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NOVEMBER 2018
916.962.2896 | TRAVISBLACKLAW.COM
TRAVELING UP TO APPLE HILL THE BEST PIES AND DONUTS AROUND
Everyone knows about Apple Hill, and everyone knows how hectic it can be going up there around this time of year. Like many of you, I’m looking forward to the fresh apple pies, apple donuts, apple dumplings, and apple cider that Apple Hill provides us each year. I don’t go up as much as I used to, but I look back on those memories fondly. When my son was young, we used to go up every year and pick apples. He was in the Boy Scouts growing up, and we’d take him and a bunch of the other kids up there. We’d go up as a troupe, and they’d pick apples from the orchard while the parents sat relaxing and drinking apple cider. We’d also be sure to stock up on their ready-to-bake apple pies for Thanksgiving — nothing beats those pies. It was always that time of year when the weather began to change. We’d go up in the crisp, morning air and watch as half a dozen kids ran around the multicolored orchard picking apples and trying to fill
been with me for 21 years, takes all the women in the office up there for half a day to collect apples, pies, and donuts. Before they head up, I usually put in my order for a couple of pies and half a dozen apples, and the girls pick them up for me and everyone else at the office. They come back with all their treats and disperse them to the staff, and we hand them out to our clients, as well. I’m not exactly sure when this office tradition started, but I know we’ve been doing it for a long time. We probably began going up around the same time our firm started. Gina has always been in charge of organizing the small trip with the other girls and getting it up on the calendar. Everyone looks forward to it, and the girls love going up there.
their bags the quickest. It was always a lot of fun. We don’t go up there as a family anymore, but it was a tradition from when my son was 7 until he went to college. Going up to Apple Hill is miserable over the weekend. If you’ve tried, then you know what I’m talking about — bumper- to-bumper traffic for miles. Your best bet is to head up during the weekdays if you can, which is what we do here at the office. Although the tradition of my family going to Apple Hill has faded, the tradition in my office is still going on strong. Gina, who’s “We’d go up in the crisp, morning air and watch as half a dozen kids ran around the multicolored orchard picking apples and trying to fill their bags the quickest. It was always a lot of fun.”
-Travis Black
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DODGING THANKSGIVING AWKWARDNESS
Thanksgiving conversation is often a minefield of topics: political divides, your English degree, and Aunt Marjory’s insistence that you meet her neighbor’s cousin’s dog walker’s uncle’s son who’s a fantastic up-and-coming podiatrist. Between constantly passing the potatoes and dodging your relatives’ questions, Thanksgiving can be an exhausting holiday. But it’s a day to be grateful for what and whom you have in your life, so why do so many people leave their annual gatherings feeling overwhelmed and misunderstood? This year, when the conversation begins steering in an awkward direction, try these conversation starters for a more relaxing and fulfilling holiday. 1. What’s your pet been up to? Maybe Fluffy learned a new trick or Oscar is undergoing some intensive grooming next week. Whatever the case may be, people love to talk about their pets. 2. What Thanksgiving dish can you not live without? Without going culinary critic on your grandma’s meal, gush about your favorite dish. Just like with pets, people love discussing foods and recipes. You may start a fun debate or a recipe swap with this question.
3. Dad did what as a kid? Getting to know your relatives, friends, and significant others better will only strengthen those bonds. You’ll likely hear some interesting stories you can share with others and forge a stronger connection with your relatives. 4. Stupid human tricks, anyone? Let’s see those double joints! This one might not be for the squeamish at the dinner table, but it’s a fun, goofy activity that’s best shared over a glass of after- dinner wine. 5. How about we get coffee? Sometimes part of the stress of answering your relatives’ questions stems from holiday pressures. It may force you to address your bank account, love life, and general life choices. If you really do want to talk about your job or your love life with relatives, suggest meeting up again without the holiday atmosphere. While you’re all in one place trying to enjoy a piece of pie, plan a family winery tour, beach day, or camping trip. Family situations will always be a little stressful, but without the pressure of the holidays, you might feel more relaxed.
