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SEPTEMBER 2020
Boiled Peanuts, Doves, and Rivalries WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT GEORGIA IN THE FALL
I love the changing of the seasons from summer to fall here in Georgia. As any local knows, the summer is hot and sticky with humidity, so watching the calendar flip to September is a welcome sight. The temperature often hovers around 75 degrees, and the humidity all but disappears. It’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy all that Albany and the surrounding region has to offer. Whenever I think of fall, I think of a good old-fashioned dove shoot. Anyone who is a dove hunter knows this is really more of a social gathering than anything, but for those unaware, I recommend finding a friend you can tag along with. Basically, we all gather in a field in the late afternoon — the best part about this form of hunting is you can sleep in — and wait for the doves to start taking off. The theory goes that the more noise you make, the more likely the doves are to up and fly away, which puts them in the perfect position for hunters. Typically we start the hunt with as many shooters in the field as we can, and then we enjoy some great conversation and chatter. As the doves start to fly, we all start firing, and then we send the dogs out to retrieve the doves. It’s a simple but effective way to get some meat and hang out with your buddies. I’m not an avid hunter, so when I’m not standing in a field waiting for the doves each fall, you can probably find me cheering on my favorite college football teams. Now, I grew up
rooting for the Georgia Bulldogs, my dad’s alma mater, but I attended college for my undergraduate degree at Ole Miss. I root for the two teams to do well throughout the year, but — and I don’t want to cause any controversy, here — I’ll typically root for Ole Miss. Of course, the other great part about the fall is the abundance of food. Any lifelong Southerner knows I’m talking about boiled peanuts. They’re a delicacy rooted in the Deep South and, like the name suggests, are boiled rather than roasted. It’s hard not to find yourself munching on these tasty morsels until you’ve cleaned the bowl, as my wife discovered. Priscila is originally from Brazil, and when she first had boiled peanuts last summer, she took one look at the snack and immediately dismissed them as gross. I can’t blame her; they do look like a soggy mess. Yet, she still tried one. Next thing we both knew, she couldn’t put them down! Boiled peanuts really are the perfect snack for any time of the year, but they do taste great when shared with family and friends each fall. Whether it’s a perfectly Southern snack, a football rivalry, or time spent in the field shooting doves with friends, there’s just something special about fall in Georgia. I hope you have a great start to your autumn!
-William F. “Trey” Underwood, III
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HOW THE PANDEMIC HAS CHANGED DEPOSITIONS AND TIPS TO MASTER THEM Depositions are a necessary and valuable part of the process of a personal injury claim. They're an opportunity for the plaintiff ’s and defendant’s lawyers to discover the facts of a case from witnesses and other key parties. This sworn testimony can be used at trial or mediation, but the implications can be nerve-wracking for those called to depose. Shopping online is tricky in the best of times, but it’s doubly trying when your kids’ opinions are involved. If back-to-school shopping is challenging in your house, try these tricks to hunt down the backpack, pencil bag, and lunchbox the kiddos are begging for without going over budget. 1. Opt for secondhand or refurbished items. If your kid is dying to have the same Parkland Kingston Plus Backpack that celebrities’ kids were flaunting last year, you might be able to snag one secondhand for half the price. The same goes for the popular PLAE Max Shoes or even electronics like iPads. Check out online retailers like JemJem or Gazelle for refurbished electronics, and try the Poshmark app for bags, shoes, and clothes. If you really want to get fancy, visit TheRealReal.com for luxury-brand clothing. 2. Always check discount apps and websites. If you’re not at least Googling “[store name] coupon code” before checking out online, you’re probably missing out on big savings. Visit popular coupon websites like RetailMeNot and Groupon, or streamline your search by downloading a money- saving browser extension or app like Honey, which automatically However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped depositions in 2020, and some of that has been for the better. Today, many depositions are done over Zoom or other videoconferencing platforms, which can give deponents — those answering questions — a bit of an edge. The video format allows the person being deposed an opportunity to do so from a comfortable space where they can be supported either by legal counsel or their loved ones. They will have to answer the questions on their own, but the video format lessens the intensity and pressure an opposing attorney can place on the deponent. 3 WAYS TO SAVE ON TRENDY BACK-TO-SCHOOL BUYS SHOP ONLINE LIKE A PRO
the emotional vulnerability of the setting. (There are a handful of depositions that can be taken in person, if the parties present all wear masks.) Regardless of what format you are required to depose under, there are a few key reminders you must keep in mind. To start, present yourself professionally . Making a good impression is valuable during this process, and while beauty may be at the bottom of your priority list during this pandemic, presentation is valuable no matter what format you’re required to depose in. Depositions also require you to give concise and clear explanations . This may be more imperative for depositions done via videoconference, as technology glitches can impact how your message is delivered. Speak slowly and stick to the facts. This will keep your statement brief and help you appear trustworthy. Finally, follow your attorney’s advice . Your attorney is the expert on this case and the legal complexities surrounding it. No matter what setting you are in, your attorney will have the best advice for how you should present your side of the story, and they will interject if they believe you should not answer a question. Your attorney will meet with you prior to the deposition, so bring up any concerns or additional statements at that time. Regardless of how your deposition looks, our legal experts can help you prepare for it. If you have questions about an upcoming deposition, please call 229-888-0888. checks for coupon codes and offers price comparisons. Other apps, like Flipp, let you view deals from dozens of stores in one place. Remember to see if your favorite store has its own app, too — downloading it could grant you access to exclusive deals. 3. Don’t forget to factor in shipping. If you shop internationally, shipping can sometimes double the cost of an order. To save money, choose domestic retailers and check each website or app for shipping specials and discounts. Many websites offer free or reduced shipping for first-time customers or orders over a certain dollar amount. If you choose to shop somewhere without such a discount, check the shipping costs and factor them into your budget before you shop to avoid nasty surprises. If your kids are old enough, consider talking them through this process as you shop. Who knows, this could be a great back-to- school lesson in budgeting!
Of course, the reverse of this is also true. Attorneys may feel disadvantaged that this in-person format has been stripped of
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AGING WITH LOVE
3 THINGS ALL GREAT OLDER ADULT FACILITIES DO
Professionally Staffed: Older adults move into these communities for the added care they receive, but many facilities only scrape the surface. A great nursing home, assisted living center, or
Since COVID-19 made landfall in the U.S., residents of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and other senior living communities and their families have been concerned about maintaining connections and protecting physical and mental health. However, COVID-19 isn’t the only concern residents of these communities and their families may have. These facilities are regulated by states, which can leave gaps in the fundamentals of care older adults receive. If you believe your loved one may be the victim of nursing home or senior living facility negligence, please see our insert this month for more information! For those still unsure, compare your loved one’s facility with these qualities of all great senior care centers. Resident-Focused: Residents’ needs, abilities, hobbies, and beliefs should be the top priorities of all the staff at the facility. Commonly, great facilities work with families and older adults to create a space that feels like home while providing programming and opportunities to lead a full life despite any illness or disability. Remember, bingo and card games are fun, but facilities that offer exercise programs, arts and crafts time, themed parties, and more are building a community — not just filling an afternoon.
We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our August newsletter: Andrew McDowell, Angela Mango, and Floyd Jones, Sr. Your recommendations are greatly treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments on our services through Google Reviews ! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients facing stressful life situations find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888. apartment building will have many nursing professionals, physical therapists, volunteers, counselors, and possibly even doctors on site at any given time. Clean: Negligent facilities may have disheveled residents and struggle to adhere to regular upkeep, like putting away personal items or replacing the toilet paper. Meanwhile, great communities do this and more. They will also have a plan in place for cleaning emergencies or pandemics. Ask your facility for details. When moving your loved one into a community dedicated to their care, you must be able to trust that community, and when that trust is broken by negligent or abusive behavior, your family deserves compensation and support. Our team at the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., can help. Give us a call today to learn more.
EASY STUFFED SWEET POTATOES
Who says a loaded potato has to clog your arteries? In this healthy version that serves four, a sweet potato base is topped with fiber- rich bean salsa.
Ingredients •
4 medium sweet potatoes 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 medium tomatoes, diced
• • • •
1 tsp coriander
•
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup sour cream 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• • •
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp cumin
Directions 1.
With a fork, prick each sweet potato a few times. Microwave the potatoes on high 12–15 minutes, or until cooked through. 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the beans, tomatoes, olive oil, cumin, coriander, and salt. When the potatoes are done, microwave the mixture on high for 2–3 minutes. 3. Cool potatoes slightly, then cut each potato open lengthwise. Pull the halves apart to create space to spoon the warm bean salsa inside. 4. Add a scoop of sour cream to each potato, garnish with cilantro, and serve!
Thank you for trusting us to serve you!
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Inspired by EatingWell.com
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What Makes the Fall in Georgia So Great PAGE 1 Shop Online for Your Kids Like a Pro PAGE 2 Survive the New and Unique Landscape of Depositions With This Guide PAGE 2 3 Signs You Found a Great Nursing Home PAGE 3
Easy Stuffed Sweet Potatoes PAGE 3 3 Fun Family Activities for Fall PAGE 4
3 Fun Family Activities for Fall GARDENING, GOLD, AND PHOTO SHOOTS
Pan for gold.
It’s fall, which means social media will soon be saturated with pictures of your friends enjoying “classic” fall activities. Photos of leaf peeping, apple picking, and the occasional scarecrow run rampant. But rather than following the herd, you can make your family the trendsetter of unique fall activities! Here are a few outdoor endeavors your family will love. Get gardening. Fall is the time for harvest, but if you want to enjoy flowers in the spring, it’s also a time for planting. The cooler autumn air is easier on plants, but the soil is still warm enough for roots to grow before the ground freezes for winter. Tulips, daffodils, and hyacinths are all spring bulbs that need to be planted in the fall. Do a little research with your family to determine the best time to start planting in your area.
Here’s one that’s really off the beaten path: Take your family on an adventure panning for gold! Start by planning a road trip out to an old ghost town. Many of them have great tourist attractions that include gold panning. You probably won't get rich, but it will still be a fun story. If you’re not able to make the trip, you can always create a gold panning operation at home! Visit MessForLess.net/ panning-for-gold-activity for a great step-by- step guide on how to go panning for gold in your own backyard. Plan a fall photo shoot. It’s time to f reshen up those family pictures hanging around the house. The changing leaves provide a beautiful background for any family portrait. Better yet, the cooler temperatures mean that
an outdoor photo shoot won’t be nearly as uncomfortable as it would be in the summer. You can take your pictures by the trees in the f ront yard or make a daytrip of it. What about pictures at the corn maze or pumpkin patch? It’s never too soon to start planning this year’s holiday card.
Spend this fall outdoors and create great new memories with your family!
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