Tina’s Romantic Meal
February 23, 2010
Last night my husband asked me on a date. I was very excited; dinner without the kids! It was a very busy weekend and we thought we would take advantage of everyone working Sunday evening. As it turns out we were getting ready to leave and we found one of the kids still home. Parental guilt set in so we brought him with us. It would have been cheaper to pay a counselor to deal with the guilt. We went to Glory Days in Frederick. The service and food are always great. We walked in and got seated immediately. We were seated next to a long table of women. After a closer look, the women were from Thurmont. One of the women leaned over and I thought she was going to say hi. Instead she said, “You said in your article that you were going to cook for your family on Sundays. This doesn’t look like cooking to me.” I was BUSTED!! My face turned a dozen shades of red. My hand was in the cookie jar for all to see. I had to think fast! Then it dawned on me.. I had an excuse.. I had no family to cook for. If it wasn’t for Brandon’s plans falling through I would have been childless. I learned a valuable lesson. Don’t put something in print if you don’t intend to live up to it.
One of many of the interesting things that happen when you write a column is different organizations send you requests to try or promote their products. Some are wonderful others, not so much. The Sidney Frank Importing Company, Inc, sent me some very creative ideas. They sell many different liqueurs and shot brand products. It’s been a few months since I have included an adult beverage in the column so this month I’m going to share some of the recipes that they sent me.
Tenderloin Steaks with Creamy Sauce
1tbsp olive oil
2 beef tenderloin steaks, 4 to 6 ounces each
salt and pepper
3 tbsp bourbon or good quality brandy
2 small cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp assorted multicolored peppercorns, crushed
¼ tsp dried leaf oregano
¼ tsp dried leaf basil
1/8 tsp salt
2/3 cup whipping cream
1 ½ tbsp sour cream
hot cooked rice or baked potatoes
Preparation:
Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over high heat until hot. Sprinkle tenderloin steaks with salt and pepper. Sear tenderloin steaks on both sides in skillet. Remove from skillet, and place on rack in a broiler pan. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat (leave door just a bit ajar) 4 to 6 minutes on each side or until meat thermometer registers 140 for rare or 150 for medium rare and 160 for medium.
Add bourbon to drippings in skillet; bring to a boil over medium heat and deglaze pan, scraping browned bits that cling to bottom. Add minced garlic, peppercorns, basil, oregano, and salt; cook 1 minute. Add whipping cream; bring to a boil and cook 6 to 7 minutes or until sauce is reduced by half. Remove from heat; whisk in sour cream and spoon sauce over steaks. Serve with rice or baked potatoes.
Hot Honey Crisp
2 1/2 cups hot water
3 oz Barenjager Honey Liqueur
2 oz Jacques Cardin Apple Cognac
Garnish w/ Cinnamon Stick and Whipped Cream
Makes 2
Tommy’s Tini
2 ½ part Tommy Bahama White Sand Rum
¾ part orange liqueur
¾ part sour mix
¾ part raspberry liqueur sinker
Sugar in the raw
Mix rum, orange liqueur and sour mix. Shake 20 times. Pour into a “sugar in the raw” rimmed martini glass. Slowly pour in raspberry liqueur so that it sinks to the bottom of the glass. Garnish with lime twist.
Should You Convert to a Roth IRA? (Part 2)
February 22, 2010
by Samuel N. Asare, MBA, CRPC, CMFC
As of last month’s writing we were estimating this to be a three-part series. However, upon a closer look, we are not quite sure how many parts the series will end up containing. Our intention is to discuss the salient points that you, as an investor, must understand and take into consideration as you decide whether or not converting to a Roth IRA is something that will benefit you and your family.
Is It True That Only Traditional IRAs Can Be Converted?
