This is not a sit-down dinner and program style event...This is a Party!
Proudly Presents the 4th Annual MAGAZINE
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 2023 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Greensburg Country Club
$150 PER PERSON ADMISSION INCLUDES:
• Professional Red Carpet Photos
• Champagne Punch
• Hors D’oeuvres
• Top Shelf Open Bar Multiple Food, Beverage and Dessert Stations
• Live entertainment including: Strolling Violinist, Disc Jockey, Photo Booth and *Casino Tables
*Participation at the casino tables, 50/50, basket auction and special raffle are additional and can be purchased in advance or at the event.
ALL NET PROCEEDS BENEFIT
Shop With A Cop is a Non-Profit Organization that helps children that were a victim of crime or unfortunate circumstances around the holidays. We are raising funds so these children can have the opportunity to go shopping with a police officer from their area right before Christmas.
Registration and Sponsorship Opportunities Available
go2goalus.com/events
LEAD SPONSOR:
In this issue, we highlight four local restaurant ventures where patrons can enjoy more than just a delicious meal. From an award-winning restaurant that is perpetuating the mantra “Drink Local,” to a cozy historical destination built on local heritage, to a former speakeasy whose walls whisper the scandalous stories of a century – tour with GOAL Magazine around the riveting Westmoreland County restaurant scene.
Food photography on the cover is by Autumn Stankay, owner of SkySight Photography in Greensburg, PA. Autumn is a celebrated commercial, portrait and wedding photographer with over 18 years of experience. Food images shown are from the following local restaurants: Guy Fieri’s Live! Casino, Sports & Social Live! Casino, El Diablo, Hartwood Restaurant, J Corks, The Foundry Table & Tap, and Frick Park Market. The photos provided within the cover story were provided by the featured establishments.
by Ann Nemanic, GO Laurel Highlands
GO2GOAL is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization that is best known for publishing GOAL Magazine, which utilizes the talents of local business and community leaders to provide an authentic and informative resource to our community. However, we feel GOAL Magazine is more than a publication - it’s a movement!
GO2GOAL is deeply committed to giving back to our community by supporting a variety of nonprofit organizations via GOAL Magazine events such as our Annual Golf Outing PLUS Paint-n-Sip and Gala.
GOAL University offers a diverse curriculum that helps empower and inform many generations and demographics including
women, the LGBTQ community, young professionals, those approaching retirement and retirees.
SHE (Sophisticated | Humble | Empowered) is a female networking group founded by the women of Go2GOAL as a way to provide a forum for women to empower one another without judgment. SHE organizes purposeful social events that support local female-led businesses and bring awareness to local charities that help women and children.
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.
How can I get involved? To learn how you can contribute to this publication, please email us at info@go2goalus.com.
How can I get my own copy of GOAL Magazine? The majority of GOAL Magazine recipients receive the magazine because one of the contributors within the magazine is sending the magazine as a gift, or currently subscribe.
Magazine subscriptions are available at go2goalus.com/subscribe.
last issue
For the Summer 2022 issue of GOAL Magazine, released in July, we uncovered the realities of food insecurity in our local area - an increasing problem in the wake of pandemic challenges and rising inflation. We also highlighted local organizations whose programs are making a huge difference at supplying relief to hungry families.
The cover photo was captured by Autumn Stankay, owner of SkySight Photography, and the story was written by GOAL Magazine writer Bree Edgerly.
Chief Production Manager Tawnya Rockwell visited each of the incredible organizations featured in the last issue and captured a photo of them posing with an oversized canvas of the cover.
Lauren Hill, Director of Development at Westmoreland Food Bank, inside the Delmont distribution warehouse. Learn more by visiting www.westmorelandfoodbank.org.
Several board members of the Rotary Club of Latrobe (L to R): Ed Sulkowski, John Watson, Michael Succheralli, Todd Edmiston, Beth Ridge and Ron Pastor inside the warehouse where they assemble backpacks weekly for the ‘Food for Thought’ program that provides students in the Greater Latrobe School District meals that they can prepare on their own to bridge the hunger gap they face over the weekend. Learn more about this program and the Rotary Club initiatives by scanning the QR code.
View the entire article and the last issue of GOAL Magazine by scanning this QR code
1. Open your smartphone to the camera app.
2. Center the QR code in the frame.
3. View the entire magazine! The story starts on page 24.
Several members of the 412 Food Rescue Team (L to R): Rebecca Gaynier, Head of Marketing; Josh Weiland, Senior Director of Distribution Programs; Jessica Yockey, Junior Software Engineer; Haley Bastin, Volunteer Engagement Manager; and Ameesh Kapoor, Head of Engineering. Learn more by visiting www.412foodrescue.org.
If you missed this issue and would like to read more, visit www.go2goalus.com/ past-issues
We have all heard a story of someone who spent every last dime on skilled nursing care for their loved one. You may have even experienced this firsthand. The average cost of a skilled nursing home in Pennsylvania is $10,000 per month. Without careful planning, a stay in a nursing home can easily bankrupt all but the most affluent families.
I know the last thing anyone wants to think about is going into a nursing home, but an estimated 70% of people currently turning 65 will require long-term care in their lifetime, and they will receive care for an average of 3 years. A person with Alzheimer’s disease typically receives nursing home care for 5 years or more, which can result in a bill of over $600,000.
The reason you hear about people spending all of their savings to pay for nursing home care is that medical insurance doesn’t cover that type of care, nor does Medicare. Unless you have long-term care insurance, Medicaid (which is referred to as Medical Assistance in Pennsylvania) is the only entity that pays for skilled nursing care. But you only qualify for Medicaid if your countable resources are less than $2,400!
As a result, people are told that they must “spend down” their assets by paying for nursing home care out of pocket until they have reduced their life savings to $2,400. Unfortunately, people do not seek legal advice (or seek it too late) because there are planning techniques that allow you to keep a lot of your assets and pass along assets to your loved ones. Some examples of these techniques are:
• Asset Protection Trusts
• Gifting
• Medicaid Approved Annuity
• Family Caregiver Agreement
• Durable Financial Power of Attorney
• Exempt Transfers
If you have kids, I’m guessing you would like to pass on at least part of your life savings, your home and land to your children. And, if you don’t have kids, I’m guessing you would prefer to give your assets to family, friends, churches, or charitable organizations rather than give everything to a nursing home or the government.
Is this kind of planning legal? Of course. The government makes the rules governing Medicaid eligibility and these rules allow for planning to qualify for Medicaid without spending your entire life savings. As the United States Supreme Court has held, “The legal right of a taxpayer to decrease the amount of what otherwise would be his taxes, or altogether avoid them, by means which the law permits, cannot be doubted.”
At Rafferty Legal, we know that everyone’s situation is different. There is not one identical plan that works for every single person, but there is a plan that will work for you. It will allow you to protect yourself, your family, and your assets. If you are interested in learning about some options, please give us a call (724) 520-2222 or email us: info@raffertylegal.com. We’d be happy to help you!
Will I
I need skilled nursing care? (Spoiler Alert – the answer is “no” – if you do some planning)
by Jessica L. Rafferty
Helping businesses prosper – which enables all of the Commonwealth to thrive as it provides family-sustaining jobs to Pennsylvanians – remains a top priority for Senate Republicans.
While the 2023-24 legislative session just began this month, the Senate passed important legislation in the previous session that was signed into law to give businesses the best foundation for success.
As part of the budget, the Corporate Net Income Tax (CNIT) rate will begin to transition to a rate that is competitive with surrounding states and those across the country. This month, it dropped from 9.99% to 8.99% and will continue to drop via a phased reduction until it reaches 4.99% by 2031. The lowered tax rate will help to attract both employers and residents to Pennsylvania.
Another new law will also help to bring new jobs and more investment to the Commonwealth by creating and expanding tax credit programs to support targeted investments in key industries.
Act 108 of 2022 makes new resources available for job growth under the newly established Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credit program. The program is made up of four components to attract major new investments to Pennsylvania communities.
One of the new programs is the Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub Tax Credit program, which is designed to support projects requiring a capital investment of at least $500 million. Projects would also be required to make a good faith effort to use the local labor market and create at least 1,200 permanent and new jobs.
The law authorizes $50 million in tax credits annually, which are not to exceed 50% of facility construction costs.
It also establishes a new Pennsylvania Milk Processing Tax Credit program to support Pennsylvania’s dairy industry. The tax credit would be equal to 5 cents per gallon of milk purchased and processed from within Pennsylvania. The program also requires capital investment of at least $500 million, efforts to use local labor, and the creation of at least 1,200 permanent and new jobs.
Tax credits of $15 million are authorized annually, not to exceed 25% of the capital investment.
The legislation also creates the Semiconductor Manufacturing, Biomedical Manufacturing and Research Tax Credit program. A total of $20 million in tax credits is available annually, split evenly between semiconductor manufacturing and biomedical projects.
Total tax credits awarded may not exceed 25% of the capital cost to construct the facility.
Additionally, Act 108 increases the cap on the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit Program from $26.6 million to $56.6 million annually, while ensuring tax credits remain available for construction of a smaller project facility in the near future.
The new tax credits are intended to build on Pennsylvania’s previous success in bringing high-quality jobs to the state.
A 2020 law creating the Local Resource Manufacturing Tax Credit program led to Nacero Inc. committing to build a new $6 billion lower carbon gasoline manufacturing facility in northeastern Pennsylvania. A 2012 tax credit plan was a key part of Shell Chemicals’ decision to build its new $2 billion ethane cracker plant in Beaver County, which is expected to create at least 600 permanent jobs.
The evidence shows that investments like the ones we recently made, and will continuously make each year, have a real impact on enticing companies to set up shop in Pennsylvania. Especially at a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet because of the everrising food and gasoline costs, we must prioritize these critical investments, so everyone has a shot at success.
Identity theft compromises the personal data of millions of Americans every year. There are steps you can take to minimize your online risk and protect your sensitive data from cyber-attacks.
Identity theft is a growing concern that impacts millions of Americans every year. According to a recent study, [1] more than 14 million Americans fell victim to online theft in 2018, with 23% of of those incurring unreimbursed personal expenses, up three-fold from just two years prior.
Identity theft occurs when a thief obtains your personal information — account numbers, Social Security number, personal ID and password, banking information — and uses that information to commit
Cyber-attacks continue to dominate news headlines and have been responsible for compromising the data of millions of Americans. There are two primary methods that cyber thieves use to steal personal information — social engineering and phishing.
Social engineering happens when a thief tricks online users into performing an online action that gives them access to your system and its data. They may send a text message that includes a link that when clicked, leads the user to a website where the thieves then collect personal information.
A phishing attack happens when the cybercriminal lures a victim to a website that appears to be legitimate, but in fact is a front that tricks the victim into entering their personal information.
During these and other attacks, cyber criminals can infect your system with a malicious code via email attachments, infected search engine results, and documents on social networking sites. They can also attack smartphones by corrupting otherwise legitimate apps that when installed, provide the criminals with access to the device and its information. They can even sometimes control the device remotely.
fraud. They can use that information to steal money from your accounts, take out credit cards or obtain loans in your name, and commit various other types of financial fraud.
Thieves can steal your personal information both offline and online, and their attacks are growing increasingly sophisticated, making them more difficult to identify and prevent.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation offers a number of tips to help protect yourself from cyber-attacks:
• Never divulge credit card information or other personal identifying information online or over the phone unless you initiate the communication.
• Regularly reconcile your financial statements, and notify your bank of any discrepancies immediately.
• Monitor your online accounts regularly, reporting unauthorized transactions to your bank, credit card company, and law enforcement.
• Review your credit report annually, notifying the credit bureau in writing if you discover any questionable entries.
• Report any instances of people receiving mail from financial institutions in the names of others to law enforcement.
If you discover that your identity has been compromised, ask the credit bureau to enter that information into your credit report.
