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MARCH 2024
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
& Wise
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
SEE CHANGE AS AN OPPORTUNITY The ‘Ship of Theseus’ and the Future of Federal Benefits Made Simple
Does change mean decline or just different? Recently, I’ve been thinking about the “Ship of Theseus” thought experiment. Many were conflicted as the beloved ship that held Theseus and the children he saved from Crete was renovated throughout the years. The transformation poses the question: If a ship’s components are gradually replaced, is it still the same ship? That’s a question folks have been asking me about Federal Benefits Made Simple. If you haven’t heard, I’m retiring! People keep asking me if things will be the same after I leave. In the past 20 years our business has been advising clients, we’ve constantly experienced change, often for the better. Change happens yet it doesn’t mean it’s bad or that the entire entity will be different. I’m so proud of how much Federal Benefits Made Simple has grown and evolved over the years, and I’m confident things will only continue to improve.
of both that can’t be labeled one or the other, but in the end, its label may not be as important as its function.
I love a quote by the author C.S. Lewis: “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” I hope that you’re not so concerned about the changes Federal Benefits Made Simple will go through due to my retirement that you can’t see the potential. There is so much more in store for this team, and I want to assure you that you’re in good hands! As I write this last newsletter, I think not only about the lessons I’ve shared with you but all the lessons I’ve learned from my clients. Thank you for coming along on this journey, both as a client and reader of this newsletter. I’m excited to pass it on to my trusted team, let them spread their wings and create the next chapter in the company’s legacy!
Ultimately, the “Ship of Theseus” and the transformation of Federal Benefits Made Simple share a common theme: Change is constant. It doesn’t necessarily mean deterioration but rather evolution. Just as the ship evolved while preserving its essence, Federal Benefits Made Simple will continue to grow, change and improve.
While researching the history of the “Ship of Theseus,” I discovered the Wikipedia page for the topic was
created back in 2003. After 20 years, not a single word in the article has stayed the same. Every aspect has changed, but the page still conveys the same subject matter and quality of information! So, why the concern about what we call something when we can simply acknowledge that it’s gotten better? My husband loves to watch “Car Masters: Rust to Riches” where they restore and flip cars, and one episode reminded me of the thought regarding change. The team turned a four-door 2013 Dodge Hemi into a two-door 1969 Dodge Daytona. It was unbelievable to see
Embracing change and adaptation is a natural part of progress, which allows us to reach new heights. Just as a car can be transformed into a classic, or a Wikipedia page can have every word evolve, we should focus on the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. As I pass the torch to my trusted team, I have complete confidence they will continue to provide you with exceptional service and guidance. Thank you for being a part of this journey, and remember, the best is yet to come! –Ann Vanderslice
a modern car completely transformed into a classic! Is it a Hemi or a Daytona? What exactly is it? A mixture
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EXPLORE THE WORLD THROUGH MAX’S LENS A Passion for Photography That Only Seems to Grow
Photography has a way of freezing moments in time, revealing the beauty that often escapes our daily lives. For Max Canestorp, photography has been a lifelong passion, an art form that has evolved alongside his journey through life. We’re thrilled to share Max’s remarkable journey, from a childhood pastime to a retirement pursuit that keeps him busier than ever. Max’s journey into the world of photography is one he describes as seamless and continuous. He’s been taking photographs for as long as he can remember. His fascination with capturing the world around him began with a simple plastic camera, a gift from his sister when he was just a child. While the cameras he uses may have changed, his love for photography has never wavered. As Max grew older, his passion for photography intensified. In his early 20s, he began taking photos as a side gig while balancing his regular work. It didn’t take long for him to realize that photography was more than just a hobby; it was a calling. The idea of turning his passion into a business started taking shape. In 2019, Max retired from his long-standing career with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, marking the beginning of a new
them into something extraordinary. He achieves this by focusing on specific features, altering angles, experimenting with lighting, or capturing subjects in unexpected conditions. For instance, Max often photographs flowers at night after a rainstorm, creating stunning images with vibrant colors against a black background. Max doesn’t rely on digital alterations to achieve his desired effects. While he may adjust color saturation to replicate what he sees in person, he doesn’t digitally manipulate his photos. Instead, he uses his skills to capture subjects to make people rethink their perspective about the world around them.
chapter in his life. For Max, retirement meant ramping up his photography endeavors and taking his art form more seriously than ever before. Since retiring, Max has been busier than one might expect. He recalls a conversation with his former boss, where he “jokingly threatened” to return to work because retirement had him swamped with projects. That’s a testament that retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down but embracing new passions and pursuits. He has an eclectic range of subjects that catch his eye, including wildlife, florals, landscapes, and old buildings. One of his favorite photographic subjects is the hibiscus flower, which he loves to capture during his annual trips to Hawaii. Max’s travel style has also evolved with his retirement. He’s swapped interstate highways for secondary roads, opting to explore the heart of small towns and discover the hidden gems along the way. His travels across the country are now leisurely, allowing him to savor every moment. One of the remarkable aspects of Max’s photography is his ability to take ordinary subjects and transform
Max’s photographic journey is a testament to the idea that a lifelong passion can flourish in retirement. His dedication to capturing the extraordinary within the ordinary inspires fellow photographers and art enthusiasts alike. To explore more of Max’s incredible work and gain a fresh perspective on the world through his lens, visit his website at DepthOfFieldImages.com/about.html . We couldn’t be more moved by his stunning photography and can’t wait to see what he’ll capture in the coming years!
