MAY 2019
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WHO PUSHED HIMSELF AND HIS STUDENTS MY TEACHER AND COACH
In light of Teacher’s Day this month, I want to write about a teacher who was very inspiring to me. Ray Hughs taught me in both junior high and high school, first as a history teacher and then as my freshman track coach. What is remarkable about Ray, and why I decided to write about him today, is how hard he pushed himself and his students. Whether it was in the classroom or out on the track, Ray was the type of educator who would spend a lot of time with you, helping in any way he could and pushing you to your limits. In track, I was a high jumper, and Ray would spend hours coaching me even though he was a runner. Something interesting happened one weekend when I went to the track to get in some extra practice. I found a three- ring notebook laying near the track and opened it up. I realized after reading a few lines that it was Ray’s journal he had left by mistake. I admit I was curious, and I ended up reading a little bit more. Each page was full of what his goals were for that day, how “No matter what we do or how we come out of a situation, what counts is that we can look back and say we did our best.”
he felt about working toward them, and how he accomplished the tasks. The most remarkable thing was how he remained positive throughout the entire notebook, whether he achieved the daily goal or not. When I went back to school the following Monday and returned the notebook to him, he was very thankful. Ray was setting these goals and training hard because he hoped to go to the Olympics and participate in the steeplechase. The race is 3 kilometers long, or 1.86 miles, and athletes have to jump over hurdles and through a water pit. Ray worked very hard and made it onto the Olympic team, but a week before he left, he severely sprained his ankle and couldn’t go. After he got hurt, our class was devastated. We were rooting for him, and all of us knew how hard he worked. However, Ray’s reaction to the situation was really admirable, and he continued to be his positive self.
ankle, and he didn’t even flinch while telling us about it. Ray simply said, “It was an honor for me to do this, and even though I wasn’t able to go, I was able to participate. I know that I did my best, and that’s why it’s okay.” This short speech held perhaps the greatest lesson he taught his students. No matter what we do or how we come out of a situation, what counts is that we can look back and say we did our best. That’s stuck with me for a long, long time. This year, I might have a chance to see him again. My graduating class is planning our 50-year reunion, and we’ve invited Ray to come and visit with us. He’s in his late 80s now, which is a little shocking to me — he was a young man when I knew him in school. I think it’ll be great to see everyone again, especially to catch up with Ray after so long. -Travis Black
I can vividly recall the first time he walked into our classroom after he sprained his
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THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU STEAL A PROTECTED ANIMAL
ANIMAL THEFT AND TRESPASSING DON’T GO UNNOTICED
Every case our team takes at Travis G. Black & Associates is handled with the utmost care and professionalism. A client reached out to us after experiencing an off-road accident, and we took the steps necessary to ensure they were well taken care of. Through the determination and expertise of our team, we were able to give our client the peace of mind to return to their everyday life. Here are the details of this case. Case Facts: Our client was a passenger in a vehicle that was being driven off-road. The road in question was in a hard-to-reach area, with no city or town in any direction for several miles. The defendant was speeding recklessly along the dirt road, which caused the vehicle to flip in a single-vehicle rollover accident. This left our client with several injuries, including a fractured right acetabulum, fractured right clavicle, and fractured right femur, along with some miscellaneous cuts and abrasions. Our client was in treatment for less than six months, which resulted in 25 weeks of missed work. The injuries our client sustained also caused them ongoing neck and back pain, which forced them to use a cane for a brief time. Their total cost of medical care came to $157,694.25. CASE STUDY MVA CASE: CLOSED 2017 You wake up slowly, still groggy from a raucous night out with your friends. As you look around, taking stock of your surroundings, you see the other inhabitants: a desk, your shoes, a penguin … a penguin?! While footage confirms that two young Welshmen stole Dirk the penguin from his SeaWorld Australia home, the men had little memory of the night’s misadventures the next morning — until they saw Dirk waddling around their rented apartment. The night before, after imbibing a hefty amount during their vacation in Australia, the men got the harebrained idea to break into SeaWorld and swim with the dolphins. After getting inside, video footage captured them stripping down to their skivvies and running around the facility — until they spotted the penguin enclosure. “Look at them!” one said. Distracted from their original plan, they made their way to the penguins, grabbed one, and left. Dirk, the 7-year-old fairy penguin (the smallest species of penguin), was bred in captivity and had never left his enclosure. The next morning, realizing what they’d done, the three young men panicked and released Dirk into a nearby canal. But Dirk’s misfortunes weren’t quite over. He was chased out of the canal by what onlookers
believe was a shark, only to be chased back in by a surprised dog. Fortunately, concerned passers-by called authorities, and SeaWorld workers came to rescue Dirk and bring him back to his family. Dirk returned unharmed to his partner, Peaches, but his kidnappers weren’t so lucky. Once a Facebook post recounting their misdeeds made its rounds, police traced the crime back to the two Welshmen. They were charged with trespassing, stealing, and keeping a protected animal, and there was no shortage of public shaming as their crime circulated the internet. Taking note of their letter of apology and admissions of guilt and regret, the judge enforced a heavy fine for the crime in lieu of jail time. Charges for kidnapping a protected animal vary from state to state, but the Endangered Species Act ensures perpetrators face harsh penalties, including fines and maximum sentences. The Animal Legal Defense Fund also provides free legal assistance and training to help protect animals from harm. Be careful on your next night out, and please, enjoy wildlife without stealing it!
The Outcome: In this particular case, the insurance company attempted no pushback. When our attorneys submitted our time policy limit demand, the company involved immediately provided the policy limits of $300,000 along with their umbrella policy limits of $1,000,000. This case was settled only 10 months after the incident occurred, with no litigation or lawsuit needed. We at Travis G. Black & Associates care about what happens to every one of our clients. Our staff ensures that each case is dealt with quickly while securing the substantial compensation our clients need to move on.
