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Suffolk Closeup "13 Magic Words"
They are 13 words that have been added to a measure likely to be voted on in a countywide referendum in November that would amend the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act. The words are in a section of state legislation on what the fund for the act would finance.
Mediators: Navigating Family Dynamics and Promoting Harmonious Estate Planning Outcomes
In a perfect world, all of our children would be successful enough in their own lives so that they needn't depend on an inheritance to maintain or advance their economic status. The reality of the situation is that even in the perfect world, most children develop a certain expectation of what they are entitled to after their parents pass away.
Veterans Suffering Migraine and/or Trigeminal Neuralgia - Part I
Despite the frequent diagnoses of migraine and other headache disorders in veterans, there are unique challenges veterans face in preventing and treating of attacks. People with this invisibledisease already endure a social stigma due to misunderstanding how debilitating migraine attacks can be. This stigma can compound the social hurdles veterans face, making it even more challenging for them to rejoin civilian life.
2024 Community Medicaid Update
For 2024, an individual applying for Community Medicaid can have no more than $31,175 in assets, excluding the home if the equity is less than $1,071,000. Tax-deferred assets, otherwise known as qualified accounts, such as IRAs or 401(K)s, are exempt, so long as the applicant is taking minimum distributions. The amount of the distribution required by Medicaid will vary based on the applicant's county of residence. Regardless, the full amount of the distribution will be counted towards the monthly income. The 2024 Community Medicaid monthly income allowance is $1,732 per month (plus an additional $20 for being blind, aged, or disabled). However, do not be discouraged from applying from the program if you have excess income as applicants with income that exceeds this limit can still be eligible.
Praise for Departing Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr.
In covering thousands of government officials in Suffolk County as a journalist here for more than 60 years, Thiele has been at the top.
Estate Planning for the Modern Family: The Intricacies of Estate Planning as Family Structures Evolve
Before the growth of the modern family, estate planning was relatively simple. Couples would create "sweetheart wills," which leave assets to each other, and after the death of the surviving spouse, to their children. However, a sweetheart will does not adequately provide for individuals who have children from previous relationships or want to provide for beneficiaries besides the spouse.
Understanding Depression in Veterans
Depression is extremely common -about one civilian person in 10 experiences depression in any given year. However the Veterans Affairs estimate about 1 in 3 (33.3%) of veterans have some symptoms of depression: 1 in 5 (20%) have serious symptoms and 1 in 8 (12.5%) have major depression, requiring treatment with psychotherapy and antidepressants and hospitalization.
Sweetheart Wills
In our practice, we see a lot of Last Will & Testaments that were executed when a couple was younger that were appropriate when drafted but outdated. Your Last Will & Testament probably leaves everything to each other and then to your children. This is referred to as a "Sweetheart Will." While this was appropriate when you were younger, it is not the best estate plan for you and your husband now. As you get older, there is more of a need to do additional planning in order to protect your assets in the event that you or your husband require long term care, either at home or in a nursing facility.
Bob Hope
It may seem strange to write an article about Bob Hope, but you may not be aware that in 1997 Congress honored him by declaring him the "first and only honorary veteran of the U.S. armed forces." He has flown millions of miles to entertain GIs during both wartime and peace. His contribution to the USO began in 1941 and ended with Operation Desert Shield in 1991, spending 48 Christmases overseas with American service personnel. He was always treated as "an asset to the U.S. Government with his willingness to entertain whenever they needed him." After WWII was declared over, the USO sent out an "impassioned bulletin" asking entertainers not to abandon GIs. Hope was the first to say yes. The Military Order of the Purple Heart notes that "his contributions to the USO are well known: they are legend.
The Affordable Housing Crisis -- Part II
Suffolk County isn't alone in facing an affordable housing crisis.
Championing Justice: Britt Burner's Recognition for Advocating for the Elderly and Disabled
As part of the New York State Bar Association's Annual Meeting on Tuesday, January 16th, Britt Burner, Esq. was honored with the prestigious 'Advocate for the Elderly Award.' The New York State Bar Association, through its Elder Law and Special Needs Section, bestowed this honor and recognition upon Britt for her unwavering commitment to the advancement of the rights of the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Insights into Elder Law: Strategies for Long-Term Care Planning and Asset Protection in New York
With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day, long-term care planning has become an increasingly important issue across the United States, including in New York. As the population ages, more individuals will require long-term care services and supports, highlighting the need for prudent planning to cover future care costs. There have been recent developments in New York on Medicaid eligibility rules and asset protection strategies.
