Manhattan Resident Managers Club Newsletter-February 2019

Vol. 40 No. 189

Dedicated to the Performance & Advancement for the Real Estate Manager

Next meeting is on Thursday, February 7, 2019 at 6:00pm at Battery Gardens 1 Battery Park, Manhattan

February 2019

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YOUR 2019 CLUB DUES ARE DUE!

This is just a friendly reminder to ALL Members that your 2019 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 InsurRegular members who have children or grandchildren attending a school that requires tuition are eligible.

Please remember that you must be current with your membership dues & YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN! ance Policy. The CLUB will be accepting checks, cash & credit card payments at the Annual =================================================================== Holiday Party on December 6th at the India House Club.

Manhattan Resident Manager’s Foundation, Inc.

We are pleased to announce that our annual M.R.M.F. John Person Scholarship awards will be drawn at the Sunset Barbecue in June (3 Scholarships) and at our September regular Meeting (3 Scholarships). Please fill out and return this application. All applications must be mailed, faxed or emailed and no application will be accepted the day of the drawing.

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 Manager’s Foundation, Inc. John Person Scholarship 2018

Manhattan Resident Managers Club, Inc. Member’s Name: ____________________________________________________

P.O. Box 1144 Child’ s Name: _______________________________________________________ New York, NY 10021 School: ____________________________________________________________ ATTN: Financial Secretary (Note: If you are a recipient of a foundation scholarship, please check with your financial advisor.

Regular Renewal is: $350.00 Please fill outMember application and mail, fax or email to: ­ ­ ­ Associate Member Renewal is: $275.00 Manhattan Resident Manager’s Foundation, Inc. Affiliate Member Renewal $350.00 ATTN: Mr. Frankis: Rampino 45 Sutton Place South Life Member Renewal is: $200.00 New York, N.Y. 10022

Acceptance of this award may affect further financial aid considerations. Tax laws may also be affected)

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(212) 755-0308 Fax Email:resmanager00@gmail.com

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!

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PRESIDENT: Joe Cervini 917-588-4922 jcervini@mac.com

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

VICE-PRESIDENT: ben floreS 917-860-5811 benjieflores3@gmail.com TREASURER: Steve KuKaJ (917) 339-7166 kukaj01@gmail.com

Our next CLUB meeting will be ‘’Casino Night”

Thursday February 7th at

FIN.SECRETARY:

The Battery Gardens (2nd floor),

Steve Mala 212-861-2073 Steve.Mala@yahoo.com

Doors open at 6:00pm and plan to party until 9:00pm.

Dress code is business casual.

Bring a friend, spouse or a co-worker and have some fun.

The Entrance Fee is $80.00 per person and includes light hors d’ oeuvres, an open bar, and $200.00 of “Mad” Money for gambling

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

Dean Berishaj

CLUB NEWSLETTER

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

Frank Pomponi

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

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.

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the resident’s essage

pm Joseph Cervini President

2018 Resident Manager of the Year

Welcome to the February Newsletter!

On behalf of the Dais & Trustees of the Manhattan Resident Manager’s Club, I would like to thank you all for attending the MRMC January meeting. A special thank you to Cody Levine from Major Air, Ken Unger from Suburban Pest Control and Jamie Kindler from Affiliated Adjustment Group for their educational briefings. All were very insightful.

Congratulations to our newly selected 2019 Resident Manager of the Year, Mr. Steve Kukaj and the 2019 Manhattan Resident Manager’s Club Vendor of the Year and recipient of The William Key Award, Mr. Jim Simpson from North East Plumbing.

Our next CLUB meeting will be ‘’Casino Night”. Come join us on Thursday February 7th at The Battery Gardens (2nd floor), located at One Battery Park along the Hudson River. Doors open at 6:00pm and plan to party until 9:00pm. Dress code is business casual. Bring a friend, spouse or a co-worker and have some fun.

The Entrance Fee is $80.00 per person and includes light hors d’ oeuvres, an open bar, and $200.00 of “Mad” Money for gambling. There will be a ton of prizes!

If you have not mailed back your 2019 Club dues, please do so as soon as possible. The CLUB is not able to keep members “ACTIVE” who do not pay their dues. One of the great benefits of the CLUB is the $150,000.00 Term Life Insurance Policy. For those who have not paid their dues, we will not be able to extend the grace period for much longer and you will lose your life insurance coverage and membership status with the CLUB. Please remember to support all our Associate Members as they are the driving force that keeps this CLUB in existence. Most of our Associate Members take an ad in our 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.

