Coweta Living 2015-2016

A PUBLICATION OF THE NEWNAN TIMES-HERALD

Higher Education

New college campus preserves history and provides opportunities

Healthier Living

Coweta’s fast-growing healthcare options

Hollywood Spotlight

Coweta a prime location for movies and television

2015-16 GUIDE TO NEWNAN-COWETA COUNTY

We’ve been known in this region for over 75 years

Now we’re recognized in the

top 5% nationally

for patient safety

Award-Winning Quality at West Georgia Health We’re more than a friendly hospital focused on patient care. We’re ranked among the top 5% in the nation for patient safety according to Healthgrades®. On top of that we rank in the top 10% of all U.S. hospitals for Medical Excellence in hospital, medical and surgical care by CareChex®. So while we’ll continue to do our best to treat you well, know that we’ll continue to advance our technology and medical expertise to treat you better.

To learn more visit WGHealth.org.

So Healthy Together LaGrange, GA

Experience Matters...

Georgia Bone and Joint, LLC

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our physicians’ years of service with GEORGIA BONE AND JOINT. We treat patients of all ages and stages of life! Each of our BOARD CERTIFIED physicians provides exceptional orthopaedic care.

Georgia Bone and Joint is excited to begin our 32nd year of loyal service to this community.

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Dr. Chad Kessler

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Dr. Michael Cushing

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Dr. Jayson McMath

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Years of research help create years of memories.

Northside Hospital Cancer Institute treats more men with prostate cancer than anyone else in Georgia. And Northside’s patients have access to the latest research and treatments. These are a few more reasons why people from across the country trust Northside for their cancer care. No team works harder to help make cancer a distant memory. For help finding a cancer specialist, call 404-531-4444.

Where the Extraordinary Happens Every Day

CanCer InstItute

NEWNAN UTILITIES’ CARL MILLER PARK

Forecast: Shady Recent shading projects at the Preschool, Elementary and Kids’ Castle Playgrounds make playtime more comfortable for kids and parents.

Scan for a slide show of Carl Miller Park

• Free and open to the public • Picnic tables • Pavilions for groups of up to 150 people • Walking/jogging trail

• New splash fountain • Kids’ Castle Playground • Shaded Preschool and Elementary playgrounds • Year-round family fun

74 Sewell Road off of Highway 29 South April-October: 8 am to 9 pm daily | November-March: 8 am to 7 pm daily Two Customer Service Locations For Your Convenience 70 Sewell Road Newnan, GA 30263 770-683-5516 NewnanUtilities.org

In addition to our main office at 70 Sewell Road, Newnan Utilities’ customers may use the Wahoo Customer Service Center located at: 315 Millard Farmer Industrial Boulevard (Highway 34 Bypass) Monday-Friday 8 am to 5 pm • Closed for lunch 1 pm to 2 pm

GMC

• All university students are welcome to take summer courses • Recent High School Students Welcome • HOPE Accepted • No Military Obligation • Two Year Liberal Arts Program • Daytime, Evening and Weekend Classes • Small Class Sizes, Personal Attention and Free Tutoring • Duel-Enrollment courses available • Book charges included with tuition fees

A TWO-YEAR LIBERAL ARTS JUNIOR COLLEGE ACCOLADES: • CNN Money—9th Best Community College • Washington Monthly—12th Best Community College • The Best Schools—14th Best Community College • CollegeAtlas.Org—Top 25 Best Community Colleges • Community College Week—9th Fastest Growing Community College • Victory Media—Designated a “Military Friendly School”

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APPLY ONLINE TODAY! @ WWW.GMC.EDU

Georgia Military College (GMC) and GMC Fairburn and (GMC) Stone Mountain are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate degrees. The accreditation of the Fairburn and Stone Mountain branches is dependent upon the continued accreditation of its parent campus, Georgia Military College of Milledgeville, Georgia.

Coweta Living 2015-16 9

COWETA LIVING ONLINE

2015-16 GUIDE TO NEWNAN - COWETA COUNTY

cowetaliving.com 2015-16 GUIDE TO NEWNAN - COWETA COUNTY

Table of

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

CONTENTS

15 | Coweta County: where industry comes to grow 16 | University of West Georgia Newnan campus brings a new atmosphere to downtown

24 | Into the heart of small-town fare 30 | Commercial growth is on the rise in Coweta 34 | Hollywood makes its mark in Coweta 40 | Retired teachers offer historical insights at welcome center 42 | Business-friendly environments help industry grow and thrive 46 | Flea market fun can be had in nearly every season

President

Vice President

William W. Thomasson

50 | A Coweta shopping spree 58 | Utility companies invest in the community 63 | Coweta real estate market recovers, driving up prices

140

COMMUNITY

66 | History found in unexpected places

Marianne C. Thomasson

70 | Coweta arts and culture are collaborative effort 74 | Coweta County map 76 | What to do in Coweta County 80 | Community focused churches thriving in Coweta 84 | McRitchie-Hollis Museum never the same twice 88 | Museums in Coweta County

Publisher

News Editor

Creative Directors

Sandy Hiser, Sonya Studt

Graphic Designer

Maggie Bowers

Production Director

Debby Dye

Contributing Writers

Maggie Bowers

John Winters

90 | Join clubs in Coweta County

133

12 Coweta Living 2015-16

16

90

94 | Nonprofits offer assistance to Cowetans in need – and welcome volunteers

138

Coweta Living 2015-16 13 Coweta Living 2015-16 13

Brittny Byrom

Sarah Fay Campbell

Bradley Hartsell

Wes Mayer

Clay Neely

Celia Shortt

W. Winston Skinner

We invite you to visit times-herald.com

for local, state, national and world news.

10 Coweta Living 2015-16

Photography

Jean Wheeler Maggie Bowers

Jeffrey Leo

Wes Mayer

Clay Neely

Circulation Director

Sales and Marketing Director

Multimedia Sales Specialists

Naomi Jackson Colleen D. Mitchell Mandy Inman

Candy Johnson

Norma Kelley

A page-view version of Coweta Living will be available for the entire publication year.

W. Winston Skinner

Controller

Diana Shellabarger

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION call 770.253.1576 or e-mail colleen@newnan.com Coweta Living is published annually by The Newnan Times-Herald, Inc. 16 Jefferson Street, Newnan, GA 30263.

Coweta Living is distributed in home-delivery copies of The Newnan Times-Herald and at businesses and offices throughout Coweta County.

To subscribe to The Newnan Times-Herald, call 770.304.3373.

On the Web: cowetaliving.com © 2015 by The Newnan Times-Herald, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

Art Holbrook, CFP 速, CRPC速 Financial Advisor

Baskin Brown III, AAMS速 Financial Advisor

Jennifer E. Camp Financial Advisor

6 Jefferson Pkwy.

Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-3500

10 The Boulevard Suite 5 Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-8316

53 Main Street Suite B Senoia, GA 30276 770-599-3981

Josh Colwell Financial Advisor

Ashley Stapleton Financial Advisor

Jim Smothers, AAMS速 Financial Advisor

1741 Newnan Crossing Boulevard East Suite D Newnan, GA 30265 770-252-3742

7 East Broad Street Newnan, GA 30263 770-251-8391

820 Ebenezer Church Rd. Suite 104 Sharpsburg, GA 30277 770-252-2391

2015-16 GUIDE TO NEWNAN - COWETA COUNTY

Table of

12 Coweta Living 2015-16

CONTENTS

16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY 15 | Coweta County: where industry comes to grow 16 | University of West Georgia Newnan campus brings a new atmosphere to downtown

24 | Into the heart of small-town fare 30 | Commercial growth is on the rise in Coweta 34 | Hollywood makes its mark in Coweta

40 | Retired teachers offer historical insights at welcome center 42 | Business-friendly environments help industry grow and thrive 46 | Flea market fun can be had in nearly every season 50 | A Coweta shopping spree 58 | Utility companies invest in the community 63 | Coweta real estate market recovers, driving up prices

140

COMMUNITY

66 | History found in unexpected places 70 | Coweta arts and culture are collaborative effort 74 | Coweta County map 76 | What to do in Coweta County

80 | Community focused churches thriving in Coweta 84 | McRitchie-Hollis Museum never the same twice 88 | Museums in Coweta County 90 | Join the clubs in Coweta County

133

90

94 | Nonprofits offer assistance to Cowetans in need – and welcome volunteers

138

Coweta Living 2015-16 13 Coweta Living 2015-16 13

CONTENTS cont.

HEALTH & FITNESS 96 | Health care-related development continues in ‘Medical Mecca’

104 | Get back to nature at local parks 108 | From casual to competitive, locals love to ride 14 | When it comes to recreation, 1 Coweta offers something for everyone

86

116 | Team sports available county-wide 118 | Golf courses add to county appeal

EDUCATION 120 | Coweta libraries offer a wide range of services

124 | Educational options keep Coweta ahead of the curve

128 | Coweta County school system contact list

COUNTY / CITIES

79

131 | Local parks and historical landmarks help make Coweta unique

137 | Small & unique towns create a large and memorable county

142 | Need to Know: Newcomer or resident county information 143 | City of Newnan numbers to know

113 14 Coweta Living 2015-16

144 | City of Grantville numbers to know 144 | City of Senoia numbers to know 145 | Coweta County numbers to know

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

C

Coweta County: where industry comes to grow With the population of Coweta County projected to reach over 150,000 in 2015, the rate of

manufacturing has aimed to meet the population boom of the last twenty years.

Coweta County’s population grew more than 38 percent between 2001 and 2011, from 93,765 to 129,629. A recent study from The West Georgia Regional Update said Coweta County has the strongest job market in the Three Rivers region.

The expansion of regional retail and residential development to serve a booming population and growing business community is a key goal for economic development in the city of Newnan and Coweta County.

The continued economic growth of the county is not an anomaly. While assets such as a close proximity to an international airport and easy access to the I-85 corridor are certainly positive attributes for the area, many would argue that it’s the business friendly environment, a deep bench for continued, quality education and the opportunity for a high quality of life is what has developers giving the region a second look.

Coweta is continuing to incorporate and build upon

current development and actively pursuing future opportunities in the fields of manufacturing, healthcare, and education along with ensuring that historic downtown Newnan continues to serve as a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment.

“We take an active role in working with all of our businesses regardless of size,” said Hasco Craver IV, director of business development for the city of Newnan.

“Our department meets with new retailers and restaurants including the big boxes. We encourage them to become a friend of downtown through contributions to the Main Street program and participating in local events creating a "bond" with the community.”

The City of Newnan’s wellbalanced commercial tax base is derived from a healthy mix of neighborhood commercial districts, shopping center districts, low and high density office and institutional districts and a viable central business district.

“Strengthening and enhancing the existing commercial districts, including gateway corridors, requires a focused strategy

that includes making all of the redevelopment tools available and accessible,” Craver said.

And while many communities can attest to their own success stories of commercial growth, Coweta’s synergy between business development and local government is a point of pride for leaders and developers in the region.

The arrival of Niagara Bottling in 2014 proved to be a prime example of local government working together with industry in order to oversee an expeditious timeframe from start to finish. The company’s 450,000-square-foot facility in Shenandoah Industrial Park represented a capital investment of $79 million and was completed in less than one year.

“There exists a balance in Coweta County of factors that work together to create this atmosphere of business success,” said Candace Boothby, CEO of the Newnan Chamber of Commerce. “In my years of working in communities, not-for-profits and chambers of commerce, I’ve never seen a better example of business, government and community leadership succeeding than in Coweta County and Newnan.” CL

WRITTEN BY CLAY NEELY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO Coweta Living 2015-16 15

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

“The beautiful downtown campus brings a new dimension to the city and to the educational system here that will help attract new businesses and industries to the area.”

– Cathy Wright

U

University of West Georgia Newnan campus brings a new atmosphere to downtown

The city of Newnan and Coweta

County are poised for the future like never before, as the new University of West Georgia (UWG) Newnan campus is now open and ready for business.

“Our long-term goal is to grow and build a city people want to live in and raise and grow their families,” said Newnan Mayor Keith Brady. “The things we do along the way go to that.”

One of those things for Newnan is its new four-year comprehensive university.

The new UWG campus is on the site of the old Newnan Hospital on

Jackson Street, just outside of the historic downtown area.

It features state of the art facilities, which include brand new nursing labs and science labs.

The new campus is the result of a collaborative effort among the

city of Newnan, UWG, the Newnan hospital board and the Georgia Board of Regents. Coweta County officials were also involved with the project.

“Longtime Newnan residents are thrilled to see the historic hospital salvaged, renovated, and repurposed in a way that will not only honor its history but also impact future generations of Coweta County residents,” said Newnan resident Cathy Wright.

Wright has lived in Newnan and Coweta County her entire life. She is also the director of UWG’s Newnan campus.

“The beautiful downtown campus

WRITTEN BY CELIA SHORTT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

16 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY 18 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Coweta Living 2015-16 19

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

The University of West Georgia campus in Newnan features state-of-the-art facilities which include nursing and science labs. The new campus is the result of a collaborative effort among the city of Newnan, UWG, the Newnan Hospital Board and the Georgia Board of Regents.

20 Coweta Living 2015-16

County.

One of those keys is dual enrollment, which allows high school students to take college classes for free and earn college credit while in high school.

“Ninety-five percent of students who are dual enrolled finish college,” he said.

Most times, it takes students six years to graduate. Dual enrollment gives them a chance to get one year under their belts by high school graduation, he added.

UWG Newnan will have classes available in the morning and afternoon to allow high school students to maximize the number of classes during the day.

It also works with West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) and gives its criminology and nursing students a way to finish their degrees at UWG Newnan.

“The community is fortunate to have WGTC and the university and have them working together,” said Heaberlin.

Another key for the future UWG is bringing to the area is its nursing program.

With the growing health care

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Coweta Living 2015-16 21

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

brings a new dimension to the city and to the educational system here that will help attract new businesses and industries to the area,” she added. “I am hoping that its more visible presence in this location will be an inspiration to residents and visitors of all ages to begin or complete a college degree here.”

The campus was previously located in Coweta’s Shenandoah Industrial Park.

“The most important thing to me is the quality of life aspect of it …

What could it lead to in the next few years?” Brady said of the campus.

“Who or what will come to Newnan in the next few years because the college is now here?”

For new and current industry in Coweta County, UWG Newnan will also help provide more new members of the workforce through their programs.

“This whole region is growing,” said Bob Heaberlin, UWG Newnan’s senior director and chief administrative officer of off-campus programs.

Heaberlin believes the new campus has several keys in providing for the future of Coweta

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Nurse Colleen Needham shows how one of the baby patient simulators at the Newnan campus nursing lab works. Needham is a simulation nurse educator at both the Newnan and Carrollton campuses of the University of West Georgia.

“This campus will provide young and adult learners the opportunity to find higher education without leaving our community.”

– Hasco W. Craver, IV

industry in Coweta County and Newnan, its graduates will have many employment opportunities close to home.

UWG Newnan will also offer a bachelor of science in education program, a master of business administration, teacher specialist classes and a master of arts in teaching.

The master of arts in teaching is “for those who want to get into teaching, but have a bachelor’s (degree) in something else,” said Heaberlin.

22 Coweta Living 2015-16

Even though it is a four-year university with the same quality of education as the main UWG campus in Carrollton, having the campus in Newnan will be different than having it in Carrollton.

“It will be more of a commuter campus and have a lot of people who have jobs and want to take classes while working,” Heaberlin said.

With all the opportunities UWG Newnan is set to provide, it will also give Newnan and Coweta County residents more reasons to stay in the area.

Newnan’s Business Development Director Hasco W. Craver IV and his family are newer residents of Newnan and Coweta County.

They are excited about the new opportunities the campus will bring.

“This campus will provide young and adult learners the opportunity to find higher education without leaving our community,” said Craver.

“For generations, citizens of our community have had to travel outside of our corporate boundaries to receive a university education. That is no longer the case. Young parents

can rest assured that their children now have a local opportunity to receive higher education.”

Craver previously called the new campus “our pipeline for progress.”

He envisions the new campus providing opportunities in many different areas, which include economics, education and community development.

“Universities have helped mold their communities … the growth opportunities are astounding,” he said.

“It will provide the opportunity for young people to attend a university in an intimate, safe setting without leaving home,” said Wright. “It makes it easy for our high school students to start college early, tuition free, in the dual enrollment program; and it allows adults who have incomplete degrees to come back to a university setting and complete that achievement. In addition, UWG Newnan will provide continuing education courses and events that engage students and citizens in community service projects and promote creative expression.”

In addition to all these opportunities, UWG Newnan will also impact the area economically.

Before the new campus was finished, UWG’s Center for Business and Economic Research estimated the economic impact of the new campus on Newnan to be $21 million to Newnan during the constructional phase. The project would also create 176 jobs. The center estimated in the long-term, the new campus is expected to generate between $1.4 million and $3.4 million in the community each year.

According to UWG President Dr. Kyle Marrero, 500 unduplicated students were enrolled at the current Newnan campus in November 2014. By 2018, his goal is to have 3,000 unduplicated students.

Currently, there are approximately 12,000 students enrolled at UWG. CL

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

“We all work together in the downtown merchant community.

The more the merrier.”

– Amy Murphy

WRITTEN BY MAGGIE BOWERS PHOTOGRAPHED BY MAGGIE BOWERS AND CLAY NEELY

Just as in most American townships, Coweta County boasts a standard selection of restaurant chains.

From freshly brewed coffee and toasted bagels to Japanese-style hibachi dinner, each small city nestled in the county offers the familiar breakfast, lunch and dinner many visitors and residents enjoy. But if it’s exclusive local flavors a newcomer is after, one has only to delve a little deeper to sample the truly unique tastes of Coweta.

Long established eateries and newly added restaurants create a variety of tastes available throughout the county. In downtown Newnan, Golden’s on the Square, established in 1972, stands near the newly established craft burger restaurant, Meat ‘N’ Greet. Golden’s is considered a staple to many in the community and serves home-cooked favorites cafeteria-style. The restaurant takes a southern approach to popular offerings including fried catfish, chicken and okra along with classic vegetables or savory puddings and cobblers available as dessert.

“We all work together in the downtown merchant community. The more, the merrier,” said Amy Murphy, owner of Meat ‘N’ Greet and of two other well-established restaurants also located on the Court Square.

Murphy brought aboard partner and manager Margaret Sanders to create Meat ‘N’ Greet in February 2014. The dining venue offers a variety of

Restaurant Open Tuesday thru Saturday 4:30-Close

Sunday Brunch

first Sunday each month

“GLOBAL FLAVORS, FRESH LOCAL INGREDIENTS” 11:30-2:00 10 East Washington Street • Downtown Newnan

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The Tapas/ Martini Bar

Open Friday and Saturday 5:00-Close Live Entertainment Private room available for Weddings, Rehearsals and Corporate Parties

Historic Downtown Newnan www.mainstreetnewnan.com • 770-253-8283

Main Street in downtown Senoia is lined with unqiue shops and a combination of classic and modern eateries.

Coweta Living 2015-16 25

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

i

Into the heart of small-town fare

Ten East Washington

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Meat 'N' Greet, located in downtown Newnan, offers unique burger choices, pulled pork, chicken platters and a full service bar.

26 Coweta Living 2015-16

Located in Historic Downtown Newnan

11:00 AM to 11:00 PM come try our

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unique burger choices with patties made from a blend of chuck, brisket, and hamburger steak. In addition, guests can try pulled pork with barbecue flavors, chicken platters and specialty stuffed sweet potatoes.

“We wanted to have familiar, classic favorites with a modern culinary twist,” Murphy said.

Meat ‘N’ Greet is also becoming a local hot spot because of the restaurant’s large, full service bar and choices of both craft beer and high-end liquor.

11 Jefferson Street • Newnan, GA 30263

770-683-4664

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Golden's on the Square in downtown Newnan is considered a staple to many in the community, and serves home-cooked favorites cafeteria-style.

28 Coweta Living 2015-16

A similarly appealing combination of classic and modern menu choices can be found in the nearby city of Senoia. Like Newnan, Senoia offers a wealth of historic charm, particularly in the town’s center.

“We offer a real variety of food right here in downtown Senoia,” said Suzanne Helfman, chairman of Senoia’s Downtown Development Authority.

Maguire’s Family and Friends Restaurant is a casual, family owned and operated “pub” located on Main Street in downtown Senoia. The owners of the eatery deliberately chose Senoia when the restaurant opened in 2008.

They wanted to be part of Senoia’s initiative to cultivate downtown businesses which would provide a friendly, “hometown” environment to residents and visitors alike with quality service and friendly values.

