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DECEMBER 2022
HEALTHY, WEALTHY,
& Wise
1 Denver Federal Center Building 45, Entrance E-9, Room 1050 Lakewood, CO 80225
THE KEYS TO ACCOMPLISHING GREAT THINGS IT’S SIMPLER THAN YOU THINK!
A few months ago, I traveled to the Golden Spike National Historical Park in Promontory, Utah, to teach a retirement benefits class. I rarely travel to Utah and had never visited the park before, so I decided to stay for a few days to really get to know the area. I’m glad I did! In between sessions with park employees and members of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, I wandered through the park and learned its fascinating history. Many people have never heard of the Golden Spike, but I think it’s one of the best examples we have of American drive and ingenuity. The park’s story began on July 1, 1862 — the day Congress passed the Pacific Railway Act and funded the transcontinental railroad to solve a big travel and logistical problem.
It’s amazing to me that we managed to complete a transcontinental railroad in the days before GPS and cellphones and that the two crews didn’t end up miles apart! Their dedication to success is proof that we’re capable of doing great things as a country and as individuals. I think there’s a big lesson in the Golden Spike story. You need two secret ingredients to accomplish something incredible: Teamwork. The government didn’t build the railroad on its own. It created a public-private partnership and leveraged the power of industry to get things done. Not only that, but it took several railroad companies working together to reach Promontory in just seven years. Together, we can make seemingly impossible things happen! Friendly competition. When it chose to pay by the mile, the government set up a friendly competition between the two railroad companies. This pushed them to work harder and faster than they would have if they were working alone. The achievement at Golden Spike brought the whole country together. Newspapers nationwide published photos celebrating the completion of the railroad. A century later in 1969, we had a similar reaction when Neil Armstrong walked on the moon. I think we’re missing that spirit and drive as a nation right now. We don’t seem to be unified toward any single goal. However, you can still use the lessons from Golden Spike in your own life! As you plan your New Year’s resolutions for 2023, look for ways you can build teamwork and incentives into every goal. You just might achieve something great.
At that time, people who wanted to go from New York to San Francisco could cross the country by stagecoach, or they could sail down the coast of South America, around the tip of Cape Horn, and back up to the U.S. (The Panama Canal didn’t exist yet.) Both of those options took up to eight months — much slower than a cross-country railroad would be. So, our government decided to build one! They partnered with two private railroad companies and offered to pay them by the mile. The Central Pacific Railroad Company of California started laying track in the west while the Union Pacific began work in the east. They planned to meet in the middle.
On May 10, 1869, the two work crews came together in Promontory, Utah, and changed
transportation — and American history — forever. To celebrate the moment, they popped bottles of champagne and drove a golden spike into the ground to complete the transcontinental railroad. (Fun fact: The presidents of the railroad companies were supposed to drive the spike home — but they both missed! Superintendents from each line hammered in the spike’s final few inches.)
Happy New Year!
–Ann Vanderslice
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KEEP YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR CLEAN
Your Life Depends on It!
Cleaning your smoke detector is important. Your house is filled with pollutants, even if you clean it regularly. Things like dust, pollen, pet dander, cooking vapors, and smoke linger in your house even if you can’t see them. These tiny fibers and particles love to find small spaces to settle into, like your smoke alarm. As these tiny particles build up, they cover the smoke-sniffing sensors in the detector and insulate it from the outside. This is a problem when a fire breaks out because it will take longer for the smoke to make its way to that sensor through the gunk. The more time the smoke takes to filter through the buildup, the less time you have to escape the danger.
There are two critical parts to cleaning your smoke detector; each is equally vital to keeping your family safe.
We all know a smoke detector protects us from a fire in our home. They stay on constant alert, sniffing out any sign of smoke. But are you maintaining yours properly? Many homeowners only touch their smoke alarms when they chirp for new batteries, ignoring them every other day of the year. You should be cleaning (yes, cleaning , not just pressing that button!) every six months. Cleaning your smoke detector is essential to your safety. Here’s a step-by-step guide on doing it correctly.
