SPOTLIGHT BACK TO SCHOOL FOOD & HEALTH FUN LIFESTYLE FALL & HOLIDAYS
ASSURANCE VOLUME 06 / FALL 2013
BEING RUSHED HEALTHY CHOICES AT EVERY MEAL
EXAM
SSAT GUIDE
Colourful Autumn Additions
From the EDITOR
Autumn days come quickly, like the running of a hound on the moor. - Irish proverb Trees snapping and cracking in the autumn indicate dry weather. If, in the fall of the leaves in October, many of them wither on the boughs and hang there, it betokens a frosty winter and much snow. Spring rain damps; Autumn rain soaks. Of autumn’s wine, now drink your fill; the frost’s on the pumpkin, and snow’s on the hill. - The Old Farmer’s Almanac, 1993 Autumn has caught us in our summer wear. - Philip Larkin, British poet (1922-1986) Ah Fall! Leaves are changing color, sweltering hot days are cooling to breezy, crisp ones; and thoughts begin to turn to… oh my … is it almost time for the holidays already?!? It seems we are programmed to think for a moment of the enjoyable of a time only to wander into the worry and the work of it. Why not let this change in the rhythm of nature serve to bring a change of rhythm to that pattern for us as well? Enjoy this moment as it is given. Try taking your cue from the equinox. Latin for ‘equal night’; the fall and spring equinoxes are the only days of the year in which the sun crosses the celestial equator (the same imaginary line as for the earth; just for the visible universe). Beginning at that time, the temperatures will begin to drop and the days will begin to get shorter than the nights. This is something to count on, a constant we know will repeat again and again. Let that be your ‘spring forward, fall back’ reason to this year go with the ebb and flow of it all. Enjoy some pumpkin pie and relax with family; another season with change will come again.
Ted Baker Editor
STAFF SPOTLIGHT STAFF SPOTLIGHT Bebis Group of Companies: George Bebis If you had told George and Connie Bebis they would have their own independent insurance agency with a real estate and financial division all headed under the Bebis Group of Companies back in January of 1989 when they first started out in his unfinished basement, George probably would have laughed it off as impossible. Connie may have seen the glimmer. Now nipping at the heels of the 25 year milestone at the helm of his company, he relates how the entire office is involved at the end of this month in a unique and timely community outreach Distractology 101. Featured on the Today Show and designed by a professor at George’s Alma Mater The University of Massachusetts; Distractology 101 is a mobile simulator helping educate and train drivers - focusing on the younger, less experienced ones - to understand the dangers and possible life-changing consequences of distracted driving. Visit http://www.distractu.com/ to enroll or see the video and full info at https://www.arbella.com/arbella-insurance/why-arbella/arbella-insurance-foundation/distractology-101 Knowing the joys and challenges of raising three children, George speaks of community and family and the very atmosphere in the room changes; the contagion that is his enthusiasm moves the listener to want to do something to help someone somewhere. As part of their mission statement speaks of integrity, honesty and being dedicated to helping people in their community, it is easy to see why there is a loyal and stable staff willing to take the journey alongside him. He didn’t set out to be a role model or an inspiration, but along the way this son of a Greek Orthodox priest and local New England entrepreneur has done just that. Early in their marriage, and always in the trenches together, George and Connie moved to Roswell, Georgia where he began in the insurance industry with Prudential Life and found the niche that was to be the basis for that yet unknown future business. As children began to enter the picture, and knowing the importance of them having grandparents involved in their lives, they longed for the strong family ties they left back in Massachusetts. Through those family ties, George was able to bring his family home and began working with his dad’s friend specializing in property and casualty in an independent agency. He found he really enjoyed having the ability to help his clients and as Massachusetts’ first Aetna Prime Agent he contributed to the growth of the agency making it stronger. Through other endeavors and educating himself in the real estate and financial arenas he was ready to strike out ‘to do his own thing and never looked back’ in 1989. Always continuing to further his credentials he is now armed with his series 6 and 63 license as a registered representative through Fortune Financial Services in Brighton PA. and has earned his CPIA designation. He also handles retirement planning through his Bebco division. George’s mode of work hard, work steady; grow slow, grow strong, proved successful. When the pace of growth began to encroach on other areas of the house, he surfaced from the basement and moved his office to a converted 350 square foot office (formerly a garage) early in June of 1989. As the business and family grew, Connie left the dental hygienist field less than five years later to help in the office and evolved into the personal lines manager where she is known for helping clients with unabated commitment. In 1996 they moved to their current location and added more office personnel. While it had not always been so clear a path in front of them, they were on their way! Today as George and Connie drive to the office they love, they realize it is a privilege and humbling responsibility what they do. In passing a neighbor’s home, George knows that they are ‘protecting their assets and possessions’ and that gives both a sense of pride of ownership and being an integral part of the community. Among those neighbors in this small New England community who have benefited almost from the very beginning are fellow Lakeville entrepreneurs, Brian and Pat Clarey whose own story is also shared here. Lest you think George and Connie are ready to hang up the ‘Gone Fishin’ sign and rest on their laurels, handing the reigns over to their son Alex – also a graduate of his beloved University of Mass – he can’t imagine doing anything else and plans to continue for decades to steer the Bebis Group of Companies to continue make their mark for Lakeville, Mass and beyond.
