Manhattan Resident Managers Club Newsletter, December 2019

Vol. 40 No. 197

December 2019

Dedicated to the Performance & Advancement for the Real Estate Manager

You are all invited to this year’s Holiday Party which will be held on

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2ND, 2019

at the Battery Gardens from 6:00pm til 10:00pm. As we have done in the past, one (1) representative from each of our Associate Members will be allowed in free of charge, all others will be charged $50.00.

– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

Top 10 Reasons to Join the MRM Club!

10. Extra Curricular: Looks great on employment applications/resumes!

9. Networking: You will have the opportunity to meet and network with the BEST of the BEST in their field at our regular meetings on the 1st Thursday of each month.

8. Promote Awareness: The CLUB helps promote education and awareness about the NYC residential real estate market.

7. Life Insurance: Being a Regular Member of the CLUB affords you a personal life insurance policy in the amount of $150,000.00 6. Philanthropic: The CLUB participates and raises money for a number of local and national charities giving back to the community and those most in need.

5. Brotherhood: Being a member automatically gives you a feeling of closeness to other members. You share something that other people are not a part of and really can’t relate to.

4. Enrichment: Being part of a professionally ran Club or Organization is an en- riching experience. You owe it to yourself to at least try them out.

VISIT US ON THE WEB!

WWW.MRMCLUB.COM

3. Exposure: The CLUB will expose you to real life every day experiences you and your peers regularly share and have in common .

2. Growth: Members in Clubs/Organizations are encouraging and supportive of your personal growth.

We all have a vested interest in each other.

1. Social: They are a BEST way to meet great people and have a lot of fun! With numerous events happening throughout the year; separate from our monthly meetings, it is impossible to not have some FUN!

YOUR 2020 CLUB DUES ARE DUE!

This is just a friendly reminder to ALL Members that your 2020 Annual Dues Notice has been sent via the US mail. For Regular & Life Members, your payment is due no later than December 31st in order to remain on the CLUB's Group Term Life Insurance Policy. The CLUB will be accepting checks, cash & credit card payments at the Annual Holiday Party on December 2nd at the Battery Gardens.

If you can not attend the Holiday Party and would like to pay your dues via the the US mail, please make check payable to:

Manhattan Resident Managers Club, Inc.

P.O. Box 1144 New York, NY 10021 ATTN: Financial Secretary

Regular Member Renewal is: $350.00 Associate Member Renewal is: $275.00 Affiliate Member Renewal is: $350.00 Life Member Renewal is: $200.00

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

D

A

I

S

PRESIDENT: Francis P. McLoughLin (646) 525-5272 armorysuper@aol.com

MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. ORgANizED 1980 P.O. Box 1144 New York, NY 10021

VICE-PRESIDENT: Steve Mala 212-861-2073 Steve.Mala@yahoo.com TREASURER: Sevdet “Steve” KuKaJ (917) 339-7166 kukaj01@gmail.com FIN.SECRETARY: Scot HudginS (516) 984-3311

You are all invited to this year’s Holiday Party which will be held on

Monday, December 2nd, 2019

at the Battery Gardens from 6:00pm til 10:00pm.

As we have done in the past, one (1) representative from each of our Associate Members will be allowed in free of charge, all others will be charged $50.00.

417parkavenuerm@gmail.com ASSISTANTT FINANCIAL SECRETARY & SERGEANT-AT-ARMS:

CLUB NEWSLETTER

JoHn Szabo 914-672-50887 izirajders@verizon.net SECRETARY:

Louis Parrilla Publisher 917-750-4117 resmgr524@gmail.com

ben floreS 917-860-5811 benjieflores3@gmail.com

Brian Purovic

Ben Flores Editor 917-860-5811 benjieflores3@gmail.com

Any Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and not necessarily those of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club,Inc., or its members. The Manhattan Resident Managers Club Inc. reserves the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to accept or decline requests or submissions for advertising or other copy in its Newsletter or in any Club publication.

TRUSTEES:

Dean Berishaj

Peter Guzman Business Manager 917-837-1390 pgu3911250@aol.com

Fabio Progni

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

the resident’s essage

pm Francis P. McLoughlin President

2014 Resident Manager of the Year Hello fellow members,

Welcome to the December 2019 Newsletter!

Here we go again Winter! Will Mother Nature ever let us enjoy an Indian Summer again?

Well I hope everyone had an enjoyable Thanksgiving and was able to spend some time relaxing with family; catching up with old funny stories and hopefully watched a little football. And I pray you and your wallets survived Black Friday.

Remember, Cyber Monday is on December 1st this year. Good Luck! Lol….

I would like to thank Vice-President Steve Mala for filling in for me at the last couple of meetings. As we all know and can appreciate, family commitments and our buildings come before all else.

What a great Three-Hands Grand Ball we celebrated last month! The committee really did a fantastic job this year and we are already looking forward to 2020. Thank you again!

