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April/May 2025 Advisor
EARTH DAY 2025 PLANTING TREES TO HONOR THE EARTH CellinoLaw.com
Before the first Earth Day in 1970, Americans were upset about black smoke billowing from factories and companies dumping toxic waste. On April 22 of that year, a Wisconsin senator initiated a teach-in on environmental issues, and 20 million Americans took to the streets in support. The rest is history. In addition to creating the EPA, the first Earth Day eventually led to a worldwide campaign promoting the one thing almost anyone can do to help the environment: plant trees. Since then, supporters claim that 1 billion trees have been planted worldwide in recognition of Earth Day. I’ve personally planted hundreds of them myself. I've always loved trees. My dad helped initiate an environmental consulting company, Ecology & Environment; he and his partners were very ecologically minded. One family story that always gets a laugh is about a Silver Maple tree I planted with my dad as a
kid. I was pretty excited at the time when he told me, “This is your tree — Rossy’s tree!” I treated that tree like it was my child. I watered it and fertilized it frequently. That maple tree grew to be a large tree that overshadowed another stately, much nicer beech tree. When my dad told me he was going to cut down my tree to allow more room for the beech tree, I was heartbroken. But now, 60 years later, the beech tree is truly majestic, and I have forgiven my dad for cutting down my tree. As an adult, my brother and I purchased a tree farm together. We planted several hundred trees, which were distributed to the city and other customers. It was more of a hobby than a business, but it was fun at the time. Eventually, we sold the tree farm to a neighboring farmer. When I built my house, I planted more than 300 trees on the property before construction began. The trees grew fast, and today, the property is captivating. The driveway winds through the grove of trees. They provide privacy, but they are also striking to see. I purposely included red maple and red oak species so that in the fall, the red maple leaves turn red, orange, yellow, and a brilliant, deep scarlet, intermingled with the deep russet-colored red oak leaves, creating an amazing view! I also can see large, majestic trees when I look out the window of my office on Delaware Avenue. It’s amazing how long these trees can live.
I’m a fan of “earthing” or “grounding” — walking barefoot to come in direct contact with the Earth. Some research suggests that wearing shoes all the time insulates you from the Earth, potentially causing certain health issues. Walking barefoot or grounding may help reduce inflammation by transferring electrons from the Earth into the body, which can neutralize free radicals and oxidative stress. During the summer months, I often walk for half an hour or so on the grass. In fact, Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins is known for arriving at practice and games barefoot. He cites health benefits as his reasoning. As citizens, we all need to be more aware of how we are damaging the Earth and how to stop that destructive activity as best we can. As Earth Day comes around each year, I welcome it as a good time to reflect on how we can all be better stewards of the environment.
-Ross Cellino 888-888-8888 1
$2 Billion
Cellino and the lawyers who have worked for him have recovered over $2 billion in settlements for their clients.
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When getting in shape and sticking to an exercise routine can feel like an uphill battle, it doesn’t have to. Current studies show that we should strive for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. Moderate being defined as walking 2 miles in 30 minutes or biking 5 miles in the same amount of time at a rate that requires some effort to hold a conversation. Find an Exercise Routine You Can Stick To THE HIDDEN BENEFITS OF LOVING YOUR DAILY WORKOUT
Meet Gregory Pajak From Insurance Defense to Client Advocacy
At Cellino Law, our attorneys bring more than legal knowledge to their work — they also bring experience, empathy, and an understanding of people. Managing attorney Gregory Pajak exemplifies this approach. He built his career on hard work, clear communication, and compassion — values he first learned while working at his family’s grocery store in Hamburg, NY.
With these guidelines in mind, it’s time to reset your workout expectations with these three tips to help you find a program you can stick with.
CHOOSE SOMETHING YOU ENJOY. It’s okay if lining up at dawn to enter a CrossFit gym isn’t your thing. There’s nothing worse than dreading daily trips to a weight room when you’d rather be out hiking or playing a competitive sport. The important thing is to do what you enjoy. If it’s easier to exercise with friends, ask at your gym for groups that meet there or find other people who want to work out with a group on social media. BREAK THE 150-MINUTE GOAL INTO SMALLER, ACHIEVABLE INCREMENTS. If you like jogging, rather than running for 30 minutes five days a week, substitute cycling — either outdoors or inside on a stationary bike — every other day to take the pressure off your feet and joints. Three 10-minute workouts rather than one long session is also fine. Whatever feels good for you and keeps you giving your best effort each workout. TRACK YOUR SESSIONS AND REWARD YOURSELF. Keeping a calendar of your successes helps make your good habits tangible. If you need a boost, look for different yoga, dance, or martial arts classes to incorporate into your schedule. After 30 days of success, give yourself a treat, whatever may be motivational. The bottom line is that exercise should be enjoyable if you’re going to stick with it. Don’t beat yourself up if you fall off the wagon. The voice in your head should be encouraging, the way you would speak to a friend who’s struggling. Give yourself time to establish your new routine. If you choose activities you enjoy, taking time for yourself will be a pleasure. You’ll start looking forward to your exercise routine and be more likely to stick with it over the long term.
