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MAGAZINE
INSIDE: BRIAN WINFIELD HAVE A TEEN DRIVER? KISIEL AND ASSOCIATES TAXATION OF MINORS
Autumn Stankay
THE OFTEN SILENT STRUGGLE: MY JOURNEY WITH INFERTILITY Page 24
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INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT TO A GROUP EFFORT | Spring 2019
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SPRING 2019
MAGAZINE
24
In this issue We proudly feature GOAL Magazine's very own Autumn Stankay, award-winning photographer and owner of SkySight Photography, who shares her very personal journey with infertility, treatment and the precious blessing of pregnancy and motherhood.
Cover Story:
The Often Silent Struggle:
Photography: Front cover photo by Bill Stankay, co-owner of SkySight Photography in Greensburg, PA. Photography in cover story by Bill and Autumn Stankay. Family photo in cover story by Stacey Louise Photography.
My Journey with Infertility
by Autumn Stankay
5 In Case You Missed It
by the GOAL Magazine Team
6 QuatriniRafferty Attorney Obtains Major Pennsylvania Supreme Court Victory
12 ACHIEVA Partnership Opportunity with
08
The ABCs of 529 Plans
by the SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Team
Local Businesses by Westmoreland County Commissioner, Gina Cerilli
16 What’s the Buzz About Drones by Inselmini Construction
17 Pick Up the Piano by Chad Amond
18 The Sunshine Vitamin
by Dr. Daniel Lovette, DC
21 Bruised Brains: More than the Eyes Can See by Johna Roche, Greater Latrobe High School Student
22 Have a Teen Driver?
33 Timeless Portraits
by Autumn Stankay
34 Meet Chroma’s Social Media Maestro,
37 Business Instincts
by Candy Valentino
28
38 Taxation of Minors by Bryan Kisiel
40 What is Moxie Events? by The Moxie Team
Paying It Forward
41 New Committee Chairmanships Means
by Kitty Julian
New Opportunities in State Government by Senator Pat Stefano
20 The Season of Giving
by the GOAL Magazine Team
by Bill Arnold
Kylie Chiu by Scot Noel 36 The Fateful Battle of Brandon Kail by Hank Baughman
14 The War for Empire in Western Pennsylvania The Braddock Expedition (Part 2) by Jerry Ferraro
32 Love
30 Top 10 Most Expensive Mistakes You’re Making on Your Home by Scott Ludwick
31 Bike for Life
by Jessica Urbanik
43 Architects of Change by Briana Tomack
44 GOAL Magazine Introduces SHE 45 GOAL University Wrap Up
by the GOAL Magazine Team
by Brian Winfield
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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. 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.
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The following roles have been created to inspire different levels of involvement within GOAL Magazine: Contributors are contracted to provide editorial content aimed at assisting with our mission of educating and enlightening readers. Advertisers provide a paid advertisement for their business.
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 knowledge, 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.
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.
With each contributor distributing and promoting the magazine in their own ways, everyone benefits from cross-promotion and the shared expenses of doing so.
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.
Our Production Team William J. Urbanik Co-Founder
Anthony E. Slezak Co-Founder
Jessica M. Marazza Co-Founder
Jessica S. Urbanik Chief Relationship Manager
Tawnya Rockwell Chief Production Manager
Bree Edgerly Writer/Editor
Kathleen Lloyd Editor
Jaimee Greenawalt Chief Designer
Autumn Stankay Photographer
Amanda Mayger Relationship Manager
4 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
In Case You Missed It! ! y t r a al P Revofeour overa recap CHere's last issue ... Tyler Kennedy,
former Pittsburgh Penguin The Winter 2019 Issue of GOAL Magazine was released in January and featured former Pittsburgh Penguin and Stanley Cup Champion Tyler Kennedy on the cover with an accompanying feature story. After announcing his retirement in January of 2017, he and his wife Brandi chose to stay in the Pittsburgh area with their children Cookie and TK. Kennedy has reinvented himself in retirement and founded his own youth training organization playing a major role in motivating and inspiring young hockey players across the region. GOAL co-founder William Urbanik presented Tyler with a canvas of the magazine cover at Center Ice Arena in Delmont. Tyler also took time to autograph copies of GOAL Magazine for kids participating that evening in his Tyler Kennedy Skills Clinic and Camp.
For more information visit: www.tylerkennedytraining.com
If you missed this issue and would like to read more, visit
www.go2goalus.com/past-issues
www.go2goalus.com 5
QUATRINIRAFFERTY ATTORNEY OBTAINS MAJOR PENNSYLVANIA SUPREME COURT VICTORY
Motorists Get The Insurance Coverage They Paid For
A
ttorney Joyce Novotny-Prettiman of the law firm of QuatriniRafferty recently obtained a significant victory for all Pennsylvania motorists in the case of Gallagher v. GEICO Indemnity Company decided on January 23, 2019.
The Supreme Court of Pennsylvania found that the “household exclusion” provision that is contained in many auto and motorcycle policies violates the Pennsylvania Motor Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law. The “household exclusion” applies to the Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) in auto and motorcycle policies. Attorney Novotny-Prettiman’s victory in Gallagher v. GEICO struck down the “household exclusion.” This means if you elect to “stack” UM/UIM insurance coverages, all of the insured vehicles in
6 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
a household – autos and motorcycles - are added together to determine the amount of available coverage. Previously, even if you purchased “stacked” UM/UIM coverage and paid an extra premium for that coverage, the “household exclusion” would take that coverage away for vehicles on separate policies. For example, in a Pennsylvania household where there are three vehicles and two motorcycles with UM/UIM coverage and “stacking” on the insurance policies, any resident relative in the household who is injured in an auto or motorcycle collision is now eligible to receive UM/UIM coverage from all five vehicles in the household even if they are insured under separate policies. This change is particularly important for motorcyclists in Pennsylvania who, in the past, have generally been forced to insure their motorcycles separately.
QUATRINIRAFFERTY WELCOMES 2 NEW ATTORNEYS TO PERSONAL INJURY DEPARTMENT Galloway and Monzo Join QuatriniRafferty 15 Attorney Legal Team
“This is a big deal,” said Vince Quatrini, managing partner at QuatriniRafferty. “Very few cases get to the Supreme Court. And, even fewer cases change Pennsylvania law. Joyce Novotny-Prettiman did both. We are very proud of this major win for all Pennsylvania drivers!” Attorney Novotny-Prettiman advises that all drivers purchase “stacked” UM/UIM coverage, especially after this Supreme Court Decision. “If you have a question about your insurance coverage, please give me a call and I will review your policy with you. This case may impact other factual dealing with interactions of household policies, so you need legal advice even if you did not elect to stack your UM/UIM coverage if you have been denied coverage.”
The Law Firm of QuatriniRafferty is recognized throughout Western and Central Pennsylvania as one of the premier Injury and Disability law firms, specializing in Personal Injury, Workers’ Compensation, Social Security Disability, Long-Term Disability, Veterans’ Disability, and Wills and Estates. The firm was founded in 1987 and has offices in Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Latrobe and Altoona. Find out more about QuatriniRafferty by calling 888-534-6016 or by visiting
WWW.QRLEGAL.COM.
Richard H. Galloway
T
Jeffrey D. Monzo
he Attorneys at QuatriniRafferty are pleased to welcome 2 new attorneys to their Personal Injury department.
It is “back to the future” with Attorney Richard H. Galloway, as he once was a partner at QuatriniRaffertyGalloway for 17 years prior to forming GallowayMonzo in 2008. As of January 1, 2019, Richard returned to his roots and rejoined QuatriniRafferty. Attorney Galloway brings over 50 years of legal experience to the firm. He has distinguished himself as one of the premier trial lawyers in Pennsylvania, handling many highprofile Personal Injury and Criminal jury trials. Attorney Galloway is recognized both as a “Super Lawyer” and among “Best Lawyers in America,” as well as one of the top 50 lawyers in Pittsburgh. He joined the Personal Injury department of the firm and serves clients facing state or federal criminal charges ranging from summary offenses and DUIs to misdemeanors and felonies. On January 1, 2019, QuatriniRafferty welcomed Attorney Jeffrey D. Monzo to the firm. Attorney Monzo previously served as a former Assistant Public Defender for five years and worked for Belden Law for 10 years before co-founding GallowayMonzo. His combined 25 years in handling matters where his clients are charged with DUI, vehicular homicide, or murder. In recognition of his efforts, Attorney Monzo has been named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers and was recognized by the “Best Lawyers in America” for excellence in Criminal litigation. Additionally, he has been named as one of the top 100 DUI Attorneys in Pittsburgh and across Pennsylvania. He will continue to handle similar criminal matters for clients in addition to domestic legal issues such as divorce, custody, and visitation.
www.go2goalus.com 7
THE ABCS OF
529 PLANS by The SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Team
residents. For example, some states exempt qualified withdrawals from income tax or offer a tax deduction for your contributions. A few states even provide matching scholarships or matching contributions. (Note: 529 account owners who are interested in making K-12 contributions or withdrawals should understand their state’s rules regarding how K-12 funds will be treated for tax purposes as not all states may follow the federal tax treatment.) • High contribution limits: Most plans have lifetime contribution limits of $350,000 and up (limits vary by state).
529 plans are tax-advantaged education savings vehicles and one of the most popular ways to save for education today. Much like the way 401(k) plans revolutionized the world of retirement savings a few decades ago, 529 plans have changed the world of education savings.
An overview of 529 plans
Congress created 529 plans in 1996 in a piece of legislation that had little to do with college — the Small Business Job Protection Act. Known officially as qualified tuition programs, or QTPs, under federal law, 529 plans get their more common name from section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code, which governs their existence. Over the years, 529 plans have been modified by various pieces of legislation. The most recent change was in 2017 in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which expanded the definition of a 529 plan “qualified education expense” to include K-12 tuition, up to $10,000 per year. 529 plans are governed by federal law but run by states through designated financial institutions who manage and administer specific plans. There are actually two types of 529 plans — savings plans and
8 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
prepaid tuition plans. The tax advantages of each are the same, but the account features are very different. 529 savings plans are far more common.
529 savings plans
A 529 savings plan is an individual investment account, similar to a 401(k) plan, where you contribute money for college or K-12 tuition. To open an account, you fill out an application, where you choose a beneficiary and select one or more of the plan’s investment options. Then you simply decide when, and how much, to contribute. 529 savings plans offer a unique combination of features that no other education savings vehicle can match: • Federal tax advantages: Contributions to a 529 account accumulate tax deferred and earnings are tax free if the money is used to pay the beneficiary’s qualified education expenses. (The earnings portion of any withdrawal not used for qualified education expenses is taxed at the recipient’s rate and subject to a 10% penalty.) This is the same tax treatment as Coverdell education savings accounts (ESAs). • State tax advantages: States are free to offer their own tax benefits to state
• Unlimited participation: Anyone can open a 529 savings plan account, regardless of income level. And you don’t need to be a parent to open an account. By contrast, your income must be below a certain level if you want to contribute to a Coverdell ESA. • Simplicity: It’s relatively easy to open a 529 account, and most plans offer automatic payroll deduction or electronic funds transfer from your bank account to make saving even easier. • Wide use of funds: Money in a 529 savings plan can be used to pay the full cost (tuition, fees, room and board, books) at any college or graduate school in the United States or abroad that is accredited by the Department of Education, and for K-12 tuition expenses up to $10,000 per year. • Professional money management: 529 savings plans are managed by designated financial companies who are responsible for managing the plan’s underlying investment portfolios. Plans typically offer static portfolios that vary in their amount of risk and where the asset allocation in each portfolio remains the same over time, and age-based portfolios, where the underlying
investments gradually and automatically become more conservative as the beneficiary gets closer to college. • Plan variety: You’re not limited to the 529 savings plan offered by your own state. You can shop around for the plan with the best money manager, performance record, investment options, fees, and customer service. • Beneficiary changes and rollovers: Under federal rules, you are entitled to change the beneficiary of your account to a qualified family member at any time as well as roll over (transfer) the money in your account to a different 529 plan (savings plan or prepaid tuition plan) once per calendar year without income tax or penalty implications. This lets you leave a plan that’s performing poorly and join a plan with a better track record or more investment options. • Accelerated gifting: 529 savings plans offer an estate planning advantage in the
form of accelerated gifting. This can be a favorable way for grandparents to contribute to their grandchildren’s education while paring down their own estate, or a way for parents to contribute a large lump sum. Under special rules unique to 529 plans, a lump-sum gift of up to five times the annual gift tax exclusion amount ($15,000 in 2019) is allowed in a single year, which means that individuals can make a lump-sum gift of up to $75,000 and married couples can gift up to $150,000. No gift tax will be owed, provided the gift is treated as having been made in equal installments over a five-year period and no other gifts are made to that beneficiary during the five years. • Transfer to ABLE account: 529 account owners can roll over (transfer) funds from a 529 account to an ABLE account without federal tax consequences if certain requirements are met. An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged account that can be used to save for disability-related expenses for individuals who become blind or disabled before age 26.
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529 prepaid tuition plans
A 529 prepaid tuition plan lets you save money for college, too. But it works quite differently than a 529 savings plan. Prepaid tuition plans are generally sponsored by states on behalf of in-state public colleges and, less commonly, by private colleges. For state-sponsored prepaid tuition plans, you are limited to the plan offered by your state. Only a handful of states offer prepaid tuition plans. A prepaid tuition plan lets you prepay tuition expenses now at participating colleges, typically in-state public colleges, for use in the future. The plan’s money manager pools your contributions with those from other investors into one general fund. The fund assets are then invested to meet the plan’s future obligations. Some plans may guarantee you a minimum rate of return; others may not. At a minimum, the plan hopes to earn an annual return at least equal to the annual rate of college inflation for the most expensive college in the plan.
...continued on page 10
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The most common type of prepaid tuition plan is a contract plan. With a contract plan, in exchange for your up-front cash payment (or series of payments), the plan promises to cover a predetermined amount of future tuition costs at a particular college in the plan. For example, if your up-front cash payment buys you three years’ worth of tuition at College ABC today, the plan might promise to cover two and a half years of tuition in the future. Plans have different criteria for determining how much they’ll pay out in the future. And if your beneficiary attends a school that isn’t in the prepaid plan, you’ll typically receive a lesser amount according to a predetermined formula.
jeopardy? Will your future purchases be limited or more expensive?
What are the drawbacks of 529 plans?
• Investment guarantees: 529 savings plans don’t guarantee your investment return. You can lose some or all of the money you have contributed. And even though 529 prepaid tuition plans typically guarantee your investment return, plans may announce modifications to the benefits they’ll pay out due to projected actuarial deficits. • Investment flexibility: With a 529 savings plan, while you can choose among a variety of investment portfolios offered by the plan, you can’t direct the portfolio’s underlying investments. And if you’re unhappy with the investment performance of the portfolios you’ve chosen, you can only change the investment portfolios on your existing contributions twice per calendar year or upon a change in the beneficiary. (However, you can also do a “same beneficiary” rollover to another 529 plan once per calendar year without penalty, which gives you another opportunity to change plans and investment options.) With a 529 prepaid tuition plan, you don’t pick any investments — the plan’s money manager is responsible for investing your contributions.
The other type of prepaid tuition plan is a unit plan. With a unit plan, you purchase units or credits that represent a percentage (typically 1%) of the average yearly tuition costs at the plan’s participating colleges. Instead of having a predetermined value, these units or credits fluctuate in value each year according to the average tuition increases for that year. You then redeem your units or credits in the future to pay tuition costs; many plans also let you use them for room and board, books, and other supplies. Note: It’s important to understand what will happen if your prepaid plan’s investment returns don’t keep pace with tuition increases at the colleges participating in the plan. Will your tuition guarantee be in
• Nonqualified withdrawals: If you use the money in your 529 plan for something other than a qualified education expense,
Financial Planners William J. Urbanik, MBA, Jessica M. Marazza and Anthony E. Slezak
2519 Ligonier St. P.O. Box 421 Latrobe, Pa 15650 724.537.2799 www.shcwealthmanagement.com info@shcwealthmanagement.com
SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management SecondHalfCoachWealthManagement SHCteam
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. 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. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
10 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
it’ll cost you. With a 529 savings plan, you’ll pay a 10% federal penalty on the earnings portion of any nonqualified withdrawal and you’ll owe income taxes on the earnings, too (state income tax and a penalty may also apply). With a 529 prepaid plan, you must either cancel your contract to get a refund or take whatever predetermined amount the plan will give you (some plans may make you forfeit your earnings entirely; others may give you a nominal amount of interest). • Fees and expenses: There are typically fees and expenses associated with 529 plans. Savings plans may charge an annual maintenance fee, administrative fees, and an investment fee based on a percentage of your account’s total value. Prepaid tuition plans may charge an enrollment fee and various administrative fees. Note: Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses associated with 529 plans before investing; specific plan information is available in each issuer’s official statement. There is the risk that investments may not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated. Also, before investing, consider whether your state offers any favorable state tax benefits for 529 plan participation, and whether these benefits are contingent on joining the instate 529 plan. Other state benefits may include financial aid, scholarship funds, and protection from creditors.
WE'RE GOING
September 6, 2019
OVER THE EDGE FOR THOSE TOUCHED BY CANCER Raise $1500 Earn spot to rappel 26 stories Oliver Building, Downtown Pittsburgh
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ACHIEVA
Partnership Opportunity with Local Businesses by Westmoreland County Commissioner, Gina Cerilli
A
s Westmoreland County Commissioner, I have had the pleasure of working with ACHIEVA. I am blown away every time I am in the presence of their participants. ACHIEVA’s participants are hardworking, energetic, dependable, dedicated, excited to learn, and most of all friendly! Recently ACHIEVA has been receiving more publicity than usual. Within hours of the tragic shooting at the Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life Synagogue, it was learned that two of the victims were brothers and well-known members of ACHIEVA. In the weeks following the shooting, an abundance of heartwarming stories have been shared about Cecil and David Rosenthal on the internet. These brothers touched the lives of every person with whom they interacted and there is a Facebook page dedicated to doing random acts of kindness in their honor, “Love Like the Boys.” ACHIEVA is committed to the community, ensuring that those with disabilities can integrate fully into their neighborhoods and workplaces. ACHIEVA supports and empowers individuals with disabilities and envisions a community where disability is a distinction that makes no difference. A goal of ACHIEVA’s Employment Supports department is to provide the people they serve with opportunities to explore various work experiences and activities in their community. ACHIEVA is looking for opportunities that allow people to explore their interests in employment learning experiences. Partnering businesses have a significant
12 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
hand in assisting people with disabilities in developing their work skills and employment interests while enriching their workplace. While ACHIEVA exists to support people with disabilities in their quest to live their lives in the most meaningful and productive manner possible, their new business services initiative treats YOU – the business, as their primary customer. ACHIEVA’s new business services initiative will prioritize the talent needs of your business and then work with your existing human resources team to identify and onboard qualified talent to make sure that your staff investment is protected. A company’s most important role in partnering with ACHIEVA is recognizing that people with disabilities make great employees! Inclusion and diversity in the workplace benefits us ALL. ACHIEVA is excited about developing a lasting partnership with you and your business. Their dedicated team of Employment Specialists believes in providing support and good customer service to both the job seeker and the employer. They are interested in understanding your unique business needs and matching those with the skills and abilities of a motivated job seeker.
Business Role • Make an internal declaration that people with disabilities can and should be part of the talent solution • Identify talent needs within the business • Set hiring and retention goals • Establish expectations that everyone must be treated equally and held accountable to the same standards • Embrace the expertise offered by ACHIEVA to attract, hire, onboard and retain talent with disabilities. ACHIEVA’s Role • Treat your business as our primary customer • Perform its role with the recognition that people with disabilities must meet and fit into the requirements of the business • Focus efforts on how to help the business meet its talent needs • Be the “Single Point of Contact” for the business for all things disability-related • Provide training/coaching to coworkers and managers to make your business “disability competent” • Provide pre-hire and post-hire training as well as ongoing job coaching to protect the investment you’ve made in the staff with disabilities you’ve hired Every business owner in Westmoreland County has expressed their need for a workforce that can pass a drug test and employees that show up for work. ACHIEVA’s participants can do just that! My friend, Jessica, is a member of ACHIEVA and is working TWO jobs! She works at a local nursing home and at a Burger King. Jessica shows up to work every day with a smile on her face, which improves morale of coworkers, while she energetically serves her customers. If you are interested in adding diversity to your workplace, having dependable employees and a positive workplace morale for all, please contact Jack Butler at ACHIEVA @ 724-837-8159 Ext. 162.
PITTSBURGH HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS ONE ' LARGEST OF THE WORLDS
GROWING CRIMES. By sharing the truth of this modern day slavery, we reduce vulnerability . Global Impact and spark the masses. Walk for lk a W l ca o L . act
l Imp l Walk. Globa ca o L . ct a p Im Freedom lights up bal
. Local Walk
the darkness
of slavery, and rallies our global community of abolitionists together. CAN YOU HEAR IT? The sound of thousands of footsteps. The sound of awareness turning into action.
EDOM E R F R O F WA L K 2019 , 9 1 R E B O H O CT G R U B S T T I G/P R O . 1 2 A . W WW
pact.
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The War for Empire PART 2
The Braddock Expedition
by Jerry Ferraro
colonial militia. The column would eventually stretch four miles in length creating a safety issue as they became susceptible to raids. Leaving from Fort Cumberland Maryland in late May of 1755, the expedition stepped off. It was decided to send 600 men forward to widen and improve the primitive road before them. This would facilitate faster travel in the future yet desperately slowed this expedition. Eventually Braddock’s Road would be a major improvement and can still be seen in numerous locations today. Estimated to be 70 miles in length, the finished product is closer to 120 miles traversing five mountain chains while meandering through various water obstacles. Traveling six miles the first day and then only three the next, it was determined that 30 miles could take a week.
G
eorge Washington desired to return to the wilderness of “The Ohio Country” of Western Pennsylvania. Recently he had been forced to surrender at Fort Necessity and was duped into signing a document placing the murder of French Envoy Jumonville on his hands. His personal and professional reputation was at stake. Also, the British still desired to dislodge the French from their recently constructed Fort Duquesne at the site of present-day Pittsburgh. Indian leader “Half-King” had granted the English rights to construct a trading post at the forks of the Allegheny and Monongahela Rivers. Holding nothing in reserve, the British tasked Major General Edward Braddock with the job of removing the French. Having consulted predominant Pennsylvanian Benjamin Franklin in Maryland, he was to lead a well-supplied expedition building a
14 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
road west into the wilderness and eventually constructing a British fort at the forks of the Ohio. George Washington would gain approval to attach himself to the expedition as an American aide-de-camp. If all went well, this would satisfy all of Washington’s goals while progressing his military career further. Imported from the United Kingdom, the 44th and 48th Regiments of Foot landed in Virginia and immediately bolstered their ranks with local men. In total, 2,200 Redcoats and colonial militia assembled to evict the French. Their marching column consisted of two brigades each with a single British regiment and multiple
On June 10th Braddock’s wagon train dispatched with thousands of pack horses, wagons and 19 artillery guns. Over 24 female camp followers trailed in foot to provide basic food and laundry needs. Having inadequate maps, General Braddock attempted to move an army possessing both wagons and cannons through a virgin forest wilderness, an unfamiliar obstacle for a European officer. Eventually it was decided to send a “flying column” of 1,400 men forward to accelerate the expedition. Braddock feared the French would receive reinforcements from Canada. It was no surprise the British were coming. They were slow, loud and large. This division would afford them speed at the price of size. Braddock himself lead the two columns of grenadiers, 550 handpicked infantrymen, four howitzers, four 12-pounders and three mortars. By July 3rd his quick strike force had outraced the main column by 11 days. He even pondered halting to regroup and move forward in mass, he decided against this tactic. Having been harassed since reaching the Pennsylvania border, on July 8th he finally stood at the banks of the Monongahela River. Setting up camp 10 miles southeast of Fort Duquesne, the battle would take place tomorrow.
in Western Pennsylvania On July 9th, the flying column began traversing the 300-foot-wide shallow Monongahela River. By days end they would cross it twice moving west and once retreating east. Meanwhile the French forces had increased to 1,600 men including French regulars, Canadian militiamen and their Indian allies. The French fort commander, Claude-Pierre de Contrecoeur, wished to catch the British just as they crossed the river. 800 soldiers set out from the fort yet arrived too late as the column had come ashore opposite of modern-day West Mifflin (Kennywood). With flags unfurled and drums beating, Braddock’s “flying column” regained military order and stepped off for the last leg of their expedition. Fearing his Indian allies would run, the French commander Commandant de Beaujeu shed his shirt, painted his body and lead his counterparts into combat. Leading from the front, he split his column into two with both halves flanking the British. Releasing a war cry, the Indians and French opened the battle with a volley. The disciplined British began
to give fire in the traditional European rank and file manner. The French and Canadian soldiers gave ground as the mighty Redcoats moved at intervals forward. The Indians adopted the North American style warfare and fired down on the British from behind rocks and trees. The smoke alone caused great panic and confusion within the ranks. Beaujeu was killed in the initial volley forcing the Indians to win the day. The British unlimbered two cannons and fired grape shot into the woods. The cannons were to be used against the fort in a siege tactic. They were unwieldy and useless in the field against an elusive adversary. Braddock drove past his men to the head of the column. He was met by disciplined chaos. The experienced colonial militia immediately adapted by finding cover in the woods and returning fire. This was counter to European tactics, as was the targeting of British officers, yet both were prevalent in North America. The colonist provided a corridor in which the British could escape by holding both flanks. Suffering from horrible dysentery, the Virginian officer, George Washington, used a pillow to cushion his mount. Exuding leadership, confidence and guidance Washington eluded several bullets that took the life of three of his horses and riddled his coat with holes. The fight lasted three hours. Braddock was shot in the arm and lung along with his mount. Washington moved the general to the rear. The Indians initiated a melee utilizing their tomahawks and knives on the disorganized Redcoats. The colonist provided the cover for the column to retreat leaving the field to the French, Canadian Militia and their Indian allies. The British casualties numbered 456 men dead with 422 wounded. 63 out of 89 officers were either killed or wounded. The French forces lost less than
30 men killed in action with another 60 men wounded. On July 11th, the “flying column” found the main column and they buried provisions to free up wagon space for the wounded. Finally, on the 13th of July, Major General Edward Braddock succumbed to his wounds and lost his life. Washington ordered his body buried beneath the road and then had men and wagons run over it to hide the location. On July 17, 1755 Washington and the defeated British column returned to Fort Cumberland Maryland. Having been defeated in Western Pennsylvania twice, Washington would return victorious with the Forbes expedition in 1758 and later as President of the United States leading the suppression of the Whiskey Rebellion in 1794. Bibliographical works consulted: Chartrand, Rene. Monongahela 1754-55: Washington’s defeat, Braddock’s disaster. Oxford: Osprey Publishing, 2004.
