V3 March 2024

A Path Paved in Rome

From humble beginnings right here in Rome, Garrett Jones and his team at Cornerstone Concrete and Civil have paved their way to success.

Expert ER Care

If you or a loved one are injured or experience chest pain, stroke symptoms or severe stomach pain, don’t hesitate. You’ll find expert emergency physicians at the AdventHealth Redmond ER standing by to help you feel whole.

MARCH 2024

COLUMNS COLUMNS FEATURES

8

12

Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky answers questions this month from Romans on health and fitness.

Harbin Clinic physicians are emphasizing the critical role nutrition and complete care play in cancer prevention and treatment.

16

A toy dinosaur with earthy sounds and behaviors more befitting a dragon makes Nina Lovel pause and ponder.

28

Coosa Financial Planning advises on how to prepare for a potential decrease in interest rates and how to take advantage of normal market downturns.

21

Garrett Jones’s path to success was paved in Rome and that’s something the Cornerstone Concrete and Civil owner will never take for granted.

Publisher's Note

If one thing in life is certain, it’s that change is inevitable. The longer we live, the more of it we will endure and for the first time in almost 18 years, my days won’t be spent on Broad Street in downtown Rome. Throughout our run, we have operated at four different locations, our last being front and center at 417 Broad Street. Before the pandemic it was bustling with activity, creativity and life, but the work from home movement arrived and as time went on, we realized we simply didn’t need the space.

So, February was our last month downtown and I will now make the huge adjustment to my new home office. So far, I can’t complain. The pros are abundant, but change is a weird beast and leaving my home to go to work is ingrained in my routine. It’s

OWNER & CEO Ian Griffin

Surrounded

Mmmm, Cheese Curds Over the Hay Bale

Letters to the Emperor is a monthly humor column from the self-proclaimed Emperor of Rome, GA. Nero Romansky, the unqualified descendant of Julius Caesar, answers his letters from his less-than-loyal subjects. It’s like a toddler playing hide-and-seek with Navy Seals.

[Sounds of strained counting. 998, 999, 1000].

Now that my personal valet is done doing push-ups on my behalf, let us talk about the bulbous bodies of my subjects. Ask Nero anything about your health and fitness, and you are guaranteed an answer.

First question.

DEAR EMPEROR NERO,

“I’m a 58-year-old woman who could lose a few pounds. I’ve tried all the diet fads. Paleo, South Beach Diet, and Keto worked for a while, but eventually, the weight returned. Is there a secret to eating healthy at my age that doesn’t end in a cycle of failure?”

— Jazmine Jenkins | Originally from Cedartown

DEAR JAZMINE,

The secret to healthy eating is to have your royal food taster take the first bite of every meal. You would be so embarrassed if your intestines hemorrhaged from ingesting poison hemlock. Assuming what you put in your

mouth is non-lethal, you should know those food trends aren’t worth your time. No matter how long you stare at the lottery numbers, you’ll never win at Keto. South Beach is all marketing. The North Beach has better views AND fewer tourists.

Paleo is the only diet plan worth following, but eating out in Rome presents a challenge. Does Longhorn Steakhouse make a perfectly seasoned Pterodactyl steak? Alas, No. Nor are the Jerusalem Grill’s Kabob Trio three species of Triceratops. You can call me a dietary purist, but chicken, beef, and lamb are not authentic dinosaur meat from the Paleolithic era.

As for me, I only eat succulent grapes hand-fed me by my royal serv…um…I believe the modern term is restaurant server.

Me Vexat Pede, — Nero

DEAR NERO,

I have a mole the size (and shape) of Abraham Lincoln on the penny. When should I consult a dermatologist?

Duane Lethoardi | Class of 2002, Model High School

Mark Suroviec, M.Ed., is the Chief Ambassador of Fun at WorkPlay Solutions, the author of Forever Sisters, and the Vice President of the Children’s Museum of Rome. He hopes you pity laugh at his humor and satire stories, especially the ones that aren’t funny.

DEAR DUANE,

Dermatologists often get this question, which is why they developed this simple rhyme.

“Larger than an avocado, it’s time to fear. Smaller than guacamole, you’re in the clear.” *

Me Vexat Pede, — Nero

DEAR ARCH-ENEMY,

“How often do I need to appear before readers recognize me as a recurring character and a possible Nemesis?”

