LocalLife magazine APRIL | MAY| JUNE 2018
Serving North Georgia
live | work | shop | eat | play | give | pray locally
FIND NEARBY
dog parks
Health & Fitness
Start Now to Be Fit For Summer
Northeast Georgia Health Systems Ranked ELITE in Cancer Care Cover illustration by William Thompson, Thompson Design Studio www.ThompsonDesignStudio.com Local Life N. GA - 1
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THE TIM ES
M .CO
SVILLETIM AINE ES G |
We are honored to be voted... Best Fine Dining Restaurant Best Special Events Venue Best Steakhouse Best Happy Hour Best Upscale Bar Best Martini
Premier Casual Fine Dining Restaurant and Event Facility • 10,000 square foot event facility • 2 Private Dining Rooms • Award winning food
Restaurant • Bar • Lounge • Event Space 770-536-1111 • scottsdowntown.com • 131 Bradford Street, NW • Gainesville, GA Local Life N. GA - 3
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Local Life N. GA - 5
Publisher’s Letter
W
Wow, April already?!
Have to admit, while I thoroughly enjoy all the seasons, Spring has to be my favorite. Everything is starting to bloom, the colors magnificent, the smell of fresh flowers are aromatic and intoxicating. So, get out and enjoy what springtime brings. We are excited about this issue. Northeast Georgia Health Systems, which is one of the fastest growing health systems in the state of Georgia is our featured cover story, sharing new cancer technologies and treatments. The second feature story is on Hollywood of the South and how it is changing our economy for the better. Next, a sweet little share on dog parks in the area. Jim Harris is back with an impactful column on fitness in collaboration with a new co-writer to the column - Michael Smith, Chief Medical Officer of WebMD, combining fitness and medical expertise. Melissa Galt gives advice on how to lose those limiting beliefs that might be holding you back. Plus, Kim Kimbrough gives us a few lessons on estate planning that you must be sure to read. Check out our finance article and a few places to go in Buford and Cumming. Special thanks to Bill Thompson* of Thompson Design Studio for the creative, cover illustration. Local Life Magazine publishes quarterly on the 15th of January, April, July, and October. Expanding our coverage with each issue to include Buford, Cumming, Flowery Branch, Gainesville and Suwanee. Don’t see your favorite town, tell us about it. We are expanding into surrounding communities to keep you informed and entertained in a positive, insightful way. Warm Regards,
Janet Arnwine Publisher
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NORTH GEORGIA
LocalLife magazine Publisher JANET ARNWINE Multiple Contributors Angie Garcia
Denise McAllister
Deni Williams
Photographers & Graphic Designers Julie Joy; Leanne Masten; Lauren Marcus; William Thompson Contributing Writers Janet Arnwine; Melissa Galt; Angie Garcia; Jim Harris; Tamara Haskins; W.H. (Kim) Kimbrough, Jr., J.D., L.L.M.; NGHS Mktg. Dept.; Andelisa Satterburgh; Dr. Michael Smith; Deni Williams Administrative Assistants: L. Boman; Andelisa Satterburgh Cover Illustration Bill Thompson, Thompson Design Studio www.thompsondesignstudio.com
Grow your business with Local Life Magazine! Contact Janet Arnwine, Publisher Janet@LocalLifePublishing.com LOCAL LIFE PUBLISHING, LLC 10719 Alpharetta Hwy., #1153 Roswell, GA 30076 www.LocalLifePublishing.com Regina Barkley - Founder | Chris Smith - President Local Life Magazine is published quarterly by Local Life Publishing, LLC. The opinions expressed by writers and advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher or LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced without prior consent of LLC and its subsidiaries. Sharing articles on social media from our digital publication is permitted and encouraged. Vol. 2, Issue 2, Copyright APR/JUN 2018, All Rights Reserved.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
inside: APRIL | MAY | JUNE 2018
p11 - NGMC’S Advanced Treatment Technologies p15 - Georgia, Hollywood of the South p20 - Fitness Talk w/ Jim Harris & Dr. Michael Smith p26 - Is DIY Estate Planning Ever a Good Idea? p29 - Find Dog Parks For Your Furry Friends p32 - Hilton Head Wine & Food Festival
p35 - Mindset Changes & Limiting Beliefs p37 - A Self-Employed Retirement Plan? p38 - Buford: Eat, Shop and Play p40 - Cumming: Eat, Shop and Play p43 - Should I Hire a Matchmaker or Not?
Thank you! We Appreciate the Community Sponsors of Local Life Magazine.
