Johnson Law Group - August 2020

Johnson Law Group - August 2020

FAMILY FORUM

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AUGUST 2020

MY FIRST JOB

The New Haven Oral History Project

After my sophomore year at Yale, I had the opportunity to tour Italy with the symphony orchestra for about a week. When we weren’t rehearsing or performing, we got to spend time exploring museums, plazas, restaurants, and other historic areas in Rome, Florence, Siena, and Milan. It was a magical trip, and I hope to go back someday! After the trip, I returned to campus for a few weeks to start my first job. Being on campus during the summer helped me see the area in a new way. There was a more laid-back feel with fewer people and less activity overall, and it was exciting to stay in an area of campus I hadn’t really explored before. It was also a treat to be able to meet other students from around the world doing various summer projects. By that time, I had declared history as my major, and I was thrilled to be able to help the history department as a research assistant with the New Haven Oral History Project. The stated purpose of the project was to collect and organize audio recordings and transcripts of interviews (called oral histories) with New Haven residents. The heart of the effort was to build knowledge and understanding of the school ’s relationship with New Haven, which had historically been a source of strain. My job as a research assistant was to listen to recorded interviews and transcribe them for the archives. While the actual work of transcribing was tedious, it was also a great way to understand the history of New Haven as recalled by people who had called it home since childhood. One story I recall came from a black man who grew up in New Haven before the school was fully integrated. He recalled walking up and down Elm Street as a teenager, looking up for open windows and shouting, “Shine?” at the white students inside, sometimes all the way up to the fifth floor. The students would then throw their shoes down at him, which he would shine for a penny apiece. This was how he, and many other black people then, earned a living.

On campus with my friend Teresa

This story stood out to me for multiple reasons. I was saddened that he did this very personal act of service for a mere penny in a time when segregation and discrimination diminished access to education, housing, facilities, and opportunities. I also felt uneasy because the dorm where I lived during the school year was also on Elm Street, possibly the same one mentioned in his story. Above all, I was struck by how he talked about the experience like it was normal. Unfortunately, I read a lot of stories like his told by elderly people of color, and they helped me reflect on the decades of pain and sacrifices made to demand change. After my position ended, all the interview transcripts were digitized and stored as a collection that is available for students to use today. As a young woman trying to find my place in the world, I learned the power of oral history to call attention to memories of events and everyday life from the perspective of people I would not otherwise have met. Even though it was a long time ago, it still feels special to have had the chance to experience it firsthand.

–Genet Johnson

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HELP YOUR KIDS HANDLE STRESSFUL SITUATIONS

WITH THESE SENSORY-RICH ACTIVITIES

Y ou can see it happening, almost in slow motion: Your child goes from playing and laughing to frowning in less than a second. They start to cry, and suddenly, a meltdown is underway. Is this just the way raising young kids is? Does a lack of sleep, change in routine, or intense hunger always have to lead to a meltdown? While it’s human to feel emotions and express them, you can use certain strategies to help your child navigate major emotions and calm down. The key is helping them tap into their central nervous system with activities that engage their senses. Just like adults, younger kids sometimes need support to regulate their emotions, especially in situations that are stressful for them. That’s where activities that engage the five senses can be really beneficial. Sensory activities that utilize the five senses can help your little one connect their body to their immediate surroundings and the larger world around them.

Here are some sensory-rich activities that can help kids feel calmer in stressful times:

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● Make a pile of pillows and jump into it. ● Put on some fun music and dance.

• ● Bounce your little one on your lap or an exercise ball. • ● Take them for a spin around the house in a box or laundry basket; kids can even race each other. • ● Create a slide by propping a mattress or exercise mat against the couch. These are activities you can use right where you are to help your child find their calm again, even in a meltdown. According to early childhood development expert Alyssa Blask Campbell, sensory input stays in the system for about two hours, meaning even just five minutes of these types of activities can give you and your child hours of calm throughout the day.

What is it?

Since the holiday’s inception in 2013, it has most commonly occurred during the third week of August; this year, it’s August 16–22. Restaurants, patrons, and home cooks alike can show appreciation for the art and dedication chefs bring to their craft every day. Several restaurants across the country celebrate with special events and menus, and patrons flock to their favorite places for great food and company and to support the chefs who bring their communities together.

How can I celebrate?

Now that many restaurants are opening back up for service at a limited capacity, it’s possible to dine in and further support the chefs who make the food you love. But, if you’re still not comfortable eating at a restaurant, there are plenty of other ways to celebrate. Continue having food delivered or picking up curbside from your favorite places. Whether dining in or carrying out, remember to tip well! You can also post about your favorite dishes on social media or leave a glowing review for your favorite eatery on Google or Yelp. The beauty of this holiday is that celebrating includes doing activities you probably already do, so it’s easy to participate. Chefs play a significant role in the evolution of culture, protection of tradition, and construction of community. Their food brings us together, fills our stomachs, and brightens our moods. We may not have fully recognized all they do for us until recently, but now that we have, we can truly celebrate Chefs Appreciation Week to the fullest.

