The Weekly May 8, 2024

Make plans …

From Coweta County School System Press Release

East Coweta High School History

Teacher Jennifer Sandlin was named the 2024 Coweta County Teacher of the Year at the annual Coweta teacher of the year ceremony held by the Coweta County Board of Education.

Sandlin – a 20-year educator at ECHS – was chosen from among 33 nominees from all Coweta County schools, and three finalists, including Rebecca Craver, a 4th Grade teacher at Elm Street Elementary School, and Stephanie Landrum, the Media Specialist at Ruth Hill Elementary School.

The May 1 Teacher of the Year program was presented by the Coweta County Board of Education in partnership with the Newnan Club, and honored all 33 Coweta County School System teachers of the year chosen by the peers in 2024.

Sandlin was introduced by Principal Steve Allen, who thanked sandling” for what you do every day… leading, teaching and motivating our students at East Coweta High School.” In addition to her teaching duties, Sandlin also serves as EC’s Social Studies Department chair, jv volleyball coach, history club sponsor, as testing proctor, a cub scouts and girl scouts leader, a leader of veteran’s day programs, and many other school and community duties.

Sandlin in turn honored her fellow Teachers of the Year. “What we do matters to this entire community,” she said.

Teachers of the Year are selected by their fellow certified teachers at each school in recognition of exemplary teaching, and serve as ambassadors of their profession. This year’s honorees represent teachers working in Kindergarten through 12th grade, and a range of educational disciplines including English/Language Arts, math, music, science, social sciences, career education, special education, coaching and media. They were honored at the May 1 ceremony at the Nixon Centre for Performing and Visual Arts, held each year by the board in partnership with the Newnan Pilot’s Club.

Sandlin, Craver and Landrum were among 33 Coweta educators chosen by their fellow Coweta County teachers. This year’s TOTY honorees include:

• Brittany Hand, K-5th Grade Special Education (Arbor Springs Elementary)

East Coweta’s Jennifer Sandlin named 2024 Coweta Teacher of the Year

• Rebecca Gore, Media Specialist (Arnco-Sargent Elementary)

• Heather Dailey, Kindergarten (Atkinson Elementary)

• Abby Grace Townsend, 1st Grade (Brooks Elementary)

• Whitney Self, 5th Grade (Canongate Elementary)

• Mackenzie Sibley, 3rd Grade (Eastside Elementary)

• Rebecca Craver, 4th Grade (Elm Street Elementary)

• Jennifer Pineda, 5th and 6th English/Language Arts and Social Studies (Empower)

• Jessica Anderson, Kindergarten (Glanton Elementary)

• Felecia Dunson, Special Education/BRIDGE (Jefferson Parkway Elementary)

• Diana Ewing, Music (Moreland Elementary)

• Brittany Hajzak, 3rd Grade (Newnan Crossing Elementary)

• Courtney Gordon, 3rd Grade(Northside Elementary)

• Abby Loftin, 1st Grade (Poplar Road Elementary)

• Stephanie Landrum, Media Specialist (Ruth Hill Elementary)

• Renee Rich, Media Specialist (Thomas Crossroads Elementary)

• Jasmine Jones, 4th Grade (Welch Elementary)

• Mandy Prophett, Early Intervention Program (Western Elementary)

Teacher of Year story continued on page 2

Pictured above: 2024 Coweta Teacher of the Year Jennifer Sandlin (left), joined by fellow nominees Rebecca Craver and Stephanie Landrum, and 2023 Coweta Teacher of the Year Mollie Wilson.

2024 Coweta Teacher of the Year Jennifer Sandlin

Katherine Anders

• Jennifer Dunn, English for Speakers of Other Languages (White Oak Elementary)

• Lea Davenport, 1st Grade (Willis Road Elementary)

• Ashley Prince, Media Specialist (Arnall Middle)

• Stephanie Humphrey, 8th Grade Math (Blake Bass Middle)

• Marissa Delaney, 6th Grade Social Studies (East Coweta Middle)

• Brian Self, 7th Grade English/Language Arts (Evans Middle)

• Kristin Davis, 8th Grade Math (Lee Middle)

• Dwight McDaniel, 6th-8th Grade English/Language Arts (Maggie Brown Middle)

• Mallory Berry, 7th and 8th Grade Gifted Science (Madras Middle)

• Gillian Phillips, 8th Grade English/Language Arts (Smokey Road Middle)

• Dave Whittington, Aerospace and Aviation (Central Educational Center)

• Jennifer Sandlin, History (East Coweta High)

• Marc Gilmore, Special Education/Collab (Newnan High)

• Ellen Ratliff, 10th Grade Literature (Northgate High)

• Bruce Dukes, Physical Education (Winston Dowdell Academy)

Teachers of the Year are exceptionally dedicated, knowledgeable, and skilled classroom educators who are selected by their peers in each Coweta County School System school. Finalists for county teacher of the year – who serve as the system’s nominee for Georgia Teacher of the Year – are chosen by previous Teachers of the Year and independent judges based on the quality of their teaching, professional development, teaching philosophy and methods, community involvement, contributions to education, and their ability to inspire students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn.

