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Celebrating Safely this Holiday Season With COVID-19 infections at an all-time high, medical experts urge the public to make safety their number one priority throughout the holiday season. “Nearly a year into this pandemic, people are yearning for a return to normalcy. However, COVID-19 cases are surging and with flu season already upon us, bringing together people from different households during the holidays is far too great a safety risk,” says Susan R. Bailey, M.D., president of the American Medical Association (AMA). During this unusual year, the AMA is sharing top tips for a safe and healthy holiday season: 1. It may not be the way you’re used to celebrating, but consider limiting this year’s gatherings to just the people who live in your household.
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2. If you live somewhere warm, you may be able to add a few people to your plans, but only if your get together is outdoors and safely physically distant. 3. Take advantage of the video conferencing technologies available at your fingertips to bridge the distance between you and family or friends. Whether it’s watching holiday movies, unwrapping gifts or sharing recipes together, many of these traditions can still happen virtually. 4. Interested in holiday deals and discounts? Shop for bargains from home. And if you must go to the store in person and you’re at-risk, check ahead of time to see if there are special hours for you. 5. Consider additional outdoor activities that can bring together other people in your circle without the dangers of dining inside. Think beyond the traditional holiday activities and start new traditions.
6. Disappointed that your usual large dinner is for a smaller group? You can still cook a large meal and share a portion with neighbors or friends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends “delivering them in a way that doesn’t involve contact with others.” 7. Continue to follow everyday safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19: wash your hands, maintain physical distancing and #MaskUp. More health resources, along with tips to prevent the spread of COVID-19, are available at ama-assn.org. “Missing holiday traditions is difficult, but with top scientists and researchers working round the clock to combat this virus, I’m hopeful that by this time next year, friends and family will be together again, one way or another,” says Dr. Bailey. STATEPOINT
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senior issues by larry grimaldi
I became an official Covid-19 statistic In late October, I became an official statistic. I was diagnosed as one of 10 million (and still counting) Americans who had been infected by the COVID-19 virus. After reading the test results, I was left with the inevitable question. Where did I contract the disease? My wife Kathy and I had attended a couple of outside summer gatherings, a birthday celebration at a local restaurant, (both with a limited number of family and friends), and throughout the summer, I had golfed with the same two friends. We had carefully observed social distancing and mask protocols.. In the end, we couldn’t identify the source for the infection, so it was time to concentrate on recovery. In the 10 days or so before deciding to get tested, I had experienced symptoms such as minor body aches, fatigue, and a general feeling of being “under the weather.” What convinced me to get a COVID-19 test was a marked loss of taste and smell and a slight difficulty in catching my breath after any physical exertion. I was not surprised when the test (arranged after a three-day wait and another two-day lag in notification) came back positive. A hospital emergency room visit confirmed the diagnosis. Since I was not having severe breathing problems, the hospital discharged me with instructions to monitor my temperature, take medication to alleviate my body aches, get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and make sure to keep walking and moving around the house to stave off serious respiratory problems. I was cautioned to return to the hospital if my breathing issues worsened. The day after my test result, I received a phone call from the Rhode Island Department of Health. I filled them in on my symptoms, listed the persons who I had been in contact with, and where I been in the last two weeks or so. The
Health Department gave me directions about the quarantine protocol. Three days later, Kathy also had symptoms of body and muscle aches, a cough, and some loss of taste and smell. While she tested negative, the Health Department advised her to consider herself asymptomatic and also voluntarily quarantine. Health also advised us to use separate bedrooms and bathrooms while under quarantine. I contacted family members and friends that I had been in contact with to notify them of my positive COVID-19 test. While my family members have not tested positive, my two golfing companions tested positive and were quarantined. One of Kathy’s golfing companions also contracted the virus. I am pleased to report that we have both recovered and are back to living what passes for a normal life in these challenging times. Having been