By David Daggett on 10/20/2008 6:52 AM

Washing Hands Saves Lives

      Do we realize how important it is to wash our hands? Washing our hands is one of the most important germ fighting things we can do, and we should do it a number of times every day.

     Clean hands can prevent illness and save lives. Experts at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC, recommend washing hands in warm water with soap for 20 seconds. Clean hands not only prevent you from getting sick, but also help prevent spreading germs from person to person.

     There has been a movement in our local hospitals over the past several years to follow proper hand hygiene guidelines. The result has been a large decrease in the number of preventable infections.

     Cold and flu season is now upon us. This is the time of year that germs spread at school and at work faster than at other times of the year. Washing hands is more important than ever for you and your family to stay healthy.

     When washing remember these tips:

• Be sure to wash the tops of your hands, as well as wrists and under nails,
• Wash hands frequently including before eating, of course,
• Before preparing food; after being in goods of people, shaking hands, etc.,
• After coughing, sneezing, and blowing your nose,
• After touching door knobs, public phones, touch screens, or any other public thing
• When a sink and soap are not available, use alcohol based anti-bacterial gel or wipes.

     Please help remind your children, family, and friends to wash their hand with warm water and soap frequently. To help you, we are providing as a courtesy a flyer you can post as a reminder. You can get a copy of the flyer by clicking here. Be sure to post the flyer where your children will see it, and take it to friends or loved ones who are in the hospital.

     Washing hands can help us all prevent illness, the spread of germs, and even saves lives! Join our Lewis and Daggett team in reminding our children, families, and co-workers of the importance of hand hygiene.

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By David Daggett on 9/29/2008 6:46 AM

Elementary Leadership

     All the recent news regarding the financial markets makes us think about our kids’ future, as well as our own. We recently attended a parents’ night at our kids’ school - actually, we went three times!

     Perhaps the most interesting part of the parents’ nights was a speech on developing children to reach their full potential. The lessons we heard apply to all of our organizations, pursuits, and even the financial markets.

     The presentation was artfully targeted to urge appropriate parenting leadership, which also seems to apply to leadership in general. The principles included a balance nurture, structure, and latitude. Providing all three principles becomes a difficult commitment in the face of challenges in our fast paced world but are essential for success.

     Nurture includes the desire of all people to be wanted and loved. Nurture is essential to give individuals a sense of belonging. Nurture is developed by showing love and respect, both directly and by example. This is an essential aspect in creating healthy people, organizations, and satisfying lives.

     Structure is the framework and expectations people have for their pursuits, responsibilities and ventures. Structure includes rules and guidelines that are required to be followed. It also includes process management protocols, as well as behavioral standards. Over time, structure becomes the values and culture of our organizations, and is reflected in all we do.

     Latitude is the freedom within the structure to use judgement to experiment and learn. Given this latitude people and organizations will have failures and setbacks. These are the areas for more growth and learning. If there are appropriate nurture and structure then the learning and growth are appreciated, accepted and raise performance to higher levels.

     Authoritative leadership within these three levels provides the best opportunities for future successes. Virtually every neurodevelopmental and psychological study supports these elements as building blocks for success.

     Balance between nurture, structure, and latitude is important. With the latest investment bank debacles it appears that the balance between structure and latitude were out of wack. We can imagine how nurture was probably out of balance too. Perhaps a few lessons in elementary leadership would benefit our political and financial leaders.

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By David Daggett on 9/1/2008 5:38 AM

Our Incredible Community

     This past week was a very moving one for Greensboro and Winston-Salem. The communities’ response to Matt Gfeller’s fatal injury in a high school football game was incredible, and became a reflection of all of us.

Double rainbow over Reynolds High School - Monday August 25

     Of course we hear and read about tragedies on a regular basis. But most of those are what we usually consider to be within the risks of life and are just "news." This incident was described by doctors and other experts as one in a million. It was completely unexpected. When the "one in a million" hits close, we all take it personally.

     The signs of care, support, and concern through all sectors of our community were striking. We were all one, and we were all in this together. We all were in this together because we all care. We certainly can never know how the Gfeller family really feels, but certainly they know that we care.

     It seems many different factions of our community felt this incident in their own ways. Our Lewis and Daggett team had personal contact with more than 14,000 high school students across the triad this past year in our Safe Sober Prom Night program. Each one of those young people are precious to us.

     On a personal note, I have known Lisa and Bob Gfeller for more than 20 years. They are fine, honorable, spiritual, happy, loving, good people. They too have shown us how to handle a tragedy with honor, class and grace.

     We can all be proud of our community. We care about each other. We pull together when we needed. We understand the importance of community support. And to the Gfellers, we will continue to be with you.

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By David Daggett on 8/25/2008 6:54 AM

A Pink Evening

      Saturday night was a special night at Ernie Shore Field for the Winston-Salem Warthogs and our community. It was "Pink in the Park" night,  a benefit for breast cancer research, and a celebration of    breast cancer survivors.

      Our Lewis and Daggett team had a large contingent in attendance, and we were a corporate sponsor of the event. A night at the ballpark is always a great time for family fun. Our group had a great time, and it appeared that everyone else did too.

      Members and supporters of our local Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation were a delight to work with. They had a true passion for the cause and put all their efforts into making the evening a success. Likewise, we were proud of the passion our L & D team displayed at the ballpark helping out and promoting the cause.

      Of course, pink was the color of the evening. We were struck by the number of men and women who wore pink to support the cause. The survivors group shared a commonality, a "never give up" attitude, and an appreciation for the event.

      The Warthogs organization did a terrific job of hosting the event and giving support to the cause. The players even wore pink jerseys! The whole event served as visible recognition of and support for the families, patients, and survivors of breast cancer.

      We were proud to be part of the event. Our staff even got me to wear a pink shirt for the first time! After all, it was for a good cause :-)!

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By David Daggett on 8/11/2008 6:51 AM

Always Finish!

     The Olympics are here and have started. We always enjoy watching the Olympics. Moreover, there are always lessons that we learn.

     With the games starting this past weekend I was reminded of an incredible story of "Finishing." Derek Redmond injured his hamstring during a heat for the 400-meter race in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. His father helped him from the ground then went on to help his son finish the race. He came in dead last, but he showed to all of us that finishing is important.

     When Derek's father reached his side, he said "I'm here, son, we'll finish together." In an interview after the race, Derek said "I wasn't doing it for the crowd, I was doing it for me. I'm the one who has to live with it. Whether people thought I was an idiot or a hero, I wanted to finish the race."

     Finishing is important, and sometimes we all need a little help. We try to always remember, and do that, here at Lewis and Daggett. More importantly, we are so proud of our clients who "Finish." We discussed Amazing People earlier this year. Diane and Grady stopped by this past week - they look great! They are using their computer more, and still have those great smiles. They certainly know how to "finish."

     We are fortunate to be able to work with people who are seriously injured, disabled, or hurt at work who still know how to finish. They, like Derek Redmond know that finishing is important, and have personal honor in knowing that they keep going.

     The Olympics are sure to be inspirational and exciting. We can’t wait to see the important lessons yet to be learned from this year’s Olympic games.

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By David Daggett on 7/21/2008 6:53 AM

Going Green

      It seems we are all looking for ways to save energy and help the environment. Although law firms don’t consume as large amounts of resources as some industries, at Lewis & Daggett we are continuing to try to do our part.

      Maybe you have seen part of our efforts around the Triad! Above is our L & D "Green" Errand Machine. We run a lot of errands and make a lot of public service and client convenience visits. Our hybrid vehicle saves on fuel, is fun, and helps remind others to try to be efficient.

      When we first looked into doing more toward Going Green, we wanted to focus on areas that have the biggest impact. Those areas include reducing our trips, saving electricity, and recycling.

      One thing that law firms use lots of is paper. We are truly a paper pushing business. For several years we have been recycling all of our used paper. We have an outside shredding and recycling service that comes twice a month to empty our five large recycling bins. Of course this also helps us keep confidential information confidential.

       We are also making a concerted effort to recycle cans and bottles. Again, in this areas there are dual purposes. We have found the children of our L & D team are often involved in recycling efforts to raise money for clubs, events, and causes. We are glad to be helping them along in their efforts.

      Certainly we all have a duty to help the future of our fuel resources and our environment. At L & D we are glad to be a small part in these efforts and look forward to future progressive opportunities and efficiencies. Won’t you join us?

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By David Daggett on 7/7/2008 6:05 AM

A Tribute

      This past week our Lewis & Daggett Team participated in a really special event. Wednesday evening was the 2^nd Annual Rusty Harpe Memorial Race at Caraway Speedway. It was an evening we will remember for a long time.

   

      Rusty Harpe was the driver of the #71 Late Model Stock Car at Caraway Speedway. He was tragically killed in a farming accident in January of 2007. Rusty’s father, Chip Harpe, put this race together, along with his wife Lynn and many family friends, to honor his son.

      Rusty was a much loved part of the racing community. The drivers, crew, and track support personnel are a tight-knit group who care about and support each other. Through Rusty and the whole Harpe family we were able share a experience a special bond with this community.