Finally, review any solicitation from an email or text message for you to update your personal information, activate an account, or enter your personal information. Be careful, too, when downloading any attachment or file from the Internet. And make sure that your computers are protected with cybersecurity software.
Criminals are stealing taxpayers’ identities and committing tax-related crimes. Armed with your Social Security number, a criminal can use that information to commit tax- and other financial-related crimes in your name.
There are a number of common ways that identity thieves can obtain your Social Security number:
• Stealing your mail, purse, or wallet.
• Stealing data from an unsecured website that you visit.
• Stealing personal information from records left at work or from your home.
• Going through your trash and finding personal data about you.
• Executing a phishing scam via email, soliciting your personal information.
Tax-related identity theft is when a criminal uses your Social Security to file a fraudulent tax return in your name, claiming a tax refund. The IRS has become vigilant in guarding against this practice; while there were 597,000 confirmed identity theft-related tax returns in 2017, this was down sharply from 883,000 in the prior year.[2] The drop can be attributed to an aggressive education program, whereby the IRS is educating the public about the need to protect personal data. Their efforts involve emphasizing a number of important steps people can take to safeguard their information.
1 https://www.javelinstrategy.com/coverage-area/2019-identity-fraud-report-fraudsters-seek-new-targets-and-victims-bear-brunt.
• Always be on the lookout for would-be identity thieves, whether you’re at work or home.
• Protect your Social Security card and other personal documents that include the number in a safe place.
• Do not carry your Social Security card unless absolutely necessary.
• Don’t go phishing. Email scams are proliferating, with cyber criminals posing as financial institutions and even the IRS to solicit your personal information. These emails typically direct you to a fraudulent website that asks you to input your private information, such as bank account numbers, passwords and your Social Security number.
• Protect your computer with malware protection and firewalls. Make sure the software is always active and updates automatically. Encrypt your sensitive documents — tax records, for instance — with a strong password.
• Change your passwords regularly and choose unique ones for individual accounts.
• Be alert for phone calls where the caller poses as the IRS. The IRS will never call you and demand your personal details.
• When shopping online, visit reputable merchants and those with whom you’ve established an account history. If it’s the first time working with a particular merchant — especially one that is not especially well known — be sure to verify that their website address begins with “https:,” this provides additional security between your web browser and the merchant.
• Google, Bing, and Yahoo search your name to discover what is available about you online. This could help you identify potential thefts of your identity.
If your identity has been stolen and you’ve fallen victim to a tax-related crime (i.e., you cannot file a tax return because someone has already filed it using your Social Security number), there are important steps that you should take:
• Complete IRS Form 14039 Identity Theft Affidavit and submit it with your tax return, which you should send via regular mail.
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
• Contact at least one of the major credit reporting agencies — Experian, Equifax, or
Transunion — directing them to place a fraud alert on your account.
If the IRS confirms that you have been victim to a tax-related identity theft, it may issue you a unique PIN each year for you to use when filing your taxes electronically.
For more information on tax-related identity theft, visit the IRS website - https://www.irs. gov/identity-theft-central.
As a reminder, it is always wise to review with professionals who hold your important information on a regular basis. At SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management, we uphold our clients’ wellbeing with the utmost priority, including their privacy and identity. We have protective measures in place both physically and online to keep our clients’ information secure and proactively educate our clients on how to protect their information and identity. If you are unaware of the measures that your financial institutions are taking to secure your information, we would encourage you to proactively reach out to learn about their protection practices.
2 https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/key-irs-identity-theft-indicators-continue-dramatic-decline-in-2017-security-summit-marks-2017-progress-against-identity-theft.
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This material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. There is no assurance that the views or strategies discussed are suitable for all investors or will yield positive outcomes. Investing involves risks including possible loss of principal.
This material was prepared by LPL Financial, LLC
Robert (Rob) Hamilton the new director of the Westmoreland County Department of Human Services (DHS), brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, multiple high-level collegiate degrees and expertise in the human services’ field on multiple levels.
Hamilton graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a bachelor of art’s degree in Public Service and a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) in Public Policy and Management (MPPM). Prior to attending Pitt, Hamilton served in the United States Army National Guard as a military police officer, where he worked in crime prevention and emergency response throughout Pennsylvania. He also holds a Supervisor/Manager Certificate from Penn State University, a Non-Profit Management Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh, and holds a certificate from LUMA Institute as a Certified Practitioner for Human Centered Planning. Rob is currently completing his PhD in Instructional Management and Leadership from Robert Morris University.
As a person in long term recovery and a previous homeless veteran, Hamilton fully understands the complexities that face vulnerable populations. Since entering long term recovery, he has dedicated his life to helping those in need in his professional and personal life. After spending many years working in dualdiagnosis, drug and alcohol, mental health,
working in treatment facilities, community planning, government operations and non-profit management, Hamilton is now focused on bridging the gap between government and community service organizations to maximize the resources in Westmoreland County.
“Through a human-centered approach, the goal is to ensure that every resident seeking services receives the very best services possible, committed that no one will be left behind,” Hamilton said.
“As a person who has experienced difficulties in my own life, I will ensure that every resident is placed at the center of decision making for the Westmoreland County DHS,” said Hamilton.
“Westmoreland County DHS thrives to leverage existing strengths and addresses challenges that face Westmoreland County, ensuring that physical, mental,
by Westmoreland County Commissioner, Gina Cerilli Thrasher
emotional, and social wellbeing will be hallmarks of Westmoreland County, aided by a human services ecosystem that is accessible, adaptive, equitable, high-capacity, integrated, and trauma informed. This is a critical component of Westmoreland County’s bold vision set forth in its Reimagining Our Westmoreland Comprehensive Plan to sustain a healthy economy and vibrant county.”
As the new DHS director, Hamilton will focus on leveraging opportunities to assist individuals struggling within our community. He has set forth a plan to address the inequities in the mental health space, including behavioral health and substance abuse, focusing on crisis planning, crisis response and crisis prevention. Furthermore, he has set a high priority on integrating the different departments within the human services ecosystem, including Westmoreland County’s Area Agency on Aging, Children’s Bureau, Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Veteran’s Affairs, and the Drug Overdose Task Force.
Hamilton looks forward to working across Westmoreland County with “our best and brightest nonprofit agencies, ensuring that Westmoreland County works together to provide world-class services for those in the greatest need.”
If you or someone you know is in need of assistance in relation to any Human Services issue, please call 724-830-3111 or United Way 211 for assistance.
It is only through working together that we can create meaningful change for the betterment of the individuals who reside in Westmoreland County.
-
Hamilton, Director, Westmoreland County Department of Human Servicesby Nicole O’Barto-Trainer, Ph.D., MS, LPC
The virtue of positivity and positive thinking is a powerful tool for maintaining both physical and emotional wellbeing, but for some this can be as elusive as the fountain of youth. But it doesn’t have to be.
Before working hard to just think positive, it is important to reconnect with your innate health/your intrinsic self-worth. If you don’t know where you stand on this, just observe how you talk to yourself for 24 hours. If your self-talk is anything short of affirming, loving, and compassionate you’ve probably lost your way. Understandably so, modern living is hard wiring us for resistance and scarcity and fuels a relationship with thoughts that cultivates feelings of anxiety and insecurity and harm reduction living.
What do I mean by harm reduction living? This is the experience of living your life being more consciously connected to the experiences you are trying to avoid than the experiences you are wanting to create.
What do I mean by Scarcity? Scarcity of everything! Resources like time and money, opportunities, attention, and happiness. How does scarcity influence my relationship to my thoughts? Well, if there isn’t enough happiness to go around or for everyone to have it, then someone else’s happiness is not something to celebrate, it is threatening. The awareness of that threat initially shows up as a thought, leading to a feeling, perhaps one of anxiety or insecurity. That feeling of insecurity becomes the basis for behavior. When our behaviors are reactions to feelings of anxiety and insecurity, or any negative emotional state for that matter, they are not typically the kinds of behaviors that reinforce our innate health or cultivate self-love. When we are living in scarcity and insecurity, we are not expecting to get what we need, we are not trusting that there is abundance.
Scarcity draws us away from trusting in our divine rightness and divine timing and drives us to force things, to lean away from our instincts, to distrust our gut feelings.
Consider this
No matter what you are going through or what has happened in your past, there is always a part of you that is whole/right. That part of you has energy and momentum and is capable of everything-most notably fulfillment and healing. Cultivating a relationship with rightness on this level allows you to trust that you will get what you need, to trust in universal or divine timing, to lean into things that are unknown or scary. This is your light, and it is always reflecting what is written on your heart, your life’s purpose- if you choose to pay attention to it.
This is the most important relationship you will cultivate. This is a relationship of unwavering trust and love and the proverbial fountain of positivity and positive thinking. I define this connection and the life you live when connected to it as inside out living. Inside out living is when we trust in the reflection of our divine rightness and health and we use it to discern the value we place on external stimuli: people, places, and things that exist outside of us. When we live inside out, we are less subject to chronic feelings of insecurity, anxiety and worry
because we trust in our broadly defined health. We believe there is something intended for us and for our human experience. We believe we are good. Most importantly, we are better able to separate ourselves from our thoughts and recognize that sometimes our thinking it not an accurate reflection of our truth. Sometimes our thinking is faulty, leading us to feeling states that undermine our emotional well-being and our relationship to our innate health and self-love.
Unfortunately, modern living continues to lure us into more outside in living. In fact, the faster the pace of living, the less opportunity for discernment of thought, the less awareness of our separateness from thought and the more life lived in reaction to feeling states.
This type of living puts our relationship to our innate health in jeopardy. This type of living has us using things that exist outside of us more and more as the measure of our rightness and worth. This type of living draws us into resistance and scarcity. This type of living fuels anxiety, insecurity, and depression. There is tremendous vulnerability in living life this way because you become dependent on external stimuli for self-worth and self-love. Most especially, this type of living makes thinking positive feel incredibly hard.
• Consider your separateness from thought; try to be an observer of your thoughts.
• Notice the relationship between your thoughts and feelings.
• Consider that your feelings are simply a measure of the quality of your thinking.
• Live your life with more intention, spend less time doing things out of obligation or habit.
• Show up physically and mentally, be present and curious.
• Recognize resistance and work toward acceptance; what we resist, persists.
• Develop a relationship with abundance; If you want something, give it away.
By Dr. Daniel T. Lovette, D.C.
Most people would agree wintertime in Pennsylvania isn’t something that’s welcomed with open arms. Temperatures drop to seemingly arctic levels. It’s dark when you wake up. It’s dark when you come home from work. Then there’s snow and Ice. Sure, there are some positives like Santa paying us a visit. Regardless, the majority of our time is spent finding warmth indoors.
From a health standpoint, winter is considered a cold and flu season for good reason. The dry, cold weather draws moisture from our skin, eyes, sinuses, and lungs, moisture that is needed to fight off bacteria and viruses. Naturally, we’re already more susceptible to illness during the winter just by that change alone.
Now, since we spend so much time indoors during the winter with the heat on, we are constantly breathing recycled, heated, dry air. Essentially, we’re being dried out. Think about how your hands feel in the wintertime and apply that same concept to the rest of you. Our skin and sinuses especially take a beating, constantly fighting the dryness and recycled irritants. Air pollutants are typically 2-5 times higher indoors than outdoors regardless of the season. Despite the frigid climate, winter still offers plenty of positive things to look forward to, and you want to be healthy enough to enjoy them. Here are 5 often-overlooked ways to keep you, and your home, healthier.
I know it’s cold out, but just opening your home via a window or door 1-2x/day for just 10 minutes at a time can make a difference in the quality of the air you breathe, without turning your home into an icebox. With the windows closed for months at a time, and the heat recirculating the same air over and over, allergens and other potentially harmful particles never actually leave. Letting in a quick burst of fresh air can allow for the home to change out some dirty, recycled air for some fresh air, kicking the pollutants and allergens out the door.