— Dr. Humbert R. Tuffleson, Ph.D. | Associate Professor of Ancient History at Georgia Highlands College

DEAR DR. TUFFLESON [AGAIN, AGAIN],

Give it a few more months. The clever ones will catch on soon. Everyone else scours their brains clean of my precious words with the metaphorical steel wool of forgetfulness. As for being my Nemesis? Don’t flatter yourself. I’m holding out for a tenured professor from Oxford.

Me Vexat Pede, — Nero

DEAR NERO,

“Can you help? I want to get back into shape, but I’m struggling to find a gym that fits my personality. My boyfriend joined the fitness megaplex, where members film themselves working out and post it on Instagram. You know the one. Now, all he talks about are wads, snatches, and the clean-n-jerk. It makes me feel icky inside. My health is important, but I don’t want to become a muscle-bound Whey-protein junkie. What should I do?”

— Anonymous | Probably dating a CrossFitter

DEAR ANONYMOUS,

Instead of answering your question, Nero is tempted to openly mock the silly names of events in the last five CrossFit Games. On second thought, let’s do that.

1. Pig Flip Pistol Squats

2. Wall-Ball Shot Snatch

3. Heavy-Rope Double Under Max Jerks

4. Short Bar Wall Walk Thruster Box Jump Overs

5. Cheese Curd Burpees Over the Hay Bale

Don’t worry too much about your boyfriend. And goofy exercises aside, you should give his gym a try. It is one of the Emperor’s most highly recommended cults.

Me Vexat Pede,

— Nero

Disclaimer: Emperor Nero Romansky is a satirical character written and created by Mark Suroviec, M.Ed. All people and quotations are fictional, invented by the limited imagination of the author, and do not reflect the opinions of the author, editors, or V3 Magazine. *Rome will miss you, La Parilla.

Coming up, Emperor Nero will be discussing Books, Books, and More Books

Please send your letters to: EmperorNeroRomanskyKnowsAll@gmail.com or scan the QR code

FUELING HEALING: NUTRITION AND EXERCISE IN CANCER CARE

Colon and Kidney Cancer Awareness Months coincide with National Nutrition Month in March, and Harbin Clinic physicians are emphasizing the critical role nutrition and complete care play in cancer prevention and treatment.

In the US today, the most recent cancer statistics are staggering. The latest data from the American Cancer Society estimates one out of every two

men in the US will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, and one out of every three women. Georgia’s cancer rate also grew, making it the state with the 7th highest cancer rate in the country. Seeing these numbers, it is no wonder patients have questions about prevention and risk, especially with increases in younger diagnoses like colorectal cancer.

However, researching cancer risk factors, especially those related to nutrition, can be complex. While few direct links can be made to specific foods, physicians agree the top three greatest cancer risk factors are smoking, obesity and alcohol. Research also suggests that eating more non-starchy vegetables and whole fruits is likely to lower one’s risk of certain cancers as is avoiding processed and red meats.

Beyond prevention, Harbin Clinic physicians emphasize the power of nutrition and exercise on healing, resilience and enhanced quality of life during a cancer journey. With growing cancer statistics and an aging population, understanding the impact of these daily choices can make a powerful difference in the lives of those diagnosed with cancer.

Gregory Harris, DO

THE IMPACT OF NUTRITION & EXERCISE:

Balanced nutrition is key to successful cancer treatment because the body uses food for energy, fighting infection, and tissue growth. Despite changes in appetite and taste buds during cancer treatment, the medical team at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center aims for patients to maintain a diet with a wide variety of whole foods. In connection with Cancer Navigators, patients are also offered nutrition classes and individual nutrition consultations during and after one’s diagnosis and treatment.

Likewise, regular exercise is another crucial component of care. It helps patients tolerate treatment, improves quality of life and emotional well-being, and can decrease risk of cancer recurrence. To help patients incorporate exercise into their cancer journey, the Cancer Center

encourages use of the LiveStrong YMCA program and other oncology rehab programs in the area that offer complimentary and safe ways for patients to get moving.

Describing their focus beyond traditional treatment, Dr. Dilawar Khan explains, “We want our community to understand that healthy diet and exercise are truly the brick and mortar for health and for healing.”

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS:

The Harbin Clinic Cancer Center also partners closely with Cancer Navigators, a local non-profit committed to easing the hardships cancer patients face. They are best known for offering a variety of resources to cancer patients and their families free of charge such as: social support, counseling, further nutrition assistance, transportation assistance, medical supplies, wigs, hats and

Melissa Dillmon, MD

Dilawar Khan, MD

scarves, day and weekend retreats, weekly support groups and caregiver support. The non-profit is even located in the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center to help patients get connected with this support immediately.

