Chamber Gears Up for 2010 Expo

The Fayette Chamber is anticipating another great year at the 20th annual Community Expo on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at New Hope Baptist Church, 551 New Hope Road in Fayetteville. The theme of this year’s Expo, Building Business, Building Community, parallels the chamber’s goal to maintain and enhance our community’s quality of life by supporting the local business community.

Businesses interested in exhibiting at the Expo can register now at www.FayetteChamber.org. Being an Expo exhibitor is a low-cost way for businesses to reach a large cross-section of the community. Last year’s Expo drew over 1500 visitors who came to see what products and services were available in Fayette County. Early birds can save $50 by registering before July 16th. For more information, contact the chamber at 770.461.9983 or visit the website.

The Expo has something for everyone. Whether your interest is in B2B networking or reaching out to consumers, the Expo provides an avenue for making important connections to help businesses gain exposure. It’s a fun, lively environment where entire families can enjoy strolling the aisles, sampling tasty treats, registering for great drawing prizes and discovering the great products and services that can be found right here in our own back yard!

Special features this year include the Biz Cafe’ that will provide free coffee, referrals for exhibitors and resources to help small businesses; a young entrepreneurs’ competition, a youth art show and a Wii competition. Prizes will also be awarded to the Best Booth and the winner of the Platinum Plate Award.

The Expo is part of the Fayette Chamber’s Find it in Fayette!R campaign to encourage consumers to support local businesses.

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Cowboy Poetry a Summer Program at The Summit

Cowboy Poetry a Summer Program for ages 8-16 to be offered at The Summit. They will be Academic Skill Reinforcement/Development Writing~ Speaking~ Listening and Character Education/Life Skills Respect~ Forgiveness~ Honesty~ Friendship. This is all Wrapped around a western, cowboy culture theme, inspiring imagination. It is OUTSIDE in nature, engaging students in activities with HORSES.

Cowboy Poetry is an innovative, strengths-based learning model, used in school systems, with families and organizations across the country, that supports academic enrichment, promotes the acquisition of development assets, and teaches positive life skills. Each session involves small group discussions of a Life Skill; hands on activities involving one of the academic skills; supervised, experiential activities with the horse(NO RIDING is involved, no experience with horses is needed); and fun, creative activities that develop and enhance verbal processing skills.

WHEN: Every Tuesday, July 13-August 3 10:00am-1:00pm
(Bring a sack lunch; drinks provided by program)
Bonfire Celebration, Friday Evening August 6
COST: $125 for 4 sessions; and bonfire celebration

LOCATION: The Summit Family Resource Center, 1373 Highway 92 South, Fayetteville, GA 30215

LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE, REGISTER NOW BY CALLING:
Lisa Freeman, 404.281.9497, OR Email Lisa: freefalling181@aol.com

Note: We somehow overlooked this when originally sent to us... there's a good chance they're full at this point, but if you're interested we hope you'll contact them just in case!

Downtown Fayetteville Walking Tours now Available

Just in time for the summer break, Fayetteville Main Street has printed two, separate walking tour brochures for visitors and locals that are interested in learning about the history of our wonderful city. The brochures are available at the new Directory kiosk located next to the Gazebo in Downtown Fayetteville, and also at the Train Depot Welcome Center.

The first brochure focuses on Downtown Fayetteville’s historic landmarks and the notable people that helped to shape and influence the growth of this community in its earlier history. Included on the tour are points of interest such as, Fayetteville’s oldest standing home, the world’s longest courthouse bench, and the original site of the Fayetteville Academy. The tour spans about 10 city blocks.

Main Street Director, Brian Wismer, would like the department to offer guided tours if the interest exists within the community. “We would love to take interested individuals and groups on a guided tour to each of the stops. There is a lot more information to supplement what we had room to include on the actual brochure. There is so much history and great stories to go along with these landmarks. It could really be fun and educational thing for all age groups,” explained Wismer.

The second brochure is exclusively dedicated to the Historic Cemetery and the interesting stories of Fayetteville’s prominent residents that currently “reside” in this historic burial site. Among those counted are Fayetteville’s original Mayor, Captain Redwine, as well as the relatives of famous Americans including Margaret Mitchell (Gone With the Wind) and “Doc” Holliday. For space reasons, the brochure focuses on 14 different burial sites. The cemetery however, has many other great people buried there with great stories to discover. The Holliday-Dorsey-Fife Museum currently offers guided tours through the cemetery to interested groups by appointment. On these extended tours, people will learn about the lives of Fayetteville’s most notable characters and get a great sense of the town’s early history.