infected by COVID-19, we pay extra attention to the common-sense measures designed to slow the spread of the virus while the search for the vaccine and treatments continues. We listen to the health experts and limit our social contacts, maintain social distancing, wash our hands frequently, use sanitizers, and wear our masks. As more than 10 million Americans attest, COVID-19 is not a hoax. The effects of the pandemic began reverberating across the national landscape in late 2019 and they continue echoing into this year. We were lucky. We survived-with a little help from our friends and family. During our three-week recovery, my daughter and son-in-law did the grocery shopping, delivered the provisions to our doorstep, and sent over some meals already cooked. My sister sent over soup (chicken, of course), and we received daily wellness calls from our son Benjamin on New Jersey and Matthew on Las Vegas. It’s obvious that this year’s holiday celebrations will have a very different
look and feel. Out of abundance of caution, we have cancelled a family trip that included my daughter Kate and her husband Ray, their three children, and our son Ben and his wife Renee and Benjamin, Jr. to spend Thanksgiving with our son Matt. Our traditional Christmas Eve Feast of the Seven Fishes will be pared down only to include only our children and grandchildren. And for the first time in more than four decades, Kathy’s annual family Christmas gathering won’t be held. Her six brothers and sisters have their own families and the clan now stretches from Rhode Island to Maine, south to Virginia and west to Pennsylvania. Last year, the LaVoice (Kathy’s maiden name) Family Christmas extravaganza included more than 75 people. We look forward to resuming the tradition at a later date…maybe Christmas in July! We are still planning to spend the winter in Florida, depending on COVID-19 situation in that state in early January. There is an amusing footnote to our personal “Who could have predicted this” saga. Kathy and I celebrated our 50th wedding anniversary in quarantine on November 7. Earlier that day, our children and grandchildren festooned our front lawn with balloons, streamers, and 50th anniversary signs. Although we had to cancel our anniversary dinner and night out, we had an Italian take-out feast in our dining room table, toasted our years together, and looked through our wedding album. No matter how many anniversaries we celebrate from here on in, this one will always have a special place in our memory bank. Life is unpredictable, isn’t it? Larry Grimaldi is a retired freelance writer living in North Providence. Comments can be e-mailed to lvgrimaldi49@gmail.com
Winter wellness: expert tips to boost overall health As we head into the chillier months, the winter season brings simple pleasures such as hot cocoa, holiday music and cozy nights by the fireplace. However, the hustle and bustle of the season can also take a toll on your well-being. Stress and unhealthy eating associated with seasonal celebrations are paired with colder weather that makes many people want to curl up inside with a blanket. Plus, the ongoing challenges of virtual learning, remote working and staying home can also impact overall health. Fortunately, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner has three simple tips to boost your overall health and immunity this winter: Get active daily With so many people working and studying remotely, physical activity is already lower. With the addition of colder weather, people of all ages may not be getting enough exercise. It’s important to make time to be active at a moderate level for 20-30 minutes a day. You can stay safe working out at home by following free online workout videos, practicing stretching and yoga independently, playing actively with your kids, or doing another activity that gets you up and moving. Whatever you like, just make sure to carve out time daily to be active to ensure the most benefits. Soak up the sun whenever possible Fresh air and being outside is great for supporting mental health, but it has physical benefits as well. Being outside for 10-15 minutes each day helps your body absorb adequate vitamin D from the sun. So even if the weather is chilly, it’s worth putting on a few layers and going outside on your patio or taking a walk around the block. You’ll be amazed how refreshed you feel! Remember, if you’re going to be outside longer than 15 minutes, you’ll want to wear sunscreen because even during cool or cloudy days, sunburn is a possibility. Choose nutrient-dense foods Ensuring you get plenty of vitamins is important, especially during winter months, to support health and wellness. One simple swap you can make is adding nutritious Eggland’s Best eggs to your diet. Compared to ordinary eggs, Eggland’s Best eggs are richer in a variety of micronutrients including six times more vitamin D, 10 times more vitamin E, and more than double the vitamin B12 and omega-3s. These micronutrients can only be derived through the foods we eat and can help support a strong immune system throughout the winter. To add even more nutrition, pair your eggs with plenty of colorful vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers and more.
