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February/March 2024
CHEERS TO A FANTASTIC NEW YEAR Reflecting on 2023 and Embracing 2024
Looking back on 2023, I am filled with gratitude and excitement for the opportunities ahead in 2024. The past year was remarkable, and I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to everyone for a Happy New Year. Your support, friendship, and presence in the LeRoy Peterson Law family have made a difference, and I am eager to continue our journey together in the coming year. LeRoy Peterson Law was voted Best of Omaha 2024 for Estate Planning Attorneys by the readers of the Omaha Magazine. This recognition is both humbling and thrilling. We take pride in providing exceptional service to our clients, and being acknowledged this way is a testament to your trust in us. We are immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve you. Reflecting on the achievements and growth of the past year, I am reminded of the strong bonds we have formed with our clients. Each relationship is valued, and the LeRoy Peterson Law community has become a family — a supportive network built on trust, understanding, and a shared commitment to securing the future for you and your loved ones. As we enter 2024, I am excited about the possibilities that await us. The new year brings a sense of renewal, and I am dedicated to making it a year of continued success, growth, and service excellence. LeRoy Peterson Law is committed to being your trusted partner in navigating the complexities of estate planning, ensuring that your wishes are honored and your legacy is preserved with precision and care. On a personal note, 2023 concluded on an exceptionally high note for my wife and I (probably more for me than Amy). A longstanding item on my bucket list was to experience the musical genius of Carlos Santana in person. One evening, while watching “60 Minutes,” we discovered he would perform at the House of Blues in Las Vegas in November. Recognizing that Carlos Santana (age 76) and I are not getting any younger, we seized the opportunity to cross this off my bucket list. The whole experience was absolutely phenomenal!
Thank you once again for being an integral part of LeRoy Peterson Law. Your trust and support fuel our passion for what we do, and we are excited to face the new year together.
Here’s to a Happy New Year and the collective journey ahead — a journey that promises growth, prosperity, and the fulfillment of dreams.
-LeRoy Peterson
As we embark on the journey of 2024, I wish each of you a year filled with joy, success, and moments of fulfillment.
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Celebrate Love With Your Pet VALENTINE’S DAY IDEAS FOR FURRY FRIENDS
Heartfelt Homemade Delights Homemade and health-focused treats are the way to go for pets on this day of love. Bake heart-shaped biscuits for your dogs with nutrient-rich ingredients like pumpkin, peanut butter, or oats. Making little tuna or salmon treats into tiny heart- shaped cakes will be irresistible for cats. These treats are not just delicious but also healthy, ensuring your pets enjoy Valentine’s Day safely. Personalized Gifts and Quality Time Adding a personalized touch to your pet’s Valentine’s Day can make it even more special. Consider a new collar with a personalized name tag or a new fluffy bed or blanket for dogs! Are their toys ratty and chewed up? A new ball or squeaky toy will make their day! If you live in a colder region, a warm sweater for smaller furry friends is a way to show your love. For cats, a new scratching
post (or an upgrade) rubbed with catnip will be a hit. Cats also love laser lights, so this gift will not disappoint, providing hours of entertainment. And after all the activity? Try a new pet brush and a gentle grooming session to help your furry friends relax and feel loved. But above all, the most cherished gift you can offer is your time. Dedicate this day to enjoy a long walk, an extended play session, or simply some quiet cuddle time. These moments of undivided attention and affection are invaluable, reinforcing the loving bond you share with your pet. This Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate all family members, including the furry ones, in our expressions of love. Our pets, always there for us with unconditional affection, certainly deserve a place in this day of love and joy. Happy Valentine’s Day to all pet lovers and their beloved companions!
As Valentine’s Day approaches, we feel love in the air, not just for humans but also for our cherished pets. It’s the perfect opportunity to show our four- legged family members how much they mean to us. Imagine the excitement and anticipation in their eyes (and the wagging tails) as they receive a special treat made with pure love. Here are a few fun ideas to get you thinking.