We Encourage Our Readers to Support Them! ALLISON PARRIS, p44 www.AllisonParris.com
GARDENS OF GAINESVILLE, p4 www.GardensOfGainesville.com
NE GEORGIA SHOPPER, p31 www.NEGeorgiaShopper.com
BEE’S KNEES BOUTIQUE, p34 www.facebook.com/BeesKneesBoutique
JIM HARDMAN BUICK-GMC, p46 www.hardmancars.com
PSI BANDS, p19 www.PSIBands.com
BMB DESIGNS, p34 www.facebook.com/BMBDesigns
KELLER WILLIAMS -ATLANTA NORTH, p31 www.JaniceOverbeck.com
PULSE45, p5 www.Pulse45.com
CAROLYN’S FINE JEWELRY, 34 www.CarolynsFineJewelry.com
KIMBROUGH LAW, Inside Front Cover www.KimbroughLaw.net
SCOTT’S DOWNTOWN, p3 www.ScottsDowntown.com
EAGLE RANCH, p14 www.EagleRanch.org
LAKESIDE NEWS, p31 www.LakesideNews.com
SIMON MALLS, Inside Back Cover www.simon.com/mall
FAIRFIELD INN & SUITES-GAINESVILLE, p25
MAX RESULTS TRAINING, p5 www.MaxResultsTraining.com
SOUTHERN BAKED PIE CO., p42 www.SouthernBakedPie.com
MIRRORED IMAGES, p9 www.MirroredImages.net
TRANSFORMATIONAL JEWELRY, p42 www.TransformationalJewelry.com
NORTHEAST GEORGIA HEALTH SYSTEMS Back Cover - www.HeartNGMC.org
VIVRE INTERIORS, p7 www.VivreInteriors.com
www.Marriott.com/hotels/travel/ ahngv-fairfield-inn-and-suites-gainesville
FIRST IMPRESSIONS, p34 www.GeorgiaCellularMedicine.com
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Northeast Georgia Medical Center
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MEDICAL
NGHS adds
Advanced Treatment Technologies
C
Cancer. It’s amazing how one little word doesn’t seem so little once it affects someone you love. But it’s not a diagnosis anyone should face alone. The cancer team at Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) is prepared to stand by you. CareChex, an independent healthcare ratings organization, ranked NGMC among the elite hospitals for cancer care in 2017 based on several measures including quality of medical care, treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction. “We’re extremely proud of this national recognition,” says Jayme Carrico, executive director of Oncology Services at NGMC. “It’s truly a reflection of our organization’s commitment to providing our patients with the highest quality cancer care and treatment options – right at their back door.” Access to advanced treatment technologies, while not measured by CareChex, is also a large component of quality care, says Carrico. With that in mind, NGMC has added several new technologies, arming its cancer physicians with the latest tools to treat tumors with greater precision and, often, less treatments.
Advanced Targeting
One of the more common treatments for cancer is radiation therapy, for which NGMC utilizes the True Beam linear accelerator – a machine used to deliver radiation to destroy cancer cells and shrink the tumor. The addition of a new treatment positioning board, known as the Varian PerfectPitch 6 degrees of freedom (6DoF) couch, now allows for even more precise targeting of the tumor. The couch’s 6 degrees of freedom refers to adjustments that can be made in all six dimensions, providing improvements in both patient set-up and access to the tumor. “Previous equipment only allowed movement in three planes – back-and-forth, side-to-side and up-and-down,” says Craig Baden, MD, a radiation oncologist with Northeast Georgia Physicians Group. “With the new couch, we can not only rotate the linear accelerator, but also the patients, so they can rest comfortably as we maneuver them into positions which give us better access to the tumors while minimizing the impact to surrounding healthy tissues.”
continued...
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NGMC’s oncologists can also provide advanced tumor targeting through four-dimensional (4D) computerized tomography (CT) images. Until recently, the cancer team relied on three-dimensional (3D) images of tumors for treatment planning. By adding a fourth dimension – time – physicians can provide detailed plans incorporating all four dimensions of the tumor: height, depth, breadth and time, or location of the tumor at that exact time. “Tumors are a moving target, especially for cancers 12- April | May | June
in the breast or chest cavity,” says Malay Rao, MD, PharmD, a radiation oncologist with NGPG. “Even when patients are doing their best to remain still, the tumor will move as they breathe in and out. Using 4D CT scans allows us to design more accurate treatments and protect surrounding areas.” In addition to these technologies, NGMC Braselton also recently added high-dose rate brachytherapy to its arsenal of treatment technologies. Brachytherapy is a type of radiation therapy that involves inserting
MEDICAL
the source of radiation directly at or very close to a tumor site, while also helping to limit the amount of healthy tissue exposed. The high-dose rate refers to the use of higher doses of radiation over a shorter time frame.
