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DEC 2024 THE SLG ADVISOR Empathy Through Experience The Crash That Brought It All Home
“Crash Detected SOS Jessie Spada called emergency services from this approximate location…”
through situations like this, but it’s different when it’s your own family. The lessons I’ve preached to clients for years suddenly hit much closer to home. THE POWER OF SHARED EXPERIENCE As I reflected on the event, it struck me how much empathy can be enhanced by shared experiences. While I’ve always understood the pain and fear my clients feel after an accident, this incident brought it to a whole new level. It’s one thing to listen and offer advice, but it’s another to experience that helplessness firsthand. That phone call, seeing the aftermath from afar, was gut-wrenching. This experience has deepened my understanding of what families go through in these moments — the panic, the uncertainty, the overwhelming sense of vulnerability. I now feel an even greater sense of connection to those I’ve helped over the years. Sometimes, it’s the personal experiences that deepen one’s empathy for others. TECHNOLOGY’S ROLE IN CRISIS While the emotions of the night were intense, one aspect gave me a sense of relief — technology. Jessie’s iPhone sent me a crash detection alert almost immediately after the accident happened. That feature gave me awareness in real-time, allowing me to check in with them when they needed me most. It’s moments like these that remind us that technology isn’t just for convenience. It can provide a lifeline in critical situations and offer a sense of connection when we’re miles away from the people we care about.
Last month, I received a notification that no parent ever wants to see: A crash detection alert from my daughter Jessie’s iPhone. She and my wife, Liz, were driving in San Diego when someone ran a red light and crashed into their pickup truck. The vehicles were totaled, the airbags deployed, and in that instant, I felt a wave of panic. I was helpless — it was after midnight, my time. From 3,000 miles away, I FaceTimed Jessie. The scene on my phone was chaotic — emergency personnel were springing into action, Liz had a small cut on her arm, and Jessie was doing her best to stay calm and work with the police at the scene.
Thankfully, both Liz and Jessie walked away with only minor injuries. But as I sat there later that night, awake and unable to sleep, the weight of what could have happened sat heavily on my mind. I’ve spent my entire career as a personal
injury attorney, guiding families
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HIT THE SLOPES WITH LEN
His Favorite Ski Mountains Just a Couple of Hours From Boston
WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN (PRINCETON, MA)
If you know Len, you know he’s all about skiing! He’s the kind of guy who can’t wait for the first snowfall and is always ready to hit the slopes. Luckily for Len — or anyone else who loves skiing — there are amazing ski mountains just a few hours from Boston. Here are four of his favorite spots for day trips, from well-groomed trails to breathtaking mountain views. MOUNT SUNAPEE (NEWBURY, NH) A little over 90 minutes from Boston, Mount Sunapee is a fantastic option for a day on the slopes. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and beautifully maintained trails, Sunapee offers a variety of terrain for skiers of all levels. Len loves the smooth, wide-open runs and the stunning views of Lake Sunapee as you carve your way down the mountain. Plus, the efficient lift system means you’ll spend more time skiing and less time waiting in line. OKEMO MOUNTAIN RESORT (LUDLOW, VT) Okemo is a bit farther from Boston, at just over two hours, but it’s well worth the drive. Known for its luxurious amenities, impeccably groomed trails, and diverse range of terrain, it’s a great place to ski. Len is a big fan of the long, winding blue runs and the impressive snowmaking capabilities that ensure great conditions throughout the season.
For a quick getaway, you can’t beat Wachusett Mountain. Located just an hour from Boston, this is the go-to spot for skiers who want to squeeze in a few runs without traveling for a whole day. While it may be smaller than some other mountains on this list, Wachusett offers great trails and a welcoming atmosphere. LOON MOUNTAIN (LINCOLN, NH) Loon Mountain is another favorite of Len’s, just about two hours from Boston. With 61 trails spread across three peaks, Len loves the scenic views of the White Mountains. Just like Mount Sunapee, the mountain has an efficient lift system to cut down on wait times!
REVIEW OF THE MONTH
“I recently was involved in a snowboarding accident and had the pleasure of working with Spada Law Group for my personal injury case, and I couldn’t be more satisfied with the service I received. From the very beginning, both Len and Robyn were very attentive and incredibly knowledgeable. They took the time to understand the details of my case and provided clear and honest guidance throughout the entire process. Their communication was outstanding; I was always kept in the loop and felt well-informed at every step. Their dedication and expertise led to a favorable outcome, and I am truly grateful for their support. I highly recommend Spada Law Group to anyone in need of a reliable and skilled personal injury lawyer.” – Nick McNamara
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Each year, when the holidays roll around, we are reminded of some of our clients who experienced or were displaced by holiday light accidents and fires. While decorating with lights is one of the best ways to create holiday cheer, it’s important to keep safety in mind when hanging those sparkling displays. These key tips can help ensure that your holiday light setup is beautiful and safe! CHECK LIGHTS FOR DAMAGE Before you start decorating, inspect all of your holiday lights, new or used. Look for frayed wires, broken sockets, and other signs of heavy wear. Damaged lights are fire hazards, so it’s important to replace or fix them before use. Also, check for proper certification labels indicating the lights meet safety standards. USE OUTDOOR LIGHTS FOR OUTDOOR DISPLAYS It’s tempting to use whatever lights you have on hand, but indoor and outdoor lights are not interchangeable. Outdoor lights are designed to withstand the elements, while indoor lights may not be weatherproof and can pose a fire or electrical risk if used outside. Always check the packaging to be sure you’re using lights designed for outdoor use in your exterior displays. AVOID OVERLOADING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS When stringing multiple strands of lights together, be mindful of the power load on your electrical circuits. Most light strands will specify the maximum number of strands that can be connected safely. Overloading your circuits can lead to electrical failures or even fires, so spread your lights across different outlets if necessary and use extension cords designed for outdoor use. USE TIMERS AND LED LIGHTS If possible, switch to LED lights instead of traditional incandescent bulbs. LED lights are more energy-efficient, last longer, and generate less heat. Thus, they reduce the risk of overheating or creating a fire. Using timers to turn your lights on and off automatically also helps conserve energy and ensures that your lights aren’t left on for extended periods, which could overheat wiring. BE MINDFUL WHEN HANGING LIGHTS Always use a sturdy ladder when hanging lights on your roof or in high places. Avoid decorating in wet or icy conditions, which can increase the risk of slips and falls. Keep extension cords away from walkways and high-traffic areas to prevent tripping. DECK THE HALLS SAFELY!
The holidays are here, and Len loves his sweets! With its soft, buttery texture and just the right amount of sweetness, this sugar cookie recipe is a crowd-pleaser! SOFT AND CHEWY HOLIDAY SUGAR COOKIES Inspired by AllRecipes.com
INGREDIENTS • 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour • 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1 cup butter, softened • 1 1/2 cups white sugar • 1 egg • 1 tsp vanilla extract DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. 2. Stir flour, baking soda, and baking powder together in a small bowl and set aside. 3. Beat sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer until smooth. 4. Beat in egg and vanilla. 5. Gradually blend in flour mixture. 6. Roll dough into walnut-sized balls and place 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets. 7. Bake until edges are golden, 8 to 10 minutes. 8. Let cool on the baking sheets briefly, then move cookies to a wire rack to cool completely before decorating.
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INSIDE
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This One Hit Home Len’s Guide to the Best Day-Trip Ski Mountains Near Boston Review of the Month Top Tips for Using Holiday Lights Without Risk Soft and Chewy Holiday Sugar Cookies
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GRATITUDE BURNED INTO ME As the chaos of the evening settled, I found myself overwhelmed by a deep sense of gratitude. I came dangerously close to losing two of the most important people in my life — they are my girls! That reality has a way of putting everything into perspective. I’ve often told clients that life can change in an instant, but now I understand that truth in a much more personal way. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. This experience reminded me to never take anything for granted. So, if you’re reading this, take a moment today to reach out to someone you love. Let them know what they mean to you because we never know when life will throw us a curveball. I share this story not to be dramatic but as a reminder of how fragile life is. My family was lucky. Many others are not. Stay safe, appreciate the moments, and always remember the people who matter most.
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