The Law Offices of William F. Underwood - Sept/Oct 2025

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Justice MONTHLY

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025

How a Simple Idea Became a Legacy of Trust and Connection From Issue 1 to 100

I wasn’t trying to start something big when I first launched my newsletter. I was just trying to honor an idea my dad had always talked about. He was a journalism major with a marketing and economics minor, a combination that gave him a deep appreciation for storytelling and business strategy. I remember him pointing to this old card catalog in his office, telling me it was the most valuable thing he had. It held all the contact information

Now, I won’t claim that the newsletter itself brings in a flood of new clients. It’s not a magic switch. But I do hear from people all the time, clients we worked with years ago, telling me how much they enjoy reading it. They like hearing stories about my life, my family, and the real person behind the lawyer title. I think that goes a long way. People like getting real mail these days, and not just bills or junk, but something thoughtful. And in an increasingly digital and distant world, that small gesture means something.

for his clients, and he believed that if you could stay connected to your clients, you’d never be short on good business. He used to talk about creating a newsletter to keep in touch, but he never

This is the 100th edition of the newsletter, and that still blows me away. Over the course of 100 editions, a lot has

got around to it. So, when I eventually went out on my own, picking up that idea felt like a natural step forward, and a quiet nod to him .

changed in my firm and personal life. I’ve gained more gray hair, welcomed new faces to the office and my family, and experienced the full ups and downs that come with nearly two decades of legal practice and life.

At the time, I was much more open to marketing than my dad’s generation. That said,

some types of advertising, like TV spots, are expensive and unpredictable. You don’t really get to control who walks through your door. I found that while those ads might bring in some volume, the clients weren’t always the best fit. They didn’t have the same level of trust or loyalty.

But through all that change, one thing has stayed the same: my commitment to the people I serve. Whether it’s your first time reading this

newsletter or your 50th, I hope it’s always clear that behind every word is a real person who shows up with honesty, humility, and a genuine

That’s when I started thinking more seriously about the newsletter. I’d been practicing for nearly a decade and had a clearer sense of who I wanted to work with and how I wanted to build those relationships. The newsletter lets me speak directly to my existing and former clients, people who already knew me or who had been referred by someone they trust. It’s those clients, the brother, sister, aunt, uncle, or coworker of someone we’ve already helped, who are usually the best to work with. The relationship starts from a place of trust. That’s hard to beat.

desire to help.

So, while the firm may have evolved and grown over 100 editions, I’m still right here, ready to listen, ready to work, and always grateful to be part of this community. At the end of the day, that’s what this newsletter has always been about: building trust, one story at a time .

—William F. “Trey” Underwood III

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Nature vs. Nature How to Use Plants and Scents to Repel Insects

and helps prevent them from biting through fabric. Covering up exposed skin is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself. It’s specifically helpful to wear long sleeves and pants at dusk and dawn, when bugs are most active. Use Natural Aromas Many bugs have super-sensitive noses, and certain scents repel them. Essential oils like citronella, eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint, and lemongrass are natural bug repellents. You can make your own spray by mixing a few drops of any of these scents with water and a carrier oil (like witch hazel or coconut oil), then spritzing it on your skin or clothes. Just make sure you’re cautious with essential oils around pets and kids. Smoke Them Out Burning herbs like sage or rosemary in your campfire or fire pit not only smells amazing

but also helps keep mosquitoes and gnats at bay. Bugs hate the smoke from these plants, and it’s an easy, low-effort way to keep them off your picnic table. Watch Your Scents Surprisingly, it’s not just about what repels bugs — it’s also about avoiding what attracts them. Fragranced lotions, perfumes, and even certain soaps can lure bugs to you. In summer, it’s smart to go unscented when heading outdoors. Keep Your Space Clean If you have standing water on your property, it’s a mosquito’s favorite breeding ground. Make sure you dump water from flower pots, birdbaths, or kiddie pools regularly. And if you’re entertaining outside, clean up food scraps and trash — flies and ants will sniff those out fast.

There’s nothing quite like summer. Backyard barbecues, evening hikes, and late-night stargazing. All of it is magical — until bugs crash the party. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks don’t need an invite, and before you know it, you’re scratching your ankles and swatting at the air. But you don’t have to douse yourself in strong sprays and chemicals to keep them away. Here are five natural ways to repel bugs this summer — no chemicals required. Choose Loose Clothing Believe it or not, your outfit can make a big difference. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing is less attractive to mosquitoes

Fright Night Gone Wrong? Know Who’s Liable

Don’t Let the Waiver Fool You

Haunted houses are a staple of spooky season fun here in Georgia. Whether you’re braving a haunted corn maze or venturing through a pitch-dark house filled with eerie sound effects and costumed actors, the goal is to get your heart racing, not to leave with real injuries. But sometimes, a fright night goes off the rails. Can you hold the owners accountable if you’re injured in a haunted attraction? Let’s break down what you need to know if a scare turns into something more serious. When scary becomes unsafe. Slip-and-fall injuries are the most common issues inside haunted houses. Wet floors, props on the ground, and dim lighting create the perfect setup for a stumble. Sometimes, actors get too enthusiastic and bump into patrons, causing bruises, cuts,

or worse. Additionally, sudden scares can lead to panic responses like running, falling, or even crashing into poorly secured props or structures. Beyond that, mechanical effects like animatronics, fog machines, and flickering lights might pose unexpected risks and result in injuries. In some cases, haunted houses can be emotionally overwhelming. For those with anxiety or claustrophobia, tight spaces or crowded rooms can lead to panic attacks and injuries while trying to escape. The myth of the waiver. Most haunted house attractions require guests to sign a waiver before entering. Many assume this gives the business a free pass, but it doesn’t. If the operators were negligent, like let’s say, ignoring safety hazards, failing to train staff properly, or allowing dangerous

props, they can still be held responsible, even if you signed a waiver. Waivers that are overly broad or try to excuse gross negligence may not hold up in court. What to do after an injury. If you get hurt, always prioritize your health. Seek medical attention immediately, even if you think your injuries are minor. Then, report the incident to the haunted house staff and request an official report. If possible, take photos of the scene and gather the names of witnesses who saw what happened. Get legal help. If you’ve been injured at a haunted house, don’t assume you’re out of options. Our expert team can help you understand your rights and build a strong case. Let the scares stay fictional, but when real harm happens, you deserve justice.

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Crisp Air, Craft Fairs, and Spooky Flares! From Market Strolls to Monster Dashes, Albany Does Fall Right

Looking for fall fun that’s just around the corner? Albany is the place to be this September and October with a calendar packed full of seasonal cheer, community spirit, and family-friendly events. From open-air markets overflowing with autumn harvests to festive Friday nights filled with music, crafts, and hayrides, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Mark your calendars, Albany’s fall festivities are where memories are made and good times are guaranteed. Albany’s Tift Park Community Market Every Saturday, Sept. 6–Oct. 25 Instagram.com/TiftParkCommunityMarket Celebrate the season of crisp air at the Tift Park Community Market, your fall weekend destination in the heart of Albany! Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., stroll beneath the changing leaves of historic Tift Park and

explore a festive mix of autumn harvests, handcrafted treasures, and local artistry. Savor the scents of fresh produce, discover one-of-a-kind fall décor, and tap your toes to live music that brings the park to life. Whether you’re stocking up on pumpkins or soaking in the season, Tift Park is the perfect place to fall in love with fall. Fridays on the Flint: FRECtober Friday, Oct. 3, from 6–9 p.m. FlintRiverEntertainmentComplex.com Celebrate autumn the Albany way at FRECtober, part of the Fridays on the Flint series, happening Friday, Oct. 3, at Veterans Park Amphitheatre! This fall-themed night is packed with family fun (think hayrides, face painting, carnival games, festive vendors, and arts and crafts). Enjoy live tunes by the Thomas Merritt Band while sipping seasonal

favorites from the Beer & Wine Sample Bar. Plus, don’t miss the return of Brush Strokes & Buzzed Folks for a night of guided painting and sipping! FREC 5K Race Series: Monster Dash Saturday, Oct. 25, at 9 a.m. FlintRiverEntertainmentComplex.com Get ready for a frightfully fun morning at the Monster Dash 1-Mile Fun Run on Saturday, Oct. 25! Lace up your sneakers and race through a haunted course filled with spooky surprises from start to finish. Whether you’re a ghost, goblin, or superhero, costumes are welcome and encouraged! The dash starts at 9:15 a.m. at the Albany Civic Center, with haunting fun lasting until noon. Don’t miss this ghoulishly good time for runners of all ages and join the Halloween hustle!

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com

We Value You! At the Law Offices of William F. Underwood, III, P.C., the trust we build with our clients is our most valuable asset. To show our appreciation, we would like to thank our clients who have referred others to us since our July/August newsletter:

Ingredients • 1 pt strawberry ice cream • 1/4 cup strawberry preserves • 1 pt vanilla ice cream

• 1 5.25-oz package crispy sugar cookies • 1 0.8-oz package freeze- dried strawberries

Conji Church John Eckard Yawnita Harvey

Cynthia Jordan James Singleton

Directions 1. Stir strawberry ice cream in a large bowl until spreadable. Fold in preserves until evenly streaked throughout. 2. Stir vanilla ice cream in a separate large bowl until spreadable. 3. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the strawberry mixture into the bottom of 8 (1/3-cup) popsicle molds. Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp of the vanilla mixture on top of the strawberry mixture into the molds. Repeat, alternating the 2 mixtures, until each mold is full. 4. Place sticks into the popsicles and freeze until solid, 4–6 hours. 5. In a large zip-lock bag, crush sugar cookies with a rolling pin until pieces are rice-size; pour into a shallow dish. 6. Repeat with freeze-dried strawberries and stir the pieces together. 7. Run the ice cream molds under warm water to release popsicles from molds. 8. Coat bars evenly with cookie mixture. 9. Eat immediately or place on a cookie sheet and freeze.

Your recommendations are treasured by everyone at our office. Clients can also leave their comments about our services through Google Reviews! These statements give us critical feedback and help other clients who are facing stressful life situations so they can find dependable lawyers. Previous and current clients can also receive free notary services at our office. Learn more about this service by giving us a call at 229-888-0888.

Thank you for trusting us to serve you!

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100 Newsletters in and Still Putting People First PAGE 1

The Natural Way to Fight Off Summer Bugs (No Harsh Sprays Needed!)

When a Scare Turns Serious: Your Rights After a Haunted House Injury PAGE 2

Sip, Shop, and Scare: Albany’s Autumn Events You Can’t Miss

Strawberry Shortcake Ice Cream Bars PAGE 3

The Nuttiest Car in America PAGE 4

FOOD ON WHEELS

The Nutty Cruiser Rolls Out

Food companies have tried every trick in the book to get your attention, but few can beat the simple charm of a giant snack rolling down the street. It all started early in the 20th century when people dressed up cars with quirky decorations to drum up business. The most famous example came in 1936, when the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile hit the road and turned heads everywhere it went.

The tradition is still alive today, and the newest edition is as nutty as they come. Blue Diamond’s Nutty Cruiser is a 20-foot-long almond on wheels, designed to spread the love for almonds across America. It even has an almond cannon that will shoot small

bags of almonds on tiny parachutes, just in case the giant almond wasn’t enough to grab your attention. Inside, it has room for 10,000 snack packs, making it one of the tastiest vehicles on the highway.

The Nutty Cruiser tours state fairs, sporting events, and festivals and draws a crowd wherever it goes. Drivers

say it handles surprisingly well, thanks to its smooth, aerodynamic design — though they still get pulled over by curious police officers who just want a closer look.

From hot dogs to nuts, food-shaped vehicles have a strange way of sticking around. Maybe it’s because they’re fun, a little bit ridiculous, and impossible to ignore. In a world full of billboards and pop-up ads, there’s still something special about spotting a giant almond cruising down the highway.

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