There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there, one of the significant distortions being that you must first convert your investment into a traditional IRA, and then into a Roth. In reality, just about any qualified plan may be converted. Qualified plans are those into which you deposit before-tax dollars and defer taxes on the growth as well. Examples include traditional IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and tax-sheltered annuities. However, non-spouse heirs who inherit traditional IRAs cannot convert them to inherited Roth IRAs. Also funds from a SIMPLE IRA that is less than two years old cannot be converted to a Roth.
Must My Employer Allow Me to Convert My Work-Related Funds?
Although the law permits you to convert and you may want to, your employer’s retirement plan policy supersedes everything else. Most employers’ policies do not allow the transfer of retirement plan funds while you are still employed by that establishment.
For instance, say George has accumulated $400,000 in his employer’s qualified 401(k) program. Now George wants to convert all or a portion of his funds to a Roth IRA; however, his employer’s policy does not allow any transfers while he remains employed at the firm. That’s tough luck for George unless, of course, he resigns.
How Is the Transfer Made?
The transfer can happen in one of two ways:
- You may request that your current fiscal custodian transfer the funds directly to a new Roth custodian.
- You may request that the funds first be released to you, and you then turn them over to your new Roth custodian. However, if you use this indirect approach, the new account must be set up and the money deposited into it within 60 days.
Are There Minimum and Maximum Amounts That Can Be Converted?
The amount you convert is completely up to you. You alone make that decision. The “new” law is not an all-or-nothing situation. We must tell you, though, that most investment firms require their own minimums to maintain an account with them; however, those limits have nothing to do with the law. And we can virtually guarantee that you needn’t worry about the maximum amount.
Say Sarah has $100,000 in her traditional IRA. She may decide to convert $5,000, $10,000, all $100,000, or any amount in between.
Is 2010 the Only Year That Such Conversions May Take Place?
As the law stands now, you may convert beyond 2010. Of course, just like any other laws, Congress may suddenly decide to change or repeal this law at any time. More to the point, this is one of the primary areas where investors are receiving misinformation and being rushed into making decisions, some of which are not financially savvy.
As we laid out in Part 1 - please refer to last month’s edition - these conversions have been available for the past 13 years, so any advisor who is behaving as if you are doomed if you don’t act now is, frankly, projecting a false sense of urgency, and you would be well advised to be very cautious dealing with such folks. The more interesting and more important question is where has your advisor been all these years?
Having said that, as retirement planners, we understand the power of time and compounding, so we’d want our investors to take advantage of good opportunities that will enhance their wealth as soon as possible, BUT only after performing proper due diligence.
Thurmont Times readers requiring assistance in determining how their Roth conversion numbers play out may request a free, no-obligation consultation by calling (301) 949-4449 or visiting www.LaserFG.com
A senior financial strategist with Laser Financial Group, Samuel is an accomplished personal finance expert, a Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, and author with years of experience in retirement-tax planning. He regularly contributes to and is featured by various media outlets, including TV and radio.
“Nan”- Through the Eyes of Love by Carol Hutson
February 22, 2010
Who could be more special to a child then their grandparents? They love you unconditionally because they want to, spoil you rotten because they can, and are always there to make the hurt go away.
It is never their intention to take the parent’s place, but to enhance the grandchild’s life. It is very comforting for a child to know that in grandmas and grandpa’s home they are more special than anywhere else. This is Nan’s story seen through the loving eyes of her family.
Lillian, born 11/01/1919, to Paul and Myrtle Crilley, met Donald A. Marshall in September 1934, when she went with her aunt and uncle and others to Eyler Valley on a truck ride before attending services at their Episcopal church. “I believe it was love at first sight for Donald.” Lilly stated. “We were married the following summer on August 15, 1935.”I still have all the notes he wrote me.”
They had two wonderful children, Donald J. and eleven years later their second child Paula. Donald J. married Alice Bowers and had their only child- Bev. Paula married James Garman and had their only child Chris. Unfortunately, the love of Lillian’s life passed away on June, 11, 1985; sadly, followed by their son Donald J. who died on her birthday, November 1, 2001 of cancer.
