(WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS)… Coweta County Farmers Market
(SATURDAYS) August 17, 24, 31 … Senoia Farmers' Market
August 15 … NCHC’s 3rd Thursday Program –The History of Senoia at Senoia Museum
August 15 … Free Concert in Brooks
August 16 … True Balance Summer Self-Care Fair
August 16 … Local High School Football Games
August 16 … Senoia Alive! After 5 Ice Cream Fest
August 16 … PTC's Night Market
August 17 … Sanctuary Float Open House look for ad
August 17 … Sharpsburg Market
August 17 … Beer, Bourbon and Wine Tasting
August 22 …Coweta ELEVATE Mentor, Mix & Mingle
August 23 … Local High School Football Games
August 23 … Jazz in the Park
August 24 … College Football Kickoff
Breakfast with Tony Barnhart
August 24 … Cornerstone UMC Health Expo look for ad
August 24 … West Central GA Black Chamber's Business Resource Expo
August 24 … SAHS 1940s Swing Dance Party
August 28 … Ladies Night at Senoia's Classic Market
August 30 … Local High School Football Games
August 30 & 31 … Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sales
August 31 … Sunrise on the Square Road Race 5K
Check website wintersmedia.net & Facebook for updates
and more including Local & Live Music, Sports & more!
From Staff Reports
Everyone’s favorite family-fun event makes its return to Coweta County in four weeks. It’s none other than the 2024 Kiwanis Coweta County Fair.
This year is the 76th edition of the Fair and begins on Thursday, September 12. The 11-day event will take place at the Coweta County Fairgrounds and Conference Center in Newnan, located at 755 Pine Road, and ends on Sept. 22.
The Coweta County Fair has a long and storied history with the very first fair taking place in 1874. After various interruptions through the years, the Newnan Kiwanis Club took over the County Fair in 1947 and has been the headlining sponsor ever since. Proceeds from the Fair are distributed within the local community as grants to dozens of organizations who share Kiwanis’ dedication to serving the children of the world. Last year alone, the Newnan Kiwanis donated $225,000 to 51 local nonprofit organizations and raising the total since 2000 to $4,825,000 to the charities of Coweta County from the Fair’s proceeds.
Coweta County Fair returns for its 76th year on Sept. 12
Competitions as well as Livestock and Animal Shows are huge crowd pleasers and many of the past favorites return.
Gate admission is $10 nightly with Ride Armbands $30 (Sunday through Thursday only) and $35 (Fridays and Saturdays).
People attending this year’s Fair will experience the same types of games, rides, contests, animal and livestock exhibits, arts and crafts, live music, food and fun they’ve come to expect through the years.
The entertainment lineup is filled with great personalities and acts. Folks will see Bob Seymore – The Living Statue, Jerry G. White Percussion, Mariachi Band, Krakens Release (a strolling Pirate Show), Donald White – the Science Guy, Pilliard Dickle, Lee Bryan –That Puppet Guy, Pine Box Dwellers, the Walker Family, a Police K-9 Demonstration, DJ Malik Supris and more.
Other daily staples will include inflatables, games and crafts, the Iron P Homestead Petting Zoo, along with the Nightly Character Show. And don’t forget to check out how talented local people are with the many Exhibit Hall Competitions in the areas of artwork, photography, handicrafts, baked goods, horticulture, preserved foods, locally-raised produce and more.
There are several money savers being offered. Free entry dates (no gate admission) scheduled are Midway Preview Night on Thursday, Sept. 12, then Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (Sept. 17, 18, 19) and Military Appreciation on Saturday, Sept. 21 as all active and retired military personnel admitted free with military ID.
Mega Passes are another way to save on this year’s Fair. The Mega Pass gives attendees an Unlimited Ride Armband to be used once any day during the fair plus gate admission. Mega Passes are only $30, which is a total savings of $15 on Fridays and Saturdays and $10 Sunday through Thursday. Mega Passes must be purchased in advance with the last day of sale being Wednesday, Sept. 11. Online sales are underway at cowetacountyfair.net. In-person sales began on August 12 at these locations – Arnall Grocery Company, the Coweta County Extension/4H, Keith A. Ross Insurance Agency and Summit Family YMCA.
Parking is free at the Coweta County Fairgrounds.
For more information about this year’s Fair, call the Coweta County Extension Office at 770-254-2620 or visit cowetacountyfair.net
Coweta County Fair
Save on Back-to-School costs for after-school care, more
School is back in session, and parents are facing a variety of extra costs for their children, including school lunches, clothing, after-school care, extracurricular activities and more.
Here are some local resources and ways to save money on back-to-school costs:
Get help with after-school care
After-school programs are a great way to keep your kids safe and entertained after the school day ends.
The Coweta County School System provides after-school programs at several elementary schools, if there is sufficient demand and available personnel. Children in the Coweta County School System in Pre-K through fifth grade may enroll if they’re properly registered and pay tuition fees. The school system’s after-school program, a selfsupported, non-educational, daycare program, is available from 2:30 to 6 p.m. when school is in session, according to the Coweta County School System’s website.
To participate in the program, the registration fee is $35, and tuition is $15 per day. Tuition payments made by Friday prior to the week of attendance are $12 per day reserved, the school system’s website reports. For more information, visit https://www.cowetaschools.net/en-US.
Several local organizations also offer afterschool programs:
Oak), and parents can also drop off their children. If students are eligible for free or reduced lunch, the after-school program fee is $55 per week. YMCA members will pay $65 per week. Program members who are not full YMCA members will pay $80 per week. Financial assistance is available for students based on their family’s tax returns from the previous year, according to Erin Hight, associate executive director at Summit Family YMCA.
Summit Family YMCA is at 1765 East Highway 34 East in Newnan. For more information, visit https://ymcaatlanta.org/locations/summit-familyymca or call 770-254-9622.
The Boys & Girls Club provides after-school programs in Coweta County for children ages 6 to 18. The programs are available Monday through Friday from 3 to 7 p.m.
The Howard Warner Boys & Girls Club at 55 Savannah St. in Newnan accepts students from
participate in activities at this Boys & Girls Club location free of charge.
At both locations, students can participate in activities related to academic success (including the computer science pathway program), college and career readiness, the arts (including national fine arts exhibit, sewing and music), healthy lifestyles, and character and leadership.
For more information, contact the Howard Warner Boys & Girls Club at 770-999-9151 and the Newnan/Coweta Boys & Girls Club at 678-4230309.
Sign up for free or reduced school breakfast and lunch
Coweta County School System families in need of assistance with meal costs can complete the 2024-2025 free and reduced meal application. For more information, visit https://www. cowetaschools.net/en-US.
