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Workers’ COMPanion
LAW OFFICE MONAST
FEBRUARY 2024
www.monastlaw.com | 614-334-4649 | 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Bldg 2, Suite 2117, Upper Arlington, OH 43220-2913
BEYOND BADGES The Core Lessons Boy Scouts Taught Me
When I was a young kid in the mid-1960s, I joined the Cub Scouts. It was just something every boy seemed to do when they were a squirt, and my family thought it would be something fun for me to try. And, like most other 6-year- olds, I thought so, too.
safety inspections for people’s homes for free. I contacted the local Upper Arlington fire department for help creating the inspection criteria. After the inspections, I provided each household a report that outlined any hazards I found and what they could do to improve their home’s safety.
However, I was kicked out shortly after joining (yes, believe it or not, you can get kicked out of the Cub Scouts as a 6-year-old). Looking back, it was likely due to what we now call ADHD, but in their eyes, I was a little bit too rambunctious for their organization. But,
These projects aim to teach young men to take an idea, use the skills they’ve learned over the years, and bring it to fruition. I became an Eagle Scout, and
looking back, I see how this project has helped me immensely throughout my career; so much of what I do involves taking an idea, outlining the steps possible to make it happen, and following through.
despite my dismissal, I must have continued to show an interest in the Boy Scouts of America because I joined the Boy Scouts four years later at 10. I remember thinking how lucky I was to be in the Scouts and that being a part of the organization was honorable — there was an element of prestige involved with
I’d also be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge that many skills I have now come from that Eagle Scout project. My time in the Boy Scouts taught me so much more than how to make a plan, talk to people, and think through an issue — all things valuable in life. What I really learned from Boy Scouts was how to work with others as a team and the power of that camaraderie. Many tasks required to receive merit badges are meant to push kids out of their comfort zones to teach them they can achieve something — even if it’s difficult. But as hard as facing some of these things was, having guys cheer you on, offer help and ideas, and pick you back up when you fall led to an even greater sense of accomplishment. Isn’t that really true in so many areas of life? So, while the Boy Scouts of today may differ from what I experienced all those years ago, I appreciate my time with the organization. Many of the closest friendships I have today are ones I made in the Scouts, and the lessons I learned with them are ones I will never forget!
being a Boy Scout. I was excited to learn how to go camping and maybe even survive in the wilderness. I was also interested in learning from the older Scout members, especially the adults involved with our council, called Scout Leaders.
I remember one Scout Leader named Frank Wright, who owned his own plumbing business and drove an old beat-up Ford pickup. He drove that green beast straight from a long day’s work to our Scout meetings, hardly ever missing a day. Another leader, Mac McCaslin, held a Ph.D. from Ohio State and had been a professor there. We learned a lot from these patient men, and their guidance helped me collect badges and rise in rank among the Scouts over the years. Eventually, I decided I wanted to be an Eagle Scout, the highest rank any Boy Scout can receive. To become an Eagle Scout, I had to create a service project that would help our community. I devised a program where I would perform
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COMPASSION AT THE NEENAH INVITATIONAL BEYOND THE FINISH LINE
In the competitive world of high school athletics, where every second counts and victories are often measured in milliseconds, an incident at the Neenah Cross Country Invitational in Wisconsin reminds us of a fundamental but often forgotten aspect of sports: good sportsmanship. On this race day, amid the blur of sprinting figures and cheering crowds, a moment of true sportsmanship unfolded. Two runners from Stevens Point Area Senior High, Cooper Erickson and Ethan Olds, encountered a fellow competitor, Seppi Camilli, in distress. Camilli had collapsed, his strength waning just shy of the finish line. Erickson and Olds chose empathy over rivalry in a split-second decision that would resonate far beyond the race track. They paused their own race to help Camilli cross the finish line. This act, simple in its execution but profound in its implication, speaks volumes about the values ingrained in these young athletes. It’s a vivid reminder that the essence of sports isn’t solely found in the glory of winning but also in the moments of shared humanity. In extending their hands to a competitor in need,
Erickson and Olds demonstrated that real victory lies in lifting each other up, even amidst fierce competition. This incident is a beacon for young athletes and a reminder for coaches, parents, and spectators alike. It underscores the importance of nurturing not only physical strength and skill in our young athletes but also the values of kindness, teamwork, and respect for others. As Erickson and Olds demonstrated, sometimes the most enduring triumphs on the sports field are those of the heart. The coaches and spectators at the Neenah Invitational witnessed more than a race that day; they witnessed a powerful lesson in character and humanity. In a world where headlines often speak of division and conflict, stories like this inspire us to look beyond the finish line and see the broader horizon of human kindness and fellowship. The spirit of sportsmanship, as shown by these young athletes, is a testament to the true essence of competitive sports — a celebration of shared humanity alongside physical prowess.
Josh Schlenker’s Road: HARDWORKING UPS DRIVER TAKES A NEW PATH
Per the company website, in 1907, two teenage entrepreneurs created what would become the world’s largest package delivery service. Starting in a Seattle basement with a $100 loan, Claude Ryan and Jim Casey opened the American Messenger Company. In 1919, the company made its first expansion beyond Seattle to Oakland, California, where the name United Parcel Service debuted. That same year, the company painted the company’s cars its signature color brown. Using now-familiar slogans such as “As sure as taking it there yourself,” “The package delivery company more companies count on,” and the ever-popular “What can brown do for you?” we see those familiar brown trucks nearly every day. This isn’t surprising when you realize UPS employs more than half a million people and has 126,000 trucks on the road. Looking back, I’ve represented nearly 50 UPS drivers in recent years. Like our client Josh, lots of folks hire on because the pay is good. My oldest brother did: He drove for them a couple of years in the 1960s after he got out of the Marine Corps.
