aware of. Volatility is a good place to begin as we examine the elements of risk in more detail.
What makes volatility risky?
Suppose that you had invested $10,000 in each of two mutual funds 20 years ago, and that both funds produced average annual returns of 10 percent. Imagine further that one of these hypothetical funds, Steady Freddy, returned exactly 10 percent every single year. The annual return of the second fund, Jekyll & Hyde, alternated — 5 percent one year, 15 percent the next, 5 percent again in the third year, and so on. What would these two investments be worth at the end of the 20 years? It seems obvious that if the average annual returns of two investments are identical, their final values will be, too. But this is a case where intuition is wrong. If you plot the 20-year investment returns in this example on a graph, you'll see that Steady Freddy's final value is over $2,000 more than that from the variable returns of Jekyll & Hyde. The shortfall gets much worse if you widen the annual variations (e.g., plus-or-minus 15 percent, instead of plus-or-minus 5 percent). This example illustrates one of the effects of investment price volatility: Short-term fluctuations in returns are a drag on long-term growth. (Note: This is a hypothetical example and does not reflect the performance of any specific investment. This example assumes the reinvestment of all earnings and does not consider taxes or transaction costs.) Although past performance is no guarantee of future results, historically the negative effect of short-term price fluctuations has been reduced by holding investments over longer periods. But counting on a longer holding period means that some additional planning is called for. You should not invest funds that will soon be needed into a volatile investment. Otherwise, you might be forced to sell the investment to raise cash at a time when the investment is at a loss.
Other types of risk
• Market risk: This refers to the possibility that an investment will lose value because of a general decline in financial markets, due to one or more economic, political, or other factors. • Inflation risk: Sometimes known as purchasing power risk, this refers to the possibility that prices will rise in the economy as a whole, so your ability to purchase goods
and services would decline. For instance, your investment might yield a 6 percent return, but if the inflation rate rises to double digits, the invested dollars that you got back would buy less than the same dollars today. Inflation risk is often overlooked by fixed income investors who shun the volatility of the stock market completely. • Interest rate risk: This relates to increases or decreases in prevailing interest rates and the resulting price fluctuation of an investment, particularly bonds. There is an inverse relationship between bond prices and interest rates. As interest rates rise, the price of bonds falls; as interest rates fall, bond prices tend to rise. If you need to sell your bond before it matures and your principal is returned, you run the risk of loss of principal if interest rates are higher than when you purchased the bond. • Reinvestment rate risk: This refers to the possibility that funds might have to be reinvested at a lower rate of return than that offered by the original investment. For example, a five-year, 3.75 percent bond might mature at a time when an equivalent new bond pays just 3 percent. Such differences can in turn affect the yield of a bond fund. • Default risk (credit risk): This refers to the risk that a bond issuer will not be able to pay its bondholders interest or repay principal. • Liquidity risk: This refers to how easily your investments can be converted to cash. Occasionally (and more precisely), the foregoing definition is modified to mean how easily your investments can be converted to cash without significant loss of principal. • Political risk: This refers to the possibility that new legislation or changes in foreign governments will adversely affect companies you invest in or financial markets overseas. • Currency risk (for those making international investments): This refers to the possibility that the fluctuating rates of exchange between U.S. and foreign currencies will negatively affect the value of your foreign investment, as measured in U.S. dollars. The relationship between risk and reward In general, the more risk you're willing to take on (whatever type and however defined), the higher your potential returns, as well as potential losses. This proposition is probably familiar and makes sense to most Securities and advisory services offered through SagePoint Financial, Inc. member FINRA/SIPC. Insurance services offered through SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management, which is not affiliated with SagePoint Financial, Inc.
of us. It is simply a fact of life — no sensible person would make a higher-risk, rather than lower-risk, investment without the prospect of receiving a higher return. That is the tradeoff. Your goal is to maximize returns without taking on an inappropriate level or type of risk.
Understanding your own tolerance for risk
The concept of risk tolerance is twofold. First, it refers to your personal desire to assume risk and your comfort level with doing so. This assumes that risk is relative to your own personality and feelings about taking chances. If you find that you can't sleep at night because you're worrying about your investments, you may have assumed too much risk. Second, your risk tolerance is affected by your financial ability to cope with the possibility of loss, which is influenced by your age, stage in life, how soon you'll need the money, your investment objectives, and your financial goals. If you're investing for retirement and you're 35 years old, you may be able to endure more risk than someone who is 10 years into retirement, because you have a longer time frame before you will need the money. With 30 years to build a nest egg, your investments have more time to ride out short-term fluctuations in hopes of a greater long-term return.
Reducing risk through diversification
Don't put all your eggs in one basket. You can potentially help offset the risk of any one investment by spreading your money among several asset classes. Diversification strategies take advantage of the fact that forces in the markets do not normally influence all types or classes of investment assets at the same time or in the same way (though there are often short-term exceptions). Swings in overall portfolio return can potentially be moderated by diversifying your investments among assets that are not highly correlated — i.e., assets whose values may behave very differently from one another. In a slowing economy, for example, stock prices might be going down or sideways, but if interest rates are falling at the same time, the price of bonds likely would rise. Diversification cannot guarantee a profit or ensure against a potential loss, but it can help you manage the level and types of risk you face. In addition to diversifying among asset classes, you can diversify within an asset class. For example, the stocks of large, These materials are provided for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable—we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials.
well-established companies may behave somewhat differently than stocks of small companies that are growing rapidly but that also may be more volatile. A bond investor can diversify among Treasury securities, more risky corporate securities, and municipal bonds, to name a few. Diversifying within an asset class helps reduce the impact on your portfolio of any one particular type of stock, bond, or mutual fund.
Evaluating risk: where to find information about investments
You should become fully informed about an investment product before making a decision. There are numerous sources of information. In addition to the information available from the company offering an investment — for example, the prospectus of a mutual fund — you can find information in third-party business and financial publications and websites, as well as annual and other periodic financial reports. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) also can supply information. Third-party business and financial publications can provide credit ratings, news stories, and financial information about a company. For mutual funds, third-party sources provide information such as ratings, financial analysis, and comparative performance relative to peers. Note: Before investing in a mutual fund, carefully consider its investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses, which can be found in the prospectus available from the fund; read it and consider it carefully before investing.
2519 Ligonier St. P.O. Box 421 Latrobe, Pa 15650 724.537.2799 www.shcwealthmanagement.com info@shcwealthmanagement.com SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management SHCteam SecondHalfCoachWealthManagement SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
www.go2goalus.com 9
Vallozzi’s Restaurant
Vallozzi’s at Home Cooking with Wine Tip from Chef Josiah
You go out to dinner with a group of friends at your favorite local restaurant and peruse the wine menu to find a nice bottle to order for your group. Perhaps you have a go-to favorite: you always choose a Chardonnay as chilled buttery-smooth white wine tends to be a crowd pleaser. Or maybe you take the tour-around-theglobe approach and try to alternate your wine choices based on the place of origin: France, Italy, Argentina, Napa Valley. After you choose a bottle of wine, the server returns to the table, corks the bottle, offers you a tasting and then proceeds to serve a glass to each of your friends. As you all sit together over jovial conversation and sip your wine, you are likely not cognizant of all of the various elements that play into your drinking experience beyond the atmosphere of the restaurant, the etiquette of the server and the company you share. Nor are you likely noticing the effect the provided glassware has on the aroma of the wine. You probably are not pondering the careful planning and precision that the winemaker invested into crafting the various nuances of the wine, including the many natural elements that effected the grapes used. As a wine collector, I am fascinated by all of the elements of the wine experience. I have spent many years investing in learning about the art of wine and have had the pleasure of traveling to various vineyards and wineries around the world. While most people likely do not share my level of passion about wine, I do believe that considering the potential background of a glass of wine prior to that first delightful sip can open your senses to details that might otherwise go unnoticed. In the sections that follow, I have provided some introductory information in various areas that I believe can help shape your awareness during the wine drinking experience.
10 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
From Vineyard to Palette Elements that Shape the Wine Experience By Ernie Vallozzi
Climate, Terroir and Fermenting Vessels: The Elements behind the Nuances of Flavor Many people know that wine is made from grapes and that the different types of wine are named for the main grape used in their production: for example, a Cabernet Sauvignon wine is made mostly from cabernet grapes. However, for the winemaker, many additional elements factor into the nuances of flavor in each bottle of wine beyond the types of grape used. Flavor first starts in the soil where the vineyard is planted. Terroir (ter’wär), the French word for soil condition, plays a key role in shaping the taste yielded by the grapes. Unlike many of the fruits and vegetables we consume, grapes can be grown in controversial soils — clay, gravel, volcanic ash— and
these variform terroir produce a vast array of qualities within the wine. Of all the growing regions where vineyards are found, Napa Valley is home to more diversified terroir than anywhere in the world. Many other climatic elements play a role in developing various flavor elements in the grapes. Within the same vineyard, vines that grow on a hillside versus flat land will produce different tasting grapes due to differences in sun exposure and water in the soil. As a specific example, there is a wine called Sea Smoke that is produced out of a vineyard near the central coast of California on the Pacific Ocean. The wine is named after the misty fog that comes off of the ocean in the morning and coats the grapes. The grapes have a distinctly different taste having been grown in a climate where they are coated with salty sea mist each morning which is then baked off by the intense heat of the afternoon. After harvest, the timing of which can also change the flavor quality of the grapes, the types of fermenting vessels used also work to produce different qualities in the wine. While wine was traditionally fermented in wooden barrels to add an oaky or smokey element, winemakers have started using stainless steel for a crisp and clean tasting wine, or concrete vessels to produce a stone deposit flavor. After the wine has been bottled, storage conditions and the length of aging can also effect the character of the wine.
When cooking with wine, the alcohol in the wine evaporates while the food is cooking and only the flavor remains. Boiling down wine concentrates the flavor, including acidity and sweetness. Be careful not to use too much wine as the flavor could overpower your dish.
Mussels with White Wine Glassware: A Glass for Every Type of Wine
Impress for Less: Special Finds at the Local State Store
Glassware also plays an important role in enhancing the sensory characteristics of the wine. The genesis of the wine glass is an involved history deserving an article of its own; however, in short, through the centuries the practice has evolved that different varietals rest best in different styles of glasses. At the most basic differentiation level, red and white wines are served in slightly different styles of glassware. Red wine is best enjoyed from a glass that has a slight bowl shape, wide at the base with evenly rising sides and a slight taper at the top. White wine should be served in a tulip shaped glass, typically less wide than the bowl shape with a more aggressive taper from base to opening. Both of these shapes serve to aerate the wine; prior to drinking, swirl the wine in the glass from the stem and allow the aroma to funnel up out of the glass like a chimney. Releasing and taking in this aromas can help you to detect flavor notes that would perhaps be left unnoticed by simply sipping.
Perusing the aisles at the state store in search of the right bottle of wine can be an intimidating task. How do you distinguish between types of red and white, domestic or imported? How do you choose between bottom shelf and top shelf? Does higher price necessarily mean better wine or that you will enjoy the taste more? What are the point systems that are used on the various labels and how do you know which ones to trust?
As inconsistent as types of wine can be, so too is the glassware available for wine consumption. In the twentieth century Riedel Crystal, a German glass company dating back to the mid-1700s, perpetuated the philosophy and practice that each specific varietal deserved its own unique style of glass. Beyond the hundreds of different shapes and sizes that can be found today, differences in thickness of the glass can alter the mouthfeel of the wine. The stemless wine glass, which has gained popularity in recent years, can also alter the character of the wine as holding the glass directly rather than the stem transfers heat from the hand to the wine.
As a wine collector, I can tell you with certainty that price should not determine your willingness to buy or drink a bottle of wine. Every occasion has a budget and it is possible to find excellently crafted wines both at affordable and more expensive prices. While all wines are not professionally graded, utilizing the ratings from Wine Advocate or Wine Spectator can be a helpful starting point to gather quick and valuable information to aid in choosing a good bottle. The point system runs through 100 points and higher points are awarded based on technique in making the wine and its rarity amongst all wines. At the Pennsylvania State Stores, you can also utilize the Chairman Select program which offers discount prices on higher rated wines. Look for the Chairman Select description sheets as you move through the store. Below are a couple of my recommendations of affordably-priced (between $17$50) bottles of wine that you can find at our Local Wine and Spirits Stores: 1. Foxen Pinot Noir 2. Layer Cake Cabarnet 3. Emmolo Merlot 4. Achaval Ferrer Malbec 5. Greywacke Sauvignon Blanc
Ingredients: 3 lbs. Mussels 3 cloves of garlic (minced) 1 white onion, small (diced) 2 ribs celery (sliced thin) 2 tomatoes (diced roughly) 1 pinch Saffron Salt and Pepper to taste 3 cups white wine Rusky Bread Instructions: 1. In deep pot sauté onion and celery in olive oil. 2. Once tender add garlic, saffron and tomatoes. 3. Add mussels and pour in white wine. 4. Immediately cover pot with a lid and cook on high heat until mussels have popped open. 5. Serve with a Rusky Bread.
Exotic Mushrooms with Red Wine and Butter Ingredients: 1 lb. Cremini mushrooms 1 lb. Shiitake mushrooms 1 lb. Oyster mushrooms 1 lb. Maitake (Hen of the Woods) mushrooms 1 white onion, small (diced) 3 cloves of garlic (minced) 2 ribs celery (sliced) 6 sprigs of Thyme (just leaves) Salt and Pepper to taste 3 T olive oil 1 cup butter 4 cups dry red wine Instructions: 1. Clean mushrooms with damp cloth but do not wash. Slice mushrooms rustic (meaning don’t be afraid of cutting different shapes). 2. In large sauté pan heat oil along with ½ cup of the butter. Sauté onion and celery. 3. Add thyme and garlic, stir. Add mushrooms and cook until tender. 4. Add the red wine and deglaze with wine. Let the liquid reduce by half. 5. Finish by adding the other ½ cup of butter (cold). Stir in butter, add seasonings and serve with your favorite meat.
