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The Reopening of the World Trade Center

The Reopening of the World Trade Center

On November 3rd, 2014, New York City proved once again that it can unite and overcome anything. After 13 years, One world TradeWorld Trade Center Center reopened. The 104-story, $3.9 billion skyscraper opened Monday as the publishing giant began its move from Times Square to downtown. The official opening of the building marks the end of a long process to rebuild the site following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

The first company to move into the Freedom Towers was publishing giant Condé Nast. They were the first out of 3,400 employees to move into the 104-story, $3.9 billion skyscraper that is the centerpiece of the 16-acre site. The company’s chief executive Chuck Townsend stated, “This is a terrific day for Lower Manhattan, a wonderful day for New York City, and a great day for Condé Nast.” I couldn’t agree with him more. I was in Manhattan that day and felt great pride as I passed the Freedom Tower all lit up out of my cab window.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

 

It’s the Season for Halloween Tricks and Pranks. Are you protected?

It’s the Season for Halloween Tricks and Pranks. Are you protected?

It’s the Halloween season.  Time for the young ones to choose costumes, go to parties and enjoy a day of trick or treating.  It is often considered the “right time” for older kids to get into mischief.  Does your insurance protect you from this mischief?Halloween
 
Vandalism to your Home: A standard homeowners or renters policy provides this coverage.  There will be a deductible before your policy starts to pay, but if you suffer expensive damage to your home or possessions you may be financially protected.
 
You wake up to toilet paper all over your property: Toilet-papering may not do any harm to your property, but if the pranksters damage your property in the process, you may be covered.
 
Your car is vandalized with eggs/shaving cream/pumpkins: The mess can be removed with a simple car wash so you won’t reach your deductible.  If your car receives more extensive damage which would require repair, you should be covered under your automobile insurance as long as you carry comprehensive coverage.
 
Your home is burglarized: If your home is burglarized on Halloween, your homeowner policy will cover theft of any belongings as well as any damage that occurs because of a break-in.  Your deductible must be met first.  Keep in mind that you will be required to provide proof of ownership of the stolen items.  This is a good time to think about a video inventory or establishing a system of saving receipts for all of your expensive belongings.
 
The above are the most common tricks of Halloween that might cause harm to you or your home.  There are some simple things you can do to protect your property.
-Keeps outside lights on.  This may deter someone from vandalizing your property
-Speak to your kids about the difference between having fun and causing damage to a person’s property
-Try and find organized Halloween events to keep kids safe while having fun
 
Are you interested in finding out what is covered and what is not on your auto, home owners or renter’s policy?  Are you looking to find out if your current policy is offering you the best coverage at the most competitive price?  Call C.H. Edwards, Inc. at 516-249-5200.

Have a Safe and Happy Halloween.
Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

Pumpkin Carving Safety Tips

It’s finally here, Pumpkin carving time! Kids, teens and even adults wait all year to carve their spooky Jack-O-Lantern’s for Halloween night! Although carving pumpkins can be fun for the whole family, it can also be dangerous and turn Halloween into a nightmare. Pumpkins can be both slippery and tough, a recipe for accidents.

pumpkin carving 1

Follow some of these helpful safety tips when you’re carving your pumpkin this year:

Use the right tools: Consumer Reports tested pumpkin-carving kits a few years ago and observed that one advantage of the specialty tools was that they can saw through rinds, poke holes, and scoop out innards without being razor-sharp. The instruments were also generally small, which made them easier to control than knives and easier to use when making intricate cuts.

Carve before taking off the top of the pumpkin: Carving the pumpkin before cutting the top off will help you avoid accidentally sticking your hand in the pumpkin while cutting inwards.

Take precautions: Carve in a clean, dry, and well-lit area, keeping your hands and tools clean and dry. Most important, take your time. Remember, this is a fun activity and fun shouldn’t be rushed!

Don’t let kids carve: It is important to not let young children carve by them selves. Instead, have children draw markings on the pumpkin and help clean the innards out with a spoon or their hands. If you have a young teen and they are trusted with a knife, be sure they are using a short knife and supervise as they are carving.

Halloween and fall activities are fun for everyone. Make sure you are enforcing safety this year while you share these activities with the ones you love. Practicing safety can help prevent you from having your own “Nightmare before Halloween”.pumpkin carving 2

At C.H. Edwards, Inc., we take pride in offering you helpful information so that you can make the most of the time you spend with your family. Call us if we can be of assistance with any of your Halloween related claims.

The Management and Staff at C.H. Edwards, Inc. wish you a Happy and Safe Halloween!

 

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Down Syndrome Awareness (4)

What is Down Syndrome?

Down syndrome is a genetic condition that causes delays in physical and intellectual development. It occurs in one in every 691 live births. Individuals with Down syndrome have 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. It is the most frequently occurring chromosomal disorder. Down syndrome is not related to race, nationality, religion or socioeconomic status. The most important fact to know about individuals with Down syndrome is that they are more like others than they are different.