Jerry Ferraro is the contributing history & current events consultant for GOAL magazine. He currently teaches history at Greater Latrobe High School with over 22 years’ experience. He is a member of the Ft. Ligonier Teacher Advisory board and serves on the Board of Directors at the Latrobe Area Historical Association. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Military History. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. for professional and personal development. Jerry resides near Latrobe, Pa with his wife and daughter.
www.go2goalus.com 15
WHAT’S THE BUZZ ABOUT
DRONES
724-537-4489 www.iccthebuilder.com info@iccthebuilder.com
by Inselmini Construction Company
D
rones help us view life from a different angle. They have been serving the military for quite a few years, but the recreational and business use of drones is an exploding trend. In agriculture, farmers are using drones to identify problems in their fields. Law enforcement uses them to find lost children in the woods and to track fugitives. Drones have also proven themselves to be capable sheepherders, delivery boys, tour guides and filmmakers. In the construction field, drones have already begun changing the way the industry operates, and those changes will continue to have lasting effects.
A customer used a drone to check on the new roof installed by ICC
Here are several ways drones may impact your next construction project:
1. Marketing Tool. Used as a mar-
keting tool, drones can record the actual progress and conditions of a project and present those images to potential clients, investors or lending institutions. Real estate agents are using drones to show their clients land and houses with great precision.
7. Thermal Imaging. Once a build-
ing is complete, thermal imaging can be used to assess potential cold spots in the structure or heat spots in utility rooms. This can give engineers and contractors essential information when trying to identify and rectify defects.
2. Surveying. Drones greatly reduce
the labor and time involved in producing accurate surveys, and they eliminate much of the human error involved in the process. Surveyors also use drones to create 3D mapping and images to depict an area.
3. Communication and Management. Drone technology has
evolved to the point where instant connectivity and communication are providing constant contact to the job site. Sharp increases in efficiency are due to the ability of drones to collect data in real-time.
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5. Transportation. Using drones to transport goods aerially allows companies to keep track of everything that enters and leaves the job site. It saves money and time and keeps the site organized and efficient. 6. Inspections. Inspections are a major part of construction. Some professionals are taking advantage of drones to reach locations that are inaccessible such as bridges and other structures built over water. Drones can also substitute for cranes in superstructures. They provide assistance during roof inspections, during emergency assessments, for insurance surveys and postdisaster relief. Needless distractions and potential delays can be avoided by using a drone equipped with a camera/video recording device to inspect every nook and cranny of a job.
4. Improved Security. Whether
drones are used to maintain the safety of employees or to protect the job site from theft or vandalism, they are steadily seeing greater implementation in the construction industry. Drones increase job safety by noting and eliminating numerous danger and safety hazards because they can be practically everywhere at the same time.
Drones in the construction industry are here to stay. Not only will they save time and money by creating a safer, more efficient environment, they will also help contractors make more ambitious bids and complete work on-time, thereby influencing construction projects from start to finish.
Beyond the many networking events, the Westmoreland County Chamber continues to add new programs and services to our portfolio that enhance the value of membership – programs like Manufacturing Matters, Women of Westmoreland, Leadership Westmoreland, and soon our Leadership Westmoreland Youth Academy. As you can see, we continue to move forward every day to meet our mission of Building Business – Connecting Communities – and Empowering Everyone. On behalf of the Chamber’s staff I can tell you that we are proud to have contributed to the organization’s many successes. And we’re honored to be part of GOAL Magazine which is positively impacting our community so much. But without the day to day support of the key leaders and chamber members, it simply would not be possible to have such a positive impact.
Pick Up The Piano
A
by Chad Amond, President Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
nyone who knows me well, knows I have a fondness for recalling humorous (at least to me), often cynical modifications of old axioms, clichés, or common phrases that are familiar to most of us. There is one old adage in particular that I’m reminded of when I think of how fortunate our chamber is to have such a dedicated board, committee members, staff, and volunteers. It says, “When it’s time to move the piano, everybody wants to carry the bench.” It’s nothing more than a sarcastic way of suggesting that many people seem willing to help, but only a select few are willing to do the heavy lifting. Our organization is incredibly blessed to have many “piano movers” within our midst who help lead the charge each and every day. They come in many forms. Some serve as ambassadors, committee members or event volunteers. Others serve on the Chamber board or donate their time and talent to complete important projects aimed at advancing our mission. Whatever the case, these individuals give generously to make the Westmoreland County Chamber one of the most respected and admired chambers of commerce in all of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Over the past year, our organization has faced our share of challenges. But
we’ve also had our share of victories. For instance, at a time when many organizations have experienced double digit percentage losses in membership, the Westmoreland County Chamber has managed to grow our membership numbers that far exceed national averages. On the economic development front, the Chamber has been instrumental in helping to advance projects like Reimagining Our Westmoreland (the county’s comprehensive plan); the Westmoreland County Forum for Workforce Development to get our young students on career pathways; and other important commercial developments across Westmoreland County in partnership with our friends at the Industrial Development Corporation and the Economic Growth Connection.
In particular, without the many members who are willing to go above and beyond – or to borrow a phrase “to help move the piano and not just carry the bench” our success would have fallen short of our full potential. And with that, we give thanks – for you to focus on making Westmoreland County a better place to live, learn, work, and play! Sincerely, Chad Amond
President & CEO
We’ve also further strengthened our standing as one of the most active and effective business organizations in all of Southwestern Pennsylvania. In the past twelve months alone, we’ve hosted over 120 member events. Providing networking events is just one of the ways we meet our mission of helping local businesses develop and grow. But mixers aren’t the only way we’re able to help our members. The Chamber works 24/7/365 on advancing Westmoreland County’s economy. www.go2goalus.com 17
the
vitamin by Dr. Daniel Lovette, DC
F
or those of us who don’t travel to warmer climates over the cold gray winter months, that means one thing for sure: we won’t be getting as much sun exposure. With limited sun exposure, the daily doses of Vitamin D that we are accustomed to during summertime is now limited. Feeling mentally and physically drained during winter may mean you’re lacking sufficient levels of Vitamin D. So, what is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is a fatsoluble vitamin that acts as a steroid hormone, produced in the body via the skin as a response to sunlight. It influences our bones, intestines, immune system, cardiovascular system, pancreatic function, muscles, and brain. Unfortunately, Vitamin D insufficiency is common. In fact, it is now being recognized in epidemic proportions, affecting almost 50% of the population worldwide. Most people believe that they aren’t at risk due to the frequent consumption of Vitamin D-fortified foods like milk, cereals, and orange juice, and what they believe is adequate sun exposure. Yet, it is tough to maintain regular Vitamin D levels via diet without proper supplementation,
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To get enough of this “sunshine vitamin,” the average person needs 15-30 minutes of exposure ... especially if you are not receiving adequate sun exposure. Vitamin D levels can also be compromised via certain medications, such as laxatives, prednisone or other corticosteroids, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and seizure-controlling drugs.
In order to properly determine current Vitamin D levels and introduce proper supplementation, blood work is necessary. At Westmoreland Chiropractic & Rehab Associates, Dr. Orvosh, our full-time nutritionist, recommends annual blood work through our comprehensive blood panel in order to accurately determine all essential vitamin and mineral levels, including Vitamin D. Common symptoms of Vitamin D insufficiency to severe deficiency include, but are not limited to: • bone fractures • bone pain • muscle cramps • muscle weakness • chronic fatigue • high blood pressure • weight gain • depression • digestion troubles • Osteomalacia • Rickets (in children)
Dr. Daniel Lovette practices with Westmoreland Chiropractic & Rehab Associates, a wellness group that includes Chiropractors, Nutritionists, and Massage Therapists.
Greensburg Office 724.216.5004 Export Office 724.325.2112 To get enough of this “sunshine vitamin,” the average person needs 15-30 minutes of exposure when the sun is high in the sky between the hours of 10am-3pm without wearing sunscreen several times a week. That is, the sun needs to be strong enough to cause a slight pinkening of the skin within 24-hours. This dosage of Vitamin D is equivalent to taking 15-20,000IU of Vitamin D3 with 70% unprotected skin exposure. The benefits of Vitamin D are undeniable. For example, Vitamin D has a hand in the following important functions: • Calcium absorption for bone support • non-specific low back pain • improves athletic performance • cancer protection
• muscle strength • helps control weight • regulates over 2,000 genes in the human body • boosts mental cognition • modulates heart function • boosts immune response • prevents strokes The current recommendation for safe upper-level supplementation of Vitamin D3 for adults is 400010,000IU per day. For more information on the importance of Vitamin D and how to supplement properly, contact a wellness care provider today.
Left to right: Dr. Mike McClure, Dr. David Nicols, Dr. Reed Nelson, Dr. Wes Orvosh, Dr. Dan Lovette
www.go2goalus.com 19
Latrobe Native and Senior Airman Sarah Slezak, daughter of GOAL Magazine co-founder Tony Slezak, on her plane (EC-130H) overseas after opening the box of goods that were graciously donated with her fellow soldiers. We are proud to announce that Sarah will be returning home soon from her last deployment in Afghanistan with the Air Force. While serving on this last mission, she was given the title of Airborne Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Operator and Mission Crew Supervisor.
g n i v i G F O N O S THE SEA
In the spirit of the season, GOAL Magazine and SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management recently collected needed items for deployed soldiers in Afghanistan and Angel Arms Infant Recovery Home in Latrobe. With the help of so many that assisted with this endeavor, we were able to fill numerous large boxes for our troops in Afghanistan to maximum capacity with items such as powdered drink mixes, dipping sauces, protein bars, candy, snacks, toiletries, puzzles and books. We were also able to fill an SUV with packages of diapers, wipes, formula, toiletries and so much more for Angel Arms Infant Recovery Home, a local non-profit organization which provides a short-term safe atmosphere for infants suffering from Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome. (www.faithforwardpa.com/angelarms.)
Dawn Hennessey, Rick Hennessey and Bonnie Harris were overwhelmed with joy upon receiving the donated items for Angel Arms Infant Recovery.
20 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
It warms our heart that we are associated with so many kind and caring people who embraced this initiative and embody a spirit of giving. Thank you to all who donated items!
BRUISED BRAINS: MORE THAN THE EYES CAN SEE
by Johna Roche, Greater Latrobe High School Student and Assistant Editor for the School Newspaper, The High Post
Imagine sitting in your third period class, fluorescent lights shining in your eyes. You are trying to concentrate, but thud in your head won’t stop. Boom, boom, boom. Every sound is ten times louder, lights are ten times brighter. Background music in a YouTube video, the clicking of a teacher’s pen. You want to stay focused, so you don’t fall behind, but your brain keeps telling you to take a break. The chaos can block your brain. The littlest things annoy you the most. Simple tasks are harder. What is my locker combination? Why can’t I remember how to apply the Pythagorean Theorem? Can the AP Human Geography notes go any faster?
Concussions have three grades: mild, moderate, and severe. Mild symptoms have the least effect, moderate symptoms have a more lasting effect on the brain post-injury, and severe concussions can be so traumatic that the person can lose consciousness and suffer long-term effects. My third concussion was during my senior record-breaking volleyball season at GLSD. A spiked volleyball struck right through my forehead to my brain. I knew the procedure. The GLSD trainer quickly evaluated the situation. The impact test tracked my memory, reaction time, etc. They referred me to Dr. James Masterson, a concussion specialist in the area, who diagnosed a moderate concussion. After four weeks of monitoring and retesting, I was cleared on November 27, 2018.
This is the reality of a concussion. There is a far range, one day can be great, and the next day is your worst. By definition, it is a brain injury caused by a blow to the head or a violent shaking of the head and body.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Senior Ava Avolio was recently recovering from her second concussion. Her first was in eighth grade from a header off a punt in soccer. Her second concussion was this fall during field hockey season. “I was running at a ball and a girl shouldered me in the head,” said Avolio. Avolio saw Dr. Masterson for her treatment. Her main symptoms were eye tracking, dizziness, and nausea. “My biggest issue in school was always having to take notes on my computer,” Avolio said, “So much screen time took a strain on my eyes.” Concussion patients are recommended to refrain from screen usage to avoid straining the eyes. In recent years technology usage in and out of school impacts the concussed patient. Avolio experienced vestibular therapy [eye therapy] for her symptoms, through Excela. A graduation from therapy ensures better recovery. Her first concussion took three months for her to be completely healed, due to problems she had with her eyes. “All of my vision tracking was abnormal, such as my horizontal and vertical saccades. My pursuit movements were also off,” Avolio said.