Mollie Wilson – a 24-year educator and a third grade teacher at Canongate Elementary School – addressed Coweta’s Teachers of the year at the May 1 ceremony. Wilson served as Coweta’s nominee for Georgia Teacher of the Year this year.

The

Real Es tate Weekly

Jess Barron

Update on Interest Rates and the Real Estate Market

If you read my article at the beginning of the year forecasting real estate for 2024, you might remember the importance of interest rates and how they affect the real estate market.

The Federal Reserve met in March and decided not to adjust the federal funds rate, the rate that lenders use to calculate the cost of borrowing. The Central Bank has indicated they would lower this rate as many as three times this year. This has not happened yet. The Federal Reserve seems to be cautious, with high inflation factoring in their decision.

Meanwhile, mortgage rates have increased in 2024. As of April 22, 2024, mortgage rates for a 30-year fixed loan have increased to over seven percent. Mortgage rates were closer to six percent at the start of the year.

Despite the increase in mortgage rates, the real estate market in Coweta County has been consistent. I have seen an influx of buyers moving here for jobs, family, or to leave a big city. Other buyers and clients of mine are “moving up” from starter homes to larger homes for their growing families.

The number of listings in Coweta County has increased year over year, anywhere from nine percent to 19 percent per month in the first three months of the year (Georgia Multiple Listing System, GAMLS). The listing inventory is finally improving here.

Pending and closed sales numbers will be mixed starting in 2024. They have decreased as much as ten percent, year-over-year, in one month and are up as much as 26 percent in another month.

All predictions and signs point to mortgage rates trending down as soon as this spring. Lawrence Yun, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) chief economist, estimates that rates will hover between six percent and seven percent for the rest of the year. Fannie Mae, the Federal National Mortgage Association, predicts mortgage rates to be 6.4% at the end of the year (NAR). Fannie Mae also predicts existing-home sales to increase this year (NAR).

If you are thinking about buying or selling, the optimal time seems to be the next interest rate decrease or the second decrease. When this occurs, we should see a significant influx of more buyers entering the market. Historically, we have also had more home sales for higher prices between March and August of the calendar year.

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

CORNER LAND FRONTING POPLAR ROAD & YEAGER ROAD

Zoned C-6. Available 3 Ways: Total 24+/- Acres - $7,000,000 Front 5+/- acres fronting Poplar Road can be purchased at $500,000/ acre. Rear 19+/- acres fronting Yeager Road can be purchased at $250,000/acre. Public utilities available at property entrance off Poplar Rd. and off Yeager Rd. Lake on rear of 24+/- acres. Survey and conceptual site plan of 24+/- acres in doc box. Property to be surveyed by buyer, at buyer's expense, prior to closing, and seller must approve the new survey. NOTE: The front 1,000' of subject property is in the Quality Control District (QCD) and structures there must have brick exteriors. Also, there are other requirements. Please check with Coweta County Planning and Zoning Department for details. $4,750,000. Frank/Chip

LOTS/LAND

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

Notes from Perry Street

If the month of May has you a bit overwhelmed, you are not alone. To me, it is always one of the busiest months on my calendar.

May often brings me my highest highs and my lowest lows. My mountaintop moments and my deepest valleys.

May is a month of milestones.

The month starts full throttle and does not stop. We have weddings, end of the year school parties, graduation parties, and even kindergartens have graduations.

When the Eldest Son, now almost 26, graduated from kindergarten, his teacher, Josie Exner, helped us celebrate and we cried our eyes out. They wore caps and gowns and we listened to “l’m on my way,” the theme song from Brother Bear.

For years, I played that song with all The SONs of Thunder while driving to school on the first day, and many days after that. I think the CD finally wore out. Yet even if we are incredibly busy, we can still savor these moments and take it all in, every morsel.

And let’s not forget the school musicals, band and guitar concerts too. Then the pool opens! I got to haul the Three SONs to the pool with all the sunscreen and floaties. It seemed like such a huge ordeal, but in the whole scheme of things it was rather easy as I look back.

Non-Profits have many of their events in May. They are so important to our community and so are their wonderful fundraisers. You see what I mean, it is a busy time. And we haven’t talked about finding the perfect clothes for these perfect events either ...

May is full of milestones and precious memories.

The Eldest SON of Thunder was born May 17th, so we got to add birthday celebrations to this already busy month. And his parties, well, they were parties of legend to say the least.

There is a great quote, “Where you are be there.” I don’t think there is anything wrong with just being. But being so busy you’re not fully embracing or experiencing the moment makes you miss the moment.

Now we come to the holiday, Mother’s Day. The Eldest SON was born a week before Mother’s Day in Alaska. He was two weeks late and once we were at the hospital he arrived in less than an hour and a half. Winters basically delivered him.

Funny what you remember, I got a microwave with pearl earrings inside for that first birth.

Practicality and pretty earrings were a treat.

Mother’s Day was never the same when mom passed away in 2009. It has gotten better, but I miss her every day. I know on behalf of the Three SONs of Thunder I was still to celebrate Mother’s Day. And along the way I adopted another mom.

Life is full of seasons and knowing the season you are in is huge to your personal success and happiness and making great choices for the here and now and your future.

Life is a journey full of different seasons. But here is something to consider … if you have no children to haul to the pool, no mother to call, no children to love on, maybe God has some other moms, or children or families who need your love.

I am very excited about this Mother’s Day. I think Winters is getting me a battery operated mower. Practical and yes, it is a pretty mower. Thanks to Brandi and Jack Peek's Sales. Priorities do change over the years!

Happy May and Mother’s Day.

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

Artz N Park Annual Festival Celebrating Diversity in the Arts moves

Southern Arc Dance Theatre's 8th annual Artz N Park festival, a free, one-day event, is Saturday at Senoia's Lake Marimac Park. This family-friendly event promises a day of creativity, celebration, and community from noon to 8 p.m. with food, performances, and visual displays.

The festival offers a platform for artists of all genres to showcase their talent … from visual arts to music, dance, theater, literature, and beyond. Attendees can expect an eclectic mix of performances, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that reflect the diversity of today’s Southside communities.

“We’re thrilled to bring Artz N Park to Senoia and provide a space where artists from all walks of life can come together to celebrate their unique talents and perspectives,” said Paulo Manso de Sousa, Artistic Director of Southern Arc Dance Theater, Inc., and the event organizer. “Our festival is not only about showcasing artistic excellence but also about fostering connections, understanding, and appreciation among people of different backgrounds.”

Artz N Park will also have vendors offering a variety of culinary delights, artisanal crafts, and interactive workshops where attendees can unleash their creativity. Families are encouraged to attend, with special activities.

The Perfect Pair … Wine and Senoia

The Classic Market has over 350 wines from around the world in downtown …

The Classic Market & Wine Shoppe

15 Main St., Suite 1B, Senoia • 770.727.9140 theclassicmarketsenoia.com

Email theclassicmarketsenoia@gmail.com to be on the “first to know” list.

The Classic Market & Wine Shop will be hosting wine tastings with Riboli Family Wines in June. Friday, June 14, Wednesday, June 12 or Saturdays, June 15, 22 or 29. 6:30 p.m. $35 includes 6 (1 oz.) pours, a glass of wine, charcuterie board pairings and dessert. Stop by or call to RSVP and pay in advance. 15 Main St., Suite 1B, Senoia • 770.727.9140 theclassicmarketsenoia.com Email theclassicmarketsenoia@gmail.com to be on the “first to know” list.

Gut Health Plays Important Role in Physical, Mental Health

Spring is here, and many people start this season feeling imbalanced. People of all ages can suffer from a variety of health issues, including sneezing, allergies, low energy, poor immune health, headaches, sugar cravings, slow digestion and metabolism, bloating, weight gain, mood swings and more.

Our gut health plays a vital role in our physical and mental health. The gut is filled with trillions of microbes (such as bacteria, fungi, viruses and their genes) that make up our microbiome, the collection of microbes that naturally live on or inside our bodies and help maintain good health.

It’s important to take good care of our gut, said Sara Byars, a Coweta County-based health and wellness expert.

“These little friendly bacteria are working overtime each and every day to produce about 50% of the dopamine found in your body and up to 90% of the neurotransmitter serotonin,” Byars said. “These two neurochemicals are responsible for your mood, your happiness levels, pleasure and joy.”

“Research shows that people who take care of their gut and microbiomes have an easier time dealing with mental and emotional health, as people with a rich and diverse microbiome have more good microbes working away to build your serotonin and dopamine levels. If you are feeling too many of that long list of issues above, more than likely you have too much bad bacteria in your gut. It’s your sign you need a gut health check-up and restoration,” Byars added.

In a 30-day study, subjects showed a

decrease in anxiety, depression and health issues after consistently eating foods packed full of probiotics. These probiotics were able to help cultivate their microbiomes and produced higher levels of serotonin. The other half of subjects that consumed products with no probiotics saw no change in their health, Byars explained.

