Greison Trail

“The City of Newnan is delighted to announce the new roundabout located at Greison Trail will reopen for traffic tonight at 6 PM. The sidewalks are left to be back filled but this will not affect traffic,” said Cleatus Phillips, Community Development Director. The city would like to thank everyone for being patient with this project and think it is well worth the wait in the end.” There is beautiful landscaping in the middle of the roundabout everyone can enjoy.

Chamber Announces Leadership Coweta Class of 2008-09

Twenty-two citizens of Coweta County have begun a seven-month course of study as part of Leadership Coweta, a community leadership development program offered by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce.

The Class of 2008-09 includes: Tom Barron, Lindsey's Inc. Realtors; Caryn Broome, Cambridge House Enrichment Center; Jeff Burgess, Coweta County Schools; Will Conoly, Bank of Coweta; Brian Davis, PAPP Clinic; Josh Evans, Town of Moreland; Joseph Hajducko, West Central Technical College; Holbert Hale, Jr. (Dunk), Diamotec; Sharon Hazel, Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity; Kelly Hines, Piedmont Newnan Hospital; Pamela Johnson, BB&T; Amy
Matistic, Summit Healthplex Pharmacy; Leslie Merriman, Newnan-Coweta Habitat for Humanity; Nathan Nipper, Piedmont Newnan Hospital; John Proffitt, J3Development; Amy Riley, The Heritage School; Joni Scarbrough, Newnan Utilities; Owen Searcy, Georgia Power Company; Amanda Sexton, Coweta County Schools; Sarah Shirley, Canongate Golf Clubs; Connie J. Singleton, McKoon Funeral Home; and Chris Smith, Southern Company.

The Leadership Coweta experience begins with an annual one-day retreat. Over the course of the program, participants examine virtually all aspects of life in our County, including education, healthcare, regional leadership, community, economic conditions, growth, daily life, infrastructure, community safety and local government. The curriculum is tied closely to the work of the Chamber-led Vision 2020 community visioning process.

"Leadership Coweta was a great experience for me, and I'm delighted at the level of interest and engagement that continues for this program," said Dee Dee Bogolin, Personal Lines Producer at J. Smith Lanier & Co. and chairperson of the Leadership Coweta program. "With every class,
participants bring a wide variety of experiences and perspectives about our County, so there's always something new to learn and to consider, both from the presenters and from fellow classmates."

The Chamber will begin accepting applications for the 2009-10 class next summer. To learn more about Leadership Coweta or other leadership programs at the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, contact the Chamber at 770-253-2270 or email valerie@newnancowetachamber.org.

About the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce

With more than 700 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.

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Only One Week Remains to Vote for Line Creek!

Your vote online can direct $5,000 for new trail signs and trail maintenance at the Line Creek Nature Area!

Line Creek is a 70 acre hidden treasure on the border of Fayette and Coweta Counties that offers something for everyone who loves the outdoors: a fishing dock over a placid pond . . . a picnic gazebo . . . both easy and challenging hiking trails that lead you through a majestic hardwood forest, over rock outcroppings, and down to rushing Line Creek . . . see the historic Mule Rock carving and ruins of an old stone bridge . . .

The Line Creek trails project is one of 20 finalists chosen from 70 applicants across the nation to be featured in the "Save the Trails" online contest sponsored by the American Hiking Society and Nature Valley granola bars.

Vote for Line Creek at www.wheresyours.com/SaveTheTrailsVote.aspx. (It's 2/3 of the way down the page.)

You can help improve this popular nature preserve without spending a dime and make Line Creek an even better place to visit!

The deadline to vote is Friday, October 31st.The Line Creek preserve is located on Hwy 54 on the border of Fayette and Coweta County.

Make a lasting difference in your own community -- vote for Line Creek Nature Area today!

www.wheresyours.com/SaveTheTrailsVote.aspx

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Dan Camp of Cousins Properties, Inc, Featured Speaker at Chamber's Early Bird Forum

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce will feature Dan Camp, Vice President of Development at Cousins Properties, Inc., at its upcoming Prosperity Happens Here Series Early Bird Forum on Tuesday, October 28 at 7:45 a.m. at the Central Educational Center.

The Thomas Enterprises/Ashley Park is the Forum sponsor and Kristy Pruitt-Hardage,
March of Dimes, is the Forum emcee. Admittance to the Forum is $15 for
Chamber members and $20 for nonmembers and includes breakfast. There is a
networking time from 7 - 7:45am and the program is from 7:45-9am.

The Coweta residential development of Blalock Lakes, designed by Cousins
Properties, illustrates a fast-growing trend of "new ruralism" in the United
States. With 399 home sites on 3,000 acres, nestled around 180 acres of
lakes, Blalock Lakes emphasizes its natural setting, wildlife conservation
and a back-to-nature-style retreat community. Instead of swimming and
tennis, residents enjoy canoeing, clay-shooting, quail hunting, hiking and
horseback riding. One of the first developments of its kind in the region,
Blalock Lakes is a 2008 Chamber Prosperity Award winner.

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 Monday,
October 27 by 3pm.

