< Previous10 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019 One of the first calls a family usually makes after a loved one passes is to their attorney, at which point we begin to explain the process of settling the estate. And the response is unanimous - it costs how executor fee, which can be another five percent of the estate’s value. On top of that, depending on the beneficiary’s relationship to the decedent, Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax can be as high as 15 percent: We also must take into consideration other possible tax consequences, such as income tax and federal estate tax, plus any debts the decedent owed upon their passing or expenses incurred because of their passing. In addition to the above-listed expenses, if the decedent received governmental benefits from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (i.e. Medicaid) they must be reimbursed for benefits paid. Pennsylvania has a priority of creditors list which the executor must be aware of so that the correct creditors get paid in the correct order. Settling an estate is time consuming and can be very complicated. The executor is a fiduciary under the law who must act in the best interest of the estate and who owes the utmost care while acting. Without a professional walking him/her through the process, there is not only the stress of missing a key step but, more importantly, paying more than what is legally required. Also, if the fiduciary breaches his/her duty, they may face personal financial liability. Add to that the complexities and sometimes strained dynamics of a blended family, second marriage and discord amongst siblings. Ornery beneficiaries don’t help matters, either. We often receive inquiries asking when they’ll receive their share. But probate can be lengthy, averaging over a year. And, if there are creditors, we must factor in an additional court process concerning the audit of the estate. If a beneficiary contests, the estate faces the time and cost associated with defending the claim, too. BY MICHELE P. CONTI As estate and tax professionals, we assist our clients with all the necessary administrative steps and tax returns helping them reduce their stress and the applicable tax due with our expertise. What costs are permitted deductions? Which creditors get paid before others? Does an executor pay tax on their commission? All of these are factors in reducing the tax owed by the estate. And if we are proactive, the estate may receive an additional five percent discount if the return is filed within a timely manner. The passing of a loved one is hard enough without having to worry about the settlement of their estate. We would rather family members rejoice in the memory of their loved one than struggle with locating documents, fumbling through files or dealing with family turmoil. The proper plan can allow those family members time to grieve and reduce the likelihood that family relationships will be fractured due to procrastination. Contact us today to help you develop your estate plan or administer your loved one’s estate. Michele P. Conti is an estate planning and elder law attorney. Conti attended Allegheny College in Meadville, Oxford University and Duquesne University School of Law. She received her LL.M. in taxation from Villanova University. She can be reached at (724) 784-0239 or michele@contilawpgh.com. Spouse Children/Grandchildren Siblings Everyone Else 0% 4.5% 12% 15% Whoa … it costs a lot to die y > Learning Curves Learning Curves May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 11%New in Town New in Town Imagine a place to make a real, life-lasting change Because a warm, compassionate, heart-centered place can make all the difference. New Directions Counseling Services, LLC has just expanded its comprehensive care services to serve the Robinson Township and Moon Township areas. The practice is proud to provide the wonderful communities of Robinson Township and Moon Townships, as well as the surrounding neighborhoods of Oakdale, Imperial, McKees Rocks, Carnegie and Coraopolis, with a valuable counseling, nutrition and psychiatric resource. New Directions Counseling offers a multi-faceted approach to emotional well being, including a focus on reducing stress and anxiety, raising mood, fostering self- worth, improving relationships, meeting nutritional needs and using medication when necessary. The practice utilizes a heart-centered, comprehensive approach to address the health needs of adults, children, adolescents, couples and families. For questions or more information, please call (724) 934-3905 OR go online and schedule an appointment at newdirectionspgh.com/robinson-counseling New Directions Counseling’s newest office is located at: 3 Robinson Plaza, Suite 340 at the corner of Steubenville Pike & Robinson Center Drive (Park Manor). The practice is offering all of its core services at this new location, including counselors and psychologists with multiple areas of expertise; nutritionists to address health challenges; and psychiatric providers for medication needs. New Directions Counseling Services is located in the same three-building complex as Ditka’s Restaurant and Mad Mex, and just across the street from another Pittsburgh classic, Eat n’ Park! New Directions Counseling is dedicated to helping its clients create positive, life- altering changes through traditional and alternative health care solutions. Its focus is on providing a place for healing and creating sustainable changes in the Robinson and Moon areas. The practice looks forward to serving the community and providing continued care and support. STORY AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED 12 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 13CAround Your Town Around Your Town Those involved with the refurbishment of the historic Coraopolis train station have been waiting several years for a significant grant to boost the project and, in February, they got their wish. The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development gave a $175,000 grant to the Coraopolis Community Development Foundation as part of its Keystone Communities program. The program is designed to support local initiatives that grow and stabilize communities, a proclaimed goal for the train station upon its completion. CCDF executive director Amy Cavicchia and project manager Ken Faux both expressed belief that the grant designation marks a turning point for the train station endeavor. Cavicchia stated that the development has already “opened lots of doors” for the project and has given the team “the inspiration we needed” to move forward. The grant money will be used to complete roof renovations, including replacement of the existing slate and metal roof. Work is expected to begin in early summer. The Keystone grant is the second large donation to the train station project - the first being a $290,000 grant from the Allegheny Foundation when the project began. However, it is the first state grant to be designated to the project. In a press release announcing the award, Gov. Tom Wolf said that the “restoration of community cornerstones and beautifying downtowns will have profound impacts for local residents and business owners.” Built in 1896, the iconic train station has been under renovation since late 2015 when a fundraising and awareness campaign was initiated by a small nucleus of CCDF members. The group purchased the structure in 2006 and intends to use it as an event space, community café and gathering area for trail users, as well as a museum for train enthusiasts. All proceeds from station activities will support the work of the CCDF, which provides emergency support for local families in crisis as well as assistance to the Coraopolis Food Bank, the community garden house and more. Progress on the building has been steady and has included structural stabilization with replaced floor joists, corrections to the nine-foot overhang around the outer perimeter, roof repairs and the refurbishing of the bell tower. The majority of the work has been completed with the oversight of Faux’s company, Imperial Construction Services, along with the help of volunteers. The CCDF received more good news for the train station recently from 45th District state Rep. Anita Kulik, who informed the CCDF that it would benefit from this year’s Parkway West Rotary Club’s 21st annual Gerry Dulac Charity Golf Classic. The outing will take place July 8 at the Sewickley Heights Golf Club. “I ‘lobbied’ for this group to be considered because I know that the restoration of the station will lead to even more development in Coraopolis,” stated Kulik, who is a longtime Rotary member. She said she hopes that all of the businesses in Coraopolis will consider donating prizes and giveaway items for the event. According to Faux, repairs to the main roof of the building should be completed by Thanksgiving. Next on the project agenda will be restoration of the passenger canopies that hang over the outdoor waiting platforms. Cavicchia reported that she has initiated discussions with other funding bodies regarding the canopy project. Faux believes that, while the installation will require additional funding, disassembly of the canopies and organization of parts for fabrication, along with reconstruction, is an effort that could be completed by volunteers. Work that remains after the canopy restoration includes the cleaning of the structure’s exterior, masonry repointing, refurbishment of some 40 windows and doors, installation of HVAC systems, interior design details, and parking lot development. Faux is confident that additional grants of sizable amounts of money will be bequeathed to the CCDF soon. Cavicchia reported that the group recently applied for a $50,000 grant from Allegheny County’s Community Infrastructure and Tourism Fund, but that they likely will not hear about it until September. Both Faux and Cavicchia stressed the immediate need to clean up the outdoor area around the station to make it more presentable. Cavicchia stated that the fencing will be removed soon and that the station’s exterior will be made “safe and approachable.” Upcoming CCDF events for the summer will kick off with a Memorial Day weekend street festival and concert that will likely include an open house and tours of the train station. Coraopolis mayor and former CCDF board chairman Shawn Reed has been integral to the train station redevelopment process. Regarding the recent grant designation, Reed stated that “the train station project is seen by many as a way to demonstrate an honor for the past while also transitioning into the future.” He added, “It is but one part of the positive growth we’re starting to see here, but it is a critical part.” Coraopolis train station project awarded grant from state STORY BY JILL BORDO PHOTOS BY CHRIS ROLINSON A new grant awarded to the Coraopolis Community Development Foundation will help with repairs to the roof of the Coraopolis train station, which is being developed into a multi-use community space. 14 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019CAround Your Town Around Your Town STORY BY JILL BORDO PHOTO SUBMITTED Two local women were honored at an awards ceremony on March 13 for excellence in their professional fields as well as their accomplishments for the betterment of their community. Christina Orr Magulick and Christine Ree, both of Moon Township, were two of the 25 women recognized at the 14th annual Women of Achievement Awards. The event, held at the Omni William Penn Hotel, coincided with Women’s History Month celebrations in Pittsburgh and was attended by more than 300 people. The award event is the signature fundraising effort of Cribs for Kids, a national organization founded in Pittsburgh in 1998. With 1,400 licensed partners across the country, Cribs for Kids provides safe sleep education and approved portable cribs for families who can’t afford appropriate bedding for infants. Cribs for Kids has donated over 600,000 cribs to families in need. Magulick, a 2006 West Allegheny High School graduate, was nominated in the category of advocacy and philanthropy. She is an associate attorney for Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP, where she practices civil litigation. Magulick’s main areas of focus are defending healthcare providers in long term care and personal care home settings as well as all stages of workers’ compensation cases. She has also litigated complex commercial cases in Bankruptcy Court. Recently, Magulick has also garnered attention for her role in the development of a 501(c)(3) - The Miracle League at Moon Township. The facility, which is currently under construction at Moon Park on Ewing Road, will house an athletic field and an ADA-accessible playground along with a restroom complete with showers and diaper changing stations. As the mother of a 4-year-old son with 5p minus, Magulick has a vested interest in recreational and athletic facilities that are appropriate for persons with disabilities. Ground was broken last October for the ballfield that will become one of many across the nation sanctioned by the Georgia- based program. Magulick, along with her husband, Mike, has received the support of the Pirates Charities organization, one of the largest sponsors of Miracle League fields in Major League Baseball. In 2018, Magulick received a Pittsburgh Business Times “Health Care Heroes Community Impact” award for her work with the Miracle League. She modestly commented that the previous recognition was likely what put her on the radar for those submitting nominations for this year’s honor. Magulick feels that philanthropy and advocacy are equally significant aspects of the Miracle League program. She said that both efforts are “for those who can’t advocate on their own and for families who may not be aware of resources” available to them. Born and raised in Moon Township, Christine Ree has been the communications director for the township for the past two years. She was honored in the category of business and media. Ree is responsible for producing the quarterly Moon Messenger magazine and the township’s Government Review community access television program, as well as coordinating various social media, marketing and community relations activities. Previously, Ree spent nearly 15 years as a marketing manager promoting business- to-business software for two worldwide companies. Ree was nominated for the achievement award by her family members who wanted her to be recognized for her work efforts but, more importantly, for her community contributions. Ree’s philosophy is that, while it may be difficult for one person to change the world, it is possible for one person to change someone else’s world. Ree’s many years of volunteer service include time supporting military families as the family readiness group leader for the Army Reserve 303rd Psychological Operations Company, assisting people in crisis with the American Red Cross disaster services unit, and caring for homeless animals with various rescue organizations such as the Beaver County Humane Society and Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team. It was during an interview session for one of her segments for community access television that Ree became known to the women of achievement group founders. Ree interviewed Cribs for Kids leaders during a two-day public awareness weekend that allowed 48 nonprofit groups time to share their missions. As Ree’s family suffered a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome loss in the 1980s, she connected with the group members. Cribs for Kids has dramatically reduced the incidence of SIDS in America through its educational efforts for new mothers and donations of safe cribs. The group also trains community first responders on how to recognize unsafe sleeping conditions when they are in homes with infants. In addition to the 25 women recognized for their achievements this year, Cribs for Kids introduced a new accolade, the National Junior Woman of Achievement Award. Isabella Chavez, a 16-year- old from California, was honored for starting Cribs Without Borders. Chavez raises funds to purchase and deliver cribs to families in need in Mexico. Both Magulick and Ree were humbled and honored to be “included among all these amazing women.” They were inspired by all of the positive things happening in the Pittsburgh area and commended Cribs for Kids for their organization of the event. Bonny Diver, radio traffic reporter and founder of Hair Peace Charities, which helps cover the cost of wigs for cancer patients, acted as mistress of ceremonies for the event. Judy Bannon, executive director of Cribs for Kids, stated that “we are thrilled to celebrate some of Pittsburgh’s most prominent and accomplished women.” The mission of most of those in attendance could likely be summarized by Ree’s statement: “If everyone found just one cause to support, imagine what a