Restaurants have had an especially tough time staying afloat during the pandemic. Most eateries had to discontinue dine-in service, and those that couldn’t adapt to offering takeout or delivery may still be questioning whether they’ll ever be able to open their doors again. During the pandemic, it became clear to many of us just how important a role our favorite restaurants play in providing not just tasty chow, but also a sense of comfort and community. Celebrating National Chefs Appreciation Week is a great way to let the chefs who run those eateries know just how much they mean to us.

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S äid Sharbini, the newest attorney to join Johnson Law Group, grew up in a military family, and public service and politics have always been a big part of his life. Many people are involved in local politics in their spare time, and Säid initially saw this path as an opportunity to do some good in his community and the world. After graduating from law school, Säid got into family law because he likes helping families that are going through difficult periods. “I want to help families,” Säid explains. “To bring families to a point where they can function in a healthier way. Children have better and happier upbringings when parents can work together to resolve things so everyone can move on with their new normal. When I found Johnson Law Group, I realized their culture was something I wanted to be a part of. They are driven, and they look for good results for their clients. That is what drew me, and I love that it is a wonderful, friendly environment.” In his free time, Säid is very involved in local politics. He has been on the board of a few Young Democrats organizations around the state and has managed campaigns for various political offices. We are very happy to have Säid on board and look forward to seeing his career continue to develop with us. SPOTLIGHT ON SÄID SHARBINI, ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY

2 TIMOTHY 4:7-8, NIV:

"I HAVE FOUGHT THE GOOD FIGHT, I HAVE FINISHED THE RACE, I HAVE KEPT THE FAITH."

PEACH AND ARUGULA

PASTA SALAD Inspired by AmbitiousKitchen.com

Nothing says summer like a pasta salad filled with your favorite fresh fruits and vegetables, and this combination is the perfect way to cap off a warm summer day!

Ingredients

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● 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta

● 2 tbsp olive oil

● 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

● 1/2 tsp sea salt ● Pepper, to taste ● 2 tbsp lemon juice

● 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

● 2 large fresh peaches, diced or sliced ● 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced ● 1 pint heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved

● 1 cup corn

● 6 cups arugula, packed

Directions

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In a large pot of boiling water, cook pasta for approximately 9 minutes or until al dente. Drain pasta and place in a separate bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Drizzle the dressing over the pasta and toss with the feta cheese. Add peaches, red onions, tomatoes, corn, and arugula to the pasta mixture. Lightly toss to mix well. Add more olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

JohnsonLGroup.com 720.452.2540

13599 East 104th Avenue, Suite 300 • Commerce City, CO 80022

INSIDE

Collecting the Past

The Best Activities for Helping Kids CopeWith Stress

Celebrate National Chefs AppreciationWeek

Spotlight on Säid Sharbini

The Good News!

Peach and Arugula Pasta Salad

Some True Colorado Adventures

ESCAPE THE CITY Unique Outdoor Adventures for the Family

Ready for one more family adventure before the school year starts? Here are a few amazing outdoor experiences located within driving distance of Denver.

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge

historic cemeteries. Tours cater to both experienced riders and total beginners and provide everything you need to explore a Rocky Mountain trail on horseback.

Meet Coyotes, Bald Eagles, and Bison Where: Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge, Commerce City Website: FWS.gov/refuge/rocky_mountain_arsenal Located just 10 minutes from downtown Denver, the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge is one of the largest urban wildlife refuges in the nation. Home to over 330 species of wildlife, the Refuge is a sanctuary for wild animals and their natural habitats. Guests can enjoy hiking trails, bird watching, and even bison viewing from their cars on the wildlife drive at no charge.

Go Fishing at Echo Lake Where: Echo Lake Mountain Park, Idaho Springs Website: Denver.org/listing/mount-evans-and-echo-lake/6827

The road up Mount Evans is the highest paved auto road in North America, reaching all the way up to the 14,260-foot summit. Near the top, you’ll find the pristine Echo Lake, a beloved fishing destination surrounded by a thick spruce-fir forest. Echo Lake Mountain Park is home to ancient trees, protected wetlands, and rare wildflowers, making it an ideal spot for those looking to escape the city for a while. The road past Summit Lake is only open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, so don’t put this adventure off for much longer!

Take aWildWest Horse Ride Where: A&A Historical Trails, Central City Website: AAStables.com

Take your family on a one- o f-a-kind adventure through the Rocky Mountains — on horseback! A&A Historical Trails offers top-rated horseback riding tours through scenic mountains and past old gold mining sites and

We hope these destinations can be just the start of your family’s adventures. Check the websites for additional details and operating hours.

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JohnsonLGroup.com

720.452.2540