Rent or find deals on musical instruments and sporting equipment
As middle and high school students discover their talents and participate in band and sports activities, the costs of their musical instruments and sporting gear can quickly add up. Several retailers in Coweta and surrounding counties are offering deals for parents:
Pawn Express of Newnan: Pawn Express of Newnan at 93 Temple Ave. in Newnan has a variety of musical instruments for purchase, including guitars (acoustic, bass and electric), violins, saxophones, clarinets, trumpets, flutes and pianos. For more information, call 678-673-
Music & Arts: At Music & Arts, 308 City Circle,
SUNDAY,
Suite 1240 in Peachtree City, families can rent an array of band and orchestra instruments. The retailer offers student-level and intermediate instruments, including clarinets, flutes, saxophones (alto and sometimes tenor), trumpets, French horns, trombones, violins, violas and cellos.
To rent an instrument, customers will sign a rentto-own contract and make monthly payments. The contract length and the instrument’s rental price will depend on the model of the instrument, its rental history and the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Customers can purchase the instrument before their contract ends, which can save up to 30 percent off the price of the instrument.
Music & Arts offers insurance that covers the cost of all repairs. For more info, dial 770-6320330.
Play It Again Sports: Instead of buying brand new items, parents can find gently used sporting gear at Play It Again Sports, a sporting goods resale franchise store at 35 Hudson Plaza in Fayetteville.
Play It Again Sports offers sports equipment and protective gear at affordable prices for a range of sports, including baseball, softball, golf, lacrosse, hockey, boxing, disc golf, tennis and pickleball. The retailer also offers exercise equipment such as treadmills, elliptical machines and more.
Customers can save up to 50 percent off regular retail prices. They can also sell or trade their own gently used sports equipment to the retailer. For more information, contact Play It Again Sports at 770-460-7511 or https://www. playitagainsports.com/locations/fayetteville-ga.
From Coweta Community Foundation Press Release
Parrot Heads, get those Hawaiian shirts ready, because A1A, the Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show, is coming to Newnan this fall!
On October 18, 2024, A1A will be at Line Creek Brewing Company The Reserve in Newnan to headline Coweta Fest, the annual fall fundraiser for the Coweta Community Foundation. Proceeds of the concert will benefit the Coweta Together Fund, which awards grants to local nonprofits. Last year, the fund gave $100,000 to 36 nonprofits and 17 Coweta County educators.
A1A was formed in 1991 when lead vocalist and guitarist Jeff Pike invited Scott Nickerson, founder of the first Jimmy Buffett Parrot Head Club, to join his already successful one-man tribute to Jimmy Buffett. In 1992, the band won a Jimmy Buffett Sound Alike Contest for Margaritaville Records, bringing them to the attention of Jimmy Buffett and his organization.
Jimmy Buffett and members of his band, Greg “Fingers” Taylor, Mac McAnally, Michael Utley, Robert Greenidge, Peter Mayer, Amy Lee, Nadirah Shakoor, and Tina Gullickson, all performed with A1A over the years. For tickets, visit https://www. cowetafoundation.org/coweta-fest-2024/. For more information about Coweta Fest, please visit cowetafoundation.org or email ldavis@cowetafoundation.org.
Notes from Perry Street
The Summer Olympics have started with the lighting of the Olympic torch, this time in Paris, as in France. Not Paris, Texas.
And so a few more tidbits to get you pumped for USA! USA!
There are plus or minus ( full disclosure I’m collecting this information from the Internet and from what I know are reputable sources and just not worrying about quote marks) 10,714 athletes from 206 different countries participating. Russia and Belarus were not invited because, well, the war in Ukraine.
The United States has the largest national delegation of athletes at 593. For those keep track at home, France is second with 573. Australia (460), Germany (427), Japan (404), Italy (403), China (388), Spain (382), Great Britain (327), and Canada (318) round out the Top 10.
At the other end of the spectrum, Belize (100-meter race), Liechtenstein (crosscountry cycling), Nauru (100-meter race) and Somalia (800 meter race) are each sending one athlete. Admit it would be pretty cool for Belize and Nauru to race against each other.
Other countries include Cabo Verde, Comoros, Eritrea, Malawi, Mauritius, Sao Tome and Principe (all in Africa), Saint Ktts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadine (Americas); Tajikistan, Brunei Darussalam, Kyrgyzstan, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Democratic Republic of TimorLeste (Asia); Andorra, Georgia (the country, not us), Montenegro, (Europe); Cook Islands, Kiribati, Federated States of Micronesia, Tuvalu, Vanuatu (Oceania) Note: No one from North or South Pole.
All medals, gold, silver and bronze, will have 18 grams of iron taken from the Eiffel Tower renovation and shaped into a hexagon within the medal. I think this is a great gesture, but now question the structural integrity of said tower
Making its Olympic debut - “Breaking,” aka Breakdancing. Sport climbing, skateboarding and surfing are also in for the second time.
For all you surfers, if you bought a ticket to France, you won’t see much surfing as that contest is being held in Tahiti. I’m not a location scout, so I don’t know anything about that decision. I do know, however, the athletes will be housed in the Olympics’ first floating village. Dude.
Overall, there are 329 events among 32 different sports. We, as in the United States, are participating in 31 of those events. We are not participating in team handball. I got nothin.’
Karate, baseball and softball are out. Apparently the French can’t hit a ball with a stick even when it is coming right at them.
And apparently, we have gender equality for the first time: out of the roughly (see above note) 10,500 athletes, 5,250 are men and 5,250 are women. Again, roughly.
Finally, a little history.
The original Olympics were celebrated in Greece circa 776 BC. Events included discus, chariot racing and wrestling. Rome banned the Games in 396 AD, considering it a pagan ritual. This is when the Romans were Christians. The Olympics were not held for another 1,500 years until the modern Games began in Athens in 1896.
We are missing a few sports, like air ballooning, rope climbing and tug of war. That first modern Olympics only had 14 countries participating. Gold medals today are gold-plated and primary comprised of silver. The last real gold medals were made in 1912.
And finally, finally. We, again, as in the United States, have won a medal at every Winter Olympic Games. And we are the only country to do so.
Which of course leads me to close with USA! USA!
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.
Editor's Note: This column was originally published prior to the Olympics.
Katherine Anders
Saturday, August 17 • 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Benefitting Hearts ‘N Homes Rescue! You can help dogs like Wyatt and save 75% on Sanctuary Float Center Therapies!
Sanctuary Float Center invites you to our Open House. Come grab some snacks, tour the therapy rooms (we have float, sauna, plunge, halo, red light) and select a “Ducky” to see what prize you have won.
