Since 1989 Wednesday, January 15, 2025 www.thecowetashopper.com
Eleven Coweta County residents from various walks of life were nominated for the 2025 Citizen of the Year.
The award honors an individual showing outstanding leadership and citizenship within the community, demonstrating exemplary vision, civic pride, and a strong commitment to a better Coweta.
The ceremony and announcement of the winner will be held on January 20, at the Newnan Centre. The Kiwanis Clubs of Coweta County sponsor the annual event. The Newnan Centre is located at 1515 Lower
Road, Newnan.
Those nominated are: April Anderson, Jess Barron, Tricia Bethel-Sookhoo; Scott Berta; Scott Chahalis; Scott Cortner, Janet Marie Gunnels, Abigail Kimbell, Dr. Bob Heaberlin, Clay Neely, and Rodney Riggs. Each has selected a local non-profit organization, and a donation will be made in honor of the winner and their charity.
April Anderson
April, along with her husband, Brent, own and operate The Mess Hall on Main in downtown Senoia, which includes several international food vendors, as well as the site for their coffee shop, Senoia Coffee. She is the founder of Backpack Buddies, which provides food for needy school students on the weekends. Her charity is Backpack Buddies.
Jess Barron
Jess is a vice president and associate broker with Lindsey’s Realtors, which is owned by the Barrons. He has served on many committees, including the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, The Heritage School, Coweta Forward, Coweta Community Foundation, and past president of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors. His charity is the Newnan-Coweta Humane Society in memory of Vicki W. Barron.
Scott Berta
Scott is a consultant forester for private landowners with Georgia Forestry Consulting. He was a project manager with the Coweta County Development Authority and is the industrial development manager for Electric Cities of Georgia. He is a past chairman of the Newnan-Coweta Boys and Girls Clubs and co-chaired
Tricia Bethel-Sookhoo
Tricia is with Modern Woodmen of America, where she works with families, individuals, and businesses to create financial plans. She also held several sales positions in the hospitality industry. She is a long-time supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and is the scoutmaster for BSA Troop 219, the first all-female troop in Coweta County. She has received several BSA awards and has served in many leadership positions. Her charity is the BSA.
Scott Chahalis
Scott is with Blickle USA, which located its headquarters to Newnan in 2016. The company is considered the global leader in casters and wheels. He is on the board of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and works closely with the Coweta County Development Authority, especially with international companies, to promote the county as a great place to do business. His charity is the LINC multi-use path system.
Fayetteville
Citizen of the Year Nominees continued on page 2
April Anderson Jess Barron Scott Berta
Scott Chahalis
Scott Cortner Janet Marie Gunnels
Dr. Bob Heaberlin Abigail Kimbell
Rodney Riggs Clay Neely
Tricia Bethel-Sookhoo
the 2022 Leadership Coweta Class. His charity is the Coweta Grand Prix.
Citizen of the Year Nominees Announced
Scott Cortner
Scott is a wealth advisor and branch manager at Morgan Stanley. He retired from the U.S. Army as a major with the infantry. He and his wife created a foundation to help local charitable causes. Scott has served many years as the chairman of the Kiwanis Coweta County Fair, which distributes more than $200,000 annually to local non-profits. His charity is the Newnan Kiwanis Club.
Janet Marie Gunnels
Janet has a public relations firm with clients including the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and the Newnan First United Methodist Church. She is a long-time volunteer with the Newnan Theater Company, and also dedicates her time with Kate’s Club, Bridging the Gap, and the Newnan Junior Service League. Dr. Bob Heaberlin
Bob is a long-time educator, serving as assistant principal at East Coweta Middle School, and principal at Newnan Crossing Elementary and East Coweta Middle School. He also led the opening of Lee Middle School. After retiring, he joined the University of West Georgia as chief administrative officer at UWG Newnan. He also is chairman of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce and serves on the Boys and Girls Clubs of Newnan. His charity is the local Boys and Girls Clubs.
Abigail Kimbell
Abigail is the Client Engagement Director at Pathways Center, where she works to make Coweta more inclusive and welcoming to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. She is also involved in the Inclusive Project, where she teaches local law enforcement and public safety personnel on how best to handle mental health-related calls. Abigail was heavily involved in the annual No One Walks Alone event, a family-friendly gathering to educate the public on strategies addressing mental health challenges. Her charity is Another Way Foundation.
Clay Neely
Clay is the co-publisher and managing editor of The Newnan Times-Herald. He currently serves as president of The Rotary Club of Newnan, board member of the Coweta Community Foundation and is treasurer of Bike Coweta. He has also served as a board member of the Newnan-Coweta Boys and Girls Clubs and Friends of the LINC. His charity is Meals on Wheels.
Rodney Riggs
Rodney was a long-time Marine who served in Operation Desert Storm with an anti-aircraft missile unit. He retired from the Marine Reserves as a Sergeant Major after 23 years of service. Rodney spent 41 years with the Newnan Police Department, retiring as deputy chief. He is heavily involved in local Marine Corps League Chapter 1325 and was named Marine of the Year. He spearheads the Patriot Day flag giveaway and is active with the Toys for Tots campaign. His charity is Toys for Tots.
Guidelines for selecting the nominee include:
• The nominee should live in Coweta County, and his/her activities should be centered in Coweta County and the surrounding area.
• Consideration will be given to those who demonstrate leadership and performance in multiple areas of community service over a period of years.
• The nominee may be an individual from any walk of life, and there are no requirements or restrictions relating to gender, age, race, religion or ethnic background.
