GOAL Magazine Spring/Summer 2020

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MAGAZINE

Turning a Dream into Reality Local Entrepreneur Becomes a Champion of the Wrestling Belt World Page 24

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GOLF OUTING Please join us for the GOAL Magazine Golf Outing OR Paint and Sip to benefit the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation. Net proceeds will be granted to the Autistic Support, Learning Support and Life Skills Classrooms in the Greater Latrobe School District. Over the past four years, we have raised more than $71,000 for this cause.

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Spring/Summer 2020

MAGAZINE

24

In this issue, we proudly feature Latrobe native, Andrew Lazarchik, owner of Wildcat Championship Belts. What was once an 11-year-old boy’s dream, putting in more than 10,000 hours of practice and no days off, this local entrepreneur’s passion and determination has led his company to be the premier worldwide fabricator of

Cover Story:

Turning a Dream into Reality

Local Entrepreneur Becomes a Champion of the Wrestling Belt World

Cover photography and portrait in cover story by Autumn Stankay, co-owner of SkySight Photography in Greensburg, PA. Additional photos in cover story provided

by Andrew Lazarchik.

by Tawnya Rockwell

28

34

Be Like Bob by the Team at Blue Sky Sign Company

5 In Case You Missed It

by the GOAL Magazine Team

6 Q&A with QR Attorneys

by Attorney Jessica Rafferty, Quatrini Rafferty

8 Test of our Resolve

by the SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Team

10 Bipartisan Support for a Pennsylvania Pediatric Cancer Research Hospital

by Pat Stefano, Pennsylvania State Senator

13 Beverly’s Birthdays

by Gina Cerilli, Westmoreland County Commissioner

14 An Epic Pandemic – The Spanish Flu

by Jerry Ferraro, Greater Latrobe School District History Teacher

FUN Is Springing Up in Your Backyard

by Anna Weltz, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau

16 Just Breathe

30 Addressing the Housing Crisis in

18 Westmoreland County Census 2020,

33 Once an Ice Cat, Always an Ice Cat

by Dr. Daniel T. Lovette, DC, Westmoreland Chiropractic & Rehab Associates Our Community Counts

by Chad Amond, President and CEO of Westmoreland County Chamber

19 Ten Ways to Make a Small Room

Look Larger

by Scott Ludwick, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services

20 Bike for Life 22 How a Science Fiction Magazine

Helped Advance Real Technology

by Scot Noel, Chroma Studios

Westmoreland County

by Kitty Julian, The Pittsburgh

by Carlin Johns, Senior at Greater

36 Spring Cleaning for Your Business

by Briana Tomack, President of Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of

38 Seven Red Flags That Could Trigger an IRS Audit

by Bryan Kisiel, CPA and CEO of Kisiel & Associates

40 Dear New Parents

by Autumn Stankay, SkySight Photography

42 SHE Event Wrap Up and Save The Date by the GOAL Magazine Team

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Autumany StanSILkENT STRUGGLE:

THE OFTEN ERTILITY EY WITH INF MY JOURN Page 24

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magazi

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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, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a movement.

Our hope is to inspire others to share their expertise and become part of something bigger than they are individually, thus creating a collective and empowering wealth of knowledge in each issue. We are also deeply committed to giving back to our community by supporting annual community symposium that is open to the public at no cost.

Participation in GOAL Magazine can be rewarding in many ways. Not only do you gain an opportunity to promote your business through sharing your expertise and knowledge, you also become a proclaimed member of a collaborative group of local leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals who are committed to bringing value to their community and giving back in meaningful ways.

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.

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

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 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

BANDING TOGETHER

At: GO2GO ALUS.COM

Here's a recap of our last issue ...

Subscription s Available

In case you missed it!

MAGAZ

Banding Together

A fund memorializes a “super fan” and benefits Hempfield’s marching band

T

INE

A fund memoria lize "super fan" and s a benefits Hempfield's mar ching band Page 24

he Winter 2020 Issue of GOAL Magazine was released in January and featured local legend, Terry Ranieri.

Terry had a unique, joyful spirit that impacted thousands of lives in the Hempfield community and beyond before his death on August 22, 2019 at age 64. Terry was born with Williams Syndrome, a genetic disorder sometimes referred to as the “happy syndrome,” because people with the disorder often have a friendly, markedly outgoing personality as well as mild to moderate learning disabilities. It is also common, as in Terry’s case, for those affected to have a fondness for music.

His love for Hempfield Area School District’s marching band was legendary. Thanks to efforts by his family and friends, the band will benefit from a fund established in his memory at The

L to R Jessica Urbanik, Danny Ranieri, Tony Ranieri, Linda DeFloria and Tawnya Rockwell.

Terry t-shirts and sweatshirts may be purchased online at www.companycasuals.com/ terryranierishirtsite Contributions to the Terry Ranieri Memorial Fund may be made online at cfwestmoreland.org/ terryranieri

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The Cover Reveal event was hosted at Giannilli’s II in Greensburg. Attendees included GOAL magazine contributors, family and friends of the Ranieri family. Tony Ranieri, Linda DeFloria and Danny Ranieri shared stories about their brother, Terry, bringing the crowd to tears and laughter.

Jessica Urbanik and Tawnya Rockwell from GOAL Magazine presented the Ranieri family with a canvas of the magazine cover.

If you missed this issue and would like to read more, visit

www.go2goalus.com/past-issues

www.go2goalus.com 5

QA &

with QR Attorneys

by Jessica Rafferty

A

s I mentioned in a previous article, the ability to help clients navigate a variety of legal issues is one of the reasons QuatriniRafferty is unique. We are able to do this because we have 16 attorneys in our firm and we each focus our practices in different areas of the legal issues overlap. In these situations, we are able to work as a team to coordinate the client’s cases to make the whole process more efficient and get the best result possible for the client. In addition, as people’s lives change so do their legal needs. We’re really proud to be able to help people through all phases of their lives.

Over the next couple of issues, I’ll briefly introduce you to some of our attorneys and provide you with answers to commonly asked I’ll start with me. As I think you all know by now, I’m Jessica Rafferty.

I grew up in Latrobe, graduated from Latrobe High School, went on to Bucknell University and then George Mason University School of focus my practice in the areas of Family Law, Wills & Estates and Civil Litigation. In the area of Family Law, I am often asked the following:

Question: Do grandparents have a right to file for custody of their grandchildren in Pennsylvania?

Answer: grandparents are permitted to file for partial physical custody of their grandchildren under certain circumstances, which include:

J

essica Rafferty focuses her practice in the areas of civil litigation and family law. She has been named to the National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 as well as the Westmoreland Academy of Trial Lawyers. She has also earned the distinction of being admitted into the Million Dollar and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum – fewer than 1% of the United States lawyers are members.

6 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

• if the parent of the child is deceased, a parent or grandparent of the deceased parent may file for partial physical custody (ex: if Father dies, Paternal Grandma may file for partial physical custody of the child); • if grandparents had a prior relationship with the child and now the parents of the child have: (1) filed for custody (i.e., Mom vs. Dad); and (2) the parents do not agree whether the grandparents should be able to see the child; OR • if the child has lived with the grandparent for a period of at least 12 consecutive months. In this case, the grandparents must file for custody within 6 months from the date the child is no longer living with the grandparents.

One key is to make sure you have the right medical evidence for each program, since the standards are all different.

Vince Quatrini, is one of the founding partners of our firm. He is a Latrobe High School graduate, he went on to Saint Vincent College and then Duquesne University School of

Tereasa Rerko is a partner at the firm and focuses her practice in the area of Social Security Disability.

Tereasa received her B.A. from California University of Pennsylvania and went on to Duquesne University

practice in the area of Workers’ Compensation.

Question:

I am receiving Workers Compensation, also has a 55, my doctor is saying I will not be able to ever go back to the

Question: Do I owe income taxes on my Social Security Disability?

Answer: While it is considered “taxable” income, whether or not you will owe any taxes on it depends upon the total amount of your taxable income Answer: benefits. We regularly do this type of analysis for our clients since we have attorneys who are knowledgeable about Workers Compensation, Long Term

withheld from your Social Security Disability checks called IRS Form W-4V.

make sure you have the right medical evidence for each program, since the

end, the goal is to secure your financial Peace of Mind.

In addition to the three practice areas mentioned above, we have attorneys who handle the following: Personal Injury; Wills & Estates; Long-Term Disability; Veterans’ Disability; Employment Law; and Criminal Litigation. If you have any questions for any of our attorneys, please do not hesitate to call.

It would be our pleasure to talk with you!

QuatriniRafferty is recognized as The Injury and Disability Law Firm, with offices in Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Latrobe, and Altoona. The firm’s 16 local lawyers specialize in workers’ compensation, personal injury, social security disability, car accidents, wills and estate planning, long-term disability, and nursing home injuries.

The firm was founded in 1987. Find out more about QuatriniRafferty by visiting www.qrlegal.com.

www.go2goalus.com 7

Test of our

RESOLVE

T

he world continues its battle to contain the COVID-19 pandemic, which now has likely impacted, either directly or indirectly, nearly every person on Earth. This is far more than just a health crisis—this is a human crisis. Its fearful wake will only be bested by the bravery, perseverance, and hope of a determined world. It is more than just a dangerous illness; it is a test of our resolve.

Resolve requires more than just the courage to stare down the unknown— it is the commitment to overcome it. It all starts with the heroism of the first responders saving lives and scientists working tirelessly to find a cure. It shines on the truck drivers and market workers restocking empty store shelves. And resolve includes the sacrifices of small businesses and working Americans that are delaying the pursuit of economic growth for the temporary social-distancing practices that are helping to contain this

pandemic. This unified resolve will be the ultimate cure for COVID-19, but its side effects are proving to be costly: slower economic growth over the short-term, a rise in unemployed Americans, and the resulting volatility we continue to see in the markets.