The brochures are part of a Main Street/Downtown Development project that also includes the Directory kiosk, and the new wayfinding signs located at intersections throughout the Main Street District. The project is partially funded by a Preserve America grant that was awarded to the City by the National Parks Service, Department of the Interior. The remaining funds were provided from proceeds of the Downtown Development Authority.
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Peachtree City Dragon Boat Races and International Festival slated for September 25

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City and Peachtree City Tourism are joining forces this fall to present a bigger and better festival for all to enjoy on September 25 at Drake Field. This will be the 4th annual Dragon Boat Races and International Fest and its’ unique flavor and appeal has resulted in dramatic growth in popularity each year.

This year Peachtree City Tourism promises to present an expanded food court, kids corner and more international displays and exhibits, as well as artisans specializing in international crafts. According to Executive Director Nancy Price, “We are looking for food and craft vendors with an international flair”. Applications for the International Fest can be obtained at the Visitors Center on McIntosh Trail, or by calling 678-216-0282.

The main stage for the festival will feature entertainment from around the world, and Peachtree City Tourism is currently searching for acts that will fit the bill. Contact the Visitors’ Center if you are interested or email nprice@visitpeachtreecity.com .

The Rotary Club of Peachtree City is bringing back the popular Dragon Boat Races again this year and expects to sell out the limited number of team spots. Applications for the races are available online at ptcdragonboats.org, at the Peachtree City Visitors Center located at 201 McIntosh Trail or you may also obtain an application by contacting Phil Jones at pjonesandco@msn.com or by calling 678-642-3239.

Sponsorship opportunities for the races are also available and information is available by contacting Donna Turner at 770-363-2537. Proceeds from the Dragon Boat Races go to benefit local charities with the community.

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Preliminary Budget Approved, No Cuts to Employees or Students

The Fayette County Board of Education unanimously approved the tentative budget for fiscal year 2011, but with less in the way of reductions compared to what other school systems around the state are implementing.

The tentative budget maintains staff benefits, programs for students, a full 180-day school year, and no employee furloughs. In addition, the board voted to restore the equivalent of up to three furlough days of pay to all employees who took them this past year.

While the school system is maintaining its operations without reducing what it offers to students and employees, it is doing so with $12,281,410 less in state and local revenue.

Employees and students are not the only ones benefitting, homeowners are getting some relief as well. A 1.8 mill reduction in the tax/millage rate for bonded indebtedness could result in a $200 savings in taxes for the average home. The millage rate reduction is made possible thanks to the ESPLOST voters approved in November 2008.

“We also have to thank our employees, student and parents for the sacrifices they made this past year. Due to their efforts, our budget for 2011 is in good shape heading into the new school year. Our staff did an outstanding job in cutting expenses and saving money where possible. It is because of strategic planning and the efforts and sacrifices of our school community that we have a sound budget for next year,” says Superintendent John DeCotis.

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PTC First Presbyterian VBS Registration Ends June 13

The First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City invites all gradeschool children to an exciting week of discovery at the SonQuest Rainforest Vacation Bible School June 21-25.  Be sure to register by June 13 for this delightful experience the children will love.

To register, click on www.firstpresptc.com and go to the Events tab.  For more information, please call the church office at 770-487-7757.

The VBS discovery takes place:
June 21-25
9 am - 12 pm
First Presbyterian Church
206 Willow Bend Rd
Peachtree City

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DAR Reminds Everyone to Fly the American Flag June 14

Those beautiful red and white broad stripes and the 50 white stars on a blue background are about to celebrate a birthday.  Our flag, the American flag, the symbol of our great country, was adopted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. The resolution passed by our founding fathers described our flag with the following words; "White signifies purity and innocence; red hardiness and valor; blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and Justice".


The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution reminds everyone to fly your flag on June 14. Regent Betty Harrah remarked, "When I see the flag, it reminds me of the sacrifices made by our fore fathers and their families in fighting for our freedoms and all those since who have fought to keep our freedoms. The flag makes me proud to be an American."

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR is chartered in Fayetteville, GA.

