Peachtree City Magazine Fall-Winter 2023

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MAGAZINE

>> Fall•Winter 2023–24

Cover:

The Spongbob Musical performed by the Georgia Singers Theater Company.

Photo by: Katherine Lanier Photography

Publisher: Mike Nelson |

Creative Director, Magazine Design & Layout: Marilyn Wankel |

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,

We hope you enjoy reading this magazine – there is something in it for everyone.

For those who love history, you will find some untold stories of how and why Floy Farr played such an important role in the development of our city.

For the music and theater lovers, we highlight two: The Southern Crescent Chorale which requires an audition, and the Georgia Singers Theater Company which focuses mostly on pre-teens through 22 years of age.

If you are interested in ecology, you will find a personal interview with Sally Bethea, by her friend and our editor Sherri Smith Brown! Sally was the first riverkeeper of the upper Chattahoochee in Georgia and her new book highlights her experiences battling the City of Atlanta to clean up the Chattahoochee–including successfully suing the city for millions of dollars!

We have you covered in “What’s Happening." This section makes it easy to look forward and plan your activities for the next six months!

The pull-out map in the center of the magazine has been updated and gives you a quick and easy-to-read look at all 100 + miles of the multi-use paths.

Thanks to our publishing team: Mike Nelson, Marilyn Wankel, and Sherri Smith Brown 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 26,000 copies each issue.

Charlie and Anna Nelson, Publishers

Boz Scaggs performs at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater.

Who was Floy Farr?

Why is he considered an important person in the history of Peachtree City?

By Charlie Nelson

On May 12, 1912, the day that Walter Floy Farr was born in Stop, near Tyrone, on the western side of Fayette County, the county was a world apart from what it would become in 1959 when Peachtree City got its name, its charter, and the developers.

Between those two dates, Walter Floy Farr grew up in the typical, poor, agricultural town of the deep south. While as a young man he dreamed of going off to college at the University of Georgia, his dreams of college were lost in the poverty of the times.

Floy Farr was 18 years old when he graduated from Fayette County High School in 1930. There were only 40 students in his class—20 boys and 20 girls. There were no buses to take you from Tyrone to Fayetteville, so he took an old Model T Ford every day. Upon graduation, he went to work for the Redwine Bank, which also owned a cotton gin and a fertilizer and seed company. His pay was $15 per week. He soon realized that his dream of going to the University of Georgia and becoming an Agriculture Agent were unattainable.

But young Floy was not ready to give up. While working for the Redwine company, he saved a little and enrolled at the Draughon’s Business School in Atlanta that required him to hitch a free ride daily to Atlanta at 4pm and return to Tyrone on the 10:30pm train.

About the Floy Farr Portrait

The Floy Farr portrait shown above is an oil on linen painting by local artist, Martin Pate. This portrait was purchased by the Friends of the Library for the Floy Farr Collection.

About the Artist

Martin Pate is a resident of Newnan was born in South Carolina and graduated from Ringling School of Art in Sarasota, Florida in 1981. He has worked as a professional artist since then. Martin’s ability to paint people and historic sites has led to 30 years of commissions with the National Park Service. Paintings of Native American life, The Underground Railroad, Civil War battles, The Battle of the Little Bighorn and many others are used by the NPS for educational purposes. You can find Martin’s work at Dogwood Gallery in Tyrone, Fine Lines Gallery in Newnan, and Mary Martin Gallery in Charleston, SC.

Floy Farr Community Room is being updated.

Jill Prouty, Director of Library Services reports, “We have purchased 11 new tables for the Floy Farr Room, and we will replace the chairs in the fall. “Design is underway for a Floy Farr exhibit which will debut sometime in 2024.”

When Floy was about 23 years old, he recognized a problem. Tyrone was so far from Fayetteville that in 1935 Bell South, the only phone company, would not string a line to Tyrone. Taking a “no” was not the answer. Floy worked out a deal with Bell South that allowed him to get the farmers in Tyrone to cut trees for the poles and send them by his company truck to East Point where they were treated. Meanwhile, he and the Tyrone farmers dug the holes for all of the poles and then Bell South strung the wire paid for by Redwine Bank and supplied them a 4-party line phone!

In 1937 Floy Farr married fellow Tyrone resident Hilda “Bruce” Loyd. They had two sons, Walter Floy “Sonny” Farr, Jr. and Thomas Farr. Sonny became a doctor and moved to Arizona while Tom followed in his dad’s footsteps to become a banker in Peachtree City.

In the mid 1940’s a company wanted to start a quarry on the north side of Tyrone but were about to cancel the project because a property owner refused to sell a right-away through his farm for a railroad spur line connecting to the main railroad line. Floy Farr knew all of the local farmers who had brought their cotton to the cotton gin, purchased seed and fertilizer from the Redwine store, and banked at the Redwine Bank. Legend has it that Farr went to see the farmer, Johnny McEachern, as he was plowing behind his mule and began a conversation about what the quarry and 150 new jobs would mean to the Tyrone community. McEachern finally gave in and said he would let them have the right-away. When asked what he would want for the land, the farmer replied, “Nothing.” But Farr was a fair man and said, “You must need something, what can we do?” McEachern said, “Well this old mule is not going to last much longer.” Farr left and later purchased a mule and personally delivered it to farmer Johnny McEachern.

After World War II, Floy Farr and his Tyrone Brotherhood—a form of informal local government—learned about the new Rural Electrification laws. Floy was one of the original founders of the Coweta-Fayette EMC and in 1945 helped bring electricity to western Fayette County. In 1946 he became one of the first board members of the newly organized EMC.

In 1951 Floy Farr helped organize the Fayette County Kiwanis Club and was one of its original directors. During the early 50s, Farr served on the Fayette County Board of Education.

■ The Development of Peachtree City

In June of 1956, Floy Farr was 44 years old and well established as the manager of the Redwine complex in Tyrone, but he was not aware of a meeting that took place between Peter Knox, Jr. and Willard Byrd, when they discussed the idea of building a “New Town” in western Fayette County (See The Story of the Development of Peachtree City, available for purchase at Peachtree City Library).

After the Knox-Byrd meeting, Peter Knox, Jr.—a wealthy, nationally known prefabricated home builder—took a Willard Byrd land plan to New York, Augusta, and Atlanta to raise $150,000 to start a new company called Fayette County Development Corporation.

Earl Denny and Golden Picket were in the real estate business working out of College Park and working on behalf of Peter Knox, Jr. at the time. In the latter part of 1956, Earl Denny and Golden Picket opened an account with Floy Farr at the Redwine Bank. That was the first time Floy Farr heard of this incredible story. In his words he said, “... I asked them, ‘what are you guys looking for? ’They answered me by saying, ‘Well we are looking for some land to build a city.’ They were in search of around 15,000 acres.”

Floy Farr said, “At that moment, I knew the very place for them to build their city. I told them to travel about six miles down the road until they reached a big open space at the Crossroads—the approximate location of today’s intersection between Highways 74 and 54. That was to be the future Peachtree City, but at the time it was nothing but farmland.”

Continued on page 6

Above family photo L to R in front of the Farr/Jackson general store in Tyrone: Child on front row left is Walter Floy Farr Sr.; far left–mother of Floy Farr; man second from left is Walter D. Farr, father of Floy Farr. Others are members of the Jackson family as identified by Sonny Farr (oldest son of Floy Farr). Above photo right: Floy Farr and his wife, Bruce Farr. Photos courtesy of the Tyrone Museum.

The Fayette State Bank, in which Floy Farr was President was located in the Aberdeen Shopping Center. Photo courtesy of the Joel Cowan History Room, PTC Library.

Cotton Gin at the Redwine Complex in Tyrone. Photo courtesy of the Tyrone Museum.

Photo left: Quarry in Tyrone; Photo right: Stop, GA, birthplace of Floy Farr.

Photos courtesy of the Tyrone Museum.

Continued from page 5

n The Relationship with Peachtree City and Its Development Begins

In his interview with Emily Reiter for an article in Fayette Portraits Spring 1998, Floy Farr said that he referred Earl Denny to meet with Bob Huddleston who owned about 4,500 acres. Floy said that the meeting went well, but they needed financing that he did not have at the time. That was when “a few gentlemen joined Mr. Knox, Jr. with $175,000 of stock purchases to form Fayette County Development Corporation.”

After the formation of FCDC , Floy stated, “We began listing property down there and soon after we began to see major results. We listed about 11,000 acres of land, including Mr. Huddleston’s 4 or 5,000 acres.”

Floy Farr said that funds were depleted quickly, and that they were paying one-third down with final payment in three years. In the same interview Floy Farr said, “During this time Mr. Knox employed a man named Mr. Joel Cowan who has been involved in the future development of Peachtree City since that time.”

Joel Cowan was introduced to Peter Knox, Jr. by his ATO fraternity brother Peter Knox III and was hired by Knox’s

to R: Joel Cowan, Floy Farr, Bob Lenox, mayor 1992-2001. Photo bt Debi Lenox.

Continued from page 7 company Fayette County Development Corporation in the Summer of 1957, as he was beginning his senior year at Georgia Tech. Joel Cowan said that “Denny strongly suggested that I meet with Floy Farr at his bank in Tyrone.” From that time on Joel Cowan worked as the property manager of the “New Town” properties. His relationship with Floy Farr enabled Joel Cowan to rework sales agreements since funds were still short because the new public stock offering of FCDC failed to bring in the $150,000 needed.

Floy Farr said, “After the first payment, we were really struggling to find someone to pay for the rest of the property....That was where Mr. Cowan came in. He found someone in New York to produce security for our investment.”

In fact, Floy Farr was referring to Bessemer Securities company which was a division of the Phipps Trust in New York and the site presentation that was made to James Riley, VP by Joel Cowan personally. That meeting led to the ultimate buy out of the FCDC by Bessemer Securities.

The Farr-Cowan relationship continued to grow as the city got its Charter and name on March 9, 1959. Cowan and his wife moved into their hastily built prefabricated home in Shakerag in December 1958 in order to be a legal resident as required for his being Mayor upon the issuance of the State Charter.

■ Building a Community Together

From the beginning Floy Farr worked hand-in-glove with Joel Cowan to build the community. There was infrastructure to build homes, churches, and schools. Above all, Cowan needed to build a viable community.

The Fayette State Bank was a great launching pad for everything. Loans were made to builders to buy the subdivision land from the developer and mortgages written with homeowners. The bank was an enormous success with Farr reporting to the

directors: “In the last 15 years, we have as agents for a home loan organization over 600 loans amounting to over $50 million.”

Some of the things that Floy Farr helped with in one way or another during those first years include building the first multipurpose building for City Hall, Fayette State Bank, the post office, Community Chapel, the Airport (Falcon Field), and Flat Creek Country Club.

■ The Development Needs Its Own Bank!

By March 10,1965, it was obvious that the development needed to have its own bank. At that time Cowan negotiated the sale of the Redwine Bank to Bessemer. The bank was renamed Fayette State Bank with Floy Farr as manager and Joel Cowan as Chairman of the Board. The negotiations were failing when the Redwine brothers refused to just sell the bank. Floy Farr stepped in and found someone to purchase the cotton gin and someone else to purchase the fertilizer and seed company – that solved the problem and the bank moved to Peachtree City on Highway 54 at the Aberdeen Shopping Center.