Plus, anyone bringing DOG SUPPLY DONATIONS to the Open House will receive 75% Off any therapy booked that day (for a future visit). We hope to gather lots of food, blankets and treats for the dogs and puppies in Coweta being helped by the Hearts ‘N Homes Rescue. Donation receipts will be available. The rescues and shelters are full. Dogs are being euthanized. It is heartbreaking. Please adopt. Please foster. Please donate. The dogs and puppies like Wyatt are counting on you.
Wyatt
Superior Tree Service
Coweta Community Foundation now accepting applications for 2024-2025 High School Community Service Team
In 2015, the Coweta Community Foundation launched its first Community Service Team. Through the Community Service Team, or CST, the Foundation partners with public, private and home school high school programs that serve Coweta County residents to attract talented and diverse freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors who are service minded and willing to give back to their community.
As the Community Service Team begins its tenth year, the Foundation has revamped the program and will be accepting 24 students this year. Students will hear from 8 local nonprofits representing different service areas. The Foundation will offer mentorship and scholarship opportunities to the individuals selected to serve on the High School Community Service Team.
“We recognize that great, innovative ideas will result from this partnership, and we can all benefit from that,” said Foundation CEO Kristin Webb. “We hope these same members will become Coweta’s future board members, committee chairs and nonprofit leaders.”
Meetings will be held at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce. The class will have an end-of-year celebration and award a scholarship to an outstanding member and a grant to a local nonprofit in April.
For more information, please email kwebb@cowetafoundation. org or call 770-253-1833.
Applications are due by August 31 and may be downloaded at https://www.cowetafoundation.org/community-service-team/
MLS #10324125
SPACIOUS
ENJOY THE VIEW OF BEAUTIFUL LAKE REDWINE from the Spacious Rocking Chair Front Porch of this 4-Sided Brick Cape Cod Home. Features
The COWETA S HOPPER S HOPPER
Real Es tate
Low Appraisals
Jess Barron
One of the most common questions I receive is what happens if we have a low appraisal. Most real estate contracts are contingent upon the property appraising for the sales price. The appraisal is ordered by the lender, but typically paid for by the buyer unless negotiated otherwise. A low appraisal can be common in a hot market where home values are rising faster than the comparable sales can keep up. The good news is that a low appraisal does not mean the deal is over. In fact, we are able to work out most low appraisals.
One option you have is to appeal the appraisal. This is when you need to lean on your Realtor to find suitable comparable sales that will support your contract price. Appraisers can make mistakes and overlook sales. Make sure you or your Realtor look at off-market sales and not just transactions on the local MLS. Once you have some transactions that you think will support the value, the buyer’s lender will send these to the appraiser to see if they warrant an adjustment. Unfortunately, appraisal challenges typically do not have a high success rate.
Another option is to order a second appraisal. This second appraisal will still need to be approved by the buyer’s lender. All parties must agree to the use of a second appraisal. The cost can be anywhere for a few hundred dollars to well above $1,000 depending on the type of appraisal.
A third option, and usually the most successful, is to negotiate with the seller. Typically, a seller will negotiate on a low appraisal. Keep in mind if the seller is paying your closing costs, per the sales contract, they may ask you to pay a portion or all of your closing costs in return for a price reduction on the low appraisal. A good listing agent will know to ask for this.
Accepting a low appraisal can be in the best interest of a seller to avoid the risk of not finding another buyer, going through another negotiation, home inspection, appraisal, etc. In fact, with FHA and VA loans, the low appraisal will actually stay with the house for six months so a seller will be even more motivated to work the negotiation out. The seller could however terminate and wait on a buyer with a conventional or different type of loan. The option of negotiating with the seller is often successful because most sellers realize that an appraiser will likely be using the same comparable sales for any appraisal.
As a buyer, you could always terminate the deal and find another home. This is common when the difference between the sales price and the appraisal value is very large. This is where your Realtor can play a valuable role for you. It is important to have an appraisal contingency written in your contract, to protect you from a low appraisal. This will also allow you to receive your earnest money back and exit the deal without penalty.
A low appraisal does not mean the deal is over. In fact, they usually work out and to the buyer’s favor. A good Realtor is key in placing language and contingencies in the contract to protect you from a low value. Realtors can also assist you in negotiating with the seller and listing agent to work the deal out for everyone.
is a perfect coffee table magazine that newcomers will use over and over as a resource. We include local churches, schools and those important numbers to know. We can guide new residents to the best pizza joints and where to shop for any and everything.
BeLocal also includes favorite local hangouts, breweries and coffee shops, and a full list of great things to do all over the area.
But we’re not just about print. We have an extensive social media presence and a powerful digital tool that can put your ad across a multitude of websites.
Our goal is to match these new residents with the businesses and services they need to make their new community their home.
If you want to reach new potential customers, BeLocal is your best - and most impressive - option.
Contact John A Winters john.winters@n2co.com @belocalcowetaptc http://belocalpub.com/location/cowetaptc
Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors and former President of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors.
Piedmont NEWNAN
Healthy Tips for Back-to-School Season
Summer is winding down, and kids are headed back to school. It’s a hectic time of year for caregivers who have plenty to worry about, from school supplies and new clothes, to immunizations and their child’s health.
This time of year brings all kinds of changes to routine, and it is helpful to make plans for the upcoming school year before it starts. Kids who are healthy, happy and well-rested have the best chance of succeeding in the classroom, and in life.
Here are a few things parents should think about, according to a local pediatrician, Lewis Jackson, M.D., to help manage sleep schedules, healthy meals, sufficient time for exercise, and illness prevention.
Sleep: Kids need to get enough sleep to do their best academically. If they’re not as alert, it can also affect their mood, and children who are sleep-deprived can sink into depression or experience worsening anxiety. During the summer months, many children stay up later and will need to adjust their bedtimes to get up earlier for those early morning school days. A healthy night’s sleep is about eight to 10 hours a night for most. Eliminate all screen time at least 1-2 hours before bedtime (except homework on the Chromebook).
Healthy Meals: Good nutrition is very important for health and for academic success. Children should be eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day. It is also important that kids eat breakfast before school and eat dinner early enough at night to get to bed on time. Families are busy, with work and sports practices, but a little planning can help overcome obstacles to good family meals. Additionally, limiting processed foods (and the chemicals they contain) improves health in many areas.
Exercise: Kids need exercise every day. Kids who run and play feel better, sleep better and do better in school. Turn off the TV and put away the video games and cell phones, and they will automatically choose a better activity.
Illness prevention: Children need to be up-to-date on vaccinations to attend school. Don’t wait until the last minute as appointments usually fill up fast this time of year. It is also a good time to remind kids to wash their hands correctly and frequently. Proper hand hygiene is even more crucial during this time of year, especially for those of us who are immunocompromised—so make sure you do your part to keep yourself and others safe.
