FEBRUARY 2021 Since 1998 · 2021. 2. 8. · 4| CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | president • publisher • editor in chief deborah bailey production manager meica drake account representatives

FEBRUARY 2021 Since 1998

www.goodstuffconnections.com | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | 1

2 | CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | www.goodstuffconnections.com

| CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | 3

FEBRUARY 2021

FEATURESEASY WAYS TO ENJOY LIFE’SEVERYDAY MOMENTSFor many people across the country, carving out time from busy schedules to spend withloved ones can be difficult. However, whenopportunities arise to experience bonding activities together, the results can be fond memories and a deeper sense of security.

RED VELVET FOR YOURVALENTINEOn the sweetest day of the year, a day full offlowers, love and sweets, Valentine’s Day is the ultimate opportunity to try a different dessertmeant for two.

STEP INSIDE A SNOW GLOBE...The weather outside may be frightful, but insidethe greenhouse it’s delightful. Diners at Glass-wine.bar.kitchen will now get to see PaupackHigh Falls in a whole new light. Greenhousesand igloos were recently installed on the decksat Ledges Hotel overlooking the river gorge forsocially distanced outdoor dining throughoutwinter.

5 WORDS FROM THE TEAM

12 DISASTER BLASTER

1144 LIVING GREEN

16 MRS. DOGOOD

18 MONEY

20 POCONO SECRETS

22 OUTDOOR RAMBLINGS

24 BOOK REVIEW

COLUMNS

6

CONNECT

8

10


president • publisher • editor in chiefdeborah bailey

production managermeica drake

account representativesbarry weiss

editorial correction services kay marks

contributing writers

arthur middleton, MD, FAPA, Behavioral Medicine

michael krupa, Finance

josh sheard, Finance

terri schlichenmeyer, Book Review

la guzda, Pocono Secrets

bill deaton, Outdoor Ramblings

pike/wayne conservation partnership, Living Green

disaster blaster, Home Tips

mrs. dogood, Letters

CONNECTIONS

3305 Lake Ariel HighwayHonesdale, PA 18431570.647.0085 • Fax [email protected] • [email protected]

Connections Magazine is not responsible for typographical errors,mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs, is theproperty of Connections Magazine and not that of the advertiser. Theadvertiser has purchased the right of reproduction only in ConnectionsMagazine and does not have the right to reproduce the ads in anyother place or publication. Connections Magazine reserves its rights toexercise its discretion in the selection of advertisements. © COPYRIGHT 2017 CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE

Magazine

CONNECTIONSMagazine

In 1997, Rev. Edwin E. Bailey, father of the editor, gave this poem to his daugh-ter 8 days before he had a stroke and 3 weeks before he died. The poem wasadapted from works by Leo Buscaglia. Edwin hand wrote this on a scrap ofpaper and gave it to his daughter, Deborah, saying the words, “Someday you’llunderstand these words and use them. God bless sweetheart.” **These wordswere used in making the decision to purchase Connections Magazine in 2002.

WHAT A DILEMMATo laugh is to risk appearing a fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.To reach out for another is to risk involvement.

To expose feelings is to risk rejection.To place your visions before the

crowd is to risk ridicule.To love is to risk not being loved in return.

**To go forward in the face of overwhelming odds is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing, is nothing.

We may avoid suffering and sorrow, but we cannot learn, feel, change, grow,

love or know GOD.Chained by our own self-assurances, we

are a slave. We have forfeited our freedom.Only the person who dares to take risks and to trust in their GOD will ever be made FREE.

CONNECTIONS COPYRIGHTED 2007

WORDS FROM THE TEAM


”“

– Katharine Hepburn

L ove, love, love... it’s all about love! Whowe love, what we love & how we love!We’d love you to check out our feature oneasy ways to enjoy life’s everyday moments.When opportunities arise to experience bondingactivities together, the results can be fond memo-ries and a deeper sense of security... and don’t weall love security.

The sweetest day of the year, a day full of flow-ers, love and sweets, Valentine’s Day is the ulti-mate opportunity to try a different dessert meantfor two, our Red Velvet mug cake.

Plus, step inside a snow globe when you dine atGlass-wine.bar.kitchen. Greenhouses and iglooswere recently installed on the decks at LedgesHotel, overlooking the river gorge, to providesocially-distanced outdoor dining throughout thewinter.

Take a look! We are sure you’ll find something in our February issue you’ll love to connect to.

We love you... thank you for loving us! Happy Valentine’s Day!

The CM [email protected]

Love has nothing to do withwhat you are expecting toget – only with what youare expecting to give –

which is everything.