I got my first concussion in sixth grade. Our parents always tell us no horseplay, because someone will get hurt, and for some reason it always ended up being me. My sister accidentally kicked me in the head during a tussle. After a scan was taken of my head, the doctor diagnosed a concussion. Rest and lots of fluids were my instructions. My recovery time took about three weeks, nothing drastic. Except I was a rambunctious sixth grader who wanted to be back on the basketball court. My second concussion occurred in ninth grade, when a basketball ricocheted off my head in a basketball game. Dr. Stephen Mills declared that I had a mild concussion. He said I was lucky, because it could have been a lot worse. After my diagnosis, Dr. Mills said that I was out for the rest of basketball season, in order to heal properly.
GREATER LATROBE
Concussions are an unknown guessing game. A patient receives a treatment plan that includes an academic plan that cannot be ignored. The healthy brain is at stake. If concussion patients need extra time for an assignment or an exam, that time needs to be acknowledged. It will prevent stressing bruised brains too much in one period of time. If excessive stress occurs, the recovery process could be dragged out, and the patient’s symptoms could become worse.
Illustration created by fellow student and Visual Editor of the High Post, Sydney Quinn
As teenagers and young adults, being well informed on concussions and consequences is imperative. The PIAA extended their waiver on symptoms, reactions, and preventions for the knowledgeable athlete. A concussion cannot be taken lightly, if it is missed or ignored, major problems could arise in the future.
www.go2goalus.com 21
programs to help teach a teen to drive. For example, the State Farm Steer Clear program is a great way for teen and young adult drivers to improve their driving skills. The Steer Clear Safe Driver app from State Farm allows teen drivers to log their supervised driving hours to track their progress toward getting licensed. The app also offers tips for driving in various weather conditions and has instructional videos to help teens understand different driving maneuvers and situations.
Have a Teen Driver? HERE’S HOW TO HELP by Brian Winfield, State Farm Agent
It’s up to you to help him or her complete the required amount of supervised driving. Your teen driver may go through a formal driver education course before being allowed to get a driver’s license but it’s up to you to help with the supervised driving. These dos and don’ts will help you navigate the process. And remember, if you have been driving for 20 years or more things might have changed:
Do’s:
• Start simple. Ease your teen into driving by limiting supervised sessions to less than 20 minutes. As your teen gets more confident, he or she will feel more comfortable with longer sessions. Once your teen driver is comfortable with short daylight drives, add nighttime drives. Then include drives in difficult weather conditions such as rain and snow. • Set a good example. When you’re behind the wheel, model the kinds of safe, responsible driving behavior that you’d like to see from your observant teen driver: Don’t drive distracted. Never text or talk on the phone while driving. Always wear your seatbelt and pay attention to how you’re driving, from navigating lane changes to approaching traffic lights and stop signs. • Be patient. Your teen driver has just started to learn, so you can’t expect him or her to know driving rules that seem obvious to experienced drivers. If your teen makes a mistake, reframe it as a learning opportunity: ‘I notice you haven’t checked your rear-
22 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
view mirror in a while. Remember that it’s important to be aware of cars around you at all times. With enough practice, you’ll learn to do this without thinking.’
Don’ts:
• Allow smartphone use. Using a phone behind the wheel compromises more than a third of your brain power. Before your teen starts any vehicle, put all the smartphones in the glove compartment– yes, even yours. This way, you’ll both be alert during supervised driving. That’ll make teachable moments that much more effective. • Be negative or critical. Maintain a calm, positive and supportive atmosphere throughout the driving session. This will help your teen develop and maintain good driving habits. Instead of saying, ‘Stop speeding! You’re going to get a ticket!’ try saying, ‘What’s the speed limit on this road?’
Teen Driving 101: A Step-by-Step Test of Essential Driving Skills How do you know if your child is ready to drive? When it’s time to teach your teenager to drive, parents should begin by taking the time to make sure their teen is knowledgeable about and comfortable with the vehicle and its controls. Parents can also check with their insurance companies to see if they have
Start with a tour of the vehicle
Before you hit the road, start by training your teen on the basics: demonstrate how to adjust the seat, and the side and rearview mirrors safely to fit their needs. Make any other accommodations that are necessary, such as tilting the steering wheel. Review the controls and features) of the car. Give your teen an education on how each of these works: • Dashboard controls • Steering wheel and seat adjustment • Mirror adjustment • Turn signals • Headlights • Safety features like air bags and seat belts • Wipers • Emergency lights • Parking brake/release • Starting/turning off the engine • Gas, brakes (especially ABS) • Warning indicator lights on dashboard (such as low fuel, oil, temperature indicator) Also, be sure to show your teen where the registration, insurance card, and car manual are located.
Get a feel for the vehicle
The first time your teen actually drives the car, start in the safest, easiest location possible, like an empty parking lot. Have your teen practice applying gas and brakes, driving straight, turning, and backing up. As you see your teen beginning to master these skills, take note and make the situation a little more complex next time. For example, instead of just stopping and starting, have your teen pull into and out of a parking spot. It can take several outings to learn how to get from point A to point B, and to figure out how much pressure to apply to the brakes to stop or how far to move the steering wheel to turn. This is also a good time to remind your teen driver to pay attention to their surroundings
• Look ahead and to the sides. • Check mirrors. • Scan continuously for hazards. • Teach your teen to keep a clear ‘safety space’ around the car so there’s room to react to any hazards. The farther he or she hangs back from the vehicle in front, the better your teen will be able to see what’s ahead. Seeing better and farther provides extra time to react to changing traffic conditions.
Start in low-speed, low-traffic areas
Once your teen is comfortable with the basic operation of the car, take your training to quiet streets where your teen can practice staying on one side of the road, anticipate cars exiting driveways, and learn to pull up to a stop sign. For the next several lessons, stick to roads that have slower speed limits (under 35 mph). Emphasize that the posted limit is only a guide for an acceptable speed in excellent conditions. Your teen should drive even slower in poor weather, heavy traffic, or areas where there are a lot of pedestrians.
Beginner skills checklist
Vary the routes to practice the following: • Turns: speed and use of signals • Braking smoothly: gradually slowing to a stop • Accelerating smoothly: steadily increasing to a safe speed within the posted limit • Approaching intersections controlled by stop signs or lights • Determining right of way • Single-lane and multi-lane roadways (low speeds) • Changing lanes and how to merge into traffic safely • Maintaining appropriate speed • Scanning for and identifying hazards • Keeping a safe following distance • Sharing the road with cyclists, pedestrians, and school buses • Driving in a school zone
• Reacting to an approaching emergency vehicle
• Have I noticed that scanning for hazards has become a habit for my teen?
• Using turning lanes
• Does my teen always wear a seat belt and remind others to do so?
As your new driver starts to master these skills, pay attention to which ones he or she is confident with. As you both become more comfortable, continue to expose your teen to different times of day, levels of traffic, and weather conditions on familiar roads. At this point, your teen has mastered the basics and needs lots of practice getting used to the road. For the next several hours of driving practice, stick to low-speed, lowtraffic roads. Try to take a different route each time to be sure your teen is getting the variety needed to become a safe driver. Also consider working with a driving instructor.
Driving on the highway
Driving on a multi-lane highway for the first time can be scary. Start your teen out by driving at quieter times of the day to practice merging into traffic, staying in the lane, and using higher speeds and safe following distances without the added stress of rush-hour traffic. Once you are both comfortable with that, gradually move on to busier traffic situations. Before heading out onto the highway, prepare your new driver for: • Higher speeds that call for longer stopping distances
• Does my teen avoid using a cell phone or text messaging while driving? • Does my teen wait to pull over to handle distractions or situations that take his or her eyes away from the road? Do I think my teen will act the same way when I’m not in the car? • Does my teen speed or drive aggressively? • Will my teen know to pull over if upset, frustrated, or angry? • Has my teen exhibited responsibility in other areas of his or her life and do I trust him or her to drive my car responsibly? • Has my teen agreed to your safe driving habits and house rules? If you think more time and practice is needed before your teen becomes a licensed driver, talk to your teen about the reasons. One way to handle it is to make a deal that your teen may get a license, but you don’t want your teen driving alone in certain situations.
• The need to check blind spots before changing lanes • Driving near large trucks • Anticipating interchanges by reading signs • Allowing a ‘safety space’ around you, in the event you need to pull off the road for another vehicle or debris
Hello, neighbor!
• Looking for traffic stopped or slowing ahead
How do I know when my teen is ready to drive alone?
Your instincts are probably the best way to know. Remember, even if yourBrian teen Winfield, is legally Agent old enough to get a license, it’s your 550decision Route 30 whether he or she is ready. Irwin, PA 15642
Please stop by and say, “Hi!”
Bus: 724-864-9000 www.brianwinfieldagency.com
Questions to consider • Has my teen had enough practice, in varying conditions, so we are both confident with my teen’s ability to handle most situations?
Brian Winfield, I’m looking forwardAgent to serving your needs for insurance 550 Route 30 and financial services. Irwin, PA neighbor, 15642 Like a good Bus: State724-864-9000 Farm is there. CALL ME TODAY. www.brianwinfieldagency.com ®
• Has my teen shown the ability to detect hazards and react to them quickly? 1001013.1
State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL
www.go2goalus.com 23
H n
The Often Silent Struggle:
My Journey with Infertility By Autumn Stankay, Owner and Photographer of SkySight Photography
A
s a photographer I capture other people’s happiest moments – engagements, weddings, newborn babies and family portraits. Often times in that order. I’ve photographed teenagers for their senior photos and then years later for their wedding. There is nothing more magical to me than watching someone else grow and expand their family and being a part of that journey through photography. I married my high school sweetheart, Bill, in 2012. We dated for over a decade before tying the knot, and shortly after our wedding we began to think about expanding our own family from two to three. Like most couples trying to conceive, we thought it would happen right away. We bought small baby items imagining a positive pregnancy test and a celebratory exchange of gifts. But the months started to creep by, and those gifts
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got tucked away into hidden drawers and closets. After a while, we began the process of medical intervention. We had many tests done, including exploratory surgery for endometriosis. The result was positive, and they removed it during surgery. We were hopeful that our next few months would finally give us that positive pregnancy test. But no luck. We tried several IUIs, and yet still nothing happened. We weren’t experiencing losses in the traditional sense, but the lack of success was beginning to weigh heavily on us. Each month the hope would rise only to fall again weeks later after getting a negative test. For years it felt like an endless cycle - an emotional roller coaster I felt like I could never get off. But I didn’t let anyone see that on the outside.
We took a break at one point, hoping to recharge our emotions. But the waiting was still difficult. As a photographer of babies and children, I began to feel the strain at work. I love children and my clients so much that I chose to pour my heart and soul into the photography more than ever, giving everything, I had to the sessions with those little ones. I loved every minute of it. But when I would come home at night, I would see visions of a child that I wanted so badly in our own home. I would sit at my desk while editing photos of my client’s children and wish that I could conceive my own. I imagined where a highchair might sit or how the spare bedroom could become a nursery. After a while, I shut the door to that spare room. It had grown into a reminder that I couldn’t face each time I walked down the hallway.
c o v e r
I took a new approach at trying to conceive that year by eliminating gluten, dairy, and other common allergens from my diet. I got healthier than ever, working out regularly. I did acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic. I learned to meditate and be mindful. I went to a chiropractor who did blood tests and helped me with supplements. I read countless stories online of women who got pregnant after changes like this, so a new focus was born – to pour everything I had into getting healthy. While it did improve my health, the months went by without that positive test. It was hard to keep faith and hope alive at that point as we had officially hit about three years since we started trying. I continued to have visions of a small child in my life. I saw a baby and a car seat in the rearview mirror reflection as I drove around, but reality would set in. Suddenly I’d realize it was an empty backseat. I continued to go home from work with a mixture of excitement for the photos I created and sadness for the child I was wishing for. The hope started to turn to depression, and so I began to imagine what would life be like without a child. I honestly had never even thought about it before. But I thought of all the positives that could come from that situation - more time together, more travel, we could build our careers and achieve big financial goals. All of those things were certainly wonderful, and if life had given me that path, I would have embraced it. I know many couples who have tried to conceive without success and choose to move on without alternate options like IVF or adoption. They are incredibly happy couples who do not regret their decisions. But I kept asking myself would we regret not having a child to raise? After the third year of infertility with countless blood tests, two surgeries, a complete diet change, and six IUI attempts behind us, we realized that we had two options moving forward. We could attempt In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or look into adoption. I know many who have gone the route of adoption, and their children are as much their child as a biological child. Those couples gave us so much hope. Seeing what a blessing adoption could be, those families helped us to not be afraid to take that step if it felt right for us. But knowing that my age was becoming a factor, we wanted to try for a biological child first before the biological clock ran out. If it didn’t work, we would cross the next bridge when we got there and decide what to do.
s t o r y
After a lot of conversation and support from friends who went through In Vitro, we decided that we would attempt IVF. Our first hurdle was the cost. The financial stress was difficult since IVF is not an approved procedure in most health plans. I know that several states are changing laws on infertility coverage in an attempt to label infertility as
I felt I had reached the top of a mountain I had climbed for years. I was ready to run down the other side. I knew that one way or another, baby or no baby, my infertility roller coaster was about to end and that was the best feeling. To be honest, I just couldn’t take the ride much longer. needing medical intervention, which would make coverage of IVF approved. Sadly, this was not the case in Pennsylvania. We chose to make sacrifices in our life in order to save up enough to pay for the procedure. When we reached our financial goal, I felt I had reached the top of a mountain I had climbed for years. I was ready to run down the other side. I knew that one way or another, baby or no baby, my infertility roller coaster was about to end and that was the best feeling.
