Atlanta Senior Life - October 2016

Senior Life Atlanta

MAKING A DIFFERENCE legendary volunteer

TECH SAVVY

seniors learn to get comfortable with the latest technology

By Kathy Dean Contributing Editor kathydean@atlantaseniorlife.com

Computers, tablets and smartphones add comfort and convenience to people’s lives every day. With a few swipes or taps, anything from pizza to prescription refills can be ordered, and everything from car services to doctor appointments can be scheduled. Online shopping means that no one lives too far from a store to get what they need, whether it’s groceries, clothes or a car.

There are weather apps that provide alerts to dangerous conditions and calendar apps that send out reminders for birthdays and appointments. Handheld devices keep shopping lists handy, list out TV programs and even help with crossword puzzle clues.

Most importantly, everyone can keep in touch with family and friends through texting and social media sites, and that seems to be the most important benefit that technology offers to many older adults. In fact, Facebook’s 2014 demographics report showed that the number of adult users over the age of 55 had increased during the previous three-year period by more than 80 percent.

Sandy Myers gets help with her iPhone from Pam Koch, a volunteer with Bluehair Technology, during a class held recently at Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandy Springs.

community publications!

Publisher’s Note

editions rolled off the press in January 2007 Springs and Buckhead (both share borders, ZIP codes.) Today, our five “hyperlocal” combined circulation of nearly 100,000—reach area’s most diverse and dynamic communities.

Did you know that 10,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65 every day? I didn’t realize that so many members of the “Woodstock generation” are signing up for Medicare and Social Security already!

With that in mind, we are pleased to introduce Atlanta Senior Life, from Springs Publishing LLC, parent company of Reporter Newspapers and Atlanta INtown.

This new monthly publication’s target audience is the flourishing 65+ active senior population, which is the metro area’s fastestgrowing age group according to the Atlanta Regional Commission.

our mission has been to provide readers with information about their communities. Our are at the core of everything we do. More than use our papers to promote their products and who care deeply about local matters and readvertising in each issue.

A volunteer ‘legend’

Steve Levene Founder & Publisher Springs Publishing LLC

Steve Levene Founder & Publisher Springs Publishing LLC

growing, too, with an average of 90,000 website visitors thousands of email subscribers who receive daily news from

Atlanta’s senior population is a large and diverse market, filled with active adults who have the means and motivation to enjoy their lives. Atlanta Senior Life will provide its readers with fresh, timely and engaging locallyfocused information. The initial circulation of 20,000 copies will be distributed to selected locations where active seniors live, work, volunteer and play in the north metro areas of Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton and Gwinnett counties.

Thanks for reading this inaugural issue of Atlanta Senior Life; you can also find the digital edition online at atlantaseniorlife. com. I welcome your feedback; please email me at publisher@ reporternewspapers.net.

local media choices, I hope you include our publications in discover the power of Reporter Newspapers and Atlanta Intown. interest!

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

CONTACT US

Editorial Kathy Dean

Contributing Editor kathydean@atlantaseniorlife.com

Contributors

James Beaman, Joe Earle, Collin Kelley, Phil Mosier, Harry J. Pinkney Jr.

Advertising

Forinformationcall

(404)917-2200ext130.

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Jim Speakman, Jan Tassitano Circulation/

917-2200, ext. 110.

6065 Roswell Road, Suite 225 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Phone: (404) 917-2200

Fax: (404) 917-2201

Steve Levene Founder & Publisher stevelevene@reporternewspapers.net

(404) 917-2200, ext. 111

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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.

Tom Umstead is the type of person who can turn a newspaper’s photo op into an opportunity for charitable giving. That’s exactly what he did one recent morning.

Umstead visited the Ronald McDonald House near Scottish Rite to have his portrait made to run with this article. He appeared with his car’s trunk full of food, flowers and baby-care items he’d collected for the charity.

