Douglass & Runger - June 2020
June 2020
Celebrating the Next Chapter AND TAKING ADVANTAGE OF OPPORTUNITIES
well, and since my high school had always been big, I knew I could manage another large school. College really was filled with some of the best memories of my life. I knew I wanted to focus on my studies, so I made sure my classes were a priority, and I was able to graduate in four years — I’m proud of that fact all these years later — and upon graduation at Clemson, I remember being sad that “the best years of my life” had come to a close, or so I thought. If I can impart any wisdom onto the class of 2020 — or encourage you to share wisdom with the graduates in your life — it would be that your path isn’t set in stone after your latest chapter ends. Even if college or high school contains some of your greatest memories, there is still so much you have to look forward to, and you don’t need a concrete plan in order to succeed. I never could have anticipated that I would be where I am today. Coming from a strong lineage of attorneys, I had an idea that the law would be in my future, but I never would have thought I would be managing a firm and other attorneys. If I hadn’t been open to the opportunity, it could have slipped passed me. That would have been a real shame, too. I love what I do. And simply because I come from a family of lawyers, that doesn’t mean law school came easy to me. I had grown accustomed to being one of the smarter students in my class in high school and college, but in law school, I realized that everyone was just as smart as — if not smarter than — me and just as motivated to succeed. I had to push myself harder than I ever had before, and there were some tough times in law school, all of which made the diploma I earned at the end of my law school experience that much sweeter. Like many attorneys, I couldn’t celebrate too much after law school. I only had two months to study for the bar exam. On the week of the exam in July 2003, Hurricane Elvis touched down, and many Memphis residents will remember the carnage left in its wake. I managed to pass the bar exam amid the wreckage and a power outage, but that’s a great story for another month. As for the 2020 graduating class, the end of this chapter may not appear as you always imagined it would. It may have ended in a fizzle, but that does not diminish all the dedication you put into your studies nor does it dictate what’s ahead. Be open to opportunities and good luck in your future endeavors!
J une is often the start of a new chapter for many graduates, whether they are finishing college or deciding what direction to take after high school. However, this year’s COVID-19 pandemic nearly wiped out the end of the school year and caused many graduation ceremonies to be canceled. It’s a unique end to a long journey, but it doesn’t diminish the effort and dedication put forth by so many graduates. There’s still a reason to celebrate and look forward to what’s to come — whatever that may be. I can remember the advice I received from many adults as I prepared for my freshman year at Clemson University in South Carolina. I was told to savor my college years and enjoy the ride because college goes by too fast and is often filled with some of the best memories and lifelong friendships. But when I stood in my dorm room after my parents had dropped me off at college, I wasn’t so sure. I was terrified and sad to suddenly be on my own, since my parents were more than three hours away in Knoxville, Tennessee. Throughout high school, my parents encouraged me to leave my hometown and pass on attending the University of Tennessee where most of my high school friends went to college. My parents wanted me to meet new people and experience the world outside of Knoxville.
However, it was comforting to know that there would be a few people I knew from my large high school graduating class who chose to attend Clemson as
901-388-5805 • 1
THE BEST WAYS TO HELP LOCAL NONPROFITS IN CHALLENGING TIMES
Over the past several months, families, businesses, and nonprofits have had to navigate life in this challenging “new normal,” and it can be hard to support your favorite nonprofits when times are tough. Here are a few ways you can help these important entities, even when you don’t have resources to spare right now.
budget may be tight. Instead, consider cleaning out your closet. What clothes, shoes, or other accessories can you part with? What about dishware or small appliances? When you clean out your home and donate unused items, you benefit those in the community who need them most. Volunteer In a time of social distancing, volunteering may be discouraged, but nonprofits still need volunteers to operate. The good news is that many nonprofits need volunteers for positions that maintain social distance, such as driving. Food banks and kitchens need drivers to pick up donations or ingredients from donors and to deliver food to people in need, such as the elderly or those with disabilities.
Donate While many people donate generously during the holiday season, remember that nonprofits need donations throughout the year, and different nonprofits need different things. A monetary donation can often go a long way, but never feel obligated to give money, especially when your The First Steps The moments following an accident can be dizzying, complex, and difficult. While you grapple with what has happened, taking a few key steps can be vital to ensuring you are protected in the future. First, ensure you receive the medical attention you need. Your main priority after an accident should be to protect your health and safety, and the best way to do that is to seek medical attention immediately, even if you “feel fine” following the accident. You could have underlying injuries that may spark chronic conditions in the future, and getting a medical checkup immediately after your accident could benefit you should you pursue a personal injury claim.
Advocate Even if you don’t have time or resources to give, you can become an advocate for important causes around your community. While it might not seem like much, sharing information about local nonprofits on social media can make a genuine difference. Nonprofits need exposure, which is greatly boosted through community support. Sharing useful information about nonprofits — or sharing their posts — increases their visibility so more people will take action.
AFTER AN AUTO ACCIDENT
Next, gather information. Immediately write down your recollection of the events as they unfolded. There will be no other time when you will remember the facts quite as well as you will in the moments following your accident. These notes regarding what happened to cause the wreck, or how you physically felt after the wreck, could prove beneficial in the future. You should also obtain the names and contact information of witnesses and those involved in the accident and take photographs of the scene and your injuries. As you do this, be mindful of how you speak to the other parties involved in the accident. Phrases like “I’m sorry” or “I didn’t see you” could under certain circumstances potentially jeopardize your claim. Stick to the facts, speak clearly, and offer a detailed account of what you remember when speaking to the police. If you are unable to gather this information as a result of your injuries or due to safety concerns, then ask law enforcement for help. Finally, seek legal representation as soon as possible. Our legal team at Douglass & Runger can guide you through the complex steps necessary to obtain the compensation you deserve for your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and property damage as a result of the wreck. Your main focus should be on moving forward and healing, and as the experts, our attorneys strive to ensure you are not taken advantage of by insurance companies, are given a fair chance at justice, and can move forward with minimal stress.
