Wednesday, September 10, 2003

News

F'ville OKs $5.76M sewer expansion

Fayetteville's old, inactive sewer plant will be renovated and refurbished to provide enough wastewater treatment capacity for more than 10,000 additional future residents, the City Council decided without a formal vote last week.

PTC, Tyrone left out of Fayette's $19 million 20-year recreation plan

After last week's acceptance of a recreation needs assessment plan by the Fayette County Commission, many residents are wondering when they will see new facilities popping up on the landscape and how they will be funded.

Schools, PTC push tax rates up

Playing with fire.

4 qualify for F'ville, PTC council seats

Three incumbents and one political newcomer have paid their qualifying fees to run for seats on the Peachtree City and Fayetteville city councils by press time Tuesday afternoon.

Difficult recovery ahead for injured Marine

For Malia Isaac, the word "Mom" had never sounded sweeter.

Final shadows fall on PTC's Shadows

Shadows Restaurant, an institution in a town where such appellations are applied sparingly, served Peachtree City its last Country Benedict breakfast and cup of Joe Aug. 28.

County deals with unemployment woes

Last week, thousands of Fayette Countians used the Labor Day holiday as final celebration of summer.

Air show survives a little rain this year

Though it rained both days of the 6th Annual Great Georgia Air Show, that didn't stop near-record crowds from coming out to Peachtree City's Falcon Field over the weekend.

Fayetteville sailor returns after six months at sea

Fayetteville’s Stephen W. Jacobs recently returned from a successful six-month deployment on board the dock landing ship USS Anchorage.

Clayton State's record growth has university's president eyeing Fayette

Clayton College & State University's "profoundly positive outlook" and growth on several fronts may spill over into Fayette County sooner than anyone thinks.

3 PTC kids arrested for golf cart thefts after 2 caught on stolen cart near crime scene

Three Peachtree City youths were arrested Monday evening for the theft of two golf carts after two of them were caught on a stolen golf cart near the city's BMX track where another stolen golf cart had been abandoned in a ditch, police said.

Deputies catch DUI suspect who sped away from roadblock

A Jonesboro man led sheriff's deputies on a brief chase early Saturday morning after he sped away from a safety and license check roadblock on Ga. Highway 138 north, police said.

Irate suspect kicks out window of two sheriff's patrol cars

A Fayetteville man faces criminal charges after fighting with sheriff's deputies early Sunday morning as they were conducting a welfare check on a residence on Ga. Highway 92 south, police said.

Education Briefs

Correction

An article in last week's edition of The Citizen contained incorrect information about the Fayetteville elections.

PTC to hold Sept. 11 remembrance

There will be a brief ceremony next week in Peachtree City in honor of those killed Sept. 11, 2001, during the terrorist attacks in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.

PTC parks still in need of a few good adoptees

Since the Peachtree City Recreation Department's "Adopt-A-Park" Program, began in April 2000, nearly 40 residents, groups or organizations have come forward to "adopt" a total of 24 parks and tot lots.

Speaker's death leads CCSU to revise Korean War seminar

Korean War hero Raymond G. Davis of Conyers passed away Wednesday, Sept. 3, of a heart attack at age 88.

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Birth Announcements

Wedding Announcements

Real Estate

Home care basics for new homeowners

You've finally done it you've just moved into your brand new home. The smell of fresh paint still permeates the air. You're likely consumed with unpacking, setting up furnishings, rearranging, decorating energized by the blank pallet you have to work with. But once you've signed the thick pile of closing documents, the moving trucks have left and everything is neatly in its place, what do you do next? It's time to get a handle on the routine maintenance you'll need to perform in order to ensure that you and your family live comfortably in your new home for years to come. Here's some advice to get you started and help save money while you're at it:

Commercial property is key in Fayette

To the average person, real estate is a place to live.

New faces in new places

SummerGrove announces top agents

With over 170 homes sales and contracts since January 2003, SummerGrove is on pace to have a record sales year and again be one of the best-selling communities in the metro Atlanta area.

