Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, March 11, 1993 TAG: 9303110045
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Ray Reed
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
HISTORICAL ACCURACY IN SOMMERSBY
Q: In the movie "Sommersby," the trial scenes in Nashville showed a judge played by a black man. The movie seemed to do an excellent job of being authentic, but how authentic would it be to have a black judge in Nashville in the late 1860s? A.P., RoanokeA: It was not a long stretch of the imagination to cast James Earl Jones in that role. The Reconstruction era saw many blacks in official positions, including some judges.
However, Nashville did not have a black judge during that period. The movie makers asked the Nashville public library to help them find such a judge and there was none, so they made one up, said Mary Glen Hearne of the Nashville library.
Nashville did elect a black councilman in 1868 and a state legislator in 1872. The city had a black alderman, justice of the peace and constable.
The movie presented a similarity between its protagonist, Jack Sommersby, and the judge - both had been outcasts. Jones brought honor to the role with his characteristic insistence on dignity.
Paying Social Security
Q: Regarding the recent flap over who does and does not pay Social Security, it's my understanding that an individual who works for a different employer each day is self-employed and responsible for paying his or her own Social Security. Where do they draw the line, and why this sudden change? B.P., Huddleston
A: The sudden part is easy to explain. Bill Clinton caused it when he nominated Zoe Baird for attorney general and the nation found she hadn't paid Social Security taxes for people she employed as domestic help. Suddenly, the national consciousness was raised.
Legally, there was no change. The law's been the same for 25 years, said Jim Harris, assistant director for Social Security in Roanoke.
Where do they draw the line? It's a fuzzy one at best.
In general terms, a person becomes an employer when he or she provides work space, tells the worker when to report, what to do and furnishes tools. If the pay exceeds $50 per quarter, Social Security taxes are due, Harris said.
Advice for lottery winners
Q: Should a person be fortunate enough to win the lottery, what financial expert should they take with them or who should they talk to before they go to collect the money? H., Galax
A: Becoming a big winner in the lottery brings new financial responsibilities.
Tax factors leap out that most of us never knew existed - the advantages of splitting the check with a spouse or children, for example.
Virginia Lottery officials encourage jackpot winners to consult a lawyer and a financial expert - either a certified professional accountant or a certified financial planner.
One other option is the trust department of the local bank, especially for people who might want to set up trust funds for their children.
Lottery officials give winners the numbers of referral services for lawyers, accountants and financial planners. They encourage new winners to talk to several of these professionals and choose the ones they feel comfortable with.
Got a question about something that might affect other people too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118. Maybe we can find the answer.