EVERYDAY MOMENTS

For many people acrossthe country, carving out

time from busy schedulesto spend with loved onescan be difficult. However,when opportunities arise

to experience bondingactivities together, the

results can be fond memories and a deeper

sense of security.

“Many families, mine included, usuallyput a lot of energy into planning fun eventsand special trips to create memories,” saidAmanda Mushro, TLC lifestyle expert andfairlife ambassador. “These get-togethers helpus cope with challenges and remember tomake the most of each day. The past year,while disappointing, has revived our chancesto slow down a little and savor the littlemoments that happen at home every day.”

Build Strong BondsLife gets busy, and in the shuffle it’s easy

to overlook the importance of quality timewith your friends, family, and significant oth-ers. Commit to regularly (and safely) spend-ing one-on-one time with each loved one as aspecial treat you can all cherish. Even if it’sjust snuggling and watching a favorite showtogether, crafting or doing an activity youboth enjoy, try making an effort to slow downand strengthen your bonds.

Head OutdoorsLeave the technology behind and go for a

walk or a bike ride together once or twice aweek. It’s a ritual you can look forward towhile taking advantage of the time togetherand the chance to burn some energy. You cantake outdoor appreciation even further byplanning camping trips to enjoy the joys ofwildlife through activities like bird watching,fishing or impromptu scavenger hunts.

Make Meals a Family AffairNot only does getting the whole family

involved make the preparation faster, it’s achance to squeeze in some time and maybeeven some learning and sharing. Kids canhelp with measuring and other age-appropri-ate tasks, and the casual setting is a goodenvironment to get kids talking about what’son their minds.

If evenings are too rushed to make an all-hands approach practical, instead try carvingout some time on the weekends or once amonth for a few hours of baking up batchesof a favorite treat. You can also find new andfun family-friendly recipes. Even if therecipe doesn’t turn out well, the time spentdoing it together is a treat on its own.

Enjoy Tasty Treats TogetherThere’s nothing quite like a bowl of ice

cream to light up a face and mood so breakout the scooper and make some sweet memo-ries. Set up your next sundae bar with a tastyoption like fairlife Light Ice Cream, a deli-cious, lactose-free frozen dessert with astrong nutrition profile compared to tradi-tional ice cream. It comes in seven flavors, sothere is something for everyone.

Avoid Life’s Stressors Outside influences can have a major

impact on your mood and ability to enjoyyour time at home. Try turning off yourphone notifications for a few hours of unin-terrupted home time. If clutter is creatinghavoc, look for ways to improve your home’sorganization and get everyone in the houseto pitch in to keep things in place.

Schedule Weekly Fun Nights Designate a night each week to have fun

together playing games, watching movies ordancing. Pull out the board and card gamesor get some fresh air with yard games likecroquet or bag toss. Sign up for a virtualcooking fitness class. When it comes tomovies, enjoy old favorites together or intro-duce kids to beloved classics from the ’80sand ’90s and incorporate fun traditions withsnacks and special treats.

Family FeaturesPhoto courtesy of Getty Images (Couple playing Chess)


On the sweetest day ofthe year, a day full of

flowers, love and sweets,Valentine’s Day is the

ultimate opportunity totry a different dessert

meant for two.

It’s hard to resist a perfectly blend-ed, rose-red, luscious Red Velvet MugCake.

It’s the perfect size, with just ahandful of instructions, and it’s easilycooked before your eyes in themicrowave. That’s right, themicrowave.

This mug cake is a simple way tomake something delicious and keepthe portions small. Whether you havea small party, just you and your lovedone or just simply want somethingeasy and small, this quick treat isdesigned just for you.

Start by mixing all the dry ingredi-ents into a large mug, including flour,sugar, cocoa powder, baking powderand salt.

Then add milk, melted butter,vanilla and red food coloring. Use aspoon and stir the ingredients togeth-er until blended.

Mix powdered sugar and creamcheese then drop the mixture into thecake batter and mix once more.Microwave the mug for up to 3 min-utes until your cake is baked.

Valentine’s Day means sharing withsomeone how much you care, and it’sdifficult to find a better way than toshare something sweet.

VALENTINE SWEETS

This dessert has Valentine’s Daywritten all over it, however, it can beenjoyed anytime throughout the yearand is perfect for a late-night snack ifyou’re craving something sugary-sweet.

Find more recipes and dessertideas for every celebration at Culi-nary.net.