Photo by Ann Eldredge

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Chamber Hosts Health Care Reform Briefing

The Fayette Chamber of Commerce will host Beyond the Politics: The Who, What, When & How of Health Care Reform on Friday, June 11, 2010, 8 a.m. at the Chamber. The speaker will be Dr. Patricia Ketsche from Georgia State University Robinson College of Business. Dr. Ketsche teaches graduate courses in Health Policy and Ethics, Introduction to the Healthcare System, and Healthcare Financial Management and Planning. The Briefing will be a non-partisan, factual analysis of the new Health Care Reform law including: an overview of major provisions with a timeline for each (Public Program Changes, Private Market Changes, Health Care Quality Initiatives, Initiatives to Improve Health Status, and Financing); a detailed look at the changes that affect the private market; and how Georgians currently obtain health insurance and the best estimates of how Georgia’s population would be covered if Reform is fully implemented. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. The Chamber is located in the Old Courthouse at 200 Courthouse Square in Fayetteville. To register, visit www.FayetteChamber.org or call the Chamber at 770.461.9983.

Dr. Ketsche is part of a team of Georgia State University faculty and staff aiming to break down the complexities of the nation’s newly passed health reform law in a series of policy briefs. The team has extensive experience in many areas of health including economics, insurance, law, financing, public and private coverage, long-term care, public health and more. To access the briefs, visit www.FayetteChamber.org.

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Rotary Makes Literacy Donation

Peachtree City Elementary After School students (L-R) Kennedi Miller, Alexandra Duran, Christine Peterson and Jack Shafman eagerly look through the books donated by the Peachtree City Rotary Club.

Students in the Peachtree City Elementary After School Program have hundreds of additional books to read, thanks to the generosity of the Peachtree City Rotary Club.

The club donated the books as part of its initiatives for promoting early childhood reading and after-school care. Students will use the books for leisure reading as well as when working with reading tutors and mentors assigned to them during their stay in the after school program.

In addition to the books, the club also made a monetary donation to the Friends Mentoring Program.
“The Rotary Club has been so kind to After School and Friends Mentoring over the years. They understand the impact that a caring community can have on the overall education of our students,” says Jane Gough, program manager for the Friends Mentoring Program.

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Peachtree City Golf Cart Drivers Win! Governor Vetoes Bill Requiring Driver's License

Governor Perdue Vetoes Senate Bill 519

Governor Perdue today (June 4) vetoed Senate Bill 519, legislation that would have had the unintended consequence of requiring drivers’ licenses for anyone operating a motorized cart. This requirement would have had a serious impact on communities such as Peachtree City, where cart paths are used by residents to do everything from going shopping, making a trip to the grocery story and performing other routine errands. Rep. Matt Ramsey and Sen. Ronnie Chance visited Governor Perdue to express their concerns over the bill.

“The unintended consequences of this legislation would have had a detrimental impact on the citizens of Peachtree City,” said Governor Perdue. “Thanks to Rep. Ramsey and Sen. Chance, we recognized the problems with the bill and asked the sponsors to come back next year with legislation without the language in question.”

The specific language is in Section 2 of the bill: “Operators of golf carts and landscape type vehicles must possess a valid driver’s license.” The intent of the bill was for that provision to apply to motorized carts used for companies distributing packages and other seasonal deliveries. The language, however, was not specific enough to only target those vehicles, and could have been applied to all carts, including golf carts.

“Senator Chance and I, on behalf of the citizens of Peachtree City, truly appreciate Governor Perdue hearing our concerns regarding the potential legal confusion that could have been created by SB 519 and its possible impact on Peachtree City’s long standing motorized cart ordinances,” said Rep. Ramsey.

The official veto message is below:

SB 519 changes certain rules regarding golf carts and other motorized carts.  The language of a late amendment to the bill, however, has the unintended effect of requiring every person who drives a golf cart to have a drivers’ license.  Although that consequence was not intended by the legislature, the language of the bill is plain and cannot be disregarded.  As our Supreme Court has recognized, plain statutory language is “the sole evidence of the ultimate legislative intent.”  Hollowell v. Jove, 247 Ga. 678, 681 (1981); see also I.N.S. v. Cardoza-Fonseca, 480 U.S. 421, 452-453 (1987) (Scalia, J., concurring) (“Where the language of [a law] is clear, we are not free to replace it with an unenacted legislative intent.”).  I have discussed the devastating impact this bill would have on communities with substantial investments in golf cart paths such as Peachtree City with Rep. Matt Ramsey and Sen. Ronnie Chance.  I support the original intent of the bill and encourage legislators to revisit the issue next session without the language in question, and so I VETO SB 519.


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Honor Flight Fayette's 6th Trip to DC was May 4th- Final Trip to be in the Fall

Another group of 70 excited World War II veterans made the one day round trip to the nation’s capitol on May 4th to see their memorial, as well as making other stops including Arlington Cemetery to see the changing of the guard.

