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November 2024
THE TRUSTED ADVISOR COUNTING OUR BLESSINGS
Celebrating the Bonds That Unite Us
Nick: Thanksgiving is such a great holiday to spend with your loved ones. Before my wife and I had kids, we hosted a Friendsgiving dinner with our close friends. As our family has grown, we’ve kept that tradition alive by sharing the holiday with a friend and their family. This year, about 20 of us will take a cruise together. Nobody has to be in the kitchen, so we’ll get to enjoy the entire time in each other’s company.
Thanksgiving is one of our favorite holidays. This time of year is all about spending quality time with loved ones, enjoying delicious food, watching football, and focusing on what we are most grateful for. Though we have our own unique family traditions for Thanksgiving, they share a common theme of togetherness and gratitude. Zac: Every year, my family’s Thanksgiving celebration is a little different. Sometimes, we like to take a trip, and other years, we stay home and have a ton of people over. Our more recent Thanksgivings have brought 30–40 guests to our home, and we typically utilize everything in the kitchen — the smoker, grill, and oven — to feed everyone. We always have fun swimming, jet skiing, tubing, or paddle boarding with the kids. It’s one big party full of friends and family.
Nick and family
I have always loved Thanksgiving because people are generally happy. It’s a moment to think about the year, everything you appreciate, and everything you have in life. I’m incredibly thankful, first and foremost, for my supportive family and their health and success. You are a product of the people you surround yourself with, so I’m grateful to my amazing friends, including my law partner Nick.
Thanksgiving is always a great week when things begin to slow down from hectic school and work schedules. I’m thankful for all the same things as Zac — my amazing family and friends. My children are growing up into incredible young people, and I know they will make meaningful contributions to society; that’s one of the biggest things a parent could wish for. As usual, I’m in gracious awe of my wife for her ability to juggle being a great mom and everything else. I’m thankful to all the clients who trust us and see that we genuinely care about them. I’m incredibly grateful for our staff because there is no way Zac and I could have grown this firm in four short years to where it is today without their hard work and dedication. Something I really treasure is working alongside my dad, a key figure at our firm. The opportunity to build something special with my dad at this age is incredibly rewarding. I have a fantastic law partner in Zac, and I will always be gracious to both of our wives, who have supported us in taking this leap. It’s been an amazing journey full of blessings. As we celebrate everything we are thankful for this year, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to have such wonderful people in our lives. Happy Thanksgiving! NordenLeacox.com | 407-801-3000 1 – Zac Leacox & Nick Norden
Zac and family
Our line of work is truly fulfilling, and I’m thankful for the tremendous growth our firm has seen this past year. So many people trusted us to help them through difficult times in their lives, and it’s an honor to serve them. Our employees are an inspirational group of people who make everything we do possible, and I’m thankful to know them. By the time you read this, we will be in our new office building, giving us the space we need to continue growing.
THE $93,750 SPUD Uncover Fabergé’s Unexpected Masterpiece
When you think of the name Fabergé, you probably imagine opulent, jewel-encrusted eggs that epitomize luxury and elegance. But did you know the famous Russian jeweler Peter Carl Fabergé, the mastermind behind the glittering eggs, also created a humble potato? And not just any potato, but one that fetched an astounding $93,750 at a Christie’s auction in 2016. Fabergé’s Glorious Spud In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Peter Carl Fabergé was the go-to jeweler for Russian royalty. His intricate and lavish creations, particularly the famous Fabergé eggs, were commissioned by Czars Alexander III and Nicholas II as Easter gifts for their wives and mothers. Each egg was a masterpiece, often containing hidden surprises like miniature portraits, mechanical wonders, expensive jewels, or even tiny replicas of royal palaces. But amidst these exquisite creations, Fabergé had a sense of humor and a knack for the unexpected. Enter the Fabergé potato — a far cry from the shimmering eggs but equally fascinating in its own right. This potato, crafted from pink agate, was a whimsical departure from his usual opulent fare. The Humble Potato’s Journey Fast-forward to 2016, and this extraordinary potato was again in the spotlight. When Christie’s auction house announced the sale of a Fabergé
potato, the world did a collective double-take. After all, who would have thought a potato — albeit one crafted by a master jeweler — would garner such attention and a hefty price tag to match?
The bidding war was intense, with collectors and Fabergé
enthusiasts eager to own this unique piece of history. When the gavel finally came down, the potato had sold for a staggering $93,750. Not bad for a root vegetable! Why a Potato? You might wonder why Fabergé, a jeweler known for his elaborate and luxurious designs, chose to make a potato. Perhaps it was his way of showing artistry could be found in the simplest of things. Or maybe it was a playful nod to the significance of potatoes in Russian culture — a staple food that sustained many through tough times. Whatever the reason, Fabergé’s potato reminds us that even the most mundane objects can be transformed into something extraordinary with a bit of creativity and a touch of humor.
Peculiar Laws of the Ancient Empire ROMAN RULES
and interesting laws Romans enacted as a republic and an empire. Dress Codes and Party Fouls
them! This is because Romans believed lightning strikes were divine retribution from the king of the Roman pantheon, Jupiter. See Ya Later, Gladiator! Romans “borrowed” the idea of gladiatorial games from their (conquered) neighbors, wherein people would fight — sometimes to the death — for the public’s amusement and began holding them back in 264 BC. However, because only 3 of every 5 people made it to their 20s at the time, only about 10% of those bouts involved actual fatalities. Many slaves, prisoners of war, and Christian martyrs fought as gladiators in the arena, but if they were already sentenced to execution, they had no hope of survival. One peculiar law involving gladiators was that they would fight until an injured combatant put down his shield and lifted his index finger to ask for mercy. At that point, it would come to an abrupt halt — though the emperor, if in attendance, would make the final decision.
