Wednesday, December 3, 2003

News

Rutherford to quit, unquit

Peachtree City Post 1 Councilman-elect Judi-ann Rutherford will quit her job as office manager of the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater effective Jan. 2, 2004, a necessity if she is to be sworn into office the following Monday.

PTC (temporarily) takes over venues

With a midnight deadline looming, the Peachtree City Council found something on which to agree Sunday night, voting unanimously to dip into the council contingency fund to salvage the jobs of more than a dozen full-time employees of the tennis center and amphitheater.

6 main points of PTC pact to take over 2 venues

There were six main recommendations in the agreement as approved by the City Council Sunday:

F’ville builder faces $75,000 fine for trench safety rule violation

Is Big Government coming down unfairly on a Fayetteville business?

Samaritans need Top 10 donations

The Fayette Samaritans is a local non-profit organization devoted to helping Fayette residents with immediate needs. To fulfill that mission, the organization needs the following donated items:

High-speed shoplifter chase ends at College Park school

A man suspected of shoplifting three DVDs from the Walgreens in north Fayetteville led Fayette County sheriff’s deputies on a high-speed chase Monday afternoon that ended in a parking lot next to a middle school in College Park.

Helping nonprofits during the holidays

If you do not have a specific organization to give a hand to during the holidays, consider one of these:

Highway widening could connect three counties

Imagine traveling on a four-lane road from Clayton County through the cities of Fayetteville and Peachtree City all the way to Newnan.

Suspect who mouthed off to girl on cart path indicted

A Peachtree City man who was caught moments after making lurid comments to a 13-year-old girl on the cart path system off McIntosh Trail in August has been indicted by a Fayette County Grand Jury.

Adoption attorney from Jonesboro discusses four decades of experience

Attorney Lynn Swank has been a practicing attorney since 1974. She joined the family business after graduating with her law degree and passing the bar, and her specialty has always been adoption law.

Places to start your research when considering adoption

Though National Adoption Month ended Sunday, there are still thousands upon thousands of children who need to be adopted. While the following web sites only represent the tip of the iceberg when it comes to adoption information, they are excellent places to start.

Man sells meth, tries to get away by running over officer

A Griffin man trying to get away from undercover drug agents attempted to run one of them over with his truck when they tried to arrest him at a south Fayette convenience store last week, police said.

Former employee uses key to steal cash from PTC Subway

A former employee of the Subway at the Peachtree Crossings shopping center in Peachtree City used a key to enter the establishment after hours and escape with cash from the store’s safe last week, police said.

Haverty’s truck storage plan back to Fayetteville council

A request from Haverty’s Furniture to create outdoor storage areas for its delivery trucks will be considered a second time by the Fayetteville City Council at its meeting Thursday night.

Local students shine at Academic Contest

Complex examinations, scholarly presentations, rapid-fire quiz bowls, and intense workshops — they may not sound like events that high school students would enjoy, but during Gordon College’s 2003 Academic Contest, teenagers from Sandy Creek and Starr’s Mill high schools had fun doing those exact things.

Local professor publishes textbook

Peachtree City resident Dr. Lisa Eichelberger, professor of Nursing in Clayton State’s School of Health Sciences, recently published a textbook entitled “Understanding the Work of Nurse Theorists: A Creative Beginning.” A revolutionary teaching tool, this textbook promises to make nursing theory courses more interactive by incorporating various forms of art such as pointillism, origami and mandalas.

Buckner to address CCSU grads

State Rep. Gail Buckner, a Clayton State alumnus, will give the commencement address at the University’s December graduation ceremonies, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the University’s Athletics & Fitness Center.

Book fair to support projects at FCH

The Fayette Community Hospital Auxiliary will be hosting a holiday book fair in the Hospital lobby today from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Stop by and take advantage of great discounts of up to 70 percent off retail prices. Proceeds benefit Fayette Community Hospital projects. For information, call 770-719-7000.

GWF wreaths on sale now

The Georgia Wildlife Federation’s annual Christmas wreath program is in full swing. Wreaths are on sale now. Proceeds from the sale of the wreaths go to support the GWF’s education programs including Schoolyard Wildlife Habitat.

Obituaries

Birth Announcements

Anniversary

Home & Garden

Painting the town

Village Paint, with two stores in Fayetteville and Peachtree City, has joined forces with Benjamin Moore & Co.’s innovative Signature Store Program.

Address minor cracks early to avoid costly home repairs

Maintaining the value and physical appearance of a home is a challenge faced by homeowners around the country on a daily basis. With the average median sales price of nearly $160,000 for existing single-family homes in 2002, according to the National Association of Home Builders, no homeowner wants to witness the depreciation of their home to standard wear and tear. Homeowners can now successfully tackle fractures and cracks to a variety of surfaces with several new user-friendly repair tubes eliminating potentially larger maintenance demands in the future.

