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REALESTATEPLANNINGLAW.COM 718-698-2200 September 2026
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IN A MANOR OF SPEAKING
A QUARTER CENTURY LATER, THE LIGHT STILL SHINES
A Lasting Tribute to the People Who Helped Us Find Our Way Forward
It’s hard to believe that 25 years have passed since September 11, 2001. For those of us who live in and around New York City, that morning is not just something we read about in a history book. It’s something we remember. We remember where we were. We remember the uncertainty. We remember calling family and friends, checking on neighbors, and wondering when we would finally understand what had happened. And we’ll never forget what came afterward: the grief, the resilience, and the remarkable way people came together to help one another. As I reflect on the 25th anniversary, I find myself thinking about the people behind the headlines: the firefighters, police officers, EMTs, medical workers, military personnel, volunteers, and everyday New Yorkers who stepped forward when their community needed them most. Some never made it home. Others still continue to carry the effects of that day with them. This year’s anniversary will bring families together at the 9/11 Memorial to read the names of those whose lives were lost in the 2001 attacks and the 1993 World Trade Center bombing. Seven moments of silence will mark the milestones of that morning, along with a moment honoring those who later lost their lives to illnesses connected to 9/11, a tragedy in itself we don’t recognize enough.
The annual “Tribute in Light” is another powerful tradition. Each September 11th, from dusk until dawn, two brilliant beams of blue light are projected into the night sky from Lower Manhattan, shining where the Twin Towers once stood and honoring those who were lost on 9/11. Visible from up to 60 miles across the New York metropolitan area, the beams serve as a striking reminder of what was lost and how New York endured. Perhaps that is the part of this anniversary I find most meaningful. We often talk about September 11th in terms of tragedy, and rightly so. But there was also tremendous kindness that followed. People opened their homes. Strangers helped strangers. First responders ran towards danger. Volunteers showed up. Communities rallied around families who
needed support. People found ways to help, even when they didn’t know exactly what to do.
This year, the 25th anniversary feels different because we now have a new generation that has grown up without firsthand memories of that day. Millions of Americans are now too young to remember what happened, and over 100 million Americans have been born since that day. That makes remembrance especially important. We have a responsibility to tell the stories not only about the tragedy itself but also about the compassion, courage, and unity that followed. We owe them more than a date and a list of events. We owe them the stories of the people who were there and the lessons of kindness and community that followed. So, this September 11th, I hope we take a moment to remember however it feels right. Visit the memorial, share a story with your children or grandchildren, reach out to someone who was personally affected, and say thank you to someone who served.
Most of all, remember the people, not just the tragedy.
After 25 years, we still remember, we still honor, and, in the spirit of those who helped us through our darkest days, we continue to look for the light.
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These Secret Mold Hiding Spots Could Explain Everything Musty Smells and Mystery Symptoms?
Within the Walls Whenever water seeps into your home and settles within or behind the walls, it becomes the perfect breeding ground for mold. It doesn’t take long, either. Mold can start growing within 24–48 hours, and water damage can help it spread. If you notice a water spot on your wall, it’s an urgent fix. You’ll need to tear out the wall and fix the water problem directly, or else the mold will just keep coming back after you clean it.
Soft Items Some items in our house that we don’t necessarily associate with mold can still produce it. Clothes made from natural materials, like wool and cotton, packed into a tight, poorly ventilated closet can produce mold. End tables, nightstands, and other furniture with particleboard backing are very difficult to clean and can become hot spots for mold. Even your bed isn’t safe. Mattresses on the floor are the perfect place for mold to grow, and raising your bed might not be enough to address it. Mold can even live on the wooden slats under the bed if there’s enough moisture. If you start to notice any off-putting smells or a family member develops severe allergies out of nowhere, it’s time to start exploring and investigating. For the best results, hire a professional, as they will know exactly what type of mold you are dealing with and the best way to rid your home of it.