VALLOZZI'S
www.go2goalus.com 11
BUILDING THE PA BUDGET A YEARLONG PROCESS By State Senator, Pat Stefano
A
s you are reading this, Harrisburg is deep in the throes of considering the budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year. It is the most significant order of business that we handle in Harrisburg. Few understand what all goes into Pennsylvania’s current 32 billion dollar budget. What follows is a brief timeline of the budget process, our biggest cost drivers, and some proposals to make the process more taxpayer friendly. The Budget from Start to Finish While the budget is due on June 30th, work begins on the budget as soon as the last budget is completed. Each month members of the legislature review the previous month’s revenue, and compare it with what we received last year, and what we expected to receive. On the first Tuesday of February, the Governor presents his budget address to a joint session of the General Assembly. Similar to the State of the Union, the Governor outlines his priorities and key points of his budget. As the saying goes, “The Governor proposes and the Legislature disposes.” As soon as the Governor releases his budget, the legislature begins its work to review the 900 plus page proposal. Three weeks of hearings are conducted by the Senate and House
Appropriations Committee with the Cabinet Secretaries and department heads of the executive branch. Groups who rely on money from the State budget often time bring their members to the capitol to advocate for their funding by meeting with legislators and holding press conferences and rallies. The PA Constitution mandates the budget be completed by June 30. Constitution mandates that budget be completed. In recent years, a budget by June 30th has been the exception and not the norm because of revenue not keeping up with the rapid expansion of the size of government. The conversation then turns to where will the money come from? Does it come from increasing the taxes on hardworking Pennsylvanians, or do we find places in a $32 billion budget to cut in order to fund our most important priorities? PA’s Biggest Departments When it comes to state government we have three major areas: Education, Human Services and Corrections. Due to action last year we have finally addressed our growing pension costs, which has been a major expense for state government across the board. Education represents about 42.5% of the Commonwealth’s budget coming in at $13.6 billion dollars. This funds the state share of our local school district costs, our State and State related universities and PHEAA grants. The Department of Human Services meanwhile represents 37% or $12.1 billion of the budget. This covers our social service programs, sometimes referred to as welfare. The next largest program is the Department of Corrections which
12 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
represents 7.5% at a cost of $2.4 billion. Recent criminal reform legislation has resulted in 3 straight years of prison population decreases; however costs continue to escalate in this field. As you can clearly see, just three areas of state government take up just over 87% of our overall budget. Spending Growth The biggest issue that divides Harrisburg when it comes to the budget is how much is appropriate for the Commonwealth to spend, and how fast should that grow? During Governor Corbett’s four years, the State budget grew from $28 billion in 2014 to $29.1 billion, just under 4% growth. In comparison, during Governor Wolf’s first four years, the budget has grown from $29.1 billion to $32.0 billion, or just under a 9% increase. In other words, in the last three budgets Governor Wolf has doubled the rate of State Government’s growth. I subscribe to the philosophy that we are spending enough, and we must address our major cost drivers. I think that we must limit our spending growth to the rate of inflation plus population growth as detailed in the Taxpayer Protection Act. Had this principle been applied by Governor Wolf in his first three budgets, Pennsylvania would still be investing record amounts in education and currently be sitting on a roughly $1.5 billion surplus, that could be used to pay down our pension debt, or put into the rainy day fund to deal with shortfall in revenue due to economic downturns. We could also have a robust discussion about tax reform, bringing our state in line with the recent federal tax changes and making Pennsylvania a
more attractive place to start or grow a business. Where Do We Go From Here Reforming the budget process has long been a goal of members of the legislature. The aforementioned Taxpayer Protection Act, sponsored by Representative Ryan Warner of Fayette County, has passed the House and currently awaits consideration in the Senate. Last year, the legislature finally passed “performance based budgeting” which will setup a process to review the outcomes of the programs in each agency. This will force department heads to justify their funding proposals by proving those programs have tangible results. Finally, recently my friend, Senator Scott Wagner of York, is introducing legislation to make Pennsylvania the 14th State to institute “zero based budgeting” which would establish a 5 year cycle for each agency to be rebuilt from the ground up. Too often in Pennsylvania we build layers on top of layers as we create new programs, or spending priorities without determining if it’s already being done, or if the staff is able to take on the additional work. This has led to redundancies and inefficiencies within state government that a regular top to bottom review will help solve. As always, a key component of all of this is you, the taxpayer. Be sure to reach out to a member of the legislature and tell them your thoughts on these important issues. Find your member at legis.state.pa.us/. I always welcome your feedback at SenatorStefano.com.
Raising Capital A
key to a successful business start-up or expansion is the ability to obtain appropriate financing. But as many business owners or entrepreneurs have found, this is not an easy task. In fact it can be quite hard and frustrating, but not impossible. One thing that can help? A capital raising plan. In any capital raise effort, whether it is a bank loan, venture capital raise or crowdfunding effort, you must have a good story to tell and a well-prepared plan that supports that story. This all starts by putting together an effective proposal for raising the funding needed. This proposal, sometimes called a pitch book, is important for having a successful capital raise. This is where R. J. McElhaney & Associates can help. Inexperienced small business owners or new start-up entrepreneurs who fail to prepare a good proposal will send a red flag to lenders and investors. R. J. McElhaney & Associates have the experience in putting together excellent
27%
of businesses surveyed by the NSBA claimed that they weren’t able to receive the funding they needed to grow their business
How to be successful in obtaining funding By Ray McElhaney, Managing Director
proposals and pitch books that will help you be successful in you capital raise. Here are a few elements that should be included in a Proposal or Pitch Book: 1. Description of the Business. This should include the nature of the business and a brief history. 2. Purpose of the funding. The purpose of the capital needed, the amount needed and a detailed description of what the funding will be used for. This also should include how the loan is to be repaid (if it’s a bank loan) or what the return on investment will be if it is a capital investment. 3. Market Information. This should be a brief description of the company’s products and market. Identify you competition and explain how your business competes in the market.
According to a U.S. Bank study 82% of small business failures is due to a lack of funding or working capital
82%
4. Financial Information. This will include at least three years of financial statements and tax returns (for existing business), a current budget and a realistic five-year detailed forecast showing how the funding will be used. 5. Personal Financial Statements. Banks and some investors may request this information especially for a start-up. These are only a few of the elements that would be contained in a well planned out proposal. When you need to raise money for your business or start-up, don’t go it alone. Let us at R.J. McElhaney & Associates help you put together a well informed and planned out proposal which will help meet your funding goal. For a free consultation call 412.646.1780 or visit rjmsbc.com.
SBA Data indicates that of small business started only 80% survive their 1st year 50% survive their 5th year 30% survive into their 10th year
80% 50%
30% www.go2goalus.com 13
Westmoreland County
Enjoying the paddle boats at Twin Lakes
is an Amazing County to
We We are are all all in in this this together. together. By Gina Cerilli, Westmoreland County Commissioner, Westmoreland County Westmoreland County is an amazing county to live, work and play. For this issue of GOAL Magazine, I am focusing on the “play” opportunities in Westmoreland for our spring and summer months. Our county is home to 10 county recreational parks, including four large regional parks and five trails. I’ll bet the majority of the county’s residents aren’t familiar with everything that our county parks have to offer. (I’ll admit I’ve even learned of additional activities from writing this article!) Thanks to the proposals written by the amazing Westmoreland County Parks and Recreation Citizens Advisory Board, our parks receive grant money so that they can continue to grow. A large portion of the hotel tax that is collected by the county is dedicated to the parks, including potential new plans with added attractions. This will be discussed in a later issue of GOAL! Twin Lakes is our most visited park and spans over 380 acres in Hempfield and Unity townships. It includes walking paths, pavilion rentals, paddle boat rentals, and winter cross-country skiing. The concession stand offers snacks as well as fishing bait for sale and ski rentals. Hunting
Bocci at Mammoth Park.
14 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
the slide will be renovated in 2019 to include three slides. There will be a 100 foot, 60 foot and 40 foot slide as well as basketball and tennis courts, a new playground, and additional parking lots. Mammoth Park includes 100 acres for hunting, a skate park, observation deck over the lake, walking paths, bocce courts, remote control airplane fields, and pavilion rentals. Boathouse at Northmoreland Park.
Zoe Meatball finds a friend at Twin Lakes Dog Park.
is also permitted in designated areas. The expansion area is one of my favorite places to visit! The activity zone includes a skate park, large all-inclusive playground, a dog park (my 6-pound Yorkie, Zoe Meatball, is a big supporter of our county dog parks!), Dek hockey with brand new bleachers to be installed for 114 fans, and an amphitheater. The amphitheater holds concerts every Saturday from June through August. Mammoth Park is home to a giant 96-foot slide in Mt. Pleasant Township. However,
Cedar Creek Park located in Rostraver Township includes an iconic gorge area and the Great Allegheny Passage, and camping facilities with a boat launch into the Youghiogheny River. Northmoreland Park in Allegheny Township is home to the Kiski Area Soccer League, an equestrian trail, two lakes, and the BMX Club which will bring in two national BMX trail events this year! Of course, there are even more things to do, and I only focused on the highlights. Please visit the county website for more information at https://www. co.westmoreland.pa.us/Parks. The website will include information about pavilion rentals, sport field rentals, summer concerts, and a list of upcoming festivals and events. Pavilion rentals may also be reserved by calling (724)-830-3950.
WHO WE ARE WHO WE ARE
WHAT WE DO WHAT WE DO
HOW TO HELP HOW TO HELP
Our Clubhouse provides free emotional Our provides freetouched emotional and Clubhouse social support to those by and social supportPennsylvania. to those touched by cancer in western cancer in western Pennsylvania. Those living with cancer at any age, as Those with cancer at anywho age,care as well asliving the family and friends well as theare family and friends for them, welcome to joinwho Our care for them, are to join Our Clubhouse andwelcome receive free support. Clubhouse and receive free support.
Our unique program complements Our unique program complements medical care, providing support groups, medical care, providing support groups, health and wellness workshops, health andand wellness education socialworkshops, activities. education and social activities. We encourage members to come We encourage members to come together and learn from one another on together learn from one another on how bestand to live with cancer. how best to live with cancer.
We depend on the support of our donors and We depend members on the support of our donors community to make all of our and community members programming possible.to make all of our programming possible. · Host a fundraising event · Host Makeaafundraising donation inevent honor/memory · of Make a donation in honor/memory someone someonein fundraising events · of Participate · Participate Volunteer in fundraising events · Volunteer
We are a community of support for everyone currently living with or affected We are a community of support for everyone currently living with or affected by cancer along with their family and friends. by cancer along with their family and friends. 2816 Smallman Street | Pittsburgh, PA 15222 | P: 412.338.1919 | F: 412.338.1920 2816E.Smallman Street Pittsburgh, PA 4893 State Route 30 || Greensburg, PA15222 15601 || P:P:412.338.1919 724-221-6182 || F:F:412.338.1920 412.338.1920 4893 E. State Route 30 | Greensburg, PA 15601 | P: 724-221-6182 | F: 412.338.1920 www.ourclubhouse.org www.ourclubhouse.org
This page is sponsored by:
Twin Lakes Park Island Stage and Pavilion..
the Slezak Family www.go2goalus.com 15
Why do people who were injured because of someone else's carelessness feel as though they are the ones doing something wrong? Why do they feel guilty for wanting compensated for their injuries? Most people do not realize that this monetary compensation will come from a large auto insurance company - not out of the pocket of the careless driver. Unfortunately, there is a stigma attached to "people who sue" which is a fairly recent phenomenon. Tremendous amounts of money have been spent in marketing campaigns to create this stigma. The goal of these well-financed efforts is to persuade the general public to change the meaning of the word "plaintiff" - the person who brings a lawsuit - from "injured victim" to "freeloader looking for a handout."
"I'm Not The Kind Of Person Who Sues" By Jessica L. Rafferty, Esq.
I cannot tell you how many people I talk with who were harmed by the careless acts of another person that begin the conversation by saying, "I'm not the kind of person who sues." I find it strange that potential clients feel guilty about exploring their legal rights after being injured by the carelessness of others – as if filing a personal injury case (vehicle collisions, dog bites, fall downs, nursing home neglect, etc.) is somehow wrong. For example, someone called me the other day and, after telling me that they aren't the kind of person who sues, explained that a driver ran a red light and collided with their vehicle at an intersection. This person had their wife and two children in the car and they all had to be rushed to the emergency room because of the severity of their injuries.
During this initial call, I did not know why the other driver ran the red light. They may have been texting, eating, drinking, playing with the radio, looking at a GPS, or any number of other things. But what I did know was that the other driver was careless and this was not an "accident." I don't mean that the other driver intentionally ran a red light, but an "accident" is something that cannot be prevented. The driver in this scenario could have easily prevented this collision by stopping at the red light. The other driver failed to follow the rules of the road – rules designed to protect you, your loved ones and everyone else on the road – and their failure to follow these rules caused this family to suffer injuries. And I knew that the person calling me should not feel guilt in wanting financial compensation for their pain and suffering from the careless driver's insurance company.1
In reality, the only party looking for a handout is any insurance company trying to avoid its legal responsibility. The very foundation of our justice system is being undermined by this campaign. Under our legal system, which we adopted from England, when someone behaves carelessly, the victim of that person's carelessness has a personal injury claim. In an 1880 legal opinion, Lord Blackburn, a judge in the English courts, decreed that the compensation for physical harm should be "that sum of money which will put the party who has been injured in the same position as he would have been if he had not sustained the wrong...." This remains our law to this day. Until someone experiences unnecessary pain, suffering or death, they may not realize the impact that someone's carelessness can have on their life. But when someone suffers a serious injury, or loses a loved one due to the negligence of another, the reasons people sue become very clear. The "kind of people who sue", in order to get themselves back to the position they were in before the wrong occurred, includes persons of all ages and backgrounds. Our clients include factory workers, bus drivers,
ate a lot of positive changes in our society: safer cars, schools, workplaces, consumer products and healthcare just to name a few.
postal workers, teachers, office workers, corporate executives, doctors and nurses. We represent people who go to work every day (or used to before they were injured) and people who can't work or are retired. Although they are all different, the "kind of people who sue" all have two things in common. The first is that they have suffered some kind of personal or family tragedy due to another person's carelessness. The second is that they all have the right to file a lawsuit and ask a jury of their fellow citizens, who serve as the conscience of our community, to resolve their dispute and provide them with fair compensation for the injuries they sustained.2 Fair compensation does not constitute a windfall. So, if you ever find yourself in this situation or are judging someone who was in that situation, know that the legal system is being used in the way it was designed to be used – to right a wrong in a civil manner. And know that you may in fact be helping to protect others from a similar harm. Personal injury cases have helped to cre-
I hope you never suffer a tragedy requiring you to become the "kind of person who sues". However, if circumstances arise that force you to file a lawsuit, please don't feel guilty thinking that you are the one doing something wrong. And remember you do not have to go it alone. At our lawfirm, we have a team of attorneys who have years of experience in handling these claims to obtain the compensation you deserve. There is no fee for a consultation and no fee is owed unless a recovery is made. If you suffer an injury because of someone else's carelessness, don't' feel guilty for seeing legal help. Call our lawfirm as soon as you are able. Any delay either allows the insurance company to get ahead of you in the investigation of your claim or allows valuable evidence to disappear because of the passage of time. For a free evaluation of your claim call us at 724-837-0080 or send an email to qr@qrlegal.com.
Left to right: Joyce Novotny-Prettiman, Esq., Jessica L. Rafferty, Esq., Dennis B. Rafferty, Esq.
1 Under Pennsylvania law, it is mandatory for automobile owners to carry liability insurance to protect other motorists from their acts of negligence. Ironically however, under Pennsylvania law, during a trial an attorney is not allowed to tell a jury that there is insurance available. For example, a lawsuit would have to be filed as John Doe vs. Jane Doe. But this is in name only. The money awarded to John Doe by the jury would be paid out of the insurance coverage provided by the XYZ Insurance Company – not Jane Doe.
