The Weekly November 23, 2022

What’s Inside

Publisher John A. Winters is being “Blackmailed.” He details his latest adventures in the world of email blackmail in this month’s Notes from Jackson Street column. •••

Coweta County 4-H agent Bill Hammond writes about the importance of the 4-H Volunteer. •••

Angela McRae once again provides a neat, holiday recipe – Sweet Potato and Chocolate Chip Muffins – just in time for Thanksgiving. •••

Our senior living expert Beth Dow explains how holiday trips back home can uncover plenty of information on your aging parents. •••

Consumer columnist LaTina Emerson offers up several options for folks here locally having trouble with growing costs, paying household bills and other living expenses. •••

Local realtor Jess Barron says fall is often regarded as the best time to sell land and acreage here in Georgia. But, the process of buying and selling land is completely different than a residential transaction. He explains. •••

Kathy Bohannon details why her mom’s Duncan Phyfe china cabinet is full of many, many memories. •••

Web Extra

Look for the latest on the state playoffs for Coweta’s high school football teams with Inside Sports wintersmedia.net

eekly

Piedmont Newnan holds record for most A’s in Georgia; Earns sixteenth consecutive ‘A’ grade from Leapfrog

Piedmont Newnan Hospital received an ‘A’ Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade for fall 2022, a national designation recognizing Piedmont Newnan’s achievements in protecting patients from preventable harm and error in the hospital. This is the sixteenth consecutive grading period Piedmont Newnan has earned an ‘A’ grade, giv ing the hospital the longest streak of consistent A grades in the state of Georgia.

“At Piedmont Newnan, we take great pride in providing high-quality, patient-centered care to the people in the community that our hospital serves,” said Piedmont Newnan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mike Robertson. “It’s an amazing accomplishment for our team, and earning this ‘A’ grade for the sixteenth consecutive time demonstrates our continued commitment to the safety of our patients.”

The Leapfrog Group is an independent national watchdog organization with a 10-year history of assigning letter grades to general hospitals throughout the United States, based on a hospital’s ability to prevent medical errors and harm to patients. The grading system is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. Hospital Safety Grade results are based on more than 30 national performance measures and are updated each fall and spring.

“I applaud the hospital leadership and workforce for their strong commitment to safety and transparency,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “An ‘A’ Safety Grade is a sign that hospitals are continuously evaluating their performance, so that they can best protect patients. Your hospital team should be extremely proud of their dedication and achievement.”

To see Piedmont Newnan’s full grade details, and to access patient tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit hospitalsafetygrade.org and follow The Leapfrog Group on Twitter, Facebook, and via its newsletter.

p.m.

Tuesday 7 a.m. to 7

at two locations: Regions Bank Parking Lot (Hwy 34) Thomas Crossroads and downtown Newnan Court Square.

City of Newnan’s 2022 Annual Christmas Parade is Sat., Dec. 10

The City of Newnan will host the annual Christmas Parade Saturday, December 10 at 6 p.m. in downtown Newnan.

This year’s theme is Gingerbread Christmas and includes new award categories: most creative, most original, best use of parade theme, the Elfin award (children participation), and the people’s choice.

Applications for parade participation are currently being accepted through December 5, 2022.

For more information, please contact Katie Moseley, Director of Leisure Services, 678.673.5506, kmoseley@newnanga.gov .

extended to Dec. 2

The Kiwanis Clubs of Coweta, which sponsor the 2023 Coweta County Citizen of the Year event, has extended the deadline for nominations to Friday, December 2.

The Citizen of the Year award recognizes an individual with out standing leadership and citizenship within our community.

Nomination forms are available at The Newnan Coweta Cham ber of Commerce or you can visit their website at https://www. newnancowetachamber.org/citizen-of-the-year

The 2023 event is set for Thursday, January 26 at the Newnan Centre.

PROFESSIONALS

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

Notes from Jackson Street

To put it as simply as I can, I am being blackmailed.

I know this because I’ve watched enough cop shows and as a word guy, I use the dictionary a lot.

black·mail

/’blak’māl/

the action, treated as a criminal offense, of demanding payment or another benefit from someone in return for not revealing compromising or damaging information about them.

Plus, I’ve gotten three “pay up or else” emails so far concerning two of my old personal blogs.

Devin Malm, whom I am guessing is British because he has a uk.com email, wants $2,500 in bitcoin. Chandra Cross, not sure where she is from, wants $3,000 in bitcoin and Tiffany Lindt, again not sure, wants $3,000 in bitcoin as well.

Interestingly, the women want more. (nails, hair, throw pillows?). More interesting, the wording from all three blackmailing hackers are pretty much verbatim.

In the newspaper business, hard news stories need to have a powerful lede (yes, that is spelled correctly). The lede is your first sentence. It needs to get the reader’s attention.

Their lede was “Your Site Has Been Hacked.”

So yeah, that got my attention. Kudos to whomever taught them journalism.

That is followed by “PLEASE FORWARD THIS EMAIL TO SOMEONE IN YOUR COMPANY WHO IS ALLOWED TO MAKE IMPORTANT DECISIONS!”

So at least they are polite. But that depends if the ALL CAPS was shouting or just making sure I knew what to do next.

So apparently they found a vulnerability they were able to exploit, then gained access to my database credentials and extracted said entire database to an offshore server.

Their words, not mine, because I don’t know anything about database credentials.

Then they got nasty. “We will systematically go through a series of steps of totally damaging your reputation.”

They will sell my database to the “highest bidder which they will use with whatever their intentions are.” I had to reread that a couple of times. Visions of Doctor Evil popped into my mind, as well as becoming pretty sure these folks weren’t American or British like Devin claimed.

I’m beginning to think this is the new Nigerian scam but with Russians computer hackers.

And if all that wasn’t enough, they are going to sell my emails (don’t have any on those blogs, but let’s keep that between us), which will “thusly damaging your reputation and having angry customers/associates with whatever angry customers/associates do.” Again, their words/spelling, not mine.

Fortunately, they answered my burning question with - “How do I stop this?”

They think of everything, don’t they? Basically, follow the steps as outlined and they will refrain from destroying my site’s reputation.

They ended with what I guess is the general hacker threat. Don’t reply to the email. This was not a hoax and they will not negotiate. If I don’t pay up they will start the aforementioned destruction in however many days it was.

The light at the end of the tunnel?

“Once you have paid we will stop what we were doing and you will never hear from us again!”

So I guess this will continue, cause I’m just not paying. And to be truthful, I can’t figure out their instructions anyway.

The Weekly Staff

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

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

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

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

Seth Winters, Ad Design sethswinters@gmail.com

Ruth Harris Doyal, Pagination 770.254.1421 • info@wintersmedia.net

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

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

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

Our office is located at 18 Jackson St., 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

Eventsupcoming!

Thanksgiving Break

Coweta County Schools Nov. 21-25

November

24, THURSDAY Thanksgiving

November 25,

FRIDAY

■ Main Street Newnan Plaid Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop in Downtown Newnan and simplify your Day-After-Thanks giving experience! The name “Plaid Friday” celebrates the idea of LOCAL! Plaid Friday is the relaxing and enjoyable alternative to the big box store “Black Friday.” mainstreetnewnan.com

■ Christmas Carnival on the Square 5 to 9 p.m. downtown, For further information, please contact Katie Moseley, Director of Leisure Services, kmoseley@newnanga.gov

■ Main Street Newnan Santa on the Square 6 to 8 p.m. Santa will arrive downtown in a Fire Truck, will immediately light the Christmas tree on the Court House Square. After the lighting of the Christmas tree, children are invited to sit on Santa’s lap and read him their Christmas list! mainstreetnewnan.com

November 26, SATURDAY

■ Main Street Newnan Small Business Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Shop downtown and save. mainstreetnewnan.com

November

27, SUNDAY

■ Santa & Mrs Claus at Moreland’s Hometown Holiday Celebration Visit Santa. Take photos. Free. Special treats for kids visiting Santa. Storytelling, Crafts, Games, Delicious Snacks & Treats, Holiday Market. 4 p.m. 7 Main Street. morelandadventure.com

November 29, TUESDAY Giving Tuesday

■ NJSL’s 39th Annual Can-A-Thon

Newnan Junior Service League’s 39th Annual Can-A-Thon benefiting the Coweta Community Food Pantry is underway! This event helps stock the food pantry for an entire year! Local schools and businesses in our community are collecting cans and monetary donations. We hope you’ll consider cleaning out your pantries or picking up a few extra non-perishable foods at the store to donate at either of two locations: Regions Bank Parking Lot (Hwy 34) Thomas Crossroads or the Newnan Court Square in downtown 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to physical canned and monetary donations, there’s an online donation method. The link to donate is njslcanathon.givesmart.com

■ Coweta County School’s Holiday Concerts

Nov 29 marks the beginning of many school events. Please check website for complete calendar … thenixoncentre.net

November 30, WEDNESDAY

■ West Georgia Tech Night from 4 to 7 p.m. at all WGTC campus locations. There is no cost to attend this event, and everyone who applies at the event will be entered into a drawing for a free laptop! Look for ad on page 6! https://www.westgatech.edu/west-georgia-technical.../

Weekly Kitchen

with Angela

A new use for an old-favorite vegetable

Sweet potato casserole is a must at my family’s Thanksgiving celebration, and my sister makes it best, so we leave that dish to her. But our dad grows lots of sweet potatoes in his garden, and since I receive quite a few of them, I’m always up for a good sweet potato recipe.

Simple baked sweet potatoes are great anytime, and if a little butter and cinnamon and brown sugar can be added, that’s even better. I’ve enjoyed them baked a few times lately, though, so it was time to find another use for my sweet potatoes, and I thought, “Muffins.”

Now, I like muffins, but I don’t usually think about them until I’m at a bakery, where I see them and think, “Oh yeah, muffins. I could make those at home.”

I came across an old sweet potato muffin recipe online and decided to tweak it, incorporating a bit more of the spices to go along with those good-for-you sweet potatoes. I knew they were fat-free and high in fiber—so a good vegetable to sneak into dishes—but I didn’t realize they’re also high in Vitamin A and Vitamin C.

When I’m preparing sweet potatoes to go in another dish, I bring the potatoes to a rolling boil then reduce the heat and simmer them until they’re soft and can easily be pierced with a fork. The skin practically slides itself off, and I don’t have to bother peeling them.

For this recipe, I upped the spice content because a) it’s fall and b) a little extra cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice never hurt anybody. Just be sure to serve these fresh from the oven so you can enjoy the pleasure of eating a few hot chocolate chips!

Recipe

Sweet Potato & Chocolate Chip Muffins

o 1-3/4 cups all-purpose flour

o 1 tablespoon baking powder

o 1 teaspoon salt

o 2 large eggs

o 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons milk

o 1-1/4 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed (about 2-3 medium sweet potatoes)

o 1 teaspoon vanilla

o 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons brown sugar (divided use)

o 1 teaspoon cinnamon

o 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

o 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 425 degrees and prepare the muffin pans with cooking spray. (Be sure to spray around the tops of the “wells” so the tops of your muffins won’t stick!) In a medium bowl, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt together then set aside. In a smaller bowl, combine the eggs, milk, sweet potatoes, vanilla, 1/2 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, and pumpkin pie spice. Blend well. Add wet ingredients to dry ones and stir just till combined. Last, stir in the chocolate chips. Fill wells of the pan about 3/4 full of batter and add a pinch of the remaining brown sugar on top of each one. Bake for 22-25 minutes, just until the muffins begin to brown around the edges. These are best eaten hot so that you can enjoy the yummy melted chocolate! Yields 16 muffins.

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

FREYR Battery, a developer of clean, next-generation battery cell production capacity, announced recently the selection and purchase of a site in Coweta County for its planned Giga America battery plant. The com pany plans to create 723 new jobs and invest more than $2.57 billion in Coweta County through 2029. The new flagship manufacturing plant will be located at the Bridgeport Industrial Park near Moreland.

Pictured is the initial concept of the Giga America battery plant to be built in Coweta County. Look for much more of this story at wintersmedia.net

Kathy Bohannon’s Front Porch Stories

A treasure full of memories

In a recent move, I came across all of the “treasures” I saved for my two kids. There were these two porcelain dolls. Not the kind my mom’s friend had all over her house, just one boy and one girl, saved for the day my kids would have their own home so they could enjoy them.

Guess who doesn’t want their very own porcelain dolls? Yeah. And funny thing is, I didn’t want them either. The grandLittles did, and as their mom cautioned them to be very careful with them, I was happy they would enjoy having them.

But what about the family china cabinet? Well, there’s a story here. My mom had this Duncan Phyfe china cabinet (probably a replica, who knows?) my entire life. As a child, I’d open up the big doors in the bottom and play with some awesome plastic umbrellas, tiny baby booties and strollers. They were all cake decorations, but all I knew was I could sit for hours and play baby shower with them.

At some point (after having four teenagers in the house) the upper glass doors had broken panes and their wood frames had splintered. No idea how that happened, but one time I threw a Tonka dump truck at my brother, and later in life he threw a wooden dog brush at me. I quickly dodged the dog brush, but our aquarium didn’t. That thing went flying, water went flowing, and he and I attempted to save the day by scooping up fish and putting them in the bathtub. It was that day we learned that fish need heat and air.

Anyway, mom had one of us teenagers put the china cabinet in the carport. I expect she was tired of looking at it sitting there all sad and ruined. The departure of the cabinet coincided with my soon-to-be mother in law visiting my mom.

Josie asked mom about it, and offered to refinish it. Mom told her to enjoy it, and whatever she wanted to do was fine.

Today I’m sitting beside this china cabinet that my mother owned, the one I played in as a child, and the one that later became a treasure of my mother-in-law before she gave it back to me.

I don’t know of many gifts I’ve received that mean as much as this one.

My kids don’t need a china cabinet, and I understand that completely. It’s a relic, an old outdated piece that really just takes up space. The days of displaying “fine china” are lost; at least on my crew, and to be honest I just keep my favorite pieces in it. The actual china comes out at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but also when I’m feeling down or depressed. Using a piece of pink depression glass or a china place setting is just the thing to perk up my day.

Trends come and go, so I’m thinking sometime in the near future the whole art of displaying one’s fine china might become a “thing” again. If that happens, I’m hoping one of the grandlittles will want this piece of history linked by two great grandmothers and the grandma they knew well.

Even if it gets sold or donated one day, the history has been imprinted, at least in the hearts of the previous owners. For now, I’ll just enjoy the memories of it and the china I keep inside of it.

It’s a treasure.

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

Real Es tate Weekly Thanksgiving in Real Estate

The local real estate market in Coweta County has a lot to be thankful for this year. We may not think about it, but one of the most obvious reasons is our close proximity to the busiest airport in the world and the city of Atlanta. Another reason is that the fact that interstate 85 runs through the middle of our county. Coweta has attracted many types of industry and businesses through the years but big names like Amazon and Goodyear are here now. The Coweta County Development Authority does a nice job of bringing in prospective businesses to our area. Personally, I am seeing more and more employees from large companies like Chick-Fil-A , Coca-Cola and Delta purchase homes in Coweta as opposed to the northside of Atlanta. Having an affordable cost of living with attractive housing options helps us attract new people here. Having a good school system really helps as this is a very important factor for families with children when selecting where to live. We are lucky to have a good school system with nice private schools also available.

Most of the people that live here in Coweta seem happy to be here and do not want to leave. There is a very small supply of homes for sale in Coweta County right now. There are less than 500 homes for sale per the Georgia Multiple Listing Service (GAMLS). Many sellers are staying in the county and moving locally. The number of buyers and the demand for housing outpaces the number of properties for sale. I have seen more buyers from outside of Georgia this year than any year I can remember. The individual cities and the county have done a good job providing attractive amenities. One example is the Newnan LINC or walking trail system. It is like our own version of Atlanta’s Beltline.

With this rapid growth, good leadership and “smart growth” is essential. We are fortunate to have good leaders in place to protect our hometowns and grow with vision. You see many practices in planning, involving density and best uses for properties, by our local leadership.

Coweta County is in a prime position to flourish in the next decades. Some of this is simply due to our location while much of it is due to planning, developing, and good leadership.

Simply put, Coweta County is just a nice place to live. That is something we can all be thankful for over the holiday season.

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

with Jess Barron

By Bill Hammond, Coweta County 4-H Agent

4-H Volunteers help kids find their “Spark”

Coweta County 4-H offers over twenty special interest clubs and competition teams to help youth find their “spark” of excitement and belonging. With areas of interest like Agriculture, Horse & Pony, K9, Poultry, Dairy, Forestry, Land Judging, Consumer Judging, and shooting sports, there is a “spark” waiting to be ignited. But who is willing to help that young person search through their mundane to find their “spark?” Enter the 4-H Volunteer.

The 4-H Volunteer is someone who gives not only their time and energy, but also their knowledge, caring, compassion, and desire to see a young person thrive. By nurturing relationships and providing a place of belonging, 4-H Volunteers help youth thrive with an openness to challenge themselves and discover new and exciting endeavors. Here are just a few ways these amazing 4-H Volunteers help to ignite a “spark” inside the youth of our community.

Project S.A.F.E. (Shooting Awareness Fun & Education) is the 4-H shooting sports program with disciplines in Archery, BB, 22 Rimfire, Sporter Air Rifle, and Shotgun. All teams are led by phenomenal Coweta 4-H Volunteers. The Archery team, led by head coach Matt West, once boasted 70 to 80 dedicated archers with a dozen 4-H Volunteer coaches. After the effect of the pandemic, many coaches did not return. As a result, our once intimidating Archery Team has been much smaller at around 15 archers. Our Archery 4-H Volunteers dedicated nearly 150 hours of their time and talents to building up confidence, and mastery, and helping our 4-H’ers find their “spark” in a bow and an arrow.

Dogs hold a special place in the minds and hearts of children. That’s why the 4-H K9 club is popular with many of our younger 4-H’ers. Parker Arrington (2022 High School Graduate competing in the Dog Care and Training 4-H Project and now 4-H Staff) leads the club. The goal of the K9 club is to learn all aspects of dog care, grooming, and training through hands-on experiences. Participants are encouraged to bring

their dogs, but dog ownership is not required. A crowning event is the annual 4-H Dog Show held during the Coweta County Fair. This year nearly thirty 4-H’ers in 1st through 11th grade have joined the 4-H K9 Club and look forward to finding their “spark” with their K9 companions and friends.

Holding to the Agricultural roots of 4-H, the 4-H Ag Discovery club provides an opportunity for 4-H’ers to find their “spark” through many different agricultural activities. Whether planting a seed, designing crop irrigation, learning how to care for rabbits, taking care of chickens, or teaching a goat how to navigate an obstacle course, 4-H’ers have many opportunities to interact with and learn about agriculture. Ag Discovery is led by Chris Ritts and Jerri Whitlock who not only devote countless hours to the Ag Discovery Club but also coordinate the Ag Barn for the county fair. With record attendance at this year’s fair, the 4-H volunteer spent countless hours planning, setting up, and taking care of the goats, pigs, sheep, cows, horses, and poultry were worthwhile as thousands of parents and children found “sparks” through hands-on experiences in agriculture.

Georgia 4-H Land Judging prepares youth to protect and improve land through leadership training and state competition. This program gives youth an appreciation for soil and the opportunity to learn soil structure, the power of erosion, classification, and proper land treatment. Land Judging teaches youth how to evaluate soils and understand best land uses in a fun, hands-on environment. Land Judging is all about doing! Youth determine soil properties by getting their hands dirty. In 2022, 4-H Volunteers Chris Ritts and Jerri Whitlock helped 4-H’ers find a “spark” for soil at the National Land Judging Competition in Oklahoma.

4-H Volunteers help 4-H’ers find “sparks” which many times grow into life-long passions and careers. Through these “sparks” 4-H’ers are four times more likely to give back to their community, two times more likely to make healthier choices, and two times more likely to be civilly active according to a 10-year study by Tufts University.

Many 4-H Volunteers were once active 4-H’ers themselves. Some never participated in 4-H growing up but see the value in the programs for their children. Several 4-H Volunteers have been igniting “sparks” for many years and, with children no longer in the program, may want to move on to other adventures. In Coweta County, we are dependent on our 4-H Volunteers. To keep many of our 4-H specialty clubs thriving, we are looking for dedicated, knowledgeable, volunteers who want to help 4-H’ers find a “spark” of interest to help them grow into their best possible selves. If you are interested in serving as a 4-H Volunteer, contact Bill Hammond, Coweta County 4-H Extension Agent at 770-254-2620 or Billh1@uga.edu. Together we can help assist the youth of Coweta County in acquiring knowledge, developing life skills, and forming attitudes that will enable them to become self-directing, productive, and contributing members of society.

Bill Hammond is the Coweta County 4-H Youth Development Agent. His role includes overseeing all 4-H programming in the county including specialty clubs, S.A.F.E. (Shooting Awareness, Fun and Education) teams, volunteers, school clubs, and other 4-H programs and events.

2022 National Land Judging Team Left to right: 4-H Volunteer Chris Ritts, Parker Arrington, Madison Dyar, 4-H Volunteer Jerri Whitlock, Gillian Ramponi, Aaron Boyd.

Holiday trips home can uncover plenty

For many of you, this holiday season will mean trips back home to see your aging parents and loved ones.

It may be the first “face to face” meeting you have had in a while.  While you are there, you may notice changes in them or changes in their living conditions.

This may be a good chance to determine if they may need additional help in the home or even if it is safe for them to be living alone at all.

Below are a few things to look for that may be an indication that some adjustments need to be made.

Senior Living Advice

with BETH DOW, Geriatric Care Manager

or appear to be neglecting their hygiene?  Both are signs of possible physical and or mental decline.

Is the house messier or in more disrepair than in years past?  Do you see stacks of unopened mail?

If during or after your visit you do have concerns, talk to your loved one.  They may have been afraid to tell you what has been going on or they may not even be aware the decline has occurred.

“fall stories,”

The No. 1 concern for seniors is falls.  Now most likely they are not just going to come out and tell you they have fallen, so look for any telltale signs like cuts or bruises.  You could also tell an antidote about the last time you took a “stupid” fall for no reason and follow it up with, “have you ever done that?”  In a group, where everyone is telling their “fall stories”, the environment may be more open for your loved one to tell you about their last fall or falls.

The next biggest concern is driving.  How do you really know if your loved one should still be driving?  Well you could take a ride with them. If you are not brave enough to do that, take a look around their car. Do you see any dents or scraps?  Pay special attention to the corners of the car. If they park in a garage or carport, is there any damage to the structure that may have been made by the car? The condition of the car and the structure around where it is parked can tell you a lot.

Has your loved one lost a lot of weight since the last time you saw them?  Are they more unkempt

The issues listed above do not mean it is time to pack them up and send them off.  But it does mean that a good physical exam may need to happen.  It may mean that some additional care in the home is needed, or that alternative ways of transportation need to be found.  Or it may mean that they no longer need to live alone.

Your aging loved ones need your love, concern, attention and sometimes, your help.  This year when you visit your aging family, look around and make sure they are living as safe and sound as they can be.

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  beth@ solutionsbybeth.com.

Oliver Gentry

As inflation continues to negatively impact our wallets, many people are having challenges paying for household bills and other living expenses.

To help families with these growing costs, several state and federal programs are assisting with home heating bills, weatherizing homes against cold weather and making rental payments.

Learn more below:

LIHEAP

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federally-funded program that helps consumers with their home energy bills and weatherizing their homes against cold weather. For households that meet certain income requirements, LIHEAP provides financial assistance with energy bill payments to offset the costs of home energy, gas or propane bills.

LIHEAP also offers support for weatherization or minor energy-related home repairs. The program’s goal is to reduce the risk of health and safety problems such as illness, fire or disconnection.

Home Energy Bills

Seniors who are 65 and older can start applying for home energy bill assistance on Nov. 1. Eligible individuals of all ages can apply on Dec. 1.

All applicants must schedule an appointment on Community Action for Improvement Inc.’s website at https://cafi.timetap.com. Appointments are only

available online.

Community Action for Improvement Inc. represents a five-county service area, which includes Coweta, Carroll, Heard, Meriwether and Troup counties. When making an appointment, applicants must select their county of residence. Each county has its own budget allocated by the state of Georgia, so if all appointment slots for your county are full, keep checking the application portal for availability.

To qualify, applicants must meet basic requirements: 1) be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted immigrant, 2) have a total gross annual household income at or below 60 percent of the State Median Income Guidelines for Georgia and 3) be responsible for paying the cost of energy bills for the household or be able to verify an energy burden.

Applicants must bring the following documents to their appointment: proof of income for all household members for the past 30 days, proof of Social Security

number for all household members, the most recent gas and electric bill for the household and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal immigrant status.

In addition, the applicant’s household energy supplier must be a registered vendor for the LIHEAP program with the Department of Human Services. All assistance payments are applied directly to the energy account through the household energy supplier. Applicants are served on a first-come, first served basis until funding runs out.

Home Weatherization

LIHEAP’s Home Weatherization Program helps families to reduce their home energy bills by making homes more energy efficient. The program makes direct household repairs and energy efficient upgrades that increase the energy efficiency of homes.

Applications for the home weatherization program are accepted on a rolling basis. To apply and find out eligibility requirements, contact Community Action for Improvement at 706-884-2651.

Georgia Rental Assistance

Georgia renters who have fallen behind on rent payments as of March 13, 2020, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, may qualify for assistance from the Georgia Rental Assistance Program. This program can provide up to 18 months of rental and utility assistance, paid directly to participating landlords

and service providers on behalf of tenants.

The state of Georgia received funding from the U.S. Treasury’s Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program to provide relief to individuals, families and landlords whose finances were negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The funds can be used for rental and utility payments and other related expenses. The program is run by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

To be eligible, applicants must qualify for unemployment or have experienced a financial hardship since March 13, 2020, demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability and have household income at or below 80 percent of the area median income.

To apply, tenants are required to have identification (state ID or passport); income documents for every adult (age 18 and older) in the household; a past due rent notice or utility bills, provider and account number; copy of lease; and attest to unemployment eligibility or documents showing a reduction in income, significant costs or financial hardship due directly or indirectly to COVID-19.

For more information, visit https://www. georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov.

Fraud Alert: If a person or company requests a fee for the Georgia Rental Assistance Program application or loan, please report this fraudulent activity to the program.

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 posi tions earn an extra $1.50 per hour. Jobs include Machine Operators, QA Lab Technicians, Logistics Operators, Storeroom Attendants, Plate Mounters, and Apprentice Press Operators.

Find Out More and Grow with Us Everything we do reflects how much Winpak cares for our employees and wants to keep them and help them succeed. We’re eager to tell you more about our available jobs, our exceptional products, and a workplace that feels like more than just work. Contact: WFIjobs@winpak.com or call 678-633-8788

Zen Monkey’s News and Musings …

Notes from here, there and the Internet …

You know it’s getting cold when Keith Brady, mayor of Newnan, starts wearing socks.

[ [ [

Clothes Less Traveled, a nonprofit thrift store in Peachtree City, is preparing to open their two-step annual grant process. Since their founding in 1997, Clothes Less Traveled has been committed to reinvesting profits into the local community, awarding over $7.5 million dollars to more than 100 charities. Interested nonprofits should visit www.clotheslesstraveled.org/eligibility to learn more about the requirements and apply.

[ [ [

Living humans eat dead mushrooms. Living mushrooms eat dead humans.

[ [ [

Piedmont Newnan Hospital broke ground on the first phase of its $65 million South Tower expansion project on Wednesday (Oct. 19), which includes adding 80,000 square feet and 50 new patient beds. The first phase will consist of three levels that will connect to the hospital, with the structure designed to support five future additional floors.

[ [ [

Coweta-Fayette EMC presented the 2021-2022 Cooperative Spirit Sportsmanship Award to Northgate High School and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic High School. To be considered for this award, student athletes, coaches, spectators, and any others associated with high school activities and programs must demonstrate the fundamental values of respect, fairness, honesty, and responsibility during events.

[ [ [

You can’t remember the exact moment you fell asleep.

[ [ [

Interstate NationaLease is helping increase program growth and training opportunities for students of West Georgia Technical College’s Diesel Equipment Technology Program with the donation of a 2016 Kenworth T3000 truck to help grow the program.

[ [ [

The Coweta County School System’s average SAT score for the graduating class of 2022 was 1070, placing participating Coweta students well above state and national averages on the college entrance exam. It was the fifth year in a row that Georgia students outscored the national average on the SAT, and the eighth year that Coweta students in turn outscored both state and national averages. Coweta Schools’ average SAT performance placed Coweta 42 points above the national average and 18 points above the state average.

[ [ [

With cell phones, the pocket watch is the most popular style once again.

[ [ [

Coweta-Fayette Electric Membership Corporation (CFEMC) recently hosted its 75th Annual Meeting and Member Appreciation Day. After two years of drive-through annual meetings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, CFEMC returned to an in-person event this year. Over 1,200 members registered for the event, where they were given the opportunity to join in fun, food, and fellowship all while learning more about the cooperative.

[ [ [

The percentage of Coweta County School System high school students graduating on-time rose to 90.5 percent for the class of 2022. That reflects an increase of 1.2 percent in Coweta’s four-year graduation rate over that of 2021, according to a graduation report released by the Georgia Department of Education. Coweta County’s four-year graduation rate was more than 6 percent higher than the state of Georgia’s 2022 rate, which also increased from 2021 to 2022. Individually, East Coweta High School posted a 2022 four-year graduation rate of 91.7 percent, Newnan High a rate of 87.7 percent, and Northgate had a rate of 90.6 percent.

[ [ [

Trees can be every color of the rainbow except blue.

[ [ [

For the 2022 Fall Semester, the West Georgia Technical College Foundation awarded scholarships to 84 students totaling $63,168. This semester marked the highest participation and awards the Foundation has had in quantity and total amount given in the Foundation’s history. WGTC scholarship funds assist students with education-related costs such as tuition, fees, books and more.

[ [ [

The Kiwanis Club of Newnan made the final contribution to fulfill a multiyear pledge of over $60,000 to the Kiwanis Children’s Fund Eliminate Project. With commitments like the one from Newnan Kiwanis, the Eliminate Project has helped save and protect the lives of millions of mothers and babies around the world. Kiwanis is committed to protecting moms and babies from maternal and neonatal tetanus, and MNT has now been eliminated from 27 countries.

[ [ [

MacGyver was more impressive in the 80s because no one had cell phones and Google. All his expertise was real.

[ [ [

Country superstar and Newnan native Alan Jackson was honored with the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement award at the 2022 CMT Artists of the Year celebration, joining the ranks of previous recipients Randy Travis, Reba McEntire, Loretta Lynn, Shania Twain, Kenny Rogers and Merle Haggard as he’s celebrated by his peers for a remarkable career spanning more than three decades.

[ [ [

Central Christian (2-8, 1-3 Region)

Nov. 4 – at Horizon Christian ... L, 18-61 / end of season

East Coweta (6-5, 2-2 Region)

Nov. 12 – at Camden County (1) ... L, 33-44

(1) 1st Round of GHSA 7A State Playoffs

Heritage School (8-4, 1-2 District)

Nov. 11 – Lakeview Academy (2) ... W, 36-6

Nov. 18 – at John Milledge Academy (5) ... L, 7-42

(2) 1st Round of GIAA 3A State Playoffs

(5) Quarterfinals of GIAA 3A State Playoffs

Newnan (4-6, 3-4 Region)

Nov. 4 – New Manchester* ... W, 31-6 / end of season

Northgate (5-7, 3-1 Region)

Nov. 12 – Arabia Mountain (3) ... W, 38-14

Nov. 18 – at Dutchtown (6) ... L, 14-41

(3) 1st Round GHSA 5A State Playoffs

(6) 2nd Round GHSA 5A State Playoffs

Trinity Christian (6-5, 5-2 Region)

Nov. 11 – at Wayne County (4) ... L, 13-31 (4) 1st Round of GHSA 4A State Playoffs

PRO SPORTS

NBA – Atlanta Hawks (10-6)

Nov. 16 – Boston Celtics ... L, 101-126

Nov. 19 – Toronto Raptors ... W, 124-122, OT

Mon., Nov. 21 – at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7 pm – BSSE

Wed., Nov. 23 – Sacramento Kings, 7:30 pm – BSSE

Fri., Nov. 25 – at Houston Rockets, 8 pm – BSSE

Sun., Nov. 27 – Miami Heat, 5 pm – BSSE

Nov. 28 – at Philadelphia 76ers – BSSE

NFL – Atlanta Falcons (5-6) Nov. 20 – Chicago Bears ... W, 27-24 Sun., Nov. 27 – at Washington Commanders, 1 pm – FOX Dec. 4 – Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 pm – CBS Dec. 11 – Bye

HUNTING SEASON DATES – COWETA

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

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

Sept. 10 – Jan. 8 ... Deer (Archery)

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

Oct. 15 – Jan. 8 ... Deer (Primitive Weapons, Youth-Firearms)

Oct. 15 – Feb. 28 ... Grouse

Oct. 22 – Jan. 8 ... Deer (Firearms)

Nov. 5 – Feb. 28 ... Crows

Nov. 8 – Dec. 26 ... Sora & Virginia Rails / King & Clapper Rails

Nov. 12 – Feb. 28 ... Quail / Rabbit

Nov. 15 – Feb. 28 ... Snipe

Nov. 19 – 27 ... Dove / Canada Goose / Coots / Ducks / Gallinules / Mergansers / Sea Ducks / Geese

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

LAKE LEVELS

Jackson Lake – Nov. 20 ... 528.73 ft. (Full 528 ft.)

Lake Allatoona – Nov. 20 ... 830.58 ft (Full 840 ft.)

Lake Harding – Nov. 20 ... 520.15 ft. (Full 520 ft.)

Lake Lanier – Nov. 20 ... 1,066.23 ft (Full 1,071 ft.)

Lake Martin, Ala. – Nov. 20 ... 484.60 ft. (Full 491 ft.)

Lake Wedowee, Ala. – Nov. 20 ... 786.20 ft. (Full 793.0 ft.)

West Point Lake – Nov. 20 ... 631.10 ft. (Full 635 ft.)

SUNRISE / SUNSET

Wednesday, Nov. 23 – Rise 7:18 am; Set 5:32 pm

Thursday, Nov. 24 – Rise 7:19 am; Set 5:32 pm

Friday, Nov. 25 – Rise 7:20 am; Set 5:32 pm

Saturday, Nov. 26 – Rise 7:21 am; Set 5:31 pm

Sunday, Nov. 27 – Rise 7:21 am; Set 5:31 pm

Monday, Nov. 28 – Rise 7:22 am; Set 5:31 pm

Tuesday, Nov. 29 – Rise 7:23 am; Set 5:31 pm

classifieds

For Sale

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

We Buy

WE BUY: scrap metal, junk cars, old appliances, stoves, refrigerators, wash ers, dryers, dish washers & batteries. Gentry Recycling 770.253.5770

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

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

RVs For Sale

2017 FOREST RIVER SALEM – Reduced! $23,500. Still like new – only camped in twice!! 1st owner never got to use due to medical condition. Model 27RKSS - 33ft w/slide out, awning, leveler hitch, Bluetooth & more, never cooked or smoked in, no pets, new tires…like new! Selling home so had to get a little bigger for long term. 334.885.1252

Vehicles

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

Roommate(s) Wanted

ROOM IN HOUSE FOR RENT to a couple or an individual.Must have em ployment, transportation and 2 or 3 references. Call Gary for more informa tion 770.301.1094

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

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

HOME IMPROVEMENT We proudly do painting, remodeling, decks, doors, basements, gutters, windows, roofing, columns, flooring, plumbing, kitchens, wood repair, electrical. ALL types of handyman jobs. NO job too small. Success fully over 30 years in business. 770.252.5458 Very reasonable rates.

Services

A-1 BUILDING/HANDYMAN SERVICES Licensed and Bonded We do Framing, Electrical, Plumbing, Doors, Windows, Roofing, Flooring, Drywall, Concrete etc. Mike @ 678.409.8600 Quality work at its finest ...

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

Now Hiring

BELL RINGERS NEEDED – It is Bell Ringing Season! The Salvation Army of Newnan is seeking volunteers to ring the bell at our Red Kettle stands this holiday season. Shifts available at 10 locations. Some paid positions available. Call 770.251.8181 or email sabellringers@yahoo.com to sign up!

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

WE ARE HIRING – HEADLEY CONSTRUCTION is now hiring Superintendents and Skilled Laborers. Great pay, 401K, paid holidays & PTO, plus home every night. Previous experience in new construction or renovation is required. If you take pride in your work, we want to interview you today. Apply in-person at 44 East Washington Street, Newnan or email resume to cgilliam@headleyconstruction.com

CARROLLTON, GA – Parts department help needed – drivers, counter help and stock help. Must be over 21 with valid driver’s license and insurance. Great pay and benefits for right candidate. Apply at Scott Evans Nissan or Scott Evans Dodge to Rob or Tony. 770.834.5050 or 770.832.8222

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

BENEFITS – Progressive Heating Air & Plumbing now hiring HVAC Techs, Installers, Apprentices & Plumbers. Benefits include Ongoing Train ing, Medical-Dental-Vision Insurance, 401K Retirement, Paid Holidays & Vacation. Send resume to news@progressiveac.com or apply at progressiveac.com

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

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