Atlanta Senior Life - September 2017

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.

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Editorial

Kathy Dean

Contributing Editor kathydean@atlantaseniorlife.com

Joe Earle Editor-at-Large JoeEarle@reporternewspapers.net

Contributors

JoAnn Bell, Sarah E. Brodd, Gary Goettling, Judi Kanne, Phil Mosier, Isadora Pennington, David Popovic

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Georgians On the Road to Gold

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Each month, 20,000 copies of Atlanta Senior Life are distributed to selected locations where active seniors live, work, volunteer and play in the north metro areas of Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

By Kathy Dean

Be a part of the action by volunteering at the Georgia Golden Olympics this year!

No age limit can hold back a competitive spirit. Thanks to the Georgia Golden Olympics (GGO), many older athletes have a platform to compete at a variety of sports and earn medals.

The annual event is exclusively for people aged 50 and older. On Sept. 27-30, the Georgia Golden Olympics will be held in the City of Warner Robins, its home since it began in 1983. This is the 35th anniversary of the games, which were originally held in Robins Air Force Base, said Vicki Pilgrim, Georgia Golden Olympics Coordinator.

“Now the games are hosted by the Warner Robins Recreation Department and the City of Warner Robins,” she said. Contributors from around the state help fund the event.

One benefit of the Warner Robins location is where the city is situated in the state. “It’s about as close to the center of Georgia as we can get,” Pilgrim said.

Between 450 and 500 competitors are expected to take part this year, in events that range from tennis, track and field, golf and swimming to horseshoes,

pickleball, billiards and Wii bowling.

“There are more than 20 sports and over 60 events represented,” Pilgrim said, “and bicycling is one of our most popular events.”

Each event is divided into men’s and women’s categories, then again into age categories that span five years, e.g., 50-54, 55-59, etc. Medals are awarded for first, second and third places in each category.

Pilgrim said that last year, the oldest athlete was a 100-year old swimmer, and this year, the oldest team registered for 2017 is a basketball team for ages 80+.

Winning a medal at the Georgia Golden Olympics isn’t the end of the road, either. From there, athletes can qualify to go on to the National Senior Games.

Georgia was represented very well in the 2017 National Games, held this June in Birmingham, Al.

“About 600 athletes qualified to go to the National Senior Games from Georgia and 300 participated,” Pilgrim said. “Every state and nine foreign countries sent athletes, about 10,500 of them, and the state of Georgia was 12th overall with a total of 157 medals.”

Every other year is a qualifying year for the National Games. In the 2018 Georgia Golden Olympics, athletes will be able to qualify for

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the 2019 National Games, which will be held in Albuquerque, N.M. While registration for the 2017 Georgia Golden Olympics is closed, you can still get involved. The Golden Olympics needs volunteers. It’s a great way to help and get inspired at the same time.

Georgia Golden Olympics

Wednesday, Sept. 27 — Saturday, Sept. 30 Games held in locations throughout the City of Warner Robins area

For more info, call the Georgia Golden Olympics office at 770-867-3603 or visit georgiagoldenolympics.org.

Helen Browdy enjoys a game at the Bridge Club of Atlanta.

Photo by Phil Mosier

A - Jeanne Daprano of Fayetteville, 81, set a National Senior Games record time of 3:59 in the 800 meter race for women 80-84.

Photo by Anacleto Rapping

B - John Taylor of Atlanta

Courtesy of Georgia Golden Olympics

Georgia archer Ed Brown competes at the National Senior Games. Courtesy of Georgia Golden Olympics

- National Senior Games Gold medal winners Georgia Boys 60+ Team Courtesy of Georgia Golden Olympics

- Georgia flag bearers in the National Senior Games Celebration of Athletes.

(Left to right) Jim Hodges, 72, of Monroe, bronze winner in the Men’s 70-74 Pole Vault, and Theresa (Terry) Wietstruk, 52 of Bonaire, silver winner in the Women’s Archery Recurve category. Courtesy of National Senior Games Assn.

Crossing Over to Bridge

By Kathy Dean

When you think of card games, poker might leap to mind, but for many people, bridge is the game of choice. It’s a game that’s competitive and can really draw a person in, as it did Sam Marks.

Marks, a Druid Hills area resident, has been playing bridge for 30 of his 53 years. About 10 years ago, he was earning his living through trading stocks “…and I hated it,” he said. Then his friend Patty Tucker asked him to volunteer to help her teach people to play the game of bridge, and he was hooked.

Tucker had been playing bridge herself since 1965, when she was just 11 years old. She’s won countless championships and has been inducted into the Georgia Bridge Hall of Fame. She offers classes

and workshops at several locations, including Dunwoody and Atlanta.

Tucker’s request had a lasting effect on Marks. “I had a blast —I absolutely loved it,” he said. “I asked Patty if there was any demand for bridge teachers, and she told me that she had so many students that she had to turn people away. Right then and there, I changed my career.”

As a bridge teacher, Marks offered classes throughout the city in places such as Dunwoody United Methodist Church and Temple Sinai in Sandy Springs. But something was missing.

“About five years ago, I realized that we needed a place to play bridge in the city of Atlanta,” Marks said. “At the time, there were places to play in Roswell and Alpharetta, but nowhere inside the Perimeter.”

In July of 2012, he started the Bridge Club of

PHOTOS BY PHIL MOSIER

Top, (left) Mary Jane Childs and (behind) Marty Laubmann. Above, Virginia Saul playing with her partner Helen Browdy (pictured on cover).

Sam Marks

Atlanta, and today bridge games are held seven days a week at the Fountain Oaks Shopping Center on Roswell Road in Atlanta. The club has grown to the point that about 100 to 120 players show up on any given day.

The Bridge Club of Atlanta is now the 20th largest in North America, according to the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). The ACBL supports 3,200 bridge clubs and runs well over 1,000 tournaments each year. It’s also the organization responsible for issuing master points, which players earn by winning at bridge.

The game of bridge, also called contract bridge, is usually played by four people, in two competing partnerships, and uses a standard 52-card deck of cards. Teams bid on how many rounds of cards, called tricks, that they think they’ll win. Duplicate bridge, the most widely used variation of contract bridge, requires that the same bridge deal, or specific arrangement of cards, is played at every table, so the element of

chance is reduced and a player’s skill is better demonstrated.

Marty Nathan clearly remembers the day he began playing bridge—New Year’s Eve 1959 — and he’s been involved with the Bridge Club of Atlanta as a director and teacher since it began. “I tell my students, ‘I’ve been playing since I was 13 — that’s over 55 years — and I’m still learning the game.’ I don’t think they believe me until after they’ve played awhile,” he said.

Nathan is quick to clarify that the Bridge Club of Atlanta isn’t technically a club. There’s no membership fee and anyone can drop in, pay the session fee of $11 and play.

“It’s a common misconception, probably because of the word ‘club’, though ‘bridge club’ is the common term used,” Nathan said. “No one has to join and everyone is welcome.”

The ACBL website claims that about 25 million Americans over the age of 18 know how to play bridge, but it’s particularly popular

Bridge Club of Atlanta

Fountain Oaks Shopping Center 4920 Roswell Rd. #33, Atlanta 30342

Games are offered Monday-Thursday and Saturday beginning at 12 p.m. On Friday, the games begin at 11:30 a.m., and on Sunday, at 1:30 p.m. Session fee is $11.

New beginner classes will start Monday, Sept. 11 at Bridge Club of Atlanta. Classes are offered for all skill levels, from beginners and intermediates to advanced players.

For more info, visit bridgeclubatlanta.com or contact Sam Marks at sam@sammarksbridge.com, 678-812-4324.

among older people.

As USA

Today reported in 2005, bridge enthusiasts include such notables as Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

“We do tend to have an older crowd, usually in the 50s to 70s age range, and many of our players are recently retired or emptynesters who have the time to devote to bridge,” Marks said. “We also get some people and couples who were active in ALTA [Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association]. They’re looking for something that still satisfies their competitive spirit while being a bit less physically demanding.”

Buckhead resident Anne Ballard is a perfect example. The 68-yearold says that she began taking bridge lessons around 2003 and played with friends about once a week. “At that time, I was still playing tennis competitively so there wasn’t much time for bridge,” she said.

