Wednesday, October 8, 2003

News

DAPC 'shell game' revealed

The "crown jewels" in Peachtree City's civic crown, the Fred Brown Jr. Amphitheatre and the city Tennis Center, are coming off their best years yet, observers insist, even if the future of the quasi public-private authority that managed them remains in doubt.

Big names involved in PTC tennis venture

The plan to transfer management of the Peachtree City Tennis Center and Fred Brown Jr. Amphitheater to a private, nonprofit investment group headed by AIS Computers cofounder Tommy Turner has emerged as the front-runner proposal.

Health board pushes for toughest smoking ban

The frequent dining-out query "smoking or nonsmoking?" may soon become unnecessary, in Fayette County at least.

Sheriff's granddaughter becomes a Fayetteville flapper

[Turn of the century Fayette County was a world away from what is now our congested suburban community. Although it was a poor farming area, the people that built the towns were proud people, striking characters whose faces if not for the early development of photography would have been lost forever.

Fayette deputies test weapons proficiency at shooting range

When a situation escalates to a police officer drawing his or her weapon, chances are the whole situation has gone south. Deadly force may be necessary.

The real 'Six Feet Under': Local funeral home owner discusses the industry

Though everyone will one day need it, nobody wants the services of a funeral home. In fact, no one really wants to consider mortality, either their own or that of a loved one.

Trip to Ireland a special experience

One might call their recent trip to Dublin, Ireland, a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but Suzanne Fields and Cynthia Scarborough hope it wasn't. They'd like to do it again.

DA offers insight into possible judicial circuit split for Fayette

Speaking to the Fayette County Bar Association last week, District Attorney Bill McBroom presented information about the federal government's battle against terrorists.

Blood drive tomorrow at hospital

The Fayette Community Hospital Auxiliary and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive Thursday, Oct. 9, from noon-5 p.m. in the community room of Fayette Community Hospital. Eligible donors must be at least 17 years of age and weigh a minimum of 110 pounds. Donors can give blood every 56 days or six times a year. Phone 770-719-7098 to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome but appointments will be honored first.

Walk to combat Alzheimer's set for Saturday

Chances are you know someone with Alzheimer's disease. In fact, it is estimated that four million Americans have Alzheimer's disease and that 37 million Americans know someone with the disease.

Christian Response helps others cope with tragedy

The Hopewell United Methodist Church in Tyrone is holding outreach groups every Sunday throughout October. Christian Response is support by others in answer to tragedy and loss.

2004 Youth Leadership Fayette Class accepting applications

The Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Fayette is now accepting applications for the 2004 Youth Leadership Fayette Class. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 3 and the 2004 Youth Leadership Fayette Class will run from Jan. 22 through March 16.

New spot for family time in Newnan

Local families now have a new way to spend time with their young children. Just off the Courthouse Square in downtown Newnan, kidFun Gym offers weekly classes for parents and their kids aged birth to five years.

Virtual Takeout to provide restaurant delivery for Fayette Community Hospital

Virtual Takeout, a new restaurant delivery service now serving Peachtree City, Fayetteville, Sharpsburg, Tyrone and Newnan, recently began delivering freshly prepared restaurant meals to Fayette Community Hospital guests and staff.

Animal needs help

Azura is her name. She is a young Australian-German Shepherd mix that was found limping along a roadside last week. The good people at Georgia Heartland brought her in to Braelinn Animal Hospital to see how she could be helped.

Tax bills going out later than planned

Peachtree City is off the hook, no longer to blame for yet another delay in the mailing of some 38,192 property tax bills.

Police Blotter

Obituaries

Wedding Announcements

Real Estate

Hear all about the home of your choice

Shopping for a home has come a long way from the days when you couldn’t find out about a property without contacting a real estate professional and have him or her show and tell you about every listing in the book.

Uncover hideaways, hobby space or additional storage by creatively transforming your home's unused space

It’s started. You’ve lived in your home — the home you once thought so spacious you’d never be able to fill it — for several years now and are starting to feel claustrophobic owing to the copious amounts of “stuff” you’ve accumulated over the years. Maybe your kids leave their toys out, your teenager never hangs up his or her clothes, or there is nowhere to put your craft or garden supplies.