Owners Frank and Wendy Maguire endeavor to maintain a casual and

affable atmosphere while offering Irish-inspired comfort foods along with a wide selection of beer. Menu items include Irish favorites such as a hummus plate appetizer and a corned beef and cabbage entree along with a few specialty items like the donut burger — a hamburger topped with Applewood smoked bacon and served on a grilled glazed donut.

Also located on Main Street is a one-of-a-kind music club and restaurant founded by Georgia-born music artist Zac Brown. The venue was added to the downtown Senoia community in 2012. Southern Ground Social Club includes a restaurant and a live music venue and often hosts social events within the growing city, all of which benefit Brown’s Camp Southern Ground, a summer camp destination for children.

The dining venue offers “big Southern flavor” and the menu is said to have been created by Zac Brown himself, along with his personal

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

chef. Items include standard American fare with a boost, like the traditional quesadilla enhanced with stuffed sauteed shrimp, poblano peppers, onions and fried corn. Other menu favorites include the brisket cheesesteak sandwich served on cuban bread, tacos with smoked chicken and dessert items like apple or pear cobbler.

Southern charm in both food and service can be found throughout Coweta County, with each city offering a few gems found beyond the interstate and into the heart of the small towns. From classics with a twist to home-cooked comfort foods, visitors and residents are sure to stumble upon a few contenders in the challenge to become a favorite local eatery and requisite stop in town. CL

Maguire's Family and Friends can be found on Main Street in Senoia. The eatery offers Irish-inspired comfort foods along with a wide beer selection.

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

“The demand is principally drawn from CTCA (Cancer Treatment Centers of America), HealthSouth and those who are looking for larger accommodations while in the Newnan area.”

– Hasco W. Craver, IV

C

Commercial growth is on the rise in Coweta

Because of the continued positive growth both the city and

the county have witnessed during the last several years, consultants across the county are anticipating even more projects in 2015.

With amenities including education, recreation, and the ability to shop at both unique and national stores, the region is poised to attract even more industries.

Construction continues on the “Newnan Festival” project, a 14,400-square-foot commercial property development along Bullsboro Drive that will include such eateries as Einstein Bagels, Pie Five Pizza, and Which Wich sandwich shop.

With over 41,000 cars passing through Bullsboro on a daily basis, Newnan Business Development Director Hasco W. Craver IV says that the new retail location is

certainly in demand.

“This area is becoming a regional hub for commercial retail,” Craver said. “The lending market enjoys well known, proven products like Einstein Bagels, Pie Five and Which Wich – these are nationally known and recognized brands in a franchise model.”

Hilton Hotels continues

preparation for its upcoming Hilton Home2 Suites. Developed by Atlantabased Paramount Hospitality, the 100-room, 109,000 square foot facility is currently scheduled to open next spring.

“The demand is principally drawn from CTCA (Cancer Treatment Centers of America), HealthSouth and those who are looking for larger

Hilton Hotels continues preparation for its upcoming Hilton Home2 Suites. The project was developed by Atlantabased Paramount Hospitality.

WRITTEN BY CLAY NEELY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

30 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

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The "Newnan Festival" project is a 14,400-square-foot commercial property development along Bullsboro Drive.

accommodations while in the Newnan area,” said Craver. “It shows that the customer base exists for people in the hospitality business to continue to make investments.”

Another notable development near Newnan Crossing Bypass was the April opening of Sephora inside JCPenney. The new Sephora inside JCPenney is located prominently in the center of the store with over 2,000 square feet of space dedicated to Sephora merchandise and Sephora Beauty Studio, where clients can receive complimentary mini-makeovers.

The city of Newnan is also actively continuing to promote itself as a unique, one-of-akind destination. Craver sees a continuation of the creation of “craft” restaurants and specialty retail as catalysts for the continued growth downtown.

“The beauty of craft restaurants is that they are unique and can be found in Newnan,” Craver said. “Downtown business owners also do a very good job of maintaining their properties and, as a result, they help increase the overall property values.”

The Downtown Development Authority continues to help downtown Newnan grow – recently approved moving forward with a DDRLF (Downtown Development Revolving Loan Fund) to assist with the acquisition and redevelopment 5 and 7 Spring St., formerly the Murray Printing Building. Downstairs will be commercial retail while four two-bedroom apartments will be upstairs.

The community of Senoia is showing no signs of slowing down its economic development as well. Developer and movie studio president Scott Tigchelaar plans to expand the downtown shopping district.

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Plans are for the vacant space on Main Street, between the Masonic Lodge and French Market Antiques, to become a pedestrian walkway flanked with shops on either side. French Market itself will be demolished. Loft apartments will be on the upper floors.

The walkway will lead to Barnes Street where there will be a courtyard, a fine dining restaurant, commercial buildings and more loft apartments.

Currently, there is a shortage of available Plans are to create a retail space downtown. pedestrian walkway At the rezoning hearing in December, on Main Street in Tigchelaar said the project would “really downtown Senoia. make Barnes, at least the lower half of it, kind of like a second Main Street.”

Civil engineering for the project is currently under way and “we are working on getting our blueprints finalized,” Tigchelaar said. He hopes to have the entire project completed by fall, or at least by Christmas.

“It’s going to add a huge new dynamic to the downtown,” he said. “It’s going to add some much-needed retail space, and for the first time it’s going to bring loft living to downtown Senoia.”

And while the continued commercial growth of the county is certainly good news, ensuring the quality and cohesiveness of the growth is paramount, according to Candace Boothby, president of the Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce.

“Building a quality community is a process that never ends… we never relax thinking that we’ve achieved our goal,” Boothby said. “We understand that all people want to live in a convenient, secure and attractive place, so we continue to plan and coordinate everything to make sure we continue on this path.” CL

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

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Hollywood makes its mark in Coweta

Coweta County continues to be a hot location for the film and television industry – and for tourists flocking to see where their favorites television shows or movies were filmed.

The biggest thing in Coweta is, of course, “The Walking Dead.” Filming of season six of the popular zombie show began in May and will continue through November. All indications are that the filming will return in 2016.

The popularity of “The Walking Dead” among its fans has spawned a small cottage industry of “Walking Dead” themed tours and stores in Coweta.

There are tours – and Walking Dead themed shops - in Senoia and Grantville. Grantville has Z is for Zombie, and Senoia has The Official Walking Dead Store/The Woodbury Shoppe, and even The Walking Dead Café. And as you stroll along the sidewalks in downtown Senoia, you’ll see small plaques representing each movie and television series filmed in the Senoia area.

Thousands of “Walker Stalkers” from all over the U.S. – and plenty from other countries – flock to Senoia on a regular basis to see places where scenes from the show were filmed. Downtown Senoia was the site for both Woodbury and Alexandria, walled safe zones from zombies.

The metal wall around Alexandria is set to stay up until at least the end of 2016.

Scenes from “The Walking Dead” have been filmed all over Coweta, including in Grantville, Newnan, Sharpsburg, and Haralson.

WRITTEN BY SARAH FAY CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

34 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

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Coweta Living 2015-16 35

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Filming for "Rings," a prequel to "The Ring," took place in downtown Newnan and Grantville in April of 2015.

36 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Coweta Living 2015-16 37

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

A replica of the very first McDonald’s was built in the parking lot of the Coweta County Administration Building in June for filming of “The Founder.”

Filming for the upcoming season of “The Red Road,” a Sundance TV drama series, has taken place locally.

38 Coweta Living 2015-16

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But, of course, there’s more to Coweta's film scene than just “The Walking Dead.”

A replica of the very first McDonald’s was built in the parking lot of the Coweta County Administration Building in June for filming of “The Founder,” a movie about Ray Kroc, popularly known as the founder of McDonald’s, and the McDonald brothers, who started the company. The movie stars Michael Keaton, Nick Offerman (“Parks and Recreation”) and B.J. Novak (“The Office”).

Senoia resident Rutledge Wood is one of the stars of “Lost in Transmission,” a new show on The History Channel. The show, which also stars George Flanigen, is billed as “two friends on the ultimate road trip, saving America’s greatest, weirdest and coolest cars.”

Wood is also one of the stars of “Top Gear,” also on The History Channel.

Movies filmed in Coweta in recent years include “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1,” “Dumb and Dumber To,” “Lawless,” “Footloose II,” “The Odd Life of Timothy Green,” “Zombieland” and “Get Low.” Several movies were filmed in Coweta in the 1990s, including “Fried Green Tomatoes,” “Pet Sematary II,” and “The War.” Other films made here include “Sweet Home Alabama” and “The Fighting Temptations.”

Coweta was also the site of the television series “I’ll Fly Away” in the 1990s and, more recently, “October Road” and “Drop Dead Diva.” CL

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Coweta Living 2015-16 39

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

W ard L O

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

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Retired teachers offer historical insights at welcome center The welcome center in the historic Coweta County

Courthouse is a great place to get brochures about regional attractions, pick up a county map or find out about options for shopping and dining.

Some days, the center also is a place to tap into more than 80

years of history teaching experience. Retired history teachers Pat Tidwell and Carolyn Turner volunteer one day each week

WRITTEN BY W. WINSTON SKINNER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLAY NEELY

40 Coweta Living 2015-16

Both women said they became history teachers because of someone who taught them. For Tidwell it was Willie Mae Lockhart, “a larger than life woman who taught most of the members of my family.” Lockhart had a talent for “making the characters in my book come to life.”

Tidwell had already begun to love history – spending time seeing historic sites in Montgomery and listening to “family stories on my grandmother's porch on Sunday afternoon.”

Turner had originally planned to teach elementary school. A college professor “made everything about history come alive,” she recalled. “I wanted to do what she did.”

“My very favorite period of history is Tudor England, but I have always had an interest in world religions,” Tidwell said.

“I like Georgia history the best,” Turner said. She also has an affinity for psychology and sociology, courses she taught at Newnan High “for so many years.”

The welcome center is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

“My favorite thing,” Tidwell reflected, “is to hear the stories of the people who come in, everything from Korean fans of ‘The Walking Dead’ to questions on how much cash to leave on Mayhayley Lancaster’s grave.”

For anyone wanting to visit the grave of Lancaster, a fortune teller buried at a Methodist church cemetery in Heard County, Turner and Tidwell are ready with an answer. Visitors leave a dollar and a dime – the dollar for Mayhayley and a dime for her pack of dogs – just as people paid her when she told their fortunes. CL

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

– greeting visitors, answering questions and sharing what they know: history.

Turner’s maiden name is Sewell, making her part of a Coweta family that arrived in the county’s early history. Tidwell came to Newnan as a young teacher and later married into another old Coweta clan.

Turner taught for 41 years, and Tidwell taught for 40.

Lorraine LaRue was looking for volunteers for the welcome center – specifically looking for retired teachers. She connected with Turner, who started helping out.

“I thought, ‘Pat needs to be doing this, too,’” Turner remembered. She asked her friend, and soon the two began a once-a-week routine that takes them to the courthouse.

“I love the visitor's center. The people I work with are wonderful and a real asset to our community,” Tidwell said.

“I have always loved to travel and actually taught a class on travel and tourism my last few years at CEC,” she added.

The center had 9,500 visitors from all over the nation and several foreign countries last year. “They come for all kinds of reasons,” LaRue said.

While local people do visit the center – sometimes looking for activities to entertain guests from elsewhere – but most of the visitors are new faces for Tidwell and Turner.

They don’t see “a lot who we already know,” Turner said.

Cowetans who stop by are likely to be “new people who have moved in and are trying to find information,” she added.

“A lot of people from the Cancer Treatment Center come up here. We talk to them about things to go and see,” Turner said.

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

City manager Cletus Phillips and business development director Hasco Craver IV have been instrumental in creating a business friendly environment for new and existing enterprises in the city of Newnan.

B

Business-friendly environments help industry grow and thrive Coweta County continues to enjoy a steady pattern of economic growth, and companies of all sizes can attest to the business-friendly environment that has allowed them to grow and thrive.

Companies both domestic and international often seek a location that puts them

in close proximity to an airport the size of Hartsfield-Jackson. With the addition of easy access to the I-85 corridor and two rail lines, the county seems to be a great fit for companies on the go.

WRITTEN BY CLAY NEELY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

42 Coweta Living 2015-16

A real estate agent is licensed to practice by the state.

REALTORS® are licensed to practice by the state, too!

However, one of the most crucial assets Coweta provides investors is the continued synergy between business development and local government. As president of the Coweta County Development Authority (CCDA), Greg Wright knows the value of city and county government going the extra mile to recruit new business and to help existing industry expand.

“Local government works closely with the development authority to meet the needs of both existing and new businesses,” Wright said. “The county secures the needed utilities, resources and infrastructure to support the growing community without losing its southern charm.”

The recent opening of Niagara Bottling Company is a clear example of what is possible when local government works together to help welcome new investors into the county.

“Companies are on such time frames now that any potential delay can create a hang-up in their mind,” Wright said. “With Niagara, they were able to take advantage of a great community who ensures that inspections and permits are taken care of in a timely fashion.”

Ultimately, Niagara was able to come in and open a 460,000-square-foot facility in six months.

“It was a great partnership between the business and community to make that happen as quickly as it did,” Wright said.

The recent rollout of AT&T’s U-Verse network throughout parts of Newnan is a clear example of what is possible when a business-friendly economic environment meets local policies that encourage investment in technology.

“Mayor Keith Brady and the city council have worked hard over the years to create a regulatory environment

They are also members of the National Association of REALTORS® and are bound by a Code of Ethics. They have pledged to protect and promote the interests of their customers and clients by providing competent and ethical service for all parties involved in the real estate transaction.

Only REALTORS® pledge to abide by a Code of Ethics, and only REALTORS® are held accountable for their professional behavior. In addition, they are active in their communities through their involvement with the local Board of REALTORS® and strive to protect private property rights.

Whether you are buying, selling or leasing residential or commercial property, seek the services of a REALTOR®, not just a real estate agent.

Look for the REALTOR® ‘R’:

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41 Farmer St., Ste. 101, Newnan, GA 30263 770-683-0990 Office • 770-683-0991 Fax Coweta Living 2015-16 43 www.ncbor.net

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

The recent opening of Niagara Bottling Company is an example of the good relationship shared between local government and new investors.

From left are Jeremy Derk, plant manager for Niagara Bottling in Coweta, and Greg Wright, president of the Coweta County Development Authority.

“I’ve never seen a better example of business, government and community leadership succeeding than in Coweta County and Newnan.”

– Candace Boothby

44 Coweta Living 2015-16

in the city that allows us to consider bringing our biggest projects to Newnan,” said Rich Johnson, regional director, external affairs, AT&T. “By creating business-friendly policies, Mayor Brady and city leaders have moved Newnan to the top of the list of cities where more investment makes sense.”

Newnan Business Development Director Hasco W. Craver IV cites the Downtown Development Authority as another link that is helping projects get off the ground by continuing to work together with the county.

“Both the HealthSouth and Cancer Treatment Centers of America projects were a partnership between the city and the CCDA - working together for a larger goal,” Craver said. “We’re two jurisdictions that agree and move forward with presenting an incentive package. We’re looking at it together and asking, ‘Does this make sense for our community?’ Lets go together and do an incentive deal.”

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Both the HealthSouth and Cancer Treatment Centers of America projects were formed from a partnership between the city and the Coweta County Development Authority.

Craver cites the low interest loan programs that brought places like Meat ‘N’ Greet and Gillyweed to the city, and now the DDA is now helping to renovate the old Murray Printing building for commercial and residential use.

The DDA also helped manage the UWG project. Using its power to secure its debt and manage the project - the end goal to create a pipeline of educated

people who are ready to enter the workforce or getting adult learners the chance to go back to school in the community.

“In my years of working in communities, not-for-profits and chambers of commerce, I’ve never seen a better example of business, government and community leadership succeeding than in Coweta County

and Newnan,” said Candace Boothby, President of the Newnan Coweta Chamber of Commerce.

“There exists a balance in Coweta County of factors that work together to create this atmosphere of business success,” Boothby added. “There is a high degree of sophisticated business experience present that certainly does not exist in every community.” CL

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Coweta Living 2015-16 45

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

For years, Milo Anderson has been selling electronics, every kind of wire and cable you can imagine, and many other items at the Franklin Road Flea Market.

f

Flea market fun can be had in nearly every season WRITTEN BY SARAH FAY CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

46 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Cowetans love bargains, and to find them, there’s nothing better than yard sales and flea markets.

Yard sales are big business in Coweta, and you’ll find them almost every weekend. Check the yard sale advertistements in The Newnan TimesHerald each week. There’s even a yard sale map on times-herald.com to help you plot out your bargain shopping adventure.

For a wider variety of items – without the need to get up quite as early – there are flea markets.

New for 2015 in Coweta are the Fiddlin’ Flea Market and Family Festival, and Brown’s Ranch Country Fare. Both feature a wide variety of vendors, from flea market and “junk” items to arts and crafts and food.

Fiddlin’ Flea Market and Family Festival is held the first Friday and Saturday of every month at the Powers’ Crossroads festival grounds, 4766 Ga. Hwy. 34 W., Newnan. The first event was held in June, and plans are to continue through December.

Admission is $2, with children 3 and under free. There will be vendors, as well as childen’s

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

ABOVE The Fiddlin' Flea Market and Family Festival features arts and crafts, entertainment, food and children's activities, including this train ride.

RIGHT Cowetan David Bradley sold his painted saws on Labor Day weekend 2014.

activities, and hopes are to have demonstrations as well. Founders Paul and April Tidwell have hopes of adding a petting zoo and a wild west show, and there will even be a hiking trail.

For more information and updates, visit www.

FiddlinFleaMarket.com .

Brown’s Ranch Country Fare is held every second weekend of the month, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, at Brown Ranch, 5439 Lower Fayetteville Road, Sharpsburg. Plans are to hold the event through December, and hopes are to continue to expand the offerings. For more information, find the event’s Facebook page.

Then there is the old standby – the Franklin Road Flea Market, 54 Franklin Road/Franklin Highway (Hwy. 34 West). Vendors are welcome at the flea market, which is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Offerings vary based on the vendors, and the number of vendors can also vary. When the weather is nice, more vendors are usually on hand, and the biggest variety can usually be found on Saturday mornings. The flea market is always packed to the gills on Labor Day weekend. CL

New for 2015 in Coweta are the Fiddlin’ Flea Market and Family Festival, and Brown’s Ranch Country Fare.

Both feature a wide variety of vendors, from flea market and “junk” items to arts and crafts and food.

48 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Artist Jerry Peters of New Site, Ala., sold his work at one of the arts fairs that frequently pop up along Hwy. 34 West on Labor Day weekend. The future of those fairs and flea markets is unknown now that the annual Powers' Festival is no longer being held.

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Coweta Living 2015-16 49

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

Grannie Fannie's, which offers a variety of vintage and antique goods, is owned by Carol Glover and she is helped by Susan Hyde, Cathy Wright and Lana Moody.

A

A Coweta shopping spree

WRITTEN BY BRITTNY BYROM | PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLAY NEELY

50 Coweta Living 2015-16

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There is nothing quite like being in Coweta during the dog days of summer.

Ice chilled sweet tea, afternoon rain, and fireflies twinkling in the night. It may be tempting to slow down for the lazy days of summer, but Coweta County’s retail has other plans. Newnan, the City of Homes, has a lineup of Saturday market days – the first Saturday of the month – and Pickin’ on the Square – the first and third Saturday of the month. All of these events bring people out for a little sunshine and a whole lot of shopping.

Here are some places you may want to consider stopping by:

HISTORIC NEWNAN Lee-King Pharmacy is first on the list. Okay, yes I know a “pharmacy” doesn’t sound like a fun place to go shopping. But

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Allison Performance Hobbies is located a half block from the Court Square and has been serving hobbyists since 1998.

this place goes beyond just your basic Rx, personal care items or rental for a pair of crutches from an iron skillet falling on your foot.

This is an old-fashioned, family owned pharmacy that has an upto-date touch with both food items and gifts for anyone. The store owners and staff offer their excellent customer service, making LeeKing an integral part of the Newnan community.

If you need to freshen up the wardrobe of the man in your life then might I suggest C. S. Toggery. Located on the Court Square, this establishment has everything from sporty to formal wear, all from top brands that are not normally seen in the run-of-the-mill chainstore.

Established in August 2012, this family owned and operated store offers brands from casual Chacos and Southern Proper to Sewell Company’s formal wear.

Don’t forget to visit Grannie Fannie’s this summer for all of your antiquing needs. This store is owned by Carol Glover and she is helped by Susan Hyde, Cathy Wright and Lana Moody. With the combined experience of these ladies, they have crafted and repaired their way to a 6,000-square-foot store of vintage and antique goods.