Humidity isn’t necessarily a fan-favorite in the summertime but come wintertime
it’s essential. With the heat cranking, relative humidity in our home drops. Consequently, the dry air pulls moisture from our bodies. Not only does it make our skin feel like leather, but it also significantly dries out our sinuses making them susceptible to infection. Keeping your home somewhere between 30-50% is recommended, as mold and other organisms like dust mites thrive in higher humidity. If possible, using a humidifier in areas like bedrooms and offices where we spend large amounts of time can make a difference. Don’t forget to clean it! Clean your humidifier every 3 days, preventing the spread of bacteria and other organisms via the humidifier itself. Lastly, kick up the hydration! Since water is being pulled from us by the dry air, you have to put it back, so drink up.
3. Change your Furnace Filter. For those without pets, every 3 months. With pets, 2 months. Vacuum and dust weekly, especially in areas with wall-to-wall carpeting, to reduce the number of allergens that’ll end up cycling throughout your home. Carpeting is notorious for harboring allergens and is a dust mite breeding ground. Replace old carpeting, if possible, especially in highly trafficked areas. Rugs and flooring are easier to keep clean.
4. Water Temperature Matters. Who doesn’t love a hot shower when it’s cold out. For my fellow over showerers, reduce the amount of time spent regularly under hot water, and/or turn down the temp a
bit. Add in some moisturizer afterwards and your skin will thank you. Before you get out, take advantage of the steam to moisturize your respiratory tract by taking some deep, mindful breaths. Now, turn up the water temp when it comes to our linens, towels, and bedsheets specifically. 130F is recommended, which is typical for most washing machine’s hot setting. Don’t be gross, wash your sheets weekly and grab a new bath towel after no more than 3 uses to reduce the exposure of irritating organisms.
5. Clean those Ducts. Those with a chronic respiratory condition or a consistent sufferer of seasonal allergies and sinus infections, consider investing into whole home duct cleaning. Duct cleaning is recommended yearly and before the heat turns on, but better late than never. Tiny allergens not filtered by the furnace filter are trapped within the vents, and then recirculated throughout the house. As an additional option, respiratory specialists recommend investing in a portable single room HEPA air purifier for those with chronic sinus or respiratory conditions to make up the difference. Quality HEPA filters can capture 99.9% of pollutants. A list of budget-friendly, local duct cleaning companies and quality HEPA air purifiers are just a Google search away.
Help your home work with your health, not against it, and allow for a much more enjoyable winter and holiday season.
by Arielle Teppert, Broadcast and Digital Media Director for The High Post Student Newsletter at the Greater Latrobe Senior High School
Barbara Nakles plays with the pendant of the oranges and yellows of The Lake, by Susan Tucker, acquired in 1968. She owes her strong appreciation for art to the halls and people of the Greater Latrobe School District. She especially appreciates art through words and stories. “I have no art ability. I don’t see in vision; I see in words. We had no art. The only art in my house was a church calendar that would have pictures on it,” she explains.
Because art was scarce in rural Latrobe during the Great Depression, a teacher found a way to bring art into Greater Latrobe’s Senior High School. “Mary Martha Himler was the art teacher at the high school and was always so upset that her students never could see quality, original art. As a member of The Associated Artists in Pittsburgh, Himler arranged to borrow paintings to showcase at the school. Himler had a little two-seater car where she would pile all the paintings into the back to take them to the school. But she didn’t just show them to her art class, she was determined that all the students should see original art,” Nakles said.
A 1952 alumna, Nakles was exposed to different types of art at the annual art assembly. “For most kids, that was the only course in art appreciation that we had. I’ve been part of it from the beginning. I grew up with this art collection without knowing anything about it except somehow, these paintings,” she said.
Nakles fondly recounts that Ms. Himler worked with fellow teacher Mr. Beatty to continue to make an “art museum” a reality at Latrobe.
The art collection transformed through the years along with the individuals. “When Mr.
Beatty was 90 years old, Ms. Himler died. He was very worried about the art collection; it was his baby. Mr. Beatty said, ‘Ned you have to do something.’ My husband was the solicitor of the district,” Nakles expressed.
The Art Conservation Trust was created to allow arts to continue to thrive. Nakles said that her husband found good “neighbors” to form the trust. “Ned was very smart about the people he chose in the beginning,” Nakles said.
“In our family, if somebody gets involved, everybody is involved-no matter what. That’s how I got started,” Nakles exclaimed. Barbara loves to share the stories of art.
“Once I got the stories of the paintings, it just went on and on. We would go out to every organization and church and put on a slideshow. But these people weren’t interested in how the paintings were made. They were interested in the stories behind the paintings,” Nakles explained.
In 1991 the trust raised money for the first conservation. With Barbara’s sophisticated writing skills, she was asked to write for the catalog A Unique Vision of Art. “I knew that I needed to research the artists and the paintings. Among the things I did was to go back to 1936 and read all The High Post editions because there were always stories every year about the art collection,” Nakles stated. In
1996 the first edition was sold, followed by a 2008 edition and a supplement in 2022.
“I wanted people to read the small description and then look back up at the painting and find something that they have not seen before,” she said.
Barbara has attended every Art Gala since 1991, when she shared the art, just as Himler. “Up until we started using student docents to talk about the paintings, I would do that at the gala. Then we chose to have student docents because this is so student-focused and that made it very important that they do that instead,” she explained.
Barbara continues to share art by giving tours at the high school to students, alumni and others who heard about the museum within Greater Latrobe’s walls. “First, I am enthralled by the stories, thinking words, to begin with. But the whole wonder of The Art Collection is the people. The art is wonderful but that’s the result. It’s the people,” Nakles stated. Through each detail she portrays, her tourists take home a new vision of art.
“The effect that those stories have on the people on the tour--drawing the people into it--is such a warm feeling,” Nakles explained.
Even though many individuals have contributed to The Art Conservation Trust and the Art Galas, Barbara Nakles has left her legacy in the halls and on the walls of Greater Latrobe. From the catalogs to the tours and the galas, Nakles has dedicated her livelihood to providing art for each student. Barbara Nakles is very deserving of the recognition as the honoree of the Art Gala of 2022. For art is a beautiful thing, we should honor those who narrate the story behind the delicate strokes of paint.
Over the course of human history, the people of the different regions of the planet have developed different methods of conduct for almost everything, including how war is fought. Specifically, two main types of war-fighting philosophies have emerged to the forefront. The Western way of war has been popularized by the likes of Machiavelli, Carl von Clausewitz
and Baron Antoine Henri de Jomini. Meanwhile, halfway around the world, the Eastern way of war was advanced by notable figures such as Master Sun Tzu and Mao Tse-tung. The principles and strategies that these men set have not only helped nations win wars, but they have also helped businessmen, students and urban professionals alike. While there are some things in war that will never
change, the West and the East have two completely different ways of viewing war.
Typically, western warfare was associated with the more traditional European way of fighting wars. The West didn’t necessarily stress every level of war, but instead scrutinized the importance of a single decisive battle. In the West, the army’s success was dependent on intuition and
initiative in battle. Part of this intuition came from studying previous commanders. Clausewitz believed “history was a method to objectively evaluate courses of action based on their alternatives.” One of the more noticeable differences between the two types of war-fighting is that Western theory “discredits intelligence, deception, and surprise.” Instead Western commanders felt that sticking to war-fighting principles was the key to ultimate success. From the platoon level on up, Western armies had a very specific way of doing anything, and it was rare that they deviated from these basic movements. They believed that it is the government and its policies that determine what an army does. However, they also believed that once an army was sent to war, it should be under the full command of the officers in the field, not the politicians.
Eastern warfare, however, was usually thought of as more of an Asian guerrilla type of fighting. The East stressed every level of war, unlike their Western counterparts. The East’s strategy was very important to them. Sun Tzu was a big proponent of strategically winning the war before it began. Sun Tzu also said that surprise and deception, when used correctly, can quickly exploit an enemy’s critical vulnerability. While Von Clausewitz and the West focused on a war of attrition, the East thought that maneuver was more important. Methodic and strategic maneuvering can slowly
and swiftly overwhelm an enemy force if deployed correctly. Maneuvering does not necessarily mean attacking either. Mao gave a great example of this in his writings when he said, “The enemy advances, we retreat; the enemy camps, we harass; the enemy tires, we attack; the enemy retires, we pursue.” The East specialized in making a detailed strategy before the war and executing that strategy. The East largely made these plans according to what would be most efficient and beneficial for the state. Eastern militaries, especially in the case of
Chairman Mao, were mostly government run and professionally bred organizations. The state made itself known in every aspect of the battle.
Even though both the Western and Eastern military strategies can be individually effective, they are fundamentally different. Each set of principles was molded by great military leaders over the course of history. If we are to successfully understand how wars are fought, we must first understand the fundamental principles behind them.
Maneuvering does not necessarily mean attacking either.by Dan DeBone President/CEO Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
Have you ever wondered what the Chamber does and how it shapes the county and surrounding areas?
By reviewing our 2023-6 Strategic Plan, you’re able to get a view into what it takes to create a prosperous community and how that can help your business succeed as well.
After weeks of planning, in-depth conversations, and a strategic planning session, we identified, developed, and selected initiatives to cultivate a thriving business environment. This Plan will help you see how the Chamber’s focus will mean to our business community and their employees. We’re giving are members the tools and resources to attain greater success individually and on an organizational level as well as maximize the value of membership.
After many conversations with members and stakeholders, these are the areas we identified as most important to our business community from the small “mom and pop” to the larger corporations. Our Strategic Plan is a document that outlines our commitment to their success and what they can expect over the next three years.
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce is a community organization mandated by its members to serve and support the well-being of business. We encourage discussions on ideas and proposals to benefit businesses and our county. The Chamber operates through transparency and accountability to its members and the community. Our Board of Directors strives to support initiatives that fit within our Core Values.
With these principles in mind, the Westmoreland County Chamber Strategic Plan addresses the following opportunities of greatest importance to the betterment of the business community:
• Community Involvement
• Voice of Business
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Marketing
• Membership
The Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce Strategic Plan
The primary focus of the Chamber’s Strategic Plan is to develop programs and resources to offer the best return on investment for Members. We did this through careful analysis of programs and events, strengths, weaknesses, and potential areas of growth and expansion.
Meeting the needs of our diverse membership is a critical focus for the Chamber and, after careful review, we realized the following areas of focus provide the most potential for the largest increase in the return on investment for our members. The following is a summary of how we will be meeting the needs of the community over the next several years.
Strategic Action Focus #1: Community Involvement
Creating Opportunities for Smart Economic Development: Better Jobs, More Employees Suited to the Needs of Business, and Resource Advocacy
Community Benefits:
• Connections. Create a better understanding between for-profit and non-profit groups on the resources available and
what’s needed. Introduce and communicate the programs that exist today to bridge the gap between needs and solutions.
• Stronger Workforce. Collaborate with Westmoreland/Fayette Workforce Investment Board and other key “stakeholders” to address workforce gaps, funding issues, skill training, career fairs, and more.
• More Attractive Business Environment. Create a more attractive business environment by helping support and solidify infrastructure projects through monitoring and advocating for them on a local, state, and federal level. Advocate for eligible revenue, programs, and grants geared toward smart growth.
• Matchmaking. Create a volunteer calendar to match organizations that need help with those available to provide it making our community stronger and more connected.
Strategic Action Focus #2: Voice of Business
Building Better Communication: Ensuring Businesses Have the Critical Information/Resources and Relationships They Need to Succeed
Community Benefits:
• Visibility. Bridge the communication gap between the Chamber and local, state and federal leaders and agencies, communities, and essential stakeholder groups to exchange information to protect, promote, and advocate for Westmoreland businesses.