Nelson named top Coweta Realtor

Julia Nelson has been named Realtor of the Year by the Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors.Nelson is a real estate agent with Keller Williams Realty working out of their Peachtree City office.

Foster kids decked out with new school backpacks

Prudential Atlanta/Georgia Realty once again held its Backpack Challenge to benefit area foster children. This is the third year the company has been involved with the Backpack Challenge, which is held in conjunction with Prudential Connection and Prudential Financial.

Lee Troutman Homes finds success at Avery Park

Coweta-based homebuilder Lee Troutman Homes has been one of the most successful builders at SummerGrove, Coweta's best selling community. Now, Lee Troutman Homes is finding success at Avery Park, Coweta's second best selling community.

Homes selling at Villages

The Villages at LaFayette Park multiuse community has experienced several recent home sales activity with one closing, four more set to close this month, and one more under contract.

Deer Creek nearly sold out

Only five homes remain available for purchase in Deer Creek, Brayson Homes' 44-home community in the city limits of Union City.

Cooper completes course

Teresa Lynn Cooper or RE/MAX Advantage-Jackson has completed a highly specialized course on skills involved in obtaining and servicing real estate listings.Topics included techniques in seller counseling, pricing, various client servicing activities, marketing techniques and other programs designed to close sales on residential properties.

Bullard agents named to International Diamond Society

Fourteen sales associates with Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty have earned membership in the Coldwell Banker International Diamond Society, a level achieved by only the top 21 percent of the more than 90,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates worldwide based on 2002 production.

Builders assn. to install officers

The Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia's annual installation of officers will take place at the organization's September meeting, scheduled Thursday, Sept. 11, at Residential Construction Specialties in Fayetteville.

Weekley visits SummerGrove to unveil new product line

David Weekley, president of David Weekley Homes, one of the largest homebuilding companies in the United States, was recently on hand at SummerGrove to unveil its Imagination Home Series at the award-winning master-planned community.

PruGeorgia hosts picnic at The Avenue

Prudential Georgia Realty's Peachtree City office located in The Avenue shopping plaza in Fayette County recently held an event to thank the public for using its real estate services. "Picnic at The Avenue" was held during the tax-free shopping day of Saturday, August 2.

Summit opens third phase

Phase three is now open in The Summit at Eagle’s Landing in Henry County.

Lake Windsong homes available for purchase

Four new homes are currently available for purchase in Lake Windsong, the upscale 285-acre residential community on Dogwood Trail in Tyrone.

CCM expands focus, moves office

Custom Community Marketing, a real estate company which has primarily been known as a specialist in new home sales and marketing, has now moved into the resales market.

Knight Group makes top-25 list

The Knight Group Inc., which is celebrating 25 years in business this year, remains in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s yearly listing of “Atlanta’s Top 25 Home Builders”.

Third phase open in Lakeside at Eagle's Landing

Oxford Homes has announced the opening of Phase 3 in Lakeside at Eagle’s Landing, a swim and tennis neighborhood at the end of Eagle’s Landing Parkway in the master planned development in Henry County.

Brayson in top-25 listing

Brayson Homes Inc. continues to climb upward in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s listing of “Atlanta’s Top 25 Home Builders”.

HomeLife Communities receives first Platinum Award

HomeLife Communities Group, a family-run business based in the Atlanta area, has received the first Platinum Builder Award ever presented by the Home Buyers Warranty Corporation.

Bullard in ‘Who’s Who'

Steve C. Bullard, owner and president of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty, was included in the “Who’s Who in Residential Real Estate”, published in the Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2003, edition of the Atlanta Business Chronicle. This marked the second year that he has appeared in the listing.

Agents make ‘Communities 100’ list

Three agents from Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty and one from the Eagle’s Landing Sales Center have been included in Communities Magazine’s annual “Communities 100” listing of Atlanta’s leading residential realtors, based on sales in 2002.

Homeowners need smart insurance tactics

When you buy a home with a mortgage you're required, by the lender, to purchase a homeowners insurance policy. But exactly what's in that policy is often vague to buyers who are preoccupied with family moving issues. In the flurry of activity that accompanies settlement there may not be enough time to delve deeply into the details of the homeowners insurance they're buying. But, after the dust of moving in has settled it's a good idea to sit down and scrutinize that insurance policy.