Specialized Treatments for Brain and Prostate Cancers Patients with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, now have a new treatment option known as Optune Therapy, which uses ongoing mild electrical currents to interrupt the cancer’s ability to reproduce. Optune is a portable, FDA-approved device, worn for at least 18 hours a day, that delivers localized electrical therapy through adhesive patches applied to the scalp. “Optune is non-invasive, doesn’t involve drugs and has very limited side effects,” says Dr. Baden. “With standard therapy, a patient with glioblastoma can expect to live a little over a year. In trials using Optune Therapy, the average survival time for patients increased by several months.” Patients fighting prostate cancer also have access to two new treatment technologies at NGMC. The first, known as “SpaceOAR” (Organs at Risk), is an FDA-approved, injectable hydrogel which can help reduce risk of rectal injury during radiation therapy. The hydrogel works by creating space between the prostate and rectum, resulting in a significantly lower radiation dose to the rectum, which decreases the chances of proctitis (an inflammation of the rectum lining) and other complications. The second treatment involves the ultrasound-guided placement of fiducial markers, or reference points, which are used before each session to accurately pinpoint where the radiation treatment should be delivered to the prostate. Both new prostate treatments can be done in a brief outpatient visit. To learn more about these services and other advanced cancer treatment options at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, visit www.nghs.com/cancer-services or call 770-219-8815. Local Life N. GA - 13
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YES, Georgia is the NEW HOLLYWOOD OF THE SOUTH. The pluses are many, including the boom to the economy and so much more. The film industry gets the benefit of healthy tax credits and incentives for filming in the land of peaches. This makes it affordable and too attractive to ignore. Not to mention, it is providing local talent a chance to shine and thrive by showing off their acting skills. We wondered what it was (other than the obvious tax credits) that was driving this industry to Georgia in droves? To find out what we discovered in our research, keep reading...
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Yoo hoo!
The Peach State Has Gone Hollywood
Lights, Camera, Action! T THE VARIETY OF LANDSCAPES THROUGHOUT THE state of Georgia provides flatlands, mountains, lakes, countrysides, cities, small towns, swamps, and a shoreline that places us in a prime position as a love letter to budding filmmakers to film here.
growing. Pinewood Studios supplies a massive studio with 11 sound stages on 700 acres just outside of Atlanta.
A list that includes movies, television shows, reality TV, documentaries, commercials, are just a few of the productions being shot and filmed in the state of Georgia. The weather here offers year round filming opportunities and the plethora of sound studios and crew accommodations has sweetened an already sugary, peach pie. Aforementioned tax credits in the neighborhood of 30% are a big draw for filmographers from tinseltown, the big apple or across the country, bringing them all the way down south to sweet ole’ Georgia.
Let us not forget the investment that Tyler Perry has made to the South by building his company - Tyler Perry Productions and planted it firmly in Atlanta where he can utilize the beautiful backdrop of Georgia and take full advantage of the busiest airport in the world. Now, add to that the independent film scene booming with support from the Independent Media Artists of Georgia; the Atlanta Film Festival; Women in Film and Television Atlanta; and the Atlanta Film Society - then you might say that Georgia is slowly becoming a “Southern Hollywood”. You have the foundation for an all purpose, studio mecca right here in our own backyards.
In the past, many people that had never been to Georgia had misconceived ideas of the area, thinking it was similar to a hollywood movie - think “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. This was a misinformed opinion and reference to depict the South. Truly, that is not the South of today. Georgia boast a thriving metropolis with the city of Atlanta - with a population nearing half a million and
More sound stages are popping up faster than any other place in the nation. Currently, there are 45 sound stages offering more than 2 million square feet of space. Tyler Perry, purchased the former Fort McPherson army base, which he is converting into one of the largest studios in the country. Opened in late 2017, the 448 acres will utilize 330 pastoral acres
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Black Panther Movie
CURRENT AND/OR PAST MOVIES FILMED HERE: Avengers - Infinity War Hidden Figures Guardians of the Galaxy Fast and Furious The Hunger Games - Catching Fire
Office Christmas Party The Blind Side Ant Man Super Fly Only America Gemini Man
Goosebumps: Slappy’s Revenge Instant Family Third Wish Through the Glass Darkly What Men Want
housing different backlots and a multitude of state-of-the-art sound stages, the largest being 60,000 sq. ft. and containing a huge water tank. There are plans on the horizon for another company’s huge studio build in Gwinnett County. Personally, you probably know someone that is currently pursuing work with the local film industry. They are in luck with the myriad of jobs - acting, directing, support crews, gaffers, stand-ins, stunt work, assistants, and support positions. Making it possible to break into an industry that before seemed impenetrable to reach without moving to Hollywood or New York. If people don’t happen to live here, they are rapidly catching onto our secret - the South is a great place to live with affordable housing and the southern hospitality
doesn’t hurt one bit.
Atlanta Media Campus A proposed studio in Gwinnett County
There are over 245 films and TV shows in production and at this pace this number will continue to grow. As the industry sees how committed Georgia and the South are to making them feel welcomed, they will continue to come here bringing even more continued...
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opportunities as they pick Georgia as their operational base. We will experience the influx of more blockbuster hits coming here to film. So you want to act, direct, write, or be associated with the film industry? The South can give you that chance without relocating to the west coast or New York. Swing down, swing by, and swing into a new career. “Yoo Hoo Southern Hollywood is calling!” *Information provided by several resources. Some productions that have filmed in Georgia may have been left out due to limited space and time. By D. Williams
The Walking Dead - AMC Tyler Perry on backlot of the new Tyler Perry Studios
Here is a Snapshot of Small Screen Shows Which Were Based in Studios Located in Atlanta:
The Walking Dead cast - AMC 18- April | May | June
The Walking Dead - AMC MacGyver - CBS Stranger Things - Netflix Daytime Divas - VH1 Swamp Murders - Investigation Discovery Married at First Sight: 2nd Chances - FYI Haunting of Hill House - Netflix Archer: Danger Island - FXX Flipping Virgins - HGTV Family Feud - Syndicated Deadpool (Marvel’s) - FXX Chrisley Knows Best - USA Real Housewives of Atl. - Bravo Being Mary Jane - BET Saints and Sinners Don’t Be Tardy - Bravo Married to Medicine - Bravo The Vampire Diaries - CW Black Lightning - CW Good Girls - NBC The Gifted - Fox Sleepy Hollow - Fox Ozark Star - Fox Greenleaf Love Is
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FITNESS TALK with Jim Harris and Dr. Michael Smith We’ve all done it, right? We put off important things (that we really want!) until another day, when it will be "more convenient.� Fitness and health are no exception. I'm going to lose weight after the kids get older, leave for college, when my job isn't so crazy, after tax season, during summer vacation, and on and on. There is, however, much evidence that waiting may have serious consequences. Two leaders in the health and fitness industries address the question.
