Please enjoy the latest edition of our Newsletter!
MAY 2020
WHY I RARELY WATCH THE NEWS
HOW TUNING OUT HELPS ME STAY POSITIVE
For the last couple months, we’ve all been inundated with news, social media, and all forms of information about COVID-19. I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to quit the news altogether! Even before all of this started, I wasn’t much of a news watcher. Rarely did I turn it on and feel uplifted. More often than not, watching it dragged me down. What I’ve discovered is that if it’s important enough, I’ll find out about it. The other day was a prime example. I hadn’t looked at the news or checked social media that morning, but in the first five seconds of talking to my associate attorney, he asked if I’d heard the latest about a breaking story. I’m not saying we have to stick our heads in the sand. It’s important to stay informed. But it is okay to shut off sometimes. Instead of opening up Facebook and bracing yourself for more of the same, log off and take a walk around your block. Call a loved one and ask how they are. Look for the bright side. When all of this started, my husband, Dave, was laid off from his job, and I noticed within a few days of him coming home that his attitude and disposition changed. He wasn’t his usual self. Something was getting to him. It didn’t take much detective work to figure out what that was. Dave now had 24/7 to look at social media and watch the news. All of that can suck the energy out of you. My CEO had some advice: Don’t tune in to the news first thing when you wake up. Instead, read 10 pages from an uplifting book. Maybe it’s Scripture, or “Chicken Soup for the Soul” — just find something that helps you start the day in a positive frame of mind. It can make a huge difference. Something that’s helped me is keeping my routine as consistent as possible. I try to go about my mornings the way I usually would, getting dressed up every day (even if all I want to wear are sweats) before diving into work.
As a team, finding a mission bigger than ourselves helps us keep our spirits high. Sure, this is challenging, but we know we have it pretty good compared to a lot of folks. Many of the chiropractors and physical therapists we refer clients to were forced to close and stop serving patients. We looked for ways we could share our resources and knowledge and help them during this time. After all, we’re all in this together! We reached out to our clients, too, calling simply to say hello. We asked how people were doing and if they needed anything. We shared the games and movies we’ve been loving. We all benefit from these connections now more than ever. It’s helpful to remember that just because we have to practice physical distancing doesn’t mean we can’t be social. We’re fortunate to live in a time of Zoom and FaceTime. Can you imagine going through this without technology? Give a friend a call just to say hello; schedule a virtual game night with your family members in different places. Our pets are also amazing sources of joy and comfort. I am so glad Bella came to us when she did! While it’s all too easy to see what isn’t going right, you’ll do yourself a favor if you focus on what is. Find little things you’re thankful for each day. It’s a lot harder to feel scared or sad when you’re focused on being grateful.
-Melissa Emery WWW. EMERYLAWOFF ICE .COM | 1
HEALTH BENEFITS OF FAMILY GARDENING
GIVE YOUR KID THE GIFT OF A GREEN THUMB
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.
Yes, there will always be football season, basketball season, and soccer season, but right now, 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.
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!
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
TAKE THESE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF HOW TO RESPOND AFTER YOU’RE IN A CAR COLLISION
RECORD ANY INJURIES YOU’VE SUSTAINED AND ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR CAR. As soon as you’re able, take photos of any bruises or injuries you’ve sustained and write down any discomfort or pain you are feeling. Do the same for your vehicle, taking photos and writing down any damage. DO NOT ADMIT FAULT. Avoid any admission of fault. Even if you’ve been given a ticket, this does not show fault. Only discuss the details of the accident with the police or your attorney. Don’t talk about your insurance policy limits with the other driver. If the other driver suggests a roadside settlement, do not accept it. There may be hidden damage to you and your vehicle. We know it can be challenging to remember all of this in the moments after a collision. To help you feel better informed of this process, we’ve created a brochure that covers all the key steps and information you will need to gather following a car collision. It includes each of the points we have addressed here as well as space for you to fill in this vital information.
Something we’ve seen over the last couple of months is that our police force isn’t always available to respond to car collisions. Because of this, it’s even more important that drivers involved in a collision know what information they need in order to seek compensation. After you’ve confirmed that everyone involved is okay and sought medical attention if needed, here are the steps you’ll want to take.
ASK FOR THE OTHER DRIVER’S INFORMATION. Ask the other driver for their phone number, address, driver’s license number, and insurance information, including their policy number and effective dates. Take photos whenever possible to verify information. If there are other people at the scene, ask for their contact information and potential witness statements. DON’T FORGET THEIR LICENSE PLATE. The biggest detail we see getting missed is license plates. This is vital information for your claim. If you can snap a picture of the back of the driver’s car and it’s a Kentucky plate, we can run it and find out additional information.
Contact our office to get your FREE copy of the brochure. Keep it in your glove compartment and feel better equipped should you find yourself in a collision.
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WHAT’S KEEPING OUR TEAM POSITIVE AND ENTERTAINED
FINDING THE SILVER LININGS
Like many of you, over the last month, members of our team have stayed home to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19. We were curious about what’s kept everyone entertained and upbeat, so we asked! Here’s what a couple of our team members had to say about their social distancing experience, the companions that help them stay positive, and one very special podcast.
