The Weekly June 7, 2023

The W eekly

COWETA COUNTY SCHOOLS

From Special Reports

Canongate Elementary’s Mollie Wilson was announced as Coweta County’s 2023 Teacher of the Year Thursday night at the annual Coweta Board of Education’s ceremony.

Wilson, a third grade teacher at the north Coweta elementary school, was chosen from among three finalists and 33 Coweta school Teachers of the Year. Wilson will also serve as Coweta’s nominee for Georgia Teacher of the Year.

Mary Amoson, a Kindergarten teacher at Brooks Elementary School, and Julie Eidson, a 6th Grade Science teacher at East Coweta Middle School, were also chosen as finalists for the annual honor.

Wilson is a 24-year educator, who has served as an elementary school teacher in John’s Creek and Tyrone and has worked in the Coweta County Schools since 2010, first at Elm Street Elementary and at Canongate Elementary since 2021. She earned Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at the University of Georgia, and her Education Specialist degree from Georgia Southwestern State University.  Wilson serves as a grade level chair, and as a county language arts ambassador, among other school leadership positions in her career. She served as the Teacher of the Year for Elm Street Elementary, sponsors several clubs and initiatives at Canongate, and has spent several years as a Sunday school teacher for children and adults.

“This moment is not just about me.  It’s about everyone here,” said Wilson, after school board ViceChair Buzz Glover announced her as Coweta’s 2023 top teacher Thursday night.  Wilson thanked the board and Superintendent Evan Horton for the honor, and told them that she appreciates getting to work in Coweta County schools.

“Teachers get to see the potential in every kid who walks in and get to see that potential turn into success during the school year and beyond,” she said.  “I just appreciate you seeing the potential in me.” Thursday’s TOTY celebration at the Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts capped off Coweta’s 2022-23 school year. The event is hosted each year by the Coweta County Board of Education and the Newnan Pilot Club.

Pictured above (left to right) is the 2022 Coweta Schools Teacher of the Year Macie Fleming, the 2023 Coweta Schools Teacher of the Year Mollie Wilson and 2023 finalists Mary Amoson and Julie Eidson. (Coweta Schools photo)

Gov. Brian Kemp signed six bills recently at the Coweta County campus of West Georgia Technical College. The bills - House bills 163, 155, and 607, and Senate bills 246, 3, and 86 - will increase workforce opportunities in high-demand career fields and support higher education.

According to Fox TV, Chick-fil-A’s first ever official location has shut its doors after 50 years. In 1967, Truett Cathy opened the first Chickfil-A restaurant in Atlanta’s Greenbriar Mall on Greenbriar Parkway. Owners did not give a reason for the closure.

Michelle Grasso of GSC World Travel is among the newest graduates of the Virtuoso® Certified Travel Advisor (VCTA) program, an elite category within the travel industry. Designed to fast-track the development of those who are new to the travel advising profession or the Virtuoso network, the intensive VCTA program boasts a strong record of catapulting newcomers into million-dollar producers, as graduates sell an average of 74 percent more than their peers.

This year’s Valedictorians and Salutatorians are:

Newnan High School … • Valedictorian – Thomas Dean

• Salutatorian – Jaret Webb

East Coweta … • Valedictorian – Andrew Brown

• Salutatorian – Dean Khot

Northgate High School … • Valedictorian – Bronwyn Armitage

• Salutatorian – Hudson Huynh

Newnan High School senior Lacey Daniell has been named the recipient of the 2023 Community Service Team Scholarship from the Coweta Community Foundation. The award was presented on April 17 at the group’s end-of-the-year celebration at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber offices. Lacey served on the CST for all four of her years in high school and served as an officer last year. She plans to study journalism at the University of Colorado-Boulder.

All 13 members of West Georgia Technical College’s 2023 dental hygiene class earned a 100 percent pass rate on their regional clinical exams. Twelve students took the Central Regional Dental Testing Services exam (CRDTS) and one student took the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX).

Race For The Orphans raised $80,000 during this year’s road race. The money will go to help eight families adopt 10 children.

Lindsey’s Inc. Realtors is celebrating its 75th anniversary this month. Come by and join the celebration on June 14 from 1 to 4 p.m. Their office is located at 14 Jackson Street in downtown Newnan. For more information, call 770-253-6990 or visit lindseysrealtors.com.

Dr. Gamal Kemp, currently the principal of Lee Middle School, was approved by the Coweta County Board of Education as the new principal of Newnan High School. The board also approved Dr. Jacqueline Stephens as the new principal of Brooks Elementary School. The appointments take effect July 1.

Coweta-Fayette EMC’s Operation Round Up Foundation hosted its inaugural Swing Fore Operation Round Up Golf Tournament recently at Newnan Country Club. The tournament raised over $20,000 to help provide grants to non-profits and enhance educational opportunities to local students through CFEMC’s Operation Round Up Trust.