difference it would make.” Magulick and Ree honored as women of achievement in Pittsburgh Christina Orr Magulick and Christine Ree were both honored recently at the Women of Achievement Awards. May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 15NYour Schools Your Schools Poster contest Seventh- and eighth-graders created posters for the Let’s Clear the Air Poster Challenge presented by Southwest PA Air Quality Partnership and the PA Resources Council, which was open to schools across southwestern Pennsylvania. Three posters were chosen from St. Malachy to be submitted. The posters were created by eighth-grader Anna Geisler, seventh-grader Jaidon Marra and eighth-grader Brooklyn Windsheimer. Brooklyn’s poster was awarded second place overall and she received a $50 gift card to REI. St. Malachy Catholic School STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ST. MALACHY CATHOLIC SCHOOL Learning from war propaganda posters As part of their social studies unit on World War II, eighth grade students at Holy Trinity School created their own war propaganda posters. Students could choose whatever slogan was popular during that timeframe in U.S. history and mimic their own version of the poster. This cross- curricular activity was coordinated with the literature class and coincided with the reading of the novel “Bomb” by Steve Sheinkin. The social studies teacher voted on the posters and designated first, second and third place winners. Alexis Zurbola, Lorin Planinsic, Kate Mickle, Corinne Ludwick and Sage Sonnett display their winning posters. Some of the posters will be displayed at the Diocesan Art Exhibit in the fall. Holy Trinity Catholic School SUBMITTED BY HOLY TRINITY CATHOLIC SCHOOL 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019STORIES AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ROBINSON TOWNSHIP CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Celebrity tutor for an hour Senior Max Boelcke remembers well when he was a first-grader and used to read with his teacher Grace Alouise. This year, he volunteered to help Alouise’s students read the same book titles he opened 12 years ago as a part of RTCS’s volunteer tutoring opportunity for older students. Once a week, Boelcke walks into his old classroom and heads straight for the bookshelf. “The students love it when Max reads them dinosaur riddles and jokes!” Alouise said. With the help of a high school tutor, the first-graders can read more challenging books aloud - and it’s more fun, too. “My first-graders love reading to older students,” she concluded. Two RTCS students committed to tutoring for one hour three times a week, receiving one academic credit in return. Preschool teacher Heather Styer raves about the program. “As someone who is passionate about education, it’s so wonderful to see the positive impact it has on our preschool students to be mentored by an older student,” she said. Styer delegates classroom tasks based on the tutors’ skills. One student helps with arts and crafts in one-on-one time. The other, a “celebrity” with the kids, plays with the more active preschoolers. “It’s a delight to see the tutors grow in their gifts,” Styer reflected. The mix of young preschoolers with dedicated, helpful older students reflects the interconnected culture of their school that Styer, who is also a parent of an RTCS student, loves. Robinson Township Christian School Robotics club competes for first time In a first for Robinson Township Christian school, three members of the robotics team competed Feb. 22 at North Allegheny High School. According to supervising principal and engineer-by-training Bryan Campbell, the team had a “great” showing as it progressed all the way to the elimination rounds. The team competed against 44 other high school robotics teams, placing 21st after the initial qualifying rounds. Team members were pitted against large schools from across Pennsylvania. In each round, two teams’ robots - which were constructed over the course of the year from a VEX kit - competed for two minutes on a 12-square-foot field. Each robot was evaluated on a variety of components. On the RTCS team, 11th-grader Nathaniel Brown, the team’s driver and captain, made programming changes in between matches. Eighth-grader Jimmy Kelsey switched out batteries and kept the batteries charged while eighth-grader Theo Campbell communicated with each team member to discuss robot strengths and strategies for each match. “With one junior, two eighth-graders and only three months to prepare, our team was still able to advance to the elimination round where it lost a close match by a score of 13-9,” Campbell said. “This represented a very respectable finish for our school’s first time at the event and has invigorated our kids to already start thinking about next year’s competition.” Beginning in April 2019, the school’s robotics club will prep for another great showing in 2020. Campbell gives special thanks to volunteer mentors Ryan Mott, Daniel Richards and Scott Ferguson, who shared their engineering skills and time with students to help them prepare. He also credits the students who put in extra hours outside of school time to build and learn about robotics. Max Boelcke works with a student. These students and their coach, Bryan Campbell, were the first to compete for the school’s robotics team. NYour Schools Your Schools May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 17Unlock Unlimited Possibilities Plus refunded closing costs up to $500 HOME EQUITY 1.99 % APR 1 INTRODUCTORY RATE #BetterLife 1. Rate discount is based on a 6-month introductory term with initial advance of $10,000 in new