RHUBARB CAKE Nature’s favorite tart vegetable — yes, rhubarb is a vegetable! — is in season once again. Celebrate rhubarb season with this simple, delicious cake. INGREDIENTS Inspired by AllRecipes.com
Libby Thorngate Administrative Assistant
What’s one quote, video, movie, book, or other piece of entertainment that’s helped you stay positive over the last month? My friend’s 5-year-old has started a podcast called “Keep Away Corona.” It’s a delight. What has been an unexpected silver lining of spending more time at home? My dog curls up by my feet while I work remotely.
• ●2 eggs, beaten • ●1 cup sour cream • ●3 cups rhubarb stalks, diced • ●1/4 cup butter, softened
• ●2 1/4 cups white sugar, divided • ●1 tsp baking soda • ●1/2 tsp salt • ●2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
Any game or activity you’ve discovered that’s become a favorite?
We’ve started playing basketball in the driveway. I haven’t played since middle school, but I’ve still got moves! Mediocre moves, that is.
DIRECTIONS
Audra Seng Senior Paralegal
WE WANT YOU TO THINK OF US AS YOUR LAW FIRM. If you have a legal matter that needs attention, let us know. If we can’t handle the matter, we will refer you to a firm that can. Please feel free to refer us to your friends and family for their legal needs. We welcome the opportunity to help. 1. Heat oven to 350 F. Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine 1 1/4 cups sugar, baking soda, salt, and 2 cups flour. 3. Stir in eggs and sour cream until smooth. 4. Fold in rhubarb and add mixture to the prepared baking dish. 5. In a small bowl, combine 1 cup sugar and butter until smooth. 6. Stir in 1/4 cup flour until mixture is crumbly. 7. Sprinkle mixture on top of cake batter and bake for 45 minutes. 8. Let cake cool for 5–10 minutes and serve.
What’s one quote, video, movie, book, or other piece of entertainment that’s helped you stay positive over the last month?
One positive thought in the morning can change the outlook of the rest of the day.
Any game or activity you’ve discovered that’s become a favorite? Nap time!
If you’re looking for something to keep you delighted and entertained through your own social distancing experience, the “Keep Away Corona” podcast Libby mentioned is as adorable as it sounds — there’s even a “Keep Away Corona” song you can’t help but smile along to. What movies, podcasts, books, or activities have you enjoyed recently? Be sure to share your own social distancing recommendations on our Facebook page, @EmeryLawOffice.
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WHAT’S HELPING ME STAY POSITIVE 1 WHAT IS GARDENING GOOD FOR? STEPS TO TAKE AFTER A CAR COLLISION 2 TEAM MEMBERS SHARE WHAT’S HELPING THEM STAY POSITIVE RHUBARB CAKE 3 THE BEST GRANDFATHER A KITTEN COULD HAVE 4 INSIDE
THE STORY OF GRANDPA MASON
HOW A FERAL CAT CAME TO CARE FOR ORPHANED KITTENS
After Grandpa Mason grew accustomed to his home, Roche took in several foster kittens, and those new roommates completely altered Grandpa Mason’s behavior. Roche expected him to hiss, swat, or growl at the kittens when they invaded his space, but he didn’t. Instead, he allowed them to crawl all over him and appeared to enjoy it when they licked his ear. Suddenly a playful,
When cats are orphaned as kittens, they don’t get the chance to develop all the skills needed to become successful cats. Just like human children, kittens need older role models too. The most famous cat role model had a rough start in life but became an inspiration for kittens and humans alike. His name was Grandpa Mason, and during the last years of his life, he stepped up and gave love, care, and guidance to the orphaned kittens that lived with him. The Canadian animal rescue group TinyKittens rescued Grandpa Mason in 2016 from a property that was scheduled to be bulldozed. The poor feral tabby was suffering from many health problems, including severe dental issues, a badly injured paw, and advanced kidney disease. Since TinyKittens is a no-kill rescue organization, euthanization was out of the question. Given his health conditions, veterinarians predicted the battle-scarred Grandpa Mason didn’t have long to live, so TinyKittens’ founder, Shelly Roche, took him in and provided him with a comfortable place to sleep, plenty of food, and time to relax in the last months of his life. Grandpa Mason had a hard time adjusting to domestic life and would often shy away from being petted. In an interview with The Dodo, Roche described him as “an elderly gentleman [who] lived his whole life a certain way, and then, all of a sudden, [was] forced to live completely differently.”
affectionate, and gentle personality came out of Grandpa Mason as he played with, bathed, taught, and cared for the orphaned kittens that Roche welcomed into her home. Potentially due to the kittens’ influence, Grandpa Mason surpassed his prognosis by more than two years. During the last few years of his life, Grandpa Mason passed on important lessons and good manners to the kittens he looked after and adored, as a true grandfather should. He passed last September, but he spent his last night in his ultimate happy place: snuggling in his bed surrounded by kittens.
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