Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning - March 2021

Trinity Elder Law & Estate Planning - March 2021

Peace of Mind Post

MARCH 2021

The Women Before Me HONORING THE HISTORY THAT INFLUENCED MY LIFE

Gram

If you know me, then you know that I’m a bit of a history geek. I studied history as an undergraduate, but to this day, I still consider myself a student of history. I firmly believe we can learn from our past, and by studying and remembering it, we grow both individually and as a society. When I think back on my own story and what led me to become who I am today, I can’t help but admire the women who came before me. I feel honored to come from a lineage of hardworking, dedicated women. In honor of Women’s History Month — see, I can never escape history — and International Women’s Day, I want to introduce you to two of the biggest influences in my life: my grandmothers. I considered my mom’s mom — who I knew as “Gram” — one of my greatest friends. I grew up close to her farm, and I spent so much of my childhood with her. But she was so much more than the woman who loved “Jeopardy!” and tried to teach me how to cook — by the way, I could never quite get the hang of that. Many readers know Gram as the one who inspired me to become an elder law attorney, but it was actually she who first had a career helping others. Gram attended Washington University in St. Louis in the 1940s when it wasn’t common for women to seek higher education. Afterward, she was stationed in Pearl Harbor where she served as a Navy nurse during World War II. That would set the trajectory for the rest of her life, and it was an opportunity she was afforded because of carnage from a horrible war. But it was a major moment of progress for Gram and many other women.

I can still remember the sense of calm my Gram had, even in tense situations. Maybe it was her military training or just who she was, but it’s something I learned from her and still practice today. My other grandmother, my dad’s mom, died when I was just 8 months old, but she was another remarkable woman. She began her career as a teacher and became a mother in her 40s. That was unheard of back then, but she didn’t let it deter her. By the 1950s, my grandmother was a single mother with two kids when she went back to school to earn her master’s degree. She broke barriers by having her children later in life, raising them on her own, and continuing her education — all in the ʼ50s and ʼ60s. I wish I remembered her, but I’ve been told that she would come out to our farm almost every night and read to me when I was an infant. I firmly believe she’s the reason why I’m such an avid reader. Ever the educator, she instilled that in me since birth. She always believed in treating others with respect, regardless of their beliefs or actions. She practiced civility, a lesson I try to pass on to others today. I’m a big advocate for remaining calm and treating others as fellow humans, even if we don’t agree. Even though I don’t remember her, I like to think that’s her legacy living on in me. Of course, as a history geek, I love looking back on this family history and finding the little threads that led to who I am today, but I also enjoy analyzing the big moments in history that have created our world. Back in college, I examined the women’s suffrage movement in the U.S. and compared it to its

This is my father’s mother, Beulah.

much more violent British counterpart. (These ladies fought with Molotov cocktails!) It’s a very nerdy concept that I don’t want to bore you with, but regardless of how these women fought, they paved the way for women like my grandmothers to break their own barriers and clear a path for me. That progress is worth celebrating and remembering. I hope that this March you’ll find time to celebrate the strong, intelligent, thoughtful women in your life. Happy International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month!

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More Than Mon

GET YOUR SEASONAL ALLERGIES BEFORE THEY GET YOU!

As we learned from Julie’s cover letter this month, our lives and legacies are about so much more than the assets and money we leave behind for our loved ones.

Estate planning often encompasses the monetary value of one’s life. There’s a focus on who you want to entrust your finances to should something happen, who should receive your life’s savings,

and sometimes, who you pass your life’s work — such as the family farm or business — down to. These are important pieces to consider, but they shouldn’t be the only things you discuss when planning and updating your estate. Your loved ones will also crave your wisdom and guidance after you’re gone. Telling them your story, from the lessons you learned in childhood to the successes or struggles you encountered as a professional, will deepen your bond with them. You can accomplish this in a variety of ways, so choose the option that’s best for you. 1. Record Something: Leave a video, audio, or written message for your loved ones to view or listen to after you pass away. Share what you most appreciate about them and

Spring brings with it many wonderful things, like longer days, picturesque scenery, and spring break, but right alongside those good things

is something most people suffer from: allergies. While beautiful, the blooming trees and flowers make you want to stay away from the great outdoors for fear of nonstop sneezing or puffy, watery eyes. If you suffer from

allergies caused by pollen, grass, or other spring plants, take these steps to breathe a little easier.

When outside, avoid walking through areas with weeds,

Kind Words FROM OUR CLIENTS

shrubbery, or lots of trees as much as possible. Grass and weeds are notably problematic. The slightest breeze can send particles flying through the air in the blink of an eye. When you walk through grassy areas, pollen will get on you, your clothes, and your hair. It’s best to stick to trails, sidewalks, and other paved areas.

Online reviews are one of the best ways for you to help us help others! We would greatly appreciate it if you could leave us a review on Google or Facebook if our team has helped you in anyway.

If you do find yourself inundated with pollen or other allergens, your next best bet is to establish an at-home decontamination protocol. Take your shoes off at the door and make sure your clothes don’t come in contact with soft surfaces such as carpet, upholstery, or bedding. Take care to wash your “pollinated” clothes as soon as possible and wash your sheets and pillowcases weekly. Next, head for the shower. The sooner you can wash away the allergens, the better. Finally, don’t forget to replace the air filter in your home’s air system in the spring. Consider using an air filter designed to capture allergens. If your allergies are particularly troublesome, invest in a dedicated air filtration system or unit. While you can opt for portable, stand-alone air purifiers, there are larger systems that can be incorporated into your heating and air system that keep your entire home’s air free of most, if not all, common allergens.

For inspiration, take a look at what Carolyn had to say!

“Attorney Anderson and her staff are amazing! They helped our family work through some really tough decisions when my mom got sick. They have continued to help us with navigating the planning that elder care involves.” -Carolyn S.

