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What My Daughter’s Family Tree Taught Me About Courage, Gratitude, and the Values That Still Hold Us Together 860.613.6290 ROBERTCWHITE.COM A ‘Wild Story’ From History Class
NOVEMBER 2025
Earlier this month, I was helping my daughter, Evelyn, with her American history project. She’s a sophomore in high school and was tasked with tracing her family lineage and sharing when her ancestors came to the United States. I pointed her to a few family “historians” and old sources, knowing we had relatives who came through Ellis Island from England, Ireland, and Germany. We even found some who arrived in the 1700s and even the 1600s. Evelyn did the work … she built a family tree, wrote her notes, and was ready to present. That afternoon, I got a text from her after class: “I have a wild story for u.” It turns out, her teacher was quite impressed with how far back her immigrating family tree went. As Evelyn worked through the timeline, he kept saying things like, “Wow, the 1700s. Impressive!” But when she mentioned one name, John Alden, everything intensified.
Mayflower Compact. He was also deeply involved in colonial government for decades and was one of the longest living Pilgrims. He became even more famous when Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (who I now know is also a relative) penned the poem “The Courtship of Miles Standish,” a story of a love triangle of three Mayflower passengers, including Alden and his wife, Priscilla. She had no idea because, to be honest, I had no idea. I would have warned her if I knew he was a big deal. But the truth is that sometimes others know more about our history than we do, and sometimes, a little homework helps us rediscover where we come from. That story made me think about this time of year, Thanksgiving, and the value of remembering our roots. For most of us, that means pausing long enough to appreciate the people and experiences that shaped who we are. For our company, it also means reflecting on why we do what we do. Just like those early settlers, our success depends on strong relationships, shared trust, and a willingness to build something lasting together. At our company, we often talk about being incredibly credible and trusted advisors . That trust is built the same way it’s always been, by showing up, keeping promises, and working together through the unexpected. John Alden and his peers didn’t have it easy. They faced storms, shortages, and the unknown, but they built a community that
I guess this kind of makes me a Pilgrim. My many, many great-
grandparents, John and Priscilla Alden (Painting “Puritans Going to Church” by George H. Boughton).
endured because they relied on one another. That spirit of working together, winning together, still feels relevant today. In our business, we get to help homeowners and property investors create stability and comfort in their own corner of the world. We solve problems, anticipate needs, and sometimes discover new opportunities that surprise even us. It’s the modern version of building something solid from the ground up, and that’s something to be grateful for. This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the reminder that our roots matter. They remind us that trust, perseverance, and collaboration aren’t just nice words. They’re values that stand the test of time.
“Wait … Stop! … The John Alden?” he asked.
The other students in the class were now on the edge of their seats, and voices and energy in the class rose as they all asked the teacher, “Who is John Alden?” Apparently, yes. Evelyn had just announced, quite casually, that she was related to the man who came across on the Mayflower, was the first to step onto Plymouth Rock, and was the youngest signer of the
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There’s nothing like climbing into a comfortable bed after a long day, but if your bed feels flat or not quite right, it can make falling and staying asleep difficult. The good news is that a few small changes can make a big difference, and you don’t need to spend a fortune or redo your bedroom. You can get that soft, hotel-bed feel by focusing on comfort, one layer at a time. Your mattress is the best place to start. If it’s too firm or starting to sag, a mattress topper can help. Look for something with a bit of cushioning. Memory foam or down alternative toppers are easy to find and can instantly improve how your bed feels. Once that’s in place, focus on your sheets. Breathable cotton or linen sheets that feel good against your skin can completely change how you sleep. And after a few washes, they soften even more. From there, build up the layers. A light quilt or comforter works well for everyday use, but adding a heavier blanket gives the bed a more grounded, cozy feel. Fold it across the foot of the bed or keep it within reach if you get cold at night. Of course, pillows are another key piece. Use two for sleeping and add one or two for lounging. Choose fills that match how you sleep, whether you prefer firm support or something softer. Texture also matters more than people think. A knit throw or velvet pillow can warm up the look and feel of the whole space, as can soft lighting and a bedside table. When your bed looks and feels comfortable, you’re more likely to use it to rest, not just crash. And once you have it right, it’s hard to settle for anything less. LAYERING FOR COMFORT EASY TIPS TO BUILD A BETTER BED
A House That Works for Everyone
Making Room for Multigenerational Living
Multigenerational living is becoming increasingly common, whether it’s aging parents moving in, adult kids returning home, or both. While this type of arrangement can be rewarding for many reasons, it takes careful planning and thoughtful remodeling to make it work well for everyone involved. Balance is the first thing to consider when taking on this type of project. Everyone needs their space, and working with what you already have is the easiest and least expensive way to provide that. That might mean converting a basement into a private apartment, adding a kitchenette to a bedroom suite, or turning an office into a bedroom. You’ll also want to consider accessibility. If you have aging parents moving in, walk through the property and assess how easily and safely they can move through the space. Wider doorways, zero- step entries, and slip-resistant flooring are things to consider. A walk-in shower, grab bars, and adjustable showerheads in the bathroom can make a world of difference for safety. Don’t forget lighting. Maximizing natural light is ideal, but smart placement of lamps and fixtures also matters. Good lighting reduces the risk of trips and falls and helps make your home feel brighter and more inviting. Finally, storage tends to get very tight in a busy household. Use built-in shelving, under-bed drawers, and tall cabinets to maximize every inch of space. Multipurpose furniture pieces and closet organizers also keep things tidy without getting in the way. You don’t have to start from scratch if you’re remodeling for multigenerational living. Just focus on smart changes that will make the house more functional and supportive of your family setup. With some adjustments to the layout and a little planning, you can create a space that offers both independence and togetherness, which helps everyone feel at home.
