6 The Courier SUN • DECEMBER 25, 2014 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS BACKGROUND: Rodney Dutton, 50, was born in Oklahoma, but he moved to Queens in the ’90s. He moved away again as he set about visiting and working in other countries around the world. He travelled to 26 countries before coming back and volunteering at the South Asian Center of Urban Nations Outreach at Jackson Heights three months ago. He likes that Queens is such a diverse borough and he gets to learn about different cultures. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The South Asian Center offers free English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, citizenship test classes and computer classes for adult immigrants, mostly Bengalis, Indians, Pakistanis and Hispanics. Dutton helps out where needed but he is mainly involved with the ESL classes. The students are recent immigrants who are unable to get jobs or even visit a doctor because they cannot communicate in English, he said. They have to depend on their children to translate for them. Learning English boosts their selfesteem, he said. Dutton also helps tutor children on their homework, teaches a Bible study program for those interested, and is one of the organizers of the various events the center hosts, such as a fall festival for children and Thanksgiving and Christmas feasts. These events help the students understand American culture, he said. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: “Teaching people English so they can interact with society is a big thing, but I don’t know it is my greatest accomplishment,” he said. “Teaching someone the language brings down the barriers that prevent them from moving forward. They were doctors and lawyers back home but they are standing outside society here and cannot be a part of it. To understand the culture, they have to master the language. It’s a big adjustment.” BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Getting volunteers is a big challenge. In New York, people are busy, they commute 30-60 minutes to work, work long hours. People want to help but they don’t have the time. Once they start volunteering, they continue, but getting them is a big challenge.” INSPIRATION: “Jesus Christ is my inspiration. He taught truth, he helped people, he stood up against injustice. Through Him, we can know God. He lived a sacrificial life, helped people and wanted them to have a better life. He is my greatest example and my hero.” BY ASHA MAHADEVAN 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 Rodney Dutton Volunteer South Asian Center of Urban Nations Outreach JOHN J. CIAFONE, Esq. Attorney & Counselor at Law Your Partner In The Struggle For Justice ON THE LAW with John J. Ciafone Esq. Q. I want to sell my apartment building in Long Island City. However, since I bought the property in 1979, I am going to receive a one million fi ve hundred thousand dollar capital gain tax on the sale. How can I avoid the capital gain tax? A. Under section 1031 of the IRS rules, you can exchange the sale of your property to another property of equal or greater value. This only applies to business or investment properties not residential property. This is a capital gains taxes deferral vehicle which allows you to postpone the payment of capital gains taxes which would be quite signifi cant in your sale. The 1031 Exchange rule can be very lucrative if you are the sole owner of the property or the sole owner of the property or the sole owner of the stock of the property and you die while holding title. Your estate will benefi t from the stepped up basis thus avoiding the payment other capital gains tax. • Personal Injury/ Accidents • Workers’ Compensation • Wills/Estates • Criminal • Medical Malpractice* • Real Estate • Commer./Corp./ Business • Matrimonial/ Divorce • Bankruptcy • Elder Law • Trial Lawyer Serving the needs of our community 24 Hours/7 Days 25-59 Steinway St., Suite 2F, Astoria, NY 11103 718-278-3900 *FREE CONSULTATION AT HOME, HOSPITAL OR WORK BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER FREE Measuring & Installation w/purchase of $100. with this ad. • Draperies • Vertical Blinds • Honeycomb Shades • Custom Window Shades • Mini Blinds Nobody Beats Our Prices! • Roman Shades • Balloon Shades • Swags & Jabots • Shutters • Upholstery • Radiator Covers • Table Pads UP TO 70% OFF LIST PRICE Free Interior Design Consultation $20 OFF with purchase of $200 or more *Not to be combined w/other offers. Expires 1/2/15 $50 OFF with purchase of $500 or more *Not to be combined w/other offers. Expires 1/2/15 $100 OFF with purchase of $1,000 or more *Not to be combined w/other offers. Expires 1/2/15 GOMER’S Window Treatments SINCE 1962 FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE SERVING QUEENS AND LONG ISLAND 1.800.522.6156 www.gomersdecorators.com
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