I am part of the senior management team with Santa’s Elves Inc. I head the Investigative Branch, overseeing thousands of elves checking out which children have been naughty or nice. Best piece of business advice you’ve received. There are a couple of things, but that all relate: always tell the truth, obey your parents and keep your word. Follow those and you will always do well in life.
If I had it to do over …
I would have fought harder for us to have green outfits instead of red. Green is much better camouflage with Christmas trees.
You are going on an extended solo trip. What three albums and three books would you take?
White Christmas, Carrie Underwood Christmas Album, Willie Nelson – The Classic Christmas album.
Twas the Night Before Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Polar Express. Tell us one thing about yourself that few people know.
I am actually taller than people think.
You are hosting a dinner party for six. What five people, living or dead, would you invite and why?
Santa and Mrs. Claus (obvious reasons, they are like my parents), Donner (he’s actually my best reindeer friend), Hermey, he’s the elf who wanted to be a dentist and we got really close saving each other’s lives while chasing the Abominable Snowman, the Abominable Snowman (after Hermey fixed his tooth, we realized he was really nice in real life. Plus he has a funny accent and you should see the way he eats!!)
Interview with Elf on a Shelf Continued on page 10
Piedmont NEWNAN
Piedmont Newnan Honored Eight Nurses at Residency Program Celebration
A total of eight registered nurses from the Fall 2023 cohort completed the enhanced Nurse Residency Program, and were recently recognized at a celebration.
The Fall 2023 nurse resident class included ICU nurse Courtney Clark, RN; IMCU nurses Deysi De Leon, RN and Irene Rusev, RN; Med Surg nurses Ashley Martin, RN, Breanna Hatfield, RN, Rachelle Becina, RN, and Alexis Fairclough, RN; and NICU nurse Lakaria Lambert.
“I’m excited to watch these nurses take the next step in their nursing careers,” said nurse residency program coordinator Krysten Johnson, MSN, RN. an opportunity to get to know each of them and watch as they’ve become more confident in their abilities as well as grow their clinical skills.”
One of the highlights of the residency program is the presentation of evidencebased projects. Nurse residents are asked to select a topic they are passionate about that links evidence-based care to practice outcomes. They conduct a literary search, develop a PICO question, create a background summary, report a summary statement based on analysis and outcomes based off their literary searches. “Serving Patients and their Family Post Critical Care,”
“Importance of Equipment Needed for Unexpected Deliveries in the ED” are just a few examples of the evidence-based project presentation topics.
“The nurse residents delivered oral presentations to nursing leadership, and sometimes these findings and suggestions are implemented on our units,” Johnson.
Piedmont Newnan’s Transition to Practice Nurse Residency Program a formal, structured, evidence-based, 12-month program designed to foster Piedmont nurses who are competent, confident, and committed clinicians who practice evidence-based care. Through learning and clinical experiences with preceptors, ongoing support from experienced educators, mentors and leadership, the residents are integrated into a culture that prioritizes and supports their growth.
New nursing school graduates are welcomed three times a year (spring, summer and fall) into the organization. Currently, there are 51 nurse residents in the Newnan Transition to Practice Program.
“It is proven that there are many benefits to the new graduate nurse, the patient, and the hospital when an established nurse residency program is in place,” shared Wilkins-Howard. “We’re looking forward to the residency program’s continued growth and success.”
“The goal of the program is to enhance the onboarding and residency experience of our new graduate nurses beyond just skill acquisition to address the array of challenges in the transition from student nurse to competent, confident practitioner,” said Director of Clinical Practice Andrea Wilkins-Howard.
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 more than 4 million patients and serve communities that comprise 85 percent of Georgia’s population. This includes 25 hospitals, 74 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 47,000 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
Pictured: Graduates Courtney Clark, RN (ICU); Deysi De Leon, RN (IMCU); Irene Rusev, RN (IMCU); Alexis Fairclough, RN (Med Surg); Lakaria Lambert (NICU); Rachelle Becina, RN (Med Surg); Ashley Martin, RN (Med Surg); and Breanna Hatfield, RN (Med Surg)
Notes from Perry Street
The birth of Jesus Luke 2:1-20 NLT
2 At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
The Shepherds and Angels
8 That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! 12 And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”
13 Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying,
14
“Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”
15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. 18 All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, 19 but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. 20 The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.
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.
Olivia Handley Family and Consumer Sciences Agent –Coweta County Cooperative Extension
AQ. If the holidays are supposed to be so fun and wonderful, why do I feel so down?
