Van Dyck Law - Q2 2020

Van Dyck Law - Q2 2020

VanDyckLaw

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QUARTER 2 2020

FROM JANE AUSTEN TO MALCOLM GLADWELL The Benefits of Reading Widely

A lot of people who love to read have a favorite book or a favorite author. I don’t, though. I’ve been a voracious reader since my high school English teachers made us read all the American classics. I would pick out one of the authors we read during the school year, and then during the summer, I would read as many of their other books as possible. To this day, that’s still how I read — one author and several of their books at a time. I started reading that way the summer after I read “Pride and Prejudice” in class. I read Jane Austen’s books all summer long and loved every minute of it. The next summer, I read F. Scott Fitzgerald’s body of work. During the course of that season, I discovered that “The Great Gatsby” was actually my least favorite book of his. Even though it’s sometimes hailed as one of the greatest American novels of all time, I still liked Fitzgerald’s other stuff better. I never would have found that out if I had stuck to my English class syllabus. I also never would have found out that although I dislike most of Ernest Hemingway’s books (I think his prose is too terse), I actually really liked “The Sun Also Rises” — mostly because he wrote it differently than all his other books, and it sounds more like something Fitzgerald would have written. I don’t mean to sound like all I read are the American classics. I’m not some literary elitist. I’ve also spent entire summers tearing through Agatha Christie mystery novels and the “Crazy Rich Asians” trilogy. I love to read

all sorts of stories and genres. I spend a lot of time reading nonfiction books as well. I love Malcolm Gladwell’s books and Daniel James Brown’s “The Boys in the Boat.” Brown’s book is the story of a rowing team from the University of Washington that competed in the 1936 Olympics in Nazi Germany and took home the gold medal against all odds. It’s a particularly inspiring story I’m sure some of you have read. It had such an impact on our office that now if anyone is taking on a challenging task, I always say they’re taking the stroke oar (the hardest job on the rowing team). What we read impacts how we go about our daily lives, both consciously and subconsciously. That’s why it pays to read widely. Sometimes the people we interact with in real life will remind us of a character in a book we’ve read. That could

give you insight on how to interact with them. Sometimes I read books with the conscious intent of letting them affect how I act. I’ve read a few on how to get ego out of the workplace. Books give us different perspectives on familiar issues, some of which we’ll agree with and others we won’t. They make us think and question, and they let us travel to different worlds without leaving our homes. To this day, I keep anywhere from 2–4 books on my nightstand. They could be fiction or nonfiction. I might finish all of them, and I might finish none of them. Whatever the case, I look forward to how their narratives will play out in my life. -Fiona Van Dyck

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A GOLDEN OPPORTUNITY IN YOUR GOLDEN YEARS 3 Tips for Changing Careers Later in Life

It’s 6 a.m. on Monday morning, and your alarm clock blares in your face. You groan and, with the thought of another week looming over you, pull yourself out of bed. But the early wake-up call is the least of your worries. Another week has begun, and you’re still stuck in a job that you no longer love or maybe never did. Does this sound familiar? If so, you may believe changing careers isn’t worth the hassle, especially if you’re close to retirement, but here’s the secret: It’s not too late! There’s nothing stopping you from finding a career you love later in life. Here are three tips to get you started. BE FLEXIBLE If it’s been a while since you’ve hunted for a job, then you may have forgotten what it’s like. Job searching can be exhausting, and some job requirements can look overwhelming. But getting stuck in your ways and focusing on the things you cannot

do will only hinder your ability to find a job you actually love. Instead, take a deep breath and be open to what comes. You may discover a hidden talent or passion! FORGET THE MONEY Money matters, but it shouldn’t be your first priority on the job hunt. Instead, consider what’s going to make you the happiest. What’s your dream job? What have you always enjoyed doing? If money wasn’t an option, what would you be doing right now instead of counting down the hours to 5 p.m.? Be realistic in your goals and find something you love. SEEK GUIDANCE Remember, you’re not alone in this fight! Plenty of people switch careers midway through their lives to focus on something they really enjoy. Seek guidance from those who have had a similar experience and look to professional job hunters or consultants for help. Furthermore, after years in the same

job or industry, you’re bound to have made a few connections. Reach out for professional support. Regardless of what path you choose, remember that a career you enjoy is always possible. We can’t promise that you’ll love getting up at 6 a.m., but at least you won’t dread what comes next.

Coronavirus Update

WE ARE OPEN AND HERE FOR YOU

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many businesses and organizations around the world to quickly change the way they operate over the course of just a few weeks or even days, and that certainly applies to us here at Van Dyck Law. The firm remains open and here to serve you in your time of need because we realize your needs don’t just stop because of a global pandemic. You can schedule a new appointment right here on our website or call like you normally would at 609-580-1044. If convenient, you can also reach us via email at [email protected]. All of our client appointments for the time being will be via phone or video conferencing. For those clients who already have an appointment scheduled, our office will be in touch with you about moving it to a phone or video conference or rescheduling.

We are here for you and your family, as always.

Be well,

-Fiona Van Dyck , ESQUIRE

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Tips for an Easier Transition

Into Senior Housing

Moving an elderly loved one out of their home and into an assisted living community could seem as complicated as building a supercomputer. But it doesn’t have to be if you have a plan and get help where you need it. Whether the transition is necessitated by safety concerns with their current home or the recent loss of a spouse, moving your loved one to a place where they’ll be better taken care of will be challenging, but with these tips, it doesn’t have to be impossible. PLAN AHEAD As the old cliche goes, “The best defense is a good offense.” While your loved one will most likely not want to move until they absolutely have to, you can still work with them to plan for a day when they might not have a choice. If possible, making a plan for transitioning into senior housing together while they can still be in control of the process is vastly preferable to the alternative, when they may have little say in the matter due to physical or mental health concerns. ASSESS THE SITUATION What are your loved one’s physical needs? What is their financial situation? These will be the most important questions to consider when deciding which type of senior living community they should live in. Consider how much utilities and taxes will cost for their new housing situation, and don’t forget about transportation and food expenses as well.

DON’T RUSH ANYTHING Moving to a senior living community can be jarring for seniors. Often, they have to go through countless belongings, each potentially with years of memories attached to them and decide what few things they can take along. You should also take your time when you look at different senior living options. Today, there are more senior living options than ever. Why not slow the search to find the perfect place for your loved one? Moving someone into a community comes with several complexities, and it can help to have an advocate to help you navigate the move. Our Elder Advocacy Team and Certified Dementia Practitioners can assist you in this overwhelming process to help you find the very best option for you or your loved one. Call Van Dyck today at (609) 580-1044 for any questions or concerns you might have!

Beet, Goat Cheese, and Arugula Salad

Inspired by FoodNetwork.com

Support Group UPDATES We will also be a virtual support group for family caregivers called COVID-19 and the Family Caregiver on Mondays at 2 p.m. via Zoom or by telephone. To register for this educational support session, please call 609-580-1044 or email info@ vandyckfirm.com. Once you register, you will be provided with instructions on how to access the teleseminar with either your telephone or computer.

INGREDIENTS • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 3 tbsp shallots, thinly sliced • 1 tbsp honey • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste • 6 beets, peeled and quartered

• 6 cups fresh arugula • 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries • 1/2 avocado, cubed • 2 oz crumbled goat cheese

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat oven to 450 F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 2. In a medium bowl, combine vinegar, shallots, and honey. 3. Gradually whisk olive oil into the mixture and season with salt and pepper. 4. In a small bowl, toss the beets in dressing until they are coated. 5. Place coated beets on baking sheet and roast them for 12 minutes. Set the beets aside and allow them to cool. 6. In a large bowl, toss arugula, walnuts, and berries with the remaining vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. 7. Top salad with beets, avocado, and goat cheese.

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707 State Road, Suite 102 Princeton, NJ 08540 VANDYCKFIRM.COM | 609-580-1044

Inside 1 2

From Jane Austen to Malcolm Gladwell

Finding a Job You Love at Any Age Coronavirus Update

Tips for Transitioning Into Senior Housing Beet, Goat Cheese, and Arugula Salad

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Fight the Sneeze With These Holistic Remedies

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LEARN TO BREATHE BETTER Holistic Methods for Taming Seasonal Allergies

The season of sniffles and sneezes is upon us, but you don’t have to let your allergies stop you from enjoying gorgeous April blooms and fresh spring breezes. Try these natural solutions to help combat your allergies and breathe a little easier this spring — though if your allergies are persistent, seek professional medical help. EAT THEM AWAY Food is often overlooked as a method to fight your allergies, but make no mistake: The nutrients in some foods can do wonders for your body! Use this to your advantage by choosing ingredients proven to fight the sniffles. Raw, local honey has the ability to soothe scratchy throats, which protects the airway passage from further damage. ( Warning : Children under the age of 1 should never consume honey.) Also on the sweeter side, the naturally occurring enzyme in pineapple, bromelain, has been shown to ease inflammation and swelling, while quercetin, found in tea, red wine, and apples, can act as a natural antihistamine. If you’re looking for something more savory, spicy foods can light a fire under your mucus, break it up, and clear your nasal passages.

POKE THEM AWAY Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment method that pinpoints specific pathways crucial to the flow of energy throughout the body and reopens them through strategic needle placements. While studies have yet to prove that acupuncture can serve as a stand- alone treatment for allergies, it has been shown to aid in symptom management. Acupuncture can also decrease pain and release built-up pressure caused by congestion. DRAIN THEM AWAY Have you ever just wanted to open your nose and flush out all of your congestion? With a neti pot, you can! Simply create your own saltwater solution with filtered water — do not try this with unfiltered water, as deadly organisms can enter your body this way — and 1 teaspoon of salt. Some experts even suggest adding a pinch of baking soda to the mixture to soothe the bite of the salt. Next, pour the solution into the pot. Tilt your head to one side over a sink, pour the mixture from the pot into one of your nostrils, and let it drain out the other side. Repeat on the opposite nostril and feel the relief!

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