McIntosh High School Yard Sale

The Spirit of McIntosh Marching Band is headed to the Gator Bowl to play during the parade and the half-time show. To assist in the cost of transporting the band, they are holding a yard sale on Saturday, August 15th from 6:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. in the high school cafeteria, 601 Walt Banks Road, Peachtree City. If you would like to donate any items to the cause, they can be brought to the school the night before between 3:45 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tax receipts are available. For more information contact Ms. Barbara Baker, Band Director at (770) 631-3231.

John Oxendine to Speak in Fayette on Saturday

John Oxendine, current Georgia Commissioner of Insurance and candidate for Georgia Governor, will be speaking Saturday at the International House of Pancakes in Fayetteville. The meeting is open to the public. No RSVP required.

Oxendine will be speaking to the Fayette County Republican Party and guests. If breakfast is desired please arrive at 8:30 a.m. To listen to Oxendine and a brief presentation by current Fayette County run-off candidates, 9:00 p.m. is the official start of the meeting.

This is the regular First Saturday GOP Breakfast which is always open to the public, membership is not required.

Local Junior Team Tennis Players Represent Fayette County at State Championships

SSG Note: Super kudos to the teams who represented the Southern Crescent Junior Team Tennis League. Teams from Braelinn Golf Club, The Summit, Peachtree City Tennis Center and Woodcreek were among those invited to play. What super kids we have! You all performed spectacularly. We are proud of your game skills and of your excellent sportsmanship!

Congratulations to all 998 junior team tennis players who competed this past weekend at the Georgia State Championships. With over 100 teams vying for the title of top racquet, competition was stiff. All of the players who participated in the invitation only tournament are to be congratulated. They are all winners.

Make the Most of Your Child’s Sports Experience

FL Note: Our community is fantastic when it comes to many sport options for our youth. Winning is not everything- and as one local reader said this morning, "Good sportsmanship means more." Have a great time as you and your children choose the sports which are best suited for your child. Whatever sport, however they do- just be proud of their efforts.

(ARA) - As children venture back to school, they get many opportunities to participate in sports. No matter what the activity, you can help your child understand how to make the most of the experience.

Dr. Kevin Sverduk, chair of the graduate program Sport-Exercise Psychology at Argosy University, Orange County, shares his insights for parents. “We place emphasis on applied sports psychology in our programs. In other words, the psychology of human potential and performance,” he says. “We look for ways of helping individuals do what they do to the best of their ability. Not just in the performance, but in the whole experience. It’s important for athletes of all ages to raise enjoyment of the activity to the fullest level.”

For many children, participation in sports has become more about winning and losing rather than playing “They harbor expectations about the outcome of the game -- from themselves, or from their parents or peers. People tend to worry about things they can’t control. They worry about whether they’ll win or make the shot instead of focusing on effort, attitude, and motivation,” Sverduk says. “This is the paradox of control and paradox of success. The way to give yourself the best chance of achieving success is to stop thinking about it. If you focus instead on things you have control over, you can increase the likelihood of success.”

Sverduk recommends talking with your child to shift the focus of the sport away from the results of the game. “Parents can help kids re-focus to things like, energy, effort, and concentration,” states Sverduk. “If someone is upset over a loss, you can ask, ‘Are you upset because you did all you could and you lost, or because you didn’t do all that you could and you lost? Why be upset about losing if you didn’t work your hardest?’” This can help a child understand that the responsibility as a team member is to control only the things he or she can control to the best of their ability.

Parental involvement in sports helps to shape the child’s value system. “A parent’s primary question after a game teaches the child what is important,” says Sverduk. “It’s far better to ask, ‘Did you have fun?’ or ‘What did you learn?’ than ‘Did you win?’ When parents value improvement and fun over the score of the game, the child begins to place more emphasis on learning and enjoyment. The shift emphasizes the process of the sport rather than the results of the game. It comes back to placing value on things that the child can control,” he continues.

Sverduk suggests that parents talk with kids about competition. “The original definition of the word ‘competition’ was ‘to move forward with others.’ Our culture has reshaped the meaning, and we now think of competition as moving against others, which breeds anxiety and fear,” he says. “But if you think in terms of playing the game with the goal of elevating the skill level of all participants, it breeds involvement, empowerment, and enjoyment. Competition is all about the challenge and doing your best. Winning is important, but it’s not enough.”

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Clayton State – Fayette Rides Through Peachtree City on July 4

If you saw a cap-and-gown-decorated golf cart in the recent Peachtree City Fourth of July Parade, you might not have needed the orange signs to know that Fayette County’s own higher education site, Clayton State University – Fayette, had gotten into the spirit of the Fourth.

Led by Clayton State – Fayette Director and Assistant Vice President of Academic Outreach Dr. Kevin Demmitt, nine individuals and two golf carts from Clayton State took part in the annual parade in front of 12,000 people. Riding and walking along with the two decorated two golf carts (one with the cap and gown, the other with a patriotic theme) and giving out Clayton State magnetic dry erase boards were Clayton State faculty, staff and students.