Tis the Season! You are all invited to this year’s Holiday Party which will be held on Monday, December 2nd, 2019 at the Battery Gardens from 6:00pm til 10:00pm. As we have done in the past, one (1) representative from each of our Associate Members will be allowed in free of charge, all others will be charged $50.00.

The CLUB will also be collecting toys for those less fortunate; so please try and bring 1 gift to the party.

2019 has been an amazing year for the CLUB. We have increased our membership roster by over 10% and hope to continue on this pace for the upcoming year.

Please keep an eye out for the 2020 dues notices that should have already arrived via the US Mail. We ask that you please pay the dues quickly to avoid any issues or lapse with the CLUB life-insurance policy. We have also enclosed a new beneficiary form for this year; so please fill it out and return to us as soon as possible or bring it with you to the next meeting. You can pay your annual dues with a Check, cash or debit/credit card. You can also make your payment on the CLUB’s website. www.mrmclub.com

As many of you are aware the CLUB and has moved the newsletter to a digital format which is emailed to everyone.

Please make sure we have your most up-to-date email address on file. No email on file, no Newsletter delivered. You can also find the current and all past Newsletters on the CLUB website.

Always remember to support all our Associate Members as they are the driving force that keeps our CLUB in existence.

Most of our Associate Members take an ad in the monthly Newsletter; so when you’re in need of a contractor, vendor or supplies, please refer to the Newsletter for their services and/or products.

Also a reminder to all, the CLUB is on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. These social media outlets are FREE to use and you should all be utilizing them every day for business and pleasure. Always be NETWORKING!

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Monday, December 2nd at the Battery Gardens for the Holiday party. Remember, the doors open at 6:00pm. Dress code for this meeting is business casual.

Fraternally yours,

Francis

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. – Dear Members of the Manhattan Resident Managers Club: As is the custom each holiday season, the Manhattan Resident Managers Club participates in the toy drive for the Ronald McDonald House Toys 4 Tots. We started collecting toys at the Holiday Party on December 2nd at the Battery Gardens and will continue thru Friday, December 20th. We suggest that you donate two toys; one for a boy, one for a girl. If you forget to bring a toy to the Holiday Party, you can also elect to drop them off at my building, City Spire Condominium, located at 150 West 56th Street.

Last year, your generosity put smiles on the faces of young children challenged with significant health problems. Let’s make even more kids happy this year.

Enjoy the Holiday Season, Anton Markola Past-President

My fellow members & friends, It is with great sadness that we report to you the passing of Mr. Jorge A. Pena Moreira, father of Associate Member Mr. Freddy Pena.

On behalf of the MRM Club's Dais & Trustees, we extend our deepest condolences to the Pena family in this time of grief & sorrow. We ask that you keep the Pena Family in your thoughts and prayers.

May he rest in peace!

Happy December Birthdays to the following Members of the CLUB: Jose Vela, Tom Smajlaj, Emily Key, Lucille Consorti, Ed Mackel and the one and only, our CLUB Past-President, Mr. Joe Cervini.

December 1st World AIDS Day

December 1st - 24th Advent

December 7th Pearl Harbor Day

December 22nd - 30th Hanukkah

December 23rd Happy Festivus

December 25th Christmas Day

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December 21st Winter Solstice

December 31st New Years Eve

Want to untangle Christmas tree lights? Walk a reindeer?

– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

During the Christmas season, supply and demand rules.

At no other time of the year do so many part-time jobs pop up in so many variations.

A tour of such websites as simplyhired.com and jobmonkey.com, among others, turned up the following Christmas job openings.

In England, the groceries and general merchandise retailing giant Tesco launched the nation's first-ever Christmas light untangling service. The job description: Manage the Christmas Lights Untangling Stand, untangle customers' Christmas lights quickly and efficiently, check for broken lights and bulbs, put a smile on customers' faces. Tesco also was looking for a hand-holder at an ice skating rink.

Elsewhere in the UK, a person was needed to become a human hot water bottle, requiring a special hygienic sleep-suit.

Also, a professional tea taster was needed to consume 300 cups of tea a day, and a garden center was on the lookout for a reindeer walker.

Back in the U.S., Harbor Farm Wreaths in Maine was seeking somebody to move boxed wreaths into shipping containers, fill wreath decorators' stations with decorating materials, haul in racks of wreaths for decoration, place wired tags on the wreaths, then haul in poles of brush and ask around if anyone needed help.

In Arizona, Christmas at the Princess Hotel and Resort in North Scottsdale was hiring conductors for its train depot cars. The advertisement: Come work where you will choo-choo through the holiday! Join our friendly, festive team of hospitable holiday helpers!

Meanwhile, in California, San Diego Party Lights was looking around for Christmas light installers to join one of the state's largest lights installation businesses.

Applicants were to have experience with ladders, no fear of heights, possess excellent customer service, and be comfortable taking directions. Anyone who was not reliable, or did not want to work hard was told not to apply.

