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July 2025
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm
The Season That Slips Away Slowing Down and Looking Ahead This Summer
My parents warned me about this when I was a kid, but I’m still surprised by how much faster time goes by the older I get. Nothing reminds me of this more than summer. As a kid, the season seemed to last forever. The long days stretched into night and felt endless but now, it seems like you blink and July’s half over.
Of course, summer life isn’t always like a Hallmark movie. There are still bills to pay, way too many errands to run, and a long list of adult responsibilities that don’t stop just because the warmer weather has arrived. It can also be a time when the “bigger picture” should be on our minds. Rather than just seeing it as a break, we should look at summer as a reset. It’s a time to check in on the important things and plan for the rest of the year and beyond. Knowing my line of work, you probably won’t be surprised to hear this, but I like to remind my clients that estate planning falls into the “important stuff” category. It’s not exactly a beach day activity or what most of you would consider exciting, but the slower pace of summer makes it the perfect time to review documents and make sure they still fit your life. Then you can cross that task off your list for a little peace of mind heading into the second half of the year. So, as you soak up the sun and make new summer memories, I also hope you take some time to think about the things that matter most, like your family and friends and the plans you’ve made to protect them. Summer doesn’t last forever, but the things we do now can make a big difference for seasons to come.
Time may feel different, but summer still carries magic for me, even as an adult. I may not be racing around the neighborhood on a bike or waiting for the sprinklers to turn on anymore, but it’s definitely a season I look forward to. And I think that’s true for many people. The kids are home from school, everyone’s talking about weekend trips and vacation plans, and there’s just a lighter mood in the air. For Andrew and me, it’s important to be able to spend quality time with our family. Whether it’s off to Disney, a beach trip with extended family, or even just a long weekend camping trip, we always try to make the most of our summers. Getting to see the joy this brings our kids reminds me of how lucky we are, even if the summer flies by.
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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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
confusion, and clammy skin. If these symptoms set in, find shade, drink water, and try to cool down.
Trail-Ready
Know Your Level Be realistic when choosing routes, and check out the mileage, trail conditions, and elevation of any path you choose. Helpful apps include Ride with GPS for route-finding and navigation and Strava for performance-tracking and networking. As you plan, note the trail surface. Riding on gravel or dirt takes far more energy than paved trails. If you want to test your limits, do it on terrain you have traveled before. Gear Up Carry more water than you expect to need, and bring a portable water filter. Poor hydration is one of the main reasons cyclists get in trouble. Also, bring ample high-protein food, a tire patch kit, and first-aid supplies. And don’t neglect the basics: Be sure to wear a properly fitted, sturdy helmet. Don’t Go Alone Let someone know your planned route. Leave a detailed itinerary and planned check-in times with a person you trust. Carry a fully charged phone and charging device, and bring maps as digital downloads or on paper. Also, practice basic navigation skills, such as tracking the sun’s position in the sky and noting landmarks.
SAVORING NATURE SAFELY ON A BIKING ADVENTURE
Mountain biking is one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports. Drawn by its physical and mental challenges and access to nature, more than 9.2 million people participated in the sport in 2023, up 4% from 2022. Before setting out, it’s essential to realize that off-road biking can take you far from your comfort zone. Riding on rugged terrain is considered an extreme sport with a high rate of injuries, and participants tend to overestimate their skill level. Keep these tips in mind to ensure your enjoyment as a novice in this exciting sport. Be Weather-Wary Familiarize yourself with seasonal weather patterns in your area. Prepare for the possibility of extreme heat and sudden midsummer storms. Check the forecast before each outing. Heat sickness can catch you off guard, causing nausea, dizziness,
By cycling smart, you can reap the maximum benefits of one of the nation’s most exciting sports!
FAMILY FUN IN EVERY DIRECTION Summer Escapes Near Pittsburgh
Ohiopyle State Park, Fayette County, PA
Summer is a great time to be in Pittsburgh. You can take the kids for a fun-filled day at Kennywood or Sandcastle Waterpark or spend the afternoon on a river cruise or kayaking adventure on one of the city’s three rivers. Even with so much to do at home, though, it’s natural to crave a change of scenery when the heat and humidity settle in. The good news is that there are a variety of fantastic spots to visit nearby. Presque Isle State Park, Erie, PA About a two-hour drive north, Presque Isle State Park is the perfect summer destination. The park extends into Lake Erie and is known as Pennsylvania’s only “seashore.” It’s home to sandy beaches and beautiful coastlines for swimming and sunbathing. Presque Isle also features 11 miles of hiking trails, over 13 miles of biking trails, and some of the best bird-watching opportunities in the entire country. Of course, it’s also a haven for boaters. If you don’t have your own, you can rent canoes, kayaks, small motorboats, and pontoon boats at the park. After enjoying the outdoors all day, you can relax in the evening at a bayfront hotel in Erie.