Vacuum the inside of the unit. Take the outer face of your smoke detector off and use the soft brush attachment of your vacuum to gently dislodge and remove the pollutants inside the device. If you don’t have a brush attachment, use any soft cleaning brush to break up that gunk before vacuuming it away. Wipe the outside vents . In a bowl, mix a bit of water and a mild dish detergent and saturate a paper towel or microfiber cloth in the mixture. Use this to wipe the outside of your smoke detector, particularly the vent openings. These will likely become clogged with dust and dander, so focus your scrubbing efforts there to ensure good air flow.
To help ensure your safety in case of a fire emergency, add these two steps to your regular cleaning routine.
FIVE REASONS TO SEE A PLAY THIS SEASON While getting in the holiday spirit this season, consider a family trip to your local theater. There are a surprising number of benefits to seeing a play in person.
The Theater Is Calling Your Name
1. You’ll support your local economy. Theater companies are almost always local nonprofits. That means the money you spend on tickets will go to actors and/or right back into the company to bring more productions to the community. 2. Your kids could discover an interest in the arts. Seeing a play might spark a passion for acting or stage design for you and/or your children. 3. You’ll provoke family discussions. Chatting about the play with your family will help you learn more about each other and forge stronger bonds. Some questions to kick off a conversation might include; What did you enjoy about the plot? Which character did you identify with the most? Are there any unanswered questions bothering anyone? 4. You’ll boost your family’s literary knowledge. A study from the University of Arkansas Department of Education Reform found that students remembered more about stories like “A Christmas Carol” after watching them as plays than they did after watching movies or even reading the original books. Exposing your kids to the work of Shakespeare or Dickens at the theater is a great way to spark interest in literature.
5. Your kids will develop tolerance and empathy. The same study out of Arkansas found that students who attended the theater scored higher on tolerance and empathy tests. Watching live helped them identify and relate to the emotional turmoil of the characters. This winter, check your local theaters for holiday-themed productions like “A Christmas Carol”, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, and “Miracle on 34th Street”. You’ll bring your family closer and embrace the holiday spirit one curtain call at a time.
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REMEMBERING PEARL HARBOR
Why Did Japan Attack?
On December 7, 1941, Japanese bomber planes dotted the skies above Pearl Harbor. Military personnel and civilians in Honolulu, Hawaii, were unprepared for a military attack, and countless people lost their lives. We often learn about the tragedy at Pearl Harbor, however, many people don’t know the details about why Japan attacked the island. Here is a brief account of the events leading up to December 7, 1941 and an explanation of why the military strike occurred in the first place. Beginning in the 1930s The Great Depression was an international phenomenon. During this time, Japan tried to fix its economic problems by expanding into China and invading Manchuria, where they maintained control until 1945. The League of Nations condemned this invasion, and the Japanese Empire withdrew from the League to show their disapproval. Then, in 1937, Japanese forces captured Nanjing, the capital of the Chinese Nationalist political party at the time. Shortly thereafter, the Japanese military executed large numbers of people for more than a month and a half. This event was so horrific that historians later dubbed it the “Nanjing Massacre.” The United States disapproved of the horrors in Nanjing and began enacting economic sanctions on the Empire, including trade embargoes on exports such as oil and metal. The U.S. also started financially supporting the Chinese Nationalist party during this time.
These sanctions, combined with the aid to the Chinese Nationalist party, pushed Japan, in 1940 to sign the Tripartite Pact, an agreement to join Germany and Italy as a member of the Axis powers. Attempting Negotiation The United States and Japan negotiated for months, hoping the embargoes would stop Japan from continuing its invasion of China. Unfortunately, Japan stayed firm in its decision to expand and partner with fascist leaders. Controlling the Pacific The Japanese Empire needed to defend its spot as a world power despite the disruption to its economy. So its leaders decided to try expanding once again — this time to the East. Pearl Harbor functioned as fairly new military bases at the time, with relatively few defenses. Japan saw this as an opportunity to attack (and hopefully destroy) American military forces stationed there so they could invade other targets in the South Pacific without intervention. This desire to establish their country’s power amid economic hardship eventually drove Japan to attack Pearl Harbor. This December, as we remember the ‘Day that will live in Infamy,’ we need to recognize the complex history which led to such devastation and learn from it. Please take a moment to honor all those who have died or were injured while serving the United States and fighting for our freedom.
