DiBartolomeo Law Office - November 2019

DiBartolomeo Law Office - November 2019

Makin’ It Better NEWSLETTER

November 2019

Oregon Workers’ Compensation | Personal Injury | Social Security Disability

1139 Exchange St., Astoria, OR 97103 • 503-325-8600 • JoeDiBartolomeo.com

WELCOME THE UNCONVENTIONAL THANKSGIVING

3 Ideas for Mixing Up the Traditional Turkey Day

FRIENDSGIVING This gathering of friends rather than family has been a Thanksgiving option for decades, but in the last few years, rising popularity has given it a name: Friendsgiving. Some people think that the moniker dates back to a 2007 episode of the TV show “Friends,” while others credit Twitter users or a 2011 Bailey’s Irish Cream marketing campaign. Whatever its origins, The Atlantic says the informal, potluck- style meal gained real traction with 20- and 30-somethings in 2014 and has only gotten more popular since. Friendsgiving is a great option if you’re living far from home, don’t get along well with your family, or simply want to avoid the pressure holidays bring. For the best of both worlds, try adding a Friendsgiving to your Thanksgiving routine, either on the weekend before or the weekend after Turkey Day. DESTINATION THANKSGIVING Here’s a new way to solve the “Whose house should we eat at?” debate: Skip the houses altogether and jet off to a hotel room instead. The destination Thanksgiving is a great way to take advantage of days off work, and they can bring families together on neutral territory. If you’re bringing the full crew, rent an Airbnb for everyone and have fun experimenting with Thanksgiving recipes that fit your new surroundings. If you go tropical, for example, MyRecipes.com offers an entire menu for “Thanksgiving at the Beach.” Alternately, turning Thanksgiving

Some people love Thanksgiving just the way it is, but others feel the annual traditions that come with it are stifling. If you’re dreading the inevitable conversation about whose house to go to, which side dishes to cook, and who to invite to the table, why not mix things up for 2019? Just because Thanksgiving falls on the same fourth Thursday each November doesn’t mean you’re locked into the same holiday routine. If you’re stuck in a Turkey Day rut, try one of these alternate celebrations and enjoy the spirit of gratitude in a new way. ‘JUST US’ THANKSGIVING TV shows love to draw up stories about devastated characters forced to spend Thanksgiving without their extended families, but really, what’s so bad about making Thanksgiving an intimate affair? Big, boisterous Thanksgivings with every uncle, cousin, and stepsister certainly have their downsides. Slaving over the stove is stressful, and bringing people from so many different walks of life together can cause heated arguments. Why not skip the drama this Thanksgiving and enjoy a romantic dinner with your significant other or a cozy meal with your spouse and kids? You can cook together at home or grab a table at a restaurant with a Turkey Day special to leave the stress of cooking behind entirely. In the end, you may be even more grateful for those you hold dear.

into a family trip with your spouse and kids is a great way to completely avoid political discussions and best-pumpkin-pie debates. If anyone calls to ask where you are, just explain that you planned your trip months ago — then take another sip of your piña colada and show your kids how to make a turkey-shaped sandcastle.

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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GET READY FOR GOOD NUTRITION IN NOVEMBER! 3 Tips to Get Your Picky Eaters to Eat the Veggies Their Bodies Need

It might seem strange that November — when millions of Americans gather around the dinner table to show gratitude through lavish Thanksgiving feasts — has recently been dubbed Good Nutrition Month. But it’s true; now is the time to pay extra attention to the nutrients your body needs to maintain its healthy state through the new year. While mindful eating is a habit families know they should practice year-round, once the holiday season kicks into full gear, it becomes much easier to overlook. With colder weather keeping you inside, the cravings for heartier meals and delicious baked goods leave parents struggling to encourage their picky eaters to consume anything nutritious. If you’re finding it more difficult than usual to convince your child to eat their greens, here are some tips to keep in mind! 1. LET THEM HELP. If your child has grown out of the toddler stage and is still resistant to eating their

vegetables, child psychologists say you should have them help with the cooking process. The excitement and anticipation that comes with getting to prepare the vegetables can encourage kids to try a couple bites during dinnertime. 2. CHEESE IT UP! Cheese can undoubtedly make veggies more appealing for your little ones. When making their favorite mac ‘n’ cheese dish, consider adding broccoli and peas to the sauce. The cheese will mask most of the veggie flavor, and your kids won’t care as much! Another option for really picky eaters is to purée vegetables, like sweet potatoes, into the cheese sauce. The bright orange color will mask the inclusion, ensuring your little one gets a good share of fiber-rich nutrients while being none the wiser. 3. GET ‘BEEFY’ WITH YOUR VEGGIES. If your kids are fans of meat-based pasta sauces, meatballs, or sloppy Joes, you

can substitute some of the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms. Since the meaty texture of the tasty fungi is similar to ground beef, it’ll be hard for kids to notice the difference. Riced cauliflower can also be mistaken for tender ground beef when cooked in darker sauces and gravies. While it can be frustrating to negotiate with a picky eater, especially during the holidays, don’t lose hope. Try out these three tasty tips and observe Good Nutrition Month with a little more ease.

