Spring Art & Craft Show

The Newnan-Coweta Art Association, Inc. (NCAA) announces its annual Spring Art & Craft show around the Courthouse Square in historic downtown Newnan. A variety of fine art and crafts including watercolor, oil, acrylic, mixed media, sculpture, photography and more will be on display. A special themed “Reflections of Coweta County” exhibit is also planned. Meet the artists and spend the day in Newnan’s charming downtown area! Admission is free. Saturday, April 19, 10:00am – 6:30pm; For more information, contact Show Coordinator Ina Jones, 770-716-6559 or dijones@earthlink.net, www.NewCaa.com
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Cambridge House "Lunch and Learn"

When: March 27, 2008 12:30 PM until 2:00 PM
Where: CAMBRIDGE HOUSE 2687 HWY 154, Newnan, GA 30264
Why: To Provide Resources and Information relevant to caregivers of people with Alzheimer's and/or other memory/judgement disabilities. Our topic is Stress Management and our guest Speaker is Dr. John Kim of Integrated Medicine.
Cost: None / Complimentary Snacks and Meals--Furnished by Cambridge House
How: ALL persons wishing to attend MUST Pre-Register. Seating will be limited to first 50.

To Pre-register Call - 678-423-8700 or email cambridgecaryn@yahoo.com

Sen. Seabaugh to lead Senate Task Force on Value Government

State Senator Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) has recently been appointed by Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle to chair the Senate Task Force on Value Government. The Task Force is responsible for identifying specific areas where government services can be delivered more effectively and efficiently to the citizens of Georgia.

“We are eager to find specific legislative and budgetary changes that could bring greater value to each dollar spent in our state,” said Sen. Seabaugh. “I am honored to be appointed chairman of this important task force and look forward to serving with my fellow Senators.”

The Task Force also will 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.

Senators Bill Heath (R-Bremen), Judson Hill (R-Marietta) and Ed Tarver (D-Augusta) will also serve on the Task Force on Value Government and will begin meeting this month through the beginning of the 2009 legislative session.
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BURN BAN HAS BEEN LIFTED WITHIN THE CITY OF NEWNAN

The City of Newnan has lifted the burn ban within the city limits effective immediately. Burn permits may be attained through the City of Newnan Fire Marshall office. There must be proper inspection of the burn site by Fire Marshall Ricky Ayers before a burn permit may be attained.

Fire Chief Whitley would like to remind everyone the City of Newnan is still under drought conditions at this time. I urge all citizens to use extreme caution when burning. Also, the burn ban may be put into effect at anytime if weather conditions change.

Please contact the City of Newnan Fire Marshall office for more information at (770)253-1851.

MARKET DAYS RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN NEWNAN

Main Street Newnan’s popular Market Day on the Square will be held the the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. from April to December. The first 2008 event is planned for Saturday, April 5th. Vendors showcase homemade, homegrown, and handmade items.

According to Main Street Coordinator Alise Cartledge, the Market Day events are expected to bring about 50 vendors to the square. Vendors feature items such as fresh produce, homemade baked goods, wood crafts, fresh Kettle Korn, jewelry, children’s clothing and accessories, honey, artwork, soy candles, and even homemade pet items.

There will be musical entertainment from Jerry Rogers and the 2008 Market Day media sponsors 92.5 The Bear and Magic 98.1.

Cartledge encourages residents to come spend the day in downtown Newnan. In conjunction with visiting the Market Day booths, people can shop at many of the unique boutiques on the square and have lunch at one of the local restaurants.

“Downtown Newnan is a great place to be! Day or night, there is always something happening here. Downtown offers great shopping, great food and great service. I invite everyone to come visit Market Days on the Square and be a part of this event around the historic courthouse square,” said Cartledge.

Applications are currently being accepted for 2008 Market Day vendors. Please visit www.mainstreetnewnan.com for an application.

For more information, please call the Main Street Newnan office at 770-253-8283.

