Wednesday, October 9, 2002

To the newcomers to Peachtree City: Welcome! Here are 20 rules to live by that are sure to make your residency here much more enjoyable.

1. It's not "Peachtree," it's "Peachtree City." The former refers to a type of vegetation, the latter to your new community. There is no better way to ruffle the feathers of your new neighbors than to call your new hometown "Peachtree."

2. When you are on a golf cart, wave especially to other golf cart riders, but also to joggers, dog-walkers, even the squirrels. It's just our nature here to smile and wave. It's one of the little things that make living here better.

3. Take your children to feed the ducks often.

4. Peachtree City has the finest fire and rescue department anywhere. Period.

5. No matter how many food chains spring up, Partners will always be the only place for pizza.

6. While there are bad apples everywhere, you will not find a better group of teenagers anywhere than in Peachtree City. Watch them; interact with them. You will be impressed. They are smart and our future. For the most part, they are happy, kind, and well-adjusted.

7. If the golf cart behind you seems to be going faster than you, pull over and let it by. There are no passing lanes on the paths.

8. When the Girl Scouts sell cookies in front of Kroger, buy a box. It's just something we do.

9. Anyone who really knows Peachtree City and says, they "would never live here," are either cheap or jealous, and usually both. Ignore them.

10. It wouldn't matter if Boxcar Willie played every weekend night, 20 bucks for a seat at the Fred on Friday or Saturday night with friends and family is the best value anywhere.

11. Don't park your car in the golf cart parking spaces at the restaurants.

12. If you hear anyone bash our police department, chances are they been on the wrong side of it. The reason you can leave your doors unlocked at night is because of them.

13. If you don't know who Arnie is, you're buying your wine at the wrong place.

14. Notice the condition of the roads everywhere you drive. Then notice the streets here and be grateful.

15. At least once, watch the sunset over Lake Peachtree from the docks.

16. Most of the teachers in our schools teach with passion and are not here for the money. Best school system in Georgia, hands down. Thank your children's teacher every chance you get.

17. Invite your out-of-town family and friends to join you for the 4th of July celebration here. Take it all in. They will always want to come back.

18. When you are coming home from work and the line to get off the exit to Ga. Highway 74 is backed up, don't speed in front of everyone and then slam on your brakes and dart in front of someone. It's dangerous and it's rude. Peachtree City is worth the wait.

19. Don't park in the street.

20. When you enter the city limits from the north on Hwy. 74 and you have been out of town on business, on vacation, or just at work, when you pass the sign that says, "Peachtree City, Welcome Home," savor it, feel welcomed, and say a prayer of thanks.

Mike LaTella

Peachtree City