Contact our team 901-388-5805 if you are in need of legal assistance after an accident, and learn more about our other practice areas at DouglassRunger.com.
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Paleo
Sausage Frittata
PEACE OF MIND TEACH YOUR TEEN THESE SAFE DRIVING HABITS
Bacon may be a paleo favorite for breakfast, but this hearty sausage meal can be enjoyed any time of day and is the perfect way to mix things up! INGREDIENTS: •3 tbsp coconut oil •1 lb mild Italian sausage •1 medium sweet potato, peeled and grated •4 green onions, diced •10 eggs, whisked •Black pepper, to taste
Driving is a rite of passage for many teens. It’s the first taste of freedom they will enjoy as young adults, and it often accompanies additional responsibilities and freedoms, such as a first job, a later curfew, and more options for spending time with friends.
However, teens face risks when they start navigating the roadways. Before your teen gets behind the wheel on their own, ensure they understand these safe driving tips and precautions.
Distracted Driving Dangers From cell phones to food, distractions are abundant in the car, and while there are now more warnings about the dangers of distracted driving, the message isn’t fully clicking for some young drivers. In 2018, nearly 40% of high school students admitted to texting or emailing while driving. Instead of relying on lessons about distracted driving, look to tools that can help you limit it. Apps like TrueMotion and Life360 can track the habits of drivers in your family. These apps will send notifications about any possible concerns, monitor phone usage, and even provide emergency detection. This information provides parents with the data they need to teach valuable lessons to their teens and monitor their habits. Defensive Driving A good driver is always alert. Rather than looking for an opportunity to race past another driver or beat the light, good drivers are focused on maintaining safety and following the rules of the road. Learning these defensive driving techniques can prepare your teen driver for a lifetime of safe driving habits. Studies regularly show that speeding only shaves minutes off the time it takes to get to your ultimate destination, and those minutes saved actually decrease as the distance between your starting point and end location does. Show your teen these studies to sell the point, and for your peace of mind, look into apps that track your teen’s speed, such as AT&T’s Drive Mode or Verizon’s Hum. While it’s important that you mind your teen’s right to some additional freedom and responsibility, tracking their driving habits now can guide necessary corrections and promote safe driving habits later. Regardless of how well you prepare your teen, an accident may happen. Our team can help you fight for the compensation your teen deserves, along with a number of additional legal concerns your family may face as a result of an accident. Learn more on our website at DouglassRunger.com or contact our team at 901-388-5805.
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a large ovenproof skillet, heat coconut oil over medium heat. 2. Crumble sausage into the skillet and cook until browned. 3. Add sweet potato and cook until tender. 4. Add green onion and sauté for 2–3 minutes. 5. Spread this mixture evenly throughout the skillet. Pour eggs over mixture and sprinkle black pepper over top. 6. Cook without stirring for 3 minutes or until bubbly. 7. Transfer skillet to oven and cook under broiler on low until frittata is cooked through.
Inspired by SarahFragoso.com
INSPIRATION
“Knowing Is Not Enough; We Must Apply. Wishing Is Not Enough; We Must Do.” –Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
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Inside This Issue
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Congratulations Class of 2020!
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Help Local Nonprofits in Challenging Times Follow These Steps if You’re in an Accident
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2 Habits to Instill Safe Driving in Your Teen Paleo Sausage Frittata
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3 Enriching Staycation Ideas
TURN YOUR VACATION INTO A STAYCATION 3 Ways to Replace a Canceled Vacation
Create a ‘Family Museum’
Vacations provide opportunities for families to spend time together in a relaxed environment, get away from the routines of everyday life, and create meaningful memories. If you’ve recently had to cancel a trip but still want to create the experience of a vacation for your family, then a staycation is just what you need.
Many vacations include an educational aspect in order to enrich our understanding of the place we’re visiting, and museums are a great way to accomplish that. If you’re confined to the house, then teach your kids about your own knowledge and interests and encourage them to get creative and make their own contributions, too. Have everyone create art, take photos, or write about their prized possessions. Display these masterpieces around your home and let their creators take you on a tour. Learning more about one another builds meaningful bonds.
Transform Your Backyard
Bring Your Trip Home
When you’re trying to recreate a vacation, the outdoor areas of your home present a variety of possibilities. You can turn a sandbox into a relaxing beach, complete with a kiddie
You probably chose your original vacation destination in order to experience new and different cultures and activities. But just because you’re no longer traveling to that location doesn’t mean you can’t experience some of what it has to offer! Research popular local cuisine, activities, and history of the area, then create ways to experience them with your family. Cook a traditional meal, recreate a scenic location through photographs, or share a story about local lore and history. Your changed plans will no longer feel like a missed opportunity.
pool “ocean.” If you have trees, then set up a zip line or obstacle course. You can even stimulate summer brains with a scavenger hunt around the backyard with hidden clues in the dirt or bushes. The ultimate prize can be something you would have purchased on your original vacation, like a souvenir you can find online.
Staying at home doesn’t mean your family can’t have the fun of a vacation. All it takes is a little creativity and innovation to build an experience that will bring your family closer together.
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