Wednesday, November 19, 2003

News

County OKs 1st ‘conservation subdivision’

Which would you rather have, smaller lots and a huge park, or bigger lots and far less greenspace?

Design standards relaxed in vicinity of hospital

A small item on last Thursday’s County Commission meeting could set off a big struggle for development around Fayette Community Hospital.

TDK to get $1M boost

It now looks like smooth sailing for the long-talked about TDK Boulevard project.

Property owners object to F’ville park plan

Plans to build a passive park in downtown Fayetteville may have hit a snag as negotiations for the city to purchase two parcels for the project have stalled, according to city officials.

Council to hear appeal of multifamily moratorium

The Peachtree City Council will hear an appeal Thursday of the city’s moratorium on multi-family development just two weeks after voting to extend the ordinance for another year.

3rd generation joins Walker Concrete on 50th anniversary

When Barney Walker first set out to sell concrete in rural Fayette County back in 1953, he did it by driving around in a pickup truck pulling a two-bag cement mixer, stopping whenever he saw somebody moving dirt or digging a hole.

New bypass could be county’s most expensive road project

Residents who try to navigate through Fayetteville’s square in the morning and afternoon rush hours often wish for another route to get home or to their jobs.

Low voter turnout feared for holiday-week runoff

More than the usual number of Peachtree City families are expected to hit the road back home to Grandma’s this weekend, taking advantage of the full week of Thanksgiving vacation scheduled for the first time this year by Fayette County schools.

Tourism Assn. considers budgets

Approving budget proposals for both the Fred Brown Jr. Amphitheater and Peachtree City Tennis Center will be on the agenda of tonight’s Peachtree City Tourism Association meeting.

PTC couple cuffed for trying to bilk man of $10K for explicit photos

A Peachtree City couple was arrested Thursday for trying to extort $10,000 from a Coweta man over sexually explicit photographs featuring all three persons, police said.

Hood Av. seeks AYP approval

Hood Avenue Elementary principal Diane Teer is watching her mailbox closely, hoping for delivery of a letter from the state Department of Education that states her school has been removed from the list of those that “needs improvement” under the federal No Child Left Behind act.

Adoption spotlighted this month

November is National Adoption Month and over the next two issues, there will be a series of articles about adoption. Some of the aspects that will be covered will be both domestic and international adoptions, adoption attorneys and agencies, and more.

Local family completes adoption of girl from China

Fayetteville residents Gail and Kirby Daras wanted another child and, due to fertility issues, decided to look into international adoption. They began the process in March of 2002 and successfully completed the adoption a month ago. Though there were a number of complications, involving red tape, good old fashioned bureaucracy and other hoops to jump through, the Daras family is very happy with their newest member, Lily Jean.

Local author’s novel helps prospective adoptive parents

When Ines Arnsberger Hatch and her husband, Robert, decided to begin the process to adopt a child, Ines began an extended period of research. The more she read, the same things kept popping up over and over again and as her adoption process started, she found there was nothing in these books to prepare her for the emotional roller-coaster she and her husband were enduring. She decided to write a book to fill that need and now, “The Adoption Eclipse: Choices County,” is now available to readers and is getting a good response.

Principal puts positive spin on coaching changes

The principal at Whitewater Middle School said the coach of the Lady Wildcat basketball program voluntarily chose to step down from those duties recently, but a newfound relationship with coaches at Whitewater High School has turned what started out as a bad situation into something beneficial for the young athletes.

Sandy Creek finding respect, excitement

When Rodney Walker arrived at Sandy Creek High as head football coach in spring of 1999, the Patriots were still hurting from the the sting of another losing season.

Two after-school workers arrested for marijuana

Two employees of the after-school program at Oak Grove Elementary were arrested for misdemeanor marijuana possession by Peachtree City police Friday night.

Fayetteville woman tussles with man who forced himself into her truck

A Fayetteville woman briefly fought with a man early Thursday morning when he forced his way into her truck at the Flash Foods convenience store on East Lanier Avenue in Fayetteville.

Police Briefs

Eight Georgia schools nominated for National Blue Ribbon award

Seaborn Lee Elementary off South Fulton Parkway was recently named one of eight Georgia schools nominated to the 2004 “No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Schools” program by State Supt. Kathy Cox.

Automatic driver’s license renewal proving popular

Over 500,000 Georgia residents have used the state’s automatic driver’s license renewal program, avoiding lines at license bureaus.

Wildfire risk up with cool weather

Georgia’s risk for wildfire heightens as the weather cools, killing vegetation that can serve as dry fuel for such blazes, according to Jeff Kenerly, Chief Ranger of the Georgia Forestry Commission.

Hunters feed the hungry

Generous Georgia hunters donated 326 harvested deer to the Hunters for the Hungry (HFTH) program during the first collection weekend (Nov. 1-2), according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD). ÊThe venison from the deer will help provide warm, nutritious meals for hundreds of less fortunate Georgians. The WRD would like to encourage all hunters to donate a deer,or two, or three during the next collection weekend,Nov. 29-30 at six drop-off locations around the state or bring a harvested deer to any of the three processor sites that are collecting deer all month.

Public agenda

Obituaries

Birth Announcements

Correction

Dining Guide

Moe’s arrives in Fayette
By F.C. FOODIE
Food Critic

 

The latest addition to Fayette’s dining scene is one I know many in the area have been counting the days until it arrived.

The best kept dining secret in Peachtree City, but not for long

The best kept dining secret in Peachtree City, that is how Scott Tyner refers to Bistro 54, the new restaurant located in the Wyndham Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center. “Our regular customers feel like this is their little secret. They like the quiet, intimate dining, and usually there is no wait to get a seat,” Tyner says.

Roly Poly celebrates 5 years in Peachtree City

Even the name — Roly Poly — piques your interest.

Pan-frying, shallow-frying, Sautéing

It’s all just a flash in the pan

Tips for eating healthy this winter

It’s easy to eat right during the summer months with an abundance of fresh produce available from a wide variety of sources. But as winter rolls around, those juicy ears of corn are just a memory. That doesn’t mean, however, that you drop your healthy eating habits with the dropping temperatures.

Taste of paradise

Recipes and tips for a special seasonal buffet

Easy as pie

Hi, my name is Jill, and I suffer from pie anxiety.

Business

New Fayetteville shopping center to open in the fall

With the November 12th groundbreaking of Summit Point, phase one of Concordia Properties' contribution to the Fayetteville Southside Master Plan will be underway. Situated at the northeast corner of Ga. Highway 85 and Ga. Highway 92, Summit Point has a prime location within Fayetteville and just north of a growing Peachtree City.

BodyWorks for Women Lets Ladies Get in Shape Together

Calling all women! There is a new place in town just for you. A place where you can meet other women, support each other, and learn to feel better about yourself. All by working out and getting fit.

A tale of two Nutcrackers

There are many indications that the holidays are upon us. The radio begins playing Christmas carols, stores start their holiday sales and deck the store out in red and green and the Sunday paper is about 30 pounds heavier thanks to the additional circulars. Another indication is the start of performances of “The Nutcracker.” In the coming weeks, many dance and theater companies both locally and regionally will present this holiday classic. This weekend marks the beginning of Nutcracker season but while the story remains the same, both productions are markedly different.

Celtic Christmas Coffee House to warm spirits this weekend

Following the overwhelming success of last year's Celtic Christmas Coffee House at the Fayette Family YMCA, Stars on the Southern Crescent's second annual event has been eagerly anticipated. Scheduled for November 21 and November 22, the seasonal coffee house boasts a different line-up of Irish and Scottish entertainment each evening.

A Thanksgiving Poem

Local girl is creator of one of 12 cards benefitting children fighting cancer

Fayette County High School student Stephanie Phillips, 17, was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma when she was 12 years old. After surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, she was in remission for three years before relapsing last year. She is fighting cancer again with the help of chemotherapy and she is one of 12 young artists who have created holiday cards to benefit children fighting cancer and blood disorders.

Local Storytellers Participate in Worldwide "TELLABRATION”

On Nov. 22, thousands of people around the world will gather in small towns and big cities to enjoy an evening of storytelling. The annual event is known as Tellabration! And since it’s beginning in 1988, has grown into one of the most impressive collective events in the history of the modern storytelling revival.

Notables

Religion

Christmas is a time for compassion
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

The Christmas season is the second highest priority marketing opportunity for the church (Easter is number one). By marketing opportunity I refer simply to that time of the year when people are in a “buying” mood for the church and what the church has to offer. The second highest attended service, nationally, of the whole year — second to Easter Sunday — is Christmas Eve. We of the church figure this is a good time to reach out to those who may become members and one day help with the mission of the gospel. In essence, many of us seek to reach people who, one day, will become a part of our program and perhaps make a viable contribution to the cause of Christ.

Creation vs. creation debate is tomorrow at Clayton State

In an event unlike the typical “Creation vs. Evolution” debate, Clayton State’s Baptist Student Union invites the community to attend a free “Creation vs. Creation” debate on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 7-9 p.m. in the Clayton State Arts & Sciences theater.

‘Walk through Bethlehem’ begins Dec. 5

Fayetteville Christian Church will present a holiday gift to the community for the first time with a “Walk through Bethlehem” beginning Friday, Dec. 5.

Annual Messiah singalong set for Dec. 14 at PTC Presbyterian

The First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City invites the community to the Messiah Sing-A-Long to be held Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. Rehearsal is planned for 2 p.m.