Most injury claims do not require the actual filing of a lawsuit. An injury victim who is represented by an attorney can usually settle their claim prior to going to court.
2
16 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
www.go2goalus.com 17
TOURING AMERICA’S FAVORITE BATTLEFIELD:
Gettysburg PART 2
When planning a visit to Gettysburg National Military Park, there are many things to consider. The first consideration is how to arrive at Gettysburg. Depending on your direction of travel, you will either utilize major highways or have the opportunity to journey on smaller back-country roads. Most of the roads leading to Gettysburg were traveled on by soldiers of either the North or South. Traveling these roadways will expose old structures that were used as officers’ Headquarters or even field hospitals as troops retreated from the battle. Gettysburg is about 3.5 hours from Pittsburgh 2.5 hours from Philadelphia and 1.5 hours from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The most important decision prior to visiting Gettysburg is the duration of your visit. This will determine your course of action. As stated in my previous article, as a youth my visits lasted simply a single day. We were still able to accomplish a lot. Now, in adulthood, we typically spend two to three days per visit. Of course you can stay for a week possibly enjoying one of the numerous amazing campgrounds, but this article is more focused on the brief trip to the battlefield. If you are limited to a single day visit to Gettysburg, I first recommend a visit to the Gettysburg Museum and Visitor Center followed by a tour of the battlefield. With a
18 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
“family membership” costing $68, you and your family will be able to see a brief film entitled “A New Birth of Freedom” sponsored by the History Channel and narrated by Morgan Freeman. This will also entitle you to experience the 377 foot Cyclorama painting completed in 1884 by Paul Philippoteaux and a team of 20 artists. The larger than life painting is coupled with sound effects and a narration that helps to illustrate the climactic assault commonly known as “Pickett’s Charge”. Finally, your family will be able to interact with the state of the art museum. Using 12 galleries and adopting all the latest trends in interactive museums, you will be transported back in time traveling through the causes, events, and results of the American Civil War. Abraham Lincoln’s visit and dedication of the National Cemetery is also highlighted. The film and Cyclorama will take about 45 minutes. The museum is experienced at your own pace. The gift shop will provide you with all the books and gifts your heart could desire while you save 10% with your new membership. Here, you can purchase an appropriate audio tour of the battlefield. There are numerous options. The “Dramatized Battlefield Tour” is focused on a younger audience and includes sound-effects, dialogue and less analysis lasting approximately two hours. The “Gettysburg Story Battlefield Auto Tour” includes recommendations within its own program depending on whether you wish to spend two or three hours touring. I can also highly recommend the “Gettysburg Expedition Guide” featuring Wayne Motts, produced by The History Channel. The Battlefield can be visited in a day but this limits how many stops you can get out of your vehicle and walk the ground. The topography of the ground changes
By Jerry Ferraro drastically at each tour stop and will offer interesting perspectives for all visitors. With additional days alloted, I would recommend seeing the film and the Cyclorama on the first day and then heading to the battlefield with a focus on July 1st, the first day’s battle. On the second day, I would return to the museum. With a “family membership”, you have unlimited visits for a year. Various other options for memberships are available including lifetime support. After the museum, I would venture out to the battlefield and focus on Day 2 visiting the flanks of the battlefield and walking the ground. If a third day is possible, I would focus on the famous “Pickett’s Charge”, giving you the feel of the three days battle as it unfolded. With additional time, tours of the “Eisenhower Farm”, The National Cemetery, The Evergreen Cemetery, the town of Gettysburg itself or any of the numerous historical buildings would be a great way of augmenting your experience. Recently the Lutheran Seminary, which played an extensive role in the first day’s battle, has opened to the public for visits at an additional charge. This includes a museum and a climb up the famous Cupula to witness the same view Union officers had as they coordinated their response to General Lee’s northern invasion. Across the street, the Friends of Gettysburg has recently purchased and reinterpreted General Lee’s Headquarters also known as the Widow Thompson House. A motel, gift shop, swimming pool and restaurant have all been razed to reinterpret the ground around the structure as well. The typical visit includes driving the battlefield and exiting your vehicle at your choosing to experience the battlefield. Various other options include, but are not limited to, hiking, horseback riding, segway, scooter, tour bus, bike and even hot air balloon. Many of these can either be supplemented with an audio tour or a licensed tour guide. Licensed Battlefield Guides are an excellent way of touring the battlefield. You
usually have to reserve one or show up at the Museum and Visitor Center early. The guides will drive your vehicle and give you a guided tour of the battlefield. Most customers ask for a broad overview of the battlefield and it takes about two hours. The audio tours will provide a comparable experience. The tour guides become priceless when you wish to narrow your focus on a particular location of the battlefield. Their knowledge and licensing processes are extensive, equipping them for much deeper levels of battlefield interpretation. The National Park Service offers “Ranger Programs” that differ in complexity and duration, depending on the season and the objective. The programs are free of charge and are listed on their website daily. www.nps.gov/gett. The “Friends of Gettysburg Foundation”, www.gettysburgfoundation.org, is a wonderful nonprofit organization that supports the preservation, acquisition, education and stewardship of the National Battlefield. “Destination Gettysburg” is a website that promotes all the amazing options that the region of Adam’s County has to offer, including but not limited to the battlefield. www.destinationgettysburg.com. I would be remiss if I did not comment on ghost tours. Although the author has never been on a commercial ghost tour at Gettysburg, I have had one cross my path while on a stay at a local bed & breakfast.
I have also accompanied a self proclaimed clairvoyant through the battlefield. I am neither in favor nor against the ghost tours as I’m sure they can be fun. If I were to recommend any, it would be those of Mark Nesbitt. He was a local historian turned author of ghost stories. I’m not sure how so many souls perished in 1863 yet their ghosts did not arrive until the late 1990’s. Americans enjoy eating out. Gettysburg is a wonderful town for food. With the typical small town fast food and chain restaurants, I would recommend one of the numerous local pubs or micro-brews. Whether you need a drive thru to continue your tour or you are wrapping up an adventure filled day and want to rehash the days events over a home cooked meal, Gettysburg has what you are looking for. The Dobbin House Tavern dates back before the battle and is a local staple that will not disappoint.
of your group and financial concerns will help determine what is best for you. All the aforementioned accommodations will satisfy your needs. The local Bed & Breakfast establishments offer a local flare to enhance your overall experience. They are also a good resource for food and entertainment recommendations. If you are staying the night, you must visit the local tourist hotspot of Steinwehr Avenue. The “Boardwalk of Gettysburg” allows for window shopping while enjoying an ice-cream cone. Gettysburg was the site of a great and tragic struggle. It now stands proud as a small town that holds a large role in defining America.
Enjoy your visit.
Lodging is as varied as restaurants.Gettysburg has wonderful campgrounds, ample hotels and possibly its best attribute the numerous historic Bed & Breakfasts. Again, depending on the duration of your visit, the demographics
Jerry Ferraro is the contributing history consultant for GOAL magazine. He teaches history at Greater Latrobe High School and has over 20 years of classroom experience. He travels throughout Europe and the U.S. for both professional and personal development. He lives with his wife and daughter near Latrobe, PA.
This page is sponsored by:
CREDIT REPAIR www.aimcreditrepair.com
724.787.7840 amaxwell@aimcreditrepair.com www.go2goalus.com 19
Think
Spring! Each year at this time, as we trudge into late winter, people are starting to “think spring.” It’s likely that they imagine colorful flowers, the season’s first round of golf and the end of snowy days. But this year, the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is thinking spring in an entirely new way…as in springboard to a great 2018! Despite gloomy winter days that have been the mainstay for the past several months, the Chamber’s year started off with a huge “spring in its step.” We’ve already enjoyed some wildly successful events so far this year. Teeing up 2018 was our annual “State of the County” program featuring our County Commissioners to local businesses with great insight as to how our community is moving forward. Our 43rd annual Westmoreland County Prayer Breakfast provided inspiration and hope to another huge crowd that walked away inspired by the notion that community leaders work better under the premise of unity for the greater good. Our monthly luncheons have been very well attended, and the speakers have been quite informative. Business After Scheduled Hours is bursting at the seams with people looking to build their referral network.
We’ve got a full schedule of exciting events and important programs to help businesses of all sizes. Westmoreland County Chamber members are “springing” into 2018 with tremendous enthusiasm. If you own or operate a local business, I invite you to become part of our county’s largest and most active business association to help your business pick up momentum well into spring, summer and beyond. If you’d like to know why so many other local businesses depend on the Chamber, I encourage you stop by our office to chat with a member of our staff. We’ve got a full schedule of exciting events and important programs to
help businesses of all sizes. In addition to our regularly scheduled events, we’ll soon be hosting several Career Fairs through our Westmoreland County Forum For Workforce Development, Staff Appreciation Day, our famous golf outing, educational programs, and much more. Visit the Chamber’s website (www.westmorelandchamber.com) to learn more.
20 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
T
here’s a funny paradox that takes place among baby boomers. They’ve reached the time in their lives and careers when luxurious things are affordable ... a sporty little car, a trip abroad, a big addition to the homestead, or an interior decorating project. However, it’s also the time when boomers realize that some of those “things” are really not as im-
In the meantime, here’s wishing you all a great case of Spring fever!
Update the kitchen.
All the best,
Chad Amond President & CEO Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
https://www.facebook.com/UntappedWestmoreland
Security Administration, a person who reaches age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 85.5. So for the next 20 years or so, would you like to continue painting the porch, cutting the grass, washing the windows and cleaning out the closets? Perhaps now is the time, after all, to consider change. It’s a little word that makes many people uncomfortable, but some uncomfortable things are worth considering. Most people have amassed quite a bit of wealth in their family home (provided it wasn’t mortgaged to send the children to Harvard or MIT). What do you think it’s worth? At Inselmini Construction Company we don’t know the answer to that question specifically, but we do know this…..it will be worth A LOT more if it’s in tip top shape.
We take pride in meeting our mission: Building Business. Connecting Communities. Empowering Everyone.
SAVE THE DATE ALES FUR TAILS BREWERY TOUR APRIL 28, 2018 FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT
Flip or Move?
portant as originally thought. The really important “things” are the intangibles: the love of family, the joy of companionship, and good health. It is said you spend the first half of your life accumulating things and the second half getting rid of them. If you are in the enviable position of no longer having to house or educate your children and have some extra time on your hands and a little more jingle in your pocket, consider this: according to the Social
Add a porch or deck.
The Hammer Reports from ICC the Builder By Inselmini Construction Company
Add custom molding.
We know what’s trending in today’s home. Consumers want lots of natural light streaming in the windows, big bright kitchens that are open to family living spaces, master bath retreats, multiple garages and the one thing that never goes out of style….storage; and we can help you get those things with a home renovation project. Television is full of shows dedicated to “flipping” houses. At the end of every “flip” the house is sold for top dollar, and the message is always the same. Spend a little to make a little. Don’t put off renovation projects that are going to make money in the future. Remodel that kitchen or bathroom. Replace the outdated inefficient windows, or finish the basement into a man cave or family entertaining space. Spend a little now to make Add a a little latcustom er. You can use shower. the profit you make when
Finish the lower level. you sell to buy 20 years of wonderful experiences…not more things. And if that little uncomfortable word change is not in your wheel house now, Inselmini Construction Company could also build you a smaller home in the future, a more practical home, a home where you can age in place. Call us and speak to one of the professional builders in our office. They can help you decide whether to flip or move.
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Ripping the Historical Mask Off Opiods
This is a simple example of the pleasurepain principle. Pain is sent to the brain on a complex highway of nerves called neurons. These neurons connect together with tiny gaps and carry signals from the point of pain up and into the brain. Opioids end up parking on receptor sites located in between the individual neurons that make up this highway to and through the brain. Typically, the body’s natural neurotransmitters park on these receptor sites to facilitate the pain signals along your nerve cells. Opioids inhibit this process, therefore resulting in just the opposite effect, dimming or eliminating pain.
By Reed Nelson, DC BS For decades in America, if a person’s position was to limit or avoid prescription drugs altogether, they were considered almost radical. Our great nation has so many things to be proud of, but consuming 99% of the world’s hydrocodone is just not one of them. Are American’s really in more pain than the rest of the world?1
balance of use that becomes the combined responsibility of both the doctor and patient. It hard to believe but there are more deaths in the United States attributed to opioid overdoses than death by car accidents. Think about that for a moment. A small pill has the potential to become more deadly than crashing cars.
Unfortunately, some of life’s lessons are painful to learn. The rapid increase in the number of deaths in the United States, combined with widespread addiction has brought forth focus and ripped the mask off one of the drug industry’s superstars, the opioids!
Looking at the history of opioids takes us all the way back to the 1800s. A couple of truly brilliant chemists learned how to extract morphine from a plant, the opium poppy. Sounds very cool! During our nation’s civil war, men would spend the day exposed to great dangers. People became hurt as a result of this widespread activity, and many experienced pain. The truth is, morphine became the drug for everything civil war. Whether a horrific physical injury or a wellearned psychological issue, morphine provided an escape from the pain. As you can
Americans take many drugs for laughable reasons. Pain drugs, on the other hand, are no laughing matter. One thousand people per day are treated in emergency rooms due to problems with opioids. Approximately 50,000 people died in the last year from an overdose.
Hydrocodone Consumption
We all know that successful companies innovate. Successful companies provide services and products that solve problems. Pain has always been a human problem, and there are many products and services out there that address the issue of pain. Let’s be clear, drug treatments can be amazing! Drugs most certainly have a place within our healthcare system. Pain drugs require a crucial United States 99%
22 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
Rest of the World 1%
imagine, morphine did an exceptional job of interrupting a person’s state of mind.
“I believe the skill of interrupting your state without drugs is one of the most important skills that a person can learn.” -Reed Nelson I am imagining that in the 1800s everyone in America quickly noticed that morphine was quite addictive. Those addicted were bad advertising for the drug makers. Drug companies worked long and hard on developing another product. It was a new, amazing cough syrup that was advertised as a much better option than morphine. Many believed it as the breakthrough drug for pain. The product was heroin. Things are often made more complicated than they need to be. By our nature, humans will pursue pleasure and avoid pain. That basic human behavior will reasonably continue. Owning this concept of the pleasure-pain principle is another life skill worth learning. Let’s put it this way. The reason we don’t study for the test is because it is more painful than going out with our friends, so we go out! Alternatively, the reason we study for the test is at some point, it becomes evident to our minds that it would be more painful to fail the test.
