Huddle, Snap, and Click Your Way to the Super Bowl

FL Note: Why do you love football? Why do you take all those captivating pictures of your kids playing football? Maybe you have a hankering to attend the Super Bowl in Tampa?

With all the cars and golf carts lined up at our local youth league and high school football games this fall, we suspect there are some phenomenal pictures. Why not enter your best into the contest? We'd love to have a winner from Fayette County!

(NAPSI)-Highly satisfying, for many parents, is capturing great photos of their children's milestones and important moments that can be shared with loved ones for years to come. Incorporating photography into your everyday activities can help you capture memories that will last a lifetime.

To encourage that idea, Canon U.S.A. and the Pro Football Hall of Fame are giving football and photography fans a chance to capture the fun, passion, excitement and journey of youth football and enter their best football photos in a fun contest. Everything from a playful catch in the backyard to any youth, school or organized football game is eligible for the "Why Do You Love Football?" Photo Challenge.

The grand-prize winners in the adult and teen divisions will each be awarded a trip for four to attend Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa Bay and will earn a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have a photo displayed in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Additionally, the winners will receive a trip for four to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Celebration.

The nationwide amateur photo contest features two entry categories, "Action" and "Feature." The "Action" category focuses on any image that captures football action during game play, while the "Feature" category comprises any football imagery outside of game action on the field.

A judging panel consisting of renowned sports photographer and Canon Explorer of Light Peter Read Miller, Sports Illustrated, Archie Manning (former NFL quarterback and father of Indianapolis and New York Super Bowl MVP quarterbacks) and other prominent photographers will determine the group of 14 finalists in each division. The voting will then be turned over to the fans, who will crown the first-place winner in each category as well as the grand-prize winners.

"This will mark my third year working with Canon on the 'Why Do You Love Football?' Photo Challenge," said Archie Manning. "We've received some amazing photographs over the years, and I know from personal experience how important it is to have captured life's journey through photography. Having the opportunity to reflect and flip through old photos brings me right back to some of the best moments of my life."

Parents, family members and friends are encouraged to submit as many as 10 images each through December 3, 2008, by visiting www.usa.canon.com.

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Fayetteville Intermediate School Learns About the Constitution from DAR

The fourth and fifth graders at Fayetteville Intermediate School learned about the Constitution from the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution in a special Constitution Week program. To conclude the presentation, the children read the Preamble to the Constitution and waited in line to pledge their support to the Constitution, which turns 221 years old on September 17.

Pictured (l-r) are Regent Betty Harrah and Carol Key of Fayetteville.

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Jimmie Mayfield Construction Speed Reduction Zone

Due to the ongoing construction on Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard the speed limit has been reduced to thirty five miles per hour.

Jimmie Mayfield Boulevard is currently under construction for the widening of the roadway. This construction is expected to last approximately one year. For the safety of the workers and citizens traveling through this construction area, a work zone has been established. The posted speed limit in this zone is thirty five miles per hour. This speed limit will be strictly enforced and will be in affect twenty four hours a day until the construction is complete.
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Fayette County Commissioners Proclaim September 17-23 as Constitution Week

The Fayette County Commissioners recently proclaimed September 17-23 as Constitution Week in Fayette County. Commissioner Jack Smith presented the proclamation to the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution of Fayetteville and thanked the ladies for their commitment to education, promoting patriotism and preserving American history. Enthusiastic clapping of the audience showed citizen support to the Proclamation.

The James Waldrop Chapter reminds Fayette County of the "Bells Across America" ceremony to be held September 17th at the old Fayette County Courthouse lawn at noon. Pictured (l-r) are: Phyllis King, Jeffre Ray, Bonnie Bolin, Susan Sloan, Constitution Week Chairman Ann Eldredge, James Waldrop Chapter DAR Regent Betty Harrah, and Commissioner Jack Smith.

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"Food For Fellowship" Cookbook - Favorite Recipes of Lisbon Baptist Church in Fayetteville

Fayette Front Page Staff Report

With 648 recipes lovingly gathered, the Lisbon Baptist Church Ladies' Disciple Group of Fayetteville has created a "Food for Fellowship" Cookbook. At a price of only $15 (plus $2 for handling), this cookbook is sure to get the family to the table on time for dinner! The proceeds from the sale of the book are being donated to the church for their building fund.

Here's just one recipe to jumpstart your appetite.

Chicken Enchiladas
By: Glen Fraser
• 3 C. chopped turkey or chicken (dark and white meat)
• 3 C. cooked rice
• 2 cans (10 oz) red or green enchilada sauce
• 1 C. chopped or sliced olives
• 2 C. shredded cheddar cheese or combined cheddar and Monterey Jack
• Burrito sized (10") flour tortillas
Combine meat, rice, 1 can of sauce, half of the olives, and half of the cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir well. Spoon generous amount of filling onto tortilla, fold sides of tortilla over filling, and then roll tortilla and place into 9 1/2" X 12" pan. Repeat, placing rolled tortillas side-by-side until pan is full. Pour remaining sauce over top of enchiladas; spread evenly. Cover with remaining cheese and olives. Bake at 350 degrees for 1/2 hour or until cheese begins to brown. Remove from oven and let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

For more information, or to place an order:

Lisbon Baptist Church Ladies
Attn: Ladies Phase 3 Grow Group
1662 Hwy 85 South
Fayetteville, GA 30215
Phone: 770-461-1583
Fax: 770-460-7373
magillham@bellsouth.net
www.lisbonbaptistchurch.com

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Beware Of Phony Voter Registration Schemes

(SPM Wire) While many Americans are showing civic pride and registering to vote, scammers see opportunities to ply their trade.

The experts at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) are warning Americans to be cautious with personal information to avoid phony voter registration drives.

