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I went as far as I could, I tried to find a new face,
There isn’t one of these lines that I would erase, I lived a million miles of memories on that road, With every step I take, I know that I’m not alone, You take the home from the boy, But not the boy from his home. -Bon Jovi, Who Says You Can’t Go Home
I’m on my way, Driving at 90 down those country lanes, Singing to Tiny Dancer,
Another summer is here, bringing the smell of freshly cut grass and smoke drifting from smoldering bonfires at dusk. The feeling of a cool breeze on a scorching hot day. Sun, sand, and water. But for some reason, the innermost thoughts that drift into my brain when summer begins involve home, friends, and growing up. In “That’s What I Call Home,” Blake Shelton sings about the home his “daddy” built with his own two hands: Just a place made of nails and wood, But it’s the love that makes you feel so good. Shelton continues, “Once I get myself through that old screen door, the world can’t touch me anymore.” He hits the nail on the head. Whatever “home” is for you, the memories take you back to your core, your roots. Home is a safe place and holds a special spot in your soul. Growing up at home, we had no sense of time and lived in the moment. What’s number one on my list of songs about going home? Ed Sheeran’s “Castle on the Hill.” It’s poetic — the perfect nostalgic tribute to Sheeran’s upbringing in a small town. The song evokes many memories of youth, the importance of friendship, and how going home carries you back. Tasted the sweet perfume of the mountain grass I rolled down, I was younger then, take me back to when I, Found my heart and broke it here, Made friends and lost them through the years. In the song, Sheeran is driving home after a long time away,
And I miss the way you make me feel, and it’s real, When we watched the sunset over the castle on the hill. He reflects on friends; some now worlds apart, but all close and part of home,
One friend left to sell clothes, One works down by the coast, One had two kids, but lives alone, One’s brother overdosed,
One’s already on his second wife, One’s just barely getting by, but, These people raised me, And I can’t wait to go home. But Sheeran’s most thought-provoking line is one that reminds us of the blissful unawareness of youth, And I’m on my way, I still remember these old country lanes, When we did not know the answers. Summer brings us back to when we did not know the answers growing up. That fulfilling lack of knowledge gave rise to innocence, wonder, and endless possibilities. Memories of home from long ago reawaken those experiences. They connect us with our past and maybe even make sense of our present. So as summer begins, take a trip home, even though it may only be in your mind. While you’re doing that, watch the flowers bloom, and you’ll discover that, like us, only flowers with true roots will bloom.
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Monkey Around This Summer
CHECK OUT SOME OF AMERICA’S BEST ZOOS
The Bronx Zoo You don’t usually think about seeing exotic animals when you visit New York City, but the Bronx Zoo is one of the best places to view animals in America. Opened in 1899, the Bronx Zoo is responsible for many of the advancements relating to animal captivity. This was one of the first zoos to ditch cages for natural environments and create an animal hospital. With over 6,000 species, there’s an animal for everyone at the Bronx Zoo. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens While the San Diego Zoo is often boasted as California’s largest and best zoo, another zoo is worth checking out. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens outside Palm Springs has entertained visitors for decades. There are events at this zoo every day, one of the most popular being the keeper connections and animal encounters, where you get up close and personal with the animals while learning more about their habitats and lifestyles.
Summer is one of the best times of the year to travel. Kids are out of school and want to do something fun every weekend, which can be difficult to accommodate if you’ve already exhausted your local options. If you’re looking to travel, you can visit a beach, take in the sights and sounds of an amusement park, or spend some time with animals while visiting a zoo. Nearly every state in our country has a handful of zoos or aquariums, but some stand above the rest.
Here are three of the best zoos you can visit in the U.S.
Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, is consistently ranked as one of the top five zoos in the world. It prides itself on hosting rare, endangered animals you can’t see elsewhere. It has the world’s largest nocturnal exhibit, and one of the major highlights is the Desert Dome, an 84,000-square-foot indoor desert that maintains an authentic desert ecosystem. This is a must-visit for any animal lover in your family.
If you’ve ever had a stranger hold the door open for you or pay for your cup of coffee at a local coffee shop, then you know just how powerful random acts of kindness can be. On June 15, we celebrate the Worldwide Day of Giving, a day dedicated to the impact of paying it forward, being friendly, and donating our time, money, and experiences can make. Giving Makes the World Go ‘Round
the coffee of the person in line
behind her at the drive-thru around 7 a.m. Inspired by
the random acts of kindness, that
person paid for the person behind them. This chain reaction of giving went on for hours — until about 6 p.m. when 379 coffees were paid for by
the person in front of them in line — kindness goes a long way!
