Eversole Law Firm - September 2019

Eversole Monthly

Remembering the Sacrifices of Our Brave First Responders

September 2019

First responders are America’s first line of defense during a dangerous situation. People who are involved with fire suppression, law enforcement, and emergency medical services (EMS) are all part of the first responders. Their goal is to not only help, support, and save lives but also to do their best to prevent anything worse from happening at the scene. These brave individuals risk everything to protect innocent people. In 2001, on Sept. 11, first responders rushed to one of the worst tragedies in U.S. history: the destruction of the Twin Towers. This was a devastating and unexpected event that impacted the lives of millions, with consequences even to this day. Many first responders who sifted through the rubble became seriously ill later in life due to spending hours breathing in the dust that permeated the air. This dust was filled with a combination of glass fibers, dioxins, asbestos, cement, and many other chemicals from the burning jet fuel. Years later, thousands of first responders have been diagnosed with a number of diseases, such as cancer. However, none of them ever thought about not going to the site to try and help the people who were caught up in this disaster. “I don't think anyone went there with the thought, ‘Don’t go there. You will get sick,’” Vito Oliva with the NYPD and a responder of 9/11 said during an interview with People. “It was the opposite; everyone was another helping hand, doing what they could.” In the years that followed 9/11, health programs began to appear to help first responders and their families, as their medical needs started to increase from the 9/11 illnesses. One program is the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, which provides compensation for any persons affected by the attacks. Over the years, these medical funds have required more financial support, as the number of people with

9/11-related sicknesses have increased. Many first responders have become advocates, fighting for extensions for the fund. They all want to ensure their families will be taken care of once they’re gone. Luis Alvarez worked as an NYPD bomb squad detective before he retired, and he was one of the tens of thousands of responders who came to the towers in 2001. Alvarez, who was diagnosed with 9/11-linked cancer, became a well-known spokesman for first responders who were also suffering from diseases. In June 2019, Alvarez passed away, but his legacy lives on. A post on Twitter from the House Judiciary Chairman Jerrold Nadler said that Alverez “dedicated his life to protecting others and advocating on behalf of those ailing after the attacks. It is time for Congress to honor his sacrifice.” Never Forget the Heroes Act is a bill that will extend the funds for the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund through 2092, significantly reducing the financial burdens of first responders and their families. Thankfully, the bill was passed and signed by the president at the end of July. This month, we remember the events that took place on 9/11 and the impact they made on our country, and we honor the people who sacrificed so much to help and protect strangers, loved ones, and friends.

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Just One More Bite

How the Clean Plate Phenomenon May Be Killing Your Diet

But all those “one more bites” add up. Researchers from Vanderbilt University conducted a study in which participants were served individual plates with any number of cookies piled on top. They were instructed to eat three cookies, and afterward, researchers asked each of them if they wanted more. Those who had only one or two cookies left on their plates were more likely to indulge in a fourth or fifth cookie, while those who had no cookies left or had too many cookies left said they were full. Despite what you think about your own diet, this isn’t a problem sequestered to certain parties. Studies have found that plates and portion sizes in the U.S. have increased by about 20% since the 1970s. The same psychology that propelled humans to eat just a little bit more to survive is now contributing to serious overeating and a staggering calorie intake. There are a few simple tricks you can use to break this habit. Use smaller plates or measure out your food portions so you can clean your plate without guilt. You can also get into the habit of leaving a few bites on your plate to retrain your brain that it’s okay to not finish your food. (You can use your leftover food for compost or save it for later!) With a little effort and intention, you can break free of the pressure to clean your plate.

As you celebrate your last backyard barbecue, consider this: If someone puts three

helpings of potato salad on your plate, would you feel pressured to finish it? According to nutrition experts, this pressure to finish your plate is making people indulge a little too much.

Dubbed the “clean plate phenomenon,” this overindulgence is troubling. Researchers have discovered that people feel pressured to clean their plates even when they feel satisfied or full. Even people who don’t fill their plates all the way often reach for that last piece or second helping because “one more bite won’t hurt.” Experts speculate that this compulsion could have stemmed from habits passed down from World War II, when rationing food was required for most, or from a fear of wasting food. Most people have, at some point, heard an adult say to a child, “Eat up; there are starving children in the world.”

Employee Spotlight Eversole Law is delighted to introduce a recent addition to our team: Madison Bauknight. For our September newsletter edition, we want to feature Madison, who’s been an Introducing Madison Bauknight

Madison has two bachelor’s degrees, one in criminal law and the other in sociology. However, she’s a little uncertain of where her path might lead. “I haven’t decided yet which I’m going to go into. I really like criminal law, but, at times, it can be emotionally taxing. I’m also thinking of pursuing real estate law because I like it so much. Working here is really helping me get a feel for it. But right now, I’m still undecided and getting the feel of things. Who knows; I may want to go the paralegal route before committing to law school.” Outside of the office, Madison enjoys spending as much time as she can outdoors. “I love fishing, especially deep-sea fishing. I’ve caught a couple big fish over the years; the most interesting catch was a shark.” In addition to fishing, Madison likes running, traveling, walking her dog, and spending time with her family and boyfriend. All of us at Eversole Law are excited to have Madison here with us, working to ensure our clients are well taken care of.

exceptional and hard-working part of our team since day one. Before joining our team in early July, Madison worked for a real estate agent, as

well as with another real estate law firm as a legal assistant. “I started to look for a new job, and a real estate agent I knew told me that Mrs. Alysoun might be looking to hire someone for her office. So, I decided to apply for the position, and here I am. I've really enjoyed my time at Eversole Law. Everyone is really nice and helpful, and there’s a very homey atmosphere here.” Working as a legal assistant is something Madison has always enjoyed. “I really like this type of work, and I love talking with people, which is a big part of what I do here.”