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retirement sParKs by elaine m. decKer
The end of my shopping addiction Anyone who has admitted to having an addiction of any of the above. I was a shopaholic. kind, or who knows someone who has one, probably is I worked in Manhattan for over 20 years, most of that time aware of several ways to cure these. Food addictions come within 2 blocks of Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store. I rememquickly to mind for me. Chocolate! Ice Cream! Cheese ber going to their shoe department at lunch one day and returning with five pairs of heels. That’s right… five. Two each of two puffs! I could go on, but I won’t. styles and one of a third. I can still picture them. Mary Jane style Anyhow, there are two frequently used ways to deal patent leather heels in black and in red. Smooth leather heels with with these. One is cold turkey. cross straps across the instep in yellow and also in white. I alYou make up your mind you’re not going to most bought the hot pink ones, too, but then the lime green ones imbibe any more and you stop just like that. would have wondered what Sounds easy enough, but was wrong with them. The fifth in reality, cold turkey is My idea of entertainment was pair was a classic navy t-strap. one of the most difMy idea of entertainment ficult ways to purge to wander the aisles in just about was to wander the aisles in just yourself of an unany interesting store, ogling and about any interesting store, wanted behavior. sometimes fondling the merchandise. ogling and sometimes fondling You need to the merchandise. I’d even tidy have a very up the racks. And by intereststrong will ing, I mean just about anything. My father used to get lost in the and be extremely discitool department in Sears. That didn’t hold any attraction for me, plined. Although many of but some other specialized places did. In recent years, I became you may see me that way, addicted to Home Goods. I’d look through their clearance secwhen it comes to things I tions first. It wouldn’t matter if I needed an item or not. It might love to eat or do, my willbe a good gift for someone, and I certainly didn’t have to know power is MIA. who would wind up with it. I still have shelves of these “finds” The second method somein our basement. times employed can often be effecWell, I’m pleased to report that one of the few bright spots of tive with food. That’s the overstuff this COVID pandemic is that I’m finally cured of my shopping approach. In theory, you just eat so addiction. The specialty pet store where I get cat food is in the much of the food you want to avoid and same strip mall as a Marshalls/Home Goods store. I sometimes in such a short period of time that you never look up the sidewalk to their building, just to see if there’s a sixwant to look at it again, much less ingest it. I feet distancing line outside. But I’m not even remotely tempted to can’t imagine ever reaching that point with chocogo in. Nothing I could find there now is worth the risk of exposing late. myself to COVID. When I was growing up, parents sometimes used this It probably helps that I’m at that stage of life where I should method to cure little kids of a sugar habit and teenagers of be getting rid of things in our household and not adding to it. But smoking or drinking beer. I doubt that would work anymore, esI’ve been at that stage for several years, and it never kept me out pecially since savvy teens would claim bad parenting and sue for of Home Goods until now. No. It’s definitely the pandemic that emotional trauma. has put an end to my shopping addiction. I guess every cloud does Then there’s always the path of professional help with your have a silver lining. problem. I’ll include support networks under this umbrella. That type of help is undoubtedly best for serious addictions that inCopyright 2020 Business Theatre Unlimited volve substance abuse. If you don’t have adequate insurance, you can probably forget Elaine M. Decker’s newest book is Retirement Downsizing—A Humorhaving a therapist talk you out of your wayward behavior. That’s ous Guide. Her other books include Retirement Sparks, Retirement not likely to happen in just a few sessions. Hypnosis helps some Sparks Again, Retirement Sparks Redux and CANCER: A Coping Guide. folks control unwanted habits. Support groups are great for a lot Her essays appear in the anthologies: 80 Things To Do When You Turn of these, and they’re everywhere now. There are also meds and 80 and 70 Things To Do When You Turn 70. All are available on Amazon. therapeutics, like transdermal patches to help kick smoking. com. Contact her at: emdecker@ix.netcom.com The addiction that prompted me to write this column was none
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Surprise Pandemic Birthday Party Robin threw her mother a surprise 80th birthday party. And over two dozen people showed up. They social distanced, but did not wear masks. Joyce was able to see her children, grandchildren and other relatives from Rhode Island, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Tennessee and Florida through the magic of a Video Conferencing Program. Robin arranged the surprise “party” by e-mailing everyone with her Web Ex code, getting them all on line at the same time, and then calling me to get Joyce in front of the computer for the big “SURPRISE!” What a joy to see our family together, most of whom we had not seen in over eight months, in living color in a dozen small boxes on our computer. Sure, we missed those family gatherings, whether surprise parties, planned picnics, or chicken dinners at Wrights Farm, but the modern marvels of videoconferencing made for a wonderful alternative.