Classic Tour of Homes starts Saturday

Someone shopping for a home in the next two weeks could end up with a free one

Beaverbrook Estates introduces first homeowners

The Lee family recently became the first homeowners in Beaverbrook Estates, a new Fayette community. The home was built by Martin Homes and marketed by Jan Trammell Real Estate, agent Robin Weaver.

Builder group meets Oct. 16

Ed Phillips from the Home Builders Association of Georgia will speak about phase two of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System at the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia’s October meeting.

Lake Overlook selling briskly

Lake Overlook, Brayson Homes’ neighborhood on Highpoint Road in Union City, is proof positive that a sought-after location is a factor resulting in healthy home sales.

Foxchase model now open

GT Communities announces the opening of its newest designer model, the Aberdeen at Foxchase in McDonough, one mile north of the square off Hwy. 23/42 and Huntington Drive.

Tullamore celebrates first residents

Tullamore, Pathway Communities’ first foray into Tyrone, is emerging as one of the top neighborhoods in the area. More than 10 homes are already under contract and the community is celebrating its first residents.

Davidson Landing opens model

GT Communities proudly announces the opening of its newest designer model, the Georgetown, at Davidson Landing, located in Stockbridge off Ga. Highway 138. and Walter Way. Davidson Landing, a single-family community of 72 homes, features a variety of ranch, two-story and split-foyer traditional homes.

New faces in new places in local real estate

Rachel Barton is a new agent with the Newnan/Coweta County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Realtors helping with YPH

Harry Norman Realtors’ Peachtree City office is assisting the Fayette Youth Protection Homes with fall cleanup and painting.

Clearwater Pointe now in development

The model home and 21 other homes marketed by Brayson Homes are under construction in Clearwater Pointe, a new community on McGarity Road, which runs off Ga. Highway 20 East in the McDonough area of Henry County.

Jones makes Top 25 list

Tim Jones Communities is once again included in the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s listing of “Atlanta’s Top 25 Home Builders.”

Bullard agents named to International Sterling Society

Fifteen sales associates from Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty have been honored as members of the Coldwell Banker International Sterling Society. The distinguished membership is limited to the top 28 percent of the more than 90,000 Coldwell Banker sales associates worldwide.

Metro Brokers Financial promises five-day contract-to-close

Metro Brokers Financial has become the first retail mortgage lender in Atlanta to guarantee loan closings within five days of a qualified loan applicant signing a contract to purchase a home.

2004 Street of Dreams to showcase River Oaks

The Street of Dreams luxury housing tour will be returning to the Atlanta area in the fall of 2004 to the River Oaks neighborhood in Tyrone.

River Forest releases 70 more lots

Ninety-six lots already sold in Monroe Co. community; first homes now under construction.

Boda attends seminar

Sandy Boda, executive office for the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia, recently attended a five-day educational seminar in Vancouver, British Columbia, given by the National Association of Home Builders’ Executive Officers Council.

McCrary earns GRI

Sandra McCrary was recently awarded the Graduate Realtor Institute designation.ÊShe joins other top producers in the residential real estate industry across the nation who hold the designation.

Builders assn. installs new officers

Mac McKinney of McKinney Builders Inc. was installed as president of the Home Builders Association of Midwest Georgia at the organization’s September meeting, held at RCS in Fayetteville.

The Arbors offers affordable way to enjoy Eagle's Brooke experience

The Arbors at Eagle’s Brooke, a neighborhood of 74 homesites, provides homebuyers with an affordable way to experience the lifestyle of Eagle’s Brooke, Killearn Properties’ master-planned community near Locust Grove.

Follow the recipe for a successful remodeling project

If you wanted to bake a cake like a professional pastry chef, you would follow a good recipe, right?

Business

Zaxby's opens next week

Zaxby's owners Jon and Michael Windham and Jim Glenfield will open the doors Monday to Peachtree City's newest Zaxby's on 201 Worth Court at Ga. Highway 54. Zaxby's, a Southeast favorite for chicken fingers and Buffalo wings, will offer a quick-casual dining experience and operate from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

Chamber officials participate in Fly-In

The Georgia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives held its 2003 Washington Fly-In Sept. 24-26 with over 75 executives in attendance.

