Atlanta Senior Life - August 2019

‘TransFURring’ love across state lines

at any given time. The requests can be pretty specific, ranging from the number and age range of animals to requirements for recent vaccinations and certain medical treatments, Shelton said.

Furkids picks up animals from animal control and rescue agencies as far as three hours’ drive away, delivers them to the program’s shelter in Doraville, and then prepares them to be transported to north U.S. locations on the next TransFUR run.

“Our vet techs and veterinarians spend a good part of the day checking them from head to tail, making sure they’re totally healthy and preparing a health record,” she said.

Once they get to the North,

“whole teams are outside to help unload them and check them on their end,” Shelton said. “They typically quarantine them for a day or two. These cats are adopted immediately, once they hit the adoption floor.”

Karina King, director of operations at the Dakin Humane Society in Springfield, Mass., talked about the shelter’s win-win relationship with Furkids. “We love working with our Southern partner shelters and supporting their efforts to save lives,” King said. “We ourselves had far too many cats/kittens in our own community not too many years ago and remember what a blessing it was when we could get others to take some animals from us. Furkids does a wonderful job working with us, and together we save more lives.”

A plea for help

TransFUR had its genesis in October 2017 with Hurricane Irma.

By Donna Williams Lewis

Each year, about 6.5 million animals enter animal shelters nationwide, and about 1.5 million are euthanized, according to the ASPCA.

In Georgia, about 150,000 adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized every year, simply because they are homeless, says Furkids, the nonprofit operator of what, according to its website, is the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in the Southeast for cats and a nokill shelter for dogs.

Atlanta-based Furkids is going the extra mile — actually, lots of extra miles — to help put a dent in Georgia’s animal euthanasia rates. Last year, the 17-year-old group launched its TransFUR animal transport service, a program that is picking up unwanted animals from high-kill shelters across Georgia and sending them to nokill animal shelters in northern states, where there is high demand

for adoptable animals and a low inventory of them.

The warmer climate and lack of laws or enforcement of laws requiring spaying and neutering contribute to animal overpopulation in the South, according to Samantha Shelton, Furkids’ CEO and founder.

“They can’t comprehend the sheer volume of what we’re dealing with in the South,” she said. “They have the demand. We have the supply.”

TransFUR has delivered just under 2,000 cats and about 150 dogs to partner shelters awaiting them since the program’s inception in March 2018. “They’re begging us for these animals,” Shelton said. “Shelter staff welcome the animals with open arms and big smiles.”

The group partners with Georgia shelters and with shelters in the North so they all can know what types of animals are available and which are needed

As the hurricane approached the U.S., dozens of Furkids volunteers and staff in vans and planes worked around the clock for six days to rescue 120 dogs and cats from animal shelters in mandatory evacuation areas along Georgia’s coastline.

Getting them out of danger was just the first major step. Caring for and finding them homes was the next huge deal.

When a group from Minnesota heard about their emergency need for adopters, they called to say they could take 30 cats. A donor paid for a rental van and off the cats went.

Interest grew, and TransFUR was born.

These days, there is typically one transport per week, usually of about 30 to 65 cats, to currently 12 states, from Minnesota to Maine. The focus is on cats because most other

Jean and Larry Hammond adopt their new cat, Jolie.

Photo courtesy of Furkids.

Samantha Shelton, CEO and founder of Atlanta-based Furkids, relaxes at home in Peachtree Corners with her four senior animals. From left are Betsy, 20; Uncle Buck, 20; Tortie, 18; and Misty, 8.

Photo courtesy of Samantha Shelton

Robert and Jean Schmidt adopt their new cat, Trebor.

Photo courtesy of Furkids.

animal transport services in the country focus on dogs, Shelton said.

Another reason: 70% of dogs entering shelters come out alive, while just 15% of cats do, she said, quoting stats from the Georgia SPOT Society (Stopping Pet Overpopulation Together).

Northern adopters show “so much gratitude and appreciation” for their transported pets, she said. “We have had some very sweet emails from people who’ve received them,” Shelton said. “It just brings tears to my eyes and a smile to my face to know there are cats from Georgia who were someone else’s throwaways who are somebody else’s beloved family member.”

Furkids has rescued more than 30,000 animals since its founding in 2002. About 1,000 animals are in the program today in Furkids shelters, PetSmart and Petco adoption centers and more than 400 foster homes.

A “no-kill shelter” generally means the shelter has a live release

rate of 80% or more, Shelton said. “At Furkids, ‘no-kill’ means every life is valuable,” she said.

And the program has vastly improved the live release rates of its partner Georgia animal controls and rescues, she said.

Toccoa-Stephens County Animal Control, for instance, is reporting a 17% increase in its live release rate since joining the transport program, according to Furkids.

The program plans to acquire a second transport van this year to allow for more frequent trips to the North and is developing a training program for municipal shelters in Georgia’s small towns.

“We’re saving more lives through this program than we ever have before,” Shelton said. “We know we’re on to something great here and it’s worth every effort.”

Shelton’s senior animals

Furkids’ cat shelter has been offering rates reduced sometimes to zero for cats 5 years old or older. The shelter currently has about 75 cats in that age category.

