Holland & Usry March 2020

Take a look at our newsletter this month.

Plan Ahead, Stay Safe, and Have Fun PLAY SPRING BREAK SMART

Travel on less popular days. This rule applies for both driving and traveling by airplane. Saturdays and Sundays are the most popular travel days for both modes of transportation. If there are extra crowds in the airport or if you’re driving with more people on the road, you’re much more likely to get stuck in traffic, run late, or feel the stress and frustration of trying to mob your way through crowds. Not to mention, with more people around, accidents are more likely to happen. So, make the smart choice and travel on a weekday rather than the weekend. Remind your kids to keep it safe. This is important no matter what age your kids are. When vacationing with young children, it’s important to set ground rules. Remind them to always stay nearby, obey all rules of the facility you’re visiting (for example, no running at the pool), and be smart when it comes to playing with others. For older children taking a trip with friends instead of family, remind them to check in with you by phone on a consistent schedule. It’s also important to refresh them on smart vacation practices. They should always have a travel buddy, even if it’s just to get something to eat, and they should stay aware of their surroundings and make smart decisions in social situations. Remember to let them know that they can reach out to you for help if they need it. Protect yourself and your home. As much fun as it is to post about your travel plans and vacation on social media, save the majority of your sharing until you’ve arrived back home. You never know who might be keeping an eye on your social media posts with the intention of targeting your family while you’re all in unfamiliar territory. Other people might use the information to plan the perfect opportunity to “visit” your house when no one will be around. It would be a shame to come home from a great trip to find that your possessions have disappeared. Spring break should be a relaxing time to celebrate the coming season, have some fun, and enjoy time with family or friends. If you remember these tips, you can rest even easier on your vacation.

The first official day of spring is March 19, and that means spring break is almost here for many of the school districts in our area. Spring break is a great time to head out for a relaxing vacation, but travel can get a little hectic with so many people making plans. Make sure you follow these tips for a smooth and safe getaway. Plan your travel time accordingly. Remember that the roads are going to be busier than usual during the weeks of spring break. That means traffic will be heavier, and it will likely take you more time to get to your destination, however close or far it may be. Give yourself extra time to get where you’re going so you can avoid getting frustrated or upset on the road. Statistics show that angry driving leads to unsafe maneuvers, which translates to dangerous conditions for you and everyone around you. So, plan on extra driving time and ensure that everyone gets to their destinations safely.

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THE POWER OF PRETEND

Imaginary Friends Promote Real Life Skills

Studies show that up to 50% of young children have imaginary companions, ranging from entirely conjured entities to beloved stuffed animals. The popular social stigma around imaginary friends is that these children must be shy or lonely, but psychologists disagree. In fact, if your child develops an imaginary friend, most psychologists say it’s an activity you should promote instead of discourage. Psychologists claim that the invention of an entire friendly persona points to the fact that the child is both creative and highly social. Imaginary scenarios also give kids an opportunity to indulge in their wildest aspirations, like going to the moon or inventing a time machine. Their creativity gives them the ability to dream, explore, and experiment in useful ways. Imaginary friends can also be there to comfort your child when they’re feeling down or experiencing a tantrum, which is helpful when they are learning how to manage their emotions. There are also many ways parents can take part in interactions with imaginary friends to strengthen their own relationship with their child. Imaginary

friends can make interactive play more meaningful and can be useful in accomplishing daily routines, like cleaning up or getting ready for bed. They also provide a window into the way your child’s mind works by encouraging the vocalization of thoughts and feelings they may not otherwise share. Imaginary friends are often a proxy for the children who invent them, so the conversations your child has with or about their friend can provide a lot of insight into how your child views the world and themselves. in pop culture for many years. Entertainment like “Calvin and Hobbes,” “Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends,” and even adult shows like “Supernatural” — which featured an episode about a main character’s childhood imaginary friend returning to teach him valuable lessons as an adult — portray the inventors of imaginary friends as outgoing and creative. It just goes to show that letting the imagination run wild not only encourages healthy development but can also lead to lots of fun. Imaginary friends are so important to how some children learn and grow that they’ve been featured

Testimonial HEAR WHAT OUR CLIENTS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT US! “I cannot say enough great things about Rob and his entire staff. I had a workers’ compensation issue and found Rob based on his excellent reviews. Rob is a very pleasant man in general and will meet with you to go over any questions regarding your issues. He doesn’t push you at all and gives you brutally honest answers. We actually met twice to talk before I finally realized that I desperately needed his help. It was the best decision I made, and I should have realized it earlier. Rob or his staff were always available to answer any questions, updates, or concerns I had, and I had plenty. Some may know how these issues can drain you mentally and emotionally. I worried constantly and felt for Rob and the staff, but he always had my back and calmed me. He’s just an upstanding guy and attorney. “I consider myself a pretty bright person, but there is no way I could have done this without Rob and my decision to hire him. If you have a workers’ compensation issue, I highly suggest you meet with Rob. There are a lot things involved in workers’ compensation law that can be extremely difficult. Rob explains things in layman’s terms that people can understand. Just check

his website. When you hire him, you will have no one better fighting for you. I was more injured than I realized, and I needed serious help when I finally pulled the trigger. I would have been left out in the cold, so to speak. I got help, and Rob got a settlement that was far beyond my expectations. “Not only just with Rob but also with Pam, Camila, and Rose, you are taken care of from day one. They go right to work, handle it all, and address any concerns. They’re good at what they do and just great people. I’m glad I found Rob’s reviews and made that decision. He is excellent in what he does. Meet him and find out, just as I did. It doesn’t cost you anything to meet with him, but it could cost a lot not to.

