Check out our January newsletter!
www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 January 2025
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
RAISING HOPE
The Inspiring Story Behind the VERB Kind
In November, we hosted the first annual Louis Berk Golf Tournament to support VERB Kind, a foundation created by Haley Hunt. Now, I’d like to introduce Haley and share the inspiring story behind VERB Kind and the beautiful cause it represents. Haley’s vision for VERB Kind centers on uplifting others, and she is dedicated to making a difference. I’m excited to dive into how this impactful foundation came to be and the passion behind it. Haley, originally from Orlando, was voted “most likely to become famous” by her classmates. With a background as a singer/ songwriter, she had big plans for an entertainment career, but things didn’t go as she envisioned. In 2019, she was invited to visit a juvenile detention center. On her very first night there, she found herself painting a 15-year-old girl’s nails. The girl, with faded purple hair and homemade tattoos, confided in Haley that she felt safer in the detention center than at home. “I knew then there was a serious issue,” Haley recalled. Moved by this experience, Haley and her friends began visiting every Monday and spent a year teaching, bringing food, and connecting with the kids.
in Florida.” They recognized the value of her impact. Many of these kids, 80% of whom are fatherless, just need love, attention, and the belief that they’re worth a second chance. Today, VERB Kind operates in 13 counties across Florida and has expanded to Alabama and Tennessee. Why the name VERB Kind? “Love is an action, and we’re action-driven people,” Haley explained. “For many of these kids, love is just a word. We want to show them that love is what you do, which is why we show up every week.” VERB stands for Victory Everyday Restoring Belief — finding daily victories in restoring belief in these children and their communities. If you’re interested in supporting VERB Kind and helping these children, you can donate your time, resources, or funding. By visiting their website at TheVERBKind.com/donate, you can volunteer or make a donation to contribute! VERB Kind is also working to launch a new initiative, TVKNext, a program aimed at supporting youth after they leave detention. With your help, this program can become a reality! “We want to leave a legacy with a reminder that everyone has value and they are worth fighting for and we all deserve a second chance,” Haley noted. “Many of us wouldn’t be reading this article right now if it weren’t for that second chance.”
I’m thrilled to have contributed to raising awareness and funds for this incredible cause, and I’m excited to continue supporting these children so they have a fighting chance! Here’s to the VERB Kind — Victory Everyday Restoring Belief! -Louis Bernardo Berk
“As we built relationships with these kids, they began looking forward to our visits each week,” Haley shared. Then, in late 2019 and early 2020, the state of Florida approached her, saying, “Whatever you’re doing in Orlando, we need it in every county
www.LouisBerkLaw.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Babies Delivered Via Mail?
How America’s Youngest Were Once Mailed to Grandma’s
and trusted with these precious deliveries. Take 5-year-old May Pierstorff, who was mailed about 75 miles to her grandparents. Or 3-year-old Maude Smith, who traveled from Caney to Jackson, Kentucky, with snacks in hand and a shipping label sewn to her dress. It wasn’t until after several instances and a good deal of head-scratching by the postal authorities that regulations tightened up. Parents could no longer avoid train ticket costs by handing their kids to the local postal carrier. Today, thankfully, we have more sensible travel options for our kids. The days of slapping stamps on their clothing and waving as they disappear with the mail are long gone. But the stories we have from those early days of mail mischief are sure to remind us that thrifty parents will go to any lengths to save a few dimes!
In those early days, some parents took the phrase “special delivery” to a new level by mailing their kids! Just a few weeks after the service began, one Ohio couple decided their 8-month-old son, James, needed to visit Grandma and figured the mail was the best way to get him there. Weighing in just under the 11-pound limit, baby James cost a mere 15 cents
Oh, the good old days of 1913, when the U.S. Post Office decided to let just about anything — and we mean anything — go through the mail. Imagine a time when sending eggs, bricks, and even your college laundry via post was the norm. When the U.S. Post Office first began offering parcel service, one of the first packages sent was a brindle English bulldog!
