Brandon Beach for State Senate A Proven Champion for District 21 By Ellen Samsell Salas When State Senator Brandon Beach and his wife Shuntel put down roots in Alpharetta 26 years ago, they set out to do whatever they could to make their new community a place their children wouldnt want to leave. That meant getting involved and helping the area thrive. I knew that if our kids, Courtney and Hunter, grew up and there were no opportunities here, then shame on me, Beach says. Since being elected in 2013, Beach has proven he is not a senator in name only. A solution-driven public servant, he has earned the reputation for making a direct, positive impact on the quality of life in District 21 from his support of public education, to building better roads, keeping taxes low, and enacting business friendly policies. Believing that our job in government is to be customer-centric and make life better for all our citizens, he works for his constituents including the unborn, the student and teacher, the entrepreneur, the commuter, law enforcement officers, and those needing medical care. If we have an educated workforce, lower taxes, less regulations, and invest in our infrastructure if we do those basics and just get out of the way the private sector will create jobs, and we will remain the No.1 state to do business, and our area and its residents will thrive, Beach says. Advocating for Children and Education A conservative Republican, Beach is staunchly pro-life and voted for the heartbeat bill. He is also passionate about maintaining the areas excellent public schools and technical colleges and ensuring that they have the staff and facilities needed to offer 21st century skills and knowledge. This legislative session, determined that Georgias best and brightest stay here, work here, and raise their families here, Beach is sponsoring Senate Bill 282, which he has dubbed the Keep Georgia Kids First Act. This bill mandates that 90% of early action admissions at Georgias state colleges and universities are Georgia residents. Fixing Infrastructure First elected to the Georgia Board of Transportation in 2008 by state legislators and now as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Beach is intent on solving the areas traffic woes. Transportation is my passion. We can fix it. It will take a combination of teamwork, technology, and quick and efficient attention to our roads and bridges, but we can do it. We are going to catch up. When I first became involved, agencies didnt talk to each other and were often undermining each others efforts. Now, we have lunch once a month, so that we can work for our citizens, says Beach. With the governor and the transportation commissioner, Beach helped facilitate the communication and cooperation that were vital to the speedy repair of the I-85 bridge in 2017 and to the completion of multiple other projects. Anyone who travels Georgias highways has benefited from Beachs determination to ensure infrastructure upgrades become realities. So that funding is available, he supported House Bill 170, adding over $1 billion annually in revenue for projects. When he saw that using federal dollars meant jumping through time-consuming hoops, he found a faster route to a solution. As chair, I proposed to the governor that we allocate state revenue and speed up our progress, he recalls. For the widening of State Route 20, we were able to allocate $250 million of state revenue and we began putting shovels in the dirt in May not seven years from May. We still use our federal dollars, but on smaller, less crucial projects. Beach was also a vital force in the completion of the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes and the connection of State Route 20 and State Route 140, allowing quick hospital access. It was easy for me to champion $9 million for infrastructure investment in Northside Cherokee Boulevard for Northside Hospital Cherokee. The new beautiful hospital is not only an economic engine for the area, he says, it brings first class health care to our citizens. Now, Beach is actively working to implement upgrades to State Route 140. Likewise, Cherokee County Regional Airport, which is projected to bring $1 billion in tax revenue to the county when it is upgraded, is benefiting from Beachs efforts. Cherokee County Airport Authority Chairman Don Stevens credits Beach with helping to secure the $5 million in funding for the upgrades. Twenty-six years ago, Brandon Beach set out on a mission to make our community thrive. Today, seasoned by experience and a track record of getting results, he remains dedicated to that mission. As we come out of this coronavirus pandemic, we are going to need experience and proven leadership. We are going to have to make some tough decisions, and we are going to need to get the economy to rebound. I have that experience and leadership and ask for your vote. As long as you allow me to serve as your senator, I will fight for conservative values for the citizens of Cherokee County. God bless the great state of Georgia. To learn more about Senator Beachs efforts for District 21, please visit his website. Brandon Beach for State Senate303-B Coverdell Legislative Office BuildingAtlanta, GA 30334678-640-1811BeachForSenate.com Paid for by Brandon Beach for State Senate
Mosquito-Free Makes Backyards Home Again Local Businessmen Taking It to the Skeets By Gregory Flail Few places are as dear to the hearts of north Georgia residents as their backyards. Backyards are more than just a plot of land; they are an extension of the home a place for children to play, pets to roam, and families to enjoy good weather with friends and neighbors. The only serious threats to this lush paradise are the harmful insects that favor Georgias long summers. The mosquitoes in Georgia are notorious for loving backyards, picnics, and parties as much as homeowners do. Considering that a bottle caps worth of water can breed 150 mosquitoes in just three days, its no wonder that residents often feel overwhelmed by bugs long before summer begins. Jody Wheeler and Chad Woodall are lifelong, local area residents who grew up knowing what a nuisance these insects can be. Throughout their years of fishing and spending time outdoors, they experienced the states growing mosquito problem firsthand. With every pesky sting and bite they suffered, they began to see an opportunity. By the summer of 2016, they decided to take matters into their own hands. Together, Wheeler and Woodall started Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free, two locally owned and operated companies on a mission to ensure that backyard and dockside gatherings remain invitation only. As local business owners, they have taken a big picture approach to their small business. There is much more to being Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free than one might think. Its not just making insects disappear. Our goal is to protect families and pets, Woodall said. Mosquito bites are always painful, but the diseases that mosquitoes carry can also be deadly to people as well as animals. And certain spider bites can be every bit as lethal. According to the World Health Organization, mosquitoes and the diseases they carry will cause more than a million deaths this year alone. Mosquitoes are one of the most dangerous animals in the world, said Wheeler. Historically, theyve proven to be more deadly than all wars combined. Given Georgias summery climate and coastal border, the state has been suffering from mosquitoes since the yellow fever epidemics of the 1800s when physicians were still unaware of how the disease was transmitted. Today, we have a clearer understanding of how to combat mosquitoes, and how to do it safely, Woodall said. Theres no reason that the treatment should also be a danger. Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free offer a variety of solutions, all of which are completely biodegradable. They also offer an all-natural Mosquito-Free solution that is both biodegradable and safe for vegetable gardens. In addition to traditional treatments, automatic Mosquito-Free misting systems are available, as well as all-natural Mosquito-Free traps that require no spraying whatsoever. Each of these innovative, eco-friendly approaches is quickly making Mosquito-Free one of the areas best choices for mosquito control solutions that are safe for people, pets, gardens, and wildlife. We take our work a little more seriously than many franchises would be able to do, Woodall said. Because we own our business and our clients are our neighbors, friends, and friends of friends, we always guarantee that our products are not only effective against pests, but also safe for everyone who shares that environment. Whether the occasion is a special event or a season full of outdoor gatherings, Mosquito-Free offers reasonably priced solutions for residential or commercial properties of all sizes. The companys state-certified technicians can establish a mosquito-free zone that repels insects and disrupts their breeding cycle for three weeks. The zones help repel other harmful insects as well, including fleas, ticks, ants, and spiders. With recurring treatments every 21 days, the great outdoors can truly become great again. The staff at Mosquito-Free provides seamless, trouble-free service throughout the year sending a notice via email, text, or phone call before their visit and another notice upon completion. Mosquito-Free now accepts online payments for customers convenience as well. Satisfaction is always guaranteed, and being local means that the Mosquito-Free team can resolve almost any issue within 48 hours or less. Typically, the mosquito season begins in March and ends in October, but changing weather patterns often extend the season without warning. However long mosquitoes manage to cling to summer this year, Mosquito-Free will be ready to adapt. Service plans are completely flexible and designed especially for each clients needs. Safe for People and Pets Controls Mosquitoes, Fleas, Ticks, and Ants All Natural and Biodegradable Offerings Locally Owned and Operated 21-Day Service With Complimentary Re-Treats 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed To learn more about Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free, including their customer referral program, please visit the websites or give the staff a call. Mosquito-Free and Spider-Free are now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, too. Mosquito-Free2171 Holly Brook LaneCanton770-704-4560Mosquito-Free.com Spider-Free.com Facebook.com/MosquitoFreeLLC Instagram.com/MosquitoFreeLLC Twitter.com/MosquitoFreeLLC
Meet Lizz Kuhn The New F.A.C.E. for Judge, Fulton County Superior Court By Anna Teal Attorney Lizz Kuhn is on the June 9, 2020, ballot. She is running for judge of the Superior Court of Fulton County. Kuhn wants to share her story of overcoming obstacles, so that voters can look ahead to more prosperous times. She is no stranger to challenges. Her strong drive is something to be admired and respected. During tough times, she not only survived she thrived. It took me a long time to not be ashamed of where I came from, said Kuhn. Her past includes living in a battered womens homeless shelter at the age of 8, food stamps, clothes from Goodwill, and a broken family unit. I dont even want to tell people about the types of places Ive lived. Society often doesnt consider people like Kuhn to be college material. Despite this, through hard work and perseverance, she was awarded a full tuition scholarship to West Liberty State University, West Virginia, to become a music teacher. She played jazz alto saxophone and double tenor steel drums while at West Liberty and graduated cum laude. In 2000, Kuhn packed up her Dodge Dynasty and moved to southern Connecticut where she taught inner-city youth how to sing. A year later, she became the conductor of an award winning chamber choir. The school was rough, but I loved those kids. And while teaching music in an inner-city school was challenging, nothing was tougher than being in school with children whose parents worked in New York City on September 11, 2001, when the World Trade Center buildings fell. After two years, Kuhn felt the need to help more people in society. Leaving my kids was the hardest thing I could do, but I wanted to do more. Kuhn attended law school at New England School of Law in Boston. During her time, she was the business managing editor of the New England Law Review and organized a symposium on stem cell research and human cloning. She also interned at the Massachusetts Family and Probate Court. Much to Kuhns surprise, her law school peers nominated her as the Most Likely to Succeed. After graduating magna cum laude, she packed up her car and moved to Atlanta. After passing the bar in November 2005, Kuhn entered the courtroom to practice family law, personal injury, appeals, and bankruptcy. She also handled criminal defense work for innocent citizens. Kuhn is currently in good standing with the Atlanta Bar, Georgia Bar, Georgia Court of Appeals, Supreme Court of Georgia, and Federal Northern District of Georgia. She is also a member of the Cobb Bar, Blue Ridge Bar, Stonewall Bar, North Fulton Bar, and the Womens Bar of Georgia. In addition to a successful legal career, Kuhn is very active in her community. She coaches Upward basketball, is a wrestling team mom, and is an active member of her childrens Parent Teacher Organization. She fundraises for family violence shelters, serves as a foster mom for pets, supports her college alma mater and Georgia Tech, and donates to her local synagogue, as well. Kuhn also supports many local schools through her firm, Hait & Kuhn, which has a wall of plaques showing this support. If youre looking for someone with a work, family, and community balance, Kuhn is your candidate for Judge of the Fulton County Superior Court. She stresses the importance of Fairness, Access, Commitment, and Ethics. Her personal experiences guide her to be evenhanded and fair. Every case is different, and I will listen to the evidence, says Kuhn. Access is attained by running a calendar efficiently, so lawyers are not being paid for sitting around. Paying lawyers to sit around makes attorneys cost-prohibitive, Kuhn says. She believes everyone is entitled to an affordable court system and is committed to her community by being on time for trials and staying until business is finished. Lastly, her ethical nature serves as a compass for fairness. How a Global Pandemic Is Impacting Voting Method Options on June 9 COVID-19, a global pandemic, reared its ugly head and forever impacted our nation. On April 9, Brad Raffensperger, Georgias secretary of state, took steps to curb the spread of COVID-19. In an effort to put the health and welfare of voters and poll workers first, Raffensperger established alternative voting methods and mailed absentee ballot request forms to all Georgians. For more information about safe voting practices, please visit SOS.Ga.gov/index.php/Elections/absentee_voting_in_georgia. Please Vote LIZZ KUHN FOR JUDGE, Fulton County Superior Court. For endorsement, campaign contributions, or to learn more about Kuhn, visit her website or contact her via email. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.LizzForJudge.com Facebook.com/Lizzforjudge Paid for by Lizz for Judge, LLC
Community Partner: Bethany Christian Services Family changes everything. Bethany Christian Services believes every child deserves to be loved, connected, and safe. For more than 75 years, faith has inspired this organization to stand for children in Georgia and around the world. Staff members have a special place in their hearts for teens like Damon, who need what only a family can provide. A young man with special needs, Damon was often picked on and bullied at school. One day, when an altercation escalated, he became aggressive. Officers were called, and Damon found himself in juvenile detention. His home life was chaotic with many siblings, and his parents were mostly absent. When Damon was released from detention, the court was unable to locate his family, and he had no idea where theyd gone. Because he was a minor, the only option was to release him into foster care. Some might see Damons story as everything they fear most about fostering teens. But Damon wasnt a bad kid. He was an angry kid whod been neglected and humiliated, and he didnt have the emotional tools to express his frustration appropriately. And then he ended up with the stigma of juvenile offender, making it that much harder for him to find a family when he needed one most. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families, nearly a quarter of the countrys 437,000 children in foster care are age 14 or older. Teens who age out of foster care at 18 (nearly 18,000 in 2018) face an uphill climb to break the cycle. National Foster Youth Institute determined that of the youth who leave foster care without a family: 20% become instantly homeless 70% of young women become pregnant before age 21, and their children often enter foster care 50% are gainfully employed by age 24 Less than 3% earn a college degree at any point in their life These statistics prove why its critical to connect teens like Damon with a caring parent who can give them stability, support, and guidance, as they prepare for adulthood. Just below a teens guarded exterior, youll often find a child whos been hurt, rejected, or neglected. Maybe youre in a position to provide the help and compassion that wasnt available for that teen when he/she was young. Today, Damon lives with a foster mom whose son and daughter-in-law are teachers. They are tutoring him and helping him catch up at school. Hes in a family environment where hes safe, valued, and most of all not alone. People who love him are meeting his needs. With time and a consistent rhythm of words and actions, Damon can embrace a reality most of us take for granted: Youre safe.Youre surrounded by people who care about you.Youre not alone. Doesnt every child deserve that? Visit the Bethany Christian Services website to learn how to become a foster parent or to explore other services that keep children loved, connected, and safe. Bethany Christian Services6645 Peachtree Dunwoody Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30328-1606770-455-7111Bethany.org/Atlanta
