March 2026
Small Fixes, Big Gains THE SUBTLE POWER OF PROCESS IMPROVEMENTS
I’ve always been unusually interested in how people work together (or not) to get things done. I realized as early as my teens that I’m wired differently in this area. I am genuinely curious about systems and processes because exploring them helps us find better ways of getting work done. This aptitude has made me an outlier at some of the places I’ve worked. But it also has helped me keep an open, learner’s mindset. In recognition of March 16–22 as National Fix a Leak Week, I’ve been thinking about how my interest in fixing “leaks” in work processes has played out in my life, from jobs on hospital wards and college campuses to leading my law firm. ‘Worst Thing Ever!’ The first time I learned I was wired differently from others in this area was in my teens, as a nursing assistant in a hospital. When a merger of our hospital and another one was announced, I thought (in my youthful, slightly naive way) that it was going to be so cool to figure out how to reorganize all the different departments to get things done better. At a staff meeting, I was about to say, “Isn’t this just the coolest thing ever?” when I realized I was an outlier. The nearly unanimous response among employees was the WORKSHOP Have you (or your clients) “been meaning” to get a plan in place? It’s easy to get started with our 7 Hazards to Your Estate Plan Workshop . This free workshop explains the key planning concepts, documents, and factors in selecting a plan that is right for you. Plus, workshop participants receive a complimentary consultation with no obligation to retain our services. The workshop is available on demand or in person, so stop thinking about a plan and create one. Register online at PromiseLaw.com/Estate-Planning- Workshop or call (757) 351-4017.
opposite: “This is terrible! Why should we change? This is how we’ve always done it!” Later, as a student and employee at the University of Wyoming, I was equally fascinated by a planned reorganization there. But again, others dug in, insisting, “We can’t do this!” Facing an Expert Later, as an administrator at Smith College, I met face-to-face with a systems and organization expert hired by the college. She had the kind of reputation that made people uneasy about potential job cuts. But by watching her, I gained an important insight. She didn’t just talk to the managers. She quizzed each staffer at every level on how we were using our skills, asking such questions as, “Why are you doing this?” I realized it’s important to understand what everybody in an organization does before you start moving puzzle pieces around. Otherwise, you might send the whole structure crashing down. Fostering Joy and Ease In improving our work processes at Promise Law, my goal is to create an environment where our experience at work is one of joy and ease. In the past, I insisted on overseeing all final document signings by our clients. I loved doing them, but my involvement became a bottleneck. I asked a key question: Do signings have to be overseen by an attorney? The answer was no, so we shifted that role to a trained team member who enjoys taking clients across the finish line.
That single change added a half-day to a full day to my calendar.
In this process of constant questioning, we stay open to opportunities to improve. For me, that open, learner’s mindset is the ultimate reward … and a major part of the joy of working. –Geneva N. Perry, Esq.
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WHEN VALUES CLASH Court Declares Parental Rights Can’t Be Left at the Classroom Door
In debates over education, one theme has echoed for generations: Who gets to decide what children learn? Parents wanting to have greater control over what their children learn in the classroom is nothing new. You may even recall reading about the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, in which Tennessee accused a high school teacher of violating the Butler Act by teaching human evolution in a public school. Many parents in our country worry that their children will learn things in school that contradict or conflict with their religious values and beliefs. They believe they should have the right to determine whether their child learns about these controversial topics, and a recent Supreme Court decision shows that the government agrees with them. In 2022, Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland decided to integrate books that referenced LGBTQ+ ideals into their curriculum. These topics were always portrayed positively in the books, and teachers were even instructed and encouraged to frame these concepts as unquestionably correct. Any religious objections would be dismissed as hurtful and wrong. Initially, parents could opt their children out of reading these books, but the district revoked that policy in 2023. The parents responded by suing the Montgomery County Board of Education in the court case, Mahmoud v. Taylor . The parents argued that the new policy was a direct infringement on their First Amendment right to exercise
“The Supreme Court sided with the parents, ruling that the school district’s refusal to notify parents or give them the ability to opt their children out interfered with the parents’ religious upbringing of the child.”
their religion. If they wanted to prevent their children from reading or learning about these topics, they should be able to do so. The school board responded that accommodating every religious objection would be impractical and place an unreasonable burden on teachers. They argued that parents who disagreed with the curriculum had the option of enrolling their children in private schools. The Supreme Court sided with the parents, ruling that the school district’s refusal to notify parents or give them the ability to opt their children out interfered with the parents’ religious upbringing of the child. This decision does not solely impact the Montgomery County School District; it applies nationwide. This means that parents who have children in public schools have the right to opt their children out of any content that could undermine their religious upbringing. It requires some proactivity on the part of parents to stay ahead of the curriculum and identify any content that could undermine religious values. School boards will need to notify parents if there is any impending content that could raise concerns, to protect themselves. While some parents may see this as a step in the right direction, it’s worth noting that in America, there are 370 unique religious bodies, according to the 2020 U.S. Religion Census. That’s a wide range of values and beliefs for school boards to navigate, and they must do so carefully to avoid infringing on anyone’s First Amendment rights.
