Atlanta Senior Life - October 2018

Contributors

E. Bloemeke, Wes Duvall, Gary Goettling, Grace Huseth, Judi Kanne, Phil Mosier, Gene Rubel, Kristen Sumpter

CHEERS FOR BEERS The social side of home brewing

By Gary Goettling

A little over 10 years ago, a brain hemorrhage left Rodney Parker with only partial use of his left arm, which ended his involvement with his favorite hobbies of fly fishing and building and flying remote-control model aircraft.

“I told my wife and children that my new hobby would be working until I died,” laughed the Stone Mountain retiree, 71, whose career was spent dealing with vascular implants, imaging and helping startups bring new medical devices to market. “They weren’t excited about that, so they gifted me with several one-gallon beer brewing kits. These were okay, but an awful lot of work for 10 or so bottles of beer.”

The experience was appealing enough that Parker decided to explore home brewing further. He sought technical advice from a nearby home brew store, where he purchased his initial equipment.

He’s been brewing beer ever since.

“I started making three-gallon, all-grain batches with a very basic setup,” said Parker, whose “brewery name” is The One-Armed Bandit. “I’ve gradually transitioned to making six-gallon batches and have expanded my system and equipment considerably.”

At its most basic, beer is the fermented product of a grain (such as barley or wheat), hops (the flower from a variety of the hops plant), yeast and water. Because the ingredients are organic, they’re subject to seasonal influences that affect beer’s character, providing brewers with

COURTESY OF SCOTT LATHROP

Rodney Parker samples a home-brewed beer at a recent Covert Hops Society brewing event.

an extra variable for experimenting with new recipes.

“I enjoy the process and the ability to vary the final product, usually by using different yeasts and hops,” said Parker. He’s frequently joined by his daughter. “Brewing gives us an opportunity to spend time together on a hobby we both enjoy.”

Parker is a member of the Covert Hops Society, considered Atlanta’s oldest and largest home brew club, with members drawn from throughout the metro area. Membership numbers are difficult to pin down because the group keeps no roll nor charges dues, but its Facebook page boasts more than 500 followers. About 25 to 30 people attend the meetings, held on the third Tuesday of the month at various locations in the Atlanta area.

The group’s name is a tongue-in-cheek nod to Prohibition, according to Scott Lathrop, a former society director who lives in Stone Mountain and works as a hospital purchasing agent.

“Covert Hops meetings are more social than technical, but there are

plenty of experienced brewers there who give feedback and technical help,” he noted. “We always share samples of home brew for feedback and admiration. There’s no requirement to bring beer, but if you have it and want feedback, bring it.

“We discuss club business for a few minutes, which includes any

Continued on page 6

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COURTESY OF RODNEY PARKER

Parker is also a member of the The HopBreakers, a home brewing club based in the south Atlanta metro area.

upcoming group brews, competitions in the Southeast and planning for the Peach State Brew Off,” said Lathrop, who joined Covert Hops in 2007.

Club brew days are held three or four times a year. Participants agree on a particular recipe and type of beer, and then produce 50 gallons of it with the club’s equipment.

“It’s a good way for someone new to home brewing see an advanced level of brewing and take home some wort — unfermented beer — to finish the process,” he said. Samples are submitted to regional competitions and frequently win top prizes.

The Covert Hops Society hosts the Peach State Brew Off, which attracts home brewers from around the state to compete in dozens of categories ranging from the familiar (lager, ale) to the exotic (mead, fruit beer). Next year will mark the 26th anniversary of the event. Lathrop has organized the competition and serves as a judge, having graduated from the Beer Judge Certification Program.

Lathrop brewed his first beer in 2005, guided by trial and error and

CONVENIENT PARKING

directions from a brewing friend. “I also received help from fellow club members, online forums, books, magazines and YouTube.

“I got more serious in 2008 when I moved from the stove top in the kitchen to an all-grain process outside,” he continued. “It’s more intense, but I have more control over the final product.”

Like every home beer maker, Lathrop is continually experimenting with ingredients and technique to improve the end product.

“My primary reason for joining Covert Hops was to obtain honest feedback on the beer I brewed. Club members are not shy to tell you what’s wrong, and most importantly, they’ll tell you how to fix it.”

The home brewing seed was planted in Charles Wier, 58, 10 years ago when, on a trip to Belgium, the longtime beer drinker and Brookhaven resident tried some of the local products and discovered that he liked them far more than the domestic American beer he was used to drinking.

“I started drinking imports,

Charles Wier, above, and Scott Lathrop, right, enjoy the comraderie and accumulated knowledge offerd by the The Covert Hops Society. Photos courtesy of Scott Lathrop.

but they’re expensive and they don’t taste the same here as they do in Europe,” he said. “Imports get oxidized during shipping to the U.S., and by the time they get here they’re not fresh. So I decided I could brew my own beer at home and maybe save money at the same time.”

Wier now laughs about the “save money” idea, but he thoroughly enjoys making versions of beer with the attributes he likes. “And even though I may not make a beer that’s quite as good as the absolute best out there, I learn from those beers so I can tailor my beers to my taste.”

His favorites are IPAs — India Pale Ales — and American Pale Ales.

“I brew mostly for consumption by me and my friends,” he said, “not for competitions.”

Brewing beer takes time, which makes it an excellent hobby for retirees with a little extra time on their hands, Wier said.

“It’s not that much different from cooking food as a pastime.”

There are many all-in-one brewing systems that look like huge coffee urns, but it’s something you can do indoors in the kitchen, he said.

The cost for a home brewing setup varies greatly, from do-it-yourself kits priced at under $100 to elaborate systems costing $1,500 and more. The consensus advice for would-be home brewers is to acquire an inexpensive kit first to find out if they enjoy brewing. They should also attend a local brew club meeting.

The larger systems favored by some of the serious home brewers require a certain amount of physical work; a five-gallon bucket of brew weighs about 40 pounds. “There are many kits available locally or online that make sourcing supplies simple,” Parker said. “Nothing really special is required beyond having a minimal space where temperature can be controlled — between 66 F and 68 F — plus attention to cleanliness and patience. By the time you’re a senior, hopefully the last two will be easy!”

Parker said that there are numerous books available that are excellent resources not only for the beginner, but as resources for experienced brewers. John Palmer’s “How to Brew” and Charlie Papzian’s “The Complete Joy of Home Brewing” are among the best, he said.

“If you have good cleanliness and follow directions, you can make really good beer,” Wier said. “You have the personal satisfaction of knowing that you made it yourself, and it’s very fresh — probably better than what you buy at the store.”

Where to Learn More

• Covert Hops website: coverthops.com

• Covert Hops facebook page: facebook.com/groups/coverthops

• Peach State Brew Off: The event is normally held in early spring. Watch for information on the 2019 Peach State Brew Off at the beginning of the year.

• For a list of brew clubs, arranged by state and city, that are sanctioned by the American Homebrewers Association, visit homebrewersassociation.org.

COURTESY OF RODNEY PARKER

Learn to Craft Beer and Wine

Sandy Springs shop supplies home beer brewers and wine makers

By Grace Huseth

Boxed wine may make wine enthusiasts scoff, but Beer and Wine Craft knows some of the best sips first come from a box when you make it yourself.

The little shop across the street from City Springs in Sandy Springs has boxes on boxes of beer and wine essentials. Some boxes are complete kits for home brewing and wine making, including fermenting buckets and carboys. Some boxes store beer ingredients from extracts to grains, hops to yeasts, and some contain valuable wine juices from all over the world.

This month, Joe Keenan celebrates his sixth year as owner, brewer, wine historian and host. The sole proprietor in charge of all things beverage craft, Keenan has made his shop into a hangout where he spends most of his time perched in a leather swivel bar stool plotting his next batch.

After serving as an army officer, Keenan built up his beverage expertise with Steak and Ale restaurants before moving up east to manage marketing for Moxie, the iconic New England pop. He continued to travel for Sanpellegrino sparkling water, flying 200,000 miles a year to Milan and back, until he settled down in Sandy Springs to be a manufacturer’s rep and later CFO for a high-tech company.

Once retired, Keenan circled back to his beverage roots and bought Beer and Wine Craft in 2012. The job keeps him busy planning upcoming brewing classes and lectures for beginners on the history of wine.

“Almost all [crafters] are laid back. The process is easy; it just takes patience and time. If you can boil water and read directions, you can make good beer and

PHOTOS BY GRACE HUSETH

Joe Keenan, owner of Beer and Wine Craft, shares information and advice on home brewing with a customer.

Some of the many supplies available at Beer and Wine Craft in Sandy Springs.

wine,” Keenan said.

A crafter must have the right equipment though. At Beer and Wine Craft, is a storage area full of kits, supplies, ingredients and equipment that waits just beyond the lobby. Eight-gallon carboys (glass or plastic containers for fermenting beverages) are full of liquids colored pale gold or amber to darker caramels or browns. These are beers and wines in production.

Keenan first listed saving money as an incentive to making wine. The equivalent of a bottle of wine costing $35 retail can be made for less than $8 using a premium wine kit from Beer and Wine Craft, he said. And there’s no lack of taste with over 100 different varietals of winery juices from all over the globe.

“People can come and find wines from every major wine district in the world, with premium, commercial quality grape juice. From the juices, anyone can make wines [like those] from all over the world from New Zealand, South Africa, South America, everything in Europe and all along the West Coast,” Keenan said. “The wine is only going to be as good as the juice you start with.”

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Carboys filled with beers and wines in production range in colors from pale gold to deep brown.

Continued from page 9

Beer and Wine Craft offers a $35 class every Saturday as an introduction on the complete process of making wine, from primary fermentation to de-gassing, clarifying and bottling. In just under three hours, Keenan has each stage ready for hands-on learning with the seamless choreography of a cooking show in which the chef both puts a cake in the oven and pulls out a perfectly baked creation in a single scene.

If you’re seeking the satisfaction of making your own wine, start to finish, Beer and Wine Craft can assist you in just three visits over 4 to 8 weeks. The first visit starts with fermenting the wine in six-gallon carboys. Two weeks later, the wine is racked, during which fermentation is stopped and the wine is syphoned to a new container to leave sediments behind. By the third visit six weeks later, it only takes an hour to bottle, cork and label the wine.

Beer and Wine Craft received a Georgia Farm Winery license over the summer, along with land ready for grape cultivation. Keenan looks forward to expanding his shop to hosting tastings with North Georgia wines, extending his little bar perch to the community.

Help for Home Brewing

Here’s a sampling of stores throughout the north metro Atlanta area that offer ingredients, equipment and workshops for making beer and wine. Some have extensive selections of home brew supplies, while others carry a limited selection, but also sell craft beers brewed onsite.

Beer & Wine Craft

220 Sandy Spring Circle #109, Sandy Springs 30328 404-252-5606, beerandwinecraft.biz

Brew Depot

10595 Old Alabama Rd. Con #10, Alpharetta 30022 770-645-1777, beernecessities.com

The Craft Beer Factory

2145 Roswell Rd. #110, Marietta 30062 404-632-3369, thecraftbeerfactory.com

Dogwood Growlers and Brew Supply

6215 Bells Ferry Rd., Acworth 30102 404-981-2739, dogwood.beer

Gravity Craft & HomeBrew Supplies 1136 Dogwood Dr., Conyers 30012 770-679-5118, gravityhomebrew.com

Hop City Craft Beer & Wine

1000 Marietta St. #302, Atlanta 30318 404-350-9998, hopcitybeer.com

Operation Homebrew

1142 Athens Hwy. #105, Grayson 30017 770-638-8383, operationhomebrew.com

Schoolhouse Beer and Brewing

800 Whitlock Ave. #126, Marietta 30064 770-361-5247, schoolhousebeer.com

Wine Workshop & Brew Center 2891 Ponce de Leon Ave., Decatur 30030 404-228-5211, wineworkshop.net

Diverse Reading 2018 “Books All Georgians Should Read” lists revealed

Georgia Center for the Book (GCB) has selected the works of prize-winning authors and illustrators with Georgia connections for the 2018 “Books All Georgians Should Read” and “Books

All Young Georgians Should Read” lists.

“The lists are valuable tools for parents, teachers, librarians and readers of all ages across our state,” said Joe Davich, Executive Director of the GCB. “We believe these lists can help guide readers to some of the finest writing that can be found in Georgia’s libraries and bookstores.”

Davich continued: “Georgia and Georgia’s literary landscape are more diverse than ever before. These lists show Georgia’s pride in its diversity. They show that however different we are, we all are connected to this place. As readers, we all share in the same experience by picking up these books. We become more connected as a literary family by sharing the stories in these books. Georgians will easily find themselves at home among these books.”

The new list of “Books All Georgians Should Read” includes four works of fiction, three of non-fiction, a collection of poetry and, for the first time, two cookbooks.

The list of “Books All Young Georgians Should Read” includes three picture books, three books for middle school readers, three books for young adults and one graphic novel.

Both 2018 lists are the result of months of discussions by the Advisory Council, which considered over 80 books by Georgians, or about Georgia.

2018 Books All Georgians Should Read

■ Anthony Grooms—The Vain Conversation: A Novel

■ Tayari Jones—An American Marriage: A Novel

■ Joshilyn Jackson—Almost Sisters: A Novel

■ Tayari Jones, editor—Atlanta Noir

■ David Peisner—Homey Don’t Play That: The Story of In Living Color and the Black Comedy Revolution

■ Maryn McKenna—Big Chicken: The Incredible Story of How Antibiotics Created Modern Agriculture and Changed the Way the World Eats

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■ Jimmy Carter—Faith: A Journey for All

■ Virginia Willis and Angie Mosier, photographer—Secrets of the Southern Table: A Food Lover’s Tour of the Global South

■ Eddie Hernandez and Susan Puckett—Turnip Greens & Tortillas: A Mexican Chef Spices Up the Southern Kitchen

■ Rupert Fike—Hello the House: Poems

2018 Books All Young Georgians Should Read

■ Irene Latham—Can I Touch Your Hair?

■ Laura Freeman—The Hidden Figures

■ Surishtha & Kabir Sehgal—Festival of Color

■ Jackson Pearce—Ellie, Engineer

■ Roshani Choksi—Aru Sha and the End of Time

■ Matt Laney—Pride Wars: The Spinner Prince

■ Brian Stelfreeze, illustrator—Black Panther

■ Nic Stone—Dear Martin

■ Rachel Allen—The Taxonomy of Love

■ Becky Albertalli—Leah on the Offbeat

2161 Briarcliff Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA 30329

(404) 325-9944

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Get Ready for Medicare: Part D

Medicare coverage can be complicated. Still, it’s well worth taking the time to learn about the different types of coverage available.

As we’ve learned earlier in this series, Medicare Parts A & B are programs operated and administered by the government that cover hospital care and other health-related services.

Medicare Part C, also known as the Medicare Advantage Plan, is administered by private companies and offers

additional coverage which may include dental, vision and some prescription medications.

Part D is Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, an optional federal government program that can help Medicare beneficiaries pay for self-administered prescription drugs. Anyone on Medicare (with either Part A or Part B) is entitled to drug coverage, regardless of income, according to Medicare.gov. No physical exam is required for Part D.

The drug coverage is either

a stand-alone prescription drug plan (PDP) as a supplement to traditional Medicare, or a Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan (MA-PD), which provides all Medicare-covered benefits, including drugs. Medicare. gov states, “You

cannot be denied a prescription drug plan for health reasons or because you already use a lot of prescription medications.” For most people, joining Part D remains voluntary, not mandatory. But you can — and should — expect some out-ofpocket costs for

The assisted living services at The Piedmont at Buckhead Senior Living Community are about the whole family and the whole YOU. Of course, we can help you with your daily needs. But did you know you will also have options for fitness, socializing, healthy fine dining, and more?

And services are tailored to you, so you’ll get just the right amount of help you need, when you request it. But the best part? No matter if you need a little help or a lot, the difference you’ll feel will be amazing. Please call The Piedmont at Buckhead to schedule your complimentary lunch and tour.

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

Medicare Part C was covered in the September Atlanta Senior Life Health column; Parts A & B were covered in the August edition. This month, we finish the topic with Medicare Part D.

To review information about Medicare Parts A, B and C, go to atlantaseniorlife.com

certain medications.

To get Part D drug coverage, you must join a plan run by an insurance company or other Medicare-approved private company. Each plan can vary in cost and in their “formulary,” which is simply the list of brand name and generic medications that are covered.

Be aware that if you should

Some Important Notes

decide not to get Medicare drug coverage when you’re first eligible, you’re likely to pay a substantial late enrollment fee, unless you have other creditable prescription drug coverage or you qualify for extra help.

It can be confusing to

Continued on page 14

Philip Moeller, author of the book “Get What’s Yours for Medicare,” goes into great detail about Part D in his article “It can pay to pick a new Medicare Part D drug plan.” He explains that Part D plans can vary in many ways and may have a significant effect on an enrollee’s out-of-pocket spending, including premiums, deductibles, cost sharing, ‘tier’ placement and the list of covered drugs on the formulary, as well as preferred pharmacies.

The ‘tier’ that your medications are in will determine your portion (co-pay) of the drug cost. A typical drug benefit includes several tiers, such as:

■ Tier 1 usually includes generic medications.

■ Tier 2 usually includes preferred brand-name medications.

■ Tier 3 usually includes non-preferred brand name medications.

Also, a Medicare drug plan can make some changes to its formulary during the year (within guidelines set by Medicare). If the change involves medications you’re currently taking, the plan must do one of these:

■ Provide written notice to you at least 60 days prior to the date the change becomes effective, or

■ At the time you request a refill, provide both of these: 1] A written notice of the change, and 2] a 60-day supply of the drug under the same plan rules as before the change.

Need More Help?

Here are some useful sources:

■ Use the online plan finder program on Medicare’s website, Medicare.gov.

■ Call Medicare’s helpline at 800-633-4227 (available 24/7). Have your list of prescriptions at hand, with dosages and how often you take them.

■ Make an appointment with a reputable independent insurance agent.

■ Contact your state health insurance assistance program (SHIP) to speak with a counselor who can help you find an option that fits your circumstances. In Georgia, visit mygeorgiacares.org or call 1-866-552-4464, option 4.

Continued from page 13

choose one plan out of so many offerings for Medicare Part D.

“There can be several benefits of using an independent agent to help you evaluate your overall Medicare coverage,” said Ron Altman of Affordable Medicare Solutions. “Medicare Part D plans constantly change.”

He says that what was best for a senior two years ago, may not be the best option today. “Independent agents are encouraged to learn the details and benefits of multiple

insurance carriers. Many times, they can find plans that seem customized for specific needs and preferences,” Altman said.

Some seniors will outlive their retirement savings or simply do not have enough money saved for late-inlife illness, Altman says. An additional service some brokers provide is helping them find funding resources, as well as offering an annual insurance review.

Convenience may be an important factor for some older adults. “My Part D coverage is as simple as asking

Before you decide whether to sign up for Medicare prescription drug coverage, take the time to understand how the program works as a whole. One well-known pharmacy benefits management company (Express Scripts) suggests four important items to think about before choosing any plan:

■ Know that lower premiums aren’t always better choices.

■ Make sure your medicines are covered in the formulary before choosing a plan.

■ Find a plan that works with a pharmacy conveniently located to you.

■ Look for a plan that has 24/7 pharmacy support.

Vickery Rose

my physician to send new prescriptions to the pharmacy benefits manager I use as my Medicare insurance carrier,” said a colleague who requested anonymity.

Most physicians are comfortable sending the majority of prescriptions via the internet, he said. “Many pharmacies are equipped to receive prescriptions in this manner. When I selected my pharmacy, I opted for convenience and lowest cost.”

In his case, his insurer offered a mail-order service for prescriptions, he explained. “What could be easier?”

When he needs a refill, he simply selects the online prescriptions that are ready to be refilled. If a prescription has expired, the online pharmacist will contact his physician, obtain a new order or advise him to see his doctor for a routine check-up, if that’s needed first.

A few days after placing the order, the medicines arrive in the mail, with no shipping

Luxury Living Taking Shape

cost — and he’s set for another 90 days. The billing goes to his credit card, which makes the process convenient.

According to AARP, although the selection process may be time consuming, a large cost variation in Medicare Part D coverage options may save you anywhere from $100 to $500 for a 30-day supply of medications. It’s worth your time to do your Part D homework, and to make time for an annual review of your Part D plan.

Journeys with Purpose

Friendship Force builds strong connections around the world

By Julie E. Bloemeke

For John Wilhelm, much of the attraction of membership in the travel club known as the Friendship Force of Greater Atlanta is being able to truly experience other countries and cultures, not just as a tourist, but by getting to know the people who live there.

“Until you sit at the same dining table with someone, you really don’t get to know people,” said Wilhelm, a former Friendship Force International Regional Field Representative, former Atlanta club president and a current Journey Coordinator for the club.

“We get to see all of the feature tourist spots,” he said, “but you also get to see all of the little things… [it is a great way to get to] know how people think.”

The Greater Atlanta chapter of Friendship Force International boasts 81 active members. It’s one of four Friendship Force clubs in Georgia, and one of 350 clubs worldwide. The non-profit cultural organization, according to its website, is “focused on promoting understanding, cultural education and citizen diplomacy through homestay journeys and personal friendships.”

When members of the Atlanta club travel, they spend time in the homes of families in other countries. In turn, they host visitors in their own homes. The idea is to have visitors from places the club has visited in order to build friendships among people around the world, but all exchanges are not necessarily one-for-one. Sometimes members will host club members from one country and later visit a different location.

These exchanges contribute to the mission of Friendship Force, which is to “promote global understanding across the barriers that separate people...and make a contribution to global goodwill [by seeking to] overcome differences among people and nations.”

Wilhelm enjoys being able to be both a host and a guest. “During a home stay you have to be “on” and you have to put your best foot forward,” he said.

Members are expected to do the same. He and his wife, Glenda Wilhelm, have been members since 2000. “We have a great time; the more we travel together, the better it is!” Glenda Wilhelm said.

The Wilhelms are overseeing the club’s upcoming trip to Egypt this year, Oct. 17 through 24. Trip highlights include visits to

FFGA member Ron Scott, left, chats with Marty McKnew, a Friendship Force member visiting from California and staying with the Scotts while in Atlanta. The Scotts met McKnew during a trip to Canada.

Cairo, the pyramids and Alexandria. Two optional trip extensions are also offered. Travelers may choose to add: a Nile cruise with visits to Luxor and/or an Israel extension with visits to Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee, Tel Aviv and more.

As part of the pre-travel kickoff, club members, both those registered for the Egypt journey and not, recently met at Nicola’s restaurant in Atlanta to celebrate with Lebanese fare. After a multi-course dinner featuring a range of Middle Eastern cuisine — including a sampling of fattoush, baba ghanouj and baklava — there was a celebratory air, complete with group dancing, music and reminiscing over past excursions.

In anticipation of the upcoming journey, club members gave the Wilhelms— affectionately called “Pharaoh John” and “High Priestess Glenda” — costume Egyptian headwear. There was a Nemes crown, the striped headcloth worn by pharaohs, for him and a beaded headdress reminiscent of Cleopatra, for her.

Robin Scott, current president of the Greater Atlanta chapter, and a club member for more than 10 years, echoed the Wilhelms’ feelings about the club’s travels. “My philosophy is to not judge until you have walked in another’s shoes,” she said. “It’s what we all should live our lives by. Once you meet and get to know people, share a meal in their house, it just opens up a whole new world to you.”

Robin Scott and her husband Ron’s interest in Friendship Force kicked off after having an exchange daughter from the former Soviet

PHOTOS BY JULIE E. BLOEMEKE

Glenda and John Wilhelm model headgear presented to them as leaders of the club’s trip to Egypt.

Continued from page 17

Union, who not only “opened our world” but “opened our world to travel.”

According to Scott, her “number one bucket trip” has been to Machu Picchu, where she had the opportunity to see Incan ruins up close. She not only marveled over South American culture, but also over the beauty and structure of the ruins and the precision of placement. “They [the stones] are so close together you cannot put a piece of paper between them,” she said.

For Anne Lawing and her husband, Harvey Young, imagination has played a great part in their Friendship Force adventures. Charter members since 1976, they hosted visitors from an exchange between Newcastle, England, and Atlanta. This later led to a “dream trip” to Cornwall in 1976, as well as a return trip in 2012.

Lawing says she was particularly captivated by “the lovely wild countryside, gorgeous views of the ocean, [and learning about] the history of piracy.” While standing on the cliffs, she felt transported

Friendship Force Facts and Follow-up

Wayne Smith was the founder of Friendship Force. President Jimmy Carter introduced Friendship Force International on March 1, 1977, at a White House gathering where he asked each state governor to identify a volunteer leader to serve as State Director. Rosalynn Carter served as honorary chairperson until 2002.

Though Friendship Force of Greater Atlanta (FFGA) encourages membership, it isn’t required for participation in journeys. In order to register for a trip, an application to the Journey Coordinator usually is required. Additionally, members don’t have to live in a certain area to participate in a journey. For example, Wisconsin members may participate in an excursion coordinated by a Georgia member.

For more information on journeys, becoming a host and membership, visit thefriendshipforce.org.

Friendship Force International publishes an ongoing catalog featuring upcoming destinations; details can be found at friendshipforce.org/journeys. It’s the place to get more information or register for the Bogota, Quito or Galapagos journeys.

Nicola’s Restaurant owner Nicola Ayoub delivers a bottle of wine to FFGA member Cynthia Williams.

in time. “You could just imagine seeing the pirates [sailing in] when looking from the cliffs.”

Joanna Hanes-Lahr, a member since 1979, has done so many exchanges and journeys that she has almost lost count. Travel highlights have included trips to Cuba, Vietnam, Berlin and New Zealand, but one of her most cherished memories occurred when she was invited to work in British Television as part of her Friendship Force journey to England.

“Going to work with the BCC was a highlight,” Hanes-Lahr said. “We were in the studio, filming in England and Scotland, covering a story on youth groups.”

During her maiden visit to England, she also achieved the dream of a lifetime — she took a train to the town of Stogumber to visit the birthplace of her grandfather. She was particularly thrilled because she was also able to “visit with the family that now has the farm were granddaddy was born,” she said.

As her first trip outside of the United States, the journey to England taught Hanes-Lahr “that I could feel at home in other places. I felt perfectly comfortable working in other countries thanks to Friendship Force.” She is looking forward to her next adventure to South American in the spring.

Orchestrated by Bonnie Evans, journey coordinator and vice president of Friendship Force’s Greater Atlanta chapter, the South American journey will travel to Bogotá, Quito and the Galápagos and is set for April 2019. Twenty members are currently signed up, with two on the waiting list and slots available for eight more.

Some of the many trip highlights include: a welcoming reception complete with music, Bogotá members showcasing traditional dress and dancing, including lessons in salsa and the tango; touring the Old City in Quito and visiting the Intiñan Solar Museum located at

latitude 00° 00’ 00” thus marking the division between northern and southern hemisphere; and the Galápagos, where there will be a multi-island tour featuring snorkel excursions and animal observations including blue-footed boobies, iguanas and giant tortoises. Some members will stay for an additional encounter with the Huaorani Tribe in the Amazon Basin.

After dinner, club members had time for a little group dancing.

FOOD

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A

is for Apple: A Canning Primer

One of my favorite things to do in the fall is explore the apple orchards in north Georgia. Whether I pick my own apples at Hillcrest Orchards, drink apple cider from Mercier Orchards or devour a fried apple pie from R & A Orchards, it’s sure to be a great visit. These fresh and juicy apples only last a season so preserving them as jams or preserves will keep your apple orchard memories lasting all year long.

Sweet fruit spreads come in many forms and can sometimes get mistaken for each other.

■ Jelly is a semi-solid mixture of fruit juice and sugar that’s clear and firm enough to hold its shape.

■ Jam is less firm than jelly and is made from crushed or chopped fruits and sugar.

■ Jams made from a mixture of fruits are usually called conserves, especially when they include citrus fruits, nuts, raisins or coconut.

■ Preserves are made of small, whole fruits or uniform-size pieces of fruits in a clear, thick, slightly jellied syrup.

■ Marmalades are soft fruit jellies with small pieces of fruit or citrus peel evenly suspended in a transparent jelly. Fruit butters are made from fruit pulp cooked with sugar until thickened to a spreadable consistency.

All these fruit spreads require the correct combination of four ingredients: fruit, pectin, acid and sugar. Pectin is needed for the fruit to gel. Depending on how much pectin is naturally found in the fruit, more may need to be added.

Georgia Apple Festival

You’ll notice that many of the apple orchards are in or near Ellijay, a town that’s about an hour and a half drive from Atlanta — the quickest route starts on I-75, then continues north on I-575. Ellijay is also the home of the Georgia Apple Festival, now in its 47th year.

More than 300 vendors offer hand-crafted items, and several of the artisans demonstrate their crafts onsite. Events include a parade — Oct. 20, beginning at 10 a.m. in downtown Ellijay — and antique car show — Oct. 13 at the Civic Center.

When: October 13 & 14, 20 & 21; Saturdays, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sundays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: Ellijay Lions Club Fairgrounds, 1729 S. Main St., Ellijay 30540

Cost: Admission is $5 for adults; children under age 10 are free. Parking is available with donations to local civic and school groups; requested donation amounts vary.

More info: 706-636-4500, georgiaapplefestival.org

Kristen Sumpter is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension in Fulton County. She provides programming on food safety, health and nutrition, financial literacy and the home.

The recipe instructions will list whether regular, liquid, low/no sugar or instant pectin is needed. Acid is also naturally found in fruit, but lemon juice or citric acid may need to be added as well. Sugar is the preservative for the product and prevents the growth of microorganisms. It’s important to prepare your canned products by following tested directions from reputable sources such as the United States Department of Agriculture, the University of Georgia Extension or books, such as “So Easy to Preserve” and “The Ball Blue Book of Canning and Preserving.”

So go ahead and test your skills at canning apple preserves. While you will need to use a mason jar with a two-piece lid, you can get creative by decorating the exterior of the jar with fall-themed fabric and twine.

This article was written and adapted from “So Easy to Preserve,” 6th ed. 2014. Bulletin 989, Cooperative Extension Service, The University of Georgia, Athens. Revised by Elizabeth L. Andress, Ph.D. and Judy A. Harrison, Ph.D., Extension Foods Specialists.

Best of the Bushel

Jonagold, Winesap, Rome Beauty and Braeburn are just a few of the seemingly endless variety of eating and cooking apples that come available as the end of the year approaches. Here’s a sampling of the many north Georgia apple orchards that welcome visitors to pick and sample the fruit.

■ C & C Mountain View Orchard, 2984 Mobile Rd., McCaysville 30555 706-492-7753, theciderhousecafe.com

■ Hillcrest Orchards, 9696 GA-52, Ellijay 30536 706-273-3838, hillcrestorchards.net

■ Mercier Orchards, 8660 Blue Ridge Dr., Blue Ridge 30513 706-632-3411, mercier-orchards.com

■ R & A Orchards, 5505 GA-52, Ellijay 30536 706-273-3821, randaorchards.com

■ Red Apple Barn, 3381 Tails Creek Rd./Hwy. 282, Ellijay 30540 706-635-5898, redapplebarn.com

Season of Color

Autumn

By Joe Earle

It’s one of the great pleasures that comes from living in north Georgia: Every fall, the leaves on the trees change colors. The reds, golds, yellows and oranges of the leaves can look so spectacular that during the peak of their annual display, tens of thousands of people flock to the Georgia mountains to check out the brightly colored landscape.

The state park system has learned to expect big crowds during “leaf season,” which generally runs from the first of October to midNovember.

“You can imagine that in summer, the state parks are very busy,” said Jack Becker, manager of Vogel State Park near Blairsville. “Leaf season is just as busy.”

Vogel, located near the Chattahoochee National Forest, attracted 25,461 visitors last October, down a bit from the 41,658 visiting during Continued on page 24

parks to watch

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources identifies these Georgia State Parks as the Top 10 for fall color. They’re listed here in alphabetical order.

Amicalola Falls State Park

Nearby community: Dawsonville

Features: Amicalola Falls is the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeastern U.S., the state park system says. A short walk leads to a boardwalk providing views. The park also offers activities ranging from stories around a campfire to zipline rides.

More information: amicalolafallslodge.com

Black Rock Mountain State Park

Nearby community: Clayton

Features: Black Rock is Georgia’s highest park. Roadside overlooks and the visitors’ center offer views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. More information: gastateparks.org/BlackRockMountain

Cloudland Canyon State Park

Nearby community: Rising Fawn

Features: Cloudland provides views of the canyon and the sandstone cliffs of the Cumberland Plateau. A hike that includes a long staircase takes you into the canyon to see waterfalls (and then, offering more of a challenge, makes you hike back up to return to your car).

More information: gastateparks.org/CloudlandCanyon

Continued on page 25

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October 2016 and the 32,481 in October 2015, Becker said. Other parks pull in even more fall color fans, who often are referred to as “leaf peepers” or “leaf lookers.” Tallulah Gorge State Park, for instance, attracted nearly 50,000 visitors last October, or about 15 percent of the total number who visited the park during the year, according to figures from the Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites Division of the Department of Natural Resources. Cloudland Canyon State Park pulled in about 35,000 visitors last October, about 18 percent of the total for the year.

To help fall color fans decide where to look for the best views, the state parks system maintains a “leaf watch” webpage and a Facebook page. This year, the parks division also is ramping up its Instagram and other social media so parks visitors can post their own photos for others to see, providing real-time surveys of which parks are peaking. “People are looking for that peak, when [the leaves] are really vibrant and really bright,” Becker said.

So what’s Becker expect from the leaves this year? “We’ve had a lot of rain this year,” he said, “so I’m expecting it to be pretty nice this year, with high visitation and pretty nice colors.”

To spread the word on which park is at its fall leaf-color peak on any given weekend during leaf-viewing season, the state parks service operates the “leaf watch” web page at gastateparks.org/leafwatch and a Facebook page at facebook.com/georgiastateparks.

Continued from page 22

Amicalola Falls

Black Rock Mountain

parks to watch

Continued from page 23

F.D. Roosevelt State Park

Nearby community: Pine Mountain

Features: This 9,049-acre park, the state’s largest, is 80 miles southwest of Atlanta. It offers trails through hardwood and pine forests and past small waterfalls. Visitors can view a life-sized bronze statue of President Franklin Roosevelt at Dowdell’s Knob, where he sometimes picnicked.

More information: gastateparks.org/FDRoosevelt

Fort Mountain State Park

Nearby community: Chatsworth

Features: The park is probably best known for a mysterious rock wall that stands along the mountain’s highest ground and was presumably built by early Native Americans. The park also features a 17-acre lake, complete with a beach.

More information: gastateparks.org/FortMountain

Moccasin Creek State Park

Nearby community: Lake Burton

Features: The state’s smallest state park is located on the shores of Lake Burton. It offers hikes and a wildlife observation tower. A fully accessible fishing pier sits above a trout-filled creek open only to people 65 and older and children 11 and younger, as well as all ages with a Georgia disability fishing license, the park’s webpage says.

More information: gastateparks.org/MoccasinCreek

Smithgall Woods State Park

Nearby community: Helen

Features: Visitors can picnic near Dukes Creek or hike a 1.6-mile loop that features views of Mount Yonah. The parks system describes Dukes Creek as one of the state’s premier trout streams, but warns that fishing is limited, so visitors should call ahead for reservations.

More information: gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods

Tallulah Gorge State Park

Nearby community: Clayton

Features: Tallulah Gorge is two miles long and nearly 1,000 feet deep. Hikes along the canyon rim include overlooks with waterfall views or, with a permit from the park office, to the bottom of the canyon. A suspension bridge sways 80 feet above the bottom, offering views of the river and waterfalls.

More information: gastateparks.org/TallulahGorge

Unicoi State Park and Lodge

Nearby community: Helen

Features: In addition to the 100-room Unicoi Lodge and restaurant, the park offers paddleboard lessons, archery and beginner’s fly-fishing lessons. Visitors can also hike the trails and see Anna Ruby Falls.

More information: unicoilodge.com

Vogel State Park

Nearby community: Blairsville

Features: Vogel is located at the base of Blood Mountain in the Chattahoochee National Forest. Twisting roads around Vogel and hikes through the park offer some of north Georgia’s prettiest fall scenery, the state park system says.

More information: gastateparks.org/Vogel

Source: Georgia State Parks

Georgia’s Hands-Free Law: What, Why and How

Georgia’s “Hands-Free” mobile phone law has been effect since July 1, and many people are still trying to figure out how to comply with it. Some of the law’s provisions involve terms about mobile phones and systems in cars that older adults may not entirely understand.

What the Law Says

Here are the key points of Georgia’s hands-free law:

■ Drivers cannot have a phone in their hands or use any part of their body to support their phone.

■ Drivers can only use phones to make or receive calls by using a speakerphone, wireless headphone or if phone is connected to vehicle’s sound system (radio) or an electronic watch through Bluetooth

technology.

■ Headsets and ear pieces can only be worn for communication purposes – NOT for listening to music.

■ GPS navigation devices are allowed.

■ Drivers cannot read or send any textbased communication using a keypad. You can listen to text-to-voice messages and respond by voice. No reading. No typing.

Gene Rubel

These prohibitions still are in effect when you are stopped for a red light or stop sign. They are NOT in effect when your car is parked. Penalties for violating the hands-free law are:

■ First conviction — $50 and one point on license

■ Second conviction — $100 and two points

■ Drivers cannot watch a video unless it is for navigation.

■ Drivers cannot record a video or take pictures through their phones while driving.

■ Music apps are permitted as long as they are programmed before travel starts.

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■ Third and subsequent conviction — $150 and three points

Why the Law Was Enacted

Driver distraction is a major contributor to road accidents, and it’s more than just mobile

phones. The latest cars have “infotainment systems” that control your radio, heat and air-conditioning systems, and GPS-based navigation systems, to name just a few. They also provide you with more information about what’s going on with your car and your trip. The result is that their use takes up a lot of the driver’s attention. There has been a significant increase in vehicular traffic crashes, fatalities and bodily injury with the vast majority in rear-end crashes, single-car crashes and crashes by 15-to-25year-old drivers. This increase has been attributed to the use of cell phones by drivers.

■ The U.S. Department of Transportation has reported that cellphones are involved in 1.6 million auto crashes that cause 500,000 injuries and take 6,000 lives annually.

■ According to the National Traffic Safety Administration, 11 percent of drivers are talking on their phones at any given time.

■ The Virginia Tech Transportation Institute estimates that texting while driving is six times more likely to cause an accident than driving while intoxicated.

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By contrast, 15 states that have hands-free driving laws showed a 16 percent decrease in traffic fatalities in the two years after the law was passed. While Georgia already had a law prohibiting texting while driving, it was difficult to enforce because it was legal to hold or support a phone. That’s all changed.

How to Follow the Law

■ Program your navigation app or in-car GPS before you start driving. If you’re using a phone, mount it on the dashboard so you can clearly see it and the road ahead. If you need to make changes, pull over and park first.

■ Turn off your phone or use built-in apps that preclude use while moving. Most phones have settings to generate automated responses to texts and phone calls that let others know you’re driving. If the phone receives calls, emails and texts that can’t wait until you reach your destination, find a safe place to park and respond.

■ You can go hands-free if you have to make or receive phone calls. Most phones have built-in assistants (like I-phone’s Siri) to access your contact list by voice to make a call, and a single push-button or slider to answer a call. You’ll need to have your phone’s speaker turned on, and you’ll need to turn down your radio volume. It’s not ideal, but it works.

■ The best solution is to connect your phone to your car’s sound system through Bluetooth. Most new cars have

this technology built in, and many auto manufacturers give you the ability to use a system designed specifically for your Apple or Android phone. Bluetooth systems also can be added to any car. Businesses that install aftermarket automotive sound systems should be able to advise you on a system that meets your needs, install it and explain how to use it. If you’re not sure how to set up your phone to work with your car, call a trusted technology consultant or visit your car dealer.

Gene Rubel, the Digital Device Doctor, cures digital anxiety for seniors and home/home-office users. A graduate of Harvard Business School, “Doctor Gene” spent more than 30 years in international business. He can be reached at generubel@gmail.com.

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Pet Pick

Meet Joker! This 3½-year-old chunky guy is a well-mannered, handsome gentleman. He may occasionally pull a prank or two on his new family, but generally Joker is very easy-going with a calm disposition and simply enjoys company.

FALL 2018 CONCERTS

2018, 8 p.m.

DANIEL HOPE and FRIENDS

“AIR – A BAROQUE JOURNEY”

Wednesday, October 31, 2018, 8 p.m.

LISE de la SALLE, PIANO

Saturday, November 17, 2018, 8 p.m

SCHWARTZ CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS

He knows a few basic commands, but like all dogs, he appreciates someone who’s willing to take the time to train him more. Joker arrived at the Atlanta Humane Society after his owner moved away and couldn’t take him along, so he’s already housebroken and has great manners.

If Joker’s lovable personality sounds like the perfect match for your lifestyle, you can meet him at the Atlanta Humane Society’s Mansell Campus at 1565 Mansell Road in Alpharetta. For more information about Joker, please visit atlantahumane. org/dogs or email adoptions@ atlantahumane. org. You can also learn about volunteering with the Atlanta Humane Society at atlantahumane.org.

►Out & about The Arts

In Conversation with Authors Karin Slaughter and Sara Paretsky

Thursday, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. Karin Slaughter is one of the world’s most popular and acclaimed crime writing storytellers with over 35 million copies of her 18 novels sold across the globe. Sara Paretsky is the founding mother of Sisters in Crime and promotes women in the mystery field with her female detective series starring V. I. Warshawski. The event is free and open to the public, and books will be available for purchase and signing. Norcross Cultural Arts & Community Center, 10 College St., Norcross 30071. Find more info and other Gwinnett Community Public Library events by visiting gwinnettpl.org or by calling 770-978-5154.

Annie 2018

Runs Oct. 19 through Nov. 11. ThursdaySaturday, 8 p.m.; Sunday, 3 p.m. Annie is a fiery, young orphan whose seemingly hopeless situation brightens when she spends time in the home of the wealthy industrialist, Oliver Warbucks. Her indomitable spirit wins over the

Continued on page 30

A better environment creates a better life.

Our assisted living communities offer an environment with every detail and service thoughtfully designed to improve the health and lives of our residents so they can spend their time doing what they

UPCOMING EVENTS

Late Night Tailgate

October 11, 2018

An Evening with GIRL WITH NO JOB

October 12, 2018

Rob Bell • The Holy Shift Tour

October 13, 2018

“DEA Narcos”: Steve Murphy and Javier Peña

October 16, 2018

The 5th Annual Tower of Talent

October 20, 2018

Sweetheart of the Rodeo

October 21, 2018

Prague Philharmonic Children’s Choir

October 25, 2018

►Out & about

Continued from page 29

household staff, and even the cold-hearted Daddy Warbucks learns to love her. He offers to help Annie find her long-lost parents by offering a reward to them, which puts Annie in danger. Tickets run $27.50 to $30. Cumming Playhouse, 101 School St., Cumming 30040. Get details at playhousecumming.com.

Calloween

Friday, Oct. 26, 7-9 p.m. The Callanwolde Concert Band gets into the spirit of Halloween with this special event that features spooky music and special guest Matthew Kaminski, organist for the Atlanta Braves. There’ll be trick or treating around the estate and a familyfriendly costume contest with prizes. Tickets — $5 in advance, $10 at the door — are limited, so reserve your spot early. Callanwolde Fine Arts Center, 980 Briarcliff Rd., Atlanta 30306, callanwolde.org. Get more info on Calloween and other upcoming Callanwolde Concert Band shows at calcb.org.

Community

Veterans Adaptive Cycling

Runs Oct. 2 through 23, Tuesdays at 10 a.m. Open to all veterans with disabilities. The Roswell Recreation, Parks, Historic & Cultural Affairs Department offers this free program that allows disabled veterans to explore the extensive trail at Big Creek Park. Sign up at roswellgov. com/register. Get more info by calling Will Crook or Jessica Leonard at 770-641-3950.

Newcomers of Cobb County

General meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, September — May, 10 a.m.-12:10 p.m. The Newcomers of Cobb County welcome women who are new to the area and are looking for fun things to do. In addition to monthly social activities, the group supports community projects throughout the year. John Knox Presbyterian Church Community Center, 505 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta 30067. Visit newcomersofcobbcounty.com to learn more.

Myth & Magic

‘Dark Crystal’ exhibit opens at puppet museum

The Center for Puppetry Arts has opened a new exhibition, “Jim Henson’s The Dark Crystal: World of Myth and Magic,” in the Worlds of Puppetry Museum.

The exhibit explores how Henson, Brian Froud, Frank Oz and others created the mythical world of Thra, as well as take a look at the cult film’s impact and legacy over the years.

With more than 50 items on display, the exhibit includes several prototypes and early versions of iconic characters, as well as actual puppets used in the film. Visitors will see many fan-favorite characters, including Jen; SkeKung, commander of the Garthim; UrAc the Scribe; a Mystic; and Loretta, a Podling. Other creatures such as glass spiders, a feather cricket, Toad and a landstrider will also be on display, along with puppet props and costumes. In addition, visitors will find behind-the-scenes photos from film production and Froud’s original concept art.

The exhibit will conclude with a look at the legacy of “The Dark Crystal,” including its modern-day fandom and fan stories, its influence on Jim Henson’s subsequent film “Labyrinth,” the upcoming Netflix series “The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance” and more.

Tickets for the exhibition can be purchased online at puppet. org or by calling (404) 873-3391.

Health & Wellness

Opioid Safety

Tuesday, Oct. 16, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Misuse of and addiction to opioid drugs is a serious national crisis that affects public health as well as social and economic welfare. Michael Crooks, PharmD with Alliant Quality, will discuss opioids, opioid safety and general precautions when taking prescription medications. Free, but registration is required. Senior Wellness & Marietta Neighborhood Center, 1150 Powder Springs St., Ste. 100, Marietta 30064. Call 770-528-5355 or visit cobbcounty.org to register and get more info.

Senior Wellness Fair — Fall into Health

Friday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. There’ll be health screenings, fitness demos, health talk, enertainment and more. Free and open to the public. Lunch available for purchase. Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Rd., Lawrenceville 30044. For more info, visit the Gwinnett County Public Library, gwinnettpl.org, or call 770-978-5154.

Festivals

Brookhaven Arts Festival

Saturday & Sunday, Oct 20 & 21; Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. More than 140 artists will display their works — paintings, sculptures, glassworks, fiber arts, jewelry, photography and much more — in a wide variety of styles and price ranges. There’ll be musical performances both days, and a classic car show on Sunday. Local vendors will offer food and beverage. Admission and parking are free. The festival will be held behind the Brookhaven MARTA station, 4047 Peachtree Rd. NE on Apple Valley Rd. Go to brookhavenartsfestival.com for more info.

6th Annual Atlanta Kosher BBQ Festival

Sunday, Oct. 21, 11 a.m.3:30 p.m. Presented by the Hebrew Order of David International and the Atlanta Jewish Times, this year’s festival benefits the Jewish Education Loan Fund. Taste tickets are $1, and you receive a free ticket with every 10 you purchase. City Green at the City Springs Center, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs 30328. Get tickets and more info at TheAtlantaKosherBBQ.com.

How to Have with Dementia

Featuring Susan Robbins

When someone you love is diagnosed with dementia, it can feel overwhelming. While this diagnosis can bring about many uncertainties, it don’t have to be debilitating. In fact, it can be an opportunity for you to develop a more meaningful relationship with your loved one.

Join us on October 25 for a special event featuring Dementia Expert, Susan Robbins, She will provide tips on how you can foster a healthy relationship with those who have been touched by dementia. By the end of this event, you’ll be in the right mindset to focus on the memories that remain, not those that have been lost— providing your loved one with peace, and everyone in your family peace of mind!

Complimentary desserts and a co ee bar will be available during the event.

| 7 p.m.