Zen Monkey’s News and Musings …
Notes from here, there and the Internet …
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Newnan Utilities has announced that three grants have been awarded to More Music Foundation, Chattahoochee Riverkeeper and Coweta Community Foundation. “The Caring Customers program highlights the impact of our community coming together,” said Melissa Payton, Program Manager at Newnan Utilities. “Because of our customers’ generosity, we’re able to support a broad range of programs and projects that make a meaningful impact across our community.”
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. The holiday season is thought to be one of the most wonderful times of the year, full of joy, cheer and bright wishes. Unfortunately, that is not always the case for everyone. The holidays can bring on a sense of stress and even depression in some people. This can be triggered by many factors and tends to be worse in those with preexisting mental conditions. Some refer to this condition as the “Holiday Blues”. These blues can even have an onset after the holidays are over and the seasonal activity dries up. Firstly, it is important to figure out what are the stressors which bring on these feelings: increased stress and tiredness, unrealistic expectations, too much commercialization, overcrowded shopping areas, unpleasant holiday memories from the past, family conflicts, loneliness due to loss of a loved one or geographical distance to family and friends, and financial stressors such as a long gift list and a tight budget. There are many ways to address these Holiday Blues once our triggers are identified.
• Take time for yourself. Take a walk, read a book or do some type of relaxing activity so you can come back refreshed.
• Get plenty of sleep. Being well-rested is important for physical and mental health.
• Eat and drink in moderation. It’s ok to indulge occasionally in holiday foods and drinks, but it is important not to use them as coping mechanisms to make yourself feel better.
• Set a budget and stick to it. With inflation and rising costs, many people cannot afford holiday gifts when putting food on the table is a struggle. Look to homemade gifts and gift exchanges as alternatives. Start new traditions like a cookie swap or gingerbread decorating party and covered dish get-togethers where everyone can bring something and spread the food costs over the entire group instead of a single host. Host a “regift” party where everyone brings something they already have to swap in a gift exchange.
• Get as much sunlight as possible. A seasonal decrease in sunlight after daylight savings time can lead to seasonal affective disorder, a form of depression during the winter months. It disappears as Spring approaches and can reoccur yearly.
• Volunteer. Helping others is a great way to shift focus from yourself to others. It is also a great way to make new friends and boost your spirits.
• Pace yourself and set boundaries. Try to limit holiday activities to what you can reasonably accomplish and do not over-book or over-commit yourself. It is ok to tell people “no” if you need to limit your commitments.
• Be grateful and thankful. Instead of focusing on what you do not have or wish you had, think of and list the things you do have and are thankful for.
• Reach out to get help if you are feeling overwhelmed. Talk to your doctor or medical professional if you feel like your symptoms are lasting a long time and not improving. Those who get the blues after the holidays could plan something to look forward to after the holidays are over, like a vacation or get together with friends. It’s also a great time to start a new hobby or volunteer assignment.
The holidays are a great time to reflect on our lives and take stock of what is truly important to us. By being aware of our possible triggers and stressors, we can also increase our enjoyment of the holidays while reducing the negative impact on our life.
University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution.
Photo Credit: Canva
Kids will never understand the poignant self-satisfaction of slamming a phone down on the cradle to hang up on someone and end an angry conversation.
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The Coweta Street Park Initiative Steering Committee has announced that City of Hope Cancer Center Atlanta in Newnan, Georgia, has joined as the named partner for the Coweta Street Park Initiative, a Project of Coweta Community Foundation. This significant commitment from City of Hope will provide essential resources and support for the renovation of the park, aiming to break down barriers by creating a vibrant, inclusive space for the entire community to gather, play, and enjoy the outdoors.
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We advocate not judging a book by its cover, but also glorify ‘love at first sight.’
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Discovering the density of matter, creating drone videos, taking a virtual journey to the moon and creating hanging gardens are only a few of the projects funded by 2024 Bright Ideas Grants from Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation (CFEMC) on behalf of Operation Round Up. All told, $30,320 was awarded for 26 projects in Coweta and surrounding counties.
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Most people aren’t scared of being alone in the dark — they’re scared of not being alone in the dark.
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Eight registered nurses from Piedmont Newnan Hospital recently completed the enhanced Nurse Residency Program. The Fall 2023 nurse resident class included ICU nurse Courtney Clark, RN; IMCU nurses Deysi De Leon, RN and Irene Rusev, RN; Med Surg nurses Ashley Martin, RN, Breanna Hatfield, RN, Rachelle Becina, RN, and Alexis Fairclough, RN; and NICU nurse Lakaria Lambert.