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

Book Review: "Dare to Lead": True Leaders Share Themselves

In her book, "Dare to Lead: Brave Work. Tough Conversations. Whole Hearts," best-selling author Brene Brown declares that leadership is not about the person's title, status, and power. Instead, it's about people who hold themselves accountable for sensing the potential in people and ideas, then cultivating the potential in both.

Over seven years, Brown interviewed leaders in organizations large and small, from small entrepreneurial start-ups to family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 CEOs and other corporate suite executives.

How, she asked, are brave, daring leaders produced today?

Her takeaways are somewhat of a departure from traditional perceptions of leadership.

Brown learned that daring leaders are very much aware of themselves because they know people.

Instead of forcefully managing interpersonal relationships, she writes, the resourceful leader operates from the heart without feeling threatened by his or her own imperfections. They're prepared to be vulnerable themselves.

Brave leaders are empa-

sive questions, and they listen carefully.

They understand their power works best when it's shared with others, when it creates mutual trust, and when it's used to produce progress and accountability.

According to Brown, choosing courage over comfort is not easy, she writes, but for the daring leader, it's worth the effort.

This book is well worth the read, not only for aspirthetic. They accept the other ing executive leaders but for person's perspective with un- those in subordinate workderstanding. place leadership positions as They don't pretend to well. have all the answers. They Publisher: Random are curious. They ask inciHouse. Pages: 298

MONEYWISE: Using a HELOC to age in place

As the population ages, more people face the uncertainty of whether they can stay in their homes. But an older demographic often has one very useful aid: equity in their home.

And that equity can come in handy. According to an article in Money magazine, homeowners 62 and older hold a record $7.1 trillion in home equity -- but just 3.5 percent of the housing stock incorporates single-floor living, no-step entries, and extra-wide halls and doors.

Homeowners with equity can tap into it via a HELOC, or Home Equity Line of Credit. In a HELOC, you're approved for a loan and, rather than getting a lump sum, you take out amounts as you need them. Usually a HELOC has an initial drawdown period of 10 years when you only pay

interest. After that time, the loan converts to an installment loan.

This works well for older homeowners, who might tackle one renovation at a time, as needed.

Borrowers withdraw funds as needed and aren't required to withdraw the full amount. You repay what you've

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withdrawn.

HELOCs typically have variablerate interest rates, though some banks offer fixed rates. And the loans can sometimes extend as long as 25 years.

– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

That jingling you hear may not be bells. Could be what's left in your pocket.

For those caught up in the buying frenzy of the holidays, Christmas Eve could find them with a handful of change in their pockets and little else.

Of course, every year you think you'll avoid the rush by accumulating gifts throughout the year. That would be smart, but it doesn't do much good in November and December and the shopping list looms.

A survey by The Wall Street Journal shows that more of us are controlling credit card debt by adopting new traditions

that reduce the loot under the tree.

Women do most of the Christmas shopping, says Eileen Fischer of York University in Canada, who studies consumer behavior. They give gifts to reinforce relationships with spouses, kids, in-laws, co-workers, friends and helpers.

Here is some classic advice on keeping your holidays affordable: 1. If you have a multitude of relatives to buy for, talk with them about exchanging cards this year. They will be happy to do it in most cases.

2. Decide in advance how much you will spend on gifts.

3. Give gift certificates to teens. They keep you within your specific amount, and teens enjoy shopping.

4. Skip the stocking stuffers.

5. Shop with a specific list, especially online where easy clicks add up to big money.

6. Don't buy for yourself at the same time. Stick to the project.

7. Financial advisor Jane Bryant Quinn says: Add up your consumer debt and write the number at the top of your shopping list or computer.

8. An advantage of buying less: Less time spent opening gifts. It can drag on and on for a large group.

The holidays are more joyful when you know you can pay the bills as they arrive in January.

Americans still love Christmas

Christmas is still a favorite holiday in America, even though the religious observation of it is slipping a bit.

According to the Pew Research Center, nine in 10 Americans celebrate Christmas. For Christians, it is still a major holiday, with 95 percent of Christians celebrating it.

Far fewer Americans observe it as a religious day, in which they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, or Jesus the Savior. Just 46 percent of Americans say they keep Christmas as a religious, rather than a public, holiday. Still, 66 percent believe the

Christmas story is an actual historic event.

The percentage who believe the four main points of the Christmas story has shrunk somewhat. In 2014, 65 percent of Americans believed the four points of the Christmas story: Jesus was born of a virgin; laid in a manger; wise men were guided by a star to Jesus; and an angel announced the birth to shepherds. Today, that number is 57 percent.

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

Power strip is basic for holiday lighting schemes Experts on safety tell us not to overload circuits at Christmas time, but they don't tell us how. The solution to overloading is the power strip.

Born of computer users' need for many electrical connections, the power strip can have six or more outlets. There's no need to stack cords on a single wall outlet. The power strip has a circuit breaker that will turn it off, preventing a fire.

