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MAGAZINE
Banding Together
A fund memorializes a "super fan" and benefits Hempfield's marching band Page 24
INDIVIDUAL COMMITMENT TO A GROUP EFFORT | Winter 2020
Magazine Proudly Presents the
5th ANNUAL
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 three years, we have raised more than $71,000 for this cause.
WHEN:
Not a golfer?
New Location!
Starting at 11:00 a.m., follow a skilled instructor while you paint your own artwork. Wine, cheese and light hors d'oeuvres included with Paint and Sip Event.
Friday, May 15, 2020 ARNOLD PALMER'S LATROBE COUNTRY CLUB The format is a 2-person scramble and the entry fee per person includes a gift, snack box and beverages on the course, awards reception and dinner following golf PLUS chances to win top of the line prizes!
Registration: 9:00 a.m. Tee Time Start: 10:00 a.m. Dinner: 3:30 p.m. $150 Per Golfer
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winter 2020
MAGAZINE
24
In this issue, we proudly feature Terry Ranieri. Terry had a unique, joyful spirit that impacted thousands of lives in the Hempfield community before his death on Aug. 22 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 Community Foundation of Westmoreland County.
Cover Story:
Banding Together
A Fund Memorializes a “Super Fan” and Benefits Hempfield Marching Band by Mary Shelly, communications intern for The Pittsburgh Foundation. Mary is a sophomore at Point Park University.
Photography: Cover photo of Terry and several photos in the cover story by Robin Auckerman of SpartanPictures, Hempfield, Pa. Additional photos were provided by Kelly Sasso, WTAE and the Ranieri Family.
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16
Do You Have Shoulder Pain?
by Cristy Carnahan, DPT – Clinical Director, The Physical Therapy Institute
5
I n Case You Missed It by the GOAL Magazine Team
6
But It’s Not My Fault by Attorney Jessica Raffety, Quatrini Rafferty
8
How Well Do You Communicate About Retirement? by the SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Team
10
Bipartisan Election Reform To Be In Place by 2020 by State Senator Pat Stefano
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ASA Child Advocates Changing a C Foster Child’s Story – One Westmoreland Child at a Time by Gina Cerilli, Westmoreland County Commissioner
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istory and Hollywood H by Jerry Ferraro, Greater Latrobe School District History Teacher appy New Year! H by Chad Amond, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce President
Sleep – Don’t Doze off Now!
by Dr. Reed Nelson, DC, BS, Founding Partner of Westmoreland Chiropractic and Rehab Associates
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Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Award Recipients by GOAL Magazine Team
33
F ighting Diabetes One Day at a Time by Jace O’Barto, Greater Latrobe High School student
20
Five Minor Home Upgrades for a Limited Budget by Scott Ludwick, Berkshire Hathaway Services
34
S hop with a Cop Brings Smiles to Children in Our Community by the GOAL Magazine Team
21
Is Home Ownership Still a Sound Investment? by Inselmini Construction Company
36
C reating Joyful Spaces by Briana Tomack, Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce President
22
SHE Launch Party and Save the Date by the GOAL Magazine Team
37
T ips on Wedding Photography by Autumn Stankay, SkySight Photography
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Google Takes a Big Step by Scot Noel, Chroma Studios
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30
The Collective Power Network by Barbara White Stack, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County
I mmediate Steps to Take If Your Identity Is Stolen by Bryan Kisiel, CPA and CEO of Kisiel and Associates
40
G OAL Magazine Presents STOP Human Trafficking by the GOAL Magazine Team
42
G OAL Magazine’s 3rd Annual Gala by the GOAL Magazine Team
32
Animal Friends Sanctuary Capital Campaign by The Animal Friends of Westmoreland Board of Directors
Happy New Year from your friends at
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Love always, Mom 4/3/19 12:42 PM
The Jam ie
Honorin
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GO2GOAL
is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that publishes GOAL Magazine, which utilizes the talents of local business and community leaders to provide an authentic and informative resource to our community. GOAL Magazine is more than a publication, it’s a movement. 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 a variety of nonprofit organizations via GOAL Magazine events and an 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.
ll 2019
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 contributors who do not pay a fee due to their field being non-profit or related to public service. If you want to be considered for a role as a GOAL Magazine Contributor, Advertiser or Sponsor for future issues, please email us at info@go2goalus.com.
Our Production Team William J. Urbanik Co-Founder
Anthony E. Slezak Co-Founder
Jessica M. Marazza Co-Founder
Jessica S. Urbanik Chief Relationship Manager
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Bree Edgerly Writer/Editor
Kathleen Lloyd Editor
Jaimee Greenawalt Chief Designer
Autumn Stankay Photographer
Amanda Mayger Relationship Manager
4 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
The Jamie Cordial Hall Foundation
Honoring Jamie’s Life and Providing Assistance to Children in Need
T
2GOALU S.COM le At: GO
Here's a recap of our last issue ...
MAGA
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In case you missed it!
ZINE
Love always, Mom
The Jamie Co rdial
Hall Founda Honoring Jam tion ie's Life and he Summer/Fall 2019 issue of Providing Assistance to Children in Nee d Page 24 GOAL Magazine was released in August and featured the Jamie Cordial Hall Foundation. Jamie Cordial Hall was a young, vibrant mother when she passed away suddenly on May 15, 2018 due to complications of postpartum hemorrhage, leaving behind her husband, Tom, and their two beautiful children, Chloe and Cody. Her father, Dale Cordial, shared a beautiful tribute to his daughter in the cover story. INDIVIDU
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ITMENT TO
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| Summe r/Fa
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The family established the JCH Foundation to honor Jamie’s life and help children in need. In a short period of time they have already made a meaningful impact in our community by supporting a variety of projects and positively impacting children.
Dale Cordial, Cody Hall, Tom Hall, Chloe Hall and Michele Cordial
GOAL Magazine would like to give a special thank you to the Cordial and Hall families for their courage to share Jamie’s story and turn their grief into action for helping others in Jamie’s memory. If you would like to read the cover story, please visit our website at www.go2goalus.com.
The Cover Reveal Event was hosted by the Cordial Family at Giannilli’s II in Greensburg. Attendees included GOAL Magazine contributors, the Cordial and Hall families and close friends of Jamie. Dale Cordial shared with the group the mission and purpose of the JCH Foundation. Jessica Urbanik and Tawnya Rockwell from GOAL Magazine presented Jamie’s 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
BUT IT’S NOT MY FAULT....
by Jessica Rafferty
T
his is, unfortunately, a phrase we hear far too often from our clients regarding their medical bills after an automobile collision. While it may not be their fault – that does not change the fact that the injured person is responsible for certain bills.
matter whether the auto accident was your fault or the fault of another driver. It also does not matter if you are in your car or another person’s car. If you are injured in an auto accident, you turn to your auto insurance first to pay the medical bills.
whether the injured person needed the medical treatment they were seeking. The insurance company would refuse to pay the medical bills and then the injured person had to wait until the dispute was resolved before receiving treatment from a doctor.
Why does my auto insurance have to pay for my medical bills?
You may be thinking that this sounds counterintuitive – “if I didn’t cause the auto accident, why does my insurance company have to pay for my medical bills?” Years ago, Pennsylvania law required the at-fault driver’s insurance company to pay for the medical bills of the people that the at-fault driver injured. This, however, did not work from a practical standpoint. The other driver’s insurance company would argue about
The auto insurance companies recognized this problem and the law was then changed. As the law stands now, you are able to get the medical treatment you need quickly without arguing with another driver’s auto insurance company.
Under Pennsylvania Law, you are required to carry a minimum of $5,000 of medical benefits on your auto insurance (you are permitted to purchase more than $5,000). This money is available to pay medical bills related to injuries you suffer in an auto accident. It does not
6 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
What if I exhaust my medical benefits? If, for example, you have $5,000 of
medical benefits on your auto insurance policy and the medical bills related to your auto accident exceed that amount - what do you do? Under Pennsylvania law, you then submit your bills to your private health insurance. These bills are subject to any deductible or co-pays you have under your health insurance plan. We would ultimately make a claim for these out-ofpocket expenses against the other driver’s insurance company. That claim, however, would be made along with the claim for your pain and suffering, lost wages, etc. It is done as one lump sum. Therefore, in the meantime, you are responsible for paying those expenses as you incur them even though you did not cause the accident.
What can you do to protect yourself and your family?
You can purchase more than $5,000 of medical benefits under your auto insurance policy. There are no deductibles or co-pays when your auto insurance pays for your medical bills. You also do not owe this money back to your auto insurance. Purchasing more coverage is generally a good idea for individuals who do not have private health insurance or they have a large deductible or co-pays through with their private health insurance and it would be difficult for them to cover those costs pending the resolution of a claim against the driver who caused the accident.
– “if I didn’t cause the auto accident, why does my insurance company have to pay for my medical bills?”
The bottom line is that you simply cannot rely on the idea that other driver’s will have coverage to protect you and your family. Give us a call and we will make sure you understand how best to protect you.
Should I purchase additional medical benefits?
The answer to this is “it depends.” It depends on your own personal circumstances. There really isn’t a one size fits all formula for auto insurance because everyone is in a different financial place, everyone has a different number/type of vehicles, everyone has a different job and everyone’s family is different.
How do I know what to do?
Please call us! We are more than happy to sit down with you and review your current auto insurance policy - for FREE. We will go through your background and make suggestions to improve your coverage to meet your current needs.
Jessica 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.
QuatriniRafferty is recognized as The Injury and Disability Law Firm, with offices in Greensburg, Pittsburgh, Latrobe, and Altoona. The firm’s 13 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
How Well Do You Communicate About Retirement?
72% of couples believe they communicate well about finances. However, only 43% report making investment decisions for retirement jointly, and 45% make day-to-day financial decisions jointly.1 This guide highlights some financial and retirement planning areas that you may not have thought about as a couple – and poses some important questions for you to ask – to make sure you are on the same page regarding your future together.
by The SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Team
Have you talked about? Investment risk
47%
of couples disagree on the amount they need to save for retirement to maintain their current lifestyle.2
Do I have the same risk tolerance as my spouse? Has my or my spouse’s risk tolerance changed over time? Retirement plans What savings plans do my spouse and I have? Are they defined contribution or defined benefit plans? When we compare them, do they work together well? couples disagree on who should Are we diversified overall? Do we have a be the primary beneficiary on consistent investment philosophy? Have we discussed our sources of income both their life insurance and in retirement? retirement accounts.2 Have we planned enough flexibility in our retirement plans in case our needs change? Beneficiary designations of couples have When was the last time I updated my “no idea” how beneficiary(ies)? much they Has anything in my life changed that expect to receive would affect who I designate? in monthly Is my spouse the beneficiary on my retireretirement ment plan or other investments? Am I my income.2 spouse’s beneficiary? In a qualified plan, such as a 401(k) or 403(b), a spouse is typically required to be the primary beneficiary. If I don’t want that, has my spouse signed a consent form?
