Check out our September newsletter!
t
WHAT IF WE ALL GAVE BACK? Michelle Goble Hopes Her Volunteer Work Inspires Others to Take Action
When I learned Sept. 5 is International Day of Charity, I knew I had to write about my volunteering. My hope is that by reading about some of the ways in which I give back, others will see just how simple it can be. I don’t believe anything I do is grander than what anyone else can do. But I like making a difference in my community, and I know others can do so, too.
Finally, when I feel like it, I also enjoy paying for the order of the people behind me in the Starbucks drive-thru. It’s a simple, quick action that brightens someone’s day. I connect with others by helping them. If I can provide support through the simple act of picking up the tab, providing a gift during a difficult Christmas, or sending a donation that may help a woman find the resources she needs to find a job, then I know I have done my part to create a better community. These actions are the least I can do for others. I’ve also noticed that many of the causes I give back to or support primarily deal with children. I’ve always loved kids, and it makes me happy to help them. I even “help”
It helps to have a husband who is a giver, too. Together, we organize a few ways of giving back. For example, we recently donated toys, kites, cards, books, and games while on a cruise to Greenland and Newfoundland. Some places we visited were small villages, where access to these kinds of toys isn’t readily available. Every kid deserves a little fun, so we were happy to spread some joy. Together, we also organized a Christmas party at my mom’s assisted living place when she still lived there. We collected presents for each resident and organized games. The light on their faces — especially of those who didn’t have anyone else to celebrate with — is cemented in my memory. Christmastime continues to be a busy time for me to give back. I help organize the collection of toys, food, and clothes through my church for our sister church in Haiti during Christmas. I also work with the Children’s Advocacy Center to collect a wish list of items for children whose families are working with the center. I pass these lists out to people at Sheppard Law Firm, and together, we fulfill the needs and wants of these kids.
spoil my own grandchildren! I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention my new grandson, Hunter. My daughter gave birth to Hunter on New Year’s Eve, 2023, and he is a smiley, happy baby. He only cries when he doesn’t want to give up the bottle! He’s our third grandchild; my husband’s daughter has two kids who are — unbelievably — 15 and 11 years old. I love spending time with each of them, and I’m always willing to offer my babysitting services to spend more time with them.
Whether my husband and I team up, I’m working with my church, partnering with the law firm, or spoiling my grandchildren, I love giving to others. I give back because it’s the right thing to do, and I firmly believe if we all just gave a little bit of ourselves to others, the world would be a far better place. It doesn’t have to be big or extravagant. All anyone needs is a little extra help, a smile, or a boost. Imagine what we could do if everyone gave back.
Additionally, as a team, we make a yearly donation to Valerie’s House, a resource group for women fleeing from domestic violence. I’m always proud of how my Sheppard Law Firm team also wants to give back. I never have trouble seeking support for our community.
–Michelle Goble
1 (239) 265-9779
SEPTEMBER 2024
Common Weather Misconceptions!
What You Thought You Knew Might Surprise You
Weather has been mystifying human beings for thousands of years, so it’s no wonder countless misconceptions surround it. Does science back up any of these superstitions, or are they all just
Myth 3 — Lighting never strikes the same place twice. Lightning can strike the exact location repeatedly, even in the same storm. Take, for example, the story of Liu Nan, a Chinese man struck by lightning twice in the same spot in less than five minutes. Miraculously, he survived. Additionally, the Empire State Building gets struck by lightning approximately 25 times yearly!
a bunch of bunk? Let’s bust three common myths! Myth 1 — Groundhogs can predict the weather.
Despite what Punxsutawney Phil wants you to believe, a groundhog’s annual behavior on Feb. 2 does not indicate whether or not there will be six more weeks of winter. Historians traced the origins of this tradition back to the ancient Celtic people, who marked the beginning of their seasons with holidays on the first of certain months. February was a time for lighting candles and predicting how long the winter would last. As people immigrated to new lands, they crossed paths with Germanic people, who introduced the addition of an animal weather prophet, though initially it was a badger and, at one point, a hedgehog! Eventually, the tradition solidified into what we know today. Myth 2 — A tornado is coming if the sky turns green. Sometimes, light can play tricks on us when refracted through certain clouds. In rare cases, dark storm clouds can hit sunbeams at a certain angle, scattering the light so it looks green. However, this is not a great indicator of a tornado on the horizon.
While we’re on the subject — it’s not your car’s rubber tires that protect it from lightning strikes but the metal cage of the vehicle that conducts and directs 300 million volts of electricity safely into the ground. Did you believe any of these common myths about weather? These certainly aren’t the only misconceptions about our weather world — and since some appear to be rooted in fact, it’s good to do your own research using reputable sources, just to be sure.
n i t y W h y C h a r i t y a n d
In a world often characterized by challenges, there’s a powerful force that brings light to the darkest corners: the spirit of giving. Charity and volunteering are more than noble pursuits; they are the very basis of a compassionate society. As we explore the importance of these acts, we discover how they benefit those in need and enrich the lives of those who give. The Ripple Effect of Kindness When we engage in charitable acts or volunteer our time, we set in motion a series of positive changes that extend far beyond the immediate recipient. Like a stone thrown into a pond, our actions create ripples that touch countless lives. Providing a meal to a homeless person might give them the strength to seek employment. A tutoring session with an at-risk youth could spark a lifelong love of learning. These small acts of kindness can transform lives and communities in ways we may never fully comprehend.
