Dawson Living May/June 2022

May/June 2022

DAWSONVILLE DISTINCTIVE DENTISTRY

Patients receive 5-star treatment at longtime practice

Try one of these overnight hikes in North Georgia

PLUS: Your guide to record retention after taxes are filed | Set healthy boundaries for mental wellness | How to navigate post-COVID medical treatment and injury cases

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VALID AT CRUMBL CUMMING AND DAWSONVILLE 405 Peachtree Parkway Suite 120, Cumming, GA • (470) 239-1986

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12 Dawson Market Way, Ste 200 Dawsonville, GA 30534 • (706) 350-5333

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Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry With more than 500 5-star reviews and the stamp of Best of Dawson County for Cosmetic Dentistry this year, Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry has created a business philosophy that puts patient care first and foremost.

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World’s Best Adventures With the start of the Appalachian Trail in Dawson County and the countless mountains spread so abundantly throughout the top half of our great state, North Georgia is great for hikers and backpackers of any skill level.

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ALSO INSIDE: 11 Christine Hinton, CPA Your guide to post tax-filing record retention.

Mental health: Setting boundaries can be challenging, especially for people-pleasers, but when we do, we’re giving people the rules and tools to know how to interact with us.

14 Steven Leibel, attorney What to expect for medical treatment and injury cases — post pandemic.

On the cover: From left, massage therapist Brian Fraser, owner Sue Gantick, manager Brian Gantick and aesthetician Maddie Tapp. Photo by Jeremy Coleman Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Metro Market Media Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Metro Market Media cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. Dawson Living reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by Dawson Living.

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PUBLISHER Stephanie Woody ADVERTISING SALES Tim Anderson CREATIVE SERVICES Claudette Keeley, April Seymour, Chelsea Sunshine, Tracie Pike

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PHOTOGRAPHY Jeremy Coleman, @jcreative_media Ben Hendren CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Colosimo, Sudie Crouch Alexander Popp DAWSON LIVING A Division of Dawson County News Dawsonville, GA A Metro Market Media Inc. property www.dawsonnews.com March/April 2022

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Sponsored Content

Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry

Contact information Where: 754 Hwy 53, Dawsonville, GA 30534 | Contact: (706) 265-2505, www.dawsonvilledistinctivedentistry.com Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry has been in the same location a mile west of the square in downtown Dawsonville for almost 40 years, and their reputation is as consistent. -Photo by Erica Jones

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March/April 2022

Sponsored Content

Service to Smile About Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry prioritizes customer care Story by Jennifer Colosimo

A

show of hands rarely yields big numbers when you’re asking who loves visiting the dentist. For some it’s stressful, others painful, and, generally, it’s inconvenient.

But the team at Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry changes that — and more than 500 five-star reviews and the stamp of Best of Dawson for Cosmetic Dentistry this year prove it.

It isn’t just this year that makes them the best. They’ve been in the same location a mile west of the square in downtown Dawsonville for almost 40 years, and their reputation is as consistent.

But in the last 6 years, the team behind that reputation has taken it up a notch, with a new dentist at the helm and a business philosophy evolved to put patient care first and foremost. It’s changed the way patients seek care and are served at the office, and the results are as beautiful as their smiles, both definitely something to keep grinning about.

“It starts from the moment a patient walks into our office,” said Barbara Anderson, office manager at Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry.

“We know that nobody likes coming to the dentist, so we want to do everything we possibly can to make the experience comfortable and positive for them. Being named Best of Dawson, that’s a huge compliment to our staff. We all try to go above and beyond and give that fivestar treatment, so it’s rewarding to know that what we do matters.”

Their five-star treatment includes low lighting throughout the office, calming music in the waiting room, and reduced wait times to ease general anxiety about dental work.

Once a patient is in the room, they’re offered a pillow, the TV remote, and even an optional blanket. As treatment begins, the dental team keeps communication open and active, checking in on the patient throughout treatment, stopping for breaks and acquiescing to a patient’s requests as they go.

Continued, Page 6

Dr. Bilal Manzur, D.M.D.

May/June 2022

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We all try to go above and beyond and give that five-star treatment, so it’s rewarding to know that what we do matters.

