The Weekly January 11, 2023

Citizen of the Year Nominees

The Kiwanis Clubs of Coweta County to host Citizen of the Year Ceremony

The Citizen of the Year award ceremony will be held January 26, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. at the Newnan Centre. The prestigious event is sponsored by the Kiwanis Clubs of Coweta County. The Newnan Centre is located at 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan.

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 nominee is selected by previous COTY winners. The 2022 winner was Norma Haynes. 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.

January 13 is the deadline to register for the event. Tickets are $50 and tables are available at $400 and $500. Contact Nancy Walden at 770.596.6428 or nkwalden@gmail.com

There are 10 nominees this year including doctors, ministers, educators, as well as business and civic leaders.

Cynthia Bennett: Has a bachelor of science from Florida State University and a Masters in Education from George Washington University. She is a retired school teacher and was named Teacher of the Year at Ellis G. Arnall Middle School and East Coweta High School. She was also vice president of talent development for the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce before retiring in 2020. Currently, she is president of the board of directors for Meals on Wheels; member of the Chamber of Commerce;vice chair of the board of directors

Citizen of the Year nominees continued on page 2

Cynthia Bennett

Samantha Brazie

Chris Doane

Dr. Pam Johnson

Jimmy Ellison

Dean Jackson

Maureen Schuyler

Pastor Terri Lemons

Mike Winslett

Kristen Timoteo

Garnet Reynolds, 2020 Citizen of the Year and Truist market president, with Miss Norma Haynes 2022 Citizen of the Year.

Citizen of the Year

nominees continued from page 1

for the Coweta Community Foundation; ballot review officer for the Coweta County Board of Elections; and vice chair of the Coweta County Public Facilities Authority.

Samantha Brazie: Resident of Coweta County for the past 15 years. She is director of sales and operations for Progressive Heating and Air. She was graduated from Clayton State University and got her MBA from the University of West Georgia. Currently, she is the chair of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce; board member of ELEVATE Coweta Students; advisory board member, University of West Georgia; HVAC advisory board member - West Georgia Technical College; community advisory committee member - Piedmont Newnan Hospital; chair - Business Women’s Network, Chamber of Commerce.

Chris Doane: A small business owner in Newnan who started Crezent Marketing in 2006. He serves corporations, small businesses and nonprofits with branding, website design and social media marketing. He currently serves as the Newnan Rotary Membership Chair; chairman of the Bike Coweta board; Explore Newnan Coweta vice chair; MTB (Mountain Bike) Atlanta president; vice president of SORBA (Southern OffRoad Bicycle Association). He and his company were recognized as the 2016 Newnan Coweta Chamber Small Business of the Year and 2021 Newnan Rotarian of the Year.

Jimmy Ellison: Earned his Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology/Emory and his doctorate in Church Leadership and Preaching from Asbury Theological Seminary. He has served four area churches and is the founding pastor of Providence United Methodist Church and Newnan City Church. He has served on the boards of Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery; Georgia Prisons Ministry; Safehouse Outreach; and is currently on the board for Young Harris College. He is the founder of Restoration Atlanta, which serves single-parent families getting out of homelessness. He is a key leader for Newnan Emergency Shelter Team (NEST), which helps the marginalized in extreme weather in Newnan, and is chaplain for the Newnan Fire Department.

Dean Jackson: Was graduated from Georgia State University and served six years as business editor of The Newnan Times-Herald. Since 2001, he has served as the Public Information Officer for the Coweta County School System. His past and current positions include: chairman of the Coweta Community Foundation; board member and chairman of the Newnan Coweta Chamber of Commerce; chairman of the Coweta County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Friends of Chattahoochee Bend Park, chairman and vice president; chairman of Leadership Coweta Board; Co-founder of Newnan-Coweta Youth Leadership; and advisory committee member for the United Way of Metro Atlanta.

Dr. Pam Johnson: Received her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Auburn University and was the long-time owner and hospital director of Dogwood Veterinary Hospital and Laser Center. In 2016, the clinic was named the overall Small Business of the Year by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce. Dogwood was also named as the Reader’s Choice of Veterinary Services for three years in a row by Coweta Magazine. Prior to COVID, she was an active member and board member of the Newnan Kiwanis Club, and volunteered with the Kiwanis Coweta County Fair and the Newnan Kiwanis annual Christmas Shopping event for children. She also worked to develop safe ways for animals to be treated during the COVID crisis.

Terri Lemons: Has served as pastor of Newnan Chapel United Methodist Church for seven years. She has focused on creating a path for more cooperation among churches across racial lines. She was a leader in the Newnan Church Tornado Response partnership with other downtown churches. Her church, the oldest black church in Newnan, suffered extensive damage from the tornado. Nevertheless, she led an effort that pulled together more than 100 volunteers and provided more than 500 families with supplies and food after the storm. She has served on the Coweta Recovery Committee since its inception after the tornado.

Maureen Schuyler: Has served as the museum director for the Senoia Historical Society since 2010. By curating artifacts donated by families in and around Senoia, she and her team of volunteers have created vignettes telling the story of Senoia and Coweta County. She serves on the design committee for the Senoia Downtown Development Committee and as an advisory board member to the Coweta County Library. She also has served as a Historic Preservation Commissioner for the city of Senoia; and was a team member on Senoia’s Comprehensive Plan.

Kristen Timoteo: Is the Library Branch Manager for the Grantville and Senoia branches of the Coweta County Library System. She has a special interest in children and believes that investing time, energy, money and positiveness in them now, they will have a brighter future. She is treasurer of the Grantville Kiwanis Club; member of the Community Action Team for Coweta Ferst Foundation; mentor for ELEVATE Coweta Students at Glanton and Eastside Elementary schools; volunteer with Yeager Road Community Resource Center; and serves as a reader to the YMCA, libraries and elementary schools.

Mike Winslett: Is president and CEO of DTH Expeditors Inc., which specializes in expedited air freight and is named after his three children, Drew, Tyler and Hannah. After a tornado struck Newnan in March of 2021, he was instrumental in ensuring the city and county had ample resources. This also included substantial donations and purchases for the Newnan Fire Department and city of Newnan. He and his employees set up and cooked meals on the grounds of Newnan High School for those engaged with tornado relief efforts. He is the founder and long-time supporter of the Baseball 4 Christ ministry program and several other local non-profits. n

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County Seek Support at 16th Annual Oscar Gala

The Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County invites our partners and friends to join us at the 16th Annual Oscar Gala. This popular black-tie event will take place on February 25, 2023, at 7 p.m. at the Newnan Centre located at 1515 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan.