Business

Military background prepared Fogerty for new business career

"Blue Screen became a realized dream for me in July," said owner Bob Fogerty.

Local firm names new VP

Local executive search firm BankersforHire.com has announced that Peachtree City resident and banking veteran W. Paul Smith has been promoted tovice president.

Shepherd honored at conference

During The Real Estate Book annual conference held July 23-26 in Ft. Lauderdale, Michelle Shepherd was the recipient of the Star Growth award for superior performance in providing a homes magazine for consumers in Fayette and Coweta counties.

CIMA welcomes two

The CIMA Group Inc. would like to welcome Angie Peterson and Debbie Coney as new employees to the Fayetteville-based financial planning and accounting firm. Peterson is a Para-Planner assisting Bob Weigand, CFP, and Coney is the main office receptionist, assisting Bob Weigand, CFP, Don Turner, CPA, and Don Adamson, business developer. The CIMA Group Inc. is located off Ga. Highway 54 at 380 W. Stonewall Avenue.

Newnan Community Theatre welcomes audiences to "Our Town"

The last time director Michael McClendon and the cast and crew at Newnan Community Theatre took audiences to a small town it was to a small town in Alabama with their production of "To Kill a Mockingbird." Starting this Friday, McClendon and the gang will go further north as they present Thornton Wilder's "Our Town."

Not Monkeeing around Dolenz to perform hits at "The Fred"

Who was your favorite Monkee? If you said Micky Dolenz, the humorous drummer for the band, you're in luck. Dolenz breezes into the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphotheater this weekend, fresh off a national tour of "Aida" to perform a number of hits from his days with The Monkees as well as his solo career.

Fox Theater to host "Les Miserables" for two weeks

"Les Miserables" ended its successful 16-year run on Broadway earlier this year, making it the second longest running show in Broadway History. Atlanta audiences will get to experience the show over the next two weeks at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.

National Champs Prepare To Defend Their Title

While summer break for most students meant endless hours of rest and relaxation, it means something completely different for dozens of local athletes who spent their summer in the gym getting ready for the upcoming competition season.

Brooks resident set to open for Dolenz

Allen Goodman and his band have a fairly busy schedule these days.

Auditions for upcoming theater productions

Auditions for the Popcorn Theatre Series production of "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardorobe" at Newnan Community Theater will be Sept. 15-16 beginning at 7 p.m. at the theatre. Speaking and non-speaking roles for children ages 7 and up are available. Auditioners will read from the script. For more information, contact the director, Laurel Alford, at turtlehouse1@yahoo.com

Constitution celebration next week

The General Daniel Newnan Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution will celebrate the 216th anniversary of the Constitutional Convention ratifying the Constitution of the United States Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. at the home of Terri Fopiano, Chapter Historian, in Fayetteville.

Master Gardener applications being accepted

If you enjoy plants and enjoy being around people, then you might want to consider becoming a Master Gardener. Classes will be held at the Clayton County Commissioners Conference Center Mondays and Wednesdays, 2-4:30 p.m., Jan. 5-March 18.

Stage basics class for adults scheduled for fall

This fall, the Peachtree City Recreation Department is offering "Stage Basics," designed for adults and teens 16 and older.Taught by Offshoot Productions artistic director Susan M. Steadman, Ph.D., the provides a relaxed, "safe" environment in which to explore acting and experience the excitement of stage work.

Religion

The cow and the pig: learning to look at the whole picture
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

The wife and I were making our way home, traveling south of Fayetteville on Georgia 85. We passed Melear's Barbeque. We had just been downtown Atlanta making a call at Grady Hospital. While in downtown Atlanta, we noticed all the beautifully colored cow statues decorating the city's streets known as CowParade, the world's largest public art event to show in the Southeast United States. The event debuted in Atlanta June 28.

Christ the King to celebrate 7th anniversary September 14

Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church will celebrate its seventh anniversary Sunday, Sept. 14, with the Most Rev. John W. Holloway, Bishop of the Diocese of Georgia, as its guest speaker.

