Caribbean American Weekly - Issue 74

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ISSUE 74 VOLUME 17

A Variety of Legislation Has Been Introduced in Congress to Protect Dreamers VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.CAWNYC.COM

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BY JOSHUA BREISBLATT

he announcement of the end of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) initiative has hit home for many. The public has demonstrated a strong distaste for taking away young, undocumented immigrants’ work permits and targeting them for deportation.

Thus the clock is now ticking and pressure is on Congress to pass a permanent solution that allows young, undocument-

PM: Dominica at Frontline of War ...see page 2

INSIDE: 4-PAGE TAX GUIDE ... See pages 9-12

Caribbean Bowed But Not Beaten continued on page 3

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BY SIR RONALD SANDERS

t John’s, Antigua: I was asked to provide an answer to a question posed by an influential Washington-based publication regarding the future of tourism in the Caribbean in the wake of the damage wreaked, in quick succession, by two Category 5 hurricanes.

The question was disturbing. Its inference was that tourism in the Caribbean could be fatally affected by the recent storms and by more fre-

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Jamaican Woman, World’s Oldest Passes ...see page 2

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Sanders continued on page 6

INSIDE: 4-PAGE PULLOUT OF EQUITY SMART REALTY - GET READY TO BE A HOMEOWNER!

Brian Figeroux, Esq. Founder of the Paralegal Program and Member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association for 2 decades

A Couple Money Meet Up ...see page 5

Honoring the leaders in our community: Rev. Al Sharpton, Dr. Kathie-Ann Joseph and Pastor A. R. Bernard! ... see pages 4 and 16

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Caribbean Consulates

Anguilla 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200

Antigua & Barbuda 305 East 47th Street, Suite 6A New York, N.Y. 10020 Tel: 212-541-4117

The Bahamas 231 East 46th Street New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-421-6420

Barbados 820 Second Avenue, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-551-4325

Belize 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1911 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-593-0999

Dominica 800 Second Avenue, Suite 400H New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-949-0853

Dominican Republic 1500 Broadway, Suite 410 New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-599-8478

Grenada 685 Third Avenue, Suite 1101 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-599-0301

Guyana 308 West 38th Street New York, N.Y. 10018 Tel: 212-947-5119

Haiti 815 Second Avenue,6th Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-697-9767

Jamaica 767 Third Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-935-9000

Martinique 444 Madison Avenue, 16th Floor New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-838-6887

Montserrat 845 Third Avenue New York, N.Y. 10022 Tel: 212-745-0200

Panama 1212 Avenue of the Americas, 20th Floor New York, N.Y. 10036 Tel: 212-840-2450

St. Kitts & Nevis 414 East 75th Street, 5th Floor New York, N.Y. 10021 Tel: 212-535-5521

St. Lucia 800 Second Avenue, 9th Floor New York, N.Y. 10007 Tel: 212-697-9360 St. Maarten 675 Third Avenue, Suite 1807 New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 800-786-2278

St. Vincent & The Grenadines 801 Second Avenue, 21st Floor New York, N.Y. 10017 Tel: 212-687-4981 Trinidad & Tobago 125 Maiden Lane, 4th Floor New York, N.Y. 10038 Tel: 212-682-7272

For more Consulate information go to www.cawnyc.com/directory

IN THE NEWS World’s Oldest Person Dies: Jamaican Woman Passes Away at 117 Years Old

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he 117-year-old Jamaican woman who was the oldest person in the world, has died. Violet MossBrown died at a medical facility on Friday, Sept 15, 2017. Prime Minister Andrew Holness offered condolences in a tweet.

The supercentenarian’s passing came hours after it was reported that she was caught up in a family dispute about who should care for her.

The Jamaica Gleaner had interviewed some of her family members, and in an article , reported that those with whom Moss-Brown was living said she was just taken to a medical appointment the

Moss-Brown

by another relative under the instructions of one of her sons, Barry Russell, but had

not been returned to her Trelawny home.

Russell, who lives in Miami, told the newspaper that he made the decision to move his mother because “her greedy grandchildren were not taking good care of her” and that he had no intention of disclosing her whereabouts, but she was alive and safe.

In a report published in the Gleaner , he confirmed his mother’s passing on September 15, 2017.

“She died at the Fairfield Medical Centre, in Montego Bay, at approxicontinued on page 8

Dominica at Frontline of a War it Did Not Start, PM Tells UN as He Pleads for Action on Climate Change

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leading with all members of the United Nations General Assembly – large and small, rich and poor – to come together to save the planet, the Prime Minister of Dominica, where the landscape, ravaged by back-to-back hurricanes “resembles a war zone” on the heels of Hurricane Maria, said his and other islands in the Caribbean need help now to fight a war that is not of their own creation.

Just two years after tropical storm Erika had ripped through the region, leaving death and destruction in his country, Roosevelt Skerrit said Dominica and others in the region had been ravaged by perhaps the worst hurricane season on record, with Irma and Maria leaving loss of lives and livelihoods, and as yet untold damage “I come to you straight from the front line of the war on climate change,” he said in an emotional address to the General Assembly’s annual general debate when he reported on “desolation beyond imagination” in his storm-battered country where at least 15 have died and countless others are missing, homes have been flattened, buildings left roofless, water pipes smashed, road infrastructure destroyed, crops uprooted, the hospital left without power, schools disappeared beneath the rubble, and “where there was green, there is now only dust and dirt.”

“To deny climate change is to procrastinate while the earth sinks; it is to deny a truth we have just lived! It is to mock thousands of my compatriots who… without a roof over their heads, will watch the night descend on Dominica in fear of sudden mud slides and what the next hurricane may bring.

“We as a country and as a region did not start this war against nature! We did not provoke it! The war has come to us!”

Skerrit said warmer air and sea temperatures have permanently altered the climate between the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. He noted that heat is the fuel

that takes ordinary storms – “storms we could normally master in our sleep – and supercharges them into a devastating force.”

The most unfortunate reality, he said, is that there is little time left to reverse damages and rectify this trajectory.

“We need action and we need it now,” he said. “While the big countries talk, the small island nations suffer…We in the Caribbean do not produce greenhouse gases or sulphate aerosols. We do not pollute or overfish our oceans. We have made no contribution to global warming that can move the needle. But yet, we are among the main victims on the frontline.”

“The nation of Dominica has come to declare an international humanitarian emergency – one that is centered in Dominica but also encompasses many of our neighbors including our sister isle, Antigua, which had to evacuate its citizens from Barbuda,” he said, referring to the declaration of Barbuda as uninhabitable following the battering by Hurricane Irma earlier this month.

Identifying his Eastern Caribbean nation’s specific needs on the heels of Maria’s destruction, Skerrit said water, food and emergency shelter are priority but the island also needs roads, bridges and new infrastructure, as well as capabilities of delivery.

He therefore called on those nations with substantial military capacities “to lend us the rescue and rebuilding equipment that may be standing idle waiting for a war.”

“Let Dominica today be that war, because currently our landscape reflects a zone of war. The battle we face has brought us to our knees. We need resources now, so that we may move with purpose to the task of rebuilding our beautiful island-home. We will need to rebuild homes and villages. We will need to rebuild communities, schools, roads and bridges. We will need to rebuild a country, and we cannot do it alone.”

The Dominican leader said the time has come for the international community to make a stand and to decide whether it will be shoulder to shoulder with those suffering the ravages of climate change worldwide. “…Whether we can mitigate the consequences of unprecedented increases in sea temperatures and levels; whether to help us rebuild sustainable livelihoods; or whether the international community will merely show some pity now, and then flee, relieved to know that this time it was not you. We, the small nations of the world, need to know who our real friends are, who have our backs.”l

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IMMIGRATION NEWS

TEAM

Variety of Legislation to Protect Dreamers/continued from page 1

ed immigrants onto a path towards citizenship.

Fortunately there are some efforts underway. So far, during this session of Congress, Democrats and Republicans in both chambers have introduced a variety of legislative proposals.

