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Review Brooks & Crowley
January 2025
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
SNOW DAY REWIND Recalling the Fun and Hustle of Boyhood Winters The snowiest months of the year are upon us, but waking up to a blanket of fresh snow is less common these days. Snow days have been dwindling due to climate change and other factors. We have had a few big snowfalls, but nothing like the feet of snow we’d get years ago. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, snowfall in our area peaked a decade ago and has been sputtering at much lower levels since then, falling to less than 10 inches last year from a high of almost 112 inches in 2015. We used to be able to count on snow days and real storms that turned the landscape into a wintry wonderland. But now, even the ski areas
Check out Neil’s book, “8 Costly Errors That Insurance Companies Want You To Make,” at BrooksAndCrowley.com/ reports/8-costly-errors-that- insurance-companies-want- you-to-make.cfm
is going away. These days, I have a snowblower, and I just take care of snowy sidewalks and driveways myself. Also, snow days affect us differently. On snow days in the past, you couldn’t get anything done because you couldn’t go anywhere. Now, we can stay home, watch the snowfall, and still be somewhat
are experiencing difficulties. Only about half the trails were open early in the season, forcing ski areas to ramp up production of artificial snow.
productive from our home offices or living rooms. Because of the nature of my work, I can’t easily
disconnect completely. My work doesn’t stop just because of a snow day. I have a lot of real estate agents and loan officers touching base and clients calling about a closing. I would like to have downtime, too — like an adult snow day. A perfect snow day for me is firing up the fireplace, cuddling up on the couch, and chilling out for a while. It would be a good time to cook something that takes a few hours and make a nice dinner. Maybe I could get my kids involved. I enjoy making Italian food, lasagnas, and things like that, which take some time. My kids talk a good game about learning to cook, but getting them to participate isn’t always easy. Maybe an adult snow day would be the right time.
I sometimes get nostalgic about the snow days of the past when my two brothers and I were kids. Back then, when winter hit, winter really hit! My brothers and I would count on it. Snow was money for us. That was a time to be productive. John, Richie, and I were very competitive. Whoever got out of bed first got the best shovel, so we would each get up as early as possible and clear as many of the neighbors’ driveways, walkways, and stairs as possible. Sometimes, we teamed up to clear larger
driveways, but most of the time, we just competed to see who could get up earliest, knock on the most doors, get the most sidewalks cleared — and make the most money. We would reconvene at the end of the day to compare notes and dollar bills we had earned. Few kids do that anymore — not only because we have fewer snow days but also because kids don’t knock on neighbors’ doors anymore to earn money by shoveling people out. Maybe that way of doing business
As we move into the snowiest days of winter, I wish you some adult snow days of your own — time to kick back, play games, savor a slow-cooked meal, watch a movie, or do whatever you enjoy most. –Steve Brooks
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The Great French Mustache Strike of 1907
Workers usually go on strike to improve wages and working conditions. Leave it to the French to mount a historic strike for the right to grow a mustache. A full mustache was a prestigious mark of men’s social class in Europe in the early 20th century. Policemen were required to grow them to project authority and masculinity. Waiters rebelled when restaurant owners forced servers to shave their faces clean as a sign of their lower-class social status. During the dinner hour on April 17, 1907, an estimated 500 servers stopped dishing food, took off their aprons, and walked out, clustering on the street as diners looked on. The waiters also demanded a share of diners’ tips and the right to take one day off a week. They had support in Parliament, where one
socialist deputy proposed a bill to outlaw mustache bans (which also applied to domestic servants and priests). The deputy called the restaurants’ mustache rule “grotesque and humiliating.” After 16 days, restaurant owners caved to servers’ mustache demands and implemented a fairer pay structure. The waiters, however, lost their bid for one day off each week. The French have long been famously quick to stage work stoppages. At 112 days on average, the country leads the industrialized West in days lost to strikes each year. The nation’s strike culture is linked to its history of revolt, including the 1789 French Revolution. Withholding one’s labor is a constitutional right in France, whether you are a union member or not.
