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Review Brooks & Crowley
November 2023
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
A 7-Hour Journey, a Lifetime of Family Memories AN UNFORGETTABLE COLLEGE FOOTBALL ADVENTURE
Last month, Kim, the kids, and I drove seven hours to Penn State. Neil’s daughter, Lily, is a Penn State student, and we thought it’d be a fun idea to pay her a visit and watch them play the UMass Minutemen. Neil’s other daughter, Katie, is a UMass student so it was a unique time for our families to visit Happy Valley. The game itself went about as expected, with Penn State winning 63–0 (clearly the Vegas oddsmakers have no idea what they are doing since Penn State was favored by only 41.5 points). But it was all of the other things that went along with this game that made the trip memorable. You see, our kids have never really experienced a true college football game. Sure, they’ve been to Patriots games with stadiums filled with fans, but there’s something distinctly different about college ball, especially at a Big Ten school. There’s a feeling of camaraderie that can’t be replicated in the NFL, or even at smaller schools like UMass. Kim and I remember many a tailgate from our time there, but we can’t say that the game — or team — itself was the reason we were there. In fact, there were some games where we only went to the stadium during halftime if at all. Since our kids are creeping up in age and approaching the age of the Penn State students, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity to show them what football games can be like at other schools. And boy, did they experience exactly that.
and they weren’t just there for the tailgate either. They also weren’t just there because they were Penn State students; you can tell they were there because they’re Penn State fans. So, the kids took this all in with wide eyes and bright smiles, and I think it’s safe to say that they had a great time. I think what added to the experience was just the newness of everything. In a city like Boston, with towering buildings, it can be hard to look out a window and see anything other than concrete. On the other hand, Penn State is located smack dab in the middle of Pennsylvania, and the only tall buildings there are, well, Penn State buildings. The school is surrounded by smaller “city” structures and farmland. In fact, miles and miles of farmland filled most of our seven-hour drive from Boston to Penn State, which is something our kids haven’t really seen. The trip, while seemingly inconsequential, actually left quite an impression on me. With just a few -hour drive, we were able to experience something new and exciting together as a family. I think that sometimes, in the business of our daily lives, we forget that by hopping in the car and driving outside our routine comfort zones, we can allow ourselves to make new memories that will stay with us for many weekends, months, and years to come. I look forward to finding new ways to re-create this experience with my family, whether that’s at another college game or some other place just a car ride away. And during this season when things can become increasingly hectic, I encourage you to maybe take a look at your kids, your spouse, or your friends, and a map, and try to do the same. Even if it’s just trying a new place a few towns over, the memories you’ll make there will mean more than you realize. –Steve Brooks “I think, sometimes, in the business of our daily lives, we forget that by hopping in the car and driving outside our routine comfort zones, we can allow ourselves to make new memories that will stay with us for many weekends, months, and years to come.”
The day of the game itself was rainy, and we all had to wear those amoeba- looking ponchos to stay dry. And while some people may have found this cumbersome, it somehow added to the experience for all of us. Looking out from under our tent, the fans seemed ecstatic to be there,
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Hang On — The FBI Robbed a Bank? The Story Behind a Mind-Blowing California Raid
“This was the largest armed robbery in United States history, and it was committed by the FBI.” That jaw-dropping statement came from Robert Frommer, an attorney representing several hundred people whose safe deposit boxes were emptied during an FBI raid in 2021. The story is wild from start to finish. On that fateful day in March, armed FBI agents stormed a California strip mall and burst into a U.S. Private Vaults bank branch. They searched 1,400 safe deposit boxes and confiscated the contents of many of them — making off with roughly $86 million, plus valuable collectibles like coins, gold, and jewelry. Why would the agency do this? Well, after a two-year investigation, the FBI suspected U.S. Private Vaults was catering to drug dealers and other criminals hiding cash in Los Angeles. So, the agency obtained a warrant and raided the bank to look for proof.