You ask your teen how school was … and they stare at their phone and say, “I’m fine.” The tone is flat, maybe a little rushed, like they’re trying to end the conversation before it starts. You nod and move on because it sounds harmless enough. Later, you wonder if they actually meant what they said. Most of the time, they didn’t. The True Meaning Behind ‘I’m Fine’ Teenagers often say “I’m fine” when they’re not. The phrase is a shield, protecting privacy, avoiding awkward conversations, or keeping emotions from spilling out. Adults may hear reassurance, yet the words often hide stress, anxiety, sadness, or overwhelm. Many teens are still learning how to name feelings, especially when emotions shift quickly or feel too big to manage. Misreading those two words can lead to missed chances for support and connection. The Language Behind the Habit “I’m fine” is frequently a shortcut. Teens might use it to end conversations they feel ‘I’m Fine’ Nothing sends a homeowner into a panic quicker than finding mold hiding throughout the house. We’re not just talking about mildew streaks along the shower walls or in the basement window, but dangerous mold that seemingly appears out of nowhere in some of the most unexpected places. Left unchecked, mold can spread quickly throughout a home, potentially affecting everyone who lives there. Early symptoms are often mistaken for seasonal allergies, but prolonged exposure can lead to more serious health concerns and property damage. Addressing mold promptly is essential, but identifying and eliminating the source of the moisture is the first step toward a lasting solution. Here are a few places to check for mold if you’re noticing bad smells or if you suddenly start suffering from allergy- or asthma-like symptoms.
The Hidden Emotions Behind a Teen’s Most Common Response
Listening Beyond the Surface Noticing changes in tone, body language, and behavior can reveal more than words alone. Short answers, withdrawal, or irritability often accompany hidden stress. Gentle, open-ended questions work better than direct pressure, giving teens space to talk when they’re ready. It’s important to remember that consistency matters more than intensity, since you build trust over time through small, steady check-ins rather than one large conversation. As we all know, those teenage years are wild, with emotions shifting quickly and pressures stacking up from school, friendships, and future plans. Adults who assume “I’m fine” means fine may miss early signs of distress that require attention. Small misunderstandings can grow into distance when teens feel unheard or dismissed. Remember, supportive listening helps teens feel safer being honest, even when they don’t have perfect words for what they feel.
unprepared for or unsafe in. Emotional vocabulary is still developing during adolescence, so it’s easier to default to a neutral phrase than to explain complex feelings. Social pressure also plays a role, since appearing “okay” can feel safer than admitting struggle. The phrase can also signal exhaustion from repeated questions, as if their honesty is being ignored or misunderstood. What ‘I’m Fine’ Might Actually Mean Under the surface, “I’m fine” can mask anxiety about school, friendships, family tension, or identity questions. Teens may worry about being judged or becoming a burden if they share too much. Some avoid honesty to maintain independence, even when they need support. Emotional overload can also make it tough to unpack feelings in real time. Instead of describing what hurts, the brain often chooses the simplest exit, a quick reassurance that keeps attention away.
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The Case of the Missing Will A LOST WILL DOESN’T HAVE TO DERAIL YOUR ESTATE PLAN
not revoked, and that its contents can be reliably proven. Witness testimony, attorney records, a copy or draft of the will, and other documentation may all become important. In other words, a missing original can turn what might have been a straightforward probate process into a much bigger headache. A missing will can mean more stress for your family. If a lost will cannot be admitted to probate, the estate may ultimately be distributed under New York’s intestacy laws rather than according to the deceased person’s wishes. That can lead to delays, additional expenses, and disagreements among family members. The simplest solution is often prevention. If you discover that your original will is missing, talk with your estate planning attorney about whether creating a new will that clearly revokes prior versions makes sense. A missing will isn’t necessarily a disaster. However, it is a good reason to dust off your estate plan, make sure your documents are safely stored, and confirm that your wishes are still clearly documented.
Estate planning documents somehow seem to find a way to vanish when you really need them. If you’ve misplaced your original will, take a breath: Losing the document doesn’t automatically invalidate your estate plan. However, in New York, a missing original can create some extra legal hurdles, especially after someone has passed away. Check all the usual (and not-so- usual) places. Before assuming your will has disappeared into the filing-cabinet abyss, conduct a thorough search. Check your home safe, filing cabinets, storage spaces, and safe deposit box. If you worked with an estate planning attorney, contact the office to see whether they have a copy or record of the document.
