Newnan City Hall's "Artist of the Month" for June 2008

Trisha Adams is named Newnan-Coweta Art Association’s Artist of the month for June 2008.

Trisha has sought out classes and workshops since first picking up her first paintbrush 7 years ago. Adams believes firmly in challenging herself as an artist and constantly growing her skills. She paints with watercolors and acrylics and also enjoys graphic and website design. You can find her work in homes and businesses across the United States. She also has 2 paintings in the Annual NCAA member Juried Art Exhibit which will be on display at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts off Lower Fayetteville road. The opening reception for this event is June 18, from 6:00 – 8:00pm.

At the urging of her friends, Trisha has also begun to teach. She currently instructs children and adults out of her home in Watercolor, and teaches occasional floor cloth workshops at local venues.

Trisha is the youngest of three siblings, and was born and raised in Oregon. Trisha and her husband moved to Georgia 2001 and are very happy to call Newnan home. Adams is a stay at home wife and mother to three beautiful girls ages 8, 5 and 3. She finds endless inspiration through the eyes of her children.

Trisha is a member and officer of the Newnan-Coweta Art Association. NCAA meets the third Thursday of each month (from September through May at the Harriet Alexander Art Center on Hospital Road at 7:00pm. Visitors and new members are welcome. An art demonstration is presented each month. Come and join the fun.

Newnan Coweta Art Association Readies for Third Annual Juried Exhibit at The Centre; Celebration of 40th Birthday Also Planned

The non-profit Newnan-Coweta Art Association (NCAA) is busy preparing for its annual juried exhibit featuring works of its member artists. Held at the Centre for the Performing & Visual Arts in Newnan, this year is particularly special for the group. Not only is it the third annual exhibit, it also marks the NCAA’s 40th birthday! The Newnan-Coweta Art Association was incorporated June 18, 1968.

This Program is supported in part by the Grassroots Arts Program of the Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations of the Georgia General Assembly and in partnership with Arts Clayton.

Artwork will be on display at the Centre throughout June. The Opening Reception & Awards Ceremony (and “birthday” celebration) will be held on Wednesday night, June 18, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend. Refreshment will be served. There is no charge for admission or parking.

A variety of original works, both two- and three-dimensional will be on exhibit. Three works of art will receive ribbons and monetary awards, one for Best in Show and two Awards of Merit. Last year, David Walsh won Best in Show for his striking “Woman at the Well” painting. Newnan artists Martin Pate and Marc Stewart each won Merit Awards.

The Newnan Coweta Art Association is a non-profit organization whose purpose is to encourage and aid artists to produce original works of art of every type and character, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, ceramics, wood craft, drawing and metal crafts; to furnish the auspices for the display of such works in Coweta County and elsewhere; and to foster education and instruction in the creation and appreciation of works of art.

The Association supports the arts in Coweta schools through annual donations and scholarships to high school students pursuing the arts in college. The Newnan-Coweta Art Association can be found online at www.Newcaa.com.
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Hampton Inn - Newnan to Host Chamber’s “Business-After-Hours”

Hampton Inn - Newnan will host the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce’s monthly “Business-After-Hours” event from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 5.

Business-After-Hours is an event, which gives Chamber members an informal opportunity to meet and learn about one another and the businesses that serve Coweta County. Hampton Inn – Newnan is located at 50 Hampton Way and this month’s theme is “Summertime Barbeque.”

Attendance at Business-After-Hours is free of charge. To RSVP, contact the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or info@newnancowetachamber.org.

Dickens Among Leaders

No. 2 individual producer companywide during 2007 for
Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty was Steven Dickens (right) from the
Newnan/Coweta County office, who is shown with Steve Bullard, company
owner and president.

Michelle Munda from the Griffin/Spalding County
office was No.1, and Phil Wagner from the McDonough/Henry County
office was No. 3. The recognition came at the company’s annual
Awards Breakfast, held recently at Eagle’s Landing Country Club.

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Coweta County Master Gardeners Present Spring Garden Gate Tour May 31

It’s warm, the garden centers and nurseries are bursting with color, and it’s that time of the year again when Coweta County’s Master Gardeners open their own gardens to the public. The Spring Garden Gate Tour will be held Saturday, May 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a catered lunch from noon until 2 p.m. Bring along your camera, a notepad, and ask questions. Master Gardeners will be available at each site to share their experience and gardening knowledge.

Three exceptional, mature gardens are on display this year in Newnan. They are outstanding after many years of transition and hard work. Each garden is a delightful journey with colors and textures that pull you along walkways and entertainment areas. Two of the gardens are across the road from each other, each an example of gardening on large properties. In historic Newnan, a city garden, tended by one of the most experienced master gardeners in this area, is filled with colorful blooms, textures and foliage.

