Year End Reflections

Upcoming Office Closures - S.E.E.D. Office Closures for the Holidays

Admin Roundtable - with Special Guest Tyler Sherven, Senior Investment Planner

Sounds of the Season - Kerstin Driscoll-Witt, Senior Retirement Plan Navigator

Looking Ahead with Gratitude - Lori Zawiski, Client Services Associate

In this episode of Your Two Cents, Mae, Tonya and Lori welcome special guest Tyler Sherven to share more about Sift Stack. Sift Stack is our new weekly podcast and content series designed to help clients stay informed, engaged, and confident about what’s happening in the markets.

Sift Stack is available in long-form video on YouTube, as well as on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, with additional short-form content on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok. You can also follow along through the Sift Stack newsletter for a quick, reliable recap each week.

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Kerstin Driscoll-Witt, Senior Retirement Plan Navigator

Last night before bed, my husband asked me…did you look at the weather tomorrow? I replied, no. He said, it’s supposed to be a high of 26 degrees and a low of negative two. 

Over a month ago, I contacted the Salvation Army regarding their holiday Red Kettle campaign, that raises funds to provide essential support to those less fortunate and asked how we can help. I chose two dates for our team here at S.E.E.D. Planning Group to ring the bells and sing Christmas carols. Each time slot is two hours. Last Thursday was our team’s debut of the ‘Singing SEEDs’, led by our A-MAE-ZING choir director, our very own Mae Tichenor. Our troupe of 5 sang, handed out candy canes and rang the Salvation Army bell for a frigid two hours. Let me just say…it was cold, blustery and a little snowy… and all that winter had to throw at us. 

Today was another stellar winter day in Upstate. Two hours with temperatures hovering around a high of 20 degrees. Standing at the exit of SAM’s Club, singing, ringing and handing out candy canes. The sun was shining, but it was not warm. Thankfully there was no wind or snow. 

Each time we participate in the Red Kettle campaign, I am amazed at how many people happily support the Salvation Army. We are grateful to every single one of you that steps up and donates whatever you can to support their most important mission. If you and your family, work family or group of friends would like to support the Salvation Army and ring the bell, please go to: Binghamton Bell Ringers: Binghamton Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign and sign up.

This afternoon, we had yet another opportunity to share some holiday spirits. We visited the Good Shepherd Nursing Home and hosted ‘Caroling and Cookies’. We brought cookies and snacks to the Good Shepherd residents and sang Christmas Carols. What a delight this was. Joining us, the residents raised their voices in song to celebrate the sounds of the season and some of their holiday favorites. We were overwhelmed by the gratitude and hugs from people thanking us for spending the hour with them. Our hearts are full. 

We are thankful to our community partners that allow us to love on them a bit. It is the greatest gift of the Holiday Season.  

Lori Zawiski, Client Services Associate

As this year comes to an end, I find myself deeply grateful. My faith has continued to anchor me, providing a steady foundation through every season, and my family remains my greatest blessing and source of strength. Their support, encouragement, and presence have been constant reminders of what truly matters, especially during moments of change and growth. 

This year also marked the completion of my first year with S.E.E.D. Planning Group, a journey that challenged me, stretched me, and helped me grow both personally and professionally. I stepped into new responsibilities, learned to navigate unfamiliar situations, and discovered strengths I did not fully realize I had. Along the way, I gained not only experience and confidence, but also a sense of belonging that made even the hard days feel worthwhile. 

Perhaps most meaningful has been the people I have met along the way. What began as new professional relationships have grown into genuine connections, and I am thankful for colleagues who have become friends and now feel like an extension of family. As I look ahead to the coming year, I carry a deep sense of appreciation for where I have been, optimism for what lies ahead, and a strong connection to the community that continues to support and inspire me.