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3 WOMEN WHO LEFT THEIR MARK ON HISTORYAFTER 40 They say age is just a number, but for many women, age can act as a barrier. However, history would be very different if it hadn’t been for these women, all of whom made astonishing achievements when they were over 40 years old. Constance Baker Motley After graduating from Columbia Law School, Constance Baker Motley served as a law clerk to U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall as he presided over the landmark school segregation case Brown vs. the Board of Education . By the time she was 43, Constance was elected to her first governmental seat: a member of the New York State Senate. She later represented Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., argued 12 cases before the Supreme Court — winning nine of them — and served as a judge from 1982–2005. Constance left a legacy as the first Black woman to argue a case before the Supreme Court and to serve as a federal judge. Katharine Graham Katharine Graham became the first female publisher in the 20th century in 1963 when she was 47 years old. After her husband, Philip Graham, died, she assumed the role of president and publisher of The Washington Post. Katharine went on to oversee the famous publishing of the Pentagon Papers, which added crucial information to the story of the Watergate scandal and effectively ended former President Richard Nixon’s political career. Today, Katharine is also recognized as the first female Fortune 500 CEO, which she achieved in 1972. She oversaw the publication until 1991. Sojourner Truth Born a slave in 1797, Sojourner Truth spent her 86 years dedicated to fighting injustice. Sojourner was middle-aged when she began fighting for women’s rights, prison reform, and universal suffrage, often focusing on both race and gender before this intersectional approach became more popular. While she never learned to read or write, Sojourner became a well-known, impassioned speaker whose work even earned her an invitation to meet with President Abraham Lincoln in 1864. Today, her “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech is her most famous work of activism. Learn more about Women’s History Month and other famous female pioneers at the National Women’s History Museum website, WomensHistory.org .

LEAVING THE LEGACY OF YOUR STORY AND WISDOM BEHIND

how much they meant to you and include any nuggets of wisdom or values you would like them to live by. This will become a treasured memory in your passing. 2. Tell Them Today: Whether you record it or not, make an effort to share

your stories with your loved ones. You could do this at weekly dinners or over phone calls with your grandchildren. You may wonder if they are even interested in what you have to say, but the stories you tell them today could become lasting memories when they grow older. 3. Use Monetary Designations: There is a way to combine the physical aspects of estate planning with the emotional components. Educational and charitable giving trusts are a valuable way to help your family while also promoting the values you cherish. It’s a lasting legacy that can have a profound impact on those who benefit from it. Your legacy isn’t just the monetary designations you leave behind. If you would like to incorporate more of your wisdom and life story into your estate plan, Trinity Elder Law can help. Call 724.256.8850 to learn more.

Tasty Thai Fried Rice Inspired by OhMyVeggies.com.

We’re smack in the middle of broccoli season, and fried rice is the perfect dish to celebrate it. This savory, plant-based recipe is packed with nutritious vegetables and delicious Thai flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 onion, chopped • 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced • 4 cups broccoli, chopped to bite-size pieces • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 5 cups jasmine rice, cooked and cooled

• 1/2 cup peanuts, chopped • 2 tbsp soy sauce • Toppings of choice for serving (sliced green

onions, sliced cucumber, chopped peanuts, lime wedges, Sriracha, etc.)

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until softened. 2. Add the mushrooms and broccoli. Cook for 5–7 minutes, until the broccoli is tender. 3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant. 4. Finally, add the rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 3–4 minutes. 5. Remove skillet from the heat and stir in the peanuts and soy sauce. 6. Serve garnished with your toppings. sdf

Constance Baker Motley

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INSIDE This Issue

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Celebrating the Women Who Influenced My Life

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Get Your Seasonal Allergies Before They Get You! Why You Should Share Your Story Tasty Thai Fried Rice Age Was Just a Number for These Women

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‘Jersey Shore’ Stars Battle a New York Restaurant Over Meatball Merch

The Meatball Shop Sued Snooki! (ANDANOTHER ‘JERSEY SHORE’ STAR, TOO)

Reality TV stars Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi and Deena Cortese are gearing up for a court battle. But this isn’t a showdown with another celebrity: It’s a fight to the death over merchandise with ... a New York City- based meatball restaurant! This case sounds laughable, but there’s some real “meat” to dig into. The controversy started when the celebrity duo — known as “The Meatballs” since their time together on “Jersey Shore” — launched a clothing brand/online store called The Meatball Shop late last year. The brand sells meatball-themed T-shirts, sweatshirts, and hats with slogans like “Team Meatball Forever” and “Meatball Squad.” Over the holidays, they even offered a sweater with a checklist reading, “Pour wine, wrap gifts, decorate, be a meatball.” All of this merchandise plays off the pair’s “Jersey Shore” nickname, which

Polizzi and Cortese earned because, as Food & Wine puts it, “The party girls are both very tan, curvy, and short.” Even with this claim to the moniker, the legality of the celebrities’ clothing line has some competition from, well, places that sell actual meatballs. According to Page Six, the New York City-based restaurant

The Meatball Shop sued Polizzi and Cortese in December of 2020, claiming their clothing infringes on its trademark. As of writing this, a judge is considering The Meatball Shop’s request to shut Polizzi and Cortese’s operation down. To add even more meat to the argument, it was the owners of The Meatball Shop restaurant (Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow) who first taught Polizzi and Cortese to make edible meatballs in 2017. The lesson was documented in a photo shoot with “In Touch.” Does it get more ironic than that? If you want to keep up with the drama, check PageSix.com, and if this article made you crave meatballs, don’t worry — we’ve got you covered. Visit Epicurious.com and search “classic beef meatballs’’ for a recipe that will knock your socks off.

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