About the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce

With more than 700 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.

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Update on the Historic Courthouse

Just wanted to give you all an update on the work at the historic courthouse -

The general contractor, Headley Construction has begun work. The next outwardly visible part of the work will be the removal of the oak trees. White Meadows Tree Service, a subcontractor to Estes Landscaping and Headley Construction, will begin as early as Monday morning next week (October 27.) Work is projected to take much of the week and to occur during normal business hours. The next week (November 3) a 6 foot construction fence will go up to protect the construction site.

If you remember, the older oak trees were evaluated by four different arborists and the results were unanimous. The trees present a health and safety concern. One of the trees has already been removed because it was an immediate safety concern after its condition was discovered. The rest of the largest oak trees are nearing the end of their natural life and are affecting the structural integrity of the sidewalk and the wall – but most importantly, several of them are dangerous to people and property. The arborists’ reports all contained concern about the large trees. There are places with decay, limited structural integrity and weak spots. According to the arborists’ reports, these trees will only continue to deteriorate and be a danger to citizens, vehicles and the courthouse. In addition, these trees are not in a healthy growing condition, due to their location. They have physical limitations and reduced growing areas.

The plan is to replace all the large water oak trees with other specimens, which are more tolerant to physical restrictions and the urban environment. By replacing them all at the same time, the growth will be the same and will enhance the court square instead of detracting from it. Three of the four magnolia trees would remain as part of this plan, although their growth has been affected by the water oaks and it will take some time and pruning to insure they grow healthy and beautiful. One of the magnolias was damaged when a large limb blew off one of the oaks.

The magnolia and the oaks will all be replaced in the new plan. The oaks will be replaced with trees in the 8-10 inch diameter range.

I appreciate your help in spreading the word about the changes at the courthouse. It will certainly look different next week.

Have a great weekend -

Patricia Palmer, APR
Public Information Officer
Coweta County Government

Road Closure CHANGE - Coweta County

The intersection of Raymond Hill Road and Fischer Rd will be closed the weekend of November 1 and 2 INSTEAD OF October 25 and 26 as previously planned. Inclement weather changed the plans. Details remain the same - the closure will begin Saturday morning and end by Sunday evening, pending other inclement weather. This closure is part of the improvement project for that intersection. The work done will include the cutting down of some dirt on Raymond Hill Road to improve line of sight and raising the level of Fischer Road. Traffic on Fischer Road will continue to flow north and south, but no turns can be made onto Raymond Hill Road. Raymond Hill Road will be closed to traffic just before the intersection and traffic will be routed back toward Hwy. 154

Army Ground Forces Jazz Guardians Perform Big Band Music December 6th

The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts of Coweta County has during the past four years hosted several concerts by bands from our armed forces. On December 6 at 7 PM an Army Ground Forces group from Fort McPherson called the Jazz Guardians will be at the Centre performing big band holiday music. The concert is free.

The Army Ground Forces website provides this information about their jazz band:

The Jazz Guardians is an 18-member group whose primary mission is to maintain and promote Jazz, a uniquely American art form. The Jazz Guardians pay tribute to the big bands of yesterday by performing the music made popular by such greats as Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Glenn Miller, and Woody Herman. Demonstrating their great versatility, the group also performs the latest and most innovative sounds of today's most popular composers.

The Jazz Guardians have been featured at numerous jazz festivals around the United States, performing with such notable artists as Louis Bellson, Cab Calloway, Bill Watrous, Conrad Herwig and Jamey Abersold.

Equally comfortable in live performance or the studio, the group recently finished recording its second compact disc, appropriately titled The Jazz Guardians.

Given their broad talents and diverse repertoire, the Jazz Guardians offer concerts that will be sure to entertain any audience.

By Forrest W. Schultz

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Coweta Files Suit Over Faulty Water Pipes

Coweta County and the Coweta County Water and Sewerage Authority joined in filing suit today in Fulton County State Court against Shell Oil Company and others for negligence, breach of contract, product liability, fraud, and violations of the Georgia Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act over the misrepresentation, marketing and sale of Blu-Max pipe, which uses a polybutylene resin manufactured by Shell. Coweta County and the Coweta County Water and Sewerage Authority are seeking at least $25 million in compensatory damages, in addition to treble damages provided by the RICO Act, attorneys’ fees, costs, and punitive damages.

“The Commissioners and the Authority Board are doing all we can to protect the customers of our water system. The performance of this pipe has been an utter failure for Coweta County and we have spent enough of our rate payers’ money to try and solve it,” said Coweta County Water and Sewerage Authority board chair Neal Shepard.

These pipes were touted as easy to install, resistant to corrosion and deterioration, tougher than metal, flexible without cracks or kinks and having a useful life of 50 years or more. Shell has been sued dozens of times across the country over misrepresentations related to the properties of pipe containing polybutylene resins, and has since ceased manufacturing the resins.

The pipes were installed in Coweta County in the 1980s and 1990s, and were used for service lines that run from the water main to the customer’s meter. The pipes were installed during a period of great growth for the water department. From 1987-1997 water customers grew from about 1,000 to about 14,000.

