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CONTENTS IN THIS ISSUE

44

our

MAY-JUNE 2017

16

features 16 | Have Poodle, Will Hunt

A Moreland couple is showing the world that standard poodles can excel in the hunt field.

24 | What's for Dinner?

Coweta's restaurant scene reflects our community's diversity.

12 | www.newnancowetamag.com

28 | Backstreet Arts This Newnan nonprofit freely shares the healing

power of art.

55 | The (not) Perfect Wedding

Not every wedding day is a fairy tale come true; sometimes things go askew.

28 in this issue

14 | From the Editor 15 | Roll Call 36 | Coweta Hobby

40 | Coweta Cooks!

46 | Coweta Gardener 50 | Day Trip 62 | Coweta History 64 | Around Coweta 65 | Blacktop 66 | Index of Advertisers 66 | What’s Next

on the cover

Kim Ramey founded Backstreet Arts to offer access to artistic expression to all Cowetans at no cost. ➤ page 28 Photo by Beth Neely

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FROM THE EDITOR

Bring on

Summer W

ow, the year continues to fly by with sweet summertime already on our doorstep. It’s time to get outside — for a picnic or a hike or both. Before the heat of deep summer pushes us into the air conditioning, be sure to make some fun memories.

Hope you enjoy the “porch sitting” weather with a glass of tea (or watermelon lemonade — recipe within) and some time to soak in the wonder of a Coweta summer.

June is the traditional wedding month, but we’ve turned our attention to some decidedly non-traditional wedding moments.

Check out the article on wedding fails and be sure to read the anecdotes from your neighbors about what went wrong on their big day. It probably took a while for many of them to see the humor in these stories!

Market Days are back on the square, and local farmers markets will be offering summer’s bounty up weekly. Eating fresh and local is one of the treats of our community. From Coweta farms to your table … it doesn’t get better than that.

I had the pleasure of meeting a local couple who are showing standard poodles in a whole new light. Admit it, you think frou frou when you think poodle, but these dogs are serious retrievers who are getting noticed in the field. Be sure to read about their versatility.

Our cover story introduces a relatively new nonprofit in our community. Funded by grants and individual donations, Backstreet Arts provides access to the healing power of art to Coweta residents at no charge.

As always, I encourage you to reach out and tell us about your neighbors. We’d love to share their stories with the whole community.

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14 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Debbie Burns Brady, Editor magazine@newnan.com

Raised on a farm in nearby Pike County, DEBBIE BURNS BRADY has a love for all things four-legged.

She and her husband, live on a farm with an ever changing number of dogs, cats and horses. A lifelong equestrian, Debbie can often be found on the back of a horse.

Debbie’s love of writing led her to a degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!) and an early career as the editor of a gardening magazine. After a couple decades of working for a trade association in public affairs, Debbie is back to her first love as editor of NCM. Interviewing Coweta residents about their hobbies, careers and lives easily beats a day in the office! ➤ Have Poodle, Will Hunt, page 16

MAY-JUNE 2017

ALAN BLACK has contributed to several issues of NCM and his photos illustrate the Farm to Table article in this edition. In Alan’s words, “I have been a photographer for over two years now.

Photography has become my favorite thing to do. I love capturing special moments and enjoy meeting new people.

It’s rare that you see me without my camera!” Alan met local photographer Shauna Veasey and her husband Brandon through their church’s student ministry. Alan began interning for Shauna in May 2015 and recently became a full time member of the Shauna Veasey Photography staff. When not shooting Alan is hanging out with his girlfriend Carly, playing the guitar, going on mission trips, or working as an intern with the student ministry at Peachtree City Christian Church. ➤ Farm-to-table, page 46

SUSAN DAVIS happily admits that she has a slightly warped sense of humor.

She is not one to take herself or life too seriously. So, when she thought about weddings, Sue immediately remembered all the funny videos she watched online of all the epic FAILS that happen during ceremonies and receptions—and she laughed again.

Wanting to share those funny happenings, but not wanting to rely on second-hand stories over the internet, Sue set out to interview neighbors, family and friends for their experiences with the “Wedding Whoopsies.”

Her article takes a tongue-in-cheek look at real incidents in real people’s lives. They may not have seemed funny in the moment, but now, hopefully, we can all sit back and smile, knowing that an unfortunate event during the wedding festivities can provide a lifetime of smiles, stories and hearttugging memories of that very special day. ➤ The (not) Perfect Wedding, page 55

ROLL CALL

NCM CONTRIBUTORS

BETH NEELY is a native of Coweta County and fourthgeneration employee of The Newnan Times-Herald. After rambling around the country for several years, getting married to her best friend, and figuring out what she ought to be doing, she returned to her hometown in 2013 to pursue her passion for words and wildlife, which includes raising two rambunctious children and proofreading The Newnan Times-Herald.

She has been an artist for as long as she can remember, and credits art with keeping her grounded. Learning to see the “art” in everything has been a lesson well worth learning.

Past endeavors include glassblowing, metal casting and welding, painting and drawing, carpentry, pottery, writing, and photography.

She can usually be found reading, catching bugs, digging in the garden, or trying to remind her toddler not to swear in public, because it’s not cute or funny. ➤ Backstreet Arts, page 28

may/june 2017 | 15

CLOSER LOOK

One thing that Louters’ poodles don’t do is become couch potatoes. They defy anyone’s definition of frou frou, and they do it with style.

16 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Have Poodle, Will Hunt

T

houghts of hunting dogs conjure up images of rugged Labradors and other breeds with, well “retriever” in their name.

What you aren’t likely to think of is a poodle, but one Coweta couple is making great strides in changing that perception. Rich and Angie Louter of Moreland are the owners of Louter Creek Poodles and Louter Creek Retrievers and Gun Dogs.

On any given week their poodles might be doing a hunt test, competing in lure coursing, in the show ring or dock diving, and some weeks it’s the same dog doing a combo of any of the above.

photo courtesy of Angie Louter

Louter Creek's SHR Ch LouterCreek Wonderful Tonight CA BCAT DN WC, aka Clapton

The obsession with all things poodle began with Angie. Many years ago she actively showed Lhasa Apsos on the American Kennel Club circuit. When her daughter, Lexie, was born, she was allergic to dog hair, so Angie rehomed her Lhasa Apsos and began thinking of a solution.

“I was drawn to standard poodles because they are hypoallergenic and non-shedding which was key for my daughter’s allergies, but they also have an amazing temperament and are great with people and other dogs,” Angie said.

“It was Rich who brought up their hunting heritage. I thought he Written by DEBBIE BURNS BRADY

may/june 2017 | 17

CLOSER LOOK

might just be saying that because he wanted to date me,” she laughs. “But he was serious and decided to work with a standard poodle to showcase their retrieving background.”

Cooper joined the family as a puppy for Lexie to compete in AKC Junior Showmanship, but Lexie’s interest in showing flagged, and Cooper wasn’t really cut out for the conformation ring. He became Rich’s first standard poodle gun dog.

“Cooper taught me a lot. He tolerated my mistakes as new trainer. I learned more from that one dog than from all the other dogs,” Rich said.

So let’s back up, what does a retrieving heritage or drive mean? It’s basically a natural inclination to retrieve and return. As a trainer, it’s Rich’s job to enhance that natural drive and encourage it Rich and Angie Louter are showing the first and foremost. As the dog’s training becomes versatility of standard poodles from the more advanced, its natural instincts are still the show ring to the hunt field. foundation, but they have to tolerate more physical and mental pressure as they are asked to do ever more complex tasks.

Cooper thrived under the challenges of competition and became the first, and to date only, standard poodle to hold top hunt-test titles and working-field titles across several different kennel and breed clubs (AKC, United Kennel Club, North American Hunting Retriever Association and Poodle Club of America to those in the know in the dog world).

Rich began training professionally and today works with both poodles, their own and clientowned, and several client-owned Labrador Retrievers. He also coaches new handlers. “It’s really hard to teach a handler and their dog at the same time, so I like to start with the dog and get its training established and then bring the owner in,” Rich said.

Corey Trammell of Atlanta is in the early days of that development process. Trammell was looking for a personal gun dog to go duck, quail and pheasant hunting and also to be a family pet for him and his wife, Alicia. “I did a lot of research online to decide on what breed of dog, and I was really drawn to the poodles because they don’t shed,” he said.

Trammell drove down to Moreland to meet the Louters and their poodles. The Louters have a sixto eight-month long waiting list for puppies, but the Trammells moved up the list when their puppy, SHR Louter Creek's General P.G.T. Scout, was determined to be a great fit.

Beauregard JH WC, also known as Beau.

photographed by Susan Crutchfield

“I was drawn to standard poodles because they are hypoallergenic and non-shedding which was key for my daughter’s allergies, but they also have an amazing temperament and are great with people and other dogs.”

18 | www.newnancowetamag.com

— Angie Louter

photo courtesy of Jordan Edens

Grace (SHR Splasher's Wind Beneath My Wings BN RN JH CAX BCAT RATN WC) shows her speed in a recent competition in Fairhope, Alabama. Angie and Rich take their poodles to sporting events and hunt trials all over the country.

may/june 2017 | 19

CLOSER LOOK

20 | www.newnancowetamag.com

photographed by Susan Crutchfield

Move Better. Feel Better.

LIVE BETTER.

“What they are doing for the breed is phenomenal.

Bringing it back to what it was originally bred for . . . to take advantage of their intelligence and athleticism.”

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“Their program is great because they communicate so well with us throughout the training process. We brought Scout home for a few months and did our homework of encouraging her interest in retrieving and bonding with her,” said Trammell. At 7-months Our Doctors Our Physician Assistants Jack H. Powell, III, M.D. of age Scout went back to the Louters to begin her Beth Fleming, P.A.-C. George M. Ballantyne, M.D. formal obedience and retriever training.

Jared Shafer, P.A.-C. Michael P. Gruber, M.D. “I drive down once a week to work with Scout and Chad M. Kessler, M.D. Darron Baham, P.A.-C. for Rich to train me so I know how to handle her in Michael V. Cushing, M.D. Rusty Smith, P.A.-C. the field,” Trammell said. “It’s amazing how quickly Jayson A. McMath, M.D. Lee Davis, P.A.-C. she’s progressed. She’s a completely different dog J. Heinsch, M.D. OurDavid Doctors when it comes to obedience (after three months in Our Physician Assistants George Ballantyne, M.D. Our Doctors training).”

