Peachtree City Patriot Day & Freedom Walk Scheduled for September 11

Peachtree City will remember the lives of nearly 3,000 people killed on September 11, 2001, a day that is emblazoned in the minds of Americans and peace loving people around the world.

The Patriot Day event will be held at Atlanta Regional Airport, Falcon Field on Saturday, September 11th starting at 9:30 a.m. with the “America Supports You Freedom Walk,” followed at 10 a.m. with a formal program. The public is invited to participate in the walk, which is less than one mile and all on airport grounds. In fair weather the formal program will be held at the Veterans Memorial at Falcon Field. It will be held at the Commemorative Air Force hangar there in the event of inclement weather.

Nine years has not dimmed the horrific memories that the world witnessed on that day, when Islamic extremists used commercial aircraft as weapons of mass destruction in New York, Washington D.C. and Pennsylvania, killing and injuring thousands.

In order to ensure Remembrance of the lives tragically lost, Patriot Day was declared by Presidential proclamation to be a national day to remember those who died or were injured and their families.

U.S. House of Representatives Joint Resolution 71 was approved by a vote of 407-0 on October 25, 2001. It requested that the President designate September 11 of each year as "Patriot Day." President George W. Bush signed the resolution into law on December 18, 2001 (as Public Law 107-89). Initially, the day was called the Prayer and Remembrance for the Victims of the Terrorist Attacks on September 11, 2001. It was actually on September 4, 2002, that President Bush used his authority created by the resolution and proclaimed September 11, 2002 as Patriot Day.

The Freedom Walk started as a commemorative effort by employees in the Pentagon to honor those who were killed there. From there it spread and has become a national tradition that calls on people to reflect on the lives lost on September 11, 2001, remember those who responded, honor our first responders and veterans past and present, and renew our commitment to freedom and the values of our country. Hundreds of walks are now staged across the country. This will be the 4th annual walk in Peachtree City.

Peachtree City’s event will feature honors to the flag including the National Anthem and Pledge of Allegiance. A commemorative wreath will also be presented. The guest speaker will be Mr. Bob McCubbins, president of the General Raymond Davis chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association.




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Fayette is a Top Performer on ACT

Just released 2010 ACT test scores show that Fayette County’s high school seniors are among the most prepared for college-level coursework in the state and nation.

Among the school systems whose scores have been published (Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, and Marietta City), Fayette posted the highest composite score of 22.6, up from 22.5 last year. In comparison to state and national composite scores, state schools scored 20.7 and schools nationwide scored 21.0. That puts Fayette 1.9 points ahead of the state composite and 1.6 points ahead of the nation.

The ACT consists of curriculum-based tests of educational development in English, mathematics, reading and science designed to measure the skills needed for success in the first year of college coursework.

Most students in Fayette take the SAT, the other college entrance exam. The ACT is the primary college admissions test for schools in some other parts of the country.

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Fayette County BOE Proclaims Sept 17-23 as Constitution Week

At the recent Fayette County Board of Education meeting, the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution was presented with a proclamation declaring September 17-23, 2010, as Constitution Week in the Fayette County Schools.  This is the fourth year the Board of Education has presented the proclamation to the DAR. 

The DAR visits several of the county's elementary schools in September to teach the children about the history of the United States Constitution. Constitution Week Vice Chairman Ann Eldredge stated, "The ladies of the DAR practice what we preach.  We love to teach the children about the origins of the Constitution.  Over the last three years, our members have spoken to over 1300 4th and 5th graders in Fayette County.  Each year, we dress in clothing which represents the time frame of the American Revolution and try to bring the Constitution to life.  The children learn about how the Constitution was framed and about some of the men who represented the state of Georgia. The younger children are given bookmarks with the preamble to the Constitution while the older students are given booklets of the Constitution.  We wouldn't be able to provide these booklets without the continuing support of our Georgia Congressmen and Senators."

Betty Harrah, Regent of the James Waldrop Chapter DAR, also presented a certificate of appreciation to the BOE for the ongoing support of the Constitution.

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

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Education Foundation Offers Sub Saver Card

Get 32 free Subway sandwiches (a $150 value) and support Fayette’s public school teachers, all for just $10.

The Fayette County Education Foundation is offering Sub Saver cards featuring 32 free six -inch subs with the purchase of a six-inch sub and medium drink. The cards are good for one year with $5 from each card benefitting the foundation.

The proceeds will help fund teacher-driven classroom projects for which no other monetary resource is available. The foundation has given nearly $180,000 to Fayette’s public classroom teachers during its eight-year history.

The cards are being sold at the Fayette County Board of Education office located at 210 Stonewall Avenue in Fayetteville during regular business hours, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Each card is $10.

The Fayette County Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization and is a cooperative effort between the school system and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the foundation or the Sub Saver cards, contact Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, public information specialist for Fayette County Schools, 770-460-3535.

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Honor Flight Fayette Presents Flag to Sheriff’s Department

 Pictured left to right:  Sergeant Doug Hardy, Investigator Brent Lonkert, Investigator Chad Wallace, Captain Brian Eubanks, Sheriff Wayne Hannah, Honor Flight vice president Mark Buckner and Honor Flight Fayette president Gail Sparrow

On each flight Honor Flight Fayette makes, one or two United States flags make the trip with the veterans to the World War II memorial and back to Fayetteville. After they return, the board makes the sometimes difficult decision as to which group that has helped HFF should receive the flag. The difficulty is due to the fact that so many individuals and groups have helped make these trips possible.

If you took a literal count of each person who has helped Honor Flight Fayette, it would number in the hundreds, maybe even a thousand. That includes each person who donated time, money, ideas and each and every effort – no matter how small or large. Groups like the Patriot Guard, VFW and American Legion posts, schools and others have contributed. Then there have been individuals who donated large and small amounts of money to help, or donated their time and talents. It would take a very long article to list the many ways people in Fayette county have made this huge project so successful.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s department has been there for each and every trip Honor Flight Fayette has made to D.C. Assisted by Fayetteville and Peachtree City police, they escort the buses of World War II veterans to the airport very early in the morning and back to Fayetteville late that same day. The veterans are always in awe of the traffic that is stopped so they can make this trip quickly and safely. Without the Sheriff’s office, this would not be possible. This is one of the reasons they were chosen to receive a flag at a reception held for the veterans and guardians who made the trip in May.

September 15th will mark the 7th and final trip by Honor Flight Fayette to D.C. with a group of about 70 veterans. This will make a total of almost 500 vets that have made this trip since the first one in 2008.

Honor Flight Fayette would like to encourage anyone who can to line the streets with their flags on September 15th and give this last group the send off they deserve. The buses will leave Fayetteville First United Methodist Church at 6:30 a.m. and will travel Hwy 54 west, turn right on Hwy 85 north and then north on Hwy 314 to the airport. And, of course, the Fayette County Sheriff’s office will be there again to help.

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Enjoy Free Pizza, Free Oil Change and Other Back-to-School Savings

“Free” is everyone’s favorite price, particularly when it’s time for back-to-school.

Get a free Papa John’s medium, one topping pizza and a free Firestone Complete Auto Care standard oil change, no purchase necessary at either location, when you buy an Enjoy the City coupon book for $10; that’s half off the cover price.

The Fayette County Education Foundation is selling the coupon books at the school system’s board of education office, located at 210 Stonewall Avenue in Fayetteville. The proceeds will help fund teacher-driven classroom projects for which no other monetary resource is available. The foundation has given nearly $180,000 to Fayette’s public classroom teachers during its eight-year history.

A very limited quantity is available at this special $10 price. The coupon books feature a number of “buy one, get one free” deals and discounts from local restaurants and businesses such as Johnny’s New York Style Pizza, La Hacienda, Sonic, LaParrilla, and many others. The coupons are good until December 31, 2010.

Families can also enjoy savings on entertainment like “buy one, get one free” Atlanta Braves game tickets and free general admission to Zoo Atlanta with the purchase of a ticket. There are many discounts on services such as car rentals, dry cleaning and hair care.

These are tough financial times for everyone. The foundation wants to help the community save money on food and services while also helping the county’s teachers get what they need to continue offering their students the best educational experiences possible.

The Fayette County Education Foundation is nonprofit organization and is a cooperative effort between the school system and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the foundation or Enjoy the City coupon books, contact Melinda Berry-Dreisbach, public information specialist for Fayette County Schools, 770-460-3535.

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Fayette Chamber Launches New Logo, Tagline, Website and Kicks Off “Total Resource Campaign” to Connect Fayette Business and Community!

Fayette County Chamber 2010 Chairman of the Board with Vice Chairmen of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce Total Resource Campaign.  Pictured (l-r) are Mark Gray, Irene Edwards, Jim Fulton, Pam Young and Joe Domaleski


Virginia Gibbs, president of the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce, announced August 11 the formal unveiling and launch of the Chamber’s new logoobrand identity, tagline, website, and Total Resource Campaign (TRC)—all designed to forge stronger ties between Fayette County businesses and the community in the months and years ahead.