As has happened in the past, many people along the way took the time to say “thank you” and give hugs to these veterans; however, there were more tears of gratitude seen than ever before on these trips. Perhaps these heroes of the “greatest generation” reminded the on-lookers of their fathers, grandfathers, mothers or grandmothers who served in World War II. Some of them came home and lived productive lives, some were terribly wounded, but some never came home at all.

In addition to the horrors of war, some veterans received “Dear John” letters while they were away, but lucky veterans returned to waiting sweethearts. Some found their loves after they returned, and others fell in love “over there” and brought their wives-to-be, to a land foreign to them, to begin a new life together.

The loyalty and tenacity these veterans had for their country extended to their marriages, families, faith and jobs. The old sayings “don’t start something you can’t finish”, and “if you are going to do it, do it right the first time” so perfectly sums up the attitude of these amazing men and women.

After taking 420 veterans for this trip to D.C., Honor Flight Fayette will make its last trip in the coming fall, making a total of 490 veterans that this organization has had the privilege of meeting. The stories heard, the tears witnessed and appreciation expressed by the veterans is equaled to or exceeded by the emotions felt by those fortunate enough to accompany them to Washington.

If you are a World War II veteran, or would like to be a volunteer or guardian, please contact honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024 for further information.

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Staples Makes Donation to CARE

Andrew Meaney, sales associate, and Sharon Francisco, assistant manager, at the Fayetteville Staples delivered donated items to CARE for distribution to the school system’s teachers and students.

This school year is over, but the staff at the Staples in Fayetteville is already looking ahead to the next one.

During the last week of school, the store donated a number of supplies to the school system’s CARE (Children at Risk in Education) program. Among them were calculators, dry erase boards, bike locks, and magnetic bulletin boards. CARE will distribute the supplies next year to schools and students that have been identified as being able to benefit from them.

“We are very appreciative of the numerous items Staples so generously donated. Our schools and students will put them to good use,” says CARE Coordinator Karen Spangler.

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Transportation Personnel Celebrate End of the School Year

Fayette County school bus drivers, monitors and the transportation staff celebrated the end of the school year with an appreciation luncheon at Christ’s Church at Whitewater.

Awards were given to drivers who have been with the county for five years as well as for perfect attendance. Drivers who received their five-year service certificates were Janice Filla, Dennis Smart, Susan Bishop, Carla Cann, Olivia Brown, Tara Bradshaw, Sherry Harris, Kelly Ranes, and Robert Whitley.

Those who received certificates for perfect attendance were Andrew Olton, Tammy Dorsey, Linda Mosley, Doris Rockhill, Mark Ballard, Jimmy Poole, Wayne Pritchett, Barbara Roberson, Dusty Rhodes, Tara Bradshaw, Michael Dixon and Steven Bauer.

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Five Fayette Grads Earn Prestigious Scholarship

The high academic achievements of five recent high school graduates have garnered them a federally funded scholarship that has been awarded to approximately 27,000 students nationwide.

Jenna Fair of Whitewater High, Lauren Swany of Starr’s Mill High, Julian Urrego of Fayette County High, Antuan Weeks of Sandy Creek High, and Matthew Niebes of McIntosh High are recipients of the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship. Each student will receive a $1,500 award for four years to help cover tuition costs at the college or university of their choice.

The program, which is federally funded and state-administered, is designed to recognize exceptionally able high school seniors who show promise of continued excellence in postsecondary education. High school graduates who have been accepted for enrollment at institutions of higher learning, have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement and show promise of continued academic excellence are eligible to apply for the scholarship in states in which they are residents. The U.S. Department of Education provides grant funds to states on a formula basis. The award is not based on the applicant’s financial need.

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Decotis Honored at Reception

Deputy Superintendent Fred Oliver and Superintendent John DeCotis share a hug after Oliver presented him with a plaque in honor of his service to the school system.

It was an afternoon filled with joy, tears and wonderful memories as current and former employees gathered to celebrate the upcoming retirement of Superintendent John DeCotis.

Approximately 400 people attended the reception at the LaFayette Educational Center June 1 to honor DeCotis who has dedicated 31 years of his career as an educator to the Fayette County Public School System.

Deputy Superintendent Fred Oliver, who has been with DeCotis’ through his 11 years as superintendent, presented him with an appreciation plaque in recognition of his service and dedication to the school system. Additionally, DeCotis was presented with a poem written by a teacher at Kedron Elementary and a quilt featuring T-shirts from schools within the system that was handcrafted by another employee.

Kathy Smith and Julie Rojas, both who work in the superintendent’s office, arranged the celebration, made the desserts and put together a PowerPoint slide show featuring photos of DeCotis from his early years with the system to the present.

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