Those walking in the parade were, in addition to Demmitt: student worker Danielle Chapman and her family; administrative assistant Kathy Stevens; academic advisor Bill Hagans and his family; Dr. Michael Deis, director of the Clayton State MBA program, Assistant Professor of History Dr. Randall Gooden, MBA student Monika Klingler; Clayton State student Michaela Dolhancyk and student worker Krista Hartsell. All except Deis (who’s from nearby Newnan) are also residents of Fayette County.

A unit of the University System of Georgia, Clayton State University is an outstanding comprehensive metropolitan university located 15 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta.

SPLOST Date Change

Please note the School Board sent a corrected version of the previous post regarding the SPLOST public input meeting. The correct date is July 31st. We have now corrected the post.

Public Input Sought on Proposed SPLOST

The Fayette County Board of Education is exploring the possibility of asking voters to approve a one percent SPLOST (Special Local Option Sales Tax) in November to help the school system maintain its high level of education while lowering property taxes.

A public input session will be held at the Fayette County Board of Education (210 Stonewall Avenue, Fayetteville) on July 31st at 7 p.m. Residents wishing to make comments on the proposal will need to sign up that evening prior to the beginning of the session. Each person will be limited to two minutes in order to ensure that everyone who wants to speak has an opportunity to do so. Doors will open at 6 p.m.; the sign-in sheets will be removed promptly at 7 p.m. Written and emailed comments are also welcome.

Austerity cuts over the last several years have resulted in a loss of approximately $21 million in state funding. That, coupled with rising fuel costs and increased prices for basic supplies, has forced the school system to make some tough funding decisions that could have a direct impact on students.

A one percent SPLOST would generate approximately $100-115 million over a five-year period to help fund needs that have been postponed as well as address future needs. Specifically, the SPLOST would fund debt service ($38 million), which will lower property taxes; technology ($35 million); security ($2.5 million); textbook adoption ($2.5 million); facilities five-year plan and warehouse relocation ($17 million); transportation ($10 million) and an aquatic facility ($10 million) for school swim teams and swimming lessons.

It is estimated that the SPLOST would lower property taxes through a reduction of the school system’s bond millage rate ranging between 0.83 mills to 1.59 mills during the time it is in place. This would lower the property tax bill on a $250,000 home between $83 and $159 each year.

The board of education has until August 4 to adopt a resolution for the SPLOST. If a resolution is adopted by the board and approved by voters in November, the new tax will take effect April 1, 2009.

Chair-ity Event

The Fayette Front Page has teamed up with the Hollingsworth House and others to bring a new "Chair-ity" event to Fayette County! The event will be held in early December and will benefit Christian City's new children's village. Artists around the area will paint or decorate chairs which will be displayed around the county, then auctioned off at the Hollingsworth House event. I'll be keeping you posted on this nifty new way to raise money for a great cause! I'll be doing a chair myself (check out my work at www.Hummingbird-Hollow.com... and yes, I know I need to update my site, but the Fayette Front Page and the Georgia Front Page are keeping me plenty busy!).

- Janet McGregor Dunn

New Scout Lodge at PTC UMC!

The entire community is invited to celebrate the opening of the new Scout Lodge at the Peachtree City United Methodist Church on August 10th at 12:45. There will be a time of recognition during the 9:30 and 11:00 AM worship services that morning, and then the service of consecration will begin at 12:45 at the Lodge itself, located in the lower parking lot to the right of the worship center located at 225 Robinson Rd. The Peachtree City United Methodist Church is host to three Scout Troops, two Cub Scouts Packs and twenty Girl Scout troops for a total of over 550 scouts and 350 volunteers.

The construction of the Lodge began with a groundbreaking in September 2005 and was built primarily by volunteers from the scouting and church community. Fundraising such as participation in the Air Show, the UMM Chicken Q, a program called Trailblazing for Tomorrow, a Silent Auction, and very generous donations from the local business community brought the project to completion in early August of this year. Approximately $300,000 was raised and about $300,000 in professional labor and material donations were received; the church contributed $73,000 in funding and land, in addition to untold labor and prayer support. We hope the community will join us for a time of dedication and an open house and tour of the facility.

NASA Sends Georgia Teacher Stephen Ashe Back to School

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Stephen Ashe, middle school teacher at Bear Creek Middle School in Fairburn, Ga., spent a week of challenge and discovery at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md.

The content workshop was designed to provide NASA Explorer School educators an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the work NASA accomplishes and how to implement that knowledge within their classroom.

"This is an exciting time at Goddard," says Trena Ferrell, coordinator for the workshop. "Currently Goddard is working a number of science missions and we definitely want to inform and excite educators from across the country. It is most important to inspire our next generation to continue the ongoing work of discovery that NASA has been committed to for almost fifty years."

