Brooks & Crowley August 2018

Brooks & Crowley August 2018

Review Brooks & Crowley

August 2018

781-277-7321

www.brooksandcrowley.com

439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026

*Services Throughout Massachusetts

" I’ve heard about a few of these interesting holidays before, and I’ve always wondered how they become official."

2, which is the day of Japan’s formal surrender, taking place on the USS Missouri.

Another historical yet almost forgotten holiday happening this month is Vesuvius Day on Aug. 24. This day, in 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius exploded, covering the city of Pompeii and Herculaneum with ash, toxic gas, and molten lava. As it turns out, there are no federal holidays in all of August — in fact, it's the only month besides March that doesn’t include a government approved holiday. In Massachusetts, Evacuation Day, aka St. Patrick’s Day, is a state holiday and makes up for there being no federal holiday in March, so around here, August is really the only one. Like all holidays, official or otherwise, they are designed to bring something to the front of your mind. You don’t need a National Day to tell you to appreciate your wife (although Wife Appreciation Day is the third Sunday in September), be a good neighbor (Good Neighbor Day is Sept. 28), or to give a friend a hug (National Hugging Day is Jan. 21). But if this type of reminder conjures up a good childhood memory or prompts you to do something for someone, that’s what it’s all about. Come to think of it, I did have a hot dog on July 18. So there is hope for April 10 (Be Kind to Lawyers Day). This month, make up your own holiday for August and visit your favorite summer spot before our next official holiday (Labor Day) arrives. –Neil Crowley

INTERESTING HOLIDAYS THROUGHOUT AUGUST Holidays You May Not Know About

a day. The site has a variety of holidays and includes a link so anyone can register a holiday they want celebrated. All you have to do is fill out the form on the website and receive some benefits once your holiday is approved, including a proclamation, a media release, a media alert sent to broadcasters associated with the National Day Calendar, and even a radio update announced over hundreds of different stations across America. As you can imagine, there is quite a range of interests represented by National Days. Included on the website are Older: Dewey Decimal System Day (Dec. 10); Weird: Squirrel Appreciation Day (Jan. 21); National Rat Catchers Day (July 22), and Newer: World Emoji Day (July 17); and National App Day (Dec. 12). Among these off-the-wall holidays, there are a few that have historical weight to them. Aug. 14 and 15 celebrate V-J Day. Short for “Victory Over Japan Day,” the significance for V-J Day marks when Japan surrendered to the Allies on Aug. 14, 1945. This holiday is also celebrated on Sept.

Recently on the radio, I heard a DJ wishing everyone a Happy National Hot Dog Day (July 18). I was aware of National Pancake Day because the IHOP near the Dedham office gives away free pancakes that day (Feb. 27). I’ve heard about a few of these interesting holidays before, and I’ve always wondered how they become official. For a holiday to pass nationwide, they require an act of Congress, but these didn’t go that route. The more popular holidays, such as Flag Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day, have gone through the steps needed to get Congress to recognize them as important holidays. The more entertaining and fun holidays, such as National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day on Aug. 4, haven't gone through this process. Although they might not be recognized nationwide, they’re certainly fun to celebrate. I was curious about these odd holidays, so I did a search and happened across the National Day Calendar: a website where many of these unique holidays are listed and discussed. There are 1,500 national holidays on the website, including holidays that last for a month, a week, or only

1

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

Local Events in the Boston Area Continuing the Summer Fun!

Madonna Della Cava Feast When : August 10–12

Summer has reached its peak, and it won’t be long before fall arrives; it's the perfect time to get out and enjoy the summer activities while you still can! All of these events are free, so there’s no excuse not to go. North End Italian Feasts and Festivals Four of the biggest and most famous North End Italian Feasts and Festivals take place in August, as they have for over 100 years — almost as long as Italians have lived in this neighborhood. Most of the North End feasts celebrate a saint with food, music, religious ceremonies, parades, strolling singers, celebrations, and more — they're like giant street parties. In general, opening ceremonies take place on Friday evenings, with other events starting around 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and continuing until about 11 p.m. High Mass usually takes place on Sunday morning.

Streets. The “Feast of All Feasts” opens at 7 p.m. on Friday, and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. The Grand Procession starts at noon on Sunday and will include parades, strolling singers, entertainment, and 100 pushcarts offering mouth-watering Italian food.

At Battery and Hanover Streets, the feast opens at 7 p.m. on Friday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday, and continues to about 11 p.m. The procession begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday. Fisherman's Feast of the Madonna del Soccorso di Sciacca When: August 16–19 The Blessing of the Fishing Waters at Christopher Columbus Park Feast opens at 6 p.m. on Friday and at noon on Saturday and Sunday. The Grand Procession begins at 1 p.m. on Sunday, on Fleet, Louis, and North Streets, with the Flight of the Angel beginning at 8 p.m.

Here are a few events from Boston Discovery Guide:

Boston Calling Weekly Block Parties There are live performances by a different group every week from 5–8 p.m. on Thursdays at Dewey Square on the Rose Kennedy Greenway through August 30. There’s a cash bar for attendees aged 21 and over with beer and wine, plus food to purchase. Check out the weekly lineup on their Facebook page: facebook.com/bostoncallingblockparties. Boston Harbor Hotel Summer in the City The Boston Harbor Hotel has a free outdoor music and entertainment series that’s been going on all summer. I’ve been to a few of these events over the years and on a nice summer night, it’s hard to beat. Live music goes from 6–10 and features R&B and soul on Pop-Soul Tuesdays, classic swinging finger-snappers on Rat Pack Wednesdays, and the blues on Blues Barge Thursdays. Then on Fridays, classic films are shown at dusk on the outdoor big screen during Movies by Moonlight. Call 617-430- 7000 or visit the hotel’s website for the lineup.

St. Lucy's Feast When: August 23

Here’s the August Feasts and Festivals schedule:

St. Agrippina di Mineo Feast and Procession When: August 2–5

On Thatcher and Endicott Streets, the procession and feast start at 5 p.m. on Monday.

St. Anthony's Feast When: August 24–26

The feast starts at 7 p.m. on Thursday and at noon on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, and continues to about 11 p.m. There’s a procession on Sunday only, starting at Hanover and Battery Streets.

The largest Italian religious festival in New England takes place on Endicott, Thatcher, and North Margin

Client Testimonials

Hear What Our Clients Are Saying!

"Neil was very understanding and worked with us to help with the settlement. I would recommend this law firm to anyone needing help with important papers that you don’t understand. It’s also not a far ride to travel for help. They are very reliable people to count on; I wouldn’t go elsewhere." –Satisfied Client

"We used Steve for our family will and to set up a trust for our son with special needs. He did a terrific job and did not leave out a single detail. We highly recommend Steve." –Jim

"Neil was an excellent lawyer from start to finish.

"As a Boston lawyer, I have

He was very professional and cared to get me the best possible outcome in my automobile injury case. He kept in touch and updated me throughout the process until we reached a final settlement." –Tish

had the honor and privilege of working with Attorney Brooks and was, frankly, very impressed with his ability to prevail against a very powerful adversary in a complex case. Thanks for the experience, Steve." –John P. Connell

42

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

Transportation Safety Tips Protect Your Children During Their Commute

With the school year fast approaching, families are in preparation mode. Parents are busy buying new clothes and school supplies and thinking about the best way to get their kids safely to school. Keeping your child safe on their commute starts with knowing the transportation method that works best for you and the rules that accompany that method. According to the United States Department of Transportation, the school bus is the safest means of transportation to and from school. Buses are built to withstand a hit and distribute the damage throughout the vehicle, keeping its passengers safe and sound. Knowing basic bus safety will help kids be mindful when taking the bus. Before the school year starts, take your children to the bus stop and show them where they should stand when the bus approaches — a minimum of three large steps or 6 feet from the TAKING THE SCHOOL BUS

street. Tell your kids about the importance of sitting still and not standing in the bus while it's in motion.

KIDS ON THE ROAD

Whether your child is biking, walking, or even skateboarding, it's vital that they know and follow the rules of the road. All children should practice road safety behavior, such as riding on the right side of the road, wearing helmets, stopping at stop signs, and watching out for cars. Internalizing these habits will help them stay aware of their surroundings when traveling to and from school.

SHARING THE ROAD

on the road, it's important to be alert and move cautiously. Slowing down in school zones or around young pedestrians will keep you vigilant and could potentially save lives.

When school starts, the roads become even more cluttered than usual. On top of people heading to work, there are large buses making frequent stops, parents rushing to drop their kids off, and young kids biking or walking to school. With the added tension

Teach your kids to be prepared and safe on the road to ensure that they have a healthy and safe school year.

Broccoli Bolognese with Orecchiette

Ingredients

• • •

12 ounces orecchiette

• •

4 garlic cloves, smashed

•

1 large head of broccoli (11/4–11/2 pounds), cut into florets with stalk peeled and finely chopped

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces 11/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated (about 1/2 cup), plus more for serving

12 ounces fresh Italian sausage (about 3 links), casings removed

• •

Kosher salt

•

Crushed red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

Instructions

5. Using a slotted spoon, transfer pasta to skillet, then ladle in 1/2 cup pasta water. Stir until pasta absorbs most of the liquid and is just al dente, about 4 minutes. Add butter and stir until melted, then transfer pasta to a large bowl. Gradually add 11/2 ounces Parmesan cheese, tossing constantly until you have a glossy, emulsified sauce. 6. Serve pasta topped with more Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes and a drizzle of oil.

to break up sausage, until it is browned and cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. 3. Bring reserved pot of water to a boil and cook pasta until barely al dente. Set a timer for 3 minutes less than the package instructions. 4. Meanwhile, ladle 1/2 cup pasta cooking liquid from pot into skillet with sausage and add blanched broccoli. Keep mixture at a low simmer, stirring often and mashing with a spoon to break up sausage even more, until pasta is finished cooking.

1. Boil broccoli in salted water until crisp- tender, about 3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to a colander and let cool (save pot of water for cooking pasta). Chop broccoli into small pieces; set aside. 2. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook garlic, shaking skillet occasionally, until garlic starts to turn golden, about 2 minutes. Add sausage and a generous pinch of red pepper flakes. Break meat into smaller pieces with a wooden spoon. Cook while stirring occasionally and continuing

Courtesy of bonappetit.com/recipe/broccoli-bolognese-with-orecchiette

13

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

439 Washington Street Dedham, MA 02026

Inside This Issue

1

National Day Calendar

Local Events

2

hear what our clients are saying!

3

Ordinary Things That Are Bad for You Broccoli Bolognese with Orecchiette Keep Your Kids Safe on the Way to School

4

Common Health Risks Daily Activities That Cause Health Problems

Even if you make a point to exercise every day and watch your diet, you can still face health risks you may not be aware of. Common daily activities can cause more harm than you’d think. SKINNY JEANS Though stylish, skinny jeans can create more problems than they’re worth. They can cause muscle damage and blood restriction when worn regularly for long periods of time. In fact, wearing any tightly fitted article of clothing frequently can lead to the same effects. To avoid these issues, don’t wear tight clothes for long periods of time and refrain from exercising in them. LARGE HANDBAGS Large handbags allow you to carry many items at once, but they can also pose a hazard to your health. According to Dr. Sabrina Strickland, an orthopedic surgeon at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, your body counters the weight of

a heavy bag hanging from your shoulder by lifting your shoulder or leaning to the side, which curves your spine. This can cause muscle pain in the shoulders, neck, and back, along with joint strain. Decreasing the size of the bag you’re carrying and the weight of your items are great ways to counter this. SITTING IS THE NEW SMOKING This has been a common new health statement to come out of many medical centers. Sitting daily for long periods of time has been proven to increase health risks, like cardiovascular disease. One of the best methods to counter the effects of sitting is to take regular breaks. Every 30 minutes spent sitting should be coupled with five minutes of physical activity, such as a brisk walk. Even taking a few minutes to stand and stretch is better than sitting still for hours on end.

Don’t let these everyday activities stress your body out too much. Finding that perfect balance can be tough, but the results will pay for themselves!

4

Published by The Newsletter Pro • www.newsletterpro.com