VanMeveren Law Group April 2018

VanMeveren's online newsletter for April 2018

Foundations 9 7 0 Changing the World Tell UsHowSmartDevices are

In a world where most busy folks rely on a virtual office at least in part, smartphones have become a necessity. Many of us have one and use it every hour of every day, whether it’s to schedule an appointment, send a message, navigate around town, or take photos. While our devices may help us be more productive and available to others at any hour of the day, we’re often behind the wheel when that all-important email or text arrives. We hear that distinct ding or chime and, acting on instinct, look down to see who’s messaging us. It’s so easy to take a quick glance at the message while driving without giving it a second thought — but what is the true cost of a quick glance? The number of emails and texts we receive on a daily basis is quite shocking. An average office worker receives 121 emails every day, according to a 2015 study analyzing email statistics. Text messages average somewhere in the neighborhood of 16–128 per day, depending on your age. Either way, for the average person, there is no shortage of messages to demand our attention. What is more shocking, however, is that most texts receive a response within 90 seconds. No doubt many of these text messages are read and responded to while driving. The ramifications of a car crash caused by texting are manifold. Countless innocent lives have been lost due to a moment’s distraction. Fathers, mothers, siblings, and children have all passed away as a result of people who chose to text and drive.

The at-fault driver who kills or severely injures someone due to their impulse to check their phone now faces lengthy criminal and civil litigation. It’s a process that could end in conviction and bankruptcy, not to mention living with the guilt of committing a senseless act. At VanMeveren Law Group, we are committed to ongoing efforts to promote the importance of safe driving, wearing seatbelts at all times, and never texting while driving. Along these lines, we’re pleased to announce a brand-new scholarship campaign: Heads Up/Phones Down.

the Heads Up/Phones Down button near the top of the page. If you are an eligible applicant (see scholarship criteria for details), we invite you to fill out the form. We look forward to reading the responses! When driving, we must give our full attention to the task at hand: driving. Let’s resist the urge to send or respond to that text or email. Silence your phone. Keep it out of sight and out of mind until you reach your destination. Heads Up/Phones Down!

–Bryan VanMeveren

You can learn more about the scholarship on our website, vanmeverenlaw.com, by clicking

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A Small TokenWith a BIG Message

How to Make Your Own Kindness Rocks

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing seems to go right? You wake up late, you can’t find your keys, the kids aren’t ready, and the day continues to unfold in a negative fog. Those difficult days are the reason Megan Murphy started the Kindness Rocks Project. After her parents passed away, she found comfort in finding heart-shaped rocks and sea glass on the beach. She realized that these small tokens might make other people feel better, too. Megan’s friend, one of the first to pick up a rock Megan had left behind, sent her an encouraging message after finding it: “If you did drop this rock, you made my day.” Since then, Megan has inspired others with randomly placed messages of kindness. She finds a rock, paints a kind message on it, and leaves it on the beach for others to find. And the idea has spread. As the project has grown, so have people’s stories about finding kindness rocks. When people find a kindness rock, they get a boost to their day, but they also feel inspired to pay the kindness forward.

If you want to spread kindness, start with a few smooth 3- to 5-inch rocks. Part of the adventure is in finding the rocks, so take the time to explore outside to find them. Maybe take the kids for a trek to a nearby park or beach. Once you have your rocks, use nontoxic paint or spray paint to color them. Use bright colors so that others can spot them. After the paint has dried, use paint pens to write your messages on the rocks. These can be as simple as one word or as big as an inspiring quote or verse. After you’ve written your message, use a clear nontoxic sealant to protect your artwork so it will be there when others find it. Find an outdoor space to leave your rock — maybe even in the original spot you found it.

In a world that often seems dark, your message of kindness will serve as a beacon of hope for others.