Chairman of the Cancer Navigators Board and a Harbin Clinic Oncologist, Dr. Gregory Harris described some of their most recent work saying,

“A surprising number of cancer patients in our community have severe food insecurity. Today, 225 active cancer patients utilize the Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries food bank each month and have access to special hours to decrease their infection risk. We plan to have nutritionists onsite to help them select the best foods available for healing, but healthy food goes fast. If you are passionate about this cause, I encourage you to donate directly to the Northwest Georgia Hunger Ministries. The nonprofit is able to purchase healthy foods in bulk and at a discount, allowing them to provide assistance on a much larger scale. Cancer Navigators is also working with the food bank to hopefully obtain a transformational grant between $50,000 - $100,000 specifically for cancer patient nutrition.”

In relation to food insecurity, one of the Harbin Clinic Oncology team's greatest concerns are those in the community afraid to seek treatment due to financial concerns. They promise no one is ever turned away from the Cancer Center, and they have onsite financial counselors to help manage financial stress and burden. Whether a patient is insured or uninsured, do not delay care for fear of medical bills.

BUILDING BLOCKS FOR HEALING:

Overall, the medical team at the Harbin Clinic Cancer Center believes complete care reaches beyond traditional treatment and includes the complementary therapies listed above as well as others that address the whole-person suffering, such as:

• Nutrition

• Movement and exercise

• Treatment side effects and stress reduction

• Financial need and transportation

Addressing these areas with special therapies and assistance, provided alongside traditional treatments, relieves certain symptoms of cancer, decreases the potential treatment side effects, and improves a patient’s general well-being, making treatment as effective as possible.

Diet and exercise are, of course, important for prevention as well. But for those not facing a cancer diagnosis, the greatest call to action is staying up to date on suggested screenings. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, cancer screenings are still down. 40% of eligible women in the local community do not take advantage of annual mammograms even with breast cancer leading as the most common cancer. Only 10% of smokers in this community receive lung cancer screenings. Now, colon cancer is the leading cancer-caused death for men. This March, it's time for individuals 45 years of age or older to schedule a colonoscopy.

“Preventative screenings along with healthy diets and exercise are the very best tools we have in the fight against cancer,” says Harbin Clinic Radiation Oncologist Dr. Matthew Mumber.

Matthew Mumber, MD

My Living Room Dragon

Here and Now with Nina

Lovel

There's a territorial dragon in my living room.

It's

two feet long, it’s blue, and it’s noisy.

It growls at me as I walk by, and it screams if I bump it. It also has terrible manners. Earthy sounds emanate from it. Sounds like you might hear from a person with GERD who just ate a chili dog. Sounds like a person with lactose intolerance who just ate a bowl of ice cream would make. This creature even ingests and evacuates, but at least it’s not chili dogs and ice cream; it’s toy cars.

Its mission in life is to entertain small children, and at this, it succeeds with aplomb.

Please know, I’m not throwing shade on toys that act like humans; I had one myself way back in the mid-20th century: a Tiny Tears doll. Tiny would drink from a bottle, cry real tears, and tinkle real water. She used the same water you had fed her in the bottle, and it’s a testament to my compliant nature that I never put milk or orange juice in that bottle. I bet some parents of adventurous children with a Tiny in the house have some bad memories from a milk-fed Tiny in the back of the closet. I do need to credit my Tiny Tears for influencing my future; her anatomy was so perplexing that I’m pretty sure I grew up to be a nurse so I could find out if anybody else in the world tinkled from the middle of their left buttock.

Back to the dragon. This dragon’s lucky day was the morning that the big-store employee placed it on a shelf labeled $19.99 and my (at the time) three year old Little Buddy spotted it. For a toddler, Little Buddy is a joy to shop with. He is discriminating. He cruises every aisle methodically, occasionally picks up a toy to investigate, and has been heard to say "I have that already". I swear you can see his little mind putting a sticky note on a toy he might return to and reconsider, and more often than not, that's the one he winds up choosing to ask me for.

Once we were in the Doctor Store (his 'L's haven't come in yet) and although he had looked at every single toy in the building, nothing was calling his name. In overindulgent mode, I had

asked him at least three times if he was sure he didn’t see anything he wanted, so just to humor me, he picked up a $1 can of pink Play-Doh. He scanned it, I paid the dollar plus tax, and it was weeks before the lid came off.