Red Velvet Mug Cake

Servings: 1

6 tablespoons flour2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon cocoa powder1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/8 teaspoon salt1/3 cup milk

2 tablespoons butter, melted2 teaspoons vanilla extract30 drops red food coloring

3 tablespoons powdered sugar1 tablespoon cream cheese, softened

In 12-ounce mug, whisk flour, sugar,cocoa powder, baking powder andsalt. Add milk, butter, vanilla andfood coloring; mix until blended.

In small bowl, mix powdered sugarand cream cheese until smooth.

Drop cream cheese mixture into cake batter. Press into batter

until covered.

Microwave up to 3 minutes until cake is done.

(Culinary.net)


SNOW GLOBES

The weather outside may befrightful, but inside the green-house it’s delightful. Diners at

Glass-wine.bar.kitchen willnow get to see Paupack High

Falls in a whole new light.Greenhouses and igloos were

recently installed on the decksat Ledges Hotel overlooking

the river gorge for socially distanced outdoor dining

throughout winter.

Made of polycarbonate material, the fourgreenhouses measure 8 x 12 and canaccommodate up to eight people for pri-vate dinners. Electric heaters keep thingscozy while vents at the roof and over thedoor allow for natural air flow. “As theweather turned cold, we knew we neededto reimagine dining yet again,” explainedJustin Genzlinger, Owner/CEO of SettlersHospitality. “The greenhouses and igloosserve a practical purpose, but also enableus to offer our guests a new, unique experi-ence. At night the greenhouses are illumi-nated and dining with a 360-degree viewof the surrounding gorge- it really is a mag-ical atmosphere.”

Guests in the greenhouses will enjoy aprix fixe menu served family style. Thereare two dining packages available- stan-dard and deluxe. Both options boast a four-

course meal featuring some of the signaturefare from Glass-wine.bar.kitchen. Thecheese/charcuterie board, a perennialfavorite among diners at the restaurant,will get things started. The second coursewill bring a farmhouse salad and roastedgarlic hummus. Depending upon the pack-age, entrée options for the third courserange from Bistro Steak and SautéedShrimp to Pan Seared Duck and DiverScallops. The final course features anassortment of hand selected desserts.Upgrades are also available such as aFrench Onion Soup Hot Pot for the table.Greenhouses may be reserved for dinnerseven days a week. There’s a $350 mini-mum per greenhouse and a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to hold areservation.

Glass-wine.bar.kitchen also added to itsoutdoor dining options with the introduc-tion of igloos. Setup on the deck overlook-ing the falls, there are two heated igloosthat can accommodate up to four peoplefor a la carte dining. The restaurant is openseven days a week for indoor dining, out-door dining on the enclosed deck and take-out. Menus are available atledgeshotel.com

About Settlers HospitalitySettlers Hospitality, a boutique multi-concept hospitali-ty in Hawley, PA, consists of The Settlers Inn, LedgesHotel, Silver Birches Resort, Hotel Anthracite, SayreMansion, The Dock on Wallenpaupack, Glass-wine.bar.kitchen, Kol Steakhouse, Cocoon Coffeehouseand Bakery, Lake Region Fitness and Art on the Edge.For more information, check outSettlersHospitality.com.

Here are a few things that can con-tribute to a spike in your Radon lev-els during the winter:

The ground could befrozen

Normally, a lot of radon gas escapesthrough your yard, but when theground freezes that becomes more dif-ficult and the path of least resistancebecomes your home. As a result,

Why do Radon levels rise during the

Winter?If you’ve tested your home for radon at different times of the year, you probably

noticed a spike in colder weather, but why is that? Perhaps even more importantly,

should this be a concern to you?{ }

Provided by Disaster Blaster

while you may have lower levels atother times of the year, you may see asignificant spike during colder weath-er. This is particularly true duringextended periods of below-freezingtemperatures and heavy snow fall.

There may be heavy snowaccumulation

Heavy blankets of ice and snow cancreate a barrier preventing radon gas


years. Homes that tested below the4.0 pCi/L action level and did notrequire a mitigation system should beretested once every 5 years. Allhomes should be retested followingthe completion of renovations or addi-tions to the home.

More about radon• Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, so testing is required in order to determine if, and to what extent, a home has a radon issue.• 40% of homes in Northeastern PA are estimated to have radon levels at or above the 4.0 pCi/L action level.• Radon is a radioactive gas that results in as many as 22,000 deaths in the United States each year.• Radon levels can be dramatically reduced with the installation of a radon mitigation system by a properly licensed and qualified radon mitigation contractor.• Despite radon levels spiking during winter months, the most common time for the installation of radon mitigation systems is the summer. This is because many radon mitigation systems are installed as part of real estate transactions.• Other factors that can cause a radon test to spike are poor weather including rain and heavy winds!