She notes that many people might not prefer probiotic rich foods, such kefir, yogurt with no added sugar and sauerkraut, so supplements can be used to help the gut flourish. Taking probiotics daily can effectively remove bad bacteria and grow good bacteria to improve your health and levels of quality vitamins, thus filling the gaps from our lack of a balanced daily diet.

Byars offers some additional tips to improve gut health and feel your best this spring:

• Go to sleep by 11 p.m. and get seven to eight hours of sleep each night.

• Drink half of your ideal body weight in plain water daily.

• Highly reduce the amount of refined sugars and carbs eaten daily.

• Eat whole foods and meats.

• Find a good supplement routine, which includes probiotics.

• Get outdoors for natural sunlight and fresh air daily.

• Complete 20 minutes or more of walking or exercise daily.

• Do something that brings you joy daily like reading, journaling, creating or play with your kids.

The American Medical Association also offers some tips to maintain a healthy gut:

• Look out for symptoms – Bloating, diarrhea and abdominal pain are symptoms that will make doctors consider if something is going on with a patient’s microbiome.

• Get tested if symptoms persist –Unexplained abdominal bloating or gas, diarrhea and abdominal pain can be a red flag to a gastroenterologist.

• Pay attention to bowel pattern change

– Normal bowel behavior is having a bowel movement anywhere from once every three days to three times a day. However, this can vary from person to person, so watch out for a change in your bowel pattern.

• Be mindful of taking antibiotics –Antibiotics kill certain bacteria and can cause dysbiosis, a change in the composition or diversity of the microbiome.

• Try probiotics for relief – When a patient comes in with unexplained symptoms of diarrhea, bloating and gas and the doctor knows the patient doesn’t have colon cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, some doctors will recommend a trial of probiotics to see if it helps.

• Prebiotics are also good – Prebiotics are compounds that induce growth and activity of the good bacteria of the gut. They are found in foods such as whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes, according to Mayo Clinic.

• Skip gluten if it upsets your stomach –Stay away from anything, such as gluten, that upsets your stomach.

• Eat a well-balanced diet – This should include vitamin and fiber rich foods, fruits and vegetables and limiting a lot of processed foods.

• Add more fiber as needed – A high fiber diet is important for those who have diarrhea and for those who may be constipated.

• Some may need to avoid bananas –Bananas can cause an upset stomach in some individuals, so avoid them, if needed.

• Breastfeed for your baby’s gut health –Breastfeeding is good for the immune system of an infant, which includes the gut.

• Contact doctor if bowel habits change

– Reach out to your doctor if you have unexplained abdominal pain, weight loss, blood in your stool or a change in bowel habit.

Sara Byars offers a free Gut Health Assessment to help determine if you need to restore balance to your gut. She can help you to put some simple steps in place to experience physical, mental and emotional changes from the inside out.

For more information, contact Byars at sarabyars777@gmail.com or text the words GutHealth to (770) 765-0199.

Just a few photos from

April 20th’s Second Annual Coweta Grand Prix

May 10th

Join the Newnan Police Department Friday, May 10 at Newnan's SummerGrove Golf Course for their Annual Golf Tournament sponsored by Yamaha. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., and the Four Man Scramble starts at 9 a.m.

The Golf Ball Drop Raffle will take place at 8:30 a.m. Golf balls for the raffle are $10 a ball. Golf balls will be dropped from a helicopter onto the 3-par training course, and the ball that lands closest to the hole wins the $1,000 prize. Funds support the Holiday Shop with a Cop program.

Registration fees include green fees, golf cart usage, lunch, and range balls. Registration is required, so visit KidsBadgeBuddies.org to register to play or to sponsor part of the tournament. Registration fees include green fees, golf cart usage, lunch, and range balls.

For someone with the right skill set and a passion for fast-moving vehicles, a career at Yamaha can take off like – well, like a WaveRunner. Ben Clark knows this firsthand. He has been a manufacturing engineer for the company’s water vehicle assembly line for more than seven years.

“At Yamaha the sky’s the limit,” he said. “There are so many different departments and a wide spectrum of engineering, so the ability to expand my knowledge as an engineer in different aspects has been just awesome.” Clark loves the chance to work in different areas, with no two days being alike and plenty of opportunities for advancement. He also likes the employee benefits that include discounts on the purchase of fun Yamaha-made vehicles. It’s been such a great experience for his family that his wife also works for the company. Ben Clark

Presented by Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corp., the soap-box derby race benefits the Coweta Community Foundation. Photos by Katie Anderson. Look for more photos at wintersmedia.net

Zen Monkey’s News and Musings …

Notes from here, there and the Internet …

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Piedmont and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have reached a new multi-year agreement effective April 1, 2024, that extends the partnership providing access to quality care for the more than 400,000 members they mutually serve.

