Page 4, December 2011
Smyrna-Vinings
The Bright Side
WOODLAND RIDGE FOUNDATION HONORED
W E L L S T A R
E M E R G E N C Y
S E R V I C E S
Three hours after falling down the stairs, you’ve had a complete set of x-rays, seen a team of doctors and nurses, and are halfway home.
Welcome to the Emergency Department
of the future.
When accidents happen, the last thing you need is more uncertainty. At WellStar Cobb Hospital’s Emergency Department, you can always expect board-certified physicians and the latest advancements in emergency patient care. What else should you know about our Emergency Department? Our care covers everything from accredited chest pain status to emergency surgery. It’s all right here at WellStar Cobb Hospital. WellStar Urgent Care Centers are also available to provide treatment for minor emergencies, illnesses and injuries, including lab and X-ray service and is open daily from 8 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
WellStar Urgent Care at Cooper Lake 4480 North Cooper Lake Road SE Smyrna, GA | 770-333-1300
770-956-STAR ★ wellstar.org
The Woodland Ridge Foundation was honored by Wells Fargo with a $1,000 grant at the company’s Days of Giving celebration at the Mansour Center in Marietta on Nov. 8. The donation to The Woodland Ridge Foundation Veteran’s Program is among contributions to 234 groups to non-profits across Alabama made at community events. The program is in its third year in Atlanta. “These unrestricted dollars will allow us to continue to help the community,” said Carrie Springer of Smyrna’s Woodland Ridge Assisted Living. “With the economy still suffering, the money couldn’t come at a better time as we help U.S. military veterans and their surviving spouses get laterlife care they need, when they need it.” “A hallmark of Wells Fargo is local decision-making and local involvement,” said Jim Lawrence, community bank president for the area. “Through Days of Giving we’re helping groups that are making a difference in local communities.” He added that Woodland Ridge’s Foundation was selected by frontline employees
Jim Lawrence presents the award to Carrie Springer. of the company for the honor. Across Atlanta, Wells Fargo has more than 5,000 employees and serves customers at nearly 200 bank locations. Added Lawrence, “We know the needs continue to be great across our area, especially now.”
FROM THE PEACE CORPS TO THE COURTROOM effort, and often, the primary motivation By Robert Meyring for their decision to become a lawyer was Before I was a lawyer, I hated lawyers. financially based. Nothing wrong with I know now it wasn’t really “hatred” as that. much as it was fear of the unknown. GrowI have met one other attoring up, I was told “You should be ney, maybe two, who said his or a lawyer” so much it could have her decision to become a lawyer made my head spin. Back then, was a calling and a devotion to the in my experience, any interaction idea of serving a higher purpose, a I had with a lawyer was never a greater good, and making a posivery good one. Why would I want tive difference through service. In to perpetrate misery upon other practice, I’ve found many attorpeople as a lawyer my self?? What neys who actually do have a sense could be the opposite of a lawyer? of mission about their legal work Maybe a Peace Corps Volunteer? Sure. So I joined the Peace Corps, Robert Meyring and others that give back to their community through volunteer or moved to a Pacific island and did pro bono legal work on a regular basis. “the Toughest Job I ever Loved.” I worked Recently, I have mentored law stuhard to be the best American representadents from my alma mater, Emory Law. tive I could be to my host country’s people. These students ask questions which force Then WHAM! I was suddenly hit with the me to explain how I practice law. As an gripping clarity that in the near future, I attorney today, I always try to see my would be an attorney and endeavor to act Firm’s legal work from the skeptical clias a force of good in all things I encounent’s point of view. I’ve learned to practice ter; essentially employing my Peace Corps law by actively seeking out and emulating philosophy through the practice of law. the attorneys I admire most. I’m profesMost people believe attorneys are sionally attracted to attorneys that serve in practice mainly for the money. I have clients first over money, that are unyieldasked many attorneys and students why ing in their honesty, and act as a force of they chose the legal field. Many said it good in everything they do. was a reasonable financial decision. Most Robert S. Meyring, managing partner lawyers endured about 20+ years of uninof the Meyring Law Firm in Vinings, offers terrupted education and a bar exam to get free 10 minute phone consultations at 678to the point of being an attorney. Truly, a 217-4369. The Firm’s website is Meyringworthy accomplishment, a marathon of Firm.com.