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USEFUL KITCHEN UTENSILS GONE AWRY We’ve all seen those commercials for kitchen utensils or items that claim to make our lives easier, while in fact, they do the exact opposite. Some of these products can be helpful for children or the elderly who might struggle with motor skills, but healthy adults can save a few bucks and some space in the utensils drawer by not purchasing these items. Pizza Cutting Shears: While it can be irritating to discover the pizza you ordered wasn’t cut through completely, there’s nothing wrong with using a regular pizza wheel to finish the job. The Pizza Cutting Shears may appear to save you time, but they ultimately take up so much space and are so clunky that you’re better off without them. Roll ‘n’ Pour: This plastic rocking device can help young children or the elderly pour themselves a glass of milk from a heavy gallon. However, there’s nothing wrong with able-bodied people using a bit of muscle to achieve the same. Chef’n Peel’n Onion Peeler: While far from taking the tears away, this onion peeler allows you to cut through an onion’s outer layers and peel away the skin. Instead of spending $15 on this cutter, use one of your kitchen knives to get the exact same result.
Butter Spreaders: One of the most commonly commercialized products is better butter spreaders. Whether it’s the Fox Run Butter Spreader, One Click Stick Butter Cutter, or Butter Mill Butter Dispenser, using a butter knife is ultimately easier and won’t clog up your drawer space. Fruit and Veggie Slicers: Cutting spherical or cylinder-shaped foods may be difficult, but cleaning out the spaces between the thin blades of these slicers can be even harder. Save your time and cash by using a kitchen knife. Twirling Spaghetti Fork: A fork that twirls your spaghetti? You bet! While this might be a fun utensil for kids to use, it’s far from useful in everyday spaghetti eating. If the size of the fork doesn’t make it difficult to eat, the noise certainly will. If you have one or more of these utensils in your kitchen drawer, don’t feel bad! A lot of us do. Every home has one of “those” drawers. But you can’t fault entrepreneurs for trying something a little out-of-the- ordinary, even if it didn’t work out.
INSPIRED BY NATURE
GREEN BEAN AND SESAME SALAD
INGREDIENTS • 3 cups green beans, ends trimmed • 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar • 1 tablespoon olive oil • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped • Small bunch of fresh mint • Small bunch of flat-leaf parsley • Salt and pepper, to taste
DIRECTIONS 1. Bring a large saucepan of water to boil; cook green beans for 4–5 minutes; drain well. 2. In a blender, mix finely chopped mint and parsley with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Blend until combined. 3. Add dressing, onion, and sesame seeds to beans. Toss together. Cool dish, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Inspired by Delicious magazine.
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
1839 Iron Point Rd. #160 Folsom, CA 95630 Phone: 916.962.2896 travisblacklaw.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE An Inspiring Teacher PAGE 1 The Price You Pay for Stealing a Penguin PAGE 2 Our Results PAGE 2 Pointless Kitchen Utensils PAGE 3 Green Bean & Sesame Salad PAGE 3 Local Events PAGE 4 9TH ANNUAL WOUNDED VETERAN RUN WHERE: Vista del Lago High School, Folsom WHEN: Monday, May 27; 8–11 a.m. ADMISSION: See website for registration WEBSITE: WoundedVeteranRun.org Looking for an opportunity to support our troops and veterans this Memorial Day? Wounded Veteran Run is a local nonprofit dedicated to aiding wounded veterans and their families. Register for a 10K, 5K, or 3K run/walk to support and thank wounded veterans throughout our community. This year, proceeds from the event will benefit the Semper Fi Fund/America’s Fund, Fregoso Outdoor Foundation, Patriots Honor, and various organizations dedicated to supporting student veterans. AMAZING EVENTS YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS IT’S GONNA BE MAY!
‘AS YOU LIKE IT’ SHAKESPEARE AT THE AMPHITHEATER WHERE: Folsom Historic District Amphitheater, Folsom WHEN: May 29–31; 7:30 p.m. ADMISSION: Free WEBSITE: TakeNoteTroupe.org If you’ve ever thought Shakespeare was boring, you’ve been reading the wrong plays. “As You Like It” stars the heroic Rosalind, who disguises herself as a boy to escape her evil uncle, reunite with her father, and win her true love. The award-winning Take Note Troupe puts their fresh spin on this timeless tale, setting Shakespeare’s most popular comedy in 1930s New York City. Get your tickets now, and get ready for an outdoor performance filled with music, dancing, and laughs that proves the Bard is anything but boring.
HEROES AND VILLAINS AT FOLSOM LAKE SYMPHONY WHERE: The Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia WHEN: June 1–2 ADMISSION: $25–$59 WEBSITE: HarisCenter.net Think of your favorite movie hero or villain. Is there music that accompanies their entrance? Film scores are part of what makes certain characters so memorable long after the credits roll. The Folsom Lake Symphony is excited to put on a showcase featuring the iconic themes of Superman, Indiana Jones, James Bond, and even Darth Vader! This is a blockbuster performance for the whole family.
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MY PERSONAL PROMISE TO YOU
As a valued client, I want you to be 100% SATISFIED with your decision to hire me as your lawyer. You should know within 90 days whether or not I am the right lawyer for you. So I offer you a RISK-FREE PROMISE, NO-QUESTIONS-ASKED GUARANTEE!
If you are NOT 100% SATISFIED with my services, you can fire me and NOT OWE ME ONE PENNY!
CALL NOW! 916.962.2896 -Travis Black
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