Peachtree City Magazine Spring Summer 2023

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MAGAZINE

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Cover photo by: Will Courtney

Charlie Nelson, Anna Nelson

Mike Nelson

Director, Magazine Design & Layout: Marilyn Wankel |

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Editor/Writer: Sherri Smith Brown |

Sales Executives: Dewey Patterson, Marie Schlosser, Ann Soderman | |

Social Media: Sherri Smith Brown |

Photographers: Dan Nelson | William Courtney | Marie L. Schlosser

A NOTE FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Dear Friends,

Thanks for reading our magazine.

We live in a beautiful city. It has won awards for many years for being such a uniquely picturesque place. Now it has won a very special award – “Safest Small City in Georgia” by Money Geek Magazine. You can read all the details, on page 13, on how our Police Department works hard every day to deserve this award.

Our new City News Section starting on page 13 also has the highlights of Mayor Learnard’s State of the City Speech given at the Rotary Club’s Luncheon. Also, there is a note about Bob Curnow, our new City Manager, and his new citizen outreach called “Coffee & Conversations”. There is also an article on page14 about our fire and EMS that talks about the high level of achievement that has been earned under the leadership of Fire Chief Clint Murphy. Our compassion for our pets and animals is shown by the variety and number of animal rescue organizations that are operated mostly by local volunteers. From spay and neuter financial assistance; to home half-way houses that train the hard to adopt pets; to public display events to allow the public to see and touch the pets that are available for adoption- the volunteers keep busy saving the lives of hundreds of dogs and cats each year. If you are interested in participating, we give you some organizations that are doing a great job.

Thanks to our publishing team who once again brought together a very informative and entertaining issue.

When you are out and about, please support our advertisers – without them we could not give away 25,000 copies each issue.

Charlie and Anna Nelson Publishers

Trio. Rescues from Miss Shirley's Place.

CAUTION: This Sport Could be Habit Forming!

Pickleball. It is the fasted growing sport in the nation.

The game was created in Bainbridge Island, Washington, by three dads trying to humor their kids out of summertime boredom. It is played with two or four people with a whiffle ball and small rackets in a badminton like sized area with a low net.

Peachtree City is exploding with pickleball enthusiasts. In the last 15 years, Peachtree City has gone from no public pickleball courts to courts being renovated at parks, golf clubs, and housing areas as well as a pickleball organization that has gone from 18 to 750 members and numerous tournaments throughout the year. Listed regularly on the organization’s website are pickleball events along with pickleball instruction, open play, round robins, clinics, and a myriad of social gatherings. In fact, it’s said that every pickleball event is a social gathering!

The 55-age plus crowd is a natural target for pickleball, particularly former tennis players; but pickleball appeals to all ages and all levels of coordination and play experience. The game combines aspects of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It was created specifically to be enjoyed by all ages and abilities.

How did pickleball make its entry into Peachtree City? It started about 28 years ago with just a few people experiencing and promoting the game.

■ Marty Sandlin Builds a Backyard Court

In 1993, Marty Sandlin moved his family from Tampa to Peachtree City and began looking for a home with a yard large enough for building a pickleball court. A Tampa neighbor had taught Marty the game, and he was determined to continue playing in his new town. Within a couple of years, Marty had completed the court in the backyard of his Sandown Creek neighborhood home.

Now, for pickleball to be fun, you need a lot of people—all ages and skills—to play the game. It can be said that Marty Sandlin gave the first pickleball lessons in Peachtree City. He had taught the game to his family, of course, but soon he was teaching the neighborhood.

Neighborhood kids and adults and school and sports friends all began coming to the Sandlin’s court to learn the game of pickleball. Most summer days were filled with the laughter and fun that comes with a good game of pickleball.

“Dad must have taught 75-100 people how to play on our court,” says Marty’s son, Tyson Sandlin. “We played nearly every day during the summer. Our neighbors would

Sue Eberhardt, Lyn Meyers, Kimmie Wise, Sharon Conrad.

come over, school friends, my sister’s entire dance team. We would have backyard campouts and birthday parties, and every event would include pickleball.

About 2001 the family hosted their first July 4th Pickleball tournament, an event that was highly anticipated annually until Marty passed away in 2012.

“Dad brought a lot of people together over the years with pickleball,” Tyson says. “It made our house the hangout for our friends. I think our parents liked it that way. They could keep an eye on us!”

Gail, Marty’s wife still lives in their Sundown Creek home. Their backyard pickleball court still can be seen from the path that runs along the back of the neighborhood. Although, it doesn’t get as much use as in days past, it is a visible reminder to all the people who learned there as to the fun of the game and the man, Marty Sandlin, who enthusiastically taught them to play.

n Sharon Conrad Picks Up a Racket

Sharon Conrad says she first heard about pickleball when she and her husband were on a cruise back in 2013. Once home, she picked up the local newspaper and there was that word “pickleball” again. It was an ad for the Peachtree City Pickleball Club, recruiting new people to join them in the game. Sharon decided to look into it.

That decision resulted with Sharon becoming one of the first players of organized pickleball in Peachtree City. In early 2014, the group started playing at the Peachtree City Tennis Center on Sunday evenings on its three, covered tennis courts. Sharon was one of about 15 players coached by Tyson Sandlin (Marty’s son) and his friend Chris O’Brien, along with Victor Jimenez who learned the game in Omaha, Nebraska.

When they lost their courts at the tennis center later that year, the pickle ballers began looking for other venues. Sharon, who became the national USAP Ambassador for Fayette County in 2015, promoted the game vigorously and began working with officials to create more places to play in Fayette County. She served as Vice President to Patrick Cardinali’s President of the PTC Pickleball Club until she took over the reins of the club from 2016 - 2023.

“We worked with Peachtree City Parks and Recreation to allow us to mark with tape the gym floor at the Kedron Fieldhouse for two pickleball courts,” says Sharon. “The City also allowed us to mark the two tennis courts at Pebblepocket. ClubCorp learned of the sport and allowed us to mark the Braelinn tennis courts along with two courts at The Bridge.”

Today, thanks to the hard work of Sharon and other early pickleball enthusiasts, there are a growing number of courts—some even dedicated to pickleball play—in

Continued on page 7

Top left: Cresswind PTC Picleball Courts. From PTC Fayette Pickleball Club photos: charity fundraiser for Toys for Tots. – photo with Santa: Front LR: Lyn Meyers, Santa, Sharon Conrad; Back LR: Tom Eberhardt, Phil Castagna, Rebecca Gourlay, Chris Castagna, Greg Conrad. Bottom left photo: Rebecca Gourlay and Bill Averill. Bottom right photo: Sotaro Fuji and Ty Jones.

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n Ray Ghandi Shares Pickleball Happiness

Ray Ghandi has been working with special needs kids for several years now, handing them tennis rackets and providing the resources for them to play tennis. The Special POPs organization in Peachtree City works with around 100 handicapped children, handicapped both physically and intellectually. Twenty-three are in wheel chairs.

The kids play at the Peachtree City Tennis Center on six free courts in several sessions throughout the year. The Special POPS Tennis program has been so successful, that Ray is planning for a similar program with the sport of pickleball. Ray, who is dedicated to community work, sees pickleball

Continued on page 8

Pickleball at Flat Creek Club. Left to Right: Tom Eberhardt, Nume Manee, Bill Averill, Sue Eberhardt, Rebecca Gourlay, Kay Sloan, Michelle Jones, Lyn Meyers, Ty Jones, Steve Caporini.

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>> pickleball FUN

Continued from page 5

Fayette County: Flat Creek Country Club, Kedron Fieldhouse & Aquatic Center, The Bridge Community Center, Glenloch Recreation Complex, Oak Grove Log House, Pebblepocket Park, Smokerise, Kiwanis Park, Covenant Presbyterian Church, and Fitness 54. For detailed information on these venues, see ptcfayettepickleball.com.

Continued from page 7

as another great way to get special needs kids exercise and fun.

Ray is currently planning fundraising for the new venture and hopes to start it in the fall. All he needs is balls, rackets, lower nets, a facility to play in, and lots of volunteers. The kids will come!

For more information, contact Ray at mgandhi52@ gmail.com.

■ Sue Eberhardt Quits Tennis for Pickleball

“It hurt my heart to quit tennis,” says Sue Eberhardt, “but I got over it real quick with pickleball!”

Sue, who came to Peachtree City in 1985, started playing on an Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association (ALTA) league soon afterward. Thirty years later she was beginning to feel the fatigue of the fast-paced game. Some of her girlfriends were starting to play pickleball with the

pickleball club, Sue decided to give it a try. After playing both tennis and pickleball for about a year, Sue put down her tennis racket for good.

“I love pickleball,” she says. “It’s more social than tennis. We can play everyday for two to three hours and never tire. We are always putting together a game of four or large groups for round robins.”

Sue’s enthusiasm for the game has led her to teaching others. The PTC-Fayette Pickleball Club is a not-for-profit 501c3 organization with a mission to promote and educate others about the sport. Sue says teaching the game is part of the club’s 501c3 tax exempt status.

In her capacity as a “beginner coach,” Sue instructs a beginners Sunday afternoon, two- hour clinic each month at Flat Creek Club with a practice round robin the following three Sundays.