In 1967, under the pressure of a law suit to desegregate, Cowan and Farr worked together to get Bessemer to build and lease a new unsegregated school, Peachtree Elementary, to the Fayette Board of Education.

In November 1967, with encouragement from Cowan, Floy Farr organized the first civic club in Peachtree City. Farr was a charter member of The Rotary Club of Peachtree City sponsored by the Rotary Club of Newnan.

In 1966 Floy Farr was named Citizen of the Year and in December 1975 he was honored by an elegant dinner for “an outstanding humanitarian, a conscientious citizen a solid church man, and a friend to all.”

In 2000 Floy Farr, with the help of Elaine Gaillard, Excecutive Director of Ashley

Floy Farr surrounded by family and friends at the first Alzheimer's Walk in Peachtree City in 2000. Floy Farr, center, organized the walk in Peachtree City along with the help of Elaine Galliard, far right. Others known in the photo: Floy's son Tom to his right along with daughter in law, Wendie, neighbors behind him Becky and Jim Fergus.

Glen, organized the first Alzheimer’s Walk for Peachtree City. Floy’s wife, Bruce, was stricken with Alzheimer in the 1990s. The Peachtree City Alzheimer’s Walk was to raise funds in the honor of Bruce Farr. The Walk supported by former Mayor Fred Brown and Iola Snow and the Rotary Club has become one of the most successful Alzheimer’s Walks in metro Atlanta.

Floy Farr’s importance to the development of Peachtree City and Fayette County are reflected in the words spoken by Joel Cowan at Farr’s Memorial Service in September 2006:

Joel Cowan said of his long-time friend and

business associate, “He was a visionary, a Renaissance man, who was trapped in a rural environment early on. He was an optimist, and he welcomed newcomers and new ideas, which was not typical in Fayette County back then and to some extent now. He was just always forward looking, with vision, inspiration, and a willingness to push on.”

Summary: This brief insight is a small part of the reason Floy Farr has his name on the street signs on Highway 54 and why his image is next to Joel Cowan’s image in front of City Hall. He was not only a banker and businessman but a local civic leader as well.

Meet Bob Curnow Peachtree City City Manager

Robert Curnow has only been Peachtree City City Manager since last January, but already he is gaining a reputation as a public servant who wants to meet and listen to his community. His regularly scheduled “Coffee and Conversation” events invite citizens, regardless of age or background, to come together to discuss the issues facing the community—while enjoying a cup of coffee and building a relationship with their new city manager.

Bob’s entire professional career has been spent working in some form of government. In 2012 he went to work for the City of Coral Springs, serving as deputy city manager during part of that time. At the beginning of 2023, he left Coral Springs to come to Peachtree City with his wife, Jacki, and two sons to become city manager.

How important is the job of city manager in Peachtree City? Appointed by the mayor and council, the city manager serves as the chief administrative and operating officer of the City, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government. The duties of the city manager include law and ordinance enforcement, conducting city business affairs, and administering over all regular departments and divisions of the city. The city manager acts in an advisory capacity to the mayor and council in the formulation and operation of city government and attends all meetings—but has no vote. He recommends legislation and prepares and submits the annual budget as well as regular finance reports.

Bob, whose vision is stated as “uncompromised excellence,” encourages everyone to come to the coffees.

Acknowledgements: “The Story of the Development of Peachtree City" Page 31; Fayette County Historical Society/Alice Reeves, Tony Parrott; Peachtree City Library/Joel Cowan History Room/Joel Cowan fact check, Lee Eltzroth; Tyrone Museum/ Darleen Robinson, Linda Howard. Floy Farr quotes come from “Fayette Portraits" Spring 1998-Interview with Floy Farr.

Special Acknowledgement:

Thirty years ago, I met Frances Meaders, City Clerk of Peachtree City, when I was writing an article about our city

government. Since that time, Frances has been my friend, and trusted, reliable source of historical information about the people and events that shaped the history of Peachtree City. So it was with this article about Floy Farr. She provided valuable insights that are generally hidden from view.

We all need someone to turn to who is fair-minded but will always tell us the truth out of first-hand knowledge. That is what Frances has done for me.

—Charlie Nelson

"We want our citizens to feel like they can come together and share their ideas and concerns," said Bob. "We believe that these conversations are an important part of fostering a strong sense of community."

If you want to attend an upcoming Coffee and Conversations or schedule an event for an organization, please contact Hannah Thomas at hthomas@peachtree-city.org. Like Bob Curnow–City Manager on Facebook.

Bottom photos L to R: Floy signing the board honoring his wife. Fred Brown and Iola Snow, who co-chaired the walk from 2001–2010. With their leadership, the walk has raised over 1.9 million. Bottom photos by Dan Nelson.

Our Community is Alive with The Sound of Music

Music. It is everywhere in our community. Sometimes it is very out front, like a concert at the Fred, with a well-known national act drawing a full house. Other times, though, the talent might come from friends, coworkers, or the kid across the street who are practicing long hours and enthusiastically performing a benefit choral concert or a community musical theater production staged at a local high school. Our community is alive with the sound of music, and it is only becoming louder and more and more inspiring.

The Georgia Singers Theater Company The Show Must Go On!

The rehearsal room is filled with groups practicing their parts. The director runs thru a scene with a small group of actors. Down the hall, singers practice their solos and duets around a piano. Elsewhere, the choreographer teaches a song and dance routine with members of the ensemble as the stage manager blocks their positions.

The Georgia Singers Theater Company’s summer camp is in full swing. The musical is “Mean Girls, Jr.” It is the Company’s 24th production. Fifty plus kids ages 6th grade to 22 years old (with exceptions); acting, music, and dance teachers; and parent volunteers are working tirelessly to produce a high level production in a couple of weeks.

Founded by producer D Knudsen, Rachel Green, JoBeth Braddy, and Annie Hale, the Georgia Singers Theater Company is an arm of the Georgia Singers, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) started by Peachtree City residents and retired music educators Dr. Franklin and Rachel Green.

Developing a working relationship ever since teacher JoBeth directed eighth grader Annie in her first play, the two women—who are the company’s drama director and stage director respectively—are also best

friends, supporting and inspiring each other every day. “She cracks me up,” says JoBeth of Annie. “She is always by my side, encouraging me,” responds Annie.

The woman support each other through what is a very energetic schedule for this after school youth theater program. The Company, produces three musical productions a year—fall, spring, and a summer camp. Standards are high. It is intended that the productions build character in the youth that participate and that the production itself reflects the highest of standards in a professional Broadway-style musical that is appropriate for families.

“This is not a kid’s theater group,” says Annie. “We don’t dumb this down. This is community theater— youth to adult.”

Kids from about eight area schools participate in the musicals and take the leads in all productions.

“We don’t make cuts,” says JoBeth. “We find a place for everyone. If they sign up, they will perform. If they don’t get a lead or a solo, they will perform in the ensemble—singing, dancing, and acting in the background for the show.

Since its first production of Aladdin in 2014, Georgia Singers Theater Company has staged about three shows per year, including “Guys and Dolls,” “High School Musical 2,” “The Lion King, Jr.,” “Singing in the Rain,

Jr.," “Shrek the Musical,” and “Matilda.”

Because the Company does not own facilities for rehearsals and productions, the organization rents rehearsal and performance space from local churches, schools, and theaters in the Fayette County community— an expensive but necessary cost.

“We are like a traveling Shakespearian troupe,” says Annie, “always looking for practice and performance space.”

The women agree that one of their goals is to locate a building that would work as a black box theater for the group and be their home. That takes a lot of financial support from the community, however, and to date it is still a wish. “The old SteinMart building would be wonderful!” says Annie with a sigh.

“At the end of the day, though, we wish we could be a true community theater and not charge fees and keep our production at the quality it is,” says JoBeth. “But be assured every penny you put into this, you will see the results in the show.”

One of JoBeth’s favorite moments was at the last performance of “Mean Girls” when the music suddenly stopped during the big ensemble number right before intermission.

“There was a split-second pause where everyone was stunned that the music had stopped,” says JoBeth.

Cast members from Mean Girls, Jr., Georgia Singers 2023 Summer Camp production. Photo courtesy of Annie Hale.

“But then, the entire ensemble picked right up singing and dancing until the music came back. They really never missed a beat. I almost wished the music hadn’t come back on! It was really gratifying to see them carrying on. As they say, the show must go on!”

Creatively costumed, colorfully staged, artfully choreographed, and expertly directed acting and singing, Georgia Singers productions are enjoyable and inspiring. This is community musical theater at its finest— productions that will long be remembered by young musical thespians and audiences alike.

The Company’s 2023-24 season includes “The Addams Family.” Practice is every Friday evening and Saturday until the show dates—November 3 - 4. For more information on shows, volunteer opportunities, sponsorships, and donations, visit georgiasingerscompany. org.

Southern Crescent Chorale The Joy is in the Singing

The dimly lit sanctuary of the Fayetteville Methodist Church is quiet except for the low conversation of two people—Janice Folsom at the piano and a single auditionee standing nervously. The audition is friendly but serious: “My Country Tis of Thee” sung quickly and in three different keys, various scales, a tonal memory exercise, and sight- reading from a hymn.

Janice Folsom, founder, Artistic Director and Conductor of the Southern Crescent Choral (SCC), has been conducting auditions such as this for the past 21 years. Hundreds of people from around the Fayette County area have participated, eager for a chance to perform a variety of challenging choral literature with high performance standards for their community.

A few years before her retirement from a 34-year career of teaching music in the Atlanta area, including 29

years as Choral Director at Fayette County High School, Janice started thinking about what she could do to keep music in her life.

“I love music,” says Janice. “I couldn’t imagine my life without it. I wanted something in music to continue after teaching. At that time there was nothing consistent in the community as far as choral opportunities for people.”

So, Janice decided to start a choir, thinking it would serve the community as well as give her an outlet for the music she loved. In 2002, she established a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and a Board made up of business leaders who met monthly for eight months before auditions even began. The guidance of that board as well as loyal sponsors and donors have kept the Chorale on a sound fiscal course while allowing Janice to create professional, creative, and entertaining concert experiences for audiences while keeping ticket prices low.

“Our first year I had 80 people try out for the Chorale,” she says “About 65 made it. With the exception of the pandemic years, that number of performers has held pretty steady.”

Today the Chorale boasts members who have been participating since its inception along with new members. Singers come from six metro Atlanta counties. Ages range from the 20s to 85, with the average age between 50 and 60. The Chorale has established a reputation for excellence and achievement in the south metro area arts community, but it takes a lot of work: six-hour workshops, two and a half-hour Monday night rehearsals, dress rehearsals, dance workshops, and performances.

