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MARCH 2024
‘BEWARE THE IDES OF MARCH’ To Teachers With Long Influence
“Beware the Ides of March” — This phrase made famous by Shakespeare in his play “Julius Caesar” is often spoken this time of year. Whenever I hear it, I remember my 10th-grade English teacher Mr. Tucci. He taught advanced English at Middletown High School and had a reputation for giving a lot of work and being very demanding. A fixture of the class was his Shakespeare lesson. As part of the work, we read “Julius Caesar” and had to pick a speech from the play, memorize it, and perform it in front of the class. It was nerve-wracking for even the most theatrically inclined of students. I picked Cassius’ monologue with Casca. I recorded myself reading it and listened to the recording almost nonstop wherever I went for about a week straight to commit it to memory. I pulled the speech off — rather well, actually, and to much applause. I remember small parts still, but especially “Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius.”
I remember one paper I worked especially hard on. It came back covered with the usual red cursive. It started, “You’re sprinting for the finish line, and five yards from the tape, you trip!” He explained that I made the costly error of adding an extra paragraph that was a counterpoint to my overall thesis of the paper. I thought it kind of balanced everything, but even more importantly, it got me to my minimum word requirement for the paper. The next paper I worked even harder. The paper was returned with the usual cursive red ink notes … but my very first B in that class. I was about as happy as a person could be. It wasn’t an A, and it wasn’t the best paper in the class, but it was my B and I fought hard for it, and I earned it. I have that paper still, along with all the other C grades, too. And I am not a big keeper of stuff. I pulled out the papers after I started writing this newsletter, both to “fact check” and to skim a few. I am happy to say I am a much better writer now than I was in 10th grade. And that makes sense to me. “Endlessly improving” is an important value at RCW in large part because it is important to me. We detail more information about what “Endlessly Improving” means at RCW. It reads “We always work to get better, as individuals, as a team, as a company. We search for better ways to do things and are not afraid of change or trying something new. We truly believe that this company, and the people who make it up, are a work in progress, not a finished product.”
Luke kept his “Tucci papers” from 10th grade
I am glad Mr. Tucci was so demanding and graded hard. I am glad I pushed myself to get better. I am glad some of those lessons have transferred over to the team at RCW. And I am glad we have the opportunity to serve you and show you not just what we can do now, but also what we are going to be able to do in the future.
To teachers with a long influence and to enjoying being a “work in progress,”
Writing has never been easy for me (surprising to some if they read my “Landlording Minute” emails or these
newsletters), and Mr. Tucci pushed me harder in that area than any teacher I ever had. At the beginning of the year, we had to deliver weekly papers based on our readings. I spent hours and hours on each one. And no matter the effort, the paper came back marked up in red ink with a C or C- on it. Yes, sentence structure was judged (with a regular marking of “awk” for awkward). But more important was the major idea of the paper and support for that idea. Was the thinking good and well laid out?
P.S. Interestingly, “the Ides of March” never had a negative connotation until the soothsayer in Shakespeare’s play made the day famous. It was just a recognition of a change of season and for some the start of a “new year.” Now, in popular culture, the date in and of itself is full of danger and foreboding. I like it because it brings me back and reminds me if you keep pushing, you do change and grow, no matter your stage in life.
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BEYOND CLEANING: Essential Spring Upkeep for a Safer Home
Driveway Maintenance The impact of winter is also evident in driveways, which often suffer from cracks and potholes due to the freezing and thawing cycle. Addressing these issues enhances the home’s curb appeal and prevents further deterioration and potential safety hazards for vehicles and pedestrians.
Spring brings sentiments of renewal, and spring-cleaning is like a fresh start for your home. Spring-cleaning and decluttering make your home feel fresh and new; try rearranging furniture, updating decor, or even repainting a room to breathe new life into your home. While these are mainly aesthetic, other spring-cleaning tasks can level up your home’s safety and energy efficiency. Here are eight to consider. Ensuring Home Safety and Functionality Addressing the wear and tear homes endure during the winter helps maintain its value. It’s an excellent time to check smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers to ensure they are working correctly. The Hidden Danger of Dryer Vents One overlooked but crucial aspect of home safety is the maintenance of dryer vents. It is alarming that clogged dryer vents are responsible for 3,000 home fires yearly, so have them cleaned regularly. A clear vent also improves the dryer’s efficiency, saving energy and prolonging appliance life.
Inspecting and replacing the HVAC filter is crucial for the system’s proper functioning and readiness for summer use. A well-maintained HVAC system provides efficient cooling and improves indoor air quality, contributing to a healthier living environment. Home Maintenance Checklist: Electrical, Plumbing, and Structure Regular maintenance schedules should include checking the home’s electrical system, plumbing, and structural integrity. These systems are fundamental to a safe and functioning home. Outdated electrical wiring poses a fire hazard and affects the efficiency and performance of modern appliances. Undetected leaks in plumbing can lead to significant water damage over time. Regular checks and timely repairs prevent these issues. Post-Winter Roof and Gutter Care Your roof often bears the brunt of winter’s fury, requiring special attention as the season changes. Winter winds and storms can loosen shingles, creating vulnerabilities that may lead to leaks and water damage. But if these issues are found early, they are easy to fix. When inspecting the roof, look for any dents, missing shingles, or other signs of wear. Remove debris from the roof and gutters to ensure proper water drainage before the rainy season starts.
