Year- end decisions
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Year-end decisions
Dear Readers,
December 31 has had the distinction of being the last day of the calendar year since the Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582, and yet, its arrival always seems to take many of us by surprise.
I’m sure you know what I mean. . . the sudden urgency to make those last-minute payments, to get those business papers in order, to donate, to get that check in the mail, to submit that application, to take care of those pesky details, to make some serious decisions. . . all before the clock strikes midnight to signal the start of a new calendar year.
One of those decisions might be whether to sell or purchase a home. In our Generations at Work Together series, we ask three sets of mother-daughter realtors if now is an appropriate time to make that kind of move. Their responses begin on page 20.
For some, the end of the year is really about how the next one begins. Stephanie Peck speaks with three mental health professionals for tips on how to best approach 2024’s end to make the best start to 2025. The article is on page 17.
Amy Zelenka writes about the importance of contributing to United Jewish Federation of Tidewater on page 19 and Randy Parrish discusses maximizing tax benefits with year-end giving on page 24.
While the list of potential decisions (including what gifts to purchase for the holidays!) is long, we’ve addressed a few here in the hopes of offering just a bit of assistance, to relieve even a tiny bit of stress.
No matter the topic of the year-end decisions you are set to make for 2024, all of us at Jewish News hope those verdicts set the stage for a smooth entry into 2025.
Terri Denison Editor
Year-end decisions
LETTING GO AT YEAR-END FOR A BETTER BEGINNING
Stephanie Peck
As the 2024 calendar year nears the finish line, one pervasive question is: How is it possible to leave behind the stresses and anxieties of the past 12 months and approach 2025 with renewed hope and opportunity? With ongoing wars and hostilities in the Middle East headlining the news each day and an exhausting election season that has left some Americans hopeful and others on edge, the question looms, “On January 1, can we possibly start fresh?”
“The New Year is like a reboot of your computer. It’s a chance to re-set your mind on what you can do and put old stresses behind,” says Debbie Mayer, director of clinical, older adult and adoption services at Jewish Family Service of Tidewater.
blog post, she writes, “Our culture values how much you can do in less time than someone else. Time is money, and status is being too busy.”
Mayer suggests reflecting on the positive aspects of the past year and trying to carry those ideas and memories forward.
Matthew Sachs, MD, MPH, MBA, who practices child, adolescent, and adult psychiatry, encourages preparing for the new year with the Golden Rule in mind. “If we treat others how we want to be treated, watch how many of our problems will disappear. Look at the response you get from someone just by holding the door open for them.” For those who do feel wronged, Sachs suggests striving for the higher road; one day, the other person may see the errors of their ways and return. He promotes adhering to a higher standard. “You will feel proud of yourself, maintaining your moral compass.”
Anxiety and worry create stress that, ideally, can be learned to be better managed in the new year.
Louise B. Lubin, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist, recommends reducing the sense of time pressure, a component of daily lives often resulting in a loss of sleep, worrying about how to get it all done. In a
4) Relevant: if cholesterol, weight, or blood pressure is high, better health is a perfectly relevant goal;
Lubin refers to this state as hurry sickness. “It can dominate your life, so you have difficulty slowing down even on a vacation.”
Sachs suggests using the holiday season and new year to its fullest. “This has been a very polarizing year, not only in United States politics but in Israel’s fight against terrorism. Not everyone will agree with each other.” However, he sees no reason to excommunicate people over different opinions. “Good friends are hard to find. Family is forever. Losing them over political views would be tragic. It’s time to come back together, to heal any wounds.” The end of the year, he says, is a perfect time to mend any broken relationships.
Setting realistic goals for the new year can help the transition into 2025. Mayer recommends a few, small goals, like starting each day with one positive thought.
Lubin discourages setting goals that are too big, too many, and not specific enough. Instead, she suggests the SMART approach, choosing goals that are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time bound. Sachs, who also promotes the SMART method, offers this example: If a goal is to exercise more often and be more fit:
5) Time allotted: it should be possible to accomplish the feat within the year, so next year a different SMART goal may be chosen.
