Connecting - Coweta Living 2011

Connecting

A publication of

The Times-Herald

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Coweta offers many

activities for

children, families

By Nichole Golden

he family that plays together stays together” goes the old adage.

In Coweta, there’s no shortage of fun for the family – from spending a day enjoying nature to attending oneof-a kind art events.

The long awaited Chattahoochee Bend State Park opened July 1, 2011 and is Georgia’s fifth largest state park. Located in western Coweta, the park features seven miles of Chattahoochee River frontage and five miles of walking trails. Volunteer as a family to support and help maintain the park by joining the Friends of Chattahoochee Bend State Park. “Bend Friends” have volunteer work days scheduled monthly.

Learn more at www.bendfriend.com.

Scouting remains a great way for children and parents to have fun together and serve the community. Each fall, the Boy Scouts of America Flint River Council holds sign-up days for scouting at Coweta’s elementary and middle schools. The Coweta district offers a variety of opportunities for boys. The Cub Scout Day Camp is an annual summer tradition in Coweta. Cub Scouts enjoy water battles, archery, learning about flag etiquette, and arts and crafts. When a scout becomes too old to attend, they can earn points for service work by volunteering at the camp. “I prefer helping,” Boy Scout Elijah Neundorfer said during the 2011 camp.

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For details on what the Boys Scouts offer in Coweta, go to www.flintrivercouncil.org or check out the Coweta District on Facebook.

Cowetan Pamela Radcliff, who works with Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, says there is a waiting list for Girl Scout programs in the county and volunteers are needed to help provide troop activities for girls. For details on volunteering, call 770-702-9413 or go to www.gsgatl.org. The new Pathways program of the Girl Scouts provides opportunities for girls outside of traditional troops. From tea parties to technology, there are activities to appeal to all girls.

Are you a mom who needs a break and some camaraderie with the girls? First Baptist Church of Newnan has a chapter of MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers. Programs feature guest speakers, crafts, games, food and fellowship with childcare provided. A fun “spa day” is held each winter. Childcare is included in an annual registration fee, and scholarships are available. MOPS Coordinator Kelly Preston is a huge proponent of playgroups for both moms and children, but also knows there’s a need for a break in every mom’s life to develop friendships and become better women. “I believe wholeheartedly that MOPS provides this nurturing, encouraging environment,” she said.

MOPS meetings start each September and conclude in the spring, but Summertime

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Glenn Flake, shown here and above at right, was among those recently celebrating the opening of Chattahoochee Bend State Park in Newnan. Located in western Coweta, it is the state’s fifth largest state park.

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Senoia's Red and Black 1112-year-old Majors battle during District 4 Little League play.

Black team member Kevin Bennett tags Cole Buchanan, while Ja'cory Swanson, right, looks on.

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Playdates are also held. The MOPS group is open to all faiths. For details visit www.fbcnewnan.org and click on “Women’s Ministries.”

Coweta is fortunate to have the Summit Family YMCA, which offers group exercise programs, tennis, aquatics and leadership programs for youth. Scholarships are available for single parents, senior citizens and those experiencing job loss. For information on its fitness programs, call 770254-9622.

The Coweta Recreation Department offers sports, dog obedience classes and art programs. Its website, www.coweta.ga.us, also features links to many volunteer-run sports leagues including Sharpsburg AABC baseball, Coweta County Soccer Association, Senoia Little League, Sharpsburg Regional Softball Association, Newnan YAA Baseball, and area basketball leagues for men and youth.

Want to introduce your family to the arts?

The Centre for Performing and Visual Arts in

The Coweta Recreation Department offers sports, dog obedience classes and art programs, volunteer-run sports leagues including Sharpsburg AABC baseball, Coweta County Soccer Association, Senoia Little League, Sharpsburg Regional Softball Association, Newnan YAA Baseball, and area basketball leagues for men and youth.

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of the month at Junction Lanes in Newnan.

Newnan features art exhibits, concerts, and The shows benefit local charities and feature theatrical productions by locals and artists more than 150 restored cars. from across the globe. The 2011-2012 season For more ways to have fun in Coweta, go includes The American Place Theatre to www.explorecoweta.com – the site of the Production of The Things They Carried, The Coweta County Convention and Visitors United States Marine Band, Presidio Brass, Bureau. You will find more ways to connect, The Juilliard Concert Series, A Christmas form friendships, and serve the community Carol, Dailey and Vincent Bluegrass, the while having a great time. CL Dutch chamber music group Storioni Trio, the American Boychoir School, and the Spelman College Glee Club.

The Newnan Community Theatre Company offers family friendly productions, improv, shows for just mom and dad, 168 Greenville Street, Newnan, GA and the popular summer program KidsCamp. For the 770.253.1607 season’s schedule, go to www.newnantheatre.org.

Reading can open a whole new world for families. Each library in Coweta has yearround and summer reading activities.

The historic Carnegie Library in Newnan sponsors movie programs, history presentations, story hours for children, an Armchair Travelers session, and informational programs for seniors.

Coweta’s public libraries include the Central Library in east Coweta, the A. Mitchell Powell Jr. Library in Newnan and branch libraries in Senoia Traditional Services On-line Guestbook Signage and Grantville.

Grief Counseling Cowetans can enjoy Multiple Instate Rooms Memorial Services seasonal fairs and festivals Several Spacious Chapels Cremation including the Labor Day weekend Powers’ Festival and Pre-Need Immediate Burials Consultation Main Street Newnan events Ship-Ins/Ship-Outs and Insurance such as Market Day and Taste Monument Consultation of Newnan. Car enthusiasts will Horse and Carriage Personal Memorial tributes enjoy the Car Show Series of Transport the United Way and The Car www.sellerssmithfh.com Guys, held the second Saturday

Sellers-Smith Funeral Home, Inc.

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