Premier Players June 2023

This adventure ready RAM 3500 is a versatile powerhouse. Whether towing a full-size RV or getting you to remote destinations with little more than a bed mounted camper, this vehicle can handle anything you throw at it.

Carlos

Dr. Albert Kabemba Medical Director ANR Clinic

Carnell Moore

Your Goals, Investments Objectives, & Products Let’s Get Started

Are you learning the basics of investing? If so, it might help to think of it as if you were moving to a large and unfamiliar city. Your first inclination is to find your way around and really “learn” your surroundings. The city’s sheer size and complexity, however, can make such a task seem quite daunting. How might you start?

You begin with the one location that may seem most familiar, that is, home. Next, you slowly branch out, finding a few easily accessible places that may provide you with the things you need. Over time, you expand your sights toward other distant locations, each with their own unique characteristics. Finally, you spend time at various points across the city, slowly transforming the onceunknown into a familiar place called home.

So, what does this have to do with the complex world of financial investments?

Everything. The same principles apply, whether your aim is to learn to navigate a big city or learn how to invest money. You start at one place, take a few steps, and slowly expand outward

Begin by Setting Goals and Investment Objectives

As an investor, your general aim is to grow your money. But this aim can take on many different forms and many smaller goals. For instance, it might help you to decide the means instruments and strategies by which you seek to grow your money.

- Are you interested in purchasing assets that might appreciate in value, such as stocks?

- Are you interested in investing in bonds,

where you receive a steady stream of income over a predetermined time period, after which you expect repayment of your principal?

- You might also be interested in pursuing both growth and income via dividend stocks.

Also, determine your investing styles. Are you looking to invest for the short term or long term? Achieving returns across different time horizons may require the use of different instruments and strategies, all of which come with varying levels of risk.

Gauge Your Tolerance for Risk

Learning to invest means learning to weigh potential returns against risk. There’s really no way around it: No investment is absolutely safe, and there’s also no guarantee that an investment will work out in your favor. So, let’s just say that investing is about taking “calculated risks.”

Nevertheless, the risk of losing money no matter how seemingly intelligent or calculated your approach can be daunting. This is why it’s important to really get to know your risk tolerance level. When it comes to your choice of assets, it’s important to bear in mind that some securities are riskier than others. This may hold true for both equity and debt securities (i.e., “stocks and bonds”).

Investment time horizon can also significantly affect your views on risk. Changes in your outlook may require a shift in your investment style and risk expectations. For instance, saving toward a short-term goal might require a lower risk tolerance, whereas a longer investing horizon can give your portfolio time to smooth out the occasional

bumps in the market. But again, it depends on your risk tolerance, financial goals, and overall knowledge and experience.

Match Investments to Your Goals and Risk Tolerance

Which financial instruments might best help you achieve your goals? And how willing might you be to accept added risk in pursuit of potentially higher returns?

If you’re interested in stocks, you might want to learn more about the different categories by which stocks are often grouped, such as small caps, mid caps, and large caps. You might also want to learn about stocks in different market sectors, such as technology, energy, or health care. These are just a few common stock categories. And each category emphasizes different aspects of a stock’s composition as well as its potential response to market events.

Do you like the idea of individual stocks and stock sectors with targeted exposure, or would you rather diversify across the broader market? Many who are learning investing basics choose to begin with exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and mutual funds, many of which target the performance of broad-based indexes, such as the S&P 500® .

If you’re interested in debt securities (i.e., bonds), then you might want to read up on the different kinds, such as corporate, Treasury securities, and municipal bonds.

Once you decide which assets might best suit your investment goals, it may be time to start. And if you have questions as you learn to invest, feel free to reach out to a specialist via phone, email, or a visit to a local branch.

Branching Out: Explore Investing Styles and Strategies

When investing, as with navigating a new city, after getting comfortable with the immediate surroundings, it may be time to expand your horizons beyond the neighborhood. And, as with the city, the more you participate in the markets as an investor, the more you’ll experience the expansive depth and breadth that the financial world has to offer.

Markets are dynamic and constantly changing. Not only might you find yourself monitoring the financial markets regularly; you might also find yourself constantly needing to upgrade your market knowledge.

There are plenty of basic to advanced concepts that can help, depending on your goals and experience. Perhaps you’re more comfortable taking an analytic approach to investing and would like to better understand how active traders use technical analysis and charting. Maybe you’re interested in learning how to approach the different phases of a market cycle or how to take advantage of a market decline. And, it couldn’t hurt to brush up on asset allocation and portfolio diversification basics.

It’s a big world out there, ready for you to explore and embrace one neighborhood—and one investment—at a time.

CoachO Making A Difference In Student-Athletes Lives

In the realm of sports, there are exceptional individuals who go above and beyond to make a lasting impact on the lives of young athletes. Michael Oyefesobi, Jr., affectionately known as Coach O, is one such remarkable figure. Through the S.T.A.R.S Mentoring Program and StarsMP Athletics, Coach O has transformed the lives of countless high school students and college athletes, particularly in the realm of football. This article delves into Coach O's inspiring journey, the S.T.A.R.S Mentoring Program and StarsMP Athletics, and the invaluable support he provides to aspiring athletes in their pursuit of success.

