Wednesday, December 11, 2002

Mayor tells Authority: 'Resign!'

Claiming the Development Authority of Peachtree City has been fiscally irresponsible, Mayor Steve Brown is calling for all seven authority members and its executive director to resign.

Fayette, PTC agree on LOST tax split

It appears there will be a new LOST for Fayette County after all.

Southside task force plan nears completion

As expected, the Fayetteville City Council tabled all of the items on last Thursday night's agenda relating to the proposed southside master plan, giving the task force an opportunity for one final meeting to finalize a plan to present to the council.

County dislikes but OKs F'ville annexations anyway

Two annexation requests got the green light last week from the Fayette County Commission.

Pfeifer taken to hospital

Fayette County Commissioner Peter Pfeifer remained in intensive care Wednesday at Piedmont Hospital after a crippling headache sent him there last Thursday.

PTC Council chips in for nonprofit's after-school program for challenged students

A local nonprofit organization has been pledged almost $2,400 from the Peachtree City Council to help fund an after-school program at Harmony Village Apartments that helps 43 elementary school students.

Old Campbell County sponsors Tour of Homes

The Old Campbell County Historical Society is sponsoring a Christmas Tour of Homes Saturday from 4-8 p.m.

Flat Rock student hit by car before school

A student at Flat Rock Middle School suffered minor injuries after she was hit by a vehicle Friday morning while on a crosswalk in front of the school, authorities said.

Deal to pave road at Falcon Field may be coming soon

At its meeting Wednesday night, the Peachtree City Airport Authority will consider an agreement between itself, Peachtree City and Fayette County to have a crucial road paved to provide access to a new hangar area.

YPH fundraiser successful

Supporters of the Fayette Youth Protection Homes were entertained at its recent annual banquet while raising needed funds.

County gains more national certified teachers

Fayette's classrooms have gained 10 more nationally certified teachers.

Christmas Bird Count set for Dec. 21

Just as surely as Santa Claus migrates from the North Pole to warmer climes each year, thousands of brave men and women will bundle up and leave their warm homes in the pre-dawn darkness ­ to count birds.

Fayette NAACP meets Sat.

The Fayette County branch of the NAACP will meet Saturday, Dec. 14, at 3 p.m. at the Peachtree City Library. Agenda items include installation of newly elected officers, presentation of annual reports, and a Christmas social including a sampling of "soul food" prepared by members.

Anders present Joan Noble Houghton Scholarship plaque

In the six years since Joan Houghton's retirement from teaching at McIntosh High School, Drs. Kenya and David Anders have given a $1000 Joan Noble Houghton Scholarship to honor Kenya's mother. Now a plaque has been placed at McIntosh High School to recognize each recipient.

Certainteed Corp. donates to Education Foundation

A generous donation from a Peachtree City business will go a long way toward funding several teacher mini-grants offered through the Fayette County Education Foundation.

UGA students teach geography, current events in local public schools

Students in the University of Georgia Student Ambassadors Program are teaching local high school students about international current events and world geography by using live, interactive presentations on topics ranging from the Arab-Israeli conflict to the war in Chechnya to human rights in China.

Police Blotter

Real Estate

 

What it takes to be a home builder

What does it really take to build a house?

Noel November raises $30,000

Christmas trees, wreaths, mantelpieces, topiaries, table settings and even original ornaments from the White House went on the auction block Nov. 16 at the Barn in Tyrone, site of the Fayette County Board of Realtors^' eighth annual "Noel November, A Celebration of Trees & Wreaths."

Building a community to call home

In 1995, Scott and Jennifer Barnett gave up their 9-to-5 jobs to start a real estate development business called Kingston Hill Development Company, LLC.

John Wieland Homes & Neighborhoods proudly welcomed its first homeowners at Centennial, the company's master-planned neighborhood in the heart of prestigious Peachtree City. Dana and Nancy Kinser along with their two children were greeted by the Wieland team after being the first to close on a home in Centennial in late November.

Brayson Homes' communities throughout Metro Atlanta will reflect the holiday spirit through Sunday, Dec. 29, by hosting a "Festival of Lights."

Four real estate agents and one loan officer all associates of Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate have begun reaching out to prospective homebuyers of Atlanta's burgeoning Hispanic community through a series of TV commercials.

Greta Petty of The Home Source Realtors has been named Agent of the Year by the Fayette chapter of Women's Council of Realtors (WCR). Petty, an associate broker, is a member of the Fayette County Board of Realtors. WCR is a national organization providing information, resources, networking opportunities, and skills development for members to lead in real estate professions.

