Home Blog Page 1542

How men and women experience retirement differently

What’s retirement like? Is it the same for both genders? Women report more positive experiences in retirement than men, yet also say they are more likely to experience negative emotions, especially stress, according to a study conducted by MassMutual. These findings have implications for retirement planning, both financially and emotionally.

“Women often experience high levels of stress before retirement as they juggle both professional and family responsibilities,” says Elaine Sarsynski, executive vice president of MassMutual Retirement Services. “We are learning that the stress women feel often carries over into retirement, but we’re also hearing that women often make more of their retirement opportunities and experiences than men.”

One in five women (20 percent) is at least moderately stressed in retirement compared to 15 percent of men, the study finds.

But whether you’re a man or woman, saving for retirement contributes to positive emotions. Seventy-four 74 percent with a 401(k) or other savings plan say they are “extremely” or “quite a bit” happy compared to 68 percent who did not participate in a retirement plan.

“But people also tend to exaggerate expectations for retirement, especially women, partly because it’s difficult for many to envision what life in retirement will actually be like.” says Mathew Greenwald, president of Greenwald & Associates, whose firm conducted the study on behalf of MassMutual.

In the years before retirement, women have markedly higher expectations than men for enjoying the social aspects of retirement and somewhat lower expectations for their financial fortunes. During retirement, women report having less free time than men and yet are more likely to have new experiences, find more time for friends, and enjoy more opportunities. Men’s expectations tend to be more in line with their eventual experiences, which are typically less fulfilling than women, according to the study.

Sarsynski recommends that pre-retirees take steps to help themselves gain a more concrete understanding of what their lives may be like once they retire.

“Spend time with retirees to gain insights and better prepare both financially and emotionally for retirement,” Sarsynski says. “We also suggest that pre-retirees track all of their purchases, especially when on vacation or participating in activities they enjoy. That will help them better understand how costly, and therefore how feasible, the lifestyle they envision will actually be.”

 brandpointcontent.com

The Diaspora’s bursting with pride

Proud of athlete’s performances at IAAF Championships

Jamaicans in South Florida are bursting with pride at the outstanding performances of Usain Bolt and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce at the IAAF Championships underway in Beijing, China.

Bolt won the 100meters in his season best 9.79 seconds, while Fraser-Pryce won the women version in 10.76secs. While Fraser-Pryce has been showing good form during the current 2015 track season, and breezed through the heats and semi-finals at the World Champs, some people had doubts about Bolt’s ability to win the race.

“I must confess I had doubts” said Percy Aries who with his wife Barbara runs “Swift Spikes” a camp for young aspiring athletes in Homestead, Miami-Dade. “”Usain didn’t look sharp in either the heats or the semi-finals. Plus, he hasn’t really won many races this year. However, after he stumbled in the semi-final and recovered to run 9.96 my hopes surged. To see he was able to catch, and pull away to beat an over-confident (Justin) Gatlin indicated he’s truly one of the greatest sprinters of all times.”

Jamaican Consular General, Franz Hall, proudly congratulated both athletes. He said their victories exemplified “the dedication, drive and commitment of Jamaicans to excel in their chosen endeavor. Jamaican athletes and people are remarkably resilient, and for that we all can be very proud.”

About a dozen teen girls; Caribbean-Americans, Hispanics, and African-Americans, trying to hone their athletics skills at “Swift Spikes” screamed with elation as a video of Fraser-Pryce winning the 100meters was replayed on Monday. “For these girls Shelly-Ann is their hero, Barbara Aries said. “They’re not only impressed by her winning three World Championships and two Olympic gold medals in the 100meters, but more her consistent humility and  dedication to the sport. She’s an outstanding role model for these young girls.

At the time of writing Bolt and Fraser Pryce were set to continue  shining in Beijing. Bolt won the 200meters semi-finals on Wednesday, running easy, easing up some 20 meters from the tape, in 9.95secs. Gatlin won his semifinal in 19.87secs, indicating he wants redemption for losing the 100meters to Bolt.

“With the 200 being Bolts better race, not hindered by starting problems as in the 100, he should win his third 200 at the World’s,” Aries said.

Fraser-Pryce skipped the 200meters but will be a member of Jamaica’s women 4 x 100meters relay team, which should be in contention to win gold. Bolt will also be a member of Jamaica’s 4 x 100meters men relay team. The relays will be run on Saturday, August 29.

