If you have grandchildren, you probably enjoy spending time with them and watching them grow. And to help them achieve a bright future, you might like to make some financial gifts — but which ones?
You have several options. Let’s look at three of them:
529 plans — When you invest in a 529 education savings plan, any earnings growth is distributed federally tax free, as long as withdrawals are used for qualified education expenses. (Withdrawals used for expenses other than qualified education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, plus a 10% penalty.) And in-state residents who invest in their home state’s 529 plan may also receive state tax incentives.
A 529 plan can be used for college, approved trade school programs, qualified student loan repayments and even some K-12 costs. And if the grandchild you’ve named as a beneficiary of a 529 plan decides to forego further education, you can generally switch beneficiaries to another immediate family member.
You can contribute up to $17,000 in 2023, per grandchild, to a 529 plan without incurring gift taxes. Furthermore, as of the 2024–25 school year, grandparent-owned 529 plans won’t affect financial aid eligibility. However, tax issues for 529 plans can be complex, so consult with your tax advisor about your situation.
Roth IRA — Any earnings growth in a Roth IRA is distributed tax free, provided the owner is at least 59½ and has had the account at least five years. If your grandchildren earn money from babysitting or a part-time job, they can open a Roth IRA with the help of a parent or other adult. You could “match” your grandchildren’s contributions, possibly on a dollar-for-dollar basis, to provide them with an incentive for saving. In fact, you could fully fund the Roth IRA, up to the annual contribution limit, which is $6,500 or the amount of your grandchild’s taxable compensation, whichever is less. (The annual limit is $7,500 for those 50 or older.) And your grandchildren can withdraw the contributions — not the earnings — at any time to pay for college or anything else.
Custodial account — You can open a custodial account, also known as an UGMA or UTMA account, for a grandchild, and fund it with most types of investments: stocks, mutual funds, bonds and so on. For that reason, it can be a good way to teach grandchildren about the nature of investing — risks, returns and the value of holding investments for the long term. Plus, there’s an initial tax benefit to custodial accounts: The first $1,250 of your grandchild’s investment income (dividends, interest, capital gains) is tax free, and the next $1,250 is taxed at the child’s rate. Anything above that amount is taxed at the parents’ marginal tax rate.
However, once your grandchildren reach the age of termination — usually 18 or 21, depending on where they live — they take control of the account and can do whatever they choose with the money. So, while a custodial account could be considered as a funding source for college, it might alternatively serve as a gift that could eventually enable your grandchild to fulfill another desire or goal — take an overseas trip, pay for a car or maybe even start on a path to entrepreneurship.
Making financial gifts to your grandchildren can be rewarding — for them and for you. So, consider the possibilities carefully and put your generosity to work.
Michael Christodoulou, ChFC®, AAMS®, CRPC®, CRPS® is a Financial Advisor for Edward Jones in Stony Brook. Member SIPC.
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS), one of the nation’s leading oncology practices, is proud to announce the addition of Jin Guo, MD. She will practice at 1500 Rt 112, Bldg 4, Port Jefferson Station.
“We are proud to welcome Dr. Jin Guo to the NYCBS team,” said Jeff Vacirca, MD, CEO of NYCBS. “We are confident that Dr. Guo’s expertise and compassionate approach will greatly benefit our patients and further enhance our mission to provide exceptional cancer care.”
Dr. Guo’s love for oncology’s scientific and humanistic aspects led her to medicine. “It’s important to understand what makes cancer cells grow and what we can do to fight cancer but building a human connection is equally important,” Dr.Guo said. “I became an oncologist because it requires expertise in both. Oncology is an art and a science.”
After supporting her grandmother through her cancer journey, Dr. Guo pursued the field to deliver the highest quality cancer care to her patients while supporting their families and caregivers. “My philosophy is to not only treat the person behind the cancer but also to encourage and empower my patients to be active participants in their own care through communication, trust, and respect.” Dr. Guo said.
