Wednesday, November 28, 2001

News

PTC bridge funding is newest bottleneck

Drivers, you could wait up to eight years or as few as two years for bridge widening at Peachtree City's busiest highway intersection.

Tax equity mediation begins Fri.

Professional mediator Tim Keim has been handed the task of unraveling the long-standing dispute between Fayette County and its three largest cities of tax equity.

Cities may back off jail agreement

While county commissioners meet today at 8 a.m. to discuss their agreement with Fayetteville concerning joint use of the County Jail, city leaders may be backing away from the discussion.

Fayette emergency workers have new safety tool for schools

The Fayette County School System has taken its emergency preparedness to another level ... and local industries are being encouraged to do the same.

Transportation: Fayette vs. ARC?

Transportation issues will probably be a hot topic when the Atlanta Regional Commission starts its 2002 session in January, say local members Greg Dunn and Kenneth Steele.

New water plant built with future in mind

One can't escape the feeling of spaciousness when walking through Fayette County's new South Fayette Water Treatment Plant on Antioch Road.

Steele named to ARC board

Fayette County's mayors have unanimously chosen Fayetteville Mayor Kenneth Steele to represent them on the Atlanta Regional Commission Board of Directors.

Hecht chairs gas study committee

Lt. Gov. Mark Taylor has appointed state Sen. Greg Hecht as chairman of the Senate Natural Gas Study Committee.

Seabaugh proposes tax refund bill

Calling it his "Show me the money" tax refund act, state Sen. Mitch Seabaugh, R-Sharpsburg, announced a plan that he said would limit state government spending and provide for potential tax refunds.

Young driver in crash with tree sued by passenger

A Fayetteville teen who crashed his vehicle head-on into a tree in Peachtree City July 14 is being sued by one of the passengers who was seriously injured.

Army Rangers visit local school

While most people took one day to remember and honor those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the United States, students at Booth Middle School spent an entire week learning what it means to be a military veteran.

Advanced placement scholars named

Forty-seven students from Fayette County, McIntosh, Sandy Creek and Starr's Mill high schools have been named Advanced Placement Scholars by the College Board in recognition of their exceptional achievement on the college-level AP examinations.

Collins commends local star for 9/11 song

Nov. 7 at the Country Music Awards, star singer Alan Jackson debuted his new song, "Where Were You When the World Stopped Turning," commemorating the events of Sept. 11.

Fayette's top spellers advance to district competition

Eighteen of Fayette's top elementary and middle school spellers competed at Sams Auditorium for the opportunity to represent the county in the upcoming District 5 spelling bee competition.

Brooks school honors county's veterans

More than 70 veterans and their families representing all branches of the military took part in Veterans Day celebrations hosted by Brooks Elementary School.

YMCA names top volunteer

Michael Harris has been named 2001 Volunteer of the Year for the Fayette Family YMCA.

Tree sales benefit community groups

Once again you can support your community as you purchase your Christmas tree this holiday season.

Peachtree City students honor veterans

More than 670 Huddleston Elementary School students, their teachers and many of their parents, gathered around the school yard flagpole early Monday morning of Veterans Day week to honor the nation's veterans and to pay respects to the flag.

Korean television starting in area

AT&T Broadband®, primary provider of Broadband services in metro Atlanta, including Fayette, and the Korean Television Network have teamed up to telecast 24 hours of Korean programming to more than 50,000 Korean Americans starting Dec. 1.

Police Blotter

Health Wise

Where Are They?
By GREGORY K. MOFFATT, PH. D
Child's Play

Several months ago, my mother-in-law was visiting my family. As is her routine, she tucked my four-year-old son into bed at the end of the day. As she was leaving the room, she turned to him and said a phrase that many of us have either heard or used during our lifetime. "Good night, sleep tight, don't let the bed bugs bite."

Volunteers needed at FCH

Fayette Community Hospital Auxiliary invites caring men and women to join in giving volunteer services to the hospital.

 

Local health screenings tomorrow

Fayette Chiropractic Center is offering low-cost health screenings this week at its New Hope Road location.

Neurology practice open in Fayette

Dr. Virendra Ranadive has begun a solo practice in Fayette County specializing in neurology, with interests in stroke, neuromuscular diseases and epilepsy.

Reduce holiday stress

Although the holidays are a fun time of gift giving and getting together with family and friends, there is a certain amount of stress added to our already busy lifestyles. There are a number of things that we can do to help reduce stress and prevent injury.

Health fair at Gold's Gym next week

On December 5th Gold's Gym Fayetteville will host a Community Health Fair. Skin cancer screening, glaucoma & vision screening by Weber Eye Group, Chiropractic assessment by Dr. Marilyn Durden, blood pressure checks by Portsbridge Hospice, and nutritional samples from Planet Smoothie, Peachtree Natural Foods, Juice Plus and Reliv are just a few of the offerings scheduled at the event. Fayette Biking for Life representatives and other community groups will also be on-hand to answer questions. A special senior exercise class will be held at 10:30 a.m. --- visitors are welcome to try the special class. Reservations are requested for the free class. The Health Fair is free with the exception of the skin cancer screening, which is only $5 (normally $45 - $75). The Fair hours are 10 a.m. ­ 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. ­ 8 p.m.

Sanders joins Fayette Area Dermatology

Joan S. Sanders has joined the staff of Fayette Area Dermatology as a physician assistant.

Tips for communicating well

Here are some ways you can make sure you are understood by others who may have hearing difficulty.

Business

Tyrone businessman does his part for Sept. 11 clean-up

The losses ­ of life, property and innocence ­ were more than most Americans could handle after the attacks of Sept. 11. In order to begin the road to recovery, the nation, mentally and physically, had to pick up the pieces.

Development authority is pleased with small business school success

The Fayette County Development Authority in partnership with the Continuing Education Division at Clayton College & State University and the CCSU Small Business Development Center announced the completion of the community's first small business success school class as part of the Fayette County Development Authority's Small Business Academy.

Sports

Three wins for local team in first rund of playoffs

Starr's Mill entered the state football playoffs last Friday by hosting the Benedictine Cadets. The field was slick from a day full of rain, but the Panthers had no trouble marching up and down the field on their way to a 31-14 win.

Local girl boosts Emory to conference championship

When a team is after a conference championship title, you nee runners who can rise to the occasion by running their best. Junior Nikki Craver of Peachtree City did just that for the Emory University women's cross country team.

The Sandy Creek Lady Patriots basketball team has a new coach, several new players and a new attitude. The team has been working together since the summer and kicked off their season on Saturday night with a game against Fayette County High School.

Carrie Rountree has been a catcher on Sandy Creek High School's varsity softball team for the past four years. Next fall, she will attend Wingate University in North Carolina and will be their starting catcher the following spring. Rountree made the decision official earlier this week.

Gold's Gym to offer self defense courses

Gold's Gym will be offering Self-Defense courses to members and non-members beginning Nov. 27. The courses are being taught by Lt. Charles McCollum from the Fayette County Sheriff's Department. Lt. McCollum has been teaching self-defense to metro-Atlanta police departments for 13 years. He has also been trained in VIP protection through the Secret Service.

Sports Calendar

Weekend

The holiday season is underway and as Christmas draws closer, there are more and more seasonal activities taking place. This weekend will feature tree lightings, holiday concerts, a chance to meet and greet Santa Claus and more.

There will be lots of music at the local high schools tomorrow and Friday.

This week marks the anniversary of the publication of Lewis Caroll's "Alice in Wonderland," the story of a girl who goes down a rabbit hole, through the looking glass and into a world that gets curiouser and curiouser. This classic tale has been presented in many forms since its creation and continues to be a favorite amongst children of all ages.

Religion

Experiencing the true spirit of unity
By REV. JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

On last Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School in north Fayette hosted an Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service and invited area ministers to participate. Father Paul Bryant, the school's chaplain, a delightful brother hailing from Ireland, facilitated our participation in the service and then hosted us to a delicious smothered fried chicken feast.

First Presbyterian to host Handel's 'Messiah' Sing-Along

The First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City will lead the community into the Advent season this Sunday, Dec. 2, with the third annual "Messiah Sing-Along" scheduled for 5 p.m. The classic holiday piece will be performed by a chorus composed of members of the community, along with soloists Casey Huggins, soprano; Amy Chaffin, alto; David Stivers, tenor; and Bill Killmeier, bass.

Senoia First Baptist will offer Christmas drama Dec. 9, 10

The Drama Ministry at the First Baptist Church in Senoia, with the assistance of Word To Life Ministries, will present a three-act comedy entitled "The 'Joy' of Christmas," Sunday. Dec. 9 at 6:30 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. The play is about the Clayton family and how each family member sees the holidays.

'Small Frie' to emcee Unity Mission's Community Fellowship Celebration

Unity Mission Church, Church of God in Christ, will host the ministry's first Community Fellowship Celebration Sunday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m., at Abundant Life Worship Center in Tyrone.

Mathura to be honored by PTC Church of God

The Rev. Allan Mathura will be honored by the congregation at Peachtree City Church of God Sunday, Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Sheffield will entertain at SPRY meeting Tues.

Emily Baird Sheffield, Ms. National Senior Citizen 2000, will entertain the SPRY group (Senior Presbyterians Remaining Young) at the December holiday luncheon meeting at First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City. The meeting will begin at 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 4.

Heritage Christian to present 'Dickens Village' Dec. 12-16

Members of Heritage Christian Church invite the community to visit and stroll through "Dickens Village," a Victorian village with old-fashioned activities, which will be open Wednesday through Sunday, Dec. 12-16 from 5:30-9 p.m.

Providence hosts breakfast with Santa Saturday

Providence United Methodist Church will host "Breakfast With Santa," Saturday, Dec. 1, from 8-10 a.m. Space is limited and reservations are required. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for children (pay at the door).

First Presbyterian Church to offer new community classes

The First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City will offer two community classes beginning Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Opinion

Sept. 11 is turning into a handy excuse
By DAVE HAMRICK
Editor-at-large

I keep looking for it, but I haven't yet seen the news story about the health of the federal budget in the wake of Sept. 11.

How to make a grown man cry
By BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines

Over the years, the gray line dividing males and females has grown fainter and fainter. These days, women drive the big 4-wheel-drive SUVs and yell curses at the soccer game, while men are sitting in on teacher conferences and carrying Kroger Plus Cards on their key rings.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Lessons in economics: No rich-bashing here

Hubris masquerading as knowledge is never a good trait in any columnist. Unfortunately our own Dave Hamrick excels at the practice of ideology over reality.

Why can't the county just talk with the cities?

Mr. Editor, could you please help me out, because I don't quite understand all I think that I know. When the Peachtree City mayor issued the call (PTC Update Feb. 2001) earlier this year for city citizens to speak out publicly against the localized wrongdoing on the part of county-government-supported tax inequity, I was one among others who answered the call. The Fayette County commissioners (whom I will affectionately refer to here as the "fun-bunch") are at it again.

Good job, commissioners

The article on the proposed north Fayette Community Park was great! This is something that is long overdue. The Fayette County commissioners are to be commended for taking this step toward improving the quality of life for the citizens of north Fayette and the entire community.

Good Samaritan helps lost boy find way home

I would like everyone to know about a real life saver living right here among us. On Oct. 29, my son, Nicholas Pitts, was out riding his bike with a couple of friends. He was told his normal boundaries (which are very close to our home) and that he had to come back in and check in with me at 4:30 p.m. (that gave him an hour to ride his bike).

Tyrone school handled tough situation with grace

First I send my condolence to [the Tyler Whitfield] family. I can not begin to know the pain they are feeling at this time. I would, however, like to let your readers know the love that was found for Tyler and the other children at Tyrone Elementary School.

Coin toss unfair to many

When was the last time you made a major decision by the toss of a coin? That seems to be what Jason Byars did when he made the decision that Flat Rock Middle School couldn't be in the playoffs.

Editor was coward for not endorsing Ostrowski

Manny Guerrero, in your recent [letter] you made mention of the word "alarmist." That word goes "back in the day" and in fact, was very popular when my age group was in high school and college. Being from Detroit, the "big three" in particular used to love that slogan, "those uniformed alarmists!"

Federalizing airport guards just a Democratic jobs bill

I decided that I should make this letter to Senators Cleland and Miller an open letter to the letters to the editor. I believe the airport bill went too far.

Unlike homeowners, those in apartments can't deduct tax

Re letter written by Megan Millians [The Citizen, Sept. 26]: For those persons who mistakenly believe that apartment dwellers (1) do not pay property tax, and (2) should not thereby dilute the high quality of life of homeowners, please read the following sentences carefully.

County can have 3 signs if they run short anywhere

If the county runs short on stop signs, there are three at the corner of Hickory and Cedar which are not being used.

Rampant arrests show need for teen center

By the time the papers publish this citizen comment, new runoff elections will have determined the future focus of the Peachtree City political direction. Regardless of the qualified people elected, a serious problem continues to run rampant in our county.

Here's how to greet our military serving overseas

Here's some information for your readers who are looking for a way to be supportive of our troops overseas, especially during the holidays.

Charities should clearly spell out costs of giving

I agree there should be limits on the amount of help provided the 9/11 "families." That limit should be the amount given by the American public for that purpose.

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