All you need to pull off the surprise is a computer knowledgeable family member with Zoom, Web Ex, or one of the other video conferencing programs. The result is similar to that being used on a larger scale by sports venues, the America’s Got Talent audience, and dozens of TV programs, distant learning, and business conferencing. My daughter uses it both at work and for personal use, connecting with her UConn students and faculty and her friends and relatives from Connecticut to California. For over an hour we caught up with everyone, chatting about children, pets, work, hobbies, and how we were all coping with Covid-19. Like most family gatherings, we found it difficult to say “Goodbye”. With the holidays upon us and traditional gatherings out of the question, video conferencing is a possibility for many families to come together.
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As you know, this will be the 20th year for Elves for Elders! Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we will not be accepting gifts this year. We are looking for gift cards or monetary donations only. Our communities are struggling even more this year. We will want to provide some cheer for our seniors. Please send a donation. Please make checks payable to: SENIORS RULE Seniors Rule is the non-profit organization that coordinates Elves for Elders.
The address to send a donation:
Maxine Hutchins c/o Right at Home 730 Warwick Avenue | Warwick, RI 02888 Pleae feel free to include a Holiday card. More info 401-286-3821
Meaningful gifts for the amazing women in your life To make this year’s holiday even more meaningful, you may be searching for special gifts to celebrate and honor the women who make a difference in your life - whether they are family members, mentors, friends or your spouse. If you want her to know that you care not just about pleasing her with your gift, but that you also want to help lift up and empower women around the world, here are some ideas for holiday gifts that mean a whole lot more. Support women business owners Help empower women in business this holiday season by searching for local and online women-owned establishments. This way, you can thoughtfully choose appropriate products, services or gift certificates for those you are gifting this year. To make more of an impact, simply donate to women-owned businesses this holiday season to help keep businesses open and thriving. Indulge in chocolates with a cause By choosing to give the gift of DOVE Chocolate, you will not only be making the life of your loved one a little sweeter, but you will also be supporting the many ways the company helps to empower women in business around the world. Select purchases of DOVE Chocolate PROMISES made online at Amazon will trigger donations to CARE, the international humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and world hunger. CARE places special focus on working alongside women and girls on financial literacy, because when equipped with the proper resources, they have power to lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty. And, for every online order of qualifying DOVE Chocolate PROMISES 150-piece bags purchased on Amazon beginning Nov. 13, the brand will donate $5.00 to CARE.
Handmade artisan gifts that honor women locally and abroad Create a special impression with a gift that supports women in business - and that has the ability to change lives. Amazon Handmade and DOVE Chocolate are teaming up to launch unique, limited-run pop-up shops that will offer featured chocolate products as well as artisan handcrafted items from womenowned businesses on Handmade. The pop-up shops will be located in Chicago, Ill., Seattle, Wash. and West Hollywood, Calif., as well as online. Shoppers will have the opportunity to learn more about each female Handmade Maker, plus DOVE Chocolate’s partnership with CARE that helps financially empower women in cocoa-growing communities in Cote d’Ivoire. Shoppers can also learn about entrepreneur tips from featured Handmade Makers and have opportunities to win daily prizes at each of the pop-up shops. From anywhere in the country, you can also check out their online virtual shops to learn more about featured Makers and their one-of-a-kind products on Amazon.com/unwrapchange. Donate in her name One great way to show that you honor the causes that the special woman in your life cares about is to make a donation in her name to an organization. Take time to research local and national organizations that educate, empower and support women in a way that is relevant and meaningful to your gift recipient and then make an investment of time or money in her honor
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Pour some Festive Holiday Cheer this season Pair and Pour Some Festive Holiday Cheer This Season
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FAMILY FEATURES
hile holiday traditions and celebrations will likely look different this year, the season is still special. Set the scene for a celebratory occasion by mixing festive cocktails or creating the perfect spread to complement your wines, beers, cheeses and even chocolates. You can help make your spread delicious and affordable by relying on high-quality ingredients like those at ALDI. If you need inspiration, sommelier and lifestyle expert Sarah Tracey can help guide your palate with these festive ALDIexclusive pairings and seasonal cocktail ideas: Light and Refreshing – With aromas of Meyer lemon and flavors of fresh green apple and white peach, the crisp Landshut Riesling has a touch of delicate sweetness while still being juicy and refreshing. For a savory-andsweet combination, try pairing it with the Emporium Selection Plain Goat Cheese Log and Winternacht Milk Chocolate Domino Cubes. Rich and Decadent – Indulge your senses with the aromas of butterscotch, warm baking spices and the velvety dark fruit notes of the Quarter Cut Bourbon Barrel Red Blend. This decadent red blend offers a smooth finish, similar to mulled wine without the extra work. The rich flavor pairs well with a smoked cheese like Emporium Selection Smoked Gouda as well as the Moser Roth Dark Chocolate Collection Caramel Sea Salt. Savory with Brew – If a craft beer is more your style, consider a rich and creamy dark ale like a stout. Its robust flavors of roasted coffee beans and bittersweet cocoa combine for a sweet yet savory, earthy finish. Serve it with rich flavors like Emporium Selection Premium English Truffle Cheddar and add a touch of chocolatey sweetness with Specially Selected Cocoa Dusted Truffles. Signature Libations – Up the ante on your holiday celebration with a special yet simple cocktail you can mix at home with confidence. The secret to making the Mistletoe Mule is the 3-2-1 method: just pour wine for three counts, ginger beer for two counts and pomegranate juice for one count. Find more holiday recipes at aldi.us/holiday-guide.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images
Mistletoe Mule
Servings: 2 Sugar 4 1/2 ounces Tourner Brut Sparkling 3 ounces Summit Ginger Beer 1.5 ounces Specially Selected Premium 100% Pomegranate Juice lime juice fresh cranberries, for garnish (optional) Rim two glasses with sugar. In separate mixer or glass, combine wine, ginger beer and pomegranate juice using 3-2-1 method. To serve, pour over ice in prepared glasses then top with fresh lime juice. Garnish each glass with cranberries, if desired.
‘Tis the Season for Ginger Ginger is not just spicy, sweet and delicious, it’s also tremendously good for you. And the holiday season is the perfect time to pack a punch with it in everything from the cookie tray to the cocktails. Here’s why and how to include this efficacious superfood in your holiday festivities. • Be good to yourself: Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and flu season, a nutritious immunity-boosting diet can help you take good care of your health. With its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, ginger boasts a wide range of health benefits, making it a great ingredient to include in your winter culinary repertoire. What’s more, ginger can help counteract some of the effects of an indulgent holiday season, as it promotes digestive health and calms nausea. • Embrace its versatility: Ginger goes far beyond such holiday classics like gingerbread houses. With a little creativity, it can be incorporated into every course of your holiday meal, adding a rare depth of flavor few other ingredients can match. Reed’s Crystallized Ginger makes it easier than ever to add that burst of spicy sweetness to seasonal recipes with its diced, ready-to-eat baby ginger root. So, consider wowing your family! Whip up a batch of ginger-carrot soup, prepare a ginger-based salad dressing, top your roast with a ginger-gravy or simply garnish your favorite cocktail. • Go for the real stuff: To amp up the flavor and health benefits, use only ingredients incorporating real ginger. Just be sure to read the label. If you’re like the one in three ginger ale drinkers who reach for this bubbly beverage because you’re looking for a drink with actual ginger, you may be surprised to learn that most mainstream ginger ales contain almost no real ginger. For holiday cocktails or enjoyed straight, try Reeds Real Ginger Ale, which is the only ginger ale on the market made with real, fresh ginger. Its original variety is non-GMO, packed with 2000 milligrams of organic pressed ginger and made with no artificial flavors, no artificial colors, no artificial preservatives and no high fructose corn syrup. There’s also a zero sugar variety too. Certified-ketogenic, it uses the same ingredients without the cane sugar. For more information, as well as holiday gift-giving and recipe inspiration, visit drinkreeds.com. A satisfying spice known worldwide for its wellness benefits, you can give your family the gift of flavor and health by putting ginger front-and-center this holiday season.
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Creative, Colorfulgift Christmas for Kids Creative, colorful ideas forIdeas the grandkids
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FAMILY FEATURES
icking out the perfect presents for kids this holiday doesn’t limit your search to simply including gifts with screens or the hottest tech gadgets. Although the amount of options in store and on virtual shelves for kids can be somewhat over whelming, gifts fostering imaginative play and creativity never go out of style. Even if it seems your children already have pretty much everything, getting back to the basics with crafty gifts like paint and art sets, color and wash collectibles, science kits or customizable DIY projects encourage children to express their creativity and explore their innerartists. Consider these activities that can spark imagination and allow kids of all ages to create colorful memories this holiday season. Find more at Crayola.com.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images
Colorful Pets
Kids can take imaginative, creative play to new places this holiday season with the Scribble Scrubbie Pets Grooming Truck. This lifelike environment includes a grooming truck with moving wheels and features a real working spray pump and scrub tub that allow kids to wash and clean the two included pets just like real groomers do. The truck also doubles as an easytopack storage solution for taking the customizable pets onthego for later use. After creating a colorful look for their pets using washable markers, kids can simply scrub them clean for a fresh blank canvas to create over and over.