Dr. Guo received her Doctor of Medicine from the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She completed her Hematology/Oncology Fellowship with a Master Clinician Track at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, renowned for its exceptional cancer care and groundbreaking research. Prior to her fellowship, Dr. Guo served as an Internal Medicine Resident at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medicine.
To make an appointment with Dr. Guo, please call 631-751-3000. For more information, visit nycancer.com.
Movieland Cinemas, a longtime fixture in the community, has closed. The announcement was made on its Facebook page on Sept. 7. General Manager Nicole Rapp cited high rent and declining foot traffic as the reason for the closure.
Located in Coram at 1850 Route 112 in the Pine Plaza, the theater opened in 1995 and changed hands many times, most recently in 2022 after extensive renovations.
“Over the years, our theater has been a place where the community has come together to enjoy films … and celebrate the magic of cinema. We have cherished every moment spent with you, our loyal patrons, and the support you have shown us,” read the post.
Many patrons reacted to the announcment with sadness and thanked the theater for the many years of memories.
“We want to extend our sincere thanks to each and every one of you who has been a part of our theater’s journey. It’s been an incredible ride, and we couldn’t have done it without you. We are going to miss hosting your birthday parties, special events, gaming tournaments, sensory friendly screenings, Princess/ Superhero meet-and-greets, and so much more,” said Rapp.
The post went on to the thank “the dedicated movie theater staff … who tirelessly worked behind the scenes” and hinted at reopening the theater in the future with a potential buyer.
“While our doors may be closing for now, the memories we’ve created together will live on. Thank you for being a part of our theater’s story, and we hope that this is a temporary speed-bump and soon be able to make a comeback,” added Rapp.
Sahn Ward Braff Koblenz PLLC has announced that Edward G. McCabe has joined the firm as Partner. He will work out of the Firm’s Suffolk County office in Hauppauge with Partners John Farrell and Elaine Colavito.
Mr. McCabe concentrates his practice on civil and commercial litigation and appeals, municipal law and legislative practice and real estate law and transactions. He has litigated hundreds of cases in state and federal courts involving complex issues of law. He also has substantial experience litigating cases involving administrative and municipal proceedings and construction contract disputes, including mediation and arbitration proceedings. Mr. McCabe also has vast experience in real estate transactions and the complexity of contractual negotiations.
Prior to joining the Firm, Mr. McCabe managed his own general law practice, handling all aspects of client representation from litigation to real estate transactional work, such as contract and lease preparation.
In addition to managing his own Firm, Mr. McCabe serves as the Vice Chairman of the Town of Islip Zoning Board of Appeals.
Mr. McCabe is admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Eastern and Southern Districts of New York, and the Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department. He is also a member of the Suffolk County Bar Association.
He received his Juris Doctor from the Maurice A Deane School of Law at Hofstra University. Mr. McCabe resides in Bay Shore.
His father, Hon. Edward G. McCabe, was the Firm’s Special Counsel before he passed away on June 16, 2023. A former Chief Administrative Judge of the Nassau County Courts, Judge McCabe joined Sahn Ward in 2009 and worked at the Firm until his retirement in April 2022. In addition to advising clients, he also served as a mentor to the Firm’s attorneys.
“I am honored to join the Firm where my late father had a tremendous influence on the attorneys at the Firm,” Mr. McCabe said. “I look forward to helping the Firm continue to grow its litigation, real estate and land use practices, and work with the Firm’s attorneys, many of whom I have known from my own practice.”
“We are extremely pleased to have Edward join our Firm,” said Michael H. Sahn, the Firm’s Managing Member. “His experience will be an asset to the Firm and our clients, and help us expand our practice in Suffolk County and elsewhere.”
For more information, call (516) 228-1300 or visit www.sahnward.com.
