Hudson River NY 2

WHAT ARE ANNUITIES?

An annuity is an investment vehicle that can provide a guaranteed income for an individual or their spouse. It is a contract with an insurance company or financial institution where you contribute money upfront and at a specific time receive payments back over the course of your lifetime. There are several advantages to investing in an annuity. First, it is tax deferred which means no taxes until you begin taking the income. Second, you can choose a fixed rate annuity where you will always receive the

same amount regardless of market conditions. Third, you will receive payment even if you receive more than your original investment. Fourth, there are annuities with death benefits for heirs.

There are many different types of annuities, all of which have different features, benefits and costs but they fall into three main categories: fixed, fixed index and variable. There are two types of payout options- deferred and immediate.

FIXED ANNUITY

A fixed annuity is based on a set interest rate and can increase in value over time. It guarantees income payments over your lifetime with the possibility of death benefits for heirs. There are two ways to purchase - either through a lump sum payment or a series of payments that increase the value of your annuity and therefore the total payout.

VARIABLE ANNUITY

A variable annuity’s value will depend on market conditions and will rise and fall with the stock market. This means the possibility of a higher interest rate when the market is strong but in a weak market, the annuity could even lose value.

INDEXED ANNUITY

An indexed annuity is based on the performance of a particular market index and the value of the annuity will be based on that particular index. Interest will be based on the index’s interest rate.

WHY BUY AN ANNUITY?

It is a good opportunity to be sure you have the resources to cover your essential monthly expenses such as mortgage or rent, insurance, utilities , travel, etc. The best thing about an annuity is that it does not run out no matter your age or the value of the investment. Start by analyzing your monthly expenses to figure out how much

income you need to cover basic bills. Don’t forget to consider and plan for inflation. When considering an annuity, the most important thing is to be sure to understand what you are investing in. They are complicated investments. Work with a trusted financial adviser to ensure your understanding of the risks and potential returns.

FENG SHUI

IN

COLOR & DESIGN

Feng Shui, which literally means wind and water, is an ancient Chinese practice rooted in the theory of Yin and Yang. It is the ancient Chinese practice of using energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment by organizing furniture, art, plants, and other objects within any given space or room to create peace and harmony.

It has been used for centuries to determine building sites such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, which is built on a north-south axis with the main entrance facing south. It was believed to be the most propitious direction according to the feng shui masters. Additionally, the pyramid addition to the Louvre in Paris, Trump Tower in Manhattan, and the Sydney Opera House in Sydney have all been influenced by feng shui principles.

In interior design, feng shui is a tool to help design a room that makes you feel good and enhances health, prosperity, harmony and balance for a joyful life.

Chinese philosophy is all about opposites - masculine and feminine, dark and light, warm and cold. Additionally, there is a focus on the 5 elements which are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These symbolize qualities such as stability, wisdom, growth and creativity. Decorating with the five elements is meant to bring joy and balance to your life.

According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can feng shui your home with a few simple tips:

Clear your home of clutter and open up the flow of traffic. This will create an atmosphere of calm by creating a welcoming entryway. Adding feng shui plants and positioning furniture in relation to the door will give a feeling of

control and empowerment, creating balance. And don’t forget to use feng shui with your color selections.

The bedroom is the most important room for applying the principles of feng shui since we all spend so much time there. It is important to have the bed face the door but not straight-on. It is preferable to have a wall behind the bed so that you are aware if anyone is entering your space. This is referred to as command position. Use soft and muted pastel colors or earthen tones that you’d find in nature. Plants are not recommended for the bedroom as they are active and produce energy which is not conducive to the calm environment required in the bedroom. However, they are desirable throughout the rest of the home. Some of the best plants include lucky bamboo, orchids, jade, snake or rubber plants.

Although there is no scientific basis for the use of feng shui in design, it is about making your environment a healthy and happy one for your family, so why not give it a try.

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATESTOURNAMENT

Valero Texas Open

APRIL 1 - 7

APRIL 8 - 14

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 15 - 21

APRIL 22 - 28

APRIL 29 - MAY 5

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 6 - 12

MAY 13 - 19

MAY 20 - 26

MAY 27 - JUNE 2

JUNE 3 - 9

JUNE 10 - 16

JUNE 17 - 23

+ Signature Event

* Schedule subject to change

TPC San Antonio (Oaks Course), San Antonio, Texas

Masters Tournament #

Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta, Georgia

RBC Heritage +

Harbour Town Golf Links, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Corales Puntacana Championship

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Puntacana Resort & Club (Corales Golf Course), Punta Cana, Dominican Republic GOLF