Focusing on enhanced personal care is another improvement to be made in the new year. Lubin offers some simple recommendations to breathe easier in 2025. She begins with getting to know one’s body clock; paying attention to one’s peak periods during the day, and not trying to do two things at once. Rushing often leads to a poorer result.
Next, Lubin promotes deceleration, finding the discipline to do things more slowly. Eat, walk, and talk more slowly. Take brief times out during the day. When faced with a delay, approach it as found time. Choose to drive in the right lane instead of the left. When it’s not possible to cut back or slow down, vary the rhythm. Always try and take some time out, even for a few minutes. Alternate head and hand work when possible. Change positions often.
Lubin also suggests reducing an awareness of time. Notice how often the phone or watch is being checked and make an effort to reduce those times. Reduce time on the computer and TV and let the cell phone go to voicemail. Consider creating a ritual where time is not acknowledged – just be and not do. For many, that is what the Sabbath is all about.
Consider these tips:
• Pay attention.
• Achieve more by doing less.
• Practice saying “No.”
• Before adding a new activity, subtract an old one.
1) Be specific: pick a number of times to exercise per week;
2) Measurable: be able to see objective progress;
3) Achievable: if running hurts, change to a low impact approach;
• Learn to schedule and break tasks into specific steps and prioritize them.
Most achievable goals are moderately demanding, realistic, measurable, and written down.
Try to identify what is really important in the new year, as it will help to plan time in a way that will be better for both mental and physical health.
Debbie Mayer.
Louise B. Lubin, Ph.D.
Matthew Sachs, MD, MPH, MBA.
Year-end decisions
Looking back and looking forward
Amy Zelenka
Year end is fast approaching, and with it comes an opportunity to look back and assess… Did I do all I wanted to do over the past 12 months? Did I accomplish my goals? Stick with my New Year’s resolutions? Make the world better in some small way?
Year end is a chance to set and re-set goals, and one place to start might be with tzedakah. In a year full of darkness for Israel and the Jewish people, we can all bring a bit of light and hope. Please consider making a gift to the 2025 UJFT Annual Campaign.
Your gift will bring light to the families of hostages and hostage survivors in Israel, as well as those displaced families seeking to rebuild their lives. Your gift will take care of elderly Jews in Ukraine – now heading in to their
third winter of war (which promises to be the worst one yet, with an electrical grid so heavily degraded by repeated Russian attacks).
Your gift will help college students dealing with intimidation and threats from the disgusting antisemitic “protests” taking place on college campuses throughout the country. Your gift will help fund increased security throughout the Jewish community of Tidewater, hardening our physical locations and providing training against possible threats. And your gift will help bolster the local programs and services we fund right here at home, which make this the community we love.
When you look back on this year… this sad, shocking, frightening, and maddening year… will you be satisfied with your actions? Please consider a gift of support for the
Jewish community at home and around the world through the Federation’s Annual Campaign.
To make a gift, call UJFT’s campaign department at 757-965-6115, email pmalone@ujft.org, or visit jewishVA.org. If you received a pledge card in the mail earlier this year, now is a great time to fi ll it out and return it. And if you receive a phone call from one of our callers in the coming days and weeks, please say yes. You’ll be touching more lives than you can imagine. Here's looking forward to a better year ahead for all of us. Am Yisroel Chai!
Amy Zelenka is chief development offi cer for United Jewish Federation of Tidewater. She may be reached at azelenka@ujft.org.
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Year-end decisions
GENERATIONS AT WORK TOGETHER
In Jewish Tidewater, several fortunate parents work alongside their adult children, and sometimes, with other family members. In this issue, Jewish News highlights generations who work together in the world of real estate.
Linda Fox-Jarvis and Stephanie Jarvis Caskill
Stephanie Peck
Linda Fox-Jarvis never imagined that one of her children would want to join her real estate business. “It is a rewarding career, but it is also a 24/7 job and takes a toll on your family life,” says Fox-Jarvis who has sold real estate since 1982, regularly placing in the top 1% of realtors across the nation.
