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Summer 2023
ORGANIZATIONS GIVING SANCTUARY TO EQUINES Heroes for Horses
We all have causes near and dear to our hearts that, for whatever reason, tug at our emotions a bit more than others. While I donate to several organizations, including St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, horses are a particular point of interest for me. In honor of the International Day of Charity on Sept. 5, I thought I’d share a bit about the movement to improve equine welfare. I got involved with horses late in life. While I would have loved to be a horse girl growing up and begged my dad to buy me one, he said no. He had a Shetland pony as a child and hated it; somehow, that translated to my not being able to have a horse of my own. Still, I remained fascinated by the animals. Eleven years ago, a client came to me for help but didn’t have money to pay for legal services. She offered me horseback riding lessons in exchange for my work, and since I’d always wanted to learn, I jumped at the opportunity. I started riding a quarter horse and loved it. I bought my first horse, a Trakehner mare, when the client took me to a training facility. Unfortunately, not everyone treats horses as well as those who genuinely love them do.
Like other animals, they sometimes suffer abuse and neglect. The horse meat trade is also alive and well, putting many equines at risk of slaughter. Multiple organizations have popped up to address these problems, and I’ve come to trust two that I’ve seen do outstanding work. Gentle Giants works specifically with draft horses, a large breed preferred by the meat trade. The organization rescues as many vulnerable animals as possible by outbidding slaughterhouse buyers at public auctions. It then rehabilitates and retrains the horses before opening them up for adoption. The volunteers with Gentle Giants have helped more than 1,500 horses find new, loving homes. But since not all horses are likely to be adopted, a sanctuary allows those animals to live out the rest of their lives well cared for and at peace. Gentle Giants also helps horse owners who need to rehome their equines. Aiken Equine Rescue helps retired racehorses known as Off-the-Track Thoroughbreds (OTTBs) whose owners can no longer care for them. They also work with horses that have been abused or neglected. I learned of the
organization’s work through a friend who runs a small sanctuary in Islandton, South Carolina, and I admire how she cares for her rescues and retirees. OTTBs face unique issues when transitioning away from a life of racing, as do horses from unloving homes. But while Aiken Equine Rescue helps horses find a new lease on life, many horses they take in also help people. Part of the organization’s work involves horse therapy. One program helps veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder heal through interaction with horses. Knowing how charities use the funds you donate can be difficult, so I am careful about which organizations I trust. Gentle Giants and Aiken Equine Rescue are two I count on to do what’s best for horses with the money they receive. You can learn more about them at AikenEquineRescue.org and GentleGiantsDraftHorseRescue.org; anyone passionate about horses should consider looking into them and supporting their work.
-Alysoun Eversole
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SLEEP LIKE A CELEBRITY WAKE UP REFRESHED WITH SLEEP SYNCING
Alarms 7:00 AM Wake up! Repeat: Every Day 7:00 AM Wake up! Repeat: Weekdays 10:00 AM Sleep in ... Repeat: Weekends
If one thing is for sure, Americans are not getting enough sleep. One in three people report not getting enough rest, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and 40% of people admit to falling asleep during the day without meaning to at least once a month. Celebrities are no exception, which is why many stars use “sleep syncing” to ensure they get their beauty rest every night. And you can use it too! So, what is sleep syncing? Sleep syncing aligns your circadian rhythm, your body’s natural internal clock, with your daily routine. Unlike many celebrities, ordinary people don’t have much control over what they do every day; things like work, appointments, children’s schedules, and family duties more or less set our daily schedules for us. That’s why the trick with sleep syncing is to align your body around that schedule so waking up for work or taking the kids to school feels natural. After a while, you may not even need an alarm!
How to Start Sleep Syncing The first step to sleep syncing is to create a consistent sleep schedule, which requires a bit of self-research. Start by writing down the time of night you feel sleepy, when you fall asleep, and how many hours of sleep you need to feel rested. Collecting data may take a week or two, but once you know how much sleep you
need and when you start to feel sleepy, you can choose your new sleep and wake times. Pick a realistic morning wake time to get ready (no snoozing!), and then reverse engineer your sleep time. For example, if you need eight hours of sleep and must be up by 7 a.m., you likely need to be in bed by 10:30 p.m. to fall asleep by 11 p.m. The key to successful sleep syncing is to stick to your schedule — even on the weekends. With consistency and practice, you’ll wake up naturally feeling more rested and ready to take on your day!
The Pros and Cons of HOAs WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE YOU BUY
Whether you love or hate them, homeowners associations (HOAs) are a reality every homebuyer must contend with. Some people vow never to live under an HOA, while others are uninterested in living elsewhere. Those in the ambivalent middle should consider an HOA’s pros and cons before submitting offers. An HOA can radically change your experience as a homeowner, for better or worse. First, consider the fees. Buying a home in an HOA-managed community means additional monthly costs on top of a mortgage. Depending on the HOA and its services, the costs can be a small additional upcharge or a significant portion of your financial obligation as a homeowner. Further, while it’s usually a last resort, HOAs can foreclose on homes when owners get behind on their payments.