The Citizen of the Year Ceremony and Announcement of the winner is January 20, at the Newnan Centre, 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan. The Kiwanis Clubs of Coweta County sponsor the annual event.
January is Get Organized Month and a great time to take stock of the essentials, such as important documents like wills, health care directives, and financial plans.
These documents outline your wishes for the future and can give both you and your loved ones peace of mind. Life changes and so can your preferences, so an annual review helps ensure everything still reflects what you want. Here are a few ways to get started.
Update Your Will and Estate Plans
Your will tells others how you’d like your assets and belongings handled after you pass. But it’s common for people to create a will and then not look at it for years. I remember when I was in my 20s, married with kids of my own, and my mom and dad updated their will because my sister was listed as my guardian in the event of their death.
Maybe you have new grandchildren, relationships have shifted, or you’ve acquired new assets. Reviewing your will yearly allows you to make updates as your life evolves. And don’t forget to check the beneficiaries on your bank accounts, retirement plans, and life insurance policies—these often override a will, so it’s important they’re current.
Take a Look at Your Health Care Directive
A health care directive, or living will, is your way of sharing what kind of medical care you want if you’re ever unable to communicate. This can include whether you’d like life-sustaining treatments, pain management options, and other care preferences. Your health and values may shift over time, so reviewing this document annually helps keep it up to date. Double-check that your health care proxy—the person who makes medical decisions for you if you can’t—is still a trusted choice and aware of your wishes.
Check Your Financial Power of Attorney
A financial power of attorney (POA) is the person you’ve chosen to handle your finances if you’re unable to do so yourself. Reviewing this document each year is a chance to make sure the right person is still in place, given any changes in their lives or yours. This ensures someone you trust is ready to step in and manage your finances if needed.
Do You Have an Asset Protection Plan?
While reviewing your will, health care directive, and financial power of attorney, it’s also a good time to think about asset protection. An asset protection plan helps safeguard your hard-earned savings and
Take stock of your life’s essentials in January Senior Living Advice
with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager
property from potential risks, such as lawsuits, longterm care costs, or unforeseen financial challenges. By putting protections in place now, you can help ensure your assets are secure and will go to the people or causes that matter most to you. Strategies can range from setting up trusts, reviewing insurance policies, or working with financial and legal advisors to determine the best options for your situation. An asset protection plan can give you and your family greater financial security and protect your legacy for the future.
Talk to Your Family
Once you’ve reviewed your documents, consider sharing any updates with your family. These conversations may not always be easy, but they prevent confusion or misunderstandings later. When family members know your wishes, they’re better prepared to respect and carry them out.
Get Professional Advice if Needed
If you’re unsure about making updates or handling certain situations, you may want to check in with an attorney or financial planner. They can guide you through the details, especially if there are complex family dynamics or legal questions.
Taking the time to review and update your essential documents at the start of the year is a simple step that can provide lasting peace of mind. By keeping your plans current and sharing them with loved ones, you’re not only protecting your wishes but also making it easier for your family to support you when it matters most.
Here’s to starting the year prepared, secure, and ready for whatever lies ahead! Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, prepared, New Year!
Beth Dow is a Dementia and Alzheimer’s Educator, CAEd and Geriatric Care Manager. She is also the owner of Home Helpers of GA & AL in Newnan. Readers can contact her by email at bdow@ homehelpershomecare.com.
PREMIER EVENTS VENUE
Notes from Perry Street
It was a Saturday and Youngest SON of Thunder was home from college over Christmas break.
“How about some brunch,” I asked. “Sure,” he said.
So off we go to one of our Joints, this time it was Town and Country, where the food is always good, the waitresses are wonderful and always greet you with a smile. They know what I drink, and can usually guess what I’m in the mood for. And if I am really good, I might get a “sugar” or “darlin” from them as well.
A quick aside. Check out “The Joints” on our website, www.wintersmedia.net, for the best locally-owned food establishments.. Another quick aside. Town and Country advertises with us, and we always like to support our clients.Back to the column. So I order “brunch.” Two fried eggs, yolks runny, whites cooked, hashbrowns, country fried steak with some damn good white pepper gravy and sourdough toast. Yes, you can ask for sourdough, which is also damn good.
Youngest orders chicken tenders, broccoli and sourdough toast.
I kind of look at him. “What are you, five?” I ask.
“They have good chicken tenders,” he replies. Okay, they are also another damn good item. “Broccoli? What college student likes broccoli.” And he responds that he does, especially with cheese and …
I point out I invited him to “brunch,” not “lunch.” Youngest just shrugs it off. I try one last time, pointing out that the only vegetables one eats at breakfast are in an omelet.
He takes the kidding in stride. We have way more important issues to discuss. Like, what if?
That “what if” being if our phones could listen to us.
I say that tongue-in-cheek because anyone who doesn’t KNOW our phones listen to us doesn’t believe we landed on the moon or does believe the earth is flat. Bless their hearts.
This whole phone listening issue started off as a sort of joke, “oh, isn’t that a coincident” when whatever you were talking about somehow shows up with your next search. Now? Now it is just freaking scary.
So Youngest and I are discussing this very topic and I glance down at my phone. I had just texted the Little Black Dress to see if she wanted us to bring her anything … and the phone is literally transcribing our conversation on the text app. I mean literally.
I hold it up to Youngest, who gives me the raised eyebrow that translate to “that is freaking scary.”
And now we have “memories.” Every couple of days my phone decides to look through my photos and “share” some similar photos. Like this: Amanda at Jack of all Fades is my barber, and yes, she is a licensed barber. She’s not taking new clients, sorry.