      All of us at Lewis & Daggett were proud to be part of this event since we are long time friends with the Harpe family, and I was personally acquainted with Rusty. We enjoyed a great evening, a fun family event, and a tribute to Rusty. We were honored just to be part of it.

      The evening was truly a memorable event and a special evening. The folks at the track treated us like family. The 35 of members of our Lewis and Daggett team who attended the race were proud that we could play a small part in such a special event.

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By David Daggett on 6/30/2008 6:48 AM

Independence Day

     July 4, 1776 was a day the changed the future of mankind. We tend to forget about that even on the annual 4^th of July celebration unless we stumble upon a reminder that reminds us just how important this date really is.

     Yesterday we heard a dramatic reading of the Declaration of Independence while attending the oldest 4^th of July celebration in the country, right here locally in Bethabara. The reenactment was clear illustration of the high privilege it is to live in the home of the brave and the land of the free.

     The impact of our Independence literally changed the course for individual freedom and opportunity. It also places upon all of us an obligation to protect these treasures that we so dearly cherish, but all to often take for granted. At Lewis and Daggett we are proud to be part of protecting these values and fighting to assure their future.

     The 4^th of July is also a time for family fun. Please remember that the happiest of times can be turned to instant tragedy by drinking and driving. Some statistics indicate that 70% of all injuries a deaths from car accidents over the 4^th last summer were drinking and driving related. In addition, with the heat and the dry weather, remember to be cautious with fireworks and other outdoor activities that could be hazardous. Please be safe over the upcoming long weekend.

     Family fun is part of the July 4^th weekend. We wish you and your family a happy, safe 4^th of July holiday and long weekend.

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By David Daggett on 6/9/2008 6:44 AM

The Path Continues

     This past week has been busy and exciting all across the Triad. Our high school seniors celebrated graduation. We are proud of them and wish them the best in pursuing future successes.

     Of course, we want to congratulate these young people for completing one forward, positive step in the road of life. We personally met many of the graduating seniors over the past couple of months during our Safe Sober Prom Night program. We thank them for their participation, and are already preparing for the class of 2009! We continue to enhance our efforts to connect with them online.

     Meeting these students brings to mind several thoughts and life lessons. First, we are proud of our graduates. We enjoyed meeting them and getting to know them. As they come of age the future should be very exciting.

     Next, these graduates make us optimistic about the future for all of us. We have a coming group of adults who are very diverse, talented, and motivated. They are our future leaders and decision makers. They even get to vote in a Presidential election for the first time this fall!

     We also want to thank our teachers, educators, and parents. They, too, are part of our future. In the words of Robert Louis Stevenson, "Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds you plant." A lot of seeds have been planted! Take a moment to thank those who have helped along the way.

    Graduation is not an end, but a beginning. It is the beginning of the next stage in life. One of the ironic parts of finishing is that it is simply the start of the next chapter. A lesson they will learn, is that part of success is to never stop learning. Life is a journey. Enjoy the ride, but keep your wheels on the ground!

     So, graduates, our expectations are high for you. You make us proud and optimistic for the future. We love you and are excited for you. Please be safe, make good decisions, support each other, and enjoy all the good things life has to offer.

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By David Daggett on 6/2/2008 6:45 AM

Memorial Day Encore

     Last Sunday at New Philadelphia Moravian Church we hosted a Memorial Day celebration to remember our military heros, and honor veterans and current service persons. As part of the evening we featured a flag folding ceremony.

     Boy Scouts from our Troop 715 presented the flag, and demonstrated the folding. They stopped at each fold for a reading of the meanings. The ceremony was quite dramatic. The meanings of each fold of the flag are poignant and relevant, and are probably not known to most people.

1. The first fold of our flag is a symbol of life.
2. The second fold is a symbol of our belief in the eternal life.
3. The third fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veteran departing our ranks who gave a portion of life for the defense of our country to attain a peace throughout the world.
4. The fourth fold represents our weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in times of war for His divine guidance.
5. The fifth fold is a tribute to our country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, "Our country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong."
6. The sixth fold is for where our hearts lie. It is with our heart that we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
7. The seventh fold is a tribute to our Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that we protect our country and our flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of our republic.
8. The eighth fold is a tribute to the one who entered in to the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day, and to honor mother, for whom it flies on Mother's Day.
9. The ninth fold is a tribute to womanhood; for it has been through their faith, love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great have been molded.
10. The tenth fold is a tribute to father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of our country since they were first born.
11. The eleventh fold, in the eyes of a Hebrew citizen, represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon, and glorifies, in their eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
12. The twelfth fold, in the eyes of a Christian citizen, represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in their eyes, God the Father, the Son, and Holy Ghost.

     After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington and the sailors and marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for us the rights, privileges, and freedoms we enjoy today.

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