AN UNEXPECTED PATH TO LAW. Unlike some attorneys, Gregory didn’t grow up dreaming of the courtroom. As a SUNY Buffalo undergraduate pursuing a degree in political science, he found himself at a crossroads. Facing the decision to pursue teaching or a career in law, he decided on the latter. The decision proved to be the right one, leading him to a successful career as a personal injury attorney. Interestingly, his early years as an attorney were spent on the opposite side of the courtroom. FROM INSURANCE DEFENSE TO ADVOCACY. After graduating from SUNY Buffalo School of Law, Gregory represented insurance companies in personal injury cases for over 15 years. The experience gave him a deep understanding of how insurance companies analyze cases, but it did not align with his values. He says, “The insurance business is not person-friendly. There is little concern for injured people, and I got tired of taking positions that did not gel with having compassion for people who were injured by the negligence or fault of others.” That realization led him to shift his focus and advocate for the injured individuals. Now, as the managing attorney at Cellino Law, Gregory manages his caseload while overseeing the work of other attorneys at the firm’s other offices throughout New York state. His background in insurance defense gives him a strategic advantage, allowing him to anticipate the opposition’s approach and counter their tactics. FIGHTING FOR CLIENTS AND FINDING FULFILLMENT. Outside of work, Gregory enjoys trying new restaurants and traveling with his family, whose support he credits with enabling him to pursue a profession he loves. Looking back on his career, he finds fulfillment in knowing he has helped people rebuild their lives after devastating injuries. “I can’t wave a magic wand and heal someone, but I can fight to help them get on the best path forward,” he adds. “It’s sort of like taking lemons and making lemonade, and that’s what makes this work so rewarding.”
2 Legal disclaimer. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Attorney advertising.
5 TIPS TO KEEP YOUR TEEN SAFE BEHIND THE WHEEL
Teaching your teen to drive can be an exciting yet nerve-wracking experience. It’s a big step toward independence, but safety should always come first. Car accidents are a leading cause of injury for young drivers, but with the right guidance, they can develop the skills to stay safe on the road. START WITH A STRONG FOUNDATION. Before they even get behind the wheel, you’ll need to make sure your teen is enrolled in a driver’s education course. These courses are designed to cover the basics — traffic laws, road signs, and vehicle control — but hands-on experience is just as important. Taking time to practice together in different environments, like highways, city streets, and parking lots, helps teens build confidence. ENCOURAGE DEFENSIVE DRIVING. New drivers can be easily distracted or act impulsively, so it’s important to teach them how to stay alert and anticipate other drivers’ actions. This means keeping a safe distance, watching for pedestrians, and staying aware of sudden changes on the road. Encourage your teen to scan ahead, notice lane changes, and be mindful of cyclists or pedestrians. When they drive defensively, they’ll be better prepared for the unexpected. MINIMIZE DISTRACTIONS. Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents among teens, and cellphones are one of the biggest culprits. Set a firm rule that their phone stays out of reach while driving. Even small distractions — adjusting music or eating — can be dangerous. A simple solution like placing their phone in
a designated spot, such as a glove compartment, can help keep their focus on the road.
PREPARE FOR BAD WEATHER. Weather can be unpredictable, so your teen should know how to adjust their driving in different conditions. In the rain, they should slow down, use their wipers, and watch for slick roads. In snow or ice, they need to increase following distance, avoid sudden stops, and take turns carefully. If possible, practice driving in various weather conditions to help them gain confidence. LEAD BY EXAMPLE. As a parent, you're your child's biggest role model, and they notice how you drive. Speeding, texting, or not wearing a seatbelt can send the wrong message. That’s why it's important to model safe driving habits — follow speed limits, stay off your phone, and always wear your seatbelt. When your teen sees you driving responsibly, they're more likely to follow your example. Helping teenagers develop safe driving habits takes time and practice. If your new driver is injured in an accident while behind the wheel, the Cellino Law team is here to help. Contact us for a free consultation at 888-888-8888 .
Brain Break
ARBOR ARIES
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1 On Earth Day, Celebrate the Beauty of Trees 2 Make Exercise Fun and Effective Gregory Pajak’s Journey in Personal Injury Law 3 5 Tips to Keep Your Teen Safe Behind the Wheel Brain Break 4 Escape to Paradise: Savoring the Beauty and History of Antigua
Discover the Endless Beaches and Vibrant Culture of Antigua JOURNEY THROUGH TIME
Can you imagine escaping to a tropical island where you can visit a different beach every day for a year without ever seeing the same one twice? It’s not a fantasy. It’s Antigua. Antigua has long been known for its 365 beaches, from Halfmoon Bay's silvery sands to Galley Bay Beach's surfing waves. Unique for its history and native crafts, this eastern Caribbean island is rich in recreational and cultural attractions, as well as natural beauty. Christopher Columbus encountered Antigua in 1493, and the British subsequently colonized the island and neighboring Barbuda in the 1600s. Barbuda was originally planned as a slave-breeding colony, but the enslaved people brought to the island rebelled against colonial rule. After years of domination by the United Kingdom, Antigua and Barbuda achieved independence as a single nation in 1981. Although Antigua covers only 108 square miles, it has a rich history and cultural traditions. Nelson’s Dockyard National Park offers archaeological sites and more than 12 miles of hiking trails. The 8th of
March Project commemorates the lives of enslaved and free Africans who labored on the docks for centuries. Energetic hikers can make their way up a steep trail to Shirley Heights, 492 feet above sea level, to enjoy a panoramic view across the sea. Among Antigua’s unique attractions is the centuries-old artisan craft of forming tamarind seeds into jewelry and home decor. The island is also home to one of the rarest fruits in the world, the Antigua black pineapple, which is sweet and delicious sliced fresh or in jelly form. Also, a weekly archaeological tour called “Rum in the Ruins” offers a history of the sugar trade and the island’s famous rum. Antigua’s Summer Carnival is one of the most popular in the world. The celebration began when people took to the streets in 1834 to celebrate the emancipation of enslaved people and independence from England. Visitors to the Carnival today can enjoy wildly colorful costumes and 10 days of music, dancing, and parades. Among the most memorable experiences are steel band competitions playing calypso and soca music.
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