Senior Life Atlanta
PEOPLE
Hawks’ ‘voice’ goes for the record for calling games page 9
MAY 2021 • Vol. 6 No. 5 • AtlantaSeniorLIFE.com
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FINDING THE WRITE STUFF
OUTDOORS
5 metro places to take a walk in the woods page 14
TRAVELS WITH CHARLIE
War of the painted walls in south Georgia page 18
Contents MAY 2021
COVER STORY
4
Senior authors find ‘the write stuff’
7 LEGISLATION The fate of two legislative proposals to enhance safety for older Georgians in care facilities
9 PEOPLE Steve Holman, the “voice of the Hawks,” chases the record for announcing NBA games
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THE CRATES 10 FROM Remember the days when music came only on vinyl? Columnist Kelly McCoy reminisces
TECHNOLOGY 12 PERSONAL The Digital Device Doctor warns of an increase in scams aimed at seniors
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PERSONAL SAFETY Our Stay Safe columnist fights back against a would-be scammer
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14 OUTDOORS Five places to get outside and go for a walk in the woods
16 GARDENING The Environmental
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.
Gardener presents some plants that can cut down on water use
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TRAVEL Columnist Charles Seabrook travels to two south Georgia towns that tell their stories through murals
& ENTERTAINMENT 20 ARTS The arts are back
On the cover Best-selling historical novelist Lynn Cullen
CONTACT US Editorial Joe Earle Editor-at-Large joe@springspublishing.com Contributors Kathy Dean, Collin Kelley, Greg Levine, Kelly McCoy, Isadora Pennington, Steve Rose, Michele Ross, Gene Rubel, Charles Seabrook, Mark Woolsey Advertising For information call (404) 917-2200, ext 1002 Sales Executives: Jeff Kremer, Rob Lee, Janet Porter
of Decatur likes to write outside on her patio. Photo by Donna P. Williams
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Published By Springs Publishing
Circulation/ Subscriptions For distribution information, call (404) 917-2200, ext. 1003 © 2021 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
Keith Pepper keith@springspublishing.com (404) 917-2200 ext 1001 Publisher Steve Levene Founder & Publisher Emeritus Amy Arno Director of Sales Development amy@springspublishing.com (404) 917-2200, ext. 1002 Rico Figliolini Creative Director rico@springspublishing.com Deborah Davis Office Manager deborah@springspublishing.com (404) 917-2200, ext. 1003
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COVER STORY
‘I understand now that I wasn’t ready to be an author at age 30 or 40. I hadn’t read enough novels, I hadn’t studied the craft of writing fiction enough. I hadn’t lived enough.’ Tori Whitaker
FINDING THE WRITE STUFF
By Michele Ross
Many people dream of becoming writers. Many more feel sure they know the perfect idea for a bestseller — once they get around to writing it. Still others argue they could be authors if only -- pick one: a) family; b) work; c) other commitments — didn’t take up so much time. Here are several metro Atlanta seniors who didn’t let any reasons—or excuses—keep them from achieving their dreams of writing books.
Lynn Cullen, Atlanta resident and best-selling author of historical fiction is also an avid birdwatcher. Preferring to write outdoors on her patio, she allows herself the best of both worlds.
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MAY 2021 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com
Lynn Cullen
Fans and critics may praise the works of best-selling historical novelist Lynn Cullen of Decatur, but she gives credit for her writing to her Aunt Ruth in Fort Wayne, Indiana. When Lynn was 9 years old, she and her family took a trip to the countryside near Eden, Ohio, where her Aunt Ruth had been born. Observant even then, Lynn noticed the one-room schoolhouse, corn fields, prickly grasshoppers and lots of cows. Back in Indiana, Aunt Ruth gave Lynn a piece of paper and said, “Write about what you saw.” Other children might have made a dull list, but Lynn created a story about a girl living in rural Ohio in the 1920s. At the time, Lynn couldn’t have realized what she had done (or the wisdom of her aunt), but as she says now, “It was the true beginning of my vocation for writing historical novels.” Today, the 65-year-old Cullen is the author of such historical novels as “Twain’s End,” “Mrs. Poe,” “Reign of Madness,” “The Sisters of Summit Avenue,” and “I am Rembrandt’s Daughter.” But she is not a late bloomer. Even while her three daughters were small, and while Lynn was
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working in a pediatric office and later at Emory University, she wrote a total of 15 books for children, working early, late, and around everyone else’s schedules. Once her daughters were in college, she turned to historical fiction. She enriches her books by doing thorough, diligent research and learning about everything from food to fashion to the sense and smells of a time and culture. She visits each location she writes about. The results are novels that are lively, informative, and intriguing, whether readers are learning about the darker side of Mark Twain or the secrets behind the Betty Crocker empire.
Her books have caught the attention of critics as well as readers. “Mrs. Poe” was named a Book of the Week by People Magazine, and Oprah, and a Great Read by NPR in 2013. “Twain’s End” was named a Book All Georgians Should Read by the Georgia Center for the Book. Cullen has most recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Writers Association. Her novels have been translated into 17 languages. The only downside she sees to being a mature writer is an awareness of the passage of time and “that our lives are ‘limited time offers,’” she said.
“I have so much more that I want to achieve with my writing in this lifetime,” she said. “Time is indeed our most precious commodity.” She’s now hard at work on a novel about Dorothy Horstmann, a key player in the understanding of the poliovirus in the race for the polio vaccine. She started writing the novel on Dec. 31, 2019, the day scientists in China announced the appearance of a novel coronavirus, although she wouldn’t realize “that spooky coincidence” until nearly a year into the writing.
Tori Whitaker
Novelist Tori Whitaker embodies perseverance, hard work and no excuses. Her debut novel, “Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish” was published in 2020, when she was in her 60s and still working full time as chief marketing officer for a national law firm. “I knew in my 20s that I wanted to write a book one day,” she said. “By the time I was in my early forties and my youngest had left for college, I thought I had better get started now or never! Looking back, I had no idea how hard it was to write a novel that could get published.” Two novels she wrote did not get published, yet she kept writing. “My debut book is actually the third full manuscript I wrote in my free time over the course of 20 years. My writing routine has always been to do the research, drafting and revising during evenings and weekends, and most importantly, on vacation (staycation) time— where I spend 10 to 14 hours a day knocking out chapters.” She thinks now that being a mature author has its advantages. “I understand now that I wasn’t ready to be an author at age 30 or 40. I hadn’t read enough novels, I hadn’t studied the craft of writing fiction enough. I hadn’t lived enough.” It helped, too, that her husband had great faith in her. “When my third effort, a book that took me five years to write, was out on submission to find a publisher, I recall saying to my husband, “If this one doesn’t go, I’m done. He replied, “You can’t quit writing, you love it too much!” Fortunately for her, and for readers, the book sold. Tori and her husband live outside of Atlanta, where she is hard at work on another book. “In the final stretch,” she said, “my goal to be published allowed me to set an example for my grandchildren. If you work hard enough, get help from the right people, keep learning and never give up, you can achieve your dreams. You’re never too old.”
Even though her first two efforts at novels weren’t published, Tori Whitaker kept writing. Her debut novel. “Millicent Glenn’s Last Wish,” came out in 2020.
Continued on page 6
MAY 2021 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com
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Continued from page 5
Paul Bolster
A love for the Georgia coast led Paul Bolster to write his award-winning book “Saving the Georgia Coast,” but a lifetime of other experiences also helped prepare him for the work. “I have done a lot of different things in my 77 years: college professor in history, member of the Georgia House of Representatives, lobbyist, lawyer, non-profit manager of health care for the homeless, housing advocate and community activist,” he said. Although he wrote a history of Black protest movements in Georgia for his doctoral dissertation at the University of Georgia in 1972, his life took a different turn at age 29. That’s when he decided to pour his energy into politics and legislation. He served as a member of the Georgia House of Representatives from 1975 until 1987. In 2008, while vacationing on Tybee Island, he discovered the untouched marshes of Little Tybee Island. “How could this be here?” he asked himself. “No mega beach houses, no slips for yachts, no signs to ‘Keep Out!’?” The book came from those questions.” Bolton approached the University of Georgia Press. He sent a proposal, and samples of his work. After several peer reviewers gave him positive feedback, UGA Press published his work. The result is “Saving the Georgia Coast,” published in 2020. It’s the story of the political efforts to preserve the 100 miles of fragile
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Paul Bolster, Atlanta author of the award winning book “Saving the Georgia Coast”, has had a bamboo forest in his backyard for 35 years and continues to work to contain it.
Georgia coast, and the characters and “Georgia heroes” who put the public’s will into a law. The book has received The Georgia Historical Archives Council for excellence in documenting Georgia’s history and the Philip Reed 2021 Award for Environmental Writing given by the Southern Environmental Law Center. What’s his next chapter? “I’ve always thought that I could write a novel, but I’m afraid as a historian I might include too much history, too many facts,” he said. But he’s giving fiction a try, perhaps to put together something “helping people understand the electoral process.”
“I’ve always thought that I could write a novel, but I’m afraid as a historian I might include too much history, too many facts.” PAUL BOLSTER Writer
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LEGISLATION
Two SENIOR care bills fail in the Georgia Senate By Kathy Dean The end of the Georgia Assembly’s session in March saw the demise of two pieces of legislation that would have affected residents in nursing homes and long-term care facilities — House Bills 290 and 605. The initial purpose of HB 290 was to ensure that relatives of hospital patients and nursing/ care home residents were able to visit their loved ones, even during health emergencies like the current pandemic. HB 605, nicknamed the ‘Grammy-cam Bill,’ was designed to set up a process for longterm care facility residents or their family members to install cameras and monitor their rooms after informing the facility. While both bills managed to get support from the Georgia House of Representatives, neither
was passed by the Georgia Senate and they languished until their time ran out. According to an April 1 article in Capitol Beat, there is a chance that both bills could be revived in 2022.
Visiting rights
HB-290 was prompted by the COVID-19 crisis. Family members of care home residents lobbied lawmakers to allow them to visit their relatives. Rep. Ed Setzler (R-Acworth) is the bill’s lead sponsor. Originally, HB-290 would have blocked hospitals or longterm care facilities from denying visitations between family members and patients/residents who were in care for more than 24 hours. Supporters argued that families should have the right to be in close contact with elderly and ill family members — even during a pandemic. They shared tragic
stories, such as being unable to say final goodbyes in person with their dying parents. Hospital and long-term healthcare professionals, on the other hand, expressed concern that an influx of visitors would weaken safety protocols and violate federal rules about allowing visitors during emergencies. Hospital groups spoke against the bill, claiming that allowing such visits would endanger the health of patients, residents and staff during outbreaks of infectious disease. As a compromise, a Senate committee changed the bill to allow only “legal representatives or caregivers” at least one hour of access to patients/residents in care for more than 12 hours. The facilities also would have the right to set “reasonable safety requirements” for the visits, and they could stop or deny access to
anyone who didn’t comply with the safety protocols. Later, it was further amended to require only that hospitals and nursing homes follow federal rules for allowing outside visitors. Still, HB-290 didn’t get beyond the Senate floor. On March 24,. Setzler posted a response to the Senate committee’s changes on his Facebook page: “Hospital lobbyists completely GUTTED the right of patients to see their family members in the hospital! … We are, however, undaunted and will fight until we win for the rights of all Georgians who spent 2020 watching their Mom or Dad die in the hospital with no chance to see them face-to-face.’’
Grammy-Cam
The Grammy-cam Bill, HB-605, was the result of a 2014 nursing home death. Continued on page 8
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Continued from page 7
James Dempsey, an 89-year-old World War II vet, was recovering from hip surgery at a Georgia nursing home in 2014. According to an Atlanta Journal-Constitution report, Dempsey told his son, Tim, that “strange things” were happening at the facility. Tim Dempsey hid a camera in his father’s room; it recorded the nursing staff failing to respond to Dempsey (according to prosecutors) as he begged for help and yelled that he couldn’t breathe. After a short time, Jack Dempsey became unresponsive and died. The three women who were his nursing home caregivers at the time were brought up on criminal charges. One of the women claimed the camera footage should not be admissible because she had not consented to being recorded. Dempsey’s family argued that since the nursing home was Jack Dempsey’s residence, they had the
right to record what took place there, especially since there were concerns for his safety. The court agreed with the family. In December, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that the hidden camera footage was recorded legally and is admissible as evidence. HB-605 was intended to create a way for a resident or their family to install a camera and live stream or record — after disclosing their intention to the nursing home or long-term care facility. Rep. Sharon Cooper (R-Marietta), lead sponsor of HB-605, said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has spotlighted the critical need for cameras and communication devices to be the rule, rather than the exception, in the rooms of our loved ones who live in senior living facilities. “As a nurse, a staunch advocate for seniors and the author of last year’s strict update on the operating rules of such facilities,
I believe families should be able to observe the care and well-being of their senior loved ones just as others watch their children in various care settings,” she continued, explaining that open cameras and signage outside a room alerts everyone entering the room — including family members, attorneys and caregiver — that their conversations and their actions will be recorded. “Open cameras prevent neglect and may save lives,” Cooper said. “At its core, for me, HB 605 is about patient protection — protecting the privacy, the mental wellbeing and the physical safety of our seniors.” Critics contend that the bill would endanger nursing home residents because it allows facilities to remove hidden cameras they haven’t approved – and has no criminal penalties if workers tamper with cameras that have been approved, although they would be subject to fines under current rules that govern nursing homes.
Also, the bill would mean that footage from unapproved hidden cameras would not be admissible as evidence in civil lawsuits. The long-term care industry supported the bill. On March 5, the Granny-cam Bill passed through the Georgia House of Representatives and went on to the Senate. At the Georgia Senate committee Hearing, Tim Dempsey spoke against HB-605, as reported in a March 24 Georgia Health News article by Andy Miller. Dempsey claimed that if the bill was passed, it would hurt residents and families since the footage couldn’t be used in court cases. “The video is a nonpartial witness,” he said. There was an attempt to pass an amended version of the bill that would authorize the use of footage from legally installed hidden cameras to be used in criminal and civil lawsuits. However, Rep. Cooper did not agree to the changes and the bill did not pass.
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PEOPLE
‘The Hawks’ Guy’ has logged 30 years courtside and is shooting for a record of his own Steve Holman is on a roll. Really on a roll. The longtime Atlanta Hawks play-by-play caller hasn’t missed a game since early 1989, the year of the Berlin Wall’s fall, Nintendo Gameboy and the first-ever episode of The Simpsons. Through bouts with the flu, the death of son Steve Jr. and getting smacked squarely in the face by a rocketing basketball while calling a Hawks-Bulls game, he has been behind the mike for more than 30 years of consecutive “basketball battles,” as he likes to call them. That covers every game during the regular and postseasons (he doesn’t count preseason games) and he said he has announced 2,703 games as of mid-April. That’s second only to the late Chick Hearn, who called 3,338 L.A. Lakers games without a miss. The Lawrence, Massachusetts, native got into radio in high school working at the legendary Curt Gowdy’s station in his hometown. He worked with and learned at the knee of Johnny Most, the longtime voice of the Boston Celtics and scored a Boston radio gig before coming to Atlanta, working as a radio sports anchor and doing Falcons games before heading courtside in the mid80s. Senior Life contributor Mark Woolsey caught up with the selfdescribed “spry” 67-year-old recently as Holman drove from his Newnan home to State Farm Arena for a HawksSuns game. Q. What took you from small-town Massachusetts radio to the deep South? A. [Johnny Most] lost his voice in November of 1976 and I took over for
him. I wound up doing a couple of weeks’ worth of games. Then I got hired at the [Boston] CBS station by a guy who’d heard me. In 1980, Mike Wheeler, who was my boss in Boston came to Atlanta and to start the All-News station WGST (where Holman anchored sportscasts for years) and he called me saying, “Do you want to come to Atlanta?” I said, “I’ve never been to Atlanta.” He asked me to call him back in 15 minutes then said, “We’ll give you two tickets to Atlanta [to check it out] or we’ll give you $800 toward moving.” I took the $800 and came to Atlanta sight unseen. Q. How has basketball changed since you started doing the Hawks? A. In the late 80s with Dominique Wilkins and Carl Malone and all of those guys, it was kind of a rock-em, sock-em NBA back then. Now it’s evolved over the years into a very offensive-minded game and with the 3-point shot, that’s one of the big things that’s changed. It’s not nearly as physical as it was back then. Otherwise, it’s still a great game and I still look forward to it and love it every night.
Q. Who have been your favorite players down through the years? A. It all starts with Dominique [Wilkins]. I mean, I sit across from him on the charter flights. I was broadcasting his games in 1985 and we’ve been friends ever since. Dikembe [Mutombo] is up there too. Also, Doc Rivers and, believe it or not, Jon Koncak. I really like our current team, too. I am a big fan of John Collins and Trae Young, Q. What’s behind the way you call a game? A. I let whatever happens on the floor come to me. It’s not like I have lines I practice or think about. One of the things that makes my broadcast better is I just say what I think happened. I don’t try to stage anything. When I say something, I like to think that I am saying it for the fans...that they’re saying the same thing I am. And if they’re not playing well, I’ll say that too. Q. You are reputed to be meticulous about how you prepare for games. What does that look like? A. I am still [at it] the oldfashioned way. I write out my scorecard every day and put my stats on there. I use the computer as well, of course; there are a lot of computer statistics that are available to us and I use that on a regular basis. I use the same scorecard that I used to make for Johnny Most. Same format and same style and I find that keeps me in the game better. Q. What are your thoughts on the Hawks’ fan base these days? A. We have terrific fans. We have a very likeable team right now and I think our fan base now is as passionate as it’s ever been. I’ll run into people at Publix or Kroger or walking in the neighborhood with my dog Gowdy and people I don’t really know will say “Go Hawks” or “The Hawks are great.”
future of radio play-by-play? A. They have discounted radio several times over my 36 seasons. But I think what has happened now is that radio has become more popular and important because of the internet and Sirius-XM and the NBA App that can be used anywhere and anytime. So, I think the future is brighter for radio than it was 20 years ago. Q. What do you do to relax and recharge? A. A lot of times I’ll watch games. That’s basically what I do. I watch the news and I watch a lot of games. I used to play golf, but I sucked at it, so I don’t do that anymore. I like to hang with the grandkids. They have become a very important part of my life. Q. The streak is obviously important to you. What do you think are the prospects for passing that one guy still in front of you? A. I feel I am probably in the best shape of my life. All summer long, I was walking 10 or 11 miles a day. Now that the season’s started again, I’ve cut back to sixand-a-half a day. So, I don’t think there’s any reason I can’t pass Chick, God willing. Q, If and when you do hang up the headphones, how would you like to be remembered? A. I just want to be known as the guy who was the Hawks announcer. One of my great joys in this job now is that someone in their 30s will come up with their own child. And they’ll say “Johnny, this is Mr. Holman. I used to listen to him when I was your age.” I just want to be remembered as the Hawks Guy, that’s all… a guy who loved the Hawks and loved his job. And like I say I have no plans to ever sit on the porch and retire. They might have to peel my frozen hands away from the microphone.
Q. What do you think is the
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In past From the Crates columns, I’ve written about my memories and experiences at wonderful concerts at some of Atlanta’s prime venues from back in those days. Wherever you enjoyed your first concert, I feel fairly safe in saying that you were listening to the radio when you first heard — and heard about — the group or performer you were going to see. More than likely, in the 60s or and 70s, their hits were heard on AM radio, because that was before FM stations started playing not only singles, but cuts from albums. Yes, we actually played 45s on the air! Chances are they were “stock” copies, just like the ones you bought and played at home. But there were special copies made just for radio station use,
from the crates Kelly McCoy is a veteran Atlanta broadcaster who writes about the days popular music only came on vinyl records, which often were stored in crates. too. Those promotional copies were unusual. Some had the same song on both sides – one side had a mono recording, the other was stereo. Most had “intro times” on them to inform the on-air person how many seconds they had to speak over the beginning of the song. We played records a lot, and after much use, a
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hit record often accumulated pops and scratches that didn’t help the song quality. If you heard a song broadcast that had a fuzzy, crackling sound at the beginning, the term for this noise was “cue burn.” We had to “cue the record” to the right location on the single so it would immediately begin once we started the turntable. Quite often a record was marked to show whether the song faded at the end or ended abruptly, with what we called a “cold ending.” If the records didn’t have this information printed on them, it could be written on the label by hand, or — to really look professional — with a typed sticker. All the information helped an on-air person to run a “tight board.” The enemy of radio is “dead air,” when nothing is being broadcast. The sound of silence is the worst radio nightmare. Silence occurred when someone wasn’t paying attention or didn’t have enough song length for a bathroom break. We just hoped for long songs when we had to pee. Now, back to the vinyl. Record stores were ample in the 70s and 80s. The bigger groups back then included Record Bar, Turtles, and Franklin Music. There were the great old family, or “mom and pop” stores. Jim Salle’s
Music Store in Buckhead is where you could buy 45s, albums, instruments, and concert tickets. Clark Music on the square in Decatur was another local fave. For a nominal fee and obligation to be a regular customer, Columbia House record club could allow you
to purchase albums by mail for mere pennies and a subscription to buy more. We had Richway stores, K-Marts, Zayres and other discount places that sold vinyl. Sears stores sold records and tapes. They also sold musical instruments. I remember shopping at Sears on Ponce de Leon and in Buckhead. Peaches Records and Tapes, the “mother ship,” opened in 1975. Not only could you find any album by any artist known to mankind, Peaches offered merchandise included clothing and the highly coveted Peaches recordstorage wooden crates. Most major artists that were touring through Atlanta would hold promotions there to meet their fans, and, of course, offer plenty of fresh copies of their music for purchase. By the late 70s, there were
around 45 Peaches locations. They closed in the early 80s, but longtime Atlantans still tell stories about Peaches. Vinyl has made an amazing comeback in recent years as some fans think the old records sound better than new methods of delivering music. I recently read an article that said even cassette tapes are returning, so I guess we can look forward to seeing more long strands of skinny tape on the side of the road. I also must mention the 8-track tape. Yes, the convenience of playing them in your car or home was wonderful, “scratch free” and convenient but it did take years for me to be able to listen to some songs without the anticipated interruption that would happen midway through the tune as the next “track” began. Remember?
MAY 2021 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com
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PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY
Spring scammers in full bloom PERSONAL TECHNOLOGY Gene Rubel the Digital Device Doctor, cures digital anxiety for seniors and home/ home-office users. A graduate of Harvard Business School, “Doctor Gene” spent more than 30 years in international business. He can be reached at generubel@gmail.com.
Trees and flowers aren’t the only things growing this spring. We’re seeing a huge increase in phone scams designed to separate seniors from their money. To understand how scammers can reach seniors by phone, you should understand a few things about modern communications technology.
Phony Phone Calls
Let’s start with your telephone. Whether you have a landline or cellular phone, it most likely has caller ID – which is supposed to display the phone number of your caller and maybe even the name of the person or company calling. The operative word is “supposed.” What you see on your phone’s display is not necessarily the actual number or name of the caller. In today’s telephone technology, scammers use computer technology to “spoof” a phone number or name that might be familiar to you. Two of the meanings of “spoof” are hoax and deceive, and an incoming call that shows an Atlanta area code actually may be coming from a phone anywhere in the world. The scammer merely attaches any phone number they want for the caller ID. Those of us who grew up in a more trusting age might be tempted to politely answer the phone whenever it rings, but more and more, we’re ignoring calls when we don’t recognize a name or number. That’s a good policy to follow. If it’s a legitimate call, they’ll usually leave a voice message and a number that you can call back. But sometimes, we pick up those calls because we may be expecting a call from, say, a healthcare provider to confirm an appointment. Or we may be expecting a call from a service provider, such as a plumber or electrician – or even an IT consultant to fix a computer problem.
Fertile Ground
That last category is actually fertile ground for many scammers. Many seniors have older computers that don’t perform all that well, and when scammers call you, they’re betting you have an older system. They’ll claim to be from Microsoft and say there’s a problem with your computer that they can fix to improve its performance. All you need to do is give them access to your computer, and they’ll control your computer. Scammers also claim to be from Amazon or a bank and say they’ve discovered a problem with your account. If you don’t answer the call, they might even leave a phone number for you to call back. But in this case, it will be a fake phone number that goes outside the US – not connected to Amazon or any bank. Once you give the scammer the financial information requested, there’s a good chance your account will be emptied before you hang up the call. Phone scammers may also claim to be from the IRS or a court jurisdiction. Don’t fall for it. The IRS and the courts use good old snail mail when they want to talk to you. If you do happen to pick up the phone and suspect a scam, our best advice is to hang up before they somehow cajole you into giving up any information they can use to get money from you.
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PERSONAL SAFETY
A tip from ‘Harry Truman’: Buck surprise emails that seek ways into your wallet STAY SAFE Steve Rose is a retired Sandy Springs Police Captain, veteran Fulton County police officer and freelance writer. He is the author the book “Why Do My Mystic Journeys Always Lead to the Waffle House?” and the column “View from a Cop.”
Lately, a new email surfaced among the many searching for a way into my wallet. The email appeared from PayPal or Square and warned that a withdrawal of $578 was made from my bank account. It went on to say, “Hi, this is to inform you that your bank account will be debited the
amount of $578.09. However, a customer dispute on your Square dashboard has been approved for refund. The funds will be withdrawn within one to two business days. Kindly view dashboard (in hyperlink mode) for more information. If you have questions about this withdrawal, please visit our support center (again, a hyperlink) for more information. Thanks, Square Team.” What? How can this be? I don’t have a Square account. So, I knew I’d been hacked. I wanted to dispute this ASAP! They email said to either click the link or, on the PayPal email, call a number. If you get such an email, examine it closely. On the Square email, at the bottom, it says “Click to unsubscribe,” however there is no link. So, you call or click the
“dashboard” or “support center” link. Somewhere in there you find a phone number because they say they cannot do this remotely without conversation. So, I called. A man in horrible English said something about “Square Team,” or “Square dance,” not sure, so I said, “I’m sorry, who is this?” He responded with noticeable irritation, “Square Team. I answered the phone ‘Square Team!’” (A little snippy for customer support.) I put on my Dawson County redneck accent and asked his name. “Alex Watson.” “Alex Watson?” I replied, “You don’t sound like no Alex Watson.” “That is my name.” “Okay Alex, someone is trying to get $578 from my bank account and thankfully, you guys caught it
so what do I need to do?” “We need to refund your money to you.” “Agreed.” “Can I get your name?” “Sure, Alex Watson.” “What?” “Just kidding, it’s Chuck.” “Okay Chuck, your last name?” “Roast…get it? Chuck Roast!” (I laughed. He didn’t.) “No, no, my name is Harry Truman.” (I really thought he’d catch on to that one but apparently Alex never saw the movie “Fletch.” So, Alex Watson and Harry Truman engaged in a conversation focused on obtaining information. According to Alex, I needed to download a program designed to allow a remote party, as in Alex, access to my computer. As such, Continued on Page 23
MAY 2021 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com
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OUTDOORS
Treat yourself to a walk in the woods at one of these local parks Words and Photos by Isadora Pennington In metro Atlanta, even when you’re stuck at home or in a high-rise office building, you usually find yourself only a few minutes from the natural beauty offered by local parks and nature preserves. Now, as spring colors the trees and trails and the community begins to open up from some of the restrictions imposed to fight the spread of COVID-19, it’s a good time to go for a walk in the woods. Here are five nearby places where metro residents can find trails leading through towering trees or along babbling creeks. Blue Heron Nature Preserve 4055 Roswell Road NE, Atlanta 30342 Tucked away in the heart of Buckhead, this 30-acre woodland retreat offers the chance to see various landscapes and an array of wildlife. The grounds include trails, sandy beaches along a meandering creek, swampland, wildflower fields and a community garden, all shaded by towering trees. The property is the home of the Audubon Society and Amphibian Foundation and hosts plenty of conservation efforts helmed by the Blue Heron staff. The shaded trails provide comfortable walks for much of the year. Roswell Riverwalk 9100 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075 There’s a reason this walkway surrounded by natural beauty has earned nearly five stars in online reviews. The nearly 4-milelong trail along the Chattahoochee River links a number of local parks, including Don White Park, Azalea Park, Riverside Park and Willeo Park before it delivers you to the Chattahoochee Nature Center and the Roswell Historic District. The well-maintained boardwalks are great for visitors of all ages and walkers of all skill levels. It’s also ideal for bikes and strollers. Mason Mill Park 1406-1458 McConnell Dr., Decatur 30033 South Peachtree Creek Trail winds through Mason Mill Park in North Decatur. An array of paved trails lead to elevated boardwalks that travel through the treetops of beautiful dense woodland and
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overlook Burnt Fork Creek. Mason Mill Park also is home to a dog park, the Central DeKalb Senior Center and DeKalb and Agape Tennis Centers. This intown gem offers wonderful and accessible nature walks just steps away from Emory University. Hidden down rough paths and visible in peeks from the boardwalks are the ruins of the Decatur Waterworks’ water treatment facility that was completed more than a century ago. These structures, while crumbling and forgotten, have been decorated with colorful graffiti that offers a visual surprise amongst the native trees and bushes that flourish around and atop the ruins. Autrey Mill Nature Preserve and History Center 9770 Autrey Mill Road, Johns Creek 30022 Located on 46 acres of ravine forest, this pristine natural wonder includes lush woodlands, and about 2.5 miles of scenic walking trails that include a walk along a peaceful creek, rocky shoals and plenty of native wildlife. When I was there, I even saw a deer on a ridge only a few hundred yards away. The site also is home to historic farmstead buildings dating back to the 1800s. The Autrey Mill Heritage Village includes a general store, historic church, tenant farmhouse and smokehouse. Kids will love visiting the gardens and feeding the chickens, goats, ducks, and bunnies. Sweetwater Creek State Park 1750 Mount Vernon Raod, Lithia Springs 30122 Just 15 miles from downtown Atlanta sits Sweetwater Creek State Park in east Douglas County. With 2,549 acres of lush natural woodlands, this property is home to the ruins of the New Manchester Manufacturing Company and mill town of New Manchester. The general store and textile mill were destroyed by the Union army during the American Civil War and the area became an official state park in 1972. History buffs will appreciate the historical artifacts on display at the visitor center, and the park’s grounds offer wooded walking and hiking trails, the George Sparks Reservoir, a bait shop, and gift shop. At times the creek is lazy and meandering between river rocks, while after a rain it is often rushing and powerful. Keep an eye out for snakes, turtles and plenty of native birds.
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GARDENING
Water matters in the garden Water is the center of life on Earth. Water covers 61% of our Earth’s surface. I am made of nearly 60% water, and water makes up as much as 95% of some plants. Plants are basically water and a few other things, so H2O deserves quite a bit of a gardener’s attention. As the old expression goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” When to water and how much are the critical details to growing healthy plants. Paying attention to rain and drought is important. Watering starts on day one after installation and new plants need to be watched closely starting in May, when
THE ENVIRONMENTAL GARDENER Greg Levine, co-executive director of Trees Atlanta, describes himself as happiest when his hands are in the dirt. rain becomes inconsistent and, with Georgia’s unusual weather, sometimes non-existent. There are no exact rules for watering, but a schedule combined with regular observation decreases the chance for the loss of plants. I like to create separate plans for perennials and woody plants. Perennials typically need frequent watering a few weeks after installation, then twice a week for two or three months. Trees and shrubs need to be watered twice a week after a winter or spring install for at least a month. Once weekly through summer will keep them going, and unlike most perennials it is best to check on them during the second growing season as well. Not all plants are equal when it comes to water, so learn your plant species’ particular needs and make sure they are met.
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Drought resistant plants still need water for the first growing season to get established, while wetland plants may need watering for several years to get well established and subsidized during drought. Loosening up your soil and mixing in organic matter with a shovel or pitchfork can help with water dispersal, percolation, and drainage. Adding organic matter to the top layer every year can do the trick over time and be easier on your back. Water-wise solutions for the garden include collecting stormwater in rain barrels, using drip irrigation, creating rain gardens, and watering in the morning. Here are a few of my favorite drought-tolerant and waterloving native plants that flower in May. I am a great lover of ephemeral perennials. They are usually found in woodlands, coming up in March and usually disappearing by July, as the heat gets to be too much and rain dissipates. It is great fun to watch them pop up in early spring.
Mayapple (Podophyllum peltatum) appreciates a
MAY 2021 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com
constantly moist to wet soil. It grows to be a bit over 12 inches tall, creates white apple-like blossoms and develops a thicket of little umbrella-like leaves sitting on a stalk. The plant also produces an edible fruit, but the rest of the plant is poisonous if eaten in large quantities.
Another ephemeral is the wood lily, also known as Sweet Betsy (Trillium cuneatum). They can be 4 inches to 14 inches tall. They usually have three dark mottled green leaves and maroon flowers that sit on the top of the stem like a candle flame. A trillium plant can live for a hundred years and can take seven years before it flowers. This is the easiest trillium to grow, but it still needs a high organic soil and average soil moisture. These plants should only be purchased from reputable nurseries, grown in nursery beds or by seed -- not wild collected. Plant save organizations like the Georgia Native Plant Society, can also be good sources for ephemerals, and they can be appreciated in abundance at Woodlands Garden in Decatur. One of the most drought
tolerant perennials is butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa). It needs well drained dry soil and full sun, basically thriving with neglect when it’s in the right place. Their lovely orange flowers provide nectar for many pollinators, and it’s a host plant for Monarch, Queen, and Soldier butterflies. When choosing butterfly weed, be aware that the tropical butterfly weed can confuse Monarchs migration because of the extended blooming time and may actually be toxic to them, so it is best not to plant. Make sure you get a native species, and go by the Latin name, when possible.
Deciduous native azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) are a favorite in the garden world. They need average moisture and good drainage, add pine bark
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fines to the soil and plant high with the soil mounded around the root ball. There are many species that range in size from a shrub to small tree. Their flowers vary in combinations of white, pink, yellow, orange and red and can bloom from March to July. Again, it depends on the species. Many people like their form, which can be reminiscent of Japanese maples. Trees are the center of the garden, and their survival is important in a drought; they create your yard’s ecosystem, and it takes many years to replace them if they die. Mulching is one important way to retain moisture in the soil and save water.
My favorite May-blooming tree is yellowwood (Cladrastis lutea). It needs average soil moisture and drainage. The 12inch panicle of flowers are white with a light lemony fragrance, but are sparse in some years. Its pale yellow fall color against its gray bark makes yellowwood a four-season tree. It is a legume, like green beans, and can fix nitrogen in the soil, benefiting many other plants in the garden. I have had the pink-flowered variety ‘Perkins Pink’ at the center of my garden for 20 years, and it never disappoints. Water is the key to life. Remember, when it’s hot outside and you feel more thirsty, so does your garden.
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TRAVEL
Watching the Walls In Georgia towns big and small, there’s a growing interest in murals
Across Georgia, dozens of towns and cities large and small have turned to wall-size, outdoor murals to tell their communities’ stories, enhance civic pride and
Lakeland
Colquitt
Travels with Charlie Veteran Georgia journalist Charles Seabrook has covered native wildlife and environmental issues for decades. For “Travels with Charlie,” he visits and photographs communities throughout the state. draw visitors. More murals are on the way as urban leaders realize the value of outdoor art to help make streets, parks and other public spaces more colorful, walkable and welcoming. The so-called Georgia Mural Trail project, for instance, aims to paint 50 murals in 50 cities under 10,000 people in five years across the state. “Our goal is to get other artists, organizations and sponsors on board to help with the painting, funding and marketing of the trail,” said Hapeville-based artist John Christian, who started the project. For the talented mural artists, their canvases mostly are billboard-size walls of downtown buildings, schools, community centers and other structures. The murals are carefully planned and commissioned by businesses, organizations and local governments -- as opposed to graffiti, defined as “writing or drawings scribbled, scratched, or sprayed illicitly on a surface in a public place.” In my Georgia travels, I seek out murals. In particular, two cities have become famous
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Dogwood
for their outdoor paintings — Lakeland in Lanier County and Colquitt in Miller County, both deep in South Georgia. In December 2005, during a celebrated visit to Lakeland, then Gov. Sonny Purdue officially proclaimed the city of some 3,400 people and 30 murals as “Georgia’s Historic Mural City.” That notion, however, did not set well with folks some 100 miles west in Colquitt (pop. 2,000, 16 murals). Not to be outdone, Colquitt’s leadership persuaded the 2006 General Assembly to declare their community as “Georgia’s First Mural City.” Some called the friendly feud the “Battle of the Murals.” For both cities, however, the official designations are well-deserved. Colquitt even has a national mural boast — home to what is said to be the largest mural in the United States. Popularly known as “The Peanut Farmer,” the mural is painted on the sides of the 100-foot tall silo of the Birdsong Peanuts Company, which looms over down town and depicts a farmer inspecting his crop before harvest. Colquitt’s murals are part of a project known as the Millennium Murals, started in 1999 with funding from the National Endowment of the Arts. Each mural represents local folk life in the area. Some depict real people who lived and worked there; some are based on the stories told through Colquitt’s highly acclaimed theatrical production, Swamp Gravy, Georgia’s official Folk Life Play, Lakeland’s breathtaking murals center around one day — Sept. 15, 1925, when the town’s name officially changed from Milltown to Lakeland to reflect its proximity
to scenic Banks Lake. Lakeland’s so-called Milltown Murals vividly reflect a simpler way of life in a south-central Georgia town in the 1920s. John Fitton, director of the Lakeland-Lanier County Chamber
of Commerce, said he never tires of strolling around Lakeland and seeing the murals. “The people in
them are now like family,” he told me. “It helps me stay connected to the past.”
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ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT
The arts are back
Live events, festivals return after a year of pandemic closure and streaming By Collin Kelley With most of Georgia’s pandemic restrictions lifted by the governor and the accelerated rollout of the vaccine, many metro arts organizations are returning to live performances and events this month. Of course, there will still be COVID-19 precautions in place. Most organizations will still be practicing social distancing and many will require masks, so be sure to check the precautions before you buy your tickets and head to the venue.
Happening Now
Atlanta Opera
The Atlanta Opera is wooing patrons back with two productions – “The Threepenny Opera” and “The Threepenny Carmen” – being held outdoors in an open-air tent in the Cobb Energy Centre parking lot through May 9. The Opera made national headlines last fall when it returned to live performances with a pair of shows in the “Molly Blank Big Tent Series” on the Oglethorpe University campus. The Opera is also collaborating with True Colors Theatre Company on “The Concert for Unity” at Southwest Arts Center on May 9 at 2:30 p.m. featuring Black opera stars. For more information and tickets visit atlantaopera.org.
State Farm Arena
The Downtown venue will host its first entertainment event in more than a year May 7-8 with the “In Real Life Comedy Tour” featuring Mike Epps, DC Young Fly, Lavell Crawford, Karlous Miller, and Kountry Wayne. Tickets were selling out fast due to reduced capacity in the arena. Visit statefarmarena.com to snag yours.
Variety Playhouse
The Little Five Points hall reopen its doors with concerts by Trevor Hall on May 11 and The Residents on May 17. Visit variety-playhouse. com for tickets and details.
Virginia-Highland Porchfest & Rock N Run 5K
Taking a cue from the Oakhurst neighborhood’s successful Porchfest (which is set to return in the fall), Virginia Highland’s event is set for May 8 from noon to 6 p.m. Porches along five streets will host live music from 56 different musicians and bands, while food trucks will be parked along Barnette Street. Wear a mask and watch for monitors, who will be ensuring social distancing. For a list of the bands and to sign up for the accompanying 5K race, visit virginiahighlanddistrict.com/ events/porchfest-and-rock-n-run5k/
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Alliance Theatre
The Alliance has returned to live performances outside its home at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown. The Under the Tent Series is featuring a concert staging of “Working: A Musical” now through June 6 and the Woody Guthrie-inspired “Songs to Grow On” May 6-16. For tickets and more details, visit alliancetheatre.org.
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High Museum of Art
The High Museum is stepping up its offerings with a spring and summer of big exhibitions including “Our Good Earth: Rural Life and American Art” and “Underexposed: Women Photographers from the Collection” – both running through Aug. 1 – and the touring “Calder-Picasso” opening on June 26. For tickets and details, visit high.org.
Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA)
MODA has reopened for private, hour-long visits for parties of one to 10 people at a time, through May 31. On exhibition is “Bike to the Future,” showcasing the latest in bicycle design featuring bikes from Philippe Starck, Tobias Knockaer, Edison, VanMoof, Civilized Cycles and more. For tickets and information, visit museumofdesign.org.
Atlanta Botanical Garden
“SUPER natural: Aerial Art in Motion, Glass Art in Bloom” opens May 15 featuring a custommade “skynet” billowing in the air above Storza Woods like a flock of multi-colored birds, while over-scale glass floral sculptures blossom throughout the more formal gardens. The skynet, called “Dream Flora”, is an experiential aerial sculpture by Patrick Shearn of Los Angelesbased Poetic Kinetics, known for its large-scale works of public art; the contemporary glass art is the creation of Seattle artist Jason Gamrath. For details, visit atlantabg.org.
MAY 2021 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com
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THINGS TO DO
Georgia Tech Arts Skyline Series
Art at Tech is also taking its programming outdoors with the socially-distanced Skyline Series, which continues in May with the Atlanta Ballet (April 30-May 9), Dance Canvas (May 15-16), Terminus School of Modern Ballet (May 17-18). For tickets and details, visit arts.gatech.edu.
The Masquerade
The iconic music venue is set to bring fans back to Underground Atlanta on June 12 with a show by Hot Mulligan, Heart Attack Man, Meet Me @ The Altar, and Super American. Other upcoming concerts include Tech N9NE (June 16), the Sad Summer Festival including All Time Low and The Story So Far (July 10), and Cody Ko and Noel Miller (July 25). For the full lineup of upcoming shows, visit masqueradeatlanta.com.
Festival Fever: Chastain, Ponce, & Piedmont Park
The Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces is restarting its slate of festivals beginning with the Chastain Park Spring Arts & Crafts Festival on May 15-16, Spring Festival on Ponce on June
5-6, and Piedmont Park Arts Festival on Aug. 21-22. For a full calendar of events and details, visit affps.com.
Coming Soon Fox Theatre
The blockbuster musical “Hamilton” presented by Fifth Third Bank Broadway in Atlanta will welcome fans back to Fabulous Fox from Aug. 25 to Sept. 26. Other shows and concerts coming in the fall include Chris Tucker Comedy Tour, Allstar Legends of Hip Hop, Bill Burr, Boz Scaggs, Bill Maher, “Fiddler on the Roof,” “Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” Sarah Brightman, and Widespread Panic’s New Year’s Eve show. For details and tickets, visit foxtheatre.org.
Dogwood Festival
The 85th annual event is now scheduled to take place in Piedmont Park Aug. 6-8. For updates, visit dogwood.org.
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Atlanta Symphony
Symphony Hall reopens on Aug. 22 for “One Night of Queen” performed by Gary Mullin & The Works. Other upcoming live shows include “Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox” (Sept. 8), Alan Parsons Project (Sept. 12), Amos Lee with the ASO (Sept. 24), and Chris Botti with the ASO (Nov. 5). For tickets and a full calendar visit aso.org.
Dragon Con
The annual sci-fi, fantasy, and cosplay fest is selling tickets for its annual Labor Day extravaganza, Sept. 2-6, at dragoncon.org.
Tech Care for Seniors → Computers → Devices → Wi-Fi Networks “We make house calls.”
404-307-8857
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A tip from ‘Harry Truman’: Buck surprise emails that seek ways into your wallet Continued from page 13
he and I would partner in the recovery of the $578. As expected, Alex became irritated when I began asking questions regarding the need for him to access my computer, rather than authorize a refund. Alex became agitated and to be fair, he was an easy target. We bickered while he tried every angle to convince me to load the remote-access program. Finally, “Alex, I’d like to speak to your supervisor.” “Hold.” A few seconds later, another person not from around here came on the phone. “Hello, my name is Nick Johnson, may I help you?” “Hi Nick, where are you from?” “Mr. Truman, we are trying to help you recover your money, but we need to do it from this end and
so we need to load this program. It is completely safe.” (Blah, blah, blah.) I must admit that Nick had a smooth routine and delivery of information meant to convince the intended victim that this was legit. I also think that in the back of his or her mind, the target usually wants to believe him because that $578 hit in the bank account looms large. He went on to say, “Just give us the access to help you get your money back.” Eventually, I ran out of dialogue because I had no intention of granting access to load the program. Remember that anything designed to access your computer remotely, suggested from an unsolicited email, is bad mojo. What this scam does, if you download the program they are pushing, is give your information
to Alex and he tells you he needs your bank information to set the refund. Quite frankly, once you allowed the remote access, you’re most likely browbeaten enough to surrender the bank number. They access it, show you a screenshot of your bank statement and the refund is right there! On paper that is. The next step is they admit that they have accidentally forwarded money from their Square account onto your account and they need you to refund that amount to them. To do that, they will text you a link and once you click on “yes,” thinking you’re refunding that small amount to them, they have your account access, and drain it. So, the whole thing is to get that account number, fake a refund statement on it, and then convince you they need their money back.
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Be safe and smart, Your friend, Harry Truman
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If you don’t have PayPal or Square, or any other moneytransfer app, and you get this email, obviously don’t engage with them. If you do have an account and you need to verify the information, go to the legitimate source and start there. The scammers cannot do anything they want to do without your bank account information. Do your investigation independently outside of the email information. I finally asked Nick how much time we had spent on the call -- by my account, a half hour -- and then told him I wanted to make a complaint about Alex Watson’s demeanor, so please transfer me to the human resources department. He hung up.
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55 OR OLDER, UNEMPLOYED AND LOOKING FOR WORK?
WE CAN HELP! For more than 50 years, AARP Foundation Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) has provided people over age 55 with opportunities to fill entry-level and mid-level positions with employers in their communities.
HOW IT WORKS SCSEP trainees are placed in a variety of community service activities at nonprofit and public facilities like day care and senior centers, schools and hospitals. This on-the-job training experience can be a bridge to find employment opportunities outside of the program. Participants work an average of 20 hours a week and are paid the highest federal, state or local minimum wage.
WHO’S ELIGIBLE? You must be age 55 or older, unemployed and financially qualified. Please contact your local office to learn more about the financial qualifications. AARP Foundation SCSEP program (CFDA 17.235) is funded with $77,808,096 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Labor. This funding provides 90% of the support for SCSEP, with the AARP Foundation matching 10% ($8.774,913 million). AARP Foundation operates in 21 states and Puerto Rico.
INTERESTED? Contact your local SCSEP
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MAY 2021 | AtlantaSeniorLife.com
OTHER BENEFITS We provide participants with training and support services that are important for funding future employment. The services include Individual Employment Plan (IEP) development, specialized training to prepare for placements, wages and fringe benefits, annual physicals and assistance in securing future employment.
WHAT KINDS OF JOBS ARE AVAILABLE? You could be placed in a wide variety of community service positions at both nonprofit and public facilities including day care and senior centers, governmental agencies, schools, hospitals and libraries. These training assignments help build the skills and experience needed to obtain future employment. Additional training through lectures, seminars, one-on-one instruction, training programs and community colleges may also be provided
L earn more at aarpfoundation.org
AARP Foundation Senior Community Services Employment Program 1718 Peachtree St., NW, Suite 991 South Atlanta, Georgia 30309 (404) 892-4446 office (404) 892-4464 fax 4319 Covington Highway, Suite 204 Decatur, Georgia 30035 (678) 919-8283 office (678) 949-5126 fax
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