< Previous Moon Park Moon Township Beaver Grade Road 40 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2022 The Black Dog Wine Company Dog Park at Moon Park is currently under construction and slated to open in the late spring or early summer. North Fayette Township-based Black Dog Wine Company acquired the naming rights last year. The park will sit adjacent to the Moon Park complex and the parking lot will be accessed from Beaver Grade Road, across from the new Downes Fire Station. A pedestrian path will link up with Moon Park across Ewing Road. The park will sit to the west of Discovery Field in an area once known as the duck pond, where locals used to at one time fish and ice skate. Once completed, the park will feature an acre of fenced-in space with separate areas for larger and smaller dogs. The site will have double gates, benches and a water fountain for both people and dogs. Permanent bathrooms and a small picnic shelter will also be coming in the future. Findlay Township’s dog park is located at the top of Findlay’s sprawling Recreation and Sports Complex at Leopold Lake off Route 30. To get there, head up the park’s main drive from Route 30 and park alongside the ball field at the far end. The fenced-in area is located on the other side of the baseball diamond. The dog park features a large, fenced-in area split length-wise down the middle to create separate sections for small and large dogs. Before you go, visit www.findlay.pa.us and check the red dot to make sure the park is open. The dog park will be closed if the rest of the park is also closed due to snow or other conditions. Findlay Township’s dog park is located at the Recreation and Sports Complex at Leopold Lake. It has sections for both large and small dogs. Architectural renderings show Moon Township’s new dog park, which will be opening this spring. RENDERING COURTESY LENNON, SMITH, SOULERET ENGINEERING Findlay Recreation and Sports Complex Dog Park Recreation and Sports Complex Findlay Township 800 Route 30, Imperial COMING SOON: Black Dog Wine Company Dog ParkShould a fight occur... Despite your best efforts, there’s always a chance that a fight can occur. Should that happen, remember to never, ever put your hand near a dog’s mouth to break them apart. Instead, use your voice commands and, if necessary, grab your dog’s collar or harness to try to pull them away. Usually yelling doesn’t help, as some dogs take that as you joining the fight. Instead, try dumping or spraying water on the dogs, as this will work as a good distraction. If you’re particularly concerned, you can bring along an air horn or a spare leash that you can use to loop around your dog’s waist to pull them away. Avoid the park with recently adopted dogs If you’ve recently adopted a dog, I wouldn’t recommend taking them to the dog park right away to test them out with other dogs. Instead, wait at least 30 days. I call this the honeymoon period with a new dog, as your pup may not show you their true self until at least after then. Use this time to get to know your dog and find out how they interact on walks with other people and dogs in more controlled settings. If you can, it’s always good to socialize with other well-behaved dogs so your dog can have a good experience. Once your dog seems to enjoy the company of other dogs, and isn’t just going along with what you want it to do, then your dog may be ready for the dog park. Remember, it can be extremely dangerous and irresponsible to use other people’s dogs as guinea pigs. It also isn’t normal for a large number of dogs to be around each other at the same time, so your dog may not enjoy the dog park. If so, that’s ok. Just be sure to ask yourself, are you going to the dog park for you or for your dog? Take it slow with puppies Socialization can be overwhelming for puppies, so if you have a young pup, it’s important to do so in baby steps and with a positive attitude. Showing consistent praise for having a good socialization experience teaches the dog that the dog park can be a rewarding and fun activity for everyone. Socialization is important for dogs, but if it’s a risk to you, your dog or others, it’s best to stay home. The best way to have a great day at the dog park is to be prepared. Once you and your pooch feel ready, it’s a great way to expose your dog to the sights, sounds, and smells of the world. BY ELISSA WEIMER-SENTNER, FOUNDER AND TRAINER, PAW & ORDER DOG TRAINING Tips for dog park etiquette Dog parks are a great resource to have and dogs love them. A pet-friendly space dedicated to letting our furry friends run, play and be free from the house is an exciting day for them. These parks also offer great opportunities for your dog to meet other dogs and socialize. Before pet parents head to the park, there are some things they should be aware of, though. Let’s call it “dog