The Coweta Shopper October 9, 2024 by Ruth Doyal

The COWETA S HOPPER S HOPPER

4-H’ers Showcase Skills at the Coweta County Fair

The lively atmosphere of the Coweta County fairgrounds buzzed with excitement as young 4-H competitors prepared their prized animals to showcase their showmanship abilities. From sleek dairy heifers to fluffy rabbits, stately horses to clucking chickens, and bleating goats to barking dogs, the animal showmanship competitions drew crowds eager to see our 4-H youth showcase their skills in the arena. As judges observed closely, each competitor strived to display not just the beauty and health of their animals, but also the care and knowledge of their animals as well. Competitors are divided by age, 4th-6th grade are Cloverleaf, 7-8th grade are Junior, and 9th-12th grade are Senior.

4-H rabbit showmanship requires participants to demonstrate their knowledge and care of their rabbits. During the competition, exhibitors must handle and present their rabbit to the judge, showing proper techniques for posing, carrying, and examining the animal. They are asked questions about their rabbit’s breed, health, diet, and general care. Good showmanship highlights the exhibitor's knowledge, responsibility, and respect for their animal.

Rabbit Showmanship winners are: Cloverleaf – Tylier Couch, Junior – Hudson Morris, Senior – Avery Pruett 1st, Emma Jones 2nd (Avery Pruett won sweepstakes in 2023 and was not eligible for 2024).

4-H dairy heifer showmanship focuses on how well participants can handle and present their dairy heifer. Exhibitors must lead their animal into the show ring, making sure it stands correctly and moves smoothly. They are judged on their ability to keep the heifer under control, how well they present it to the judge, and their knowledge of the animal’s care and characteristics. The goal is to showcase the exhibitor’s skills, care, and connection with their animal.

Dairy Heifer Showmanship participants included Shane Butcher, Jacob Roberson, Josie Roberson, Caeden Swartz, and Abi Ullom

4-H horse showmanship tests participants on how well they can present and handle their horse in the show ring. Exhibitors are judged on their ability to lead the horse, perform specific maneuvers like backing up and pivoting, and position the horse correctly for inspection. Participants are also expected to answer questions about horse care and handling. The goal is to demonstrate good communication between the exhibitor and horse, showing control, poise, and knowledge.

Horse Showmanship winners are: Cloverleaf – Abigail Scott, Junior – Peyton Sanders, Senior – Avery Pruett.

4-H’ers Showcase Showmanship Skills at Fair story continued on page 2

Matt: Bold As Brass

A Leader That Gets Things Done!

Matt has protected our freedoms and fought against bad policies from Washington. He’s putting money back in our pockets and delivering results for us!

The Brass Tacks:

Returned $5 Billion In Tax Relief for Georgia Families

Provided a Well-Deserved Raise for Our Heroic First Responders and Hardworking Teachers

Supported our Veterans as they return to the workforce

Led the charge to Reform our Foster Care System

Capped Property Tax Increases on Georgia Homeowners

Bill Hammond – Coweta County 4-H Extension Agent

Showmanship Sweepstakes Competitors,Left to Right: Josie Roberson, Ava Lyle, Colin Rhymer, Emma Jones, Caeden Swartz, Hudson Morris.

4-H’ers Skills

continued from page 1

4-H poultry showmanship requires participants to skillfully handle and present their chicken to the judge. Exhibitors must demonstrate how to properly catch, hold, and pose the bird for inspection, while explaining key details about its breed, age, health, and care. The goal of poultry showmanship is to showcase the exhibitor’s knowledge, responsibility, and ability to work calmly with their bird.

Poultry Showmanship winners are – Cloverleaf – Abigail Scott, Junior – Peyton Sanders, Senior – Colin Rhymer.

4-H goat showmanship focuses on how well participants can handle and present their goat in the show ring. Exhibitors must lead the goat, position it correctly, and keep it under control throughout the competition. The exhibitor’s grooming and neat appearance, as well as the goat’s cleanliness and health, are also important. The goal is to highlight the exhibitor’s skills, confidence, and knowledge of goat care.