Josh’s dad was a pastor, and the family moved between Iowa and Ohio several times before ultimately landing in Obetz, Ohio. After attending college at Mount Vernon Nazarene, Josh’s brother-in-law recommended UPS as a great opportunity for him to provide for his family, so Josh hired on. As a package delivery driver, there’s obviously a lot of driving, stopping, hopping in and out of the truck … and lots of lifting of packages that can weigh more than 100 pounds. During a shift of extended lifting, Josh’s shoulder had had enough: He tore up his bicep and subscapularis tendons as well as the cartilage around his shoulder joint. As his claim was initially allowed only for a strain, the physical therapy and other treatments didn’t help. His doctors recommended surgery that was finally permitted 18 months later(!), requiring several hearings and several additional conditions before it was approved. His surgeon said, “He had quite a bit more injury in his shoulder than we thought,” and recently recommended injections of platelet-rich plasma, something professional athletes use to try to rehabilitate cartilage.
Unable to work for nearly three years, even the defense doctors concluded Josh couldn’t return to the work he enjoyed at UPS as he still has residual limitations. These interfere with hunting and other activities, but he’s still able to oil paint (hey, these guys don’t just sling freight!) and enjoy life with Melissa (whom he met at church) and their active young kiddos. Josh recently decided to close his claim and is starting a position with another company soon. He is a great guy, and we wanted to let you know a bit more about him.
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HOW A MIDDLE SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S COMPASSION CHANGED A STUDENT’S LIFE FROM SCHOOL SUSPENSION TO FOREVER FAMILY
One day, middle school principal Jason Smith strolled out of his office to find Raven Whitaker, a sixth-grader, sitting in a chair outside his door. Raven had been suspended for causing trouble during lunchtime by throwing yogurt. Despite dealing with many misbehaving students over the years, something about Raven touched Jason’s heart. When he asked Raven about her actions and whether she thought they would be acceptable in a restaurant, he found out she had never been to one before. Raven told her principal about her life, which was filled with challenges, as she moved from one foster home to another without finding the stability she craved. That night, Smith spoke to his wife, Marybeth, about possibly giving Raven the love and support she deserved. Despite their own struggles with having children, they saw an opportunity to make a difference in Raven’s life. After consulting with Raven’s case worker, they welcomed her into their home as foster parents
in 2015. Their decision was a testament to their kindness, generosity, and unwavering commitment to helping others. Little did they know their selfless act of kindness would forever change Raven’s life. At first, Raven was hesitant when she entered the Smith household. She had been let down before, unsure if this new family would be any different. To test their sincerity, she gave them a hard time and challenged their promises of support. To her surprise, the Smiths proved to be nothing but loving, patient, and understanding. So, in October 2017, the Smiths officially adopted Raven and became a family! With the help of her principal-turned-dad, Raven’s academic journey took a positive turn. She graduated with excellent grades and is now studying to become a social worker at the University of Kentucky. Today, Raven’s journey is a testament to the power of love, sincerity, and second chances to transform lives!
SUDOKU
Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
MUNCHIES WITH MOLLY
MARRY ME CHICKEN
INGREDIENTS •
3 boneless chicken breasts
• • • •
1/2 cup heavy cream
• • • •
1 tsp salt and pepper
3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
DIRECTIONS 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F.
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Phone: 614-334-4649 www.monastlaw.com 5000 Arlington Centre Blvd. Bldg 2, Suite 2117 Upper Arlington, OH 43220-2913
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Life Lessons From the Boy Scouts
When Compassion Trumps Competition
Meet Our Client, Josh Schlenker
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A Principal’s Love: The Inspiring Adoption Story That Defied Expectations
Marry Me Chicken
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Our Ancestors Were Weird!
UNLOCK HISTORY’S STRANGEST SECRETS ANCIENT BREWS TO GHOSTLY WINNERS!
RACING TO THE GRAVE One of the most astonishing stories in sports history involves jockey Frank Hayes. In a 1923 horse race at Belmont Park, New York, Hayes achieved victory from beyond the grave. Suffering a fatal heart attack mid-race, he miraculously remained in the saddle, and his horse, Sweet Kiss, crossed the finish line in first place. This extraordinary event remains the sole known instance in sports where a participant posthumously claimed the gold medal. A SMOKING MONKEY Looking to the East, North Korea’s Pyongyang Zoo featured another oddity in 2016: Azalea, a smoking chimpanzee. Trained to ignite and puff on cigarettes, this chimpanzee was a peculiar draw for visitors. In sparking controversy over animal rights, Azalea illustrates the bizarre and often questionable ways humans have historically interacted with animals.
History is more than just a chronicle of battles and treaties; it’s a rich tapestry woven with odd and almost unbelievable events that can mystify us now. A dive into the quirky corners of the past can reveal historical anomalies, including ancient beverages and victories from beyond the grave. Besides entertaining us, our history shows our ancestors as multifaceted, creative, and peculiar as we are today. THE FIRST BEER In ancient Sumeria, people were not just trailblazers in writing and architecture but also avid brewers. Archaeologists unearthed a 5,000-year-old Sumerian tablet depicting individuals consuming a beer-like substance through reed straws from a shared bowl. This ancient concoction, possibly the earliest known beer recipe, underscores the longstanding human passion for alcohol and communal gatherings.
These stories demonstrate that the annals of history are not just repositories of conventional wisdom and significant events but also a collection of the bizarre, the unusual, and the extraordinary. These peculiar tales help us gain a more nuanced and colorful understanding of our collective past, shedding light on the complexity and eccentricity of our history.
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