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HARMONSON HEADLINES YOUR GUIDE TO PERSONAL INJURY IN THE BORDERLAND OCTOBER 2024
From Forbidden to Favorite Holiday MY JOURNEY FROM FALL-ONLY FESTIVALS TO FULL-ON HALLOWEEN
Growing up, we didn’t exactly celebrate Halloween in the traditional sense. My parents were pretty firm in their belief that Halloween was the “devil’s holiday,” so instead of trick-or-treating, we’d head to our church for a fall festival. We still got to dress up, but only as our favorite Bible characters instead of superheroes or ghosts. It was fun in its own way, but let’s just say it didn’t exactly scratch the Halloween itch for a kid. As I got older, my siblings and I started to rebel a bit. We’d sneak out, ditch the festival, and try to catch some of that Halloween magic we felt we were missing out on. It became a bit of a family joke — how we didn’t really celebrate Halloween as kids but found ways to enjoy it anyway. Times have definitely changed, though, and now I fully embrace the holiday, especially with my own kids. One of my favorite Halloween traditions is making a big pot of chili, even if it’s still warm outside, which, let’s be honest, is often here in El Paso. There’s just something about a hearty bowl of chili that makes it feel like fall, no matter what the thermometer says. My son, Winn, and my older teens all get into it, and it’s a blast watching them relive the Halloween fun they had when they were younger, this time through Winn’s eyes. These days, we stick around the house for trick-or-treating, but our neighborhood is a bit older, so we don’t get many kids. That’s why we usually head over to Kern Place, where Halloween is undoubtedly an extravaganza. The decorations are unbelievable, and so many people are out and about that we sometimes have to wait in line just to get up to someone’s front door. It’s the perfect way to kick off the fall season. This year, we’ve got a fun family theme planned — my daughter, Claire, is going to be Willy Wonka, and Winn will be an Oompa Loompa. We all went to see the “Wonka” movie together, and they’ve been obsessed ever since. I can’t wait to see them dressed up, but only as a spectator. I’m not too sure I could pull off the purple suit or neon orange skin. Aside from Halloween, fall is my favorite time of year for another reason — football season. There’s nothing like the cooler weather and the start of football to really make it feel like fall has arrived. After the long, hot summer, the change in the air is a welcome relief. It’s not exactly
sweater weather, but it’s cool enough to make a big difference, and it just seems to make everything feel a little cozier.
Even my mom, who was once against Halloween, has come around. She’s no longer the Halloween Grinch, and I think she secretly enjoys seeing the grandkids all dressed up and excited for unregulated candy consumption. So, as Halloween approaches, I’m looking forward to all the traditions we’ve built as a family. From the chili to the costumes to trick-or- treating in Kern Place, it’s a time to relax, enjoy the cooler weather, and make some great memories with my kids. Here’s to another fun-filled Halloween in El Paso!
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A FAMILY GUIDE TO BIRDWATCHING The great outdoors is full of incredible wildlife and nature, just waiting for us to get out and explore. Whether you’re going to your local arboretum, a national park, or even your own backyard, you can always find something unique to look at. Sometimes, turning toward the sky will provide an amazing opportunity to see something special. We can find birds almost anywhere. If you’re looking for a new way to keep your kids entertained while educating them, looking for birds can be a great family bonding activity. Start by researching the birds in your area, both permanent residents and those migrating. You’ll likely see common birds in your backyard or around the neighborhood, but you may need to travel to a local park to see some of the more unique species. At first, your kids may need some help finding different birds. Binoculars might be too difficult to use, so it’s up to you to point them in the right direction. Look out for nests, cracked seeds, and other signs indicating birds are nearby. You don’t have to use only your eyes when searching the skies and trees for birds; listen intently, too! Tracking birds through their calls will help alert you to the species you’re searching for and where to look. To keep your kids’ attention as you bird watch, you may need to make a game out of it. Create a scavenger hunt to find five birds in your hometown or the area you’re visiting. You can get specific with unique species or keep it broad by having them look for hawks, ducks, etc. Let your child take the lead, encouraging them to point out birds they see or hear instead of relying on you to tell them. You can even encourage your kids to mimic the different birdcalls they hear. Birdwatching is a great way to get your kids outdoors exploring nature. It could even lead to a full-time passion or career in the future.
KNOW THE TRICKS BEFORE
We’ve seen every insurance adjuster trick in the book. The sad truth is that insurance adjusters have just one job: to make sure the insurance company keeps as much money as possible. Our book, “The
Insider’s Guide to Texas Auto Accident Claims,” goes into every adjuster tactic in the game, and here are the most common you need to watch out for. THE DANGERS OF RECORDED STATEMENTS One of the first things an insurance adjuster may ask for is a recorded statement. This may seem like a routine request, but it’s actually one of the oldest tricks in the book. They want you to give a recorded statement so they can use it to undermine your claim later on. Remember, you are not required to give a recorded statement, and in most cases, it’s best to avoid doing so. AVOID QUICK SETTLEMENT OFFERS Another common trick is the quick settlement offer. After an accident, you may receive an offer from the insurance company within just a couple of weeks. While this might seem like a good deal,
it’s often far from it. At this stage, you likely don’t know the full extent of your damages. The insurance company is banking on this, hoping you’ll accept an undervalued settlement before realizing the true cost of your accident.
