400 Life April 2024

THE MANELY FIRM, P.C.

CONTRIBUTORS

Publisher

Stephanie Woody

Group Editor

Nate McCullough

Managing Editor

Michelle Hall

Advertising Director

Jessica Shirley

Advertising

Stacy Clark

Meghan Hernandez

Adam Schurlknight

Special Contributors

Sudie Crouch

Leslie Marinelli

Adrienne Crawford

Sabrina Kerns

Creative Services

April Seymour

Chelsea Sunshine

Courtney Smith

The Manely Firm, P.C.

By Adrienne Crawford

The Manely Firm, P.C., located in Cumming, GA in Forsyth County, is a family law firm servicing clients in GA and all over the world. What is truly compelling is that they are a unique blend of local expertise and international reach. With Michael Manely’s leadership and reputation as a renowned international family law attorney, the firm stands out in the legal landscape. What sets them apart is their ability to cater to clients not only in Forsyth County but also across the globe, demonstrating their commitment to serving a diverse clientele with a wide range of legal needs. This team of first-rate professionals reflects their dedication to providing elite legal services, ensuring that clients receive expert guidance and representation regardless of their location. This combination of local knowledge and global experience positions The Manely Firm as a trusted resource for individuals and families facing complex legal challenges, both domestically and internationally.

Michael Manely’s extensive credentials, which include winning a unanimous decision before the Supreme Court of the United States and trying cases throughout the United States, serve as a testament to his legal acumen and proficiency. Clients can indeed trust in his expertise, as well as that of his team, in navigating both domestic and international legal matters. The firm’s broad spectrum of services, ranging from international family law to divorce, child custody, estate planning, and probate, highlights their dedication to catering to the varied needs of their clientele. Their comprehensive approach ensures that clients receive personalized guidance and support across a wide array of legal issues, reaffirming The Manely Firm, P.C.’s commitment to delivering exceptional service and results.

The Manely Firm, P.C.’s deep roots in the Forsyth County community for over three decades have provided them with invaluable insights into the local courts, a knowledge base that is instrumental in securing favorable outcomes for their clients. However, what’s truly impactful is their ability to connect with the diverse international communities within Forsyth County.

“Most folks have had a brush with divorce and custody etc., if not experienced it themselves but the common theme that we find, no matter what country we may be working with, is that families, most specifically with children involved, just want to go home, wherever that may be. We’re able to bring children home no matter what country they are in. We touch many countries throughout the world including India, Uzbekistan, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, several countries in Africa and really, most of Europe, with a new office opening in London in early April. The only continent we haven’t touched is Antarctica as penguins don’t make good clients,” expressed Manely.

Forsyth County’s international population presents unique legal challenges and opportunities, and The Manely Firm, P.C. has demonstrated a remarkable ability to understand and address these intricacies. By building strong relationships within these communities, the firm has gained a nuanced understanding of their specific needs and concerns. This unique connection allows The Manely Firm, P.C. to serve the growing interests of Forsyth County’s international citizens in a meaningful and effective way. Whether its navigating complex international family law matters or aiding with other legal issues, the firm’s ability to connect with and advocate for clients from diverse backgrounds is a testament to their commitment to inclusivity and client-centered service.

“We deal with complex international domestic litigation.” Manely explained. His keen observation about the universal desire of families, especially those with children, to be together resonates deeply with their mission.

“Often, we have clients who own multiple businesses and properties in multiple locations. It can be very challenging and more of a reason to choose to work with our Firm who has years of experience in these situations.” Manely

expressed.

Manely’s statement underscores the firm’s deep understanding of the complexities involved in legal matters spanning multiple jurisdictions. For clients with diverse business interests and properties in various locations, navigating legal issues can indeed be daunting. However, the expertise and experience offered by The Manely Firm, P.C. provide reassurance to such clients. This level of proficiency and adaptability makes them a reliable choice for individuals with complex legal matters spanning different locations.

With a client base covering many continents, The Manely Firm, P.C.’s ability to reunite families across borders underscores their global impact and unwavering dedication to serving as trusted advisors in times of need. By leveraging their local expertise and international perspective, The Manely Firm, P.C. continues to make a positive impact on the lives of local, statewide and international residents, helping them navigate the legal system with confidence and peace of mind.

The Manely Firm, P.C. is the proud premier sponsor of the International Engagement Society of Forsyth County, where Michael serves as Chair of the Advisory Board. The Firm is also frequent sponsors of Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce events, particularly engaged with the Forsyth County School System and Northside Forsyth. Join in and watch “Family Law Matters” which is a monthly show that kicked off in March 2024 on Forsyth Business Radio X. Forsyth Business Radio X is housed out of the Forsyth Chamber building and is the voice of all things moving and shaking in Forsyth each month.

The Manely Firm, P.C. is located at 102 Mary Alice Park Road Suite 602 in Cumming, GA 30040 and has additional offices in London, Atlanta, Marietta, Savannah, Lawrenceville and Columbus.

7 SURPRISING WAYS YOUR

Library Can Save You Money

By Leslie Marinelli

In today’s economy, every cent matters. Leveraging the perks of a library card isn’t just savvy—it’s a musthave shortcut for trimming expenses and stretching your budget in 2024. Here are some of my favorite ways to save money with a Forsyth County Public Library card:

FREE BOOKS, E-BOOKS, AND E-AUDIOBOOKS

Everyone knows you can borrow free books (up to 75 at a time!) at the public library, but did you know you can also use your library card to access thousands of free eBooks and eAudiobooks too? If you have a smart phone and a

library card, you can start enjoying eBooks and eAudiobooks immediately through the free Libby app.

FREE ACCESS TO CONSUMER REPORTS MAGAZINE

One of my favorite free library resources for saving money is Consumer Reports Magazine. With product ratings and unbiased reviews on anything from appliances to vehicles, Consumer Reports has the information you need to get the most bang for your buck. Save the $39 a year it would cost for a personal subscription and use your library card for free access instead. Just visit the eLibrary tab on the Library’s website to get started.

FREE MAGAZINES AND NEWSPAPERS

The Library also has a huge assortment of magazines and newspapers in both digital and print form. From popular titles like US Weekly and The New York Times to more obscure titles about hobbies you didn’t even know existed, if you have an interest in something, the Library probably has a magazine or newspaper about it.

FREE MUSEUM AND PARK PASSES

FCPL partners with a variety of organizations across the state to provide free access to popular destinations like Georgia State Parks, Alliance Theater, Center for Puppetry Arts, Chattahoochee Nature Center, Zoo Atlanta, and others. If you checked out each of the Library’s experience passes in one year you would save over $350! Visit ForsythPL.org/passes for more information.

FREE CLASSES

Is there something you’d like to learn more about from the comfort of your own home? Use your library card to create a free account with ArtistWorks, Learning Express Library, Mango Languages, or LinkedIn Learning and choose from over 500 free classes on everything from aromatherapy to web development. Visit the eLibrary tab at ForsythPL.org and click the eResources link to get started.

FREE TUTORING

Need a study partner on demand in English or Spanish? Connect with a professional subject matter expert for free, live, online tutoring, test prep, and career support through the Library’s partnership with Tutor.com. Start here: tutor.com/forsythga

FREE ACTIVITIES AND ENTERTAINMENT

Taking the whole family to the theater or to a live performance these days can cost a small fortune. Instead, check out upcoming free events and activities on the Library’s online events calendar: ForsythPL.org/events

This is just a small sample of the countless free resources available at FCPL. Visit the Library’s website at ForsythPL.org for more information about any of these hidden gems or to get your free Forsyth County Public Library card today!

400 reads

With four branches and a Bookmobile , you’re likely just a short drive to the nearest Forsyth County Public Library. We’re open seven days a week and you don’t need a library card to enjoy our facilities or programs, but a library card is required to borrow materials, reserve meeting spaces, and use many of our online resources.

Forsyth County Public Library cards are available at no charge to all Forsyth County residents, property or business owners, government employees, and students and school employees. Anyone not eligible for a free library card may obtain an outof-county library card for $60 per year.

For more information about FORSYTH COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY or any resources or upcoming events, visit WWW.FORSYTHPL.ORG or connect with FCPL on social media @FoCoLibrary

Leslie Marinelli has lived in Forsyth County for 20 years with her husband and three children and is the Communications Manager at Forsyth County Public Library.

By Sabrina Kerns skerns@forsythnews.com

The second season of Netflix’s “Love on the Spectrum” opens with a face that might be familiar to some in Forsyth County.

“What do you think love is?” a voice off camera asks Connor Tomlinson, an Alpharetta local and new cast member on the hit docuseries that follows the lives of people on the autism spectrum looking for love.

“Love is a dagger, a pretty thing. A thing that enchants but also hurts,” he responds.

It’s the first line of the season, but the first of many scenes featuring Connor and his journey through his first-ever dates.

In the last month, audiences have watched as he took a brave leap into the dating world, struggled with the anxiety and awkward moments that come with it, and found himself on the other side, more confident than ever.

And in just seven episodes, people all across the world fell in love with Connor and his story.

“I had watched other seasons, and I knew there was always a breakout cast member like Abby and David,” said Lise Smith, Connor’s mom. “They were huge from season one. But we didn’t have a clue on how his storyline would resonate.

“This season, everyone still loved Abby and David, but Connor and Tanner, [another new cast member], were the two that people are really, really vibing with … We were not ready and

‘LOVE ON THE SPECTRUM’ STAR FROM FORSYTH COUNTY IS still looking for

prepared for that.”

Connor and his family have been huge fans of the show since it was first released on Netflix in 2019. At the time, it was based only in Australia, but when they saw “Love on the Spectrum U.S.” hit the streaming platform in May 2022, his younger brother, Jack, thought Connor would be a perfect fit for the show.

But it wasn’t because Jack or his family wanted the worldwide attention. They simply thought it might bring Connor out of his shell and into a world that he’s wanted to be a part of.

Lise explained that Connor would always get a bit jealous when she and her husband would go out for a date night or when his three siblings went out with their significant others. At the time, he also didn’t really have any friends he could lean on.

So Connor’s family encouraged him to put himself out there.

“Jack sent a Tweet to Cian O’Clery, the director of ‘Love on the Spectrum,’ telling him all about me,” Connor said. “Cian Tweeted back that he’d be fascinated in meeting me.”

The family waited all summer before Jack eventually got a response from the show asking for more information. After several Zoom calls and a meeting with the director, it was final.

Connor would begin his dating life in front of a global audience.

“I felt happy, a bit overwhelmed and surprised,” Connor said. “Well, I mean, the thought of becoming rich and famous was a good offer, and I was

love

hoping to make a romantic connection. I didn’t want to be alone my whole life, but I never dated before. That was the biggest reason.

“I wanted to find love.”

In the first two episodes of the show, audiences see Connor work through his nerves as he attends a local speed dating event for people on the autism spectrum. Through that, he decides to go on a date with Sasha, a girl he used to work with at a local grocery store before she left to work at SliceAbility at the Cumming City Center.

While he struggled with the idea at first, he decided to take her out for his first date. He remembers being terrified in the moment.

“I can only say I never felt so nervous in my life,” Connor said.

After the date, panic swept over Connor as he realized it wasn’t going to work out between him and Sasha. He had to work up the courage to call it off with her, but it all worked out in the end. And he set up a new date with one of the other girls he met at the speed dating event, Emily.

Connor and Emily hit it off during the season, going on multiple dates to the park and to a local English tea shop. At one point, he even works up the courage to ask her, “Can I hold your hand?” And the end of the last episode shows Emily coming over to Connor’s house to meet his family.

Many were left wondering — how did things work out between Connor and Emily?

“I felt sort of like I don’t know if

this is working out romantically,” Connor said. “I still see her as a friend. Emily is nice. She knows a lot and she’s very cultured, but I don’t know. I just wasn’t feeling it.”

While they are no longer dating, he and Emily still spend plenty of time together as friends. They both recently spent the day together at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, sharing a meal and rooting for their knight to win in a jousting tournament.

And since the show was released in January, Lise said she is proud to see Connor making other friends in the community and around the world.

He recently went to speak at the Connections School of Atlanta, a nonprofit that helps neurodiverse students in education, where he has made several friends. He has met up in South Carolina with Tanner Smith, another “Love on the Spectrum” cast member. And he’s met many others in the community who have seen him on Netflix.