Working with her daughter, Stephanie Jarvis Caskill, has been a dream come true for Fox-Jarvis, saying she loves their collaboration and receives great joy from the association. Fox-Jarvis also says she is proud of what her daughter has accomplished –Caskill is now Team Leader of The Linda Fox-Jarvis Team.
Caskill says she learned to sell real estate from her mother, first starting on the administrative side and then growing into the role of lead agent. “I can attribute all my knowledge to her.”
Linda Fox-Jarvis
The Linda Fox-Jarvis Team, BHHS RW Towne Realty Residential Real Estate
Jewish News: How do you collaborate professionally with each other?
Linda Fox-Jarvis: We talk multiple times a day about the day-to-day business, challenges, etc. We sit down and meet physically at least once a month to go over our year-todate sales goals vs. actual sales, as well as to discuss our marketing and advertising, technology opportunities, client appreciation events, team building activities, etc.
JN: Do you find generational differences in your approach to real estate? If so, what are they?
LFJ: Yes. Stephanie is more geared toward technology, online software/resources and social media than I am in terms of our marketing and services. I tend to like “snail mail” and print advertising. I think both perspectives give our clients the best of both worlds in terms of marketing their home, communications, and other real estate services we provide. We always take our clients’ lead in terms of communication – i.e. some are big on texting, others emailing, and many prefer communicating by phone. It often is a generational thing.
JN: What have you learned from each other?
LFJ: I've learned a lot from Stephanie. I admire her confidence, patience, and team orientation. She really cares about our clients and our team members, and it shows. I am also so impressed at how she serves all of our clients – no matter their age – no matter their price range. And they share that they love and respect her knowledge, professionalism, and caring approach.
JN: What advice would you give to other family members who work together?
LFJ:
• Don't micromanage each other.
• Respect each other’s perspective and ideas – get out of judgment and into curiosity.
• Communicate – talk often.
• When you do have a disagreement and maybe didn’t say or do the right thing, say you are sorry. Don’t let your pride get in the way.
JN: Do you have any advice that pertains to real estate as the end of the year approaches?
LFJ: If you are thinking of selling a home at the end of 2024, NOW is definitely a good time! It’s more of a seller’s market right now. Waiting until next year and the spring, there will most likely be a lot more homes on the market and more competition.
Stephanie Jarvis Caskill
The Linda Fox-Jarvis Team, BHHS RW Towne Realty Residential Real Estate
Jewish News: How do you collaborate professionally with each other?
Stephanie Caskill: We work exceptionally well together, especially as a mother-
daughter team! Each of us has distinct roles within the business, yet we maintain constant communication throughout every transaction. We typically align on business decisions and have a deep trust in one another, which makes our professional relationship incredibly strong.
JN: Do you find generational differences in your approach to real estate? If so, what are they?
SC: Somewhat, but overall we share the same core values and foundation for our business, which makes our approach to transactions and negotiations very similar. When it comes to marketing, we bring the best of both worlds. I focus on social media, photography, and video, while Linda handles the fundamentals and knows what consistently works. This combination has proven to be highly successful.
JN: What advice would you give to other family members who work together?
SC: Maintaining open communication is key! It’s a learning process to figure out what works and what doesn’t. It’s very important for both parties to feel like they are “winning” in this situation and I do feel that we have that.
JN: Is the end of the year a good time to sell a home?
SC: Absolutely! Many clients ask me whether they should list their home during the holidays or wait until later. I typically recommend getting it on the market now. As we approach spring, competition increases significantly, with a surge of homes hitting the market in March and April. Additionally, the holiday season often brings increased listing activity. Buyers tend to have more time off work to view homes, and we frequently see new buyers entering the market as they visit family during the holidays and decide to relocate to the area.