The group performs major choral works, as well as Opera, Spirituals, Pop, and Broadway favorites—from Beethoven to the Beach Boys. It has performed before

tens of thousands in notable venues in the community. The Chorale’s Spivey Hall performances have been featured on WABE 90.1 radio on many occasions. It received accolades during its 20-year celebration with a commendation from Georgia Governor Brian Kemp.

The Chorale has also earned accolades from around the world. It made its European debut in 2007 during a summer tour of Italy and has since performed in Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic, Spain, France, Scandinavia, Scotland and England with its latest trip last spring being to Andalusia, Spain and Lisbon, Portugal.

“I had no idea when I started the Chorale that we would do this well,” says Janice. “The Chorale has helped me grow. I never conducted an orchestra before the Chorale. It has been a challenge but wonderful growth for me. I just wanted a little choir

that I could turn into a ensemble that would make beautiful music. This was never expected.”

Janice says she never sits back. She is always looking for something new and fresh for herself as well as the Chorale members.

“I’m looking forward to this next season,” she says. “I love planning these things. I love the moment of the concert, but I adore the learning process, bringing it all together. I love to plan. I love the rehearsals. I just want the Chorale to keep on making great music and having more new and wonderful people join us. That’s what the Chorale is. Nice people. Wonderful. Sweet. Caring. People who love to joyously sing.”

For information on performances, tickets, volunteering, auditions, donations, and sponsors, visit southerncrescentchorale.org.

For fall and winter performance dates for both Georgia Singers Theater Company and Southern Crescent Chorale, see our Calendar of Events on pages 20-26.

Photo L to R: Janice Folsum, founder and conductor Southern Crescent Chorale. Photos courtesy of the Southern Crescent Chorale.

A Lifelong Keeper of the Chattahoochee SALLY BETHEA

Since childhood, Sally Bethea has been fascinated with nature. In her backyard explorations she would follow a small stream as far as her child self could, curious about “where the water went" when it left her backyard. Years later, she realized that her backyard stream went to Nancy Creek, into Peachtree Creek,

By Sherri Smith Brown

and finally, into the Chattahoochee River. Perhaps it was fate that Sally would become one of the toughest advocates around to save the Chattahoochee.

By becoming the first Riverkeeper for the Upper Chattahoochee—the half of the river that runs from its headwaters in the north Georgia mountains

through Atlanta to West Point Lake—Sally was tasked with creating a new nonprofit organization devoted to restoring and defending this heavily used waterway. As she states: “Plagued by chronic sewage spills, uncontrolled urban growth, dirty storm runoff, industrial toxins, trash, and overuse, the river was repeatedly named one of the most endangered rivers in the country.”

I met Sally during those fledgling years of the riverkeeper organization when Fred Brown and I worked with her to write The Riverkeeper’s Guide to the Chattahoochee, a section by section guidebook to the river. Unlike some directors of environmental organizations who mainly sit behind a desk, Sally was not afraid to get her feet wet. She was always on the river, putting her own eyes on its problems as well as its magnificence. A river could not ask for a better defender than Sally Bethea. Twenty years later, she retired from the organization, leaving the river and its tributaries all the better for her passion, spirit, and tireless work.

Sally and I recently spoke about her riverkeeping days as well as her newly written memoir, Keeping the Chattahoochee, Reviving and Defending A Great Southern River.

SSB: What made you want to write your story?

SB: I never seriously considered it until I started regularly walking on a path to the Chattahoochee

BOOK DISCUSSIONS:

PTC LIBRARY SAT., SEPT. 30, 2PM PTC ROTARY CLUB•NOV. 16, 12PM

Sally Sierer Bethea’s memoir, Keeping the Chattahoochee, Reviving and Defending A Great Southern River, is a story about bravery and persistence. Sally will be discussing her book at the Peachtree City Library on Saturday, September 30, at 2pm and as well as the November 16 meeting of the Peachtree City Rotary Club. Sally will have books to sell and autograph at both events.

Sherri Smith Brown, a longtime resident of Peachtree City, is the editor of Peachtree City Magazine. She wrote The Riverkeepeer’s Guide to the Chattahoochee with Fred Brown as well as The Flint River.

New book by Sally Sierer Bethea.

River in retirement. Inspired by a book called The Forest Unseen (David Haskell), I was motivated to find a place in nature that I could explore over the course of a year and get to know intimately. I wanted to slow down, pay close attention to plants, animals, and landscape—adopting the pace of nature, as Ralph Waldo Emerson counseled. I found such a place near the river: a path in the national park that I had never before walked. As I discovered its woods, streams, and riverbank through the seasons, I reflected on my two decades as the founding director of the nonprofit Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) organization. Memories emerged from the past: funny, alarming, frustrating, exhilarating, and instructive.

When the pandemic demanded that I shelter at home, nearly a year into my river walks, I decided to spend my time remembering and writing stories about our efforts to clean up the long-neglected Chattahoochee and my walks that had triggered these tales. The process was immensely satisfying. As I wrote, it occurred to me that my stories might be interesting and useful to others. My hope is that Keeping the Chattahoochee will help inspire and guide a new generation of river advocates and energize those already giving a voice to rivers, forests, and mountains with their time and resources. I also hope readers will be encouraged

to find their own special place in nature, be it in the city or a wilderness, and that through the seasons they will allow themselves to explore these areas slowly and attentively.

SSB: When we were writing the Riverkeeper’s Guide to the Chattahoochee, you were just getting your feet wet, so to speak, as Riverkeeper. How did that job change you over the next 20 years?

SB: As I learned to be more thoughtful and careful in decision-making and successes followed, I became more confident in myself and my ability to bring people and resources together to make progress on behalf of the river. I became less concerned about what people said or thought about me; it hurt of course when I heard that someone thought I was too this or that, but I learned to hold my head up and keep on moving forward. CRK's board and staff are very clear about its mission, core values, and strategies employed to get the job done. While I'm still an optimist, I've become more of a realist with regard to environmental work. My youthful idealism has morphed into a more clear-eyed and tough-minded approach. It is simply not radical to demand clean, abundant water sources for everyone and to use all available tools toward that end.

Sally with Jason Ulseth, now CRK's riverkeeper and executive director, and Juliet Cohen, recently retired executive director of CRK.

SSB: How did it change the Chattahoochee?

SB: The water in the Chattahoochee is dramatically cleaner today than it was three decades ago, particularly the section between the city of Atlanta and West Point Lake. For decades the river did not meet federal environmental standards, largely because of chronic sewage spills in the city. The situation was disgusting, hazardous, and shameful. In fact, the river was so dirty that the state would not install public boat ramps in this area. Working with downstream communities and advocates for West Point Lake, CRK prevailed in a successful federal lawsuit filed in the 1990s that required the city to spend more than $2 billion to overhaul its sewer infrastructure. CRK's monitoring data has confirmed significant improvements in the river and in many of its tributaries and reservoirs, including West Point Lake. These successes were achieved through legal actions, legislative initiatives, stronger regulations and policies, monitoring, and educational programs including floating classrooms. While challenges remain, notably the impacts of climate change, the Chattahoochee's future is bright. Importantly, the people who live and work in the watershed are more acutely aware of all that our hard- working river provides for them and their communities--and that we must never again condone the level of pollution that existed in the past.

SSB: You talk about overcoming fears and jumping right in, doing things outside your comfort zone on

behalf of the river. What stands out as the hardest problem you had to tackle?

SB: That’s a tough question. A lot of things come to mind. One is certainly the initial (and in some areas continuing) reluctance of local and state officials to admit the Chattahoochee's serious problems and move to resolve them with policy decisions and funding. CRK deals with quality of life issues that are critical for communities to prosper. Elected officials, in particular, should make decisions that help improve the lives of their constituents, which includes the environment. It was particularly frustrating for me personally to sit for more than seven years on the state board of natural resources and try to convince my colleagues (many who represented corporate interests) that a clean, healthy environment is good for business. As a woman, I often found it hard to deal with men who clearly did not take me or my organization very seriously.

SSB: Your memoir has an interesting structure. Tell me about it.

SB: I did not want to write a book that simply recounts the story of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and my personal involvement in a chronological, historical format. I wanted to use an approach that would draw the reader into the river's watershed—its landscape and plants and animals—in a visceral way, revealing the looks, sounds, and smells of the river. For readers unable to take a walk along the Chattahoochee, I

wanted to offer what I was seeing and feeling in the hope that my words would convey the beauty and fragility of this place of land, water, and sky. Each chapter begins with a walk and a description of the things I see; a memory then emerges from my riverkeeping days and I tell a story. These stories are not sequential in their telling; they move backward and forward in time, as they illustrate the work of our board, staff, and allies to save an endangered river.

SSB: Do you still walk the bamboo forest that has become an important character in your storytelling?

SB: Yes! And I still discover new things on my path to the river, despite the hundreds of hours I've spent in the woods and along the river there. This past spring, I found a blooming Catesby's trillium. Now that I know where she grows, I'll be back next spring to visit her.

SSB: Your accomplishments with Riverkeeper are numerous. What makes you proudest?

SB: I’m proud of helping build and sustain an organization that is known for its credibility, integrity, persistence, and courage. The job of safeguarding a valuable natural resource such as the Chattahoochee River and its lakes and tributaries is never- ending in our constantly changing world. CRK will always need to be a strong, visible presence in the watershed, collaborating with allies and using the power of the law and media, if necessary, to achieve our mission: enough clean water for people and wildlife.

Jason Ulseth, now CRK's riverkeeper and executive director, and Sally aboard the Miss Sally Floating Classroom on Lake Lanier.

Continued from page 13

Sally kayaking.

Enjoying the Chattahoochee River

of shoreline provide excellent opportunities for fishing, camping, boating and other recreational activities. Located around the lake are day use parks, campgrounds, two commercial marinas, beach areas, fishing piers and public hunting areas. Most of the parks have picnic shelters, boat launching ramps with courtesy docks, nature trails and great access to the lake for fishing. For more information, visitlagrange.com/things-to-do/westpoint-lake or sam.usace.army.mil/Missions/Civil-Works/ Recreation/West-Point-Lake.

Once you have read Sally Bethea’s memoir, "Keeping the Chattahoochee, Reviving and Defending A Great Southern River," you may be inspired to get out and enjoy the river yourself. There are plenty of places nearby to hike along the Chattahoochee, camp, fish, visit historic sites, bike, and boat—in everything from canoes and kayaks to motor boats and pontoons.

■ Chattahoochee State Park

Georgia’s fifth largest state park, Chattahoochee Bend spans 2,910 acres in northwest Coweta County and extends along the banks of the Chattahoochee River for 5 miles. Most of the park has been left in its natural state, but there are still plenty of activities to enjoy—camping, kayaking, a playground, picnic tables, geocaching, fishing, and an observation tower for views of the river and forest. The park has six miles of hiking trails, some of which run along the river, while others meander ‘inland. ’A boat ramp provides easy access to the river for fishing and paddling. You can rent canoes and kayaks from the park, but there is no shuttle service. Check out the park’s Hike and Paddle trips—a guided trip that frequently sells out. For more information, visit bendfriend.org or gastateparks.org/ChattahoocheeBend.