About Disaster BlasterDisaster Blaster is an indoor environmental firm serving theNortheastern PA Area. We havebeen providing our local area

with unparalleled radon mitigation, water damage mitigation, basement waterproofing, mold remediation,asbestos abatement, and fire / smoke restoration services for decades, and are proud to have beennamed The World’s Greatest Indoor EnvironmentalFirm. For more about Disaster Blaster, as well as morehelpful tips, please visit our website at: www.disas-terblaster.com or call our office at (570) 963-1123.

from escaping through your yard. Asradon gas accumulates below the sur-face, it will have to find somewhere togo, and this will often be your home.

Your house will be closed up

During the winter, we close up ourhomes to keep the cold out and theheat in, but that can also trap radon inyour home. With nowhere to go,radon gas can accumulate, reachinglevels much higher than other times ofthe year.

Your heat will be onWhile radon gas migrates up to liv-

ing spaces from your basement natu-rally, the spike can be even morenoticeable if you have forced air heat.As your furnace draws in air, it canpull radon saturated air and circulatethis throughout your home. This canlead to an increase in radon levels onthe first and second floors that wouldbe uncommon in warmer months.

Should this be a concern to you?

Recognized as the 2nd leading causeof lung cancer in the United States andthe leading cause among nonsmokers,high radon levels should always be aconcern to homeowners and occu-pants. Given the known health effectsof radon exposure, the PennsylvaniaDEP has recommended any homeswith radon levels at or above 4.0 pCi/Lhave a radon mitigation systeminstalled to reduce potential exposureby occupants.

*Please note that, as radon levelscan change, the Pennsylvania DEP fur-ther recommends that homes that pre-viously tested with high levels ofradon be retested once every two

TIPS FOR YOUR HOME

}


By Colleen Campion, Watershed Specialist, Wayne Conservation District

The physical health gains from hik-ing, such as improved balance,stronger bones and muscle systems,and decreased risk of heart disease,have long been popularly acknowl-edged. Now, we are starting to see agrowing catalog of research aimed atstudying the relationship between timespent in nature and the well-being ofthe emotional heart.

There is a strong web of connectivitybetween the conditions of physicalhealth, emotional balance, and socialattachment. Qualities relating to onecan greatly impact the other two statesin ways that may not always be obvi-ous. Many people experienced the ebband flow of this complex interactionwith glaring clarity this past year. Andsome have chosen to look at these per-

Once considered a rudeexclamation, studies

are showing that tellingsomeone to ‘take a hike’

can now also be looked atas a healthy prescription

to reduce stress andstrengthen the heart.


HikingWarms the Heart

the right level of personal challenge.Whether you choose a gentle walkalong a flat, well-maintained path or amore demanding rock scramblethrough the woods, make that time toget outside. Make the time to care foryour well-being across all landscapes,not just physically. And make the timeto appreciate nature with all of yourheart.

Colleen Campion specializes in water-shed conservation through monitor-ing, technical assistance, and educa-tion. The Wayne Conservation Dis-trict is a legal subdivision of state

government, responsible for conserva-tion work within Wayne County, Pennsyl-

vania. Decisions about conservation issues are made atthe local level by citizens who understand and want toprotect and improve their local environment. Email:[email protected] Phone: (570) 253-0930

sonal capacities with new eyes.In spite of closures and travel

restrictions, public lands saw recordnumbers of visitors in 2020 as peopleflooded into open, green spaces. It’sevident that outdoor recreation turnedmedicinal for people who may havehistorically taken it for granted in thepast. But old habits die hard. It’s valu-able to continue to renew your rela-tionship with nature often and tostrive to make that time in the greatoutdoors meaningful for yourself. Itdoesn’t have to be expensive or extrav-agant; just continual and with intent.

Hiking is an easily accessible activi-ty that lends itself plainly to nearlyanyone, regardless of age or athleticability. Even during the wintermonths, hiking can be scaled to fit just


Hiking

During the ten years that my mother hadAlzheimer’s, Ashley never called, wrote, nor inany way asked about her grandmother. Thiswas the same grandmother who had given Ash-ley $10,000 toward her college education.

The week after Ashley and John returned toOregon my sister called me. During a pleasantconversation she mentioned that Ashley wantsmy silver and tapestry. How wrong I was inthinking that Ashley and John came to have acloser relationship with me. She came to takeinventory so that at my death she can put Post-its on my valuable possessions.