St. Gabriel's will have Thanksgiving Day Mass

The Catholic Church of Saint Gabriel in Fayetteville will have its annual Thanksgiving Day Mass Thursday, Nov. 27, at 10:30 a.m. and will continue a tradition begun many years ago.

Religion Briefs

Opinion

Veterans Day at Huddleston Elementary
By Randy Gaddo

There were thousands of Veterans Day ceremonies nation wide and probably overseas as well on Nov. 11, but none could have carried a stronger patriotic message or moved veterans more deeply than the one at Huddleston Elementary School in Peachtree City.

Activists Peddle Bikes and Buses, Not Cars, to Working Poor
By Wendell Cox and Ronald D. Utt
Georgia Public Policy Foundation

As much as 20 percent of federal transportation funding goes to transit, which serves less than 2 percent of travelers. Of the many rationales offered in defense of disproportionately high transit spending, the most novel put forth this year is the bizarre claim by the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP) that auto ownership by the working poor leads to a more limited standard of living and diminished home ownership opportunities.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

1st Amendment: Issue is government endorsement

I must disagree with John Mrosek’s views about the First Amendment. Mr. Mrosek says that “federal cases (are) removing any reference to God and religion from our public affairs.”

Don’t corrupt U.S. Constitution

It seems to me a 12-year-old could comprehend the First Amendment’s meaning. While I wholeheartedly support not pushing my beliefs on others, neither do I appreciate the minority imposing on my constitutional rights, especially when I am a part of the majority.

Social Security worsens poverty

The federal government today forces Americans to surrender 12.4 percent of their wages each year to finance a Social Security system that is approaching bankruptcy, with full knowledge that younger workers will receive very little in return.

Homeowner gets cheap revenge for sloppy workmanship, shoddy building materials

My family lived for several years in a small town where we owned and renovated a Victorian home. In those years, we came to appreciate the quality materials and workmanship, even artisanship, that had gone into this jewel of a home. Hardwood floors, an all-oak open stairway, solid oak six-panel doors, lath and plaster walls and a giant clawfoot tub made it a delight to come home each day. Whoever built that house did so with a sense of pride.

‘I’ and ‘me’ count reveals communication misunderstanding

Letter writer Fred Stavely showed a woefully ignorant viewpoint of communication skills. Ironically, he criticized people who were speaking the most responsibly.

Poolman: Teamwork, quality of life top list

We are less than one week away from the runoff election for Peachtree City Post 1.

What happens if non-profit status is denied?

Re: Ruling “no conflict” for Rutherford. Yes, you are correct; however, keep in mind the so-called no conflict for Rutherford is all pending the federal government approving the non-profit organization prior to Dec. 1 when the prior DAPC employees are under the city controlled jurisdiction.

Look at Poolman’s experience versus Rutherford’s lack of it

Let’s be objective and remove the emotional drama from the decision and evaluate the candidates on what they bring to the table:

Rutherford’s conflict larger, more direct than Poolman’s

There is an old adage: Perception is truth. Last week, Ted Meeker, our fine city attorney, issued an opinion that Judi Rutherford would not have a conflict of interest serving on the Peachtree City Council while also being employed by a city-owned venue.

Rutherford’s conflict limited, but Poolman’s open-ended

Much has been said about the potential conflict of interest facing both candidates for Peachtree City Council Post 1. The clear conflict that faces Ms. Judi-ann Rutherford has been addressed by the city attorney and has been judged to be a non-issue.

Blacks and ‘Faces’: Quit finding fault; find the facts

Reply to the letter: “Why no black faces in series?”

Provide us with insights, please

I enjoy Bruce Jordan’s readings very much, but I’m baffled by the comments of Mr. Lowry. What does the fact that Mr. Jordan is employed by the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department have to do with your so-called “oversights”?

Indoor smoke ban protects all

Smokers have the right to smoke. I am fighting for the right to NOT inhale tobacco smoke.

Ryckeley’s helmet column could save some lives

Thanks, Rick Ryckeley, for your column Nov. 14 on bike safety. My niece Katie had a terrible fall on her bike a few years ago in Peachtree City. The doctors told my sister Donna that Katie surely would have died if she had not been wearing her helmet.

Here is what my sister had to say:

The article also really hit home for me, when I read it today. In 1998, my 10-year-old daughter, Katie, was racing her dad and brother home from a fun bike riding trip. She was wearing a helmet.

Community opens its arms at a time of crisis and sorrow

Thank you for informing the community and honoring Donald Doyle Carey, my husband, in the obituary almost three weeks ago. We are not Fayette County natives, having lived here only 25 years, but I’m so thankful that we have been a part of such a town and community that Fayetteville is.