The Weekly August 16, 2023

Local Breweries Are Having A Moment

By Katie Anderson

With almost 10,000 craft breweries in the US, Newnan-Coweta has become well represented. Younger drinkers might be right in saying that craft brew ain’t their granddaddy’s beer, but to be fair, local breweries have become the place to hang out for all ages – from granddaddies to grandbabies.

On any given evening, the brewery scene is full of young families with their kids, Gen Xers with their adult kids, and Boomers filling up large tables with family and friends. Dogs are always present. It’s like the old neighborhood block party, but at a brewery, with better beer.

The brewery furor has hit our area and based on the crowds showing up, we are here for it. All offer a fun assortment of events, from trivia nights and corn hole tournaments to live music and food trucks. Here’s a rundown of our thriving local spots.

*Volunteer, self-appointed-expert taste testers assisted in giving notes, on multiple evenings. (We thank them for their sacrifice.)

Abide Brewing Company

These guys walked so the others could run. We salute Newnan’s oldest brewery for paving the way.

Co-founders Evan Scanian, Phillip Leonard, and Matt Kapusta started as hobby brewers, and opened Abide in 2015. Being the first, they had to deal with squaring away legal issues, on top of making great beer and running a business.

Fast forward to today: the Wertz Industrial Boulevard brewery has a taproom, an indoor game area, a stage area, and an outdoor space for games and food trucks. High on our testers’ list were Riverfest IPA, “a smoother IPA”, Asian Persuasion, “clean”, “ginger notes”,

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LOCAL BREWERIES continued from page 1

and Jalapeno Riverfest IPA, “great for Mexican food”, “just a hint of jalapeno.” The Watermelon Sour also received high marks as “refreshing for summer.”

Cochran Mill Brewing Company

Father and son duo Ed and Jett Hattaway, from Chattahoochee Hills, started out brewing in a basement speakeasy. They decided to make it official in Fairburn: not too far from Atlanta, but still with rural vibes.

be that brewery where you walk in and instantly feel like you’re at home. We have had proposals, weddings, family reunions, and all sorts of pivotal events happen here. It’s great when a place becomes more than just what it sells.”

Line Creek Brewing Company – The Reserve

When naming their brewery, co-founders Paul Costick, Brian Messer, Matt Ramsey, and Paul Schwinne were inspired by the creek in their backyard. Line Creek Brewing Company/The Reserve had their Grand Opening in June 2023 in downtown Newnan, with the goal to “serve the community, simply and naturally.”

They offer certain beers all year round, adding seasonal picks and limited editions to rotate on a weekly basis. At the Grand Opening, they released their Newnan Light Lager, rated “an easy-drinking summer beer” by our testers. Other tester favorites were the Hazy’s Galaxy Quest IPA, “juicy and fruity”, and for non-beer drinkers, the Peach Seltzer was “light and fresh.”

Savor your selections inside the taproom, or catch the live music from the large covered patio, the biergarten, or the kid-(and cornhole) friendly astroturf field.

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Head Brewer Mark Warner said, “We specialize in malt forward beers that are well balanced. Our best seller by far is our Dick ‘N the Dirt English IPA. Next to that our Wampus Kat Belgian Triple, and Zombie Harambe New England IPA are always wildly popular whenever they are on.” Our testers agreed, and also loved the margarita seltzer, a nice option for non-beer drinkers.

So what’s the best part of running a brewery? According to Warner, “The best part is bringing the community together. We want to

Piedmont NEWNAN

Piedmont

Is

Nationally

Recognized

for its Commitment to Providing High-quality Cardiovascular Care

Piedmont has received 15 American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines and Mission: Lifeline achievement awards for demonstrating commitment to following up-to-date, research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke, ultimately leading to more lives saved, shorter recovery times and fewer readmissions to the hospital.

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke or heart attack, and heart disease and stroke are the No. 1 and No. 5 causes of death in the United States, respectively. Studies show patients can recover better when providers consistently follow treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines and Mission: Lifeline put the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the latest evidence- and research-based guidelines. As a participant in both programs, Piedmont qualified for the awards by demonstrating how the organization has committed to improving quality care.

Piedmont Newnan was awarded: Get With The Guidelines- Stroke Gold Plus Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll

Local Junior Volunteers Complete Summer Program

“Piedmont is committed to improving care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely and proper care for heart attacks and strokes and we continue to make improvements in our Neurosciences Line in Atlanta to make it one of the top programs in the country,” William Blincoe, M.D., Chief of Staff of Piedmont’s Physician Enterprise. “The Mission: Lifeline and Get With The Guidelines programs make it easier for our teams to put proven knowledge and guidelines to work on a daily basis, which helps us ensure more people in Georgia experience longer, healthier lives.”

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness Month

August is National Breastfeeding Awareness

Month and Piedmont is joining in the celebration of this year’s theme, This is Our Why. Piedmont is dedicated to ensuring every family that chooses breastfeeding receives resources as we support, promote and protect breastfeeding to ensure their success.

“We are well aware of the benefits of breastfeeding for babies and mothers,” said Lewis Jackson, M.D., Piedmont’s regional medical director for pediatrics and a practicing pediatrician with Piedmont Physicians Group. “Studies show breastfeeding protects babies from various diseases and conditions such as ear infections, asthma, and obesity. For mothers, breastfeeding may lower the risk of certain cancers, Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and reduces the risk of developing heart disease later in life.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 60 percent of mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended due to an absence of ongoing support. Piedmont’s physicians and dedicated lactation specialists strive to ensure mothers receive education, resources, and support throughout the baby’s first years.

Piedmont Newnan offers Breastfeeding Basics classes free of charge for expecting parents in the community, as well as inpatient

and outpatient lactation support by on-staff certified lactation consultants. Our experienced pediatricians also work with families on an individualized plan that works best for mom and baby post-delivery.

“Each family’s breastfeeding experience is unique, which can present different needs and/ or challenges,” said Dr. Jackson. “Establishing a plan together, we find the techniques that work best for each family to provide the most benefit to babies and moms.”

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend exclusive breastfeeding for about six months. Breastfeeding, along with complimentary foods should continue for the next six months and for as long as both mom and baby desire.

Online resources can also provide information on the benefits of breastfeeding. The United States Breastfeeding Committee, www. usbreastfeeding.org, has resources dedicated to key facts about breastfeeding. Additional resources can be found from the American Academy of Pediatrics, www.aap.org, and the CDC, www.cdc.gov

For information on maternity services at Piedmont or to find a physician for your child or family, visit piedmont.org

745 Poplar Road, Newnan, GA 30265

770.400.1000 • www.piedmont.org

Piedmont Newnan Hospital would like to thank this year’s Junior Volunteers that just completed their summer program at the hospital. The program is not an internship, but rather a volunteer opportunity for rising 10th, 11th and 12th grade students from Coweta County, as well as the children and grandchildren of Piedmont Newnan employees and volunteers.

“The Junior Volunteer program is a service to Piedmont Newnan and provides an opportunity for students to gain exposure to a hospital environment while contributing to their community,” said Jeannie Johns, Volunteer Services Specialist at Piedmont Newnan.

Junior volunteers serve in various departments throughout the hospital, including inpatient floors, the Emergency Department, Supply Chain, the Mother/Baby unit, Engineering, Respiratory, Imaging, Cardiac, Dietary, Patient Access, EVS, and Rehab Services. Junior volunteers receive a free lunch and also build relationships through their experience.

“Our program has so much to offer students that are looking for a career path in the medical field,” said Jeannie Johns. “They donate their time over the summer and bring so much joy to our patients and staff. Students also have an opportunity to learn firsthand about different roles within the hospital and it helps them navigate career paths and college choices. It

truly is an awesome program for students and I love watching them grow and learn from it.”

Piedmont Newnan started the Junior Volunteer program to give students in the community an opportunity to explore a career in healthcare.

“While volunteering with us, students may see themselves entering the healthcare field, or they may learn that it is not their calling,” said Johns. “It is good to have new experiences, learn what you are passionate about, and start making plans concerning your career path. In short, this is a growing experience.”

Students that participate in the program commit to volunteering a minimum of four hours a week throughout the summer program, which is offered in June and July each year.

If you have questions about volunteer opportunities at Piedmont Newnan Hospital, please contact Piedmont Newnan Volunteer Services at PNH.Auxilliary@piedmont.org. The applications for next year will be available in December, and can be picked up at the hospital’s front desk or by emailing Volunteer Services. The program is limited to a certain number of participants each year and students who are accepted must be able to attend a two-hour orientation the first week of June.

Save the Date for Piedmont Newnan Soiree – Friday, November 17 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Newnan Centre, benefitting Piedmont Newnan Oncology Services. For more information on sponsorships and tickets, visit give.piedmont.org/newnansoiree

Piedmont’s Transition to Practice Nurse Residency Program is designed for new graduate nurses or nurses with less than one year of hospital experience, to gain valuable nursing experience in the field.

Kate Harris with Patient Access Jordyn Riley supply chain Kemora and Lidia eating lunch

Notes from Perry Street

“The Baby” is off to college.

It is hard to wrap our heads around the fact our youngest is leaving the nest. I’m sure many of you know what I’m talking about.

We tried to quit calling the youngest “The Baby,” but he was always good about it. Not only is he heading off to college this August, he’s also celebrating his 20th birthday. Time goes by so fast. I remember a particular day when I went to pick up “The Baby” and I couldn’t lift him anymore. He had grown up. I cried that day and knew we had stepped into a new season of life. We had entered these new seasons before - I remember the last time I nursed him and knew that was the last baby I would have. I cried that day too as I stepped into that season of life.

I was now a full-time mom and wife. My counseling and Life Coaching career would go on hold for many years. That is often what moms do. I was known as Levi’s, Seth’s, and Caleb’s mom. Life was about show and tell, school parties, campfires, reading to their class and carpool lines and becoming Boy Scouts. It was learning to love bugs, dirt, snakes, camping and just doing life with lots of boy hugs! We love the Three SONS of Thunder. Each son has their own unique style, personality and vibe. “The Baby” is known by everyone, including adults, as an “Old Soul.” He is also Master Shifu, who dispels his “wise words” at just the right moment. He is generous beyond measure and is a master storyteller.

Even though I was in mom mode “The Baby” often reminded me of some of my past successes and would literally say “Mom … don’t forget you got a Master’s degree and raised $500,000 dollars for the hospital.” He saw the best in everyone, and was quick to point out my best, something we as women and moms can forget about.

Winters taught all the SONS key lessons he learned and wanted to make sure they followed: Your word is your bond; honor your mother and marry someone like her; friends are not about quantity, but quality. Honor God. “Fear” no man but one - a Jewish carpenter from centuries ago. He taught them all how to cook. The Baby, okay, enough with that, let’s move on to Levi. He and Winters share a special passion for creating unforgettable recipes. Levi has his own chef knives and is known for waking up in the middle of the night to make his famous “no-knead bread.” We give his salsa, well it was mine at first but he perfected it, as Christmas gifts. He and Winters can spend hours watching cooking shows into the wee hours.

I prayed this day would come but I am not sure John Winters did. I believe he hoped the two of them would just freeze in time. Cooking and continuing to run our companies with us. Since 9th grade, Levi has done work-based learning. He would walk from Newnan High School after classes to work for Winters Media & Publishing. He and Winters spent almost every day together after school.

The youngest helped our team make Winters Media, The Paper and The Weekly what it is today. He wrote checks, balanced accounts, was our photographer at special events, designed our logos and helped deliver our publications. I have a feeling Winters will be texting Levi new recipes to try … and getting him to at least try journalism school.

I will end with what I told the two other SONS of Thunder as they left for college, “Fly my precious SON … you are ready to fly.”

The Weekly Staff

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 Weekly is published by Winters Media & Publishing, Inc., P. O. Box 757, Newnan, GA 30264

John A. Winters, President Corby Carlin Winters, Vice President

The Weekly is our new publication, which replaces The Shopper. From 1989, the Shopper successfully served the area. The Weekly will not only continue that tradition but expand its focus on consumer-related articles for our readers and our commitment to help promote local businesses and nonprofits.

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 Weekly 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

Yamaha

at our facility in Newnan, Georgia, due to our continued growth.

team

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, Welders, 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:

The Recipe

Weekly Kitchen with Angela

Nutty Crackers an Easy, Tasty Treat

Years ago, I was assigned to interview a local woman who had written a book about depression. Frankly, I wasn’t looking forward to it. What could be drearier than talking to some sad person, right? Imagine my surprise when the beautiful Martha Maughon greeted me with a smile on her face and a friend by her side. An afternoon of delightful conversation ensued as we talked about her helpful book, Why Am I Crying?

(This was when I first learned that depression isn’t always visible on the outside, and I was young and had a lot to learn about life, so please give me some grace here.)

Aside from all that I learned that memorable afternoon, I also remember how Martha and her lovely friend were raving over some “crazy” new recipe they had just discovered. Basically, you covered saltines with melted butter and brown sugar, baked them, then topped them with chocolate chips and allowed the chocolate to melt before covering them with pecans. The result was a toffee-like confection that became quite the rage for a while, and I was happy to rediscover that old faithful recipe a few years ago.

Martha is in heaven now, and I’ve never forgotten how she helped educate others about depression—and how she educated me about making cookies with saltines!

When I was going through one of my antique-store recipe boxes the other day, I found a handwritten cracker recipe that sounded like a kissing cousin of the one Martha made. The anonymous scribe titled her recipe “Nutty Crax,” which sounds kind of like an illicit drug, so let’s just call them “Nutty Crackers” instead. Surprisingly, these easy crackers turned out so delicious that I enjoyed them every bit as much as the toffee crackers. Since I’m starting to think about which treats I want to make for the holidays this year, I quickly realized these yummy crackers should be included. They’re simple to make, they require only a few ingredients, and they come in small portions that are perfect for sharing on cookies plates or in baskets. I hope you’ll give them a try!

Nutty Crackers

o 42 Club Crackers

o 1 stick butter

o 1/2 cup granulated sugar

o 1 teaspoon vanilla

o 1 cup slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a 15 x 10 x 1-inch baking pan with aluminum foil. Arrange crackers in rows on pan.

In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter, then add the sugar and bring to a boil. Stir mixture constantly for 2 minutes. Remove pan from heat, immediately add vanilla, and pour the still-hot mixture evenly over the crackers. Sprinkle sliced almonds on top (and I patted them down lightly to help them adhere to the crackers). Bake for 10-12 minutes, remove pan from oven, and use a knife to slightly separate the crackers before they set. Let cool and enjoy! (You probably won’t have many leftovers, but if you do, store them in an airtight container.)

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

Back-to-School Tips To Help Coweta County Students Excel

School is back in session, and it’s the perfect time for parents to get involved and take steps to ensure this school year will be successful.

Nora Ann Wood, a retired high school counselor from Central Educational Center (CEC) in the Coweta County School System, offers some tips to help parents and students have a great school year.

“You want your child to be successful, enjoy school as much as possible and have a good day,” Wood said.

Tips for Success

1. Find your child’s school supply list. Parents can look on the website for their child’s school to find the list of items they are required to purchase this year.

2. Search for deals or get freebies. Look for sales on back-to-school items, such as clothing, backpacks and school supplies. If your budget is tight, attend school supply giveaways hosted by local churches and nonprofit organizations, including One Roof Ecumenical Alliance Outreach and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). The Salvation Army can also help families in need with food and clothing.

3. Attend open houses and meetings with teachers. Before the first day of school, parents should attend the open house at their child’s school so they can get to know the teachers, counselors and other administrators. It’s recommended to bring the child to the open house. If parents can’t attend because of work or other responsibilities, they should try to find a relative or friend who can go in their place. Throughout the school year, it’s important for parents to set up appointments with teachers and attend scheduled parent-teacher conferences.

4. Build relationships with teachers, school staff and administrators. After the school year begins, parents should stay in contact with their child’s teachers and counselors to build relationships with them. This will make it easier for

parents to have open communication about their student’s progress.

5. Use the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Parents should regularly visit the Infinite Campus Parent Portal to check their child’s grades and track their progress.

6. Get updates from Coweta County School System (CCS)-TV News. To find out highlights and updates from Coweta County schools, tune in to CCS-TV News, which can be accessed through the Coweta County School System’s website.

7. Get involved in the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO). When possible, parents should join the PTO at their child’s school to get involved with supporting the school’s teachers and educational experience.

8. Be active in your child’s education. It’s important for parents to ask children about their day, which can often be done effectively while riding in the car. Ask open ended questions, such as “Tell me what you did in school today” or “Show me the work you brought home.” Let younger children know that you’re looking in their backpack for homework or notes from their teacher. This shows students that their parents are interested in what they’re doing.

9. Take advantage of after-school programs. After-school programs are a great option for elementary school students. These programs allow students to play with other kids in a safe environment and get help with their homework.

10. Get help with classes early. If your child is having trouble with a certain class or subject, seek assistance when they first start having issues. Reach

out to your child’s teacher or counselor for advice on tutoring options or resources before the problem gets too far along. Many teachers are willing to tutor students before or after school.

11. Explore future career paths. Take advantage of technical classes at CEC and work-based programs that enable students to acquire skills in a variety of fields, such as automotive, cosmetology or aviation, or gain work experience in an industry they’re considering for a future career. Students can discover what they enjoy doing and better understand what certain jobs are really like. Also, parents should get involved in the class registration process so they can know what courses are offered.

12. Consider dual enrollment and AP classes. With dual enrollment, high school students can take college courses at local universities, including West Georgia Technical College, University of West Georgia and Clayton State College, free of charge. Students can earn college credit and get some of their college education paid for, allowing them to eliminate some future college debt. In addition, students can take Advanced Placement (AP) classes (college level courses operated by the College Board) and then take the AP exam to qualify for college credit.

Back-to-School Health Checklist

Your child’s health is also a priority during the back-to-school season. The state of Georgia requires that all children attending public and private schools, including day care, Head Start, pre-kindergarten, and kindergarten through 12th grade, receive immunizations for these vaccine-preventable diseases: diphtheria, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, Hib, measles, mumps, rubella, pertussis, tetanus, varicella (chickenpox), polio, pneumococcal, and meningococcal disease, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health’s District 4 Public Health’s website.

When enrolling in a Georgia school for the first time, students must have these documents on file:

• Georgia Immunization Certificate (Form 3231)

• Georgia Certificate of Vision, Hearing, Dental, and Nutrition Screening (Form 3300)

• Certified Birth Certificate

The District 4 county health departments, which includes Coweta County, offer quality, low-cost vaccines. Health department staff will complete the forms that are required by schools. Appointments are required. To make an appointment, folks can call 800-847-4262.

The Coweta County Health Department is at 70 Hospital Road in Newnan. For questions not related to scheduling an appointment, call 770-254-7400. Bring a copy of the child’s immunization record to the appointment. If parents or guardians don’t have a copy of the child’s record and past immunizations were provided in Georgia, the health department should be able to access the Georgia Registry of Immunization Transactions and Services (GRITS).

Seventh grade immunization requirements: Rising seventh grade students, or students entering a Georgia school for the first time in grades eight to 12, must have received one dose of the Tdap vaccine and one dose of meningococcal vaccine.

Eleventh grade immunization requirements: Effective July 1, 2021, children 16 and older who are entering the 11th grade must have received one booster dose of the meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4), unless their initial dose was administered on or after their 16th birthday.

Immunization and Screening Fees: Children without health insurance are eligible to receive a discounted rate. Most insurance plans or Medicaid cover immunizations and vision, hearing and dental screenings. County health departments accept a range of insurance plans. Payments can be made by cash, Mastercard or Visa.

For more information about the immunization schedules for children from birth to 6 years old and 7 to 18 years old, visit: https://www.district4health. org/services/child-health/immunizations-andschool-requirements/.

Eventsupcoming!

August 16, WEDNESDAY

■ Coweta County Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday. Local farmers' homegrown fruits and vegetables, homemade food items, plants and more! 8:30 a.m. to noon. Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center 197 Temple Ave., Newnan

■ Senior Friends will meet at 11:30 a.m. in the Boardroom in the Golden Corral. Our speakers will be ladies from the Quilts of Valor organization. The program will conclude with quilts being presented to three of our members. All seniors are welcome. 605 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan.

August 17-20 & 24-27, THURSDAY-SUNDAY

■ The Importance of Being Earnest at Newnan Theatre Co. Oscar Wilde’s classic is a delight from the first cucumber sandwich on as Jack’s double life catches up with him. The problems are resolved in an extremely charming and quite

FRANK BARRON

Associate Broker 770-231-9535

FrankB@LindseysRealtors.com

“Serving All of Newnan and Coweta County Since 1948”

unexpected way as Jack and Algernon discover the importance of being earnest while answering to the name of Ernest. 24 1st Ave, Newnan, 770.683.6282 newnantheatre.org

August 17, THURSDAY

■ Small Business Expo & Resource Opportunity hosted by West Central Georgia Black Chamber. Attention Business Owners and Entrepreneurs Come, Create Connections, Grow, Learn and Engage. Prepare to be Inspired by Dynamic Speakers and Leaders! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Coweta County Fairgrounds, 275 Pine Road, Newnan. Tickets: eventbrite. com/e/small-business-expo-and-resources-opportunity-tickets-663904896417 Information visit wcgablackchamber.org

■ The Fabulous Equinox Orchestra at The Nixon Centre Inspired by the style and swagger of legendary entertainers like Frank and Dean and Sammy, the favorite melodies from recent history–a dash of Motown, a shot of Country, some folk and rock sprinkled on top–and the stories behind them, serving up a musical banquet that feeds every soul. 7 p.m., Tix $15-20. www.nixoncentre.net 1523 Lower Fayetteville Rd., Newnan, GA 30265, 770.254.2787

1948-2023

www.LindseysRealtors.com

14 Jackson Street, Newnan, GA 30263

MLS #10148023

CHOICE 10.13 ACRES ZONED COMMERCIAL (C2) ON HWY 74 (SENOIA ROAD)! Adjoins Georgia World of Beverages. 579 ft of frontage on Highway 74, and additional 385 ft +/- of frontage on Landrum Road. $3,500,000. Frank/Jess.

MLS #10120310

HURRY ON THIS 14.41+/- WOODED ACRE TRACT ON US HWY 29 approximately 5 miles north of Newnan! 819.25’ Road frontage. Small pond. Ideal for development, church, school, estate size lot or possible subdivision. $599,900. Frank / Chip.

August 18, FRIDAY

■ High School Football

• Trinity Christian at Woodward Academy

■ Jazz in the Park with Robin Latimore Newnan Cultural Arts Commission invites you to experience the joys of Jazz In The Park! at Greenville Street Park, Newnan. Music, laughter, and fun will start at 7:30 p.m.

■ Senoia Alive After 5 with Kris Youmans Shopping, Dining, Music with Kris Youmans & Her Mighty Fine Band 7 p.m.

■ Clint Black at PTC’s The Fred amphitheater.org

August 19, SATURDAY …

■ Sharpsburg Market Day 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Questions sharpsburgmarket@gmail.com

■ Senoia Farmers’ Market 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 40 Travis St. Locally sourced farmers market. EVERY Saturday.

■ College Football Kickoff Breakfast with Tony Barnhart Coweta Samaritan Clinic’s Fundraiser. Tickets/info are available at www.csccares.org/football. Sponsorships are also available!

■ Market Day in Franklin, GA on the Franklin Square

JESS BARRON, GRI

Associate Broker 678-857-9350

JessB@LindseysRealtors.com

• 770-253-6990

MLS #10178434

WELL BUILT 4-SIDED BRICK RANCH ON QUIET CUL-DE-SAC with new roof, central heat & a/c, and paved carport. Formal Dining room. Spacious family room/den. 3 BR/2 BA. Handsome updated kitchen with granite countertops, newer cabinets, stove, dishwasher & refrigerator. Storage building. See today!

$269,900 FRANK

1948 2023

Serving All Your Real Estate Needs Since 1948.

MLS #10180013

DELIGHTFUL 4-SIDED BRICK RANCH ON ROSCOE ROAD has Living Room w/fireplace, Formal Dining Room, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths, updated Kitchen! Hardwood floors. Master bedroom has access to spacious, fantastic covered deck overlooking fenced backyard with KOI pond with waterfall, garden area, patio, workshop, greenhouse, man cave and storage rooms - ideal for hobbies and entertaining. OCHOSA Home Warranty provided by Sellers. See to appreciate at $349,900! Frank/Jess.

MLS #10132017

12 CHOICE BUILDING LOTS IN BOHANNON WOODS, GRANTVILLE. BULK SALE ONLY. Easy access to I-85, Atlanta, Newnan, LaGrange and Columbus. Seller will only sell as a bundle, not individual lots. $420,000. Frank/Jess.

BEAUTIFUL & SPACIOUS BRICK HOME w/ hardwood floors, high ceilings on full, finished basement. 4 BR, 4 ½ BA. LR with fireplace opens to screened porch. Kitchen has granite countertops. Separate DR. Primary BR has remodeled master BA w/ large walk-in shower, jacuzzi tub. Attic has expansion potential. Double garage. Shop area. Excellent schools, great location w/ easy access to downtown Newnan, I-85. $730,000. Jess/Frank.

MLS #10182687

GREAT OPPORTUNITY IN DOWNTOWN MORELAND to purchase two lots and historic home. Frontage on Main Street and College Street. The property is sold 'as is' with no repairs, warranties or guarantees made by seller. House is in need of repairs. Enter at your own risk. $79,500. Frank/Jess

MLS #10179829

BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED HOME & ADJACENT LOT! Easy access to bypass/Hwy 34, Ashley Park, I-85 & downtown Newnan. Completely renovated kitchen w/new flooring, cabinets, c-tops, bkspl & SS appl. Lg GR w/vaulted ceiling. Spacious primary bedroom w/renovated bath. Lg secondary br’s. Screen porch, Deck. Spacious backyard & add’l lot! A must see! $359,900 Jess.

LOTS/LAND

2 VACANT BUILDING LOTS IN WEST COWETA COUNTY with county water and electricity available. Country setting on East Coggin but easy access to Newnan, Franklin, and Carrollton. $60,000 per lot. Frank and Jess.

Call

MLS #10101800

109 RESIDENTIAL LOTS IN MANCHESTER, GA! Manchester city water, sewer & electricity available. Schools nearby! Walk to downtown Manchester. Chestnut Glen Subdivision. $3,270,000. Frank/Jess

LOTS/LAND

3 WOODED VACANT LOTS in West Coweta in Ashley Woods. Easy access to Newnan, Franklin, or Carrollton. $29,900 per lot. Frank/Jess

6.7

LOTS/LAND

12 CHOICE BUILDING LOTS in Grantville. Easy access to I-85, Atlanta, Newnan, LaGrange and Columbus. Sold ‘as is’. $420,000 Bulk Sale Only. Frank/Jess.

MLS #10169807

APPROXIMATELY 43.597 ACRES OPEN AND WOODED. 4 HOUSES ON PROPERTY. Approximately 2-acre pond. Frontage on Hwy 75 and Landrum Road in Fairburn. See to appreciate by appointment only $6,000,000. Jess /Frank.

LOTS/LAND

2.86 ACRES on BETHLEHEM ROAD NEAR MORELAND. Mostly wooded with mature hardwoods. Good building site. Soil test already done. See to appreciate. $68,000. Frank. COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE

RESIDENTIAL LOT ON BERRY AVENUE IN TOWN. All utilities available. $29,900 Frank.

SOLD! SOLD!

AMLAJACK 255.5+/- ACRES WITH HALF MILE FRONTAGE ON I-85 between 2 industrial parks. $17,890,600. Frank.

UNDER CONTRACT

FOR LEASE – 3,200 s/f upstairs office space - $750 per month (Owner/Agent) Frank.

LEASED

MLS #10183581

ACRES ZONES GENERAL COMMERCIAL, HWY 29 NORTH OF NEWNAN! Convenient to HWY 34 Bypass and downtown Newnan. Great opportunity for many potential uses. New Price $499,900. Frank/Chip.

MLS #10184718

the 3rd Saturday thru October, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Produce, clothes, tools, crafts, furniture, yard sale items and more. Call Heard County Chamber of Commerce for more info 706.948.0466.

■ The Great Pollinator Census at Coweta Extension Office Join Coweta County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers for a fun and family friendly citizen scientist experience and collect data for the Great Southeast Pollinator Census! Count how many and what type of insects land on a plant during a 15 minute window and learn about different pollinators. 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at Coweta UGA Extension Office Pollinator Garden and Demo Garden, 255 Pine Road, Newnan, 770.254.2620.

■ Coweta-Fayette Kickoff at Newnan's Drake Stadium

• East Coweta vs Starr’s Mill

• Newnan vs Sandy Creek

• Northgate vs Whitewater

■ Hogansville’s Alive After 5 5 to 9 p.m.

Explore Hogansville’s Downtown District. Businesses open late, local vendors line the streets. Live performances, food trucks, more.

■ Everclear 90s alternative band at the Ville - Fayetteville Amphitheater www.thevilleamp.com

■ Beer, Bourbon & Wine Fundraiser at Train Depot

Newnan-Coweta & Howard Warner Boys & Girls Clubs annual event starts at 5 p.m. at the Newnan's Historic Train Depot. The event will feature tastings of some of the finest offerings of Beer, Bourbon, and Wine. The Silent Auction will feature items and experiences for everyone to enjoy and will be paired with a live Cork Pull featuring numerous fine wines. For information, contact Dami Saliu dsaliu@bgcma.org 2023bbw/givesmart

August 20, SUNDAY …

■ Fun Fundraiser for Senoia Area Historical Society

Pearl & Pine Brewery is hosting a fundraiser for SAHS. 22 Main St., Senoia Starts at 5 p.m. www.senoiahistory.com

August 24, THURSDAY …

■ Book Launch Party for Last Laird of Sapelo Hometown author, T.M. “Mike” Brown is launching his new historical novel at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum.

5:30 p.m. reception with refreshments, followed by book talk and signing. Portions of the book sales proceeds benefit Newnan-Coweta Historical Society. Event bookseller: Newnan Book Company FREE event. No online registration, but RSVP is appreciated so that we know how many to expect. Please call the museum 770.251.0207, 74 Jackson St., Newnan

Look for more events in upcoming issues! and on social media and wintersmedia.net

Real Es tate Weekly The

How Is The Local Real Estate Market?

The local real estate market is cooling off. Properties are still being listed and sold, but the activity and sales numbers have dropped dramatically. I have noticed the decline in showing activity with new listings this summer. We are not seeing the amount of showings that we saw earlier in the year and the years preceding that.

In fact, the number of sales in Coweta County, from June 2022 to June 2023, were down over 18 percent per Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS). A seasonal and summer lull in real estate is common as people often go on vacations but the lull seems more pronounced this summer.

Listing inventory is still a problem as well. There are not many options for buyers as they go look for a home. A low supply of listings has kept real estate prices steady even though buyer demand has tailed off. New listings were down over 20 percent, from June 2022 to June 2023 per GAMLS. At the time that I am writing this, there are only 416 homes for sale in Coweta County per GAMLS. The averages sales price of a home was basically flat, year-over-year, in Coweta. The average sales price for June 2023, in Coweta County, was $453,304 per GAMLS.

AUGUST DAILY MENU

SUNDAY: German Chocolate, Caramel Apple Pie

MONDAY: Carrot, Chocolate Mocha

TUESDAY: Key Lime, Caramel Popcorn, GLUTEN-FREE

WEDNESDAY: Banana Cream Pie, Peanut Butter Brownie

THURSDAY: Strawberry, Peaches and Cream, Baker’s Choice, VEGAN

FRIDAY: Strawberries N Creme, Peach Cobbler, Baker’s Choice, GLUTEN-FREE

SATURDAY: Strawberry Cheesecake, Kentucky Bourbon, Baker’s Choice

High interest rates are keeping many potential buyers from purchasing homes. Depending on income, debt and credit scores, mortgage rates are anywhere from six to seven and a half percent right now. The days of two and three percent rates, from two to three years ago, are long gone. Another factor is a low consumer confidence. Many people feel the economy is in a poor or “shaky” state and are delaying making large purchase such as a home. The consumer confidence survey showed that only 21.9% of consumers felt that business conditions were “good.” This was down from 23.4% the previous month.

What does all this mean for our market here? The market is certainly cooling off from arguably the greatest seller’s market of all time.

I would say that the market is actually in a healthier state now.

Buyers have a much better chance, with less competition, of securing a property than they did just a year or two ago.

While mortgage rates are high, they are still historically moderate compared to when rates were in the teens and near 20 percent just a few decades ago. Coweta is still a nice and desirable place to live with a low cost of living and access to many great amenities. The local real estate market will continue to turn, it just not may be the speed we all grew accustomed to the last couple of years. Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindseys, Inc. Realtors and former President of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors. ■

Jess Barron

PRO SPORTS

MLB – ATLANTA BRAVES (75-42)

Aug. 7 – at Pittsburgh Pirates ... L, 6-7

Aug. 8 – at Pittsburgh Pirates ... W, 8-6

Aug. 9 – at Pittsburgh Pirates ... W, 6-5

Aug. 10 – at Pittsburgh Pirates ... L, 5-7

Aug. 11 – at New York Mets ... W, 7-0

Aug. 12 – at New York Mets ... W, 21-3 / DH

Aug. 12 – at New York Mets ... W, 6-0 / DH

Aug. 13 – at New York Mets ... L, 6-7

Aug. 14, Mon. – New York Yankees, 7:20 pm – BSS

Aug. 15, Tues. – New York Yankees, 7:20 pm – BSS / TBS

Aug. 16, Wed. – New York Yankees, 7:20 pm – BSS

Aug. 18, Fri. – San Francisco Giants, 7:20 pm – BSSE

Aug. 19, Sat. – San Francisco Giants, 7:20 pm – BSSE

Aug. 20, Sun. – San Francisco Giants, 1:35 pm – BSSE

Aug. 21 – New York Mets, 7:20 pm – BSS

Aug. 22 – New York Mets, 7:20 pm – BSS

Aug. 23 – New York Mets, 7:20 pm – BSS

All Home Games played at Truist Park

MLS – ATLANTA UNITED (9-7-8)

July 15 – Orlando City ... L, 1-2

July 25 – at Inter Miami ... L, 0-4

July 29 – Cruz Azul ... T, 1-1 CAZ wins on PKs

Aug. 20, Sun. – at Seattle Sounders, 10:30 pm – Apple TV

Aug. 26 – Nashville SC, 7:30 pm –Apple TV

Aug. 30 – FC Cincinnati, 7:30 pm – Apple TV

Sept. 2 – at FC Dallas, 8:30 pm – Apple TV

Sept. 16 – Inter Miami, 5 pm – Apple TV

All Home Games Played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

WNBA – ATLANTA DREAM (15-16)

Aug. 6 – Indiana Fever ... W, 82-73

Aug. 10 – at Seattle Storm ... L, 67-68

Aug. 12 – at Los Angeles Sparks ... L, 74-85

Aug. 13 – at Las Vegas Aces ... L, 65-86

Aug. 18, Fri. – Chicago Sky, 7:30 pm – ION TV

Aug. 22 – Las Vegas Aces, 7 pm – CBSSN / BSSE

Aug. 25 – Los Angeles Sparks, 8 pm – ION TV

Aug. 27 – at Indiana Fever, 4 pm – NBA TV / BSS

All Home Games played at Gateway Center Arena

NFL – ATLANTA FALCONS (1-0**)

Aug. 11 – at Miami Dolphins**... W, 19-3

Aug. 18, Fri. – Cincinnati Bengals**, 7:30 pm – FOX 5

Aug. 24 – Pittsburgh Steelers**, 7:30 pm – FOX 5

** Preseason

All Home Games played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium

BSS – Bally Sports South / BSSE – Bally Sports Southeast

OUTDOORS

HUNTING SEASON DATES – COWETA

Aug. 15 – Feb. 29 – Squirrel, Opossum & Raccoon

Aug. 15 – March 15 – Falconry (Squirrel)

Hunting & Fishing License Info: Call 1-800-366-2661

Visit https://georgiawildlife.com/licenses-permits-passes

LAKE LEVELS

Jackson Lake – Aug. 13 ... 528.63 ft. (Full 528 ft.)

Lake Allatoona – Aug. 13 ... 839.77 ft (Full 840 ft.)

Lake Harding – Aug. 13 ... 520.72 ft. (Full 520 ft.)

Lake Lanier – Aug. 13 ... 1,068.41 ft (Full 1,071 ft.)

Lake Logan Martin, Ala. – Aug. 13 ... 464.67 ft. (465 ft.)

Lake Martin, Ala. – Aug. 13 ... 490.31 ft. (Full 491 ft.)

Lake Wedowee, Ala. – Aug. 13... 792.88 ft. (Full 793.0 ft.)

West Point Lake – Aug. 13... 633.29 ft. (Full 635 ft.)

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Wednesday, Aug. 16 – Rise 7:02 am; Set 8:23 pm

Thursday, Aug. 17 – Rise 7:03 am; Set 8:22 pm

Friday, Aug. 18 – Rise 7:04 am; Set 8:21 pm

Saturday, Aug. 19 – Rise 7:04 am; Set 8:20 pm

Sunday, Aug. 20 – Rise 7:05 am; Set 8:18 pm

Monday, Aug. 21 – Rise 7:06 am; Set 8:17 pm

Tuesday, Aug. 22 – Rise 7:06 am; Set 8:16 pm

Zen Monkey’s News and Musings …

Mick Jagger, lead singer for The Rolling Stones, just celebrated his 80th birthday. The Stones performed as recently as last year.

State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan) recently hosted the Ayrshire Fiddle Orchestra at the Georgia State Capitol. This trip marks the Scottish orchestra’s fourth visit to Georgia since the signing of its sister city/sister county agreement with Newnan and Coweta County.

Monty Python’s Life of Brian was marketed in Sweden as “so funny it was banned in Norway.”

There’s a new motorcycle gang taking to the streets in Newnan and Coweta County. The Stilettos on Steel, LLC organization is a female-owned business that provides membership and networking services to female motorcycle riders across the United States. The mission of the organization is to help women who dream of riding to take the next step in becoming a motorcycle

rider. The recently formed Newnan chapter “Newnan - The City of Homes - held their first event at Bigfoot Cycles. For more information, please reach out to the Newnan Chapter Regional Coordinator Ginger Queener at stilettosnewnan@gmail.com

In Finland they have ‘National Sleepy Head day’, where the last person in a family to wake up is thrown into a lake or the sea by the rest of the family.

There are now 23 international companies making their home here in Coweta, which is quickly becoming a hub for global industry. Countries represented in Coweta include: Japan, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland, England, Netherlands, France, Taiwan, Ireland, Norway, Canada, Austria, China, Israel and Italy.

Goats are immune to poison oak/ivy and are used to control the growth of the toxic plants by grazing. Even better, the toxicants don’t pass through their milk.

Prep Football Season kicks off with four games this weekend

From Staff Reports

Four local football squads open the 2023 high school football season this weekend.

Trinity Christian kicks off the campaign on Friday, Aug. 18 on the road at Woodward Academy. Then on Saturday, the 4th Annual Coweta-Fayette Kickoff Classic takes place at Drake Stadium in Newnan as East Coweta, Northgate and Newnan High participate. Both Heritage School and Central Christian begin their respective regular seasons on Friday, Aug. 25.

On Friday, the Lions open against Woodward for the second consecutive year. Last season, Woodward claimed a 37-19 victory in Sharpsburg. Trinity Christian finished the season with a 6-5 record in its first season in GHSA Class 4A and advanced to the state playoffs.

The opener on Saturday has East Coweta facing Starr’s Mill at 12:30 p.m. The Indians finished 2022 with a 6-5 record and also advanced to the first round of the 7A state playoffs. East Coweta owns a 2-1 record in the Coweta-Fayette Kickoff Classic.

Next up at 4 p.m. is Northgate versus Whitewater. The Vikings were 5-7 a year ago but did advance to the 2nd Round of the 5A state playoffs. Northgate has yet to win in three tries in the Kickoff Classic.

And in the nightcap, host Newnan faces defending 3A champion Sandy Creek. The Cougars did not make the state playoffs a year ago while finishing 4-6. In the Kickoff Classic, Newnan is 1-2. The openers for Heritage School and Central Christian are a week later.

Heritage School travels to Chambers Academy on Aug. 25 and Central Christian is also on the road to face Vidalia Heritage. The Hawks ended the 2022 campaign with an 8-4 record and advanced to the GIAA 3A Quarterfinals. Central Christian sported a 2-8 record in GAPPS 8-man play.

East Coweta will compete in GHSA Class 7A, Newnan in 6A, Northgate in 5A and Trinity Christian 4A in 2023. Heritage School will participate in the GIAA in Class 3A, while Central Christian is set to play in GAPPS 2A in eight-man football.

COMPOSITE SCHEDULE (Thru Sept. 1)

Friday, Aug. 18

Trinity Christian at Woodward Academy, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Aug. 19

East Coweta vs. Starr’s Mill, 12:30 p.m. (1) Northgate vs. Whitewater, 4 p.m. (1) Sandy Creek at Newnan, 7:30 p.m. (1) (1) Coweta-Fayette Kickoff Classic

Friday, Aug. 25

Central Christian at Vidalia Heritage, 7:30 p.m. East Coweta at Newnan, 8 p.m.

Heritage School at Chambers Academy, 7:30 p.m.

Northgate at Starr’s Mill, 7:30 p.m.

Fellowship Christian at Trinity Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 1

Unity Christian at Central Christian, 7:30 p.m. Hillgrove at East Coweta, 7:30 p.m.

Heritage School at Kendrick, 7:30 p.m. Villa Rica at Northgate, 7:30 p.m.

Mary Persons at Trinity Christian, 7:30 p.m. Newnan, open

Ask your County Agent

Stephanie R. Butcher County Coordinator Agricultural & Natural Resources Agent UGA Extension – Coweta County

A. If they are flying around your lawn and are about 1 ½” to 2” long, then you are probably seeing cicada killers. We see them in July and August every year, but some years we see more than others. This is one of those years. We have had many calls about them.

Cicada killers can be intimidating because they are the largest wasp in Georgia, but they are not something that we have to worry about. Cicadas, on the other hand, should be very afraid. Cicada killer wasp adults feed on nectar but use paralyzed cicadas to feed their young.

Female cicada killers are hard to provoke to sting. The female uses her stinger to paralyze her prey (cicadas) rather than in self-defense. The female’s attention is focused on providing food for her babies, so she poses little threat to humans.

Cicada killers prefer to nest in sandy open sunlit areas. As the female digs, she kicks out soil that forms a semicircle around the burrow opening. She burrows six to ten inches into the ground, prepares a chamber, catches a cicada to fill the chamber, lays an egg on the cicada, and seals the chamber. She may do this over a dozen times in one burrow.

When a female finds a cicada, she paralyzes it with her stinger, straddles it, and attempts to fly with it to her burrow. Because the cicada typically weighs more than she does, these flights are usually hops, with more dragging than gliding.

The egg hatches in a few days and the larva feeds on the paralyzed cicada until nothing is left but a shell. Then the wasp larva pupates within the burrow, remaining there until the next spring.

Males cannot sting; their only defense is intimidation. They patrol the nesting area, trying to divert attention away from the female, allowing her to fill her nest with cicadas. Meanwhile the male is using threatening tactics to distract potential predators. He may even dive bomb perceived threats. Since the males do not have stingers, they are completely harmless. They must rely on bluff, bluster, and bravado to protect their families.

Because cicada egg laying can be damaging to trees and shrubs, cicada killer wasps are very beneficial, providing free biological control. However, homeowners who do not want these wasps around can modify their lawn to be unappealing. A thick healthy turf with no bare spots will exclude cicada killer wasps. If turf is thin in nesting areas, identify turf problems that make the turf weak and correct them.

about cicada killers, contact the Coweta County Extension office at 770-254-2620 or coweta.extension@uga.edu and ask for the publication, “Herbs in Southern Gardens”.

Great

You

Master

$450 MGEV Fall Plant Sale

$550

Saturday, October

Q. There are huge hornets in my yard, but I cannot find a nest. What can I use to kill them?

Photo Credit 1: Cicada killer – Ronald F. Billings, Texas Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Photo Credit 2: Cicada Killer - Jessica Louque, Smithers Viscient, Bugwood.org

classifieds

WE BUY

CLEAN WHEAT STRAW AND MULCH HAY. $3.50 per bale. Frank Barron 770.231.9535.

“WE BUY HOUSES” Any condition. Cash. Quick closing. Mike 678.409.8600

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 – LKQ PICK YOUR PART buys cars . 7 days a week. For info, call 1.800.962.2277 or visit: www.lkqpickyourpart.com

VEHICLES

T PLATINUM AUTO SALES LLC Very Nice Vehicles for Sale … $10,000, $5,000 and under. * Financing Available * Mike 678.409.8600

LAND / LOTS

3 CHOICE LOTS IN ASHLEY WOODS, County water available. Just $29,900 each. Frank, Lindsey’s, Inc. Realtors – 770.253.6990

COMMERCIAL PROPERTY

24+/- ACRES ON POPLAR ROAD AT YEAGER ROAD INTERSECTION. Already zoned C-6 with water and sewer. Ideal for multiuse development. $7,000,000 for all or will consider subdividing front 5 acres for $500,000 per acre and back 19+/- acres for $250,000 per acre Frank/ Chip, Lindseys, Inc. Realtors, 770.253.6990

SERVICES

SEPTIC – Residential, commercial or install or cleaning. Call Mitchell Septic Service at 678-673-4910. No. 1 in the No. 2 Business. $450 for 1,000 gallons; $550 for 1,500 gallons. 24-Hour Emergency Service available.

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.

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.

HELP NEEDED

LOOKING FOR PART TIME HELP, a driver, my car or yours, to doctor's appointments. Also, looking for someone to do some light housecleaning. Please call for more information 770.254.1580 8.16

HUD HOMES FOR SALE

For

NOW HIRING

YAMAHA IS HIRING. LOOK FOR THEIR AD

NOW HIRING – LKQ PICK YOUR PART in Fayetteville, GA is seeking to fill various positions. To apply, visit lkqpickyourpart.com and select ‘Careers.

NOW HIRING – Smallcakes Cupcakery in Newnan

GEORGIA

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

and

Call

Kathy Bohannon’s Front Porch Stories

When we think of seasons, we often think of the four that span from January until December. The life experiences that change us can be considered “seasons” of life. I’m in a whole new season now, and the road that has led up to this time has been a variety of challenges and successes.

My dad and I had a conflict that began when I was thirteen and continued until my late forties. Thanks to the encouragement from my brother, we eventually worked things out. The season that began at age thirteen helped me to grow extremely independent; earning my own money, relying on myself, and making adult decisions even though I was far too young to make those decisions. Without a doubt my mom and grandmother were praying for me because I was faced with circumstances that could have altered my life in very negative ways during that time. Instead, it helped shape me to be the adult I am today.

Starting married life in another state without a phone, was another season. I’m sure this one was more difficult for my mom than for me, but it was a season nonetheless. I had to manage a home and also a job for the first time in my life, and it was a good fit.

Having kids was like a season of non-stop spring time and thunderstorms, sometimes all at once. There was nothing to prepare me for the daily responsibilities that suddenly encompassed me and my reason to exist. I had no idea how much love I could have for another human being until I held my child in my arms. Ever since that first moment, I’ve said that I cannot imagine the depth of unconditional love that God has for each of us. As a new mom, I would have died on the spot for either of my children, and God loves us even more than that. He gave His only son for every single one of us.

I cannot comprehend that amount of love.

As I look back, most of the seasons tumble into one another. Somewhere along the way I blinked, and our kids went off to college, got married and had kids of their own. I can’t even count the number of seasons between having babies and becoming a grandparent, because at age 64, they all seem to blend together like bold colors in a beautiful painting.

Though most just blend together, there are seasons that become cornerstones in our lives. The season for my family and I that stopped us in our tracks was the diagnosis of cancer in our 16-month-old grandlittle. She is almost nine and doing great now, and that season of life will forever take up a lot of space in my heart. I was half of her care team, and I saw God in so many ways during her treatment. It was when I asked God for His will, and let go of the reigns for the first time in my life. I grew more in that season than ever before. I grew in faith. I grew in courage. I grew in acceptance.

I’m thankful for all of the seasons, though some have been harder than others. I don’t know what seasons we will have before all is said and done, but I trust that God knows. He has already shown me how to shelter from the storms, and that’s good enough for me.

Kathy Bohannon is a Christian humorist and inspirational speaker. She can be reached at kathybohan@ yahoo.com ■

Senior Friends of Newnan

Lunch on the Fly at Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse

August 29 at 11:30 a.m. at Newnan's Tokyo Japanese Steakhouse near Target. If you plan to attend, send an email to seniorfriendsofnewnan@gmail.com no later than August 25 so a headcount can be given to the restaurant before we arrive. www.seniorfriendsofnewnan.com

Learning lessons from my grandson’s perspective

The older I get, the more I let things irritate me.  I seem to – more often than not – lose perspective and allow a small thing mess up my entire day … or week.

n The kids have returned to school, sports practices and games are back on the schedule and your life just got more hectic!

If your plate is full of tasks or has turned into a platter that is now running over, Home Helpers can help with the care and time needed to take care of your aging parents and loved ones!

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Home Helpers Home Care is a provider for VA Homemaker / Home Health Aide Program, and accepts all Long-Term Care Insurance and Family-Funded / Private Pay.

If you watch the news or just scroll through Facebook, I think you will agree that many of us have lost perspective.  We let small things and/or maybe not-so-small things, dictate too much of our life, our thoughts and our enjoyment.

I recently got a lesson on perspective from my five-year-old grandson.  He loves his cousins who live in Baton Rouge, family vacations and anything to do with water.  So, you can imagine a five-yearold’s excitement when the day finally came to begin our trip to join his cousins at the beach for our family vacation.

He is a great traveler, but this five-hour trip was long.  Excitement and anticipation were at an alltime high.  Somehow, we managed to reach our destination within five minutes of his cousins.  We get to the condo, unload, somewhat unpack, and get dressed ready to hit the water.

That’s when it happened.  Less than one hour from arrival, my grandson’s finger had been slammed in between two massive sliding glass doors.  For loss of a better term, his finger exploded.

We took him to the local emergency room.  They were wonderful with him.  His finger was broken, cut, the nail bed had been severed and his bone exposed.  They tried as best they could to get him comfortable from the pain and finally had to sedate him so they could surgically remove the nail bed.  We were then told that we were going to have to go to the Mobile (Ala.) Woman’s and Children’s Hospital. There, a pediatric orthopedic doctor could determine if the removed nail bed could be reattached or if they would need to make a new nail bed.

It took us an hour to arrive in Mobile, nail bed in hand. They rushed us back, referring to us as the “transplant” and they took the container holding the nail bed from me.  Once again, the ER staff was phenomenal, but it took a while for them to get control of the pain that my grandson was

Senior Living Advice

with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager

experiencing.  At one time he had three nurses holding him down as two ortho doctors were working on his finger. Luckily, shortly after this the drugs kicked in, he was no longer feeling the pain.

Fast forward and we are back in the condo. Naps had been taken, he had missed water time with his cousins, and he very much wanted to play in the water.  We wrapped his hand in 3 plastic bags and tape and we head to the pool hoping to get to play a little.

As we are walking to the pool area, my grandson exclaims, “This is the best day of my life!”  And boom!  There is it.  Perspective.  This amazing child had just had the worst, most painful 24 hours of his short life.  But none of that mattered.  He was going to get to play in the water and be with his cousins.  And THAT is what mattered.

We sometimes forget what matters. I know I do.  Our family vacation was altered and my grandson did not get the kind of water time he wanted, but we were still able to have fun. And if you ask my grandson, he will tell you that it was a great vacation.

Yes, something awful happened but that did not change his attitude or outlook on life.  Bad things happen, really bad things, but life moves on.  And life can bring lots of good, even after the bad. I learned a lot from my grandson that day.  I am trying to remember his attitude and perspective as I go through each day forward. I hope after hearing his story, you can, too.

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.