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Tips to help make Visiting Santa easier this Season

Tips to help make Visiting Santa easier this Season

Christmastime is filled with many different holiday traditions. While people are decorating their homes or going to holiday themed shows and activities, families with younger children may have a visit to a Santa on their holiday to do list. For some this is an exciting experience, for others this activity can be met with apprehension and even fear. Here are some tips to help make visiting Santa a more pleasurable experience for both children and parents.

Do a test run. If your child has never had a photo or visit with Santa before, they may be frightened. The successful photo visit may take more than one time. Try a walk by, or if the line is short, maybe just a quick hello and then build up to the big event. Observe how your child is reacting and if they are old enough to engage in conversation, talk about the experience. Younger children who are frightened and may be crying can actually be the source of anxiety for older ones. The beard and red coat coupled with the fact of sitting on a strangers lap may also be concerning to your child. Acclimate your child to the experience and let them become familiar with how Santa looks and acts.

Dress comfortably. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Consider not using this opportunity to dress up and wear the shiny new shoes. The new, dress holiday clothes may be another cause of discomfort. The goal is to look nice for the photo but not at the expense of your child’s experience.

Pack some supplies. Bring snacks and drinks for the kids so hunger isn’t the source of discomfort. Bring a change of clothes just in case.

Get Santa recommendations. Ask friends, neighbors or even teachers in the community about Santa visits. Many Santa’s are trained to help make the experience easier for children with anxiety or special needs. Not every Santa is adept at handling children. You want someone who is used to making children feel welcome and comfortable.

Try and have a good time. Don’t expect perfection. Focus on building memories. Sometimes the best moments are the ones that just happen. Enjoy this wonderful time with your children.

Happy Holidays from your Santa’s helpers here at C.H. Edwards, Inc. If we can assist you with your Insurance needs this holiday season, feel free to contact us at 516-249-5200. www.chedwards.net

Written by: Denise A. Visco

It’s a Very Merry Christmas at Walt Disney World!

It’s a Very Merry Christmas at Walt Disney World!

It’s a very merry Christmas time at Walt Disney World. What better way to celebrate the holidays then with cookies, hot chocolate, Christmas parades and Mickey Mouse.

Right after Halloween night comes to an end the elves at Magic Kingdom transform a spooky Halloween spectacular to a winter wonderland. The party starts off with snow all down Main Street. And yes you read that right, snow in Florida! There’s nothing a little Disney Magic can’t do.
Castle at Magic KingdomDuring the snow the Magic Kingdom is filled with Christmas tunes and scents of fresh baked cookies and candy. That’s because throughout the park, there are complementary cookies and hot coco. The cookies and hot coco were my favorite part of the party aside from Mickey and Minnie in their festive attire of course. During the holiday season Frozen stars, Anna and Elsa transform Cinderella castle into their very own glimmering ice palace. This transformation is done with the help of the crowd chanting snow and ice. They get even more help by their friends, Olaf and Kristoff. The night also includes a special Christmas parade called Mickeys Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. The parade kicks off with Mickey and Minnie greeting their holiday party guests and also the princesses accompanied by their princes, an appearance by Olaf and it wraps up with Santa Claus. The parade is followed by celebrate the magic which is a colorful projection show on Cinderella castle. After celebrate the magic comes the much anticipated holiday firework show.
The firework show is always the best way to end a fun filled night of cookies, hot cocoa, singing and dancing to Christmas tunes and Mickey and his pals.

It’s a wonderful time to be in Disney.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

What to do in the event of an Automobile Accident

What to do in the event of an Automobile Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a very frightening event for the drivers involved. Here are some things to remember should this happen to you.

-First, stop your vehicle and remain calm.

-Determine if there are any injuries and call for medical assistance if
necessary.

-Call the police to report the accident. Don’t forget to ask the
officer when you can obtain a copy of the report.

-Do not admit to fault of liability. Discuss the accident with only the police and your insurance representative.

-Exchange information, If possible, at the scene. Name, phone number, license numbers of all drivers and passengers and witnesses to the accident, including pedestrians, bicyclists, etc. Ask all drivers for their insurance information.

-Record all details of the accident immediately so nothing is lost or forgotten.

-Important factors to consider are time of accident, weather conditions, direction vehicles were traveling in, condition of the vehicles as well as note any traffic signs, lights or road markings at the site of the accident.

All of the above information is important to have available when calling a claim into your Insurance Agent. Keep a copy of this information in your glove box for safe keeping in the event of an accident.

Has your Insurance Agent ever provided you with this important information? If not, maybe it’s time to consider another agent. C.H. Edwards, Inc. is an Independent Insurance agency located in Farmingdale, New York. We have been in business since 1925 providing our clients with the best customer service and competitive pricing. Call for your
no obligation quote today 516-249-5200.