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3 FURRY HEROES Jack, Togo, and Bandit Went Above and Beyond
Sometimes, heroes come sans cape but with fur, paws, and a keen sense of smell. We’ve heard the stories of police dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, and the German shepherd Trakr, who found the last survivor on 9/11. But even untrained pets and strays can be heroic. Meet Jack, a stray dog in New York City known for scavenging through dumpsters. One early morning, his routine search for food took a life-saving turn. Behind one of these dumpsters was a baby, wrapped in a blanket, vulnerable and alone. Instinctively and with remarkable gentleness, Jack picked up the baby in the blanket with his teeth. Whether guided by fate, an extraordinary sense of purpose, or just because it was the closest open business, Jack took the baby to the hospital. The nurses tried to shoo him away when he first
Chipotle- Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl Inspired by EasyChickenRecipes.com most treacherous part of the journey. These dogs delivered life-saving medicine in time and saved many of Nome’s children. Cats can be heroes, too, as proved by a calico cat who lived up to his name in the most unexpected way. One night in ran through the sliding doors. One nurse, noticing the bundle in the dog’s mouth, was able to get close enough to retrieve the baby. Thanks to Jack, the baby received life-saving medical attention. In the 1920s, the remote town of Nome, Alaska, grappled with a deadly diphtheria epidemic. Children were dying, and the icebound city was inaccessible by plane or boat in the winter. The only way to deliver the needed antitoxins was by dog sled on the Iditarod Trail. Balto, a Siberian husky, received most of the fame, but Togo, another husky, led the team across the
Mississippi, intruders were trying to break into a home. The house cat, Bandit, sensed the danger and sprang into action. The cat’s relentless scratching and tugging at its owner’s blanket finally woke him. Then Bandit led his human downstairs to discover the attempted break-in, which also scared away the intruders. Bandit proved that size and species don’t matter in heroism. In moments of crisis, these four-legged heroes rose to the occasion, not for glory or reward but out of pure love and loyalty. They are potent reminders of the courage and selflessness that animals are capable of.
Train Your
BRAIN!
INGREDIENTS
For Salsa • 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 2 boneless chicken breasts • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 tsp paprika • 1 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp chili pepper • 1/2 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp pepper • 1 cup white or brown rice, cooked
• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce • 1 cup canned corn • 1 cup canned black beans • 1 avocado, cubed • 1/4 cup sour cream • 1/4 cup shredded cheese
• 1/2 tomato, chopped • 1/2 onion, chopped • 2 tbsp white vinegar • 4 tbsp lime juice • Salt, to taste
DIRECTIONS
1. Cut chicken into bite-size pieces. In a medium-size bowl, add chicken, olive oil, paprika, cumin, chili pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix until chicken is evenly coated. 2. In a skillet over medium heat, cook chicken for 7 minutes or until cooked through. Set aside on a plate. 3. In a large bowl, layer the rice, lettuce, corn, beans, and cooked chicken. 4. In a separate bowl, mix together salsa ingredients, then pour over the chicken mixture. 5. Top with avocado, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
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Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E.A. Buck Company, is an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency. E.A. Buck is an independent financial services firm, offering investment and insurance products to consumers. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. Insurance services offered through Federal Benefits Made Simple an E.A. Buck Company. Neither MAS nor AEWM are affiliated with E.A. Buck Insurance or Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E. A. Buck Company. E.A. Buck Insurance and Federal Benefits Made Simple, An E.A. Buck Company are affiliated by common ownership. In California, we are known only as E.A. Buck Insurance in all solicitations of insurance. 02248090 - 2/24.
Embrace Change With Federal Benefits Made Simple PAGE 1 Max Captures the Extraordinary in the Ordinary PAGE 2 3 Pet Hero Stories Chipotle-Inspired Chicken Burrito Bowl PAGE 3 A Few of History’s Hilarious Quirks PAGE 4
SOME OF HISTORY’S QUIRKIEST MOMENTS
Tale of the Tallest Buildings The Great Pyramid of Giza is the oldest and last remaining of the original seven wonders of the world. For 4,000 years, this architectural marvel was the tallest building in the world. But all reigns must end, and in 1311, the Lincoln Cathedral in England claimed the crown. It was the tallest building for 237 years until its spire collapsed in 1548. However, it was still the tallest building ever built until the Ulm Minster in Germany set a new record in 1890 — it’s still the tallest church in the world. Shorts Shook the World In the sizzling summer of 1937, something extraordinary happened on the streets of Toronto that changed fashion forever. Two daring women went out in public wearing shorts. Yes, shorts! The sight was so unusual that it drew overwhelming attention and even caused a car wreck! While this moment caused quite a stir, it wasn’t until after World War II that shorts gained popularity.
Grab your time travel hats! We are peeling back the layers of the past to reveal a few stories you won’t find in the history books, though history class would have been much more fun if they were! When Stillness Created History Imagine a bustling Parisian street filled with life and activity. A photographer is there, about to take the first known photograph of a person. But the only person still enough to photograph was a man getting his shoes shined — the exposure time then was several hours, almost a whole day’s work! So, the shoe-shining duo became unexpected celebrities in history as the subject of the first known photograph of humans in 1838. A Whistle Stop for Women’s Contributions When trains first thundered across the American landscape, some women wouldn’t ride them — a bizarre myth emerged claiming that traveling at speeds of 50 mph would cause their uteruses to fly out of
their bodies! Thankfully, at least two women saw past the strange notion to propose genuine improvements in the iron horses. In 1870, Eliza Murfey held 16 patents for her inventions to improve how bearings on train car wheels responded to their axles. In 1879, Mary Elizabeth Walton held two patents for reducing smokestack emissions.
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