• Growth. Create a Westmoreland County “Need to Know Business” Guide with resources, statistics, information, and contacts that can be used to help a potential or current business to learn about the county and available resources.
• Advocacy and legislative monitoring
Ensure members and the community remain at the forefront of elected officials’ agendas through continual monitoring/tracking of bills and communicating business needs to those in a position to affect change.
• Communication choices . Give members the opportunity to receive information in the way they’d prefer via text, email, website tools, etc.
Stronger Connections for Everyone:
Ensuring a Seat at the Table and Equal Opportunities for Success
Community Benefits :
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Education . Launch awareness workshops to help employers, employees, and the community become champions for diverse voices through education, training, and initiatives via newsletters, social media, podcasts, and video.
• Diverse Voices . Reach out to minority business owners to provide a more diverse Voice of Business so all points of view are considered. Revive the Women of Westmoreland Networking Group to help women find support and professional connections via networking and learning. Create a Young Professionals Group to provide leadership opportunities and connections for young people and make Westmoreland a top choice as a place to start a career and raise a family.
Helping businesses understand the value behind membership so that all can benefit
Community Benefits:
• Rebranding. Amplify the Voice of Business through stronger communication on membership benefits. Community businesses will better understand how chamber membership can help them succeed. With more members, reach will spread, and advocacy powers will increase.
Easier Access to Valuable Information. Create and launch a new website design and layout so members will enjoy easier access to information. Email communications will be more pertinent and targeted to the recipient’s interest/needs.
Robust Member Education. Offer members improved education in maximizing membership benefits (through the Chamber website, social media, and email) so every member can make the most of their business investment.
New Community Resources. Inform community about chamber benefits and programs as well as community plans through the production of new community resources (such as a newsletter, county map, etc.). Members will have additional business marketing opportunities.
Provide member businesses with a more customizable approach to membership that addresses their specific needs and business goals.
Community Benefits:
• Enhancing Current Membership Investment Document. Rework the Membership Investment Document so members will have access to details on how to improve return on investment and learn more about member benefits. We want all members to have the opportunity and resources to maximize ROI.
• Better Insight into Renewals. Provide more information about renewals. Members will now receive more communication regarding their membership to safeguard against membership lapses and loss of business investment and benefits.
• Streamlined Focus on Events. Conduct an internal audit on all events and programs to ensure the necessary resources to the events/programs that the community receives the most benefit from.
• Increased Investment in Members. Analyze membership, sponsorships, and other projections to reinvest in members, events, staffing, and new programs for all to benefit.
We’re excited to unveil our plan and chart a course toward success for Westmoreland County and its business community. With these advanced offerings and resources and the expansion of programs and educational components, we’re no longer satisfied with just meeting the needs of our members. We plan on exceeding them at every turn. We hope you’ll join us as we increase our member benefits and resources to help each member grow in an individualized way.
We’re excited to unveil our plan and chart a course toward success for Westmoreland County and its business community.
The Visionaries, a group of young donors established at The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, raised a total of $36,610, including $25,000 in seed funding from CFWC, for nonprofits providing mental health support in the region. The group spent six months researching issues impacting the county and discovered many organizations in the field focused on mental health. The group selected
by Kiserian Spence
three organizations--Bella Terra Stables, The Waypoint Youth and Community Center and The Foundation for Christian Counseling—to participate in a “Pitch-in Party” held on Nov. 17 at the Live! Casino in Greensburg, PA.
All who were selected received $10,000 and the opportunity to compete at the event for an additional $3,000. During the party, each of the organizations spoke for about five minutes to persuade the audience to vote for them with tokens worth $25 in the People’s Choice selection that night. Attendees were also encouraged to make cash donations and an additional $3,610 was raised that night.
“Through the Visionaries program, we hope to educate and inspire young professionals to become involved in philanthropy and the nonprofit sector,” says McCrae Martino, executive director of The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County and leader of this year’s Visionaries cohort. “This year’s Visionaries wanted to learn more about housing and homelessness and mental health
challenges facing the region.” Ultimately, the group selected agencies focused on mental health for the “Pitch-in Party.”
The focus on mental health is important for the county, which has seen an increase in demand for mental health services in the wake of the pandemic. In addition, issues like drug addiction, childhood trauma, unemployment and food insecurity contribute to the need for services. Of the organizations selected, all are passionate about the idea of forming a community because where there is a community there is more willingness to reach out for mental health and substance use disorder help.
Bella Terra Stables is based in Murrysville and run by Amber Power and Ilsa Eisele. The pair met in Washington D.C. and bonded over their desire to start equine-assisted therapy programs. Bella Terra Stables’ mission is to provide equine-assisted programs designed to nurture children in crisis in an effort to strengthen individuals, families, and communities. When asked why they chose horses for therapy, Power spoke of the ability horses have to inspire trust.
“They are 1,000-pound animals and they keep the attention of those present,” she says, adding that this is important for children who have experienced difficulty connecting with other forms of help. Power also says that because horses are prey animals they “are always paying attention and are really smart and attentive.” That attentiveness lends itself to the horses gravitating towards the children in a very loving and caring way and to the children opening up. “Their experiences with horses will stick in their minds longer than the things that a therapist might say,” says Eisele, “particularly for children who are always being talked at by adults.” Power and Eisele have created a healing environment where participants are present and active with the animals.
trying to enlist donors – to fund more staff to better handle the growing needs of the communities the foundation serves.
The
The Foundation for Christian Counseling operates in four states across America and is planning on expanding internationally.
“The number one barrier to getting help is cost,” says Dr. Richard Hoffman, who runs the foundation. Hoffman explains that the money received would fund counseling services for those who could not afford it otherwise. Hoffman also puts an emphasis on community. “Community is an extension of our families,” he says. “Having community helps reduce addiction, incarceration and [increase] life expectancy.”
Hoffman’s desire is to create an environment where those in need can receive help. Although the increase in demand for services means that those who need help are reaching out, Hoffman says that right now, “There is more work than we know what to do with,” which is why he is
The Waypoint Youth and Community Center in West Newton is run by Chris and Pam Morse, the married couple are the executive director and president respectively. The mission of Waypoint is in its name – to be a waypoint and safe haven, helping youth find their purpose and passions while achieving their potential through empowering, nurturing and mentoring them as they become productive members serving their communities. As the number of youths being served continues to increase, Waypoint is renovating an old factory that will serve as their new community center and includes two acres of land the organization can use for outdoor programming.
With the increase in overdoses in Westmoreland County since 2004, the police of West Newton have been keeping a close eye on the youth in the area. Morse remembers a recent talk that he had with a police officer where the officer said, “This is the best group of kids we have had in West Newton. There used to be about two or three overdoses every month but now there are two or three overdoses every year and it seemed to start when [Waypoint] opened their doors.”
Morse understands the role that Waypoint has in the lives of the children of West Newton and strives to improve the experience for all.
“Sometimes school is the only reprieve that a child with a troubled
home life can get,” Morse says, “and we get to also be a second home for those who need it.” At Waypoint there is an emphasis on eating as a group as well, at 4:30 p.m. everyone sits down for a meal together because, Morse adds, sometimes community is as simple as sitting down and having a meal with one another.
And the winner is
After each organization gave their pitches and the votes were tallied, The Waypoint Community Center left with the extra $3,000. The other organizations also received additional donations from the attendees.
Established in 2010, the Visionaries are a group of young professional leaders -ages 25 to 40 -- committed to making the Westmoreland community a better place. The Visionaries strive to inspire other young professionals to become philanthropists who are engaged in their communities. To get involved with Visionaries and to learn more about how your company can sponsor your employees, visit: cfwestmoreland.org/visionaries or email McCrae Martino at martinom@cfwestmoreland.org.
You may have seen recently reported by the news agencies that the IRS has committed to ramping up hiring to expand its compliance division and increase audits of individual tax returns. While no one wants to see an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) auditor show up at their door, the IRS can’t audit every American’s tax return. So, the IRS relies on guidelines to select the filings most deserving of its examination and verification. Being aware of those red flags can help you to reduce your odds of being selected for an audit.
The following are six examples of flags that may cause your tax return to be selected for an IRS audit.
Only about 0.4% of all individual taxpayer returns were audited in 2019, which is the most recent data available. However, the percent of audits rose to 1% for those with incomes between $200,000 and $1,00,000, and to 2.4% for those making over $1 million.
The IRS has a scoring system it calls the Discriminant Information Function that is based on the deduction, credit, and exemption norms for taxpayers in each of the income brackets. The IRS does not disclose its formula for identifying aberrations that trigger an audit, but it helps if your return is within the range of others of similar income. Many tax professionals use tax software that could highlight potential variances from expected norms for discussion with you during the tax preparation process. Regardless, if supported with proper documentation, a deviation from the norm should not be a deterrent to reporting legitimate substantiated deductions or credits.
Taxpayers who report business losses year after year increase their audit risk. In order for the IRS not to consider your business as a hobby and disallow the deductions or losses, you need to operate a business with a profit motive. To prove a profit motive the IRS expects your business to have reported a profit on its Schedule C in three of the last five years.
The IRS receives income information from employers and financial institutions. Individuals who overlook including income reported to the IRS are easily identified and may provoke greater scrutiny.
When divorced spouses prepare individual tax returns, the IRS compares the separate submissions to identify instances where alimony payments are reported on one return but alimony income goes unreported on the contra party’s return.
Passive loss rules prevent deductions of losses on rental real estate, except in the event when an individual is actively participating in the property’s management (deductible losses may be limited or phased out based on income) or with real estate professionals who devote greater than 50 percent of their working hours and over 750 hours per year to this activity. For this reason, the IRS pays particular attention to passive loss deductions on individual returns.
If your return is selected for audit, it is most likely you will be notified of the audit by letter identifying the forms, schedules or tax information being audited (be aware that the IRS will never call you to request information over the phone). However, if the auditor shows up at your door, the most important point to remember is that if you are represented by a certified tax professional who prepared your return (i.e. a CPA, EA or tax attorney), be courteous, and take their contact information. Politely advise
the agent you are representing that they will need to work directly with your representative to complete the audit and provide your tax professional’s name and contact information. Immediately after receiving the audit letter or during or immediately after the auditor visit, contact your tax professional to obtain advice on how to proceed with the audit request. Always remember that complete records and receipts to support your income and deductions will make the audit process easier and likely result in a smooth audit experience.
Bryan Kisiel, CPA CEO, Kisiel & Associates Director of Tax Planning, SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management
…complete records and receipts to support your income and deductions will make the audit process easier.
The common experience of sharing a meal is an activity that draws people from all walks of life together to the table to fellowship over flavor. Dining allows us to travel around the world and across cultures right within our hometowns, to taste the spices and ingredients that have fed humanity over the history of time right in our
neighborhood restaurants. You might not think of it when you dine out, but our recipes are steeped in stories and thread together our communities. All across America, a melting pot of culture and interests have created a restaurant scene exploding with history, variety and creativity. And Westmoreland County is no exception.
Behind every prosperous restaurant venture is an owner with great passion – to open and run a successful food establishment in today’s day is no small feat. Not only must your menu be well crafted, but your specialties need to stand out against the crowd –what makes your meal compete with all the other local restaurants? If it’s not the meal itself, perhaps it is a unique atmosphere, an exceptional service experience, or an added element that draws a specific group of people based on common interest in areas like sports, games, craft beer or a philanthropic mission.
To kick off the new year, we wanted to highlight some local restaurants that have successfully taken on offering more than just a meal to their patrons. These restaurants were started within the past couple years by individuals who had a vision for bringing a certain passion to light through the craft of sharing food. Each of the establishments offers a different experience worthy of highlighting. We hope that if you haven’t visited already, you will use the included voucher for GOAL Magazine exclusive discounts and go check out the cool things happening in each of these places in 2023.