■ McIntosh Reserve

This 527 acres of land adjacent to the Chattahoochee River is a historic site and recreational area. It lies on the Carroll County side of the river, but between Chattahoochee Bend State Park and Coweta County

Riverside Park on the Coweta side. The park land was once part of Creek Indian Chief William McIntosh’s plantation, known as Lochau Talofau, or Acorn Bluff. Today, Carroll County Recreation Department owns the property and offers about 14 miles of trails, picnic pavilions, a boat ramp, and great views of the river. Primitive camping, fishing, rafting, and canoeing are permitted. For more information, visit carrollcountyga.com/293/ McIntosh-Reserve-Park or friendsofmcintoshreserve.org.

■ Coweta County Riverside Park

Located at the Highway 16 Bridge over the Chattahoochee River, this is a small park that is especially convenient for putting in a kayak or canoe to just play around the shoals or to begin a trip downriver. The park includes picnic tables, geocaches, a concrete boat ramp, and plenty of paved parking for leaving a car if you want to take a paddling trip. In fact, an easy-to-moderate, 2-hour or so paddle requires a put-in at this park with either a take-out at McIntosh Reserve (7 miles downstream) or the choice of two different take-outs at Chattahoochee Bend State Park (another 1 to 4 miles downstream). The riverside park is open 6am to 8pm. 4013 Hwy 16 W., Newnan.

■ West Point Lake

Surrounded by deep forests and rolling fields, West Point Lake, managed by the US Army Corps of Engineers, extends 35 miles along the Chattahoochee River on the Alabama-Georgia state line. The lake’s 525 miles

■ Chattahoochee River

National Recreation Area

All along the north and westside of Atlanta, you will find numerous places to enjoy the river. The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is part of the National Park System and is made up of 15 park units along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River. This stretch of the Chattahoochee River is a National Water Trail and is part of the national park. The park is made up of 7,000 acres of land and river and has 66 miles of hiking trails, stretching from the north at Lake Sydney Lanier’s Buford Dam to the Palisades and Pace’s Ferry Road. For more information, visit chattahoocheeparks.org (Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy), nps.gov/chat (National Parks Service), or chattahoochee.org (Chattahoochee Riverkeeper).

■ Columbus Riverwalk and Whitewater Rapids

The RiverWalk is an outdoor 15-mile linear park that hugs the banks of the Chattahoochee River downtown Columbus. You can enjoy a peaceful walk along the river or if you are a thrill seeker, zip line across the river from Georgia to Alabama and back again or try a whitewater rapids adventure! Whitewater rapids in Columbus? In 2013, the dams that once impounded a 2.5-mile stretch of Chattahoochee River flowing between Columbus and Phenix City, Alabama, were blasted away. What remains is a free-flowing river tumbling over rocky Fall Line shoals and producing what is said to be the longest urban whitewater run in the world—and it’s only about a 1-2 hour drive for Fayette countians. The rapids range in difficulty from Class II to IV, depending on the river’s flow rate, which is controlled by Georgia Power Company. If you don’t want to try what is touted as one of the most challenging whitewater runs in the country, you can watch from the RiverWalk. For more information, go to visitcolumbusga.com/visit/outdoors or whitewaterexpress.com.

Area Museums Thrive with Volunteerism

■ CAF Airbase Georgia

Did you realize Peachtree City has the only “Flying Museum” in the Atlanta metro area? Located at Falcon Field, the Commemorate Air Force Airbase Georgia acquires, restores, and preserves in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft. These planes include aircraft flown by all United States military as well as selected aircraft of other nations. All this is done to educate present and future generations about these military planes and the people who built, serviced, and flew them in defense of our nation.

Airbase Georgia’s hangar houses a permanent display of historic vintage aircraft, a restoration shop area to work on planes, and a collection of WWII artifacts. There is even a replica of the Japanese Navy torpedo-bomber, known as “Kate” by the Allies. The plane was built in 1969, for the movie “Tora! Tora! Tora!” Some planes housed here participate in demonstrations and air shows. For a fee, you can schedule a Warbird Ride over the area.

More than 500 all-volunteer members work tirelessly at the Airbase to operate, maintain, and preserve these aircraft as symbols of our American military aviation heritage. They love to answer your questions and talk about the planes. No matter who you are or what your vocation, you, too, can volunteer at Airbase Georgia. The organization has a varied membership, including students, bankers, nurses, pilots, and IT technicians, and welcomes everyone, especially young people, who want to help fulfill its mission.

Restoring, operating, and maintaining these aircraft is an expensive proposition. Airbase Georgia is a non-profit, tax-exempt organization, that relies heavily on financial support from people who are passionate about the mission of the CAF. You can join the Airbase, donate money or an artifact, or purchase an item from the Airbase’s PX Store. Visit the Airbase website at airbasegeorgia.org for details. Airbase Georgia is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 9am-4pm. CAF Airbase Georgia, 1200 Echo Court, 678-364-1110.

■ Tyrone Museum

Established in 2021, the Tyrone Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of Tyrone from its beginnings when Creek Indians inhabited the land through today. It is very apparent that the small group of volunteers who created the museum love Tyrone as well as its history as a rural town in what was once a very agricultural Fayette County—and they are there to tell you its story.

The museum makes its home in the 1943-built Hopewell Methodist Church on a site that was once the 1849 Hopewell Academy. Around the grounds of the museum there are a vintage plow and a barn from a long ago nearby farm. Next door is the

Hopewell Cemetery established in 1854, bearing the names of many town founders and farmers of the area.

Inside there is a 23-foot long town model train display with two trains running along a row of buildings representing important structures in Tyrone during the 1960’s. There also is a retro kitchen dating from the 1930s-40s as well as historic artifacts, including farm equipment, quilts, household items, and military uniforms, weapons, and photos belonging to Tyrone servicemen.

The museum is owned by the Town of Tyrone and supported by the Friends of Tyrone Museum Corporation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The Friends is made up of 9 individuals who maintain, operate, and research for the museum. Donations include a one-year Friends Membership. For details, visit tyronemuseum.wordpress.com. Tyrone Museum is open Wednesday 11am-2pm and Saturday 10am-2pm. Tyrone Museum, 881 Senoia Road, 678-216-7401.

■ Starr’s Mill

At one time numerous gristmills operated along the Flint River and its tributaries above the Fall Line. These were some of the region’s earliest industry. Starr’s Mll, located on Whitewater Creek in Fayette County, is one of the few gristmills that remain standing in the area.

In all, 16 property owners and three mills have been part of the Starr’s Mill history. Hananiah Gillcoat, the property’s second owner, constructed the first mill sometime between 1822 and 1827, just after the region was opened to settlement in 1821. Records indicate that the second mill house to stand on the site burned to the ground around 1900, supposedly by arson. In 1907 the property’s 13th owner, William T. Glower, built the present wooden mill house, on the same foundation, and the concrete dam.

The 16 acres of grounds are always open to the public for walking, picnicking, picture taking, or fishing at the mill pond or Whitewater Creek; but historically, the mill house itself has been closed to the public. However, recently volunteers with the Fayette County Historical Society are opening the mill to the public for a few hours on the second Wednesday of every month. This is a rare chance to wonder through the iconic mill. The Society has put together various displays about the mill’s history as well as equipment salvaged from the mill itself.

To step inside the mill house interior, stop by Starr’s Mill on the second Wednesday of the month from 10am-2pm. A volunteer from the historical society will be there to answer your questions. Admission is free but donations are happily accepted. Starr’s Mill Park, 115 Waterfall Way, fayettehistoricalsociety.com.

L to R: CAF Airbase, Tyrone Museum, Starr's Mill.

PEACHTREE CITY ROTARY CLUB HELPS OTHERS IN THE COMMUNITY AND AROUND THE WORLD

TheRotary Club of Peachtree City has been serving the local community and supporting local organizations for over fifty years. Many of the landmarks throughout Peachtree City are the result of countless hours of work and financial investment by the Club into the community. The welcome sign at the intersection of Highway 54 and Highway 74 was financed by the Rotary Club. The Luther Glass Gazebo at Three Ponds, the fishing dock at Line Creek, and the Flat Creek board walk were all also funded and built by the Club.

The Club has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars over the years to local organizations and non-profits such as the Midwest Food Bank, the Walk to End Alzheimers, and many, many more.

■ Dragon Boat Festival

One of the most well-known fundraisers over the past 15 years is the Dragon Boat Festival. The centerpiece of the festival are the Dragon Boat races, which take place on Lake Peachtree. Dragon Boat racing is a great team-building sport because success depends on all paddlers being in synch with each other. Many local businesses take advantage of the event to provide their people who work together an opportunity to play together and forge a bond outside of the workplace. While the races are taking place on the water, the festival is happening on Drake Field. Food trucks, vendors, entertainment make the event fun for folks who aren’t racing on the water. This year’s Dragon Boat Festival will take place on September 23rd on Lake Peachtree and Drake Field.

■ Two new events that the Club is introducing are Bourbon & Bowties, Pinot & Pearls and the Rotary PTC Half Marathon.

•Bourbon & Bowties, Pinot & Pearls will be held November 2nd on the Central Plaza at Town of Trilith. It will feature Little Bites provided by Enzo, Bourbon supplied by Heaven's Door and Old Soul, Various Wines - both Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio, Entertainment by The Bourbon Brothers Band, Silent Auction items and a Wine/ Bourbon Pull along with a VIP tent. The event will be cocktail attire (men with bow ties and women with pearls). The event is open to all, and funds from the event will all go to the Rotary Foundation and Camp Southern Ground.

The Rotary Foundation is responsible for service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. What

impact can a donation have? For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio. The Rotary Foundation has a 100% score on Charity Navigator, so any donations given to the Foundation are guaranteed to be used properly.

•The Rotary PTC Half Marathon is scheduled for January 13th and will use the same course as the Diva Half Marathon that used to be a popular race in Peachtree City. The course is a fast course, so runners from all around come to try and set their PR (personal record). The race will also feature a 5K.

■ Recipiants of grants from this past year incuded:

•Advo-Kids CASA, Inc.–Advocates for Abused & Neglected Children

•Armed Forces Mission, Inc.–Suicide Prevention for Veterans and First Responders

•Camp Southern Ground – Supporting Post 9/11 Veterans

•Challenge Air for Kids & Friends – Program for Special Needs Kids using Flight

•Fayette Accountability Court – Program to change behavior or repeat dui/ substance abuse offenders

•Fayette Senior Services, Inc.–Services for Senior Citizens

•Fine Arts & Crafts Entrepreneurs, Inc. (FAACE) – Supporting Local Arts & Artists

•Flint River Council BSA, Inc.–Local Boy Scouts

•Frontline Response–Rescuing Individuals from Sex Trafficking

•Harbor of Hope, Inc.–Program Supporting Breast Cancer Survivors

•Harts of Teal, Inc.–Ovarian Cancer eduation and Support

•June's Second Chance Ranch–Animal Rescue and Assistance for Veterans affected by PTSD

•Make-A-Wish Foundation of Georgia–Life-Changing Wishes for Children with Critical Illnesses

•Real Life Center, Inc.–Food Pantry & Financial Support/ Counseling for those in Need.

