< Previous%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced It takes a special kind of person to be the superintendent of a cemetery. It’s a job that requires compassion, an attention to detail and steadiness when working with people going through one of the most difficult times in their lives. For the past 50 years, that person at Robinson’s Run Cemetery in South Fayette Township just outside of McDonald has been Ruth-Ann Porter. Between individuals pre-planning for the future and families searching for a final resting place for their loved ones, Ruth-Ann estimates she’s arranged grave sites for 5,000 individuals. That’s almost half of the cemetery’s approximately 11,000 internments. She says every person who has called or walked through the office door there has been different - and that the most rewarding aspect of her job has been having families she’s helped come back to tell her how much they appreciated it. “That makes you feel good,” she says. “I always said from day one, ‘I’ll treat you the way I want to be treated.’” At the start of this year, Ruth-Ann handed over the bulk of her superintendent duties to longtime cemetery caretaker Bob Moreau and his wife, Dawn. Bob first came to the cemetery in 1985 and has been working closely alongside Ruth-Ann for the past 35 years. These past seven years, Bob has also been helping families and individuals make final arrangements. Locally born and raised, Bob knows the area well and holds a deep affection for Robinson’s Run Cemetery. Like Ruth-Ann, he has family members interred there, including his father and grandparents. He lives on the grounds and has been known for his willingness to assist visitors at pretty much any hour. Bob says that he, too, approaches each family or individual with a unique perspective, as each has different needs and sensitivities. An attention to detail is paramount when helping them make arrangements, he says. “When a grieving family comes to us, everything for them is going a million miles per hour,” he says. “So, you try to guide them in a way you know they’ll be happy when the dust settles.” He says that when it comes to helping individuals make pre- arrangements, he takes just as much care. Bob served for 10 years with the McDonald VFD and knows many local families. Like Ruth-Ann, he’s developed an almost encyclopedic knowledge of where every grave is located on the cemetery grounds. Visitors in the past have been shocked when either one of the pair has been able to tell them exactly where a particular grave is located. “This was a natural transition for Bob after working and caring for the cemetery for so many years,” says Robinson’s Run Cemetery board president Alan Amoroso. “He has a deep respect for funerary tradition and the needs of families. We look forward to him continuing his fantastic work.” Robinson’s Run Cemetery News Longtime Robinson’s Run Cemetery superintendent Ruth-Ann Porter (right) handed over the bulk of her duties to Bob Moreau (left) and his wife, Dawn (not pictured) at the beginning of this year. Bob and Ruth-Ann have been operating the cemetery alongside each other for the past 35 years. Holiday wreaths decorate gravestones at Robinson’s Run Cemetery in this photo taken in December. These two solid granite vases were recently donated to Robinson’s Run Cemetery for its columbarium. STORIES AND PHOTOS BY DOUG HUGHEY Vases donated for columbarium Thanks to a generous contribution, Robinson’s Run Cemetery now has two granite vases located adjacent to its columbarium. The two vases allow family members to plant flowers for loved ones who have their ashes interred in the columbarium. The vases are both cut from large pieces of solid granite that match the columbarium granite. For more information about traditional burials, cremations and pre-planning arrangements, call (724) 926-8511 or (724) 288-4216. Visit www. RobinsonsRunCemetery.org to download a brochure or request a free paper copy. Longtime superintendent handing over reins 10 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2021lLegislative Update Legislative Update BY STATE REP. ANITA KULIK State Rep. Anita Kulik State Rep. Anita Kulik represents Pennsylvania’s 45th District. Her office is located at 1350 Fifth Avenue in Coraopolis. She can be reached at (412) 264-4260. Visit her online at www.pahouse.com/Kulik. I always look forward to big snows. Most of my friends disagree. They love hot, summery weather. I am more of a cold weather person. So, as far as snowstorms go, I am all in. Granted, I want everyone to be safe. God bless the good people who are out clearing the roads or work with first responder services. What I find encouraging about snowfalls is twofold. First, there’s a certain peace and quiet that comes with snow. It is generally an opportunity to realize that there is not much we can do about being snowed in. We are stuck in the house in a way we accept. We do not tend to argue about being homebound. We cannot go outside and yell at the snow. We make tomato soup and grilled cheese and watch movies. We go outside with kids to build snowmen or ride sleds. We gladly take time out from our busy lives to enjoy each other’s company, or a little peace and quiet. We even, secretly, welcome the opportunity to do so. It not only helps us relax, but also helps those emergency personnel do their job safely when we stay put in a bad weather event. Second, our sense of community seems to shine with a snow event. We check on our family and neighbors. We help with childcare. In my neighborhood, as in so many others, everyone comes out with their plows, blowers and shovels to clear not only their own walks and driveways but also those of their neighbors’. More often than not, a warming libation is shared. I write all of this in light of the very bad year we just “weathered.” The effects of the pandemic will be with us well into 2021 and we must make peace with this. We also have to make peace with our family and friends over any disagreements we may have had over any of the many issues that arose in 2020. We legislators began taking on the business of the Commonwealth on Jan. 5. As we start this new session, many of us have joined the newly formed Bi-Partisan Caucus. Through this endeavor, a good number of Democrats and Republicans from the rank and file have committed to sit together and work to move bills and issues that will address the needs of all Pennsylvanians. While many of us already work together across the aisle, this caucus hopefully will bring more of us to the table to accomplish more. I believe that this is a great step forward and I anticipate good things coming from this movement. We cannot continue with partisanship. I have been fortunate to work with some of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to address issues that are important. I will be continuing my work with state Rep. Natalie Mihalek to get Alina’s Law passed. I will also continue my work with state Rep. Jason Ortitay on modernizing our animal laws. I received support from both sides on my proposals to address community blight and for relief for small businesses, and I hope we can accomplish these issues to better our communities. Much remains to be done in getting economic relief to our local businesses and those on unemployment, and my colleagues and I have not stopped pushing these issues. The promise from both sides of the aisle, a promise to sincerely work together, will hopefully make for a productive session. God bless us all as we welcome the new year. I hope you and yours stay well. 12 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2021CAround Your Town Around Your Town Even in normal years, senior citizens tend to struggle with socialization due to a number of factors. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the restrictions and social distancing measures they’ve had to abide by have exacerbated the issue to crisis levels. To combat the issue in this area, the Allegheny County Area Agency on Aging has amped up its Senior Companion Program and altered its format to adjust to the pandemic. The Senior Companion Program is a federally funded initiative that was started in 1974 to provide income-eligible county residents aged 55 and older who are homebound or isolated with visits from volunteers. Though not mandated, companions typically visit seniors once or twice a week for a few hours each time. According to program manager John Miller, in-home visits were suspended last March for the safety of both program recipients and companions. However, volunteers were asked to continue making calls to check on their designated seniors, and even received new awareness training for serious side effects of depression and isolation. “One thing we were hearing is that the seniors still benefited from being connected to their companions by phone,” said Miller, adding “a friendly voice goes a long way in helping with loneliness.” Miller mentioned that the companions are also positively affected by knowing that someone is counting on them. Miller reported that, as the pandemic dragged into the summer with no end in sight, the county decided to advertise the service in the hopes of reaching more seniors. After revising the name to the “Friendly Caller” program, the Department of Human Services began social media campaigns and neighborhood website messaging to spread the word. Between September and the time of this writing, roughly 60 new seniors have enrolled in the program, said Miller. The program now has approximately 260 participants. That expanded client base has increased the need for more than the 97 companions and friendly callers currently on the books. Miller reported that companions receive training, a small stipend and meal and travel expenses. Each companion is matched with a senior in an attempt to create the most rewarding relationship. For more information about the Senior Companion/Friendly Caller program, call the SeniorLine at (412) 350-4061 or email Miller at john.miller@alleghenycounty.us. County’s Senior Companion Program revises and expands during COVID-19 STORY BY JILL BORDO January/February 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 13Remember When? Remember When? N Service stations with class Remember when a smiling gas station attendant not only pumped your gas for you, but cleaned your windshield and checked your oil? Decades ago, when gas was plentiful, gas stations competed for your business with price wars and giveaways - everything from glassware sets, to cereal bowls, to toys and games. At one time, Robinson had many such customer-friendly stations right along Route 60. Here are a few examples. Note that in some cases, the brand of gas is unknown. William Cook’s station at 5949 Steubenville Pike, built in 1934, was unique in that its five pumps represented five different oil companies! Fifteen years later, Cook’s grandson Francis Malarky took over the business and it was known for years as Malarky’s. When it was sold in 1991, the gas tanks were removed, a second floor was added, and the building was converted into the offices of Paragon Homes and Dr. Bradford Strobel, both of whom are still there today. Across the road stands TJ’s Mini Market, whose original 1929 wooden building housed a restaurant and service station. Adjacent tourist cabins became very popular as vacation traffic along the Pike increased in the 1930s. At some point, the cabins were torn down and the original building was destroyed in a fire. The replacement structure, built out of concrete block, again housed a diner and service station. The building was later remodeled and became the popular TJ’s Deli Mart we know today. At the intersection of Steubenville Pike and McKees Rocks Road - known in years gone by as “The Corner” - Mary and Karl Boice ran a Sunoco Service Station from the 1930s to the 1960s. The station encompassed the old Moon Run Post Office, a confectionery store and a work bay. Sunday drivers stopped in after church for gas, penny candy, hand- dipped ice cream and, of course, the Sunday paper. The Boices operated the business until 1970. In the 1940s, Ralph Mawhinny opened a Pennzoil service station and auto repair shop at the intersection of Steubenville Pike and Church Hill Road. The station was accessed from the Pike, and the family lived in an apartment below the business. The whole structure eventually became a two-story office building, but because of logistical problems with accessibility, the building was torn down in the 1990s. The lot remains vacant today. Today’s gas stations are mostly owned by huge chains, each identical to the next. Never again will they offer the “service with a smile” and the personal touches of yesteryear. If you have memories of these or other stations in Robinson, please message the Robinson Township Historical on Facebook. We’d love to hear from you! STORY AND PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY THE ROBINSON TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY FROM TOP TO BOTTOM: Cook’s five-pump station later became known as Malarky’s. This Sunoco station and post office sat at “The Corner.” Mawhinney’s Station is pictured in 1947. 14 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2021Ski. Tube. Board. Ski. Tube. Board. Only 17 miles from Downtown! Buy tickets at skiboyce.com January/February 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 15%Locally SourcedLocally Sourced In 2012, Jason Bendik left a job in the tax division at the public accounting firm Alpern Rosenthal in Pittsburgh in order to partner with a small tax office in Robinson Township. The business, which is located along Beaver Grade Road in Robinson Township, became known as Pandolfo Bendik and, for the past eight years, the work Bendik has done there is exactly the kind he’s always wanted. “I wanted to work with more smaller business types versus public accounting,” says Bendik. “It’s a win-win and a much better fit for my personality because I get to interact with clients a lot more.” Late last year, Bendik took over as president of the tax office, which Thomas Pandolfo originally founded in the mid-1980s. Moving ahead, he’s looking forward to continuing in much the same manner, by working with small business owners and individuals on both their tax preparation and financial planning. It’s an interesting time for financial experts, as COVID-19 has upended the financial outlook of many small businesses and individuals. Bendik has been helping many of his own clients weather that storm as they juggle payroll, PPP forgiveness, taxes and a myriad of other challenges posed by the pandemic. While COVID-19 has created significant hardships for many, there are also many programs being made available to help individuals and small businesses through the crisis. For Bendik, the challenge has involved not just navigating these programs, but also examining each client’s individual situation so they don’t encounter any unpleasant tax surprises that could arise as a result. “This year, your income was supposed to be so much a quarter, but then COVID hit and it fluctuates,” says Bendik. “So, we want to make sure you don’t have any big tax surprises, so we formulate some tax planning ideas for you.” He says looking at each client’s individual situation is critical. “Every tax situation is unique,” he says. “Their industry may change, so you have to look at each person on an individual basis.” In addition to a year-end personal review, he also strongly suggests any small businesses conduct quarterly reviews, particularly now. Another significant advantage that Bendik, who is a CPA, offers to clients that a traditional tax office doesn’t is counseling on their investments. Based on an individual’s particular tax situation, it might make sense to alter their investment strategy to limit their tax liability and take advantage of the right savings and investment programs. That strategy can change over time as laws and circumstances change, so it’s critical to work with someone who is knowledgeable in the field. “For instance, savings accounts aren’t paying anything right now, so we might want to look at an unqualified account such as an investment account, or something that has the potential to appreciate over so many years that we can sell,” he says. “Then we might have a large gain so we want to put so much aside for taxes.” Over the years, Bendik has also helped small business owners get started in their small business. It’s a big leap for anyone considering trading a steady paycheck for a shot at working for themselves. “I always say, ‘Ok, let’s put pen to paper. What are you projecting for your revenue and what do you think you’ll have in expenses?’ I can come back and say, ‘Have you accounted for this, or this liability exposure.’ I don’t want to just pat them on the back,” he says. “I want to give it to them right between the eyes.” Part of planning to operate a small business may also involve opening a retirement account. “Being self-employed, you may not have an employer-sponsored retirement plan, but options are out there for the self-employed,” he says. “We can provide some of those retirement planning options and incorporate the retirement plan with the tax aspects of it,” he says. “By contributing to a tax retirement plan, you’re putting money into retirement and paying less to the IRS. That’s what everyone wants to do. We want to put money in your pocket rather than the government’s. We individualize your target portfolio based on many factors, including time needed for funds and other financial aspects related to your overall picture.” Bendik is a self-described big-time Penguins fan. He grew up in the area and graduated from West Allegheny High School in 2004. He then attended Clarion University, where he majored in education but then decided to shift into tax accounting as a result of his interest in business. “I’ve always had a knack for entrepreneurship,” he says. “I always wanted to kind of see things one way and break them down.” Bendik now lives in the McDonald area with his wife, Brittany, sons, Jameson and Chase, and dog, Max. Pandolfo Bendik partner takes over as president STORY SUBMITTED About Jason Bendik, CPA and independent investment advisor • Worked in public accounting for over 10 years. • Graduated from West Allegheny (2003) and Clarion University (2007). • Pittsburgh Penguins season ticket holder and avid fan. •Wife says he golfs too much. Tax Tips for 2020: • Call your accountant now (or call us at 412.788.1335 if you need one) to ask about anything new you should prepare for your 2020 filing. • Organize - Start a folder for all tax-related documents so you have everything together by mid- February. • Prepare - Review your latest paystub or any outside 1099/subcontractor work and compare it to last year. If major differences are shown, you will need a plan to prepare for any added liability you may incur. Did you buy a new house? Sell one? Open an investment account or purchase a rental property? Did you start a side business? You should gather and provide any related documents to your accountant. Pandolfo Bendik is located at 24 Beaver Grade Road in Robinson Township, across from Holy Trinity Catholic Church. Call them at (412) 788-1335. Bendik can be reached at jbendik@pandolfoassociates. com. Visit them online at www.pandolfobendik.com. 16 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2021y > Learning Curves Learning Curves Ear, nose and throat medicine and surgery is a field that continues to change, grow and innovate for the benefit of our patients. It can be surprising how much change can occur in an area so tiny! In a recent issue, I described just some of the developments in the nose and throat arena. I wanted to provide one other insight into an extremely fascinating area where medical innovation and technology have worked in concert for our patients’ benefit. ENT s are thought of for placing ear tubes and performing tonsillectomies; and you wouldn’t be wrong to think that. They number as some of the most frequently performed procedures in the world! Less often recognized, though, is our role as medical and surgical experts of upper airway physiology and anatomy. From simple surgeries on the tongue to entire airway reconstruction, ENTs are well equipped to understand the intricate workings of head and neck anatomy. Patients who have obstructive sleep apnea, or sleep-disordered breathing, have problems with keeping their airway open while they sleep. This stems from a derangement in the body’s ability to keep important muscular support structures activated during periods of sleep, which leads to temporary airway collapse. The first line therapy for sleep apnea is generally continuous positive airway pressure devices, or “CPAP.” Unfortunately for many patients, a CPAP mask is either intolerable or creates unwanted side effects. Neglecting treatment for many forms of sleep apnea can cause a multitude of health problems - beyond just a headache for a bed partner. Fortunately, an exciting new therapy has become increasingly adopted in our field. A nerve stimulator implant can be placed which detects breathing patterns and can tighten the airway muscles while a patient sleeps. For many of our patients, this can be a game changer in sleep quality, snoring symptoms, and a reduction in sleep apnea events. Our group is excited to be central in developing the implant program for the Heritage Valley Health System to help serve our patients who struggle with sleep apnea and are not tolerant of traditional therapies. Whether you have small issues with your ears or big issues with your throat, we are happy to see you and discuss options to help reduce your symptoms and improve the quality of your life. How ENTS are treating sleep apnea without a CPAP BY GIUSEPPE STALTARI, MD Giuseppe V. Staltari, MD trained at the renowned University of Pittsburgh Medical Center’s Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck surgery, where he had the opportunity to work alongside world leaders and innovators in the fields of head and neck surgery, laryngology and professional voice care, sleep surgery, ear surgery, and sinonasal surgery. He practices the full breadth of state-of-the-art ear, nose, and throat care, including diagnosis and treatment of allergies and allergic rhinitis, hearing care, sinus surgery, head and neck cancer care, voice disorders care, salivary gland issues, thyroid surgery, and superficial skin cancers of the head and neck. He works with Drs Froman, Orsini, Rago, and McElwain at The ENT and Allergy Specialists of Western PA and with the Associated Hearing Aid Services. He is accepting new patients. To make an appointment with Dr. Staltari at ENT Heritage Valley-Kennedy, call (412) 771-0416. For more information, visit entallergywesternpa.com. January/February 2021 • www.awmagazine.com • 17y > Learning Curves Learning Curves 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 much?!? Among the ever-increasing funeral expenses is the cost to settle the estate, which ranges from 1% to 7%, between the court costs and attorney fees. Then, you need to factor in a reasonable executor fee, which can be another 5% 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%: Whoa … it costs a lot to die BY MICHELE P. CONTI Spouse Children/Grandchildren Siblings Everyone Else 0% 4.5% 12% 15% 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. 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. 18 • Allegheny West Magazine • January/February 2021Next >