Shelton, a Peachtree Corners

resident, has personal experience with senior animals as the owner of four of them — three cats and a dog. Her youngest cat, Tortie, is 18 years old. She found her as a kitten in her backyard.

Her quest for a home for Tortie back then made Shelton aware of “the serious pet overpopulation problem in Atlanta” and led to her founding of Furkids. She’s passionate about the value of senior animals.

“With an older animal you definitely know what you’re getting in terms of personality,

which to me is a benefit … and you’re not having to deal with training,” Shelton said. “A lot people don’t fully grasp what’s involved when you have a puppy. It’s like bringing home a baby.”

“There are wonderful adult dogs and cats available in the shelter,” she added. “Sometimes owners passed away, there was a divorce or a new job that requires traveling all the time. These animals pay the price. It’s heartbreaking when people bring their senior pets to a shelter. That’s when they need us the most.”

Furkids — How you can help

■ Adopt or foster a Furkids cat or dog. You can search for your new pet at furkids.org and other sites such as petfinder.com.

■ Volunteer to walk, bathe or help socialize shelter animals. Administrative and leadership volunteer roles are also available.

■ Help with the TransFUR van’s prep, cleanup or maintenance.

■ Make a donation.

For more information about Furkids, animal shelters and thrift stores in Peachtree Corners, Marietta and Lawrenceville, visit furkids.org.

No Age Limits on Love

Mature animals are ready for adoption at the Atlanta Humane Society

When you’re looking for a new animal companion, consider an older cat or dog. They tend to be more settled, are house-trained and have already developed their social skills. Here’s a sample of the loveable, older pets available at the Atlanta Humane Society.

Natasha ►

A 3-year-old spayed hound mix, Natasha came to Atlanta Humane Society from a cruelty case where she was living on a chain outside with no shelter. She has scars on her ears and neck from this neglect. She’s also being treated for heartworm disease, but this treatment will be completed at no cost to her adopter. Natasha is an affectionate, loving dog that will do just about anything for a treat! She’s available for adoption at the Mansell location.

Cecilia

Live The Good Life!

The Good Life Club, offered through WellStar Health System, is an organization for people 50 and over who want to learn how to live better, be healthier and stay active. Affirming our commitment to healthy aging in the community, we focus on:

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Eliot ▲

Eliot is a 6½-year-old neutered Domestic Shorthair. He’s an independent guy who will climb in your lap for petting when he wants it and walk away when he’s had enough. He’s quite a character! He’s available for adoption at the Mansell location.

An affectionate 3½-year-old spayed Domestic Shorthair, Cecilia is a little shy. Still, she gets along great with other cats! She’s available for adoption at the Duluth location. JOIN TODAY BY CALLING 770-956-STAR (7827)

Mollie

At 11½ years old, Mollie is a spayed Siamese Mix. She’s independent but gets along well with other cats. Mollie loves to have her ears scratched, and she’ll let you know when she wants more petting. She’s available for adoption at the Duluth location.

These two are a bonded pair of 12-year-old Chihuahuas. Lucy was recently diagnosed with terminal cancer, but Ricky will not eat and is very depressed without her. Lucy isn’t in any pain, so the Atlanta Humane Society is looking for a special adopter who can give them a place to comfortably live out their lives. They’re available for adoption at the Mansell location.

Find a friend, and get info on supporting or volunteering, at the Atlanta Humane Society. Call 404-875-5331 or visit atlantahumane.org.

Lucy and Ricky ▲

Animals provide assistance, support and comfort

Dr. Pamela Dorsett, an Atlanta psychologist, likes to bring her 5-pound, 7-ounce dog Naomi to work. Dorsett plans for Naomi to become trained as a therapy dog.

With the exception of a handful of folks who either have allergies or don’t care for dogs, her clients really enjoy Naomi, Dorsett said. The dog greets them, frequently sits with her patients and sometimes licks their hands, if the client doesn’t object, of course.

“Naomi has big brown eyes; she’s affectionate and incredibly friendly,” Dorsett said.

She views Naomi as an asset to her practice.

Some service animals can, among other things, pull a wheelchair, retrieve a dropped item, alert a person to a sound, remind a person about medications or press an elevator button on command. In fact, some dogs have even been trained to detect oncoming epileptic seizures or sense the presence of certain human cancers.

Judith L. Kanne, RN, BSN, BA

“I think she helps people feel calmer. When I’m meeting new clients, Naomi helps put them at ease. It’s not an easy task to talk to a complete stranger about deeply personal issues,” Dorsett said. “Greetings by a tiny dog with big brown eyes can be a welcome sight when entering a situation that can be initially uncomfortable.”

Service animals and emotional support pets

Many people ask: what distinguishes a service pet from a comfort pet or an emotional support animal, such as a cat, dog, rabbit, etc.? Readily available information is listed on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) website.

A service animal is “any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual or other mental disability.”

The individual’s disability and the tasks performed by a service animal “must be directly related to the individual’s disability,” states the ADA.