I reflected on my relationship with Ashley.During each year of her twenties I sent herbirthday and Christmas cards with a $25 checkin them. She never thanked me nor contactedme. Oh that’s not correct. One year she did callme to say that there was no check in the card. Imailed her another one. When she turned thir-ty, I stopped.

Last week my sister called me and said thatAshley wants me to attend her graduation. Shewill be awarded a Ph.D. in bio-nuclear-molecu-lar studies. Do you think I should attend? ”

I asked Holby if he wanted to go. He said thathe was conflicted. He had never told his sisterhow he felt about Ashley. He also never toldAshley. “Sometimes if circumstances allow younot to pass judgement on a person, that road ispreferable. But now I have to make a judge-ment. I guess it’s about forgiving. It’s also aboutsupporting someone’s ambition and success ingetting educated.”

“Why don’t you call Ashley and ask her whyshe wants you to attend?”

Ashley: “To be proud of me.” Holby went.Amen.

Dear Editor,When my parishioner Mr. Holberg Meyer

came to me with a question, I thought it was asimple one. So I thought the answer would besimple. The question was “Should I go to myniece’s graduation?” But I was wrong. As Ipulled back the veil to reveal the historybetween Mr. Meyer and his niece, Ashley, Iunderstood why he had difficulty deciding.

Holby, as we all call him, is a retired conduc-tor whose family has owned a house in Halo formany generations. He lives in it now with hisBoxer whom he calls Mendelson. Before heretired he was a visiting conductor at TrinityChurch at Wall Street and Broadway in NewYork City. He conducted their “Concerts at One”series which is acclaimed.

Before he moved to Halo he lived in a housenear his mother’s nursing home. He had caredfor her during her ten year history withAlzheimer’s. When he placed her in the nursinghome he turned one of his three bedrooms intoa sanctuary for his mother so she could visit hercollections of expensive antique music boxes,Hummels, antique crystal and antique silver.She enjoyed all of them. He thought if shecould visit her possessions her life in the Spar-tan nursing home would be easier. It was a mea-ger salve.

Holby took on the responsibility for his moth-er because his only sibling Ella lives in Portlandwith her family: her husband Alec, her daughterAshley and her son Nathan.

When his mother passed away Holby inherit-ed his family’s home in Halo and he decided tomove here. His mother had left other assets tohis sister. As he was packing up his house tomove to the smaller house in Halo, his nieceAshley and her husband John visited him. Hissister Ella paid for Ashley and John’s tripbecause she wanted her daughter and son-in-law to have a closer relationship with theiruncle.

“When I came home from conducting my lastconcert at Trinity I walked into my mother’sroom only to see that Ashley had placed yellowPost-its on all of my mother’s expensive items.She had written ‘Ashley’ on them. As I lookedat the many Post-it items my soul became silentand empty. A horrible sadness fell over me.


MRS. DOGOOD

TAKING INVENTORY

The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGoodSenior PastorExecutive DirectorPresidentChairmanChoir Master (part-time)The First Church of God’s Love

By The Reverend Mrs. Silence DoGood

A t the end of 2019, President Trumpsigned a federal spending package thatincluded the Setting Every CommunityUp for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act.A provision in this legislation effectively elimi-nated the "stretch IRA," an estate-planning strate-gy that allowed an IRA to continue benefitingfrom tax-deferred growth, potentially fordecades. Most nonspouse beneficiaries, includ-ing children and grandchildren, can no longer"stretch" distributions over their lifetimes.

Individuals who plan to leave IRA and retire-ment plan assets to heirs — and individuals whostand to inherit retirement assets — shouldunderstand the new rules and distributionoptions.

The old "stretch" rulesFor retirement assets inherited before 2020, a

nonspouse beneficiary had to begin requiredminimum distributions (RMDs) within a certaintime frame after inheriting the account. However,annual distributions could be calculated basedon the beneficiary's life expectancy. This abilityto stretch taxable distributions over a lifetimehelped reduce the beneficiary's annual tax bur-den and allowed large IRAs to continue benefit-ing from potential tax-deferred growth.1

Example: Consider the hypothetical case ofMargaret, a single, 52-year-old banking executivewho inherited a million-dollar IRA from her 85-year-old father. Margaret had to begin takingRMDs from her father's IRA by December 31 ofthe year following his death. She was able tobase the annual distribution amount on her lifeexpectancy of 32.3 years. Since she didn't reallyneed the money, she took only the minimumamount required each year, allowing the accountto continue growing. Upon Margaret's death atage 70, the remaining assets passed to her 40-year-old son, who then continued taking distri-butions over the remaining 13.3 years of Mar-

garet's life expectancy. The account was able tocontinue growing for many years.2

The new rulesBeginning in January 2020, most nonspouse

beneficiaries are required to liquidate inheritedaccounts within 10 years of the owner's death.This shorter distribution period could result inunanticipated and potentially large tax bills fornonspouse beneficiaries who inherit high-valueIRAs. There are no RMDs during the 10-yearperiod, so beneficiaries can take distributions inany amount and any time frame they choose,provided the assets are completely exhausted atthe end of the period. Any funds not liquidatedby the 10-year deadline will be subject to a 50%penalty tax.