park etiquette.” Dog parks present lots of distractions for your pooch but it is your responsibility to be aware of your dog and keep them under control at all times. Following these tips will help you do just that: Elissa Weimer-Sentner owns and operates Paw & Order Dog Training, a canine training business with locations in western Pennsylvania, Ohio, Texas and Florida. She is an American Kennel Club Evaluator, a Therapy Dog Evaluator with Therapy Dogs United and a member of numerous other canine associations. She holds a criminal justice degree from California University of Pennsylvania and served as an MP in the National Guard for six years. She currently assists law enforcement with drug searches through American K9 Detection Services. Paw and Order is accepting new clients. For more, visit www.pawandorder.com. Don’t crowd the gate First things first: I recommend that you do not let your dog crowd the entrance when another dog is coming into the fenced-in area at the dog park. Call your dog to you and let the incoming dogs come inside and get comfortable before releasing your dog again. Crowding the gate can make a dog defensive and an already nervous dog will not have a good experience. This is actually where I see fights happen the most. Other dogs also want the extra attention and can fight amongst each other in such a small amount of space. Make sure your pooch is up-to-date on their shots Secondly, and perhaps this should be first as it should be addressed before even going to the park: make sure your dog is up to date on shots. Dog parks are full of germs and parasites that your dog can pick up, and some parks explicitly state that all dogs that come to the park must have all their shots. Whether they do or not, it’s a good idea. Leave toys and treats in the car One common reason dog fights happen at the dog park is because people keep treats in their pockets that the dogs can smell. Carrying treats, or even toys, into a dog park can cause unnecessary fights over resources, so leave these behind for later. If you want to throw a ball for your dog, I suggest you choose a time when no one else is in the park. Know when your dog is being pushy You love your pet and know their best side, but this can cause loving pet parents not to be aware when their pet is being pushy, aggressive, or rude to other dogs. Most people might think their dogs are being friendly and social when, in reality, they’re being rude. You might not think of your pooch as the type to go out looking to cause a fight, but if your pooch is being pushy and doesn’t take a hint, that other dog may hit their threshold. It’s very important to always keep an eye on your dog and other dogs when it comes to their body language. Pet parents should always try to get better at advocating for their dogs and not let their dogs be the bully of the dog park. Elissa Weimer-Sentner is pictured with her dogs. February/March 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 41 February/March 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 41BY ERMA DODD Joe Lapia has “an interesting story.” His mom was 19 when Joe was born 76 years ago. Joe and his mother lived near his grandparents, who helped raise Joe, in Pittsburgh, near Mercy Hospital. He never knew his biological father, nor did he know his name. No one talked about his father, and Joe had no desire to know about him. Joe was given his mother’s maiden name, Lapia. He, along with his wife, Alice, and their son, settled in Barrington Manor in Oakdale. After Joe’s mother passed in 1999, 23 years ago, a family friend made the big decision to tell Joe what she knew. His father was in the military. She had a picture to give Joe, a picture of his father at his military base. His father’s name was Joseph. So, Joe had been named after his father. For years, his father’s framed picture with his name sat in view. Still, Joe had zero desire to find out any more information about his father. One Sunday in October after church, Joe and his new friend, Cathy Kutz, and a couple others from Montours Church were at lunch in McDonald’s. Joe talked about family. His wife had died of cancer. Their son and a daughter had also passed. He mentioned the dad he never knew. That really touched Cathy’s heart. Cathy’s daughter, as it turns out, is pretty good at finding out about a person’s history. Cathy asked her to find out more about Joe’s father but didn’t tell him she’d done so. Her daughter located his history. Imagine the surprise Joe was about to experience. Cathy hoped Joe would not be upset with her. He was not. Joe was grateful. In November, Joe was so excited to share his news. Again after church, at McDonald’s, Joe had a folder with him. “What’s in the folder?” his friends asked. Joe had pictures. He had one picture of his handsome father in a military uniform. There were