3 in 10
52%
8 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
Retirement income What distribution options do my spouse and I have for our retirement plan(s)? Which option is best for us? If I choose a single life payout and my spouse consents (if required), how will my spouse be financially supported if I die first? Social Security benefits When should my spouse and I begin taking Social Security payments? Should I take my own benefit or my spousal benefit?
Have you considered? Types of retirement plans
Defined contribution plans, such as 401(k) or 403(b) plans, may allow workers to defer a part of their salary up to the lesser of 100% of their salary or $18,000 ($12,500 for a SIMPLE 401(k)/IRA) for 2018, generally pre-tax, until retirement. If the employee is age 50 or older, the plan may allow the employee to make an additional $6,000 ($3,000 for a SIMPLE 401(k)/IRA) in “catch-up” contributions for 2018. Employers may provide non-elective contributions or matching contributions, up to a certain percentage. At retirement, employees can take the accumulated money as a lump sum or a series of payments (which must
60%
of couples don’t know how much their Social Security benefit will be.3
generally satisfy the minimum distribution requirement). However, if the employee is younger than age 70½ at retirement and elects not to take any distributions at retirement, the employee will be required to begin taking required minimum distributions by April 1 of the year following the year the employee attains age 70½. With this type of plan, the saving, investment, and distribution burden are on the employee. Defined benefit plans, such as pension plans, typically provide the worker with income at retirement based on his or her age, years of service, and salary. The employer contributes money and takes the investment risk. Income is generally provided to the employee for as long as he or she lives. Options that may be available with many retirement plans (or you may be able to roll your account into an annuity that provides these options) Single life typically provides the highest payout; however, payments terminate when the participant dies. Single life with period certain payments will continue as long as the participant lives. If the participant dies before the guaranteed time period has passed, payments
79%
will go to the beneficiary(ies). Period certain payments will continue for a guaranteed time period, regardless of whether the participant is alive to collect them. If the participant dies early, his or her beneficiary(ies) receives the remainder of the payments. Joint life payments, which may be reduced, will continue for the surviving spouse for the rest of their life. Joint life with period certain payments will continue for the lives of both participants and will go to the beneficiary(ies) if both participants die before the guaranteed period has passed.
The best time for you to take Social Security
The later you begin taking Social Security benefits, the larger the benefits. You can begin taking benefits as early as age 62 and as late as age 70. Typical “retirement age” is age 66-67, depending on the year you were born.
of women want to invest in organizations that invest in social good vs. 62% of men.4 Your investment goals may be different. By working with a financial professional, you can design an investment strategy to keep both of you happy and on track for the future.
You can visit www.ssa.gov for more information. This material should not be interpreted as a recommendation or as fiduciary investment advice by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, or Brighthouse Securities, LLC. Annuities and life insurance are issued by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company, Charlotte, NC 28277 and, in New York only, by Brighthouse Life Insurance Company of NY, New York, NY 10017 (“Brighthouse Financial”). Brighthouse Financial® and its design are registered trademarks of Brighthouse Financial, Inc. and/or its affiliates.
2015 Fidelity Investments Couples Retirement Study. 2015 Fidelity Investments Couples Retirement Study. 3 2013 Fidelity Investments Couples Retirement Study. 4 Harness the Power of the Purse, Andrea Turner Moffitt, 2015. 1 2
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
Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC.
www.go2goalus.com 9
BIPARTISAN ELECTION REFORM TO BE IN PLACE FOR 2020 by State Senator, Pat Stefano
A
s a new year begins and the political world begins to focus on a presidential election, in Pennsylvania a newly reformed election process is being implemented for use. No matter how you vote in the election you will have several new ways to cast your vote and fulfill your civic duty. In October of 2019, legislators in Harrisburg came to a bipartisan agreement with Senate Bill 421 to implement the most significant changes to election law in Pennsylvania in 80 years. This election reform is the culmination of over two years of work. The ideas in this legislation were the subject of 12 hearings and roundtable discussions and countless meetings over the course of the last two years. As part of the Senate State Government Committee I was pleased to participate in many of these hearings. This is a sign of what can happen when everyone puts down their differences and work together to get something done. What follows is a brief rundown of the major components of that election reform.
New Voting Machines and New Ways to Vote
At the end of 2018, Governor Wolf mandated that all counties purchase new voting machines to ensure votes are cast on equipment that is secure and with a paper verified ballot. This ensures that irregularities or computer malfunctions can be backed up
Finally, counties will realize savings due to a law I authored to reduce the number of ballots that counties are required to print to more closely align with expected turnout. It is hoped that these reforms will increase the participation of voters, increase efficiency and ensure that each vote is secure and counted. by the paper ballot. This mandate though came at a hefty price tag of over $125 million which county governments would have to figure out how to pay. The Election Reform package provided $90 million to counties for the purchase of these machines relieving counties from the need of excessive borrowing or increased taxes. Further, Pennsylvanians will now be able to vote via an absentee ballot without an excuse. Currently they must be out of the municipality on Election Day to be eligible for an Absentee Ballot. Voters can also choose to become a part of the new permanent mail in ballot program. Absentee ballots can also be turned in or received by the election office by 8pm on Election Day, as opposed to the Friday before as currently required. The voter registration deadline, which is currently 30 days before Election Day, has been moved to 15 days prior.
Elimination of Straight Party Voting
Pennsylvania was one of just 10 states that still allow straight party voting. Elections are contests between individual candidates not between parties. In my elections in 2014 and 2018 I was surprised when several people told me that they didn’t vote for me, not because they didn’t support me or want to, but for the simple fact they just voted straight party without realizing that I was on the ballot. The encouragement of party polarization via straight party balloting is not healthy for our democratic republic. With the passage of SB 421, straight party voting will no longer be an option and each candidate will receive the individual consideration they deserve. This antiquated practice only served to increase the power of party bosses and shutout independent and 3rd party candidates. I am hopeful that eliminating this option will cause more critical thinking when it comes to who is deserving of someone’s vote. One of our most enduring traditions in this country is the right to vote and choose our leaders. Therefore, it is one of the most important functions of state and local government to ensure that the process by which we elect our leaders is efficient and secure. With Senate Bill 421, all Pennsylvanians can be sure that the elections this year and beyond will be just that.
10 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
Do You H a ve Sh ou lde r P a in ?
Th is Could b e th e R eason Wh y... By Cristy Carnahan, DPT – Clinical Director, The Physical Therapy Institute
S
houlder pain can be caused by many different conditions. Most commonly, pain can come from the shoulder’s rotator cuff. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles that function to lift your arm. These four muscles are very similar to four tires on a car. All of them have to work appropriately and have enough “air,” or strength, for things to run smoothly. Often times the first thing that occurs within the shoulder is impingement. With today’s lifestyle and work requirements, impingement occurs frequently due to posture. When your shoulders roll forward, the two bones come very close together and begin rubbing on the rotator cuff and biceps tendon. The more rubbing that occurs, the more pain you will have with lifting your arm overhead. If not corrected, the rotator cuff and biceps tendon can begin to fray or tear. Is impingement treatable? Yes! You can improve your posture and balance the muscles to stop the bones impinging on the muscles. The reason it can be stubborn at times is because the tendon is what connects the muscle to the bone. This area (tendon) does not get as much blood flow as the muscle. Blood flow is what provides the nutrients for areas in our bodies to heal. Physical therapy can help to “relubricate” the area, to allow it to heal!
If you have tried physical therapy, and you have not had success in healing the rotator cuff, there may be one of two things lacking. One, the approach taken may have not been comprehensive. Your shoulder, neck and shoulder blade all work as a unit; therefore, treatment should be geared towards ALL areas at once. Two, improper performance of your exercise routine. You can do 100 repetitions of an exercise incorrectly, but 10 repetitions of the exercise with correct form will allow you to achieve your goals much more rapidly. Finally, if you can “relubricate” the rotator cuff by having your physical therapist do manual therapy FIRST, then the entire unit will run more smoothly, with less pain. When the rotator cuff becomes dysfunctional, a few things can happen. Tendonitis, which is an inflammation of the tendon, occurs often due to impingement, but also due to repetitive motions. Another thing that can happen is rotator cuff tearing. Imagine if you have four guys lifting a very large box but one guy hurts his back. The three guys now working without pain must either be strong enough to carry that box or you must heal the fourth guy so he can help carry. That is exactly how the school of thought is with healing the rotator cuff. So YES, it can heal but the process that you take to get it there may differ based on how much damage or tearing has occurred.
Physical therapy is a conservative treatment option for musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. Physical therapists are qualified to diagnose your problem and provide a detailed plan of care to improve your health without the need for a referral from a physician. To learn more about physical therapy or to schedule an evaluation with The Physical Therapy Institute, please visit www.physicaltherapyinstitute.com. We have 23 clinics conveniently located that offer early morning, evening, and weekend appointment options depending on the location!
www.go2goalus.com 11
Thursdays 5:30 - 8 p.m. March 19 - May 7 Our Clubhouse Westmoreland 4893 E. State Route 30
Bridge the gap between treatment and life after cancer. Adults who have completed cancer treatment in the last two years are invited to attend this free nine-week series. Attendees learn benefits of exercise, nutrition, emotional support, and medical management. Each class offers 30 minutes of exercise with a Certified Cancer Exercise Trainer, a healthy meal, and discussion led by wellness experts. Co-presented by
Register for this free cancer support workshop at 412-338-1919 www.ourclubhouse.org
Page sponsored by a friend of Our Clubhouse and GOAL Magazine
C A S A C H IL D A D V O C A T E S C h a n g i n g a F o s t e r C h i l d ’s S t o r y – O n e W e s t m o r e la n d C h ild a t a T im e !
W
by Westmoreland County Commissioner, Gina Cerilli
e all wonder how parents can abuse or profoundly neglect their children. Sadly, they do.