“Anyone can come,” says Sue. “You join the pickleball club for $25. We teach how to play, the rules, and help with mechanics. Attendees can then sign up with GroupMe with a group at their skill level to plan games and activities. A couple times of year, Sue also helps with a Skills and Drills session for more advanced players. The Pickleball Club also sponsors numerous round robins with proceeds going to local charities. Toys for Tots each year is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers.

“We had over 130 players and collected 20 huge boxes of toys last December,' says Sue. “We charged a fee, players got a t-shirt. We set out boxes for the toy donations. The event started at 8am and went all day long. We dressed in our Christmas clothes and had a great time for a worthy cause.”

As for tennis, Sue never looks back. “It was fun,” she says, “but pickleball is really fun!”

Karen, O'Brien, member of the Peachtree City Pickleball Club playing indoors at the Kedron Fieldhouse.

MAKING SURE EVERY PET HAS A HOME

Georgia, like many other states, is overwhelmed with uncontrolled breeding. Animal shelters, rescues, and humane societies are turning away animals in need due to overcrowding and not enough foster homes available. Many of these animals end up being euthanized. According to animal shelter statistics, Georgia ranks 5th with 43,000 killed shelter animals in 2022.

In Fayette and surrounding counties, numerous people and volunteer organizations work daily to make homeless animals and pet overpopulation a thing of the past. Each may have a slightly different approach, but all work tirelessly to get animals off the streets and into a loving, forever home.

■ Fayette County Animal Services

In the state of Georgia, all stray and abandoned animals must be taken to the animal control facility in the county in which the animal was found to give the possible owner an opportunity to reclaim his or her lost pet. In Fayette County, that facility is the Fayette County Animal Shelter.

Fayette County Animal Services consists of animal control and the county animal shelter. Animal Control officers pick up strays, investigate abuse, help find lost pets, and assist with emergencies, such as vicious animals and in-home wildlife removal and hazards.

Since 2018-19, the shelter, whose average take in is about 600 dogs and 300-500 cats a year, is considered a no-kill shelter, meaning its live release rate is over 90%. A live release rate refers to animals released to a rescue, adopted, or returned to owners. Fayette County Shelter’s live release rate is between 97 and 100% of the animals it takes in. The only animals that have had to be euthanized in recent years are those that were gravely ill, badly injured, or dangerous

around people.

The shelter also has one of the highest adoption rates in the state. The county pays for the shelter to have all animals spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption. Jerry Collins, director of the department for the last five years, says some of this cost is recouped with adoption. All and all, it is a good use of taxpayer money because it reduces the number of abandoned animals in the county.

“Feral cats go back to the wild,” says Jerry. “The humane society traps them, spays/ neuters and vaccinates them. The cat’s left ear gets tipped, indicating it has been fixed. The theory is that this greatly reduces the intake of feral cats and saves their lives. Reproduction slows down. After a time the problem is eradicated so you don’t have to euthanize. In the long run, it reduces overpopulation.”

Jerry says he is most proud of the department’s track record of returning lost animals back to their owners as well as the department’s adoptions policies.

“We partner with a lot of organizations to get the job done. We all have a different mission. Sometimes we don’t agree with each other,” says Jerry with a laugh. “But we all do the best we can for the animals and families of Fayette County. I’m proud of release rates here. It’s been the work of all of us. It takes a village.”

Check the shelter’s website and Facebook page for adoption fees and details. Fayette County Animal Shelter, 1262 Highway 74 South. 770-631-7210. fayettecountyga.gov/animal_ control/.

■ Fayette Humane Society

Incorporated in 1973, the Fayette Humane Society (FHS) is the oldest nonprofit humane organization in Fayette County. Staffed entirely by volunteers, it is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

Continued on page 10

Debril. Rescue from Miss Shirley's Place.

Kitten photo courtesy of Fayette Humane Society.

organization and is supported entirely by individual and corporate donations.

FHS advocates for animals, supports the community, and enhances pet/ owner relationships through spay/neuter programs, rehoming and adoption services, and community education & outreach.

Because the humane society does not have a shelter facility, all of the animals it rescues live in temporary foster homes until they are adopted. President Rick DeLoach says that the society’s “ultimate goal is to find permanent loving homes for all of our rescued animals.”

In an effort to do its part to alleviate pet overpopulation, the society offers spay/neuter assistance to those who qualify and as funds permit. Prior to every adoption, FHS tests, vaccinates, and spays or neuters all of its animals, ensuring that they will not reproduce and add to overpopulation.

Fayette Humane Society Adoption Days are held at PetSmart located at 2701 Highway 54 in Peachtree City. Check the society’s website calendar for dates. The organization sponsors two major fundraising events each year—its charity golf tournament “Fore the Paws” in April and its Christmas Tour of Homes in December. A variety of other programs for donating are listed on the society’s website at fayettehumane.org.

■ Miss Shirley’s Place

It’s a Wednesday afternoon, and Jessica Beardsell has just gotten a text from her friend and business partner, Jane Reed. Animal control has contacted Jane about an impoverished family in rural Spalding County that has five pets and an unwanted litter. They need help. Jane can’t reach them by phone, but has an address.

“Let’s go talk to them. I’ll pick you up at 2pm.”

This is a typical day for Jessica and Jane. The two women find families in low-income areas who have dogs and cats that have not been spayed or neutered. They educate the families on overpopulation of animals and offer to pay the costs of spaying/neutering their pets.

Their business, known as Miss Shirley’s Place, has a different type of mission from most pet rescues. In fact, Jessica says it is more of a pet humane society than a rescue. Formed by the two friends in 2022, Miss Shirley’s Place is a 501(c)(3) that offers a proactive solution in reducing pet overpopulation. The organization raises money in order to provide funding for the surgeries of as many animals as possible to reduce uncontrolled breeding, homeless animals, and euthanasia rates. The women, who both have worked as volunteers in pet rescue for a number of years, say that the majority of pet overpopulation comes from neighborhoods where people can’t afford to fix their animals.

“There’s no way poverty stricken people can go to a vet clinic,” says Jane. “They might be elderly or mentally or physically disabled. Many times they end up with a huge number of animals in one house. They and their animals need our help the most.”

Jessica and Jane believe theirs is a proactive approach as opposed to a reactive approach found at most rescues and shelters. “Spaying and neutering gets to the source of the problem,” Jane says.

Miss Shirley’s Place takes care of all the necessary requirements for spaying and neutering the pet of a low income family. It educates the family on why it is necessary, schedules the surgery, and pays for it. It also pays for the rabies shots and deworming that animals must have before the surgery as well as for the medication the animal must take for three to four days after the surgery.

President Gail Lustig, Hearts 'n Homes rescue.

Courtesy of Hearts 'n Homes rescue..

Roscoe and Jax, recues from Miss Shirley's Place.

The women say it takes several years of consistent work in an area to see the intake numbers from animal control and shelters come down—a sign that the approach is working—but the numbers do come down.

Miss Shirley’s Place seeks donations through GoFundMe and Facebook to help cover the cost of what they do. To learn more about Miss Shirley’s Place and—most important—to donate, visit missshirleysplace.org.

■ Rescues Serving the Area

Three organizations that serve the Fayette County area with rescuing pets are Hearts ’n Home, Royal Animal Refuge, and Coco’s Cupboard, Inc.

Hearts 'n Homes, a rescue in Sharpsburg, is dedicated to dogs and puppies most at risk. The 501 (c)(3) organization concentrates its efforts on finding approved forever homes, fosters, or reputable rescue for these animals. In 2020, the organization was able to save over 210 dogs.

Continued on page 12

Vince and Shirley Ramos. To honor her mom, Jessica Beardsell, named their 501(c)(3) after her mom “Miss Shirley’s Place.”

Starr, rescue from Coco's Cupboard.

Founder and president Gail Lustig and her team, including board members Kim McCurry, Sally Schmid, Rachel Rine, and Stacy Fisher, have many combined years of rescue experience. The organization says, however, that it could not do its work without the help of its fosters, volunteers, donors, and supporting rescues. Although monetary donations are always needed, the rescue's next greatest need is foster homes and emphasizes that fosters save lives that would otherwise be lost.

Check the Hearts ’n Homes Facebook page for postings that feature events and visits with its dogs to places like Hollywood Feed in Peachtree City. Applications for foster and volunteering can be found on

the organization’s website at heartsnhomesrescue.org. 470-724-1051

Founded by Fayette County resident Rebecca Royal Tate, Royal Animal Refuge in Tyrone is a non-profit animal rescue that in 2017, set out on a mission to save adoptable pets at overcrowded municipal shelters. At that time, adoptable pets were showing signs of shelter syndrome—depression or aggression that were not typical of the pet. County shelters were out of room and really adoptable pets were being euthanized at an alarming rate.

Royal Animal Refuge promotes animal welfare and responsible pet ownership; locates homes for unwanted pets; provides humane care for all animals

in its care; educates the community about the problems of unwanted, neglected, and abused animals; and helps people keep their animals through spay and neuter, vet care, and other help as needed. To do this, the refuge works with the community, area shelters, and local rescue groups by developing a network of supporters and volunteers to create a better world for homeless animals.