Dec. 20 is 'Toys for Tots' deadline

Friday, Dec. 20, is the deadline for being items to Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty offices for the annual U. S. Marine Corps Reserve "Toys for Tots" campaign.

Jones wins Professionalism Award

Jonesboro-based Tim Jones Communities came away with a coveted Professionalism Award at the 22st annual Awards Banquet to recognize the most outstanding professionals in Atlanta's home building industry.

New mortgage program a perfect fit for area minorities

From the moment the new Home Solutions mortgage program was proposed to Ted Scalia, he visualized the positive impact it would have upon Atlanta's minority populations, especially its booming Hispanic community. Vice-president and production manager for Metro Brokers Financial, the 19th largest lender in the state of Georgia, Scalia believes the program will be instrumental in offering thousands of Atlanta residents their first opportunity to purchase a home.

Dunnett named region sales manager at Wieland

Jimmy Dunnett was recently named Region Sales Manager for John Wieland's South Atlanta Operations in a move that positions the company for further growth and expansion. John Wieland is currently building in ten neighborhoods on Atlanta's Southside through out Fayette, South Fulton and Dekalb Counties.

Metro Brokers gets the gold (again)

Once again, the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association (HBA) has selected metrobrokers.com Best Realtor Website in the Atlanta area for the second consecutive year. The official website for Metro Brokers/GMAC Real Estate, metrobrokers.com was chosen by HBA's judges for its functionality, ease of use and overall design.

More accolades for Pathway

Pathway Communities, one of Atlanta's leading developers, has again impressed the Greater Atlanta Home Builders Association with its marketing and advertising efforts.

New faces in new places

Josef Bauer, who is an associate broker, has joined the Peachtree City/Fayette County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Marshall attends NAR convention

Gary Marshall, broker at Assist 2 Sell Buyer & Seller Realty Center, recently attended the National Association of Realtors annual convention at the Ernest N. Morial convention Center in New Orleans.

Local HBA expands area

Three new counties Upson, Lamar and Pike have been added to the area served by the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia.

Truong gets ABR designation

Vincent Truong with Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Newnan/Coweta County office has been awarded the Accredited Buyer Representation (ABR) designation by the Real Estate Buyer's Agent Council (REBAC) of the National Association of Realtors (NAR).

New course starts Jan. 7

The Advantage School of Real Estate will offer the 75-hour Real Estate Salesperson's Pre-Licensing Course starting Tuesday, Jan. 7. The course will be held at Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty's Peachtree City/Fayette County office, located at 1968-A Hwy. 54 West, Fayetteville, (just east of the Peachtree City limits)

Metro offers unique listing service

Just last month, Metro Brokers became the only Atlanta real estate company to successfully manage the migration of both the MLS and FMLS listings and photos to its company website without data duplication. Metrobrokers.com now showcases more than 60,000 Atlanta area listings, almost double that of any other Atlanta real estate website, and offers homebuyers a "one-stop shopping" advantage.

Trees, Trees everywhere

It is time to head out and buy your Christmas tree, before you get stuck with a Charlie Brownesque Christmas tree branch. There are many farms in the area where you and your loved ones can choose a tree for the holidays.

More Christmas events this weekend

We are now another week closer to Christmas and there are more events for people to attend as they put themselves in the holiday spirit.

Mike looks at some popular carols

A colleague of mine at work has been listening to the non-stop Christmas carols on Peach 94.9FM since before Thanksgiving. Each day when we go to lunch we listen to the carols and I cringe. I'm not against Christmas carols but I am not a big fan of Mannheim Steamroller or Kenny G and both of those artists are featured prominently on the station.

Movies

Religion

What is it like to walk in another's shoes? Jesus knows ...
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

Shoes! It's about shoes. My dirty, smelly, already contoured-to-fit-my-feet shoes. The shoes that need polishing, but that only get a promise. The shoes that keep my feet warm in the winter and dry in a summer rain. Shoes and Christmas.

Holiday Events

Former Brownsville pastor comes to Calvary Temple in Peachtree City

The Rev. Robert Martz, previously associate pastor at the Brownsville Assembly of God in Pensacola, Fla, will be installed as the new senior pastor at the Calvary Temple Assembly of God in Peachtree City, Sunday, Dec. 15.

PTC 1st Baptist ladies plan Christmas tea

The ladies of First Baptist Church in Peachtree City will have a three course Ladies' Christmas Tea Luncheon on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The luncheon is open to the community.