Example: Under the new rules, Margaretwould have to empty the account, in whateveramounts she chooses, within 10 years of herfather's death. Since she stands to earn her high-est-ever salaries during that time frame, the dis-tributions could push her into the highest taxbracket at both the federal and state levels.Because the account would be depleted after 10years, it would not eventually pass to her son,and her tax obligations in the decade leading upto her retirement would be much higher than sheanticipated.

The beneficiary of a traditional IRA mightwant to spread the distributions equally over the10 years in order to manage the annual tax liabil-ity. By contrast, the beneficiary of a Roth IRA —which generally provides tax-free distributions— might want to leave the account intact for upto 10 years, allowing it to potentially benefitfrom tax-free growth for as long as possible.

Notable exceptionsThe new rules specifically affect most non-

spouse designated beneficiaries who are morethan 10 years younger than the original account


Money

Provided by Michael Krupa

SSEECCUURREE AAccttChanged IRA and Retirment Plan Inheritance Rules

owner. However, key exceptions apply to thosewho are known as "eligible designated benefici-aries" — a spouse or minor child of the accountowner; those who are not more than 10 yearsyounger than the account owner (such as aclose-in-age sibling or other relative); and dis-abled or chronically ill individuals, as definedby the IRS. (Note that the 10-year distributionrule will apply once a child beneficiary reachesthe age of majority and when a successor bene-ficiary inherits account funds from an initial eli-gible designated beneficiary.)

Eligible designated beneficiaries may use theold stretch IRA rules and take RMDs based ontheir own life expectancies.3 In these cases,RMDs must begin no later than December 31 ofthe year after the original account owner'sdeath. However, if the original owner was ofRMD age and failed to take the required amountin the year of death, the beneficiary must takethe RMD by December 31 of that year.4 Failureto take the appropriate amount can result in apenalty equal to 50% of the amount that shouldhave been withdrawn.

Spouse as beneficiarySpousal beneficiaries can roll over the IRA

assets to their own IRAs, or elect to treat adeceased account owner's IRA as their own(presuming the spouse is the sole beneficiaryand the IRA trustee allows it). By becoming theaccount owner, the surviving spouse can makeadditional contributions, name new beneficiar-ies, and wait until age 72 to start taking RMDs.5(A surviving spouse who becomes the accountowner of a Roth IRA is not required to take dis-tributions.)

Note that RMDs for 2020 have been waivedby the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and EconomicSecurity (CARES) Act.

Beneficiaries may take a passA beneficiary may also disclaim an inherited

retirement account. This may be appropriate ifthe initial beneficiary does not need the fundsand/or want the tax liability. In this case, theassets may pass to a contingent beneficiary whohas greater financial need or may be in a lowertax bracket. A qualified disclaimer statementmust be completed within nine months of thedate of death.

Impacts on trust planningPrior to 2020, individuals with high-value

IRAs often used conduit — or "pass-through" —trusts to manage the distribution of inheritedIRA assets. The trusts helped protect the assetsfrom creditors and helped ensure that benefici-aries didn't spend down their inheritances tooquickly. However, conduit trusts are now sub-


Michael Krupa614 Church StHonesdale, PA [email protected]

ject to the same 10-year liquidation require-ments, so the new rules may render null andvoid some of the original reasons the trustswere established.

