Take a look at our September newsletter!
September 2025
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm
OUR FIRM’S 5-STAR GOALS FOCUSED ON BETTER
At Zihmer Law Firm, we’re always trying to improve how we serve our clients and how we operate as a team. Whether it’s guiding a family through estate planning, assisting with estate administration, or handling other important matters, our goal is to provide excellent service and peace of mind. September is Self-Improvement Month, so it seems like the perfect time to share where our focus has been lately and how the entire firm is working to get better at what we do. One of the ways we’ve been growing recently is by listening carefully to client feedback. When clients share their experiences, it gives us valuable insight into what’s working well and where we can make things even smoother. We’re proud that so many of our clients have taken the time to leave five-star Google reviews, because those stories help others feel confident about choosing us when they need legal guidance. Thank you to those who have left us a review! We have also added some fun to our Google reviews with a little team incentive. If our team hits certain review milestones, that will earn everyone some extra time off over the holidays. Our team has already earned one extra day and is close to the At Zihmer Law Firm, we’re honored when clients refer their friends and family to us. If you know someone who needs guidance with estate planning, estate administration, Medicaid, or elder law, we’d love the opportunity to help. Your trust means the world to us — and it’s the greatest compliment we can receive.
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second. This is a great motivator, but also reminds us that our ultimate goal is to make sure every client feels truly cared for from their first phone call to the resolution of their matter. Providing that kind of consistent, personalized experience means we’re always refining how we do things. Our team regularly meets to share ideas, adjust processes, and make sure every step of working with us feels as clear and stress-free as possible. Even small improvements can make a big difference in ensuring clients feel supported every step of the way. If you’ve had a great experience with us, we’d be grateful if you shared it in a five-star review on Google using the QR code above or by googling “Zihmer Law Firm.” Our goal is 215 Google reviews by December, and we need your help to reach it! Also, if there’s ever something we could do better, please reach out to us directly. Your feedback helps us grow, and the trust you place in us every day is what we value most.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
Hit ‘Play’ and Hit the Road Audiobooks the Whole Family Will Love
The stress of holiday road trips can tempt any parent to let their kids zone out in front of a screen, but don’t give in! To prevent bored youngsters from disappearing into their tablets or phones during long drives, consider healthier modes of entertainment, such as audiobooks. Unlike passive entertainment media such as movies and video games, audiobooks can accelerate a child’s reading ability by making more complex language accessible. Also, the whole family can enjoy listening to a good audiobook — even sitting in separate seats in a moving car! Apps like Libby or Hoopla provide access to audiobooks and ebooks through participating public libraries. Amazon Prime subscribers can access some free audiobooks through Audible. For
suggestions on family fare, ask your local librarian or check out the nonprofit Common Sense Media website for recommended holiday-themed books. For elementary school children, consider “The Snow Queen,” a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale. This classic story of a girl saving her friend from danger, read by Julia Whelan, will inspire listeners with its lessons about fidelity and courage. Another classic is “The Cricket in Times Square” by George Selden. Read with dazzling energy by “Monk” actor Tony Shalhoub, this tale of a streetwise city mouse encountering a country cricket in a New York subway station is an engaging, easy listen. For tweens, “The Mother-Daughter Book Club, Book 5” by Heather Vogel Frederick tells of five book club members setting out
on holiday trips from the tropics to the Alps. Of course, numerous disasters befall them before the book’s satisfying ending! Another Christmas-themed winner is “Nickel Bay Nick” by Blair Jackson, a coming-of-age novel about a troublemaking 11-year-old boy who gets a chance to redeem himself when a mysterious neighbor blackmails him to perform acts of charity in their down- and-out town. And “Juniper’s Christmas” by Eoin Colfer is a Christmas adventure about 11-year-old Juniper Lane, who is accidentally exposed to North Pole magic after she asks for help from a mysterious woodsman living in a nearby park. As you listen, you can enjoy knowing that in addition to entertaining the family, you are stimulating your child’s imagination and language ability as they visualize the people and places in these delightful stories.
ESTATE PLANNING MEETS TRAVEL PREP Peace of Mind for Every Trip
For starters, it’s essential to have someone you trust who can step in and make decisions on your behalf if something happens. A durable power of attorney allows that person to handle your financial and legal matters. A health care power of attorney or advance directive does the same for medical decisions. If you’re a parent traveling without your kids, you should also create a temporary guardianship document clearly stating who will care for them in an emergency. Finally, if you don’t already have one, you need a will or trust in place. No one wants to think about the worst-case scenario, but these documents will ensure that your wishes are followed and your loved ones aren’t left in limbo if the unthinkable happens. Once you have everything in order, you also need to make sure that you share your plans with your loved ones and keep them easily accessible. Ensuring that the people you trust have access will help things go as smoothly as possible during an already stressful time. At Zihmer Law Firm, we’re here to help you prepare for the unexpected. Estate planning shouldn’t be stressful. It’s really about preparation and peace of mind. And when you’re prepared, you can actually enjoy your time away knowing that everything important is protected.