"Voter registration laws vary by state and changes take place regularly, which creates the confusing environment that ID thieves thrive on," said Steve Cox of the BBB.

Such theft can be perpetrated through e-mail, phone and even in person:

Beware of phony e-mails appearing to be from government agencies, telling you to click to register to vote or resolve registrations issues. These links direct recipients to sites that install viruses or ask for personal information such as Social Security or bank numbers.

Remember, state government officials don't telephone you if there is an issue with registration, nor do they need bank account or credit card numbers to confirm your identity.

If registering in-person, always ask for proof of which organization the volunteer is with before providing information. While some states require Social Security numbers to vote, they never require bank account or credit card information.

If you think you've become an ID theft or voter registration fraud victim, contact your BBB (www.bbb.org) and file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at 877-FTC-HELP or www.ftc.gov/idtheft.

The U.S. Election Assistance Commission Web site (www.eac.gov/voter) offers information on state voter registration guidelines.

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Piedmont Physicians Raise Awareness of Cervical and Other Gynecological Cancers

Every six minutes, an American woman is diagnosed with gynecologic cancer, including cervical, endometrial, ovarian, peritoneal, tubal, vaginal and vulvar cancers. Each year more than 80,000 American women are diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer, defined as the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the female reproductive organs.

September is Gynecologic Cancer Awareness Month and according to the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation, early detection plays a critical role in the treatment process. In addition, the Foundation says that gynecologic cancers should only be treated by a cancer specialist, such as a gynecologic oncologist. Any woman is at risk for developing a gynecologic cancer. Although they are often discussed as a group, gynecologic cancers have a spectrum of different causes, prevention and detection methods, treatment, and likelihoods of a cure.

“Gynecologic cancer is a serious concern for women, but there are ways to prevent, detect and treat this cancer,” said Alfred Dwayne Jenkins, M.D., gynecologic oncologist at Piedmont Fayette Hospital. “If more women were screened regularly, many unnecessary deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided.”

Biomedical research has discovered that some genes, called oncogenes, promote the growth of cancer. These genetic mutations are acquired during life through smoking, aging or environmental influences, or are inherited from parents or grandparents. Many cancers of the cervix, vagina and vulva are caused by a virus that blocks normal gene function. Only a few of the specific genes leading to reproductive cancers have been identified. Knowing family history can increase the chance of early diagnosis and can help take action toward prevention.

Screening and self-examinations conducted regularly can result in the detection of certain types of gynecologic cancers in their earlier stages, when treatment is more likely to be successful and a complete cure is a possibility. Diet, exercise and lifestyle choices play a significant role in the prevention of cancer. Additionally, knowledge of family history can increase the chance of prevention or early diagnosis by determining if someone may have a gene which makes them susceptible to cancer.

Dr. Jenkins has been a part of the Piedmont Healthcare family since early last year, working with Piedmont Gynecologic Oncology located on the Piedmont Hospital campus. He also holds part-time office hours at Piedmont Fayette Hospital in Fayetteville. Dr. Jenkins is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology. He performed the first gynecologic robotics procedure in the state of Florida while serving as director of the Division of Gynecologic Oncology at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center-Orlando. Dr. Jenkins is also interested in minimally invasive surgery and fertility-sparing treatment of malignancies.

Dr. Jenkins is accepting new patients and welcomes virtually all major insurance plans. His Fayetteville office is located at 1267 Highway 54 West, Suite 5200, Fayetteville, Ga. on the PFH campus. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 404-605-2100.
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Fayette County Schools Earn Achievement Awards

Fayette’s elementary, middle and high schools have collectively received 30 awards from the Georgia Department of Education in recognition of their academic achievement.

The inaugural Superintendent’s Distinguished Achievement Awards honor schools that had the highest achievement and greatest improvement on state curriculum tests: the Criterion-Referenced Competency Test (CRCT), the Georgia High School Graduation Test (GHSGT) and the End-of-Course Test (EOCT).

All of Fayette’s awards were given in the “achievement” category. The top 10 schools in the state with the highest percentage of students scoring in the “exceeds” category in each honored subject area and grade level received achievement awards. The honored subjects and grade levels include Grades 1-8 Reading CRCT; Grades 2 and 6 English Language Arts CRCT; Grade 9 Literature EOCT; American Literature EOCT; English Language Arts and Reading GHSGT; Grades 1-8 Mathematics CRCT; Algebra I EOCT; Geometry EOCT; Mathematics GHSGT; Grades 4 and 8 Social Studies CRCT; U.S. History EOCT; Economics EOCT; Social Studies GHSGT; Grades 5-8 Science CRCT; Physical Science EOCT and Biology EOCT.

A total of six elementary and middle schools received achievement awards for performance on the CRCT:
Braelinn Elementary – Grade 2 Reading and Grade 2 Mathematics
Huddleston Elementary – Grade 2 English Language Arts and Grade 2 Mathematics
Kedron Elementary – Grade 2 Mathematics, Grade 3 Mathematics, Grade 4 Reading, Grade 4 Mathematics, Grade 4 Social Studies, Grade 5 Mathematics and Grade 5 Science
Peeples Elementary – Grade 4 Mathematics
Bennett’s Mill Middle – Grade 6 Science and Grade 7 Science
Rising Starr Middle – Grade 6 Reading, Grade 6 Mathematics, Grade 6 Science and Grade 7 Mathematics

Both McIntosh and Starr’s Mill high schools received achievement awards for performance on the EOCT:
McIntosh – Algebra I, Geometry, American Literature, Biology, Physical Science and Economics
Starr’s Mill – Physical Science and Economics

Again, both McIntosh and Starr’s Mill earned achievement awards for the GHSGT:

McIntosh – English Language Arts/Reading, Mathematics and Social Studies
Starr’s Mill – Mathematics
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Peachtree City Firefighters Honor the Memory of Firefighters and Police Officers of September 11, 2001

Fayette Front Page Staff Report

As America pauses to remember the September 11, 2001, attacks this year, Peachtree City Firemen remember.

The Neely Fire Station in Peachtree City has once again honored the memory of the 343 firefighters and 60 police officers who gave their lives on that fateful day in 2001 by placing a flag for each of their fallen brothers in front of Station 82.

A special thank you to all firefighters and policemen, especially those in Fayette County, Georgia, who serve the American citizens everyday.

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Sandy Creek Senior Leads the Way in 2nd Annual Freedom Walk

FL Note: The efforts and passion of this Sandy Creek High School Senior are encouraging. We must keep our history alive. For Caitlin's dedication to this cause, we proudly award her with our "4 Chocolate Covered Strawberry" rating.

By Brenda Smith

Special to the Fayette Front Page

Photo on left: Organizer Caitlin Dillon proudly leads local citizens who walked in the Freedom Walk.


Take a rising senior with passion and a vision, and the next thing you know there is an America Supports You Freedom Walk in Peachtree City on September 6th.

In an effort to remember the tragic events of September 11, 2001, and to rejuvenate the spirit of American patriotism that immediately followed those attacks, parades were organized around the country. Caitlin teamed with Randy Gaddo, advisor and planner of Patriot Day, and they combined their two groups into one parade with one consistent theme - remember 9/11.

Approximately 130 people, including a group of World War II veterans, walked and/or rode in the parade which ended at the Commemorative Air Force hangar at Falcon Field for a Patriot Day Program. Awaiting the parade participants were over 200 supporters of the combined events, the band from Bennett's Mill Middle School, the Peachtree City Wind Ensemble and Music Alive. The featured speaker was Mrs. Rae Pressley-King, principal of Bennett's Mill Middle School who was a child of a military family and was herself a former Army helicopter pilot.

Actually, this is the 2nd walk that Caitlin has organized and she even plans to continue with preparations for a 3rd one while she prepares for college next summer.

For efforts, Caitlin received the National Patriotism Award from the National Museum of Patriotism which is located in Atlanta.

Congratulations to everyone who participated in or supported this worthwhile event and made it a success.

Veterans of the Greatest Generation are assisted by local youth in carrying the banner.

Photo credits: Brenda Smith

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Time for the 2009 Fayette County Junior Master Gardener Program

Special to the Fayette Front Page

Have a child with a green thumb? Have a child who is interested in nature? Here's a wonderful program which is open to all children 3rd- 5th grades.

The Fayette County Junior Master Gardener team will meet in Fayetteville every two weeks on Thursdays starting November 2008 through April 2009 from 4-6 pm.

This group will be limited to 20 participants.

Applications will be accepted during the month of September. Registration forms and fee information are available at the Fayette County Extension Office 770-305-5412.

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Honor Flight Fayette Walks to Support American Freedoms

Honor Flight Fayette World War II veterans, board members, supporters and other veterans made the 1 mile walk/ride on Saturday, September 6th, in rememberance of the tragic events of September 11, 2001 and to renew the spirit of American patriotism that immediately followed those attacks.

A program was held in the Commemorative Air Force Hangar at Falcon Field where the World War II veterans were recognized as the Greatest Generation and received a standing ovation. The 2nd Washington, D.C. trip for Honor Flight Fayette will take place October 8th with approximately 70 veterans taking the one day trip which is free of charge to them.

Honor Flight Fayette is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, staffed solely by volunteers, whose sole purpose is to raise funds to take the veterans to see their Memorial and receive recognition for their bravery and sacrifices. For more information about Honor Flight Fayette, or to make a donation, visit www..honorflightfayette.org or call 770-719-1024.

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Fayette County Citizens Have Opportunity to Pledge Support to the Constitution

Pictured is Stephen McMinn who was one of the first Fayette County citizens to pledge his support.

Drop by the Fayette County Public Library in Fayetteville and pledge your support to the U. S. Constitution in honor of the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U. S. Constitution.

The exhibit runs through the end of September and is sponsored by the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. The James Waldrop Chapter,chartered in 2007 as the first Fayetteville chapter of the DAR, received a 2007 national award for their efforts in educating the public about the Constitution.

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Fall Bazaar at The Episcopal Church of the Nativity

Never heard of The Episcopal Church of the Nativity on Antioch Road? Well, you may be missing the best little Church in Fayette County.

Come and visit on Saturday, October 11th when the Church will be hosting its Fall Bazaar. There will be hot coffee and cider to welcome you along with cookies and other home baked goodies. There will be hand crafted items for the holidays as well as other gift ideas. There will be a book sale where you will be able to browse and take your time finding that special book. There will be jewelry, old and new as well as a Tag Sale with gently used children and infants. Gently used household items will also be available. Try your luck with a $5.00 raffle ticket to win $1,000.00 in free Shell gas! The winner will be announced the day of the Bazaar.

A silent auction will also be available enabling you to bid for a lovely gift for yourself or a loved one. Be sure to mark your calendars for this annual event, it will be one you surely do not want to miss.

Whether you are a curious shopper or a casual visitor, coming alone or with a family or a friend, a pilgrim exploring new possibilities for spiritual nourishment in your life or a pioneer considering a new family of faith, you will feel welcome the moment you walk through the doors of this Church.

There are no strangers at Nativity, just friends you haven't met yet. You are welcome, in the name of Christ, to come and worship. Whether you stay for one week or for a lifetime, you will find what you need while you are there. If you are spiritually hungry and thirst for more than what Sunday mornings offer, perhaps a midweek opportunity for prayer might be what you need? Or getting together with friends for Grateful Gatherings, Ones & Others, or the Basket Bunch? There are countless opportunities at this small family Church.

This will be an annual event, so mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11 from 8:00 am until 2:00 pm.