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Yoda being 900 years old probably means he experiences time differently than humans. 1:10 years pretty much. So the fall of the republic was, like, a bad week to him.
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True Natural Gas, a leading natural gas provider in Georgia, announces the upcoming retirement of President and CEO Dan Hart, effective March 31, 2025. Under Hart’s leadership, True Natural Gas has seen significant growth and established itself as a strong competitor in the Georgia natural gas industry. Chris Stephens, President and CEO of Coweta-Fayette EMC, will assume the role of CEO of True Natural Gas following Hart’s retirement.
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The Newnan Cultural Arts Commission will host Winter Jazz at the Wadsworth Auditorium on Saturday, Dec. 28 with special guest Kameron Corvet. The free event was originally scheduled for September as part of the Jazz in the Park series but was cancelled due to Hurricane Helene.
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Finding an eggshell in an Egg McMuffin is both annoying and reassuring.
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Congratulations to the East Coweta Lady Indians softball team. East Coweta captured the GHSA 6A Softball State Championship with a victory over Buford on Nov. 2. It’s the fourth state title for the Lady Indians as they finish the season with an impressive 37-1 record.
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The annual T-Shirts for Turkeys event, sponsored by The Joy FM and 1st Franklin Financial, brought in a total of 41,034 turkeys to stock the freezers of the many area food banks and ministries who feed the local, hurting families during the holiday season. The event took place the second week of November at various locations in Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Florida.
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Pressing the ‘lock’ button on your car key fob multiple times is the grown-up version of saving your game twice.
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Leslie Davis has been named interim executive director of Coweta Community Foundation. She previously served as CCF’s Community Outreach Coordinator. She replaces former CEO Kristin Webb, who served in that capacity for over three years. Webb has accepted a new position as Manager of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility with Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation in Newnan.
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Tips on Saving Money during those Holiday Trips
During the holiday season, many people plan to travel across the country and even internationally to visit family and friends. Travel costs can quickly add up, and it’s important to set a budget and find ways to save on holiday travel.
Follow these tips to reduce your travel expenses and avoid getting into debt:
Pack Light
When traveling by airplane, the more bags you pack, the more fees you’ll have to pay. If you’re only going away for a few days and it’s possible to pack light, try to fit your needed items into a carry-on bag, which is free of charge for many airlines. However, if you need to bring more items, remember that you must pay an extra fee for each checked bag. Also, the weight of the bag matters. Many airlines charge more if your bag exceeds a certain weight. When packing, try to eliminate as many unnecessary items as possible, such as numerous pairs of shoes. In addition, select basic clothing items that you can mix and match, according to NerdWallet.
Bring Snacks
Especially if you’re taking a road trip, stop by your local grocery store and stock up on your favorite snacks. By bringing snacks from home, you’ll avoid spending money on food and beverages from gas stations and airport retail stores, where prices are often more expensive.
Even when you reach your destination, if you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb, purchase basic food items, beverages and water at the grocery store to save money.
Arrive Early
Getting to the airport early can eliminate the risk of missing your flight and having to rebook at the
last minute, which can be costly. Also, rideshare prices could be pricier for trips to the airport at certain times. To avoid surging prices, NerdWallet recommends allowing yourself more time to travel to the airport and possibly taking public transportation to reduce costs.
Get Travel Insurance
Travel insurance helps to cover the costs of unexpected events such as cancellations, trip delays and medical care. This insurance can be purchased out-of-pocket or accessed through certain travel credit cards as a perk, according to NerdWallet.
It’s important to note that travel insurance often only provides a refund if you cancel for certain reasons. To get more flexibility, travelers should purchase “Cancel For Any Reason” coverage, the only type of coverage that offers reimbursement when a trip is cancelled for any reason.
“Cancel For Any Reason” coverage is an optional upgrade added when someone buys primary travel insurance. It can’t be purchased on its own, and it’s not offered by every trip insurer, NerdWallet
explains.
Get
Reimbursed for Trusted Traveler
Membership
Fees
Trusted Traveler programs offered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, such as TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, can help approved travelers to get through airport security lines more quickly. NerdWallet reports that certain credit cards will reimburse the application fees for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry.
Use Rewards Points for Hotel Stays
When you accumulate rewards points through hotel loyalty programs, these points can be used to book hotel rooms. Using rewards points can also help travelers to avoid resort fees, or extra charges for certain amenities, such as the pool or fitness center, Wi-Fi or transportation services. Some programs might even offer additional discounts, such as one night free, if travelers book their hotel room on points and stay for an extended amount of time, according to NerdWallet.
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.
Belize Ellison
The COWETA S HOPPER S HOPPER
Real Estate
Jess Barron
Why Local Matters in Real Estate
Have you ever heard the phrase “shop local” ?
Many of us prefer to conduct business with a local merchant, even if it is a little more expensive than using a national or regional business. By doing so, you aid the local economy and do business with people you know and trust instead of having a transaction relationship with a national entity.
Locally, the Main Street Newnan organization does a great job promoting “shop local” for the businesses in downtown Newnan.
You may or may not think this concept applies to real estate, but I have seen many clients and customers learn the hard way that it does. Nowadays, it is very easy for a prospective home buyer to go online, search for mortgage lenders, find the best interest rate, lowest closing costs and click a button.
While I have seen this work out for some buyers, most of the time it does not end well, at least in my experience. Whether it is a lack of attention to detail, over-delegation, lack of follow-up or a host of other issues, these buyers coming to me with an “online lender” end up in trouble.
I have seen deals get delayed, or worse, fall apart. A good Realtor will have many local mortgage officers that are hungry to earn your business, will work hard, give you their attention and make the loan approval process smooth for you.
A local lender’s reputation is on the line, so they are motivated to do their best. When you are purchasing a new home, you have enough to worry about between moving logistics, finances, and potential job and school district changes. Selecting a reliable and competent mortgage lender is essential and should be your first step in the home-buying process. Using a local and knowledgeable Realtor is extremely important as well. We Realtors make a living based on the quality of the service that we give our clients and our reputation. We are motivated to give you the best experience possible as satisfied clients give us referrals, the lifeblood of our business.
In a competitive market with a low listing supply, a local Realtor who has their pulse on things is essential. We can find properties through our network that are not listed for sale or may be hitting the market soon. Being the first to know about these possibilities, could be the difference between you finding your dream home or missing out. The same idea applies to selling your home. We may have the perfect buyer waiting before you even need to prepare your home to list. Just another reason, to “shop local.”
Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors and former President of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors.
Imagine, if you will, a platter brimming with homemade Christmas cookies. Your choices include a classic chocolate chip cookie, a sugar-dusted peanut butter cookie with a Hershey’s Kiss in the middle, a gorgeous Christmas-tree-shaped sugar cookie with green frosting and colorful sprinkles, a gingerbread man cookie outlined in white icing, and perhaps a chunky fruitcake cookie with that jewel-toned candied fruit that people either love or hate. Which one will you choose?
I’m reaching for the sugar cookie, but I do love the variety of a nice cookie platter at the holidays. I’ve already got some homemade cookies in my freezer, waiting to adorn the thrifted china plates I collect all year long, and the more cookies, the merrier, I say. It’s fun to deliver a variety of treats and hear the recipients report on which ones are their favorites.
New cookie recipes aren’t hard to come by, but I sure do love trying vintage recipes. Earlier this fall, I was down in Statesboro for a visit with my friend Kathy when she took me to the local humane society’s thrift store, a bonanza of a shop with a great selection of dishes and other items at fabulous prices. My prize that day was Our Favorite Recipes, a twenty-five-cent booklet that was “compiled by members of the Bleckley County Home Demonstration Council.”
So how did the Bleckley County booklet make it to Statesboro, which is 107 miles away? Did someone clean out Grandma’s house and toss her old recipes? I can’t conceive of doing such a thing, but then I’m a sentimentalist.
The book is undated, but it has a graphic of an atom on the cover, so I’m guessing it’s from the fifties or sixties. Mrs. Roy Zeagler contributed a no-bake recipe that caught my eye, and I’m so glad she did. These tasty little gems take just minutes to whip up, so if you need a few dozen cookies fast this Christmas, here you go. Mrs. Zeagler thoughtfully noted, “A cherry, pecan half or seasonal cream candy may be put on top of each cookie immediately after dropping cookie on paper.” I love the look of the pecan halves on top, and these will be fine additions to this year’s cookie plates. I hope the recipients love them as much as I do!
Kitchen with Angela Recipe The Tis the Season to make Cookies
No-Bake Chocolate Cookies
o 1 cup sugar
o 1/4 cup milk
o 2 tablespoons cocoa
o 3/4 stick butter, melted
o 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
o Pinch of salt
o 1-1/2 cups quick-cook rolled oats
o 1/2 cup nuts (I used pecans)
o 1/2 cup coconut
Kathy Bohannon’s Front Porch Stories
The Greatest Christmas Gift
Christmas: 1968 … I was ten years old, and obsessed with the Sears Wish Book. Nearly every page held promise of something wonderful being delivered by Santa. Though we didn’t have a chimney, mom assured us he could get into the house by the front door.
On my list were probably a bicycle, transistor radio and most likely, an Easy Bake Oven. I say most likely because I had an Easy Bake Oven for a few years and it came at Christmas time, probably when I was ten. A 100-watt lightbulb, hot enough to turn batter into a nearly-rubber brownie was in easy reach, but my friends and I knew better than to touch it.
Eventually, the gift under our tree was a purple bicycle with high handlebars, banana seat and a little basket in front. That was a great Christmas, and I couldn’t wait to go outside and ride my new bike. As I grew out of that style, I asked for a ten speed. It really, really needed to be the racing bike style with curled handlebars. That’s what all my friends had and I was sure I would get it for Christmas. But Santa missed the mark that particular year, and delivered instead, something that looked like a beach cruiser complete with a dreadfully huge basket in front. Dad assured me it was better than a ten speed because it had twelve whole speeds, but I was beyond disappointed. The mature me knows that “Santa” meant well, by the spoiled preteen in me didn’t want to be seen riding that thing.
The transistor radio was a huge success, even more so when it was upgraded to receive FM signal. The problem with transistor radios was the metal antenna that, once broken, rendered the entire thing useless. It was a disaster to have broken the antenna because we had to wait all the way until Christmas to get a new radio. I wasn’t the Barbie doll, pretend makeup kind of girl, so I didn’t ask for those kinds of gifts. I hung out every day with my brother and his friends because girls were few and far between in our neighborhood. We played with plastic army men, rode our bikes and admired the brave kids who could skateboard down our steep street and not die. We drew on the street with rocks that left chalk marks, and we would often draw Frankenstein, his head up near the Smith’s house, his feet three houses down in front of our driveway. We moved whenever a car came, and went straight back to our art project as soon as they passed by.
I think I was maybe eleven when we got mini bikes and soon after, dirt bikes. That was the epitome of fun, and I stuck with those until I was old enough to drive a car.
Christmas is right around the corner. I’m retired and my kids are grown. The GrandLittles are easy to shop for, as long as we give tech gifts or gift cards. Today’s version of Christmas might be quiet for us, but it’s perfect because I know the true meaning, the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.
Luke 2:1-20 explains how the greatest gift was given, and it was given for every one of us.
Kathy Bohannon is a freelance writer, Christian humorist and inspirational speaker. She can be reached at kathybohan@yahoo.com
The Interview with Elf on the Shelf in a Mug
Continued from page 1
Name an as yet unfulfilled dream.
I would like to deliver presents with Santa one Christmas.
If you weren’t doing what you are, you would be …
I love the reindeer, so probably a reindeer herder. Or, a Peppermint candy farmer.
Your go-to food.
In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, milk, and cocoa and bring to a rolling boil, stirring constantly, then turn off heat. Add butter, vanilla, salt, oats, nuts, and coconut, mix thoroughly, and let set 2 or 3 minutes in the hot saucepan. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto waxed paper, gently but firmly mounding the mixture together a bit to help the cookies keep their shape. Add pecan half or other embellishment. Yields 40 cookies.
McRae is a freelance writer and editor from Newnan, and you can find out more about her work at angelamcrae.com. Email questions and comments to her at angelamcrae@charter.net
Santa always brings back cookies – I mean even he can’t eat all the cookies good boys and girls leave out on Christmas Eve.
Favorite movies(s).
• A Christmas Story (triple dog dare you) • Elf (Will Ferrell and I are tight. I served as a consultant on that one) Miracle on 34th Street.
Dogs or cats?
Oh please. Reindeer obviously.
Your favorite quote and why.
“Whenever you give someone a present or sing a holiday song, you’re helping Santa Claus. To me, that’s what Christmas is all about. Helping Santa Claus!” (LOUIS SACHAR, Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger
Name something that you are extremely glad you did or accomplished.
I learned that one of the most important things in life is to give others another chance. Over the years I have watched children do naughty things, things that would prevent Santa from coming. But we all make mistakes, and I continue to watch these kids and realize they are great. They just had a bad day. By giving a second or third or fourth chance, I learn who they really are. So by doing that, they got great presents from Santa.
What advice would you give your younger self just starting out on their own.
The World says you only get one chance to make a first impression. That’s true. But so what? You might mess up in that first impression, but that does not define you. Keep trying. Keep improving. Never let one instant define you. You are the sum of all your parts, not one part.
Angela
WEDNESday, DEC. 4
Christmas Communion at Central Baptist 6 p.m. 14 West Broad St., Newnan.
First Baptist Newnan’s Children’s Choir Christmas 6 p.m.
THURSday, DEC. 5
The Edge Effect at The Nixon Centre 7 p.m. “Under the Mistletoe” an all-vocal celebration of the holiday season. thenixoncentre.net
FRIday, DEC. 6
Deadline to register for Dec. 11 & 12 Coweta County Seniors
Classic Christmas Luncheon. Call 770.683.8600 to RSVP.
Christmas Tour of Homes newnantourofhomes.com
Christmas at the Centre with Masterworks Chorale 7 p.m.
City of Fairburn Tree Lighting 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. fairburn.com
SATURday, DEC. 7
KNB Paper Shredding 8 a.m. to Noon, City Hall
Christmas Bazaar & Rummage Sale, St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. 390 Jackson St., Newnan.
Main Street Newnan's Market Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. …
Light up Senoia 4 p.m. … enjoysenoia.com
Historic Churches Tour … McRitchie-Hollis Museum 5 to 8 p.m. newnancowetahistory.com
City of Palmetto Christmas Parade 6 p.m. & Kris Kringle Market 7 p.m. www.citypalmetto.com/calendar
Holiday stress often sneaks up on us when we feel the pressure to live up to expectations — whether it’s from family, friends, or society.
The push to create the “perfect” holiday can be overwhelming, especially when we’re hosting gatherings, buying gifts, or just trying to keep up with the festive season. For older adults, this pressure can feel even heavier due to physical limitations, financial concerns, or shifts in family dynamics.
Tips on eliminating that dreadful Holiday Stress Senior Living Advice
The best way to manage holiday stress is by keeping things simple. Focus on what truly brings joy and connection instead of feeling like you have to follow every tradition. If big gatherings feel like too much, opt for smaller, more relaxed gettogethers. And if you’re on a budget, remember that handmade gifts or shared experiences can often mean more than something pricey.
It’s also important to honor your own limits. If decorating the entire house or cooking a big meal feels exhausting, it’s okay to pare things down.
Two years ago, I was overwhelmed at work and never could find the time to decorate. I made myself feel bad about it until one day, I just decided it wasn’t worth the stress. I didn’t decorate that year. It was still a great Christmas.
If you are cooking, ask loved ones to pitch in with preparations or have a potluck to share the load. Most importantly, remember that the holidays should be about connecting and reflecting, not adding more stress.
For many older adults, the holidays can also bring a sense of loneliness especially if family is far away or there’s been a loss. Holiday traditions can stir up memories of times when gatherings were bigger or more frequent, and that can leave a person feeling isolated.
Staying connected is so important for managing holiday loneliness. Reach out to family and friends, even if it’s just a phone call or a video chat. You don’t have to be in the same room to have meaningful conversations — a quick FaceTime with one of my grandchildren always brightens my day. If the absence of loved ones feels overwhelming, allow yourself to feel those emotions. Grief and loneliness are natural and bottling them up can make things harder. Honoring the memories of
with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager
those who aren’t with us anymore can bring comfort. Whether you light a candle, look through old photos, or share stories, these moments of remembrance can offer peace.
The end of the year is also a natural time for reflection. It’s an opportunity to look back on the year’s achievements, challenges, and moments of growth. For those 65 and older, this reflection might feel especially meaningful as it often includes not just the year, but the life journey as a whole.
Instead of focusing on regrets or what might have been, try framing these reflections in a positive way. Celebrate your accomplishments – no matter how small – and acknowledge the lessons you’ve learned. Whether it’s staying healthy, nurturing relationships, or finding moments of joy, these are all worth celebrating.
Looking ahead, setting intentions for the new year can offer a renewed sense of purpose. These goals don’t have to be grand. Sometimes the most meaningful ones are small – like spending more time on hobbies, reconnecting with old friends, or focusing on your well-being.
By simplifying your holiday plans, staying connected, and reflecting with positivity, the season can shift from a stressful time to one filled with peace and gratitude. The holidays aren’t just about the external celebrations — they’re also a time to nurture your well-being and honor your life journey with grace.
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.
SUNday, DEC. 8
FUMC’s O Holy Night 3 and 6 p.m., 33 Greenville St., 770.253.7400
East Coweta HS Chamber Concert at Central Baptist 4:30 p.m. 14 West Broad St
First Noel at First Baptist Church of Newnan 5:30 p.m. 770.253.0797, fbcnewnan.org
WED. & THURS., DEC. II & I2
Classic Christmas Luncheon for Coweta County Seniors at Coweta Fairgrounds 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. RSVP by 12.6, 770.683.8600
THURSday, DEC. I2
Good Shot Judy: A Crooner’s Christmas at The Nixon Centre 7 p.m. A swinging good holiday show with orchestra. thenixoncentre.net
SATURday, DEC. i4
Christmas Parade 6 p.m. …downtown Newnan.
This holiday season, we at Home Helpers want to thank our professional caregivers for a wonderful year of service, care and for being there when families couldn’t be or when they needed an extra hand.
SUNDAY: German Chocolate, Chocolate Covered Cherries
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
- Dr. Amina Naqvi
Smallcakes Cupcakery
This month, Winters Media & Publishing visited with local business owner Tonya Pierre of Smallcakes Cupcakery of Newnan to learn more about her company.
Question: How many years has Smallcakes Cupcakery of Newnan been in business and what inspired you to start this business?
Tonya: “After years of pondering about owning my own business, I thought why not a bakery and in 2017, God blessed me with the opportunity to do so. The inspiration came from my grandmother, Emmaline Brice, who baked all of the time especially for the holidays. Her homemade cakes and pies would line up the tables and were certainly the desires of everyone’s taste buds at our family gatherings. As I got older and baked for my family and friends, my kids would often jokingly say to me ‘Mom, you should open a bakery’ as my friends’ requests for cakes increased over the years. I began to watch various baking competitions and Cupcake Wars was one of my all-time favorites. After doing my research and finding out that one of the contestants started a franchise being that of Smallcakes, I jumped at the opportunity.”
Question: What is your background?
Tonya: “My background is in the healthcare industry. I have been a pharmacist for over 20 years.”
Question: Tell the readers about Smallcakes Cupcakery. What makes Smallcakes stand out among all the various choices people have for their cupcakes, cakes and sweet treats?
Tonya: “At Smallcakes, we bake fresh every single day. We offer a variety of cupcake flavors daily in addition to offering gluten free, vegan and even pupcakes for our little furry friends. Not only do we offer cupcakes, we also bake custom cake orders for holidays, weddings, and special events as well as decorative cookies, cake pops and brownies.”
Question: What’s an interesting fact about your business that most people don’t know?
Tonya: “What most people do not know is that we donate all of our leftovers to local charitable organizations every day. We try to give back to the community as much as possible.”
Question: What’s the biggest challenge for Smallcakes in today’s business climate?
Tonya: “For years, we were the only bakery on this side of Ashley Park and now, with the growth of new businesses in the community, we have more competition in the area which provides consumers with more options.”
Question: When you are not working, what is your favorite thing to be doing?
Tonya: “When I am not working, my husband and I love to travel. I am also a sports fan; therefore, weekends are mostly watching football with the family and friends and spending it with our granddaughter, River.”
Question: Are you hiring? If so, what positions and how does someone apply?
Tonya: “Yes, we are hiring for front counter cashiers. One may simply visit the store and complete an application. The manager will then reach out to schedule an interview.”
Question: Does Smallcakes do special orders? If so, what’s the best way to place a special order?
Tonya: “Yes, we do special orders including custom cakes, large party orders and even mini cupcakes for any occasion i.e. birthday parties, weddings, anniversaries, etc. You can either give the store a call at 770-252-1400, you can email us at smallcakesnewnan@gmail.com or you can visit our website at smallcakesnewnan.com to inquire about any of our offerings. ”
Reindeer on the Square!
Santa brought reindeer when he came to town recently. Look for more photos at wintersmedia.net
“On November 13th, at approximately 11 p.m., a Coweta County Deputy initiated a traffic stop on a Chrysler 300 on North Highway 29 near Tommy Lee Cook Rd. The Chrysler 300 refused to pull over, continuing into Fulton County reaching speeds of 110mph.
The Deputy performed a PIT maneuver on the vehicle and deployed K-9 Titan to assist in apprehending the driver. The driver opened fire in the direction of the Deputy and K-9 Titan.
K-9 Titan was struck multiple times and pronounced dead on the scene. The deputy was struck multiple times, suffering graze wounds to different locations. The Deputy was transported to the hospital and released. He should make a full recovery.
The Deputy returned fire on the driver, striking him multiple times. The driver was pronounced dead on the scene.
K-9 Titan has served the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office for over five years. During his time, Titan has successfully located several missing persons, successfully identified illegal narcotics as well as assisted in the successful apprehension of multiple offenders.
This incident is being investigated by the GBI. Any updated pertaining to this case will come from the GBI.”
January … Wines of the South Pacific
(Sign up begins 12/6/24 at noon)
February … For the love of Wine & Chocolate (Sign up begins 1/3/25 at noon)
March … Wines & Blooms (Sign up begins 2/7/2025 at noon)
More events coming soon.
15 Main St., Suite 1B, Senoia • 770.727.9140 theclassicmarketsenoia.com. To be on the “first to know” list. email theclassicmarketsenoia@gmail.com.
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
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 SERVICE ... 24/7 Emergency Tree Service available, plus Pruning & Trimming, Stump Grinding. Commercial or Residential. Misael's Tree Service, 678.301.0153
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.
M&P 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.
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 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
CAREGIVERS
online at ApplyToBeACNA.com or call 678.876.5118
PETS
www.nchsrescue.org
HUD HOMES FOR SALE
SPORTS CALENDAR
PRO SPORTS
NFL – ATLANTA FALCONS (6-6)*
Sept. 8 – Pittsburgh Steelers … L, 10-18
Sept. 16 – at Philadelphia Eagles … W, 22-21
Sept. 22 – Kansas City Chiefs … L, 17-22
Sept. 29 – New Orleans Saints … W, 26-24
Oct. 3 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers … W, 36-30 (ot)
Oct. 13 – at Carolina Panthers … W, 38-20
Oct. 20 – Seattle Seahawks … L, 14-34
Oct. 27 – at Tampa Bay Buccaneers … W, 31-26
Nov. 3 – Dallas Cowboys … W, 27-21
Nov. 10 – at New Orleans Saints ... L, 17-20
Nov. 17 – at Denver Broncos ... L, 6-38
Nov. 24, Sun. – BYE WEEK
Dec. 1 – Los Angeles Chargers ... L, 13-17
Dec. 8, Sun. – at Minnesota Vikings, 1 pm – FOX
Dec. 16, Mon. – at Las Vegas Raiders, 8:30 pm – ESPN
Dec. 22, Sun. – New York Giants, 1 pm – FOX Week 17, TBD – at Washington Commanders, TBD Week 18, TBD – Carolina Panthers, TBD
NBA – ATLANTA HAWKS (10-11)*
Nov. 12 – at Boston Celtics ... W, 117-116
Nov. 15 – Washington Wizards ... W, 129-117
Nov. 17 – at Portland Trail Blazers ... L, 110-114
Congratulations to our own Joey Howard, who was recently inducted into the 2024 Class of the Poplarville Hornets Alumni Foundation Hall of Fame.
Joey is Winters Media’s Digital Editor and Business Development Specialist.
Joey was a 1977 Honor Graduate of Poplarville High and graduated from Pearl River Junior College and Ole Miss. He was a two-time All Conference Selection and Permanent Team Captain in three sports - football, basketball and baseball at PHS. As quarterback he helped lead the Hornets to wins in the 1975 Wendell Ladner Bowl and 1976 Apache Conference Championship. He served on the student council, annual staff, was junior class president, and student athlete of the year as a senior. He also played two sports at Pearl River where he was a permanent team captain in football, a student council representative, and class favorite.
Professionally, Joey spent 13 years in media relations at Ole Miss and the University of Kentucky overseeing publicity in football, basketball and baseball. He earned eight national awards and promoted five first-team All Americans. He served as media coordinator for three NCAA Men’s Championships and five Sugar Bowls in New Orleans.
Joey later entered the newspaper industry earning six Best in State Awards from the Georgia Press Association. He and his wife, Kathy, live in Newnan. Their son, Drew, and his wife, Tiffany, have 2 children: Gavin and Kennedy.