- Barbara Anderson, office manager at Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry

Every new patient also receives a free smile consultation, which consists of a scan of their entire mouth to show them first-hand what is going on and what might need to be done.

They’re also easing anxiety behind the scenes, filing insurance for everyone, even those out-of-network, advocating with patients from the start of their claim until it’s been paid, and making sure patients are fully educated every step of the way to make sure they understand what their benefits offer.

With Anderson, the team consists of Dr. Bilal Manzur, D.M.D., three clinically trained dental assistants and three board certified registered dental hygienists. And while titles may vary, everyone is trained to be able to answer any questions a patient might have, and they all have the same goal of patient care as the top priority.

“We’re distinctive because we believe in giving five-star customer service,” Anderson said. “We care about our patients on a friend level, not just on a patient level. We strive to get to know them personally.

“We want to hear about their children, about their trips, and other things of that nature. And Dr. Manzur helps create that, because he always checks on them after an appointment, or follow up calls after a procedure to make sure they know they’re not just a number in our office.

“When a patient feels like you know them, they feel like it’s one-on-one care,” she added.

“That’s exactly how we want them to feel, because then they know they have Dr. Manzur’s undivided attention. They can feel that we’re not in a rush to get to the next patient.”

Patients can also feel special because, since Dr. Manzur took over, the office has become completely digital. That means no more goopy impression trays, same-day crowns and other restoration pieces, and record turnaround time for things like dentures, to name a few.

Later this year, they’ll even add a 3D printer, which will open the door to send patients home with bleaching trays and night guards on

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May/June 2022

Photos by Jeremy Coleman

Barbara Anderson, office manager at Dawsonville Distinctive Dentistry, holds the award for 2022 Best of Dawson in Cosmestic Dentistry.

Sponsored Content

Dr. Bilal Manzur, D.M.D., accepts the 2022 Best of Dawson award for cosmetic dentistry.

the same day as their visit.

In general, their service menu includes preventative cleanings and exams, implants, same day crowns, bridges, veneers, tooth colored fillings, Invisalign braces, Boost teeth whitening, dentures, implant retained dentures, extractions, sealants for children and patient education on preventative care.

Services are supported by Dexis digital X-rays, i-CAT 3D imaging, iTero by Invisalign and Cerec Primescan.

“We’re always wanting to make sure that whatever we’re offering or providing to our patients is the best,” said Anderson. “That’s important to us – to have the best – because we want to give the best to our patients. That is a big

part of putting the patient first.”

Speaking of patients: Anderson recounted a story of one recent patient who had Dr. Manzur restore his mouth, almost completely. After his treatment, he was beaming as he walked back to the front desk.

Through tears, he told the staff, “I never thought I would smile again.”

“That’s the biggest compliment we could get,” said Anderson. “To know that we made a difference in his life, that we could help someone want to smile again, that’s what we’re all about. It means just so much to us that we can actually change lives here.”

May/June 2022

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World's B es t A d vent ur es

5 overnight hikes to try in North Georgia

DAWSON OUTDOORS

Len Foote Hike Inn is a Hike-In Backcountry Lodge in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, known for its breathtaking views, delicious food, and homey accommodations.

Story by Alexander Popp | Photos by Ben Hendren

N

orth Georgia is blessed with some of the best backpacking in the South.

With the start of the Appalachian Trail in Dawson County and the countless mountains that are spread so abundantly throughout the top half of our great state, North Georgia has something for hikers and backpackers of any skill level.

But with so many mountains and trails to choose from in such a large area known for great mountains and trails, it’s hard for a new backpacker to know which route fits their needs.

So here are five of our favorite 2-day/1-night backpacking trips in North Georgia, that virtually any new backpacker can handle.

Len Foote Hike Inn

Required: Yes. The Len Foote Hike Inn requires hikers to make reservations ahead of time for their stay by visiting the website, http://hikeinn.com/. Note: Reservations fill up quickly, so please plan your trip well in advance Dogs Allowed? No. Pets and smoking are not allowed at the Len Foote Hike Inn Good for Kids? Yes. This hike is one of the best starting camping/ backpacking experiences that you can give a young person More Information: Len Foote Hike Inn

Possibly one of the most interesting backpacking trips in the South, the Len Foote Hike Inn is a Hike-In Backcountry Lodge in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, known for its breathtaking views, delicious food, and homey accommodations.