Remember to mark your calendars for these upcoming CLUB events: The Sunset BBQ in June, our Annual Fishing Trip in July, the CLUB’s Golf Tournament in September, the Twilight Dinner Cruise around Manhattan in October and the Three Hands Grand Ball in November; which is being held for the 1st time at the Ziegfeld Ballroom.

Stay tuned for the CLUB’s brand new website getting ready to roll out! Remember the CLUB is also on multiple social media outlets including 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! I’m looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday. February 7th for “Casino Night.”

Best Regards,

Joe

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MRMC Building Tips – MANhAttAN REsiDENt MANAgER’s Club, iNC. –

New City Gas Line Inspection Law Went Into Effect January 1st

Beginning in the New Year 2019, New York City buildings will have to make sure their gas lines are up to code.

On January 1, 2019, the city’s Local Law 152 (passed in 2016) will go into effect. It means that gas piping systems of all buildings others then those classified as R-3 occupancy (one or two family dwelling for instance) must be inspected at least every five years by a licensed plumber (An exception would be for newer buildings, in which case the initial inspection would take place in the 10th year, after a letter of completion, a Certificate of Occupancy, or the date the building was completed as determined by the Buildings Department rule).

Happy Birthday to Regular Members Past-Presidents Louis Parilla & Mike MacGowan, Fabio Progni, Frank Pomponi, Besard Shiqerukaj and our current President Joe Cervini.

Also a very Happy BDay wish to our Associate Members Howie Appel, Jack Mortob and Jeff Dussich.

February 2nd Ground Hog Day

February 14th Valentine's Day

February 3rd Super Bowl LIII

February 5th Chinese New Year

February 18th President's Day

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February 12th Lincoln's BDay

February 22nd Washington's BDay

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Exit interviews remain important for companies No company likes it when good a employee leaves, and most conduct exit interviews to find out why.

Harvard Business Review conducted surveys in 2012 and 2013 among 210 organizations, in 33 different industries, spanning more than 35 countries to see how companies do these interviews. The study also wanted to discover what companies learned from the interview and what they did with the information.

More than three-quarters of respondents performed some type of exit interview. The majority were done in person with a human resources employee.

From the employer's perspective, speaking with an employee can help answer their most pressing question: "Why?" Although money is usually a fac-

tor, the study found many employees quit because they had issues with the work or did not get along with their direct supervisor. Inadequate training, unrealistic goals, and high pressure work were all reasons why employees left.

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The exit interview ideally would give a company a chance to change bad work situations or personnel problems. Unfortunately, more than two-thirds of surveyed companies couldn't cite an example of a time they used it to change policies.

Ex-employees might well think the exit interview gives them a chance to air their grievances or shed light on problems within an organization.

But ex-employees should tread this road lightly. According to Forbes, experts disagree about the perfect approach, but it is likely wise to use caution when dishing out negative comments about individuals and company policies to prevent burning bridges and missing out on a potential reference.

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Staying sharp and engaged at work

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Staying engaged with work has become a problem, according to staffing experts at Robert Half.

Their Office Team survey showed that the typical employee feels disengaged or bored with their work for about 10.5 hours per week. In the winter, 28 percent of workers feel disengaged.

It is possible to stay sharp and engaged in nearly any job, however, and Lifehacker suggests a multifaceted approach that can make work more challenging.

The first steps happen before an employee even fires up the computer.

They should make sure they get enough sleep. Most people need seven to nine hours and many don't get that much.

Next, the commute. Look at the commute as an opportunity to jumpstart the day and creativity. First, mentally review your work for the day, noting the task that you will start first. Then, let go of work for a while and inject creativity with a podcast or audiobook.

At the office, take a good look at the workspace and consider adding more ergonomic seating, better lighting, or even a plant to make the environment more comfortable. Sit-stand desks can be a great way to get the blood flowing throughout the day.

Not feeling challenged can also be a significant roadblock to

staying engaged at work but there are many ways to increase responsibilities without adding extra stress.

Perform a self-assessment. Workers can identify their strengths and opportunities within the company, taking steps to enhance contributions. Focus during meetings, asking questions and taking notes to stay engaged.

Talk to the manager to see if there is room for an extra creative project or maybe time for skill enhancement.

Use downtime to learn a new language or master an important computer application.

The benefits and drawbacks of unpaid internships Each year, about 1.5 million internships open to workers in America and around half of those were unpaid in 2016, according to Fortune.

Unpaid internships are common in many countries. In the U.S. it is perfectly legal not to pay someone in these positions as long as the work benefits the intern more than the company. * Unpaid interns should not displace paid workers, that is the first important factor. *Unpaid interns should receive training similar to what is found in an educational setting. A recent change makes it even easier not to pay interns by removing the rule

that they cannot provide an 'immediate advantage' for businesses.

According to Success magazine, benefits such as knowledge, access, and opportunity that come from unpaid internships can more than make up for salary. The internship could provide exposure to important industry leaders, creating an impressive addition to the resume.

Unfortunately, there are also drawbacks to taking unpaid work.

The cost is one. The best intern positions are offered in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco with high costs of living, according to CNBC. Staying a summer in Los Angeles, for instance, would cost roughly $9,506. Adding in the lost pay that even minimum wage would earn, about $3,480, equals a $12,986 bill for access and experience.

Recent surveys, meanwhile, show that unpaid internships might not bring any statistical advantage over paid internships and might actually result in lower wages when a participant ultimately lands their first job

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SAFETYPUP STILL HELPS kEEP kIDS SAFE

On February 12, Safetypup is 34 years old.

Created by the National Child Safety Council, this lovable puppy mascot in a red, white and blue costume was introduced to the world in 1985. Its purpose was to become a special friend to help guide children through such safety issues as riding bikes, dealing with strangers, and the prevention of child abduction and drug abuse, among others.

Today Safetypup has far exceeded expectations after becoming a trusted dog character to millions of children throughout the U.S. A cartoon Safetypup is also used on milk cartons for messages and photos to seize attention in such circumstances as missing-children alerts.

Police officers say Safetypup helps teach kids police are their friends. The pup teaches about wearing a bike helmet, saying NO to drugs and alcohol, and being aware of strangers.

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SOCIAL MEDIA HAS CHANGED BUYERS AND SALESPEOPLE

The world's leading research and advisory company, Gartner, Inc., declared in 2011 that by 2020 customers will manage 85 percent of their buying without interacting with a human.

That leaves us one year. Is it happening?

According to the sales experts at Accent Technologies, it hasn't happened quite yet, but it's on the way, especially if you consider how comfortable people are with automation. Even 10 years ago there was some hesitation with highly automated online sales, something you don't find today.

About 25 years ago, most customers still made their purchases in a physical environment--and salespersons were the go-to professionals.

Not anymore. With an estimated 2.5 billion social media network users throughout the world, consumers are five times more dependent on digital content than the early 2000s. The purchasing process is dramatically different for consumer and seller alike.

What does that mean for sales?

Everything. When the buyer calls, they either (1) need information they cannot get online, or (2) they're ready to make a decision--and want to make it now. As a result, salespeople must be sure they can respond swiftly to whatever the buyer needs and are prepared to accelerate the process from there.

In today's connected society, people have more voice than ever before. Customers can discover just about anything they want to know about a product or service by talking, texting, or emailing each other.

Recent research by PwC discovered that social media influences the buying of 78 percent of consumers, and nearly 50 percent said its reviews and feedback impacts their purchasing behavior.

According to LinkedIn, salespersons believe relationship-building

(One of) the first automobile insurance policies issued

In 1898, there were 18 million horses compared to 4,000 cars in the U.S. And sooner or later someone was going to want to insure one.

Most often cited for the first auto insurance policy is Dr. Truman Martin of Buffalo, NY., who bought a policy from Traveler's Insurance Co. in February 1898. The doctor used his car to make house calls and worried about the liability should he have an accident.

But, according to the Traveler's 100-year anniversary press release issued in 1997, the first automobile policy was actually issued to Gilbert J. Loomis of Westfield, Mass. on a car Loomis built himself.

has the most significant impact on revenue, with more than 70 percent citing LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook as their most effective social media tools. Ninety percent of leading salespeople use these tools, compared to 71 percent of all sales representatives. Ninety percent of the top performers also said social media with digital channels influences 92

percent of business-to-business buying decisions.