Zurich Classic of New Orleans

TPC Louisiana, Avondale, Louisiana

AT&T Byron Nelsons

TPC Craig Ranch, McKinney, Texas

Wells Fargo Championship +

Quail Hollow Club, Charlotte, North Carolina

Myrtle Beach Classic

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Dunes Golf & Beach Club, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina GOLF

PGA Championship #

Valhalla Golf Club, Louisville, Kentucky

Charles Schwab Challenge

Colonial Country Club, Fort Worth, Texas

RBC Canadian Open

Hamilton Golf & Country Club, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

The Memorial Tournament presented by Workday +

Muirfield Village Golf Club, Dublin, Ohio

U.S. Open #

Pinehurst Resort & Country Club (Course No. 2), Village of Pinehurst, North Carolina

Travelers Championship + Highlands, Cromwell, Connecticut

# Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored

^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

CBS, ESPN+

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, USA NETWORK, PEACOCK

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 PGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATESTOURNAMENT

JUNE 24 - 30

JULY 1 - 7

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 8 - 14

JULY 15 - 21

JULY 22 - 28

JUNE 29 - AUG 4

AUG 5 - 11

* Schedule subject to change + Signature Event # Not PGA TOUR Co-sponsored ^ Co-sanctioned with DP World Tour

AUG 12 - 18

AUG 19 - 25

AUG 26 - SEP 1

Rocket Mortgage Classic Detroit Golf Club, Detroit, Michigan

John Deere Classic TPC Deere Run, Silvis, Illinois

Genesis Scottish Open ^ The Renaissance Club, North Berwick, Scotland

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

TBA Event TBA, TBA GOLF

Barracuda Championship Tahoe Mountain Club (Old Greenwood), Truckee, California GOLF

3M Open TPC Twin Cities, Blaine, Minnesota

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

Olympic Men’s Golf Competition # Le Golf National, Paris, France GOLF

Wyndham Championship Sedgefield Country Club, Greensboro, North Carolina

EDEX CUP PLAYOFFS

FedEx St. Jude Championship TPC Southwind, Memphis, Tennessee

BMW Championship Castle Pines Golf Club, Castle Rock, Colorado

TOUR Championship East Lake Golf Club, Atlanta, Georgia

CBS, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

NBC, GOLF, ESPN+, SXM

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

2024 LPGA TOURNAMENT

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

APRIL

APRIL 1 - 7 | AUTO SHOW

There is no better place to research your next new car than the New York Auto Show. For more than a century New Yorker’s have visited the show in the millions to experience everything that the automobile industry has to offer and to get a glimpse into the future. It’s the one place where the information is comprehensive and engaging and where new technology can be explained and explored freely. For more info visit: autoshowny.com

MAY

MAY 11 - 12 | TULIP FESTIVAL

The Albany Tulip Festival is an annual event that takes place in Albany, New York, typically on Mother’s Day weekend in May. The festival celebrates the city’s Dutch heritage and features thousands of tulips in bloom throughout the city’s parks and gardens. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4xmmeyam

MAY 19 | RIVER FEST

Troy River Festival is a thoughtfully curated celebration of art, music, handmade crafts, and culture that appeals to all ages featuring more than 100 vendors and shops to explore. Centered along historic River Street in Downtown Troy, the festival attracts thousands of guests and spills out onto the surrounding streets to truly make the most of our scenic, walkable district. DFor more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/49s42f66

JUNE

JUNE 1 - 9 | FILM FESTIVAL

Brooklyn Film Fest is a 10-day International-competitive festival. Our mission is to provide a forum to advance public interest in film. We support a new generation of filmmakers with a unique vision. Spend this week with us watching amazing new films! For more info visit: brooklynfilmfestival.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

JUNE 15 | STRAWBERRY FEST

The annual Strawberry Festival at Liberty Ridge Farm is a showcase of local agriculture.Featuring everything from strawberry beverages to mouthwatering Grill menu selections… and of course everyone’s favorite: Strawberry Shortcake! We can confidently say it will be a berry good time. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/j82eba23

JULY

JULY 4 | INDEPENDENCE DAY

The annual event features live music and fun for the whole family, including the best fireworks show in the region. Each year, more than 20,000 people gather on the Plaza and in the surrounding neighborhoods to enjoy the day with special musical performances by some of the Capital Region’s most exciting bands, food and beverage vendors, and a spectacular fireworks show! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/bdd96ty4

JULY 10 | ROCKIN’ ON THE RIVER

The annual Rockin’ on the River is back! Don’t miss Rockin’ on the River in Troy, NY, a concert series that will be held at the Riverfront Park. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/4stv5azb

AUGUST

AUG 1 - 6 | FILM FESTIVAL

The Asian American International Film Festival features independent films by both local artists of Asian descent and international filmmakers, whose original works shed light on the Asian community. Grab your popcorn and enjoy new films by amazing artists!