Nativity is located at 130 Antioch Road, Fayetteville 30215. Episcopal Church of the Nativity; 130 Antioch Road; Fayetteville, GA 30215; 770-460-6390; http://www.nativityepiscopal.org/.
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Shakerag Arts & Craft Festival in Peachtree City Sept 20-22

It’s time for the 31st annual Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival in Peachtree City. The Peachtree City Parks and Recreation Department festival begins Saturday, September 20 and continues through Sunday, September 21, and will be held at Shakerag Knoll located at 191 McIntosh Trail, Peachtree City, GA 30269. The hours on Saturday are from 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. and 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission and parking is free.

“This is one of the biggest shows yet,” says Ashley Alonso, event coordinator. The only types of vendors they are no longer accepting are food, jewelry, crochet and handbags. The vendor applications are available at www.ptcrecreation.org or they are available at The Peachtree City Parks and Recreation Administration building.

Shakerag Arts & Crafts Festival is known for its handmade arts, crafts, and food. We have a variety of vendors, from all over Georgia and the south, with unique items for sale including pottery, paintings, portraits, ceramics, floral designs, pet items, jewelry, candles, authors, etc. Alonso mentions, “This is a great time to shop for the holidays and find something unique and original for friends and family.”

The festival will go on rain or shine. For more information please contact Ashley Alonso at (770) 631-2542 or visit us on the web at www.ptcrecreation.org.

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Fayetteville Proclaims September 17-23 as Constitution Week

Pictured (l-r) are Linda Robinson, Ann Eldredge and Mayor Ken Steele.

The City of Fayetteville proclaimed September 17-23 as Constitution Week at a recent City Council Meeting. Ann Eldredge, Constitution Week Chairman of the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, commented that this year Americans celebrate the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U. S. Constitution. The James Waldrop Chapter DAR and the City of Fayetteville urge all citizens to reaffirm the ideals of the Constitution and to vigilantly protect the freedoms guaranteed to us through this guardian of our liberties, remembering that lost rights may never be regained.

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Helping Women at Every Life Stage Achieve Financial Success

A Helpful Checklist for Single Women

* Prioritize your short- and long-term financial goals – such as next year’s vacation or a down payment for a condo – and determine how to save enough money to get there.
* Create a budget and stick to it. Watching your spending will help you reach your financial objectives sooner.
* Start saving for retirement now. Taking advantage of compounding interest will pay big dividends later on, so try to put 10 percent of your paycheck into your company’s 401(k) plan or an IRA.
* Begin saving for emergencies. Put away enough to cover three to six months of your expenses.
* Think about buying a home or apartment as soon as you can afford it. You’ll not only build equity, but some of your mortgage interest and property tax is generally tax deductible.
* Look for ways to lower your taxes because single filers pay the highest tax rates. Contributions to 401(k) and Flexible Spending Accounts can reduce your taxable income. In addition, some of your IRA contributions may be tax deductible. Or, a Roth IRA -- if your employer offers it -- may be right for you. Contributions are not tax deductible but qualified withdrawals are income tax-free.
* Consider purchasing life insurance. It’s cheaper when you’re younger and although you’re single, you may someday have a family or relatives dependent on your financial support.

A Helpful Checklist for Women Approaching Retirement

* Estimate the annual income you’ll need in retirement. Be sure to include the cost of individual medical insurance that you’ll have to pay until you can use Medicare at age 65. (You can keep your employer’s insurance for 18 months after you retire, but you’ll be responsible for the entire cost.)
* Determine the sources of your retirement income, including Social Security, retirement savings, other investments, and profits from selling your home if you downsize.
* Check whether you can afford to wait to collect Social Security benefits until you’re at least full retirement age. Taking Social Security at 62 will reduce your lifetime benefits. For those born from 1943 to 1954, full retirement age is 66, and collecting at age 62 will reduce lifetime benefits by 25 percent. For those born after 1954, full retirement age phases up to age 67 and retiring at age 62 will reduce benefits by 30 percent.
* If you’re concerned that you’re not on track to reach your income goals, take advantage of catch-up contributions you can make to a 401(k) or 403(b) starting at age 50.
* Even if you don’t need to make catch-up contributions, keep putting as much as you can into your retirement savings plan.
* If you’re married or have a partner, make sure you have enough life insurance.
* If you’re confident the principal in your retirement plan will provide a sufficient income stream at retirement, you can begin to move some of your savings into lower risk investments.
* Investigate long-term care insurance to protect your retirement savings from being depleted in the event you need in-home, assisted-living, or nursing home care.

(ARA) – How do you plan to spend retirement? Will you be doing all the things you wanted to do when you were younger but didn’t have the time or resources for, or will you be at the mailbox waiting for your welfare check?

According to Prudential Financial’s 2008 Study on the Financial Experiences and Behaviors Among Women, while 80 percent of women desire to achieve a secure retirement, only 18 percent feel confident in their ability to do so.

“That’s a discouraging number, but one we’re trying to do something about it,” says Mary Flowers, vice president of Global Communication at Prudential. In the nearly 10 years her company has been studying the financial habits of women, she says there has been significant progress in their overall financial knowledge and confidence, but there’s still room for improvement.

For example, when asked about their level of preparedness for making financial decisions that would affect their retirement, 50 percent of women said they felt like they were on track. The other 50 percent was a little behind where they needed to be. Break it down by generation and 43 percent of Millennials (ages 25 – 29), 45 percent of GenXers (ages 30 – 42), 51 percent of Boomers (ages 43 – 61) and 37 percent of Mature women (ages 62 – 68) said they still need help in select areas when it comes to planning their financial future.