Umstead, or “Mr. Tom” to those that know him, isn’t your typical part-time community volunteer. At age 82, he gives his time to several local charities and says he’s involved in one volunteer job or another seven days a week.

“I’m living an unbelievable life,” said Umstead. “Over the years I’ve built so many great relationships.”

great bonds with staff and other volunteers.

“What’s so incredible is that he came up with it himself,” Greider added. “Mr. Tom doesn’t look for appreciation. He does it because he finds gratification.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities builds facilities that house families with children who are receiving medical care.

A DifferenceMaking

Umstead says the Ronald McDonald Houses are special to him. “I love children,” he said. “I get so much more out of them than they can get out of me. They don’t expect anything. They just want you to play with them.”

The Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Complex in Sandy Springs reports he logged more than 5,000 hours of volunteer time from 2010 to 2015 at their facility alone. “He’s a volunteer legend,” Benson employee Bane Stojanovic said.

Umstead now volunteers at the Benson Center at least three days a week, at Scottish Rite children’s hospital and the Ronald McDonald Houses on other days, and still finds time to deliver donated food to missions and soup kitchens.

“He’s amazing,” said Marissa Greider, director of development at the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities. “Out of all our volunteers, he is the most regular and frequent. He has developed

About 15 years ago, Umstead started collecting extra food from a Publix grocery store and delivering it to the Ronald McDonald Houses. At first he was just gathering the day-old bread, rolls, doughnuts and muffins that would have been thrown away. Then, the store started giving him more and more food and eventually flowers. Not long after that, Costco, Kroger and Trader Joe’s joined in, providing Umstead with enough goods to deliver donations seven days a week.

Around the same time, Umstead and his wife, Lucrecia, began spending time with children at the Ronald McDonald Houses. She would read to the kids while Umstead would play with them. “I do arts and crafts. I play. Unfortunately I’m not good at the Nintendo Wii games,” Umstead said. “I tell them I’m trying.” ■

- James Beaman

PHOTO BY JAMES BEAMAN

At Ronald McDonald House, Evan Blankenship, 7, plays on a donated teddy bear that volunteer Tom Umstead secured from Costco.

In April of 2016, researchers at Penn State released findings that the upward trend has continued. In 2013, 27 percent of adults aged 65 and older were members of a social media site, like Facebook or LinkedIn. The number has jumped to 35 percent this year.

Despite the many wonderful things that technology and the Internet offer, there are older adults who find it intimidating to jump online and begin surfing the net. There are plenty of helpful opportunities in the north Atlanta region, however.

Computer classes are provided at libraries in Fulton, Cobb, Gwinnett and DeKalb counties. For example, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library’s Kirkwood Branch has a Drop-In Computer Lab that’s available during normal operating hours. Some Cobb County libraries offer an ongoing series that goes through the basics of using a computer, getting online and using email.

Several area library systems offer Book-A-Librarian. Residents can make an appointment for a one-on-one, 30-minute customized session at no charge. According to the Cobb County Public Library, “Available topics include…database assistance, library catalog and account instruction, downloadable media and device assistance and 3D printing.” The service is open to all library patrons.

An Atlanta area organization, Bluehair Technology Group, is a 501c3 non-profit that specializes in connecting seniors with the digital world around them.

Jane Ratliff, Founder and Executive Director of Bluehair Technology, helps seniors learn to enjoy their tablets, smartphones and computers. “All our students are bright and capable, and they can all learn; they just need to have the motivation,” she said. “It’s important to find out what’s important to them. Once they see the value in learning the technology, and once they understand what it can do for them, they’re very receptive.”

According to Ratliff, many seniors want to learn to use their devices to send and receive text messages, as well as to take

TECH SAVVY

seniors learn to get comfortable with the latest technology

and save photos. Others are interested in using email and Facebook, in addition to Facetime or Skype, to stay in touch with their families, especially their young grandchildren.

That’s not all, of course. “They’re really open to any services that can make their lives easier, like a GPS to help them navigate on the road, or the Internet to search for information, check bank statements and enjoy the convenience of online shopping,” she explained.

Ratliff said that she was inspired to start the organization in 2011, when helping her mother learn how to use her new iPad. The tablet was a birthday gift from Jane’s brother. He’d hoped their mother would use the iPad to keep in touch with family members all around the country, but it was going to take basic, step-by-step instruction for her to become comfortable with it since she’d had no previous computer experience.

Ratliff’s patience and persistence paid off. She reported that, five years later, her mother, now 91, uses her iPad every day. “She stays connected with her family and friends through Facebook and regularly checks her bank statement. She also plays Words with Friends with five people, including me.”

That’s not the end of the story, by any means. Through her mother’s experience, Ratliff realized that, these days, everyone needs technological skills. She founded Bluehair Technology to fulfill that purpose, specifically focusing on the senior population. It was formed as a non-profit so it could serve a wide range of seniors, through grants, sponsorships and other forms of funding.

“People won’t be able to function in the future unless they can use the latest technology,” she said. “Americans of every age and income level need to have basic technological skills in today’s society, and it will only become more true in the future.”

Karen Keeter, Instructor and Social Media Associate with Bluehair Technology, said that it can be challenging to

“Americans of every age and income level need to have basic technological skills in today’s society, and it will only become more true in the future.”

- Jane Ratliff of Bluehair Technology

PHIL MOSIER

Carole Maso scrolls through the ring tone options on her iPhone.

teach a class where there are wide differences in the levels of knowledge between students. She makes sure everyone stays focused so they stay on track and cover the entire curriculum.

After retiring from IBM three years ago, Keeter looked for opportunities to stay involved in the latest technology. She explained that she always enjoyed working with seniors—in fact, she also volunteers time at the Jewish Home—so becoming an instructor with Bluehair Technology was a perfect fit.

Bluehair Technology relies on its teachers and volunteers to keep offering their services. Ratliff said that instructors should not only have teaching skills and be willing to adapt to the curriculum, they must also be patient, have a clear voice and be able to control a room.

“We’re always looking for volunteers and teachers, specifically skilled, patient teachers like Karen,” she said. “Many of our instructors are retired teachers, while others work in technological fields and donate part of their weekends to teaching.”

This fall, Keeter has been teaching a class of seniors how to use their iPhones. The fourweek class meets on Saturday mornings at Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandy Springs. Throughout the class, Keeter and the other

At the Top of His Tech

Of course, plenty of older adults have been interested and involved in computers and digital technology for a long time. Programmers, computer specialists and software designers include people of all ages.

One example is Gene Rubel (pictured right.) After retiring from a successful career in business and financial management, he began to think about what to do next.

“Computers have been a hobby of mine for the last 50 years,” he explained. “During that time I’ve helped hundreds of people with their computers, and once I retired, I thought maybe I could turn my hobby into a business.”

That business is Digital Device Doctor. It’s been keeping Rubel busy, and his clients sane, since he started it two years ago. While Rubel is happy to work with anyone of any age, he does prefer to limit his focus to Windows-based operating systems, as well as Apple and Android devices. “These days, the only Mac I work on is my wife’s!” he added.

According to Rubel, a lot of his clients are older folks who can get overwhelmed by their computers and devices, and who haven’t been able to keep up with the latest technology. That’s where his extensive experience and knowledge of the latest advances really pays off.

volunteers see students’ eyes light up when discovering some of the things their phones can do.

“It’s rewarding when you see those ‘ah-ha moments’ where your students figure out how something works,” Keeter said.

“I remember the first time one of my groups sent their first text messages, with selfies, to their kids and grandkids. There were big smiles all around, me included!” ■

“I work a lot with networking issues, figuring out if a slow computer is due to a glitch in the computer itself or in the network connection. Sometimes the computers and devices have trouble syncing up. Often, it’s a security issue and I need to remove malware or ransomware,” Rubel explained. “But these are all solvable problems.”

Along with solving all those problems, Rubel also offers consultations to clients on their purchases, including new computers, devices and any necessary equipment. He guides them on everything from password management to sorting and storing their digital photos. There’s even a weekly Digital Device Doctor newsletter.

While all this keeps Rubel busy, that’s just fine with him. “I really like working with people. I don’t get frustrated, and I’m happy to take the time and answer their questions. There’s just one problem working with seniors,” Rubel said with a chuckle. “My biggest competitors are their kids and grandkids!” ■

Where to go to learn more…

Bluehair Technology

Workshops and classes that focus on various tech topics are held throughout the Atlanta metro area. Examples of October offerings include iPhone Basics at Saint Jude the Apostle Catholic Church in Sandy Springs, Windows 10 Basics at Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church’s Family Life Center in Atlanta and Cyber Sunday at the St. George Village Activity Center in Roswell. Visit bluehairtech.org to learn

more. Anyone interested in donating or volunteering is also invited to visit the site.

Local Libraries

Many libraries in the area offer technology classes that are not necessarily senior-based. The best

advice is to call or drop in at your local library and see what they have scheduled. You can, of course, check their websites, but be warned—some library sites are challenging to navigate. Still, you can find library phone numbers on the sites.

Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System: afpls.org

Cobb County Public Library System: cobbcat.org

DeKalb County Public Library System: dekalblibrary.org

Gwinnett County Public Library System: gwinnettpl.org

Sequoyah Regional Library System (Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer): sequoyahregionallibrary.org

PHIL MOSIER

Above: Louise Hatcher gets assistance from volunteer Tom Starling. Below: Instructor Karen Keeter explains iPhone basics as Harriet Horton listens intently.

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Georgia authors on list of ‘should read’

By Collin Kelley

The Georgia Center for the Book (GCB) has selected the works of 24 prize-winning authors and illustrators with Georgia connections for the 2016 list of the “Books All Georgians Should Read.”

The list is compiled annually from nominations received throughout the year by the writers, educators, librarians, media representatives and individuals who comprise the Georgia Center for the Book Advisory Council. In 2013, the Advisory Council voted to make the compilation of the list an

annual event.

“For the Georgia Center for the Book, the ‘Books All Georgians Should Read’ list is a wonderful way to honor the extraordinary talent we have right here in Georgia,” said Joe Davich, executive director of GCB. “The list gives us the opportunity to inform readers across our state about the diverse body of work produced by Georgians, and a platform to celebrate Georgia’s literary heritage.”

The new list of “Books All Georgians Should Read” includes three works of fiction, six of nonfiction and a collection of poetry. ■

2016 Books All Georgians Should Read

► Jim Auchmutey – The Class Of ‘65: A Student, A Divided Town, And The Long Road To Forgiveness (Public Affairs Books)

► Taylor Brown – Fallen Land: A Novel (St. Martin’s Press)

► Ashley Callahan – Southern Tufts: The Regional Origins And National Craze For Chenille Fashion (University of Georgia Press)

► Lynn Cullen – Twain’s End: A Novel (Gallery Books)

► Sandra D. Deal, Jennifer W. Dickey and Catherine M. Lewis – Memories Of The Mansion: The Story Of Georgia’s Governor’s Mansion (University of Georgia Press)

► Ryan Gravel – Where We Want To Live: Reclaiming Infrastructure For A New Generation of Cities (St. Martin’s Press)

► Jim Grimsley – How I Shed My Skin: Unlearning The Racist Lessons Of A Southern Childhood (Algonquin Books)

► Charles Leerhsen – Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty (Simon & Schuster)

► Brian Panowich – Bull Mountain: A Novel (G.P. Putnam & Sons)

► Kevin Young – Blue Laws: Selected And Uncollected Poems, 1995–2015 (Knopf)

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It’s exercise, it’s social, it’s fun—it’s pickleball!

By Joe Earle

It looks a bit like a game cobbled together during a slow weekend at a vacation house after the host couldn’t track down all the pieces required for any single sport.

Players swing paddles that look like they came from an oversized Ping-Pong game. They hit a hollow plastic ball that’s full of holes. The ball bounces back and forth over a net similar to one on a tennis court.

The game moves quickly. Some regular players of the sport called “pickleball” say it can feel like playing table tennis while standing on the table.

Still, it’s catching on. Just ask Ed Feldstein, a 77-year-old Sandy Springs retiree who says he helped bring the game to the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta in Dunwoody

a half-dozen or so years ago and now plays about four days a week.

“It’s fun to watch. It’s fun to play. It’s fun to learn,” Feldstein said one recent morning before he joined the crew getting a morning workout with a series of fast-paced pickleball games at the MJCCA, which calls pickleball its “hottest sport.”

Feldstein remembers days when he’d get laughed at when he went into a sporting goods store and ask to buy a pickleball paddle. No more, he says, because pickleball courts are springing up across north metro Atlanta.

The city of Dunwoody has a court in its newest city park, the Park at Pernoshal Court. That court joins more than 70 others set up across Georgia and more than 13,000 in the country, according to the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA), which is

located in Surprise, Ariz.

Allan Bleich, a retired doctor, said he took up the sport after he stopped playing tennis because of knee trouble. “It’s just a fun way to exercise,” he said.

Nora Floersheim, a 67-yearold retired school teacher and former tennis player, picked up pickleball a couple of years ago at the Marcus Center and now teaches it to newcomers. Like other pickleball fans, she said an important aspect of the game is camaraderie among the players, who sit together and chat while awaiting a turn on the court. “It’s very, very, very social,” she said.

And the name? How did it get to be “pickleball,” anyway? It goes back to the origin of the game itself. Pickleball was invented near Seattle in 1965 by vacationing families who wanted to play badminton, but couldn’t find the shuttlecock. So they combined paddles, a Wiffle ball and a badminton net to make a game that kids and adults alike could play.

The pickleball association says one story is that the original players named their game cobbled from many parts after the “pickle boat” in rowing competitions, which uses a crew made up of rowers from different boats. Another version is that they named it for the family dog, Pickles. ■

Where to Play

About 30 area courts are listed on the USAPA website, though there are considerably more in local parks and neighborhoods. As the sport’s popularity rises, changes and additions are likely. Visit usapa.org and click on ‘Places to Play’ for details, and be sure to call and verify times, cost and availability beforehand.

Acworth: Kennworth Tennis Center 3900 South Main St., 30101 Call William Fawcett, 770-2653599.

PHOTO BY JOE EARLE

Pickleball players gather at the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta

Alpharetta: Willis Park Recreation Center

11925 Wills Rd., 30009

Call Kevin McDonald 678-297-6143.

Atlanta: Second Ponce de Leon Baptist Church

2715 Peachtree Rd., 30305

Call Todd Washington 404- 591-4380.

Avondale Estates: Avondale Estates City Tennis Courts at Willis Park

51 Dartmouth Ave., 30002 Call Mary Gresham, 404-296-0226.

Clarkston: Milam Park 3867 Norman Rd., 30021 Call City Hall, 404-296-0500.

Decatur: Decatur Recreation Center

105 Electric Ave., 30030 Call Portia Langley, 678-553-6563.

Dunwoody: Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta

5342 Tilly Mill Rd., 30338 Call Ashley Cohen, 678-812-3861.

Lilburn: Mountain Park Baptist Family Wellness Ministry

5485 Five Forks Tricum Rd., 30087

Call Carolyn Willis, 770-335-0159.

Marietta: Fullers Park Recreation Center 3499 Robinson Rd., 30068 Call Center Gym, 770-509-2737.

Norcross: Robert D. Fowler

YMCA-Peachtree Corners

5600 W. Jones Bridge Rd., 30092 Call Paige Blair, 770-246-9622.

Roswell: East Roswell Recreation Center

9000 Fouts Rd., 30075 Call 770-641-3760.

Sandy Springs: Hammond Park Tennis Courts

6005 Glenridge Dr., 30328 Email tramos@sandyspringsga.gov; call 770-206-2035.

Stone Mountain: Stone Mountain Recreation Rock Gym

930 Ridge Ave., 30087 Call Steve Higgins or Warren Hoffman, 404-403-8155.■

GA

171241

Admire Autumn colors at nearby State Parks

By Joe Earle

The return of autumn means it’s time to hit the highway and check out the changing colors of fall in the Georgia mountains. The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) says late October and early November usually bring the peak weeks to admire the reds and golds of the changing leaves.

Georgia’s state parks system brags that its parks offer some of the best leaf-peeping around. And, through a website called Leaf Watch, the park system guides tourists to places where they can find the best fall color.

“Beginning in October, regular updates will keep travelers posted on how fall color is progressing across Georgia’s Blue Ridge,” the state says. “The website is filled with information about top trails and overlooks, mountain cabins and campsites,

fall events and safe hiking tips.”

This year, the DNR recommends a number of state parks to check out for fall color. Here are 12 likely prospects.

Atlanta

CLOUDLAND CANYON STATE PARK

A hike down a long, steep staircase in this park takes visitors to a pair of waterfalls. The 5-mile West Rim Loop is moderately difficult and offers great views of the canyon.

RED TOP MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Just about a 40-minute drive north of Atlanta, Red Top Mountain offers lake and forest views. There’s also a paved walking patch behind the park office, according to park officials.

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1. Cloudland Canyon

2. Red Top Mountain

3. Fort Mountain

4. Amicalola

5. Vogel

6. Smithgall

7. Unicoi

8. Moccasin Creek

9. Black Rock Mountain

10. Tallulah Gorge

11. Victoria Bryant

12. James H. Floyd

FORT MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Although it may be best known for a mysterious rock wall along the mountain top, Fort Mountain offers a variety of hiking trails. They range from a 1.2-mile loop around a lake to an 8-mile, allday hike. GA 52 has beautiful mountain scenery and overlooks.

AMICALOLA FALLS STATE PARK

This park, an hour north of Atlanta, includes the Southeast’s tallest waterfall, viewable from easy and challenging trails. The park gets busy on October weekends.

5 VOGEL STATE PARK

The 4-mile Bear Hair Gap Trail makes a nice day trip for experienced hikers, offering great mountain color and a bird’s-eye view of the park’s lake, state park officials say. The twisting roads around Vogel, particularly Wolf Pen Gap Road, offer some of north Georgia’s prettiest fall scenery.

SMITHGALL WOODS STATE PARK

If you’re heading to Helen’s Oktoberfest, you can check out the more than 6,000-acre park around Dukes Creek. A 1.6-mile trail climbs to Laurel Ridge and provides a view of Mount Yonah, according to state park officials.

UNICOI STATE PARK

Uniocoi promises hiking, mountain biking, a lake with a beach and a 100-room lodge that hosts conferences, weddings and retreats.

MOCCASIN CREEK STATE PARK

Georgia’s smallest state park sits on the shore of a gorgeous deepgreen lake. GA 197 is a particularly pretty road, state officials say.

BLACK ROCK

MOUNTAIN STATE PARK

Black Rock Mountain (altitude 3,640 feet) is Georgia’s highest state park. It offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from roadside overlooks and its visitors’ center, according to the state parks system.

TALLULAH GORGE STATE PARK

VICTORIA BRYANT STATE PARK

JAMES H. FLOYD STATE PARK

MRM#: 60325810

Date: 10/0 /2015

Project Name: 60325810_2015_KPSA_Rep_Ad_Packet_REVD_PM Designer: Jason Sherriffs

Tallulah is one of the most spectacular canyons in the Southeast. Visitors can hike easy or difficult trails offering waterfall views. With permits from the park office, hikers may trek all the way to the bottom of the gorge. Exhibits in the park’s interpretive center highlight the Victorian resort town’s history and the rugged terrain and ecosystem.

Two ponds and a nature trail are among the features in this 500-acre beauty spot nestled among rolling hills. The star, according to state officials, is the bubbling stream that inspires photographers and picnickers to stop and take in the awe-inspiring vistas.

The Chattahoochee National Forest surrounds the park and provides a perfect leaf-viewing opportunity. Visitors are invited to fish in the two well-stocked lakes, hike along the three miles of trails looping the lakes, or relax and enjoy nature’s beauty.

Visit gastateparks.org/leafwatch for details and updates.

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Autumn Events at nearby State Parks

Along with the fabulous leaf show, area state parks also offer special events throughout the year. Here are some top picks. Go to gastateparks.org and click on the Activities tab to get a complete list with details.

Stars of Red Top & Iced Lemonade at Red Top Mountain State Park

Friday, Oct. 7 & 21, 9-10:30 p.m., weather permitting. Star-gazers are encouraged to bring their equipment; binoculars will be available. Meet at the Visitors Center by 8:45 p.m. $5 parking. 770-975-0055.

Fall Foliage Hike at Cloudland Canyon State Park

Saturday, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29 & Nov. 5, 2-3 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 9, 16, 23, 30 & Nov. 6, 2-3 p.m. During the one-mile walk, hikers will learn about tree species in the park. $5 parking. 706-657-4050.

Second Saturday Guided Hike at Smithgall Woods State Park

Saturday, Oct. 8, Nov. 12 & Dec. 10, 9-11 a.m. Hiking trails will be explored during the monthly guided hikes, weather permitting. $5 parking. 706-878-3087.

Fall Festival at Vogel State Park

Saturday, Oct. 15, 12-7 p.m. Celebrate the arrival of autumn with storytelling, square dancing and hayrides. $5 parking. 706-745-2628.

A Walk Through the Mining Industry at James H. Floyd State Park

Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 22, 1-3 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 5, 1-3 p.m. Discover the history of northwest Georgia mining operations during a 2-mile hike over moderate terrain. 706-857-0826.

Full Moon Lake Paddle at Tallulah Gorge State Park

Saturday, Oct. 15, 7-9 p.m. Rangers lead paddlers over a moonlit lake. $15, $5 parking. Limited space, register in advance, 706-754-7981.

Geologist Walk: Great Valley, Boulder Field & Puzzle of the Wall at Fort Mountain State Park

Friday, Oct. 21, 9 a.m. Dr. Bill Witherspoon leads the discovery walk that includes a mysterious 900-ft. long wall. $5 parking. 706-422-1932.

Haunted Hills Hayride at Victoria Bryant State Park

Friday, Oct. 21 & 28, 8-10 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 22 & 29, 8-10 p.m. Spooky hayrides include a movie and bonfire. Tickets available 7:30-10 p.m. each evening. $5, $5 parking. 706-245-6270.

Campfires, Marshmallows & Ghosts at Black Rock Mountain State Park

Sunday, Oct. 30, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Bring marshmallows, hot dogs and a favorite ghost story to share around the old fashioned campfire. $5 parking. 706-746-2141. ■

►pet briefs

Atlantic Station will host The 5K Walk for the Animals, Sunday, Oct. 16, to raise money for the Atlanta Humane Society. Thousands of people and their dogs are expected to walk for the cause. It’s the Atlanta Humane Society’s largest fundraiser, and all net proceeds will help save the lives of the city’s homeless animals. For more info, visit atlantahumane.org.

PAWS Atlanta is one of seven grant recipients from across the country to receive funds to help combat dental disease, and promote preventive care, in shelter dogs and cats. The seven grants, totaling $55,000, are the result of money raised through Banfield Pet Hospital’s second children’s book, “My Very, Very Smelly Breath.”

Pet Pick

Meet Lawrence – a really sweet pup in search of a home. He loves any sort of attention from people, but he is just waiting on the right person to understand his calm personality. His ideal life would be going for long walks with his person and being the center of attention. Lawrence would do best in an only-pet home with no young children. To adopt Lawrence or any of the other available cats and dogs, visit PAWSAtlanta at pawsatlanta.org or the shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur.

You’ve worked hard to build your assets, manage your

and raise your family. So why can’t you afford a quality,

►Out & about

Education

Senior Resource Fair

Friday, Oct. 14, 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Activities include fitness demonstrations, Meet and Mingle with Doc Broc, as well as bingo and door prizes. Ed Isakson Alpharetta Family YMCA, 3655 Preston Ridge Rd., Alpharetta, 30005. Visit

ymcaatlanta.org/ymca-locations/ alpharetta for more info.

Birds and Bird Feeding

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Wild Birds Unlimited hosts the seminar and demonstrates several feeders that will entice a host of birds, like orioles, hummingbirds and bluebirds, to backyard feeding stations. Free,

registration required. East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta, 30066. Call 770509-4900 to learn more.

Community

Elegant Elf Marketplace

Saturday, Nov. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The 6th annual Elegant Elf Marketplace, presented by the Sandy Springs Society, returns with over 85 local and regional vendors. $5 entrance fee, free parking and free for children 10 and under. Lake Forest Elementary School, 5920 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs, 30328. Sandyspringssociety.org.

Festivals

Fall Festival on Ponce

Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, Oct. 16, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Fine art, folk art and crafts, food trucks and music. Olmstead

Linear Park in Druid Hills, 1451 Ponce de Leon Ave., Atlanta, 30307. Festivalonponce.com.

Atlanta Dance Party

Friday, Oct. 21, 8 p.m. The final TGIF Concert of the year features classic dance music from the 70s to today. Bring a picnic basket and beverage for a Chastain-like experience under the stars. $15 to $160 per person. Chukkar Farm Polo Club & Event Facility, 1140 Liberty Grove, Alpharetta, 30004. For info, visit chukkarfarmpoloclub.com.

Smyrna Jonquil Festival

Saturday, Oct. 22, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday, Oct. 23, 12-5 p.m. Along with arts & crafts, live music and festival food, Friends of the Smyrna Library will host a book sale and Keep Smyrna Beautiful will distribute jonquil bulbs. Free admission. 200 Village Green Cir., Smyrna, 30080. Info at smyrnacity.com. ■

Life Care Centers

Atlanta Seniors Deserve

Affordable Care Superior Experience

Seniors choose JenCare because we take the time to treat patients like family. Through monthly visits and extended time with physicians, our patients develop a quality one-on-one relationship with their doctor.

During the Annual Enrollment Period, stop by one of the five convenient centers and we’ll be glad to show you around. You might even meet your next doctor!

Convenient Locations

WE MEDICAREADVANTAGE

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

WE ADVANTAGEMEDICARE

Extended time with doctors

On-site prescription services

WE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

Friendly, knowledgeable staff

A Druid Hills 3371 Buford Hwy. N.E. Atlanta, GA 30329 (404) 836-0230

WE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

On-site x-ray and imaging

Access to medical specialists

On-site diagnostic testing

Door-to-doctor transportation to those who qualify

WE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE WE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE

When you stop by our center, we might invite you to join one of our Family Festival events like pumpkin painting, create a costume (for grandkids) or the Trunk or Treat on Halloween weekend!

A West End 1325 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd. S.W. Atlanta, GA 30310 (404) 836-0136

A South DeKalb 2124 Candler Rd. Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 836-0272

A East Point 2084 Headland Dr. East Point, GA 30344 (404) 965-5691

A Morrow 1331 Mount Zion Rd. Morrow, GA 30260 (770) 629-3217

Some services are not covered under all plans. Check your plan documents for details and service availability at each individual center. Due to space and time limitations, some services are not available at all centers. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. You may attend with no further obligation.

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