On Dragon Day, we were in a much larger store. Little Buddy had scoured the toy department and nothing was calling his name. Until, as we rolled out of the toys, he spotted this huge Hot Wheels dragon on an end-cap shelf. It was the Dragon of his Dreams! He wanted it, I saw the $19.99 shelf label, and the lucky dragon migrated from its shelf to the snuggling arms of the toddler in the buggy.

At checkout, it rang up at $79.99. I feebly explained to Little Buddy that we should go back and find a smaller dragon, but he just smiled and hugged that box and said, “This is the one I want.” And I knew he was telling the truth because he had been willing to leave with nothing until he saw this critter. I wasn’t about to take the one toy in the whole store that the little guy wanted away from his sweet little arms.

I did, however, contest the $19.99 shelf label, and as the helpful customer service manager accompanied us back to the dragon's former shelf-home, she pointed straight up, where the sign saying $79.99 hung down from the ceiling. Lesson learned: in very big stores, always look up!

At this point I need to clarify that this toy is actually not a dragon; it is a dinosaur: a T. Rex. But while it’s in my house it’s a dragon, because a dinosaur would have better manners than this barbarian does. Despite Little Buddy’s frequent reminders that “NiNi, it’s a dinosaur, not a dragon”, as long as it exhibits the unsavory behaviors described here in my house, it’s a dragon. In case you want one of your own, it’s called the “The Hot WheelsTM City Ultimate Hauler”, and I am receiving no pay for this information.

In the lucky beast’s defense, it *has* been LB’s favorite toy in my house for a long time, so the investment was good, but it still resists all reminders to practice manners. Even LB will shake his finger when it burps and tell it to, “Say excuse me!” It just burps again.

The burps, growls and screeches are the least offensive of its earthy behaviors, however. Although it appears to be designed to carry and store tiny little cars, it also loves to eat them. That's right: you can put a little car in front of it, then roll it forward, and it will consume that little car. It’s so ravenous that it will even consume several little cars at a time, and it *can* hold up to twenty! And then, of course, it burps. Not the polite little burp you'd expect from a dinosaur; no,

it erupts with a protracted belch that sometimes ends with a screech for good measure.

Sometimes it spits out one of those little cars it ate. But most of the time, the ingested vehicles make their way down the dragon-tummy-trail and their only journey to freedom comes when a certain button is pressed on the dragon's lower back.

You know how nothing comes with instructions anymore? Well, the instructions are actually there on the product; they’re just little pictures now. I am proud to say I am fluent in “on/off” symbols and a small cache of icons. But today’s toddlers are growing up with icon-speak as their native tongue: Little Buddy, is often better than I am at “reading” instructions. This has been the case with the Living Room Dragon. But early on, I spotted an icon that looks like a swirl of chocolate ice cream, only it has googly eyes and it's the opposite (literally) of ice cream. I kid you not, this dragon has a button with that picture on its back, and what’s more, it’s functional! When pressed, out come the cars that have been previously consumed, and they come out on the end of the dragon that you would expect digested cars to exit. Sound effects accompany. At least the cars it had for lunch emerge intact and fragrance-free. Grateful for small favors.

The product description includes(1):

• “Kids can launch their cars from the mouth of the T-Rex and it looks like it's spitting.

• Lights and sounds enhance the fun with glowing red eyes and burps, chomps and toots (my substitute word for what was actually in the description)!”

When helping keep Little Buddy for a couple of days after his tonsillectomy, I logged 18 hours of watching what 4 year olds watch on TV. Mickey Mouse, PJ Masks and Paw Patrol are captivating enough, but sometimes the buddy wants a YouTube video where some hands (that don’t appear to be attached to a body) unbox and play with real toys. The boredom is real for grown-ups, but it’s important to note that these things are creating a fresh level of consumerism in little bitty people.

There came a commercial that I didn’t skip fast enough, but then I couldn’t take my eyes away. A small doll with very very (very!) big eyes in ratio to the rest of herself was being “fed” with a syringe full of green slime. Turns out, this doll eschews the vintage skills of drink/wet/cry; she brings a new set of activities and so do her friends. All you have to do is pump her full of the green slime (included with purchase) using the supplied

syringe (also included with purchase), and then squeeze that precious little head. Depending on which doll you bought (and you won’t know which one you have until you’ve unwrapped it at home), the slime will either gush out of her mouth or generate a rear-endlylocated puff of air that’s full of glitter. If you think this sounds like fun, you may start your collection right now at Walmart!

The product description includes: (2)

• “Rainbow surprise fantasy friends are the adorable, mini dolls that spit slime and toot glitter!