USO PART II United Service Organization
In 1947, the USO was disbanded, due partly to lack of funds. In 1951, after the United States had entered the Korean War, Secretary of Defense George Marshall and Secretary of the Navy Francis P. Matthews requested that the USO be reactivated "to provide support for the men and women of the armed forces with help of the American people." Between 1952 and 1953, not a day went by without the USO providing services somewhere in Korea, at home or overseas. In 1952 the USO was serving 3.5 million in the armed forces using much the same methods of operation as it did in World War II.
The Housing Crisis -- Part I
That's what the "median home price" in Suffolk County had risen to—a record high—as was reported late last year based on data provided by OneKey MLS. (With a Long Island base in Farmingdale, OneKeyMLS describes itself as New York State's "largest multiple listing service" for real estate and the "ninth-largest multiple listing service" in the U.S.)
Panico's Bold Move Deserves Praise
The town council veteran outlined his plan to vastly improve the quality of life in communities such as his Mastic Beach hometown in a letter to Romaine shortly after he moved up to county executive. In what appears to be a coordinated strategy, Panico requested that the county Department of Social Services not send money to landlords for rentals that do not have town permits. These permits require inspections, and Panico went as far as offering town inspectors to assist the county in making sure rentals are up to code.
Estate Planning for Artists
Establishing a clear and thorough estate plan is essential for artists to maintain control over their artwork and preserve their legacy. An artist's estate not only includes physical art, but a bundle of intellectual property rights, including copyrights. Additionally many artists have art collections that include others artists' works as well as their own. The artist's own art work is generally treated differently than their art collection, but both can be hard to value at death.
USO - Part I United Service Organization
The USO was founded on February 4, 1941 by Mary Ingraham in response to a request from President Franklin D. Roosevelt to provide morale and recreation services to U.S. uniformed military personnel. It was established as an American non-profit-charitable corporation that provides live entertainment, such as comedians, actors, and musicians, social facilities and other programs to members of the United States Armed Forces and their families. President Roosevelt was elected as its honorary chairman. He requested that the organization bring six civilian organizations together for a start: the Salvation Army, YMCA, (Young Women's Christian Association), National Catholic Community Service, National Travelers Aid Association, and the National Jewish Welfare Board. They were brought together under one umbrella to support U.S. troops, as opposed to operating independently as some had done during the First World War. The organization was incorporated in New York on February 4th with the first facility erected in DeRi
Frazer Dougherty--Pioneer of Public Access TV in Suffolk
"A Celebration Of A Bold Life" was the title of a memorial for an extraordinary person—a pioneer of public access television in Suffolk County, indeed the lead creator of a model for public access TV in the nation. Frazer Dougherty died in September at 101.
What is Estate Planning?
A: While people are aware of the importance to execute a Last Will & Testament, they are often of the mindset that it is something to be done as they get older and as a result it gets put off. For the same reason, the value of a establishing a comprehensive Estate Plan is often overlooked.
The American Red Cross and the Military
Clarissa "Clara" Barton with her acquaintances founded the American Red Cross in Washington D.C. on May 21, 1881. She was a clerk in the U.S. Patent Office in Washington D.C., when the Civil war broke out in 1861. When poorly trained soldiers began pouring into the capital, Clara organized food, clothing and bedding donations to support the soldiers. She was soon transporting provisions to the front lines as well.
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Stony Brook students blend fitness and ecology in 3K EcoWalk
Stony Brook University students participated in the "Running Wild 3K EcoWalk," a new Earthstock event conducted on April 21 at the Ashley Schiff Preserve.
Justice in Motion: Five MS-13 Gangbangers Indicted in Blue Point Beach Killing
Lopez-Lopez, 27, of Central Islip, was a former MS-13 member suspected of turning informant. His body was left on the shoreside (pictured) at the end of Blue Point Avenue back in early March.
Leave Fireworks to the Pros or Risk Tragedy This Fourth of July
Suffolk officials warn against illegal fireworks, want residents to enjoy the July 4th holiday without blowing themselves up.