If you need a repair done to an heirloom chest of drawers or an

1690 Hwy 34 E • Newnan

autographed picture of Alan Jackson, then this is your store.

If you are looking for a new hobby to try or have a hobbyist in your house, you may enjoy a trip to Allison Performance Hobbies.

This shop is located a half block from the Court Square and has been serving hobbyists since 1998. According to the store’s owner, Stan Allison, they consider themselves a “high-end toy store” where customers can set up lifetime hobbies of radio controlled airplanes, cars, boats, plastic models, and model railroad equipment. One of the four clubs that this company sponsors is the Coweta Radio Control Club.

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OUT AND ABOUT If you are still looking for antiques, then try heading over to Treasures Old and New on Hwy. 34 E. This store has a collection of new and old items that are sold by a variety of dealers. This store is huge, with 15,000-square-feet of space and so many items that it would be hard for anyone to walk away without finding something they love.

Because there are so many dealers, there are always changes to what is in stock, so be sure to grab that wall print before somebody else does.

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54 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

HomeDecor

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FAMILY OWNED since 1976 Coweta Living 2015-16 55

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Ashley Park, a mall on the Newnan Crossing Bypass, has a collection of both restaurants and retail stores.

For “a trip to a farm,” head to Breaking Ground Farm & Nursery on Lower Fayetteville Road. The small company is in the process of developing a petting zoo and an organic mini-market that will provide fresh eggs, milk, and select produce. For now, Breaking Ground is providing the Newnan community with unique plants and individual service for all your landscaping needs.

Stroll around the shops of downtown Newnan, or give Ashley Park a look. The mall on the Newnan Crossing Bypass has a collection of both restaurants and retail stores. Outside the Belk shopping center in Ashley Park, there are normally events going on for both children and adults, like the Royal Court Run that was held in May. There are also periodic blood drives for the American Red Cross held in this shopping center.

Check the Ashley Park Announcement page or Facebook page online for any new events. Since there are so many shops in this center, it is easy to spend a day or a weekend slipping through the shops to check out the summer deals. CL

56 Coweta Living 2015-16

Established in August 2012, C.S. Toggery offers brands from casual Chacos and Southern Proper to Sewell Company’s formal wear.

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

U

Utility companies invest in the community

When they are not providing

homes and businesses with heating, air conditioning, water and other services, the utility companies of Newnan and Coweta County take pride in giving back to the community.

Coweta-Fayette EMC serves more

than 75,000 customers across Coweta, Fayette, Heard, Fulton, Clayton, Spalding, Troup and Meriwether counties, and its employees like to support each community in any way they can. In Coweta County, Coweta-Fayette EMC donates to

Coweta-Fayette EMC participated in the wounded veterans program Ride 2 Recovery, a 500-mile bike ride from Atlanta to New Orleans.

many nonprofits, including Angel’s House, Meals on Wheels and One Roof Outreach, but it also is heavily involved in Relay for Life, according to Mary Ann Bell, the senior vice president of communications.

This year, EMC became the largest

WRITTEN BY WES MAYER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

58 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Newnan Utilities, which has served Newnan for over 100 years, established one of the most popular parks in the county, Carl Miller Park, located next to Newnan Utilities' Main Office on Sewell Road.

donor to Relay for Life, Bell said.

Through yard sales and employee breakfasts and luncheons, the EMC raised more than $18,000 for Relay for Life. Throughout the first three months of the year, employees are active in bringing in food and items to raise money.

According to Bell, the EMC also helps many smaller charity organizations through its Operation Round Up program. Every CowetaFayette EMC customer has the opportunity to participate in Operation Round Up, which simply allows them to round up their monthly bills to the nearest whole dollar with the extra cents going toward grants to non-profit organizations or groups across the counties EMC covers. Organizations 60 Coweta Living 2015-16

can apply for the grants, and a board is set up to handle the donations.

This year, Coweta-Fayette EMC also participated in the wounded veterans program Ride 2 Recovery, a 500-mile bike ride from Atlanta to New Orleans.

A rest stop was set up at American Legion Post 57 in Newnan during the ride, and EMC employees helped out by providing food and hot drinks to nearly 200 veterans and active men and women in the military who participated in the ride. Bell said she hope Coweta-Fayette EMC will continue to support the Ride 2 Recovery for years to come.

Newnan Utilities, which has served the city of Newnan for more than 100 years, is involved in many programs and events throughout Newnan year round. According to president Dennis

McEntire, there is hardly an event in Newnan that Newnan Utilities does not either support or participate in.

One of the most popular parks in Newnan, Carl Miller Park, is located right next to Newnan Utilities’ main office on Sewell Road. The park had thousands of visitors over the past year, McEntire said, and there were 1,000 reservations for the park’s four reservable pavilions for group events and parties. There is also a fifth pavilion available on a first come, first serve basis. The pavilions can host about 150 people.

Since last year, Newnan Utilities has added shades above the playground areas of the park, and a new splash pad was built to keep everyone cool during the hot summer days, McEntire said. A

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walking trail also wraps around the park and is about six-tenths of a mile.

The park is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. from April to October and 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. from November to March.

Newnan Utilities has also organized a cooking school for Coweta County residents for the past 15 years. The cooking school is called Taste of Home and is held at the Centre for Performing and Visual Arts off Lower Fayetteville Road. The school teaches about 10 recipes and usually draws at least 800 people. Tickets cost $10 each, and the money goes toward local charity organizations.

McEntire said Newnan Utilities is regularly involved with Newnan High School and East Coweta High School events, especially sports events with concessions and cookouts. Some other organizations Newnan Utilities supports are the Coweta County Can-A-Thon, the Coweta County Special Olympics and the Coweta Community Food Pantry.

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BUSINESS & INDUSTRY Georgia Power employees also pride themselves with the motto of being a “citizen wherever we serve.”

According to Carol Boatright with Georgia Power, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is often a day “on” for Georgia Power employees. This year, employees supported the Coweta Samaritan Clinic for the day.

Georgia Power is also a big

supporter of Relay for Life in Coweta County, and employees participate in walking and fundraising. Since 2000, Georgia Power employees have raised more than $2 million for Relay for Life, according to Georgia Power’s website.

According to Boatright, Georgia Power employees are also active on many nonprofit boards in the

community, including Habitat for Humanity, the YMCA and organizations in the school system.

Georgia Power also plays a supporting role with many events and programs in Coweta County including the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office’s Bedrock Classic golf tournament, the Kiwanis Coweta County Fair and Coweta’s Dancing Stars. CL

Georgia Power is a large supporter of Relay For Life.

62 Coweta Living 2015-16

BUSINESS & INDUSTRY

C

Coweta real estate market recovers, driving up prices

Coweta County and its cities were hit fairly hard by the foreclosure crisis, construction slowed significantly – though it never stopped.

But things have almost fully recovered.

Building is booming, and prices are rising. It’s definitely a seller’s market.

Ever since housing sales picked back up,

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Those looking to buy in the $100,000 range are finding the search frustrating, as homes in that range sell quickly, sometimes for more than the asking price, and there can even be bidding wars because inventory is so low and there are so many buyers. there has been a shortage of available homes for buyers in Coweta.

Despite ever-increasing building, there’s still a low inventory – particularly for lower priced homes.

In unincorporated Coweta in 2015, no homes were being built under $200,000, and the majority of the homes were valued at more than $300,000.

There are some homes in the city of Newnan being built in the $150,000-and-up range, but no one is building so-called “starter homes.”

Those looking to buy in the $100,000 range are finding the search frustrating, as homes in that range sell

quickly, sometimes for more than the asking price, and there can even be bidding wars because inventory is so low and there are so many buyers.

When the foreclosure crisis hit, many vacant lots were left in existing subdivisions, and some builders lost multiple lots to foreclosure. New construction is slowly filling those lots, and new developments are starting to pop up.

While newer homes are almost always built in subdivisions with restrictive covenants and homeowner’s associations, there are plenty of options for country and in-town living throughout Coweta – you just have to

Coweta County

BUILDING PERMITS 1996 - 2014

snap those homes up when they go on the market.

If you’re not ready to buy, there are a number of rental homes, in various price ranges and locations, all over the county, as well as numerous apartment complexes.

For the empty-nesters and retirees, there are several “55 and better” developments in the pipeline in unincorporated Coweta. These developments feature fairly large homes, with everything on one floor, and smaller lots. There’s also a “continuing care retirement community” that will soon be built on Hwy. 34 East at Hollz Parkway. CL

City of Newnan

BUILDING PERMITS 1991 - 2014

Single-family Multi-family Multi-family units Commercial GRAPH CREATED BY SONYA STUDT

64 Coweta Living 2015-16

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h

History found in unexpected places Coweta County has its share of historical sites and museums, but history is also found in unexpected places.

Some of Coweta’s history can be found by stopping and looking a little closer. Here are 10 of Coweta’s hidden historical gems:

1) The Bullsboro Marker The Male Academy Museum was once the Newnan Male Seminary, built from lumber recycled from an antebellum church building located on Wesley Street.

TOP The Bullsboro Marker now rests on Bullsboro Drive, honoring the original 1826 county seat of Bullsboro.

When Coweta County was created by the legislature in 1826, Newnan did not exist. The county seat was at Bullsboro, a town which eventually disappeared.

Bullsboro was located roughly where the parking lot is in the shopping center north of Walgreen’s on the Highway 34 Bypass. The Sarah Dickinson Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution commissioned a marker to commemorate the lost town in 1925. It has been moved a couple of times and now occupies a grassy patch in front of Publix on Bullsboro Drive.

2) College Temple Coweta County leaders have been excited to have a college campus at

the old Newnan Hospital building on Jackson Street. That site is a short walk from what remains of College Temple, a women’s college that operated in Newnan for much of the 19th century.

Moses Kellogg from Vermont came to Newnan to start the school, which attracted daughters of families from across the south. College Street and Temple Avenue both take their name from the college, which is said to be the first to offer a master of arts degree to women.

Two buildings from the College Temple campus remain on College Street – the laboratory and the adjacent building which was believed to be part of a larger Arcade Hall, which included offices, classrooms and dormitory space. Some plantings in that block also remain from the college’s days.

3) Methodist Churches Newnan’s Methodist church buildings have had a way of hanging around.

The building on Wesley Street from antebellum times was torn down and

WRITTEN BY W. WINSTON SKINNER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

66 Coweta Living 2015-16

COMMUNITY

the lumber used to build the Newnan Male Seminary, which remains today as the Male Academy Museum.

That building was succeeded by a brick edifice built in 1874-1875 at the southwest corner of Madison and Jackson streets. Georgia Atkinson, daughter of Gov. William Yates Atkinson, married Lt. Loyd Bradfield in a wedding with patriotic colors there during World War I. After the current First United Methodist Church building was constructed in the 1920s, a commercial building was built on the Jackson Street lot … but the back wall was left standing. At the rear of the Lindsey’s Real Estate building, you can still see the buttresses and brickwork from the 1875 church, as well as arched windows that have been bricked over.

Methodist Church.

In 1955, when Jack Moore was Lovejoy’s pastor, several members of his family came from Albany so his sister, Barbara, could marry an Air Force pilot from Kentucky, Francis Gary Powers.

Powers arrived in town alone, and Moore asked Newnan resident Johnny Estep to serve as the best man.

Powers left the Air Force as a captain in 1956 and joined the ranks of the CIA. In 1960, he was piloting a U-2 plane over Sverdlovsk, Russia, when he was shot down by Soviet forces. The international incident was eventually resolved by a prisoner exchange in 1962.

The pilot and his Newnan bride later divorced, and both remarried and had children. Francis Gary Powers died in a mysterious helicopter crash in 1977.

The buttresses and brickwork from The First United Methodist Church built in 1874 can still be seen in downtown Newnan.

5) St. Charles 4) The Francis Gary Powers House The house at 129 East Broad St. looks like what it is – a typical turn-of-thelast-century house in a neighborhood of homes of similar vintage. For many years, this house was the parsonage for Lovejoy Memorial United

There are several small towns in Coweta County that – over the years – have faded away. A reminder of one of them, St. Charles, can be seen in the country store building along Highway 29 just west of Moreland.

The last six spots are cemeteries:

Coweta Living 2015-16 67

COMMUNITY The Francis Gary Powers House the parsonage for Lovejoy Memorial United Methodist.

6) Johnson Cemetery This old family burial ground is located on Highway 29 just south of Palmetto. It is across the railroad tracks but visible from the highway. A Sons of Confederate Veterans camp maintains the cemetery, which includes Confederate soldiers – brothers who died during the war.

Also buried at the Johnson Cemetery is Frances Taliaferro Penn. Her tombstone refers to her as “relict,” a word for widow found on a few other very old Coweta grave markers.

7) Elmore Cemetery This cemetery on Standing Rock Road has some interesting markers. It also was the site of filming for scenes in “Desperate for Love,” a 1989 television movie that brought Christian Slater to Coweta County.

In the scene at the cemetery, Cliff Petrie (Slater) is arrested at the funeral of his buddy, Alex Cutler (Brian Bloom).

8) Charlie Burch’s tombstone Young Charlie Burch died in 1869, less 68 Coweta Living 2015-16

than a year after his birth. The young, mixed race boy left behind a tombstone which for many years could be seen in the sharp curve on Cole Street – off Broad Street.

The area behind the lad’s tombstone was marked as a “Slave Cemetery” on some old maps, and a 1999 study determined there could be as many as 250 people buried among the trees stretching behind the marker to Farmer Street. Urban cemeteries for AfricanAmericans were rare in antebellum times, and the Farmer Street Cemetery could be one of the largest.

Charlie Burch’s tombstone has been moved to the African-American History Museum and Research Center for safekeeping.

9) Old Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery This little cemetery is located on the west side of Highway 154 not far from Thomas Crossroads. The church remains today as New Heights Baptist – a bit farther down the road.

There are 39 known burials in the

COMMUNITY

cemetery. Among them is John Neely, a Revolutionary War soldier who was one of Coweta’s earliest settlers. Born in 1754, he lived almost a century – dying in 1847.

10) Old Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery This cemetery can be easily missed, as it is a group of graves in a wooded area on rural Emmett Young Road between Moreland and Grantville. It has also been called the Dodds Family Cemetery and the Fry Family Cemetery.

John Gilmore Fry, born 1793, was Bethlehem Baptist’s founding pastor.

Late in life, he was a chaplain in the Confederate Army. He came home and died soon after the war’s end – in 1866.

Charlie Burch died as an infant and was buried at what was then the Farmer Street Cemetery. His grave was marked with this tombstone - the only marked grave out of the estimated 250 thought to exist at this location. The tombstone has been moved to the nearby African-American History Museum and Research Center. Photo courtesy of The Coweta County Museum.

All over Coweta County, there are reminders of past days. CL

Coweta Living 2015-16 69

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Coweta arts and culture are collaborative effort

From public art projects displayed in Newnan’s historic downtown to the diverse selection of live performances and theater, Coweta County cultivates a variety of artistry the entire community can collectively celebrate.

Visual arts are widely popular throughout the county, and art galleries and studios seem to be available on every Main Street for residents to both create and admire works by other local artists.

One of the more unique venues in the city of Newnan is appealing to both young and old. Bubbles and Brushes Family Art Studio is located at 314B Newnan Crossing Blvd. and offers a variety of classes and “art parties” for all ages.

After the birth of her first child, Joanna Harvey began hosting children’s art classes from the basement of her Newnan home. Within two years, Harvey secured an in-town studio that provides creative expression with a variety of unique offerings.

Summer art camps are available, as well as mother and child art classes, after school sessions, and painting parties for adults and children.

Customers can drop in at any time to “play” creatively.

“The craft buffet catches the eye immediately,” Harvey said. “It’s filled with pipe cleaners, stickers, pom poms and hundreds of craft supplies. For $7 an hour, it’s a great place for kids to come and be as creative and messy as

WRITTEN BY MAGGIE BOWERS | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

70 Coweta Living 2015-16

LEFT The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts in Newnan is home to an ensemble of stringed-instrument players known as the Centre Strings.

Joanna Harvey is the owner of a unique art venue now located on Newnan Crossing Blvd.

COMMUNITY Coweta Living 2015-16 71

COMMUNITY The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts of Coweta County offers unlimited entertainment to the local community by hosting school-related performances and countless other large and small events. The Centre also serves as home to the Masterworks Chorale.

72 Coweta Living 2015-16

they desire.”

Funded by a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) grant and the Coweta County School System, The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts of Coweta County offers multiple opportunities to explore creative entertainment in Coweta.

With a core mission of being “an extension of the classroom no matter the age of the student,” the Centre plays host to many of the county’s school-related performances in music and theater as well as offering an impressive venue for numerous other large and small events.

In addition, the facility serves as home to its own talent, a by-audition community choir known as the Masterworks Chorale and an ensemble of stringed-instrument players called the Centre Strings.

Today the facility has become a fixture within the community and recently celebrated 11 years serving Coweta, fulfilling director Donald W. Nixon’s goals for arts in the community.

“The initial vision was to broaden the educational experience through the active presence of arts in daily living,” Nixon said. “Our goal was to enrich, enhance, and expand their structures. We worked sensitively to not take away from existing programming but to build upon it and resource what they were already providing. Not to replace

COMMUNITY Serenbe playhouse is a professional theater company known for holding performances outdoors and using elements in nature as props. Pictured above is a 2015 performance of "The Secret Garden."

but to enrich the opportunities.”

Performing arts often draw large crowds in Coweta, with several theaters offering improvisation, plays, poetry and creative interpretations of classic stories on stage.

A unique theater can be found in the nearby community of Serenbe, a small section of the city of Chattahoochee Hills. Serenbe Playhouse, a professional theater company formed in 2009, is noted for environmentally-friendly practices, including holding all performances outdoors and using elements found in nature as props.

Serenbe Playhouse is adding a garden to the grounds.

The English Garden is dovetailing with the theater’s production of “The Secret Garden,” a play interpreted by playwright Rachel Teagle. Following the production, the garden will remain a permanent installation for the surrounding community to enjoy.

“There is something truly beautiful about a world where nature can heal and change one’s heart. [The garden] is the perfect fit for Serenbe,” said Serenbe Playhouse Artistic Associate and Director Ryan Oliveti.

The art and culture available in Coweta County is largely the result of a collaborative effort. The community has answered the call to provide both art and education for residents of all ages and to include every member in participating. CL Coweta Living 2015-16 73

COMMUNITY

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4TH STREET BIG POPLAR RD

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Battle of Brown’s Mill Historic Site

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Coweta Co. Fairgrounds & Conference Center

Lewis Grizzard Museum Erskine Caldwell Museum Old Mill Museum

GRANTVILLE PARK

COWETA HEARD RD

GRANTVILLE BALLFIELDS LARSON PARK

To Columbus

74 Coweta Living 2015-16

Ashley Park H

Historic Courthouse

CARL MILLER PARK

To Franklin

LSB

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To Atlanta

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Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Canongate at Summergrove

POPLAR RD

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LEROY JOHNSON PARK

EAST COWETA COMMUNITY CENTER

Senoia Area Historical Society Buggy Shop Museum SENOIA CITY PARK

Raleigh Studios Atlanta

To Griffin

Map courtesy of Coweta County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Coweta Living 2015-16 75

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W

What to do in Coweta County

If you are interested in sitting back and enjoying a

movie on the big screen, a therapeutic shopping spree or maybe a few drinks while listening to live, local music, Coweta County has a number of options for you.

The music scene in Coweta County is mostly based at two venues – The Alamo on the Newnan courthouse square and Southern Ground Social Club in downtown Senoia.

The Alamo, which is located on the west side of the square, is easily recognizable by its classic movie theater sign above the entrance. In fact, The Alamo used to be a movie theater,

but it has since been converted into a music venue and bar, and it is paired with Fabiano’s Pizzeria next door. On top of having an ever-changing calendar of live music on the weekends, The Alamo regularly hosts Texas Hold ‘Em poker, trivia and karaoke nights.

Southern Ground Social Club came to be through country music star Zac Brown, and is Senoia’s main music venue.

Located on Main Street, Southern Ground Social Club also serves as a bar and a restaurant and hosts live music most Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Trivia nights are also held

WRITTEN BY WES MAYER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

Founded by music star Zac Brown, The Southern Ground Social Club is Senoia's main music venue and offers the county a restaurant and bar as well as live music, trivia and several community events.