Proceeds from the Annual Oscar Gala benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County and are critical in fulfilling our mission to ignite the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. In fulfilling our mission, we hope to realize our vision of thousands of young leaders thriving in life and strengthening the futures of their communities and the world.

Scott Berta, Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County, said, “the Annual Oscar Gala is our most important fundraiser and has the most impact on the success and development of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County.” Berta went on to say that “Over the past 15 years of Oscar Galas, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County have had the benefit of dedicated Board members to put on the Annual Oscar Gala, as well as great partners and friends who make such a strong show of support in annual sponsorships and attendance. We look forward to another fun and successful Oscar Gala for 2023 and sincerely appreciate the support of our community.”

In 2022, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County enjoyed a successful year of youth development programming, focusing heavily on academic acceleration for our members in light of the learning loss caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Targeted programs included: • Tutoring • Robust summer programs • Deepened school partnerships • Extensive professional staff development focused on academic and social-emotional needs.

Jeff Coggin and Kim Melhouse served as Co-Chairs of last year’s Oscar Gala.

Notes from Perry Street

As we start a new year, we want to thank our advertisers and readers for their support. Our goal is, and always will be, to help you grow, market and promote what you do. And maybe find a great new local joint or band along the way.

We are excited about the future of print media and our company’s growth. Despite all the naysayers, niche publications, like what we publish, continue to grow. As an example, we started The Paper five years ago with a circulation of 1,500. It is now 10,000.

Looking back over the past year, whether professionally or personally, is never a bad idea. However, a word of caution: a quick glance is best. Staying focused on the past and thinking of all the should ofs, could ofs or would ofs … can leave you bitter. And a life lived in regret is a life half-lived. It’s like looking out the rear view mirror and never looking for what’s in front of you. At some point, you are bound to have a wreck.

Winters Media & Publishing started back when we bought The Coweta Shopper from Joe Williams on Thanksgiving Eve 2016.

We eventually shortened that to “The Shopper” and at the beginning of 2022, we changed the publication’s name to The Weekly. We also changed how it looked - primarily by quarter folding it twice. It opened up some new advertising spots, but confused some readers because it was not the easiest design to figure out which way to open.

So, we have decided to go back to the old tabloid style like it was before. We think it will work out better for readers and advertisers alike.

We started The Paper from scratch. It was Winters’ vision and dream to create what we now call “the ultimate what to do, see and eat” publication. Or as Winters likes to joke, the “Give Me Something To Do” paper. Our columnists cover our favorite joints, the local music scene, what is trending in our area, recipes, chefs, book clubs and others’ perspective on living life.

It is now direct-mailed to more than 4,000 homes and we distribute an additional 6,000 at more than 125 locations throughout Coweta County and the surrounding areas. We have a strong social presence with Winters Media as well, including our website (wintersmedia.net), Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (all @wintersmediapublishing) as well. All these are just other cogs in our media wheel to reach readers and expand our clients’ reach.

The Paper goes out the first week of the month. We now have The Weekly direct mailed in weeks two, three and four. In each of those three weeks, The Weekly goes to a different zip code area.

A year ago this month, we started The Taku Group. If you are wondering, “Taku” is a glacier that runs down from the mountains to Juneau, Alaska. It is also the name of a company that specialized in Alaskan seafood and whose owners are friends of ours. And, it’s also why Winters’ dog, is called, well, Taku.

“Taku” owns two high-end glossy magazines. One is called Stroll Lake Redwine and goes out each month to the approximately 625 residences in the Lake Redwine subdivision.

The other is BeLocal Coweta/PTC. This publication targets the roughly 500 families moving into the area each month. It too is direct-mailed and covers all of Coweta County and into Peachtree City and west Fayette County.

So now we have four publications, and multiple social media platforms, each targeting a very different demographic. In other words, we have something that will fit your needs. And we are looking at some additional opportunities as we enter the new year.

As we enter this new year, we pray for blessing and peace in your lives. We are committed to continue to help you grow and strengthen your businesses.

On behalf of our family and our incredible team, we want to wish you a prosperous new year where you truly find your life and work purpose.

The Weekly Staff

John A. Winters, Publisher, Editor john@wintersmedia.net

Corby Carlin Winters, Marketing/Public Relations corby@wintersmedia.net

Joey Howard, Digital Editor/Business Development 404.698.0734 • joey@wintersmedia.net

Levi Winters, Social & Visual Media levi@wintersmedia.net

Seth Winters, Ad Design sethswinters@gmail.com

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

Ed Ball joins Lindsey’s, Inc. Realtors!

Ed Ball was born and raised on the Southern California coast. He moved to the Atlanta area in 1976 finally settling in Newnan with his wife and son. Ed really loves Coweta County and the surrounding areas.

Ed has been a licensed Realtor since 2014 and is very familiar with the real estate market in this area. He takes pride in making transactions fun and exciting while paying attention to details! He is also licensed in Alabama. Ed Ball looks forward to assisting you with your real estate needs. n

Chip.

MLS #10120310 COMMERCIAL

NEW POPLAR ROAD COMMERCIAL LISTING. 24+/- ACRES zoned C-6 (multiple uses) commercial. Water and sewer already in place. $7,000,000. Will subdivide. Frank/Chip. 770.253.6990 www.LindseysRealtors.com

Real Es tate Weekly Tips for Buyers In The New Real Estate Market

You may have noticed that mortgage rates are on the rise. We have seen rates increase from three percent to four percent earlier this year, up to nearly eight percent now. Rising inflation is mostly responsible for this. The Federal Reserve, which is responsible for setting the interest rates that directly affect the mortgage rates, has been very clear on their stance with the housing market.

Jerome Powell, who is The Federal Reserve Chair, has said the Federal Reserve is trying to “reset” the housing market after prices skyrocketed up to all-time highs in 2022. United States Home prices increased nearly 40 percent in only two years.

We are now in a totally different housing market. The market has softened and the market is more buyer friendly. The only problem is that mortgage rates are the highest they have been in nearly fifteen years. What can buyers do to combat this high cost of borrowing?

