Jeff Zinchini

The expression "Home is where your heart is" holds true. It is where your thoughts lie, your efforts are focused, and where you find peace and solace. The town of Vandergrift has always had a strong hold on Jeff Zinchini's heart. "I grew up in Vandergrift and I plan to grow old in Vandergrift." He always tries to keep his mind geared to be thinking of ways to make improvements in the town and invest in the community.

Jeff is the Chairman of Streets, Chairman of Parks and Recreation, and for the past three years, he's been in charge of the Vandergrift Pool. The pool project has been a large investment but one that he has been happy to make. The borough recently received more funds from Representative Murtha to be used for improvements. Jeff would like to focus on the grounds around the pool because there is a lot of potential there. "It would make a nice community park for Vandergrift." He would like to add pavilions, a ball field in the back, horseshoe courts, and more. "You wouldn't have to go far to enjoy a day with your family." He is also working on a small water park for the younger kids. Jeff takes two weeks off of his business each year to get the pool up and running. He is also available to handle any problems that might develop. His vision is to see Vandergrift continue to become cleaner and more beautiful - a place that everyone will gladly take pride in. This year he was honored by being chosen to throw out the first pitch at the little league games, and he was very proud to do it.

His investment in the town is incredible enough on its own but even more so considering how busy the rest of his life is. Jeff is the owner of Winfall Energy Inc., which is a natural gas and oil provider. He drills approximately 10-15 wells a year at an investment of $200,000 each. Jeff then sells to major gas companies such as Columbia Gas and Dominion Peoples. The landowners get 1/8 royalties and free gas to their homes. When they are done with the drilling, the ground is graded off and new grass is planted. You can't even tell that a massive drilling for gas has taken place.

Jeff became interested in natural gas many years ago when he visited some wells with his uncle Less Rosensteel, who worked on old drilling wells. His uncle told him that natural gas would be the fuel of the future; and he was right. He had plans for college after graduation but instead he got a job with SW Jack Drilling Company and worked there for about 12 years. From there he worked for Delta Drilling out of Indiana, Pa, for about six years. The company was going to send him to do offshore drilling but by that time he was married to Terri and his daughter Tiffany was very young. He loved the industry so he decided to start his own company. It has taken a lot of late and sleepless nights trudging through freezing temperatures to maintain the gas wells to get to where he is now.

When he isn't busy with borough responsibilities and his company, he enjoys every moment that he has with his family. Terri, his wife, has played a big part in the business by running the office. She also helps him out with other projects and is responsible for the wonderful cartoon paintings at the Vandergrift Pool. His son, Matthew, is currently attending school at The Kiski School, and Tiffany, a Kiski Area student, spends her summers as a lifeguard at the Vandergrift Pool. Jeff also enjoys fishing and hunting and looks forward each year to taking his son out the first day of archery.

He also has spent many hours on some property that he purchased that houses his office and his father's home. Jeff plans to eventually build a new house beside the lake for his family. Jeff and his family are members of St. Gertrude's Church in Vandergrift.

As you can see, Jeff has a large investment in this local community. With his company and family and friends depending on the town, it is an investment that he feels is worth every moment of his time.