Ticket prices are $20 with lunch included or single garden tours can be purchased at the individual gardens for $5 each. Lunch will be served in the Shade Garden at Country Gardens Farms and Nursery, 3728 Lower Fayetteville Rd. It will be catered by Making Memories.

Owners of Country Gardens, Mike and Judy Cunningham, are sponsoring the tour. You can call the garden center at 770-251-2673 or the Coweta County Extension Office at 770-254-2620
for ticket information. On the web, visit www.ugaextension.com/coweta or www.countrygardensfarm.com. Tickets are on sale at Country Gardens or the Extension Office, 275 Pine Rd., Newnan.

The proceeds from the tour help support the Coweta County Master Gardener Association and local University of Georgia Extension program projects such as 4-H, Junior Master Gardener, and the operation of an educational greenhouse.

The Association is a volunteer organization that promotes the University of Georgia’s Cooperative Extension programs. Master Gardeners provide horticultural information to the community in educational and beautification projects by using the research and resources of the University of Georgia.

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Main Street Accepting Applications For Homemade Ice Cream Festival

Main Street Newnan is currently accepting applications for the Homemade Ice Cream Festival, planned for Saturday, July 5, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. on the square in historic downtown Newnan. The Homemade Ice Cream Festival will be held in conjunction with the monthly Market Days on the Square.

Participants must be non-profit organizations or a business must be representing a charity. The registration fee is $15.00.

“The Homemade Ice Cream Festival is a chance to showcase your best recipe of homemade ice cream. It’s fun to share your favorite flavor with others, but it’s also a great chance to raise money for a worthy cause. It’s a friendly competition for a very coveted title,” said Alise Cartledge, Main Street Coordinator.

Only one flavor may be entered per group for judging, however, participants may serve as many flavors as they would like. There will be cash prizes for the top three flavors judged. In addition, participants may sell baked items, and other food/beverages to raise money for their designated organization. Participants may set up at 10:00 a.m., selling starts at noon, and the judging is at 12:30.

Participants must provide their own tables, chairs, signage, decorations, coolers, extension cords, serving utensils, brochures on the organization, etc. Paper goods will be provided at registration by Main Street Newnan which includes 400+ each of spoons, napkins, and 5 ounce bowls.

Prices for ice cream are set at $1.00 for one scoop.

“I encourage citizens to come down and sample these tasty summer treats. You will not be disappointed. In the past, we have had the classic ice cream flavors, and we’ve also had the creative, very interesting flavors. It’s a lot of fun,” continued Cartledge.

In addition to the Homemade Ice Cream Festival, Main Street Newnan will also host Market Days on the Square from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. on July 5th. Approximately 55 vendors set up around the square to offer items handmade, homegrown, or homemade.

For more information on these and other Main Street Newnan events, please visit www.mainstreetnewnan.com or call 770-253-8283. The deadline to register for the Ice Cream Festival is June 30. Space assignments will be provided one week prior to the event.

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3rd Annual Memorial Day Commemoration Sponsored by the Coweta Falls Chapter Sons Of The American Revolution

On Memorial Day 2008, the Coweta Falls Chapter of the Sons Of The American Revolution -- the largest Chapter in Georgia with more than 200 members -- will host a special memorial service at Parkhill Cemetery in the Veteran's Gardens. The ceremony will pay tribute to the thousands who have died in service to this nation. Memorial Day Service; Monday - May 26th - 10:00 a.m.; The Veteran's Garden Of Parkhill Cemetery; 4161 Macon Road, Columbus Georgia.

Sen. Seabaugh to chair Senate Task Force on Value Government

State Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) has been appointed by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle to chair the Senate Task Force on Value Government. The task force will look to determine how state government can provide services in a more effective and efficient manner to Georgia citizens. Ultimately, the panel will find ways to give taxpayers the best value possible in state government.

“We will seek to establish performance standards to know what value Georgians are getting for the tax dollars they pay,” said Sen. Seabaugh. “By establishing these standards, we can increase accountability for the tax dollars we spend and know what programs or services to cut and what to better fund.”

The Task Force plans to work in coordination with the Commission for a New Georgia to make recommendations to the legislature for legislative or budgetary changes to improve service delivery or lower the cost of services.

“It’s important to efficiently and wisely spend the public’s hard-earned dollars, and it’s equally crucial to do so in an open and transparent manner,” added Sen. Seabaugh. “This task force will work to ensure both.”