While a pain drug may be initially beneficial, there is a price paid for that benefit in the form of side effects, addiction and withdrawal. Most people have experienced the associated price paid for having too much alcohol. The cocaine high is eventually followed by the cocaine crash. Opioid withdrawal is said to be particularly unimaginable. Common sense is not always common! Common sense simply says, “If at all possible, avoid these products.” I have no doubt that drug companies will continue to innovate. A drug maker eventually will solve the pain drug dilemma and
come up with a drug in which pain can be eased or erased without side effects. For now though, we have to find balance. Doctors and patients must proceed with caution when treating pain with drugs. Currently, great doctors are not just handing out prescriptions. Doctors are approaching musculoskeletal pain by combining their drug recommendations with referrals to wellness providers including chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, trainers, acupuncturists and yoga instructors.
until something major breaks. If they here a sound coming from the engine, they examine it. Many are particular about what fluids they put into their vehicle and of course who works on it. They intermittently cleanse it, I mean clean it. They add air into the tires to avoid excessive wear and tear. -You get the picture! You get one amazing body and I encourage you to care for it wisely. Carefully choose what drugs you do or don’t put into it. After all, you will likely have quite a few cars in your lifetime but you are gifted one body. A popular president and his wife said it best, “Say no to drugs!” After all, your life is your choices. Choose wisely!
1. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrocodone
Chiropractic methods aim to get to the source of the pain and fix the problem. Now doesn’t that sounds refreshing! Chiropractors also focus on many aspects of health and wellness like nutrition, exercise, orthotics and posture. While all problems are certainly not resolvable, many are. Many chronic musculoskeletal issues resulting in pain can be reduced 40%, 60%, 80% or even 100% for prolonged periods of time. Most chiropractors today seek additional training in various modalities, provide multiple traction methods and are skilled in using rehabilitative exercises to help patients in pain.
724-216-5004 Reed Nelson DC BS (center) is the founding partner of Westmoreland Chiropractic & Rehab Associates, a provider group made up of Chiropractors, Massage Therapists & a Nutritionist helping patients in 3 locations across Westmoreland county.
Our body is a precious asset. Our body is the house of our heart and soul. It deserves our attention, maintenance and priority. I find that many patients take better care of their car or truck than of their body. These people do not just wait Left to right: Dr. Mike McClure, Dr. David Nicols, Dr. Reed Nelson, Dr. Wes Orvosh, Dr. Dan Lovette
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Gentlemen
Fashion and Philanthropy
of
Chad Amond
Bill Urbanik
Jerry Ferraro
Scot t Ludwick
If you could do anything professionally, what would it be and why? If I had a magic wand, I would make our communities work together more collaboratively. One thing about SWPA is that we are often too parochial. It’s okay to root for the logo on the helmet on Friday nights in the fall. And I understand that each community celebrates its rich history and heritage, but we need to work together more closely to make our community a better place in the long term. What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? There are so many wonderful not-for-profit organizations making a positive difference in our community. From charitable foundations to local theaters, from childcare centers to drug rehab programs, the residents and businesses of Westmoreland County put a lot of focus on helping those less fortunate. Like most people, I try my best to support all these groups. Even if it’s not with direct dollars out of my own pocket, I make sure I share the word of the great work they are doing with other community leaders so the whole community can be more aware. What outfit do you feel most accurately portrays your personality? I think I was pulled out of the womb by my necktie. Often, I’m the only person in the room wearing the suit. I was told once it’s always better to be over dressed than underdressed.
Who has been most influential to you throughout your career? While many have been impactful, I would give “most influential” title to my wife Jessica. Starting out as a business owner is not easy. I was a college graduate and my first paycheck was NEGATIVE -$364.43 because I couldn’t cover fees to the broker dealer. She carried us financial and was beyond supportive. I would have probably given up and went to work for someone else had she not be so encouraging and patient. Define success in one statement. To have love for others, be loved by others and facilitating the success of others. What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? Issues involving children with special needs, learning disabilities and other physical or mental challenges. Building awareness within themselves that they too can find happiness and fulfillment personally and professionally. Most impactful words ever said to you and by who? “If you can breathe, you can play.” - Dad. “The most important thing you will ever do is be a father.” - Mom If you had to give a younger person in your field one piece of advice what would it be? Their greatest asset is their own self confidence and realizing the profound importance of balancing that self-assured demeanor with RESPECT. Without respect, the asset of self-confidence becomes a liability. If you could do anything professionally, what would it be and why? My dream job, since I was 4 years old, has been President of the United States because there is not a position in the world that yields a greater opportunity to inspire, make a difference and be intrinsically involved in so many lives. What look do you wish you could wear more often? Jeans with a dress shirt untucked and jacket. Favorite quote? “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
What lead you to your current profession? The passion of my father and his father before him resides in me. Who has been most influential to you throughout your career? My students have inspired me more than any single individual. If you had to give a younger person in your field one piece of advice, what would it be? Shut the door and teach. Don’t let the outside “noise” steal your passion, creativity or drive. Don’t lose focus on what and why you are here today. What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? Historical preservation, as I would like future generations to be able to see and visit the events of the past in person. Technology is excellent, but it doesn’t replace an actual experience. Most impactful words ever said to you and who said them? “You are the reason I became who I am.” This has been said by numerous students and it never fails to affect me. Someday, looking back on your life, what had to have happened for you to feel proud and fulfilled? I am so proud that I have become an educator, husband and father. I know that I have already made a life-long impact on numerous people. I thank God that I have been given a calling in education so that my impact can be deliberate and immediate yet last a lifetime. Name one stylish trend from your childhood that you would bring back to “in style” if you could? Tapered legs on blue jeans.
What do you love and dislike the most about your job? I love meeting and dealing with every type of person out there and the fact that every day is different. If you were given only one sentence or statement to convince others of the importance of giving to others what would you say? It’s the right thing to do. What style or outfit do you feel most accurately portrays your personality? I seem to have finally turned into a jean guy but dressed up with a sport coat. Give an example of you stepping outside your comfort zone with regards to your appearance and/or attire? With being an actor as a hobby, there’s really nothing that is outside my comfort zone. Most impactful words ever said to you and who said them? There is no ceiling on what you can accomplish – said by many If you were to share one life lesson to our youth what would it be and why? Not really a lesson, but more my word of advice – live and work by the Golden Rule. It won’t let you down. If you could change one thing about yourself or your life what would it be? I wish I would have stopped to smell the roses a lot sooner. What do you consider your greatest personal accomplishment and why? I feel very lucky to have traveled extensively.
Occupation: President & CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Education: B.A. in Communication, Slippery Rock University; M.B.A Seton Hill University; Institute of Organizational Management, United States Chamber, Villanova University
24 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
Occupation: 16 years Managing Partner/Financial Planner, SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management 2 years as Co-Founder of GOAL Magazine Education: B.S.E, California University of Pennsylvania and M.B.A. Seton Hill University
Occupation: History Teacher for the Greater Latrobe School District Education: B.S. in Secondary Education minor in History; Clarion University
Occupation: 35 years as an Associate Broker at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Education: One year at Westmoreland County Community College
Tony Slezak
Occupation: 33 years Managing Partner/ Financial Planner, SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management 2 years as Co-Founder of GOAL Magazine Education: B.S., Indiana University of Pennsylvania Who has been most influential to you throughout your career? My wife Sheri. She allowed me to work as many hours as needed and never had a problem with any of my business decisions while keeping our family moving forward. To what event, decision or, person do you attribute your success to the most? When my son Michael was born with autism, my wife had an excellent job with great pay and carried our health benefits. Due to the medical attention our son needed, we realized she wasn’t going to be able to continue working. She quit her job in November of 1996 when he was less than a year old. I decided I really needed to get to work! My income doubled in 1997. What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? Employing the handicapped. We spend a lot of time discussing specific disabilities but what we miss is that we have a lack of public support for disabled people trying to live on their own. Due to certain disabilities, handicapped individuals can’t seem to secure a good job or services into their adult years when all they truly want is to be self-sufficient. Give an example of you stepping outside your comfort zone with regards to your appearance and/or attire? Several years back, you could look inside my closet and all I had were white button-down collared shirts and a navy and grey pin striped suit. Now, colors are more acceptable in the professional sector and are not looked upon as being flashy. I enjoy wearing colored shirts, and funky-patterned socks at the office.
Patrick Dicesere
Occupation: Secretary/Treasurer/Vice President of Inselmini Construction Company – in industry for 40 years Education: High School Grad What lead you to your current profession? As a young teenager watching homes being built in my neighborhood. Who has been most influential to you throughout your career? John Inselmini If you could do anything professionally, what would it be and why? Chef, I have a passion for cooking. What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? Westmoreland Professional Builders Association. To try to strengthen our trades and to educate young students the importance of our trades. To whom or what do you credit your philanthropic heart? My mother If you were given only one sentence or statement to convince others of the importance of giving to others what would you say? Giving is simply an act of kindness. Name one stylish trend from your childhood that you would bring back to “in style” if you could? Dingo cowboy boots. Is there a color you prefer to wear and why? White. Because it’s clean and sharp When was the last time you had a wardrobe update – career and casual? Regularly, via my wife’s shopping. Someday, looking back on your life, what had to have happened for you to feel proud and fulfilled? Having a great family and knowing I have made people happy by the work I have done. What do you consider your greatest personal accomplishment and why? My children. Both of my daughters have the same work ethic as I do.
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Bryan Kisiel
Occupation: Managing Shareholder of Kisiel & Associates, PC for 26 years, in the business 34 years Education: B.S. in Accounting, Penn State University If you could do anything professionally, what would it be and why? Musician. I have always loved music and was successful as a vocalist at a young age through high school but wasn’t confident enough to pursue as a career when I knew I would eventually need to support a family! What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? There are many causes dear to my heart including youth development and veteran support. The most important cause recently is supporting an organization called Unity a Journey of Hope. It is like Make a Wish for terminally ill adults that grants wishes for end-stage patients. The satisfaction of seeing someone who otherwise would not get to do things we all take for granted, like going to the beach or having a special dinner or going to an amusement park or concert, is fulfilling to be a helping hand in making happen. If you could volunteer full time, what would you do? Right now, I volunteer as a member of our school board. I feel it is important for people with the ability to make our children’s educational opportunities better to step forward and be a part of this important duty to our community. Our children are our future and we will reap what we sow. Most impactful words ever said to you and who said them? “Life is not a dress rehearsal.” What style or outfit do you feel most accurately portrays your personality? I am a casual person, jeans or Dockers and a polo and I am good to go!
Reed Nelson
Occupation: Chiropractor for 24 years, Founding partner of Westmoreland Chiropractic & Rehab Associates, Owner/ Partner at Nelson Loguasto Cigar Company and P.T. Real Estate Investor Education: Pre-Medicine, Indiana University of PA; BS in Nutrition/Doctorate of Chiropractic, Life University; Physiological Therapeutics, National College; Graduate of Tony Robbins Business Mastery What lead you to your current profession? I always enjoyed helping people. Creating a big smile on a person’s face puts a big smile on mine! I launched many small businesses growing up, I thought everyone did. After all, as a kid, making money meant adventure! As a boy, I learned that I made much more money cutting my paper route customers lawn’s than delivering their newspapers. When I delivered their paper however, they typically would give me the chance to take care of their yard too. I learned the power of relationships. At age 14 I had so many lawns to care for, I could not do it without the help of my brother and our friends, and thus the first profitable Nelson Company was born! What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? Helping animals that are neglected or suffering receive the love they deserve makes me happy. My favorite animal is a dog and its love should be cherished, and I never understood why it is so frequently not. Dogs teach us loyalty and unconditional love. I believe it is no accident that the dog is man’s best friend. Most impactful words ever said to you and who said them? “You can be anything you want to Reed Nelson, just go ahead and do it.” - Gretchen Nelson, Mother Do you have a signature look? For me it's simple, if you look good - you feel good. If you feel good - you play life good.
Bill Arnold
Occupation: Certified Organic Dairy Farmer for Dormel Founds for 38 years and Executive Director, Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation for 15 years Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Penn State University What lead you to your current profession? Farming is in my blood, I am 4th generation, and the Director of the Foundation because no one else wanted the job! Who has been most influential to you throughout your career? My parents If you could do anything professionally, what would it be and why? I am exactly where I’m supposed to be. Define success in one statement. Continue to pursue your dreams until they become a reality. What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? The mission statement of the Foundation: “To preserve the artifacts and celebrate the inspirational story of the Quecreek Mine Rescue.” To whom or what do you credit your philanthropic heart? My own selfishness. Giving makes ME feel good. What cause do you feel deserves more attention nationally? Quecreek and Flight 93 Give an example of you stepping outside your comfort zone with regards to your appearance and/or attire? This photo shoot!!! What do you normally wear to work? Flannel, Carhartt and Double H boots Is there a color you prefer to wear and why? I like blue, but not as much as Billy Urbanik Most impactful words ever said to you and who said them? Jim Welch, (Chairman of the Quecreek Board) on being asked how he was today, (every time you ask) “perhaps, the best ever!” Someday, looking back on your life, what had to have happened for you to feel proud and fulfilled? It already has, Quecreek.
Adam Quatrini
Occupation: Attorney at Law for QuatriniRafferty, P.C. – 3 years Education: Juris Doctorate Who has been most influential to you throughout your career? My father, Vincent Quatrini What inspires you the most about your job? I am inspired by clients' perseverance and resoluteness throughout unimaginably difficult circumstances. Define success in one statement. Receiving a client "thank you" after achieving a successful result. What cause, or purpose are you most motivated to support and why? Mental health education and research. We need to educate individuals on the realities of mental health conditions in an effort to reduce stigma and encourage treatment. Continually, increased funding is necessary to eliminate cost prohibitive barriers to treatment and promoting medical and therapeutic advancement. If you were given only one sentence or statement to convince others of the importance of giving to others what would you say? “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill Name one stylish trend from your childhood that you would bring back to “in style” if you could? L.A. Gear's "L.A. Lights" Do you have a signature look? Sneakers, designer jeans, button up dress shirt and blazer. If you were to share one life lesson to our youth what would it be and why? Overcoming adversity, on your own, and although difficult, will give you a strong competitive advantage. What do you consider your greatest personal accomplishment and why? Passing the Pennsylvania Bar Exam and joining my father and brother in the practice of law at QuatriniRafferty, P.C.
Michael Quatrini
Hector Olave
If you could do anything professionally, what would it be and why? I am already doing my dream job, although I probably wouldn’t turn down ownership of a winery. Is there one project that you did (or are currently still doing) to give back that means the most to you or stands out the most and if so, for what reasons? The Visionaries Fund and New Philanthropic Leaders program are my addiction. I feel compelled to educate anyone and everyone about the important role of community foundations and to encourage people in their 20’s, 30’s and 40’s to use what they have – time, energy, talent – to support their communities early and often. I don’t want anyone getting to the end of their life and saying, “Well, now that I have a few bucks, or, time in retirement, I should think about getting involved.” For me – for all of us – it should be a lifelong pursuit to make our communities stronger. Give an example of you stepping outside your comfort zone with regards to your appearance and/or attire? I have recently woven some pink into my wardrobe. We are taking it slowly. Name one stylish trend from your childhood that you would bring back to “in style” if you could? Reebok Pumps…I might get a pair with wingtips for my courtroom hearings. Someday, looking back on your life, what had to have happened for you to feel proud and fulfilled? That my daughter is more successful than my wife and I, combined.