Goat Showmanship winners are: Cloverleaf – Jacob Roberson, Junior – Ava Lyle, Senior – Josie Roberson

4-H dog showmanship tests how well participants can handle and present their dog to the judge. Exhibitors must guide their dog through a series of patterns, making sure the dog follows commands, moves smoothly, and stands correctly for inspection. The goal is to showcase the exhibitor’s ability to control the dog, overall presentation, the dog's grooming, and the exhibitor’s neatness and appearance.

Dog Showmanship winners are: Cloverleaf – Ashby Norford; Senior – Aliyah Downey

On the final weekend of the fair, the 4-H showmanship competitions come to an end with the grand finale. In this final show, called the “Showmanship Sweepstakes”, junior and senior winners from the livestock shows demonstrate their overall knowledge and showmanship ability of all five livestock species. They are each judged on how well they show the other animal species besides the one in which they qualified for during the previous week. This is quite an accomplishment.

Congratulations to Emma Jones, the 2024 Sweepstakes Grand Champion and Colin Rhymer, the Reserve Grand Champion.

2025 Citizen of the Year

Nominations Open

Hundreds of motorcycle riders, volunteers and friends helped raise more than $20,000 for Coweta FORCE, one of the area’s largest addiction recovery organizations. “Each year, we continue to surpass our goals, and we are beyond grateful for the love and support we receive from our amazing community,” the group said on their Facebook page.

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“Go to bed, you’ll feel better in the morning” is the human version of “Did you turn it off and turn it back on again?”

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West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) recently celebrated a decade-long partnership with the Coweta Samaritan Clinic (CSC), marking the 10th anniversary of the Coweta Samaritan Dental Clinic. The dental clinic has provided basic and restorative dental care to thousands of underserved Coweta County residents while offering invaluable hands-on experience to WGTC’s dental assisting students.

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If someone offered to pay for my food and rent for the next 18 years, I’d do anything they ask of me. But I complained every time I took the trash out while living at my parent’s house.

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October 1

A new Piedmont Urgent Care clinic is now available in Newnan as a convenient health care option to treat minor illnesses and injuries. Located at the intersection of U.S. Highway 29 and Georgia Route 154 across from Publix, Piedmont Urgent Care opened its 74th location Sept. 16 at 35 Arbor Springs Terrace in Newnan. This new facility joins two other Piedmont Urgent Care clinics in Newnan, supporting Piedmont’s mission to provide quality care closer to home.

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When a company offers me a better price after I cancel their subscription, they’re just admitting they were overcharging me.

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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.

The nomination forms and applications will be available on the Newnan Coweta Chamber website, https://www.newnancowetachamber.org.

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 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.

The City of Hope announced that the 2024 Walk for Hope 2K/5K was a huge success. The event, held on September 7 at the City of Hope Cancer Center campus in Newnan, brought together thousands of participants both in person and virtually to raise funds for cancer research, treatment, and patient care. The events united communities across the nation near Los Angeles, Orange County, Chicago and Newnan.

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Somewhere in the world, there is somebody with your dream job that hates going to work every day.

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Around 63% of Americans say that inflation will keep them from buying a new phone this year, according to the personal-finance website WalletHub’s 2024 iPhone Survey. Key facts: impact of inflation: 63% of people say that inflation will keep them from buying a new phone this year. Key facts: Too expensive: 9 in 10 Americans think iPhones are overpriced; Debt dilemma: More than 2 in 5 Americans think buying a new iPhone is worth going into credit card debt; Rich or wasteful? 30% of people categorize someone who always has the newest iPhone as rich, while 27% think of them as wasteful; Keeping up appearances: 42% of Americans think that having the latest phone is important for their self image.

[ [ [ Christmas feels more like a deadline than a holiday.

Downhill Dream: Yamaha’s Soapbox Journey Captured in Award-Winning Film

When a professional in any field finds a

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.

