Trinity Elder Law - October 2020

Trinity Elder Law - October 2020

Reflecting on Past, Preparing for the Future Peace of Mind Post I ’ve always been someone who loves being outdoors, but if I had to choose a favorite season, it would undoubtedly be autumn. The humidity is lower, the air is crisp, and the trees in our region are absolutely gorgeous! Whether you want to hike through the changing leaves or take a drive to see the magnificent colors of the countryside, I truly believe our Western Pennsylvania landscape could rival any northern New England location. preparation for the winter. On my farm today, we’re typically done with our last hay cut by fall, but we may prepare for next year by cleaning and storing equipment and noting changes FALL IS A GREAT TIME TO PREPARE FOR NEXT SEASON OCTOBER 2020

to implement in the spring. The farm traffic also increases as more farmers cut and store

their final harvest. I always enjoy driving around and seeing the farmers hard at work. Be careful as you drive down our country roads this year, though; farmers will be hard at work. As we prepare the farm for winter and the next planting season, this is also a great time for reflection. I like to think of the fall as the third quarter of a football game. We’re nearing the end of the year, but we still have some time to grow. We can begin to look back on what we have accomplished or what has changed, while also preparing for a new season and a new year. It’s also when we see our family more and may notice our parents’ slipping — or realize just how much things have changed. This serves as an important reminder for your estate plan. Your wishes are reflected by your goals as you strive to protect the people and things you love, including your family, your farm, and your community. Our job is to ensure that your plan reflects this. We can’t tell you where the house should go or how to parcel off the farm, but what we can do is guide you through that soul- searching and develop a plan that reflects what you want. If we can help you update your plan to meet your new goals and needs, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re more than happy to spare a few minutes away from our favorite fall activities to help create a plan that brings you peace of mind.

When it comes to activities, there’s no shortage of fun we can have here, too. From farmers markets to pumpkin patches and corn mazes, this season of harvest is when our region comes alive. It’s also a great time to have a campfire because you don’t have to stay up too late for it to be dark enough for spooky ghost stories, and the air isn’t too hot or too cold either. If you’re a runner, our community also has some fun races during the fall. The best part about running in this weather is that you don’t have the unrelenting heat of the summer or the rain of the spring. Of course, it isn’t fall until I’ve had one — or a few — of Edwards’ Soft Serve’s legendary caramel apple ice cream sundaes! With spiced apples, vanilla ice cream, apple syrup, and caramel sauce, it’s like a taste of fall in every bite. To top it off, the apples are warm when the sundae is made, creating that perfect blend of cool, creamy ice cream swirled with warm cinnamon flavors. (My mouth is watering just writing about it!)

As for the farm, fall is usually the time we begin preparing. As a kid, I can remember raking leaves and trimming the bushes in

“It’s a great time to have a campfire because you don’t have to stay up too late for it to be dark enough for spooky ghost stories.”

I wish you and your loved ones nothing but the best this season!

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Stay Upright REDUCE YOUR FALL RISK One of the biggest dangers for older adults may be lurking where we least expect it: in their homes! According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), 1 in 4 Americans aged 65 or older will fall, and every 19 minutes an older adult dies as the result of a fall. But there is good news! You can lower your risk of falling with a few preventative measures. So, as we celebrate fall , try these three methods for avoiding a fall. Move More Similar to driving a vehicle regularly so it stays lubricated and running smoothly, moving our bodies keeps our joints and muscles limber and strong. Your body needs movement to be strong and to prevent falls. And when you do trip up, it’s easier to regain your balance when your body has the tools to do so. To get started, contact a physical therapist or check out Johns Hopkins Medicine’s website for beginner exercises at HopkinsMedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/fall- prevention-exercises. Upgrade Your Space With a little cleaning and some updates, your home can become a safer place for you. Start by clearing your hallways

DOES VITAMIN D HELP OUR BONES AND OUR MUSCLES?

A PREVIOUSLY UNKNOWN BENEFIT OF VITAMIN D

As the weather cools and the days get shorter, we can’t rely as much on the sun for our daily dose of vitamin D. The primary function of vitamin D is regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. These nutrients are necessary for strengthening our bones and teeth, which becomes increasingly important as we age and our bones naturally become more brittle. While these benefits of vitamin D are well documented, did you know that getting your daily dose of vitamin D can also contribute to healthier muscles? A few years ago, researchers published a study that seemed to show that vitamin D could potentially help people gain muscle mass. While the research team said their results weren’t conclusive, their findings were certainly interesting. Vitamin D enters the body in an inactive form. It doesn’t become active until it comes in contact with the right enzymes in either the liver or the kidneys. To learn more about what factors affect this vitamin’s rate of absorption and activation in the body, researchers observed the levels of inactive vitamin D in 116 women ages 20–74. What they found was that women with higher muscle mass had lower levels of inactive vitamin D, while women with lower muscle mass had higher levels of inactive vitamin D. The conclusion researchers drew was that active vitamin D might help optimize muscle strength. While that conclusion is not ironclad, vitamin D’s other well-known benefits still make it worth getting your daily dose. It can aid weight loss, enhance mood, support cardiovascular health, boost the immune system, and strengthen bones, among many other benefits. So, its potential muscle-boosting properties are just another reason to get more vitamin D. To get more of this important vitamin in your diet, try adding salmon, mushrooms, and even canned tuna to your menu. Also, as winter approaches, it might be time to start taking a vitamin D supplement. Whether you’re 20 or 74 years old, it’s never too late to find ways to strengthen your muscles.

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t Confidently

CELEBRATE LOCAL FARMS

With These 3 Activities

K IN 3 STEPS

Living in a farming community means we have an abundance of activities and homegrown food to enjoy each fall. If you’re itching for some fall activities this season, check out these local farms. Gearhard Farms Corn Maze Where: 286 (Saltsburg Rd.) near Mamont Rd., Murrysville When: Fridays from 5–9 p.m., Saturdays from noon to 9 p.m., and Sundays from noon to 7 p.m. Admission: $5–$7 for events, children ages 4 and under are free The Gearhard family has a long-standing tradition of farming in Western Pennsylvania. The family has owned their farm for the past 250 years, and in the past 20 years, they’ve added a little fun too! Gearhard Farms will celebrate its 21st corn maze this season, and to discover what the design will be, you have to complete the maze. Take the whole family out for a socially distant activity of getting lost in the corn and using your wits to find your way out. The farm also offers hayrides, campfires, and horse cart rides. Plan your adventure at GearhardFarms.com . Harvest Valley Farms Where: 6003 Cunningham Road, Gibsonia When: Various local farmers markets and its annual October Fall Festival Admission: Varies by purchase; Fall Festival is free Harvest Valley Farms is a fourth-generation vegetable farm committed to growing food with few pesticides. The family is committed to agricultural education with its behind-the-scenes tours and ensures that they are good stewards of the land. All of this dedication seems to have paid off with the amazing produce they grow every year! You can enjoy many varieties of autumnal produce, like apples, beans, beets, cucumbers, corn, herbs, and more by finding them at local farmers markets or visiting their fall festival, held throughout Saturdays and Sundays in October each year on the farm. Learn more at HarvestValleyFarms.com .

and walkways of clutter or boxes to avoid possible trips and falls. Keep your home well lit, so you can easily spot obstacles before they appear under your feet, and install grab bars and traction spots to prevent slips in the bathroom. These little changes can act as a safety net should your body give out. Talk to Your Doctor

There are a variety of reasons why you personally may be at risk for a fall. Those with inner-ear issues may face a higher risk of falling because of the critical role ears play in helping us keep our balance. For others, falls may be a side effect of medication. Whatever your personal ailments are, your doctor can help you find the best treatments or programs. This may include physical therapy or creating an after-fall plan. Starting that conversation is a great first step. As you consider prevention options, remember that it can also be just as vital to create a plan in the event that you do fall. Please give us a call if we can help with any estate planning updates that this may prompt, including powers of attorney. Visit NCOA.org for more details on fall prevention.

Spooky Strawberry Ghosts These adorable chocolate-dipped strawberry ghosts will be the stars of your Halloween party!

Ambrose Farm Market Where: 991 Bear Creek Road, Cabot When: Every day from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Admission: Varies by purchase

INGREDIENTS

• 1 package mini dark chocolate chips

•

16 oz white chocolate, chopped

•

24 strawberries

Another family-owned farm, the Ambrose Farm Market is probably most known for its delectable sweet corn each summer. But the market has many great fall finds too! Enjoy pumpkins and freshly picked tomatoes, bundles of onions, squash, eggplant, and other autumn staples. But you better make sure you make it to the market on time! The Ambrose Farm Market is open seasonally and items sell fast. Find Ambrose Farm Market on Facebook for daily specials.

DIRECTIONS

1. In a microwave-safe bowl, heat the white chocolate at 50% power for 30 seconds. Remove it and stir, then repeat the process until melted. 2. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper. 3. One by one, dip the strawberries into the melted white chocolate and set them on the parchment. Allow the extra chocolate to pool to form a “tail” effect. 4. Before the chocolate coating fully cools, add three mini chocolate

Note: Please contact each establishment for COVID-19 precautions.

chips to each berry to form two eyes and a mouth. 5. Let chocolate set, then serve your spooky snacks!

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INSIDE This Issue

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This Is My Favorite Season

A Previously Unknown Benefit of Vitamin D 3 Steps to Fall Prevention Spooky Strawberry Ghosts 3 Fall Activities to Celebrate Local Farms

The Weird Things Celebs Tried to Trademark

CATCHPHRASE! 6 THINGS CELEBRITIES TRIED TO TRADEMARK —AND SOME WHO SUCCEEDED

‘Rock Star From Mars’ Back in 2011, actor Charlie Sheen had a very public meltdown. During the episode, he rambled off countless phrases such as “Duh, winning,” “tiger blood,” and “rock star from Mars.” In the end, he tried to trademark a total of 22 phrases, but all were rejected by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. ‘You’re fired!’ Donald Trump is known for many things, including emblazoning his name on everything he owns. Long before he was president and while host of “The Apprentice,” he filed a trademark on the show’s catchphrase. It was denied because it was too close to a preexisting (and trademarked) board game called You’re Hired. ‘BAM!’ TV chef Emeril Lagasse was a pioneer

Celebrities love to trademark all sorts of things for one simple reason: People associate certain words with the celebrity’s brand, and the celebrity wants to protect that. It makes sense from a business perspective, but sometimes, it can get a little silly. Read on to see what the U.S. Trademark and Patent Office gave its blessing to and which trademarks it outright refused to create. Blue Ivy Carter Just days before their first daughter was born in 2012, Beyoncé and Jay-Z filed for a trademark on her name. The problem was that a wedding planning company called Blue Ivy was already using the name. Plus, Jay-Z mentioned to the media that their intention was to prevent others from using it. The trademark was denied. Kylie This generic trademark was filed by Kylie Jenner (of the Kardashians and Jenners). Her intention was to use her trademarked name for marketing purposes. The trademark was denied, and Jenner even ended up in a brief legal battle with singer Kylie Minogue. ‘Let’s get ready to rumble!’ One of the most well-known catchphrases of all time was successfully trademarked in 1992 by its creator, boxing announcer Michael Buffer. Even better, it’s made Buffer a very wealthy man. To date, he has made nearly $500 million dollars by licensing the trademark.

in the world of cooking shows. He popularized cooking on TV and

captivated audiences by exclaiming one simple phrase every time he added an ingredient to whatever he was making: “BAM!” Naturally, he trademarked his signature phrase, but he doesn’t discourage people from using it as long as they keep it in the kitchen.

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