But of course, it gets stranger. The initial days of the Parcel Post service saw creative shipping solutions, including more than one instance of a surprise opossum delivery in Flushing, Queens. Then, parents short on cash or time decided to do something truly questionable: shipping their own children.
to mail. Talk about a budget-friendly travel option!
If it’s any consolation, parents didn’t hand off these pint-sized parcels to strangers. In most cases, the local mail carriers in these rural communities were well-known to the families
From Forbidden Fortune Telling to Sandwich Shop Silence Unpack America’s Quirkiest State Laws
a no-go, as it’s considered a serious traffic hazard. So, those planning to sell hot dogs should keep their attire conservative to avoid stirring up more than just appetites. Fight Back Birds in Indiana In Indiana, you can only throw a rock at a bird if you’re defending yourself. Hopefully, you’ll never find yourself in such a peculiar predicament (or Hitchcockian nightmare), but it’s good to know the law’s got your back — just in case. No Clairvoyance in Cedar Rapids Fancy yourself a fortune teller in Cedar Rapids, Iowa? Think again. Practices like palm reading or phrenology are off limits, preserving the town’s focus on the tangible here and now rather than the mystical future. Grease Is the Word in North Carolina In North Carolina, stealing over $1,000 of used restaurant grease is a felony.
Every state has its own bizarre laws, and while they make for a fun read, the fact is that these rules were once created to address some specific “problem!” From unusual dress codes for hot dog vendors in Florida to bizarre regulations about fighting birds in Indiana, every state has its share of head-scratchers. Let’s take a stroll through six of the wackiest laws — you can’t make this stuff up! Quiet Hours for Sandwich Lovers In Arkansas, think twice before honking your horn at a sandwich shop after 9 p.m. This law might have stemmed from one too many late-night sandwich cravings disturbing the peace. So, keep your sandwich enthusiasm to a respectable volume! Dress Code for Hot Dog Vendors In Florida, hot dog vendors must think twice about skimpy wardrobes as a marketing tactic. Dressing provocatively is
Yes, used grease! As biodiesel’s popularity rises, so does the value of this slippery commodity — so keep your hands away from the grimy fryer vats. Oklahoma’s Animal Antics And finally, in Oklahoma, you’d better not find yourself tripping a horse or wrestling a bear. Engaging in or even promoting these dangerous and unusual animal antics is illegal. It’s all fun and games until someone gets a bear hug they didn’t ask for! So, next time you think you’ve heard it all, remember: The law books might have a few more surprises waiting for you.
2 | 407-906-0500
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
SHINING THE LIGHT ON LIGHTHOUSE PARENTING
TAKE A BREAK
A Balanced Approach to Raising Independent Children
Among the countless parenting styles out there, an approach called “lighthouse parenting” is a beacon for guiding children through life’s turbulent waters while giving them the space to navigate on their own. While it may sound ideal, is it the right parenting style for your kids? What is lighthouse parenting? Coined by Dr. Ken Ginsburg, a professor of pediatrics at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, lighthouse parenting is a philosophy detailed in his book “Raising Kids to Thrive.” This approach emphasizes a balance of nurturing and communicating with children while allowing them the freedom to grow independently. Just as a lighthouse guides without steering the ship itself, lighthouse parents offer direction and ensure safety without overly controlling their children’s lives. It advocates for a balanced approach. Lighthouse parenting positions itself in the sweet spot on the parenting spectrum — not as overbearing as helicopter parenting nor as detached as free-range parenting. It focuses on being emotionally present and available, providing a safe space for children to bring up issues and learn from their experiences. This method involves: • Checking in Regularly: Ensuring open lines of communication. • Encouraging Autonomy: Allowing kids the freedom to make decisions and learn from the outcomes. • Promoting Resilience: Supporting children as they navigate challenges, helping them to develop coping skills and independence. Parents set boundaries and offer support. Unlike authoritarian parenting,
CITRUS OLIVE OIL CAKE
Inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com
• 1 cup almond flour • 3/4 cup sugar • 2/3 cup medium-grind cornmeal • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp sea salt • 3 eggs • 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil Ingredients Directions
• 1 tsp vanilla extract • 1/2 tsp almond extract • Zest of 1 lemon, plus 2 tbsp juice • Zest of 1 orange, plus 2 tbsp juice • Powdered sugar, optional
which might stifle a child’s sense of independence, lighthouse parenting encourages self-reliance through trust and minimal but firm boundaries. Parents provide the framework,
trusting the kids to make good decisions. This method helps to build a robust support system where children know they have the safety net of their parents’ guidance when needed. Keep the Light On
1. Heat oven to 350 F. Line the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan with parchment and lightly grease the sides with cooking spray. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk almond flour, sugar, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt until combined. 3. In another bowl, whisk eggs, olive oil, vanilla, almond extract, and lemon and orange zest and juice. Combine the wet ingredients with the dry ingredients. 4. Pour batter into the springform pan. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let cool for 15 minutes. 5. Run a knife gently around the edges of the cake, then remove the sides of the pan. If desired, dust cake with powdered sugar using a fine-mesh strainer.