Clearly, reviewing a prospect's social media presence should be standard practice for every salesperson.

Still another prominent force in digital technology is sales analytics, a big-data process which can identify, interpret, and anticipate sales trends. Relevant data is also mined from different pipelines to detect relationships and potential opportunities.

Sales analytics can help sellers close more transactions fast while also furnishing the customer with hyper-relevant messaging and resources.

FINANCIAL APPS HELP YOU INVEST LEFTOVER

Behavioral economists have proved one big truth: The best financial decisions are automated.

If your bills get deducted on autopay, you are never late with a bill. Your credit score goes up. You never pay late fees.

If your healthy 401(k) contribution is automatically deducted from your paycheck for 30 years, you end up a millionaire at retirement. You mainly never miss the money.

So, what if you could invest change? Just a buck here and there.

With new financial apps you actually can.

The app Acorns rounds up small purchases. So if you buy a $2.50 coffee, it rounds up the price to $3 and invests the 50 cents in a portfolio of low-cost exchange-traded funds.

You can choose the level of risk, from conservative to aggressive. According to Money, one user saved $250 in a few months without noticing the difference.

A similar app, Digit, transfers small amounts from your checking into a savings account at times when you can afford it.

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sPECiAl DAtiNg sitEs APPEAl tO gAMERs, DisNEy FANs, MORE

Looking for a date for Valentine's Day, or any day? You've got any number of options in the online dating world, which has expanded enormously and sprouted a variety of extremely niche sites.

According to research from IBISWorld, dating services in the U.S. grew by 11.9 percent to reach revenues of $3 billion in 2018. Dating services included online dating, mobile dating, matchmakers and singles events. The companies holding the largest market share included Match Group Inc and eHarmony Inc. There's a dating site for nearly everyone, from Farmers Only (who could forget that jingle?) to an app that promises to pair up Kanye West fans.

Here's a sampling of real-deal niche dating sites: * Clown Dating. The site to visit

for single entertainers. As the site says, "If you are a Clown, a Clown Wannabe or simply a Clown Lover, you have come to the right place." * Disney fans can get the

* Gamers can find their "perfect Player 2" at GamerDating, which offers subscribers -- what else -- a game when they sign up. * Kanye West fans have their

MouseMingle app, which advertises itself as "the place for people to connect who love Disney, Star Wars, Pixar, Marvel, and all things Disney -- who want that same magic in their relationships." * Haters gonna hate. And date.

The app Hater promises to connect you to people who hate the same things you hate.

own app: Yeezy Dating, which launched to much fanfare in spring 2018 and was undergoing a relaunch in the fall.

Didn't find your specific interest on this list? Not to worry. A quick Google search and you're sure to find an app or a site that will connect you to your people in no time.

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“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY”

We cannot tell the precise moment when friendship is formed. As in filling a vessel drop by drop, there is at last a drop which makes it run over; so in a series of kindnesses there is at last one which makes the heart run over.

- Ray Bradbury

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EXPRESS HARDWARE & BUILDING MATERIAL Competitive pricing More than 30,000 items in stock Convenient New York City based location Same day / next day delivery

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Favorite Valentine candy by state: Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming

Candy necklaces Chocolates in heart box Conversation hearts Hershey's Kisses Conversation hearts Conversation hearts Chocolates in heart box Hershey's Kisses Conversation hearts Chocolates in heart box Conversation hearts M&Ms Chocolate roses Chocolates in heart box M&Ms Chocolates in heart box Chocolate roses Conversation hearts Foiled chocolate hearts M&Ms Chocolates in heart box Conversation hearts Conversation hearts Conversation hearts Conversation hearts Conversation hearts Foiled chocolate hearts Chocolates in heart box Conversation hearts Conversation hearts Chocolate roses Chocolates in heart box Chocolates in heart box Conversation hearts Chocolates in heart box Conversation hearts Chocolate roses M&Ms Foiled hearts Conversation hearts Hershey's Kisses Conversation hearts Chocolates in heart box Hershey's Kisses Conversation hearts Chocolates in heart box Chocolates in heart box Conversation hearts Hershey's Kisses Chocolate roses

Ranking by candystore.com

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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 —

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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 —

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Budget surprises Just when you think you are rolling along budget-wise: Surprise! The car breaks down.