Shot-putter O’Dayne Richards also made Jamaicans proud becoming the first to win a medal, the bronze, in the event for his country. Jamaican 400 meters women athletes also made history with all four competitors, Novlene Williams-Mills, Shericka Jackson, Christine Day, and Stephenie Ann McPherson, making it to the 400 finals scheduled for Thursday.  

However, despite the pride at successful athletes, there were disappointments. These included Asafa Pwell failing to medal in the 100m; the Jamaican men failing to make it to the 400meters finals after three competitors ran well in the heats, and the failure of usually impressive 400meters hurdler Karliese Spencer who finished eighth in the 400 meters finals. Also disappointing for the Caribbean was the failure o Grenadian Karani James to win gold in 400 meters finals, although he won the bronze medal.

Smalling resigns as Lauderhill Police Chief

Andrew Smalling

Says he had been thinking of retiring for months

Dr. Garth A. Rose

City of Lauderhill Police Chief Andrew Smalling confirmed to National Weekly he has tendered his resignation from the City of Lauderhill Police Department.  Smalling, a Jamaican American, has been police chief of that city since 2011. Prior to this he served the Broward Sheriff Office (BSO) for twenty years, including 11 as Chief of the City of Lauderdale Lakes Police Department.

Prompted as to the reason for his sudden resignation, submitted on August 24, and to be effective on September 8, he said he had been thinking of retiring for months. “I just believe that it’s time to retire from the force after a long  tenure.”

Smalling, age 53, said he was, however, willing to serve as consultant in the area of law enforcement, and was open to provide such a service to officials in his home country, Jamaica. “If given the opportunity, I would be happy to provide my years of experience in a consultative capacity in the interest of national security in Jamaica.”

Residents of Lauderill said, they were “taken aback and disappointed” at Smallings “sudden” resignation. “He was really one of the good cops. He made a determined attempt to improve the relationships between the community and the police department,” said Lilly Baxter a Lauderhill resident.

The retiring chief of police said he had a “good tenure” at Lauderhill PD. He cited the achievements during his tenure as: improvements in community relations, increase and success in youth programs initiated by the department; improvement in the departments use of the latest  policing technology; and reduction of crime for three years. He said, unfortunately, there were signs of increase in crime over the last year.

Dominican airline starts flights to Dutch Caribbean islands

Expansion plan to include flights to Puerto Rico, Miami, New York, Havana

Pan Am World Airways Dominicana (PAWA), a Dominican-based airline, started operations with two flights from Santo Domingo to Curaçao and Aruba.

The airline, which showcases the Dominican flag as its emblem, started operating a full itinerary recently, with the addition of St. Maarten as its third destination in the Caribbean, within its first phase of operations.

Airline officials say in the second phase of its expansion plan, there will be flights to Puerto Rico, Miami, New York and Havana.

Founded in 2007, PAWA hit a snag in its operations and was grounded. The airline was acquired and relaunched in its current form by Venezuelan businessman Simeon Garcia in 2013.

Supporters of JA’s PNP told to prepare for end-of-year elections

Minister go Finance and Planning Peter Phillips
Minister go Finance and Planning Peter Phillips

Phillips tells crowd to “get ready”

Supporters of the ruling People’s National Party (PNP) were given the clearest indication that a general election could be called before the end of the year.

Addressing party supporters at a recent constituency conference in the eastern parish of St. Mary, Finance Minister Dr. Peter Phillips told the crowd to “get ready.”

“September will mark the fourth year since the last general election. I would say to anyone with a lamp, put a little oil in your lamp. Get yourselves ready…For Comrade Portia Simpson Miller to call the trumpet once again.” He said.

A general election is constitutionally due by December 2016. The PNP has 46 seats in Parliament to the main opposition Jamaica Labour Party’s 21.

The Quiet Scourge

Homelessness affecting Caribbean-Americans

By Dr. Garth A. Rose

The face of homeless – too many thought – use to be clear: the addicted the mentally ill. And though the issue remains chronic among the most vulnerable of society, uncertain economic times have transformed its reality, as reports show a diverse number of South Floridians are homeless or exist on the brink.

“We in the community should pay more attention, as so many people are close to being homeless,” says advocate Travis Paulson. “It’s not just a cliché, but a lot of us are a pay-check away.”

