5 EASY WAYS TO EARN YOUR STRIPES
Whether it’s doing something big (like the inspirational people we profile in this issue’s cover story) or small, everyday acts, we all have it in us to be a neighborhood hero. Here, our top five picks to help your transition into superman or superwoman in September.
1 LACE UP YOUR RUNNING SHOES
Start stretching! The Big Peach Sizzler 5K is coming up Sept. 5. This 3-mile run takes you through the heart of Buckhead for a fun jaunt packed with post-race activities. You’ll join other runners helping raise money for Miles for Cystic Fibrosis, which focuses on research and supporting the Cystic Fibrosis community in Georgia. bigpeachrunningco.com
2 HONOR THOSE WHO SERVED
On Sept. 12 and 13, grab the family and head to DeKalb-Peachtree Airport for the second annual Warbird Weekend, honoring World War II veterans and the planes they flew. Some of the aircraft featured include American P-51 Mustangs, a British Spitfire and a German FW 190. Although not an air show, many of the planes at the free event will be open for cockpit tours and rides. Attendees will also have an opportunity for a meet and greet with WWII veterans and noted authors. atlantawarbirdweekend.com
3 PLANT A TREE
Get outdoors with your neighbors to increase Atlanta’s urban canopy by volunteering with Trees Atlanta. The nonprofit has been planting trees every Saturday morning in Atlanta’s neighborhoods—including Buckhead—for more than 30 years. You can also join Trees Atlanta on Sept. 17 for the “Tailgate for Trees” celebration and fundraiser, which kicks off planting season and the opening of the organization’s new educational center, Trees Atlanta Treehouse. The event, at Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, will feature an exotic plant auction. Tickets start at $50. treesatlanta.org
4 COOK FOR YOUR NEIGHBORS
Project Open Hand cooks and delivers more than 5,000 meals daily to those who are too sick to cook for themselves, cannot afford well-rounded nutritious options or who are at risk for disease because of a poorly balanced diet. They need volunteers seven days a week to help with meal prep at their Brookwood Hills headquarters, or to help deliver meals to homes in the community. On Sept. 17, the nonprofit is also hosting its benefit, Party in the Kitchen, at The Stave Room (formerly Mason Murer Fine Art). Kicking off at 7 p.m., the event promises a fun evening of food from celebrity chefs, a silent auction, music and cocktails. Tickets start at $250. partyinthekitchen.org
5 BEAUTIFY THE NEIGHBORHOOD
Join the Chastain Park Conservancy the first Saturday of every month to help keep Chastain Park beautiful. Volunteers meet at 9 a.m. at the red parking lot at the north end of the park (by Powers Ferry) and, depending on the season, will do everything from rake leaves and remove graffiti to lay mulch and spread wood chips. chastainparkconservancy.org
STORY: Margaret Watters