The week of activity included multiple opportunities for educators to talk directly to NASA scientists and engineers. Themes related to the work being accomplished at Goddard included the Hubble Servicing Mission, the Lunar Reconnaissance Mission (LRO), studies of the Sun and Earth, and Lunar Geology. NASA Education and Public Outreach personnel provided additional educational support presenting hands-on activities for participants to take back to the classroom.

"I came to Goddard looking for proven strategies to get students engaged in math, science and technology," says Ashe. "I really enjoyed the problem-solving activities especially when my hypothesis was correct. I am bringing back more knowledge and resources than I can possibly redeliver to the staff and students."

Ashe is one of 19 teachers attending from a NASA Explorer School (NES). The NES program is a three-year partnership with NASA providing investigation opportunities and professional development to spark innovative science and mathematics instruction directed specifically at students in grades four through nine.

"Participants of the Goddard Content Workshop will leave Goddard with a greater knowledge of NASA's research initiatives and a deeper understanding of what it means to be a NASA Explorer School," says Ferrell.

Lynn Wheeler Benefit Golf Tournament a Big Success

July 14th's Lynn Wheeler Benefit Golf Tournament at Eagle’s Brooke County Club in Locust Grove, Ga., was a big success, thanks to 88 golfers, 30 volunteers, Covenant Presbyterian Church and a host of sponsors dedicated to lending a helping hand to the Wheeler family.

Covenant Presbyterian, located in Fayetteville, Ga., hosted the event as a benefit for Lynn Wheeler, wife of the head of the Clayton State University Music Department, Dr. Douglas Wheeler. The personification of determination and courage, Lynn Wheeler was diagnosed with cancer in February 2005. She went into remission in September of that same year, only to suffer a serious spinal injury in an auto accident on Christmas Day, 2005, an accident that has confined her to a wheelchair and breathing with the help of a respirator.

Undaunted, the Wheelers, who reside in Stockbridge, Ga., have remained strong members of Covenant Presbyterian, and Lynn continues to serve in the church’s children’s ministry and to teach piano. The tournament featured a clinic by former PGA touring professional Greg Powers, lunch by Chick-Fil-A, door prizes, raffles, longest drive and closest to the pin contests, and a new 2008 Ford, courtesy of Allan Vigil Ford, for a hole-in-one. Although no one claimed the Ford, the $5000 in raffle prizes were much appreciated by the winners.

Action on the course saw first place go to the team of; Louis Brown, Michael Joiner (who also won the Grand Prize drawing… clearly it was his day), Lovell Camp, Terry Starr. The second place team was headed up by former ARC and Clayton County Commission chair Crandle Bray, and included Sammy Craig, David Hughes and Tom Ellis.

Third place went to the David Pearson, Will Tomasello, Todd Greek and Adam Depoe. Not winning any golfing prizes, but playing to support the Wheelers, were Clayton State President Dr. Thomas K. Harden, Athletic Director Mason Barfield, golf coach Barry Harwell, Vice President for External Relations Robert “Steve” Stephens, and Clayton State Director of Development Reda Rowell, who, rumor has it, actually outdrove Harwell, a former PGA pro, on one hole. However, Lucy Joiner won the Longest Drive prize and Hughes the Closest to the Hole prize. Rowell vows to do better next time.

Other VIPs in the tournament included Georgia Lieutenant Governor Casey Cagle, Dr. Kuo Lee (Med Cross Imaging), Doug Wheeler, and former state senator Terrell Starr.

“We wanted to thank so many people from Clayton State who supported the Benefit Golf Tournament on Monday,” says Doug Wheeler. “We were really overwhelmed with all those who played and contributed in some way.”

Approximately $16,000 was raised by the event, with a net of $12,000 for the Wheelers.

Real Estate Course in Griffin Begins on Monday, July 28

The Coldwell Banker Bullard Advantage School of Real Estate in cooperation with Griffin Technical College will conduct the 75-hour real estate salesperson’s course in Griffin beginning Monday, July 28.

The eight-week course is required by the Georgia Real Estate Commission for a person to take the state real estate salesperson's licensing exam. Held in conjunction with Griffin Technical College, it will take place at the college at 501 Varsity Rd. in Griffin.

Classes will be held on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings from 6 until 9:15 p.m. The instructor will be Joe T. Lane.

The cost of the course is $450.00 plus books, and payment must be made in full upon registration. Those interested in taking the course should call Stephanie Fenton, director of career development for Coldwell Banker Bullard, at 770-477-6400, Ext. 229, for information about registration and materials.

Entrepreneurs Can “Find It in Fayette” at Expo

At the Fayette Chamber’s “Find it in Fayette!” Community Expo in September, entrepreneurs and small business owners can get connected with local, state, and national resources that can help them start and grow a business. On Friday, September 19, the Expo will feature the Entrepreneur Extravaganza sponsored by Heritage Bank and Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree. Whether you are looking to start a business or for ways to grow your existing business, the Entrepreneur Extravaganza can help by providing resources for writing a business plan, obtaining a business license, importing and exporting, obtaining financing, and more.