Anyhoo, I have an appointment for a Spa Day. That’s just what I call a haircut and hot lather/soaped up razor blade shave. I always take photos and send them to my golf buddies simply to make them jealous. Jealous of me getting a shave and getting it from Amanda.
I wake up one morning, which is going to be a Spa Day, to a new “memory.” It’s a collection of photos I’ve taken with Amanda. “Wow” when she saw the photos I sent.
But our phones can’t listen to us. Finally, a new administration will be taking over this January. Regardless of your political leaning, let’s all be civil to each other. Happy New Year.
John A. Winters, Publisher, Editor john@wintersmedia.net
Corby Carlin Winters, Ambassador at Large corby@wintersmedia.net
Levi Winters, Social & Visual Media levi@wintersmedia.net
Joey Howard, Digital Editor/Business Development 404.698.0734 • joey@wintersmedia.net
The Coweta Shopper is published by Winters Media & Publishing, Inc., P. O. Box 757, Newnan, GA 30264
John A. Winters, President Corby Carlin Winters, Vice President
The Coweta Shopper first appeared in 1989. Over the years, the name changed to The Shopper and then The Weekly. As of July 2024, the newspaper reverted to its original title. Our goal continues to promote local events and consumer-related articles for our readers and our commitment to helping promote local businesses and non-profits.
Our office is located at 15 Perry Street, Newnan, GA 30263
Mailing address is: P. O. Box 757, Newnan, GA 30264
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday - Friday 9 - 4
The Coweta Shopper reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising as we feel is in the best interest of our publication.
The last 10 percent of a tube of toothpaste lasts about as long as the first 90 percent.
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Golden K members. Matt Thompson raised $5,409.35 and Terry Schroeder raised $3,875.68. Other top ringers raising over $2,000 each are Bill Querry, Harold Joyner, and Donald Sprayberry. Because of your gifts of time and treasure, we will be able to serve our neighbors in need all year.
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The Newnan Fire Department recently received a grant from the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The grant was used by the Newnan Fire Department to add a Utility Task Vehicle (UTV) to the fleet, which will be used for natural disasters, events, and emergency calls on the LINC.
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It actually makes more sense for lower economy passengers to board the plane first as they are located further down the plane.
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The Newnan Fire Department recently held their annual awards breakfast to celebrate their firefighters and their hard work. The four recipients of this year’s Life Save Award were Firefighter Hector Tirado, Lt. Daniell Albertson, Firefighter Trent Harper, and Lt. Buddy Hamby.
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Belated birthday greetings just extend your birthday happiness.
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The Kiwanis Club of Newnan recently distributed more than $200,000 to 50 area non-profits. The proceeds are from revenue raised from the annual Kiwanis Coweta County Fair.
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Over the past decade, Yamaha employees have brought joy to more than 1,000 children through Coweta County’s local Angel Tree program. This year, Yamaha adopted 120 foster children across Coweta County, providing each child with multiple gifts through the Department of Family and Children Services.
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Your dog thinks “Fetch” is a game that you two made up, and he loves you for that.
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Congratulations to the winners of the 2024 Annual Newnan Christmas Parade, as chosen by the Newnan Youth Council: Most Creative: Foundation Church; Best Use of Theme: SonRise Baptist Church; The Elfin Award: Joyful Praise Homeschool Choir. Receiving 77% of the total votes, Foundation Church also won the Popular Choice Award.
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The Coweta Community Foundation (CCF) announced recipients of their 2024 Coweta Together Fund grants during a live stream on Facebook recently in a $73,350 distribution of funds. The full list of recipients can be found here: https://www.wintersmedia. net/ccf-announces-2024-coweta-together-fund-grants/
From the Red Cross: Thank you Newnan and Coweta County for helping us exceed our Red Kettle goal. You gave $78,591.80. Special thanks to our #1 bell ringer Don Simmons of the White Oak Golden K Kiwanis club who rang for 101 hours and raised $8,975.18. Not surprising, our 2nd and 3rd top earners are also
Look for more Zen on page 13
Personalized Care for Aging Veterans
A Guide to Veterans Benefits for Home Care
As the population of aging veterans continues to grow across the nation, many families face challenges in finding personalized care solutions. Financial considerations can often be a significant hurdle in securing the support their loved ones need.
Many veterans of the U.S. military—including those who served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, or Coast Guard—may not realize they could qualify for in-home care benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
Who is Eligible for VA Home Care Benefits?
Your loved one may qualify for financial assistance to cover in-home personal care if they meet certain requirements:
• They served in active duty in the military, naval, or air service and were discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
• Members of the Reserves or National Guard may also qualify if they were called to active duty by a federal order (not for training purposes) and completed the full term of their service.
Understanding VA Programs for Home Care Benefits
Veterans may be eligible for benefits under the VA’s Community Care Network (CCN) program or the Aid and Attendance program.
Community Care Network (CCN) Benefits
Through the CCN program, veterans may receive coverage for home-health care services. This service can provide a variety of personal care needs, such as bathing and dressing, in addition to home maker needs, like cooking and housekeeping. A service care coordinator is assigned to assess the veteran’s care needs and determine the number of hours of care required each week. They will then contact a VA authorized agency, like Home Helpers, who will provide you with qualified caregivers. Payments for CCN services are made directly from the VA to the authorized care provider.
Aid and Attendance Benefits
This program is available to veterans receiving a VA pension who require assistance with daily living activities. Eligibility criteria include:
• Needing help with tasks like dressing, bathing, or eating.
• Being confined to bed due to illness or injury.
• Residing in a nursing home.