It’s time to play ball! Preservation Long Island and the Long Island Museum have teamed up to host Baseball on the Farm featuring an authentic 19th-century ballgame with the New York Mutual Base Ball Club against the Atlantics. With live music, games, prizes, food and more, this one-day special event will take place on the grounds of historic Sherwood-Jayne Farm, 55 Old Post Road in East Setauket on Saturday, Sept. 16 from noon to 4 p.m. Rain date is Sept, 17.
Baseball on the Farm is a FREE community event for the whole family featuring an authentic 19th-century ballgame pitting the New York Mutuals Base Ball Club against the Atlantics Base Ball Club, games and craft activities, prizes including Long Island Ducks signed baseball and 4-pack of tickets for 2024, bounce house, live music by The Other Two and food and beverages (available for purchase) from Exotic Bowls, Maui Chop House and Root + Branch Brewing.
This special day of vintage baseball at Preservation Long Island’s Sherwood-Jayne Farm in Setauket is a collaboration inspired by two exhibitions currently on view at The Long Island Museum in nearby Stony Brook:
Picturing America’s Pastime (May 18-October 15, 2023): Since the 19th century, baseball and photography have grown up together. This exhibition of 51 historic photographs has been developed by the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museums, the world’s premiere repository of baseball photographs.
Home Fields: Baseball Stadiums of Long Island and New York City (May 18-October 15, 2023): This exhibition features exciting objects from several private collectors of historic baseball memorabilia. Many original items from Ebbetts Field (the home of the Brooklyn Dodgers) Polo Stadium, and Yankee Stadium are on view.
Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson recently received the Pain and Addiction Care in the Emergency Department (PACED) designation from the American College of Emergency Physicians. Photo from Mather Hospital
Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson recently received the Pain and Addiction Care in the Emergency Department (PACED) designation from the American College of Emergency Physicians.
PACED is a national accreditation program that seeks to improve pain management and substance use care for patients. Having a PACED designation means that patients in these hospitals will receive the highest level of treatment for pain and addiction, while minimizing the use of opioid medications.
“Receiving PACED accreditation confirms the work we’ve done across several disciplines — medicine, nursing, social work, pain management — to remove the stigmas associated with addiction and to provide the best evidence-based care,” said Adam Wos, MD., Medical Director of the Emergency Department. “This means that our clinicians are focused on approaches that prevent the harms of addiction, and our patients have more resources and fewer barriers to seeking out the care they need.”
Mather is one of 18 Northwell hospitals to received PACED designation. Sandeep Kapoor, MD, assistant vice president of Emergency Medicine Addiction Services, said the designation recognizes Northwell’s determined efforts over the past decade to create a landscape of humanistic and evidence-based approaches in helping people living with substance use disorder (SUD) and pain issues.
“The fact that 18 of our hospitals have received national accreditation recognizes our efforts to humanize the approach to substance use and pain. We are very proud that our model of care is being regarded as an industry standard,” Dr. Kapoor said.
The first of eight documentaries will be 'Rather' on Sept. 18 — At the age of 92, iconic journalist Dan Rather reflects on his career that spans seven decades.
By Tara Mae
Whether there is too much or never enough of it, time may either soften memories with nostalgia or sharpen remembrances with accrued insight. Through art and action, the Fall 2023 Port Jefferson Documentary Series (PJDS) highlights the intricacies of this dynamic both onscreen and behind-the-scenes.
On specific Monday evenings between September 18 and November 13, at Theatre Three, 412 Main St., Port Jefferson and John F. Kennedy Middle School, 200 Jayne Blvd., Port Jefferson Station, the award-winning doc series will share eight distinct stories.
Encompassing reflections on a career well-chronicled; a quickly encroaching catastrophe; a calamitous crisis averted; or, a curious occurrence, screenings will be followed by Q&As with guest speakers. Tom Needham, executive producer and host of “Sounds of Film” on WUSB, will once again serve as moderator.
“Our setup has not changed either behind-the-scenes or in how we choose the documentaries,” said PJDS co-director Lyn Boland. “We assess production values, whether it is a good story, and if it is available to film festivals instead of streaming — we want it to be new. We also prefer films where the director is available to talk in one sense or another.”