Royal receives pets from a wide variety of situations—strays whose time is up at municipal shelters; surrenders due to no fault of their own; and rescues from neglect or abusive situations. When a pet arrives at the refuge, it receives a full medical evaluation, medication, care, and shelter. The refuge adoption team works diligently to match pets with families. Its behavior assessment team gets to know the pet thoroughly and matches accordingly. The refuge does not microchip, but encourages all owners of pets to do so.

Royal Animal Refuge operates 100% on donations and receives help from dedicated volunteers. The refuge will assist pet owners with supplies, but availability is limited. It also will assist pet owners with spay/neuter fees with a copay from pet owner if possible. 414 Jenkins Rd, Tyrone. 678-978-5890. royalanimalrefuge.org.

Coco’s Cupboard, Inc. is a pet rescue and food pantry in Molena in Pike County that works all over the area, including in Fayette County. The small, volunteer driven, 501(c)(3) non-profit humane society was founded in 2011. It is a combination of three organizations: TAO K9 Unleashed (training, boarding, rehab, day play); Coco’s Cupboard (pet food pantry and rescue); and Tails of Hope (service dogs).

Suzanne Aaron, one of the organization’s founders and president since 2012, has bred, raised, and trained dogs for more than 20 years. Suzanne is a believer that proper training is the key to creating a harmonious human/k9 relationship. “A large amount of the homeless pet population is a direct result of lack of training, by both owners and pets,” she says.

Rescues at Coco’s Cupboard are not in a kennel all day. They are able to roam in a large fenced area where they learn socialization with other animals. They are then placed in foster homes to finish training and are put up for adoption.

Besides pet rescue and rehabilitation, fostering and adoption services, Coco’s Cupboard offers a lowcost spay/neuter outreach program to prevent future unwanted litters, surrenders and abandonments; and a pet food pantry for those in need. The organization also runs Coco’s Closet, a thrift store that supports the rescue’s mission. Molena, Georgia. 477-721-CoCo (2626). cocoscupboardinc.org.

Peachtree City Named Safest Small City in Georgia

■ What makes a town safe?

Public safety is many times a major consideration for folks looking for a place to live as well as a contributing factor to staying or leaving a community. This past year, Peachtree City was listed as the safest small city or town in Georgia by MoneyGeek, a website that provides consumers with advice and tools to help choose the best financial options, such as insurance, credit cards, loans and more. Peachtree City was ranked 29th out of the 660 selected cities and small towns in the nation used in the survey.

■ The Data

MoneyGeek arrived at this conclusion based on the accumulation of specific data. For purposes of its analysis, MoneyGeek focused on cities with a population between 30,000 and 100,000 residents and included 660 cities in the ranking. To rank the safest small cities and towns in the United States, MoneyGeek started with standardized crime statistics reported to the FBI from 2021, the latest year of available data. To determine

crime rates per 100,000 people, population data accessed from the FBI was added to the analysis.

For Peachtree City that data came in as the following:

•$116 crime cost per capita — (Societal cost of crime per resident).

•40.5 violent crime rate - Composed of four offenses: murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, per 100,000 residents.

•962.3 property crime rate - Includes the offenses of burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft and arson per 100,000 residents.

•$4,281 cost of crime ($000s) - Economic losses attributed to crime and its cost to society (individuals, community and nationally) in millions.

•36,994 population. What’s Behind the Data

Although the recognition is nice and the statistics behind the recognition are valuable, Peachtree City Chief of Police Janet Moon believes that the open line of communication between the department and the

community is the biggest reason for Peachtree City’s strong showing.

“Community support here is wonderful,” says Chief Moon. “People talk to us. I always say if you see something, say something; and our citizens do that. We have a good track record here. People come here and commit a crime, and we catch them. That’s powerful for keeping future crime out of a community, but we are able to catch the perpetrators because we have so many citizens helping us do our job.”

The fact that there are so many citizens helping the

Golf cart bridge over the Braelinn Pond. Photo by Dan Nelson.

Peachtree City police do their job is not by accident—the department works hard at being approachable. Behind the statistics, the rankings, and the recognition is a police force that is consistent with its efforts to know its community—and have its citizens know it in return.

Community outreach is a big deal to the Peachtree City Police Department and Chief Janet Moon. It puts a face on the badge and makes people feel comfortable. The department maintains high visibility within the community, knowing that high visibility has a direct correlation with lower crime rates. Just like the old time officers who walked their beats, Peachtree City police cars consistently travel the roads and neighborhoods of the town. Their presence is a deterrent to crime.

The department takes advantage of its social media platform to put out information and engage in a friendly and humorous way with its followers. It is an approach that is transparent and builds trust.

The My Community Officer (My COP) program is a huge effort with a big payoff that Chief Moon enthusiastically supports. Although COVID has slowed down the effort, it is coming back. An officer is assigned to every neighborhood and becomes the department’s liaison. It adds a human element to policing by putting a face with the badge. Aging residents, particularly, still need a knock at their door. The community officer is a resident’s point of contact for any questions or issues regarding any police related issues or any other questions regarding the community.

Coffee with a Cop is a program that is slowly starting back up after COVID. Officers meet with citizens at local coffee shops or go to local assisted living facilities to engage with seniors over a cup of coffee.

Children growing up in Peachtree City since the early 1990s have been exposed to both the D.A.R.E. program and school resource officers, two national programs to which Peachtree City police are dedicated. Thousands of Peachtree City students have graduated from the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program, a police officer-led series of classroom lessons that teaches children from kindergarten through fifth grade how to resist peer pressure and live productive drug and violence-free lives. Since 1999, the Peachtree City Police Department took an aggressive approach by implementing the School Resource Officer Program at both the middle school and high school level. During this time period, the school system in Peachtree City has seen a significant decrease in criminal activity and an increase in positive community relations.

The Citizen Police Academy is designed to provide Peachtree City residents, business owners, and other city employees with basic information about the police profession and the daily operations of the Peachtree City Police Department.

Besides programs that open communication and trust in the community, Chief Moon adds, “We have our own high expectations of our own officers.”

As she says, she and the department adhere “to the nuts and bolts of policing.” The department follows the best practices of policing and maintains both national and state accreditations. Every four years, the Commission Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) brings outside people to the department to access, and the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police does its own assessment as well.

■ Fire and EMS

The MoneyGeek article and stats are based on crime data alone, but Peachtree City public safety excellence extends to its fire and EMS departments as well. According to Fire Chief Clint Murphy, the Peachtree City Fire Department is considered an elite fire department due to its Insurance Service Office rating of Class 1—which means that its services to the community in fire service, communications, and water supply are some of the best in the nation.

“Our Emergency Medical Service is an Advanced Life Support transport service that has been in service since EMS and paramedicine began in the 1970s,” says Chief Murphy. “We completed 26,094 hours for Fire and EMS training in 2022 for 86 employees. We provided community risk reduction training to the public—a program that is slowly returning to normal after the pandemic. We also completed 2,250 commercial building fire inspections per year.”

These types of ratings and training in its fire and EMS departments enhance a community’s overall public safety.

All and all, public safety in Peachtree City has not only led to a safest city in Georgia designation, but it has also created a police department which has a strong relationship with its citizenry. Peachtree City is a place where people are not afraid to approach their police.

“We are officers,” says Moon, “but at the end of the day, we are people. We go home, eat our dinners, and put our kids to bed. We have the same problems and joys as our citizenry. We want people to feel confident that they can come to us for any reason. We are them.”

STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS BY MAYOR KIM LEARNARD

On January, 19, 2023, Peachtree City Mayor Kim Learnard presented her Mayor’s State of the City Address with these opening remarks:

“2022 was certainly a unique and exciting year for Peachtree City. Together City Council worked to revitalize our city communication system. We successfully negotiated the Local Option Sales Tax agreement with our Countywide partners, unanimously passed a strong budget, and we remain vigilant on our goals related to traffic, recreation, redevelopment, and public safety. We have attracted new talent to our city government, and we continue to work to maintain Peachtree City’s unique and quality lifestyle.”

The following are some highlights from the Mayor’s speech:

“Our city’s Comprehensive Plan is updated every five years. In 2022, City Council convened a citizen committee, which was a cross section of our diverse community, and once again solicited extensive public input. The result is a responsible foundation for land use that directs growth and development going forward.

“We asked our citizens What do you love most about Peachtree City? The answers were: #1 Path system, #2 Greenspace, #3 Sense of Security: support for and appreciation of our public safety.

“We asked our citizens where can we make progress? And the answers were #1 54/74: address traffic congestion, #2 Development Policies: suggestions ran the gamut from stop all growth to provide more housing options, and #3 Special events: want more, AND maintain our recreational facilities.”

When it came to Traffic and Transportation, Mayor Learnard said the following:

“This year we elevated our relationship with the Georgia Department of Transportation to alleviate traffic congestion problems. We met with GDOT representatives early in the year. We also hosted a joint meeting with the Fayette County Transportation Committee. In attendance were GDOT engineers, our GDOT State Board Representative, City and County transportation officials,

and our State Representatives. At the meeting we received updates on the ‘Highway 54/74 Displaced Left Turn Project’ that is right around the corner. Several of the smaller ‘fixes ’we want to see, like no right turn on red 74S to 54W, as well as changes to signalization, will be implemented as part of the DLT project. Additionally, we are working with GDOT to create a dual left out of Huddleston Road onto 54W as a pull-ahead.”