why being on this side of the process is much more rewarding. I get to help people who have been legitimately hurt and injured and get them the settlements and reimbursements that they need to move on with their lives.” Having worked with insurance companies has many benefits. “I know the process of how they’re going to approach a case — how they evaluate it and what they’re doing to avoid a payout,” Shon says. “I know the different tactics they might use, and then I can counter them. It’s nice to have that understanding when approaching a case.” Shon’s transition from insurance fraud investigations into law was a comfortable one. “I always had an interest in law ever since I was a kid,” he explains. “I had an affinity for it and a desire to go into the field. During my school years, I toyed between business, economics and law, taking several classes in the latter subject.” Coming to work for Travis, Shon says that things simply fell into place. “I responded to the right ad and everything worked out from there — maybe not as planned as one might think, but definitely for the best.” When Shon’s out of the office, he enjoys indulging in some of his favorite activities. Staying fit is an important aspect of his life, so Shon goes to the gym regularly and plays basketball when he can. Shon also enjoys spending time with his girlfriend and taking her out to dinner. When he’s home, Shon relaxes by playing video games, such as the new Spider-Man game that was recently released for the PlayStation 4. SHON CHRISTENSEN CASE MANAGER
Before coming to work at Travis G. Black & Associates, Shon Christensen worked with insurance companies, much like Travis Black did. Now as a case manager for us, Shon’s knowledge of how these companies function plays a huge role in our firm. “Coming from the other side of this industry, working with insurance for several years, has helped me in what I do today,” Shon says. “When I worked for them, I specialized in their fraud investigations department, which involved chasing down fraudulent activity. I didn’t mind putting people through the ringer who were actually being fraudulent, but it didn’t sit well with me when the person had a legitimate loss. That’s
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SKIP THE SALES AND HAVE SOME PIE 3 REASONS BLACK FRIDAY ISN’T WORTH YOUR TIME
The day of chaos will soon be upon us. In a few weeks, Americans will leave their homes with bellies full of turkey to descend upon retail stores in the feeding frenzy that is Black Friday. Sure, it’s a bit stressful, but with all the great sales and gift-giving holidays on the horizon, Black Friday is the best day to knock out that shopping list, right? Not really. Here are a few reasons why you shouldn’t bother with Black Friday. You Want the Lowest Prices If you’re waiting to get the best deals of the year, Black Friday probably isn’t the day to go out. While stores may offer one special item at an outrageously low price, the rest of the sales can’t compete with other times of the year. Headphones are cheapest in August, vacuums are more affordable in April, and if you’re shopping for the holidays, keep in mind that toys will be priced at their lowest 10 days before Christmas. You Want the Best Brands Here’s an insider secret: Most stores get new inventory to advertise specifically for doorbusters and Black Friday sales. New TVs at 75 percent off will get lots of people in the door, but those televisions aren’t the best brands. If you need a cheap dorm TV, then Black Friday is your day. But if you want a quality television to show off your 4K Ultra HD copy of “Avengers: Infinity War,” you’re better off waiting until after the New Year.
You Want to Save Money It’s hard for people to say no when they’re afraid they’ll regret not jumping on a deal when they had the chance. So they grab the $750 laptop because it’s $200 off, buy some new winter coats because they’re four for the price of three, and fill their cart with other incredible sales. Do you need 10 HDMI cables? Of course not. But when they’re on sale for $2.99 each, how can you say no to that bargain? If there is a specific item you want that’s on sale during Black Friday, like those cute department store boots or a PlayStation 4, then by all means get out there early and take advantage of the deal. But if you have a long shopping list, want to save money in the long run, or don’t know what you’re after, Black Friday isn’t worth the stress.
CHIPOTLE-ROASTED CARROT SALAD
INSPIRED BY NATURE
INGREDIENTS
• 30 small carrots (2–3
• 2 tablespoons
bunches), tops removed and carrots scrubbed
extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 ounces watercress, stems trimmed
• 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
• Plain Greek yogurt, for serving
• 1 teaspoon adobo sauce from the chipotle can
• Kosher salt and fresh
• 1 tablespoon molasses
ground pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a rimmed baking sheet, toss carrots with chipotle peppers, molasses, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper, and roast for 30–35 minutes. 2. Transfer carrots to a plate and let them cool completely. 3. Once cooled, toss carrots with adobo sauce. Lay across a platter, and top with watercress. 4. Serve alongside yogurt.
Inspired by Food & Wine magazine
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1839 Iron Point Rd. #160 Folsom, CA 95630 Phone: 916.962.2896 travisblacklaw.com
INSIDE THIS ISSUE A Family and Office Tradition PAGE 1 What to Talk About This Thanksgiving PAGE 2 Meet Our Case Manager! PAGE 2 What to Know Before Black Friday Shopping PAGE 3 Chipotle-Roasted Carrot Salad PAGE 3 Enjoy Your November! PAGE 4
SACRAMENTO AND FOLSOM
LOCAL EVENTS JUST FOR YOU!
You might not be looking forward to November and the stress of Thanksgiving, but here are a few events to mark on the calendar that you can look forward to! TRANSPLANT: YISRAEL FAMILY URBAN FARM WHERE: The Yisrael Family Urban Farm, 4505 Roosevelt Avenue, Sacramento WHEN: Every Tuesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. If you’re looking to become a better gardener, then look no further. The Yisrael Family Urban Farm is here to help you learn with hands- on experience. Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting dirty, because all activities will take place outdoors. Learning how to grow your own vegetables is an excellent start to building the backyard garden you’ve always wanted.
Dash for Dad. To register and learn more, visit the website. All proceeds will go to ZERO to fund their fight against prostate cancer.
DINNER WITH THE DOC! WHERE: Skipolini’s Pizza & Pasta, 191 Blue Ravine Rd., Folsom WHEN: Dec. 3, 6:30–8 p.m. Achieving prime health requires a lot of effort, and knowing where to get started can help you take a step in the right direction. This workshop was created to help educate guests and patients so that they can improve their health. Attendees will learn about many topics, including the difference between thriving and surviving, fundamental exercises, the importance of posture, symptoms versus problems, and the true definition of health. Contact Thrive Spine Center to learn more and RSVP.
ZERO PROSTATE CANCER RUN WHERE: 2500 New Market Drive, Sacramento WHEN: Nov. 17, 8–11 a.m. WEBSITE: zeroprostatecancerrun.org/sacramento
Did you know that prostate cancer is the most common cancer found among men? Come help raise awareness and funds to fight this cancer. The run will consist of a 5K, a 1-mile, and the Kids Superhero
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