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THERE IS A HOUSE IN MICHIGAN The Berry Christmas Traditions
When people ask me my favorite Christmas song, I always say, “House of the Rising Sun.” That may sound like an odd choice, because it’s most definitely not a traditional carol. In fact, the lyrics have nothing to do with the holidays at all. And yet, whenever I hear the song, memories from Christmases past come flooding into my mind. That’s because it’s a song my dad would always play on the piano when we gathered to sing Christmas carols. Don’t get me wrong, we tackled classics like “Silent Night” too, but it was always “House of the Rising Sun” that got the most inspired rendition. Why my dad thought to include it in the program is still something of a mystery. But I do know that I’m glad he did.
My parents started another holiday tradition that I’ve been happy to pass down to my kids. When I was growing up, I always asked for sports equipment, the latest Nintendo games, and toys. While these gifts often appeared under the tree, it’s a less glamorous gift that sticks out in my mind. Every year, my parents bought me underwear and socks! It didn’t start out as a tradition, but it grew into one. Each Christmas morning, the running joke was which package would contain the underwear. They still buy them for me to this day. Ryan and Madison know to expect it at this point, but the look on their face when they are opening up a present only to find socks remains priceless. We’ve taken to disguising the underwear and socks in big packages to throw them off the trail. It might be in a huge box, but beneath all the tissue paper and packing peanuts is a humble pair of socks. These gifts may seem like gags, but they’ve taught me an important lesson about giving. We sometimes overlook just how valuable an essential gift is when compared to a glamorous one. Socks may not elicit the excitement of Super Mario, but I’ve never received a pair I didn’t use. Making sure you have the basics is sometimes the most thoughtful gift of all. The same goes for estate planning. Wills, trusts, and power of attorney are the building blocks of any good estate plan. Without those solid foundations, it’s impossible to build a system that will ensure your desires are fulfilled. A thorough estate plan may be closer in allure to underwear than video games, but just like underwear, the world is a lot less comfortable without it.
“Every year, my parents bought me underwear and socks! It didn’t start out as a tradition, but it grew into one. Each Christmas morning, the running joke was which package would contain the underwear.”
In closing, I want to wish everyone a very happy holidays and merry Christmas. I hope you have the chance to participate in some of your favorite traditions with your loved ones. Thank you all for making 2017 a wonderful year for our firm. I’ll see you in 2018. – Christopher J. Berry
Now that my son, Ryan, is playing the piano, he and Dad will sit together and play during the holidays. Ryan even knows “House of the Rising Sun” note for note. I guess you could say it’s in his blood. Watching them play together has quickly become one of my most cherished holiday memories.
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THE BENEFITS OF RIDE-SHARING FOR OLDER ADULTS
According to the Community Transportation Association, 26 million older adults rely on others for transportation. Between the lack of autonomy and the fear of being a burden, this dependency often leads to a decreased quality of life. Most seniors don’t want to call a loved one every time they need a ride, and public transportation is often a hassle at best. Recently, ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft have offered older adults an alternative way to get where they want to go. If you’ve never tried ride-sharing before, here’s how it works. Using an app on your phone, you set a pick-up and drop-off location. In just a matter of minutes, a driver is at your door, ready to travel to your destination. Payment is automatically linked to your phone, so you don’t need to worry about having cash on hand. If you need help setting up the app, reach out to a tech-savvy friend or family member. Odds are they’ve used these services themselves.
SilverRide and Lift Hero, are expanding into new regions all the time.
Ride-sharing offers a number of benefits to older adults who don’t want to rely on a friend or loved one for transportation. Have a medical appointment? Getting there has never been easier. Looking to take a walk somewhere that requires a short drive? You can ride-share there and back. Going out for a bite to eat? With the touch of a button, you’ll soon be on your way. Ride-sharing offers increased independence, security, and efficiency, which far outweighs most other transportation alternatives. You might think of mobile technology as an industry aimed largely at younger generations who live their lives on their phones. Ride-sharing services, however, can offer just as much benefit to you as to those rowdy 20-somethings. If you need a quick, affordable ride, give these apps a shot.
If you need help getting in and out of the vehicle, Uber even offers a special service called uberASSIST. Drivers in this program have special training and offer
HOW WE GIVE BACK DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Adopt a Family Through LACASA Center
The holidays are a time of giving, and here at The Elder Care Firm, we are always eager to help our community. This year, for the second consecutive holiday season, we’re honored to participate in the Adopt a Family program run by LACASA Center in Howell. Since 1979, LACASA Center has helped provide shelter and relief to victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. A registered nonprofit, they help hundreds of families each year cope with trauma, heartache, and other difficulties. LACASA is an incredible force for good in our community, so we are grateful to help them achieve their mission of support and advocacy. During the holidays, LACASA Center encourages community members and organizations to participate in their Adopt a Family program. Through this program, donors are able to provide a family in need with a holiday meal and presents for children. The holidays are a stressful
time for all of us, let alone those going through familial strife. The Elder Care Team is grateful for the opportunity to lend a hand to a local family and work alongside this wonderful organization. To us, giving back is the greatest gift of all. This year, we were able to set a new donation record for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, in addition to sponsoring LACASA’s Adopt a Family program. The camaraderie and like- mindedness of our residents are part of what makes this community so special, and it means a lot to contribute in whatever way we can. As you sit down with your families to enjoy the holidays, take a moment to think about those people in our area who aren’t so fortunate. And if you can, spread a little holiday cheer by contributing to a good cause close to your heart. Even a small contribution can make a big difference.