In 2019, 382 Westmoreland County children were removed for safety reasons from their birth parents and placed in out-of-home care. Their parents were court-ordered to comply with services and rectify their problems in order to be considered for family reunification. Many agencies serve these families: the Westmoreland County Courts, the Westmoreland County Children’s Bureau (WCCB), attorneys for the children and parents, and highly qualified contracted service providers to the Children’s Bureau.
vulnerable because they are oftentimes not focused on post-secondary success or their transition to independent adulthood. CASA’s teen mentoring program, “Fostering Futures,” enables a CASA advocate/mentor to address that gap effectively. Advocates perform everyday miracles in educational advocacy, such as helping a child to gain an early love of learning, helping to obtain a needed special education evaluation, or helping to motivate youth to raise their grades to obtain a diploma. Further CASA victories occur 1-to1 by celebrating a child’s accomplishments, supporting a child’s aspirations, listening to their social woes, or helping secure a prized after-school activity. CASAs help provides a foster child with equalizing childhood experiences.
One agency serving these children with distinction is the Judicial Volunteer Program – the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Westmoreland County. Eighty CASA volunteers make extraordinary contributions to the well-being of 175 of these children. But we need to double the number of CASA volunteers. CASA advocates, Westmoreland citizens just like you, receive 30 hours of training and a court appointment to serve the best interest of specific child/siblings in out-of-home care. Advocates bring an independent viewpoint to the courts regarding how the child is faring in their foster or kinship placement, if the services ordered for them are helping them to stabilize, and if any new needs have emerged. Advocates write court reports and attend court hearings every six months. CASAs visit their case child in their placement monthly, gain the child’s trust, spend quality time with them and gain the foster or kinship parents’ perspectives on their needs. They meet and speak regularly with the child’s caseworker, lawyer, physician, therapist and teachers. They observe supervised family visits and corroborate parents’ compliance with their court-ordered services. CASAs make independent recommendations regarding the permanency solution that is in the child and siblings’ best and future inter-
est – family reunification or termination of parental rights with the child or children is made available for adoption. CASA provides valuable input to assist the courts. The children come to know the CASA as the “judge’s helper” and are often the one consistent, caring adult who “goes the distance” with them during their care. Each advocate is partnered with a CASA advocate supervisor to strategize the next step, relay observations and pose questions. Advocates are the court’s “field asset” and are part of an extraordinary peer community. In 2019, 44 percent of CASA case children were infants up to five years old. Forty percent are between 6-13 and 16 percent between 14-20 years old. There are challenges associated with abused or neglected children in each age category and there are CASA trainings to support meeting their needs. Teens in care are particularly
Drawn from all walks of life, CASAs serve children who have already been traumatized and who continue to experience trauma and further losses while in care. Their suffering may have lasted several years. All too often, domestic violence, parental substance abuse or mental health issues have wreaked havoc on their young lives. An advocate provides a calming, friendly influence and conveys to the children that they are worthy of happiness, self-respect, and hope for their future. If you have 8-10 hours a month to share your heart and intellect on behalf of a distressed child, CASA needs you! The next training class starts Feb. 11, 2020, and it comprises 10, 3-hour segments on weekday evenings. Or, online training is immediately available. To receive information about becoming a CASA child advocate, please contact Executive Director Karen Burns at 724-850-6874, or kburns@ co.westmoreland.pa.us. CASA’s website is www.casaofwestmoreland.org.
You can change a child’s story!
www.go2goalus.com 13
& y r o Hist D O O W HOLLY
by Jerry Ferraro
W
hat responsibility does Hollywood have when portraying history? While cable television has moved its “History Channel” farther away from historical content and closer to aliens, alligators and big foot, the average American still clamors for the story of our shared past. Without question, historical studies are lost on the youth. As young students, we found it difficult to appreciate history as we had experienced so little of life ourselves. Just beginning to drive, pay taxes and participate in relationships, high school students struggle to relate to the American War for Independence. As we grew older, we created experiences. Many of those experiences
were shared with others and allowed us to relate to past lives. Naturally, our personal history eventually becomes a focus of our inquisition. With untold family members donating their DNA to services such as “Ancestry” or “23 and Me,” our desire to connect with the past is as strong as ever. So, where do we satisfy our desire for knowledge of the past? Simply put, it’s the big screen. Movies capture our imagination while triggering all our senses. They whisk us away to another time and place. Even with tremendous advancements in home entertainment systems, millions of Americans continue to populate the mega movie complexes. Hollywood shapes our
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perspectives about the past. Historians have long debated the role our entertainment industry plays in educating its consumers. Let’s be honest, bookstores have all but vanished. In a world where drivers utilize a 30 second red light to peruse the internet, people don’t make time to read books. They require a lengthy commitment. Books don’t speak to all the senses, and they are easy to “walk out on.” Compare how many books you’ve started but not finished to the number of movies that you have failed to watch the whole way through. Binge watching is so predictable that cable companies are releasing their original programing slowly to entice consumers to stick around. Whether consumed in the privacy of our
homes, on our portable devices or experienced in public with a shared audience, nationwide we are increasing our screen time and decreasing our reading. In the summer of 2001, I attended a presentation at Borders bookstore in Monroeville (they are now out of business). I wanted to hear what Dr. Donald Goldstein had to say about the recently released blockbuster movie “Pearl Harbor.” The University of Pittsburgh professor was one of the top three leading experts on the attack and happened to be practicing his profession locally. His discussion was fascinating. In addition to sharing the historical minutia about the surprise attack that launched us into World War II, he mostly spoke about the film as a medium. He emphasized that past historians referred to the original Pearl Harbor movie, “Tora! Tora! Tora!,” as terrible! terrible! terrible! He exposed how much detail the movie had gotten wrong. The modern rerelease was farther from the historical truth, yet he embraced its delivery. Dr. Goldstein found value in the modern Hollywood adaptation as it was drawing new people to an old story. Not always popular, I agree with the professor’s viewpoint. Young adults as well as older audiences were returning to the historical story of the surprise attack. This proved doubly important as America was struck again on the 11th of September that same year.
Four years earlier, producer James Cameron remade the classic film Titanic. Yes, History Channel’s Myth Busters proved Jack and Rose could have shared the driftwood door to survive the frigid North Atlantic temperatures but that is not the point. Audience goers were experiencing a past event with all of Hollywood’s modern enmities. The film measured the exact time it took the real Titanic to sink and transferred that struggle to its viewers. Recently, I watched a documentary in which the producer tested various sinking theories and returned to the shipwreck over 30 additional times. He was able to support many of the conclusions that he illustrated in the film. In 1993, Steven Spielberg redefined the Holocaust with Schindler’s List. A full-length feature film produced in black and white. A story that had been shared since the silencing of the guns of WWII had now reached a new audience in a powerful meaningful manner. Classrooms throughout the United States continue to draw from the film to provide context. In 1998, Spielberg took us onto the battlefield of WWII with Saving Private Ryan. A cinematic masterpiece, it altered how films were produced and manipulated first person war games for years to come. Failing to win best picture, it did have a lasting impact on the American psyche as they were beginning to say goodbye to their greatest generation. War is hell and Saving Private Ryan supported that notion. Spawning an entire miniseries on
HBO, Band of Brother and later The Pacific, Spielberg used film to return audiences to the message once carried by books. These films brought a great social awareness to the most tragic event of the 20th Century. Saving Private Ryan was a fictional story based on true events. Both HBO series were strongly based in traditional scholarship. This fall we saw the release of Apollo 11, Midway, Harriet (Tubman), Jo Jo Rabbit and 1917, to mention a few. Each of these films carried a historical message interpreted through a Hollywood lens. America’s desire to reconnect with its past will continue to fund such projects long into the future. Many of these endeavors will take root in scholarly books. Audiences will grow in number and inquisition as long as they continue to explore our shared histories and celebrate our American culture. Let us not forget, Marion Robert Morrison, aka John Wayne, is credited with saving the entire Marine Corps with his 1949 portrayal of Sgt. Stryker in The Sands of Iwo Jima. In addition, the Hollywood film was cited as the number one reason recruits joined the United States Marine Corps for nearly 50 years.
Jerry Ferraro is the contributing history & current events consultant for GOAL magazine. He currently teaches history at Greater Latrobe High School with over 22 years’ experience. He is a member of the Ft. Ligonier Teacher Advisory board and serves on the Board of Directors at the Latrobe Area Historical Association. He is pursuing a Master’s degree in Military History. He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and the U.S. for professional and personal development. Jerry resides near Latrobe, Pa with his wife and daughter. www.go2goalus.com 15
p e e l S
Don’t doze off now!
by Dr. Reed Nelson
H
umans spend approximately 1/3 of their lives sleeping. This in itself tells us that sleep is important. So why does our commitment to sleep suggest otherwise? Currently, the average adult is sleeping approximately six hours and thirty minutes per day. In 1942, research concluded adults were averaging 7.9 hours of sleep per night, a whopping 18% decline over a 78-year period.
a man might enjoy more connection with his wife when she gets that extra hour or two. Studies conclude women who get the most sleep have the highest sex drive. Yet, men who routinely sleep approximately five hours per night have testosterone levels equal to someone ten years their senior. So, if you want to get old quick, take the public’s advice and get less sleep.
World leaders like Margret Thatcher were openly proud of their lack of sleep and people associated it with toughness! When asked about sleep, Napoleon Bonaparte was said to have replied: “Six hours for men, seven hours for women and eight hours for fools.” Today, a person’s need for sleep has evolved into a sign of weakness. Those that desire sleep are labeled as lazy. In contrast, are the words of the Dalai Lama, “sleep is the best mediation.” Additionally, grandma may have had some good advice too when she commonly said, “Why don’t you sleep on it and decide in the morning.” Sleep researchers aren’t napping as they continue to learn and reveal interesting scientific facts about sleep. If you study the research,
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The neuroscience of sleep becomes quite interesting. Sleep scientists are slowly changing the public opinion on sleep as they continually reveal evidence of decreased brain function associated with even mild sleep deprivation. Researchers routinely study brain imaging and compare the imaging of the well-rested to those who have less than optimal sleep. They subject the two groups to various tasks, both physical and mental, providing us with a long list of valuable conclusions. The Hippocampus is like the brain’s informational inbox. During good sleep, healthy bursts of electrical activity related to memory put on a firework show on brain imaging testing as it sorts, collates, files and stores memories. What is shocking is the imaging of the sleep deprived which reveals virtually no signal activity whatsoever.