“One moment can change a day, one day can change a life, and one life can change the world.” –Gautama Buddha

TESTIMONIALS

“My car was rear-ended, and though no one was critically injured, it took an entire year of braces, crutches, surgery, and physical therapy to get back to an active life. Jolene Blair took care of all

“My experience with VanMeveren Law Group was wonderful. They were helpful throughout my whole case and kept me in the loop every step of the way. I’m very thankful for their help and definitely made the right decision choosing them for my case.” –Emma R. “Family from day one. This is a professional, courteous, understanding law firm. They have been nothing but exceptional over the past year. Not only did I win my case, but I received a settlement check for more than I anticipated. Trust only the best!” –Amber K.

interactions with the insurance company, which was fabulous. She also understood that my physical recovery was the most important thing to me. It is depressing to be injured through no fault of your own, and it was awesome to have an attorney who genuinely cared that I was getting better.” –Anonymous Client “Meticulous is how I would describe this firm. They don’t take every case, but I definitely recommend checking with them first. If they take your case, you have something serious. I’d recommend them to anyone needing a lawyer for an accident or injury.” –Joel D.

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Highline Motors

“Where quality is standard, not an option.” That’s the motto of Highline Motors, a well-known car dealership and service center right here in Fort Collins. Owned by Peppe DeMarco, Highline Motors strives to deliver impeccable customer service alongside the highest quality pre-owned automobiles in northern Colorado. You’ll find just about every type of car on the lot, from high-end exotics and sports cars to luxury vehicles and family cars. Whether you’re looking for an SUV, a sedan, a coupe, a pickup, or an economy car, they have you covered. Step on the lot or browse their inventory online. Highline Motors offer dozens of brands — Audi, BMW, Ford, Honda, Infiniti, Jeep, Lexus, Mercedes, Nissan, Porsche, Toyota, Volvo, and more. If you have a favorite, they may very well have it!

Highline Motors 4321 South Mason St Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-206-9963 highlineweb.com

And Highline Motors isn’t just about delivering a top-notch car-buying experience. They have a full service facility with the capability to service all makes and models. So whether you’re in the market for a pre-owned car or your current vehicle needs some attention, Highline is ready to help.

MINT

Adapted frommynewroots.org

Ingredients

• • • •

3 pearl onions, diced 3 tablespoons olive oil 6 cups fresh or frozen peas

3/4 cup fresh mint, plus more for garnish

• • • •

1 tablespoon agave nectar

5 cups vegetable stock

Juice of 1 lemon

Salt to taste

Pistachios for garnish

Directions

1. Place pot on stove over medium heat. Add olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent. 2. Add peas and stock. Cook until peas are just tender and still bright green. Remove from stove and allow mixture to cool for 5 minutes. 3. Put the mixture in a blender. As you blend, add mint, agave, lemon juice, and salt.

4. Once blended, pour into a bowl, garnish with mint and pistachios, and serve! This soup can be served hot or chilled depending on the weather and your preference.

Enjoy!

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Inside

Run Around

8:30 a.m., and event parking is at the Holiday Twin Drive-In. Runner drop-off is just off Overland Trail on Dixon Canyon Road. For complete information, check out horsetooth-half.com. Earth Day Fort Collins

sustainablelivingassociation.org/events/earth- day-fort-collins-2018 for more information. Loveland Classic 5K& 10K Saturday, April 21 The Lakes at Centerra 2725 Rocky Mountain Ave Loveland, CO 80538 If the Horsetooth wasn’t enough, or if you’re looking for a challenge with less distance, this event is for you. In its 42nd year, the Loveland Classic is another area staple. The races are open to runners of all abilities. Whether you run or walk, you’re sure to enjoy local scenery, our community, and the company of other participants. Register and learn more about the event at lovelandclassic.com.

Saturday, April 21 Civic Center Park 225 LaPorte Ave. Fort Collins, CO 80521

Horsetooth Half Marathon Sunday, April 15 Holiday Twin Drive-In 2206 S. Overland Trail Rd Fort Collins, CO 80526 Now in its 45th year, the Horsetooth Half Marathon is back. Race from Hughes Stadium up along Horsetooth Reservoir, run along the Poudre River Trail, and finish at New Belgium Brewing. The half- marathon offers challenge and accessibility to first- timers and experienced runners alike. It kicks off at

Celebrate the Earth with a day of education, arts and crafts, live music, delicious local food, and a beer garden. Learn more about conservation and preservation, and leave inspired to add a little more green to our world. The event is free and open to the public, but they do ask attendees to bring a nonperishable item for the Food Bank for Larimer County. Visit

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