Building Stronger Communities Charity and volunteering are the cornerstones of strong, resilient communities. When we unite to support local causes, we forge connections with our neighbors and develop a shared sense of purpose. This social cohesion is invaluable, especially in times of crisis. Communities with a strong volunteer base are better equipped to respond to emergencies, support vulnerable populations, and tackle local challenges head-on. Personal Growth Through Giving While charity and volunteering often focus on those we help, the benefits to the giver are equally profound. Engaging in these activities can boost our mental health, increase our sense of purpose, and even improve our physical well-being. Volunteers often report feeling more connected to their communities, developing new skills, and gaining a broader perspective on life. In essence, by giving of ourselves, we often receive far more than we give.
Whether you’re donating to a cause close to your heart, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply helping a neighbor in need, every act of kindness matters. Today, we challenge you to take that first step. Research local organizations that align with your passions, reach out to community leaders to learn about volunteer opportunities, or organize a fundraiser for a cause you believe in. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Your step toward charity and volunteering could begin a transformative journey.
2 floridaestateplanning.com
The Inheritance Conundrum Balancing Privilege and Ambition
Successful parents often find themselves in a perplexing situation. Having risen from modest beginnings through hard work and determination, they naturally want to provide their children with a more comfortable life. However, this well-intentioned desire can inadvertently rob the younger generation of the very experiences that shaped their parents’ drive and ambition. The challenge lies in balancing the benefits of inherited wealth with the need to instill a strong work ethic and a sense of purpose. The Trust Dilemma Many affluent families turn to trusts as a potential solution, hoping to instill financial responsibility in their heirs. But is this approach truly effective? With life expectancies extending well into the 80s, children may not inherit until they’re in their 50s or 60s. By then, habits and attitudes toward money are deeply ingrained, making it challenging for trusts to alter behavior significantly. This raises questions about the timing and effectiveness of using inheritance to shape financial values. Early Lessons for Lasting Impact The key to fostering ambition and responsibility lies in early education and experience. However, modern life presents unique
challenges to this approach. Ubiquitous technology, demanding extracurricular activities, and dual-income households can all detract from crucial family time and the teaching of important values. Parents must find creative ways to impart financial wisdom and work ethic from an early age despite these modern obstacles. A Collective Responsibility While it’s easy to point fingers at “entitled” youth, the reality is more nuanced. Many young people exhibit ambition and work ethic. For those who don’t, society as a whole is responsible for bridging the gap between privilege and personal drive. As we navigate this complex landscape, it’s crucial to find ways to impart the values of hard work and appreciation for opportunities, ensuring every generation can build upon, rather than simply inherit, the success of their predecessors. By addressing these challenges head-on,
we can help create a generation that values both their inherited advantages and the importance of personal achievement.
P
Made with fresh, juicy peaches and a buttery, golden crust, this peach cobbler is the perfect blend of sweet and tart. INGREDIENTS
TAKE A BREAK!
• • • • • •
6 cups sliced fresh peaches 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg 2 cups all-purpose flour
• • • • • •
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown.
ANSWER ON TOP OF PAGE 4
3
(239) 265-9779
9100 College Pointe Court Fort Myers, FL 33919 (239) 265-9779
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
INSIDE this issue
SUDOKU ANSWER
Easy Ways to Give Back PAGE 1 Weather Myths Debunked! PAGE 2 Community Heroes Wanted: No Cape Required PAGE 2 Nurturing Ambition in Privileged Children PAGE 3 Perfect Peach Cobbler PAGE 3 Old Scots Word Goes Viral on TikTok PAGE 4
The best compliments we receive are your referrals. When you refer us to your loved ones, we do all we can to exceed expectations.
r s i
e t ’ s
After being subjected to the severely idiotic and overwhelmingly disappointing series finale of “Game of Thrones,” I hurkle-durkled. No, I did not just have a stroke. The word “hurkle-durkle” comes to us from the “Dictionaries of the Scots Language,” meaning “to lie in bed or lounge about when one should be up and about.” Despite being around for centuries, “hurkle-durkle” was propelled into the modern lexicon after a video pointing out its existence went viral on TikTok. That video has garnered millions of views, and the term quickly spread to countless other videos. But it’s not just a funny word that has captured the public’s imagination; it is the movement — or lack thereof — it represents. Emulating the Sloth
heard “hurkle-durkle,” they immediately saw the opportunity to co-opt the word and incorporate it into their vocabulary and routines. People have begun hurkle-durkling in the morning or on the
weekend to de-stress and recuperate. But is lounging about in bed good for your health, or should hurkle-durkle have remained in the pages of a distant and dusty dictionary? Test Your Hurkle-Durkle
The only way to find out if hurkle-durkling is for you is to hurkle-durkle yourself. If you set aside time in your schedule to hurkle-durkle and find that languishing in bed is cathartic, then yes, you should hurkle-durkle more often. But you should be wary that spending too much time hurkle-durkling may cause you to feel depressed. Usually, the more inactive we are, the more depressed we feel. If you are lounging in bed more often and feel worse than usual, that’s a sign you should be more physically active. Hurkle-durkle responsibly, everyone.
Everyone is guilty of lazing in bed without any intention of actually sleeping. Beds are comfortable, and the warm embrace of silky sheets helps whisk away the day’s worries. When people on TikTok
4 floridaestateplanning.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator