4 LifeLine Animal Project: Keeping Pets Out of Shelters 9 Wellness In-Sight: Please Communicate Responsibly 14 Zoomer Zone: Communicating with Gen Z
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IN THIS ISSUE
4 LifeLine Animal Project: Keeping Pets Out of Shelters 7 Wellness In-Sight: Please Communicate Responsibly 8 Age Friendly Tucker: Where are the Volunteers? 9 Common Sen$e: A Word from a Licensed Financial Planner 10 Food for Thought: A Taste of Malaysia on Your Table 11 Back Talk: Celebrate Your Child’s Independent Health 13 Main Street Theatre to Present ‘Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” 14 Zoomer Zone: Communicating with Gen Z 17 Tucker Rec Center Hosts Special Needs Summer Dance
ON THE COVER: The newest Lifeline facility is the 25,000 square foot Lifeline Community Animal Center (CAC), opened in 2019 at 3180 Presidential Drive in Atlanta. The CAC features a full-service, low-cost veterinary clinic to make pet care accessible and affordable to all, and its shelter facility increases adoption capacity by over 2,000 animals annually. (left to right) LifeLine Staff Member Ashley Bo, Alava, and LifeLine Chief Marketing Officer Heather Friedman.
Latawsha Little-Hill Steven R Ashby 4500 Hugh Howell Road Suite 600 Heritage Place Tucker, GA 30084 770.493.4924 www.gwaplaw.com
Call for free consultation OUR TOWN DEKALB | July 2022 3
COVER STORY
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LifeLine Animal Project: Keeping Pets Out of Shelters L. A. DISON
2022
marked the twentieth anniversary of LifeLine Animal Project, a non-profit organization working to end the shelter euthanasia of healthy and treatable animals in Atlanta. Founded in 2002 as an online adoption network, today its shelters, clinics and Community Animal Center provide care for about 40,000 animals each year. Since 2013, Lifeline has managed the open-intake shelters for both Fulton County Animal Services (FCAS) and DeKalb County Animal Services (DCAS). At that time, both counties operated high-kill shelters; the lifesaving rate for Fulton was 39% and 61% for DeKalb. In 2019, LifeLine achieved a no-kill rate for its DeKalb facility, and in 2020, achieved no-kill in both the Fulton and DeKalb facilities – and has maintained that designation since then. Key to meeting its no-kill goals is a dedicated and enthusiastic network of fosters and volunteers, who provide housing, socialization, and loving care for homeless animals until they find a forever home. “Pets belong in homes, not shelters,” says Heather Friedman, LifeLine chief marketing officer. “Fostering is an effective way to reduce overcrowding in shelters, opening space for more animals to be saved and preventing euthanasia of otherwise healthy animals. The stress of being in a shelter can cause behavioral and socialization issues; placing these animals in a friendly and loving home environment can help ready these pets for adoption.” The success of LifeLine’s foster network in maintaining its no-kill status has inspired the organization to tackle another challenge – keeping lost pets out of Atlanta shelters. One in three pets goes missing sometime in their lifetime, about ten million U.S. pets a year. Only about 17% are eventually reunited with their owner. LifeLine seeks to increase that reunification percentage to 70% in Atlanta, using its fosters and community members. “63% of lost pets are found within a mile of their home,” said Friedman. “The first thought most people have when they find a pet they believe is lost is to turn them into a shelter. We need to change that. Taking a lost pet out of their neighborhood greatly decreases the likelihood of being reunited with their family.”
LifeLine director of marketing Heather Friedman in one of the cat condo rooms.
LifeLine encourages people who find a lost pet to “Take 48.” • Keep the lost pet in your home for at least forty-eight hours, to try to help find their family. • Post “found pet” notices around your neighborhood. • Post photos and descriptions on neighborhood social media sites, like Nextdoor, Facebook and Instagram. • Post photos and descriptions on lost pet social media, like PetcoLostLove and PawBoost. • Take the animal to your vet or an animal shelter to have it scanned for a microchip. Dr. Flowers and vet tech Anais Sobczak work in one of the two operating rooms at CAC.