Adopting the lighthouse method involves unconditional love paired with expectations and boundaries. It’s about guiding children through the complexities of growing up without removing the essential experiences that teach them about life. Of course, no single parenting style is perfect for every child. How you reinforce lighthouse parenting depends entirely on your child’s needs and developmental trajectory. Ultimately, lighthouse parenting aims to prepare children to thrive independently, ensuring they know the way back to shore, no matter how far away they sail.
www.LouisBerkLaw.com | 3
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Referrals Welcome We thank you so much for referring clients to us over the years. We are grateful that
PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
407-906-0500 www.LouisBerkLaw.com 4700 Millenia Blvd., Suite 175 Orlando, FL 32839
you have trusted us with taking care of those who need our services.
www.Facebook.com/AbogadoLouis
New address? New phone number? New email? Help us stay current by letting us know. Notify Louis at 407-906-0500.
www.Instagram.com/AbogadoLouis
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1 2
The VERB Kind’s Work to Restore Hope in Young Lives
Citrus Olive Oil Cake Lighthouse Parenting: Illuminate the Path to Independence and Resilience The Curious Case of Mailing Children in the Early 1900s 6 State Laws You Won’t Believe Exist!
3
Crime and Cavities
4
From Aggravated Assault to Dental Drama Runaway ‘Dentist’ Dodges Detection
offenses include assault with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and unlawful carrying of a weapon by a felon — and that was just in 2023 and 2024! In one infamous case, she was accused of shooting at her boyfriend’s former girlfriend. Her record also includes a December 2016 conviction for the delivery of a controlled substance. “Juanetta Solomon is the definition of a career habitual offender,” commented Andy Kahan, director of victim services and advocacy at Crime Stoppers of Houston, in a story on Katy Magazine Online. “She’s been in prison multiple times in different counties, so it’s no surprise she is once again wanted. Her latest offense is extremely brutal, pretending to be a dentist [and] causing undue pain and stress on individuals, so the quicker we get her back in custody, the less anyone has to suffer as a result of her criminal conduct.”
While TikTok may be a go-to app for funny videos, it’s probably not the best way to find a new dentist. Last year, Texas-based “dentist” Nikki Calloway used TikTok to generate buzz for her business, ISmilez Cosmetic Designz. The campaign attracted new patients, including one who scheduled an appointment after receiving a $1,350 quote from Calloway to have 16 teeth removed, replaced, and a bridge added. There was only one problem: “Nikki Calloway” wasn’t a licensed dentist. In reality, she was Juanetta Solomon, a notorious local felon with a long history of crime. The botched dental surgery left the patient dizzy, bleeding, and with a tooth that fell out shortly afterward — and prompted Solomon to go on the run from the law. According to authorities, Solomon had operated her “dentistry” office while out on bond for a weapons charge. Her past
Law enforcement was still attempting to capture Solomon at the time of this writing. Her bizarre turn as a “dentist” serves as a chilling reminder that Google and a little research — not social media — are the best tools to determine whether your chosen provider is a professional or someone destined for prison.
