THE DEWITT DIGEST
SEPTEMBER 2019
407-245-7723
WWW.DEWITTLAW.COM
WHAT THE PUBLIC SECTOR TAUGHT ME MY LAW JOURNEY
I was born and raised right here in this community. Since my mother founded the law firm over 20 years ago, we have seen many firms come and go and have witnessed the need for legal services in our community continue to grow. As a child, I saw my mother work long hours to assist her clients. While she was often late getting home, I saw the pride and joy she got from helping those in need. Looking back, it was her passion for the law that first fostered my interest in becoming an attorney and fighting to help others. I attended Winter Park High School and then headed to Emory University in Atlanta, where I studied political science to gain a better grasp of how our government works. After I graduated, I traveled back to Florida to study at Florida State University College of Law and obtain my law degree. When I graduated, I knew I needed courtroom experience to be able to fight for my clients and provide competent legal representation. While many of my friends went to corporate jobs, I was fortunate enough to land a job with the office of a public defender in Orange County. While some may not consider this to be a prestigious job, the experience it provided proved to be invaluable. Within the first few weeks on the job, we were taking cases to trial in front of a jury. We were forced to learn to be comfortable in a courtroom and to think on our feet. Many of my friends at corporate law firms wouldn’t step foot in a courtroom for several years and spent most of their time reviewing documents. Being able to take cases to trial has been priceless to our clients, as a trial is the great equalizer in our justice system. While I loved my time as a public defender and was able to help people, I knew it was time for the next phase of my career. I find it even more rewarding being able to take the skills I learned as a young attorney and use them to assist my clients at the firm today. Whether it be an injury case or a divorce, in my opinion, the client gets the best
"WHEN I'M NOT WORKING, YOU CAN USUALLY FIND ME PLAYING WITH MY 6-MONTH-OLD SON OR FLYING.”
result when we are ready, willing, and able to take their case to trial to seek justice on their behalf.
While we often work day and night for our clients, I believe it is important to disconnect, as well. When I'm not working, you can usually find me playing with my 6-month-old son or flying, since I have been working on my pilot’s license. These moments force me not to think about work, which is a much-needed reprieve. If you're ever in need of legal services or just have a legal question, please know that we're always here to help. Feel free to reach out to us any time at 407-245-7723 or visit our website at DewittLaw.com.
– Moses Dewitt
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PERSONAL INJURY - DIVORCE - REAL ESTATE
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, upward of 40% of people aged 55 and older are continuing to work past the normal retirement age. There are a number of reasons why people are choosing to stay employed, with one of the biggest being a lack of retirement funds, but some are also using work to keep their minds and skills sharp. In fact, most of the jobs that the 55-plus crowd goes after keep them engaged with the community and help them lead more active lives. WHY MORE ADULTS OVER 55 CONTINUE TO WORK FINDING FULFILLMENT IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS
HOW TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY CLOSE IN A BUSY WORLD STAYING CONNECTED
If you feel like you’ve hardly seen your kids since the school year started, you’re not alone. Americans are way too busy — from childhood onward, we’re always running hither and thither, packing in as many after-school activities, work-related meetings, and social engagements as possible. It’s a problem so pervasive that it has a name: time scarcity. Families feel time scarcity keenly after school starts in September, when children’s schedules explode with engagements. But all hope for close ties isn’t lost; there are ways to stay connected with your spouse and kids, even in an increasingly busy world. Here are some ideas from counselors, teachers, and psychologists who claim to have mastered the art. REMEMBER YOUR RITUALS Rituals make up the backbone of individual families and society at large. Most people wouldn’t dream of abandoning their holiday traditions, so why forgo the smaller rituals that bring families together? Whether it’s eating dinner at the same table each evening, watching a movie together every Thursday night, or going on a monthly getaway, make sure these traditions aren’t canceled. If your family doesn’t have many rituals, a great way to connect is to start some. MAKE EVERY MOMENT COUNT As cliche as it sounds, when you don’t have much time together, it’s crucial to be present for every minute of it. If you have a rare half-hour at home with one of your kids, make a point to spend it in the same room and try to start a conversation. If you squeeze in a romantic dinner with your spouse, turn off your phones before the food comes. Listening to each other without distractions will strengthen your relationship. HUG IT OUT Physical contact is vital for closeness. When you get the chance, hug your kids, hold hands with your spouse, and do physical activities as a family, like hiking, biking, or even playing group sports. It’s been scientifically proven that physical closeness leads to emotional closeness, so if you’re low on time, take advantage of that shortcut!
The BLS categorized the jobs many older workers are currently pursuing:
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Real estate appraisers/assessors
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Property/real estate/community association managers
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Technical writers
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Tax preparers
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Construction/building inspectors
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Crossing guards
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Clergy
These seven jobs are projected to grow between 8–14% over the next six years according to BLS data. They often pay well and don’t always require a full-time commitment. Many even offer flexible schedules, which can help older workers spend more time with peers or loved ones. This balance is exactly what many older workers are looking for, especially those who are “part-time retired.” More importantly, however, most older workers find these jobs fulfilling. They allow older folks to interact with the community and stay active, both of which, research suggests, are essential to healthy living as people age. For many, working past retirement, or not leaving the
workforce entirely, can be a win-win-win: It’s a win for your bank account, a win for your health, and a win for the community.