Now in its 38th season, the PJDS, which began in 2005, excavates tangible accomplishments and existential inquiries. In interactive interviews with documentarians, it seeks answers from those who first sought to ask the questions.
Sponsored by Maggio Environmental and Wellness; Covati & Janhsen, CPAS PC; and Port Jeff Storage,the season opens with Rather, a film that examines Dan Rather’s ongoing seven decade journalistic career and his continued dedication to making a difference.
We Dare to Dream traverses the triumphs and trials of 29 elite athletes. Deprived of their home countries, they strive for international success while preparing to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics as part of the International Olympic Committee’s Refugee Olympic team. (This event will also feature a pre-show concert at Port Jefferson Methodist Church by pianist Jacqueline Schwab.)
Time Bomb Y2K revisits when, on the verge of a new millennium, the world feared that all of technology was about to have a nervous breakdown on New Year’s Day.
Between the Rains covers a 4 year period when record low rainfall in Kenya caused a reckoning for children caught in a culture being eroded by climate change.
Israel Swings for Gold traces the trajectory of Israel’s baseball team as it makes it Olympic debut in 2021.
Rolling Along recounts Bill Bradley’s revelatory professional career as informed by his personal ethos: Rhodes Scholar, champion New York Knicks recruit, and noted New Jersey senator.
Maestra showcases the melodious moments and discordant dilemmas women face as they compete in the world’s only all-female conducting competition.
Lastly, A Revolution on Canvas investigates the intriguing disappearance of more than 100 “treasonous” paintings by contemporary Iranian artist Nickzad Nodjoumi.
(For dates and times, please see Film Schedule below.)
Each documentary is selected by one of the “film ladies,” as Lyn Boland, Wendy Feinberg, Barbara Sverd and Honey Katz are known. They present their choices to the PJDS board. Top contenders from those viewings are shared with three esteemed longtime volunteers, Denise Livrieri, Yvonne Lieffrig, and Debbie Bolvadin, who then also vote on the films.
“It is important to have a wide variety of people choosing films; we know we each have private preferences that we always gravitate towards. If you do not have a wide group, you may leave out some of your audience,” Boland said. “We are lucky that our audience really trusts us. They know that we are invested and looked into the films personally, so we feel the documentaries are special to include.”
According to Boland, once the films are chosen, securing the rights to them and gaining access to the speakers is a game of cat and mouse. So, the hunt is on as soon film festivals announce their lineups. The Series’ cast of characters divides and conquers, attending screenings and identifying potential contenders for PJDS.
“Once I have focused on a film I would like to present, the fun of the chase begins! Nailing down films, dates, directors or producers, and working out schedule conflicts are issues we have to contend with when programming a series. So, it [helps] when you have a connection to anyone associated with the film,” explained Sverd.
Such relationships have been forged and nurtured over the years with different producers and directors who have previously shown their work during the Series. Rather and Time Bomb Y2K come from creators who screened earlier films through PJDS. Between the Rains and Rolling Along were acquired through Sverd’s and Feinberg’s respective personal connections.
“I am looking forward to seeing many of our repeat guests and also the new folks who will be attending the films this season,” said Feinberg.
In addition to making contacts and advancing the films, each member brings their individual skill sets, contributing what best aligns with their interests and industries, including law, event planning, education, and graphic design. Primary and paramount requirement for joining the team — it is looking for new volunteers — is simply being a film buff.
That passion translates to the audience, which includes familiar faces and new fans.
“In this day and age, with so much available to see and watch, it is just great that people appreciate the kind of experience that we offer,” Boland said.
Individual tickets are $10 (cash only) at the door, a combination ticket for the concert and documentary on is $15, or in advance at www.portjeffdocumentaryseries.com.