But it does more. Put the power strip on the floor, and you can turn on decorations with a touch of your foot. Gone are the days when you had to crawl behind the tree to plug them in.

The strips work just as well for outdoor decorations, but should be protected from rain and snow. Placing the strip in a plastic bag or under a wooden box works very well. Other decorating safety rules include: * Select a fresh green tree and keep it in water while it is in your home.

* If you select an artificial tree, check to be sure it is made with fire retardant. * Position the tree so it is three feet away from any fireplace, candle, heater, heating vent, or other source of heat. * Check each string of lights before using it. If a string has a frayed cord or any damaged light sockets, throw it away. * Don't use indoor lights outside, because they may not be waterproof. * Don't use outdoor lights inside because they burn hotter.

Some lights are approved for both indoor and outdoor use, so you can use those in either place. * If you have to use a ladder outside, use a sturdy one. Have someone steady the ladder if it is against something unstable, like evergreen

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branches. Don't try to decorate very tall trees. * Unplug indoor and outdoor decorations when you go to bed or leave your home.

– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

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An ounce of prevention for the winter season – MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

If you were asked to name the most important day in December, Christmas or Hanukkah would probably come to mind. Certainly these events dominate the month.

But there is another day, a significant day, a day dreaded by anyone trying to run an organization in colder climes.

December 21 is the first day of winter. In many parts of the country, that means snow and ice. Before that big storm inevitably hits, there are steps you can take to ensure you make it to work. * First: think about your car. It may seem obvious that it needs a strong battery and good antifreeze, but those are also easy to put off. Get a tune-up to ensure that the car will start in cold weather. * Alternate transportation. In heavy snow, sometimes only four-wheel drive vehicles can get through. Make

arrangements now with someone who has one. If all else fails, call in to your workplace. They may be able to send someone to pick you up. * Alternate child care. When snow is deep, daycare centers will sometimes close. Arrange now for a backup to take care of your child so you can go to work. * Your home. Take steps to prevent home emergencies. Wrap pipes that may freeze with heat tape. Have your heating system checked so it doesn't go

You've likely seen a crush of ads and stores selling CBD oil the past couple of years.

And it's understandable that, with its origins in the cannabis family, you may have assumed the buzz had to do with … a buzz.

But don't light your patchouli candle just yet. The interest in CBD oil is largely rooted in its supposed, but largely untested, medicinal purposes.

CBD is a non-intoxicating extract from the Cannabis sativa family of plants, which includes hemp and marijuana. According to The Duke Perspective, it's one of a family of chemicals known as cannabinoids, which have supposed anti-inflammatory, antipsychotic, anti-anxiey, and anticonvulsant properties.

The high associated with the cannabis plant comes from THC, which comes from different parts of the plant than those from which CBD oil is derived. In 2017, the World Health Organization suggested that CBD not be considered a drug, and cannabidiol is not listed on the U.S. Controlled Substances Act, while THC and marijuana are.

Likewise, in 2018 Congress lifted a ban on growing hemp, which means licensed farmers can now grow the plant as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent THC, according to WebMD. And hence, the explosion in businesses selling CBD oil in everything from cook-

out at the worst possible time. Think of any other type of emergency that could occur. * Personal. Be prepared with nonslip boots, walk with care, and use hand rails on steps.

Holidays should be happy days — and they will be happier if you have taken steps to ensure you'll have no problems in December and the rest of the winter season.

The CBD craze focuses on as yet untested claims

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ies and lotion to dog treats.

But, buyers beware.

First, according to the journal Karger, labeling on unregulated CBD products is often wrong. It can contain high levels of THC, despite claims to the contrary, and those who are drug tested on their jobs, should avoid all CBD products.

Karger also found that CBD products were often contaminated with molds, metals, pesticides, and bacteria.

Wild claims for CBD are everywhere.

Nearly all claims for CBD oil are not supported (yet) by clinical testing. But many clinical trials are in the works.

One claim for the use of CBD oil is currently in clinical trial and seems to be encouraging. In children with the epileptic disease Dravet Syndrome, CBD seems to be a good therapy.

But, claims for cures for cancer, Alzheimer's, dementia, and more are utterly unproven.

– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

99 Lakeville Road, New Hyde Park, NY 11040

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

RESIDENT MANAGER

OF THE YEAR 2019

MANHAttAN RESIDENt MANAgER’S CLUB, INC. IS PROUD tO HAvE SELECtED

SEVdET “STEVE” KUKaj Resident Manager of the Year 2019 With gratitude & appreciation for the years of dedication and service to the CLUB — 20 —

– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

RECIPIENT OF THE WILLIAM KEY AWARD 2019

MANHAttAN RESIDENt MANAgER’S CLUB, INC. IS PROUD tO HAvE SELECtED

JIM SIMPSON

Northeast Plumbing Specialties

associate Member of the Year 2019 In recognition of many years of support & friendship you have show to the CLUB — 21 —

The absolute best days to fly at Christmas

– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

This holiday season, Saturday, dec. 22, Sunday, dec. 23, and Wednesday, dec. 26, will be the busiest days in the skies and at the airports, according to aaa.