Paulson’s connection to the cause is personal. In 2009, Paulson experienced what it was like when he lost his IT job and couldn’t pay rent. He spent four nights in a Miami Salvation Army shelter before a relative allowed him to “kotch on her family-room sofa.”

The experience was “the most humiliating period of my 32-years,” remembers Paulson. “I had to leave the shelter at day-break, wander the streets all day, return late evening, join a line, not even sure if I would get a bed for the night. Luckily I did for those four nights.”

During his time there, he was also “surprised by how many other Caribbean migrants were in the shelter. These were men who had ambition, but lost their jobs and had no other source of income.”

Paulson was able to land another job four months later, but had always continued his advocacy, because “Caribbean-Americans aren’t involved enough in structured organizations to alleviate this plight.”

“Participation in food drives at Thanksgiving and Christmas is appreciated, but the perils of homelessness cannot be solved by providing food two times a year,” argues Paulson. “The roots and implications of homelessness goes deep. There’s need for greater community support within and outside the Caribbean-American community to solve this.”

But some changes may be on the horizon. Though frustrated by recent incidents in Fort Lauderdale and Miami, where city boards block civilians offering food and supplies in certain area, Paulson notes that some developments have been positive, particularly Miami’s Lazarus Project, a volunteer program that Camillus House initiated last year to treat homeless individuals with mental illnesses who refuse to enter shelters or seek institutionalized medical services. Paulson volunteered with doctors, nurses and social workers to provide medication and support.

Next October, Miami-Dade County’s Homeless Trust will make a $635,000 grant to Camillus House to expand its program, while the Miami Coalition for the Homeless will contribute an additional $350,000.

“With these funds several more homeless individuals can receive well needed treatment,“ Paulson said.

Camillus House CEO Shed Brown refers to the expansion plans as “a game-changer” for the county.

Encouraging more Caribbean-Americans to be advocates against homelessness, Paulson recommended membership in HOPE South Florida, a Fort Lauderdale organization formed in 2010 through a collaboration of several churches.

“HOPE is doing a tremendous service to help those in our community,” says Paulson. “Here’s a wonderful opportunity for more Caribbean-Americans to be involved.”

Buy One, Give One

Back-to-school tax holiday helped Caribbean kids too

South Florida parents alike hit the stores for the recent 10-day tax holiday season, stocking up on school supplies and clothing for the next scholastic year. But the tax break also helped cash-strapped parents in the Caribbean. This year’s tax break also functioned as much-needed back-to-school remittances, as shoppers buy extra to send to young relatives back home.

“It’s been like Christmas in July,” said Juanita Haynes Phillips, Operations Manager for regional Caribbean shipping service, Laparkan. Phillips says that the company, which specifically ran specials for the back-to-school season, saw unprecedented uptick in empty barrel and cargo sales from Orlando to Fort Lauderdale.

“We’ve never had to reorder barrels twice in one week,” noted Phillips. “It’s very definite that demands shot up from our customers and agents.”

The observed uptick could correlate to the longest back-to-school tax holiday in the state’s history, jumping from last year’s mere three days to this year’s 10. With this extra time to organize back-to-school drives, Phillips also noted that more charities took advantage of the subsidized shipping to send more to their sponsored schools.

“All the charities hosting drives throughout the summer now have all these books and bag packs they need to take back quickly in time for school back home,” said Phillips.

This proved true for teenage philanthropist Deborah Gordon, who took advantage of the tax holiday for a second round of personal donations for her “I Need” charity organization. Gordon traveled to Jamaica earlier this month with school supplies for students in Riverton City, a low-income community in Kingston. But, seeing greater demand than anticipated, Gordon returned to Florida last week to buy more during the tax holidays, purchasing over $200 worth of supplies.

“The tax savings were a life saver,” says Gordon. “The extra I saved really helped me get more really well-needed supplies for those deserving and appreciative kids in Jamaica.”

Though in the spirit of philanthropy, the back-to-school remittances phenomenon also proved a financial boon for local business, as customers doubled up on their purchases.

Patrice Latouche, owner and operator of a North Miami store selling clothing for teenagers, said “the tax holiday was like Christmas in August for us. Sales soared.”

And thanks to the sales boost, it seems both customers and business alike support the longer tax break season.