Why should I get fit now? continued...
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HEALTH & FITNESS
Why should I get fit now? FITNESS TALK: with Jim Harris and Dr. Michael Smith DR. MICHAEL SMITH : If you don’t invest in your health now, you’ll pay for it later. Getting fit and healthy now will pay in dividends later with a longer life that allows you to do what you want for many years to come. If your goal is to live a long, thriving life, a healthy lifestyle is a must-do, not a when-I-have-time-to. Let’s look at being overweight first. Too much fat around your middle section ups your risk of many of the leading causes of death and disability in America, including heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and more. Our joints also take a daily pounding. Every extra pound puts four pounds of added pressure on your knees. If you’re carrying 50 pounds too much, that’s 200 extra pounds on your knees with every step! You can turn that around with a fit lifestyle – more quality years and prevention of heart disease (the #1 killer in America) and another leading cause of death stroke. Struggling with blood pressure, high blood sugar, or high cholesterol? A healthy lifestyle helps keep all that in check, too. It’s one of our best tools against what many of us fear most – cancer. A healthy diet and regu-
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lar exercise helps prevent some of the leading cancers, including breast, lung, colon, and uterine cancers. Exercise also helps prevent depression and is a great treatment for mild to moderate depression (as good as antidepressants). We can even throw in stronger bones and muscles, sharper brains, and better sleep. JIM HARRIS : To add on to the benefits Michael detailed, what about increased life expectancy? In a recently published study from Brigham Young University that compared vigorously active, moderately active and sedentary individuals, those in the group of vigorous exercisers were found to have a nine year biological age advantage versus those with sedentary lifestyles. There was also a seven year advantage versus those in the moderately active group. According to Professor Larry Tucker, who led the study, “If you want to see a real difference in slowing your biological aging, it appears that a little exercise won’t cut it,” Tucker said. “You have to work out regularly at high levels”. To make the long story short, vigorous exercise was shown to protect the mass of our telomeres, a component of our DNA. By
HEALTH & FITNESS
Why should I get fit now? FITNESS TALK: with Jim Harris and Dr. Michael Smith maintaining their mass, they are able to function (refresh) from a longer period of time.
versus delaying. As we often say to clients, six months from now you’ll be glad you started today!
From a training standpoint, the challenge becomes more daunting the later in life that we get started. Your metabolism is entrenched in your sedentary ways, and it takes more time and effort to get it to amp up to an active level of energy requirements and become a calorie burner. The longer we’re inactive, the more we lose flexibility and range of motion, which we then have to add to the process of a late-start fitness program. Add in the fact that being overweight for a period of time with a low level of activity, often results in painful knees, backs, hips, etc., plus weak cores and hamstrings, which will all have to be attended to before serious fitness for weight loss can safely begin.
So, knowing the consequences of waiting, what steps should you take to get started on a healthy path?
As Michael previously mentioned, strong bones are a huge benefit that results from effective resistance training. It’s also a way to stem the loss of bone density and avoid a pharmacological protocol, so starting before the bone loss occurs gets you ahead of the game. To be clear, it’s never too late to start, but you will have an easier and more productive journey if you get started
DR. MICHAEL SMITH : The most important step is to dig into your why. Why is being healthy important to you? What will you be able to do once you create health in your life? What will life be like 5 years down the road if nothing changes? Focus on the life you want to create for yourself, not what you feel you’re leaving behind. Ditch the diet mentality, and home in on what you’re trying to create. Once you’ve created that vision for your life, find a partner in your health. Research shows that 85% of people will fail without the proper support. Maybe it’s a friend to motivate you and hold you accountable. Perhaps it’s a health coach, someone to guide you around life’s obstacles. Find someone that inspires you to greatness. Then, focus on choosing healthy habits through a comprehensive lifestyle approach. First, choose a nutritional
Local Life N. GA - 23
HEALTH & FITNESS JIM HARRIS
program to get the scale moving in the right direction (losing weight is 80% to 90% nutrition). Go easy on exercise at first, and increase slowly as you get more fit. Get the right amount of sleep – 7 to 8 hours is best. If stress is getting you down, learn productive ways to deal with it, such as deep breathing exercises. JIM HARRIS : I would echo every point that Michael made. We have long advocated looking at success as long term habit change, not temporary fixes like gimmick diets or “miracle” short cuts. The clients who see the best success and who maintain their new bodies and lifestyle do so by making health a priority. Place the same level of importance on your exercise as you would a doctor’s appointment. Put exercise on your calendar and stick to it. Learn to food prep, so you avoid situations where the lesser of the evils is your best choice.
