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MAR/APR 2025
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Spring’s Playbook THE JOY OF BASEBALL AND THE OPTIMISM OF SPRING
March arrives and brings with it the sweet promise of spring and the unmistakable hum of baseball season. It is the time when the world shakes off its winter coats, and everything feels possible — even a World Series win. For those who cherish the crack of the bat and the smell of freshly cut grass, this season is nothing short of magical — a perfect blend of renewal, opportunity, and hope. Growing up, baseball was my way of witnessing the change of seasons. At my small high school north of New York City, the arrival of spring meant braving freezing practices on fields where frost lingered stubbornly on the grass. By March, we were bundled up, but as the weeks ticked by, something extraordinary happened. The world around me transformed. Trees went from spindly branches to budding leaves, and by May, they were lush and green, as if the entire landscape had come alive to cheer us on.
starts slow, with moments of preparation and anticipation. And then, just like the first bloom of the season, it bursts into action. When you think about it, baseball is all about being part of something larger — a celebration of renewal and the possibility of greatness.
that invites us to shed the heaviness of winter and embrace fresh starts. Even the arrival of St. Patrick’s Day is a time to feel lucky and hopeful!
Even as the season wore on and June brought sweltering heat, there was something undeniably fulfilling about being out there. Yes, the uniform felt suffocating, and the sun was relentless, but it was all part of the experience. Those moments taught us resilience and camaraderie, a reminder that effort and perseverance often lead to the most rewarding outcomes.
Ultimately, baseball taught me that every season is a new chance — a lesson that has stayed with me in my journey as an attorney. Just as every at-bat offers an opportunity to swing for the fences, every spring reminds me to step up, embrace the unknown, and believe in what lies ahead.
As March unfolds, let its optimism inspire you. Whether you find it in the stands of a baseball game, the scent of blooming flowers, or the warmth of the spring sun, take a moment to soak it all in. Let this season remind you that renewal is not just for nature but it is for all of us. Spring and baseball both offer a simple truth: The best is yet to come . So, grab your glove, open your windows, and let the season work its magic. A fresh start is here, and it is yours for the taking. – Brian Eagle 317-726-1714 1
March’s arrival coincides with Optimism Month, and that is no coincidence. Spring, like baseball, is a time of hope. No matter how your favorite team performed last year, spring training resets the scoreboard. Every team begins with the same dream, and every fan believes — truly believes — that this could be their year. That sense of optimism is infectious, spreading far beyond the ballpark. Outside the world of baseball, spring offers its own kind of magic. The days grow longer, the air feels warmer, and the earth bursts into life. It is a season
Baseball has a unique rhythm that is not too different from the unfolding of spring. It
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RAISE CONFIDENT KIDS 4 Tips Every Parent Should Follow
AVOID FORESHADOWING PRAISE WITH NEGATIVITY. This may be difficult for some parents, especially if they’ve had repeated obedience issues. If you’re proud of your child’s game-winning catch, avoid prefacing the statement with “Even though you didn’t cut the grass as I asked …” This can be considered the equivalent of a backhanded compliment, and no one responds well to those. ALIGN THE LEVEL OF PRAISE WITH THE ACCOMPLISHMENT. In other words, don’t overdo it. Parents are their children’s biggest cheerleaders, so it can be challenging to tame your emotions when they win or overcome a fear. This is, of course, at your discretion, but it’s something to be mindful of. Does winning the season’s first game warrant a big backyard party with all the bells and whistles? Everyone’s parenting styles differ, but instilling values such as believing in oneself, empathy, gratitude, and determination are qualities any parent can nurture in their children for the betterment of themselves and those around them.