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Venus is the only planet to spin clockwise.

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From the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office: The new K-9 Facility on Selt Rd. was named the “Minix K-9 Facility” in honor of Inv. Eric Minix, who was killed in the line of duty on January 4th, 2024. First Lady of the State of Georgia, Marty Kemp, along with Sheriff Lenn Wood and Coweta County Board Chairman John Reidelbach spoke to those gathered for the ribbon cutting and sign unveiling.

[ [ [ Lemons float, but limes sink.

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The Coweta County Hospital Authority has gifted the Coweta Samaritan Clinic $212,500 for its “Enhancing and Expanding Care” campaign. The total campaign goal is $650,000, which will support building updates and the addition of onsite dental services at the Clinic.

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The real name for a hashtag is an octothorpe.

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ChildrenConnect Newnan Children’s Museum received a $5000 grant from Clothes Less Traveled to fund museum membership and camp scholarships for local children, whose families would otherwise not be able to afford the creative learning experiences.

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A fear of long words is called Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia.

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West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) announced the introduction of its Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRTM) program, designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the thriving hospitality industry.

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The Pope can’t be an organ donor.

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West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) President Dr. Julie Post has announced the promotion of Amber Wilson from Executive Director of Financial Services to Interim Vice President of Finance.

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It’s illegal to own only one guinea pig in Switzerland.

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Wingate University Director of Athletics Joe Reich announced recently that former Northgate High School standout Katie Mitchell will be taking over as the head coach for the Wingate women’s soccer team. Mitchell, a native of Newnan, joined the Bulldog staff as an assistant coach in March of 2023. She takes over the head coaching job after Jack Vundum took a position on the staff for Super League Carolina.

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Buzz Lightyear’s original name was Lunar Larry.

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SPORTS ON TV

MLB: BRAVES (20-12)

May 8, Wednesday

Red Sox, 7:20 – Bally

May 10, Friday

at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 – Bally

May 11, Saturday at N.Y. Mets, 4:10 – FS1

May 12, Sunday at N.Y. Mets, 7:10 – ESPN

May 13, Monday

Cubs, 7:20 – Bally

May 14, Tuesday Cubs, 7:20 – Bally

May 15, Wednesday Cubs, 7:20 – Bally

May 17, Friday

Padres, 7:20 – Bally

May 18, Saturday Padres, 7:10 – FOX

May 19, Sunday Padres, 7:10 – ESPN

May 20, Monday Padres, 12:20 – Bally

MLS: UNITED (3-4-3)

May 7, Tuesday

Charlotte Indendence

(U.S. Open Cup), 7:30 at Kennesaw State

May 11, Saturday DC United, 7:30 – Apple

May 15, Wednesday at Cincinnati, 7:30 – Apple

May 18, Saturday at Nashville, 1:45 – FOX

WNBA: DREAM (0-0)

May 9, Thursday at Indiana, 7:00 –

WNBA LP (preseason)

May 15, Wednesday at L.A. Sparks, 10:00 –WNBA League Pass

May 18, Saturday at Phoenix, 10:00 –

NBATV, WNBA LP

May 21, Tuesday

Dallas, 7:30 – WNBA LP

May 26, Sunday Minnesota, 6:00 – WNBA LP

Drawing to be held Saturday, May

I was raised in the First Baptist Church of Red Oak, Georgia.

My mom had a key to the back door. This pretty much meant if those doors were open, mom was there. I, being her shadow, was also there.

Mom sang in the choir and I remember her in pointy glasses, bouffant hairdo and burgundy choir robe. Sometimes they used green choir robes, but the vivid memories I have are of the burgundy sort. I was typically seated on a front pew with my brother and the boy from across the street whose name was John. The two boys would begin the hour behaving, but it was just too much to ask for them to act right for the entire church service. Mom would glare at them from the choir loft and usually that was enough to get them to settle down, at least for a few minutes. But no matter how many times mom would ask the rhetorical question of “Why do you want to embarrass me like that?” the boys would just up their game on the following Sunday.

I guess we didn’t have a kid’s church and we were too old for the nursery, so whenever Sunday rolled around, the three of us would pile up on the front pew under the watchful eyes of the entire choir. I’m sure mom would just hope for the best.

Easter and Christmas usually meant that dad would join us at church. I have no idea what kept him from the every-Sunday-service that mom, my brother and I attended, but on these special occasions, dad would drive us in his Eldorado Cadillac. Mom would have arrived early to have choir practice. Dad would later stroll into the church looking like something out of a magazine. He was tall and terribly handsome. His suits were immaculate and expensive. Just as it was everywhere we went, people would turn to look at him as he walked by. I thought he looked like a mob boss, which was a cool look when I was a kid. We sat with dad whenever he attended church. The two boys behaved throughout the service, but only because dad was just a swat away. That gave me a bit of a break since I was often the victim of their antics.