The unified and massive response of governments around the globe is encouraging. In coordinated action with central banks all over the world, our Federal Reserve (Fed) has already cut rates and announced open-ended asset purchases in a historically aggressive attempt to mitigate disruptions in financial markets and re-establish free flow of credit to consumers, businesses, and state and local governments. Fed Chair Jerome Powell stated that the US central bank stands ready to do “whatever it takes”—echoing the same words that European Central Bank President Mario Draghi said in the aftermath of the Great Recession to keep the Eurozone from

8 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

by The SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Team unraveling. And, during the printing of this publication, Congress is conducting its last negotiations on what will be at least a $1.5 trillion fiscal stimulus package to rescue struggling businesses and impacted Americans. These monetary and fiscal policy initiatives cannot fix the problem—only scientists and doctors can do that—but they can help “fix” the recovery, by helping to make sure that as many businesses as possible are strong enough to re-start their growth engines to aid the economy as soon as this global pandemic wanes.

Nobody knows when and where this will end. But we have confidence the recovery—for our nation, our economy, and the markets—is around the corner. We also know that the S&P 500 Index is 34% below its all-time high (as of the close March 23, 2020) from just over a month ago and is essentially pricing in the full extent of a recession (historical average is -37% in a recession). Though sell-offs

are never encouraging, a bright spot is that this one resembles the severity of the market reactions during past severe pandemics. During the unusually deadly influenza outbreak of 1918, stocks dropped 33% before recovering; about 50 years later in 1969, a dangerous flu pandemic drove markets down 36%. Today, ironically another 50 years or so later, markets have declined a similar amount, which brings to mind the famous Mark Twain quote, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.”

There are more negative storylines yet to be told in this pandemic as new cases continue to grow in the United States, concern remains elevated, and market volatility reigns. Every day, we are inundated with more and more cancellations—everything from shuttered workplaces to closed schools, cancelled graduations, and restricted public gatherings. But, optimism for the near-term future has not been cancelled. Neither has hope. And, neither has the long-term prosperity of America, our economy, and the prospects for long-term investors to possibly participate in an eventual market recovery. Our future is not cancelled—it has been ignited with our resolve.

Please stay healthy and contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Business Continuity Planning

D

uring this time of crisis and uncertainty we have respectfully complied with all mandates regarding social distancing and closures for the benefit of our society, clients and employees. In the face of the adversity the Coronavirus has created, we are proud to report that our Business Continuity Planning has enabled us to remain 100% operational and connected to our platforms, data and team members to assure matter the circumstances or challenge, our team is committed to standing with you

By Your Side Through It All. 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 SecondHalfCoachWealthManagement SHCteam

Important Information strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal. Any economic forecasts set forth may not develop as predicted and are subject to change.

References to markets, asset classes, and sectors are generally regarding the corresponding market index. Indexes are unmanaged statistical composites and cannot be inis historical and is no guarantee of future results.

All data is provided as of March 24, 2020. This Research material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC. All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however, LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.

www.go2goalus.com 9

BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR A PENNSYLVANIA PEDIATRIC CANCER RESEARCH HOSPITAL

W

alk up to anyone on the street and ask them what they dislike about politics. Chances are almost certain that you will get a response somewhere along the lines of, “No one wants to work together to get anything done.” It’s something I have heard far too often on my trips around the 32nd district.

But when I tell constituents that my colleagues in the Senate and I often develop and pass legislation that finds unanimous support, they are left surprised by the news. Bipartisan support for legislation often goes unreported and unheralded by the news media because it doesn’t have the draw of a political fight. I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight one of those bipartisan agreements that passed through the Senate last November of which I am particularly proud.

On November 19, 2019, I cast my vote for Senate Bill 74, a tax credit program for qualifying donations made to a Pennsylvania pediatric cancer research hospital. Credits would be limited to $10 million per year over the next 10 years.

Pediatric cancer research hospitals could benefit from up to $100 million in new private donations under this bill. The bill passed the Senate with a unanimous 49-0 vote tally.

Pediatric Cancer is the leading cause of death by disease past infancy among children in the United States. The National Institutes of Health estimate that in 2018, 15,590 children ages 0 to 19 will be

by State Senator, Pat Stefano

I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight one of those bipartisan agreements that passed through the Senate last November of which I am particularly proud. diagnosed with cancer and 1,780 will die of these diseases. However, the National Cancer Institute spends just 4 percent of its research dollars on pediatric cancer.

Children are suffering from leukemias, brain and central nervous system tumors, lymphomas, and other types of pediatric cancer, and we can do more about it.

The credit would apply to qualifying donations made to Pennsylvania’s leading pediatric care centers such as the Center for Childhood Research at the Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania, Penn State Hershey’s Pediatric Hematology and Oncology center, the Abramson Cancer Center with Penn Medicine, and the UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. These centers are leading the way in research and

10 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

treatment in Pennsylvania and across the country. The more resources that they have at their disposal could potentially lead to a cure to these types of pediatric cancer.

Every year, we see Penn State students from all over the state raise millions as part of their Penn State’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon to help fund pediatric cancer research and cover the medical expenses of patients being treated at the Penn State Children’s Hospital through the Four Diamonds Fund. At THON each year, some 700 students dance for 46 hours without sitting down to show their support.

In 2020, these students raised $11,696,942, raising $1.075 million more than last year’s total. Since its inception in 1973, THON has helped over 4,000 families in their battles with pediatric cancer by raising over $168 million. Every Penn State campus joins in on the effort, and I am proud to say that my alma mater, Penn State Fayette, has repeatedly been the highest commonwealth campus contributor. Most notably, the Eberly Campus made a $93,943 donation to the cause in 2016.

These students take the lead every year in providing for those children who need it most, and I applaud my colleagues for standing together with them by creating more incentive to donate to their cause.

Senate Bill 74 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration and I hope to see it go to the Governor’s desk for signature this year. Our children are Pennsylvania’s future, and we can do more to help them reach that future.

D

id you know that you can see a physical therapist without a referral or prescription from your physician? Our physical therapists have their doctorates in physical therapy, AND Direct Access, which means that they receive extensive training on how to evaluate, diagnose, and treat conditions like lower back pain, neck pain, headaches, shoulder pain, foot pain, hip pain, dizziness and balance dysfunction.

Does that mean that you need an X-ray or MRI? No! Actually, the cost of a physical therapy evaluation is about 50% less than an MRI, and more often reveals the source of the problem more thoroughly.

How is that so? Well, getting an MRI is like taking your car to the auto body shop. They are looking to see how “normal” things look inside your body. However, our bodies do wear and tear all the time. Even if we make things “look pretty,” they don’t always SO, a physical therapy evaluation is like taking your car to the mechanic. Physical therapists are making things run more smoothly, more balanced and stronger, which gets rid of your pain as well! So if you are looking to get that oil change, and another 20,000 mile warranty on your body, come see one of our physical therapists for an evaluation!

www.physicaltherapyinstitute.com www.go2goalus.com 11

Our Clubhouse

Our Clubhouse provides welcoming communities of support for all those touched by cancer. Learn more at ourclubhouse.org

Page sponsored by a friend of Our Clubhouse and GOAL Magazine

Beverly’s Birthdays

by Westmoreland County Commissioner, Gina Cerilli

A

s county commissioner, my eyes are opened to very sad and unfortunate situations for children.

As a child, my sister and I were blessed to experience birthday parties with our family and friends. As an adult, I even buy my dog a “doggy cake” for her birthday. Recently, I was introduced to the non-profit organization called Beverly’s Birthdays, which provides birthday parties for children experiencing homelessness in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties. They believe that every child, regardless of financial circumstances, deserves a very special

was working at an after-school center and she met an 11-year-old girl named Beverly, who said she never had her own birthday party or even a piece of her own birthday cake. It was hard for Megs to comprehend that a child had never celebrated a birthday. Birthday celebrations are the core of what makes a child feel special as they watch those who love them celebrate their special day. Everyone deserves to have a happy birthday and Megs realized the harsh reality that some children and families who face the day to day struggles of financial despair have to prioritize food, shelter and everyday necessities over everything else. In the end, there is not much left over.

To date, Beverly’s has grown to provide six programs, all dedicated to spreading birthday cheer to children struggling with homelessness and families in need. The organization has recognized over 30,000 birthdays.

Beverly’s works with a number of

filled with essential items for newborn babies. Beverly’s also partners with agencies to provide group baby showers for mothers-to-be.

• The Birthday Boutique, “Hope on a fashion truck that goes to the birthday opportunity to enter the vehicle to shop for three new outfits, pajamas, underwear, socks, and a duffle bag. All of the clothes Westmoreland County agency partners and schools to provide birthday celebrations’ participants. Their office, lovingly referred to as the “Land of Cheer” provides: celebrations are hosted at homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, group homes, and residential treatment facilities. The guests are the other children in the program and their families. receive a birthday cheer bin on their birthday with age-appropriate gifts as well as a new book and toothbrush/ toothpaste.

in low-income elementary and primary schools with their own Classroom Cheer Kit. This kit contains everything a teacher would need to recognize their student’s

filled with all of the necessary items to host a small birthday celebration (cake mix, frosting, plates, cups, napkins, party hats, etc.). This program primarily serves families who are clients of the Westmoreland County Community Food Bank.

Beverly’s Birthdays received national coverage on «Good Morning America» and many other media outlets. The annual budget is $1.4 million. Half is raised by in-kind donations and the other half by monetary donations and grants. The office and huge supply room is located Want to get involved? Beverly’s Birthdays is looking for volunteers to attend birthday parties, bake cupcakes, as well as sponsor the party treat bags, assemble Birthdays in a Bag, drop off birthday cheer bins, or as office volunteers, etc. They also would love for companies, organizations, or individuals to organize a financial and/ or in-kind donation drive. Please visit www.beverlysbirthdays.org or call 724-590-5106 or 412-720-9737.

www.go2goalus.com 13

The Spanish Flu 1918-1920

by Jerry Ferraro

A

tinderbox of kindling, Europe found its spark in the fall of 1914 and exploded into the Great War. The Great War lasted from 1914 to 1918.