One of the highlights of the year at Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Company, as far as community involvement goes, is that they have received added exposure thanks to an award-winning short film created to showcase their annual Yamaha Downhill Dreams Academy

The Yamaha Downhill Dreams Academy and Coweta Grand Prix took place the last two years in April in Newnan, brought together young contestants and Yamaha employees for an unforgettable experience. In 2023, Bleu Lion Media captured the journey of the Downhill Dream, from Yamaha’s Academy to the thrilling soapbox races at the Coweta Grand Prix ian an 11-minute film.

Virtually every scene involving Yamaha personnel showed how they were affected by working with the young people.

Belize Ellison

Bleu Lion Media documents the excitement of the Downhill Dreams Academy at the Coweta Grand Prix, capturing moments that led to an award winning film. You can view the short film on the Yamaha Newnan’s website under “News”.

Notes from Perry Street

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When I was in high school, my mom had a lumpectomy. It was scary for all of us and my first experience with breast cancer. I remember her discussing what she would do if she did have cancer. My mother was a Yankee filled with moxie and a passion for Jesus Christ.

She was a strong, caring and passionate woman. But she would not listen to anyone who had horror stories about breast cancer and their treatment. My friend and neighbor, Pat Lincoln, said that was a big issue she also faced. Fortunately, my mom’s biopsy was negative. She always advocated for her own health and the health of others. So, being my mother’s daughter, I followed her example by always getting regular mammograms and doing selfbreast exams, including checking your underarm and rib cage right under your breasts.

I remember my mammograms very clearly. The nurse had my breast nice and tight in an X-ray machine. Moments later, she says, “Mrs. Winters, don’t breathe, don’t move … NOW Breathe… DON’T BREATHE, DON’T MOVE!” The nurse reminds me I am in good hands and this is what she does. She re-adjusts me and again takes my breast in her hand as though she is casually picking up an orange at the grocery store. And once again, the nurse says, “Don’t breathe, Don’t move,” and so on.

There have been great advancements in women’s breast health. 3D imaging mammograms are the newest incredible technology. These machines require fewer images and provide greater clarity. But we have to do our part, too. I want to encourage all women to be their own advocates. Find doctors you trust and with whom you can communicate openly and honestly.

Last year at this same time, our friend Josie Exners wrote a powerful column for The Paper. She shared how she found a lump, which led to a double mastectomy, which saved her life. Be swift to contact your doctor if you feel any changes in your breast or anything in your body.

I want to honor some of our friends who have lost their fight with breast cancer.

Dona Eley and I were friends and counselors and attended church in Alaska together. Dona was diagnosed in 2014 and passed away from metastatic Breast Cancer in January 2024. She shared her journey in an incredible blog that has left an indelible mark on many lives.

Judy Wilson was one of my mother’s best friends throughout her life and her daughter JoQueta was my dear friend. Judy was diagnosed in 1991 with breast cancer and passed away in 2002 from metastatic breast cancer.

Our neighbor Barbara Bates Lee lost her stepdaughter at just 41 to breast cancer. Her stepdaughter was afraid and knew something was not right, but by the time she sought medical help, it was too late. She left behind her husband and two young children. As Barbara said “You CAN survive… If you pay attention!

I also want to honor some of my dear friends who are breast cancer survivors.

Vonda Holbrook and I were high school friends, and I was her maid of honor, Vonda was diagnosed in 2006 at 40 years old when she found her own lump and she had a double mastectomy. Vonda went back to school to become a nurse. Vonda’s mom was diagnosed in 1992 and passed away from metastatic breast cancer in 2000.

Emily Chandler Westergreen, owner of Underground Runway, was just 37 when she discovered she had breast cancer; she too had a double mastectomy. Donna Owens just retired and closed Parlor 34 Hair, but she was 45 and then 60 when she had breast cancer. My neighbor Pat Lincoln was diagnosed 2011 and she found her own lump. All these women are still cancer-free and a fabulous inspiration to me and so many others.

These are just a few of my dear friends touched by breast cancer. I share their stories to give us all hope and encouragement.

This is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Be aware. You are not too busy - make the time. Do it for yourself and those you love.

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

Ruth Harris Doyal, Pagination 770.254.1421 • info@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.