“Neighbors helping neighbors is the cornerstone of a community – and the best chance for a pet to return home.” If you find a pet or live in Fulton or DeKalb Counties, you can become a LifeLine Friendly Finder, and foster the pet short-term while you look for the owner. Go to lifelineanimal.org/found-pets for tips on caring for lost dogs, cats and kittens, or for a list of Lost and Found sites to list found pets or look for lost pets.
(left) LifeLine staff member Justin Sparks works with Sapphire Jule in one of the CAC play yards. OUR TOWN DEKALB | July 2022 5
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Wellness In-Sight: Please Communicate Responsibly CINDY E. FARRAR
I
t may be of no surprise that I have always had a love of and respect for words, an explanation, no doubt, for my passion for reading, playing Scrabble®, my fond appreciation for my years managing Waldenbooks and Borders bookstores, and, of course, my affinity for writing. Those of you who regularly read my columns may have noticed that in just about each one is included the definition, meaning, or etiology of a particular word or phrase. This aspect of my writing style isn’t intentional. It naturally flows from the belief that effective communication begins with an intention to provide the greatest possible acuity and clarity of the desired expression to facilitate the best understanding for the intended recipient. Often the obvious word or phrase choice isn’t quite right, as the most common understanding or meaning conveys something altogether different than desired. In any communication, there are at least three parts: the communicator, the medium, and the receiver. (Five, if you count the actual message and the response.) Each component is integral to the process. In any one of these places, there is potential for misunderstanding to take place. Considering first the role of the receiver, its participation is significant to successful communication. Stephen R. Covey, educator, author, businessman, and motivational speaker, states in his book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, “Most people don’t listen with the intent to understand, they listen with the intent to reply.” (I might add, if they listen at all.) Yet, as the receiver, we are in the wonderful position to determine how the communication continues (or not). Depending upon our willingness to be present and remain open, we could be a part of a dialogue or receiving a message that may have tremendous impact, even if not yet evidenced. Choosing the best medium for communication - be it verbal, written, face to face, recorded, virtual, interpretive dance, etc. - is crucial to facilitate accurate delivery. Each method is fraught with all sorts of opportunities for confusion, misinterpretations, or distortion. It is also full of potential for meaningful connection. The efficacy of the medium and its accessibility is vital. In initiating the message, it is the responsibility of the communicator to strive to be as clear and precise as possible. How we ‘show up’ sets the tone. What is our attitude? Do we have preconceptions regarding the receiver? In The Four Agreements, by Don Miguel Ruiz, the first agreement is to “be impeccable with your word.” This encompasses our integrity and intention. It also recognizes our use of words as a potential source for good, for healing and positivity, or for negativity and damage. The words we choose absolutely make a difference. It is incumbent upon us to be conscious of each one we use and the impact they may have upon the intended receiver. One of the stories in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series that has had a great effect on me is about an elementary school teacher. Every year, she would have her
students write down positive words about one another. Each student was given the paper containing the words from their classmates. Sadly, one of her students later died as a soldier in war. At his funeral, it was shared that among his belongings, found on him in his uniform at the time of his death, was the paper from his classmates decades earlier. The “sticks and stones” refrain meant to empower children against mean spirited barbs, also unfortunately displaces accountability and the reality of the power that our words hold. It would be more correctly said, “sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can break the spirit.” Our communication must be given with compassion (from the Latin “compati,” to suffer together with) and great care. This applies to others and, maybe even more importantly, in the conversations we have with ourselves. Are your words ones that will be held close and dear enough to bolster even in battle?
CINDY E. FARRAR, LMT, BCTMB, CLC is a licensed massage therapist, certified life coach and the owner of Massage Associates of Atlanta, LLC (Lavista Road in Tucker). In addition, she is a certified Qi Gong instructor and a nationally approved continuing education provider for massage therapy and bodywork. Cindy enjoys sharing insights on wellness and personal and community development as a speaker and writer.