76 Coweta Living 2015-16

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MainStreet Newnan hosts Market Days, in which local farmers, bakers, artists and craftsman display and sell products on the Court Square in downtown Newnan.

Coweta Living 2015-16 77

COMMUNITY A popular hangout in downtown Newnan is The Alamo, a music venue and bar that was once the local movie theater.

78 Coweta Living 2015-16

every Tuesday, and the entire club or just its bar or back parlor can also be booked for private parties and events.

Coweta County is home to several other bars that also host live music and other events, including the Brickhouse Grille and Tavern on Newnan Station Drive, the Corner Tavern on Newnan Crossing Bypass and Twilight Bar and Grill on Raymond Hill Road.

If you are in the mood for something that involves more cushioned seating and popcorn, Coweta County has three movie theaters. The Regal Georgian Stadium 14 is located in Ashley Park, one of Newnan’s more popular shopping areas, and Carmike 10 is on Newnan Station Drive off East Highway 34.

Carmike 10 is also next door to Junction Lanes, which offers bowling, glow-inthe-dark miniature golf and an arcade.

The third theater is NCG Cinemas near Fischer Crossing in Sharpsburg, close to Peachtree City. All three theaters offer both regular and 3D movies, but NCG Cinemas also has

COMMUNITY

an “Xtreme” theater, which boasts a larger screen, 3D capabilities and better seating and sound.

Newnan also became home to its first brewery in the past year, Abide Brewing Company on Werz Industrial Boulevard.

Abide beer can already be found on draft at many restaurants and bars in and around Coweta County, and for adults 21 years old and up, tours are held at the brewery from 12 to 4 p.m. on Saturdays.

Events are also hosted regularly in downtown Newnan. Every first Saturday from April through December, MainStreet Newnan hosts Market Days on the historic courthouse square.

During Market Days, local farmers, bakers, artists and craftsmen set up around the square to sell their products.

Coinciding with Market Days is Pickin’ on the Square, where local musicians are invited to play acoustic instruments on the square every first and third Saturday of the month. CL

On the first and third Saturday of every month, musicians can be found on the courthouse square playing accoustic instruments as part of Newnan's Pickin' on the Square events.

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COMMUNITY Coweta County is home to Four Corners Church, one of a few non-traditional Christian ministries.

C Community focused churches thriving in Coweta WRITTEN BY JEAN WHEELER PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

80 Coweta Living 2015-16

Coweta County offers many opportunities for worship, both traditional and non-traditional.

Three non-traditional churches in the area are attracting many young adults and young families. All three of these churches are pastored by young ministers who were each called to plant new churches in the Newnan area.

Newcomers to the area, or those without a home church, might consider visiting one of these thriving nontraditional Christian ministries: Ecclesia, Brown’s Mill Church or Four Corners Church. Each ministry has its own theology and purpose, but they all share a desire to minister to the community.

While serving as an associate pastor in Griffin, Pastor Ryan Tipton felt a God-given desire to plant a new church.

He and his wife moved to Newnan, where they started a church in their living room in their home.

It grew enough to make a move to Washington Street, and eventually on to their newest location, 37 Frank Cook Rd. According to Tipton, “Ecclesia, the Greek word for ‘gathering’ or ‘church,’ is a ministry where every Christian is a missionary, whose services are rendered to God. This mission happens due to relationships, and applying and sharing the Gospel.”

Through sermon, sacrament and song, this young church has grown into a multi-generational covenant

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community of believers.

“Ecclesia is a decentralized church that empowers its people, focusing on taking the Gospel into our lives,” Tipton said. “We teach the true claims of what Jesus is about. Our model doesn’t sink resources into its building, but simply into its mission of being stewards of and preaching the Gospel.”

Desiring to live like missionaries within a community, Pastor Tim Coleman and his wife, Nicole, were called to move from Peachtree City to start a new church in Newnan. They began gathering with others on Sunday evenings in various homes to share in a ministry that would not just be a church service, but an integral part of their community.

These home gatherings grew into a Sunday service, and eventually established Brown’s Mill Church, located at 20B West Court Square in downtown Newnan. Coleman stated there are two things that are important in the life of any church.

“First, it needs to draw people who want an authentic faith experience by learning the truth, the knowledge of the Bible, and secondly, by engaging in living out the ways of Jesus. We have a learning and doing tradition.”

Brown’s Mill Church demonstrates this tradition by being deeply engaged in the needs of the community

Lonnie Bell, who became pastor at Four Corners Church earlier this summer, shares a message.

Coweta Living 2015-16 81

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“…There is a need for a church that is engaged in the rhythm of the city, Monday through Saturday, not just on Sundays.”

Pastor Tim Coleman established Brown's Mill Church with his wife, Nicole, in downtown Newnan.

82 Coweta Living 2015-16

Morgan Jewelers Logo Styles Guide

Colors: Black C=25 M=40 Y=65 K=

COMMUNITY

through their food ministry that feeds hundreds of families. They also started a community garden that provides fresh produce for local food banks.

“Approximately 100,000 people in Coweta County don’t claim a local church, so there is a need for a church that is engaged in the rhythm of the city, Monday through Saturday, not just on Sundays,” Coleman said.

Four Corners Church, located at 18 Savannah St., is focused on the teaching, preaching, and living of the gospel. As stated on their website, “We believe God is glorified when our whole selves-heads, hearts, and hands-are operating in a way that worships, exalts, and reflects him. We are a gospel community of worshiping and serving theologians on a mission.”

While slightly varied in their Christian theologies, these three churches are led by young pastors who are ministering to younger generations, the unchurched, or those who want to participate in a non-traditional church. By teaching the gospel, serving their community, and providing a more casual worship experience, they are reaching out to a community of people by mirroring the teachings of Christ. CL

j e w e l e r s

Colors: Black 40% Black

“Where Happily After Begins” j e w e l e r Ever s

14 North Court Square • Historic Downtown Newnan • 770.253.2720 loving people…sharing christ…transforming lives

SUNDAY Sunday School – 9:30 AM j e wCelebration e l e r Worship s – 10:45 AM

WEDNESDAY Pastor’s Bible Study – 6:30 PM AWANA – 6:30 PM / Youth Classes – 6:30 PM

Dr. Phil Pilgrim, Pastor Visit our website: www.ubcnewnan.com 311 Smokey Road • Newnan, GA 30263

ST. PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH WELCOMES YOU! Please join us for worship: Sundays at 8:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Christian Formation for all ages at 9:30 a.m., September through May.

Whoever you are and wherever you are on your journey of faith, you are welcome.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church

The Rev. Allan Sandlin, Rector The Rev. Peter Wallace, Assisting Priest 576 Roscoe Road ∙ Newnan, GA 30263 (770) 253-4264 • www.stpaulsnewnan.org

Coweta Living 2015-16 83

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M

McRitchie-Hollis Museum never the same twice

84 Coweta Living 2015-16

For long time residents and newcomers alike, Newnan has had an informational hub for 18 months at the McRitchie-Hollis Museum.

Since it opened in January 2014, the museum, headquarters of the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society, has had an array of exhibits, from the Civil War to modern history of the county. In addition to the eclectic exhibits at McRitchie-Hollis, the historical society has the Male Academy, which will reopen in the fall with exhibits of more than 50 historical quilts, and the Train Depot, which WRITTEN BY BRADLEY HARTSELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

COMMUNITY

We invite you to come and join us in worship of the One who calls all unto Himself The McRitchie-Hollis Museum was created from the restored Peniston-Thomasson home and offers an array of exhibits, information and tours of the 1937 home.

Sunday Worship - 8:30 a.m. & 10:55 a.m.

CONNECT Contemporary Worship - 11:00 a.m.

WORSHIP SERVICES 8:30 and 10:50AM BIBLE STUDY 9:40AM

COME | CONNECT | GROW | GO

FIRST BAPTIST

Children’s Church & Nursery • Sunday School - 9:45 a.m.

33 Greenville St., Newnan, GA Serving Newnan & Coweta County since 1828 Dr. Stuart Greene, Senior Pastor

770.253.0797 | fbcnewnan.org

770-253-7400 • www.newnanfumc.org Coweta Living 2015-16 85

COMMUNITY

is weekly booked for weddings.

In addition, a children’s museum is scheduled to open later in the year.

McRitchie-Hollis Museum executive director Jeff Bishop says both new and lifelong residents can enjoy the museum as a way to learn about the history of the town.

“Our exhibits are constantly evolving, from World War II to the history of black schools to ladies lingerie. We have a little bit for everyone, from adults to kids to families, especially when the Male Academy reopens and the children’s museum opens,” said Bishop.

Bishop says people can also research their old homes through the historical society or look into their family history

New and lifelong residents of Coweta County can enjoy the McRitchie-Hollis museum and learn about the history of the town through everchanging exhibits.

86 Coweta Living 2015-16

through the nearby Coweta County Genealogical Society. By engaging in any of the NCHS museums, Bishop says, people can connect with the varying exhibits to learn about local history, art and science. In addition to historical exhibits, the museum hosts art events like the biannual Simple Pleasures local photography contest and galleries featuring local artists like Martin Pate, Millie Gosch and David Boyd, Jr. “We can show off local artists and their immense talent,” Bishop said.

The NCHS just received a $2,000 grant from the Georgia Humanities Council to benefit the programming for their upcoming fall, winter and spring

calendar of events. The interactive component and event programming, like Simple Pleasures, is a way for the museum to take on a life of its own, Bishop says. A history book curated by NCHS is heavy on photographs and as a sequel on the way. Smartphone apps are also being developed, Bishop says, meaning people can look up information on local historic homes through the comfort of their mobile devices.

“Every time people come here, they should see a new house, new exhibit,” said Bishop. “It’s a gallery, it’s a living, ever-evolving space.”

The goal for the NCHS, Bishop says, is for the McRitchie-Hollis Museum to never be the same place twice. CL

Fifty Years A

of Loving People

O

ur complete spectrum pecttru um ooff rretirement etirement hou housing and senior services on our spacious acious campus offers peace of mind. Add our loving community culture, lture and you’ll understand why so many seniors happily call Christian City their home. Come experience it for yourself!

770-964-3301 christiancity.org Union City, GA

Do n ou ati o to r m ns s i ki nee nist ust ds dy ry ai n !

fter five decades of quality care for seniors and children in a vibrant community, we’re more committed than ever to be “loving people…loving people” to everyone we serve. It’s what makes Christian City special, and we welcome you to come be a part of it!

Christian City delivers a full continuum of retirement housing and services for seniors in a loving and warm community setting. And we’ve ministered to children of need, neglect, and abuse for over 50 years. It truly is “loving people...loving people.”

COMMUNITY

M

Museums in Coweta County McRitchie-Hollis Museum 74 Jackson St., Newnan 770-251-0207 HOURS: Tues. - Sat.– 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m ADMISSION: Adults - $5.00; Students - $3.00; Youth & Seniors - $2.00

Male Academy Museum 30 Temple Ave., Newnan 770-251-0207 HOURS: Tues. - Sat.– 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m ADMISSION: Adults - $5.00; Students - $3.00; Youth & Seniors - $2.00

The Historic Train Depot 60 East Broad St., Newnan 770-251-0207 Event venue. Call for rental information.

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Newnan

East Camp St., Moreland 770-897-1890 HOURS: Fri. - Sat. – 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

ADMISSION: $5.00

Moreland Hometown Heritage Museum Main St., Moreland 770-897-1890 HOURS: Thurs. - Sat. – 10:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

Moreland Senoia Area Historical Society Museum

Senoia

6 Couch St., Senoia senoiahistoricalsociety.org Available for private tours.

Visit the web site for details.

The Buggy Shop Museum Woodbury Shoppe Museum 48 Main St., Senoia 770-727-9394 HOURS: Mon. - Wed. – 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.; Thurs. - Sat. – 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; Sun. – 1:00 - 5:00 p.m.

74 Main St., Senoia 770-253-1018 HOURS: Open Apr. - Oct.; third Sat. & Sun. of each month, 1:00 –4:00 p.m.

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Erskine Caldwell Birthplace and Museum

COMMUNITY Jeff Bishop, executive director of the Newnan-Coweta Historical Society, stands in the Historic Train Depot located in downtown Newnan. The Newnan-Coweta Historical Society operates the McRitchie-Hollis Museum and the Male Academy Museum, along with the History Center Tain Depot special events facility.

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Join the clubs in Coweta County

If you want to get involved in the Coweta community, there are a lot of opportunities.

The county and its cities have numerous civic clubs, social organizations, fraternal organizations, and support groups, as well as clubs and associations for various hobbies.

Clubs range from the Kiwanis and Rotary clubs to Masonic lodges, 4-H, the Coweta Beekeepers and the Newnan-Coweta Art Association.

COMPILED BY SARAH FAY CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

90 Coweta Living 2015-16

Coweta-Fayette Rotary Club Meets at Senoia Coffee & Cafe in downtown Senoia on Mondays at 6:30 p.m.

Details: Ginger, 770-253-9478 or visit CowetaFayetteRotary.org

Senoia Optimist Club Meets 6:00 p.m. first Thursdays at Matt’s Smalltown Pizza and third Thursdays at Maguire's Irish Pub. Details: Tony Bell, 770-599-3981 or visit www.SenoiaOptimistClub.org

SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS Grantville Kiwanis Club Meets 6:00 p.m. first and third Thursdays at Sewell Mortuary, 220 Charlie Patterson Rd. Details and membership: Willie Boyd, 770-251-9526

Kiwanis Club of Coweta County Meets 2nd and 4th Thursdays 10:00 a.m. at Newnan Country Club.

Details: Louise Davis, 770-253-7147

Kiwanis Club of White Oak Golden K Meets 9:00 a.m. on Thursdays at Sprayberry’s on Bullsboro Dr. Membership: Mel Hayden, 770-304-0305

American Legion Post 57 Meets first Thursdays at Coweta Veterans Club, U.S. Hwy. 29. Social begins at 6:30 p.m., and meetings begin at 7:30 p.m.

Beta Sigma Phi Meets first Thursdays at 7:00 p.m.

Details: Debbie, 678-364-0134 or Addie, 678-364-8526 or visit www.BetaSigmaPhi.org

Bigham Masonic Lodge Free & Accepted Masons in Moreland Meets first and third Tuesdays at 7:30 p.m.

Newnan-Coweta Lions Club Meets noon first Thursdays at Golden Corral on Bullsboro Dr. Details: Peter Burns, 770-252-6835 or 678-850-0738

Chattahoochee Valley Poultry Association Puts on the annual show in February, the open show at the Coweta County Fair, and encourages and promotes the breeding, exhibiting and selling of purebred poultry. The association meets the fourth Thursday of each month at the Coweta County Fairgrounds, 275 Pine Rd., Newnan.

Details: Bryan Massengale, 770-900-1669 or visit www.CVPA-Newnan.org

Civil Air Patrol PTC Falcon Field Composite Squadron Meets Thursdays 7:00 - 9:00 p.m.

Details: 770-487-9526

The Coweta Beekeepers Have regular meetings and beekeeping workshops.

Details: Steve, 770-683-2465 or visit www.CowetaBeekeepers.org

Coweta County 4-H Provides a host of activities and special interest clubs for youth.

Details: 770-254-2620

Coweta County Genealogical Society Has a research library at 8 Carmichael St., Newnan and holds quarterly meetings.

Details: 470-215-1966 or visit www.CCGSInc.org

Newnan Kiwanis Club Meets at noon Tuesdays at the Newnan Country Club.

Details: Bud Freeburg Budf@lindseysrealtors.com or visit www.NewnanKiwanisClub.org

Newnan Optimist Club Meets 6:30 p.m. first and third Tuesdays at Golden Corral on Bullsboro Dr. Details: Jennifer, 678-876-103 or jenn@fragilekids.org

Newnan Rotary Club Meets noon on Fridays at Newnan Country Club.

Details: Walt Thompson, 770-251-8223

Bill Gremillion Memorial Radio Club Meets the 4th Thursday of each month at Golden Corral on Bullsboro Drive. Participates in amateur radio activities and emergency communications.

Details: www.bgmrc.org Coweta Living 2015-16 91

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CIVIC CLUBS

COMMUNITY

Coweta County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers Volunteers offer information on gardening, operate the greenhouse and put on the annual plant sale.

Details: 770-254-2620

Humane Societies: Coweta County is home to several humane societies which work to rescue homeless pets.

They include:

Newnan-Coweta Humane Society

Coweta Lodge 60 Free & Accepted Masons

770-253-4694 or visit www.NCHSRescue.org

Meets 2nd and 4th Tuesdays. Supper at 6:30 p.m. Lodge on Sewell Rd., Newnan, opens 7:30 p.m.

Georgia Heartland Humane Society

Coweta Radio Control Club

Shelter Rescue and Please Rescue Me

Has regular fly-ins at the home grounds at Powers’ Crossroads, 4766 Hwy. 34 W., Newnan. Spectators are welcome.

Details: President Gene Lavine, 770-318-7069 or visit www.CowetaRadioControl.com

Coweta Woodturners Club Meets the third Tuesday of every month. Newbies and those interested in woodturning are welcome to come to meetings to learn about wood turning.

Details: Roger Hendrickson, 404-418-6255 or 678-378-5958

www.ShelterRescueInc.org

The Good Shepherd Humane Society paws911rescue@yahoo.com or find The Good Shepherd on Facebook

Marine Corps League Meets 2nd Tuesdays at Christ The King Church.

Details: Dan, 770-461-3043

Masonic Lodge 429 of Sargent Meets 7:00 p.m. 2nd and fourth Mondays.

Details: James, 770-253-5790

Meets third Saturdays.

Details: Jeannie, 770-253-6517

McIntosh Lodge 735

Meets 2nd Thursdays.

Details: Annette, 770-487-9845

Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park Do extensive volunteer activities at the park, including trail building and cleanups.

Details: www.BendFriend.com

Friends of the Library groups for the Coweta County Library System Meet third Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.

Details: 770-683-2052 92 Coweta Living 2015-16

Has numerous events and activities for members.

Details: 770-253-2270 or visit NewnanCowetaChamber.org

770-830-2820 or visit GeorgiaHeartlandHumaneSociety.com

Daughters of the American Revolution, General Daniel Newnan Chapter

Delta Xi Chapter of Sigma Beta

Newnan-Coweta Chamber of Commerce

Meets 7:00 p.m. 2nd and fourth Mondays on E. Washington St., Newnan. Includes dinner.

Details: Curtis, 770-304-3249

MOMS Clubs

Newnan-Coweta Historical Society Operates the McRitchie-Hollis and Male Academy Museums along with the History Center Depot special events facility, and hosts numerous speakers.

Details: 770-251-0207 or visit NewnanCowetaHistoricalSociety.com

Newnan Hiking Club Has regular meetings and several scheduled hikes through the year.

Details: Phil LaRu, Pirate4359@aol.com

Newnan Shrine Club Normally meets 6:30 p.m. third Mondays at Coweta Lodge No. 60 on Sewell Rd. Details: 678-416-2362.

Order of the Tartan

For stay-at-home moms. There are four MOMS Clubs serving Coweta County.

Details: Find a local chapter at www.MOMSClub.org

is an organization celebrating Scottish heritage in west Georgia and east Alabama.

Details: Visit their Facebook page or email TheOrderOfTheTartan@gmail.com

Newnan-Coweta Art Association

Rebel Reelers Square Dance Club

Meets the third Thursday of each month at the Harriet Alexander Art House, 31 Hospital Rd., Newnan.

Details: www.NewCAA.com

Dances 8:00 - 10:00 p.m. on first and third Fridays at Coweta Recreation Department.

Details: Darline Barge, 770-617-1211

Grantville Senior Center

Operates the museum at 6 Couch St., and hosts events and speakers.

Details: Dub Pearma, 404-759-4515 or visit their Facebook page

Meets Monday - Friday at 123 LaGrange St. in the Grantville city hall building.

Details: 770-583-2707

COMMUNITY

Senoia Area Historical Society

Job Seekers of Peachtree City Meets every Friday at First Baptist Church of PTC from 7:30 - 10:00 a.m.

Details: www.jobseekersptc.org or info@jobseekersptc.org.

Monthly job networking meeting

Turin Antique Tractor Association Puts on the annual Turin Tractor Parade and Pull.

Details: 770-599-3611 or visit www.TurinTractorPull.com

SUPPORT GROUPS AND INFORMATIONAL CLUBS Alcoholics Anonymous

2nd Tuesdays at 6:00 p.m. at Parish Hall of First United Methodist Church.

Details: 770-253-7400

Narcotics Anonymous Meetings are held in Newnan and near Thomas Crossroads.