And apparently, they found it. After the raid, U.S. Private Vaults pleaded guilty to conspiracy to launder drug money and closed its doors for good. However, that wasn’t the end of the saga.
Ruiz showed proof of his income, and in August 2021, the FBI agreed to return his funds.
However, not every U.S. Private Vaults customer has been so lucky. In September 2022, a judge ruled that the FBI raid was legal under
Remember attorney Robert Frommer? Roughly 400 people who kept their money at U.S. Private Vaults hired him to get the contents of their safe deposit boxes back from the FBI. They said they weren’t criminals and wanted their money back.
civil forfeiture laws and dismissed the depositors’ class-action lawsuit. An FBI spokesperson also said the agency was
putting a process in place to return items to innocent owners, but as of March 2023, at least one person still claimed she hadn’t gotten her money back — even
One of those people was Joseph Ruiz, who lost $57,000 in savings during the FBI raid. He filed a lawsuit, claiming the raid was unconstitutional. When the FBI accused Ruiz of making his money through illegal drug sales,
though she wasn’t criminally charged.
If this story ever becomes a Hollywood movie, we’ll be first in line at the box office.
4 Elements of a Solid Real Estate Contract Protect Your Investment:
When it comes to real estate transactions, the most important thing for every party involved will be the contract. However, contracts can also create a lot of problems if they aren’t drafted — or reviewed — properly. The problem is that spotting the red flags in a real estate contract can be difficult when people aren’t exactly sure what to look for. At Brooks & Crowley, we want everyone to feel confident in spotting these red flags so they can advocate for themselves or seek help from an experienced attorney. To help everyone do that, we’re providing our top four elements of a real estate contract to ensure it meets your needs. No. 1: The Parties Identified The first thing you should look for is a clear identification of all parties involved in the transaction. In nearly all cases, this will be the buyer and the seller, but it may also include
other parties, such as who the real estate agents are. Ensure that the contract accurately lists everyone’s names and information. Remember, a contract is legally binding, so their names must be accurate to hold parties accountable. No. 2: The Purchase Price The most critical aspect of the contract is, of course, the price. The contact should explicitly mention the agreed-upon purchase price in the correct amount, along with how the payment will be made. How much is the deposit and the down payment? Or is the Seller financing with a schedule of payments? The contract should include a precise breakdown of all financial requirements in order to be enforceable. No. 3: The Closing With a Specified Date One of the biggest red flags to look for in a contract is a closing date of “TBA.” Our
general advice is never to sign a contract with “TBA” listed, especially as a Seller, as you could be left waiting many months and at the other parties’ complete discretion. No. 4: Financing Contingency Many real estate transactions depend on successfully securing financing in order to fund the purchase. The financing contingency clause should outline the conditions under which the contract is enforced and give the buyer a timeframe to secure their financing. This clause is essential because it protects both parties from being tied to a deal that never comes to fruition. Remember, always call an experienced real estate attorney to help with your agreement at the earliest possible time!
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PODCAST WISDOM: LIFELONG LEARNING POTENTIAL
You’re never too old to learn something new! There are plenty of debunked myths floating around about the brain’s ability to absorb information as we age, but the truth is, learning in every phase of life is incredible for your mind. We keep our cognitive skills sharp as we age when we continue learning new
with all the humor you need to keep coming back for more.
Bonnie and Clyde, Sarah meets with various experts to go through the cold hard facts and what you likely didn’t know about these people. Start listening to one of over 200 episodes and learn everything you never knew! ‘Maintenance Phase’ With social media and so-called health gurus everywhere, it can be challenging to know what health advice is factual or safe. “Maintenance Phase” debunks all the diet fads, fitness myths, and trendy health gimmicks to keep you informed. With the help of hosts Michael Hobbes and Aubrey Gordon, you learn the actual science behind your body’s health and discover what is true and what is simply trending. With plenty of podcasts at your fingertips, these three are exceptionally entertaining and informative. Put your headphones on and clean up the house, or drive your daily commute with one of these podcasts to keep your brain in tip-top shape!
