Brooks & Crowley - July 2023

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Review Brooks & Crowley

July 2023

781-251-0555

www.brooksandcrowley.com

439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026

*Services Throughout Massachusetts

Summer Jobs Are Important! THEY PROVIDED ME THE SKILLS I USE TODAY

It’s fascinating to think about how summer break has changed throughout the years as you get older. During elementary and middle school, I would eagerly count down the days until summer vacation — it seemed like time went by so slowly! I was ready to put my backpack in my closet, not think about school for a few months, and relax. During high school and college, I experienced the same feelings. However, while I did have a chance to relax occasionally, my summers were busy because I had a summer job. For me and my friends, working during the summer when you’re a teenager was normal — our parents encouraged us to start making our own money, learn to be responsible, and be accountable for our actions. As I gained more experience, I realized there were great benefits and lessons to these summer jobs.

and take pride in my work. It also taught me that if I commit to be there for my shift, I must keep my word. My team was counting on me; we needed one another to complete the job.

“But most importantly, my summer jobs taught me that if I want to accomplish something, I must take action!”

I always enjoyed my summer jobs and the valuable lessons I took from them. Because of my experiences, I understood the value of hard work, being accountable and responsible for my actions, sticking to my word, and how to work with a team. This knowledge benefited me as I continued through law school and when Neil and I opened Brooks & Crowley. I use these lessons daily, and they have helped me become the person, attorney, father, husband, and friend I am today.

So, I started working when I was 15 at a bakery on Saturday nights with my neighborhood friend Antonio. The owner of the bakery picked us up at our houses and drove us to his business in Malden to make hundreds of loaves of bread. After we finished, the bakery owners would deliver the bread to local stores and restaurants, so it was up to us to ensure all the bread was ready for the morning delivery. This was my first taste of responsibility — if we didn’t make the bread, other businesses wouldn’t be able to serve or sell it and keep their business moving. I took pride in knowing that my work was helping others and contributing to their success, and learned a little about wholesale versus retail businesses.

But most importantly, my summer jobs taught me that if I want to accomplish something, I must take action! You can’t wait and rely on others to do it for you — you must put in the time and do it yourself. All the other skills I’ve learned throughout the years equip me to take action and control what I want to do in life. And for that, I will always be grateful. What were your summer jobs growing up? Did you learn anything that has stuck with you to this day? –Steve Brooks

As I continued through school, I painted houses, did some roofing, and worked at an Italian bakery in my neighborhood. All of these jobs taught me to have integrity

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IN FORKS WE TRUST HOW EUROPE EVENTUALLY STOPPED EATING WITH THEIR HANDS

If you attend a dinner party, go on a date at a restaurant, or eat a plate of pasta, you’ll use a fork without thinking twice. This is proper etiquette — and the cleanest and most efficient way to eat a meal! Could you imagine trying to eat a plate of spaghetti and meatballs without one? Wealthy people in other parts of the world, such as the Byzantine Empire and the Middle East, have been using forks since the 17th century. However, before that, forks were considered to be sacrilegious and rude to use at the dinner table in Europe! In fact, in the 11th

into her new house, including a case of golden forks. At the wedding, she pulled out one of her golden forks to partake in her wedding feast, and the reaction she got took her by surprise.

The clergy lambasted her, saying things like, “God in his wisdom has provided man with natural forks — his fingers. Therefore, it is an insult to him to substitute artificial metal forks for them when eating.” However, this didn’t urge the princess to eat with her hands, and she stuck with her forks. Shortly after the marriage, the Byzantine princess, unfortunately, contracted the plague and passed away. Many believed this was “karma” for refusing to eat with her hands and bringing a fork to her husband’s home. But thanks to Maria Argyropoulina, Europe was introduced to the fork and never had to worry about eating spaghetti and meatballs — or any other dish — with their hands again.

century, a Byzantine princess was ridiculed for bringing forks into her new husband’s home.

Maria Argyropoulina, the Greek niece of Emperor Basil II of Byzantium, arrived in Venice, Italy, prepared to marry Giovanni, the son of Pietro Orseolo II, the Doge of Venice. She brought all of her belongings with her to move

My Child Was in an Accident! How Do Personal Injury Claims Involving a Minor Work?

Throughout the years, we’ve discussed the different factors and approaches to consider when maneuvering through a personal injury case. But do these procedures change if a child is the one who received injuries? Like adults, minors are entitled to compensation. However, children cannot file a claim independently — they need a parent to file it. Additionally, special rules apply for personal injury claims involving minors. Statute of Limitations Typically, you have three years to file a claim. If you file a lawsuit after the deadline, the claim could be dismissed — no matter how responsible the defendant was for the accident. However, if the victim is a minor, the three-year rule doesn’t apply to them. They have until their 21st birthday to file a personal injury claim. It doesn’t matter what age the minor was when the accident occurred; they can either have their parents file after the accident or wait until they (the child) are 21. Claims Process If the parent of a child decides to file a personal injury claim while they’re still a minor, they should act in their child’s best interest. Children cannot sign settlement agreements or liability forms when a settlement is reached.

So, the parent must submit a petition to approve the payment amount. If the compensation is $10,000 or more, insurance companies require the court to approve the amount. A judge will also ensure a plan is in place to save and protect the funds for the minor. In court, the parent must agree that the settlement is for the child and should be used for their benefit. If the minor doesn’t have a parent, the court could appoint a guardian to safeguard these funds until the child is an adult. If the settlement is large, insurance companies may deposit a certain amount into a monthly fund for several years. These structured settlements are beneficial because the funds can be catered to the child’s needs, living expenses, and education in the future. Because personal injury claims involving minors are different than adults, it’s vital that you work with an experienced attorney to assist you. At Brooks & Crowley, we aim to provide you with the best service possible and help you receive the compensation you or your child deserve. If you or someone you know has any questions or concerns, please call us today.

