Law Offices of Marc. L. Shapiro, P.A. - May 2020
May 2020
720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304, Naples, FL 34102 • www.AttorneyShapiro.com
A Commitment to Community We’re Donating $10,000 in Gift Cards
“What am I supposed to do now?”
“In addition to helping our clients, we also want to help our community as a whole.”
This is a question many of us have been asking ourselves. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our entire world. We’ve been forced to adapt in unexpected ways in order to keep getting through each day. There is a lot of uncertainty, and I have been counting my blessings each day. Though we have our own challenges, my family is safe and healthy. There are many people right now who are not so fortunate. As a personal injury attorney, my drive is to help others. That’s what we do every day at the office. At the moment, there are so many people who need help in different ways that I find myself overwhelmed. How can I make a difference right now? It’s a really tall order, so I looked seriously at what my staff and I are capable of doing right now. First, The LawOffices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. will remain open during the pandemic. We recently upgraded our computer infrastructure with solid-state drives, cloud-based client management software, and video conferencing workflows. This means we’re able to stay connected to our clients and continue to provide high-quality legal services. Even during this global crisis, we want our clients to know that their cases still matter. They haven’t been forgotten. We will continue to do everything we can to keepmoving their cases forward, and we’re available to help anyone else who is injured during this time. I’m also able to help my staff by staying open. I know our office has only become as successful as it is thanks to their hard work and passion. My staff members are the most valuable resources I have at the firm. While businesses, organizations, and other law firms are laying off their employees, we at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. will continue to support our workforce. We will keep all of
our employees on payroll because of our values: loyalty, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to excellence to our clients and employees.
In addition to helping our clients, we also want to help our community as a whole. The statewide stay-at-home order has helped to flatten the curve and reduce the transmission of COVID-19, but it has also caused restaurants and bars to lose business. Many of these establishments have been forced to terminate employees or shut down. To support these establishments, we have committed to purchasing $10,000 in gift cards from locally owned bars and restaurants. We hope to encourage other professional services and businesses to help support our community in this time of uncertainty. These gift cards, purchased from restaurants that are still open for delivery or carryout, are being donated to first responders. Our first responders, including doctors, nurses, police officers, and hospital staff, are on the front lines of this pandemic. They put their lives on the line to keep us safe. I feel like the least we can do is make sure they get a hot meal at the end of the day. A number of the gift cards we’ve purchased have also gone to families in need. Many families in our community depend on school lunch programs to get their children a good meal. School closures have eliminated this option and left many families in a difficult position. It’s our hope that these gift cards can be used by local families to keep their children fed during this difficult time. How we respond in times of crisis says a lot about who we are, not just as individuals but as a community and a culture. My whole staff and I are committed to doing what we can to bring out the best in ourselves and our community during this crisis. Though we may feel powerless at times, we cannot give up. There are things we can do right now to help each other and come out of this stronger than before.
-Marc L. Shapiro
(239) 649-8050 • 1
Protect What Matters Most
Health Benefits of Family Gardening Give Your Kid the Gift of a Green Thumb Springtime often means nicer weather and more time spent outside, but it also means it’s gardening season. That means it’s time to roll up your sleeves and play in the dirt. If you’ve been searching for a way to get the kids away from technology and engaged with the real world, gardening is the perfect activity for the whole family to enjoy. Not only is it fun, but it’s also beneficial for your kids’ development. For example, gardening can improve your children’s analytical abilities. As Dr. Wendy Matthews says, “Gardening exercises important reasoning, initiation, planning, and organization skills.” Furthermore, several studies, including one at Texas A&M University, suggest that gardening improves a child’s attitude toward fruits and vegetables and may make them more likely to choose them as snacks. Gardening helps kids identify with where their food is coming from, and nothing tastes better than a freshly picked strawberry or pea pod they grew themselves. Jack Gilbert, a scientist at the University of Chicago and a parent himself, and his co-author, Rob Knight, emphasize the health benefits of garden time in their book, “Dirt Is Good: The Advantage of Germs for Your Child’s Developing Immune System.”The two found that exposure to different microbes, like those found in a garden, strengthens a child’s immune system and makes them less likely to develop allergies. If this is your first time gardening, you don’t need much to get started. Grab a few shovels, a pair of gloves for each family member, and fresh potting soil, and you’ll be set. Then, you can decide together which plants you’d like to grow! Carrots are fun because of the surprise factor — just imagine your child discovering that the part they eat grows below the ground! Peas are tasty and fairly easy to grow, as are strawberries. The options really are endless. Depending on the growing season in your area, you can choose to buy seeds or opt for rooted plants. Last but certainly not least, the best part of gardening as a family is the healthy, fresh produce you’ll get to enjoy all summer long!