Mayor Learnard recounted Peachtree City’s parks and recreation facility improvements, including the opening of the brand new All Children’s Playground, for children of all abilities; the resurfacing of the tennis courts at Blue Smoke and Glenloch Parks; the opening of six new pickleball courts at Braelinn Park; and the replacing of the Riley Fields running track.

She said that due to popular citizen interest, the City had included one new 12-court pickleball facility with lights, in its SPLOST 2023 list. She also said that the City is planning new bathrooms at Drake Field and a renovation of Battery Way Park. She stated a renewed emphasis on maintenance at the City Tennis Center and that this year the City will discuss the best way to fund replacement of 25-year-old courts, outdated lights, and a broken irrigation system.

In regard to redevelopment, the Mayor noted that the Council had voted unanimously last year to create a partnership agreement with the Fayette County School System to construct Stagecoach Road to the new Booth Middle School, as well as to construct a golf cart

path for safe access to the school. She noted that the Fayette County Board of Education had opened the Center of Innovation at the former Booth Middle School location. The COI features both Clayton State University and Southern Crescent Technical College, and will mean not only dual enrollment and adult education, but also partnerships with local industries.

Mayor Learnard also stated that throughout 2022, Council stayed in conversation with Kimco Realty, the Owner/Developer of the former Kmart location in Braelinn Village. So far, they have been unable to attract sports bar, restaurant, or entertainment facilities, however, conversations continue as they work to attract an appropriate venue to the empty space.

When it comes to public safety, Mayor Learnard said, “Peachtree City is committed to fully staffing and fully funding our Police, Fire, and EMT ranks, and we will do whatever it takes to maintain staffing levels for these critical services.”

In general comments, the Mayor said that in 2022, Peachtree City opened a new at- grade cart path across Highway 74 at Panasonic. In addition to several regional tennis tournaments, the City Tennis Center hosted the national PPA Classic Pickleball tournament that attracted more than 700 pickleball players and a huge audience over several days. Tennis Center events bring in between $1.5 and $2Million in economic development every year. Last year was another sellout season at The Fred. The City continued its tradition of family events with the Night Market, Sunset Sounds, Hometown Holiday, and a list of multicultural festivals and celebrations.

In conclusion, Mayor Learnard said: “When I look at Peachtree City I see generations, now, of families, more and more young people, new and expanding businesses, boundless educational opportunities, and amenities and quality of life that are second to none. I’m proud of the work we have done in 2022, and I know we are poised for robust planning in 2023 and a positive vision for Peachtree City for the next 20 years and beyond."

New City Manager’s Coffee & Donuts Meetings

Coffee & Conversations is City Manager Bob Curnow’s new effort to meet and hear from the Peachtree City community. Bob believes communication is a two-way street. He wants to share the work he’s doing. He also wants residents to share what they want from him and their local government.

Watch the city’s Facebook page for an open invitation – first 25 people responding will get a personal invite. Email Bob Curnow at rcurnow@ peachtreee-city.org

what's HAPPENING?

Stay on top of what’s happening in Peachtree City and the surrounding area with this calendar. The latest events and changes are at your fingertips with the Peachtree City App—download it today.

Please check the event before you go, as all are subject to change!For more information on these events go to: Peachtree-City.org; VisitPeachtreeCity.com; Amphitheater.org (for the Fred) For events nearby: TheVilleAmp.com (for the Fayetteville Amphitheater), ExploreCoweta.com; MainStreetNewnan.com;Fayetteville-ga.gov/events; DowntownFayetteville.org; EnjoySenoia.net; Tyrone.org

April 29 Plant Sale Fayette Master Gardeners 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Fayette County Stonewall Government Complex, Fayetteville. fayettemga.org

MAY

May 6 June 4 Georgia Renaissance Festival, Weekends only, plus Memorial Day, 6732 Virlyn B Smith Rd., Fairburn (2nd driveway on right when coming west on Hwy 74) Watch the signs!

May 6-7 Cotton Fair, 18830 GA 85, Gay, GA 9am-5pm cpfair.org

May 13 Southern Crescent Chorale, TRAINS and BOATS and PLANES (and CARS!): Enjoy songs about modes of transportation, like Take the A-Train and Sea Cruise. Guest soloists, Toni Byrd and Bobby Lacey, The Ville, Fayetteville Amphitheater, 301 Lafayette Ave, Fayetteville. Tickets $20.00 Adults & $15.00 Students and Seniors in advance. $25.00 at the door. Bring your own picnic, No concessions at the venue.

ONGOING...

Live Music at Georgia Shrimp Co.; www.gashrimpco. com.

Peachtree City GeoTour – 9 spots along Peachtree City’s cart paths – it’s up to you to find them! Available all day, every day; Peachtree City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Peachtree City Market – Saturdays & Wednesdays, year-round 9am-1pm Aberdeen Shopping Ctr

Disc Golf – 9-hole golf course nestled in the Village Green park near Hwy 54 – open from dawn to dusk

Southern Hollywood Film Tour Family-friendly tour features popular TV and movie settings. Available most days, select times. Call 404-3109613.

Yard Sales in PTC – Download the Peachtree City App and check it every Thurs.-Sat. for locations and details for all yard sales in PTC

MONTHLY ...

APRIL

Apr 7 Night Market 151 Willowbend Rd., Drake Field, Peachtree City. Food Trucks, Vendors, Entertainment 5-10pm nightmarketptc.com

Apr 14 – May 14 Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story, Legacy Theatre, 1175 Senoia Rd, Tyrone legacytheater. com

Apr 14 FOR THE PAWS Charity Golf Tournament at Braelinn Golf Club www.fayettehumane.org

Apr 15 – June 4 Georgia Renaissance Festival, Weekends only, plus Memorial Day, 6732 Virlyn B Smith Rd., Fairburn (2nd driveway on right when coming west on Hwy 74) Watch the signs!

Apr 22 Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo and Chris Trapper, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

Apr 22 Earth Day Celebration, the Avenue, Peachtree City 11am-1pm

May 19 Departure: The Journey Tribute Band, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

May 20 Kids to Parks Day – Get ready to play! Drake Field, 151 Willowbend Rd, Peachtree City, 2-5pm, games, food, climbing wall, snake education talk with local expert, Jayme Clune, much more

May 20-21 36th Annual South Metro Rose Society Show, Fayetteville Church of Christ Fellowship Hall, Fytvl Rosepro@bellsouth.net

JUNE

Jun 2 Grand Funk Railroad and Wet Willie, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

Jun 9 Rick Springfield, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

Jun 10 Toad The Wet Sprocket and Marcy Playground, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

Peachtree City Magazine

Dragon Boat photo by Dan Nelson.

June 17 Harts of Teal 5K Walk for Ovarian Cancer Awareness, One Church, 2130 Redwine Road, Fayetteville 9:00 am https://www.hartsofteal.org

June 17 Morris Day & Midnight Star, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

June 23 Night Market 151 Willowbend Rd., Drake Field, Peachtree City. Food Trucks, Vendors, Entertainment 5-10pm nightmarketptc.com

Jun 24 Windborne’s Music of Def Leppard with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 7:00, Show 8:00

Jun 24 Easton Corbin, The Ville , Fayetteville Amphitheater, 301 LaFayette Ave, Fayetteville thevilleamp.com

JULY

July 1 Belinda Carlisle , The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 7:00, Show 8:00

July 4 Parade on Peachtree Pkwy 9am / Fireworks at dusk, Peachtree City

July 15, Back N Black / Pandora’s Box, AC/DC and Aerosmith tributes, The Ville, Fayetteville Amphitheater, 301 LaFayette Ave, Fayetteville, thevilleamp.com

July 22 CARPOOL - #1 Cars Tribute Band, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

July 29 The Legendary WAILERS Featuring Junior Marvin, The Ville, Fayetteville Amphitheater, 301 LaFayette Ave, Fayetteville thevilleamp.com

AUGUST

Aug 5 Black Jacket Symphony presents “Saturday Night Fever” , The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

Aug 19 Interstellar Echos – A Tribute to Pink Floyd, The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

APRIL 15 THRU

APRIL 15 THRU

JUNE 4, 2023

JUNE 4, 2023

Continued from page 17 Events

Aug 19 EVERCLEAR, The Ville, Fayetteville Amphitheater, 301 LaFayette Ave, Fayetteville thevilleamp.com

SEPTEMBER

Sept 8 Night Market 151 Willowbend Rd., Drake Field, Peachtree City. Food Trucks, Vendors, Entertainment 5-10pm nightmarketptc.com

Sept 14 – 24 Coweta County Fair, Coweta County Fairgrounds, 275 Pine Road, Newnan, GA 30263 770-254-2620.