Guests park at Amicalola Falls State Park, before trekking a 5-mile trail to the Hike Inn. For someone that’s new to backpacking, hiking, and camping, this trip is a great introduction.

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Length: 10 miles out and back Continued on Page 10 Permit/Reservation

May/June 2022

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DAWSON OUTDOORS

World's Best Ad ventures Springer Mountain to Hawk Mountain Each year, thousands of backpackers make their way to Amicalola State Park in Dawson County, Georgia and Springer Mountain, just a few miles north, to start the 2,198-mile trek north to Maine on the Appalachian Trail.

Springer Mountain, the trail’s southern terminus, is where most backpackers start their Thru-Hike, and is a great place for new backpackers to test out their gear, skills and readiness for tougher trails.

This hike takes you a little over 8 miles on the start of the Appalachian Trail to Hawk Mountain Shelter, a backcountry double-decker wooden shelter, that has a picnic table, bear cables and a composting privy.

This hike can be shortened considerably or transformed into a 3- or 4-day trip (5.6 miles out and back) by stopping at the Stover Creek Shelter.

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Length:16.2 miles out and back Permit/Reservation Required: No Dogs Allowed? Yes Good for Kids? Depends on skill level More Information: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest - Springer Mountain Trailhead

Tray Mountain If you like a challenge, this trek is a really good choice to try out. Starting from Unicoi Gap off Hwy. 75 in Helen, Georgia, you’ll hike 6 miles up and over Rocky Mountain and Tray Mountain, climbing nearly 2,000 feet of elevation over that distance.

But the work will be worth it, as you’ll be rewarded by amazing views of the North Georgia mountains at multiple locations.

Tray Mountain Shelter sleeps 7 hikers, has multiple spots for tents and has bear cables, a composting privy, and a piped spring nearby.

Difficulty: Moderate-Difficult Length: 11 miles out and back Permit/Reservation Required: No Dogs Allowed? Yes Good for Kids? Depends on skill level More Information: AllTrails - Tray Mountain Shelter

This area is one of the most popular hikes in North Georgia, so all hikers should be wary of the impact their passing might have on the environment. Leave No Trace and Bear Wise practices should be strictly adhered to.

Difficulty: Easy Length: 5 miles out and back Permit/Reservation Required: Yes, a $5 Parking Pass is required. Camping is first-come, first-served and this area is very popular on weekends Dogs Allowed? Yes Good for Kids? Yes, this is a fairly simple and easy trail and provides many things to see along the way including multiple large and small waterfalls More Information: Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest - Raven Cliffs Trailhead

Fort Mountain - Gahuti Backcountry Trail

Found at the Southwestern edge of the Cohutta Wilderness in Northwest Georgia, Fort Mountain State Park has been popular location for hiking, camping and sightseeing for decades, due to its impressive lookout tower, trail system and water features.

The Gahuti Backcountry Trail, which circles the perimeter of the park, has been a main feature of that draw since the 1970’s. This trail will take you past 3 reservable backcountry campsites, and a side trail will take you to the peak of Fort Mountain.

This trek can easily be tackled as a day hike, or can be extended to a multi-day, multi-night trip.

Difficulty: Easy-Moderate Length: 8.5 mile loop Permit/Reservation Required: Yes. Reservations can be made by visiting https://gastateparks.org/ FortMountain.

Dogs Allowed? Yes Good for Kids? Yes More Information: Georgia State Parks - Fort Mountain

Raven Cliff Falls If you’ve seen any of our social media over the last year, then you know that we’re huge fans of backpacking and hiking trails with waterfalls. In our mind, a backpacking trip without seeing a waterfall of some sort is kind of like, “What’s the point?”

Well maybe not that much, but it’s safe to say that waterfall backpacking trips are the best kind of trips, and this one is no different.