Drug Free Coweta DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day had roughly 39 drive-by participants that brought in unused, expired, and unwanted medications across the county. Across DEA’s Coweta County Division, which comprises Newnan and Sharpsburg, over 127 pounds of expired, unused, or unneeded medication were turned in at two collection sites.

Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corporation of America is hiring welders for our facility in Newnan, Georgia, due to our continued growth. We are looking for hardworking dedicated people! Benefits include insurance, 401k, profit sharing, tuition reimbursement, and more.

“Working at Yamaha has given me an awesome career trajectory. My job has given me financial stability, which has enabled me to have two kids in college right now.”

– Antoine H. Welding Supervisor

FISH DAYS

Thursday • June 22 • 8:30-9:30 a.m. Call to Place Your Order: 770-253-4556

or 803-776-4923 (deadline to order: Thursday, June 15)

Sterile Grass Carp (8-11”) ... $12 each Channel Catfish (3-5”, per 100) ... $65 Coppernose Bluegill (3-5”, per 100) ... $125 Largemouth

32 East Washington St. • Newnan GA 30263

June Daily Menu

SUNDAY: German Chocolate, Chubby Hubby

MONDAY: Carrot, Chocolate Cream Pie Get

TUESDAY: Key Lime, Holly’s Sweet Cookie, GLUTEN FREE

WEDNESDAY: Coffee & Donuts, Pineapple Upside Down

THURSDAY: Strawberry, Candied Pig, Baker’s Choice, VEGAN

FRIDAY: Strawberries N Creme, Tequila Sunrise, Baker’s Choice, GLUTEN FREE

SATURDAY: Strawberry Cheesecake, Coconut Rum, Baker’s Choice

113 Newnan Crossing Bypass Newnan 770-252-1400 www.smallcakesnewnan.com

Notes from Perry Street

I wrote this column seven years ago … almost to the day. The only things I would add are that the subject of this column has destroyed our ability to form correct sentences, understand how to balance a checkbook or even write a check. Handwriting is now hieroglyphics or chicken scratch at best. We send money (what, pray tell, is “cash”) and write entire chapters with apps. Conversations, at least the face-to-face kind, are replaced by texts. Not too long ago, I realized I did not know any of my sons’ cell phone numbers. I discovered this while filling out some form and had to include one of their numbers. Had no clue what it was. Talk to him all the time on the phone, but I wasn’t even sure about his area code.

Horrible parent right?

But let’s switch chairs here. How many of you know your kids or grandkids’ cell numbers by heart?

Years ago I had countless phone numbers memorized. Had no choice. I was not one to carry a phone book around. Friends, family, businesses, restaurants, knew them all. Now, I can unequivocally state I know my number and the Little Black Dress’ number. I also know my home phone number, but I try to never call it because I don’t want to call and have myself answer. Just a weird phobia I have.

So here’s what I’ve learned: smartphones are just making us dumb. And we are getting to the point where some of us cannot survive without them.

We don’t need to memorize anything anymore. We have our contacts in our phone. We have the important ones on speed dial. We have everything we need, until we don’t.

Example 1: The LBD has been in Oklahoma the last couple of weeks serving as chaplain for the Miss Oklahoma pageant. One night I get a call from one of her friends she’s hanging out with in Oklahoma. Now, getting a call from a friend when your wife is out of town kind of makes your heart stop for a moment. Was she in an accident? Is she hurt?

It was The Dress.

So I’m all “what are you doing calling me on your friend’s phone/you freaked me out/don’t ever do that again” rant and she basically tells me to zip it. Appears she left her phone somewhere and borrowed her friend’s to call.

The LBD’s problem was she and some other friends were going out later that night and she couldn’t call them because she didn’t know their phone numbers – they were on her phone.

Example 2: Eldest SON of Thunder is helping deliver our new weekly newspaper this summer. Out of the blue his phone just up and died.

He’s freaking because he can’t contact his friend for lunch. I told him to use my phone. He doesn’t know his friend’s number. I shake my head.

I suggest he go out and deliver some more newspapers. He looks at me strangely, points to his phone and said, “it’s dead. I can’t use GPS.” I suggest he try this thing called a “paper map.”

He looks at me like I’m a Neanderthal who just saw fire for the first time.

Smartphones are making us dumb. We are using our brains less and less and rely on buttons instead.

My father-in-law, up until he died a few years ago, ran a successful veterinary practice for 50 years. He never used a cell phone. He never had an email address. If he needed to remember something, he’d pull out this little pocket spiral notepad that was all crumpled up and write it down with a stubby pencil he sharpened with a pocket knife that was older than he was. He did alright.

As for me, I think I’m going to spend the next few days learning my sons’ phone numbers, just in case. Until next time. 