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Preparing for Hurricane Season Staying Safe When the Storm Hits

During a Hurricane With a storm raging outside, it is imperative you remain indoors. If you’re trapped inside a building, stay away from any glass windows and doors and get to the highest vantage point. Don’t attempt to cross floodwaters, even if they’re shallow. According to Ready.gov, it only takes 6 inches of fast-moving water to knock you over. What to Do Afterward Once the storm has passed, listen to authorities for instructions and important information. When cleaning up, it’s crucial to avoid wading in standing floodwater, to wear protective clothing, and to work in pairs. Use your phone wisely to save its battery and only make calls if it’s an emergency. Another Important Tip: Protect Your Electronic Devices Waterproofing all your electronic devices will keep them dry and running, so you can stay updated on hurricane information and in contact with your loved ones. Backing up your devices on the cloud will help secure any essential information you have, so you don’t lose it in case the device is damaged.

September marks the middle and most active time of the hurricane season, which is why it’s so important to do what you can to prepare. Readying yourself for an upcoming storm can not only ensure your safety but also reduce the amount of damage done to your home. Here are a few useful ways to prepare for this month.

Before a Hurricane Hits Having an evacuation plan in place can help you know exactly where you need to go and how to get there. Be sure to have emergency supplies that will last for three days, including flashlights, extra batteries, a portable radio, a first-aid kit, credit cards, and cash. Make sure vehicles are fueled and running properly to avoid getting stranded while out on the road. Taking steps to protect your home is also vital; use plywood panels to cover windows, install straps or clips that will secure the roof to the frame structure of the house, and clear out any blockage in the gutters and downspouts.

LEARNING

LEGALESE

Basil BerrySorbet

Principal & Surety A contractual relationship wherein one party, the surety, agrees to pay another party, a creditor, the principal’s (borrower’s) debt in the event the principal defaults on paying the loan given to the principal by the creditor.

Ingredients

Inspired by Good Housekeeping

• 1 cup sugar • 1 cup fresh basil leaves

• 6 cups frozen mixed berries • 3/4 cup fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. In a saucepan over high heat, combine sugar with 1 cup of water, stirring occasionally until sugar dissolves, creating a syrup-like consistency. 2. Remove syrup from heat, add basil, cover, and let stand for 15 minutes. Strain syrup into bowl and refrigerate until cold. 3. In a blender, combine syrup with frozen berries and lemon juice. Purée until smooth. 4. Transfer to a square baking pan, cover in plastic wrap, and freeze until set, about 2 hours. 5. Scoop and serve.

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Eversole Law Firm, P.C. 1509 King Street Beaufort, SC 29902 (843) 379-3333 www.eversolelaw.com

Disclaimer: The content of this publication has been prepared by Eversole Law Firm, P.C. for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with its readers and may not be used by you, the reader, as legal advice. You are encouraged to consult with us or another attorney about your circumstances to which the information in this document may apply.

What’s Inside 1. Remembering the Sacrifices of Our Brave First Responders 2. The Clean Plate Conundrum Employee Spotlight 3. Preparing for Hurricane Season Basil Berry Sorbet 4. Crazy Homes Not Built by Architects

The World’s Wackiest Homes Designed by Their Owners

resident Steve Rood was going for. The staircase looks like human vertebrae, skeletal hands act as towel hooks in the bathroom, and tendril-like fixtures surround the living room couch. Perhaps the most out-of-character addition to the house is a large mural of the bat symbol painted on the garage door, which is the origin of the property’s name. Hobbit House, Inverness-Shire, Scotland Surprisingly, Stuart Grant’s cozy forest cottage was not inspired by the hobbit holes of “Lord of the Rings.” In fact, Grant built it over 15 years before the first movie was released. Still, it’s hard not to imagine some magical creature taking up residence in this house, which appears to be an extension of the forest itself. Gnarled tree trunks frame a circular door, moss coats the roof, and ivy covers most of the walls, all belying a cozy interior fit for many a hobbit meal or dwarf song. These homes may not be for everyone, but that’s kind of the point. Each of these homes was built by a specific resident, for a specific resident. Still, you can’t help but be impressed by the determination of their owners to make something truly one of a kind.

It doesn’t always take a master architect to create a breathtaking home. Some homeowners have shunned suburban domiciles and, with a little artistic vision and a lot of determination, built homes that capture their identities. Quirky, meticulously constructed, and always unique, here are a few of the world’s wackiest homes designed, and sometimes built, by their owners. Freedom Cove, British Columbia, Canada When someone says they live on the water, they probably don’t mean they actually live on the water. But for artists Wayne Adams and Catherine King, the statement is literal. Freedom Cove, their remote, magenta-green island home, floats in Clayoquot Sound near Vancouver Island. They started building it from old,

interlocking steel docks in 1991, and now it includes 15 platforms, four greenhouses, a guest house, an art workshop, and more. Bat Casa, San Miguel, Mexico The best word to describe this home is probably “anatomical.” That’s certainly the aesthetic movie set designer and Bat Casa

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