• Having limited vision.
• Requiring supervision due to dementia or other cognitive diseases. For veterans unable to leave their homes because of a permanent disability, the VA may provide additional “Housebound” benefits. These funds are typically added to the veteran’s monthly pension.
Steps to Apply for VA Home Care Benefits
Families can apply for these benefits by completing VA Form 10-10EZ and submitting it to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Additional steps include:
• Visiting a local VA center to speak with a service coordinator, case manager, or social worker.
• Gathering documentation, including proof of military service, identification, financial records, and medical information, as required.
A VA service representative can guide you through the process and provide details on the documents needed.
When to Apply
It’s advisable to begin the application process as soon as possible—even before in-home care is required. Processing times can be lengthy, and early application can help avoid out-of-pocket expenses while waiting for approval.
How Our Care Services Support Veterans
Home Helpers is proud to assist veterans who wish to age in place by offering professional in-home care services. Our caregivers provide support with:
• Personal care tasks, such as bathing, grooming, and dressing.
• Household chores, including light cleaning, laundry and meal preparation.
• Assistance with mobility and toileting needs.
Get
Started with a Free Consultation
We’re here to help you navigate your loved one’s care options, including determining eligibility for VA benefits. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn how our personalized care services can support your family and the veteran in your life.
Coweta 4-H Helps Ronald McDonald House Charities
Bill Hammond, Coweta County 4-H Extension Agent
Coweta 4-H is making a difference in the lives of families in need, and they need your help. For many years, Georgia 4-H has collected pop tabs from aluminum soda cans for recycling. The proceeds from recycling are donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities. This year, Coweta County 4-H collected over 330 pounds of pop tabs, combined them with pop tabs from all of Georgia 4-H, and donated the recycling proceeds to the Ronald McDonald House.
The Ronald McDonald House is a place where families with children who are sick or injured can stay when they need medical care far from home. This charity provides families with a place to sleep, eat, and relax at no cost while their child receives treatment in a nearby hospital. The goal of the Ronald McDonald House is to help families stay close to their children during difficult times without having to worry about where they will sleep or how they will pay for a hotel, allowing parents to focus on what matters most: their child’s health and recovery. Recycling pop tabs is just one way that Georgia 4-H helps support youth and families and shows how small actions can make a big difference when a community works together. You can be part of this amazing effort. It’s easy. All you need to do is save your pop tabs from aluminum cans in a sealable plastic bag or other container, and bring them to your nearest elementary school, or the Coweta Extension Office. Encourage your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to collect pop tabs too. The more people who participate, the more tabs will be collected, and the more money will be raised to help families in need. It’s a simple way to make a big difference in a family’s life during a trying time.
One of our young 4-H members, Anna Hammond and her family, have directly benefited from the Ronald McDonald House. Anna was born with a congenital heart defect which needed life-saving surgery when she was just 2 months old. At the time, she lived 4 hours away from the children’s hospital, Anna’s family was able to stay at the nearby Atlanta Ronald McDonald House while she was in the hospital for 13 days. During this time, the family had a room to rest in, food and snacks to eat, and support from fellow residents while they helped her recover. Anna is now a happy and energetic 7-year-old who is part of the Coweta 4-H Cloverbuds Club and 4-H Homeschool Club and is eager to be more involved in 4-H as she grows up.
When you collect pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald House, you are not just recycling. You are helping provide a safe and supportive place for families who are going through a tough time. You are showing them that people care and making it possible for them to be close to their children as they recover. Your efforts, along with Georgia 4-H, can help change lives and bring hope to families when they need it most. So, start saving your pop tabs today and be part of something special! Every tab counts, and together, Coweta County 4-H can “Make the Best Better” by supporting the Ronald McDonald House Charities. For more information about 4-H or how to support the Ronald McDonald House with your pop tabs, contact the Coweta County Extension Office at 770-254-2620 or Coweta.extension@uga.edu.
FEBRUARY 8 •
Newnan City Hall Parking Lot 25 LaGrange Street, Newnan
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution.
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company (YMMC) has announced that Robert (Bob) Brown has been appointed President, effective December 30, 2024.
Bob succeeds Takahiro (Taka) Imanishi, who has returned to Japan to assume a new position after serving as President of YMMC since 2020. Bob’s extensive background in manufacturing, his strong relationships within Yamaha, both globally and within the U.S., and his focus on community engagement make him an exceptional leader for the company.
Bob began his career at YMMC in May 2019 as Vice President of Finance & Operations Support. He helped guide the company through the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. He was later promoted to Vice President of Manufacturing, where he helped develop the strategic plan for the company which will optimize Yamaha’s manufacturing footprint in North America. His leadership has been instrumental in driving YMMC’s success in the ATV, Side-by-Side, Water Vehicle, and Golf Car businesses.
When a professional in any field finds a home at a company whose standards for high-quality work and overall values align with his or her own, it’s a perfect match.
Belize Ellison, a senior sustainability engineer at Yamaha, has found such a match. Her role involves reducing Yamaha’s carbon footprint to enhance its business model.
“I want to help us be the best Yamaha we can today without compromising future Yamaha’s ability to continue to be the best,” she said. “That is my job.”
Ellison is thrilled to work for a company which values the same things she is personally passionate about when it comes to sustainability. As a relatively young engineer less than a decade into her career, she also appreciates being part of a brand recognized around the world for excellence – “the best of the best,” as she put it.