What lead you to your current profession? My first job was at a retail store at the age of 16. What do you love most about your job? I have a passion for making people look great. Define success in one statement. If you want something you’ve never had, you must be willing to do something you’ve never done. To whom or what do you credit your philanthropic heart? My father who brought us to this great country from Columbia, South America. If you could volunteer full time, what would you do? Help the sick and make sure they get the best quality health care. What style or outfit do you feel most accurately portrays your personality? Suit with or without a tie. Give an example of you stepping outside your comfort zone with regards to your appearance and/or attire? Tommy Bahama shirt, shorts, flip flops and a hat. Is there a color you prefer to wear and why? Navy for dressy occasions and Lavender in memory of my mother. Do you have a favorite brand of clothing? Hickey Freeman Suit, Hudson Casual 5 pocket slack. What do you consider your greatest personal accomplishment and why? Reaching $30 million dollars in sales in my selling career. What is your favorite quote? Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, how you leave others feel after having an experience with you becomes your trademark.
Occupation: Associate Attorney at the Law Firm of QuatriniRafferty, P.C. for 11 years Education: B.A, from Dickinson College, J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law
Occupation: Style Advisor for Larrimor’s for the past 6 months but over 25 years in this profession Education: Associate Degree
View their full interviews on our website at www.go2goalus.com 26 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
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About the Author - Bill Arnold is Executive Director of the Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation, internationally known inspirational speaker, and international media consultant on the subject of mining disasters.
T
FARM LIFE AND MINE RESCUES
en months after 9/11/2001, when United Flight 93 flew over his farm just seconds before crashing into a field a few miles away, Bill found himself literally one of the first to arrive at the scene of a second disaster, as nine Quecreek miners became trapped by floodwaters from an abandoned mine situated below his property. As the men fought for their lives 240 feet below Dormel Farms, his family’s historic 200-year-old home and dairy cow business, Bill joined the rescue effort, volunteering his aging farm equipment to assist and actually “turning the first earth” in the now world-renowned Miracle at Quecreek Mine. His tireless efforts throughout the 78-hour drama put him in the spotlight as international media converged on the county once again. He has appeared on every major news network, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, Fox and Friends, CNN, BBC, Larry King Live, and Geraldo. Bill has been a media consultant for nearly every mine rescue since 2002, including the successful rescue of the 33 Chilean Miners in South America in 2010. He was invited to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington, D.C. by Chilean President Sebastian Pinera for the opening of the Chilean Mine Rescue exhibit. In the years since this historic rescue, Bill has written two books about the event. Bill has started a non-profit foundation to “preserve the site and celebrate the inspirational story of the Quecreek Mine Rescue.” Bill continues to run Dormel Farms in Somerset, now a Certified Organic Dairy Farm with over 150 head of cattle, and still greets over one hundred motor coaches and over 5,000 guests per year that come to experience the events that took place on his historic property. Visitors to the Quecreek Mine Rescue site often are amazed that the rescue happened on a dairy farm, and that I was an active participant in the rescue. I think it makes perfect sense. Farmers have a unique perspective on life. Here are three lessons from the “Farmer’s Code”: All in all, it’s a good life. I love my farm and the life I lead. Sure, it can get frustrating sometimes, when it’s 10 below zero and windy, or in the 90’s and close to one hundred percent humidity, but all in all, it’s a good life. Most days I find myself taking care of morning milking, then taking inventory of the livestock, to see if there are any emergencies that need 28 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
dealt with. If not, it is feeding, cleaning up, and planning the next day (and week) to make sure the animals are healthy and happy. The livestock come first, because ultimately, they pay the bills. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work that can be facing you daily, so you learn to manage it. Sometimes you just need to take a step back and take a deep breath, and sometimes you need to come up with a completely new plan. Priorities must be flexible. Farming is a different way of life and sometimes it saddens me to realize that farms - and therefore farmers – are becoming something of the past. Farmers think differently than the rest of the world. It is impossible to get everything done that should be done so you learn to do the critical things first, the really important things next, and if time and Mother Nature allow it, all the other things that should be done. I say “if mother nature allows it” because there are few things that are more disappointing to a farmer than seeing a weather forecast that is calling for a week of beautiful sunshine, perfect for mowing acres of prime hay, only to have it rained on for the next three days. Disappointment is something you learn to handle. Happiness is “Doing the Right Thing.” For farmers there is nothing quite so sweet as seeing a week-old fawn lying stone still in the hayfield that you are seconds away from mowing. Instinct has told the baby deer that holding fast, staying motionless, is the best chance of avoiding predators. While
that may be true of coyotes, it never turns out that well with a high powered discbine. As busy as I always am, I’m always happy to slam on the brakes, idle the tractor down, and gather the fawn into my arms. They rarely struggle. I carry them a safe distance away, and put them in the edge of the woods, and out of harm’s way. I can’t help but smile, as I walk back to the tractor, one tragedy avoided. Yes, maybe the hay will get rained on, maybe not, but there was one thing that was done well. In my world, sometimes that is all it takes to make the 16-hour days’ worth every second. I made a difference. If you’ve never experienced the sheer joy of doing something for the sole reason of it being the “right” thing to do, you should. I think that feeling, that lifestyle, of doing good simply because you are capable is something our culture is losing. I am often asked, “Why did you do what you did during the rescue?” My answer is always the same: “because it was the right thing to do.”
Springtime
Photography Ideas By Autumn Stankay, SkySight Photography
Downtown Greensburg or Pittsburgh
All three of these lessons came in to play the evening of July 23, 2002, as you can see through this excerpt from my new book, Miracle at Quecreek Mine: Sometime before midnight on the night of that Wednesday, July 23, I ran out to the equipment shed armed with my Colt 45 and a flashlight. My dog’s urgent barking had awakened me from a sound sleep, and the first thing I thought was, “Someone’s trying to break into the shed.” Instead of a burglar, I found Sean Isgan and Bob Long, surveyors with CME Engineering. “Sean, what’s going on?” I said. I’ll never forget what he said to me. “Billy, there’s been an accident in the mine, and there’s nine men missing. We think they’re trapped under your farm.” I didn’t have to think twice. “Can Bill Arnold be next to help??” Bill Arnold Copies of Miracle at Quecreek Mine are available at the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site, through www. encouragebooks.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or may be ordered through your favorite bookstore.
I
think it’s a great time of year to get outside the house and go take some photos. Take a Sunday afternoon when the temps start to rise and the flowers are springing up, and catch those early buds before they are gone. So many trees will blossom for just a short period of time and then will be green for months. Remember the light is increasing daily, so you may even be able to get out for some evening hikes after work. Some of my favorite places to do some nature photography walks are listed below:
– This might be a strange option for a “nature hike”, but there are so many beautiful cherry blossom trees around the city, through the streets and along parking lots. They'll blossom for only a short period of time, so be sure to be watching them! One of my favorite shots to capture in spring is the blossoms on the trees in front of the courthouse in downtown Greensburg.
Shenandoah National Park – for a
little two day getaway, I can't say enough about the photos at majestic Shenandoah. Early spring will be budding all over the trails with Mountain Laurel. The wildlife, vistas, and forest trails are just amazing there. I highly recommend it!
Ohiopyle State Park – capture the
waterfalls and rushing water with green popping out on the trees!
Falling Water – As the winter fades, I imagine Falling Water to have incredible views as springtime buds frame that iconic view of the house with the falls. Phipps Conservatory – The Spring
Flower Show is always an amazing place to photograph beautiful (and rare!) flowers with the great displays they put on for the flower show.
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The Future of Your Website.............is in the Data By Chrissy Giagnocavo, Marketing & Workflow Director for Chroma Marketing Essentials
Growth Driven Design Leads the Way
Ease Up, Let the Data Do the Work
Trial and Error is a Good Thing
Your website may be years old or newly minted, but I imagine it was a challenging, even painful process to complete. The design was tweaked several times and a lot of effort went into selecting the pictures and getting the wording just right. It took forever to launch!
You’ll be glad to hear that Growth-Driven Design takes some of the pressure off you, the business owner. Instead of spending months trying to get every detail right, the goal is to start small and fast, then add and adapt every month - forever.
When we want to make trial and error sound scientific, we call it A/B Testing.
Did you argue over exactly how big to make your logo, and whether it should be on the left or right? Was it necessary to drop some choices out of the menu because the department responsible for those pages never delivered (or do they still say Under Construction)?
There will never be another major redesign, because your site is going to redesign itself along the way, staying fresh as new trends and technologies appear.
Now there’s a better way. In fact, it is THE design and development trend of the future, and it is radically different from what you’ve experienced. The concept is called Growth-Driven Design, but another way to think of it is Data-Driven Web Design.
How does that work? Before we talk about the beginning, let’s talk about the forever part. Today, Google Analytics and Google Search Console provide a rich source of compelling data about what’s happening when visitors reach your website. • You may not be able to tell the color of their eyes, but you can dig deep for demographic information, including gender and age. • You can know what cities they came from, how much time they spent on your site, what pages they clicked through and in what order. • Did they visit your site on a tablet, phone, or a laptop? What browser did they use?
The truth is, trial and error is a powerful tool for optimizing any process over time. It’s simple. Let’s say that data tells us visitors spend a remarkably short 5 second average on your Services Overview page. By reviewing Analytics, we determine that those visitors are largely seniors using an old web browser. From there we deduce that the position and complexity of the contact form on that page needs to be changed. We make the adjustment. Over the next month or more, we wait to see if the statistics improve. If they do, the change is kept. If the results are worse, the change is rolled back and we consider a different approach.
That doesn’t mean you should let your developer go wild. If you’ve picked a good digital marketer, one experienced in Growth-Driven Design, two things are true:
Over time, and by monitoring and considering the meaning of the data, your website grows into a more efficient and useful experience for its users - your customers!
Your Content Garden Grows Google favors growing websites and original content. A large part of Growth-Driven Design revolves around building the site over time. What pages or blog entries will be added this month? What new videos, pictures, and downloads? Maybe it’s time to revise the home page banners to improve audience engagement.
• Were there any conversions, i.e., people taking an action that you requested, like filling out a contact form or downloading a brochure?
In each case, changes and additions are done with reference to accumulating data, with the goal of advancing along successful paths and backing away from dead ends.
Since websites display quite differently on phones than tablets and laptops, knowing that 65% of visitors are seeing your site on a handheld device means specific design changes need to be made to optimize that experience. If they are women between the ages of 25 and 35, certain color choices may improve their engagement. If most of your audience seems to be teenagers from Indonesia, and you’re selling to architectural engineers in Pittsburgh, something’s wrong!
There will never be another major redesign because your site is going to redesign itself along the way, staying fresh as new trends and technologies appear.
Let’s imagine you’re a personal injury attorney, and your articles about car accidents are languishing, while Analytics shows a growing audience for the blog posts on medical and drug-induced injuries. In fact, your material focused on pharmaceutical cases is so compelling, other websites are linking to yours as reference material. Isn’t the data telling you which way to go?
Value Added Digital Marketing Growth-Driven Design usually has a digital marketing component, promoting your website through a selection of appropriate online marketing venues. These include e-Blasts and e-Newsletters, blog and article writing, social media posts, PPC advertising, video development, and more.
• They will adhere to your brand and design in a way that complements your existing marketing materials. • They’ve already been looking at data for lots of websites. They do this monthy and they know what works and what doesn’t. This makes their original design effort significantly more valuable than any opinion formed by subjective likes and dislikes.
The Investment On average, Growth-Driven Design costs more than traditional web design. There is a down payment to start the process and a monthly retainer. Several thousand dollars down and a thousand or a few thousand dollars a month is not unusual. Some companies may require a contract of a certain length, others may recommend a minimum trial period. Because the power of the method comes from ongoing adjustments, the shorter the trial, the less you can expect in the way of results. And the value is in the results - outcomes driven by data - including the number of leads, sales, and lifetime customers flowing into your business from your website. For businesses serious about leveraging the power of the web to expand their customer base and deliver effective online marketing campaigns, Growth Driven Design is the future - a future that has already arrived.
These efforts help bring traffic, which your optimized website engages with and works to convert into leads and customers.
How Do You Get Started? Whether it’s your first website or your fifth, Growth-Driven Design starts by quickly creating a base website using the latest technology and design sensibilities. New sites starting from scratch usually begin with a small, 5 to 10-page web presence. For older, pre-existing sites, a Growth-Driven redesign ports over all your existing content into the new design, with 5 to 10 pages receiving significant search optimization and content marketing attention. From there, both old and new sites enter a cycle of constant analytic review, updates, and A/B testing.
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In traditional web design, it’s a natural impulse to micromanage every aspect of development - after all, this is your company’s online presence for the next 3, 5, or 10 years. With Growth-Driven Design, you should ease back a bit. Let the designers design, and realize that, in response to data, something’s going to be changing every month, and you can’t spend hours fretting over every change.
• Did visitors arrive by search, through a link on another site, or via social media (and of those three avenues, which visitors stayed the longest and explored your site the most thoroughly)?
Data like this gives your web designer significant power to optimize the performance of your website.
Avoid Micromanaging the Process
www.chroma-marketing.com
www.chroma-solutions.com
724-523-3001 info@CMEwebsites.com www.go2goalus.com 31
Scott Ludwick
Associate Broker Ranked in Top 100 Agents Nationally Since 1998! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty
2018’s Most In-Demand Home Upgrade Projects “Animal Friends Sanctuary” reads a small sign on the windy Smiths Hill Road in Latrobe, Pennsylvania. This timid sign is an indicator of Candy Valentino’s big plans on the horizon. Here, in Unity Township, Animal Friends of Westmoreland will expand their mission and vision by opening Animal Friends Sanctuary. With the purchase of a 62 acre farm, Animal Friends Sanctuary will be able to rescue large animals like horses, donkeys and cows as well as farm animals such as pigs, goats, sheep and chicken. The organization has a massive vision and are not stopping there. Once the Sanctuary is open and programs have been funded; they will be opening their doors, and their hearts, to invite at-risk youth to the farm. Children in foster homes, children who have been abused, neglected or abandoned themselves will be able to find hope and healing as they Grab your FARM APPROVED hoodie before they are begin to build trust relatgone! Your purchase will also feed an animal for a ing to the stories of the month! Visit our website to order online. animals who also share such horrific pasts.
Kindness never looked so good.
A longtime animal activist, Candy started Animal Friends of Westmoreland in 2006, and in 2009 opened Animal Friends of Westmoreland to the public. Their shelter in currently located in Youngwood, Pennsylvania. This shelter rescues cats, dogs, and rabbits and houses around eighty animals. To date, the organization has rescued, rehabilitated and rehomed over 3000 lives. Their life saving work is done with only 3 paid staff and an army of over 250 active volunteers, contributing over 20,000 man hours to the Animal Friends mission. Animal Friends Sanctuary has completed renovations on the property's existing barn, which is now home to their first residents. Construction on a horse barn and new shelter to provide housing and medical care for more cats, dogs and bunnies is scheduled to start late in the summer of 2018. If you would like to make an impact on the lives of abused, abandoned animals and children, please donate to create a kinder, more compassionate world at
animalfriendssanctuary.org.
