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August 2025
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THE DOG WHO CHOSE US Remembering Charlie
Our family said goodbye to someone special recently. We lost our beloved dog, Charlie, and even now, the house still feels too quiet. For over a decade, she was part of our family. She came into our lives as a rescue dog with more quirks than most people would know what to do with. She had four homes before ours. She had separation anxiety, a strong stubborn streak, and a tendency to jump over fences. But she was crawling in my lap at the shelter when we met, all 80 pounds of her.
It wasn’t a magical transition. It took close to a year before Charlie fully settled in. She came with her own history, and it took patience to help her feel safe. But once she did, there was no turning back. She became our best girl. Sweet, loyal, and oddly convinced she was a lapdog. She made a space for herself in our home and in our hearts. When she passed, it was sudden. She had been acting off for a day or two, and we were still trying to figure out what was going on. Then, just like that, she was gone. The kids were heartbroken. So were we. Saying goodbye was hard and we’ve been thinking a lot about her, especially with it being summer; Charlie definitely loved this time of year. She was great at napping in the summer sun. And one of her favorite activities was hanging out with us outside and “supervising” whatever we were doing. She was never much of a swimmer, but she was an expert when it came to finding a nice spot to relax and convincing someone to scratch her ears. It’s amazing how quickly a pet can become part of the family and how different everything feels when they’re no longer around. Charlie added so much to our house, and losing her hit hard. We lost a family member. Pets bring so much to our lives, so it’s not surprising that many people include them in their estate plans. Planning
ahead is all about caring for the people and things that matter most, including our pets. When someone says, “She was like one of our kids,” they mean it. And there are ways to ensure those furry family members are cared for, even after we’re not around to do it ourselves. She made our lives better, and we’re thankful for every year we had with her. If you’ve ever loved a dog, you get it. They don’t stay with us nearly long enough, but they give us everything they’ve got while they’re here. And that’s more than any of us could ask for.
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.
She wasn’t the dog we went looking for that day. We thought we’d found the perfect match for our first dog, Maverick, who was full of energy and needed a buddy (yes, we named them both after the movie, Top Gun). But by the time we got to the shelter, the dog we had our eye on had already been adopted. We almost left but decided to take a walk through the kennels anyway. That’s when we found Charlie.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
A legacy project? A fun way to organize weeknight favorites? Knowing your purpose will guide the tone, design, and care you put into it. Gather the goods. Now comes the fun (and sometimes chaotic) part — tracking down recipes from relatives. Send a group text, email, or social media post asking for their go-to dishes. Encourage everyone to include personal stories, tips, or funny kitchen mishaps. That’s the good stuff that makes your cookbook meaningful. Choose an organizational style. You could go the traditional route with categories like appetizers, mains, and desserts, or get creative with sections like “Grandma’s Greatest Hits,” “Cousin Potluck Favorites,” or “Holiday Classics.” Just pick a format that feels natural and easy to follow. Test and tweak as you go. Some family recipes live in the land of vague directions — “a dash of this” or “cook until it smells right,” etc. If needed,
test the recipes and jot down more precise measurements or instructions. Trust me, your future self will thank you. Add a personal touch. Photos can take a cookbook from good to unforgettable. Include pictures of the dishes, handwritten recipe cards, or candid family cooking moments. Even simple design details — like using someone’s handwriting or a family saying — can make it feel special. Pick a format. You don’t need to be a professional designer to pull this off. Tools like Canva, Shutterfly, or even Microsoft Word can help you create a layout. Decide whether you want to print physical copies, go digital, or do both. Don’t forget to embrace imperfection. Remember, it doesn’t need to be perfect! A little mess here and there adds charm. What matters is preserving the joy, tradition, and flavor of your family’s kitchen.
CREATE A FAMILY COOKBOOK FULL OF LOVE AND FLAVOR A Taste of Home
In most families, holidays, special occasions, and Sunday dinners usually revolve around laughter and food — lots of food. Whether it’s Grandma’s famous biscuits or that secret chili recipe your uncle swears he’ll take to the grave, these dishes are part of what makes your family your family. So, why not gather all those delicious memories into one place by creating a family cookbook? Know your why. Before you dive in, decide what your cookbook is for. Is it a holiday gift?
A FRESH LOOK AT WHAT’S NEXT THE EMPTY NEST RESET
When your last child heads off to college, it hits differently. It’s not just the routines that change. As a parent, this moment opens up a chance to reevaluate more than just how many groceries you need. It’s a natural time to think about the future with fresh eyes. A good place to start is by revisiting your estate plan. All kinds of things can change in just a few years, and it’s easy for them to go unnoticed while you’re busy managing life at home. Maybe the people you listed as guardians or decision-makers no longer make sense. Maybe your finances look much different from what they did a few years ago. Even seemingly small things, like opening a new account or changing addresses, can impact your estate plan. For adult children who are out of the house but not yet married or completely on their own, you might want to talk to them about creating a basic set of documents. A health care directive and financial power of attorney can be extremely helpful during an emergency. They don’t take long to set up, but they can make a big difference if something unexpected happens while they’re away.