Sen. Seabaugh welcomes America National Youth of the Year to the Capitol

Photo: Sen. Mitch Seabaugh and President Pro Tempore Eric Johnson with Youth of the Year Demetrice Tuttle and members of the Boys and Girls Club of America.

State Sen. Mitch Seabaugh (R-Sharpsburg) recently welcomed the 2007-08 National Youth of the Year, Demetrice Tuttle, to the Capitol.

The Boys and Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year program, sponsored by the Reader’s Digest Foundation since 1947, recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and academic excellence.

As part of the award, Tuttle will receive a $15,000 scholarship from the Reader’s Digest Foundation and he also had the opportunity to meet President George W. Bush.

Local Artist to Receive National Honor

Newnan’s Marc Stewart named recipient of 2008 R.G. Smith Award

The National Museum of Naval Aviation recently announced Marc Stewart as the recipient of the 2008 R.G. Smith Award for “excellence in naval aviation art.” The prestigious honor is awarded annually to a single artist. The Museum’s Foundation selects the recipient.

Upon receiving the news from the Museum, Stewart’s initial reaction was one of disbelief. “At first I thought it was a mistake,” he laughs. “Actually, I feel honored to be so recognized for my work. It means a lot to me.”

Unlike a competition or a juried exhibit that may recognize one piece of artwork, the R.G. Smith Award is a career honor, similar to a lifetime achievement award. The namesake of the award, Robert Grant or R.G. Smith contributed immeasurably to the preservation of the proud heritage and rich history of naval aviation through his 50-plus year career as an aeronautical engineer and accomplished artist, according to the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. Previous recipients include Jack Fellows, Keith Ferris, Roy Grinnell, Stan Stokes and numerous other artists at the top of the highly niched field of aviation art. Marc Stewart is pleased to now be counted among them.

Stewart shares the accolades with his supportive family. “I want to dedicate this to my Dad, the late Marcus Stewart, and to my Mom, Marilyn,” the artist explains. Both parents were talented artists themselves. “They’ve always encouraged me artistically. Aside from my wife, Robin, they’ve been my biggest cheerleaders and biggest fans. I wouldn’t be in this position without them.” Both Stewart and his father served in the U.S. Navy, which gives the award another dimension of personal meaning.

In May, the Naval Aviation Museum will bestow the award to Stewart at their annual symposium in Pensacola. During the ceremony, Stewart will present one of his original oil paintings to the Museum as a donation to their permanent collection. “I’m definitely excited,” says Stewart. “For an aviation artist, there’s simply no higher honor. It just doesn’t get any bigger or better than this. I’m thrilled!”

Stewart currently has 20 pieces of artwork on display at the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Pooler, Georgia, near Savannah, as part of their “Southern Wings” exhibit. That show runs through early April. Twice his art has earned awards from Aviation Week & Space Technology magazine. In 2006, his painting “Hell Over the Hadley” won Best in Show at the National Museum of Naval Aviation’s juried exhibition. Marc Stewart is an Artist Fellow of ASAA, the American Society of Aviation Artists, and an active member of the Newnan Coweta Art Association. His work may be viewed online at www.AviationArtbyMarcStewart.com.

Welch Elementary Scores Big for American Heart Association

On February 6, 7 and 8, Welch Elementary is participating in a very special community service program to raise funds for the American Heart Association.

Hoops for Hearts is an annual, national event where students and teachers join in the fight against our nation's number one and number three killers, cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Participating students learn about the benefits of regular physical activity and heart health while they raise money to support vital research and educational programs.

Coweta County's Coach, Ken Chambless, has taken this event to heart and his schools have been the number one fundraisers in the state of Georgia for the past five years. In 2007, during his first school year at Welch Elementary, they were not only number one in the state, but also, number six in the nation collecting more than $23,000. Arden Jobe was the school's top student fundraiser collecting more than $1000.

Alex Borsuk won the national grand prize drawing and a received a free trip to Disney World for four. Any student raising over $150 was entered in the drawing. Students are awarded various prizes based on the scale of their collections. Family and friends are invited by students to participate by making contributions. During the three-day event, hosted by schools across the nation, students play basketball themed games and celebrate their efforts. Coach Chambless and Welch�s students are enthusiastic about this year's event and invite the community to participate. For more information contact Welch Elementary: 770-254-2597.