With school comes exposure to a large number of other people, and it typically takes several days for not only your children’s bodies, but yours, to adjust. Doing the things mentioned above will equip you and your child to handle the increased exposures and the inevitable illnesses that come with the start of a new school year.
“For all of us, but especially for children and teens, it is important to follow a proper diet, to exercise and to get plenty of sleep to keep our immune system strong,” says Dr. Jackson.
Stay on top of your family’s health during back-to-school season. For vaccinations or for illness diagnosis and treatment, visit doctors.piedmont.org, to find a pediatrician near you.
About Piedmont
43 Local Junior Volunteers Complete Summer Program at Piedmont Newnan
Piedmont Newnan Hospital would like to thank this year’s Junior Volunteers that just completed their summer program at the hospital. This summer, we had 43 students representing Georgia Cyber Academy, East Coweta High School, Newnan High School, Northgate High School, and Trinity Christian School. The program is not an internship, but rather a volunteer opportunity for rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students from Coweta County, as well as the children and grandchildren of Piedmont Newnan employees and volunteers.
“The Junior Volunteer program is a service to Piedmont Newnan and provides an opportunity for students to gain exposure to a hospital environment while contributing to their community,” said Jeannie Johns, Volunteer Services Specialist at Piedmont Newnan.
have an opportunity to learn firsthand about different roles within the hospital and it helps them navigate career paths and college choices. It truly is an awesome program for students and I love watching them grow and learn from it.”
Piedmont Newnan started the Junior Volunteer program to give students in the community an opportunity to explore a career in healthcare.
“While volunteering with us, students may see themselves entering the healthcare field, or they may learn that it is not their calling,” said Johns. “It is good to have new experiences, learn what you are passionate about, and start making plans concerning your career path. In short, this is a growing experience.”
Junior volunteers serve in various departments throughout the hospital. This year, volunteers were placed in 19 different departments, ranging from Supply Chain, Engineering, Inpatient Care including Neurology, Mother/Baby and Care Management. including inpatient floors, the Emergency Department, Supply Chain, the Mother/Baby unit, Engineering, Respiratory, Imaging, Cardiac, Dietary, Patient Access, EVS, and Rehab Services.
“Our program has so much to offer students that are looking for a career path in the medical field,” said Jeannie Johns. “They donate their time over the summer and bring so much joy to our patients and staff. Students also
Students that participate in the program commit to volunteering a minimum of four hours a week throughout the summer program, which is offered in June and July each year.
If you have questions about volunteer opportunities at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, please contact Piedmont Newnan Volunteer Services at PNH.Auxilliary@piedmont. org. The applications for next year will be available in December, and can be picked up at the hospital’s front desk or by emailing Volunteer Services. The program is limited to a certain number of participants each year and students who are accepted must be able to attend a two-hour orientation the first week of June.
Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia’s growth through safe, high-quality care close to home through an integrated health care system that provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization with more than 12,000 donors annually that for centuries has sought to make a positive difference in every life we touch in the communities we serve. Across our 1,755 physical locations we care for 3.7 million patients and serve communities that comprise 80 percent of Georgia’s population. This includes 24 hospitals, 65 Piedmont Urgent Care centers, 25 QuickCare locations, 1,875 Piedmont Clinic physician practices and nearly 3,200 Piedmont Clinic members. Our patients conveniently engage with Piedmont online, as they scheduled more than 612,000 online appointments and over 163,000 virtual visits. With more than 44,000 care givers we are the largest Georgia-based private employer of Georgians, who all came for the job, but stayed for the people. In 2024 and 2023, Piedmont has earned recognition from Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and also as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. In 2022, Forbes ranked Piedmont on its list of the Best Large Employers in the United States. In addition, Piedmont provided nearly $390 million in community benefit programming and uncompensated care in Fiscal Year 2023.
For more information, or booking your next appointment, visit piedmont.org
Gianna with 6th floor inpatient Isabella in Patient Access
Kate with Respiratory Staff
Lila in Infusion
Saralyn with ED Staff
Dr Garnet Craddock
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Kitchen with Angela
This summer, I have been listening to the Beach Boys’ Live in London CD almost every time I get in my car. Their songs have been the soundtrack to summer for most of my life, and I am happy to hear these cheerful tunes as I’m tooling around town on these hot, humid days.
As a fan, I was pleased to learn that a Beach Boys tribute band is coming to The Nixon Centre next month, so I ordered tickets immediately. As a result, I've been thinking about songs like “California Girls” more than usual.
Have you ever thought about the fact that in that song, of all the ladies all across the country, the girls in the South are the only ones who are praised for the way they talk? The East Coast girls are the stylish ones. The Midwestern girls make the boys feel “all right,” which has always sounded a little like faint praise to me. The northern girls are good kissers who keep the boys warm at night, and the West Coast girls are tan and wear bikinis. The saving grace is that the boys wish all of these girls were in California with them, so there’s that.
Perhaps I had the West Coast and its ever-present sunshine on the brain when I came across this vintage recipe for West Coast Salad recently. I was flipping through one of my old metal recipe boxes when I found what I believe is a late-sixties recipe booklet from the National Biscuit Company, later known as Nabisco, featuring dates (the fruit, not the girls).
I like dates. The person who originally owned this particular old recipe box had a strange fondness for prunes, a fondness I happen not to share, but the date recipes? Bring ’em on.
I was intrigued by this recipe’s blend of flavors that are both sweet (dates and oranges) and savory (sesame seeds and Worcestershire sauce). The recipe calls for toasted sesame seeds, so I added mine to a skillet and cooked them on high on the stovetop for only a minute or so, stirring them constantly, just until they were beginning to brown.
With the promise of more warm temperatures ahead, we can all use a new salad recipe for those days when we don’t care to spend too much time near a hot stove. We can’t all be California Girls, but we can sure enjoy their sunny salads, and I recommend this one.
Recipe The A West Coast Salad for Summertime
West Coast Salad
o 1/2 cup chopped dates (plus a few whole dates for garnish)
o 2 oranges, sectioned and drained well
o 1 small onion, cut into thin rings
o 10 ounces salad greens, chopped into bite-size pieces
o 1/4 cup vegetable oil
o 2 tablespoons lemon juice
o 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
o 1/2 teaspoon salt
o 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
o 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Place first four ingredients in salad bowl. In small measuring cup, add remaining ingredients and blend, then toss with salad. Yields 4 to 6 servings.
Stephanie R. Butcher
County Coordinator Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent UGA Extension – Coweta County
AQ. What is wrong with my cucumbers?
. This is from flea beetle damage. Flea beetles have been feasting on our squash, cucumbers, zinnias, and other plants at our Extension Inspiration Garden this summer. They are only 1.5 – 3 mm long, and their damage is easy to identify as leaves become skeletonized due to the feeding of adult flea beetles. When plants are mature, they can tolerate the damage and you should still be able to have a fine crop. If the infestation is severe or the flea beetles have found young, small plants, then the beetles can severely damage the plant and cause a reduced yield. Close up of a flea beetle on a zucchini leaf. Severe flea beetle damage.
You will notice the small beetles will jump if they are startled, which is how they came to be called flea beetles. Female beetles will lay eggs around the plant. Emerging larvae will head into the soil and could possibly feed on plant roots. The mature beetle will emerge to feed on your plant leaves. The insects overwinter as adults in plant debris and litter in the top of the soil. There will be more than one generation per year.
After you have harvested your crop and the plants are finished for the summer, then you need to remove all plant debris from the soil bed. I would caution in planting collards or any other leafy green in that same soil this fall. Since you are growing leafy greens for the leaves, you will want to avoid flea beetle damage. Any larvae left in the soil after your remove plant debris could emerge to find your greens a tasty meal.
There are chemical controls available if needed. Biological control options include pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are produced by some varieties of chrysanthemum flowers. Always read and follow label directions and
avoid applying pyrethrins during bloom and during times when pollinators are active. Some pyrethrin products include Garden Safe, Ortho Ecosense, Bonide and others.
For more information about flea beetles or controlling pests in vegetable gardens, contact the Coweta County Extension office at 770-254-2620 or coweta.extension@uga.edu.
The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution.
Photo Credit: Coweta County Extension
PROFESSIONALS NEEDED
Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America is hiring new professional team members at our facility in Newnan, Georgia, due to our continued growth.
We are looking for fresh faces with a broad range of expertise to expand our amazing leadership team!
Direct Hire jobs in salaried positions are on our website. Engineers, Buyers, and Supervisors who understand the manufacturing process are urged to apply. On the website, choose “Direct Hire” to review job information.
Full-time benefits include:
“Considering a career with Yamaha has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made. It’s given me a whole lot of experience, it’s grown me a lot, not only as an engineer but as a person. And so it’s been really cool experience to get to grow up with the company, and I think that’s very valuable.” —Will L., Manufacturing Engineer
Flea beetle damage.
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Notes from here, there and the Internet …
University System of Georgia (USG) Chancellor Sonny Perdue recently named USG’s Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Ashwani Monga, as interim president of the University of West Georgia, effective Aug. 19. UWG President Brendan B. Kelly announced in June he had accepted the role of president of the Arkansas State University System, which encompasses seven institutions in the state. The leadership transition between Monga and Kelly will begin prior to Kelly’s departure at the end of August.
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Because of the proliferation of home cameras, many teenagers today won’t experience the thrill of sneaking their bf/gf over when their parents are not home.
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Newnan Presbyterian Church has announced a generous gift of $135,000 to the Coweta Samaritan Clinic’s “Enhancing and Expanding Care” fundraising campaign. This gift will fund dental equipment and furnishings for the Clinic’s three dental operatories and support areas in its new Dental Services Wing.
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Coffee at room temperature is cold. Beer at room temperature is warm.
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City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta (located in Newnan) announced the appointment of Shady Eldaif, M.D., as its new director of Thoracic Oncology. In his role, Eldaif will be responsible for the coordination of their clinical team as well as the expansion and development of treatments, techniques and technology for thoracic cancer. He will also provide direct patient care as a thoracic surgeon.
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You can never take a picture of the present.
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City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the United States, has been recognized as having one of the nation’s top 5 hospitals for cancer care, according to U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-25 rankings. City of Hope, which has a hospital in Newnan, is the only California-based cancer institution ranked in the top 5. The recognition marks the latest milestone for City of Hope as it enhances its ability to make a meaningful impact in the lives of patients, families and communities nationwide.
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A burger is technically a sandwich but a sandwich isn’t a burger.
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West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) President Dr. Julie Post has announced the promotion of Amber Wilson to Vice President of Finance. Amber has been serving as Interim Vice President since April 2024.
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You can’t save someone’s life; only delay their death.
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Southern Arc Dance Theater was awarded a Bridge Grant from the Georgia Council for the Arts, a strategic arm of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, for fiscal year 2025. The Bridge Grant provides funding for operating support to nonprofit arts organizations, many of which were negatively affected by COVID-19. As part of this year’s Bridge awards, 204 entities in 44 counties will receive more than $2.6 million in funding.
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classifieds
FOR SALE
CLEAN WHEAT STRAW AND MULCH HAY. $4.00 per bale. Frank Barron 770.231.9535.
WE BUY
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
SERVICES
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 SERVICE ... 24/7 Emergency Tree Service available, plus Pruning & Trimming, Stump Grinding. Commercial or Residential. Misael's Tree Service, 678.301.0153
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. *
SHINGLE ROOFS – Metal Roofs, Decks, Siding, Patio Roofs, Barns, Windows and More. Angie’s List 2020 Super Service Award. Call today for a free estimate. Discounts for Military, First Responders, Healthcare, Seniors and Cash. Carter Construction Company, 678.850.0431.
NEWNAN LANDSCAPING & DESIGN – Offers sodding, grass seeding, hardscaping, drainage solutions, french drains, curb appeal, landscaping designs, grading, land clearing, concrete work and more. Free Estimates. 17 years in business with photos and references available. Call 470-512-3857 for info.
SERVICES
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 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
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.
NOW HIRING
NOW HIRING – LKQ PICK YOUR PART in Fayetteville, GA is seeking to fill various positions. To apply, visit lkqpickyourpart.com and select ‘Careers.
YAMAHA 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.
GEORGIA
BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME IS HIRING.
LOOK FOR THEIR AD
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
HUD HOMES FOR SALE
AUTO TECHNICIAN
Scott Evans Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Nissan is seeking a full-time Auto Technician with annual pay range of $49,899 to $112,000. The ideal candidate will have years of experience working on cars, trucks and SUVs. Will work closely with our management team to implement new service programs that improve customer satisfaction. Responsibilities include diagnose, repair and maintain vehicles; perform mechanical work on cars and trucks; complete routine maintenance as scheduled; perform preventative maintenance inspections; diagnose malfunctions and recommend repairs; use diagnostic equipment to test performance of vehicle systems; & work with electrical circuits, drive trains and body of the vehicle. Apply in person at 2280 Bankhead Hwy, Carrollton; call 770-834-5050, ask for Denver; or online at scottevanschryslerdodgejeep. com/careers/
Of The Month
Home Helpers Home Care
This month, Winters Media & Publishing visited with local business owner Beth Dow of Home Helpers Home Care of Newnan to learn more about her and husband’s (Phillip) Coweta Countybased company.
Question: How many years have you been in business and what inspired you to start this business?
Beth: “Eighteen years ago, my job was to find homes for children who had been removed from their families. Simultaneously, I witnessed my aging family members struggling to stay in their homes due to dementia. One day, while lying on the couch, I thought I had the most original idea: home care for seniors to help them remain in their homes. Excited, I called a colleague and shared my ‘one-of-a-kind’ idea. She responded, ‘Oh, like Visiting Angels!’ Although my idea wasn’t as original as I thought, it was still a necessary service. A year later, I opened Home Helpers.”
Beth Dow Owner
Question: What is your background and how did you get into this career?
Beth: “Straight out of high school, I started working with Delta. I attended college but paused my education after having two children within two years. I resumed college at 30 while volunteering at a local hospice and earned degrees in social work and psychology. Instead of hospice work, a professor guided me to a job in juvenile court. I later served as programming director and pastor at a church. Once my children graduated high school, we moved to the family farm in Lone Oak, and I began working to find homes for children.”
Question: Tell the readers about Home Helpers Home Care. What you do and what makes it special?
Beth: “Home Helpers provides in-home care for seniors who need extra help due to illness, injury, surgery, or aging. We offer care wherever our clients call home. Our staff is among the best trained in the industry, with hands-on CPR/First Aid training 3-4 times a month and monthly in-person education sessions in our fully equipped training room. Additionally, we offer online training. As a Dementia/Alzheimer’s Educator, I ensure that our staff thoroughly understands seniors with dementia.”
Question: What’s an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know?
Beth: “We’ve partnered with the VA for 16 years. A little-known benefit for veterans is that the VA covers in-home care. The number of hours provided depends on the veteran’s needs and any servicerelated disabilities. Without a service-related disability, veterans can still receive 9-16 hours of care per week. We serve many veterans seven days a week for 8 hours or more.”
Question: What’s the biggest challenge for Home Helpers in doing business today?
Beth: “Hiring is a significant challenge in our industry. Thankfully, with 17 years of experience and a stellar reputation for employee care, we’re a preferred employer. Another challenge is ensuring coverage if a caregiver can’t make a shift. To address this, Home Helpers employs three full-time Lead Care Professionals, capable of filling 120 hours of open shifts weekly, resulting in fewer missed shifts compared to other agencies.”
Question: When you are not working, what is your favorite thing to be doing?
Beth: “Travel and concerts are my favorite pastimes. My husband and I love to travel, whether it’s a long weekend getaway, a three-week journey down Route 66, or a cruise. When we’re in town, we enjoy attending as many local concerts as possible.”
Question: Are you hiring? If so, what positions and how does someone apply?
Beth: “We are always hiring CNAs and PCAs. Many of our caregivers have transitioned from hospitals or assisted living settings and enjoy the one-on-one care environment. We also welcome retirees and provide training for those with a heart for people but no experience. To apply, call 678-597-9510 and speak to Sheila.”
Question: What’s the best way folks can contact you for a Free Estimate?
Beth: “You can reach us at 678-876-5118, available 24/7. Alternatively, you can email me at bdow@homehelpershomecare.com.”
It’s been a lifetime ambition of Yolanda’s to be a Caregiver. “I’ve always enjoyed helping people even when I was a child! So when I became an adult, I knew exactly what I was set out to do. I love to be able to help others that need me! I couldn’t ask for a better place to work than Home Helpers!”
For over 17 years, Home Helpers Home Care has been dedicated to providing personal and companion care for veterans right in their homes, wherever they call home, through the Homemaker and Home Health Aide (H/HHA) program.
Depending on individual needs and the recommendation of the veteran’s healthcare provider, eligible veterans can receive an average of 6 to 16 hours of care per week and up to 24 hours per day.
Piedmont Newnan Nationally Recognized for High-Quality Diabetes and Stroke Care
Piedmont Newnan has received three achievement awards from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association for demonstrating commitment to following the latest research-based guidelines for the treatment of stroke and diabetes, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer hospital
readmissions. Overall, Piedmont received 29 awards across its 25-hospital system.
This year, Piedmont Newnan received the following achievement awards:
Cornerstone UMC
EXPO
August 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Twenty-two exhibitors offering information on a variety of health-related interests … Flu Shots & B12 Shots
Health insurance options & Medicare fraud
Holistic medicine Chronic health resources
Domestic violence Mental counseling
Eldercare opportunities and products
Physical fitness Self-defense
Participation by medical practices
A presentation on Chronic Kidney Disease and Its Risk Factors by Dr. Michelle Thomas of Kidney Clinic at 11 a.m.
Healthy food cooking demo by F.A.R.E.
(Food Allergy Research & Education) at 12:30 p.m.
• The Conference Center has 6,000 sq.ft. of event space, as well as a full-service kitchen for catered events. The center can seat up to 400 people.
• Open year-round the complex hosts events on a daily basis, from weddings and receptions to family reunions, birthday parties & corporate events.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept. 12-22 – Kiwanis Coweta Co. Fair
Oct. 3 – Public Safety Appreciation Lunch
Oct. 12 – Master Gardener’s Fall Plant Sale
Oct. 18-19 – Newnan Kennel Club Dog Show
Nov. 1-2 – NCAA Christmas Market
Nov. 9 – ADK Coweta Christmas
Dec. 11-12 – Senior Services Holiday Luncheons
For information, call 770-254-2685 or go to coweta.ga.us, click Departments, Event Services.
• Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Award
• Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite
• Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll Additionally, Piedmont Newnan continues to be designated as a Primary Stroke Center, meeting specific scientific guidelines featuring a comprehensive system for rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke patients admitted to the emergency department.
It's important to "BE FAST" as early detection and treatment are key to improving survival, minimizing disability and speeding up recovery time:
B: Balance — watch for dizziness or loss of balance
E: Eyes — check for vision loss or double vision
F: Face — look for an uneven smile
A: Arm — check if one arm is weak
S: Speech — listen for slurred speech
T: Time — call 911 at the first sign of a stoke
Get With The Guidelines put the expertise of the American Heart Association / American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence and research-based guidelines.
SPORTS CALENDAR
PRO SPORTS
MLB – ATLANTA BRAVES (61-56)*
Aug. 13, Tues. – at S.F. Giants, 9:45 pm – Bally
Aug. 14, Wed. – at S.F. Giants, 9:45 pm – Bally
Aug. 15, Thurs. – at S.F. Giants, 3:45 pm – Bally
Aug. 16, Fri. – at L.A. Angels, 9:38 pm – Bally
Aug. 17, Sat. – at L.A. Angels, 9:38 pm – Bally
Aug. 18, Sun. – at L.A. Angels, 4:07 pm – Bally
Aug. 20, Tues. – Philadelphia Phillies, 7:20 pm – Bally
Aug. 21, Wed. – Philadelphia Phillies, 7:20 pm – Bally
Aug. 22, Thurs. – Philadelphia Phillies, 7:10 pm – FOX
Aug. 23, Fri. – Washington Nationals, 7:20 pm – Bally
Aug. 24, Sat. – Washington Nationals, 7:20 pm – Bally
Aug. 25, Sun. – Washington Nationals, 12:05 pm – Roku
*record thru 8/12
NFL – ATLANTA FALCONS (0-1 Preseason)*
Aug. 9 – #at Miami Dolphins ... L, 13-20
Aug. 17, Sat. – #at Baltimore Ravens, Noon – FOX 5
Aug. 23, Fri. – #Jacksonville Jaguars, 7 pm – FOX 5
Sept. 8, Sun. – Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 pm – FOX
Sept. 16, Mon. – at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:15 pm – ESPN
# denotes Preseason Game.
*record thru 8/12
MLS – ATLANTA UNITED (7-11-7)*
Aug. 24, Sat. – at LA Galaxy, 10:30 pm – Apple TV
Aug. 31, Sat. – at Charlotte, 7:30 pm – Apple TV
Sept. 14, Sat. – Nashville, 7:30 pm – Apple TV
Sept. 18, Wed. – Inter Miami, 7:30 pm – Apple TV
Sept. 21, Sat. – at New York Red Bulls, 7:30 pm – Apple TV
Sept. 28, Sat. – at Philadelphia, 7:30 pm – Apple TV
*record thru 8/12
WNBA – ATLANTA DREAM (7-17)*
Aug. 16, Fri. – Seattle Storm, 7:30 pm – ION
Aug. 18, Sun. – Connecticut Sun, 3 pm – ESPN3
Aug. 21, Wed. – Phoenix Mercury, 7:30 pm – Peachtree TV
Aug. 23, Fri. – Phoenix Mercury, 7:30 pm – ION
Aug. 26, Mon. – Indiana Fever, 7:30 pm – Peachtree TV
Aug. 28, Wed. – at Seattle Storm, 10 pm – Peachtree TV
Aug. 30, Fri. – at Las Vegas Aces, 10 pm – ION
Sept. 1, Sun. – at Los Angeles Sparks, 7 pm – Peachtree TV *record thru 8/12
The State of Lung Cancer in Georgia: Two Thoracic Surgeons’ Perspectives
Lung cancer is the second most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in both men and women — and it is the deadliest. The American Cancer Society’s (ACS) 2024 report estimates more than 125,000 people will die from lung cancer in 2024, making the disease by far the leading cause of cancer death in the United States.
In Georgia, ACS statistics show that lung cancer rates are significantly higher than the national average: an estimated 7,350 Georgians will be diagnosed with the disease this year. For City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta oncology experts Shady Eldaif, M.D., director of Thoracic Oncology; and Jason Budde, M.D., thoracic surgeon, the main reasons for Georgia’s elevated lung cancer cases are clear: smoking habits and, to a lesser extent, radon exposure.
“Because there’s not a significant genetic predisposition, like with breast cancer or certain types of colon cancer, risk primarily hinges on smoking habits and history,” Dr. Eldaif says. “Radon content in the South tends to be higher, and that also contributes to lung cancer.”
Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, but radon exposure is the biggest risk factor for neversmokers, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. People are exposed to radon — a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that forms when metals in rocks and soil break down — when it seeps through cracks and gaps in building foundations, basements and subfloors. Data also shows a rise in lung cancer in individuals who have never smoked or been exposed to radon, though the cause is still under investigation. Nonetheless, smoking cessation and radon monitoring may help Georgians reduce their risk of lung cancer.
Why Lung Cancer Rates May Be Higher in Georgia
Across multiple statistics related to lung cancer, Georgia consistently struggles. Georgia has higher-than-average smoking rates, at 16%, and according to the American Lung Association’s annual State of Lung Cancer report, Georgia scores below the national average in:
• Screening rate (only 3.8% at-risk Georgians were screened)
• Early diagnosis
• Surgical treatment
• Survival rate (overall, and significantly lower based on racial and ethnic disparities)
“Early-stage lung cancer patients almost never experience symptoms. When high-risk patients wait until symptoms occur to undergo testing, about two-thirds of those patients are then diagnosed at an advanced stage,” Dr. Budde explains. Unfortunately, at advanced stages, three-fourths of patients will not be alive in five years. Identifying lung cancer early through screening is the most effective way to increase survival in lung cancer.
The Key to Improving the State of Lung Cancer: Screening
Cigarette smoking still accounts for 30% of all cancer deaths across the United States, and as much as 40% in the South. The good news is many current and previous smokers qualify for screening. According to data from the U.S. Preventive Task Force, for patients who receive appropriate screening, lung cancer survival rates increase by 30% to 50%.
In 2023, the guidelines for lung cancer screening received an important update, making it easier for more patients to qualify for screening. Lung cancer screening usually involves a low dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan. At-risk patients are urged to get screened once a year, and almost all insurance plans and Medicare cover the procedure for those who meet current guidelines.
Annual screening with LDCT is recommended for individuals at average risk who:
• Are between 50 to 80 years in age
• Are a current or former smoker
• Have a 20-plus pack-year* smoking history
“Thankfully, many hospitals and physician offices offer screening services,” says Dr. Eldaif. “It is crucial that we enroll our high-risk patients in a routine screening program to monitor their progress. Patients who believe they qualify should speak with their doctor about getting screened. Early detection is crucial.”
*Twenty pack-years means that the patient either smoked one pack of cigarettes a day for 20 years, or a half pack a day for 40 years, and so on.
Diagnosing and Treating Lung Cancer
According to Dr. Budde, “Innovation means patients have the best chance of cure, the least chance of recurrence and better quality of life after cancer.” Due to remarkable advancements in interventional pulmonology and thoracic surgery, diagnosing lung cancer may require minimal to no invasive procedures. Physicians now use tools such as:
• Lung Nodule Diagnosis: If a CT scan reveals a lung nodule, whether identified during screening, in response to symptoms or found incidentally, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, minimally invasive biopsy or other testing can aid physicians in diagnosis.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI use is an ensemble approach where human experts and advanced technology work together. Radiologists individually read and interpret thousands of scans, and AI is used in conjunction to analyze scan reports and may help increase nodule detection and precise measurement.
• Future Options: Several new screening methods are in development, including blood tests that look for tumor DNA. While these are not yet approved for routine use, they are available commercially and show a great deal of promise.
Approaches to treating lung cancer have also evolved thanks to advancements in precision medicine. Genomic-informed treatment such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy or other targeted therapy before surgery may be an option for shrinking or curing tumors. Studies also have shown that a segmentectomy, which removes a smaller section of lung tissue, is as effective as the standard procedure, a lobectomy, in taking out the cancer and preventing recurrence while maintaining a better quality of life. In those cases, patients may encounter fewer issues post-surgery and retain more of their breathing capacity. Researchers continue to search for innovative ways to detect cancer earlier and monitor the effectiveness of current screening guidelines. In the meantime, urging friends, family, colleagues and patients who smoke to undergo a low-dose CT scan screening is the most powerful way to save lives from lung cancer. City of Hope Atlanta’s comprehensive cancer services include our Lung Cancer Center, which features a Lung Screening Program and Rapid Lung Nodule Diagnosis Program providing radiology results in as little as 24-48 hours. We offer an integrative, person-first cancer treatment approach incorporating leading-edge cancer treatment and supportive care options under one roof. Learn more at www. cityofhope.org/locations/atlanta or call 855-939-HOPE.
Lung Cancer Expert Joins City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta
Shady Eldaif, M.D.
Director of Thoracic Oncology & Thoracic Surgeon
Shady Eldaif, M.D., is an accomplished surgeon and director of Thoracic Oncology at City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta. His expertise includes performing complex robotic and minimally invasive surgeries for conditions like lung and esophageal cancer with the end goal of maximizing the quality of life experience for patients.
• 14+ years of thoracic oncology experience
• 1,600-plus complex robotic and minimally invasive surgeries performed to date
• Board certified and fellowship trained thoracic surgeon
Appointments available in as little as 24 hours. 855-939-HOPE I cityofhope.org
600 Celebrate Life Parkway, Newnan, GA
Kathy Bohannon’s Front Porch Stories
Continued Prayers
I recently shared an article about prayer. I suppose I could write a book about my prayer life and how God has heard and answered, as well as how He has led me to accept His will and not my own.
Prayer doesn’t always have to be the quiet-time-on-your-knees version; it can be an open-eyedwaiting-on-the-light-to-change version. It can be the glimpse of someone in need, like just a prayer of provision for that person and that they would desire to know God more than whatever they are going through.
Probably the most precious prayer I have, or will ever witness is that of my Grandlittle Wren when she was going through chemo for a genetic mutation neuroblastoma cancer. She was just 16 months old when her journey started (she is nine years old now, and in remission, praise God!)
During chemo, we made it a point to pray each time they connected the lines to her port. Joining us in prayer were either the pastor of her parent’s church or a deacon, either in person or over the phone. “Please, God,” the prayers would begin, asking that God’s hand would be in every aspect of her experience, and also thanking Him for all he was doing.
One particular morning we stood by her bedside waiting on the pastor to answer the phone, just as we had done time after time. The call connected, and the nurse waited for the prayer to start. “Please, God…” the pastor began. The nurse then initiated the flow of chemo. As we listened to his prayer, we heard the tiniest voice plead to the Lord in a whisper.
“Bees, Dod.” It was the only way Wren could pronounce those words at such a young age. “Bees, Dod,” she said again and again, adding her whispered prayer. We believe that God heard that tiny voice, probably louder than any of the others raised in prayer that day.
We don’t know why some are healed here and others healed in Heaven, and we probably will never know. What we do know is that during the experience, lives were touched and we saw God’s blessings among our most difficult days.
Another prayer that is significant is the one my husband and I shared right after we said our vows. We prayed for God to be at the helm of our union, especially when we didn’t acknowledge Him in whatever situation might arise. For us, placing God first has been the absolute strength behind our nearly 48 years together.
We had our daughter four years after we married, and our son was born four years later. I prayed for my child’s life in both pregnancies, but I also prayed for their future spouses. I asked God to guide them to one another and to draw them near to Him. They are 43 and 39 years old now, and I believe God heard my prayers.
We were in France for my husband’s business, and I noticed how most people walked or rode bicycles throughout Paris. While charming it was to see, I realized the way our communities are laid out, most of the time when I see someone walking or on a bicycle it is because they need transportation. That takes me back to the first prayer in this article, one of provision and that they would know God in whatever they are going through.
It very well could be the only prayer lifted up for that person, and I’m thankful that God is listening. Kathy Bohannon is a Christian humorist and inspirational speaker. ' She can be reached at kathybohan@yahoo.com
The beginning of the school year is a busy time for any family.
It becomes particularly complex if you are currently working, taking care of elderly parents and being expected to help with grandchildren’s school activities and schedules. Juggling multiple schedules and responsibilities can be overwhelming and without proper planning, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin.
Whether you are working part- or full-time or fully retired, it’s crucial to start this school year by setting clear priorities and being realistic about what you can achieve.
Having an open and honest conversation with your aging parents and your grandchildren’s parents about their needs and expectations is essential. This conversation ahead of time can help prevent misunderstandings during the school year. Discussing daily routines, medical needs, sports practices and school delivery and back home schedules can lay the groundwork for a smoother process. This also helps in planning your own schedule, making it easier to align their needs with your work schedule and personal commitments.
And remember, YOU do not have to be the complete solution to your parents or your grandchildren’s needs. No, not now, I can later are all acceptable answers to requests. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from other family members and friends. Obvious solutions to you may not be obvious to others. Your greatest contribution may not require you to perform the additional tasks but may in fact just require you to help others see different or better ways to accomplish the task.
If your parents need more care than you can provide, and your budget will allow, consider hiring professional care services. Home care aides, meal delivery services, and adult day care centers can provide much-needed assistance. These services can be particularly helpful when your workload is heavy, allowing you to focus on your job and other commitments without compromising the care your
We're Days Away From Fair Food! Nothin' better than a funnel cake!
September 12-22, 2024
Caring for elderly parents, grandkids a huge challenge Senior Living Advice
with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager
parents receive.
Encourage your aging parents to participate in social activities. This can include senior centers, joining clubs, or participating in community events. Social engagement is crucial for their mental and emotional well-being, helping to prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness and prevent less total dependence on you.
Caring for aging parents and school-aged grandchildren can be stressful. Make time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as hobbies, meditation, or socializing with friends. It’s important to take breaks and find time for yourself, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. Self-care is not selfish – it’s necessary to sustain your caregiving efforts. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and don’t feel guilty about taking time for yourself.
Caring for aging parents while managing back-toschool responsibilities can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible to balance these responsibilities effectively. By setting priorities, seeking help, and taking care of your own well-being, you can navigate this busy time with greater ease and confidence.
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.