It would prove to be the most devastating war in the history of mankind until 1939 when a tyrant leader of Nazi Germany officially started a Second World War. The Great War would forever be known as The First World War or World War One. It is upon this backdrop that the Spanish Flu (H1N1) hit the world in 1918 causing devastation unparalleled in the past. As the war was winding down, armies were being struck with this virus that was poised to upset the balance of power on the battlefields of Europe. The main participants of the war imposed censorship that carried over to the impact of the virus as well.

Spain, however, was not participating in the war and printed daily stories about debating about its origin, a name was born-The Spanish Flu. One thing is certain, it did The first American to be diagnosed was an Army cook by the name of Albert Gitchell.

He reported to his infirmary on the Kansas military base, and within a day or two more than 522 men were also infected. With most of the major nations still imposing censorship restrictions, the world was blind

mother nature was wielding her sickle of

American soldier gets throat sprayed to prevent

to the true impact of the influenza during its population, it uncharacteristically attacked the youthful the most. Citizens between the ages of 20 and 40 were the most susceptible.

Of course, children under the age of five and In a world without vaccines or antibiotics, the virus spread freely. People resorted to isolation, quarantines and good personal hygiene to avoid infection. Disinfectants and avoiding public gatherings also lowered the odds of spreading it. In that first year of exposure, life expectancy in the United States dropped by 12 years. As the world was mourning the largest loss of life from war,

14 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

Kansas, Boston, and France all have been named as possible points of origin for the Spanish Flu by both historians and medical professionals. China, ironically, has been suspected by many western historians.

Kansas produced the first known case in the United States. Boston saw a huge population infected. France harbored WWI medical facilities that processed 100,000 men a day along with livestock that was used to feed them. All of these deserved a second look.

China suffered an unusually low amount of people infected. Some point to this fact as proof that the population had lived with the virus and built up an immunity.

Infected people could send half a million virus particles into the air by a simple sneeze or cough. Many soldiers in the trenches had mild symptoms and maintained their posts rather than report to sick call. This perpetuated the situation allowing the virus to breed in the dark, damp, overcrowded The Spanish Flu continues to hold the title for removing the largest percentage of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population. It is estimated that 500 million people or one-third of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s population was infected by the end of its run.

Estimates range from as low as 17 million to

as high as 50 million people died as a result of their infection. Throughout the world, The CDC determined that by 1920, 28% of the U.S. population of 105 million had become infected while 500,000 to 675,000 died. As a comparison, although we entered the war late, the United States suffered more than 116,000 casualties from the most modern war to date. According to the CDC, a typical flu season kills approximately 400,000 people a year or one out of every 18,750 people. This declares the Spanish Flu to have been 182 times more deadly than the baseline expected loss from the yearly flu. The World Health Organization estimates that 2-3% of those infected died.

The Spanish Flu killed more people in 24 Stores closed, consumers left products outside, medical personnel risked their lives treating the infected and even gravediggers refused to do their much needed job for

The World Health Organization estimates that 2-3% of those infected died. The Spanish Flu killed more people in 24 weeks than HIV/ AIDS killed in 24 years. fear of contamination. Steam powered mechanical shovels were utilized to dig mass graves where bodies were often buried without the dignity of even a simple The Spanish Flu and the current coronavirus have distinct differences. COVID-19 is a coronavirus not an influenza virus. The

Spanish Flu targeted the healthiest of our population. According to the Center for Disease Control, coronavirus seems to affect the elderly the most. Wartime censorship denied the sharing of information while today countries work in conjunction toward a solution. In the early 20th century, mass transit consisted of the railroad and boats. Today, a single airplane can carry the virus to an unaffected area within a matter of hours. The Spanish Flu hit before antibiotics, subjecting many of its victims to secondary infections. Today we possess various antibiotics for the treatment of side effects. Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s populous has a higher level of personal hygiene and suffers less from malnutrition than our ancestors.

Unfortunately, countries with a lower socioeconomic status will find combating this virus more challenging.

Although the Spanish Flu is not the coronavirus, it can illustrate prior practices assisting us in containing and eventually eliminating this deadly virus.

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 as on the Board of Directors at the Latrobe Area Historical Association. He is pursuing a Masters degree in Military History. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. for professional

www.go2goalus.com 15

by Dr. Daniel T. Lovette, DC et’s start off by doing a quick selftest. Right now, I want you to place a hand on your stomach and take a full, deep breath. Does your stomach drastically push your hand away from your body, or do your shoulders elevate to your ears when your lungs are full of air? Are you sitting up straight or are you slouched over? Did you breathe only through your nose or was your mouth open, too?

As humans, our bodies perform lots of basic functions that are automatic just to keep us alive each day, breathing being one of tion of the population still doesn’t breathe correctly? This affects our everyday lives more than you think. A perfectly healthy

individual may ask me, “I don’t smoke, I exercise, I don’t have asthma, and I don’t use a CPAP when I sleep, so how could I be breathing incorrectly?” Hear me out.

We all have a pretty good idea as to how the whole breathing thing actually works, but let’s go through it anyway. During inhalation, the air that we breathe in enters the nose or mouth by a vacuum created by our diaphragm contracting, pulling our ribcage down to expand our lungs. It then flows through the throat and enters our windpipe. Our windpipe or trachea divides into two tubes called bronchi, which enter our lungs through smaller branches. At the end of these branches are tiny sacs (alveoli), which is where oxygen enters the blood

16 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

and carbon dioxide leaves. As we exhale, our diaphragm relaxes and our lungs collapse to push out the exchange of oxygen to carbon dioxide out of our bodies. Even though this process is repeated roughly 24,000 times a day by the average person at rest (15 bpm), the average person only uses 1/3rd of their lung capacity. If this process is so natural and automatic, then how do any of us do it incorrectly?

It’s well known by now that our lives are becoming more sedentary. On average, adults today are 70% less active than the previous generation. We sit for longer periods of time at our work desks, playing video games, texting, scrolling through social media or binge-watching Netflix.

Every single process in the body is dependent on oxygen.

During these times, we often are not paying attention to our posture. This in turn causes us to use our weaker rib muscles to take incomplete breaths when we are sitting. Some of us even use our neck muscles to assist in inhalation, especially when under stress.

A combination of long periods of sitting, stress, and poor breathing patterns alone can be a recipe for neck pain, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and even jaw pain. Now, add in smoking, poor diet, little-to-no exercise (less than 5% of adults are physically active for 30 minutes per day), and climbing obesity rates (42% of Americans). Including all these factors, we’re taking in just enough oxygen per breath adequate for living.

Every single process in the body is dependent on oxygen. Our brains use 20% of the oxygen we consume. Our heart relies massively on oxygen to work efficiently, with a quick shortage of oxygen causing bad circulation, dizziness, headaches, cold hands and feet in even the healthiest of people. Our muscles will get stiff and tire faster if there’s a shortage of oxygen, even during periods of lower activity. Like most people, active or not, your breathing pattern most likely has some issues. Our most common issues are typically chest or neck breathing, repetitive yawning or sighing, or short quick breaths similar to hyperventilating, all without even noticing.

To change something, you need to become aware of what needs to be changed. So, paying attention to how you breathe is crucial in different situations. What’s your breathing like during different times throughout the day? During changes in mental states?

When your’re stressed, angry, driving, at

work vs. at home? Start by setting reminders to check your breathing periodically in certain situations to remind yourself to adjust your patterns. For those of you who use wearable tech daily (Apple Watch, Fitbit, Garmin etc.), keep an eye on your pulse changes, high or low, as a reminder to check your breathing patterns. Chances are if you check your breathing during a period when your BPM rises, your pulse will start to come down.

Fortunately, changing basic breathing habits isn’t that complicated. Let’s do a quick exercise, starting by sitting up straight. With your mouth closed, breathe in through your nose and fill your lungs with air. Now, exhale with a short burst, like you’re blowing out birthday candles. Let all the air out of your lungs. Do it again. Inhale from the top of your lungs to the bottom, but this time be aware of where your tensions are as you inhale. Check your shoulder and neck muscles. Are they tense? Exhale until your lungs are empty. Take one more deep breath, but focus on relaxing the areas you previously found tension. As you return back to normal breathing depths, keep your focus on those tense areas as you continue throughout your day.

Those of you with desk jobs, are in stressful situations often, suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, or regularly experience neck pain or headaches often may want to incorporate a quick breathing check periodically throughout the day, especially before diving into an important task.

During a period of increased stress, research has shown that 10 or fewer slow, deep breaths per minute for 3-5 minutes is optimal for activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body relax. So, next time you feel yourself getting anxious, take a break from what you’re doing, sit up straight, and just breathe!

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

Left to right: Dr. Mike McClure, Dr. David Nicols, Dr. Reed Nelson, Dr. Wes Orvosh, Dr. Dan Lovette

www.go2goalus.com 17

by Chad Amond President and CEO, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce

How the 2020 Census Benefits

Westmoreland County

T

he U.S. Census was started in 1790 by the Colonials that initiated the United States of America. The census impacts every single resident of Westmoreland County, SWPA, and all of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Each year, our county receives funding dollars based on population totals and breakdowns by gender, age, race, and other factors.

The amount of funding allocated will be One example, if a family of five does not complete the census, our county will lose roughly $100,000 in state & federal funding.

The census also affects the apportionment of representatives among the states.

Apportionment is the process of dividing the 435 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives among the 50 states, based on the state population counts that result from each decennial census. These results will be the first data published from the 2020 Census and will determine the number of seats each state will have for the Westmoreland County benefits the most when the census counts everyone

and depends on our population’s participation. The census data is used by our Westmoreland County residents and 1 Residents use the census to support community initiatives involving consumer advocacy and quality-of2 Local Government officials use the census to ensure public safety and emergency preparedness, build and 3 Businesses use census data to decide where to build new companies and stores, which creates jobs.

4 Developers and city planners use the census to build new homes and revitalize neighborhoods.

Participation for the 2020 Census begins environment of increasingly diverse and growing populations, the census requires years of planning and the support of each resident. Currently, our community is mobilizing resources and is depending on collaborations with organizations

18 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

and individuals to encourage people to participate. An incomplete count of our region, or the state, can have devastating The most significant challenge we face is ensuring that all our county’s residents are informed of the importance of their participation and understand why a complete count matters. Educating the public and engaging individuals to complete the 2020 census questionnaire will help ensure that as many people as possible are counted so our community continues to receive appropriate representation and federal funding required for sustainability and successful innovation.