Digital document inventories and other secure storage locations are worth checking, too. What happens if the original is missing after death? This is where things can get more complicated. When an original will cannot be located after someone’s death, New York courts may presume the person intentionally revoked it. That doesn’t necessarily mean the will was revoked since documents can be lost, misplaced, or accidentally destroyed, but overcoming that presumption can require additional evidence. In certain circumstances, a copy of a lost will can be admitted to probate. Generally, the person seeking to probate it must establish that the will was properly executed, was
DUTCH APPLE PUDDING CAKE MICHELE’S RECIPE CORNER
INGREDIENTS • Nonstick cooking spray • 1 20-oz can apple pie filling • 1/2 cup dried cherries, dried cranberries, or raisins • 1 cup all-purpose flour • 1/4 cup granulated sugar • 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 cup milk • 2 tbsp butter, melted • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted • 1 1/4 cups apple juice • 1/3 cup packed brown sugar • 1 tbsp butter
DIRECTIONS 1. Lightly coat 4-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. 2. In small saucepan, bring apple pie filling to boil; stir in cherries. 3. Transfer apple mixture to cooker. 4. In medium bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. 5. Add milk and melted butter; stir until combined. 6. Stir in 1/2 cup walnuts. Pour and evenly spread batter over apple mixture in cooker. 7. In the same small saucepan, combine apple juice, brown sugar, and the 1 tbsp butter; boil gently, uncovered, for 2 minutes.
Take a Break
8. Pour apple juice mixture over batter in slow cooker. 9. Cover and cook on high-heat setting for 2–2 1/2 hours. 10. Turn off cooker and cool, uncovered, for 30–45 minutes.
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718-698-2200 | realestateplanninglaw.com WE KEEP YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Remembering Sept. 11 Through the Spirit of New York Page 1 The Hidden Mold Problem Lurking in Homes Across America When ‘I’m Fine’ Is the Last Thing Your Teen Actually Means Page 2 Can’t Find Your Will? Don’t Leave Your Family Guessing
Dutch Apple Pudding Cake Page 3 Your Ultimate Fall Weekend Starts Here Page 4
3 CAN’T-MISS FALL ADVENTURES IN STATEN ISLAND & NJ LIGHTS, FRIGHTS & CLASSIC RIDES
Fall is officially showing off, and Staten Island and New Jersey are bringing plenty of ways to celebrate! Whether you’re looking for a magical evening under the stars, a Halloween adventure with a serious scare factor, or a day of classic cars and good vibes, there’s something for everyone. 49th Annual Car Show & Flea Market
finds, enjoy food, drinks, and music, enter the 50/50 drawing, and try your luck at winning a 2005 Mustang Deluxe Coupe! Water Lantern Festival Sept. 26, 4 p.m. Tickets.WaterLanternFestival.com/statenisland
Your general admission ticket includes festival entry, a lantern kit filled with goodies, and a chance to join the scavenger hunt giveaway. Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure Select Nights from Sept. 18–Nov. 1 SixFlags.com/greatadventure/events/fright-fest Ready to scream your way through fall? Fright Fest at Six Flags Great Adventure is back with a wicked mix of pulse-pounding scares, thrilling rides, and spine-tingling entertainment. When the sun goes down, the park transforms into a Halloween playground of eerie surprises, creepy characters, and plenty of heart-racing thrills around every corner. Grab your bravest friends, summon your courage, and prepare for a night of fright you won’t soon forget! Reminder: Fright Fest is not recommended for children under age 13.
Trade an ordinary night in for an evening that glows! At Staten
Sept. 13, 8 am - 4 pm SIRAACA.AACA.com
Island’s Water Lantern Festival, you’ll gather with the people you love, decorate a lantern with a wish,
Polish your plans for a day packed with chrome, horsepower, and old-school charm at the 49th Annual Car Show & Flea Market in Staten Island! Hundreds of antique and classic cars, muscle cars, hot rods, and resto-mods will roll in for a dazzling display and trophy competition held by the Staten Island Region Antique Automobile Club of America. Wander the flea market for vintage
hope, dream, or message to someone special, and then send it floating across the water. As hundreds of illuminated lanterns shimmer into the evening at Wolfe’s Pond Park, the result is part celebration, part peaceful reflection, and completely unforgettable.
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