• 3+ Store Grand Openings

• Weekly Active events Weekly walks

• Weekly Avenue Kids Club Tuesdays 10:30am at Books-a-Million

• 3rd Thursday 7-9P 4/20, 5/18, 6/15, 7/20, 8/17, 9/21,

• Laugh Out Loud (Comedy Nights)

• 5/4 Touch-a-Truck

•

• 6/1 Summer Splash

• 6/18 Father’s Day

• Summer Movie Mondays Series

• 7/4 Food Truck Frenzy

• 7/24 Back to School Bash

• 8/26 Golf Cart Show

• 9/5 Labor Day 5K 8A

• Fall Ladies Night Out Fashion Show (TBD)

Check events/dates before you go! Event descriptions available at Facebook.com/TheAvePC and AvenuePeachtreeCity.com/events

Sept 16-17 Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City 10-5

Sept 23 Cheap Trick The Fred Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

Sept 23 Rotary Club of Peachtree City Dragon Boat Festival, Lake Peachtree – Drake Field, 151 Willowbend, Peachtree City 9-5

For more information on these events go to: Peachtree-City.org; VisitPeachtreeCity.com; Amphitheater.org (for the Fred)

For events nearby: TheVilleAmp.com (for the Fayetteville Amphitheater), ExploreCoweta.com; MainStreetNewnan. com;Fayetteville-ga.gov/events; DowntownFayetteville.org; EnjoySenoia.net; Tyrone.org

FOR THE LOVE OF PADDLING

When Jessica Shotwell Walker was a young girl, she was always comfortable around water and had sailed with her mother; but she had never paddled on her own. She liked to read. She was fairly quiet. She was never competitive. Somehow that changed when she turned 40, and she decided she was going to get out and do more things and have more fun.

One of those things Jessica decided to try was paddling a Dragon Boat with a team at the second annual Dragon Boat Race and Festival sponsored by the Peachtree City Rotary Club. The competition, which had started the year before in 2007, looked like something she needed in her life. Little did Jessica know back then that that decision would take her on a new life’s adventure—one of competition, travel, and teaching others how to enjoy life more.

Ten years later, Jessica realizes she took an opportunity she had had in Peachtree City to the next level. She has raced in other countries. She has raced on ice. She has officiated throughout the world for the United States Dragon Boat Federation and worked

with special needs kids learning to paddle. Plus, she brings all those experiences as well as her growing knowledge and expertise in racing a Dragon Boat to her community here in Peachtree City.

Jessica heads up three different types of paddling instruction. Dragon Boat 101 sessions are all about learning to paddle a Dragon Boat. Open to the public (age 14 and up), the sessions take place on Lake Peachtree on Monday mornings and Thursday evenings beginning spring 2023 at All Children’s Park.

The other two types of paddling instruction are aimed directly at dragon boat teams. Blitz Training for all Dragon Boat teams takes place the weekend before the race—this year September 16 and 17 at scheduled times. Next Level Training is available to teams to help them become more competitive for the festival. These classes include instruction on technique, speed, prep, and team strategy.

The Peachtree City Rotary Club provides the equipment—everything from the dragon boat to the

life vest—and the instructor training. After one hour of training,” says Jessica, “you are ready to be a part of the team and race!”

Instructions for sign-up can be found on the Dragon Boat Race and Festival website at ptcdragonboats. org as well as on its Facebook page, which is the best way to keep up with timely updates on what is happening in classes.

“Dragon Boat racing is the world’s fastest growing water sport in the word and the most inclusive and accessible team sport in the world,” says Jessica. “Anyone, any age can do it. Any fitness level. It takes away all excuses for not participating in a team sport. You all get together in one boat and have fun—and you can take the sport as far as you want to.”

Jessica is certainly a prime example of that. She brings the spirit of participation, knowledge, enthusiasm, and new opportunities to all those who take her classes. After all, as Jessica says, “That’s how we grow!”

Rotary Club member Jessica Walker conducting "Dragon Boat 101."

Kay McInroe

Choose a REALTOR You Can Trust

Choosing the right REALTOR® is one of the most important decisions you will make in a lifetime. For most people, the largest asset that they own is their home. You must choose someone you trust and who is worthy of that trust.

Kay McInroe is a person worthy of your trust. Since 2003 she has been very successful assisting clients to nd the perfect home or sell their home at the best price. She is involved in her home city, Peachtree City, and Fayette County and watches the trends carefully on a day-to-day basis. Her college degree in Economics helps her to sort out the good deals from the not so good deals.

Kay listens to her clients to learn what their needs are and compares their needs to the local market. Linda Hasluem was from England and had never experienced buying a home in the United States and had no knowledge about subdivisions and what the prices

were like. Here is what she had to say about working with Kay, “Kay was fabulous and guided us through the whole process.”

Kay is a leader in the community, having served as president of the Fayette County REALTORS® Association, the Kiwanis Club, and she is in leadership roles in several non-pro t organizations. Kay was awarded the 2023 Georgia Association of REALTORS® Good Neighbor Award for her work with Southside Support. She has lived in Peachtree City for over 20 years, and she knows her town and the surrounding areas.

If you are considering relocating, Kay McInroe can help you nd the perfect t, whether up-sizing or down-sizing, she will nd the right- size for your needs and budget.

Call her today at 678-570-0717 or email to Kay@kaymcinroe.com.

Kay McInroe

Kay was born Kavita Chhabra in India, during a time of racial and religious unrest. She attended college and studied economics. After college she became a fl ight attendant with Pan Am where she met her husband, Bill McInroe who was a pilot. They got married right before he shipped out to serve the US forces in Desert Storm. Later the couple moved to Peachtree City where Bill continued his career with Delta, and Kay became a mom for their two children attending local public schools. During that period Kay began her career as a REALTOR. Kay’s experience of international life and world travel have enabled her to help buyers from places like England, India, Pakistan, Japan, Germany, The Netherlands, China, Korea, and Croatia to find a home in Georgia. She tells all of her clients, local or foreign, “we are with you ‘til you feel at home”. Kay is in the Top 2% Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Globally 2013-2022, and was the 2009 and 2020 Fayette County REALTOR Of The Year.

Cell 678-570-0717 • Office 770-487-8300

Kay McInroe

This Kay McInroe listing now houses a family happy to have moved into a larger home that ts their lifestyle.

Exclusive ClubCar® Dealer in Peachtree City.

BULLDOG GOLF CARS

Bulldog Golf Cars is the exclusive dealer of new ClubCar® golf carts in Peachtree City. It’s your one stop shop for Sales, Rentals, Parts and Services.

• Build your Personal “Onward” online at ClubCar.com or contact one of our knowledgeable staff for help selecting your preferred new or factory reconditioned vehicle.

• Financing is available, to qualified buyers, for up to 48 months.

Bulldog Golf Cars is proud to announce that we have been named Black & Gold Elite Dealer by ClubCar®! At Bulldog Golf Cars, it has always been our goal to provide excellent customer service to all of our valued partners.

357 Hwy. 74 N • Peachtree City • 678.545.0959

To see why Club Car® is a step above all the others, watch the video on our website: www.bulldoggolfcarts.com

We’re here to help you settle into your new home and community. The info found throughout the Guide to Coweta & Fayette Counties—including phone numbers and websites—will be useful to you all year long.

The Guide to Coweta & Fayette and The Peachtree City Magazine are published by Print Graphics Services, Inc.; 101 Tivoli Gardens, Peachtree City 30269; 770-6319159; GuideCowetaFayette.com

Peachtree City

New Neighbors League

770-486-9116; newneighborsptc.com

Coweta County Vehicle Registration Coweta County Tag O ce; 22 E Broad Street, Suite 149, Newnan 30263; 770-254-2631; coweta.ga.us

Fayette County Vehicle Registration

140 W Stonewall Avenue, Ste 109,

Fayetteville 30214; 770-461-3611; fayettecountytaxcomm.com

Drivers License – Fayette

Georgia Dept of Drivers Services; 749 West Lanier Ave. #102, Fayetteville 30214; 678413-8400; dds.ga.gov

Hours: Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. to noon; Closed Sunday & Monday.

Drivers License – Coweta

128 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan 30263, 678-413-8400; dds.ga.gov. Hours: Tuesday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Utilities & Services

Electricity, gas, cable, internet, water, sewer and trash pick-up–Some utilities may be supplied through your county, city or town. Other services are available through municipal-based operations or the private sector. Contact your county, city

or town, or check out their website, for accurate and up-to-date info.

Coweta County Voter Registration

Coweta County Voter Registration

22 E Broad Street, Suite 128, Newnan 30263; 770-254-2615; coweta.ga.us

Fayette County Voter Registration

140 Stonewall Avenue, Ste 208, Fayetteville 30214; 770-305-5408; fayettecountyga.gov

Newspapers

•Atlanta Journal-Constitution; 1-800-933-9771; ajc.com

•The Citizen (online); 770-719-1880; thecitizen.com

•Fayette News; 770-461-6317 fayette-news.net

• Newnan Times Herald; 770-253-1576; times-herald.com

Sales

Rentals

Like a Phoenix Heirloom Market Rises at The Avenue

Justin and Laura Gibson have continued their dream of owning a boutique and bakery. If you ever visited Heirloom Bakery Co. and Bakeshop, then you may know that their lovely old building on Highway 54/35 burned down in a tragic fire last September. The store reopened in November as two wonderful pop up stores in The Avenue: Heirloom Market in the former Ici Paris space and Heirloom Bakery in the previous Marble Slab Creamery space.