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

Joey & Emily Burg

Piedmont NEWNAN

Hydration Advocation: How to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with Water

As warmer weather approaches, our bodily needs fluctuate. While getting more sunshine is an overall plus for both our mental and physical health, the extra heat causes us to sweat more, which, when coupled with the extra physical activity that accompanies the next few months, means we’re all definitely going to need to up our water intake. Speaking of water intake, determining the right amount for a healthy adult to drink is a bit more nuanced than the “eight cups a day rule,” even under normal circumstances. For starters, there’s the fact that water is present in a lot of other foods and beverages we consume every day.

“Fruits, sodas, and even coffee, none of which should be your sole source of hydration, also contribute to your water consumption, so it’s important to factor them in when keeping track of how much you’re drinking in the day,” says Matthew Roberts, D.O., who specializes in family medicine. According, to the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, an adequate daily fluid intake, taking into account that 16 ounces is equivalent to a typical bottled water, is:

continued on page 7

A Week of Thanks

Piedmont Newnan Hospital leaders showed their appreciation for the dedication and hard work of employees and volunteers during Healthcare Week and Nurses Week, May 7 through 13. Each day, there was a different event to thank and celebrate hospital staff for making a positive difference in every life they touch.

CPM Advanced Surgical Specialists in Newnan Joins Piedmont Physicians Group

Piedmont Physicians Group would like to welcome Elizabeth Almon, M.D., Clifford Cranford, Jr., M.D., Joseph Morris, III, M.D., Frank Powell, M.D., and Jennifer Pate, N.P., to its healthcare team. Their practice, formerly named CPM Advanced Surgical Specialists, is now Piedmont Physicians Surgical Specialists CPM.

“We are excited to have these CPM providers join the Piedmont family,” said Charles L. Brown III, M.D., CEO of Piedmont’s Physician Enterprise (or Mike Robertson, CEO of Piedmont Newnan). “This excellent team of doctors has years of experience in the medical field, and will provide outstanding services and care for our patients.”

These four physicians, who all grew up in Coweta County, have been serving their patients in Newnan combined for more than 30 years.

“CPM has had a great relationship with Piedmont over the years, providing services and performing surgeries at Piedmont Newnan Hospital,” said Dr. Powell. “This merger will strengthen that relationship and allow us to continue to provide excellent care to our community for years to come.”

Dr. Almon is a board-certified General Surgeon with the American Board of Surgery and is a member of the Southeastern Surgical Congress. She earned her Medical degree from Mercer University and completed her internship and residency at the Medical Center, Navicent Health in Macon, GA. Dr. Almon then returned to her hometown to practice at Piedmont Newnan where she has special interests in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. Since returning to Newnan, she has been a speaker at the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Surgeons. She was elected Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Piedmont Newnan and serves on the Piedmont Clinic Surgical Services Clinical Governance Council.

Dr. Cranford is board-certified with the American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, and the

American Society of Gastrointestinal Surgeons. He specializes in GI diseases, colonoscopy, endoscopy, and hemorrhoids.

Dr. Morris is a board-certified General Surgeon by the American Board of Surgery and a member of the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery. He completed a fellowship in advanced laparoscopic surgery. He performs all types of general surgery procedures and specializes in robotic hernia repairs, laparoscopic gall bladder surgery, anti-reflux surgery, colon surgery, and bariatric surgery.

Frank Powell, MD, is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He has performed breast and general surgery in Newnan, Georgia, for the last 30 years. He is a 6th generation physician practicing in Coweta County and treats all types of abdominal wall hernias, gastrointestinal tract disorders, and gallbladder diseases. He did research at the Swiss Red Cross in Bern, Switzerland in overwhelming bacterial infections. Over the last 15 years, he has taken a particular interest in breast cancer, including high-risk patients, although he has taken care of breast cancer throughout his entire career. He played an instrumental role in establishing the Newnan Breast Center and the Piedmont Newnan Hospital Combined Breast Clinic. In addition, he enjoys mountain biking and spending time on the lake with his family in his spare time.

The practice also includes a Family Nurse Practitioner, Jennifer Pate, MSN, APRN, FNP-C. She earned her MSN and BSN degrees from Clayton State University in Morrow, GA after earning her Associate degree in Physical Therapy from the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, GA. Jennifer has over 26 years of clinical experience as a physical therapist assistant and registered nurse working with patients at a variety of rehabilitation facilities and most recently with those with spinal cord injuries. She has also provided nursing care for pediatrics, family medicine, internal medicine, and cardiology. Jennifer is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (AANP), the Associations of Rehabilitation Nurses (ARN) and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board

Piedmont Physicians Surgical Specialists CPM accepts most major insurance plans. The office is located at 775 Poplar Road, Suite 260, in Newnan, Ga. To schedule an appointment or for more information, please visit piedmont.org or call 770-502-2150.

