Since 1989 Wednesday, November 20, 2024 www.wintersmedia.net
Holiday Sip & See FRIDAY, November 22, 5 to 9 p.m. … downtown Newnan.
Downtown retail establishments extend their normal business hours to introduce their holiday gift items, and offer special promotions or discounts. There will also be a holiday market, live music, and food trucks along with hor d'oeuvres and refreshments from the retailers. Visit mainstreetnewnan.com or contact Main Street Newnan at 770.253.8283.
Thanksgiving THURSDAY, November 28 …
Plaid Friday FRIDAY, November 29 … downtown Newnan all day &
Santa on the Square & Christmas Carnival FRIDAY, November 29 …
5-8 p.m. Santa will arrive in downtown in a Fire Truck and will light Christmas tree on the Court Square.
Small Business Saturday SATURDAY, November 30 … &
Vol. 1, No. 15
Christian City Tree Lighting SATURDAY, November 30, 5:30 p.m. & 5K & 1M Fun Run 6 p.m. … 770.703.2614, christiancity.org/csr &
Nutcracker SATURDAY, November 30, 3 & 7 p.m. & SUNDAY, December 1, 3 p.m. … at The Wadsworth. A holiday favorite! Join Clara on her enchanting journey through the Kingdom of Sweets. 25 Jefferson St., southernarcdance.org
NJSL's Annual Can-A -Thon December 3, 7 a.m to 7 p.m.
benefiting Coweta Community Food Pantry. You can donate online or visit Newnan Court Square or Regions Bank at Thomas Crossroads. njslcanathon24.givesmart.com &
Christmas Bazaar December 3, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Gifts, Baked Goods, Handmade Crafts, Gift Baskets. FUMC Annex, 33 Greenville St., Coweta Assoc. of Retired Educators Christmas Tour of Homes December6 … newnantourofhomes.com KNB Paper Shredding December 7, 8 a.m. to Noon … City Hall & Main Street Newnan's Market Day December 7, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. … & Light up
PRICE
Free Home Health programs available for local Veterans
It is very simple. Veterans have served us and now Home Helpers Home Care of Newnan would like to serve you.
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 Home Helpers today at 678-876-5118 to learn more about how they can assist you.
Home Helpers Home Care is located at 284 Bullsboro Drive in Newnan. Visit their website at homehelpershomecare.com/ newnanga.
Notes from Perry Street
I am sitting on my back porch at one of my favorite desks. It is Sunday, Oct. 27.
Within a few days - Nov. 5 - we will have a newly elected president. Or not.
I pray I am wrong on the “or not.” But based on the last election … More than anything, I want a return to civility. I want us to agree to disagree and still be able to work together, eat together and pray together regardless of whom you voted for in the presidential election.
The Little Black Dress, aka Corby, recently posted on social media her personal opinions on a rather controversial topic that even the presidential candidates disagree on. About half of the commenters gave her an “atta girl.” Those opposed went nuclear. I can’t recall reading so much hate from “friends.” Corby finally took the posts down because she was mortified. I was appalled by the comments.
I want us to be like Chip’s Group. It’s an assortment of rather questionable characters who get together Saturday mornings to play golf. These degenerates, er, gentlemen, include yours truly, guys in banking and real estate and Delta and occupations in-between. Some are retired, many served in the military, some have grandkids and some are driving kids to school.
Politics are not a big part of the conversation, other than the occasionally “can you believe what she/he just said/ did?” For those four hours, or longer depending on who is in front of you, we play and talk golf or what is going on in the non-political world.
We all know who is voting for who and what the two or three key reasons are. We don’t all agree, even on why we are voting for a particular candidate. And we still manage to get along, and offer help when needed.
Like last Saturday. We gathered in the dining room to see which group won the front nine holes, the back nine holes, and the overall. For some reason, even though a lot of these guys make their living using numbers, it takes forever some days to figure who won who’s $8.
It is during this time, when bragging rights are bragged about, and the non-winners (how politically correct I am) promise to avenge themselves next week, that several will order some food.
One such individual, let’s just call him “Bob W.” fell into the “I’m ordering some food” category. For the life of me, I can’t remember what Bob ordered. But I know he grabbed a bottle of ketchup or catsup, depending on how you were brought up.
Let’s just say it was a new bottle. You could hear that “snap” of air when Bob opened it - after getting a friend to help him because “man this is really on here tight.”
And for some reason, while I am enjoying my wings, I watch Bob try to get the ketchup/catsup out. And I watch … and watch … and watch. To the point that finally I go, “geez Bob, just squeeze the bottle already.”
“Shut up Winters, I know it’s a glass bottle,” he said. Wow, just trying to help.
And so everyone else popped in their two cents or whatever the going rate based on inflation is.
“Hit it on the number … hit the bottom of it … knock it on its side on the counter … yeah, do that squeeze thing … just shake it … put the cap on and tap it on the counter …”
To his credit, Bob tries the knife and later a straw to try and draw the ketchup/catsup out. As an aside, does a straw have one or two holes?
I don’t remember the exact method that resulted in a successful pour, but Bob got his ketchup/catsup. Cue the Hallelujah Chorus!
The bottom line is a group of guys did their best to help Bob with his frustration. They came from different backgrounds, ethnicity, political views, wealth and a host of other categories.
The Saturday after the election, this same group will be hitting the links. I am pretty confident there will be more discussion on what club to hit to the green rather than who won and why.
And it will be civil, even when the name “Harris” or “Trump” is used. And that is the way it should be.
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.
Stephanie R. Butcher County Coordinator Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent UGA Extension – Coweta County
Q. How can I grow my own Vidalia® onions?
A. Vidalia® onions are my favorite and are one of the most popular and well-known vegetables produced in Georgia. So what makes a Vidalia® onion a “Vidalia” and not just a sweet onion?
These onions were discovered by accident during the Great Depression, and the Vidalia Onion Act of 1986 granted the trademark of the name “Vidalia® onions”. The Act specified that they could only be grown in a particular region of South Georgia that includes twenty counties.
Vidalia® onions are grown from Granex seed, and in order to sell and market them as Vidalia®, you must apply for a license through the Georga Department of Agriculture by March 1. However, you can grow “sweet” onions anywhere in Georgia.
Why are Vidalias® so sweet? Actually, the term sweet is misleading because Vidalia® onions do not have more sugars than other onions. The reason they taste so sweet is that they have less of the hot, pungent compounds. The level of these chemicals in the onion is controlled by the way the onions are grown. In fact, the low sulfur levels in some of our Georgia soils increase the “sweetness” of our onions. Here are a few tips that you can use to grow sweet onions yourself.
Plant onions in the fall and winter. Growers seed them in September and transplant into the field in November and after. I don’t recommend that you start with seed. The plants are very small at first and die easily. Buy transplants now, and plant about six inches apart in the garden. Select plants about the diameter of a pencil.
Try to buy Vidalia®-type varieties. These are generally milder. If you cannot find plants in your local garden center, then look for them in the Market Bulletin published by the Georgia Department of Agriculture - (404) 656-3722.
Sulfur is an essential plant nutrient, but too much of it applied late in the season on onions can make them more pungent. How can we control the amount of sulfur plants get?
Plant in a sandy, well-drained soil. Heavy clay soils naturally have more sulfur in them, so depending on your soil type, you may need to amend the soil to grow a sweeter onion. Carefully control fertilizers which contain sulfur. You must apply some sulfur but not too much and especially not too late. Follow this schedule.
At planting (around November 25) incorporate one and one-half pounds of 5-10-15 or 10-10-10 per 100 square feet of garden. Side-dress lightly 30 days and 60 days after planting with 3/4 lb. of the same fertilizer per 100 linear feet of row.
After late January, change to fertilizers that contain no sulfur. These would include calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate. Apply 3/4 lb. of these per 100 linear feet of row every four weeks until March 20. These last fertilizers are hard to find. If necessary, you can use ammonium nitrate to side dress, but only apply ½ lb. per 100 linear feet.
Keep the onion roots moist but not wet. This is especially important after mid-March when they begin to bulb. They may need 3/4 inch of water twice a week then. Let the onion beds dry out as they approach harvest.
Harvest when the necks (between the leaves and bulbs) get soft and the tops fall over. Let onions dry very well in a shady spot before clipping the tops and roots and storing them.
These tips should help you grow a good crop of sweet onions. Just remember that you cannot sell or market them as “Vidalia® onions” if you did not grow them in the region specified in the Vidalia Onion Act.
For more information about fall vegetable gardening, contact the Coweta County Extension office at 770-254-2620 or email coweta.extension@uga.edu.
Photo Credits: Willie Chance, UGA Cooperative Extension and UGA Cooperative Extension. The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, Veteran, Disability Institution. Photo Credit: Coweta County Extension
n Chick-fil-A 505 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan
n Crook’s Cost Plus Market
249 Temple Avenue, Newnan
n Leaf & Bean
22 West Court Square, Newnan
n Little Giant Farmers Market
487 Jackson Street, Newnan
n Little Giant Farmers Market
2005 Highway 16, Sargent
n Newnan Post Office
18 Greenville Street, Newnan
n Piedmont Newnan Hospital
745 Poplar Road, Newnan
n Sharpsburg Post Office
6545 Highway 54, Sharpsburg
n Summit Family YMCA
1765 Highway 34 East, Newnan
Kitchen with Angela Recipe
A fall flavor treat: Loaded Pumpkin Muffins
If you’re like me, you are going to have some random amount of pumpkin puree left over from your Thanksgiving baking this month, and are you going to waste it? No, you are not. A friend plops hers on oatmeal, and I may try that as well, but I also suggest baking some muffins.
I tend to make tea loaves as my default quick bread, but one morning, it occurred to me that muffins might be a nice change, so I whipped up a batch of these based on an old recipe that I changed and made my own. Like fruit? It’s in there. Like spice? It’s in there. Nuts? They’re in there too. This is one of those recipes you can easily make your own by swapping the raisins for cranberries, the pecans for walnuts, the cardamom for cloves… You get the idea.
These could have been named Pumpkin Spice Muffins, but I avoided that moniker since I recently read that, to my dismay, pumpkin spice treats are falling down in the national rankings. Now, I’m a fan. So far this fall, I’ve had pumpkin spice chai, pumpkin spice coffee creamer, and pumpkin spice Cheerios (yummy). A new friend I met at a local crafts group treated us to pumpkin spice pretzels, and they were tasty, too, but I hear that cinnamon, salted caramel, and candy apple flavors are rising in popularity. Cinnamon is such an everyday spice that it really shouldn’t be counted. Salted caramel? Same. Candy apples, I’ll admit, are fall specific, so I understand that one. But for those of us who are lifelong lovers of pumpkin-and-spice goodies, they’re here to stay.
Regular old pumpkins and cans of pumpkin puree probably aren’t going anywhere either, and if making these easy muffins helps you use up some of that pumpkin puree, yippee.
I hope you have a blessed Thanksgiving and take time to remember that there is always, always something to be grateful for—including pumpkins!
Loaded Pumpkin Muffins
o 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
o 1/2 cup sugar
o 2 teaspoons baking powder
o 1/2 teaspoon salt
o 1 teaspoon cinnamon o 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
o 1/4 teaspoon cardamom o 1/2 cup milk
o 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pie filling)
o 1/4 cup butter, melted o 1 large egg
o 1/2 cup raisins
o 1/2 cup chopped pecans, plus extra for garnish
Glaze:
o 1/2 cup powdered sugar
o 2-3 tablespoons milk
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease bottoms of 12 muffin cups with cooking spray. Mix all muffin ingredients just until combined. Batter will be lumpy. Fill each muffin cup 2/3 full. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until tops are beginning to turn golden brown. Immediately remove muffins from pan.
For the glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with enough milk to give you a thin, pourable consistency. I like to spoon mine into a plastic baggie, snip off the tiniest corner possible, then use the baggie to drizzle the glaze over the muffins. If desired, add a final sprinkling of pecans.
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
A Much-Needed Reset
I’ve written before about praying for a best friend when my kids were very young, and God blessed me with a lifelong friendship. He knew what I needed then; a woman of faith and wisdom who had raised her children. She helped me navigate life through the years from having littles to seeing them grown. I’ve been blessed over and over again with wise, Christian women in my life. The term today is “bestie”, and I am blessed with several “besties”.
One of those very special friends visited recently. She and I have been close since we can remember. Actually, we can’t remember but we know we met when my son was a toddler, so it was easily 35 or more years ago.
This was her second visit to my home this year. When she arrives, we have several days together, but when I visit her, it’s going “back home” for me and I have family to include. As a result, she and I only have time for a quick lunch or dinner. At the end of my trip it never fails that I’m exhausted from going from house to house, place to place and longing for more time to spend with those dear to me. A tour of “back home” is sweet, but exhaustive. It’s like a sampling when you’re starving; only seeing those you love briefly so you can get back on the road and home again. When my friends or family visit me, it’s one-on-one time, and I cherish that.
I discovered with her first visit in May, that I experienced a reset that I didn’t even know I needed. There’s something very special about a friend who just lifts the spirits and gives a reprieve just when you need it. When she came in May, we immediately picked up where we left off. If we were awake, we were sharing thoughts, encouragement, stories, concerns, and an endless amount of our hearts. I didn’t realize until the day she returned home that I felt a complete reset. I cleaned house, I organized things that needed attention. I went walking. I did many things that I had procrastinated doing just days before. My friend returned this past weekend. Her visit was wonderful. Day by day, we chatted, shopped, ate and enjoyed movies my husband set up poolside. It was a complete reset, even though I didn’t know I needed one. This time I experienced such gratefulness. Grateful that we could share our faith and
encouragement with one another. Grateful for the comfort of a faithful and wise sister in Christ who is a joy to be with.
It’s okay to need a reset, and it’s particularly special when there’s a friend that God placed in your path who matches your steps. I love that God knows when I need a reset long before I’m aware that I do.
In Paul’s letter to the Roman church, he said “For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you- that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine” (Romans: 1:11-12 ESV).
Friendship is indeed a blessing, and a reset is so refreshing. I’m thankful for both.
Kathy Bohannon is a Christian humorist and inspirational speaker. She crafts on YouTube at Kathy Bohannon Creatively Blessed, and can be reached at kathybohan@yahoo.com
Biomagnetic Pair Yoga Classes
On October 29, 2024, Piedmont Newnan held a Dinner with a Doc in the Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center to educate the community on the latest lung cancer screenings and technologies available. Dr. Windy Dean-Colomb, oncologist at Piedmont Physicians Medical Oncology Newnan, Dr. Diana Santiago, radiation oncologist at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, and Dr. Shankar Kandaswamy, pulmonologist at Piedmont Physicians Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine Newnan, all presented information to attendees while they enjoyed dinner and discussion with these three physicians.
On Thursday, November 14, Lungevity, the nation’s leading lung cancer organization, held a virtual event for Lung Cancer Awareness that was for lung cancer patients and their caregivers. Piedmont Newnan hosted the watch party in the Thomas F. Chapman Family Cancer Wellness Center located at 775 Poplar Road, Suite 340, Newnan. The virtual event was a Zoom event that brought together a panel of physicians and then a panel of oncology support staff, to answer common questions that patients have, provide latest updates in the field and offer hope to those living with lung cancer.
For more information, visit www.lungevity.org/Hope-Atlanta
About Piedmont
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-forprofit 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
Why Lung Cancer Screenings Save Lives
Known as the silent killer due to its lack of symptoms in early stages, lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer, and statistically the most fatal. The American Cancer Society estimates a total of 234,580 newly diagnosed cases in 2024, with African American males 12% more likely to develop lung cancer, making it all the more crucial that those at risk receive screening as soon as possible.
“The most effective way to fight lung cancer is to begin treatment early on,” says William Courson, D.O., who specializes in family medicine, at Piedmont Physicians at Premier Medical in Newnan. “But we can’t do so if you aren’t aware you even have it. Following the guidelines, getting screened if you’re at risk—it’s all about staying on top of your health.”
Who is Eligible for a Lung Cancer Screening?
To qualify:
• Age 50-80
• Smoking history of 20 pack years (one pack a day for 20 years or two packs a day for 10 years)
• Current smoker or stopped in the last 15 years or less
• No current pulmonary symptoms, such as worsening cough, coughing up blood, or shortness of breath
• No unexplained weight loss
So, how does it work? The screening process itself is a straightforward CT scan---no injections or medications are involved. The screening-eligible patient will simply lie still on the table that will slide them through the doughnut-shaped scanner, taking only 20 seconds to complete. Afterward, your physician will then receive your results and follow up with you via phone call to discuss next steps.
In the event that your CT scan comes back with normal results (hooray!), our recommendation is for you to continue annual CT scans so that we can monitor any developments, or ensure you’re actually in the clear. Your nurse navigator will guide you through the entire process and remind you when it is time for your next screening or for additional tests.
*Please note that 30 to 40 percent of lung cancer CT scans show abnormal results. Most of these results will be noncancerous (benign) but abnormal scans require close follow-up and further testing.
If you think you may be at risk for lung cancer, contact with your primary care physician to see if you meet the eligibility criteria for a low-dose CT (LDCT) screening exam.
Zen Monkey’s News and Musings …
Notes from here, there and the Internet …
Main Street Newnan recently hosted their annual Spirits and Spice Festival. The event included local vendors, bouncy castles for the kids, and a chili cook-off. Congratulations to the winners of the cook-off:
Best Vegetarian - Hero Roofing Best Restaurant - Whimzical Cafe
Registration for the city of Newnan’s Annual Christmas Parade is open. The theme is “Christmas Classics.” The parade will take place Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m. For more information, or to register, visit the City of Newnan website.
[ [ [
Why is the pizza box a square if the pizza is a circle and the slice is a triangle?
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2024 ACT results released in October showed that the Coweta County School System’s 2024 graduates overall outscored Georgia and U.S. graduates on the college entrance exam. The school system’s average composite ACT score was 21.4 among its 2024 graduates, compared to an overall national composite score of 19.5 and a Georgia composite score of 21.2.
[ [ [
The percentage of Coweta County School System high school students graduating on-time rose to 91.9 percent for the class of 2024. This year’s 91.9 percent rate slightly tops the Coweta County School System’s previous high of 91.7 percent last year, and the previous high of 91.6 reported in 2020. Coweta County’s overall graduation rate was more than 6 percent higher than the state of Georgia’s 2024 rate, which increased 1 percentage point to 85.4 percent, Georgia’s highest rate ever.
[ [ [
The Pink Posse of Georgia, a local nonprofit that gives funds directly to families impacted by cancer, now has its funds with the Coweta Community Foundation. The Pink Posse was founded in 2006 by Alice Ramsey of Brooks, who was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005. The Pink Posse doesn’t help with medical bills but instead focuses on a very practical need, electricity, helping with electric bills for up to three months.
[ [ [
Fire trucks are really water trucks.
[ [ [
The Coweta Community Foundation said CEO Kristin Webb will be leaving the organization after three and a half years of service. In her time at the CCF, Webb raised over $5 million dollars and administered $2.2 million in grants to the community. Webb has accepted a new position as manager of Communications and Corporate Social Responsibility with Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation in Newnan.
[ [ [
Does a straw have one hole or two?
[ [ [
City of Hope® Cancer Center Atlanta has added Amina Naqvi, M.D., medical oncologist, to their team. In her role, Dr. Naqvi will serve as a member of the City of Hope Atlanta Breast Cancer Center team, utilizing her experience to support and treat patients in all stages of the cancer journey.
[ [ [
How do our brains remember that we forgot something, but we can’t remember what that thing was?
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Spotlight on Home Care & its role in senior’s lives
Every November, we take a moment to celebrate National Home Care and Hospice Month.
It’s a special time to recognize the incredible work of home care and hospice professionals who make a huge difference in people’s lives. This month, I want to shine a spotlight on home care and why it’s so important.
Home care is all about bringing health and support services right to a person’s doorstep. Whether it’s helping someone recover from surgery, manage a chronic condition, or just get through daily activities, home care professionals are there to lend a hand. Home care personalizes care that fits each person’s unique needs.
One of the best things about home care is that it allows seniors to stay in their own home, wherever their home may be, while getting the care they need. This not only makes them feel more comfortable but also helps keep healthcare costs down by reducing the need for hospital stays and emergency room visits.
Home care has a profound impact on both seniors and their families. For seniors, being able to stay at home often leads to better health outcomes and a greater sense of satisfaction. There’s something incredibly comforting about being in a familiar environment surrounded by loved ones, which can really boost a person’s spirits and aid in their recovery.
For families, home care provides much-needed support and relief. Taking care of a loved one with a chronic illness or disability can be incredibly challenging. Home care professionals step in to offer respite, giving family caregivers a chance to rest and take care of their own needs, all while knowing their loved one is in good hands.
Home care professionals are truly the unsung heroes of the healthcare world. Their dedication, compassion and expertise make a world of difference for their seniors. They often form close bonds with the people they care for, becoming
trusted advocates.
Home health aides, typically a CNA or PCA, assist with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, ensuring seniors can live safely and comfortably at home.
National Home Care and Hospice Month is a great opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of home care and advocate for policies that support these vital services. The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) encourages communities, media, and policymakers to recognize the contributions of home care professionals and to support initiatives that enhance access to home care services.
I have owned Home Helpers Home Care for close to 18 years. During this time, I have met some of the most committed, compassionate, professional and empathetic care providers in both home care and hospice. These people don’t do it for the money, they do it because they have a heart for people and enjoy making a difference in someone else’s life.
To all the caregivers serving our seniors, thank you for all you do.
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.
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. Conference rooms. 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
SERVICES
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
NOW HIRING
NOW HIRING – LKQ PICK YOUR PART in Fayetteville, GA is seeking to fill various positions. To apply, visit lkqpickyourpart.com and select ‘Careers.
SMALLCAKES CUPCAKERY in Newnan is seeking Part-Time Closing Cashiers. Stop by their store at 113 Newnan Crossing Bypass to apply.
CAREGIVERS – Home Helpers of GA & AL seeking qualified Caregivers. Available shifts – days, evenings, overnight and/or weekends. Competitive wages, extensive training, supportive work environment and paid time off. Apply online at ApplyToBeACNA.com or call 678.876.5118
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.
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
Out & About
with Katie Anderson
My dad’s Uncle Joe owned and operated Morgan Hardware in Rockmart, GA., starting in the 1940s. His son still runs it today. The business itself has existed for over 100 years. When I was young, I would go in with my grandmother when I was visiting. (My mom’s best friend is my dad’s cousin, and my mom’s parents were great friends with Uncle Joe and Aunt Ruth. Did you follow all of that? If you’re from a small town, you probably did.)
They would all make a fuss over me and make me feel like a celebrity, and then catch up on the day’s news. All the while, customers would come and go, adding to the friendly conversation. Even as a child, I realized that Uncle Joe’s hardware store was a place where everybody knows your name.
The same can be said for our local hardware stores. Coweta has a storied history of family-owned hardware stores; some have closed over time, while many are still operating today. These local staples of the community provide us with more than tools. They are one of the vital threads that make up the fabric of our community.
Hardware History:
Johnson Hardware, Newnan Circa 1876 - late 1980s
Located at the corner of West Court Square and West Broad Street, where Piedmont Fitness is today, Johnson’s Hardware was run by the Hollis family for most of the 20th century.
Hutchinson Hardware, Senoia (Originally Senoia Hardware) Circa late 1800s - 2006
Community Connections: Local Hardware Stores, Past to Present
Newnan Ace Hardware, Newnan Circa 1979 - 2024
Family owned and operated by David and Sharon McMichael since 1979, Newnan Ace Hardware recently closed its doors this past July. The store was located in East Newnan on Poplar Road.
Today:
More than Tools
Present-day hardware store owners have a lot of the same feel as the stores of yesteryear, with modern day challenges. Barry Fleming of Complete Hardware in Tyrone has been in business for 14 years. Fleming says, “the best thing about this business are our customers. They are always so supportive of the business. While the economy and Amazon present challenges, we always try to keep prices as competitive as possible.”
Further south on I-85, you’ll find Tucker Hardware on Franklin Road in Newnan. They offer a myriad of services, including a tackle shop, septic service, and a vintage marketplace. Talk about a onestop shop!
Stalwarts in the business, Billy and Joyce Baker have owned Paper Service and Hardware in Palmetto for 45 years. Billy started the business in 1969 as a paper business, and then expanded into hardware. Incidentally, he’s also a retired Fulton County police officer. He now employs other retired folks – he points out one gentleman retired from the postal service, another from the fire department – because they want something to do and he says “that’s the best kind of employee.” His daughter and granddaughter also work for him and will eventually continue running the family business.
The best part of these small, local businesses? Friendly, helpful staff who care. Where everybody knows your name. And they’re always glad you came.
In the building on Main Street where Table Talk is now, Hutchinson Hardware was run for 50 years by Jimmy Hutchinson from 1956 - 2006. He was also well known as Georgia’s youngest mayor when he was elected as mayor of Senoia in 1961.