You can “buy down” your interest rate as a borrower. A buydown is a way for a borrower to obtain a lower interest rate by paying discount points at closing. A lower interest rate will make your monthly payment lower. A general rule of thumb on buydowns is that it costs about 1% of your loan amount. So, if you are borrowing $200,000, buying one point down will cost you about $2,000. If you have extra cash on hand, this can be a good idea. If you are light on cash, you probably want to stick to the interest rate your lender gives you.

Another big change in the real estate market has been seller and builder paid closing costs. After sellers did not pay any closing costs for buyers during the big boom of the real estate market, we are seeing sellers pay thousands in buyer closing costs.

I had a closing last month where a builder and lender provided $17,000 in closing costs for my buyers. That amount covered nearly all the lender closing costs for the buyers. That was a significant reason my buyers chose this home and neighborhood. This is a great way for a buyer to save money up front in this market. If you are looking for a home, make sure you or your Realtor try to negotiate closing costs to save you money upfront in a home purchase.

Jess Barron is an Associate Broker with Lindseys, Inc. Realtors and former President of the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors. n

The with Angela

Weekly Kitchen

The Mystery Woman’s Minestrone

I ended 2022 with four boxes of old handwritten recipes I had acquired at antique stores, and I much prefer browsing them than reading recipes on the internet. But as with my own files, the women who collected these recipes included far more sweets than main dishes and entrees. Still, I just knew there had to be a recipe for what I wanted to make—a soup—hiding in there somewhere between all the cake, cookie, and pie recipes.

“Minestrone,” said one of them. That’s the whole title. Not even a few descriptive words like “Mabel’s Magic Minestrone,” so I was left to imagine which mystery woman once concocted this particular soup.

So what’s the history of minestrone? I wondered. When I typed the word on my computer, I realized I’d accidentally spelled it “ministrone,” sort of a mash-up between “ministry” and “minestrone.” It turns out that my slip-up wasn’t too far off the mark, etymologically speaking.

As a word lover, I can totally geek out on word meanings. When I looked up “minestrone,” I was intrigued to discover that it may be a derivative of the Italian term meaning “that which is served,” which comes from the word “ministrare,” meaning “to serve.” I suppose that’s why the ministers I’ve admired most in life have all had a servant’s heart.

But what is minestrone? It’s basically a heartier version of vegetable soup, often made with beans and pasta or rice. This recipe, I noted, called for lots of vegetables, and I liked the fact that once I finished preparing it, I had plenty of cabbage, celery, and carrots left. We love veggies at my house and will enjoy eating those foods.

Soup is one of my favorite dishes to make in the wintertime, mostly because I enjoy having the leftovers, and this vegetable-packed soup made for an excellent, filling meal. The mystery woman didn’t say to garnish with Parmesan, but there aren’t many foods that can’t be improved by a little cheese. Now I don’t know whether Newnan will see any more of those Arctic temperatures that surprised us the week of Christmas, but if we do, here’s a great minestrone recipe that you’ll be happy to have.

Recipe

Minestrone

o 1 pound stew beef, cut into small pieces o 2 quarts water o 2 cans (10-1/2 ounces) beef bouillon (or broth) o 1 tablespoon salt o 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce o 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained o 1 (16-ounce) can tomatoes o 1 (10-ounce) package frozen green beans o 1 medium onion, chopped o 1 cup diced carrots o 1/2 cup diced celery o 1/2 teaspoon oregano o 1/4 teaspoon pepper o 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder o 1 small zucchini, diced o 1/4 head of cabbage, chopped o 1/2 cup uncooked macaroni o Optional: Parmesan cheese for garnish

Combine beef, water, bouillon, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer on low heat for 2-1/2 hours. Add kidney beans, tomatoes, green beans, onion, carrots, celery, oregano, pepper, and garlic powder and simmer for 25 minutes more. Add zucchini, cabbage, and macaroni and cook on medium-high heat for 15 minutes. Yields 10-12 servings.

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

with Jess Barron

Staying Healthy, Finding Meds during Tripledemic

During the perfect storm of illness this winter, staying healthy is going to require some additional effort.

The circulation of three different respiratory viruses – influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – has become known as a “tripledemic.” Millions of people nationwide have become ill, hospitals are overwhelmed and there’s a shortage of children’s cold and flu medications and antibiotics.

Mindy Leech, owner and pharmacist at LeeKing Pharmacy in Newnan, offers some tips on how to stay healthy this winter and navigate the medication shortage.

Q: How can adults and children protect themselves from illness during the tripledemic of RSV, flu and COVID-19? Are certain populations at particular risk?

A: The best way to protect yourself is to vaccinate yourself against flu and COVID, practice good hand washing, and stay home if you feel sick. Even though wearing a mask isn’t fun, it also proved useful in preventing transmission of these illnesses. Older adults, young babies and people with suppressed

immune systems are at the biggest risk for severe illness from these respiratory illnesses.

Q: Can adults and children still get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines to help protect them this winter (or is it too late)?

A: It is not too late to stay up-to-date with flu and COVID vaccines. You can receive them both at the same time.

Q: What is your advice for someone who becomes ill? Should they immediately take a COVID-19 test? Are over-the-counter flu tests available or

does a person need to seek medical attention for flu testing? How does someone know when to seek medical help versus taking over-thecounter medication?

A: If you have symptoms, it is a good idea to first take an over-the-counter COVID test. They are now widely available and inexpensive. Flu tests have to be performed at an urgent care or doctor’s office. Many doctors will not see you, however, until you get a negative COVID test – which we can perform at our pharmacy. If you are a high-risk person or are feeling very sick with either illness, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know because they may want to prescribe you an antiviral for flu or COVID. Other than that, it is best to treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medications and vitamins. If at any time you have severe shortness of breath or your oxygen saturation is dropping, you should go to the emergency room.

Q: Do certain medications that help with COVID-19 and flu, such as Tamiflu or Paxlovid, need to be taken in a certain number of days of experiencing symptoms?

A: Yes, both should be started in the first 48 hours of symptoms for best results.

Q: Why is there a shortage of cold and flu medications and antibiotics? Do you think this shortage will end soon? What should people do if they can’t find the meds that they need?