Born of a passion for craft beer and fresh food, Marino’s American Eatery now proudly serves a daily rotating selection from over 40 regional breweries at its taproom in Greensburg. Co-owner and craft beer aficionado Josh Jones describes his restaurant as “Westmoreland County’s Craft Beer Destination,” and he and his partner Chef Patrick Conway certainly have succeeded at making their location within the West Point Plaza along Route 130 in Hempfield Township worth the trip.
Marino’s tap daily features 16 beers exclusively sourced from craft breweries across western PA. The bar offers a one-stop spot to enjoy brews from the more recognized Pittsburgh names like Brew Gentlemen, Grist House and Hitchhiker Brewing, but also to sample new breweries that
are just entering the craft community like Monday’s Brewing of McMurray and Arboretum Trail Brewing of Pleasant Hills. Marino’s has not only become a destination for beer lovers, but is also gaining recognition as a place to wholesale beer for craft breweries. Some breweries even exclusively supply their beer for sale at Marino’s.
During our interview, Josh described his love for the local craft beer scene and his mission to “grow the community” by supporting their efforts through selling their beer with delicious food at his restaurant. In addition to rotating the breweries on tap on an almost daily basis, Josh and Patrick also work within the brewery community to do a monthly collaboration that creatively incorporates the flavors of Marino’s menu into the breweries’ recipes.
Award-winning Chef and co-owner Patrick Conway's menu is sure to draw a crowd of foodies if the beverage selection isn’t enough of a draw. Offerings include the standing favorites like sauerkraut cakes, signature curl-cut fries, whole wings, pasta dishes, pizza, burgers and the very popular homemade cheesecake. Chef Conway is always bringing new creations to the specials board to keep the food as varietal as the tap. All items on the menu are developed with a craft beer pairing in mind, and all of the friendly service
staff are ready with recommendations on what to drink alongside the enticing menu items.
This past year, Marino’s took on its greatest brewery partnership yet by opening a second location inside of Four Seasons Brewing Company, Inc. in Latrobe. They expanded their food repertoire with the addition of a wood-fired pizza oven and crafted a special menu to complement Four Seasons beer. Guests are able to order right from their phones or at the walk-up kitchen window. Four Seasons also has a large space available for private event rentals for which Marino’s can supply catering.
If you are seriously into food, beer or both, Marino’s is the new hot spot to immerse yourself in the western PA craft beer scene. The dream of owners Josh and Patrick to create a culture that believes in the mantra “Drink Local” has become a delicious movement that you definitely want to join.
Nestled into the hillside of the Laurel Highlands less than a half mile from the historic Fort Ligonier, The Eastwood Inn and The Getaway Cafe sit across Route 30 East from the iconic local landmark of Ligonier Beach. More directly noticeable from the road, The Getaway Café is a breakfast and lunch joint that was opened several years ago by restaurant owner Drue Spallholz. He and his wife Erica originally bought The Eastwood Inn back in 2015 from the family that owned it for a span of over 80 years dating back to its establishment in 1934.
As the story goes, in 1927 when prohibition was passed, members of Rolling Rock country club tasked Ligonier legend Earl Stroup and his wife Mary Greshok with renovating their farmhouse into a speakeasy where members could drink comfortably without running into the law. Mary ran the speakeasy under the guise of “The Eastwood Inn” until spirits became legal again in 1934 and the bar restaurant officially opened with a considerable following. According to Drue, “even though it was open to the public, it was unmarked and nearly impossible to find, only accessible through known customers (much like it remains today). It was secretive for a reason– from the early days there was gambling on site. Supposedly, The Eastwood Inn was the place for Pittsburgh judges and Chicago mobsters to do business.”
Business was doing so well, Mary and Earl expanded their venture in the 1940s to include a small stone diner right
along the freshly cut Route 30 called the Eastwood Annex (the building Drue and Erica have reopened today as the Getaway Cafe) and a large stone building above it known as The Puffy Dragon.
Now a privately owned residence, the large building was completed in 1946 as an eleven bedroom brothel with a 1500 sq ft casino lofted into the dormers of the fourth floor. Per Drue, “even the original Rat Pack were patrons there. They would have enjoyed a secret bar room with views of Ligonier Beach and an escape hatch that would discreetly exit them to the diner below, hence ‘Getaway’ Cafe.”
Her younger brother Joe Greshok, locally known as “Smokey,” also drew a legendary crowd including long time friend Arnold Palmer. Generational customers of the Eastwood still remember Smokey’s Manhattan’s and card tricks. Smokey’s daughter Alexa was the final member of the Greshok family to own and operate the Eastwood until Drue and Erica took over in 2015.
“A fancy place for casual people, and a casual place for fancy people,” Drue and Erica welcome all visitors to the Eastwood to share in the age-old experience of walking through the rounded, buzzer-guarded door to pass through the farmhouse foyer on their way to the perfectly understated bar that hides behind the seemingly inconspicuous fireplace.“The cocktail-to-dinner ritual replays day after day, decade after decade over the same stools. Martinis spilling through the same cracks of the bar,” Drue poetically details the atmosphere. The menu remains traditional, a classic American-style steakhouse boasting Filet on Toast with a side of lima beans as its favorite dish. The friendly service and jovial conversations with the owners are sure to leave you feeling a part of the vibrant Eastwood story before dessert is served.
At Mary’s passing, her younger sister Sophie inherited the entire property and ran the Eastwood for over 50 years until she passed in 1997. She was beloved in Ligonier as a caring neighbor and many regular customers today still affectionately refer to the restaurant as “Sophie’s.”
The small stone cafe originally known as The Eastwood Annex had been converted into a motor repair shop somewhere along the way. When Drue and Erica had the opportunity several years ago to restore this extension of their property’s history, they didn’t hesitate. They cleaned up the building, reviving the gorgeous interior features: large windows, vaulted ceiling, exposed stone and raw wooden beams. They added a kitchen with a bartop where guests can sit and chat with the kitchen staff as their food is being prepared. When conceptualizing what would make The Getaway special, Drue committed to his strong belief that supporting local generates not only a sense of community among patrons, but among businesses. The menu offers deliciously crafted brunch items prepared from locally
“The cocktail-to-dinner ritual replays day after day, decade after decade over the same stools."Joe "Smokey" Greshok
sourced proteins and greens. Shelves near the entrances and register are lined with spirits, wines, cheeses and treats from local vendors such as Tattiebogle CiderWorks of Acme, PA and Dark Side Coffee Roasters of Ligonier, PA. In addition to running as a cafe by day, the space is also available to rent for intimate private events in the evenings.
Though the lore of tunnels, moonshine, high stakes gambling and celebrities can neither be confirmed or denied, the evidently rich history written inside the old walls of the two restaurants leaves patrons with a sense of almost belonging to another era while they dine. This unique historical charm has materialized into an engrained feeling of tradition and abundant community to local regulars and traveling newcomers alike.
Since opening the doors of 512 Coffee and Ice Cream in June 2021, Latrobe native Michael Ciotti has used his cafe venture as a home base for fostering community engagements that bring to life the charming heritage of his little corner in First Ward. Towering over the intersection of Ligonier Street and Thompson Street not even a full block west of the train station, the three-story Victorian building is a neoclassical spectacle of 19th-century Latrobe.
sad remnant of its former allure. Michael and his father Paul purchased The Oursler House, seeing its potential as a cozy, historical destination in the heart of Latrobe, and restored many of the original features over a period of 5 years. Preserving the residential intention of the space, the upper stories are available as vacation rentals on AirBnB: an enchanting efficiency stay in one apartment and a historical getaway for 6 in another segment of the second story. There are also plans to eventually convert the home’s third-floor attic into a fisherman’s retreat.
Michael opened his cafe and ice cream parlor on the first floor of the building. Patrons enter through the stately front door on Ligonier Street, greeted by hues of deep green, a record player, a chandelier and rows of books. Through French doors to the right, what was likely a formal sitting room in the original home has been converted to a cafe seating area available for general use or private gatherings. Vintage trinkets line the mantle of the grand tile fireplace and eclectic art adorns the walls. To the left of the foyer, guests maneuver through congenial seating, bookcases and end tables piled with literature and games on their way to the kitchen.
The cafe counter and ice cream bar face off in an enticing display of delectable coffee and sweet treats. Generating traction for his ice cream sales off of the heritage of the banana split in his hometown, Michael and his friendly cafe attendants serve “world-famous” banana splits
and many other tasty ice cream items featuring Kerber’s Ice Cream of North Huntingdon.
The cafe menu selections include delicious homemade sandwiches, soups and bakery goods. Traditional Italian-style coffee offerings, along with around-theworld varieties of espresso beverages and teas are sure to delight any visitor’s taste.
During the nice weather months, guests can take their coffee and ice cream out the backdoor to enjoy fresh air on the beautiful wrap-around patio or to play yard games, listen to live music and watch movies in the courtyard. The inviting outdoor space has become a popular neighborhood hangout spot for many local residents and business people during the week and an essential gathering place during many of Latrobe’s annual summer events. Shortly after his grand opening, Michael most appropriately served banana splits as a part of the annual Banana Split Festival. The cafe is also heavily involved in Mister Rogers Family Days – the cafe is decked out in the theme of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood with countless apparel items and art pieces in tribute to Latrobe’s other favorite claim to fame: Fred Rogers. Inspired by the sense of community driven by these events and his own Italian roots, he put his momentum behind the inaugural Italian Festival that was hosted in September of 2022. More recently, he acquired property across the street to develop a bocce court and start a local league for another outdoor mode of socializing in town.
Originally built in 1873 by John Oursler, it stands identical next to its architectural twin constructed by brother Jacob Oursler. While Jacob’s house continued through the years as a private single-family residence, John’s house had been converted into a 5-unit apartment building and then eventually sat vacant and dilapidated, a
Perhaps most notable of the impact Michael has made in such a short period of time in highlighting local heritage, he was invited by WQED to serve banana splits at their Cardigan Party in November. The annual event is a part of WQED’s Cardigan Day and is an evening full of food and entertainment that emulate everything Pittsburgh, leading to a showcase of the Fred Rogers Studio where the famous Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood was produced. Being recognized at this regional event as one of Pittsburgh’s favorites alongside the longstanding food icons of Primanti Bros, Eat n’ Park and Gosia’s Pierogies in just over a year of being in business is no small accomplishment!
Winter in the Laurel Highlands is a remarkable time of the year. If I close my eyes, I can still see myself waking up with the anticipation of no school and the sheer childhood excitement of building my first snowman of the season. I’d run outside, start rolling a tiny ball into a massive big belly and realize I was too small to add two more on top. I’d call my Dad who would always be my champion in helping me build, what seemed to be, the biggest and best snowman in our front yard. I was a traditionalist. Carrot for the nose, square pieces of coal for the mouth and eyes, a few of my mom’s buttons, sticks for arms, one of my dad’s old Stetson hats, and my very own scarf for good measure.
Winter in the Laurel Highlands provides us with a fresh start. The white, fresh winter blanket on our landscape is a subtle reminder that we have a new year filled with GOALS upon us. New adventures and opportunities to explore should be marked on all our calendars. A visit to a museum, sipping a new craft beverage (#LHPourTour), strapping on snowshoes for the first time, or simply chilling with a good book by the fire for some well-deserved Zen time are possibilities. Allow meditation and relaxation to become a priority in 2023.
Winter experiences can come in all sizes. Try a simple walk in one of our county or state parks to count your
steps. Deciding to develop a new skill by taking a stained glass class, or brushing off an old one and picking up a colorful skein of yarn to crochet again. This time of year is ideal to slow your pace and discover the beauty and uniqueness of our region. Pick up our
new 2023 GO Laurel Highlands Destination Guide at our visitor center on The Diamond in Ligonier and map out an itinerary of discovery. Add a nice hot cocoa to the mix and you are set for a new adventure.