The bill with the most bipartisan support to date is the Dream Act of 2017, which has been introduced in various forms since 2001. The most recent versions of the Dream Act were introduced in July by Senators Lindsay Graham (RSC) and Richard Durbin (D-IL) in the Senate and in the House by Representatives Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-CA) and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL).

The Dream Act of 2017 lays out a three-step path to citizenship. First, undocumented youth would obtain an initial Conditional Permanent Resident (CPR) status effective for up to eight years. It covers those who entered the United States under the age of 18 and have been in the country for at least four years. Anyone convicted of a felony or three or more misdemeanors would be ineligible.

Then, after maintaining CPR status, individuals become eligible for Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) status and a green card. In order to receive a green card, an individual must generally complete either two years of higher education or military service with an honorable dis-

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My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. —Hosea 4:6 Publisher I.Q. INC.

charge, or demonstrate employment over a total period of three years.

Once an individual receives a green card, they become eligible to apply for citizenship typically five years later.

Other similar, but more stringent proposals have been introduced in Congress, including the Recognizing America’s Children (RAC) Act. The bill, which is currently co-sponsored by dozens of Republicans and one Democrat, is similar in structure to the Dream Act but more limited, with strict education requirements to obtain CPR status and a green card.

The RAC Act ultimately sets a 10-year path before someone can become a citizen and would ultimately cover fewer people than the Dream Act of 2017.

The Migration Policy Institute has estimated that about 3.3 million people would be initially eligible under the Dream Act of 2017 versus 2.5 million under the RAC Act. A few Senate Republicans also introduced their own bills, including Solution for Undocumented Children Through

Careers Employment Education and Defending our Nation (SUCCEED) Act. The legislation introduced by Senators Tillis (R-NC), Lankford (R-OK), and Hatch (R-UT) is similar to the RAC Act in the House, but would further limit eligibility.

For example, the bill would bar people from obtaining CPR status if they have been convicted of driving without a license and other minor traffic offenses, shoplifting, or non-violent offenses.

This bill also has a longer 15-year path to be eligible for citizenship.

Finally, there is the American Hope Act introduced by Representative Gutierrez (D-IL) and supported by over 150 Democrats. This legislation is the most generous of the bills and covers a larger number of people including those who arrived since the end of 2016.

These bills are seemingly the beginning of Congressional action on immigration. Yet, it remains to be seen which of the proposals will gain the momentum and needed bipartisan support to pass into law.l

Managing Editor & Editor-in-Chief Pearl Phillip Legal Advisor Brian Figeroux, Esq. Assistant Editor Marilyn Silverman

Graphic & Website Designers Praim Samsoondar Ayako Miyayoshi (Intern) Anvar Sabirov (Intern) Contributors Joshua Breisblatt Candace Bahr D’ Arcy Lyness PhD David Gogner, JD

Email: cariaweekly@aol.com Telephone: 718-771-0988

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4

CIVIL RIGHTS

Rev. Al Sharpton: The Face of Civil Rights

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ev. Al Sharpton is the founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN), a notfor-profit civil rights organization based in Harlem with over 47 Chapters nationwide. As one of the nation’s most renowned civil rights leaders, Rev. Sharpton has been praised by President Barack Obama as “the voice of the voiceless and a champion for the downtrodden,” and by former President George W. Bush who said that AAl cares just as much as I care about making sure every child learns to read, write.”

Recently featured on the cover of Newsweek Magazine, the opening sentence in the story echoed what many have said about him even since he was a child prodigy: “If the Rev. Al Sharpton didn’t exist, he would have to be invented.” The Wall Street Journal in a cover story said Rev. Al Sharpton has grown from the premier politician of protest to the ultimate political pragmatist (March 17, 2010), and this year, Rev Al Sharpton was selected to be profiled in a cover story in Ebony Magazine along with seven others, including President Barack Obama, for the Ebony magazine Power 150 Edition.

In the October 19th, 2009 issue of New York Magazine, Rev. Sharpton was featured as the only African-American listed among the “Top 12 Most Powerful People in New York City.” A USA Today/Gallup Poll conducted in July 2008 called Rev. Sharpton the leader in the country that Blacks turn to speak for them on the issue of race, second only to then Senator Barack Obama. In February 2007, Rev. Sharpton was called “the most prominent civil rights activist in the nation” by the New York Daily News.

Whether it was his noteworthy presidential run as a candidate for the Democratic Party in 2004, or his compelling speech at the Democratic National Convention in Boston, Reverend Sharpton has had an irrefutable impact on national politics and civil rights because of his strong commitment to equality and progressive politics. In April of 2001, Coretta Scott King hailed him as “a voice for the oppressed, a leader who has protested injustice with a passionate and unrelenting commitment to nonviolent action in the spirit and tradition of Martin Luther King Jr.” Forty-seven years after the historic March on Washington where her

late husband, Dr. King delivered his “I Have a Dream Speech,” Rev. Sharpton and National Action Network recently led 30,000 people in the “Reclaim the Dream” rally and march.

Rev. Sharpton is a leader on issues regarding education and the fight to ensure equity in the U.S. education system that continues to fail its highest-need students, despite the 55 years that have lapsed since Brown v. Board of Education. President Barack Obama echoed this in his address at the NAACP 100th Anniversary Celebration, when he

exclaimed “the state of our schools is not an African American problem; it is an American problem. Because if Black and Brown children cannot compete, then America cannot compete. And let me say this, if Al Sharpton, Mike Bloomberg, and Newt Gingrich can agree that we need to solve the education problem, then that’s something all of America can agree we can solve. Those guys came into my office. Just sitting in the Oval Office, I kept on doing a double-take. So that’s a sign of progress and it is a sign of the urgency of the education problem.”

Rev. Sharpton is a champion for human rights and is passionate about the key issues that involve confronting human rights violations. One of his career highlights has been contributing to the end of the United States Navy exercises in Vieques, Puerto Rico, which proved to be poisoning the environment on the island.

Rev. Sharpton says his religious convictions are the basis for his life and on most Sundays he preaches to congregations across the nation. Rev. Sharpton has two daughters from his marriage to Kathy Jordan Sharpton, Dominique and Ashley.l

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MONEY MATTERS

A Couple’s Money Meet-Up

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BY CANDACE BAHR, CEA, CDFA

et’s imagine that you and your mate have a very important financial date today. It’s a regularly scheduled get-together that happens every month like clockwork.

You may recall that when you first began these state-of-our-finances meetings, it was rocky. Lots of things needed to be shared and talked through, some quite jarring. Now, though, it’s become a happy and exciting experience. You feel great when you tell a friend, “These conversations keep Bob and me on the same financial page and ensure that we both are open and clear about our goals, our dreams, our mistakes, our challenges, and our shared path in life.”

If this imaginary scene sounds like a far-out fantasy, here are some things to consider.

In successful marriages, both partners work together financially and emotionally. Communication is key. Honesty and compromise, too. Talking openly and frequently about your finances is what a regular couple’s money meet-up is all about. Here you’ll discuss your financiasituation, dreams, and goals as well as brainstorm creative solutions to problems and generate ideas to improve your

5 family finances in case there’s a need to fill in or take over altogether.

Visualize your dreams and goals – Sharing goals is one of the most exciting parts of being a couple. Together you will define and develop the type of lifestyle you will lead.Be honest with each other about your specific desires and priorities. As a couple, you should reach an agreement about the goals you share, create a time line, and then determine the best savings and investment strategies to realize each objective. future. A money meeting can help you:

Recognize your partner’s money style Trying to understand your natural tendencies about money can help you understand and appreciate your partner’s traits and help you reach common ground. Discuss how you each feel about money and from where your beliefs stem. With patience and honest communication, you should fully understand each other’s feelings and be able to reach an accord on the best way to manage your money together.

Build your financial skills If either of you lacks financial knowl-

edge, make the effort to master the basics and boost your confidence about money issues. The more you understand financial matters, the more confident and empowered you will feel in other aspects of your life. Knowing how to manage money wisely gives you a sense of control and security that is imperative to building a solid future as a couple.