For families living with someone with Down Syndrome, every day is a chance to promote Down syndrome awareness. The calendar, however, provides us with one month during the year when we can really step up those efforts. IMG_0589

How can you promote Down Syndrome Awareness?

  • Distribute National Association for Down Syndrome (NADS) posters and bookmarks to area schools, libraries, or businesses (you can order them through the NADS office or the website: www.nads.org)
  • Provide your obstetrician or your family doctor with updates about how your child is doing and, if they are receptive, with family photos or information about Down syndrome
  • Donate books about Down syndrome to your local school or library
  • Talk to your child’s class
  • Arrange for a NADS speaker to give a presentation at your child’s school or at an organization in your community.
  • Contact local media about doing a human interest story about your family or about activities involving people with Down syndrome in your area.
  • Write a letter to your local paper

Prom portrait (2)Organize a special event during October to highlight the gifts of people with Down syndrome—a performance, or an art exhibit or a screening of a movie or video featuring characters with Down syndrome (you could also show the NADS video, Talents that Inspire)

DS awarenessOrganize a “Down Syndrome Awareness Day” at a local restaurant or community event.

The transition to adulthood can be a very difficult time for families living with a person with Down Syndrome. Planning for the future is a critical part of this transition. If you would like more information on estate planning for your family, give C.H. Edwards, Inc. a call at 516-249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Written by: Denise Visco

Quitting is Not an Option

Quitting is Not an Option

Note to self:

There will be times when you want to quit
and the words you write
or the art you create
will feel like it fails you.
There will be days when everything seems worthless
and pouring your heart onto a page
feels like complete a waste of time
I admit there are days when I want to pack it in . . .
But I can’t
There were times I think about going through my files
and deleting them all . . .
But I don’t

There are nights when I feel hopeless and angry.
I feel frustrated,
as if there’s an entire world either against me,
or at any minute,
bad news will show its face,
and all that I have will slip through my fingers
and crumble to dust
So I tighten my grip . . .
There are mornings when the alarm clock rings
but my thoughts are too heavy
for me to lift my head from the pillow.
I know there will always be doubt
and there will always be reasons
why my dreams are just beyond my reach.
There will always be critics
and there will always be someone
to point out my flaws

There are days when my battle is uphill
but the hill is too steep,
and it feels as if I may lose my footing.
There are times when I want to quit.
But I can’t
Because quitting is not an option
So write on, Poet
There’s an entire world out there
waiting to find you

rainy day

Written by Ben Kimmel
www.thewrittenaddiction.com

 

Celebrating Sesame Street’s 45th Anniversary!

Celebrating Sesame Street’s 45th Anniversary!

seasame 1969It`s time for America`s most loved puppets to celebrate their 45th anniversary on TV. Sesame Street premiered on public broadcasting television stations on November 10, 1969 and has produced over 4,300 episodes.  From the first premier until now, this educational children`s program has won 159 Emmys, several Grammys and, as of 2009, as many as 77 million adult seasame 1979Americans had watched the show as children. There is much more behind this show besides the countless lessons and celebrity appearances.

Here are the top 5 secrets behind Sesame Street. The first secret is the Count’s love of numbers isn’t exactly just a play on his name. Vampires are supposed to have arithmomania which is a strong need to count surrounding objects. The second secret is that the original idea of the show was to focus on Bert and Ernie. This failed testing led to the creation of the characters Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch and Snuffleupagus.seasame 1989

The third seasame 1999secret is  the trashcan dweller, Oscar The Grouch actually fell in
love. It might seem that he only loves grumpy weather but in a now banned
episode, Oscar fell in love with the Wicked Witch of the West. This episode was banned due to the content being deemed too scary for children. The fourth secret is that Elmo was originally used as just a character in the background and did not debut till season 12.

Not only did he become one of the most famous puppets he ended up becoming the only puppet or non-human to testify before Congress in 2002, advocating for increased funding for music programs. The last secret is “Sesame Street” is named after the “Arabian Nights” phrase “Open, Sesame!”

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!

September is Life Insurance Awareness Month!

C.H. Edwards, Inc. recognizes September as Life Insurance Awareness Month! Of the 317 million individuals living in America, 95 million American adults remain without life insurance coverage.family_history

Life insurance is one of the most important insurance policies one can acquire. Life Insurance allows your loved ones to continue living a comfortable lifestyle after you pass. Is there anyone who depends on you financially and would be unable to continue their current lifestyle if you were to unexpectedly pass? Would your children be able to attend the college of their dreams if you were to be in a catastrophic accident? Life insurance provides individuals a level of guaranteed security.

Most Americans claim that life insurance is too expensive, and that is why they do not have it. Term life insurance policies allow individuals to obtain life insurance protection with a less expensive premium. This less expensive form of life insurance provides an individual with protection for an allotted period of time. That means you can choose to have a 10, 20 or 30 year life insurance policy so that your children can still go to their dream college if something tragic were to happen to you. In contrast, whole life insurance policies provide individuals with guarantee security for the duration of their life. These premiums are typically higher because they accumulate cash value as well.