WHO: Event Coordianator, Ken Chambless,
PE teachers, Kristine Ryan and Amy Bond
Principal, Becky Darrah
Participating students and teachers

WHAT: Hoops for Hearts, annual, national fundraiser for the
American Heart Associaion

WHERE: Welch Elementary School
240 Mary Freeman Road, Newnan, GA, 30265, 770-254-2597

WHEN: February 6, 7, and 8, 8:30am - 1:30pm.

WHY: To help children understand the importance of community
service and physical activity and to raise money to fund
research that will save lives.

Career Nights Planned at Coldwell Banker Bullard Newnan Office

The Newnan/Coweta County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty has scheduled three upcoming Career Nights for persons interested in careers in real estate.

The Career Nights will be held on Thursday, Feb. 21, Tuesday, March 18,. and Thursday, April 10, at the company’s Newnan/Coweta County, located at 1605 Hwy. 34 East (Suite B) in the White Oak Professional Center, located directly across the highway from John Cullen Dodge. Refreshments will be served.

Linda Mitchell, managing broker of the office, urged those interested in exploring the real estate industry as a career option to attend one of the sessions. She said reservations should be made early, as seating is limited. Reservations can be arranged by calling Kimberly at 770-254-0079.

PIEDMONT NEWNAN HOSPITAL NAMES NEW BOARD MEMBERS

Piedmont Newnan Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Timothy W. Baker, M.D., and Stanley W. Smith, M.D., to its board of directors. The board of directors governs Piedmont Newnan Hospital.

“We are pleased to welcome Doctors Baker and Smith to the Piedmont Newnan Hospital board of directors,” said Gregory A. Hurst, chairman of the Piedmont Newnan Hospital Board. “The experience they bring as physicians and their leadership qualities will benefit the hospital and the community as well.”

Dr. Baker is a radiologist practicing at Piedmont Newnan Hospital. He is a past president of the medical staff and currently chairs the Credentialing Committee. Baker received his medical degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio. He completed his internship at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton and completed his residency at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. He is board-certified in radiology. Dr. Baker and his wife, Shonnie, reside in Peachtree City.

Dr. Smith has been on staff at Piedmont Newnan Hospital since 1997 and specializes in internal medicine and long-term care. He is also the current chair of the Infection Control/Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee at the hospital. Dr. Smith received his medical degree from the Emory University School of Medicine in 1991, where he also completed his internship and residency in internal medicine. He is board-certified in internal medicine. Dr. Smith and his wife, Dee, reside in Newnan.

“Dr. Baker and Dr. Smith have both served the hospital and the community well as exceptional physicians in their fields,” said Michael Bass, PNH president and CEO. “We look forward to their guidance and perspective as board members.”

For more information about Piedmont Newnan Hospital, visit www.piedmontnewnan.org.

CHAMBER RECOGNIZES COWETA’S TOP PROPERTY TAX PAYERS

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors recognized at its November Board meeting Coweta’s top 20 property tax payers, while honoring all of the County’s industries, businesses and utilities for their significant contributions to the property tax base. Public 2006 property tax records from the Coweta County Tax Commissioner’s office were examined to determine the top contributors.

“As we all pay our 2007 homeowners’ property taxes, it’s important to remember that without a thriving business and industrial base, the growing population of Coweta County simply could not afford the schools and services needed,” said Chamber Chairman Mark Whitlock.

Together, Coweta’s top 20 paid more than $8,679,000 in 2006 property taxes, led by Georgia Power Company with a paid assessment of $2,438,492. The list is a diverse mix that includes manufacturers, utilities, distribution centers, retail and apartment complexes.

According to information obtained from the Tax Commissioner’s office, all commercial, industrial and utility properties, including the top 20, comprise approximately 25% of Coweta’s property tax digest, but are located on less than 4% of the County’s total acreage.

