Take a look at our April newsletter!
April 2025
Your Trusted Advisor
Zihmer Law Firm
Bringing the Kids to Work A SPECIAL DAY AT THE FIRM
On April 24, we’ll be trying something new — bringing the kids to the office for Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day.
their jobs. I knew they went somewhere every day, but it just seemed like something they had to do. It wasn’t until I got much older that I started to appreciate the challenges they faced and how hard they worked to build the life we had. By spending a
Since Andrew and I both work at the firm, our kids have a greater understanding of what we do than most kids their age. They are at the office seeing us in action frequently. But as they’ve gotten older, I’ve realized the importance of getting them more involved. So, this year, we decided it was time to bring them into our world and spend a full day at the firm. Honestly, I have no idea how this will all go. Will they be curious and engaged like mini-lawyers in training or quickly get bored and start raiding the desk drawers for snacks? Either way, I’m excited. “By spending a day at the firm, I hope our kids can start to appreciate the value of work at a younger age and maybe even get a little curious about what they want to do when they grow up.” We talked about doing this before, but the kids were too young. The idea of wrangling them in an office full of paperwork didn’t sound fun. Now that they’re a little older, I know they’ll get more out of it and be able to make it through an entire day. Keeping them busy will be tricky, but other team members are bringing their kids, too. That should make the day easier and even more special. Of course, we won’t let them draft any legal documents, but maybe they’ll actually be helpful — fingers crossed! I do know it will be a learning experience for all of us. Hopefully, it will also be the start of a new tradition. Why It Matters I never had the chance to go to work with my parents when I was young. Like most kids, I didn’t give much thought to
day at the firm, I hope our kids can start to appreciate the value of work at a younger age and maybe even get a little curious about what they want to do when they grow up. This day is also about giving our kids a closer look at a part of our lives they don’t usually get to see. At our house, they hear Andrew and me talking about work a lot, but spending an intentional day at the office with planned activities will be different. If things go well, they’ll leave with a better understanding of what work really means. And who knows? Maybe we’ll also have a couple of new office assistants.
Blending Work and Family Like most parents, we spend a lot of time juggling
responsibilities — adjusting schedules, carving out time for family and school events, and ensuring we’re both present when our kids need us. Balancing career and family is very important to us, and that’s why I’m so excited about participating in Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. It’s the perfect reminder that while work is important, sharing special moments with family is what life is really about. So, whether our kids end the day more curious about what Mom and Dad do or just happy because they got to hit some buttons on the copy machine, it will be a success. And having some kids at work should make it a fun and lively day for all of us. Hopefully, when the day’s over, the kids will be excited to come back next year, and the adults will have enough energy to think it’s still a good idea to invite them for a return visit!
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRUST ADMINISTRATION | ELDER LAW
Create Lasting Family Memories This Arbor Day Leaf a Legacy and Plant a Tree!
Chart the journey ahead. Planting a tree is just the beginning of a long-term
Arbor Day, celebrated this year on April 25, is a chance to dig deep and nurture the environment while creating lasting memories with your kids. Rooted in the love of trees, Arbor Day is a perfect opportunity to teach your little ones the importance of caring for our planet while having fun outside. With wildfires destroying millions of acres of trees annually, the need for replanting has never been greater. Planting a tree is a hands-on way to make a difference; kids love getting their hands dirty. Plus, it’s more than just a lesson in environmental stewardship — it’s an activity that promotes exercise, teamwork, and pride in watching something grow. Start the adventure. Choose the perfect tree and location. Let your children take the lead in selecting a
spot with the right amount of sunlight and plenty of room for growth. Once you’ve gathered your tools — a spade, mulch, soil, water bucket, and, of course, your tree — the real fun begins. Together, dig a hole just the right size for the root ball. While the adults may handle the more technical steps, like trimming roots that twist or grow in circles, kids can pitch in by scooping dirt and getting up close to nature. As you settle the tree into its new home, explain how the roots will anchor it and how its leaves will turn sunlight into energy. After planting, the work doesn’t stop! Teach your children how to water the tree properly — soaking the root ball without overwatering. Build a mulch ring together and explain its purpose in keeping the roots cool and moist. Then, it’s time to watch it grow!
adventure. Encourage your kids to measure the tree’s growth, sketch its leaves, and write about its progress in a journal.
Snap photos together to document its transformation, and talk about trees’ vital role in providing oxygen, shade, and habitat for all of us. This Arbor Day, take a moment to plant more than a tree — plant a memory. Working together as a family teaches lessons in responsibility, environmental care, and the joy of nurturing life. Plus, the smiles and laughter along the way? Those are the real treasures.
A Legacy of Generosity: Estate Planning With Purpose
Which causes matter most to you? For many of us, giving back is a rewarding part of our lives. If helping and serving others has always been important, consider charitable giving through your estate plan. While the primary goal of estate planning is to provide for family and loved ones, it can also be a powerful way to leave a legacy of giving that will last long after you’re gone. Ways to Include Charitable Giving in Your Estate Plan A common way to support a charity through estate planning is by including a bequest in your Will or Trust. This enables you to set aside a specific asset or portion of your estate for a charitable purpose. You can also set up a Charitable Trust, such as a Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT) or Charitable Lead Trust (CLT). A CRT allows designated beneficiaries to receive income from the Trust before the remainder goes to your named charity or charities. A CLT works in reverse, with designated charitable beneficiaries receiving income from the Trust before the remaining assets are passed to non-charitable beneficiaries, such as family members.
policy beneficiary. You can also list charities as your retirement account and investment fund beneficiaries. A donor-advised fund is another popular option that provides a flexible method for long-term giving. There are tax considerations for all of these options, so it is important that you discuss them with us before moving forward. The Benefits of Giving Back Your primary reason for including charitable giving in your estate plan is likely to honor your values and support the causes you care about. However, structured charitable giving also provides financial and tax benefits. Charitable donations are tax- deductible and may reduce the amount of income tax due. Your donations also reduce the taxable value of your estate, which can minimize estate tax and reduce financial burdens on your family. No matter your goal — whether to support a charity or give back to your community — making charitable giving part of your estate plan can have a lasting impact. Working with our firm will ensure you maximize the benefits while meeting your personal and financial goals.