While ancient Rome may be known for gladiators, grand conquests, and fashionable togas, a surprisingly intricate legal system kept their civilization in line. They had many laws — some familiar, others bizarre — that dictated the everyday lives of millions of Roman citizens, enslaved people, and soldiers across a vast empire. Here are three of the most outrageous
Beginning in around 215 BC, the Roman Republic began instituting what was known as sumptuary laws, which restricted the clothes people could wear, foods they could eat, and the maximum number of attendees at parties. They created these, in part, to reduce the costs of banquets, festivals, and other Roman ragers. Some examples were enacted in 213 BC when it became illegal for women to wear colorful dresses — unless they were celebrating a ritual sacrifice — to wear more than a half ounce of gold or even to ride around in carriages. However, they soon repealed these laws because they considered them antiquated . Shocking Statute Tough luck for those who like hanging out on tall metal poles — if a lightning strike killed someone in Rome, the law forbade families from burying
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Helping Kids With ADHD Thrive Strategies for Support and Empowerment
Find a community of support. Participating in a support group is a fantastic way to connect with other parents, share concerns, and learn new ways to encourage your child’s growth and success. As a bonus, connecting with parents whose experiences are similar to yours could lead to their children interacting with yours — which may go a long way in helping your child relate to other people and develop their social skills. Tailor your tools. Every child with ADHD is a unique individual with specific needs. A specialized mental health professional can help you craft a solid framework to address obstacles as they arise. Whether you need guidance on stress management or tips on sharpening your communication skills, utilizing the services of an empathetic therapist could provide you with the fresh perspective and game plan you need to help your young one thrive.
positive steps to help your child learn and grow. Here are four quick tips to help make the rough times a little smoother. Build a balanced routine. Helping your child stay on task with daily routines is critical to managing their ADHD journey. Are they hydrating regularly? Do they follow consistent meal and sleep schedules? Sometimes, staying consistent with the smallest things makes the biggest impact on your child’s well-being. Plan a digital detox. With everything so tech-based these days, there’s a good chance your child spends a lot of time in front of a screen. Set aside time throughout the week to interact with them in a digital-free environment — even if it’s just to chat about their day. This time is meant to help you build a stronger relationship with your child, so try to avoid discussing anything that may cause conflict or a distraction.
It’s common for parents of children with attention- deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to sometimes feel frustrated and overwhelmed — and more than a little guilty for having these emotions. First and foremost, it’s perfectly understandable for any parent to experience hurdles as they work to help their child live a happy, healthy life. Although there are unique challenges to raising a youngster with ADHD, every day is an opportunity to take
Have a
Greek Chicken and Rice
Laugh
Ingredients
• 2 cups chicken broth • 1 (14-oz) can diced tomatoes • 1 cup uncooked long-grain white rice • Juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 cup feta cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 lbs boneless,
skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 tsp dried oregano • 1 tsp dried thyme
Directions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion and garlic until softened. 2. Add chicken, oregano, and thyme and cook until the chicken is no longer pink, about 3–4 minutes. 3. Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and rice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is cooked through. 4. Stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese, then season with salt and pepper.
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NordenLeacox.com | 407-801-3000
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Inside This Edition
2 1 Thanksgiving Traditions to Cherish
Discover Fabergé’s Playful Potato Masterpiece
Ridiculous Rules From Ancient Rome
3
Greek Chicken and Rice
Tailoring Your Child’s ADHD Journey
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Hollywood Ending in the ‘Rust’ Trial
HOLLYWOOD ENDING Alec Baldwin Walks Free After Case Dismissed
Reed loaded the gun that killed Hutchins likely contributed to the swift decision. She was sentenced to 18 months in prison but has appealed, and what happened in July in Alec Baldwin’s trial may affect the outcome of that appeal. Hollywood Ending When the third day of Alec Baldwin’s involuntary manslaughter trial in New Mexico began, it became apparent that something was amiss. The defense attorneys had something important to bring to the court’s attention. Assistant District Attorney Erlinda Johnson was absent. As it turned out, she had resigned from the case after allegations that Santa Fe police, in conjunction with Special Prosecutor Kari Morrisey, had conspired to hide evidence from the defense. The evidence in question was a case of ammunition matching those retrieved from the set of “Rust.” The ammunition was given to Santa Fe police before the trial, but it was filed under a
About three years ago, on Oct. 21, 2021, cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by a live round fired by actor Alec Baldwin on the set of the movie “Rust.” You might believe this would be an open-and-shut manslaughter case. However, just like the scenes Hutchins brilliantly captured on film, this scene was more complex and layered than you may expect. Baldwin’s trial was dismissed just three days after it began, on July 13, 2024. Ironically, but perhaps fittingly, Baldwin’s criminal case came to a dramatic, Hollywood-esque conclusion. Is the armorer to blame? Previously, in May, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer for the film, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the fatal shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. The jury deliberated for just three hours before passing judgment; evidence revealing Gutierrez-
Photo: Abhi Suryawanshi
separate case number — even though the witness who handed in the evidence claimed it was relevant to the “Rust” trial. In light of these revelations, Santa Fe County District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer dismissed the case with prejudice. Throughout the day, as the camera centered on Hollywood star-turned-defendant Alec Baldwin, viewers were treated to his wide range of emotions: first, annoyance, then sadness, and, finally, tearful exultation. This was his Hollywood ending.
4 NordenLeacox.com | 407-801-3000
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