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MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITY, ONE HELMET AT A TIME HELMET HEADS OF FLORIDA
Dewitt Law Firm is dedicated to the community and wants to ensure we are doing our part to improve those statistics in our area. With Helmet Heads of Florida, we’re able to provide helmets for many children in Central Florida. Helmet Heads of Florida wants to ensure every child in the area has proper head protection when riding a bicycle. We also provide helmets for small children and toddlers for riding in vehicles. While car seats are essential for protecting a child during a car accident, it’s common for infants to sustain serious head injuries in rear-end collisions. Another study conducted by the CDC found that traumatic brain injuries are the leading cause of disability and death in children ages 0–4. It’s also been estimated that 145,000 children in the U.S. are living with lasting physical, behavioral, or cognitive effects as the result of traumatic brain injuries, which can often be avoided by simply wearing a helmet. If you want to learn more or find out how you can get involved, contact us anytime at 407-245-7723. If your child needs proper head protection for their bicycling or driving adventures, submit a form on the website HelmetHeadsofFlorida.org.
According to the CDC, 100 children lose their lives every year, and another 254,000 are injured due to bike-related accidents. What makes these statistics even more alarming is the sheer number of U.S. emergency department cases. A study published by Accident Analysis & Prevention found that from 2006–15, more than 2.2 million cases were recorded of children being treated in the emergency department for bike-related injuries.
CHILD BIKE HELMET GOOD FOR ONE FREE
ACOMMUNITYSERVICEBROUGHTTOYOUBY
HELMETHEADSOFFLORIDA.ORG TO REDEEM VISIT
BREAK TAKE A
CLASSIC APPLE CRISP
Inspired by Food Network
INGREDIENTS
Topping: • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour • 1/3 cup brown sugar • 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon • 1/4 tsp salt
Filling: • 5 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped • 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp maple syrup • 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 6 tbsp chilled butter, cut into pieces • 1/4 cup pecans, coarsely chopped
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F. 2. In a mixing bowl, mix all filling ingredients together. Transfer to individual serving ramekins. 3. In a different mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, and salt for the topping. Mix in butter until it forms lumps roughly the size of a pea, then stir in pecans. Sprinkle topping over filling. 4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, let stand for 10 minutes, and serve.
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37 NORTH ORANGE AVE., SUITE 840 ORLANDO, FL 32801
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
WWW.DEWITTLAW.COM
407-245-7723
INSIDE
PHONE AVAILABLE 24/7 (OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY–FRIDAY, 9 A.M.–5 P.M.)
THIS ISSUE
What the Public Sector Taught Me
1
How to Keep Your Family Close in a Busy World
2
Why Are So Many People Deciding Not to Retire?
2
Making a Difference in Our Community One Helmet at a Time
3
Classic Apple Crisp
3
The Best September Events in Florida
4
THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS SEPTEMBER!
September is the last month of summer and the first month of fall. It's an exciting time in Florida as we make the most of the sunshine and gear up for cooler boardwalk weather. Here are a few fun September events to embrace the changing seasons! UNIVERSAL'S HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS From Sept. 6 through Nov. 2, experience your favorite horror movies up close and personal with haunted houses, scare zones, and roaming hordes. The theme this year is the ‘80s, so whip out your parachute pants for an experience that completely immerses you in everything from iconic horror to cult classics. MOUNT DORA SEAFOOD FESTIVAL If you're a seafood fan, look no further than this family-friendly event on Sept. 28–29! Held on Mount Dora, there’s something for the whole family! Attractions in the kid zone include the world's largest pinball machine, a rock climbing wall, and a mechanical shark ride. The event will also include an Oyster Shuck-Off, a Landlubber Seafood Tasting Tour, and so much more!
ART AND CRAFT FESTIVAL AT LA PLAZA GRANDE From Sept. 28–29, shop the festival for handmade crafts, such as leather goods, paintings, photography, glassworks, and personalized products, all made in the U.S.! The event will be held in The Villages community in central Florida near Leesburg, south of Ocala. Aside from shopping, there are an assortment of dining options indoors and outdoors, and live entertainment will be happening both days. GLOBAL PEACE FILM FESTIVAL Coinciding with the United Nations International Day of Peace, this event showcases the art of film to promote the goal of peace on earth. Film programs, parties, and panels will be hosted across Orlando Sept. 16–22, so don't miss your chance to see how the community celebrates peace through various independent films and documentaries! These are just some of the exciting events Florida has in store for September! If you want to learn more and find other activities in the area, be sure to check out VisitFlorida.com for more information.
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PERSONAL INJURY - DIVORCE - REAL ESTATE
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