Brooks UMC will present 'Images of Christmas' Dec. 22

The community is invited to attend the Christmas Cantata at Brooks United Methodist Church, "Images of Christmas," written by Ovid Young and performed by a 30-member symphony orchestra and the Brooks UMC choir, Sunday, Dec. 22, at 7 p.m.

PTC UMC plans holiday activities

The community is invited to celebrate Christmas with the members of Peachtree City United Methodist Church.

His House Church to sponsor 'Journey to Bethlehem'December 19, 20

His House Community Church will sponsor "Journey to Bethlehem," a holiday hayride tour where one can visit the "No room Inn," see Roman Centurians and view a live Nativity scene.

'Lord's Place' thrift store in Grantville seeks donations

The Lord's Place Thrift Store in Grantville, a personal ministry of the Roy Smith family, is seeking donations for support money and materials for missionaries in the U.S. and abroad. It offers saleable throwaway items donated by individuals and churches. Smith states that 100 percent of the money raised from the sale of items goes to missions.

Mt. Gilead UMC schedules youth Christmas program

Mt. Gilead United Methodist Church in Sharpsburg will have a Christmas Pageant presented by the children and youth of the church Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. The pageant is under the direction of Jennie Caldwell, Kathy Lynn, and Kathy Olszewski.

Local actors will present 'In the Fullness of Time' December 20-22

A community Christmas musical, "In the Fullness of Time," will be presented at the Clayton County Performing Arts Center Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 20, 21 and 22. The play is written, directed and choreographed by Clayton County native, Melly Meadows, and performed by a cast of hundreds. Admission is free.

Golden Harps plan Christmas program Dec. 12

Members of the Golden Harps at Harp's Crossing Baptist Church will have a special Christmas program at the Dec. 12 meeting. The program will begin at 6 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. For information, call the church office, 770-461-5318,
or visit the Web site, www.harpscrossing.com.

Opinion

A sad tale of fame and fortune
By MONROE ROARK
mroark@TheCitizenNews.com

Sometimes it seems as though stories about entertainers ruining their lives and families are getting a bit old. But in this age of media dominated by "Entertainment Tonight"-style programs and periodicals - which I affectionately call "Celebrity Butt Kissers" breathlessly reporting every move these people make as if the security of our republic depended on it, perhaps it is wise to attempt to use the tragic events in some celebrities' lives as a lesson to those of us who would consider fame and fortune the end-all of existence.

Christmas carols circa 2002
By BILLY MURPHY
Laugh Lines

It's time for my annual Christmas carol edition of my column. Of course, the carols have to be updated to reach the contemporary mind.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Tax fairness: Beverly column justifies greed

The presentation of your justification on how all segments of society and taxpayers pay at an equal rate, regardless of the level of income is definitely a textbook primer on how to justify and define "paying one's fair share."

The fairest tax would be a national sales tax

Cal did a good job of outlining the absolute unfairness of our socialized tax system. But he did not discuss the consequences, a possible remedy, and a strategy for the evil rich (the overtaxed) to fight back. I wish to discuss these briefly.

City governments ignore good local talent in hiring out-of-county attorneys

When a local nonprofit organization or charity needs support, in time or money, on whom does it call first? Local people, of course. That would include local lawyers, who might contribute professional services and advice to churches, civic organizations, youth groups and the like.

Robbery victim feels safer

I am the other daughter of the 48-year-old man and the older sister of the 14-year-old girl who were robbed [The Citizen, Dec. 4]. I was present at the incident along with our 14-year-old cousin.

Objections to creationism are village atheist variety

Mark Twain takes a humorous potshot at the Genesis creation story in his "Diary of Adam and Eve" when he has Eve worrying over the vulture's appetite. After all, he seems to have been designed to dine on carrion, but death doesn't make its entrance until act three. "What did the vulture eat before there was death?" "Did Adam have a navel?" (Quick! Yes or no?) "How could Jonah breathe in a whale's stomach?" These are "Village Atheist objections" the sorts of skeptical challenges that the Village Atheist throws down as he stalks the local Parson.

Darwinism fails to explain many observable facts

Mr. Peter Duran and I may not agree with everything that Jeremy believes, but that doesn't mean we can't be respectful to one another. On the other hand, I suppose if we are all just random molecules descended from a warm, pre-biotic pond, civility is immaterial by definition.

Sticking it to the poor still won't promote 'fairness'

Cal had a lot of numbers to back up what he was trying to say, and I believe he was trying to say a couple of things. Number one: the wealthiest people in this country pay a disproportionate amount of tax and the poorest pay far too little. Number two: This is unfair because both get an equal amount of government services for which, if one was going to actually purchase such things, one would expect to pay the same price.

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