Still, she’d been playing bridge seriously since 2008, when she took up duplicate bridge. Then, in 2012, back surgery slowed down Ballard’s tennis play. “And now bridge has taken over, she said. “I love competition. Bridge is perfect for the older athlete and a wonderful way to use your brain.”

According to the AARP website, a University of California Berkeley study done in 2000 found strong evidence that bridge uses an area of the brain known to stimulate the immune system. Since the game requires visualization, sequencing and memory skills, researchers also suggest that it helps keep the mind sharp.

“Not only does bridge keep the mind active, it’s a social activity so it builds community and fosters

supportive friendships,” Marks said.

Ballard seconds that, saying that the club is very friendly and comfortable. “It’s a great way to meet new people and make new friends,” she said. “Many lasting friendships are made at the bridge table. We even travel together to tournaments all over. This year, four of us went to San Miguel, Mexico to a tournament, and we’re going on a bridge cruise in November.”

For Nathan, bridge is all about the competition, the striving to get a little better each time.

“Bridge is a sensational game. Novices can play it and some people play it just for the fun, with little regard to the score or where they finish,” Nathan said. “But it’s also a game where one can work to get better. Others just care for the social aspect. It can be a game for everyone.”

Where to Play

For a full listing of bridge clubs and duplicate bridge clubs (DBC) in Georgia, and throughout the U.S., visit the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) website, acbl.org.

Alpharetta

Alpharetta DBC & Cumming DBC — alpharettadbc.org

Atlanta Atlanta DBC — atlantaduplicatebridgeclub.com

Bridge Club of Atlanta — bridgeclubatlanta.com

Midtown Bridge Club — midtownbridge30309@gmail.com

Duluth AAC DBC — cynthiadtanner@gmail.com

Gainesville

Lanierland DBD — lanierlanddbc.com

Kennesaw

Kennesaw Bridge Club — bridge4jr@gmail.com

Marietta

Ruff’N Sluff Bridge Club — ruffnsluffbridgeclub.com

Roswell Roswell DBC — billsbridge.com

Marty Laubmann at the Bridge Club of Atlanta

Joe Aylward plays as Arlene Conway, the Novice Director, watches.

Marty Nathan, the Open Director, watches Peggy Tienken play.

Bocce Breeds Friendly Competition

By Joe Earle

Albert Johnson admits he knew nothing of the ball-rolling game called bocce until he arrived at the Dorothy Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex a few years back. “I didn’t know it existed. I found out about it being here,” he said. “I played it. I worked at it and got pretty good at it.”

The 75-year-old retired pastor said he used to be a golfer, but now he’s become a fixture on the bocce courts. He’s part of a group of seniors, aged from their 60s to their 80s, that gathers at the Sandy Springs senior center’s two bocce courts regularly to roll balls for points and camaraderie.

The Benson Center bocce players gather twice a week, on Tuesday and Friday mornings. They come from various neighborhoods, but they’ve gotten to know one another as they’ve played bocce together for months or even years. Players keep the game going nearly year-round, weather permitting. “If it’s not raining, you play,” Johnson said.

The game itself is simple, perhaps deceptively so. Players compete in teams. One player throws a small white ball that’s

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a bit bigger than a golf ball. The white ball, called the “pallino” to recall the sport’s Italian roots, becomes the target. Players then roll larger, red or green balls toward the smaller ball and gain points by coming closest. The first team to collect 11 points wins, as long as the winning team finishes at least two points ahead.

“It’s a good game for older people,” Johnson said. “I guess it’s a good game for anybody. I like it because it’s challenging.”

The Benson Center started hosting bocce games about 2008, when an ItalianAmerican society in Atlanta donated a court, said Homer French, a member of Friends of Benson nonprofit who plays bocce and volunteers to help set up and run the games. A second court was added about two years ago, paid for with a grant from the city of Sandy Springs, he said.

French enjoys the twice-weekly game for the people who play it. “It’s a very enjoyable group of people,” he said. “It’s

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Bocce players toss balls to try to accumulate points by rolling closest to the small white ball that serves as a target.

mildly competitive and it’s suitable for all ages…. It’s fun to get out there and kid around. One of the guys referred to it as ‘trash talk,’ but I don’t think it rises to that level.” In fact, he said, people regularly cheer their opponents’ throws, rather than taunt them.

Some players see the game as a way to stay sharp. “I’ve always enjoyed competitive sports — well, competitive anything,” said Dana Deer, who’s 81 and figures she takes part in a bocce game about once a week. “I enjoy the sociability. I like the fact that it’s outdoors. It’s a skill game and I like the skill element very much.”

Others say they just enjoy spending time at the senior center, which offers a wide variety of classes and activities. “I love being at the center,” bocce player Dell Clarkson said. “It’s a great way to do activities and keep an old lady like me out of trouble.”

Sandy Springs isn’t the only place where seniors congregate around bocce games. In Roswell, Frank Padula remembers playing the game about a dozen years ago on the grass behind the city of Roswell’s Adult Recreation Center on Grimes Road.

The Italian-American society paid for the center’s first court, he said, and the game grew. Now the center has three courts built by the city. Center Program Coordinator Mary Rummell said 15 to 20 players gather three times a week to play bocce.

The game has continued its spread among metro Atlanta seniors. Rummell said it’s included in the Fulton senior games each May and draws teams from throughout the county. “They become very competitive,” she said. “They all want to take home the gold.”

One recent Friday morning, Johnson, who said he lived in Los Angeles and Panama before settling in Georgia a few years back, and French were among a group of about 14 players who fought the July heat and morning mosquitos to get in a few rounds of bocce.

Joan Lee, who’s 83, complained of the heat, but kept playing despite it. She said she’s been playing bocce at the Benson Center for at least six years. “I love it,” she said.

Several players said they were introduced to the game by Dorothy Benson herself, the woman for whom the center is named and who’s been a regular player through the years.

“If Ms. Benson was here, she’d say, ‘Let’s play! Get up and throw the ball!’” said veteran player Grace Rollolazo, who’s 71.

And, it being a Friday, they took Ms. Benson’s long-standing advice. Two games soon were underway, one on each of the Benson Center’s courts.

At one point, French, who’s 83 and has lived in metro Atlanta for 50 years, carefully lined up his shot. From a seat in the shade, Johnson appraised French’s form as he prepared to roll the ball. “This guy you got right here, you’ve got to watch him,” Johnson said, just loudly enough for French to hear him. “He’s sneaky.”

French smiled at the not-quite-trash talk. He was, he said with a grin, simply “a wily competitor.” Then he rolled.

Joan Lee tosses a ball

The Busy Retirement of Jim Auchmutey

By Judi Kanne

What do writers do when they retire? They often write. At least that’s what Jim Auchmutey did. He wrote and edited for the Atlanta JournalConstitution for nearly 30 years. Even for an award-winning journalist, that’s a long time.

Auchmutey wrote about everything from religion and politics to food and Southern culture. He left the newspaper in 2009 when it was reducing its staff in the face of declining circulation and advertising; he was 53.

“When I first left the paper, people asked, ‘Aren’t you retired?’” he said. “It was that ‘R’ word that grated on me. I really didn’t like it.”

While he knew that retirement didn’t have to mean a rocking chair or playing golf, Auchmutey says he’d get defensive. He really didn’t think of himself as retired.

Auchmutey had started working for the paper at age 24, and his situation seemed similar to what military personnel might face in their early 50s. It’s what happens next that really matters.

Using the one year’s salary he got from the newspaper, Auchmutey set out to write a book he’d been thinking about for years. Though he acknowledges that there was a brief delay.

“The first six months, I did a lot of reading and loafing,” he admitted. “My wife, Pam, was still working full time at Emory as a publications editor, and she still is. I wouldn’t have been able to take advantage of the newspaper’s buy-out and tackle a book without her support.”

Then Auchmutey got serious about his first nonfiction book, and not only finished it, but made it a success. In 2016, Auchmutey’s book, “The Class of ’65: A Student, A Divided Town, and the Long Road to Forgiveness”, was included in the list of Books All Georgians Should Read.

The story takes place in Koinonia [COY·no·nee-ia], a south Georgia

community not too far from Americus and Plains. It had, and still has, a unique place in Southern history.

In 1942, Clarence Jordan founded Koinonia, after graduating from Kentucky’s Southern Baptist Seminary.

His community farm soon ran afoul of local customs because of its support for racial equality. The farm’s residents practiced communal living, which made it Communist-like in the eyes of many. To add to their troubles, Jordan’s followers were pacifists during World War II.

In the 1950s, the Ku Klux Klan and other white supremacists vandalized the farm and undertook a terror campaign that included drive-by shootings and two bombings.

Auchmutey’s book focuses on teens from Koinonia who attended Americus High School around the time of desegregation. The school admitted a handful of black students.

“White classmates blamed the Koinonia kids for what was happening and hazed them mercilessly in retribution,” Auchmutey said.

In a 2005 interview for Christianity Today, Jim Jordan, Clarence’s son, said, “When it became clear in the South that the old ways were not going to last forever, the strong resistance started. Koinonia became a symbol for the change and the lightning rod for the opposition.”

Auchmutey grew up in Atlanta, a fifth-generation Georgian, and is interested in Southern history. In his blog, he says: “I learned about Koinonia when I was working for Presbyterian Survey, a denominational magazine in Atlanta.”

That was before his AJC work. But the Koinonia story never really left Auchmutey. His book leaves a lasting impression and a realistic lesson on redemption.

About the time Auchmutey was leaving the Journal-Constitution,

COURTESY OF JIM AUCHMUTEY

Jim Auchmutey at the Decatur Book Festival book-signing

the Atlanta History Center, an organization he’d written a lot about over the years, asked if he’d be part of an advisory group for an exhibition in May 2018. The center was at the beginning stages of a history and culture display dedicated to another staple of the South — barbecue.

“They asked if I’d like to be involved in a companion book to go along with the exhibition,” said Auchmutey.

“It’s an illustrated history of barbecue. There are 50,000 words of text, and about 200 images about what I think is the truly American food — and it’s not apple pie!”

His paternal grandfather, Bob Auchmutey, was a barbecue pit master in his day, he says.

One thing led to another and the book is turning out to be a much bigger project than Auchmutey initially thought. Recently, the Atlanta History Center asked him to be

guest curator for the barbecue exhibition.

“So now I’m the curator as well as the author of the book of barbecue history,” Auchmutey said. “I’m up to my wazoo in pulled pork!”

He’s teaching, too. Auchmutey says he taught a course on nonfiction narrative for the Decatur Writers Studio, an outgrowth of the Decatur Book Festival. In July, he was a nonfiction Wofford College’s writer in residence in Spartanburg, S.C. And finally, he’s helping support the legacy of Joel Chandler Harris — another former Constitution writer and a folklorist best known for his collection of Br’er Rabbit stories — and the heritage of African American folklore by serving on board of The Wren’s Nest, Chandler’s home in Atlanta.

“Some days, I’m busier than I ever was at the paper,” said Auchmutey. “I really don’t feel retired, but when the pension check arrives, it serves as a reminder.”

“Saint Anne’s Terrace has a beautiful setting with waterfalls, a fish pond and flower gardens. The staff is

professional, friendly, courteous, which creates a family atmosphere. I’m very happy to be a part of this community.”

COURTESY OF TGA COMMUNICATIONS, LLC

COURTESY OF JIM AUCHMUTEY Jim Auchmutey speaks at the Virginia Festival of the Book.

Don’t Miss the 58th Annual AAUW BOOKFAIR

Stock up on your fall, winter, spring and summer reading this month. The annual 6-day AAUW (American Association of University Women) BOOKFAIR is set for Monday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Oct. 1.

The BOOKFAIR draws book lovers from throughout the Atlanta metro area as well as nearby states. More than 75,000 gently-used, donated books will be available at bargain prices.

It’s held at Perimeter Mall, I-285 and Ashford-Dunwoody Rd., on the lower level of the Dillard’s wing. Hours are: Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

If you’re a dedicated bibliophile or collector, consider attending Preview Night, Monday, Sept. 25, 6-9 p.m. There is an admission fee of $10 for preview night only.

The AAUW, founded in 1881, is the oldest and largest organization working for the advancement of women. The 58th annual BOOKFAIR is sponsored by the three local branches in Atlanta, Cobb County and North Fulton.

Read This! 2017 Books

All Georgians Should Read

Georgia Center for the Book has selected the works of prize-winning authors and illustrators with Georgia connections for the 2017 list of the “Books All Georgians Should Read.”

● Lisa Hodgens, editor—A Lillian Smith Reader

● Jonathan Rabb—Among the Living: A Novel

● Patrick Phillips—Blood at the Root:

A Racial Cleansing in America

● Ted Geltner—Blood, Bone and Marrow: A Biography of Harry Crews

● Thomas Mullen—Darktown: A Novel

● Theresa Davis—Drowned: A Mermaid’s Manifesto

● Judson Mitcham; Michael David Murphy; Karen L. Paty—Inspired Georgia

● Asha Gomez—My Two Souths: Blending the Flavors of India into a Southern Kitchen

● Taylor Brown—A River of Kings: A Novel

● Melissa Fay Greene—The Underdogs

At Provident Village, we believe each day is an opportunity to celebrate what makes you – your strengths, talents, favorite hobbies, treasured pastimes.

We’ve created a community where residents are personally empowered, and intellectual, social, emotional, spiritual and health care are seamlessly integrated into everyday life. Our lifestyle options ensure comprehensive support without ever sacrificing joy, dignity and vibrancy.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Be Prepared to Stay Safe

September is National Preparedness Month, sponsored by the U.S. government’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Three years after Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report on the members of the population that perished. The public health world learned 49 percent of the victims who died during the storm were at least 75 years old.

Since that time, a collaborative effort for aiding older adults on the importance of preparedness has escalated.

This year’s Georgia’s tornado outbreak of January 21-23 brought preparedness to the forefront once again. It arrived with one of the largest tornadoes on record — and not just for the month of January. The EF3 tornado stayed on the ground for an hour and 12 minutes, tearing a nearly 71-mile path through parts of five Georgia counties, according to the National Weather Service. Albany and the surrounding area were especially hard hit.

Retired nurse and medical writer Beth Stover is still grateful that her aunt survived. “You never think it will happen to you or anyone in your family,” she said.

“My 89-year old Aunt Annie, who is bedridden, is enrolled in and followed by hospice home care. She happened to be among those whose homes and yards sustained serious damage,” said Stover.

As the tornado approached, unable to move her to a windowless room, her home caretaker took emergency steps and used her own body to cover and protect Stover’s aunt.

Following the tornado’s touchdown, family members took action to reach them by using chain saws and assisting first responders. Hours later, when they reached the home, they transported Aunt Annie to Albany’s Phoebe Putney Hospital for examination.

Since hospice had followed Stover’s aunt (with hospice home care), it qualified her for acceptance at a hospice facility. Willson Hospice House in Albany opened its doors, provided a room for her aunt and caretaker and welcomed both until they could safely return to Aunt Annie’s home.

“My aunt’s experience during this natural disaster emphasizes the difficulties some seniors face in these situations, and how it takes family, friends, emergency responders, volunteers and a caring community to help out,” Stover said. “Many people don’t realize that temporary housing for home hospice patients is available in emergencies.”

Aspects of the aging process can contribute to older adults’ vulnerability during a natural disaster, according to CDC’s Healthy Aging Program and media consultant Bill Benson. This is especially true if one or more chronic illnesses, functional limitations or dementia are

emergency pet care

Pets can add another level of concern in an emergency. Whether staying put in an emergency or evacuating to a safer location, you’ll need to make plans in advance for household animals. Keep in mind that what’s best for you is typically what’s best for them. However, if you’re going to a public shelter, it’s important to understand that animals may not be allowed inside.

Plan today for emergency pet care. Make sure your pet has a microchip and develop a pet kit with items like food, water, medicine, an ID tag and important documents.

Judith L. Kanne, RN, BSN, BA is a registered nurse and freelance writer who lives in Atlanta.

involved, Benson explains to public health workers in a course he teaches.

Dr. Cheryl A. Levine, a senior policy analyst with HHS’ Assistant Secretary for the Office of Preparedness and Response offers medication suggestions in her blog about disaster training.

“Many older people are more likely to have multiple chronic conditions and to rely on daily prescription medications,” says Levine. Planning ahead can help alleviate a crisis. For one thing, have an emergency kit ready in case you’ll need to evacuate or shelter in place.

Ready Georgia, a statewide campaign supported by the Georgia Emergency Management Agency/Homeland Security (GEMA/HS), focuses on motivating people to actively prepare for disasters. Its website, ready.ga.gov, provides a list of recommended items for seniors and other adults to keep in their kits. Most items are readily available in the home, but it’s a good idea to print the list and shop for the other necessities.

“Older adults should keep a three-day supply of medications on hand,” Levine said.

Julia Regeski, Communications Strategist with GEMA/HS, advises to plan for unique needs. For example, work with medical providers to learn their emergency protocols, sign up for electronic Social Security

Emergency Information

Tornadoes can touch all regions in the U.S. Of the top 20 States in tornado frequency, 5 are in the Southeast, according to FEMA.

GEMA/HS, gema.ga.gov, keeps residents informed about tornadoes as well as other disasters, including drought, earthquakes, extreme heat, floods, hurricanes, thunderstorms and lightning, wildfires and ice storms.

Go to the Ready Georgia site, ready.ga.gov, for ways to stay safe.

• Be Informed: Download the Ready Georgia App to receive important alerts. You’ll find other ways to stay informed, too.

• Make a Plan: Download the Family Emergency Plan.

• Build a Kit: Review the list of recommended items to include in your emergency kit.

• Get Involved: Look over the emergency management contacts and volunteer opportunities.

delivery (direct deposit) and make sure that emergency kits include items such as extra eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchair batteries, oxygen and medication.

Most importantly, don’t forget that decades of knowledge and experience can also help contribute to an individual’s resiliency at coping with adversity, says Levine.

“Many older people have great coping skills, and they might also be able to provide practical and emotional support to the people in their communities,” said Levine. “Look to seniors who may easily be your best support in a disaster — they’re not necessarily a liability. Many are ready and able to help.”

Great Care Begins Here

Asa Yancey Health Center

1247 Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Brookhaven Health Center

2695 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30324

East Point Health Center 1595 W. Cleveland Avenue, East Point, GA 30344

Kirkwood Health Center 1863 Memorial Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30317

North Fulton Health Center

7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30350

Grady Memorial Hospital

80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE, Atlanta, GA 30303

Camp Creek – Coming in early 2018

3896 Princeton Lakes Way, Atlanta, GA 30331

From Sandy Springs, to Kirkwood, to East Point, chances are there’s a Grady Health Center near you. Our network of primary care centers is conveniently located in Fulton and DeKalb counties and of fers expert care for older adults. From routine checkups to chronic illness management, quality care is never far away.

Our centers feature on-site services like imaging, lab, and pharmacy to save you time and money. And when your needs require a higher level of care, our physicians can refer you to an array of specialists at Grady – many nationally recognized as the top in their f ield.

Essential services, expert physicians, and care delivered with kindness - all close to home. Grady is just what the doctor ordered.

Fresh Fall Veggies

Fall is here, even though it might not feel like it, and it’s time to get your garden ready for some delicious autumn and winter vegetables. Some of the most nutritious vegetables are grown when the weather starts to cool down.

You don’t even need a large garden because most of them can be grown in containers.

Before you start planting, make sure to prep your beds for the new vegetables. Clear any debris, roots or leftover fruit from summer. Leftover debris is a safe haven for insects and you definitely don’t want to start out with an insect infestation.

Next, you’ll need to freshen up the soil by adding new garden soil to your containers or beds. In general, most fall vegetables need a lot of nitrogen. Therefore, it’s best to add fertilizer to the soil.

Most leafy green vegetables are planted in the fall. Leafy greens include lettuce, collards, kale and spinach. Other vegetables that grow well in the fall are: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green onions, turnips, carrots, cabbage, cauliflower, beets and radishes.

All of these vegetables can be grown by seed. When the seedlings start to sprout, be sure to thin them out. This is especially important for root crops. For instance, when too many carrots are planted and grow close together, they’ll twist and turn and grow

around each other.

Follow the seed packet information to harvest the veggies at the appropriate times. Lettuce, spinach and kale will continue to grow throughout the season. They’re the vegetables that keep on giving. There’s nothing better than stepping outside to your garden and snipping a few leaves for a fresh salad or sandwich. Happy gardening!

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Sarah E. Brodd is an Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent for UGA Extension in DeKalb County. She enjoys educating the community about horticulture and working with her great group of DeKalb Master Gardeners.

Zero, zip, zilch

No matter how you say it, Humana has Medicare

You can get great benefits, plus the extras you want – all for a $0 monthly plan premium.

• $30 Over-the-counter quarterly medication allowance*

• Doctor’s office visits and hospital coverage

• SilverSneakers Fitness Program

And that’s just for starters.

• Rides to your doctors

• Dental, Hearing and Vision coverage

1-800-552-0776 (TTY: 711)

8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday

¿En español? Llame gratis al 1-855-778-8206

*Available only through Humana’s mail-order pharmacy; always consult with your doctor or medical provider before taking over-thecounter medications.

Humana is a Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, PFFS organization with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in this Humana plan depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premium and member cost share may change on January 1 of each year. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Applicable to Humana Gold Plus ® H4141-015 (HMO).

Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries (“Humana”) do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex.

English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you.

Call 1-800-457-4708 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-800-457-4708 (TTY: 711) 繁體中文 (Chinese): 注意：如果您使用繁體中文，您可以免費獲得語言援 助服務。請致電 1-800-457-4708 (TTY: 711)

Y0040_GHHHXCFTE17a_2 Accepted

Make an appointment today to have your hearing evaluated and meet our newest Atlanta audiologists, Drs. Sara Feigenbaum & Jodi Seligman

Make an appointment today to have your hearing evaluated and meet our newest Dunwoody audiologist, Dr. Sara Feigenbaum.

‘Camino Tom’ Beck Shares his 50 Years of Experience on the Trail

By Gary Goettling

Tom Beck and his fellow Arctic hikers didn’t think twice about cooking a fresh fish dinner out in the open over a campfire — until company arrived.

Rita R. Chaiken, Au.D. Chelsea Kilgore, Au.D. Sara Feigenbaum, Au.D. DoctorsofAudiology

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1991 N. Williamsburg Dr., Suite A100, Decatur, GA 30033

1991 N.

DUNWOODY/SANDY SPRINGS | (770) 450-6676

1713 Mt. Vernon Road, Suite 4, Atlanta, GA 30338

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The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to finding cures for blood cancer patients. The LLS mission: cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.

LLS is proud to launch Myeloma Link: Connecting African American Communities to Information, Expert Care, and Support. Myeloma is a type of blood cancer. African Americans are twice as likely to develop multiple myeloma as White Americans (12.8 per 100,000 people). Additionally, African Americans are significantly less likely to receive the newest treatments and are more likely to experience treatment delays.

To address this health disparity, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) will be hosting provider–led health education programs, open to Myeloma survivors, caregivers and concerned residents.

For more information about local education programs, support groups, resources, and volunteer opportunities, please visit: http://www.lls.org/georgia or call 1-844-955-LINK.

“A huge grizzly bear came into our camp area and raised up on his haunches and just looked at us,” the 72-year-old hiking enthusiast and longtime Sandy Springs resident recalled. Fortunately, “we made a lot of noise, and he turned around and walked off.”

Beck and two companions had been flown from an Alaskan Eskimo village named Bettles to a point about 250 miles into the bush, where they began their trek. Heading northwest through the Atlanata Valley, they hiked for two weeks to a rendezvous with a supply plane bearing kayaks. After six days of paddling along the Noatac River, they were picked up and returned to civilization.

Tom Beck

“It was an awesome trip and a jaw-dropping experience as well,” Beck said. “We had caribou running through our camp, too.”

Over the past five decades, the retired insurance executive figures he’s walked about 8,000 miles, including hikes at “just about every major mountain in the U.S.”

Three years ago, he completed his fourth journey along the Camino de Santiago — The Way of St. James — a 1,200-year-old route followed by early Christians making a pilgrimage to the burial site of the apostle James at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in the coastal town of Galicia, Spain.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Camino de Santiago is the collective name for a number of pathways that all converge at Galicia. Beck favors the 500-mile route starting in St.-Jean-Piedde-Port, France, and continues over the Pyrennes Mountains and across the width of Spain to the coast. This popular route draws about 200,000 hikers and cyclists a year.

“You walk through a lot of tiny and medium-size Spanish towns on a paved surface, but about 70 percent of the trail is through woodlands, eucalyptus groves and vineyards,” said Beck, who first hiked the Camino in 2011, then again in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

“It’s a moderate hike,” he continued. “It’s definitely not strenuous like the Appalachian Trail, but some parts are a little tougher than others.

“If you’re relatively fit and don’t mind getting up in the morning

Rita R. Chaiken, Au.D. Chelsea Kilgore, Au.D. Sara Feigenbaum, Au.D.

and walking 12 or 15 miles a day for 35 days, you can do the Camino,” he added. “I’ve hiked with people in their nineties, and I remember walking with a lady pushing a carriage with her eight-month-old son inside. She was walking the whole trail.”

Hostels along the way provide places to eat, socialize and spend the night.

“After a long day of hiking, it’s great to get to your hostel in the late afternoon and sit and drink beer and wine with interesting people from all over the world,” he said.

Beck started serious hiking more than 50 years ago when he and his best friend and co-worker, David Adams, decided on a whim to walk the 2,190-mile-long Appalachian Trail. They completed all but the final 250 miles.

“I don’t know why I haven’t walked the rest of it,” Beck said, “except that it’s strenuous and I’m getting older, and I no longer feel the need to say I’ve hiked the whole thing.”

Beck teaches a class on international hiking every other month at the REI at Perimeter Mall, where he’s affectionately known as “Camino Tom.” His classes draw anywhere from 25 to 150 experienced and would-be hikers, with more than 1,000 having attended since Beck began the lectures five years ago.

For long-distance hikes like the Camino, Beck recommends

placing 25 pounds of sugar or flour — they’re compact and easy to load — in a backpack and wearing it for a 30-minute walk every day or every other day for a month prior to the hike.

“This helps prepare your back, but otherwise there’s not much else you can do to get ready for walking several miles every day for weeks,” noted Beck, who also works part-time in REI’s shoe department.

Beck stays in hiking shape by walking around his neighborhood and jogging about a mile and a half a day, but he’s not necessarily preparing for another Camino hike.

“I’ve had a little bit of heart problems, and I don’t know if my legs would allow me to do that again, so I don’t know,” he said. “But I’d like to do it again, definitely.”

For more information on the Camino de Santiago, call Camino Tom at 404-680-2325.

tom beck

If you’re relatively fit and don’t mind getting up in the morning and walking 12 or 15 miles a day for 35 days, you can do the Camino

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National Parks Lifetime

Senior Pass Rate Hike

At the end of August 2017, the price of the National Parks lifetime Senior Pass increased from $10 to $80. At the same time, a new annual Senior Pass has been made available at $20, which remains valid for one year after the date of purchase.

The America the Beautiful — National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Senior Pass is for U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62 years or older. This is the first price increase since 1994. Previously purchased lifetime Golden Age or Senior Passes will be honored for the lifetime of the pass holder.

Senior Pass holders are given lifetime access to more than 2,000 sites

and parks. The fee increase will support critical investments in maintenance projects and national parks and federal recreational lands nationwide.

The Senior Pass can be purchased at:

• Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, 1978 Island Ford Pkwy., Sandy Springs 30350

• Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, 450 Auburn Ave., Atlanta 30312,

• The Army Corps of Engineers, 1138 GA Hwy. Spur 20, Cartersville 30121.

The Senior Pass can be used at sites managed by the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. The pass covers all entrance fees and may provide senior discounts for things such as campsites. It also waives the entrance fee for up to three traveling adult companions at per-person fee locations.

For more info, visit the National Park Service website, nps.gov/ findapark/passes.htm.

2484 Briarcliff Road, NE, Atlanta, GA 30329 404-400-7132

What Will Thrive Mean To You?

If your family is struggling to care for a loved one with memory impairment, Thrive will mean relief.

It will mean you can sleep knowing your loved one is being cared for every hour of every day by experienced and trained professionals who know what to do.

The Care Team works to know the life story of each resident so they connect in special ways. They become trusted friends who guide and provide comfort in times of confusion.

Schedule an appointment now to discover the meaningful ways we can help you.

For more information and to schedule your personal tour, please call (470) 250-0808 or email hello@thriveateastcobb.com.

200 Village Parkway NE

Marietta, GA 30067

ThriveAtEastCobb.com

Five Roadside Wonders in North and Central Georgia

By Joe Earle

Georgia offers an array of amazing attractions. Our state provides the natural beauty of beaches and mountains, waterfalls and canyons. But the wonders don’t stop there. Georgia serves up its share of manmade marvels, too.

Here are a few favorites among the strange sights that stand along north Georgia roads. Some express their makers’ deepest feelings. Others seem to have been conjured simply to amuse casual passersby. Whatever their reason, they’re out there.

The Georgia Guidestones

The Guidestones, sometimes described as an “American Stonehenge,” appeared in this out-of-theway hilltop in Elbert County in the 1970s. It stands nearly 20 feet tall, works as an observatory, and is inscribed with advice to the people of Earth in eight modern languages (Arabic, Chinese, English, Hebrew, Hindi, Russian, Spanish and Swahili) and several ancient languages (including Sanskrit and Babylonian).

A local granite company built the monument, supposedly to the specifications of a mysterious visitor who called himself “R.C. Christian.” The Guidestones — which have been praised by some and attacked as demonic by others — now are so well known that they have their own Wikipedia page.

Where it is: Guidestone Road, N.W., Dewy Rose 30634

How to get there: Take I-85 North to Ga. 51 East (Exit 160). Take Ga. 51 to Ga. 145. Continue on U.S. 29 North. Turn right on Clay Brown Road, which becomes Bio Church Road. Turn right onto Ga. 77 South (Elberton Highway). Turn left onto Guidestone Road.

Paradise Garden

Folk artist Howard Finster created visions of paradise at his north Georgia home. Finster started work on his garden in 1961, according to the Paradise Garden Foundation website, and there, in 1976, he had a vision that he should paint and produce sacred art. He created more than 46,000 works (he numbered them) before his death in 2001. His garden, a labyrinth of paths and structures he made from recycled objects such as bicycle parts or tools, now is operated by the foundation and is open for visits Tuesdays

through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. There is an entrance fee: $10 for seniors, $15 for adults and $5 for students, according the website, paradisegardenfoundation.org.

Where it is: 200 N. Lewis Street, Summerville 30747

How to get there: Take I-75 North to Ga. 140 (Exit 306). Take Ga. 140 West to Ga. 1/U.S. 27 (the Martha Berry Highway). Turn right and take Ga. 1/U.S. 27 through Summerville. Turn right on Rena Street. Take the third right onto North Lewis Street.

Pasaquan

Eddie Owens Martin, sometimes known as “St. Eom,” transformed his home in the little west Georgia town of Buena Vista into a place like no other in the world, perhaps like no other in this galaxy. With concrete and bright paint, Martin added walls and outbuildings, sculptures of giant heads, painted mandalas and portraits of folks who could fly. RoadsideAmerica.com describes Pasaquan as “equal parts mysticism, geometry and snake handling.” It now is owned by Columbus State University and is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, except for federal holidays and the months of July and December. It’s open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contributions of $5 for seniors, $10 for adults and $3 for students are recommended. More at pasaquan.columbusstate.edu.

Where it is: 238 Eddie Martin Road, Buena Vista 31808

How to get there: Take I-85 South to I-185. Take I-185 to U.S. 280. Take U.S. 280 East to Ga. 26. Take Ga. 26 into the town of Buena Vista. From the Buena Vista town square, drive north 1.4 miles on Ga. 41, then turn left onto Ga. 137. Go west 4.4 miles on Ga. 137 and take a right onto Eddie Martin Road, then 0.4 miles north to 238 Eddie Martin Road.

The Iron Horse

This metal sculpture of a horse stands tall (10-plus feet) in a field in central Georgia like some giant abstract scarecrow. It surveys the landscape, its hindquarters turned toward Athens, home of the University of Georgia, where it was made and shunned.

University officials briefly displayed the sculpture on campus in 1954, but students, apparently not ready to accept abstract art, defaced it with spray paint and balloons, and tried to set it on fire. University officials quietly removed the horse and kept it in a secret

hideaway. Five years later, it appeared on this farm north of Greensboro, where, head held high, it has stood since.

Where it is: On Ga. 15, Watkinsville 30677, north of Greensboro

How to get there:

Take I-20 East to Ga. 44 (Exit 130). Go north on Ga. 44 into Greensboro. Take Ga.

15 North toward Watkinsville; after you cross the Oconee River, look for the statue in a field on the right side of the road. The statue stands on private property, but usually can be seen clearly from the road.

Pig Hill of Fame

This hillside display of affection for little wooden piggies got its start in the 1980s when barbecue restaurant owner Oscar Poole decided he needed to draw attention to his roadside eatery. Poole put up signs shaped like pigs, and soon customers were paying $5 apiece to have their names painted on a wooden pig and added to the porcine display. There now are hundreds of colorful pigs staked on the hill behind the restaurant. Poole’s place has become something of a draw in Republican Party circles — the names of a number of prominent Republican officeholders appear on pigs – and claims visits from celebrities ranging from radio and TV personalities to Miss America.

Where it is: 164 Craig St., East Ellijay 30540

How to get there: Take I-75 North to I-175/Ga. 5 North. Continue on Ga. 515 East to East Ellijay. Turn right on Cross Street and then right on Craig Street.

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Bye-Bye, Big Ships: Four Favorite Small Ship Spots

By JoAnn Bell

Have you ever seen a Blue-footed Booby up close or docked in a port where turquoise water meets medieval relics? If you answered, “Not yet,” consider setting sail by small ship, one of my favorite ways to travel in North America and far beyond.

What’s so great about nimble ships? In a word: Access. Whether you’re exploring on a mega-yacht or aboard a small expedition vessel, you can close-cruise scenic coastlines and dock in off-the-beaten-path ports where the big ships can’t fit. Here are some favorite spots to reach by small ship.

Trogir, Croatia

Gorgeous is really the best way to describe Trogir, a small town on the Adriatic coast of Croatia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trogir is tucked inside medieval walls on a tiny island surrounded by crystalline blue water and steeped in rich history dating back thousands of years. This gem was once known as the ancient town of Tragurion (island of goats) and was founded by Greek colonists in the third century B.C.

On a small vessel, you can dock right in town, far from the big ports jammed with ocean liners. Walk along the breathtaking waterfront to sites where history comes alive. Narrow marble streets lead to well-preserved Romanesque churches, and Renaissance and Baroque buildings provide a glimpse into Trogir’s Venetian past.

Does this seem familiar? Trogir has been the backdrop for plenty of movies and TV shows, including the popular Game of Thrones.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

Hop in your time machine and drift back to the Victorian era on Mackinac Island (pronounced Mack-i-naw). This tiny treasure sitting in Michigan’s Lake Huron is unique not only because of what it offers, but more notably because of what you won’t find. Motor vehicles were banned in 1898, lending the 3.8-square-mile island a special charm that you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.

The entire island is listed as a National Historic Landmark, and the best way to get there is, of course, by small ship. Once you’ve docked in port, the best way to get around Mackinac is by horse-drawn carriage, by bicycle or on foot.

The island boasts rich Native American heritage, and its prime

#1 | Torgir, Croatia

#2 | Mackinac Island

spot in the straits between Lake Michigan and Lake Huron once made it a prized port in the North American fur trade.

Take my word for it: If you decide to go, allow yourself to indulge in the fudge you smell wafting from those charming shops. Totally worth it.

The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

There’s no other place on earth like the Galápagos Islands. An archipelago of 19 islands and islets off Ecuador’s coast, the Galápagos are a living museum showcasing the world’s extraordinary biodiversity. No wonder this natural reserve inspired Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution.

There are bountiful learning opportunities. You’ll find rare and captivating landscapes like black volcanic rocks and white sand beaches. And the locals are quite memorable, to say the least.

The Galápagos Islands are home to rare creatures, many found nowhere else in the world. You’ll find the Blue-footed Booby, which uses those blue feet to protect its chicks, plus rare giant sea turtles, the incredibly longlived but endangered Galápagos Tortoise and enormous marine iguanas, which live only on the Galápagos Islands.

You’ll never see an ocean liner here. Human impact is kept at a minimum, making smaller vessels the only way to explore this natural wonderland.

The Alaskan Wilderness

Sure, the big ships can bring you to Alaska’s largest ports,

like Juneau and Skagway, but nimble small ships can anchor in remote wilderness and voyage farther into off-the-beatenpath landscapes.

On an agile, small vessel, you can venture deep into areas like awe-inspiring Tracy Arm Fjord, where icy waters are dotted with glistening glaciers and surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Sail down this narrow inlet for 30 miles through some of the world’s most dramatically scenic landscapes.

This kind of up-closeand-personal experience is not possible on a big ship, and it also affords plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Inhabitants you might meet include whales and sea lions,

seals, bears, wolves, mountain goats and more. Don’t forget to look up for a chance to spot bald eagles soaring above.

Road Scholar is the nation’s largest educational travel organization for adults – a true university of the world. This not-for-profit educational organization offers 5,500 extraordinary learning adventures in 150 countries and 50 states. Road Scholars are immersed in a variety of educational activities, enlisting renowned faculty and experts who offer insider access not available to most individuals. Dedicated to making educational travel available to everyone, Road Scholar offers financial aid for those who otherwise could not participate in its programs.

Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for adults since 1975.

#3 | The Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Photos courtesy of Road Scholar

#4 | The Alaskan Wilderness

Latin Flavors Spice Up Sandwiches

By Isadora Pennington

It’s hard to beat a sandwich. The act of putting meats, veggies and other tasty goodies between bread is a tried and true American favorite. So how does one kick it up a notch? The answer is simple: turn your attention south of the border and add some Latin flair to your sandwich combinations.

One of the better-known Latin sandwiches is the Cuban Sandwich, a dish that’s commonly made with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and sometimes salami on Cuban bread. These sandwiches are typically pressed in a grill called a plancha, which is similar to a panini press but lacks the grooves.

Luckily for all of us, Atlanta is a diverse and flourishing melting pot, with a variety of tasty interpretations of Latin sandwiches. You can find these delectable eats in every corner of the city and to suit virtually any taste.

El Super Pan ►

Cubano Mixto: Cuban bread with Cuban roasted pork, ham, salami, pickles, yellow mustard, Swiss cheese — $13 675 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta 30308 404-600-2465, elsuperpan.com

Mojito’s Cuban American Bistro

Elena Ruth: roast turkey, cream cheese, strawberry preserves on toasted sweet bread — $9 35 S. Peachtree St., Norcross 30071

770-441-2599, mojitosbistro.squarespace.com

Mambo’s Cafe

Turkey Cuban Club: turkey, ham, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickles, mustard, mayo on Cuban bread — $9.95

4915 Windward Pkwy. #130, Alpharetta 30004 770-753-4354, mambos-cafe.com

Arepa Mia

Sifrina: shredded chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado, guayanes cheese, Thai chili, fried sweet plantains — $9

N. Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates 30002 404-600-3509, arepamiaatlanta.com

Havana Sandwich Shop

Milanesa: breaded fried chicken, lettuce, tomato, cheese, potato sticks — $8.25 2905 Buford Hwy., Atlanta 30329

404-636-4094, havanaatlanta.com

ALL PHOTOS BY ISADORA PENNINGTON

Benson Manor is a 76-unit affordable senior housing community designed with stone and sturdy wood-like siding. Each apartment is approximately 540 square feet. Benson Manor is conveniently located close to shopping, churches, medical facilities, and a major bus route.

Residents must be 62 years of age or older. Some units have special features for mobility and sensory impaired persons. Income limitations are determined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Residents pay 30 percent of their adjusted income for rent. Gross income must not exceed $24,400.00 for one person and $27,900.00 for two persons.

LottaFrutta

Just Veggin’: creamy Havarti grilled panini-style in a sweet Latin loaf stuffed with fresh avocado, tomato, cucumbers, sprouts — $6.25 590 Auburn Ave., Atlanta 30312 404-588-0857, lottafrutta.com

Mezcalito’s Cantina Mexican Restaurant

Veggie Cuban: roasted pepper, zucchini, tomatoes, chipotle slaw, cheese — $8

653 East Lake Dr., Decatur 30030 404-687-0007, mezcalitoscantina.com

Pressed Panini Bar

Spicy Cubano: ham, mojo pork, Swiss cheese, mustard, pickle-jalapeno relish on a French hoagie — $6.99

30 S. Park Square, Marietta 30060 770-485-3759, pressedpaninibar.com

Tortugas Cuban Grill

Pan Con Bistec: palomilla steak with sautéed onions, lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese, mayo, potato sticks on freshly baked Cuban bread — $7.25

3466 Holcomb Bridge Rd., Ste. AA, Peachtree Corners 30092 470-275-5599, tortugascubangrill.com

Papi’s Cuban & Caribbean Grill

Jerk Sandwich: chicken breast, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, lettuce, onions, tomatoes on Cuban bread — $7.25

216 Ponce De Leon Ave., Atlanta 30308

404-607-1525, papisgrill.com

Pet Pick

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If anyone is looking for a fun-loving guy who’s great with children and other pets, Benz may be just the one! This gentle giant came to the Atlanta Humane Society back in March and has been looking for just the right home to call his own.

His big brown eyes will melt your heart as soon as you meet, and at 6 years old, he’s grown out of all that puppy mischief. Benz will walk right alongside you on leash and cuddle up with you once you’re inside. He’s a goofy guy and is sure to keep you smiling all day.

If you think Mr. Benz would make a great addition to your family, you can meet him at the Howell Mill Campus located at 981 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta 30318. Visit atlantahumane.org for more info.

Pet Food Provided Through Meals on Wheels Program

“Meals on Wheels Loves Pets” is a grant program from Meals on Wheels America aimed to help ease the cost of pet ownership and keep pets and seniors together. Senior Services North Fulton, a nonprofit that supports older adults in the north Fulton area, has received a $2,500 grant from Meals on Wheels America to help expand the program.

Volunteers meet the first Friday of every month at the Senior Services North Fulton office in Alpharetta to sort 30 days’ worth of pet food and deliver it to their clients. According to Michelle Williams, Volunteer Program Manager for Senior Services North Fulton, the program began in 2013.

“We currently deliver food to 74 pets. We have cats, dogs, two turtles and a gecko,” she said. “These pets are the only family some of our clients have. Without the support of this program many of these animals would end up in local shelters.”

To donate or learn more information on the Meals on Wheels Loves Pets program, or other programs offered through Senior Services North Fulton, visit ssnorthfulton.org or call 770-993-1906.

Fitbit for Fido

Wearable tech for pets is hot new

By Dan Popovic

Humans have fallen in love with wearable technology, like the ubiquitous Fitbit, to help them track their health. Now that craze has come to the world of pets.

One of the very first was Whistle, which not only acts as a GPS system in case your dog gets loose, but it can also track your dog’s activity and rest levels. There are some similar tracker/monitors like FitBark and PetPace on the market now, too.

The latest creation is Vetrax, which is being built in Atlanta. Vetrax goes beyond basic activity tracking to monitor specific pet behaviors that can impact medical treatment for dogs. The system monitors shaking, scratching, running, walking, resting, sleeping and sleep quality. It can detect health challenges, like arthritis and dermatology issues, before the onset of clinical signs.

The device can also evaluate weight management and nutritional programs and review the activity of dogs recovering from surgery.

Pet related e-commerce is a rapidly growing industry: fom Chewy. com recently being acquired by PetSmart as the largest e-commerce acquisition in US history, to subscription startups targeting niche pet retail; hardware startups providing food, training, toy, waste management, and tracking solutions; and mobile app and/or softwarebased platforms that connect pet owners with pet service providers.

►Out & about The Arts

Two “Prologue to the Book Festival of the MJCCA” Events

Sunday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. Carol Leifer & Tuesday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. Nelson DeMille. Comedian and author Carol Leifer’s one-woman comedy show touches on aging, love, parenthood, family and the world of Jewish humor; tickets are $20-$25. Nelson DeMille, the New York Times best-selling author of “Plum Island” and “Night Fall,” presents his new novel, “The Cuban Affair”; tickets range $10-$15. Book signings follow each event. For information and to purchase tickets, call the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta box office at 678-812-4005 or visit atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.

Text Me: How We Live in Language

Runs Sept. 17 — Feb. 4, 2018. This exhibit showcases the many ways in which text influences art, design, literature, music and all forms of visual communication in culture today, from social media to fine art. Curated by Debbie Millman, designer, writer and host of the Design Matters podcast. Tickets are: adults, $10; seniors, military & educators, $8; children 6-17 & college students, $5; and free for children under 5. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), 1315 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30309. Learn more at

museumofdesign.org or by calling 404-979-6455.

Michael Carbonaro Live!

Friday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m.

See Michael Carbonaro, star of truTV’s “The Carbonaro Effect,” perform his improbable feats of magic on the Fox Theatre’s stage. Tickets range $39.50 to $150, plus applicable fees. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30308. Find out about the show at MichaelCarbonaro. com; for tickets, go to FoxTheatre.org or call 855-285-8499.

Within: Looking Beyond the Surface

Runs Sept. 23 — Dec. 17. The art exhibition is offered by awardwinning artist Martin Pate, who says “The models I use are people that I know. Often, I use their personality as a starting point for a painting’s theme.” Marietta/ Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta St., Marietta 30060. Learn more at mariettacobbartmuseum.org.

Atlanta Black Theatre Festival

Wednesday, Oct. 4 –Saturday, Oct.

7. Forty plays in four days, all presented under one roof. Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a world-class platform for playwrights and artists from all over the world. Everyone who enjoys theatre and performances is welcome. Porter Sanford III

Performing Arts & Community

Mountain Faith Band

Friday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m. Mountain Faith is a rising BluegrassGospel family band from Sylva, N.C. that performs a unique brand of Americana/ Roots music. Tickets are $25 to $30. Sylvia Beard Theatre, Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Hwy., Buford 30518. Go to bufordcommunitycenter.com for details.

Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr., Decatur 30034. Check out atlantabtf.org for festival schedule and tickets.

Community

Pop-In for Pop Culture

Tuesday, Sept. 12, 4-8 p.m. On the second Tuesday evening of every month, the galleries open for an evening of reminiscing about the music, food, games, etc. of the 1950s and 60s. September’s theme is Alaska; on Oct. 10, it’s Monster Mash. Activities and food tastings are free, $5 per person admission. Marietta Museum of History, 1 Depot St., Ste. 200, Marietta 30060. Call 770-794-5710 or visit mariettahistory.org for more.

Alzheimer’s Association

Greater Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer’s®

Saturday, Sept. 16, registration at 8 a.m., ceremony at 9 a.m., walk begins at 9:30 a.m. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. A ceremony will be held in honor of those battling Alzheimer’s. Kennesaw State University

Sports & Entertainment Park, 3200 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw 30144. Go to georgiawalk.org to join a team or register to walk. To find out about the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org.

Health & Wellness

Know Your Heart

Ongoing. WellStar North Fulton Hospital’s Know Your Heart program offers screenings to assess your risk for heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions. Patients can get basic or advanced screenings. The Basic Risk Assessment cost is $49, and the Advanced Risk Assessment runs $139. Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, 3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell 30076. To determine eligibility and set up an appointment, call 770-7567827. Learn more at wellstar.org.

Mat & Chair Yoga

Classes begin this fall. HYer Dynamic Health Discoveries (HY-DY, Inc.) guides you to better health through yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. Register for fall classes by calling 678-565-8800. Visit hydyinc.org to find out more.

Learn Something

Social Security 101

Thursday, Sept. 21, 10-10:30

a.m. Find out how early retirement affects your benefits and whether you qualify for disability, survivor and spouse benefits. Presented by Alicia Lipscomb with the Social Security Administration. Free, registration required. East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta 30066. Call 770509-4900 for details or click on cobbcounty.org.

How to Save Money on Utility Bills

Tuesday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Get info on easy and inexpensive ways to save money on your monthly gas and electric bills, with Trey Cason from Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy organization. Free, registration required. Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs St., Ste. 100, Marietta 30064. Call 770-528-5355 or visit cobbcounty.org for more.

Friday, Sept. 29

— Sunday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Professional artist and host of the “Splash of Color” TV series Robert Hagan offers an intensive three-day workshop for oil painting. This is an excellent way for a busy adult to learn oil painting in a limited span of time. Johns Creek Art Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Bldg. 700, Johns Creek 30097. Call 770-623-8448 or visit johnscreekarts.org for details or to register.

Robert Hagan Oil Painting Workshop

►Out & about

FESTIVALS

Yellow Daisy Festival

Thursday, Sept. 7 — Sunday, Sept. 10, opens 10 a.m. each day. More than 400 artists and crafters display and offer their works for sale. There’s live entertainment, festival foods and craft demonstrations. Admission is free; parking costs $15. Stone Mountain Park, Hwy. 78 East, Stone Mountain 30086. Go to stonemountainpark.com and click on Festivals & Events for more info.

East Cobber Parade & Festival

Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The 1-mile parade begins 10 a.m. in the Mount Bethel Elementary School parking lot and travels south on Johnson Ferry Road. The festival begins immediately after the parade and features arts and crafts, food, carnival games and entertainment. Free admission. Festival held in the south parking lot of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta 30068. Go to eastcobber.com/ parade to learn more.

Taste of Smyrna— Festival of Delectable

Saturday, Sept. 16, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Food, fun and music all day long. Acoustic music by Scott Thompson from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a live evening concert by a local artist. Bottled water and soft drink sales benefit the Smyrna Education Foundation. Free admission; samples available for $1 to $4 each. Village Green, 200 Village Green Circle, Smyrna 30080. More at smyrnacity.com, click on the event calendar.

Roswell Arts Festival

Saturday, Sept. 16 & Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 51st annual festival supports the City of Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural

Affairs Dept. Beautiful arts will be on display, live entertainment will be performed and food trucks will be onsite. Historic Roswell Town Square, 610 Atlanta St., Roswell 30075. Get details and more at roswellartsfestival.com.

Sandy Springs Festival

Marietta Street Fest

Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., & Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Toy Box Trot 1-mile Fun Run set for Saturday at 8:30 a.m. Fest includes Artist Alley & Jewelry Row, GrassRoots Music Festival, Hubcaps & History Classic Car Show and more. Free admission. Marietta Square, 4 Depot St., Marietta 30060. Find details at mariettastreetfest.com.

Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This fundraiser for Heritage Sandy Springs runs for two days and includes art, gourmet and festival food, live music and a pet parade. There’s also a Chalk Walk art competition, 10K and 5K races and cultural performances. Admission is free! Heritage Green, 6075 Sandy Springs Circle, Sandy Springs 30328. Get further details at heritagesandysprings.org.

Fall Folklife Festival

contributions of Gwinnett County’s diverse communities. A broad range of performers share their cultural heritage through music, song and dance. Lillian Webb Park, 5 College St., Norcross 30071. Visit aplacetoimagine.com and go to the Events page for more info.

Atlanta Greek Festival

Japanfest 2017

Saturday, Sept. 16, 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. & Sunday, Sept. 17, 10 a.m.5 p.m. Designed to promote understanding between Japanese and Americans in the Southeast, Japanfest features vendors as well as music and dance performances. General admission is $10, children 6 and younger are free. Infinite Energy Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy., Duluth 30097. Performance times and more at japanfest.org.

Saturday, Sept. 23, 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A celebration of all things Southern, the festival features Southern crafts, food, beverages, music and folk artists. Tickets are: adults, $21.50; seniors & students, $18; youth, $9; members, free. Atlanta History Center’s Smith Family Farm, 130 W. Paces Ferry Rd., Atlanta 30305. More at atlantahistorycenter. com; click on Programs, then Family Programs.

Gateway International Food & Music Festival

Saturday, Sept. 23, 4-8 p.m. The festival showcases the region’s best multicultural talent and highlights the rich cultural

Friday, Sept. 29 & Sunday, Oct. 1. Food drive-through begins Thursday, Sept. 28; festival starts Friday, 5 p.m. Once again, the Atlanta Greek community opens its doors, its arms and its kitchens to the city. There’s continuous entertainment, cooking demonstrations and Greek dancing with audience participation. Admission is $5 for adults, free for children 12 and under. Free parking and shuttle buses from Century Center Office Park. Hosted by the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation, 2500 Clairmont Rd., Atlanta 30329. For details, visit atlantagreekfestival.org.

Scarecrow Harvest

Saturday, Sept. 30, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The streets of downtown Alpharetta will be lined with

more than 100 scarecrows, all celebrating the spirit of autumn. Entertainment includes country music, hay rides, storytelling and historical demonstrations. Festival food and drink will be available. Milton Avenue, Alpharetta 30009. Go to awesomealpharetta.com/events for more info.

Lilburn Beer & Wine Fest

Saturday, Sept. 30, 1-5 p.m. Over 100 beers and ciders will be featured, as well as more than 25 wines, ranging from sparkling and whites to roses and reds. This event is for people 21 and older only; no kids, no babies and no pets allowed. Tickets are $35 until Sept. 21, $40 after Sept. 21 and $50 on the day of the fest. Lilburn City Park’s Gartrell Nash Pavilion, 76 Main St., Lilburn 30047. Go to lilburnbeerfest.com for more info and to purchase tickets.

Duluth Fall Festival

Saturday, Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-10 p.m. & Sunday, Oct. 1, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Duluth is the place to be at the end of September. Celebrations kick off a week earlier with a concert on Sept. 23 featuring Departure, a Journey tribute band. On the last weekend of the month, the festival brings events that include a parade, race, carnival, food and ongoing entertainment. On Sunday, the Donut Dash 5K race starts at 8 a.m. and Worship on the Green begins at 10 a.m. Admission is free. 3142 Hill St., Duluth 30096. Duluthfallfestival.org offers details.

Candler Park Fall Festival

Saturday, Sept. 30, 12-10 p.m. & Sunday, Oct. 1, 12-9 p.m. Everything you love about

RESOURCES directory

festivals — food, music, rides, arts and crafts, races, home tours — is here. The Fall Fest 5K and Fun Run is Saturday at 9 a.m. The Tour of Homes is set for Sunday, 12-6 p.m.; tour tickets run $20 in advance, $25 on the day of the tour. Festival is at Candler Park and McLendon Ave. More info at Fallfest.candlerpark.org.

Wire & Wood Alpharetta Songwriters Festival

Friday, Oct. 6, 6-10 p.m. & Saturday, Oct. 7, 7-10 p.m. Music flows along the streets of Alpharetta as well-known musical artists perform their songs and talk about the stories behind the melodies. Selected as a Top 20 Events in October 2015 by the Southeast Tourism Society. Admission is free on Friday; tickets for Saturday are $40 in advance, $45 at the gate. Downtown Alpharetta, 30009. Tickets and more info at wireandwoodalpharetta.com.

AVAILABLE FROM EYE CONSULTANTS OF ATLANTA

Diagnosis and management of hearing loss and tinnitus

3225 Cumberland Blvd SE, Suite 900 Atlanta, GA 30339

“Erin was wonderful and spent as much time as I needed. She explained everything to me and really cared about my situation.” - patient quote

“She answers all questions; seems to understand concerns and is thoughtful. Somehow she makes getting a hearing aid less traumatic! She never made me feel “less than” because I am experiencing some hearing loss.” - patient quote

About Dr. Rellinger

Dr. Rellinger knows the importance of hearing healthcare based on her own personal experience. Having a mother with hearing loss, she knew from a very early age that she wanted to work with families just like her own. She has been working in the hearing industry, delivering personalized hearing care, since 1999.

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Erin Rellinger, Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA Audiologist