Share the money management However you divvy up the bill-paying, managing the investments, organizing the paperwork, and other financial tasks, make sure each of you understands what the other is doing. Both partners need the knowledge and access to manage the

Bolster your financial commitment to one another Disagreements are inevitable, and couples argue about financial issues more than anything else. Try to discuss your differences openly and settle them fairly.

Money is intertwined with trust in a relationship, so the more you can talk about money, the better relationship you will have.l

Reprinted with permission. Candace Bahr, CEA, CDFA is a co-founder of WIFE.org, a nonprofit that aims to teach females how to take financial control of their lives.

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MOVING FORWARD

Caribbean Bowed But Not Beaten/continued from page 1

quent and intense of storms in the future, and, further, tourists would now have to consider alternative destinations.

I did not regard the question as idle speculation and I pondered whose interests would be served by spreading the notion that tourism to the Caribbean tourism has become dangerous.

I provided an answer to the question for the publication. I reproduce below both the question and the answer that I gave.

The question was: “How have recent events (the massive earthquake that toppled buildings and killed many in Mexico City) affected the outlook for tourism in Mexico and elsewhere in the region? How badly damaged is the Caribbean basin’s tourism infrastructure, and how long will it take to recover? Will some countries of the region, spared from damage, be able to accommodate more visitors, or will trends see tourists choose entirely different parts of the world to vacation altogether?”

The answer I gave was as follows: “I am unable to speak for Mexico in this matter, but I would imagine that both the Mexican government and the private sector will act swiftly to correct any impression that the earthquake prohibits the country from welcoming tourists.

Tourism to Mexico is not to Mexico City alone. With regard to the Caribbean, while the tourism infrastructure in some countries in the Caribbean has been damaged by the recent hurricanes, this is not true of the entire area.

Many destinations for both air and sea arrivals are open and functioning normally. The countries that were not impacted by the hurricanes recognize that there will be greater demand and they have taken measures to accommodate this development, such as earlier opening of resorts that had closed for the summer.

M

s. Lynn Spivey, the creator of I GOT POWER™ who is also the president of the NYCHA branch of the NAACP, believes POWERFUL people: Must seek a Purpose, Look for an Opportunity, Seek out Wisdom, Look to encourage others, and seek to be Resilient. The game encourages you to learn more about African Americans and their contributions to history.

I GOT POWER™ is an exceptional interactive board game for children and adults alike. It is ideal for school, parties and family nights where you are looking to have FUN. I GOT POWER™ allows players to learn about POWERFUL African American Heroes both past and

Some of them, such as Antigua and Barbuda, have already entered agreements with airlines, cruise ship liners and yachting companies for more calls at their ports. Several cruise ship lines, such as Royal Caribbean and MSC cruises, have organized their schedules to allow their clients to proceed seamlessly with Caribbean cruises by increasing the number of their berthings at non-affected ports.

Both Caribbean countries and the airlines and cruise ship companies have a vested interest in preserving and promoting the Caribbean. They are already adjusting their marketing campaigns to reflect that reality. Tourists have the entire world to choose for their holidays, but the Caribbean has a special appeal whose lustre has not been lost because of the damage caused to a few destinations.

The damage is not permanent and the Caribbean has a record of swift recovery”.

It is important to note that while territories such as the British and US Virgin Islands, Anguilla, French/Dutch St Martin/St Maarten, Puerto Rico and Dominica were damaged as well as the small island of Barbuda (the other island of the State of Antigua and Barbuda), other Caribbean destinations weathered the storm and are operating normally.

These include Jamaica, St Kitts-Nevis, Antigua, St Lucia, Grenada, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Barbados and Tobago.

present.

With each turn of the card, the players have a chance to answer a question about an important and POWERFUL African American hero and once they give the right answer they get to put a chip on their game card that has the name of that person. For instance if they answer a question and the answer to that question is the POWERFUL Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. they place a chip on that card where Dr. King's name is. Once they have answered enough questions to spell out the word P O W E R on the card either across or diagonally the player has to shout out I GOT POWER™ in order to win Empowering and transforming, I GOT

The unimpeded operations of these countries and the readiness of their ports and resorts to welcome visitors are messages that their tourism authorities should be broadcasting in the tourist markets loudly and clearly. In tourism competition, as in all forms of competition, underhand propaganda that hurts contestants is par for the course. The undermining of challengers for the same prize is subtle, but widespread.

The international media coverage of the awful damage done by hurricanes Irma and Maria help unconscionable contenders to try to grab as much business from the Caribbean as possible. Few would be privately troubled in their quest to increase their market share and to benefit at the Caribbean’s expense.

Of course, the region wants the international community to recognize the enormous damage that has been done to the gravely affected islands and their peoples. Rebuilding in these countries will require an international response in many ways. But, at the same time, the region must also let the world know that damage to some islands in the Caribbean has not closed the area, and the damage is not permanent or irreparable.

Tourism now accounts for at least sixty per cent of the Gross Domestic Product of the Caribbean. Retaining the region’s share of world tourism is vital to economic growth and development and the well-being of the Caribbean people.

POWER™ is not only fun but it will also provide children and adults with knowledge of self and understanding of the greatness of African American people. A game that is over 400 years in the making and with a brilliant future ahead, I GOT POWER™ is the game of a people that change the world.

If you are looking to empower and transform your life, go to the Google Play App store and type in I Got Power.

If you are interested in more information about the Power Movement, please contact us at 888-434-0031 or follow us on FaceBook: www.facebook.com/I-GotPower-Game. l Every Saturday from 11am – noon you can listen to Lynn Spivey along with Tanza Pettiford the hosts of The Brand The Boss and The Business radio show live on: www.facebook.com/ThebrandTheboss Thebusiness, www.diasporaradio.com or listen on your phone 213-493-0282.

You can call in at 718-797-1392.

We must tell the world that the affected countries – especially those that are not dependencies of the US, Britain, France and the Netherlands – need international help. But, we must also let the world know that the Caribbean is resilient and determined, and remains a little bit of paradise in a war troubled by terrorism, conflicts and disease.

After Hurricanes Irma and Maria ripped through parts of the Caribbean, following basically the same path, there were whispered suggestions that life on these islands was becoming unsustainable, and it might be prudent to abandon them.

That fatalistic notion must never be an option for Caribbean societies.

Caribbean civilization must not be made extinct – not even in part.

Recognizing the increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes, Caribbean countries must rebuild damaged infrastructure and property – and construct new ones – at much more resilient standards. Modern day building materials make the achievement of such standards possible.

The region may be bowed, but is does not have to be beaten.l Sir Ronald Sanders is Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to the US and the OAS. He is also a Senior Fellow at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies at the University of London and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

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7

FAMILY MATTERS

Connecting With Your Preteen

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REVIEWED BY D’ARCY LYNESS, PhD

taying connected as kids approach the teen years and become more independent may become a challenge for parents, but it's as important as ever — if not more so now.

While activities at school, new interests, and a growing social life become more important to growing kids, parents are still the anchors, providing love, guidance, and support.

And that connection provides a sense of security and helps build the resilience kids needs to roll with life's ups and downs.

What to Expect Your preteen may act as if your guidance isn't welcome or needed, and even seem embarrassed by you at times. This is when kids start to confide more in peers and request their space and privacy — and expect the bedroom door to be shut more often.

As difficult as it may be to swallow these changes, try not to take them personally. They're all signs of growing independence. You're going to have to loosen the ties and allow some growing room.

But you don't have to let go entirely.

You're still a powerful influence — it's just that your preteen might be more responsive to the example you set rather than the instructions you give. So practice what you'd like to preach; just preach it a little less for now.

Modeling the qualities that you want your preteen to learn and practice — respectful communication, kindness, healthy eating, and fulfilling everyday responsibilities without complaining — makes it more likely that your son or daughter will comply.

