Once again, the holiday season is upon us. Though this can be a very exciting time, it is also a very vulnerable time for everyone. As you go shopping and traveling to spend time with family and friends, remember to practice safety.

Neglecting to wear seat belts, drinking and driving, driving over the speed limit, and interpersonal violence because of too much alcohol are all simple things which occur that can ultimately change lives forever.

I have experienced a major trauma in my own family, and I know firsthand about the emotional and financial burden it can place on everyone. I guess that’s why I’m committed to reminding people to do all they can to stay safe.

I always like to stress safety by sharing an interview granted to us by Dr. Mark Walker, Director of Surgical Health Collective, in metro Atlanta. Unfortunately, Dr. Walker has seen numerous major injuries during his career, which simply could have been avoided. So this holiday season, please practice safety for those you love, your fellow human beings, and above all else, practice it for yourself.

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Like every great story, the People You Need to Know story has very humble beginnings.

Many years ago - 1993 to be precise - Anthony “Spark Plug” Thomas, started a business publication in Atlanta, Georgia, called the African-American Business Locator. Fueled only by his passion and a $3,000 loan from his late brother, Robert Lee Thomas, Jr. (1961-2008), Spark Plug’s dream of providing small businesses with affordable advertising began.

His first publishing endeavor was a tiny, black and white, digest-sized publication that included paid business listings. Always the creative businessman, Spark Plug was constantly looking for new avenues to help his customers generate more business. Before long, word started to spread around metro Atlanta about this ingenious young man who worked so hard to help his clients get new customers.

In 2000, the publication was renamed People You Need to Know because Spark Plug believed everyone needed to get to know a local dentist, physician, attorney, realtor, etc. Also in 2000, he decided to give full-page ads to every advertiser so they could all receive the best possible exposure at an affordable price.

In 2007, People You Need to Know on Spark Plug Radio was launched online and the show quickly became a favorite in the metro Atlanta business community. The radio show also has listeners around the country and the world. Podbean.com reports that the People You Need to Know Radio Show interviews are being downloaded in more than 35 countries.

In 2008, People You Need to Know formed a partnership with the Atlanta History Center to archive and preserve their Destined for Greatness radio interview series for present and future generations of researchers.

Today, People You Need to Know is metro Atlanta’s premiere business spotlight publication with an annual circulation of more than 500,000. It is distributed by the nation’s largest distributor of free publications and is available at Kroger, Publix, Blockbuster, Sears, Kmart, Bally’s Fitness Centers and online. More important, the publication is the engine that drives all marketing and publicity opportunities the company offers its clients.

People You Need to Know in print, on radio, via podcast, iTunes and on the web works to make life a little easier for anyone searching for quality business people in the metro Atlanta area.

In 2009, People You Need to Know will continue to participate in metro Atlanta’s major trade shows, business expos, health fairs, festivals and shopping mall events.

People You Need to Know, Inc. “works hard to help people find your business.”

On Sunday, November 16^th from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, we will make our final stop on our 2008 grassroots publicity tour at Simon Properties’ Gwinnett Place Mall in Duluth, Georgia.

As always, we’ll set up our gigantic marketing display and give away publications, client brochures and postcards showcasing many of metro Atlanta’s top attorneys, dentists, realtors, physicians, etc. You can find us in the mall’s Center Court.

Since early this year, we’ve had a presence at many of metro Atlanta’s major trade shows, business expos, health fairs, shopping malls, festivals and other events.

We’d like to thank everyone who stopped by to meet and greet us. We’re looking forward to starting up the train again and having a great time in 2009!

Above all else, we’d like to thank our sponsors, Dr. Danielle Wilson and Dr. Sharon Harley!

What would you do, be, or have if you knew you could not fail?

I ask many of my clients this very question and I’ve found that what keeps most of them from achieving their destiny is not their lack of wealth, education or inabilities. What keeps most of them from doing, being, or having all that they desire is fear…fear of being laughed at, fear of not being taken seriously, fear of not being good enough, fear of failure.

What I know to be true is that often times, our “fear” is self-imposed. We tend to talk ourselves out of what we wish we could do, be or have, not because of something we’ve gathered from others, but because of what we’ve convinced ourselves. And the truth of the matter is, if we allow our fears to mold our lives, we may never know what we could do, be or have, and miss our opportunity for greatness.

Don’t let fear keep you from your destiny. Let me assist you in doing, being and having exactly what you envision for yourself, your life, and those around you. Call to set up your initial consultation today. (404) 863-8932.

About Ms. Tiffanie Davis:

Originally from Charlotte, NC, Tiffanie Davis moved to Atlanta in 1998. Ms. Davis obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master’s Degree, specializing in Professional Counseling at Argosy University.

Specializing in sex therapy has always been of particular interest to Ms. Davis, so in 2002 she began work on her doctoral degree in Human Sexuality Education at Widener University in Chester, PA, and is now a doctoral candidate.