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Age Friendly Tucker: Where are the Volunteers? LOIS RICCI
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olunteers are one of the most valuable resources an organization has. Organizations often rely on volunteers to carry out the mission and objectives by donating their time, skills, and support. One out of four people in this country volunteer, although many more say they want to. Our country has relied on volunteers from the start, beginning with the colonists. Benjamin Franklin was responsible for the first volunteer fire house in 1763; now 70% of all U.S. firefighters are volunteers. In the 19th century, the YMCA, American Red Cross, and United Way all began as volunteer organizations. Civic organizations Rotary and Kiwanis were formed in the early 1900s to coordinate many volunteer projects. The Civil Rights Movement inspired people of all races, ages, and creeds to volunteer to enact social change. One of the signature achievements of President John F. Kennedy was creating the Peace Corps, formed in the mid-sixties to train and deploy volunteers to provide international development assistance. The volunteer movement continued to grow throughout the remainder of the twentieth century, mostly through the work of community and faithbased groups. Volunteerism spiked after 9/11, but in the next decade began to decline. The Great Recession of 2007 to 2009 changed community ties; people with financial woes didn’t have the time or desire to volunteer. 2020 saw an increase in volunteers; the pandemic and associated social and policy issues inspired many to get involved again in their communities. Stay-at-home workers began to look for ways to use the free time, and technology made virtual volunteering accessible and easy, as well as a safe way to keep connected with others. We are proud of the role volunteering has played in our history. But if most people want to volunteer, and see the benefits of volunteering helping them and others, why aren’t more people volunteering? Some of the most common reasons given are: • They don’t have enough time to volunteer. • They don’t want to take time from family. • They work during the day, so the only time they have available is in the evening. • They don’t want to take time to volunteer on weekends. • They don’t feel they can devote enough time to matter.
The most common reason for not volunteering is lack of time. This is hard to dispute, but working moms who were interviewed said that if they found something in the community that interested them, they would find out more and would find a way to fit it into their schedule. Some mothers found programs that allowed them to bring their kids. Others said that the time away from parental duties was good for them. For each of the reasons given for not volunteering, there are ways to effectively counter them. There are many groups and organizations that meet in the evening during the week, including church groups, community or neighborhood committees, civic organizations, and social groups. Weekend volunteer projects can also be family time, such as park clean-ups, or walking dogs at Lifeline Community Animal Center. And a volunteer gives what time they can. You could welcome new residents to Tucker, delivering bags once a month. You could read to a shut-in, or become a part of Tucker Walks, a city project that anyone can participate in, however they want to. There is a relationship between volunteering and improved physical health and cognitive function. Research shows that volunteers report better moods and less depression, as well as increased social interactions and social support, better relationship quality, and decreased loneliness. And it can be fun! So, if volunteering is so good for us, why aren’t more of us volunteering? Where are the volunteers?
DR. LOIS RICCI is a longtime resident of Tucker, where she chairs the Tucker Civic Association Lifelong Community Committee. She serves as an adjunct faculty member at Kennesaw State University, where she teaches gerontology courses and the Professional Development in Gerontology Certificate Class. Ricci also serves as an official representative for American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), co-facilitator for the Rosalyn Carter CareNet, and on the board of the Atlanta Regional Commission Advisory Committee on Aging. Contact Dr. Ricci at loisricci@ bellsouth.net. 8 OUR TOWN DEKALB | July 2022
Common Sen$e: A Word from a Licensed Financial Planner ART WOOD