For nearly five years, Bob has been a key figure at YMMC’s largest U.S.-based manufacturing facility in Newnan, Georgia. His work has been pivotal in achieving significant milestones and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. Bob’s impact extends beyond the factory; he has served as Chair of the Coweta Grand Prix, a soapbox derby fundraiser promoting STEM education through hands-on learning and collaboration. Additionally, he has been an active member of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and the Coweta Community Foundation Board of Directors.
Bob also led YMMC’s Corporate Social Responsibility Committee, identifying engaging and impactful projects for employees to give back to the surrounding communities. His deep connection to Newnan, GA, where he lives and plays, underscores his commitment to local development and his role as an American president of YMMC.
“I am honored to step into the role of President at YMMC. Our team has shown incredible resilience and dedication, and I look forward to leading us into a new era of growth and innovation,” said Bob Brown. “ At YMMC, we embrace the concept of ‘Kando’ – creating experiences that deeply resonate, inspire joy, and inspire the heart and spirit. By bringing Kando to our employees and community partners, we aim to cultivate an enduring positive impact and build a stronger, more engaged community.”
Bob holds a degree in Accounting from Eastern Michigan University and completed the Global Executive Program facilitated by Hitotsubashi University, School of International Corporate Strategy. He is married and has two children. In his spare time, Bob enjoys spending time with his family and cheering on Yamaha’s racing.
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company (YMMC) employs more than 2,000 metro Atlanta residents to design and build recreational vehicles at its Newnan manufacturing facilities. All of the world’s Yamaha golf cars, Side-by-Sides, as well as most of its WaveRunners and ATVs are manufactured at the facility in Coweta County, Georgia.
Kathy Bohannon’s Front Porch Stories
The Nap
The librarian at Kathleen Mitchell Elementary School in College Park was Mrs. Hughes. We didn’t realize her name was “Hughes”, and assumed it was pronounced Mrs. Shoes. She probably thought many of us had a speech issue when we called out to her.
Long before media centers and computers, our library was hands-on. You had to learn where to find your book. If you asked Mrs. Shoes, you would get a lesson on the Dewey Decimal System, even though she had explained it twice just last week.
Of course, this was before cellphones were in our busy lives. Not a big deal, unless you got left at school. I am the youngest of four kids, and no doubt mom was tired. She was a housewife, and she was usually in the kitchen cooking up heaven on her stove and in the oven. If she wasn’t cooking, she was putting dishes away, just in time to bring them out again for the next meal. Surely it was this routine or life with four kids and a husband that made her take “The Nap”.
It was “The Nap” that revealed, for the first and only time in my life, that momma met her match. Mom didn’t back down from anyone or anything… until she did.
I recall I was waiting for mom to pick me up at school. All of the kids had left by bus or car, so my teacher sat with me. For some reason, probably because she actually had a life after school, she left and the principal sat with me. About an hour later, Lunch Lady sat down on the brick wall beside me. She had the most questions and though I’m not sure what my answers were, apparently they were not what she wanted to hear.
I heard her say they had called mom “umpty-leven” times and there was no answer. Here in the south, “umpty-leven” was pretty much all you get. I figure mom woke up just in time to cook her six-course meal and only then realized she had slept through pick up time for her youngest.
Lunch Lady and I were perched on that brick wall. It was dark. I had most certainly talked her ears off, as that was my true talent. Suddenly, headlights broke the darkness. Mom got out of the car, full of apologies for taking a long nap. That seemed to really light up Lunch Lady. Lunch Lady had already said somebody better be dead, so a nap just wasn’t going to cut it.
She lit into mom, telling her that school had been out for over three hours. She wasn’t going to leave that “poor child” alone and was just minutes from taking her home. My eyes widened as I wondered if her cooking at home was anything like our school lunches.
We rushed to the car. Lunch Lady wasn’t quite finished. She stood in the driveway of the school, yelling at the top of her lungs, arms flailing. Mom hit the gas pedal.
I didn’t find much comfort in knowing that a future naptime might just infringe on school letting out, and the next morning mom gave me a note that explained I was now a bus rider. I stuffed it in my satchel and looked forward to a swift ride home.
To make up for her misstep, mom took me to the grocery store on Saturday and gave me “umpty-leven” quarters for that mechanical horse out front. I rode into the sunset and back again. All was forgiven. Kathy Bohannon can be reached at kathybohan@yahoo.com
Belize Ellison
Protect Your Health, Safety This New Year
As we kick off the New Year, it’s important to prioritize our health and safety, particularly during the winter months. Colder weather ushers in cold and flu season, and people of all ages need to guard themselves against respiratory illnesses, such as the common cold, flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Each year, respiratory viruses cause millions of illnesses, resulting in thousands of hospitalizations and deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In early January, the CDC reported the state of Georgia had very high respiratory illness levels. In Coweta, Heard and Meriwether counties, 7.8 percent of emergency department visits were associated with influenza, 1.3 percent of visits were associated with RSV and 0.6 percent of visits were associated with COVID-19 during the week ending on Dec. 28, 2024. The CDC predicts that COVID-19 and influenza activity levels will increase across the nation.
As we spend more time indoors during chilly weather, it’s also important to safeguard our physical environment from dangers such as smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning. Use the tips below to protect your health and safety this new year.
Here are the CDC’s recommendations to protect yourself against respiratory viruses:
Stay up-to-date with vaccines. Immunizations help prepare our body to defend itself from viruses and severe illness.
• Everyone six months and older should get the current flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
• To prevent severe RSV disease in infants, the CDC recommends that either the pregnant mother receive an RSV vaccine, or the infant gets an immunization with an RSV monoclonal antibody. Most infants won’t need both.