Written by: Denise A. Visco

Making Donations to those in need this holiday season on Long Island

Making Donations to those in need this holiday season on Long Island

The holidays are a time when we stop and reflect for all that we are thankful for over the past year. It may be health, or family or even obtaining a goal that seemed out of reach. Some families are not as fortunate and the holidays can be a time of sadness for not being able to provide their families that same hopefulness for the year ahead.

The holiday season provides an opportunity to help those families in need. A food or clothing donation, volunteering at a food bank, collecting gently used toys within your own home or buying an extra gift for donation are just some of the ways you may be able to help. Don’t forget the Pets. Many animal shelters are in need of warm blankets and food during the Winter months. There are organizations all over Long Island that will assist you with your generous donation.

Here are some places on Long Island that will accept your donations:

Little Flower Family and Children’s Services (littleflowerny.org)

Little Flower is located in Wading River and helps children find foster care and possible adoption. Your support in the form of a toy drive, school supply drive or any other drive is greatly appreciated.

Island Harvest www.islandharvest.org 516-294-8528

Island Harvest is a food bank with locations in Mineola, Hauppauge and Uniondale.

Long Island Cares www.licares.org

Long Island Cares helps give out food and helps with school supplies and pets.

Kids United Against Hunger www.unitedwayli.org

Long Island Cares sponsors a project with the United Way of Long Island that helps teach kids about hunger and gives them an opportunity to volunteer at the Harry Chapin Food Bank in Hauppauge.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island www.bbsli.org 631-234-0000

Free pickup at your home is offered. Used clothing, coats, shoes, toys and small household items are appreciated and distributed to people in need.

Goodwill Industries International www.goodwill.org

New Or gently used items including clothing, appliances, electronics and furniture are happily accepted.

Society of St. Vincent De Paul www.svdprvc.org

With locations all over Long Island, they will gladly accepting donations of all kinds.

The Salvation Army www.satruck.org

The Salvation Army gladly accepts gently used items that will be sold through Family Thrift Stores. You can donate appliances, automobiles, adult and children’s clothing furniture and household goods.

These are just a few suggestions. Places of worship often provide the opportunity to donate food , warm weather gear and gifts through outreach services in your local community.

If you are feeling thankful this holiday season and would like to share that feeling with those less fortunate, reach out and make a donation. Your will have one more thing to be thankful for.

Happy Holidays from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc.! www.chedwards.net

Written by: Denise A. Visco

What To Say / What Not To Say At The Dinner Table

What To Say / What Not To Say At The Dinner Table

Thanksgiving dinner is a time for families to share thanks and reconnect. This is especially true when it comes to busy families. Life can be stressful, which can make it hard to keep up on all the things going on within your family, good or bad.

Keeping dinner discussions positive and saving the tough stuff for later is important, particularly with your children. Children who are faced with more positive interactions are happier, healthier and better learners in school.

Try a few of these positive swaps at your dinner table:

Instead of… “What homework do you have due on Monday?” Say… “What was the best part of your day today?”

Instead of…” Finish your carrots. There are starving children in the world” Say…” Did you know that carrots help keep your eyes healthy?”

Instead of…”Eat one more bite of your food” Say…”This is the last meal until dessert, ask your belly if it is really full!”

A positive life style is not only good for little ones but is good for everyone! Looking on the brighter side can help you become a better person, employee and friend.
Encourage positivity in your home today.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc.

Written by: Amanda Haase

Life Insurance – Are You Ready To Have The Conversation?

Life Insurance – Are You Ready To Have The Conversation?

Life Insurance is often a difficult topic for many to discuss. It is not a conversation that anyone wants to start and is often put off until a life event forces you too. Maybe the conversation would be easier if you had someone outside of the family that you could discuss this with? Having the answers to the questions your family may have before they ask can put you at ease. Looking at Life Insurance as a life plan, a plan for your future and retirement is another way to present the conversation.

Making this topic easier is as simple as giving C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call. We will start by answering your questions, help you decide which policy is right for you and your family within your budget and offer a no obligation quote.

C. H. Edwards, Inc. has everything to assist you in making this uneasy topic easier. Still not sure, visit our website at www.chedwards.net and find out who we are. We have been working with clients since 1925, with their home, auto and life insurance as well as assisting commercial clients with their particular needs.

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., our clients are part of our extended family and who else would you trust with such a major life decision?

Written by: Denise Visco

50 Foods Before Age 2

50 Foods Before Age 2

Good habits begin at home and the earliest learning is taught by parents. Health and nutrition can be the trickiest learned habits.

Kids can be picky eaters. Sometimes, it can be hard for parents to really give their children the nutrition they need from fruits, vegetables and proteins.