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f you’ve read my articles for a while, you know I’m a big fan of having a “team” of experts that help you navigate all areas of life, especially financially. While I feel like I know more than the average bear when it comes to all things financial, I am not a licensed financial planner. I set out to write this article about the turbulence in the market over the last few months, and realized I would be giving you much better info if I reached out to my “team” to help. Jordan Girton of Edward Jones in Tucker is a certified financial planner, and I asked him the following question in hopes of lending some guidance in these crazy times. “Jordan, my 401k is down 20% and I am hearing all rumors of a recession. I am scared. What should I do?” Here is Jordan’s reply: “Everything you read or hear about the market right now is bad. You hear everything from the war in Ukraine to seeing $5 or $6 per gallon at the pump. The news keeps talking about an impending recession and your 401k or IRA just seems to keep going down with no end in sight. “If you feel like you just can’t take it anymore, and you want to cash out, I want you to remember a few things. First, is that downturns are normal. Since 1947, there have been fourteen bear or down markets or one about every 5.5 years. But the second thing to remember is, that after every one of those downturns, the market has proven to be an effective way to grow your wealth, because every downturn has been followed by an upturn that eventually sets new market highs. The third thing to remember is that historically those upturns have lasted significantly longer than the downturns. Bear markets average 9.5 months while the bull or up markets average about 6.5 years. “So, what to do? The key to any long-term goal when investing is having a plan. Hopefully, you have a trusted advisor who knows that downturns are normal, upturns always follow downturns, and upturns last significantly longer than downturns. You should have a plan based on that knowledge, which means nothing has changed and the best thing you can do is stick with the plan. Patience and diversification are your friends. There is a saying in investing, ‘It is time in the market not timing the market.’ After all, you don’t lose money until you sell!” Thank you, Jordan! Those are great words of wisdom, and I could not have said it better. There are folks who want to get in when it is hot and stay in even when it is not. Those people have a plan, but it involves much more risk than the average person wants to bear. It is not a sprint. It is a marathon. If you surround yourself with the right team and have a plan, and have a little patience, typically you end up better than where you started. ART WOOD (NMLS #118234) is the branch manager of The Art Wood Mortgage Team of Goldwater Bank, located at 2341 Main Street in downtown Tucker. “Tucker’s Mortgage Guy” for sixteen years, he is a former Tucker Tiger (Class of ’92), and co-founder and organizer of Taste of Tucker. Family guy, community guy, and definitely not your typical mortgage guy - it’s all that he does that makes Art Wood who he is. Contact him at 678.534.5834 or art.wood@goldwaterbank.com.
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Food for Thought: A Taste of Malaysia on Your Table DOUG REYNICS
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s a foodie, I continue to seek out new and fun flavors. I was fortunate to have met Auria Abraham while at the New York Summer Fancy Food Show this past June. At the time, she was introducing the world to her new product line of Malaysian-inspired flavors, a combination of Chinese, Indian, Malay, Portuguese, Sri Lankan, and Dutch influences. Auria has won multiple awards at past Summer Fancy Food Shows, but what always intrigues me is her real passion for explaining her products and flavors, of which I have tried many. “My mission,” she says, “is to help folks bring true Malaysian flavors into their home cooking, while representing the cuisine of my homeland in the most authentic and traditional way.” I instantly fell in love with her very popular Hot Chili Sambal, a very complex level of flavors which has become a staple in our kitchen. My current favorite is Auria’s line of packaged dry flavorings. The Satay Spice Blend is perfect to use when grilling chicken kebabs. It comes with all the flavors needed to create both the kebab flavorings and a peanut sauce for dipping. The Curry Spice Blend has all the flavors of a complex recipe, in a simple easy-to-use dry mix. It is based on her Mum's weeknight curry. The Rendang Spice Blend is spicy! It pushes my comfort level for heat but I still buy and use it. The spice blend is authentic to Minangkabau-style rendang which was brought over to Malaysia in the 1400s by migrating Indonesians. The ingredients give you an idea of the complexity of flavors: shallots, toasted coconut, brown sugar, chili powder, dried chilis, turmeric, garlic, lemongrass, lime leaf, ginger, and galangal. What an incredible flavor profile! My next favorite, used when I make my Thai dishes, is Auria's Lime Leaf Sambal, which is a green chili paste flavored with makrut lime leaves. It can be used as a cooking sauce, marinade, or straight out of the jar as a condiment. There are simple dishes I make using a can of coconut milk, a scoop of the lime leaf sambal, a handful of bell pepper slices and onions, and a protein (usually chicken). You can't get easier, and packed with flavors! The Salted Caramel Kaya is incredible, as simple as a toast jam but also way more. It's an ice cream topping, and great on waffles and pancakes. Follow Auria on Facebook (Auria’s Malaysian Kitchen), Instagram and Twitter (@thesamballady), and order her products at auriasmalaysiankitchen.com.