Heirloom Market Co. is a curated boutique marketplace filled with 30 plus local boutiques and artisans selling beautiful products. You will find children’s toys and clothing; unique jewelry, bags and hats; boutique clothing; antiques; furniture and home decor; artwork; handmade soap, bath bombs and bubbles; gifts and more.

Heirloom Market is open Monday through Saturday 10am to 7pm, and Sunday 12pm to 6pm.

Continued on page 28

Heirloom Donuts fulfills Justin Gibson’s obsession for donuts by being a place for the local community to come to enjoy farm-to-cup coffee, freshlyprepared gourmet donuts, and amazing homemade pastries. Fresh donuts can be purchased Monday through Saturday 7am to 7pm, and Sunday 12pm to 6pm, or you can order online at heirloombakeshop.com.

Heirloom Market located at 240 City Circle

Heirloom Donuts located at 402 City Circle The Avenue Peachtree City.

Continued from page 26

CELEBRATING EARTH DAY ALL YEAR LONG

Compost Coffee Grounds—If you drink coffee, you probably have coffee grounds at your home each day. Your plants love coffee grounds. Coffee is a rich source of nitrogen for plants, both indoor and outdoor. Outside, sprinkle old coffee grounds around your plants, working the old grounds into the mulch. The grounds can help keep slugs and other plant pests away, too. Most indoor potted plants love an occasional sip of coffee. Dilute leftover coffee with water (enough to give it a tea tint), and water indoor plants with this mixture once or twice a month.

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970. Today, not only is Earth Day meant to increase awareness of environmental problems, but it also has become a popular time for people to set some goals for reducing their carbon footprint.

Man has the ability to protect the Earth and its resources. The 3R (Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle) waste management strategy is the only way to achieve sustainable development and safeguard natural resources. We should reduce, reuse, and recycle waste to conserve and maintain natural resources.

Here are some suggestions for what you can do. Do not try to do everything. Pick a couple of items on the list and commit to doing them for one year. The longer you do them, the more likely they will become a habit—a habit that is good for the environment.

■ Reduce

What is a carbon footprint? A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. People, products and entire industries have carbon footprints. Your personal footprint includes emissions from a variety of sources—your daily commute, the food you eat, the clothes you buy, everything you throw away—and more.

The larger your footprint, the heavier the strain on the environment. The average carbon footprint for a person

in the United States is 16 tons, one of the highest rates in the world. Globally, the average carbon footprint is closer to 4 tons.

Reducing your carbon footprint at home typically means consuming less energy. Many of our daily activities cause emissions of greenhouse gases. Here are some ways to reduce you own personal carbon footprint. Control Your Heat—For most of us, the first step in cutting carbon emissions it to take control of our home heating. We can reduce our carbon emissions and energy usage by making sure we are not using more heating than we need. Heating controls are evolving rapidly and investing in modern, easy to use controls is a good way to make sure you are only using heating when necessary.

Insulate your Home—Use low-energy lighting. A modern LED bulb uses 80-90% less energy than a traditional lightbulb, which helps to lower your carbon emissions and your electricity bills.

Buy Energy Efficient Appliances—When it is time for a new appliance, make sure you buy one that is energy efficient.

Plant a Tree—Trees capture carbon, cool overheated places, benefit agriculture, support pollinators, reduce the risk of disease transmission, and boost local economies. Planting one oak tree brings in more insect and bird species than an entire yard of plants.

Use Low-Carbon Travel—Walk or bike over short distances. Use public transportation when possible. Consider an electric car for your next car purchase. Drive a golf cart— after all, this is Peachtree City!

Conserve—Do not leave appliances, lights, or water running when not in use. We waste a lot of water. Turn off the tap, run less water when washing dishes, clothes, brushing your teeth, or taking a shower. Avoid overwatering plants and yards. Harvest your rainwater from a roof, gutters, and sky with a rain barrel. Buy Local Produce—Your carbon footprint can also include the greenhouse gases produced to transport and make the food you eat and the things you buy. Buying local reduces those emissions.

■ Reuse

One way of reducing emissions from products at home is to reduce the amount you consume. You should also try to re-use wherever possible.

To reduce your use of plastic, use reusable bags for shopping. Carry them in the trunk of your car or put them in a basket by the door to make them handy for people going out.

Use a reusable water bottle and and fill from a filtered water system.

Use washable utensils. Most plastic utensils cannot be recycled curbside. Carrying a spare set of washable utensils is a small act, but it will keep hundreds of plastic forks, spoons, and knives out of landfills.

■ Recycle

Cut down on what you throw away. Recycle when you no longer need something. Recycle plastic, tin, paper, and more through a waste management company. Recycle clothing and household items through a local thrift store or consignment shop.

Earth Day is a day to celebrate this beautiful Earth we live on. It is a good day to set goals that help sustain our environment. If we would just pick one goal to work on for the next year in our own piece of this earth, it would reduce our personal carbon footprint and greatly contribute to the conservation of our world.

238 City Circle, Suite 1020, Peachtree City | 678 369 7820

NEW PTC EATS

■ Clean Eatz Cafe

Clean Eatz Cafe, which launched in 2011 and started franchising in 2015, was cofounded by husband-and-wife duo Don and Evonne Varady, who were committed to changing people’s lives “through clean, balanced food, thought-provoking education, and motivational support that inspires results."

Clean Eatz recently came to Peachtree City and is a healthy food restaurant that offers a variety of delicious and affordable options for customers. Its dine-in cafe menu includes burgers, wraps, flatbreads, meltz, build your own bowls, smoothies, and more. Clean Eatz also has a weekly meal plan service, with a new menu going live on the website every Tuesday. Customers simply place an online order, pick up the meals at Clean Eatz, take them home, and then just heat and eat. Most meals are under 500 calories and cost as low as $6.52 per meal.

In addition to the café menu and meal plans, healthy food options at Clean Eatz include Grab ‘N ’Go meals, protein smoothies, healthy snacks, and catering for all occasions. 275 Hwy. 74 N, 470-742-3289. cleaneatz.com.

■ L&L Hawaiian Barbecue

Recently opened in Peachtree City, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has been around more than 50 years in Hawaii. Starting with a small shop in Kalihi, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue spread to the mainland in the early 2000s and now has 200 plus restaurants.

The restaurant’s menu is simple, consisting of what is known as the Hawaiian plate lunch—the state food of Hawaii. The Hawaiian plate lunch dates back to wage laborers

on 19th century sugar plantations and pineapple fields, who brought rice and other leftovers to work in compartmentalized tins. Lunches were often shared, resulting in a harmonious mix of home recipes from Japan, China, the Philippines, Portugal, Korea, and even New England.

At L&L Hawaiian, the plate lunch menu combines two servings of rice; one serving macaroni salad; and your choice of a local fresh catch, a chicken entree, and an alternate protein. Try plates like Kalua Pork with Cabbage, BBQ mix, fried shrimp, and Chicken Katsu. 224 Peachtree East Shopping Center. 770-731-2440. hawaiianbarbecue.com.

■ Scoville Hot Chicken

Only in America can a Korean-American kid growing up in Los Angeles go on to win a Michelin award for Japanese ramen and then launch a chain of Nashville hot chicken restaurants in the Atlanta metro area—including the recent opening of Scoville Hot Chicken in Peachtree City.

This restaurant’s menu focuses just on allnatural Nashville hot chicken—chicken sandwiches, chicken tenders, and combos that include French fries, cole slaw, and Scoville sauce. Where customers step in is the degree of spiciness they want in their Scoville sauce, which is based on the famous Scoville scale.

■ The Alchemist Kitchen + Bar

“Alchemy - A seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination.” Patrons say this definition truly speaks to the amazing creations put together by Chef Ken Wisneski of The Alchemist Kitchen + Bar.

Opened just a few months ago in Peachtree City, the restaurant, known as a contemporary gastropub, has had rave reviews for serving world cuisine eats and cocktails in a stylish, modern atmosphere. Menu choices include chicken livers sautéed in a South African sauce, classic Welsh Rarebit, French onion soup, local greens from Alo Farms, fish and chips, Katsu curry chicken thighs, classic craft cocktails, and a lovely wine list.

Chef Ken started working in kitchens when he was 14 and was managing a fast-food franchise by the time he was 17. He learned to cook from his grandmother. His specialties include seafood, barbeque, New Orleans and Asian spices, and all kinds of Charcuterie trays. He brings all of these skills to the The Alchemist Kitchen + Bar.

361 Hwy. 74, STE 102, Peachtree City. 770-731-1648. thealchemistkitchenbar.com.

Due South is an independent restaurant established in 2012. The next chapter features fresh seafood and local farming which come together to create our Seafood Kitchen. The menu features oysters, mussels, flounder, snapper and more. Follow us on Facebook for our specials, events, and more.

The Loft at Due South is our Private Event Center upstairs from Due South Seafood Kitchen.