Jim Harris is a Master Personal Trainer, Certified Nutritionist and the Founder-Owner of the Max Results Training system, pulse45 group training program and owner of BodyPlex in Oakwood. He is Member of the Men's Health Fitness Council, and contributes his expertise to several publications. www.maxresultstraining.com
MICHAEL W. SMITH, MD
Most importantly, don’t go it alone. The failure rate is exponentially higher from those who start out alone. Get a professional to guide you through the process, either with a trainer or by being a part of a group program, led by a knowledgeable trainer who can show you proper form and keep you safe. The accountability will be a huge asset in keeping your mission on track. No matter what program or plan you choose, just get started. It’s easy to think that walking into any fitness facility is going to make you stand out as the least fit person there, but, the truth is, health clubs and training studios are more like a hospital for the unfit than showcases for the fit. Most of the people there either are currently or have previously fought a battle like yours, and you’ll usually find a supportive team. Zig Ziglar said it best.
“You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great! ” Michael W. Smith, MD, is the Chief Medical Director for WebMD and a certified health coach and certified personal trainer. As a board-certified Internal Medicine physician, he leads the Medical Team at WebMD, including staff physicians and health professionals across the country who are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and credibility of WebMD’s content. Dr. Smith has dedicated his life to his passion of helping others transform their lives through weight loss and create healthy habits for lifelong health. He appears monthly on New York Fox 5 to discuss health headlines and is frequently quoted in the national media, including interviews with Katie Couric and Good Morning America’s Robin Roberts. https://www.webmd.com/michael-w-smith 24- April | May | June
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Face-to-face estate planning may seem old fashioned, but expertise
really does matter.
By William H. (Kim) Kimbrough, Jr., J.D., L.L.M. www.KimbroughLaw.net
M
Is DIY Estate Planning Ever a Good Idea?
Make no mistake: the do-it-yourself trend is here to stay. I’m a DIY kind of guy myself. The sales consultants at Home Depot know me by name, but I know my limits. We’re living in an age where information about
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many things is now available online. You can find a YouTube video on just about any subject. While that’s a good thing, there’s a definite downside. The wide availability of information has created what I call a false sense of competence. Everyone thinks they’re just a few clicks away from being an expert. Think about it. Let’s say you have a sharp pain in your gut. Would you try to diagnose it yourself and
LEGAL & FINANCIAL
perform your own surgery? Your tooth hurts. Would you try do your own root canal? Probably not. Some things in life are best left to the experts. Even the experts turn to experts in certain situations. You won’t find a surgeon taking out his own gallbladder. You won’t find a dentist filling her own cavity. Preparing essential estate planning documents has become a common DIY project. Maybe you know people who have completed Wills, Powers of Attorney or set up a Trust using documents from an online service. Maybe you’ve done it yourself. It seems so easy. You download the documents, fill them out, get them notarized, and you’re done. You relax, thinking you’re covered. But are you really? When you’re downloading one-size-fits all documents from the internet, it’s easy to forget that there are important questions that only an expert can help you answer. IS YOUR DOCUMENT CUSTOMIZED TO FIT YOUR EXACT SITUATION? Will it hold up in court? What if the document is
contested? What if you unintentionally disinherit someone, delay the distribution of assets, or end up in probate court? What if your heirs end up with an unexpected tax bill? These things—and more—have all happened to people who went the DIY route. You don’t know what Local Life N. GA - 27
LEGAL & FINANCIAL
Some things in life are best left to the experts. Even the experts turn to experts in certain situations. You won’t find a surgeon taking out his own gallbladder. You won’t find a dentist filling her own cavity.
you don’t know. The so-called legal service websites don’t offer much in the way of guarantees. Legalzoom®, one of the most popular sources for DIY estate planning, has the following disclaimer on its website: “We are not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. We cannot provide any kind of advice, explanation, opinion, or recommendation about possible legal rights, remedies, defenses, options, selection of forms or strategies.” Why would an online service that sells legal documents have such a disclaimer? Drafting your own estate planning documents is like trying to perform your own root canal with a manual you’ve downloaded from the internet. Imagine that manual having a disclaimer that says, “We are not a dentist’s office or a substitute for an actual dentist.” It’s hard to imagine because most people know better. 28- April | May | June
If you are a single person with one beneficiary and no property, legal forms you download from the internet might be just fine. If your life situation is more complicated, legal documents you get online won’t be sufficient. Ex-spouses, step-children, multiple beneficiaries, dependents with special needs, business transitions, and substantial assets like homes or businesses are complicating factors that make any sort of DIY legal documents a risky proposition. Forms you download from the internet will rarely include the specific provisions necessary to ensure the successful protection and transfer of your assets. Before you make the decision to DIY, ask yourself this question: Will the money you might save in legal fees offset the potential cost, headaches, and family strife that can be created by innocent mistakes? Those who will be left to pick up the pieces after you’re gone are counting on you to make the right decision.
dog
d
parks
r
fun
FOR OUR FURRY FRIENDS
Dog parks vary in size and design but all share the same objective: to provide a place where dogs can run freely off-leash and socialize with other dogs. Dog parks are especially popular when living in suburbs or leash-restricted neighborhoods and cities.