“The county authorized the use of these pipes based on the information we received from Shell, the extruders who manufactured the pipe, the suppliers who sold the pipe, and industry leaders such as the American Water Works Association (AWWA),” said Theron Gay, Coweta County Administrator. “We were never told of any performance issues with this product – never told that our resource, our product, might be soaking into the ground.”

The Coweta County Water and Sewer Authority operated as a county department until April 2007 when it transitioned to a full authority.

Between 2005 and 2006, Coweta County experienced a dramatic change in water loss.
In 2005 the Coweta County Water and Sewerage Authority documented a 10.84 % water

“loss” – meaning that was the difference between the water that was piped out and the water that was accounted for in customers’ meters. This was a reasonable amount because the industry standard is 15-18%.

In 2006, the water loss increased dramatically to 37.87% and in 2007, it increased again to 48.13%. Given the extreme level of loss and the drought that Coweta and Georgia were experiencing, the Coweta County Water and Sewerage Authority began an aggressive effort to identify and repair leaks to lessen water loss.

“The more we repair, the more failures we find,” said Ellis Cadenhead, general manager, Coweta County Water and Sewerage Authority. “Of our 24,500 customers, we expect as many as 15,000 of those to have been affected by this defective product.”

“We have spent countless man hours and millions of dollars repairing and replacing these pipes. With the challenges we face in water conservation today and our responsibility to our rate payers, this suit was the right thing to do,” said Shepard.

The Water and Sewerage Authority issued a $27 million bond in 2007, backed by the county. So far about $6 million of this bond has been used to replace the Blu-Max pipe. This amount does not include the costs incurred in years past when the pipe failed and was replaced as a matter of course. It also does not include the value of the product that was lost as a result of this defective product.

The County and the Water and Sewerage Authority are asking that the trial be held with a jury in Fulton County State Court.
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PEC Development Selects Piedmont Residential to Build The Park at Heritage Ridge

PEC Development has tapped Piedmont Residential to build the homes in The Park at Heritage Ridge, one of Newnan’s newest communities.

“With its focus on first-time buyers, Piedmont Residential offers the quality and attention to detail while building affordable homes,” said Paul Corley, Chief Executive Officer of PEC Development Group. “They’re a perfect match for building the homes for The Park at Heritage Ridge because they deliver a great deal of value-added for buyers.”

The Park at Heritage Ridge features eight floor plans perfect for first-time buyers and those interested in downsizing without sacrificing quality and convenience. Phase I construction will consist of the first 91 homes; an additional 150 will be built in Phase II. The craftsman-style homes start in the $150,000s. Eight floor plan designs in ranch and two-story styles features exterior elevations of brick, stone and cedar shake. The homes average 2,000 square feet and have gourmet kitchens, two-car garages, three and four bedrooms and fireplaces.

The fabulous amenities are already in place at the community. They include a 9,500-square-foot clubhouse with large game room and billiards, exercise and fitness room, a large swimming pool, lighted tennis courts, a bocce ball court and a large playground.

Founded by Chris Kelly and J.D. Espana, Piedmont Residential and its staff have more than 20 years of home building and development experience. “Part of our philosophy is helping people realize that the dream of home ownership is affordable,” said Kelly. “From the first step of the building process to the day they walk into their new homes, new homeowners can sense a true commitment to our partnership with them.”

Piedmont Residential and its associates have over 20 years of home building and development experience. From the first step of the building process to the day you walk into your new home, we will work with you to ensure your complete satisfaction. We focus our efforts and attention on the things that are important to you, because we understand that you are the most important member of our team.

A local company grounded in Christian faith and values, Piedmont Residential was founded by Chris Kelly and J.D. España. They thrive on creating strong relationships with their clients - partnerships based on integrity, honesty and accountability. Piedmont Residential takes pride in being faithful stewards of each client’s trust while helping them enrich their lives and their community.

The Park at Heritage Ridge is centrally located to many businesses, educational and recreational resources and offers easy access to Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. To visit The Park at Heritage Ridge, take I-85 South to Exit 47 (Newnan). Go left (east) on Ga. Hwy. 34 for one mile. Turn right onto Shenandoah Boulevard and go approximately one and a half miles. Turn left onto Lower Fayetteville Road and go approximately one mile, Heritage Ridge is on the left.

The sales gallery is located at 6 Bayview Drive in Newnan. The sales office hours are Monday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
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Line Creek Nature Area is Finalist for Save the Trails™ Funding

Southern Conservation Trust invites local residents to vote at www.wheresyours.com before October 31st.

Southern Conservation Trust is pleased to announce that the Line Creek Nature Area is among 20 finalists in a competition for Save the Trails™ funding through Nature Valley® and the American Hiking Society. Line Creek was selected from a competitive pool of 160 trail projects located throughout the nation.

“We’re honored to be a finalist for Save the Trails funding,” said Abby Jordan, the Trust’s Executive Director. “This money would help us improve the trails at Line Creek, our most popular of three preserves the Trust manages. I hope that outdoor enthusiasts will log on to www.wheresyours.com by October 31st and support us with your vote.”

