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IT’S TEEN DRIVING AWARENESS MONTH! Memorable From My First Few Months on the Road
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sure I burnt out the clutch that day. I’d be amazed if I didn’t because that entire parking lot smelt burnt. It’s safe to say I learned to drive independently before I ever had my license. My dad lived close to Shannon Mall, and on more than one occasion, he would send me out on my own if I needed something to eat. It was never a bad drive, as there were no red lights and only a few stop signs along the back road to the mall, but I still had to drive a stick to get there. After I successfully made this trip once, my dad was okay with me making it every time I needed to get something to eat.
lady at the DMV had the tests in her hand instead of putting them into the computer. So we rushed to another location fast, or I wouldn’t be able to retake the test for a week since I failed twice in a row. I scored a 98 on the third attempt, which was the highest score that location had ever seen! Two weeks after getting my license, I totaled a car. I had just picked up my little sister from somewhere and was sitting at an unusual five-way red light. I turned at the wrong time, causing a truck to T-bone me. Everyone was safe, but the car was in rough shape. It wasn’t my car, though; it was my sister’s. I was able to drive the car home, and when my sister laid eyes on it, she dropped to her knees and started crying. My parents were both nonchalant about it and took it easy on me, since everyone was uninjured. There’s bound to be a learning curve when teenagers start driving. I experienced it, and my kids did too. I want to do my part to help every teenage driver who is learning to drive or recently received their license. If you contact our office, I’ll provide you with a link to a free defensive driving
our youth are more exciting than learning how to drive and getting our license. For years, we watched our parents drive us around town to go places we thought were fun, building up our anticipation and excitement about learning to drive. You probably thought about the freedom you would gain and all the places you would go. I know I certainly did. January is Teen Driving Awareness Month, and it’s a good time to reflect on our driving memories from our first few years behind the wheel. My dad was relatively carefree when it came to teaching me to drive. He was in the mortgage business and regularly had to drive to meet clients for appointments. Occasionally, I would go with him, but these were never very much fun for me. There wasn’t much to do, and I just kind of hung around until he finished. On one occasion, before I had my license, I told my dad I would wait in the car while he met with someone, and he insisted that I practice driving. He brought me to the parking lot, and I sat in the driver’s seat of his 1981 BMW 320i. This car was awesome, but it was a stick shift and only had two doors. My dad gave me some quick directions about changing gears and using the clutch before he let me have at it. I’m pretty
I decided to get my license on the day of my 16th birthday, which happened to be on a Monday. The only DMV location that was open at the time was on Memorial Drive, so I went there as early as possible. Unfortunately, my first test didn’t go well. I did something wrong that caused me to fail automatically. My dad told me to tell my mom that they were closed and to just come back the next day to try again. I ended up failing the next attempt, too, but I noticed the
course that will help your teen stay safe on the road. I hope to hear from you soon!
–Duane Hamilton
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Streaming Services for Seniors What’s on TV?
Cord cutting isn’t just for kids anymore — viewers 55 and older now comprise more than 25% of streaming viewership. Streaming television has countless benefits, but most of the content generated by popular services like Netflix is aimed at a younger audience. Fortunately, numerous other streaming services are available, many of which contain entertainment that older adults are more likely to enjoy. Here are three that will help you find fresh and relevant content. BritBox The BBC in England is renowned for putting out excellent content, but until recent years, much of it has been challenging to find on American television. BritBox solves the problem by mining its vast catalog to create the most extensive streaming library of British TV
ever made. The service includes many classic comedies and dramas, adaptations of classic novels and plays, and newer content. British television has also historically been more willing to cast adults aged 60 and up as protagonists of TV shows, so you’ll have many opportunities to enjoy more relatable characters. The Criterion Channel Do you love classic black-and-white movies? How about foreign and obscure films? You’ll find them all on The Criterion Channel. A film lovers’ delight, The Criterion Channel hosts a constantly rotating selection of notable movies. It boasts classics starring Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart alongside arthouse favorites, foreign films new and old, and daring contemporary works. The service even categorizes the films into collections to make it easier to
find what you want. Whether you’re looking to broaden your horizons or settle in with an old favorite, The Criterion Channel probably has what you’re looking for. Paramount Plus CBS All Access is now Paramount Plus, and that’s good news for viewers. The updated service still contains CBS network favorites and streaming originals — a must- have since CBS is the most popular network station among adults 65 and up. But Paramount Plus also offers a more extensive movie and classic television show collection. Plus, it has plenty of family-oriented TV shows and movies to keep the grandkids entertained. The service even offers live sports with an upgrade. Who can ask for more than that? Paramount Plus is just one more reason you can kiss cable goodbye.
What Is Defensive Driving?
If you read our cover article this month, you know that you can contact our office to receive a link to a free defensive driving course. If you’re unfamiliar with this term, defensive driving is a set of techniques and responses to potential hazards that makes driving safer for everyone on the road. We’d see fewer accidents and traffic citations if everyone was a defensive driver. Below, you’ll find a few defensive driving behaviors you can start using to stay safer on the road. Enhance Awareness Dangerous situations are constantly developing while you’re driving, and the only way to avoid them is to be aware of your surroundings. You should always check your blind spots when you merge lanes, look both ways before entering an intersection, and watch for debris or damage to the
road that could cause damage to your vehicle. If you see someone coming up behind you fast, move over to let them pass. Staying aware behind the wheel will keep you out of harm’s way. Avoid Distractions We have our phones on us at all times, but that doesn’t mean we need to use them whenever possible. If you’re behind the wheel, put your phone down. That text can wait. Also, avoid other distractions such as eating, reaching for things in the back seat, and even putting on makeup. Don’t do anything that takes your hands off the wheel or your eyes off the road. Slow Down We know you want to get to your destination fast, but going way over the speed limit isn’t going to help as much as you might think.
