The week is coming to a close and The Russo Team has made some great strides. We have implemented a huge software update to help our staff operate with the most current and secured software. Our IT support has worked around the clock to make sure this was a smooth and un-interrupted process.

Our staff completed their 6-week “Get Fit!” health challenge. This challenge was not only about who lost the most weight, but to encourage and support each other. We participated in team building opportunities including taking lunchtime walks together. There were weekly updates, announcements and advice given to help us stay focused. Not to mention that many of the participants celebrated big occasions such as weddings, birthdays and July 4^th to create obstacles for some in completing this challenge. However all were successful and with most of the office participating we are happy to announce the Top 3 Winners: Melanie, Paula and Kirrelle!!!

Our staff participated in the NY Blood Center Drive held here at our building in Garden City. The NY Blood Center provides lifesaving blood products and services to nearly 200 hospitals in New York, New Jersey, Long Island, Hudson Valley and parts of Connecticut and Pennsylvania. The NYBC’s integrated recruitment, collection, and distribution operations ensure approximately 2,000 units of blood products are collected each day and distributed to more than 20 million people in New York, New Jersey and beyond.

Staff Blood Donors:

Our Partners, Vincent J. Russo, Deanna M. Eble and Eric J. Einhart are attending the Annual New York Bar Association (NYSBA) Conference. This annual conference offers our firm the opportunity to prepare and stay on top of new changes in the Elder Law and Special Needs Planning practice areas. There will be a plenary session each day along with several breakout sessions. Vincent J. Russo will present on two topics for the conference “Overview of Tax Planning for the Elder Law Practitioner” and “Advanced Tax: Understanding the New Tax Laws.”

This Friday afternoon, our internal staff is also keeping up their knowledge base by attending a presentation from one of the Partners, Kim N. Christian. She will be discussing the most commonly used tools used in our Planning Department. This presentation will help the staff work together and understand the internal processes.

Fun Facts:

Did you know that today, July 13^th, is National French Fry Day? If you aren’t into potato fries, Dunkin’ Donuts created Donut Fries! Or better yet you are now able to have fries for breakfast, lunch and dinner (even a late night snack)! Retailmenot shares the places offering specials for the day and can be found here.

If french fries don’t make the cut on your junk food cravings list, perhaps ice cream is yours. The whole month of July is Ice Cream Month. In fact July 15^th is the day celebrated thanks to President Ronald Reagan. As found on Wikipedia: “The celebrations were originated by Joint Resolution 298, which was sponsored by Senator Walter Dee Huddleston of Kentucky on May 17, 1984. The Resolution proclaimed the month of July 1984 as “National Ice Cream Month” and July 15, 1984, as “National Ice Cream Day”. It was signed into public law by President Ronald Reagan on July 9, 1984 with Presidential Proclamation 5219.” Again, Retailmenot shares the specials for the day here.