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BUILDING COMMUNITY, ONE STEP AT A TIME Turning Small Gestures Into Strong Bonds THE LEGAL NAVIGATOR APRIL 2025
Taking time to connect with others has always brightened my day. Something as simple as a quick chat with a neighbor or taking a minute to lend a hand to someone in need is a nice reminder that we’re all in this together. Unfortunately, in today’s hectic world, everyone seems constantly attached to screens, and losing the human connection with those around us can be easy. The technology of modern life isn’t the only problem, either. Growing social divides and inequities also contribute to what’s being called a loneliness epidemic. A recent poll found that one-third of Americans regularly feel lonely. That’s why I think community- building is more critical than ever. When we pause to build relationships, we create something special — a shared belonging that can improve the lives of others. Tips for Building Community Strengthening our communities doesn’t have to be complicated. It often begins with a few simple steps. Here are five things we can all do today to enjoy a better community tomorrow. Start with people you know. We don’t have to look far to begin creating stronger connections. A simple way to build and improve a community is to show up more for the people we already know. Being better supporters and friends — whether by offering help or serving as a sounding board — is a great way to be a strong community member while encouraging others to do the same. Connect more with strangers. Meeting new people and bringing them into our lives is the only way to grow our social circle and give others a sense of belonging. This doesn’t mean you must start inviting everyone you meet home for dinner. Having genuine conversations with the people we see regularly, such as cashiers and maintenance workers, can help reduce social divides and foster a sense of inclusion. Support local efforts. Getting involved is a great way to improve our shared environments and drive progress. Shopping at local businesses, supporting a community event, or joining a neighborhood project helps create
something bigger than ourselves. These activities also open the door to new connections with like-minded people. Focus on genuine relationships. Whether in our workplace or neighborhoods, getting caught up in transactional relationships can be all too easy. However, true communities are built on genuine relationships — where all parties give without expecting anything in return. By offering our time, sharing advice, or simply listening without strings attached, we foster trust and mutual respect and build the foundation for genuine friendships. Celebrate small wins together. While we work toward something bigger, it’s common to forget the small achievements along the way. However, communities grow stronger when we unite to celebrate shared successes, regardless of size. Whether congratulating a neighbor on a personal achievement or attending a local milestone event, these moments promote connections and positivity and remind each other we’re all part of something bigger. Strengthening Our Community Bonds Connecting with others can have a ripple effect, creating a network of support and understanding that benefits everyone. I’ve learned that community-building doesn’t require grand gestures — small, consistent actions make the most significant difference.
This week, I encourage you to join me in finding time to connect. Attend an event, chat with your neighbor, or help someone in need. When we invest in each other, our communities get stronger, and we help create a more connected, compassionate world.
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Managing Anxiety in Midlife SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR A CALMER MIND
swimming, and tai chi can be ideal for older adults, as they are gentle on the body while providing mental health benefits. Aim for 30 minutes of activity most days of the week. Maintain social connections. Strong social ties are one of the most significant predictors of contentment. Reaching out to friends, family, and community groups reduces feelings of isolation and can help manage anxiety. For added benefits, consider joining a book club, taking a class, or volunteering — these help foster meaningful connections while keeping your mind engaged. Seek professional support. If anxiety feels unmanageable, speaking with a therapist or counselor can help. Cognitive behavioral therapy is beneficial for anxiety, as it enables you to identify and reframe negative thought patterns. In some cases, a medical provider can prescribe helpful medication. Taking Control of Anxiety Experiencing anxiety in your 50s and 60s is more common than you think, but it’s also manageable. Taking proactive steps today can lead to a calmer, more confident tomorrow.
Affecting close to 20% of the older population, anxiety is a common challenge for adults in their 50s and 60s. It’s natural to feel anxiety in certain situations, but overwhelming feelings of unease and worry can interfere with daily life and may be a sign of an anxiety disorder. Understanding Anxiety in Midlife As we age, life’s demands shift in ways that can heighten anxiety. Many older adults navigate significant changes — increased career demands, aging parents, and chronic health conditions. Hormonal shifts associated with aging, especially among women, can also amplify stress and unease. Common symptoms include irritability and panic, insomnia, trouble with memory and focus, and digestion problems. Fortunately,
there are strategies to help you regain control and maintain your well-being.
Effective Strategies for Managing Anxiety Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques. Mindfulness techniques encourage you to focus on the present moment, which can counteract racing thoughts and reduce feelings of worry. Mindfulness- based practices include meditation, deep breathing, and yoga. Even a few minutes of daily practice can make a big difference in calming the mind and body over time. Stay physically active. Regular exercise is one of the best ways to alleviate anxiety. Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. Activities like walking,
JOURNEY THROUGH TIME Discover the Endless Beaches and Vibrant Culture of Antigua
Can you imagine escaping to a tropical island where you can visit a different beach every day for a year without ever seeing the same one twice? It’s not a fantasy. It’s Antigua. Antigua has long been known for its 365 beaches, from Halfmoon Bay’s silvery sands to Galley Bay Beach’s surfing waves. Unique for its history and native crafts, this eastern Caribbean island is rich in recreational and cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty. Christopher Columbus encountered Antigua in 1493, and the British subsequently colonized the island and neighboring Barbuda in the 1600s. Barbuda was originally planned as a slave-breeding colony, but the enslaved people brought to the island rebelled against colonial rule. After years of domination by the United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence as a single nation in 1981. Although Antigua covers only 108 square miles, it has a rich history and cultural traditions. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park offers archeological sites and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The 8th of March Project commemorates the lives of enslaved and free Africans who labored on the docks for centuries. Energetic hikers can make their way up a steep trail to Shirley Heights, 492 feet above sea level, to enjoy a panoramic view across the sea.