As we are in a new year, let’s take a look at the upgrade options that are forging to the top of many homeowners’ want lists. As you think about your own home renovation projects, here are five of the top upgrades homeowners are craving in 2018: Emerging mattes. When it comes to home upgrades, granite countertops have long ruled the preference list. But, that may not be the case this year. Instead of upgrading to shiny stainless steel and smooth granite, homeowners are choosing a more muted matte look. This alternate texture is taking over everything from tile to countertops to appliances. If you’re looking to make a statement in your kitchen or another part of your home this year, move over to matte! Sensible storage solutions. Home trends may be going tiny, but that just doesn’t cut it when it comes to storage spaces. In fact, homeowners everywhere are craving more convenient storage spaces to decoratively hide their items. Take your own kitchen pantry, for instance. Do you have enough space there? If not, you may find yourself scrambling for over-the-door storage units or other temporary fixes to allow more space on your shelves. Instead of settling for this solution that may not last, consider making an upgrade to more home storage in the kitchen and beyond. Modernized mud rooms. Not only are today’s busy families looking for more storage inside their cabinets, they are seeking some extra space when they first walk in the entryway. Whether you’re returning from a long day at work or a quick trip to the grocery store—or your umpteenth sports practice of the week—the first thing you want to do is drop whatever is in your hands and take off your shoes and coat. A spacious mud room will stop you from cluttering up the kitchen table. If you’re looking for an upgrade project, give your mudroom a functional, decorative makeover that may include everything from cabinets and coat racks to lockers and more. This way, everyone in the family will have a designated space to store their stuff.
Relative rooms. Have family or friends frequently visiting your home? Maybe they stay with you for weeks at a time to help out with your kids. Maybe you simply love to entertain on a regular basis. This year, homeowners are looking to truly make “room” for these relatives and extra guests. Instead of preparing a spare bedroom, they’re sweetening the deal with suites that may include a bedroom, bathroom and even a kitchen. Giving guests who stay for an extended period of time a little extra privacy also gives you a little extra privacy—then, everyone enjoys the visit a little more! Looking for an upgrade project this year? Go big for your guests and consider adding a suite. Smart technology. From programmable thermostats to updated lighting options, smart technology is taking over many upgrade projects this year. This upgrade will not only make your home look better, but it also will help you save energy and money. Why not install some options that closely match your family’s activity? They can turn on when you’re home and active and power down when you’re away or asleep. If you forget to turn off a light before work, smart technology can help you turn it off with just a few taps on your phone. Easy and smart! If you’re ready to make upgrades to your home this winter, consider these five functional—and fabulous—renovation projects.
Saturday, April 21, 2018 Doors open at 6:00 pm • Event starts at 7:00 pm
If you have questions about this, or anything real estate related reach out to Scott Ludwick at 724-838-3660 or Scott@ScottLudwick.com
The Palace Theatre $75 donation per person
For more information, and to purchase tickets online, go to: www.AnimalFriendsWestmoreland.org 32 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
© 2018 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.
What would you do in the event of a
House Fire?
By Brian Winfield, State Farm Agent
If you heard your smoke alarm go off or heard someone yell “FIRE!!!” what would you do? How much time do you think you have to get out of the house? Three minutes or less… that is about all you have to escape without injury. Here are some tips to prevent and prepare you in the event of a fire.
Help Prevent Electrical Fires… According to the Electrical Safety Foundation International, electrical failures cause 43,900 home fires every year. Those fires cause about 400 deaths, around 1,400 injuries and close to $1.5 billion dollars in property damage. One simple way homeowners can prevent costly electrical fires is with a home fire inspection. Many fire departments offer this service—often free of charge. Ask your local department about having a professional inspect your home for potential electrical issues and recommend steps for improving fire safety. What home fire inspectors may review An inspector should review all fire hazards in your home, from testing smoke detectors to making sure curtains and other flammables are a safe distance from heat sources. Electrical factors they might inspect include: • A proper ground. "One thing a home fire inspector should check is to make sure your home is grounded," says Bill Burke, division manager of electrical engineering for the National Fire Protection Association. Grounding diverts excess current that may
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result from an electrical surge and helps to keep electrical systems, devices and humans safer. • Electrical panel. "There should be air space around the main panel," Burke says. Inside, there shouldn't be evidence of overheating or corrosion, and the fuses and breakers should be the correct size. • Appliances. "If you have a device that's going to cause a home fire, it's most likely going to be one that draws a lot of current," Burke says. Inspectors might check the integrity of cords and plug-ins on fridges, stoves and other large appliances. • Out-of-date equipment. A home fire inspector can suggest improvements to reduce the risk of an electrical fire. One important update would be to install arc-fault circuit interrupters, which are designed to detect fire-starting arcs and shut down power. • General safety concerns. The inspector also should look for electrical hazards such as receptacles and switches that aren't functioning properly, lightbulbs exceeding the maximum wattage, damaged cords and overloaded power strips.
Hidden Home Fire Hazards and How to Eliminate Them According to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 300,000 house fires ignite each year in the U.S. on average—and most of them are preventable. Make sure to regularly check your smoke alarms, and familiarize yourself with the fire hazards around your home—especially these surprising ones: • Dust bunnies If dust collects near electrical sockets and floor heaters, just one spark can cause a fire. Sweep or vacuum your floors regularly to prevent buildup. Pay close
attention to hard-to-reach areas, such as behind doors or around entertainment systems. • Clothes dryers Cleaning the lint trap should be part of your regular laundry routine. Left untouched, lint can build up in your dryer duct with every load of laundry. Have a professional inspect and clean your dryer at least once a year to help eliminate a fire hazard. • Glassware When sunlight passes through some kinds of glassware, the concentrated ray can ignite flammable materials such as stacks of papers. Play it safe by moving all glass accessories, such as vases, away from windows. • Loose batteries Nine-volt batteries, which power smoke detectors, are designed with both posts on the top. Bits of metal, including other batteries and loose change, can create a bridge between the posts that causes a heat-creating charge. To prevent this, keep unused batteries in their original packaging and cover the posts of expired batteries with black electrical tape before properly disposing of them.
Prepare a Home Fire Evacuation Plan with Your Family If a fire strikes in your home, you won't have much time to react. Smoke inhalation can overwhelm a child or adult in less than two minutes. Be prepared by making a fire evacuation plan with your family so everyone makes it out of the house quickly and safely. A Map, a Plan, an Assignment First, sketch a map of your house's floor plan. Hold a family meeting, and familiarize your children with
the map by pointing out where each room in the house is. Pasting a photo of each family member inside his or her respective bedroom on the map may help younger children. Once your children understand the map, draw a red line from each room to show the exit route. If possible, draw an alternate route out of each room through a window, in case the primary route is blocked. Then designate a meeting place outside for the family to gather that is a safe distance away from the house, such as the mailbox, and draw that place on the map. Post the evacuation plan on the refrigerator to keep it fresh in your family's mind. Everyone in your family should have an assignment or responsibility in the event of an evacuation. Younger children should only focus on getting out according to the exit route. Have an adult account for the children and any pets getting out safely. Children who are old enough can be placed in charge of calling 9-1-1 once they are outside, or alerting a neighbor to call. This will help them see that they are an important part of the plan, and they need to take it seriously. Teach Safety Techniques Define, step-by-step, what you expect your children to do. Teach them to stay low to the floor, moving on their hands and knees, if there is smoke in their room. To avoid inhalation, instruct them to cover their face with a pillowcase or shirt. Show them how to crawl over to their bedroom door and touch the doorknob first. If it's hot, they should stand by their window and wave a shirt. If it's not hot, they should proceed out the door and exit the house to the meeting place outside. They should never attempt to pick up toys and personal possessions, or look for their parents, siblings, or pets. Sticking to the evacuation plan to get out safely is most important. Conduct Drills Let your children hear what a smoke detector going off sounds like. Tell them to follow the fire escape plan whenever they hear the smoke detector beeping. Practice this with periodic fire drills. Activate the smoke detector and work with your children so they don't forget what they are supposed to do. If they are having trouble, show them the map and repeat the plan until they have mastered it. With enough drills, you can avoid panic and confusion if a real fire strikes in the home.
Practice this with periodic fire drills. family isn't an option, talk to your local disaster relief agency, such as the American Red Cross or Salvation Army. These organizations will help you find a safe place to stay temporarily. 2. Contact your insurance agent. You'll need to start a claim and address your immediate needs. 'Loss of use' funds from your insurance policy will cover living and other daily expenses. If you receive these funds or an advance on your claim, save all receipts and keep a detailed record of all purchases. Your insurance agent should also be able to help you secure your property and offer recommendations for cleaning up or restoring salvageable items. 3. Address your finances. You'll still need to make mortgage payments — even if your home is destroyed.
Your insurance policy, which should cover your home's value and mortgage, will make payments to you and your mortgage lender. Remember: Pay the bank first and put leftover funds toward rebuilding or purchasing a new home. You'll also need to continue any car payments and replace any credit or debit cards that may have been destroyed in the house fire. 4. Recover your possessions. Items destroyed in a house fire are usually covered by insurance. Typically, the homeowners policy is a replacement cost policy. When a loss occurs, you will receive the actual cash value of your damaged items at the time of settlement and may recover the replacement cost once the items have been replaced. To help ensure everything is accounted for, keep an inventory of your possessions. This inventory should include the date of purchase, cost at purchase and description of each item, wherever possible. Before you find yourself dealing with a loss, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with your insurance policy and its coverages. You can understand ahead of time what will be taken care of if a loss occurs — and what your responsibilities are.
Hello, neighbor! Brian Winfield, Agent 550 Route 30 Irwin, PA 15642 Bus: 724-864-9000 www.brianwinfieldagency.com
Please stop by and say, “Hi!” I’m looking forward to serving your needs for insurance and financial services. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. ®
What to Do After a House Fire After suffering a house fire, it might be difficult to determine what to do next. These steps will help you get back on your feet. 1. Find a safe place to stay. No matter the amount of damage, you likely can't stay in your own home. If staying with friends or
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State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL
www.go2goalus.com 35
taxation is postponed until some point in the future. For example, with a 401(k) retirement plan, earnings are reinvested and taxed only when you take money out of the plan. The income earned in the 401(k) plan is tax deferred. A quick word about ordinary losses: It's possible for an investment to generate an ordinary loss, rather than ordinary income. In general, ordinary losses reduce ordinary income.
Understanding what basis means
By Bryan Kisiel, CPA CEO, Kisiel & Associates Director of Tax Planning, SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management
I
Taxation of Investments
t's nice to own stocks, bonds, and other investments. Nice, that is, until it's time to fill out your federal income tax return. At that point, you may be left scratching your head. Just how do you report your investments and how are they taxed? Is it ordinary income or a capital gain? To determine how an investment vehicle is taxed in a given year, first ask yourself what went on with the investment that year. Did it generate interest income? If so, the income is probably considered ordinary. Did you sell the investment? If so, a capital gain or loss is probably involved. (Certain investments can generate both ordinary income and capital gain income, but we won't get into that here.) If you receive dividend income, it may be taxed either at ordinary income tax rates or at the rates that apply to long-term capital gain income. Dividends paid to an individual shareholder from a domestic corporation or qualified foreign corporation are generally taxed at the same rates that apply to longterm capital gains. Long-term capital gains and qualified dividends are generally taxed at
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special capital gains tax rates of 0 percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent depending on your taxable income. (Some types of capital gains may be taxed as high as 25 percent or 28 percent.) The actual process of calculating tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends is extremely complicated and depends on the amount of your net capital gains and qualified dividends and your taxable income. But special rules and exclusions apply, and some dividends (such as those from money market mutual funds) continue to be treated as ordinary income. The distinction between ordinary income and capital gain income is important because different tax rates may apply and different reporting procedures may be involved. Here are some of the things you need to know.
Categorizing your ordinary income Investments often produce ordinary income. Examples of ordinary income include interest and rent. Many investments — including savings accounts, certificates of deposit, money market accounts, annuities, bonds, and some
preferred stock — can generate ordinary income. Ordinary income is taxed at ordinary (as opposed to capital gains) tax rates. But not all ordinary income is taxable — and even if it is taxable, it may not be taxed immediately. If you receive ordinary income, the income can be categorized as taxable, tax exempt, or tax deferred.
Let's move on to what happens when you sell an investment vehicle. Before getting into capital gains and losses, though, you need to understand an important term — basis. Generally speaking, basis refers to the amount of your investment in an asset. To calculate the capital gain or loss when you sell or exchange an asset, you must know how to determine both your initial basis and adjusted basis in the asset. First, initial basis. Usually, your initial basis equals your cost — what you paid for the asset. For example, if you purchased one share of stock for $10,000, your initial basis in the stock is $10,000. However, your initial basis can differ from the cost if you did not purchase an asset but rather received it as a gift or inheritance, or in a tax-free exchange. Next, adjusted basis. Your initial basis in an asset can increase or decrease over time in certain circumstances. For example, if you buy a house for $100,000, your initial basis in the house will be $100,000. If you later improve your home by installing a $5,000 deck, your adjusted basis in the house may be $105,000. You should be aware of which items increase the basis of your asset, and which items decrease the basis of your asset. See IRS Publication 551 for details.
Calculating your capital gain or loss
•T axable income: This is income that's not tax exempt or tax deferred. If you receive ordinary taxable income from your investments, you'll report it on your federal income tax return. In some cases, you may have to detail your investments and income on Schedule B.
If you sell stocks, bonds, or other capital assets, you'll end up with a capital gain or loss. Special capital gains tax rates may apply. These rates may be lower than ordinary income tax rates.
• Tax-exempt income: This is income that's free from federal and/or state income tax, depending on the type of investment vehicle and the state of issue. Municipal bonds and U.S. securities are typical examples of investments that can generate tax-exempt income.
Basically, capital gain (or loss) equals the amount that you realize on the sale of your asset (i.e., the amount of cash and/ or the value of any property you receive) less your adjusted basis in the asset. If you sell an asset for more than your adjusted basis in the asset, you'll have a capital gain. For example, assume you had an adjusted basis in stock of $10,000. If you sell the
• Tax-deferred income: This is income whose
The actual process of calculating tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends is extremely complicated and depends on the amount of your net capital gains and qualified dividends and your taxable income. stock for$15,000, your capital gain will be $5,000. If you sell an asset for less than your adjusted basis in the asset, you'll have a capital loss. For example, assume you had an adjusted basis in stock of $10,000. If you sell the stock for $8,000, your capital loss will be$2,000. Schedule D of your income tax return is where you'll calculate your short-term and long-term capital gains and losses, and figure the tax due, if any. You'll need to know not only your adjusted basis and the amount realized from each sale, but also your holding period, your taxable income, and the type of asset(s) involved. See IRS Publication 544 for details. • Holding period: Generally, the holding period refers to how long you owned an asset. A capital gain is classified as short term if the asset was held for a year or less, and long term if the asset was held for more than one year. The tax rates applied to long-term capital gain income are generally lower than those applied to short-term capital gain income. Short-term capital gains are taxed at the same rate as your ordinary income. • Taxable income: Long-term capital gains and qualified dividends are generally taxed at special capital gains tax rates of 0%, 15%, and 20% depending on your taxable income. (Some types of capital gains may be taxed as high as 25 percent or 28 percent.) The actual process of calculating tax on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends is extremely complicated and depends on the amount of your net capital gains and qualified dividends and your taxable income. • Type of asset: The type of asset that you sell will dictate the capital gain rate that applies, and possibly the steps that you should take to calculate the capital gain (or loss). For instance, the sale of an antique is
taxed at the maximum tax rate of 28 percent even if you held the antique for more than 12 months.
