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Kevin’s Peace of Mind
www.kevintharpe.com (770) 503-1022
June 2023
IN MEMORY OF STEPHANIE DIXON She Left a Footprint of Kindness and Faith
She always sat in the front row. She was usually one of the first students to show up for class. She was also one of the last students to leave, and as she was leaving, she would always ask, “Is there anything else I can do for you?”
It was Stephanie’s servant-heart, her desire to elevate the needs of others before her own, and her faith in God that she transferred to her belief in what God is doing through our work at my law firm — all with that trademark and infectious “Stephy smile,” that leaves her hand print on the hearts of me and my family that we will never forget.
I first met Stephanie Dixon in the Spring of 2007.
She was a student in the Wills, Trusts, and Estates paralegal course I taught at the University of North Georgia in Gainesville. It was during this 10-week course that I first discovered her faithfulness as one of many character qualities that defined Stephanie Dixon. Stephanie’s work as a paralegal student left a clear footprint as one of the top students in the course. And her tiny handwriting also left a very memorable and hard-to-read footprint. (“I know my handwriting is small, but it’s in ALL CAPS” was her ever-ready retort when I would comment about her tiny handwriting). That footprint of faithfulness as a student carried over to when I hired her as a paralegal in April of 2022. During her brief one-year stay at my law firm, Stephanie left a clear footprint of spreadsheets, flow charts, client meeting notes, and written journals of the work she had completed, as well as journaling the work she had scheduled to complete. It is no surprise to me or her coworkers that Stephanie was always ahead of schedule. But more than the footprints of her professional work as a paralegal, was Stephanie’s “can-do spirit” when helping our clients through difficult and trying circumstances that left a mark on clients and coworkers.
Stephanie was simply a joy to be around.
Stephanie Dixon passed away in her sleep in the early morning of April 12, 2023. She was 37 years old.
of her being taken from us so suddenly is knowing … “This God is our God for ever and ever: He will be our guide even unto death.” Psalm 48:14 I know Stephanie knew this same God. Stephanie lived out her faith as the hands and feet of Jesus. The footprint of Stephanie’s works provides comfort that “God was and is always there doing the good things that prove He is real,” and Stephanie’s handprint on our lives “fills our hearts with joy.” Acts 14:17 As she did as a student, Stephanie would knock on my door at the end of every workday and ask, “Is there anything else I can do for you before I go home?” I think that as Stephanie went to bed on the evening of April 11, she asked God in her prayers, “Is there anything else I can do for you? “
Stephanie unexpectedly leaving us is hard to understand.
Her family and friends told me she often expressed how happy she was working with us this past year. She adored her family, especially her sister Kim; her grandfather; and her nieces and nephews, Kendra, Gwendolyn, and Dominic. Her family brought her happiness. She was so excited to go home to Iowa to see all of them and celebrate her niece’s high school graduation in early May. I am heartsick with the unfairness of her not being here to experience more of the happiness she certainly deserved.
“But who am I to know the ways and thoughts of God?
“‘My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,’: saith Jehovah.’ For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.“ Isaiah 55: 8-9
I’m sure of God’s reply:
“You have done enough, Stephanie. It’s time to come home.”
—Kevin Tharpe
As in the past few weeks, as well as in the days to come, what will help with the sting
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Common Restaurant Health Code Violations That Doesn’t Look Quite Right
If you’re a foodie, then you may agree with other restaurant enthusiasts when they say that the top deterrent to dining at a particular food establishment is an adverse health inspection. When a restaurant is plagued with that on their record, images of rats, mold, filth, and grime may pop into your head — and then your appetite tanks. Restaurants must comply with a health code designed to ensure that their food is safe and customers don’t experience foodborne illnesses. When restaurants violate this code, they expose themselves to potential fines and sometimes forced closures. If you’re person who enjoys dining out, it’s important to be familiar with some of the most common health code violations. Here are some signs to be on the lookout for. Cross-Contamination Cross-contamination takes place when bacteria are transferred among different people, objects, and places, causing foodborne
illnesses to become more likely. In all stages of the cooking process and behind-the-scenes prep work, cross-contamination can occur. While it might be difficult to see how your food is being prepared at a restaurant, some signs of cross- contamination that occur in the dining area include waiters and waitresses carrying plates by the rim instead of the bottom of the plate, hair dangling into the food, using a glass to scoop ice, and forgetting to sanitize towels between each use. Unsanitary Restaurant Exterior and Interior As mentioned, restaurant guests typically aren’t invited back into the kitchen, but the dining room and exterior of the restaurant are on full display. Is there trash around the exterior that could potentially attract rats and pests? Are there cracks and crevices in the walls? Is there stagnant water, debris, or places for pests to hide? Are blinds and window sills dusty? Is there dirt, trash, or food particles on the floor? All of these signs may point to poor cleanliness in the kitchen. Employee Presentation You might never actually see the chef and the cooks on the line, but you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the rest of the staff. Are employees wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE)? Are they tidy, in proper uniform, wearing aprons, with their hair tied back appropriately? Are their hands free of debris, food, and dirt? As a general rule of thumb, employees should not be eating in dining and food preparation areas. If you ever catch your waiter sneaking a bite of a breadstick, this could also be a cause for concern. While it may be difficult to pinpoint whether or not a restaurant is lacking in the health code area, these are some great identifiers to keep an eye out for. They may even reveal whether or not the establishment and its protocols are up to snuff — so you can feel comfortable and confident indulging in a great meal there. Happy dining!