Some behavior problems in dogs are caused by a lack of physical and mental activity. Going to the dog park ensures physical and mental exercise for dogs and opportunities to practice social skills. A few features of dog parks to consider include wide open spaces, secure fencing and gates, cleanup stations, fresh water, ample shaded areas and separate areas blocked off for smaller dogs.
The best canine candidates for day trips to dog parks are those which are well-socialized and can interact with other dogs playfully - preferably without any aggressive or submissive tendencies. Young dogs particularly love dog parks because they tend to need more and rigorous exercise than our older best friends. Vaccinated and “fixed� dogs fit better for obvious reasons.
There are all kinds of dog parks. We found 6 in North Georgia worth a visit:
Chattapoochee Dog Park Nearby in Duluth, GA
Nice and clean smaller park that has designated areas for large and small dogs. Fenced park with fountains, agility equipment, shaded areas and room to run. Friendly people.
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Fowler Park
Caney Creek Preserve
The approximately 85-acre park features fields for baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse and football, tennis courts, basketball courts, a walking trail around the perimeter of the park, pavilions, a dog park, playground, five-acre passive area and skatepark. The Fowler Park trail head for the Big Creek Greenway is now open and provides access to the 6.8 mile multi-use path.
The approximately 63-acre Caney Creek Preserve features 1.2 miles of walking trails, a dog park, two pavilions, natural amphitheater and a one-of-a-kind playground with an archeological dig site and water play area. The park is located off of Caney Road, west of the intersection of Caney Road and Brookwood Road. Nice place to take your pet for some exercise and fun.
Cumming, GA
Cumming, GA
Windermere Dog PARK Laurel Bark Park Cumming, GA
The Windermere Dog Park is part of a larger park in Cumming. It has separate areas for small and large dogs. There is little shade, but it is a flat-fenced in area where the dogs can run and play, benches for owners and water areas.
Newtown Dog Park
Nearby in Johns Creek / Alpharetta, GA A gem, with separate areas for large and small dogs. Most of the ground cover is artificial turf providing the advantage of not getting muddy when it rains. Loads of fun play elements for your pups: a fake fire hydrant, which doubles as a sprinkler on hot days. Three water fountains in the large dog area, lots of shade, shelters, and dog waste dispensers. No food allowed - human or dog food. Children 12-under must be supervised and use caution when in the dog park. No aggressive dogs permitted. Friendly park patrons abound. 30- April | May | June
Gainesville, GA
Laurel Bark Park has a separate small dog area, benches, shade, water, and waste bags. There are hills everywhere and so much open space for your pet to roam. Perfect for tiring out that overactive dog and giving you a pleasant break.
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TRAVEL
2018 HILTON HEAD ISLAND
Wine & Food Festival
After three days of rigorous competition, tasting and deliberating, the expert judges at the Hilton Head Island Wine Competition (in January) had chosen 344 wines to be featured at their 2018 Festival in March. Wines poured into the competition from around the world and were judged by individuals who hold certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers, Society of Wine Educa-
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tors, International Sommelier Guild, and Wine and Spirits Education Trust. These 344 wines included almost one hundred more winners than last year, making 2018 one of the most successful years yet for wine growers, vintners and the 2018 Festival. This year’s top wines included one Best in Region winner (2015 Pollak Vineyards Cabernet Franc Reserve) and four Best in Show winners: NV Lucien Albrecht Brut Rose (Sparkling), 2016 Kettmeir Pinot Bianco
(White), 2012 La Togata Brunello di Montalcino Notte di Note (Red), 2017 Klinker Brick Winery “Bricks and Roses” (Rose). “The paxxito from two years ago reminded us that we need to celebrate the wonderful wines that are coming from our region. We won’t award a ‘Best’ if we feel none is ‘best.’ Our entire committee is hopeful for the continued involvement of our growing region and its fine wines,” added Tom Hines, chairman Festival’s board of directors.