Elizabeth Almon, M.D. Clifford Cranford, Jr., M.D. Joseph Morris, III, M.D. Frank Powell, M.D. Jennifer Pate, N.P.

Hydration Advocation

continued from Piedmont Page

• About 92 ounces of fluid a day for women

• About 124 ounces of fluid a day for men

*Contact your doctor regarding the recommended amount of daily fluid intake specific to your health status.

Again, this also factors in fluid-intake from other foods and beverages—food is responsible for around 20% of fluid consumption, the rest coming from beverages. And, while you’re going to be craving more cold drinks during the warmer months, you’re also likely going to be eating more fruits as they start coming into season, which will also bump up the amount of water you’re consuming.

It’s also important to remember that there are a lot of factors that cause individual variation. As illustrated above, the recommended daily amount varies based on sex, age, weight, and any underlying health conditions, which will also cause that number to change. Ultimately, the best way to determine whether or not you need to drink more water in that moment is to pay attention to your body. A dry mouth, dizziness, and fatigue are all typical signs of dehydration, but you can also pay attention to urine color: pale yellow being ideal, dark yellow-to-orange signifying dehydration, and clear urine signifying overhydration.

That’s right—you can actually drink too much water. The dangers of overhydration are much less emphasized than dehydration, but water intoxication is very possible, and it’s important that we remember, in the midst of trying to keep ourselves healthy and hydrated, that we don’t overcompensate and plunge ourselves into the other extreme. On average, a healthy adult’s kidneys can process one liter of water per hour (33.81 ounces), so it’s important that you don’t drink more than 2 bottles of water an hour, also taking into account what else has been consumed during that timeframe. This is a common issue for athletes, marathon runners, and anyone engaging in intensive exercise, for which an alternative to excessive fluid consumption is pairing electrolytes with your water intake. Electrolytes speed up the rate at which your body is able to process and thereby start feeling the effects of hydration, decreasing the likelihood of overdoing it on your beverages.

It may require some extra steps on your part to keep up with summer and take care of your body at the same time—on either side of the hydration spectrum—but maintaining a healthy relationship with water will provide the kind of longstanding benefits you don’t want to miss out on.

For additional tips and tricks on staying hydrated, check out Piedmont’s newsroom, or have a conversation with a physician near you (visit piedmont.org to search for locations in your area).

Paragon is excited to announce The Resilient Mind And Body (REM-BOD) Conference. Let us take you on a journey where your mind and body can thrive, where you can find the tools to build your inner resilience and overcome any obstacle. REMBOD is more than just an event - it's an experience that will leave you feeling empowered, inspired, and connected.

Our keynote speakers are experts in the field of resilience, mental health, and wellness. They will share their knowledge and wisdom, inspiring you to tap into your own inner strength and find the resilience you need to thrive in today's world. Come discover the beauty of mindfulness and the power of meditation. Learn your stress zones and see the impact of diet and exercise on your wellbeing. Learn how to cultivate inner strength, self-love and find your purpose and inner peace.

REMBOD is not just about education and inspiration. We also provide practical tools and resources that you can use in your daily life. In addition, our Paragon Wellness Coaching Platform will offer a personalized approach and guide you in your wellness journey

We understand that not everyone can attend in person, which is why we offer live streaming options. You can enjoy the conference from the comfort of your own home or gather a group of friends or colleagues and grow your connections in a meaningful way.

Invest in yourself today and join us for the Resilient Mind and Body (REMBOD)conference. Let us help you discover the resilience within you, and empower you to overcome any obstacle that comes your way!

YOUR PREMIER EVENTS VENUE

Ask your County Agent

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

Q. Can you save money by preserving food at home?

A. The short answer is it depends.

There has been a significant increase in learning home food preservation practices throughout the United States. During the pandemic, people spent extra time at home growing their gardens, preparing new food items, and trying new methods to preserve their foods.

In fact, the National Center for Home Food Preservation (NCHFP) saw an increase of 620% in website access and 270% in requests for home food preservation validated recipes from March 2020 to 2022.

Whether or not you can save money by preserving food at home depends on several factors including the availability of raw materials such as produce and ingredients; equipment; resources and time.

Raw materials can be mainly divided into three categories: grown yourself, purchased or received as a donation. Each of these categories will affect the cost per pound of the main ingredient.

If you grow the produce yourself, you must consider the costs of plants, soil amendment, equipment, irrigation, and your own time.

When purchasing raw materials from the store, look for bulk pricing and in-season commodities for the best bang for the buck.

Equipment to preserve food will vary depending on the food preservation method used.

If canning is the method of choice, consider the cost of the canner, jars, rings, flats, canning tools, maintenance over the years, electricity or gas for your stove and your own time, which can vary greatly depending on the knowledge and experience you have.

