Marc Whitehead - April/May 2021

Timing is critical when you a assistance from insurance co Security Administration (SSA (VA). Unfortunately, these ag way, and as a result, some di take nearly two years to com Insurance companies are leg to your claim within 150 day Retirement Income Security will respond sooner, but som extensions that could last the governmental agencies like t have the same time restrictio a few months, but the agenc same 150-day rule. ‘HOWLONG Here’s What You

CONTINUING TO GROW Paralegal Heather West Adds to Her Knowledge Base

Heather West first began working professionally as a bookkeeper while going to school to earn her creative writing degree. That experience led to work as an office manager, but the work didn’t fulfill Heather’s goals and dreams. Instead, she found that while working as an intake specialist for a law firm.

Since 2016, Heather has been working as a paralegal after earning her certification that same year. She’s been with Marc Whitehead & Associates since December 2019 and currently serves as the firm’s mass torts and Veterans Affairs (VA) paralegal and case manager. “I really enjoy analyzing a particular case or situation and thinking about the big picture of what needs to be done or what we need to do to help this person get what they deserve,” Heather says. “We’re trying to fight for the client, and I really like that I’m helping to do the best we can to get them what they deserve.” As someone who loves puzzles, Heather says she’s always ready to take on a new challenge. Specifically, she was assigned to our VA cases in March 2020, and while this is a new area of practice for Heather, she carves out special attention for each case with diligence and meticulous planning. She also has experience in probate and civil law. As she’s taken on this new role, Heather says she often looks to our VA team to help her learn something new or to acquire new skill sets needed in this position. “I think we all work together to get everything done … instead of having an ego about everything,” Heather observes, adding, “Everyone puts their heads together for each client.” Beyond her talent and expertise, there’s another reason we appreciate Heather: Her 1-year-old Victorian bulldog, Dexter, makes regular appearances on our video calls! Heather also has a 23-year-old son and a 16-year-old daughter. (Heather’s husband is going to teach their daughter how to drive soon!) Heather and her husband enjoy escaping to his family’s place near Brenham, Texas, for a chance to unwind. We’re proud to have someone like Heather working so hard for our clients. Thank you for all of your dedication, Heather!

MORE THAN 100 YEARS OF NONALCOHOLIC BEER

And Why It’s Making a Comeback

In the U.S., the 100-year history of nonalcoholic (NA) beer is closely linked to Prohibition and the adoption of the 18th Amendment in 1919. It was illegal to sell, transport, or consume alcoholic beverages, which were defined as any drink with more than 0.5% ABV, or alcohol by volume. Beer with less than 0.5% ABV was considered nonalcoholic and

could be consumed, if not enjoyed, by teetotalers. That standard has informed a new and growing wave of NA beer in the U.S., which pulled in about $100 million in 2018. Sales of NA beer worldwide, however, are projected to jump to almost $6 billion by 2023. Millennials drink less than their Gen Z and baby boomer counterparts, and periods of giving up booze, like Sober October and Dry January, are becoming more popular in general. If you want to see what all the buzz is about without getting buzzed, crack open an NA beer from your favorite local bottle shop.

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