Silver Streak - April 2023

Creative Reuse: Scraplanta is part thrift, part art supply store

Just a few steps down from the TJ Maxx at the Briarcliff Village shopping center in Tucker is a small, relatively unassuming storefront that holds immeasurable treasures. This is Scraplanta, a creative reuse store that is part thrift, part art supply shop.

This shop has a little bit of everything: knitting needles, beads, ribbon, fabric, paper, partially empty tubes of acrylic paint, cardboard boxes, toilet paper tubes, picture frames, and oddly enough, a lot of trophies.

Jonelle Dawkins is the executive director of Scraplanta, and she has brought her passion for sustainable retail to the forefront of operations at this burgeoning store.

“I’ve always loved the environment,”

said Dawkins as we sat together in her office. At only 25 years old, Dawkins carries an air of confidence and leadership of a woman far beyond her years. She attended the University of Georgia, graduating in 2019, during which she studied ethical fashion in Ghana and obtained a Sustainability Certificate. She went on to attend graduate school at North Carolina A&T where she discovered creative reuse centers in Greensboro, NC.

“During my time at UGA I got a certificate in sustainability, so I wanted to use that to market myself as a fashion designer who cares about the environment,’ she said. “When I found out about creative reuse centers, I thought it was perfect because it was the intersection of art and sustainability.”

Dawkins said that since they began accepting donations last May, Scraplanta

has collected around 30,000 pounds of materials. It’s an astonishing number, and it highlights the need that this community has for a sustainable creative reuse store where craft and art supplies can find new life.

An estimated 40-50 people walk through the doors of Scraplanta every day. Dawkins said some regulars return every day to peruse the shelves and bins that are nearly overflowing with materials. It appears Scraplanta is not only a valuable resource for artists who need art supplies for their projects, but also for crafty folks who enjoy the act of looking.

Dawkins said some days the store is packed to the brim with shoppers, and it seems that many find peace and relaxation from browsing. “They will come and just look for like an hour and leave in a better mood than when they came in,” she said.

It’s not unusual to see a mix of shoppers at Scraplanta since it appeals to small children and their families, seniors, college students, art educators, crafters, and professional artists alike. According to Dawkins, part of Scraplanta’s success is the lower price point. She wants it to be accessible not only to shop there but also reasonable to donate leftovers back to Scraplanta when there are things that go unused.

“I want people to be able to immerse themselves in art without spending so much money and be okay with being bad at first,” Dawkins said, “Sometimes when we start a new hobby and spend $300 on a new sewing machine, $200 at a class, $60 on materials if we aren’t great at the end of the first class it can feel like a waste.”

Those who shop at Scraplanta spend a fraction of what they would at traditional

stores to get all the materials needed to try something new.

Scraplanta’s by-the-bag pricing for small items makes it easy to grab just what you need for any given project. Avid crafters and artists will relate to the frustration of having to buy packs containing large quantities of an item when they only need a few. This pricing system allows for greater flexibility and selection.

For creative reuse centers like Scraplanta, sourcing new materials and donations is not the problem. In fact, most are overflowing with donations, which is something that Dawkins saw play out time and again when she toured eight similar centers across the southeast from Richmond, VA to San Antonio, TX. She spoke with their directors, starting a group chat that has resulted in a sort of network of creative reuse stores where they can share their tips, tricks, and struggles.

Beyond the logistics of sorting through an ever-evolving selection of donations is the mental block that sometimes accompanies endless organization. “I can’t sort and process everything in one day, one week, or one year. I just can’t. When I come at it with a mindset that it’s going to get sorted eventually, I can tackle it one box, one bag at a time.”

She has three employees and relies on the help of a team of dedicated volunteers to help manage the flow of items in the

store. The crew works hard organizing and reorganizing all the shelves at Scraplanta.

“It’s basically just constant reorganizing,” Dawkins said.

While patrons are allowed to bring in donations during regular business hours, larger donations require an appointment

to ensure enough staff members and volunteers are on hand to sort the materials dropped off. Many of the volunteers are professional organizers who feel so strongly about the mission of Scraplanta that they are willing to spend their days off hunkered down sorting boxes and bags full of beads, ribbon, paper, fabric, and more.

