From Our Computers to Yours
Friends:
Thanksgiving at the Bienstock home may look a little different this year, but it will still be a special occasion. We will still be preparing a sumptuous meal and enjoying it on Thanksgiving day–as well as on several days thereafter! We will still relish in the company of our immediate family—and take turns entertaining the little ones.
And we will continue our tradition of sharing with each other the many things for which we are thankful. This will have special meaning this year. As we count our blessings for our good health and the good health of our family and friends, we will give thanks for a wider circle of very special people—those who are working on the front lines during the COVID-19 pandemic, selflessly putting themselves at risk and doing everything they can to preserve the well-being of our communities.
Josh, Sheila, and I wish you and yours a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving.
Steve Bienstock
Senior Partner
COVID-19 and the Courts
The spread of COVID-19 continues to impact the daily operations of our Courts. The worsening pandemic has necessitated changes in their policies, procedures, staffing, services, schedules, etc. Last week in Maryland, the Courts returned to Phase III of reopening. The operating status of the DC Courts has been modified as well. If you are a party to a Court proceeding, are in need of Court services, or are otherwise planning to visit or call the Court, be sure to visit the Court’s website to get up-to-date information. If you are working with us on an active case and are unsure of how the Court’s status affects your specific situation, give us a call.
COVID-19 and Thanksgiving
Host a virtual Thanksgiving meal with friends and family who don’t live with you.
- Schedule a time to share a meal together virtually.
- Have people share recipes and show everyone the turkey, dressing, or other dishes they prepared.
Watch television and play games with people in your household.
- Watch Thanksgiving Day parades, sports, and movies at home.
- Find a fun game to play.
Shopping
- Shop online sales the day after Thanksgiving and into the holidays.
- Use contactless services for purchased items, like curbside pick-up.
- Shop in open air markets staying masked and 6 feet away from others.
Other Activities:
- Safely prepare traditional dishes and deliver them to family and neighbors in a way that does not involve contact with others (for example, leave them on the porch).
- Participate in a gratitude activity, like writing down things you are grateful for and sharing with your friends and family.
Thank you to those of you who emailed us your treasured Thanksgiving family recipes!
BELIEVE IT OR DON’T!
Presidential Trivia
- John Quincy Adams lost both the popular vote and electoral vote and still became President.
- Before George Washington, Secretary of the Treasury Salmon P. Chase’s face appeared on the $1 bill.
- Andrew Johnson was the only U.S. President to serve in the Senate after his presidency.
- President William McKinley had a pet parrot that he named “Washington Post.”
- Jimmy Carter was the first U.S. President born in a hospital
- George Washington insisted his continental army be permitted a quart of beer as part of their daily rations.
- Thomas Jefferson invented the coat hanger.
- The first armored presidential car was a Cadillac that had previously belonged to Al Capone.
- The most common first name among American Presidents is James (there were 6 of them).
Q & A
- The law, which went into effect on November 2, 2020, reduces the estate tax exemption from $5.76 million to $4 million for decedents dying on or after January 1, 2021. If you are a DC resident with an estate exceeding the $4 million estate tax exemption amount, you should review your estate plan to consider whether any adjustments are needed because of this decrease. If you would like help reviewing your Will and other estate planning documents, please reach out to us.