FILM SCHEDULE
A scene from ‘Rather’
◆ The Fall 2023 season kicks off with a screening of Rather at Theatre Three on September 18 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Co-Producer Taylor Wildenhaus and Sarah Baxter, Director of the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting. Co-sponsored by the Stony Brook University School of Communications & Journalism and the Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting.
‘We Dare to Dream’
◆ We Dare to Dream will be screened at Theatre Three on October 2 at 7:30 p.m. Preceded by a special concert featuring pianist at First United Methodist Church, 603 Main St., Port Jefferson at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker via Zoom will be Director Waad Al-Kateab. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
‘Time Bomb Y2K’
◆ Next up is Time Bomb Y2K at Theatre Three on October 9 at 7 p.m.Guest speakers will be Co-Directors Brian Becker and/or Marley McDonald.
‘Between the Rains’
◆ Between the Rains will be screened at JFK Middle School on October 16 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be co-director Andrew H. Brown via Zoom and Dr. Dino Martins, CEO of the Turkana Basin Institute. Co-sponsored by the Turkana Basin Institute of Kenya and its affiliate, Stony Brook University.
‘Israel Swings for Gold’
◆ The season continues with Israel Swings for Gold at JFK Middle School on October 23 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be Co-Director Jeremy Newberger. Co-sponsored by North Shore Jewish Center in Port Jefferson Station and Temple Isaiah in Stony Brook.
‘Rolling Along’
◆ A special screening of Rolling Along will be held at JFK Middle School on October 30 at 7 p.m. Guest speaker will be former U.S. Senator and screenwriter Bill Bradley in person.
‘Maestra’
◆ Maestra heads to JFK Middle School on November 6 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Director Maggie Contreras via Zoom and Melisse Brunet, Conductor and subject in the film. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
‘A Revolution on Canvas’
◆ The season concludes with a screening of A Revolution on Canvas at Theatre Three on November 13 at 7 p.m. Guest speakers will be Co-Directors Sara Nodjoumi and Till Schauder. Sponsored by Danfords Hotel & Marina and The Waterview at Port Jefferson Country Club.
For more information, call 631-473-5220 or visit www.portjeffersondocumentaryseries.com.
Last week’s recipes were two variations of apple pie; this week are two apple cakes. Both made with vegetable oil instead of butter, they are a perfect way to celebrate a sweet and fruitful New Year for Rosh Hashanah.
Apple Cake
YIELD: Makes 8 servings
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups crisp apples, peeled, cored and diced
3 teaspoons cinnamon
6 tablespoons, plus 2 cups, sugar, divided
3 cups flour
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, beaten
1/4 cup orange juice
1 teaspoon vanilla
icing (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
Heat oven to 350 F. In medium bowl, mix apples, cinnamon and 5 tablespoons sugar until combined. Set aside.
In large bowl, mix flour, 2 cups sugar, baking powder and salt until combined. Form well in middle of mixture. Add oil, eggs, orange juice and vanilla; mix until blended.
In springform pan, pour half of batter. Add apple mixture. Pour remaining batter over apple mixture. Sprinkle remaining sugar over batter. Bake 40-50 minutes, or until top is golden brown and tester comes out clean and dry. Drizzle with icing, if desired.
Apple Coffee Cake
YIELD: Makes 10 servings
INGREDIENTS:
5 cups tart apples, cored, peeled and chopped
1 cup sugar
1 cup dark raisins
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 egg, beaten
2 1/2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Preheat oven to 350 F. Lightly oil 13-by-9-by-2-inch pan.
DIRECTIONS:
In large mixing bowl, combine apples with sugar and raisins; mix well. Let stand 30 minutes. Stir in oil, vanilla and egg.
Sift together flour, baking soda and cinnamon. Using about 1/3 of mix at a time, add to apple mixture, stirring just enough to moisten dry ingredients. Turn batter into pan. Bake 35-40 minutes until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool cake slightly before serving.