•Rotary Community Corps–NonProfit Supporting Adults with Developmental Disabilities

•Girls Scouts Service Unit 617–Local Girl Scouts

•Southern Conservation Trust–Provides Stewardship for Land Across the Southeast

•Southwest Christian Care–Non Profit Hospice and Care for Special Needs Children

•ExceptionalOPS–Advocacy and Support for Local Needs Community

•The Joseph Sams School–School Serving Children with Intellectual or Physical Disabilities

•United Way of Greater Atlanta≠Organization Supporting Children born into Low Income Homes

L to R: Peachtree City Welcome Sign; Dragon Boat Festival photo by Marie Schlosser; The Rotary PTC Half Marathon.

>> 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

Sept 30 Woofstock/Fayette Love Your Pet at City Center Park, Fayetteville, 12-6pm

Sept 30 18th Annual Senoia Car Show, Senoia

Sept 30 Sally Bethea: Book Talk & Signing 2-4pm Peachtree City Library, Floy Farr Room

Sept 30 Hispanic Heritage Festival, Drake Field 151 Willowbend, Peachtree City, 3-8pm

OCTOBER 2023

Oct 4 City Hall Open House, Fayetteville City Hall, 210 Stonewall Ave West, Fayetteville, All Day

Oct 6-7 Tyrone Founders Day Festival, 960 Senoia Rd, Shamrock Park, Tyrone. Fri 5-11pm, Sat 12- 7:30pm, Come out and enjoy music, food trucks, vendors, fireworks and more! Free event

ONGOING...

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

Peachtree City Geocaching Tour – 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 404-310-9613.

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 ...

SEPTEMBER 2023

Sept 3 Gin Blossoms + Tonic + Fastball, Frederick Brown Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

Sept 8 Night Market, Drake Field 151 Willowbend, Peachtree City, 5-10pm One-of-a-kind, hand-made items,

Beer Garden, Food Trucks, Entertainment. Free event. nightmarketptc.com

Sept 9 Walk with a Doc 215 Northlake Dr. Peachtree City 8:15am All invited including your dog!

Sept 14-24 Coweta County Fair, Coweta County Fairgrounds, 275 Pine Road, Newnan, GA 30263 770254-2620

Sept 16-17 Annual Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival, 201 McIntosh Trail Recreation Complex, Peachtree City, Sat 10-6pm, Sun 12-5pm, music & food trucks 11am-4pm

Sept 16 Fire Truck Pull, Fayette Pavilion shopping Ctr Cinemark Tinseltown parking lot, Fayetteville 10:00am - Noon

Sept 23 Cheap Trick + The Elliot Michael Band, (sold out) Frederick Brown Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, Doors 6:30, Show 7:30

Sept 23 Yacht Rock Schooner Smooth Dance Party Hits of the 70’s and 80’s, 301 Lafayette Ave, Fayetteville Amphitheater, “The Ville” 6pm, thevilleamp.com

Sept 23 Rotary Club of Peachtree City Dragon Boat Festival, Lake Peachtree – Drake Field, 151 Willowbend, Peachtree City 9am-4pm

Sept 29 The Marshall Tucker Band, Fayetteville Amphitheater, 301 Lafayette Ave, Fayetteville, “The Ville” 6pm, thevilleamp.com

Oct 7 Walk to End Alzheimer’s, 201 McIntosh Trail Rec Complex, 8:00 am, opening ceremony 9:00am contact: makemp@alz.org

Oct 7-8 The Cotton Fair, 18830 Hwy 85, Gay, GA Hours 9-5 thecottonfair.com

Oct 7-8 Atlanta Airshow featuring the F-22 Raptor Team, 9am – all day. 7 Falcon Field, Peachtree City

Oct 13 Night Market, Drake Field 151 Willowbend, Peachtree City, 5-10pm One-of-a-kind, hand-made items, Beer Garden, Food Trucks, Entertainment. Free event. nightmarketptc.com

Oct 13 “At the Hop!” Southern Crescent Chorale Annual Gala & Concert, Flat Creek Country Club, 100 Flat Creek Rd, Peachtree City 6pm southerncrescentchorale.org

Oct 13 Connect and Conquer - A Leadership Conference for Women 8am-4pm The Loft at Due South, 302 Clover Reach, Peachtree City. Sponsored by the Business Women of Fayette and Coweta. Advance tickets only www. bwfcc.org

Oct 14 Walk with a Doc 215 Northlake Dr. Peachtree City 8:15am All invited including your dog!

Oct 14 LOCASH, Fayetteville Amphitheater, 301 Lafayette Ave, Fayetteville, “The Ville” 6pm thevilleamp.com

Oct 15 Italian Heritage Festival Drake Field 151 Willowbend, Peachtree City, 1-8pm

Oct 21 PTC Classic 5K & 15 K Run, McIntosh Trail Complex. 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City. Sponsored

by the PTC Running Club 7:30am-12:00pm –5K start at 8:30, 15K start 8:45am ptcrc.com

Oct 21 Southside Support Annual Gala "Back to the Future," Crowne Plaza, 201 Aberdeen Pkwy. 6–10 pm. www.southsidesupport.org/back2future

Oct 21 Annual Pumpkin Fest, Historic Courthouse Square, Fayetteville 5:30pm-8:30pm

Oct 21-22 Magnolia Fine Arts Festival, Drake Field 155 Willowbend Rd, Peachtree City Sat & Sun 10:00am –5pm magnoliaartsfestival.org

Oct 28 PTC Fall Festival & Movie Night: 5-9 PM, Drake Field, Peachtree City

NOVEMBER 2023

Nov 2 Bourbon & Bowties, Pinot & Pearls, Central Plaza at Town of Trilith sponsored by the Rotary Club of Peachtree City. 6-9pm See page 19 for details or wwww. peachtreecityrotary.org

Nov 3-4 Georgia Singers Theater Company presents “The Addams Family” georgiasingerscompany.org

Nov 4 Carnival in the Park, City Center Park, 210 Stonewall Ave W., Fayetteville 5-9pm

Nov 10-Dec 17 Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, Legacy Theatre, 1175 Senoia Rd, Tyrone, Weekend show times Fri-Sat 7:00pm, Sat-Sun 2:00pm legacytheater.com

Nov 11-12 Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour (SHAST), Free Admission, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. Participating artists are listed on their website along with locations: shastour.com Meet the artists in Pottery, Glass, Woodworking, Fiber, Jewelry and much more.

Nov 28 Music Bingo sponsored by Business Women of Fayette & Coweta, Location: Golf Rider 112 Huddleston Rd.,Peachtree City 6-8:30pm. Tickets include dinner, a drink ticket and set of bingo cards. Purchase in advance. Supporting several local charities. www.bwfcc.org.

DECEMBER 2023

Dec 1 Christmas with the Southern Crescent Chorale, First Presbyterian Church, Peachtree City, 206 Willowbend Rd, Peachtree City 7:30pm southerncrescentchorale.org

Dec 2 Light Up Senoia, 4pm start of the Light Up Senoia activities

Dec 2 Miracle on Main Street. Parade and Christmas Market, City Center Park, 210 Stonewall Ave West, Fayetteville, All Day www.fayetteville-ga.gov

Dec 2 Hometown Holiday, Drake Field, Peachtree City, 5 PM.

Dec 3 Christmas with the Southern Crescent Chorale, First Presbyterian Church, Peachtree City, 206 Willowbend Rd, Peachtree City 3:00pm southerncrescentchorale.org

Dec 10 Candlelight Tour of Homes 4pm Self-Guided Tour, Homes to be announced at a later date. www. enjoysenoia.net

Departure performs at The Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater. Photo courtesy of the Fred.

Continued from page 21

JANUARY 2024

Jan 13 Rotary Peachtree City Half Marathon, Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, PTC 8:00am $75.00 plus 5.50 signup fee. RotaryPTCHalfMarathon.com

Jan 26 – Feb 25 Elvis, A Musical Revolution, Legacy Theatre, 1175 Senoia Rd, Tyrone, Weekend show times Fri-Sat 7:00pm, Sat-Sun 2:00pm legacytheater.com

FEBRUARY 2024

Feb 2 – Feb 25 Elvis, A Musical Revolution, Legacy Theatre, 1175 Senoia Rd, Tyrone, Weekend show times Fri-Sat 7:00pm, Sat-Sun 2:00pm legacytheater.com

MARCH 2024

Mar 10 Southern Crescent Chorale at Spivey Hall, 2000 Clayton State Blvd, Clayton State University, Morrow. The Music of Dan Forrest featuring “Requiem for the Living” 3:00pm

Mar 23 Southern Crescent Chorale “Sweets & Serenades” Benefit Concert for the Bedford School, Fayetteville First United Methodist Church, 175 E Lanier Ave, Fytvl 7:00pm

Events at the Avenue in Peachtree City!

SEPTEMBER

•29th LOL Comedy Nights 7-8P

OCTOBER

•3rd Ladies Fashion Night 6-9P

•13th LOL Comedy Nights 7-8P

•14th British Car Show 9A-12P

•19th 3rd Thursday-Live Music 7-9P

•27th LOL Comedy Nights 7-8P

•31st Fall Festival 4-6P; Halloween Movie 6-9P

NOVEMBER

•24th Black Friday Giveaway 8-10A

• 27th Holiday Photos with Santa 5-7P

DECEMBER

•4th, 11th, 18th Holiday Photos with Santa 5-7P

•3rd, 10th, 17th Christmas Carolers 1-3

•2nd, 9th, 16th, 23th Strolling Holiday Entertainers 1-3P

•31st Noon Year’s Eve 10A-12:30P

Southern Crescent Chorale in Santuario de la Victoria Catholic Church, Malaga, Spain, summer, 2023. Photo courtesy Mike Murtaugh.

Adam Gordinier is a 2nd degree black belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu with over 20 years of experience. He has developed a highly technical but easily accessible brand of jiu-jitsu, combining modern techniques with a solid foundation in the fundamentals and a strong emphasis on wrestling. Jiu-Jitsu has benefits for students of all ages, including increased mental focus, discipline, and the ability to protect one’s self both inside and outside the gym.

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

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

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.

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.

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

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

We’re here to help you settle into your new home and community. Below are various phone numbers that will be helpful if you are new to the area.

• The Peachtree City Magazine is published by Print Graphics Services, Inc.; 101 Tivoli Gardens, Peachtree City 30269; 678-471-5920; Peachtreecitymagazine.com

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The Guide to Coweta & Fayette is published by MediaWorks 67, llc; PO Box 326, Senoia 30276; 470-819-7759; GuideCowetaFayette.com

• Peachtree City New Neighbors League 770-486-9116; newneighborsptc.com

• Fayette County Tag O ce 140 W Stonewall Avenue, Ste 109, Fayetteville 30214; 770-461-3611; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. fayettecountytaxcomm.com

Drivers License – Fayette

Georgia Dept of Drivers Services; 749 West Lanier Ave. #102, Fayetteville 30214; 678-413-8400; dds.georgia.gov

• Fayette County Voter Registration 140 Stonewall Avenue, Ste 208, Fayetteville 30214; 770-305-5408; fayettecountyga.gov

News • Papers

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

•The Citizen (online); thecitizen.com

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

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

• Utilities & Services

•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 Management 866-909-4458; www.wm.com

Cable TV:

• AT&T U-Verse 1-800-288-2020

• Comcast / Xfinity 1-800-934-6489 (1-800-XFINITY)

• DirecTV 1-800-531-5000

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

• 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

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357 Hwy. 74 N • Peachtree City • 678.545.0959

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.