This year’s Expo will run for two days and is the largest trade show in the county. The community is invited to come see over 150 exhibitors present their products and services. There is no charge for the public to attend, and there will be tasty samples from local restaurants, interesting product demonstrations, and a chance to see what local businesses have to offer consumers. So, mark your calendars for Friday, September 19, 3 pm – 7 pm and Saturday, September 20, 2008, 11 am – 3 pm. The Expo will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, 551 New Hope Road, Fayetteville. For additional information, please contact the Chamber at (770) 461-9983.

Fayette Co Board of Ed PR Department Earns National Recognition

The Fayette County School System’s public relations department has received five awards from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) for distinguished achievement in writing, graphic design and electronic communications.

Entries are judged on content, use of graphics/special effects and color, layout and usefulness to the intended audience. This year’s winning entries received honorable mentions and include two press releases (the Starr’s Mill High daycare center and holocaust memorial at RSMS), the 2007 financial summary and 2007 recruitment brochure and a Channel 24 video about the Starr’s Mill High daycare center.

Fayette’s projects competed against 1,064 entries from across in the nation in the publication and audio/visual categories. Only 570 of these entries received awards.

“This recognition is truly an honor. The competition is very rigorous with entries competing against each other without the size of the school system or public relations department taken into consideration. Knowing that our projects went up against those from bigger systems with more resources and larger public relations departments makes these awards even more meaningful,” says Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, public information specialist.

The public relations department has received both national and state awards for its communication materials since the office opened in 2001. All totaled, the department has been awarded 56 national and state honors.

Fayette Students Score High with End of Course Tests

According to the Fayette County Board of Education, the majority of Fayette’s students are either meeting or exceeding performance requirements for end of course tests based on data released by the Georgia Department of Education.

The spring administration of the test shows students performing strongest in Algebra I, Geometry, American Literature and Composition and Physical Science with the majoring scoring in the “exceeds” category.

In the other subjects tested, Ninth Grade Literature and Composition, Biology, US History and Economics/Business/Free Enterprise, the majority of students scored in the “meets” category.

Overall, Fayette outperformed the state in all subjects tested by 16 to 33 points. The biggest gap between the school system’s average and the state’s was in Physical Science where Fayette’s mean score was 454 compared to the 421 at the state level.

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School Breakfast and Lunch Prices Increase Five Percent

The rising costs of food and other expenses associated with the preparation of school meals have resulted in a modest increase in lunch prices for the new school year.

Students at all grade levels will pay 10 cents more for lunch and breakfast. At the elementary level, breakfast will cost $1.35 and lunch $2. Middle and high school students will pay $1.45 for breakfast and $2.10 for lunch. There were no price changes for students receiving reduced priced breakfasts and lunches.

Adults will also have to pay more for food purchased at the schools. Lunch prices went up 15 cents across the board to $2.75. Breakfast prices remain the same at $1.45.

The increases in student meal prices were set at the lowest price point needed to offset expenses based on increases from the previous school year that included a 23% increase in the cost of food, a one percent increase in labor and a 13% increase in other supplies such as paper products, chemicals, office supplies, small equipment and computer equipment.

The school nutrition program operates on a zero balanced budget, meaning it does not make a profit from food sales but relies on revenues generated from sales to cover its costs. More than half of the costs to prepare meals (54.1%) are supplemented from meal sales. Another 13.4% comes from extra food sold at the schools. Other sources of income include funding from the state and federal government at 4.5% and 24.1%, respectively, and foods received from the USDA valued at 3.9%.

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Ritchey Named as Merit Scholarship Winner

FL Notes: Congrats for a job well done.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has announced an additional group of college-sponsored Merit scholarship winners that includes a 2008 graduate of Starr’s Mill High.

Tradd Ritchey has received a scholarship from the Georgia Institute of Technology where he plans to major in computer engineering. Tradd is among 1,900 additional winners nationwide receiving college-sponsored scholarships.

These scholarships provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the sponsoring institution.

Braelinn Tennisholics Smashing Success

FL Note: Kudos to the repeat champions of the Braelinn Golf Club. You make us proud!

Pictured (l-r) sitting are: Cassie Eldredge and Victoria Vano. Standing are: Catherine Millea, Jessica Hazelton, Evan Thorsen, Jonathan Hazelton, Mitchell Love, Paul Balmes, Cassidy Sparkman and Coach Randy Rye.

The Southern Crescent Junior Team Tennis League recently announced the 18U Intermediate Division Champs for Spring 2008 are the Braelinn Tennisholics. "I've watched most of these players since the first time they picked up a racquet. We have a young team and they just keep on taking whatever challenge is put before them. It was a tough season against mostly older kids, but we did it!, said team captain Ann Eldredge. "And by only four games in the end. It was a smashing season."

Voices Announces Season

This week, Voices announced its plans through the end of 2009. Their season has been restructured and will be presenting four events in a two-year cycle. “Since our first concert in 2006, we have consistently been told that we should have more events through out the year. So we have gone ahead and planned our season to include more events in a season that will be spread through the end of 2009,” explained Ms. Ugarte.