But the best travel days are dec. 24 and 25, and jan. 5.

Frequent holiday travelers have well noted that airports and planes are elbow-to-elbow on dec.

23, but fairly empty dec. 25. an expected 45.7 million people will travel on US airlines from dec. 20 to jan. 6, according to airlines for america. That is a 5.2 percent increase over the comparable time frame last year.

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

DELTA COACH SEATS HAVE MORE ROOM

If you are nearly 6-feet-tall or taller, you know flying coach can be an ordeal as your knees mash against the seat in front, for an agonizing trip through the skies.

Delta might be a better choice for some.

On the long-haul Boeing 777, Delta has resisted passenger cramming. United and American jam customers into 10 seats across, each just 17-inches wide. Delta sticks with nine seats in the row, giving everyone 18 inches. Most Delta coach seats are 31 inches deep, although a few allow just 30 inches (and that includes the seat). Meanwhile, American and United have gone strictly to 30 inches deep as their new standard, according to The Wall Street Journal. That means on a Boeing 737-800, Delta has 160 seats, American has 172. United has 166.

If seat room is important to you, but you have to stick with economy, check out the plane seating maps at seatguru.com.

The maps show the best and worst seats on each type of plane by carrier.

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

10 prostate cancer risks

It is the second most-common cancer for men, and a cancer that almost always attacks older men: Prostate cancer.

According to cancer.net, skin cancer is the only type more common in men than prostate cancer.

An estimated 174,650 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

About 60 percent of cases are diagnosed in men over 65. The average age of diagnosis is 66.

The disease rarely occurs before age 40.

Here are 10 risk factors for prostate cancer, according to Duke University News.

Race: African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and die from it than Caucasian men.

Family history: Having a

father or brother with prostate cancer increases your prostate cancer risk by as much as two or three times.

History of another cancer: Melanoma, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, or kidney cancer slightly increases your risk.

Height and weight: Obese men are at risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer and of dying from their cancer.

Taller men have an increased risk.

Smoking: Heavy smokers have the highest risk.

Vitamin E supplements: One study showed that men who took vitamin E supplements alone had a 17 percent increased risk of prostate cancer.

Geography: Men living in North America, the Caribbean,

northwestern Europe, and Australia have a higher incidence of prostate cancer.

High-calcium diet: High dietary intake of calcium from dairy products is implicated, though not in men whose calcium came from non-dairy sources.

High-in-fat diet: Animal fat may increase risk of prostate cancer.

Abnormal changes in the prostate cells: Abnormal cells that are not cancerous can suggest cancer elsewhere in the prostate, or be a precursor to prostate cancer. Some men

with cells that have become smaller or inflamed could be susceptible to prostate cancer.

Unfortunately, prostate cancer symptoms occur only when it has reached an advanced stage. The symptoms can include trouble starting to urinate or an inability to urinate, increased urinary frequency, burning or painful urination, blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, and pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs, according to Duke University. These symptoms can occur from a condition other than prostate cancer.

In 1776, the fate of America turned on the Christmas Crossing

At Christmastime in 1776, George Washington's troops were in retreat, barely keeping ahead of the Redcoats. The Revolution was in great danger of collapsing.

Washington's troops had reached Trenton on the Delaware River on Dec. 2. Gathering every boat they could find so the British couldn't follow, they crossed the river into Pennsylvania. Washington expected the British to attack when the river froze, but they delayed.

The American troops were described by an enemy officer as "dying of the cold, without blankets, and very ill-supplied with provisions."

Meanwhile, some 1,000 Hessians, German professional soldiers, had arrived in Trenton.

With morale crumbling, one fiery supporter of the Revolution refused to despair. Thomas Paine, author of Common Sense, had written a new essay, the first in a series he called The American Crisis. It was published on Dec. 19. The troops were inspired as they read: "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

Washington formed an audacious plan. He would cross the Delaware some nine miles north of Trenton and surprise the garrison.

The Hessian commander said the Patriots were just farmers, and he never prepared for an attack.

The crossing began at 6 p.m. on Dec. 25. After nine hours, the last boatload of men and cannons were on the shore. Then came the ninemile ordeal through freezing wind and hail to reach Trenton.

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Washington and his men attacked the Hessians shortly after dawn, surprising them completely. It was over in two hours with nearly 900 taken prisoner. The Americans suffered few casualties.

The Christmas victory at Trenton marked a turning point of the American Revolution. The effect on troop morale was tremendous, because they had taken on the King's forces and won. As word of the victory spread, confidence in Washington and in the Revolution was revived.

Once written off as beaten, Americans fought on and won.

– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

Horoscopes

Aries 3/21 - 4/19: A compromise is required by mid-month. You might not feel like making the deal, but be patient. By month's end, you see how the compromise helped or not.

Taurus 4/20 - 5/20: One special gift this year will take thought and money, but it will be well worth it.

Gemini 5/21 - 6/20: Be frugal this year. Best not to depend on your tax return to pay for holidays. A big expense crops up early in the new year.

Cancer 6/21 - 7/22: Don't clutter your calendar. Invitations are tempting, but the stars say you need more time at home than you might think. Look for that special gift.

Leo 7/23 - 8/22: If you give a party, it will be a hit. If you go to one, you will be the hit. It's time to get into the spirit of the season, but guard against overspending.

Virgo 8/23 - 9/22: The month begins with frustrations; things getting scrambled and misunderstood. Don't worry. In the second half this will pass, and things turn out fine.

Libra 9/23 - 10/21: Tensions are in the air. Handle the holiday by avoiding idealistic expectations. You will be a mediator again because you are so good at it.

Scorpio 10/22 - 11/21: The first week of December is a very important time. You will get your way. Diplomacy and sincerity are the keys to the positive results you want.

Sagittarius 11/22 - 12/21: Mid-month holds an awe inspiring moment that triggers your generous heart. Do something humanitarian or spiritual for a great Christmas.

Capricorn 12/22 - 1/19: As the year closes, reflect on what you have gained, not lost, and you will be in a better frame of mind. This is a good time to take a leadership role.

Aquarius 1/20 - 2/18: There are surprises in store as the month opens.

Meeting an old friend and hearing news could be connected with an opportunity. Listen.

Pisces 2/19 - 3/20: You are feeling like a change is in order, maybe some new way of celebrating Christmas, or buying yourself something special.

There will be more people around you now.

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Ideas for hiding Christmas presents For a lot of kids, it's hunting season! They know their presents are hidden somewhere; the challenge is to find them, skillfully snoop in the packages, and wrap them all back up again.

It's easier with little ones. They can't reach the top shelf of the closet. But at age 10 and beyond, kids can usually reach or use a chair.

You may know they've been naughty, not nice, if you find wrappings slightly disturbed.

According to a recent and really unscientific survey by The Wall Street Journal, these are the most popular

places to hide gifts: * In the closet. * In the attic. * In the basement. * In the garage. * In the freezer. * In the trunk of the car. * In the store (on layaway). * In other people's houses.

According to Cafe Mom, here are some other fantastic hiding solutions: * Suitcases. Who looks in those?

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* Under the bed (with decoys). Put gifts in a garbage bag, stuff them under the bed, then put more bags with old clothes in front of them. * In a clothes hamper in your room, covered with dirty clothes.

The funny thing is, it's not just the kids who peek. There are dads who are excellent detectives when it comes to discovering what their big gift will be. They have been known to snoop, investigate, and try to trick their own kids into giving up the big secret.

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Mistletoe winds its way through human history Being kissed under the mistletoe has been a Christmas tradition for more than a thousand years. But mistletoe is not only associated with a gentle kiss, it has a lore all its own.

Mistletoe is a parasitic plant that lives off trees. It has attracted human attention for thousands of years because, in the depth of winter, it is green. That made it a natural for legend and ritual, especially fertility rituals.

The actual kissing under the plant may have begun with the Greeks in their agricultural festival, according to The Wall Street Journal, but its kissing properties continue to this day where, as the old song puts it, we can see mama kissing Santa Claus.

To the ancient Scandinavians, mistletoe symbolized peace. Enemies meeting under the mistletoe declared a truce until the following

day. On a more domestic note, disgruntled spouses kissed and made up under the greenery.

The Druids believed mistletoe possessed magical powers. Their priests cut the plant with golden sickles and gathered the trimmings on white cloth so the plant would never touch the earth and lose its enchantment.

The French didn't like it. They said mistletoe was cursed because it grew on the wood from which the cross of Christ was made and that it was doomed to be a rootless parasite forever.

In the Middle Ages, mistletoe was hung from ceilings in Europe to ward off evil, or it was dangled over doors to prevent the entrance of witches. If mistletoe was suspended over a crib, the child was said to be safe from

Get up, get out, and get happy. Experts say that even if you have to fake it, you'll soon be merry -- or at least a little happier.

People can have a good reason to be wistful or even blue at Christmas. Family members are not always near, or physical conditions can limit activities.

Strange that just when we can't remember where we put the car keys, memories from 30 years ago are accessible in every detail. It's great to remember the good times, but to be happy today we need to stay in the present.

According to happiness guru Gretchen Rubin, the key is to actively plan for holi-

days and make new memories. Here are some ideas: *Consider some things you have loved: Songs, gift-giving, family. Start asking around early for churches that have carols and holiday activities. If you need a ride, ask at the church office. * Find out who needs a gift and give it! * Gather your own 'family' of neighbors and friends for a pitch-in dinner. It doesn't have to be on Dec. 25.

The bottom line: Make a plan and get out of the house.

Do ask others about their plans; people often love to share holidays.

Time to get happy!

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kidnapping.

Viking lore describes the goddess of love, Frigga, who made each plant and animal promise not to kill her son Baldur. She forgot the mistletoe plant and Baldur was killed by a spear made from it. The white berries on the mistletoe are said to have been created from her tears.

When her son returned to life, Frigga proclaimed the mistletoe to be sacred. She kissed everyone who passed under it and decreed the plant should henceforth bring love. This is said to be the origin of kissing under the mistletoe.

So go ahead. Kiss under the mistletoe, have fun doing it, and give a nod to Frigga for starting a very enjoyable custom.

Be grateful for the holiday you make for yourself. Don't compare this Christmas to happier times in the past and try not to compare this Christmas to the holiday you imagined it would be. Create something for yourself and enjoy it, whether it is a modest decoration and dinner with a friend, or an all-out bash.

Pizza from the sky

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While food delivery is a super convenient option, wouldn't it be even more convenient if we didn't have to face an actual person? To not worry about whether we have cash on hand for a tip, or whether the dog is going to go crazy, or whether we are in pajamas.

Indeed. Enter drones to the rescue. In late October, Uber Eats unveiled plans for food delivery via drone.

Food delivery is the latest in a progression of uses for drones, the most famous probably being Amazon's moves toward package delivery.

A number of hurdles need to be cleared before drones are seen with regularity, as the Federal Aviation Administration determines their safety. As drones get bigger, fly longer distances and over more populated areas, they are scrutinized in a similar manner as airplanes.

Regardless, their advances have been remarkable.

Consider these scenarios that Forbes reported: * In Rwanda and Ghana, a delivery drone network carries vaccines, medications, and blood to rural hospitals

* In Iceland, a Reykjavik-basedfood delivery service used drones, particularly in places that are difficult to reach by car because of coastal inlets and winding roads. * In April, a drone delivered a donated kidney for a transplant patient in Maryland. It was a 2.8-mile test flight that took less than 10 minutes and was limited to the University of Maryland campus.

Kind of makes that pizza delivery look easy, doesn't it?

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Factors that contribute to memory decline and ways to counter it

Some memory declines have nothing to do with aging and are completely reversible.

Certain factors can instead be the cause, according to the American Psychological Association, including: * Anxiety * Dehydration * Depression * Infections * Medication * Poor nutrition * Psychological stress * Substance abuse * Thyroid imbalance

Regardless of the cause, a variety of memory aids can help. And the most common memory aids among seniors include lists and routines.

A routine: Always putting your meds next to the coffee pot. Always putting the keys in your purse.

Lists: To-Do lists, either electronic or written, can be added to routines. Always put the to-do list on the kitchen table, for example.

Refer to it often.

Other strategies: Take your time. Try to establish a simple, tidy living arrangement.

Tips to keep your cat happy indoors Whether it's for your cat's safety or for the neighborhood birds' safety, we have a number of reasons to keep our feline family members inside.

Trouble is, it can get boring indoors. And as much as cats like to sleep, they do need some playtime and mental stimulation. So what to do?

The Humane Society offers tips for keeping your cat happy inside: * Start young. Kittens who grow up indoors are typically happy to stay inside. * Screened porch. Let your cat onto a screened-in porch to get a feel for the great outdoors without the risk. If you are able, consider building a "catio," or a screened-in area dedicated solely to the kitties. * Take a walk. It can take a bit of adjustment and training, but cats can be walked on a leash same as a dog can. But speaking of dogs, scout the neighborhood for threats before heading out. * Window perches. Let your cat bliss out in a sunny window. * Toys and playtime. Give them plenty of both and you won't have nearly as much trouble with your cats getting antsy (and destructive). * Cat condos. Also called cat trees, they allow your cat some space to climb, play, and chill. Place it next to a window for even more interest.

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“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY”

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Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it 'white'.

– Bing Crosby, famed for his rendition of the song, White Christmas.

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

— Burton Hills

Like snowflakes, my Christmas memories gather and dance — each beautiful, unique, and gone too soon.

– Deborah Whipp When we grew up, especially when we were kids, we always worried about how we would have a nice Christmas, how our parents and grandparents would put nice gifts under the Christmas tree. What is so

weird now is I am a lawyer; now I work as an investor in Silicon Valley. There are all these programs where people provide Christmas gifts for our nation's poor, and I think the programs are really good, but coming where I came from, it is an interesting juxtaposition that I have gone from worrying about how to provide for Christmas to thinking about a different way. That is a worry itself.

- JD Vance, author of Hillbilly Elegy

And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so?

It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled 'til his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more.

- Dr. Seuss

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– MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. – I have a potential buyer for my house but the buyer wants some guarantees on the appliances. How can I give him peace of mind without exposing myself to all sorts of claims after the sale of the house?

