Holland & Usry July 2018

After the Final Pitch A TRUE EXAMPLE OF SPORTSMANSHIP

When you hear about a hitter rushing the mound or a pitcher rushing the batter’s box, you expect it to end in a fracas. I saw a video the other day where this trend was turned on its head. When somebody sent it to me, I didn’t know what to expect. After watching it, I walked away inspired. The video covers the final at-bat of a Minnesota high school baseball game between Mounds View and Totino-Grace. The game was a section championship to decide which team would advance in the state baseball tournament. Mounds View pitcher Ty Koehn worked a shutout through the entire game. The last batter he faced was his childhood friend, Jack Kocon. Koehn struck out Kocon, sealing the victory for Mounds View. But it’s what happened after that final swing and miss that made the video a viral sensation. Instead of jubilantly celebrating the vanquishment of his opponents, Koehn made a beeline for the batter’s box. As the Mounds View players stormed the field to embrace each other, Koehn decided to embrace his friend. “I knew the game was going to keep going, or it was going to end right there,” Koehn said. “I knew I had to say something. Our friendship is more important than just the silly outcome of a game. I had to make sure he knew that before we celebrated.” Can you believe that? What a display of sportsmanship. In our increasingly divided and fractious times, the video serves as a reminder that what we have in common is much more powerful than what divides us. No matter which team you play for, no matter what your worldview is, we all appreciate a little kindness. Koehn understood that the battle between teams was less important than his connection to his buddy. Talk about a young man who is mature beyond his years!

In fact, Koehn’s behavior reminds me of the words from the Declaration of Independence that are now known as the American creed. Those words, written by Thomas Jefferson, read as follows: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. No matter where we come from, what we believe in, or who we voted for, as Americans, we remain committed to the principle that we are still equal. Having the ability to show humility in victory and grace in defeat shows that there are values more important than competition. Camaraderie and compassion go a long way in life. Sports, at their best, are a chance for grand human qualities to be displayed on a large scale. Usually, those qualities include perseverance, determination, and selflessness. After the final whistle, we often see a mix of despair and elation. But to see a moment of pure, unbridled kindness between two friends on opposite teams was a breath of fresh air. As you celebrate the Fourth of July this year, remember we are all cut from the same cloth. Being generous to your friends, relatives, neighbors, and even the random stranger on the street shouldn’t be considered exceptional behavior. Let’s work to make it the norm. –Rob Usry

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Koehn understood that the battle between teams was less important than his connection to his buddy. Talk about a young man who is mature beyond his years!

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LEARNING THAT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE SCHOOL MENTALLY STIMULATING ACTIVITIES FOR SUMMER

is simple: 1 part dish soap (Dawn or Joy work best) to 10 parts water. Optionally, you can also include 1/4 part glycerin. The process of making the solution will teach ratios, and finding creative ways to blow bubbles fosters problem-solving skills and creative thinking.

FOR TEENAGERS: FAMILY DINNER PARTY

Cooking teaches so many important skills: math, science, nutrition, concentration, cultural understanding, following directions, creativity, time management, and more. Even better, it doesn’t feel like learning; it feels like fun. Encourage your older children to take the reins for preparing regular meals throughout the summer. You can pick guiding themes, like “a trip to Mexico” or “pasta party,” but let them choose the recipes and prep the meals on their own.

FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY: AN EDUCATIONAL FIELD TRIP

Every summer, parents across the country have to deal with the same delicate problem. They want to make sure their kids continue to learn without feeling like they’re being assigned tasks. After all, summer homework is every child’s worst nightmare. Luckily, you don’t have to rely on math problems and book reports to keep your child’s development from taking a two-month vacation. Here are a few mentally stimulating activities that are as educational as they are fun.

Field trips always inspire excitement in students, and you’ll find the same goes for your family members. You can tailor your destination to the interests of your kids for maximum engagement. If you have a family of art lovers, head to a museum for some inspiration and discussion. Kids who prefer the outdoors will enjoy a nature walk or hike. You can bring along a field guide to identify flora and fauna. These trips may not pack the thrill of a water park, but they’re fun in an entirely different way.

FOR LITTLE ONES: HOMEMADE BUBBLES

Bubbles fascinate young children, so why not spend a day making your own solution and experimenting by blowing different types of bubbles? The formula

Testimonials SEE WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT US

“Rob Usry was recommended to me by a friend after I was in a work-related accident. He and his staff made the process of dealing with workman’s comp easy and painless. All of the tedious, time- consuming work was dealt with efficiently, enabling me to get back to my life. The whole thing went much faster than I anticipated, and I ended up with a much larger settlement than I ever expected. If I am ever in need of legal representation again, he will be the first and only call I make.”

Mr. Usry was very pleasant to work with when my circumstances were not the best. I believe he is trustworthy and honest in his dealings and kind and compassionate to those he interacts with. He even understood my having to adjust my appointment due to the loss of my mother-in-law. I appreciate his integrity and knowledge.”

–Sarah P., Simpsonville workers’ comp client

“After having a work-related injury, Mr. Usry acted in a very knowledgeable manner to help me. I felt that my health was valued by him and that he would do everything legally possible to help me.

–Sheila R., Gaffney workers’ comp client

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The First 6 Steps OF OUR WORKERS’ COMP PROCESS

Last month, we discussed what you can do to protect your rights if you’re injured at work. To continue with that theme, we wanted to provide you with the steps we take when pursuing a workers’ comp claim for our clients.

compelling manner is key to maximizing your settlement. We want to know, in as much detail as possible, how your injury is affecting your life.

STEP 4: EVALUATE AND DISCUSS A SETTLEMENT

STEP 1: INVESTIGATE THE FACTS

Once the evidence is gathered, we provide a realistic settlement evaluation. We’ll work together to set a goal and go for it.

We begin by gaining a thorough understanding of what happened through speaking with you. From there, we’ll get a copy of the official comp commission file. If your case involves a car crash, we may also obtain a police report and any photos of the accident.

STEP 5: SEND A DEMAND LETTER TO INSURERS

We’ll contact your insurance companies with the results of our assessment. Sometimes, we may send multiple letters rather than one huge packet. However we decide to do it, the goal of these letters is to demonstrate to the insurance companies why it’s smarter for them to pay than to fight.

STEP 2: ANALYZE MEDICAL EVIDENCE

Obtaining and analyzing medical records is a huge part of a workers’ comp case. Accessing these documents can be an intensive process, often requiring multiple follow-ups. We may also meet with your doctors and have them fill out questionnaires relating to your claim, which can powerfully impact your case.

STEP 6: NEGOTIATIONS

We keep you as up-to-date as you want to be as we negotiate your case with the insurance companies. Hopefully our discussions end with the satisfaction of a settlement. If not, we request a hearing to get it decided by a commissioner.

STEP 3: UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF YOUR INJURIES

One of the biggest parts of your case is the pain and suffering you incur as the result of your injury. Presenting your condition in a comprehensive and

Good News

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 2 Corinthians 10:4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. Philippians 4:6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done.

KIELBASA KABOBS

This take on the classic Italian sausage and peppers uses fully cooked Polish kielbasa so you can prep the kabobs and bring them to your next cookout.

Ingredients

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3 red bell peppers

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2 pounds fully cooked smoked kielbasa

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2 cloves garlic, minced

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2 large onions

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1/4 cup olive oil

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2 green bell peppers

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Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Heat grill to medium. 2. In a small bowl, combine oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. 3. Cut pepper, onion, and kielbasa into 1-inch chunks. 4. Thread onto skewers, alternating ingredients. 5. Brush with oil mixture and grill, covered, 10–12 minutes. [NOTE: If using bamboo skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes before threading to prevent burning.] Inspired by Good Housekeeping

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* This newsletter is intended to educate the public about personal injury, workers’ compensation, criminal defense, and family law issues. You can copy and distribute it as long as you copy the entire newsletter. But the newsletter is not intended to be legal advice; you should ask a lawyer about your specific case. Every case is different, and all case outcomes depend on unique facts and laws.

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INSIDE this issue

1

How to Be a Sportsman On and Off the Field

2

Summer-Worthy Learning Opportunities Testimonials

3

How Workers’ Comp Cases Proceed Kielbasa Kabobs

4

Take Your S’mores to the Next Level

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CAN I HAVE S’MORE?

Creative Twists on the Campfire Classic

You’re just three ingredients away from the perfect summertime treat: chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows. The s’more is a fan favorite on camping trips and at backyard bonfires alike. Though they say you can’t improve perfection, we’ve found a few creative twists on the classic treat that will make your summer a little sweeter. THE ELVIS A campfire snack fit for a king — of rock ’n’ roll, that is. This s’more pays homage to Elvis Presley’s love of peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Swap out the chocolate bar for a peanut butter cup candy and add a few slices of fresh banana between the graham cracker and marshmallow. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you can even add some bacon. S’MORES IN A JAR Here are s’mores you can enjoy all year long. Layers of crushed graham cracker, melted marshmallow, and creamy chocolate turn a simple jar into a great dessert! Learn how to make the perfect s’mores on the go at family.disney.com/recipe/smores-in-a-jar .

s’mores meet fresh strawberry shortcake in a dessert that’s as delicious as it is original. Find the whole recipe, including tips on making the perfect shortcake, at aspicyperspective.com/smores-strawberry-shortcake-recipe . S’MOREO A simple but memorable twist on the campfire classic. Grab a box of Oreo cookies, pull a cookie apart, and use that in place of your graham cracker. The cream filling will pair nicely with the chocolate and toasted marshmallow.

S’MORES MILKSHAKE Too hot for a campfire? Cool down with a s’mores milkshake! The trick is to lightly toast the marshmallows in the oven so they mix well with the other ingredients in the blender. Get the recipe at spoonfulofflavor. com/2013/08/30/smores-milkshake to enjoy this sweet treat even in the heat of summer. It’s the simple recipe that opens the door for creative interpretations of the classic s’more. Be adventurous this summer and see what great new s’mores you can create!

STRAWBERRY S’MORE-CAKE If you really want to wow your guests at the next bonfire, try your hand at this creative take on the summertime classic. Gooey

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