Our Ph Darron Jack H. Powell, III,Baham, M.D. P.A.-C. Michael Cushing, M.D. Newnan The Louters’ hunting poodles were cast into a 1755 Highway East, Suite 2200 George M. Ballantyne, Lee Davis, P.A.-C. Beth Fl M.D. Michael34Gruber, M.D. national spotlight when Cooper appeared on the Newnan, GA 30265 Beth Fleming, P.A.-C. David Heinsch, M.D. Jared S Michael P. Gruber, M.D. (770) 502-2175 popular TV show “Duck Dynasty.” The producers Jared M.D. Shafer, P.A.-C. Chad Kessler, M.D. Chad M. Kessler, Darron O RTHO PA E DIC E XC E L LE NC E . EXCEPT IONAL CAR E. of the show contacted Rich and Angie to ask if they Peachtree City Rusty Smith, Jayson McMath, M.D. Michael V. Cushing, M.D.P.A.-C. Rusty S www.GeorgiaBoneandJoint.org 4000 Shakerag Hill, Suite 100 could use Cooper in an episode in 2012. Cooper’s star Jack Powell, III, 30269 M.D. Jayson A. McMath, M.D. Lee Da Peachtree City, GA Call today for an appointment! turn in the dove field under the (supposed) guidance (770) 626-5340 David J. Heinsch, M.D. of “Uncle Si” showed the world that poodles have the Newnan right stuff in the field.

Our Doctors Highway 34 East, Suite| Foot 2200 Ankle | Back | Elbow | Hip |Assistants Joint Replacement | Knee | Neck “They left a lot of really funny stuff that happened Jack H. 1755 Our| Hand Physician Newnan Powell, III, M.D. Newnan, GA 30265 Pediatric Orthopaedics | Shoulder | Spine | Sports Medicine | Wrist that day out. It was a lot of fun. They asked me to George M. Ballantyne, 1755 Highway 34 East, Suite 2200 Beth Fleming, P.A.-C. M.D. (770) 502-2175 Newnan, GA 30265 Our Doctors cause a bit of misdirection from the sidelines to fit Michael P. Gruber, M.D. Jared Shafer, P.A.-C. ORTHOPAEDIC EXCEPTIONAL CARE. 502-2175 OurEXCELLENCE. Physician Assistants City III, M.D.(770) Jack H. Powell, their storyline,” Rich recalled. That caused a bit of Chad M. Kessler,Peachtree M.D. Darron www.GeorgiaBoneandJoint.org Baham, P.A.-C. 4000 Shakerag Hill, 100 M.D. Beth Fleming, P.A.-C. George M.Suite Ballantyne, O RTHO PAEDIC EXC EL heartburn back home when the owner of one of the Michael V. Cushing, Peachtree City M.D. Smith, P.A.-C. Peachtree City, GA 30269Rusty Jared Shafer, Michael P. Gruber, M.D. Call today for anP.A.-C. appointment! www.GeorgiaB 4000 Shakerag Hill, Suite 100 labs used for the episode tuned in to find out that (770) 626-5340 Jayson A. McMath, M.D. Lee Davis, P.A.-C. Chad M. Kessler, Peachtree M.D. Darron Baham, P.A.-C. City, GA 30269 Call today fo their prized hunting dog was made to look less than David J. Heinsch, M.D. Michael V. Cushing, M.D. Rusty Smith, P.A.-C. (770) 626-5340 polished in its retrieves.

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Ankle | Back | Elbow | Foot | Hand | Hip | Joint Re 1755 Highway 34 East, Suite 2200 Angie handles the show ring side of the operation Newnan Newnan, GA 30265 Pediatric Orthopaedics | Shoulder | Spine | Sp as well as traveling to lure-coursing and dock-diving(770) 502-2175 1755 Highway 34 East, Suite 2200 Newnan, GA 30265 events. She’s not afraid to try her poodles out in any ORTH OPA E DIC E XCE L LE NCE . E XCE PTIONA L CA RE. (770) 502-2175 Peachtree City activity. “I do the early work to get them ready for the www.GeorgiaBoneandJoint.org ORTHOPAEDIC EXCELLE NCE. EXC E PT IO NAL C ARE .

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The Louters’ current rising star is Champion LouterCreek Wonderful Tonight, known less Ankle formally | Back | Elbow | Foot | Hand | Hip | Joint Replacement | Knee | Neck Ankle | Back | Elbow | Foot | Hand | Hip | Joint Replacement | Knee | Neck Pediatric Orthopaedics | Shoulder | Spine | Sports Medicine | Wrist Pediatric Orthopaedics | Shoulder | Spine | Sports Medicine | Wrist

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www.facebook.com/CowetaCountyFarmBureau 22 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Angie introduced their poodles to dock diving, and they took to it readily. Hannah, Louter Creek Very-Merry CAA DN, takes flight on her way to earning her DN — Dock Novice title.

as Clapton. Clapton finished his AKC Championship in just three weekends of showing in puppy classes which put him up against adults for the Best of Breed classification, and he swept the competition. Angie refers to him as “my little stallion” because of his presence in the show ring; he’s a natural showman.

Clapton is also well on his way to titles in the hunt tests as well. During a recent week, Clapton earned a Fast Cat title for his speed in a 100-yard dash with Angie and then loaded up in the truck with Rich to earn qualifications for his Junior Hunter title.

Last summer Angie set up a dock-diving pool in the back field so the poodles could try their paw at that sport as well. “It gives them a little more ‘oomph’ into the water for their hunt tests as well as just being fun for them,” Angie said.

Sometimes there is a little friendly rivalry between the couple for who has dibs on which dog for what activity.

Rich concedes that Angie’s interest in the lure and dockdiving competitions has brought some advantages for the

20 Celebrating

photo courtesy of Connie Fore

dogs’ performances in the hunt tests, but he’s really glad when they wind up their show ring careers and the big fancy haircuts are shaved down.

Paula Romberger, a fellow standard poodle breeder, chose Cooper to sire a litter with her prized female well before he became a famous TV star because she wanted to bring the hunting drive back into her bloodlines. Her dog Ten Gauge was trained by Rich. “One thing with these dogs is you have to train them with kindness versus force. Rich has a natural ability to read dogs and keep their enthusiasm intact as they learn,” said Romberger.

“What they (the Louters) are doing for the breed is phenomenal. Bringing it back to what it was originally bred for and encouraging everyone they meet to do something with their dogs to take advantage of their intelligence and athleticism,” Romberger said.

One thing that Louters’ poodles don’t do is become couch potatoes. They defy anyone’s definition of frou frou, and they do it with style. NCM

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Vision for 2017: Raise $100,000

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to support our community and provide education to our nonprofit agencies.

770-253-1833

www.cowetafoundation.org

may/june 2017 | 23

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Variety, as the saying goes, is the spice of life, and Coweta brings plenty of dishes to the table. Fine dining, casual restaurants, and fast-food franchises are scattered throughout the county, and the foodie-inspired trend to “keep ‘em coming” seems never-ending. So, what is it that makes Coweta a dining destination? Developers say it’s in the data.

“R

estaurateurs and franchise owners follow certain data points,” explained Newnan Assistant City Manager Hasco Craver IV. “Restaurant owners can use a variety of public information to make an educated decision on where to locate their business.”

Factors such as per capita income (the average income of residents), retail spending, and even traffic help entrepreneurs choose a location for business, according to Craver.

Entrepreneur, a print and digital magazine focused on self-starters and hopeful business owners, noted that when it comes to establishing a food or retail business, location is key. The magazine directs potential founders to utilize analysis tools like a demographic overview depicting lifestyle, trends, and traffic patterns to determine the best location.

“Our community has become a destination for things like retail shopping and, as a result, automobile traffic picks up,” Craver said. “Business developers see that traffic flow coming into the county and decide it is a good place to locate a restaurant.”

Robert Bhagwandat, director of franchise development for Checkers and Rally’s, knows the local market well, and noted that one of the great things about Newnan is that it is very much self-contained. Particularly in Newnan, Coweta’s county seat, Bhagwandat said, every type of business can be found all in

one area.

“And residents like to do business with one another,” he said. “Many travel to Atlanta, but most do only when they have to.”

Locals, according to Bhagwandat, enjoy having every option available and accessible. And the increasing population in the county means that, in some cases, more than one of the same eatery may be needed. Checkers, known as Rally’s

in most northern states in the U.S., currently has two locations in the city of Newnan.

“As the director of franchise development, my job is to put the facts and numbers in front of potential owners,” Bhagwandat explained. “We use a variety of analytics when opening restaurants, including the overall population and the density of people in certain areas.”

Bhagwandat said, from a business perspective, the company hopes that

every restaurant will be successful. “We want to make sure if we open a second location nearby, it won’t take away from the business of another restaurant,” he said.

In Newnan, one Checkers diner and drive-thru is located on Highway 34, just outside of downtown, while the other was more recently placed inside of the local Walmart superstore. Bhagwandat said though the eateries are relatively close to one another, the restaurants are not necessarily competing for business.

“The two locations each serve a different type of consumer,” he continued.

“Each has a different traffic pattern.” The brand, established more than 30 years prior, is able to serve both the grab-andgo shopper and the residents stopping for an evening meal.

While many locals may have a thing or two to say about the influx of traffic on major thoroughfares throughout the county, most understand that growth — and the variety it brings in the way of both food and business — is, overall, a benefit.

“I think more restaurants are coming to Coweta to follow the crowds of people that continue to move to the area,” offered Moreland resident Tracie Hicks.

Hicks said she often makes her way to Newnan for dinner and other meals for its many dining choices. “We are both a small town and a city rolled into one, and that is appealing to most people here.”

Hicks, and a number of other residents, maintain that while Southern cookin’

Written by MAGGIE BOWERS

may/june 2017 | 25

We have such a “diverse demographic.

Personally, I go out of my way to only patronize locallyowned businesses.

We’ve got it all.”

– Newnan resident

Denise Gunnels

Locally-owned restaurants add to the unique charm of downtown Newnan.

26 | www.newnancowetamag.com

remains at the top of their favorite foods lists, she is willing to try many of the diverse offerings in the county.

