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THE SLG ADVISOR
FEB 2024
Can You Teach an Old Dog New Tricks (Language)? EMBARKING ON MY SPANISH-LEARNING JOURNEY
¡Siéntate!
As I sit down to write this, I can’t help but chuckle at the irony of the situation. You see, tonight marks a momentous occasion — I’ve decided to take Spanish lessons. Don’t get me wrong, I can speak and understand some Spanish, but a full- blown conversation is tough for me to handle — I’m ready to do better! Over the years, Spada Law has grown, and with that growth, our client base has evolved to mirror the rich and varied culture of Chelsea, Massachusetts. Growing up in this community, I witnessed its transformation — from a large Italian population when my grandparents first immigrated to the current influx of Hispanic culture. In many of our clients, I often see reflections of my grandparents, uncles, and family members, and I relish the opportunity to serve them. At Spada Law, we understand the significance of connecting with our diverse community. Our clients have varied backgrounds, and we recognize the importance of being relatable and welcoming to everyone. It’s about ensuring every client feels at home regardless of their cultural background. We hold client relationships in high regard, treating every client as an extension of our family. Our team is blended and well- rounded, and every person possesses the linguistic and cultural competencies to effectively communicate and relate to the community we serve.
I confess that I probably should have embarked on my Spanish- learning journey years ago. I’ll blame it on the business of life: raising kids, shuttling them to Little League games, juggling work responsibilities, and all the delightful chaos that comes with family life. Back then, I did the next best thing: I hired bilingual team members to ensure inclusivity and effective client service. But, as they say, better late than never, right? So, here I am, ready to tackle the Spanish language’s verbs, conjugations, pronunciations, and vocabulary. My first lesson is tonight, and I’m excited. I’m committed, and I’m going to let each of you hold me accountable. In a few months, once I’ve accumulated a fair number of lessons under my belt, I promise to record a quick clip of me attempting to introduce an article in Spanish. A QR code will accompany it, so you can witness my linguistic progress (or hilarious mishaps) and maybe get a few good laughs in. So, here’s to embracing new challenges, stepping out of comfort zones, and of course, making you all my accountability partners. Ultimately, I’m out to better myself and continue to build a firm that best supports all of our clients! Adios for now, and wish me luck on this exciting journey. ¡Vamos!
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FACILITATING A BOOK CLUB ON LEADERSHIP NAVIGATING NEW CHAPTERS I’ve set out on something a little out of my wheelhouse — I’ve not only joined a book club, but I’m facilitating it! Let me explain. I love reading. Right in the heart of Newburyport is an amazing independent bookstore, Illume — it’s perfect for nerds like me. The owner, Jen, takes a special interest in ensuring that the store is eloquently laid out, and she hand-selects and curates every book selection. I always enjoy visiting, plopping on the couch with coffee in hand, and getting lost in a good book. It’s tough to escape without a bag of new reads! During one of my recent visits, Jen reeled me in and asked if I’d like to join a book club. I ended up agreeing to participate, and I’m also facilitating it! Fortunately, we found a group of individuals who were willing to join and embark on a journey of Lessons in Leadership, the theme of my new book club. I believe that a leader is something everyone should aspire to become. Far too many of us have a preconceived notion of what a leader should look and act like when, in reality, we all can and should strive to be leaders. With the motivation of historical figures who are considered great leaders and the study of the many leadership qualities,
WINTER’S
PREPARING FOR NEW EN It’s February! While the winter months have been relatively mild so far, seasoned New Englanders know all too well that in this region, the weather can shift dramatically in a heartbeat. We are likely to get hammered with snow in February, March, and possibly through April. Over the next few months, preparing for the worst while hoping for the best becomes the mantra. Especially when navigating the unpredictable terrain of winter driving, a few crucial tips can make all the difference in staying safe and secure on the roads. Invest in winter tires. Winter tires aren’t just a luxury but a necessity in New England. Their enhanced traction on snow and ice can be a game-changer, providing better grip and maneuverability and reducing the risk of skidding or slipping. Snow removal is key. Clearing snow from your vehicle isn’t just about abiding by the law; it’s about ensuring safety. Neglecting to clear snow from your car or truck poses hazards to you and other drivers. Snow piled on the roof or obstructing windows can suddenly dislodge, becoming a hazard to those behind you.