4 | 407-906-0500
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
www.LouisBerkLaw.com 407-906-0500 Enero de 2025
Car Accidents | Truck Accidents | Pedestrian Accidents | Slip & Fall/Premises Liability | Wrongful Death
En noviembre, organizamos el primer torneo anual de golf Louis Berk para apoyar a VERB Kind, una fundación creada por Haley Hunt. Ahora, me gustaría presentarles a Haley y compartir la inspiradora historia que hay detrás de VERB Kind y la hermosa causa que representa. La visión de Haley para VERB Kind se centra en animar a los demás, y ella se dedica a marcar la diferencia. Me entusiasma profundizar en cómo surgió esta impresionante fundación y en la pasión que hay detrás de ella. Aumentar la esperanza La inspiradora historia detrás de VERB Kind
Reconocieron el valor de su impacto. Muchos de estos niños, el 80 % de los cuales son huérfanos de padre, solo necesitan amor, atención y la creencia de que merecen una segunda oportunidad. En la actualidad, VERB Kind está presente en 13 condados de Florida y se ha expandido a Alabama y Tennessee. ¿Por qué el nombre VERB Kind? “El amor es una acción, y nosotros somos gente de acción”, explicó Haley. “Para muchos de estos niños, el amor es solo una palabra. Queremos mostrarles que el amor es lo que se hace, y por eso aparecemos cada semana.” VERB significa Victory Everyday Restoring Belief (Victoria cotidiana para restaurar la fe): encontrar victorias diarias para que estos niños y sus comunidades vuelvan a creer. Si está interesado en apoyar a VERB Kind y ayudar a estos niños, puede donar su tiempo, recursos o financiamiento. En su sitio web, TheVERBKind.com/donate, puede ofrecerse como voluntario o hacer un donativo para contribuir. VERB Kind también está trabajando para lanzar una nueva iniciativa, TVKNext, un programa destinado a apoyar a los jóvenes después de que salgan del centro de detención. ¡Con su ayuda, este programa puede hacerse realidad! “Queremos dejar un legado que nos recuerde que todo el mundo tiene valor y que merece la pena luchar por él y que todos merecemos una segunda oportunidad,” señaló Haley. “Muchos de nosotros no estaríamos leyendo este artículo ahora mismo si no fuera por esa segunda oportunidad.”
Haley, originaria de Orlando, fue votada por sus compañeros de clase como “la que más probabilidades tenía de hacerse famosa.” Con antecedentes como cantante y compositora, tenía grandes planes para una carrera en el mundo del espectáculo, pero las cosas no salieron como ella imaginaba. En 2019, la invitaron a visitar un centro de detención de menores. En su primera noche allí, se encontró pintando las uñas a una chica de 15 años. La chica, con el pelo morado desteñido y tatuajes caseros, le confió a Haley que se sentía más segura en el centro de detención que en casa. “Supe entonces que había un problema grave,” recuerda Haley. Conmovidas por esta experiencia, Haley y sus amigas empezaron a visitarles todos los lunes y pasaron un año enseñando, llevando comida y relacionándose con los niños. “A medida que entablamos relaciones con estos niños, empezaron a esperar con impaciencia nuestras visitas cada semana”, compartió Haley. Entonces, a finales de 2019 y principios de 2020, el estado de Florida se acercó a ella y le dijo: ‘Lo que sea que estés haciendo en Orlando, lo necesitamos en todos los condados de Florida.’”