As a matter of fact, according to American Express, in 2017 nearly half of Americans were hit by these unforeseen expenses that stretched their budget: 46% - Car expenses.

44% - Health care spending.

32% - Home Repairs.

13% - Education costs.

12% - Insurance costs.

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Other handy finance apps TaxCaster by Intuit TurboTax can estimate your income taxes and also compare how your situation differs from last year, so you can see what changed for you under the new tax law.

It can also help you make other taxrelated financial decisions such as realizing capital gains. Available for both iPhones and Androids.

The app Senior Discounts Free serves up discounts and savings for people ages 55 and over. Available for iPhone and Android.

Providing Building Maintenance & Contractors’ Supplies

Easily

Quickly

Reliably

The quality you demand. The service you expect. The technology you need.

(914) 636-0505 | sales@pearlgreen.com | www.pearlgreen.com

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Warning signs that your teen is using drugs

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Parents of teenagers should always be on the lookout for signs of drug use.

According to Psychology Today, recent years have shown that tobacco, alcohol, marijuana, and opioid use have been slowly trending downward among high school students. Despite this progress, however, more than one in four teens still reported using an illegal drug during the past year and about one in three had used alcohol.

One of the biggest dangers of teen drug use is that their risk for addiction is about 17 percent of users compared to the general population's nine percent. Marijuana can have permanent, adverse effects on a youth's learning ability, intelligence, and memory when used regularly before the brain has finished developing, around the age of 20, according to Psychology Today.

Parents should first be on the

lookout for obvious signs of drug use such as pipes, baggies, aluminum foil, rolling papers, and other paraphernalia that could be hidden in a room, car, or school locker. If there is a problem, behavioral changes are likely to follow. Normal teens will often break house rules and stay out past curfew, but watch out if they are staying out for the whole night, driving recklessly, asking for money, or disappearing for longer periods.

Red eyes, listlessness, sniffling, fast or slow speech, and poor coordination could also be symptoms.

Teens under the influence might also lose focus on their physical appearance and hygiene, lose or gain weight rapidly, or suffer from issues like headaches and irregular sleep.

Emotionally, a young person with a drug problem could have wide swings between depression and excitability while becoming more secretive and

Simple ways to volunteer as a family

Volunteering as a family is an excellent way to teach children compassion, according to Parents Magazine.

Kids can get involved with volunteer activities at any age, increasing the likelihood that they will continue to volunteer later in life.

To start with, be on the lookout for projects in your church or community that are easy, one-time commitments that can involve the whole family.

Charity walks are a great example of something even the little ones will

enjoy. Food drives are another. Children can help gather a bag of canned goods for the local food pantry.

Check with the local animal shelter to find out their current needs. Animal shelters, in particular, often need specific things such as cat and dog food, cleaners, pet beds, or leashes. Shelters also often have dog-walk programs where everyone in the family can walk a dog for an hour or so.

Other places to contact include the local children's hospitals or nursing

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deceptive as well. A teenager's behavior is primarily influenced by their surroundings so the presence of friends and family that use drugs or alcohol can significantly increase the risk of experimentation and abuse.

homes. Children's hospitals might welcome gently used books or DVDs. Nursing homes sometimes have visitation programs where children can meet and learn something about an older person's life. However, for security reasons, hospitals and nursing homes often don't welcome individual volunteers. You can, however, contact a group such as Volunteers of America to see the many ways you can help. Go to voa.org to find a local chapter.

Families don't even need to connect with a large organization. They can hold their own car wash, for example, and donate proceeds to a shelter or another local charity.

Once you find something that you enjoy doing as a family, you might be able to make an ongoing commitment.

Even if it's not a formal arrangement or event, parents can help spread the spirit of volunteerism in their children on a daily basis by teaching them to pick up trash in parks, serving in their church, or tutoring younger students after school.

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Horoscopes

Aries 3/21 - 4/19: Carve out time to be with a friend or loved one, even if it is just listening to music. An older person needs you.

Taurus 4/20 - 5/20: Changes are afoot that might be permanent.

Do what you can to influence the outcome, but remember change is the nature of life.

Gemini 5/21 - 6/20: Questions linger by the new moon on the 4th.

A bit of silly gossip contains something false and something true.

Remain above it.