I hope to prove to each member that we can all become great leaders regardless of our lives and personalities. The first book we set out to read is “Lincoln on Leadership” by Donald T. Phillips. Have any of you read it? I’ll be sure to check back in and share my thoughts! Here’s to another great new journey and experience, along with my Spanish endeavor!
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S WAKE UP CALL
NGLAND’S SNOWY AND ICY ROADS Maintain a safe following distance. Keeping a safe distance behind other vehicles becomes even more critical during winter. Icy roads mean longer braking distances. Maintaining a safe speed and distance gives you ample reaction time and reduces the risk of collisions. Check your wipers. Clear visibility is paramount during winter driving. Ensure your wipers are in top condition, free of cracks or tears, and have enough flexibility to effectively clear away snow, sleet, or rain. Ensure adequate vehicle maintenance. From checking coolant levels to inspecting brakes and ensuring all lights are functioning, regular maintenance is crucial. Adequate coolant prevents your engine from freezing, ensuring your vehicle runs smoothly even in the coldest conditions.
INGREDIENTS • 3 boneless chicken breasts • 1 tsp salt and pepper • 1 tbsp olive oil • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 cup chicken broth • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 3/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes • 1 tsp dried oregano • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes DIRECTIONS 1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet over high heat, add olive oil and allow it to heat up. Then add chicken. 2. Let cook for 6 minutes or until golden brown. Repeat on the other side. Remove cooked chicken to a plate and set aside. 3. Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic, broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir sauce for 1 minute. 4. Add sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, and red pepper flakes to the mixture. 5. Bring sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Add chicken back to the skillet, coating each side. Cook until chicken reaches 165 F. MARRY ME CHICKEN Inspired by HealthyLittlePeach.com
Armed with the right precautions, residents can navigate these treacherous months with greater safety and confidence. After all, preparedness is the ultimate key to weathering the storm, both literally and metaphorically, on the icy roads of New England! Drive safely! For more information on the importance of clearing snow and ice off your vehicle and the potential consequences for neglecting to, scan the QR code!
“Choosing Spada Law Group to represent me when I had a car accident was the right decision. After some research and calling around, I decided they were the right fit. My first call was with Len, who made me feel so comfortable with my decision to move forward because of my injury. I then worked with Robyn, who made everything quick, painless, and zero work from myself but to get better. Couldn’t recommend them enough! Thank you!” —Kayla LeeAnn
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617.889.5000 | SPADALAWGROUP.COM
111 Everett Ave., #1F Chelsea, MA 02150 INSIDE I’m Determined to Learn Spanish
A Novel Leadership Venture
5 Essential Winter Driving Tips
Testimonial
Marry Me Chicken
Our Ancestors Were Weird!
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Unlock History’s Strangest Secrets
History is more than just a chronicle of battles and treaties; it’s a rich tapestry woven with odd and almost unbelievable events that can mystify us now. A dive into the quirky corners of the past can reveal historical anomalies, including ancient beverages and victories from beyond the grave. Besides entertaining us, our history shows our ancestors as multifaceted, creative, and peculiar as we are today. The First Beer In ancient Sumeria, people were not just trailblazers in writing and architecture but also avid brewers. Archaeologists unearthed a 5,000-year-old Sumerian tablet depicting individuals consuming a beer-like substance through reed straws from a shared bowl. This ancient concoction, possibly the earliest
known beer recipe, underscores the longstanding human passion for alcohol and communal gatherings. Racing to the Grave One of the most astonishing stories in sports history involves jockey Frank Hayes. In a 1923 horse race at Belmont Park, New York, Hayes achieved victory from beyond the grave. Suffering a fatal heart attack mid-race, he miraculously remained in the saddle, and his horse, Sweet Kiss, crossed the finish line in first place. This extraordinary event remains the sole known instance in sports where a participant posthumously claimed the gold medal. A Smoking Monkey Looking to the East, North Korea’s Pyongyang Zoo featured another oddity
in 2016: Azalea, a smoking chimpanzee. Trained to ignite and puff on cigarettes, this chimpanzee was a peculiar draw for visitors. In sparking controversy over animal rights, Azalea illustrates the bizarre and often questionable ways humans have historically interacted with animals. These stories demonstrate that the annals of history are not just repositories of conventional wisdom and significant events but also a collection of the bizarre, the unusual, and the extraordinary. These peculiar tales help us gain a more nuanced and colorful understanding of our collective past, shedding light on the complexity and eccentricity of our history.
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