Custom Craft Creations
Give the kids creative freedom with an option like Crayola’s Maker series, which allows them to create custom paper and markers for arts and crafts time at home or school projects. The Marker Maker comes with 16 makeable markers along with a color mixing guide and customizable labels for each one. The Paper Maker includes an instruction booklet, papermaking pulp to make 20 sheets of 5by8inch paper, a stir and smoothing tool and a pressure plate. Both kits make it fun and easy to craft DIY cards, decor, notes and other projects.
holiday celebrating
Spread joy to everyone from anywhere this holiday season COVID-19 restrictions mean the 2020 holiday season will be different this year, but that doesn’t mean you have to become a Grinch. Although extensive travel, large group gatherings and many traditional activities can’t happen, you can find imaginative ways to be just as joyful with a dash of creativity. In fact, many people are embracing this as an opportunity to take a unique approach and discover new ways to make one-of-a-kind memories with family, friends and coworkers. Online shopping expected to soar Last year, 56% of consumers reported they would make their holiday purchases online vs. at retail stores, according to the National Retail Federation. The experts at Purchasing Power - an employee purchase program - have witnessed this trend growing exponentially since March and expect athome shopping to soar over the upcoming holidays. With so many people continuing to work or attend school at home, Purchasing Power anticipates the most popular (and practical) gifts to be purchased and delivered right to people’s doors include new laptops and home electronics, personal
Travel less, make more memories at home
together. Select and share a recipe ahead of time and then sign on to your digital device to talk with each other as you each prepare dough, bake and enjoy treats. This might be the perfect time to tackle that traditional family recipe that’s been handed down for generations and see who proves most successful. For younger children with shorter attention spans, you may just want to plan a virtual cookie or cupcake decorating party. Or perhaps you get crafty and make some handcut snowflakes or colorful paper garlands. As you add the perfect touches to holiday treats, exchange memories of holidays past and even pull out old family photo albums or videos to reminisce. Make sure to enjoy a few treats together and take video stills to capture these special moments for future celebrations. Finally, wrap the fun up by reading a traditional holiday book to little ones before bedtime.
With airline travel at a minimum and health top of mind, many people won’t be traveling to bake holiday treats and celebrate good tidings in person. Consider alternatives this year and plan a family video chat time to bake cookies
The 2020 holiday season is sure to be unique, but “different” can still be good. With an optimistic mindset and clever ideas, you’ll put a new spin on family and workplace traditions and make some lasting memories.
health and fitness equipment and ergonomic office furniture. Of course, toys, video games - there are many new products and gaming systems this year for kid and adult gamers - and small luxury items will still bring smiles to those longing for unexpected surprises during the 2020 holidays. With money being tight for many families this year, employers want to help by offering things like year-round financial programs that allow workers to purchase items without the stress or high-interest rates associated with credit cards. Ask your employer about voluntary benefits like Purchasing Power, which enables you to buy name-brand consumer products and services and pay over the course of a year through automated payroll deduction, with no interest, fees or required credit checks. Learn more at www.purchasingpower.com.
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I am your local independent insurance agent representing all plans, looking to help members of our community save money on premiums, prescription drugs and help you get the benefits you deserve. I can assist you with reviewing all of your Medicare coverage options with NO COST or obligation to your current plan.
(401)206-3227
Donna DeLauro, Realtor Dedicated to providing quality service
Proud founder of Mature Matters Senior Real Estate Specialist
401-486-6044
SEAFOOD • CHICKEN • STEAK • PASTA FISH & CHIPS! Most Full Dinners Include Choice of Soup, Chowder or Salad
Chowder & Clam Cakes Every Day!
