✲ Danny Royce Free Concert Join the Brooks Woman’s Club, in cooperation with the Town of Brooks, for a Free Concert at 7 p.m. Brooks Chapel, 961 Hwy 85 Connector
Sharpsburg's NCG Cinema opens the Brand-New “IMAX Laser” 55 Fisher Crossings Blvd, Sharpsburg-Peachtree City
Check out Jonathan W. Hickman's The Film Fix in The PAPER to find out which movies are IMAX worthy.
FRIDAY the 19th
✲ Senoia Alive After 5 BBQ & Blues Taste of Local BBQ
Live Blues, Vendors, Food and Drinks, Kid's Activities, 5 to 9 p.m.
✲ Sunset Sounds in PTC Drake Field, 155 Willowbend Rd. Live Music • Food • Local Vendors
SATURDAY the 20th
✲ Senoias' Farmers Market Every Saturday 40 Travis St., 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., senoiafarmersmarket.com
✲ Sharpsburg Market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 105 Main St. Support local vendors and help Team Hungry. For more info email: sharpsburgmarket@gmail.com; cell 440.724.6774
✲ Summer Reading Challenge Finale Party at the Central Library 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Literary Lane, cowetapubliclibrary.org
✲ Amphibians and Reptiles at Chattahoochee Bend Come out to the park 10 to 11 a.m. Meet the Naturalist and learn about the summer birds currently in the park. Wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring plenty of water as well as a camera. Limited to 20 participants. This hike will cost $5 per adult; $2.50 per child. $5 parking. 425 Bobwhite Way, Newnan, GA 30263. Call before you go 770.254.7271
✲ Disney's Frozen Jr Summer Musical with the 2024 Steppin' Out Performing Arts at Wadsworth Auditorium, 11 a.m., 2 p.m. 25 Jefferson St., Newnan
✲ Music & Jeep Fest at Ashley Park with John Hensley Band and Kris Youmans Band. Fun starts at 5 p.m.
✲ Weekend Guide on our website wintersmedia.net for many more events. There's links for local and live music, the sports schedules for the Braves, United and Dream, Sports on TV calendar and the Joints Directory. The Coweta Shopper & The Paperyour source for fun, food and good news.
SATURDAY the 20th & SUNDAY the 21st
SUNDAY the 21st
✲ Southern Gospel Quartet Concert at 6 p.m.
Enjoy an evening of old fashioned gospel songs at this benefit concert for the Newnan First UMC music department. Newnan First UMC Sanctuary, 33 Greenville St., Newnan No tickets required. A love offering will be taken.
SUNDAY the 21st & MONDAY the 22nd
TUESDAY the 23rd
VA Benefits Talk with Beth Dow, 10 a.m. Tommy Thompson Senior Center, 29 Hospital Road, Newnan. Info 770.683.8600, cowetaparksandrec.com on Facebook @cowetaseniorservices
WEDNESDAY the 24th &
Andy's Frozen Custard in Sharpsburg location is opening! 90 Fischer Marketplace Lane
SATURDAY the 27th
CEC, 160 MLK Jr. Drive, Newnan
Kathy Bohannon’s Front Porch Stories
I’ve learned a few things about prayer in my over-sixty-years of life. I think it would be difficult to have not gained some spiritual maturity in all those years of life experiences.
My prayer life began as a child, on my knees beside my bed with the “now I lay me down to sleep” version I’d been trained to recite. That particular prayer now feels like it is missing a lot. It doesn’t include the thankfulness of answered prayers or prayers for the needs of my loved ones. It seems too simple; too vague for this grownup, there are not enough words.
But then there’s the “Jesus” prayer.
When our 16-month-old grandlittle was diagnosed with a genetic mutation form of cancer, I lost my mind for maybe a few hours, maybe a day. Shoot, maybe some of it is still missing. She is now nine years old, and in remission, but that moment of hearing the earth-shattering news destroyed me.
My prayer? All I could say was, “Jesus.” Over
Newnan’s own William Barber aka WB hosts Backyard Country on Sunday Nights 8 p.m. on 94.9 The Bull.
Helping local Georgia country artists have their music heard on the radio across Georgia.
To advertise or to have your music considered for the show email WB at WB@iheartmedia.com 949thebull.com • iheartradio.com
and over again. “Jesus.” I remember calling out, “JESUS!” I was not able to pray in the way I was accustomed with the list of prayer needs, the list of thanksgivings. No, I was only able to say, “Jesus” over and over again. I realized much later that the Holy Spirit was intervening on my behalf. How much later, I don’t know. It resonates with me that I was in shock and sometime between that day and a year or so ago, the realization came that the entire situation was covered in prayer simply by calling on Jesus.
Another prayer situation came when I needed an MRI. The doctor said my head would be inside a machine that would be so close that it would almost touch my face. Fully aware that I am not a complacent person, and would fight anyone trying to keep me in a claustrophobic situation, I prayed for a way to cope with the exam. The answer to that prayer is one I have shared many times with anyone who would listen. What I needed to do was have a prayer walk. Lo and behold, I was to pray for others while in that machine.
The tech told me via intercom, that they were about to start. I closed my eyes. I began praying my list. I started with the eldest of our family, my dad. The bed of the machine began to move. I was still praying for him when the loud bong-bang-buzz of the machine began to do its job. It was still whirring when I began praying for mom. Still buzzing while I prayed for my eldest sister, her husband, their children. Next, the middle sis, then my brother, my husband and children, then husband’s family.
My mind and heart were so focused on prayer that the exam finished before I got to my list of friends. I was actually disappointed it didn’t take longer. I had reached a level of prayer that completely removed me from my own angst.
There’s a little book called The Practice of the Presence of God by a seventeenth-century French monk named Brother Lawrence. It helps us to know how to pray in the duties and circumstances of the every day.
It’s a blessing that we can seek to know God on a higher level that when we are young and praying that sweet little children’s prayer. It’s a blessing also that we can grow spiritually in many circumstances, even when all we can say is, “Jesus.”
He hears us.
Kathy Bohannon can be reached at kathybohan@yahoo.com.
Tickets on sale now for The Bull’s Backyard Country concert at The Fred Saturday, September 14, featuring three incredible Georgia artists Travis Denning + Tyler Reese Tritt + Rvshvd!
Notes from Perry Street
It was roughly a decade ago when Corby, my wife affectionately known as The Little Black Dress, and I met at Alan Jackson’s office. We are talking about the excellent local attorney, not the singer.
We were there to sign papers to buy “The Coweta Shopper” from Joe Williams. It was Thanksgiving Eve, and we joked that everyone had something to be thankful for - namely we got a newspaper, and Joe got out of one. If you are in the business, you understand.
We soon changed the name to “The Shopper,” primarily because we wanted to expand it outside of Coweta County. We also started adding more local content.
A couple of years ago, we changed “The Shopper” to “The Weekly.” One reason showed up in our mailbox. A coupon pamphlet called “theshopper.net” appeared out of nowhere. People started emailing and calling us, asking if it was ours. It’s not. We are a newspaper, the other is an advertising pamphlet.
We also wanted to try something new and went with
“The Weekly.” We even came up with a different way to fold the newspaper. “The Weekly,” to be fair, was a good idea that just fell flat.
Think about “New Coke.”
People just didn’t take hold of the name change.
“So you don’t have “The Shopper” anymore”
Yes, it’s just called “The Weekly.”
“So it’s new?”
“Same content, different name.”
“Uh huh.”
Publications of Winters Media & Publishing, Inc.
PAPER The
The ultimate “give me something to do publication” focusing on food, live music, special events and great columnists.
Best “bang for your buck” for hitting a large area with information and positive stories.
Printed on Hi-brite. (heavier newsprint) 24-36 pages. Full color is included for free. Also available in E-Edition format.
Distribution is 10,000. Goes out the first week of the month. Of that, 4,000 is direct mailed to Arbor Springs, Lake Redwine, Newnan Country Club, Summer Grove and White Oak subdivisions.
The remaining 6,000 are distributed all over the area at more than 125 locations across three counties.
The COWETA S HOPPER
The Coweta Shopper is the perfect publication for those wanting to advertise in a specific targeted part of Coweta.
Printed on newsprint. 16-32 pages. Full color is included for free. Also available in E-Edition format.
Distributed the second, third and fourth weeks of each month. Each week, the publication goes to a different area based on zip codes.
Our goal is 7,500 direct mailed each week.
Since 1989, The Coweta Shopper … always filled with positive stories, great columns, and events. wintersmedia.net info@wintersmedia.net : @wintersmediapublishing : @wintersmediapublishing
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
We also started “The Paper,” a monthly filled with what “to see, eat and do.” Live music, local columnists and artists, food, movies, calendars of anything and everything, a strong non-profit focus and lots more.
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
Joey Howard, Business Develpment, 404.698.0734 joey@wintersmedia.net
From 1,500 copies to 10,000 today, “The Paper” is now in three counties at more than 125 locations.
Print is still very powerful.
It’s also the publication we thought “The Shopper,” er, “The Weekly,” would be. So instead of fighting how things are working out, we decided to go back to our roots. And those roots date back to 1989.
The Shopper/The Weekly is now, once again, “The Coweta Shopper.” It will go out three times a month, each week to different zip codes.
So, Winters Media has The Paper and The Coweta Shopper(s). We have loved what we do and look forward to the next 10 years and beyond.
Thank you for your continued support, and remember to “advertise local.”
We are here to help market and continue to grow your business.
John and Corby
The Coweta Shopper reserves the right to accept or reject any advertising as we feel is in the best interest of our publication.
Tickets to attend expo $10 Early Bird Registration, $15 At Door Contact for Vending Opportunities
Coweta County Fairgrounds, 275 Pine Road, Newnan, GA 30263 770.328.9967 • info@westcentralgachamber.org
PRO SPORTS
MLB – ATLANTA BRAVES (53-42)*
July 16, Tues. – ALL-STAR GAME, 8 pm – FOX
July 19, Fri. – St. Louis Cardinals, 7:20 pm – Bally
July 20, Sat. – St. Louis Cardinals, 7:20 pm – Bally
July 21, Sun. – St. Louis Cardinals, 1:35 pm – Bally
July 22, Mon. – Cincinnati Reds, 7:20 pm – Bally
July 23, Tues. – Cincinnati Reds, 7:20 pm – Bally
July 24, Wed. – Cincinnati Reds, 12:20 pm – Bally
July 25, Thurs. – at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 pm – Bally
July 26, Fri. – at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 pm – Bally
July 27, Sat. – at N.Y. Mets, 4:10 pm – Bally
July 28, Sun. – at N.Y. Mets, 1:40 pm – Bally
July 29, Mon. – at Milwaukee Brewers, 8:10 pm – Bally
July 30, Tues. – at Milwaukee Brewers, 8:10 pm – Bally
July 31, Wed. – at Milwaukee Brewers, 2:10 pm – Bally *record thru 7/14
MLS – ATLANTA UNITED (6-11-6)*
July 17, Wed. – New York City, 7:30 pm – Apple TV
July 20, Sat. – Columbus, 7:30 pm – Apple TV
July 26, Fri. – DC United, 8 pm – Apple TV (Leagues Cup)
Aug. 4, Sun. – Santos Laguna, 4 pm – Apple TV(Leagues Cup)
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 7/14
WNBA – ATLANTA DREAM (7-16)*
July 17, Wed. – at Minnesota Lynx, 1 pm – Peachtree TV
July 20, Sat. – WNBA ALL-STAR GAME, 8:30 pm – ABC
July 21-Aug. 15 – Olympic Games Break
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
*record thru 7/14
Zen Monkey’s News and Musings …
Notes from here, there and the Internet …
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The Coweta County Tax Commissioner’s Office has installed its third tag renewal kiosk at the Publix in Senoia. Tax Commissioner Justin McMichael shares, “I am thrilled to have this new tag renewal kiosk in Senoia, which will reduce travel time for residents needing to renew their tags.”
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What’s it called when you wake up with a hangover, but didn’t drink a drop the night before? Your Forties, it’s called your Forties.
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Clothes Less Traveled (CLT), the nonprofit thrift shop dedicated to fostering community growth through volunteerism and philanthropy, recently announced the awarding of $31,000 in scholarships to 16 outstanding student volunteers for 2024.
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City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta has joined the Georgia Hospital Association (GHA) and Georgia Alliance of Community Hospitals (GACH) to further advocate on the behalf of Georgians to make health care more accessible and equitable. “We believe in bringing hope to all touched by cancer. Our commitment to Georgia is that we provide comprehensive, people-first care to everyone, irrespective of their background or location,” says Jonathan Watkins, president of City of Hope Atlanta.
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Hiring bonuses are just wrong. Shouldn’t companies be offering retention bonuses for everyone who continues to show up for work?
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The Coweta County School Board approved its 2024-25 budget. Among the key points are: Maintaining the current student calendar of 180 instructional days, and the current instructional program for students for the upcoming year; Absorbing significant increases in employee health insurance costs and retirement costs, for certified and classified employees; providing a 4.1% raise for bus drivers, school nurses and school food service employees;passing on a $2,500 State Base Salary Increase (plus local adjustments) for certified and administrative employees.
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Stages of plant ownership: I’m going to take such good care of you.
Oops.
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And the big question/answer for the month for those just dying to know: (Thanks to the county extension agents)
QUESTION: Do almond milk and almond milk products count as a true dairy food? AGENT: No. Almond milk and almond milk products are not dairy foods.
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The Newnan Junior Service League presented the Coweta Samaritan Clinic a $17,000 grant at its year-end dinner to purchase a portable dental X-ray system as part of its Enhancing and Expanding Care campaign. The system includes a portable KAVO handheld X-ray device, sensor kit, and laptop. Having this technology at the Clinic will give staff the ability to evaluate Clinic patients’ dental needs immediately.
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The podcast industry has become celebrities interviewing celebrities to create more celebrities.
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From the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office:
• Please join us in wishing Lt. Reed a very happy retirement after 38 years of dedicated service to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office. In his speech, he wanted to be sure that the citizens of Coweta County knew how thankful he was for their support of law enforcement.
• Sheriff Lenn Wood and the entire CCSO family would like to congratulate our newest deputy, Deputy Sheriff Meracle Terrell. Deputy Terrell graduated from the Basic Law Enforcement Academy.
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The Mona Lisa is famous for being famous. She’s basically a Kardashian.
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The Coweta County Solicitor’s Office has new child car seats in stock. In an effort to protect the children of Coweta County, the Solicitor-General’s Office and the Coweta County Sheriff’s H.E.A.T Unit is offering a free car seat check by a certified technician. If your current car seat does not meet the active safety standards or if you do not have a car seat, you may be eligible for a new car seat free of charge. Please email Sgt. Thompson at tthompson@coweta.ga.us for more information.
Considering retirement? You might want to think twice. While retirement can seem like a dream, for some seniors, it falls short of expectations.
Not everyone is ready to retire at 65. A recent study revealed that 1 in 5 seniors plan to work past 70, and 12% say they never intend to stop working.
The reasons for delaying retirement vary. Some need more time to save money, others want to keep their minds sharp, and many value the social interactions work provides.
A 2013 study found that delaying retirement may lower the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer’s. Each year of delayed retirement reduces the risk by 3.2%. To put this in perspective, a person retiring at 65 has about a 15% lower risk of dementia than someone retiring at 60.
I believe retirement can contribute to cognitive decline, but it’s not the act of retiring itself ... it’s what you do afterward. Some retirees become inactive, losing mental stimulation, daily socialization, and physical activity.
Dementia prevention guidelines emphasize exercising the body, stimulating the mind, and staying socially active. Can you do these in retirement? Absolutely, but it requires planning.
If you are retired or planning to retire soon, find reasons to stay active. Join exercise classes, take a college course, or volunteer. Opportunities abound from building homes to mentoring children and assisting fellow seniors.
Another option – consider a part-time job. An AARP survey found that about 40% of retirees return to work for financial, social, and emotional reasons.
As a business owner, I can attest that older, seasoned, dependable employees are invaluable. Many of my best employees are over 60, enjoying the flexibility of part-time work and the sense of
Seniors and retirement; not everyone retires at 65 Senior Living Advice
with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager
purpose it brings.
Some seniors focus so much on their retirement date that they forget to plan for life afterward. They prepare financially but overlook the cognitive, social, and physical effects of retirement.
Additionally, retirement can be an ideal time to explore new hobbies or even travel, if health permits. Many seniors find fulfillment in pursuing passions they never had time for while working. Whether it’s gardening, painting, or learning a new language, engaging in such activities can provide joy and a sense of accomplishment. Moreover, staying physically active and maintaining a healthy diet are crucial. Regular check-ups and preventive healthcare measures can ensure a better quality of life, making retirement a period of growth and enjoyment rather than decline.
After retirement, seniors have much to share and enjoy. Here’s to making the most of it.
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.
August: True Balance 5-Year Anniversary Month Follow @truebalanceofnewnan on social and stay informed: truebalanceofnewnan.com/newsletter. *August Gift Card Promo: Buy a minimum $95 Gift Card - get an additional $25 Gift Card at no charge. August 16, 2-7pm: True Balance Summer Self-Care Fair truebalanceofnewnan.com/events-2-1/summer-self-care-fair
4-H Summer Camp – Fun for all ages
Bill Hammond, Coweta County 4-H Agent
This summer has been packed with fun in the sun for 4-H members! Experiencing new things, meeting new friends, and having fun while learning are all goals for the Georgia 4-H Summer Camp Program. This year, Coweta County 4-H hosted 345 youth and adult leaders in various camping experiences with other youth from across Georgia.
The first event of the 4-H Summer kicked off with Adventure Day Camp in May. Coweta County hosted 36 3rd and 4th graders and six teen leaders for activities that included gardening, a police K-9 demonstration, metal detecting, and more. Participants also learned about weather from meteorologist Danielle Banks; science “magic” from Dr. Donald White the “Science Guy”; and reptiles and bats from Bear Creek Nature Center. The busy week concluded with a field trip to the Wild Animal Safari.
The next summer destination was a trip to the beach where 7th and 8th graders enjoyed Burton 4-H Center at Tybee Island. In addition to all the typical fun and games held at Junior Camp, 4-H’ers enjoyed activities like a marsh walk, tours of Fort Pulaski and the Tybee Lighthouse, ocean seining, beach ecology, marsh ecology, “critters” classes, and shopping on River Street in Savannah. The highlight of the week for many campers was a riverboat dinner cruise down the Savannah River.
From the beach to the mountains, the next summer camp took 7th and 8th graders to Wilderness Challenge Camp held at Camp Wahsega near Dahlonega. There, campers learned valuable survival skills such as
building a fire and cooking over it, navigating the wilderness and handling first aid, tying knots, and building shelters. The adventures continued with the zip-line, climbing wall, flying squirrel, and a two-mile hike to the Black Falls on Camp Merrill Army Ranger Base. The natural waterfall and Wahsega Pond offered chances to cool off in the mountain streams flowing through camp. The highlight of the week was the whitewater rafting trip down the Ocoee River.
Our high school 4-H members also enjoyed Camp Wahsega 4-H Center for Senior Camp where they visited with friends they made across the state and participated in river tubing down the Chestatee River, hiking at Amicalola Falls, shopping in the historic Dahlonega square, and touring the University of North Georgia.
The world’s largest 4-H Center, Rock Eagle, was the final destination for 4th-6th grade campers where they participated in classes like herpetology, entomology, wildlife, lake ecology, archery, canoeing, sailing, and more. Our adventurous 6th graders even braved the high ropes challenge course. Coweta County made our presence known with 266 campers, teen leaders, and adults. At Rock Eagle, youth are divided into three groups: Firebirds, Skybirds, and Thunderbirds and compete for the coveted Eagle Shield by attending classes, competing in games and events and having the cleanest cabins. The Coweta County Thunderbirds brought home the 2024 Eagle Shield victory!
Summer camp is a wonderful opportunity to experience new things, meet new friends, and have unforgettable experiences. Registration for Summer Camp 2025 begins in February. To learn more about this incredible opportunity, contact the Coweta County Extension Office at 770-254-2620.
University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity,Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution.
Bill Hammond –Coweta County 4-H Extension Agent
Common goals are important to Relunda and that’s why she loves working with Home Helpers. “I enjoy working with Home Helpers because the company shares my compassion for our clients’ wants and needs. Most importantly, I think that Home Helpers is the vehicle that allows me to walk in my purpose and passion.”
Many Veterans and their Families may not realize that they may qualify for Home Care Services paid for by the Veterans Administration. This is a benefit you have EARNED!
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.
There is no income or financial requirement to qualify for the H/HHA program. Veterans simply need to be enrolled in the VA Health System to be eligible for this benefit.
Call us today to learn more about how we can assist you.
Public utilities available at property entrance off Poplar Rd. and off Yeager Rd. Lake on rear of 24+/- acres. Survey and conceptual site plan of 24+/- acres in doc box. Property to be surveyed by buyer, at buyer's expense, prior to closing, and seller must approve the new survey. NOTE: The front 1,000' of subject property is in the Quality Control District (QCD) and structures there must have brick exteriors. Also, there are other requirements. Please check with Coweta County Planning and Zoning Department for details.
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/
MLS #10324125
ENJOY THE VIEW OF BEAUTIFUL LAKE REDWINE from the Spacious Rocking Chair Front Porch of this 4-Sided Brick Cape
on US Hwy 29 North of Newnan. $499,900 Frank/Chip.
The COWETA S HOPPER S HOPPER
Jess Barron
The Realtor Lawsuit: What does it mean?
Maybe you have heard, maybe you have not. Earlier this year, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) reached an agreement to resolve nationwide claims brought by home sellers.
This agreement will resolve claims against NAR, over one million NAR members, all state and local Realtor associations, association-owned multiple listing systems (MLS) and brokerages with a transaction volume of $2 billion or less in 2022. The settlement makes clear that NAR continues to deny any wrongdoing in connection with the MLS cooperative compensation model that was introduced in the 1990s in response to calls from consumer protection advocates for buyer representation (NAR). NAR is set to pay $418 million over approximately four years as part of the agreement.
So, what caused these lawsuits to occur? Essentially, home sellers that filed these lawsuits felt deceived by Realtors regarding commission and compensation. Some home sellers were told they must provide a commission to the buyers’ agents. Other home sellers were not told how much the buyers’ agent was being paid for a cooperative deal. As you might imagine, other similar and copycat lawsuits have been filed. For those that filed suits, compensation and commission were not clearly conveyed to sellers and buyers. Communication and disclosure are essential and will be moving forward.
The commission is and always has been negotiable. While six percent commission is popular as a seller, it is not “required.” We see commissions all over the board here in Coweta County and across different types of real estate: residential, commercial, land, and industrial. Each brokerage has their own policy on commission as well. Your Realtor should be having an open conversation with you regarding commission and cooperative deals, as well as compensating a buyers’ agent.
Moving forward, the MLS’s will not be able to show a cooperative commission for a buyers’ agent. The buyers’ representative will need to call the sellers’ agent to discover if the seller is offering a commission to the buyers’ agent. What if the seller does not offer a commission?
In order to view a property with a Realtor moving forward, a buyer will need to have a signed buyer brokerage agreement that specifically dictates the compensation a buyers’ representative will receive, as well as who will be paying the buyers’ Realtor. Will the buyer or seller be responsible for paying the buyers’ agent? The buyer paying for their agent is actually common practice in commercial, industrial and large land deals/development.
This shake-up in the real estate industry has created a lot of controversy and worry. It will cause some changes for sure. Most of the changes are good in my opinion. It is a shame and not right that some agents deceived the public, but there is an opportunity for the good Realtors to do right. I believe the good Realtors will rise to the top moving forward and the public will have a better understanding of their real estate transaction.
Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindseys, Inc. Realtors and former President of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors. ◗
Kitchen with Angela
A Cool Soup for a Hot Summer Day
While I love to bake in the fall, I have to say that I probably eat the healthiest during the summer. A tomato sandwich? I’m there for it. Salad? Great idea for a meal. A watermelon ripe off the vine? Count me in and pass the salt, please.
I am most fortunate that my 85-year-old dad is in great health and continues to love to garden, so lots of fresh produce comes my way, just as it has for my entire life. This summer, I’ve already come home from Tallapoosa with green beans and squash, which I promptly cooked and popped into the freezer so I can enjoy them this fall.
A few years ago, though, I needed a new way to use up some of the cucumbers he had given me, and I realized the only cucumber soup recipe I'd tried was one that used condensed cream of celery soup. I didn't want to go that route again, so I looked at some recipes online, made a few educated guesses about what I could substitute that was to my liking, and the result was a light, refreshing cucumber soup I absolutely love to whip up and savor. I just made it again this week, and a big bowl of it is currently sitting in my refrigerator and will serve as lunch and/or supper for a few days.
One reason I like this recipe so much is that it uses fat-free Greek yogurt, which seems like a much healthier ingredient than some canned soup. I absolutely love Greek yogurt because it tastes almost like sour cream to me, so I always feel like I'm having a treat even while eating something this simple. This cucumber soup recipe relies on Greek yogurt and a few dried herbs, and the flavor is exceptionally fresh and delicious. It's also super easy and fast to make, which suits me just fine during the steamy summer months when I am less likely to want to spend time over the stove.
Although I eat this by the bowlful for lunch or supper, “ladies who lunch” may want to serve small portions of this soup in demitasse or full-size teacups as a luncheon offering. However you choose to enjoy it, grab yourself an iced tea or water, crank up the air-conditioning, and relax. The perfect light meal is waiting for you.
Recipe
Cucumber & Greek Yogurt Soup
o 2 pounds of cucumbers, peeled (seeds are fine), plus extra for garnish
o 1-1/2 cups plain fat-free Greek yogurt
o 2 tablespoons lemon juice
o 1 teaspoon garlic salt
o 1 teaspoon dried dill
o 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
o Pinch of pepper
o 1/4 cup olive oil, plus extra for garnish
Add all ingredients to blender and puree until mixture is completely liquefied. If desired, garnish each serving with sliced or chopped cucumber and olive oil. Store in refrigerator, but can be served immediately. Yields 8-10 servings, depending on whether you serve it by the bowl or the cup!
Angela 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
Save on Summer Fun with Discount Movies, Park and Zoo Passes
School is out for summer break, and children are looking forward to days filled with fun and leisure. Many families are on a budget, and parents are seeking affordable activities to get the most for their money. Parents can entertain their kids this summer through special deals at local movie theaters, gyms, parks, museums, zoos, theaters and other venues. Learn more:
Regal Summer Movie Express
Through early August, families can enjoy a selection of kid-friendly movies for only $1 through Regal’s Summer Movie Express. At theaters nationwide, the $1 movies will be shown at 11 a.m. each Tuesday and Wednesday. In Coweta County, moviegoers can view the films at Regal Georgian Stadium 14, 32 Newnan Crossing Bypass in Newnan, Ga.
“The Summer Movie Express is back in a big way this year with all movies now only $1,” John Curry, SVP of Commercial at Regal, said in a press release. “We are excited to welcome families, daycares, clubs, and all moviegoers back to Regal for this annual summer tradition. We have a great selection of movies each week providing endless entertainment at an affordable price.”
The 2024 Summer Movie Express lineup features two PG movies each Tuesday and Wednesday morning through Aug. 7. Tickets can be purchased at theatre box offices and kiosks, on the mobile app, and at https://www.regmovies.com. A portion of the $1 per ticket admission fee will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of America.
Here’s the Summer Movie Express schedule:
• 7/9 & 7/10: Spider-Man: Across the SpiderVerse and PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie
• 7/16 & 7/17: Clifford the Big Red Dog and Sonic the Hedgehog
• 7/23 & 7/24: Trolls Band Together and Sonic the Hedgehog 2
• 7/30 & 7/31: Lyle, Lyle, Crocodile and Kung Fu Panda 3
• 8/6 & 8/7: Minions: The Rise of Gru and Sing 2
Summer Movie Express guests can also get discounts on refreshments. They can purchase a $5 Snack Pack, which includes a junior-sized drink, snack-sized popcorn, and fruit snacks with an optional $3 Dippin’ Dots add-on.
Visit Your Local Library
The Coweta Public Library System is presenting a variety of events this summer for people of all ages, including a Summer Reading Challenge, yoga for elementary students, story time, handson workshops for kids, BINGO for everyone, craft projects, creative art projects, movie time, STEAM classes, and other activities specifically designed for babies, toddlers, children and teens.
In addition, Coweta County library patrons can get free passes or discounts to a variety of venues. Anyone with a valid Coweta County library card can borrow a Georgia State Park “ParkPass” and Historic Site Pass, Go Fish Education Center Family Pass, Zoo Atlanta Family Pass, Alliance Theatre Library Pass, Center for Puppetry Arts “Passport” and Michael C. Carlos Museum Family Pass from any Coweta Public Library System branch.
Georgia State Park and Historic Sites “ParkPass”: These passes are good for free parking and admission at any of the 63 parks and historic sites statewide for up to seven days. The ParkPass admits up to two visitors for free admission to any state park or historic site in the state. Passes are available for a one-week checkout at each branch location.
In addition, a backpack kit is available for checkout, which includes a sturdy backpack containing a pair of 5x30 binoculars, a guide to Georgia’s State Parks & Historic Sites and foldout Pocket Naturalist Guides to Georgia Wildlife, Georgia Birds and Georgia Trees & Wildflowers.
Go Fish Education Center Family Pass: This pass is available for checkout and admits up to four visitors to the Go Fish Education Center in Perry, Ga., which is open to the public Friday through Sunday. Visitors can explore Georgia’s underwater habitats, see alligators and aquatic wildlife up close, cast for and catch a real fish, and visit the hatchery.
Zoo Atlanta Family Pass: One DVD is available for a one-week checkout at each Coweta Public Library System branch and may be checked out once per year, per household. The DVD must be checked out at the library front desk and can’t be placed on hold. When the DVD is returned, the library patron will receive a Zoo Atlanta Family Pass receipt. This receipt is required for zoo admission.
The pass receipt can be redeemed Monday through Sunday, excluding blackout dates. The pass is redeemable for four free admissions (general admission only) and must be redeemed within four weeks (28 days) of the date the pass was issued.
Patrons receiving the pass receipt are encouraged to call the zoo or visit the zoo’s website for hours and any new information.
Alliance Theatre Library Pass: The Alliance Theatre Library Pass is good for up to two admissions/tickets for performances designated for the Hertz Stage and the Coca Cola Stage or for four admissions/tickets for performances designated as Family Series. Tickets for performances are available on a first come, first served basis.
Center for Puppetry Arts “Passport”: Library patrons can also take advantage of the Center for Puppetry Arts “Passport,” which allows for free museum admission for up to four people and qualifies the holder to purchase show tickets at a 25 percent discount. One pass is available for a
one-week checkout at each Coweta Public Library System branch. A copy of the Center for Puppetry Arts Guide featuring performance schedules, show times, workshops and a list of museum exhibitions is also included.
Michael C. Carlos Museum Family Pass: The Michael C. Carlos Museum Family Pass is a partnership with Georgia Public Library System and the Michael C. Carlos Museum at Emory University. The passes are available for check out for seven days and allow free admission for up to six visitors. For more information, visit the Coweta Public Library System’s website at https://cowt.ent.sirsi. net/client/en_US/default/.
Planet Fitness High School Summer Pass
Through Aug. 31, Planet Fitness is offering free summer gym memberships to teens ages 14 to 19. With the High School Summer Pass ’24, Planet Fitness is waiving membership dues to promote youth health and wellness and improve the physical and mental health of teens.
Teens can register for the program at https:// www.planetfitness.com/summerpass. Individuals under 18 can sign up online or in-club with a parent or guardian. To get the digital club pass, teens should download the Planet Fitness app to create an account using the email address they used to register.
Then, they can work out at a Planet Fitness location near them through Aug. 31. Participants must work out at the location where they sign up and aren’t permitted to use other locations. All participants will have access to free fitness classes offered through Planet Fitness. They can visit their local club to view the class schedule and sign up for classes. The Planet Fitness app also features a variety of workouts, categorized by fitness level. Parents can also work out at Planet Fitness with a free day pass, which they can obtain by stopping by a participating location with a valid ID.
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:
• Health Insurance, Dental and Vision
• 401K
• Profit Sharing
• Tuition Reimbursement
“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
• Local Discounts Apply online at YamahaJobs.com Click on Direct Hire to Apply!
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. Southern Signature Solutions, 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.
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.
HUD HOMES FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE
JUST REDUCED! WEST POINT LAKE 3BR, 2BA ranch. Fabulous, flat 1± AC lot and walking distance to West Point Lake. Dewberry Park & Evansville Park Boat Ramps minutes away. Recent renovations: quartz countertops, LVP flooring, metal roof, CH/A. Huge RV metal carport. 3455 County Road 288, Five Points, AL. Move-in ready. Teresa Barber, Lake Wedowee Brokers, 334.885.1252, lakewedoweebrokers.com Lic. AL & GA
MOVE-IN READY HOUSE FOR SALE 5 BR, 3 BA brick home with oversized 2-car garage. Bring the family and lake toys for awesome fishing, fun recreation with Dewberry Park & Boat Ramp across the road. Lovely hardwood floors, custom cherry cabinetry, granite, Pella windows, gas log FP, big master suite, fiber optic and convenient. Teresa Barber, Lake Wedowee Brokers, 334.885.1252, lakewedoweebrokers.com Lic. AL & GA
FOSTER’S BRIDGE Lot 6/6A Waters Drive, Wedowee AL 186 ft. year round water on LAKE WEDOWEE, convenient to gas on water, walking distance to boat ramp, power avail, public water avail, current permit for septic, extra off water lot (6A) for additional septic space, easy travel to Oxford Exchange (Sam’s Club, Publix, shopping etc). Teresa Barber, Lake Wedowee Brokers, 334.885.1252, lakewedoweebrokers.com Lic. AL & GA
TURN KEY BUSINESS, D&S MARINE 10965 Hwy 48 Wedowee AL GREAT COMMERCIAL INVESTMENT 1469 Main St. Wedowee, AL For more info on these and other listings, call Teresa Barber, Lake Wedowee Brokers, 334.885.1252, lakewedoweebrokers.com Lic. AL & GA
by their store at 113 Newnan Crossing Bypass to apply.
NEWNAN COWETA HUMANE SOCIETY Check website for list of animals at local animal control facility and foster care animals. Call 770.253.4694 www.nchsrescue.org
Piedmont NEWNAN
NICU Celebration Reunites
Families and Staff at Piedmont Newnan
Piedmont Newnan Hospital recently hosted a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) family reunion, where NICU graduates and their families were invited to reunite with the nurses, staff members, and other families who helped them through their time at the hospital.
“Babies in the NICU are with us anywhere from a few days to months, so we get to know the families as they come in each day to visit their baby and check their progress,” said Ashley Maxwell, Director of Women’s Services at Piedmont Newnan. “The reunion is a fun way for the families and staff to see each other again and celebrate how far all these babies have come since being in the NICU.”
Babies born prematurely or before 37 weeks of pregnancy, who have a low birth weight, or who have a medical condition that requires special care are admitted to Piedmont Newnan’s Level III NICU, which opened in 2015, where they are treated by neonatologists and nurses with advanced training in NICU care.
This year’s picnic was held on Bistro Lawn at Piedmont Newnan, and families enjoyed balloons, a bounce house, crafts, and a photobooth.
“For some families who attended, it has only been a few months since they were in the NICU, but for others, it has been a few years, with our first NICU baby now being 9 years old,” said Maxwell. “Seeing some of our first families and new families getting to meet one another and staff getting to visit with the babies they helped care for – it was a special time for everyone.”
Piedmont Newnan opened its Level III NICU in 2015 to provide care to our communities smallest and most critical babies close to home. The NICU provides comprehensive care for infants, providing advanced respiratory support and advanced imaging.
About Piedmont
Men’s Health Month: Screenings Can Help Prevent Negative Health Trends
June was Men’s Health Month. Did you miss it?
We want to remind you it is crucial to highlight the important role regular health screenings can play in long-term health outcomes in men.
With many diseases or illnesses, symptoms don’t occur until later stages – often when they create much more serious health issues and are more difficult to treat. That’s why it’s important to get regular screenings and physicals to catch chronic diseases before they occur.
A 2022 Cleveland Clinic survey of 1,000 men in the U.S. revealed that 55% of men say they don’t get regular health screenings. The National Library of Medicine research also suggests that men are less likely than women to go to a doctor for checkups, and are more likely to develop a chronic disease and illness.
“Men younger than 45 or 50 usually don’t come in for an annual check up on their own,” said Dr. Matthew Roberts, D.O., a Piedmont primary care physician in Newnan. “Typically someonea spouse, fiancé, or a significant other, or something like their work, makes them come in. If they do come in for something quick, like joint pain, a head cold, et cetera, I always encourage them to schedule an annual physical before they leave the office. Most insurance plans cover that appointment and the accompanying labs once a year. I tell people that you’ve already paid for it, so you might as well do it.”
During these visits, doctors can check blood pressure, and perform blood sugar tests and cholesterol tests –all of which are important in preventing and identifying potential diseases or illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease – the top cause of death in men (and women).
“I do not agree with the thought that ‘I feel fine – so why do I need a physical?’ because ‘feeling fine’ is not proof that there isn’t something silent developing,” says Dr. Roberts. “We call high blood pressure ‘the silent killer’ for that very reason, and it’s not just high blood pressure that will sneak up on you. Diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease are all issues that you typically won’t know about until they are a bigger problem.”
While various screenings are available for a variety of conditions or diseases, below are a few recommendations for screening for men:
• Lung cancer screening is recommended annually for adults aged 50 to 80 years who have a 20 pack-year smoking history and currently smoke or have quit within the past 15 years.
• Colon cancer screening is recommended from age 45 to 75. The way this is done and the frequency of the screenings will depend on factors that you can discuss with your primary care physician at an Annual Physical.
• Prostate cancer screening The recommendations are undergoing some review right now; however, Dr. Roberts currently does a PSA (prostate blood test) on men age 45 and older. “The PSA is a simple blood test that can tell me if there’s a possible problem. If the PSA comes back high, I’ll review the options for follow up care with the patient and help them make an informed decision about what to do next.”
Dr. Roberts said men often have anxiety and hesitance with some of these exams because of the physical nature, but wants to emphasize that there are often other testing options available.
“I rarely preform a digital rectal exam. Patients find that portion of the exam very invasive and uncomfortable, and men will avoid going to the doctor entirely just because they feel that’s what’s going to happen at their Annual. A rectal exam may be recommended later on if the PSA is high, but usually I let the urologists decide that.”
For more information on screenings visit piedmont.org/cancer or call 770.400.4020 and for more information about Piedmont Cancer Wellness, including a monthly program calendar, visit piedmontcancerwellness.org
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