A: There have been ongoing shortages of different medications since COVID started, which is frustrating to patients, doctors and pharmacists. Talk to your pharmacist if you can’t find a medication you need. We can often contact your doctor and find an alternative antibiotic. As for cold and flu medications, you may not be able to find the exact medication you are used to getting, but there are enough varieties out there so we can still cover your symptoms. It just takes patience and a little flexibility.

Q: If parents can’t find children’s cold and flu medication on the shelves, is it safe for parents to give smaller doses of adult medications to children?

A: No, make sure you speak with a pharmacist or doctor before giving children any adult medications.

Lee-King Pharmacy is at 18 Cavender St. in Newnan. For more information, visit www. leekingpharmacy.com.

Much More Than a Place to Work

advantages of Senoia and nearby Peachtree City, Ga.

Overall, we’re known for nurturing an environment that’s better than 95 percent of workplaces around the world.

Extrusion Operators can earn up to $23.50 per hour, depending on skill level. For entry

depending on your job title and performance. Jobs include Machine Operators, QA Lab Technicians, Logistics Operators, Storeroom Attendants, Plate Mounters, and Apprentice Press Operators. Extrusion Operators can earn up to $21.59 per hour, depending on skill level.

Find Out More and Grow with Us

Everything we do reflects how much Winpak cares for our employees and wants to keep them and help them succeed. We’re eager to tell you more about our available jobs, our exceptional products, and a workplace that feels like more than just work. Contact:

WFIjobs@winpak.com or call 678-633-8788

January

Getting

for a single person or a couple in their 70s is different from how a younger person or someone with a family at home gets organized. Not only should you be looking at organization, but you should look at how to organize with safety in mind. Now that all the decorations are up, take a few minutes to get organized for a safer new year.

The first tip to getting organized while creating a safer home is to be sure to clear all clutter from steps and walking paths and insure both are well lit. One of my favorite finds is an outlet cover with a night light. They are easy to install, inexpensive and will light the way of any hall or walkway at night.

Place a hanging storage basket on the wall near the top and the bottom of the stairs.  You can place items here to remember to take them up or down the stairs. Placing a shelf with hooks next to your exit door is also a great spot to leave your keys, dog leash and sunglasses.

Next, look at what you are having to bend down to pick up or reach high to bring down. Items used often should be no lower than the upper thigh and no higher than you can reach without standing on your toes. Too much bending can hurt your back and if you have balance issues, bending down or stretching to reach up high, may create a fall risk.

Things like laundry baskets can be placed on a stool or floor shelf. Items in lower cabinets that are used often, should be moved up to the counter. Items you have to reach up for should also be moved to counter-level. Your most commonly-used items should all be easily retrievable without bending or stretching.

Work on getting all your essential documents in one place.  Items such as passports, life insurance, will, power of attorney, social security cards, and account statements, etc., are best kept in a small fireproof safe. Just be sure family knows where the

safe and the key are kept.

Another good idea is to keep a recent medication list on your phone and posted on your refrigerator.  (You can use a sheet protector to help keep your refrigerator list from getting dirty.)  Your list should include the name of the drug, the dose, how often used and the name and phone number of the doctor who prescribed it. Emergency personnel can easily retrieve the list from your refrigerator and when going to the doctor, having the list on your phone is convenient.

How many times have you had to open a storage box or bin to see what was inside? This is a great time to go through and label each bin and box.  And while you are looking inside to see what it is, decide if you really need it. If it has been boxed up for years and all you ever do is open it to see what it is, you probably need to get rid of it. And if you are thinking, “One day my children will want this”, I can pretty much guarantee you … they won’t.

January often brings harsh weather days. Use those days to get better organized and make a safer environment. For more tips on how to organize there are many organizational websites to help.

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.

Poplar Road Place most viewed story in 2022

From Staff Reports

The most viewed story on the Winters Media & Publishing digital platforms in 2022 was the announcement that a new type of development – Poplar Place – had been approved by the city of Newnan.

Local reporter Winston Skinner wrote the story back in early February. The story reached a total of 25,232 readers on the combined Winters Media digital products – wintersmedia.net and Facebook (@wintersmediapublishing). The development will be a total of 42.2 acres on Poplar Road just off the new I-85 Exit 44. Readers can view the story on our website wintersmedia.net

Old-fashioned Christmas candy at Arnall Grocery Company apparently remains dear to the hearts of Coweta County residents. Our story on the arrival of the sweet treats in mid-November reached 6,108 readers for a distant second place on the 2022 Top 20 list.

This year’s Kiwanis Coweta County Fair was the most attended in its history and our readers gave an early indication as such. Our story on the start of Mega Pass sales in mid-August was viewed a total of 4,673 times for third place.

Food has always been a popular subject on the Winters Media & Publishing platforms. In August, columnist Angela McRae offered up a story on the trick to making Chocolate Madeleines. The story came in fourth on the Top 20 list having reached 4,175 readers.

And events in downtown Newnan are another popular subject to our readers. The fifth-place story in 2022 was the announcement of the Newnan Christmas Parade which reached 4,161 readers in early November.

Remember the mention of food earlier? H.J. Wings and Things appeared in the Top 20 list twice at 6th and 10th places. First, our Facebook post in February revealed that H.J. Wings and Things had just opened at the former Fat Boys location and was viewed 2,405 times. The second story was the October feature in The Paper – The Joint. That one reached 2,248 readers. Keep Newnan Beautiful’s advance story of its last Paper Shredding Event of the year finished seventh (2,503 views).

In eighth place was an article on Senoia’s Memorial Day Ceremony of Remembrance (2,373), followed by a story of Norma Haynes being named Citizen of the Year in ninth place (2,348).

Top 20 in ‘22

Most Viewed Stories on Winters Media & Publishing

#1 25,232 … Poplar Place approved by City, something new for Coweta, 2/9

#2 6,108 Christmas Candy arrives at Arnall Grocery, 11/14

#3 4,673 In-Person, Online Mega Pass Sales underway, 8/22

#4 4,175 The Weekly Kitchen: Chocolate Madeleines, 8/11

#5 4,161 Christmas Parade set for Dec. 10, 11/7

#6 2,405 H.J. Wings and Things opens at former Fat Boys location, 2/18

#7 2,503 Last 2022 Paper Shredding Event set for Dec. 3, 11/29

#8 2,373 Senoia to host Memorial Day Ceremony of Remembrance, 5/10

#9 2,348 Norma Haynes named Citizen of the Year, 1/27

#10 2,248 The Joint: H.J. Wings & Things, 10/6 #11 2,195 Outdoors: Gardening Tips, Lawn Care, Bird Watching, 2/11

#12 1,969 Crab Legs priced at local grocery story at $89.99 per pound, 9/28

#13 1,887 2022-23 Coweta County School Calendar, 7/27

#14 1,879 Electronics Recycling Event set for April 23, 4/18

#15 1,862 Coweta-Fayette EMC selects Washington Youth Tour Delegates, 4/6

#16 1,859 Newnan Coweta Historical Society honored at Museum Conference, 2/18 #17 1,838 Coweta School Board lowers Property Tax Rate, 8/22

#18 1,700 Fish Days set for June 9 at Arnall Grocery, 5/17 #19 1,699 Grant from Alan Jackson Concert helps replace damaged van, 6/7 #20 1,686 The Music: Local & Live July Calendar, 7/8

Events

January 4-26, …

n Fashion Exhibit at McRitchie-Hollis Museum Wine & Cheese Reception Jan. 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. See pieces of local fashion from days gone by up close and personal … over a dozen vintage dresses, suits and other attire from the museum’s permanent collection during January’s POP-UP exhibit. 74 Jackson St., 770.251.0207, newnancowetahistoricalsociety.com

January 12, THURSDAY …

n Whiskey! Part Two. A(nother) evening with Doc Brown Farm & Distillers, second of a two-part series chronicling Georgia’s only seed-to-still distillery (based here in Senoia!) and the history of whiskey making. 6:30 p.m. Doors Open | 7 p.m. Program. Senoia Area Historical Society, 6 Couch St.

January 14, SATURDAY …

n Keep Newnan Beautiful Paper Shredding keepnewnanbeautiful.org

January 16, MONDAY MLK Jr. Day

n 2023 Spring Youth Volleyball Registration opens Coweta County Parks & Recreation 7 - 16 years, 8 a.m. cowetaparksandrec.com 770.683.7275

January 17, TUESDAY

n Financial Planning Check-up at the Carnegie Library 2:30 p.m. Newnan Carnegie Library and Sworney & Associates offers a program to get the information you need about being financially stable when it comes to Long Term Care Planning, Medicare, Health and Life Insurance, Retirement Planning, and more. This is an informational session, so please come with questions! **Register eventbrite.com/e/494262150397 1 LaGrange St., 770.683. 1347. www.newnancarnegie.com

January 18,

WEDNESDAY

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n Tori Whitaker: Book Talk & Signing at PTC Library 1 to 3 p.m. In conversation with Kimberly Brock, author of The Lost Book of Eleanor Dare. From Tori Whitaker comes a new book entitled A Matter of Happiness. With an ex-fiancé and a pending promotion at a Kentucky bourbon distillery, Melanie Barnett thinks she has it all together. Until she discovers a cherished family heirloom that opens up a century of secrets in this bittersweet novel about family, hard truths, and selfdiscovery. 201 Willowbend Road, PTC, 770.631.2520

January 19, THURSDAY

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n Hometown Novel Nights: New Year, New Novels Join the Newnan Carnegie Library and Hometown Novel Writers Association 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. as they discuss “New Year, New Novels”, with some great reads by local Georgian authors. Guests will be writers: George Weinstein, Kim Conrey, Roseann Raniere, and Mike Nemeth. Hosted by local author Scott Ludwig and Co-hosted by T.M. Brown Author. Books by our presenters may be for sale thanks in part to the Corner Arts Gallery. **Register: eventbrite.com/e/483232239637 1 LaGrange St., 770.683.1347, newnancarngie.com

January 20, 21, 25 & 28, …

n Blind Wine Tastings at Senoia’s The Classic Market 6:30 p.m. Call to reserve your spot 770.301.8444, 15 Main St. theclassicmarketsenoia.com

January 24, TUESDAY

n The Highwaymen Show-American Outlaw Tribute at The Nixon Centre 7 p.m. The four Highwaymen - Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson - in their prime, playing their guitars and singing the harmonies. Tickets $20 adult; $15 senior / student; $5 CCSS employee. For more information visit thenixoncentre.net, 770.254.ARTS, 1523 Lower Fayetteville Rd., Newnan

January 26, THURSDAY

On Friday, January 27 attend a Scotch Whiskey Tasting at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum at 7 p.m. that includes live music. On Saturday, January 28 a full Burns Supper will be at the Historic Train Depot. This event kicks off with a fashion show at 6 p.m. Piping of the Haggis, toasts, live music round out the evening. Aye, git ‘yer kilt on!!

Tickets on sale eventbrite.com or at the museum. Look for more information in upcoming issues.

n Newnan Kiwanis Club Citizen of the Year Banquet 6 to 10 p.m. at the Newnan Centre.

January 28, SATURDAY

n N.I.T.W.I.T.’s New Year’s Resolutions: Dropping the Ball Bring us your most challenging New Year’s resolutions and let us play them out for you, showing you each pitfall, each alternate path, and each possible success in the most personal improv show of the year! Newnan Theatre Co., 24 1st Ave., newnantheatre.org

Porch Stories

Eat that elephant

Mama always said, “Eat that elephant one bite at a time.”

The first time I heard her say this, I was probably six years old and all I could imagine was my mom sitting on the Serengeti somewhere, gnawing on an elephant. It just didn’t make sense; mom loved all animals and besides, she never traveled outside of her trek from our house in Georgia to grandma’s house in North Carolina.

I’d hear mom share her elephant analogy time and time again as I grew older. At some point I realized she meant that I should just take things one step at a time. Don’t get overwhelmed, don’t despair over the task. Just take it piece by piece.

Though mom left this world in 2008, I still hear her advice at times I need it most.

We moved recently and I planned it well; or so I thought. I had a foolproof plan of packing, but that fell apart in the first week. Moving day was an absolute nightmare. What should have taken four hours turned into an exhausting eight.

After the move, Ninja Man and I sat in our new home with boxes all around us as we took time to recover from the past several weeks. It took longer than I expected, but we are in our sixties and apparently, we have to chew a bit longer on our elephants than we used to.

We have now been in our new home about two and a half months. We have unpacked a lot, but there are still boxes in the garage. Boxes that can “wait”. Boxes that are holding the stuff we keep looking for, but there’s that elephant thing, so those boxes just have to sit a while longer.

One thing I discovered in my empty nest years is that I cannot cope with what I call “visual chaos”. Clutter, even if it is intentional like decorative items filling a shelf, makes me anxious. I am far from being a “neat freak” or a minimalist, but there’s a limit on how much stuff I can look at day to day.

I’ve had literally two full days since our move that I was either not in pain, not sick or not on deadline with my work that I was able to dedicate to getting my house “together”. It’s been a hot flaming mess. But mom’s elephant has given me a bit of patience with myself, and I’ve been slowly picking through the priorities.

The desk I’m working from right now overlooks my back yard. I have a battery-operated snow globe with a winter scene that is in calm, yet constant motion just to the right of my laptop. I absolutely love it. Until yesterday, this desk was piled high with all the elements of a cluttered life; receipts, mail, notes, piles of things to shred or burn. I could hardly see my little snow globe. At some point yesterday when I felt well, was not on deadline and not overwhelmed with the clutter, I began organizing and making this a better space.

I was able to take that motivation from the desk to all other places in the main area of the house. As a result, this morning I awoke to a neatly organized space and it gave me so much peace.

One day I’ll see mom again, and I hope she will be proud that I took her advice and could finally eat that elephant one bite at a time. Thanks, mom.

PROFESSIONALS NEEDED

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America is hiring new professional team members at our facility in Newnan, Georgia, due to our continued growth.

We are looking for fresh faces with a broad range of expertise to expand our amazing leadership team!

Direct Hire jobs in salaried positions are on our website. Engineers, Analysts, Buyers, Operations Leaders 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:

“Considering a career with Yamaha has been one of the best decisions that I’ve made. It’s given me a whole lot of experience, it’s grown me a lot, not only as an engineer but as a person. And so it’s been really cool experience to get to grow up with the company, and I think that’s very valuable.”

—Will L., Manufacturing Engineer

Kathy Bohannon is a freelance writer and Christian speaker. She can be reached at kathybohan@yahoo.com n

MEN’S COLLEGE BASKETBALL

SEC – Georgia Bulldogs (11-4, 1-1)

Jan. 4 – Auburn ... W, 76-64

Jan. 7 – at Florida ... L, 75-82

Wed., Jan. 11 – Mississippi State, 6:30 pm – SEC Network

Sat., Jan. 14 – at Ole Miss, 1 pm – SEC Network

ACC – Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets (8-7, 1-4)

Jan. 4 – Miami ... W, 76-70

Jan. 7 – at Florida State ... L, 64-75

Tues., Jan. 10 – at Notre Dame, 7 pm – ACC Network

Sat., Jan. 14 – Pittsburgh, 3 pm – ACC Network

PRO SPORTS

NBA – Atlanta Hawks (19-21)

Jan. 6 – at Los Angeles Lakers ... L, 114-130

Jan. 8 – at Los Angeles Clippers ... W, 112-108

Wed, Jan. 11 – Milwaukee Bucks, 7:30 pm – ESPN/BSSE

Fri., Jan. 13 – at Indiana Pacers, 7 pm – BSSE

Sat., Jan. 14 – at Toronto Raptors, 7:30 pm – BSSE

Jan. 16 – Miami Heat, 3:30 pm – TNT

Jan. 18 – at Dallas Mavericks, 7:30 pm – ESPN/BSSE

Jan. 20 – New York Knicks, 7:30 pm – BSSE

Jan. 21 – Charlotte Hornets, 7:30 pm – BSSE

NFL – Atlanta Falcons (7-10)

Dec. 24 – at Baltimore Ravens ... L, 9-17

Jan. 1 – Arizona Cardinals ... W, 20-19

Jan. 8 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers ... W, 30-17

End of season

MLS – Atlanta United (0-0)

Jan. 28 – at Chattanooga FC, 3 pm (Friendly)

Feb. 25 – San Jose Earthquakes, 7:30 pm – Apple TV

March 4 – Toronto FC, 7:30 pm – Apple TV

March 11 – at Charlotte FC, Noon – Apple TV/FOX

MLB – Atlanta Braves (0-0)

Feb. 25* – Boston Red Sox (Cool Today Park) ,1:05 pm

Feb. 26* – at New York Yankees (Tampa), 1:05 pm

Feb. 27* – Toronto Blue Jays (Cool Today Park), 1:05 pm

Feb. 28* – at Minnesota Twins (Fort Myers), 1:05 pm * denotes Spring Training Game

HUNTING SEASON DATES – COWETA

Aug. 15 – Feb. 28 ... Squirrel, Opossum, Raccoon

Aug. 15 – March 15 ... Falconry (Squirrel)

Oct. 1 – March 15 ... Falconry (Rabbit, Quail, Grouse)

Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 ... Grouse

Nov. 5 – Feb. 28 ... Crows

Nov. 12 – Feb. 28 ... Quail / Rabbit

Nov. 15 – Feb. 28 ... Snipe

Dec. 1 – Feb. 28 ... Fox, Bobcat

Dec. 10 – Jan. 23 ... Woodcock

Dec. 10 – Jan. 29 ... Canada Goose, Coots, Ducks, Falconry, Gallinules, Mergansers, Sea Ducks, Snow & White Fronted Geese

Dec. 19 – Jan. 31 ... Mourning Dove

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

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

LAKE LEVELS

Jackson Lake – Jan. 8 ... 529.02 ft. (Full 528 ft.)

Lake Allatoona – Jan. 8 ... 834.07 ft (Full 840 ft.)

Lake Harding – Jan. 8 ... 519.24 ft. (Full 520 ft.)

Lake Lanier – Jan. 8 ... 1,069.73 ft (Full 1,071 ft.)

Lake Martin, Ala. – Jan. 8 ... 485.19 ft. (Full 491 ft.)

Lake Wedowee, Ala. – Jan. 8 ... 784.69 ft. (Full 793.0 ft.)

West Point Lake – Jan. 8 ... 630.49 ft. (Full 635 ft.)

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Wednesday, Jan. 11 – Rise 7:43 am; Set 5:51 pm

Thursday, Jan. 12 – Rise 7:43 am; Set 5:51 pm

Friday, Jan. 13 – Rise 7:42 am; Set 5:52 pm

Saturday, Jan. 14 – Rise 7:42 am; Set 5:53 pm

Sunday, Jan. 15 – Rise 7:42 am; Set 5:54 pm

Monday, Jan. 16 – Rise 7:42 am; Set 5:55 pm

Tuesday, Jan. 17 – Rise 7:41 am; Set 5:56 pm

Zen Monkey’s News and Musings …

Notes from here, there and the Internet …

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Governor Brian P. Kemp named the Honorable Erica L. Tisinger to the Superior Court of the Coweta Judicial Circuit. She will fill the vacancy created by the appointment of the Honorable Bill Hamrick to the Georgia State-wide Business Court earlier this year. The Coweta Judicial Circuit comprises Coweta, Carroll, Heard, Meriwether, and Troup counties.

[ [ [

The confetti in Times Square has thousands of people’s wishes written on them. In 2015 “wishfetti” became a part of the tradition. People write their wishes for the new year and submit them to the Wish Wall in Times Square (or online) and those wishes are turned into the confetti that falls over the crowd at midnight.

[ [ [

The non-profit Can’t Never Could, which was formed after the death of Rob Estes from brain cancer, has decided to dissolve. The board of directors, along with the Estes’ family, has created the Can’t Never Could Fund through The Piedmont Healthcare Foundation. CNC was created to help individuals and groups facing adversity and personal battles. Remaining funds were dispersed in keeping with the goals of CNC.

The Coweta Community Foundation (CCF) announced recipients of their 2022 Traditional Grants received a record $117,472 distribution of funds and an additional $1,500 of in-kind donations through its Mentorship Program. Awards were given to 31 nonprofit organizations that represent small to medium organizations and some larger organizations serving Coweta residents. The grants range in amounts from $500 to $5,000 each, representing a broad range of services, according to Kristen Webb, executive director. [ [ [

Kiribati, also known as Christmas Island, is located in the Central Pacific, and is one of the first countries to celebrate the New Year. American Samoa is one of the last. [ [ [

Mayor Brady has issued a proclamation declaring Newnan Fire Department Radio #1264 as Firefighter Damien Sorrells’ radio number. Henceforth it will no longer be used by the City of Newnan Fire Department. Sorrells, 44, passed on October 11, 2022. The proclamation from Mayor Brady was presented to Sorrells’ wife, Tiffany Sorrells. [ [ [

Nominees for the Kiwanis Clubs’ Citizen of the Year are: Samantha Brazie, Cynthia Bennett, Chris Doane, Jimmy Ellison, Dean Jackson, Dr. Pamela Johnson, Pastor Terri Lemons, Maureen Schuyler, Kristen Timoteo, Michael E. Winslett. More information to come. [ [ [

[ [ [

The first New Year’s celebration dates back 4,000 years. Julius Caesar, the emperor of Rome, was the first to declare Jan. 1 a national holiday. He named the month after Janus, the Roman god of doors and gates. Janus had two faces, one looking forward and one looking back. Caesar felt that a month named after this god would be fitting.

[ [ [

From the Newnan Junior Service League: We have been busy this month!! We were proud to present a check to the Coweta Community Food Bank for a record breaking $68,770.22 from Can-A-Thon! That’s over 200,000 cans for @oneroofoutreachnewnanga!! Additionally, Canongate Elementary won the competition for most food/funds collected from county schools and were presented with a $500 prize to go towards a school project or program. We are thankful for a supportive community that generously gives to those in need!

[ [ [

A dog named Patron helped Ukrainian emergency services find 200 unexploded bombs. President Zelenskyy awarded Patron the Order of Courage.

[ [ [

West Georgia Technical College has received a $40,000 grant from the Gene Haas Foundation to be used for student scholarships and student competition teams. Of the amount donated, up to $2,500 of the grant will be used towards the sponsorship of a competition that highlights the CNC/ Manufacturing program such as Skills USA.

[ [ [

A father who wanted to spend Christmas with his daughter bought tickets for all six flights she worked as a flight attendant so they could be together on the 24th and 25th of December while flying around the country.

[ [ [

Every year, The Heritage School raises funds for the Newnan Junior Service League’s (NJSL) annual Can-A-Thon. This year, Heritage Hawks raised over $26,000 — a record-breaking amount for the school’s yearly fundraiser. The effort, led by Key Club Sponsor and Heritage faculty Gina Watkiss and the Key Club members, make significant contributions to the Can-A-Thon every year.

[ [ [

A garbage collector in Bogotá, Colombia, has collected over 25,000 books people had thrown out and this year he opened a public library for poor children on the ground floor of his house.

[ [ [

Tax preparation and free electronic filing is scheduled for every Thursday, February 2nd through April 13th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the A. Mitchell Powell, Jr. Public Library, 25 Hospital Road, Newnan, GA, (770-253-3625).

The FREE help is also offered every Wednesday, February 1st, through April 12th from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.at the Central Library, 85 Literary Lane, (770-683-2052).

A special free filing day will be held ONE day only Tuesday, March 7th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Heard County Public Library, 564 Main Street, Franklin, GA, (706-675-6501).

Those wishing to take advantage of the free filing are STRONGLY encouraged to stop by the library and pick up an interview sheet to be completed before you come to have your taxes prepared. When you come to have your taxes prepared you should bring a copy of last year’s (2021) income tax return,W-2 forms from all employers, unemployment compensation statements,SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security benefits, all 1099 forms showing interest and/or dividends and documents showing original purchase price of any sold assets/stocks, 1099-misc. showing any miscellaneous income, 1099-R form if you received a pension or annuity, all forms indicating federal income tax paid; dependent care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number); all receipts and canceled checks if itemizing deductions; Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents.

Appointments will NOT be used this year.

It is not necessary to be an AARP member and ALL ages are welcome.

FOR SALE

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

WE BUY

“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. 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

WE PAY TOP DOLLAR for aluminum, copper, brass. Gentry Recycling 770.253.5770

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

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.

SERVICES

10% OFF ANY TREE SERVICE for senior citizens and veterans from Arbor Tech Tree Service when you mention this ad. Experts in tree removal, trimming/pruning, and stump grinding. Emergency service. Free Estimates. Certified ISA Arborist on staff. Call 678.633.2986

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.

TREE REMOVAL – 24/7 Emergency Service, Tree-Shrub Pruning and Trimming, Commercial and Residential, Licensed/Insured. Want It Your Way, Call Us Right Away. Misael’s Tree Service & Stump Grinding. Call 678.301.0153

NOW HIRING

WE NEED HELP! Knowledgeable technicians with own tools. Pay based on experience up to $35flat rate. Monday thru Friday 8-5. Contact us at Jamie’s Automotive, LaGrange. 706.242.4927

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

SMALLCAKES IS HIRING – Want to work someplace fun with flexible scheduling? Smallcakes Cupcakery Newnan is hiring for part-time closing cashiers! Shifts are 2-4 days per week, with opening weekend shifts also available. Apply in the store today!! 113 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan 30265. For info, call 770.252.1400.

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

PETS

NEWNAN COWETA HUMANE SOCIETY. Check website for list of animals at local animal control facility and foster care animals. Call 770.253.4694 www.nchsrescue.org

A. There is certainly going to be some damage to our landscape plants, small fruits and fruit trees. Temperatures during our last freeze got down to the single digits in some areas, which is extremely difficult on our Coweta County plants. The full extent of the damage will not be clear until later in the winter or even early spring, so right now this is a “wait and see” situation.

Time and patience are your best treatment option.

Pansies and violas planted in beds have a good chance of recovering, but other seasonal color plants, including perennials like heuchera and dusty miller, may not prove as hardy. Plants in containers and raised beds may not recover either, as the roots were more exposed to freezing than those of plants in the ground.

Turfgrasses are also likely to recover. Look for green tissue for evidence of recovery, and do not apply fertilizer until plants begin active growth later in the spring and after all danger of frost has passed. If you remember, we had an extremely harsh freeze in late April last year. Keep an eye on the forecast and consider waiting until early May to fertilize turfgrasses.

Perennial shrubs and trees were also affected, especially on young twigs at the edges of the canopy. I have seen significant freeze damage to distyliums, but they are tough plants and should bounce back with more normal temperatures. Wait to prune out dead or damaged plant tissue until closer to spring. Freeze damaged twigs can actually provide some protection to the rest of the plant if there is another freeze this winter or spring.

For our small fruit growers, this freeze was a double-edged sword. Perennial fruits need cold temperatures, called chill hours, to prepare them to break dormancy for fruiting. The number of chill hours varies by type of fruit and cultivar within those species.

Additionally, freezing temperatures helps control some pests like fungi and nematodes. While cold temperatures are not all bad, too much of a good thing…well you know how it goes. So while you are pruning out freeze damage later this spring on your landscape plants, say a prayer for our farmers. Strawberry growers are likely to see significant freeze damage to their crops this year if they were not able to apply row covers before the freeze hit. Blueberry and peach growers may also have some damaged crops.

Let’s hope we don’t see single digits like that for another several years.

For more information about protecting plants from cold injury, contact the Coweta County Extension office at 770-254-2620 or coweta.extension@uga.edu.

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization. Special thanks to Georgia DNR for contributions to this article.

Photo Credit: UGA Center for Urban Agriculture

Look in upcoming issues for information on the next Backyard Association meeting at the Coweta County Extension office. Call 770.254.2620 or email coweta.extension@uga.edu for more information. 255 Pine Road, Newnan ugaextension.org/coweta

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County welcome New Coweta Leadership for 2023

New Coweta club staff was welcomed in 2022, including Andrea Maxwell, the new Executive Director of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coweta County. Andrea attended Clark Atlanta University and received her MSW while coaching track and field for the Panthers. Upon graduation, she worked with youth with severe behavior disorders before joining the Boys and Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. With BGCMA, Andrea served as a Program Director with the Lawrenceville Club, then promoted to Manager of Training and Staff Development. She went on to a National Training Associate position with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America, facilitating training for Boys and Girls Clubs staff across the USA.

Keshuna Rhodes is the new Program Director at the Wesley Street Boys & Girls Club. Keshuna is a Newnan native who holds a bachelors degree in Business Administration with a minor in Public Administration. She has been part of the Boys & Girls Club movement for the past eight years, participating in groups such as College Bound, Keystone, and Oratorical, and has twice been awarded Youth of the Year for Coweta County. In high school, Keshuna served on the junior staff and as a membership clerk of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Coweta County. While in college, she became a Healthy Lifestyles Director and Unit Director for the Boys and Girls Club of Chattahoochee Valley.

Kyle Hunt is the new Program Director at the Howard Warner Boys & Girls Club. Kyle has a Bachelor of Science in human services and has been committed to the Boys & Girls Clubs movement for over five years. He has a passion for youth development and extensive experience in youth development. His previous position with the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Beach County was the Director of SEL Mental health. Kyle has worked in case management, mental health, grant reporting, and fundraising initiatives to create effective programs and partnerships for the communities being served and our youth.

According to Keisha Lacy, MPA, Sr. Director, Regional Development for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, “We have a great leadership team in Coweta County. We are fortunate to have Andrea Maxwell as our new Executive Director. She has great hands-on experience with youth development as well as leading training programs on a national level.” Lacy also said, “Keshuna Rhodes grew up locally in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County and provided a great inspiration and example for our local kids and teens” And then Lacy added, “Kyle brings great experience and passion to our Coweta County clubs. We think his success with community programs and partnerships will be a strong asset.”

Coweta County Advisory Board – Mission Driven: The mission of the Boys & Girls Club of Coweta County is to ignite the unlimited potential of kids and teens by creating safe, inclusive, and engaging environments. Our priorities in fulfilling this mission are:

• Serve More Kids, More Often

• Achieve Greater Impact with Kids

• Realize a Strong Financial Position

• Build Diverse & Effective Leaders

• Promote a Culture of Equity & Inclusion

In fulfilling our mission, we hope to realize our vision of thousands of young leaders thriving in life and strengthening the futures of their communities and the world.

Stephanie

What kind of plant damage can I expect from the freezing temperatures that we had a few weeks ago?

Andrea Maxwell, the new Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Coweta County

Keshuna Rhodes is the new Program Director at the Wesley Street Boys & Girls Club

Kyle Hunt is the new Program Director at the Howard Warner Boys & Girls Club.