“I wish it could have lasted a few more days,” said Latouche.

Tilling fallow ground

Lauderdale Lakes CRA remain optimistic about developing vacant city property

By Dr. Garth A. Rose

The Lauderdale Lakes lot that once housed the popular Bazaar Flea Market, once a center for small retailers and new migrants, has been sitting fallow for decades, with one city project after another falling on barren soil. But now city officials hope to change this, with a renewed Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) project – even if it mean lowering their asking price.

The move follows recent failures to procure a sale, despite a two-year contract with Trammell Crow to market the property, after their lackluster plans to set up a shopping mall and self-storage complex fell through.

“But the CRA is pressing on to ensure this property is sold, although this could mean we may not realize the $5 million asking price for the property,” says the city’s CRA director, J. Gary Rogers

With renewed efforts, the city has announced a call to prospective developers for a suitable project. The proposals must be submitted by September 8.

Rogers says the agency is looking for “well-planned, potentially viable projects,” and believes the agency should receive “at least three strong ideas.”

Although not citing a specific preference, Rogers says a residential development could be suitable for a 3-400 residential unit, which would, under the right conditions, attract the $5 million the city originally asked for. He also believes such a project would meet, “albeit temporarily, the employment generating goals of the city.”

Tamarac commercial contractor Mervin Henny agrees about the residential potential.

“There’s strong market demand for rental apartments in this Broward region, especially from Millennials,” says Henny. “A large multi-apartment development would ease this demand, and be profitable to the developers.”

St. Kitts-Nevis PM holds talks in Taiwan

St. Kitts Parliament dissolved as PM Timothy Harris fires government ministers
Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris

Country seeks to improve relations with Taiwan

St. Kitts-Nevis Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris has held talks with President Ma Ying-jeou as the Caribbean country seeks to improve relations with Taiwan

 President Ma said that St. Kitts- Nevis has been a faithful partner and friend to Taiwan and expressed his country’s gratitude for Basseterre’s strong support for Taiwan’s inclusion into various agencies and institutions in the United Nations.

President Ma also expressed the willingness for his government to expand the scope of the cooperation with St. Kitts-Nevis.

Prime Minister Harris, who came to power earlier this year, said that over the years the two countries had enjoyed a tremendous relationship dating back to 1981.

Harris said that the twin-island Federation was looking for assistance in areas of health care services, e-government and renewable energy.

New Miami-Dade school uniform policy welcomed by community

Caribbean-American parents of Miami-Dade public school students are praising the District’s new policy mandating uniforms from kindergarten through the eighth grade. The policy takes affect this August.

Veronica Goss, South Miami PTA member and parent of two middle-school students and a high schooler, said she’s among “hundreds of Caribbean-American parents” that have been advocating for uniforms not only for students from K -8, but in high school.

“It’s no secret the liberal school dress code Caribbean immigrants find on arriving in South Florida is a problem,” says Goss. “It’s more expensive for struggling immigrants to dress children each day in regular clothing.”

She said several studies indicate regular clothing cost more than uniforms, especially when the child wants to wear the latest designs to compete with other students. And while some kids in county middle-schools have been wearing uniforms, “there was no real policy, with several ways to get around wearing uniforms.”

Under the new MDPS mandatory uniform policy, the district will be eligible for an allowance of $10 per student, or a total of $2.5 million under a state law that was passed earlier this year. The District proposes to allocate portions of this income to provide uniforms and services for low income students who attend county schools.

MDPS’s Carmen Blance said the uniform policy has been endorsed by the PTA of all the relevant schools in the district, and that each school will be allowed to choose their colors

Goss says the chance for each school to pick their own colors give students their “peculiar identity just like schools in the Caribbean. School colors are a special symbol of identity and pride to students.”

Uniforms also seem to have an effect on behavior. Phillip Escoffery who removed his daughter from a Maimi public school to a charter school because she had “disciplinary issues” at the public school, said he has noticed a distinct improvement in his daughter’s behavior since attending the charter school “which has a strict uniform code.”

Anguilla’s Police Chief abruptly resigns

Resigns amid public outrage over comments made in local paper

The former detective superintendent of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) who took up a five-year-job as Chief-of-Police on Anguilla on July 10 has abruptly resigned amid public outrage over comments made in a local paper .