It’s also worth thinking about digital access. Many of us today have all sorts of digital accounts. You likely manage bills, subscriptions, and even cherished memories entirely
online. Without the right instructions in place, something as simple as logging into an account can become a major hurdle. Including these details in your plan is one of the easiest ways to make life less stressful for those you care about. Of course, you don’t need to overhaul everything. A check-in every few years is often enough to catch changes before they cause problems. Now that your nest is a little quieter, it might be the perfect time to think about your own plans. Whether that means traveling, downsizing, or getting better organized, your estate plan can support those goals, too. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken a close look at your documents, call us or reach out online to schedule a review. We can help update your plan so it fits the life you’re living now.
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WHERE TO GO BEFORE FALL HITS
Fun Festivals for Every Weekend
Pittsburgh Irish Festival (Sept. 5–7) Now in its fourth decade, this celebration of Irish culture takes place at Carrie Blast Furnaces National Historic Landmark in Swissvale. It’s a great place to enjoy traditional Irish music and dancing, sample food and drinks, and explore cultural exhibits and educational presentations. Vendors sell handmade goods and imported gifts, and there are a variety of activities for both kids and adults. This year’s entertainment lineup includes Irish singers, bagpipers, a Celtic harpist, and a Grammy- award-winning fiddle player. Along with the music, there are Gaelic sports, beverage tastings, guided tours throughout the weekend, and a traditional Irish Mass on Sunday. Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival (Sept. 18–21) For a more relaxed weekend, the Pittsburgh International Jazz Festival offers four days of world-class music. Events take place at venues throughout the Cultural District and include outdoor concerts, intimate club shows, and late-night jam sessions. The lineup features both legendary performers and up-and-coming artists. The Saturday and Sunday outdoor concerts on Liberty Avenue are free, and individual tickets and VIP passes are available for other events taking place during the festival.
Summer might be slowing down, but the local event calendar is still packed with plenty of great ways to spend an afternoon or an entire weekend. Whether you want to listen to live music, try something new, or just spend time outdoors, here are a few late-summer festivals worth checking out. Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival (Aug. 23–Sept. 28) Step into another time at the Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival in West Newton. This lively event, held on Labor Day and weekends from the end of August until the end of
September, features costumed performers, jousting tournaments, and artisan shops. There are also food vendors serving fare that fits the theme — yes, you can eat a giant turkey leg if you’d like! Each weekend has a different theme, from Pirate Invasion to Wine Revelry and Romance, and there are plenty of shaded spots and seating areas if you want to take it slow and soak in the atmosphere.
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza Inspired by FromValeriesKitchen.com
Ingredients • 2 tbsp vegetable oil • 2 boneless, skinless
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with foil. 2. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken with seasoned salt and pepper. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add 3 tbsp barbecue sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, remove skillet from heat, and set aside. 4. In a small bowl, combine remaining barbecue sauce and marinara sauce. 5. Cut French bread in half and place on prepared baking sheet. Coat with the sauce mixture, top with chicken and red onions, then add shredded cheeses. 6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until cheese is melted. 7. Remove from oven and top with chopped cilantro. Allow to sit for about 5 minutes before serving!
chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 tsp Lawry’s Seasoned Salt • Fresh ground pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup plus 3 tbsp barbecue sauce, divided • 1/2 cup marinara sauce • 1 loaf French bread • 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion • 8 oz fresh mozzarella cheese, shredded • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese • 2 tbsp chopped cilantro
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3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
Inside 1
A Tribute to a Dog Well-Loved
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Cook Up a Legacy
Updates for a Changing Household
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Late-Summer Fun Near Pittsburgh
Barbecue Chicken French Bread Pizza
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Host the Perfect Late-Summer Bash Before Fall Rolls In
Your Guide to the Ultimate End-of-Summer Party As summer winds down, there’s still time to host a memorable late-summer gathering that captures the season’s warmth and joy. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable party any guest would enjoy!
Feature a Curated Playlist Music sets the tone for any gathering. Create a playlist that starts with mellow tunes during dinner and transitions to more upbeat tracks as the evening progresses. This progression keeps the energy lively and encourages dancing or sing-alongs — the best way to entertain guests. Arrange Themed Decor Choose a theme to tie your party together. A tropical luau, garden party, or rustic picnic theme can guide your decorations, attire suggestions, and menu choices. Incorporate elements like themed tableware, centerpieces, and signage to reinforce the vibe you’re opting for. Choose Engaging Activities Plan interactive games or activities to entertain guests. Popular lawn games like cornhole, bocce ball, or a ring toss are crowd- pleasers. Or, you can get creative and set up a photo booth with fun props — those always promise a fun time. Remember, hosting a late-summer party is a great way to celebrate the last few months of the season. With thoughtful planning, your party will be a hit!
Embrace the Golden Hour Schedule your party in the late afternoon so your guests can enjoy the sunset and cooler evening temperatures. Enhance the party vibe with lanterns, string lights, or candles to create a cozy atmosphere as daylight fades.
Serve Refreshing Beverages Set up a self-serve drink station featuring a variety of options to cater to all guests. Include a signature cocktail, such as a fruit-infused sangria or a sparkling mocktail, citrus-infused water, and sodas and juices. This approach keeps guests hydrated and adds a festive touch.
Pick a Seasonal Menu Opt for a menu that highlights all things summer. Grilled vegetables, fresh salads, and light proteins like chicken or fish are great choices. For dessert, try a build-your-own ice cream sundae bar or fruit skewers with yogurt dip.
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