A summary of the research concludes the following: • Quality sleep increases memory • A mple sleep improves problem solving • I ncreased sleep equals increased human creativity • A lack of sleep accelerates the aging process • A lack of sleep increases risk for acute cardiovascular events
• Healthy levels of sleep increases innovation and solution capabilities • Quality sleep improves a person’s emotional control • Good sleep improves decision making • Sleep increases body performance One of the most interesting studies is not really a study at all, as 1.6 billion people in 70 countries participate in daylight savings time. We all are familiar that in the spring, we move the clocks ahead and generally diminish our time to sleep for just one day. What you may not know is that there is consistently a 24% increase in heart attacks on this day. What is even more interesting is the fact that when we turn the clocks back in the fall, heart attacks decrease an almost equal 21%! This is also true when it comes to car crashes and yes even suicides. More sleep equals better concentration and better decision making, resulting in less motor vehicle accidents. Our military has clearly noted sleep deprived soldiers struggle to think clearly and make many more mistakes versus well rested personnel. At this point, you might be saying thank goodness for my sleeping pills. Not so fast! Sedative or drug induced sleep is not the same as natural sleep. Brain imaging studies reveal there is a clear difference. To top it all off, drug research cites increased cancer and death rates as additional risks to Sedative sleep.
So, what are some action steps you can take to improve your sleep quality, I’ve created a top ten. 1. M inimize Light - The darker the better and yes, turn your cell phone off. 2. K eep it cool - Snuggle into your
blanket but keep the room cool, 68 degrees is best. 3. Caffeine - Caffeine increase alertness but, is the most abused substance in the world. Keep caffeine in moderation. Furthermore, morning till noon, if at all. 4. Dump the sleeping pills - Sedative sleep is not equal to natural sleep. 5. Sex - Sex provides a powerful antistress outcome that benefits sleep quality. 6. Exercise - The first half of your day is the best time for exercise. 7. Chiropractic and Massage - Manual measures provide a relaxation response to the body. 8. Meditation – Meditation quiets the mind, reduces stress hormones and benefits anxiety. 9. Limit Alcohol - Alcohol induced sleep is of low quality. 10. Decompression book – An hour before bed, write down your thoughts both troubling and creative. Get it out of your mind and onto paper, allowing yourself to decompress from the day.
Dr. Reed Nelson (AKA Nelson Loguasto) 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
It is my GOAL with this article to challenge your current perceptions of sleep and ultimately motivate you to make changes in your sleep patterns to improve your health. The bottom line, sleep is good and it’s safe to say that absolutely no one is exempt from the negative effects of long-term sleep deprivation. Sleep well my friend! Left to right: Dr. Mike McClure, Dr. David Nicols, Dr. Reed Nelson, Dr. Wes Orvosh, Dr. Dan Lovette
www.go2goalus.com 17
Dear Friends,
No matter how even-tempered you are, the beginning of a new year brings excitement and some amount of anxiety. The fear of the unknown or a feeling of being overwhelmed by the responsibilities that lie ahead creates that sense of anxiousness. What will the next twelve months bring? Am I prepared to handle what the year ahead has in store? Will I be able to finish those important projects at home or work? Will I be better off this year than I was last year? Did I budget appropriately? Is my business prepared for this ever changing economy? Will there be a recession? You get the picture. But the questions are pretty much the same for all of us. Rather than focus on the anxiety a new year presents, I prefer to focus on something a little more positive this time of year. A new year also brings a feeling of renewal, hope, and opportunity. For better or worse the chalkboard of life is wiped clean each January ready to accept a new
story that will unfold over the next twelve months. Maybe it’s the story of how you will surpass last year’s sales numbers. Maybe it’s the story of how you will establish a partnership to complement your business in the years ahead. Or maybe it’s the story of how you will shed those unwanted pounds and got into great shape. Whatever the case, the story is yours and it’s just waiting to be written. The only question now is what will your story be and when will you start writing it? My hope for you is that you’ll start crafting your story today without hesitation. I also hope that someplace in the story of your success this year, there is space for a cameo appearance by the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. Twelve months from now, I hope you’ll look back on 2020 and say – if only in some small way – that your chamber played a key role when writing the chapter on your success.
Here’s to a happy, healthy and prosperous 2020!
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by Chad Amond President and CEO, Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
Award Recipients Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce 2019 Award Recipients The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual awards luncheon in October at the Greensburg Ramada. The theme for the event was Stone Soup. The moral of this folktale is that by working together, with everyone contributing what they can, a greater
2019 Chamber Member of the Year
good is achieved. The Chamber collected non-perishable food items for the Westmoreland County Food Bank and incorporated the canned items as the centerpiece for each table at the event. We would like to take a moment to congratulate all of the honorees.
2019 Athena Award
Jessica Urbanik Chief Relationship Manager at GOAL Magazine & Community Relations Director at SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Learn more about these award recipients
2019 Business of the Year
Lisa Frederick President of Unity Printing
Learn more about these award recipients
2019 Not for Profit of the Year
Bob Gonze Owner of Blue Sky Sign Company
Dr. Veronica Ent President of Westmoreland Children First
Learn more about these award recipients Photos provided by 77 Design Co.
Learn more about these award recipients Videos designed by Skene 19 Films www.go2goalus.com 19
Scott Ludwick
Associate Broker Ranked in Top 100 Agents Nationally Since 1998! Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices The Preferred Realty
5 Minor Home Upgrades for a Limited Budget If only your budget were as expansive as your imagination. We’ve all spent time daydreaming about how we would improve our homes if we had the time and money for a complete renovation. Grand kitchens, laundry rooms, in-ground swimming pools and walk-in closets top the dream home wish list for many. If you don’t have the budget, time, or energy to remodel your home, there are many small projects you can take on that will improve the look and function of your home without breaking the bank. If and when it comes time to sell, these minor upgrades can also add value to your property, potentially maximizing your return:
New Cabinet Hardware
You might not be ready to tackle an entire kitchen remodel, but swapping out the hardware on your cabinets and drawers is an inexpensive cosmetic change that will update the look of your space immediately. Old, outdated hardware can make the home’s age more obvious. Look for a sleek and modern alternative that suits your taste and will be appealing even after the latest trend has passed. If you’re looking for something unique, hardware these days comes in a variety of materials, including leather pulls, acrylic and metal combinations, stone, and more. As long as you keep it tasteful, new cabinet hardware is a cheap investment with a high return.
Updated Faucets
Faucets are one of the fixtures that quickly show their age, yet we tend to forget that they’re fairly easy to replace. Over time, faucets become dull and tarnished from constant use. Brighten up your bathroom or kitchen with an attractive, modern upgrade. Figure out the configuration and mounting type of your current faucet to ensure you choose the right option. The existing holes in your sink, the material and thickness of your countertop, and your budget will all play a role in selecting new fixtures. Take a trip to your local hardware store and find a model that will work for you while still playing nicely with the style of your kitchen or bathroom. If you’re replacing multiple fixtures throughout the home, look into ordering them in bulk online. There are instructions on how to complete the installation yourself if you don’t want to hire help.
Modern Light Fixtures
One of the easiest ways to update the feel of a room is by replacing the light fixtures. This quick fix can add color and intrigue to any space and can update the lighting of the entire room depending on which fixture and light bulb you choose. You can replace many ceiling-mount light fixtures without the need for rewiring, which means you’ll be done with this project in less than an hour. Browse online or in your local home decor store for modern fixtures that agree with the look and feel of your home. Once you have your supplies, unscrew the old fixtures and replace them.
A Fresh Coat of Paint
A simple coat of paint can upgrade countless areas throughout your home—walls, cabinets, doors, trim, etc. Even if you aren’t changing the color of the paint, a fresh coat can brighten things up and erase any wear and tear that may have occurred over time. Painting projects can be adjusted to fit any budget, as you can tackle them yourself or hire professionals. Of course, there are a few tricks to ensuring a good paint job. You don’t want your DIY project to leave you in a worse position than when you started. For whichever surface you’re painting, be sure to research best practices in order to make it look professional.
Low-Cost Flooring
Flooring has one of the widest pricing ranges in home improvement projects due to the variety of options. Maybe you don’t have the budget to redo the flooring throughout your entire house, but even minimal updates can have a dramatic impact on your home and its resale value. Consider replacing particularly damaged or worn areas such as the kitchen, bathroom, mudroom or laundry room with laminate flooring options. There are many options in terms of style, from tile to hardwood. This material is durable to most wear and tear and relatively simple to install. No matter the size of the project you decide to undertake, make sure to educate yourself completely on each step of the process, take your time and plan ahead. The old adage “measure twice, cut once” is a good rule of thumb. Maybe tackle a smaller project first and then move onto a larger task. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment every time you walk into your home.
If you have questions about this, or anything real estate related reach out to Scott Ludwick at 724-838-3660 or Scott@ScottLudwick.com
© 2019 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. Equal Housing Opportunity.
Is home ownership still a sound investment?
by Inselmini Construction Company
A
March, 2013 survey conducted by JP Morgan Chase found that 87% of respondents still dream of owning their own home one day. But is the great American dream of home ownership still an investment? There is no right answer for everyone, but we think, emphatically YES! Good investments are things worth buying because they will be profitable in the future. Stocks and bonds are investments because the expectation is that owning them will earn you money. Take a look at your life and ask yourself If you are going to be living in the same area five or ten years from now? The value of a home appreciates over time. If you’re committed to a job or an area for a reasonable amount of time, then perhaps home ownership is a good return on investment for you. Another basic factor that defines an investment is your ability to control the timing of its ownership. That means that you can buy and sell under circumstances that are likely to maximize your investment. If you buy a house at the peak of the housing market and have to sell in a downturn, then no a house is not a sound investment. However, if you have patience and are willing to
Take a look at your life and ask yourself If you are going to be living in the same area five or ten years from now? invest time and money in home improvements, the increase in value of your residence can be substantial. Home equity is one of the largest assets for most Americans. Compared to the stock market, housing has provided substantially lower returns. However, that doesn’t make it a bad investment. Most home owners would agree that their homes are “safer” investments than the stock market. If your tolerance for risk is low, home ownership could be the perfect investment for you. Buying a home comes down to two basic questions. One, does home ownership facilitate a lifestyle that makes you happy? Two, will home ownership save you money over the long term compared to the alternatives? Many renters wish they’d invested in home ownership as they see their rents
going up year after year (far outweighing their salary increases). You should look at your reasons for buying weighed against your long-term financial goals and decide what is best for you. Never buy a house based solely on the market. Buy when you are financially ready. For first-time home buyers, that means no debt, 10-20% saved for a down payment and sufficient income to cover the principal, interest, taxes and insurance.