Driving southwest for about 90 minutes brings you to Ohiopyle
State Park in the Laurel Highlands. This 20,500-acre park offers whitewater rafting for all experience levels on the Youghiogheny River and miles of hiking and biking trails. Cucumber Falls provides a great spot for a picnic, and the natural waterslides at Meadow Run are perfect for cooling off. When it’s time to settle in for the night, you’ll find campsites, cottages, and yurts in the park and fantastic eateries and hotels in the nearby town of Ohiopyle. Deep Creek Lake, Garrett County, MD Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake is a perfect summer retreat just over two hours south of Pittsburgh. The lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and watersports. On land, you can hike and bike on trails leading to waterfalls and scenic overlooks. Farmers markets, outdoor concerts, and other events are held in the area throughout the summer. There are also plenty of spots to stay for the night, including camping spots, vacation rentals, and hotels.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRU
Who’s in Charge When You’re Gone? UNDERSTANDING THE EXECUTOR’S ROLE
When you think about estate planning, a Will or a Trust is likely the first thing that comes to mind. These are the documents that outline who gets what after someone passes away. They are definitely important, but someone has to make sure that everything in those documents is carried out. That’s where an executor comes in. The executor is the person named in your Will to fulfill your wishes. It’s an important and sometimes demanding role that can take months — or even years — to finish. So, what does an executor actually do? To start, they gather and protect your assets. This typically requires tracking down documents and securing financial accounts. It might also mean managing real estate and other investments and listing and valuing personal property. Another major task is figuring out what debts and taxes are owed and making sure those are paid before anything goes to the listed beneficiaries. Debts may include everything from mortgages and medical bills to
lines of credit and funeral and burial expenses. Sometimes, the executor will have to sell property to settle these debts.
Once they handle all the legal and financial tasks, including filing paperwork with the court, the executor can get started distributing the remaining assets according to the Will. Executors are the beneficiaries’ point of contact. They answer questions, share updates, and keep everything moving. That means they sometimes have to handle disagreements as well. Pennsylvania law generally allows anyone over 18 to serve as an executor. Most are family members of the deceased, typically a spouse, child, or sibling. While it’s natural to choose family for this role, a few traits make for an effective executor. Of course, you want someone you trust, but you also want someone who is organized, detail-oriented, and able to manage conflict. You can make your executor’s job much easier by having all your paperwork in order and ensuring your family understands your wishes. If you need to create or update your estate plan, we’re here to help. We can ensure fewer delays, fewer headaches, and a smoother process for everyone involved.
Inspired by CooktopCove.com
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Ingredients • 3 tbsp olive oil • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese • 1 tsp Italian seasoning • 1/2 tsp salt
Take a Break
• 1/2 tsp black pepper • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • Juice of 1 lemon
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 400 F. 2. In a bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. 3. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss until fully coated. 4. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. 5. Roast in the oven for 7–9 minutes or until the shrimp are pink and slightly golden. 6. Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice before serving.
American Bicycle Cherry Fireworks
Flag Independence Paddleboard Picnic
Ruby Stars Sherbet Trampoline
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UST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
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3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
Inside 1
Summer, Family, and the Big Picture
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Essential Tips for Safe Summer Biking
Summer Adventures Just a Drive Away
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What Does an Executor Do?
Garlic Parmesan Shrimp
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Inexpensive and Memorable Grandparent- Grandchild Activities
can be a fun, practically free way to spend time together. Whether it’s a morning fishing trip to a nearby lake or an afternoon crafting, these moments can become cherished memories. Discover Local Gems Smaller, lesser-known museums or factory tours can be fascinating and won’t hurt your wallet. They’re often just the right scale for shorter attention spans and are usually less crowded. Plus, they sometimes offer discounts or free days — don’t forget to ask! Utilize Community Resources Your local library or community center likely hosts a variety of free or inexpensive activities. From story hours to craft days, these events are for family fun and learning. Also, be sure to check out any local festivals. Build and Create Look out for free classes at local hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s, where kids can engage in projects like building a birdhouse. These workshops promise a good time and give the kids something to take home and be proud of. Hometown Tourism Lastly, don’t underestimate the joy of simple activities. A picnic in the park, flying a kite, or a day playing board games can be just as exciting and meaningful as any expensive outing.
Fun and Frugal Ideas for Grandkids Cost-Conscious Connections
Summer vacation is the golden opportunity to make precious memories with your grandkids without breaking the bank! While life’s hustle and bustle can sometimes throw a wrench in your plans, creativity can go a long way. Here are six ways to have a blast with the kiddos on a budget. Explore Nature Together Nothing beats getting outside! Many local nature preserves offer free or low-cost access, and they’re great places to hike, learn about local plants and wildlife, or even participate in volunteer activities. The fresh air, the sounds of birds, and the chance to explore are perfect for curious young minds (and those young at heart!). Share Your Hobbies Do you have a knack for knitting or a passion for golf? Chances are that your grandkids would love to learn! Sharing your hobbies
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