Cancer 6/21 - 7/22: A child may be on your mind by the full moon on the 20th. Stay calm, close, and loving. Your time is most important.

Leo 7/23 - 8/22: Tackle it now. By the first quarter moon on the 12th, take steps to accomplish one goal of your heart. What you start this month has benefits by the end of the year.

Virgo 8/23 - 9/22: You didn't see it coming, but here it is. Surprise events require your heart, head, and effort. Don't shy from the challenge.

Libra 9/23 - 10/21: You've waited a long time, but a long process is coming to an end. Take a deep breath. Whether the outcome is good or bad, it is what it is.

Scorpio 10/22 - 11/21: Affairs of the heart, or lack thereof, are on your mind in the month of hearts. Take stock of what you have offered and what you can offer.

Sagittarius 11/22 - 12/21: A invitation for a volunteer effort comes your way. You will get more than you give, if you can find the time.

Capricorn 12/22 - 1/19: Time to look into your crystal ball. Where do you want to be in 15 years and, with your current lifestyle, where will you probably be?

Aquarius 1/20 - 2/18: Of course, some Aquarians always get the flowers at the office. But, don't parade around with tokens of your good fortune in love. Stars say a friend is trying to be brave.

Pisces 2/19 - 3/2: Beware of making assumptions about an acquaintance or distant relative. They are more than they seem to be. Assuming otherwise could be embarrassing not to them, but to you.

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“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY”

The heart of man is very much like the sea, it has its storms, it has its tides and in its depths it has its pearls too.

- Vincent Van Gogh

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Should I replace my home's windows?

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Though new windows are pricey, a lot of homeowners assume that they will pay for themselves in a few years in energy savings.

You might want to think twice about that. True, new energy-efficient windows can help keep your house warmer in winter and cooler in summer (assuming you use an air conditioner), but they won't necessarily save you a bunch on your monthly energy bill.

An article in time.com's Money section said that new windows produce about 5 to 15 percent of your total energy savings; and with the average homeowner in America paying about $1,000 a year to heat and cool a home, it would take

more than 100 years to earn back your investment.

So does that mean you shouldn't bother? Hardly.

You also need to determine whether the windows are doing their job of keeping moisture out, as they may need repairs or replacement on that factor alone.

And even if they don't save you the money you expected, new windows can make you feel a lot more comfortable by helping to reduce draftiness in the winter and retaining cooler air in the summer.

Newer windows are usually a lot easier to clean because of their tiltin design, too. And new windows can help your home's resale value;

prospective buyers see new windows as a plus, not to mention an indicator that the house has been well cared for. The Time article said homeowners get about 73 percent of their replacement window investment back when they sell the house, according to the National Association of Realtors' 2016 Cost Versus Value study.

RENOVATION SERVICES Whether you are planning a small refresh or a total renova on, you can trust UMS to provide expert assistance from start to nish.

INSTALLATION SERVICES What began as a humble kitchen le company in 2006, United Maintenance Supplies quickly grew and expanded to carry a full line of property management products from janitorial, electrical and hardware, to plumbing, paint, and ligh ng supplies.

Our company caters to a wide range of needs and serves a mul tude of industries such as housing complexes, co-ops, condos, schools, nursing homes, hotels, hospitals, commercial businesses and government housing. We also specialize in custom orders to accommodate our customers speci c needs.

For more information, contact Drita Lamaj P. 718-522-3232 C. 917-299-5106 E. drita@umsupplies.com orders@umsupplies.com

In select markets, we provide contrac ng and labor services for all your interior renova ons, as well as cabinet and counter installa ons, ooring, ligh ng, and much more.

PROJECT MANAGEMENT UMS knows what it takes to get your projects done on me and within budget. We can help guide you along every step of the way.

PRODUCT DELIVERY You want it, you need it, and we have it. Our dispatched and insured eet of trucks will have your order at your door-guaranteed. Have an emergency due to leaks, viola ons, res, etc.? Give us a call and we will rush your order for same day delivery.

• Garbage Bags/ Janitorial • Hardware

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• Ligh ng • Electrical • Tile

• Paint • Plumbing • Lumber www.umsupplies.com

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FIND MY CAR: The indispensable feature on your phone If you've ever walked out of an airport or shopping center and suddenly realized you have no earthly idea where you parked, the solution is probably already in your hand.