“I like the restaurants that serve it up ‘old school’ like Culver’s, with yummy, reasonably-priced dinners,” Hicks said. “And, I love Fabiano’s and Uncle Maddio’s, who make delicious pizza the way it should be made.”

Residents, however, may not be the only population newly-added eateries in the area are aiming to serve.

Newnan is also known as the county’s healthcare destination with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and Piedmont Newnan Hospital’s stroke center and level 3 neonatal intensive care unit. Patients and visitors travel from across the nation, landing in Newnan for healthcare needs or to visit loved ones.

This makes diners even more diverse in tastes than the growing number of residents.

“It is a collection of all of these things that brings restaurants and other businesses to the area,” Craver explained. The county, and especially Newnan, continues to develop land, adding more homes and access to healthcare and other amenities.

“Employment, a rise in income levels, and being a regional retail destination, all contribute to the county’s appeal.”

Despite the seemingly endless choices, hundreds of

Coweta residents choose to display their community pride by spending primarily in local and familyowned business, including restaurants. This display of loyalty allows downtown eateries like Meat ‘N Greet, Redneck Café and Golden’s on the Square to be just as competitive in the Newnan market as other franchised diners.

Newnan residents like Denise Gunnels often remark that people’s willingness to “stay local” is a large part of what contributes to the small-town feel of cities in Coweta.

“We have such a diverse demographic. Personally, I go out of my way to only patronize locally-owned businesses,” Gunnels said. “We’ve got it all.”

Local business owner Amy Murphy agrees that a strong focus on “mom and pop” stores and diners is key to perpetuating the charm of a small town while still encouraging variety. Murphy owns Meat ‘N Greet on Jefferson Street in downtown Newnan, and Fabiano’s Pizzeria and The Alamo, both on the court square.

“Where you spend your money matters,” Murphy said. “You know where you’re spending your money, you know where it goes, and you know who you’re supporting by shopping local. People are starting to pay more attention to that.”

After briefly operating restaurants in north Georgia, Murphy said she decided to put her energy into her community. That was when she opened her third business in Newnan, Meat ‘N Greet.

“The better I can make downtown and the more I can do for my community, it really helps everybody,” Murphy added. NCM

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Written and Photographed by BETH NEELY 28 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Left: Kim Ramey, executive director of Backstreet Arts

“hasEverybody a story.

You can look really shiny on the outside, but everyone has something that art can help with.”

J

Above: Guest instructor from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., Karen Fullerton leads a class on creative journaling.

Left: Some examples show her techniques.

— Kim Ramey

ust off LaGrange Street in downtown, behind Bridging the Gap, hides Newnan’s newest addition to the local art scene.

Backstreet Arts, a nonprofit art studio, was founded in 2015 by Kim Ramey, and is thriving since the grand opening in January. Originally from Orlando, Fla., Ramey, a professional painter, felt the need to open up the opportunity for artistic expression to anyone and everyone, and specifically to those who were suffering from trauma or grief.

“Everybody has a story,” she said. “You can look really shiny on the outside, but everyone has something that art can help with.”

The idea of art as therapy is not a new concept. Various groups throughout the country have touted its benefits, ranging from helping veterans cope with Post-Traumatic

A vintage dress form, fitted with feathery wings, is a source of inspiration for students.

may/june 2017 | 29

Right: Haley Thain prepares a stencil for her journal page, while Hannah Kerlin plans her next steps.

Center: Volunteer Hope Harrison, left, listens to instructor Karen Fullerton guide Ayla Jones, Lauren Riles and Haley Thain during a recent journaling class.

Far right: an assortment of projects, both finished and in progress

Stress Disorder, to abuse victims struggling with complex tangles of grief, to those undergoing bouts of depression or stressful life events.

Ramey stumbled across the idea of art therapy during a dark period of her own life. She realized art had the ability to pull her out of her personal darkness, but not everyone shared that privilege. Art supplies, time, and space can be costly, so she thought about how she could make all of those things available to anyone who needed them.

After her husband’s job brought her family to Newnan, she set about bringing that concept to reality. At first she started with studio space in her home, but that wasn’t accessible enough, and she wasn’t reaching the people she felt needed it the most. After over what she figures were “several hundred cups of coffee,” she, with the help of her friend Rodney Roberts, finally came to the conclusion that she needed to become a nonprofit with her own space.

Once that decision was made, a Facebook fundraiser got underway, and was matched by The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Money was also raised from a limited-edition

print sale to help get the project moving. The painting, titled, “Angel Unawares,” sold 25 copies.

Now that she had her nest egg, she just needed a space.

Bridging the Gap, a local community outreach program, distributes food, toiletries, and household items to those in need. Its building is located on First Avenue, across from the Newnan Theatre Company. Ramey began volunteering with BTG in 2011.

One day, Ramey realized there was space available in the back of the building. Alison Wallace, executive director for BTG, went to the building’s owner, Joe Crain, to ask permission to sublet the space to Backstreet Arts. “I told him, ‘Mr. Joe, I really need that room. I believe lives are going to be changed,’” Wallace said. There was no hesitation in her mind that only good things would come of this new endeavor.

According to Wallace, Ramey has always been a client advocate with the ability to connect with people in a way that Wallace couldn’t. Bridging the Gap was able to fulfill physical needs, but Ramey sought to cure the unseeable.

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Below: "Angel Unawares." Sales of the limited-edition print of this painting helped fund the startup costs.

may/june 2017 | 31

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Wallace feels that Backstreet Arts has become a crucial partner in assisting those who come to BTG for help, allowing them to gather up the pieces of their life and move forward.

“I’ve seen the insides of people on canvas that could not have been expressed through words. She has given people justice, a sense of control over their lives, and self-worth,” Wallace said.

Southern Crescent Women’s Healthcare is a dedicated Once the agreement with Crain was made, Ramey established her group of professionals consisting physicians, certified studio in the vacant space.ofBackstreet’s new home, 19-B First Avenue, became a reality. nurse-midwives and nurse practitioners who are trained in Crainofpersonally supports the and concept as well. He donated the the specialty obstetrics and gynecology completely decorated car, known as the “Art Mobile,” that sits just outside the focused on women’s health care. We are committed to the studio. “It’s nice to have somewhere to go to find out if you’re an artist,” provision of excellent care, based on an evidence-based, he said. best-practice model.isWe seek accessible to serve patients throughout The studio easily to those who volunteer or receive services all phases of their lives in a warm, compassionate and encourages everyone to from BTG throughout the week, and Ramey come see the studio and try their hand at creating. nurturing manner, based on the teachings of Christ with a “I have witnessed lives being changed back there already,” said guiding principle found in Matthew 7:12: “So, in everything, Wallace. “She has allowed people a platform to express themselves do to others what you would have them do to you.” without stigma.”

According to the website, “Backstreet Arts reaches out to anyone and everyone who may not be aware of or have access to the proven healing power of art: those who have experienced trauma, illness, or grief; veterans and others suffering from PTSD; at-risk teenagers; disabled It has been homeless our vision and provide our who cannot afford art adults; and commitment low-incometoindividuals classes, and anyone wants to practice art in a comfortable, nonpatients with competent andwho compassionate medical care intimidating atmosphere.” in a family-centered environment. This commitment allows Brent Walker, a Backstreet board member, is a local photographer us to offer a wide range of services, skills and knowledge whose journey through life echos the ones of those Backstreet hopes to devoted to the healthcare of women in all phases of life. serve. After struggling with his own demons, he found his salvation in We photography. realize every woman places valuepublished on her health and entitled, “Hidden South,” He eventually a book

Dr. Heather Turner

understands the importance of regular gynecological care. The doctor/patient relationship is a privilege we understand to be unique and somewhat “sacred”. With this Dr. Deborah Shepard

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understanding, we pledge to make your visit with us special and comfortable. In return, we trust that you will have

See Videos read Seeand Videos and read Biographies at at Biographies

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Dr. Kimberly Cross

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755 Poplar Road • Suite 210 Newnan, GA 30265 1279 Hwy. 54 West • Suite 220 Fayetteville, GA 30214 7823 Spivey Station Blvd. • Suite 100 Jonesboro, GA 30236 Contact Us (770) 991-2200 Phone (770) 716-8672 Fax

confidence in our judgment and feel secure with your care.

“You are important to us!”

I have witnessed “lives being changed

back there already. She has allowed people a platform to express themselves without stigma.”

— Alison Wallace

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2 art galleries 53+ artists downtown greenville

a photojournal of the South’s forgotten faces along the fringes of ARTISANS society.

Of himself, on he says, “I struggled with addiction since my teens, the and despite numerous attempts, was never able to stay clean.

Today, I have almost 10 years of freedom from the substances that SQUARE were killing me. The only difference between this attempt and the others is that this time I found purpose through photography.”

He joined up with Backstreet Arts as a way to create a safe community and give people a way to connect with other people. “I know how much this can help people,” he said. He, too, credits art with saving his life.

Ramey says her greatest successes have been in seeing people come in to create art whom she worried would be too nervous to come by. She tries to reach out to people who are served by BTG. She says there is always at least some hesitation when the word “free” is thrown around. But the studio, the supplies, and even the coffee, are all just that.

Donations from across the community have filled the space with top-notch supplies, ranging from paper and paint, to sewing machines and fabrics, yarn, jewelry findings, beads, books, magazines, and canvasses. It’s the real deal, not the dregs of a craft supply sale.

Other ongoing donations such as new acrylic paints, canvasses, paintbrushes, pens, markers, rulers, fabric and sewing supplies are always welcome. Some used items that are needed include styrofoam trays (for paint), large yogurt cups, and old books and papers. A full wish list is available on their website.

She works with groups from the Rutledge Center, Family Court and Veteran’s Court, Alcoholics Anonymous and the Samaritan Clinic, reaching out to people who could benefit from a creative outlet. Some people may have never tried their hand at the arts. Others might have painted when they were kids, but life’s

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Kim and her dog, Toby, enjoy the "Art Mobile," which was donated to Backstreet Arts

by Joe Crain.

circumstances had prevented them from pursuing art any further.

Jennifer Barnett, the coordinator for Coweta County Drug Court, offers the opportunity to work at Backstreet Arts to all of her clients. The drug court is an “accountability court” for those who have convictions related to addiction or substance abuse.