• When you press their belly, they toot a puff of glitter!

•Includes new adorable drink cans and airtight bags to store slime.+ I just can’t talk about this any more; I hope you understand. My point in sharing these gag-reflex-inducing details is this: these toys are born of human ideas. Actual people sat around a room and decided what this gassy dragon and that slime-pooping doll would look like and how they would behave (or not). I’m sure these creatives had lengthy discussions and lively negotiations on which bodily noises and functions the toy should deliver, and once they had decided, they went on to sell all the features to the company’s design and engineering department.

The Engineering Department would require detailed specifications on the critter’s size, appearance, noises, how to raise it up so it looked like a T- Rex, how to put a racing ramp on its back that would open a trap door under the car that was behind so it never had a chance, and most of all, how the beast would physically ingest, process and evacuate whole cars. They would need to know the difference in creating a burp from a growl and a screech from a toot.

To my point, I just have to believe that those people in the room who designed this vociferous, eructating and flatulating dragon-o-saurus had an absolute BLAST doing it!

There can be no greater reward than to enjoy what you get to do every day, and in this stress-filled world where some of the people on the news could play both roles in a cab driver fight, it gives me hope to think that zany, enjoyable jobs like this are out there for our youngsters to seek. I hope that more of them will come along, and I also pray that in all of the everyday jobs we have, we can each find some joy.

Sources:

(1) https://shop.mattel.com/products/hot-wheelsultimate-t-rex-transporter-hng50

(2) https://www.walmart.com/ip/Poopsie-RainbowSurprise-Fantasy-Friends-That-Spit-Sparkly-Slime-andToot-Glitter-6-Doll/874208961

LIGHTBULB MOMENTS

with Matthews Lighting & Electric

MARCH:

Super-Charged Spring Cleaning

Spring has arrived and while we are still dealing with a cold snap here and there, warmer weather will be here to stay soon. So, while you are packing up those space heaters and electric blankets, it’s also a great time to get rid of older appliances and electronics that no longer work properly.

Try a little spring cleaning for the sake of electrical safety.

While you’re busy scrubbing baseboards and cleaning out closets, take the time to check for damaged wiring, moisture or overloaded outlets that can be hazardous in so many ways.

Let’s concentrate on one easy thing you can do to avoid disaster...inspect your cords. While you’re moving things around the house, take a close look at all the cords in the house. Computers, lamps, televisions and extension cords are just a few good examples.

Look for frays, tears, water or moisture damage, areas that may have been chewed by household pets or pests or any other damage that could compromise item its powering. Any of these signs could cause shocks, sparks or fires.

Happy cleaning and remember to call Matthews Lighting and Electric for all your lighting and electrical needs!

Paving the Way

The “Rome Grown” success of Cornerstone Concrete and Civil started with two guys and a wheelbarrow but evolved into so much more.

Text: Ian Griffin | Photos: Andy Calvert

Garrett Jones is a North Carolina native, a die-hard Tar Heels fan, a devoted husband and father, and the proud owner of Cornerstone Concrete and Civil.

“We are a Rome-grown company. My family and I love it here, my employees live here, and I’m personally excited for all the great things on the horizon for our community. We wouldn't want to call any other place home."

His wife, Lauren, is a lifelong Roman, growing up in the Coosa community, and as it often does, love helped him find a new place to call home.

It was in Rome that he started his business, and the Rome community fostered its growth. What started in 2008 with two guys and a wheelbarrow has expanded into a company that while primarily serving the Northwest Georgia region, expands into several other states in the Southeast.

Garrett remembers those humble beginnings well.

“I was working for a regional company, and they had me on the road constantly,” recalls Jones. “I just remember waking up to leave with my wife still asleep and not wanting to leave. So, me and my business partner started Cornerstone and I’ve been doing it ever since.”

In the beginning, they took the jobs they could get. Sidewalks, patios, pool decks, and just about anything, but the

urge to grow was something Jones couldn’t ignore, so he started shooting for larger projects and shooting his shots paid off.

He bought out his partner in 2015 and has done work for Coosa Steel, International Paper, Kerry Foods, and many more large local industry leaders. From there the company continued to grow and in 2021 the opportunity to acquire Kevin Gurley Inc was presented to Jones, and he took advantage. That acquisition allowed Cornerstone the ability to offer a comprehensive, turn-key, site preparation and development scope to their clients, spurring further growth for the company.

Jones attributes it all to the support from the Rome community they have received over the years. And though he is North Carolina born and bred, he is a Roman through and through.

