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Review Brooks & Crowley
June 2025
781-251-0555
www.brooksandcrowley.com
439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026
*Services Throughout Massachusetts
THE SOUNDTRACK OF A GOOD LIFE Music That’s Marked the Years
World of Music Day is in June, and while I didn’t know about it until recently, it’s a holiday I can get behind. If you’ve spent any time around me, you know that music has been a constant in my life. It’s part of how I unwind, how I connect with people, and how I make memories. Every spring, usually around the first weekend in May, Kim and I head down to New Orleans for the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. It’s become a tradition over the last couple of decades, and it still feels like a treat after all these years. The name might make you think it’s all jazz, but that’s not the case. The lineup is always eclectic. This year, acts like Pearl Jam, the Dave Matthews Band, Irma Thomas, and Lenny Kravitz all shared the spotlight with smaller local performers. That mix is part of what makes it special.
to funk to straight-up rock and roll. The food is almost as much a draw as the music. You can grab a catfish po’boy, a plate of jambalaya, or something you’ve never tried before and eat it while listening to a live trio in one of the shade tents. Some of the best music isn’t even inside the gates. After the official show wraps up for the day, people head into the surrounding neighborhoods, and that’s when
and J. Geils brought so much fun to every performance that it stuck with me. Now that our kids are older, music has become something we share across generations. We alternate songs on road trips, and their playlists are just as likely to include Led Zeppelin as Post Malone. They love listening to everything from classic rock to Barry Manilow. Last year, we all went to New York to see
the locals start to play. Kids and seasoned musicians set up bands on stoops and sidewalks. You might hear a trumpet or guitar from two houses down, wander over, and find a group playing for the joy of it. The music is everywhere, and it never feels forced. Last month, we were lucky enough to be able to bring our friends Dawn and Jim for their first trip to Jazz Fest. Although we had been bringing it up for a few years, it’s never easy for Dawn to get away in the spring because she spends most of her time volunteering for the Office of Tourism for the City of Pensacola, Florida. Fortunately, she was able to briefly break away from her promo duties, and we’re hoping that this is the first of many Jazz Fest trips for them. Closer to home, I’ve been to more concerts than I can count. My first was The Cars with Devo at the old Boston Garden, which started a lifelong habit. Some of my favorites over the years have been Bruce Springsteen, the Rolling Stones, and Boston’s own J. Geils Band. Springsteen’s energy is unmatched, the Stones are iconic for a reason,
Manilow live at Radio City with a family group of grandparents, teenagers, and everyone in between. That’s a memory we’ll hold onto. Not every memory is picture perfect, though. A few years ago, Kim suggested we get tickets to see Tom Petty, whose last tour came through Boston. I hesitated, figuring we’d catch him next time. Unfortunately, there wasn’t a next time. Whenever someone brings up Tom Petty now, I get a little kick in the shin as a reminder not to put things off. I did see him once — back at Live Aid in 1985 — but I still wish we had gone together when we had the chance. Even the missed moments can stick with you, especially when a song brings them back. I’ve learned over time that the best moments in life usually come with a soundtrack. You don’t always remember what you were doing, but you remember what was playing. And sometimes it’s the music itself that makes the memory worth keeping. –Steve Brooks
Jazz Fest takes place over two weekends at the Fair Grounds, a huge horse track where they set up multiple stages and the music plays all day. You pay one price, wander wherever you want, and bounce between acts that range from gospel
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Ancient Wisdom or Legume Lunacy? The Philosopher Who Feared Beans More Than Death
Pythagoras (yes, the one responsible for making high school geometry a nightmare) had a dark secret. He wasn’t just a mathematical genius; he was also utterly and irrationally terrified of beans. Specifically, fava beans. And not just in an I-don’t-like-their-texture kind of way. He believed they were portals to the underworld, conduits for lost souls, and, perhaps most offensively, they caused distracting gases. Legend has it that Pythagoras was so committed to avoiding beans that, when fleeing from attackers, he and his followers refused to run through a blooming fava bean field. Instead of making their great escape, they chose to stand and fight. Spoiler alert: It didn’t end well for them. THE PHILOSOPHER VS. THE BEAN So, why was Pythagoras so scared of a simple legume? One of the more eyebrow-raising explanations is that he believed fava beans bore an uncanny resemblance to human reproductive organs. Apparently, the connection was so strong in his mind that he once declared, “Eating beans and eating the head of one’s parents are the same thing.” That is quite the leap, even for a philosopher.
Another theory suggests Pythagoras believed beans were literal doors to the underworld. He wasn’t alone in this, as the ancient Greeks and Romans were suspicious of fava beans, perhaps because they could cause a rare and severe genetic reaction called favism. Unbeknownst to the ancients, some people (especially in Mediterranean regions) have a genetic deficiency that makes fava beans potentially deadly. So, weirdly, Pythagoras may have been onto something, but not for the reasons he thought . THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE GOLDEN THIGH Of course, bean phobia wasn’t Pythagoras’s only claim to strangeness. His followers believed he was a demigod, possibly the son of Hermes or Apollo. They claimed he could tame wild animals just by speaking to them and that he had the power to write messages on the Moon. But the most outrageous legend? He supposedly had a golden thigh . He would flash his shimmering leg whenever someone doubted his divine status and instantly gain a new believer. And yet, despite all this mysticism, Pythagoras’s biggest fear was beans. This just goes to show that even history’s greatest minds had their odd quirks; some were just more odd than others.