The diagnosis of cancer still produces fear, anxiety, and a sense of foreboding even today. It is important to outline facts regarding the care of people with cancer. This information may help all of us cope with this frightening condition.

First, cancer is not one disease. It is several diseases characterized by similar cell traits. Cancer cells exhibit uncontrolled growth and the ability to spread throughout the body. Lung cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer are some of the more common malignancies seen in America today.

It must be emphasized time and again that certain cancers can be cured. Colon, breast, prostate and even lung cancer can be cured if detected early enough and appropriate treatment is received. With this as a background, let’s examine colon cancer.

Colon cancer may make its presence known with a change in bowel habits, blood in the stool, weight loss or even abdominal pain. Each of these symptoms must be investigated. A test for hidden blood in the stool will be done, along with a rectal exam. Colonoscopy or a visual assessment of the colon with a lighted scope will be done. Once the problem area has been detected, surgical removal will be advised. The involved portion of the colon will be removed. Further treatment will be recommended based on the pathology report. Chemotherapy may be necessary to eliminate hidden disease. If detected early, colon cancer can be cured.

Know your family history for cancer. Eat a diet rich in fresh fruits, nuts and vegetables. Tomatoes, broccoli, brussel sprouts, almonds, and sesame seeds are healthy foods that may lower our risk of cancer.

It is important for each of us to assess our individual risk for cancer and take steps for ourselves, our families and our communities to decrease and improve outcomes from this continuing epidemic.

Mark L. Walker, M.D., F.A.C.S., the Medical Director / Surgeon of Surgical Health Collective in Atlanta, Georgia. Surgical Health Collective can be reached at (404) 761-7482.

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Sheilah Montgomery has been in the Credit Union Movement for over 33 years. Since 1990, she has served as the President/CEO of 1st Choice Credit Union (current assets approximately $18 million). During her tenure, Mrs. Montgomery has introduced many new loans and deposit account programs and implemented numerous operational and growth procedures.

Mrs. Montgomery is dedicated to serving the membership of 1st Choice Credit Union and the community. 1st Choice Credit Union was the only credit union in Georgia to receive grant funds for home counseling from the National Credit Union Foundation. Mrs. Montgomery’s commitment to the community fostered the home counseling program, now designated as the only HUD intermediary agent for credit unions in Georgia.

For the last 5 years, 1st Choice Credit Union has received the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Award in the State of Georgia, placing first during each of those years. This is the highest credit union community service award given to credit unions.

As board chair of the Atlanta Cooperative Development Corporation, Mrs. Montgomery helped raise matching funds for the 1 million dollar grant given to support the Individual Development Accounts 1 million dollar grant (IDA) program.

Mrs. Montgomery is a founding member of the African-American Credit Union Coalition (AACUA), a national non-profit organization. In 1995, she organized the first meeting of African-American professionals in Washington D.C. and was elected the first president of that organization. Her vision was to create an organization that would bring the African-American perspective to the credit union movement.

A key milestone for the AACUC occurred when the credit union movement contributed to the MLK Build a Dream Foundation. Over 1.2 million dollars was raised by over 150 credit unions and donated to the monument. 1st Choice Credit Union was the first credit union in Georgia to make a contribution. Mrs. Montgomery spearheaded the effort by Georgia credit unions that resulted in a collective contribution of over $66,000.

She has been a mentor for many credit unions, assisting new CEOs, boards, and staff in the execution of their duties and responsibilities to members. She is especially proud of hosting summer interns from historically black colleges and universities to help them experience credit union opportunities.

During the Katrina relief effort, Mrs. Montgomery and the African-American Credit Union Coalition were instrumental in restoring hope and credibility by mentoring other credit unions. This was accomplished by assisting them to find operating locations and providing on-site guidance concerning restoration of member services. Atlanta’s 1st Choice Credit Union can be reached at (404) 832-5800.

Gilbert Young, the world-renowned artist, is a friend of mine. While at lunch one afternoon, he shared an interesting story about his childhood. Gilbert told me that when he was in elementary school, a teacher labeled him as a slow learner; he was then placed in their Special Education Program.

When Gilbert was in the sixth grade, another teacher came along who really believed in him and discovered he had artistic abilities. This teacher encouraged Gilbert’s mother to enroll him in a program that was free to the public at the local art academy. Shorty after being enrolled in this program, he had immediate success.

Gilbert attended a vocational high school and upon his graduation, he had won an astounding forty-seven Key Awards in the arts. He also received a full scholarship to the Cincinnati Art Academy. Gilbert started competing and exhibiting in art shows at the age of nineteen. In the U.S. Army, he served as the battalion’s artist.

Years later, this so-called slow learner impressed his family and friends when he became the curator of the University of Cincinnati Fine Arts Collection – a multi-million dollar collection.