If you’re interested in a more straightforward approach to giving after your passing, you can name a charity as a life insurance
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ESTATE PLANNING | PROBATE | TRU
U.S., but one of the first egg hunts was organized by Protestant reformer Martin Luther in the 16th century.
Easter is a Christian holiday that dates back to at least the 2nd century A.D. While it remains closely tied to its religious roots, the holiday has evolved to include various playful traditions and customs that are different across cultures. For instance, Poland has a tradition called Wet Monday, where people splash each other with water. In Australia, the Easter Bilby has replaced the bunny as the holiday’s mascot because rabbits are considered pests. But what about the traditions most of us associate with Easter? Egg Hunts and Decorating For many, Easter isn’t Easter without brightly colored eggs and the thrill of the egg hunt. The tradition of painting eggs is older than you might think. Historians believe it dates back to the 13th century but is likely much older. The Easter egg hunt is a more recent tradition. Large-scale community events, like the White House Easter Egg Roll, have made this a holiday staple in the Baskets, Bunnies, and Egg Hunts Easter Traditions We Love
Easter Bunny Australians may not embrace the Easter Bunny, but it remains a prominent holiday symbol elsewhere. Some believe this Easter tradition has pagan roots and is associated with the goddess of fertility. It arrived in America thanks to 16th-century German immigrants who brought the tradition from their home country to Pennsylvania. Over time, the Easter Bunny tradition evolved to include Easter baskets filled with chocolate, toys, and small gifts. Easter as a Time for Giving Easter is well-known as a holiday filled with family gatherings and sweet treats, but it’s also a season of giving and generosity. Many families celebrate by giving back to the community through donations, volunteering, and outreach programs. Simple acts like donating Easter baskets to children in hospitals and shelters or helping a neighbor in need can make the holiday more meaningful. These traditions also reflect Easter’s deeper themes of renewal, kindness, and community. Celebrate Easter in Your Own Way No matter how you celebrate — whether through playful traditions or meaningful connections — Easter is all about spending time with others. The holiday provides the perfect opportunity for reflection and planning a fresh start for the season ahead.
Take a Break
Classic Fish Fry
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
Ingredients • Vegetable oil • 2 lbs fresh cod • Salt and pepper, to taste • 1/2 cup all-purpose unbleached flour
• 2 large eggs • 2 tbsp water
• 2 cups plain bread crumbs • 1/2 tsp mustard powder • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper • Lemon wedges
Directions 1. Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2. Cut cod into 4 servings and season with salt and pepper. 3. Place flour into a pie tin. Whisk egg and water in a second pie tin. Combine bread crumbs, mustard powder, and cayenne in a third pie tin. 4. Coat your fish in the flour tin, then the egg tin, then the bread crumb tin. 5. Set coated fish in hot oil and fry for 5 minutes on each side. 6. Serve with lemon wedges and enjoy!
ARBOR ARIES
CHOCOLATE DAISY DIAMOND FOOLS
GARDEN KITE RAINBOW SHOWERS
BASEBALL CHERRIES
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Inside 1
Trading the Playground for the Office
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Planting Memories and Trees This Arbor Day
Creating a Charitable Legacy Through Estate Planning
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Hunting for Easter’s Best Traditions
Classic Fish Fry
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Mastering the Art of Nature Photography
Capture Nature’s Beauty Like a Pro QUICK TIPS FOR BETTER OUTDOOR PHOTOS
Master Your Equipment Be sure to familiarize yourself with your camera’s settings. Some of the most important include aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which control exposure and depth of field. For instance, a wide aperture (low f-stop) can help create a shallow depth of field and isolate your subject from the background, which is particularly effective for wildlife photography. Conversely, a narrow aperture (high f-stop) is ideal for landscape shots because it increases the depth of field and helps keep more of the scene in focus.
Nature photography offers a great way to get outside and capture the beauty of the natural world. Whether you’re new to this hobby or have been snapping photos for years, you can always enhance your skills with these four tips for producing compelling outdoor photos. Plan Ahead Before heading outside with your camera and other gear, research your chosen location and the subject you aim to photograph. Understanding the local wildlife, plant life, and weather conditions can inform your equipment selection. Timing is also key. Early morning and late afternoon, known as the “golden hours,” offer soft, diffused light that enhances natural scenes.
lines (guiding the eye with pathways or rivers), and framing (using natural elements to highlight the subject). Experimenting with different perspectives and angles can also add depth to your photos. Be Respectful Whenever you’re out in the field, respect the environment by following local guidelines, maintaining a safe distance from wildlife, and minimizing your impact on natural habitats. Always stay on designated paths and never remove any natural objects. Following a few simple rules protects wildlife and the landscape and maintains the integrity of your photography. With these tips in mind, you’re ready to enjoy the outdoors while capturing images that reflect the beauty of the natural world.
Consider Composition In photography, composition is key.
When taking nature photographs, apply compositional rules such as the rule of thirds (placing subjects off-center), leading
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