Atlanta Senior Life - March 2019

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STORIES IN CLAY

potters discuss their art

By Joe Earle

Judy Robkin doesn’t call her hand-built ceramic pieces “statues.” And it irritates her when some people call them “dolls.” They’re not. They’re “ladies.”

“They just take on personalities, which is fun,” Robkin said.

Robkin finds each of her ladies in pieces of clay. Each is different. Each has her own story to tell, or her own secrets to keep.

Robkin says that when she starts working on a piece, she has no idea what the finished lady will look like. Each appears as the 66-year-old craftswoman shapes the clay by hand. Beneath her fingers, a figure slumps or rises into an evocative pose or posture, and soon the lady herself emerges. Each is unique, her own person. After a while, she’ll have her own name.

“I have this thing that a lot of people in America are undervalued,” she said one recent morning as she worked on a new sculpture in the studio in her Sandy Springs home. “I love the idea of these ladies being storytellers.”

They spread their stories as they move into other people’s homes through crafts fairs and galleries. This month, Robkin and a booth-full of her ladies return to the Cobb Galleria Centre for the 30th consecutive American Craft Show, one of the largest and best-known juried fine crafts shows in the southeastern U.S.

The annual show, one of four held around the country by the American Crafts Council, is scheduled from March 15 to March 17. Its promoters say more than 230 craftspeople, including about 30 from Georgia, will be on hand to display works in ceramics,

jewelry, furniture, textiles and other crafts.

Potter Barry Rhodes said one reason he keeps going back to the ACC show is that it attracts discerning buyers. “You get a lot of people who are interested in good craft,” said the 67-year-old, a long-time Decatur potter who recently retired to a farmhouse on 27 acres in North Carolina but still keeps a condo in Chamblee. “For me, in Atlanta, it’s really the penultimate show.”

Rhodes, who studied physics and worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before he retired, now is making ceramic pieces fulltime. “My passion is pottery. I’ve always been a maker. I’ve always loved to make things,” he said. “There’s just a connection with working in a medium that’s thousands of years old, that references both past and present.”

Brookhaven ceramic artist Adrina Richard also likes the idea of connecting with the ancient tradition of creating works from clay. “I just love working with clay,” she said. “I don’t know [why]. I think maybe the idea that ancient people used clay as a basic material. I wanted to be an archeologist when I was in the sixth grade. [I like] the idea of taking that basic material and turning it into something without any tools, but your hands. It’s just fascinating to me.”

She, too, plans to return to the ACC show this year. Richard, who’s 71 and retired from an administration job at Oglethorpe University, collected ceramic pieces for years before she attended a pot-throwing class with a friend about 15 years ago and got hooked on making one-of-a-kind pieces from clay.

She first exhibited her work

American Craft Show in Atlanta

The American Craft Show features 250 of the country’s top contemporary craft artists, specializing in everything from handmade ceramics to fine jewelry, apparel, furniture, home décor and textiles.

■ When: Friday, March 15, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, March 16, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 17, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

■ Where: Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta 30339

■ Admission: Online/advance tickets are $12. On-site admission is $13, free for children 12 and under and for American Craft Council members.

■ More info: craftcouncil.org, click on the Events Calendar.

PHOTOS BY JOE EARLE

Adrina Richard smiles as she displays some of her elegantly decorated clay vessels.

at the ACC show only about a decade ago. That first year, “I was an ‘emerging artist,’” she said with a laugh. “But you can emerge as an artist at any age.”

Now she assembles pieces from slabs of clay and decorates them to create intricate surface textures. Sometimes, that makes her pieces look they’re made from cloth. “A lot of times, people think it’s not clay. They think it’s fabric,” she said. “People ask me, ‘What is it made of?’”

It seems appropriate. Richard said her mother, an Armenian immigrant, was a seamstress. Richard remembers spending time as a girl watching her mother cut cloth into pieces and turn it

into clothes. Now Richard cuts apart thin slabs of clay so she can reassemble the pieces into vases, tumblers or cups.

Once she’s done decorating and firing a piece, she decides if it makes the grade. If not, she destroys it. “I smash pots I don’t like. I take a hammer to them so they won’t haunt me later,” she said one recent morning as she worked on building a new batch of cups at Mudfire Studio and Gallery, a Decatur pottery studio where she often works. “I’ve even taught my husband and my housekeeper to smash pots I don’t like. At first, they were worried. Now, they like it.

“I’m always working,” she said. “Why do I sell [my work]? If I didn’t, I’d have to smash it

Each of Judy Robkin’s ceramic “ladies” has a unique personality.

Robkin finds a new lady as she works a bit of clay.

all. How many pots can you give to your friends before they stop answering the door?” Besides, she said, “if a stranger comes up and says, ‘I really like that. I have to have it,’ it’s an ego boost.”

Robkin, too, enjoys sharing her work. “[My ladies have] connected me to all sorts of people I never would have met,” Robkin said. “They’ve brought out all kinds of stories.”

Often, a customer who buys one of her pieces will say the ceramic lady is reminiscent of a relative or a friend. “It has happened over and over again,” she said, “that someone has said, ‘Oh my God, that looks just like my grandmother!’ and I’ll say, ‘What’s your grandmother’s name?’ and it’s the name on the sculpture,” Robkin said.

When customers get home with their ladies, some send Robkin photos of the figures so she can see how they look in their new environments. Robkin keeps those photos.

“The way things happen, I get such a kick out of it,” she said. She keeps another set of photos nearby, too. They’re of the woman she says inspired her to start creating her ladies in the first place. The elderly woman was a shopkeeper in Croatia. Robkin and her husband saw her while traveling in that country and took her picture. Then, Robkin’s husband complimented

the woman and the Robkins photographed her again as she broke into a smile of pure joy.

A few years later, Robkin realized suddenly she was inspired to make figurative pieces from clay and her ladies emerged. Now she works every day in her studio to create more of them, finding new ones as

she works the clay between her fingers. Once they’re done, she names them.

“The name is the last thing,” she said. “I sort of have to get to know them first. They’re all old souls.”

SPECIAL Barry Rhodes and one of his works.

PHOTO BY JOE EARLE

Restore the soul with a spiritual retreat

By Donna Williams Lewis

In a world full of distractions — from endless TV channels to constantly breaking news to social media — it feels like a gift to step onto the sacred grounds of The Monastery of the Holy Spirit.

It is the 75th anniversary of this 2,300-acre oasis of peace in Conyers where 29 Trappist monks live together in solitude and silence and in lives that are rooted in prayer, study and work.

The monks meet seven times a day for communal prayer beginning with Vigils at 4 a.m. and ending with Compline (evening prayers) at 7:30 p.m. Most of these services are open to the public in the Abbey Church.

The monastery also offers extended opportunities to revitalize the spirit and rejuvenate the soul through a retreat center that can house up to 40 guests.

Brother Callistus Crichlow, who handles public relations and development for the monastery, said the retreat center is the monastery’s way of sharing the fruits of monastic life with the community at large.

“The fruits would be hospitality, spiritual insight, spiritual understanding, prudence, wisdom, compassion, the gifts of the spirit,” he said. “These are gifts not just for us, but for all.”

Here, you can step away from the noise of the world and “devote your whole being to thoughts of God, thinking of God and praying with God,” Crichlow said.

Some of the monastery’s retreats provide a quiet and contemplative atmosphere while others offer opportunities for sharing and mutual support. Personal retreats are also available when there is no scheduled program. The monastery retreats are open to people of all faiths and to those searching for faith.

The monastery began in 1944 when 21 Trappist monks left the Gethsemani Abbey in Kentucky to found a monastery in the rural Georgia wilderness.

The very striking Abbey Church, which was built by the monks, features large stainedglass windows and 30-inch walls and was recently designated “Georgia’s Most Remarkable Concrete Building” as described in “The History of Engineering in Georgia.”

In addition to joining monks for services, visitors can tour the Monastic Museum at the Visitor Center; learn about the art of bonsai and shop for gifts at the Monastery Garden Center; visit the Abbey Store, which features a wide variety of gifts, books and fudge, fruitcake and biscotti made by the monks at the Monastery Bakery; and enjoy the grounds, which include the Prayer Walk, the Monastery Lakes and the Rockdale River trail.

Among upcoming monastery retreats are a Contemplative Prayer retreat on April 7; “Palm Sunday: Meeting Jesus during Holy Week” on April 12-14; Sacred Triduum on April 18-21; and the Divine Mercy Retreat on April 26-28.

Here are a few other places in metro Atlanta and beyond where you can find spiritual retreats.

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Visitors to the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers can join the monks in prayer services throughout each day at the Abbey Church, which is currently undergoing renovation.

PHOTO BY DONNA WILLIAMS LEWIS

Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center

Opened in 1960, Ignatius House was created to “provide retreat and spiritual renewal for those seeking to discover and live out God’s will in their lives,” according to its website.

Located on 20 heavily wooded acres overlooking the Chattahoochee River, the center welcomes nearly 3,000 retreatants annually. Guests enjoy private bedrooms and bathrooms, chefprepared nutritious meals, sacred spaces throughout the grounds and liturgies in the St. Ignatius Chapel.

Retreats are based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius, a published set of Christian contemplations and prayers. Unless otherwise noted, they are all silent retreats directed by certified spiritual directors.

Ignatius House offers Days of Reflection (one-day events), weekend retreats and Individually Directed Retreats that offer silence and solitude over five or eight days. Month-long retreats are also

available for guests who want to do the full Spiritual Exercises. Offsite retreats are offered as well.

Guests have said Ignatius House retreats helped them acquire peace and feel refreshed and renewed.

“Silence allowed me to slow down and hear the voice of God in a very real way,” one guest wrote in a comment shared by Ignatius House.

“Ignatius House has always been a refuge for me. A peaceful environment with a sense of God’s Presence. … Meals were restaurant quality!” wrote another guest. “Thank You for providing the means for this special God-filled weekend!”

Among its upcoming seasonal retreats, the center will host “LENT: Season, Symbol, Sign and Summons” with Joseph Lingan, S.J. on March 7-10. And on April 18-21, there’s an Easter Triduum Retreat with Ignatius House staff. An 8-day Holy Week retreat is also offered.

Atlanta Soto Zen Center

Soto Zen, one of the major sects of Zen Buddhism, emphasizes

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Continued from page 7

ELOHEE CENTER

The Elohee Center at Landsong offers retreat space on 220 acres with a 100-foot waterfall, a pond and panoramic North Georgia mountain views.

IGNATIUS HOUSE

Located on 20 acres overlooking the Chattahoochee River, the Ignatius House welcomes nearly 3,000 guests annually for mostly silent retreats.

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the practice of zazen, or sitting meditation, and individual effort.

The Atlanta Soto Zen Center was founded in the early 1970s and offers a place to practice zazen every day of the week, along with daily and weekly discussion

groups. Among its retreats, the center holds Just Sit Saturdays every second Saturday. These are days of just sitting zazen, with intermittent 5-minute periods of walking, hosted by Michael Elliston, abbot of the Atlanta Zoto

Zen Center. This event isn’t for first-timers, who are asked to first attend the Introduction to Zen Meditation held at the center on Wednesday nights at 7:30 p.m.

Just Sit Saturdays morning sessions are from 9 a.m. to noon and afternoon sessions are 1-3:25 p.m. with a Lunch & Learn session in between. Cost is $25 for one session; $35 for both, with lunch included.

Elohee Center at Landsong

For those who’d enjoy a little road trip to escape to the North Georgia mountains, the Elohee Center offers the bliss of retreat space on 220 acres with a 100-foot waterfall, a pond and panoramic mountain views.

Andy and Carolyn Bralley purchased the undeveloped land in 2010 as a place of refuge while their daughter, Eve Cook, was battling refractory Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Today, Cook is cancerfree and attributes much of her healing to the support from nature found at Elohee.

Thirty acres of the property were set aside for the Elohee Center, which invites guests to retreats allowing for selfexploration, individual growth and mind/body healing.

Space is available for up to 50 overnight guests in seven cottages, three communal spaces, two meeting spaces and an intimate dining hall featuring seasonally inspired meals, said Cook, Elohee’s executive director.

“Elohee was born from finding a way to not let trauma get in the

way of living your best life,” she said. “It brings me joy to share this healing land with others along the path of their own journey.”

Among the center’s March retreats are an Introduction to Shamanism on March 15-17; a Spring Equinox Yoga Retreat on March 22-24; a Rest & Relaxation Weekend with massages available on March 22-24; A Day of Mindfulness on March 23; and “You Are Already At The Party,” on March 28-31. That retreat comes with this description: “What would it mean to you if you really knew that everything you seek and yearn for in life, you already are and have available for your life?”

For information about retreats and to learn more

► Monastery of the Holy Spirit, 2625 Highway 212 S.W., Conyers 30094. Info: 770-483-8705, trappiest.net. Retreat/Guest House: 770760-0959

► Ignatius House Jesuit Retreat Center, 6700 Riverside Drive N.W., Sandy Springs 30328. Info: 404-2550503, ignatiushouse.org.

► Atlanta Soto Zen Center, 1167 Zonolite Place N.E., Atlanta 30306. Info: 404-8950123, aszc.org.

► Elohee Center at Landsong, 251 Elohee Drive, Sautee Nacoochee 30571. Info: 770-316-9195, elohee.org.

Help with End-of-Life Decisions

Information from healthcare providers and advice from religious leaders

By Judi Kanne

Most of us want autonomy and freedom of choice in our lives, but when it comes to decisions about one of the most important events of our lives — our own deaths — we sometimes leave those to others. End-of-life decisions are not easy to think about, but they are important topics to consider and discuss with family members, religious

leaders or healthcare professionals.

With proper planning, people can make sure their wishes are known and followed, and families can avoid unwanted and expensive care. There are many ways to begin the conversation to make sure when you die that your wishes about how you want to be treated are taken into consideration.

By making your end-oflife decisions now, there will be comfort for you and your family. Critical care choices will have been prearranged and loved ones will have a guide to follow.

Make sure this doesn’t happen to you

What will happen when it is time for someone to make an end-of-life decision about you

if you cannot make your own wishes known?

A November 2017 letter to the editor of the New England Journal of Medicine’s editor raised that question and still attracts attention — particularly from the perspective of life-and-death personnel (physicians, nurses, lawyers, health providers and religious leaders). It’s worth

Continued on page 12

sharing.

Dr. Gregory E. Holt and his colleagues wrote about a patient who did not want to be resuscitated. At least, that was a good assumption, as he had “DNR” (medical term for ‘do not resuscitate’) in the form of a permanent tattoo on his chest. Sadly, according to the article, paramedics transported the gentleman into the emergency room in an unconscious state. The Journal’s letter states his personal “advance directive” was unknown.

The “patient’s tattooed DNR request produced more confusion than clarity,” given concerns about the tattoo’s legality, said the letter’s authors. Although the authors state they “neither support nor oppose” the use of tattoos to express end-of-life requests, there are better ways.

Final wishes: living wills, advance directives and POLST

To receive the kind of care you request at your life’s end requires an advance directive. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Living wills and other advance directives are written, legal instructions regarding your preferences for medical care — if you are unable to make [those] decisions yourself.”

Living Wills advise your medical team about life support. A living will is actually a type of advance directive. Advance directives provide an explicit guide for end-of-life care. Directives “aren’t just for older adults,” says Mayo Clinic on their website. “Unexpected end-of-life situations can happen at any age...”.

Today, some lawyers and physicians also advocate for a Physicians Order for LifeSustaining Treatment, known

as a POLST.

The POLST was originally developed for frail, chronically ill and institutionalized persons. It was based solely on the patient’s advance directive — to aid paramedics and other medical providers, as well as family members — by stating precisely how they wanted their end-of-life care, according to Hurley Elder Care.

But the POLST “does not replace an advance directive. It is a legal document in Georgia that serves as an addition to your directive in the form of a physician’s order.

Medicare & Medicaid coverage

“In years past, physicians did not always discuss a patient’s health status with the patient or the family,” said Dr. Adrienne Mims. She

Dr.

serves as vice president and chief medical officer for Alliant Health Solutions.

“With the growing population of aging adults, and death not being optional, more physicians need to become comfortable in having these needed discussions. The good news is the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services recognizes the importance of having these conversations and [since 2016] pays physicians to have these discussions with their patients.”

Faithful sources that can help

“The intersection of religion and end-of-life decision-making is intrinsically linked, yet end-of-life discussions can be in conflict with religious values and beliefs,” said attorney Barbara Rogers with Arnall

Adrienne Mims

Golden Gregory, an Atlanta law firm. “It is incumbent upon the community, including religious leaders in connection with healthcare providers, to think and plan for the inevitable.”

A physician and a rabbi

“Rabbis who attend hospitals and guide patients and families through their spiritual journey should be very well informed on end-of-life’ decisions,” said Rabbi Analia Bortz, who is also a medical doctor.

“In our pastoral care, we might be good advisors on how to navigate the system and address families in sensitive matters,” she said. “As a rabbi and a physician, I feel responsible for being present at the bedside, to provide a good ear to listen and help people feel that they have been heard.”

A Lutheran reverend

Reverend Kevin Martin of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Johns Creek spoke about religion and death at Emory Johns Creek Hospital last year. He said “Having something familiar to fall back on when there is an awkward moment at the end of life may become a cherished time.”

During a panel discussion, Martin shared how Sam Keen, a former contributing editor to “Psychology Today,” had interviewed a patient, author Earnest Becker. Becker wrote “Denial of Death,” which won a 1974 Pulitzer Prize.

Keen knew [then] that Becker would most likely pass before the two would meet again.

As he was leaving Becker’s room, Becker reached over and poured some medicinal sherry (standard care back then) into paper cups. The two drank a toast together, shook hands and

said their goodbyes.

“Whether it’s a unique custom to say goodbye, or a particular game to play, or series of questions to ask, such rituals serve as the shallow end of the pool,” Martin said. “It’s a chance to wade into deeper conversations, or a chance to come out of a difficult time without undue haste or uncertainty.”

The Muslim faith

Noor Abbady, co-founder of the Interfaith Speakers Network of Atlanta said, “We experience grief, pain and mourning [as] humans before being Muslim, Christian or Jewish.”

“Any pastoral care provided needs to stem from this realization. The emotions evoked by the event of terminal illness and the departure of loved ones are universal.”

From her Islamic perspective, Abbaday said that death is not seen as a “termination of life, but rather as a transition to the eternal life.”

A sacred experience for the Hindu faith

Indian-born Ameeta Jadav said she suspects that “people of Indian descent see the end of life as a passage. Devout Hindu Indians may deal with death through many special rituals including Hindu priests,” she said.

Jadav shared her personal experience of the passing of her mother, as a sacred and spiritual experience. “No religious rites were performed, but friends and family did read from the [Hindu] scriptures. That was a very soothing process.”

Rabbi Analia Bortz

Noor Abbady

“Working with seniors to meet their housing needs requires an expert understanding of their lifestyle and financial needs, and the SRES designation means that a Realtor has that understanding,” said Jim Scheer.

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• Minutes from OK Café

VOLUNTEERS

uga extension volunteer opportunities

Whether your interests include working with kids, your community or plants and flowers, you can volunteer your time with the University of Georgia (UGA) Cooperative Extension and make a difference. The mission of both UGA Extension and our volunteer program is to connect the community with research-based, unbiased information with classes, events, and hands-on learning.

There are many ways in which you can engage with Extension as a volunteer.

Master Gardener Extension

Volunteers

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.

Master Gardener Extension Volunteers (MGEVs) are trained volunteers with unique skills and abilities, who share a love of plants and gardens and an enthusiasm for learning. They come in a variety of ages, personalities and professions, all united by a passion for teaching others.

You don’t even need horticulture experience to apply. Metro Atlanta applications are open in the fall and if accepted, MGEV Trainees complete 42 hours of core horticultural training, pass two exams and complete 50 hours of volunteer service, before becoming an official MGEV.

Master Family and Consumer Sciences Volunteers

Referred to as “Home Economics” in the past, the Family and Consumer Sciences program provides unbiased information related to health, nutrition, food safety, financial literacy, the family and the home.

Master Family and Consumer Sciences Volunteers (MFACSVs) don’t need experience in these areas to apply. All that’s required is a desire to learn and a passion to teach others through hands-on activities and classes. There is not a set application period, but mandatory training is required.

4-H Youth and Development Volunteers

Georgia 4-H provides experiences for young people up to 18 years old. 4-H’ers complete hands-on projects and attend clubs in our focus areas of Agriculture and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Healthy Living and Civic Engagement.

4-H Volunteers coordinate local community clubs and help to plan and conduct local, regional, state and national 4-H events. Some volunteer leaders work directly with youth and others serve as trainers and mentors.

Volunteers are absolutely essential to Extension’s work. If you’re interested in learning more, please call 1-800-ASK-UGA1, contact your local Extension office or visit extension.uga.edu, click on ‘About,’ then scroll to ‘Volunteers.’

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He loves to grab his favorite toy and play keep-away from his human friends. His bubbly, outgoing personality will keep you smiling, and his soft hound-like ears are great for petting. He likes going for walks and playing outside, but he also enjoys a good, long nap on the couch.

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Doctors Dedicated to Serving Seniors

Get Your rest

In 2016, Dr. Wayne Giles, then director of CDC’s Division of Population Health, issued a stern warning: As a nation, we are not getting enough sleep.”

Sleep-deprivation has been in health news ever since. Reasons for restless nights are as varied as our ages. Nearly half of men and women over the age of 65 say they have at least one sleep problem, according to multiple sleep studies.

For older adults a few sleepless nights may point to too many medications, alcoholic drinks and even personal problems, such as poor bedtime habits, financial worries and stress.

The dangers of too little sleep

According to a study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine, sleep plays a vital role in physical and mental functioning. Too few hours may be associated with serious risks, such as:

■ Poor physical function

■ Decreased cognitive function

■ Falls and fractures

■ Mortality

“Sleep impacts everything — and everything impacts sleep,” said Northside Hospital’s Director of Sleep Medicine Dr. Scott Leibowitz, part of the Laureate Medical Group team. “More and more, we’re understanding the impact of sleep dysfunction on our health. In particular, [we see this] in cardiovascular [heart and blood vessel] disease risk and patient outcomes.”

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Leibowitz added that obstructive sleep apnea — a sleep disorder that occurs when a person’s breathing is interrupted during sleep — has been found to increase the risk of high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, sudden cardiac death and heart arrhythmias [irregular heartbeats], as well as diabetes and obesity.

“Less than six hours per night has also been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality, high blood pressure and diabetes,” Leibowitz said, referring to a recent study by the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The study demonstrated that less than six hours of sleep can increase the risk of coronary atherosclerosis (a hardening and narrowing of the arteries that slowly blocks arteries, restricting blood flow).

“The results of this study highlighted the importance of healthy

How Much Sleep is Enough?

In 2015, the National Sleep Foundation had the following recommendations for adults:

■ Adults, ages 26-64: The recommended sleep range remains at 7 to 9 hours. Although 6 to 10 hours may be appropriate, less than 5 and more than 10 hours are not recommended.

■ Older adults, ages 65+ (This is a newly added age category.): The recommended sleep range is 7 to 8 hours. Less than 5 to 6 hours may still be considered appropriate, but more than 9 hours is not recommended.

These data are the result of consensus by many organizations including the American Gerontological Society of America, American Neurological Association, American College of Chest Physicians and the American Geriatrics Society.

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

sleep habits for the prevention of heart disease,” said Leibowitz.

Making changes

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, the usual changes we see in parents or grandparents reflect patterns of sleep. For example, they may be getting tired earlier in the evening, as well as rising much earlier in the morning. In some cases, a “cat-nap” may augment their sleeping patterns. Older adults often wake up during the night to use the bathroom and then find getting back to sleep increasingly more difficult. And finally, they could struggle with staying asleep or just falling asleep in the first place.

There’s a lot of information to consider, especially when using prescription drugs for sleep. Health professionals must take extra care as our populations ages. For example, some medications (called ‘benzos’) can be dangerous — even fatal — if taken for sleep with other prescribed pain medications.

Antihistamines, alcohol, melatonin and herbal products used for snoozing may add problems, as well. Discuss each with your health provider or pharmacist before mixing them — whether they’re prescribed or over-the-counter purchases.

It’s always important to discuss your sleep problems with your healthcare provider,

and for some people, it’s worth the effort to taking part in a professional sleep study in a lab. Sleep studies are a “comprehensive characterization of one’s sleep physiology,” said Leibowitz. This type of testing can detect

sleep apnea, as well as other conditions that may be causing sleep disruption, he explained.

“Keep in mind,” said Leibowitz, “technologists are generally looking at a computer screen that’s monitoring your physiological variables, not a video screen of you sleeping.” However, sleepers are recorded on video during the study.

Less may be best

Perhaps Brahm’s Lullaby isn’t the right answer for mature adults, but there are some things you can do for a better night’s sleep, say experts.

Dr. Charlene Gamaldo, medical director of Johns Hopkins Center for Sleep noted that researchers are especially busy trying to help today’s

sleepy population stay awake during the day.

She advised people to turn off the technology. Much of the problem is the “thousands of channels, computer streaming and binge watching, not to mention our growing dependence on mobile phones and social media,” Gamaldo said.

The National Institute on Aging suggests following a regular sleep schedule. They also recommend avoiding late afternoon naps, large meals before bed, late night caffeine and alcohol overuse.

More importantly, get some physical exercise during the day. Researchers don’t completely understand how physical activity improves sleep, said Gamaldo in a Johns Hopkins press release. “We may never be able to pinpoint the mechanism that explains how the two are related,” she said.

But many sleep experts agree that one does help the other.

Carole and Phil found a new freedom with Independent Living at Somerby. Now, they don’t worry about keeping a house or driving all over town to find activities. That let them find something a bit unexpected – each other. Somerby is Full of Life. What will it spark in you?

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Don’t Be a Pawn in Medicare Fraud

Medicare fraud is not a new topic of discussion, but it’s one that most of us know little about it. Here are two examples of fraud that aren’t directed at the individual, but that use him or her as part of the scheme to illegally profit from Medicare.

Home healthcare

The fraudster, whom we’ll call “crook” for shorter syllables, makes a cold-call to the home. The crook claims he is a representative with “ABC Home Health,” offering home health services for free, because Medicare pays it all. All he needs is the person’s Medicare number.

He may return to check the person’s vitals and then bill Medicare for additional services during the visit, all fabricated to inflate the cost. To complete the fraud, the crook obtains the doctor’s NPI, or National Provider Identifier, a ten-digit number issued to healthcare providers in the United States by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, or CMS.

He then fraudulently documents the doctor’s request for home healthcare for several, maybe dozens, of seniors at a time. In turn, and before services are rendered, Medicare pays part of home healthcare up front.

The crook has the money and of course, the services to the individual never happen. The life of the fraud may run six months or so before the crook closes shop and opens again somewhere else under another company name and with a new owner’s name.

Remember: a doctor’s referral is the correct way for obtaining home healthcare with Medicare.

DME or Durable Medical Equipment

Another popular Medicare fraud involves Durable Medical Equipment, or DME, consisting of knee, back, ankle braces and so on. Many older adults, interviewed by investigators, say they receive up to 10 calls a day from DME companies offering various braces, all paid for by Medicare.

As with home healthcare, the correct way to do this is to receive a referral or prescription from your doctor for a specific piece of DME.

The crook contacts a senior, asking general questions such as “Does your back ever hurt?” At our age, everything hurts, so most will answer “yes” to at least one of the questions.

The crook records the conversation and then edits it, making it sound like the person is asking for the brace. The edited tape goes to the doctors who do business with the company for confirmation that the individual qualifies for a brace. The company ships the brace and Medicare is on the hook for the payment.

Some companies take it a step further. To increase the profit from Medicare, they send the individual several braces for the

back, knee, ankle and elbow. Medicare investigators call this “The Mummy Kit.”

Doctors are supposed to meet face to face with someone before recommending a brace. However, some simply listen to a phone conversation and sign off. Even when the senior tells the company that they don’t need the additional DME — and even when they return the items to the company — the company still bills Medicare.

Listen to podcasts on personal safety with steve rose atlantaseniorlife.com

Of course, these are issues well beyond most efforts on the part of a Medicare recipient. You do have an opportunity to make a difference, however, if you insist on speaking to your doctor about issues such as home healthcare and equipment.

Most providers of home healthcare and most DME companies are completely legitimate. But it’s naïve to think that no sharks swim among us as we navigate through these sometimes-rough seas.

Be smart, verify, don’t give in to high-pressure sales pitches and use your politely skeptical senses.

►Out & about

The Arts

Xanadu, JR.

March 7-17. Xanadu JR. is an electrifying musical tale is full of romance, art and dancing, and is ideal for audiences of all ages. Jerry’s Habima Theatre, a program of the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta, is Georgia’s only theatrical company directed and produced by professionals that features actors with special needs. MJCCA member tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children 12 and under: $10. For the community, tickets are $35 for adults, $15 for children 12 and under. MJCCA’s Morris & Rae Frank Theatre, 5342 Tilly Mill Road, Dunwoody 30338. To purchase tickets, call 678-812-4002, or visit atlantajcc.org/habima.

THE Great American Cover-Up Quilt Show

March 8-17.

MondaySaturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday, 1-4 p.m.

The 2019 show features over 150 unique, antique, traditional and art quilts made by local artists and displayed throughout Bulloch Hall. A special additional feature of 15 pieces includes quilts on the theme of the late singer/songwriter Prince. Bulloch Hall admission is $7 for seniors; $8 for adults; $6 for children ages 6-18; and free for ages 6 and under. Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Ave., Roswell 30075. For more info, visit bullochhallquiltguild.org.

Live Radio Drama for the Whole Family

Saturday, March 30, 1 p.m. The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company performs live audio drama at a

Left to right, Michelle Cristal (as Calliope), Bess Winebarger (as Melpomene), Patrick Robinson (as Sonny) and Jesse Thomas-Durden (as Kira) appear in Xanadu JR. at MJCCA’s Jerry’s Habima Theatre.

wide variety of events such as DragonCon, Mythic Journeys and the World Fantasy Convention. Come hear performances of adaptations and original literary favorites. Gwinnett County Public Library, Peachtree Corners Branch, 5570 Spalding Drive, Peachtree Corners 30092. Get details by calling 770-978-5154 or visiting gwinnettpl.org.

Learn Something

North Fulton Master Gardeners classes

Mondays, March 18 & 25, 7-8:30 p.m. The Recreation and Parks Department and Friends of Lost Corner host the North Fulton Master Gardeners series of classes for homeowners. On Monday, March 18, The Basics of Vegetable Gardening class covers planning your garden, sustainable (organic) garden practices, spring vegetables, herbs, as well as, mulching, weed control, fertilizing and pest control. On March 25, The Fragrant Garden class helps you identify fragrant plants for each season to add a new dimension to your garden. Learn about container plants as well as annuals, perennials, shrubs, vines and roses. Cost is $10 for each class or $60 for the entire series. Pre-registration is requested, though walk-ins are welcome. Lost Corner Preserve Cottage, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs 30328. To register, visit friendsoflostcorner.org.

The Loving Approach Family Education Series on Dementia

Wednesdays, March 20, April 17 and May 15, 7-8:30 p.m. This dementia skills education series, begun in December, is still open to family members and caregivers of people with brain change. It offers invaluable knowledge while providing guidance and a forum for questions and discussion. Free; registration is required. Oak Grove

United Methodist Church, 1722 Oak Grove Road, Decatur 30033. Register by emailing wecare@orchardseniorliving or calling 404-7750488. Find out more at orchardseniorliving.com/brookhaven.

How Journalists and the Public Shape Our Democracy

Thursday, March 21, 6:30 p.m. Join us for a 30-minute reception followed by a panel discussion hosted by CBS46 anchor Karyn Greer. Panelists include Senior Editor, WABE Public Broadcasting Atlanta Senior Editor Susanna Capelouto and Global Freelance Journalist and former CNN Journalist Archith Seshadri. They will discuss the importance of journalism and a free press in our country and the role the public plays in an informed democracy. Gwinnett County Public Library, Suwanee Branch, 361 Main Street, Suwanee 30024. Further info at 770-978-5154 or gwinnettpl.org.

Isaac Roberts and the Roswell Railroad

Thursday, March 21, 7-8:30 p.m. The Roswell Railroad, running from northern Sandy Springs to Chamblee, operated from 1881 to 1920. Isaac Roberts was in charge of the railroad for all 39 years and played

Continued on page 22

Walk With Us!

100% of every dollar raised goes directly to pancreatic cancer research.

Atlanta, GA

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Old Fourth Ward Park across fromPonce City Market

Check-in begins at 8:30AM Walk begins at 9:30AM

Visit: lustgartenwalkatlanta.org or 866.789.1000

►Out & about

Continued from page 21

a vital role in the reconstruction of the entire area, including the creation of two new communities—Dunwoody and Chamblee. This lecture by Clarke Otten, FOLC Board Member and local historian, offers insight into Roberts, his home and his railroad. A $5 donation to the Friends of the Lost Corner is suggested. Lost Corner Preserve Cottage, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs 30328. To register, visit friendsoflostcorner.org.

Shows & Festivals

The Model Train Show

Saturday & Sunday, March 16 & 17. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sponsored by the Piedmont Division of the National Model Railroad Association, the show gives visitors a chance to view old or new trains and shop from more than 250 vendor tables.

Admission is $10 for adults and free for Scouts in uniform and ages 8 and under. Cobb Galleria, 2 Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta 30339. Get tickets and more info at themodeltrainshow.com.

41st Annual Atlanta Home Show

Friday-Sunday, March 2224. Floor & Decor brings you Georgia’s largest home show, the Atlanta Home Show. The Atlanta Home Show is a great event for older adults. With hundreds of exhibitors, speakers, product demonstrations and live radio broadcasts, it’s a lively event that anyone can enjoy at their own pace. There are also a lot of exhibits and products to make aging in place easier and safer. Seniors age 65 and older with ID receive free admission! Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Pkwy., Atlanta 30339. Go to atlantahomeshow.com for more info.

Water Drop Dash 5K & Water Festival

March 23, 8 a.m. The Water Drop Dash 5K is a fast and flat course along the Chattahoochee River. Afterward, stay for a celebration with music, giveaways and fun activities. Space is limited, so register now. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075. Call 770-992-2055 x238 or chattnaturecenter.org for more info.

ShamRockin’ for a Cure

Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m. Help support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation while enjoying a night filled with music, delicious foods and adult beverages as well as silent and live auctions.

Tickets are $105 for early birds and increase to $115 as the date gets closer. This event is for people 21 and older only.

Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

at Encore Park, 2200 Encore Pkwy., Alpharetta 30009. Visit shamrockinforacure.com for tickets and details.

Brookhaven

Cherry Blossom Festival

Saturday & Sunday, Mar. 30 & 31, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Brookhaven celebrates

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its fifth annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Blackburn Park. The fun includes a 5K run, food court, classic car show, artists market, pet parade and live music. Blackburn Park, 3493 AshfordDunwoody Rd., Brookhaven 30319. For more info, go to brookhavenga. gov/festival.

Tax Assistance Offered by AARP Tax Aid Seniors who need help with their taxes can visit several facilities in the area. AARP Tax Aid representatives will be at these locations on the following dates to help with 1040 and 1040EZ returns.

North Fulton Government Service Center, 7741 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs open from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. each Tuesday and Thursday through April 11.

Dorothy C. Benson Senior Multipurpose Facility, 6500 Vernon Woods Drive, Sandy Springs, offers tax assistance on Mondays and Wednesdays only, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., until April 15. Call for an appointment: 404-613-4900.

Harriett G. Darnell Senior Multipurpose Facility, 677 Fairburn Road NW, Atlanta offers tax assistance on Fridays, March 8 and 22, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call for an appointment: 404-613-8580.

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