< Previous%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced Pittsburgh Botanic Garden opened its newest garden area, the Garden of the Five Senses, on July 30. This much-anticipated garden is the perfect place for families to play, laugh and learn while connecting to nature through their senses. The whimsical Garden of the Five Senses is a journey of discovery and fun. Designed for all ages, visitors can engage in nature in unique ways as they explore the sights and sounds of the woodlands. The paved pathway through the Garden of the Five Senses links different zones, each one focusing on a different sense. In addition to the senses of touch, sight, smell, hearing and taste, some of the key features focus on balance, movement and spatial orientation. Areas such as Digging In, Eye Spy, and Soothing Sounds offer a variety of ways for children to explore nature to the best of their abilities. Guests can easily move between each zone or stay to play in their favorite one. STORY BY BETH EXTON, PITTSBURGH BOTANIC GARDEN Pittsburgh Botanic Garden opens Garden of the Five Senses Veterans honored at Robinson’s Run Cemetery Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of the observations and events dedicated to honoring veterans couldn’t occur this past Memorial Day. However, at Robinson’s Run Cemetery, a number of initiatives were still held in honor of those who served their country and are interred on its grounds. In the weeks leading up to Memorial Day, scout troops socially distanced while placing flags at the grave sites of every veteran on the cemetery’s grounds. Then, on Memorial Day, members of the McDonald Veterans Association held a 21-gun salute on the cemetery’s grounds. In addition, just prior to Memorial Day, the American Legion Post in McDonald donated a new American flag to the cemetery. In so doing, legion members expressed their appreciation for the cemetery’s ongoing efforts to honor veterans, even under the difficult circumstances created by the pandemic. “Robinson’s Run Cemetery is grateful for the flag donated by the American Legion,” said Alan Amoroso, Robinson’s Run Cemetery president. “The quality of the flag is excellent and it will fly at the cemetery for years to come.” Alan Amoroso, president and chairman of Robinson’s Run Cemetery, receives a flag donated by the American Legion post in McDonald. He is pictured with post commander Chuck Snyder, first vice commander Dan Sorrells and adjutant Patrick Powell. STORY AND PHOTO SUBMITTED This outdoor experience includes climbing the spider web, or playing the flower “cymbals.” Children can also examine up close what lives in soil and a decomposing tree. The Weisbrod Learning Pavilion will be a place of activities and programs that will engage young minds. Throughout its spacious 60 acres of gardens and woodlands, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden, located in Oakdale, offers a whole day of adventure. In addition to Garden of the Five Senses, families, children and gardeners will be delighted by following a butterfly through the meadow, discovering a native cultivar to plant at home or finding a moment to relax by the Lotus Pond. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden recommends purchasing a timed ticket online. During a visit, guests are asked to wear a mask in the Bayer Welcome Center, and to be courteous along the paths when encountering another group. Daily admission includes access to all the display gardens, such as the Garden of the Five Senses, Japanese Garden, Margaret Lawrence Simon Dogwood Meadow, Peirce Celebration Garden and the Allegheny Plateau Woodlands. For hours, visitation guidelines and to purchase a timed admission ticket, visit www.PittsburghBotanicGarden.org. The Garden of the Five Senses at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden has a number of kid-friendly exhibits, including a sandbox (left) and a play area (below). Other stops in the garden include a garden of aromatic plants (left) and a collection of musical equipment (above). 10 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced FROM TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE: St. Alphonsus, St. Patrick, St. Ann, St. Columbkille, St. Michael and Our Lady of Lourdes are all now part of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish. On July 1, six area Catholic parishes - St. Alphonsus in McDonald, St. Patrick in Noblestown, St. Columbkille in Imperial, St. Ann in Bulger, St. Michael in Avella and Our Lady of Lourdes in Burgettstown - became one catholic parish: St. Isidore the Farmer Parish. In all, 61 Parishes in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh have been consolidated into 15 parishes. The consolidation was announced by Bishop David Zubik earlier this year. While some churches in the diocese did close, all of the churches that are now part of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish will remain open for catholic Masses every weekend. This is especially important because of the rich liturgical history of each of the churches. For over 700 years of catholic