Spyro Gyra closes out jazz series

One would expect that a band that called themselves "Pond Scum" would play hardcore punk. In the case of Spyro Gyra, you'd be wrong. Spirogira is a term for pond scum but it was misspelled on the marquee before one of the group's initial shows in the late 1970s and the name has stuck with them ever since. Spyro Gyra will close out the jazz series at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater this Saturday evening.

New high school presents first play

They won't have their own school or auditorium until next year, but the students at Whitewater High School will present their first play in the school's history this week. The comedic murder mystery "The Butler Did It," will be performed at Sams Auditorium, Thursday-Saturday, at 7 p.m.

Another sad, sorry for finish for Braves

Oh woe is me, alack, alas!

Marching bands battle at "The Creek" this Saturday

Sandy Creek High School will host the 12th annual Sandy Creek Invitational Tournament of Bands on Saturday Oct. 11.

Time travelers come to Peachtree City Library

"Back in the day" as they say, when I was in school in the early 1970s, it was all I could do to keep awake in those boring history classes. It seemed that it was always about dates and documents and government and wars. Bleh! who cares? It sure didn't seem to have much to do with my life at the time.

FCHS chorus show scheduled for next Tuesday

The Fayette County High School Choral Department will present its 2003 fall concert Tuesday, Oct. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Sams Auditorium. Admission is free.

Southside Mothers of Multiples host consignment sale

The Southside Mothers of Multiples Club reports their upcoming Fall Consignment Sale on Saturday, Oct. 11 at the Kiwanis building located on Goza Road off of Georgia Hwy 85 in Fayetteville. The sale is open to the public from 9 a.m to 1 p.m and admission is free.

Special olympic auction successful

A special auction was held during intermission of the Hall & Oates concerts at Frederick Brown, Jr. Amphitheater Sept. 26-27. The auctions benefited the Fayette County Special Olympics program.

Local Auburn club meets Saturday

The Coweta-Fayette Auburn Club will hold its 1st game watching party for the 2003 season for the Auburn/Arkansas game. The event will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11 at Y-Knot's Sports Bar in Peachtree City beginning at 11:30 a.m. with kickoff scheduled for 12:30 p.m The second game watching party will be held at Loco's Deli and Pub in Newnan for the Auburn/LSU game on Oct. 25. The Auburn/LSU game watching party will begin one hour prior to kickoff. Food and drink specials will be available for both parties, along with a raffle for Auburn merchandise and prizes. Club members, Auburn alumni, and friends of Auburn are invited to attend and support the Tigers.

Bird walk scheduled for Saturday morning

Join Fayette County bird walkers on a fun and informative Bird Walk hosted by Southern Conservation Trust this Saturday from 8-10 a.m.

CCSU to host homecoming activities

Clayton College and State University's Homecoming Web site is now up and running for this year's Homecoming event. Be sure to check it out at http://adminservices.clayton.edu/studentlife/hc2003.htm to find out the latest on all the homecoming activities.

Religion

The joys of being a pastor
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

October is Clergy Appreciation Month, a special time that congregations set aside each year to honor their pastors and pastoral families for the hard work, sacrificial dedication, and multiple blessings provided by these special people. It is typically scheduled in October but can be and should be observed once a year. Dr. James Dobson has been the heavyweight in making October Clergy Appreciation Month truly a national emphasis. His web page features a whole section on how churches can honor and recognize pastors, in particular: http://www.family.org/pastor/cam/

Word of Life Church welcomes Varallo as guest speaker Sunday

The Rev. Mary Frances Varallo, ordained minister and author of several books, will be the special guest speaker at Word of Life Family Church Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, Oct. 12, 13 and 14. Sunday services are at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m., and Monday and Tuesday services are at 7 p.m.

St. Andrew's art auction is Saturday

Members of St. Andrew's in-the-Pines Episcopal Churchwill have their 13th annual art auction Saturday, Oct. 11, beginning with a patron and guest champagne pre-reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a preview at 6:30 p.m. and the auction at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds benefit the church's building and community outreach programs.