Coach O's own upbringing in the Liberty City neighborhood of Miami during the tumultuous 1980s exposed him to the harsh realities of the drug war Growing up with a Nigerian father and Bahamian mother, he witnessed firsthand their hard work and discipline compared to the challenges faced by the community However, Coach O's determination to create a different path for himself led him to Miramar, Florida, where his passion for sports began to flourish Excelling in various disciplines at the high school level, Coach O received several Division One offers, positioning him for a promising future However, his journey took an unexpected turn when his SAT/ACT scores fell short of the requirements This setback became a turning point that ignited Coach O's dedication to mentoring and guiding aspiring athletes

Undeterred by the score setback, Mr. Oyefesobi Jr, with the help of his mentors, enrolled in a junior college, where he discovered a shared experience with many student-athletes, he would later mentor. It was here that he realized their voices often went unheard, and he became their advocate. This transformative experience shaped his understanding of the challenges young athletes face, both on and off the field. Through his own trials and triumphs, Coach O developed a deep empathy and a burning desire to make a positive impact in their lives. This transformative experience shaped Coach O's understanding of the obstacles young athletes face both on and off the field. Drawing upon his own trials and triumphs, he founded the S.T.A.R.S Mentoring Program and StarsMP Athletics. Focusing primarily on the

student, the program provides comprehensive training, mentorship, and guidance to young athletes, enabling them to unlock their full potential.

While football remains the program's centerpiece, Coach O's impact extends beyond the gridiron. As a father of two (2), he also assists his daughter in flag football, an up-and-coming sport in both high school and college. Additionally, Coach O recognizes the importance of education, and the diverse paths young athletes may have to travel. He actively supports students attending high school, community college, and college providing them with the guidance and resources they need to succeed academically and athletically.

Coach O's success stories abound, with one notable example being his star defensive tackle from St. Thomas Aquinas. With Coach O's mentorship and training, this talented athlete has earned a scholarship to the University of Virginia, where he will make his debut in the fall of 2023. Such achievements are a testament to the transformative impact Coach O has on his mentees' lives, paving the way for their future success.

Beyond the realm of athletics, Coach O continues to advocate for the personal growth and wellbeing of his mentees. He assists them in navigating the challenges of their surroundings, ensuring they have access to job training programs and educational opportunities. As an education administrator by day and a mentor at all other times, Coach O exemplifies the essence of holistic support for aspiring students and student-athletes.

Coach O's personal journey from Liberty City to

becoming a trusted mentor and leader of the S.T.A.R.S Mentoring Program and StarsMP Athletics is a testament to his resilience and unwavering commitment. Through his tireless dedication, he empowers young athletes to thrive academically, athletically, and personally. The S.T.A.R.S Mentoring Program and StarsMP Athletics serve as a beacon of hope, inspiring young individuals to overcome obstacles, pursue their dreams, and reach new heights in the world of sports.

To learn more about Coach O and the S.T.A.R.S Mentoring Program and StarsMP Athletics, follow them on Instagram at @starsmentorprogram and on Twitter @Starsmp1. Join the community of aspiring athletes, parents, and supporters as they embark on a journey of personal and athletic growth, guided by Coach O's unwavering support and dedication. Together, let us celebrate the triumphs of young athletes and empower them to reach for the stars.

Coach O's journey, fueled by his own experiences and a burning desire to make a positive impact, inspires aspiring athletes to overcome adversity and achieve greatness. Through the STARSMP Mentoring Program, he continues to shape the next generation of athletes, instilling in them the belief that they can become S.T.A.R.S - Students in Training with the ability to Achieve and see Real Success.

So, as we celebrate Coach O's remarkable journey, let us also celebrate the young students and student-athletes whose lives he has transformed. Together, they prove that with determination, mentorship, and the unwavering support of someone like Coach O, the sky is truly the limit.

Article by Kevin Rowe

Elle

Happy Father’s Day Marc

Dad, you are the best and we love you so much! Thank you for everything that you do for us. Happy Father’s Day!

Emerson & Elle

Edmiston

Loneliness: Here Is How We Solve It

United States Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy recently issued a grave warning in a New York Times op-ed. His message was simple but serious: we’re facing a loneliness epidemic in this country. A new advisory indicates that more than half of U.S. adults (58%) are lonely. Think about that for a moment. More than half of the people you know feel lonely.

What people don’t realize about loneliness is that it can happen to anyone. Dr. Murthy describes his own battles with loneliness after becoming Surgeon General in 2014. Landing your dream job or moving to a new city may be something you have worked toward for years, but major life changes even positive ones can leave you feeling uprooted and isolated from others.