Before Backstreet Arts, there was no art component to their program, which seeks to help steer people away from addiction and become healthy members of society.

“Our participants are often shunned by society and our community, so for Kim to be warm and welcoming and to treat them with respect is just a breath of fresh air.”

According to Barnett, Ramey has done wonderful things for her clients. She has seen women work through trauma, gain selfesteem, and develop a sense of identity through art journaling.

She has seen her clients come from the studio with a sense of empowerment and accomplishment that she credits directly to having had access to the studio at Backstreet Arts.

Ramey has put together a class for veterans to focus directly on PTSD and depression, and is planning to offer a series of classes.

“It’s already proving to be a wonderful partnership,” Barnett added.

The level of talent isn’t important, just the chance for catharsis and healing.

Monthly donations from individuals help pay the bills, and she has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support. Funds for a new sink that required rerouting the existing plumbing were raised in less than 24 hours. Ramey is now looking to add a bathroom, since the studio currently shares one with Bridging the Gap. Her family has helped out in many ways. Her husband, Ed, has served as a general contractor, helping with construction and repairs as needed. Her older son, Nick, and nephew, David, helped build the many tables used by the students. Her younger son, Jono, runs Savage Boys Coffee Roasters in town and provided the caffeination needed to keep everyone moving. He also helped design her website, backstreet.org.

Volunteers at the studio range from professional artists to people

1690 Hwy 34 E • Newnan

willing to hang out and wash paintbrushes. Any volunteers who will work with minors are subject to a background check to maintain a safe atmosphere for the participants. Depending on the day, you’ll come across a visiting painter from Fort Lauderdale, or a retired schoolteacher-turned professional artist, all there to help Ramey guide the participants.

The joy of seeing someone who has been suffering come in and find a moment’s peace by producing a real work of art has made it all worth it. Her mission has been “to provide a safe, welcoming, creative environment to anyone who may benefit from the healing powers of art and community.”

It is indeed a community atmosphere. Toby, Ramey’s goldendoodle, is the official friend of the studio, offering his head for a pat at the door as students and volunteers come and go. The space is bright, open and airy. There’s a kitchenette, a cozy, plantfilled reading nook, and plenty of space to spread out.

There are a few structured classes, but the openness lets people come in and out on their own schedule to create when the mood strikes. Artist volunteers are around to answer any questions.

Coffee is always on, provided by Ramey’s son. There are usually snacks. And there really are no strings attached.

It’s somewhat of a novel concept for the area, but one Ramey feels that Newnan is ready for. “We wouldn’t be here if the need wasn’t here,” she explained.

“All I know is that art is good, and everyone should have access to it.” NCM

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regarding studio hours, to donate or volunteer, visit backstreet.org or visit Backstreet Arts on Facebook at facebook.com/ bscommunityarts. You can also call 678-876-0062.

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C

oweta Radio Control Club President Gene Lavine recalled that one of his neighbors got into the hobby by watching

him.

“He said, ‘I think I want to get into it, but I’m only going to get one airplane,’” Lavine said from the club’s practice field at Powers’ Crossroads.

“Within 18 months… he probably had 20 airplanes,” Lavine said. “I knew this was going to happen.”

But don’t let that scare you. You can get into the hobby for a reasonable price. Whether or not you can control yourself after that is a different story.

“The cool thing about this hobby is there is something for everybody.

There is literally something for all ages, all budgets,” Lavine said.

You can buy a small “park flyer” and everything you need to fly it for under $100, he said. But from there, the sky’s the limit.

You can build a foam plane for around $30. Jets can be more like $40,000, Lavine said.

“I have friends who have more money in model aircraft than I have in my full-scale airplane.”

Not him, though. “If I’m going to spend that kind of money, I’ll be riding in it.”

Jason Fayling and his son Seth have planes that cost under $30 – and can easily be patched with tape or glue, and repaired in a pinch. They’re made of foamboard, and if you don’t want to repair it, you just cut out a new one.

Fayling, who is the club’s treasurer, had a hot-glue gun at the ready during a recent practice day, and several tool boxes.

“We like to build our plane, fly it, crash it. Take the parts out, put something in,” he said.

Once you buy your hardware and your radio controller, if you crash

Coweta Radio Control Club President Gene Lavine shows off his 35-percent-scale, radio control plane.

The plane has a 120 cc, twin-cylinder gas engine, and was built by Lavine – who now has so many planes he builds them for others. On the previous page, he demonstrates “hanging off the prop,” in the “3D” style of radio-controlled plane flight.

may/june 2017 | 37

The Coweta Cities & County Employees Federal Credit Union would like to congratulate Kelvin Thompson on his recent retirement after nearly 40 years of service to the Coweta County Sheriff’s Department. The Coweta Cities & County EFCU would also like to thank Kelvin for his more than 11 years of service to the Credit Union volunteering on the Board of Directors!

It’s volunteers like Kelvin, dedicated to the community, that make the difference at Coweta Cities & County EFCU!

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Club Treasurer Jayson Fayling and his son Seth fly batterypowered “foamies.” These foam planes can be easily patched or repaired – or if they’re too far gone, you can just cut a new one of of foam.

your plane, you can usually take out all the hardware, motors and controllers and put them on a new plane.

The foam planes aren’t as pretty as some of the other member’s planes, but they are great for flying, and if you crash them, no worries.

“We don’t call them crashes. We call them upgrade opportunities,” said Fayling.

“Or freeing up spare parts,” Lavine added.

And crash they do. Especially when you’re first getting started.

The line of pine trees across from the runway is “a graveyard for lots of planes,” said Fayling. “I’ve got at least six out there, somewhere.”

But the hobby, and the club especially, is about more than just flying.

“I think most people think that it’s about airplanes, and it’s really not. It’s about people,” Lavine said.

In several hours on a typical practice day, an individual might only do three-15 minute flights. The rest of the time is spent talking with friends, grilling out, and the like. And making repairs, of course.

Members of the Coweta Radio Control Club are out every weekend when the weather is nice, and the club has annual “fly in” events, as well. Official hours are dawn to dusk, Saturday and Sunday.

The Faylings ended up at the club after doing a little flying on their own.

Seth was 6 and they had bought a plane from Walmart.

“We were going to soccer fields and getting kicked out,” Fayling said. “When you smack them into cars, they don’t like

that.”

So they went to Allison Performance Hobbies in downtown Newnan to buy a nicer plane. Someone at the shop told them about the club.

They took the box with their brand new, unbuilt plane inside and headed to a practice day. When they arrived, some club members came up and introduced themselves. Right then and there, they helped the Faylings put the plane together and taught them how to fly. Within an hour, the new plane was in the air.

Lavine has been fascinated by flight his whole life and always wanted to fly a plane. But “there was no option for buying a full-scale airplane raising six children, so I got to flying model airplanes,” he said. Once the kids were grown he made the leap to a real airplane, but he still loves the models.

He loves building the planes as much as flying them. Nowadays, he builds them for others because he has more than enough of his own.

While the Faylings fly foam planes and can wreck them with abandon, other model airplane enthusiasts barely fly their planes at all.

“They spend so much time and effort building them to perfection that they don’t want to risk putting them up in the air and having something happen,” Lavine said.

“There are guys that like the look and feel and want it pristine and clean – and guys like me that like it in the air,” Fayling said.

It’s been that way for the whole 30 or so years Lavine has been in the hobby.

But other things have changed, a lot.

“Back when I started, you literally stick-built everything from a set of plans. Today you can build it as a kit or you can buy it almost ready to fly,” he said.

Learning how to fly has changed, too. Now there are “buddy boxes” –

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Trey Geboy flies a republic World War II plane. He’s also taking lessons to fly what RC enthusiasts call “full scale” planes – that is, the kind you sit in.

COWETA COOKS!

t c e f r Pe Picnic S Pastimes Written by ANNIE SINGH-QUERN

40 | www.newnancowetamag.com

ummer is more than a season. It is freedom.

And joy. And celebrating moments. It’s sun-kissed hair and hasty foot prints in the sand. It’s wider smiles and more “hellos.” It’s the clink in the glass of lemonade and guilt-free dollops of whipped cream. It’s a kaleidoscope of colors and the scent of fresh rain. It’s countless chats on the front porch and crickets calling in the night. It’s making the long out of long days, longer.

COWETA COOKS!

Planning ahead will help you get the most out of your picnic experience:

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There is one perfect place to be in the summer — the outdoors! Whether it’s an elaborate gathering with friends or family or a quiet getaway for two, picnics are a wonderful way to spend time together and to make memories.

Pick a Spot.

There is really no wrong spot for a picnic. It can be anywhere.

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Pack your picnic items well in advance, so that you have all the basic items and much more for your outing:

asket ✗ Picnic b ✗ Cooler water ✗ Bottled are r dinnerw ✗ Outdoo s owelette ✗ Moist t e ✗ Flatwar ner ope ✗ Bottle ✗ Blanket erpiece tive cent ✗ Decora ✗ Candles en ✗ Sunscre ay ✗ Bug spr ag ✗ Trash b

Prepare for a change in weather.

Pack umbrellas or sun hats just in case the forecast takes a turn.

Make your picnic a priority.

Don’t rush to get back to another appointment. Turn your phones off, wear comfortable clothes and shoes and just relax.

Pay attention to nature.

Engage all five of your senses, from the

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may/june 2017 | 41

COWETA COOKS!

ground up, and you’ll be surprised at the little and big blessings around you.

Play a game. Bring a deck of cards or pen and paper to play a friendly game of Hangman.

Strike a pose. Take out your camera to capture

candid or posed shots. Later, create a digital scrapbook of your picnic experience to share with friends and family.

Coweta County offers many spots for an unforgettable picnic experience:

food, and pack it in a picnic hamper as if you were going away from home. Use the shade of a tall tree or a grassy area to lay a blanket. Snip a few stems of herbs or flowers from your garden and make a fragrant centerpiece. Don’t forget the Frisbee to toss around with the little ones and your family pet. And feel no guilt for sneaking in a snooze while the kids play safely nearby.

Great food and good company make for a perfect picnic experience. A few Coweta County residents have offered to share their favorite recipes. From beverage to side dish to main course, these easy-to-make delicious dishes are sure to satisfy the tastebuds. And even better when they are shared in the outdoors.

Chattahoochee Bend State Park, Newnan

The graceful Chattahoochee River hugging the shores of the park offers a priceless view from the picnic area, with its weathered wooden benches under shaded pines and other native trees. After a meal, get on the Riverbend hiking trail and soak up the sights and sounds along the way.

Greenville Street Park, Newnan

Located off the main square of historic downtown Newnan, this beautiful park sports 25 columns and two art sculptures at its entrance. The proximity of the venue to the downtown homes and offices tempts residents and workers alike for a relaxing picnic getaway over the lunch hour. Walking paths offer a perfect end to a picnic experience before heading back to home or the office.

Carl Miller Park, Newnan

This park is popular with families because of its water slides, pavilion and picnic areas. Pack a food basket and swimsuits and head to this area for a day of sun and fun. The park is especially designed for younger children to enjoy, whether it’s a wet experience under the water spouts or the open area for playing.

Marimac Lakes Park, Senoia

Just about a quarter of a mile from historic downtown Senoia, the Marimac Lakes sit in the foreground of tall trees shading picnic benches. Cast a fishing rod in calm waters while your loved ones set the table for the perfect picnic. Then take a leisurely walk on the hiking trails located just behind the lake.

If you cannot travel to any of the areas in the county for a picnic, try your backyard. Setting up a picnic can be as easy as 1-2-3. Prepare all the 42 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Macaroni Salad (Requires marinating over night)

Ingredients:

8 oz. elbow noodles 1 cup Italian dressing 1 cup chopped bell pepper 1 cup chopped celery 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup grated carrot Mayonnaise 1 pint sour cream Cook noodles according to recommended directions on the box. DRAIN. Marinate over night in the Italian dressing. The next day, add remaining vegetables. Mix enough mayonnaise to hold together. Add sour cream. Salt and pepper to taste.

Chill. Serve with your favorite sandwich

— Dee Dee Baker, Sharpsburg

Watermelon Lemonade Ingredients:

6 cups

4 cups 3/4 cup 2/3 cup

cubed seedless watermelon, chilled (2 pounds after peeling) cold water fresh strained lemon juice, chilled granulated sugar (more or less to taste) ice and fresh mint for serving

Add watermelon to a blender and pulse until well pureed (there should be about 4 cups). Pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a bowl.

In a large pitcher, whisk together water, lemon juice and sugar until sugar has dissolved. Stir in pureed watermelon.

Stir in ice and mint (alternately add ice and mint directly to individual cups and pour lemonade over). Store in refrigerator.

Note: If you don’t have time to chill the ingredients then just use more ice in place of some of the water.

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1 tsp.

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hamburger meat onion, chopped finely mustard sugar Worcestershire sauce vinegar salt ketchup pepper hamburger buns

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In a large skillet, stir all the ingredients, except buns, together over medium heat. Add small amount of tomato juice if the mixture is too thick for your taste. Cook for 30 minutes stirring frequently.

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may/june 2017 | 43

COWETA COOKS!

s e n u T in the

Great Outdoors

Summertime is made for sitting outside and listening to music. We’re blessed to have several great venues nearby. Pack up your picnic basket and take in some of these great shows this summer.

Southern Ground Amphitheater 301 Lafayette Ave., Fayetteville, GA southerngroundamp.com

Chickpea and Tuna Salad Ingredients:

1 (19 oz.)

1 large 1 cup

1 oz.

1 cup 6 oz. can 2 large 1 tsp.

can of chickpeas — drained garlic clove – minced grape tomatoes – halved grated zest of 1 medium lemon fresh lemon juice fruity olive oil OR mayonnaise solid white tuna (Albacore) green onions – chopped, use tops salt pepper to taste

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ingredients.

Refrigerate. Serve with crackers, as a sandwich or over a bed of fresh spinach.

— Cherry Rayfield, Sharpsburg

44 | www.newnancowetamag.com

June 3 John Michael Montgomery June 9 Ultimate Queen Celebration

starring Marc Martel June 24 The Pointer Sisters July 22 Little River Band July 29 Don McLean Aug. 12 John Kay & Steppenwolf

Sweetland Amphitheater 110 Smith St., LaGrange, GA www.sweetland.events May 28 Kool & the Gang June 9 Vince Gill July 1 The Molly Ringwalds

The Fred (Frederick Brown Jr.) Amphitheater, 201 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, GA www.amphitheater.org May 13 Smash Mouth May 27 Yacht Rock Revue June 2 Rebel Rebel David Bowie Tribute June 24 Paul Anka Celebrating

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Farm-to-table IN COWETA

A

s the farm-to-table to trend is becoming more popular, Cowetan farmers are helping locals eat more locally grown food.

A study conducted by the National Gardening Association shows that food gardening is becoming more and more popular. The “grow your own” movement has

gained so much momentum that Americans spent as much as $3.5 billion on their seeds, potting soil, vegetable starts and other foodgrowing supplies in 2013 – far more than any previous year since the organization began tracking food gardening separately from other types of horticulture.

One in three American households now grows a portion of the food it consumes.

Written by KANDICE BELL | Photographed by ALAN BLACK 46 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Judy and Mike Cunningham's family farm, Country Gardens Farm is located on Highway 154 in Newnan.

Stephanie Butcher with the Coweta County Extension office said people tell her they want to learn to grow their own food for three main reasons: to teach children where food comes from, for health reasons and to save money.

“Since most children today are two to three generations removed from family farms, they don’t understand where food actually comes from,” she said.

“In fact, many children in urban areas believe that food literally comes straight from the grocery store.

An added benefit is that children who are picky eaters will sometimes eat foods that they grow themselves.

My 3-year-old son eats cherry tomatoes like candy when he picks them himself.”

Butcher said although eating fresh fruits and vegetables promotes a healthy lifestyle and also saves money, the work can be tedious. She encourages prospective veggie gardeners “to start small with a few tomatoes, pepper and squash plants to avoid being overwhelmed.”

There are a variety of ways to buy fresh produce, if you’re thumb isn’t so green. Many grocers sell vegetables grown by local farmers. Visit the county’s farmers market Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Asa Powell Exhibition Center at the old Coweta Fairgrounds and Wednesdays at the same hours on the court square in downtown Newnan. The city’s Main Street program hosts a market on the square the first Saturday of the month from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Many shoppers find it more convenient to stop at what used to be called a “fruit stand” that’s open throughout the week. One local favorite is The Veggie Patch.

The Veggie Patch

The Veggie Patch on Highway 29 in Newnan has been selling fresh, locally grown produce, sausage, cheese, milk and even plants, for the last 15 years.

Laura Westbrook operates the fruit stand, which is a family business, along with her nephew Walter Harris.

She said her family has been farming since 1959, and has a total of seven fruit stands around Georgia.

“It’s something you’re born into,” she said. “We’ve sold at the state farmers market for years.”

Westbrook said her family gets the bulk of its produce and vegetables from family and friends who

are growers.

“This year we’ll have a sign up that says we support Georgia and locally grown farmers,” she said. “We even have local honey from Thomaston.”

Westbrook said the stand sells fruits and vegetables

Veggie Patch Produce Market

that are currently in season.

“By summer, we will have shelled beans and butter peas,” she said.

Joyce Moore has been shopping at the Veggie Patch for the past 10 years.

“My grandparents grew fresh produce,” she said. “I like coming here because the fruit is much fresher.”

For some vegetable lovers, nothing is fresher than going to the farm themselves. Several local farmers offer some level of produce for sale on the premises, such as Whitley Farms at 917 Bob Smith Road, Sharpsburg, which specializes in strawberries and other berries, Harrell’s Vineyard at 4261 W. Hwy. 34, Newnan, that grows grapes, 180 Degree Farm at 237 Emory Phillips Road, Sharpsburg with a variety of organic produce or Two Acre Farm at 231 Trisha Lane, Grantville, that specializes in heirloom tomatoes and squash.

Many of these farmers learned their trade from parents or grandparents, working side-by-side with them over years. But for people who didn’t learn at home but want to try growing their own food, there is another way to pick up the craft of farming.

Country Gardens Farms

Local farmers and instructors Mike and Judy Cunningham understand the importance of fresh may/june 2017 | 47

COWETA GARDENER

We do this for our children and “grandchildren.

We look at them and

think about how we want them to eat healthy, grow and cook their own food.”

— Judy Cunningham

The Cunningham's sell farm fresh eggs and fresh produce from their garden.

vegetables and knowing how to grow and cook your own food, and the couple has made it a mission to not only supply local residents with fresh produce, but to teach them how to do it on their own.

The Cunningham’s family farm, Country Gardens Farm, is located on Highway 154 in Newnan.

The Cunninghams are no strangers to gardening. The couple had a nursery on Lower Fayetteville Road in Newnan for 30 years, but was forced to close because of the economy. Mike said they were selling a lot to landscapers and builders.

“We were farming the whole time at some level, but not as much as we do now,” he said.

Mike and his wife have four sons, and one of them decided to stay in the family business, running Judy’s family’s farm in Moreland.

“We have a passion for teaching people,” Judy said. “We do this for our children and grandchildren. We look at 48 | www.newnancowetamag.com

them and think about how we want them to eat healthy, grow and cook their own food.”

Mike said he hopes to pass on the tradition of growing food and help others understand having a garden is “like taking care of a dog and cat. It takes consistent time, but not all at one time.”

In November, the couple started a Kickstarter campaign to raise $15,000 to fund a teaching pavilion at the family’s garden. Kickstarter is an online fundraising platform for creative projects, but if you don’t reach your goal amount within a specified amount of time, any pledges will become void and will not be charged to the donor, which happened when the farmers were only able to raise $7,000.

Although the goal was not reached, the Cunninghams were still grateful for the support they received.

“We’ve received more donations,” Mike said.

Mike said the new teaching pavilion will feature a wheelchair garden, waist-high garden and other alternatives

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to garden beds. Multiple classes are held through the year and usually last close to two hours. The Cunninghams hope to add more classes once the pavilion is complete.

Judy hopes the pavilion will be complete by summer to host more classes, cooking classes and farm-to-table events.

“Groups such as scouts or church groups or sometimes garden clubs come out, and we host an event for them,” Judy said. “It’s part of our community service.”

Alice Mentzer met the Cunninghams’ son at a farmers market in Peachtree City years ago and has been a customer ever since.