Details: 404-447-8445 or visit NA.org

The Newnan Lupus Support Group

Meetings are held at multiple locations around the county.

Details: Call the 24-Hour Helpline at 404-525-3178 or visit AtlantaAA.org

Meets the first Monday of each month at 7:00 p.m. at Country Inn and Suites, 1125 Newnan Crossing Blvd. E. Details: Regina Olmstead, 404-550-5263

Cancer Support Group of Coweta

Prevent Child Abuse Coweta

Hosts regular meetings and has a durable medical equipment program.

Details: 770-502-1835

Cancer Support Group of East Coweta Meets 2:00 p.m. fourth Tuesdays Details: 770-599-3245 or SenioaUnitedMeth@bellsouth.net

Grandparents Raising Children Support group meets at 10:00 a.m. on third Wednesdays at Tommy Thompson Senior Citizens Center, Hospital Rd., Newnan.

Details: 706-302-6192 or glosanford@yahoo.com

Meets at noon on first Thursdays at Rutledge Center on Hospital Rd. Details: Susan Ebersbach, 770-652-7625 or sebersbach@numail.org

Tommy Thompson Senior Center 29 Hospital Rd., Newnan.

Has activities Monday - Friday.

Details: 770-683-8600

Women with Depression Meets 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays at Crossroads Church, 2564 Hwy. 154.

Details: CrossroadsNewnan.org

CL Coweta Living 2015-16 93

COMMUNITY The Coweta Samaritan Clinic is a free primary care health clinic for low-income residents and community members. Pictured above are Nurse Administrator Peggie Lawson, Chairman and Medical Director Dr. Kay Crosby, and Executive Director Lou Graner.

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Nonprofits offer assistance to Cowetans in need - and welcome volunteers WRITTEN BY SARAH FAY CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

94 Coweta Living 2015-16

Coweta County has a host of non-profit organizations dedicated to helping those in need.

For those seeking food or shelter, there are One Roof, Bridging the Gap and the Salvation Army. Each can provide food and limited financial assistance. One Roof and the Salvation Army can also provide clothing and household items for those in need.

Many of Coweta’s churches also have food ministries/ food pantries and provide other assistance to members and community members in need. Several sponsor clothing giveaways or meals.

The Coweta Samaritan Clinic is a free primary care health clinic for those who make under 200 percent of the poverty level. Patients are accepted by appointment only, and new patient appointments may be limited.

Your Town Health/Palmetto Health Council is a subsidized clinic that offers primary care, dental care, and mental health care, as well as subsidized prescription drugs for those without insurance. Services are available to patients of all income levels; charges are on a sliding scale based on income. You do not have to be a resident of any specific county to get care.

There is also a walk-in clinic where visits are $40. Your Town Health has its main office in Palmetto, with small offices, and various services, in Greenville, Manchester, Carrollton, Barnesville and Zebulon.

Your Town Health/Palmetto Health Council was recently awarded a grant that will allow it to open its first Coweta

Westside Plaza shopping center, at 251, 253 and 255 Temple Avenue.

The food pantry, thrift store, and offices are now each in their own building.

One Roof provides limited financial assistance, depending on how much money is available. “People ask for financial assistance for rent, utility bills.

Sometimes they’re homeless and they need a motel room, so they might ask for that,” said Executive Director Derenda Rowe. “We try to help with as many things as we can.”

The vast majority of One Roof’s financial assistance goes toward putting homeless Cowetans – usually families – into hotels for short-term stays.

One Roof can also help provide household items from the thrift store, as well as clothes. “If we have it, we share.

We don’t always have everything but we share as much as we have,” Rowe said.

“We also try to give you resources, other places you can get things that we might not have on that particular day.”

They also try to keep personal care products, like soaps and shampoo, on hand, as well as baby items such as diapers and wipes, in the food pantry.

One Roof is always in need of volunteers and in-kind donations. Many other organizations can benefit from volunteers and donations. For more information, contact the individual organizations. CL

Who to call for assistance One Roof/ Coweta Community Food Pantry 251-253-255 Temple Ave., Newnan one-roof@hotmail.com www.oneroofoutreach.org

770-683-7705 Bridging the Gap 19 First Avenue, Newnan www.btgcommunity.org

770-683-9110 Your Town Health 643 Main St., Palmetto www.yourtownhealth.com

770-463-4644 Coweta Samaritan Clinic 137 Jackson St., Newnan info@cowetasamaritanclinic.org www.cowetasamaritanclinic.org

770-683-5272 The Salvation Army 670 Jefferson Street, Newnan

770-251-8181 Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers Career Centers Newnan West: 228 Bullsboro Drive, Newnan

770-254-8480 Newnan East: 3121 E. Highway 34, Newnan (Thomas Crossroads)

678-854-6839 Newnan Career Center of the Georgia Department of Labor Tammy Jones, kitchen manager and chef at Bridging the Gap, prepares pork tenderloin for Meals on Wheels clients.

30 Bledsoe Road, Newnan

770-254-7220 Coweta Living 2015-16 95

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County location. The new clinic, in Senoia, is set to open fall 2015.

Those seeking jobs or help with getting a job can visit the Goodwill Career Centers at the Newnan Main and Newnan East Goodwill locations, or the Georgia Department of Labor Career Center. The Goodwill Career Centers offer free use of computers, scanners, fax machines, printers and telephones, as well as help with resumes and job searches, and occasional job readiness and preparation classes.

Bridging the Gap recently won a $20,000 grant that will allow it to expand its laundry and shower facilities.

The organization has a free food giveaway each Saturday and also serves a hot meal on Saturday mornings, starting at 10. Those wishing to receive food are asked to arrive by 9. The homeless or others in need can come by during regular weekday hours to take showers, wash clothes and have a hot meal. Bridging the Gap recently started a home delivery program for clients who are unable to get to BTG’s offices at 19 First Avenue, Newnan. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

Bridging the Gap is currently serving “quite a lot of homeless people every week,” said founder and executive director Alison Wallace. They can offer hot meals, showers and laundry facilities, and help with job searches.

There is currently one shower and one washer and dryer, and there is often a wait to use them. With the grant funds, plans are to add two more showers, two washers and two dryers.

Though serving someone typically starts with a box of food, “our goal at Bridging the Gap is to identify why each client has a need and help them work toward a solution and selfsustainability,” Wallace said. “We feel it’s important to build relationships and trust within our community in order to bring change."

One Roof, which also houses the Coweta Community Food Pantry, moved in late 2014 to a new location in the

HEALTH & FITNESS

H

Health care-related development continues in ‘Medical Mecca’

The recent expansions at both

Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Piedmont Healthcare Cancer Wellness are examples of growth that derived from a groundwork of quality health care already in place.

Along with investments by Ansley Park Rehabilitation and HealthSouth, Coweta County continues to garner the

reputation as a health care destination for not just the south side of Atlanta, but for the southeast.

However, one of the most valuable assets of the health care landscape is the Coweta Samaritan Clinic. Since its inception, the free clinic has become a place for those uninsured to receive proper medical care.

Coweta Samaritan Clinic is housed in the former Coweta County Health Department facilities on Jackson Street near downtown Newnan.

According to Lou Graner, Coweta Samaritan Clinic’s executive director, the clinic’s patient base has grown to 1,000 people, and through the kindness of community support,

WRITTEN BY CLAY NEELY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO AND CLAY NEELY

96 Coweta Living 2015-16

HEALTH & FITNESS HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan opened its doors and began accepting patients in December of 2014.

the clinic has expanded to three full-time employees including a nurse practitioner, four part-time employees and 78 committed volunteers.

Based on projections, Graner says he expects the clinic to be up 30 percent and will have 3,000 visits (including recurring patients) by the end of 2015.

Our motto is, “Coweta citizens caring for our neighbors,” Graner said. “We log 6,100 volunteer hours — like Dr. Ernest Barron, who is 83-years-old and is an absolute gift to this community and this clinic.”

The Samaritan Clinic is entirely funded through private donations,

and with an annual budget of $500,000, the clinic is able to generate $2.5 million in services.

American Health Imaging has provided the clinic with free ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans.

Along with dental care, which started in July 2014, and gynecology, Graner says the clinic is able to give “primary medical care,” which helps mitigate inappropriate, not to mention inefficient, visits to the emergency room.

In May 2012, Piedmont Newnan Hospital opened a facility on Poplar Road heralding the newest technology, treatment offerings,

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan is a 50-bed inpatient facility.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Piedmont Hospital opened its Poplar Road facility in May 2012.

design and patient amenities. A Poplar Road interchange off I-85 has also been planned.

The 364,000-square-foot facility features 136 beds and 23 Emergency Department treatment rooms. The hospital, which replaced aging facilities across town, was built to the highest standards in environmental and energy-efficient design and has achieved the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital was recently designated as a Remote Treatment Stroke Center, just the third in Georgia.

The designation recognizes Piedmont Newnan’s quality care of stroke patients, as the hospital provides stateof-the-art diagnostics and emergency treatment. The recognition of quality stroke care is especially important in 98 Coweta Living 2015-16

an area known as the “stroke belt.”

The southeast, except Florida, has the highest rate of strokes in the country.

More than 50 percent of stroke patients in Coweta County were having to be rushed to Emory University Hospital or Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta – or to Piedmont Fayette – but with the designation, Piedmont Newnan can treat almost any stroke victim in the county.

“This certified designation is really great for the community. We’re really excited about the fact that you can be treated without having to leave Coweta,” said Deborah Camp, stroke program manager.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s Cancer Wellness Center has also brought Radiation Oncology Services to their facility. Including neonatologists, the program has increased the availability of expert care for newborns and

allowing families of infants in need to remain close to home during their care.

Piedmont Newnan Hospital received accreditation by DNV Healthcare and was named one of the top 25 hospitals in Atlanta by the “Atlanta Business Chronicle.

Cancer Treatment Centers of America at Southeastern, which specializes in treating complex cancer, currently operates a 226,000-squarefoot, fully digital facility. The hospital plans to add 25 beds to the inpatient unit, a four-story outpatient clinic and a new radiation therapy suite. Two additional operating rooms will also be built.

Recently, CTCA in Newnan was one of just four hospitals in the state to receive a five-star rating from Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The inaugural survey, announced

For more than a century, Piedmont physicians have been providing care for Georgia families as part of Piedmont Healthcare — a comprehensive network of hospitals, primary care physicians and specialists.

So whether you need a routine check-up or advanced care, you can rest assured that Piedmont has the resources to get you back on your feet and living better.

VISIT PIEDMONT.ORG Š2015 Piedmont Healthcare

HEALTH & FITNESS Cancer Treatment Centers of America's current expansion will bring the now 350,000-square-foot hospital to 500,000.

April 16, had patients from all 50 states and Washington D.C. rate their hospitals, with 251 hospitals receiving five-star ratings and 101 receiving onestar ratings – the lowest. Georgia had 100 of 131 hospitals surveyed, with the average score of 3.2.

CTCA was the only metro Atlanta hospital to receive all five stars.

“What’s nice is it’s an external validation of the quality of care we offer.

It surveyed all inpatients from across the state, so it’s a level playing field,” said Anne Meisner, the president and CEO of CTCA in Newnan.

Meisner remarked how such a rating can impact Coweta County. Even though state law requires 65 percent 100 Coweta Living 2015-16

of CTCA’s patients come from out of state, CTCA stays active in community events, such as Coweta’s Dancing Stars and the fiberglass art project in downtown Newnan.

“I definitely characterize this rating as a win for this community. Our philosophy in Newnan is to believe in the importance of stewardship and contributions of the communities where we live,” said Meisner.

The expansion will bring the 350,000-square-foot hospital to 500,000.

A commissioned study by University of West Georgia found CTCA Southeastern is having a significant economic impact on Newnan and Coweta County.

According to the research, CTCA Southeastern is bringing in just short of one billion dollars of revenue to Georgia, two-thirds of which is allocated to Coweta and surrounding counties.

Recognized as one of the “State of Georgia’s Top 10 Economic Development Projects,” CTCA expects additional growth, citing plans to bring on board an additional 200 employees by the end of its expansion.

Meisner also credits the resources the area provides to its patients. She believes the Coweta area is a great environment.

“We’re truly a destination care center.

So we were very deliberate about where

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“Patients and families will seek out Coweta County... as a destination of healing completely.”

we wanted to place our hospital. Many of our patients live in smaller towns like Newnan. So I think to have a small, friendly and easily accessible community with amenities that are close really make it work,” said Meisner.

Ansley Park Health and Rehabilitation is another of Coweta County’s newest health care facilities.

Located at 450 Newnan Lakes Blvd., off Newnan Crossing Bypass, company officials said the Ansley Park facility in Newnan provides a whole new experience for those seeking rehabilitation therapy.

The facility offers private rooms for live-in patients needing long- or shortterm therapy. Care is also offered on an outpatient basis.

Private rooms and all other living, dining, relaxing and therapy areas were professionally designed to give Ansley Park a luxurious ambiance similar to that found in the finest hotels. Decor includes several framed photos of Newnan.

The facility offers planned activities and events, a wide range of social activities and even pet therapy visits.

Meals are prepared by an executive chef using only the finest, freshest foods, officials said. The site is beautifully landscaped and all rooms have a nice exterior view. There is even an on site, professionally staffed beauty salon.

But the heart of Ansley Park is the rehabilitation wing, known as Town Square Rehab. Town Square mimics real-life environments to help the patients prepare to return to their home environment and community safely. Facilities available at Town Square include a physical and 102 Coweta Living 2015-16

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan recently opened the doors to a stateof-the-art 50-bed facility. Newnan Mayor Keith Brady and Newnan-Coweta Chamber President and CEO Candace Boothby join in the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the facility's grand opening celebration.

occupational therapy gym that offers treatment for pain and muscle weakness as well as NuStep equipment for strengthening and physical exercise.

HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Newnan recently opened the doors to its state-of-the-art 50-bed facility. The site, at 2101 E. Newnan Crossing Blvd., represents a $22 million investment in the community.

The HealthSouth rehab hospital is the latest in a series of rapid medical progress in Newnan. HealthSouth operates in 28 states and Puerto Rico, and, according to Linda Wilder, regional president of HealthSouth Southeast, they hope to expand the Newnan property in the coming years.

The hospital provides patients with access to specialized rehabilitation programs and innovative equipment and technology – including electronic

medical records.

The facility consists of 50 all-private rooms, a therapy gym and cutting edge rehabilitation technologies to those who have experienced anything from stroke to trauma to brain and orthopedic injuries.

“This is incredibly exciting for this community,” said Piedmont Newnan Chief Operating Officer Nathan Nipper.

Piedmont Newnan will partner with HealthSouth, which owns the largest operation of rehab hospitals in the country.

Nipper reinforced the partnership between Piedmont and HealthSouth.

When opened, patients will be able to transition from Piedmont Newnan into the nearby rehab facility.

“Patients and families will seek out Coweta County … as a destination of healing completely,” said Nipper. CL

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G

Get back to nature at local parks

Coweta’s Chattahoochee Bend State Park offers hiking, a variety of camping options, shady picnic spots and playgrounds.

Park officials hope to add mountain bike trails and equestrian trails within the next few years.

Though Chattahoochee Bend is the only state park in Coweta, there are several other parks located in surrounding counties that offer

great nature experiences including Cochran Mill Park in Chattahoochee Hills, McIntosh Reserve in Whitesburg, John Tanner Park (aka Tanner Beach) outside Carrollton and Line Creek Nature Area, located just over the Fayette County line in Peachtree City.

For a cozy experience in nature, the Jim McGuffey Nature Center at the Coweta County Fairgrounds

is located at 275 Pine Rd. The area includes a small pond, short trails and benches. There is no charge for entry. The park hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

The nearly 3,000 -acre Chattahoochee Bend State Park is located along the Chattahoochee River in western Coweta and is open daily. Canoe and bicycle rentals are

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104 Coweta Living 2015-16

Chattahoochee Bend State Park has more than 11 miles of hiking trails over multiple types of terrain.

available. The park’s naturalists put on multiple programs per month, and there are dozens of geocaches throughout the park.

Two campgrounds are available for campers and tents, and both include walk-in tent sites. Two sets of platform tent sites are located along the river and offer a more primitive experience, as the sites are not equipped with power or water

HEALTH & FITNESS Chattahoochee Bend State Park naturalists put on multiple programs per month. Pictured above is Jade Suster.

attachments.

On the southern end, platform sites are located a short distance from the parking lot. The site includes a bathhouse with showers. The north end platform sites can be accessed by way of the river or by a several mile hike. There is also the Adirondackstyle group camp.

The day use area, located near the river, features several shaded picnic sites with grills and running water.

A boat ramp is available along with a playground and two picnic pavilions.

The park has more than 11 miles of hiking trails over multiple types of terrain. A river trail can be found along the river, which leads to an observation tower and the north platform campsites, overland trails 106 Coweta Living 2015-16

through woodlands and along creeks, and the Flat Rock Trail which traverses the park’s iconic granite outcroppings.

Coweta County voted to move forward with a multi-use trail that will provide hikers and campers access to the park’s field of massive boulders.

The trail will likely have a crushed stone surface. The trail project is currently in the planning stage.

A mountain bike loop trail has been constructed and is scheduled to open in late summer.

Chattahoochee Bend State Park opened in 2011, and the park’s offerings continue to increase, mostly due to efforts of the Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park. The Bend Friends constructed the trails

currently available and continue to assist with maintenance. Visit www. bendfriend.com for more information about volunteer opportunities.

For more information about the park itself, visit www.GaStateParks. org/ChattahoocheeBend or call the park office at 770 -254-7271.

Cochran Mill Park, located on Cochran Mill Road in Chattahoochee Hills, features extensive trails, several creeks for splashing, a playground, pavilion, and picnic areas. The Cochran Mill Nature Center is located inside of the Visitor Center, and features a variety animals. The park also includes a permanent outdoor exhibit featuring several birds of prey.

Line Creek Nature Area, located on Hwy. 54 in Peachtree City offers

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hiking trails, picnic areas and a small lake.

McIntosh Reserve is the former home of Creek Indian Chief William McIntosh. It is the site of his grave, and there is a log cabin on the site similar to the one McIntosh would have lived in. The park is along the Chattahoochee River and features a few drive-up primitive camp sites, an extensive trail system including horse trails, picnic areas, a river overlook, a large pavilion for events and a splash park. It’s located on West McIntosh Circle in Whitesburg, just off Ga. Hwy. 5.

John Tanner Park, located at 354 Tanners Beach Rd. in Carrollton offers the public the opportunity to cool off in a large lake surrounded by a sandy beach, a campground, a lodge, a lake side paved walking trail and a few hotel-like rooms.

The McGuffey Nature Center and Line Creek Nature Area are free, while other nearby parks require a small parking fee per vehicle. CL

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From casual to competative, locals love to ride

With Coweta’s many open fields and pastures, the seemingly endless opportunities to learn and practice horseback riding may not come as a surprise to residents.

It may be surprising however, just how varied the learning opportunities are.

Coweta County is home to dozens of

farms where students of all ages and skill levels can learn how to care for, ride and compete with horses.

One such farm is Happy Valley Farm located off of Happy Valley Circle. It is there that Jade Anderson teaches students the horse riding discipline of eventing, or what Anderson calls the “triathlon” of horses.

Eventing is a competition that combines dressage, cross-country and show jumping — all forms of English riding — and is the only Olympic sport in which men and women compete equally.

Anderson began riding horses as a child and learned about eventing at the age of 12. She began taking lessons

WRITTEN BY WES MAYER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY WES MAYER

108 Coweta Living 2015-16

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Kailey Prince competes in a pole bending event at one of the Coweta County 4-H Horse and Pony Club's Fun Shows. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

from longtime Coweta equestrian instructor Nancy Gosch.

“It came easy for me,” Anderson said. “It was fun. It was adrenaline-packed, and it became my passion.”

In the mid 1980s, Anderson’s parents purchased the farm that would later become Happy Valley Farm. At the time of the purchase however, the farm included only two cows and one horse.

Anderson grew up on the farm, and years later, following a career of competitive riding, Anderson returned.

Anderson eventually molded the farm into a business she loved, Jade Anderson Eventing.

In the last 10 years, the farm has grown tenfold, and now houses 18 horses and has seven different

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fields and a dressage arena where Anderson can teach. Since she started teaching, Anderson said she has easily had 100 students, and many come from local schools such as The Heritage School, Newnan High School and the University of West Georgia.

“I have had one student who has been with me for 10 years,” Anderson said, “and she said it was kind of like she spent her childhood here. It teaches responsibility not only with horses, but in life.”

While Anderson is the lead instructor, she said the farm would not run without the help of her other half, Holly Malcom, and her father, Jack Anderson, who manages the farm and handles maintenance.

Overall, Anderson teaches her students how to ride competitively, but it is not just about riding. Anderson also teaches her students how to groom their horses, prepare their saddles and bridles and other tack, and care for them after riding. She teaches students from the beginner to advanced level, teaches lessonby-lesson and tries to keep the farm laid back but professional. Although she has taught a lesson to a 3-yearold, Anderson requests her youngest students be at least 5 years old.

Anderson said lessons usually last about an hour, cost $70 each and begin with a one-time assessment.

There are a few horses at Happy Valley Farm beginners will be able to ride, and students are not required to own their own horse.

For information about classes, you can contact Jade Anderson at www. jadeandersoneventing.org/.

Another farm where people of all ages can learn English style riding and eventing is Shady Oaks Farm on Lower Fayetteville Road. Similar to Happy Valley Farm, Shady Oaks has arenas for dressage, jumping and cross country, but it sits on a much larger 55 acres. The farm is owned by Cheryl and Bill Drury, who bought the farm three years ago, and the lead 110 Coweta Living 2015-16

instructor is Sandra Pulliam.

“We’re a family atmosphere,” Pulliam said. “We love and support each other. It’s a different touch, and it’s not just about competing.”

Cheryl Drury said classes at Shady Oaks start on the ground. Riders need to learn how to be around a horse before they learn how to be on them. Half of the farm’s students are children and half are adults, so it makes the barn feel like a big, friendly family.

Students of all experience levels are welcome at Shady Oaks, Drury said.

The farm houses 30 horses and they currently have 37 students, but there is always room for more. They have had students as young as 4 up to age 69, Drury said.

“The oldest Olympic athlete was a 72-year-old equestrian,” Drury said.

“This is a sport you can do all your life.”

Competing isn’t required at Shady Oaks, Drury said, and riders can choose to ride only with disciplines they are interested in. If someone does not own a horse, but would still like to take lessons, there are horses at the farm they will be able to train on. Shady Oaks also boards horses but does not offer trail rides.

“If you board your horse here, we encourage you to take lessons,” Drury said. “It’s good for the animal and for the person who owns the horse to advance in their horsemanship.”

If you are interested in checking out Shady Oaks, Drury said they will allow riders to test it out with one or two lessons. They charge more on a monthly basis for lessons, though, especially if riders board their horse at the farm. To find out more about Shady Oaks Farm, call 678-2943158, or contact Pulliam at sandra@ shadyoakseventing.com.

For youngsters and young adults interested in a wide variety of riding opportunities, the Coweta County 4-H at the University of Georgia extension office on Pine Road holds

Sandra Pulliam, an instructor at Shady Oaks, rides a horse named Rad after competition.

many different programs in its Horse and Pony Club. According to Roberta Prince, who leads the club, there are at least 75 members in the club from the ages of 5-18, and they meet at the extension office the first Thursday of every month.

Between the monthly meetings, though, members are often involved in the numerous divisions of the club, which focus on different styles of riding, Prince said. These divisions include dressage teams, a mounted drill team where riders perform maneuvers choreographed to music, both English and Western styles of riding teams and three teams that focus on horse knowledge.

Throughout the year, teams regularly participate in statewide competitions, and the Horse and Pony Club hosts two fundraising shows each year in April and

November that are open to the public. The monthly meetings are run by a student board, and students publish their own newsletter about the club’s activities, Prince said.

While students between the ages of 5-8, what the club calls “cloverbuds,” may participate in the club, they are too young to compete, Prince said.

Members may compete when they reach the “cloverleaf” group at ages 9 to sixth grade, and above those levels are the juniors at seventh and eighth grade and seniors for high school students.

Throughout the year, members can earn points for their participation and competition, and at the end of the year, they can spend their points on horseriding prizes from a catalog.

Students from all experience levels are welcome to join the club, Prince said. All the extension asks for is a $10 activity fee, which pays for an entire family. If interested in joining the club, you may contact the extension office or visit during the club’s monthly

meeting.

For those who would like to go on trail rides or have a horse-themed birthday party or other special event, Double Bar H Stables on Payton Road offers a wide variety of activities. The farm is the only equestrian facility that is adjacent to Chattahoochee Bend State Park, said Terri Hofmann, who owns the farm.

And when the state park completes its horse riding trails, Hofmann hopes Double Bar H Stables will offer guided rides through the park.

For trail riding, Double Bar H will ask people to ride horses at the farm, but the farm also offers boarding and lessons in Western style riding where riders can bring their own horses. Lessons are $40 each, or riders can pay in package deals at a discount, Hofmann said.

The farm also rents out its venue for birthday parties or other events where groups can participate in horseback riding, cookouts, painting and crafts activities and even check out an authentic 24-foot Native

Ethan Stanford rides Big Blue at CORRAL, the Coweta Organization for Riding, Rehabilitation and Learning, a therapeutic horse riding facility for physically and mentally challenged individuals. Dale Harrell instructs Ethan how to ride. (SUBMITTED PHOTO)

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HEALTH & FITNESS Jade Anderson and her students line up after practicing cross country jumping at Anderson's farm where she teaches eventing, Happy Valley Farm. From left, Hannah Ledford and her horse, Danny; Grace Smith and M&M; Anderson; Mollie Carter and Jackson; Drew McLendon and Thor; Claire Howard and Derby; and Wesley Anne Norton and Sonny.

American teepee. The venue is $300 for four hours, but is a little extra for the teepee, Hofmann said.

Double Bar H also holds spring and summer camps in April and June, which include horse riding, trail rides, lessons on horse safety, care, nutrition and anatomy as well as regular summer camp activities like camping, hiking and swimming. For more information on Double Bar H Stables, look on its Facebook page.

Coweta County is also home to a therapeutic riding center for children with special needs – CORRAL, the Coweta Organization for Riding, Rehabilitation And Learning, located on Oliver Potts Road north of Newnan.

The non-profit center opened in 1987 and averages almost 200 students with physical or mental disabilities every year, said Marie Powell, who has been an instructor at CORRAL for 20 years.

“It is a unique opportunity for these kids,” Powell said. “There are not many places where they can get on a horse safely and ride.”

CORRAL works throughout the year with the school system, and regularly holds sessions on Mondays 112 Coweta Living 2015-16

From left, Grace Smith and her horse M&M, Claire Howard and Derby, and Drew McLendon and Thor walk over to Jade Anderson's cross country arena on Happy Valley Farm to practice jumping during a lesson

and Thursdays with special education classes. During the school year, CORRAL also holds programs every other Saturday outside of school for other children with special needs.

Lessons usually last 20 to 25 minutes, and only have three riders and three horses at a time, Powell said.

If interested in signing up a child

to ride at CORRAL, visit the center’s website at www.resgraphicdesign.com/ corralcontent/ to submit an application.

According to Powell, there is usually a waiting list, and CORRAL must evaluate all children to make sure they are grouped with other children of the same age and ability level. Because of this, the waiting list length may vary, but the

HEALTH & FITNESS

center always wants to provide a lesson catered equally to all three riders.

CORRAL also always accepts volunteers, and horse riding experience is not necessary. Volunteers must be physically active, though, because the work may involve a good deal of walking or running with the horses. No riders are charged for a lesson at CORRAL, Powell said. The center operates entirely off donations and sponsorships of its horses. Applications to volunteer and more information about donating may also be found at the center’s website. CL

Sandra Pulliam, who teaches the horse riding sport of eventing at Shady Oaks Farm in Sharpsburg, gives her horse, Rad, some TLC after practicing dressage for a competition.

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Coweta Living 2015-16 113

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The Newnan-Coweta Youth Athletic Association 6-under team gathers with a coach before beginning a game.

When it comes to recreation, Coweta offers something for everyone

A variety of recreational programs promoting health, wellness and community engagement is available throughout Coweta County for residents and visitors of all ages.

Filled with recreational facilities, as well as several community centers, the

county offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for sports, arts, dance and fitness.

“We know how important offering good recreational facilities is and we make an effort to give people what they want,” said Carl McKnight, director

of the Coweta County Parks and Recreation Department.

Gym memberships are available to residents at each of the county’s three recreation centers. Memberships can be purchased at any time during the year.

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114 Coweta Living 2015-16

The Temple Avenue Complex offers access to three outdoor tennis courts, seven baseball fields, a playground, and walking trails.

The Temple Avenue Complex is located on 39 Hospital Rd. The complex is equipped with weight rooms, meeting rooms and an indoor basketball court. The facility also offers access to three outdoor tennis courts, seven baseball fields, a playground and a pavilion. The facility hosts the Asa M. Powell, Sr. Expo Center, the Tommy Thompson Senior Center, and the Art House.

Two additional complexes in Coweta offer similar amenities. The Hunter Complex, located in Sharpsburg at 2970 Hwy. 16, includes an indoor basketball court, a weight room, a meeting room, tennis courts, baseball fields, and a 1-mile walking trail. The ClayWood Complex at 135 Heery Road in Newnan offers an indoor basketball court, a meeting room, a weight room, a community center and a kitchen.

“No matter where you live in Coweta County, there is a recreational facility close to you,” McKnight said. “We have thousands of people taking part in programs sponsored by the county recreation department every year.”

Coweta Parks and Recreation Department Athletic programs include soccer, t-ball, football, cheerleading, volleyball, softball and basketball, with teams of participants ranging in age from 3 to over 21.

Clubs and classes are most commonly instructed by individuals assigned or contracted by the Coweta County Parks and Recreation Department, while athletics are guided by volunteers and employees of the department along with a variety of non-profit

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115

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associations.

Youth and adult sports leagues are available in Grantville, Sharpsburg, and Senoia through local athletic associations. In addition, Christian youth sports provider Upward Sports serves Coweta County by providing programs in basketball, soccer, cheerleading, flag football, volleyball and baseball.

Creative activities are popular with residents and visitors alike, and the county includes music, dance, pottery and art among its many offerings that are accessible year-round.

A variety of classes are available in both the Temple Avenue Complex and the Hunter Complex, including exercise and Zumba fitness, karate and kickboxing, and even dog obedience classes for Coweta’s pet community.

“And we don’t just settle for what’s in place,” McKnight said. “We are always ready to provide new activities and courses when we see the need.

When it comes to recreation, we really feel like we can offer something for everyone.” CL

T

Team sports available county-wide

Coweta takes its team sports seriously. There are sports leagues for youth baseball, softball, soccer, basketball, volleyball and football, and adult softball, basketball and flag football. The Coweta County Recreation Department has information on most local sports leagues.

WRITTEN BY SARAH FAY CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

116 Coweta Living 2015-16

Baseball T-ball leagues are held spring and fall through the Coweta County Recreation Department, and games are at the Hunter Complex. Contact Lance Dennis at Ldennis@ coweta.ga.us or call 770-2543750.

Newnan Youth Athletic Association (formerly Newnan Pony League) offers spring and fall baseball and t-ball for ages 4 to 14 (www.NYAA.us).

Games are played at the Coweta Recreation Department headquarters on Temple Avenue, Newnan.

Sharpsburg offers spring and fall baseball for ages 3 to 14, and games are played at Andrew Bailey Park in Sharpsburg. Visit www.

SharpsburgBaseball.com or call 470-468-3261.

Senoia Area Athletic Association offers baseball and softball leagues, which play at Leroy Johnson Park in Senoia.

Go to www.SenoiaAthletics. com or call 678-942-6868.

South Coweta Little League plays in Grantville and offers spring baseball for boys and girls ages 3 to 16. Go to www.GrantvilleBaseball.com.

West Coweta Little League plays in Sargent and offers t-ball for 4-year-olds, coachpitch baseball for 5- and 6-yearolds, and baseball for 7- to 12-year-olds. Visit www.eteamz. com/WestCoweta.

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Basketball The Coweta Recreation Department has boys and girls basketball leagues for ages 7 to 14. Games are played at the Hunter Complex on Hwy. 16 near Sharpsburg for boys 7 to 10 and at the Clay-Wood Complex in Newnan for girls and older boys. Contact Kevin Carlisle at kcarlisle@coweta.

Fast, friendly

ga.us for boys ages 7 to 10 and Jay Walton at jwalton@ coweta.ga.us for other ages.

Registration for 2015 runs Sept. 28 to Nov. 6.

The Coweta Recreation Department also hosts a men’s church basketball league. Call 770-254-3750 or 770-254-3740.

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Football & Cheerleading Coweta County Recreation Department offers flag football and cheerleading for 5- to 9-year-olds at the Hunter Complex. Call Lance at 770254-3750.

Tackle football is available for 7- and 8-year-olds and 9and 10-year-olds at the Hunter Complex and 11- and 12-yearolds at Hospital Road. Call

Kevin at 770-254-3740 for 7- to 10-year-olds, and Jay at 770254-3745 for 11- and 12-yearolds.

Cheerleading is available for 9- and 10-year-old girls, call 770-254-3745.

The Coweta Cobra Foundation offers football and cheerleading. Tackle football is for ages 5 to 12, and there

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is flag football for ages 3 and 4. Competitive cheerleading is available for girls 4 to 12. For more information visit deandre-lfranklin.wix.com/cobra-u.

Sharpsburg Youth Football Association/ Sharpsburg Stallions offers

football and cheerleading for ages 5 to 14. The Sharpsburg Stallions are a “heads up” football program. Visit www.

SharpsburgFootball.com or call 678-561-5716.

Soccer The Southern Soccer Academy/Coweta Cannons offers soccer starting at age 4 and going up to age 19 in the “select program.”

Visit www.CannonsSoccer. com or call 470-314-4899.

The Coweta County Recreation Department

offers spring soccer for ages 3 to 7 at the Hunter Complex. Contact ldennis@coweta.ga.us or call 770-254-3750.

Softball The Senoia Area Athletic Association offers girls softball at Leroy Johnson Park in Senoia. Visit www.

SenoiaAthletics.com or call 678-942-6868.

Sharpsburg Regional Softball Association offers fast-pitch softball for girls 6 to 13, including travel teams. Games are played at Whitlock Park. Visit www.

CowetaGirlsSoftball.com

or call 678-332-8995.

Adult Softball leagues are offered in the spring and fall for men and women 18 and up. Teams include men’s open, men’s church, women’s church, and coed. Contact mgramling@ coweta.ga.us or call 770-254-3750 for fall and jwalton@coweta.ga.us or call 770-254-3745 for spring.

Volleyball The Coweta Recreation Department offers spring and fall volleyball for boys and girls ages 11 to 16.

Contact Lance Dennis for spring or Kevin Carlisle for fall at 770-254-3750. CL

G

Golf courses add to county appeal

Very few communities are as fortunate as Coweta to have access to a variety of diverse golf courses within such a small radius. Regardless of your skill level or income, you don’t need to look far in order to find a golf course that’s right for you.

Coweta County boasts six golf courses – each one showcasing its own unique designs and challenges. As many golfers can attest, such a high concentration of quality courses in a small area is far from commonplace.

Canongate I Golf Club, located in Sharpsburg, was the first of the Canongate golf courses.

Canongate I was designed to be a test for the scratch player while being fun to play for the novice. Decades later, it is still highly regarded by members and guests alike and remains one of Canongate’s most popular courses.

In 1986, White Oak Golf Club opened as an 18-hole WRITTEN BY CLAY NEELY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

118 Coweta Living 2015-16

Canongate I Golf Club is located in Sharpsburg and is highly regarded by members and guests.

championship golf course, again with Roquemore serving as the central architect. Additional nines were added in 1987 and 1990, bringing the course to the total 36-hole facility that players enjoy today.

Spread over 250 acres of rolling hills, SummerGrove Golf Club offers an 18-hole, par 72 golf course that wanders through native dogwoods and pine trees, preserved wetlands, and wildlife habitats. With five sets of tees, SummerGrove can be played at a distance that matches the player’s game – appealing to a wide range of skill levels.

Coweta Club in Arbor Springs Plantation is another popular destination

Scott Houston takes a drive around Newnan Country Club.

for golfers, touting its course by design as being unlike most golf course experiences.

Situated on 180 picturesque acres north of Newnan, the course aims to offer a fair and interesting challenge to golfers at every level. Coweta Club features five sets of golf tees, playing to a strong 7,056 yards “from the tips” but also offering multiple levels of challenge, including a friendly layout of less than 5,000 yards from the forward tees.

Formed in 1919, Newnan Country Club on U.S.29 north of Newnan is Coweta’s first golf course and has been a mainstay of the local golfing community for nearly a century.

Designed by Denis Griffiths, ASGCA

is Newnan Country Club’s 18-hole Regulation course. From the longest tees it offers 6,966 yards of golf for a par of 72.

Consistently ranked among the top public courses in Georgia, Orchard Hills Golf Club south of Newnan off I-85 and Highway 16 East is a public course that touts a beautiful 27-hole championship layout featuring bentgrass greens and bermuda fairways. Orchard Hills claims to be “a challenging and pleasurable experience for golfers of all capabilities.”

The course is open seven days a week, provides golf instruction by PGA professionals and prides itself as “Southern hospitality with a Scottish links flavor.” CL

www.jeffrieseyecare.com

Visit all three locations – Each one has a special gift selection!

Eye care provided byNewnan native Dr. Amy Jeffries

“Your Thomas Crossroads Vision Center”

3150 Hwy. 34 E., Ste. 306 • Newnan, GA 30265

770-252-1999

One hOur Optical On premises

LEE-GOODRUM LEE-GOODRUM PHARMACY EASTSIDE 40 Hospital Road 134 Farmer Industrial Blvd.

770.253.1121 770.251.4808 LEE-KING PHARMACY 18 Cavender St. (beside Univ. of West GA - Newnan) 770.253.1622

Same Personal Service Same Dedication • Same Owners

Free City Delivery Serving Newnan Since 1907

Coweta Living 2015-16 119

EDUCATION

C

Coweta libraries offer a wide range of services

WRITTEN BY W. WINSTON SKINNER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO AND CLAY NEELY

120 Coweta Living 2015-16

At Coweta County’s libraries, patrons can check out books, use computers, find reference materials – and maybe meet a recording legend or a movie producer.

The Coweta Public Library System operates most of the libraries in the county. There are CPLS libraries in Senoia and Grantville as well as the Central Library on Literary Lane and the Powell Library on Hospital Road in Newnan.

There also is the Newnan Carnegie Library, which is operated by the City of Newnan.

Each of the four CPLS libraries “features weekly programs for young children and their adult caregivers,” said Jimmy Bass, the CPLS’s library director. “All four Coweta County libraries are fullservice buildings featuring friendly, professional staff, public computers for Internet and research, and a materials collection ranging from books to DVDs and eBooks.”

CPLS is participating in a national project, “1000 Books B4 Kindergarten,” which emphasizes family and social reading.

The library system “welcomed over 350,000 visitors last year and circulated over 500,000 items,”

REWTON-P -PARKER ARKERC COLLEGE OLLEGE BBREWTON

NEWNAN NEWNAN

WhyBrewton-Parker?

Brewton-Parker?

Why ChristianWorldview Worldview • •Christian StudentsFirst First • •Students DiverseStudent StudentBody Body • •Diverse CloseRelationships Relationships • •Close Caring,Christian ChristianEducators Educators • •Caring,

Programsof ofStudy Study Programs Bachelorof ofArts Arts Bachelor

GeneralStudies Studies • •General

Bachelorof ofBusiness BusinessAdministration Administration Bachelor Newnan Carnegie Library is the original Library built for the city of Newnan and has been repurposed as a community center with library services.

GeneralBusiness Business • •General Healthand andWellness WellnessManagement Management • •Health InformationSystems Systems • •Information Management • •Management

Bachelorof ofMinistry Ministry Bachelor Associateof ofArts Arts Associate Classesheld heldatatUnity UnityBaptist BaptistChurch Church Classes

Carol Wilson serves as Newnan Carnegie Library's assistant.

(AdministrationBuilding) Building) (Administration

311Smokey SmokeyRoad Road 311 Newnan,Georgia Georgia30263 30263 Newnan,

Dr.Steven StevenEchols, Echols,President President Dr.

(770)683-3245 683-3245 (770)

www.bpc.edu/newnan www.bpc.edu/newnan

EDUCATION Bass said.

The library system has a partnership with the Atlanta Hawks. Patrons also can check out a Atlanta Zoo DVD at any branch and get a receipt good for free entry at the zoo for two adults and two children.