WWW.THEBEBISGROUP.COM
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CONTENTS BACK TO SCHOOL SIMPLE BACK TO SCHOOL SNACKING
06
SSAT EXAM GUIDE
08
The start of a school year - with new classes, new teachers and new friends can be an exhilarating time for kids.
A significant step in life
34
ARE DISTANCE LEARNING COURSES BETTER THAN REGULAR COURSES?
10
HOW TO PAY FOR AN ONLINE DEGREE
12 14
CRAFTY BACK-TO-SCHOOL PROJECTS FOR KIDS Combine a love of reading with crafting by making a one-of-a-kind bookmark.
FOOD & HEALTH
17 22 24
HEALTHY CHOICES AT EVERY MEAL It’s no secret that getting children to make healthy choices at meal time poses a challenge for all parents
GOING GLUTEN FREE FOR REAL
In the past few years, there has been a huge increase in the variety andavailability of gluten free food choices.
STOPPING PANIC ATTACKS NATURALLY
LIFESTYLE
28
LIFE AFTER 60: TIPS FOR LIVING A HAPPY AND MEANINGFUL LIFE
Tips For Living A Happy And Meaningful Life
32
BREAKTHROUGH TECHNIQUES IN BALANCING PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES
34
BEING RUSHED
FALL & HOLIDAYS COLORFUL AUTUMN ADDITIONS GREETING CARDS: ALL ABOUT HOLIDAY CARDS
36 40
BACK TO SCHOOL
Simple Back to School Snacking The start of a school year - with new classes, new teachers and new friends can be an exhilarating time for kids.
Pack a Bento Box These convenient, easyto-carry food containers are perfect for lunchtime. The compartments make packing different foods simple, while keeping flavors and textures separate. Pack in hummus along with some dippers, such as pretzels, sliced fruit and veggies for healthy eating on-the-go.
Choose Hummus Cream-based dips and dressings are loaded with sodium, fat and preservatives. Instead, choose hummus, such as Sabra Hummus - the healthy alternative that kids crave. They’ll have a dipping party when you pack it with carrots, broccoli, celery and pita bread.
Grilled Vegetable Pita Pizza Ingredients
After-School Noshes Keep the fun, flavorful food options on hand for after-class, as well. When they’re busy doing homework or cramming for the exam, your kids will love the Mediterranean twist on these classic kid-friendly recipes, like this recipe for Grilled Vegetable Pita Pizza.
1 1/2 cups summer squash (about 2 medium size) yellow and/or green 1/4 cup olive oil 2 teaspoons salt 1 red onion 2 vine ripe tomatoes 3 (6-inch) round pitas 1 cup Sabra Classic Hummus Black pepper and salt to taste
Preparation 1. Slice summer squash in 1/4-inch rounds. Place in bowl and add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt. 2. Peel and cut red onion in half. Then slice with grain in 1/3-inch wedges. Repeat with second half. Place in bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Sprinkle with salt and combine. 3. Cut tomatoes in half and slice 4-6 half-moon wedges. Repeat with second half. Place in bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1/4 teaspoon salt and combine. 4. Grill summer squash about 4 minutes on each side. Grill onions about 5 minutes, rotating once. Grill tomatoes about 5 minutes rotating once.
Try New Condiments When it comes to dressing up sandwiches and wraps, go beyond the ordinary mustard and mayo routine. Your kids will love exploring new flavor combinations, especially when you choose their favorites. Spread delicious Sabra Hummus on whole grain bread and fill with their favorite sandwich fixings for a tasty variation on a lunchtime classic.
5. Warm pita on the grill about 3 minutes each side. Once warm, remove pita from heat and slather with about 1/3 cup hummus. 6. Top with summer squash, tomatoes and onions. Cut into 8 pieces and enjoy.