Nutcrackers add a whimsical touch to holiday decor

The holidays are like no other time of year — warmth and good cheer are in the air as friends and family gather to celebrate. It is also a chance to turn your home into a fairytale version of itself, with twinkling lights, gauzy ribbons and glittery garland to capture the love, tradition and joy of the holidays.

Power outages: How can homeowners prepare?

When tropical storm Isabel swept through the East Coast in September, it left widespread flooding, countless downed trees and 6 million people without power. Everything ground to a halt: of those homes and businesses affected, most were without any electrical power for days, rather than just hours.

Guarding against red fire ants

Reclaim your yard from the South’s scariest pest with a few simple tips

Better indoor living

Give your home a comfort makeover this winter

Expo returns to GICC Jan. 16-18

Log and timber-frame homes, time-honored building styles of the past, are today’s hottest housing trend, and the Log Home & Timber Frame Expo is returning to The Georgia International Convention Center Jan. 16-18.

Protection for pine straw buyers and sellers

The Georgia Forestry Commission noted that pinestraw in recent years has become an important product of Georgia’s forests and some landowners can possibly find trespassers robbing them of the mulching material that is in high demand by gardeners, landscapers and others.

Avoiding home improvement scams

NARI’s top 10 signs a contractor is untrustworthy

Prime Timers

Helping live life to the fullest

Things aren’t the way they used to be. There was a time when those growing older did not have to worry about who was going to take care of them. These days, many senior citizens have to make a choice they don’t really want to make in life, like leaving their homes to live in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.

Hearing during the holidays

The holidays are times when families and friends get together. Communicating with one anther easily is a luxury most of us take for granted.

Americans need to do a better job planning for retirement

How do you picture yourself spending your golden years? Doing all the things you dreamed of doing, or still working to make ends meet? Most Americans would rather play golf, hike, travel or relax on the beach, but to make that possible, it’s going to take planning.

Business

Peachtree City resident joins new clothing concept

Big Enough Clothes, a U.S. designer of children’s high-quality, European-style clothing, has brought Peachtree City resident Kimberly Jones onboard as a sales representative. Jones will schedule personal shopping appointments with area parents to show off big enough’s latest seasonal collection.

Shopping for a cause is Saturday

Tanger Outlet Stores have a sweet treat in store for their shoppers Dec. 6, as the Tanger Holiday Food Fest benefiting Noah’s Ark will take place from noon to 5 p.m.

Dalton named general manager at the palmer Course

Lisa Dalton has been appointed general manager of The Palmer Course at Starr’s Mill, formerly WhiteWater Country Club, Wyant Golf Enterprises Inc. announced Monday.

Tis' the season to be jolly

This is the season to be jolly. For the first time in several years, customers want to spend money. An improving economy and a stronger employment picture is fueling a more upbeat holiday buying season. Therefore, if shoppers are ready to spend money, then the question is: Are you going to be ready?

STG stages Capra classic

Holiday shopping got you down? Missing your Christmas spirit and can’t find it on the FM dial?

Villages amphitheater announces stellar second-season lineup

The inaugural season for the Villages Amphitheater was a success. It should be no surprise that organizers are trying to make the 2004 season even bigger and better.

‘Storybook Christmas’ at OLM Saturday

Fayetteville’s Sara Keene stars as the Sugar Plum Fairy in “A Storybook Christmas” presented by the Peachtree City School of Dance.

Newnan gives community the Christmas present of ‘Annie’

The musical “Annie” is not often thought of as a Christmas show and it’s performances often occur year-round. The story has a distinct Christmas theme though and it is the perfect show to bring your family to this holiday season.

Two holiday concerts next week

Both the Fayette Youth Chorale and the Sandy Creek High School choruses will perform holiday concerts next week. The choruses, all under the direction of Millie Turek, will blend holiday favorites with other seasonal songs from around the world.

Christmas tree farms now open

Now that the turkey has been put away, in more ways than one, many people are purchasing and putting up their Christmas trees. There are a number of Christmas tree farms in the area where people can pick out the perfect tree for the holidays.

Griffin ‘Nutcracker’ tickets on sale

Tickets are now on sale for the Griffin Ballet production of “The Nutcracker.” The show features a cast of over 100 local and guest performers. Featured dancers will include Stephanie Murrish and Daniil Gaifullin of the Sarasota Ballet Company. The role of Clara will be played by Henry County’s Nicole Collins and Pike County’s Kristin Grubbs.

Notables

Religion

Don’t forget the ‘least’ in your Christmas gifts
By JOHN HATCHER
Religion Columnist

How can the Christian faith reclaim Christmas? I think it’s obvious that Christmas bears barely a semblance of its original self. Commercial interests have taken Christmas and mined it for its every monetary value. It’s the number one shopping season. Many merchandisers absolutely depend upon Christmas to make their budget for the year. They make it at Christmas or go bust.

Taize music featured at Nativity

The Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Fayetteville, will present a service of the Holy Eucharist featuring music from Taizé, on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 5 p.m. at the church. The program is free and a nursery will be provided.