We had dinner on the grounds at First Baptist. Tables would magically appear in the back parking lot, and platters and bowls of southern women’s cooking would fill those tables to near overflowing. All of the church kids would run and chase each other, working up a strong appetite and surely ruining our “Sunday best”. The pastor would eventually call out to us all and we would gather to hear the blessing. The food was always perfect and the playtime with church friends was just good, clean fun.

Church has changed over the years. Those big white columns that adorn the older churches have given way to designs that are often simple, metal buildings. One of my favorite pastors of all time said it best, “The building is not the church. We are the church.” It’s true, as I’ve grown to realize over a lifetime of attending church services.

I’m thankful for the Sundays that dad attended with us and also for that biblical foundation. Most of all, I’m thankful for whatever good messages I got out of those sermons that started at that little red brick church so many years ago.

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

Octave Atlanta A Cappella singing group at Newnan Presbyterian Church

Experience Octave Atlanta, a women's a cappella singing group, is set to appear on Sunday, May 19 at 3 p.m. at Newnan Presbyterian Church. They perform music of every genre – from pop hits to jazz, country, rock and standards – all without instruments. (Think “Pentatonix.”) This event is part 5 of an ongoing music series at NPC.

Octave has done everything from being invited to audition for "America's Got Talent" to singing the National Anthem for the Braves or the Dream. They have recorded a theme song for a children's educational CD, performed at weddings and rehearsal dinners, sung for a naturalization ceremony, and even performed for the Prime Minister of Ireland!

Reservations are just $20 and may be purchased in advance online at newnanpres.org.

Newnan Presbyterian Church is located in downtown Newnan at 38 Greenville St. For additional event information, please call 770-253-4405 or email npcadmin@newnanpres.org.

For more information about Octave Atlanta, visit https://octaveatlanta.com

Ask your County Agent

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

– Coweta County

Q. What is wrong with my camellia leaves? Some of them are light green and thicker than normal.

A. Your plant is infected with camellia leaf gall. It is caused by the fungus Exobasidium camelliae and is more often found on sasanqua than japonica camellias. A similar leaf gall can be seen on azaleas in the spring.

Eventually, the epidermis on the underside of the camellia leaf peels away and exposes a white surface. On azalea galls, the whole galled leaf or flower turns white. Spores are released from the white surface and are dispersed by air currents and splashing water. The galled leaves will dry and turn brown to black in late spring.

These galls may not look good, but they are not a cause for concern regarding the overall health of the camellia. Severity of the disease varies according to the weather conditions when leaf expansion begins in the spring. Cool, moist weather favors disease development. This disease is rarely seen when the weather is dry but if a sprinkler system is used, then it can provide enough moisture for the disease to develop.

The lifecycle of camellia (and azalea) leaf gall is poorly understood. Since it is more of an aesthetic problem, there has been little research into figuring it out. It is thought that the fungus survives during the winter in leaf buds and infects the expanding leaf tissue in the spring. Instead of developing normally, the new leaves become thickened and succulent and may be larger than normal. The diseased leaves are a light green to pinkish-green color.

To control camellia leaf gall, you can remove and discard the galled leaves and/or flowers as soon as symptoms are seen and before the surfaces turn white and spores are released. Fungicide applications are not recommended once the disease is present, but they can be used in early spring (as the buds begin to swell) to help prevent the development of the disease.

For more information about camellia and azalea leaf gall, 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.

Credit: UGA Cooperative Extension, Ben Hill County ◗

Drug Free Coweta and Local Nonprofits to Host Town Hall Meeting at UWG May 9

Drug Free Coweta, in collaboration with local nonprofits Coweta FORCE, West GA DV Shelter, Coweta Family Connection, and Family Patterns Matter, is pleased to announce a Town Hall meeting scheduled for Thursday, May 9, at 6 p.m. at the University of West Georgia - Newnan Campus, 80 Jackson St.

Join them for an important event discussing recent legislative changes and growing community concerns. With Georgia's recent legalization of marijuana dispensaries, including private pharmacies, and the alarming rise of vaping issues in K-12 schools, it is urgent to engage in meaningful discussions and propose effective solutions.

The objectives of the Town Hall meeting include:

1. Assessing the impact of the recent legalization of marijuana dispensaries, including private pharmacies, in Georgia.

2. Discussing the significance of these changes in shaping the state's approach to cannabis. 3. Addressing and proposing effective solutions to the escalating concern surrounding vaping issues in K-12 schools, recognizing the need for attention and consideration in safeguarding the wellbeing of students and fostering a healthier educational environment. 4. Learn about Georgia's current drug trafficking and enforcement capabilities, aiming to curb illicit drug activities and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.