Lilly known as “Nan”, to her grandchildren Bev and Chris, great-grandchildren Amy, Jennifer, Lucas and most recently twins Jacob and Elizabeth and one darling great-great-grandchild, Austin.
Paula writes lovingly of her mother, “My fondest memories of my mother as a child are wonderful.” ” All of the hugs throughout the day, the great home-cooked meals, the nurturing when I was sick and the love in everything she did. As a teenager, our home was the “hang-out.” “She worked away from home all day, came home and cooked a great meal for whoever happened to be spending the night.” “Friday nights were always the same—out to dinner and then shopping. I always brought a friend along, every week I came home with new clothes and the latest 45 rpm records. She never bought much for herself, but was content to make me happy. I fondly remember the holidays as we would gather in the kitchen and bake cookies, cakes and made candy.” “Fishing trips to the river with campfires over which we cooked dinner and burned marshmallows. I remember how proud she was at my son’s birth and how she beamed at his college graduation. Now, I see how happy she is to hold his children in her arms. She has been through so much in the 90 years. She is so much more than a mother—she is my confidant, my friend.”
Bev remembers fondly, time sent at her grandparent’s home the loving arms that held and comforted her when she was ill. “My first memories of Nan and Pap, were Sunday rides before dinner.” “Once we drove as far away as Cumberland, MD.” “I loved staying with my grandparents during the week.” “Nan always watched me walk to school.” “Pap liked to see me dressed up in pretty dresses.” “I still have the purple and white dress and the popcorn dress they bought me for graduation.” Now ninety, Nan is a cancer survivor of 40 year. She is a proud woman and a fighter, she is my bionic woman.” Bev states proudly.
Looking through several photo albums as we turned the pages of Lilly’s life, Bev and Lilly reminisced about past summers and holidays spent in the loving home Lilly shared with her family and memories of friends she holds so dear. Lilly remembers fondly her dear friend Mary Fogle. I asked Bev to sum up in one word her feelings for her grandmother. Looking across the table at her beloved Nan, with teary eyes and whispered, “LOVE.”
Chris, first memories of his grandmother- Nan is her homemade fudge. “She is the only one I know who made it from scratch!” She always put family first she made big meals for all of us, she was at every school and band function,” Chris remembers fondly.
Amy and Jennifer- her eldest great-granddaughters by Bev and Terry, responded “Nan is one of the most honest, caring, loving and sweetest people in our lives.” “We are truly lucky to be able to call her our great-grandmother.” “She has always been there to lend an ear or shoulder when needed.” “She truly has been a blessing to me in many ways by showing me there is nothing that cannot be overcome with the love and support of your family.” Amy continues
Sharon, a neighbor of eight years is a constant companion to Lilly, “Our friendship started by bringing in her newspaper, over the years we would sit for hours and talk.”
“She is a lovely woman, I feel like part of the family now,” Sharon states
Code Time-Snow Time
February 22, 2010
SNOW!!
It has been a long time since we have had this much snow, ain’t it great?
I thought that this would be a good time to talk about snow removal by the residents, businesses and the Town.
Recently Chapter 84, Property Maintenance was revised, reviewed and approved by the Board of Commissioners. Below you will find the new section addressing clearing sidewalks of snow and ice.
§ 84-62. Removal of snow and/or ice from sidewalks.
Hazardous Condition: The mayor and board of commissioners hereby declare that an accumulation of snow and/or ice on public sidewalks is a hazardous condition and creates an emergency situation. Within twelve (12) hours of the cessation of any fall of snow, sleet, or freezing rain, the owner, tenant, occupant, lessee, or person responsible for a lot or part of a lot abutting a paved sidewalk shall remove or cause to be removed any snow and/or ice from the abutting sidewalk for a width of three (3) feet, or the width of the sidewalk, whichever is less.