What You Can Do Small, simple things can reinforce this connection. Make room in your schedule for special times, take advantage of the routines you already share, and show that you care. Here are some tips:

Family meals: It may seem like a chore to prepare a meal, particularly after a long day. But a shared family meal provides valuable together time. So schedule it and organize it just as you would any other activity. Even if you have to pick up something pre-made, sit down together to eat it. Turn off the TV and try to tune out the ringing phone. If it's impossible to do every night, schedule a regu-

lar weekly family dinner night that accommodates kids' schedules. Make it something fun, and get everyone involved in the preparation and the cleanup. Sharing an activity helps build closeness and connection, and everyone pitching in reinforces a sense of responsibility and teamwork.

Bedtime and goodnight: Your child may not need to be tucked in anymore, but maintaining a consistent bedtime routine helps preteens get the sleep needed to grow healthy and strong. So work in some winding-down time together before the lights go out. Read together. Go over the highlights of the day and talk about tomorrow. And even if your preteen has outgrown the tuck-in routine, there's still a place for a goodnight kiss or hug. If it's shrugged off, try a gentle hand on the shoulder or back as you wish your child a good night's sleep.

Share ordinary time: Find little things that let you just hang out together. Invite your preteen to come with you to walk the dog. Invite yourself along on his or her run. Washing the car, baking cookies, renting movies, watching a favorite TV show — all are opportunities to enjoy each other's company. And they're chances for kids to talk about what's on their mind. Even riding in the car is an opportunity to connect. When you're driving, your preteen may be more inclined to mention a troubling issue.

Since you're focused on the road, he or she doesn't have to make eye contact, which can ease any discomfort about opening up.

Create special time: Make a tradition out of celebrating family milestones beyond birthdays and holidays. Marking

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FAMILY MATTERS

Connecting with Your Preteen/continued from page 7

World’s Oldest, Jamaican Woman Dies /continued from page 2

smaller occasions like a good report card or a winning soccer game helps reinforce family bonds.

Show affection: Don't underestimate the value of saying and showing how much you love your preteen. Doing so ensures that kids feel secure and loved. And you're demonstrating healthy ways to show affection. Still, preteens may start to feel self-conscious about big displays of affection from parents, especially in public. They may pull away from your hug and kiss, but it's not about you. Just reserve this type of affection for times when friends aren't around. And in public, find other ways to show that you care. A smile or a wave can convey a warm send-off while respecting boundaries. Recognize out loud your child's wonderful qualities and developing skills when you see them. You might say, "That's a beautiful drawing — you're really very artistic" or "You were great at baseball practice today — I loved watching you out there."

Go to games and practices when you can; when you can't, ask how things went and listen attentively. Help kids talk through the disappointments, and be sympathetic about the missed fly ball that won the game for the other team. Your attitude about setbacks will teach your preteen to accept and feel OK about them, and to summon the courage to try again.

Stay interested: Stay interested and curious about your preteen's ideas, feelings, and experiences. If you listen to what he or she is saying, you'll get a better sense of the guidance, perspective, and support needed. And responding in a nonjudgmental way means your child will be more likely to come to you anytime tough issues arise.l

Stay involved: Stay involved in your preteen's expanding pursuits. Getting involved gives you more time together and shared experiences. You don't have to be the Scout leader, homeroom mom, or soccer coach to be involved. And your child may want to do more activities where you're not in charge. That's OK.

mately 2:30 p.m. She was taken to the medical facility because she was not feeling well, was dehydrated, and had an irregular heartbeat,” he said.

In an interview with the Jamaica Star, Russell said he had a conversation with his mother before she died and she had told him that her heart was willing but her body was weak.

Moss-Brown, known as Aunt V, was born on March 10, 1900. She was a mother of six and a great-grandmother of many. One of her sons, Harland Fairweather who died in April this year at age 97, also had the record of being the world’s oldest person with a living parent.

The title of world’s oldest person now belongs to a Japanese woman – Nabi Tajima, also aged 117 but born on August 4, 1900.

May Aunt V’s soul rest in peace. Our condolescences to her family, friends and all who loved her. l

IS MOVING! (But we’ll be back!)

This 3-hour New York Notary Public Training course is designed to educate individuals with the legal terminology, concepts and clauses contained in the framework of the New York State Notary booklet.

Cost includes materials and information on: lSupplemental Study Guide lNotary Fact Sheet lPractical Exam lSample Forms lNotary Public Application and Oath of Office lNY State License Law Booklet lNY State Exam Schedule lExpert Training and Assistance

Fee: $50 in advance

$60 at the door covers course materials Date: October 18, 2017 from 6pm-9pm Location: 26 Court Street, Suite 701

Register at www.nacc.nyc or call 718-722-9217

Reprinted with the kind permission of Kidshealth.org

The Flatbush Caton Market

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TAX GUIDE

Small Business Tax Tips

9

Running a small business has many perks, one of them being the amount of deductions you can pile up at tax time. Everything from mileage to independent contractor payments can help defray taxes.

E

ven if you’re not the most financially savvy entrepreneur, you can lean on a CPA or other tax professional to walk you through your tax returns, as well as to give you tips on making the most of your deductions and business expenses.

Here are a number of tips for small businesses at tax time, including keeping track of all business expenses throughout the year and always opting to deduct mileage instead of actual auto expenses.

• Keep business and personal expenses separate, which means maintaining different checking accounts and credit cards for the business.

• Review the Small Business Jobs Act Tax, signed into law in 2010, which has nearly 20 initiatives aimed at decreasing the tax burden of small businesses.

Donations Are Deductible Company donations of money, supplies and property are all deductible expenses, according to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS). As are bonuses awarded to your employees, partners and officers.

You also should consider devoting a portion of your time for professional development endeavors. By taking a class or seminar, you are not only broadening your expertise; you’re also creating a helpful tax deduction.

Tracking Your Personal Deductions If you use your home for your business, you should be able to deduct mortgage interest, insurance, utilities, repairs and depreciation.

If your business is a corporation or partnership, you can deduct actual expenses for non-personal use of your personal vehicle, according to the IRS.

Actual expenses may include costs for fuel, maintenance and parking fees.

Keep detailed mileage records comprised of date, total miles, tolls, parking and the purpose of the trip. This will help give your accountant plenty of information for filing your tax return.l

Why Join Our Chamber?

Because membership in the local chamber offers numerous benefits and keeps business owners on top of important, ever-changing issues and trends within their community and local marketplace.

reasons to join: lBrings credibility to your business lIncreases your visibility in the community lCreates networking opportunities lGain a voice in government lMake business contacts lReceive Chamber newsletters lAcquire customer referrals lAttend Chamber events and programs lBenefit from promotion and publicity lFree small business consultations

Become a Chamber member today.

Call 718-722-9217 or visit www.nacc.nyc

Time to take your business to the next level!

Victoria Falk CEO, Passionate Travel VP, AAICC

Ready to join our Chamber?

Keep in mind, however, that you can’t just be a member of the Chamber to reap the benefits of Chamber membership.

Paying your annual dues just isn’t enough.

You must also make an investment of time and effort in Chamber activities and become involved. Simply put, what you get out of Chamber membership is directly relative to what you put in.

DO YOU WANT TO START, GROW, GET MONEY, MARKET OR CERTIFY YOUR BUSINESS? CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT 718-722-9217 OR VISIT WWW.NACC.NYC

10

TAX GUIDE

Figeroux & Associates Tax Practice When you have IRS tax

Liens & Levies, Innocent Spouse, Tax ID Assistance, Wage Garnishment, Tax Preparation Federal & All States, Income Tax Planning and assistance with IRS debt problems. If returns from years past remain unfiled, back taxes accrue unpaid, or offshore accounts go unreported, we can help. We can also assist with an IRS lien before the government levies property. No one should face IRS audits or tax problems without a qualified tax lawyer in New York on their side.

problems, it is very important to handle that very carefully.

IRS tax matters are very

crucial and sensitive issue and a slight mistake in the process

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Brian Figeroux, Esq.

he Law Offices of Figeroux & Associates, is headed by Brian Figeroux, Esq., a member of the New York Bar, Mr. Figeroux earned his JD from Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, his M.A. in Economics and B.S. in Accounting from the City University of New York, Brooklyn College.