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A Simple DIY Upgrade That Delivers GIVE OLD CABINETS NEW LIFE
When thinking about home improvement tasks, we don’t always realize how something as simple as cabinet hardware affects the feel of our space. Old knobs and pulls tend to blend into the background, but when you swap them out, the difference is often bigger than expected. This small change can make areas like kitchens and bathrooms feel cleaner and more current. Best of all, you can tackle this project in an afternoon. Start by looking at what’s already there. If you’re swapping out knobs for similar knobs or replacing pulls with ones the same size, you might not need to do much more than unscrew the old ones and pop in the new hardware. But you need to double-check the spacing. Pulls typically measure 3–4 inches between the mounting screw holes, but there are plenty of exceptions. It only takes a minute to measure before you start. If the new hardware you’re after is a different size or shape, you’ll need to drill new holes. That also means patching the old ones with wood filler. It requires a few
extra steps, but it’s not complicated. Simply remove the old knobs or pulls, fill in the existing holes with filler, and wait for it to dry. Then sand and paint it, and you’re ready to drill the new holes. You’ll need the basic tools: a screwdriver or a drill, a pencil, and something to measure with. A hardware template can help keep everything even, though careful measuring works fine, too. If you have to drill new holes and are worried about splintering, especially on soft wood, using painter’s tape over the drill spot is a good precaution. Try one drawer or cabinet first. Mark your placement, drill slowly and cleanly with the right-size bit, and test the fit. Once you’ve done a couple and know the process, the rest tends to go quickly. After the update, you might notice other changes that can make a big difference around your house. Simple upgrades have a way of making the whole space feel more finished, and that’s sometimes all the motivation you need to keep going.
SLOW COOKER BRISKET
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And who knows? Maybe someday, generations from now, our descendants will look back and discover that we were the ones who built something worth remembering. From all of us here, thank you for trusting us, working with us, and allowing us to be part of your story. Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and meaningful Thanksgiving.
Ingredients
• 1 (1-oz) envelope onion soup mix • 1 tbsp brown sugar • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper • 1 3-lb piece of beef brisket (flat cut)
• 2 bay leaves • 1 lb carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1 lb baby golden potatoes • 3 celery stalks, cut into 1-inch pieces • 1 large sweet onion, cut into 8 wedges • 2 1/2 cups beef stock • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce • 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 8 fresh thyme sprigs • 8 whole garlic cloves
Directions
1. In a small bowl, combine soup mix, sugar, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle over brisket. 2. Place meat, fat cap side down, into an 8-qt slow cooker. 3. Top brisket with thyme, garlic, bay leaves, carrots, potatoes, celery, and onion. 4. Whisk stock, Worcestershire sauce, and cornstarch until fully dissolved. Add to slow cooker. 5. Cover and cook on high for 5–6 hours until tender. 6. Remove to a cutting board, fat side up. Remove thyme and bay leaves. 7. Thinly slice brisket against the grain. 8. Serve with vegetables, drizzled with gravy from the slow cooker.
P.S. Evelyn thought she was “saved by the bell,” as her presentation was cut short by the end of class. However, intrigued and inspired, the teacher had her redo her presentation in its entirety at the start of the next class. At that point, she was more prepared, as she was able to do a little more homework and know a bit more about “The” John Alden.
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com
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INSIDE
1
A ‘Wild Story’ From History Class
2
Remodeling Tips for Shared Living
Make Your Bed Feel Luxurious
3
An Easy Cabinet Hardware Refresh
Slow Cooker Brisket
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Make Fixtures the Focal Point
FIXTURES THAT DEFINE A ROOM Form, Function, and Flair
Lighting doesn’t just help you see in the dark. It also affects how a room feels. Often, the right fixture can make everything else around it click.
A geometric pendant could be a great option if your space needs a focal point. The clean lines work exceptionally well in open foyers and dining areas. For something warmer and more rustic, try an Edison bulb. They add a unique charm to any space, especially with exposed fixtures.
Sometimes, even furnished rooms feel unfinished. A sculptural floor lamp can fill in the gap while making a statement. Look for one that feels more like an accent piece than a utility. Want to add sparkle and elegance? A small crystal fixture will catch the light and your eye. You don’t have to follow any single rule. What matters is that the fixture fits the space and makes it feel more like yours.
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