Planning tipsRetirement account owners should review

their beneficiary designations with their finan-cial or tax professional and consider how thenew rules may affect inheritances and taxes.Any strategies that include trusts as beneficiar-ies should be considered especially carefully.Other strategies that account owners may wantto consider include converting traditional IRAsto Roths; bringing life insurance, charitableremainder trusts, or accumulation trusts intothe mix; and planning for qualified charitabledistributions.6

1For account owners who died before January 1, 2020, the oldrules apply to the initial beneficiary only. Under these rules, abeneficiary also generally had the option to take distributionssooner than required.2This hypothetical example is used for illustrative purposesonly and does not represent the performance of any specificinvestment. Fees, expenses, and taxes are not considered andwould reduce the performance shown if they were included.Actual results will vary. All investing involves risk includingthe possible loss of principal and there is no guarantee that anyinvestment strategy will be successful.3If the original account owner dies on or after the requiredbeginning date, an older eligible designated beneficiary cantake RMDs over the remaining life expectancy of the originalaccount owner if it is longer than the beneficiary's lifeexpectancy.4The surviving spouse of an original account owner who wasunder RMD age at the time of death can wait until December 31of the year in which the deceased would have had to takeRMDs, or the spouse can take actions as discussed under the"Spouse as beneficiary" section.5For an account owner born prior to July 1, 1949, RMDs wouldstart at age 70?.6Other trusts are generally subject to RMDs based on theowner's life expectancy if the owner had reached the requiredbeginning date; if the owner died before the required beginningdate, the account must be emptied by the end of the fifth yearafter the owner's death. There are costs and ongoing expensesassociated with the creation and maintenance of trusts.

Content Prepared by Broadridge Investor Communica-tion Solutions, Inc. This information, developed by anindependent third party, has been obtained fromsources considered to be reliable, but Raymond JamesFinancial Services, Inc. does not guarantee that theforegoing material is accurate or complete. This infor-mation is not a complete summary or statement of allavailable data necessary for making an investmentdecision and does not constitute a recommendation.Securities offered through Raymond James FinancialServices, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advi-sory services are offered through Raymond JamesFinancial Services Advisors, Inc.

Now you can get your Pocono Secrets

wherever you find yourfavorite podcasts.

(hosted on Anchor)

These stories run approximately ten min-utes in length. In revisiting old articles andupdating information, the podcast formatallows for expansion on a topic. The firstseason will present eight episodes.

Episode 1:Birthplace of the AmericanConservation Movement

We all know that Gifford Pinchot is rec-ognized as the Father of the American Con-servation Movement which began in Mil-ford, in Pike County. But not many knowabout his first love with a woman who diedbefore they were able to marry. Yet, sheinfluenced his early career from beyond.


Pod-casts

By LA GuzdaNow a

PPOODD--CCAASSTT

Episode 4 is currently in productionwhile the remaining episodes in Season 1will be posted by the spring. Link toPocono Secrets Podcast:https://anchor.fm/poconosecrets

There is such a rich history of creativityand oddness that is fascinating about thePocono Mountains. Its close proximity toNew York City and Philadelphia makes itan ideal location to replenish the soul.Besides the fact that this area helped tobuild both of those major metro areas. It isastounding how it has remained undevel-oped for so long.

Here in the Pocono Mountains, you canenjoy a night sky bursting with stars, sun-sets that inspire artists and air so clean youcan drink it from a cup. And “secrets” fromthe past that will delight, engage and oftensurprise.

I invite you to join me as we explorewhat is new, what’s old, what’s cool, what’sweird… what the locals know.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @PoconoSecretsVisit www.LAGuzda.com or www.PoconoSecrets.comfor past articles.

Episode 2: A Christmas Connection –Honesdale

Richard Smith wrote the lyrics to Walk-ing in a Winter Wonderland, a Honesdalenative. Philip Hone, for whom Honesdaleis named, is a self-made man of wealthand leisure. Hone was friends with Wash-ington Irving – hence Irving Cliff. Thesegentlemen have a holiday connection tothe world.

Episode 3:Birth of the Heart-Shaped Tub

Visionaries, great marketing, crime fami-ly connections all create this fascinatingstory. Even the creation of the PGAevolved from enjoying the natural beautyand relaxation of the beautiful PoconoMountains.


Watching

Outdoor Ramblings

F ebruary is typically prime time for viewing Bald Eagles in and around theUpper Delaware River Valley. Seeking open waters for fishing, our nation-al symbol migrates south and takes up seasonal residences along the localstreams. The eagles present during the winter are usually not the same ones pad-dlers and anglers meet during the summer months as most of those birds havemigrated south and won’t return until the spring. Summer sightings tend to bestaggered, whereas winter encounters can be concentrated, especially in severalspots favored by our feathery friends.

Birdwatching can be done any day of the week. For those venturing out, observ-ing the following tips can help enhance your experience and keep you safe whilelooking for eagles.

• Utilize existing pull-offs and parking areas when possible. Always pull completely off the road and stay in or near your vehicle when observing wildlife.

• Move quickly and quietly to the established viewing blinds at Mongaup Reservoir and at Minisink Ford. Always avoid loud noises, slamming vehicle doors, honking, and yelling. Be mindful of other observers.