Mr. Figeroux is supported by an experienced legal and professional staff that helps to level the playing field when it comes to tax issues. If you are seeking a corporate or income tax attorney in New York with expertise in handling complex financial issues, then engage Brian

Figeroux, Esq., the lead attorney at Figeroux & Associates in New York to defend you and your property.

Contact us to schedule a consultation with a Figeroux & Associates tax attorney today, and get tax relief now!

Evening and weekend hours are available by appointment.Call us at 718-834-0190 Our Tax Practice Expertise Focuses on Three Areas:

Tax planning and tax controversies: This includies Audits & Tax Court, Delinquent Tax Returns, Offers in Compromise, Payment Agreements, Tax

Tax issues in estate planning, probate, power of attorney and guardianships.

This includes the creation of wellthought-out estate plans for both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens, estate tax planning, probate administration and litigation, and assistance with guardianships. We can assist with the range of complex issues associated with estate planning.

Tax issues in business transactions: This includes what is the best type of entity to conduct business and contract review and preparation. We can assist with the range of complex issues associated with business startups, succession planning and resolving shareholder disputes. l

Figeroux & Associates To schedule a free consultation, contact our office: Tel: 718-834-0190 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Brooklyn, NY 11242

www.falaw.us

DO YOU WANT TO START, GROW, GET MONEY, MARKET OR CERTIFY YOUR BUSINESS? CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT 718-722-9217 OR VISIT WWW.NACC.NYC

TAX GUIDE

Quick & Accurate Filing

Those who come prepared leave with few surprises. That could be a motto of tax professionals, who urge clients to keep track of vital financial information throughout the year.

B

efore you head into your local tax attorney or start filling out your tax forms at home, be sure to compile all of the necessary information to properly complete your return on time.

What You Will Need to File Before visiting your local tax firm or sitting down to complete your forms on your own, be sure these materials are available and ready to reference: • Photo identification • Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse and dependents • Birth dates for primary and secondary earners and dependents on the tax return • Wage and earning statements (W-2, W2G, and 1099-R forms) from all employers • Interest and dividend statements from banks (1099 forms) • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available • Bank routing numbers and account numbers for direct deposit

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• Other relevant information about income and expenses (such as total amount paid for day care, and day care provider identifying number or tax ID).

Prepare Your Documents If you’re a business owner, you should consider preparing monthly financial statements if you’re not already. This will help you better understand how your business is doing, financially speaking.

There are plenty of professionals available to help you with the process, and planning throughout the year will make the year-end tax processes much easier.

Individuals should take the same approach, especially if they do freelance or contract work to supplement their regular income. Compile all of your invoices and payments to make sure you’re keeping accurate books.

Everyone’s home filing cabinet or online storage cloud should have copies of previous years’ tax returns. This will help you maintain consistent filing information from year to year and can keep you on track if you’re handling the filing of your own tax return.l

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12

TAX GUIDE

Are You Having Problems with the IRS?

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e're here to help you resolve your tax problems and put an end to the misery that the IRS can put you through. We pride ourselves on being very efficient, affordable, and of course, extremely discreet. The IRS problems will not just go away by themselves; they just keep getting worse with penalties and interest being added each day.

If you owe the IRS, you have a very serious problem. It may take the IRS several years to catch up to you, but they're relentless and have no mercy in collecting all the money that is owed. When the collection process starts, they'll make your life miserable and literally ruin all aspects of your life.

IRS Audit Representation Rarely do our clients have to talk with the IRS. We handle it all for you so that you need not take time off of your job to handle the bureaucracy and paperwork of the IRS.

Payroll Tax Problems The IRS views failing to pay payroll taxes as the cardinal sin of tax delinquency because a large portion of the payroll taxes are your employees' withholdings.

Non-Filed Tax Returns If you do not file, you can be prosecuted and punished with potential jail time, one year for each year not filed. Why risk potentially losing your freedom for failing to file your tax returns?

IRS Levies We are often able to get levies released and help you get out of a terrible situation. Our goal is to get you even with the IRS and let you start life anew.

Back Taxes Owed It's amazing how fast tax penalties and interest add up. Luckily, we offer several options when it comes to resolving unpaid taxes. Call 718834-0190 to get a Free Consultation with our tax specialist.

IRS Liens Liens filed against you by the IRS also show up on your credit report and often prevent you from opening a checking account or borrowing against any assets, like your home.

IRS Seizures A seizure should not be taken lightly. The IRS will ultimately pursue seizure of your physical assets; your home, cars, boats, jewelry, motorcycles, insurance policies, and even your retirement funds.

IRS Wage Garnishment The payment plan negotiated by us is always more favorable than any IRS wage garnishment. It allows you to receive your whole paycheck without fears of future wage garnishments.

Get Your IRS File Most people would be surprised to learn how much the IRS knows about them. Obtaining a copy of your IRS file is critical in analyzing the options available to resolve your tax problems.

Innocent Spouse Relief Innocent Spouse Relief was designed to alleviate unjust situations where one spouse was clearly the victim of fraud perpetrated by their spouse or ex-spouse.

Offer in Compromise Did you know that you can settle your debt with the IRS for just pennies on the dollar with their Offer in Compromise program?

IRS Payment Plan If you don't qualify for the IRS Offer In Compromise program, a Payment Plan may be the way to resolve your problem.

Bankruptcy Your back taxes, interest and penalties can be wiped out by filing bankruptcy. If you qualify, bankruptcy can be the best solution to resolve your crushing tax problems.

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Call us now: 718-834-0190

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Empire BlueCross BlueShield is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract. The D-SNP plans are plans with a Medicare contract and a coordination of benefits agreement with the New York State Department of Health. Enrollment in Empire BlueCross BlueShield depends on contract renewal. Services provided by Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc., and/or Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Part B premium is covered for full-dual enrollees. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or co-payments/co-insurance may change on January 1 of each year. The Formulary, pharmacy network, and/or provider network may change at any time. You will receive notice when necessary. This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. Premium, co-pays, co-insurance, and deductibles may vary based on the level of Extra Help you receive. Please contact the plan for further details. This policy has exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For more information on benefits, please contact your agent or the health plan.

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DO YOU WANT TO START, GROW, GET MONEY, MARKET OR CERTIFY YOUR BUSINESS? CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT 718-722-9217 OR VISIT WWW.NACC.NYC

14

JOBS & EMPOWERMENT

Get Ready to Become a Paralegal

T

legal services. Since hourly rates charged by attorneys are typically double or triple the rates of paralegals for the same task, law firm economics mandates the increased use of paralegals to minimize costs. As a result, a paralegal career is one of the hottest non-lawyer jobs in the legal industry.

here are many reasons why a paralegal career is an excellent choice. A paralegal job provides an opportunity to work in the legal field without spending several years in law school. If you thought paralegals only worked in law offices, think again. The skills you learn in paralegal training are transferable to other business environments. With the right skills, you would be able to work in a number of industries, including law firms, financial offices, law libraries, and state, local and federal governments.

Here are 5 great things about being a paralegal:

1. Rise in Pay Paralegal compensation has risen steadily in the past decade, despite a bump in the road in the depths of the 2009-2010 recession. As paralegals perform a broader and more complex range of tasks (paralegals even represent clients in court in certain countries and administrative tribunals), paralegal earnings continue to rise. The average paralegal salary hovers at around $50,000 per year but paralegals often make more through bonuses. Overtime hours can also add significant cash to a paralegal's paycheck.

3. Easy Career Entry Unlike lawyers who must complete seven years of formal education and pass the bar exam to practice law, you can become a paralegal in as little as a few months of study.

2. Explosive Employment Outlook The paralegal field is one of the fastestgrowing professions on the globe. The U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts the employment of paralegals and legal assistants to grow 28 percent between 2008 and 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. Among the factors driving this growth is client demand for more affordable and more efficient delivery of

4. Intellectual Challenge Paralegal work is intellectually challenging and involves a range of high-level skills. The most successful paralegals are problem-solvers and innovative thinkers.

