Take a look at our October newsletter!
October 2025
Your Trusted Advisor Zihmer Law Firm
Taking the Fear Out of Estate Planning WE MAKE THE PROCESS EASY
At Zihmer Law Firm, we know estate planning can feel a little intimidating. October brings us National Estate Planning Awareness Week, and it’s also the month of Halloween. That makes it a fitting time to talk about the fears and misconceptions that keep people from starting their estate plans. Some people think estate planning is only for the wealthy. Others assume they’re too young or don’t have enough assets to worry about. And many simply don’t know where to begin. That uncertainty is enough to keep people from taking the first step. We hear it all the time. Someone calls in and immediately says, “I probably should have done this years ago,” or “I have no idea what I’m doing.” Well, you don’t need to have it all figured out before you walk through our door. That’s why we’re here. We’ll take time to explain the process, answer questions, and help people make decisions they feel good about. It’s not a test. It’s a conversation. We’ve also had clients come to us after trying a do-it-yourself online tool. These websites promise quick fixes but are no replacement for an experienced estate planning attorney. They can’t ask you personal questions or catch the small details that 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.
matter in a real plan. In many cases, those “easy” options create confusion later, especially for the loved ones left behind trying to sort it out. That’s why we’re so dedicated to doing things the right way. We’ve built our processes to be personal, thoughtful, and clear from the first phone call. Our job is to help you understand your options, talk through your wishes, and make sure everything fits your life and your goals. For people who are nervous, we do our best to take that fear away. It’s not uncommon for someone to say, “I thought this would be a lot harder.” And once they finalize and sign documents, most people feel a huge sense of relief that they weren’t expecting. We love that moment because estate planning is so much more than merely getting documents in order. It’s about helping people gain peace of mind knowing their family will be cared for after they’re gone. That’s especially true for parents. If you have children, putting the right plan in place can feel like securing a safety net. It’s one of the most loving things you can do, no matter your age or the age of your kids. Now is a good time to start the conversation, especially during a month when fears can sometimes take center stage. Even if you’re unsure where to begin or whether you’re ready, that’s okay. We’re happy to talk things through, answer questions, and help you figure out the next step when the time is right. And if you’ve already completed your plan with us, thank you for putting your trust in our team. We hope the experience gave you peace of mind because that’s our goal!
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
Is Baseball Ready to Go Robotic? Justice Behind the Plate
Pros The most significant benefit of robotic umpires is increased accuracy. The strike zone will become much more consistent, and instant replay will determine if baserunners are safe or out in close-call situations. This can make games more entertaining and fun for players and fans because there will be fewer controversies, and human bias will completely disappear. Cons Technology isn’t perfect. Turn on the next Sunday Night Baseball game, and you’ll see the “K-Zone” consistently state balls are strikes and vice versa. Furthermore, technology often gets bugs, requires updates, and has other issues that could delay games. It may also extend games, as replays will be necessary for any close baserunning play. One of the most significant downsides is the loss of the human element. There’s something exciting about watching a manager or player get into it with the umpire over a controversial call.
Most longtime baseball fans recall the events that transpired on June 2, 2010, at Comerica Park. Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga was having the game of his life against the
Cleveland Indians, earning 26 outs without a single baserunner. Galarraga was on par to become the first Tiger ever to throw a perfect game. During what should have been the game’s final at-bat, the Cleveland batter hit a ground ball to the first baseman, who threw it to Galarraga as he ran to cover the base. Everyone watching thought they had witnessed a perfect game, but umpire Jim Joyce felt differently. He ruled the batter safe, ending Galarraga’s perfect game bid. Joyce later apologized tearfully once he realized he had made the wrong call. This wasn’t the first time, nor the last, that an umpire has made a mistake at the MLB level. Turn on any MLB game, and you’ll see at least one pitch incorrectly called a ball or strike. This has led many to question the umpire’s role in professional baseball. As technology has advanced, it has become capable of doing everything umpires do. Let’s explore the pros and cons of switching to robotic umpires.
MLB will likely start utilizing some robotic help in the 2026 season, but only time will tell if it improves the current system.
Why Do We Even Do That? Unmasking the Origins of Halloween Traditions
It’s hard to miss Halloween this time of year. Porch pumpkins start popping up in September, stores are loaded with candy and decorations, and your neighbors suddenly have a 12-foot skeleton in their yard. It’s a favorite holiday for many of us, but have you ever wondered why we do any of this? Take costumes, for example. That tradition goes all the way back to the ancient Celts and a festival called Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter. The Celts believed that spirits of the dead could appear during the transition, so they lit bonfires and wore animal-skin costumes to scare them away. Later, Christian traditions blended with the old beliefs, but the costumes stuck around. Of course, things have changed a bit — few ghosts would be fooled by a “Minions” costume — but the idea of dressing up to become something else is still part of the fun. And what about jack-o’-lanterns? Believe it or not, they were originally carved from turnips. In Irish folklore, there’s a story about a man named Stingy Jack who wandered the Earth with a
lit carved-out turnip to light his way. Irish and Scottish immigrants brought their vegetable-carving tradition with them to the United States but found that pumpkins were more plentiful, easier to carve, and looked better lit up, so they made the switch.
