Above: Atlanta History Center offers an author lecture series. One of the featured books this month is The Trial of Lizzie Borden.
The Arts
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 August 8 through September 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.
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. Join us this month for 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.
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.
Saturday, Aug. 24. Jeremy Davis and Clay Johnson are two sophisticated Southern gentlemen who present a high-energy 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.
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.
Saturday-Monday, Aug. 31-Sept. 2, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Local and national artists will show their work at the 33rd annual Art in the Park held at Marietta Square. The festival includes a gallery tour, chalk 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.
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 770-978-5154 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 cool-season 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.