FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.couriersun.com october 30, 2014 • THE COURIER SUN 17 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS MICHAEL BROTHERS CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD NYFAC FOUNDATION BACKGROUND: Born in the Bronx and raised in Pequannock, New Jersey, Michael Brothers, 56, moved to Queens in 1987 to become a licensed insurance broker for a firm in Woodhaven. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Brothers has been the chairman of the board of the NYFAC Foundation based in Howard Beach since its inception in 2012. NYFAC is a 100 percent volunteer organization and works to better the lives of adults and children with autism. Brothers chairs the quarterly board meetings, ensures the board members are running fundraising events and raises awareness about the NYFAC Foundation. Under his leadership, the organization developed its website which helps it to spread awareness and raise funds. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: “Without a doubt my family is my greatest achievement,” said Brothers. “I have a wonderful wife, Aida, and two great sons. I come from a strong, tight-knit family. I am lucky enough to still have both my parents and four supportive siblings in my life. I also love my job and look forward to coming to work every day. Serving as chairman of the NYFAC Foundation is right up there as well. Knowing we are helping is a great feeling of accomplishment.” BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Fundraising! Knowing the economy here in New York still has not recovered, it is extremely difficult getting donations, sponsorships and participation in our events. With the many worthy charities out there it is a difficult decision for people to determine where their charity dollars go.” INSPIRATION: “I have many people who inspire me — my wife, my sons, my family. But when it comes to why I am involved in the world of autism I have two people who inspire me. First is my sibling, Dr. Kevin Brothers. He is the founding executive director of a school for children with autism. When he was going through his training many years ago, he showed me what patience it takes in dealing with a child with autism. That always stuck with me and I always knew I would someday help out an organization involved with autism. Second would be Andrew Baumann, president and CEO of NYFAC. His dedication is remarkable. He is a father of three children, one of whom has autism. He eats, sleeps and works for NYFAC. When I met Andrew for the first time back in 2009, I knew his organization was the one I wanted to volunteer for.” brought to you by SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 star OF queens CUTLER’S LIGHTING Over 50 Years Experience REPAIRS • REWIRING • RE-FINISHING • LAMP SHADES LAMP SHADE SALE 12 years from now, this LED bulb will still be saving you money. 10% OFF OFF ANY PURCHASE With Coupon. Not combinable – New Orders Only. Limit 1 per customer. $150.00 max for discount. Excludes Repairs, Refi nishing, Rewiring. Exp. 11/15/2014 YELLOW TAG SALE Up to 50% OFF on Select Models CUTLER’S LIGHTING CUTLER’S LIGHTING LYNBROOK 817 Sunrise Hwy (2 Blocks west of Peninsula Blvd.) 516-887-1300 GREAT NECK 120 Northern Blvd. 516-482-1919 Legally Speaking By: Scott Baron, Attorney at Law OPEN AND OBVIOUS Q: One summer day, my daughter went to visit her friend. To get to the back of the house, my daughter needed to walk between the nearby children’s pool and the end of a toy. The children would jump onto this toy in order to slide into the pool. The toy was a long sheet of thin plastic, attached to a garden hose. As usual, water had been spraying onto the sliding surface, making it very slippery. By mistake, my daughter tripped and fell over this toy. Meanwhile, my son was going to visit his own friend, at the same house. Entering through the front, my son tripped and fell over a tan-colored bag of cement, covered in gray dust. It was being used to prop-open the door. The bag was placed on the floor, directly in front of the door. That floor was comprised of tan tiles. A: From what you say, the slippery sheet was an open and obvious condition that was not inherently dangerous. Apparently, there was enough space for your daughter to have avoided walking over the toy in order to reach the house. While landowners have a duty to maintain their property in a reasonably safe condition, a landowner has no duty to protect or warn against an open and obvious condition, unless it is inherently dangerous, which does not appear to be the case. So it seems that you have no lawsuit on account of your daughter. On the other hand, the bag does not appear to have presented an open and obvious hazard. Moreover, your attorney can well argue that it was inherently dangerous. The family should have protected and warned your son against the bag, and an action may be warranted on behalf of him. Advertorial The law responds to changed conditions; exceptions and variations abound. Here, the information is general; always seek out competent counsel This article shall not be construed as legal advice. Copyright © 2014 Scott Baron & Associates, P.C. All rights reserved. 159-49 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach, New York 11414 1750 Central Park Ave, Yonkers, NY 10710 718-738-9800, 914-337-9800, 1-866-927-4878
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