“We are a Rome-grown company,” says Jones. “My family and I love it here, my employees live here, and I’m personally excited for all the great things on the horizon for our community. We wouldn't want to call any other place home.”

Learn more about what Cornerstone Concrete and Civil has to offer at www.cornerstonecandc.com

•

•

•

•

Venmo: KevinGurley-scholarship

•

•

•

•

•

salandscaperome.com

joselopezland@gmail.com

Interest Rate Reckoning

In the last eighteen months or so, interest rates have gone from historically very low to what seems like very high. Historically, rates are not that high; however, since interest rates have been at historical, unprecedented lows for over a decade, the interest rates feel very high. Right now, the U.S. economy seems to be at a crossroads for interest rates. In late March, the Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged at the 5.25% to 5.50%

benchmark but signaled that two or three rate cuts could be possible this year. As for interest rate direction, there are well intended arguments on both sides of the debate either higher or lower and/or sooner or later. No one really knows, but holding and maintaining appropriate levels of cash is a wise choice at this interest rate juncture. When I refer to “Cash,” I am referencing a bank balance or more appropriately a money market account. Brokerage money market accounts are widely and easily available yielding around 5% at prevailing interest rates.

WHAT TO DO NOW

1) Always maintain proper levels of emergency funds. Keeping a proper amount of money on hand for emergencies allows you to hold and not be forced into selling high quality/rising income investments during normal market downturns.

2) Have an extra spare tire. Additional levels of cash over and above the proper amount for emergencies is what I call the Extra Spare Time concept. I recommend at least 9 months of living expenses to be maintained in cash for emergencies. The Certified Financial Planning Board recommends 3 to 6 months of cash on hand as an adequate emergency fund. For every year over the age of 60 an additional month of emergency funds is good to have since older people need to be more prepared for additional, unexpected expenses. This is simply being conservative in preparation of Murphy’s law roulette of possibilities. Everything breaks, tears up, rusts, deteriorates, blows-up, gets sick, always, especially when your out of town, on vacation, or kicking back on a Sunday.

3) Have a personal triggering mechanism in place so that you can take advantage of normal, market downturns. For example, when the S&P 500 goes down 10%, then invest 10% of an extra spare tire and start a DCA, dollar cost averaging program. Remember, a DCA program is an automatic investment each month into your mutual fund allocation. Again, additional levels of cash over and above the emergency fund is what I call an extra spare tire. So, assume that $25,000 is the proper amount for you to have on hand for emergencies, then $125,000 in cash, savings, and money markets, means you have a fully funded emergency fund and four extra spare tires.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF MARKET DOWNTURNS

Learn how to take advantage of Market Downturns because “Downturns are Normal.” There are three steps to taking advantage of normal market downturns:

1) Have a properly funded emergency on hand

2) Have an extra spare tire on hand

3) When the S&P 500 Index goes down 10% (this is my personal definition of market downturn), Take 10% of an extra spare tire and invest in high quality/ rising income funds and begin a dollar cost averaging program (DCA). A market downturn is a “triggering event” signaling for you to invest additional funds from your extra spare tire into investment allocation.

GRATITUDE FOR IMPROVEMENT

Gratitude is the gift that keeps on giving. The word comes from the Latin word gratus which means pleasing or thankful. I am truly grateful to be able to share these concepts for a living. My career as a Certified Financial Planner Professional is both rewarding and fulfilling as I can witness over time what small behavioral improvements can mean to any financial plan. Time, discipline, and consistency win. Let us find the gratitude to take one step to achieving improvement. This first step may be to start building that emergency fund, working on your extra spare tire, and continuing your investment plan.

Please let me know if you would like to discuss your personal or family situation. I would like to share my research with you.

givebutter.com/LoveEmpowers givebutter.com/LoveEmpowers

As a community, let’s work to create a more empowering space for women to stay in shelter as they flee domestic violence 100% of your ticket goes toward the work of Hospitality House. The perfect opportunity for a date night or a weekend activity with a great cause!

Read More: hospitalityhouseforwomen.org/love-empowers Read More: hospitalityhouseforwomen.org/love-empowers

THINK YOU’RE TOO YOUNG FOR A COLONOSCOPY?

AS AS IF! IF!

If you were a teen in the 90s, don't be clueless! It's time to schedule your colonoscopy if you:

Are age 45 or older

Have a family history of colon cancer

Have been previously diagnosed with colon cancer

Have experienced inflammatory bowel disease or polyps