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TAKE A BREAK
Change the Way You Save What to Expect From the SECURE 2.0 Act
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Get ready for more savings! Last year,
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the SECURE 2.0 Act added new provisions that may change how you
prepare for retirement. In order to
increase your savings come retirement, these changes aim to make
Inspired by ThePioneerWoman.com HOMEMADE DOLE WHIP
saving more manageable and enticing. They also lower the cost for employers
to offer savings plans within the company. Now, it’s more attractive for employers to offer savings plans for their employees, and employees will have better plan options to choose from! Here’s what you need to know! RMD Age Extended One of the most significant changes involves required minimum distributions (RMDs). The previous rules stated that retirees were required to make withdrawals from their retirement accounts when they turned 72 years old. Now, the RMD age is 73, providing you an extra year to save in your tax-free retirement accounts instead of taking those taxable distributions early. On Jan. 1, 2033, this threshold age will be raised again to 75. Penalties Cut in Half In the past, if you missed an RMD deadline, the penalty was 50% of the amount you should have taken. This penalty has been reduced to only 25% of the amount. If you fix your mistake within two years, the number could be reduced to 10%. Pre-Death Requirement Eliminated In 2024, the pre-death requirement for Roth 401(k) accounts will be removed. This means Roth IRA accounts are not subject to the RMD rules if the account holder passes away before the required distribution age. These changes to RMDs are just a few things the SECURE 2.0 Act has set in motion. To learn more about how to continue saving through your golden years, set up a strategy session with your trusted financial advisor!
The summer heat is on! And what better way to cool off after a long day in the sun than a refreshing bowl of Dole whip? This frozen treat has everything you need in a summer dessert: the tangy sweetness of pineapple and the creamy taste of vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
• 3/4 cup pineapple juice • 1 cup vanilla ice cream • 2 cups frozen pineapple
• 1 tbsp lime juice • Pinch of sea salt
Directions
1. In a high-powered blender, combine all the ingredients. Blend on medium-high speed until smooth, stopping to push the pineapple chunks down into the blender as needed. 2. Transfer to a bowl; cover and freeze for 30 minutes. 3. Scoop and serve. Alternatively, transfer to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip, then pipe into small serving bowls. (This method will make it look like it came out of a soft serve machine.)
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(770) 503-1022 www.KevinTharpe.com 405 Broad St. Gainesville, GA 30501 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
In Memory of Stephanie Dixon
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Watch Out for Restaurant Health Code Violations
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Homemade Dole Whip More Ways to Save Are Coming!
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A Wheely Good Time at the Drive-In
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A Poppin’ Night at the Drive-In The Best Seats in the House
Do you remember the days of packing up snacks, hopping in the car, and heading out for an evening under the stars at the drive-in? Every year on June 6, we celebrate Drive-In Movie Day. Although movie-going has seen some modifications over the last few decades, drive-in movie theaters are still around and continue to draw a crowd! If you’re interested in reliving some of your best memories and watching a movie at your local drive-in, here are some tips to make the most of the evening. Pack the snacks. Most drive-in theaters have maintained the look and feel of the retro movie experience, so you may need to bring your own munchies and refreshments. So, before you go, pop the popcorn and refrigerate your soda. If you’re bringing your kids or grandchildren, you may want to pack some extra M&M’s and gummy bears along with their favorite juice box! Pocket some cash. For drive-ins with a concession stand, be sure you have cash on hand, just in case they do not accept cards. Before your movie, you can always call ahead to get the scoop on whether or not they have a concession stand and the rules and options.
Dress appropriately. The temperatures can get a bit chilly depending on where you live, and the bugs may be on the loose! Long pants and sweatshirts are a great option to stay comfortable, warm, and protected from the bugs. Tote along some chairs. If you’re with a large group of people, or your car feels a bit cramped, take the party outside: Set up a viewing area with some foldable chairs right around your car. If you have a truck, you can back into the parking spot and put chairs in the truck bed, too! When you arrive prepared, the drive-in is a fun activity all ages and generations can appreciate. As always, ensure you get there early to enjoy the previews, too — many argue it’s the best part of the entire experience!
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