You need home warranty insurance!

isn't a very happy situation for the well-meaning

Considering what a home warranty plan costs,

seller or the cash-strapped buyer.

and the many things it covers, it can be a very good investment for a seller.

Home warranty plans cost between $350 and $600 for the first year, with an option to renew at a

For the buyer, it offers peace of mind for their pur-

higher cost the second year. The policy will carry a

chase. After all, a buyer might be feeling the pinch

deductible that the new homeowner must pay. Typi-

right after he buys a house and is in no mood to re-

cally, that deductible is from $50 to $150 and will

place the refrigerator or work on the air conditioning

apply to a service call.

Home warranties usually cover built-in appliances

system.

such as stoves, dishwashers and garbage disposals,

Buyers sometimes come back to the seller and ask that the seller make good on his promise that the

but may also cover a refrigerator or washer. The

air conditioning or refrigerator are in working order.

home warranty will cost more if you want to insure a

A major appliance that suddenly quits after the sale

pool, but will probably be worth it.

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Visit our Web Site at: www.mrmclub.com

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The loo goes high tech

Plan early for inexpensive January get-aways

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You'd be forgiven for assuming a toilet is quite simple enough and doesn't need to be made into another "smart" gadget. But it turns out that we can improve upon our old loo technologies in a variety of ways.

A startup called Shine Bathroom raised $750,000 in seed money to help build and distribute an accessory you attach to an existing toilet to make it a "smart toilet," according to an article in Tech Crunch.

The immediate goal, said the story, is to introduce new ways of cleaning toilets that are more ecologically friendly as well as provide tools to detect and even fix issues in the plumbing.

The long-term goal is to rethink the entire bathroom itself so it puts less strain on our natural resources (thinking way beyond low flush, apparently).

The toilet attachment is battery operated and includes a water vessel, a sensor, and a spraying nozzle that goes inside the tank. A third sensor fitted with an acceleromter is attached to the main line that fills the toilet's tank; the vessel is filled with tap water.

The water passes through a special filter that electrolyzes it via a current, and sprays with every flush to clean and deodorize. Shine says there are no soaps or detergents and that the technique is as powerful as bleach but without harsh chemicals.

The second feature is a bathroom assistant called Sam, which links to the hardware and sensors to identify problems like leaks. Sam can also link with Alexa to clean, check water levels, and other tasks.

Decorating won't help appraisals but some things do: During the holidays, festive decorations can make your home look like a million bucks. But if you are planning to sell your home, decked halls probably won't affect the appraisal much.

There are some basic things you can do to make your appraisal accurate, if not higher.

Although your real estate agent will suggest a selling price for the home, a professional appraisal will be necessary for financing. Many experts recommend that sellers get an appraisal

The end of the year can leave many of us feeling drained, emotionally and financially. A vacation to recover from the holidays -- is it even possible?

Absolutely. Start planning now, and you may find that a January holiday is surprisingly affordable.

And to springboard your brainstorming, here are a smattering of ideas from Travel and Leisure on cheapest places to travel in January (note that some are coldweather locales, naturally.

Keep an open mind!): * Chicago, Illinois. Great food, music, museums, and sports. And in January, hotels are 50 percent more affordable than high season, while an average round-trip ticket is $179.10. * Boston, Mass. Catch the Boston Symphony Orchestra in its world-famous concert hall, check out any number of fan-

before they put their home on the market. This way, they can address points that are graded lower and possibly raise the appraisal of the house.

Remember that many aspects of a home appraisal are out of the homeowner's hands. The appraiser will consider recent sales prices of comparable properties in the area, for example. Homeowners can't change a home's location in relation to schools and amenities, and the appraiser will consider such things.

The house should be clean inside and out. Appraisers care about these

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tastic museums, grab a great meal, and maybe see the Celtics play. Boston in January offers a 53 percent savings on hotel rates and flights are an average of $200.66. * Toronto, Canada. Eat your way through this diverse city, which lays claim to a Chinatown, Koreatown, Little Italy, Little Portugal, and a Greek Town. Toronto also boasts the world's longest underground shopping complex, at 19 miles.

Hotels are 33 percent more affordable and plane tickets average $280.65 from the U.S. * San Diego, Calif. Here's a balmy option with beautiful scenery, architecture, beaches, and tons of great food. The San Diego Brew Festival takes place in January, showing off some of the area's 130-plus craft breweries and delicious food truck fare. You'll save 37 percent on hotels, while roundtrip tickets average $274.95.

things because it suggests how well the home is maintained.

Fresh paint, mowed lawns, and fences or stairs in good condition make a big difference in an appraisal.

According to State Farm, making minor repairs such as repairing doorknobs or window handles can also help your appraisal.

Collect documents for the appraiser that show new investments in roofing, heating and cooling systems or any other major improvements, even flooring. A recent property survey can help to verify property size.

When the appraiser arrives at the house, give him or her a chance to look around your home freely. Don't trail the appraiser from room-to-room.

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