Stephanie Jarvis Caskill and Linda Fox-Jarvis.
generational differences do exist, this mother-daughter duo, both graduates of Old Dominion University, divide their expertise: Nancy Evans helps buyers and sellers; Heather Evans manages properties for absentee owners.
“We both have found our niche and both love what we do,” Nancy Evans says.
Nancy Evans
Property Management / Real Estate Sales
Jewish News: How and when did you begin your career in real estate?
Nancy Evans: I was licensed in 1986 as a sales agent and became a managing broker in 1992. In 2021, I decided to step back from management and go back to my roots as a sales agent.
JN: How do you collaborate professionally with your daughter?
NE: When we have owners who are undecided on renting or selling, we work together to give them their best scenarios to help make a decision. We also brainstorm ideas for marketing and growing our business.
JN: Do you find generational differences in your approach to real estate?
NE: I enjoy doing things old school; in fact, I still writes checks.
JN: What do you admire in each other?
NE: Regarding my daughter, I admire her ability to take care of her family, while maintaining her status as a top property manager within the company.
JN: Would you recommend a year-end sale or purchase of a home?
NE: Real estate is always a good investment. Rates appear to be coming down and inventory is low, making it a great time for buyers and sellers.
JN: Any additional comments?
NE: While we don’t always come to the table with the same ideas, we are able to collaborate and come up with an effective game plan to help our clients in achieving their goals.
Heather Evans Property Management / Real Estate Sales
Jewish News: How and when did you begin your career in real estate?
Heather Evans: I followed in my mother’s footsteps, becoming a sales agent in 2003
and transitioning to property management in 2012. I was a sales agent for a few years and made the transition to property management, which better suited my family.
JN: How long have you worked together?
HE: We’ve worked together since I became licensed in 2003.
JN: Do you find generational differences in your approach to real estate?
HE: Use of technology is the biggest
difference. My mother, however, is gradually coming on board.
JN: What do you admire in your mom?
HE: I admire her determination, work ethic, and attention to details.
JN: What advice would you give to other family members who work together?
HE: Communication and understanding of methods of doing business are important. Being open to each other’s ideas is key.
Year-end decisions
Janet Porter Kramer and Kathryn Kramer
Stephanie Peck
One unique aspect about this motherdaughter realtor duo – Janet Kramer and Kathryn Kramer – is their succession into real estate. Kathryn Kramer entered the field fi rst and encouraged her mom to pivot from a career in architecture to selling homes. “Usually, the son or daughter goes into the family business; in my case, I benefitted from Kathryn’s success to springboard a second career,” Janet Kramer says.
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Janet Porter Kramer
Realtor
Residential Real Estate
Jewish News: How do you collaborate professionally with each other?
Janet Kramer: The best thing about working together is we provide continued coverage and support to our clients. If one of us goes out of town the other is there to meet their needs, whether it is showing properties, assisting with contractors or writing offers.
JN: Do you fi nd generational differences in your approach to real estate? If so, what are they?
JK: The biggest difference for me is the use of social media. Kathryn is really great at creating and promoting her listings and sales on different social platforms. I could take a page from her playbook so to speak and step it up a bit.
JN: What have you learned from each other?
JK: In this business you never have two transactions which are the same. I often look to Kathryn to offer an interpretation or approach from a different perspective on contracts in an increasingly changing market. She looks for my perspective when her clients are considering ideas about modifying or changing their home.
JN: What advice would you give to other family members who work together?
JK: When I decided to switch careers and become a realtor, Kathryn thought it was a great idea, and without hesitation helped me navigate the transition to real estate, which was almost 13 years ago. We are so fortunate to have both a great working relationship and a personal one as well. Business is business and family bonds are strong, but you need to be able to separate the two.
JN: Do you have recommendations for readers if they’re considering a year-end sale or purchase of a home?
JK: Approaching the end of the year is the best time to buy a home. There are not as
many lookers, and prices tend to be discounted slightly. However, inventory often is less than in the spring. The benefit if you are selling a home, is people looking during this time period are usually serious buyers. You may need to be patient; it typically takes longer to sell a property during the winter months.