Paralegals must become subject matter experts in their specialty area and master legal procedure, research, drafting and other skills. They must stay on top of ever-changing laws and new legal trends and developments while interfacing with attorneys, opposing counsel, vendors, staff members, clients and others. The work is varied and each day brings new challenges.

5. Rising Prestige As paralegals perform more complex and challenging work, paralegal prestige is rising. Paralegals are no longer simply lawyer's assistants; they are assuming management roles in corporations, leadership roles in law firms and entrepreneurial roles in independent paralegal businesses. Over the years, paralegals have transcended the image of glorified legal secretary to become respected members of the legal team.

Ready to Become a Paralegal?

So what do you think? Does a paralegal career sound like it’s for you? If you want to get started on the path to success as a paralegal, the New American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) can help. We go beyond teaching you about becoming a paralegal, we teach you how to be your own boss with our Small Business Boot Camp: Start Your Own Virtual Paralegal Business.

Come and learn about our FREE Paralegal Program. Visit www.freeparalegal.org to register for our next Orientation & Career Success Seminar.

We are located at 26 Court Street, Suite 701, Downtown Brooklyn. Call us at 718-722-9217. l

DO YOU WANT TO START, GROW, GET MONEY, MARKET OR CERTIFY YOUR BUSINESS? CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT 718-722-9217 OR VISIT WWW.NACC.NYC

DO YOU WANT TO START, GROW, GET MONEY, MARKET OR CERTIFY YOUR BUSINESS? CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT 718-722-9217 OR VISIT WWW.NACC.NYC

16

Pastor A. R. Bernard: He Built a Successful Church

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.R. Bernard enjoyed a successful career in finance before opening a small storefront church in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. From a handful of members the church has blossomed into the Christian Cultural Center (CCC), one of America’s fastest-growing churches with over 40,000 members.

Once a Nation of Islam follower and teenage civil rights activist, A.R. Bernard’s secretary introduced him to Christ and invited him to a Nicky Cruz crusade where he surrendered his life to Christ. From that point forward, Pastor Bernard has been a student of history and the Bible — educating, nurturing, and equipping his congregants to navigate their faith with sound values and biblical principles.

Pastor Bernard’s calling has remained laser focused for 40 years — and that’s to make faith relevant in today’s culture.

His transformative teachings — anchored in the truth of the scriptures — are powerfully relevant in people’s lives.

Considered by many to be the most influential and respected Christian in America, A.R. Bernard has been featured on Fox News, CNN, NBC’s Today, MSNBC, CBS News, and BET — and has his own weekly show on Daystar TV. Revered as the “Power Pastor” by The New York Times, Pastor Bernard was recently a guest on Oprah Winfrey’s SuperSoul Sunday, where he discussed his bestselling book, Four Things Women Want from a Man. The book expounds upon the powerful wisdom A.R. Bernard has gleaned from four decades of pastoring, counseling, and teaching couples — and from being married to his wife Karen for 45 years. It is an inspiring, life-changing read that resonates with couples, singles, leaders, and wannabe leaders alike, because it provides helpful, applicable insights on maturity, decisiveness, consistency, and strength.

Asked often about the explosive growth of his church, Pastor Bernard replies: “I

“I work hard on myself — in my relationship with God and with people....

Through the change in me, I can influence others to become better.”

take the principle to heart that, whatever you want people to become, you must become it first. So I don’t work hard on my congregation, I work hard on myself — in my relationship with God and with people . . .. Through the change in me, I can influence others to become better.”

Pastor Bernard was chosen to deliver mass with Pope Benedict at St. Patrick’s Cathedral and with Pope Francis at ceremonies for the 911 Memorial Museum.

He welcomed President Reuven Rivlin of the State of Israel to CCC, where New York Congressional members and elected officials greeted him on his first visit to the U.S. Pastor Bernard accepted an invitation to serve on President Trump’s Evangelical Advisory Board, but due to a deepening conflict in values with the administration, resigned in August, the only member to do so to date.

With his eloquent and dynamic communication skills, Pastor Bernard has led Bible studies for celebrities in entertainment, athletics, and government. Many well-known personalities have attended services at CCC, including Alonzo Mourning, Curtis Martin, Reuven Rivlin, Angela Bassett, Reince Priebus, Kim Cattrall, and Robin Roberts.

Hollywood superstar Denzel Washington and his wife Pauletta are quoted as saying: “A.R. Bernard has been a major influence in our lives… [helping us reach] a higher level in our relationship and spiritual growth.”

As the spiritual health of the nation is increasingly challenged and compromised, Pastor Bernard stands tall as a pillar of Godly influence and a beacon of hope. He has a Master of Urban Studies and a Master of Divinity from Alliance Theological Seminary, and he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degrees from Wagner College and Nyack College/Alliance Theological Seminary.l

COMMUNITY LEADERS

Dr. Kathie-Ann Joseph: Fighting Breast Cancer

K

athie-Ann Joseph, MD, MPH is Associate Professor of Surgery at NYU Langone Medical Center, Chief of Breast Services at Bellevue Hospital and Co-Director of the Bea Welters Breast Health Outreach and Navigation Program. She is a graduate of Harvard College and received both her medical degree and Masters in public health degree from Columbia University.

She also completed her general surgery residency training at NYU Medical Center and her breast oncology fellowship at Columbia University.

Dr. Joseph sits on several local and national committees including leading the NRG Oncology Health Disparities Group Education/Training/Mentorship Working Group, American Society of Breast Surgeons and is President-Elect of the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons Alumni Association. She is dedicated to improving the care of underserved women and eliminating health care disparities, earning Bellevue Hospital the NAPBC Center of Excellence Accreditation by the

American College of Surgeons the only public hospital in Manhattan to earn that designation. She was recently named H+H/Bellevue Physician of the Year and is the recipient of the 2009 Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Gay Clark Stoddard Compassionate Care Award, the 2012 American Cancer Society Healthcare Leadership Award and the 2016 American Cancer Society Eastern Division Leader in Cancer Care Award.l

Earn extra income...

Enjoy perks!

Become a Certified Travel Agent and Destination Specialist

WHY BECOME A TRAVEL AGENT?

• Travel is an 8.1 trillion dollar industry • Some of that money can be yours

Call for Program dates

Attend our 4-week Travel Agent Program. Learn how to: •Book travel and earn higher travel commissions •Use travel to raise funds for your church, nonprofit, charity, etc •Start and grow a profitable travel business •Use social media to market your business You can start your travel business with a SSN or an ITIN. •Become eligible for major tax advantages

Cost: $250.00 (Chamber members) $350.00 (non-members) Fee includes Travel Agent training and your own online travel business and individual chamber membership. Certificates will be given out to those who successfully complete the program.

Register at www.nacc.nyc/travelagent Call 718-722-9217 for assistance

DO YOU WANT TO START, GROW, GET MONEY, MARKET OR CERTIFY YOUR BUSINESS? CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT 718-722-9217 OR VISIT WWW.NACC.NYC

HEALTH MATTERS

17

The Real Reason Why More Blacks and Other Minorities Have (and Die from) Asthma

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he National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NIH) defines asthma as a chronic disease that affects your airways. Your airways are tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways become sore and swollen. That makes them very sensitive, and they may react strongly to things that you are allergic to or find irritating.

When your airways react, they get narrower and your lungs get less air.

Symptoms of asthma include: Wheezing Coughing, especially early in the morning or at night Chest tightness Shortness of breath

Not all people who have asthma have these symptoms. Having these symptoms doesn't always mean that you have asthma. Your doctor will diagnose asthma based on lung function tests, your medical history, and a physical exam.

You may also have allergy tests.

When your asthma symptoms become worse than usual, it's called an asthma attack. Severe asthma attacks may require emergency care, and they can be fatal.

Asthma is treated with two kinds of medicines: quick-relief medicines to stop asthma symptoms and long-term control medicines to prevent symptoms.

According to The Asthma Center, thousands of people die of asthma each year in the United States. However, the risk of death among African-Americans is three times greater than that of whites in America.

The real reason Overall, the risk of asthma in the U.S. is approximately 1 in 400,000 persons. But why is the risk 3 times greater among Blacks and minorities? "Pollution," says researchers at the University of Washington.