Amanda Stewart quit the top cop job in Anguilla after only six weeks by  sparking public furor, when she called the island a “village”.

The former PSNI detective superintendent took up the Chief-of-Police position on Anguilla after retiring from PSNI after 30 years of service.



Anguillans were upset about her comment and Stewart, later took to Facebook to apologize for her remarks claiming she had been “misrepresented’’ in the article.

However, according to security sources, the apology didn’t resolve her problems with local residents and she later went on sick leave citing “stress’’ before eventually quitting last week.

How to snack better

 

Combat hunger between meals

Snacking is part of our daily lifestyles, making up half of all eating occasions, according to a 2014 report from The Hartman Group. With snacking on the rise, healthy eating is often a challenge. However, when done in moderation with nutritious options, grazing can help you maintain energy throughout the day and ensure your body gets the calories and nutrients it needs. To nosh the sensible way, follow these simple tips.

*Plan ahead. When it comes to eating a well-rounded diet, preparation is the first step toward success. Prior planning ensures decent choices are at your fingertips and helps you avoid the temptation of purchasing junk food. Before taking a trip to the local market, create a list packed with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Once finalized, stick to it!

*Mix it up. Now more than ever, Americans are incorporating smoothies into their diets. The latest Vitamix research shows Americans consumed a whopping 7.4 billion smoothies last year alone—and that trend is growing. Perfect for taking on the go, smoothies are easy to make and packed with nutrients. These satiating snacks allow us to consume healthy selections, such as citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, almonds, chia seeds and flaxseed—all in one delicious drink. When the 10 a.m. or 3 p.m. craving hits, indulge in your healthful smoothie.

*Go nuts. How you fuel your body can make a difference in how you feel. Foods such as nuts and seeds are high in protein, so opt for a handful of raw almonds, pumpkin seeds or a seed and nut mix to keep you full between meals.

Nut butters provide a sweet and salty fix and are another great way to add a dose of protein and healthy fat. Use a Vitamix to blend fresh peanut, almond or cashew butters and store in your refrigerator for easy access. Spread a serving on a banana, celery or cracker, and voila you’ve got a balanced snack! You can also blend a dab of nut butter in your smoothie for a quick flavor boost.

*Snacks to stash. Whether you are hauling your children from practice to practice, juggling multiple projects at work or studying for exams, stress may bring mindless munching. Luckily, there are plenty of favorites you can make yourself that can satisfy your cravings in a more healthy manner.

If you’re a fan of chips, consider baking your own, which will enable control over fat and sodium content, and allow you to consume all-natural ingredients. Pita chips hold up to dips and sauces such as spicy hummus, guacamole or mayo salsa, which are loaded with nutrients and provide an alternative to calorie-laden selections. Other chip varieties to consider are sweet potato and kale.

For those who crave sweets, wholesome, make-ahead options include homemade granola bars with dates, raisins, grains and seeds or DIY dried fruit.

*Satisfy your hunger. Eating well doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore. Choose items that are packed with fiber, protein or slow-digesting carbs to help you stay satisfied longer. Hardboiled eggs, air-popped popcorn and oatmeal are great options.

Thoughtful snacking allows you to maintain a balanced eating regime, which helps with energy, mood and weight control. Nosh like a nutritionist and use quick bites to strategically maximize your nutrient intake. Create versatile and simple snacks to enjoy at home or on the go with the tasty recipes listed below.

Going Green smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 cup water

1 cup green grapes

1/2 cup pineapple chunks

1/2 ripe banana peeled

2 cups fresh spinach packed

1/2 cup ice cubes

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
  2. Select Variable 1.
  3. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then High.
  4. Blend for 45 seconds or until desired consistency is reached. Serve immediately.

Almond Butter

Ingredients:

4 cups unsalted roasted almonds

1/4 cup canola oil

Directions:

  1. Place all ingredients into the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure lid.
  2. Select Variable 1.
  3. Turn machine on and slowly increase speed to Variable 10, then to High.
  4. Use the tamper to press the ingredients into the blades.
  5. In 1 minute you will hear a high-pitched chugging sound. Once the butter begins to flow freely through the blades, the motor sound will change and become low and laboring. Stop machine.
  6. Store in an airtight container. It can also be frozen for longer storage.

1...1,5401,5411,542Page 1,542 of 1,542