The Loft specializes in Rehearsal Dinners, Showers, Birthdays, and Corporate Events.

Call 770-629-5847 for more info or visit theloftatduesouth.com.

FOUR RESTAURANTS ~ TWO FAMILIES

Maguire's Irish Pub Restaurant, Crosstown Grille and Ale House

On St. Patrick’s Day 2008, Frank and Wendy Maguire opened their first restaurant—Maguire’s Family and Friends Restaurant and Irish Pub on the corner of Seavy and Main streets in Senoia. Patrons walked down the brick-lined steps to the restaurant door just below street level to enter a truly unique atmosphere—brick walls, wooden tables and stools, and metal tiled ceilings. Historic. Warm. Friendly. It was the realization of the Maguires’ entrepreneurial dream.

Frank Maguire had begun working in his family’s restaurant business in New York at a young age and worked his way up from washing dishes to learning every aspect of the restaurant industry. Wendy had been working in restaurants since she was 14—washing dishes and scooping ice cream. She and Frank together were a perfect match for owning and operating a restaurant.

Maguire’s is a family-friendly pub that offers a solid combination of Irish and American style faire. The menu caters to the family’s Irish heritage with offerings such as steak and Guinness pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, Scotch eggs, and Irish grilled cheese and a big Irish breakfast and homemade corned beef and hash for Sunday Brunch.

Several years later on October 3, 2014, Frank and Wendy opened a second

THE GEORGIA SHRIMP and BIG SHOTS KITCHEN & BAR

restaurant, Crosstown Grille and Ale House in Peachtree City. The Crosstown Grille menu focuses on offering a combination of seasonal items, hearty comfort food, and classic grille items. At Crosstown Grille you can enjoy foods like grilled steaks, chicken, and fish, as well as a well-stocked bar with 25 whiskey and bourbons and 36 taps. You will find many of the non-Irish menu items found at Macguire’s—everything from hot, soft pretzels and reuben spring rolls for starters, to salads and sandwiches, to grilled salmon and bacon bourbon chicken for entrees.

The two restaurants provide the Maguire’s with a vehicle for charitable giving— something to which they are committed. They have worked with over 50 charitable organizations and raised over $100,000 since opening Maguire’s in 2008.

Visit either restaurant and you are likely to see Frank, Wendy, and their three children working alongside each other in what is truly a family business. They believe it is their mission to honor their heritage by always providing the great food, great fun, and great service upon which their family prided themselves.

Maguire’s, 42 Main St., Senoia. 770 727-3020. macguiresirishpub.com. Crosstown Grille, 620 Crosstown Rd., Peachtree City. 678 833-1190. crosstowngrille.com.

About 20 years ago, Anthony and Dee Murphy moved with their seven-year-old twin girls from South Africa to Peachtree City on the recommendation of friends. Ant, who had always been in the restaurant business, felt that the town would be a good place for a family-owned neighborhood restaurant. The Georgia Shrimp Company opened its doors in the Peachtree Crossing Shopping Village in 2005. A few years later, they opened the adjoining Murph’s Bar with its full range of imported, local and craft beers; craft cocktails, and extensive wine list.

“The Shrimp,” as the restaurant is affectionately called, has become a local favorite with its patio seating and live jazz music nights. This intimate, upscale restaurant focuses on seafood featuring, shrimp, calamari, tuna, scallops, lobster, salmon, and fish. Food is prepare fresh to order each day. Fresh fish is delivered up to six days a week and fresh fish specials are created daily. You will find dishes with a South African flair, such as Bobotie Chili and the restaurant’s signature dessert, Malva Pudding, or a Creole style, such as gumbo, Cajun Salmon, and the Skillet Extravaganza.

In 2018, the Murphys decided to add another restaurant to their fame— something a little different. They opened Big Shots next to the On Target Gun Club on Peachtree City’s south side. Light and airy, the restaurant has a contemporary look with a large patio and a trendy music vibe.

Like The Shrimp, the underlying food style is South African, and everything is cooked fresh to order. But at Big Shots, there is just a little fish on the menu and a shrimp appetizer. Other than that, the menu is very different—jumbo wings, lamb chops, beef tenderloin, and BBQ ribs. There’s a Big Shot Burger, a Bobotie Burger, Yucca fries, and “Sharables,” like charred cauliflower and Muhammara—Syrian red pepper and walnut dip, with Aleppo pepper and pomegranate molasses. Served with warm naan bread. The Murphys think of their menu as modern with interesting sides mixed in with old- school items.

As with “The Shrimp” and Murph’s Bar, Big Shots has a friendly, personable staff, and you can often find Ant and Dee Murphy talking to customers and making everyone feel at home.

WALKING EVERY SINGLE PATH

Back in 2016, Shelley Jackson Kozlowski was a stay-at-home mom taking her small children to Peachtree City for Mother’s Morning Out. Shelley, who had grown up in Fayetteville and was living with her husband and two children in Senoia, had what she considered a novel idea. She was training for a half marathon and thought it would be fun to walk/run every path in Peachtree City.

She methodically set out to do just that. From September 2016 to March 2017, Shelley would take her Peachtree City path map, mark a couple miles of trail that she wanted to walk/run, park her car, and take off. Over the months, she managed to travel by foot over every mile of multi-use path in town. She trekked all 100 plus miles—over bridges, through tunnels, neighborhoods, and parks, and along tree-lined areas as well as open green spaces. She would highlight her map as she completed each segment of path. Within six months time, Shelley’s tattered map was glowing with pink highlighter, and she had possibly done what no one else in Peachtree City has ever done—or even thought about.

Shelley Jackson Kozlowski, high school science teacher at Fayette County Public Schools.

Great Smiles Start Here!

“My favorite paths were through the Three Ponds area as well as the neighborhoods around Lake Kedron—such lovely homes,” says Shelley.

Now, a full-time science teacher at Whitewater High School, Shelley says a lot of people have told her that they would like to do it, but so far she hasn’t found anyone else who has done the same thing. “Peachtree City is so beautiful,” she says. “Seeing it in its entirety on foot along its paths is

a wonderful way to enjoy it.”

Shelley’s ready to get one of Peachtree City’s updated path maps and compare it to her old one to see if there are some new pathways to travel. Who knows, she says that she just might do it again!

“If nothing else,” says Shelley, “It’s always a good conversation starter!”

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LOCAL MEDICAL TEAMS HELPED ME WITH MY VERTIGO

By Charlie Nelson

After spending two days in a major hospital and undergoing every major test known to man, two doctors came to my room and told me the good and bad news.

They said, “Mr. Nelson, the good news is that all of our tests indicate that you have no tumors or growths, you have not had a heart attack or stroke, and you are in good physical condition. But the bad news is that we don’t know what caused you to pass out and left you dizzy.”

With that great news and with substantial help into a wheelchair, I headed home.

I could walk a little bit, but I was very unstable and unsure of myself.

After I got home, I remembered that my audiologist, Dr. Nikki Weaver at Fayette Hearing where I got my hearing aides, had a new clinic set up to test people with balance problems. I booked myself for the one- hour test that sat me in a chair while they tested me with all types of lights and motion. When the test was finally complete, the program gave them the good news. They now knew what was causing the problem, and the first word of a four-word name was “benign.” Benign was all I needed to know—but the whole name was “benign

paroxysmal positional vertigo.” An even better part of the diagnosis was that it could be treated by a qualified Physical Therapist.

Dr Nikki highly recommended Dr. Bethany Nelson who works at ProHealth right here in Peachtree City. Bethany was one of a few people in our area that completed the “Competency Vestibular Rehab” course at Emory University where they taught the Epley Maneuver that is used to treat my type of vertigo.

After Bethany put me through a very simple test, she knew right away that she could confirm the diagnosis. Bethany worked with me one hour each week for the next four weeks, performing the Epley Maneuver while teaching my wife, Anna, how to help me do it at home. Then she taught me a series of balance exercises to help retrain my legs, ears, and eyes to learn how to work together and not get confused and make me feel dizzy or off balance when I walked.

I am very thankful that we have medically trained professionals right here in Peachtree City that could help me overcome my vertigo and balance problems. If you have been diagnosed with vertigo or balance problems, I recommend you to do what I did and start back on the road to recovery.

From start to nish, The Spine Center o ers a continuum of care with fellowship trained orthopedic surgeons specializing in spine surgery, spine speci c physical therapists, x-ray, and sta dedicated to our patient’s care.

At Georgia Bone and Joint Spine Center, Dr. Chad Kessler and Dr. David Love are passionate about restoring their patients’ function through an individualized approach.

Physical Therapist Bethany Nelson specializes in balance issues at ProHeath. Rt: Bethany Nelson performs the Epley Maneuver.

WINDOW APPEAL

The View from Your Window

Everyone talks about curb appeal—the view of our home as seen from the street. But what about window appeal—the view that you see when you look out your window?The view from your window should be comforting, beautiful, and peaceful. Looking out your window should bring you joy.

Walk around your house and look out each window. What is the view from each? Is it pleasant? Do you have a favorite window where you like to stand or sit and look out? If you are lucky, you may have a large, screened porch or sun room where you can sit and enjoy the outdoors from inside. Is the view appealing? Does it bring you happiness? What could you change to make it better?