Voices will be presenting a series of intimate events in September 2008, December 2008 and March 2009, preceding its full scale production in September of 2009, “Mist of Night and Moon.” “There is definitely something to be said about an intimate setting,” explained Ms. Ugarte. “It has a different feel to it. It is like getting submerged into what is going on on stage and somehow being a part it and the music.” Voices will continue to present an eclectic selection of music, covering varied genres and styles that will be incorporated in the different productions. As the title suggests, there is a flavor of mystery and haunt to the theme and Voices Artistic Director promises you are certain to hear “wonderfully haunting melodies.”

Zaphyra will be returning and The Southern Nights Chorale will be joining as well. “We are thrilled to have the Southern Nights Chorale as part of the upcoming productions. They will certainly add a wonderful dimension to the concerts.” Zaphyra has some surprises coming up that will soon be announced as well as other talent to be showcased. Carlos Salon will be designing the hair styles for Zaphyra and David's Bridal has joined as Sponsoring Partner with the dresses. “We are very excited about all these partnerships. This is what we are about; creating artistic synergy in the Southern Arc. We will be profiling our partners in the upcoming months, so keep an eye out to get to know them better!” Voices will also be returning to support PBA in their fall drive.

Performances are to take place in Fayette and Coweta counties. Details and specific dates are soon to be released. Please visit www.VoicesOnline.org for continued updates.

University of Georgia Awards 2008 Charter Scholarships

FL Note: Congratulations to the following Fayette County students as recipients of this scholarship. Way to go!

Emily Breault, Fayetteville, Starr’s Mill High School, Russell Breault
Hannah Calamoneri , Peachtree City , McIntosh High School, Charlie & Kimberly Calamoneri
Marlene Davis, Peachtree City, Starr’s Mill High School, Jeffery & Leisa Davis
Michael Harris, Fayetteville, Starr’s Mill High School, Mr. & Mrs. David Loyd Harris
Zachary Johnson, Peachtree City, McIntosh High School, Vicki Johnson
Alan Liow, Peachtree City , McIntosh High School, Jye-Fu Liow
Nadine Ngu, Fayetteville, Lovejoy High School, Eunice Ngu & Marcos Elliott
Meghan O’Donnell, Peachtree City, Starr’s Mill High School, William O’Donnell
Ariella Perry, Peachtree City, Starr’s Mill High School, Parham Perry
Ai Taniguchi, Peachtree City, McIntosh High School, Hiroshi & Yoko Taniguchi
Julie Thompson, Peachtree City, Starr’s Mill High School, Richard & Dorrie Thompson
Amy Wallace, Fayetteville, Whitewater High School, Mr. & Mrs. Jeff & Terry Wallace

The 2008 freshman class at the University of Georgia will include 331 undergraduates who have been awarded Charter Scholarships by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.

The Charter Scholarship, named to reflect the university’s distinction as the nation’s first state-chartered public university, recognizes first-year students with stellar academic records, leadership and community involvement and a respect for and commitment toward intellectual, social and cultural diversity. The Charter Scholarship is funded by the University of Georgia Foundation.

In-state students receive $1,000 per year in addition to the HOPE Scholarship. Out-of-state recipients are given non-resident tuition waivers with their $1,000 annual scholarships. Usually the top five percent of entering first-year students are named Charter Scholars.

This year’s Charter Scholars had an average SAT score of 1394. Their average high school GPA exceeded 4.0.

Students can renew the scholarship for up to three more years if they meet certain academic standards.

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McIntosh Chiefettes Mini Summer Dance Camp II

FL Note: Competitive Dance is fun to watch. Come dance with our local champs!

The three time state dance champions (and 13th in the nation) will host its 16th Mini Summer Dance Camp July 14 - 18 at JC Booth Middle SchoolGym from 9 a.m. - noon with a performance recital on Friday at 5:30 p.m.

Children ages 4 - 14 will be broken into small gorups and learn the fundamentals of hip hop and jazz and at least two choreographed routines. Cost is $100 and participants will receive a t-shirt, snacks and a recital gift.

Register with the Fayette County board of Education 770 460-3990 x470 or you can register at JC Booth gym on the 14th.

Secretary of State Karen Handel Reminds Voters about the Conclusion of Advance Voting and Absentee Balloting for the General Primary Election

Secretary of State Karen Handel reminded voters today about the conclusion of advance voting and absentee balloting for the Tuesday, July 15, 2008 statewide General Primary Election.

Voters will have the opportunity to advance vote in-person through the close of business on Friday, July 11, 2008. Voters will be required to show photo identification prior to in-person advance voting.

Voters can request an absentee ballot through the close of business on Friday, July 11, 2008. Absentee ballots must be returned to the county registrar by Election Day, July 15, 2008. Photo identification is not required when voting by mail.