More minorities and people of color live near high-traffic roadways where there is greater exposure to pollution.

Not just asthma Pollution can lead to respiratory diseases like asthma. Other studies have gone so far as to say their studies show that living close to major roadways increases your risk of dying from lung cancer.

The studies indicate that 5,000 premature deaths from heart disease among minorities could have been prevented if they were exposed to less pollution.

Not just adults It also affects children. Another report found that 4.4 million school children were exposed to highly polluted air, and the pollution was greater among students attending predominantly low-income and minority schools.

Because more minorities and people of color live near high-traffic roadways, it appears that race was the most signifi-

cant influence on rates of exposure, even more than income, age or education factors.l Source: Minority Black Health Blog

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ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-866-586-8044 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220). 注意：如果您使用繁體中 文，您可以免費獲得語言援助服務。請致電 1-866-586-8044 (TTY: 1-800-662-1220).

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18

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

Damages: How Much Is a Personal Injury Case Worth?

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BY DAVID GOGNER, J.D.

f you're considering filing a personal injury lawsuit over a car accident, slip and fall, or any other kind of injury, you may be wondering, "What is my case really worth?" The answer comes down to "damages" — figuring out what your injuries have cost you monetarily, physically, and mentally (and, in some cases, whether the defendant's conduct should be punished).

In a personal injury case, money damages are paid to an injured person (the plaintiff) by the person or company who is found to be legally responsible for the accident (the defendant or their insurer).

A damage award can be agreed upon after a negotiated settlement— among the parties, their insurance companies, and their attorneys, for example — or may be ordered by a judge or jury following a court trial.

In this article, you'll find an explanation of the different kinds of damages that are common in many personal injury cases and how a personal injury damages award can be affected by the plaintiff's action (or inaction).

Compensatory Damages in Personal Injury Cases Most personal injury damages are classified as "compensatory," meaning that they are intended to compensate the injured plaintiff for what was lost due to the accident or injury. A compensatory damages award is meant to make the injured plaintiff "whole" again from a monetary standpoint (to the extent that's possible). This means trying to put a dollar figure on all the consequences of an accident. Some compensatory damages are relatively easy to quantify — like reimbursement for property damage and medical bills. But it's harder to place a monetary value on pain and suffering or the inability to enjoy hobbies because of physical limitations caused by lingering accident-related injuries.

Here's a rundown of the different types of compensatory damages that are common in many personal injury cases.

Medical Treatment. A personal injury damages award almost always includes the cost of medical care associated with the accident — reimbursement for treatment you've already received and compensation for the estimated cost of medical care you'll need in the future because

of the accident.

Income. You may be entitled to compensation for the accident's impact on your salary and wages — not just income you've already lost but also the money you would have been able to make in the future, were it not for the accident. In personal injury legalese, a damage award based on future income is characterized as compensation for an accident victim's "loss of earning capacity."

Property Loss. If any vehicles, clothing, or other items were damaged as a result of the accident, you'll likely be entitled to reimbursement for repairs or compensation for the fair market value of the property that was lost.

Pain and Suffering. You may be entitled to get compensation for pain and serious discomfort you suffered during the accident and in its immediate aftermath — also for any ongoing pain that can be attributed to the accident.

Emotional distress. Usually linked to more serious accidents, emotional distress damages are meant to compensate a personal injury plaintiff for the psycho-

logical impact of an injury — including fear, anxiety, and sleep loss. Some states consider emotional distress as part of any "pain and suffering" damage that is awarded to a personal injury plaintiff.

Loss of Enjoyment. When injuries caused by an accident keep you from enjoying day-to-day pursuits like hobbies, exercise, and other recreational activities, you may be entitled to receive "loss of enjoyment" damages.

Loss of Consortium. In personal injury cases, "loss of consortium" damages typically relate to the impact the injuries have on the plaintiff's relationship with their spouse — the loss of companionship or the inability to maintain a sexual relationship, for example. Some states also consider the separate impact on the relationship between a parent and their child when one is injured. In some cases, loss of consortium damages are awarded directly to the affected family member rather than to the injured plaintiff.l This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Source: nolo.com

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DO YOU WANT TO START, GROW, GET MONEY, MARKET OR CERTIFY YOUR BUSINESS? CONTACT THE CHAMBER AT 718-722-9217 OR VISIT WWW.NACC.NYC

Is It Possible to Get a Mortgage With Less-than-Perfect Credit?

Yes – and Here's How

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re you thinking about buying a new house? Whether you're a first-time or experienced buyer, if your credit score isn't looking too hot it can affect how much mortgage financing you receive – or whether you're approved at all! But don't fret. It's still possible to get a mortgage approved, even with credit issues. Below we'll share a few ways that you can get a mortgage loan even if your credit is less than perfect.

Consider a FHA-Guaranteed Mortgage For many individuals with credit issues, the Federal Housing Administration's guaranteed loan programs are a good choice. The FHA guarantees your mortgage with select lenders, which allows them to worry less about the risk

of lending to someone with past credit problems. It's worth noting that FHA programs do come with some additional costs attached. Mortgage insurance may be assessed, which helps to protect the mortgage lender in case you default. And there may or may not be an additional monthly premium cost as well.

Do Everything You Can to Improve Your Credit Score Before taking the next step and applying for a mortgage, you'll want to ensure your FICO credit score is as high as possible.

Call or visit the website of one of the major credit reporting agencies to get a copy of your credit report. You'll want to review any outstanding issues on the report and eliminate anything that shouldn't be there. For continued on page 3

The Equifax Data Breach

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s you may have heard by now, Equifax, a nationwide credit reporting firm, suffered a major security breach, which compromised the identities of 143 million Americans, including names, addresses, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers, as well as some credit card numbers, drivers' license numbers, and dispute documents with sensitive information. This breach is believed to have occurred between mid-May and July of 2017. Those affected by the security breach may not realize their information is at risk, as banks, retailers, and other creditors use Equifax to run credit reports before offering credit.

According to the Federal Trade Commission, the national consumer protection agency for prevention of fraud, Equifax will mail you if your information has been compromised; they will not call you, and you should not give your information to a caller claiming to represent Equifax. There are steps you can take to tell if you have been affected, and to protect yourself against identity fraud:

1. Check Your Credit Report You can check your credit report through Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and by visiting annualcreditreport.com. You

Smart homeowners and first-time homebuyers read this paper!

No.8

should also monitor your bank and credit card statements weekly. Immediately report any unauthorized activity.

2. Freeze Your Credit Regardless of whether your information has been compromised, it is a good idea to freeze your credit as soon as possible. A credit freeze will prevent potential creditors from accessing your credit report, and will prevent potential hackers from using your information. However, the credit freeze will stop you from opening new lines of credit, as well.

Once your credit is frozen, you can use a Personal Identification (PIN) number to unfreeze your credit report for your own use. To freeze/unfreeze your credit, you must contact each firm individually. In New York, fees typically apply when using this service, with some exceptions.

3. Fraud Alert and Credit Monitoring Services The initial fraud alert is for 90 days, after which you may renew the alert and require creditors to contact you for verification any time your information is used to apply for a new line of credit. Because of the unchangeable nature of the data accessed, such as your date of birth and Social Security number, the information accessed in the data breach may circulate for an extended period of time. You

may request a free extended fraud alert, which stays in place for seven (7) years. In response to this breach, Equifax is offering TrustedID Premier, a free, one-year credit-file monitoring and theft protection service.

To access this service, visit equifaxsecurity2017.com.

4. File Your Taxes Early By filing early, you can prevent an identity thief from receiving your tax refund. Be on the lookout for letters from the Internal Review Service (IRS) and respond to them in a timely manner.

Equifax launched a forensic investigation immediately following the discovery of the data breach, and State Attorney Generals' offices, the FBI, and other agencies are investigating the security breach, including New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

For additional information on how to protect yourself, or if you think you have been a victim of identity fraud, contact the Identity Theft Resource Center's services, free of charge, at www.idtheftcenter.org or (888) 4005530.n

INSIDE:

Selling Your Home? 3 Secrets to Getting a Great Price...................2 When Should a Landlord Hire a Lawyer?.......................................3 4 Smart Money Habits That Will Help You Save Up a Mortgage Down Payment............................4

REAL ESTATE AGENTS WANTED: APPLY NOW! It's time to make a career choice that you will LOVE. Send your resume to info@equitysmartrealty.com

2

EQUITY SMART REALTY

Selling Your Home? 3 Secrets to Getting the Best Price

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BY AKAIL SYLVESTER

re you ready to sell your home?

Whether you're just starting to make your plans or you're ready to list now, you likely want to know how you can get top dollar. It's going to take more than just throwing up a high price on the listing and waiting for a buyer to show up with a check. With that in mind, here are three secrets to ensuring that when you sell your house or condo, you get the best possible price.

Great Staging Is Critical to Your Success The first secret is that you'll really need to consider how you want to stage the outside and inside of your home. Staging your home is your best way to make a positive impression on potential buyers. Think about the difference in perception it makes arriving to view a beautiful, spotless and welllit home compared with one that looks dirty or messy. Invest the time and money in staging your home and it will increase the value in the buyer's eyes.

Let A Professional Take Care of the Heavy Lifting It probably comes as no surprise that buyers who engage the assistance of a professional real estate agent end up selling for more than those who try to go it alone. A great selling agent will have their eyes and ears tuned to the local real estate market and will have insight into current selling trends.

They can also research other recent home sales in your local community and can share which price is likely to attract the most offers. When it comes time to field of-

fers, your agent will be able to help you understand how much you can counter-offer without scaring off the buyer.

Be Willing to Negotiate with the Right Buyer Finally, to ensure you get the most you can out of your sale you'll need to remain open to negotiating with potential buyers. You may find that a great buyer needs some extra time to close their financing. Or that they're willing to bump up their asking price in exchange for you making some

easy renovations before turning the keys over to them. The more you're willing to be flexible with your pricing and terms, the better your chances of securing a buyer that will give you a fair price for your home.

If you're thinking about selling your home, contact our professional real estate team.

We're happy to share our insight and experience to help you with the selling process.

Schedule an appointment today. Call 888670-6791. n

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

When Should a Landlord Hire a Lawyer?

I

BY LEN LESHNOWER

f, like many landlords, you own or manage only a few rental properties, you are unlikely to have a lawyer on staff or even "on retainer" (where you pay a lawyer in advance to handle routine questions and issues). Fortunately, you shouldn't need to constantly consult a lawyer or even keep one in the wings, "just in case." You do have to be able to recognize those situations when expert help is needed —just for some advice and coaching.

Here are some of the most common scenarios that will benefit from a professional's review or help.

Evicting a Tenant In most states, an eviction lawsuit takes much less time than regular civil cases. But in exchange for expedited treatment, landlords must follow highly detailed rules, from notifying the tenant of the lawsuit to filing the right papers and forms. In addition, because it's the tenant's home that's at stake, many judges will set the bar very high when it comes to ruling in the landlord's favor.

Winning an eviction lawsuit, even one that you'd think is a slam-dunk, isn't so easy.

Still, many landlords try to evict a tenant themselves, often with success. But you may be better off hiring a lawyer if: lthis is your first eviction lthe tenant is fighting the eviction and has

a lawyer lthe tenant is an employee whom you're firing lthe tenant is filing for bankruptcy, or lyou must comply with rent control or housing program rules for eviction.

Being Investigated or Sued for Illegal Discrimination You don't need a lawyer every time a prospect or tenant accuses you of illegal discrimination. But if a prospect or tenant sues you for discrimination, or if HUD or a fair housing agency agrees to investigate a claim, you'll probably want to consult a lawyer.

Sued for Injury or Illness If a tenant or guest sues you and claims that she got hurt or sick because of your carelessness, you'll almost certainly want to hire a lawyer to defend you. Personal injury cases are typically high stakes, and personal injury lawyers know their way through these cases much better than you do. Also, you may find it difficult to confront a tenant who has suffered a serious loss, even though you believe you should not be held responsible.

Sued for Major Property Damage Tenants or guests may also sue you if they think that your failure to maintain the rental property caused damage to their property.

For example, if you don't maintain the roof

and a leak occurs during a normal winter rain, soaking the tenant's furniture, the tenant may look to you for compensation

Anytime You're Going to Court Aside from evictions, personal injury, and discrimination lawsuits, you may need to go to court for one of a number of other reasons, either as plaintiff or defendant. For example, a former tenant may take you to housing or small claims court, claiming you wrongfully withheld the full amount of his security deposit. Or you may decide to bring a civil action against a contractor to get compensated for shoddy or incomplete work.

If you're going to court, or if you're entangled in a legal dispute that may lead there, at the very least consider consulting a lawyer. Whether to hire a lawyer should depend on: the complexity of the situation, how much is at stake, your budget, your confidence in handling the matter (or part of it) yourself, and your experience (if any) with a similar matter in the past.n Source: nolo.com

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Remember, the lawyer you hire does make a difference. Call 855-768-8845 to scehdule an appointment.

3

Less-than-Perfect Credit/ continued from page 1

example, in the past, you may have had a credit card or small loan that went into collections yet is still on the report even though you paid it. Contact the credit agency to challenge anything that shouldn't be on your report.

Don't Stretch Beyond Your Means If or when you're approved for a mortgage, it's critical to remember not to reach beyond your ability to pay the mortgage payments each month. Yes, it might seem like an excellent idea to get a larger or more luxurious house if a larger mortgage is offered to you. However, don't forget that you'll need to manage payments each month for many years and it's tough to predict the future.

In closing, try not to worry if you have a low credit or FICO score and you're interested in buying a home. A great first step would be to contact our professional team of mortgage advisors. We're here to help navigate the mortgage application process and can explain how your credit score will impact your chances. Call us at 888-6706791.n

4

HOME OWNERSHIP

4 Smart Money Habits That Will Help You Save Up a Mortgage Down Payment

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re you ready for home ownership?

The prospect of owning your own house or apartment is an exciting one, but with any financial transaction this large, there are some things to consider. The first is your down payment – that is, the initial payment you'll put against the cost of the house to reduce the amount that you're borrowing in a mortgage. Let's have a look at four habits that will help you to get your down payment saved up faster.

Build (And Stick To!) a Reasonable Budget The first and most obvious tip is to stick to a reasonable budget. Determine how much you have coming in and going out of your bank accounts and credit cards each month.

Group everything into areas like 'food,' 'utilities,' 'dining out,' 'entertainment' and more. Then, reduce each area to a reasonable amount and avoid any overspending.

Figure Out Your 'Latte Factor' – And Eliminate It If you're unfamiliar with the term, a 'latte factor' is that one consistent purchase that you make each day which, over time, drains your bank account. For example, if you spend $5 each day on your coffee habit that

adds up to almost $2,000 per year in unnecessary costs. Pay close attention to your spending habits and try to eliminate anything that you can.

Make Automatic Payments to a Down Payment Fund If you're working a stable job and have regular pay periods, you may want to explore setting up a separate savings account for your down payment. Once you have this account opened, set up automatic deposits from your regular bank account after each pay day. This limits your ability to spend your cash while building up your down payment fund automatically.

Don't Carry Credit That You Don't Need Finally, try not to carry credit that you aren't going to use. This includes department store credit cards, extra bank credit cards or lines of credit. While it won't necessarily harm your credit score to have available credit, if you do have it you're far more likely to use

it than if you don't. You'll need to be disciplined to save up your down payment. So, don't bother with extra credit that may be too tempting to resist using.

These are just a few of the smart money habits that will help you get your mortgage down payment saved up as quickly as possible. When you're ready to discuss mortgage financing for your new home, contact our team of mortgage professionals. We'd be happy to share options that suit your budget as well as other tips for getting your down payment saved up. Call us at 888670-6791.n

Call Equity Smart Realty at 888-670-6791 for a FREE consultation.

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