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A Taste of Heritage How One Family Tradition Brings Endless Positivity
It’s the time of year when our hearts and homes fill with warmth, reminding us of cherished traditions connecting us to our past. I’m deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of my family’s heritage, and if you read this newsletter regularly, then you know I have one big family! This season, I’m excited to share a special tradition close to my heart — making Serbian kolachi, a delightful pastry that’s been a staple in my family for generations. Growing up in a bustling household with an extended family always around, holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas were grand celebrations. These gatherings weren’t just about feasting; they were an embodiment of our cultural heritage. My great-grandmother, who emigrated from Serbia to Youngstown, Ohio, at the young age of 15, brought with her more than just hopes for a new life. She brought recipes from the old country, one of which was the beloved kolachi. I still have vivid memories of my great- grandmother, even though she passed when I was only 4. She was a phenomenal chef, known especially for her kolachi — a walnut roll pastry that became a holiday legacy in our family. This mouthwatering pastry is meticulously crafted with a spiral of walnut filling wrapped in a soft sweetbread. It’s as delicious as it is beautiful, with each slice showcasing the spiral design.
The process of making kolachi is an all-day affair, a labor of love that starts with preparing the dough and ends with the joy of sharing. It’s a very involved recipe, demanding attention and care, which is why we make it in large batches. But it’s about more than just baking; it’s about passing down a piece of our family history. My great- grandmother taught my grandmother, who then taught my mother, who now teaches my sisters, nieces, and my daughter how to bake kolachi. Each generation learns and adds to the tradition.
kolachi then gets distributed as gifts to family and friends, extending the warmth of our kitchen to many others. During the holiday season, especially for those navigating challenging health issues or the disability process, it’s family traditions like these that bring light and positivity. They remind us of the enduring strength and resilience embedded in our family histories. For anyone going through tough times, remember to hold on to these bits of joy. Whether it’s a family recipe, a simple gathering, or a heartfelt conversation, these moments form the pillars of support and happiness in our lives. So, this holiday season, as we indulge in the delicious spiral slices of kolachi, we do more than just eat a pastry; we celebrate the enduring spirit of my great-grandma Danilo and the generations of strong, loving women
who have kept our traditions alive. It’s a testament to the
Every year, as Thanksgiving approaches, my mother, despite her age, visits each of my sisters and comes to my house to supervise and ensure the kolachi is made just right. It’s a time to recount stories, revive memories of our beloved great-grandmother Danilo and Granny J, and reinforce our familial bonds. The
power of heritage and the sweet, simple joys that make the holiday season truly magical.
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How a Rescue Dog Changed a Veteran’s Life A WARRIOR’S BEST FRIEND
When Marine William “Bill” Lins returned home from deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, he felt ruined. He wasn’t the same man anymore and felt like he didn’t fit in anywhere. After sustaining multiple injuries and witnessing the horrors of battle, he never thought he would be able to go back to living a normal life.
service dog, he noticed a remarkable change in him and decided to apply for the program.
Bill felt an instant connection to the goofy rescue dog Link, who was recovering from his own trauma after living a rough life in a kill shelter. Bill said his canine companion is his 24/7 therapist, providing him with support and safety at all hours. Link doesn’t just impact Bill’s life; he makes a difference with everyone he encounters, from Bill’s children to the youth athletes he coaches.
That is until the nonprofit K-9s For Warriors helped him find his missing link — a rescue dog appropriately named Link.
K-9 For Warriors has been pairing highly trained service dogs with military veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma since 2011. The free program strives to better the lives of veterans through special canine bonds and ultimately end veteran suicide, which claims the lives of roughly 20 veterans every day. When Bill returned from deployment, he had to recover from two surgeries and realized he had PTSD. He had developed severe alcoholism, drinking every day nonstop as his only coping mechanism. In a hopeless place, the Marine felt like he was losing every piece of his identity and had nothing left. After seeing a friend at the VA bring in his
“Together, we kind of make each other whole,” Bill said. “He makes everyone’s world better, and he makes it seem effortless.”
Link has inspired Bill to help others and spread a message of awareness that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a symbol of strength. Bill has since earned his master’s in social work and provides mental health services with his tail-wagging companion by his side for every session.
Together, the pair are showing veterans everywhere that there is hope and that life can get better with a little help from a four-legged friend.
ITS IMPACT ON YOUR ABILITY TO WORK Severe Kyphosis Isn’t in the SSA Blue Book
Types of Kyphosis Kyphosis comes in several forms:
Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) can be a tricky process, especially when dealing with medical conditions like severe kyphosis. This condition, marked by an excessive curvature of the upper spine, can significantly impact a person’s ability to work. At Keefe Disability Law, we understand the challenges people with severe kyphosis face and are here to help you navigate the SSDI process. What is severe kyphosis? Kyphosis is an abnormal spine curvature, often resulting in a “humpback” appearance. While a normal spine curves between 20 and 45 degrees, those with kyphosis experience a curve of 50 degrees or more. This can lead to chronic back and neck pain, mobility issues, and even problems with other body systems like breathing and digestion. As a result, severe kyphosis can prevent someone from performing certain types of work, but proving this level of disability to the Social Security Administration (SSA) is crucial for SSDI approval.
their condition prevents them from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA) and that it has lasted or is expected to last for at least 12 months. For many, proving the severity of kyphosis and its impact on work can be difficult without legal guidance. Keefe Disability Law can help. Our team works closely with clients to build a strong case for SSDI eligibility. We gather vital evidence, explore secondary conditions, and address every aspect of how severe kyphosis impacts your daily life. If you’re struggling to obtain disability benefits, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the process. Call us today at 508-283-5500 for a free consultation, and let’s work together to secure the benefits you deserve.