If you have an iPhone, the Maps app will show you exactly where your car is and how to get there.

You must always have Lo-

cation Services turned on.

And, you have to drive a car with a bluetooth connection. To learn how to use this feature, search online for 'Apple Maps parking place.'

Alternatively, for iPhone or Android you can get the Google Maps app.

Turn Location Services to Always and turn on Motion and Fitness. On

Google Maps, turn on Know Where You Parked.

Search online for 'Google Maps parking place' for more information.

Other apps for this include Find My Car Smarter, a free app for iPhone and Android. Anchor Pointer also works on both platforms and costs $1.99.

SMARTPHONE GENERATION SUFFERS NECK PROBLEMS Ever hear the phrase, "Keep your head down"?

It's meant as an admonishment to stay out of trouble and to avoid

jumping into the fray. But while that may be perfectly good advice for your emotional wellbeing, it's actually terrible advice on a literal level.

Many of us look down at smartphones throughout the day, some for hours -- and this head position is damaging our spines. The human head weighs about a dozen pounds, according to a 2014 story in the Washington Post, and when the neck bends forward and down, it adds weight to the cervical spine.

When bent at a 60-degree angle (looking down), the added weight is about 60 pounds, the article notes - kind of like carrying a second-grader around your neck.

The result? Text neck. The catchy name refers to a variety of ailments arising from this poor posture, including neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, upper

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back pain, and more.

Experts recommend adjusting the position at which we view our screens, whether it's holding our phones higher or using our eyes more often to look down rather than bending our necks. Take frequent breaks.

You can combat text neck with a number of stretches and strengthening exercises designed to keep your head in alignment and strengthen the muscles that hold it up and in the proper position.

These include anything from turning your head to the left and to the right, chin tucks, or a multitude of yoga poses like downward-facing dog or cat-cow (on all fours, alternating between straightening and rounding the spine).

Managing cellular service options while traveling

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Both frequent travelers and the occasional vacationer will need to prepare in advance to secure mobile data and phone service abroad.

There are many options available depending on the person's current situation, according to Engadget.

The easiest route to take is to just do nothing, and that is possible for those using T-Mobile, Sprint, or Google's Fi service because each of these offer some unlimited data coverage in most foreign countries.

T-Mobile and Sprint will cap the user at slower 2G speeds, but Google Fi will let you use up to high-speed 4G data if it is available. Check with a provider to be sure, but usually, this option requires enabling 'roaming data' in the phone's settings to work.

Customers signed up with AT&T or Verizon, unfortunately, won't have the luxury of free roaming data and will instead have to purchase roaming passes that are often expensive for what they offer. With monthly packs, for in-

stance, AT&T will sell 1 gigabyte of data for $60 while Verizon has half a gigabyte for $70, but some plans might offer a few free passes each month.

To avoid this extra expense, local SIM cards can be an excellent option for saving money as long as the provider has unlocked the phone. For this option, head into a local telecom upon arrival, such as Vodafone in the UK, and purchase a temporary, 'pay-as-you-go' SIM or whatever variant they say is best for your situation. Unfortunately, a new SIM means a new phone number and anyone calling the usual one will be sent straight to voicemail as if the phone had been turned off. To make matters worse, certain new phones or devices that are still on an installment plan through the provider likely cannot be unlocked to use a local SIM, but those that hang on to older devices might be

Aside from losing weight, one of the biggest goals people have is to read more books. But the common challenge? Finding time for it.

These days, it's easier than ever to read more books. "Reading," after all, can include audio! Here are some tips to help you hit your reading goal this year.

Bring a book with you everywhere. We often don't realize how many pockets of time we have. You can squeeze bits of time in while waiting in the doctor's office, sitting in the parking lot waiting for your kid to get out of school, on the train during your morning commute, or even in the grocery line.

Be consistent. You might be surprised how much you can read by consistently doing it for 15 minutes a day. Try heading to bed a few minutes earlier and reading before turning out the lights, or grab some time during your lunch break. Swap out some social media time with book-reading time, and you'll have finished a stack before you know it.

Listen to them. You can subscribe to a service like Audible, or you can download an app from your local library and find a large number of books to listen to for free. Either way, audiobooks are a great way to add reading time, especially as the time spent in our cars continues to increase.

How to read more?

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“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY”

Don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most importantly, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.

Everything else is secondary.

