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Peace of Mind Post August 2024
Double Majors and Big Dreams
A Look Back at My Path to Law School
It’s interesting to think back to where it all began. In high school, I had my heart set on attending law school and becoming an attorney. Thus, my undergraduate school choices aligned with my aspirations for the future. This month, we celebrate College Colors Day — a perfect time to walk down memory lane. One New Year’s Eve during high school, I spent the evening applying to the University of Pittsburgh. Admittedly, it wasn’t my first choice, but as fate would have it, Pitt became where I spent three and a half important years preparing for law school. Looking back, I wouldn’t have had it any other way. I truly admire the institution and believe it’s a fantastic school filled with countless opportunities. My college experience was unique because I commuted from the family farm where I grew up to Pitt for all my classes. It was quite a hike, but I journeyed four days a week for three and a half years. While the commute might have been a hassle for some, I genuinely enjoyed it. It allowed me to take advantage of cultural opportunities in the city while still being home on the farm where my heart truly belonged — the same farm right next to our office.
I loved my college experience and the joy of learning. I pursued a double major, took graduate-level courses, attended summer classes, and graduated early. One of my favorite pastimes was taking advantage of the free admission to the Carnegie Museum of Art, where I spent countless hours because I genuinely enjoyed it. Those years were incredible — I learned, grew, and thrived in that environment. I double majored in history and political science and later earned my law degree from Valparaiso University School of Law. Between completing my undergraduate degree and starting law school, I took a semester off to work full-time at the Pittsburgh Opera and save up a bit before starting my legal studies. I felt that my professors during undergraduate school prepared me for what was to come in law school. My double major was particularly beneficial and gave me an edge against other students who also had their plans set on law school. I was also already taking graduate-level history courses that prepared me for the massive amounts of reading in law school. While I’m admittedly not a huge sports fan, I still deeply admire the Pitt Panthers and the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt is an incredible institution with a fantastic research program. In fact, some of the groundbreaking early research on Alzheimer’s was conducted there — how cool is that? When I attended, I felt the university was underrated, but things have certainly changed. I often joke that I might not be able to get into Pitt today! Who knows? Pitt will always be my school — Hail to Pitt!
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Commuting from the farm meant early mornings and sometimes exams on my birthday
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The priceless artwork, artifacts, and other attractions draw tourists worldwide to museums. However, not everyone can travel the globe to view the works of accomplished artists, curious historical figures, and inventions of esteemed engineers. Luckily, famed institutions like the Louvre in Paris, The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, and Smithsonian Museums in Washington, D.C., all have something in common: Patrons can enjoy them online . The internet helps bring esteemed exhibitions to your browser, where you can take virtual tours free of charge. Here are three incredible museums with virtual tours for all to enjoy! The Louvre Built partly in the ruins of a 12th-century fortress, France’s national museum and art gallery is the most popular destination of its kind. The French revolutionary government opened the Louvre in 1793, and Napoleon expanded it. Today, it houses some of the world’s most famous works of art, including Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” You can enjoy great swathes of its exhibits through virtual tours on its website. National Museum of Natural History Part of the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., the National Museum of Natural History is the most-visited natural history museum in the world. Its 1.5 million-square-foot grounds house a dizzying array of exhibits to delight visitors of all ages. Virtual tours are available on its website and include spectacular views of its awe-inspiring exhibits. The State Hermitage Museum Founded by Catherine the Great in 1764, the world-famous Hermitage Art Museum is in the Russian city of St. Petersburg. Nicholas I and the Soviet Union, among others, have reconstructed and expanded it since then. While some of its works were sold to fund Soviet industrialization, it is still a tremendous beacon of art and culture. With political tension and despotic rule making it more difficult for those in the West to visit Russia at all , its virtual tours, which you can find on Google’s Arts and Culture website, are the safest way to view its contents. Virtual Museum Tours Make Art and History Accessible DIGITAL DISCOVERY
Patients struggling with Alzheimer’s or dementia are presented with many health-related challenges. However, along with the medical complications, many experience difficulties with social interaction, a crucial aspect of our well-being as human beings. Staying socially active can help slow down the effects of cognitive decline, improve confidence, and provide purpose and a sense of belonging. Let’s look at a few effective strategies to help keep Alzheimer’s patients socially engaged. Encourage Participation in Group Activities Keeping Alzheimer’s Patients Engaged Strategies for Social Interaction
Any group activity tailored to the abilities of an Alzheimer’s patient can be beneficial. Many communities offer specialized programs where patients can interact with others in a supportive environment. Music therapy, art classes, and light exercise groups offer social interaction and stimulate
cognitive function — a win-win! Foster Family Involvement
Regular visits and involvement with family provide comfort and familiarity for those struggling with Alzheimer’s. Simple and enjoyable activities such as playing cards with family and
Puzzle Time!
