Take a look at our February newsletter!
FEBRUARY 2024
BE SMART, GET RINEHARDT Rinehardt Law | RinehardtLawFirm.com | 419-LAW-2020
FEBRUARY: THE GATEWAY TO TOMORROW’S MEMORIES
In February, we often find ourselves nestled indoors, in front of the fireplace, shielded from the chilly embrace of winter. This quiet month, with its shortened days and frosty weather, offers a unique opportunity for introspection and forward thinking. For me, it’s a time when my mind wanders to the brighter, warmer months ahead, and I begin to lay the foundations for future joys and milestones. While the cold may keep us indoors, our spirits and plans are anything but confined. February can become a canvas for the imagination. It’s when I start browsing online for summer vacation destinations, picturing myself basking in the sun or exploring new cities. John, meanwhile, browses the internet for fishing videos. Some of you might find yourself at an indoor boating and hunting expo, not just dreaming about outdoor adventures but actively planning them. This month also sets the stage for planning meaningful gatherings. Be it organizing a family reunion, envisioning a perfect wedding, or preparing for a graduation ceremony in the spring, the quiet of February allows us to think through these events with care and creativity. We’re not just planning events; we’re crafting future memories we’ll cherish for years to come. For many, this is also a time to envision transformations closer to home. Perhaps it’s planning a long-awaited home renovation or redecorating a room. These aren’t just tasks; they’re projects filled with potential, turning our homes into more comfortable, beautiful, and efficient spaces. While we might not be actively executing all our plans, the act of planning itself is a powerful process. It turns our hopes and dreams into achievable goals. Every plan, whether it’s for a trip, a
Hillary takes a break to browse for best beach vacations.
celebration, or a home improvement project, is a step toward a future rich with fulfillment and joy.
As we navigate February, let’s cherish this time of planning. The plans we make today are the seeds of tomorrow’s happiness. They remind us that every season, even the coldest and quietest, holds the promise of growth and excitement. So, let’s use this month not just to dream, but to lay the groundwork for the beautiful moments and achievements that await us. As the saying goes, “Every great journey begins with a single step.” Let’s take that step today, planning for a tomorrow filled with joy and accomplishment.
– Hillary Rinehardt
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A CRAFT FOR YOUR VALENTINE UNIQUE DIY VALENTINE’S GIFTS TO CHERISH
Valentine’s Day is not just about the grand gestures; the little things count, too.
frame, then insert a favorite photo of you and your loved one. Customized Candle Holders Transform ordinary glass candle holders into something special. Use paint, glitter, or etching to add a romantic touch. Place a scented candle inside, and you’ve got a perfect mood-setter for a romantic dinner at home. Love-Themed Garden Stones For those who love gardening, creating love- themed garden stones is a great idea. Paint rocks or stepping stones with heartwarming messages or designs. These can be placed in your garden as a reminder of your affection. Homemade Bath Bombs Mix a batch of bath bombs using simple ingredients like baking soda, citric acid, and essential oils. Choose scents and colors that
your partner loves. It’s a great way to add a bit of luxury to your partner’s relaxation time. Knitted or Crocheted Items If you’re skilled with knitting needles or a crochet hook, you can make a cozy scarf, hat, or even a small plush heart. These handmade items carry the warmth of your love. Heart-Shaped Baked Goods Nothing beats the smell of freshly baked goods. Whip up a batch of heart-shaped cookies or a cake decorated with your partner’s favorite colors. Crafting a Valentine’s Day gift is an intimate and enjoyable journey. It’s about embedding a piece of your heart into something tangible. This Valentine’s Day, let your love take a creative form and watch as these crafts bring a smile to your loved one’s face.