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Postural kyphosis: Caused by poor posture, it may improve with exercise. Congenital kyphosis: Present at birth, often requiring surgery. Metabolic kyphosis: Caused by nutritional deficiencies that weaken bones. Post-traumatic kyphosis: Results from injuries such as fractures. Scheuermann’s kyphosis: A condition where vertebrae take on a wedge shape, leading to chronic pain and a pronounced spinal curve.
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Kyphosis severity is tough to prove. While the SSA acknowledges kyphosis in its Program Operations Manual System, it is not listed in the Blue Book of qualifying conditions. This makes it more challenging to prove eligibility for SSDI benefits based solely on kyphosis. Applicants must demonstrate that
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Get to Know David!
We are thrilled to spotlight David Schwartz, the newest member of our team at Keefe Disability Law. David joined us as an attorney in July 2024 and has quickly become an integral part of our dedicated team, bringing a fresh perspective and a deep commitment to our clients. David’s journey into the legal field began after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Towson University. He would then go on to complete his law degree at Western New England University School of Law. Before joining us, David honed his skills in litigation and complex litigation management and real estate law. His rich background is complemented by his heartfelt volunteer work with the Boston Bar Association, where he took on numerous cases to help those in need. When we asked David what he enjoys most about his work, his answer was simple: It’s the profound impact his support can have on the lives of his clients. He is driven by the knowledge that his efforts provide crucial support during some of the most challenging times in our clients’ lives. This sense of responsibility is what motivates him every day, and he is eager to continue making a positive difference. David wants his clients to know he is deeply committed to their welfare. His drive and motivation are geared toward not just meeting but exceeding the needs of those he serves. This client- first mentality is central to his approach to disability law. Outside the office, David is a family man who loves spending quality time with his wife and son. Whether it’s transforming a swing set into a chicken coop, setting up a firepit, or enjoying day trips and nature walks at places like Borderland State Park, David cherishes these moments. He’s also a fan of classic video games and enjoys playing on his three-quarter-size machines, including Streetfighter and Pac-Man! David aims to maintain a positive mindset and find joy in all aspects of life, continuing to bring passion and dedication to both his professional and personal endeavors. Please join us in welcoming David to the Keefe Disability Law family. We are excited for you to meet him and experience first-hand the compassion, expertise, and dedication he brings to our team. Enhancing Keefe Disability Law With Dedication and Experience
Exquisite Lemon Bars
INGREDIENTS
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2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup powdered sugar 1 cup butter, softened
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2 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice 2 tbsp grated lemon zest 1/4 tsp baking powder
4 large eggs
1/4 tsp salt
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. 2. In a medium bowl, combine flour and powdered sugar. 3. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 4. Press mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 15 minutes or until lightly browned. 5. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pour over crust. 6. Bake for 25 minutes or until set. Allow to cool before cutting into bars.
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Share Your Story! Do you want to share a story about your disability claim, experience with Keefe Disability Law, or just a funny story in general? Contact Andrea at 1-800-776-2929 or via email at Patrick@KeefeLaw.com, and you could be featured in our next newsletter!
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Patrick Celebrates Family and Tradition With Serbian Kolachi Paws of Hope Is Kyphosis Affecting Your Ability to Work? Meet David, Our Newest Attorney Exquisite Lemon Bars Curb Your Cough: Discover the Soothing Power of Hot Tea
QUELL YOUR COUGH WITH HOT TEA
Soothing, Lubricating Teas While mucilage may sound like the name of an old-fashioned glue, it is actually a viscous, gelatinous plant substance that soothes and moistens irritated tissues. Mucilage is found in teas containing licorice root, marshmallow root, and mullein. Expectorant Effects An expectorant can lubricate your airways and thin the mucus in your respiratory system. This, in turn, makes your cough more productive, easing discomfort, expelling bacteria, and helping heal your airways more quickly. Teas containing ginger and mullein offer this benefit. Opening Airways Some of the most popular herbal teas also help ease cold symptoms. Eucalyptus teas can help open up constricted airways, and teas containing peppermint and thyme also relieve sinus and cold symptoms.
The rattle of coughing is the soundtrack of winter, and about 1 in 5 adults suffer
from coughs during the peak cold and flu season. While coughing can signify serious illness, sufferers need short-term relief more often.
You should always ask a health care professional for advice when you are ill. But simpler, natural treatments for an irritating cough may be as close as your kitchen cupboard: A steaming cup of hot tea can soothe irritation in your throat and chest. As winter draws near, consider stocking your shelves with teas offering these therapeutic effects. Anti-Inflammatory Properties Licorice root, chamomile, elderberry, and green tea are all linked to reducing inflammation in airways. Licorice root also has anti-spasmodic properties that can help calm irritated tissues, and it is an ingredient in many leading tea brands, including Traditional Medicinals, Yogi, and Pukka. However, it’s best to consume licorice root tea in moderation. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration deems licorice root safe, consuming large amounts can cause side effects, including high blood pressure.
In all cases, you can amplify tea’s therapeutic benefits by adding a spoonful of honey! Honey’s throat-coating consistency soothes irritated tissues.
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