VanMeveren Law Group - July 2021

Foundations

OLD TOWN 123 North College Ave., Suite 112 Fort Collins, CO 80524 JULY 2021

Training Like an Olympian

WHAT ATHLETES AND LAWYERS HAVE IN COMMON

After a yearlong hiatus, the Summer Olympics in Tokyo are scheduled to begin this month, and as a self-described passionate old athlete, I can’t wait. I’ve always been impressed by the dedication and preparation of Olympians. I’m going to date myself here, but I can remember watching the Olympics back when Mark Spitz shattered Olympic records at the 1972 Munich summer games. I even remember waking up at 4 a.m. just to watch! Ever since I began competing in Ironman Triathlons, I’ve felt a sort of kinship to the long-distance and endurance runners in the Olympics. I’m nowhere near their athletic skill and ability, but I do know the kind of commitment you have to make to yourself and your goals to compete at a high level for a long time. (I can feel their pain, too!) As I heard an athlete say this spring, “Proper planning prevents poor performance.” “Just as proper planning prevents poor athletic performance, proper legal preparation prevents missed opportunities and added pain for our clients.” Some people thrive on this level of extreme competition; others couldn’t even imagine attempting something so crazy. Personally, I’ve always been fascinated by pushing my limits. I first became an Ironman triathlete decades ago, and at the time of writing this cover article, I was actually preparing for my next big race in Hawaii. (It was also canceled last year due to COVID-19.) The course conditions in Hawaii are hot, humid, and windy compared to what I’m used to here in Colorado, but I love the added challenge. It’s why I’ve completed dozens of races since starting this venture.

body healthy and perform my best in each race. Overcoming fatigue and the mental block that comes from these long-form races can be difficult, but that’s part of completing these races. Jumping those hurdles, so to speak, is one of the greatest accomplishments for an athlete. And while Olympians are competing against each other, simply pushing your own boundaries to even reach that point is an indescribable feeling. That mindset absolutely carries over into the work I do every day. Just as proper planning prevents poor athletic performance, proper legal preparation prevents missed opportunities and added pain for our clients. Every case that we handle has to be met with meticulous “training” to ensure we are presenting our best argument for each case. And we aren’t the only one’s practicing. Insurance companies are doing the same thing. They run this race all the time, and we have to be prepared for whatever roadblocks or obstacles they toss at us. We have to make sure our mindset and focus is on what our clients need and how to get them to that point. When I’m out on the Ironman course, my focus is on my training. I rely on the repetition I put in back home and the successes I had getting to that point. Not every race is perfect, but I always have the work I put into being an athlete to fall back on.

Every case is the same. We practice and build on that practice to provide our clients with our best performance possible. Each case is like our own Olympics. The stakes are high for our clients, and preparation can mean all the difference.

Good luck to your favorite athletes this year!

As I’ve gotten older, my focus has shifted from an external competition with the other athletes to an internal battle with myself. I want to keep my

970-495-9741 • 1 –Bryan VanMeveren

‘Amazing Staff and Results’ “I have nothing but rave reviews regarding Jolene Blair at VanMeveren Law Group! She was with me step by step in a very extensive case. Jolene kept me apprised of everything that was happening before, during, and following court proceedings. Andrea Hopkins and Karl Hagen were excellent team members and were patient, knowledgeable about every detail, and worked endless hours. My case was against a very large and well-known company, Jolene took them head-on. She is a ball of fire! She was also my rock. Kind, responsive, enduring, knowledgeable, and dedicated are some of the adjectives I would use to describe Jolene Blair. She’s on your side!” –Nancy Gorges

WANT TO SAVE MONEY AND IMPROVE YOUR DIET?

Grow Your Own Sprouts!

You’ve probably crunched down on a mouthful of bean sprouts in a sandwich or stir-fry, but those delicate white stalks are just one part of the massive, super-healthy sprout family. Almost any seed, bean, nut, or grain can be sprouted, including black beans, broccoli, sunflower seeds, and quinoa! Sprouts offer tons of health benefits, including essential vitamins and minerals, digestion-easing fiber, and age-fighting antioxidants. Sprouts will level up your diet, but they can be expensive and come in non-recyclable plastic containers. To get the benefits without the hit to the wallet or the planet, grow your own with this handy five-step guide. 1. Decide how many types of sprouts you’d like to grow. Then buy your seeds at a local garden center or online at TrueLeafMarket.com or SproutPeople.org. 2. Purchase a seed-sprouting jar kit OR a corresponding number of quart-sized glass canning jars, wide-mouthed canning rings, and stainless-steel sprouting screens (these will replace the metal jar lids). If you have jars and rings at home, use those and save another buck. 3. Add 3 tablespoons of sprouting seeds and 2 cups of water to the bottom of each clean jar. Screw on the lids and sprouting screens, then swirl the seeds, pour out the water, and replace it another 2–4 cups of water. Leave the jars on the counter to soak overnight. (These measurements may vary from seed to seed. Check your seed packaging or ask your local gardening store for guidance.) 4. In the morning, dump out the water and repeat Step 3. Then, place each jar upside down or at an angle (in a bowl or on a stand) and leave it there to fully drain. Toss your sprouts and start over if they start to smell rancid or turn brown.

5.

Repeat Step 4 several times a day for 3–5 days, until your seeds sprout. Then, dry the sprouts and store them in the fridge.

When it’s time to eat your homegrown sprouts, be careful! Seeds can be contaminated with bacteria, so The Cleveland Clinic

recommends boiling, roasting, or steaming your sprouts, just in

case. To learn more about growing your own sprouts, pick up “The Sprout Book,” “The Sprouting Book,” or “Homegrown Sprouts” at your local library.

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Meet Our New Office Manager Introducing Paulette!

Paulette Hernandez has always been interested in studying law, and when she was completing her graduate program at Colorado State University, legal professionals helped her realize she didn’t have to go to law school to work in the field.

Furthermore, for someone who wants to continue learning more about the legal field, Paulette says she is appreciative of the training opportunities she’s discovered through the firm.

“It’s really nice and collaborative,” Paulette says. “It’s nice that Bryan is so open about making sure everyone is communicating and doing so in the best manner.”

That’s when doors started opening for Paulette.

We’re happy they did because since April, Paulette has been part of the VanMeveren Law Group, serving as our office manager. She comes to our firm with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a master’s degree in management practice. Her passion for the law and her management expertise have made her a valuable asset to the firm so far.

When she isn’t studying or helping our office flow smoothly, Paulette may be reading or snuggling with her cat, Ernie. Paulette has raised Ernie since he was a kitten! She’s also in the midst of wedding planning, as she and her fiancé, Dien, became engaged last year. If you happen to be in the office sometime soon, we encourage you to say hello to our newest team member! Paulette has become a valuable team member we know our clients will love just as much as we do.

“I’m learning something new every day about how we work and from the bottom up,” Paulette says.

Since she joined the firm, Paulette has appreciated how the team has welcomed her. She enjoys the organized structure, and she values what she describes as great communication practices.

Welcome, Paulette!

SUDOKU

Mexican Corn Salad

Inspired by JoCooks.com

Ingredients:

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4 cups of fresh corn, cut from 5 cobs

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1/2 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp smoked paprika Salt and pepper, to taste

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1 tbsp olive oil

1/2 red bell pepper, chopped

2 tbsp sour cream 2 tbsp mayonnaise

1/2 red onion, diced

6 green onions, chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 1/2 cup cotija or feta cheese, crumbled

1 jalapeno, diced 1/2 avocado, cubed

1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice

Directions:

1. In a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and corn. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3–5 minutes or until corn starts to char. 2. Add the corn to a large bowl and let cool for 5 minutes, then add the remaining ingredients and stir together until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning. 3. The salad pairs well with grilled entrees and can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

970-495-9741 • 3

123 North College Ave, Suite 112 Fort Collins, CO 80524 970-495-9741 www.vanmeverenlaw.com

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INSIDE This Issue

Why I Practice for the Race Course and the Courtroom Page 1 Save Money and Improve Your Diet by Growing Sprouts at Home Client Testimonial: ‘Amazing Staff and Results’ Page 2

Welcome, Paulette! Mexican Corn Salad Page 3 What’s Going on Around Fort Collins This Month? Page 4

Things to Do This July

2021 People’s Tiny House Festival July 17–18 The Ranch Events Complex

Wild & Scenic Virtual Challenge Now through Sept. 22 Anywhere

These days, more people are leaving traditional homeownership behind to embrace minimalism or simply because they don’t want to be tied down to a larger home. Because of this, tiny homes have become more popular than ever. So, to help people learn more about tiny homes and other alternative forms of living, the People’s Tiny House Festival is back. It takes place at the Ranch Events Complex in Loveland. There, you can explore tiny houses, container homes, camper vans, and converted school buses. It’s great for anyone looking to learn more about this movement to “smaller” living. Full details can be found at PeoplesTinyHouseFestival.com .

Virtual runs have become more popular than ever. Even as more local runs return to in-person events, it’s likely we’ll see move virtual runs for the foreseeable future. So, to help athletes get ready for all the events yet to come, the Wild & Scenic Virtual Challenge is a new way to train. It includes accountability and other tools to help you meet your goals. You get to choose your distance and how you want to train, whether you want to run, walk, bike, or hike. Every “challenge” is based on various area trails and byways. Learn more at RaceAcrossTheRockies.com .

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