Voters will be required to show one of the following six forms of photo ID when voting in-person during advance voting or on Election Day:

A Georgia driver’s license, even if expired;
Any valid state or federal government issued photo ID, including a free Voter ID Card issued by your county registrar or Georgia Department of Driver Services (DDS);
Valid U.S. passport;
Valid employee photo ID from any branch, department, agency, or entity of the U.S. Government, Georgia, or any county, municipality, board, authority, or other entity of this state;
Valid U.S. military photo ID; or
Valid tribal photo ID.

If a voter does not have one of these forms of photo identification, they can obtain a free voter ID card at their county registrar’s office or the Georgia Department of Driver Services. Anyone with additional questions about Georgia’s photo ID requirement can visit www.GAPhotoID.com or call toll free (877) 725-9797.

Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Voters can find voter registration information, including polling locations and legislative districts, by visiting http://sos.georgia.gov/cgi-bin/locator.asp.

Specialty Real Estate Team Makes the Switch to Prudential Georgia Realty

Prudential Georgia Realty is proud to announce the real estate team of Cheryl Jindra, Rob Thelen and Cindy Camp have joined its sales team. They are based out of the company’s Fayetteville office on Glynn Street.

Calling themselves The Georgia Foreclosure Team, they make the switch to Prudential from Gateway Realty in Stockbridge. Originally from the Chicago area, Rob is a graduate of Illinois State University and Cheryl is a graduate of Bradley University. Rob and Cheryl are the lead agents on the team and Cindy serves as their licensed real estate assistant.

They specialize in real estate investing, assisting investors with foreclosure properties, HUD homes and REO (bank-owned) properties. Cheryl has eight years experience as a real estate investor and Rob entered the real estate field after a couple years as a mortgage loan officer. Rob is also a retired Major in the Army Infantry and is an active member of both the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

“We are pleased to have agents with their unique expertise in local real estate investments and foreclosures join our office,” said Prudential Georgia Realty Managing Broker Merry Holley, who has agents in her office specializing in everything from land to commercial real estate to new home construction.

Each week the team offers a hot properties list taken from the latest HUD foreclosure list. To view this list each Friday or to conduct a complete search of foreclosure properties in the metro Atlanta area, visit their site at www.GAforeclosureteam.com.

PTC Flying Museum to Host Mustang Meet July 20

WWII Fighters and Ford Classic to Join Forces July 20

Classic cars will join vintage World War II aircraft when the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing hosts the Georgia Regional Mustang Club (GRMC) monthly meeting on Sunday, July 20th. The event will be held at the Historical Airpower Facility, Falcon Field, 1pm-5pm.

Over two dozen Ford Mustangs will be on hand, including “Eleanor”, a 1967 Mustang Shelby GT 500 Custom featured in the 2000 motion picture “Gone in 60 Seconds”. Joining the street ponies will be the CAF Dixie Wing North American P-51 Mustang, arguably the best all-around fighter of the Second World War.

“The CAF is dedicated to preserving American history by restoring and flying World War II aircraft” stated Chris Madrid, Public Information Officer, CAF Dixie Wing. “We welcome opportunities to partner with organizations like the Georgia Regional Mustang Club that share a similar passion.”

The event will be the second car meet held at the flying museum in as many months. The aviation heritage preservation organization hosted the Peachstate Region Porche Club of America inaugural Peachtree City Summer Rally June 22nd. Additional car meets are planned later in the year.

The CAF Dixie Wing Historical Airpower Facility, built in 2002, is part hangar and part workshop, but it is also a museum that includes German, Japanese and U.S. uniforms, equipment, a large collection of model airplanes, 1940’s toys and home front artifacts. Volunteers will be on hand during the Mustang Meet to provide guided tours. The public can also recreate history by purchasing a ride in one of the wing’s award-winning warbirds.

The Georgia Regional Mustang Club is a non-profit volunteer group of people dedicated to the restoration and preservation of the FORD MUSTANG. GRMC, founded in 1979, is the second oldest Chartered Mustang Club in the nation.

Suggested donation for the Mustang Meet and CAF Dixie Wing Open House is $5 per adult. Children 12 and under admitted free. Please no pets. For more information, please visit www.dixiewing.org or call 678-364-1110.

The Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Midland, Texas, the organization has over 9,500 members and operates a fleet of over 150 World War II aircraft. www.commemorativeairforce.org

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Dunson Tops in PTC and Company

Cheryl Dunson has been announced as the June Individual Agent Leader both companywide and for the Peachtree City/Fayette County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Janis Kraft of the Peachtree City office was No. 2 individual producer for the month, both companywide and for the office. Loy Hutcheson of the Jackson/Butts County office was No. 3 for the company, and Minka Fulton was No. 3 for the Peachtree City office.

Dunson, who joined the Bullard organization due to its recent merger with Coldwell Banker Fulton Realty Associates, has been in real estate for six and one-half years.

A graduate of the University of Georgia with a B.B.A. degree, she had 14 years of experience with BellSouth as a data center manager, technical instructor, and project manager.�

During her career in real estate, she has earned the Seniors Real Estate Specialist (SRES) and Accredited Buyer Representative (ABR) designations, and she has completed regular and advanced training in 1031 exchanges. She was named to the Million Dollar Circle in 2002.