Loneliness is far more than just a feeling and its consequences are severe. Studies show that loneliness can lead to anxiety and depression, heart disease, dementia, and stroke. The

prevailing wisdom is that loneliness is as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

At Meetup, these facts aren’t news. We know that people are craving connection. Adults are spending significantly less time with friends and family. I’m heartened to see the highest-ranking medical officer in the United States has taken a clear stance on this issue. This grave epidemic isn’t going to change without a dedicated effort from all of us.

Meetup’s role in ending the loneliness epidemic

Meetup’s roots are in human connection. When our founder Scott Heiferman was living in Manhattan in the days after the 9/11 attacks, he saw neighbors come together and offer support for the first time. He recognized that connection was essential for us all and that technology could play a role in this healing.

Since Meetup launched in 2002, we’ve

helped 60 million members use technology to log off technology and connect in real life. We’re in more than 190 countries helping people with shared interests be it hiking, book clubs, technology, you name it find one another and, of course, foster lasting friendships.

Since day one, Meetup has helped people connect over the things that matter and group organizers have been key to our mission. Organizer Omar Acosta has brought thousands of locals in Dallas together to shake up their weekends and try new adventures. Alysia Allen used Meetup to carve out a space for Black women who love to read. Today, Mocha Girls Read has more than 10,000 members in book clubs across the country. David Good credits

Meetup with being a major boon to his own history of working through isolation. He started the International Friends Connection network, which has the remarkable goal to help 1 million people connect by 2030.

We’ve put together resources for making Meetup a part of your mental health journey. There you’ll find advice from therapists, Meetup members, and organizers, as well as blog articles and podcast episodes on developing your social life. We share the work of outstanding organizations who are working in their own way to chisel away at the loneliness crisis we’re facing.

Let’s end loneliness, together

In light of the Surgeon General’s message, it’s clear that Meetup’s mission is more urgent than ever. Here’s how you can get involved in this work.

Reconnect with someone you know

Send a text to a friend or family member and make a plan to meet. It’s okay if it’s been a while. Suggest a concrete plan like getting coffee, catching a movie, or going on a walk. Avoid vague plans to ensure you actually get together; suggest a specific time and a place.

Meet new people, make new friendships

Friendship can happen anywhere. Start with the people closest to you. Suggest an after-work drink or coffee with a coworker you like. Invite a neighbor on a walk. Ask for the name of someone you see at the dog park every day.

Commit to doing one social activity each week. Volunteer. Play trivia. Host a dinner party. There are thousands of events happening on Meetup every day. Download our app to see what’s happening near you. Keep your promise to yourself. RSVP to an event and make sure you go, you won’t regret it.

I’m grateful to each and every member, organizer, and employee at Meetup for their help in this urgent cause to end loneliness for good. Remember, the only way out is together!

Article by Meetup CEO David Siegel

Nikola Jokic Is A Baller

The Joker is absolutely no joke when it comes to NBA playoff performance. While Nikola Jokic was a monster during the 202223 NBA season - a season where many will argue he should have won his third straight NBA MVP - the Serbian-born baller has taken it to another level entirely in the postseason.

We are at the point with Jokic - a player who is still just 28 years old - that we are now comparing him to the greatest basketball players of all time.

This postseason Jokic has averaged the following:

•30 Points Per Game

•13 Rebounds Per Game

•10 Assists Per Game

Jokic has already set a new playoff record with eight triple-doubles this postseason, and he is hitting 3-pointers at close to 50%. No one has had an answer. The Los Angeles Lakers combo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis couldn’t stop Jokic. The Phoenix Suns and Kevin Durant had no answer either. In 15 playoff games, the Nuggets are 12-3, and their 6-foot-11, 284-pound wrecking ball of a center is singlehandedly the reason why.

It is incredible to think that Jokic fell to the 41st overall pick of the 2014 NBA Draft. Sure, he needed more seasoning as a player in Europe, but his physical stature was already developed. The Nuggets knew they would get a player with talent, but the way that Jokic’s offensive game has developed over the last decade is astonishing.

We all love stats and comparing today's greats with the greats we grew up watching. Countless stats already put Jokic’s playoff career up there with the likes of Larry Bird, LeBron James, and even Michael Jordan.

One such state is when you look at the highest combined per-game averages in the history of the NBA. This combines the three stats we used above (points per game, rebounds per game, and assists per game) into a number. It is basically a sum of a player’s traditionally focused offensive output.

Doing this puts Jokic up there with the elite of the elite:

•Fifth All-Time - LeBron James (44.7)

•Fourth All-Time - Michael Jordan (45.6)

•Third All-Time - Bill Russell (45.7)

•SecondAll-Time - Nikola Jokic (46.5)

•First All-Time - Wilt Chamberlain (51.2)

Jokic is a rare player. He combines heavy volume on offense with wildly impressive efficiency. He is a better three-point shooter in the playoffs than players like Ray Allen and Steph Curry (he is at 41% to their 40%), and only Dwight Howard beats Jokic in effective field goal accuracy of all players with over 1,000 playoff shots. Jokic might not be the defensive force that other greats of the game were (yet), but his offensive game has already made him one of the best to ever lace his shoes in postseason plan.

Article by Steve Wright