Serves Yield: 3 pizzas, 24 small slices
BACK TO SCHOOL
SSAT EXAM GUIDE A significant step in life
Acquiring the SSAT examination (secondary school admission test) is a significant step in the life of anyone hoping to get into an excellent institution. A good SSAT Guide is definitely an important step in assuring yourself that you will have the perfect score whenever you go on it. Good preparation is important in acquiring any test, and the SSATs are absolutely no distinct. You will really want to be diligent, as we say, in terms of choosing the best tutorial for you and for studying it. You need to take training tests, possibly over and over, until you are performing towards the top of your capabilities. This is a significant stage to you. To get involved with the perfect institution, you need to do effectively at this point. There are several ways in which it is possible to assure yourself of doing effectively and also in locating the precise suitable study guide for yourself. Initially, it is a great idea to consider how you learn best. Are you much more auditory or are you the type of one who does greater with the written word? There are instructions for both types of pupils. If you do better following material, you will find manuals that are offered on CDs. And of course, there are lots of, SSAT Tutorials that are composed content. Select good for yourself and you will expand your study achievements. You might think about using both styles, as this may very well improve your odds of an excellent rating. Be honest with your self about the quickness at which you learn. If you’re a person who needs more time with some material to actually grasp it, then you really need to search out the right
SSAT Guide for you early. Supply yourself sufficient time to acquire this right. The cramming style of studying isn’t going to accomodate the SSAT. This is a detailed examination which is going to demand work and time to grasp. There are many training guides accessible to you. Spend some time and choose the best one to suit your needs. If you shop in a bookstore you’ll be able to compare them side by side, and if you search on the web you can check out there the benefits and drawbacks to each one. Be sure that the one you select has a type which is easy for you to comply with. Make sure that the one you select has excellent sample tests. High quality SSAT guidebook will have a training test.
Don’t Take Chances With Your Family’s Lifestyle
You should get more than one guide. Distinct guides focus on different things, oftentimes. If you actually want to get better at
You need to take training tests, possibly over and over, until you are performing towards the top of your capabilities. the SSATs, consider buying quite a few. Distinct books will also provide you with various practice tests. The harder you study and rehearse the better you will get! Don’t sell yourself short on this essential prerequisite. When you start your search, first make certain and navigate to the official SSAT website. You can find a link that will give you a superb listing of study guides within the heading for preparing and applying for the examination. Do your best with this. It truly is the main factor to your success in life.
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BACK TO SCHOOL Teaching Childen to Learn Click to view video
are distance
learning courses
better than regular
Courses?
T
here are many universities that conduct information days and evenings when you are allowed to views of the university premises. Similarly, if you want to make a background check about the university, the best source for you would be to contact the distance learning students. There are many alumni associations that organize a variety of activities and whose members have once been a part of the
distance learning courses in these universities. You can also approach them for gathering information about the distance learning courses. Since they were a part of the university before, they will be able to give you correct information about the university and its background too. These alumni associations also arrange for the annual free fairs on the distance learning information in almost all cities of the country. There are participants who come from
various countries to attend the discussions that take place in these fairs about the present education scenario and also the job prospects in the entire world. Thus it is indeed a great opportunity for you to meet up with such representatives and obtain all the required general information about the distance learning courses. Another way of finding and choosing the correct distance learning program is to do some research online and go through the various sites of these online distance
Tips for Helping Your Child With Homework Click to view video
If you ever have the opportunity to visit any of the online university for enrolling yourself in the distance learning course, then you must also in addition, get the information about all kinds of courses that are offered there along with also the kind of environment it offers, the people who works and the students who study at these online distance learning universities.
learning universities. The distance learning courses are mainly aimed at those working professionals and the students who work in the managerial posts or want to hone their skills in leadership etc. Here are some general criteria that you must be eligible in, in order to get admission in the distance learning course of MBA. You must have a good academic background with great results, you must also have at least 2 years or more of work experience in the domain of your choice, you must bring with you two or more letters of recommendation etc. The distance learning is an open course and
is conducted all over the world. The distance learning courses are usually conducted via the e learning mode, with the help of emails, teleconference, video and audio conferencing etc. The in the distance learning mode is great for people who can combine their job and family commitments along with studies. The study hour for such distance learning courses are rather very flexible and you can study at your own pace and convenience. Distance is not an obstacle when it comes to the distance learning mode and hence, you can easily get hold of a foreign degree while sitting at the comforts of your home in your country of residence.