In the span of just four weeks, Connor’s follower count on Instagram also jumped from about 100 to 280,000.

“People say they recognize me from the show,” Connor said. “It’s like, wow, I haven’t been this popular since school. I’m getting recognized more often. With any luck, my name would be etched into history and I could hopefully be as famous as all the other movie stars.”

While Connor has stars in his eyes, Lise said she is simply happy to see him making friends and gaining a confidence he didn’t have before.

“In the beginning episodes [of the show], Connor was

really nervous, really scared, and just watching him evolve and the confidence change … I don’t know that, when we were in the middle of filming, I was seeing it happen,” Lise said. “But when it was put up on the screen, it was just wow.

“Just seeing the way he was at speed dating and having a panic attack to being this cool guy and asking Emily to hold his hand on the date at the end was a huge transformation.”

Connor putting himself out there and building that confidence, though, is why Lise believes his story resonated with so many people out in the world. In the last few weeks, he has received hundreds of letters from fans, thanking him for sharing his story and journey into the dating world.

But Connor said, now that the show is over, he’s not sure when his next date will be.

“Now that I know what it’s like, it’s pretty complicated,” Connor said.

Although he admitted that dating is hard and he needs a small break for now, he still hopes to find his special someone in the future.

“Maybe someday,” Connor said.

Those interested can continue to stay updated on Connor and his life by following him on Instagram, @connortomlinson5, or on his YouTube channel, Car Rides with Connor, where he posts videos in the car with his mom. Merchandise with favorite quotes of his from the show is also available to purchase through his website, www.connor.meteor.land.

Stress Awareness Month

by Sudie Crouch Health & Wellness columnist

April is Stress Awareness Month and since nearly 74 percent of the American population struggles with stress, it is always an important topic for us to explore. That’s roughly seven out of 10 adults – odds are you may very well be one of those seven and not know how to deal with the stressors that are happening in your life.

According to the American Heart Association, stress can lead to poor health behaviors such as smoking, overeating, lack of exercise, among other behaviors.

We may not realize how stress is affecting us until it does. Headaches, fatigue, digestive issues or disorders, disrupted sleep, and irritability are just some of the symptoms we may experience from short-term stressors. Left unchecked, those symptoms can develop into further issues – lack of sleep can affect practically every area of our health; digestive issues may lead to ulcers; and a decreased mood can lead to depression.

LEARNING HOW TO COPE WITH STRESS

Recognizing the triggers can be one of the first steps towards coping with stress. We get bombarded with so many different things each day, that learning how we may be responding to them can help us take measures to lessen their influence on us.

Technology, while convenient, can often be a source of stress with it making us feel like we’re reachable to everyone at any given time. If this is the case for you, creating boundaries around when you check or even respond to texts, emails, and phone calls can be one way to offset some of the stress.

Dealing with traffic is another big stressor for many of us. Finding ways to make the commute less stressful can include leaving a few minutes earlier to get to your destination so you don’t feel as rushed and to allow for traffic; some people have even found listening to calming music during their commute or even an audio book can help them. Other approaches to coping with stress can include meditation and breathing exercises. There

are a few apps that can be downloaded on your phone that provide some guided meditations for you, like Aura, Mindful, Breathing Space and Insight Timer. Perhaps one of my favorite ways to deal with stress is to journal out everything that is troubling me. By writing it out, it sometimes helps solutions present themselves, as well as helps process the stressors.

Of course, another great way to learn how to cope with stress is by talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you find other coping skills as well as provide a healthy environment to work through the stressors.

WAYS TO DECREASE STRESS

Sometimes the stressors are things we may not be able to completely eradicate from our lives, especially if the stress comes from work. But there are many steps we can take to help decrease the effects of stress on our lives.

Exercise is one way to help decrease stress and can help create a positive cycle in your routine. By exercising, the stress is reduced, thereby helping improve your sleep hygiene. Exercise can also help you improve your sleep, so it may be a matter of improving your sleep that leads to a decrease in your stress levels. The exercise can be something as simple as getting in a 30 minute walk too.

Laughing is another way to decrease stress. It may be hard to find something to laugh about when you’re stressed and on edge, but it helps release those feel good hormones. Turn on your favorite sitcom

or movie and let the belly laughs begin.