Save the Trails, in cooperation with the National Trails Fund, will award $5,000 to each of the top 10 finalists, based on online votes, to restore and revitalize hiking trails in their communities. Voting is open to the public now through Oct. 31, 2008, at www.wheresyours.com.

“Hiking trails are gateways to nature’s greatest experiences, but they need regular maintenance to ensure their longevity and safety,” said Gregory A. Miller, president of American Hiking Society. “The National Trails Fund is dedicated to preserving America’s hiking trails, and Nature Valley’s generous donation has doubled the size of this year’s fund. All area outdoor enthusiasts will benefit from the funding if Line Creek is selected by online voters.”

Southern Conservation Trust, the only land trust protecting greenspace in the Southern Crescent, applied for the American Hiking Society National Trails Fund earlier this fall to repair hiking trails at the Line Creek Nature Area, located on Hwy 54 between Peachtree City and Newnan. Funds will be used to upgrade the trail surface and install trail signs. More information on the Trust and its preserves may be found at sctlandtrust.org.

Nature Valley launched Save the Trails in June 2008 with a $50,000 contribution to the National Trails Fund. The annual fund’s sole purpose is to preserve our nation’s trails. Save the Trails funding recipients will be announced in April 2009; all funds are to be used towards trail restoration during summer 2009.

“National Trails Fund finalists were selected from a competitive pool, which was a record number topping 160 applications,” said Martin Abrams, Nature Valley marketing. “We’re grateful to be working with the American Hiking Society and truly excited to see how the National Trails Fund is piquing interest in hiking trails in local communities across the country. We are committed to helping make hiking trails enjoyable and accessible while protecting and preserving nature. Support your favorite trail at www.wheresyours.com.”

Since its inception in 1998, the National Trails Fund has granted nearly $340,000 to 89 different trail projects across the United States. Community preservation efforts include land acquisition, constituency building campaigns and a variety of trail work projects. With more than 200,000 miles of trails in the United States, the National Trails Fund is the only national private grants program that helps trail-maintaining organizations build and improve hiking trails and galvanize volunteers to ensure long-term trail sustainability.
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Free Writing Seminar at The Coweta County African American Heritage Museum in Newnan

Wednesday, November 5, 2008 marks the date of a free seminar on writing to get published by Coweta's own Vickie Kennedy and Christina Barber. Both are multi-published authors and editors, and Kennedy is the publisher of eTreasures Publishing.

This seminar will be an introduction for writers who want to be published or to sharpen their skills. More seminars will be scheduled monthly to cover various topics. A list of future topics will be available at the first seminar, as well as a schedule of dates for upcoming classes.

The seminar will be held at the African American Heritage Museum at 92 Farmer Street in Newnan. The Museum Director, Diane Wood, is excited about the seminars being held there. "This will draw attention to the museum, as well as free genealogy tracing for all families in Coweta County," Wood said.

The museum is located in a small house nestled in the woods on Farmer Street, along with a cemetery, and is definitely worth visiting.

Due to limited seating, you must pre-register by calling Vickie Kennedy at 770-683-8416 between 7:00-10:00 PM week nights or 12 noon to 5 PM Saturday and Sunday.

Information of Kennedy's publishing company is available on its website, www.etreasurespublishing.com. Info on her books is available on this website by clicking ENTER, then clicking on "Search by Author", and then clicking on her name. Information on Barber is available on her website www.christinabarber.net.
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The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation Announces its 2009 List of State's 10 'Places in Peril'

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation released today its 2009 list of 10 Places in Peril in the state.

Sites on the list include: the Mary Ray Memorial School in Newnan; the Crum & Forster Building in Atlanta; the Rock House in Thomson; the Campbell Chapel AME Church in Americus; the archaeological remains of Fort Daniel in Buford; Metcalf Township in Thomas County; Battery Backus at Tybee Island; the Sallie Davis House in Milledgeville; the John Berrien House in Savannah; and, Bibb Mill in Columbus.

"This is the Trust's fourth annual Places in Peril list," said Mark C. McDonald, president and CEO of the Trust. "We hope the list will continue to draw attention to a broad range of Georgia's imperiled historic resources by highlighting ten representative sites," McDonald said.

Places in Peril is designed to raise awareness about Georgia's significant historic, archaeological and cultural resources, including buildings, structures, districts, archaeological sites and cultural landscapes that are threatened by demolition, neglect, lack of maintenance, inappropriate development or insensitive public policy.

Through Places in Peril, the Trust will encourage owners and individuals, organizations and communities to employ proven preservation tools, financial resources and partnerships in order to reclaim, restore and revitalize historic properties that are in peril.

This year, the Trust will provide on-site preservation assistance to each of the 2009 Places in Peril through its Partners in the Field program, funded by grants from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and a number of Georgia charitable organizations.

Sites on the Trust's 2008 list, which was announced in November 2007, included: the Meriwether County Jail in Greenville; the A.L. Miller Senior High School for Girls in Macon; the Old Clinton Historic District in Gray; the Spencer House in Columbus; the UGA Marine Institute Greenhouse and Administration Building on Sapelo Island; the Trinity C.M.E. Church in Augusta; the Adam-Strain Building in Darien; the Sunbury Historic Colonial Town Site in Liberty County; the Cockspur Island Lighthouse in Chatham County; and, The Castle in Atlanta. Updates on these sites can be found at www.georgiatrust.org.

The Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation is one of the country's largest statewide, nonprofit preservation organizations. Committed to preserving and enhancing Georgia's communities and their diverse historic resources for the education and enjoyment of all, The Georgia Trust generates community revitalization by finding buyers for endangered properties acquired by its Revolving Fund; provides design assistance to 102 Georgia Main Street cities and encourages neighborhood revitalization; trains teachers in 63 Georgia school systems to engage students to discover state and national history through their local historic resources; and, advocates for funding, tax incentives and other laws aiding preservation efforts.

The Georgia Trust is a recipient of the Trustees Award for Organizational Excellence from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Summary Information on each Places in Peril Site

Mary Ray Memorial School, Newnan-Coweta County


Built in 1909, Mary Ray Memorial School served the community of Raymond for educational purposes, public meetings, public worship, and entertainment. By 1950 the school had closed, and the building became the Raymond Community Center. Diminishing interest in the building contributed to its neglect and lack of maintenance.

Recently, a group of concerned citizens installed a new roof, made foundation repairs, and cleared vegetation from the property. The school has been stabilized and is now in need of assessments and a preservation plan to help guide future work.

Crum & Forster Building, Atlanta

Built in 1928 as the southern branch of the Crum and Forster Insurance Company, this office building is a rare example of classically designed architecture in Midtown Atlanta.

The Georgia Tech Foundation purchased the Crum and Forster Building in 2007. In May 2008 the Foundation applied for a Special Administrative Permit to demolish the building.

After several well attended public meetings and the circulation of a petition signed by over 2000 people opposing the building's demolition, Atlanta's Bureau of Planning denied the Georgia Tech Foundation's request. Recently, the Crum and Forster Building was nominated as a local landmark building, which would further protect it from demolition. Both actions currently are under appeal.

Rock House, Thomson

Built in the 1780's, the Rock House is recognized as the oldest surviving stone house in Georgia. The house remained privately owned until 1966, when the Wrightsborough Quaker Community Foundation purchased and restored the house with the intention of using it as a museum.

Now the house is closed, vacant and unstaffed. Located in rural McDuffie County with no occupied houses near it, there is a minimal amount of security. Vandalism and a lack of funding available for maintenance have added to the overall threat to this historic structure.

In December 2007, the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board issued an emergency grant for the repair of windows, historic sashes and doors, but the house is still in need of a solid overall preservation plan that addresses use, maintenance and security.

Campbell Chapel AME Church, Americus

Campbell Chapel AME Church has served Americus' oldest black congregation since 1920. This Romanesque Revival Church with Queen Anne style details was designed by Georgia's first registered African American architect Louis H. Presley.

The church's structural integrity is threatened by a lack of maintenance. The twisting and sagging of interior trusses and beams are the result of deteriorated mortar and faulty flashing at the bell tower. Recently the 700-pound bell collapsed from its rotted ceiling members and crashed to the ground floor.

The small, elderly congregation recently raised funds for roof repairs, but the high cost of restoration remains the church's biggest obstacle to preserving their historic church.

Fort Daniel, Buford

Built in the late 18th century, the archaeological site of Fort Daniel was once a frontier fort located on Hog Mountain in Gwinnett County. Archaeologists have unearthed artifacts such as historic pottery, black bottle glass, musket balls, musket flint, wrought nails, and an 18th-century Spanish coin.

The property and its surrounding lots are currently for sale. A developer has already sought a zoning change to allow commercial development, which would destroy this significant archaeological site.

A group of interested parties have formed with the intention of purchasing the archaeological site. With support from the community and at the county level, this group plans to purchase the property and create an archaeological park that would include a museum, lab, and classroom space.

Metcalf Township, Thomas County

Established in the late nineteenth-century, the town of Metcalf was once a center for commerce and trade of agricultural products during the railroad era. The town has many examples of late 18th-century commercial and residential Victorian-era, Romanesque Revival style, and vernacular architecture.

Since the 1920's, Metcalf has endured being unincorporated, the loss of rail transportation and the installation of a large loud lumber operation. Recently it has caught the attention of developers, due to its low cost of land and proximity to Tallahassee.

The possibility of new inappropriate development threatens a town already suffering from neglect, inappropriate infill, lack of building codes that address mobile homes, and no sewer system.

Thomasville Landmarks and the Thomas County Commission have agreed to support any preservation efforts and seek to protect the historic integrity of this small, rural, south Georgia township.

Battery Backus, Tybee Island

Built in 1898 as part of Fort Screven, Battery Backus played a vital role in the U.S.'s coastal defense system, protecting the entrance to the Savannah River against enemy vessels.

Currently Battery Backus is privately owned and threatened with development. Three of the six batteries along Tybee Island are unrecognizable following the construction of private residences on top of the batteries.

