February has a way of slowing things down just enough. The holidays are behind us, routines are back in place, and Valentine’s Day arrives as a reminder – not to do more, but to notice more. It’s an invitation to share our hearts in small, everyday ways that actually stick.     What I appreciate most about Valentine’s Day is that it belongs to everyone. It’s not tied to one season of life or one kind of family. Whether you’re raising kids, spending time with grandchildren, or

Ah, February, the month of love. Experts tell us relationships are important with spouses, partners, family, and friends.  To maintain a healthy lifestyle, we should engage often with others and do things we enjoy – things we love to do.      So, this month, think about not only WHO you love, but WHAT you love to do. For me, I love to entertain at home. Yes, it’s easier to go to a restaurant, but it is so much more personal at home. It’s a generous act of love to entertain at

An estate plan can be signed, put in the drawer, and never looked at again. The year 2026 is the time to take your estate plan out of the drawer and give it a good review.     What should be the focus?  You can start with locating all your documents.      Next, review all the gifts.  Do you still have a relationship with everyone you named? If you made a gift of a specific asset, do you still own it? Do monetary gifts need to be increased to keep up with inflation? A gift int

When a loved one begins to need help at home, families often focus on finding safe, dependable care. However, it’s crucial to recognize that arranging in-home care can involve significant legal and financial responsibilities. In some cases, a household may even be considered an employer under the law, making the structure of care an important factor.     Families typically choose among three primary approaches: 1. Hiring a caregiver independently. This offers direct control,

This teacher is pointing out the notes to her piano student. Did you receive something special as a gift over the holidays? Here’s a New Year’s gift that lasts a lifetime: the joy of making music! For 55 years, Cornerstone Music Conservatory has helped thousands of students – from toddlers to seniors – discover their musical voice. As one of our community’s longest-standing arts institutions, we offer private and group lessons in all instruments, plus voice, conducting, a

Leaving the hospital is usually a relief, but going home doesn’t mean the recovery process is over. In fact, the days and weeks following...