770.254.1421 info@wintersmedia.net wintersmedia.net

Screening Mammograms Key for Early Detection of Breast Cancer

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in her lifetime, making breast cancer one of the most common types of cancer among women. In 2024, the American Cancer Society estimates that more than 310,720 cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S., and more than 42,000 women will die from breast cancer.

Although U.S. deaths associated with breast cancer continue to decline, more can still be done to increase early detection and survival rates. Mammography is the best way to screen for breast cancer, checking for the disease before symptoms appear. A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast that can detect abnormalities in the breast tissue. Regular mammography screening has been shown to lower the risk of dying from breast cancer. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recommends routine mammograms for women starting at age 40. Women are encouraged to speak with their primary care physician about their risk factors, as well as to determine the right time for them to start getting mammograms.

Mammogram technology has greatly improved, and the Piedmont Newnan Hospital imaging centers are is recognized by The American College of Radiology as a Breast Imaging Centers of Excellence. The Faye Hendrix-Ware Breast Health Center (BHC) and Piedmont Outpatient Center (POC) at Piedmont Newnan both offer the latest in breast imaging, including tomosynthesis 3-dimensional (3D) breast imaging and breast biopsy. Tomosynthesis 3-dimensional breast imaging produces a series of contiguous, thin slices of breast tissue allowing doctors to examine breast tissue one layer at a time. The centers also

offer breast ultrasound along with ultrasound guided biopsy and bone densitometry. Screening mammography exams remain the gold standard for breast examination.

For patients who do learn they have breast cancer and require treatment, Piedmont Newnan has a medical oncologist, Windy Dean-Colomb, M.D., breast surgeons, an on-site infusion center, and a nurse navigator

dedicated to helping breast cancer patients. Although no screening test is 100% effective, the combination of routine self-breast exams, an annual clinical breast exam, and mammography have been shown to be very effective means of screening for breast cancer.

To schedule your mammogram, visit piedmontmammo.org

Early detection saves lives

Schedule your mammogram today.

The American College of Radiology (ACR) guidelines recommend a baseline mammogram at the age of 40 and a yearly screening afterwards for women of average risk.

Empower yourself and book your mammogram today at piedmontmammo.org or schedule on the Piedmont MyChart patient portal.

Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia’s growth through safe, high-quality care close to home through an integrated health care system that provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization with more than 12,000 donors annually that for centuries has sought to make a positive difference in every life we touch in the communities we serve. Across our 1,755 physical locations we care for more than 4 million patients and serve communities that comprise 85 percent of Georgia’s population. This includes 25 hospitals, 74 Piedmont Urgent Care centers, 25 QuickCare locations, 1,875 Piedmont Clinic physician practices and nearly 3,200 Piedmont Clinic members. Our patients conveniently engage with Piedmont online, as they scheduled more than 612,000 online appointments and over 163,000 virtual visits. With more than 47,000 care givers we are the largest Georgia-based private employer of Georgians, who all came for the job, but stayed for the people. In 2024 and 2023, Piedmont has earned recognition from Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and also as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. In 2022, Forbes ranked Piedmont on its list of the Best Large Employers in the United States. In addition, Piedmont provided nearly $390 million in community benefit programming and uncompensated care in Fiscal Year 2023.

For more information, or booking your next appointment, visit piedmont.org.

About Piedmont

Botox

Facial

Kathy Bohannon’s Front Porch Stories

Helene

There are times in life that we become, for whatever circumstances, acutely aware of our shortcomings. When hurricane Helene blasted through parts of the southeast, I discovered a plethora of my own shortcomings. That discovery is not pretty.

Our power went out and at this writing, has been out for nearly 24 hours. It’s hot. Though there are no toddlers in my home, the furniture feels sticky. I have a battery-operated lantern beside me as I pen this essay. I’m dressed in as little as possible because people keep coming to our door. If not for that I wouldn’t be dressed in anything except for what momma called “underroos”. I have forgone anything with a waistband and have succumbed to what can only be called a mu-mu. It’s from a dollar store, purchased by my husband in a season where I had surgery and needed something practical. It is currently the uniform of the day, with prancing elephants and mosaic-link stripes. As much as I dislike it, it has proved to be perfect for things like surgery recovery and a season of no air conditioning.

I’m old enough to remember when there was no such thing as Internet and cell phones. We wished for “TV” phones, where we could communicate face to face. We wished we didn’t have to untangle that long,

stretched-out cord from the kitchen wall just to be able to go into the adjoining room for some phone privacy.

As far as the Internet is concerned, we didn’t wish for anything there, because it was not on our radar. We had a full shelf of encyclopedias that our parents made payments on for 18 months. Anything and everything we ever needed was found in those heavy tomes marked A-B, then C-D and so on.

We had transistor radios that would squawk and squeal as we dialed between stations. At some point we even had something called FM that offered clear, amazingly high-tech sound. Who could want for anything else?

In a whoosh of time, we came into the era of high-speed Internet, buried power lines and cell phones that can do more than those old freezing computer rooms.

Besides my attire, here’s what isn’t pretty: I am hot. There is no Internet. I needed to know how my grandchild is after a hospital stay, but there is no cell service. My text messages are sporadic and few are going through. I finally got confirmation that she is doing well tonight.

Also not pretty: there is a generator that is buzzing a constant reminder of our despair. I am beyond thankful that it is keeping our refrigerators running, but if the power doesn’t come on soon I can’t be held responsible for what I might do in this ugly mu-mu.

Certainly worse than anything we are experiencing are those dealing with flooding, being stranded, needing the basic necessities and coping with loss of life. Our prayers go out to all of them as well as the workers trying to assist.

Tomorrow is another day. I am hoping to toss that elephant mu-mu into the washing machine and dryer, then hang it up for the next crisis. I’m hoping to reply to the many texts that I haven’t been able to reply to. Yes, I am spoiled and wouldn’t last five minutes in one of those off-grid places that so many want to live in. I’ve already lived there; it was called the 1970s.

Edit: We now have power and water, waiting on cell and Internet. Please pray for North Carolina. Kathy Bohannon can be reached at kathybohan@yahoo.com

COWETA S HOPPER S HOPPER

Katherine Anders

It Is a Good Time To Buy

After much speculation all year, interest rates have finally decreased. The Federal Reserve met and released a statement on September 18th saying they reduced the federal funds rate by a half percentage point. Some analysts expected a quarter point decrease, so half a point was a nice surprise. Many experts think this is the first of many reductions, so we will need to keep any eye on that. Mortgage rates typically decrease when the federal funds rate is reduced.

Linda Walden, a local Newnan lender with Fairway Mortgage, spoke at our office this week. Linda said she is currently writing home loans at 5.75%. While that may not be the high two or three percent range of a few years ago, a 5.75% mortgage rate is excellent historically.

Not only are mortgage rates falling and expected to decrease more, but the local real estate market has significantly softened. The last few weeks are the slowest, as far as showings, buyer traffic, and offers, that I have seen all year. We are seeing more price reductions on listings, seller-paid closing costs (especially with new construction), and more open houses to try and generate traffic for sellers. While some of this is seasonal (the real estate market begins to slow down in the fall), the change is more significant than usual this year in my opinion. This is a good thing for a buyer. Listing inventory has increased dramatically as well. Buyers have more choices, as far as properties, than they have had in years. At the time that I am writing this article, there are 719 residential listings for sale in Coweta County per the Georgia Multiple Listing System (GAMLS). While still low historically, this is the highest amount I have seen in many years.

Pricing has decreased slightly also. The average sales price in Coweta County, $456,736, was down two percent from August of 2023 to August of 2024 per GAMLS. I expect the price decrease to be larger in September. All the market factors like mortgage rates, listing supply, and pricing are shaping up nicely for buyers. If you have been waiting to purchase, now is a good time to jump back in the real estate market.

Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors and former President of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors.

Jess Barron

MLS #10296913

October Daily Menu

SUNDAY: German Chocolate, Apple Crisp

MONDAY: Cookie Butter Cheesecake, Caramel Macchiato

TUESDAY: Pumpkin Biscoff, White Russian, GLUTEN-FREE

WEDNESDAY: Maple Bacon, Chocolate Caramel Mocha

THURSDAY: Caramel Apple Butter Pecan, Stuffed French Toast, VEGAN

FRIDAY: Pecan Sandie, Oatmeal Cream Pie, GLUTEN-FREE, Baker’s Choice

SATURDAY: Pumpkin Cheesecake, Fall Pumpkin Ale, Baker’s Choice

The

Kitchen with Angela

Perfect for Soup Weather: Mrs.

Perkerson’s Cheese Biscuits

I am always on the prowl for vintage cookbooks. The find is even better if it happens to be a local cookbook containing some Coweta names of yesteryear. One such book I came across in a downtown Newnan antique shop years ago was titled Strictly Personal: The Family Book, and it was published by the American Legion Auxiliary, Alvin Hugh Harris Unit No. 57.

There’s no publication date I can find, although a note about the club mentions something that happened in 1952, so it was obviously published after that. The ads in the book were a delight to read, as some of these businesses were already long gone by the time I arrived here in the late eighties.

Newnan Dry Goods Company was located at No. 3 Greenville St., and the phone number was AL 3-5156. Newnan Bowling Lanes, Inc., with “16 AMF Lanes for Your Bowling Pleasure,” was on the Atlanta Highway North. Newnan Motor Company advertised its vehicles for sale at 115 Temple Avenue, and Coweta Dairies, with offices at the Temple Avenue Extension, boasted of its All-Jersey Milk. Milk not your thing? Pepsi-Cola and Coca-Cola were advertisers as well, and radio station WCOH cleverly referred to itself as “Your Best Recipe to Good Listening!”

There are plenty of tempting recipes in the book. I like the ingredients in Mrs. Opal Johnson’s Russian Tea recipe, and I wonder if Mrs. Ples Lambert’s Buttermilk Spoon Bread tastes like the wonderful spoon bread I savored at a Kentucky inn years ago. Mrs. David Burnham’s Waldorf-Astoria Chocolate Nut Cake boasts enough chocolate and nuts to make that one a real contender, and the White Cake (Coconut) by Mrs. Dorsey Beavers is also on my must-try list.

And since I tend to make a lot of soups in the fall, I pay attention to any new (or new “vintage”) recipes for biscuits, cornbread, and the like, since these breads are great accompaniments to soup and chili. For that reason, Mrs. J. F. Perkerson’s Cheese Biscuits recipe caught my eye.

I happened to have all the ingredients on hand, and while a cheesy biscuit dough sounded as if it might be fussy to work with, it wasn’t. This dough came together easily, and that pinch of paprika gives these biscuits the perfect bit of pizzazz.

Recipe

Mrs. J. F. Perkerson’s Cheese Biscuits

o 2 cups all-purpose flour

o 4 teaspoons baking powder

o 1/2 teaspoon salt

o 1/4 teaspoon paprika

o 4 tablespoons shortening

o 2/3 cup grated cheese, mild (I’m a rebel and used sharp)

o 2/3 cup milk

o 2 teaspoons prepared mustard

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Sift dry ingredients together. Cut in shortening, then add grated cheese, milk, and mustard; work in lightly with a fork. Toss dough onto floured board, then pat it out and roll into 1/2-inch thickness and cut out with a biscuit cutter. Place biscuits onto an ungreased cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until lightly browned. Yields one dozen 2-1/4-inch biscuits.

Weatherproof Your Home, Avoid Storm-Related Scams

Extreme weather events, such as tornadoes and hurricanes, and colder temperatures, can cause extensive and costly damage to our homes. To save time and money, it’s important to prepare your home for inclement weather, as well as avoid falling prey to storm-related scams.

Here are some tips on how to protect your home and wallet during weather-related emergencies from Progressive Casualty Insurance Co., American Red Cross, Georgia’s Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner and Georgia’s Office of the Attorney General.

Prepare Your Home

Trim your trees

To protect your home and neighbors’ homes from falling trees, trim the branches near your house and identify trees that are dead, dying or diseased. Also, look for limbs that are weak, broken or too close to your house. Hire a professional treecutting and removal service to avoid damaging your trees, according to Progressive Casualty Insurance Company.

Weatherproof your home

When intense storms are forecasted, cover windows and doors (including sliding glass and garage doors) with plywood. Inspect windows and doors for cracks, rot or drafts, and seal openings and gaps with caulk to prevent water leaks and bugs from entering. Examine your roof and make repairs to seal openings and secure loose roofing materials. Keep gutters clean to collect and move rainwater away from the home and help prevent leaks from getting into siding, the attic or the home’s foundation. Also, install storm shutters over windows and doors in advance.

Secure loose objects

Strong winds can send loose objects flying at high speeds that can cause damage. If storms are on the way, bring objects inside that aren’t anchored down or store them securely. This includes outdoor furniture, tools, lawnmowers and other equipment. If you have a boat on a trailer, anchor the trailer to the ground or store it in a garage.

Arrange for backup power

In case of power outages, consider purchasing a generator to power essential appliances. This could prevent losing food stored in your refrigerators and freezers. There are several types of generators, including small recreational units that can power a single appliance, to standby models that can power your entire house, according to Progressive

Casualty Insurance Company.

Use ice to preserve food, medicine If the power goes out and you don’t have a generator, have ice ready in a cooler to keep food and medicine in your refrigerator and freezer cool so that it won’t spoil. Also, avoid opening and closing your refrigerator and freezer unnecessarily, which lets out cool air.

Gather basic supplies

Before an emergency or disaster occurs, it’s important to gather supplies for an emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or if you need to evacuate. Here are some recommended items from the American Red Cross:

• Water: one gallon per person, per day (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

• Food: non-perishable, easy-to-prepare items (3-day supply for evacuation, 2-week supply for home)

• Flashlight

• Battery-powered or hand-crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)

• Extra batteries

• First aid kit

• Medications (7-day supply) and medical items

• Multi-purpose tool

• Sanitation and personal hygiene items

• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)

• Cell phone with chargers

• Family and emergency contact information

• Extra cash

• Emergency blanket

• Map(s) of the area

Handle Business Affairs

Secure important documents

In case your home experiences storm damage or you need to evacuate, place important documents in waterproof containers or back them up digitally.

Review your insurance policy

Look at your homeowners insurance policy to understand what is covered regarding stormrelated damage. Contact your insurance company to find out if windstorms, such as hurricanes, are covered on your policy, according to Progressive Casualty Insurance Company.

Take inventory

Before a storm occurs, it’s important to take precautions. In a press release, Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King urged Georgians to follow these tips before and after Hurricane Helene.

• Prior to the storm, make a list of all your covered items (furniture, electronics, appliances, valuables, etc.). Keep an electronic copy of this list, which should include pictures.

• Write down and photograph all property damage, including broken windows, damaged roofs, lost personal items and more.

• Notify your insurance company of any damages immediately.

• Do not attempt significant or permanent repairs.

• If it’s safe to do so, cover your roof with a tarp or board up broken windows but leave significant repairs to the experts.

• Save all receipts. They will be useful if you file a claim with your insurance company.

Avoid Storm-related Scams

Attorney General Chris Carr warns Georgians to be on the lookout for possible storm-related scams related Hurricane Helene.

“Unfortunately, criminals will often try to take advantage of those impacted by severe weather,” Carr said in a release from the Office of the Attorney General. “Make sure you know how to spot and report a scam before turning over your hard-earned dollars, and contact our Consumer Protection Division if you’re in need of assistance.”

These scam artists, known as storm chasers, “may ask homeowners for up-front payments for home repair service and then disappear without ever doing the work. Or scammers may charge exorbitant prices for tree removal, charge you for unnecessary repairs or do substandard work.

Scammers may offer to cover the homeowner’s insurance deductible and persuade homeowners to give fake reports to the insurance company, potentially implicating the homeowner in a case of insurance fraud,” according to a press release from the Office of the Attorney General.