"It is important that we come together as a community to engage in thoughtful and empathetic conversations. The upcoming Town Hall meeting provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to connect, share their unique perspectives, and brainstorm solutions that will prioritize the health and safety of our youth," Matt Brass.

The event will feature expert speakers, panel discussions, and opportunities for community members to voice their concerns and ideas. Attendance is free and open to the public.

For more information about the Town Hall meeting, please contact Tami Morris at 770-716-2797.

This will be my fourth Mother’s Day without my mom. Actually a lot longer than that.

Mom had Alzheimer’s for over 15 years. Truth be known, I have been mom-less for more like eight years. If you have had a parent or a loved one who has lived with this devastating disease, you understand.

Momma was 18 years old when she had my sister. Six years later, I was born. In between momma had four miscarriages. I just don’t know if I would have had the strength to continue to try. This was almost 70 years ago. There were no fertilization specialists. You just tried, hoped, prayed, got your heart broken and tried again.

When the pregnancy with me stuck, it wasn’t easy. She had toxemia. And I was a whale when I was born. Nine pounds, 12 ounces –big by today’s standards. A Shamu 65 years ago.

Momma didn’t graduate high school. When daddy went to Vietnam, she needed to make more money than her Davison’s store clerk job paid, and she took a course and got a job as an OR (operation room) Tech. I do remember my momma loving that job.

She worked long hours – my grandmother lived with us at the time – missed my daddy and took care of us.

When daddy came home from war, he was a different man. He drank. A lot. It was not easy. Momma survived ovarian cancer. So many are not that fortunate.

We didn’t have a lot of money, but I never realized it. I honestly thought that corn bread and milk was her favorite dinner, and we would have it at least once or twice a week.

While daddy drank away a lot of our money, momma figured out how to get me on the trip to Washington, D.C .with my 6th grade class and how to pay for Drill Team uniforms when I was in high school.

The love, sacrifices and strengths of Moms Senior Living Advice

with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager

Momma stayed with her husband, my dad, until he stopped drinking in his 50s. Once sober, he became a wonderful husband, father to then- adult daughters, and grandfather. Daddy was an Agent Orange recipient and spent a lot of time sick and in the hospital. Momma shouldered all of that.

As I look back today, I am sad that when I was younger that I never truly realized what a strong, phenomenal person my mom was then. I am thankful that we had a close relationship and that I had the honor of holding her in my arms when she took her last breath. I do miss her every day.

If you still have your mom, recognize all the love and sacrifices and strength that it took her to get where she is today. And if you need to, give her a break. From my personal experience as a mom to two and grandmomma to four, I can tell you I know I don’t get it right a lot of the time, I know that I have messed up, and I know that I love each one of them more than anything in the world.

Life with a mom is so much better than life without one. This month and every month, Happy Mother’s Day to everyone who is a mom and to everyone that has a mom.

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.

Photo

Kitchen with Angela

Memories of a Lovely Pound Cake

One reason I enjoy sharing my favorite recipes is that they often recall happy times with family and friends. That’s certainly the case with this month’s recipe, which holds a special place in my heart.

As some readers will have heard by now, my beloved husband, Alex McRae, passed away last month after a long battle with heart disease. We came close to losing him in 2022, but the Lord graciously gave us two more great years together. I miss him terribly, and as I’ve been reminiscing about the past seventeen years, I recall so many great meals we shared. On our honeymoon, we enjoyed beignets and café au lait at Café Du Monde in New Orleans, his birthplace. On another trip to Louisiana to visit one of his longtime friends, I got my first taste of alligator. We got a kick out of eating brats at Lambeau Field while visiting my stepdaughter’s family in Wisconsin, and here in Georgia, my stepson often grilled chicken or pork that was so central to those great family cookouts that we probably all take for granted.

Here at home, I could bake just about anything sweet and Alex would compliment me on it and offer to do the dishes (“Since you cooked, I’ll clean up”). One treat he always enjoyed was the pound cake I like to make for family and friends. (It’s my plain-cake version of something called Grandmother Crisp’s Caramel Cake, which you can easily find online.)

This cake can be made in a 9 x 13-inch pan and topped with your favorite icing, and that’s how I made it for many years. Last year for my birthday, though, my friend Susan gave me a beautiful heart-shaped Bundt pan, a six-cup-capacity pan that allows me to make two smaller cakes using this same recipe, and I have enjoyed sharing the extra cake with friends. I didn’t know it at the time, but this recipe would be the last cake I made for my husband, and how fitting that it was heart-shaped. If you don’t have a small Bundt pan, you might want to think about getting one—and baking a cake for someone you love.