For more info visit: aaiff.org

AUG 18 | PIG OUT

One of the most loved events, the Troy Pig Out is BACK with a full day of fun where culinary competitors duke it out for best BBQ, and people flock to Downtown Troy to taste some of the area’s best food. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/ycxp5kx7

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LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

(. . .continued from 22)

SEPTEMBER

SEPT 13 - 27 | FOOD FESTIVAL

Prepare to be swept away by the grandeur of the inaugural NY Latin Food Festival, an unparalleled celebration of Latin and Hispanic culture that promises to set the city ablaze with excitement. Get ready to indulge in a feast for the senses as we bring together 100 esteemed food and merchandise vendors with diverse offerings from across the Latin diaspora. For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yp5dspaf

SEPT 21 - 22 | WINE & FOOD FEST

Sample ciders, spirits or wines from New York’s and beyond most renowned producers. And, if you like what you taste, purchase by a bottle to go or buy a case to enjoy your favorites all year long. Bring a blanket and lawn chairs and enjoy savory foods while rocking to the rhythmic sounds of live music. There will be arts and crafts, exhibits, and two full days of live entertainment. So, bring the whole family and enjoy a day full of fun and entertainment!

For more info visit: putnamcountywinefest.com

OCTOBER

OCT 13 | CHOWDER FEST

Save the date! ChowderFest returns Sunday, October 8th! Explore the walkable district sampling chowder, soup, and other delicious treats from a diverse group of restaurants and purveyors at the return of ChowderFest. The event is free to attend and will feature $2 four-ounce samples for purchase at all participating locations.

For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/y9aytjrv

OCT 19 - 20 | WOOL FEST

The Dutchess County Sheep and Wool Growers Association’s annual festival features a variety of competitions, along with workshops on weaving, knitting, and basket-making. Check out dozens of vendors selling artisanal goods, kids’ activities, an equipment

(. . .continued on page 26)

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU. (. . .continued from 26)

auction, and more before catching the Black and White Sheep Show. For more info visit: sheepandwool.com

NOVEMBER

NOV TBA | MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

Experience two days of music and fun with dozens of artists performing at this year’s Beacon Bonfire. Multiple venues in Beacon will feature local artists for you to enjoy while snuggling up by one of Main Street’s crackling bonfires burning all over town. You won’t want to miss the discounted beverages, food, services, and retail items. For more info visit: beaconbonfire.com

NOV 8 - 17 | COMEDY FESTIVAL

Created in 2004, the New York Comedy Festival is a seven-day festival featuring more than 200 comedians performing in more than 100 shows at over 20 venues throughout the City. The festival is produced by Carolines on Broad-

way in association with Comedy Central. Enjoy this week full of laughter and joy! For more info visit: nycomedyfestival.com

DECEMBER

DEC 1 - 30 | THE WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS

This holiday lights display is truly out of this world with dozens of spectacular exhibitions that are all set to musical accompaniment. Enjoy driving through the wonderland in the comfort and warmth of your own car, and bring along some hot chocolate to make the experience extra festive! For more info visit: https://tinyurl.com/yf65pydw

JANUARY

JAN TBA | ARTS FESTIVAL

Come out to meet the artists, celebrate the best of local arts, and explore a broad spectrum of mediums including painting, jewelry, textiles, sculpture, photography, and mixed media. For more info visit: rocklandartsfestival.org

LOCAL EVENTS GUIDE HUDSON RIVER

PLEASE NOTE: WE’RE AWARE THAT THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES ARE LIMITING MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS WE ALL PRACTICE SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL DISTANCING. DUE TO THE CURRENT OUTBREAK, MANY EVENTS HAVE EITHER BEEN CANCELLED, RESCHEDULED, OR CHANGED TO VIRTUAL EVENTS. PLEASE VERIFY ALL EVENTS PRIOR TO ATTENDING. THANK YOU.

FEBRUARY

FEB 19 - 23 | FILM FESTIVAL

Winter Film Awards showcases films from emerging filmmakers from around the world in all genres, with a special emphasis on highlighting the work of women and under-represented filmmakers. We have a jam-packed schedule of 91 films of all genres with daily screenings of fantastic films and lots of free parties. So get your popcorn ready and enjoy the shows! For more info visit: winterfilmawards.com

MARCH

MARCH

TBA | ST. PATRICK’S DAY

PARADE

Dress from head to toe in green and head to downtown Albany for the celebration. The parade is full of festive fanfare including Irish pipers, step dancers, decorated floats, and marching bands. The festive parade steps off at 2 p.m. and can be viewed from anywhere along Central Avenue or lower Washington Avenue. For more info visit: albanystpatricksdayparade.com