Raven Cliff Falls are a sight to behold and the hike up to them is peaceful, beautiful and filled with smaller waterfalls and streams.

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May/June 2022

This article comes to us from our sister company World’s Best Adventures. World’s Best Adventures provides guided luxury backpacking adventures in Georgia, North Carolina, and the Great Smoky Mountains.

For more articles on backpacking and hiking, and to learn about the services World’s Best Adventures offers, visit www.worldsbestadventures.com or call 770-535-6323.

DAWSON FINANCE

TOSS THIS. NOT THAT. YOUR GUIDE TO POST TAX-FILING RECORD RETENTION Before you close this year’s tax file there is still some work to do. If the IRS or state revenue department selects your return for review, you will need to be prepared.

Here is what you need to do now:

Keep a copy of your Form 1040 indefinitely. Do not toss or destroy any of your 1040s. You may need them to correct historic Social Security earnings statements or to prove that you filed a tax return.

Supporting documents need to be retained for three years. Records to support your tax return (i.e., W-2s, 1099s, K-1s, receipts, canceled checks, bank statements and mileage logs) should be kept for a minimum of three years from the later of the tax filing due date, the date you filed your taxes, or the date you paid your tax in full. This approach ensures that your records are available for a potential IRS audit.

Property and investment records need to be held longer. To prove your cost/basis and taxable gain or loss, all records relating to property that you own (your home, rental properties, stocks bonds and other investments) need to be kept for at least three years after it›s sold or disposed.

Be mindful of other record retention requirements. The three-year period is the federal guidance for standard returns.

There are other factors that should be considered: • State record retention requirements (often six months to one year longer); • Requirements for insurance, banking or estate management • Additional federal requirements for tax returns including unreported income (six years), worthless securities (seven years) or bad debt (seven years); • No audit time limit for fraudulent returns; • A specific filing system is not required, but organization is key. The ability to easily find your documents in the event of an audit will make the process much simpler.

Here are some tips: • File records by year rather than income or deduction type; • Within the file, order your records to match the flow of the Form 1040; • Consider scanning your files to create a digital file as a backup; • Create 2022 files now to save documents for current year; • Shred old documents; don’t just throw them away; • If you are unsure whether to retain or shred something, keep it unless you know the document can be replaced.

— Sponsored content

Christine Hinton, CPA | www.ChristineHintonCPA.com | 706-522-3025

May/June 2022

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DAWSON WELLNESS

Mental Health

The importance of boundaries

By Sudie Crouch | Health & wellness columnist

W

e’ve often heard the saying “fences make good neighbors” but have we ever stopped to think about what that means exactly?

Sure, those fences can be helpful in creating property lines but they also provide some helpful parameters, too. Fences are a physical boundary that provide privacy, seclusion, and to let people know exactly how far they can go.

I’ve always appreciated fences for all of these reasons, but especially as a pet owner.

When we got a new puppy last year, we expanded our fenced area so she’d have more room to play. Even though it wasn’t

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May/June 2022

fancy by any means, it was sufficient, and as I surveyed the area, I realized it made the yard somehow seem bigger.

Then it dawned on me. What we think is a restriction of sorts can somehow give us more freedom. That’s what boundaries can do.

When we create boundaries, we are giving people the rules and tools to know how to interact with us.

But boundaries, unlike putting up a fence, are not always that easy to put in place. Creating boundaries can cause enormous guilt for many people.

There’s the fear we’re letting people down — we feel obligat-

DAWSON WELLNESS

ed to others in some way and feel like we have to give in to their wants and needs.

Other times, that lack of boundaries can be people interfering in our lives in unwelcomed ways. They may not be meant to be intrusive or offensive, but the interaction is still not wanted.

Even the most well-meaning of people can still overstep a boundary or two. People commenting on your parenting, your weight, whether or not you work — unwelcome remarks and commentary can make it difficult to stand up for yourself.

A lack of healthy boundaries can also cause us to feel depleted and taken advantage of.

We only have so much energy we can use in a day, and if there’s a lack of boundaries, we find ourselves exhausted because we’re giving too much of that energy away. Energy doesn’t have to just be physical either; it can be mental and emotional energy as well.