Ward interviews experts and “-ologists” and asks them not-so-average questions. The information and insight you receive is easily digestible and entertaining. With over 340 episodes at your disposal on most streaming platforms like Apple and Spotify, “Ologies” can keep you
information and skills. So, what’s the easiest way to passively learn something new? Tune in to one of these podcasts and continue with your day! Podcasts from experts can provide you with a plethora of compelling information to keep your brain strong. ‘Ologies’ Witty and endlessly informative, “Ologies” is hosted by Alie Ward, a science correspondent
listening for a long time!
‘You’re Wrong About’ The first step to understanding the world around you is to consider the possibility that everything you know may not be true. That’s where “You’re Wrong About” comes in! Host and journalist Sarah Marshall dives into different historical figures and events falsely covered by the traditional media. From Sinead O’Connor to
Have a Laugh!
Stuffed bell peppers are a common meal in many households. And as temperatures begin to drop, there’s no better way to warm up than by turning this classic recipe into a hearty — and healthy — soup! Stuffed Pepper Soup Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
• 2 lbs ground beef • 6 cups water Ingredients
• 2 tsp salt • 2 tsp beef bouillon granules • 1 tsp black pepper • 2 cups cooked long-grain rice • Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
• 1 28-oz can tomato sauce • 1 28-oz can diced tomatoes, undrained • 2 cups chopped green peppers • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1. In a Dutch oven over medium heat, cook beef until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles; drain. Add beef back to the pot and stir in all ingredients except the cooked rice. Bring to a boil. 2. Reduce heat. Simmer uncovered until peppers are tender, about 30 minutes. 3. Add cooked rice and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. directions
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Inside THIS ISSUE
1 7 Hours, Endless Memories: Penn State Football With the (Extended) Family 2 Did the FBI Really ‘Steal’ $86 Million? Your Must-Know Tips for Real Estate Transactions 3 Podcast Your Way to a Sharper Mind and Smarter You Stuffed Pepper Soup 4 November’s Family-Friendly Events in Boston!
What’s Going On, Boston? The Best Family-Friendly Activities This Month!
November is here, which means it is officially the start of the holiday season! And, of course, with the holidays come winter break, a time when kids can enjoy some much- needed rest and relaxation away from school. So, why not plan something fun for your family with the extra time you have together? Thankfully, Boston has a few family-friendly events you and your little ones can check out this month! Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical Nov. 24-26 Boch Center 265 Tremont Street BochCenter.org/events/detail/rudolph Rudolph, with his nose so bright, is coming to life this month on the Boch Center’s stage! You and your family can experience a singing adventure that teaches us all
that being different can be a good thing — it’s what makes us special. This theater adaption is 90 minutes long and includes a 20-minute intermission! FREE Admission to Harvard Art Museum Until Dec. 31 Harvard Art Museums 32 Quincy Street HarvardArtMuseums.org/visit Thanks to a generous contribution from the Estate of David Rockefeller back in February, all admissions to Harvard’s art museums are FREE until the end of December! The Harvard Art Museums welcomes children of all ages, and they even offer free sketchbooks and pencils for kids to make their own art as they walk through the galleries. To receive the complimentary sketchbook and pencils, just ask an attendant at the admissions desk!
This is a great opportunity to allow your children to unleash their inner artists while experiencing some of the most incredible art in the world, like Van Gogh’s famous self-portrait, Claude Monet’s “The Gare Saint-Lazare: Arrival of a Train,” or John Singer Sargent’s “The Breakfast Table.” Check Out ‘View Boston’ Any time View Boston 800 Boylston Street ViewBoston.com If you haven’t been since their grand re- opening in June, View Boston is a great way to teach your kids about our city, its history, and some of its most iconic buildings from atop one of the tallest buildings in New England. They also have a “View Shop” where your kids can take home a souvenir after their experience!
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