more pictures with his father’s family. Joe believed the pictures were of his father’s family in Italy. Then Joe shared articles that appeared in Pittsburgh newspapers about his father’s military service and his death. His father was a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, a fighter pilot. He had been on leave when he spent time with Joe’s mother. When the leave was over, he returned to his base in Italy. Six months later, he was killed in action in Triolo, Italy in 1945. Joe’s father, Nunzio Joseph Mineo, was born in 1924. Joe’s grandfather’s name is also Joseph Nunzio. Joe’s tears were flowing. So were his friends’. It was a real blessing to see his father’s pictures and to now know who his earthly father was. It made Joe proud. In December, Cathy and Joe went to Calvary Cemetery in Greenfield and found his father’s grave. They found that he had been buried just “a stone’s throw” from Joe’s mother. “We plan on writing a letter and leaving it on the headstone in hopes that a descendant will find the letter and contact Joe,” Cathy shares. Only God knows if Nunzio Joseph Mineo ever knew he was about to become a father. His son would be named Joseph, and so would his grandson. Joe says, “It is like a miracle.” How about a teacher of knitting? She teaches. Then her knitters teach knitting to family and friends and the peace and joy of knitting spreads from there. Ingeborg Saveikis has become a legend. Knitting for Inga began in her home country of Germany. When she was 4, she sat with her grandmother and learned the German way of knitting. They would knit every visit. Inge was in the hospitality business when she met a 6 ‘2” U.S. Army sergeant named Chuck Lang. They married and, one week after the wedding, the Army sent them home to America. Their son, Sonny Lang, was born at Fort Riley, an Army base in Kansas. Eventually, Inge returned to the hospitality business, yet it was always her dream to have her own yarn shop. In 1987, that dream came true and she opened Tonidale Yarn and Needle. Then, adding to her happiness, Inge married her friend, Richard Saveikis. Soon, her shop was full of new knitters taking classes. For over thirty years she taught. Now, her knitters can teach their children and grandchildren. They can show them how to make sweaters, blankets, baby bonnets and memories. In that way, the legend of Ingeborg Lang Saveikis continues on. “Knit one, pearl two.” In recent years, Ingeborg’s health had been failing. On Oct. 26, 2021, she breathed her last breath on earth and her first in Heaven. Her life book has been written. “It is on my computer,” she said. Sonny will be the first to read his mom’s stories. An interpreter will be needed for the stories written in German. It’s a book with many chapters. Teachers leave footprints on learners’ lives Never lost but now found For more about Ingeborg and her story, “A Dream Come True,” see page 46 of the August/September 2017 West Allegheny edition of Allegheny West Magazine. It can be found under the archives tab at awmagazine.com. Nunzio Joseph Mineo Ingeborg Saveikis is pictured with her son, Sonny Lang. 42 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2022 VPenned by ErmaPenned by Erma5 Perspectives Perspectives When you think of the name Ingeborg Saveikas, what adjective comes to mind? If you’re like me, there’s no single word to describe this extraordinary woman. We have “caring,” “strong,” “humorous,” “thankful,” “real,” “UNIQUE” and “master knitter.” I put emphasis on unique, as I have never met anyone quite like Inge. She always looked as if she had just stepped right out of a magazine! She was perfection from head to toe. She radiated her heart’s beauty daily. As some may know, my mom, Meryl Hatton, and Inge were friends for just shy of 50 years. These two were literally two peas in a pod! When they were together, it was like being around two teenage girls. They laughed, cried, disagreed, agreed, laughed some more and hugged - and that was just in the first 10 minutes! They had a bond, and an unbreakable one at that. It was a bond that people wait their whole lives to have and never quite find! They had almost 50 years of friendship, stories, pride in their children, their careers, and of their husbands. They were the best of the best friends - there is no doubt there! They certainly knew how to pick them! Inge and Richard were what I would call a power couple. Their love for each other was so true and so pure. Again, it was the type of relationship that people wait an entire lifetime to have but will never quite find what those two had. Losing Richard was so hard on her. Now, she has been reunited with the love of her life! Inge, we’ll miss you, and black tower will never be the same without you. BY VICKY HATTON Aimee was missing her husband. He had been in Montana at his brother’s home. They