TRAVEL
The Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, which began 33 years ago as a humble three-hour wine tasting, featured these winners in their week-long event in March. One of the oldest wine festivals on the East Coast, it has become known as South Carolina’s most prestigious destination event for wine enthusiasts from around the country, featuring hundreds of wines every year. The success of the competition enabled the Festival to make a substantial difference in the community as monies raised at the competition provided educational scholarships for area students. Each year, all involved are decidedly committed to this objective: raising funds for these scholarships, so local students studying in the Food & Bev-
erage fields can reach new heights. Since 2013, they have donated over $54,000 in scholarships. “Last year we were able to create 14 new scholarships for students attending Technical College of the Lowcountry and University of South Carolina Beaufort who are pursusing their educations in tourism, culinary arts, food & beverage and hospitality. This year’s event will enabled us to do even better,” said Jeff Gerber, executive director of the Festival. The scholarships were created by auctioning the excess wine bottles accumulated through the initial competition. Each submission requires three bottles (in case of unforeseen issues), and unused bottles are immediately donated to the John & Valerie Curry Educational Scholarship Fund follow-
ing the judging event. The Festival’s events lasted all week, March 8 - 11, and included exceptional wine dinners, educational seminars and a Sip and Stroll. The major tasting events, however, were held on the weekend at The Sea Pines Resort and in the Harbour Town Yacht Basin. All of this fun culminated with a seaside brunch on Sunday - the signature event of the week - the Public Wine Tasting and the traditional Grand Tasting - which was one of the largest outdoor tented public wine tastings on the East Coast. There were 25 tents pouring 100s of different wines. Finda list of the 2018 winners featured at this year’s festival - and past years’ winners online www.hiltonheadwineandfood.com
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Lose Your Limiting Beliefs. They Aren’t Yours Anyway!
MINDSET CHANGES
I
I’ve not spoken to my father in over 20 years. Does that shock you? Does it make you feel sorry for me? (Please don’t.) Or, does it make you want to tell me to forgive and forget? Heck, you may even suggest (as some do) that I get in touch, it will make me feel better. Trust me, when I tell you, it won’t. In fact, I had a wonderful visit with my aunt recently, my father’s sister. She is 81 now and no longer speaks to her brother, nor does anyone else in the extended and immediate family. (I’m in very good company.) She actually told me not to bother with him any longer, to get on living my life, being happy, and enjoying my work, and I am doing all of that. The greatest gift my aunt gave me was some truly priceless insight into my father. She mentioned a conversation the two of them had many years ago. He disclosed that he didn’t like himself. And he’s never changed that. Yikes! I thought. It’s contagious. I’ve wrestled with not liking myself for years. I’ll call it an inherited limiting belief I got it from my father. NEWS FLASH: You aren’t born with limiting beliefs. You pick them up along the way in life, most often at an early age and without any idea the trouble you are causing for yourself. In my case, this particular inherited limiting belief has made healthy and happy relationships with men a true challenge. I am not yet married (sounds better than never married and I’m still optimistic) at that age we refer to as wisdom and looking at my second chapter. (If that confuses you, let’s just say that if I live the same number of years I have so far, into the future, I’ll be barely over 100.) Not liking myself has meant that I’ve been my own worst
critic and rarely missed a chance to beat myself up mentally and emotionally. The path to liking myself has been long and painful, and totally worth it. I’ve done a ton of personal development with some professional guidance along the way (read therapy.) I have good days, when I think I’m terrific! And occasionally bad days when my mantra drops into that place of “I’m a bad, awful, horrible, terrible person.” (Yeah, it’s not pretty at all.) What my father’s limiting belief cost him is huge. He has spent his entire life chasing external solutions to his internal problems. He tried transcendental meditation, transactional analysis, EST, jogging (way back when it first was cool), diets of the weird and wacky variety (orange juice and cabbage, garlic and tuna, fasting), and religion. He’s never developed long term friendships and terminated many Local Life N. GA - 35
WELLNESS
relationships only to try picking them up blindly 35 years later when the former friend is no longer interested and can’t fathom why he’s getting in touch after so very long. At one time he had a bevy of beauties he kept around, usually 20 years younger than he was, and often Tahitian (Tahiti was a place he often enjoyed on his boat.) After he and my mom divorced, he was largely absentee as a father (think deadbeat dad). He saw us only out of duty, usually just twice a year when we’d fly out to see him in Hawaii and inevitably be left with one of the beauties for the day, since parenting wasn’t something he had any familiarity with or desire to do. He came from a very wealthy family and didn’t have to work for a living, though never supported his own family. Instead he flitted about the globe, having adventures, and pretty much doing what he felt like. It sounds like fun except since he didn’t like himself he was constantly seeking external validation of himself as a person (I’ve been that route as well.) And, most obviously, it was a contributing factor to my parent’s divorce. You can’t give away what you don’t have for yourself. OUCH! And it left him unable to love his children (my sister and I.)
YOU ARE UP TO YOU! Now, I don’t know necessarily where he got his belief. I simply know that I got my limiting belief from him (my mom contributed too but that’s a different story!) And if I’d sorted out sooner that it wasn’t mine to begin with, I’d have chucked it sooner. Today, I have done enough work (I’ll always be in progress, we all are) that I know I am the product of the choices I make and my beliefs are a cornerstone of those choices. Today I can be anyone I choose to be at any given time. I can change my beliefs, I can let go
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of beliefs that don’t serve me.
YOU HAVE AN AMAZING GIFT! You are in charge of your thoughts. (I know, you are thinking “oh crap, that is more responsibility than I want.” Deal with it and start responding with ability instead of disability.) You can be WHO YOU WANT TO BE with the decision to change what you believe, how you feel, and how you behave. Your thoughts lead to your feelings, lead to your actions.