Train Your
BRAIN!
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie
Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com
INGREDIENTS
• 6 1/2 cups potatoes, cut into large chunks
• 4 garlic cloves, sliced • 1 sprig rosemary • 15-oz can diced tomatoes plus liquid • 1/2 cup water • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas • Milk, to desired consistency
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 2 onions, sliced • 1 tbsp flour
• 2 large carrots, cut into rounds • 1/2 cauliflower, broken into florets
DIRECTIONS
1. In a pot, boil potatoes until tender. 2. In a pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes. Add carrots, cauliflower, garlic, and rosemary and stir until softened. 3. Pour tomatoes into mix and add water. Cover and let simmer for 10 minutes, then remove lid and cook for 15 minutes until thickened. Stir in peas and simmer. 4. Drain and mash potatoes. Stir in milk to desired consistency. 5. Preheat oven to 375 F. Spoon hot vegetable mix into pie dish, then top with mashed potatoes. Bake until top is golden brown.
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PO Box 260787 Lakewood, CO 80226-0787 issue INSIDE THIS The Keys to Accomplishing Great Things PAGE 1
Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E.A. Buck Company, is an independent financial services firm helping individuals create retirement strategies using a variety of insurance and investment products to custom suit their needs and objectives. This firm is not affiliated with or endorsed by the US government or any governmental agency. E.A. Buck is an independent financial services firm, offering investment and insurance products to consumers. Securities offered only by duly registered individuals through Madison Avenue Securities, LLC (MAS), member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered only by duly registered individuals through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. Insurance services offered through Federal Benefits Made Simple an E.A. Buck Company. MAS, AEWM, and Federal Benefits Made Simple, an E.A. Buck company are all separate entities 01567437 11/22.
Why You Need to Clean Your Smoke Detector The Theater Is Calling Your Name PAGE 2
Reasons Japan Attacked Pearl Harbor
Winter Vegetable Shepherd’s Pie PAGE 3
Best Christmas Tree Attractions to Visit This Holiday Season PAGE 4
LIGHTING UP LIFE ONE PINE NEEDLE AT A TIME Travel-Worthy Christmas Trees
As the holiday season approaches, the twinkling lights and spectacular Christmas tree attractions are always a must-see! Here are the best travel destinations to catch a glimpse of one of the pillars of the holidays. The Rockefeller Center Tree in New York City The Rockefeller Center tree is located just west of 5th Avenue from 47th through 51st streets in New York City and dates back to the Depression era, when the first tree was placed there in 1931. This beloved towering tourist attraction draws thousands with its dazzling lights and grand decorations. To even be considered a contender for this role, a tree must be at least 65 feet tall and 35 feet wide! The National Christmas Tree in Washington, D.C. This American favorite is a long time tradition. Every year, the ceremony begins with live performances and a presidential message of peace. In 1923, President Calvin Coolidge was the first president to light the National Christmas Tree. It was 48 feet high and decorated with 2,500 red, white, and green electric bulbs. A local choir and a quartet from the U.S. Marine Band performed as the tree was lit.
The Coeur d’Alene Resort Tree in Idaho Also known as the World’s Tallest Living Christmas Tree, this grand fir holds the record at 162 feet tall. It is festively decorated with more than 40,000 lights that twinkle in time to the music of “Jingle Bells,” and the tree is crowned with a 10-foot-wide star! The Biltmore Christmas Tree in North Carolina This majestic 55-foot Norway Spruce is in front of the Biltmore Estate and lit as guests make their way down the path of luminaries. With ornaments and miles of garland, this tree graces the Banquet Hall each year for guests from around the world. If you’re lucky enough to live close to one of these locations, enjoy. If not, consider visiting these sites during the holidays for a spectacular experience.
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