2020 WINNER!

Sales • Rentals • Parts

Magnolia Fine Arts Festival • Oct. 21 & 22 A MESMERIZING CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY!

Get ready for a captivating weekend filled with art, entertainment, and cultural enrichment at the 8th annual Magnolia Fine Arts Festival located at Drake Field in Peachtree City, Georgia. This eagerly awaited event is scheduled to take place on October 21st and 22nd, 2023. As the largest fine arts gathering in Fayette County, Magnolia promises two days of family fun, creativity, and inspiration.

The festival hosts over 100 performing and visual artists from across the Southeast, showcasing an exceptional range of artistic expressions. From paintings to woodwork, jewelry, and ceramics, the festival's diverse array of artworks promises to captivate the senses and ignite the imagination.

Talented artists such as Chouaieb Saidi, Julie

Keeper, Dorothy Reavis, Bertha Lombard, and Adeina Cookenour are among the participants, ensuring that attendees will be treated to an extraordinary showcase of talent and craftsmanship. Beyond the static exhibits, the festival comes alive with vibrant musical performances curated by performance director Todd Bethel. Experience the melodic rhythms of Ugate Studio, Moksah Rao, Georgia Singers Co, Rare Epiphany, Music from the Heart, and the headlining act, Liberty Road.

Magnolia transcends the conventional art festival experience by offering captivating artist demonstrations. Engage with artists such as Xavier Perry, Christy Sears, and others, as they share their techniques and ignite the creative spirit within the community. Organized by the nonprofit Fine Arts and Crafts Entrepreneurs (FAACE),

headquartered in Peachtree City, the Magnolia Fine Arts Festival serves as a testament to their commitment to promoting artistic expression and supporting the arts in the local community.

The festival is completely free to attend. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday. Come immerse yourself in the world of art, music, food trucks and a variety of engaging activities. www.magnoliaartsfestival.org

November 11–12, 2023

Southern Hands Artist Studio Tour (SHAST)

Free Admission, Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 11am-5pm. Participating artists are listed on their website along with locations: sourthenhandsartiststudiotour.com

Meet the artists in Pottery, Glass, Woodworking, Fiber, Jewelry and much more.

PEACHTREE CITY TOASTMASTERS CLUB

Peachtree

City Toastmasters club was organized in 2003. Founding members Tom Jenkins and Harry VanderKrabben are still active members and they achieved the DTM, Distinguished Toast Master–the highest award by Toastmasters International.

This local club helps members improve leadership and speaking skills. Focus is on practicing the skills needed to communicate with confidence and grow individually.

Members receive feedback from their peers and presentations are often recorded for the

members to review and understand their strengths and weaknesses.

People wanting to overcome fear of public speaking, or learn techniques that help with career advancement, are encouraged to visit, at no charge, one or more Peachtree City Toastmasters meetings.

Meetings are held at the Keller Williams Realty office, 1200 Commerce Drive, Peachtree City, every 1st, 3rd, and 5th Mondays of the month, 7pm. For more details see the website: https://peachtreecity.toastmastersclubs.org

Great home & auto rates for any budget.

Photos L to R: Founding Member Harry VanderKrabben, DTM and incoming President Tonya Byrd; Toastmasters Division Director, Karen Gelhardt and outgoing Club President Mark Gelhardt; VP Education Damon Owens, and VP Marketing, Alex Reyes.

Founding Member Tom Jenkins, DMS giving a speech at the club meeting.

Locally Owned Gift Shops Entice with Unique Gifts

Time for gift shopping? Here are six locally owned stores with a wide variety of unique gifts for everyone on your list.

■ Barnett & Co.

For a gift for a friend or for yourself – don’t miss Barnett & Co. Always stylish and trendy, with unique items for welcoming baby, pumping up your home décor, or searching for the perfect gift, the Barnett girls can help. Shopbarnettandco.com, 208 City Circle, The Avenue, 770-376-6931.

■ Wild Birds Unlimited

People come to Wild Birds Unlimited to buy seed and bird feeders, but more and more, this locally owned store is a destination for beautiful yard and nature decor. Offerings include wind chimes, Heartwood cypress bird houses, hummingbird feeders, bird baths, and framed prints of birds and wildlife by local photographer Dan Nelson. fayette.wbu.com. 100 N. Peachtree Parkway, Suite 4, Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center, 770-486-1599.

Continued on page 30

Barnett & Co.

Wild Birds Unlimited

■ The Nest

If you need a wedding gift or a gift for your mother-in-law, this is the store for you. The Nest conveys southern charm along with unique pieces from across the world. You will find home furnishings, tableware, bedding, pillows, lamps, and baskets. VIETRI tableware, flatware, and vases—a beautiful Italian tableware—is a big seller, along with The NEST candles and enewton jewelry—which flies off the shelves. thenestinteriorsco.com. 310 City Circle, The Avenue, 770-632-9008.

■ One Magnolia Lane

Opened in 1993, One Magnolia Lane is a gift boutique where each gift is carefully hand- selected by the owner and offered in limited quantities. One Magnolia Lane offers a little of everything—from handbags and books to food items and hand-painted wine glasses. The store’s biggest seller? Brighton jewelry—a really lovely selection. onemagnolialane.com. 1231 N. Peachtree Parkway, Kedron Shopping Center, 770-486- 9494.

■ Mina’s Hallmark Store

Mina’s Hallmark maintains its reputation as a Gold Crown store—a full array of greeting cards, Willow Tree Collectibles, Christmas ornaments, and

One Magnolia Lane

more. Last year, however, Mina’s added a women’s clothing boutique section with amazing results. Next, Mina’s will add baby and children’s gifts. The store also carries Peachtree City’s Manny ornament—where 100% of the proceeds go to charity! shopminashallmark.com.

100 N. Peachtree Parkway, Suite 10, Peachtree Crossing Shopping Center, 770-487-2776.

■ Smith and Davis

When you think of Smith & Davis, you probably think of quality shoes and clothing. However, they have quite a selection of gifts as well. They have everything from jewelry for men and women, handbags and wallets, Hydro Flask cups and jugs, and camping accessories. Get on their VIP email list for special sales and discounts. 1552 Highway 54 W., Fayetteville, 770–487–4183. smithdavisclothing.com.

Smith and Davis

OUR FAVORITES

We like to shine a spotlight on the new, trendy restaurants in town, but there is something special about the tried-and-true restaurants that have provided great meals and friendship to us for years. So, it is with a bit of reverence that we encourage you to enjoy our favorite eating spots.

■ When you are looking for a classical dinner—American with a French twist—and a friendly atmosphere, you will enjoy a visit to Pascal’s Bistro in Westpark Walk. Their patio on fall evenings is such a pleasure. 770-632-0112; pascalsbistro.com

■ For a fusion of South African and American cuisine, you cannot beat Georgia Shrimp. Shrimp is on the menu, of course, but also other seafoods and fish. “Wine Nights” presents a special wine-paired menu, and the restaurant is bringing back its live music entertainment. 770-631-9114; georgiashrimpco.com

■ Due South Seafood Kitchen has a menu filled with many seafood favorites with a Southern twist. Due South does a great job with large parties, and the upstairs Loft is a wonderful place for private meetings. 770-629-5847; duesouthptc.com

■ Big Shots—a South African Chophouse—provides a full variety of savory lunch and dinner items served in an informal, relaxed atmosphere. You can reach Big Shots by golf cart and your dog is welcome on the patio. 770-629-5931.

■ Chin-Chin is where we go for authentic Chinese food served in a quite dining room. They have everything you might crave, and you can call ahead and order take-out or delivery, too. 770-4879188; chinchinptc.com

■ CAVA

CAVA was started by three Greek childhood friends who opened their first restaurant in 2010 to share the food they loved in an accessible fast-casual format. CAVA’s Mediterranean meal experience focuses on

falafel, chicken, hummus, veggies, tzatziki, feta, and Kalamata olives. You can put them in a bowl of grains and/or greens or a pita in various combinations. Greek sides, teas, and desserts add to the meal. cava.com. 2777 Highway W, Suite 101, 770-759-0002.

■ Elliott's

Sleek and contemporary with warm blue and brown tones, the recently opened Elliott’s celebrates Southern Cuisine. Its menu features Southern dishes with contemporary flare, curated cocktails, and homemade desserts—all crafted with the freshest ingredients— fried green tomatoes, deviled eggs, okra, peaches, cucumbers, tomatoes, ALO Farms greens, chicken any way you like it, turkey, shrimp, chopped steak, and so much more. Entrees are served with cornbread and sides like sweet potato casserole, pimento cheese grits, and carrots with goat cheese. Sit at the bar for a cocktail or browse the soon-to-be-opened Elliott’s Market for a diverse selection of fresh, locallysourced ingredients from specialty artisan producers. elliottsptc.com. 266 S. Peachtree Parkway, Suite 100. 470-726-1151.

■ Guthrie’s

The family-owned Guthrie’s began in Auburn, Alabama 55 years ago. Guthrie’s says it is the first restaurant to serve only chicken fingers—a decision made early on in its history when there was not much room to prepare food—and everyone really preferred the

chicken! Today, Guthrie’s is in eight states, and Peachtree City is one of its newest restaurants. There’s all sizes of chicken meals, snacks, and buckets with fries, Cole slaw, Texas toast and Guthrie’s Signature Sauce. guthrieschicken.com. 2021 Commerce Dr., 770-703-6691.

■ Heirloom Donuts

After a devastating fire at their bakery in Sharpsburg, Justin and Laura Gibson regrouped and moved forward, opening Heirloom Donuts in The Avenue in early 2023. The “OG” is their Original Glazed donut and the basis for most of their other donut treats. The OG can be iced with chocolate, vanilla, strawberry or maple—and then dipped in sprinkles, cookies and cream, cooked bacon pieces, and more. Kids love the donut bar where you can decorate your own OG. There’s cake, jelly, and Bavarian cream donuts, too! heirloom-donuts.com. 403 City Circle, Suite 1630, 470-251-6208.

■ La Papa Hot Potato and Corn House

This little potato, corn, and taquito bar has all the fixings for a comfort food snack or meal. Top your potatoes (baked, mashed, fries), or corn (grilled, boiled), or taquito (a fried rolled tortilla stuffed with potato) with your choice of protein; unlimited toppings like grilled onions, mushrooms, cheese and a variety of sauces; and premium sauces at an additional cost. Dine in or at the small sidewalk eating area or carryout. lapapaptc.com. 109 Lexington Circle, 678-5451724.