are cabinet makers. They were making kitchen cabinets for Gregg’s home in North Fayette. She called him. It was one of many calls. Each call she would tell him, “I love you.” One call she was talking to her sister-in-law and told her how much she was missing him. The sister-in-law told Gregg. He told his brother, “I am booking a flight home.” The next day, he flew home. Aimee picked him up at the airport. They got home and were sitting together, holding hands and talking. Aimee was so glad to have him by her side. She wanted warm words and expected to hear, “I love you.” His actions showed he loved her but she wanted to hear those three words. She said to Gregg, “I love you.” Gregg responded with two words: “I know.” HAPPY VALENTINES DAY Do kids listen? As is our tradition, when holiday family dinner is ready, we gather in a circle, hand-in-hand, in our living room. It was time to pray. Derek Mink and Nicole Kreutzman, who North Fayette residents would know as the township’s recreation program coordinator, stood hand-in-hand with their, son, James William Randall, age 3. It is usually Gramma Erma who prays, but as I said, “Let’s pray,” all could hear the soft prayer beginning. “God is Great, God is Good…” We looked and James William Randall continued to lead us in our 2021 Christmas prayer. “And we thank Him for this food. By His hands we are fed, give us Lord our daily bread. AMEN.” It was an unforgettable, precious moment. Missing wordsRemembering Inge Richard and Ingeborg Saveikas are pictured on their wedding day. Nicole Kreutzman and Derek Mink are pictured with their son, James William Randall Mink. February/March 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 43On the Horizon On the Horizon ; Marketplace Ads Findlay Parks and Rec. All events take place at the Findlay Township Activity Center unless otherwise indicated. To register for a program or for more information, call Ashley or Laura at 724-695-0500 x 240 or 241. Visit www.findlay.pa.us/254/Recreation-Township-Events or scan the QR code on the following page to find events online. Kids Creative Cooking, Wednesdays: Feb. 16, March 16, May 18, 4-5:15 p.m., grades K-5, $8/class, prepare easy and delicious seasonal recipes, registration required. Time for Toddlers, 10:15-11:15 a.m., Mondays and Tuesdays: Feb. 14, 15, 28, March 1, 14, 15, 28, 29; April 4, 5, 25, 26, ages 4 and under with caregiver, $5/session, call or email amays@findlaytwp.org to register. YOGA for Beginners (and Beyond), Fridays, 6:30-7:30 p.m., $5/class, Master Julia Harvey, (724) 695-1976 or email info@idtsd.net. Senior Yoga and Qi Gong, Mondays, 2 p.m., Thursdays, 11:30 a.m., Master Julia Harvey, (724) 695-1976, info@idtsd.net. Tang Soo Do Karate School, Mondays and Wednesdays, ages 3+, call for times and availability, limited to 12 per class, (724) 695-1976. Findlay Seniors Monthly Meeting and Luncheon, Feb. 16, March 16, April 20, doors open 11 a.m., lunch served noon, $5, call for more information and to register. Seniors Friday Morning Bingo, Fridays: Feb. 25, March 25, April 29, May 27, doors open 9 a.m., bingo starts 10 a.m., $10/packet, $5/additional packets, coverall jackpots $1, dabbers available to purchase. Imperial VFD Bingo Night, Fridays, Feb. 28, March 28, April 25, doors open 6 p.m., bingo starts 7 p.m., no children please, see next page. Crochet for a Cause, Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m., Feb. 24, March 10, 24, April 7, 28, create blankets for local hospitals, Sue Peindl, (724) 695-0500. Pirate and Princess Party, Feb. 26, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., ages 8 and under, dress up as a pirate or princess for an enchanted afternoon, $5/child (guardian must stay with child), registration required. Our Honey Bees & Why We Need Them, March 12, 10 a.m.-noon, free program, registration required. Kite Day, April 2, 9-11 a.m., Recreation and Sports Complex, free program, bring your own kite or decorate one to fly. Annual Easter Egg Hunt & Egg Drop, April 9, 11 a.m., Recreation and Sports Complex, preschool-fifth grade, free to attend, see next page. Kids Spring Cookie & Craft Day, April 13, 10 a.m.-noon, $5, grades K-five, decorate sugar cookies and work on spring crafts, see next page. Wilson PTA Family Fun Day: Canvas Painting, March 26, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. or 2-4 p.m., go online or scan QR code on next page for canvas choices, call to register, have selections ready, benefits Wilson PTA. Indoor Flea Market, March 5, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $10 to sell, free to attend, call to reserve a table. Women’s Self Defense, April 19, 7-9 p.m., call to register. Spring Community Clean Up, April 23, 9 a.m.- noon, meet at Findlay Activity Center Lower Level Parking Lot, gloves, safety vests, and trash bags provided, call to register. Tire Collection, April 23, 9 a.m.