- In the event that the snow and/or ice on the sidewalk has become so hard that it cannot be removed without the likelihood of damage to the sidewalk, the person or persons charged with its removal shall, within 12 hours, cause enough snow/ice-melt and/or abrasive compound to be placed on the sidewalk to make travel on the sidewalk reasonably safe and shall, as soon as weather permits, cause the sidewalk to be thoroughly cleaned.
- A violation of this section is deemed to be a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation of this section shall be a fine of $50.00.
- a. Each day the sidewalks remains not cleaned as required shall constitute a separate offense.
The following is a new section to assist the Town in clearing the streets and keeping the clear.
§ 84-63. Depositing snow and/or ice onto a public street.
- It shall be unlawful to deposit snow and/or ice cleared from the sidewalks and/or driveways onto the traveled portion of any public street.
- A violation of this section is deemed to be a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation of this section shall be a fine of $50.00.
There may be times when we suspend the 12 hour time limit for clearing sidewalks, as was the case of the snow the weekend of February 5th and 6th, . We ask that you make an effort to clear you walks as soon as possible, but we will allow you a longer period of time to accomplish it.
Along with clearing you sidewalks, you should also clear out around your utilities. This would allow the Town’s Electric Department, the phone company as well as the cable company access to these boxes.
The most important roadside item to clear is the fire hydrant. If there would be a need for it and it cannot be found or gotten to, property or lives could be lost. Take to time to locate and clean around them.
In Chapter 84 there is a new section regarding the placing, throwing, blowing, or pushing snow into a public street.
§ 84-63. Depositing snow and/or ice onto a public street.
- It shall be unlawful to deposit snow and/or ice cleared from the sidewalks and/or driveways onto the traveled portion of any public street.
- A violation of this section is deemed to be a municipal infraction. The penalty for violation of this section shall be a fine of $50.00.
Placing snow into the street is not acceptable. This section also applies to any contractor clearing parking lots or driveways.
This happens after every snowfall. The Town employees work hard to get the streets and alleys clear of snow. Then residents or contractors come behind them and place snow back into the streets. The employees have to come back through the street to clear what has been placed into the streets. The Town understands how frustrating it can be to have snow pushed onto your sidewalk after you have cleared it, but the roads must be opened and cleared.
There are places within the Town that have a very limited space to place snow from your sidewalks. Throwing it into the street is not the place. It creates a traffic hazard and more work for the Town employees who have already cleared the streets. If an accident is caused by the snow that has been placed into the street after it has been cleared you could be held responsible for any damage or injuries caused by your actions.
Another place you might want to clear out around is your mailbox.
The Town of Thurmont asks that you assist the dedicated and hard working employees who work through the night to get your street open. If you can, move your vehicles off the street to allow for easier snowplowing. Remove basketball nets and other items placed along the curb and in the street that would make plowing you street more difficult. Our employees are some of the safest and best snowplow operators in the county, but sometimes accidents happen. The chance of an accident can be reduced if roadside hazards are removed. Let’s give the snowplow operators a break, don’t throw snow into the street, move your vehicles off the street if possible, and remove all basketball nets and other items placed in the street and along the curb.
I would like to thank our Town employees for their efforts in getting the Town open and running.
Kenny Oland
Pilates Machine for Sale
February 10, 2010
Pilates Performer with 4 cords. Stand, Rebounder, 4 videos and 2 dvds for exercise routines. $40.00 Call 301-271-0897
Thurmont man charged with Second Degree Assault
February 3, 2010
On February 2, 2010 at approximately 7pm Sgt. Mcloughlin and OFC Koenig of the Thurmont Police Department responded to an apartment on Water Street for a Domestic Violence Assault. Upon their arrival the male and female parties were separated and the female showed signs of physical injuries. The officer’s investigation revealed that the male subject had held the female in the apartment against her will and had struck her in the face several times. The male was arrested and identified as Joseph S. Ray, age 49 of Water St, Thurmont. Mr. Ray was charged with second Degree Assault and Unlawful Detention. At his initial appearance before a District Court Commissioner, Mr. Ray was held under a 9,500 bond.
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