The Fort Screven Preservation Organization, The Tybee Island Historical Society, and other groups are working to ensure public access to the batteries; however, development pressure looms over this seaside property.

Sallie Davis House, Milledgeville

The Sallie Davis House is the 1890 home of African-American education pioneer Sallie Ellie Davis, who taught academics as well as life skills to African-American children in Milledgeville. Davis owned the house from 1912 until her death in 1950. The house was continuously used as a residence until 1989, when the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia purchased it. Since then, the house has been vacant and suffering from neglect, weathering and vandalism.

In 2003, a Certified Local Government grant was awarded to the City of Milledgeville for the Sallie Davis House, which funded an assessment and rehabilitation plan. Recently, several involved groups have met to discuss possible future uses of the Sallie Davis House.

John Berrien House, Savannah

The Berrien House is a federal style building in Savannah built circa 1800 for Revolutionary War officer Major John Berrien.

Located on Savannah's main commercial street, the Berrien House has been vacant for more than twenty years as several demolition permits have been sought and denied. Lack of maintenance and failed rehabilitation efforts have left the severely deteriorated building at risk of demolition by neglect.

Historic Savannah Foundation holds a preservation easement on the house and has invested $70,000 in roofing and structural repairs and has established a task force to seek strategies for the rehabilitation of this important building. A mortgage foreclosure has left the house in the ownership of a bank that is currently exploring and evaluating the economic feasibility of the building's rehabilitation.

Bibb Mill, Columbus

During the early 20th-century, Bibb Manufacturing expanded this 1898 mill and developed the surrounding community of Bibb City for its mill workers.

Following the company's bankruptcy in the mid 1990's, Bibb Mill was purchased by a private developer. The current owner has been searching for a way to rehabilitate the mill and has rehabilitated several historic buildings on the site as a conference facility. However, several warehouses have been demolished and last fall the owner received a demolition permit for most of the main mill, a 676,000 square-foot structure.

The owner has met with The National Trust, The Georgia Trust, and other advisors to explore feasible development options and demolition alternatives, but its immense size makes rehabilitation a multi-phase, complicated project.

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Barber Joins Chamber as Membership Director

Lesley Barber has joined the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce as Membership Director, a newly created position. In this role, Barber will be responsible for meeting with businesses throughout Coweta County, promoting the Chamber’s services, and enrolling new Chamber members. She will also help determine the business community’s expectations of and desires for the Chamber and use that information to support ongoing updates and changes in the Chamber’s programs and services to deliver maximum value for its members.

Barber was most recently a Real Estate Consultant with Parks and Mottola, Inc., in Newnan. An Illinois native, Barber moved to the Atlanta area in 1999. She has extensive experience in marketing and business development.

“We are delighted to have Lesley join our team,” said Candace LaForge, Chamber president. “Her experience and her go-getter spirit will be a great addition to our committed staff, and we anticipate that she will make great strides in spreading the benefits of the Chamber to more businesses throughout Coweta County.”

“This position really is a perfect fit for my skills and interests,” said Barber. “I’m passionate about the role of the Chamber in our community and the instrumental role it plays in increasing economic prosperity.”

In addition to her work, Barber also volunteers as a fundraiser and Host Committee chairman for the Atlanta-based Kool Kidz Foundation, which helps to create camps for special-needs children. She and her husband, Shawn, have a three-year-old son, John Austin, and live in Newnan.

To learn more go to the Chamber’s website: www.newnancowetachamber.org, contact the Chamber at 770-253-2270, email at info@newnancowetachamber.org.
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Coweta County Welcomes Nationally Known Economist October 22

The Coweta County Economic Summit is a "must attend" for business owners, business professionals, elected officials, candidates for office, and all citizens interested in the future of Coweta's local economy.

Nationally known economist William H. "Bill" Fruth will conduct Coweta County's first-ever Economic Summit, Wednesday, October 22, 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 noon, at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts of Coweta County, 1523 Lower Fayetteville Road, Newnan. Coffee, Danishes, and networking will be available at 8:00 a.m. Admission is free.

Bill Fruth is certainly not considered a typical "run-of-the-mill" economist. Unlike many of his colleagues who spend much of their lives in an academic setting, Fruth has mostly "walked the walk" in both the private and public sectors.

After earning his Bachelor and Master degrees from Bowling Green State University in Ohio, Bill Fruth began his economic journey in 1980, when he was elected to serve as the full-time Mayor of Tiffin, Ohio. It was quite a challenge, as manufacturing companies / jobs were leaving town, the nation was in the grip of a deep recession, and the city's economy and finances had
reached crisis level.

Facing the unthinkable, a relatively young Mayor Fruth had no other choice but to become heavily involved in economic and community development, in order to save his city from financial collapse. His hard work and accomplishments drew accolades from across the State, and Fruth was named one of "Five Outstanding Young Men of Ohio" before finishing his term in
office.

Bill Fruth's rise to notoriety in the economic development field soon led him to Palm Beach County, Florida, where he served as president of the Business Development Board. Once again, Fruth earned statewide recognition, and was named Florida Economic Development Professional of the Year in 1987.