- Steve Jobs

Among the things you can give and still keep are your word, a smile, and a grateful heart.

- Zig Ziglar

Throughout life people will make you mad, disrespect you and treat you bad. Let God deal with the things they do, cause hate in your heart will consume you too.

- Will Smith

In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.

- Martin Luther King Jr.

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Beat the winter blues with meditation

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For many of us, the natural tendency during winter is to seek comfort food and hibernation. Shorter days and less sunlight can also bum us out a little (if it's more than a little, talk to your doctor, as conditions like Seasonal Affective Disorder are a real thing.)

One great way to fend off the winter blues is with meditation.

Meditation has been proven to lower blood pressure, aid in concentration, help you get better sleep, and help with general wellbeing.

A November 2018 article in the New York Times even made the case that meditation might help you stay more active in the colder months.

And it's easy to get started.

Meditation doesn't need to involve

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complicated chants or rituals, but can be as simple as setting a timer for five minutes, closing your eyes, and paying attention to your breath.

Find a comfortable spot to sit upright and keep your back straight, with your legs crossed if possible.

Rest your hands on your knees, palms up. Close your eyes and breathe in for a count of four; hold it for a count of four; release for a count of four; and hold for a count of four. Repeat.

You can also ditch the counting and just breathe in and out like you normally do, and concentrate on your breathing. Don't worry if it feels like your brain isn't "clear" or blank. This is normal. You'll have all kinds of thoughts pass through, and the trick is to take note of them and let them pass.

That's all there is to it. You can keep things that simple or find meditation groups to learn more techniques. Whatever your preference, try adding it to your routine and see how it benefits you.

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“QUOTES 2 LIVE BY”

Trust your hunches. They're usually based on facts filed away just below the conscious level.

- Dr. Joyce Brothers

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I'm trying to buy a house and the seller just wants too much for it. I checked the county tax rolls and the value of the house is much less than the appraisal. What is that about?

One of the trickiest distinctions for homeowners and would-be buyers alike is the difference between a property's assessed value and its appraised value. It likely doesn't help that the two words are so similar, but don't be fooled -- they are two very different values.

One (assessment) is the amount that's used by a municipality to calculate property tax, while the other (appraisal) is intended to represent the property's actual, or fair market, value.

The assessment is conducted by your town or city, typically every five to 10 years. Often, an exterior assessment is conducted at the five-year mark to update municipal records, while the once-every-10-years assessment is more thorough and includes a review of interior modifications as well.

The assessment is typically lower than the appraised value; an assessor will determine fair market value (FMV) and multiply that by a percentage, which can range from about 70 percent of FMV to 80 or 90 percent. That's the figure a property owner is taxed on; so if the FMV of your home is $200,000 and assessment is calculated at 70 percent, you pay taxes on the assessed value $140,000.

The appraised value is what a lender will use to determine a loan. If you've purchased a property with a bank loan, you know that one of the steps includes an appraiser heading out to assign it a value. This is the lender's verification that the property is worthy of the amount it's lending.

These are important to keep in mind whether you're buying or selling because each can be a negotiating tool in the process.

Threats of the Lonely Heart Loneliness can pose a significant threat to aging people with heart disease, especially those who live by themselves.

In fact, research shows that elderly men and women living alone -- with no one to talk to -- are far more vulnerable to severe cardiovascular perils.

According to The Annals of Behavioral Medicine, humans are hardwired to rely on secure social surroundings.

Without human association, they feel vulnerable and become hypervigilant about their safety. This hypervigilance alters sleep and body functioning, and increases the chance of death.

In July 2018, a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology's annual nursing congress reported on nearly 13,500 Dutch patients living with heart disease, heart failure, or arrhythmia (abnormal rhythm).

Researchers had discovered that regardless of a patient's heart condition, age, education, and degree of smoking, loneliness was a factor in the more harmful results. In fact, patients who said they had no one to talk to in times of need had nearly twice the risk of death. Patients with little or no social support were three times as likely to express symptoms of anxiety, depression, and significantly lower quality of life.

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ROSENWACH TANK

THE FIRST NAME IN QUALITY WOOD AND STEEL TANKS

718.729.4900 • ROSENWACHGROUP.COM • 43-02 Ditmars Boulevard, 2nd Fl. • Astoria, NY 11105

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Founded 1980

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