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TAKE A BREAK
WILL YOU BRAVE A NIGHT AT THE CLOWN MOTEL? Sleep With One Eye Open
Basketball Books Daffodil Daylight Guinness Iris Leprechaun Popcorn Rainy Shamrock Suffrage Windy
If you’re looking for your next vacation spot, how about considering somewhere unlike anywhere else in the world? Over 200 miles north of Las Vegas sits a hauntingly unique tourist destination straight out of a coulrophobe’s nightmares, the World Famous Clown Motel in Tonopah. Outside of paranormal researchers and ghost hunters, you won’t find many tourists frequenting Tonopah. The town has faced many hardships over the years and only boasts a population of around 2,000 people. Founded in 1900 as a mining community, the locals faced a plague in 1905 and a serious mine fire in 1911. Mine fires were a persistent problem in early Tonopah, and one would eventually claim the life of Clarence David in 1942. David had an impressive clown collection. Upon his death, his children inherited 150 of them. In 1985, they decided to open a motel next to the cemetery that housed their father’s grave. Inside, they proudly displayed their father’s collection. The Davids sold the motel 10 years later, and things really amped up in 2015, when “Ghost Adventures” premiered its episode at the location. Tourists flocked there, and people worldwide donated clowns to the museum. The Clown Motel was sold again in 2019 under the condition that it would continue operations and the clowns would remain. Over the years, the collection has grown significantly. They claim that it now holds over 6,500 clowns. They’ve even transformed some rooms to feature icons from America’s favorite horror movies, adding to the appeal. If you’re interested in staying at “America’s Scariest Motel,” rooms are available at an affordable price almost every night!
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Swirl Pie
Ingredients
• 1 cup heavy cream • 8 oz cream cheese, softened • 1 cup powdered sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 cup mint chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup green food
coloring, for vibrant color
• 1 premade chocolate pie crust • 1/2 cup chocolate syrup, for drizzling
Directions 1. In a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. 2. In a separate bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. 3. Add powdered sugar and vanilla to cream cheese, mixing until well combined. Then, gently fold whipped heavy cream into the mixture. 4. Divide mixture into two bowls. In one bowl, add mint chocolate chips and green food coloring. 5. Layer mixtures into chocolate pie crust, alternating between mint mixture and the plain mixture. 6. Drizzle chocolate syrup over top. 7. Cover with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set. Slice and serve chilled.
Inspired by MixUpRecipes.com
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PromiseLaw Life happens. Plan on it. ™ (757) 351-4017 600 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Ste. 350 Newport News, VA 23606
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Quiet Rewards of Improving the Way You Work
1
Supreme Court Says Parents Get First Say on What Kids Learn
2
St. Patrick’s Day Shamrock Swirl Pie
3
America’s Scariest Motel Is No Laughing Matter
4 3 Essential Strategies Straight From Norway to Boost Your Daily Life THE ART OF SLOW LIVING Find Your ‘Velvære’ Through Nature, Community, and Coziness According to the World Happiness Report, Norway consistently ranks in the top 10 happiest countries in the world, whereas the U.S. has been in the high teens for years. We can’t emulate everything Norwegians do to remain happy (nor would most Americans want to). But they do offer a unique strategy Americans can utilize to maintain a positive outlook on life. Velvære is the Norwegian word for the state of well-being, which can be achieved by adopting the Nordic concept of slow living.
Here are three strategies straight from Norway to help you reach velvære .
Friluftsliv While friluftsliv may look like something found in a medical textbook, it refers to the Norwegian concept of open-air living and outdoor recreation. Norwegians spend ample time outside, regardless of the season. They ski, cook, and walk in nature. The outdoors plays a huge role in the Norwegian way of life, which directly impacts their happiness! Dugnad As we already know, community and belonging have a significant role in our happiness. Dugnad is a Norwegian activity all about helping and supporting one’s community. Whether through doing volunteer work, cleaning up public spaces, or raising money to support local causes, finding ways to help others will provide more value to your life and help your heart stay happy.
Koselig How do you describe your everyday sense of being? Do you experience your life as chaotic, calm, or consistent? Koselig is the idea of incorporating coziness into all aspects of your life. When you carry yourself with a sense of warmth and comfort, you feel better and spread happiness everywhere you go.
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