JN: Any additional comments?
JK: I am so proud of my daughter’s hard work and accomplishments.
Kathryn Kramer
Howard Hanna Residential Real Estate
Jewish News: How do you collaborate professionally with each other?
Kathryn Kramer: The easy answer is that my mom is a brilliantly talented architect, so I consult her frequently to assist with re-working spaces, drawing up sketches for modifications, or laying out a new room. Beyond that, we have purchased properties together, own vacation rentals together ,and have flipped properties together. As far as our real estate sales business, we cover for each other when needed and talk daily to workshop different scenarios and situations. In real estate, every deal is different and has unique challenges and nuances. Having my mother’s perspective, guidance and insight is invaluable.
JN: Do you find generational differences in your approach to real estate? If so, what are they?
KK: I have to push her to use technology and social media more than she would like, but she is pretty savvy in her own right.
JN: What have you learned from each other?
KK: My mom is grounded, reliable and even keeled. I am fiery and passionate. She keeps my feet on the ground and tells me when I am being unreasonable.
JN: What advice would you give to other family members who work together?
Chris Sisler, Vice President, Member of Ohef Sholom Temple, Board member of the Berger-Goldrich Home at Beth Sholom Village, James E. Altmeyer, Jr., President, James E. Altmeyer, Sr., Owner
Year-end decisions
KK: Family comes fi rst, and you have to compartmentalize drama personally or professionally. At the end of the day, I always realize that she gave me the life, education, drive, and values that make me who I am, so helping her when I am able is the least I can do to repay her immeasurable gifts to me.
JN: Do you have recommendations for readers if they’re considering a year-end sale or purchase of a home?
KK: Do it!! There are wonderful properties out there sitting for the first time in years.
We finally have great properties, good deals and favorable terms simultaneously. Most economists are projecting the market will pick up when rates come down or the active spring market takes hold. Nevertheless, there are several great opportunities now.
JN: Any additional comments?
KK: Working with my mother is an honor and a privilege. Having a partner that understands and appreciates you on the deepest levels is a wonderful steppingstone to build a successful business. I recognize how fortunate I am. I would have it no other way.
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Janet Porter Kramer and Kathryn Kramer.
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Year-end decisions
MAXIMIZE 2024 TAX BENEFITS WITH SMART YEAREND GIVING
TJF staff
As the end of the year approaches, individuals and families are considering ways to maximize the financial benefits of their charitable giving. Tidewater Jewish Foundation offers guidance to help donors make informed decisions that align with their financial goals while also supporting the community.
“Year-end giving strategies can help donors significantly reduce their tax liability while supporting meaningful causes,” says Randy Parrish, TJF vice president and CFO. “With careful planning, donors can utilize charitable tools that provide substantial tax savings and amplify the financial advantages of their contributions.”
an IRA directly to certain charitable funds to satisfy their Required Minimum Distributions without incurring additional income tax. This tax-efficient strategy enables donors to leverage their retirement funds for philanthropic purposes without impacting their taxable income.
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TJF partners with donors and their financial advisors or attorneys to create personalized giving strategies. One effective option is to donate appreciated assets, such as stocks, directly to TJF. This approach allows donors to bypass capital gains taxes while securing a deduction for the asset’s total market value.
“Gifts of appreciated assets can reduce a donor’s taxable income, providing a financial benefit to the donor and enabling impactful giving,” says Parrish.
For donors over 70½, Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs) present another opportunity. Donors can transfer up to $105,000 in 2024 from
The Virginia Education Improvement Scholarship Tax Credit Program offers another financial incentive. By contributing to this program before year-end, donors receive a 65% tax credit on their Virginia taxes for 2024. “The tax credit program is a powerful tool for year-end giving,” says Parrish, a licensed CPA. “It offers a substantial tax credit for donors while supporting scholarships for Jewish day school students—a true win-win.”