That is evident when you consider that 60 percent of respondents don’t understand how annuities work; 45 percent are unsure when it comes to estate planning, trusts and wills; and 42 percent have trouble understanding long term care insurance. Women were also asked where they turned for financial information currently. While more than 50 percent of those surveyed named a financial advisor (34 percent) or friends and family (19 percent) as the most preferred source for learning about financial and insurance products, a growing number of women say they are turning to the Internet for information.

In considering various media outlets, the Web sites of financial services firms are seen as the most credible source of information with other Internet and marketing sources trailing in “credibility.” Realizing how important it is to provide women with the reputable source of educational information they are looking on to help close their confidence gap and identify solutions to achieve their goals, Prudential recently launched “Women & Money,” a free resource that can be accessed at www.prudential.com/women.

The site offers advice from a range of financial experts from Prudential, as well as an ever-changing mix of external guest columnists. For example, Discovery Network’s chief medical correspondent, Dr. Pamela Peeke, provides tips on how women can find a balance between their health and wealth; author and noted women’s expert Mary Lou Quinlan discusses career strategies. There are also checklists that will help women at different stages of life come up with a financial plan that will ensure they’ll live comfortably in retirement.

“Women & Money offers fresh and engaging content in a manner that allows them to quickly select the content most relevant to their situation. We recognize the time constraints and juggling acts that many women are faced with, and we’ve developed a site to help them make the best use of their time, while making it easy for them to share their findings with their trusted network of family and friends,” says Flowers.

In addition to great information, the site also features interactive tools, including calculators and worksheets, which are readily available to help women analyze their personal financial situation and implement a plan to help them improve their financial situation. In addition, women can submit their own personal stories, as well as read those of peers to learn lessons and real life success strategies.

Gone are the days when years of hard work for a company would guarantee a pension. They’re just not being offered any more. And many question whether or not Social Security will even be around by the time those entering the workforce today retire, so it’s up to women to plan for their own retirement. For more information on Prudential’s 2008 Women’s Study or on Women & Money, or to take advantage of the financial tools available, visit www.prudential.com/women.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Fayetteville DAR Goes to Washington, Receives Awards

Pictured in DC (l-r) are: Pat Reeve and Regent Betty Harrah of Fayetteville.

Several members of the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution recently journeyed to the National Society DAR 117th Continental Congress in Washington, DC. While in DC, the chapter was honored for "Constitution Week 2007- Outstanding Chapter Report." In addition, the chapter was also recognized among the highest level of the chapters nationwide for Chapter Achievement and in the 2nd tier for American Spirit DAR Magazine.

The DAR is the world's largest women's service organization with over 170,000 current members. Members of the James Waldrop Chapter DAR work tirelessly to promote education, preserve American history and to promote patriotism. For more information on the upcoming programs, visit http://jameswaldrop.georgiastatedar.org/

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Board of Education Urges Students to Study the U.S. Constitution

Pictured (l-r) are: James Waldrop Chapter DAR members Alice Mallory, Carol Key, Regent Betty Harrah and Constitution Week Chairman Ann Eldredge.

Staff photo

The Fayette County Board of Education recently passed a resolution to proclaim September 17-23 Constitution Week for the schools in Fayette County, Georgia. All children of the Fayette County School System are encouraged to read and to study the U. S. Constitution.

The Board of Education presented the proclamation to the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution. Each year, members of the James Waldrop Chapter DAR visit several of the elementary schools and present an educational program to the children.

2008 marks the 221st anniversary of the signing of the U. S. Constitution.

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The Rick Massengale Trio Performs Free on the Courthouse Lawn

Fayetteville Main Street and the Fayette County Development Authority presents the third Lunch on the Lawn Friday, September 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the historic Courthouse. Fayetteville’s own Rick Massengale Trio will perform at this free event and Pies-On Pizza will be on hand selling box lunches.

Guests may bring their own lunch or purchase a box lunch from Pies-On Pizza. They will have boxed lunches that include chips and a drink with a choice of turkey and cheese sandwiches, slice of pizza or hotdog for only $5.00. During lunch, the Rick Massengale Trio will perform jazz favorites to include Miles Davis, John Coltrane and musical selections of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and Ella Fitzgerald.

Mercedes Benz of South Atlanta will be showcasing their new sports model car. Also, they will be giving away tickets to the Rita Coolidge Mercedes Benz of South Atlanta concert on Saturday, September 13 at the Villages Amphitheater.

This year, Main Street will host more than twenty events downtown. View the 2008 Calendar of Events at: www.downtownfayetteville.org under “Events & Headlines” and visit the Villages Amphitheater website for concert and free event information at: www.villagesamphitheater.com .
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Opinion: 1-800-Got-Junk-ie Streets in Fayette County, Georgia

I don't know who owns 1-800-Got-Junk. I'm not 100% sure how they operate but I "assume" they come pick up junk from your home for a fee or maybe if it's good enough junk they pay you ;-).

What I do know is that periodically someone goes through Fayette County sticking 1-800-got-Junk signs all over the place. A day, two days, three days later, the cities and county take all the signs down. Then a few months or weeks later, the signs pop up again.

Now maybe it's part of 1-800-Junk's advertising strategy to make a place look junkie, kind of a theme: We'll make you county look junkie by sticking up signs so you'll think about the junk in your garage and call us... Or maybe they're just thinking "boy we love counties with sign ordinances 'cause ours really stand out..."

There are sign ordinances in the county. They can put a sign in your yard if you let them, but they're not supposed to be sticking them in the right-of-way and they're not supposed to just be sticking them anywhere and everywhere.

Can you imagine what the county would look like if every business chose to stick their signs around like that?

Whether you agree or disagree with the sign ordinances in the cities and the county, they are there and the kind of companies I choose to do business with would respect the local rules and ordinances. If they're the kind of company that chooses to thumb their noses at rules or the kind that just doesn't choose to check out ordinances (I mean, gee, they have to notice they're the only company out there with signs around, should ring some kind of bell in the old brain wouldn't you think?), then they don't make the short or long list of businesses I might call.