Answer:
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loved ones, looking through old photos, or taking walks with those close to the patient create meaningful moments and strengthen emotional bonds. Utilize Technology Technology is a great resource for helping patients keep in touch with loved ones. Skype or FaceTime allow Alzheimer’s patients to see and interact with family and friends who may live far away, and there are apps for the elderly that assist with providing mental stimulation. Create a Routine Establishing a consistent routine can help Alzheimer’s patients feel more secure and comfortable and make interactions less intimidating. Schedule regular social activities at the same time each day or week for predictability, which can reduce anxiety and make the patient more willing to participate. Encourage Hobbies or Interests
HARD WORK VS. OVERWORK Lessons From the Farm on Work Ethic As we grow up, we are always taught that hard work pays off, but how much work is too much? It’s tough to draw that line. Aug. 5 is National Work Like a Dog Day, a day on the calendar intended to celebrate a strong work ethic and the determination to get the job done. My upbringing on the farm shaped my work ethic. There, hard work was necessary, and the animals depended on us for their care. From a young age, I was tasked with feeding the animals, cleaning stalls (super fun), and handling various manual labor tasks. Taking care of farm animals taught me many lessons about paying attention to details. Each animal had specific needs that required careful attention. Whether it was feeding time, exercise routines, or health checks, their needs always came first. The animals don’t understand holidays or work hours ending at 5 p.m. — caring for them was a full-time job. The lessons from hard work have carried over into my career today. In my professional life, I approach tasks with the same attention to detail and commitment to getting things done right. Like on the farm, where the work never truly ended, my career is not confined to a typical 9–5 schedule. However, striking a balance is important. While a strong work ethic drives success, enjoying life outside work is just as critical. Finding this balance means knowing when to push hard and when to step back and recharge. Balancing work and personal life can be challenging, especially when your career is demanding. It requires setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and sometimes saying no to additional work that may lead to burnout. It’s about finding moments to relax and unwind, much like taking a break from the farm chores to enjoy the tranquility of nature. So, here’s to acknowledging the importance of a strong work ethic while embracing the necessity of balance! After all, you can’t give it 100% 24/7 — we all need time to kick back, relax, and enjoy the fruits of our labor!
Are there any hobbies or interests that the Alzheimer’s patient enjoyed before the onset of the disease? When adapted to their current abilities, these activities can help them stay active with others who also enjoy these hobbies!
Remember: The goal is to help Alzheimer’s and dementia patients stay active and socially engaged to enhance their quality of life! Whether it’s through group activities, light walks with
family members, or painting with friends, there are many ways to help patients maintain connection and a social life.
Legendary Stuffed Peppers
Ingredients
• 4 bell peppers (any color), halved and seeded • 1 lb ground beef • 1 onion, diced • 1 clove garlic, minced • 1 tsp chili powder • 1 tsp cumin
• 1 14-oz can
diced tomatoes • 1 cup cooked rice • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. 2. Line a baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the bell pepper halves in the baking dish. 3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the beef is browned, then drain excess fat. 4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, rice, salt, and pepper. 5. Fill the 8 bell pepper halves with the beef mixture, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese. 6. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
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P.O. Box 154 ● Renfrew, PA 16053 724.256.8850 www.TrinityElderLaw.com
Inside 1
Walking Down Memory Lane — College Colors Day
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Exploring Famous Museums Virtually Effective Ways to Keep Alzheimer’s Patients Socially Active Legendary Stuffed Peppers Work Like a Dog, Live Like a Human — Striking the Right Balance
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Meet Moose, the Great Pyrenees With a Hero’s Heart A Fluffy Guardian Angel
When a Virginia family of five decided to temporarily foster a dog in 2023, they weren’t expecting it to be a life-changing event. But they might not be here today if it weren’t for the Great Pyrenees named Moose that they took home for the weekend. Christopher Cushna and his partner, Sheila Janes, were looking for something fun and unique to do with their three children when they learned about the Paws Around Portsmouth program. This program allows people to foster dogs from the local Humane Society for a short time. They fell in love with big, fluffy Moose and decided to take him on a field trip around town. The family visited their own music shop, where Moose met potential adopters at an event sponsored by the U.S. Coast Guard. The friendly dog later accompanied them to a farmers market, a community band concert, and a flea market, where they met a woman who wanted to adopt him. How a Dog Saved Its Foster Family From Disaster
Moose returned to the family’s houseboat for the evening since the adopter could not bring him home that day. As
everyone slept, Moose suddenly woke Christopher and one of their daughters, Anya. Though everyone figured the energetic dog wanted to go outside, he was persistent, and they quickly noticed a neighboring houseboat engulfed in flames. As the fire began to spread, the family evacuated safely just minutes before the fire reached their boat. “If Moose hadn’t gotten Anya and Chris up, we would not be here, as we were all sound asleep, and the fire spread very quickly,” Sheila said. The family lost their houseboat and everything inside, but thanks to Moose’s heroic act, they are alive and grateful today. “What I like to think about is that we saved Moose from the situation Moose was in, and Moose saved us on the boat,” Christopher said. Moose’s life-saving actions made big news, and a local woman adopted him. Now, the hero dog is living his best life on a 5-acre farm, complete with a swimming pool. For this family, who had no idea just how transformative a doggy day out could be, Moose will always be their knight in fluffy armor.
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