Trading Up Without Pay Up
Use a 1031 Exchange to Reinvest
If you plan to sell an investment property, chances are that capital gains taxes are on your mind. With how real estate values have climbed in recent years, owners often walk away with a nice profit, but it also comes with a tax bill. The good news is that a 1031 exchange can give you a way to hold onto your gains while building your portfolio. HOW IT WORKS The concept is fairly simple. Instead of selling one investment property, paying taxes, and buying another, a 1031 exchange lets you defer those capital gains by rolling them directly into a new property. As long as the replacement property is of equal or greater value and you follow the right process, the taxes are deferred until a future sale. The approach is similar to a 401(k) rollover in that you avoid immediate taxation if you keep the funds invested. WHY IT’S POPULAR IN TODAY’S MARKET Using a 1031 exchange has become increasingly popular. Today, many investors utilize it to trade up. For instance, some sell smaller condos
or rental homes and use that equity to purchase multiunit buildings or more lucrative commercial spaces. In a tight market, every dollar matters. By avoiding an immediate tax hit, they can reinvest more and keep their long-term goals on track. KEY RULES TO KEEP IN MIND Of course, 1031 exchanges aren’t something you should tackle casually. There are strict rules around the timing. You need to identify your replacement property within 45 days and close within 180 days. You must also use a qualified intermediary to handle the funds; you can’t take possession of the money in between. If you’re considering selling an investment property and want to make your gains work smarter, it’s worth learning more. With the right planning, a 1031 exchange can be one of the most valuable long-term real estate growth tools. Contact us today to see how a 1031 can work for you.
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CANARY IN THE COAL MINE? THE HIDDEN HEALTH RISKS OF BURNOUT
Does your job or housework leave you feeling burnt out? If so, you aren’t alone.
people’s health. Some doctors use the Maslach Burnout Inventory, a scale measuring a person’s level of exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy, to diagnose burnout. Items include, “I feel emotionally drained by my work.” The symptoms of burnout can serve as the canary in the coal mine — an early warning that overload, overwork, or stress may be on the verge of harming your health. Consider an extended break from work to ease the strain. If your ennui deepens into low self-esteem, guilt, hopelessness, or thoughts of suicide, a vacation or long weekend isn’t likely to help. Clinical depression or anxiety requires different treatment by a therapist or mental health professional. The bottom line: If you’re feeling burned out, it’s time to put on the brakes, check out for a while, and tune in more closely to your overall well-being!
Burnout is a common affliction in our technological age. An estimated 48% of employees and 53% of managers claim they’re burned out, according to a 2022 Microsoft survey of 20,000 workers, and stress levels have worsened since then. Career-driven people, overworked employees, and working people from all walks of life can experience alienation, extreme exhaustion, loss of meaning, and reduced performance, all hallmarks of burnout. The term was coined in the 1970s to denote the exhaustion often experienced by people in the helping professions. Burnout is not listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, the professionals’ guide to diagnostic standards. However, the World Health Organization recognizes it as a factor in
Have a Laugh!
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup Inspired by EatingWell.com
Ingredients
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1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 medium shallot, chopped 2 medium summer squash (about 1 lb), diced 3 tsp chopped fresh thyme or oregano, divided 1 14-oz can reduced-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• • • •
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup corn kernels (from 1 large ear)
1 tsp lemon juice
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1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
•
directions
1. In a medium saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add shallot and cook for 1 minute. 2. Add squash and 1 tsp herbs; cook 3–5 minutes until the squash softens; stir occasionally. 3. Add broth and salt; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook for 5 more minutes until squash is soft. 4. In a blender, purée soup until smooth. Return the soup to the pan and stir in corn. 5. Simmer over medium heat and cook 3–5 minutes until corn is tender, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat; stir in lemon juice. 6. Serve garnished with remaining 2 tsp herbs and feta.
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Inside THIS ISSUE
1 Where Music Meets Memory 2 Why One of History’s Greatest Minds Refused to Eat Beans
Investing Smarter With a 1031
3 How Burnout Can Signal Depression
Golden Summer Squash and Corn Soup 4 Upcoming Festivals You Don’t Want to Miss
Festival Season Has Arrived 3 Reasons to Get Outside This Summer
Something about a summer weekend makes you want to be outside, and in the Boston area, that often means catching live music or joining in a local celebration. This month, three upcoming festivals are worth your attention. Each is different but worth showing up for, so grab the sunscreen and head out to enjoy what the season offers in Boston. What started as a surf shop anniversary party has grown into one of New England’s most anticipated music weekends. Held in Marshfield, the Levitate Music Festival brings national touring acts and local favorites together for two full days of music, art, and food. This year’s lineup includes Stick Figure, The Revivalist, Thundercat, and Still Woozy. The setting is relaxed, the crowd is easy-going, LEVITATE MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 12–13
and the vibe is pure coastal summer. Two-day and single-day tickets are currently available. CAMBRIDGE JAZZ FESTIVAL JULY 26–27 Levitate isn’t the only upcoming music festival to mark on your calendar. The Cambridge Jazz Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary of bringing great jazz performers to Danehy
Park in late July. Hosted by the Cambridge Jazz Foundation, this free event is the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy music and a fun environment for the entire family. Along with the music, attendees can enjoy food trucks, art vendors, and exhibits at the festival’s Jazz Museum. THE PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL OF MASSACHUSETTS — JULY 26–27 Now in its sixth decade, the Puerto Rican Festival of Massachusetts celebrates culture, resilience, and community. It features live music, traditional dance, and food vendors serving everything from mofongo to piraguas. The festival draws thousands to Boston Common annually and culminates with an iconic parade through the South End and Roxbury. It’s a full weekend of pride and joy and one of the summer’s most vibrant city events.
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