Praising your child has always been a “tricky” area of parenting. You want to raise your child to be a confident human being while also embodying what it means to be humble and appreciative. So, how do you stay within the bounds of instilling self-assurance without going overboard? While every child is different, several parenting approaches allow you to praise your child’s efforts without enabling arrogance. RECOGNIZE YOUR CHILD’S EFFORT IN ADDITION TO THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENT. As parents, it’s easy to praise your child’s accomplishments without acknowledging all their hard work to achieve them. Suppose your child won first place in their school’s spelling bee. Instead of praising them for being the best, acknowledge how all their studying paid off. EXPRESS CONFIDENCE IN THEIR ABILITY TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS. Let your child know you’re not only proud of them but also that you know they can achieve their goals. This praise sets the stage for your child to share future goals — for example, making the basketball or cheerleading team.
WHY ESTATE PLANNING MATTERS MORE THAN EVER FOR CHILDLESS HOUSEHOLDS Craft a Legacy Without Heirs
As more Americans choose independent lifestyles, the importance of thoughtful estate planning has never been clearer. In 2023, over half of U.S. households were childless, and one in five American adults over 50 never had children. This shifting demographic highlights a crucial question: Who will safeguard your wishes if you do not have an immediate family? For independent seniors without children or a spouse, estate planning offers an opportunity to take control. Ultimately, you want peace of mind knowing your assets reflect your life’s values. WHY A PLAN IS ESSENTIAL Without a clear plan, the management of your estate falls to the courts. This could mean that distant relatives you barely know, or even the state itself, will make decisions about your legacy. Worse yet, your assets might bypass cherished friends or meaningful charitable causes entirely. For independent seniors, creating a Purposely Designed Organized Plan (PDOP) is a vital step. This comprehensive roadmap ensures that your wishes are carried out exactly as you envision,
whether it is during a period of incapacity or after your passing.
MODERN TOOLS FOR MODERN NEEDS Managing an estate plan can feel daunting, but innovative platforms like Inheralink ® simplify the process. Created by estate planning professionals, Inheralink is a user-friendly digital tool that helps you organize, update, and share your plan with the people who matter most. It offers security, accessibility, and peace of mind — all in one place. CHOOSE YOUR TEAM (OR A JUDGE WILL) One of the most critical steps for independent seniors is selecting trusted individuals for key roles in your plan:
fiduciaries, or advisors can be appointed to handle these responsibilities with care and integrity.
PLAN WITH CONFIDENCE With more and more adults choosing to remain childless, the number of independent seniors will only grow. Taking proactive steps to create a thoughtful, well-organized estate plan ensures your legacy is managed on your terms. With tools like Inheralink and a trusted team by your side, you can navigate the process confidently and focus on building a meaningful future.
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Successor Trustees: Responsible for administering your trust. Financial Power of Attorney: Manages your assets if you cannot do so. Healthcare Representatives: Ensures your medical preferences are followed.
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Your estate planning team does not need to include relatives. Trusted friends, professional
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Word Search
Green Thumbs in Training
AQUAMARINE BASKETBALL BLUEBIRD CLOVER GREEN IDES LEPRECHAUN MADNESS PISCES SPRING TANGERINE TULIP
HOW TO MAKE GARDENING A FAMILY ADVENTURE
There’s nothing better than spending time with your kids outside, enjoying an entertaining, creative, and informative activity. But sometimes, these activities are hard to coordinate. Thankfully, gardening appeals to parents and kids from all walks of life. All you need is a dedicated area in your yard or patio and seeds, and you’re ready to get started. LET YOUR KIDS CHOOSE THE PLANTS. This is arguably the most crucial part of igniting your children’s interest in gardening. If you pick out the fruits, veggies, and flowers you want to grow and invite your kids to help plant, water, and pick, they may lose interest quickly. Instead, include them in the process from the get-go. Take them to the store and let them pick out seeds or plants. Encourage them to choose produce they already enjoy eating, making it even more fun for them! Just be sure their choices can grow in your area during the current season. MAKE SPACE AND PLANT TOGETHER. After choosing your seeds, you must ensure your garden is ready to sustain life. Dedicate a section of your lawn or patio to your gardening efforts and start laying soil or filling your planters. Help your children transplant their seeds or young plants directly into the area. Now, put them in charge of caring for the plants by checking on and watering them. You may want to follow behind to ensure they aren’t over or under-watering. MAKE IT FUN AND INFORMATIVE! You can get your kids more involved by encouraging them to research their plants and track their growth. They can even look online to see how their plants should be developing. Soon enough, those fruits and vegetables will be ready to eat, and you should let your children pick anything ripe when possible. Seeing the fruits of their labor (literally) will make this experience even more enlightening and enjoyable for them.