To be honest, I just couldn’t take the ride much longer. We began the process of stimulating eggs. We were successful in creating a lot of follicles; however, when it came to the egg retrieval day, there were fewer eggs than we expected. Our doctor assured us it was all about quality over quantity. I was worried because I knew that more eggs often mean more viable embryos which could hopefully become children. It only takes one - I kept saying it to myself. After stim phase and egg retrieval, a countdown begins. There are five days for the eggs to fertilize and grow into embryos. We got a report almost daily from the lab. On day 1 we had seven eggs retrieved; on day 2, we received a call that five eggs had successfully fertilized. We knew the number was dropping but five were still there, and we hoped those five could create 2 or 3. After day 3 the lab called and explained that they were growing normally but still had to make it two more days. Day 5 would determine if any could be used. I went to my acupuncturist that morning to prepare for the possibility of transferring an embryo. When we arrived at RHS (Reproductive Health Specialists), we learned that our five fertilized eggs grew for three days but stopped after that - except for one amazing little embryo. It was waiting for us in the lab for immediate transfer. We were filled with emotion and questions, but what I remember most is excitement and gratefulness and not sadness or anger about why we didn’t have more. Yes, additional embryos meant the possibility of children down the road to have siblings for our first. Yes, it meant that we had more chances if this one didn’t work. Additional embryos would have eased my worries in so many ways! But we didn’t have that option. What we did have was a beauti-
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c o v e r
s t o r y
ful, strong single embryo. We could choose to have faith in this tiny life or give up hope. No matter how small, that tiny ball of cells had a potentially big life inside of it. They provided us with a macro photo of this microscopic embryo. We held that photo in our hands and tears of joy welled in our eyes. The doctor looked at me and assured me that it was a very good one. She said it was grade AAA and that we were truly lucky to have this chance. She made me realize quickly to be grateful for our situation, as some people end up with zero. We had no idea if it was genetically healthy, if my body would accept it, or if I could carry it to term; but I knew in my heart it was our child. In fact, I had a feeling that day it was a girl the daughter we always dreamed of having. The wait continued another nine days before blood tests to see if we would finally get
that positive pregnancy test. On the most difficult day of my life, we waited for the call. The results were positive. Our life had changed forever, and our infertility journey was finally coming to a close.
There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think about how lucky and blessed I am. There are so many couples who attempt this process without success or do not want to put their bodies through it physically and emotionally. It is by far the most challenging thing I’ve ever done in my life. In those months to follow, I had a perfect pregnancy despite the emotional stress of worry. I think most women spend their nine months concerned about that growing child every minute of the day, and I was no different. But each week went by with a strong heartbeat and quickly growing baby. The day the baby started to kick, I finally began to feel like our infertility journey truly was over. We decided that since we already waited almost four years, we could wait a few more months to find out the gender. Then on a snowy day in December, we welcomed our daughter into the world and named her Orsaline, which means ‘little bear’. I’ve learned a lot about myself through infertility. I’ve also learned how to treat other women and couples. I’ll never ask a childless couple if they want children, or when they will start trying. I will never assume a woman without children has made the choice to just live her life that way. I will never say to anybody that they should have more children than they already do. It’s hard to know who is suffering from this difficult journey or dealing with the depression from it. It is certainly not an easy thing to discuss at family functions or dinner parties for those afflicted. Infertility affects 6 million couples in America. Sadly, most of us have suffered quietly due to feelings of shame, confusion, or the feeling that we’re just impatient. Some suffer more emotionally than others. Some not only have trouble trying to conceive but issues with carrying pregnancies to term which is devastating on a whole other level that I can’t speak to personally. Outcome of IVF depends on age, but typically hovers around 30% success. And the success of an IUI is only 10-15%. The odds are stacked against us, so victories are truly glorious occasions. Not only have we overcome something that plagued our emotions, relationships and lives, but those who have success come out on the other side with the most amazing gift possible.
The day the baby started to kick, I finally began to feel like our infertility journey truly was over. 26 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
To those who are still struggling with infertility, there are not many words that can help ease the struggle or pain. I won’t tell someone that it’s going to be okay, because
it may not be. But I will say that this pain will help shape who you are in the future, regardless of the outcome. Someday you’ll look back and whether you have a child or not, infertility will be behind you. It will be over because you’ll have had success with pregnancy or adoption, or you’ll have chosen to move on without children in your life. In the meantime, live life’s journey with your head held high. Keep putting yourself into it. Pour out your emotions and let them flow. Get as physically fit as you can. Eat as well as you can. Buy a book about dealing with emotional struggles with infertility (I highly recommend "Conquering Infertility", by Alice Domar). Download a podcast (I obsessively listened to “Beat Infertility” - lifesaver for me). Find an infertility buddy, someone else struggling who can be by your side and talk to that person A LOT. Help each other, and when one of you gets pregnant before the other - be truly happy for her. Avoid social media as much as you can, if not completely. The constant baby announcements and ultrasound photos will keep knocking you down when you need to be pulling yourself up. Find a therapist who can help you work through your emotions and go there often with your spouse. Go to an infertility support group like RESOLVE (Look online for a local chapter). Ask friends and family for support. Don’t hide in the shadows but talk about your struggle with others who are willing to listen. If someone is not a good listener or says things that hurt, stop talking to them about it! Avoid your personal triggers. Let yourself cry a little when you need to, but then pick yourself back up and step forward with a smile on your face. To those who are looking for the right words to say to someone in your life who is struggling with infertility, I can give you this advice: lend your ear. Be there as a shoulder to cry on. Don’t judge their emotions. Don’t tell them “It will be okay.” Don’t say “You’ll have a child someday, it’s just a matter of time.” Don’t say “It will happen if it’s meant to be”! Definitely don’t say “Stop thinking about it and it will happen.” Offer to help them research local clinics, take them to doctor appointments, have lunch with her after a procedure, buy her a pair of comfy socks to wear to her egg retrieval surgery. Send a “thinking of you” or encouragement card. Let her skip out on a friend’s baby shower because it’s too difficult for her to go, and help her with an excuse when she sends a gift with you instead. Take her on a
day trip that is adult-oriented, like a winery or concert. Embrace her when she needs to cry. Don’t ask if she got her period, ever. Offer to take her to an infertility support group (i.e.: RESOLVE). Buy her a good novel to dive into. For those who are prepping to go through IVF soon, I would say have a sense of humor throughout the process. A study in Europe showed higher success rates when a clown was in the waiting room prior and post embryo transfers! Save funny memes to your phone for when you need a laugh (great advice from a fellow IVF friend). Learn to be mindful. Take time every day to meditate for ten minutes. Practice deep breathing while driving or waiting in line so your mind does not race to bad thoughts. Use a calendar
that makes you smile for all the appointments you’ll have (we used a baby animal calendar!), and don’t think about the wait time- just stop that train of thought quickly when it hits you. Realize that this process is out of your control, and let it be. Don’t expect a certain outcome and don’t compare your results to others. Stay away from “Dr. Google” and keep a diary in writing or video form. Talk to a therapist (with your spouse!). Keep yourself really busy. Ask your BFF and family to distract you during the process with lots of fun events and outings. Watch funny movies instead of sad ones, and lean on each other. Remember that your spouse is going through this too. Remember that it’s all about quality over quantity. Think about today, not tomorrow. Buy a single baby item and envision giving it to your baby, and look at it daily (onesie, snow globe, stuffed animal). Tell your spouse that you love them, and they are doing amazing. Listen to your doctor, and be grateful. Most of all, love yourself. I know that my infertility struggle could have been worse. Many women have had multiple miscarriages and other losses. Infertility plagues people at many levels, often for far longer than I dealt with. Our struggle ended after four years. For many, the struggle lasts a decade. For some, it never resolves at all. I hope for everyone out there who wishes for a child someday to find peace with the outcome, no matter what life brings you. If your path brings you a surprise pregnancy, to IVF or adoption, or to a life with only fur babies, I hope for all couples to have peace and happiness at the end of their journey to parenthood.
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Paying It Forward
How one family’s medical crisis led to an endowment for the trailblazing Supportive Care Program
by Kitty Julian
Carol May (far left), RN, MSN, MBA, CHPPN, founded the Supportive Care Program at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and manages it with Scott Maurer, MD, who oversees palliative care at the hospital and also sees oncology patients. May and Maurer are pictured here with Maggie Elder’s mother, Cyndi McGinnis, and sister, Mackenzie Elder.
N SEPT. 7, 2011, Maggie Elder wrote in her journal, “Today has been a day of 1,000 tears. Today has been a crying day for me, although I’m not sure why… Mom also says those are healing tears and to just let it flow out of me… Tomorrow will be better.” Maggie, 11, had been diagnosed in July with stage four Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone cancer, and had spent three months trekking from Ligonier to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh with her mother and stepfather, Cyndi and Jim McGinnis. Maggie would spend a week at a time in the hospital for treatments and then head home to recover. It was grueling and terrifying. The family turned to Carol May, founder and manager of the Supportive Care Program at Children’s, for answers even when the questions were unthinkable.
The Supportive Care Program became the family’s anchor, overseeing Maggie’s cancer treatments, providing pain management, guiding the family and helping them manage their hopes and fears. May and the team also provided emotional support to Maggie’s 13-year-old sister, Mackenzie, and helped the entire family manage their anguish as Maggie’s illness progressed.
Maggie Elder, 10, holds a bouquet at the 2010 wedding of her mother, Cyndi, to Jim McGinnis. The family never could have imagined that, exactly one year later, Maggie would be battling cancer.
28 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
May, who discovered hospice at age 17 when her grandfather died at home, has dedicated her life to helping people die with grace and dignity. She earned three advanced degrees in nursing and management, working in adolescent oncology and running a hospice in Michigan before returning to Pittsburgh 15 years ago to establish the Supportive Care Program at Children’s Hospital, one of only a handful of such programs based at children’s hospitals in the country.
The program wraps families and children in a cocoon of care that begins with medical treatment and extends to emotional support for families of children who do not survive. May estimates that the program is currently following 1,200 families who have lost children over the past 10 years. The program conducts research into how to improve pediatric palliative care. “The Supportive Care Program provides a space to deal with the most horrible thing imaginable,” says May. “We work with families on how to honor and meet their cultural and religious needs, so that their child is comfortable and understands what’s happening.” For parents like Cyndi McGinnis, the program’s ground-breaking work eased what would have otherwise been unbearable. “They made it a point to understand what we valued most,” she says. “They knew we are a faith-driven family and they honored that. They knew we wanted to get Maggie home and they made it happen. Maggie got to spend five weeks at home on hospice care before she died.” Their care for Maggie continued as she transitioned to home hospice. “Once we got her home, pain management was a big piece,” McGinnis says. “Carol was on the phone with us every day helping to adjust medications because managing pain in children is completely different than for adults. She drove 70 miles each way to visit with Maggie. They even managed to get us out on a Make-a-Wish family ski trip a month before Maggie died.” Despite the immeasurable value of these services to families, only a fraction of the costs – 15 percent, estimates May – are reimbursable under health insurance. The Supportive Care Program relies on the generosity of hospital administrators who believe in its mission and on philanthropic
families at hospitals and universities in five cities.
Maggie Elder, pictured here in October 2011, with her mom, Cyndi McGinnis, at a 5k event. The event, held in Maggie’s honor four months after her diagnosis with Ewing’s Sarcoma, was organized by the family’s friends who rallied around the family in their time of need.
support from communities and families like Maggie’s, who organized a series of 5Ks and sold wristbands. After her death in February 2012, the family used those funds to establish the Miracles from Maggie Fund at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. To date, $130,500 has been donated, including $100,000 from the CFWC fund, to establish an endowment that now provides a permanent funding source for the Supportive Care Program that meant so much to Maggie and her family. That endowment helps to fund research into new palliative and bereavement care methods to improve quality of life for children facing medical crises. All of this research is meant to guide other hospitals establishing their own supportive care initiatives. Under Dr. Scott Maurer’s direction, the program publishes its research findings in medical journals and presents at national and international meetings. Their biggest initiative to date is the Pediatric Patient Reported Outcomes study, a cooperative research project involving care teams and
To learn more about Maggie and her family, please visit miraclesfrommaggie.org. More information about the Supportive Care Program is available at www.chp.edu/our-services/supportive-care. To learn how to establish a charitable fund to honor a loved one, please visit cfwestmoreland.org.
“To study symptom control and quality of life in children who are undergoing cancerrelated therapy, we’ve developed a tool to allow children as young as seven to report their own symptoms, including those as complex as depression,” says Maurer. “The goal is to give children a voice by asking them directly instead of going through parents or caregivers.”