“The Carnegie is the original Newnan library that has been repurposed as a community center with library-type services,” said Amy Mapel, the Carnegie’s director. The Carnegie does not have library cards or a traditional “check out” option, but there is an “honor book” system that offers books for readers to take home.

There also is a reading area with newspapers and magazines and a separate children’s room.

“We offer copy, scan, fax and notary services along with a City of Newnan store containing T-shirts, coffee cups, Frisbees, baseball caps and more,” Mapel said.

There is an art gallery that is curated by the Newnan-Coweta Art Association with pieces rotated quarterly, and an upstairs meeting room that may be rented. “[The upstairs room] has been used for weddings, baby showers, birthday parties and business meetings,” Mapel

said.

The Carnegie held 433 free programs in 2014 serving children, teens and adults. CPLS also offers programs including ongoing classes in computer instruction and activities for adults, teens and children.

Hamilton Bohannon and Dick and Joanna Pang Atkins have also been part of library life. Bohannon, a legendary musician who grew up in Newnan, was honored earlier this year by CPLS. Bohannon then presented the library system with a platinum record and other memorabilia.

Dick and Joanna Atkins first came

The Coweta Public Library System offers four full-service buildings with professional staff, public computers and materials such as books, DVDs and eBooks. The Senoia Branch Library is located on 148 Pylant Street in Senoia.

WRITTEN BY CELIA SHORTT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

122 Coweta Living 2015-16

Central Library offers public computers for Internet research. Central Library is located at 85 Literary Lane in Newnan.

“

The change starts with new life for the old Newnan Hospital building, which has been transformed into UWG’s home in Newnan.

The Carnegie is the original Newnan library that has been repurposed as a community center with library-type services.”

— Amy Mapel

to west central Georgia to film “Murder in Coweta County,” a 1983 television movie based on a book by Newnan native Margaret Anne Barnes. Barnes’ book retold actual events from the 1940s.

Dick Atkins’ wife is a dancer, and the two have started making regular trips from their New Jersey home to Newnan. Mapel said “the relationship with Dick and Joanna Atkins has grown from a simple request for permission to screen ‘Murder in Coweta County’ at the Carnegie to an annual program series.”

So stop by one of the local libraries for a books, some computer time or a visit with a celebrity.

CL

Everything changes when you Go West.

When UWG Newnan opens its new center in fall 2015, it will multiply your opportunities to Go West. Complete your undergraduate degree in early childhood education or nursing. Take all your core courses. Start your college career while you’re still in high school with our dual enrollment program. Or earn your master’s in business or education.

Go ahead – take the next step and learn more at westga.edu/newnan.

Go West. It changes everything.

Newnan Coweta Living 2015-16 123

EDUCATION

E

Educational options keep Coweta ahead of the curve

Coweta County has a

variety of educational options for students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including public, charter, and private schools.

The Coweta County School System (CCSS) includes 31 individual schools. As of March 2015, 22,210 students were enrolled in those schools. The mission of the school system is to ensure the success of each student enrolled.

For the 2015-2016 school year, CCSS will be facing a major change, as it will become an Investing in Educational Excellence (IE2) school system.

An IE2 school system is a flexibility option offered by the State Board of Education that allows school systems to continue receiving waivers from some state laws and rules. The state board required all the school systems in Georgia to choose a flexibility option by

Odyssey Charter School student Makayla Hilton is excited about learning.

WRITTEN BY CELIA SHORTT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO

124 Coweta Living 2015-16

June 30 in order to continue receiving waivers.

“In the listening sessions and other discussions that we have held with stakeholders, the response toward IE2 has been favorable,” said Superintendent Dr. Steve Barker. “We have heard from stakeholders that this is a good direction and a good opportunity for our schools.”

Of the three flexibility options, two allow waivers – IE2 or Charter System. The third option is a Status Quo System, which does not allow any waivers.

With IE2, a school system must declare the waivers it needs up front.

Even with this change, CCSS will not be changing dramatically and will continue to focus on the success of its students.

“We will be the same system, but with even greater ability to innovate,”

Mrs. Jessica Cunningham helps Odyssey Charter School student Lucy O'Rourke during class. Odyssey was recently accredited through accrediting agency SACS CASI.

said Mark Whitlock, director of public policy for the school system and the chairman of the system committee that developed the IE2 application. Whitlock also serves as the CEO of Coweta’s Central Educational Center. “We have been

operating as an innovative system for years, and IE2 will allow us to continue that and expand upon it.”

“Stakeholders at the school level and along grade levels will be able to identify further innovative approaches to better serve students and improve

Experienced childcare professionals committed to providing quality At

care to the

Bailey Station

children in our

106 Bailey Station Circle Sharpsburg, GA 30277

community.

770-304-8857 At

Newnan Crossing 243 Summerlin Blvd.

Newnan, GA 30265

770-253-8104

Caring, Teaching, Reaching children age 6 weeks - 12 years

Research has found that the first years of a child’s life are critical for growth & development. Children learn from the moment of birth, growing and developing at an individual pace. By offering a balance of experiences, StoneBridge Early Learning Center is committed to providing each child the opportunity to develop the skills needed to advance in their educational journey.

www.stonebridge-elc.com Coweta Living 2015-16 125

Maximizing

Potential

Maximizes

SUCCESS

For Children With Learning Differences

Grades 1-9 • Sports • Small classes • Ability Grouping Challenge Course • 45 Acre Campus in Fairburn

“

We will be the same [school] system, but with even greater ability to innovate.”

— Mark Whitlock

Ages 6-15 • 4 Week Summer Day Program Academic Tutoring • Camp Recreational Activities Held at The Bedford School

5665 Milam Rd. Fairburn, GA 30213 • 770-774-8001 • www.thebedfordschool.org The Bedford School is accredited by the Georgia Accrediting Commission and the Southern Association of Colleges & Schools, and has been approved by the Georgia Department of Education to receive the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship (SB10) For more information contact Dr. Betsy Box. The Bedford School maintains a non-discriminatory policy concerning admissions, employment, use of facilities or scholarships on the basis of sex, race, color, religion or national origin.

We are Growing! es Some Spac le ab il va A ll ti S for

2015 - 2016

DYSSEY Public Charter School • No Tuition • Grades K-8 Excellent Academic and Co-Curricular Programs Athletic and Band Programs Fully accredited through AdvancED (SACS)

14 St. John Circle, Newnan, GA 30265

770-251-6111

www.odysseycharterschool.net admission@odysseycharterschool.net 126 Coweta Living 2015-16

student achievement,” Barker said. “Our system will be in a position to take advantage of additional flexibility.

“That might allow unique curriculum opportunities, scheduling changes, unique course credit options, partnerships or other opportunities that we might not have been able to implement in the past,” he added.

The strategic plan for CCSS was adopted around this approach to a school system, so it fits in and expands on what the school system has already been doing.

“It calls for maintaining the innovations we have developed over years in Coweta and expanding opportunities to better meet student needs,” Whitlock said. “IE2 is a part of and a continuation of our school system’s overall approach.”

The state of Georgia is currently is the process of changing the name of IE2 to Strategic Waivers System.

In addition to the public school options for students in Coweta County, there is also a variety of charter and private school options.

Coweta County also has three charter schools.

Central Educational Center is a charter college and career academy operated by CCSS. It offers dual enrollment opportunities for high school students enrolled at any of the three CCSS high schools. It also has satellite campuses for West Georgia Technical College and Mercer University.

Odyssey Charter School and Coweta Charter Academy are two other charter schools in Coweta County. Both accept students in kindergarten through eighth grade and neither are operated by CCSS. Central Christian School, Trinity Christian School, and The Heritage School are three private schools that offer educational opportunities for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. CL

O

Options abound for hopeful Coweta students For high school graduates or adults looking to complete their education, Coweta has a variety of options, in addition to the University of West Georgia’s campus in Newnan.

West Georgia Technical College’s (WGTC) newest campus is located in Coweta County. Since opening two years ago, it continues to offer opportunities for students to take their core classes, for adults to get their GED, and for anyone wanting to expand their education.

WGTC programs include associate degrees, academic majors, diploma programs, and certificate programs.

It offers classes at its Coweta campus on Campus Drive in Newnan, just off of Turkey Creek Road. The school also offers classes at Coweta’s Central

Educational Center (CEC) on Martin Luther King Drive in Newnan. The campus can be reached at 770-755-7800.

In addition to WGTC, Mercer University also has degree programs located at CEC. The programs are a bachelor of science in early care and education, a bachelor of science in early childhood/special education, and a bachelor of science in social science and public safety. All programs are for working adults.

Another higher education option in Newnan is Brewton-Parker College.

Brewton-Parker’s main campus is in Mount Vernon, Ga. Its Newnan campus is located at Unity Baptist Church on Smokey Road. The school is a Christian school and offers a variety of classes. CL

 Affordable  Career-Driven  Day, Evening, Online Classes

YOUR Future.

YOUR Way. Coweta Campus 770.755.7800

admissions@westgatech.edu

WEST GEORGIA TECHNICAL COLLEGE www.westgatech.edu

Coweta Living 2015-16 127

EDUCATION

C

Coweta County School System CONTACT LIST

COWETA COUNTY SCHOOL SYSTEM

BOARD OF EDUCATION AND SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE

business services, payroll and benefits, and personnel

P.O. Box 280 Newnan, GA 30264 770-254-2800 www.cowetaschools.org@cowetaschools

770-254-2801 237 Jackson Street Newnan, GA 30263

SCHOOL SYSTEM OPERATIONS OFFICE

COWETA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Assistant Superintendent Marc Guy

Frank Farmer (At-Large) Board Chairman (frank.farmer@cowetaschools.org) Larry Robertson (At-Large) Vice-Chairman (larry. robertson@cowetaschools.org) Amy Dees (1st District) (amy.dees@ cowetaschools.org) Sue L. Brown (2nd District) (sue.brown@cowetaschools.org) (3rd District) (Vacant) Linda Menk (4th District) (linda.menk@cowetaschools.org) Winston Dowdell (5th District) (winston.dowdell@cowetaschools.org) 128 Coweta Living 2015-16

Superintendent Steve Barker

Assistant Superintendent (Finance) Keith Chapman Public information, school nurses, after-school program

SCHOOL SYSTEM CENTRAL OFFICE 770-254-2800 (School System Main Directory) 167 Werz Industrial Drive Newnan, GA 30263 Assistant Superintendent Vince Bass

CENTRAL REGISTRATION CENTER 770-254-5551 Curriculum and instruction, special education, student services, school records, instructional technology,

770-254-2750 140 and 170 Werz Industrial Drive Newnan, GA 30263 Operations and School Safety Director Doug Moore Warehouse, maintenance, school nutrition, construction

CENTRE FOR PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS 770-254-2787 1523 Lower Fayetteville Rd. Newnan, GA 30263

TRANSPORTATION OFFICE AND BUS GARAGE 770-254-2820 105 Cofield Drive Newnan, GA 30263

COWETA COUNTY ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Arbor Springs Elementary School

A community is only as good as its schools. And great public schools are a big reason why Coweta County is a vibrant and enriching place to live. Coweta County Schools combine a small-town, community-based feel with big-city advantages and opportunities for our students.

770-463-5903 4840 N. Highway 29 Newnan, GA 30265

Arnco-Sargent Elementary School 770-254-2830 2449 W. Highway 16 Newnan, GA 30263

Atkinson Elementary School 770-254-2835 14 Nimmons Street Newnan, GA 30263

Brooks Elementary School 770-683-0013 35 Genesee Point Newnan, GA 30263

Canongate Elementary School 770-463-8010 200 Petes Road Sharpsburg 30277

Eastside Elementary School 770-599-6621 1225 Eastside School Road Senoia, GA 30276

Elm Street Elementary School 770-254-2865 46 Elm Street Newnan, GA 30263

Glanton Elementary School 770-583-2873 5725 Highway 29 Grantville, GA 30220

Jefferson Parkway Elementary School 770-254-2771 154 Farmer Industrial Blvd.

Newnan, GA 30263

Moreland Elementary School 770-254-2875

The Coweta County School System is a community of 3,000 committed professionals and over 30 schools and facilities dedicated to the education of Coweta’s children. Our elementary, middle and high schools serve one of Georgia’s most desirable and historic communities, providing education and enrichment to more than 22,000 students.

Our dedication to providing top-quality education for all students is reflected in our performance: • School and system-wide academic performance recognized as among the highest in the state and nation, including high SAT scores and Advanced Placement performance.

• Extensive advanced student opportunities including Advanced Placement, post-secondary dual-enrollment, fine arts, athletic and academic programs.

• Recent recognitions including “America’s Best High Schools” (the Washington Post), a national “Best High Schools Silver-Ranking” (US News and World Report), and “Highest Return on Educational Investment” (Center for American Progress).

• Other recent honors include a Georgia Family-Friendly school winner, two national Elementary School Principals of the year and National Middle School Principal of the Year, a Distinguished Breakout School and National Lighthouse School to Watch, a Georgia Career Academy of the Year, Advanced Placement STEM and AP Merit honorees, and Georgia STAR student and Teacher of the Year finalists.

We invite you to visit any of our schools, and see for yourself why Great Schools are at the Heart of the Coweta community. Also visit our Center for Performing and Visual Arts, which showcases top artists in all mediums as well as student artists, or tour the Central Educational Center, which provides unique college, industry and work-based instruction in a variety of career paths and is the model for Georgia’s Career Academy Charter Schools.

You will find academic institutions with strong community support, in service to parents, students and citizens who hold high academic expectations. From academics to the arts to athletics – from pre-Kindergarten to college and career readiness – Coweta County Schools are Committed to Student Success.

To learn more about Coweta Schools visit us at www.cowetaschools.org or follow us on twitter @CowetaSchools.

EDUCATION

145 Railroad Street Moreland, GA 30259

Newnan Crossing Elementary School 770-254-2872 1267 Lower Fayetteville Road Newnan, GA 30265

Northside Elementary School 770-254-2890 720 Country Club Road Newnan, GA 30263

Poplar Road Elementary School 770-254-2740 2925 Poplar Road Sharpsburg, GA 30277

Ruth Hill Elementary School 770-254-2895 Sunset Lane Newnan, GA 30263

Thomas Crossroads Elementary School 770-254-2751 3530 E. Highway 34 Sharpsburg, GA 30277

Welch Elementary School

East Coweta Middle School 770-599-6607 6291 E. Highway 16 Senoia, GA 30276

Evans Middle School 770-254-2780 41 Evans Drive Newnan, GA 30263

(Formerly Heritage Christian School) 3613 Highway 34 East Sharpsburg, GA 30277 770-252-1234

Madras Middle School 770-254-2744 240 Edgeworth Road Newnan, GA 30263

Smokey Road Middle School 770-254-2840 965 Smokey Road Newnan, GA 30263

Alternative Middle School 770-304-5930 Maggie Brown School 32 Clark Stree Newnan, GA 30263

East Coweta High School

770-254-2790 1730 Welcome Road Newnan, GA 30263

770-254-2850 400 Sharpsburg-McCollum Road Sharpsburg, GA 30277

White Oak Elementary School

Newnan High School

770-254-2860 770 Lora Smith Road Newnan, GA 30265

770-254-2880 190 LaGrange Street Newnan, GA 30263

Willis Road Elementary School

Northgate High School

770-254-2765 700 Lora Smith Road Newnan, GA 30265

130 Coweta Living 2015-16

PRIVATE SCHOOLS Central Christian School

Western Elementary School

Arnall Middle School

770-254-2877 106 Westside School Road Newnan, GA 30263

770-251-1547 370 Willis Road Sharpsburg, GA 30277

COWETA COUNTY HIGH SCHOOLS

COWETA COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Westside/Burwell

Lee Middle

770-254-2597 240 Mary Freeman Road Newnan, GA 30265

770-304-7995 430 Willis Road Sharpsburg, GA 30277

1 Dowdell Street Newnan, GA 30263

770-463-5585 3220 Fisher Road Newnan, GA 30265

Central Educational Center 678-423-2000 160 Martin Luther King Drive Newnan, GA 30263

Alternative High School 770-254-2870 Winston Dowdell Academy

The Heritage School 2093 Highway 29 North Newnan, GA 30263 770-253-9898

Trinity Christian School 8817 GA-54 Sharpsburg, GA 30277 770-251-6770

CHARTER SCHOOLS Coweta Charter Academy 6675 GA-16 Senoia, GA 30276 770-599-0228

Odyssey Charter School 14 St John Cir. Newnan, GA 30265 770-251-6111

CL

COUNTY / CITIES

A local family enjoys the newly renovated Ray Park located along Spring Street and Ray Circle.

L

Local parks and historical landmarks help make Coweta unique

The city of Newnan works to provide its residents a great place to live, work and visit.

One area in which it does this is through its city parks and recreational facilities. In the last year, the city has put more than $600,000 into upgrading and renovating four of its busiest parks.

WRITTEN BY CELIA SHORTT | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO Coweta Living 2015-16 131

COUNTY / CITIES • Ray Park, located along Spring Street and Ray Circle, has received a half million dollars in renovations, including a pavilion, a playground, a pedestrian crosswalk, a walking trail, and public restrooms. It also has four tennis courts and two open grassy areas with spectator seating.

The other three recently renovated Newnan city parks are Greenville Street Park, First Avenue Park and Lynch Park, all of which received new public restrooms.

• Greenville Street Park is located on the south side of Newnan between Greenville Street 132 Coweta Living 2015-16

and LaGrange Street. It is within

• First Avenue Park is located

walking distance of the city’s historic

on First Avenue near the historic

downtown area. Features of the park

Greenville/LaGrange residential

include the 25 columns at the park’s

district. The neighborhood park is

entrance and its two art sculptures

3.5 acres and is designed for play

– one by Atlanta artist Martin Dawe

and exercise. In addition to its new

and other by local artist Carol

men’s and women’s restrooms, its

Harless. The park also has a terraced

features include covered pavilions, an

lawn area, a small amphitheater,

enclosed playground area, a grassed

a water fountain, brick plazas, a

multi-purpose field and a system of

covered pavilion, walking paths and

paved walkways.

benches.

• Lynch Park is a six-acre

Its newest feature is the single

neighborhood park and is located

family-style restroom, for men and

along Wesley Street and Richard

women.

Allen Drive, directly across the street

COUNTY / CITIES

Cranford Park is a neighborhood recreational park located in Newnan on Jackson Street featuring several benches and walkways.

from the Boys and Girls Club. It’s

• C.J. Smith Park is a five-acre

named for Willie Lynch, a former

park on Farmer Street in Newnan.

Newnan City Council member.

Its two sections include a softball

Its features include renovated

field and the Coweta County African-

restrooms, playground equipment,

American Heritage Museum and

a grassed field, a large covered

Research Center. The field is the

pavilion, the Lynch Park Pool and

home of the adult softball teams,

Pickett Field.

sponsored by Coweta County.

For information on reserving a city

• Cranford Park is an

benches.

• The city park at Temple Avenue and Jackson Street is a two-and-ahalf acre passive recreational park.

Its features include a small gazebo available for weddings, a large triangular water fountain, paved walkways, open grass areas for seating and benches.

park, contact Newnan’s Community

almost three quarters of an acre

Development Department at 770-

neighborhood recreational park on

the Veteran’s Memorial, located at

253-2682 or email planning@

Jackson Street. It is a half mile north

the east side of the park. It is a place

cityofnewnan.org.

of Highway 34 and backs up to Oak

for veterans, family members and

Hill Cemetery. Its features include

local citizens to gather on Memorial

brick and concrete walkways and

Day and Veterans Day each year.

Other city parks in Newnan include:

One of its prominent features is

Coweta Living 2015-16 133

COUNTY / CITIES Greenville St. Park includes two unique sculptures and terraced lawn area, a small amphitheatre, a water fountain, brick plazas, covered pavilion, walking paths and benches.

134 Coweta Living 2015-16

COUNTY / CITIES

Veterans Memorial Plaza at Jackson Street and Temple Avenue is a popular place for holiday programs in Newnan.

• Westgate Park is located at the end of West Park Court. It houses

Coweta School System’s Centre for Performing and Visual Arts.

and services for all ages.

• MainStreet Newnan, part

a fenced baseball/softball field,

To schedule an event or to find out

of the city’s business development

bleachers and a concessions facility.

more, call 770-253-2682, ext. 233.

department, works to provide events

In addition to its parks, the city of Newnan also works to provide other

• Helping draw people downtown is Newnan Carnegie Library,

activities and facilities for everyone.

Georgia’s oldest Carnegie library.