Nowadays, careers, family obligations, and lifestyles keep us running from one thing to the next, but there’s always time to incorporate kindness and charity into our lives. After all, you never know when a small act of kindness will turn someone’s day around or start a chain reaction of positivity and good for others. Back in 2014, at a Starbucks in St. Petersburg, Florida, a woman paid for her coffee and
There is no such thing as an act that is too small — every little thing makes a big difference, and going the extra mile and putting others before yourself works wonders for you too. When you do good for someone else, studies show that feelings of stress are replaced with motivation and other positive emotions.
Doing good for others doesn’t have to cost a thing; the best part is you reap the benefits too! Happy giving!
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Don’t Miss Out!
Solution on Pg. 4
Summer has arrived! That means it’s finally warm enough to have fun in the sun with your friends and family while enjoying getting outdoors. Here are some local events, both indoors and out, that you won’t want to miss this summer! Michigan Challenge Balloonfest From June 23-25, the Michigan hot ballooning State Championship is happening at Howell High School. For high-flying fun, family activities, entertainment, food, drinks, and competitions, be sure to check it out. On that Saturday night, there will even be a balloon glow attraction! Howell Melon Festival From August 18-20, check out the 63rd Annual Howell Melon Festival in downtown Howell. There will be events like the Melon Run, The One in a Melon Mile, The Mascot Dash, The Howell Melon 5K, The Melon Classic Golf Scramble, and The Melon Ball. There will be plenty of art, food, and drink vendors, including food trucks, so come hungry and ready to have fun! Clinton Township Bingo Join fun bingo games every Friday at the Senior Adult Life Center in Clinton Township. This weekly event is open to the public for all 55 years and older! Admission is $2, with additional games for 25¢. This is a great way to mingle with friends and meet new people! Weekly Sunday Farmers’ Market in Howell If you haven’t yet, it’s time you check out the Howell Sunday Farmers’ Market! Explore locally grown produce, plants, flowers, goods, arts, and crafts! This market is held every Sunday beginning with the first in May until the last in October, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m., on State and Clinton streets, adjacent to the historic Livingston County Courthouse. It’s always fun to browse — you don’t need to be in the market for anything! Local Events for You to Enjoy!
Helpful Resources • Is your estate plan up to date? Ask us about our FREE Estate Planning Checkup. Call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com.
• Don’t miss Glenn on “Senior Law
Radio,” WHMI FM 93.5 every Sunday at 8 a.m. You can also listen live (or to previous shows) on WHMI.com.
• Questions about your money? Do you need help with your financial goals, investment management, or retirement planning? Glenn has partnered with his personal financial advisor, Brad Jerome, to bring expert financial services to our clients. Brad meets with you right in our office — no cost, no obligation, and no pressure. Just an opportunity to discuss your goals with a top-notch financial advisor to see where your path might lead. You can reach Brad directly at 517.301.3070. • Let us be your trusted advisor for all your legal matters. We have grown with the referrals we receive from our clients. We want to return the favor by helping you find a great attorney outside the field of estate planning, elder law, and probate. Our clients often call us in need of an attorney who focuses on personal injury, auto accidents, elder and nursing home abuse, workers’ compensation, Social Security disability, and many other areas. To get the best results, you need an experienced attorney to help. If you want a referral, call our office or email Julie@mtolaw.com. We are glad to help!
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What’s Inside? 1
A Season for Home and Memories
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Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!
Worldwide Day of Giving
Local Summer Events Helpful Resources
A Furry Hero in Mexico
How the World Fell for Frida
Dressed in protective goggles, blue booties, and a matching vest, this incredible rescue dog became a symbol of hope in Mexico. Frida, a cheerful yellow Labrador retriever, was a devoted member of the Mexican Navy known for her search and rescue skills. Trained to find people trapped under rubble after earthquakes, Frida always worked hard to save lives. Frida became a national hero when a devastating earthquake hit Mexico City in 2017. The 7.1 magnitude earthquake took more than 300 lives and injured many more. While sifting through dangerous debris and aftershocks, Frida saved 12 people after finding them alive while uncovering more than 40 bodies during her lifesaving career.
The hero dog then traveled the world, helping countries suffering from the aftermath of disastrous earthquakes. Frida saved lives in Haiti and Ecuador before retiring from her position in 2019 at 10 years old to live the rest of her days in comfort and love. Sadly, the Mexican Navy announced Frida’s passing in November 2022 due to old age. She was 13 years old. In her honor, a magnificent bronze statue of Frida, clad in goggles and boots, stands in front of the Mexican Navy office in Mexico City. On the day of her death, the Mexican Navy changed their Twitter banner to an illustration of Frida and spread the hashtag “#HastaSiempreFrida.” Frida will always be remembered for her lifesaving work and the hope she embodied for the entire world.
While the nation was devastated by the disaster, this smiley rescue pup brought worldwide attention to the tragedy. Frida’s dedication (and impeccable style) quickly made her an internet celebrity, and soon, murals of the lifesaving canine graced the walls of Mexico City. Even Captain America, aka Chris Evans, gave Frida a shoutout on Twitter, adding, “What did we do to deserve dogs?”
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