INGREDIENTS
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil • 1 cup peeled and chopped carrots • 1 cup chopped yellow onion • 1 tbsp finely chopped garlic • 3 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth • 1 (15-oz) can (no salt added) diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped • 1/2 tsp ground pepper • 1/4 tsp plus 1/8 tsp salt • 1 (9-oz) package refrigerated cheese tortellini • 1 (5-oz) package baby spinach • 1 cup heavy cream
DIRECTIONS
1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add carrots and onions and cook for about 5 minutes or until onions are softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute or until fragrant. 2. Add broth, tomatoes, fresh basil, pepper, and salt. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and let simmer for about 5 minutes or until carrots are slightly tender. 3. Stir in tortellini. Cook until pasta is tender. Reduce heat to medium-low. 4. Add baby spinach and cream. Cook until spinach is wilted. Serve and garnish with additional basil if desired.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Batter Up! Why March Is the Season for Hope and Opportunity Build a Positive Self-Image in Your Kids Living Without Children? Here Is How to Protect Your Legacy Engage Your Kids With Fun Gardening Projects Creamy Tortellini Vegetable Soup Milestones in Baseball That Shaped American History
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Baseball, often celebrated as America’s pastime, has a history as rich as the nation itself. For over a century now, baseball has evolved into a symbol of unity, resilience, and the indomitable American spirit. Let us embark on a journey through the milestones that made baseball the treasured game it is today. The roots of baseball date back to 1839, when the legendary Abner Doubleday is credited with inventing the game in Cooperstown, New York — a town that now proudly hosts the Baseball Hall of Fame. Then, in 1845, Alexander Joy Cartwright brought structure to the game by developing the first official rules, laying the foundation for what was to come. It wasn’t long until the first official game took place in 1846, with the Knickerbockers squaring off against a group of cricket players. By the mid-19th century, the sport captured the hearts of many, and in 1866, a group of determined women from Vassar College formed the first women’s baseball team, showcasing the game’s universal appeal. Baseball’s evolution continued with William Arthur “Candy” Cummings introducing the first curveball in 1867 — a pitch that forever changed the game. The National League was born in 1876, and the American League in 1901, the reason for many years being referred to as the “Junior Circuit” as the league was
established many year after the National League which was often referred to as the “Senior Circuit”.
In 1903, the Boston Pilgrims and the Pittsburgh Pirates faced off in the first World Series, marking the start of one of baseball’s most cherished traditions. Historic venues followed, with Fenway Park opening in 1912 and Yankee Stadium in 1923, becoming iconic stages for legendary players and unforgettable games. Baseball intertwined with national pride in 1918, as many players served in World War I. During this time, the “Star-Spangled Banner” was sung at a game for the first time, forever linking baseball with patriotic celebrations. Fast forward to 2000, when Major League Baseball went global, opening its season in Tokyo, Japan. This historic game between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets highlighted how the sport could unite the world. From its humble beginnings in Cooperstown to its global reach today, baseball has always been more than a game. It embodies the values of perseverance, equality, and unity, which unsurprisingly resonate profoundly with the American spirit. So, grab your glove, don your favorite team’s cap, and celebrate the game that holds a special place in America’s heart!
THE FIRST PITCH HOW BASEBALL BECAME A SYMBOL OF AMERICAN UNITY
– Brian Eagle
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