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DOUG REYNICS is a longtime Tucker resident and selfdescribed “foodie.” Many know him as “Doug the Driver,” who provides rides to and from both the domestic and international airport terminals. (To date, his service has provided almost 2,300 airport rides!) If you have a food story or question you would like to see him write about (or if you need a ride!), email him at dougthedriver1@gmail.com or call him at 770.842.4261.
Back Talk: Celebrate Your Child’s Independent Health KARL SCHWARTZ, D.C.
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ell, the weather is getting hot - or should I say it’s hot here in Hotlanta! Music is pumping, bands are thumping, and all the kids are outside playing and having fun! We are in the heat of the summer and for kids, what's better than that? I can remember living for the summer. It was the absolute best time of year - being out of school and being free! I still enjoy the benefits, although I don't get my summers off and I'm not quite as adaptable to those hot summer days. The topic this month is children's wellness. Many kids are outside playing sports, whether they play competitively or just for fun. As adults, we love to see our kids be active, socializing and having fun with other kids. Most kids are extremely resilient; kids can do crazy things and not have repercussions, unlike their older parents. But children can still misalign their spines minimally and not immediately realize this. Any sports that involve contact, such as football, soccer, or basketball, can cause micro-traumas that misalign their spines. Why is this important to understand? Because their first subluxation can occur with mild trauma. What is a subluxation? These are spinal misalignments that can put pressure on the nerves affecting how the body functions. The sooner the child’s spine is checked for subluxations, the better opportunity for the best health. Subluxations can be mild at first but over time can lead to decreased health. It's easy to check children's spines for subluxations and easy to correct. We use an adjusting instrument called an Activator that gives a very mild impulse to the spinal bones, which realigns the spine and takes pressure off the nerves. So, when is the best time for a child to get checked for subluxations? Just like any condition, the earlier it is found, the easier it is to correct. Once an infant starts to walk, they have many small falls (usually onto their bottoms), and this is where the first subluxations can occur. Later in life, as a child plays sports, mild to moderate trauma can also misalign the spine. The longer the spine is misaligned with pressure to the nerves, the more damage to the tissue that nerve supplies. If the nerve is going into a muscle, the child can experience spasm or weakness. If it's going into an organ like the lungs, it can create dysfunction like asthma. The children who have had regular chiropractic care are some of the healthiest children I see.
So, when is the best time to have your child’s spine checked? Again, the sooner the better! Happy Independence Day, America! May we continue to live strong and free – and healthy! DR. KARL SCHWARTZ is a graduate of Life University in Marietta, Georgia; he has been practicing chiropractic in Tucker for twenty-one years and a resident here for fifteen years. His office specializes in preventing sports injuries and maximizing performance by analyzing posture, weight bearing, and gait. If you have a question you would like addressed in a future column, please email karlschwartzdc@gmail.com. Note “Back Talk” in the subject line.