It wasn't long before private industry took notice of Bill Fruth's accomplishments. He embraced the opportunity and served as Vice President of a major industrial land development company from 1988-1995. Fruth's responsibilities included directing the development and marketing of a
500-acre corporate park in West Palm Beach, Florida.

In 1996, Bill Fruth founded POLICOM Corporation, an independent economics research firm, located in Palm City, Florida. For the past twelve years, he has specialized in studying the dynamics of local economies, whether they are growing or declining, and what may be causing this to happen.

Fruth has personally evaluated more than 600 economies across the Nation. He has created more than 150 community studies, and since 1998, has provided presentations and workshops for state associations and communities in 32 states.

Bill Fruth is recognized by the Florida Administrative Court as an expert witness regarding local economies. He is the author of Where the Money Is ... America's Strongest Local Economies, along with numerous economic articles for newspapers and trade magazines.

Bill Fruth's presentation style may come as a surprise to those who have suffered through dry, often uninspiring economics lectures. To the contrary, he provides a fast-paced, entertaining, but mostly thought provoking analysis. Fruth's numbers are based on reality, rather than theory, and his purpose is to generate discussion of what makes an economy strong, and what each community must do to improve its economic condition and quality of life.

As a segment of the Coweta County Economic Summit, Fruth will first present examples of some of the strongest and weakest economies in the Nation. He'll then examine Coweta County's own economic strengths and weaknesses, and further compare them to those of Fayette County, Cobb County, Gainesville, GA, Auburn-Opelika, AL, the Atlanta area, and Georgia.

As Bill Fruth explained, "The purpose of this summit goes beyond presenting Coweta's economic strengths and weaknesses. I'd like to encourage discussion of what your community must do to further improve its economy during these difficult times, while motivating community leaders to work as one toward a common goal of long-term economic prosperity and a better standard of living for all citizens."

The Coweta County Economic Summit is sponsored by AT&T, Atlanta Gas Light, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Georgia Power, and Newnan Utilities. For reservations and further information, contact the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce at 770-253-2270.

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Road Closure, Coweta County

The intersection of Raymond Hill Road and Fischer Rd will be closed the weekend of October 25 and 26. The closure will begin Saturday morning and end by Sunday evening, pending inclement weather. This closure is part of the improvement project for that intersection. The work done will include the cutting down of some dirt on Raymond Hill Road to improve line of sight and raising the level of Fischer Road. Traffic on Fischer Road will continue to flow north and south, but no turns can be made onto Raymond Hill Road. Raymond Hill Road will be closed to traffic just before the intersection and traffic will be routed back toward Hwy. 154.

25 Elite Local Drivers Added to UPS ''Circle of Honor''

CC Note: Kudos to Newnan's Jeffery Crowley and Fairburn's Larry Rich for attaining this honor!

(BUSINESS WIRE)--UPS (NYSE:UPS) today announced 25 elite drivers from Georgia are among 692 nationwide newly inducted into the Circle of Honor, an honorary organization for UPS drivers who have achieved 25 or more years of accident-free driving.

Georgia boasts 191 active Circle of Honor drivers with a combined 5,489 years of accident-free driving. Robert Millican, Jr. of Flintstone and Carleton Byrd, Jr. of Savannah are Georgia’s senior safe drivers, with 39 years each of accident-free driving.

Nationwide, 4,582 active UPS drivers are members of the Circle of Honor. Collectively they’ve racked up 129,632 years and more than 5 billion safe miles during their careers, or the equivalent of 10,000 trips to the moon and back.

“UPS puts a premium on safe driving methods and training and these drivers reflect that commitment,” said Rocco Romanella, president, UPS Southeast Region. “I’m very proud of these drivers. To go at least a quarter of a century without an accident is a testament to how seriously our drivers, and trainers, take safety.”

Nationally, the most seasoned UPS Circle of Honor driver is Ron Sowder of UPS’s Kentucky District, with 46 years of driving without an accident. Thomas Camp of the Michigan District is next in line with 45 years of safe driving. Eight others have logged at least 40 years without an accident.

UPS’s 112,450 drivers are among the safest on the roads, logging more than 2.5 billion miles a year and averaging less than one accident for every million miles driven. There are 2,640 total UPS drivers in Georgia.

UPS has invested approximately $53 million in 2008 on safety training and employs its own comprehensive driving course called “Space and Visibility.” New UPS tractor-trailer drivers receive 80 hours of classroom and on-the-road training, and UPS delivery truck drivers receive 20 hours of classroom and on-the-road defensive driving training before operating equipment. Delivery drivers also are required to complete three safety ride evaluations during their first 22 days on the job.

Founded in 1907, UPS has a rich history of safety and training. The company issued its first driver handbook in 1917 and began recognizing safe drivers in 1923. In 1928, UPS recognized its first five-year safe driver, Ray McCue, with UPS founder Jim Casey presenting him a gold and platinum watch. UPS formally established the Circle of Honor in 1955.

More information on UPS’s commitment to safety is available at www.pressroom.ups/safety.