The fresh blanket of snow won’t be around forever. Embrace and enjoy the chill in the air. Remain optimistic this is YOUR year. Count your blessings as the seasons ebb and flow. And, yes, go build yourself a snowman and churn up those cherished memories of your childhood. I’m certain the Laurel Highlands will have snow!
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Make an outdoor living area comfy long after the sun sets or the leaves turn. There are so many reasons to enjoy outdoor living beyond summer. There’s the beauty of fall and the cool, crisp weather. And then, how about saving big bucks on dining out and entertainment by savoring great food, drinks, and company -- plus awesome scenery -- right at home?
Here are three ways to get a happy vibe going in your own backyard.
The sun sets sooner on your outdoor living space in the fall, but that shouldn’t limit the hours you use your deck or patio. Adding low-voltage or solar outdoor lighting fixtures lets you party or relax well after dark.
With both lighting types, you can:
· Light deck railings and stairs
· Define the patio perimeter
· Illuminate the edges of paths and walkways
· Draw attention to a planter or tree
In addition, you can use other fixtures to light up dining tables, grill surfaces, and even underwater in swimming pools.
Bring a cozy glow and a stylish focal point to your outdoor living area with a fire pit or portable fireplace. Irresistible for gathering, warming up, and roasting marshmallows, they come in a variety of materials, sizes, and styles. You’ll also find options for fueling your fire with wood, propane, gas, or gel cans.
But here’s a warning before you start: Check local fire codes to find out if your community allows the use of a fire pit or portable fireplace on the patio or lawn. (Never use a fire feature on a wood deck.)
A fire pit is an open bowl, dish, or pan that varies in size from 24 inches across to about 40 inches. A fire pit may come on a stand (some with wheels) or nestle into a tiled tabletop. Select a model with screening to contain flyaway sparks. A wood-burning fire pit typically costs $500 to $1,300 including installation, and a gas fire pit ranges from $900 to $3,800 including installation.
A smokeless fire pit, or smokeless stove, is a popular choice
Despite the name, they aren’t entirely smokeless, but they generate less ash than a wood-burning firepit. The price ranges from $90 to $600.
Adding a portable patio heater can boost the warmth of your outdoor living area by as much as 15 to 25 degrees in the fall or spring. You’ll find three basic models:
1. Freestanding units resemble large floor lamps. You can set them anywhere on your patio that will accommodate their 7-foot to 8-foot height. Some models include wheels for mobility. Expect to pay $153 to $887, depending on heat output and fuel source.
2. A tabletop patio heater rests on a table, bench, or garden wall. These compact units typically produce less heat than tall, freestanding models. Prices range from $72 to $148.
3. Ceiling- or wall-mount patio heaters free up floor and table space, and typically emit heat via a halogen lamp. Prices vary from $112 to $866.
Make your selection based on how much outdoor living area you want to heat and whether you want a model powered by electricity or natural gas (each requiring a connection) or with a propane tank, which allows mobility.
If you have questions about this, or anything real estate relatedreach out to Scott Ludwick at 724-838-3660 or Scott@ScottLudwick.com
The time has come where you find yourself needing to get new headshots for work and the paralyzing thought comes into your mind: what should I wear? Getting in front of the camera can be quite stressful and finding the right outfit just adds to it. Fear not, dear reader! I am here to help alleviate some of that stress and guide you into finding the right outfit. Below are a couple categories I always direct clients towards to think about when looking for the best outfit to wear for a headshot session.
Color can enhance, brighten, and highlight features like your eyes, skin, and/or hair as well as give an aura of who you are. It can also do the exact opposite, highlighting the wrong things or giving the wrong impression. Always start with colors that look good on you.
The best way to figure this out is looking at 3 areas: eyes, hair, and skin. If you have green or blue eyes, cooler colors will help pop the beautiful color in your eyes. If you have a warmer or redder complexion in your skin, avoid bright, bold warm tones (orange, red). Black
is always complementary with other colors and works well on every client. White shirts have been proven to make men look more attractive. You can even look for quizzes online to find your seasonal colors.
by Autumn Stankay, Owner and Photographer of SkySight Photography
Try to stay away from anything too crazy or complex when it comes to patterns. A bright, blue/green/ yellow leopard print blouse may be great to wear out but is a little too loud for a professional headshot. A crazy color choice may sound like a lot of fun at the moment, but this photo could stay around for a lot longer than you think.
Layers help give a pop of color, sense of ease, or can even involve a touch of a fun pattern. They can range from a sweater over a button up shirt, a blazer over a blouse, even scarves or suspenders.
The abundance or lack of layers with clothing can give off specific vibes and personality. A gingham button up with a bow tie gives a quirky, fun energy while a white shirt with a dark blazer exudes a relaxed, professional flair.
The other great thing about layers is they can be added or removed during a shoot. Most photographers that charge by the look will be more flexible if you have a jacket or a scarf you want to throw on or take off and not count that as one of your looks.
Capturing your style may seem like an impossible task whether it feels like it isn’t there or you fear it will be too overwhelming for a headshot shoot. I totally get it! So, let’s just back up and look at what you are getting the headshot for.
Unless you are given a specific look to go for from an employer (doctor’s jacket, corporate polo, etc.), I always say to go for the ‘business casual’ look. To me, business casual means you’re putting your best foot forward without taking yourself too seriously.
However, if you’re part of a brand that is more casual, then bring more of that into the shoot. You want to exude what you or your company is trying to sell so that style should come through.
A clean palate, pop of personality, and something that makes you feel good is a perfect combination. Find something in your closet that you love wearing - try not to go out and buy a completely new outfit. New clothes can sometimes feel foreign if you haven’t worn them enough. You want to wear the clothes not have the clothes wear you. This is easier said than done, but trust me, don’t overthink it!
As weird and awkward as a photo shoot can feel, always remember when it comes to headshots, we, the photographer, want to make you look good.
The GLLV Chamber recently took a group trip to Egypt. To say I was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity would be an understatement. The 9-day trip included several days cruising down the Nile and many visits to temples, tombs, shrines, and pyramids that I have read about in books since my childhood. As our group of 20 set out, early in the morning on October 4th, we could barely contain our excitement!
On our first day of touring, we visited Luxor and Karnak Temples. Built largely by Amenhotep III and Ramses Il, Karnak Temple was erected in 1928 BC and comprises three main temples, smaller enclosed temples, and several outer temples - all constructed over 1300 years. The three main temples of Mut, Monthu and Amun, are enclosed in enormous brick walls, with the temple of Amun at the center. Karnak is now the largest and oldest temple compound on earth.
We later visited the Luxor Temple which was beautifully lit up for a night viewing. Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple are joined by the famous mile long Avenue of the Sphinxes.
The next morning, we visited the Valley of the Kings, which includes the tombs of King Tutankhamun and Ramses the Great. We also saw the Valley of the Queens. These tombs belong to queens of the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. Among these is the famous tomb of Nefertari, one of the five wives of Ramses II. Afterwards we
by Briana R.
toured the Temple of Hatshepsut, the only woman Pharaoh to rule ancient Egypt. The mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut of the 18th dynasty was built just north of the Middle Kingdom temple of Mentuhotep Nebhepetre.
We embarked on another day of touring, this time in horse drawn carriages on unpaved streets through the tiny village of Edfu. The Temple of Edfu is also known as the Temple of Horus (son of Osirus and Isis). This is one of the most well -preserved temples in Egypt, simply because it was buried in sand. It was uncovered by Auguste Mariette, a French Egyptologist in
the 1860s, during the French expedition. It is also the second largest after Karnak. It was believed that the temple was built on the site of the great battle between Horus and Seth.
We returned to our boat and were given a free afternoon to enjoy the sundeck on the boat as we cruised toward our next location, Kom Ombo. Upon arrival in Kom Ombo, we visited the Temples of Kom Ombo. This temple complex consists of two temples: the Temple of Sobek and the Temple of Haroeris. In ancient times, sacred crocodiles basked in the sun on the riverbank near here. We later toured the mummified crocodile museum!
The next day, we visited the High Dam and the Temple of Philae, which is located just north of the border between Egypt and Sudan. The High Dam is a huge rock-filled dam which captures the world’s longest river, the Nile, in the world’s largest artificial reservoir, Lake Nasser. The dam, was completed in 1970, taking over 10 years to construct. We also saw the granite quarries, which supplied the ancient Egyptians with most of the hard stone used in their pyramids and temples. The Unfinished Obelisk, located in the Northern Quarry, still lies where a crack was discovered as it was being hewn from the rock. This obelisk would have been the largest ever erected if it hadn’t cracked before it was fully quarried. Tools left by its builders have given archaeologists much insight into how such work was performed. We took a short trip on a motorboat to Philae
Temple, which offered a magnificent vista of the island of Agilika.
Philae temple was dedicated to the goddess Isis and has many legends connected to it. The most well-known legend tells the story of how Isis found the heart of Osiris here after his murder by his brother Seth. After lunch, we rode a traditional felucca to enjoy a sail around Kitchener’s Island along with a visit to the botanical gardens.
The next day, we flew back to Cairo for a few more days of adventure!
Upon arrival at the Great Pyramids of Giza, we began the day climbing the over 900
steps to the burial chamber at the top of The Cheops Pyramid. After that, we had the most amazing experience riding a camel! Not far from the Pyramids is the Great Sphinx of Giza. Hewn from natural yellowish limestone & standing 65 feet high & 187 feet long, this unforgettable statue combines the head of a Pharaoh with a lion’s body. It was amazing to see!
We continued with the Egyptian Museum tour, housing the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world. The Egyptian Museum boasts 107 halls filled with approximately 160,000 objects covering 5,000 years of Egypt’s past. It features artifacts from the Pharaonic and Graeco-Roman periods, including the celebrated mummies of ancient Egypt’s king and Tut Ankh Amun treasures. When it opens, the new Grand Egyptian Museum will be the largest museum in the world. November 4th was the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. The traveling exhibit, King Tut’s Tomb Discovery Experience, is currently at the Houston Museum of Natural Science, through May 2, 2023.
Later, we visit the Citadel situated on a highly visible spur of the Mokattam Hills of Old Cairo. It was the nerve center of Egypt for almost 700 years. Construction of this grand structure began in 1176 and was completed by Muhammad Ali Pasha, ruler of Egypt in the late 19th century.
Our day ended with a shopping trip to Khan El Khalili, known as the Turkish bazaar during the Ottoman period. It was built in 1382 by Emir Djaharks El Khalili, in the heart of what was then Fatimid City. The bazaar is a center of trade and communion in the city and offers a wide array of antiques, handcrafts of gold, silver, and copper as well as numerous old coffee shops and local restaurants which attract both Egyptians and tourists alike.
Our last day was spent visiting the Coptic Churches of Old Cairo. Coptic Cairo is a part of Old Cairo which encompasses the Babylon Fortress, the Coptic Museum, the Hanging Church, the Greek Church of St. George and many other Coptic churches and historical sites. It is believed in Christian tradition that the Holy Family visited this area and stayed at the site of Saints Sergius and Bacchus Church (Abu Serga). Coptic Cairo was a stronghold for Christianity in Egypt both before and during the Islamic era, as most of its churches were built after the Muslim conquest of Egypt in the 7th century.
It was a beautiful end to an amazing and unforgettable trip!
The Chamber travels next to Ireland in April 2023. Contact the chamber if you would enjoy traveling with us!
Tutankhamun’s alabaster canopic box. Four interior compartments with lids in the form of the king’s head, each containing a miniature gold sarcophagus with the king’s internal organs. Dynasty 18, c. 1336-1327 BC. Egyptian Museum, Cairo.