The team is also studying the intersection of spirituality and medicine and how spiritual distress, a common occurrence in life-threatening medical crises, affects overall quality of life. They also teach pediatric residents and medical students how to communicate with families and listen compassionately when sharing bad news. Cyndi McGinnis and other parents from the Supportive Care Program serve as guest speakers, sharing their experiences with second-year residents. Mackenzie Elder, now 21 and pursuing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work at the University of Pittsburgh, speaks at the program’s bi-annual memorial service for families. She also serves as a counselor at the program’s overnight camp for bereaved siblings. This pay-it-forward approach gives comfort to their family, says McGinnis. “Faith can crush fear was the motto Maggie came up with during her journey. She really left a blueprint for how to live. It would just make her heart so happy that we’re able to continue helping other people in her memory.”
Author Bio: Kitty Julian is Director of Communications at The Pittsburgh Foundation, and works closely with the staff at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County to tell the stories of donors and nonprofits. She lives in the city of Pittsburgh with her daughter, Fiona, 15, her partner, Delaine, and their two pugs, Sweetie and Po.
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Scott Ludwick
Associate Broker Ranked in Top 100 Agents Nationally Since 1998! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty
Top 10 Most Expensive Mistakes You’re Making on Your Home Homes cost a lot of money to maintain. But are you spending extra money unnecessarily on upkeep? Here are the 10 most expensive mistakes you could be making in your home. 1. Using Traditional Light bulbs If you still have incandescent light bulbs in your home, you could be throwing a lot of money away every month on inflated electric bills. Over its life span, an incandescent bulb can use $180 worth of electricity. A CFL will only use $41 worth of electricity over the same time period. Even better is the LED bulb, which only uses $30 per bulb. Think what replacing every light bulb in your home could do to your home’s bottom line. 2. Ignoring a Leaky Faucet A leaky faucet that drips one drop per second can waste more than 3,000 gallons per year, which is enough water to take more than 180 showers. Some of us live in areas where water is plentiful, but for those of us in areas plagued with drought, this could be costing you a fortune. Fix or replace your leaky faucet and save a ton on your water bill. 3. Using the Wrong Air Filter Size We all sometimes forget to change out the air filters for our HVAC systems or accidentally buy the wrong size. But using the wrong filter or a dirty filter can increase your power bill and cause expensive problems for your furnace down the road. Use the correct filters for your system, and set a reminder to change them after the recommended amount of time. You won’t regret it. 4. Not Customizing Temperature Invest in a customizable thermostat. If you’re away at the office all day, you can program your heater to shift down a few degrees while you’re gone and then shift back up shortly before you return home. Heating or cooling an empty home wastes a lot of money in energy costs. 5. Not Adjusting Air Vents Properly Is one room in your home hot, while the others are cold? Oftentimes homeowners will crank up the air conditioning in the whole house to combat hot temperatures in one area. Instead, adjust air vents to direct the flow of air more evenly throughout your entire home. Professionals will come regulate this to ensure that your entire home is receiving the same amount of air conditioning or heating.
6. Over Watering Lawn Many homeowners have their sprinkler systems programmed to come on in the early morning hours for optimum lawn health. This can become a problem, however, if you’re never around to see what you’re actually watering. A broken sprinkler head could be causing a fountain, or the trajectory of your sprinkler may be directed at a fence instead of your lawn. Periodically run your sprinklers during the day so you can see how they are performing when you’re not around. 7. Water Heater Temperature Set Too High Unless you have a tankless water heater, your water heater is keeping the water in its tank hot 24/7. If you don’t keep an eye on the temperature as each season changes, you may be paying too much to heat your water. Decrease the temperature in the summer, and bump it back up when winter comes. 8. Leaky Windows and Doors Leaky windows and doors are great places for cold, winter winds to enter your home. Many homeowners simply ignore them and crank up their heaters. Caulk leaky windows and put rubber seal around doors to keep winter winds out and warmth in. 9. Paying a Handyman Don’t pay a handyman for a job that is simple enough to do yourself. If you’re unsure of how to do something, look up video tutorials online. Doing simple tasks yourself can save you a lot of money. 10. Ignoring Curled Shingles It may be easy to ignore problems on your roof, but it will only lead to bigger problems later. If you see any possible issues with your roof, repair them as soon as possible, as this will save you significant costs later. Use these 10 tips to cut maintenance costs on your home today.
If you have questions about this, or anything real estate related reach out to Scott Ludwick at 724-838-3660 or Scott@ScottLudwick.com
© 2019 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.
e k i BforLife by Jessica Urbanik
E
d Burd, of Latrobe, knows the benefits from biking on the scenic trails in western Pennsylvania. In addition to enjoying the beautiful landscape of our region, he credits biking for keeping him healthy and medication free. Burd leads the Bike for Life group which is sponsored by SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management. Lovers of the outdoors and bike riding make up the group who meet monthly for scheduled rides in the summer through fall at various trails. Their bright-colored t-shirts make them easily distinguishable on the trails. Burd has been riding since Bike for Life was established 16 years ago by my dad,
the late Matthew Laick, an avid bike rider and owner/financial adviser at SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management. Riding was one of his favorite hobbies and he loved to be with the group! Since my dad’s passing, Ed has helped to keep the group going and has recruited new members as well. Participants can ride at their own pace and distance. They always look forward to meeting up after to share food and laughs! Ed keeps in his pocket a series of notecards where he tracks his miles over the years. He has ridden more than 10,000 miles since Bike for Life was established. Last year the group rode a total of 2,494 miles on over 20 scheduled rides across the region.
Anyone is welcome to join Bike for Life, which also meets throughout the winter months for dinner and fellowship. For more information, please call 724-537-2799.
Page sponsored by
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by Bill Arnold Executive Director Quecreek Mine Rescue Foundation
I
love meatloaf. It’s such a comfort food. I guess if you grow up on a dairy farm you will eat plenty of meatloaf, as I did. As a dairy farmer, I can testify that one thing we always have on hand is ground beef. Since we raise our own, we always have an abundance. Maybe it’s a country folk’s thing, I’m not sure. More about meatloaf in a minute. As for things I am sure about, one thing I am sure of is the reason everyone took part in the Quecreek Mine Rescue. Seventeen years later, I am still asked that question on a routine basis: “Why did you do what you did during the rescue?” My answer is always the same: because it was the right thing to do. Yet, it was more than that. I think everyone who was involved with the Quecreek Mine Rescue would say something similar. The fact is, we all did what we could do because of love. It’s not the same love as I have for meatloaf, of course, but love to be sure. The ancient Greeks, who were
much more descriptive in their language, would have called it philia, or “deep friendship.” Philia is where we get the word “philanthropy” and “Philadelphia” (The City of Brotherly Love). Philia is what caused people to cash in their vacation days so they could stay and volunteer during the rescue. Philia is what caused my neighbor, who was the wife of another dairy farmer, to use her skills in the kitchen to bake meatloaf for the families that were gathered at the Sipesville Fire Hall, waiting for news about their loved ones. I am told she said that if any of the families were able to eat, she wanted them to have something good. Although her meatloaf never made it to the rescue site, I am pretty sure it was indeed delicious. Over the next three days, she baked and delivered fourteen meatloaves to the fire hall for the families of the trapped miners, and none went to waste. Good people like my neighbor made the rescue happen, people that looked at what I like to call
Sometimes we get visitors at the rescue site from halfway around the planet who say, “I wish I could have done more….all I could do was sit in front of the TV and pray.” I always reassure them with a smile and say, “That was enough, we could feel your prayers, and God could hear them.” I can definitely say, we could feel the prayers of this nation. Those prayers were powerful and purposeful. They were driven by the same philia that connects us all, the “brotherly love” that keeps people coming to visit the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site. If you haven’t been to the Quecreek Mine Rescue Site, you should come. If you haven’t been here in a while, come back. We are always growing, expanding the artifacts and exhibits, and adding new and fascinating details. The season for the rescue site is gearing up to be another record breaker, so please call or check our website before coming. While we do have some very dedicated volunteers, we could always use a few more. While you are in “America’s County,” you may want to spend some time exploring some of the many interesting sites that are within minutes of the rescue site: the Flight 93 National Memorial, Seven Springs Mountain Resort and several of the Frank Lloyd Wright homes, just to name a few. So plan to visit, and make sure that when you come, you bring your favorite recipe for meatloaf so we can swap. You just can’t have too many recipes for that amazing comfort food. Peace, and philia.
Philia is what caused my neighbor, who was the wife of another dairy farmer, to use her skills in the kitchen to bake meatloaf for the families that were gathered at the Sipesville Fire Hall, waiting for news about their loved ones.
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. 32 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
their “inventory of blessings,” and offered the best of what they had to the effort.
TimelessPORTRAITS by Autumn Stankay, Owner and Photographer of SkySight Photography
D
o you remember photos that were taken of your mother or grandmother from their younger years? She was typically dressed in this beautiful gown, hair and makeup so perfect, pearls around her neck. It was a portrait of just her, no one else. She looked like she had stepped right out of a movie from the 50's. I looked at photos like this of my own grandmother, and I wondered why women don’t get portraits taken of themselves anymore. Sure, with the digital age and social media, women are focused on family portraits and cute photos of their kids more than ever. But when was the last time you (yes, I'm talking to those amazing strong women out there) had a portrait taken of yourself for no reason but to capture your personality and beauty? Not just a selfie on a cell phone, but a real, quality photo. A few years ago, I started to photograph the women in my life: mother, sister, best friends, aunts, you name it. I wanted to capture them each in all their glory. Whether they were young, starting to show signs of aging, or proudly sporting curls of gray, I
wanted to make each of them feel amazing when they saw their photo. And I wanted to capture them each in unique ways with my own photographic style. Some of them grumbled when I asked with excuses like "I don’t need to have that done" or "No one would want a photo of me.” But they eventually embraced it and couldn't have been happier that they did. They saw something in their portraits they perhaps hadn't seen in a long time. And they loved the feeling.
their faces glowing, I can't help but smile, because I see who they really are. This Mother’s Day, whether you hire a photographer or do it yourself, photograph your mother, sister, wife, or best friend. Capture the women around you as you see them and cherish those photos forever.
As we approach Mother’s Day, I think about this even more. Especially I think how special those photographs are of my mother, sisters and friends. I truly feel it’s not about capturing their outer beauty, but these photos represent how beautiful these women are on the inside. When I see
They saw something in their portraits they perhaps hadn't seen in a long time. And they loved the feeling.
For more information on glamour photography by Autumn Stankay, contact her via website at SkySightPhotography.com
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Meet Chroma’s Social Media Maestro, Kylie Chiu By Scot Noel, Content Director for Chroma Studios
At Chroma Marketing Essentials (CME), we’re the award-winning web design agency with the tag line “Designing Your Success Online since 1999.” One of the biggest changes in our 20 years in business is the rise of Social Media like Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, LinkedIn, and more. With more than 2.2 billion monthly active users, Facebook alone is a market that cannot be ignored. Which is why in 2018 we established our own Social Media department and hired Kylie Chiu to manage it. Kylie is a graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with an International Business Degree and an Asian Studies Degree. Before Chroma, she managed social media in fields such as education, healthcare, and non-profits. At Chroma, Kylie has been challenged to manage Social Media programs for a wide variety of businesses, including some national accounts! “I love sharing my insights and working with clients to get the most out of Social Media for their brands,” Kylie explains. “There’s a lot to it beyond posting. There’s an art to the language, timing, use of images, and effective use of advertising dollars that takes years to master.”
Kylie’s Big Idea for Westmoreland County Businesses When it comes to Social Media, Kylie is never satisfied with the status quo. Her interest is in harnessing the power of Social Media to help our clients grow and to bring communities together in support of local businesses. Of course, working with an experienced Social Media manager can be expensive, beyond the reach of many small businesses; however, what if local entrepreneurs could take advantage of affordable Social Media promotions centered here in Westmoreland County?
That’s InWestmoreland! The idea of InWestmoreland.com has been around for years, starting as an online directory for local businesses way back in 2002. In recent years, the site has fallen into disrepair, as the rise of Google, do-it-yourself websites, and ubiquitous directory services made its original approach obsolete. For Kylie, bringing InWestmoreland into the 21st Century means recreating it as a Social Media hub!
The New Facebook.com/ InWestmoreland Kylie’s first step was to launch a new Facebook presence for InWestmoreland at www.facebook.com/InWestmoreland. At Chroma, we are dedicated to promoting awareness of the InWestmoreland Facebook page under Kylie’s guidance and expert management. Our goal is to acquire thousands of followers in 2019 alone, promoting community growth and engagement, building brand awareness, and connecting small business owners with consumers in Westmoreland County.
Businesses can purchase professionally developed posts advertising their specials, events, and services to a local, targeted demographic. These posts are professionally written with Social Media engagement in mind, include graphic design, slide-show design, video, and more. The Chroma team develops your post and schedules it for repeated appearances on InWestmoreland’s business Facebook page. • A portion of each Promo Package is used as “ad spend” to boost your message to a targeted audience based on your products and services. • At the same time, the content and graphics (or video) is turned over to you for posting on your own Facebook page or other Social Platforms as often as you wish. • Once the original promotion is complete, evergreen posts (posts that aren’t date specific) can be run again and again at a nominal charge. • Best of all, there is no contract or obligation beyond the purchase of each “post,” with most under $100, including ad spend.