The Attorney General’s Consumer Protection

Division offers tips to help consumers avoid scams and other fraud in the aftermath of a storm:

• Steer clear of any contractor who asks for full payment up-front, only accepts payment in cash, or refuses to provide you with a written contract.

• Avoid door-to-door offers for home repair work. Instead, ask friends and neighbors for referrals.

• Be skeptical of any contractor that offers to pay your insurance deductible or offers other no-cost incentives, which can be signs of a scam. Always talk to your insurance company before committing to any storm-related repairs or inspections.

• Ask contractors for references and check them out.

• Check with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see if there are any complaints against the business.

• Ensure that the contractor has the required licensing and/or affiliation:

• Tree Removal: Check with the International Society of Arboriculture to make sure the person has a valid arborist license.

• Water Damage and Mold: Only hire businesses that are local and qualified in mold remediation and property restoration. To find local contractors and restorers, check with the Society of Cleaning and Restoration Technicians and the Restoration Industry Association.

• Contractors: General contractors, electricians, plumbers, and heating and air conditioning contractors must be licensed with the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. To look up a contractor, visit sos.ga.gov. Please note that certain specialty occupations such as roofers, tree removal services, painters, drywall contractors and repair handymen are not required to be licensed by the state.

• Legitimate contractors should be able to provide the following:

• Business license

• General liability insurance

• Workers compensation insurance

• Written manufacturer warranties

• Written labor warranties

• Public adjusters are also required to carry a license to do work in Georgia. Before hiring a public adjuster to do any work on your behalf, call the Insurance Commissioner’s Office at 1-800656-2298 to verify that he/she is licensed and that his/her contract has been approved.

For additional info, visit https://consumer. georgia.gov/consumer-topics/storms-fraud.

As October rolls in, it brings with it Long-Term Care Planning Month — an important period dedicated to raising awareness about the significance of preparing for future health and wellness needs.

This observance serves as a reminder to individuals and families to think proactively about long-term care, which can often be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Long-term care (LTC) encompasses a range of services designed to support individuals who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. These services can include assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and managing medications, as well as more intensive medical care. As people live longer and medical advances extend life expectancy, planning for long-term care becomes increasingly essential.

One of the primary reasons for long-term care planning is the unpredictable nature of health. Chronic conditions and disabilities can develop at any age, and the need for care can arise suddenly due to accidents or illnesses. Without proper planning, individuals and families may face significant emotional and financial stress when the need for care arises unexpectedly.

Financially, long-term care can be a substantial burden. According to recent statistics, the cost of long-term care services is rising, and it can quickly deplete personal savings. Medicare and most private health insurance plans provide limited coverage for long-term care, which means many individuals are left to cover the costs out-of-pocket or through longterm care insurance.

Steps to Effective Long-Term Care Planning

1. Assessing Needs: The first step in long-term care planning is to assess potential needs. This involves evaluating current health status, family medical history, and lifestyle.

2. Exploring Financial Options: Long-term care insurance is a critical component of many people’s plans. It can help cover costs that Medicare does not. Additionally, setting aside savings specifically for long-term care expenses or investing in financial

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products designed for this purpose can provide an extra layer of security.

3. Legal and Financial Planning: Creating a comprehensive plan often includes establishing a durable power of attorney, living wills, and health care proxies. These legal documents ensure that an individual’s wishes are followed regarding medical care and financial decisions if they become incapacitated.

4. Discussing with Family: It’s important to have open discussions with family members about long-term care preferences and plans. This can help manage expectations and avoid conflicts later on. Engaging in these conversations early can also provide peace of mind and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Long-Term Care Planning Month is more than just a reminder; it’s an opportunity to start or reassess planning strategies. It’s a chance to educate oneself about the potential needs and costs associated with long-term care and to take proactive steps to address them.

By focusing on planning now, individuals can avoid unexpected hardships and ensure that their future care needs are met with dignity and comfort. If you need help, contact a Geriatric Case Manager, or email me.

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.

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