Briana R. Tomack
Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce President PO Box 463, Latrobe, PA 15650 724-537-2671
www.latrobelaurelvalley.org
We continued with the Egyptian Museum tour, housing the most important depository of Egyptian antiquities anywhere in the world.Our group at Philae Temple
Auto insurance is one of those things that we all have to have if you own a vehicle. Every year or six months the policy comes due and what happens? We pay the bill and move on. Most people will not even look at their coverage, all they want to know is how cheap they can get it and if the bank loan is satisfied.
The world is ever changing, and your personal risk is at an all-time high; medical bills are through the roof, vehicle costs have soared, and replacement parts are scarce. If you haven’t looked at your policy in the last two years or longer it’s time to break out your declarations pages and call your agent. Before you do that, follow along, there may be some tid-bits of information for you to take with you to help the conversation.
Every auto insurance policy has and starts with Bodily Injury coverage. This protects you if you injure someone else with your vehicle and pays for their medical bills. The Pennsylvania Insurance Dept. mandates that the lowest limit you’re allowed to carry is $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident, and believe it or not there are a ton of people out there carrying these low limits. The $15,000 per person barely covers an ER visit so if the person’s medical bills exceed this amount, guess what? You get sued. We suggest to properly protect yourself; you carry no less than $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident.
Just like bodily injury coverage every policy must have Property Damage coverage which pays for anything that you damage while using your automobile. The state also says that you may carry a minimum limit of no less than $5,000 of coverage. I don’t know about you, but this minimal amount barely covers a bumper let alone a totaled vehicle. Review your policy, limits of no less than $100,000 are preferred which should cover just about anything you hit.
Tort option is also a mandated coverage, it is your right to sue, you must choose between Full Tort and Limited Tort. So what are the differences? Full Tort allows you the full right to sue the other party involved in an accident for non-monetary damages you incur. The pro is that no matter what happens in the accident you can sue that other person while the major drawback is that it does cost more. Limited Tort limits your right to sue for serious injury only, or if someone has too little/ no insurance or if they were intoxicated at the time of the accident. This affords the insured to save on premium and experience a more streamlined claim however if you want to be sure you never have an issue Full Tort is always better to have.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorists coverage is optional but something to make sure you have on your policy especially with the amount of people on our highways driving with no insurance or too little. This protection will pay for your medical bills if
someone hits you with no insurance or too little, and the total limit should match what you are covering the other person for in your bodily injury. Also, if you have two or more vehicles you can stack this coverage which means you can take extra coverage from each additional vehicle if you do not have enough from the one you were driving at the time of loss.
Physical Damage coverage pays for the damage to your vehicle is optional (if the vehicle is paid off) and is broken into two parts. Comprehensive coverage (aka Other Than Collision) covers your vehicle in cases of deer, theft, fire, water, wind hail, glass, or vandalism. These so-called “acts of god” happen quite often and are 100% out of our control. Collision coverage pays for the damage to your vehicle from at-fault accidents or hit-and-run accidents. Both coverages carry a deductible that you would
have to pay prior to the policy paying for the damages, higher deductibles lower the cost of insurance while lower deductibles keep the premium higher, but require less out of pocket expense at the time of an accident.
Endorsements and extra features are available on most policies and differ by carrier but worth taking a look to see if they are available to you. Diminishing deductibles are quite common, at each renewal you will be rewarded for your safe driving by your total deductible typically dropping by $100. It is quite possible for you to end up with a $0 deductible but watch out, if you have a claim this will reset and you start over. Auto Security pays out for total loss vehicles; instead of getting the true blue book value paid out to you this coverage will either pay for a brand new car or a better car, leaving more money in your pocket to find an adequate vehicle for your needs. Rate lock features are scarce in the industry, luckily, we carry the only insurance company in the country that can lock in your auto insurance premium… Yes, you heard this right. Your premium stays the same rate year after year with no increases. The only way the rate can change is if you change vehicles, drivers, or your address. Even though your rate changes at that time you can lock it back in and go however long until one of those changes is made.
If you would like to review your existing auto insurance policy or would just like a completely unbiased review, we would love to help. Laurel Highlands Insurance Group LLC is an award winning, premier, multi-lines, independent insurance agency in the heart of Southwestern PA with decades of experience. We take great pride in providing our clients with fair and honest information so they can make the best decision possible for themselves and their families. It’s our goal to leave you with a better understanding of your risk and provide you with the protection to match. Please contact us by phone, email, or by scanning the code.
The women of GOAL Magazine founded SHE, a female networking group that organizes purposeful social events that support local female-led businesses and bring awareness to local charities that help women and children.
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Despite inclement weather conditions, close to 50 women gathered at the Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity warehouse in Greensburg, Pa for a fun-filled evening titled “Home SWEET Home.”
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(L to R) Tiffany Contic, Principal and Interior Designer of 7Tier Design Studio; Cahla Downs, Realtor for Keller Williams Realty, The Melissa Merriman Team; Courtney Guerreri, Executive Director of the Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity; Jessica Geary, Certified Financial Planner™ and partner of SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management; and Sheri Slezak, Owner and Certified Pastry Culinarian™ of Heart and Soul Cookies & Pastries
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Guests were given essential tips for sweetening their home whether they are buying, selling, or maintaining the value. The leaders of SHE wanted to host the event at the warehouse so guests could find inspiration for their next home project and to showcase the charitable venue.
Attendees enjoyed fall-flavored Moscow Mules, wine and light bites while looking around the store at all the great finds.
Sheri Slezak, Owner and Certified Pastry Culinarian™ of Heart and Soul Cookies & Pastries, instructed the class on how to decorate the ultimate sweet treat – sugar cookies! Sheri and her mother, Mary Smith, baked enough cookies for each guest to enjoy one at the event and to take one home to share. Sheri provided step-by-step instructions with four different colors of icing to create the cutest turkeys just in time for Thanksgiving. Lots of laughs were had by all as we tried our hands at cookie decorating.
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The ladies of SHE are pleased to announce that with the support of the attendees and speakers, they were able to donate $960 to this incredible cause.
Central Westmoreland Habitat for Humanity received a donation of 100% of each attendee’s registration fee.
This charity partners with people in our community, and all over the world, to help them to build or improve a place they can call home. Executive Director Courtney
Guerriri educated the attendees on the stigma surrounding their cause: homes are not built and given away, but rather Habitat homeowners help to build their own homes
DONATE your furniture, appliances, building materials and more
alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. She informed our group on the many ways to provide support for their cause.
VOLUNTEER your time, talents and hard work
SHOP at the store for great deals and unique items.
Donating to Habitat ReStore saves thousands of tons of reusable materials from landfills.
It’s impossible to reflect upon the countless lives we were given the opportunity to save without remembering what they endured before their fate changed. It hurts to imagine how terrified Clay—the kitty who was shot through the neck and tossed out the front door—must have been. Or what every minute of every day must have been like for Monty, the ten-year old Billy Goat who was tied to a bedpost covered in parasites with a severe infection festering under his horns. It’s impossible to not wonder how long Willow, a bully mix, lay on the side of the road, suffering with a badly broken leg and unable to move. How many people walked by her and did nothing?
The work we do is undeniably hard. It takes an emotional toll on every one of our dedicated staff. We know when we walk through that door that today might hurt. But we walk through it anyway. That’s because at some point we decided that the pain we feel when we look at the faces of cruelty and neglect is a small price to pay for the lives that we save.
We get mad. We “quit.” We decide we can’t continue to witness the unfathomable things people do to the innocent. Then the phone rings or the door opens and we know that giving up isn’t an option. If not for our supporters, and people like us who can’t turn away even if it hurts, what would
become of the animals? They would still be lying in the street or tied to the post instead of living their best lives after receiving amazing care at HEAL Animal Rescue.
We firmly believe that the ONLY way to change the quality of life of animals is to change the hearts and minds of people, especially children. Children really are our future. And the way to change the future for the animals is through the children of today. Heal programs like “Kids Jam(mies) at the Farm'' make an impact on the way children view animals. Kids come to the farm and feed the animals their bedtime snacks in their jammies. They have a snack of their own while they learn about the animals they are feeding. We have so much fun reading a book to them about how farm animals sleep! Our hope is that we can make a difference with this generation of children. We here at Heal feel we MUST do something to stop the growing incidence of
animal cruelty. And we will!
We are maintaining our commitment to the animals in need in this region, our commitment to rescuing locally. We visit local animal control facilities each week and take as many as we can into Heal. In fact, currently every dog in our kennel is from an animal control agency in Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.
We must take care of those who are in need right here in our own backyard, and there are many. We also help pet owners in our area with food, education, and other items to help with keeping their beloved pet in their home.
In 2022, we took in almost 200 animals. Almost 200 dogs, cats, cows, goats, pigs, and hens came through our doors. Our farm sanctuary now has over 50 beautiful animals. Each of them, from Goose the cow, to Penny the hen, came from inhumane conditions and is now living their best life. We are proud of the work we have done in 2022
Last issue, I mentioned that the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation had secured full funding for an industrial park expansion project. Well, we wasted no time in getting started with Phase II of development at Westmoreland Distribution Park North. We celebrated its groundbreaking with some of our economic-development partners at the end of September, and as I write this in early November, work crews have already cleared about 40 percent of the land. This project
will transform raw land into three lots with pad-ready sites of 21.4, 10.4 and 4.1 acres. We project that this expansion — which will be completed in spring of 2023 — will be able to accommodate up to 625,000 sq. ft. of building space.
Though I often talk about “pad-ready sites,” I realize that not everyone recognizes just how important of a catalyst these are for economic development. So, let me explain. Although many of us love southwestern Pennsylvania’s scenic rolling hills and the beautiful Laurel Mountains, our topography puts us at a
disadvantage when trying to attract new business. That’s because it costs more to develop hilly terrain than flat land. It takes longer, too. The state recognizes this and often provides grants and loans to prepare these sites. By clearing properties of obstacles to create flat, pad-ready sites, we are quite literally leveling the playing field when it comes to competing nationally for job-creating projects.
The groundbreaking wasn’t the only big event the WCIDC held recently. In October, we celebrated the opening of our newest industrial park, Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland. Located at the I-70 Madison exit in Sewickley Township, this park has five parcels with more than 57 acres of pad-ready land. Of the park’s five lots, one has been sold and two are under option agreements; we’re excited that 60 percent of the park was already under contract at the grand opening, and we’re optimistic that the two remaining lots — which can be linked to rail service — will attract considerable attention.
That ribbon cutting wasn’t just a celebration of our park; it marked the completion of the first facility built within it. Representatives
of developer Al. Neyer graciously hosted the event in their new 250,000 sq. ft. Commerce Crossing Business Center, and they were proud to show off the distribution center to the crowd of economic development officials and media in attendance. Al. Neyer has been quite active in WCIDC parks these past couple of years — most recently closing on the purchase of nearly 15 acres in Westmoreland Technology Park II — and the developer recently announced the creation of a $200 million development fund that will support development projects in multiple markets — including Pittsburgh. The announcement specifically mentioned Westmoreland County as a key Pittsburgh submarket that plays a key role in the developer’s future plans.
In keeping with an objective in the county’s comprehensive plan, Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland was built specifically to maximize the local impact of Interstate 70. We wanted to use the ribbon cutting to also shine a spotlight on the crucial role that transportation plays in economic development, so we were happy to also recognize the efforts of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to modernize
I-70 in southwestern Pennsylvania. Specifically, we celebrated the nearcompletion of PennDOT’s $92.8 million project to improve the stretch of highway adjacent to the industrial park as well as its $934 million total investment to improve the interstate from New Stanton to West Virginia.