724-537-4489 www.iccthebuilder.com info@iccthebuilder.com
Photo Credit Chris Brooks Longitude Photography
www.go2goalus.com 21
Launch Party Thank you to all the women who joined us for "Girls Night Out with a Purpose� at Caffe Barista! We were so thankful to partner with Lisa Hegedus of Caffe Barista in downtown Greensburg, who shared with attendees how she started her business, in addition to the struggles and the perks of being a female business owner. Lisa and her team prepared delicious appetizers with wine pairings. In addition, we were able to fill two large boxes full of clothes, accessories and monetary donations for Dress for Success Pittsburgh. These donations help women in our community to confidently enter an interview, job training program, and/or new job. Dress for Success Pittsburgh helps serve over 2,600 women each year in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
22 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
Save the Date! What is
?
We believe that the true success of a woman is found in her ability to make a difference rather than noise in whatever capacity she is able. Whether you are a CEO, a secretary or a stay-at-home mom, we welcome you and your unique abilities to join our efforts in SHE. For the launch party and every event thereafter, we will plan not just a networking event, but a girls' night out with a greater purpose that connects inspirational women doing what makes them happy. We want to create a safe space for women to feel confident Join ustheir for astory fun evening connectingAt over andparty, appetizers about telling withoutof judgement. ourwine launch Lisa p.m.will at Katwalk Boutique Hegedus, owner of Caffe5:30 Barista, tell her short story about how she started Blue Way | Murrysville, PA her business and will203 share a Spruce wine and appetizer pairing.
SHE Winter Gathering Thursday, February 20, 2020
Katwalk Boutique is in the Blue Spruce Shoppes in Murrysville offering clothing and gifts for everyone! They cater to those who are not afraid of fashion and want to have fun while looking good. They focus on quality and style for a range of sizes.
In lieu of admission,
Items needed include: • body wash
What is Dress for Success?
we will be collecting items for women • hairbrushes and children at Blackburn Center’s • hair dryers Emergency Shelter for victims of domestic • hair serums Diane Nickoloff, owner of Katwalk Boutique, will violence. This incredible organization’s • toilet paper be offering a 20% discount on your entire purchase mission is to end gender-based violence that evening. She will be donating the difference to • hats You Center can on help donating yourand new andtypes gently worn and Blackburn behalfby of SHE. all other of violence in women’s• interview scarves and gloves Westmoreland County. We hope with your Your work-appropriate clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry. donations • bath towels Gina Kisel of True North Photography will also be generosity and support, we can gather • 2 piece pajamas (kids snapping complimentary headshots for all women allow women to enter an interview, jobtotraining job bras with some items help make aprogram, difference. and/or and new adults) sports in attendance so wear your favorite blouse or buy and underwear You can be part of the community that helps to serve over 2,600 women each year in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Each donation you make directly helps change women’s lives. All of your donations are tax deductible. www.go2goalus.com/she or 724.209.8219 so that women Clothing must be ready toForwear, more details contact us at: who have same-day interviews can walk@she.of.goal out of ourFacebook: office looking feeling fabulous and Instagram: SHE Email: and sheofgoal@gmail.com confident! Event For guidelines on what to donate visit: Sponsored https://pittsburgh.dressforsuccess.org/get-involved/donate/
oneconfidence. that evening!
Please RSVP by February 14th
by:
Charity: For more details, visit our social media accounts: Instagram: @she.of.goal Facebook: SHE
A copy of official registration and financial information for Blackburn Center may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
www.go2goalus.com 23
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BANDING TOGETHER A fund memorializes a “super fan” and benefits Hempfield’s marching band
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by Mary Shelly, communications intern for The Pittsburgh Foundation. Mary is a sophomore at Point Park University. for during football games. For nearly five decades, if you went to a Friday night football game at Hempfield’s Spartan Stadium, you could be sure you were going to see Terry. “He basically was a member of the band,” which eventually gave Terry his own Hempfield band jacket, said Tony.
erry Ranieri had a unique, joyful spirit that impacted thousands of lives in the Hempfield community before his death on Aug. 22 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 honor at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. His differences were a sort of super power that drew people to him. “Terry had the ability to relate to everyone––young or old. He was truly everyone’s friend,” said Terry’s sister, Linda DeFloria. “The world would be so much better if more people were like him.” Terry was also a regular at the Westmoreland Mall and had an upbeat, personality that would never quit. According to the Williams Snydrome Association, the disorder can also cause medical problems such as cardiovascular and kidney issues. “Complaining was never a part of Terry’s personality,” said Danny Ranieri, Terry’s brother. “Over the years, he underwent more procedures, treatments and surgeries than anyone should ever endure, and always without a word of complaint.” Terry also became famous for “Terryisms,” signature quirky phrases of his own invention, such as “jammin’ like route 30” and “shakin’ like bacon,” which were infectious. Linda can recall a time when she was working as a physical education teacher and overheard a student use Terry’s “I’m cool like whip” when talking to a friend.
In April 2019, Terry was diagnosed with an aggressive bladder cancer. While preparing for his cancer treatment, he experienced a severe case of pancreatitis from which he never recovered. After a month of hospitalizations, Terry was discharged into home hospice care. As the Ranieri family Terry with his mother, Mary, loved to sing and dance together.
“He would just go up to a stranger and would just hit him with one of his Terryisms— and they would laugh and be friends,” said his brother, Tony. The Ranieri family credits their parents, Tony and Mary Ranieri, for encouraging his outgoing nature. According to Linda, “They opened many doors for their joyful son. He needed to be where the people were.”
“We instantly recognized this as an opportunity to do something meaningful.”
Aside from sporting events and band competitions, Terry never missed community events, summer fairs or concerts––any gatherings in which he could be with his friends and talk. One of his favorite places to be was the food court at Westmoreland Mall, where he would spend time laughing with shoppers on Fridays and Saturdays. Because Terry interacted so well with people, the manager of Charley’s Philly Steaks put him to work as a volunteer. Decked out in a white coat and Charley’s hat, he’d hand out samples. But Terry was best known as a “superfan” of the Hempfield band, which he cheered
Kelly Saso, WTAE
prepared for Terry’s hospital discharge, a surprise was being planned by WTAE news anchor and reporter Kelly Sasso, who was a graduate of Hempfield Area High School and a friend of Terry’s. Sasso knew Terry from the Spartan football games and visited him in the hospital. She contacted Hempfield Band Director Bryan Tychinski and proposed a “welcome home” performance by the band. www.go2goalus.com 25
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“Within a short period of time, the most beautiful event was orchestrated,” said Linda. About 100 band members met in Terry’s neighborhood, then proceeded to march down the street, stopping in front of his house for a special performance. Terry listened from his bedside window. “We instantly recognized this as an opportunity to do something meaningful,” Sasso said. “Generations of Hempfield Spartans knew Terry for his devotion to the blue and silver. It was worth every ounce of effort to see the look of awe and gratitude on his face from his bed that summer afternoon. It’s a day I’ll never forget.” The drum line played a special piece for Terry, knowing how much he admired the percussion section. After the band’s performance, one by one all the band members passed by the window giving individual words of encouragement to their “No. 1” fan. Though his voice was weakened by illness, Terry expressed his gratitude. “Thank you, I love you all,” he responded. Terry was also visited in his home that day by the superintendent of Hempfield School District, Dr. Tammy Wolicki, who told Terry of the District’s plans to name him to Hempfield High School’s Wall of Fame, which honors Hempfield graduates who are successful role models for students in the district. The Ranieri family officially accepted the award at the first football game of the season, which took place just one day after Terry’s death last August.
“They gave him number one of course,” said Linda. “We couldn’t help thinking that Terry was watching from the best seat in the house.”
Donations from the community flowed to the Terry Ranieri Memorial Fund at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County. T-shirts and sweatshirts were created of the family’s favorite “Terryisms” across the backs. One hundred percent of the proceeds from shirt sales go to the fund. So far, $12,600 has been raised for the fund. A member of the community began a petition effort, unrelated to the fund, that has resulted in 16,000 signatures of support for changing the name of Hempfield’s Spartan Stadium to honor Terry’s legacy.
Recognition for the band:
Members of the Pittsburgh Steelers organization saw the WTAE-TV newscast of the event and invited the band to play on Heinz Field prior to the Oct. 6 Steelers game versus the Baltimore Ravens. The Steelers invited Ranieri’s family to join the band on the field, where they were presented with an official Steelers jersey with “Ranieri” displayed across the back.
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The family uses the Facebook “Terry Ranieri Official Fan Page,” which was started by one of Terry’s friends, Gary Nelson, back in 2013, to provide updates on initiatives honoring Terry’s life, including how to contribute to the endowment fund, and asking the public to share memories of “Everyone’s Friend.” The page now has more than 10,500 followers. “He has impacted generation after generation,” Tony said. “Race, age––it didn’t matter if a person was just two or three years old. He just related to everyone. That’s just the kind of person Terry was.”
Contributions to the Terry Ranieri Memorial Fund may be made online at
cfwestmoreland.org/terryranieri
REMEMBERING
TERRY
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ony Ranieri shared some of the family’s favorite memories of Terry with GOAL Magazine. Here are a few highlights: • His impact on others: A 1975 graduate of Hempfield Area High School, Terry was “the most popular kid in school,” said Tony. With around 800 students in the graduating class, the audience was asked to hold their applause until all the graduates had received their diplomas. “But of course, here comes Terry, and everyone––students, parents and teachers…everyone––was standing up and cheering for him,” said Tony. “It went on for several minutes.”
• His grateful personality: Tony recalls how thankful his brother remained through his illness, even thanking his nurses after they gave him a shot. “One time he said, ‘Aw, thank you, nurse’ and the nurse responded, ‘No one has ever thanked me for doing that, Terry,” he recalls. “He was thankful for everyone who took care of him.” • How he brought people together: Terry had a special way of connecting with people. Tony remembers how he could bring light into any room. When he would walk into a waiting room, he would start talking to the people there, and in a matter of seconds they would be laughing. “Not only were they laughing and talking to Terry, but they were talking to each other,” Tony said. “He was magical in that way.”
Terry's siblings remembering their brother as they visit Charleys Philly Steaks at Westmoreland Mall, where he volunteered to pass out samples. L to R: Tony Ranieri, Linda DeFloria and Danny Ranieri.
Terry T-shirts and sweatshirts may be purchased online at www.companycasuals.com/terryranierishirtsite.
T-shirts and sweatshirts were created of the family’s favorite “Terryisms”
• The way he loved everyone: On the nights he volunteered at Westmoreland Mall, he would never leave without letting people know they were loved. “Goodnight everyone. I love you all,” he would say as he walked out the doors.