Gilbert Young’s famous painting, “He Ain’t Heavy” has sold nearly one million prints and his art has been featured in more than 5,000 galleries around the world.

I believe we’re all born with a measure of greatness and unless we get the encouragement we need, and be willing to take risks, we may never reach our full potential.

- Spark Plug

Did you know that research has proven time and time again that those who follow their creative passions can actually live longer? The first time I heard this, I thought about the late Frank Lloyd Wright, 20^th Century’s best-known and most respected architect whose busiest time in his professional life was in his late eighties. Most famous for designing The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum in New York, he once said, “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” A master builder and lover of nature, he had a passion for life and his work.

A few years ago, my wife and I vacationed in Arizona. Not only did we have a chance to marvel at the grandeur, majesty and beauty of the Grand Canyon, we also had an opportunity to see the beautiful red rocks of Sedona, the mystic Painted Desert, and tour Taliesin West, Frank Lloyd Wright’s desert masterpiece, which was also his home. Mr. Wright believed that his architectual creations should become a part of nature and not compete with it. While there, we could definitely feel the spirit of the great passion he had for his craft.

Another passionate, creative genius who comes to mind is Gordon Parks. He was a celebrated photographer, musician, poet, novelist, journalist, activist and film director. Best remembered for his photo essays for Life magazine, he was also the director of the 1971 film, Shaft. Mr. Parks lived to be 93 years old.

Grandma Moses, the famous painter did not begin her art career until she was in her early seventies. Some of the world’s greatest artists did their best work near the end of their lives. This includes people such as Monet, Renoir, Matisse and many others. What I’ve learned is this, if we want more out of life, we must find something that we can truly be passionate about. The beauty of all this is, it’s never too late to start living life with passion.

In closing, I believe it’s important to remember the words of the late Norman Cousins, “The tragedy of life is not death, but what dies inside while we are living.”

Now that I’m older and wiser, I firmly believe that after all is said and done, we will be remembered for our attitude toward others. As part of our humanitarian duties, my wife and I often visit nursing homes to let the elderly know that they are not forgotten.

Many years ago, while we were visiting a nursing home in Griffin, Georgia, I had the good pleasure of meeting a wonderful ninety-two year old lady. I stopped by her room just to say hello. She graciously invited me in and offered me a chair. I took a seat and could tell by the look on her face that she was excited about having a new visitor for a little while. We began our conversation.

We talked about everything – where she was born, where she lived, where she had traveled, what she liked, what she disliked; this went on for about thirty minutes or so. She then informed me that she had been married for fifty-three years before her husband passed away. Her husband’s death was so emotionally devastating, she could no longer live alone. That’s what brought her to the nursing home in Griffin, Georgia.

I was impressed with the number of years she had been married. At that time, I had only been married to Jacqueline for about five years.

I then inquired, “Ma’am, after fifty-three years of marriage, what do you remember the most about your husband?” As she contemplated my question, I noticed a faint smile beginning to show on her small face and there was a little twinkle in her eyes.

She took a deep breath as if she was longing for the love she had lost, and replied in a soft and sincere voice, “What I remember the most about my husband is his goodness and his kindness.”

I was touched by her response. After fifty-three years of marriage, she didn’t reflect on the kind of clothes her husband wore, the car he drove, the home they lived in, the amount of money he had or where he worked. After fifty-three years of marriage, what she remembered the most about her husband, as a ninety-two year old lady in that nursing home was…his goodness…and…his kindness.

Dr. Terrilyn J. Reynolds is a native of the Washington, D.C. area, where she attended Howard University College of Dentistry. She completed her undergraduate degree at Spelman College and decided to make Atlanta her home. Dr. Reynolds’ office is located in the downtown area of Atlanta’s Historic Inman Park. She has been practicing dentistry for almost 13 years.

As a child, Dr. Reynolds had a fascination with “pretty” teeth. In addition, she could also have been influenced to go into the dental profession because her father is a practicing dentist in the metropolitan area of Atlanta.

Gentle Dental Care, LLC is well named because Dr. Reynolds feels that dental treatment does not need to be painful (in any way). In general, most patients have an innate apprehension to the “Dentist” because the practitioners in the early years were not taught the nature of a good bedside manner.

Thankfully, times have changed considerably, and Dr. Reynolds and her staff take pride in making that extra step to ensure their patients’ needs are met.

Dr. Reynolds says, “Dentistry is more than the practice of restoring tooth health; it is the practice of restoring the first line of defense for generalized health.” In her practice, her goal is to provide comprehensive dentistry, including educating each patient on his/her oral health and how it has a direct link to their overall health.

Dr. Reynolds and her team are always working diligently to provide a relaxed environment for patients of all ages. She and her staff also encourage patients to ask as many questions as needed to help bring about a better understanding of the dental procedures as well as their insurance benefits.

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