Recipe

A Lovely Pound Cake

o 3 sticks butter

o 3 cups sugar

o 5 large eggs

o 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted three times

o 1/4 teaspoon salt

o 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

o 1-1/4 cups milk

o 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream butter, sugar, and eggs and beat well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients alternately with the milk, then add vanilla. Beat using an electric mixer or with a hand mixer until the batter “ribbons,” meaning it becomes pale and very thick. Pour batter into pan (or pans) prepared with cooking spray and bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If using Bundt pans, let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before removing.

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

SUNDAY: German Chocolate, Margarita MONDAY: Carrot, Cocoa Krispy Cream

TUESDAY: Key Lime, Dulce de Leche, GLUTEN

WEDNESDAY: Banana Cream Pie, Peaches & Cream

THURSDAY: Strawberry, Churro, Baker’s Choice, VEGAN

FRIDAY: Strawberries N Creme, Strawberry Diaquiri, GLUTEN

SATURDAY: Strawberry Cheesecake, Rocky Road Dream, Baker’s Choice

FOR SALE

CLEAN WHEAT STRAW AND MULCH HAY. $4.00 per bale. Frank Barron 770.231.9535.

BUY • SALE • TRADE

BUY-SELL-TRADE – We buy Coins, Gold, Silver, Jewelry, Currency and Coin Collections. Free In-Store Appraisals! Township Coins, 3500 Hwy. 34 East, Sharpsburg, 770.254.2727

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

WE BUY CARS – Pick Your Part buys cars 7 days a week. For info, call 1.800.962.2277 or visit pyp.com

VEHICLES

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

SERVICES

HANDYMAN

TREE SERVICE ... 24/7 Emergency Tree Service available, plus Pruning & Trimming, Stump Grinding. Commercial or Residential. Misael's Tree Service, 678.301.0153

ROLL OFF – Dumpsters delivered right to your doorstep! We carry 10 yard, 15 yard and 20 yard dumpsters for any of your projects or JUNK around the house. Call us today 678-536-7552. Georgiarolloff.com 4.24

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.

NEWNAN LANDSCAPING & DESIGN – Offers sodding, grass seeding, hardscaping, drainage solutions, french drains, curb appeal, landscaping designs, grading, land clearing, concrete work and more. Free Estimates. 17 years in business with photos and references available. Call 470-512-3857 for info.

jobs. NO job too small. Successfully over 30 years in business. 770.252.5458 Very reasonable rates.

NOW HIRING

NOW HIRING – CUTS AND COMICS seeking licensed Hair Stylist/Barber, Braider, Beauty and Lash Tech for our unique new business for $100 weekly booth rental. Call 470.414.1213 or email cutsandcomics@gmail.com

YAMAHA IS HIRING. LOOK FOR THEIR AD

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

NOW HIRING – Smallcakes Cupcakery in Newnan 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

GEORGIA BAPTIST CHILDREN'S HOME IS HIRING. LOOK FOR THEIR AD

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

Piedmont NEWNAN

Building On Our Promise

In October 2002, Piedmont Newnan broke ground on the first phase of the $65 million South Tower Expansion Project, which adds 50 new patient beds and almost 80,000 square feet to the original hospital footprint.

This is the first structural addition Piedmont Newnan will open since building this new hospital here on Poplar Road 12 years ago. As a top destination for care in South Atlanta, this expansion project is necessary to keep up with Coweta County’s fast-paced growth and to continue to provide high-quality, patient-centered care close to home.

Since 2002, Piedmont Healthcare has invested almost $300 million in capital here in Newnan and grown from an original 136-bed facility to 217-beds. The new South Tower, built with the infrastructure to add additional floors in future phases, is the most significant investment Piedmont has made in Coweta County, building on our promise to support the healthcare needs of those in Coweta and surrounding communities. The expansion officially opened May 1.

Piedmont is empowering Georgians by changing health care. We continue to fuel Georgia’s growth through safe,

provides a hassle-free, unified experience. We are a private, not-for-profit organization with more than 12,000 donors

we touch in the communities we serve. Across our 1,755 physical locations we care for 3.7

This

24 hospitals, 65 Piedmont Urgent Care centers, 25 QuickCare locations, 1,875 Piedmont Clinic physician practices and nearly 3,200 Piedmont Clinic members. Our patients conveniently engage with Piedmont online, as they scheduled more than 612,000 online appointments and over 163,000 virtual visits. With more than 44,000 care givers we are the largest Georgia-based private employer of Georgians, who all came for the job, but stayed for the people. In 2024 and 2023, Piedmont has earned recognition from Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and also as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. In 2022, Forbes ranked Piedmont on its list of the Best Large Employers in the United States. In addition, Piedmont provided nearly $390 million in community benefit programming and uncompensated care in Fiscal Year 2023. For more information, or booking your next appointment, visit piedmont.org

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