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Review Brooks & Crowley
August 2023
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
One Small Gesture Can Go a Long Way REFLECTING ON MY BACK-TO-SCHOOL MEMORIES
It’s hard to believe I have two daughters in college: one sophomore and one senior. Where has the time gone?!
the lunch room, the principal’s office, the gym, and my classrooms were. He also showed me where his and our other brother’s classrooms were, just in case I
It seems like just yesterday, I was dropping them off at elementary school, picking them up from extracurricular activities, and being their chauffeur. But now, they’re all grown up, traveling the world, and living life to the fullest. While it’s tear-jerking to think about my little girls transitioning into young women, I couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.
needed them. He introduced me to everyone we saw, including the janitor who ran the place. It was so kind of my brother to do this for me! He didn’t have to, but he did anyway because he didn’t want me to be nervous about attending school, and I’ve never forgotten that gesture.
So, when younger kids in my neighborhood started attending the
same school. I tried to look out for them just like my brother had done for me. I remember when a boy I knew got into a little skirmish on the school bus with some older kids, I was able to straighten things out since I knew both sides. While I didn’t feel like I did much, this simple kind act would be something his
As we approach another school year and the girls tell me what they’re looking forward to and what they expect on their first day back, I can’t help but reflect on my school days and all the memories. While there are tons of college and high school stories I could share, the back- to-school story I want to share with you today will show how kindness can go a long way — several decades, to be exact.
mother would never forget!
Years later, I went to the nursing home to visit my mother. While I was there, I ran into an older woman whose family member also lived at the facility. She recognized me immediately. The woman then told me that she remembered her son telling her about me, how I looked out for him during grade school. It’s mind-blowing that even after a few decades, the kindness I showed when I was a child made that much of an impact on the lives of others. So, whether you’re returning to school yourself or continuing with your daily routine, consider the ways you can positively affect the lives of others. Be the shining light for others and the change you want to see in the world. You never know the impact your acts can have-even if you don’t think much of it at the time.
When I was a little boy in first grade, I went to a school that housed grades one through eight. Because of this, I attended school with my three older brothers, which was great because I always had family around in case I needed them. I’m sure we all remember how nerve-wracking it could be to attend a new school. The countless number of classrooms, hallways, and other kids everywhere can a lot especially for a young child. It’s like stimulation overload!
So, on my first day of first grade, one of my brothers decided to show me around. He gave me a tour of the entire school and showed me where
“Be the shining light for others and the change you want to see in the world.”
–Neil Crowley
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THIS ENIGMATIC INSCRIPTION REMAINS UNSOLVED DISCOVER THE THEORIES BEHIND SHEPHERD’S MONUMENT
A mysterious 18th-century code has made even the most renowned geniuses lose sleep and continues to puzzle the world. On the grounds of Shugborough Hall in Staffordshire, England, lies the baffling code that refuses to be cracked. The Shepherd’s Monument was commissioned by British Parliament member Thomas Anson and sculpted by Peter Schee around the mid to late 1700s. But what makes this monument so mysterious? On the monument is an engraving of Nicolas Poussin’s painting “The Shepherds of Arcadia” and the inscription “ OUOSVAVV ” framed by the letters “ DM ,” which are placed slightly lower than the main eight letters. While the inscription has a long history of confusing the public (including Charles Dickens and Charles Darwin), the monument’s mystery was reignited after its appearance in the bestselling
novel “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown. Now, countless theories have been made, but no confirmed meaning exists. So, what are the conspiracy theories out there behind this vague inscription?
While these theories have been the predominantly believed meanings for centuries, one recent discovery may make the most sense. Linguistic expert Keith Massey utilized his expansive knowledge of Latin to develop the phrase “ Oro Ut Omnes Sequantur Viam Ad Veram Vitam ,” which translates to “I pray that all may follow the Way to True Life.” This phrase was common on ancient Christian tombs. The primary hint was the mysterious “DM,” which Massey determined was “ Dis Manibus ” or “for the Manes,” another phrase seen on ancient Christian tombs. Massey explained, “My solution provides a straightforward and grammatical sentence, all parts of which are attested in tomb inscriptions and texts predating or contemporary with the creation of the Shugborough inscription.” Do you agree? Is this finally the true meaning behind this riddle, or is there still more to be uncovered?
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Masonic symbols lead to the hidden location of the Holy Grail with the outside letters “DM,” meaning “Devout Mason.” A tribute to Anson’s late wife with the letters standing for “ Optimae Uxoris Optimae Sororis Viduus Amantissimus Vovit Virtutibus ,” meaning, “Best of wives, best of sisters, a most devoted widower dedicates [this] to your virtues.” The monument is a dead end with jumbled letters to taunt those who look too deeply into inscriptions.
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‘But I Wasn’t the One Driving!’ Think Twice Before Lending Your Car to Someone!
Massachusetts law requires motor vehicle owners to carry a minimum liability insurance policy of $20,000.00. liabilty insurance. But let’s say someone borrowed your car and found themselves in a collision. Would their insurance cover the damages, or would your insurance be used? Today, we will be sharing everything you need to know regarding this concern. If someone wrecks your car, whose insurance is liable? In almost all cases, if someone borrows your car and is involved in an accident, your insurance will be used to cover property damage (including if the driver in your vehicle is the at-fault driver). However, if the other driver is at-fault, their insurance covers the costs.