While recognizing the business community’s contribution to the property tax base, the Chamber Board also commended the Coweta County Development Authority for its work as the lead agency in recruiting and retaining quality industries.

“Along with job creation and positive economic impact, property tax infusion is another significant benefit we gain by encouraging the expansion of our industrial base,” said Whitlock. He added, “Economic development is a pro-active process that requires a community-wide team effort. The Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a part of the team, and will continue to provide its service and support.”

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. –MORE-

Coweta County’s Top Property Tax Payers

2006 Tax Year

1. Georgia Power Company

2. Yamaha Motor Manufacturing Corp.

3. Coweta Fayette EMC

4. Rite-Aid Corporation

5. K-Mart Express, LLC / Corp.

6. BellSouth

7. Inland Southeast Newnan LLC

8. Georgia Transmission

9. Rayman Associates Newnan

10. Bon L Manufacturing

11. Winpack Films, Inc.

12. Inland Southeast Newnan Crossing

13. Atlanta Gas Light

14. Temple-Inland Container Corp.

15. E G O North America, Inc.

16. Newnan Development Partners LLC

17. United States Can Company

18. Lullwater Apartments LLC

19. Walmart

20. Rettco Steel LLC

Source: Coweta County Tax Commissioner’s Office

Chamber Efforts Result in Coweta County being named Metro Atlanta’s newest designated “Entrepreneur Friendly” community

Thanks to the efforts of an 18-month focus by the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce, Coweta County was named as one of the state’s newest “Entrepreneur Friendly” communities. The designation indicates the community has worked to develop an environment that is welcoming to small business and entrepreneurs. Ninety-two percent of Coweta County’s 3,864 companies are small businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

“Small businesses and entrepreneurs create the kind of economic activity that is integral to ensuring prosperity and opportunity throughout Georgia,” said Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue. “By encouraging and supporting these businesses, we are investing in a stronger future for our communities and the state as a whole.”

Coweta County is the 68th community in the state to be named Entrepreneur Friendly by the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Previously designated Metro Atlanta counties include Spalding, Carroll, and Douglas. Nearby counties in the progress of designation include Fayette, Heard, and Meriwether.

To earn the designation, the Chamber’s Entrepreneurs Thrive in Coweta (ETC!) program completed the Entrepreneur Friendly program with the assistance of the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) regional representative Kristen Miller. ETC analyzed the county’s entrepreneurial and small business environment and developed strategies to help foster the growth of this critical business segment. Coweta County also underwent a full-day assessment by a review team composed of GDEcD staff and representatives from the Department of Labor, University of West Georgia, Georgia Centers of Innovation and Sen. Johnny Isakson’s Office.

Qualified entrepreneurs and small business owners in Coweta County are now eligible for customized market data, such as demographic and business information, to help give them a competitive edge.

The county is also eligible for an Entrepreneur-Friendly Implementation Fund (EFIF) grant to help it implement specific, long-term programs that support their entrepreneurs and small businesses and also have a regional impact. The grant must be matched 50 percent in dollars or in-kind value by the community.

”Coweta County is a fast growing place and entrepreneurs are vital to maintaining our quality of life,” said Mark Fritz, ETC chair and local banker with Bank of Coweta. “Our chamber and its partners recognized the opportunity for new business owners and waned to provide the support that entrepreneurs needed most. We are blessed to have such a visionary Chamber that provides the kind of leadership for these types of opportunities.

Through GDEcD’s Entrepreneur Friendly Initiative, we've launched a program called Entrepreneurs THRIVE in Coweta! This program serves to support entrepreneurial success and maintain a culture that guarantees economic prosperity for all of us."

“Small businesses are the backbone of Georgia communities. By helping entrepreneurs and small businesses grow, we help Georgia grow,” said Heidi Green, chairman of the Georgia Entrepreneur and Small Business Coordinating Network and GDEcD’s deputy commissioner for Global Commerce. “We applaud Coweta County for incorporating small businesses into its strategic plan for growth.”