Last but not least, many people may wonder why the 2020 Census matters.

There are three simple reasons. First, it’s in the Constitution that every resident must be counted every ten years. Second, it’s important to participate to make sure we have fair representation in Congress. And lastly, our census count will affect the next decade of federal spending, policy, and decision-making.

PROUD of what we do

Redstone has received the results of our recent CARF survey and for the third time, Redstone has received the HIGHEST accreditation of FIVE YEARS! It is a rigorous process that evaluates all areas of our operation.

CARF is an organization that surveys and accredits service providers that demonstrate they strive to offer the highest level of services, well beyond standards set by regulatory requirements. CARF accreditation signals a service providerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commitment to continually improving services, encouraging feedback, and serving the community. Organizations that pursue CARF accreditation are held to higher expectations and are required to meet a comprehensive set of quality standards.

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North Huntingdon 724-864-5811

Greensburg 724-832-8400

Murrysville 724-733-9494

2/24/20 5:08 PM

by GOAL Magazine Team

BIKE FOR LIFE

A

re you looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors and meet new people? Consider joining Bike for Life! The local group of cyclists meet twice a month beginning in April at various trails across the region--from the North Shore of Pittsburgh to Ohiopyle. Participants ride at their own pace and distance. There is no pressure, the only goal is to enjoy the ride.

Their Bike for Life shirts, which are worn in the summer months, make them easily distinguishable on the trails. The group meets after the ride, and throughout the winter months, Bike for Life leader, Ed Burd of Latrobe, keeps track of their is welcome to join and there is no cost.

For more information, please call 724-537-2799 or visit www.shcwealthmanagement.com/shcwm-community-involvement for the 2020 ride schedule.

With Clean Air! PA016988

20 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

Scott Ludwick

Associate Broker Ranked in Top 100 Agents Nationally Since 1998!

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty

10 Ways to Make a Small Room Look Larger

No matter how large your home may be, there’s always one room that’s just a little too small. Luckily, with some quick design tricks, any room can appear larger. Try a couple of these suggestions and watch your room magically expand.

1. Use lighter paint colors.

2. Paint or wallpaper the ceiling in order to make a room look taller.

3. Install wall-to-wall or floor-to-ceiling bookcases to make the ceilings look higher.

4. Pull furniture away from the walls to create a feeling of spaciousness.

5. Hang mirrors opposite windows to reflect light and make the room seem bigger.

6. Keep knickknacks, framed photos, books, etc., to a minimum to create a sense of spaciousness.

7. Use furniture that doubles for something else. For example,

a lidded ottoman that’s also a seat that’s also a storage unit.

8. Keep window treatments to a minimum to

expose as much of the window—and therefore, light—as possible. Think sheer, white curtains.

Or better yet, nothing at all.

9. Stay away from bold prints and colors.

Stick to smaller patterns and neutrals when it comes to rugs and upholstery.

10. Deploy stripes, either on your walls or floors, which will make the walls look taller and the floors longer.

For more tips to make small spaces appear larger than they are, contact me 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

How a Science Fiction Magazine Helped Advance Real Technology

By Scot Noel, Content Director for Chroma Studios

Will it Help Your Business?

In 2019, two ideas were set to collide at a web development agency in Jeannette called Chroma Studios.

Two of the company’s owners, Scot and Jane Noel, had decided to fantasy magazine they would call DreamForge. At the same time, Daniel Falk, one of Chroma’s software engineers, was working on a new cloud-based software for business: a type of web portal.

When it came time to deploy a website for the new magazine, Scot both issues and individual stories online, have readers create their own magazine to its readers to providing home improvement proposals, created and for the magazine to be readable on any Internet connected device.

There was immediate skepticism. “But you’re working on a project system, right?”

“Well, it can kind of do almost anything. But we need projects to prove it.”

DreamForge Magazine Gets a Portal Taking a chance, the Noel’s decided to risk the future of their magazine on Dan’s big idea. invest in what would become called FlexPortal, a customizable, universal toolkit for small business.

In the magazine application, each reader has a dashboard with access to issues.

FlexPortal Continues to Evolve

dashboard is permission based, providing access to the content available for their personal subscription.

Authors submit their stories through the portal too, and volunteer readers around the world login to help evaluate stories for purchase.

The portal has even allowed DreamForge to cooperate with other small press publishers to display their magazines in the portal too, allowing subscribers to enjoy more content with a single subscription.

Best of all, FlexPortal represents a print and online sales ecosystem apart from Amazon and other Internet book venues.

How is This a Business Tool For software engineer Dan Falk, building out DreamForge online in the The cloud-based system is an alloy of website technology and database tools, working together to give businesses a new competitive edge. By integrating a suite of business tools with a company’s online presence, package.

assist a variety of small to medium sized businesses meet their mission To-date, FlexPortal has served the needs of businesses as diverse as a organization, a municipality’s building permit system, a professional soccer team, HVAC ductwork fabrication, a window replacement company, and service-based businesses.

In 2020, FlexPortal is set to become a staple product of Chroma Studios and to become part of web-software packages like Flex4, a website with an integrated CRM (customer resource management) tool.

customization able to deploy everything from delivering an online

“It can do just about anything and now we have the projects to prove it.”

— Daniel Falk

what’s important to them.

• Project Development • Customer Relationships • Task Assignment and Resolution • Human Resources • Reports, Forms, and Analytics • Accounting • Proposals and Document Management Using click and drag module builders, customers can quickly make FlexPortal become the software they need to get their business done. As adjustments that truly customize each business’s portal for the job at hand.

Best of all, FlexPortal syncs with other software like QuickBooks, Salesforce, MarketSharp, and more.

To see Flexportal in action visit: FlexBusinessPortal.com and https://dreamforge.mywebportal.app. developed by Chroma Studios Jeannette, PA 724-261-3738

22 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

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Turning a Dream

into Reality

Local Entrepreneur Becomes a Champion of the Wrestling Belt World

by Tawnya Rockwell 24 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

c o v e r

s t o r y

“When someone tells you that you can’t do something, use that as motivation to prove them wrong.”

– Andrew Lazarchik

F

ebruary 5, 1988 was nothing short of a usual evening at the Lazarchik family residence in

and thanks to Mr. Mazzie, Lazarchik met jump started his reputation throughout

Andrew Lazarchik was mesmerized as he watched the World Wrestling Federation’s “The Main Event” on television, unbeknown that this evening would play a pivotal role in his future. Watching his all-time favorite wrestler for the past four years since being introduced to the wrestling world by his brother and neighborhood friends, Andre the Giant defeated Hulk Hogan for the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) World

got his foot in the door, he started doing whatever he could to be a part of making his dream come true. He started videotaping wrestling shows around western Pennsylvania, commentating the events and refereeing until he started his own busi other promoters. Notorious Norm Connors, a veteran Pittsburgh wrestling promoter, was a notable connection he made while in the

moment was extremely exciting for this ultimate professional wrestling fan, it wasn’t the moment that would change his life forever. Hogan gave a pre-match interview wearing the heavyweight belt, but when he came to the ring, he had a brand new completely redesigned belt, which became known as The Winged Eagle. The moment it was put on display for the winner of the match, Lazarchik was “awe-struck.” He would rewind and pause this part of the show on the VCR a hundred times to look at the design of the belt created by the legendary belt maker, Reggie Parks. This was the moment Lazarchik went from a wrestling fan to a passionate “belt mark.” (In the wrestling business, a fan is referred to as a mark.)

ness partners. Together they ran their own shows called “Steel City Wrestling.” Lazarchik went by the name “Hot $hot Lazario,” doing everything from manager, ring announcing

Lazarchik’s aunt Lois worked at Commercial Bank and Trust and she would bring him computer paper was long, perforated and folded every 11 inches. If he was fortunate connected to one another, he could draw a Heavyweight Championship belt and cut getting new siding installed along with a some excess scrap siding. He knew he could sand down the aluminum thereby giving it

Birthday

on before the shingles made a great replica of leather. At that moment, this young man discovered that one person’s scrap would become not another man’s treasure, but his As time passed, most of his friends grew out of the wrestling craze during the 90’s; attend La Roche College where he enrolled in the graphic design program. His aspiration was to one day work for the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE) he learned in the design program would fuel his drive towards his passion but a major turning point in his life was the relationships he formed during that time that would

independent wrestling show where he met Rob Mazzie, a professional wrestler who was promoting shows in the surrounding Pittsburgh area. The two became friends

After several years, Lazarchik was barely breaking even, so he decided to give his belt making business a serious try by selling his service of making custom designed belts on eBay. Being self-taught on how to make these belts through months of research, determination, and trial and error, he came up with a streamlined process to make quality belts worthy of selling to customers.

“Where there is a will, there is a way,”

At that moment, Wildcat Championship Belts was established and he found something he truly loved to do while making money with On Independence Day in 2006, Lazarchik’s friend Ray Kuchinka was watching the annual Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest and noticed the quality of the belt awarded to the winner was not to the same standard of those made by Wildcat Championship Belts. He sent Lazarchik a www.go2goalus.com 25

c o v e r

s t o r y

THEN on July 3, and overnighted it for arrival on July 4, 2007. Joey Chestnut won the contest that year, hoisting ’s Famous Hot Dog Championship belt.

Chestnut went on to win every year but one since that moment. Wildcat Championship annual event.

After making belts for two years, Lazarchik were the quality WWE would desire. He decided to make an Intercontinental title belt for WWE but was unsure of whom to show the belt to. He sought out Howard Finkel at a WWE event in Johnstown, PA who was both the ring announcer and the link to the video. Ironically, at the same time, Lazarchik was watching a food show featuring Wayne Norbitz, the President of promotional package together and sent it off to Nathan’s Famous Hot Dogs headquarters said “thanks, but no thanks.” Fast forward 11.5 months to when Lazarchik received a frantic phone call from Major League Eating that the current champion, Takeru Kobayashi, lost the mustard yellow belt in Japan and wo months to make a custom belt, but Lazarchik said, “When opportunity knocks you say yes,

walking back to the locker room during determination, Finkel gave him the department to contact to set up a meeting.