McDonough Road Baptist Church plans Oct. revival

The often-pondered questions "Why am I on this earth? What is my purpose?" will be explored during the "Purpose Driven Life Revival" Sunday through Wednesday, Oct. 19-22, at McDonough Road Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Beginning Sunday morning, the revival climaxes the church's "40 Days of Purpose" spiritual growth campaign that began Sept. 1. Church members have been reading the devotional best seller The Purpose Driven Life together, memorizing scripture, participating in Bible studies and hearing sermons centered around each week's purpose.

Body of Christ Church plans family events

The Body of Christ Church International, U.S.A., in College Park, will host three "family events" during the month of October.

Religion Briefs

Fall Festivals

Opinion

What about the law, what about ethics in PTC tennis scandal?
By CAL BEVERLY
Publisher

For Brutus is an honourable man;

Used to shooting a Nikon, I aim a Glock
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

I'm used to shooting a Nikon, not a Glock.

With Gov. Perdue's initiative, state ethics board gets teeth
By ROBERT HIGHSMITH
Deputy Executive Counsel to Gov. Sonny Perdue

In 1987, the General Assembly changed the name of the "State Campaign and Financial Disclosure Commission" to the "State Ethics Commission." It mightn't have bothered; the former name much more accurately describes the Commission's limited jurisdiction.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

PTC library expansion would meet 20-year need

The Peachtree City Library has run out of space! Capacity has been reached while demands for services have continued to expand.

Stereotypes take a beating in this path-trashing story

While sitting in my backyard this week, I noticed a group of uniformed soccer players cleaning the cart path next to my house, or so I thought!

Important issues for '04: Job loss to overseas, runaway debt

I enjoyed Raymond Keating's editorial on immigration even though I totally disagreed with him. I would like put my two cents worth in on the immigration issue and discuss a few more important issues briefly:

Development should come under big box rule

I have been reading with great interest the coming of Target to the Phase II section of Kedron Village. Could someone please show the public record of the "grandfathered" document or city council vote which recorded this opinion?

Traffic plans for Target will produce safety hazards

The site plan for the Target store at the Kedron Village Shopping Center foretells a serious traffic hazard. Target's main entrance/exit is planned to be on Georgian Park, directly across from Regent's Park. This will bring heavy traffic to Georgian Park this "village collector" road was never meant to handle, and it will create a dangerous intersection. Worse, it is unprecedented in Peachtree City to put the main entrance/exit for a major shopping center directly across from the only way in or out of five residential neighborhoods.

Kedron homeowners united in opposition to current plan

As presented, the Kedron Village Shopping Center will become one of the largest retail centers in Peachtree City. Georgian Park is a "Village Collector Road" designed to provide access to the local residents and is not appropriate for use as a feeder to a retail development planned as a regional shopping center.

Robust debate provides citizen input on DAPC

I thought that the robust debate at the last council meeting was invigorating. We discussed the real issues face-to-face, citizen-to-council, without a middle man. We spoke our minds and made our feelings known and that is democracy at its best.

Councilman Tennant: Let's take more time for good plan

I have read everything you have said regarding the DAPC in recent issues of The Citizen. While there is no doubt that needed change is coming in the management of these venues, I simply came to the conclusion that the city was not prepared or equipped to run these facilities in 30 days.

Did Tennant get special treatment in letter rebuttal?

I was quite intrigued by the articles that were published in The Citizen concerning Mr. Schwanitz and Mr. Tennant. I am unaware of your company policy as it relates to editorials being published about elected city officials and candidates.

Candidate Kourajian: City, DAPC must work together

The city budget, big box development, and traffic have all been given a back seat lately to the ongoing challenges confronting the tennis center and amphitheater.

Bankruptcy letter too much even for political campaign

I feel compelled to write about a disturbing letter that I read in the PTC political section of your newspaper. This particular article on local politics went too far, even for a political campaign.

Tennant friend chastises paper for publishing letter

Let me begin by acknowledging that I am a friend of Dan Tennant. I have known him for 11 years. He is an honorable and ethical man. He does not lie, steal, cheat, or engage in gossip and innuendo. He loves and provides for his family. He cares about Peachtree City and has a public record that his opponents can engage him on.

Good job on Fayette history

I want to commend The Citizen for the wonderful series on Fayette's history! Thank you for opening up so much that we do not know, and I look forward to the next installment.