How do businesses take advantage of the NEW InWestmoreland? InWestmoreland on Facebook is a growing hub of business and community information, followed by an expanding base of local consumers.
As InWestmoreland Grows Our future goals include expanding InWestmoreland to other Social Media platforms, starting with Instagram.
724-523-3001 chroma-marketing.com
34 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
To learn more, visit www.InWestmoreland.com, or call Chroma Marketing today at 724-523-3001 and ask for Chroma’s Social Media Maestro, Kylie Chiu.
A
man takes a deep breath on his well-kept Nelson Loguasto cigar. The wind blows gently in his hair as he enjoys the fruits of his labor. A wife spends time with her man as he partakes. He listens. She smiles. They are present and connected. A world leader ponders the state of his Nation as he too enjoys the leaf. A charitable occasion is celebrated by all. Leaf is good!
Create your Nelson Loguasto moment.
Walk-in Humidor & Lounge 600 South Main Street Greensburg, PA 15601 Nelson Loguasto's Cigars nelsonloguasto
NLCigar.com
Reed Nelson Peter Wast Purveyors of Fine Cigars Store Hours: Monday - Thursday 2-8 PM Friday & Saturday 12-9 PM
www.go2goalus.com 35
The Fateful Battle
of Brandon Kail
T
he tumor emerged as a microscopic cell and grew astonishingly in six months to a mass that pressed on the right side of Brandon Kail’s brain. It caused him blurred vision in late afternoon of January 7th, then severe disorientation later at home, followed by a violent, grand mal seizure at Latrobe Hospital that night, terrifying his wife, Carrie. “He was thrashing around, his eyes looking but not seeing. He wouldn’t respond as I yelled his name. They wanted to sedate him but I said no, no. I was afraid he wouldn’t waken.” Scans revealed the mass, and Brandon was flown to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in Pittsburgh where he underwent emergency surgery next morning for removal of the tumor. Fortunately, all of it was excised. “I learned overnight that the growth was likely cancer,” he recalls. “The doctor at the time thought it was grade two malignancy.” But Brandon had been stricken with gradefour glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. At age 35. With ten children. Yes, ten.
by Hank Baughman
He was also manager of six radio stations in Latrobe and West Virginia, continually amazing colleagues, including this writer, at his ability to focus on blizzards of detail, while meeting the great demands of an unusually large family and at the same time being fully plugged in to events of the day. One reason: a surpassing intellect.
months than in the past 30 some years. I’m saying hey, so glad God put you in my life. I could have said that every day in the past but never took time to do it. I’ve had blessings I didn’t deserve.”
He has become more amazing – remarkable actually - with his response to the cancer, a reaction which may confound those who are non-religious and perhaps also some who, like Brandon, possess encompassing, unshakable faith.
“I would disagree. It’s God’s plan for them too, which I’ve explained to them. Of course, there’s sadness, there’s tears. But I’ve told the oldest that our time on this earth is set the day we’re born, and nothing we do enables us to live a day longer. Enjoy the days we have. It’s God plan for them, better than my plan.”
“I’m at peace,” he says. “From the start, I said this is God’s will. This is His decision, and I accept it fully. I’m more at peace than I’ve ever been.” I ask, “You didn’t think for a minute, ‘this shouldn’t be happening to me? I’m 35 with 10 kids.’” “No, not at all. What about all the good things that happened to me in my life? Being born into a family with loving parents, having ten beautiful children. And I’ve had more impact on people in the last two
But, I say, “This seems extremely cruel to your children.”
“They accept that?” “Yes, with some confusion of course. And while I’m concerned about their futures, I’ve always trusted God to provide for my family. I can’t tell you the number of times He has placed people in my life that helped the children.” Brandon underwent chemo therapy and radiation in March. Before the treatments his oncologist told him the tumor could well return in a year to 18 months, when it may be inoperable and begin to affect his neurologic and motor functions. His reaction to such a fearsome prospect is also stunning, even saintly: “Yes it could be very bad. But who am I not to suffer?” Carrie, gathering strength and only slightly less radiant than usual in the ongoing ordeal, is lifted up by her husband’s courage and grace. But she’s not surprised by it. “He’s simply a beautiful soul.”
A Go Fund Me account is now accepting donations for the Kail family at www.gofundme.com/ brandon-kail 36 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
T
here are so many elements and skills one needs to start, grow and scale a successful business. But one of the best business tools you can foster (and one that is often overlooked) is the ability to recognize and trust your instincts. Listening to your gut and trusting in your ability to figuring things out, is truly one of the most important attributes of any successful entrepreneur.
Business Instincts
I started my first business when I was 19 years old (I wish I could say that was 5 years ago lol) but after 20 years in business I realized that regardless how many trainers and mentors I listened to, or how many courses or seminars I attended, listening to my instincts was by far the most important skill I had in overcoming challenges and obstacles in the for-profit and non-profit sectors. What you say yes to, and what you refrain from, will ultimately shape the direction of your life. Being able to silence the external in order to listen to your own instincts will pay dividends in your business, and your life. In this article, we’ll be addressing ‘Overcoming Obstacles’ and begin the process of unlocking your inner voice and empowering you to listen when it speaks. www.go2goalus.com 37
Taxation of Minors by Bryan Kisiel
M
ost of the time, children are considered to be an extension of their parents when it comes to legal application until the age of majority. Therefore, many taxpayers are surprised to learn their child is a separate taxpayer, even as a minor. If your child has enough income, he or she has an obligation to file a return and pay the tax. In some cases, you may include their income on your tax return; in others, they'll have to file their own tax return, or you will have to file a separate return on their behalf. Whether this is required depends on both the amount and source of the minor's income. The first thing to look at is their earned income. Earned income is defined in general as taxable employee pay, long term disability benefits, and self-employment
38 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
net income, as well as other less common sources. A minor who may be claimed as a dependent must file a return once their income exceeds their standard deduction. Starting in 2018, the standard deduction for a dependent child is total earned income plus $350, up to a maximum of $12,000. Thus, a child can earn up to $12,000 without paying income tax. The second thing reviewed is the unearned income. While there are several items that fall in this category, the most common to minor children are interest and dividends. If your child's income is above this year's level, he or she must file; below that point, he or she isn't required to file a tax return. If the child has both earned and unearned income, both amounts must be added together to determine if the total income triggers the mandatory filing requirement. If your child’s
income is below the minimum threshold but owes Social Security or Medicare taxes on his or her coffee hour tips, a return must be filed. Additionally, even if your child does not meet any of the filing requirements discussed, he or she should file a tax return if (1) income tax was withheld from his or her income, or (2) he or she qualifies for the earned income credit, and/or any additional credits. See the tax return instructions and talk to your CPA to find out who qualifies for these credits. By filing a return, your child may get a refund. Prior to 2018, if your child needed to file a return based solely on unearned income, the IRS allowed for you to claim the income on your return given certain restrictions, and the income was taxed at the parents’ rate. This is known as the “kiddie tax”
This is known as the “kiddie tax” and prevented parents from transferring income producing assets to their children to pay lower tax rates. available if you report the child’s income on your tax return. For example - your child forfeits interest from making an early withdrawal from a savings account, itemized deductions, including state income tax and charitable contributions that add up to tax savings from those itemized deductions would potentially be available, and if your child is blind, a larger standard deduction is available on a separate tax return. In addition, the tax on the child’s income may be somewhat higher if the child received capital gains distributions. You get the benefit of the capital gains rate on any portion of the child’s income taxed at your rate but lose the benefit on any portion taxed at the child’s rate. Ultimately, the responsibility for filing your child’s tax return rests with your child if he or she is capable of doing so. If he or she is not old enough to understand how to prepare a tax return, then it becomes your responsibility to file it for them, or to include their income on your return. Your child doesn’t have to be of legal age to sign an income tax return. Any child old enough to sign his or her name can do this. There’s
and prevented parents from transferring income producing assets to their children to pay lower tax rates. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 greatly modified this alternative for tax years 2018 through 2025 by changing the rates for the kiddie tax by using the estate and trust tax brackets. These are taxed at the highest rate of thirty-seven percent for 2018, which, as an example, is not reached by a married filing joint couple until their income tops $600,000. If you determine to claim the child’s income on your own return, you will report this income on Form 8814 and attach it to your return. If you make this election, you still get the benefit of the child’s standard deduction. Some benefits that might be claimed on a child’s separate income tax return are not
a catch, though - If you sign the return and the IRS ends up having questions, they can deal directly with you. If your child signs the return, there will be limits on what they can discuss with you and what actions you can take to resolve any issues, unless you have a valid power of attorney to act on your child’s behalf. There is a middle ground. Your child can sign the return but show you as the “third party designee” using a space provided for this purpose near the signature line of the return. That gives you limited authority to deal with the IRS on the tax return without a power of attorney. Paying the tax (and interest and penalties, if applicable) is the child’s obligation. You can pay for the income tax from your own money, but in general the IRS considers this a gift to your child. So long as your child remains a dependent, there will be tax implications for you. Many families review various tax return preparations and results to determine which filing combination will result in the best tax benefits for everyone. Always consult a tax professional if your situation is complex.
by Bryan Kisiel, CPA CEO, Kisiel & Associates Director of Tax Planning, SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management
Please like us on facebook: Kisiel & Associates, PC
Please visit us at our
New Location:
164 West Crawford Avenue, Connellsville, Pennsylvania
www.go2goalus.com 39
M
oxie Events is the region’s foremost entertainment company located in Westmoreland County. We have been committed to providing service of the highest quality since our founding in 2012 as PowerBomb Productions. Our staff is devoted to ensuring that every aspect of your event is carefully executed with incomparable attention to detail. From personable, high energy DJs, emcees, and game show hosts, to unique photo booths that bring a sense of “WOW” to the party, Moxie Events is a one-stop-shop for entertainment for your next occasion or event. We have entertained in a variety of different ways from high end galas, weddings and conventions to outdoor festivals, corporate events and any celebrated occasion. This exceptional clientele has enabled our state-of-the-art equipment
40 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
to be featured in all four corners of the U.S. and in between. Some of our clients who love working with us include AT&T, Sprint, American Eagle, Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation, Pittsburgh Steelers and the NCAA.
companies who sponsor or charitable foundations reach their goals even easier from events. This can include raising money, spreading awareness of a topic, reaching as many impressions as possible or building your database for future marketing aspirations.
It is through a progressive approach and an exceptional ability to capture the core values of our clients and their events, that we are able to create an experience that guests have never seen before. Through extensive research, we have acquired an inventory of chic and modern photo stations sure to be a driving force of entertainment at any event.
We recently unveiled our newest acquisition, M.A.R.T.Y., Moxie’s Automated Roaming Take it Yourself photo station. This robotic station completes our lineup of print booths, Selfie Stations, and roaming ring lights. We bring the photo booth experience to guests with a little personality and fun behind it.
Our software not only captures images in a unique way, it also collects pertinent data and analytics that can help our clients,
Every event needs a little Moxie. Allow our top-notch team to help make your event unrivaled in comparison.
www.moxiephotobooth.com 412-552-3127 moxiephotobooth@gmail.com PO Box 275 Southwest, PA 15685
NEW COMMITTEE CHAIRMANSHIPS MEANS NEW OPPORTUNITIES IN STATE GOVERNMENT
I
n January, a new legislature was sworn in. Last year some of the most senior members of the legislature retired or were defeated in their re-election efforts. This has caused a major shift in Committee Chairmanships in both the House and the Senate. Committee Chairs decide which bills move forward, hold hearings and negotiate compromises on the major issues of the day. In the Senate there are new chairs for over half of the committees including the Senate Judiciary, Health, Transportation and the Law & Justice Committee. The Judiciary Committee had the same chairman since 1985. Transportation and Law & Justice Committees had the same chairman for the last 10 years. All of those chairmen came from Southeastern Pennsylvania. This year, Senator Kim Ward of Westmoreland County has taken the helm of the Transportation Committee and I have become chairman of the Senate Law & Justice Committee. A similar dynamic has occurred in the House where longtime committee chairmen have left the legislature or switched to different committees. The shift of committee chairmanships represents an exciting fresh start for the Legislature. Ideas that may have been opposed by previous chairmen now have new life and issues long thought to be unsolvable get a fresh look by the new leadership of these committees. I believe that this type of fresh perspective is required for good policymaking. I’ve proposed legislation that would implement a 6 year, or 3 legislative sessions, term limit on committee chairmanships. I think preventing one individual from holding on to a particular committee, similar to what the House Republican Caucus in Congress instituted, creates a healthy public policy
by State Senator, Pat Stefano process and encourages us to make the most of the time that we have as chairmen of a committee. As for me and the Law & Justice Committee, we will have a very robust policy agenda. This committee oversees the Liquor Control Board, PA State Police and Marijuana policy. Recent changes to how alcohol is sold have seen beer and wine products find their way to some grocery and convenience stores. This reform has increased convenience to consumers and the revenue generated from the sale of alcohol. The Law & Justice Committee will be seeking input from stakeholders on how these reforms are working and how to continue modernizing our antiquated system of selling alcohol.
This could have a crippling effect on many rural municipalities without police forces.
