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DECEMBER 2025 860.613.6290 ROBERTCWHITE.COM Bleachers Full of Family, Hearts Full of Team Spirit A Team That Truly Plays for Each Other Shows How ‘Work Together, Win Together’ Drives Championship Results — in Sports and in Business
I already know exactly where my family and I are going to be this Sunday at 10 a.m.: standing on the sidelines, probably yelling too loudly, watching my brother Zach coach his high school soccer team — including two of his sons, Gavin and Ethan — in the Connecticut State Championship. The Haddam-Killingworth Cougars have made it all the way to the final, and if you think that sounds like a big deal, you should see our family group text. It’s essentially a 24/7 ESPN commentary booth but with more emojis. Zach has been head coach of the Cougars for only two years, but you’d never know it. Last year, hopes were sky-high. After a first-round bye in the state tournament, the team seemed poised for a deep run … right up until they weren’t. They were
upset by conference rival Coginchaug, a loss made worse (or funnier, depending on your perspective) by the fact that another one of my nephews played for Coginchaug (Go Graham!). Thanksgiving was interesting. But this year? This year has been different. This season had more ups than downs, and the official regular-season finale came with H-K winning the Shoreline Conference Championship. They’ve been on a roll (current win streak stands at 12), and while Zach and his immediate family have been understandably excited, it extends far beyond them. My family has basically become a traveling fan club. We show up to as many games as we can. We were at the Shoreline Conference final. We were definitely at the state semifinal earlier this week. And when I say “we,” what I mean is: We overwhelm the bleachers. The Extended Family — capital E, capital F — travels deep. Aunts, uncles, cousins, honorary cousins, people who may or may not be related but enjoy a good soccer game … everyone shows up. Opposing teams probably assume H-K is running a youth camp promotion based on the sheer number of kids in our section. And the games themselves? Tight, fast, exciting, fun. The kind of soccer where every possession feels important and every goal celebration deserves its own slow- motion replay.
But here’s what has stood out to me, what makes this team special, and what inspired this month’s note to you: This is a team that actually plays like a team. I know that sounds obvious, but we’ve all seen groups that wear the same uniform without ever truly working together. This is not that. These boys are selfless. The bench doesn’t just sit, they support (a recent New Haven Register article actually profiled the “Bench Squad”). They cheer. They lift each other. They celebrate a teammate’s success as if it were their own. There’s no drama, no egos, no me-first moments. Everyone does their job, and they do it with joy. It’s the kind of sports chemistry that coaches dream about and families love to watch. And it reminded me of something we take seriously in our work: “Work Together, Win Together.” It’s one of our core values, and just like in high school soccer, it’s not a slogan — it’s a strategy. Championship teams aren’t built on individual heroics. They’re built on buy-in, trust, and a shared commitment to a common goal. They’re built on people doing what they say they’ll do, showing up for each other, and passing the ball when the extra pass is the right play. That’s how this H-K team has made it to the state championship. And it’s how we strive to serve you. When everyone plays their
Some of the “EF” at the Game
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The Power of the Curve HOME DESIGN THAT FLOWS
Most of us give our windows little thought until something goes wrong. Maybe one refuses to open, lets in drafts, or fogs up without warning. Sometimes, these issues can be fixed. But often, they are signs it’s time for a replacement. Our comfort and efficiency take a hit when windows aren’t working right. That’s why it pays to know the warning signs. If opening and closing your window is a struggle, that’s a red flag. You shouldn’t need to force it or use a prop to keep it open. In these cases, moisture has caused the frame to swell or warp. Older wooden frames are especially vulnerable to this damage, and once decay sets in, it tends to spread. Leaks and drafts are another giveaway. Hold a lit candle near the window’s edges. A flickering flame means air is sneaking in. That can be uncomfortable and expensive. It can also mean more outside noise. If road traffic sounds louder than it used to, your windows might be the problem. Swapping single-pane windows for modern double-pane ones helps reduce noise and improve efficiency. If your windows look foggy between the panes, the seal has failed. That means any insulating gas has leaked out, and your windows aren’t doing their job. This kind of wear and tear happens gradually, but the result is often higher utility costs over time. Older windows also let in more harmful UV rays, which can fade carpets, furniture, and curtains. And from the outside, warped or outdated windows can make your home look a little run-down. Look at your energy bills. If they’re climbing and nothing else has changed, your windows might be the reason. Upgrading to energy- efficient models could trim heating and cooling costs by up to 30%. It might even earn you a tax credit. Don’t Overlook What You Look Through Signs It’s Time to Upgrade Your Windows
Ever notice how some spaces feel better than others? You can walk into a room and instantly feel more relaxed, even if it’s unclear why. It turns out that a room’s shape might have more to do with that than the furniture inside. Lately, curved architecture is trending in residential home design, and one of the main reasons is the positive shift in mood these curves bring to a space. Studies show that people prefer curves and rounded edges to hard angles. It makes sense when you think about it. Nature is full of curves. You see them everywhere: tree canopies, rolling hills, river stones, and even our bodies. Familiar forms put our minds at ease. Some research links curved spaces to reduced stress, a feeling of safety, and a boost in mood. In home design, curves promote good flow and soften transitions between spaces. And builders today have more ways to bring rounded elements into a home. CNC machines, 3D printers, and new drywall framing systems make creating soft-edged interior spaces and design elements easier and more affordable. But you don’t have to renovate your house to bring in the curve. You can ease into it. A round mirror in the hallway changes the way light bounces. A lamp with a soft arc can pull a corner together. Swap out a square coffee table for a circular one, and suddenly the flow of a room changes. If you are remodeling, consider an arched pass-through between the kitchen and dining room or a rounded edge on the kitchen island. Built-ins with curved shelving or banquette seating can soften a space without taking over the entire layout. What matters most is how your eye travels. Curves can guide you through a room, and simply adding a few to your home’s layout can change how it looks and feels. That’s a design choice we can all get behind.