• Observe from a distance. Use binoculars, spotting scopes, or telephoto camera lenses. Don’t get close to eagles or do anything that would cause them to fly.

• Be prepared for winter weather conditions. Dress appropriately for being outdoors in cold, wet weather. Be sure your vehicle is winter-ready as well. Pull-offs and parking areas may be muddy or snowy. Ensure your vehicle has enough fuel and window washer fluid. Keep snacks and warm drinks on hand for the adventure.

• Download the eagle viewing map before going out and take it with you on your trip. delawarehighlands.org/eagles/eagle-watching/map/

Common places to access the river for eagle viewing are at the boat launchareas at Narrowsburg NY, Ten Mile River NY, Lackawaxen PA, Minisink Ford NY,and Barryville NY. Elsewhere in NY, there are spots near the Mongaup Falls, andthe boat launch on the Rio Reservoir between Forestburgh and Rio. Eagle spottingis not restricted to these areas and sightings occur both upstream and down-stream along the Delaware River and are not uncommon along the lower reachesof the Lackawaxen River, however, public access to those areas is limited andmany locations are not maintained as winter pull-offs.

Photo credit Bill Deaton.

EagleOutdoor Ramblings

By Bill Deaton | [email protected]

Winter


But then a "hurritrain" came and bleweverything all over. The barn was scram-bled, it was a mess, but Indigo rememberedhow her neighbors cleaned up the park, soshe suggested that Acoustic Rooster's bandmembers clean up their area. In fact, maybeit was a good time to have a "Barnyard Boo-gie" benefit concert.

And it might have been, if Dairy Partonhadn't lost her voiceand Duck Ellingtonhadn't quacked up. Inthat case, somebodyhad to be brave. Some-one needed to be coura-geous. Someone had tobe a star...

Chances are you'veseen videos or TVshows featuring youngperformers that'veblown your socks off.Believe it or not, atsome point in theirlives, chances arethey've had stage fright.It happens to childrenof all ages, making,"Acoustic Rooster'sBarnyard Boogie Star-ring Indigo Blume" aperfect read.

Kids who live tomake music and dancebut hate the pressurewill love the story herebecause there's not a

shred of outside push inside this book.Instead, author Kwame Alexander lets hismain character shine because of a dream-sequence she had, which leads to a satisfy-ing ending that she already owned. Thismakes young readers smile, and parentsconfident in an easily-absorbed lesson; addcolorful, happy illustrations from TomBowers and you've got a book that'll makekids and parents both sing.

Based on the Kennedy Center Musical,this is a great confidence booster for kidsages 5-8, especially the occasionally cold-footed performer. They'll crow about"Acoustic Rooster's Barnyard Boogie Star-ring Indigo Blume, just watch.

UH-OH! EVERYBODY'SWATCHING.

They're all looking at you and now what?Your voice won't work when all eyes arepointed your way. You can't sing like that,can't say your lines, so how can you playyour part? You can barely even move wheneverybody's watching, so try this: sleep onit. In the new book"Acoustic Rooster'sBarnyard BoogieStarring IndigoBlume" by KwameAlexander, picturesby Tim Bowers, thatmight work.

As she helpedclean up the parknear her house, Indi-go Blume was ahappy girl. The Gar-den City CommunityFestival would beheld soon and shewas going to sing forthe Festival. It wasexciting – until itwasn't.

Her friend, Elijah,said that the wholeschool was coming tohear Indigo sing! Mr.Woody said he sawposters everywhere,and Samantha saidthat hundreds of peo-ple would probably come. Nooooooooope,that was too much for Indigo.

Her mom said that Indigo was "thebravest songbird" she knew.

Indigo's dad said she should, "Be brave.Be a star. Believe."

As Indigo went to bed that night, shecouldn't believe how scared she was. Still,she managed to fall asleep and she fellinto.... a barn! It was Acoustic Rooster'sbarn and his band members were all there.She loved his book. She loved AcousticRooster; his band could play anything! Sothere she was, and even though ChickeeMinaj said it was "a closed rehearsal,"Acoustic Rooster gave Indigo a tambourine.


Book Review

“Acoustic Rooster'sBarnyard Boogie

Starring Indigo Blume”

By Kwame AlexanderIllustrated by Tim Bowers

Reviewed by Terri Schlichenmeyer

Documents

FEBRUARY 2021 Since 1998 · 2021. 2. 8. · 4| CONNECTIONS MAGAZINE | president • publisher • editor in chief deborah bailey production manager meica drake account representatives