If freezing is the method of choice, it is essential to understand the costs associated with freezing and

Understanding, controlling Elder Financial Abuse

Since 2006, June has been recognized as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.

One of the most common forms of Elder Abuse is financial abuse. Unfortunately, it is most often committed by people who are the closest to the senior. Family, extended family or a close caretaker commit 62 percent of financial abuse. The people the senior trusts the most – the people no one would expect would harm the senior – are exactly the people doing the harm.

Most people who commit elder financial abuse don’t believe they are doing anything criminal. Many report being entitled to the finances. They feel they are due payment for the care or attention they are giving or that they should be compensated for shortcomings they believe were committed in the past. Or they rationalize that they “might as well” use the money because the senior “doesn’t need it.”

There is no right reason to use or withhold another person’s financial assets without their knowledge. And it is a crime.

There are risk factors that someone may be prime to become a victim of financial abuse.

1. A recent stressful event, such as the death of a spouse.

2. Moving or downsizing.

3. A Dementia diagnosis.

4. The need for a caregiver.

There are also warning signs. The lack of basic needs being met; unexplained financial problems, such as being overdrawn at the bank or bills that have gone unpaid; changes in their behavior; and being isolated.

As with many of today’s issues, the best way to combat elder financial abuse is through communication and involvement. While many people, especially the older generation, believe firmly that their finances are no one’s business, this

Senior Living Advice

with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager

secrecy can contribute to the vulnerability of the person. The more people who can see the financial workings of a senior, the less chances for financial abuse to occur.

There are many products available to help families keep better control of their loved one’s finances. One that I really like is myFloc™. It is listed as an AARP Innovation Labs Portfolio Company.

MyFloc™ is an expense management and payment solution that helps families maintain control and protect their senior’s money. It allows for control, clarity and communication in spending by the senior and for the senior. If your senior has numerous people paying bills or running errands for them, or if they are in the early stages of Dementia where spending can get out of hand, this is a great way to protect them.

If you suspect someone may be the victim of any type of abuse or neglect, remember it is not your responsibility to prove the abuse or neglect has occurred. Trust your gut. If you think something is going on, report it to your local police department or report it to adult protective services. All reports can be anonymous.

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.

maintaining food frozen.

For new home food preservers, the first-year investment with equipment and tools may be higher for canning and freezing, and a long-term commitment may be required to observe the return or savings in preserving food.

Resources such as guidelines and tested recipes are essential to preserving food safely.

Research-based free resources are available through the National Center for Home Food Preservation and from the USDA Complete Guide to Home Canning: https://nchfp.uga.edu

Additionally, UGA Extension offers the NCHFP book, “So Easy to Preserve” at https://setp.uga.edu

Time. Don’t forget to consider what your time is worth. However, for many people food preservation is a form of therapy, healthy exercise, or a family bonding activity.

One of my best memories as a child was canning green beans with my grandmother, and just last summer, my mom and I spent hours in the kitchen together canning peaches and freezing corn. I would not trade those memories for anything in the world.

Of course, you may get just as much enjoyment out of spending some time visiting local farmers markets where you can purchase locally grown already preserved goods. The Coweta County Farmers Market (located at 197 Temple Avenue, Newnan) is now open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon through mid-October.

After considering all the factors and comparing the total cost of preserving food at home versus purchasing food at the store or farmers markets, then you may find the costs outweigh or are similar to the savings.

While it is possible to save money preserving food at home, you have a better chance of saving if you commit to it long-term.

For more information about food preservation, contact the Coweta County Extension office at 770-2542620 or coweta.extension@uga.edu.

The University of Georgia College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences is an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization.

Photo Credit: UGA Cooperative Extension, Family & Consumer Sciences

Kathy Bohannon’s Front Porch Stories

Visual chaos.

It’s a thing, y’all.

I didn’t realize it was a thing, but I had to Google it just to be sure that I had indeed coined the phrase. Turns out, I didn’t. Also turns out it’s been a lifelong issue with me.

It came to me one day when I actually felt some anxiety while looking at stuff piled somewhere it didn’t belong in my house. The pile even had things that didn’t belong together.

It is easier to deal with a mountain of laundry than a pile of screwdrivers, a hammer, someone’s spiral bound notebook, a broken doorbell, some keys, about 17 batteries, broken chalk, pennies and a dog leash. These are normal piles in my life, and I don’t know why. Of course, the 17 batteries are all because of Ninja Man, but I make piles also, and those things, plus not knowing if those 17 batteries are trash or not, make me crazy.

I worked full time when the kids were little. Terrible decision on my part, but it is what it is. Besides the ever-growing mom guilt, the piles that lived with us were overwhelming. During the week they grew so much that I was only able to sort the tops and basically hope the rest didn’t ignite, or worse, grow legs and try to suffocate us in our sleep. I rarely knew what was actually in the middle or bottom of those mountains, but often buried underneath were kid shoes and clothing long after they had outgrown them.

My mom always had house help two or three times each week and I grew to understand why. Mom had four of us making piles all over her house, and she would just go to bed until her house fairy came. Unlike mom, I found having a house fairy was exhausting. On the eve of their arrival I would have to spend my evenings sorting, moving or hiding our piles well after midnight. Of course, it was always a time when I had to be at work the next day.

I need a nap just thinking about it.

I went back and forth with the whole house fairy thing, finally giving in to wee hour cleaning before they came, only to fight sleep at work the next day. It was worth it, but then again, it wasn’t. I had to arrive at a conclusion that I was either going to have a beautifully clean house to come home to or I was going to have to wade through the mess. I made whatever choice made sense at the time, and I went through about twenty house fairies in twenty years.

I’m mostly retired now, and we have some piles. Ninja Man has his piles; clothes, tools, and yes, batteries that may or may not be dead. I have mine also; clothes, crafts and work stuff. Oh, and knitting, sewing, and up until last month, shoes. I finally broke down and bought a shoe rack for the closet door. The rack keeps the door from opening all the way, but so did my pile of shoes, so here we are.

Google defines visual chaos as this: “When information comes into the brain through a visual system that's not functioning properly, the information gets all mixed up, leading to chaos.”

There’s a lesson to be learned here. When mom ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy.

Disclaimer: I didn’t coin that phrase.

Kathy Bohannon is a freelance writer and Christian humorist. She speaks for women’s groups and enjoys being semi-retired. She can be reached at kathybohan@yahoo.com

Weekly Kitchen with Angela

A super pasta salad for summer

What is it about the warmer weather that makes us want to stay out of the kitchen? By the time summer officially arrives each year, I consider it “sandwich weather” and can happily live off chicken salad or pimiento cheese sandwiches until my dad’s tomatoes come in. Then I head to the store to grab a loaf of Sunbeam bread, the only white bread I buy all year. I also stock up on Duke’s mayonnaise for my husband, who is particular about his mayo, and we get ready to dine on tomato sandwiches till they’re gone.

But the fresh tomatoes haven’t arrived yet, and one must eat, mustn’t one? About this time each June, I start searching for new salads to try. When I looked online, I saw recipes for “creamy” summer salads, but I didn’t want creamy. I was thinking “crunchy.”

So I turned to those old metal recipe tins I’ve been acquiring at antique stores for the past few years. It seems that the recipe savers of yesteryear were big on casseroles and cakes and pies. But salads? Not so much. One of the recipe boxes has quite a few prune recipes. Prunes are fine, but really, have you ever heard someone say, “You know, what I’d really like right now is a nice big prune!” I imagine not.

But lo and behold, one of those recipe boxes turned up a recipe for a tasty pasta salad whose enthusiastic scribe had noted it was “Super!” That certainly sounded like the one to try, and the result lived up to the advertising. I especially like a dish like this because you’re “assembling” it more than “cooking” it. And if you have some broccoli and cauliflower and onions left over, as I did, you can add them to a casserole dish with some chicken breasts and olive oil and, voila, supper.

You’ll need a big pan—and I do mean big—for mixing up this pasta salad. I prepared mine in the large enamelware pan that I use for shelling peas and then transferred the pasta salad to plastic containers with lids. This salad is great as a side dish, and on its own, it’s the perfect warm-weather lunch.

Recipe Super Pasta

Salad

o 1 (16-ounce) package spiral pasta, cooked and drained (I used whole-wheat pasta)

o 2 cups Italian dressing, divided use

o 1 cup cauliflower, chopped

o 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped

o 1 cup red onion, chopped

o 1 cup green pepper, chopped

o 1 (7-ounce) jar pimientos, drained

o 1-1/2 cups sliced black olives (I used low-sodium olives)

o 1 large tomato, diced

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain, rinse in cold water, then drain again. Stir in 1-1/2 cups of the Italian dressing and combine. Add the vegetables, pimientos, and black olives and combine well. Just before serving, add the diced tomatoes and remaining dressing. Yields approximately 15 onecup servings, and this pasta salad keeps well in the refrigerator for a week or more.

WINPAK FILMS INC. IS HIRING

Much More Than a Place to Work

Winpak Films Inc. is growing to meet the demand for food packaging and other flexible film products around the world. As we expand our capacity, we are dedicated to much more than hiring machine operators, logistics pros, maintenance, and lab technicians to support our production growth. Importantly, we are committed to supporting your growth and advancing your career.

For starters, we’ve created a supportive, clean and safe work environment that has made many of our employees stay with us for decades and even inspire their children to come to work for us. Then we reward their loyalty with exceptional working conditions and a great employment package, plus the opportunity to live in and raise families with the small-town 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.