The idea for Scraplanta was born from a newspaper article that founder Susan Reu read about a similar reuse center and visiting the Scrap Exchange in Durham, NC. Meanwhile, Scraplanta board chair Melissa Wood had scoped out the storefront at Briarcliff Village before the pandemic, but when the world came to a halt so, too did the plans for the shop.

Dawkins met with Reu and was brought onto the team back in November 2021. In that time, Dawkins established the business’ non-profit status, secured the physical space – which had sat empty for 25 years following the closure of an H&R Block – and opened their doors

to retail a year later.

Last September, Dawkins coordinated with arts collective The Bakery to put on a fundraiser for Scraplanta. The Revival Art Show featured works made from recycled and reimagined items, and all profits were used to open their physical space. Considering the impressive foot traffic, the community’s response, and the online buzz, it’s clear Scraplanta is answering an essential need.

Dawkins hopes Scraplanta can expand to more locations across the city to better serve artists in those communities. So far, her model has proven to be a success. In addition to retail, Scraplanta also offers classes on making bags, cardboard sculptures, appliques, and skills such as beading.

At the moment, Dawkins said the shop is hoping someone will donate tables, chairs, and shelves to help in the neverending sorting and organization. She also wants artists to spread the word. “The only way we grow is through more people knowing about us.”

Scraplanta is located at 2130 Henderson Mill Road and is open varying hours Thursday through Sunday. Visit scraplanta.org for more information and to register for classes.

Farmers on the frontline of climate change SUSTAINABILITY

even with covers.

ABOVE THE WATER LINE

In Their Own Words

The farm losses that resulted from Elliott’s brutal winds and frigid cold — due in part to climate change and a warming Arctic region — are described in heartwrenching detail by several of Georgia’s small farmers:

Sally Bethea

On most spring mornings I walk around my garden in the city to survey and appreciate the survivors of the weather rollercoaster we’ve been riding in recent months: the days of unrelenting, hard freeze over the holidays, record rainfall in January, and all-time highs of more than 80 degrees in February. I admire the new leaves emerging

In all my 30 years of farming, I've never seen winter weather hit in the low digits consistently like this for days on end... We experienced wind chills of -15 degrees with 40 mph wind gusts. Despite our best efforts to cover and protect crops outside and inside

The freeze put stress on our sheep and cattle. We had two days where the well was broken and we had to wait for it to get above freezing for a couple hours to be able to fix the pipes and well pump… With the frequent rain after the stress of the freeze we are seeing higher than usual loss from the combination of stress and parasites… The very heavy rains… have not been good for the grasses and soil health either.

Weekly produce baskets delivered to urban front doors by the online

patterns, including floods, droughts, high heat, and rising pest and disease pressures. A disaster relief program called The Farmer Fund, managed for the past five years by Georgia Organics (georgiaorganics. org), has been a life-saver — offering assistance through farmers’ markets, community supported agriculture, and local restaurant sales. The oldest statewide nonprofit providing direct support to local and organic farmers, GO champions farmer prosperity, food justice, and climate-smart practices.

Post-Elliott, sixty farms located primarily in Georgia’s Piedmont region applied to The Farmer Fund for a total of $470,000 in disaster relief. Every farm received aid, on average about 70 percent of what they requested, thanks to fundraising efforts by GO, Food Well Alliance, The Common Market, Community Farmers Market, The Conservation Fund, Wholesome Wave Georgia, and generous donors.

Relief funds are critical to help farmers weather extreme events, but growers must also learn how to adapt to global heating by embracing conservation practices that sequester carbon in the soil — such as minimal tillage, mulching, composting, rotating livestock, and cover crops — while also reducing their reliance on fossil fuels.

Climate-Smart Farming

from branches on azaleas, the bright-green holly fern fronds, and resilient oakleaf hydrangea, hellebore, and spiderwort. There are also heartbreaks. The leaves on the creeping fig that steadily climbed the brick columns on my front porch during the pandemic years are now gray and brittle: no hint of new growth. The cast iron plants I thought were indestructible look like they’ve had a Cruella de Vil hairstyle makeover. My once lush fatsia plants have survived, barely, but no longer hide the ugly concrete wall in my backyard. All my potted plants left carelessly outside while wrapping presents and cooking holiday meals are dead.

Of course, my gardening losses do not even begin to compare to the devastation that hit Georgia farmers in late December, especially the small to mid-sized farms dedicated to sustainable, organic, and regenerative practices. Many of these operations lack the critical infrastructure needed to protect against freeze-related natural disasters. Winter Storm Elliott — the Arctic “bomb cyclone” that brought blizzards, high winds, snowfall and record cold temperatures across much of the country — destroyed winter crops and fruit trees, damaged expensive infrastructure, and killed livestock.

high tunnels, the wind gusts blew off covers essentially freezing the crops underneath.

80 percent of our crops froze and died during the Arctic Storm, even with fleece covers and mulch. We spent hundreds of dollars in purchasing more fleece covers, hoops and weights in preparation for this storm… The wind tore many of them off the first night… the 6-degree temps were too cold,

farmer’s market Fresh Harvest (freshharvest.com) were filled with stored crops and root vegetables after the winter storm. Owner Zac Harrison says that in his ten years of operation, no other weather event has impacted so many of his growers at the same time for so long. Despite the irreversible damage and adversity, his two dozen farm partners are working overtime to raise spring crops and minimize their losses.

The Farmer Fund

Small farmers find themselves on the frontlines of climate change. They are particularly vulnerable to increasingly frequent extreme weather events and

In 2022, Drawdown Georgia (drawdownga.org) — a statewide nonprofit that has identified twenty high-impact solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions over the next decade — initiated a new grant program to advance climate solutions and prioritize equity. GO received one of the five inaugural grants, which will provide $200,000 for the organization’s Climate-Smart Farmer Program.

For the next two years, GO will help prepare Black farmers in South Georgia to become more climate-solution literate. They will be equipped with tools to learn how to adapt to extreme weather events and build resilience while maintaining productivity. In addition to focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, GO will provide technical assistance to create small-scale rooftop solar systems to power the farms; this will include advice on options to access capital funds to shift to less-expensive, renewable energy sources.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are already experiencing the early stages of the climate crisis. Not just on farms and in kitchens, but also in our backyards, uncertain water supplies, expanding flood zones, wildfires, and stifling heat waves. Humans must adapt, but we have to work together.

Earth Day events and celebrations

The 53rd annual observance of Earth Day is Saturday, April 22, and events are happening around the city to demonstrate support for the protection of the environment. We’ve rounded up some events to help get you more in touch with Mother Earth.

Earth Day Fest will be held April 22 from noon to 6 p.m. at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market. There will be more than 20 vendors, local artists, free yoga, and a live DJ. Find out more at cfmatl.org/eav.

Atlanta Botanical Garden will host Earth Day activities from 10 a.m. to noon on April 22 including music and various activity stations geared toward children. Get details at atlantabg. org.

The Atlanta Arts, Vegan, and Vegetarian Festival is April 22 from noon to 7 p.m. at Westside Park featuring food from local vendors, art, and more. Get details at avavfest.com. The Georgia Plant Swap + Sale will be held April 22 from noon to 5 p.m. at Pontoon Brewing Co., 8601 Dunwoody Place in Sandy Springs. Find out more at facebook.com/ Georgiaplanttradeandsales.

Ponce City Market in Old Fourth Ward will host the annual Atlanta Green Market Fair on April 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. featuring up-and-coming sustainable brands. Activities will kick off on Saturday at 9 a.m. with Yoga on The Yard. That evening, a sustainable fashion show will be held at 7 p.m. Get more details at tess.coop.

EarthShare Georgia will host its annual Earth Day Party on April 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at King Plow Art Center. During the party, EarthShare will honor its annual award winners and volunteers. Find more information at earthsharega.org.

We recognize the unique skin-related disorders that senior adults face. Without prompt diagnosis and treatments, these skin conditions can become painful and quite disruptive to your everyday life.

If you're experiencing any of the following skin conditions, please schedule an appointment with one of our dermatologists located at our Brookhaven office:

Medical

Lenbrook’s seniors champion new recycling efforts

Senior residents and management at Lenbrook have recently started replacing about 95,000 single-use takeout containers with high-quality OZZI reusable containers, expanding recycling efforts to include plastics and aluminum and recycling paper in the mailrooms.

“All of these containers are now being washed and reused and we can recycle all of these materials that we couldn’t before,” said Lenbrook resident Judy Franz. “It’s a huge step forward and we’re thrilled about this!”

Lenbrook is a not-for-profit active and engaged senior community in Buckhead with about 550 residents, the majority of whom are in independent living. Residents advocated for a more comprehensive recycling program and management listened.

“We have a motto – resident inspired, management led, associate championed,” said Felecia Sveda, Lenbrook Chief Operations Officer. “When residents have a vision for something aligned with our mission, we really want to support them to make that happen!”

Last August, Lenbrook eliminated single-use take-out containers from their dining program.

“Now everybody uses reusable containers that can be washed 2,000

times before they have to be recycled themselves,” said Stephen West, Lenbrook Vice President, Community Life. “We set up a collection spot on each floor in the trash room. Associates collect the containers each day and return them to the main kitchen to be washed.”

Building on that momentum, Lenbrook recently expanded their cardboard-only recycling to plastics 1 –7, paper, aluminum, and steel cans.

“It was so popular, we added another 70-gallon container on each floor to be collected every night,” West said. “We have two 8-yard dumpsters that we

fill up four times a week with material going to recycling centers and not to the landfill.”

The recycling containers located in every floor’s trash room were purchased with a mini-grant from Livable Buckhead.

“This program would not be successful without resident champions and resident buy-in,” West said.

Franz and a group of half a dozen residents are passionate about recycling and continue to share new ideas with Lenbrook management.

“Now they are going to start recycling in the mailroom,” Franz said. All three of Lenbrook’s mailrooms will recycle junk mail and shredding machine paper by early April.

“This really is a tangible and productive way for residents to make an impact for the next generation.”

To quantify that impact and look for opportunities to do more, Lenbrook will do a comprehensive inventory of all of the reduce, reuse, and recycle practices later this year.

“We have to do everything we can to save the environment,” Franz said “I am a scientist. I believe that global warming is definitely happening. We all have children and grandchildren and we really don’t want to destroy the planet for those that come after us.”

FROM THE CRATES

Spring football practice has begun in Athens, and our National Champion Bulldogs are going for a three-peat.

We are blessed to have one of the best and most recognizable mascots, Uga the Bulldog. For non-Dawg fans, it’s pronounced, “Ugga.” Like the fancy shoes with an A at the end instead of an S.

I started thinking about mascots while watching Texas Christian University in the national championship. They are the TCU Horned Frogs. I couldn’t decide if it was hideous, terrifying, or if I should feel sorry for it. I could write for days to cover all the types of mascots, but being fearful of leaving someone out I won’t. It’s not like the Atlanta Olympics mascot, Izzy, was an award-winner

Think of some poor human sweating like a beast in a costume to show support for their product. Insurance companies take some high honors. My insurance company has an amphibian with an accent and there’s also one with an emu Think about it – someone spent some serious coin on a group of people to come up with ideas to increase brand awareness.

I am smart enough to know an old guy like me is not exactly the target demographic, but I find it difficult to believe that a decision on which insurance to buy is swayed by a cute mascot.

From fast food, to cereal, to tires, and just about any product imaginable mascots have added cuteness and a memorable “hook” to the product. The Michelin Man has been around since 1894.

I still receive a few radio industry trades online, and a consultant I follow suggested radio stations bring back mascots.

The one tried and true radio station

mascot I remember is The Quixie Quacker. And there’s more to the story than some human in a duck outfit shaking his tail feather.

As I’ve previously mentioned, my first Atlanta radio job was at WQXI AM, which happens to be 45 years ago this May. This scared little 25-five-year-old embarked on a pretty cool ride. “Quixie” was legendary on every level of the industry so all who worked there knew it was something special.

The station hired a young man, Tommy Sullivan, who had won a contest and was a huge fan. He’d won so many of our contests that it was cheaper to hire him! As Tommy spent more time with us, he learned everything from running a control board to honing his vocal skills for possible air work. He also became The Quixie Quacker at station promotions, charities, sporting events, concerts, and more.

Not only was the station getting great representation, but Tommy was also a natural with people. Of course, his costume/outfit would attract children. I promise you there wasn’t a more dedicated, hardworking human than The Quixie Quacker. But it doesn’t end there.

That kid Tommy became Tom Sullivan – a natural-born entertainer and broadcaster. His drive and ambition got him air shifts and ee eventually became a major part of the Steve and Vikki Morning Show on Star 94…the former WQXI FM.

I hadn’t been at B98.5 very long when Tom told me about this high school kid who was starting as a weekender, and he called him a natural. It was Ryan Seacrest!

Tom is now a top emcee for events. A couple of buddies say he’s the best in town, and I’m not surprised. Give him a microphone and put him in front of a group of people and watch him go. And he doesn’t even have to dress like a duck!

The next time you see a mascot, realize there’s a human under there sweating hard for the money.

High Museum has stellar lineup of art for 2023

The High Museum of Art in Midtown has set the stage for some incredible programming and opportunities for art lovers in the city.

From new exhibits to installations and special events, there is something for

everyone at the High. Let’s get into it.

There’s still time to catch Monir Farmanfarmaian: A Mirror Garden, which is currently on view through April 9. The world-renowned artist’s geometric mirror sculptures evoke Persian architectural motifs and patterns in postwar abstraction.

Another current exhibition is Joseph Stella: Visionary Nature. Commonly known for his dynamic Futurist-inspired paintings of New York as well as depictions of the natural world, more than 100 of Stella’s paintings and works on paper are on display at the High through May 21.

Evelyn Hofer: Eyes on the City is on now through Aug. 13. showcasing the German American photographer’s five decade career. More than 100 vintage prints in black and white as well as color are included in this artist’s first major showcase in the United States for over 50 years.

Also just opened is George Voronovsky: Memoryscapes, which marks the first major museum presentation of the late Ukrainian American artist. Voronovksy’s work unites his memories of his homeland with a more modern, neon aesthetic. You’ll see sculptures made from objects such as coolers and pizza boxes that he found on the local beaches of his adopted home of Miami.

Coming this summer is Ancient Nubia: Art of the 25th Dynasty from the Collection of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which will open June 2 and run through Sept. 3. Featuring more than 200 masterworks drawn from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, which is the largest and most comprehensive collection of ancient Nubian art and material outside of Africa, the exhibit will feature pottery, amulets, jewelry, funerary figurines, and more.

On June 23 a new exhibition, Samurai: Armor from the Collection of Ann and Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, will feature more than 150 helmets, swords, and other objects in one of the most important collections of samurai armor outside of Japan.

And opening Sept. 1, In the City of Light: Paris, 1850-1920” will present an illustrated guide to the architecture, people, and culture of Paris during the latter half of the 19th century and early 20th century. Works by Théophile Steinlen, Henri-Gabriel Ibels, Edgar Degas, Édouard Manet, Honoré Daumier, and Édouard Vuillard among others offer an insight into Parisian life.

Fresh Food & More: A guide to local farmers markets

Spring is here, and a host of local farmers markets have reopened. If you are looking for fresh produce, artisan foods, and handmade goods, check out our handy guide for where to go in your neighborhood.

Freedom Farmers’ Market

Just steps away from the Freedom Park Trail at the Carter Center is where you’ll find this farmers market. Freedom is open year-round on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Here you’ll find fresh produce, farm-fresh eggs, handmade baked goods, and more. Info: freedomfarmersmkt.com.

East Atlanta Village Farmers Market

This farmers market opens in East Atlanta on March 30 and runs every Thursday until Nov. 16 from 4-8 p.m. This market is one of the city’s oldest, providing seasonal and local produce since 2006. Info: cfmatl.org/eav.

Morningside Farmers’ Market

Located at Morningside Presbyterian Church, this family-friendly market runs on Saturdays year-round from 8-11:30 a.m. Support local businesses from farmers to artisans to chefs. Info: morningsidemarket.com.

Grant Park Farmers Market

Grant Park Farmers Market is open year-round on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Head over to the Beacon Atlanta at 1040 Grant Street to try locally grown vegetables, meats, breads, and artisanal foods. Info: cfmatl.org/grantpark.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market

The Peachtree Road Farmers Market opened on March 4 and will run until Dec. 16. The market is open on Saturdays, rain or shine, from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Located at the Cathedral of St.

Philip, here you’ll find local, sustainable, and ethically sourced goods. Info: peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com.

Decatur Farmers Market

The Decatur Farmers Market opens March 29 and will run every Wednesday, from 4-7 p.m. until Nov. 15. The market is located at 308 Clairmont Avenue at First Baptist Church Decatur. Info: cfmatl.org/Decatur.

Brookhaven Farmers Market

Located at 1375 Fernwood Circle NE, the Brookhaven Farmers Market opens April 1 and will run every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to noon through November. The market offers healthy, locally produced choices to visitors. Info: brookhavenfarmersmarket. com.

Sandy Springs Farmers Market

The Sandy Springs Farmers Market is expected to open on April 8 and run every Saturday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. until Nov. 18. The market is located at 1 Galambos Way and features a unique selection of vendors with fresh produce and artisan foods. Info: citysprings.com/ farmersmarket.

Dunwoody Farmers Market

The Dunwoody Farmers Market is currently open and will remain that way every Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon until Dec. 16, according to a spokesperson. The market is located in Brook Run Park across from the playground. Info: facebook.com/ dunwoodyfarmersmarket.

Oakhurst Farmers Market

The Oakhurst Farmers Market is open year-round through Dec. 19 every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The

market is located at Sceptre Brewing Arts at 630 East Lake Drive in Decatur and offers fresh produce, meats, and delicious baked goods. Info: cfmatl.org/oakhurst.

A Weekend in Birmingham

Exploring The Magic City’s museums, parks, and breweries

Just a little over two hours due west from Atlanta, the city of Birmingham, AL makes for the perfect weekend getaway spot. The former industrial hub was nicknamed The Magic City for the abundance of limestone, coal, and iron ore, but these days its become a favorite destination thanks to its museums, outdoor spaces, and breweries.

Get your motor –and history – running

Opened in 1995, the Barber Motorsports Park & Museum (barbermuseum.org) has the largest collection of motorcycles in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Founded by famed Porsche race car driver George Barber, the museum boasts more than 1,400 motorcycles in its collection (from Harley and Honda to Indian and Cagiva) with more than 600 usually on rotating display. If you’re a race car fan, you’ll also find some sweet rides to gawk at too. If you really want to get your motor running, you can also take a daylong course that ends with driving a Porsche at the park’s 16-turn professional racetrack.

Need more speed? The Southern Museum of Flight (southernmuseumofflight.org) has 90 civilian, military, and experimental aircraft on exhibition, along with artifacts, engines, memorabilia, models, and more. Exhibits include the Korean War Jets, Tuskegee Airmen, and Vietnam War Helicopters. The museum is also the home of the Alabama Aviation Hall of Fame.

For something a bit statelier, the Birmingham Museum of Art (artsbma. org) has a permanent collection of more

than 25,000 objects covering a range of cultures, including American, European, African, Native American, Pre-Columbian, and one of the best Asian art collections in the Southeast. Currently on show through July is contemporary artist Rico Gatson’s lobby installation “Wall to Wall” and through May is Majari Sharman’s rumination on Hindu deities, “Expanding Darshan.”

Another must-see is the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (bcri.org) featuring archives, galleries, and temporary exhibits. You can take a self-guided tour of the permanent exhibit, which includes a journey from the 50s and 60s Civil Rights Movement to contemporary human rights issues.

Music lovers will appreciate the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame (jazzhall. com), with exhibitions of instruments, paintings, and memorabilia. It’s located inside the historic Carver Theatre, which just underwent a $4 million restoration to host jazz concerts and other programming.

Outdoor adventures

Vulcan Park (visitvulcan.com) is home to Birmingham’s iconic 56-foottall iron statue of the Roman god of fire, which sits atop Red Mountain overlooking downtown. The view alone is worth the trek. The giant statue of Vulcan, the largest cast iron statue in the world, was designed by Italian sculptor Giuseppe Moretti in

1903 using local iron as the city’s entry into the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis. It was moved to its permanent home in the park in 1936. The park surrounding it is perfect for a picnic or to watch the 4th of July fireworks. There’s also a small museum that hosts exhibits and other events.

Beyond the Vulcan sculpture, the 1,500-acre Red Mountain Park (redmountainpark.org) has 14 miles of trails for biking and hiking, an off-leash dog park, historic iron mines, zip lines, and much more.

Railroad Park (railroadpark.org) is a downtown greenspace known for hosting city events and gatherings. Located near the convergence of the city’s two railroad lines, the park is full of paths, flowers, and a lake.

Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve (ruffnermountain.org), located on former iron ore mines, is named after noted geologist William Henry Ruffner, who surveyed the area in 1883 and discovered the iron deposits. Today, there are 12 miles of hiking trails and the Treetop Visitor’s Center and Education Pavilion to learn about the flora and fauna of the preserve. Drink up!

Birmingham has become well-known for its local breweries with more than a dozen operating around the city. Be sure to include one – or more – in your weekend

itinerary.

Located in a historic building in downtown, Avondale Brewing Company (avondalebrewing.com) offers tours and pours in its taproom. Be sure to taste Miss Fancy’s Tripel, a strong Belgian golden ale; the Spring Street Saison, a Belgian-style farmhouse ale; or the tangerine-infused Brunch Punch Shandy.

Good People Brewing Company (goodpeoplebrewing.com) invites visitors to bring their own food to the taproom as they sample its seasonal brews like the Peanut Butter Chocolate Coffee Milk Stout, Pina Colada Lager, Hitchhiker IPA, and more.

Trimtab Brewing (trimtabbrewing. com) regularly offers live music in its taproom and tours of the facility, which concocts expressive IPAs, experimental stouts, and fruited sours. While the season menu changes regularly, be sure to try a “core” brew like the 205 Pale Ale or Trimtab Lager.

Back Forty Beer Company (backfortybeer.com) offers a variety of American and European craft beer styles, with more than 50 different beers introduced annually and as many as 25 different options on tap at any given time. This brewery is also known for its kitchen, which serves up cheeseburgers, pizza, and salads.

TRAVEL

A visit to Jimmy Carter’s boyhood home

Former President Jimmy Carter’s decision to spend his remaining time at home and receive hospice care instead of treatment for metastatic skin cancer has triggered an outpouring of stories and reflections on his well-lived life.

Many of those stories revolve around his boyhood home and farm in the community of Archery, a few miles from the more well-known town of Plains where Carter and his wife Rosalynn have lived since their White House days.

TRAVELS WITH CHARLIE

Carter has said that many of the exemplary values and lessons that helped guide him through adulthood and politics were learned on the farm and in his boyhood home.

Jimmy Carter's daddy, Earl Carter, moved his family to the three-bedroom home and farm in 1928, when Jimmy was four years old. The house was the Carters’ home until 1949 when Earl sold the house and the surrounding farmland. Jimmy had left home in 1941 to attend college.

In 1994, the National Park Service purchased the house and 17 acres from the then-owner to eventually make it part of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. A multiyear restoration was started to return the house and surrounding farm to their appearance before electricity was installed in 1938.

In November 2000, the house and surrounding farm opened to the public as the Jimmy Carter Boyhood Farm. Today, visitors can tour the old house and take self-guided tours around the farm to see its restored barns, work and storage sheds, chicken coop, water mill, and other structures that were part of a working farm in southwest Georgia during the 1930s.

Adding authenticity to the historic farm, park service workers and volunteers still maintain honeybees, goats, chickens, mules, and farm cats there. Seasonal crops also are still grown, including sugarcane, cotton, corn, tomatoes and, of course, peanuts.

One of the farm’s restored buildings is the old commissary, or store, opened by Earl Carter to sell supplies, groceries, and other items – including gasoline – to local folk. The old store still has a cash register from the 1930s sitting on its counter. Shelves are still stocked with the wares and goods that typical households of that

period would have needed for everyday life. The old gas pump still stands outside.

began at 4:00 a.m., hoeing weeds, stacking peanuts, picking cotton, and caring for the Carter’s farm animals. Although farm life was hard work, Jimmy and Rachel would find time to go fishing in the nearby creek. On the walk to the creek, Rachel would tell Jimmy stories about life’s lessons and would share with him her words of wisdom. These words stayed with him all of his life.” A fundraiser for the nonsectarian Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program, supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. CELEBRATING THE LEGACY OF JERRY HOROWITZ, PHILANTHROPIST AND VISIONARY MrHandyman.com (770) 852-5453

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