“It’s nice to be able to come get local, healthy, homegrown food from them,” she said.

Newnan resident Martha Woodham said she has taken a mushroom class from the couple and actually grew her own. She classified the Cunninghams as “the nicest people in the world who have done so much for Coweta County.”

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Providence Canyon Georgia’s unnatural wonder

Written and photographed by SARAH CAMPBELL 50 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Known as “Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon,” Providence Canyon near Lumpkin is an unnatural wonder.

You can see beautiful views of Providence Canyon from the rim trail by the picnic area. But the real fun is on the canyon floor.

The nine canyons were caused by erosion from poor farming practices in the 1800s. Though the creation of the canyons could be considered an ecological disaster, it sure is pretty.

It takes just under two hours to get there from Newnan. Take Interstate 85 south to I-185 to U.S. 27 south and Ga. Hwy. 39C west.

You can see spectacular views from the rim trail, and can even see abandoned vehicles left by longago residents. Removing them was deemed to be too destructive, so they remain.

But for the real fun, hike down into the canyon. The way down is steep in places, but the walk out isn’t nearly as bad as you might think it will be as you head down to the canyon floor.

At the head of the trail, hikers are required to sign a log noting their vehicle tag number and description – to make sure everybody makes it out.

The canyons are up to 150 feet deep in some places, and much shallower in others.

Once inside the canyon, there are several trail options to the different canyons. The floor of the canyon is below the water table, and a very shallow stream flows through the main trail. There is usually a dry-ish path, but even along the wet parts, it’s mostly sandy, not muddy, and easy to walk on.

After heavy rains, however, things can get a bit sticky.

“It can be very muddy and like quicksand,” said Cowetan Pam Giles.

“If it has been dry, it is really beautiful and fun to hike there.”

Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting wet, and clothes that can handle some sandy red mud. The park’s website recommends walking in the creek bed. may/june 2017 | 51

The canyons' formations consist of an astonishing array of colored sands. The closer you look, the more colors you can discern.

52 | www.newnancowetamag.com

As you stroll along the canyon floor, prepare to be amazed by the myriad colors of the sand and the different formations.

Climbing on the gorge walls is prohibited, as indicated by many signs and fences, but names and messages carved into the sand testify to the existence of rule breakers.

The erosion in the canyon never stops. “It is amazing to go back and see how much it changes in a relatively short period of time,” said Cowetan Jan Pierce.

The walk on the canyon floor was a big hit with young children – though you might have a hard time preventing them from climbing up the canyon walls.

On occasion, you’ll see a narrow path that looks like it could lead to a cave. Take it. They’re not caves, just small circular areas surrounded by canyon walls, where the temperature is markedly cooler.

As you enter the park and drive to the visitor’s center, where the canyon floor access trail begins, you’ll pass picnic areas and two playgrounds along the rim trail. There are two reservable picnic shelters.

You’ll also pass Providence Methodist Church and its cemetery. The church was established in 1832, and the current building was constructed in 1859. It is occasionally used for special services, and the cemetery contains the marked and unmarked graves of many of the area’s early settlers. The canyons were named after the church.

The rugged 7-mile backcountry trail leads through a forested area and accesses many of the park’s six backcountry campsites. There are also three pioneer campsites.

With all the many layers of sand and soil, visitors “can see the sedimentary geology – river sediments and what are probably some coastal ocean sediments,” said ecologist Trey Fletcher.

Winter and early spring offer great views with leaves off the trees. Spring and early summer also bring glorious wildflowers, according to Fletcher.

The rare plumleaf azalea, which has yellow flowers, also grows around the canyon.

The canyon lies right on the fall line, between the piedmont and the coastal plane, so you’ll see plants representative of both regions, Fletcher said.

Formerly a state park, Providence Canyon is now considered a state Outdoor Recreation Area. That means there are no full-time staff, and the visitor’s center is only open limited hours

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– typically on weekends. The area is managed by staff at nearby Florence Marina State Park.

Several signs around the visitor center declare that the gates close at 6 p.m. During a visit in late March, the gate was still open at 8 p.m. Plenty of visitors ignored the signs’ warning, but do so at your own risk.

The park’s website states that hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 15 to April 14, and 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. April 15 to Sept. 14.

There are occasional events, including a clean up May 13 with a “water festival” at nearby Florence Marina State Park, a guided geology hike on June 3 ($5 per person) and a ranger-led hike for National Trails Day ($5). There will even be a nighttime Halloween hike on Oct. 28, also $5. Bring a flashlight!

Providence Canyon is in a rural area, with no stores nearby. The last restaurants or grocery stores are in Columbus, and be sure to gas up before you take the right on U.S. 27 in Cusetta.

There are two drink machines and bathrooms (without soap dispensers) at the park itself, as well as a water faucet for your dogs, kids, or feet.

For more information and to view a calendar of events, visit www.gastateparks.org/ProvidenceCanyon, or call 229-838-6870. NCM 54 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Visitors to Providence Canyon can spend hours strolling along the creeks and paths through the nine canyons.

The

not

Perfect Wedding Written by SUSAN MAYER DAVIS

S

trains of Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” float on the air. An expectant hush fills the church as the stunning bride appears on the arm of her debonair father. A ray of sunlight plays on the center aisle of the church, lighting the path to the altar, where her handsome groom awaits. Flowers seem to dance in the sweet-smelling air as angels sing a chorus of Alleluia.

Then, you wake up.

Sure, every bride dreams of a flawless wedding and reception. After all, you planned for months, and you spent a small fortune. Surely it will be perfect.

Well…maybe not.

Seldom does such a complicated affair with so many moving parts happen without some little snafu or another.

Luckily, most of these things can be laughed at later and

become stories the bride and groom love to relate to anyone who will listen.

Sometimes, the culture of the location of the couple adds to the comedy of a wedding blip.

Connie Craig relates a story concerning her 18-year-old sister Sherry’s wedding here in Georgia in 1962. Even though much of the country was celebrating “free love” and “Make love, not war,” here in the heart of the Bible belt, folks were much more traditional when it came to weddings and honeymoons. Therefore, many townsfolk were surprised and tickled when Sherry’s fiancé, Bill Lacy, showed up at the wedding with a set of box springs and a mattress tied to the roof of his car.

Seems like the set they had ordered had just come in, and the only time Bill had to pick them up was on the way to the ceremony. They made quite a sight as they drove off to their honeymoon with tin cans clanking behind them and a mattress and box springs bouncing on the roof of their car.

Although they endured much good-natured ribbing, the couple stayed married for 36 years, until Bill passed away. Connie never lets her sister forget her embarrassment, however, from her wedding day.

Peggy Aldredge tells of an embarrassing moment at her wedding, which was held at her new in-laws’ home. During the ceremony, she realized her 12-year-old brother-in-law was missing. His whereabouts became apparent when the minister asked Peggy’s husband, “Do you take this woman to be your bride?” and before he could answer, a loud sspplooosh, the sound of a flushing toilet, filled the room.

Minister Winston Skinner shared the story of one of the first “big church weddings” he performed. It was springtime, and the bridesmaids all wore live flowers entwined in their hair. As the bridal party progressed down the aisle, Skinner became aware of some movement in his peripheral vision, accompanied by some chuckles from the congregation. Apparently, the sweet-smelling flowers in the bridesmaids’ hair drew in some hungry bees. As the buzzing filled the air, the surprised bridal attendants ducked and bobbed to the delight of the congregation.

Bees are not the only obstacle Mother Nature has thrown at couples on their wedding day.

Amy and Patrick Gilbert found that high heat and no air conditioning were the least of their problems may/june 2017 | 55

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plans of mice and men often go awry.’ ”

on their wedding day in the fall of 1989. The ceremony took place at the Auburn University Chapel in Auburn, Ala., despite the unseasonably hot weather and failed air conditioning. “Everything will be fine when we get to the reception,” Amy told herself, dabbing away perspiration.

When it came time to cut the wedding cake and feed each other a bite, all she could think about was, “I hope Patrick doesn’t smear it on my face, as I’ve seen some grooms do.” In fact, the couple had discussed it, and he had promised not to do that to her, but Amy was only partially convinced. She need not have worried. Before Patrick had a chance to get the cake near her lips, it slipped from his hand and landed with a plop inside the bodice of her dress. They both were shocked, but luckily, their photographer, Bob Shapiro, was there to catch the sequence of events.

When they moved on to the beautiful groom’s cake, ever-vigilant Amy placed her hand across the top of her dress so no more cake would fall where it didn’t belong.

Again, she could have saved herself worry. After cutting a few pieces of the rich chocolate cake, it completely collapsed on itself into a huge mess of rich chocolate cake and tons of icing.

In her usual upbeat style, Amy said, “But it all tasted great, whether it had fallen down my dress or was all crumbled up.”

For Joe and Elizabeth Dando’s nuptials, weather played an unwelcome visitor altering plans for a low-key beach wedding on the Outer Banks on Aug. 31, 1993. Driving eight hours to their destination, they were shocked to find out that a mandatory-evacuation order was in place because of the fast-approaching Hurricane Emily, a category 3 storm. Undeterred, the couple rushed to obtain a marriage license and then appealed to the justice of the peace to perform the ceremony before they left the island.

He agreed, but since they brought along no witnesses, the official had to find a couple willing to witness the ceremony before they all had to pile into their separate vehicles and leave the area. The newlyweds sheltered in Virginia for two days before returning to Hatteras Island to complete the island honeymoon.

B E AT R I Z B A L L Some wedding fails bring laughter only after some time has passed. For example, Bette Hickman of Newnan put her creative skills to work to design her bridesmaids’ dresses for her Feb. 18 wedding to John William Hickman. Each dress was handmade to fit each girl perfectly, ranging from size 6 to size 10. The long, fitted, A-line style dresses were identical otherwise, made with red brocade and white eyelet in a Valentine’s theme. Therefore, each girl’s dress had the owner’s name inside to tell them apart.

On the day of the wedding, the maid of honor (who wore the size 10), was so nervous that she stepped into the first dress on the rack without looking at the name, and broke the zipper when she hastily pulled it up. Only adding to her nerves, she did the same with the next two dresses before coming to the last dress – the one made for her. All the women just looked at each other, astonished. With no time to lose, Bette’s Aunt Gloria opened her handbag, pulled out needle and thread, and promptly stitched each of the zippers back into place. Each bridesmaid gently slipped on her dress and zipped it up, hoping the repair held long enough to make it through the ceremony.

Aunt Gloria, now in her late 80s, still laughs with Bette about how she saved the day.

It is true that some things that happen at weddings are embarrassing, but some are just plain funny. Debby Dye recalls attending a wedding years ago where someone had decorated the church pews with beautiful bows held in place by large rubber bands. Maybe not large enough, however, because during the ceremony, a loud ping rang out as a rubber band broke, and a bow took off in the air. Shortly after, another ping, and another flying bow. Before long, the entire congregation and the wedding party was laughing as the bows, one-by-one, took flight when their rubber bands broke. What a happy way to start a marriage.

Unfortunately, not all wedding related “oops” are happy.

One woman called her photographer two weeks after her wedding requesting a refund. Her reason, they were getting a divorce.

At one of the large churches on Newnan square, the air conditioner quit during a July wedding. The balcony, where the organist sat, was probably close to 120 degrees. Perhaps the heat rattled the organist because during the middle of the ceremony, she played the recessional—the music usually played while the new couple leaves the church. Therefore, at the end of the wedding, the confused couple just turned and left in complete silence.

As the old saying goes, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” The wedding ceremony and reception may have a few hiccups, but the real test of a marriage is if you can keep your perspective when things in life go wrong – and they will – and keep a sense of humor. Remember the old Yiddish proverb: “Man plans, and God laughs.” NCM

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Bride on the Street

Wedding Bloopers

Dr. Lilibird Pichardo

We comprise a healthcare team which understands that women have special healthcareeneeds throughout their lives. Our specialists are comprise a healthcare team trained in the field ofwhich women’sunderstands medicine whichthat includes obstetrical and women gynecological services such as pregnancy care, family planning needs have special healthcare needs nd counseling, annual examinations and minor office surgical procedures. their lives.

Inthroughout addition, specialized care is available in areas such as high risk and gynecological/urogynecological surgery.

Ourpregnancy specialists are

W

Dr. William T. Cook

Compiled by SARAH CAMPBELL

trained in the field of women’s medicine which includes obstetrical and gynecological services such as pregnancy care, family planning needs and counseling, annual examinations and minor office surgical procedures.

Beverly Thomas My first marriage, I went to light the unity candle, and my veil went up in flames. I was trying to blow it out, and John was swatting at it trying to put it out – but Dr. Marlo Carter Dr. Lilibird Pichardo he was fanning the flames. The preacher slapped his hand to stop him. Finally, my In addition, specialized maid of honor Tina steps up and smacks is available in have ich care understands that women me in the face to put it out. areas such high are out their lives.

Ouras specialists I’m laughing so hard I could barely walk down the aisle. I cine risk which includes obstetrical and pregnancy just knew something was going to go wrong. I had fallen down gnancy care, family planning needs and gynecological/ necology Obstetrics Treatment Dr. Lilibird Pichardo and minor offi ce surgical procedures. the steps at the rehearsal. At the reception, the veil came off, urogynecological surgery.

Annual • Normal and High Risk • Menstrual Problems Dr. Matthew Ralsten, III ailable Exams in areas such as high risk and my hair came down. At the receiving line, all anybody T. Cook olposcopies • Obstetrical Care Dr. William • PMS l/urogynecological surgery.

Gynecology could do was laugh.

EEP Procedures • 3D/4D Ultrasounds • Menopausal Problems We• comprise aExams healthcare team which understands that women have Annual My dad is the quiet kind. He told me, “I know I’m supposed ssure Normal and High Risk • Urinary Incontinence special healthcare •needs throughout their lives. Our specialists are • Colposcopies hermablation • Biophysical profiwhich les includes • Infertility to feel bad for you, but I just can’t help it,” and he started trained in the field of women’s medicine obstetrical and • LEEP Procedures Urodynamic Studies • Twins/Multiples gynecological services such as pregnancy care, family planning • Pelvic Painneeds laughing and couldn’t quit. It was so funny. and counseling, • Essureannual•examinations Pregnancy and minor office• surgical Fibroidsprocedures.

That wedding was hilarious. I wish we’d had video of it – In addition, specialized care is available in areas•such as high risk Sterilization • Thermablation Dr. William T. Cook pregnancy and gynecological/urogynecological surgery. we would Dr. Nicole Quinn have won $10,000 on “America’s Funniest Home • Urodynamic Studies Videos.”

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Obstetrics 1267 Hwy 54 West Suite 3200 Fayetteville, GA 30214 • Normal and High Risk • Obstetrical Care • 3D/4D Ultrasounds • Biophysical profiles • Twins/Multiples • Pregnancy Treatment Treatment High Risk • Menstrual Problems Dr. Matthew Ralsten, III are • Menstrual • PMS Problems ounds• PMS • Menopausal Problems High Risk • Menopausal Problems • UrinaryObstetrics Incontinence Gynecology Treatment profi les • Infertility • Annual Exams • Normal and High Risk • Menstrual Problems • Urinary Incontinence • Colposcopies • Obstetrical Care • PMS les • Pelvic Pain • Infertility • LEEP Procedures • 3D/4D Ultrasounds • Menopausal Problems • Fibroids • Pelvic Pain • Essure • Normal and High Risk • Urinary Incontinence • Sterilization • Fibroids • Thermablation • Biophysical profiles Dr. Nicole • Infertility Quinn • Sterilization • Urodynamic Studies • Twins/Multiples • Pelvic Pain .wsfayette.com • Pregnancy • Fibroids • Sterilization 0 Fayetteville, GA 30214 Scan for Web Page

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Mandy Eden I woke up with a stomach virus and was throwing up all day. The wedding was Dr. Marlo Carter at 2. My sister worked makeup miracles turning me from green to a normal color, and we headed to the church. I carried a small bathroom trashcan around with me the whole time once we got to the church and all through the pictures. For the ceremony, we put it behind Dr. Matthew Ralsten, III the little wall in front of the choir, but for the pictures it stayed within reach. It even made it into some of the pictures.

Someone hit a transformer down the street from the church about 10 minutes before the ceremony, and we lost power and had no lights or sound. Luckily there was enough natural light to go on with the wedding. And my sister and I forgot Brian’s Dr. Nicole Quinnand realized it too late, so we just pretended to have it ring Scan for Web Page

during the ceremony.

The only reason I think I made it through the ceremony without throwing up was because my pastor’s wife, who is a nurse, gave me something for nausea five minutes before I walked down the aisle.

Amber Crawford My wedding was New Jersey shore versus small town Moreland girl.

His parents and I got into it over the phone because they didn’t show up to the rehearsal.

They screamed at me for calling to ask them where they were. The groom told me that if I didn’t apologize, he was canceling the wedding. When we showed up at Something Special for the rehearsal dinner, I didn’t apologize so we all got into

it. I spent my wedding rehearsal dinner locked in the bathroom crying. Then my in-laws started acting like they loved me, and it was all okay. The next morning, the best man and an in-law wanted me to take an anti-anxiety pill, something I had never done before, to get through the ceremony.

I remember my dad and me getting into the horse and carriage to take us to the church and his asking who paid for that.

The next thing I remember is standing at the door of First Baptist Church in Moreland, waiting on them to open the doors. I was staring at my flowers, and my dad asked me if I was okay. I looked at him, said yes, and that was it. That is all I remember. I’ve been told that his parents told people that he could have done so much better. One of my friend’s husband, who served in the military with my ex, jumped all over them. It was a horrible couple of days.

Thankfully the marriage didn’t work, so

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here’s to hopefully remembering my next wedding.

I can laugh about it now. Things ended amicably. He has since remarried, and I wish them nothing but the best. And I am so thrilled that I will be graduating law school in May. It’s something I would have never been able to do without my divorce.

Carla Krajna-Kane I passed out!

It was to be a June wedding, but my fiancé, a corporal in the Marine Corps, ended up with orders to Japan. So the date was moved up to March. Everything was rushed. Classes to finish, plans to complete. You know, six months of prep in six weeks.

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The girls and I were going to skip the whole bachelorette party for a quiet night in, but a little party time won out. Buckhead Beach was one of the places to go back then. It was a good party, food, dancing, drink. The amazing thing is we remembered just about everything.

The next morning we were all running around – hair to do, nails to polish, makeup to perfect. Everything was in place but one detail – I forgot to take time out to eat. So after being dehydrated from the night before, with not much sleep or food and definitely not enough water, I was running on adrenaline.

It was a March with warm days, chilly nights and misting rain. The chapel at Fort McPherson was standing room only. Doors closed, heater on. It felt like a sauna. I was scared and excited all at the same time.

I’m Catholic, so at first you have a wedding mass. It takes a while – lots of up and down, candles lit just in front of us. We had been kneeling, and we stand up for the matrimony portion. I must have locked my knees. I remember looking up at Father Thoni and seeing more than one of him. I reached under my veil to wipe sweat from my eyebrows. The darn thing must have weighed five pounds.

Then we were supposed to turn to face each other for the kiss of peace. Michael says he felt me tug at his arm. He says he thought – where is she going? Down was where. I guess I did that Southern girl thing and swooned right down.

I remember my brother, 13 at the time, asking if we have to start over. I came to, sat there, and drank a few glasses of water. And we finished the wedding – with no veil. We just celebrated our 39th anniversary.

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Michelle Grasso To save money, since we were paying for our wedding ourselves, I ordered flowers online – for table decorations, bouquets, everything. They arrived the day before, and we followed the directions perfectly to keep them fresh for the next day’s ceremony. The next morning, they were all dead.

My wedding party got busy calling local florists, and we replaced the flowers in time, but it more than doubled my original flower budget.

We were all in shock. One girl called a local florist who was friends with her mom to get bridal-

party bouquets, and the rest of us called local flower wholesale distributors to replace the calla lilies for the mothers and the table decorations. My stepmother picked them up and delivered them to my friends in charge of table decorating. No one but us ever knew. My stepmom told me years later she was shocked that I didn’t freak out.

Originally it was all white callas, but we could only find enough for the tables and the mothers. That’s why we used a florist for the bouquets, but they didn’t have enough for all calla lilies, so they mixed in other white flowers. I tried to get my money back from the online company, but they were terrible, and I never saw a refund.