“Thank you, Rob, Pam, Camila, and Rose.”

–Benjamin Ray

www.bhollandlawfirm.com

Share the Road PRACTICE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

The first day of spring is quickly approaching, and as cold weather gives way to sunshine, it’s a safe bet that motorcyclists will be dusting off their bikes and hitting the road. And they have just as much right to be safe out there as everyone else. Data shows that the highest number of fatal motorcycle-passenger vehicle crashes result from cars turning left while a motorcycle is going straight. In traffic terms, this often means the vehicle failed to yield the right of way and hit the motorcycle. Take a lesson from this data and be cautious about motorcyclists on the road to prevent accidents like this from happening. Even though some people find motorcycles a nuisance, underneath the helmet is a person who’s just like you. Don’t ever forget that. A general rule of thumb to follow is, “Look twice, save a life.” Because motorcycles are slim, they can easily get in a car’s blind spots. So, take just a couple more seconds to check next to you when you change lanes or go through an intersection.

Always presume the motorcycle is closer than it looks, especially if it’s approaching an intersection where you’re turning left. Its small size creates the illusion that it’s further away than it actually is. For the same reason, a bike’s speed can be deceptive — it may be going much faster than you think. Try to give a motorcycle more following distance than you would a car. Motorcycles and cars have about the same stopping distance, but the difference is that motorcycles will often slow down without needing to use their brakes first. That means you can’t rely on their brake light to show you that they’re reducing their speed. Play it safe and give them extra space. Both car drivers and motorcyclists have a duty to be smart drivers on the road, but accidents still happen. If you’ve been injured in a vehicle accident, contact our office so we can help.

Good News

PESTO CHICKEN WITH BLISTERED TOMATOES

“A cheerful heart has a continual feast.” –Proverbs 15:15

Brighten up after a cold, dark winter with this fresh and flavorful springtime dish.

Ingredients

• •

2 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divided 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to a 1-inch thickness Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup whole-wheat panko

• • • • • •

2 tbsp Parmesan cheese

1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 6 tbsp spinach pesto 2 cups cherry tomatoes 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced 1 tsp red wine vinegar

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give

• •

Directions

you hope and a future.” –Jeremiah 29:11

1. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and add it to pan. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side, then remove pan from heat. 3. In a bowl, combine panko, Parmesan cheese, and butter. 4. Spread pesto over chicken and top with panko mixture. 5. Broil chicken for 2 minutes on high heat until browned. 6. In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. 7. Add tomatoes and cook for 6 minutes. 8. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. 9. Season tomato mixture with salt and pepper, and add red wine vinegar. 10. Serve tomatoes with broiled chicken.

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Inspired by CookingLight.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.

101 W. St. John St. Suite 206 Spartanburg, SC 29306

INSIDE this issue

1

Plan for a Safe Spring Break

2

Forging Imaginary Friendships

Testimonial

3

Keep Motorcyclists Safe

Pesto Chicken With Blistered Tomatoes

4

Celebrating National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day

If you no longer want to receive this newsletter, call Pam at 864.582.0416 or email rob@bhollandlawfirm.com .

GIVING BACK TO LOCAL COMPANIES ON NATIONAL MOM AND POP BUSINESS OWNERS DAY

March 29 is National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day, which is huge for small businesses everywhere. Mom-and-pop businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy; Small Business Trends reports that mom-and-pop businesses account for 64% of gross domestic product (GDP) and generate 78% of all new jobs. Furthermore, no matter what turns the economy takes, small-business owners are less likely to lay off their employees than big corporations. Mom- and-pop businesses support all communities, and you can support them by celebrating this unofficial holiday! Shopping locally has a massive impact on your community. Local businesses return three times the amount of money to the local economy than larger corporations do. With that big of a returned investment, your community can support even more small businesses that generate a wealth of jobs and keep the cycle going. In addition to the economic boost, products from small businesses are usually higher quality, which makes them a better value for your dollar. Take this day to shop for birthday and holiday gifts for your loved ones that will bring them great joy and last a lifetime. GIVE YOUR LOCAL ECONOMY A BOOST!

GET SOCIAL AND SPREAD THE WORD!

While small businesses utilize every form of marketing available, social media is essential for their success and growth. After shopping at your favorite mom- and-pop business, share that experience on your social media! When you write a post on Facebook or take a picture for Instagram, be sure to tag the business and use relevant hashtags so your friends, family, and everyone else in your community can shop there too. Writing reviews on Google Reviews and Yelp helps establish validity for the company. When another potential customer looks for reviews, they know they’re getting quality products and services from a well-established pillar of the community. The local businesses that are active on social media may post deals and sales for that day only, so keep your eyes peeled and be sure to follow all your favorite businesses!

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