-noon, Findlay Township Public Works, 1058 Clinton Road, see website for pricing details: www.findlay.pa.us. Drug Take-Back Day, April 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Findlay Township Municipal Building. Amish Greenhouse Tour, April 30, 7 a.m.-3 p.m., carpool from Findlay Township Municipal Building to New Wilmington, visit website for more details. 44 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2022North Fayette Parks and Rec. Programs take place at the North Fayette Community Center at Donaldson Park. Visit www.north-fayette.com or call (724) 307-3725 for more information or to register. Easter Egg Hunt, April 9, 11 a.m., arrive early, bring your own basket, ages 12 and under, hunts broken down into age groups. Adult Fitness Classes are drop-in and $8/class. Discounts for multiple classes and member punch card. Pickle Ball, Monday-Friday, 8-10 a.m. Yoga, Tuesdays, 5-6 p.m. Body Weight Plus, Mondays, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Power Body Flo, Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Summer Camps Registration now open Summer Camp, June 6-Aug. 19, grades 1-8, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Kits Camp, June 13-Aug. 12, ages 4-5, Monday, Tuesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-noon. West Hills Symphonic Band Concert, Feb. 27, Montour High School, “A Winter’s Voyage: Far Away Places that warm the HEART!” www.whsb.org. February/March 2022 • www.awmagazine.com • 45y > Learning Curves Learning Curves 2021 tax tips BY JASON BENDIK • Did you receive any advanced Child Tax Credit payments? If so, be sure to include Letter(s) 6419 showing any amounts received during 2021 and to fully reconcile. These payments were advance payments on existing tax credits provided to families with children under the age of 18. Instead of counting these tax credits toward your income at the end of the year, they were instead distributed early. So, be sure you have your paperwork in order and are accounting for any credits you received, as you will need to factor that into your tax filing for last year. • Last spring, the federal government sent out a third round of COVID-19 stimulus funds. If you received stimulus funds, be sure to reconcile the total amount received. If you did not receive a check or direct deposit, or if your income has changed since then, you may now be entitled to those funds when filing. • Did you make any above-the-line charitable donations last year? That would be a donation you list above line 15 on your tax return that reduces your tax liability. Even if you do not itemize your deductions, you may still be able to claim that charitable contribution when filing your 2021 federal taxes. • If you receive a W2 from your employer and owe a lot in taxes for 2021, then you may want to consider adjusting your federal withholdings. Check your W4 with your employer and think about raising the amount withheld so you aren’t stuck with another large tax bill in 2023. The 2021 tax filing season is now underway and the clock is ticking to file before April 18. Here are four items to consider as you prepare your taxes. Jason Bendik, president of Pandolfo Bendik, is pictured with his wife, Brittany, sons Jameson and Chase, and dog, Max. PHOTO BY FRANK VILSACK PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Bendik is a CPA and independent investment advisor with over 11 years of experience. He is also the president of Pandolfo Bendik, which is located at 24 Beaver Grade Road in Robinson Township. Visit them online at www.pandolfobendik.com. Preparing your own taxes can be tricky and complicated. There are also plenty of ways to take advantage of opportunities provided by the federal government to lower your tax burden. If you’re not aware of them, however, you may be paying more than you need. If you could use help preparing your returns, let our offices take away the stress. Contact us today at (412) 788-1335 or email me directly at jbendik@pandolfoassociates.com. • Any and all W2s or 1099s • Mortgage statement and real estate taxes paid • Charitable donations • Investment-related 1099 forms showing dividends, interest and capital gains • Have a child in college? Form 1098T should be received • Amount of advanced child tax credits received in 2021 • Work as an independent contractor and from home? Gather your home’s utility bills and calculate the square footage of your home office • Amounts contributed to any college savings plans (529) or individual retirement accounts (IRA) Don’t forget these important documents: Be sure to also gather these important forms and documents, if applicable, before you head to see your accountant: 46 • Allegheny West Magazine • February/March 2022Hughey Publications, LLC P.O. Box 220 McDonald, PA 15057 Allegheny West MagazineNext >