• The Newnan Centre, located

Located at 1 LaGrange St. on the

on Lower Fayetteville Road, has

Court Square, it is a non-circulating

become a leading conference center

reading room that includes book

and resource for all Coweta County.

collections and separate reading

Executive Director Carol Moore

rooms for children and adults. It also

has led the Centre through two

features a collection of work by local

years of successful business and

authors.

continues to implement resources

On its second floor, the Carnegie

and festivals throughout the year that draw people to the historic downtown area of the city. Among Main Street-organized events are First Friday activities, A Taste of Newnan spring and fall food festivals, monthly Market Days, holiday parades, the Oktoberfest beer sampling, spring and fall Art Walks and a wine tasting called Summer Wined Up. This year, Main Street also

to make it a preferred facility

features an art gallery and two

continued “Screen on the Green”

for weddings, conferences, and

meeting rooms used for educational

during its First Friday events.

banquets. The city meeting facility

programs.

“Screen on the Green” is a free

operated by the Newnan Convention Center Authority is adjacent to the

In addition to books and art, the Carnegie offers numerous programs

movie event held in the First Avenue Park. CL Coweta Living 2015-16 135

COUNTY / CITIES

Larry Griffies stirs a pot of Brunswick stew for the annual barbecue held in Moreland each July 4. A barbecue has been held annually there since the 1940s.

136 Coweta Living 2015-16

Coweta County may be growing, but the charms of small town life continue to run deep.

Moreland, Grantville, Haralson, Senoia, Sharpsburg, Turin and Palmetto surround Newnan with less hustle and bustle and offer a more rural lifestyle. Residents of these small towns have cited the slower-pace in creating safe communities that focus on education – seemingly the perfect place to raise a family.

Each town has its own charm, from the newly built splash park in Grantville to the filming of AMC’s hit show “The Walking Dead” in Senoia.

Each corner of Coweta also includes unique, annual celebrations such as Moreland’s memorable Fourth of July parade or Turin’s time-honored tradition - the tractor pull.

The tractor pull in Turin has been around for 21 years and attracts more than 3,000 people from throughout the

WRITTEN BY BRADLEY HARTSELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY JEFFREY LEO Coweta Living 2015-16 137

COUNTY / CITIES

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Small & unique towns create a large and memorable county

COUNTY / CITIES 138 Coweta Living 2015-16

COUNTY / CITIES The tractor pull in Turin has been around for 21 years and attracts more than 3,000 people from throughout the county each August.

Coweta Living 2015-16 139

COUNTY / CITIES

Each town has its own charm, from the newly built splash park in Grantville to the filming of AMC’s hit show “The Walking Dead” in Senoia.

140 Coweta Living 2015-16

COUNTY / CITIES

Interim Grantville City Manager Michael Stewart says the town’s splash park has been a success with young kids.

county each August.

Bill Banks lives in Turin and believes life in a small town turns a house into a home. Banks says he’s lived in Turin most of his life, and now, he and his wife share land with their two children with families of their own, including four grandchildren.

In addition to the charms of slower-paced living, Banks says the land allows people to see more wildlife.

“Turin has the flavor of the country, but we have the shopping and restaurant conveniences of the bigger towns really close by,” said Banks. “Some people have second homes in the mountains or at the beach, but my home here in Turin is my getaway.”

Raising a family and community events, like the tractor pull in Turin, are oft-cited reasons for loving small town life. Youngsters can find lots of fun in Coweta’s smaller towns.

“Moreland’s still got a small town, rural feel to it, even though Coweta is growing like crazy,” said Moreland

Mayor Dick Ford. “We have easy access to WalMart and Ashley Park [in Newnan], and we have probably the best elementary school [Moreland Elementary School] in the county.

“People are finding out what a great little town this is, and people are getting involved in community and civic clubs,” he added. “People like saying they live in Moreland.

We’re very family-oriented and people are wanting to get back to that kind of life.”

Interim Grantville City Manager Michael Stewart says the town’s splash park has been a success with young kids.

“There are many opportunities for kids, with the splash park and ball fields. It’s a community that has a very low crime rate, and it’s familyfriendly, so you can feel safe and raise your kids here,” said Stewart, noting how the town is ripe for community growth. “Grantville is probably one of the few remaining undeveloped areas in Coweta County. There’s potential here right

now for shaping and forming the right kind of growth.”

Emily McGhin of Sharpsburg is married and in college. While schools and playdates aren’t selling points for McGhin at this point, the atmosphere in a small town is ideal for her and her husband, Jordan.

“It’s a feeling more than a place.

Even if you’ve never spent much time here before it feels like home,” said McGhin. “It’s quiet and it's simple, but still exciting because of the people you can meet. It is also beautiful, and yet only a 10-minute drive from everything you need. You have the advantage of the beauty of the country with the convenience of the city.”

With good schools, community events, hunting, friendly neighbors and convenient access to shops and restaurants, people from all walks of life are enjoying life in the small towns of Coweta County. CL

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County vehicles must be registered and license plates purchased at the Coweta County Tag Office located at 22 East Broad Street in Newnan.

Above, a resident secures a new Georgia license plate to her vehicle.

Need to know: newcomer or resident county information Whether you live in unincorporated Coweta or in one of the county’s cities and towns, you’re still a Coweta County resident, and many of the most common interactions you’ll have with government offices will be with the county.

The Coweta County Tag Office is the place to register your vehicle; everybody pays taxes to the Coweta County Tax Commissioner. You register to vote, and can do in-person early voting with the Coweta County Voter Registration Office, and you get birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses and gun permits from Coweta County Probate Court.

And if you’re ever arrested, you’ll be put in the Coweta County Jail.

While Senoia, Newnan, and Grantville have their own municipal courts for traffic offenses and minor violations, most legal issues are dealt with in Coweta courts: either Coweta Magistrate Court (small civil suits, landlord/tenant issues, warrants), Coweta State Court (misdemeanors, traffic offenses and civil suits) and Coweta Superior Court (felonies, divorces, child support, adoptions, name changes, civil suits). All three courts are located at the Coweta County Justice Center, 72 Greenville St., Newnan.

The Coweta County Tax Commissioner’s Office, Coweta County Tag Office, and Coweta WRITTEN BY SARAH FAY CAMPBELL | PHOTOGRAPHED BY CLAY NEELY

142 Coweta Living 2015-16

numbers to know

BEAUTIFICATION 770-254-2354 BUILDING 770-254-2362 CARNEGIE LIBRARY 770-683-1347 CEMETERY 770-253-3744 CITY CLERK 770-254-2358 CITY MANAGER 770-254-2358 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 770-254-2354 Under Georgia’s Title Ad Valorem Tax, which took effect in 2013, owners of vehicles being registered in Georgia for the first time must pay the TAVT, which is set at 7 percent of the vehicle’s value.

Tax Assessor’s Office are located side-by-side in the Coweta Administration Building, located at 22 East Broad St., Newnan. All three are located on the Perry Street side of the building.

The tax commissioner’s office is where you pay your property taxes and file for homestead exemptions. You can also file a “property tax return” if you disagree with the value placed on your real or personal property. You can find more information at www.CowetaTaxCom.com.

Another way to disagree with the tax value placed on your property is to file an appeal with the Coweta Tax Assessors Office.

The Tax Assessors Office sets the value for all real property in the county and maintains property tax records and maps.

The tax assessors website, www.CowetaTax.com, has a wealth of searchable information on property tax values, tax maps and sales of property in Coweta County. Each year, property owners receive a notice of tax assessment, stating the tax value that the assessors have put on the properties.

The tag office is where you register your vehicles and pick up new tags. Newcomers to Georgia should be aware that they will likely face a hefty tax bill when registering their vehicles in the state for the first time.

Under Georgia’s Title Ad Valorem Tax, which took effect in 2013, owners of vehicles being registered in Georgia for the first time must pay the TAVT, which is set at 7 percent of the vehicle’s value – as determined by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

The condition, mileage or upgraded equipment are not taken into account when the DOR determines the value. However, if you think that the state-determined value is not accurate, you can appeal it.

Classic cars have a base value and are not taxed on their collectible value.

New Georgia residents have the option of paying 50 percent of the tax due at the time the vehicle is registered, with the remaining portion due within 12 months. After you pay your TAVT, you won’t have to pay annual ad valorem taxes on your vehicle, just a yearly tag fee. Tags expire on the vehicle owner’s birthday.

Before you can register your vehicle, or renew your tag, you must

ENGINEERING 770-253-0327 FACILITIES MAINTENANCE 678-673-5528 FINANCE 770-254-2351 FIRE 770-253-1851 GARAGE 770-253-0327 HUMAN RESOURCES 770-254-2358 INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 770-254-2358 KEEP NEWNAN BEAUTIFUL 770-253-8283 MAINSTREET NEWNAN 770-253-8283 MAYOR 770-254-2358 PLANNING AND ZONING 770-254-2354 POLICE 770-254-2355 PUBLIC INFORMATION 770-254-2358 PUBLIC WORKS 770-253-0327 SANITATION 770-253-0327 STREET 770-253-0327

DEPARTMENT HEADS BEAUTIFICATION

KEEP NEWNAN BEAUTIFUL

Mike Furbush

Carol Duffey

BUILDING

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR / MAINSTREET NEWNAN

Bill Stephenson

CEMETERY Jimmy Hemmings

CITY CLERK

Hasco Craver IV

Della Hill

MAYOR

CITY MANAGER

Keith Brady

Cleatus Phillips

PLANNING AND ZONING

ENGINEERING Michael Klahr

Tracy Dunnavant

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT Mark Johnston

D. L. “Buster” Meadows

FINANCE

Gina L. Snider

POLICE PUBLIC INFORMATION

Katrina Cline

PUBLIC WORKS Michael Klahr

FIRE David Whitley

HUMAN RESOURCES Meg Blubaugh

STREETS/ GARAGE/ SANITATION Deputy Public Works Ray Norton

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY Jim Chambers

Coweta Living 2015-16 143

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City of Newnan

COUNTY / CITIES

City of Grantville

numbers to know

MAYOR Doug Jewell mayor@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 MAYOR PRO-TEM Leonard Gomez leonard.gomez@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 COUNCIL MEMBER William Kee willie.kee@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 COUNCIL MEMBER Ruby Hines ruby.hines@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 COUNCIL MEMBER David Riley david.riley@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 CITY MANAGER Al Grieshaber Jr. agrieshaber@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 x215 CITY ATTORNEY Mark Mitchell smmitchell@mckeelaw.com 770-683-8900 McKee & Mitchell, LLC CITY CLERK Lynn Basham lbasham@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 x202 POLICE CHIEF Steve Whitlock swhitlock@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 Emergencies Call 911 PUBLIC WORKS SUPERINTENDENT Ron Owens rowens@grantvillega.org 770-583-2289 SENIOR CENTER Joann Byrom jbyrom@grantvillega.org 770-583-2706 SPLASH PARK 770-583-8935

City of Senoia

numbers to know CITY HALL 770-599-3679 City information, utilities, permits, building and zoning, public works, code enforcement, city taxes, etc.

POLICE DEPARTMENT AND MUNICIPAL COURT 770-599-3256 AREA PUBLIC LIBRARY 770-599-3537

144 Coweta Living 2015-16

have a current passing emissions inspection – or be exempt – and proof of insurance. Vehicles that are 25 years old or older are exempt from emissions requirements.

Once your vehicle is registered, you can renew your tag online or by phone, or come into the office. You can renew at mvd.dor.ga.gov/tags or by calling 877-496-0249. You can find more information at www.CowetaTaxCom.com.

In addition to registering your vehicle when you move into Coweta, you’re required by law to change your address on your driver’s license.

The local Department of Driver’s Services office is located at 128 Bullsboro Drive, in the Food Depot-anchored shopping center. You can change your address or renew your license at any DDS office in the state, and there are also a number of online options at www.dds.ga.gov . The office is open Tuesday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

There are many ways to register to vote, including online, in person and by mail. If you’ve recently moved to Coweta – or moved within the county – you’ll need to update your voter registration with your new address. Voters who have moved from one location in Coweta to another can vote in one election at their old address, if they haven’t updated their registration.

But if you’ve moved from another county, you’ll need to update before the voter registration deadline.

You can get all the info you need at the Coweta Voter Registration Office, 22 East Broad St. You can register online and check the status of your registration by visiting www.sos. ga.gov and clicking on “elections.”

Early voting is held at the voter registration office for 15 days before most elections. You can also get information about absentee voting by mail from the office.

Coweta County Probate Court is located in the 1904 Courthouse on the Court Square in downtown Newnan.

Thanks to the computerized birth certificate system, most people can pick up copies of their birth certificates there even if they were not born in Coweta County. Most death certificates from Georgia are also available. In addition to birth and death certificates, marriage license and gun permits, probate court also deals with estates, wills and trusts, as well as “guardianship” situations and involuntary committals.

Also located in the 1904 Courthouse is the Coweta County Visitor’s Center. Stop in to learn about activities and attractions in Coweta and nearby areas. CL

numbers to know

Here are Coweta County government departments and contact numbers for various county buildings and facilities:

ADMINISTRATION BUILDING

JUSTICE CENTER

22 East Broad Street, Newnan

72 Greenville Street, Newnan

Administration / Commission Office:

Clerk of State Court:

770-254-2601

770-254-2699

Road Department: 101 Selt Road, Newnan 770-253-0794

Animal Control / Shelter: 91 Selt Road, 770-254-3735 or 770-254-3728 after hours Monday through Saturday, all day Sunday and holidays.

Board of Elections:

Clerk of Superior Court:

678-854-0015

770-254-2690

Business License Department: 770-254-2626

Coweta Circuit District Attorney’s Office:

Code Enforcement:

770-254-7300

101 Selt Road, 770-254-3785

770-254-2669

Communications Manager:

District Attorney’s Victim Assistance Program:

FAIRGROUNDS COMPLEX

770-254-2608

770-254-7350

Community and Human Resources Director:

State Court Indigent Defense:

770-254-2603

Coroner: 770-683-0444

Finance Department: 770-254-2607

Geographic Information Systems: 678-854-0029

Human Resources Office: 770-254-2604

Information Technology - IT:

770-254-2658

Magistrate:

Pine Road, Newnan Fairgrounds & Conference Center: 275 Pine Road, 770-254-2685

770-254-2610

Cooperative Extension Service / 4-H (state):

Solicitor’s Office:

255 Pine Road, 770-254-2620

770-254-2646

JUVENILE CENTER 78 Greenville Street, Newnan Juvenile Court: 770-254-3730

770-254-3716

1904 COURTHOUSE

Planning and Zoning:

200 Court Square, Newnan

770-254-2635

Probate Court:

Tax Commissioner (Property Tax):

770-254-2640

770-254-2670

Environmental Management:

Visitors Center:

OTHER DEPARTMENTS/ OFFICES Airport: Newnan-Coweta County Airport Whitlock Field, Newnan 115 Airport Road. 770-254-8102

Building Inspections Dept.: 4 Madison Street, 770-254-2660

State Court Probation: 10 Olive Street, 770-252-6440

770-254-2627 / 1-800-826-9382

Transportation & Engineering

51 PERRY STREET BUILDING

21 E. Washington St., 770-254-3775

770-254-7260

Perry and Madison Streets, Newnan

Voter Registrar:

Adult Drug Court Office:

Development Authority: 100 International Park, Newnan

770-254-2615

770-683-0205

770-304-1777

Tag Office: 770-254-2631

Veterans Services (state):

ADMINISTRATIVE ADDITION 37 Perry Street, Newnan Tax Assessors Office: 770-254-2680

(Includes Stormwater & Floodplain Mgt.):

Adult Probation Office:

Emergency Management:

770-254-7204

195 International Park, Newnan 770-254-2650

Environmental Health (state): 770-254-7422

E-911:

SELT ROAD COMPLEX

195 International Park, Newnan 770-254-3911 (non-emergency) 770-254-5809 (office)

Selt Road, Newnan County Prison & Work Release Center:

LIBRARY SYSTEM:

101 Selt Road, 770-254-3723 / 770-254-3728

Central Library: 85 Literary Lane, Newnan, 770-683-2052

continued ➧

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Coweta County

COUNTY / CITIES

Powell Branch: 25 Hospital Road, Newnan, 770-253-3625

Grantville Branch: 100 Park Drive, Grantville, 770-683-0535

Senoia Branch: 148 Pylant Street, Senoia, 770-599-3537

Physical Health Department (state): 70 Hospital Road, 770-254-7400

Powell Expo Center: 197 Temple Avenue, 770-252-6429

Public Buildings Department: 28 East Washington Street, 770-254-2666

Superior Court Public Defender Office: 8-B Madison Street, 770-254-2704

SHERIFF’S OFFICE Main Office and Jail: 560 Greison Trail, 770-253-1502

East Precinct: 55 Literary Lane, 770-254-8922

RECREATION DEPARTMENT: Main Office: 39 Hospital Road, 770-254-3750

Hunter Complex: 2970 East Hwy. 16, 770-254-3740

Clay-Wood Community Center: 135 Heery Road, 770-254-3745

Water and Sewerage Authority: 545 Corinth Road, Newnan, 770-254-3710

Fire Department Headquarters: 483 Turkey Creek Road, 770-254-3900

OTHER GOVERNMENT OFFICES: Dept. of Family and Children Services (DFACS): 533 Highway 29 North, 770-254-7234

Drivers Services: 128 Bullsboro Drive, 770-254-7203 (recorded info) 678-413-8400

Georgia State Patrol: 517 Turkey Creek Road, 770-254-7201

Social Security: 246 Bullsboro Drive, Suite B, 678-423-8972; 1-800-772-12132

146 Coweta Living 2015-16

A Advertiser INDEX

92.5 The Bear........................................61 Amazing Smiles, P.C.......................... 111 Arbor Springs Realty...........................41 Atlanta Market Furniture................... 55 Atlanta Range & Ordnance............. 49 Berkshire Hathaway........................... 79 Brewton-Parker College...................121 Cancer Treatment Centers of America....................................... 103 Carl E. Smith and Sons Building Materials, Inc..................... 63 Charter Bank........................................21 Christian City....................................... 87 Collector's Corner and The BoneYard.................................... 57 Coweta Cities & County Employees Federal Credit Union........................ 33 Coweta County Convention & Visitors Bureau................................... 69 Coweta County Development Authority.............................................17 Coweta County School System......129 Edward Jones......................................11 Fabritique............................................ 54 First Baptist Church............................. 85 Georgia Bone & Joint, LLC.................. 3 Georgia Military College.................... 9 Grannie Fannie's................................ 35 Jack Peek's Sales...............................147 Jeffries Eye Care................................ 119 Kam, Ebersbach and Lewis.............. 57 Knox Furniture & Panoply Interior Design................... 35 Lee-King Pharmacy.......................... 119 Let Them Eat Toffee............................ 25 Litz Tire and Automotive.................... 52 MainStreet Newnan........................... 25 Matrix Insurance Agency, Inc.......... 54 McGuire's Buildings............................ 32 McKoon Funeral Home..................... 39 Meat 'N' Greet.................................... 27 Morgan Jewelers................................ 83 Newnan First United Methodist Church............................. 85 Newnan-Coweta Art Association.... 93 Newnan-Coweta Board of Realtors.......................................... 43

Newnan Station Tire & Automotive Repair........................... 29 Newnan Tactical & Surplus............... 35 Newnan Theatre Company............. 73

Newnan Utilities.................................... 8 North Georgia Turf............................... 6 Northside Hospital................................ 7 NuWay Realty..................................... 23 Odyssey Charter School..................126 Pain Care............................................... 4 Peachtree Immediate Care............ 117 Peachtree Pediatric Dentistry, LLC.................................... 115 Piedmont Newnan Hospital............. 99 Powers Heating & Air......................... 59 Progressive Heating and Air Conditioning......................... 5 Sarah's Home Design & Gift House...........................................51 Sewell Marine...................................... 55

Somerby of Peachtree City............ 109 Something Special............................. 39 St. Paul’s Episcopal Church............... 83 Stemberger & Cummins, P.C.............31 StoneBridge Early Learning Center...............................125 Ten East Washington.......................... 25 The Bedford School...........................126 The Great Frame Up.......................... 23 The Newnan Times-Herald................ 65 The Smile Spa & Anti-Aging Solutions........................107 Treasures Old & New.......................... 53 United Bank......................................... 45 Unity Baptist Church.......................... 83 University of West Georgia...............123 Ward Law Office................................ 39 Wesley Woods of Newnan............... 113 West Georgia Gastroenterology Accociates, P.C................................101 Vinewood Plantation....................... 148 West Georgia Health........................... 2 West Georgia Technical College.............................................127 Wholesale Expo...................................47

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