Next thing he knew, Lazarchik was driving to WWE’s headquarters in Connecticut. From that moment on, Wildcat Championship Belts In April of 2019, after months of Lazarchik asking WWE to offer wrestling fans the opportunity to buy authentic championship belts (not replicas); they decided to do a test run during WrestleMania selling the belts for $5,000 each. WWE sold out of the belts in

They saw success in this trial and in December of 2019, WWE and Wildcat Championship Belts created a partnership to offer Elite Authentic TV Series Belts for online sale. For proof of authenticity, each leather strap is stamped with the Wildcat Championship Belts logo.

Over the years, Lazarchik has had requests for all types of belts but what may be one of the most memorable was from a gentleman on behalf of a traveling show called "Jurassic Fight Night, the Pangaea Land of the Dinosaurs". There was going to be a boxing scene between two life size animatronic dinosaurs, and they needed a championship

“Build your own dreams, or someone else will hire you to build theirs.” -Benjamin Franklin to be the largest championship belt

26 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

Q&A

belt large enough to course, Lazarchik took on the task and produced what is believed to be the largest championship belt ever made, measuring 9 feet from end to end, 2 feet tall and weighing 50

Championship Belt

Lazarchik: I received a phone call from WWE explaining that they were looking to revamp the way female wrestlers were perceived in the wrestling world. They were called “The Diva Division” and wanted to change not only the name but also the look of the new “Women’s Division Championship” a black belt strap and they wanted to make it look equal to the men’s but with a white belt strap. The belt producer they used for the men’s belts at the time said he couldn’t do a white strap so WWE gave me the opportunity to make

Another unique and fun request was from a young woman named Jette who wanted wrestling belts made

WrestleMania 32 at Dallas stadium when WWE Hall of Famer, Lita, entered the ring giving a speech that WWE deserving of their history of extraordinary accomplishments.

She then pulled a red cover off a stand in the middle of the ring revealing the belt I made, covered in 283 stones positioned on a striking, white leather strap and a sleek, metallic WWE logo, in front of a record setting crowd of over 100,000 fans at AT&T Stadium. That was my “WrestleMania Moment.”

big wrestling and Spiderman fan. She and her husband, Houston Astros baseball star, Josh Reddick wore custom made belts into their wedding reception accompanied with legendary Ric Flair Every year, WWE requests to have custom logo plates made to gift every winning Super Bowl, World Series and Stanley Cup team with a

GOAL: What is your most memorable Career Moment?

GOAL: Who have you met in the wrestling industry that has stood out to you and why?

Sebak at the Great American Banana Split Celebration

Only about 25% of Wildcat Belt The remaining 75% of the business is producing custom belts for corporate awards for companies such as Coca Cola, Red Bull Energy Drink, Verizon, Google, VH1 and Farmers Insurance just to name been made for The Rock’s “Rock the Promo,” Coors Light’s Fantasy Football Championship and The have been shipped to six continents and vary in price from $375 for economy style to $1,500+ for premium style belts. This just goes to show, championship belts are Lazarchik has never forgotten his roots and continues to give back to

his community in numerous ways.

His father owned Strickler’s Drug Store in downtown Latrobe, the birthplace of the beloved banana he became an active member of the Great American Banana Split Celebration Committee through the Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce. He is in charge of the extremely popular Banana Cream Pie Eating Contest and annually presents the winner with a Championship Belt designed by - you guessed it, Wildcat What was once an 11 year-old little boy’s dream, putting in more than 10,000 hours of practice and no days off, Lazarchik’s passion and determination has led his company to be the premier worldwide fabricator of championship belts.

Lazarchik: I am very fortunate to have met a lot of people in the WWE but the one that has stood out the most is Stephanie McMahon. For being one of the head executives of a billion-dollar corporation, she made sure to make the time to talk to me. She said, “Everyone has a part and plays a role in the WWE Universe whether you are a fan, a wrestler, a camera man or the guy that makes the belts. It’s a

GOAL: What advice can you give to someone who wants to start a career that might not be your typical business and is told they will never make it?

Lazarchik: In the early 90’s it wasn’t “cool” to be a wrestling fan anymore, so I spent a lot of my life getting judged, picked on and teased because I was still passionate about wrestling.

That only made me want to follow my dreams more. I have a shirt that has the words “The Haters Made Me Do It” and that to never pass judgment on anyone and appreciate people for being different in their own special way. It’s kind of like what my fellow Latrobe native Fred Rogers said, “There’s no person in the whole world like you; and I like you just the way you are.”

WILDCATBELTS.COM www.go2goalus.com 27

be like Bob Of course, days after our fearless leader, Bob Gonze, retired, he felt the need to pass on another task to us. He wanted to publish an article in Goal Magazine to promote Blue Sky Sign Company, the business he had to let go of, somewhat painfully. He sent over his draft, a gushing piece about our process in designing and installing the new sign at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. He asked us to make small edits and to create a layout for the article to submit. Maybe we should have just went with his version, but everyone in the shop seemed to be on the same page. We’ll just do our own and gush a little about Bob. He’s going to hate it.

One of our long-time customers said she knew she had found the right partnership when Bob would yell at her for riding her motorcycle one minute, tell her what a great job she was doing the next, and somehow work in an insult as well. Like a dad or crazy uncle - family, essentially. Anyone who knows Bob knows exactly what she means.

We aren’t Bob. We certainly can’t get away with a lot of the things he could, but we had the pleasure of working with him for years. It has been a priceless education and friendship.

28 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

Bob has guts. Yes, he will drink you under the table and wake up roses the next day, but we’re talking guts to take risks with absolute optimism. When he took over the sign business, he had little to no experience in signage. To think then, that we would be designing, managing, and installing a 25 foot monument sign like Our Lady of Grace, would blow our minds. We took on projects throughout the years that may have scared others away, but they were opportunites for growth. Bob would often say, “Just another opportunity,” when a particularly challenging project fell into our hands.

A few years ago, we were awarded a bid for all of the signage at Excela Square at Latrobe. Included were 3 monument signs with EMCs, main exterior building signs, almost 1,000 ADA room plaques, and directional signs for 3 floors. The financing alone was a feat, but he found a way. We successfully completed the project and others like it since.

When architect and interior designer, Dave Opalinsky, came to us for help in creating a 14’x14’x14’ ice castle for Nemacolin Woodlands, Bob committed to it.

The risk was ultimately on him, but he put his trust in us, and supported us the whole way through.

We’ve all made our fair share of mistakes over the years, but Bob has never made us feel inferior for them. Kate experienced this in a situation not long after her hire, when a large account threatened to leave over a small oversight.

She felt horrible and was nervous to bring it up. Bob didn’t scold her but instead showed more interest in how she was handling things. He told her that anyone willing to sever ties over something so small in the grand scheme of things was not worth being upset over and that he - actually, everyone at Blue Sky - had her back. He put a lot of trust in all of his

employees and that trust only fueled us to be the best we could be for ourselves and for the company we love. Genuine respect from a boss is not something you see everyday unless you’re lucky enough to work for Bob Gonze.

He created an environment for a team, a family. We could talk honestly with him. He earned and deserved our respect never demanded it. When Amanda’s dad was diagnosed with brain cancer, Bob wrote emails to a couple of her customers explaining the situation. He asked them to be patient with her in case they weren’t getting their proofs right away. Little things like that mean a lot. And it makes you want to fight for your team. Bob would push us, and that was okay. We all have the same mindset - more team victories. And when Allie got overwhelmed (and cranky) there was undoubtedly a White Rabbit box full of treats waiting on the counter the following morning.

Outside of actual work, we would share stories at lunch almost every day. We would take kayaks down the river. Bob tried to teach us a thing or two with an occasional wine-tasting. And he organized a couple bike trips, including a 5-day ride to DC on the GAP trail and a 57 miler through the PA Grand Canyon.

Maybe most importantly, he showed appreciation and confidence in our abilities every damn day. To have a sense of worth at your job is life-changing and something we are truly grateful for. Dan is still missing his right hand and we all don’t see our friend as much as we had, but we have learned many valuable lessons. So we’ll keep this incredible business going with the family Bob built and with enough sense to enjoy more bike rides, kayak floats, game nights, and blue sky days.

Written by

Allie Hickman, owner Dan Goswick, owner Amanda Wolfe, designer Kate Dillon, designer Taryn Six, designer Amanda Risinger, production www.go2goalus.com 29

Union Mission client Spencer Leon Reed, left, speaks with Frank Yaniga, center, who got back on his feet with help from Union Mission and its Executive Director, Dan Carney. Image by Joshua Franzos for The Pittsburgh Foundation © 2020.

Addressing the housing crisis in Westmoreland County

By Kitty Julian, director of Communications, The Pittsburgh Foundation, which is affiliated with The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County.

S

taff at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County knew that a lack of emergency shelter beds was a significant issue, but it wasn’t until they began checking in with nonprofits and community advocates that the full “We heard over and over from nonprofit leaders that, if we wanted to improve conditions for the most vulnerable county residents, we had to invest in efforts to address homelessness and housing insecurity,” says

CFWC Executive Director Phil Koch. “People without housing are clearly the most vulnerable and it hit us like a lightning bolt that we aren’t doing enough to help them.”

Though the county has a population of 365,000, it has only 69 emergency shelter beds available, making it the poorest performing county of its size in providing And since the available beds are designated for men, women and families, the situation is even more dire for youth facing home-

30 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

lessness. Pennsylvania’s Education Children gram estimates that there are about 410 teens in Westmoreland County who don’t have a place to live. That need far outpaces beds at the handful of group homes that provide youth shelter. Philadelphia-based, Bridge2Home, which helps young people find shelter with family or friends, found that eight young people in Westmoreland county were referred to the program in 2019, but only three host families were available that year.

CFWC made its largest grant, $40,000, in 2019, to Latrobe-based Union Mission, which provides emergency shelter and support services to men facing homelessness. CFWC has also encouraged donors to support Union Mission through their donor-advised funds. Since 2017, the Foundation and its donors have awarded $161,500 to the Mission.