Using capital losses to reduce your tax liability You can use capital losses from one investment to reduce the capital gains from other investments. You can also use a capital loss against up to $3,000 of ordinary income this year ($1,500 for married persons filing separately). Losses not used this year can offset future capital gains. Schedule D of your federal income tax return can lead you through this process. New Medicare contribution tax on unearned income may apply High-income individuals may be subject to a 3.8 percent Medicare contribution tax on unearned income (the tax, which first took effect in 2013, is also imposed on estates and trusts, although slightly different rules apply). The tax is equal to 3.8 percent of the lesser of: • Your net investment income (generally, net income from interest, dividends, annuities, royalties and rents, and capital gains, as well as income from a business that is considered a passive activity), or • The amount of your modified adjusted gross income that exceeds $200,000 ($250,000 if married filing a joint federal income tax return, $125,000 if married filing a separate return) So, effectively, you're subject to the additional 3.8 percent tax only if your adjusted gross income exceeds the dollar thresholds listed above. It's worth noting that interest on tax-exempt bonds is not considered net investment income for purposes of the additional tax. Qualified retirement plan and IRA distributions are also not considered investment income.
Getting help when things get too complicated The sales of some assets are more difficult to calculate and report than others, so you may need to consult an IRS publication or other tax references to properly calculate your capital gain or loss. Also, remember that you can always seek the assistance of an accountant or other tax professional.
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You can be proud to offer customers hundreds of products created exclusively for Market America. Without the costly burdens of manufacturing, mass marketing and advertising, greater resources are placed in product development and quality assurance, which guarantees that everything we offer is backed by substantial science, rigorous testing and peer-reviewed research.
Market America’s Isotonix® same fluid pressure as bodily fluids, Isotonix products are formulatedIt with Ask UnFranchise® Owners what theirproducts favoritetheproduct is and many will say Isotonix OPC-3®. packs a offer the fastest and most efficient i.e., the solutions of food entering the the proper balance of key ingredients powerful punch, with extracts of citrus bioflavonoids, bilberry, red wine and grape seed, plus Pycnogenol® delivery system of any nutraceutical small intestine from the stomach for to assure that they are isotonic and † from the bark of supplements. the French maritime Isotonix, when usedpine tree.These absorption. OPCs (oligomeric proanthocyanidins) effective when properly prepared.are among as directed,and will provide the precise free-radical When you ingest non-isotonic Isotonix products powders, today’s most powerful promising fighters. “Even foodsAnd without labels,arelike fruits and quantity of nutrients your body needs nutritional supplements, your body which greatly decreases the amount of vegetables, aren’t as nutritious as we expect toandbe.work necessary to absorb a so you receive maximum results.* must work for hours to digest and them time solutions meant for the benefits and a percentage supplement. Market America isWhen thedescribing worldwide exclusive absorb provider of isotonic-capable Pycnogenol®. Pycnogenol® consumption, isotonic means having of the nutritive value is still lost. is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd. Use of this product may be protected by one or * These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. †Pycnogenol® is a registered trademark of Horphag Research Ltd. Use of this product may be protected by one or more U.S. patents and other international patents. more U.S. patents and other international patents. www.pycnogenol.com AA
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Isotonix Essentials Women’s Health is*toa custom blend designed to Isotonix Essentials Women’s Health is* a custom blend designed COMPLEXION • BALANCE • • VITALITY * COMPLEXION • BALANCE • VITALITY• COMPLEXION VITALITY make you look andBALANCE feelHealth your best. Oursupports Womenʼs Health formula supports make you look and feel your best. Our Womenʼs formula Isotonix Essentials Women’s Health is custom blend designed to Isotonix Essentials Women’s Health is abones, custom blend designed a healthy complexion, helps support healthy teeth, joints and skin a healthy complexion, support healthy teeth, joints and skin Isotonix Essentials Women’s Health istoa abones, custom blend designed to PL AY and feelhelps * make you look and feel your best. Our Womenʼs supports * makeprovides you lookantioxidant your best. Our Womenʼs formula and provides antioxidant protection forsupports your entireHealth body.formula and protection for your body. make you look andentire feelHealth your best. Our Womenʼs Health formula supports a healthy helps support a healthy complexion, helps support complexion, healthy bones, teeth, jointshealthy and skinbones, a healthy complexion, helps support healthy bones, teeth, teeth, joints joints and and skin skin IDS: 6701 & 6701NM | SR: $79.95 SKU IDS: 6701 & 6701NM | SKU SR: $79.95 * * and antioxidant protection and provides antioxidant protection for your entire body. and provides provides antioxidant protection for for your your entire entire body. body.*
IDS: SKU IDS: 6700 & 6700NM | SKU SR: $99.95 SKU IDS: 6700 6700 & & 6700NM 6700NM | | SR: SR: $99.95 $99.95
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Turn Down is afor custom formula designed for Isotonix Essentials TurnIsotonix Down isEssentials a custom formula designed * • SLEEP • CALMNESS* MOOD * MOOD • SLEEP • CALMNESS MOOD • SLEEP CALMNESS who need a•dose of relaxation. Our Turn Down formula helps people who need a dose ofpeople relaxation. Our Turn Down formula helps Turn Down is a custom formula designed for Isotonixand Essentials Downpromotes isEssentials a custom formula designed enhance and stabilize your mood, promotes mental clarity and supports enhance stabilize Turn yourIsotonix mood, mental clarity and Isotonix Essentials Turn Down issupports afor custom formula designed for * of relaxation. people who need a Our * of people who need a dose relaxation. Our Turn Down formula helps a healthy sleep quality. a healthy sleep quality. people who need a dose dose of relaxation. Our Turn Turn Down Down formula formula helps helps and your mood, promotes enhance and stabilize yourenhance mood, promotes mental clarity and supportsmental enhance and stabilize stabilize your mood, promotes mental clarity clarity and and supports supports IDS: 6702 & 6702NM SKU IDS: 6702 & 6702NM | SKU SR: $69.95 * | SR: $69.95 healthy sleep quality. * a healthy sleep quality.* a a healthy sleep quality.
Essentials Turn Up is* afor custom formula designed for anyone Isotonix Essentials TurnIsotonix Up is* a custom formula designed anyone ENERGY • FOCUS • * ENERGY • FOCUS • CLARITY ENERGY •aformula FOCUS • CLARITY CLARITY who needs daily boost. Our Turn Up helps formula increases energy, helps who needs a daily boost. Our Turn Up increases energy, Essentials Turn Up a custom formula designed for anyone Isotonixmental Essentials Up is amental custom formula anyone improve acuity anddesigned promotes cognitive health. Keep your improve acuity Turn and Isotonix promotes cognitive health. Keep energy Isotonix Essentials Turn Up is isyour afor custom formula designed for energy anyone * who needs a daily boost. Our Up formula increases energy, * brain who needs a daily Our Upand increases energy, levels high your the boost it craves! levels high and giveboost. your brain the boost itgive craves! whoTurn needs aformula daily boost. Our Turn Turn Up helps formula increases energy, helps helps mental acuity and improve mental acuity and improve promotes cognitive health. Keep yourcognitive energy health. improve mental acuity and promotes promotes cognitive health. Keep Keep your your energy energy IDS: 6703 & 6703NM* | SR: $79.95 SKU IDS: 6703 & 6703NM | SKU SR: $79.95 * levels high and give your brain the boost it craves! * levels high and give your brain the boost it craves! levels high and give your brain the boost it craves!
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TLS® Trim TLS® Trim TeaTea is a gluten-free, thermogenic slimming tea formulated to promote a multifunctional approach
to weight (a thermogenic slimming tea)management support. See how to stop overpaying interest at www.PayingOffHomes.com
Codes: 6610 and DC: $28.50 SR: $39.95 BV: 20
38 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
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Contact Karen Novak to schedule a FREE, no-obligation call/webinar with Jesse Smith, Mortgage and Debt Elimination Specialist.
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Isotonic-Capable Dietary Supplement AnAn Isotonic-Capable Dietary Supplement An Isotonic-Capable Dietary Supplement Net Weight: 4.7oz. (13.3 g) g) Net Weight: 4.7oz. (13.3 Net Weight: 4.7oz. (13.3 g)
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Student Loans? Business Debt? Mortgage?
®
A Isotonic-Capable Dietary Supplement 30 – 0.47 oz. (13.3 g) Packets Net weight: 14.1 oz (399 g)
TLS® is a registered Trademark of Market America, Inc.
- helps maintain normal blood sugar levels* - helps maintain normal 6610NM insulin activity*
- helps maintain normal cholesterol levels* - promotes healthy weight management* And it is only 2 ingredient s - WellTrim (Africa n Mango Seed Extract) and Blac k Tea Extract, no stimulants.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
If someone told you five years ago that the world's largest TAXI COMPANY would own NO vehicles, the world's most popular PUBLISHER would create NO content, and the world's largest MUSIC DISTRIBUTION DOESN'T own a recording studio, you would have found that hard to believe, right? Well, today there is another paradigm shift happening with internet shopping, and SHOP. COM™ is at the forefront.
SHOP.COM™:
What better domain name than SHOP.COM™! Every household is buying something. What you are buying may be different than what your neighbor is buying, but we are all purchasing things. Online shopping is definitely here to stay, but do you think what online shopping is today is where it's going to be in the future? SHOP.COM™ has a better way, and we're already #1 at what we're doing which is distribution and tracking referrals. SHOP.COM™ is one of the largest online shopping sites in the world, though most people haven't heard of us yet. We offer customers a better shopping EXPERIENCE, and we offer them savings by finding the best prices and earnings through our cash back program.
SHOP LOCAL
But what about local business? Market America is helping local businesses by driving traffic into their establishments as well as allowing smaller retailers to compete online right alongside major retailers. Our customers want cash back on as many of their household purchases as possible. Even with more and more households shopping online, people still go to local restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores. And they still want to support local businesses. Now local businesses can benefit through our SHOP Local program (www.ShopLocal.SHOP.com), and customers can get cash back on purchases made at participating local businesses.
PRODUCT BROKERAGE CONCEPT
Market America started as a productbrokerage company and is still today very
much a product broker. We are a sourcing company, and we identify market-driven products in billion-dollar industries. We allow the manufacturer to do what they do best which is research and development, and we do what we do best which is distribution. Being a product broker is a great place to be in business as we are immune to marketing trends. What people are buying in 5, 10 even 20 years may be different than what people are buying today, but Market America will surely have whatever it is that people want.
YOU ARE ALREADY SPENDING IT, WHY NOT EARN ON IT?
With SHOP.COM™, costs are driven down and margins move back to the consumer. It’s a win, win, win, win...the store wins, the customer wins, the entrepreneur wins and SHOP.COM™ wins. It moves more of the profits through more people rather than a few people at the top keeping it all. The way we sell products is virtually. We find the manufacturer that makes it, connect the buyer and move product directly, bypassing all the old ways of stocking, advertising, transporting goods to the store, etc. There are three major shifts happening that SHOP.COM™/Market America is capitalizing on: 1. Store model is failing and evolving into virtual distribution while online spending is at an all-time high. 2. Mass marketing is being replaced by oneto-one MOBILE marketing. 3. Moving away from employee mindset to entrepreneur mindset.
THE POWER OF VERTICAL
Our whole business model is based on a vertical marketing structure. Vertical eliminates the pitfalls of a horizontal marketing structure (competition) and actually creates synergy. In horizontal such as traditional business, franchising, multi-level marketing, etc., when you open a second location you spread yourself thin. In vertical, as you open subsequent business centers, you actually secure the previous ones. Our business system is designed for very busy people to be able to implement this business alongside and without affecting what they are currently doing. That said, no one is going to consider anything additional unless it is going to give them something they don't already have. I ask people: What do you want more of in your life? What do you want less of? Check out my website (www.SHOP.com/ everforward) for all your shopping needs – including groceries! Don’t forget to register as a Preferred Customer (it’s FREE!). Be sure to download ‘ShopBuddy®’. It will keep you from missing a coupon code or cash back. ShopBuddy® will also notify you if you are shopping elsewhere online and SHOP.COM™ has that same item for a better price. Contact me if you’d like to learn more about SHOP.COM™ or if you’re interested in having a conversation to explore the Unfranchised Business System.
IT'S LATER THAN YOU THINK...
I hand-select new business partners, looking for commitment and lifetime value as our individual efforts will combine to benefit all partners. When meeting with prospective business partners, I ask people some tough questions: Are you where you thought you'd be at this point in your life? I ask people: Are you someone with a lot of stress and pressure from the responsibilities of your successful position? Are you feeling increasingly unsettled about your future? Do you get to do the things you really want to do? What about a lifestyle where you are more present in your family’s life? I know...why look at the problem, REALLY look at it and have the courage to be honest with yourself, if there isn't a way out.
Karen Novak
Independent Unfranchised Owner SHOP.COM/Market America 724-882-0800 everforward66@yahoo.com www.SHOP.COM/everforward www.maWebCenters.com www.isotonix.com/everforward www.MotivesCosmetics.com/everforward www.ShopLocal.SHOP.com www.global.SHOP.com/everforward
www.go2goalus.com 39
GOAL Magazine’s 1st
Cover Party
By the GOAL Magazine Team On Wednesday January 17th GOAL Magazine hosted its first ever Cover Party at the Greensburg Garden and Civic Center. Sponsored by SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management and The Animal Friends of Westmoreland, the event celebrated the unveiling of the 6th cover of GOAL Magazine featuring Candy Valentino, CEO of Animal Friends of Westmoreland and Mary, a rescued calf that resides at the organization’s new sanctuary in Unity Township. The event was catered by fellow GOAL contributor Vallozzi’s of Greensburg. They put together an incredible Vegan Menu including: Fresh Vegetable Shooters with Hummus; Ziti with Roasted Eggplant; Vegetable Spring Rolls with Peanut Chili Dipping Sauce; Stuffed Mushrooms with Pesto; Black Bean Burger Sliders and Mulligatawny Vegan Soup. Tables were decorated with fresh roses and copies of the magazine.
Adoptable, Lovable
With a dough recipe born more than 20 years ago in the family kitchen, we are proud to share our pizza with you.