‘Walk through Bethlehem’ begins Dec. 5

Fayetteville Christian Church will present a “Walk through Bethlehem” beginning Friday, Dec. 5.

North Fayette UMC to host weekend of music

North Fayette United Methodist Church will be the host for the production of “Fear Not! ... Encountering the Christ of Christmas,” a musical drama composed by Randy Vader and Jay Rouse. Nada Clements, North Fayette’s director of worship, is the coordinator, supported by drama director Leslie Carson, set designer Maryann Wakefield and accompanist LuAnn Latzanich.

Nativity to offer special Advent service Dec. 14

The St. Cecilia Choir of The Episcopal Church of the Nativity in Fayetteville, under the direction of music minister Joanne Brown, will present a service of Advent Lessons and Carols on Dec. 14, at 5 p.m. at the church. The program is free and a nursery will be provided.

Ever sung The Messiah? Join the chorus Dec. 14 at First Presbyterian in P’tree City

The First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City, 206 Willowbend Road, will host the fifth annual Messiah Sing-A-Long on Sunday, Dec. 14.

Religion Briefs

Christmas Week

The Citizen will run a special front page story on Christmas services and Christmas week events the week preceding Christmas. If your church is having Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services,we need to know about them as soon as possible. Send event notices to The Citizen, P.O. Drawer 1719, Fayetteville, GA 30214; Fax to 770-719-1976; or e-mail to jkilgore@thecitizennews.com

Opinion

PTC tantrums: Facts vie with blind faith
By CAL BEVERLY
editor@thecitizennews.com

The headline in Friday’s Citizen said, “No crimes at DAPC.”

A blending of traditions from holidays of the past
By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@TheCitizenNews.com

Like many of you reading this column, I’m not from here. Although I’ve lived in the area for 20 years, I’m still considered a “newcomer.”

A seasonal mistake: After thanksgiving
By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

I made a mistake last Friday and went shopping.

Give Bush plus, minus marks for trip
By JOHN MUNFORD
jmunford@TheCitizenNews.com

Secrets and lies, or, how President Bush flew in and out of Baghdad unscathed:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Let’s have a little peace about tree

I applaud the management of The Avenue for their attempt at making the lighting of the “Peace Tree” an all-inclusive celebration of the holiday season. A recent letter to the editor blasts The Avenue for their lack of “moral courage” by not calling the tree a “Christmas” tree.

Remember this: Miracles do happen

With all the political unpleasantness going on in Peachtree City government, and all the ugly ridiculous letters to the editor, accusations, gossip, dishonesty, and who knows who is telling the truth, I wanted to print this article on a very positive, Christian note.

Boom cars ruining PTC’s peace; crack down

I live in an area of condos in Peachtree City. Over the past few months, the number of boom cars (loud window-rattling car stereos) have become a huge problem here.

Greta, a gentle, furry senior, needs help

I work as a veterinary nurse at The Animal Medical Clinic in Peachtree City. We have an extraordinary group of clients, who go to great lengths to provide the best care for their furry family members. Our community is filled with compassionate animal lovers, and I hope this letter tugs at the heartstrings of a special person, who can offer love and generosity to a gentle soul in need.

Rutherford: Thanks

I wish to thank everyone who voted in the November 4 and 25, 2003 elections.

Lay off the moose

I agree completely! Leave the [Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse] moose alone. City Council, put your time and efforts in other areas.

Finish the coach story

If the facts present in Mark Jones’ Nov. 26 missive can be verified regarding the onerous treatment of this public school teacher, and the several episodes of questionable ethical conduct by a local principal, a school board member and/or his spouse, placed a teacher’s reputation and credentials in jeopardy, it would seem the “tryout” story is not over.

CNN reporter, keep your opinions (and anti-Bush bias) to yourself

I was infuriated on Thanksgiving day when I heard a CNN reporter in Iraq characterize President Bush’s unannounced visit with troops as political gamesmanship.

Tennant: Missing meeting was only way to stand up for principles

Last Thursday [Nov. 20], Council Member Annie McMenamin and I hand-delivered a letter to city manager Bernie McMullen indicating that we would not be at that night’s council meeting, thereby preventing a quorum, in protest of what we believed was a predetermined vote to approve a budget and to make a taxpayer funded loan to the newly created Peachtree City Tourism Association. (It should be noted that Mrs. McMenamin and I told the city manager we were available to attend a special called meeting on Monday morning to handle other city business matters.)

Investigation of DAPC: Letters from police chief, GBI, explain decision

Special Press Release

Kroger, Pizza Hut open arms to family in need

I would like to let your paper know of a wonderful kindness shown to my family by the manager (Tom Mackey) of the Fayetteville Kroger at Banks Road.

Sallie’s ‘prayer’ ruined reader’s Thanksgiving

The title of Sally Satterthwaite’s last article was indeed true: She ruined my Thanksgiving day! To imply that the Iraq war is an “invented war” was probably the most offensive statement yet.