On the plus side, those additional costs pay for amenities other homeowners usually live without. HOAs generally take on lawn care, landscaping, and other maintenance. Communities with HOAs also tend to have pools, fitness centers, and other perks most people have to access farther away from home. But the sticking point for many people on HOAs is the community rules and restrictions. The idea excites some people who care about a homogeneous neighborhood that maintains its curb appeal, but it can send a shiver up the spine of many individualists. All HOA rules are different, but many restrict how you can decorate the outside of your home and whether you can legally rent the house you own. Most people with experience attest that working with an HOA comes down to
management. Many people on HOA boards are kind people who want to make the neighborhood a great place to live for everyone. Others can make the lives of homeowners difficult with pettiness or a failure to perform upkeep. HOA members shape how any homeowners association is run, so it pays to attend meetings and help influence the outcome of decisions. Before purchasing a property subject to an HOA, carefully read the by-laws and fully understand the costs, rules, and responsibilities you’ll have as a homeowner. If you are working with a realtor, ask him or her for a copy of the Covenants and Restrictions before you sign the contract. HOA benefits create many happy homeowners but are not a good fit for everyone. Be honest about what you want before you finalize a purchase.
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DON’T OVERLOOK CRYPTOCURRENCIES IN ESTATE PLANNING PROTECT YOUR DIGITAL ASSETS When you think of an estate plan, what comes to your mind? Many people think of a document that helps protect and pass on your property and other assets you may have — like retirement or savings — to your heirs. But as technology has changed in recent years, more individuals have started making direct stock market investments through apps like Robinhood and Stash, which they may not consider while making an estate plan. And the unique security features of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin present specific challenges and call for special considerations when drafting your estate plan. The key takeaway is that you must include all your assets when estate planning. While you may think your app-based investments are small or just a hobby, including them in your plan is still essential. Who knows what will become of those investments as companies grow?
A digital estate plan can give your heirs the information they need to access your digital accounts. You might include everything from online banking information to social media logins. Without this information secured in a central location, your loved ones may never know certain accounts exist so they can recover them. Documentation is particularly crucial for cryptocurrencies. They’re truly unique assets with security elements that must be addressed in your estate plan. One of the reasons many investors like cryptocurrencies is because of their largely anonymous nature. But that advantage can quickly turn into a disadvantage without appropriate planning. For instance, Bitcoin is a digital asset stored in a digital wallet and secured by a 64-digit private key. That key is the only way to access this asset. Unlike other investments such as a home or 401(k), no personal information (like a Social Security number) is associated with Bitcoin ownership. Once lost, no one can recover the key — and the assets are abandoned forever. When crafting your estate plan, think broadly about your investments and assets to ensure they all receive the protection they deserve. The team at Eversole Law will gladly help you get the most out of your estate plan by covering all your property, no matter what form it takes.
Great Truths
HOISIN-GLAZED PORK CHOPS Inspired by TheModernProper.com
Ingredients
“If it be asked, what is the most sacred duty and the greatest source of our security in a Republic? The answer would be an invoidable respect for the Constitution and laws.” –Alexander Hamilton
• 2 garlic cloves, minced • 2 tsp minced ginger • 1/3 cup hoisin sauce • 2 tbsp rice vinegar • 2 tbsp water
• 4 boneless pork chops (about 2 lbs) • 3/4 tsp salt • 2 tbsp sesame oil • Cilantro (optional)
Directions
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, simmer garlic, ginger, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and water. Whisk occasionally until mixture is fully incorporated (about 4 minutes). Set aside. 2. Lightly salt pork chops. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sesame oil and wait until smoking. Place pork in skillet and cook until browned (3-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness of pork chops). 3. Remove pork chops from skillet and transfer to a cutting board. Let rest for 5 minutes. 4. Drizzle hoisin mixture over pork chops and top with cilantro if desired.
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Eversole Law Firm, P.C. 1509 King Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 379-3333 www.eversolelaw.com
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Disclaimer: The content of this publication has been prepared by Eversole Law Firm, P.C. for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with its readers and may not be used by you, the reader, as legal advice. You are encouraged to consult with us or another attorney about your circumstances to which the information in this document may apply.
What’s Inside
1. Sanctuary for Equines 2. Say Goodbye to Grogginess! Is an HOA Right for You? 3. Remember Digital Assets in Your Estate Plan Hoisin-Glazed Pork Chops 4. Keep Those Pesky Pests Away!
especially when hiking or camping. And if you can, tuck your pants into your socks or shoes to prohibit anything from crawling up your legs. Choose your outdoor time wisely. Mosquitoes are most active in the early morning and late evening, so avoid going outside during dawn or dusk if possible. Use insect repellents. One of the most effective ways to keep bugs from biting is to use some form of bug repellent. Today, many people opt for non-spray repellent alternatives like repellent patches, wristbands, or clip-ons, many of which work great. The type of repellent isn’t as important as whether it contains one of these main ingredients:
DON’T LET THE BUGS BITE
SUMMER TIPS FOR INSECT-FREE FUN!
August is the last full month of summer, which means bugs are at their pesky peak. If you and your family love to get outside in the summertime, protecting your family from bug bites is about more than their itchy aftermath. Bugs can carry many diseases that put you, your family, and your pets at risk. For example, mosquitoes and ticks can transmit the West Nile virus, while ticks can spread Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis, and much more — including causing alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), which is a life-threatening allergic reaction. So, if you and your family find yourselves outside this summer, here are some tips to keep those creepy-crawlies at bay. Cover up! One of the most straightforward ways to ensure no one gets bitten by a bug is to cover any exposed skin when outside. If you can, wear long-sleeved shirts, full-length pants, tall socks, and closed-toe shoes,
•
Lemon-eucalyptus oil
• Citronella oil (combined with thyme for ticks) • Picaridin • Diethyltoluamide (DEET)
Get rid of any standing water near your house. Mosquitoes use stagnant water to lay their eggs, so any filled buckets, partially filled kiddie pools, broken fountains, or even discarded toys that have collected water can all attract mosquitoes to your yard. Routinely check your yard and dump out any water you find.
Lastly, be sure to thoroughly check for bugs on both your family and your pets before ever setting foot inside!
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