Of course, trick-or-treating also has its own strange origins. In medieval Europe, people went door to door offering prayers in exchange for food; they called it “souling.” Later, kids in Scotland and Ireland started “guising,” which involved performing tricks or songs for treats. The American version really took hold during the 20th century, helped along by candy companies that were more than happy to keep the tradition going. As you can see, Halloween doesn’t come from one place or one story. It’s a jumble of old fears, borrowed traditions, and clever reinventions. Maybe that’s why it works. Every carved pumpkin or goofy costume carries a little history with it, even if we’re mostly just in it for the candy and the laugh.
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRU
WHERE TO GET SPOOKED THIS OCTOBER Halloween Season Hits the ’Burgh
October in the Pittsburgh area brings plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the season. Beyond costumes and candy, local attractions are putting on events ranging from fun and lighthearted to spooky. Here are three worth putting on your calendar. Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium The Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium’s Jack O’Lantern Extravaganza kicks off in early October and runs through early November. Every night during the month-long event, the zoo transforms into a glowing wonderland. Zoo staff line the walking trails with thousands of carved pumpkins arranged in fun displays and all lit up after dark. Some of the pumpkins are more silly and
traditional, and some are incredibly detailed, but they all come together to add a very “Halloweeny” atmosphere to the zoo. And during the day, the ZooBoo weekend events include trick-or-treating stations, kids’ activities, and plenty of chances to show off your costume. Phantom Fall Fest at Kennywood This annual festival turns up the spooky while still keeping things fun. It also runs through the first of November, so there’s still time to see what it’s all about. During the day, things are more family-friendly, with rides, decorations, and festive food. But the real Halloween fun (and scares) begin after the sun goes down. There are six haunted houses and four scare zones open every evening. This year, there’s a new haunted house called Detached, and
it’s definitely not for the kids. Phantom Fall Fest is a fall tradition that keeps growing, and if you haven’t been yet, it might be time to go. Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tours If you’re in the mood for something a little more grown-up, the Haunted Pittsburgh Ghost Tours are a great way to spend an evening. Tours happen Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. and run through early November. They kick off at Station Square and take you up the Monongahela Incline and through Mount Washington while your guide shares some of the area’s creepiest stories and legends. The tours are more entertaining than scary, but they offer a fun way to learn more about local history while getting in the Halloween spirit.
Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets Inspired by TheShortOrderCook.com
Take a Break
Ingredients • Olive oil • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste • 3/4 cup flour • 2 large eggs, beaten • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese • 1 oz ranch
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with olive oil and set aside. 2. Season both sides of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. 3. Set out three shallow bowls. In the first, combine flour and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add the eggs to the second bowl. Mix panko, Parmesan, and ranch seasoning mix in the third bowl. 4. For coating, dip seasoned chicken breasts in flour, coating both sides. Then, dip the chicken in the beaten eggs and, finally, the panko mixture. 5. Place each coated chicken breast in the prepared baking dish. 6. Spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray. 7. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches 165 F and is golden brown.
CANDY GOURD HAUNTING LEAVES
LIBRA MARIGOLD MOON OPAL
PUMPKIN SOUP TEACHERS TOUCHDOWN
seasoning, store- bought (1 packet) or homemade
• Cooking spray
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UST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
3244 Washington Rd., Ste. 210, McMurray, PA 15317 | 412-223-2525 | ZihmerLaw.com
Inside 1
Estate Planning Without the Stress
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The Battle Over Baseball’s Next Evolution
Halloween’s Odd and Ancient Roots
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Pittsburgh’s Best Halloween Events
Extra-Crispy Ranch Chicken Cutlets
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Create Easy Halloween Fun for Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)
Nail Halloween With Minimal Effort FUN, NOT FUSSY
them in the yard or house. With the lights off and flashlights on, it’s like Halloween hide and seek!
kids transform their pumpkins into silly, spooky, or sparkly works of Halloween art.
Haunted Story Walk Set up a path around your backyard or hallway with hidden story pages or flashlight stations. Each stop reveals part of a spooky (but age-appropriate) tale. For an extra-special touch, have an older sibling or adult dress up and narrate along the way. Spooky Snack Lab Host a kitchen “lab” where your little monsters whip up their own creepy creations. Think monster trail mix, pretzel broomsticks, mummy-wrapped hot dogs, or bubbling punch with dry ice. The process is half the fun, and the mess is part of the Halloween magic.
Halloween has a way of sneaking up on you. One day, it’s back to school, and the next, you’re knee-deep in costume negotiations and candy debates. But here’s the good news: You don’t need an over-the-top haunted house or a monthlong Pinterest board to make the holiday memorable. With a few simple ideas, you can turn Halloween into a tradition your kids look forward to without totally exhausting yourself! Glow-in-the-Dark Egg Hunt Who says egg hunts are just for spring? Fill plastic eggs with small candies, stickers, or tiny trinkets, toss in a glow stick bracelet or glow-in-the-dark sticker, and scatter
Costume Creation Station You can forget the overpriced store-
bought outfits that tear before dinner on Halloween night. Set up a costume creation corner with old clothes, cardboard boxes, fabric scraps, and safe accessories. Let the kids go wild designing their own characters. These can be superheroes, TV characters, animals, or fun foods. Pumpkin Painting Party Carving can be fun, but it’s not always kid- friendly. Painting pumpkins is safer, cleaner, and just as festive. Grab some nontoxic paints, markers, and stickers, and let your
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