Good windows make a quiet, comfortable, and efficient home. They don’t always shout when they stop working, but they do whisper.
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Scenic Rail Journeys Worth Riding TRACKS AND TREASURES
Flying over beautiful landscapes can be exhilarating, but what if you could experience those beautiful sights in a closer and more personal way? With railway vacations, you can. Whether you’re a seasoned train traveler or curious about cruising on the tracks, here are three travel options you can only experience and appreciate on the rails. A Euphoric European Escape While there are plenty of thrilling sights to behold in America, the glamorous international excursion of the Venice Simplon-Orient- Express is incomparable. From its pristinely preserved 1920s/1930s- era carriages and stunning Art Deco interior to its remarkable gourmet food (including breakfast in bed!) and live entertainment, this world-renowned train will take you through Venice, Paris, Istanbul, and other legendary European destinations. A Symphony of Swiss Scenes For many travelers seeking some of the most breathtaking visuals imaginable, all rails lead to the Swiss Alps. The Glacier Express ’ 292-bridge/91-tunnel track from Zermatt to St. Moritz gives passengers a personal view of picturesque valleys, mountain streams, and alpine meadows. Often referred to as “the slowest
express train in the world,” it travels 24 miles per hour, allowing you to feast your eyes on the scenery through its panoramic windows. Boasting millions of passengers in its decades-long history, the Glacier Express has earned its rightful place as one of the most celebrated names in tourism. An Alaskan Adventure If you’re looking for railway adventures closer to home, consider hitting the tracks in Alaska. Since 1903, the Alaska Railroad has provided travelers an intimate way to explore what later became our 49th state. Getting a seat will guarantee a breathtaking journey through scenic landscapes, national parks, fjords, snow-capped peaks, and valleys brimming with wildlife. For the ultimate Alaska experience, opt for the Alaska Railroad’s GoldStar Service, which offers glass-dome ceilings for panoramic nature viewing, a full-service dining room, and a one-of-a-kind upper-level platform for additional sightseeing. The next time your wanderlust inspires you to explore new wonders, skip the plane and take a train!
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
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position well, and when we support each other, communicate, stay aligned, and act selflessly, amazing things happen. So, this Sunday, I’ll be cheering loudly for the Cougars. And every day, I’m just as proud to be part of a team here that works together and wins together … for you!
Ingredients
Gravy • 4 tbsp flour • 2 beef stock cubes • 3 tbsp caramelized onion chutney • 2–3 tsp yeast extract
• 1 tbsp black peppercorns • 1 tbsp mustard powder • 1 tbsp dried thyme • 1 tsp celery seeds • 1 tbsp olive oil • 4 1/4 lbs topside joint of beef
Happy Holidays!
Directions
1. With a pestle and mortar, crush peppercorns, mustard powder, thyme, and celery seeds together. 2. Stir in oil, then rub into beef. 3. Preheat oven to 375 F and set seasoned beef in a snug roasting pan. Roast for 1 hour. 4. Remove from the oven, lift onto a platter, and cover with foil to rest 30 minutes. 5. For gravy, pour juices from the pan into a large measuring cup. 6. Let the juices separate, then spoon 2 tbsp of fat back into the pan. Discard remaining fat. 7. Top juices in the cup with boiling water to make 3 cups total liquid. 8. Heat pan with fat over medium heat and stir in flour, stock cubes, onion chutney, and yeast extract. 9. Cook for 1 minute, stirring, and gradually add juices/water. Bubble to thicken and serve with the beef.
P.S. The final didn’t end in a fairytale. H-K lost 3–1 after tying it just before halftime and pressing relentlessly in the second half. They hit the crossbar more times than my nerves could handle but gave up a late goal that sealed it. Not the ending they wanted, but the effort, heart, and unity they showed were championship-worthy in every way that matters.
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
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INSIDE
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Bleachers Full of Family, Hearts Full of Team Spirit
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A Softer Approach to Modern Living
When Your Windows Send a Warning
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3 Train Trips to Take Today
Roast Beef With Caramelized Onion Gravy
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Creating a Home Office That Feels Good
SIMPLE FIXES TO YOUR OFFICE SETUP Cozy Up Your Workspace
Are you trying to work in a home office that feels like a storage closet with Wi-Fi? You’re not alone. Small changes can make it cozy, less cramped, and maybe boost your productivity.
Start by clearing your desk. Tuck away wires, receipts, and plastic trays. Then add one soft thing. It might be a knit blanket over your chair or a small throw pillow. If it’s in your budget, get a new chair. Something comfortable but supportive will make a world of difference. Swap your overhead light for a small lamp with a warm glow. You can also add a candle. Scented candles bring warmth to a room and can have a soothing effect. A plant is a nice finishing touch. Real or fake, it doesn’t matter. Green things make a space feel alive. You don’t need a complete redesign. These quick, easy additions can give your home office a new vibe.
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