32 times • SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com Surviving the death of an infant The death of a beloved, expected baby has a special sorrow. The family so joyously awaits the birth, and then without any warning the young life ends. According to the New York State Center for Sudden Infant Death, the death of a baby can be a devastating experience for the family. When a baby dies, the future is affected, lives are forever changed and dreams are shattered. The pain is compounded by endless self-searching questions and feelings of helplessness, anger and guilt. Since 1997, the New York State Center for Sudden Infant Death has offered statewide programs to help families cope with such an awful loss, and to educate the community about steps that can minimize sudden infant death such as: • Information, support and guidance for parents and family members affected by a sudden and unexpected infant death including referral to bereavement support groups, home visits, contacts with other parents who have experienced this loss and other services. • Education and consultation offered to public health nurses, law enforcement officers, emergency medical personnel, funeral directors and other professionals. Topics include Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), infant mortality and interventions that can comfort bereaved families. • Professional and communitybased education about reducing the risk for SIDS and other causes of infant mortality. To learn more about the Center and its programs and services, please call 1-800-336-7437. The First Candle/SIDS Alliance Website at www.firstcandle.org is also an excellent resource whether you are seeking information on ways to help your baby survive and thrive, or have experienced the death of a precious infant. Reprinted with the permission of the New York State Funeral Directors Association. Why wills matter Everyone needs and should have a will. A will is a legal declaration of how a person wishes his or her possessions to be disposed of after death. Wills make sure that the antique jewelry which belonged to a beloved grandmother will be passed on to a daughter or that college will be possible for a grandson or that one’s favorite charity will receive funds to continue its good work. If you die without a will, your possessions and property will be distributed only among your family members; perhaps not exactly the way you want. New York State law will make these determinations – not you. No charities or friends would benefit. Many other legal complications may arise after a person dies “intestate” or without a will. Some of them can be costly and lead to an unnecessary tax burden on your estate or family. Many people believe that a will is only necessary when there is a significant amount of money, valuables and property to be distributed after death to loved ones, children, families, friends and charities. Nothing could be further from the truth. Even a person with a limited amount of money or property should have a will. How does one go about making a will? The first thing In this Special Time let us do the food planning for you. Our restaurant can comfortably accommodate up to 45 people. We provide a Special Menu for $21.95 per person, or order o our regular menu. If you prefer we will gladly cater an o -premises meal for you. Speak with one of our butchers in our shop next door, he will assist in satisfying your choices. Cold Cut Platters -Sandwich Options- Salads- and more. 6946 MYRTLE AVE., GLENDALE NY 11385 718-386-3014 6940 MYRTLE AVE., GLENDALE NY 11385 718-386-7200 to do is to list all your assets and then decide whom you want to share these assets. You will also need to think about a “personal representative” or “executor” who will carry out the provisions of your will. Most experts caution against drafting your own will without using professional legal advice. Even though the “will” forms available on the internet or at an office supply store look impressive, they may omit an essential requirement. A copy of your will along with any funeral arrangements you have made should be kept in a safe place where family or a close friend can have access to the information when needed. A safe deposit box is sealed immediately after the death notice is published, so it is not recommended for storing instructions for funeral arrangements, wills or insurance documents. If you do not have a personal attorney, call the New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Referral Service at 1-800-342-3661. You can request a comprehensive report on Wills and Living Trusts by writing: AARP, 601 E Street, NW, Washington, DC 20049. Reprinted with the permission of the New York State Funeral Directors Association. coping with death
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