Music is another way to help decrease stress. Calm, soothing music can help lower cortisol levels and helps relax your muscles as well –think slow, gentle beats, to help you unwind.

Getting out in nature is another great way to reduce your stress levels. Spending just a few minutes

outside, breathing fresh air and getting some natural vitamin D can help improve your mood and help you clear some of the stressors from your mind.

Of course, finding what works for you to reduce your stress levels is the best approach. Being aware of how stress is affecting you and taking steps to help reduce it can help you lead a healthier, less-stressed life.

Sources:

https://www.singlecare.com/blog/news/stress-statistics/#:~:text=How%20 many%20people%20are%20stressed,stress%20in%20the%20last%20month.

https://newsroom.heart.org/events/april-is-national-minority-health-month-stress-awareness-monthand-move-more-month-featuring-national-walking-day#:~:text=April%20is%20National%20Minority%20Health,Walking%20Day%20%7C%20American%20Heart%20Association

‘We won!’

FORSYTH COUNTY RESTAURANT TAKES HOME INTERNATIONAL AWARD FOR ITS FISH AND CHIPS

By Sabrina Kerns skerns@forsythnews.com

Wright’s Fish & Chips won at the United Kingdom’s National Fish and Chips Awards on Wednesday, taking first in the inaugural Best Overseas Fish and Chips shop category.

Chantelle Wright, who owns the restaurant located at the Cumming City Center alongside her son, Kelzey, couldn’t believe it when their name was called.

“[We] are on cloud nine!” she wrote in a statement. “[We] want to say a huge thank you to our industry peers, colleagues, suppliers, family, friends, customers and, of course, our amazing team.”

Wright stated she is incredibly proud to have won what she described as the “most prestigious award in the industry.”

Organized by the U.K.’s National Federation of Fish Friers, the National Fish and Chips Awards is an annual event “often described as the ‘Oscars’ of the fish frying industry,” according to a press release. The awards celebrate excellence throughout the fish and chip industry in the U.K., and this year was the first time the event also celebrated and recognized international shops.

Wright’s Fish & Chips was first named as a finalist for the new international category last month, facing up against two other finalists: Fish and Chips Vagninn in Reykjavik, Iceland and Union Jack’s Fish and Chips in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

A specialist panel of industry “pro-fish-ionals” chose each of the finalists after exploring their businesses in detail, learning about the food and how the owners overcome the unique challenges that come with making authentic fish and chips from outside the U.K.

For more information and bits on the National Fish and Chip Awards, please visit: www.thefishandchipawards.com.

Wright, who is originally from Wales, put much of her energy into making sure the fish and chips at the shop in Cumming taste exactly how they would if customers ordered it across the pond. All of the ingredients they use are imported directly from the U.K., and the shop even stocks added shelves with British chocolate, sweets, sodas, crisps, teas and more for British expats looking for a taste of home.

In the end, that dedication to authenticity paid off as Wright took the win on Wednesday.

Along with a shiny trophy to take home, Wright and her son will be invited on a two-day trip to Norway this summer where they will have the chance to explore the Norwegian fishing industry, take a ride on clear water aboard a state-of-the-art longliner, and learn more about environmental and sustainable practices that supply U.K. fish and chip shops with high-quality produce.

“The National Fish and Chip Awards 2024 has been a remarkable experience to be part of,” said Andrew Crook, awards organizer and President of the NFFF. “Our winners and finalists have put their all into making their fish and chip businesses stand-out for all the right reasons.”

Photos courtesy of Chantelle Wright.

ABOVE: Chantelle Wright, Co-Owner of Wright’s Fish & Chips, accepts the Best Overseas Fish and Chips award at the National Fish & Chip Awards in the U.K. on Wednesday, Feb. 28. BELOW: Wright’s Fish & Chips won an international award for its traditional British dish at the U.K.’s National Fish and Chips Awards on Wednesday, Feb. 28.

Michael Manely The Manely Firm Founding Attorney

Kourtney Bernard-Rance Cumming Office Managing Attorney

Cherish De la Cruz Managing Estate Planning Attorney

Stephanie D. Banks Managing Probate, Trust and Fiduciary Attorney