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November/December 2024
If you’re planning a big vacation next year, your travel checklist just got a little longer. Along with booking flights and packing bags, you’ll need to ensure you have the proper identification, and your state driver’s license will no longer be enough. The deadline for the new Real ID is approaching in 2025, and it’s crucial to prepare if you want to board your plane without issue. This updated form of identification will be a requirement for domestic air travel, so ensuring you’re compliant will save you from last-minute stress. With all the deadline changes and updates with the Real ID requirements since 2020, I wanted to break down the latest news and what you need to know ahead of the new deadline in May 2025. What is a Real ID? The Real ID is an enhanced form of identification that anyone age 18 or older will need to travel by air domestically or to enter certain federal buildings. A passport will still be necessary for international flights. This initiative has been a long time coming. Congress passed the Real ID Act in 2005 to strengthen national safety and curtail identity theft post-9/11. The original deadline for U.S. travelers to obtain this new ID was in October 2020, but Homeland Security has pushed it back several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and to allow people the time to go to the DMV in person to order their updated card in time. The Real ID will replace your current driver’s license or state identification card, allowing you to purchase alcohol, drive, or vote, among other activities requiring proof of age. The standard ID will still be acceptable in some states for age-restricted activities, but you should check your state’s specific requirements. Maryland, for example, is initiating a permanent transition to Real ID, so any non-travelers in that state will still need to get the new ID. How do I get one? Starting on May 7, 2025, your standard-issue ID will no longer be a valid form of identification when you get to the TSA check. The only Real ID Alert THE KEY TO SEAMLESS TRAVEL IN 2025 AND BEYOND
way to obtain this new ID is to visit your local DMV. DMVs will likely have long lines of people trying to get the ID upgrade, so you can save time and headaches by planning ahead. Book an appointment before walking in and facing unpredictable wait times. Having all the documents you need when you arrive is also wise. Make sure you bring your passport or birth certificate, Social Security card, documents that prove where you live, like a utility bill, and any additional materials your state requires. The enhanced ID will cost you about $30, which is DMV’s standard processing fee. What if I have a passport? You are in good shape for domestic and international flights if you already have a valid passport. However, a Real ID can be a solid backup if your passport is lost or stolen. Real IDs are more versatile, so even if you have a passport, you may still want to pick up this new enhanced ID. What happens if I don’t get one in time? If you miss the May deadline, you won’t be able to catch any domestic flights, so your big plans may be interrupted or canceled. Airlines will enforce these requirements, and you can be turned away at the gate. Don’t wait until the last minute to get your Real ID. With the deadline approaching and the potential for long lines at the DMV, planning ahead is wise. Check your state’s requirements, gather your documents, and make your DMV appointment as soon as possible.
Whether planning a big vacation or just wanting to be prepared for the future, ensuring you have a Real ID should be at the top of your to-do list.
Please call us at 304-594-1800 to find out how we can help you!
-Jeff Robinette
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Assert Your Needs With Confidence How to Stand Up for Yourself in All Aspects of Life
As we age, the need to advocate for ourselves becomes increasingly important. Whether it’s in a health care setting or personal relationships, being assertive about your well- being can significantly improve your quality of life. Here’s a guide to help you practice being confident and assertive about your life. Cultivate open and honest communication. Effective communication is the cornerstone of self-advocacy. Start by being open, direct, and honest about your thoughts and concerns. If you’re struggling to be heard by your doctor, explain your symptoms, problems, and fears without minimizing them. This clarity helps your doctor understand your situation better so they can tailor their advice and treatment. Value yourself and your boundaries. Recognizing your worth is fundamental. Remember that your needs are essential, and you have the right to be treated respectfully. Valuing yourself also means recognizing your
boundaries. Clearly communicate what is and isn’t acceptable for you, whether it’s a personal, professional, or medical matter. Simultaneously, respect the boundaries of those around you, understanding their perspectives and concerns. Express yourself respectfully. While it’s important to be assertive, always strive to express your thoughts and needs respectfully. Approach conversations with calmness and ensure your body language reflects openness without aggression. This respectful demeanor creates a more cooperative relationship with those around you. Examples of When to Stand Up for Yourself • Requesting a second opinion when you’re not entirely confident in a medical diagnosis or feel that additional perspectives could be beneficial • Declining invitations that do not align with your personal comfort or health needs
• Asking for clearer explanations during medical appointments if treatment plans or procedures are unclear or overwhelming • Setting boundaries in personal relationships and communicating your limits to friends and family • Exploring alternative treatment options with your health care provider if you believe a different approach might be more effective Standing up for yourself is more than just speaking up — it’s about doing so in a way that respects both your rights and those with whom you interact. Adopting these practices makes you more likely to promote positive relationships with others and ensure your needs are met compassionately. Remember, advocating for yourself is a form of self-care.
NBA Players to Keep an Eye on This Season HOOPS AND HYPE
Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves: Edwards is not only one of the best players in the league but also one of the most entertaining, with a playstyle reminiscent of Michael Jordan. Watching him play will keep you on the edge of your seat from tip-off to the final shot. Luka Don ć i ć , Dallas Mavericks: Already considered one of the best European basketball players of all
The NBA season is officially underway. There’s always plenty of excitement at the beginning of a new season, and this year is no different. Will LeBron James win his fifth title? How will Steph Curry perform without Klay Thompson on the team? Will the 76ers finally live up to their hype after acquiring Paul George? We expect answers to these questions and more as the season progresses. If you’re wondering whom to pay attention to this season, we’ve got you covered. The following players are the ones to watch every time they’re on TV. LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron has been a player to watch since he first entered the league over 20 years ago. He doesn’t have many playing years left, and this season, he has the opportunity to play side-by-side with his son, Bronny, giving us even more reason to pay attention to the King. Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs: After winning Rookie of the Year last season and earning Olympic silver with his home country, France, Wemby is on pace for an unbelievable sophomore season. If everything goes right, he could even enter the MVP conversation. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers: Embiid finally beat out Nikola Joki ć for the MVP last season but has yet to make the NBA Finals or Conference Finals in his career. Watch for him to put on a dominant performance this year to quiet the haters.
time at age 25, Don č i ć should have another standout season after leading the Mavs to the NBA Finals last season.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: Tatumled the Celtics to a championship last season but failed to get much playing time as a member of the USA’s Olympic gold-medal-winning team over the summer. Expect him to start the season with a bang to prove he should have been a starter at the Olympics.
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THE $93,750 SPUD
Uncover Fabergé’s Unexpected Masterpiece
When you think of the name Fabergé, you probably imagine opulent, jewel-encrusted eggs that epitomize luxury and elegance. But did you know the famous Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, the mastermind behind the glittering eggs, also created a humble potato? And not just any potato, but one that fetched an astounding $93,750 at a Christie’s auction in 2016. Fabergé’s Glorious Spud In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peter Carl Fabergé was the go-to jeweler for Russian royalty. His intricate and lavish creations, particularly the famous Fabergé eggs, were commissioned by Tsars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. Each egg was a masterpiece, often containing hidden surprises like miniature portraits, mechanical wonders, expensive jewels, or even tiny replicas of royal palaces. But amidst these exquisite creations, Fabergé had a sense of humor and a knack for the unexpected. Enter the Fabergé potato — a far cry from the shimmering eggs but equally fascinating in its own right. This potato, crafted from pink agate, was a whimsical departure from his usual opulent fare. The Humble Potato’s Journey Fast-forward to 2016, and this extraordinary potato was again in the spotlight. When Christie’s auction house announced the sale
of a Fabergé potato, the world did a collective double-take. After all, who would have thought a potato — albeit one crafted by a master jeweler — would garner such attention and a hefty price tag to match?
The bidding war was intense, with collectors and Fabergé enthusiasts eager to own this
unique piece of history. When the gavel finally came down, the potato had sold for a staggering $93,750. Not bad for a root vegetable!
Why a Potato? You might wonder why Fabergé, a jeweler known for his elaborate and luxurious designs, chose to make a potato. Perhaps it was his way of showing artistry could be found in the simplest of things. Or maybe it was a playful nod to the significance of potatoes in Russian culture — a staple food that sustained many through tough times. Whatever the reason, Fabergé’s potato reminds us that even the most mundane objects can be transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of creativity and a touch of humor.
EXQUISITE LEMON BARS
“With man, this is impossible, but with God, all things are possible.”
Ingredients
• 2 cups all-purpose flour • 1/2 cup powdered sugar • 1 cup butter, softened • 4 large eggs • 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice • 2 tbsp grated lemon zest • 1/4 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp salt
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. 3. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 4. Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pour over crust. 6. Bake for 25 minutes or until set. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
MATTHEW 19:26
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Call Now To Speak to An Attorney 304-594-1800 211 Everhart Drive Morgantown, WV 26508
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Real ID Deadline Is Approaching!
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Discover Fabergé’s Playful Potato Masterpiece Exquisite Lemon Bars Empower Your Golden Years Through Self-Advocacy NBA Stars to Watch as the New Season Unfolds
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Paws of Hope A WARRIOR’S BEST FRIEND HOW A RESCUE DOG CHANGED A VETERAN’S LIFE 4
When Marine William “Bill” Lins returned home from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, he felt ruined. He wasn’t the same man anymore and felt like he didn’t fit in anywhere. After sustaining multiple injuries and witnessing the horrors of battle, he never thought he would be able to go back to living a normal life. That is until the nonprofit K-9s For Warriors helped him find his missing link — a rescue dog appropriately named Link. K-9 For Warriors has been pairing highly trained service dogs with military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma since 2011. The free program strives to better the lives of veterans through special canine bonds and ultimately end veteran suicide, which claims the lives of roughly 20 veterans every day. When Bill returned from deployment, he had to recover from two surgeries and
realized he had PTSD. He had developed severe alcoholism, drinking every day nonstop as his only coping mechanism. In a hopeless place, the Marine felt like he was losing every piece of his identity and had nothing left. After seeing a friend at the VA bring in his service dog, he noticed a remarkable change in him and decided to apply for the program. Bill felt an instant connection to the goofy rescue dog Link, who was recovering from his own trauma after living a rough life in a kill shelter. Bill said his canine companion is his 24/7 therapist, providing him with support and safety at all hours. Link doesn’t just impact Bill’s life; he makes a difference with everyone he encounters, from Bill’s children to the youth athletes he coaches. “Together, we kind of make each other whole,” Bill said. “He makes everyone’s world better, and he makes it seem effortless.”
Link has inspired Bill to help others and spread a message of awareness that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a symbol of strength. Bill has since earned his master’s in social work and provides mental health services with his tail-wagging companion by his side for every session. Together, the pair are showing veterans everywhere that there is hope and that life can get better with a little help from a four-legged friend.
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