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The Dangers of a Digital Will
Why You Shouldn’t Solely Rely on the Internet
Some families have trouble tracking down estate documents after a loved one passes. Without an original copy of a will, courts may move the estate through Michigan’s intestate law process. When this happens, the original desires of the person may be altered. A will, then, is only as secure as your loved ones’ access to it. One recent “solution” to this problem has been the emergence of companies offering to create digital wills that are easily accessed by family members. Digital wills appeal to people who are fearful of having their paper copy lost or destroyed. However, there are a few reasons why you should be concerned about storing these sensitive documents on the cloud. As with all digital information, wills stored in cyberspace are vulnerable to security breaches. Estate planning documents can be packed with personal information that hackers can use to open new accounts, even if a person is recently deceased. Circumventing an estate planning attorney can lead to important steps being skipped, resulting in your estate ending up in probate. Additionally, many of these companies are new. What happens if they shut down with little to no warning? How will you access the original copies of these documents?
If you’re worried about the fragility of paper documents, there are other options that don’t present digital safety risks. Originals should be stored in safe deposit boxes or in a fireproof safe. We will keep copies of all documents in our office and provide copies to those who need them. In the event that an original is lost, we’ll help you get copies validated by the court to avoid probate. The only way to ensure your estate plan is rock-solid is to consult with an experienced estate planning team. No single document can create a comprehensive plan. With thorough preparation, however, you can have the peace of mind that comes with knowing your wishes will be carried out.
Chris’ Paleo Corner:
STAR COOKIES Recipe courtesy of elanaspantry.com/star-cookies.
Thank You! For us to be able to help family and friends just like you, we depend on referrals.
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour, salt, baking soda, and cinnamon. 2. In a smaller bowl, mix together coconut oil, agave, and vanilla. 3. Mix wet ingredients into dry. 4. Roll out dough between 2 pieces of parchment paper until ¼ inch thick. 5. Refrigerate for 1 hour. 6. Remove top piece of parchment paper and dust dough with almond flour. 7. Cut out cookies with a small star cutter. 8. Using a metal spatula, place stars on a parchment lined baking sheet. 9. Bake at 350 F until lightly browned around the edges, 5-8 minutes. 10. Cool completely prior to handling.
INGREDIENTS
Thank you to the following people for your support!
• 2 ½ cups blanched almond flour (not almond meal) • ½ teaspoon Celtic sea salt • ¼ teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon • ¼ cup coconut oil, melted • 5 tablespoons agave nectar or honey • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Terry Boden Nancy Clark Patricia LaTour Debbie Lempicki John Mathews Brian Measel Nancy Montgomery
Linda Omstead Richard Paul Nancy Rademacher
Mark Schneider Michael Wilbur Mike Witzke
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8550 Grand River Ave., Ste. 200 Brighton, MI 48116 888-390-4360 www.MichiganEstatePlanning.com
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INSIDE This Issue
House of the Rising Santa PAGE 1
The Benefits of Ride-Sharing for Older Adults PAGE 2
The Elder Care Team and LACASA PAGE 2
Is a Digital Will Really Better? PAGE 3
Star Cookies PAGE 3
Unique Hot Chocolate Recipes You Need to Try PAGE 4
UNUSUAL HOT CHOCOLATE RECIPES
to Enjoy This Holiday Season
’Tis the season for hot beverages! Sure, Americans
but you’ll also have access to a couple ingredients the Aztecs didn’t have: sugar and milk. Learn how to make the perfect winter drink at theendlessmeal.com/ spicy-aztec-hot-chocolate. RASPBERRY HOT CHOCOLATE Tired of the dreary, gray winter weather? Is sounds like you could use a dash of sweet pink! Real raspberry puree gives this drink a much-needed burst of fruity delight, especially when you swap out the usual milk chocolate with creamy white chocolate. Toss a few raspberries on top, and you’re sure to be enchanted FROZEN HOT CHOCOLATE If your winter wonderland view is less than snowy, you might be craving a cooler hot chocolate beverage. It’s your standard hot chocolate recipe, but it replaces the pot and stove with some ice and a blender! Yes, you can still top it with whipped cream and sprinkles. Find the full recipe at centercutcook.com/ frozen-hot-chocolate/. Whether you’re a casual cocoa drinker or a true chocolate connoisseur, there’s an incredible recipe waiting for you. The best part? You can keep trying different hot chocolates until you find your new favorite. by the colors and the flavor. Check out the recipe at sugarhero.com/raspberry-white-hot-chocolate/.
love coffee all year long, but as the holidays roll around, hot chocolate sales boom. There’s something satisfying about sweet, rich chocolate topped with whipped cream and
marshmallows. It’s a classic combination, but who says the classics can’t be updated? Broaden your hot chocolate horizons this holiday season with some truly unique recipes!
AZTEC HOT CHOCOLATE This spicy drink pays homage to those original
chocoholics, the Aztecs. Cacao beans are native to Mesoamerica, and the ancient Aztec loved to grind the beans and serve them in a bitter, frothy liquid. In this recipe, dark chocolate, chili pepper, and cinnamon blend into a rich treat,
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