• Adults ages 60-74 who are at increased risk of severe RSV disease should get an RSV vaccine. Also, adults ages 75 and older should get an RSV vaccine.
• Consider getting more than one vaccine at once. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can be given at the same visit. Or, for those who prefer to get recommended vaccines at different times, the CDC notes that people don’t need to wait a certain amount of time after getting the previous vaccine.
• Ask a healthcare provider about other vaccines that are recommended for you. For instance, you might need to receive vaccines for pneumococcal disease, shingles or whooping cough.
Practice good hygiene to lower risk from respiratory viruses.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough and sneeze to limit the spread of germs to others and throw used tissues in the trash. If a tissue isn’t available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap to remove germs from your hands and lower the chance of germs infecting your respiratory system. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Clean regularly used surfaces, such as countertops, handrails and doorknobs, on a frequent basis. Use household cleaners that contain soap or detergent to remove germs and dirt on surfaces.
Take steps to improve air quality.
Some germs spread in the air. Since this happens more easily in indoor, crowded spaces with poor airflow, it’s important to reduce the risk of exposure.
• Open doors and windows and/or use exhaust fans to bring fresh air into your home.
• If your home has a central heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, set the fan to the “on” position instead of “auto” when you have visitors and use pleated filters. Also, change the filter every three months or according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Use a portable high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) cleaner.
• When possible, move activities outdoors where airflow is much better.
Prevent spread of respiratory viruses when someone is sick.
• If you have respiratory virus symptoms, including fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache, stay home and away from others, including people who live with you.
• Resume normal activities when both are true for at least 24 hours: 1) symptoms are improving overall and 2) you haven’t had a fever and aren’t using fever-reducing medication. However, if you start to feel worse or develop a fever after resuming normal activities, stay away from others again until the above are true for at least 24 hours.
• When you return to normal activities, take precautions over the next five days, such as improving air quality, practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, physical distancing and getting tested.
• Even if you’re feeling better, be mindful that you might still be able to spread the virus, though you may be less contagious.
Get testing and treatment.
• To protect yourself and others from respiratory viruses, it’s important to seek testing and/or treatment if you think you may have a respiratory virus or the risk factors for severe illness.
The CDC also recommends seeking treatment within a few days of when symptoms begin. Treatment for some illnesses, such as flu and COVID-19, can help to make symptoms less severe and shorten the time you’re sick.
As you can see, Newnan and the central part of the county are heavily populated with listings as is Senoia and the eastern area. The Thomas Crossroads and “Canongate” areas are popular as well. The popularity of these areas is reflected in the pricing as well. Home prices in these popular areas bring higher values and higher prices per square foot than the more rural locations.
These parts of the county are more densely populated partly because of zoning and local regulations as well as sewer and water access. Planning and zoning departments in cities like Newnan and Senoia allow for more dense development than a rural area of Coweta County. Having access to public water and sewer, as well as an appropriate road system, makes development more feasible than it would be out in the country.
Proximity to amenities, like healthcare, employers, and shopping, as well a easy access to I-85, are other factors in how densely populated an area is.
Living in a rural area is a desirable and peaceful choice for many people. The rustic and natural parts of our county are beautiful. There are still ample choices in where and how you wish to live in Coweta County, though our home is growing quickly.
Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors and former President of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors.
KNB Paper Shredding Event scheduled for January 25
From Staff Reports
The first of four Paper Shredding Events in 2025 will take place on Saturday, January 25 behind City Hall in downtown Newnan.
The event – sponsored by Keep Newnan Beautiful – will be from 8 a.m. to Noon in the parking lot behind Newnan’s City Hall at 25 LaGrange Street.
The first 3 bags or boxes are free for Coweta
County residents. After that, the rate is $3 per bag or box.
Three other Paper Shredding days will take place on Saturdays – May 3, September 13 and November 8. The May 3 event will also feature a tag-along Textile Recycling.
For questions or additional information, call 678-673-5505, visit keepnewnanbeautiful. org or email knb@newnanga.gov.
Keep Newnan Beautiful has announced its 2025 Recycling Calendar with 11 events planned over the course of the upcoming year.
Saturday, February 8. The second will be held later in the fall on Saturday, October 4.
One Electronics Recycling day is set for 2025 and will take place on Saturday, March 1.
Some fees may apply at various events. There is no Tire Amnesty Day scheduled for the 2025 calendar year.
Four Paper Shredding Events are scheduled with the first on Saturday, January 25. Other dates include May 3, September 13 and November 8. On May 3, the Paper Shredding will also feature a tag-along event – Textile Recycling.
All four Shredding Events as well as other recycling days will be from 8 a.m. to Noon in the Newnan City Hall Parking Lot. Newnan City Hall is located at 25 LaGrange Street.
The second event of 2025 is the first of two Paint Recycling days and will take place on
Other scheduled events include MLK Service Day on January 20, Earth Day Litter Pickup on April 19 and two DEA Drug Take Back Days – April 26 and Oct. 25. The Drug Take Back Days will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and held at the Newnan Police Department, which is located at 1 Joseph Hannah Boulevard in Newnan.
For more information on these events, call the Keep Newnan Beautiful office at 678-673-5505, email knb@newnanga.gov, visit keepnewnanbeautiful.org or follow KNB on Facebook.
Breast Cancer Expert Joins City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta
Dr. Amina Naqvi, a medical oncologist, has joined the Breast Cancer Center team at City of Hope, where she brings 20+ years of expertise to support and treat patients through every stage of their cancer journey. With a passion for innovative cancer treatments, Dr. Naqvi is committed to delivering personalized care and advancing clinical trials to improve patient outcomes.
“ I’ve seen both sides of the journey as a family member and as a physician, so I can understand some of my patients’ challenges. For that reason, I feel honored to serve at City of Hope, where they put the patient first in everything they do.”
Like many of you, I’ll bet, I stocked my post-Christmas grocery cart with lettuce, cheese, fruit, and nuts. I happily ate salads for about two days, then I was hankering for something hot. And some meat. And then came freezing-cold weather, and nothing but soup would do.
I thumbed through my old metal recipe boxes, but alas, the cooks were heavy on sweets, and I need to lay off sweets for a while. But soup? I doubt you can ever eat too much soup.
Scrounging through my old cookbooks, I came across one I’d forgotten about, Gems from Georgia Kitchens. This book was published by the Garden Club of Georgia in 1963. I love reading through old cookbooks, which are really just little culinary time capsules of the eras in which they were written. This one has recipes for Pumpkin Chiffon Pie (oh, those chiffon pies), Girl Scout Delight (it’s made with those famous mint cookies), and Lemon Ice Box Pie (the one you make with sweetened condensed milk).
Still, I wanted a soup to try, and I flipped over to that section of the book. The first thing that caught my eye was something called Bookbinder Soup, and as a longtime book lover, I decided I had to try that. Then I studied the ingredients, which included one veal knuckle and the meat of a medium snapping turtle. Was this some kind of joke? Apparently not. With my column deadline looming, I couldn’t imagine where to find a snapping turtle in time to make that soup, so I moved on. Then I saw a recipe for Tomato Chowder, a recipe contributed by Mrs. Edward C. Lambert Jr. of Atlanta.
Now, I grew up eating tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, but tomato chowder? After all, chowder is a thick soup made with milk or cream, and I’ve not heard of adding that and veggies to a tomato soup. It certainly didn’t sound like the red stuff in the Campbell’s can. Intrigued, I checked out the ingredients and decided to give this recipe a try.
I’m happy to report that I now have a new favorite tomato soup. This one was simple to make, warm and tasty, and with a grilled cheese sandwich on the side, it made quite a filling meal.
Do give it a try, and if you happen to have ever tasted Bookbinder Soup, I’d sure love to hear about it!
Kitchen with Angela Recipe The An Updated Version of a Classic Soup-and-Sandwich Combo
Tomato Chowder
o 1 cup celery, chopped fine
o 1 tablespoon onion, chopped fine
o 1 (14.75-ounce) can creamed corn
o 1 (14.5-ounce) can petite diced tomatoes
o 1 cup milk
o 4 tablespoons flour
o 3 tablespoons butter, melted
o 1/2 cup cheese
o 1 teaspoon salt
o 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Cook celery and onion in one quart of water for 30 minutes or until vegetables are tender but still firm. Add corn and tomatoes and combine. Blend milk, flour, and butter well, then add to soup. Add cheese and seasonings and heat thoroughly. Yields 4-6 servings.
Light bulbs were such a good idea that they actually became the symbol of a good idea.
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Piedmont Newnan Hospital welcomed the first baby born at the hospital in 2025 at 1:11 a.m. on Jan. 1. Parents CJ and Angela Fletcher, from Sharpsburg, welcomed their baby boy Drayden, who weighed 7 lbs., 5.8 ounces and measured 19 inches long. This is their second child.
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And speaking of babies, go check out our top stories for 2024 at wintersmedia.net, where the first baby of the year was the most read.
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If you are alone and you crack open a peanut shell to eat the peanut inside, you are the only person in the world to have ever seen that peanut.
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classifieds
FOR SALE
CLEAN WHEAT STRAW AND MULCH HAY. $4.00 per bale. Frank Barron 770.231.9535.
WE BUY
TOWNSHIP COINS – WE BUY COINS, GOLD, SILVER, JEWELRY, CURRENCY AND COIN COLLECTIONS. Free In-Store Appraisals. Buy, Sell, Trade. 3500 Hwy 34 East, Sharpsburg. 770-254-2727 or visit townshipcoins.com.
WE BUY: scrap metal, junk cars, old appliances, stoves, refrigerators, washers, dryers, dish washers & batteries. WE PAY TOP DOLLAR for aluminum, copper, brass. Gentry Recycling 770.253.5770
WE BUY CARS – Pick Your Part buys cars 7 days a week. For info, call 1.800.962.2277 or visit pyp.com.
OFFICES FOR RENT
15 PERRY STREET has office space for rent. Call today 770.755.7477
SERVICES
WINDSHIELD REPAIR – We quickly & effectively repair chips to retain your factory windshield. Safe, Cost Effective. Free Estimates, Lifetime Warranty. Krush Windshield Repair in Newnan, 470-215-4706, krushwindshieldrepair.com 3/31
GARAGE DOORS – Install new construction & replacement CHI garage doors. Repairs, springs replacement, install openers and accessories, Free Estimates. D&G Garage Doors in Moreland. 770-251-2366, dandgdoors.com 3/31
ROLL OFF – Dumpsters delivered right to your doorstep! We carry 10 yard, 15 yard and 20 yard dumpsters for any of your projects or JUNK around the house. Call us today 678-536-7552. Georgiarolloff.com. *
NEED AUTO INSURANCE – Let us get you the BEST rate. Call us today. We also do Title Bonds. Associated Insurance Markets, 125 Temple Avenue, Newnan, 770-253-2341
TREE DAMAGE? – Then call Arbor Tech Tree Service for tree removal from any storm-related event. Also provide Trimming and Pruning Services, plus Chipping, Stump Grinding. Discounts for Seniors and Veterans. Free Quotes. Call 678.633.2986 or visit arbortechgeorgia.com
SHINGLE
Discounts for Military, First Responders, Healthcare, Seniors and Cash. Carter Construction Company, 678.850.0431.