If you do not have life insurance, there is no better time than now to get it! Where do you begin? Start by researching what type of plan would best suit the needs of your family. Our experienced agents at C.H. Edwards, Inc. are available to answer any questions you may have regarding life insurance.

Contact C.H. Edwards, Inc. for all of your insurance needs. You can rest assured knowing that your family is in the right hands as we have been providing our clients with unparalleled insurance services since 1925. Call us today at 516-249-5200 or visit our website at www.chedwards.net.

Written by: Denise Visco

Taking Control of Your Fall Season Allergies!

Taking Control of Your Fall Season Allergies!

Isn’t incredible how the weather can change in the blink of eye? As we approach the fall, many of us may be suffering from allergies. Allergens are the substances that cause you to experience allergy symptoms. You may be asking, “What can I do about them?” or “How can I control them?”

Whether its indoor allergies or outdoor allergies that have you down, know how to control them!

When suffering with Indoor Allergies:

  • Filter your Air with air conditioning systems and vacuums to trap small allergens.
  • Minimize dust mites by washing your sheets in hot water at least once a week and using hypoallergenic bedding.
  • Control pets by keeping them off the furniture and out of bedrooms.
  • Keep your household dry to avoid mold.

When suffering with Outdoor Allergies:

  • Know your comfort zone and how much pollen exposure you can handle.
  • Keeps doors and windows closed to keep allergens out!
  • Avoid contact with grass and weeds when enjoying fall outdoor activities.
  • Use masks when cutting the lawn or being involved in yard work. Wearing jeans and long sleeved shirts to protect your skin.

So now you have it! Better your fall season by controlling your allergies. Make time to enjoy all those wonderful fall activities and most of all, be in control of your own body!

 

 

The Inside Scoop of New York’s Fashion Week!

The Inside Scoop of New York’s Fashion Week!

ny fashion weejIt is currently an adult Disney world for the fashion gurus of the world on the streets of Manhattan. From the elaborate fashion shows to the A-list parties, New York is the place to be. New York Fashion Week is held twice-annually in September and February and consists of 7-9 days. These crucial 7-9 days will set the fashion trends for the following season. New York is one of five major fashion weeks, the other cities include Paris, London, Berlin and Milan.

Everyone from Karlie Kloss, Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell can be seen strutting down the runway. These and many more high fashion models, walked the runway for top designers such as Michael Kors, Oscar De La Renta and BCBGMAXAZRIA. Besides celebrities being seen on the runway, there are also tons of stars who attend these glamourous events. So if you are in New York, make sure to keep an eye open because you never know who you will see.

If you are looking to update your wardrobe and keep up with the latest trends for this upcoming fall, then here are some tips straight from the runways of New York Fashion Week. The first fashion tip is that florals are back! From pastel florals to black and white floral, this fun pattern is definitely a fall must have. The second tip is bold colors are in style and will make you stand out in any crowd. The last fashion tip is that cartoonish prints can be worn on anything. The theme of this fashion season is to just go with it. These new styles mix both fun and sophistication all in one wardrobe.

This fashion adventure doesn`t have to end when it leaves New York, you can follow this fashion journey via live stream. This can be viewed on NewYorkFashionWeekLive.com. Next stop is London.

Written by: Sandra Costanzo

School’s Open-Please Drive Carefully!

School’s Open-Please Drive Carefully!

Summer is over and the kids are back at school. We are sharing the roads with school buses again. These buses carry our students to and from school in a safe and timely fashion. Let’s do our part by making an effort to share the road safely.school bus

Keep some simple safety tips in mind.
• When a school bus stops and the red lights are flashing, traffic in both directions must stop. This rule even applies on a divided highway or school parking lot.

• Students should always cross the street in front of the bus. Pay careful attention for this. Bus drivers will as well.

• Lights will continue to flash until the student has reached the other side of the road or if staying on the same side, is 15 feet from the bus.
This is not just a courtesy, it’s the law. New York State Vehicle and Traffic Law (Section 1174) states that an illegal passing penalty for first time offenders carries a fine of between $250-$400, plus 5 points on your license and even the possibility of jail time. Points on your license can make it difficult to obtain new automobile insurance coverage or may increase the rate on your current policy.
We often drive to and from in a hurry to get to our destination. Make some extra time to practice safety.

Some areas of Long Island have installed School Zone Speed Cameras. These cameras were tested over the summer and warnings were issued. These cameras became activated on the first day of school and the violation now carries an $80 fine. Observe and Obey the speed limits in school zones.

Now you have the facts. Make this a safe and happy school year from your friends at C.H. Edwards, Inc. We offer all the insurance your family needs. Give us a call!

Written by: Denise Visco