Before heading out for a trip, most of us are focused on packing, transportation, and making sure the house is locked up and safe while we’re away. But one question we’re hearing more lately is, “What if something happens to me while I’m on vacation?” It’s something you might not want to think about, but making sure you’re prepared is important. And the best time to plan for the unexpected is before anything happens. Whether you’re traveling overseas or just a few states away, life doesn’t always follow your itinerary. A medical emergency or accident can happen anywhere. And if something occurs while you’re away, it can create complications that extend beyond what your travel insurance covers. That’s why it’s important to have these legal documents in place before you go.
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MORE THAN JUST A DAY OFF THE LABOR DAY STORY YOU MISSED
Most people think of Labor Day as the unofficial end to summer or just one last excuse to barbecue, but there’s more to it than that. The holiday’s history is longer, messier, and more meaningful than most of us realize, and it all started with a single parade. On Sept. 5, 1882, thousands of workers marched through New York City to stand up for better pay, safer working conditions, and basic recognition. They took the day off without pay, carried homemade signs, and ended the event with a picnic in the park. It was loud and proud, and it sparked a national conversation. Who came up with the idea for Labor Day? That depends on whom you ask. Some credit Peter J. McGuire of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. Others say it was Matthew Maguire, a machinist from New Jersey. Historians haven’t agreed, but the labor movement as a whole gets credit for turning an idea into action.
And why September? Most countries observe a labor holiday in May, so why not the U.S.? In 1894, after the deadly Pullman Strike, President Grover Cleveland wanted to create a holiday that honored workers but avoided the political tensions surrounding May Day. September seemed like a safer choice, and many states were already celebrating it by then. Oregon was the first state to officially recognize Labor Day in 1887, and others quickly followed. By the time Congress made it a federal holiday in 1894, the momentum was already there. Over the years, it became a bookend to summer, but its roots still matter. With more Americans talking about work-life balance, fair pay, and mental health, the spirit behind the holiday is finding new relevance. Labor Day wasn’t born from leisure. It was built by people who asked for better and planned for it. So, maybe there’s a real connection between Labor Day and the kind of planning we do at Zihmer Law. It’s all about honoring the work you’ve done and making sure your efforts carry forward.
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Ingredients • 1 1/2 lbs flank steak Marinade • 2/3 cup red wine • 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 cup sesame oil • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • 1 tsp minced garlic • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/4 tsp ginger powder • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions 1. In a large bowl, whisk together marinade ingredients. 2. Place the flank steak in a large, rimmed dish. Pour the marinade over the meat. 3. Refrigerate and allow to marinate for 15 minutes. Flip and let marinate for another 15 minutes. 4. Preheat grill to 400 F. 5. Add the meat to the grill and cook for 3–5 minutes on each side. Leave the grill lid open to avoid overcooking. 6. For a medium-rare steak, remove from grill at 130 F internally, and for medium, remove at 140 F. 7. Let the meat rest on a cutting board for 5–10 minutes. Then, slice against the grain into thin pieces and enjoy!
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3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
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What We’re Working On
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Audiobook Adventures for Family Car Trips
The Travel Checklist Most People Forget
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Labor Day’s True Origin Story
Grilled Teriyaki Flank Steak
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5 Stunning Fall Hikes to Take This Season
LEAF LOVERS WELCOME! THE ULTIMATE FALL HIKING BUCKET LIST Great Smoky Mountains, Tennessee and North Carolina The Smoky Mountains are a fall favorite known for their endless ridgelines and misty valleys. Mid-to-late October is peak foliage season, especially along trails like Alum Cave or Clingmans Dome. Columbia River Gorge, Oregon If you’re looking for some of the most gorgeous waterfalls you’ve ever seen, the Columbia River Gorge is the spot! Trails like Multnomah Falls or Eagle Creek offer pretty fall colors, mossy cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia Just a short drive from Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a hidden gem for fall hiking. The Dark Hollow Falls Trail offers a challenging climb with stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For something gentler, the Stony Man Trail is perfect for families and still offers breathtaking scenery. With over 500 miles of trails, Shenandoah is a fall favorite on the East Coast.
There’s something special about getting outdoors and hiking this time of year. The air is crisp, the bugs are (mostly) gone, and the trees show off their fiery red, yellow, and orange leaves. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or just looking to enjoy leaf-peeping and fresh air, fall is the ultimate season to hit the trails. And the U.S. is brimming with stunning places to do just that. Aspen, Colorado Come September, the mountainsides come alive with beautiful golden aspen leaves, hence the name! Hikes like the Cathedral Lake Trail or Maroon Bells Scenic Loop offer beautiful views of alpine lakes with gorgeous foliage and snow-dusted peaks. Just be sure to bring layers — mountain weather can be moody! Acadia National Park, Maine If you want coastal charm mixed with fall colors, Acadia National Park delivers. Right along Maine’s gorgeous coastline, this park is full of color and stunning ocean views — a rare combination!
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