Betty White
Jane West entertained the guests with her beautiful voice and smooth acoustic guitar jams. A photobooth area was available for guests to take photos with funny props and a large mock GOAL Magazine Cover frame. One of the dogs available for adoption at Animal Friends of Westmoreland, Betty White, also attended the event. Ironically, her appearance
at the party fell on the iconic Betty White’s actual 96th birthday. Additional gratitude is in order for fellow GOAL Magazine Contributors who make each issue possible, and the Community Foundation of Westmoreland and Westmoreland Cultural Trust for allowing us to use their scenic penthouse location within the Garden and Civic Center. Another thank you to GOAL Magazine Contributor Hector Olave of Larrimor’s in Pittsburgh for donating a $100 Larrimor’s store gift card to their store as a door prize for the event. William Urbanik, co-founder of GOAL Magazine, described the event, “like the magazine, the cover party was a great opportunity to gather fantastic business owners, dedicated public servants and leaders within the community that have philanthropic hearts together.” Amy Fauth of the Latrobe Bulletin covered the event and the article appeared on the front cover of the newspaper the following day. You can view additional photos on our social media accounts by searching for the hashtag #GOALMagazineCoverParty.
• Made with love. • Nothing reaches your table without careful consideration by our team. • Menu built to please. • Options to satisfy the whole family. • Fresh ingredients. • When you dine at Thirty’s you’re part of the family.
4433 St. Rt. 30, Latrobe, Pa 15650
724.879.4268 • www.thirtyspizza.com 40 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
Thirty’s Craft Pizza & Beers www.go2goalus.com 41
Giving Back: Neighborhood road in Delmont – In Westmoreland County, 251 shale oils wells are currently active.
In Westmoreland County, where shale and natural gas drilling is an important part of the economy, a generous church-goer and her late husband helped achieve their charitable goals by donating mineral and gas rights. Betty Hags went to church nearly every Sunday of her adult life at the 150-member Salem Lutheran Church in Delmont just outside of Greensburg in Westmoreland County.
A generous donor’s planned gift includes gas and mineral rights By Mark Marino | Pittsburgh Foundation Communications Department
covering her face. To the left is her name, “Betty Hags.” That quilt and many others like it were given to the church, which Hags cared for deeply. Salem Lutheran’s pastor, Rev. Kara Propst, says she knew in the back of her mind that Betty and her late husband Joseph would leave a gift for the church after their deaths. But the degree of their generosity was a surprise to everyone.
Hags' pastor and friends in her church’s sewing circle knew how creative she was with a needle and thread. She paired her skill with kindness, making crafts for seniors living at a long-term care center in Delmont.
In her will, Hags left nearly $800,000 to The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County (CFWC) to create the Betty Hags Memorial Fund, which will provide her congregation with approximately $30,000 a year in perpetuity. Some of that bequest was in the form of mineral and gas rights.
After Hags died at age 95 in March 2016, her friends and neighbors found a homemade quilt in her attic depicting her congregation walking up a long pathway to Salem Lutheran Church. In the foreground is a small woman wearing a floral dress and, like the other ladies sewn in the quilt, a hat
“People just teared up,” says the Foundation’s executive director Phil Koch when he announced the gift to the church’s council in November, 2016. “It was an emotional moment.” In Westmoreland County, where, according to U.S. Census data for
42 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
Westmoreland County, around one in 10 individuals lives in poverty, such a donation could have a critical impact. “Betty Hags found a way to be part of the church in perpetuity. Rather than use her gift to pay our bills, we’d like to use it to expand our ministries,” said Propst during an interview for The Pittsburgh Foundation’s 2016-17 annual report. While church officials will need time to determine the best use of the funding, Propst said the gift will advance the church’s mission of feeding the hungry.
Phil Koch
Using Gas And Mineral Rights For Good The story of the Hags Fund is as informative as it is inspirational. A 2012 report by the Federal Reserve found that most family wealth—62 percent—is not in cash, stocks or other financial
Salem Lutheran Church Pastor Kara Propst, pictured here in the church’s second-floor sanctuary, remembers Betty Hags as a woman of faith and creativity whose generosity surprised an entire congregation.
Aerial view behind Salem Lutheran Church – Delmont, a community of 3,000 residents, is located nine miles north of the Greensburg county seat.
assets, but rather in complex, non-cash assets. The most common complex assets include real estate, privately-held business interests, income-producing property, and mineral and gas rights. More than 350,000 shale oil wells have been drilled in Pennsylvania, with 251 wells currently active in Westmoreland County, according to data collected by National Public Radio and the Marcellus Shale Committee. While small nonprofits may not be equipped to accept mineral rights such as those donated by Betty Hags, larger charities such as CFWC are able to accept noncash assets and use them to establish a charitable fund that will support organizations that donors care about in perpetuity. “Selling assets like these to for-profit companies or outsourcing them for sale can be surprisingly expensive for families,” says Koch. “Converting complex noncash assets may require prequalification, higher contribution amounts, additional fees, all of which can make the process take a
Salem Lutheran Church Pastor Kara Propst, holds up a quilt made by Betty Hags, who was skilled with a needle and thread. The quilt depicts Salem Lutheran Church and its congregation, with Betty Hags in the foreground.
long time. That’s where a community foundation can help,” he says. Betty Hags' attorney, Kim Hauser, says Hags’ gift will help preserve the historic red-brick church, which is a hub for charitable activity in Delmont. The decision yet to be made, he says, is whether the Foundation should sell or keep the mineral and gas rights of Hags’ lowacreage estate.
Aerial view of Salem Lutheran Church – Salem Lutheran Church, where Betty Hags went to church throughout her adult life, has about 150 members.
“Betty Hags wanted to leave a gift to the church that meant a lot to her,” Hauser says. “The staff members at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County are prudent, rational folks. The Foundation’s staff will evaluate whether they want to sell or commit themselves to long-term handling of assets, making sure royalties are paid appropriately and maintaining ownership.” Donating complex or closely-held assets to a community foundation can not only mean
more money for charities of importance to a loved one but also a potential tax deduction for the estate. “Families may be surprised by tax burdens associated with a loved one’s estate. Donating complex assets to charities can significantly reduce those burdens while also creating a lasting legacy to benefit nonprofits like Salem Lutheran,” says Koch.
Mark Marino is a communications intern at The Pittsburgh Foundation. He has previously written for the internationally-published China Daily in Beijing and Penn State’s student-run newspaper, the Daily Collegian. Mackenzie Carpenter, a freelance writer living in Pittsburgh, wrote about Betty Hags’ gift in The Pittsburgh Foundation’s 2016-17 Annual Report. Read her story here:
https://pittsburghfoundation.org/lifting-a-congregation. www.go2goalus.com 43
BE O R T A L R E T A E GR HOOL
SENIOR HIGH SC
By Lydia Daily Portfolio prep is a semester class offered at Greater Latrobe Senior High School. It is a course designed for seniors to strengthen their art skills and experiment with different media. Four big projects were completed throughout the course, including a series, a non-traditional self-portrait, a stained glass window project permanently displayed in the school, and a contemporary artist project. Lydia Mack, an art teacher at GLSD said, “I created this class so that students could not only prepare their portfolios, but also experience a college level studio art class.” The contemporary artist project allowed novice artists to study from a modern artist, inspiring a work of their own. “I created this project so that students could use contemporary artists’ work to inspire their own,” says Lydia Mack. From photography, to sculpture, to design, the students produced amazing pieces. Each student was completely different and unique with their artists, along with their own creations.
inspiration from others
By Michael Quatrini, Esq and Adam Quatrini, Esq
The Portfolio Prep project inspired by modern artists
MARIANNA SCHRACK PRICELESS
helping our clients soldier through an injury and disability. Our attorneys at QuatriniRafferty first focus on identifying and pursuing the primary source of compensation - the at-fault auto driver, the workers' compensation carrier, the Social Security Disability claim.
“There are 20-30 million slaves still in the world today and human trafficking is the most common type. But what most of us don’t know is that human trafficking happens in small towns in the U.S. like Latrobe, it’s not just occurring in third world countries.” INSPIRATION FROM WILLIAM ADAIR
The QR difference is that we have a wide range of legal specialties to identify other potential streams of income and transitional services:
W
Throughout the course eleven elite students showcased their capabilities through their work. The large-scale pieces portrayed immense sculptural knowledge. Pieces about identity, societal issues, popular icons, were designed by this small group of students. Their artistic minds will continue to impact the community.
MADDY KORNIDES FREEDOM OF SPEECH “I want to ask the viewer if, in the end, they have used this freedom to amount to anything.” INSPIRATION FROM BANKSY
LYDIA DAILY VINYL IN RED “I was inspired by his use of vinyl in almost every season he’s created. His use of unique materials and designs was what brought me to love his work.” INSPIRATION FROM GARETH PUGH
44 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
The Unique QuatriniRafferty Multiple Streams of Income Strategy
hen a client walks through our door, their life has been unexpectedly turned upside down.
• Should the injured corrections officer file for unemployment compensation if the workers' compensation claim is denied? Or, should the worker utilize the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation to retrain for a less-physical job after settling the WC case?
It is the corrections officer injured by an unruly prisoner, or, an accountant involved in an auto accident with his/her family. It can be a doctor diagnosed with a serious illness, or, a military veteran struggling with an onset of Parkinson's disease due to Agent Orange exposure.
• Should the accountant consider filing a Social Security disability claim in addition to pursuing a claim against the at-fault auto driver? Did we consider working with a financial adviser to determine whether a structured settlement would provide more long-term security?
The life "change" arrives without warning and creates chaos in what was a routine existence: a full schedule of medical appointments, loss of independence, reliance on family and friends, enduring surgery as well as hours of rehabilitation, loss of self-esteem, missing out on family functions from birthday parties to holiday dinners, to school activities with children. And, on top of all of these life changing moments is the financial pressure of a reduced or total loss of income.
• Did the doctor make sure to file an application for short-term or long-term disability benefits through the employer at the time our client went off of work? Or, is bankruptcy necessary to repair credit and ward off bill collectors after our client's financial life got turned upside down?
We are very sensitive to all the worries heaped on our clients. Consequently, we have developed a unique approach to
• Should the Veteran struggling with Parkinson's disease file claims with the VA for Individual Unemployability benefits because he or she cannot work, or, for Aid and Attendance benefits to compensate their loved one who is caring for them?
The QR multi-streams of income approach produces two important results: First, it minimizes the immediate impact of an injury or illness. Secondly, it maximizes the financial recovery for our clients and puts them in a stronger economic position for the long-term. Here are two examples. Jim is a Veteran. He could no longer hold down a job. We coordinated his short-term and long-term disability benefits which carried him through the five-year odyssey of a VA disability appeal. Sally was a nurse. We obtained a Social Security disability award – at the Judge's hearing – for Sally, providing her with a steady, monthly income for life, which helped Sally conserve the lump sum workers' compensation settlement we obtained for her. At QR, this is what we do. Every day, all day. When life happens, call one of our 15 attorneys for a free consultation (at 888-534-6016) in Latrobe, Greensburg, Pittsburgh, and Altoona.
Workers’ Compensation Social Security Disability
Long-Term Disability
Wills & Elder Law
Injuries & Auto Accidents
Veterans’ Disability
Bankruptcy
www.go2goalus.com 45
Gala
GOAL Magazine Proudly Presents The Second Annual Black Tie
The Well-heeled Man
Magazine
Let Hector Olave and Larrimor’s put some spring in your step with new kicks from Magnanni, di Bianco, To Boot New York, John Varvatos, Bruno Magli, Donald J Pliner and Allen Edmonds. From oxfords and monk straps to sneakers and chukkas, Larrimor’s offering of premium quality men’s shoes will take your look to the next level.
Tips & Trends for Spring
S
neakers are still dominating the footwear scene as designers continue to embrace the sportswear movement. Brands are transforming the once basic sneaker into a high-end necessity for every closet. From a style standpoint, men are paying more attention to their footwear and seeking standout shoes. The classic and versatile chukka boot, which used to be strictly worn in the fall, can now pretty much be worn at any time of the year. For spring, we continue to see materials like suede, leather and canvas. Another smart casual classic for spring and summer is the driving loafer. Drivers are slip-on shoes that have dot-like rubber nubs on the sole and heel counter. The rubber nubs exist to help the wearer grip the pedals of a car more effectively. Drivers are very comfortable and are one of the best casual shoes a man can own.
SAVE THE DATE! Saturday September 22, 2018 Greensburg Country Club, 309 Pleasant Valley Rd, Jeannette, PA 15644
A few tips that I like to share with my customers include:
Hey guys, women are looking at your shoes! That’s right, women care about men’s shoes and they are looking at yours! At work and at play, women quite often form an opinion based on the appearance of your shoes. It is quite often the first thing a woman will notice about a man (after his eyes). A great shoe speaks volumes so wear nice ones! Women also notice your socks. If they’re white, they don’t want to see them. Get yourself a few pair of fun printed or colorful dress socks to wear with your new found sole mates.
Contact Hector for a personal wardrobe and styling consultation at Larrimor’s or he can bring the store to you! 412.471.5727 or HOlave@Larrimors.com 46 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2018
ank as fantastic, th "That event w , ev reensburg er you!! Best in G hands down" - Kimberly Smith
Lead Sponsor:
pite the tie affair! Des ck a bl l ca pi ty laxed "Not your had a very re y rt pa e th e, g sure formal attir games, makin e th to c si u m s clearly the feel. From the great time wa a d a h e n yo g forward to ever already lookin year!!" re e' W . L: A O for next party's "G have planned le see what they County Honorab - Westmoreland te et ol C , and wife Judge Jim Silvis
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hector’s Photo: archie carPenter
1 Keep your shoes in cedar shoe trees. They draw perspiration out of the shoes and help the leather maintain its natural oils. 2 Alternate your shoes. Try not to wear the same pair two days in a row. 3 Every man should have three pairs of dress shoes—wingtip, cap-toe and plain-toe—complemented by a “knock-around” or casual pair like an overlay, plain or tasseled loafer. Wingtips are a good day-in/day-out shoe. Cap-toe is a bit more refined and semi-formal. Remember: the plainer the shoe, the dressier. 4 Shoe shine is crucial to keeping leather in soft and supple condition. Come in to Larrimor’s and see Max for a free shine.
"Had a great time. Met fun people. Learn ed Craps. Ate . Drank. Dance d." - Dr. Rhonda La ughlin
Located in the Blue Spruce Shoppes in Murrysville 724- 519-9502 Find us on Facebook at KatwalkMurrysville
We Now Carry: www.go2goalus.com 47
MAGAZINE P.O. Box 304, Latrobe, Pa 15650 724-209-8219 go2goalus.com info@go2goalus.com
Content provided in GOAL Magazine is for educational, informational, and promotional purposes only. GOAL Magazine does not render professional advice. Recommendations expressed in articles have not been independently tested. Articles contained in GOAL Magazine reflect the perspective and advice of their authors, not necessarily the magazine's publisher. Š 2018 Go2Goal, LLC All Rights Reserved
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