In addition to his leadership position of Majority Whip, Sen. Seabaugh has served on the Senate Appropriations Committee for six years and has been diligent in challenging appropriated tax dollars. He has been successful in cutting programs and department budgets that were unable to prove their value. Senators Bill Heath (R-Bremen), Judson Hill (R-Marietta) and Ed Tarver (D-Augusta) will also serve on the Task Force on Value Government.

Jakicic Named Coweta Office Agent Leader

Cynthia Jakicic was announced as March Individual Agent Leader for the Newnan/Coweta County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Shannon Scott the No. 2 producers for the office during the month, and Stacy Dunlap and Brittany Rainwater were No. 3.

Jakicic, who got her training through Coldwell Banker Fast Start, is a Certified Relocation Specialist, and she is a member of the Newnan/Coweta Board of Realtors, where she has earned Million Dollar Club membership, and the Georgia and National Associations of Realtors. She was named to the Bullard Bronze Society for her production in 2004 and 2005 and was awarded a company Certificate of Merit in 2006 and 2007.

A native of Coweta Couunty and a graduate of East Coweta High School, she resides in Coweta County with her husband Gary, daughters Madison and Samantha, and son Brandon.

She is a member of Community Christian Church, serving as leader of the TLC church group.

Sean Hart of Georgia Development Partners Featured Speaker at Chamber’s Early Bird Forum

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce will feature Sean Hart with Georgia Development Partners at its upcoming Prosperity Happens Here Series Early Bird Forum on Tuesday, May 27 at 7:30 a.m. at the Central Educational Center. This event is sponsored by First National Bank of Georgia and the emcee is Rocky Lipham with First National Bank of Georgia. Admittance to the Forum is $15 for Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers and includes breakfast.

With offices in Newnan and Atlanta, Georgia Development Partners focuses on Atlanta-area real estate development and brokerage. Recently, the company completed the new 75 Jackson Street office park, located on property associated with the historic Arnall-Mann House. The project has received awards from the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society and earned the company a 2008 Prosperity Award from the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce.

The Early Bird Forum is a monthly Chamber event that provides networking opportunities and eye-opening information from business leaders throughout Coweta County. To RSVP, contact the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or info@newnancowetachamber.org. The deadline to make a reservation is Friday, May 23.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital Receives State Approval Of Certificate Of Need For New Hospital Facility

Piedmont Newnan Hospital has received approval on its Certificate of Need (CON) Application for a replacement hospital facility from the Georgia Department of Community Health, Division of Health Planning. The application was submitted in late January, and no opposition was filed against the application.

“We are so pleased and excited about this approval," said Michael Bass, president and CEO of Piedmont Newnan Hospital. “We know how anxious the community is for this new facility and appreciate the support of many who have helped in this process.”

“We plan to develop a technologically advanced, healing environment capable of adapting to the growing and ever-changing healthcare needs of the community,” Bass continued.

The facility will be located on approximately105 acres on Poplar Road near Interstate 85. The application defined a 362,376-square-foot, 136-bed hospital facility on nine floors to improve patient access and wayfinding; provide flexibility for changing clinical, technology and community needs; increase operational efficiencies; and accommodate future growth. Private, inpatient rooms will be adaptable to varying acuity needs of patients and will include 14 post-partum beds, 18 critical care beds and 104 general medical/surgical patient beds. The facility will feature 8 operating rooms and 23 patient rooms in the Emergency Department. The new hospital will be designed to provide an optimal setting for efficient, quality patient care.

The hospital will also utilize sustainable building strategies – such as energy efficiencies and water reuse and conservation technologies – in an effort to reduce future operating costs, provide a healthier work environment, and reduce the overall environmental impact of the project. It has been designed to comply with the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™.

Designated green spaces and natural areas will serve to organize the overall campus and provide restorative spaces for patients, visitors and staff. These “green belts” will be used to facilitate wayfinding, extending from public parking to the lobby and along the public mall. The public mall will simplify access to many of the clinical services and destinations for patients and visitors, such as radiology, laboratory, cardiopulmonary and respiratory therapy services.

Phase I of the campus development includes the hospital as well as a support services building to house areas such as human resources, cardiac rehabilitation and education. Plans call for approximately 1,000 parking spaces to accommodate patients, visitors and staff.

Gregory A. Hurst, PNH board chairman and chief operating officer for Piedmont Healthcare, said, “We are appreciative of the State's review and approval of our application as we know how important this hospital is to the entire community. In addition, we value the community for its ongoing support of Piedmont Newnan Hospital during this transition time."

Project costs are $193,680,000. With regulatory approvals in place, construction will begin in October 2008, and the new hospital will open to serve the community by early 2011.