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) is the state's sales and marketing arm, the lead agency for attracting new business investment, encouraging the expansion of existing industry and small businesses, locating new markets for Georgia products, attracting tourists to Georgia, and promoting the state as a location for film, video and music projects, as well as planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development.

Essential Graham: Classics from the Martha Graham Dance Company

At the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts
1523 Lower Fayetteville Road
Newnan, GA 30265
February 26th at 7pm
Tickets are $25
Tickets available at the Centre, Scott’s Bookstore on the Downtown Newnan Square and Morgan’s Jewelers in Ashley Park, Newnan
For information please call 770-254-2787

The Martha Graham Dance Company, founded by Martha Graham in 1926, is the oldest most celebrated modern dance company in the world. It presents the classics Graham repertory and new choreography in its home city of New York and on tour, featuring an international roster of today’s most talented dance artists.

Since its inception, the Martha Graham Dance Company has received international acclaim from audiences in over 50 countries throughout North and South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

The Company has performed at the Metropolitan Opera, Carnegie Hall, the Paris Opera House, Covent Garden, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as at the base of the Great Pyramids of Egypt and in the ancient Herod Atticus Theatre on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. In addition, the Company has also produced several award-winning films broadcast on PBS and around the world.

Celebrating Its 80th anniversary season, and acknowledged as “one of the great companies of the world” by Anna Kisselgoff, former chief of dance critic of the New York Times, the Martha Graham Dance Company has been lauded by critics everywhere. Alan M. Kriegman of the Washington Post called the Company “one of the seven wonders of the artistic universe,” while Los Angeles Times critic Martin Bernheimer noted, “They seem able to do anything, and to make it look easy as well as poetic.” Ismene Brown of the Daily Telegraph, London, touted the Martha Graham Dance Company’s performance a “Unmissable.”

Martha Graham (1894-1991) is recognized as a primal artistic force of the 20th century, alongside Picasso, James Joyce, Stravinsky, and Frank Lloyd Wright. In 1998, TIME Magazine named Martha Graham as the “Dancer of the Century”’ and People Magazine named Martha Graham as the “Dancer of the Century”, and People Magazine named her among the female “Icons of the Century”.

As a choreographer, she was as prolific as she was complex. She created 181 ballets and a dance technique that has been compared to ballet in its scope and magnitude. Her approach to dance and theater revolutionized the art from and her innovative physical vocabulary has irrevocably influenced dance worldwide.

NEWNAN FIRE DEPARTMENT PARTICIPATES IN BURN AWARENESS CAMPAIGN

February 3-9, 2008 is Burn Awareness Week, and the Newnan Fire Department has joined in the efforts with Shriners Hospitals for Children in using this week to kick-off a year-long campaign designed to help prevent gasoline burn injuries. Kids ages 13 and older are in the highest at risk group for gasoline and other flammable substances.

This year’s theme to the campaign is “Gasoline has only one use: to fuel an engine. Any other use is misuse.”

“We want to let the public know about the misuses of gasoline; especially our youth. The result could end up being fatal or a 3rd degree burn to the face and or body. This is a public awareness campaign and when someone in the community approached me about joining I did not hesitate. This is what the Newnan Fire Department is here for,” said Newnan Fire Chief Whitley.

Here are a few tips of what not to do with gasoline. Do not use near a barbecue grill or to start a fire. Do not siphon gasoline. Do not store in an unapproved container or in a house or vehicle. Do not store gasoline near a source of heat or sparks, such as a hot water heater, furnace, clothes dryer or any other appliance that uses a pilot light.

Most gasoline injuries are avoidable through proper use and storage of gasoline. The Newnan Fire Department will have coloring books, stickers and other educational material pertaining to Burn Awareness. For more information please contact the Newnan Fire Department at 770-253-1851 or log onto www.shrinershq.org.

The Shriners Hospitals for Children specializing in burns have treated more than 800 children since 2002 for acute burn injuries resulting from ignition of highly flammable materials such as gasoline. For more info please or log onto www.shrinershq.org.