The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

The Inside Press

Paying for College 101

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Scott-Kahan-200x300By Scott Kahan

As a financial planner who has worked with many clients over the years figuring out how to pay for college, and as a parent who has sent two Greeley graduates to college, January 1st was never a date to look forward to. Just the uttering of the term FAFSA will send many parents into a panic.

For high school seniors who will be entering college in the fall of 2017, the quest for financial aid is beginning and FAFSA is a term you will get to know quickly.

What is the FAFSA?

The short answer is that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, are the forms that are filed each year to be eligible for financial aid. Many parents tell me that since their child will not be eligible for aid, they don’t need to bother with the forms. Assuming that you have saved enough for college and will not need to borrow money, then you may not need to file the forms. On the other hand, if you are like many families that will either need financial aid and/or need to borrow, you will still need to file the FAFSA forms to be eligible for some of the loans offered for both parents and students.

Big Changes Coming

The main reason for the struggle each year is that when you file the forms in January, you have not even filed your tax returns, let alone received your W-2s, 1099s and other financial information needed from the prior year.

At the start of the 2017-2018 college year, the FAFSA forms can now be filed as of October 1, 2016. The good news is that since this is a transition year, you will use your 2015 financial information. For those with returning students, you will again use your 2015 financial information that you used when you filed earlier this year. If this is the first time you file the FAFSA, you should already have all the financial information you will need from 2015.

Going forward, you will use the prior year information. For example, for the 2018-2019 school year, the forms will be filed starting October 1, 2017, using 2016 information.

Get started early and don’t panic!

Scott M. Kahan, is a Certified Financial Planner® professional and President of Financial Asset Management Corporation, a fee-only wealth management firm located at 26 South Greeley Avenue in Chappaqua. Call Scott Kahan at 914-238-8900 or write to skahan@famcorporation.com.

At Logrea Dance Academy: Free Ballet Classes on Sept. 11

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Logrea

Every year, before their fall season begins, children ages three and up can enjoy a free ballet class at the Ossining studios.

“There’s just no better way to spend the last weekend before our fall season begins, than to welcome eager and interested children into our studio and to introduce them to the wonderful art of ballet,” says Beth Fritz-Logrea, as Jean Logrea and their staff prepare for their Open House on Sunday, September 11. “It is an opportunity for us to give back to our community and a chance to share our love of ballet with children who are interested and would like to try a class without cost or pressure. It’s all about passing on the joy of movement and the gratification of accomplishment.”

Vivian Frerking, who teaches the classes for children ages 3-5, is always excited to introduce these youngest students to the routine of her classes, giving them an understanding of the basics of ballet training. “Even children this young seem to immediately grasp that the structure of the class gives them the parameters that allow them to be creative and express themselves in movement. I am always moved when I see the delight in their eyes as they use their bodies in new ways.”

Jean Logrea always makes the time to teach these free classes for the students age 6-13. He feels it is an opportunity for him to connect with children who are new to ballet and curious about what it might have to offer them in life. “I am always happy to think that no matter what they do in life, they will always have that experience with me in my class to hopefully inspire them.”

Miss Vivian’s class for three-year olds begins at 10 a.m. and is followed by her 11 a.m. class for 4 & 5 year olds. Mr. Logrea teaches three classes: Beginner Ballet for 6-9 year olds at 11 a.m.; Intermediate Ballet for students ages 10-13; Int/Advanced Ballet for students age 12-18 (with a minimum of 3 years of ballet training). For further information, go to: www.LogreaInfo.com

Unique Programs at Sunshine Bring Learning Home

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Back-to-school is an annual rite of passage that typical kids can take for granted each September and thanks to the Sunshine Children’s Home in Ossining, that’s even true for kids whose lives are anything but typical. The young residents of this unique pediatric nursing facility have medical needs so severe or complex that living or attending school off premises is not possible–so at Sunshine, a team of special educators, therapists and paraprofessionals bring the school experience to them.

“Every child is entitled to learn, grow and discover their own potential in a safe, loving and engaging educational environment, regardless of the medical challenges they face. We are deeply committed to providing that through Sunshine’s school program,” says Linda Mosiello, Administrator at the Sunshine Children’s Home; she describes a collaborative approach at Sunshine which encourages parents to become their children’s best education advocates. Our social workers are always available to ensure parents can stay informed and involved.”

Sunshine’s bright, colorful classrooms and innovative programs are carefully designed to support the children’s cognitive, physical and social/emotional development at every stage:

Newborn – Age 3

Sunshine’s Early Intervention Program (EIP) is a statewide program contracted with the Department of Health as both an evaluation site and provider of EI services. Sunshine’s youngest residents learn through interactive free play, gross/fine motor activity, story time, music and more. Educational outings such as apple picking, the botanical gardens and more help support community integration and social interaction.

Ages 3-5

The Sunshine Kids’ Clubhouse for Learning and Play, a state-approved, full-day preschool program, uses exploration and discovery to promote confidence, creativity and lifelong critical thinking skills.Students with cognitive and physical challenges benefit from a multisensory developmental approach to learning.

Ages 5-21

Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES has established a satellite, full-day school program for students with unique care needs who also receive medically-supervised care by Sunshine’s clinical team, including physicians, nurses and respiratory therapists. Staff follow the well-established Pines Bridge School community-based model to provide students with a safe, creative and stimulating learning environment that invites students to learn, explore and reach their maximum potential and level of independence.

Sunshine offers many volunteer opportunities through programs such as the Sunshine’s Cuddles Club, Reading Circle, Play Groups, Tuck In program, events and outings. For more info or to set an appointment for a tour, please contact Paula Listi: plisti@sunshinechildrenshome.org, or call 914-333-7090.

 

This Weekend! October 15th Shop For A Cause Boutique

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making strides HL

The Chappaqua Brokerage of Houlihan Lawrence is hosting its 8th Annual “Shop For A Cause” Boutique, Saturday October 15th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer is the nation’s largest network of breast cancer awareness events uniting nearly 300 communities for special events, raising funds for research and providing access to mammograms. Everyone is welcome to stop by the Brokerage Office at 45 South Greeley Avenue to browse unique gifts, jewelry and other terrific accessories from vendors, or to purchase a raffle for some wonderful gifts generously donated by local merchants. Jeanne Coon, chairwoman of the event, and Associate Real Estate Broker with the Chappaqua office, is busy finalizing last minute details. “We all know someone affected by breast cancer. Our goal is to raise more money than in previous years,” says Coon. “Please stop by to purchase some raffle tickets, support our merchants and help make a difference.”

In the Spirit of the 2016 Olympics!

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jodi kids.olympicsOn August 6th, Jodi’s Gym celebrated Team U.S.A. Olympic Pride by hosting two hours of team building games, Olympic arts and crafts, gymnastics (Olympic style!) and a yummy pizza dinner.

The children were invited to dress in red, white and blue; they enjoyed the excitement of the game with Jodi’s Gym teachers and staff.

 
(L-R): Staci Hickey, Georgina Garcia, Catherine Carpenter, Lucille Lopez and Marilyn Hoermann.
(L-R): Staci Hickey, Georgina Garcia, Catherine Carpenter, Lucille Lopez and Marilyn Hoermann.

Cedar Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation Center residents and staff celebrated the 2016 Olympics with an opening ceremony of their own on Cedar Lane in Ossining. The Therapeutic Recreation Department staged a festive indoor parade complete with patriotic torch. The health-care facility’s hallways echoed with fanfare and the Olympic anthem–Bugler’s Dream. Employees gladly joined in, showing their support by dressing in their favorite athletic attire.