SSDI AND THE HOLIDAYS

What You Need to Know

The holidays can be stressful for anyone, but, when you depend on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for assistance, the season of giving raises plenty of extra concerns. From shopping for loved ones to seasonal work, you may have many questions about your benefits and what you can spend them on. So, we’ve compiled a list of answers to help you find a little more comfort and joy this year. CAN I SPEND MY BENEFITS ON GIFTS? Obviously, you want to ensure your basic needs are met before getting presents for loved ones, but there’s nothing wrong with spreading a little holiday cheer. The only items you can’t spend your SSDI benefits on are illicit goods, so spending some of the aid you receive on those you care about is completely acceptable. Of course, you’ll want to budget your spending around when you receive your benefits, which will take a fair amount of planning. WHEN DO MY BENEFITS COME? Between gifts and travel expenses, this time of year it’s especially important to know the date you can expect your

benefits to come through. The day your SSDI payments come through are dependent on your date of birth:

• Those born on 1–10: second Wednesday of the month • 11–20: third Wednesday of the month • 21–31: fourth Wednesday of the month With Christmas Day landing on the fourth Wednesday of December this year, those with birthdays between the 21–31 should pay close attention to their budgeting for the season. WILL SEASONAL WORK CUT MY BENEFITS? If you plan on engaging in seasonal work to earn a little extra money for the holidays, be aware that doing so could affect your eligibility for SSDI. You have a limited amount of money you can earn per month, known as your Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. Earning above this limit ($2,040 for blind individuals and $1,220 for non-blind individuals in 2019) can result in a reduction or complete loss of your benefits. Returning to work can be a great thing, but, if it means risking your support from SSDI, it may be prudent to wait for a year-round opportunity.

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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‘Tis the season of giving, and by extension, the season of the holiday crunch. Many businesses kick themselves into overdrive this time of year to meet the increased demand and turn to “temps,” or temporary workers, to keep up. If you’re one of these seasonal employees, you know how confusing it can be dealing with your temp agency and the employer they assigned you to. But, when you get injured on the job, it can be even harder to know what to do. A COMMON OCCURRENCE The holidays are already a perfect recipe for workplace injuries. Tight deadlines, shorter daylight hours, ice and snow — a lot can go wrong. But temporary workers, who may not receive all the proper safety training for their position, are at a heightened risk. Worse still, an injury that renders you unable to work can be devastating if you were counting on the seasonal job to make ends meet. YOU HAVE RIGHTS As a temporary worker, you have the same right to a safe workplace as any

other employee. This includes the right to file for compensation when you are hurt by workplace hazards, including those stemming from a lack of appropriate training or equipment for your job. Your ability to file a claim is not tied to how long you have held your position, temporary or otherwise. WHERE TO TURN? The first question that arises when a temporary worker is hurt on the job is: Where do you turn for help? The temp agency or the employer? The

answer can vary depending on the nature of your injury. For example, if your contract states the temp agency was responsible for providing you with safety equipment and failed to do so, they may be the liable party despite your injury happening off their premises. Both companies may try to take advantage of these complex cases to deny liability outright, but consulting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney provides the knowledge you need to stand up for your rights.

BURNISHED POTATO NUGGETS

Inspired by Bon Appétit

Ingredients

• 5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces • 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

• 8 cloves garlic, crushed • 2 sprigs rosemary • Kosher salt, to taste

Directions

1. Heat oven to 425 F. 2. In a large pot, pour water over potatoes to cover by 2 inches. Salt water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes. 3. Thoroughly drain potatoes and let stand for 10 minutes. Toss gently and season with salt. 4. Meanwhile, combine both oils in a large pan and heat in oven for 10 minutes. 5. Remove pan from oven and add potatoes, turning to coat thoroughly. Return to oven and cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10. 6. Toss in garlic and rosemary and finish cooking for 8–10 minutes. 7. Drain and serve.

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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503-325-8600 JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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1139 Exchange St. Astoria, OR 97103

What’s Inside

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Thanksgiving 2.0

Trick Your Picky Eaters

Will the Holidays Affect Your SSDI Benefits?

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Temporary Workers Have Rights — Know Them

Burnished Potato Nuggets

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The Gift of Giving

CELEBRATING GIVING TUESDAY SUPPORTING THE PEOPLE YOU BELIEVE IN

TECHNOLOGY AT ITS BEST Through the use of social media and technology, the

November is usually all about Thanksgiving, but it isn’t the only holiday that encourages generosity. Giving Tuesday is a phenomenal celebration in which millions of people from across the globe are inspired to spend 24 hours giving back to the communities they love. ORIGIN AND GOAL Giving Tuesday is celebrated every year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving, and this year, the holiday lands on Dec. 3! It was established in 2012 by the United Nations Foundation and New York’s 92nd Street Y as a response to consumer-driven holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The purpose of the holiday was to spread the spirit of giving, not only for the people in our nation but individuals across the world. The goal is “to create a massive wave of generosity that lasts well beyond that day and touches every person on the planet.”

organization hopes to encourage and spread generosity on a global scale using the hashtag #GivingTuesday. The website states that “... technology and social media could be used to make generosity go viral; that people fundamentally want to give and talk about giving.” Through massive social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter, the individuals and companies participating in Giving Tuesday can spread their missions and messages all over the world, encouraging others to do the same. HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE Now is the perfect opportunity to support your community and the causes you believe in. The best part of this holiday is that “giving” doesn’t just refer to donating money. People can give back by volunteering their time to help a nonprofit business, donating goods and food, or just buying a stranger some lunch. Even the smallest actions can have the biggest impact. If you’re interested in participating in Giving Tuesday, get together with your friends, family, sports team members, or neighbors to brainstorm on how you can give back. To learn more about how you can participate, visit GivingTuesday.org .

The Di Bartolomeo Law Office, P.C. 1139 Exchange Street | Astoria, Oregon | 503-325-8600 | www.JoeDiBartolomeo.com

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