SUDO KU
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As Halloween approaches, El Paso transforms into a haven of spooky delights and festive gatherings. The city comes alive with eerie attractions and seasonal celebrations. From haunted houses and ghostly walks to candlelit concerts that send shivers down your spine, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the Halloween spirit in El Paso. The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun and Halloween Haunts UNFORGETTABLE FALL NIGHTS IN EL PASO
DJUSTERS FOOL YOU E YOU FALL FOR THEM
MEDICAL AUTHORIZATIONS: PROCEED WITH CAUTION Insurance adjusters might also ask you to sign a medical authorization form. This is a major red flag. By signing,
you give them carte blanche access to your entire medical history, not just related to the accident. They can then comb through your records to find any preexisting conditions they can use to deny your claim. THE ADJUSTER IS NOT YOUR FRIEND Some adjusters may be openly rude or aggressive, but others may take a friendlier approach. Don’t be fooled. Regardless of their demeanor, their goal is the same: to deny or minimize your claim. They might say things like, “We can handle this together,” or “You don’t need a lawyer.” A study by the Insurance Research Council shows that people who hire a lawyer after an auto accident receive 3 1/2 times more compensation than those who handle claims on their own. This is a tactic to keep you from seeking legal advice, which often results in your getting less than you deserve.
MURDER HOUSE NIGHT MARKET Every Friday in October, 6–10 p.m. UpperValleyMarket.com
Get ready for the ultimate spooky hangout at the Murder House Night Market every Friday in October at The Solana. From 6–10 p.m., you can enjoy a night full of food trucks serving your favorite bites, trendy local vendors offering unique finds, and live music to set the perfect vibe. For thrill-seekers, the spine-chilling Murder House Haunted House inside the old theater is a must-visit. Bring your friends, shop local, and experience a night of fun, frights, and unforgettable memories. GHOSTS OF THE CAMINO REAL SAN ELIZARIO SPIRIT WALK First Friday every month, 8–10 p.m. SanElizarioHistoricDistrict.com Encounter a spirit or two at the Ghosts of The Camino Real San Elizario Spirit Walk, held on the first Friday of every month in the Historic San Elizario Art District. This eerie walk runs from 8– 10 p.m., with participants meeting at the chapel at 7:30 p.m. San Elizario, with its rich history dating back to 1598, is home to countless spirits. As you stroll along Main Street, you’ll encounter whispers from art galleries, chapels, and the old jail that couldn’t contain Billy the Kid. Many guests experience apparitions and mysterious voices. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey into the past.
At Harmonson Law Firm, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of dealing with insurance adjusters. Don’t go it alone —
reach out to us to ensure you’re fully protected every step of the way.
PUMPKIN PIE FRENCH TOAST
INGREDIENTS •
1 1/2 tsp vegetable oil, or as needed
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1/2 cup half-and-half
1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée
3 large eggs
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup finely chopped walnuts
CANDLELIGHT: A HAUNTED EVENING OF HALLOWEEN CLASSICS Oct. 24, 8:45–10 p.m. FeverUp.com/en/el-paso
8 slices day-old bread Maple syrup, to taste
DIRECTIONS
Experience the enchantment of Candlelight concerts in El Paso with a Halloween twist at St. Rogers Depot. Enjoy a 60-minute, multisensory musical performance under the soft glow of candlelight, featuring eerie classics like “Thriller,” “Tubular Bells,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas” medley. The venue’s intimate atmosphere adds to the spine-tingling experience, making it perfect for a memorable Halloween season. Doors open 45 minutes prior, and late entry is not permitted, so be sure to arrive early.
1. Lightly oil a skillet and heat over medium heat. 2. Whisk half-and-half, pumpkin purée, eggs, cinnamon, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice together in a bowl. Stir in walnuts until evenly distributed. 3. Place 1 slice of bread in the bowl and let it soak briefly to coat both sides. Lift bread to let excess liquid drip back into the bowl, then transfer to the hot skillet. 4. Cook for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until done. 5. Stir batter to redistribute walnuts and repeat with other slices of bread, cooking in several batches if necessary. 6. Serve warm with maple syrup.
Inspired by AllRecipes.com
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Why Halloween in El Paso Is the Best Time of Year
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Discover the World of Birds
Friendly Insurance Adjuster? Think Again
Sudoku
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Pumpkin Pie French Toast
Discover the Magic of Halloween in El Paso
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Loyal Pup Risks Life to Protect Loved Ones
PANCHO’S INSPIRING STORY From Rescue to Rescuer
In a heartwarming story of canine courage, a rescue dog named Pancho has emerged as a hero after putting his life on the line to defend his family during a home invasion. The
Remarkably, the family ended up at the doorstep of Española Humane, the same rescue organization where they had adopted Pancho. The dedicated staff immediately sprang into action, performing extensive surgery
events unfolded on a fateful night in early June when an intruder broke into Pancho’s home in northern New Mexico. Pancho, an 8-year-old rescue pup, sprang into action the moment the intruder entered the home. Without hesitation, the brave dog leaped at the would- be criminal, determined to protect his family at all costs. In the ensuing struggle, Pancho suffered a deep neck wound that miraculously missed his vital organs. But the attack didn’t stop there — the intruder then proceeded to kick Pancho repeatedly.
to clean and repair Pancho’s traumatic neck wound. The brave pup stopped breathing at one point, but the veterinary team successfully revived him.
Despite his severe injuries, Pancho has steadily regained his strength. His tail never stops wagging, and he responds enthusiastically whenever he hears the words “good boy.” Pancho’s dad promised him a lifetime of rib-eye steaks to reward his heroic actions.
Pancho’s story is a powerful reminder of the unwavering loyalty and bravery rescue animals can possess. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, consider visiting your local animal shelter or rescue organization. You never know — you might just find your very own guardian angel, just like Pancho’s family did.
Undeterred by his injuries, Pancho managed to hold the intruder at bay until others could intervene and restrain the criminal. Pancho’s family then embarked on a desperate two-hour journey to Albuquerque, searching for emergency veterinary care.
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