According to its Executive Director Dan Carney, homelessness occurs when natural supports break down. These are people and institutions such as family and friends, school or workplace, that allow people to remain successful. When difficult circumstances, such as divorce, health issues or job loss happen at once, the safety net of natural supports can unravel.

“When you look at the data, you see that 97% of people with addictions are housed, 88% of people with mental health issues are housed. But if a person wears out his welcome, it’s not the substance abuse that results in homelessness. It’s when people have exhausted their natural support systems that homelessness occurs,” says Carney. of Westmoreland County. Six years ago, he was a successful information technology professional working full-time on government contracts in Washington, DC. With a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology, he made a six-figure salary and traveled the world for his job. When that contract ended in 2014, rather than looking for move back to western Pennsylvania to care That decision changed everything.

His parents, then in their 70s and 80s, were both recovering alcoholics. While neither had taken a drink in decades, their relationship was contentious, just as it had been 20s. “I couldn’t believe that all those years of therapy hadn’t led them to forgiveness, tion, coupled with failed personal relationships, plunged him into hopelessness and he resolved to end his life. He gave away “I felt that I was a failure and that everything was my fault. I traveled into the wilderness with no possessions or sustenance.

My intention was to die in the middle of

nowhere, with no traces other than my

was discovered collapsed on the roadside by a local priest who connected him to mental health services. Those providers connected him to human services. After was ready to come home and reestablish his life, but he discovered how few options there are for people experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in

Though the county has a population of 365,000, it has only 69 emergency shelter beds available, making it the poorest performing county of its size in providing shelter options.

One of the few shelters is Union Mission, which provided him with two weeks of emergency shelter and then temporary supportive housing to help him establish a stable and self-sufficient home life. The Mission also provides security deposits and other short-term financial supports, ongoing housing subsidies and case management services to help people transition as quickly as possible from homelessness to permanent housing. The nonprofit also offers permanent supportive housing for people who, because of significant mental and physical illness and substance abuse, have experienced more than a year of “We’re here to provide whatever they need and to help them learn self-sufficiency while in their own homes. This allows people to live as normally as you or me in an environment that is theirs, where they can

practice life skills while they are learning Union Mission has taken a more active role addressing homelessness and housing insecurity in the county and, with CFWC, has resurrected the Westmoreland Commission on Housing, which brings together stakeholders to plan and coordinate services. The two organizations are advocating with the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania and the Blackburn Center, both based in Greensburg, for a county-wide scan of how well human service providers are meeting Carney also chairs the Coordinated Entry coalition of housing and homeless stakedevelop a coordinated community-based process of identifying needs and building an integrated system of housing and services that addresses those needs.

“CFWC has been a good connector, getting us out of our silos to understand needs as broadly as possible, and collaborating with other organizations to have a better, straAs a result of the collaboration, advocates are now working directly with the Housing Authority of Westmoreland County, fundraising together and sharing management responsibilities for a new shelter that the county is building on property donated by This combination of practical collaboration and intense, one-on-one case management works exceptionally well: Union Mission sees only 8% of its clients return to homelessness, as compared with the national average of 44%. stories. Since 2016, he has been working full-time in IT. He’s worked hard to reconsummers and weekends restoring his grandparents’ homestead in rural Crawford “I’m out on the property as soon as the sun rises and I stay out there working until the sun sets,” he says. “Just being out there in a relationship with nature and God and remembering my grandparents is the best therapy of any I’ve done.”

www.go2goalus.com 31

Looking for a way to help but aren’t able to volunteer?

Donate!

Here are a few of our most needed items at the shelter.

If you're able to help the dogs, cats and rabbits we would be so appreciative!!

Dogs

Cats

• Merrick or Fromm dog food • Chicken free dog food • Soft dog treats (made in US) • Easy Walk harness • Margingale no clip collars • 6ft leashes (non retractable) • Adaptil difuser or refills • Advantix flea treatment • Advantage Flea treatment • Benebone dental dog chew toys • Nylabone chew toys • Pill pockets • Worm X brand dewormer • Capstar flea tablets • Spray cheese (stuffing for kongs) • Puppy food

• Clumping cat litter • Dry cat food • Canned cat food • Kitten food • Cat treats • Cat scratchers

Rabbits • Natural pine bedding • Rabbit pellet food • Kale, carrots, apples • Hay • Rabbit treats and chews

Facility Care: • Simple green cleaner • OdoBan disinfectant • Laundry detergent • Bleach • Rubber gloves – large • 256 disinfectant and deoderizer • Garbage bags – 13 and 33 gallon

• Paper towels • Toilet paper • Buckeye watchdog cleaner • Handsoap • Laundry detergent • Zip lock bags (regular and large size)

Office Supplies and Misc.

• Toner cartridge – Cannon Image Class D530 • Toner cartridge – Brother HL-4570CDW • White copy paper • Card stock in white

Spay. Neuter. Adopt.

Save a Life. Be a Voice. animalfriendssanctuary.org

• Address labels – 1x2 5/8 inch • Post it notes • Manila file folders • White out tape

For our farm sanctuary • Meal worms • Ivermectin dewormer • Vetericyn wound spray • Alfalfa cubes • Fresh vegetables • Fresh fruits

ONCE AN ICECAT:

ALWAYS AN ICECAT

GREATER LATROBE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

by Carlin Johns, Senior and Staff Writer at the High Post Newspaper at Greater Latrobe High School

T

he Latrobe Hockey Team of the 2019-2020 season is reminiscent of state-winning teams of 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013. The culture of the Greater Latrobe hockey team runs deep. In fact, three of the current members of the coaching staff know what it feels like to be a tough player on a winning team. Jeff Rossi and Tyler Baloh along with Josh Singley each played on championship teams and brought confidence, playmanship, and insight to a younger generation. Current head coach Josh Werner adds his The senior class of hockey players have been playing together since middle school. In sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth grade, they made it to the championship game every year, but finally closing the deal and winning the championship in eighth grade.

“Winning the championship game in middle school made me excited to continue to play in high school solely for the possibility of being able to go to the Pens Cup game or even to states,” said Jarred Stein.

This year’s seniors are definitely something to boast about. Greg Irons, Cole Ferri, and Lane Ruffner were all named PIHL Senior Player Spotlights of the Week. Ruffner and Ferri were also honored with Player of the Month during this season due to their outstanding game play.

Greg Irons, Cole Ferri, Jarred Stein, Lane Ruffner, Darick Hrytanski, and Alex Walker were also able to showcase their talent in a hand-picked group of

With only having lost 2 games, the Icecats secured first place in ranking for both, all teams and in Western PA AA. Coach Werner is very confident in his “We have to continue to bring our best game each night, continuing to be consistent and play hard all three periods. If we bring all of that to the game, I think it will put us in the spot we want to be going into the postseason,” said The Wildcats have four consistent lines of players, containing numerous returning players including this year’s 10 seniors: Lane Ruffner, Jarred Stein, Cole Ferri, Greg Irons, JS Florek, Josh Martino, Ean Lamonlinara, Nick Byrd, Darick Hrytanski, and Colten McCutcheon but not neglecting the help received from this year’s five freshman.

They have all contributed to the varsity team with much comWith the closing of the 20192020 season, top point leaders on the ice are Cole Ferri (A) and Alex Walker (A). Ferri contributed 46 pts and Walker followed with 41 pts.

“Walker and Ferri add a different dynamic to the team,” added Coach Werner. “Walker is more of a playmaker while Ferri is more of a goal scorer, they bal-

“I love wearing my reindeer Christmas suit to school. I love all the compliments the team and I receive when we wear them,” said Greg Irons.

As a team, the boys have an average of 6.00 goals per game while goalies Vinny Amatucci and Greg Irons have a combined save percentage of .962% and an average of 1.47 for goals against.

In time off from their busy hockey schedule, you can always find them together. The hanging out after a late-night Thursday game at Nevin usually resulted in a sleepover, yet students always see the boys walk into school the next day in a

The Latrobe Hockey Team has a one of a kind chemistry that is after games to hang out and play cards,” said Jarred Stein.

As the boys progressed in their hockey careers, they carried on some traditions left by players in the past. Blake Rossi, JT Schmizzi, and Cole Novak stumbled upon festive holiday suits and decided that it would be the Icecats signature look.

When the boys walk through the halls in suits with deer emblems and snowflakes, the hockey team

“The chemistry with this team is the best we had in my six years of coaching at Latrobe. The communication is great on and off the ice, they do everything together. They have always been all in for the team and for each other,” said Werner.

www.go2goalus.com 33

Fun

is Springing Up in Your Backyard!

by Anna Weltz, Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau

Photo credit Laurel Highlands

I

n Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands, we are so fortunate to enjoy four beautiful seasons that provide us with a bevy of things to do and see. Visitors travel from near and far to stay, play, relax, and enough to call the Laurel Highlands your home, when was the last time you took off This spring, take some time to get out and explore or reacquaint yourself with some of the incredible experiences we have to offer. Here’s a little inspiration to get you started…

Relive Our History

Explore the Fred Rogers Trail - Celebrate Latrobe native and America’s favorite neighbor, Fred Rogers! Tour the Fred Rogers Center at Saint Vincent College, where you can see artifacts from Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, including his iconic cardigan sweater and tennis shoes. Take a selfie with a statue of Fred in downtown Latrobe, his hometown and birthplace of the banana split. Later this summer, spend a day at Idlewild & Soak Zone where Daniel Tiger and friends invite you and your kiddos to ride the trolley through the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

Lincoln Highway Experience - Step back in time at the Lincoln Highway Experience museum where you can explore the history, retro memorabilia, vintage roadside signage, and a stunning expansion featuring a beautifully restored 1938 diner, a 1937 Packard-120, vintage tourist cabin, and sion includes a stamped commemorative

34 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

postcard, slice of pie, and cup of coffee in the vintage diner! If you have little ones, be sure to add in some time for them to They will love the ride-around toy cars, a mini stationary bike for them to peddle their way along the Lincoln Highway, license plate etching and coloring station, and more.