Ellen Jenkins My makeup scared my husband so badly when he lifted up my veil that he jumped back in front of the whole church.

Then our wedding photographer ran off to South America, leaving her husband and kids, before delivering our pictures. My mom and I broke into her studio and liberated our prints, which is why my wedding album says “Brandi and Mason” (instead of Ellen and Matthew) on the front

cover. We refer to our pictures as the “drunken troll wedding.”

They are pretty awful.

Melanie Parten Our caterer swore that they packed us bride and groom boxes to eat after we left the reception.

We got back starving and looking for food, and there were no to-go boxes. There was a little bit of food left over from the morning brunch I had with the bridesmaids while we got our hair and makeup done.

We ended up eating pimento cheese sandwiches with champagne on the floor of our empty house and opening gifts. It made for a good memory, but shame on them.

Elizabeth Melville We had a friend who never showed up to our wedding. He told us months later that he’d crashed into the mailbox or the gate at Dunaway because he was running late. He ended up leaving all together. NCM

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may/june 2017 | 61

COWETA HISTORY

Woman's silk damask wedding dress, ca. 1860 Photo Courtesy LACMA

Written by W. WINSTON SKINNER

From the time Coweta County was formally organized in the 1820s, couples began to marry here.

Weddings in the 19th century tended to be simpler. In pioneer days, couples sometimes married and had the preacher make things official the next time he was through. Then, as now, many people chose a simple wedding – slipping away to the parson’s house or the justice of the peace.

Even in the 1800s, though, there were “society” weddings that captured the interest of people because of their lavish decorations, clothing and refreshments.

Carol Healy is one of the most knowledgeable people in our county when it comes to daily life in the early days. She says a church was the preferred setting for formal weddings, though even that option might have meant a quick ceremony following a Sunday service.

Many modern traditions relating to weddings originated with Queen Victoria of England, and it took time – and affluence – for those patterns to be widely copied in rural Georgia.

“White wasn’t necessarily what the bride wore,” Carol explains. Bright colors often were chosen, and the bride would have worn “a Sunday dress.” If her family were affluent, the dress might be new, but her “wedding dress,” new or old, would have been a garment to wear again to church or a social event.

Wedding bouquets often featured herbs, such as rosemary and lavender. For Victorians, each flower had a meaning, so a wedding bouquet would be put together with flowers that spoke of love and happiness. In those pre-florist days, the bouquet would also have been assembled from whatever was blooming on the day of the nuptials.

Wedding refreshments also reflected the realities of the time, such as the stack-cake tradition. At a wedding for rural, humble folk, guests would bring thin 62 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Photo by thebittenword.com

Top: The nuptials for former Pres.

Benjamin Harrison and his second wife, Mary Lord Dimmick, in 1896 show the evolving trends from simpler styles to the white wedding traditions of today. This illustration appeared in Frank Leslie's Illustrated Newspaper.

Bottom: Stack cakes can still be prepared today. They recall an earlier time when a country wedding was an event that involved friends, family and community.

layers of cake that would be stacked. They might be covered with a light icing or even syrup.

I performed a wedding ceremony once in 1860s style. The cake was heavy by modern standards with dried fruit in it. Carol notes that people made cakes in the 1800s with what they had on hand. A winter wedding, in particular, would likely mean currants or other dried fruit might be added to the batter. In lieu of the modern icing, the frosting might be syrup or applesauce.

Then as now, fancier wedding ceremonies sometimes came with a little extra drama. Civil War nurse Kate Cumming wrote about the May 1864 wedding of a local doctor’s daughter at Newnan Presbyterian Church, then located where McKoon Funeral Home is today. She noted the abundance of Swiss muslin, which was fetching $50 per yard.

While patriotic Cowetans had given up horses for the Confederacy, many had kept back a prized stallion or two, and the horses were brought out to pull surreys to the 1864 nuptials.

When the ceremonies were over, Confederate officials were at the church with orders to confiscate the animals. The owners were, however, allowed to take their ladies home before surrendering the horses.

The November 1874 wedding of Sam Walker and Fannie Carmichael was a legend in my family when I was growing up. Sam was Fannie’s mother’s first cousin, but I guess there’s no fuss like a family fuss. Sam’s sisters decided the Carmichaels thought they were better than the Walkers. Invitations had been sent.

The Carmichael home, which stood where my cousin Roy Hunter’s home is today on Bexton Road, was decorated with flowers and candles.

Sam’s sisters, however, locked him in a closet at their home.

By the time Sam escaped, the candles had been extinguished, and the guests had gone.

Someone went to get the preacher, and Sam and Fannie married by lamplight in front of a mantel with just a few family members looking on.

They spent much of their adult life living – happily – in a log cabin that was refashioned into a frame farmhouse. They could sit on their porch and look at Fannie’s parents’ home where they had been married. That is a reminder, I guess, that weddings are for a day, but marriages are meant to last a lifetime. NCM may/june 2017 | 63

AROUND COWETA

CALENDAR MAY–JUNE 2017

MAY

6-7

Cotton Pickin’ Fair Gay, GA | 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Tickets $5-10 Return to 1910 where the Farmhouse, the Cotton Gin, and the Cotton Warehouse form a unique backdrop for a great day of 21st century fun. Amidst skilled artisans and antique specialists, the Fair shares remnants of farm life in days gone by. New talent keeps the festival fresh and interesting while returning artists welcome loyal customers seeking to add to individual collections.

Celebrate Fashion in the Park Ashley Park | 5 – 8 p.m.

Ashley Park merchants will have giveaways, demonstrations and Spring fashion displays. There will be gift bags for the first 200 ladies, food sampling, music, plus face painting and balloon artist for the kids. Entertainment for the whole family.

Kids and Dad can do their Mother’s Day shopping.

20

JUNE

9

12

Tucked Away Music Day Historic Downtown Newnan | 2 – 6 p.m.

Tucked away Music Day will include many different cover bands with different genres of music. Kick off the Summer in Downtown Newnan!

JULY

1

Summer Wined-up Historic Downtown Newnan | 5 – 9 p.m.

The Summer Wined-Up is Main Street’s downtown wine-tasting event with individual tastings occuring at different downtown businesses. Guests perform a “wine walk” that moves through over 25 host locations. The merchants who host this event will feature different hors d’oeuvres and a variety of whites, reds, and specialty blend wines for guests to sample. Pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase online beginning in mid-May at a reduced rate of $20 per-person. Tickets MAY be available to purchase on the day of the event at the registration table located on East Court Square for $30, beginning at 4:30 p.m. We encourage interested guests to purchase tickets in advance, as the event does sell out quickly.

Participation in Summer Wined-Up festivities is complimentary for non-drinking guests.

July Market Day Courthouse Square, Newnan | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Market Day is hosted by Main Street Newnan. The market showcases a variety of handmade, homemade, and homegrown products created by local artisans, artists, and farmers. It features 50 unique booths with new vendors and one-of-a-kind items each month.

July 4th Parade and Fireworks

JUNE

3

June Market Day Courthouse Square, Newnan | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

The Market Day is hosted by Main Street Newnan.

The market showcases a variety of handmade, homemade, and homegrown products created by local artisans, artists, and farmers. It features 50 unique booths with new vendors and one-of-a-kind items each month.

64 | www.newnancowetamag.com

Historic Downtown Newnan | 9 a.m.

Free admission The parade will begin at Veteran’s Memorial Park at 9 a.m., and end at Greenville Street Park between 9:30 – 10 a.m. Main Street Newnan welcomes the community to meet at Veteran’s Memorial Park by 8:30 a.m.

The Newnan Rotary Club will host festivities starting at 5:30 p.m. at Drake Stadium for family fun and fireworks until dark. Admission is free, and hot dogs, popcorn and soft drinks will be available at 6 p.m. There will be musical entertainment and other attractions along with free souvenirs for the kids.

4

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INDEX OF ADVERTISERS 92.5 The Bear.................................................... 41 AllSpine................................................................ 9 Arnall Grocery...................................................61 Atlanta Gastroenterolgy..................................11 Atlanta Market Furniture and Accessories...........................................56 The Bedford School........................................22 Brewton-Parker College................................34 Carl E. Smith & Sons Building Materials, Inc..................................................14 Carriage House................................................60 Charlie's Towing...............................................38 Charter Bank......................................................61 Christian City......................................................13 Coweta Cities & County Employees Federal Credit Union..................................38 Coweta Community Foundation.................23 Coweta Hills Community................................. 3 Coweta-Fayette EMC..................................... 67 Digestive Healthcare of Georgia, P.C.......... 6 Georgia Bone & Joint......................................21 Georgia Farm Bureau.....................................22 Insignia of Newnan...........................................11 Jack Peek's Sales.............................................. 8 Joe Dion State Farm........................................14 Kemp's Dalton West Flooring.......................43 Lee-King Pharmacy......................................... 57 The Loft at Due South.................................... 27 Main Street Newnan.......................................45 McGuire's Buildings........................................49 Michael Watford Photography.....................60 The Newnan Centre.......................................59 The Newnan Times-Herald....................10, 45 North Georgia Turf............................................ 8 NuLink....................................................................7 NuWay Realty...................................................45 Pain Care.............................................................. 5 Piedmont Healthcare....................................... 2 Pontoni Hair Design & Skin Care................56 The Print Shop Gallery...................................33 Progressive Heating & Air Conditioning..................................................39 Renee Horton Agency / American Family Insurance........................................................60 Sewell Marine...................................................53 Somerby Peachtree City...............................30 Southern Crescent Women's Healthcare.....................................................32 Southern Roots Nursery & Gardens..........60 Stephanie Fagerstrom State Farm.............38 StoneBridge Early Learning Center...........43 Sweetland Amphitheatre................................ 4 Treasures Old & New.....................................35 United Bank.......................................................45 Village Samaritan............................................68 The Women's Specialists of Fayette..........58 Yellowstone Landscape................................38 66 | www.newnancowetamag.com

july/august preview

what's

next

The Arts in Newnan Painters, writers, performers – Coweta is blessed with amazing talent.

Summer Means Yard Sales Make the most of your roadside shopping

Birds and Butterflies Lovely to see, easy to attract. Learn about making your garden attractive to both.

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Next Publication Date: June 30, 2017

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