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Review Brooks & Crowley
September 2022
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
PREPARING FOR BIG ADJUSTMENTS MY DAUGHTER IS OFF TO COLLEGE!
Although I’m not an empty-nester, Zoe, my oldest, is off to college. She left for Washington D.C. last month, and now it’s only me, my wife, and our two sons. It’s a significant adjustment for us because we are used to having her close by. But now, she’s a plane ride away.
she does in the future. Helping her pack for college reminded me of when I was preparing for my freshman year. There were the nerves of wondering if I would like my classes, the major I picked, and the overall college experience. But there is also a lot of excitement within that nervous feeling. Zoe had those feelings before she left. She was looking forward to living in a new area and experiencing different things, but she was also nervous about it.
Zoe has been away from home before, but nothing like this. She has gone to sleepaway camps, but other than that, she was always close to home. She volunteered at our local food pantry and worked at a Nike store only a few minutes from the house. So, typically when Zoe is
When I was getting ready to move away to college, I didn’t have the opportunity to pick my roommate in advance. I was going in blind and hoping the odds were in my favor. Although my roommate and I got along well, not everyone was that lucky. My
away from home, she’s still within reach. But this transition into college will be a huge change for her and the family, not the least of which is that Kim is now outnumbered three to one by the guys.
roommate in college was a very nice guy from the Boston area. But he did talk in his sleep … and in French! Apparently the French classes he took in high school made quite an impression. If the only thing I had to worry about was my roommate talking in his sleep, I was in good shape. I’m happy Zoe got to decide who she wanted to room with and to meet and talk to her before moving in. It takes a lot of pressure and stress off of living in a new location when you have someone It’s still hard for me to believe that my firstborn, my only daughter, is now an adult and taking massive strides into the real world. But our family is so proud of her. We can’t wait to see what this journey has in store. We miss her so much, but we already have our family weekend trip planned to visit her in October! there with you experiencing the same thing.
We are still adjusting to this new “normal,” and although we miss Zoe, we are excited for this next step in her life. Leaving for college is a leap into adulthood because she’s away from home. She will depend on herself more as she lives on campus, travels to classes, and participates in extracurricular activities. She’s majoring in political science, and will be in the middle of all the action at the Capitol. I’m looking forward to listening to her stories and experiences since she’s on the front lines. “It’s a significant adjustment for us
because we are used to having her close by. But now, she’s a plane ride away.”
I still remember the day I helped her gather her school supplies, furniture, and materials and drive it all down — it was all so surreal. I can’t wait to see what
Go Eagles!
–Steve Brooks
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IT’S UNBELIEVABLY TRUE! THE CRAZIEST OLYMPIC MARATHON OF 1904
In 1904, the year of America’s first Olympics, the men’s marathon was a bizarre spectacle to behold. In fact, it was likely the most jaw-dropping event ever in the history of the Olympic Games. On that hot, sweltering summer day in St. Louis, MO, only 14 of the 32 Olympic competitors crossed the finish line on what was deemed the most difficult course anyone was ever asked to undertake. Thomas Hicks, the American who actually came in first, received the slowest time of all of the Olympic marathons since 1896. But why was this one so tough? With temperatures of roughly 104 degrees F and 90% humidity, a rigorous 24.85-mile course with seven hills was a bit much for competitors. Not to mention, support cars were churning up dust, leaving it behind for the runners to inhale, and they only had two water stations available before the halfway mark — and none in the second half! Even seasoned runners were not up to this crazy course! Three hours and 13 minutes after the marathon began, Fred Lorz, who had ridden a third of the course in a car, crossed the finish line. He was about to be adorned with a floral wreath when he confessed he had gotten so tired that he accepted a ride from one of the cars along the way, so he was disqualified.
Thomas Hicks, the true winner, was struggling with just 7 more miles to go. His fans on the sidelines provided him with a secret energy booster mix — a
concoction containing
strychnine (rat poison), brandy, and egg whites. By the time he crossed the finish line, he was hallucinating. And the fourth-place winner from Cuba wore dress pants and shoes for the entire race (because he lost his money gambling in New Orleans on his way to St. Louis and arrived after hitchhiking with nothing but the clothes on his back!).
This 1904 Olympic marathon went down in history as the most bizarre and wildly entertaining race. Luckily, but surprisingly, nobody died!
Completing a Mortgage Application? Here Are 6 Documents You Need
Applying for home financing is more complicated than it was years ago. Today, you need several documents to qualify for a loan. Lenders need multiple documents for preapprovals and approvals. Here are six documents you’ll need. What documents do you need for preapprovals? •
show lenders how much money you have on hand, and retirement and investment accounts show that emergency funds are available, if needed.
You got approved! What additional documents will the lender need? •
Likewise, you can’t use credit card advances either. You want to keep track of unusual deposits in your account and keep deposit slips to explain them. Any sudden change in your finances must be explained and documented. If not, it will not count as an available asset to close. Your finances will be under a microscope during your mortgage application process. If you need help finding a loan officer, or have questions about the process, allow your friends at Brooks & Crowley to assist you. We close dozens of mortgage loans every month and understand the process. So, give us a call today for more information.
Rental History: You want to show that you have a history of paying rent and bills on time — especially for first-time renters or buyers. Provide documents that show when you paid for your rent or utility bills. Homeowner’s Insurance: Your home must be covered with insurance for at least one year, so the premium will need to be fully paid. This coverage must list the lender as the mortgagee. Proof of Down Payment and Closing Funds: Documentation for your down payment is always needed. You can’t use undocumented funds such as gambling winnings for your down payment.