Discounts on Employee Benefits Available Through Chamber

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce is offering significant discounts on employee medical, dental and life insurance for companies with 2-50 enrolled employees. Available discounts include:

Health Insurance: Group discounts ranging from 3% to 5% are available on a large portfolio of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia products.
Life Insurance: Qualified employers can receive up to 20% off their group life, group voluntary life, and group dependent life coverage through Greater Georgia Life Insurance Company (an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association).
Dental Insurance: Qualified employers can enjoy up to 10% off group dental and group voluntary dental insurance.

“We’re able to offer these great discounts because of our affiliation with the MemberCare Alliance, a network of 124 Chambers of Commerce in Georgia that uses its group buying power to negotiate discounts and leverage better coverage for small and medium-sized businesses,” explained Candace LaForge, President of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber. “Employee benefit packages are key for attracting a top-rate workforce and helping Coweta businesses stay competitive. Our goal is to make those benefits more affordable for the businesses in our community.”

Although businesses must be members of the Chamber to participate, membership is open to any business in Coweta County. To learn more about these benefits, or to receive a free quote on rates for your business, contact either the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or info@newnancowetachamber.org, David Adams or Purchasing Alliance Solutions, Inc. (the company who created the MCA programs) at 770-579-1214 ext. 3014, or your current health insurance agent.

About the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce

With more than 650 members throughout Coweta County, the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing economic prosperity for all Coweta’s citizens. As the county’s largest business organization, the Chamber works to provide business leadership to foster an economic and cultural climate favorable to all business, in order to create a higher quality of life for all residents.

Community Welcome House Benefit May 10

CC Note: What an inspiration this teenager had! A special thank you to Emily for her "Mother's Day Gift" for women and children who are victims of domestic violence.

Come to the Carl Miller Park on Sewell Rd in Newnan on Saturday, May 10th, from 11 am- 3 pm as a four sided mural "Family at Play" is dedicated to the Community Welcome House.

Inspired by Emily Hays, a 9th grade student from Northgate High School in Coweta County, who recently asked her mother how could she put together a project to help the Community Welcome House, the day's events all benefit women and children who are in need in the Coweta area.

Artwork for the mural was designed by students from local high schools. Newnan Utilities donated the ground where the mural will be displayed The structure for the display was built by students from the Central Education Center building class.

Entrance to the park is free to the public. Food an entertainment will be plentiful. This will prove to be a day of fun for the entire family.

Schedule:
11:00 am – 11:15 am Introduction by Emily Hays
11:15 am – 12:15 pm The Arnall Middle School Choir
12:15 pm– 12:30 pm Sofia
12:15 pm - 1:30 pm Every Third
1:30 pm - 2:15 pm The Bill Steely Band
2:15 pm- 3:00 pm This is Henry
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CEO of Dow Corning Corporation Will Address Local Businesswomen

Dr. Stephanie Burns, Chairman, President and CEO of Dow Corning Corporation will be in Newnan on Monday May 12, 2008 to address the inaugural meeting of the Executive Women’s Forum, a new program of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce.

Dr. Burns will speak at 12:00 noon at the Newnan Country Club, and will share her unique perspective, honed from her years of experience as a female executive rising through the corporate ranks to become the leader of a global enterprise with more than 25,000 customers and 7,000 products and services worldwide. After beginning as a laboratory researcher with Dow Corning in 1983, Dr. Burns moved to leadership positions in the company both in the United States and abroad before returning to the U.S. to become executive vice president in 2000. She was elected president and chief operating officer in 2003, CEO in 2004, and chairman in 2006.

The Executive Women’s Forum is designed to provide leadership and networking opportunities for Coweta County’s female business leaders, and to enhance and increase the professional, political and economic power of executive and professional women.

Attendance at Dr. Burns’ presentation is by invitation only.

To learn more about the Executive Women’s Forum, contact the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or info@newnancowetachamber.org.

Honoring Mom Mother’s Day and Every Day

Common images of Mother’s Day include family treating mom to a special lunch, or showering her with greeting cards and flowers. “Instead of Mother’s Day being a one day celebration, we encourage people to make it an every day celebration,” said Beth Dow, president of Home Helpers of Georgia and Alabama. To help baby boomers and other adults honor mom on Mother’s Day and every day, Home Helpers has teamed with aging expert Charles Puchta to offer the following five tips:

HONOR ALWAYS. Know that honor is always positive and privileged. Just as mom is the center of attention and noticeably appreciated on Mother’s Day, there are simple ways to honor mom every day. For example, be involved in her life, involve her in your life, and seek her input and advice on major life decisions.