You’re putting yourself and others in danger just to shave a few minutes off your drive. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speeding has been involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities over the past two decades. Stick to the speed limit and try to enjoy your drive. It’s more important to make it to your destination safely than quickly. Reach out to us today if you have any questions about defensive driving or want to enroll in a defensive driving course!
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Check Out These Locations
For years, Atlanta and other areas of Georgia have served as iconic settings in some of the most famous movies and television shows of the past few decades. You may have even recognized Savannah’s Chippewa Square while watching “Forrest Gump” or the Swan House in “The Hunger Games.” One of the coolest parts about living in this area is that you can tour many sets and locations used for filming. Here are some recent TV shows and movies that were filmed in the Atlanta area at locations you can visit. ‘Stranger Things’ If you’re a fan of the Netflix smash- hit “Stranger Things,” you may be surprised to learn that you can visit Hawkins, Indiana, in your own backyard. “Stranger Things” was filmed throughout metro Atlanta,
and there are a number of tours you can book to visit recognizable locations. You can see the Wheeler family’s home, Hawkins Middle and High School, the public pool used throughout Season 3, and the steelworks where the Mind Flayer nests. ‘The Walking Dead’ Not only was “The Walking Dead” filmed in the Atlanta area, but much of the story also takes place here. You can probably picture Rick Grimes riding on horseback along an abandoned I-85 with the Atlanta skyline in the background. Like “Stranger Things,” there are multiple tours that will bring you to iconic locations from the “Walking Dead” universe. One tour will take you on a walking tour of Senoia, which served as the location of Woodbury and Alexandria. You may
even get a chance to carry Negan’s Lucille around town. ‘Black Panther’ “Black Panther” was a massive success for Marvel and the late Chadwick Boseman, but the movie wasn’t filmed in Africa. Most of it was made right here in Atlanta. In one scene, Killmonger and Ulysses Klaue steal an ax from London’s Museum of Great Britain. This scene was filmed at the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. Both exterior and interior shots use the High Museum of Art. Additionally, the conclusive battle scene between Killmonger and Black Panther was filmed in Chattahoochee Hills.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
A ir F ryer R oasted S almon W ith S autéed B alsamic S pinach
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
INGREDIENTS • 3 tsp olive oil, divided • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) • 1 1/2 tsp reduced-sodium seafood seasoning • 1/4 tsp pepper • 1 garlic clove, sliced • Dash of crushed red pepper flakes
WE ARE STILL COMPLETING BENEFIT REVIEWS FOR 2023 AND YOU CAN STILL CHANGE YOUR PLAN. GIVE US A CALL, DON’T MISS OUT ON NEW BENEFITS FOR 2023
• 10 cups fresh baby spinach (about 10 oz) • 6 small tomatoes, cut into 1/2- inch pieces • 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat air fryer to 450 F. Rub 1 tsp oil over both sides of salmon, then sprinkle with seafood seasoning and pepper. In a greased air fryer basket, place salmon. 2. Cook about 10–12 minutes until fish flakes easily. 3. In a 6-qt stockpot, place remaining oil, garlic, and pepper flakes. Heat over medium-low heat for 3-4 minutes. Increase heat to medium-high. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Stir in tomatoes; heat through. 4. In a small saucepan, bring vinegar to a boil. Cook until vinegar is reduced by half, then remove from heat. 5. Arrange spinach on serving dish. Place salmon over spinach mixture and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE
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Exploring Some of My First Experiences Behind the Wheel The Best Streaming Services for Older Adults Understanding Defensive Driving Famous TV and Movie Locations Around Atlanta Air Fryer Roasted Salmon With Sautéed Balsamic Spinach Not Everyone Welcomes the New Year the Same
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New Year’s Traditions Around the World NEW YEAR, NEW PERSPECTIVES
2023 has arrived, so it’s time to plan for the year ahead and set some resolutions. On Dec. 31, as the clock struck midnight, you likely celebrated the New Year with fireworks, parties, noise makers, the ball drop, music, celebration hats, and confetti. But around the world, not everyone celebrates the same way. Check out some of these traditions others use to ring in the new year! Colombia Who doesn’t love to travel? In Colombia, many carry an empty suitcase or two around the neighborhood, hoping to bless the coming year with many chances to travel. Spain In Spain, you may catch some natives eating exactly 12 grapes, one for each clock strike once midnight arrives. Each
one represents good luck for each month in the new year. In larger cities such as Barcelona and Madrid, they gather to eat grapes together in the main squares. Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia In these Central and South American countries, the new year is celebrated with lucky underwear! The most common colors are red, intended to welcome love in the upcoming year, and yellow, which is said to bring about prosperity. Greece If you were to visit Greece on New Year’s Eve, you might see onions — thought to symbolize rebirth — hanging on the front doors of every home. On New Year’s Day, parents wake
their children by gently tapping them on the head with the onions. Philippines In the Philippines, people use round shapes to represent coins that symbolize prosperity in the new year. Some even display round fruit, such as grapes, on their dining room table and, like people in Spain, will eat 12 at midnight. Denmark To get rid of evil spirits, the people of Denmark will throw old plates and glasses against their friends’ and
families’ front doors. Then to “leap” into the new year with good luck, they stand on chairs and jump off! What New Year’s traditions do you have?
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