funds. The introductory rate will be effective for 6 months from closing date. After 6 months, the APR will be indexed as low as Prime Rate–.75% based on creditworthiness and loan-to-value, with a floor of 2.99% APR. Rate includes .25% discount if you have an active Absolute Checking Account. Rate discount does not apply to the interest only product. The index used to determine the APR will be the Prime Rate found in the Money Rates Section of the Wall Street Journal published on the first working day of the month. The APR will then be adjusted and effective on the first day of the same month. Minimum credit limit is $10,000. Rates effective March 1, 2019. Other rates and terms are available. All rates are subject to change without notice. All loan approvals are subject to normal underwriting procedures. Loan must be secured by primary residence, which must be owner-occupied. Insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. Apply today! clearviewfcu.org 412.205.8998 | DDSWebDesign.com Websites that get results. Designed in Pittsburgh Contact us for a free website analysis. Affordable Custom Designs Responsive Sites | Content Management SEO | E-commerce | Hosting | Maintenance Imagine your website working as hard for your business as you do. 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • May/June 2019McDonald Lions Club Rib Cookouts Order some ribs from this series of annual cookout fundraisers and you’ll be supporting a Lions Club charity. Lions Club volunteers will be barbequing mouth-watering ribs at the McDonald Trail Station in McDonald on May 25, June 29, July 27, Aug. 24 and Sept. 5. They sell from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., or until all are sold. One-pound boats are $9. Water, soda, Lions brooms and trash bags will also be available. To pre-order, call Charley at (724) 926-8823 or Gene at (724) 622-3359. McSummerfest, June 29-July 6 Twenty-six years ago, the McDonald VFD revamped its annual street fair fundraiser when it moved it from a parking lot into Heritage Park and booked some fair rides. Each year since then this local festival has grown, to the point that upwards of 20,000 people now visit throughout the week. This year, the department will be bringing back the same amusement rides, carnival games, nightly live rock bands and food vendors that have turned McSummerfest into a summertime staple. As is customary, it will also be hosting a fireworks show on a night other than July 4. This year, fireworks will be on July 5. The department will also again be pulling in a large portion of its annual operating budget by selling fried Oreos, fried Twinkies, fry buckets, beer, fry boats and more. Be sure to bring a chair and grab a good spot in front of the stage or, on July 5, the hillside overlooking the park to watch the fireworks. McSummerfest kicks off nightly at 6 p.m. Check www.mcdonaldfire.com for a band schedule. Moon Township’s July 4 Celebration Fireworks will cap off the fun at Moon Park this July 4 but there will also be plenty going on throughout the day, including inflatables, balloon artists, a trackless train, a dunk tank and more. As well, there will be lots of food trucks and live entertainment by the Doo Wop All-Stars, Michael Christopher and Totally 80s. The fun kicks off at 4 p.m. For more, visit moonparks.org. Janoski’s Harvest Wine Festival, July 20, 3-8 p.m. For the past six years, local wineries have turned out to make the Janoski’s Harvest Wine Festival in Clinton a premier event. Each year, this open-air wine tasting features over a half dozen local wineries pouring around 100 varietals ranging from Riesling- style chocolate sweet wines, to crisp, un- oaked chardonnays, to robust merlots. Janoski’s also serves a buffet of fresh food for the event, much of it grown on the farm. For $39 (or $49 at the gate) attendees get a souvenir wine glass for tastings, unlimited access to a home- cooked food buffet, unlimited wine tastings and a chance to win a basket donated by the wineries. Once you find a wine you like, buy a bottle, grab a spot on the deck by the pond and enjoy some live music. Have a special event you’d like to host during the festival? Event organizers are offering private tent rentals. Email info@janoskis.com for details. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Janoski’s Farm and on Eventbrite.com by searching Janoski Farms Harvest Wine Festival. This adult-only event takes place rain or shine and is sponsored by Janoski’s. Visit the Facebook page Harvest Wine Festival or search #harvestwinepgh on Twitter for updates. Kennedy Township Community Days draws a nice crowd with inflatables, rides, live music, carnival games and fireworks. See the listing on page 20 for upcoming event details. PHOTO BY DOUG HUGHEY The lowdown on fun summer happenings in and around the area. Summer Fun Guide Rides and carnival games are part of the fun at McSummerfest. Janoski’s sets up tables by the water and hosts live music for its annual wine festival in Clinton. Moon Township Memorial Day Ceremony and Touch-a-Truck Event, May 26 Following its success last year, Moon Township is once again combining a touch-a-truck event with its Memorial Day Ceremonies at the Moon Township Municipal Building this Memorial Day. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with the touch-a-truck, which will pause at 11:30 a.m. for a ceremony led by Keith-Holmes Post 402 VFW, its auxiliary and American Legion Post 924. Residents are encouraged to bring along a memorial flag and pictures of their loved ones. The touch-a- truck will then continue and wrap up at 12:30 p.m. May/June 2019 • www.awmagazine.com • 19Next >