faith, many generations of families have called these churches their religious and sacred places of worship. Canonized in 1622, St. Isidore the Farmer had deep religious instincts and became the patron saint of farmers and rural communities. He was known for his hard labor and devotion to God, all common attributes that are reflective of the history of the people of the area served by the six parishes. St. Isidore the Farmer Parish is served by pastor, Rev. Harry Bielewicz, parochial vicar, Rev. Zachary Galiyas, and, in residence, Rev. Benedetto P. Vaghetto, VJ, JCL. The parish continues to hold Masses in six church buildings and to hold parking lot Masses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parking lot Masses allow people to hear Mass in their cars and then receive holy communion. For information on church seating restrictions and information on parking lot Masses, call (724) 695-7325. In addition, anyone who would like to join the new parish or would like to reconnect with their catholic faith can call (724) 695-7325. Visit the parish online at: stisidorethefarmer.org. All are welcome to attend weekend Masses. Area catholic parishes now part of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish STORY AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED St. Isidore the Farmer 12 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020 Anyone missing weekly story time at the Western Allegheny Community Library can now head to Donaldson Park and check out Storywalk. Families can take a leisurely stroll through the mile-long loop while reading a choice picture book, page by page. A different book is being featured each week and allows families to socially distance while taking a grand adventure. Follow the WACL’s Facebook page @waclibrary to learn about each week’s story title and leave comments. Storywalk opens at Donaldson Park Steven Auman installs signs featuring pages from his children’s book, “The Worm that Roared,” at Donaldson Park. PHOTO SUBMITTED STORY SUBMITTED August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 13DEB GRAY y > Learning Curves Learning Curves As I prepared to write this article, I focused on what has changed for most of us since the middle of March. In many cases, it can be just about everything: work, family, church, school, daycare, shopping, eating, exercise, and, I could go on. With change comes learning and sometimes relearning. My work team spent many hours on upskilling while we were working from home. We have a solid process to help others, job seekers and employers alike. However, how we executed that process required a lot of tweaking and customization. I would like to ask you to focus on what you learned throughout the last four to five months. How does your newfound or newly admitted learning affect you and your family? If your work situation is different and uncertain, how do you navigate a job search? My guidance is straightforward: • Be true to yourself - acknowledge what you’ve learned and what has changed • Do not look for “right” answers; look for “YOUR” answers • Allow yourself the time to explore options that will match your changing world As Simon Sinek would say: What can you do? How can you do it? But most importantly, WHY do you want to do it? Finding your WHY is as critical as it ever was, and sometimes it’s a difficult question to answer as we work through a job search. Allow our recruiters to talk with you and ask you the hard questions about your skills, experience, passion, and what industries or companies you want to be a part of. Allow us to help you soul search and mentally prepare to share your WHY with a potential new employer. Your resume may be a litany of your work history, skills and experience, BUT does it tell a story about you? The goal of the resume is to help you get an interview and be able to share your WHY with the hiring manager. So, let’s talk about “finishing.” I love the book “FINISH” by Jon Acuff. This book is an easy read and it will help you understand that a job search is a journey like any other goal you set for yourself. To quote Acuff, “The start does matter. The beginning is significant. The first few steps are critical, but they aren’t the most important.” Acuff talks about how perfectionism gets in the way of finishing. He talks about cutting goals in half to make them realistic, about choosing what to bomb, about simplifying your goal, and recognizing that there are real ways to keep going. I suggest that by finding helpers for your job search or career change, and maybe reading Acuff’s book, you will feel more comfortable about one of life’s most difficult changes. Bottom line: at Express, we help people and we customize what we do to meet YOUR needs. We’ve been here since 2007 and have a team of recruiters and specialists who spend quality time with you to help you find a match for your WHY. BY DEB GRAY EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS PITTSBURGH WEST On a job search journey? Ask yourself these questions Join Us! Aug. 20 at 11:30 a.m. Finding the right candidates and finding the right job match: What is different in today’s work environment? Register at: PAACC.com How Express helps employers and job seekers Whether your journey is that of an employer or a job seeker, Express Employment Professionals is here to help by providing everything from recruiting services to a comprehensive offering of online tools and resources. Through our website, Expresspros. com/wpittsburghpa, you can tap into a number of helpful resources, including ExpressLearn, Job Genius, Job Journey, and more! We invite you to check out some of our most recent blog posts and articles that provide valuable job search and workforce development information: “Finding a Job in the Second Half of 2020” from our Job Genius blog http://blog.expresspros.com/ movinonup/2020/07/finding-a-job-in-the- second-half-of-2020.html “Building Employee Loyalty” https://www.expresspros.com/ uploadedFiles/Franchise_Sites/ US_Franchise_Sites/Pennsylvania/ PittsburghWest/Content/Newsroom/5-26- 2020-Building-Employee-Loyalty.pdf In addition to the Express Employment Professional tools, Express is also honored to be part of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce’s “It’s All About the People” series, which offers free webinars each month. On July 23, the topic was: “Managing Anxiety in an Environment of COVID-19 Uncertainty.” On Aug. 20 at 11:30 a.m. we’ll cover: “Finding the Right Candidates and Finding the Right Job Match: What is Different in Today’s Work Environment?” Register at PAACC.com. Let our team help you “finish” a successful job search! 14 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020y > Learning Curves Learning Curves 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. BY MICHELE P. CONTI Most people die with some form of debt, whether it be from credit cards, student loans, mortgages, lines of credit or a combination. Some people, however, die with an insolvent estate, meaning that their debts far outweigh their assets. What happens, though, if mom dies with a will stipulating her assets are to be equally split amongst her children but she has an outstanding creditor? Who wins? If the decedent died without a will, the job of figuring this out falls to the executor or administrator. The executor has the obligation to address any filed creditor claim. However, a creditor does not have an indefinite period of time to file a claim. They have one year from the date the executor or administrator is sworn in at the register of wills to file their claim or else the claim is forever barred. Payment of a debt is not automatic. If owed money, the creditor better file the claim sooner rather than later. Executors should not go this road alone. All fiduciaries should hire an experienced estate attorney if for no other reason than to guarantee that the steps are properly taken to remove any future liability from their own shoulders. Attorney fees may be costly but the estate pays for them along with any inheritance tax, filing fee, creditor claim, etc. To wade through the probate river without guidance is a foolish endeavor, especially since the chance of personal liability is real. Beneficiaries have the right to request that the executor provide a detailed description of what he/she did with the assets managed and justify any expenses paid. There are two types of accountings: informal and formal. An informal accounting is when the executor provides the information only to the parties of interest without the court’s involvement. This is dependent on what the interested parties request - bank statements or detailed reports. A formal accounting is very specific and is based on detailed specifications that the court has already approved. Not only do the parties of interest receive a copy, but so does the court in order to approve and prepare for at least one court hearing. Upon approval, creditors of the estate are paid, if not in full then in proportion to the debt-to-asset ratio. However, these are not the first debts paid. When a decedent dies, their property is used to pay for probate and funeral expenses. Then debts are paid prior to any disbursements to beneficiaries. Each creditor is different. Some creditors are willing to negotiate or allow a beneficiary to assume the debt or take the property subject to the debt. Beneficiary vs. Creditor: Who Wins? If the debts exceed the assets, the beneficiaries do not inherit the decedent’s debt. The same holds true that if a credit card is solely in the decedent’s name, no one can use the credit card after the decedent’s death. The amount owed is an estate debt but the card should not be used by a beneficiary or executor of the decedent’s estate after the decedent’s death. We are often asked how to avoid the probate process and the only answer is by using either a revocable living trust or taking advantage of listing beneficiaries on those assets with beneficiary designations. Otherwise, if you pass away with an asset in your individual name, probate must occur in the state that the asset is held. Meaning if you individually own a house in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, your executor will have to probate your estate in both states. There is a huge difference between having an asset funded into a trust rather than slapping on one of your kid’s names as a joint owner of an asset. Do not sacrifice asset protection to save probate costs. Contact us to discuss your options and what makes the most sense for your family. 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020 So, you’ve decided you need to hire a financial advisor. Now you have to find one. Whether you search on the Internet, listen to the radio or pick up a magazine, you will find plenty of financial advisor advertisements. So, how do you choose? You want to find someone who is right for you and your individual needs. You want to find someone who you can trust, because your financial picture touches everything that you truly care about: your home, your children and your ability to retire. A good first step is to look at the credentials and experience of financial advisors in your area. There are a number of credentials that financial advisors can acquire. Some of these credentials are easily obtained and, for a fee, can make a salesperson seem like a financial expert. Examples of credentials that indicate a higher level of education are the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). These designations have annual continuing education requirements and carry a higher level of fiduciary standard. Being a fiduciary means a person has to act in your best interest. Experience matters to ensure advisors know how planning works in real-world terms. Once you settle on a few qualified advisors in your area, call them to set up an interview. Ask them who their typical clientele are. This will indicate if they can address your particular situation and goals. Ask them about their investment philosophy and make sure it is in line with your expectations. How to choose a financial advisor Ask how often they will meet with you and how they will communicate with you. An advisor should be meeting with you on a regular and ongoing basis, whether it’s annually, semi-annually or quarterly. During the initial interview and meetings, make sure they take the time to educate you in terms that you understand. Make sure they are articulating your goals back to you and strategizing with you to meet those goals. Ask them how they get paid. Advisors can charge a fee or get paid by commission. If they charge a fee, it can be a flat fee, an hourly fee or an annual fee based on the assets they manage. If they get paid by commission, that means they only get paid if they sell you a product. There are potential conflicts of interest that can arise when advisors are commission based. Make sure you are comfortable with whatever fee structure the advisor uses. Finding a financial advisor can take some time and effort, but you will benefit by having the peace of mind that you are in the right hands. y > Learning Curves Learning Curves Mia A. Kovacs, CFP®, is a vice president and a financial consultant with Bill Few Associates. She can be reached at (412) 630-6041 or at mkovacs@billfew.com. SUBMITTED BY MIA A. KOVACS, CFP®, BILL FEW ASSOCIATES August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 17Perspectives Perspectives 5 If a picture is worth a thousand words, the millions of images cherished by many and created by late North Fayette Township resident Paul DeBor could be a book. Husband, father, grandfather, brother, colleague, teacher, nephew, cousin and friend - Paul shared his passion and talent for photography by capturing countless photos of the people in this community and those he cared about and loved. Paul left this earth on July 12, 2020 following a battle with dementia. In his stead remain memories by those who knew him, and an endless treasure box of photos that people who were a part of Paul’s life, even if just for a moment, will remember forever. In countless homes around the West Allegheny community and beyond, pictures Paul captured of people in the West Allegheny community hang on walls, adorn scrapbooks, or are saved in albums. While Paul’s profession was teaching elementary reading for the West Allegheny School District, he nurtured his passions of photography and music, using them to serve others. Our friendship began in 1984 when I started working with the school district as its community relations coordinator. Paul was a reading teacher at Wilson Elementary. I was automatically endeared to his kindness, gentleness, and giving nature. When I launched Allegheny West Magazine in 1999, I approached Paul to be my freelance photographer. He readily jumped on board. For over a decade, Paul pursued each assignment, as he did with everything, with diligence and passion. He was meticulous with his notes and photo captions. He completed each assignment on time. Such the teacher that Paul was! When not teaching or taking photos for the magazine, Paul gave of his time and talents to photograph endless community sports teams, school district musicals, and a myriad of community events. When not serving the community behind his camera lens, he was serving behind his