Christ Our Hope plans Camp Calvin retreat

Adult members of Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church will have their fall retreat Friday and Saturday, Oct. 10 and 11, at Camp Calvin in Hampton. The event will begin with dinner at 7 p.m. Friday and will conclude Saturday at 3 p.m.

Historic Salem Camp Meeting will be held Sept. 26, 27 in Conyers

The Rev. Dr. William L. Self will preach camp meeting services at the historic Salem Camp Ground, Friday, Sept. 26, at 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 27, at 10:30 a.m. The services will include time-tested gospel singing and original anthems sung by the Meridian Chorale directed by Steven Darsey.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Murderer of abortion doc himself a purveyor of twisted, evil logic
By DOUG PATTON

Paul Hill was put to death in Florida last week. The former Presbyterian minister went to meet his Maker with a smile on his face, a lie in his heart and a boatload of twisted logic in his mind.

1 day not enough to celebrate our grandparents and all they do
By JENNIFER GAYNOR

[Editor's note: Grandparents Day was Sept. 7, although the occasion was listed on only one of four calendars in the editor's office.]

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

School shortfall result of bad planning by BOE

Our Georgia law requires the school board to publish a notice of property tax increase and to hold hearings for concerned citizens. Usually the most obscure and least read newspaper in the county is selected to publicize these hearings. The minimum number of officials show up for the meeting, where they are prepared to sit, stone-faced and dummy-like, to hear, but without really listening, any citizen foolish enough to think his opinion could make any difference.

If 'Mayor Annex' were still in, what would PTC look like?

I had to smile as I read the article about Pathway Communities (formerly the Peachtree City Development Company) losing its zoning appeal against Fayette County. Like I didn't see that coming.

Time to provide for those who bike, walk

Two and a half years ago my family moved to Peachtree City after 10 years of residence in Henry County. The reason for the move was the traffic had gotten so bad we could no longer leave our small subdivision by bicycle, let alone by foot.

What are plans for Line Creek Cemetery?

What does Fayette County plan to do with the Line Creek Baptist Church Cemetery situation? What if the church and land sells to someone who wants to destroy the cemetery? What if another church buys it and has no interest in the cemetery?

Where else is 'God' used?

Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore has been told that he must remove the Ten Commandments from the courthouse rotunda. The Ten Commandments are carved in stone on the U.S. Supreme Court Building. Maybe that is why the justices refused to hear the case.

Letter mocking Bible full of errors, misunderstandings

Mr. Timothy J. Parker's letter satirizing the Old Testament and disseminating false notions about the Bible, the Constitution, and our nation was interesting, but completely wrong.

Focus on the important issues

Change your issues, please.

New city position unwise in current financial climate

I recently wrote a letter to the editor suggesting that, given the current economy, this is not a good time to create a new $106,000 position of assistant city manager and that if the new city manager is not able to do his job, perhaps he is not the right man for the job.

Tax stand is matter of principle

Several months ago, I made it clear as a campaign promise that I would not support higher taxes for Peachtree City residents, and would work toward a zero percent millage increase for the upcoming fiscal year. That was and remains a promise I take very seriously.

End the negativity in PTC

Since the last election, Peachtree City has moved into a time of political negativity unprecedented in its short history. This is unnecessary and appears to be pretty contagious. We all live here, and some of us work here, because this is an excellent community. We are made up of bright, talented, hard-working, honest and positive people. We have unlimited community spirit. We have good values. And we have a lot to be proud of.

Parents, take responsibility for your children's safety

I have been an employee of the Fayette County Board of Education since 1990, most recently, as a bus driver. I resigned my position before the start of school this year for many reasons.

Local restaurants act responsibly, provide rides home for drinkers

This letter is in response to Kathie Cheney of Peachtree City, who wrote asking about the level of responsibility exhibited by local restaurants. She suggested "the level of responsibility already shown by their actions should determine your decision" on Tyrone's liquor-by-the-drink ruling.

Cheers for Mike's Wayne story