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Fly, Disc, Fly

Lesser-Known Disc Sports to Try This Summer

Disc golf has exploded in popularity during the past few years. The Professional Disc Golf Association reports more than 7,000 disc golf courses in the United States. It’s inexpensive, accessible, and fun, which has made it the perfect sport for many Americans. But disc golf isn’t the only sport that involves Frisbees. Many other disc-related sports are gaining popularity and are worth checking out. Here are a few entertaining disc-related sports you might not be familiar with. Guts Dodgeball is one of the most exciting games many can remember from our youth. There’s nothing more exhilarating than hitting someone with a ball and getting the final out. Guts is similar to dodgeball, with some slight differences. The court is split into two halves, with each team occupying one half and facing the other and a goal line at the back of each side. Players take turns throwing the discs at the other team, who must stand still until the disc leaves the thrower’s hand. The throwing

team is awarded a point if the disc strikes a player or crosses the goal line. The first team to score 21 points wins. Fricket Fricket is a two-on-two sport often called the cricket of disc sports. Start by getting four 5-foot wickets made from plastic or bamboo. Place two side by side, about 15 inches apart, and then place the other two 40 yards away. Place red Solo cups on top of the wickets, and that’s all the setup you need! Each team takes turns throwing their disc at the wickets. You gain a point if you knock a cup on the ground or your disc passes between the wickets without touching them. If the opposing team catches your throw one-handed, they get a point. The first team to 21 points wins. Disc Dog There are many disc sports involving man’s best friend. Toss and Fetch requires the owner to throw as many discs as possible for their dog to catch in 60 seconds. Freestyle competitions are choreographed

performances that last over a minute. And long-distance events showcase the thrower’s arm and the dog’s speed. Participating in these events takes a lot of training, but they are incredibly entertaining to watch and a great way to bond with your dog.

Have a Laugh!

Easy Chipotle Portobello Tacos Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com

With flavorful portobello mushrooms, these spicy vegan tacos will become a weeknight staple!

Ingredients

Chipotle Marinade • 1 tbsp oil • 2 tbsp sauce from canned chipotle in adobo sauce • 1 garlic clove, minced • 1/2 tsp cumin • 1/2 tsp coriander

• 2 large portobello mushrooms • 1 red bell pepper • 1/2 onion • Salt, to taste • 14-oz can refried black beans • Vegan crema (optional) • Avocados (optional) • 4 tortillas

directions

1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice mushrooms and bell pepper into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Then, cut onion into 1/2-inch-thick rings. On a parchment-lined sheet pan, place all sliced vegetables. 3. In a small bowl, whisk marinade ingredients together. 4. Brush both sides of mushrooms with a liberal amount of marinade. Then, lightly brush the bell peppers and onions. Sprinkle salt on the mushrooms. Roast vegetables for 20 minutes or until mushrooms are tender. 5. Heat beans and prepare additional toppings if desired. 6. Spread refried beans on warm tortillas and top with mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and any additional toppings.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

439 Washington St. • Dedham, MA 02026 Inside THIS ISSUE

1 Take Action!

2 How a Byzantine Princess Introduced Forks to Europe

The Statute of Limitations Doesn’t Apply to Minors

3 The Disc Sports You Haven’t Heard Of

Easy Chipotle Portobello Tacos

4 Don’t Have Any Plans? Now You Do!

What’s Going On, Boston? Check Out These 3 Summer Events!

Summer is a busy time for everyone! You’re probably going on vacations, traveling to other states, and spending time with your family and friends. But if you plan on staying in town this month or having a “staycation,” there are tons of great local events to choose from! Here are some of our favorites. Central Square Farmers Market May 15 – Nov. 20, 2023 Central Square Farmers Market 76 Bishop Allen Dr. MassFarmersMarkets.org/Central Beach Yoga Wednesdays at 6 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. Pleasure Bay Beach William J Day Blvd. – Meet at the gazebo/ Scents & Sounds: Sculptural Candle- Making Workshop Saturdays and Sundays 86 Joy Street, Studio #22 ForTheRec.co/workshop

American flag pole/ WWII Memorial DaisyFaceFlow.com/beach-yoga-1

If you’re looking for locally-produced food and a way to connect with vendors, you don’t want to miss the Central Square Farmers Market! The long-running market has over two dozen Massachusetts farmers and food producers selling ready-to-eat meals, baked goods, fruits, vegetables, and protein! The market is open weekly on Mondays, and they accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, EBT cards, and other forms of payment. If you want to stay updated on any Central Square Farmers Market, text “CENTRAL” to 833-409-0774.

Have you ever wanted to create your own candle and make it with any scent you want? Then you will love this candle-making workshop! You’ll learn the art of sculpting your own candle, what factors go into the piece, and how to add essential oils and scents to your candle. Admission is $65, covering all the class materials and tools you need. If you get hungry, don’t worry; you will get a sweet treat after the workshop!

Morgan from Daisyface is back for her sixth season of Beach Yoga on Pleasure Bay in South Boston! Everyone is welcome to join beach yoga — no matter what your experience level is or how old you are. Each class costs $20, and you can rent a yoga mat from Morgan for $3 — she accepts either cash or you can Venmo her. If you’re interested in doing yoga with others near the ocean, all you need to do is sign the liability waiver, which can be found on the website above. If you have any questions, please email Morgan@DaisyFaceFlow.com.

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