2025 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

DATE

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

STARTSESSION

MAY 26 - SUN 12:00 PM1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 27 - MON 12:00 PM1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 27 - MON 8:15 PM1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 28 - TUE 12:00 PM1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 28 - TUE 8:15 PM1st Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 29 - WED 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 29 - WED 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 30 - THU 12:00 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 30 - THU 8:15 PM 2nd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 31 - FRI 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

MAY 31 - FRI 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 12:00 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 01 - SAT 8:15 PM 3rd Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 02 - SUN 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 12:00 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 03 - MON 8:15 PM 4th Round Ladies’ & Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 04 - TUE 12:00 PM1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 04 - TUE 8:15 PM1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 12:00 PM1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 05 - WED 8:15 PM1/4 Finals Ladies’ or Gentlemen’s Singles

JUN 06 - THU 12:00 PM1/2 Finals Singles Ladies’

JUN 07 - FRI 12:00 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 07 - FRI 3:30 PM 1/2 Final Gentlemen’s Single

JUN 08 - SAT 3:00 PM Final Women’s Single

JUN 09 - SUN 3:00 PM Final Gentlemen’s Single * Schedule subject to change

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

* Schedule subject to change

DATE PLAY STARTSESSION

JULY 1 - MON 11:00 AMMen's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 2 - TUE 11:00 AMMen's & Ladies' 1nd Round

JULY 3 - WED 11:00 AMMen's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 4 - THUR 11:00 AMMen's & Ladies' 2nd Round

JULY 5 - FRI 11:00 AMMen's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 6 - SAT 11:00 AMMen's & Ladies' 3rd Round

JULY 7 - SUN 11:00 AMMen's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 8 - MON 11:00 AMMen's & Ladies' 4th Round

JULY 9 - TUE 11:00 AM

JULY 1- WED 11:00 AM

JULY 11 - THU 1:00 PM

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Men's Singles Quarterfinals & Ladies’ Singles Quarterfinals

Ladies' Singles Semifinals & Mixed Doubles Final

JULY 12 - FRI 1:00 PM Men's Singles Semifinals

JULY 13 - SAT 2:00 PM

JULY 14 - SUN 2:00 PM

Ladies' Singles Final & Men's Doubles Final

Men's Singles Final & Ladies’ Doubles Final

2024 GRAND SLAM TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE

TRAIN EXPERIENCES Wonderful

If you haven’t traveled by train, you might like to try it. There are so many fantastic train trips available across the world. They offer opportunities not available any other way. There’s never the hassle of driving and missing the beautiful and scenic countryside. They are eco-friendly,

comfortable, relaxing and also offer refreshments. Trains start and end their journeys in cities and will transport you through diverse and incredible landscapes.

Here are a few amazing train trip options:

JACOBITE TRAIN BERNINA EXPRESS

If you are traveling in Scotland, be sure to check out the Jacobite. This journey is often described as the greatest rail journey in the world. It takes you 84 miles in total from Fort Williams in the highlands of Scotland to the most westerly stop in Arisaig. It passes by lakes and rivers including Lake Nevis, the deepest in Europe and through charming villages. There is a stop in Glenfinnan which was made famous as the site of the Harry Potter films. Then it is on to Mallaig which was founded in 1840 and is now a busy fishing port. It is a great spot for a walk or some shopping and dining. Try the fish and chips! Then take the return trip or consider taking the ferry to Skye and the Small Isles.

In Switzerland, be sure to check out the Bernina Express which is a 90 mile journey from Tirano in northern Italy to Chur in southeastern Switzerland. Highlights include unparalleled panoramic views of the steep peaks of the Swiss Alps, charming villages and shimmering lakes. With 55 tunnels through the mountains and numerous bridges and viaducts, the vistas are stunning. Chur is the oldest city in Switzerland and the old town is actually car-free. The train has earned UNESCO World Heritage Designation due to its architectural features and long history.

SKAGWAY RAILROAD RAILROAD MUSEUM

In Alaska, don’t miss the Bennett Lake Scenic Journey. A trip through history that began with the gold rush of 1898 when men sought routes to the Klondike and the White Pass. It began in Skagway and continued to British Columbia and the Yukon Territory. The train climbs from sea level to 3,00ft - a true marvel of engineering. Travel in a vintage train from Skagway to Carcass in the Yukon Territory. See snow capped peaks, forests, sparkling lakes, and amazing waterfalls. Visit Bennett Station and the White Pass Museum. You can do a walk through an old gold rush town. Then ride through remote sections of the lake that are otherwise only available by hiking the Chilkoot Trail.

In Parrish, Florida, visit the Museum and see the historic trains of the old South. Or take the 6-mile ride on an early 1900s train from Parrish to Willow to see a rail collection and exhibition. Also they host special train events including a train robbery experience.