Tax Returns: Complete and provide your tax returns from the last two years. This should include all W-2s and 1099s. Your lender needs your tax returns because they want to verify that your household income is consistent. Pay Stubs: You need to establish your current salary, so providing 30 days’ worth of your most recent pay stubs is essential. Account Statements: Submit your recent statements from all bank accounts, retirement accounts, and investment accounts. Bank statements
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Life Can Be Unpredictable Preserving the Balance of Work and Family Life
Workers shouldn’t have to choose between the job they need and the family members they love. The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) was created to allow employees to take reasonable unpaid leave for a particular family or medical reason so they can maintain a work/life balance. What does it provide? The FMLA provides eligible employees up to 12 workweeks of unpaid leave a year with the requirement of group health benefits to be maintained during the leave as if employees were continuing to work. They are also entitled to resume their same or equivalent job at the end of their FMLA leave. Who is eligible for FMLA? FMLA applies to all public agencies, all public and private elementary and secondary schools, and companies with 50 or more employees. Employees can be eligible for FMLA if they have worked for their employer for at least 12 months, worked at least 1,250 hours over the past 12 months, and work at a location that employs 50 or more employees within 75 miles. When can I use FMLA leave? An eligible employee can be granted up to 12 workweeks of unpaid, job- protected leave in a 12-month period for the following reason(s):
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Birth of and/or bonding with a newborn child
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The placement of a child for adoption or foster care with the employee
Grape, Goat Cheese, and Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Inspired by HowSweetEats.com For qualifying exigencies arising out of the fact that the employee’s spouse, child, or parent is on covered active duty or call to covered active-duty status as a member of the National Guard, Reserves, or Regular Armed Forces The FMLA exists so employees can tend to their families without worrying about their job, allowing them to provide the best care for their loved ones. For more information regarding whether or not your company is eligible for FMLA, check out your local government agency for more details. • To care for an immediate family member with a serious condition (child, spouse, or parent, but does not include parent in-laws) • To take medical leave when the employee is unable to work due to a serious health condition •
Have a Laugh!
This sweet and savory appetizer is perfect for the transition between summer and fall.
Ingredients
• 4 sweet potatoes • 2 cups seedless red grapes • 1 tsp grapeseed oil • 1/4 tsp salt, plus a pinch • 1/4 tsp pepper, plus a pinch
• 4 oz goat cheese, divided • 2 tbsp honey, plus additional for drizzling • Pinch of cinnamon • Pinch of nutmeg
directions
1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. With a fork, poke holes in potatoes. Tightly wrap each in aluminum foil. 3. On a baking sheet, place potatoes and roast for 45–60 minutes, until potatoes are tender. Remove and unwrap foil. 4. With a knife, slit each potato down the middle. 5. Increase oven to 450 F. 6. On a nonstick baking sheet, drizzle the grapes with grapeseed oil. Add a pinch of salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast for 20–25 minutes. 7. Using a spoon, remove sweet potato flesh while keeping shape intact. 8. In a large bowl, mash sweet potato flesh with 3 oz goat cheese, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and honey. 9. Scoop filling back into potatoes. Top with remaining goat cheese, grapes, and drizzled honey.
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026 Inside THIS ISSUE
1 My Daughter is Off to College!
2 The Insane Story of the 1904 Olympic Marathon
Your Finances Will Be Under a Microscope
3 Your Guide to Family and Medical Leave
Grape, Goat Cheese, and Honey Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
4 September Events in Boston
What’s Going On, Boston? 3 Activities for You to Enjoy
This month, there are tons of great things happening. Explore the culture of different groups of people by participating in one of these great events. If you’re looking for more fun activities, go to Calendar.ArtsBoston.org or Boston-Discovery-Guide.com/Boston- Events-September.html. Caribbean Rum & Food Festival Sept. 17, 12–8 p.m. Roxbury Community College 1234 Columbus Avenue BostonUSA.com/Event/Caribbean-Rum-%26- Food-Festival/71167 Summer may be coming to a close, but you can still get a taste of paradise this month with the fifth annual Caribbean Rum and Food Festival! The theme for this year’s festival is “The Caribbean on Display,” and it will showcase Caribbean products, rum, cocktails, arts and crafts, entertainment, vacation destinations,
and more! You must be 21 years or older with a valid ID to enter, and the price of admission is $50. All proceeds will go to the Authentic Caribbean Foundation’s disability program. Walking Tour of Woodbourne Sept. 24, 11 a.m. Bethel AME Church, Jamaica Plain 215 Forest Hills Street JPHS.org/2022-Walking-Tours The Jamaica Plain Historical Society conducts walking tours every season that are free to the public. Simply meet the guide at the designated
architects and builders. As you walk around, you’ll learn more about the Puritans who settled there and their culture. Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience July 22-Sept. 25, 6–10:30 p.m. Franklin Park Zoo 1 Franklin Park Road ZooNewEngland.org/Engage/Boston-Lights Christmas isn’t the only time you get to see magnificent lights! Experience the wonder of over 55 crafted lanterns on Franklin Park Zoo’s 72 acres this month. You’ll see lanterns
location at 11 a.m., and your tour will begin shortly after that. This month, you can visit Woodbourne, a neighborhood developed from the 19th-century summer estates. The community contains examples of New England architecture by local
specifically placed to create scenes from the rainforest, ocean creatures, and corridors of lotus and bamboo. You’ll be amazed by the traditional Asian lanterns and the beautiful colors they showcase.
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