Historic Hanna’s Town – With nearly 300 years of stories to tell, a visit to Hanna’s Town is a must-do for history buffs. In 1769, farmer and businessman Robert Hanna purchased the 337-acre territory on the first day it was legal to own property west of the Allegheny Mountains. A few years later, a bustling town had grown, a militia was formed, and the first westernmost court system was developed. Visit the site to learn more about the settlers’ lifestyle on the Western frontier, but also the attack on the town that was considered one of the last Discover artifacts from the Westmoreland Historical Society’s rich collection, many on display for the first time, on exhibit in the Education Center. “Gems of the Collection: Everything and the Kitchen Sink” features “gems” from history including documents, photographs, clothing, furniture, tools, glasseven a kitchen sink.

Insider tip… If you can’t get enough history, be sure to pick up a Westmoreland Heritage Passport! This handy free passport will guide you to hidden historic gems and special events. Visit westmorelandheritage.org to order yours.

Unique Experiences

Valhalla Indoor Axe Throwing and Archery – If you have been looking for something new and unique to try, then look no further than Valhalla. Channel your inner “savage” at one you have a natural talent for this cool new Polymath Park – If you love architecture, chances are you have toured Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece Fallingwater and perhaps even nearby Kentuck Knob. But what about Polymath Park? At Polymath Park, Wright fans can tour and stay overnight in the newly-rebuilt Mäntylä and Duncan House, as well as two homes designed by one of his apprentices. Be sure to make reservations for lunch or dinner at the onsite TreeTops Restaurant!

Fresh Air Fun

Mammoth Park – After months of patiently waiting, the new giant slide complex at Mammoth Park is slated to open in late spring or early summer 2020. When complete, this stunning park will feature two side-by-side 100-foot racing slides and a 41-foot curved plastic slide designed for the littlest thrill-seekers. ADA-accessible walkways, seating, landscaping, and ample photo opportunities make this complex a destination for residents and visitors alike.

Cedar Creek Park – If it’s been a long winter for you, just think about your furry fourlegged friend, Fido. Tell Fido to fetch his favorite tennis ball, and grab his leash, a few bottles of water, and a doggie bowl then head to Cedar Creek Park. From the special dog park area and the hiking trails to the model radio-controlled airfield and scenic play areas, you will see why Cedar Creek is a favorite destination for outdoor enthusiasts. No furry friend? No worries! Bring your bike and hop on the Great Allegheny Passage bike trail for a few mile spin.

Cultural Destinations

Take in a Show – the city for Broadway-quality theatrical presentations! Whether you love a melodious musical, a beautiful ballet, or tumultuous drama, you will find a show that suits you at one of our local theatres such as The Palace and The Lamp Theatre.

Explore Art Museums – The Laurel Highlands is full of inspirational works of art. Renowned paintings line the walls of museums and galleries of all kinds. Spend a rainy afternoon exploring the vibrant colors and diverse artwork at The Westmoreland Museum of American Art or meander the spectacular gardens and special exhibits of

Raise Your Glass

Embark on a self-guided journey to discover the story and people behind every craft beverage in the Laurel Highlands.

Enjoying locally crafted beer, wine, and spirits has never been more fun! Grab your official Laurel Highlands Passport and collect stickers as you enjoy the wines, ciders, moonshine, meads, and craft brews found throughout the scenic Laurel Highlands.

Then, cash in your sticker collection for must-have Laurel Highlands Pour Tour collectibles. Visit lhpourtour.com to request your passport. Be sure to use #LHPourTour on Instagram and Facebook!

Looking for some more ideas, info, or inspiration? Check out laurelhighlands.org or contact the Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau at 724.238.5661 or stop by the Westmoreland County Visitor Information Center at 814 US-119, New Stanton.

www.go2goalus.com 35

by Briana R. Tomack, President of the Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce

FOR YOUR BUSINESS 4. Think of new ways to reach potential social media profiles and freshen up your printed marketing materials.

“Out of clutter, find simplicity.

From discord, find harmony.

In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.”

A

s we approach the sunshine and beautiful flowers of springtime, it is like a breath of fresh air to many of us. It means we can open our

We feel light and free after the confines of being cooped up inside our homes and offices and heavy clothing. Spring, for many of us, means spring cleaning. Time to discard old things, clean and reorganize. This has been passed on through many generations and continues to be a rite of spring.

Some spring-cleaning advice for your business to help you organize and set up your

Identify revenue drivers and cut down on unnecessary expenses.

2. Clean up your customer files, both paper that is cluttering your filing cabinet.

3. Review your service agreements and insurances. Schedule a review with your company/carriers to ensure that your current needs are being addressed.

Ensure that customer service standards are being met and make sure everyone is on the same page!

6. Clean/declutter your physical space-this will help declutter your mind!!

Since we have recently moved into our office space, we have spent a fair amount of time on those tasks, so we are concentrating on spring cleaning of a different nature.

Here at the GLLV Chamber, we have been looking at the mission and vision of our organization and are “spring cleaning” the way

partnerships we have with our local school districts to connect our students with local businesses and the wider community. We are doing this in a variety of ways that include company tours, job shadowing, virtual tours, and speakers in the classroom.

We are working diligently to prepare our students to be career ready upon high school graduation. These early opportunities to learn about the different occupations that are available in our community will enable them to choose their course of study in high school and beyond.

"Spring cleaning is as good for your business as it is for your home!"

We recognize that as the needs of the business community around us changes, we must change with it.

We are invested in providing opportunities for our business members and the community that not only align with our goals, and our customer needs. We have reviewed participation of the programs we offer to our members, requested feedback and we have discovered some new resources to freshen up chamber educational opportunities. We have formed a collaborative new partnership with Google, and we are able

36 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

to provide fresh ideas and education with live webinars about topics that are relevant to our member businesses. Additionally, we will offer seminars, presented by nationally recognized speakers, where our members can earn continuing education credits.

The realization that communicating with our audience is also changing has spurred the chamber to make better use of online marketing tools, like Facebook and Instagram,

doing to serve our community.

The programs and services offered through the Chamber of Commerce are only possible through the collaboration we share with the business, community and educational spring cleaning for you to change, learn, and grow this spring!

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by Bryan Kisiel, CPA CEO, Kisiel & Associates Director of Tax Planning, SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management

7RED

FLAGS

That Could Trigger an IRS Audit

N

o one wants to go through an IRS audit. These days, an audit happens when the IRS thinks that the tax money they could recoup from an audit exceeds the cost of performing the audit itself, or if they believe there may be criminal activity involved. As long as you’re doing everything right, there’s no specific reason to worry about an audit. However, sometimes even if you think you’re doing everything right, you may accidentally raise some red flags. Following are seven things that could inadvertently trigger an IRS audit.

1. Unusual Business Expenses

As a business owner, you’re entitled to a number of tax deductions that ordinary office supplies, business travel expenses and even certain meals. However, there are a host of other business expenses that are dubious when it comes to taking a deduction. For example, except under specific circumstances, you probably can’t deduct tickets to entertainment events, donations from which you personally benefit, com-

Anything that falls far below the norm may raise some alarm bells.

38 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

muting expenses or all those generous cash tips you gave to hotel housekeeping during the year. If you do have unusual business expenses that you’re certain you should be able to deduct, be careful about keeping your receipts and be sure to run them by your CPA.

2. Sharp Decline in Income

If you’ve been in business for several years with steadily increasing income, you’ve set a pattern. But if one year you all of sudden report a sharp decline in income, this raises a red flag that could result in an audit. The reason is that the IRS has a general idea of what you should be making according to your profession and level of experience.

Anything that falls far below the norm may raise some alarm bells. Now, there may be a good reason why you earned less; maybe you are transitioning into retirement or you had some health issues that prevented you from working as much as you did previously. But if everything else is the same, you should be ready to explain why you’re only reporting a fraction of your normal income.

don’t bother to tell your CPA about it, and it doesn’t get reported on your business or even if you didn’t report it, the employer did send in a copy of the 1099 or W2 to the IRS. Things are not going to match up on the IRS’s end, and this is going to raise a red flag. Neglecting to report this income will raise your risk of an audit.

5. Being a High Earner

Unfortunately, the simple fact that you make more than $200,000 makes you a bigger target for a tax audit. According to statistics, those who earn over that amount are about four times more likely to be but you can make sure that your tax returns and backup are in meticulous order. If you are audited, don’t give the IRS any reason to penalize you.

6. Not Reporting Cryptocurrency Earnings

Cryptocurrency may not be in “official” dollars and cents, but it counts the same in the eyes of the IRS. Cryptocurrency earnings are taxable in the eyes of the law, so be sure to keep excellent records and report your profits on your tax returns. how to best track and record your cryptocurrency earnings.

3. Above Average Itemized Deductions As your CPA has no doubt advised you, it’s often more advantageous to take itemized deductions than to take the standard deduction. Purportedly, the IRS knows the average amount of itemized deductions that someone in your tax bracket takes. If your itemized deductions are far above the average, someone in the Internal Revenue Service may want to take a closer look. As long as your itemized deductions are legitimate, you don’t have anything to worry about. Just be aware that this is something that could raise a red flag.

7. You Made an Honest Error

return, except when there is. The IRS doesn’t mind if anyone does their own taxes as long as they are accurate. But when you make one or more errors on your return—even if they are honest mistakes—that’s when the IRS sits up and takes notice. Even honest errors will get flagged for a closer look. If the IRS gets the impression there are more mistakes in your return, odds are high that you’ll be notified of an audit. It’s always a good idea to have a CPA do the final preparation of your taxes, even if you like to do a rough draft yourself.

That way, you know that a professional is looking over all the numbers so that by the time it gets to the IRS, everything is as accurate as possible.

There are rumors that the IRS doesn’t do as many audits anymore because of lack of funding. That may or may not be true, but you can count on one thing; if the IRS gets wind of any of the red flags mentioned above, they’ll find the resources to audit the taxpayer if they feel it’s necessary.

Always take your tax returns very seriously and be careful about tracking your personal and business expenses and income throughout the year. When you do this, filing your returns will be more straightforward for both you and your CPA and you can be confident that the information on your returns is correct to the best of your knowledge. At the end of the day, that’s all the IRS asks of you.

There’s no harm in doing your own tax

Please like us on facebook: Kisiel & Associates, PC

4. Unreported Income

Let’s say that you’re a business owner and you’re vigilant about filing accurate tax returns every year. One year, business is slow, so you take on some side work for a little extra money, and you receive a 1099 or a W-2 in January. It’s so small that you

Please visit us at our

New Location:

164 West Crawford Avenue Connellsville, Pennsylvania

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES individual's personal circumstances.To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on his or her individual circumstances. 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.

www.go2goalus.com 39

For a custom photography quote, feel free to reach out to me via my website at

by Autumn Stankay, Owner and Photographer of SkySight Photography

SkySightPhotography.com

Dear new parents, C greatest joy to ever enter your life!

I know you’ll certainly photograph every single moment you can of this wonderful new baby! When clients come to me for a newborn session, I give them a booklet that serves as a guide for their entire first year of capturing their own photos of their child, with monthly tips all the way through first birthday! Here’s a snippet that I hope will be helpful to you!

First of all, my very first tip which is the most important of everything I will tell you... capture the memories in photographs BUT remember replace those memories in your mind and soaking them in as they happen. Find a balance between being behind the camera and putting it down. If you’re like me, you want to be clicking at every yawn, smile and burp. But remember that your baby wants to see your face, feel you present and not always feel “on the spot.”

Photography can be as simple as capturing a photo for the memory, or as in depth as creating a beautiful piece of artwork that will be showcased in museums and magazines. But wherever your photography skills lie, are perfectly

photos of your children the best photographs of all time, if they are capturing the moment that is what matters. Think back on the photos of yourself as a child, were they perfect? Are the photos of your grandparents, which are probably wrinkled black and whites, perfectly lit works of art? It’s likely that your favorite photos are just family snapshots captured of great moments. And that is what will matter to your child when they look back at these photos growing up.

This concept is simple and may seem obvious.

But many people are so used to photographing everything on their phones these days, they don’t think to ask someone else to photograph photography before cell phone selfies, which is why pre-2000’s era, you’ll see lots of great images of moms and dads interacting with baby, because the other parent would pick up the camera and capture that moment. We’re very focused on selfies and self-shooting now, so don’t hesitate to ask your partner/spouse, “Would you capture some moments of me Instead of shooting with your camera every second of every day, try setting aside some activities for photo shoot days. For example - If you regularly attend the community pool in the summer, plan one day to be a photo shoot day. Go all out on that one day. Take your favorite sun hat, those baby sunglasses they never really keep on, wear your favorite bathing suit, bring the “good towels.” Capture every moment of that day to try to tell the story of your entire summer of visiting the

40 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

pool but see how much you can do in one day.

Even take a disposable waterproof camera that day. Have fun with it! Then the rest of the summer, you can hang back and just enjoy the memories without the “photography pressure,” When planning professional photo sessions remember it’s about capturing them at their size and milestones rather than an exact “age.” Don’t get caught up on 3, 6, 9 months try for belly posing photo shoot (3-4 months), sitting (7-9 months), and standing with support (9-11 months), then of course the big one-year birthday photo shoot anytime from A phone tripod is a very good (and cheap) and place it on a table or anywhere for that matter, and let it capture the moment without you needing to be behind it! Use this as an opportunity to capture moments (like eating solids for the first time) that you want to be present for, but still want to get in video/

Enjoy the photography journey! Buckle up, it’s an exciting adventure to commit to capturing the first year of your baby’s life!

Community means everything.

Chris Beddick, Agent 5854 Route 981 Latrobe, PA 15650 Bus: 724-532-2100 chris.beddick.jm4g@statefarm.com

1601479

State Farm, Bloomington, IL

SHE

was created last year by GOAL Magazine to provide a forum for women to empower one another, without judgement. SHE organizes purposeful social events which always have a philanthropic component and highlights local female-led businesses. Our most recent event was held on February 20 and hosted at Katwalk

Katwalk owner Diane Nickoloff was one of the first to open her doors in 2016 at the Blue Spruce Shops in Murrysville. SHE attendees were able to mingle and shop at her chic boutique and also had the opportunity to have a complimentary professional headshot taken by Gina Kisel of True North Photography, who specializes in wedding and family photography.

Attendees were encouraged to bring donations for the (L to R: Kimberly Fox, Diane Nickoloff, Gina Kisel) women and children at Blackburn Center’s Emergency Shelter, whose mission is to end gender-based violence in Westmoreland County. With the generosity and support of attendees and our gracious host, we were able to collect two large boxes of toiletries and clothing items PLUS monetary donations totaling $400.

If you would like to learn more about any of the organizations from that evening or make a donation, please visit their websites at: www.blackburncenter.org; www.truenorthphotopa.com; www.katwalkclothing.com

Thank you again to all the ladies that joined us for “Girls Night Out with a Purpose” at Katwalk Clothing and Gifts!

42 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

Save the Date!

Beside every woman is her best friend and her dog (or pet) Bring one or bring them both, and join us for

Yappy Hour at The Animal Friends of Westmoreland June 17th, 2020 5:30 p.m.

In lieu of admission, we will be collecting physical donations for the animals at the selter.

We will list the top 10 needs closer to the event on our website and social media pages.

*You do not have to bring a pet or your best friend in order to attend!

Keep up to date on the details and learn how to register at /www.go2goalus.com/she-of-goal

www.go2goalus.com 43 www.go2goalus.com 43

GRAND OPENING Saturday, May 2

Ribbon Cutting • Humidor Tours • Lounge Memberships • Food Trucks and Music • Cigar Discounts

A

man takes a deep breath on his well-kept Nelson Loguasto Cigar. He sits comfortably, enjoying the fruits of his labor. A wife spends time with her man after a splendid dinner. They are present and connected. A leader ponders. A gentleman listens.

A problem is solved. Leaf is good.

Create your Nelson Loguasto moment at the New Aladino Lounge!

Enjoy the new

Aladino Lounge 645 Mount Pleasant Street Greensburg, Pa 15601 724-516-7777 Available For Purchase Online at: NLCigar.com

Nelson Loguasto's Cigars @NLCigarFan

Pete Wast

Reed Nelson AKA Nelson Loguasto

Meet new partner Frederick Findley III

OLD JOE CLUB CHARITIES, INC. PRESENTS

31st Anniversary

Westmoreland Croquet Club Tournament JOIN US SUNDAY, JUNE 7th A YEAR NOT TO BE MISSED!

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 2020 event will be hosted at Westmoreland County Community College.

The 2019 Tournament hosted approximately 2,000 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 a t com/croquetcwww.oldjoeclub. lub/home.htm

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 fund-raising events.

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

Court Sponsorship $300 Conference and Division Sponsorship $500

Contact Amy Dicesere at 724-836-1000 or amysdesk@comcast.net

HELD AT WESTMORELAND COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE 2019 GRANT RECIPIENTS 421/724 Food Rescue ACHIEVA Acme Providers American Cancer Society Beverly’s Birthdays CASA Cheryl Kay Foundation Community Foundation Of Westmoreland County Connect Inc Cristian Layman Corp Faith & Gratitude Faith Forward/Angel Arms Family Resources Feeding the Spirit Fehretys Troops First Foundation Fort Ligonier Association Fort Ligonier Days Greater Latrobe High School Honor Society Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation Greensburg Central Catholic Education Assoc Greensburg Central Catrholic Honor Society Greensburg Salem Honor Society Greensburg Salem School District Greensburg YMCA Jacobs Creek Watershed Association Jamie Cordial Hall Foundation Junior Achievement Ligonier Valley Library Ligonier Valley Meals on Wheels Ligonier Valley School District Foundation Ligonier Valley YMCA Lincoln Highway Heritage Corrior Loyalhanna Watershed Miracles from Maggie My New Leaf NSDCF Our Clubhouse Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition Power Forward Rotary Club of Ligonier Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art STAT Storehouse for Teachers, The Education Partnership The Stoneybrook Foundation Trout Unlimited Union Mission Venture Outdoors, Inc Veterens Leadership Program WCCC Education Foundation Westmoreland Case Managment Westmoreland County Community College Westmoreland Human Opportunities (Shop with a Cop) Westmoreland Parks and Recreation

! o v a r B

Congratulations

to GOAL Magazine Contributor Dr. Daniel T. Lovette on becoming a new partner owner of Westmoreland Chiropractic & Rehab Associates.

Congratulations photographer and fellow contributor, Autumn Stankay on 15 successful years with her business SkySight Photography!

Congratulations

to GOAL Magazine Contributor Scott Ludwick for receiving the prestigious 25 Year Legend award at the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty National Convention.

www.go2goalus.com 46

Gala

M A G A Z I N E

Proudly Presents the 4th Annual Casino Royale

September 12, 2020

No sit down program style event h ere...

THIS IS A PART Y!

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!

All net proceeds benefit...

GO2GOALUS.COM/GOAL-GALA

About the charity....

Westmoreland Walks, Inc. was created in the year 2002 by a group of women who were touched by breast cancer in some way. Some battled the disease and some stood by

LEAD SPONSOR: TAKING STEPS AGAINST BREAST CANCER

something to help women during and after a breast cancer diagnosis, the idea of the walk was born. This charity is so much more than just a walk - Learn more at:

WWW.WESTMORELANDWALKS.ORG

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE! 47 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Spring/Summer 2020

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.

imply endorsement.

© 2020 Go2Goal

Magazine Proudly Presents the 5th Annual

GOLF OUTING Friday May 15, 2020 ARNOLD PALMER'S LATROBE COUNTRY CLUB

The winning twosome will be awarded customized wrestling belts by Wildcat Championship Belts with the opportunity to present the belts to next year’s winners.

S CHANCIEN: TO W

Or... ur Join us for oip Paint and S !

$10,000 CRUISE FOR TWO VIP TICKETS TO A MAJOR SPORTING EVENT YETI COOLER

Details on page 2 and at go2goalus.com/events