On the web:
Check out a recipe for Crown Raisin Challah at www.tbrnewsmedia.com
The team celebrates their win after Saturday's game. Photo from Stony Brook Athletics
The Stony Brook volleyball team concluded their weekend in Queens with a straight-set victory on Sept. 9 over Siena inside the Carnesecca Arena.
#4 Abby Stanwood during last Saturday’s game. Photo fron SBU Athletics
The Seawolves came out firing from the offensive side in the first set as the squad put together a .348 attack percentage with 11 kills in the opening set victory. Also, Stony Brooksupplemented their offense with six aces in the set, including three straight by Madison Cigna to give the Seawolves the 16-12 lead in the set.
Stony Brook ended the first set on a strong note, stretching their lead to its largest point in the set to complete the 25-17 victory.
The squad was victorious in set two by taking the 25-22 win to promptly take a 2-0 lead in the match. The Seawolves outlasted the Saints in a back-and-forth set to win in a stanza that featured five lead changes and was tied eight times. Neither team led by more than four points along the way. The squad racked up 19 kills over the course of the set, including two by Abby Stanwood in the final five points to secure the second frame.
Stony Brook did not allow Siena to make any comeback as the squad took the third set, 25-15. The squad led from the first point and never looked back by tallying 15 kills in the set on .344 attack percentage. Kali Moore and Leoni Kunz both tallied two kills in the final five points to take the set and ultimately the three-set sweep.
Moore finished with 16 kills on the day to lead the Seawolves attack while finishing with a hitting percentage of .323. Defensively, Stony Brook had two players reach double figures in digs as Torri Henry had 16 and Julia Patsos had 10. Also, Henry led the way with 32 assists for the Seawolves.
“It was great to end the weekend with a win and I thought we approached this match with maturity. We managed rallies until we had opportunities and ultimately found a way to score. I was excited to see our crew gut out a win, especially in the second set when it got tight. We are very excited to open CAA play next weekend at home,” said head coach Kristin Belzung.
The team returns to the court next weekend when the squad hosts Northeastern University at Pritchard Gymnasium for their first CAA action of the season.
From left, #12 Reilly Rich, #10 Linn Beck and #21 Gabrielle Côté celebrate last Sunday's win.
Photo from Stony Brook Athletics
The Stony Brook women’s soccer team earned their first CAA victory of the season on Sept. 10 after defeating Hampton University, 6-1.
The Seawolves wasted no time putting the pressure on the Lady Pirates defense as the squad tallied two goals in the first 16 minutes. Ashley Manor captured the first goal of the night for Stony Brook in the 10th minute, followed by a penalty-kick goal by Reilly Rich in the 16th minute to give the squad an early 2-0 advantage.
Stony Brook was in control of the possession for most of the first half by tallying 12 shots in the frame compared to the four by Hampton. However, the Lady Pirates would cut the lead to 2-1 heading into the break following a goal in the 41st minute.
Similarly to the beginning of the match, Stony Brook came out storming again by scoring a goal in the first 30 seconds and then followed with another score 10 minutes later. Linn Beck made the most of a pass from Allie Palangi to score in the 45th minute and Gabby Daniels scored her first goal of the season in the 54th minute to allow Stony Brook to take a 4-1 advantage.
This is all the Stony Brook offense would need in the second half. Nicolette Pasquarella was stellar in net in the final 45 minutes by not allowing a goal on the four shots she faced.
The offense for the Seawolves would tally two more goals in the 61st and 88th minute after Rich captured another penalty-kick goal and Hannah Maracina scoring her first goal of the season to conclude the 6-1 victory, respectively.
“I’m very proud of our team and our coaching staff for their performance today. It was a quick turnaround after Thursday’s game traveling to Hampton but we accomplished our goal and are very pleased with bringing 3 points back to Stony Brook,” said head coach Tobias Bischof.
Located in Coram at 1850 Route 112 in the Pine Plaza, the theater opened in 1995 and changed hands many times, most recently in 2022 after extensive renovations.
FILM SCHEDULE
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