PennDOT also is involved with another major project that was recently announced. In August, PennDOT, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and the Regional Industrial Development Corporation announced a partnership to build a $20 million, stateof-the-art test track and research facility at RIDC Westmoreland Innovation Center. The Pennsylvania Safety, Transportation and Research Track — dubbed PennSTART –will benefit emergency responders, transportation technology companies and research institutions while supporting the local economy. In addition to supporting the testing and development of automated vehicles, PennSTART will address safety, training, and research needs in key areas that range from traffic-incident management to commercial and transit vehicles to other emerging technologies.
Sticking with the theme of transportation being linked to economic development, I’d like to close by taking a look at what’s happening along Route 22 in the Murrysville area. In the early 2000s, PennDOT made significant improvements to this stretch of the highway, and these days we’re seeing a flurry of private investment there. If you’ve recently been along PA Turnpike 66 near its connection with Route 22, you’ve no doubt taken note of the large building taking shape next to the highway. When construction wraps up late next year, that 300,000 sq. ft. warehouse and office facility will be the second location for Frank B. Fuhrer Wholesale Co., the region’s largest beer and drink
distributor. About two miles to the west, near the intersection of Route 22 and Mellon Road, work continues in Murrysville on Fusting Executive Park’s first phase of mixed-use development: the Regan Ridge community of luxury villas. The developer also is currently going through the approval process for Phase 2, which will see the construction of an 80,000 sq. ft. building that will be home to Dedicated Nursing Associates, which is among Westmoreland County’s top 10 private companies when measured by employee count. Additionally, Phase 2 will include restaurant and retail space. Less than two miles from that development, the Bushy Run Corporate Park continues to grow. Located just across the Murrysville border in Penn Township, it is in the process of adding two 15,000 sq. ft. industrial flex buildings.
We’re fond of saying that economic development doesn’t happen in a vacuum. I think the PennSTART partnership, the synergy of the I-70 improvements and development of Commerce Crossing and the private investment that’s taking place along an improved Route 22 are pretty good examples of that.
For additional details, visit westmorelandcountyidc.org and follow us on social mediaA rendering of what the PennSTART facility
might look like.TV camera crews conduct interviews outside Al. Neyer’s new Commerce Crossing Business Center during the Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland ribbon-cutting event. The ribbon cutting celebrated the completion of multiple projects. Representing all three are, from left, PennDOT District 12 Executive William Kovach, Al. Neyer Vice President and Pittsburgh Market Leader Brandon Snyder and WCIDC Executive Director Jason Rigone.
There are several important changes coming to Medicare in 2023. These include premium and deductible increases for Part A and lower rates for Part B. There are also changes to Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D.
Allison Clayton of Insurance Services, LLC
Medicare is complicated and involves multiple Federal agencies, so it’s nice to know there are local experts you can turn to. For the last ten years, Allison Clayton has worked as a licensed independent insurance agent with Insurance Services LLC, in Greensburg, PA.
Allison knows that understanding Medicare and retirement can be a lot more stressful than most people realize, until they have to do it for themselves. Her passion to educate and to assist people through lifetime transitions led her to Insurance Services, LLC, a family-owned and operated independent insurance agency specializing in serving Medicare-eligibles since 1980 and is A+ rated at the Better Business Bureau.
In this article, Allison takes a look at some of the most important Medicare changes
for 2023. You can learn more about Allison and how she helps those who are eligible for Medicare at her website: www.insuranceallison.com/
Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is often called medical insurance and covers services that are medically necessary and preventative in nature. For example, services and supplies needed to diagnose or treat your medical condition (and which meet accepted standards) are covered, as are health care measures to prevent illness or detect it at an early stage.
Part B also covers ambulance services, mental health services, and even some outpatient prescription drugs. It can be a large portion of a Medicare recipient's healthcare.
The good news— the standard premium for Medicare Part B is going DOWN
to $164.90/month in 2023. That is a decrease from $170.10/month in 2022 and the first year-over-year decrease since 2012.
In addition to the upcoming Part B premium reduction, Medicare recipients can also expect to see a lower deductible. The Medicare Part B deductible for 2023 will be $226, which is $7 lower than in 2022.
This change is being made possible because Medicare Part B spending was lower than expected in 2022, leaving a surplus that is being used to decrease Medicare premiums next year.
People who have Medicare Advantage are also expected to be affected by the Part B premium changes. Contact Allison Clayton at 724-879-5030 for more information.
Medicare imposes surcharges on higherincome beneficiaries, assuming that they can pay more for their own healthcare and should shoulder a higher percentage of program costs. This extra charge is called the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount or IRMAA. It applies to about 8% of Medicare beneficiaries, but if it applies to you, it may still be an unappreciated burden.
The good news— in 2023, the income brackets that trigger IRMAA surcharges are changing. For singles in 2022, IRMAA began at $91,000, but next year the threshold rises to start at $97,000. For married couples, the threshold was $182,000 last year, but will rise to $194,000 in 2023.
For the purposes of IRMAA, your income is your Adjusted Gross Income, plus municipal bond interest from two years ago. This means your 2021 income determines your IRMAA obligations in 2023. However, untaxed Social Security benefits aren’t included in the income for determining IRMAA.
You can learn more about these changes through 2024 by visiting a recent article about Medicare Part B IRMAA at thefinancebuff.com/medicare-irmaa-income-brackets. html. You can also contact Allison Clayton at Insurance Services, LLC, 724-879-5030
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans” cover many of the same things as original Medicare. You choose a Medicare Advantage Plan from a list of private health plans that are approved by Medicare. The plans are becoming more popular each year. The average Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) premium is expected to be about $18/month in 2023 (in addition to the cost of Part B), which is down from $19.52/ month in 2022 and $23/month in 2020.
Other Medicare Changes of Note Include Medicare is a complex system and there are more changes anticipated next year and in 2024 than can be covered in one article;
however, we do have a few more changes to mention.
• Social Security’s Cost of Living Increase (COLA) for 2023 will be 8.7%. However, since Part B premiums are decreasing, none of that increase will be eaten up by hikes to Medicare costs.
• In addition to lower Part B premiums, the Part B deductible is decreasing from $233 in 2022 to $226 in 2023. The first deductible decrease since 2012.
• Part A premiums are increasing by about 1.4%, and the Part A deductible is increasing by about 2.8%. (Most beneficiaries do not pay a premium for Part A.)
• Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) premiums are expected to be about $18/ month in 2023, down from $$19.52/ month in 2022.
• Average Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage premiums are also expected to drop slightly.
• Kidney transplant recipients can use Part B immunosuppressive drug coverage of life (instead of only 36 month).
Being an independent insurance agent working with Insurance Services, LLC, Allison can offer a variety of plans so there is no bias when we recommend a Medigap, Medicare Advantage, or a Prescription drug plan.
“We are licensed with several insurance carriers, so their rates are at our fingertips to compare instantly, and we can access the different insurance carrier rate history over the years, have familiarity with their customer service, and website portals.”
“I know that finding the right plan can be a confusing task and my main goal in all of this is to MAKE MEDICARE EASY. The first thing that I offer is educational seminars via Zoom and in person to review how Original Medicare works and what you need to do when you are ready to take the plunge and retire (Yay!)”
“After we navigate setting up your Original Medicare, I offer a needs analysis that reviews your medication, doctors, and benefits that are important to you, etc. Then we start to narrow down some plans that are right for you.”
Open Enrollment Periods
When it comes to Medicare, there are two periods each year for you to be aware of.
Medicare Open Enrollment takes place from October 15th to December 7th each year.
Medicare Advantage Enrollment takes place from January 1st to March 31st each year.
Do you need to review your Medicare health insurance premiums, deductibles, and benefits with a knowledgeable insurance professional? Would you like to learn whether or not Medicare Advantage is right for you?
As a local, independent insurance agent, Allison Clayton is ready to help you make the best choices for your Medicare health coverage.
Learn More
The world of Medicare is of exceptional benefit to the nation’s seniors, but it can also be a complex and confusing set of services to navigate.
Allison Clayton is available for in-person (if needed), phone, and virtual appointments. If you would simply like a quick phone review, you can call anytime at 724-879-5030.
We are excited to announce that the 7th Annual GOAL Magazine Golf Outing PLUS Paint & Sip held in the fall at Arnold Palmer’s Latrobe Country Club raised $23,100 for the Greater Latrobe Partners in Education Foundation (GLPIEF). Thank you to all who supported both events! The funds raised will be used specifically for students with special needs in the Greater Latrobe School District (GLSD) and granted to the autistic support, learning support and life skills classrooms. Over the past 7 years, with the incredible support system of sponsors, participants and volunteers, we have been able to collectively raise over $160,000 for this cause.
Photographed from left to right front row: Kayla Sutton, Vice President (GLPIEF); Laurie Havrisko, Assistant to the Superintendent Student Services (GLSD); Maria Graziano-Bickerstaff, President (GLPIEF); Amanda Mayger (GOAL Magazine and SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management); left to right back row: Michael Porembka, Superintendent of Schools (GLSD); Jessica Golden, Director of Center for Student Creativity(GLSD) and Executive Director (GLPIEF); Eugene Joe, Director of Student Services (GLSD); Bree Edgerly (GOAL Magazine and SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management); Tawnya Rockwell (GOAL Magazine and SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management); Jessica Geary (GOAL Magazine and SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management); William Urbanik (GOAL Magazine and SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management); Anthony Slezak (GOAL Magazine and SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management.
Title Sponsor:
SecondHalf Coach
Wealth Management
Silver Sponsor
Elliot Group
Beverage Cart Sponsor
Fotorecord Print Center
Golf Cart Sponsor
KLA Construction
Photography Sponsor
SecondHalf Coach Wealth Management
Hole In One Sponsor
Laurel Highlands Insurance Group, LLC
Putting Contest Sponsor
ITLS
Hit The Pig Sponsor
Mom’s House, Inc. of Johnstown
Longest Drive Sponsor
Hors D ’ oeuvres Sponsor
Latrobe Dairy Queen
Dessert Sponsor
Westmoreland County Commissioner, Gina Cerilli Thrasher
Snack Box Sponsor
Heart-and-Soul Cookies & Pastries
Media Sponsors
Greater Latrobe Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce
Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce
Grand Prize Belt Sponsor
Wildcat Championship Belts
Banner Sponsor
Blue Sky Sign Co.
SARAH
Commercial Bank & Trust
Dinner Sponsor
Westmoreland Mechanical Testing
Paint-N-Sip Sponsors
Excela Health
Neil and Sharon LeJeune
Lopatich-Brinker Funeral Home
We would like to thank the numerous event sponsors who helped make this day a success!
Each guest was greeted at registration by our team of volunteers and several students that will directly benefit from the funds raised by the event. The students passed out a GOAL Magazine golf shoe bag and a box full of goodies to snack on throughout the day to all golf participants. As each foursome passed through hole number one, they were able to pose for a photo next to Arnold Palmer’s iconic tractor.
There were multiple contests throughout the golf course where two guaranteed winners each walked away with a 7 Night Resort Getaway and three participants walked away with VIP tickets to their choice of a major sporting event, Broadway show or concert.
The overall winning twosome, father-son tandem of Andy (R) and Jacob Krinock (L) shot 13 under to take home the Wildcat Championship belts that list the winners over the years. Last year’s winning twosome, Zac Heide and Kurt Thomas finished second with 12 under and presented the customized belts to the new winners. Both scores are remarkable on such a challenging course.
Over 20 participants mingled on the patio overlooking the putting green, while enjoying an array of heavy Hors D’oeuvres and their choice of creamsicle punch, red or white sangria from their takeaway GOAL Magazine travel wine tumbler. The attendees followed local commissioned artist Nancy Rusbosin as they painted their own patriotic canvas. THANK YOU, Nancy, for donating your time and efforts to help raise funds for our event!
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724-209-8219
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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.
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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2023
Class is in session and our GOAL Magazine writers are taking the podium! Hear from local professionals on a variety of important topics during this conference style event. Agenda will include lunch and networking happy hour with live music.