YOU ARE UP TO YOU! Accept that gift and decide in each moment how you want your life to unfold, how you want your work to progress, and the impact you want to have. You can be different in the next moment, the next hour, the next day, the next week, the following month and year. Claim your gift of choice and remake your life by letting go of inherited limiting beliefs and create new empowering beliefs.
YOU DESERVE THEM! MELISSA GALT From an upside down start, $70K in debt, and having walked out on a job, Melissa Galt built a 6-figure interior design practice with determination, creative marketing, and her success blueprint. In just 18 months, she was debt free and referrals kicked in to create a thriving practice of lifetime clients. Today, Melissa coaches creative business owners around the world on how to craft their own Creative Success Blueprint and enjoy work fueled by their creative talent and passion, while being well paid by loyal clients. She has been recognized by Forbes as one of the Top 20 Women for Entrepreneurs to follow. Melissa has been described as a catalyst, giving you a much needed push to reach your potential profitably and build a life doing what you love. www.melissagalt.com
By Tamara Haskins
What is a
Self-Employed Retirement Plan?
A
A self-employed retirement plan is a tax-deferred retirement savings plan for self-employed individuals and are now generally referred to by the name used for the particular type of plan, such as SEP IRA, SIMPLE 401(k), or self-employed 401(k). These plans can be established by any individual who is self-employed on a part-time or full-time basis, as well as by sole proprietorships and partnerships (who are considered ‘employees’). Unlike IRAs, which limit tax-deductible contributions to $5,500 per year, self-employed plans allow you to save as much as $55,000 of your net self-employment income in 2018, depending on the type of plan you adopt. Contributions to a self-employed plan may be tax deductible up to certain limits. These contributions, along with any gains made on the plan investments, will accumulate tax deferred until you withdraw them. Distributions are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to 10% federal income tax penalty if taken prior to age 59½, unless an exception applies. (Special rules apply to Roth accounts). Self-employed plans can typically be rolled over to another qualified retirement plan or to an IRA. Annual minimum distributions are required after the age of 70½. Unlike the case with oth-
er qualified retirement plans, hardship distributions are not permitted with a self-employed plan.
Tamara Haskins
You can open a self-employed plan account through banks, brokerage houses, insurance companies, mutual fund companies, and credit unions. Although the federal government sets no minimum opening balance, most institutions set their own, usually between $250 and $1,000. The deadline for setting up a self-employed plan is earlier than it is for an IRA. You must open a self-employed plan by December 31 of the year for which you wish to claim a deduction. However, you don’t have to come up with your entire contribution by then. You generally have until your tax return due date (including extensions) to make your contribution. Each tax year, you are required to fill out Form 5500, for which you may need the assistance of an accountant or tax advisor, incurring extra costs. If you earn self-employment income, a self-employed plan could be a valuable addition to your retirement strategy. And the potential payoff — a comfortable retirement — may far outweigh any extra costs or paperwork. (Provided by: 3/8/2018 Article: Self-Employed Retirement Plans: Self-Employed Retirement Plans.) Tamara Haskins, Financial Services Professional, New York Life, NYLIFE Securities LLC, Office: 732.309.3305, Printed from: www.TamaraHaskins.nylagents.com
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By Angie Garcia
L
Should I Hire a Matchmaker?
LOVE - it’s easier said than done. Finding one special person who makes your heart skip a beat is no easy task. Your cardiologist might not think that your heart skipping a beat is such a good idea, we can all agree that the way love makes us feel can be a euphoric bliss. How do you find that right person? Meeting through chance can be nice and organic, a more natural way but many times those chance encounters don’t work out and culminate into a healthy relationship. Online dating is an easy way to breeze through multiple profiles with photos and personal highlights. You might find one or two matches by going this robotic route but it can be exhausting. Have you ever thought about a matchmaker? A real, live personal matchmaker?! Well, why not?! Trying this unique and time tested way of meeting could be right for you. Here are few pointers on why
a matchmaker can be a good fit: One on One: A matchmaker works with you directly in a one on one consult finding out what your list of likes and dislikes are, what you might be looking for in a person, and what you bring to the relationship. Through analysis and a personal touch they will work to match you with someone that is perfect for you. Providing select choices and a better selection of quality dates. Feedback on Dates: You will get regular feedback on your dates from both perspectives. If a date didn’t work out, but you liked the person, the matchmaker will share with you what went awry. To no fault of yours, not everyone will be a match, even if everything seems to fall into alignment. Weeding through the Wasters: By using a matchmaker you will save time and frustration since the service will wade through and do the work for you to find the right fit. No
more wasted time spent dating endless prospects or setups by friends. The matchmaker cuts through all the red tape to find the quality over the quantity. Safety, Certainty & Experience: Everyone is screened, so you know that you are meeting people that have been checked out thoroughly. Dates are scheduled in restaurants and places where you can feel safe. There is more certainty with a matchmaking service since your matches will have the same values and goals. Plus, you can’t shortchange the experience of a matchmaker, years of expertise in matching the right people together makes sense on why this type of service could be a good fit for you. Stop thinking about it and make the call. Don’t waste anymore time, do it today, look for matchmaking services in your area. Your time is what you make of it.
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