Emotional support pets, which include comfort animals and therapy dogs, are not service animals (under Title II and Title III of the ADA). Support animals might help with companionship, loneliness and comfort, as well as depression, anxiety and certain phobias. However, they’re not trained for performing assistance acts. They bring comfort to their owners, not always others.

Making others happy is the role of the therapy dog.

Physician Mark Perloe says his dog Andrew is “trained to be comfortable in certain settings, such as nursing homes and children’s hospitals.” He and Andrew enjoy visiting both.

Therapy dogs provide comfort to others at the handler’s direction and they must wear some type of special gear when in service. Of course, they have devoted owners.

Another

choice for comfort

What if caring for a pet is no longer an option? Of course, there’s nothing like a real pet,

but if older adults struggle with dementia or anxiety — or have difficulty remembering to tend to a pet’s needs — maybe a Lucy the Lapdog can help.

Lucy, a plush, weighted blanket shaped like a dog with satin ears and embroidered paws, provides “comfort without confusion,” according to her originators. Two sisters from Cumming, Ga. created her. Initially, Lucy’s role was help children with special needs.

Christy Bennett — an occupational therapist for 20 years — was looking to support children who needed help with sensory processing (a condition in which the brain has trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses).

“Once we had our prototype,” Bennett said, “I wanted to show her to my husband’s grandmother who was visiting. And immediately, the family noticed how calm and content grandma became while holding Lucy.

“That’s when I realized we had something special,” Bennett said. “Lucy could be a [calming] sensory tool for many people, not just children.”

According to Bennett, one visit to a memory care center answered that question. “When residents held Lucy, they would begin to talk about dogs that were special to them from their past,” Bennett said.

Those with dementia (Alzheimer’s or other conditions associated with memory loss) often experience anxiety due to confusion over a number of things. The calming sensory input that Lucy the Lapdog provides “evokes a flood of positive emotions associated with caring for a pet,” Bennett explained.

Although she doesn’t bark or purr, Lucy can be a win-win for dementia, hospice and palliative care patients who find holding a pet comforting but can no longer care for one.

state laws defining therapy animals not covered by ADA rules

■ Georgia law states that disabled individuals “are entitled to full and equal accommodations” on all public conveyances and forms of transport and public places, “subject only to the conditions and limitations established by law and applicable alike to all persons,” according to Atlanta Pet Life’s website. Also, disabled persons cannot be charged more because they have a guide or service dog.

■ Georgia establishments may ask a disabled person what task their service animal is trained to do for them, but not what disability the person has or to provide proof of the animal’s training or a doctor’s note about their disability.

■ Therapy and emotional support dogs do not have the same level of access as service dogs to places where pets are not permitted in Georgia.

For more details and expanded info, visit AnimalLawSource.org.

Brain Health Boot Camp Keeps Seniors’ Minds Sharp

Today, there are more than 46 million people age 65 and up in the U.S., according to Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS). That number is projected to more than double by 2060. With age serving as the greatest risk factor for cognitive impairment or memory loss, JF&CS last year launched a new program, called Brain Health Bootcamp.

The first of its kind in Atlanta, the program is designed to provide a cognitive and physical exercise program to individuals who may be experiencing a decline in cognitive functioning due to MCI or early stage Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) or other related dementias.

Dementia and AD are often used interchangeably. They actually have very different meanings. Dementia is not a specific disease but is a general term used to describe symptoms characterized by the loss of cognitive function (memory,

language skills, visual perception, problem-solving, self-management and the ability to focus and pay attention).

There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, with AD being the most common form. Often, individuals will receive a diagnosis of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) from their physician. MCI does not necessarily lead to AD, although individuals with MCI do have a greater risk of developing AD.

MCI causes a slight but noticeable decline in cognitive abilities but the decline is not severe enough to interfere with daily life. Up to 15% to 20% of people 65 and older are living with MCI.

Research has shown that the best way to keep the brain in optimum health is to exercise both body and brain and to stay socially engaged.

These three key factors are at the core of the Brain Health Boot

At the HEART

of Advanced Cardiac Care

Camp program. The cognitive stimulation component is a full brain workout through word games and language-based exercises. The physical exercise portion includes learning breathing techniques, yoga, and cardio moves that require the individual to remember sequenced movements. The best part of the program is participating with a small group of other individuals facing similar challenges.

“It is rewarding to see the transformations that take place here,” said Georgia Gunter, Geriatric Care Manager at JF&CS. “Friendships are formed, and participants gain confidence and a sense of reassurance that they are not alone in their journey.”

The Brain Health Boot Camp is

led by experienced professionals who specialize in the field of aging. The program is made possible in part by a grant from the Breman Foundation, Inc.

Ongoing semesters of eight weekly classes are offered from at JF&CS. Individual classes are $25 or $200 for a full semester. For more information, please visit www.jfcsatl.org/ brainhealthbootcamp or call 770677-9421.

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Members of JF&CS’s Brain Health Boot Camp participate in exercise sequences to music to promote brain health. It’s a fun way to exercise body and mind at the same time. Photo courtesy of JF&CS.

I CARE OFFERs FREE Rides

Are you interested in a great volunteer opportunity or do you need transportation to your medical appointments?

Over the past 20 years, I CARE Inc. — the Interfaith Companion and Ride Express, a 501c3 nonprofit organization — has provided thousands of rides to medical appointments for thousands of lowand fixed-income seniors of DeKalb County.

The I CARE program is designed to enhance and promote the quality of life, independence, dignity, well-being and overall health of the under-served, lowand fixed-income seniors of DeKalb County.

The I CARE mission continues

to be to serve seniors in DeKalb County by providing free transportation and companionship to and from medical appointments, provided by volunteer drivers who use their own vehicles to provide the transportation safely and on time.

If you’re interested in joining the I CARE Driver Team and experience the joy of helping DeKalb County Seniors with a service they truly need, or if you’re a DeKalb County senior in need of free transportation to your medical appointments, please contact Kate Maddux or Tim Simon of I CARE by calling 404-377-2273 or visiting icareseniors.org.

Transitioning or downsizing can be hard. It is a tough decision to make. I understand and have helped not only my family, but my clients as well. There is a lot involved in making those types of decisions. Having someone that you can trust, and has been there, can mean a lot. Let us help you to make sure it is done right, so you can enjoy the next stage of your life and all wonderful things it will bring.

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How a Garden Grows

I like gardens. I like them a lot. I enjoy the colors, the smells, the sense of walking into a fantasy world filled with flowers. The problem is, it turns out I’m not a very good gardener.

these days

Joe Earle is editor-at-large and has lived in metro Atlanta for over 30 years. He can be reached at joeearle@ reporternewspapers.net

Oh, I try. I’ve read the books. I’ve spent hours turning the soil and planting the plants. I’ve been going to garden shows for decades. I’ve wandered nurseries and seasonal plant sales in search of a special tree or flower to decorate my yard.

Years ago, I paid a designer tens of dollars to draw up a garden plan for my yard. I collected the specified plants and carefully placed them in an effort to turn that paper design into a real-world floral wonderland.

I chased away rabbits and chipmunks and squirrels. I pruned. I got lots of exercise. I cursed and sweated a lot.

It wasn’t enough. Plants that were supposed to grow didn’t, or at least not where I planted them. Plants that weren’t supposed to live in my yard showed up out of nowhere, put down roots and prospered like kudzu on a country road.

My back yard looks nothing like the pictures in the books or the careful design I followed. It’s a jungle out there.

On the other hand, the little patch of lawn I carefully tend in front of my house produces a mixture of healthy weeds and dead spots. My grass looks scared.

Still, as long as the rains come, at least some things in my garden grow. So, I have made peace with my not-quite-what-it’s-supposed-tobe yard. It just takes perspective. And you may have to squint a bit. The other day, while mowing, I thought I should share the hard-won knowledge I’ve gained through these many years of failing to turn my little plot into Yard of the Month.

Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay

My 15 rules for gardening and lawn care:

1. Anything you can mow counts as grass.

2. Grass that turns brown in the winter still counts as a lawn.

3. Brown spots add color and character to your lawn. Ignore them.

4. Use native plants in your garden. They’re supposed to grow around here. If they die, you can blame the weather and not your neglect.

5. Use electric tools, not gas-powered ones. You can say it’s to save the environment (I do) but you also can stop working when you reach the end of the cord.

6. Irrigation is God’s problem, not yours.

7. When looking at gardening books, magazines, TV shows and other propaganda from Big Gardening, never assume that the plants you see blossoming beautifully in the photos will grow in your yard. They won’t. Instead, they will wilt and slowly die just to mock you.

8. When you’re working outside, stay hydrated. This is very, very important. Don’t wait till you feel thirsty to have a glass

of water or a cold beer. Your body needs liquids constantly. Especially the beer.

9. Lawn Mower Beer is the cheap stuff you keep in the back of the icebox so you’ll have something to drink quickly when you need to rehydrate and you’re too hot to taste it.

10. Lawn Mower Beers contain no calories.

11. Don’t hire a lawn service until you’ve tried and failed miserably as least three times. OK, four.

12. Gardens always look better from a distance. Don’t let visitors out of your house.

13. There’s nothing you can do about plant damage from squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, deer, coyotes, wolves, passing teenagers and other varmints. They’re the curse we incur for living in a “city in the woods.”

14. Composting leaves, grass clippings, food trimmings and dead varmints is worthwhile, but if your compost heap grows taller than your children, you should take a break. Besides, you probably need rehydrating.

15. If all else fails, try again. Just not as hard this time.

Levels of Security

Pundits — looking for ratings — offer opinions based on no personal experience, other than what fits their agendas or what they think will shock people into listening. Regardless of what controversy is on the table for today’s blame game, eventually, it has to filter down to you and your family.

So let’s make things simple. First, I’ll offer up my analogy, then some statistics that may interest you.

If you didn’t know, life imitates baseball. It’s true, keep reading, I’ll tie it in. All great baseball hitters

have their own unique style of hitting, yet they all do one or more of the same things consistently, in order to hit the ball effectively.

The batter’s stance, balance, weight shift, batspeed and so on, all come together in an effort — not to collect hits, but rather to put the ball into play. The more baseballs put into play, the larger the percentage of hits. Therefore, the goal is to increase the percentages.

Those things done consistently, in order to increase those percentages, I call absolutes. Things done the

same way over and over to yield effective results.

Here is the “tied-in” part. Employ that same mindset, simple absolutes done consistently, in your personal and property security, and it will move you over to that smaller group of unattractive potential victims.

Let’s apply this to a potential burglary.

You can control only what is controllable. You cannot control a crook’s decision to select, for instance, your

residential community, be it apartments, condominiums or single-family homes, but you can control his decision to bypass your house by creating a first impression.

Let’s say there are three levels of security for you.

Level 1: Perception. Alarm sticker or sign. There is no rule that you actually need to have an alarm in order to display an alarm notice. What about a Neighborhood Watch sign? Although the sign is good, the program is better. Contact

your local police or sheriff department’s community affairs unit. Post a notice that the area is under video surveillance.

Want old school perception? Try a large dog dish and size 18 dirty work boots at the doorstep next to the latest issue of “Guns & Ammo” magazine.

Level 2: Hardware. Dead bolt. Your local crime-prevention officer will come to your home and do a survey, along with good suggestions for increasing your security. Front and back door deadbolts should have two-inch throws, (the part that inserts into the doorjamb.)

Window locks. They may not keep the burglar out, but they will deter many because they don’t want to break the glass. Sliding doors will secure with a stick between the sliding part of the door and the doorframe.

Level 3: The alarm itself — use it! Video is inexpensive, $300 or so for a two-camera set with monitor and online access. These are two great deterrents.

There is a Level 4, which, if the burglar gets past the first three, are sure to do the trick. They include large ball python snakes, a borrowed junkyard dog, an angry mother-in-law and, if all fails, a guy sitting on the sofa who says, “Hi, I’d like to talk to you about a wonderful new product that can be yours for only 16 monthly payments of $29.95.” Any burglar will be out of there with skid marks.

Oh yeah, the statistics? Here are a couple.

0.3% of Canadian road accidents involve a moose, and 40% of women have hurled a piece of footwear at a man! *

Find your absolutes, create that impression, talk to your police crime-prevention officers and put the ball into play.

*Chronicle.com

Serving a helping hand

Something about Somerby sparks going above and beyond.

Jim literally keeps the lights on at Somerby. As a maintenance associate, he makes sure things work. Residents call on Jim to make repairs and hook up internet and cable. But just as often, they stop him simply to chat. That’s an important connection too. Somerby is Full of Life. What will it spark in you?

Happy Birthday, Zesto!

Atlanta ice cream and burger institution celebrates 70 years

By Annie Kinnett Nichols

One of Atlanta’s true icons, Zesto has been serving signature treats like the Nut Brown Crown (soft serve ice cream dipped in milk chocolate and rolled in dry roasted peanuts), Arctic Swirl cones, milkshakes, sundaes, banana splits, chili dogs and the Chubby Decker, Atlanta’s first ever double cheeseburger, for 70 years.

In 1949, Big John Livaditis opened the first Zesto franchise in Atlanta on Peachtree Road across from the Brookwood train station and it was instantly popular. Big John, born in Illinois to Greek parents, sponsored other Greek immigrants to come to the United States to work with him and opened more Zesto locations.

Big John hired friends and family to work at the stores and made sure his employees got to know the customers. That’s still true today. The employees at the five Zesto locations know your name, and your kids’ names and they know what your favorites are.

Each store has its own personality and special menu items. The Piedmont Road and Tyrone stores serve tacos and quesadillas, the Forest Park store is the only one that serves breakfast and East Atlanta has fish and chips as well as fried chicken livers and gizzards. Along with the burgers and hotdogs, all locations offer awesome Greek gyros and lemon pepper chicken wings.

The family atmosphere at Zesto also means that they have longtime employees who have become mainstays and icons themselves. Jimmy Koulouris and his wife Angela at the East Atlanta store, Delores Slaughter

at the Piedmont store and Mechelle Harper at the Little Five Points location have all been with Zesto for decades. They have some great stories to tell, too.

Slaughter recalled when Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson came into the Ponce store to get his favorite milkshake and they told him

the water main was down in the area. Jackson made one phone call and the repair was made while he waited to buy his milkshake. Rap star Lil Yachty was a regular at the East Atlanta store while working on the film “How High,” which used Zesto as a filming location.

Big John, who also created Big John’s Christmas Trees,

died in 1995 and his son and daughter-in-law, Jimbo and Leigh Ann, now run the family business.

My advice to you is to find the nearest Zesto and if you’ve never been there, go in and introduce yourself. You’ll be family in no time!

For more information, visit zestoatlanta.com.

Mechelle Harper

Jimmy and Angela Koulouris

Leigh Ann amd Jimbo Livaditis

John Livaditis

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Tech Learning is a Life Skill

It’s a well-documented fact that seniors are more susceptible to online scams and phone scams than any other cohort in our population. The horror stories are published in newspapers and broadcast on local and national TV news reports. It’s time for seniors –and their families – to tackle the problem head-on because the scammers get better all the time and because there’s more money at stake.

There are numerous places in metro Atlanta where seniors can find tech learning and coaching. They range from tech sessions at retail stores, such as those for iPhone training at Apple Stores, to programs run at senior centers or residential facilities to private, in-home coaching. (Full disclosure: I have recently affiliated with the Lifespan Technology Learning Center as one of their resource people.)

Whatever learning programs you choose or wherever you go, there are some basic rules of thumb to follow whether you pick up a telephone or use a tablet or computer.

■ If somebody you’ve never met – even if they say they’re good friends of someone you know – offers you a technical

or financial service, don’t take it. You could be easily scammed.

■ Don’t even have a conversation with a strange caller offering computer services. It’s the easiest way for them to get into your computer system and into your financial sites to clean you out.

■ If you’re offered something that’s too good to be true, it likely isn’t true.

■ Don’t use redial to call back a phone number you don’t recognize. Scammers are really good at disguising their real phone numbers, and you could be calling back a foreign number (with huge charges to you) that’s linked to a way to get you to pay for something you’ll never get.

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.

■ Don’t click on any links that you are not 1,000 percent sure you know.

Most of you already know all or most of these rules of thumb. The problem is that it’s all too easy to become confused by fast talkers and the fast pace of some technological tricks. Speed and jargon are two things scammers use to take advantage of seniors. Therefore, a life-learning lesson that applies to everyone – before we get into technology – is to train yourself to take a step back. Why is a stranger contacting you by phone or email with an offer to make you richer or make your computer run better? Why are you seeing a pop-up on a website while you’re on the internet?

Places to Learn

Group Learning: Group learning is always a great way to start learning about any aspect of technology. Once somebody asks a question, it always seems to open a floodgate of questions and concerns, and you’ll quickly learn you’re

not alone. You’ll be able to cover things that you hadn’t thought about before and trade information with fellow students and the group leader. Group lessons are either free or charge modest fees. While a good place to hear others, group lessons are not tailored to the individual and sometimes impart information that the student already knows, doesn’t care about or doesn’t understand.

Individual lessons: While more expensive than group lessons, a one-on-one encounter with the teacher provides a individualized approach which will more often lead to better learning. Many of the organizations that offer group lessons will also provide individual lessons.

On-line learning: There are a multitude of websites that provide tutorials and practice sites. A good place to start is YouTube, where you can find videos on just about any subject. Remember however, that just because it’s on YouTube, it isn’t always right!

Newsletter subscriptions: I subscribe to about 20 newsletters that arrive on a daily

or weekly schedule. I attach articles from these sources to newsletters and post them on the Digital Device doctor Facebook page. One of my favorites is Techlicious (www.techlicious. com).

Software company websites and forums: Virtually all software vendors offer help on their websites and almost always sponsor user forums. The trick is to ask the right question. Again, take all data with a big grain of salt.

Just ask Google: We have all been amazed to find a super explanation or response just by asking Google. Enter your question in the search bar and within seconds, it’s all there.

Ask the Digital Device Doctor: We are available to answer your questions or resolve your issues and will frequently point you to articles or other helpful information. Just call, text or

send a quick email. More indepth training is also available for a fee.

Topics for Learning

You can simplify your online life by learning about ad blockers. But that’s just one area where tech learning can help, and here are some you should consider:

Computer Security: Keeping all of your software up to date is one of the most important steps you can take to keep out hackers. We recommend learning about how updates from hardware manufacturers and software publishers are distributed and how to make sure you can download and install them. Updates contain bug fixes and security updates to protect you from hackers.

Viruses and Malware: Numerous programs exist to keep viruses and malware from getting into your computer. You should learn how to select

one (or why to accept one recommended by a trusted source) and how to manage it for maximum protection. We always recommend having antivirus and malware protection running constantly in the background.

Router and Wi-Fi Network Security: You should know how they work (in brief, nontechnical terms) and to set usernames and passwords for maximum security. If hackers get into your network, they can do a lot of damage to your computer and any device running on your network, including phones, tablets and smart-home devices.

Smart-Home Devices: Smart speakers such as Amazon’s Echo (Alexa) and Google’s Nest, as well as Siri on iPhones, can add convenience and improve seniors’ quality of life. They can also tie into a number of systems to help others communicate with you. Other smart-home devices include cameras,

Journey Along the

doorbells and thermostats. You’ll likely need someone to set them up, but learn how to use them and how to use new features as they come along—they can be lifesavers.

Smartphones: It’s humbling to think that when you have a smartphone, you have more computing power in the palm of your hand than NASA had when we sent astronauts to the moon. Find a comfortable starting point to learn how to use your phone’s many features. Learning can cover smartphones in general or specific phones, such as iPhones or Samsung phones.

Wherever you go for your learning, it’s important to make sure you get information you can put to use immediately. That will help you retain your learning better and give you a foundation of knowledge on which to build more technical skills and understanding while better protecting your assets.

Proactive Mental Wellness Program

Cobblestone at Park Springs offers personalized Assisted Living. River House is a mentally stimulating environment designed for people with mild cognitive impairments. Our programs are researched based and are proven to improve and maintain brain function. Through engaging experiences, Members are inspired to live life to the fullest. Call today to learn more.

LATE Summer Reading

By Collin Kelley & Joe Earle

Smile A While

Kyle Brooks

Better known by his nom de plume, BlackCatTips, the painter and muralist has created his first book, which includes many of his familiar smiling faces alongside poems about things you can do to smile and be happy. While it looks like a children’s book, Brooks said “Smile

A While” is for all ages. The artist was reluctant to release a book, but after friend and marketing whiz Laura Thompson gave him a small Andy Warhol art book along with a business plan to get the book into the world, Brooks spent a year working on the paintings and verses. The book will debut at a reading and signing on Aug. 8 from 10 a.m. to noon at The Grove at Colony Square in Midtown. To order the book and find out about more events, visit blackcattips.com.

None of the Above

Shani Robinson and Anna Simonton Robinson, one of the teachers caught up in the Atlanta Public Schools cheating scandal, and journalist Simonton explore the racial and economic disparities that brought about the case.

The Care and Feeding of Ravenously Hungry Girls

Anissa Gray

Deaf Republic

Ilya Kaminsky

The new director of Poetry at Tech, Kaminsky’s tour-de-force collection of poems weaves a narrative of a town in a war-torn country whose populace goes deaf in protest and resistance againt the occupiers.

We Are All Good People Here

Susan Rebecca White

Two life-long friends reconnect when their daughters are endangered by secrets from their mothers’ radical college days.

Ummarriageable

Soniah Kamal

A thought-provoking retelling of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice” in classobsessed, modern-day Pakistan.

The Favorite Daughter

Patti Callahan Henry

A woman returns to her small South Carolina hometown to care for her father diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and discovers his secret past.

Sunset Beach

Mary Kay Andrews

A down-on-her luck woman who works for her father, a flamboyant personal injury attorney, stumbles onto a murder in a sleepy beach community.

Never Have I Ever

Joshilyn Jackson

The lives of three sisters are upended when one of them is sent to prison for defrauding the town they live in.

A boozy book club turns into a nightmarish game of one-upmanship as a newcomer threatens to expose secrets and lies about one member’s past.

The Last Widow

Karin

Slaughter

The thriller writer brings back medical examiner Sara Linton and her partner Will Trent on the case of a missing Centers for Disease Control scientist and the diabolical enemy behind the plot.

The Magnetic Girl

Jessica

Handler

Smokelore

Jim Auchmutey

A guided tour of the history of barbecue in America, including vintage art and recipes.

Memoirist Jessica Handler and her mother shared an interest in stories of remarkable women, so years ago, when Handler’s mother came across an article about Lulu Hurst, she emailed a copy to her daughter. The article was titled “The Feats of the Magnetic Girl Explained.” That article would inspire Handler’s debut novel, a fictionalized account of Hurst’s days as vaudeville act and how she supposedly used magnetism in her body to lift people seated in parlor chairs or to knock grown men across the stage. Hurst later admitted in her own autobiography that she was a charlatan and her powers were actually tricks and stagecraft. For her version of Lulu’s story, Handler invented a sick younger brother, who hopes Hurst’s magnetic powers might heal him, and explores her relationship with her parents, who enjoy the benefits of their daughter’s growing celebrity. Handler says she spent about a decade working on the novel and even tried to perform some of Hurst’s “magnetic tests” herself, but never fully mastered them. “The chair thing, I can’t figure,” she said.

►Out & about

The Arts

Sundays on the River: Sam Lewis ►

Sunday, Aug. 11, 7-9 p.m. What better way to wrap up the weekend than an evening under the stars listening to live music with friends? Live music fills the stage on the second Sunday of each month through September. This month features the musical stylings of Sam Lewis. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075. For tickets and info, visit chattnaturecenter.org or call 770-992-2055.

Art Opening Reception at Gallery 4945 ▲

August 10, 5-7 p.m. The art of Lila McAlpin, lilamcalpin. com, will be featured at Gallery 4945 Aug. 8 through Sept. 29. McAlpin was graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts and lives in Atlanta. She currently studies with Marc Chatov and Albert Handell. “I paint and draw from life, so that I might capture the subtle and intangible qualities of mood, personality, and history that each subject embodies,” McAlpin said. Gallery 4945 is a volunteer run gallery offering exhibition space for emerging and established artists in the Atlanta area. Gallery 4945, 4945 High Point Road, Sandy Springs 30342. For more information, call 404-252-3324 or visit gallery4945. weebly.com.

Author lecture: The Trial of Lizzie Borden

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 7 p.m. This is the first book of lawyer/author Cara Robertson. She has based it on the transcripts from one of the most sensational murder trials in American history. Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally murdered in Fall River, Mass. in August 1892. When their younger daughter was arrested for the crime, the case became international news. Tickets are $5 for Atlanta History Center members, $10 for non-members.

Margaret Mitchell House, 979 Crescent Avenue, Atlanta 30309. Get details at atlantahistorycenter. com, click on Programs, then Author Programs.

The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra ► Saturday, Aug. 24. Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson are two sophisticated Southern gentlemen who present a highenergy show with the help of their hot 17-piece big band. Their show celebrates the Great American songbook, with nods to the sounds of Sinatra, Motown, Elvis and more. Tickets are $30 to $35. Buford Community Center Theatre, 2200 Buford Hwy., Buford 30518. Go to bufordcommunitycenter. com for tickets and details.

Art in the Park ▼

Saturday-Monday, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Local and national artists show their work at the 33rd annual Art in the Park held at Marietta Square. The festival includes a gallery tour, chalk

AJC Decatur Book Festival

Friday-Sunday, Aug. 30-Sept.

1. The 2019 14th annual AJC Decatur Book Festival presented by Emory University brings more than 250 nationally and internationally known authors representing diverse genres and perspectives, so there’s something for every one of the tens of thousands of readers who attend. Free and open to the public, the festival takes place in more than a dozen venues throughout downtown Decatur. For more info, including lists of presenters and book signings and a complete schedule, visit decaturbookfestival.com.

art display, Children’s Art Alley, music and food. Admission to the festival is free. Glover Park on the Historic Marietta Square, 50 N. Park Square, Marietta 30060. Learn more at artparkmarietta. com.

Learn Something

AARP Defensive Smart Driver Course

Tuesday, Aug. 13, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Learn defensive driving techniques and how to compensate for age-related changes in vision, hearing and reaction time. Cost is $15 for AARP members (bring your card) and $20 for nonmembers — cash or check only. Pay at the door. Please bring a drink and a bag lunch. Reservations requested by

emailing events@gwinnettpl.org. Gwinnett County Public Library, Suwanee Branch, 361 Main Street, Suwanee 30024. For info and more, go to gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154.

Fall Vegetable Gardening

Thursday, Aug. 15, 6:30 p.m. Join Tim Daly, from UGA Extension Gwinnett, and learn which type of vegetables thrive in cooler weather and the minimal maintenance needed for a successful harvest. Registration requested at gwinnettpl.org/ calendar. Gwinnett County Public Library, Suwanee Branch, 361 Main Street, Suwanee 30024. Visit gwinnettpl.org or call 770978-5154 for more info, events and classes.

Master Gardener: Fall Vegetable Gardening

Monday, Aug. 26, 7-8:30 p.m. The Atlanta area’s extended growing season allows us to take advantage of three seasons of vegetable gardening. Autumn’s mild temperatures create perfect growing conditions for coolseason crops, such as lettuce, spinach, broccoli and carrots. This class covers: summer vs. fall season crops, sustainable gardening techniques, direct seeding and transplanting, frost protection and preparing the garden for winter. Ages 10 to adult welcome; donation appreciated. Lost Corner Preserve, 7300 Brandon Mill Road, Sandy Springs 30328. For details and to register, visit friendsoflostcorner.org or email info@friendsoflostcorner.org.

Community Family Night Hike

Saturday, Aug. 10, 8-10 p.m. Looking for a night of fun for the whole family? Come and explore the sounds and sights of the forest and wetlands. We’ll listen for the calls of owls, as well as experience an animal encounter and a warm campfire. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell 30075. Tickets and more info available at chattnaturecenter.org or by

calling 770-992-2055.

Summer Line Dancing Showcase

Thursday, Aug. 15, 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to shake! Jazzy Jan will lead an open line dance for guests. There’ll also be light snacks, prizes and more. Participants must RSVP to perform; please include your team name, number of dancers and song of choice. Rosel Fann Recreation Center, 365 Cleveland Avenue, Atlanta 30354. RSVP to 678-509-6396 or georgia@ primarycare.com.

Aloha to Aging Annual Gala

Friday, Aug. 16, 5 p.m. In celebration of its 10th anniversary, Aloha to Aging’s annual gala will focus on “Building Our Legacy” with special guest speaker Sarah Stanley Fallaw, Ph.D., east Cobb resident and co-author of “The Next Millionaire Next Door.” Reception and silent auction begin at 5 p.m.; banquet dining, live auction and program start at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 per person; proceeds fund programs and services to ensure enhanced quality of life for seniors, their care partners and the community in Cobb County. Olde Towne Athletic Club, 4950 Olde Towne Parkway NE, Marietta 30068. For tickets and more info, call 770-722-7641 or email info@ alohatoaging.org.

Creek Stomp and Minnow Roundup at Big Trees Preserve

Friday, Aug. 23, 9-10:30 a.m. Wear water shoes and cool off in the creek at Big Trees Preserve. A Sandy Springs naturalist will bring a minnow trap and nets so everyone can have a close look at all the aquatic animals before they’re gently released. Folks who prefer to keep their feet dry will have a chance to sketch the catch. Free, all ages welcome, weather permitting. Big Trees Preserve, 7645 Roswell Road, Sandy Springs 30350. Get details and find more activities and events at friendsoflostcorner.org.