photography by SchlickArt

Valencia Acura's Cheri Fleming Receives 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award
Cheri Fleming, dealer/principal of Valencia Acura, was honored by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal's Women's Council with the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award. With an entrepreneurial spirit, irresistible optimism and vibrant enthusiasm, Cheri was recognized for her professional, personal and philanthropic service to others.
With a genuine desire to better the lives of women and girls, Cheri discovered her passion for Soroptimist International over 20 years ago in the Santa Clarita Valley. Progressing swiftly through the organization's leadership ranks, she ascended to a world stage as president of the Soroptimist International of the Americas in 2013-2014, leading 28 regions with more than 34,000 members across 19 countries. Expanding her influence to a global level, Cheri participated in the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations from 2009 to 2017 and now serves as a member of the Soroptimist International of the Americas Donor Relations Task Force.
Cheri is actively involved in the community, providing leadership through service on numerous nonprofit boards. She serves as board chairwoman for the Child and Family Center and chair-elect for the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital after serving 15 years as a director on its foundation board, including two terms as chairwoman. The American Cancer Society, Sheila R. Veloz Breast Imaging Center, Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, Arthritis Foundation and Habitat for Humanity have also been beneficiaries of her leadership, drive and vision.
But Cheri's remarkable life's journey has not been without challenges. She was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 28, suffered a stroke during a spinal surgery more than a decade ago, and, in recent years, underwent a second surgery when the first one began to fail. Prayers are welcomed as Cheri now faces a serious condition that has required emergency surgery at time of print.
Everyone has challenges. You can't always pick your challenges, but you do have the power to overcome, workaround or, in Cheri's case, work with them. "Challenges never define you," Cheri says. "How you react to them and deal with them often does."
Valencia Acura 255-3000

courtesy of shutterstock

Chadwick Boseman Shows the Importance of Estate Planning
At age 43, "Black Panther" star Chadwick Boseman died without a trust or will after a four-year battle with cancer. Now, his wife has started a very public probate. It will take a year and cost several tens of thousands of dollars to settle his estate valued at less than $1 million.
The actor isn't the only one to procrastinate with their estate plan. Many people mistakenly believe that they will have time to do it later, or that they don't have enough assets for an estate plan, or that what they do have automatically goes to their heirs. Regardless of the excuse, more than 60 percent of people die without any estate planning.
Estate planning is important for ordinary people. First, it avoids the costs and burdens of going to court. Second, it ensures that your intentions are carried out by the people that you trust. Finally, it keeps a private matter private and away from public attention.
Chadwick Boseman inspired many through his acting. Hopefully, he can inspire many more to prepare an estate plan while there is time.
Michael Yeager, Esq. of Yeager Law 471-2177

Q & A with RM Taxes & Business Solutions
Q: When can I start my 2020 taxes?
You can begin filing your 2020 tax return as soon as you receive your W-2 income statement and any 1099 forms you might have. If you are unsure of what other documents are necessary for your tax return, you can visit rmtaxes.com or call us for a more detailed list of documents you will need to prepare your tax return.
Q: In the era of COVID-19, is there a way to file virtually?
We understand that COVID-19 doesn't make it easy for everyone to come in and file their taxes. We offer secure file processing for safe and convenient file transfer with your own secure site that you can access any time and any place as well as remote signing if you are unable to come into the office. We also accept drop offs and over-the-phone interviews for your tax preparation.
Q: What's the timeline for filing?
Like every year, taxes are due by April 15. Partnerships and S-Corporations tax returns must be filed by March 15, 2021. If you are unable to file your tax return on time, you can request an extension that will push your due date back six months, usually October 15. However, there are consequences to an extension if you anticipate owing taxes. The extension only grants you time to file your taxes, not time to pay your taxes. You will still have to pay your taxes by the original deadline and, if you don't pay, you will be liable for penalties and interest.
RM Taxes & Business Solutions 296-1000

Now Hiring: Home Caregivers
As our community recovers from the COVID-19 crisis, we expect an increase in the need for services that support seniors at home. Visiting Angels is now hiring in anticipation of that need. The services our caregivers assist people with include errands, meal prep, light housekeeping and fall prevention, as well as some dressing, bathing and personal hygiene. We offer flexible schedules with shifts as short as four hours. We are currently conducting our interviews, orientations and training remotely via video conference for the protection of our employees. You can apply online at vavalencia.clearcareonline.com or email mgorka@visitingangels.com with questions.
Visiting Angels 263-2273