A native of Atlanta and a longtime resident of Peachtree City, she has one son, Kent, 17. She is a member of St. Andrew's in the Pines Episcopal Church.

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Dispelling Common Myths About Asthma With World Champion Swimmer Peter Vanderkaay

FL Note: Since we live where we do and asthma is on the rise in the US, we thought this article may be of interest to those who constantly listen to the "cough". There is no cure for asthma at this time, but hanging out at the pool in the summer makes the breathing, oh, so much better!

(NAPSI)-Myth: People with asthma shouldn’t play sports. Fact: As a world-class swimmer with asthma, Peter Vanderkaay is living proof that having asthma doesn’t mean a life of sitting on the sidelines. This is just one of the myths that Vanderkaay, a member of the world-record-breaking U.S. 4x200-meter freestyle relay team in 2004, wants to help dispel through ASTHMyths, an online resource for people and parents of children with asthma (www.asthmyths.com).

Vanderkaay started swimming competitively when he was 7 and was diagnosed with asthma when he was 10. He is among the 20 million Americans, including about 6.4 million children, who are affected by asthma. Asthma is a chronic disease, meaning that even if patients do not have symptoms all of the time, their asthma is still there.

“The diagnosis came as a shock,” Vanderkaay said. “But with support from my family, doctors, coaches and friends, I have been able to manage my asthma and pursue my dreams.” Raising awareness about asthma control is what Vanderkaay is hoping to do with ASTHMyths.

ASTHMyths.com is a Web site developed by Merck & Co., Inc. and is specifically designed to help educate people with the condition about some of the myths and facts of asthma. For example:

• Myth: Asthma can be cured.

Fact: There is no cure for asthma, but people can help prevent symptoms by speaking with their doctors so they can participate more in the activities they enjoy.

• Myth: No symptoms means no asthma.

Fact: Even if people do not have symptoms every day, their asthma is there every day. By partnering with their doctor, people can learn about their triggers, and about the treatment that’s right for them so that they can enjoy a more active and healthy lifestyle.

• Myth: Asthma is a phase that some people can outgrow.

Fact: Once someone has asthma, he or she always has it. But asthma doesn’t have to stop people from working towards achieving their goals.

The Web site discusses the facts about the disease, the importance of talking to a doctor and understanding the myths vs. facts about asthma.

“It is important for families living with asthma to understand the disease, know their asthma triggers, and realize what they can do to help control their asthma,” said Dr. Randall Brown, M.D., MPH, Research Director and Partner at Georgia Pediatric Pulmonology Associates and Adjunct Associate Professor of Health Behavior and Health Education at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. “ASTHMyths.com offers tools and information about asthma which, in my view as a clinician and asthma researcher, clearly allow a better understanding of the disease-enabling a better conversation between the patient, family and physician about optimal asthma control.”

ASTHMyths.com includes useful facts, tools and information such as:

• Information about the myths vs. facts of asthma;

• An asthma symptom tracker;

• A checklist to determine whether a daycare or school is asthma friendly;

• A step-by-step Asthma Action Plan that can be developed together with a doctor.

Also included in ASTHMyths.com is a “Poolside with Peter” section where visitors can track Vanderkaay’s progress and training as he prepares for the biggest swimming event of the year that will take place this summer in China.

Vanderkaay hopes that his story will encourage others like him to keep their asthma under control in order to continue working towards achieving their goals.

To learn more about Vanderkaay’s experience and get additional facts about asthma, visit www.asthmyths.com.

Benson Joins PTC Office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty

Shirley A. Benson is a new agent with the Peachtree City/Fayette County office of Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty.

Benson, a Fayette County resident, is married to Harold Benson. They have three sons, Zenor Brownlee, 27, Michael Brownlee, 22, and Jonathan Brownlee, 19; one daughter, Zenonda Brownlee, 24; and one grandson, Erik, 2.

She is a member of Atlanta City Church.

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Golf Tournament Scheduled to Benefit Lynn Wheeler

Monday, July 14 will be a big day for Lynn Wheeler, wife of the head of the Clayton State University Music Department, Dr. Douglas Wheeler.

That’s the day that the Wheeler’s church, Covenant Presbyterian Church in Fayetteville, Ga., will be hosting the Lynn Wheeler Benefit Golf Tournament at Eagle’s Brooke County Club in Locust Grove, Ga. The personification of determination and courage, Lynn Wheeler was diagnosed with cancer in February 2005. She went into remission in September of that same year, only to suffer a serious spinal injury in an auto accident on Christmas Day, 2005, an accident that has confined her to a wheelchair and breathing with the help of a respirator.

Undaunted, the Wheelers have remained strong members of Covenant Presbyterian, and Lynn continues to serve in the church’s children’s ministry and to teach piano. The church’s fund raising golf tournament for the Wheelers will feature a clinic by former PGA touring professional Greg Powers, lunch provided by Chick-Fil-A, door prizes, raffles, longest drive and closest to the pin contests, and a new 2008 Ford, courtesy of Allan Vigil Ford, for a hole-in-one.