■ Mommies Empanadas

You’ve seen the food truck. Now visit the cafe. Owner Karina Poyeda makes her authentic Argentinian empanadas based on old family recipes. Empanadas, a filled pastry, are traditionally a Latin cuisine. Fried or baked, they are handmade from locally sourced ingredients and each one is hand filled, hand rolled, and hand crafted. Choose from a dozen fillings. The Fugazzetta Cheese (caramelized onions and mozzarella) are a favorite for a reason! The cafe is deep into PTC’s industrial area, but the word is getting out, and Mommies devotees are finding their way. mommiesempanadas.com. 320 Dividend Drive, #400, Peachtree City, 770-299-4001.

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.

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LOCAL COFFEE SHOPS ~ BREW ATMOSPHERE

Coffee. You can get a cup just about anywhere— at any restaurant—fine dining or fast food, even out of a machine. Black coffee with cream and sugar. Americano. But a coffee house flips the narrative. It turns coffee into a main character: café au lait, a latte, or a cappuccino laced with lavender, rosemary, or warm brown sugar. Thick espresso. A macchiato with whipped cream and a drizzle of caramel. Sipping a good cup of coffee can put a new outlook on your day. Sip it in an enjoyable, relaxing atmosphere, conversing with a friend, reading a book, or merely scrolling through your emails, and it is a game changer.

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Foxtail Coffee

Owner John Wylie moved to Sharpsburg with his young family a couple years ago. Soon, he began looking into a coffee house franchise that would serve the needs of the community. He opened the Florida-based Foxtail Coffee in Newnan and this past summer in Peachtree City. White tiled and wood paneled counters and walls, the shop gives off a warm and rustic vibe. Fleetwood Mac plays background. Add orange or lavender bitters to your Foxtail Farmhouse Blend, or how about a Cafe Cubano, a cortado, or a flat white? All Foxtail beans are roasted in Orlando. Cold brew, teas, croissants, a drive-thru, and more. 2731 Hwy. 54, Peachtree City, 678-378-6752.

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Blume Organics

When you open the door to Blume Organics, the aroma of brewing coffee and aromatic herbs is instant. Tucked

into the corner of the Willow Bend Shopping area, Blume is a long-time favorite in Peachtree City with its white tile counter, stainless steel chairs, and glazed concrete floors. Blume serves hand-crafted, pressed and locally roasted coffee, teas, bakery treats, and more—even a little shopping! shopblumeorganics.com. 300 Willow Bend Road, Peachtree City, 770-681-0425.

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Rooted Cafe Lounge

Coffee served from mugs made by a local potter, beans roasted in Tyrone, dishes made fresh to order, home to a monthly local artists market, Rooted Cafe Lounge has its own vibe and a mission. Established in 2021 by local resident Janeissy Armstrong, a percentage of the store’s profits go to fight against human trafficking, fair trade of specialty coffee, and taking care of the farmers behind each cup of coffee it serves. The coffee menu includes espresso shots, Americano, cold brews, and lattes with a nice selection of syrups, including lavender, honey, and agave. Rooted Cafe’s small retail area and once-a-month Creative Market supports local artists and artisans with vendors set up outside around the store, selling clothing, candles, jewelry, pottery, flowers, and fine art. The coffee shop’s second store will open on the Fayetteville Square in September. rootedhybridcafe.com. 1325 Commerce Dr., Suite 100, Peachtree City.

■ Friends Table

Unlike the other cafes mentioned here, Friends Table is a restaurant with an extensive breakfast, lunch and dinner menu; but if you are just looking for a cup of coffee and

a sweet treat while wondering around the shops at The Avenue Peachtree City, look no further. Sipping a double espresso with a piece of cake, cinnamon roll, or chocolate croissant while sitting on the restaurant’s outdoor patio is a wonderful respite on a cool Georgia night. friendstablerestaurant.com. 238 City Circle, Suite 1020, Peachtree City, 678 369 7820.

■ Joe Muggs

There’s nothing like a good cup-o-joe and a good book. You can find both at Joe Muggs inside Books A Million at The Avenue Peachtree City. Located in a spacious, upfront corner of the store, Joe Muggs invites you to peruse the books you might buy with a latte or a brew of the day. Try a Millionaire Mocha Espresso, a Snow Joe Original Frappe, or any of its many hot favorites or handcrafted beverages. 258 City Circle, Peachtree City, 770-632-1296.

■ Circa

At one time, Circa Coffee in Tyrone seemed to be an afterthought in the eclectic environment of Circa Antiques. Today, it has expanded so much that the overflow of coffee drinkers spills out into seating in the store, so you can sip your latte in a cozy, quiet space that reminds you of grandma’s kitchen table. You will find plenty of treats to go with your cold brew or espresso shot, including pastries, bagels, and quiche. 865 Senoia Rd, Tyrone, 770-683-7991.

■ Woodstone

Woodstone is a fun place to stop if you are exploring Trilith’s Main Street. Opened in 2021 by mother/ daughter trio Erica Houston-Pickett, Shellane Brown, and Veronica Pickett, the coffee shop serves its brew with an array of the ladies’ homemade sweet treats—cupcakes, brownies, cookies, cake, and more. Sit inside or out at the sidewalk tables with your brown sugar latte or a nice cortado. You might even get to watch a movie being made while you sip your brew. woodstone.square. site. 305 Trilith Parkway Suite 385, Fayetteville, 770756-9684.

■ Starbucks

Then there is Starbucks where this coffee house craze first picked up steam. Peachtree City has two freestanding stores with plenty of space to drink a latte and chat with friends or study or work. A smaller store is tucked into Target and the town’s two Krogers. You will find all of the usual specialty coffees, teas, and refreshers as well as the pastries, breakfast and lunch items to accompany them. Don’t forget the seasonal blends and specialty coffees that are always highly anticipated!

ProHealth's Studio Space is More than a Gym

Stepping into ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio immediately uplifts. With modern lines, high ceilings, and walls of windows facing nature, ProHealth brings the best of the outside into their bright, inviting space. According to ProHealth Owner Dr. Karyn Staples, PT PhD, this is to put PT patients and Pilates clients in a mind to improve everything about their bodies. It’s not just the space, all of ProHealth’s PTs are also trained comprehensively in Pilates, as well as their Pilates Teachers. That means that PT patients can seamlessly transition from their physical therapy into a Pilates exercise regimen, once their pain has abated. That keeps all physical movement at ProHealth incredibly safe.

“When you invest in Pilates or rehabilitation, you do not want to engage in training that is not beneficial or may actually increase further injury risk. Rather, it's important to retrain and reinforce proper movement patterns efficiently and in a safe manner,” said Dr. Staples.

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Karyn Staples, PT PhD, working with an athlete

ProHealth was Peachtree City’s first Pilates studio when they opened 18 years ago.

There are a wide variety of patients and clients at ProHealth. Explained Dr. Staples, “We serve people that have suffered the loss of a limb to individuals that want to be able to move their bodies better. We've got people that are recovering from surgery to athletes looking to enhance performance. We’ve got individuals who have been diagnosed

with low bone density to somebody that wants to play pickleball better. We may work with someone who wants to be able to get up after playing with their grandchildren on the floor to a dancer that wants to improve their performance ability and their endurance.”

To schedule physical therapy or book a session of Pilates, call ProHealth at 770487- 1931. ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio is located at 1777 Georgian Park in Peachtree City.

Providing Fitness Training Options From Hot Yoga to Hydromassage Gyms

In Peachtree City we have a wide variety of gyms and fitness centers with different philosophies, equipment, and individual and group programs for members. Some gyms are large with lots of offerings and amenities while others are smaller in size, very focused, and coach driven. During the Pandemic, many of these gyms developed virtual programs to serve their membership. Today, those virtual programs are a nice addition to the in-person classes they provide.

■ OneLife Fitness

OneLife Fitness has a two-gym presence in Peachtree City. This national fitness brand offers a premium fitness experience that extends beyond your workout. Both locations offer cutting-edge gym equipment, specialized training programs, numerous group classes, and different amenities to reach your goals. Included in an active OneLife Fitness membership is instant access to all of the gym’s exclusive workouts and instructors, some benefits between clubs nationally, unlimited group fitness classes, and SMART START—a one-hour personalized workout with a certified trainer.

The Commerce Drive gym features a steam room/sauna; tanning; group fitness classes like yoga, Pilates, Zumba, and Silver Sneakers for seniors; cardio and strength equipment; kid’s club; hydromassage, which employs heated water to provide a rejuvenating experience; and a cycle studio. Features at the Lexington Circle gym include a whirlpool, tanning, cinema, the same type of group fitness classes, mind/ body studio, hydro massage, and an indoor salt water pool. Hours and class schedules for each gym can be found online. Download the OneLife Fitness App for managing your account and access to on-demand workouts. onelifefitness.com. 1300 Commerce Drive, 770-631-8004 and 680 Lexington Circle, 770-487-4273.

■ Laboratory Fitness

Laboratory Fitness uses science and technology to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. Its philosophy is that wellness is the synergistic interaction among physical, mental, social, intellectual, and spiritual life qualities. The founders of “The Lab,” as it is called, created the gym after careful research on solutions to poor sleep, weight gain, low energy levels, and hormone imbalances.

Equipment at The Lab utilizes its science-backed, data-driven approach. All members have access to CAR.O.L, an AI-powered exercise bike that uses computer brakes for automatic adjustments and optimized workout plans based on your profile.

Other types of memberships have access to Vasper or ARX. Vasper is a cutting-edge fitness technology that combines compression, cooling, and interval training to help your body recover, rebalance, and achieve peak vitality. Laboratory Fitness is the only Vasper provider in Georgia. The Lab’s ARX for 1-on-1 Personal Training is a safe resistance machine that uses computer-controlled, motorized resistance that is capable of matching the force of any user 100% of the time.

The Lab also offers sport specific group strength training—ideal for pickleball, golf, tennis, triathlon, walkers, or any other group with common strength training goals. laboratoryfitness.com. 401 Dividend Drive, 678-506-1236.

■ Fitness 54

The owners of Fitness 54, J.D. and Varner Holmes, started in a facility called Club Peachtree Fitness Center back in 1989. It was a small, 3,600 square-foot gym in a strip mall, but it outgrew that location quickly. By 1993 the couple had built a brand new 20,000 square-foot building, complete with swimming pool and racquetball courts.

One of the reasons for Club Peachtree’s meteoric success was that it introduced the then-novel “Pay-by-the-Month” memberships to Fayette County, thus protecting the members from losing money should the gym close. The Holmes’s also personally made sure Club Peachtree was a clean, well-equipped facility, with friendly, helpful staff. Today, Fitness 54 members enjoy these same fundamental promises, and the club is innovating again with its low-price, no-commitment memberships in a newly remodeled facility.

With two pools, group classes, personal training, an on-site nutritionist, Silver Sneakers program, and racquetball and pickleball courts, Fitness 54 claims to have the most amenities at the best prices of any health club in the Atlanta area. fitness54.com. 1954 Highway 54, 770-487-5454.

■ Go Performance & Fitness

Go Performance believes “There’s more to fitness than logging miles on the treadmill or performing random exercises.” They believe that fitness should be fun for adults, with scientifically based programming to help you get stronger, reduce your risk of injury, and look your best. The gym trains both adults and students to look, move, and feel like athletes with seven pillars forming their programs: speed agility and quickness; mobility; core stiffness; balance; power; strength, and energy system development. Programs for adults and athletes are scientifically programmed to produce results.

Go Performance offers a wide variety of programs and classes for all fitness levels and ages—personal training, adult group training, team and school training, and customized nutrition coaching. There are small group classes for adults. For those who want to come and go on their own, 24/7 access is available. There is a Go Performance app for managing your account and scheduling classes. goperformanceptc.com. 201 Highway 74S, 678-489-3042.

■ Orangetheory Fitness

Orangetheory’s total-body group fitness classes use science, coaching, and technology to help members reach their goals. So what is an orange theory? It is heart rate-based interval training, where an Orangetheory certified coach guides you through five different heart rate zones: resting, easy, challenging, uncomfortable, and All Out—telling you when to push harder and when to pull back for recovery. The goal is to spend 12 minutes or more with your heart rate elevated

in “The Orange Zone” to boost your metabolism, burn fat, and burn more calories.

Classes consist of three types of workouts. First is rowing, where every stroke on the rower activates 85% of your body’s muscles. Next is cardio. Whether you walk, jog, or run, you will go at your own pace based on your fitness level. Last is strength training. Orangetheory’s weight and floor exercises change daily so you can focus on different muscles, and coaches provide options for any movement if you have injuries or limitations.

The Orangetheory app allows you to read your workout summaries and track challenges and benchmarks. orangetheory.com. 130 Peachtree East Shopping Center, 678-263-3086.

■ CrossFit PTC

Owner Ric Thompson was exposed to CrossFit by some friends in the Marine Corps and has never looked back. He and his wife Jen started CrossFit PTC with their five kids in March of 2008 initially training in their garage. Ric, who is a Certified CrossFit Level 3 Trainer (CF-L3), Certified Pose Running Trainer and has been certified in CrossFit Running, Mobility, Olympic Lifting, Coaches Prep Course and CrossFit Kids, says the “gym’s #1 priority is helping our members achieve their goals.”

CrossFit’s programs include: flex training, online training, nutrition, customized personal training based on your goals with a coach that keeps you accountable, group training, and kids’ programs. crossfitptc.com. 303 Kelly Drive, 678-519-2302.

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Footcare Services in

Whether you are a weekend warrior or a high school, college, or professional athlete and suffered an injury, you need to see a doctor with the highest level of training and experience in sports medicine.

At Georgia Bone & Joint, our sports medicine doctors take a team approach in helping you return to your favorite sports and activities, working to keep you in the game! Our sports medicine doctors are specialty trained in the treatment and care of sports-related injuries and conditions. We offer both non-operative and operative care options for our patients.

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■ HOTWORX

As its name might imply, HOTWORX is a 24-hour infrared fitness studio. It is a virtually instructed exercise program created for users to experience the many benefits of infrared heat absorption, while completing a 30-minute Isometric workout or a 15- minute High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) session.

The workout takes place inside the HOTWORX patented sauna which combines heat, infrared, and

exercise—what the gym likes to call “3D Training.” Heat raises your core body temperature and speeds up metabolism. Infrared Energy activates and strengthens the regenerative process in the human body. Exercise increases your heart rate and maximizes calorie burn.

Cross-training is a vital component of the HOTWORX method. Thirty-minute, isometric workouts include HOT ISO, HOT YOGA, HOT PILATES, and HOT BARRE NONE. Fifteen-minute-high intensity interval

training workouts are cycling, rowing, and working out on a total body trainer. hotworx.net. 232 Commerce Drive, 678-850-2876.

■ Pure Barre

Inspired by yoga, Pilates, and ballet, Pure Barre is an empowering full-body workout that transforms you physically and mentally. Taught by highly trained teachers,

Pure Barre studios feature four group class formats that deliver an effective full-body workout focused on low-impact movements that lift and tone muscles to improve strength, agility, and flexibility for everybody.

Pure Barre ClassicTM is the original barre class. For 50 minutes, you will be guided through a series of low-impact, small movements designed to improve your flexibility while strengthening and toning your entire body. Pure Barre AlignTM combines classic strengthbuilding barre technique with a unique emphasis on flexibility and balance training. Pure Barre EmpowerTM is a fusion workout of Classic Pure Barre and high-intensity interval training designed to elevate your heart rate, build strength, and increase your metabolism. Pure Barre DefineTM fuses concepts from the classic barre technique with weight-based strength training to develop muscular strength and power. pure barre.com. 100 N. Peachtree Parkway, Suite 15. 770-632-8855.

What's New in the Battle Against Cancer? Piedmont Cancer Institute

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide. Second to cardiovascular disease. So, what is happening in the world of medical oncology?

We are starting to see more significant advances in Medical Oncology, as the promise of ‘personalized medicine’ continues to advance in rapid fashion. The use of molecular testing (a type of Genetic testing) from both tumor samples as well as blood samples to identify specific mutations has become widespread, leading to identification of molecular targets that both offer increased efficacy from cancer- fighting medications as well as decreased side effects from such medications.

One example of genetic testing is in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes hereditary link to breast and ovarian cancer syndromes. Genetic tests for other types of cancers such as Colon, Thyroid, Prostate, Pancreatic, Sarcoma, Kidney and Stomach are becoming more common. No genetic

test can say if you will develop cancer for sure. But it can tell you if you have a higher risk than most people.

The use of personalized blood testing to identify patients at increased risk for development of cancer, and either diagnosing patients at an earlier and more curable stage of disease or even preventing patients from developing cancer continues to be studied.

In the past most people with a specific type (and stage) of cancer received the same treatment –Chemotherapy. Cancer treatments also continue to evolve with targeted cancer therapies, hormone therapies and immunotherapy. There are also emerging studies in medicinal plants for their possible anticancer benefits.A healthy lifestyle, avoiding tobacco products, maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding exposure to carcinogens, vaccines, and screening tests can all lower your risk of getting many common cancers. The goal of the medical

oncology community is to create awareness to lower the risks of getting cancer, researching avenues of prevention, promoting early detection for best chances of survival, and curing cancers, all to ensure an excellent quality of life for all.

Piedmont Cancer Institute ª Serving metro Atlanta with five locations: Fayetteville · Newnan · Stockbridge · Atlanta · Sandy Springs · 678-298-3220

ENJOYING FALL WEATHER with a Portable Fire Pit

Fire pits are a popular feature for outdoor living spaces. A built-in patio pit enhances the space, serving as a stunning focal point and a cozy gathering spot for socializing. The only problem? These fire pits can cost upwards of $1,000, particularly when made of heavy natural stone or concrete—and you can not move them.

Lucky for all of us, there are plenty of budget-friendly fire pit options that are just as beautiful as the pricey permanent pits. These fire pits are typically smaller and lightweight, making them the perfect addition to smaller patios. They can be easily moved around the backyard. Some can be carried on camping trips or even set on a table for personal enjoyment.

Overall in 2023, sleek and minimalist fire pit designs are popular. Fire pits can be made from a variety of materials, including concrete, metal, and stone. They

can be fueled by wood, propane, or natural gas—which is only found in the larger, built-in pits. Propane fire pits are portable—but they require a propane tank to run them. Propane is a low-carbon fuel, making it environmentally friendly since it produces significantly fewer greenhouse emissions. Furthermore, the gas is non-toxic, non-poisonous, and cannot contaminate groundwater or soil. They burn cleaner and do not produce ash or sparks that can land on skin or clothes. You can quickly turn off the flames of propane fire pits, whereas other alternatives like wood fire pits would leave burning hot coals for hours.

Wood-burning fire pits are a great way to recreate a campfire. Using hardwoods like beech or ash is recommended since that wood ignites a lowmaintenance fire that can burn for hours. You can also use 100% renewable Duraflame Firelogs. These

wood-like crackling fire logs are specially designed and tested for roasting campfire foods, and they produce less smoke.

All the rage right now are the “smokeless” fire pits. These come in a variety of sizes and can easily be moved around your yard as well as taken on family adventures. They are fueled by recycled firewood, wood fuel pellets, and gel fuel.

Another modern trend is the table top fire bowl. Made from concrete, they are clean burning and smoke free. They can be fueled by alcohol or gel fuel. A fun table top bowl is Solo Stove’s Smore’s Bowl. This 8-inch diameter concrete bowl is easy to use, non- toxic, and odorless. You can sit it on a blanket outdoors or on the kitchen counter to make smore’s. It uses gel fuel, which provides warm, cozy flames that crackle with the sounds of a campfire. Smore’s, anyone!

The Barnett Group

As Peachtree City natives, top-selling REALTORS® and Sotheby’s International Realty® affiliates, we have the local knowledge, proven performance and incomparable resources to provide you with the best real estate service in town.

Scott, Jennifer & Caroline Barnett

c. 404.583.3313 o. 404.237.5000

barnettgroup@atlantafinehomes.com

@thebarnettgroup

atlantafinehomes.com | sir.com

Atlanta Fine Homes, LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

GET READY, WINTER IS COMING!

It’sfall and time to spruce up your yard as well as get ready for winter weather. Clearing, pruning, raking, mulching, and planting are some of the things you can do to maintain your property and make it safer for an unexpected wintry mix.

■ Clear

To ensure your landscape is ready for the colder months of the year, clear dead wood from your trees, shrubs, and perennials. Damaged, dead, or dying trees can be dangerous in winter, particularly if/when we get significant amounts of ice or snow in the South. If trees are clearly dead, this is a good time to take them down. Consider calling a tree service to remove high limbs and dead trees.

■ Prune

Once November rolls around, it’s time to prune. Properly trimming trees during the winter is vital to their health for the rest of the year. Prune deciduous trees to encourage fresh growth in the spring, and trim conifers that have started to grow out of hand. With trees going dormant in the winter, there is no better time to start pruning.

■ Rake

Keeping your lawn clear of leaves and other debris is one of the most important ways to keep your lawn healthy during the winter. A layer of cold, wet leaves on your lawn can easily turn into mold and disease.

■

Mulch

Consider applying fresh mulch around plants, shrubs, and trees. Not only will mulch help protect your plants from cold weather and snow, but it helps fight erosion and reduce water loss.

■ Plant

Chrysanthemums in pots are a colorful addition to fall porches, but why not plant over the spring beds with some fall colors. Pansies are one of the most popular fall flowers in Georgia. These cool-weather flowers come in many colors like red, orange, purple, lavender, blue, yellow, and white. Grown for its silvery, lacy foliage, the dusty miller plant is also an interesting addition to any fall flower bed. Dusty miller is long-lasting, drought- resistant, and can even tolerate frost. Snapdragons are another great flower to plant in your fall garden as they enjoy cooler temperatures and provide color. They can grow between six inches to two feet tall and are available in a wide variety of colors.

Photos by Dan Nelson.