We may find ourselves dealing with other people’s drama, taking on problems that are not ours to deal with, and that violates our personal limits, too.

How do you create boundaries for yourself?

Implementing boundaries can be challenging, especially for people pleasers.

It can almost create a sense of panic — how will people respond? Will they be angry? Drop us?

All are very valid concerns, especially depending on the relationship dynamics. Changing what we will tolerate can hellp weed some of those one-sided or toxic relationships out of our lives.

We also may encounter resistance with those closest to us.

No longer allowing people to treat us the way they have can cause some tension, but it can lead to healthier moments for you.

Any change, especially when we are taking a stand for ourselves can be a bit scary. But there’s also so many positives that go along with it.

For one, you’re making yourself a priority and taking claim to your self-worth. You’re shifting dynamics, not always in huge ways, but sometimes those small ones have a big impact on your overall mental health.

Boundaries can look like: Not engaging in conversations that you don’t want. It can be a matter of saying, “I don’t feel comfortable discussing this right now” or telling someone that’s a personal matter. We don’t have to talk about things that hurt or upset us, or that are private. Not everyone has a right to your personal details.

Setting limits as to when/how often you respond to texts messages, phone calls, and emails. We do not have to be accessible at all times. You have a right to limit people’s access to you.

Saying “no” when it’s not something we really want to

do. This one can be the most difficult for some people, especially if they are a people pleaser and the person they told no to push for a reason.

Standing strong can be hard – but “no” is a complete sentence all of its own. By saying you can’t or even more firmly, you don’t want to, can help people learn your time is valuable and not to be taken advantage of.

Being firm, but polite. It may take a while for people to get it, so being firm but polite can keep the ‘fence’ friendly while still establishing those new rules.

Of course, your own boundaries may look a bit different, but exploring some steps to take can help you begin the process.

Much like the fenced-in yard gives a puppy more space to play while staying safe and sound, those boundaries can do the same for you.

In creating these rules, you’re showing others — and most of all yourself — that you are worthy of respect.

May/June 2022

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DAWSON LEGAL

Medical Treatment and Injury Cases - Post COVID COVID lockdowns turned our world upside down. People who drove everyday suddenly stayed at home. Children no longer went to school.

Grocery stores became essential.

Restaurants closed. Medical professionals suddenly became unavailable as hospitals filled with COVID patients. Elective surgeries were halted. Medical care became sporadic in many areas. Nothing seemed the same.

As we embark upon the great reopening, all that we knew and know are now seeming to move faster yet seem slower because of the pandemic.

The law and the courts suffered too. No civil jury trials. Criminal cases on hold.

Delays in sentencing. Extensions on the statute of limitations.

In the area of personal injury medical bills are an indicator of damages. Juries and insurers often rely on the amount of

bills to calculate damages.

However, new valuations of cases which are based upon the testimony of witnesses will drive the amounts of verdicts because old formulas of case value have changed.

No longer can the value of a case Steven Leibel be found through medical bills when hospitals have been locked, and doctors’ offices closed.

I suggest that what was compelling in the past will change as our society becomes detangled, and people become

more remote.

Accidents which caused people to suffer and separate them from their loved ones may now take on a new role in valuation of a case.

I believe the value of a case no longer will be viewed as before the pandemic. As more cases are tried before juries, new ideas will come forth.

The next few years will show how all is the same but viewed under a different light.

Steven Leibel is a well-respected personal injury lawyer in Cumming and Dahlonega. He has consistently been recognized as a GA SuperLawyer in Personal Injury; rated 10 by AVVO, and he is considered “preeminent by his peers, as an Martindale AV rated attorney.”

— Sponsored content

LOST A LOVED ONE DUE TO MEDICAL MALPRACTICE? CALL ME!

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INTEGRITY EXPERIENCE RESULTS

Thank you to our community for always supporting us and voting us the best heating and air company four years in a row. As a lifelong resident of Dawson County, this recognition is such an honor. We look forward to continuing to serve you. ~Tim & Lindsay White

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EliteHeatingandAirGA.com • Tim@EliteHeatingandAirGA.com

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