In the competitive world of high school athletics, where every second counts and victories are often measured in milliseconds, an incident at the Neenah Cross Country Invitational in Wisconsin reminds us of a fundamental but often forgotten aspect of sports: good sportsmanship. On this race day, amid the blur of sprinting figures and cheering crowds, a moment of true sportsmanship unfolded. Two runners from Stevens Point Area Senior High, Cooper Erickson and Ethan Olds, encountered a fellow competitor, Seppi Camilli, in distress. Camilli had collapsed, his strength waning just shy of the finish line. Erickson and Olds chose empathy over rivalry in a split-second decision that would resonate far beyond the race track. They paused their own race to help Camilli cross the finish line. This act, simple in its execution but profound in its implication, speaks volumes about the values ingrained in these young athletes. It’s a vivid reminder that the essence of sports isn’t solely found in the glory of winning but also in the moments of shared humanity. In extending their hands to a competitor in need, Erickson and Olds demonstrated that real victory lies in lifting each other up, even amidst fierce competition. Beyond the Finish Line Compassion at the Neenah Invitational
This incident is a beacon for young athletes and a reminder for coaches, parents, and spectators alike. It underscores the importance of nurturing not only physical strength and skill in our young athletes but also the values of kindness, teamwork, and respect for others. As Erickson and Olds demonstrated, sometimes the most enduring triumphs on the sports field are those of the heart. The coaches and spectators at the Neenah Invitational witnessed more than a race that day; they witnessed a powerful lesson in character and humanity. In a world where headlines often speak of division and conflict, stories like this inspire us to look beyond the finish line and see the broader horizon of human kindness and fellowship. The spirit of sportsmanship, as shown by these young athletes, is a testament to the true essence of competitive sports — a celebration of shared humanity alongside physical prowess.
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TAKE A BREAK
AQUARIUS CANDY CUPID GROUNDHOG HEART LINCOLN CHOCOLATE PENNSYLVANIA PHIL
History of Pregnancy Testing
PRESIDENTS VALENTINE WINTER
FROM SEEDS TO SCIENCE
From ancient times, human ingenuity has been pivotal in unraveling medical mysteries, and pregnancy testing is a particularly fascinating example. In Egypt, around 1350 BCE, pregnancy testing blended mysticism and early science. Women would urinate on wheat and barley seeds, an intriguing method that modern research has shown to be surprisingly accurate, with a 70% success rate. If barley grew, it indicated a male child; wheat signified a female. Across different cultures, unique approaches emerged. The Greeks, influenced by Hippocrates, developed diagnostic theories based on the four bodily humors. In India, ancient Ayurvedic texts detailed pulse examination techniques for various conditions, including pregnancy, showcasing remarkable observational abilities and a deep understanding of the human body. The Middle Ages saw a curious amalgamation of superstition and the beginnings of scientific inquiry. “Piss prophets” examined urine for its color and clarity, practices that were precursors to today’s urinalysis. A significant advancement came in the 20th century with the discovery of the hormone hCG. This breakthrough led to the first reliable home pregnancy tests in the 1960s, marking a dramatic shift from rudimentary ancient methods and offering greater accuracy and privacy. This journey from ancient seed tests to sophisticated modern diagnostics illustrates the evolution in our understanding of the human body. Those early tests laid the groundwork for the reliable techniques we use today, inspiring us to continue improving our medical knowledge and practices.
Marry Me Chicken Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
• 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth
Directions 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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402-718-8888 www.LeRoyPetersonLaw.com 11819 Miracle Hills Drive, Suite 104 Omaha, NE 68154
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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New Year, Fresh Opportunities
Valentine’s Day Pet Pampering
When Compassion Trumps Competition
Marry Me Chicken
3
Seeds, Science, and Surprises in Medicine
Lessons From Hoffman’s Estate
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Beyond the Stage PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN’S ESTATE OVERSIGHT
The situation raised significant questions about how Hoffman’s daughters figured into the estate since they were born after the will’s creation. Thankfully, New York law, like many other states, offers protection for children in this situation, provided there’s no explicit intent to exclude them. Hoffman’s choice not to marry O’Donnell further complicated matters, leading to a substantial estate tax burden. Unmarried, Hoffman’s estate faced a staggering tax rate of up to 40% federally and 16% in New York State, culminating in a potential $14 million tax bill from his $35 million estate. Marital status plays a crucial role in estate tax liabilities, something entrepreneurs with significant assets should note.
The unexpected demise of actor Philip Seymour Hoffman at just 46 shocked the world and brought to light the intricacies of estate planning. His passing left behind a substantial estate worth over $35 million, primarily bequeathed to his long-term partner, Marianne O’Donnell. A glaring issue with Hoffman’s will was its outdated status, failing to encompass his entire family. Drafted in 2004, it only acknowledged his son, Cooper, with daughters Tallulah and Willa, born after that, absent from the document. This oversight necessitated a complex navigation through New York’s probate system, showcasing the need for everyone to update their will regularly.
Photo: Georges Biard
Hoffman’s case exemplifies why proactive and continuous estate planning matters. Regular updates to one’s estate plan can significantly ease the burden on your loved ones during times of grief. It’s a stark reminder to meticulously manage and regularly revise your estate plans, especially for entrepreneurs overseeing considerable assets. It ensures your final wishes are honored, and your loved ones are provided for.
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