Nothing speaks louder than a handmade token of love in a world brimming with store-bought gifts. This year, dive into DIY and create gifts from the heart. Here are seven DIY Valentine’s Day crafts you can make from home. Personalized Love Jars Gather some Mason Jars and fill them with notes of appreciation, favorite memories, or future date ideas. Decorate the jars with ribbons, stickers, or paint to personalize them. Every note is a reminder of the special moments you share. Handcrafted Photo Frame Nothing says “I cherish our memories” like a handmade photo frame. Use materials like beads, seashells, and glitter to create a unique
Inspiration Corner: Nancy Wooden A VOICE FOR CHANGE IN THE FACE OF TRAGEDY
In the heart of Mansfield, Nancy Wooden stands as a beacon of resilience and advocacy. Her story is one of profound loss, unwavering strength, and a commitment to ensuring the safety of her community. This is the story of how personal tragedy has transformed into a public crusade for change.
of the community fabric, faithfully paying her city taxes and contributing to the town’s growth. However, when she learned about the dire state of Mansfield’s water mains, Nancy knew she had to act. The upcoming water main initiative on the ballot, proposing an income tax increase to repair 321 miles of deteriorating water mains, struck a chord with her. Nancy reflects, “Now, I think every day about people in Mansfield who live in front of bad fire hydrants.” She emphasizes the paradox of having abundant clean water that is rendered inaccessible due to aging, inadequate, and corroded water lines. This not only endangers the drinking water but also poses a significant risk to the community as firefighters gamble with malfunctioning hydrants in emergencies. Nancy’s voice has become a powerful instrument in rallying the community to recognize and address this critical issue. Her experience, though heart-wrenching, serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by neglected infrastructure. This is not just about water lines; it’s about protecting our homes, our memories, and most importantly, our lives.
In 2021, Nancy faced an unimaginable tragedy when her daughter, Yoko Scott, and grandson, Truely Harris, perished in a house fire in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The firefighters fought valiantly against the flames, but they were not able to get water on the fire quickly enough. This incident not only claimed lives but also left Nancy with the responsibility of caring for her two surviving grandchildren, who miss their mother and brother every day.
Yoko Scott and Truely Harris, Nancy’s late daughter and grandson
Living in Mansfield for over 40 years, Nancy has always been a part
As Mansfield prepares to vote on the water main initiative on March 19, 2024, we urge you to get out and vote!
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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: HOW TO GIVE BACK THIS YEAR
Participating in Local Events Keep an eye out for local events that focus on community betterment. This could include charity runs, community fairs, or educational workshops. Participating and supporting these events can help foster a sense of community and collective responsibility. There are some great websites like ExperienceColumbus.com/events and DestinationMansfield.com/visitor-events where you can find local events. Organizing Community Initiatives You can also take the lead in organizing community initiatives. This could involve
This has been the Rinehardt’s favorite soup this winter. It’s a cozy bowl of winter goodness that’s healthy, too. It’s relatively quick and easy to make (for a soup) and so yummy. Italian Wedding Soup With Lemon and Garlic Volunteering Opportunities Look for local charities or organizations that resonate with your values and see if they need volunteers. It could be anything from helping at a homeless shelter, participating in environmental cleanups, or assisting at an animal rescue center. Volunteering your time and skills can make a significant difference in the lives of others and the health of your community. Our staff has a goal for 2024 to volunteer at the Richland County Dog Shelter each week walking and playing with the dogs. As February arrives, it brings the chill of winter and an opportunity for us at Rinehardt Injury Attorneys to plan our commitment to community service. When we gather for lunch in February, we often spend time discussing and planning our annual community initiatives for the coming year. It’s a good time for us to think about how we can make a positive impact in our community. Here are some ways you can give back, whether through volunteering, pro bono work, or participating in local events.
Legal Assistant Savannah volunteering at the animal shelter
Mentoring and Education Consider offering your skills and knowledge as a mentor. This could be through local schools, youth clubs, or even professional mentoring programs. Sharing your expertise can help guide someone else on their path to success. We frequently partner with Mid-Ohio Youth Mentoring in August to make sure kids in the program are able to start school with necessary school supplies. The program needs mentors! If you are interested in volunteering, go to MidOhioYouthMentoring.com/contact .
setting up a blood drive, planning a neighborhood cleanup, or starting a
community garden. Initiatives like these not only improve your community but also bring people together for a common cause. Some of our annual initiatives for the upcoming year are Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, Child Passenger Safety Awareness Week, and putting turkeys on tables at our annual ThanksGIVEaway event.