I think that if the owners of a business aren't old enough to know better or intelligent enough to check the sign ordinances once, then maybe the powers-that-be should give them a pass. Pick up the signs, toss them in the trash and hope the guys learn their lesson.

However, if they do it again, they can't plead ignorance. The owners should be fined and then have to go out picking up trash on the streets for a few weekends, starting with their own signs.

- Janet McGregor Dunn
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Celebrate Constitution Day with Bells

Carolyn Balog and Regent Betty Harrah
Photo by Ann Eldredge

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution will kick off Constitution Week with bell ringing on September 17th at noon at the old Fayette County Courthouse in Fayetteville. The weeklong commemoration of America’s most important document is one of our country’s least known official observances. Our Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain their liberties and freedom, and to ensure those unalienable rights to every American. The public is invited to bring bells and join in as our country celebrates the day. In addition to the bells, all are invited to publicly sign their support of the U. S. Constitution. The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution will be providing a musket salute for the occasion.

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First Presbyterian Church of Peachtree City Launches Concert Series with Sam De Carlo

A new tradition begins at First Presbyterian Church in Peachtree City on Sunday, September 21 at 4 pm as organist Sam De Carlo presents an afternoon of inspirational music. De Carlo will be joined in concert with John Beresford, senior music student from the University of Michigan. The community is invited to attend the concert at no charge. A love offering will be taken. First Presbyterian Church is located in Peachtree City at 206 Willowbend Rd. across from the Library and City Hall. For more information, please call (770) 487-7757 or email concerts@firstpresptc.com.






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Public Invited to Tour Starr's Mill with Fayette County Historical Society

8/24/08 (4:50 p.m.) The next meeting for the Fayette County Historical Society is Sunday, September 28th at 3 p.m. at Starr’s Mill. Local resident, Bobby Kerlin is going to share the history of the Mill along with his stories of growing up around this area. The public is invited to bring a chair and join the Historical Society as they learn more about this Fayette County treasure.

To learn more about Starr's Mill, click here for an article by Tony Parrott.

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Living in Faith at Death

Editor's note: There are plenty of excellent hospice groups around. The staff of the Fayette Front Page wish to acknowledge Hospice Advantage in Fayetteville for their assistance to one of our own as our staff member's family recently faced this issue in another state. A special "thank you" to Rebecca Folkes for her kindness.

It's the moment we all dread. It's the sound of the phone ringing at a time of day that is typically unusual. The voice on the other end of the line chokes out the words, "It's over."

Death is hard. Whether you or a loved one is staring at that door, it's just plain hard.

I have long been a strong believer in hospice care. Actually, I was sold on the hospice approach back in 1986 when my father was staring at that door. The local hospice in the town my parents lived in was there. They assisted my mom. There was someone there for her to lean on as she faced the day when her world stopped.

There's a new study out just this week that shows the hospice approach of incorporating faith in their program works. Whether it's the emotions of pleasure, guilt, sorrow, regret or any other emotion one goes through during this time, the study validates the faith approach of hospice. It's common for everyone to evaluate everything in their life as they face death. For my family, their care has been so very helpful. It's nice to have had those extra eyes caring and praying for us.

Death is a time when the world stands still for those who have lost their loved ones. Don't face it alone. Let someone whose heart is filled with compassion stand by your side.


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One Creative Kid Chef Could Win a $25,000 Scholarship Fund

FL Note: Come on Fayette County kids! Grab that peanut butter, put on your thinking caps, and bring home lots of peanuts!

(NAPSI)-As parents prepare for the back-to-school season, packing school lunches such as the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a great way to stick to the family budget and satisfy even the pickiest eaters. A recent survey conducted by Kelton Research on behalf of The J.M. Smucker Company found a variety of ways adults prefer to eat their sandwiches made with peanut butter--69 percent of consumers prefer to use creamy peanut butter while 36 percent like their sandwiches toasted. However, for the past six years, thousands of kid chefs from across the country have been able to think outside the "lunch box" and create butterfly pancakes, lettuce wraps and even a "Monstwich" using Jif® peanut butter and their own imagination to earn scholarship funds.

From August 4 through November 14, 2008, the makers of Jif peanut butter are accepting entries for the 7th Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest™. The grand-prize winner will receive a $25,000 scholarship fund and four runners-up will be awarded a $2,500 scholarship fund. The contest is open to children ages 6 to 12.

Last year's most creative peanut butter sandwich was influenced by a child's love of Chinese food. Eleven-year-old Samuel Sosa of Riverside, California, hit a home run with his "Crunchy Chinese Fortune Cookie Sandwich," consisting of Jif Creamy peanut butter, celery and apple on wheat bread crimped into the shape of a fortune cookie. The "fortune cookies" are served with a dipping sauce of Jif Creamy peanut butter, coconut milk, soy sauce, brown sugar, lemon juice, sesame oil and chili powder. Samuel added more creativity to his sandwich by handwriting fortunes such as "Smile, Mom Loves You" for his "cookies."

Jif is also offering up something for adults to help spark their creativity. For years, choosy moms have made Jif their No. 1 choice of peanut butter, which is why Jif is inviting adults to share stories--250 words or less--of how moms make the best choices for their families in the Jif Moms Voice their Choice Contest™. One grand-prize winner will win a trip to New York City to serve as a judge at the 7th Annual Jif Most Creative Peanut Butter Sandwich Contest final live judging event in March 2009. Last year's winner and mother of two, Mary Grabowski, from Commerce, Mich., said in her winning essay "The way I make the best choices for my family is simply by using two things: my heart and my head. The job of 'Mom' is the hardest job in the world but is definitely the most rewarding."

For Official Rules, entry form, recipes or to learn more about the contests, visit www.jif.com.

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U. S. Rep. Westmoreland Visits Westpark Toastmasters

The Hon. Lynn A. Westmoreland (R-3rd) visited the Peachtree City offices of CIBER Defense Technology Systems (DTS) during the August recess of the U.S. Congress. He met with Ron Smith, Senior Vice President of CIBER Federal, and attended a meeting of Westpark Toastmasters. The Westpark Toastmasters club was chartered in October of 2007 with CIBER DTS as its corporate sponsor. Membership in the club is open to the public.

During the Toastmasters meeting, Mr. Westmoreland presented a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol building in honor of Westpark’s upcoming one year anniversary as a club. Speaking to a standing room crowd he thanked the club for providing people in the local community with the opportunity to develop and improve their public speaking abilities. He went on to say that, in his personal view, community organizations like Toastmasters are part of the moral fiber of our Nation. Mr. Smith accepted the honor as President of Westpark Toastmasters and thanked Mr. Westmoreland for the flag and for his service in U.S. House of Representatives.

Representative Westmoreland entered Congress in January 2005 where he serves on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Small Business, and Government Oversight and Reform committees. He represents Georgia’s 3rd Congressional District, which stretches from the southern suburbs of metro Atlanta – including Peachtree City – into Middle Georgia.
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PTC First Presbyterian Kids Climb The Wall in Faith

The Peachtree City First Presbyterian Church held its Back 2 School Bash August 17th for all school age kids. Over 175 children turned out for rock climbing, waffles, and worship time. Joining in on the fun were the Clowns of New Hope and Waffle House, who donated a full waffle breakfast for the youth. Director of Discipleship Jake Dukes said, "We had a lot of fun this weekend celebrating our faith and praising the Lord." For more information on upcoming youth programs, visit www.firstpresptc.com



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Superintendent Cox to Visit Schools in Coweta and Fayette Counties

State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox is heading to Coweta and Fayette Counties on Monday for "Back to School" visits.

"These visits give me the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the people on the front lines of education in Georgia," said Superintendent Cox. "I am always excited to get into schools and see the learning that is happening around the state, especially at the beginning of a new school year."

"What I learn on the road has a big impact on the work of the Georgia Department of Education and the State Board of Education," she said.

Traveling to Georgia's schools and visiting with local educators is part of the State School Superintendent's job description (O.C.G.A. 20-2-35), but Superintendent Cox has taken it to a new level. Since taking office in 2003, she has visited over 500 schools in every school system in the state.

Schedule for Monday, August 18, 2008

Coweta County
8 a.m. - 9:15 a.m. (Elm Street Elementary)
9:20 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. (Evans Middle School)

Fayette County
11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. (Sara Harp Minter Elementary School)
12:50 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. (Whitewater High School) - Superintendent Cox will teach an American Government class at 1:25 p.m.
2:50 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. (Whitewater Middle School)
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Georgia's Own Credit Union Awards Fayetteville Student $2,000

In the continued spirit of giving back to the community, Georgia’s Own Credit Union presented Amy Evans of Fayetteville a $2,000 college scholarship. Evans was the third-place winner in Georgia’s Own Credit Union’s college scholarship contest. Evans is a rising freshman at the University of Georgia and plans to study chemistry. Some of her numerous accomplishments included membership in the National Honors Society, Beta Club, chorus, and the Girl Scouts.

For seven years, Georgia’s Own Credit Union has given scholarships to young adults who demonstrate good financial habits, a commitment to their community and a commendable academic record. Applicants were required to write an essay outlining their goals, aspirations, and future plans. Evans was one of the many exemplary students who applied this year.

According to Georgia’s Own Credit Union’s CEO, Charlotte Ayers, “Each year, the selection process becomes more difficult as the number and quality of applications increases. We congratulate all of our young adult members for their outstanding achievements, and we are honored to facilitate the education of these future leaders.”

To find out more about Georgia’s Own Credit Union or its youth programs, visit georgiasown.org.

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Offshoot Offers Audience Participation in Murder Mystery and Improvisation Troupe

Offshoot Productions, the Southside’s longest-running professional theatre, has shifted its focus to touring and special events. Having recently completed its wide and resoundingly successful tour of the company-developed children’s show, Tales from Near and Far, the theatre is turning its attention to interactive performances for adult audiences.

Rehearsal for Murder is a sequel to 2006’s Audition for Murder and features several of the same characters. The play takes place in a police station following the death of Dr. Marcy Masters, a wacky theatrical director who has recently been released from an institution after getting off with a “not guilty due to temporary insanity” plea in the murder of an actress. The suspects in Marcy’s murder are two performers, Toby and Anne, who were trapped in a malfunctioning freight elevator with Marcy. The audience members, who have been given lines before the start of the show, play police detectives.

In addition to developing the murder mystery, Offshoot has expanded its improvisation troupe, the Gallery Players, over the past few months. The highly experienced and witty performers can tailor a performance to the needs of any group. Moreover, audience members supply many of the characters and situations enacted by the performers, and occasionally a few brave souls have an opportunity to join the actors on stage. Because the audiences always provide different input and because not every member of the Gallery Players appears in every show, performances are always different.

As the company’s need for set and costumes is greatly reduced, it will continue to sell much of the contents of its Peachtree City storage space. Interested parties should call the Offshoot office for details.

Those interested in booking Rehearsal for Murder or the Gallery Players should contact Offshoot at (770) 631-2362 or offshootpr@aol.com.
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School Zone Changes in Peachtree City

The Peachtree City Police Department wants to ensure that our City is a safe place to live, work and visit, therefore, our department sponsors a variety of educational and enforcement programs relative to traffic concerns. Every year the department’s Community Response Team conducts a traffic safety audit of the safety of the city’s school speed zones. During these audits, the department found some deficiencies in the locations of the school speed zones, and discrepancies in the signage for pedestrian crosswalks. In response the city has redefined the locations of the school zones, the times of the school speed zones, and the signs for the pedestrian crosswalks.

In conjunction with the Georgia Department of Transportation, the City Engineer of Peachtree City, and the Peachtree City Public Works Department, the police department has conducted over a year of engineering studies and research into the configuration of the city’s school zones in compliance with the Federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Over the next several months, motorist should realize the changes to the configuration of the signs for the school zones. The first phase of this project is to configure the times for all the elementary schools to the same school speed zone time, as well as for the high school and middle school. The times for the elementary, middle, and high school speed zones have been modified as follows:

Elementary Schools (Braelinn, Oak Grove, Huddleston, Peachtree City, Crabapple, Kedron):

7:15 AM to 8:15 AM
2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
SCHOOL DAYS ONLY

Booth Middle School and McIntosh High School:

7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
SCHOOL DAYS ONLY

These new times have been posted on all the school zone speed limit signs at all of the city’s schools. For the first part of the school year officers will be conducting educational enforcement compliance checks of the speed of motorists through the school zones, as well as advertising the new times with the department’s visual message board trailer. Over the next several months, motorist will see additional signage being installed to further enhance the visibility and traffic safety around the city’s schools. The ultimate goal of these changes is to encourage more children to walk to school by reducing the speed surrounding the pedestrian crosswalks at the schools.

The Peachtree City Police Department has several programs in place in support of traffic safety initiatives. Through educational programs at the schools, non-enforcement car seat inspections at schools, and through enforcement at road safety check points in cooperation with the initiatives of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

Throughout this school year, the Peachtree City Police Department’s Community Response Team will be conducting informational seat belt checks, and bike and pedestrian safety rodeos at your child’s school. These informal seat belt checks will be conducted on a periodic basis and have been endorsed by the principal or administrator of your school. These checks will be conducted as you are transporting your child away from the school, or your child (with a driver’s license) is driving away from the school. Traffic safety information pamphlets will also be distributed at these events. The bike and pedestrian safety presentations will be coordinated throughout the school year.

If you have any questions concerning this or any other of the department’s traffic safety programs, please contact Lt. Mark Brown at markbrown@peachtree-city.org. If you have a traffic concern or complaint, please feel free to call 770-487-8866 and speak to any member of the Community Response Team. Your traffic concern may also be reported by checking with the following website: http://www.peachtree-city.org/traffic. This link will also provide resources for additional traffic safety information.

LEC Personnel Relocated Due to Storm Damage

Building “B” of the LaFayette Educational Center sustained substantial storm damage to the roof Sunday evening resulting in water damage to the interior and the temporary closure of the building.

All personnel working in Building “B” have been placed in other buildings on the LEC campus. Personnel/departments affected include Exceptional Children’s Services, School Heath Services, the CARE program, Testing and Assessment, Pupil Personnel Services, Instructional Department, School Nutrition, Safety, Discipline and Athletics, Elementary Curriculum and Professional Learning and the offices of Assistant Superintendent of Education and Assistant Superintendent of Operations.

Anyone needing to contact these departments can do so by calling 770-460-3990, ext. 450. More information regarding the status of Building “B” and the temporary relocation of staff will be given as it becomes available.

Only Building “B” suffered damage from the storm. All other LEC buildings are open and operational.

Army Ground Forces Band and Guest Soloist to Perform Salute to Pavarotti

The U.S. Army Forces Command’s Army Ground Forces Band will perform a concert in honor of opera’s great lyric tenor Luciano Pavarotti at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater in Peachtree City, Ga., Aug. 7 at 7 p.m.

World-class guest tenor Sgt. 1st Class Antonio Giuliano will help make the evening a memorable one.

With selections from Verdi’s Aida, Puccini’s La Boheme, Ponchielle’s La Gioconda and Verdi’s Rigoletto, as well as overtures from Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Wagner’s Lohengrin, the evening should prove to be not only a tribute to Pavarotti but also a celebration of some of classical music’s greatest moments.

On Sep. 6, 2007, Pavarotti lost his battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 71. Under the direction of Capt. Domingos Robinson and 1st Lt. Dae Kim, the Army Ground Forces Band has put together a program that honors his extraordinary life as one of classical music’s most popular personalities and talents. The program includes six of Pavarotti’s favorite arias from various operas.

In a culture where opera music is often regarded as a musical form for the elite, Pavarotti managed to popularize opera and become a household name.

Pavarotti certainly made a lasting impression on young Antonio Giuliano, who bought two Pavarotti albums in 1982 when he was a high school student in Pensacola, Fla. Now Sgt. 1st Class Giuliano sings with The U.S. Army Chorus.

Giuliano has had some memorable performances of his own. He has appeared in operas, concerts and recitals throughout the United States and Europe. As a senior vocalist and soloist with The United States Army Chorus, he has performed for heads of state, royalty and presidents worldwide. At the funeral services for President Ronald Reagan, he sang an a cappella version of "Amazing Grace," President Reagan's favorite hymn.

“Since 1988, I have been serving my country while using my God-given voice to represent our great Army and our nation as a musical ambassador,” he says. “I am an American Soldier. My mission is to serve as a musical ambassador of the American combat Soldier -- instilling pride in our troops, promoting a spirit of patriotism within our nation, and sharing a universal vision of peace, liberty and freedom through music.”

As one of only three Army bands with a national touring mission, the Army Ground Forces Band has traveled throughout the United States, performing at local, regional and national events.

The band also performs internationally when directed. Last year the Army Ground Forces Band traveled to Kuwait, playing five concerts for hundreds of Soldiers and other service members who were deployed there in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

To learn more about the band or Sgt. 1st Class Giuliano, visit the band’s website www.forscom.army.mil/band.

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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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

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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Fayetteville, Peachtree City, Tyrone

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.