What Can Winpak Offer You?

Our commitment to a wellrounded benefits program goes beyond medical insurance to include dental, vision, telemedicine, a flexible spending account, and life and disability benefits. If you work at Winpak 30+ hours a week on a continuous basis, you’re eligible for benefits. Your eligibility begins the first of the month following 60 days of hire with the company. Employees can expect:

• Outstanding medical & supplemental insurance

• Retirement Programs / 401K

• Paid vacation & sick leave

• Career advancementoperators today could be managers tomorrow

• Friendly, helpful production teams & managers

• Company-paid training

• Creative work schedules

How Much Could You Earn?

Contributing to a Sustainable Future

At Winpak, sustainability is more than just a buzzword, it’s engrained in how we work and manage our resources. We provide opportunities for active employee engagement in various initiatives which align with our sustainability pillars. This enables us, as an organization, to work together to become a better corporate citizen and contributor to a better planet.

“They really show their appreciation for you.”

V. Smith

About Winpak Ltd. Winpak designs and supplies innovative packaging to some of the world’s largest brands.

As an employee of Winpak Films, you are part of Winpak Ltd., an $853 million company with 12 manufacturing facilities in North America encompassing locations in Illinois, New Jersey, California, Canada and Mexico.

Our facilities’ total floor space would cover 40 football fields and we employ more than 2,500 people. We started operations in 1978, and our corporate headquarters is in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. Winpak is listed on the TSX (WPK).

Our stepped-up wage scale starts at $16 per hour for entry level employees with the opportunity for higher earnings every 3 months in just the first year, On the first anniversary of hire you could be earning $18 to $20 per hour, 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.

Extrusion Operators can earn up to $23.50 per hour, depending on skill level. For entry level employees our stepped-up wage scale starts at $17 per hour with the opportunity for higher earnings every 3 months in just the first year. On the first anniversary of hire you could be earning $19 to $20 per hour, depending on your job title and performance. Night shift positions earn an extra $1.50 per hour. Jobs include Machine Operators, QA Lab Technicians, Logistics Operators, Storeroom Attendants, Plate Mounters, and Apprentice Press Operators.

Us

with

Find Out More and Grow

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

printing; Photo polymer plate making; In-house graphics.

“I appreciate how my co-workers train me in a way I can understand.”

M. Boswell

Weekly The

Real Es tate

Home Inspections and Real Estate

Home inspections are an important part of a real estate transaction.

with Jess Barron

decades to where buyer representation and due diligence periods, in a contract, are a normal part of most transactions.

A home inspection often carries a negative connotation to sellers. They can see it as the buyer beating them down on price or picking their house apart. A home inspection can be a good thing for sellers if they complete one upfront. It is a wise move to have a home inspection conducted before you list a property so you can have any potential problems taken care of before you list the property and not in the middle of a transaction. I would strongly recommend this, especially in an older home. This will allow you, as a seller, to obtain top-dollar and a quicker closing.

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

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I have been disappointed to learn that many consumers do not realize that they have the option to have a home inspection on the property they are purchasing. In a typical transaction, the opportunity to conduct a home inspection occurs during your due diligence period. This is the point, in a contract, where the buyer has a negotiated length of time, usually 7-21 days, to conduct their due diligence on the property. Home inspectors will typically charge a few hundred dollars for an inspection, depending on the size of the property and other factors like a crawlspace. Georgia is one of about 20 states that have not adopted licensing for home inspectors. It is important to consider a home inspector’s training and background when considering who to use. Your Realtor should have a pool of trusted home inspectors for you to consider.

A home inspector will thoroughly inspect the property you are purchasing. This includes structural, functional, and even cosmetic issues. I would recommend an engineer for structural issues however. Typically, home inspectors will provide an in-depth report for you about the house that will include safety issues, major defects and minor items. The due diligence is the time of the contract where the buyer can ask the seller to resolve the issues on the home inspection report or provide a price reduction, closing costs, etc. in lieu of repairs. The repairs are negotiable.

The real estate market has not always provided buyers with a due diligence period and the opportunity for home inspections. In fact, “buyer representation” is still a rather new concept. Historically, the real estate market practiced more of a “buyer beware” mindset during a real estate transaction. As a broker/ agent, you listed a property, received buyer calls/leads and worked with the buyer yourself. It was not uncommon for a listing agent to represent both the buyer and seller in what is called dual-agency. Georgia is one of a few states where dual-agency is still practiced. The market has shifted in the last few

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Options to consider for Summer Travel on a Budget

Between school, work and household duties, it’s been a hectic year for people of all ages. A short getaway to the beach, a new city or tourist attraction helps many people to relax, unwind and recharge. It’s possible to have a fun, memorable summer vacation with family and friends without overspending or going into debt. Here are some tips to enjoy summer travel on a budget:

Establish a budget

It’s important to determine how much you can afford to spend on the getaway, particularly for families with children. Consider the costs of airfare, hotel rooms, gas (if driving to the destination), rental cars, food and admission prices for different activities. This may influence where you decide to travel and the length of the trip.

Book your getaway soon

Book your airline or railroad tickets and accommodations as soon as possible. Prices will

rise the closer you get to your travel date. If flying to your destination, compare prices by airline and book your ticket at least three weeks before the trip to get the best prices. While many choose to book hotels and rental cars online, some experts have told Good Morning America that calling hotels, for instance, and asking about their base rate can help to find deals.

To save on air travel, consider booking economy seats or only bringing carry-on luggage to eliminate extra baggage fees, if you’re able to fit everything you need into a small bag.

FRANK BARRON

Associate Broker 770-231-9535

FrankB@LindseysRealtors.com

“Serving All of Newnan and Coweta County Since 1948”

Find special offers and discounts

Use memberships, such as AAA & AARP, and credit card perks to your advantage. Membership programs provide special offers on hotels, rental cars, air travel, restaurants, tickets to entertainment venues, tourist attractions, sports events, and more.

Good Morning America also recommends using apps, such as Google Flights and Hopper, to find plane tickets and track when flight prices drop. Hopper also helps to identify deals on hotels and rental cars.

Hit the road

Airplane tickets aren’t cheap and they get more expensive closer to your travel date. If you’re tight on funds or traveling with a group, consider hitting the road and driving to your destination.

Before leaving home, make sure your vehicle is ready for a road trip. Perform important maintenance, such as checking your car’s battery, inspecting belts and hoses, topping off fluids and

1948-2023

replacing filters, verifying that lights and electrical equipment are working, checking the brakes and inspecting tires, according to Allstate.

Consider all-inclusive deals and vacation home rentals

All-inclusive deals can help you get the most for your money. These deals often include costs for hotel stay, food, activities and more. Home rentals, such as through Airbnb and Vrbo, can offer families space for children to play, amenities such as a pool and a kitchen that allows travelers to cook meals and reduce their overall food expenditures.

Take a day trip or stay close to home

Particularly for large families on a budget, consider taking a day trip to nearby sights and attractions or staying close to home and enjoying excursions to pools, playgrounds, parks and nature centers. Museums, libraries and movie theaters are also great options on hot or rainy days.

JESS BARRON, GRI

Associate Broker 678-857-9350

JessB@LindseysRealtors.com

14 Jackson Street, Newnan, GA 30263 • 770-253-6990

MLS #20005781

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.

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.

.8 ACRES, VACANT LOT IN DEVELOPED

MLS #10162803

NICELY WOODED TRACT! IDEAL FOR HOMESITE IN GOOD AREA OF NORTH MERIWETHER COUNTY! Has 643’ of road frontage on one side of Callaway Road and 384’ of frontage on the other. 321a+/- road frontage on Johns Road. Nicely wooded tract with pines and hardwoods. Lots of wildlife including deer and turkey. $90,100. Frank

CHOICE 10.13 ACRES ZONED COMMERCIAL (C-2) ON HWY 74 (SENOIA ROAD). Adjoins Georgia World of Beverages. 579’ frontage on Hwy 74 and additional frontage on Landrum Road (385’+/-). $3,500,000. Frank

LOTS/LAND

2 WOODED VACANT LOTS in West Coweta on East Coggins Road. Easy access to Newnan, Franklin or Carrollton. $60,000 per lot. Frank/Jess.

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.

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.

COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE

SOLD! SOLD!

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

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

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

MLS #10073522

MLS #10132017

MLS #10110852

LOT 2: VACANT LOT 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 Jess.

109 RESIDENTIAL LOTS IN MANCHESTER, GA! Manchester city water, sewer & electricity available. Schools nearby! Walk to downtown Manchester. Chestnut Glen Subdivision. $30,000 per lot. BULK SALE ONLY. Frank/Jess

6.67 ACRES ZONED GENERAL COMMERCIAL! Convenient to Hwy 34 Bypass & downtown Newnan. Great opportunity for many potential uses. New Price $499,900. Frank and Chip

12 CHOICE BUILDING LOTS IN 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.

MLS #10101800

MLS #10162670

MLS #10148023

BEAUTIFUL, WOODED LAND WITH STREAM! Great timber, hunting, recreation, or development tract! Timber cruise completed in 2020 - $72,675. Mixture of hardwoods and pines. Spacious and private! $411,825. JESS

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. $425 for 1,000 gallons; $525 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.

NOW HIRING

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

NOW HIRING – Smallcakes Cupcakery in Newnan is seeking to hire a Parttime Baker with decorating experience. Immediate opening. Stop by and grab an application today at 113 Newnan Crossing Bypass, Newnan

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

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

Superior Tree Service