T his kind of umbrella won’t keep you dry during a rainstorm, but it can help protect you if you’re in a car accident during a storm. A personal umbrella policy (PUP) is an insurance policy that goes over and above your existing insurance, offering the financial benefits of extra protection and giving you greater peace of mind. At The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. , we often see the benefits of PUPs in auto accident cases. Not only does a PUP offer added liability protection in the case of a car accident, but it can also offer added coverage if you unintentionally cause property damage or bodily injuries. This kind of insurance can provide reimbursement for attorney costs and lost wages. Additionally, a PUP covers your liability while using high-risk vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, boats, and snowmobiles. Allstate Agent Belinda Malolli on the Importance of a Personal Umbrella Policy
“A PUP can provide coverage in situations where your personal assets would be at stake if existing insurance coverage doesn’t cover the cost of an
Springtime Cacio e Pepe
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‘Total Professionalism’ What Are Our Clients Saying? “Total professionalism! The quick follow-up and fast action that I received was amazing. Gerta, the paralegal, kept in touch with me all along for my mom’s case and was always very professional, courteous, polite, and extremely helpful! I cannot say enough good about the service I received in my case. She made me feel like I was her only client by giving me personalized attention in every detail. They always gave me constant updates whether or not I understood the procedure. The whole experience was satisfying, but the outcome was even more so. If you really need someone to be on your side and fight for your rights, Marc Shapiro is the firm to call. You won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend them!” –Silvana Selfollari
accident,” said Naples-based Allstate agent, Belinda Malolli. “Liability cases have PUP potential.”
A personal umbrella policy is optional, and it can protect personal assets as long as the underlying homeowners or auto policy meets the minimum required coverage limits. Typically, a personal umbrella policy is available in million-dollar increments from $1 million to $5 million. Here are a few common situations where having a PUP can make a huge difference. Teenage Driver If your child is of legal driving age, be aware that teen drivers can cause accidents with injuries to other drivers that may go beyond your auto policy coverage limits. Summer Barbecues If someone is injured on your property during your next summer cookout, your existing homeowner’s insurance might not cover all the expenses. Having a PUP can provide additional coverage to pay for medical expenses and even property damage. International Travel Traveling internationally can put you in a position that isn’t covered by your existing insurance. PUP coverage can provide peace of mind if you’re in an accident while driving a boat or car you rented while on vacation. Not sure if you have a PUP? We strongly recommend reaching out to your insurance provider today. Ask your agent about what personal umbrella policy they offer and how it can cover gaps in your protection.
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Directions
Nothing is more comforting than a big bowl of cacio e pepe, which is Italian for cheese and pepper. This dish combines a wholesome flavor profile with fresh, seasonal ingredients to satisfy any craving.
1.
Heat oven to 425 F.
2.
In a large pot, cook spaghetti until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of water before draining and put spaghetti in a covered pot to keep warm. Line a 15x10-inch baking pan with foil and toss in asparagus and olive oil. Cook asparagus for 5–7 minutes and sprinkle with lemon zest. Add 3/4 cup of the reserved water, Parmesan cheese, and pepper to the spaghetti. Stir until creamy. Toss in asparagus and arugula before serving.
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BUTTERFLY FLOWERS JEDI LADYBUG MAYFLY MEMORIAL MEXICO MOTHERS OUTDOORS POLLEN SUNSHINE TAURUS
Ingredients
3.
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6 oz multigrain spaghetti
8 oz fresh asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
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1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
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1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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1/2 tsp black pepper
1 cup baby arugula
6.
(239) 649-8050 • 3
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720 Goodlette Rd. N, Suite 304 Naples, FL 34102 www.AttorneyShapiro.com
Inside Supporting Families, Restaurants, and First Responders Page 1 What Is Gardening Good For? 3 Ways an Umbrella Policy Can Protect You Page 2 Springtime Cacio e Pepe What Are Our Clients Saying? Page 3 Bird-Watching for Beginners Page 4
Bird-Watching for Beginners Why May Is the Best Month to Start
Bird-watching is like a lifelong scavenger hunt that you can play anywhere on Earth. The activity provides a mixture of science, travel, and beauty, and it’s a chance to get outside for feathered adventures and quiet reflection. The month of May is a great time of year to go birding because rising temperatures prompt spring migration. So if you’re eager to begin bird-watching, there’s no better time than now. Here are some tips to get started. Educate Yourself Thousands of species of birds span all corners of the globe. That’s why finding them is an exciting prospect — there’s no end to the hunt! Start by researching birds that are native to your location. Purchase a field guide with pictures of each bird and maps of their range and use it to figure out where different birds live. From there, it’s easy to pick your first spotting goal. You can even get yourself extra excited by watching a few bird documentaries. Gear Up One of the best things about birding is that you don’t need a lot of equipment to do it. As long as you’ve got your field guide and comfortable walking shoes, the only other thing you’ll need is a pair of binoculars. And they don’t have to be fancy. As long as
they can zoom in on faraway trees and perches, they’ll
work for now. You can always upgrade later. Go Exploring Your very first birding excursion is important because you don’t want to be overwhelmed or
underwhelmed. So use your field guide to home in on a single bird and go find it. It may be local, or you can plan a trip to a specific
bird’s natural habitat. Stay focused and don’t get distracted by other species. The thrill that comes with spotting your first bird will keep you coming back to find the rest. Bird-watching is a wonderful hobby because it’s easy to get started and can last a lifetime. As long as you can walk, drive, or look out a window, you can be a birder. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and find some birds!
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