And the mustache had long been a mark of status
in Europe. Centuries earlier, Germany only permitted soldiers who had distinguished themselves in battle to grow mustaches. In France, the military requirement to wear mustaches became so strict that soldiers who couldn’t grow one had to wear a fake mustache. shave relegated them to the domestic servant class. As one French newspaper of the time declared, the waiters’ victory secured the right “to finally show that they are men, free men … who can wear at their ease this symbol of the all-powerful male, the mustache. Oh! The beautiful independence!” No wonder the French waiters took their facial hair so seriously. Being required to
What Homeowners Must Reveal In a House Sale Full Disclosure
of interest. Sellers should be open about the property’s history: Have any major crimes occurred there? Deaths? And what about flooding or major disasters? If requested, potential issues with the physical condition of the property should also be disclosed. These include foundation cracks, roof leaks, structural problems, pest infestations, or electrical or plumbing problems. Environmental concerns, if known to the owner, are another potential deal-breaker, including asbestos, lead paint, soil contamination, or radon gas. Any construction work that was performed without a permit is considered significant. Many cities and towns have online databases showing the permit histories of the properties, and whether the permits are still open.
The state provides an optional form, the Residential Property Disclosure Statement, requesting that sellers include all material facts in their responses. While any seller could choose to make no representations whatsoever and tell buyers to “do their own diligence,” this may not be the most direct pathway to selling. Being open about known issues not only fosters honest communication but also protects against future litigation. Selling or buying real estate is a complex process that can be confusing, and seeking professional guidance can help. Don’t hesitate to contact us for legal advice on your real estate transactions. We will happily ensure you meet all the requirements while reaching your personal goals!
Most existing houses have some unique feature that might affect their market value, from a creaky floorboard to the ghost of Aunt Hepzibah lingering in the attic. Some sellers are tempted to hide any quirks that might affect the sale price of their home.
A seasoned real estate attorney would have a word of advice for those sellers: Don’t do it!
Real estate owners in Massachusetts are legally required to reveal to prospective buyers any information that could affect the property’s sale value, safety, or marketability. This includes “material facts” in any of five areas
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THE HAPPINESS HACK WHY SMALL PLANS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough days more manageable.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE? Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or
PLAN IT. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth
of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you.
complicated. Start by identifying activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going to concerts? You might sign up for an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face.
By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
Have a Laugh!
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
•
2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs
• • • • • • •
4 celery ribs, chopped
4 medium carrots, chopped
• • • • • •
1 tsp salt
2 bay leaves
1 tsp pepper 2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried thyme 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz)
1 large onion, chopped 3 garlic cloves, minced 10 cups chicken broth
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tbsp lemon juice
directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
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439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026
Inside THIS ISSUE
1 Remembering Snow Days Gone By 2 Manliness and the Great French Mustache Strike Why Sellers Must Reveal Their Homes’ Hidden Flaws 3 The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
4 Enjoy Wintertime Fun at Area Events
Boston Buzz Must-See Attractions and Events This Month
While life may seem to slow down after the New Year, Boston always offers plenty of exciting events and activities for tourists, visitors, and residents alike. From the city’s dazzling Chinese New Year Celebration to historic ghost tours celebrating its centuries- long history, Boston offers something for everyone. Here is a brief sampling. CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Boston has one of the largest Chinese communities in the country, and the annual Chinese New Year celebration along Chinatown Main Street is one of the nation’s most popular cultural events. The Lunar New Year Flower Market kicks off the festivities from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Jan. 24–28, at the China Trade Center, with a dazzling selection of flowers, Lunar New Year decorations, and souvenirs. The New Year celebration continues through Feb. 15, highlighted by the Chinatown Lion Dance
Parade on Sunday, Feb. 9. Thousands of visitors are expected to enjoy the celebration’s colorful cultural displays and delicious food. GHOSTS AND GRAVESTONES: This nightly tour of the city’s most haunted spots promises to enthrall mystery fans of all stripes. Walk among the dead through Boston’s historic graveyards. Visit the scene of the biggest grave- robbing scandal in New England history. Hear the story of the Boston Strangler, and see one of the city’s most haunted hotels. The 90-minute tour aboard the Trolley of the Doomed starts at the Marriott Long Wharf Hotel. Caution: This narrative trek through four centuries of murder, mayhem, and hauntings may not be suitable for children under 13. MUSICAL DELIGHTS: The city’s many grand performance venues are hosting an eclectic assortment of concerts and performances. At
the MGM Music Hall, see the vocal group Boyz II Men on Jan. 17, or the reggae rock band the Elovators on Jan. 18. The Indie folk band BlindPilot will perform on Jan. 31 at the Paradise Rock Club. For fans of the classically beautiful Candlelight Concerts, take part in intimate performances by professional musicians in venues lit by thousands of electric candles. Tributes honor Beyonce on Jan. 23 at First Church in Cambridge and Taylor Swift Jan. 25 at Old South Church in Boston.
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