Enjoy the Outdoors on Earth Day and All Spring Long

Atlanta

Tech to Help You Age in Place page 15

APRIL 2020 • Vol. 5 No. 4 | AtlantaSeniorLIFE.com

facebook.com/AtlantaSeniorLife MAKING A DIFFERENCE

entertainment

Local Builder Aims to Find a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis page 8

Keeping film history alive page20

CELEBRATING THE GREAT OUTDOORS PAGE44 PAGE

Come see what makes Dunwoody Place so special...

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Contents APRIL 2020

ON THE CALENDAR Senior Day at the MJCCA

3

COVER STORY

4

Celebrating the Great Outdoors: Trees Atlanta

6

Out of the Blue

8

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Builder Changes Landscapes and Lives

11

PETS Pet Picks

12

HEALTH A Case for Case Management

14

PERSONAL SAFETY Technical Difficulties

15

TECHNOLOGY Smart Tech Solutions for Aging in Place

18

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE Stories from the Courts

19

PERSONAL SAFETY U.S. Attorney’s Office Participates in Elder Fraud Sweep

20

ENTERTAINMENT Cinema Paradiso

21

OUT & ABOUT ON THE COVER Atlanta

Tech to Help You Age in Place page 15

APRIL 2020 • Vol. 5 No. 4 | AtlantaSeniorLIFE.com

facebook.com/AtlantaSeniorLife MAKING A DIFFERENCE

entertainment

Local Builder Aims to Find a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis page 8

Keeping film history alive page20

CELEBRATING THE GREAT OUTDOORS PAGE44 PAGE

Come see what makes Dunwoody Place so special...

See our ad on page 7 404-252-7974

■ 1460 South Johnson Ferry Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30319 pegasusseniorliving.com/dunwoody-place

Mark Wills walks his dogs at Blue Heron Nature Preserve along the Blueway Trail.

(Photo by Asep Mawardi)

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18 Atlanta Senior Life focuses on the interests, accomplishments and lifestyles of the active senior population in metro Atlanta. It aims to inspire readers to embrace a more rewarding life by informing them of opportunities to expand their horizons, express their talents and engage in their community.

CONTACT US Editorial Kathy Dean Contributing Editor kathydean@atlantaseniorlife.com Joe Earle Editor-at-Large JoeEarle@reporternewspapers.net Contributors Judi Kanne, Collin Kelley, Lauren Leathers, Donna Williams Lewis, Asep Mawardi, Steve Rose, Gene Rubel, Mark Woolsey Advertising For information call (404) 917-2200 Sales Executives: Cory Anne Charles, Jeff Kremer, Janet Porter

APRIL 2020 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

Published By Springs Publishing LLC

6065 Roswell Road, Ste 225, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: (404) 917-2200 Fax: (404) 917-2201 Circulation/ Subscriptions For distribution information, call (404) 917-2200, ext. 110.

© 2020 All rights reserved. Publisher reserves the right to refuse editorial or advertising for any reason. Publisher assumes no responsibility for information contained in advertising. Any opinions expressed in print or online do not necessarily represent the views of Atlanta Senior Life or Springs Publishing, LLC.

Steve Levene Founder & Publisher stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 111 Amy Arno Director of Sales Development amyarno@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 112 Rico Figliolini Creative Director rico@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 117 Deborah Davis Office Manager deborahdavis@reporternewspapers.net (404) 917-2200, ext. 110

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ON THE CALENDAR

BETTER HEALTH HAPPENS HERE

Congressional Candidate John Eaves and Elisheva Lindsey

Senior Day at the MJCCA More than 100 people recently attended Senior Day at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) presented by AgeWell Atlanta, a collaborative partnership to help older adults and caregivers navigate the aging process. Senior Day is a quarterly event that brings seniors from around Atlanta to experience a variety of social, educational and fitness programs.

Highlights of the Sam and Jackie Goldberg were day included: a speaker volunteers during the event.

(Photos courtesy of MJCCA) presentation given by John Eaves, congressional candidate and third-generation black Jew; Tu B’Shvat activities that included a dance party given by the Israeli Shinishinim; and activities where participants prepared care packages for veterans and made masterpieces themed around Valentine’s Day. The next AgeWell Senior Day at the MJCCA is scheduled for Monday, May 11. AgeWell founding partners are the MJCCA, Aviv Older Adult Services of Jewish Family and Career Services, Jewish Home Life and Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta. For more information, visit atlantajcc.ama.

Change the Way You Age EXPO Cobb Senior Services will present the #Change the Way You Age EXPO on Wednesday, May 13, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Cobb Count Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta 30060.

The expo is a great place to get information and have a good time.

More than 50 exhibitors representing services for the 55+ community will be there. Find out what’s happening at your local senior center.

Learn about senior housing, in-home care, assistive technology, Medicare, veteran’s benefits and more.

Admission and parking are free, and there will be door prizes. The expo is open to the public regardless of age or residency.

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APRIL 2020 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

3

COVER STORY

By Mark Woolsey Richard Sussman not only appreciates Atlanta’s nickname of ‘a city in a forest,’ he brings that catchy phrase right back home.

“I have no grass,” he said of his home in the city of Atlanta.

“Our landscaping is trees and shrubs and raised beds. I have completely eliminated grass.”

Sussman had plenty of opportunities to get up-close and personal to sturdy trunks and leafy branches during a career with the U.S. Forest Service.

Now retired, he’s taken that knowledge and his expertise as a University of Georgia Master Gardner and put it to good use with Trees Atlanta, the non-profit which over the last 35 years has worked tirelessly to protect Atlanta’s existing tree canopy and help grow new green space.

During April, the group plans to take part in the 50th observance of Earth Day on April 22 by doing a tree planting project and educational programs. But understandably, the group’s bigger push has historically come on Arbor Day. In addition to that, a much bigger and decade-long offensive has just launched.

Sussman is one of a strong corps of volunteers that helps with various aspects of the group founded in 1985. They perform tasks ranging from actual plantings to leading tours along the wildly popular BeltLine Trail—which Trees Atlanta has dubbed an arboretum, a botanical garden devoted to trees—to handling various datacollection and administrative tasks.

Older adults are key to that effort, according to volunteer coordinator Susan Pierce Cunningham. She said many of the project leaders who helm various group initiatives are older volunteers. They work with staffers who are site coordinators—and Pierce Cunningham indicated that they are infinitely valuable.

“Just like in all aspects of life, they have more life experience with everything,” she said. “That means they understand more quickly what we’re trying to

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CELEBRATING THE GREAT OUTDOORS Trees Atlanta’s Mission Extends Beyond Earth Day

accomplish. Also, by that stage in life, they have a better idea of what they’re interested in, so they come to us with a passion for tree preservation. And if they’re retired, they have more time to devote.”

That raises the questions: just what has Trees Atlanta accomplished since its modest founding aimed at planting trees in downtown Atlanta? And what’s yet to come?

The short answer to both queries is-quite a lot. It’s like the old saying about mighty oaks growing from little acorns.

APRIL 2020 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

“Trees” has broadened to include community tree planting programs in Atlanta and a number of suburbs, the ambitious BeltLine Arboretum, ongoing tree care, a kids’ program, workshops and educational events and advocacy efforts aimed at preserving and possibly expanding Atlanta’s tree canopy. The group said the city’s tree coverage stands at around 47% and is slowly dropping.

Sussman is one of the docents who leads tours along the BeltLine, having joined the initial phase of the program

back in 2012. He seems to delight in expounding on the value of the hundreds of graceful magnolias, oaks, evergreens and other species thrusting skyward along with shrubs and native grasses. He’s also quick to point out how the plantings create a transportation route for invaluable pollinators—birds, bats, insects and the like.

The longtime volunteer said the native grass plantings proved controversial in some quarters but added that “native grasses survive very well in difficult conditions. That’s different from putting in a lawn that requires pesticides and herbicides.”

Lawrence Richardson, another

senior volunteer, pointed out that shade helps to moderate temperatures in the midst of high-density urban development and that trees benefit the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.

Richardson also leads BeltLine tours and speaks to community groups—and he doesn’t mind getting his hands dirty. Some of the trees planted along the BeltLine bear his touch.

Elaborating on his path to involvement: “After moving here in 2007, I wanted to do some planting and gardening, and

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being from up north I really didn’t know a lot about southern soil and plants. I thought (getting involved with the group) would be a good way to learn.”

Learn he did, as he took the group’s “Treekeepers” course and then built on that knowledge. He was named Volunteer of the Year in 2014.

Co-executive director of the group Greg Levine is also bullish about the help older adults have provided. He said they helped plant about 7,000 trees last year in 70 different neighborhoods in Atlanta and nearby cities.

Volunteers also aided in reforestation in some 30 green spaces, wading into such tasks as removing aggressive and invasive species such as Chinese Privet.

Sussman, for his part, does data collection on the city’s urban forests to answer such questions as, “Are trees previously identified or planted still standing and are they properly marked?”. Others serve on teams giving at least two years of follow-up care to relatively new plantings.

And “we have a senior who is helping us write and communicate our strategic plan,” said Levine.

Then there’s the advocacy piece.

Richardson is a member of the Atlanta Tree Conservation Commission, whose website outlines a role in assisting in “the protection, maintenance and regeneration of the trees and other forest resources of Atlanta.” The group also oversees educational and other programs and hears and decides appeals of administrative officials’ decisions.

With a rewrite of the city’s tree ordinance pending, he has firm ideas on what he’d like to see done, calling “disjointed” the current process for appeals from city decisions on how new and existing trees should be handled in the course of residential and commercial construction.

“By the time the city arborist gets involved on whether trees should be removed, plans often have already been approved,” he said, adding he’d like to see a more “team-focused” effort. He said he understands that the city

Opposite page, Trees Atlanta volunteer Lawrence Richardson takes part in a tree planting.

Below, Richardson regularly leads tours along the Atlanta BeltLine, now dubbed an arboretum by Trees Atlanta.

Right, the One Million Trees Initiative, led by Trees Atlanta, is a plan to save and plant 1,000,000 trees in the Atlanta metro area by 2030.

Below right, Trees Atlanta volunteers start planting to meet the initiative’s goal.

All photos courtesy of Trees Atlanta.

has recently gotten the arborist division involved earlier in the process, but more work needs to be done.

Levine’s thinking lies along similar lines.

He believes regulations should reduce disturbance on residential lots; he’d like to see the allowance for disturbance maxed out to 60-65%. Levine also wants better regulations for planting trees in parking lots that includes a goal of 50% canopy coverage, as well as better protection for longer-lived native species. That protection would require creative solutions to design around existing trees.

Levine said he’s been involved for 24 years and with a degree in landscape architecture, his passion has long been for nature and forests. He lamented that “a

lot of projects remove forests for not-the-most attractive buildings and designs. I want to make urban areas better working with landscape architects.”

Preservation is indeed one goal of the group’s “One Million Trees” initiative launched on Feb. 20, but it’s far from the only facet. The effort will also include trees planted on both city land and public projects and others installed by residents and businesses on private property.

“Trees” plans to fold in ten non-profit groups in what’s billed as uniting diverse communities and approaches in a fight against climate change as well as environmental stresses stemming from urban growth.

They aim to finish the far-

reaching campaign within 10 years.

Older adults helping with the group said that above and beyond such lofty goals, getting involved is just plain fun.

“You meet a lot of great people from all walks of life,” said Richardson. “There’s a common purpose, exercise and fresh air.

You learn a lot about the city and the people and neighborhoods.”

Volunteer coordinator Susan Pierce Cunningham invites anyone who wants to volunteer to take advantage of opportunities ranging from outdoor, hands-on work to administrative tasks.

She can be reached at susan@treesatlanta.org.

APRIL 2020 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

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COVER STORY

Out of the Blue

Blue Heron Nature Preserve plans 20th anniversary celebration, marks milestones

By Collin Kelley Blue Heron Nature Preserve has plenty to celebrate in April. Not only will the North Buckhead environmental center mark its 20th anniversary on Earth Day, but it’s also honoring the arrival of a new executive director and the opening of phase one of the Blueway Trail.

The Roswell Road environmental center installed two new bridges

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APRIL 2020 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

Mark Wills and his dogs are surrounded by Blue Heron Nature Preserve staff and volunteers as they celebrate the nature preserve’s 20th anniversary.

Melody Harclerode, right front, is the new executive director of Blue Heron Nature Preserve.

(Asep Mawardi)

connecting 30 acres of greenspace with a three-mile walking trail known as the Blueway Trail. The project took three years to complete and Blue Heron raised over $750,000 for trail construction and improvements.

“Visitors can now travel seamlessly to all three Blue Heron properties. It’s a significant milestone as we continue to grow and evolve,” said outgoing executive director Kevin McCauley. “Plans for Phase 2 include linking Blue Heron’s trails to nearby Chastain Park and PATH400.”

A free festival is planned to introduce the new trail network to the public during the annual Earth Day Celebration on April 25. Highlights will include music, food, art and family-friendly activities.

The nature center is also celebrating the arrival of award-winning architect and environmentalist Melody Harclerode as its new executive director. Harclerode’s credentials include stints as director of the Sandy Springs Conservancy and program coordinator at Arabia Mountain.

“We are thrilled to welcome Melody to Blue Heron,” McCauley said. “She has a passion for the natural world and brings a wealth

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of experience to expand the opportunities for us to bring an understanding and appreciation for this special place.”

“Blue Heron Nature Preserve has inspired children and adults about nature through the arts, education, conservation, research and innovative projects for 20 years,” Harclerode said.

“Building upon Kevin McCauley’s accomplishments, I am honored to work with the staff, board members and volunteers as the new executive director, to boost the impact, support and appreciation of this amazing green space in Atlanta.”

Blue Heron Nature Preserve shares its facilities at 4055 Roswell Road with the Atlanta Audubon Society and The Amphibian Foundation, making the preserve an environmental asset unlike any other in metroAtlanta.

Learn more about Blue Heron Nature Preserve, its many events and how to support the nature preserve at bhnp.org.

Earth Day Connections Here’s a sampling of the many area organizations that are dedicated to preserving and protecting our natural landscapes and resources. Check out their websites for special Earth Day events.

Piedmont Park Conservancy piedmontpark.org

Blue Heron Nature Preserve bhnp.org

Keep America Beautiful, kab. org, is committed to its mission to inspire people to improve and beautify their community’s environment. Local chapters include:

Chattahoochee Nature Center chattnaturecenter.org Chattahoochee Riverkeeper chattahoochee.org

Trees Atlanta treesatlanta.org Wylde Center wyldecenter.org

keepmariettabeautiful/ Keep Smyrna Beautiful, Inc. smyrnacity.com/your-government/ departments/keep-smyrnabeautiful DeKalb County Keep DeKalb Beautiful dekalbcountyga.gov/ beautification/keep-dekalbbeautiful Fulton County Keep North Fulton Beautiful keepnorthfultonbeautiful.org

Cobb County Keep Cobb Beautiful cobbcounty.org/keep-cobbbeautiful

Keep Alpharetta Beautiful 678-297-6200

Nature Conservancy in Georgia nature.org

Keep Kennesaw Beautiful facebook.com/ KeepKennesawBeautiful/

Keep Roswell Beautiful keeproswellbeautiful.org

Park Pride parkpride.org

Keep Marietta Beautiful facebook.com/

EarthShare Georgia earthsharega.org Hands On Atlanta handsonatlanta.org

Keep Atlanta Beautiful keepatlantabeautiful.org

Gwinnett County Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful gwinnettcb.org

Conveniently located near shopping, entertainment, restaurants, and premier medical complexes Beautiful green spaces and walkable grounds, including two gorgeous outdoor courtyards Come see what makes Dunwoody Place so special

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7

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

Builder changes landscapes and lives, with lessons learned in childhood

By Donna Williams Lewis On April 18, gleaming classic cars and bikes once again are scheduled to roll through Sandy Springs, headed for Choate Construction’s Cars & ‘Q for the Cause. The 11th annual event is a car show and barbecue fest that has raised more than $1.7 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and it’s rooted in the friendship of two little girls who met in 1988.

One of them was the daughter of Millard Choate, founder and chairman of Choate Construction. Soon after Emily Choate Bridges and Leann Rittenbaum Ott met in preschool, Leann was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system.

“She was my daughter’s best friend, and when she was diagnosed at the age of 3, at that time the average survival age was 13, so that was a death sentence that hit us pretty hard,” Choate said.

When he started his company in the basement of his home in 1989, he simultaneously launched its outreach work to help end cystic fibrosis. Both life missions have achieved remarkable success. Choate Construction now has six regional offices scattered from Raleigh, N.C. to Savannah, Ga. Last year, the company was named the Top 2019 Corporate Team in the Nation by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, having raised more than $3.5 million for the organization over the past 30 years. A big part of that has been Cars & ‘Q, an event organized by Bridges—now Choate Construction’s marketing director—who cleverly capitalized on her father’s lifelong affinity for collectible cars.

This year’s event is super-charged by the recent approval of Trikafta, a drug that could eventually be a highly effective therapy for the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in more than 90% of people with the disease. This success is a direct result of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s years of genetic research and funding pharmaceutical development, Choate said.

“We’ve still got work to do, as 90% is not 100%, but I am so proud of Cars & ‘Q’s role in this colossal step,” Bridges said. “There is an underlying belief (at Choate Construction) of the fact that we are stewards of the success we’re bestowed, of the dollars that we earn.”

Her words echoed those of her father, a man who grew up on a cattle farm with parents who’d been deeply impacted by the Great Depression. She said he’s been a great role model for her and her sister, Katie Choate, and for his employees.

“He’s extremely hardworking, and he’s just damn smart,” Bridges said. “However, there are a lot of smart people who work hard. It’s the level of passion and faith that he brings to the table that is unique.”

Work, invest, save

Life on the family farm in Nashville, Tenn., fueled that passion. “We wasted absolutely nothing,” Choate said, of those days. “There was a lot of very hard work. My dad was pretty stern. For years, it was workinvest-save, work-invest-save.

“Waste is the worst word in the world to me, worse than any fourletter word you could imagine. And the worst form of waste is laziness, squandering your natural abilities,” he said. “That background made

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Millard Choate and Emily Choate Bridges with Honorary Chair Leann Ott (center) at her last Cars & ‘Q show in 2017. Choate Construction began supporting the cystic fibrosis cause almost 30 years ago when Leann was diagnosed with the disorder as a toddler. Leann died Nov 1, 2018. In 2019, Choate began the Warrior Award in Leann’s honor to recognize a sponsor or volunteer with steadfast dedication to the CFF mission.

Photo courtesy of Cars & ‘Q for the Cause

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me to this day want to extract the maximum return on any and all resources.”

Choate worked his way through high school and Vanderbilt University, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in economics and business.

His company has built a lengthy list of award-winning projects including the 600,000-square-foot expansion and addition to Shepherd Center’s rehabilitation hospital in Buckhead and the 300,000-square-foot expansion of Jackson Healthcare’s corporate headquarters in Alpharetta. Among ongoing projects, construction began in January on a nine-story Hyatt House hotel in the Pill Hill medical hub in Sandy Springs.

Two years ago, Choate gave his 480 employees the gift of making Choate Construction 100% employee owned.

‘We still have to get to the goal line’

Through it all, Choate and his wife, Sue, have continued to live in the Brookhaven home they moved to 40 years ago.

Continued on page 10

Cars & ‘Q for the Cause

The 11th annual Cars & ‘Q features up to 150 classic cars and bikes, barbecue dinner, craft brews and wine, a silent auction and live music by The Jump Cut band.

The event takes place Saturday, April 18, from 4-7 p.m. at Choate Construction, 8200 Roberts Drive, Sandy Springs, Ga. 30350.

Advance tickets include dinner and range from $20-$40. Free for children under 6. All proceeds support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Info: carsnq.com.

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Continued from page 9

Georgia Institute of Technology Brain Research Study SEE YOUR BRAIN AT WORK! We are conducting a memory and stress study to examine spatial navigation techniques used during a computerized virtual navigation game.

This is a two-day study and eligible participants will perform some of the navigation tasks while receiving magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) brain scans. *Non-MRI option available.

We are looking for men and women volunteers who are:

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You will be compensated for your participation.

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maplab@gatech.edu or call our lab at (404) 385-0798.

“My wife and I are pretty frugal,” he said. “That’s a philosophy that drives me.”

His kryptonite, though, is vintage cars. Among his collection are a factory original 1955 Chevrolet Bel Air and a very rare 1934 Packard Super Eight Dual-Cowl Sport Phaeton. Choate changes their oil and filters himself in a maintenance garage at his home, “mainly because it’s faster,” he said.

Some of his cars will be part of Cars & ‘Q, where crowds now top 1,200 and which last year raised more money than ever—$515,422.

“What is so cool about the car show is how our employees are the ones that are generating those figures,” Bridges said. “It’s not just Dad. It’s not me. It’s the entire company.”

The event’s first Warrior Award was bestowed last year in recognition of a Cars & ‘Q sponsor or volunteer who has demonstrated steady dedication to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year it goes to the Metromont Corporation.

The award is given in memory of the event’s inspiration, Leann Rittenbaum Ott. She died at age 33 in 2018, eight months after a double lung transplant. Her mother, Karen Rittenbaum, asked Bridges to write her obituary.

Her father, Scot Rittenbaum, is former executive director of the Georgia Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He said Choate Construction has had “mind-boggling” impact on cystic fibrosis and that the Choate family has been with his family every step of the way.

“Leann, with the Choates, was just able to be a little girl, then a teenager, then an adult, and that provided Leann and our family great comfort,” he said. “There was one place where she could just be Leann, and that was probably the greatest gift of all.”

While the new drug didn’t come in time for her, it has given Choate what he calls a tangible return on investment. “As I keep telling our teams, we really had a great play there (with Trikafta), but we’re on the 10-yard line and we still have to get to the goal line,” he said. “We still have to finally eradicate this horrific disease.”

Almost as he said those words, Choate received an email bearing good news. Two more donations for Cars & ‘Q had just come in.

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Millard Choate and his daughter, Emily Choate Bridges, are with Choate’s prized 1934 Packard, one of up to 150 cars that will be on display April 18 at Choate Construction’s 11th annual Cars & ‘Q. The car show and party at the company’s Sandy Spring headquarters has raised nearly $2 million to fund a cure for cystic fibrosis

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PETS

Pet Picks Meet Pomelo! Have you ever tasted a pomelo?

They have all the size and sweetness of a grapefruit without any of the bitterness, and nothing could describe this sweet girl better.

She’s a 3.5-year-old mixed breed cutie that’s silly, eager-to-please and knows some basic commands. Her previous owner stated that Pomelo was housebroken and rarely ever had accidents in the house. Her favorite activities include rolling around on her back, making piggy noises and being petted anywhere and everywhere.

Pomelo likely would be most successful in a home without young children or older dogs as she gets a bit over-excited and forgets how big and strong she is. Pomelo is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations.

She’s ready to meet you at the Atlanta Humane Society’s Mansell location, located at 1565 Mansell Road in Alpharetta. For more information about Pomelo, email adoptions@atlantahumane.org or visit atlantahumane.org/dogs.

W

Pritzy is a 5-year-old cutie has been waiting on her forever home for over 150 days and is hoping to find the perfect family soon! She has a sassy personality and is loved all the more for it.

When Pritzy first arrived at the Atlanta Humane Society, she wasn’t the biggest fan of being handled, but now she lets the staff brush her for up to 20 minutes before giving them a friendly bop to let them know she’s done.

It’s believed that Pritzy would be happiest as the only pet in your household and in a home without young children. If you’ve been searching for a companion that’s independent-minded like you are, she is definitely your girl!

She loves treats more than anything in the world and will chirp and meow to let you know when she’s happy. Pritzy is spayed, microchipped and up to date on vaccinations.

Meet Pritzy at the Atlanta Humane Society’s Duluth location, located at 2148 Duluth Highway in Duluth. Get more details about Pritzy by visiting atlantahumane.org/cats or emailing adoptions@ atlantahumane.org.

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11

HEALTH

Tech Care for Seniors A Case for Case → Computers → Devices → Wi-Fi Networks “We make house calls.”

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Management

The saying “what’s old is new again” certainly applies to what has become known as “case management.” It provides old-fashioned healthcare in today’s high-tech world of medical tests and unfamiliar language.

In a large hospital, the sheer number of people coming and going can be confusing.

But when circumstances allow for a case manager, the chaos often gives way to control.

“Patients and families dealing with chronic conditions can benefit from the services of case managers,” said Mary Perloe, an Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner.

Perloe said the service can close some serious communication gaps between care providers. Case managers can “maximize Judith L. Kanne, health education opportunities which RN, BSN, BA might have been missed or lost,” she said is a registered nurse and Certified Case Managers freelance writer who lives Case management has its roots in in Atlanta. public health nursing. The term came from “district nursing,” a service focused on caring for the ill and those living in poverty.

The American Case Management certification was created by the American Case Management Association in 2005. The credential of Certified Case Manager (CCM) is made available to licensed registered nurses and social workers. There are specific eligibility requirements before taking and passing the certification exam for either group.

Everyone will agree that the current health system can be very complex. For example, a patient can face 25 to 40 medical appointments in a matter of 90 days when first diagnosed with cancer or another serious medical problem.

In today’s complex hospital systems, case managers not only focus on illness, they also SPECIAL ensure chronically ill patients Mary Perloe receive high-quality care in the least restrictive settings. With sky-high medical costs, their current role includes striving to achieve the most cost-effective treatment, whether patients are in or out of a hospital.

What CCMs do

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Case managers are there to assist clients who may not know where to turn in times of need. Take Carolyn Watson. She’s a registered nurse and certified case manager with Manley & Associates. She said that requests for assistance can run the gamut from long-term planning and support to limited short-term help.

“Family concerns are one time when we might receive a call to our office,” Watson said. “Sometimes, an adult child will be worried about an aging parent or other relative and will contact our company. They might want someone to make sure mom is on the right medicines once she’s been discharged from the hospital.”

Those calls often come from children who live far away.

Watson said that sometimes family members call because they’re concerned about a loved one who is still driving when they shouldn’t be. “‘How do I stop that from happening?’ is a frequently heard question among my colleagues,” she said.

Case managers can help follow up with patients and families who need

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help with legal parameters, Watson noted. “We also want people to go to the right resources for help,” she said.

At the same time, “we want to be sure the client’s rights are protected,” she said, adding that it’s important to know whether the client is in danger or the family is overly concerned.

Any number of circumstances can bring SPECIAL Carolyn Watson about the need to speak with case managers, and a CCM may be assigned at any stage in someone’s treatment. Clients should look for certification and a nursing or social worker’s education and background, along with current licenses.

heart disease or cancer—and they’re typically based in doctors’ offices.

“They specialize in working with patients whose diagnosis may require that kind of extra support,” she said.

Are Nurse Navigators also Case Managers?

The improvements nurse Perloe sees from case management include medication reconciliation and adherence, care coordination or more appropriate referrals to home- and community-based services. This kind of help makes life easier for the patient and often saves time and money for the provider, she said.

If patients or their families agree to case management through their healthcare provider or insurer, the case manager will prepare a patient care plan. In addition, they help with medication management, 24/7 access for urgent care needs and offer support when patients are being transferred from one setting to another, like when moving someone from a rehabilitation facility to their home.

Whether it’s helping with homelessness, developing independent living skills or finding treatment help for those with medical needs, case managers can be invaluable resources just when they’re needed most.

Sometimes, a case manager might be referred to as a personal ‘nurse navigator.’ But “that happens more often with patients who have been diagnosed with cancer or heart disease,” Watson said. She agreed that the titles can be confusing.

Nurse navigators tend to have their certification in a specific medical specialty, she said. For example, one may be an oncology nurse navigator or a cardiac medicine nurse navigator. They may also have advanced nursing degrees, such as advanced practice nurse practitioner (APRN) but may not be a CCM. “It’s simply a matter of semantics,” Watson said. “They do very much the same thing that case managers do.” However, she continued, their backgrounds are usually in specific areas of medical expertise—such as

Can Medicare help?

Medicare may pay for a healthcare provider’s help to manage prolonged support if the patient has two or more serious chronic conditions that are expected to last at least a year, according to Medicare’s website, medicare.gov.

Patients may pay a monthly fee, and the Part B deductible and coinsurance apply. If they have supplemental insurance, or have both Medicare and Medicaid, it may help cover the fee.

However, adding to the complications, Medicare’s name for the service differs a bit. Their Chronic Care Manager works with patients who have been diagnosed with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, mental health and other illnesses.

Benefits of using a CCM

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13

PERSONAL SAFETY

Technical Difficulties Let’s give crime a month off and talk about life and its absurdities for a change.

My mother is coming up on her 89th birthday and, fortunately, she remains very independent and lives alone in a nice senior community. She has lots of friends, goes out, drives and watches old movies on television.

She is a cancer survivor, something that directly affects her attitude on life, which is, in the words of singer Bobby McFerrin, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.”

Like most seniors her age, she struggles with the ever-changing technology,

specifically cellphones and smart devices. Last year, my siblings and I bought her a smart TV along with a subscription to Netflix because she loves to watch movies. We went over the remote-control procedures, how to pull up and select movies and how to move back and forth in the various TV menus.

That was around the time her old phone was on its last leg so she purchased a newer model smartphone so she could look at her Facebook page and photos. Again, we had a tutorial on how to use the phone, what to avoid and so on.

When I visit, I notice that

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she defers to the She’s getting better, old movie channels but occasionally I’ll on regular TV. She get a text consisting admitted that she of the letter “V” or forgets the process of a word that even pulling up apps like Google cannot Netflix, so my next comprehend. step was to write the Assuming she hasn’t process down in the been kidnapped and spiral notebook that is secretly texting she keeps next to her for help, badly, I recliner. She told me STAY SAFE overlook it. later that she simply Steve Rose is a retired Once she’d gotten Sandy Springs Police prefers the older used to the random Captain, veteran Fulton movie channels, text messages and County police officer and which is fine because freelance writer. He is the my calls to her to I like them too, but confirm that she was author the book “Why Do My Mystic Journeys I make sure she okay, she upped her remembers my notes, Always Lead to the Waffle game by sending House?” and the column just in case. accidental photos, “View from a Cop.” She enjoys one of which still Facebook so she can sends me to therapy. comment on photos posted by I’ll never forget it. It was my kids or neighbors and those early in the morning when I who want us to know what they was getting dressed to go out. had for dinner.

As I exited the shower, my Recently, she began texting. cellphone pinged. Curious to see which child was asking for money, I checked the phone, revealing a closeup photo of my mother’s left nostril, taken from her lap, facing upward and horribly zoomed in. It looks like an upside-down picture of a cave somewhere in the desert.

It was not a flattering picture, in fact, it was disturbing, but my therapist said that over time, the image will fade from my memory. I don’t think so.

From time to time, she sends wonderful photos, including her knee, the carpet, the dog’s left paw and her chin.

Sometimes I return the text with a photo of one of my toes to remind her to be mindful of accidental photos.

The point is that technology can be intimidating for those us who never figured out how to set the clock on our VCRs. Still, we can adapt and, frankly, it’s a good feeling to accomplish a technical challenge occasionally.

Now that I have the router in place, next week I’m going to try and figure out what all those buttons are on the remote.

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TECHNOLOGY

Smart Tech Solutions for Aging in Place As our population ages and smart speakers, camera more people prefer to remain systems, wi-fi networks and in their homes for as long as cellphones is that they’re possible, technology ubiquitous. Hardly continues to offer anybody doesn’t have more solutions to all of them in their aid their safety and homes or as part of the peace of mind of their lives, and that family and friends. takes away a lot the Combinations mystery. of devices, new Smart speakers and applications and the companies who the internet make it power them have all Gene Rubel possible to tailor a tied in with devices The Digital Device tech system for just that work on voice Doctor cures digital about any personal activation and an anxiety for seniors and internet connection need. home/home-office users.

The possibilities to a wi-fi network A graduate of Harare overwhelming, to do just about vard Business School, but we hope we can anything in a home.

“Doctor Gene” spent help you make sense more than 30 years in They allow you to use international business. voice commands in of what’s there and point you in the right He can be reached at many cases, such as generubel@gmail.com. direction to find for turning lights on solutions to today’s or off and even doing needs and pathways the same with a TV, or to future needs. It’s always good setting the room temperature to keep in mind that people or locking and unlocking doors and technology are works in through a cellphone app. progress. Additionally, when Your first assistant is likely you start to research any topic to be the one that came with or technology, you’ll wind up your phone, tablet or computer, going off in many directions such as Apple’s Siri, Google as you dig deeper. It’s a fact of Assistant, Microsoft’s Cortana online life. or Samsung’s Bixby. But it could Among our customer base, also be tied with Amazon’s Echo we’re increasingly seeing system, which you likely know families trying to cope with as Alexa. dementia and aging in place.

The only caution is that you It’s spurred research on our probably shouldn’t mix and part to see how we can combine match the various services. hardware—anything from Picking one and sticking to it smart speakers and in-home will help you and anyone who cameras to cellphones—with uses the service tie together all software that works in the the capabilities you’ll use. If home or community to serve your assistant isn’t already on, the special needs of special you’ll need to enable it in the people in their lives. device settings and recite some specific phrases, so the software learns your voice.

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Continued on page 16

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The most complicated part of the experience likely will be setting up each device to work as needed to meet your specific needs. You’ll need an app that’s compatible with your speaker and device (phone, tablet, etc.), and to be most effective several people may need to have access to your system. For example, this could be everyone living in your home or children or friends who look in on you on a regular basis.

Because your system will likely have access from several people, the most important step in the setup process will be privacy settings. Make sure the wi-fi network and each device has a strong, unique password to deter intruders. Then, decide the tasks you want the system to handle. If you’re not sure what the smart speaker can do, ask it. If you’re setting up the system through a smartphone or computer, you may be able to see a list of capabilities.

Learn the commands for your specific system that can be most helpful. Start with simple, necessary commands and then increase them as needed or desired.

Like all software platforms,

all of the assistants that run through smart speakers work with third-party apps, often referred to as “skills,” “actions” or “capsules.” These apps greatly expand your assistant’s power, so you can do things like ordering a pizza. More important, however, is you can use them as voice-activated intercoms, enabling you to call for help inside or outside your home or simply have a conversation with a family member or friend without the need to dial or pick up a phone.

Last but not least, you may also be able to access your network and all of its devices through a “wearable,” such as a smart watch (Yes, Dick Tracy lives!) or a pendant that goes around your neck. The hearing technology market made big news at the recent Consumer Electronics Show, including AI-enabled hearing aids with fall detection, better and adjustable noise. They will add integration with the assistants and eventually work with the expected over-the-counter hearing aids to benefit seniors with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. is where you can start

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to connect your system to a growing number of applications that help you and your caregivers – if you’re at that point – or family members help you with everyday life.

The Apps

The chances are good that seniors with limited mobility, sight and hearing issues as well as those with early stages of dementia can remain safely at home—and even live alone with the benefits of technology.

Available apps can help with reminders to take medications and can help with making appointments with various healthcare providers and, possibly, with transportation providers.

In a home, you can install motion sensors or a smart doorbell to know when

someone is out of bed or near the door. If a senior is still driving, a smart phone app for turn-by-turn directions can be really helpful on both a mobile phone and a wearable. For seniors living alone or those with early stages of dementia, you can use smart speakers to play music at scheduled times or use storytelling technology to help their loved one talk about themselves and their lives, which can be a comfort.

When dementia reaches the point where you’re concerned about a loved one getting lost, wearables with location tracking may help keep their loved one safe and reduce worry about getting lost near their home. There are also apps that enable a person to “check in” when they arrive at a destination. Most of these apps

work best through cellphones, but they should have versions for wearables soon if they’re not already available.

You can address home safety with apps such as an automatic stove shutoff and a home alarm system with water detection for faucets that may be left running. From a health standpoint, it may make sense to have a medication reminder/ dispensing system that both alerts about a dosage and only alerts/releases the appropriate medication at the right time.

At this point, and as dementia or personal care needs become more extensive, you might need an in-home care worker while you are out or at work or a roundthe-clock caregiver. As they help with meals, showers, dressing and other routines,

a network of remote cameras and communication through a network of smart speakers may help provide you with peace of mind and the ability to communicate more quickly and effectively during an emergency.

The key takeaway is that any technology that uses the internet can become a collaborative technology that improves the quality of life and enhances care and emergency response. Further developments in hardware and software, including more extensive use of artificial intelligence (AI), will provide more capabilities.

We have an extensive list of technology for dementiarelated resources that we will be happy to provide by email. Send your request to generubel@gmail.com.

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17

PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE

Stories from the Courts When I was hearing at least twice, younger, I spent set in two different a lot of time in Joe Earle is editor-at-large courtrooms in two and has lived in courthouses. different states, and metro Atlanta for over Not because I then again as a sketch 30 years. He can be was in trouble, but on a TV comedy show. reached at joeearle@ because it was my So I’m doubting it was reporternewspapers.net job. I worked for true. newspapers and, in But here are a those long-ago days, few of the favorite newspapers loved to tales I picked up cover the courts. from lawyers, cops The courts and bailiffs who had provided a nothing better to do newspaperman’s while waiting than tell fantasy come true. courthouse tales.

What stories! True Some of their crime tales. Good stories—little more guys and bad guys. Good cops than one-liners, really—simply and bad cops. Celebrities caught deflate the bosses of courthouse, driving drunk. Heroes, villains, the judges and self-righteous big verdicts, just plain weird lawyers who have power over stuff. Lots of action and emotion. others. For instance, one circuitSometimes, it felt a curtain rose riding judge was notorious for on a drama in every corner of a story that when he was sent the courthouse. to oversee trials in a small, But, to tell the truth, much of hot courthouse in a small, hot the time spent at the courthouse county, his robe opened when was pretty boring. There could he stood up at the bench to be days—even weeks—of reveal he was wearing nothing downtime, so we spent a lot of but boxers and socks beneath it. time just sitting around and Another judge waiting. And in those days, said he once before cameras were allowed had to stop a to broadcast from courtrooms, trial to let a if you wanted to know what famous, highhappened, you had to be there dollar lawyer when it happened. arguing to the So I spent a lot of time sitting jury know that around and waiting for jurors his fly was to make up their minds, or down. for judges to start trials and Other tales hearings, or for someone to say are more in or do something—anything— the vein of old that could make a story. I waited “cops/crooks/ in courtrooms, in hallways lawyers (like outside courtrooms, in judges’ kids) say and chambers or in D.A.’s offices do the darndest or in courthouse cafeterias things” yarns.

Pixabay notorious for undrinkable One judge coffee. told me the And one thing I learned tale of a DeKalb County man sitting around in courthouses is who was robbed by two gunmen that the lawyers who sit around wearing ski masks. The victim in courthouses can turn out to thought he recognized the eyes be pretty funny folks. They’ve of one of his friends behind got nothing to do but tell stories, one of the masks, but he wasn’t after all. sure. The next morning, he got Some of their stories were an unexpected phone call from true. Some probably weren’t, the friend, who volunteered— but the folks who told them without any prompting—that always claimed they were. One he wasn’t the man in the ski story, in particular, I remember mask. Cleared that right up. Case

these days

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APRIL 2020 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

closed.

Another story centers on a sleeping juror. In the middle of a sensational rape case, one of the male jurors fell asleep. No one noticed.

A while later, when the victim was recounting the horrible events of the attack, she was so overcome she couldn’t continue talking. The prosecutor asked her to write down on note paper what the attacker had said and done to her. She did. The note was passed to the judge, who glowered at the accused attacker in outrage, and then had it delivered to the jury so they could read it. As it was passed from juror to juror, each read it silently and then turned outraged and scornful looks at the accused.

Finally, a woman juror handed the note to the sleeping man. He opened his eyes, read the note, and stuck it in his pocket. The judge asked the juror to return the note to the bailiff so it could be entered in the trial record. “No sir, judge,” the juror

said. “This note is just between this lady here and me.”

OK, I doubt that one really happened. But here’s one I think may have, in part because the prosecutor who told it to me said it did and he’s a federal judge now.

It seems that during a murder trial, the defense lawyer’s strategy was to prove the accused knifed the deceased

and killed him in self-defense.

No one had seen the fight, the lawyer argued, so no one could dispute that the two men had been fighting for their lives and the accused simply was saving himself.

To hammer home that line of thinking, the defense lawyer asked every witness the same few questions: “You didn’t see the fight, did you?” “You don’t know what happened before the stabbing, correct?” “Mr. Jones already was dead when you first saw the body, right?” The lawyer then sat down.

That final question changed with each witness to reflect the witness’ role in the investigation.

It went from “when you examined the body” to “when you took the body to the morgue” to “when you first did whatever you did…” and so on.

Everything was going well through the first several witnesses. Each said yes, they hadn’t seen the fight, and yes, the man was dead when they arrived and looked around or examined or removed the body.

But then the medical examiner took the stand. The defense lawyer seemed to forget whom he was talking to. As the lawyer worked his way through his standard questions, he got to his point, that final question, and thundered, “and Mr. Jones was dead already when you performed the autopsy, correct?”

The medical examiner paused, blinked and replied, “Yes, sir. He was dead before I performed the autopsy. We like to do it that way. It cuts down on the screaming.”

After that, “it cuts down the screaming” became the standard answer to just about any question anybody asked in that courthouse. Sometimes, I use it still.

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PERSONAL SAFETY

U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia Participates in Elder Fraud Sweep U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak joined Attorney General William P. Barr, FBI Director Christopher A. Wray, and Chief Postal Inspector Gary R. Barksdale to announce the largest coordinated sweep of elder fraud cases in history.

This year, prosecutors charged more than 400 defendants, far surpassing the 260 defendants charged in cases as part of last year’s sweep. In each case, offenders allegedly engaged in financial schemes that targeted or largely affected seniors. In total, the charged elder fraud schemes caused alleged losses of over a billion dollars.

“Americans are fed up with the constant barrage of scams that maliciously target the elderly and other vulnerable citizens,” said Attorney General William P. Barr.

“Combating fraud perpetrated upon elderly Americans is a top priority of my office and the Department of Justice,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak. “Would-be criminals who prey upon elder U.S. residents and engage in such abhorrent conduct will be subject to criminal prosecution.”

Elder Fraud Hotline Attorney General Barr also announced the launch of a National Elder Fraud Hotline, which will provide services to seniors who may be victims of financial fraud. The Hotline will be staffed by experienced case managers who can provide personalized support to callers.

Case managers will assist callers with reporting the suspected fraud to relevant agencies and by providing resources and referrals to other appropriate services as needed.

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19

ENTERTAINMENT

Cinema Paradiso

Donna Lefont is on a mission to keep film history alive in Atlanta

By Lauren Leathers When Donna Lefont was 8-years-old, her father worked at a local movie theater. As a single dad, he often took his children to work with him, where they would run freely around the theater.

Lefont’s favorite place to explore were the projection rooms. She recalls peeking out from behind the machinery and seeing a dark room full of people, their faces lit up by the screen. “It was kind of like a Cinema Paradiso,” she says, namechecking the classic Italian film about a young boy who escapes life in his war-torn village at the local movie house. “The theater was my home away from home and I got used to it.”

The Lefont name is legendary in Atlanta because Donna’s exhusband, George Lefont, owned a chain of independent cinemas in the city for 40 years that still loom large in movie-lovers’ minds, including The Silver Screen, The Screening Room, Garden Hills Cinema, Lefont Sandy Springs and Plaza Theatre. Lefont Theaters were the place to see foreign, independent and documentary films. George opened his first theater, The Silver Screen, in Buckhead circa 1976. Lefont Sandy Springs was the last theater he owned before retiring in 2017.

Donna has made it her mission to not only continue George’s legacy, but continue her passion for curating films, connecting the community, and teaching the relevance of cinema she first experienced as a child.

The Lefont Film Society was created in 2012 to “bring back a version of the Lefont programming and nostalgia

20

Above, George and Donna Lefont at the Oscars Right, Lefont Theatre stubs Opposite page, Donna Lefont walks the red carpet at Cannes Film Festival

APRIL 2020 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

without having a physical location again,” and has since become integrated into Food Film Music (foodfilmmusic.com), a series of pop-up style screenings. “The pop-up idea came to me because it kind of allows for curated programming, specific to the neighborhood audiences.”

Lefont says the pop-up cinemas – which will take place in various locations including yoga studios, local theaters, restaurants, boutiques, and more – will provide the opportunity to hold tight to the city’s film history, provide education opportunities, and fulfill her passion for film. It also provides a chance for movie-goers to collectively share emotion and exchange dialogue about the films.

“If you’re watching something and you’re crying together, with your pupils sniffling next to you, and you’re trying to hold it back, or people are busting a gut laughing,” Lefont says. “You’re sharing emotion with people, and I think in this day and age with all the technology available, we need to stay connected.”

The movies Food Film Music screens are hand-picked and curated by Lefont. She says researching the films is her favorite part, because she’ll often go down a rabbit hole of discovering movies she’s never seen prior. After picking the film, Lefont researches the distribution rights and/or contacts distributors to request screening rights.

“Hidden history is what I’m trying to discover and find new ways to connect — food, film, and music pretty much connect all of us in some way,” she says.

Next on the Food Film Music docket is a double feature of The

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Mindfulness Movement and Tashi and the Monk on Saturday, April 4, from noon to 4 p.m. at the Cinevision Screening Room in Chamblee.

Lefont is also collaborating with Emory University’s Cognitively-Based Compassion Training, which focuses on practicing attentional stability, analytical reflection, and increased emotional awareness, at future movie and meditation events. She also plans to host a film screenwriting camp in June for 5th to 9th graders to teach screenwriting and storytelling. To Lefont, a great story will remain timeless.

“There’s so many production camps and workshops available, but let’s back it up to storytelling,” she says. “We have to retrain our minds to not consume so much all the time, and to actually be mindful and slow down and really appreciate this visual motion picture art form for what it is.

Without that, you’re going to lose film history.”

As with many aspects of media in this digital age, there is a looming shadow over the fate of the traditional movie theater due to distribution rights, the convenience of streaming entertainment, and the influx of film that is changing Atlanta.

“I think it’s going to take reaching a plateau that people are going to want to connect back in the dark auditorium with

strangers,” Lefont says. “Sure, you can have comfortable seats in your home, but that’s not the same as having this huge screen take over your whole life. You have to make the effort to appreciate the art form, no different than going to see a live band versus listening to it online.”

While Atlanta has become Hollywood adjacent with Tyler Perry Studios, Pinewood Studios,

and EUE/Screen Gems and dozens of big budget film and television shows constantly in production (from the Marvel universe films to Stranger Things), the city’s growing film economy hasn’t phased Lefont. She’s focused on conserving the vast film history the city holds.

“There’s so much growth going on in this city and I think it’s important to hang on to the history and to keep sharing it even as people are moving here,” she says. “Everybody’s trying to get into the [film] business and I don’t even know if they understand the history of it.”

Part of understanding that history is keeping George Lefont’s passion for cinema alive in the city.

“The Lefont Film Society built such a great following all those years and I can’t let it disappear, because all the hard work would have been in vain,” she says.

“It’s getting back out into the community and talking about the Lefont Theaters film legacy, the Atlanta film legacy.”

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►Out & about The Arts Cabaret Runs April 10-26. Act 3 ends its season with the award-winning Broadway musical Cabaret, which follows singer Sally Bowles who performs at the decadent Kit Kat Klub as the Nazi Party quietly takes hold of 1930s Berlin. Act 3 Playhouse, 6285 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs 30328. Call the box office at 770-241-1905 or visit act3productions.org for tickets and more info.

Liverpool Legends Thursday, April 16, 7 p.m. The greatest Beatles tribute band has toured the world and played sold-out shows. The band features four musicians handpicked by Louise Harrison, sister of the late George Harrison.

Tickets are $30. Studio Theatre, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs 30328. Call the box office at 770206-2022 or visit citysprings.com for tickets, as well as info on this show and many others.

for students, and can be purchased online or at the door. St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church, 1978 Mount Vernon Road, Dunwoody 30338. For more info and tickets, visit cgatl.org.

Fairs & Festivals

Georgia Renaissance Festival Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day, April 18 to June 7, 10:30 a.m.-6 p.m. There’s nonstop fun and entertainment in merry old England with music, rides, demonstrations, food and shops. Tickets are $23.95 at the gate and $19.95 online for adults, $11.95 at the gate and $9.95 online for kids 6-12 years old. Georgia Renaissance Festival, 905 Virlyn B. Smith Rd., Fairburn 30213.

For tickets and more info, go to garenfest.com.

Atlanta Dogwood Festival Friday-Sunday, April 17-19. For more than 80 years, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival has been Atlanta’s springtime celebration of arts and entertainment.

Highlights include artists’ market, international village with cultural exchange pavilions, midway rides and a kids’ village.

Admission is free. Piedmont Park, 400 Park Drive, Atlanta 30306. Details are at dogwood. org.

market, ziplines, canoeing, music, food and much more. Visit roswellazaleafestival.com for updated info on the festivities.

The Garden Faire Saturday, April 25, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Garden Faire is presented by the North Fulton Master Gardeners, in partnership with Historic Bulloch Hall and Roswell Azalea Festival. There will be a Pass-A-Long plant sale,

Friday, April 17, 8 p.m. With a sci-fi vibe that takes inspiration from Fritz Lang’s 1927 classic film, Metropolis, this is a fastpaced, all-acoustic percussion bonanza. These musicians perform action-choreography on Scrap Arts Music’s signature invented instruments. Part of the 2019-2020 Georgia Tech Arts season. Tickets are $15-25. Ferst Center for the Arts, 349 Ferst Drive, Atlanta 30332. For tickets and info, call the box office at 404-894-9600 or visit arts.gatech. edu.

Sunday, April 26, 4 p.m. The Choral Guild of Atlanta presents choral classics from the last 80 years of performances in a combined program with North Atlanta Voices. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10

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Spring Classes at Cobb County Senior Centers Starting April 6. Register for a wide variety of classes at the Cobb County Senior Centers.

There’s zumba, tai chi, strength training, Spanish, watercolors and much more. Visit CobbSeniors.org to see the full list offered at each center.

Sandy Springs Photography Club

Scrap Arts Music: Children of Metropolis

80th Anniversary Concert

Learn Something

Roswell Azalea Festival Thursday-Sunday, April 23-26.

The 6th Roswell Azalea Festival includes a variety of tours that cover azaleas and wildflowers, art, mansions, ghosts and local craft breweries. There will also be a farmers’ and artisans’

APRIL 2020 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com

Children’s Corner, Ask a Master Gardener kiosk, shopping and food vendors. Proceeds support local North Fulton Master Gardener programs. Free admission. Historic Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell 30075. Find out more at nfmg. net/garden-faire.html.

Tuesday, April 14, 6-8 p.m. Whether you want to improve your photography or just begin using more than your camera’s automatic setting, join like-minded individuals at the Sandy Springs Photography Club.

Whatever your skill level, the club will help build your confidence as a photographer.

Bring your camera and any lenses you have. No camera? No problem!

There are some extras for you to borrow. Free admission; open to ages 14 and up. The Cottage at Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs 30328. More info and class topics at facebook. com/groups/210511732803164.

facebook.com/AtlantaSeniorLife

Heron Rookery Viewing at Morgan Falls Dam & River Park

In the House of Cohen with Perla Batalla

Friday, April 17, 9-10:30 a.m.

Great Blue Herons like to nest in groups called rookeries.

View many active nests at the Morgan Falls rookery with a bird watching scope and learn about Sandy Springs bird life from our Sandy Springs bird expert. Meet by the dam; free and open to all ages. Morgan Fall Dam, 200 Morgan Falls Road, Sandy Springs 30350. Please register online at registration. sandyspringsga.gov.

Sunday, April 26, 4-7 p.m.

Leonard Cohen was Canada’s poet laureate and one of the 20th century’s most interesting singer/songwriters. Former Cohen band member Perla Batalla shares songs and personal anecdotes from her time and travels with Cohen.

Tickets are $50 for members, $60 for non-members. The Breman Museum, 1440 Spring Street, Atlanta 303096. Call 678-2223700 or visit thebreman.org for info and tickets.

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If you would like more information about this study,

Effects of Aging on Cortical Excitability During Motor Learning Research Investigator: Keith McGregor, PhD, please contact Medina Bello, Research Coordinator

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