Spring and early summer are a great time to work on the window appeal of

your home. Here are a few suggestions to make the view from your window a joy each time you gaze outside.

In general, the landscape view from your window and all around your house should be well maintained—foliage pruned; lush, green grass with edges trimmed; and mulched.

Now think about each specific outside view. Maybe start with your favorite window. If there are a lot of trees and shade, consider placing a wrought iron and wood garden bench or an Adirondack chair in your view. How about a mulched bed of flowers or some flowering shrubs. A garden trellis is always nice in sunny spots. Perhaps a walkway in your view would be beautiful as well as functional—

Photo courtesy of PorchPros.

EXCELLENT SERVICE SINCE 1979

770-487-2040

200 TIGER WAY, PEACHTREE CITY WWW.CALLPOWERS.COM

Bipolar Ionization FIGHTS COVID-19!

IMPORTANT NUMBERS:

Water: Fayette County Water 770-461-1146

Electric:

Coweta Fayette EMC 770-502-0226

Georgia Power 888-660-5890

Sanitation:

Pollard Residential Waste Services 770-599-1811

Republic Services Inc. 404-693-9200

Waste Industries (CLM/Cardinal/IWS/Titan/Waste Management) 770-474-9273

Cable TV:

AT&T U-Verse 1-800-288-2020

Comcast 1-800-934-6489 (1-800-XFINITY)

DirecTV 1-800-531-5000

DISH 1-888-923-2134

Xfinity 1-800-934-6489 (1-800-XFINITY)

Natural Gas Providers: Georgia Natural Gas 770-850-6200

True Natural Gas 770-502-0226

Constellation 1-866-743-5567

Gas South 1-866-762-6427

Peachtree City homeowners getting ready to update and/or renovate their homes need to check with the Building Department in Peachtree City prior to starting construction. Homeowners are required to obtain the same permits and meet the same building code requirements as a general contractor.

Residents who live in subdivisions with home owners associations (HOA) or architecture review boards (ARB) must have approval from those boards prior to submitting an application for a building permit. Permits may be submitted, but will

not be released prior to the Building Department receiving the (HOA) or (ARB) approval.

Permits are also required for: Decks, Fences, Sheds or Accessory Buildings, Pools, Basement Finish, Retaining Wall, and Reroof.

The Building Department is located at 153 Willowbend Road, and office hours are Monday –Friday; 8 AM- 5 PM.

When in doubt about a permit requirement, contact Building Department, at 770-487-8901.

Infinite Energy 877- 483-4684

Just Energy 1-866-587-8674

Kratos Gas & Power 1-800-296-2203

North American Power & Gas 1-877-572-0442

Scana Energy 1-877-467-2262

Stream Energy 1-866-543-4642

Drivers License Office: 749 W Lanier Ave #102, Fayetteville 678-413-8400 – call for hours.

Fayette County Tag Office: www.fayettecountytaxcomm.com 770-461-3611

flagstone, brick, river pebble, or stepping stones in unique shapes are fun choices.

A pot or two of greenery or flowers is always a welcome sight from a window.

If you enjoy watching birds, a well-placed bird feeder or bird bath will attract birds for your viewing pleasure.

The sound of water can be tranquil. Consider a water element within your view. Perhaps a small fountain or waterfall.

Garden art brings interest to a window view. Consider a metal ellipse or sundial. Vary the texture and color of your garden elements—terracotta, glass, cast iron, grapevine, wicker, concrete, and ceramic are possibilities.

Outdoor solar lighting elements that nicely spot a particular shrub, tree, or walkway add dramatic flair to your nighttime view.

Window appeal is curb appeal in reverse. It flows around your entire house, creating a sense of peacefulness. With a little thought and work, you can make the view from your window, your screened porch, or your sunroom lovely all year long.

Continued from page 40.

Photos courtesy of PorchPros.

CRESSWIND CARES with a big heart!

This active 55+ community has contributed much to our city. December’s Cresswind ‘Christmas Carts for Cans’ drive collected 4,000 pounds of food for the Real Life Center Food bank. This April they held ‘CRESSWIND CARES’, a community fundraising event where residents host a table to invite others to learn about the charities they support that benefit our county and state.

The Cresswind Cares event began in 2021 with Klein’s Crusaders Cresswind Peachtree City – the Walk to End Alzheimer’s! In 2022 other residents joined in to promote their charities. This year the CARES event was the largest so far with 20 organizations being represented. They were: The Walk to End Alzheimer’s, Bully Wag, Inc., Bloom Closet, Callanwolde Concert Band,

Clothes Less Traveled, Coco’s Cupboard, Eden Project, Fayette County 4-H, First Responders, Harts of Teal, Horses & Warriors/Calving Center Equestrian Programs, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Knights of Columbus, Lowery Institute, Midwest Food Bank, PAWS Atlanta, Real Life Center, Royal Animal Refuge, Shriners Hospital for Children, and St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The Cresswind community turned out to support these groups and enjoyed a concert performed by The Callanwolde Concert Band, conducted by resident Glenn Moore. The event was generously sponsored by Whippoorwill Magazine, and The Truitt Group, Merrill, Peachtree City.

From left to right: Fran Altemose, Jay Stogner, Colleen Nickel, and Linda Blankenship.

Build Team Spirit by Sponsoring a Dragon Boat!

Hosted by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City, the Dragon Boat Festival could be considered the highest profile annual community event in Peachtree City, drawing thousands of participants and onlookers from around the area each year.

The success of the event is due to a highly organized and efficient Rotary committee which has garnered the respect of the community as well as the local corporations, organizations, and residents that back the event financially. The objective of the festival has always been “to raise the awareness of our cultural diversity and increase interest in international commerce through the interaction of the community, business, and the arts.” For most participants and visitors the event also equates to a really fun day watching dragon boats race, eating various ethnic foods, and enjoying a myriad of entertainment.

Sponsors drive all of this fun and learning, and there are so many levels of sponsorship that it is easy to find at least one that fits the budget and needs of local businesses. Many of the higher level sponsorships provide for competitive dragon boats teams—a benefit for most any enterprise. Dragon boat racing is the world’s fastest growing water sport. It combines tradition with modern day teamwork, enthusiasm, and strategy. Dragon boating is a great way for corporations, organizations, and youth groups to get involved in a dynamic setting.

Team sponsorships are for organizations who want to have their own team in the race or who want to support a team for another organization, such as a church, school, or youth group. Some larger organizations may want to have more than one team competing against each other. The Rotary Club team works with all organizations to train their teams, including Blitz training the weekend before the race and Next Level training for those with a real competitive spirit.

All Sponsorships Include: sponsor signage at the event, event website listing, and recognition throughout the day by the race announcer. After that, perks depend on the level of sponsorship. Sponsorship participation ranges from Presenting Sponsor at $10,000 to Paddle Sponsors at $100. Sponsorship must be received by July 31 to be placed on the promotional banner and in the promotional bulletins. For a comprehensive list of sponsorship levels and amenities, see the event website at ptcdragonboats.org.

As the Rotary Club of Peachtree City states, “Our wonderful sponsors allow this event to be possible. Please consider becoming a sponsor. The impact created from the Rotary Club of Peachtree City Dragon Boat Festival has a ripple-like effect of helping people in our community to have better lives. Together, we can make a lasting and meaningful difference.”

Dragon Boat competition.

Photo by Maria L. Schlosser.

PEACHTREE CITY CHRISTIAN CHURCH Family Focused and Mission Driven

At Peachtree City Christian Church, we believe everyone is on a spiritual journey.

PTC3 is a praying church that serves in our homes, community, and world. We strive to build relationships, introduce people to Jesus, and grow disciples. At PTC3, you can discover the right next steps for you and your family in your journey of faith. Connect through our ministries for kids, students, adults, groups, and the support programs we offer. We believe that no matter where you are in life, there is a place for you here.

Our Kids Ministry leads kids to love God, follow Jesus, and serve others. PTC3 Preschool is dedicated to creating an environment where children grow to love school and learning. Our Student Ministry exists to connect teens to Christ. We create safe environments

that allow students to know, experience, and serve Jesus in community.

Our Men’s Ministry exists to encourage our men as they walk through life. Through fellowship and mentorship, we believe God will raise up a generation of men who are strong in their faith. We exist to make life richer for our women. Our Women’s Ministry aims to provide opportunities for women to serve and fellowship together. Our Seniors group meets monthly for day trips, theater outings, musical events, sightseeing and luncheons.

Whether you want to get baptized, join a group, or find a place to jump in and serve, our Groups are designed to help you take the next step. Our GriefShare and Recovery Group programs offer much

needed support when times are tough.

From building homes and churches to providing medical help for hundreds of needy children, we are committed to our International Missions—Guatemala, Haiti, Ghana, Japan, India, Hong Kong, Bangladesh, United Kingdom, Middle East, Syria, and Turkey.

Get connected and let's take on this spiritual journey together.

Join us live at our Peachtree City campus on Sundays at 9:30 and 11am (EST) and Wednesday 6:30pm (EST). From any other place in the world, join our weekly broadcasts for worship and prayer. To learn more, visit us at ptc3.com.