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Main Street Theatre to Present ‘Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming” in August OUR TOWN DEKALB STAFF
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he traveling gospel-vocal group Sanders Family Singers takes the stage once again when Tucker's Main Street Theatre presents "Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming," the weekends of August 12-14, 19-21 and 2627 at the Tucker Recreation Center. The popular comedy with bluegrass music, the third in the Smoke on the Mountain trilogy, written by Connie Ray and Alan Bailey, is set on Saturday night, October 6, 1945. Reverend Mervin Oglethorpe is conducting his last service at the small, rural Mount Pleasant Baptist Church before heading to a new assignment in Texas, accompanied by his pregnant wife, June, and a brand-new ten-gallon hat. In the morning, young Dennis Sanders takes over as Mount Pleasant's pastor. The Sanders Family Singers lead a rousing send-off for Reverend Oglethorpe that features hilarious, often poignant, memories that impart important lessons about life, love, and family. The show includes twenty-five gospel favorites performed by
local bluegrass musicians, and is suitable for all ages. Showtimes for the Friday and Saturday performances are 7:30 p.m., and on Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $10 for children. Masks are optional, subject to CDC guidelines. Seating capacity has been reduced to 100 audience members per show to facilitate social distancing. Concessions will be available. Ticket holders who are not feeling well or have been exposed to COVID-19, may exchange their tickets or receive a refund. For tickets and more information, visit mainstreettheatre.org. OUR TOWN DEKALB | July 2022 13
Zoomer Zone: Communicating with Gen Z EMMA DISON BRANTLEY
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y generation has adopted the nickname “Zoomers” primarily because we are the first generation to grow up with digital technology and the internet. Also known as “Generation Z,” we are considered the generation born between 1997-2012. The growth of technology and the internet have provided great tools for our workforce and made life much more convenient, but also created a generation gap in our society which affects conversation and communication between Zoomers and Boomers (those born during the post–World War II baby boom, between 1946 and 1964). One of the biggest issues with our generations is interpretation problems over text. When you can’t see the other person talking, you get no body language signs for reference making it hard to interpret the tone of what they are saying. Here are a few examples of how Gen Z has shifted the meaning of how we communicate over the phone. We all know the punctuation mark ellipsis, and most older generations use “...” at the end of a sentence as a way of building suspense, to indicate change of subject, or suggest a loss of thought. Gen Z has adapted the ellipsis to be a passive-aggressive way of communicating over text. You might get (eye roll emoji) as a sign of annoyance or “duh,” but for us, the ellipsis isn’t what it used to be. This miscommunication between generations can lead to uncomfortable conversations that we just tend to end abruptly, or move quickly onto something else. Speaking of emojis, they were invented in Japan in 1997, but didn’t become popular until the 2010s when they were implemented into mobile devices. Emojis can help the tone of a conversation with a quick (face with steam from nose) or (smiling face with open hands). Over the years, young adults have transformed the meaning of emojis, and it’s creating a communication gap within society. For example, when you find something funny online, most people would reply with (laughing crying), but Gen Z tends to use (skull - I’m dead) or (omg crying) to express something hilarious. Another instance is when you find someone’s post cool or you like what they are sharing, most people would reply with a (thumbs up) or (smiley face) but Gen Z has adopted (fire) or (100%), implying that what they shared is so cool, it’s “on fire” or cool enough to hit the 100% mark. These are just a few examples of how Gen Z has changed the way we communicate online, but this doesn’t mean it’s impossible to understand how our minds function. Here are a couple of ways you can help bridge the communication gap between our generations. 1. Ask about their communication preferences. Your preference of communication (phone, text, email or in-person) might not be the same as someone else who has a five- to fifteen-year gap between you. Finding and using what makes both of you comfortable is a great way to avoid communication issues down the road. 2. Be open to learning and understanding why these changes exist. Older generations grew up differently learning different tricks, but our newer generations
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are coming up with ways to make our lives more convenient. Being open-minded about why these changes exist can make the workflow a lot easier. They say, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” but I believe you can learn at any age if you’re willing to be taught.
EMMA DISON BRANTLEY is a third-year student at the University of Cincinnati, where she is pursuing a degree in information technology on the game development and simulation track. When she is not gaming online, she spends time with her parents trying to move them beyond boomer life.
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Tucker Rec Center Hosts Special Needs Summer Dance OUR TOWN DEKALB STAFF
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ucker Recreation Center was the site of the First Annual Summer Dance Party, hosted by Peter and Paul’s Place on Saturday, June 4. About seventyfive guests danced to tracks spun by DJ Sammy Rosenberg, then dined on pizza and desserts while meeting new friends. The dance was the first event sponsored by the non-profit organization, which provides opportunities for special needs adults to live, socialize, and learn in a supportive and inclusive environment. Peter and Paul’s Place plans to hold a Holiday Party in November or December, as well as several smaller events and classes before then. Visit peterandpaulsplace.org for schedules and other announcements. DJ Rosenberg led dance guests in a conga line during the evening.
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