guitar. Paul was an accomplished musician Remembering Paul Debor STORY BY PAT JENNETTE Paul DeBor was Allegheny West Magazine’s photographer from 1999 until 2014, when he unofficially retired. Here are some of the shots he took for this publication that last year: TOP LEFT: Findlay Township supervisors Janet Craig, Tom Gallant and Ray Chappel pose with TC House board members and supporters at a groundbreaking March 1. Pictured at center is Tyler Palko with Chris McGough. TOP RIGHT: The West Allegheny Marching Pride performs in Oakdale’s Memorial Day parade. FAR LEFT: West Allegheny football offensive and defensive lineman Justin Baker (left) and quarterback Andrew Koester (right) lift weights during conditioning workouts. LEFT: Keith Colledge, Oakdale VFW Post 7070 commander, speaks during Oakdale’s Memorial Day commemoration. Paul DeBor is pictured with Allegheny West Magazine publisher emeritus Pat Jennette and her husband, John, in 2018 after Paul was inducted into the West Allegheny Athletic Hall of Fame. PHOTO SUBMITTED 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • August/September 2020who played for whatever the moment or the need was. Whether it was Log House days at Wilson Elementary or Lunch with Santa at local churches, Paul brought his gentle, kind demeanor to engage those around him. He truly embraced the moment. His sincerity, loyalty and spirit were second to none. Everyone in town, it seemed, knew Paul. Whether through his 35-year career as a teacher, or as a photographer or musician, Paul gave with a smile. It came effortlessly from his heart. When his wife took ill, he was by her side up until the very end. He even wrote songs about the two of them which he played on his guitar while he sang. As our friendship deepened, we spent many an afternoon and evening together, talking about everything and anything, sharing pictures, or enjoying music as he and my husband, John, strummed on their guitars. He was so proud of his only child, Jonathan, and his wife, Lynn Ann, and their two daughters, Brenna and Maura. How he loved his granddaughters! He cherished his cat. He took pride in his time serving in the Vietnam War as an information specialist and photographer. We had a mutual interest in IO affairs because of my time with the Civil Air Patrol, back when I served in the same role. We both attended a catholic school as children, were raised in a catholic church and had much in common in that area. Paul, an accomplished skier and avid cyclist, regaled us with stories of his ski trips and bike rides in Deep Creek, Maryland. Paul was not one to seek attention, but rather always focused on others. It was that selflessness that earned him an induction into the West Allegheny Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018. He was honored for his generous time and talents as the district’s sports chronicler, photographing many athletic teams over the years. Retired West Allegheny teacher Lori Cole said in her nomination letter, “Although Paul wasn’t directly involved in West Allegheny athletics as a player or coach, he played an important role with the teams.” Though not an athlete, Paul was an accomplished skier and enjoyed riding his bicycle. The late Mike Quinn, who was a former assistant track coach and school board member at West Allegheny, wrote in his nomination of Paul, “I have witnessed Paul checking off numbers in a program to make sure everyone gets a picture. Paul especially focused on taking pictures of the athletes with modest skills who competed for the love of their sports and toiled for years without receiving any recognition.” Quinn added, “This is a priceless message that he sends to all of our athletes that they are worthy and appreciated.” Last year, we visited Paul when we were back in town. As his memory faded in and out, we talked about many things. He shared pictures he took while in Vietnam. He wanted to try on his uniform, which still fit him! He shared pictures of his time there with the Vietnamese. Among the pictures were some of his favorites that he wanted us to have, including one of the future teacher posing with a group of Vietnamese children. Another shows him at his desk when he was a photographer and information officer Paul was a strong Christian man whose heart was loving, giving and kind. He was one of those special people in a community who will be remembered for giving all he had for the good of those around him. His contributions made our community a better place. He is with the angels now. Well done, good and faithful servant. Paul, you were a testament to all that a good man should be. Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed. Due to COVID-19, funeral services were private. Memorial donations may be made to the West Allegheny Foundation, P.O. Box 55, Imperial, PA 15126 Pat Jennette is the founding publisher of Allegheny West Magazine. TOP: Paul DeBor got his start in photography while serving as an information officer in Vietnam. BELOW: Paul is pictured with Vietnamese schoolchildren. PHOTOS SUBMITTED August/September 2020 • www.awmagazine.com • 19Next >