The Right To Be Heard Empowering and Supporting Crime Victims By District Attorney Shannon Wallace Most people are aware that criminals are afforded many rights protected by law, starting with the right to remain silent. However, few people are aware that victims are also protected by laws that give them the right to be heard. Starting back in the 1980s, federal and state laws began to address the rights of crime victims. In 1982, the U.S. Congress passed a law to provide protection and assistance to victims in federal cases. Two years later, Congress passed a law giving crime victims the right to restitution, notification of court proceedings, and information about the conviction of offenders. Georgia has also enacted similar laws, including a 1988 constitutional amendment that authorized payment for services to people harmed by violent crime. Then, in 1995, the Georgia legislature passed the Crime Victims Bill of Rights, providing the right for citizens to be informed, present, and heard concerning the criminal case in which they were affected. In 2018, Georgia voters passed Marsys Law, which added other victim rights to our state constitution. Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights While a complete listing can be found in O.C.G.A. 17-17-1, as a victim of crime in Georgia, you have the right to: Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of any scheduled court proceedings Reasonable, accurate, and timely notice of the arrest, release, or escape of the accused Not be excluded from any scheduled court proceedings involving the accused, except as provided by law Be heard at any scheduled court proceedings involving the release, plea, or sentencing of the accused File a written objection in any parole proceedings involving the accused Confer with the prosecutor in any criminal prosecution related to the victim Restitution as provided by law Be treated fairly and with dignity by all criminal justice agencies Victim Witness Assistance Program In 1993, the Blue Ridge Judicial Circuit District Attorneys Office established the Victim Witness Assistance Program to aid people affected by crime. Today, we have nine advocates on our staff who offer support and guidance to crime victims 2,698 people in 2019 alone. The services these advocates provide uphold the Georgia Crime Victims Bill of Rights, including notification of case status, education about the criminal justice system, accompaniment and support during criminal proceedings, referrals to resources, and assistance in filing for victim related compensation. National Crime Victims Rights Week (April 19-25) Victims and their rights are honored each year through rallies, vigils, forums, and other awareness activities throughout National Crime Victims Rights Week. This years theme is Seek Justice, Ensure Victims Rights, Inspire Hope. During the week, our office will distribute awareness information on what to do if you become a victim of crime and what your statutory rights are. We hope you never find yourself in need of crime victim services. But if you do, we will be here to help guide and protect you. For more information, contact the Victim Witness Assistance Program at 770-479-1488.
Utilizing Technology To Keep Kids Safe By John Robison Protecting children and keeping drivers safe on local roads are two top priorities for Alpharetta police officers. In 2019, the Alpharetta City Council approved the use of cameras in school zones, which allows Alpharetta law enforcement to leverage available technology to focus on these priorities by addressing the ongoing issue of drivers speeding through these areas. The goals in utilizing this technology are to increase student safety, change driver behavior, and reduce complaints. This initiative will include a constant enforcement presence in school zones, traffic data collection, and the use of automated license plate reading (ALPR) capabilities. The enforcement system is completely violator funded, and the vendor company will incur all equipment installation, calibration, and maintenance costs as well as all costs associated with collection and distribution of fines. During the 2017-18 legislative session, the Georgia General Assembly passed House Bill 978, allowing the use of photo/video enforcement in school zones under State Statutes 40-6-163 and 40-14-18. This law established guidelines for local legislation and requires school board endorsement and state permitting in order to execute and implement the use of camera enforcement. The Fulton County Board of Education and the Georgia Department of Transportation have been extremely supportive in ensuring this safety initiative is implemented. This legislative change allows Alpharetta Police to address the overwhelming number of speeding complaints in nine school zones by using technology versus manpower. A 2019 study determined that in one day there were over 3,557 speeding violations in six school zones during a 9-10 hour period (violations were not measured in all locations or directions of travel). These violations were at least 11 mph over the posted speed limit. In the past decade, Georgia has become one of the five deadliest states for pedestrians, with the seventh highest fatality rate. Automated enforcement is endorsed as a safety tool by the Governors Highway Safety Association, AAA, Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, and the National Safety Council. The cameras operate from one hour before school until one hour after school, only on school days. A sworn police officer reviews and approves each citation before it is issued. The cameras enforce the lowered school zone speed limit during the morning and afternoon school zone periods (i.e., when the lights are flashing during the times posted on the signs). Alpharetta police officers will use traditional methods to address speed enforcement outside of those times. Once a violation is confirmed, the ticket will be mailed to the registered owner of the offending vehicle. This is a civil citation, so there will be no impact on the drivers insurance rates, and no points added to any drivers record. The following link provides a brief overview of the program: Youtube.com/watch?v=aFTlloHpB60.
The Benefits of Going Vegan By Caroline Wimberly A 2015 peer-reviewed study by Canadian academics comparing bias against target groups found that vegans and vegetarians were viewed more negatively than any other group except drug addicts.1 Its fair to say that people adhering to a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle (often written jointly as veg*n) can easily feel estranged or ridiculed during social settings, holiday gatherings, or business meals. While there is much information about whether following a vegan (plant-based) diet can solve climate change (and to what degree), reverse cancer, or destroy an otherwise perfect dinner party, here is some information about the benefits of vegan diets. Health Almost all foods with near universal nutritional supremacy are plant-based: fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Humans can easily thrive on plants alone with a proper balance of diverse ingredients. Any necessary nutrients can be found in plants, with rare exceptions (like Vitamin B12), which can easily be found in fortified products or approved multivitamins. In fact, places around the world where people naturally live the longest dubbed Blue Zones are also the areas where people consume very little, if any, animal products.2 Though dairy products are marketed as bone strengtheners due to their high calcium content, the World Health Organization and other health researchers have pointed out the calcium paradox in which countries with higher calcium intake, especially from animal protein, also have higher rates of hip fractures. Its possible that animal proteins in dairy products have adverse effects on calcium intake that outweigh the high calcium concentration in those foods.3 While difficult to recommend any singular diet to broad swaths of people, its increasingly conceded by health and nutrition professionals that vegan or vegetarian diets can be healthy and appropriate for all stages of life.4 Environmental/Humanitarian While repetitive, catastrophic news headlines can sometimes numb the general public instead of set off alarm bells, theres scientific consensus that our planet is in trouble.5 Several scientific reports, such as the EAT-Lancet Commission to the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Special Report on Climate Change and Land, detail the importance of reducing our reliance on animal products for public and planetary health. Although it can be difficult to see on a local or even national level due to perceived abundance, the world has limited resources. Agriculture in general, but mostly animal agriculture, requires a huge amount of fresh water. While conflicts and migration over water access arent new, they will probably become more frequent and intense with more unpredictable weather patterns and global population growth.6 Adjusting to food production that requires less land, water, and other inputs will be increasingly important. Growing plants for direct human consumption is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to do this. Forests play an essential role in regulating our climate as well as holding a huge amount of biodiversity. Also, many indigenous groups rely on these ecosystems for their continued survival, which theyve maintained for much longer than the industrial age. Yet, an area of forest the size of the United Kingdom is lost each year, mostly due to demand for agricultural commodities like beef and soybeans (the top two sources of agricultural deforestation).7 About 75% of soybeans are turned into animal feed to supply intensively raised cattle, pigs, chickens, and fish (only around 6% are turned into products like tofu for human consumption).8 These land disruptions result in human rights crises, as local communities are displaced, and they are a leading cause of species extinction. Food choice and diet are commonly viewed as personal decisions. While this is true, there are far-reaching implications for the foods we choose to produce and consume, most of which arent spelled out on any product label. The inequities in our food system are enabled by a veil of lengthy supply chains and willful ignorance. Investigating where food comes from and how it was produced, whether plant- or animal-based in origin, is a step towards reducing these inequities. As the old adage says, knowledge is power. Sample Grocery List Any vegan grocery list is probably going to weigh heavy on produce. While intimidating at first, produce-heavy diets are easy to adapt to in food preparation, and they are certainly tastier and more colorful. And for nights when time is limited, frozen and canned products are great to have on hand. Heres a sample grocery list: FreshLeafy GreensMushroomsCeleryCarrotsPotatoesOnionsGarlicBroccoliCauliflowerLemonsLimesBananasHerbs parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives, oregano, sage, etc.Summer corn, tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers, artichokes, peaches, berries, beets, melons, lima beans, cherries, okra, summer squashFall squash, sweet potatoes, oranges, grapefruit, pumpkin, fennel, pomegranatesWinter Brussels sprouts, parsnips, rutabaga, turnips, pears, cabbage, fennelSpring asparagus, fava beans, green beans, leeks, radishes, rhubarbNondairy AlternativesOat Milk (or any other plant-based milk)Coconut YogurtNut-Based Cream CheeseNondairy Butter SpreadFrozenEdamamePeasArtichokesDry/BulkNutritional YeastDried FruitNuts Legumes Whole Grains farro, barley, quinoa, brown riceCanned/PackagedCrushed TomatoesSundried TomatoesVegetable StockCanned Beans Gluten-Free Pasta Nut ButterOatmealCoconut Palm SugarSpices Its easy to be overwhelmed by the idea of going vegan, but dont let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Find a community, in person or online, to ask questions, look for inspiration, or simply feel a part of something. The most important thing is to find a path and lifestyle, including diet, that works for you. Sources1. MacInnis, Cara C., and Hodson, Gordon. It Aint Easy Eating Greens: Evidence of Bias toward Vegetarians and Vegans from both Source and Target. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, Vol. 20(6), 721-744. 2017. DOI.org/10.1177/13684302156182532. Buettner, Dan, and Skemp, Sam. Blue Zones: Lessons From the Worlds Longest Lived. American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine, Vol. 10(5), 318-321. July 2016. DOI.org/10.1177/15598276166370663. World Health Organization. Recommendations for preventing osteoporosis. WHO.int/nutrition/topics/5_population_nutrient/en/index25.html4. Craig, W.J., Mangels, A.R., and American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Vegetarian Diets. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, Vol. 109(7), 1266-82. July 2009. DOI.org/10.1016/j.jada.2009.05.0275. Ripple, William J., et. al. World Scientists Warning of a Climate Emergency. BioScience, biz088. November 2019. DOI.org/10.1093/biosci/biz0886. Fergusson, James. The World Will Soon Be at War Over Water. Newsweek, April 24, 2015. Newsweek.com/2015/05/01/world-will-soon-be-war-over-water-324328.html7. New York Declaration on Forests Assessment Partners. Protecting and Restoring Forests: A Story of Large Commitments yet Limited Progress. Climate Focus, 2019. ForestDeclaration.org 8. Brack, D., Glover, A., and Wellesley, L. Agricultural Commodity Supply Chains: Trade, Consumption and Deforestation. Chatham House, 2016. ChathamHouse.org/publication/agricultural-commodity-supply-chains-trade-consumption-and-deforestation
Artist Profile: Diana Toma Transparent, Ethereal, Delicate Painting By Ellen Samsell Salas Diana Toma works quickly, sometimes completing a painting in 40 minutes and only returning later to tweak her canvas. Its a creative unleashing, she said, a way of being when youre not caught up in anything else. Its delightful. Diana says her natural inclination for painting is complemented by her willingness to push through fear and embrace the unfamiliar. Leaving her native Romania, where she earned a masters degree in fine arts at the Romanian University of Art and Design, she moved to New York and later to Atlanta. I dont get stopped by my fear. If there is a glimmer of hope, I move forward, said Toma. So, as a single mother of two daughters, she carved out a life as a full-time artist. The myth of the starving artist is alive, she said, but I discovered there are many ways to make a living in art if you are open and say yes to new possibilities. Saying yes has led Toma to showing her work in more than 100 international exhibits (including many solo exhibits), to designing graphics for corporations, and to teaching art classes. She also juries for exhibits and serves as the U.S. representative to the International Watercolor Society (IWS) and as the demonstration chair for the Georgia Watercolor Society (GWS). Her most recent exhibits include IWS competitions in Pakistan and Turkey. Her passion for discovery means that she finds inspiration in many places almost all of them involving interaction and conversation with other people from her students to accomplished artists. While she initially resisted teaching, she now welcomes opportunities to help students become self-expressive. I become a better artist when teaching. We learn together, she said. Similarly, when Toma does demonstrations, she welcomes observers questions and comments. In January, she hosted a delegation of IWS artists and reveled in exchanging ideas about art. Inspiration finds you when youre at work. You cant sit and wait for it, said Toma. Trained in oils and acrylics, she ventures into other mediums, too. Seven years ago, she happened upon the work of an online watercolorist and asked herself, How could I achieve something like that? Now, Toma thrives on working in watercolor, creating her large, richly hued portraits as well as smaller landscapes and cityscapes, which cover the walls of her home studio. In deft strokes, she creates a vibrant, beautifully layered translucence of colors that conveys the essences of people and a sense of place. Its all about transparency, letting translucence shine through. Its ethereal, gentle, delicate, as if a delicate part of your soul awakens, she explained. Toma is now exploring pastels and hopes to offer a workshop as a way to further her own understanding of them. No matter which medium she uses, her paintings, like stained glass, explode with an energetic play of color and light. While she accepts commissioned projects and teaches workshops, Tomas love of painting is what fuels her. I paint because I truly enjoy painting not painting what I think others would like because then it loses its charm and zest but painting from an authentic place to preserve the integrity of the art, she said. To view Tomas work, visit ArtByDianaToma.com or look for her on Facebook (Diana Toma Artist).
Book Review: Apartment By Marcia Divack New York Citys Columbia University in 1996 is the setting of Teddy Waynes latest novel Apartment. This story is about the relationship between an unnamed narrator and his friend, Billy. Throughout his undergraduate studies at New York University, the narrator remained friendless and adrift. During one of the narrators graduate classes at Columbia University, Billy, a fellow student, praises and defends the narrators writing assignment, which leads to their friendship. The narrator quickly invites Billy to live with him in his two-bedroom apartment. Billy, who had been living in the basement of the bar where he works, gladly accepts. In return for living with the narrator rent-free, Billy offers to do the cooking and cleaning. This arrangement works for a while, with both Billy and the narrator enjoying the friendship and the living situation. But over the ensuing months, the relationship shifts because Billy begins to eclipse the narrator in their classes, in their social circle, and in their writing. As their friendship devolves, and Billy loses interest in the narrator, the gulf between them becomes noticeably more about class and power than personality. The narrator is clearly used to a life made simple by wealthy parents and familial connections, while Billy is the product of a small working-class town in the Midwest, and they both know it. The narrator even states, He would always have to struggle to stay financially afloat, and I would always be fine, all because my father was a professional and his was a lay-about. I had an abundance of resources; here was a concrete means for me to share it. Ultimately, Apartment is a subtle meditation on male friendships, male insecurity, and the inherent power struggle in all relationships.
Book Review: Things You Save in a Fire By Jessica Oravec Things You Save in a Fire is a wonderful tale of love, forgiveness, and firefighting. As a firefighter, Cassie does her duty well. But as she is being honored for an act of heroism, her past comes back with a vengeance, and she does something that ends her firefighting career in Austin. But when Cassies mom asks her to come live with her for a year to help her recover, she is given a second chance at firefighting. However, this opportunity means living with a mom she hasnt seen in 10 years and whose choices she refuses to forgive, being in a firehouse with guys who dont want her there, and (most disturbing of all) having a crush on the rookie who joined the team the same day she did. As Cassie sorts through her feelings and tries to forgive, she will be tested in ways that she couldnt have imagined. But when it all comes to a head, she will learn that the things you save in a fire are the things that matter most the things worth fighting for. Author Katherine Center does a wonderful job of creating three-dimensional characters in this book. She gives the reader an appreciation for what its like to be a firefighter the drills, the prep work, the coping mechanisms, the danger and subsequent adrenaline, and the heartbreak that comes along with it all. Centers characters are multifaceted, complex creatures. This story of forgiveness and the things that matter most evokes many emotions.
Brad Thomas "A Voice for the People of Cherokee County" By Ellen Samsell Salas Concern for the welfare of other people defines Brad Thomas from his service as a petty officer in the U.S. Navy to his activism as a resident of Woodstock. As the Republican candidate for State House District 21, Thomas speaks up for the unborn, for schoolchildren, veterans, property and business owners, and the elderly. His goal is clear: To help all citizens of Cherokee County live the American dream. Active in local causes, Thomas thrives on fighting for his fellow citizens whose voices may not always get heard. We have some of the best folks here in Cherokee County, he said. They want to see their community thrive, and theyll help make certain it does if we listen to them. Thomass decision to run for state office grew out of his passionate belief that every member of our democracy has the right to be heard, and that the government is charged with making transparent decisions that impact those citizens. I felt a calling to be the voice for others, he said. Thomas and his wife, Jenny, chose to plant roots in Cherokee because the area offers so much promise to residents. We arent burdened by too many high density areas; we still have lots of rural space. We have an exceptional school system and great entertainment and dining choices, he said. Its a place to make roots. Thats the character of Cherokee I want to preserve. For Thomas, family extends beyond his wife (whom he calls his rock) and their two young children, Gavin and Summer. A partner in a small engineering firm, he includes his business partner and employees as members of his family. Thomas is dedicated to the well-being of his employees and says nothing is more exciting than giving people jobs and watching them build their dreams. As the representative for District 21, Thomass overarching goal will be preserving the features that draw people to the county. My responsibility will be to represent the people of the district, to focus on the issues that impact our district, he said. Cherokee has a unique quality of life. If we can get ahead of growth and build infrastructure, we can attract business, take care of our residents, our veterans, and our elderly. To that end, Thomas pledges to fight in several key arenas: Helping Cherokees VeteransCherokee County has the third highest population of veterans and one of the largest populations of homeless veterans in the state. Thomas is active in local veterans groups and knows the struggles they face. He is committed to ensuring that those who have served our country receive assistance and necessary medical treatment, but he believes more formal programs are needed. These people put their lives on the line for our country, and they deserve better, he said. Staying Ahead of Infrastructure NeedsWith more people moving to Cherokee County, Thomas believes its important to ensure that roads and utilities can accommodate the influx, and its imperative that we have cooperation among county, city, and state officials. Promoting Business Development and EntrepreneurshipAs a small-business owner, Thomas is determined to bring more business to the county. Even though Cherokee is one of the fastest growing counties in metro Atlanta, the majority of residents commute to other counties to work, and the number of commuters is projected to grow to 78% by the next census. If we let that happen, Thomas said, well be just another Atlanta suburb. Those workers are spending money in other counties, revenue that could help Cherokee sustain its lower taxes, he explained. If we create jobs here, if we offer business-friendly policies, those dollars will be spent in Cherokee, and we will keep our tax burden low. Ensuring Top-Notch SchoolsWe have excellent schools here in Cherokee County, but we need to be anticipating what the world will look like in 20 years, Thomas said. Recognizing that most future jobs will be in STEM fields, Thomas pledges to work with local educators, tap into community resources, and ensure the funding needed to offer a 21st century education. If we want our children to be equipped to succeed, we must be forward thinking and acting. Having worked as an engineer for over 15 years, Thomas knows how to solve problems. He knows that a successful outcome requires teamwork and believes his skills would be best suited in supporting the needs of our citizens as well as our local government. He wants to provide a voice for his fellow citizens and will fight to make sure Cherokee is the best place to live, work, and play for all residents. Election Day is May 19. If you have more questions or would like to donate/help, please visit the website, email, or call: ElectBradThomas.comThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.678-224-1490 Paid for By Brad For Georgia, LLC
Brandon Beach for State Senate A Conservative Champion for District 21 By Ellen Samsell Salas When State Senator Brandon Beach and his wife Shuntel put down roots in Alpharetta 26 years ago, they set out to do whatever they could to make their new community a place their children wouldnt want to leave. That meant getting involved and helping the area thrive. I knew that if our kids, Courtney and Hunter, grew up and there were no opportunities here, then shame on me, Beach says. Making a DifferenceIn those 26 years, Beach has championed the interests of the community. While serving four years on the Alpharetta City Council and 15 years as president and CEO of the Greater North Fulton Chamber of Commerce, he has also been a member of numerous other community boards. And, as executive director and co-founder of the North Fulton Community Improvement District (CID), he has been instrumental in bringing millions of dollars in infrastructure to the area. Championing District 21 NeedsSince being elected in 2013, Beach has proven he is not a senator in name only. A solution-driven public servant, he has earned the reputation for making a direct, positive impact on the quality of life in District 21 from his support of public education, to building better roads, keeping taxes low, and enacting business friendly policies. Believing that our job in government is to be customer-centric and make life better for all our citizens, he works for his constituents including the unborn, the student and teacher, the entrepreneur, the commuter, law enforcement officers, and those needing medical care. If we have an educated workforce, lower taxes, less regulations, and invest in our infrastructure if we do those basics and just get out of the way the private sector will create jobs, and we will remain the No. 1 state to do business, and our area and its residents will thrive, Beach says. Advocating for Children and EducationA conservative Republican, Beach is staunchly pro-life and voted for the heartbeat bill. He is also passionate about maintaining the areas excellent public schools and technical colleges and ensuring that they have the staff and facilities needed to offer 21st century skills and knowledge. This legislative session, determined that Georgias best and brightest stay here, work here, and raise their families here, Beach is sponsoring Senate Bill 282, which he has dubbed the Keep Georgia Kids First Act. This bill mandates that 90% of early action admissions at Georgias state colleges and universities are Georgia residents. Fixing InfrastructureFirst elected to the Georgia Board of Transportation in 2008 by state legislators and now as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, Beach is intent on solving the areas traffic woes. Transportation is my passion. We can fix it. It will take a combination of teamwork, technology, quick and efficient attention to our roads and bridges, but we can do it. We are going to catch up. When I first became involved, agencies didnt talk to each other and were often undermining each others efforts. Now, we have lunch once a month, so that we can work for our citizens, says Beach. With the governor and the transportation commissioner, Beach helped facilitate the communication and cooperation that were vital to the speedy repair of the I-85 bridge in 2017 and to the completion of multiple other projects. Anyone who travels Georgias highways has benefited from Beachs determination to ensure infrastructure upgrades become realities. So that funding is available, he supported House Bill 170, adding over $1 billion annually in revenue for projects. When he saw that using federal dollars meant jumping through time-consuming hoops, he found a faster route to a solution. As chair, I proposed to the governor that we allocate state revenue and speed up our progress, he recalls. For the widening of State Route 20, we were able to allocate $250 million of state revenue and we began putting shovels in the dirt in March not seven years from March. We still use our federal dollars, but on smaller, less crucial projects. Brandon was also a vital force in the completion of the Northwest Corridor Express Lanes and the connection of State Route 20 and State Route 140 via Northside Cherokee Boulevard, allowing quick hospital access. The new beautiful Northside Hospital (Cherokee) is not only an economic engine for the area, he says, it brings first class health care to our citizens. Now, Beach is actively working to implement upgrades to State Route 140. Likewise, Cherokee County Airport, which is projected to bring $1 billion in tax revenue to the county when it is upgraded, has benefited from Beachs efforts. Chair of the Airport Authority, Don Stephens, credits him with helping to secure the funding for the upgrades. Twenty-six years ago, Brandon Beach set out on a mission to make our community thrive. Today, he remains dedicated to that mission. I got involved because I wanted my kids and grandkids to be here, to call this home, and Im so happy that they do. I want everyone to have the same opportunity to come back here, have a job, and call our community home. To learn more about Senator Beachs efforts for District 21, please visit his website. Brandon Beach for State Senate303-B Coverdell Legislative Office BuildingAtlanta, GA 30334678-640-1811BeachForSenate.com Paid for by Brandon Beach for State Senate
GrassRoots Turf Simply "The Best Service Company Ever!" By Ellen Samsell Salas Putting Customers and Employees First Josh Wise, founder and owner of GrassRoots Turf, says, Its easy to live up to our companys motto, The Best Service Company Ever! The key is to care care about your customers and care about your employees. We consistently receive five-star ratings from our customers because our relationship with them is all about giving the best service. When homeowners choose GrassRoots, they are receiving a full-service turf management program that is all inclusive. Our customers are spared the pain and frustration of unexpected extra costs, Wise assures. A family owned and operated business, GrassRoots includes Wises mother, father, brother, and cousin. GrassRoots employees are highly valued, and they are trusted to value customers in the same manner. In an industry known for seasonal layoffs, GrassRoots keeps technicians year-round and provides them with a two-week paid leave at Christmas. Each employee also receives his/her birthday off. Technicians service the same lawns, get to know their customers, and are always on the lookout for ways to make their clients day better, whether it be assisting with unloading groceries or bringing up the trash cans. Were more than just a lawn care company; our sole focus is the happiness of our customers as well as our employees, Wise says. We dont work Saturdays. Our customers want to enjoy their yards on the weekend, and our employees want to spend their weekends with their families. Growing, but Keeping Service the No. 1 Priority The GrassRoots commitment to top-notch service was cultivated from Wises extensive experience in the industry. Launching his own lawn care business at 14, he taught himself the business from the roots up. In 2002, Wise opened GrassRoots. Prompted by the companys growth, GrassRoots began offering franchise opportunities in 2019. GrassRoots currently has five locations in the works, including one in Charlotte, North Carolina. While the companys territory expands, delivering the best service remains top priority. To guarantee consistency, Wise assists in the hiring and training of all franchise technicians. We will be hands-on with our franchises, says Wise, You must have the right people to ensure that customer service stays top notch. Leading the Way in Lawn Service Always aware of industry trends, Wise performs in-depth research before making any operational changes. New this year, the company is leading the industry offering state-of-the-art service by outfitting all GrassRoots technicians with body cameras to record each application. Im a firm believer in staying ahead of industry trends, Wise insists. Having a video record of how applications were performed will ensure that all areas of each yard are covered. We want our customers to have peace of mind that our technicians have done a thorough job, Wise says. Giving Back to the Community While Wise is a member of the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, GrassRoots also gives back to the community by donating to 48 schools in Cherokee, Cobb, and Paulding Counties. Working with PTAs, the company donates 5% of all revenue earned from clients who say they learned of GrassRoots through the publicity campaign at their childs school. Its really simple, Wise assures. Before we make any changes or decisions, we ask What will benefit our customer, and what will benefit our employees? We want only a win-win situation. We aim for mutually beneficial policies. GrassRoots Turf100 Holt Drive, Acworth833-66-GRASS(833-664-7277)GrassRootsTurf.com
Community Partner: Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) is a nonprofit currently serving the entire state of Georgia with programs like Bag of Hope, which offers free care packages to newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, and Survivors Teaching Students, which brings survivors into the classrooms of health professional students to educate them about womens experiences with the disease. GOCA also leads education and awareness campaigns throughout the state by participating in health fairs, speaking engagements, Lunch and Learn sessions, and community events. Annual events (including the Teal Trot 5K and the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala) also help raise awareness and critical funds for GOCAs efforts. Due to a lack of screening tests and clear-cut symptoms, the key to fighting ovarian cancer is education and awareness, said Doug Barron, executive director of GOCA. Our mission is to ensure women of all ages and their families, as well as the health care community, know about the risks and symptoms leading to early detection in the hopes of saving lives from this elusive disease, which can often be confused with other ailments and misdiagnosed. GOCA first formed in 1998 when a group of Atlanta women met each other at the St. Josephs Gynecologic Cancer Support Group. The women, who were all ovarian cancer survivors with different stories to share, began pooling their energies and passions with the intent to bring awareness and early detection to the forefront of womens health issues. GOCA has transformed from an idea hatched at a founders dining room table to a very strong, community-based nonprofit organization led by those touched by ovarian cancer in some way. With a strong base of supporters, volunteers, and staff, GOCA continues to reach hundreds of thousands of women and their families with lifesaving messages. On March 14, the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance celebrates a milestone year with its 10th annual Shaken, Not Stirred Gala at the Georgia Aquarium. The Southeasts premier ovarian cancer awareness event offers a first-class evening of specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing, casino games, tributes, and auctions. 11Alives Christine Pullara serves as master of ceremonies at the event, and the Celebrity All Star Band provides live entertainment. The community response to our Gala each year is overwhelming, said Barron. The experience is special because it gives everyone a chance to find joy amid the hardship and celebrate those women still with us as well as the ones who always remain in our hearts. For more information and to purchase Gala tickets, go to ShakenNotStirredGala.com. For those interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating to GOCA, please call or visit the website. The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance6065 Roswell Road, Suite 512Atlanta, GA 30328404-255-1337GaOvarianCancer.org
Community Partner: Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance (GOCA) is a nonprofit currently serving the entire state of Georgia with programs like Bag of Hope, which offers free care packages to newly diagnosed ovarian cancer patients, and Survivors Teaching Students, which brings survivors into the classrooms of health professional students to educate them about womens experiences with the disease. GOCA also leads education and awareness campaigns throughout the state by participating in health fairs, speaking engagements, Lunch and Learn sessions, and community events. Annual events (including the Teal Trot 5K and the Shaken, Not Stirred Gala) also help raise awareness and critical funds for GOCAs efforts. Due to a lack of screening tests and clear-cut symptoms, the key to fighting ovarian cancer is education and awareness, said Doug Barron, executive director of GOCA. Our mission is to ensure women of all ages and their families, as well as the health care community, know about the risks and symptoms leading to early detection in the hopes of saving lives from this elusive disease, which can often be confused with other ailments and misdiagnosed. GOCA first formed in 1998 when a group of Atlanta women met each other at the St. Josephs Gynecologic Cancer Support Group. The women, who were all ovarian cancer survivors with different stories to share, began pooling their energies and passions with the intent to bring awareness and early detection to the forefront of womens health issues. GOCA has transformed from an idea hatched at a founders dining room table to a very strong, community-based nonprofit organization led by those touched by ovarian cancer in some way. With a strong base of supporters, volunteers, and staff, GOCA continues to reach hundreds of thousands of women and their families with lifesaving messages. On March 14, the Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance celebrates a milestone year with its 10th annual Shaken, Not Stirred Gala at the Georgia Aquarium. The Southeasts premier ovarian cancer awareness event offers a first-class evening of specialty cocktails, dinner, dancing, casino games, tributes, and auctions. 11Alives Christine Pullara serves as master of ceremonies at the event, and the Celebrity All Star Band provides live entertainment. The community response to our Gala each year is overwhelming, said Barron. The experience is special because it gives everyone a chance to find joy amid the hardship and celebrate those women still with us as well as the ones who always remain in our hearts. For more information and to purchase Gala tickets, go to ShakenNotStirredGala.com. For those interested in learning more, volunteering, or donating to GOCA, please call or visit the website. The Georgia Ovarian Cancer Alliance6065 Roswell Road, Suite 512Atlanta, GA 30328404-255-1337GaOvarianCancer.org
S.W.A.T. By Sheriff Frank Reynolds When I began working for the Cherokee Sheriffs Office in 1994, the agency did not have a formal tactical response team to handle critical incidents. Observing a growing need for such a team, former Sheriff Roger Garrison created a Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) team in 1997. After a lengthy vetting process, I was fortunate to have been selected as one of the original 10 S.W.A.T. team members. I stayed on the team for eight years and served on both the marksman and entry teams. Our first special operations vehicle was a converted bread delivery truck, and our equipment was minimal. What we lacked in equipment, we certainly made up for in specialized training and enthusiasm. As Cherokee County continued to grow, so did the need for a S.W.A.T. team. Today, the team is multi-jurisdictional and is complemented by a Crisis Negotiations team with members from the Cherokee and Pickens Sheriffs Offices, as well as local municipal police departments. Additionally, we provide this service to other counties in north Georgia that do not have a special response team. Currently, there are more than 30 members on the S.W.A.T. team, including six tactical medics from Cherokee County Fire and Emergency Services as well as six designated defensive marksmen. The team members are not assigned full-time. They are, however, assigned to the various divisions within the CSO to include patrol, warrants, criminal investigation, and training. Each S.W.A.T. member is chosen after a grueling selection process and is required to undergo hundreds of hours of training before becoming a master S.W.A.T. operator. Also, members of the team routinely train with various state and federal law enforcement agencies and the United States military. When an incident occurs, on-duty personnel respond, while other members assemble as the situation dictates. To supplement the teams effectiveness, a dozen crisis negotiators assist in solving critical incidents peacefully. Besides growing in the number of members, the S.W.A.T. team is now equipped with some of the best equipment and technology available to law enforcement. Fortunately, we retired the old bread delivery truck years ago, and we now rely on a small fleet of command vehicles and an armored truck. Most of these vehicles were purchased through a federal grant. The command trucks are often used during civic events for establishing an incident command headquarters and radio communications integration. You may be asking, Do we need all this equipment and personnel? Well, it is a fair question. First, tactical situations in Cherokee County are rare, but they do happen. The type of incidents that require S.W.A.T. and crisis negotiations range from barricaded persons, search warrants that pose a heightened risk to law enforcement, and persons suffering from a mental health crisis. As your sheriff, I want our special response team to be ready and capable to handle any crisis that will adversely impact our community. Our citizens deserve the best, and that is exactly what you have in the Cherokee Multi-Agency S.W.A.T. and Negotiations team.
Tax Scams How To Protect Yourself From Becoming the Next Victim By Dr. Rich Austin As the chief of the Milton Police Department, it pains me to read reports of citizens who have been scammed out of money due to falling for the increasingly bold and aggressive schemes perpetrated by sophisticated and usually offshore networks of criminals. These schemes often take advantage of the victims good nature and his/her willingness to be compliant with the law. Since were in the heart of tax season, people may be more apt to believe a random call would be coming from the IRS or other federal agency, as scammers often claim. Here is some information to help you protect yourself from these types of crimes. How do these schemes work? In a recent local case, an elderly lady received a phone call from someone claiming to be an IRS agent, who was seeking to collect on years of back taxes. The caller was very aggressive and assured her that if she hung up, she would be arrested and brought before a federal court judge to answer charges for tax evasion. Terrified, the victim stayed on the phone with the scammer, listening and obeying his every direction. He instructed her to go to a local big box store to purchase several thousand dollars of Google Play and Apple gift cards to submit as payment. Fortunately, when the lady reached the checkout, the cashier was very astute and contacted store security, who intervened on the call and ceased the transaction. Unfortunately, others have not been so lucky. Each year, U.S. citizens lose billions of dollars due to various scams. Read on for a few tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of these types of crimes. Be wary of phone calls from those claiming to be with government agencies. Typically, if you are suspected in a crime or there is some other problem, an IRS agent or law enforcement officer will contact you in person. Also, if there is a problem with your taxes, you would normally be mailed information about whom to contact at the IRS. End the call immediately if the person threatens you with arrest if you hang up. Law enforcement does not work in that manner. Be wary of acceptable forms of alternate payment. Legitimate government agencies do not accept forms of payment such as Apple gift cards, Google Play gift cards, Green Stamp cards, or Western Union transactions. These forms of payment are how scammers take the victims money without being detected. Be wary of callers asking for personal information to verify your identity. If a government agency has business with a person, it will already have the citizens information. A frequent technique of scammers is to rattle the person with the threat of arrest and then pelt them with questions about their identity. The person who would not typically share information now has his or her guard down and complies in the spirit of cooperation to resolve the matter. These are but a few of the techniques that scammers use to trick unsuspecting citizens into parting with their hard-earned money. Education and preparation are key when confronted by these scammers. For more information, visit IRS.gov/newsroom/how-to-know-its-really-the-irs-calling-or-knocking-on-your-door.
Book Review: My Conversations With God II: Our Journey Through ALS By Farris Yawn Although we do not usually speak about it, most people secretly live in fear of getting bad news from their doctor. The news can be even worse if its about someone we love such as a family member or friend. People react to such news in two very different ways. Some become angry and turn away from God. Others, especially if they already have a rich spiritual life, find that their faith gives them the strength to face their illness, and the peace to accept the outcome of their diagnosis. Lanier and Carolyn Ingram fall in the latter group. When Lanier was diagnosed with ALS, it was the couples close relationship with God that kept them going during the painful progression of his condition, and also helped Carolyn find peace and healing when Lanier eventually succumbed to the disease. Carolyn has created a daily habit of spending time in prayer, study, and listening to what God has to say to her. She also keeps detailed journals of her spiritual journey, which she shared in her first book, My Conversations With God. In her new book, My Conversations With God II: Our Journey Through ALS, Carolyn shares the story of Laniers diagnosis, his treatment, and his ultimate return to God. She also shares her grief at the loss of her husband of 60 years and her recovery from a serious stroke. Carolyn felt led to share this story in the hope and belief that anyone going through his/her own trials will be able to find strength and comfort from the words that God gave her in her time of need.
Book Review: Zed By Ryland Johnson Science fictions job has always been to reflect on the present by imagining the future. In the old days, the sci-fi future seemed further away. We imagined flying cars and dome cities on distant planets. Joanna Kavennas new novel, Zed, is more apropos of contemporary sci-fi, which is to say that the future has already somewhat arrived. We dont need to trek deep into the future to imagine how its all going to go wrong. This is the science fiction of five minutes from now, the sci-fi of the very probable disaster, derived less from speculation than from the ordinary strangeness of realizing that the apocalypse has already happened. Kavennas tale imagines the coming global techno-corporatocracy, where Beetle, the mega-conglomerate apex-predator tech behemoth, rules the Western world through its fancy products, which provide total surveillance of personal information, ensuring the complete predictability of human activity. Your Beetle-band smartwatch, which knows everything about you, encourages you (or coerces you) to live a life of optimal efficiency and profitability. Everything is totally, unfailingly predictable, of course, until it isnt. A man commits a heinous crime, a robot cop murders an innocent, and everything begins to slide sideways. What follows is partly a futuristic detective story and partly an Orwellian morality tale that examines the techno-horror of the digital surveillance state, our terrible obsession with consumption, youth, and beauty, and the complete narcissism and unforgivable depravity of the rich. Zed is a serious book that manages to entertain throughout because Kavenna knows how to turn a clever phrase but also knows how to give absurdity its proper, poignant depth. There are a million ways that we interact with the digital reality, but its rare that we slow down enough to understand the implications of it all. As a result, todays fiction often engages with the anxiety-inducing aspects of our technological culture. The depth to which Kavenna explores these issues is noteworthy, and her insights are both cutting and profound.
Which Home Improvements Are Worth the Investment? By Zack Bobo Want to put your home on the market but know it needs some updating first? Some renovations can be helpful, while others may steer potential buyers away. With renovations, the goal should always be to make your home more functional and aesthetically pleasing to your prospective buyers without breaking the bank. Here are some home improvement tips that are proven to have the greatest ROI (return on investment): Curb Appeal Updates Just as a prospective buyer would, start with the outside of your home. Curb appeal sells. Surveys show that one of the best ways to spruce up the exterior of your home is to replace your aged and worn front door. After all, it is one of the first things people will see when they come to your house. You can purchase a new steel entry door for around $250. If you want to go a step further, painting your new door with a bright, welcoming color will add to your homes curb appeal. Updating locks and doorknobs are worthy additions to your new door as well. Light landscaping upgrades are also worth the investment. Trim any overgrown shrubbery and add fresh mulch to areas that look bare or worn. Be sure the entry path to your home is clean and clear. Replace any broken or sunken pavers and stones, and do away with any weeds, debris, or clutter. Adding a couple of potted plants or flowers next your door will make the entrance seem more welcoming to house hunters. Recovering the money spent on updates at the time of closing is generally everyones first consideration. Studies show that one of the best improvements with the greatest ROI is replacing garage doors. The study revealed that the cost for an upscale garage door replacement was $3,611, and the estimated value at resale was $3,520. This is a 97.5% ROI, which far surpasses the 66% average for other remodeling projects. Minor Interior Updates An affordable and necessary improvement to your homes interior is a fresh coat of paint. Freshly painted walls are an instant update for any house. When preparing to sell your home, you should always stick to a light, neutral color. Some popular options are gray, white, light beige, or greige. Next, scrutinize your fixtures. Nothing dates a home more than old lighting, ceiling fans, etc. Replacing these items is an excellent and affordable way to give your home an instant face-lift. Kitchen Updates A kitchen truly is the heart of the home. Many buyers will instantly decide whether they love or dislike a house after seeing this room. Kitchen remodels have a huge price range, with minimal remodeling projects starting at a few thousand dollars to mid-range remodels costing more than $25,000. It has been repeatedly proven that minor kitchen updates yield the greatest return when selling your home. First, paint your existing cabinets if they are structurally sound. If your cabinets are damaged or do not function properly, consider replacing cabinet faces. Updating cabinet hardware is absolutely worth the time and money. Another great addition is updated, matching appliances. If your budget allows, granite or quartz countertops and tile backsplashes are an affordable, worthwhile addition to your kitchen. Bathroom Updates After kitchens, bathrooms are a close second in terms of selling points to most home buyers. Minimal improvements such as re-grouting tile; reapplying caulking around tubs, showers, and toilets; and replacing hardware, light fixtures, and mirrors are always smart upgrades to make. Installing a more modern toilet will keep your home from appearing outdated. A slightly more expensive improvement to consider is converting a standard tub into a tile shower, which can cost around $4,000, but studies show you are likely to recoup 85% of the money spent when you sell your home. Energy Efficiency Updates Adding insulation to your attic can be an important update. Many older homes are not well insulated compared to newer homes. This can result in excessively high power bills, which will certainly be a huge negative for potential home buyers. Installing a digital thermostat can also help keep utility costs down. Most modern thermostats can be set to adjust heating and cooling temperatures throughout the day, and some can even be adjusted remotely. If considering a remodel prior to listing your home for sale, its a good idea to consult with a real estate professional for helpful insight and tips regarding your home and its greatest potential value.
to your business!