The Lynn Wheeler Benefit Golf Tournament is set up for four-person teams in a Ft. Lauderdale format with a shotgun start at 9:30 a.m. Single players may register for $95. Four person teams may register for $380.

For more information on the tournament, call Joseph Starr at (678) 637-2731 or Jack Stillman at (678) 471-1526.

Junior Ranger Program at Sprewell Bluff State Park

FL Note: This sounds like a fun last fling of summer adventure for the kids!

On August 6 – 8, Sprewell Bluff State Park will offer a three-day Junior Ranger program for children ages 8 – 12. The camp will last from 9:00 am until 12:00 pm for all three days, and cost $30.00 per child. Each participant will learn about the diverse natural environments at Sprewell Bluff State Park, and have fun participating in activities such as fishing, learning about native plants and wildlife, and hiking the many trails at the park. All participants will complete enough exercises to earn a Level 1 Junior Ranger patch, and have a good foundation for earning levels two and three on their own time.

The Junior Ranger Program is a set of activities developed by Georgia Parks, for children ages 6 – 12 to participate in on their own time, or at parks sponsoring a Junior Ranger day camp. A junior ranger activity book is available at any state park office and free to any interested participants. The exercises are designed to encourage children to explore Georgia’s many diverse parks, and historic sites. All the Park Rangers at Georgia Park’s are committed to helping families learn more about our natural and cultural resources, and protecting and sharing these resources for you and your family.

Sprewell Bluff has an incredible amount of natural resources just waiting to be discovered. From the incredible array of birds along the river, to the Shoal Bass that calls the Flint River home, the multitudes of dragon and damselflies, and open pine savanna rich in native plants and wildlife, to the unique Geology that created Sprewell Bluff, the Junior Rangers will experience all aspects of this unique place.

For more information on this program, and for registration, please call the Sprewell Bluff State Park Office at 706-646-6026, or stop by and talk to a ranger. Pre-Registration is required, and payments in check or cash can be made at the park office, near the entrance of the park, or by talking to one of the park staff. For more information of Sprewell Bluff, or any other state park, check www.gastateparks.org.

Aflac Honors Nation's Best High School Baseball Players

FL Note: Super Kudos to Tyrone resident Braxton Lane of Sandy Creek High School. Fayette County is proud of you!!


PRNewswire -- Aflac announced today (July 1, 2008) during an on-field presentation held at Turner Field that OF/RHP Drew Steckenrider (Greater Atlanta Christian HS) of Lawrenceville, Ga.; OF Donovan Tate (Cartersville HS) of Cartersville, Ga.; C/3B Luke Bailey (Troup HS) of LaGrange, Ga.; RHP Zack Wheeler (East Paulding HS) of Dallas, Ga.; OF Braxton Lane (Sandy Creek HS) of Tyrone, Ga.; INF/RHP Richie Schaffer (Providence HS) of Charlotte; RHP/INF Daniel Tuttle (Randleman HS) of Randleman, N.C.; OF Brian Goodwin (Rocky Mount HS) of Rocky Mount, N.C.; RHP/OF Keyvius Sampson (Forest HS) of Ocala, Fla.; INF/OF Jacson Thompson (Germantown HS) of Germantown, Tenn.; and LHP Ian Krol (Neuqua Valley HS) of Naperville, Ill. have been selected to the 2008 Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game roster. The eleven stars were honored by Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, who presented them with their official team jerseys.

The premier high school All-American game in the country, the Aflac All-American Game will take place Saturday, Aug. 9 in Dodger Stadium and will be broadcast live on FOX Sports Net at noon Pacific Time.

"We are thrilled to have such a great group of future stars added to the Aflac All-American roster," said Al Johnson, Vice President for Marketing Services for Aflac. "I am certain the kids are as excited as we are to take this game to the next level by hosting it at historic Dodger Stadium."

The annual Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game showcases 38 of the nation's top high school players in an East versus West matchup following their junior year. Aflac All-Americans are chosen by the experts at our official selection partner, Perfect Game USA, and in consultation with the staff at baseball's most influential magazine, Baseball America.

As part of Aflac's ongoing commitment to the fight against childhood cancer, all game proceeds from the 2008 Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game will benefit ThinkCure, the official charity of the Dodgers, which supports critical cancer research at City of Hope and Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles. Since 2005, the game has generated nearly $525,000 for charity.

Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith will return as this year's honorary chairman, and in addition to promoting the game, will be on-site in Los Angeles for game week activities. This is the second consecutive year that Smith has served as honorary chairman. Past honorary chairmen have included Hall of Famers Reggie Jackson (2006), Cal Ripken (2004-05) and Stan Musial (2003).

The Aflac All-American High School Baseball Game is considered the country's marquee prep All-American event. All participants must have just completed their junior year of high school, be in good academic standing and display redeeming qualities off the field that embody the ideals of the sport of baseball, including discipline, determination and hard work.

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