Parrish says that “now is the ideal time to explore these options. By planning your giving before year-end, you can maximize the financial benefits and position yourself for a strong start in 2025.”
Along with donors’ financial advisors or attorneys, TJF can help create a plan to optimize tax savings and achieve meaningful impact.
TJF does not offer tax advice. For more information, contact Naomi Limor Sedek, TJF president and CEO at 757-965-6109 or nsedek@tjfva.org, or Randy Parrish at 757965-6104 or rparrish@tjfva.org.
Randy Parrish.
Year-end decisions
Decide now to launch a healthy lifestyle
According to fitness, nutrition, and medical experts, the time of year is totally unimportant when it comes to ditching bad habits and striking up new ones. But, as the year-end approaches, this seems like a perfect time to make the decision to make as many adjustments as possible to maintain and improve one’s health.
Consider these simple steps: (Pun intended!)
1) Living in Tidewater, it’s rarely too cold or too wet to get out and walk. It’s not news that engaging in simple cardiovascular exercise weekly can help maintain healthy cholesterol and blood levels and improve posture and muscle tone. Not motivated to walk alone? Grab a friend, neighbor, co-worker, or an acquaintance. The conversation and social interaction will help your mental attitude, too.
“Today’s the day,” according to Tom Purcell, wellness director at the Simon Family JCC. Purcell does not believe in New Year’s resolutions nor waiting to improve on wellness. He suggests implementing fitness into your current schedule right now –even without going to the gym if time constraints are an issue. Body weight exercises, for example, can be done anytime and anywhere. And, according to Purcell, they will pay dividends if you are consistent. Subtle changes, like climbing the steps instead of using the elevator, or parking farther away from the grocery store, will add to the quality of your life going forward, he says.
Rewards Checking
2) Everyone’s heard the phrase, “you are what you eat.” It only makes sense then, that eating healthy will contribute to being healthy. Seek out some local produce and fi sh, say no to that extra piece of cake, limit that red meat, drink water. Make sure there are cut carrots and celery in the fridge to grab for a snack instead of that bag of chips or anything that is ultra-processed.
Once these simple decisions on food
turn into habits, the scales will also be lighter.
3) Securing a doctor, dentist, or optometrist appointment doesn’t happen overnight anymore. So, get your 2025 calendar now and start making those appointments. It is always better to ward off a problem than be crushed by it later.
Enjoy the fresh air, the crunch of the carrots, the checking off of those appointments, and your extra energy as we all say goodbye to 2024 and hello to a healthy 2025!
Year-end decisions
Summer jobs, internships, and full-time careers for young adults to get a boost from UJFT’s new program
Career exploration workshop: Wednesday, January 15, Sandler Family Campus Summer employment workshop: Wednesday, February 19, Sandler Family Campus
Elana McGovern
Interested in the Hampton Roads job market or in returning home for a career opportunity? Through a new partnership with the Hampton Roads Workforce Council, United Jewish Federation of Tidewater hopes to better support young Jewish individuals with their careers and lives in Hampton Roads.
This program will offer high schoolers, college students, and post grads a chance to learn about local summer jobs, internships, and job opportunities.
Information for students and their families to connect with these programs can be found at Jewishva. org/CareerLaunch. The program also includes a
series of workshops designed to support students and young adults in navigating the application process and to learn about career choices. Two workshops are planned for early 2025 with sessions designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue summer jobs, internships, and full-time positions with confidence.
Future plans include hosting a series of events where a career counselor from the Hampton Roads Workforce Council is available at the Simon Family JCC for individual conversations with students as they go through their journeys.
As the program progresses, local students, as well
as students at Hillels across Virginia, will have access to this information. For businesses not already involved in the Workforce Council’s programs, there will be opportunities to learn how to host an intern or post a position that will be marketed throughout the region.
This partnership marks an exciting time as Jewish Tidewater looks to support young adults who want to return or make the area a home where they can fi nd success within their careers and personal lives.
For more information, contact Elana McGovern, UJFT Young Adult director, at emcgovern@ujft.org.
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