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Google Takes a Big Step Will it Help Your Business? By Scot Noel, Content Director for Chroma Studios
On October 21st, 2019, Google changed the way search engines work forever, introducing its biggest update in 5 years and a fundamental change in the way computers understand what you are looking for online.
BERT is Now Helping You Search BERT (the Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers) is a new algorithm that gives Google the ability to understand language like never before. You’re probably familiar with the idea of “keywords.â€? In the past, you would type something into Google like “new windows,â€? and the search engine likely understood you meant replacement windows instead of Microsoft Windows. It would display ads and websites for you related to home improvement. But what if you searched for something like “How do I catch a cow ďŹ shing?â€? This could be confusing under the old keyword system, but today Google would understand that the word “cowâ€? here refers to a type of striped bass. Type in “fat cow,â€? and depending on the rest of the words in the sentence, Google’s BERT algorithm can ďŹ gure out whether you are looking for an obese herbivore, a web hosting company of the same name, or a type of bait used in ďŹ shing. A more subtle example comes from the sentence “Brazil traveler to USA needs a Visa.â€? In the past, Google would have skipped the word “toâ€? as unimportant and delivered results about traveling to Brazil. With BERT, Google understands the entire sentence and that it concerns someone in Brazil who needs a Visa to come to the US.
BERT is Self-Learning and Open Source The new BERT algorithm is a neural network and a natural language processing system. It’s a self-learning program originally trained on all the text in Wikipedia, which is comprised of 1.9 billion words in 4.4 million articles. BERT is an open source product, meaning researchers in natural language processing (NLP) will be able to use and ďŹ ne-tune versions of BERT for dierent applications.
Chroma Knows Content Development While many web agencies are ill-prepared to deliver content development as a service, Chroma Studios routinely works in Search Optimized marketing content, ranging from 300 word blog entries to 1,000+ word articles and e-Newsletters. We still research keywords, along with how your website stacks up against your competitors. For exceptional, informative content development which puts you ahead of the game, contact Chroma Studios today.
Web Design Digital Marketing Search Optimization Business Development Tools www.Chroma-Marketing.com
How Does the Average Web Owner Take Advantage of BERT? More than ever before, natural search results are going to be about content, language, and providing information that is useful to your website visitors and your target market. Instead of focusing all of your energy on keywords, it’s time to focus on delivering useful information to real people. What does that look like? A good strategy is to have an article area or blog on your website. You should be adding informative articles to your site on a regular basis, say one or two each month. For example, at Chroma Studios, one of our customers is a microbiology laboratory that tests water samples for Legionella pneumophila (the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ disease). We are helping build out a series of blog articles about when Legionnaires’ disease was ďŹ rst recognized, how Legionella contaminates water supplies, why testing is necessary for hotels, medical facilities, and spas with hot tubs. We’ll build these articles out over time, link them together, and create an information-rich resource that will attract searches related to Legionnaire’s disease. Internal linking will drive visitors to the website’s page on Legionella testing, the actual service they seek to promote. You can think of every page of information you create as a ďŹ shing line with a speciďŹ c lure or type of bait. You may sell wire mesh caging used in warehouses, but your article is about basic warehouse security. The article provides information for people interested in the latest security measures for material management facilities, but once they are on your website, they are now aware of your services and product list. They might never have found you searching directly for your product, but because you provided information on something they were interested in learning, you’ve captured their attention.
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To be “difference makers and world changers” for one’s life plan.
The Collective Power Network
In 2018, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County convinced 20 nonprofits to look past daily work demands and band together to build relationships. This year, membership is growing, and joint projects have launched.
Phil Koch helped found the WestCo Nonprofit Network in 2018.
By Barbara White Stack
D
aniel Giovannelli wants to erect a giant rabbit, a tribute to both art and play, in a small Greensburg park. As the executive director of Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity, Giovannelli says home construction, not bunny building, would have been his sole focus not long ago. But then WestCo Nonprofit Network happened. Participating in – and helping plan – its programs made Giovannelli think differently as Habitat prepared to construct a house on a Greensburg lot that abuts a park. Before the WestCo Nonprofit Network, Giovannelli would not have conceived discussing Greensburg park improvement with the Latrobe Art Center. Now, Giovannelli is working with both the Greensburg Community Development Corp. and the Art Center to enhance the neighborhood around the house, on which construction began in May.
coordination among the myriad groups, which, in turn, enables them to use limited funds more effectively and assume leadership roles in the community.
it advocates on issues common to many of the nonprofits’ missions; and it strengthens nonprofits with grants to improve management and planning.
The vision, says Phil Koch, executive director of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, an affiliate of The Pittsburgh Foundation, is for the WestCo Network to pull together the county’s nonprofits, creating synergy that will strengthen the whole sector. “We want to unify the work we do and use our collective power to improve the lives of the people we serve,” Koch says of the network, which operates under the auspices of the foundation.
The bulk of the support for this venture comes from the BNY Mellon Foundation of Southwestern Pennsylvania.
Only a little more than a year old, the network provides monthly educational seminars on topics the nonprofits request;
WestCo Nonprofit Network, launched in March of 2018, has forged connections among Westmoreland County’s nonprofit organizations, facilitating
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The Community Foundation of Westmoreland Count offers training and professional development to the sprawling county’s diverse nonprofit organizations. It was from one of those programs, attended over several months by Giovannelli and the directors of 19 other groups, that WestCo emerged.
Giovannelli says speakers at the seminars asked the directors to think big, something small nonprofit directors rarely get to do because they are perennially short-staffed Dorsey Cox, from and time-starved. As the the nonprofit bi-weekly series ended Educated Athletes in January 2018, GiovanFirst, listens to nelli, and three other a legislative attendees, Endicott Reindl, panel discussion executive director of the organized by CFWC Westmoreland Symphony for nonprofit Orchestra; Mandy Welty leaders. Zalich, executive director
Members of the Westco Nonprofit Network met over the summer at Twin Lakes Park. This group of 95 nonprofits from all over Westmoreland County meets regularly meet to learn, discuss best practices and network.
of Westmoreland Community Action; and Jessica Kadie-Barclay, chief executive officer of the West Overton Village and Museums, told Koch that they found the comradery and networking as important as the training. They wanted to create a way to sustain and expand it. They were thinking big about the needs of the nonprofits of the whole county. Zalich, of Westmoreland Community Action, says businesses have networking groups such as chambers of commerce. But nonprofit managers have been convinced that they don’t fit into those structures. “We wanted a networking group specifically for nonprofits,” she says. “We wanted relationships among groups, education and collaboration.” With Koch, they created WestCo to do that. The four nonprofit leaders now serve as a steering committee. They survey nonprofit directors to determine what sorts of programs they want and then work with Koch to produce them. They schedule the events at various locations around the county to accommodate farflung organizations. The network also empowers executive directors to spin off their own groups. So,
for example, a group of relatively new executive directors formed a breakfast club, which meets monthly to reduce alienation and isolation. The executive directors of behavioral health organizations created their own group to communicate and coordinate. In April, the Network sponsored a forum that enabled executive directors to meet with the elected officials whose decisions affect the communities the nonprofits serve. Five Westmoreland County state representatives and two state senators answered questions from the leaders of 120 nonprofits. “This gave nonprofit directors a chance to introduce themselves to these lawmakers, and for them to listen to each other,” says Zalich. In May, about 75 executive directors met to discuss the county’s new Comprehensive Plan, learn about its specific goals and determine how their organizations will contribute. Now, WestCo leaders are working with The Pittsburgh Foundation to develop a county-wide calendar on which each participating nonprofit can schedule its programs for everyone to see. Giovannelli noted that this will facilitate attendance at each other’s events, but also will avoid scheduling conflicts. This happened to
For more information, contact Phil Koch at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County at pkoch@cfwestmoreland.org or 724-836-4400. A calendar of WestCo Nonprofit Network events is available at https://cfwestmoreland.org/westco.
him two years ago when his fundraiser ended up on the same evening as the Party at the Palace Theatre, which is that venue’s annual event. In June, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County granted Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity $30,000 to work with Greensburg Community Development Corp. and the Latrobe Art Center to improve the Greensburg park and access to Downtown Greensburg. Neighborhood walkways will soon boast signs noting the short distance to a coffee house or museum in the city center and visitors will experience public art – as in the giant bunny – along their way. Beyond park improvements and signage, Koch hopes that as WestCo matures, it will use its collective clout to advocate for projects its members believe are crucial to the region future success. One example: lack of support systems for the homeless. “Most counties have 250 emergency shelter beds,” says Koch. “We have 38. If we put our advocacy efforts together, we could tackle something like that. Coordinating it all and sticking with it – that’s the hard work of moving forward.”
Freelance writer Barbara Whitestack originally wrote this for The Pittsburgh Foundation’s 2018-2019 annual report.
www.go2goalus.com 31
Compassion and vision
have brought Animal Friends Sanctuary to where it is today. Helping animals and establishing
programs to help children heal from abuse and neglect in our community is what drives our volunteers and donors. With great hopes of breaking ground on our adoption center in Spring of 2020 we ask for your help saving thousands of lives and working towards ending abuse with your consideration of donating or leaving a legacy gift.
