Shannon Law Group October 2019

Shannon Law Group October 2019

312-578-9501 | www.shannonlawgroup.com OCTOBER 2019

It has been a fast-paced year. We have been pressing the pedal to the metal for the last nine months. But now that we have a pause in our trial schedule, it’s time to pump the brakes and reflect on that for which I am grateful. • My faith. I realize that all I have is a gift from God. I am truly grateful to be blessed with the education, training, and opportunity to serve our clients and our community. • My lovely wife, Michelle, who encouraged me to open our own law firm over 20 years ago. Thank you for your constant support and guidance and, especially, your sense of humor. • Our children, Emma, Clare, Kate, Will, Margaret Mary, Nora, and Johnny … and our newest addition and running partner, Archie. • My mom and dad, Tom and JoAnne, and my siblings, Tom, Mary Jo, Joseph William, Pat, Kathleen, John, Maureen, Anne, Terry, and all their families. Thank you for your support and guidance. • Michelle’s parents, Tony and Carmella, and Michelle’s siblings, Danielle, Nicole, Anthony, and all their families. Thank you for your support and guidance. • All of my ancestors, including John and Anna, Joseph and Anne, and the many before them. I know for certain that I drink from the wells that were dug deep by my ancestors. GRATEFUL • My huge extended family of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews. • The people of St. Joan of Arc Parish and School. Thank you for all your prayers and support and for educating our children.

… and a shout out to last summer’s crew, Katie, Lauren, and Alex. You are the reason we accomplish great things for our clients.

• The many folks who have helped us build Shannon

Law Group, especially Laura, Kathy, Ronda, Kate, Nathan, Patty, Charlene, and our other clerks and attorneys throughout the years. Our current success is built on your great work.

• All of the folks at Renaissance Maintenance. Thank you for your tireless efforts. • All of our clients, past and present, who have entrusted us with their cases. • St. Paul’s, Carroll High School, the University of Portland, and the University of Notre Dame. Thank you for providing me with a great education. • Our partners who help us at our law firm, including but not limited to David Weiss, Kelly Keating, Crisp Video, Vervocity Interactive, The Newsletter Pro, Veritext, AQ Technologies, Signature Bank, and all our other partners.

• The many lawyers and professionals who entrust us with referrals. We hope we have served you well.

We know that we never walk alone. We have the backing of all of you. With you by our side, how can we lose?

• All of our terrific friends and neighbors.

– Joe Shannon

• All of the folks with whom I work every day at Shannon Law Group: Pat, Jon, Brittany, Ashleigh, and their families

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INTRODUCING ASHLEIGH

My name is Ashleigh Zurek, and I am the newest addition to the Shannon Law Group team. It’s my voice you’ll be hearing when you give our office a call from now on! To break the ice a little bit, let me tell you about myself. I am the oldest of six children and have lived in Lisle for most of my life. I finished up my bachelor’s in business management this July after switching my major about half a dozen times and working full time for the majority of my collegiate career. I have worked in the legal field for the past three years at a much larger firm but decided to try a new field of law and join the Shannon Law Group team. So far, I am loving the small firm feel, and I am looking forward to getting to know our clients and all of you! Here’s a fun fact about me: I am running the Chicago Marathon this month on behalf of an organization called Blessons. This is a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that provides resources for women in need. They offer free mentorship, educational workshops, wellness clinics, and scholarships to disadvantaged, low-income women who are 25 or older and have had their higher education interrupted due to challenging life events, such

as cancer, mental health issues, and physical or emotional abuse. This is a cause I am super passionate about, so it is such an honor to be representing them in a few weeks. My goal is to raise $1,250 by Oct. 13. Please consider donating or sending well wishes to welcome me aboard! You can find more info about donating at CrowdRise.com/o/en/campaign/2019- bank-of-america-chicago-marathon-team-blessons/ ashleighzurek.

WALKING ON AT THE OLD COURSE

Last month, Caitlin and I traveled with a few friends to Scotland. While there, we made sure to hit both the historical sites of Edinburgh and the stunning natural vistas of the Scottish highlands. Beyond its complex history and largely untouched landscapes, Scotland is world famous for being the birthplace of golf. At the Old Course at St. Andrews, golf has been played since the 15th century. The Old Course also hosted the British Open nearly 30 times. For avid golfers, playing at St. Andrews is a sort of pilgrimage. Because of the tremendous history, my friend Mike and I decided we were going to try to play it. In keeping with longstanding tradition, the Old Course reserves a small number of same-day tee time slots for members of the public to play. Unfortunately for Mike and me, this is a well-known fact in the golf world. Hopefuls often show up as early as 7 p.m. the night before the course opens in an attempt to reserve their spot on the historic course. We decided that 7 p.m. was far too aggressive for us, but

based on intel we gathered from locals, we arrived at the course at 1:30 a.m. to wait in line.

When we arrived, five people already stood in line. For the next 4 1/2 hours, we chatted and chugged coffee with complete strangers at an otherwise empty golf course in complete darkness. Everyone was excited in anticipation of getting to play the same course that legends have played for centuries. It was a surreal experience I would highly recommend to any serious or recreational golfer. sleep deprived and cold, the Old Course did not disappoint. The gale-force winds synonymous with Scottish golf stayed away, and veteran caddies acted as our Sherpas through the course. Just playing the Old Course was a highlight of the trip, but beating Mike made the day that much sweeter. If you ever have an opportunity to do it, sacrificing a night of sleep in the cold is well-worth the payoff at St. Andrews. Fortunately, we arrived early enough to secure a tee time for that morning. Though we were

– Pat Cummings

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BECOME A SUPPORTER OF MISSIONARY MARIA GRYGLESKI

We like to introduce our readers to people making a difference. Maria Grygleski of my home parish, St. Joan of Arc, is someone who is walking the walk. Maria is a graduate of Naperville North High School. After graduating, Maria played collegiate soccer at Northwestern, and since graduation, she has spent the last two years working with Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS) as a missionary. Maria spent her first FOCUS year at University of Nebraska, Lincoln. This year, she is moving to the University of Minnesota, Duluth. Since Maria was a collegiate athlete, she works specifically with the athletes on campus, helping them integrate faith and sport. Here are Maria’s own words on her efforts: “Each of us lives our lives searching for meaning and love in all that we do. I can attest to this in my own life, whether it be through family, friends, academics, athletics, or hobbies. All my life, I grew up Catholic, but giving God one hour a week at Sunday Mass

was what I thought it meant to live in relationship with Him.

“As a FOCUS missionary, I personally fundraise my entire salary. It has been a beautiful opportunity to trust in God and invite others to invest in the mission work I am doing. I would love to invite you to become a part of it, as well. Monthly donations are most helpful, as they offer financial stability throughout the year, but one-time donations are also much appreciated. If you feel called to become a financial supporter and/or want to learn more about this ministry, I would love to get to know you! Please reach out to me through a call or an email. God bless you!” As you well know, I am not too proud to ask my friends to support great causes and people. I would like to help Maria in her mission here, and I hope you will too. Here is a link to her donation page, as well as her contact information: FOCUS.org/missionaries/Maria-Grygleski Cell: (630) 362-1811 Email: [email protected]

OCTOBER 2019 DATES OF CONSEQUENCE

Directions 1. Heat oven to 275 F. 2. In a food processor, pulse pistachios and 1 1/2 tsp sugar. Add sesame seeds and 1 tbsp miso, pulsing until miso is fully broken up. Spread evenly on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 15–20 minutes and let cool. 3. Meanwhile, insert a Popsicle stick into the center of each apple. 4. In a saucepan, bring corn syrup, 1 cup sugar, and 2 tbsp water to a boil. Boil for 5–7 minutes, swirling infrequently, until caramel is a light amber color. 5. Add cream and salt to caramel, whisking to combine. Transfer to a large mixing bowl and quickly whisk in remaining miso. 6. To assemble, first roll apple in caramel, then in pistachio mixture, before resting on greased baking sheet. 7. Let cool 30 minutes and serve. MISO CARAMEL APPLES Ingredients • 4 Granny Smith apples • 1/2 cup raw pistachios • 1 1/2 tsp plus 1 cup sugar • 3 tbsp sesame seeds • 2 tbsp white miso, divided • 4 Popsicle sticks • 2 tbsp light corn syrup • 1/4 cup heavy cream • 1/4 tsp kosher salt Inspired by Bon Appétit

Oct. 3 Oct. 13

St. Francis girls tennis @ Riverside-Brookfield Chicago Marathon (consider sponsoring Ashleigh’s charity) Feast of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Feast of St. Isaac Jogues and John de Brebeuf Saints @ Bears World Series begins

Oct. 16 Oct. 19 Oct. 20 Oct. 22

Every Saturday morning throughout the year, St. Joan of Arc Men’s Group meets from 7–8 a.m. in the St. Joan of Arc Parish Center. Please join us.

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Phone: 312-578-9501 www.shannonlawgroup.com

3550 Hobson Rd., Ste. 203 Woodridge, IL 60517

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

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Grateful

Meet Our Newest Team Member An Unforgettable Day On the Old Course

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page 3 page 3 page 4

Support Maria Grygleski

Miso Caramel Apples

Save the Date!

SAVE THE DATE You’re Invited to Shannon Law Group’s 11th Annual Christmas Party!

Monday December 30 5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Quigley’s Irish Pub 43 E. Jefferson Avenue Naperville, IL

RSVP: Email Ashleigh at [email protected].

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