Estoy encantado de haber contribuido a concienciar y recaudar fondos para esta increíble causa, ¡y me entusiasma seguir apoyando a estos niños para que tengan una oportunidad de luchar! ¡Brindo por VERB Kind: Victory Everyday Restoring Belief! -Louis Bernardo Berk
www.LouisBerkLaw.com | 1
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
¿BEBÉS ENTREGADOS POR CORREO? Cómo se enviaba por correo a los más pequeños de Estados Unidos a lo de la abuela
de 5 años, a quien transportaron 75 millas por correo hasta sus abuelos. O la de Maude Smith, de 3 años, quien viajó desde Caney hasta Jackson, Kentucky, tentempié en mano y con una etiqueta de envío cosida a su vestido. Fue solo después de varias de estas ocasiones y de que las autoridades del correo se rascaran mucho la cabeza que las normas se restringieron. Los padres ya no podrían evitar el costo del boleto del tren entregándole sus niños al cartero local. Afortunadamente, hoy en día tenemos opciones de viaje más sensatas para nuestros chicos. Hace mucho que se acabaron los días en que se les pegaba una estampilla en la ropa y se los despedía mientras desaparecían con el correo. ¡Pero las historias que tenemos de aquellos primeros días de travesuras postales nos recuerdan sin duda que los padres ahorrativos harán lo que haga falta para economizar unas monedas!
En aquellos primeros días, ¡algunos padres llevaron la noción de “envío especial” a otro nivel al mandar a sus niños por correo! Apenas unas semanas después del inicio del servicio, una pareja de Ohio entendió que su hijo de ocho meses, James, necesitaba visitar a su abuela y concluyó que el correo era la mejor manera de hacerlo llegar allí. Al registrar un peso apenas inferior al límite de las 11 libras, despachar a James costó solo 15 centavos. ¡Hablemos de una opción de viaje económica!
Ah, aquellos tiempos de 1913, cuando la Oficina Postal de EE. UU. decidía permitir que casi cualquier cosa —y nos referimos a cualquier cosa — fuera por el correo. Imaginen una época en la que enviar huevos, ladrillos y hasta la ropa sucia del colegio universitario por vía postal era lo normal. Cuando la Oficina Postal de EE. UU. comenzó a ofrecer el servicio de encomiendas, ¡uno de los primeros paquetes enviados fue un bulldog inglés con manchas! Pero esto se torna más extraño, por supuesto. En los primeros días del servicio de Paquetes Postales se vieron soluciones de transporte creativas, incluyendo
Si sirve de consuelo, los padres no les entregaban estos paquetes pequeños a extraños. En la mayoría de los casos, los
carteros locales de estas comunidades
más de un caso de envío sorpresa de zarigüeyas en Flushing, Queens. Luego, padres faltos de dinero o tiempo decidieron hacer algo realmente cuestionable: despachar a sus hijos.
rurales eran personas que las familias conocían bien para encomendarles estas preciadas entregas. Tomemos la historia de May Pierstorff,
• 1 taza de harina de almendras • 3/4 de taza de azúcar • 2/3 de taza de harina de maíz de molienda media • 1 1/2 cdta. de polvo para hornear • 1/2 cdta. de sal marina • 3 huevos • 3/4 de taza de aceite de oliva extra virgen Ingredientes Instrucciones
PASTEL DE CÍTRICOS Y ACEITE DE OLIVA
• 1 cdta. de extracto de vainilla • 1/2 cdta. de extracto de almendras • Ralladura de 1 limón, más 2 cdtas. de jugo • Ralladura de 1 naranja, más 2 cdtas. de jugo • Azúcar en polvo (opcional)
Inspirada por GimmeSomeOven.com
1. Caliente el horno a 350 °F. Forre el fondo de un molde desmontable de 9 pulgadas con papel de hornear y engrase ligeramente los lados con aceite en espray. 2. En un bol grande, mezcle la harina de almendras, el azúcar, la harina de maíz, el polvo para hornear y la sal. 3. En otro bol, bata los huevos, el aceite de oliva, la vainilla, el extracto de almendras y los jugos y las ralladuras del limón y la naranja. Combine los ingredientes húmedos con los ingredientes secos. 4. Vierta la masa en el molde desmontable. Hornee durante 35 a 40 minutos o hasta que salga limpio un mondadientes insertado en el centro. Deje enfriar durante 15 minutos. 5. Pase un cuchillo con cuidado alrededor de los bordes del pastel y luego retire el molde por los lados. Si lo desea, espolvoree azúcar en polvo sobre el pastel con la ayuda de un colador de malla fina.
2 | 407-906-0500
Published by Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator