Above: Robert Hagan offers oil painting workshops
The Arts
Two “Prologue to the Book Festival of the MJCCA” Events
Sunday, Sept. 10, 7:30 p.m. Carol Leifer & Tuesday, Sept. 26, 7:30 p.m. Nelson DeMille. Comedian and author Carol Leifer’s one-woman comedy show touches on aging, love, parenthood, family and the world of Jewish humor; tickets are $20-$25. Nelson DeMille, the New York 
Times best-selling author of “Plum Island” and “Night Fall,” presents his new novel, “The Cuban Affair”; tickets range $10-$15. Book signings follow each event. For information and to purchase tickets, call the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta box office at 678-812-4005 or visit atlantajcc.org/bookfestival.
Text Me: How We Live in Language
Runs Sept. 17 — Feb. 4, 2018. This exhibit showcases the many ways in which text influences art, design, literature, music and all forms of visual communication in culture today, from social media to tattoos to way-finding signage to fine art. Curated by Debbie Millman, designer, writer and host of the Design Matters podcast. Tickets are: adults, $10; seniors, military & educators, $8; children 6-17 & college students, $5; and free for children under 5. Museum of Design Atlanta (MODA), 1315 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30309. Learn more at museumofdesign.org or by calling 404-979-6455.
Michael Carbonaro Live!
Friday, Sept. 22, 7:30 p.m. If you’ve enjoyed seeing Michael Carbonaro perform his improbable feats of magic on TV, you’ll love seeing his tricks live when the star of truTV’s “The Carbonaro Effect” brings his show to the Fox Theatre’s stage. Tickets range $39.50 to $150, plus applicable fees. Fox Theatre, 660 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30308. Find out about the show at MichaelCarbonaro.com; for tickets, go to FoxTheatre.org or call 855-285-8499.
Within: Looking Beyond the Surface
Runs Sept. 23 — Dec. 17. The art exhibition is offered by award-winning artist Martin Pate, who says “The models I use are people that I know. Often, I use their personality as a starting point for a painting’s theme.” Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta St., Marietta 30060. Learn more at mariettacobbartmuseum.org.
Atlanta Black Theatre Festival
Wednesday, Oct. 4 – Saturday, Oct. 7. Forty plays in four days, all presented under one roof. Atlanta Black Theatre Festival is a world-class platform for playwrights and artists from all over the world. The program includes live performances, creative conference, reader’s theatre series, shopping and nightly celebrations. Everyone who enjoys theatre and performances is welcome. Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Dr., Decatur 30034. Check out atlantabtf.org for festival schedule, tickets and more info.
Mountain Faith Band
Friday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m. Mountain Faith is a rising Bluegrass-Gospel family band from Sylva, N.C. Since 2000, the band has performed their unique brand of Americana/Roots music to audiences from coast to coast at fairs, festivals, colleges, universities, performing arts centers, corporate events and churches. Tickets are $25 to $30. Sylvia Beard Theatre, Buford Community Center, 2200 Buford Hwy., Buford 30518. Go to bufordcommunitycenter.com, Shows & Events for details.
Community
Pop-In for Pop Culture
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 4-8 p.m. On the second Tuesday evening of every month, the galleries open for an evening of reminiscing about the music, food, games, etc. of the 1950s and 60s. September’s theme is Alaska; on Oct. 10, it’s Monster Mash. Activities and food tastings are free, included in the $5 per person admission fee. Marietta Museum of History, 1 Depot St., Ste. 200, Marietta 30060. Call 770-794-5710 or visit mariettahistory.org to find out more.
Alzheimer’s Association Greater Atlanta Walk to End Alzheimer’s®
Saturday, Sept. 16, registration at 8 a.m., ceremony at 9 a.m., walk begins at 9:30 a.m. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s is the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research. A ceremony will be held in honor of those battling Alzheimer’s before the walk. Kennesaw State University Sports & Entertainment Park, 3200 George Busbee Pkwy., Kennesaw 30144. Go to georgiawalk.org to join a team or register to walk. Click here to find out about walks held this fall in other areas of metro Atlanta. For info on the Alzheimer’s Association, visit alz.org.
Health & Wellness
Know Your Heart
Ongoing. WellStar North Fulton Hospital’s Know Your Heart program offers screenings to assess your risk for heart disease, stroke and other serious conditions. The preventive, self-pay program offers two levels of testing. Patients can get basic or advanced screenings depending on their age, symptoms and risk factors. The Basic Risk Assessment cost is $49, and the Advanced Risk Assessment runs $139. Wellstar North Fulton Hospital, 3000 Hospital Blvd., Roswell 30076. To determine eligibility and set up an appointment, call 770-756-7827. Learn more at wellstar.org.
Mat & Chair Yoga
Classes begin this fall. HYer Dynamic Health Discoveries (HY-DY, Inc.) will guide you toward better health in your body and mind through yoga, meditation and breathing techniques. Register for fall classes by calling 678-565-8800. Visit hydyinc.org to find out more.
Learn Something
Social Security 101
Thursday, Sept. 21, 10-10:30 a.m. Find out how early retirement affects your benefits and whether you qualify for disability, survivor and spouse benefits. Learn how to use the My Social Security online account and other online services. Presented by Alicia Lipscomb with the Social Security Administration. Free, registration required. East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Rd., Marietta 30066. Call 770-509-4900 for details or click on cobbcounty.org.
How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills
Tuesday, Sept. 26, 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Get info on easy and inexpensive ways to save money on your monthly gas and electric bills, and learn the importance of energy efficient homes with Trey Cason from Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy organization. Free, registration required. Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs St., Ste. 100, Marietta 30064. Call 770-528-5355 or visit cobbcounty.org for more info.
Robert Hagan Oil Painting Workshop
Friday, Sept. 29 — Sunday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Professional artist and host of the “Splash of Color” TV series Robert Hagan offers an intensive three-day workshop for oil painting. This is an excellent way for a busy adult to learn oil painting in a limited span of time. Johns Creek Art Center, 6290 Abbotts Bridge Rd., Bldg. 700, Johns Creek 30097. Call 770-623-8448 or visit johnscreekarts.org for details or to register.