Visit Our Local Hardware Stores Today:
Tucker Hardware 11 Franklin Road, Newnan, GA
Paper Service and Hardware 615 Main Street, Palmetto, GA Joyce and Billy Baker
Miles Hardware 2006 Hwy 54 W, Peachtree City, GA
Hometown Hardware 40 Village West Drive, Senoia, GA
Complete Hardware 870 Senoia Road, Tyrone, GA
Big M Hardware 365 LaGrange Street, Grantville, GA
SPORTS CALENDAR
PRO SPORTS
NFL – ATLANTA FALCONS (6-5)*
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, Sun. – Los Angeles Chargers, 1 pm – CBS
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
MLS – ATLANTA UNITED (10-14-10)*
MLS Round 1 Playoffs (Best of 3, ATL wins series 2-1)
Oct. 25 – at Inter Miami … L, 1-2
Nov. 2 – Inter Miami … W, 2-1
Nov. 9 – at Inter Miami ... W, 3-2
MLS Conference Semifinals
Nov. 24, Sun. – at Orlando City, 3:30 pm – Apple TV
NBA – ATLANTA HAWKS (6-8)*
Nov. 6 – New York Knicks … W, 121-116
Nov. 8 – at Detroit Pistons … L, 121-122
Nov. 9 – Chicago Bulls … L, 113-125
Nov. 12 – at Boston Celtics ... W, 117-116
Nov. 15 – Washington Wizards ... W, 129-117
Nov. 17 – at Portland Trail Blazers ... L, 110-114
Nov. 18, Mon. – at Sacramento Kings, late Nov. 20, Wed. – at Golden State Warriors, 10 pm – Bally
The award honors an individual showing outstanding leadership and citizenship within the community, someone who has demonstrated exemplary vision, civic pride, and a strong commitment to a better Coweta. Guidelines for selecting the nominee include:
The nominee should live in Coweta County, and his/her activities should be centered in Coweta County and the surrounding area.
Consideration will be given to those who demonstrate leadership and performance in multiple areas of community service over a period of years.
The nominee may be an individual from any walk of life, and there are no requirements or restrictions relating to gender, age, race, religion or ethnic background.
The deadline is December 2 at 5 p.m.
The ceremony and announcement of the winner will be held January 30, 2025 at the Newnan Centre, located at 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan. The prestigious event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of Coweta County.
Contact Nancy Walden nkwalden@gmail.com for more info.
Get Financial Assistance with Home Heating Bills, Weatherization
As cooler temperatures arrive, we’ll need to turn up the heat in our homes to stay warm and weatherize our houses against cold weather.
Especially with the rising cost of living, some families and individuals might have difficulty affording their heating bills and home repair expenses. Learn about these federal programs that are helping those in need:
LIHEAP
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps low-income households pay the energy bills for heating or cooling their homes.
This year, the LIHEAP application process will open for senior citizens (age 65 and older) and the medically homebound on Dec. 2 at 10 a.m. All other eligible households can make an appointment to begin the application process starting on Jan. 2, 2025 at 10 a.m. To apply, those interested in receiving assistance should visit www.cafi-ga.org to schedule an appointment or call 706-702-3040. When selecting an appointment slot, applicants must choose their county of residence since each county has a budget allocated by the state based on population. If all appointment slots are full, keep checking the application portal for availability.
Then, applicants will complete their application through the Community Action for Improvement (CAFI) agency that assists their county of residence. CAFI has a five-county service area, which includes Coweta, Carroll, Heard, Meriwether and Troup counties.
Applicants will need to bring the following documents to their appointment:
• Proof of income for all household members for the past 30 days.
• Social Security cards for each person in the household.
• Most recent gas and electric bill for the household.
• Valid, U.S. issued photo ID.
To be eligible for assistance, applicants must 1) have a total gross income at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income Guidelines for Georgia, 2) be responsible for paying the cost of energy for the primary home heating source and 3) be a U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted immigrant.
If applicants are approved to receive LIHEAP assistance, they will be informed of the amount that will be applied to their energy bill. The household energy supplier must be a registered vendor for the LIHEAP program with the Department of Human Services. All payments are applied directly to the energy account through the household energy supplier. Applicants should continue to pay their bill to avoid service interruption or additional fees while their application is being processed.
For more information, visit https://www.cafi-ga. org/liheap-faq/.
Home Weatherization
LIHEAP’s Home Weatherization Program helps low-income households reduce their home energy bills by making these homes more energy efficient.
The program provides direct household repairs and energy efficient upgrades that increase the energy efficiency of homes.
Those interested in the program can pick up an application at the Community Action for Improvement office in Newnan at 53 Savannah St. or visit www.cafi-ga.org and select “Click Here for Home Weatherization Application.”
Energy-efficient services offered by the program include: air and duct sealing; wall, floor and attic insulation; heating, ventilation and air conditioning system improvements; energy efficiency improvements in lighting; hot water tank and pipe insulation; water conservation devices; caulking of windows and/or doors; weather stripping; thresholds; energy conservation kit; window panes; testing all gas burning appliances for carbon monoxide; checking heating and cooling units for service or repair; and water heater wrap.
Applications for the program are accepted on a rolling basis, and applicants must meet eligibility requirements. For more information, contact Community Action for Improvement at 706-884-2651.
Protect Your Home Against Weather and Elements
Weatherizing your home, or protecting your home against cold weather, can decrease household energy use and save money on utility bills. The U.S. Department of Energy offers a checklist for wholehouse weatherization:
Mechanical
• Clean, tune, repair or replace heating and/or cooling systems.
• Install duct and heating pipe insulation.
• Install programmable thermostats and secondary user access (SUAC) controls.
• Repair/replace water heaters.
• Install water heater tank insulation.
• Insulate water heating pipes.
• Install solar water heating systems.
• Install waste heat recovery devices.
Building Shell
• Install wall, floor, ceiling, attic and/or foundation insulation.
• Complete blower door testing.
• Perform air sealing.
• Repair/replace primary windows/doors.
• Install storm windows/doors.
• Install window film/solar screens/window louvers and awnings.
• Repair minor roof and wall leaks prior to attic or wall insulation.
Health and Safety
• Complete combustion appliance safety testing.
• Repair/replace vent systems to ensure combustion gas draft is safely outside.
• Install mechanical ventilation to ensure adequate indoor air quality.
• Assess fire hazards. Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms when needed.
• Evaluate mold/moisture hazards.
• Perform incidental safety repairs when needed.
Electric Baseload
• Install motor controls.
• Install efficient light sources.
• Replace refrigerators and freezers with energy efficient models.
The COWETA S HOPPER S HOPPER
Real Estate
Real Estate & The Election – Trends & Myths
Well, the election is over. Like me, you are probably tired of all the texts, calls and advertisements. The election has an effect on all of us. But how much does the election really affect real estate?
Day to day, I've had several buyers and sellers saying that they will “wait until after the election” to make a real estate purchase or sell. Uncertainty of who will win the election and the effects it may have, are causing some potential buyers and sellers to sit on the sidelines and wait. I have seen the local market slow down tremendously recently, but is the election really to blame?
According to Case-Shiller, home prices, on average have climbed 4.84 percent in election years since 1987. In non-election years, values rose 4.44 percent. That might lead to the conclusion that presidential elections are good for the housing market, but the reality is far more nuanced.
“Historically, the housing market doesn’t tend to look very different in presidential election years compared to other years,” says Lisa Sturtevant, chief economist at Bright MLS, a large listing service in the mid-Atlantic region. “It’s really about demographics and the economy.” (bankrate.com).
Some people may believe the election has a negative influence on real estate, but there is no data to show this. The seasonal cycle of real estate, busy spring and summer selling seasons followed by slower fall and winter seasons is normal and has more of an effect on the real estate market than an election.
Interest and mortgage rates, which directly affect a buyer’s buying power, strongly affect real estate as do the supply of listings available to purchase. As of the week of October 21st, 2024, mortgage rates, which
dipped down below six percent recently, are now pushing over seven percent again. This has caused many buyers to pull back and wait. Seasonal real estate cycles and mortgage rate increases are the two largest factors in a slowdown in my opinion.
Sometimes it is easy to blame things on the election cycle. While it does cause uncertainty and fear in some cases, the election has not had a significant influence on real estate. Now, if the newly elected President and their leadership begin to make significant economic changes when elected, we could see some substantial impact on real estate.
Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors and former President