Spring Tree and Landscaping Maintenance
Another essential home maintenance task is to trim tree branches too close to the house before these branches fill out with leaves, making them heavier and more challenging to manage. It safeguards the home from potential damage due to falling limbs, especially during spring storms. To help maintain a manicured landscape, trim back any overgrown bushes. Clear away dead foliage and trim vegetation to allow your plants and landscaping to emerge in the spring. It’s also a good time to clear space for new plants you want to add to your outdoor spaces.
Leveraging the Expertise of Professionals
As you work on your home, engage with professionals to ensure proper maintenance and adherence to regulatory standards. Whether the experts are roofers, HVAC technicians, or landscapers, they bring skill and experience and save homeowners precious time. Experts can identify potential problems that may not be obvious and provide effective and efficient solutions. Incorporating these maintenance tips into the annual spring-cleaning regimen enhances your home’s safety, functionality, and visual appeal. By proactively addressing these areas, you prevent potential issues and maintain the value of your home.
Maintain HVAC System for Optimal Comfort
The HVAC system plays a pivotal role in providing comfort within the home.
“As you work on your home, engage with professionals to ensure proper maintenance and adherence to regulatory standards. Whether the experts are roofers, HVAC technicians, or landscapers, they bring skill and experience and save homeowners precious time.”
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Spring is in the air; the chirping birds and warm air call you outdoors. It’s the perfect time to start your garden. Even as a beginning gardener, you can find plants and flowers to bring you joy throughout the summer. Carrots and radishes are quick, easy, and grow well in most areas. Carrots are versatile veggies great for snacking and cooking; even your dogs will love them! They need to be planted early, though, as they take about three months to germinate. Radishes are cool-season vegetables you can start indoors and plant outside after the last frost. Other vegetables can be started from seed indoors in late February to early March. Try cabbage, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, onions, leeks, endive, and lettuce. Later, in mid to late March, you can start peppers, tomatoes, eggplant, Swiss chard, and tomatillos indoors. Wait to plant your seeds and seedlings in the ground until two weeks after the last frost. Some early cold-tolerant vegetables, like cabbage, broccoli, and head lettuce, can go in the ground early to mid-March. Heat-loving plants like peppers, okra, and eggplant that grow slowly can also be planted in March. Tomatoes are the stars of many gardens. It is best to wait until early April to plant them, though. They are like Goldilocks and prefer everything just right — not too cold or hot. GROW YOUR GREEN THUMB THIS SPRING A Spring Gardening Guide
We can’t talk about gardening without giving a few helpful tips for adding color. Plant hydrangea, aster, pansy, sweet peas, garden mums, and Oriental lilies in the spring to invite pollinators and provide blooming color throughout the summer. Spring bulbs, like crocus and daffodils, are the first to bloom. Sometimes, they will even bloom when there is a bit of snow on the ground. But it is best to plant bulbs in the fall so they have time to settle in their roots. A gardener’s best friend is the USDA Hardiness Zone Map. Since most states include three different growing zones, it is a handy resource to choose the best plants for your area. The website at PlantHardiness.ars.usda.gov has a wealth of information, including tips for easy maintenance. So, grab your gloves, get your seeds, and enjoy watching your garden grow!
TAKE A BREAK
St. Paddy’s Irish Soda Bread
Inspired by Epicurious.com
Ingredients
• Nonstick vegetable oil spray • 2 cups all-purpose flour, extra for dusting • 5 tbsp sugar, divided • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt • 3/4 tsp baking soda • 3 tbsp chilled unsalted butter, cubed • 1 cup buttermilk • 2/3 cup raisins
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. Coat an 8-inch round cake pan with nonstick spray. 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, 4 tbsp sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Cut butter into the mixture with your fingers or a pastry knife until crumbly. Make a well in the center and pour in buttermilk. Gradually mix until dough comes together. Mix in raisins. 3. Using floured hands, form dough into a ball and transfer to pan. Sprinkle with remaining 1 tbsp sugar. 4. Bake bread for about 40–45 minutes or until golden brown and a tester stick comes out clean. Let bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then enjoy!
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INSIDE
1
‘Beware the Ides of March’
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Easy Steps to Maintain a Safe Home
3
Bring Color and Joy to Your Garden
St. Paddy’s Irish Soda Bread
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Refresh Your Home for the Season
Sprucing Up for Spring EASY TIPS TO INFUSE LIFE AND STYLE
Spring is a time of renewal, blooming flowers, and rejuvenation. Revitalize your home this season with a few easy DIY ideas.
Add splashes of color.
Nothing says spring like bright, fresh colors. A fresh coat of paint will change the dynamic of any room; try painting an accent wall with greens, blues, and yellows. You can also use colorful pillows, vases, and other accessories to brighten a room.
Rearrange the furniture.
Shifting your furniture around is a great way to invite spring into your home. Try moving your furnishings so more light comes in. It doesn’t take a lot to rejuvenate your home for spring. These quick tips will add light, brightness, and color to your surroundings.
Get new houseplants.
Bright-colored flowering plants and multi- shaped green leaves bring spring to any space. Whether natural or artificial, they’re a great way to make any room livelier.
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