Among Antigua’s unique attractions is the centuries-old artisan craft of forming tamarind seeds into jewelry and home decor. The island is also home to one of the rarest fruits in the world, the Antigua black pineapple, which is sweet and delicious sliced fresh or in jelly form. Also, a weekly archeological tour called “Rum in the Ruins” offers a history of the sugar trade and the island’s famous rum.
Antigua’s Summer Carnival is one of the most popular in the world. The celebration began
when people took to the streets in 1834 to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people and independence from England.
Visitors to the Carnival today can enjoy wildly colorful costumes and 10 days of music, dancing, and parades. Among the most memorable experiences are steel band competitions playing calypso and soca music.
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Rome’s Awesome Aquatic Battles
THE COLOSSEUM’S WILDEST SPECTACLE
The Roman Colosseum is famous for its gladiator combat, but did you know it was once flooded with water for full-scale naval battles? While this might sound like Hollywood fiction, it actually took place and is one of the more epic tales from Roman history. Known as naumachiae, a Greek term that translates to “naval combat,” these battles were a feat of ancient engineering and showcased Rome’s appetite for over-the-top entertainment. For a society captivated by lions and gladiators, transforming the iconic Colosseum into an aquatic battlefield was the ultimate flex — a bizarre yet undeniably brilliant display of Roman ingenuity and excess. The Spectacle of Naumachiae Imagine thousands of spectators cheering as tiny warships clashed in a flooded arena. Dating back to the third century B.C., these mock sea battles weren’t small staged skirmishes; they were elaborate naval reenactments
Romans go to such lengths? More than entertainment, naumachiae was a statement of imperial power. Such Roman spectacles entertained the masses while reinforcing the empire’s might. The Challenge of Arena Battles Of course, flooding the Colosseum was not easy. It’s believed the same aqueducts used to supply the city with water were also used to fill up the arena, and special flat-bottomed ships capable of navigating shallow waters made the events possible. The discovery of an ancient drainage system also provided new insights into how Roman engineers may have efficiently removed water from the arena to prepare it for other events. Why It’s More Than Just a Weird Story The logistical challenges of flooding an arena to a depth sufficient for floating ships eventually led them to abandon the naumachiae after only a handful of events. Yet, these extravagant displays reveal much about Roman culture. They highlight the empire’s
complete with ships, soldiers, and condemned criminals and prisoners of war forced to play the role of combatants.
unmatched ability to combine practicality and imagination to create spectacles that continue to captivate and inspire us centuries later.
In some cases, these spectacles recreated historical battles or mythological scenes. One naumachiae held by Nero in 57 A.D. even included seals and hippos. So, why did
TAKE A BREAK
CLASSIC FISH FRY
Ingredients
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
• 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!
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Simple Actions to Build Community Today
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Naval Combat Inside the Roman Colosseum? Classic Fish Fry Your Guide to Conquer Anxiety Escape to Paradise: Savoring the Beauty and History of Antigua
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Heroic Goldendoodle Saves Baby Deer in Heartwarming Rescue Rescue, Comfort, and Reunion How Harley Became a Real-Life Hero
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Everyone likes to believe their canine companions would jump into action if they noticed someone or something in danger. However, most dogs will never be in a position to save a life or avert a catastrophe. That’s probably a good thing, as watching one of your best friends risk their life for others would be incredibly stressful. In 2021, a Virginia family experienced precisely that as they witnessed their goldendoodle attempt a heroic rescue with a heartwarming aftermath.
Once the deer was out of the water, Harley immediately started licking the fawn to comfort and calm it down. Harley didn’t want to leave the fawn, but after spotting the deer’s mother, Dorn escorted his heroic canine indoors. The fawn and mother walked away, seemingly never to be seen again. That was, until the next morning. Harley appeared restless that morning, running from window to window. Dorn opened the front door to see what was happening when he heard the fawn bleating. The deer had returned, eager to thank its rescuer! The two ran
During an early summer evening, Ralph Dorn’s dog, Harley, was gone. He started surveying the lake behind his Culpepper, Virginia, home when he spotted the goldendoodle about 200 feet from shore. At first, he wondered what his dog was doing in the water, but he soon realized his trusty pup was not alone. Harley was swimming alongside a tiny baby deer. “Not sure how the fawn got out there, but Harley obviously didn’t ask why. He just jumped into action,” Dorn, 62, wrote in a Facebook post.
toward each other, touching noses and sniffing one another before Harley returned indoors. The brief reunion was enough to calm the fawn and Harley down, and Dorn has not seen either deer since that day. But that’s not Harley’s only heroic feat. The proud pup has also spent time as a certified therapy dog, providing comfort and companionship to seniors in care facilities and children reading at the local library. We can all hope our dogs would take the same actions as Harley if presented with a similar opportunity!
Harley helped the fawn to shore, where Dorn greeted the animals and helped them climb back onto dry land.
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