MAKE IT REAL. Think about how aging or a life-changing illness might affect day-to-day life. If your mom has a medical condition, consider ways to recognize limitations that may challenge her. For example, if she is hard of hearing, put cotton in your ears to get an idea of what it might be like. If she has had a stroke, try not using your right arm and leg for a few hours to experience life from her perspective.

DON’T OVERLOOK THE OBVIOUS. Family often takes routine activities for granted as though they will just happen. For example, managing finances, preparing meals, running errands, doing household chores, attending religious services, and enjoying friends. As your mom ages or faces any health-related challenges, keep in mind that she may have needs that she is unable to manage on her own.

SPEAK MOM’S LANGUAGE. In his best-selling book The Five Love Languages, Gary Chapman shares ways people respond to demonstrations of love. For example, certain people thrive on complements such as “your pie is simply the best,” while others find satisfaction and place great importance on physical touch. Some people thrive on spending quality time together, others appreciate a helping hand, and certain people find that gifts are a tangible symbol of love. Speak the language that best demonstrates to mom how much you care.

ENJOY RELATIONSHIP. Often we need to slow down and take time to consider facets of life we overlook and that matter most. The concept of honor encompasses time and tasks. Time is the relational aspect where we keep in touch and share life. Tasks are things we do like providing a meal, or helping with errands. Whether a hand to hold, a heart to understand, or a kind gesture to enjoy, there are many ways to honor mom.

It seems that adult children tend to look at all they do while mom may focus on those things we are not doing. These tips hopefully share some helpful ideas of how to focus attention in a meaningful way. Take time to talk and share wishes, expectations and preferences.

As a result of obligations, many baby boomers are not able to provide the level of care and support mom needs and deserves. “We have many clients that, due to their adult children’s obligations and responsibilities, depend on us to supplement the care family is able to provide,” said Dow. She added, “While it may not be realistic or possible to address everything, do what you can. West Georgia and East Alabama is fortunate to have wonderful people, agencies and organizations that are ready, willing and able to lend a helping hand.”

Sen. Seabaugh nominated to Henry Toll Fellowship by Lt. Gov. Cagle

State Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) has been nominated by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle to join the national Henry Toll Fellowship program sponsored by the Council of State Governments. He is among 80 nationwide nominees appointed to participate in this prestigious leadership seminar in Lexington, Kentucky.

“Being nominated for the Henry Toll Fellowship is quite an accomplishment and Senator Seabaugh is very deserving of this nomination,” added Lt. Gov. Cagle. “He has worked diligently and I appreciate the leadership skills and value he brings to his job in the state Senate.”

The Henry Toll Fellowship program is the oldest and most widely recognized leadership development program for state government officials. It is the only leadership program that is open to all three branches of state government. The Fellowship is named in honor of Henry Wolcott Toll, founding father of the Council of State Governments and a Colorado state senator from 1922 to 1930. Toll has long been remembered as an innovative champion of state government, a courageous opponent of racism and a tireless visionary.

“Throughout my tenure in the General Assembly, I have worked hard to provide quality leadership,” said Sen. Seabaugh. “I feel this program will further enhance my leadership skills to become a more effective lawmaker. I am pleased to have been chosen to take part in this important national program.”

Sen. Seabaugh was first elected to the Georgia state Senate in 2000. In 2002, only his second term, his colleagues elected him Senate Majority Whip, a position he continues to serve. His leadership and input has shown to be invaluable regarding key initiatives to improve the lives of all Georgians.

The Toll Fellowship seminar in Lexington takes place September 27-October 2, 2008.

Kids Culinary Camp!

Spend a fun filled week tasting new foods, learning the basics of cooking, and eating food you prepared yourself! Surprise mom & dad at the end of camp and let them taste the fabulous food you’ve prepared! Classes will be held at Your Chef To Go, Inc. located at 98 Werz Industrial Drive, Newnan.

Morning & Afternoon Sessions
· Morning session from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
· Afternoon session from 1:00 p.m. till 4:30 p.m.
· Class size is limited

Camp I- $140
· May 27 thru May 30, 2008 (4 day camp due to Memorial Day Holiday)
· Camp age divisions: (7-9) & (10-12)
· “Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner”

Camp II- $185
· June 9 thru June 13
· Camp age divisions: (10-12), (13 & up)
· “Culinary World Tour”

Camp III-$175
· July 7 thru July 11
· Camp age divisions: (7-9), (10-12)
· “Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner”

Registration for camp begins May 1. Upon completion of camp, each camper receives a chef’s hat at graduation and parents get to enjoy the camper’s creations! Please call 678-873-9297 to register. Minimum class size is required for camp to proceed. Class size is limited so register early!