If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference, please consider one of the following opportunities and receive naming rights for the corresponding locations:
R e s c u in g a n im a ls , h e a lin g c h ild r e n , t e a c h in g k in d n e s s a n d c o m p a s s io n f o r a ll.
a n im a lf r ie n d s w e s t m o r e la n d .o r g 32 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
FIGHTING DIABETES ONE DAY AT A TIME By Jace O’Barto, Senior and Editor-in-Chief at the High Post Newspaper at Greater Latrobe Senior High School
W
hen you see her beaming smile on the volleyball court, out on the softball field, or even as she walks down the halls, you wouldn’t expect that Paige Watson is one of the 1.25 million Americans living with Type 1 Diabetes. In June of 2006, at just 14 months old, Paige’s world was forever changed when she was diagnosed with Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes, which is a degenerative, autoimmune disease that prevents the pancreas from producing insulin, the hormone that controls blood sugar levels. Having this disease has made Paige’s life harder, but she hasn't let it stop her from doing anything. Over the years, she has learned to not think of it as a disability, but a capability. “Because I was diagnosed at such a young age, I haven’t really known my life to be different,” said Watson. “The only thing that makes me different from everyone else is that I wear a pump to monitor my blood sugar, but in my eyes, different is good, and that’s what makes me unique.” A person who has any form of Diabetes, Type 1 or Type 2, must prick her finger about six to eight times per day in order to obtain a drop of blood to test her sugar levels. This was one of the hardest and most aggravating parts for Paige. As a child, she always had to have her pump and meter with her. Since her diagnosis, Paige has pricked her finger nearly 30,000 times. With recent technological advances, Paige wears a continuous glucose monitor that automatically checks her blood sugar through an app on her phone. On top of having Diabetes at a young age, in February of 2008, Paige was diagnosed with Celiac disease which prevents her from eating any form of gluten. Just to put it into perspective, she and her parents already had to monitor her sugar intake, but now they needed to eliminate all gluten from her diet. Her mother, Robin Watson said, “Having a daughter at such a young age get diagnosed
was very difficult and scary, but over the years, we’ve been educated and have learned how to manage it to the best of our ability. We realize that it is a life-threatening disease, however it is manageable, and Paige doesn’t let it stop her.” Because she has been living with this disease for most of her life, Paige now fully understands and accepts it. She even teaches other children and young adults about Type 1 Diabetes and how to effectively manage life with it. “I’ve gotten to talk to younger kids’ multiple times to help them understand what diabetes is and to help shine a light on this disease because it isn’t something that is easily understood,” said Watson. Throughout the years, she has gone to preschools and elementary schools, spoken at events, and been a Youth Ambassador at the Rainbow Gala, the major fundraiser that JDRF hosts every year in the spring. Although Paige speaks out about Diabetes, she believes that more action must be taken toward finding a cure. Paige, her family, and her friends have participated in the JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes for 13 consecutive years where they formed a team and raised money for the foundation under the team name, Paige’s Pals. In addition to the JDRF walk, the group raised awareness by making Rainbow Loom bracelets to sell at the Banana Split Festival in Latrobe. Paige’s Pals compiled a cookbook titled Cooking for a Cure, where the proceeds went to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Type 1 Juvenile Diabetes is something that hasn’t been cured yet. People like Paige learn to live with it and make the most of every day; they don’t let this disease define them. Paige reminds herself every day to embrace who she is. She said, “Diabetes doesn’t have to be what defines you, but you should realize that it’s something that is a part of your everyday life, so it’s better to embrace it than to ignore it. Our differences are what make us unique.”
GREATER LATROBE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Jack Shearer, Athlete Type 1 Diabetes
G
oing into a lacrosse game, my adrenaline starts to flow and my blood sugar starts to rise. I like to keep my blood sugar around 200 going into games. But if I go too high, I have to correct it and try to get it down. When it gets down to a level I feel comfortable at, I can play. As a midfielder, I run a lot. That much running can make my blood sugar go low very quickly, which is really dangerous. It is a constant struggle trying to find a balance between going to high and going too low. Being an athlete with Type 1 Diabetes is no easy task. All of the technology advances has made management while playing much easier. Current insulin pumps can connect with a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to track what your blood sugar is doing and react to what will happen before you or your body can. So when my blood sugar goes crazy during lacrosse games or golf matches, my pump helps to limit the inconsistency and make my management easier. ~Jack Shearer
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Shop with a Cop Brings Smiles to Children In Our Community One Child at a Time by the GOAL Magazine Team Photos courtesy of Shop with a Cop
P
ennsylvania State Trooper Stephen Limani of Latrobe beams when asked about the nonprofit he started 10 years ago, Shop with a Cop (SWAC). “It’s the best part of my job.” he says. The mission of the organization is to help children during the holidays who were victims of crime or unfortunate circumstances throughout the year.
With funds raised by SWAC, more than 1,500 children in Westmoreland County have been shopping with a local police officer during the holiday season. Six Walmart locations in the county participate in the program: Greensburg, Latrobe, Mount Pleasant, Irwin, Belle Vernon and Delmont. The selected children are able to shop for toys, accessories, clothes--whatever they wish to have. In addition, Walmart donates a winter coat to each child in need. “We want to show these kids that we are here for them, that we are here to help. Oftentimes the kids want to purchase items for their loved ones or friends, not just pick out items for themselves. It’s very touching. Shopping day is a really special day for them,” says Limani. SWAC hosts several events throughout the year, including a golf outing, gun bash and most recently an ugly Christmas sweater party, to raise funds for this special shopping day. “100% of all donations
go straight to the kids,” says Limani. The 2019 ugly Christmas sweater party raised over $31,000 that will ensure over 200 kids from Westmoreland County will have a very special Christmas. More details on these events can be found on the Shop with a Cop, NPO Facebook page. What started out 10 years ago as $50 to spend per child has now grown to $150 per child. To date, the organization
34 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
has raised more than $500,000. Limani says, “This couldn’t be done without all the generous and caring individuals in Westmoreland County.”
For more information about Shop With A Cop, visit Westmorelandshopwithacop.org
Hand Rolled Premium Cigars nlcigar.com
g n i t a e Cr
l u f y Jo s e c a Sp
By Briana Tomack, GLLV Chamber of Commerce President
C
reating a pleasant, comfortable workspace is just as important as having a cozy bedroom and your favorite slippers. But few of us consider the office as a place where we should be comfortable. Although we spend most of our time there, office environment, or dĂŠcor, is often an afterthought for most. I have had this experience recently, as we made the move into a new office location in a new building. Most of the first weeks (really, months) involved unpacking, sorting, and placing of furniture, artwork, display items and such. Everything that did not have a home yet ended up in my office. As in unintended result, my office space filled up with an assortment of boxes and artwork and other random homeless items. In no time at all, my office was packed full, with little space for me to move, let alone organize. As a general rule, I am a person who likes things to be neat and orderly. This temporary situation resulted in feelings of stress and disorganization for me. As I began to clear things out (channeling my inner Marie Kondo!) to find just the right spot for each item, I began to feel calmer and more productive. It got me
As I began to clear things out (channeling my inner Marie Kondo!) to find just the right spot for each item, I began to feel calmer and more productive. to thinking about the spaces we have in our lives, not just homes and offices, but all of the other favorite spots we love.
Take a moment to close your eyes and think of some of the places that are favorites for you. I bet at least a few of them create feelings of peace and comfort. For me, this realization made me consider all of the places and spaces that I love, around my neighborhood, and around the county. I have many favorite spots, and as the President of the Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, I spend most of my time trying to help make the spaces around us inviting, starting with
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our Neighborhood Visitor and Information Center. We have tried to create a space that pays homage to the history or of our town as a City of Firsts, and to those who have made powerful, positive impacts to Latrobe and the region. The list is full of notable firsts--Saint Vincent Archabbey--the first and oldest monastery in the United States; the home of the first professional football team; the Lincoln Highway- the first transcontinental highway; the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport--home of the first airmail pickup; Strickler’s Drugstore--the home of the first Banana Split (created with another hometown specialty--Valley Dairy ice cream); and of course, our local favorite hometown icons, Ice Cream Joe Greubel, Fred Rogers and Arnold Palmer. Through our community partnerships, we work to encourage revitalization and development of our downtown areas, neighborhoods and greenspaces. We are working with our local school districts to provide quality education geared towards developing a workforce that is prepared for the jobs in our region. We strive to create an environment rich with hope that our children and grandchildren will see the beauty and joy that maintains authenticity and fosters enduring relationships in the joyful spaces that we all have created.
Tips On
Wedding Photography Are you planning a wedding? Here are some tips to think about to help with the photography!
C
onsider the sunset time. If planning a wedding in late fall when the sunset is dropping to 6 p.m, you'll want to be sure your ceremony time is early enough to allow for daylight afterwards for photos. If you are planning a wedding after daylight savings time this is even more important For example, if you choose a ceremony time between 3-5 p.m. you may end up with all photos taken in the dark! Be sure to work with your photographer on the timeline of the day. Exactly how much time will be needed for each aspect of the photography will be key to ensure you are not running late to your reception. Check on the scheduled time for sunset, and plan 10 mins to escape your reception for a few photos at sunset! If you are planning a June wedding, but only have your photographer booked through 8 p.m,, you may want to consider extending your photography package hours to ensure you get this opportunity for sunset photos! Inquire with your DJ and/ or venue about up-lighting! It can transform the space and make your photos of the dancing spectacular!
by Autumn Stankay, Owner and Photographer of SkySight Photography Assign a few members of your bridal party to oversee communication with your photographer team. The maid of honor and/or best man are great choices because they will be with you both throughout the day even when you are getting ready in separate locations. Start a group text thread with your photographer and these people the day or two prior to your wedding, so on the big day you can shut off your phone and enjoy your special day while others coordinate essentials like which hotel room you are in! Have a backup plan for a rainy day and plan to purchase clear umbrellas just in case. You can leave the tags on and return after the wedding if you don't need them, but it’s a great idea to have them for that possibility of a rainy day. Clear are very important, as they still let light through on to your face-- unlike black umbrellas which cause a very dark shadow! Assign specific family members to oversee group photos. One person in each family that is not in the bridal party is a good idea! Their job is to ensure that all family members are where they need to be when it is time for the family photos. They can oversee all those family members
who tend to roam! You don't want to lose valuable time on your wedding day waiting around for that one uncle who decided to go to his car or the restroom just as the photos are supposed to begin. It is also a great idea to group email your entire family before the wedding to warn them as well. For example - we'll be doing family photos on the altar of the church immediately after the recessional! Or - we'll be doing photos on the balcony right after we cut the cake, please be there on time! Also, a list provided to the photographer with names of the family members will speed up the process. For a custom photography quote, feel free to reach out to me via my website at SkySightPhotography.com
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Immediate Steps to Take if
Your Identity is Stolen
A
recent study confirmed that over 16 million people were the victims of identity theft in the span of one year in America alone, which resulted in $16.8 billion in stolen money. Identity theft is dangerous to your wallet and to your credit. Identity thieves use your information to take out loans, obtain credit cards, make purchases, get apartment leases and much more. Since these items are acquired with your credentials, these people don’t bother paying bills on time or at all. In the vast majority of cases, when your identity is stolen, you’ll be held responsible for all the outstanding debt. Warning Signs of Identity Theft The Federal Trade Commission has outlined some helpful warning signs to know if your identity may have been stolen. These include: • Unfamiliar bank activity on your bank statements • Collection calls from debtors you don’t recognize • Merchants suddenly declining your check purchases 38 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
• Unusual credit report activity • Letters that you’ve been denied credit even though you did not apply • Bills for services you didn’t sign up for • Unusual lack of mail • Medical claim rejections • IRS notice that your refund was already disbursed • Published news that a company has had their data hacked • Your wallet has recently been lost or misplaced The Dangers of Identity Theft As you know, negative credit reports cause a number of problems. You may have trouble getting credit for things you need, such as a home mortgage. There is also the potential for serious medical consequences of identity theft. For example, if someone uses your identity to obtain medical treatment or prescription medication, this could lead to medical errors when you need to be treated. If you’re unable to speak for yourself, your doctors could miss allergy alerts, or assume things about your condition that aren’t true.
If you discover that your identity has been stolen, experts advise that you deal with the situation immediately. Don’t wait for something else to happen. What to Do If Your Identity is Stolen If you’re certain that your identity is stolen, drop what you are doing and take the following immediate steps. Call Your Bank The first thing you should do is call your bank; not your credit card companies. The reason is that your credit card purchases are protected. Depending on the company, you may only be liable for the first $50 or $100, if that. So, call or visit your bank first. You don’t want someone emptying out your bank account. Speak to a bank manager about the issue and let them know you need to take out a sum of cash to cover your everyday expenses for a few weeks. Do this before blocking your account; otherwise, you may have to wait to be able to withdraw money from your bank. Next, ask the bank to freeze your account until further notice.
Do this before blocking your account; otherwise, you may have to wait to be able to withdraw money from your bank. Do this with any brokerage accounts you own, as well. Call Your Credit Card Companies The next phone calls should be to your credit card companies. Ask for the fraud alert department. Ask them to put a freeze on your accounts and go over with them the last legitimate transaction you made. Anything after that would be fraudulent. Contact the Place Where the Theft Occurred, if Possible If you can pinpoint the first occurrence of the identity theft, such as a gas station, that may be helpful in apprehending the suspect. Contact the merchant and let them know what happened. However, don’t just leave it in their hands. Call the Local Police Department If the identity theft began locally to your knowledge, place a call to your local police department (not 911). Make a formal police report and get a copy of the report. Your credit card companies may ask for a copy of the report. File a Report with the FTC File a formal report with the Federal Trade commission. You can use this report filing to help your case in the event of denied credit in the future. This report will be especially helpful if your tax refund ends up getting stolen due to identity theft. Report the Incident to the IRS Call the IRS and report what happened. They can place your information in a database and give you a PIN number you’ll use for future IRS filings.
Contact Your Medical Providers Next, contact all your medical providers to alert them as to what happened. Try to ascertain if any recent prescriptions or treatments have been given that you have no knowledge of. Ask them to make a note on your file that your identity has been stolen. Call the DMV You’ll also need to contact your Department of Motor Vehicles. Ask them to confirm if there has been any recent activity with your driver’s license that you’re unaware of. It’s a good idea to go there in person so you can present your ID and face and they can confirm that’s the same information they have in their database. Preventing Future Identity Theft There are steps you can take to prevent identity theft from happening again. • Review your credit reports often • Consider enrolling in a credit monitoring service • Balance bank statements each month • Avoid verbally applying for store credit cards while checking out
• Be aware of others’ presence behind you when using ATMs • Change online passwords routinely • Use a private P.O. Box if you live in an apartment building • Periodically ask to review your own medical records • Keep track of the whereabouts of your wallet • Keep confidential files locked up at home and at work • Don’t carry your social security card in your wallet • Don’t make online purchases using public computers Identity theft can be ruinous to your life and your finances. When it’s happened to you, you realize how much work is involved in getting your life back in order. But if you take the preventive measures outlined above, you can at least do everything in your power to make sure that it won’t happen again in the future.
by Bryan Kisiel, CPA CEO, Kisiel & Associates Director of Tax Planning, SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management Please like us on facebook: Kisiel & Associates, PC
Please visit us at our
New Location:
164 West Crawford Avenue Connellsville, Pennsylvania IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not specific to any 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
Hosts 3rd Annual Community Educational Symposium:
I
t is no secret that we live in an era of constant division. Too often today people are feeling torn and having to pick a side. The media, regardless of their political leanings, benefits from the division seeing their ratings and profits skyrocket as anger and tensions soar. Lost in the shadow of the negativity and blame is the reality that there are several issues impacting our communities that see beyond politics, race and gender leaving every one of our children at risk. At GOAL Magazine we put the strength of our community ahead of politics and put the safety and future of our children ahead of profits. We aim to make a difference, not noise. We strive to unite, educate and inspire rather than divide and conquer and we are joined in these efforts by several local businesses, professionals and community leaders. Our annual community action event, which is purposely held immediately following election day each year, is a strong example of our commitment to raising awareness and solving problems rather than pointing fingers. On election day, everyone makes their choice. However, it is what happens after election day that ultimately determines success or failure. It should not be about who won or what party won that leads to celebration or disappointment but rather asking ourselves, “Are we making progress on the issues?” We are committed to doing our part and many others are as well. On November 6, we welcomed community members to our 3rd Annual Community Education Symposium at the Fred Rogers Center, St. Vincent College. The goal of the symposium is to educate and spark discussion on a topic facing our local communities. The evening, which is free and open to the public, includes a panel of local experts in addition to a number of nonprofit organizations who provide additional information and ways to help or get help. Topics in past years for the symposium have included the drug epidemic and bullying. This year, we addressed human trafficking in our communities.
40 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
Pennsylvania State Trooper Limani served as our emcee for the evening. Trooper Limani is currently a public information officer for Troop A of the State Police. After graduating from Penn State University with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, he enlisted in the police academy. Outside of his career efforts to protect his community, Trooper Limani started the Westmoreland County Shop with a Cop Program in 2009 in order to give back. The charity has grown to provide 300 children with a $150 shopping trip each Christmas season. Trooper Limani interviewed each member of the panel and asked poignant questions.
Thank you to our Emcee and Panel Members Westmoreland County Commissioner Gina Cerilli serves on many boards including the Westmoreland County Human Trafficking Task Force and is also a practicing attorney. Her goal is to bring awareness to the issue by speaking about trafficking in our region publicly at events. Gina shared with the audience a bone chilling story about a girl she met in high school at modeling event in New York City. At the age of 13, Alicia Kozakiewicz ran away from her home to meet with an individual she had been communicating with online. Alicia, her mom Mary, and the district attorney involved in Alicia’s rescue share their nightmare story and stress the critical role every parent must play in protecting their children online.
Kristin Malone-Bodair is the Education Outreach Program Manager for the Blackburn Center in Greensburg. She currently trains all staff and volunteers in crisis intervention counseling that prepares the trainees to respond to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes including human trafficking. Kristin shared the mission of Blackburn Center which is to “serve as advocates for the rights of all individuals to live free from domestic and sexual violence and other forms of violence by eliminating root causes and providing for the well-being and safety of survivors/victims.” In addition, she addressed the supportive services they offer, their Red Sand Project and what you can do as a concerned citizen.
Sarah Medina is the Regional Coordinator for the Salvation Army’s anti-human trafficking program, overseeing 28 counties in western PA. She is also a licensed social worker. Throughout her work she is able to show the people she encounters that they are respected, loved, valued and seen. She works very closely with victims of human trafficking. Sarah shared some staggering statistics at the symposium. In Pennsylvania alone in 2018, there were 275 cases reported of human trafficking—213 of those cases were sex trafficking. The majority is occurring in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh. It is also happening in Westmoreland County.
Dawn Hennessey is the founder and executive director of Faith Forward Inc./Angel Arms education and awareness family center. Dawn’s passion is bringing awareness and hope to the children and families caught in addiction. Dawn started her presentation by showing a video of the unthinkable--parents accused of trying to sell their kids for drug money. Thankfully, they were caught before the crime was committed and the children are okay. The local advocate of children affected by the drug epidemic shared that not all cases like this end that way. Dawn shared many stories and ways to help stop trafficking.
Laura Mancuso is passionate about her city and ending human trafficking around the world. She has organized and led the Walk for Freedom for five years in Pittsburgh. At the symposium, Laura shared information about the walk and why she was called to action. Laura firmly believes that every step we take locally leaves footprints globally. Every dollar fundraised, every poster seen, every person made aware of the issue of human trafficking, add up to one global impact a world where everyone is free.
Thank you to the nonprofit organizations who shared valuable information at the symposium:
Thank you to our symposium sponsor:
www.go2goalus.com 41
Gala
Magazine's
3rd Annual
Raises $10,300 for Our Clubhouse Westmoreland
O
n September 7, guests and volunteers dazzled the red carpet, bid on auction items, enjoyed casino tables and danced the night away at Greensburg Country Club for the 3rd Annual GOAL Magazine Gala. Thanks to the generosity of our attendees and sponsors, we are excited to announce that $10,300 was raised for Our Clubhouse Westmoreland.
Based in Greensburg, Our Clubhouse Westmoreland strives to ensure no one in Westmoreland County has to face cancer alone. They provide free emotional and social support to those touched by cancer and those living with cancer at any age. In addition, family and friends who care for cancer patients are welcome to join and receive free support.
For more information, please visit their website at
www.ourclubhouse.org
Representatives from GOAL Magazine and SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management presented Our Clubhouse Westmoreland a donation for $10,300. (L to R: Amy Fratto (Our Clubhouse Westmoreland), Amanda Mayger, William Urbanik, Tawnya Rockwell, Bree Edgerly, Dani Wislon (Our Clubhouse), Tony Slezak, Sheri Slezak (Volunteer at Our Clubhouse), Caily Grube (Our Clubhouse), Jessica Marazza and Jessica Urbanik. Our Clubhouse Team and Volunteers
42 GOALMagazine: A Publication of Go2Goal | Winter 2020
SAVE THE DATE: u Saturday, September 12, 2020 See Yo Next Year!
at Greensburg Country Club Learn more at www.go2goalus.com/events
Event Sponsored by:
Desserts Donated By: Aroma Italiano | The Cookie Table by Patty Olave | The Original Pie Shoppe
www.go2goalus.com 43
MAGAZINE P.O. Box 304, Latrobe, Pa 15650 724-209-8219 go2goalus.com info@go2goalus.com
Content provided in GOAL Magazine is for educational, informational, and promotional purposes only. GOAL Magazine does not render professional advice. Recommendations expressed in articles have not been independently tested. Articles contained in GOAL Magazine reflect the perspective and advice of their authors, not necessarily the magazine's publisher. GO2GOAL is a Pennsylvania not-for-profit organization with a 501(c)3 status with the Internal Revenue Service. The official registration and financial information may be obtained from the PA Dept. of State by calling toll free within PA at 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement. Š 2020 Go2Goal
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