DIRECTIONS
1. To make the meatballs, combine chicken, egg, Parmesan, parsley, oregano, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Coat your hands with a bit of olive oil and roll the meat into small, 1-inch round meatballs, placing them on a baking sheet as you work. 2. In a large pot over medium heat, add olive oil. When the oil shimmers, add onion and smashed garlic cloves and cook 5 minutes, until golden. Add the carrots, celery, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook another 5 minutes. Add the broth, reserved Parmesan rind, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the meatballs. Simmer over medium heat for 15–20 minutes, until the meatballs are cooked through. 3. Stir in the spinach and lemon juice, cooking another 5 minutes. Remove the Parmesan rind. Taste and season with salt and pepper. 4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions, until al dente. Drain. 5. Divide the pasta among bowls and pour the soup over top. Top each bowl with extra Parmesan, if desired.
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/4 lbs ground turkey or chicken • 1 large egg • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus the Parmesan rind • 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley (or 2 tbsp dried parsley) • 2 tsp dried oregano • 2 tsp smoked paprika • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil • 1 yellow onion, diced
• 8–12 large cloves of garlic, smashed • 6 carrots, diced
• 4 celery stalks, diced • 8–10 cups low-sodium chicken broth • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes • 6 cups fresh baby spinach • Juice of 2 lemons • 1–2 cups dry acini de pepe or orzo pasta (use more for leftovers)
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INSIDE THIS EDITION
1 The First Steps to Bigger Adventures 2 Heartfelt DIY Crafts for Your Valentine! Inspiration Corner: Nancy Wooden 3 Community Engagement: How to Give Back This Year Italian Wedding Soup With Lemon and Garlic 4 Today’s Virtual Tour — Tomorrow’s Real-Life Adventure
Creating Your Virtual Travel Itinerary
works like the “Mona Lisa” and the Venus de Milo up close.
February often keeps us snuggled up indoors, dreaming of distant lands and adventures. While physical travel might be limited, the world of virtual travel offers boundless opportunities to explore from the comfort of your home. Virtual travel can not only satiate your wanderlust but can also help you create an exciting bucket list for future travels! The Magic of Virtual Tours Virtual tours have revolutionized the way we experience the world. Museums, historical sites, and even entire cities are now just a click away. These tours offer high-definition, 360-degree views, and interactive elements, making you feel like you’re truly there. From the ancient ruins of Rome to the bustling streets of Tokyo, virtual tours can transport you across continents in seconds. Exploring the World From Your Living Room VIRTUAL TRAVEL EXPERIENCES
Choose Your Destinations: Start by listing places you’ve always wanted to visit. Whether it’s the pyramids of Egypt, the serene beaches of the Maldives, or the majestic mountains of the Himalayas, there’s likely a virtual tour available. Find Quality Virtual Tours: Many official tourism websites, museums, and cultural sites offer free virtual tours. Platforms like Google Arts & Culture partner with thousands of institutions to bring you high- quality experiences. Set the Scene: To enhance your virtual travel experience, create the right atmosphere. Play traditional music from the region you’re visiting, prepare a dish from that culture, or light a candle with a scent that reminds you of that place. Virtual Experiences to Spark Your Wanderlust The Louvre, Paris: Marvel at the artistic wonders of the Louvre without the crowds. Their virtual tour allows you to see famous
The Great Wall of China: Walk the Great Wall without the hike. Explore various sections of this ancient marvel and learn about its history. Yosemite National Park, USA: Experience the natural beauty of Yosemite with virtual hikes and panoramic views of its iconic landmarks. (John and Hillary’s favorite vacation place!) The Colosseum, Rome: Step back in time and explore the grandeur of the Roman Empire with a virtual tour of the Colosseum. Plan Your Future Adventures As you embark on these virtual journeys, keep notes on what intrigues you about each destination. This can help you form a tangible bucket list for future travels. Maybe you’ll be inspired to learn a new language, try a cooking class in Italy, or hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.
Turn today’s virtual explorations into tomorrow’s real-life adventures!
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