SHORTEN YOUR WAIT... WE HAVE CALL AHEAD SEATING
DINING
& Curbside Pickup Wed. - Sun. 12PM-9PM 288 Arnolds Neck Dr., Warwick, RI • 732-6575 LOCATED 1/4 MILE SOUTH OF APPONAUG 4 CORNERS
Shannon Marie Crowe
independentbenefitsolutions.com Financial Services Representative
www.crowsnestri.com
Cornerstone Adult Services Just like family
Adult day health centers n Nursing care n Restorative therapy n Engaging programs and activities n Nutritional meals and snacks
Call today! Bristol Center 254-9629
Apponaug Center 739-2847
Memory Care Center - Warwick 739-2844
Member Saint Elizabeth Community
www.stelizabethcommunity.org A non-profit, nonsectarian 501(c)(3) charitable organization and CareLink Partner.
Alzheimer’s Association Virtual Caregiver’s Journey Conference This year the Alzheimer’s Association RI Chapter is offering an impressive agenda of educational sessions facilitated by experts in the field of care of support for people living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and other dementia and those providing care and support to them. The conference offers practical and concrete recommendations, resources and guidance in the care and support for those living a life with dementia. Both direct care professionals, family caregivers and anyone supporting someone living with dementia will benefit from our three day virtual conference. 10th Annual Virtual Caregiver’s Journey Conference Dec. 2 - 4, 2020; daily start time at 9 AM Virtually through Zoom by phone or computer Registration deadline is Nov. 27 Visit https://www.alz.org/ri to register The conference offers practical and concrete recommendations, resources and guidance in the care and support for those living a life with dementia. Both direct care professionals, family caregivers and anyone supporting someone living with dementia will benefit from our three day virtual conference.
YOUR TAXES b y MEG C H E V ALIER
Get ready now to file 2020 federal income tax returns
The Internal Revenue Service encouraged taxpayers to take necessary actions to help them file their federal tax returns timely and accurately in 2021, including special steps related to Economic Impact Payments. Steps taxpayers can take now to make tax filing easier in 2021 Taxpayers should gather Forms W-2, Wage and Tax Statement, Forms 1099Misc, Miscellaneous Income, and other income documents to help determine if they’re eligible for deductions or credits. They’ll also need their Notice 1444, Your Economic Impact Payment, to calculate any Recovery Rebate Credit they may be eligible for on their 2020 Federal income tax return. Most income is taxable, including unemployment compensation, refund interest and income from the gig economy and virtual currencies. Taxpayers with an Individual Tax Identification Number should ensure it hasn’t expired before they file their 2020 federal tax return. If it has, IRS recommends they submit a Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, now to renew their ITIN. Taxpayers who fail to renew an ITIN before filing a tax return next year could face a delayed refund and may be ineligible for certain tax credits.
Taxpayers who received non-wage income like selfemployment income, investment income, taxable Social Security benefits and in some instances, pension and annuity income, may have to make estimated tax payments. Payment options can be found at IRS.gov/payments. New in 2021: Those who didn’t receive an EIP may be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit Taxpayers may be able to claim the Recovery Rebate Credit if they met the eligibility criteria in 2020 and: * They didn’t receive an Economic Impact Payment this year, or * Their Economic Impact Payment was less than $1,200 ($2,400 if married filing jointly for 2019 or 2018) plus $500 for each qualifying child. * For additional information about the Economic Impact Payment, taxpayers can visit the Economic Impact Payment Information Center. Received interest on a federal tax refund? Remember these are taxable; include when filing Taxpayers who received a federal tax refund in 2020 may have been paid interest. The IRS sent interest payments to individual taxpayers who timely filed their 2019 federal income tax returns and received refunds. Most interest payments were
received separately from tax refunds. Interest payments are taxable and must be reported on 2020 federal income tax returns. In January 2021, the IRS will send a Form 1099-INT, Interest Income, to anyone who received interest totaling at least $10. Although the IRS issues most refunds in less than 21 days, the IRS cautions taxpayers not to rely on receiving a 2020 federal tax refund by a certain date, especially when making major purchases or paying bills. Some returns may require additional review and may take longer. EITC/ACTC-related refunds should be available by first week of March By law, the IRS cannot issue refunds for people claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit or Additional Child Tax Credit before mid-February. The law requires the IRS to hold the entire refund ? even the portion not associated with EITC or ACTC. The IRS expects most EITC/ ACTC related refunds to be available in taxpayer bank accounts or on debit cards by the first week of March, if they chose direct deposit and there are no other issues with their tax return. Taxpayers should visit “Where’s My Refund?” for their personalized refund date. For additional information visit irs.gov.