State Police issues are also expected to be front and center in the coming months. In Governor Wolf’s budget he proposed a sliding scale, based on population, for charging municipalities who do not have local police coverage for the use of State Police. The fees range from $8 per person for municipalities under 2,000 people to $166 per person for municipalities with over 20,000 people. This could have a crippling effect on many rural municipalities without police forces. Yet, our State Police have more demands on their services than ever. This is another issue that we will be looking into this session. Finally, marijuana policy has been a hot topic lately. Governor Wolf has sent his Lieutenant Governor, John Fetterman, on a tour of all 67 counties to hear what Pennsylvanians think about legalizing marijuana. The Law & Justice Committee intends to hold a series of hearings with experts and hear from the citizens of the Commonwealth. This is not just a simple yes or no question. We need to approach this seriously and ensure that we hear from the best medical experts available on the effects of marijuana, how this has been implemented and review other states’ experience so far, how legalization would impact our recently enacted medical cannabis program and how law enforcement would handle any legalization. We also need to examine the costs that the Commonwealth would incur to regulate and deal with any impacts it may bring as we examine any revenues that legalization could generate. As you can tell, there is much to discuss in Harrisburg. I hope you will join in on those discussions at SenatorStefano.com and let us know your thoughts on the issues of the day.
www.go2goalus.com 41
www.oldjoeclub.com/croquetclub
Come be a sponsor
and join the fun! The annual Westmoreland Croquet Tournament has become one of the largest nationally sanctioned matches in the country and the most prized event of its kind in our community. The 2019 event will be hosted at Westmoreland County Community College.
The Purpose of the Old Joe Club Charities / Westmoreland Croquet Club is to provide grants that support qualified 501(c) 3 organizations by holding yearly fundraising events.
The 2018 Tournament hosted approximately 2000 people. We are proud to say that this is one event that invites the whole family. We enjoy and encourage our young generation to participate in our hopes they will grow and continue what we have supported over the years.
Learn more com/croquat www.oldjoeclub. etclub/hom e.htm
GRAND TENT
LARGE TENT
SMALL TENT
Tent Size: 20 x 40 $3,000
Tent Size: 20 x 20 $1,150.00
Tent Size: 15 x 15 $700.00
Includes 40 admissions (limited to 50 admissions per tent).
Includes 25 admissions (limited to 40 admissions per tent).
Includes 15 admissions (limited to 24 admissions per tent).
Includes $350 towards All Occasion Party Rentals. One complimentary adult and children’s team.
$100 credit towards All Occasion Party Rentals.
$50 credit towards All Occasion Party Rentals. Extra admissions are $40.00 each
contact Amy Dicesere at 724-836-1000 or amysdesk@comcast.net 42 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
2018 GRANT RECIPIENTS ACHIEVA Acme Providers Action for Animals American Cancer Society Beverly's Birthdays Beyond the Battlefield The Tiegen Foundation Big Brothers Big Sisters CASA Cheryl Kay Foundation Christian Layman Corp Community Foundation of Westmoreland County Connect Inc. Welcome Home Shelter Faith Forward Inc Family Resource Feeding the Spirit Fort Ligonier Association Genre's Kids with Cancer Greater Latrobe Senior High School NHS Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation Greensburg Central Catholic NHS Greensburg Garden Center Greensburg Salem High School Athletic Department Greensburg Salem High School NHS Hempfield High School NHS Hopeful Hearts / Visiting Nurse Association Jimmy Cook Memorial Fund Junior Achievement of Western PA Laughlintown Community Center Ligonier Valley School District Foundation Ligonier Valley Historical Society Ligonier Valley Library Association Ligonier Valley YMCA Loyalhanna Watershed Assoc Luminiari Mental Health America of Southwest PA Mt Pleasant Fallen Officer Dan Zilli Memorial Fund Norwin School District Community Foundation Pa Assoc. for the Blind, Westmoreland County Branch Pete Wheeler Pay it Forward Fund (Pittsburgh Foundation) Pittsburgh Ballet at Seton Hill University Sheep Inc Health Care Center St. Anne Home Stage Right STAT The American Himalayan Foundation The Education Partnership The First Tee Pittsburgh The Stoneybrook Foundation The Watson Institute Troops First Union Mission Venture Outdoors WCCC Educational Foundation Westmoreland Children's First Westmoreland Frick Hospital Foundation Westmoreland Human Opportunities Emergency Fund Westmoreland Human Opportunities (Shop with a Cop) Westmoreland Symphony YMCA Camp Kon-O Kwee Sponsor YWCA Westmoreland County Zachary's Mission
Architects of
Change S
by Briana R. Tomack, President of the Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce
pringtime is upon us, a time of rebirth. Sometimes, springtime provides a feeling a freshness to our souls after a long, cold (and sometimes lonely) winter being cooped up inside. Springtime provides an opportunity to reinvent the old. Many take this opportunity to take a risk, try something new, or step outside of their comfort zones. At this time, I am reminded of a conversation that I frequently had with my mom — and that I, in turn, have with my own children -- that begins …. “you will never know, unless you try.”
have you looked back on something in your life and said, “I wish I had …”
with the world you once knew while working outside the home.
I have changed direction in my life a few times, largely due to changes in some part of my life. I have managed a hospital kitchen, published a magazine, managed a bank, and run several hotels, a restaurant, and a bar. Each time, I have taken a leap into something unknown, frightening and VERY uncomfortable. Each time, I used the building blocks of my skills and knowledge to grow into something new.
At the GLLV Chamber office, our intern, Allie, a Seton Hill University student, is currently studying on a semester abroad at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. We also had this conversation about risk taking. She was excited, though very nervous (as were her parents), about traveling abroad alone. She was also thrilled at the prospect of seeing many of the places she has only read about in books! Recently, Allie posted a photo of herself at the Cliffs of Moher on Facebook. The caption read: “Behind that smile is a crippling fear of heights!” I commented that I was so proud of her for doing the thing she feared in order to overcome it.
Earning a Bachelor of Science Degree from IUP in 1992, I went straight to work for Marriott as a contracted manager in a hospital. The management of a hospital kitchen, laundry and cafeteria was the training ground for many of the skills that I carry with me today. I learned the intricacies of working within a large facility and interacting with multiple employees, interdependent departments, families and patients. We often discover that group work is a lifelong endeavor, and certainly working in such a large facility proved to be the cornerstone of that philosophy.
It was then that I began a journey with a friend, to tell the stories of Westmoreland County through a startup publication. My friend, Cathi, designed, wrote, and edited, while I marketed and managed the business affairs. The biggest thing I learned while working on this project was the power of asking. We are so often afraid to ask the question, and are often surprised that the answer is frequently, “YES.” How delighted we were to be able to do this work!
My oldest son, Sam, is a senior in high school and applying to college. He had a “reach” school (very hard to get into with only a 2% acceptance rate) and was afraid to apply. I said again, “if you don’t try, you will never know. Let’s just send it in and see…” It is our fears that hold us back, that keep us from doing things that can be exciting, but frightening at the same time. How many times
After 12 years, my life changed when I had my first child. This, in itself, can be an uncertain leap, as the unending rhetoric in your head has you waiting to have more money, a better job, paid-off student loans, etc. Staying home with children when they are babies is one of the greatest gifts one can have; being a mother builds another set of skills that are, indeed, useful in the workplace. However, being a stay at home mom can be isolating and leave you longing for contact
From there, I moved on to the fulltime world of bank and hotel management. Banking honed my already capable financial skills. Running several large hotels taught me more about the power of communicating with people, both internally and externally. This takes me to my current position as President of the GLLV Chamber of Commerce, where I feel that all of my skill building has come full circle. Here we are the bridge between community and commerce: a common thread, a connection where members can find advice, education and a support system for their businesses. My parents’ generation grew up in a world where constancy and security was much more certain; most stayed in the same jobs and homes their whole adult lives. My generation has experienced the trend toward rapidly-shifting circumstances and had to find the strength and courage to adapt. Despite the gambles with each choice, I have been the architect of my own change by focusing on the future. The future is called “perhaps,” which is the only possible thing to call the future. And the only important thing is not to allow that to scare you. ~Tennessee Williams, Orpheus Descending, 1957.
www.go2goalus.com 43
SHE Sophisticated•Humble•Empowered We live in an era of judgement. Women in particular – though nurturing, passionate, insightful, philanthropic, etc. – are judged on any number of positions: What do you do? Why aren’t you married? What does your husband do? Do you volunteer? When do you plan to have kids? Do you feel guilty being a working mom? How do you juggle it all? The success of a woman is oftentimes qualified by preconceived societal norms. Why? SHE is a female-driven group created by the women of GOAL Magazine to push beyond the judgement and provide a forum for women to empower one another. We want to step above the fray and celebrate women and what they have individually determined to be their achievements. We aim to connect women who might otherwise not have the opportunity to meet through creative events. We hope to inspire future generations of women to know, that despite challenges and stereotypes, a woman can create her life to be whatever watercolor she wishes.
"Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher."
Actions Outlive Words: The true success of a woman is found in her ability to make a difference rather than noise in whatever capacity she is able. Whether you are a CEO, secretary or stay at home mom, we welcome you and your unique abilities to join our efforts in SHE.
Follow Us To Learn More!
Email: sheofgoal@gmail.com
Save the Date! Launch Party August 21st
44 GOAL: A Publication of Go2Goal, LLC | Spring 2019
Hello, neighbor! UNIVERSITY
Symposium on Retirement
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.
by the GOAL Team
®
1001013.1
Brian Winfield
State Farm, Home Office, Bloomington, IL
Topic: Insurance
Mallory Reese and Michael Quatrini
Topic: Charitable Giving
W Bryan Kisiel
Topic: Tax Planning
GBU Logo | Kirk Dietrich |
Topic: Social Security
e live in an era of information overload and oftentimes it’s difficult to decipher the good information from the bad. GO2GOAL is a 501(c)3 organization that publishes GOAL Magazine, which utilizes the talents of local business and community leaders to provide an authentic and informative resource to our community. GOAL Magazine is more than a publication, it’s a movement. We are excited to announce that this year GOAL Magazine is launching GOAL University. Through GOAL University our professional contributors, who have wide ranging areas of expertise, will serve as teachers and present a curriculum for the public on a variety of topics. The curriculum will be diverse and focus on empowering many different generations and demographics through the presentation of meaningful and thought-provoking information. We are aiming to host several seminars, workshops and all-day symposiums. On Friday, February 22, we held our inaugural GOAL University event, a symposium centered around retirement and its common misconceptions. Retirement is a decision that, like getting married or having a child, can ignite a level of nervousness that is completely natural, yet scary. Through this day of education, our goal was to address very aspects of retirement and lessen the tension of soon-to-be retirees. A lineup of contributors discussed topics ranging from Medicare and Social Security to Charitable Giving and Estate Planning. Each speaker discussed how their topic played into a person’s financial puzzle.
Aetna Logo | Kristi Sparta |
If you were unable to attend this event and are interested in receiving additional information, please contact us at 724.209.8219 or
Topic: Medicare
info@go2goalus.com
Anthony Slezak, Jessica Marazza and William Urbanik
Topic: Investment Management
Christopher Skovira
Estate Planning
Tracy Stough Grajewski
Taking Control of Your Last Step www.go2goalus.com 45
MAGAZINE Presents a Community Symposium…
Resource tables will be available PLUS refreshments and cookies will be provided
will
several speakers , m iu s o p m y s is During th an trafficking, pes of hum ty d n a s se u a c e th present on ch more. prevention and mu
DID YOU KNOW?
• According to data collected by the Human Trafficking Hotline,
Pennsylvania had the seventh-highest rate of human trafficking reports in the country in 2017.
• The International Labor Organization estimates that there are
40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally. 81% of them are trapped in forced labor 25% of them are children 75% of them are women and girls • The International Labor Organization estimates that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide.
GOAL Magazine is more than just a publication – it is a movement! The local professionals and leaders whose collaboration make GOAL Magazine possible are also committed to giving back to our communities by hosting community action events to spark discussion that leads to awareness and change.
View Last Year’s Symposium Video Lead Sponsor:
Learn more at www.go2goalus.com/2019-goal-symposium
Gala M A G A Z I N E
Proudly Presents the 3rd Annual
...no sit down program style event here...THIS IS A PARTY!
September 7th 2019 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Greensburg Country Club
$125 per person includes:
Red Carpet Reception with Hors D’ouevres and Champagne Punch Top Shelf Open Bar, Multiple Food Stations Several Forms of Live Entertainment throughout the evening including Casino Tables, Photo Booth, Music, Martini Luge and so much more!
Learn More About This Event At: www.go2goalus.com/2019-goal-gala
LEAD SPONSOR:
All net proceeds benefit The Westmoreland County Chapter of:
About the charity.... Our Clubhouse provides free emotional and social support to those touched by cancer in western Pennsylvania. Those living with cancer at any age, as well as the family and friends who care for them, are welcome to join Our Clubhouse and receive free support.
OURCLUBHOUSE.ORG
Go2Goal is a Pennsylvania not for profit organization with a 501(c)(3) status with the Internal Revenue Service. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Dept. of State by calling toll free within PA at 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. All donations are deductible in accordance with prevailing IRS rules. A portion of the registration proceeds will be tax deductible. Please consult your tax advisor.
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. © 2019 Go2Goal
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