HOME IMPROVEMENT We proudly do painting, remodeling, decks, doors, basements, gutters, windows, roofing, columns, flooring, plumbing, kitchens, wood repair, electrical. ALL types of handyman jobs. NO job too small. Successfully over 30 years in business. 770.252.5458 Very reasonable rates.
SEPTIC – Residential, commercial or install or cleaning. Call Mitchell Septic Service at 678.673.4910. No. 1 in the No. 2 Business. $450 for 1,000 gallons; $550 for 1,500 gallons. 24-Hour Emergency Service available.
TREE SERVICE ... 24/7 Emergency Tree Service available, plus Pruning & Trimming, Stump Grinding. Commercial or Residential. Misael's Tree Service, 678.301.0153
NOW HIRING
YAMAHA IS HIRING. LOOK FOR THEIR AD.
NOW HIRING – LKQ PICK YOUR PART in Fayetteville, GA is seeking to fill various positions. To apply, visit lkqpickyourpart.com and select ‘Careers.
GEORGIA BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME IS HIRING. LOOK FOR THEIR AD
SMALLCAKES CUPCAKERY in Newnan is seeking Part-Time Closing Cashiers. Stop by their store at 113 Newnan Crossing Bypass to apply.
CAREGIVERS – Home Helpers of GA & AL seeking qualified Caregivers. Available shifts – days, evenings, overnight and/or weekends. Competitive wages, extensive training, supportive work environment and paid time off. Apply online at ApplyToBeACNA.com or call 678.876.5118
PETS
www.nchsrescue.org
Rhinestone Cowgirls: Legendary Ladies of Country Music
Jan. 16 Three powerhouse singers perform fresh arrangements of classic and contemporary country hits. 7 p.m. For more info thenixoncentre.net
Martin Luther King Jr Celebration & Parade
Coweta Beekeepers One Day Course Jan. 18
8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info and registration go to website: January Beekeeping Class https://www.cowetabeekeepers.org/ Citizen of the Year Ceremony Jan. 20 at The Newnan Centre.
Keep Newnan Beautiful Paper Shredding Jan. 25
8 a.m. to Noon, behind Newnan City Hall, 25 LaGrange St. Call or email for info 678.673.5505, knb@newnanga.gov
Landmark Christian School Open House Jan. 25 1 p.m. Visit LandmarkChristianSchool.org
BTG Community Outreach GlowRun Jan. 25 Newnan Centre Parking Lot, 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road. 1 Mile Fun Run at 6 p.m. • 5K Run/Walk at 6:30 p.m. Fun for all with glow-tastic vibes. Race Awards, Vendors, Glow in the Dark costume contest and much more. In person run or race virtually www.btglowrun.com
Literary Circle Book Club Jan. 27 at the Newnan Carnegie Library 10 to 11 a.m. The January book title is: James by Percival Everett. Registration required! Visit the Carnegie Library Eventbrite! or newnancarnegie.com 1 LaGrange St., Newnan, 770.683. 1347, carnegie@newnanga.gov
Look for more events in upcoming issues!
Piedmont NEWNAN
Saturday, March 22, 6:30 p.m.
Newnan Centre Amphitheater
Piedmont Newnan Hospital, a non-profit healthcare provider, will host its inaugural benefit concert, Piedmont Rocks!, on March 22, 2025 at the Newnan Centre Amphitheater, the first of its kind. This new philanthropic event will replace the Piedmont Newnan Soiree held in previous years.
“We are very excited about offering an event that the entire community can come to and enjoy,” said Mike Robertson, CEO of Piedmont Newnan. “We are dedicated to providing outstanding healthcare close to home, but we also love the opportunity to engage with the community outside of the hospital.”
The inaugural event will feature Yacht Rock Schooner as the headliner. The 7-man Schooner is one of the longest running soft rock tributes and plays tunes from the late ‘70s and early 80s, including songs by Hall & Oates, Steely Dan, Kenny Loggins, Michael McDonald and more.
Newnan’s First Baby of 2025! Welcome to the world!
Drayden Fletcher was born at Piedmont Newnan at 1:11 a.m. on New Year’s Day, Drayden weighed 7 lbs 5.8 oz and measured 19 inches long. Proud parents CJ and Angela Fletcher are overjoyed to celebrate the arrival of their second child—a perfect way to start 2025! Join us in congratulating this beautiful family!
The annual benefit concert will support Piedmont Newnan Hospital with this year’s ticket sale proceeds directed toward oncology services at Piedmont Newnan, including the support of direct patient care programs, capital needs associated with our oncology programs, and program support for the Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center.
“Many people don’t realize we are a not-for-profit hospital and that many of our programs and services would not be possible without the generous support of our community and donors,” said Robertson. “This annual event allows us to celebrate Piedmont Newnan’s accomplishments and the community that has supported us while raising money for those affected by cancer.”
This is an outdoor concert, and individual tickets and sponsorship opportunities will be available at piedmont.org/piedmontrocks.
In addition to a night of dancing and singing along to soft rock hits, attendees can purchase dinner from food trucks offering a variety of menu options, and a cash bar will be onsite offering an array of beverages for purchase.
Grab your captains’ hats and get ready for a fun night of dancing at Piedmont Rocks! on March 22, 2025.
The Newnan Centre Amphitheater is located at 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan.
