Check out the latest edition of our newsletter!
EASTER IS A CULTURAL MOSAIC HOW DIFFERENT CULTURES CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAY ACROSS THE GLOBE
Easter is a celebration of renewal and rebirth — a festivity cherished worldwide. Beyond the familiar egg hunts and bunny-shaped chocolates, many cultures celebrate Easter with unique traditions. Let’s explore how different countries celebrate this amazing holiday!
Down under, Easter happens in autumn instead of spring. Australia promotes the Easter Bilby movement to raise awareness about endangered bilbies. These marsupials are represented by chocolate bilbies, a popular alternative to the traditional chocolate bunny, and proceeds support conservation efforts. Australia’s neighbor, New Zealand, eats hot cross buns to warm up on their autumnal Easter. It’s more than just a tune kids learn in music class. These dense treats encourage kids not to fill up on empty sugar. In Ethiopia, they reverse the traditional heavy ham meal by practicing a period of fasting similar to Lent. Christians in Ethiopia celebrate Fasika — similar to the more well-known Lent — for 55 days before Easter. All meat and animal products are removed from their diet until after the Easter Sunday service. Ethiopian Easter is more important than their Christmas celebrations, and many families celebrate the end of Fasika with lavish feasts. In South Africa, Easter celebrations are so large across the continent that the government has given citizens Easter Monday off. Easter traditions worldwide are a testament to the rich tapestry of cultures across the globe. Each celebration paints a unique picture of how communities celebrate renewal, from solemn processionals to playful water fights and endangered species campaigns. Easter is a time for renewal and reflection and an opportunity to appreciate the unique beauty of the human experience. —Travis Lewis DON’T FORGET! Life insurance protects those who count on you! Contact us at 309-512-7118 to receive our FREE parenting guide and life insurance resource.
In Greece, the solemn nature of Holy Week reaches its climax on Good Friday when, in
Corfu, the streets are transformed into a spectacle of light and music. Residents throw clay pots from their balconies onto the streets to symbolize the expulsion of evil spirits and the arrival of spring’s renewal. Grecians also forgo the usual multicolored designs on hard-boiled eggs and instead dye their eggs a brilliant dark crimson. This represents rebirth and the blood of Jesus as the return of the
son of God. The island of Chios hosts a beautiful “Rocket War,” in which two rival churches launch homemade fireworks in an extraordinary display of tradition and skill. Florence celebrates similarly with Scoppio del Carro or “explosion of the cart.” They load an ornate cart with fireworks and parade it through the streets until it reaches the Duomo, where the archbishop lights the cart to begin the fireworks display. Moving to a colder climate, Sweden puts a spin on the traditional egg hunt with Påskkärringar, or Easter witches. Children dress as witches and exchange drawings for candy in a whimsical and uniquely Swedish way. Finland also partakes in the supernatural during Easter, as kids dress as more traditional witches. The costumes echo the belief that witches would fly to a mythical mountain on Holy Saturday to meet with the devil.
Easter Monday turns toward the playful in Poland with Śmigus-Dyngus or Wet Monday. Their tradition is to playfully splash water on loved ones, symbolizing a cleansing for renewal. The dousing is believed
to bring good health and luck for the coming year. Similarly, sprinkling water on others is popular in Hungary, though with a twist. Men will recite a short poem before sprinkling women in a sweet display of affection.
1
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS • 309.512.7118
5 Exciting Sporting Events in April
April is one of the most exciting months of the year for all kinds of sports fans! Whether you follow the hushed telecasts of PGA golf or the wild excitement of the UFC and NCAA men’s and women’s basketball, April has something to get excited about! GOLF Golf enthusiasts are always excited for April as it hosts one of the year’s biggest golf tournaments: The Masters Tournament from April 8-14. All the greats will compete for a sky-high prize in the warm Georgia sun, including Tiger Woods and Bubba Wattson. BASKETBALL Stakes are high in April for college basketball — it’s time for the men’s and women’s Final Four! The chaos of March Madness is over, leading to a clash of titans. The women’s Final Four starts on Friday, April 5, with the championship game on Sunday in Cleveland, Ohio. The remaining four men’s teams face off on Saturday, Feb. 6, and the final two play for the championship Monday night, with all games in Glendale, Arizona. FOOTBALL The 2024 football season doesn’t start until September, but the NFL Draft in April does more to shake up NFL rosters than any other time of year. From April 25–27, you can watch your
favorite college stars take their first steps as a pro. Fans everywhere love to watch the spectacle and boo or cheer for their team’s picks. BASEBALL The Major League Baseball season kicks off in April, so every baseball fan’s schedule will be chock full of games for the next six months. Spring is also the
best season for baseball: The weather is just right to watch a game live and maybe catch some early season home runs from the stands! MIXED MARTIAL ARTS The upcoming UFC 300 is sure to be a spectacle. Competitors from men’s and women’s divisions fight
in the ring with all the expected thunder and ferocity. The fights will be held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on April 13.
Affordable Security
The Value of Renter’s Insurance
ADDITIONAL LIVING EXPENSES If your rented property becomes uninhabitable due to covered perils, renter’s insurance often covers additional living expenses. This can include temporary accommodation, meals, and other necessary costs. This feature ensures you won’t be stranded or financially burdened if you need to find alternative housing while your rented space is being repaired. AFFORDABLE COVERAGE One of the most compelling reasons to invest in renter’s insurance is its affordability. Unlike homeowners insurance, which covers the structure of a property, renter’s insurance focuses solely on personal belongings and liability. This targeted coverage makes it a cost-effective option for tenants. Many insurance providers offer flexible plans tailored to your specific needs, ensuring you get the coverage you require without breaking the bank. PEACE OF MIND Perhaps the most significant advantage of renter’s insurance is the peace of mind it brings. Knowing your personal belongings are protected and you have liability coverage in case of accidents allows you to enjoy your rented space without constant worry.
Finding the perfect rental property and settling into a new home is challenging in today’s market. However, one crucial aspect that tenants often overlook is renter’s insurance. Some people might dismiss it, thinking their landlord’s insurance will cover their belongings in case of an unfortunate event. However, understanding the significance of renter’s insurance is essential for safeguarding your assets and ensuring peace of mind. PROTECTION FOR PERSONAL BELONGINGS One of the primary reasons renter’s insurance is crucial is that it provides coverage for your personal belongings within the rented property. If an unforeseen incident — fire, theft, or a natural disaster — occurs, your landlord’s insurance typically won’t cover your personal items. Renter’s insurance fills this gap, offering financial protection to replace or repair your belongings, including furniture, electronics, clothing, and more. LIABILITY COVERAGE If someone is injured while on your rental property and deems you responsible, your renter’s insurance can cover medical expenses, legal fees, and potential damages. This protection is invaluable, as personal injury claims can lead to significant financial burdens, and renter’s insurance acts as a safety net in such situations.
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS • 309.512.7118
2
Life is unpredictable — unforeseen events can pose financial threats that extend beyond the coverage limits of standard insurance policies. To address these potential gaps, individuals often turn to umbrella insurance — an additional layer of protection that offers peace of mind and shields against the unexpected. WHAT IS UMBRELLA INSURANCE? Umbrella insurance, also known as excess liability insurance, is a supplementary policy designed to provide extra protection beyond Beyond Limits Understanding the Power of Umbrella Insurance
WHY UMBRELLA INSURANCE IS IMPORTANT Protecting Your Assets If you face a lawsuit exceeding your primary insurance’s limits, your personal assets could be at risk. Umbrella insurance acts as a financial buffer, shielding your assets from being tapped to cover liabilities. Risk Management High-net-worth individuals or those with substantial assets are more likely to be targeted in lawsuits seeking substantial damages. Umbrella insurance is a strategic risk management tool to safeguard against significant financial losses. Coverage Gaps Standard insurance policies might not cover certain liability claims or may have insufficient limits. Umbrella insurance steps in to bridge these gaps, ensuring comprehensive protection. Affordability Considering the extensive coverage it provides, umbrella insurance is relatively affordable. Compared to the cost, its added protection makes it a wise investment for many individuals. While we can’t predict every twist and turn in life, we can take proactive steps to protect our assets and financial well-being. By considering umbrella insurance, individuals gain an extra layer of security, contributing to their peace of mind and financial stability in the face of life’s uncertainties.
the limits of your primary insurance policies. While policies such as auto, home, or renters insurance offer essential coverage, they may have limits that make coverage insufficient in the face of certain catastrophic events or extensive liability claims. COVERAGE HIGHLIGHTS Liability Protection Umbrella insurance primarily offers liability protection. If you’re found responsible for causing an accident resulting in severe injuries or property damage, the umbrella policy kicks in once the claim reaches the limits of your primary insurance. Legal Expenses In addition to covering damages, umbrella insurance can assist in covering legal expenses, including lawyer fees, court costs, and settlements. This is crucial in scenarios where legal actions may arise due to a covered incident.
Personal Injury Coverage Umbrella insurance often extends coverage to personal injury claims, which may include libel, slander, defamation, or invasion of privacy. Worldwide Coverage Whether traveling abroad or hosting an event, umbrella insurance can provide international coverage, ensuring a broad scope of protection.
COACH’S CORNER
“It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog.” -Archie Griffin “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
Savor the flavor with our mouthwatering grilled steak, paired perfectly with vibrant chimichurri sauce.
INGREDIENTS
“The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning.” -Pele “You have to expect things of yourself before you can do them. ” -Michael Jordan
For the chimichurri sauce: • 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped • 2 cloves garlic, minced • Juice of 1 lemon
•
2 lbs steak (flank, sirloin, or skirt steak)
•
2 tbsp olive oil
• •
2 tbsp olive oil
• •
1 tsp red pepper flakes Salt and pepper, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1.
Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!
3
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS • 309.512.7118
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS
309.512.7118
4917 N SHERIDAN RD EDWARDS, IL 61614
WHAT’S INSIDE?
1 2
A Global Celebration of Easter
The Sports World Is Booming in April!
The Crucial Role of Renter’s Insurance
3
Exploring Umbrella Insurance
Coach’s Corner
Grilled Steak With Chimichurri Sauce
4
Protective Pup Takes a Bullet for His Owner — And Survives!
In a heartwarming tale of courage and resilience, a pit bull named Kilo defied the odds after being shot in the head while bravely protecting his owner. The incident unfolded when an intruder invaded Kilo’s home. In a shocking turn of events, Kilo’s instinct to shield his owner led to a life- threatening injury, but “Super Pitty” survived, capturing many hearts, too. SUPER PITTY! Kilo’s Amazing Bravery and Survival One Saturday evening 12 years ago on Staten Island, a gunman posing as a FedEx deliveryman rang the doorbell of Kilo’s home. He didn’t wait long before he pushed his way into the apartment. Kilo’s human, Justin Becker, told CBS, “He barged in. My first reaction after seeing the gun was to push him out, so I pushed him to the door.” Becker’s girlfriend, Nicole Percoco, had been holding Kilo during this encounter and let him go. Kilo jumped into action, fighting back against the invader, unfortunately getting shot in the fight. Luckily, the bullet just missed Kilo’s skull, entering and exiting right under his ears, said Dr. Gregory L. Panarello, the medical director of South Shore Animal Hospital. After a 40-minute surgery to remove bullet fragments, he was patched up and even given a superhero insignia on his bandage. Three days later, Kilo was up and going on every dog’s favorite pastime: walkies. Kilo’s story is a powerful reminder of the indomitable spirit of canine companions and the strength of their love for us. Even 12 years later, Super Pitty Kilo’s story still spreads love and happiness. Give your pet an extra cuddle tonight so they know just how much you love them!
AMFAM.COM/AGENTS/ILLINOIS/PEORIA/TRAVIS-LEWIS • 309.512.7118
4
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator