GA Injury Advocates - November 2019

GA Injury Advocates - November 2019

Auto Injury T R I B U N E

November 2019

Spotlight on Nancy Rodas FIRST IMPRESSIONS

Y ou only have one chance to make a good first impression. For this reason, I always aim to put my best foot forward in both my personal and professional life. This is a mindset I strive to cultivate at the practice too. When people reach out, looking for help after an accident, I want them to know right away we’re a firm they can trust. That’s why I put great care into finding our intake specialist, Nancy Rodas. Nancy is the first person most clients come in contact with when they call the office or stop by. She provides a unique and welcoming atmosphere we just couldn’t do without. Nancy always puts our clients first, so this month, I wanted to make sure she knows how grateful we are for her. –Ramiro Rodriguez, Jr. It’s a big responsibility to be the first voice people hear when they call the firm. When people call us, it’s usually because they really need help. They’ve gotten in an accident and are struggling with injuries or insurance companies. It’s my job to make sure everyone is getting the information they need to feel confident about their case. When someone calls or comes into the office, I’m always ready to take messages, get the answers to their questions, and help in any

“I really enjoy talking to our clients. It makes me feel good knowing that I’m helping them through a trying time.”

Outside of the firm, I like to spend time with my friends or read, though mostly the latter. I’m a pretty big bookworm. I was in a reading club in elementary school, and I never stopped. I love reading science fiction, mysteries, nonfiction, romance — anything, really! If a book can sweep me away and take me to another world, I’ll probably love it. Any avid reader can tell you it’s impossible to pick your favorite book, but one I’m really fond of is “See Me” by Nicholas Sparks. If you recognize the author’s name, then you won’t be surprised to hear that “See Me” is a mystery-romance novel. It’s about two people who meet each other in dark times and help one another grow and overcome their obstacles. This is a great story that really shows what we can do when we have people we can rely on to help us get through those dark times. I’m proud to help our clients get through their own dark times. When clients have questions or concerns regarding their case, I encourage them to call us right away. Our firm’s mission is to be someone you can rely on. We’re here to answer questions and do whatever it takes to help our clients when they need us.

way I can. I really enjoy talking to our clients. It makes me feel good knowing that I’m helping them through a trying time. Like many of our clients, I was in an automobile accident myself. It was a stressful, overwhelming experience. I relate to what our clients are going through, and I want to help get them on the other side of it as soon as possible.

– Nancy Rodas

El Abogado Ramiro (El Abogado Amigo) y su equipo hablan español

1

(770) 233-7400

Too Busy to Work Out?

YOUR VOTE MATTERS, AND, SOMEDAY, YOUR KID’S WILL TOO!

5 SIMPLE WAYS TO STAY ACTIVE Being active doesn’t have to mean going to the gym every single day. An active lifestyle can be as simple as going for a walk around the neighborhood for a few minutes a day. There are plenty of ways to exercise during daily activities like shopping, spending time with your kids, or hanging around the house. Park farther away. A lot of people will spend several minutes trying to find a parking space as close as they can to the entrance of a store. However, parking a little farther away will help you score a better parking space and make sure you get your steps in for the day. Do some yoga. You don’t have to push yourself to your absolute limit in order to stay active. There are other, gentler ways to exercise than running 5 miles a day. Tai chi or yoga are excellent low-impact alternatives to keep your body fit and healthy. Reduce TV time. It can be tempting to plop down in front of the television after a long day at work or after dinner, but you can also use this time to be active. Get the family together for a walk around the neighborhood, take a few minutes to dance to some of your favorite tunes, or do some light cleaning around the house. Put a spin on date night. Forget dinner and a movie. Instead, try taking your date out for a round of miniature golf, indoor rock climbing, an evening stroll, a bike ride, or dancing. You’ll have more fun while doing your body good. Grab a leash. Having a dog gives you plenty of opportunities to stay active. If you don’t have a dog, try asking a neighbor or friend if they would like their dog walked, start a dog-walking service, or volunteer at a local animal shelter. There are plenty of ways to make staying active a part of your daily routine! With enough creativity and motivation, you can turn any activity into an active one.

TEACH A LESSON ABOUT VOTING THIS ELECTION DAY!

The 2020 presidential election is heating up, but Election Day 2019 still requires citizens’ voices to decide the fate of their cities, counties, states, and judgeships. As the U.S. enjoys a relatively quiet election day on Tuesday, Nov. 5, use the opportunity to teach your children about their civic duty and the power of voting. For the Young Kiddos There’s no reason why children can’t be involved in local elections. Let your kids tag along to the voting area, and ask for help from city workers and local representatives to answer your kids’ questions. You can even set up your own family election by holding a vote over what to have for dinner or where the next family vacation should be located. If you’re looking for bedtime books to feed their curiosity, try out fun reads like “O, Say Can You See? America’s Symbols, Landmarks, and Inspiring Words” by Sheila Keenan. Various websites, like KidsVotingUSA.org, also have ample resources for educators and families. For New Voters Turning 18 comes with the newfound responsibility of voting for our country’s leaders, and, for new voters, the system, ballots, and restrictions can be confusing. Start by walking your teen through the registration process, which can be done in person at your municipality’s office or online at USA.gov or Vote.org. Next, talk with your teen about what’s at stake in the upcoming election. Be careful not to seed your language with opinions so your teen can develop their own view. Direct them to resources like Ballotpedia. org, where they can find information, practice voting, and see local sample ballots. And, of course, when Election Day rolls around, celebrate their first vote! Don’t Forget About You! Voting is a right and privilege that comes with U.S. citizenship. Don’t miss your opportunity to have your voice heard. Learn more about your local election by visiting Ballotpedia.org or contacting your municipality, and be sure to register to vote if you haven’t already. Remember, your kids learn by watching what you do, not just by listening to what you say. Inspire them to get involved and, when the time comes, exercise their right to vote!

2 GAInjuryAdvocates.com

What Happened to Marietta’s Open Container District?

Early this past spring, Marietta was abuzz with the prospect of approving an open-container district in Marietta Square. Open-container districts, often referred to as entertainment districts, allow patrons of legal drinking age to carry open alcoholic drinks from restaurants within a designated area. Now we’re nearing the end of 2019 and open adult beverages are still not allowed outside of the walls of the restaurants of Marietta Square. What happened? In 2018, the council considered an open- container district proposal, initially suggested by Mayor Steve Tumlin, but it never came to a vote. This year the idea gained traction thanks in part due to support from local merchants. Councilwoman Cheryl Richardson, who was a chief proponent of the proposal last year, stated she changed her mind after a petition passed around from restaurateurs in the area that expressed a desire for such a district. As the proposal moved through judicial and legislative committee meetings, council members shrunk the cup size to 12 ounces, narrowed the time frame to Thursday through Saturday, and set enforceable hours unique to each day. The open-container district would

have encompassed most of Marietta Square but excluded Glover Park and the sidewalks bordering the park. The final reading of the proposal was scheduled for May 14. Expected to pass, the measure would have gone into effect immediately for a six-month trial. However, Mayor Tumlin vetoed the measure. Despite initially suggesting the proposal, Mayor Tumlin has since voiced his opposition to an open-container district. Mayor Tumlin felt that an open-container district could “have the potential” to threaten the family-friendly atmosphere of Marietta Square. The city council failed to get the necessary votes to override the mayor’s veto. At this time, there is no word on whether or not the city council will pick up the proposal again in the near future. However, as other cities throughout Cobb County approve open-container districts, including Kennesaw, Powder Springs, and Acworth, many believe it is only a matter of time before Marietta joins that list. In the meantime, if you’re dining in Marietta Square, be sure to finish your drink before heading out.

FANCY A DRINK?

RECIPE:

THE BEST LEFTOVER TURKEY SANDWICH

SUDOKU

Thanksgiving may be held on Thursday, but the food often lasts at least through the weekend. To make the best use of the excess, grill up some killer turkey sandwiches.

Ingredients:

• • • • •

2 slices sourdough bread 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

• • •

1/3 cup leftover dressing or stuffing

2 tbsp leftover gravy

2 slices Swiss cheese

1 tbsp butter, room temperature

1/3 cup shredded leftover turkey 3 tbsp leftover cranberry sauce

Note: Don’t worry if you don’t have all the leftovers required.

Directions:

1. Coat inside of each bread slice with mustard and a slice of cheese. Place turkey and cranberry sauce on one slice and dressing and gravy on the other. 2. Combine sandwich and spread butter on both sides.

3. In a panini maker or large skillet, grill until crispy and golden brown. 4. Slice and serve.

Solution on Page 4

Inspired by Food Network

(770) 233-7400 3

If you or a loved one has been injured, call our office today for a free consultation.

332 North Marietta Pkwy Marietta, GA 30060 GAInjuryAdvocates.com (770) 233-7400

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Sudoku solution

Inside

1

The Right Answers Teaching Kids the Power of Voting Simple Ways to Stay Active Does Marietta Have an Open Container District? The Best Leftover Turkey Sandwich A Tour of Marietta

2

3

4

Did you know bog turtles are the smallest turtles native to the United States? Or that beavers slap their tails against the water to warn their family members of danger? Or that toads don’t actually cause warts? You know that you can discover more about turtles, beavers, toads, and all of Georgia’s natural wildlife at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Encompassing 127 acres adjacent to the Chattahoochee River, the CNC offers a little bit of everything that makes the great outdoors so great. Visitors can spend a relaxing afternoon studying plants and wildlife on one of the wooded hiking trails or enjoy a guided canoe trip down the Chattahoochee River. Meanwhile, nature enthusiasts seeking a bit of a thrill can find adventure at the Eco Zipline Canopy Tour and Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventure Course. These wild experiences offer the opportunity to zip through the air, trek across sky bridges, and spend the day in the trees, getting a bird’s-eye view of the CNC.

In addition to bringing people out into nature, the CNC is also dedicated to education and rehabilitation. The Wildlife Department at the Chattahoochee Nature Center receives over 3,500 calls a year ranging from animal identification to habitat destruction. The team at the Wildlife Department provided medical assistance to injured birds of prey, reptiles, and amphibians with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Animals who are unable to survive on their own become part of the CNC and help educate visitors about Georgia’s native wildlife. The Chattahoochee Nature Center was created to help people connect to nature. Since the 1970s, the CNC has realized this mission through community outreach, special events, summer camps for kids of all ages, and by fighting to preserve our natural world. Start planning your trip to the Chattahoochee Nature Center by visiting ChattNatureCenter.org.

Connecting People to Nature

4

GAInjuryAdvocates.com