That’s why it is important to introduce these 50 foods to your kids before age 2; please note that some of these food need to be pureed or cooked to avoid choking hazards and always check with your doctor first.

Artichokes
Bell peppers
Black beans
Broccoli
Brown Rice
Brussels sprouts
Butternut squash
Cabbage
Cantaloupe
Carrots
Cauliflower
Chicken
Coconut
Cod
Cucumbers
Eggplant
Eggs
Feta cheese
Granola
Green beans
Honeydew melon
Hummus
Iceberg lettuce
Jicama
Kale
Kidney beans
Lentils
Mozzarella cheese
Mushrooms
Olive slices
Oranges
Peaches
Pears
Pineapple
Plums
Pumpkin
Purple potatoes
Quinoa
Radishes
Romaine lettuce
Salmon
Salsa
Spinach
Strawberries
Sweet potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Watermelon
Whole-wheat pasta
Yogurt

The perfect way to utilize this list, is to place it on the refrigerator and check off what food your child liked, and tried. This way, you can easily keep track of what food your child has tasted and liked.

Healthy kids are better learners and miss less school due to illness. Early learning goes a long way toward a successful future.

Start encouraging variety with your children today!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winterizing Your Vehicle

Winterizing your vehicle is a wise idea! Taking an hour or two out of your day to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind. The time spent now will avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during severe weather.

Here is a checklist to follow when winterizing your car this season:
1. Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance.
2. Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system.
3. Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly.
4. Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure.
5. Be thorough about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals.
6. If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in.
7. Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item no matter what time of year.
8. Have the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks.
9. Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing.
10. In your trunk, make sure to include an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles/matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.

Preparing yourself and your vehicle will insure safe travels this winter.

For more information on auto insurance, call C.H. Edwards, Inc. and one of our representatives will be happy to help you.

Be safe!

Written by: Amanda Haase

Common Teen Driving Mistakes

Common Teen Driving Mistakes

Fact: Teen drivers are nearly four times as likely to crash when on the road. Below are some of the most common mistakes made by teen drivers:

Peer Pressure – friends encouraging the driver to turn up the music, or violate other family rules, to distract the driver.

Drinking and Driving – In 2013, 17 percent of drivers ages 16-20 were involved in fatal car crashes, due to intoxication. Do not drink and drive!

Distractions – Distractions while driving are more than just cell phones. Talking to passengers, using navigation systems, and applying makeup while driving all count as distractions.

Failure to wear a seatbelt – Seatbelts save an estimated 12,174 lives each year. 55 percent of teens killed in car crashes were not wearing seat belts. Buckle up! It is the law!

Underestimating the risks that come with driving – Teens often underestimate the risks and responsibilities that come with getting behind the wheel, making them feel invincible. This can lead to careless, dangerous mistakes.

Driving at night – A teen driver’s chance of being involved in a deadly car crash doubles, when they travel at night. This can be due to limited visibility and other dangers on the road.

Having multiple passengers – When your teen drives with multiple passengers in their car, their risk of being involved in a car crash increases 44% due to possible increased distractions, caused by the passengers.

Loud Music – “Cranking up the tunes” and adjusting the radio can cause major distractions while driving.

Overestimating their driving abilities – Overestimating their driving abilities, such as what speed they are comfortable at, as well as maneuvering on the road, can be dangerous to them and other drivers.

Fast or reckless driving – Going too fast, tailgating, and road rage are often primary factor in teen crashes.

Although these facts may seem unfortunate, talk to your son or daughter about these dangers before this upcoming winter driving season. It is Important to protect them and others when they are behind the wheel.

If you have any further questions regarding the information provided or you have a new teen driver that you are looking to insure, give C.H. Edwards a call today at 516-249-5200 for a free no obligation quote for the whole family! Please visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Let us help you get covered! Please drive safely.

Written by: Amanda Haase

It’s Election Day! Are You Registered To Vote?

It’s Election Day! Are You Registered To Vote?

It’s Election Day! Are you registered to vote? If not, make today the day you register.

In order to participate in New York State or federal elections, you must register to vote either through Department of Motor Vehicle or New York Board of Elections.

In order to vote in New York State you must:
• Be a U.S. citizen (or born in Puerto Rico, Guam, or U.S. Virgin Islands).
• Be 18 years old by December 31st of the year that you register.
• NOTE: You must be 18 years old by the date of the election in order to vote.
• NOT be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction.
• NOT be adjudged mentally incompetent by a court.
• NOT claim the right to vote elsewhere.

Note that in order to be eligible to vote, you must register 25 days before the next election. In New York, you can register to vote online, in person, or by mail. You cannot register to vote by phone.

For more information on voting and registering to vote visit http://www.dmv.org/ny-new-york/voter-registration.php.

Written by: Amanda Haase