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Georgia Guitar Quartet at Arts Centre of November 13

The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts of Coweta County has by now become well known for offering a great variety of high quality arts events. They recently announced a concert by the highly acclaimed Georgia Guitar Quartet on November 13 at 7 PM. Formed in 1996 and hailing from Athens, Georgia, the ensemble maintains an active concert schedule, performing in a variety of venues, ranging from concert halls to popular music clubs. A typical GGQ concert will feature moving performances coupled with enthusiastic audience interaction. Passion, flair, sensitivity, and humor are characteristic qualities of every GGQ concert. In addition to performing classical music from the Renaissance to the present day, The Quartet explores other styles such as jazz, bluegrass, ragtime and Celtic music. While expanding the catalog of music for four guitars by arranging pre-existing works, the Quartet has a profound interest in the creation and performance of modern music. As a result of their diverse repertoire, the group appeals to a wide range of music lovers.

The Quartet performs regularly throughout the US. One review of their 1999 Piccolo Spoleto Festival performance in Charleston, South Carolina, described the concert as “a dazzling display of technical prowess, versatile programming, and audience rapport.”

In 2001, the Quartet was invited by Christopher Parkening to perform as quest artists in his twenty-seventh annual master class in Bozeman, Montana. The ensemble’s recordings have each won great critical acclaim. Their debut CD was ranked among the top ten Athens albums of 1998 by Flagpole Magazine. Two new albums of the Quartet’s original arrangements and compositions will be released this year on Solponticello Records
The Centre is located on Lower Fayetteville Road several miles east of Newnan. Information on the Georgia Guitar Quartet concert and any other Centre events is available by calling 770-254-2787.

- Forrest Schultz, Coweta Arts Tidbits
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Plan to Attend BigExpo Before it Sells Out

Coweta County's biggest and most influential business exposition will take place Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the Summit Family YMCA. BigExpo 2008, hosted by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, features 100 exhibitors who offer products and services to Coweta businesses and consumers. Doors open for business-to-business networking from 1:00 -
5:00 p.m., and to the general public from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Cost for general admission is $5.00.

"In the face of a slower economy, the BigExpo really focuses on the great companies that are here in Coweta and what we can do to support them," said Jenny Fritz, Vice President with Southern Community Bank and Chamber chairperson for the event. "Many of the area's largest employers will be joining our exhibitors for a special 'Think Coweta First' business-to-business networking session. We'll also have an exhibitors' lounge hosted by Contemporary Catering, Inc.

"BigExpo is a great place to learn about other businesses and generate new leads for your own business," Fritz added.

Delta Community Credit Union is the Title Sponsor of BigExpo 2008. Summit Family YMCA is the facilities sponsor.

Other corporate sponsors include: Ashley Park, Bank of Coweta, Canongate Golf Clubs, Coweta-Fayette EMC, Inches-A-Weigh, Newnan Utilities, NuLink, PAPP Clinic, Piedmont Newnan Hospital, Relyco, Smile Center of Fayette, SouthTowne Motors, Toyota of Newnan and WOW Advertising. Media sponsors are Comcast Spotlight, Magic 98.1 and WCOH AM 1400.

About the Newnan Coweta Chamber of Commerce

With more than 700 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.

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Chamber Issues Position Statement Supporting Passage of Seven-Day Alcohol Sales Special Referendum

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce issued
a position statement stating that the Chamber SUPPORTS the passage of the
seven-day alcohol sales as proposed in the November 2008 Special Referendum
election.

The statement explains that the Chamber bases its support for the seven-day
alcohol sales, on the Chamber's core mission - to promote an environment in
which Chamber members and the community can realize economic prosperity.

According to the Position Statement, "there are broad economic benefits that
come with offering by-the-drink options to local diners, as evidenced by
countless other cities around Atlanta and throughout the country. If
seven-day sales are allowed:

* Newnan will be a more attractive location for many well-known,
fine-dining restaurants. Currently, several well-known restaurants have
chosen other locations instead of Newnan based on the alcohol ban.
* More of our existing restaurants will be open on Sundays. Many
restaurants depend on moderate alcohol sales to help them ensure
profitability on a day-to-day basis. Alcohol sales also provide for more
consistent patronage on Sundays, allowing restaurant owners to better plan
for attendant expenses and revenues.
* Tourism will increase. Currently, weekend tourists who are looking
for places to visit on Sundays must choose other places in our area if they
wish to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with their meal. Alcohol sales mean that
tourists will spend more time (and money) in Newnan.
* Restaurant patrons will likely contribute more to Newnan's retail
economy. For tourists or for locals, going out for a Sunday meal often
includes visits to retailers as well. Shopping and dining go hand in hand,
and overall consumer spending increases.
* City tax revenues will increase. As sales at restaurants and
retailers increase, so do city business tax revenues. That means more City
services can be delivered without adding to the tax burden on individuals. "

The Position Statement also points out that, because the Special Referendum
does not include package sales, it is "a measured way to support the
positive economic impact of seven-day sales without encouraging negative
impacts on our community."

For more information or for a copy of the Chamber's Position Statement,
contact the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce at 770-253-2270 or email
info@newnancowetachamber.org.

About the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce

With more than 700 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.

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