But the person driving my car has their own insurance! Because insurance generally follows the car, your auto insurance on the vehicle will be the primary coverage. But if the costs of damages are more than your policy limit, then the insurance of the individual driving your car may cover what’s left of the expenses. If the person you lent your car to does not have their own auto insurance, you can be held liable for their negligence as the owner of the car. Are there any exceptions to this rule? Your insurance provider may refuse to cover damages when someone else is driving your car under these circumstances:
1. Someone uses your car without permission; 2. The person driving is intentionally excluded from your insurance policy; 3. The driver was driving under the influence or didn’t have a valid license; and 4. If the driver of your car is a “regular user” of your car but is not listed on your insurance policy. So before you give someone the keys to your car, think twice to ensure you’re making the best decision for yourself and your family. Damages, injuries, and settlement claims can be timely and costly — including when you weren’t the one in the accident! If there’s any way we can assist you during this time, don’t hesitate to call us.
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Color Outside Life’s Lines How Creativity Helps You Live Longer
Have a Laugh! So if you’re looking to reignite your creative spark and live longer as a result, here are three ways you can bring more creativity into your everyday life. Think outside the box — and travel there too. Traveling is more than fun; it’s great for inspiring creativity. In fact, a historical study by the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who travel have more creative success, perform better on divergent thinking tests, and are generally more open-minded. The trick with thinking and traveling outside the box doesn’t always need to be about going to far-off lands with another language. Sometimes, it’s just about trying that new deli that opened down the block, going to that When considering the key factors in active aging, most people talk about things like diet, exercise, and social connections. And while these things are all important, some studies show engaging in creative activities can also lead to greater longevity. To many people, “creativity” sounds like something you do with a paintbrush or pencil, but according to University of Connecticut professor James C. Kaufman, this doesn’t have to be the case. You can find creativity in everyday tasks like parenting, yardwork, or even talking with friends — you just have to know where to look!
flower show on the other side of town, or even trying to bake bread for the very first time. The goal is to expose yourself to any new experience and
view it with a childlike wonder. Worry about nothing other than having fun! Use what you know to make something new!
As we age, we collect a lifetime’s worth of valuable knowledge, but just having information isn’t creative. Combine your wisdom with family recipes, knitting, sewing, or woodworking to develop a brand-new creation! Seek new perspectives. If you do the same thing every day and only surround yourself with like- minded people, you’ll never be exposed to new ideas. The trick to inspiring creativity in your life is to see the world in a different way. You can do that by reading literature, talking to people, and listening to media that challenges your ideas.
Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce Inspired by FoodAndWine.com
Celebrate the last month of summer with this light and fresh recipe!
Ingredients
• 1 16-oz jar roasted red bell peppers, drained • 5 garlic cloves • 1 tbsp sherry vinegar • 2 tsp honey
• 1 tsp kosher salt • 1/4 tsp black pepper • 1/2 cup olive oil • 4 6-oz skin-on halibut fillets
1. In a food processor or blender, mix bell peppers, garlic, vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth. Transfer sauce to a bowl; whisk in oil. 2. Into a large plastic zipper bag, pour 1 cup of sauce; add halibut fillets and seal bag; turn to coat fillets. Let marinate in refrigerator for 20 minutes. Reserve remaining sauce for serving. 3. Preheat a grill to medium-high (400–450 F). Remove halibut from marinade; scrape off excess. 4. On oiled grill grates, arrange fillets and grill, covered, until fish flakes easily, 4–5 minutes per side. 5. Transfer fillets to serving plates or a large platter. Drizzle with reserved sauce. Serve alongside preferred veggies and crusty bread. directions
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026 Inside THIS ISSUE
1 This One Act of Kindness Had a Lasting Impact 2 Can You Solve This 18th-Century Cipher? Think Twice Before Lending Your Car to Someone! 3 Want a Longer Life? Get Creative! Grilled Halibut With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce 4 Don’t Miss These End-of-Season Events!
What’s Going On, Boston? 3 Events to Close Out the Summer
Although summer may be coming to an end, the activities aren’t stopping anytime soon! This month is filled with end-of- season events that will surely be a hit with the whole family. So, before the kids return to school, consider embarking on one last journey together and make another memory that will last long after summer ends. Whale Watching Tour Now through Nov. 12 1 Long Wharf, Boston Cost: $45–$65 CityExperiences.com/boston/city-cruises/ whale-watch Every summer, many different types of whales migrate to Massachusetts. When you hop on the boat to begin your adventure, you will have hours to search for and watch the whales as they swim through the ocean. There are three outside decks you can stand on if you want to be close to the action,
but they also feature indoor seating with huge windows you can look out of. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience you don’t want to miss! Night Sky Camping Aug. 12–13 Peddocks Island Cost: $30–$45 BostonHarborIslands.org/Event/Night-Sky- Camping-3/?0=4211 There’s nothing like camping outside under the stars. In honor of August being the peak of camping season, now is the time to grab your gear and join a park ranger for an unforgettable night on Peddocks Island! You will learn how to use a telescope, search for constellations, and enjoy an overnight stay on the second-largest island in the Boston Harbor. All you need to bring is a tent, blankets, pillows, camping pads, charcoal, cooking and eating supplies, outdoor
clothing, and food and drinks. Please note that alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Vintage Baseball Aug. 26 Georges Island (Must take the Boston or Hingham ferry to access the island) Cost: Free BostonHarborIslands.org/Event/Vintage-Base- Ball-3/?o=4121 Have you ever wondered what watching and attending a 19th-century baseball game would be like? Well, now is your time to take a step into history! On Aug. 26, you can witness a baseball game between the Providence Grays and the Mountain Athletic Club inside the walls of historic Fort Warren. Both teams will be wearing 19th-century uniforms and following Civil War-era rules. Best of all, the game is free (not including the purchase of a ferry ticket)!
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