“Our Board of Directors and staff undertook the important process of updating our logo and brand identity beginning early this year,” said Gibbs at a special luncheon held Wednesday, August 11 at Whitewater Country Club. “With the help and expertise of McRae Communications, we held intensive meetings with a variety of stakeholders, including small and large businesses, community organizations, young professionals, and others, to discern our number one key value as an organization.”

The outcome of that intense process is an attractive new logo and compelling tagline, “Where Business and Community Connect.” This new branding was officially presented during the Total Resource Campaign kickoff luncheon, with the general Chamber membership and the public able to preview the new branding later that day via the Fayette County Chamber’s new website, www.FayetteChamber.org.


“We decided to launch the new brand simultaneously with the kickoff of our TRC membership and sponsorship drive,” said Gibbs, “because both efforts are indeed all about connecting—connecting Fayette County people, businesses, and community through the Fayette Chamber of Commerce.”

The Chamber’s new website enhances these “connections” as a comprehensive site bringing together in one place all the resources available to the Chamber’s key constituents, including Chamber members, all businesses serving Fayette County, all citizens of the community, as well as visitors to our area.

“The website is designed to be a simple, engaging, and easy to navigate portal offering many easy to find tools and resources for all Fayette citizens,” Gibbs explained. “Our goal is to connect business and community in Fayette County in a transparent, effective, and highly-useable way so that all may find great benefit in these exciting and dramatic new additions to the Chamber’s offerings.”

Total Resource Campaign

The Fayette Chamber of Commerce’s first Total Resource Campaign was kicked off at the Whitewater luncheon. This effort will provide leadership and financial resources to equip the Chamber for the future, as it continues its renewed focus to connect business and community.

The TRC is an all-volunteer effort to gain new members, generate program and event sponsorships, offer advertising opportunities in Chamber publications, and raise awareness of the Fayette Chamber throughout the area. Funds received during the August to October campaign will be used to finance both new and existing Chamber programs.

Darrell Cutts, Piedmont Fayette Hospital, will serve as chairman of the Total Resource Campaign. Campaign vice-chairs are Irene Edwards, Bank of North Georgia, Jim Fulton, Coldwell Banker Bullard Realty, Mark Gray, Mark Gray State Farm Insurance, and Pam Young, Southern Conservation Trust.

During the campaign, volunteers will introduce Fayette businesses to the value of membership in the Chamber, and will urge current members to utilize the multiple benefits their membership provides, helping them to grow their business, boost their bottom line and connect with the community.

Fayette Chamber Board Chairman, Joe Domaleski, spoke at an earlier meeting of volunteers, recounting, “The Chamber meant everything to me when I moved here and started into business. Membership was a significant, even essential, key to my success. With the Chamber’s new logo, tagline, website, and Total Resource Campaign, we can ensure that Chamber programs for members and the community are not only sustained, but expanded to encompass all aspects of business development, community improvement, and member services of the high quality for which the Fayette Chamber of Commerce is recognized.”

At the Total Resource Campaign Kickoff Luncheon, Fayette County Chamber of Commerce honored nine Fayette community leaders and visionaries who have dedicated their time and effort tot he Chamber over the years.  Shown (l-r) are Virginia Gibbs, Darrell Cutts, Jack Smith, Carolyn Cary, Ed Travis, Shelby Travis, Hollis Harris, Marion Wells, Jim Webb, Ron Duffey, Joe Domaleski and Joel Cowan

A Continuation of More Than Forty Years of Success

In 2007, the Fayette Chamber celebrated its Fortieth Anniversary. Today, it is around 700 members strong. Chamber members represent a wide spectrum of dynamic businesses, ranging from entrepreneurs and small home-based businesses to large, international corporations.

According to one long time member, Pam Young of the Southern Conservation Trust, “Our Chamber is a strong, vibrant network of businesses and organizations working together to promote economic prosperity and strengthen our community. The new tagline of ‘Where Business and Community Connect’ says it all. Through the Chamber important connections are made that provide the framework for our community to grow and prosper.”

“The Chamber has certainly provided tools and resources to help our business connect and grow,” said Bob Reeves of Accounting Resources after the TRC kickoff luncheon. “Being a member is essential, as it helps Fayette create new jobs, improve economic opportunities, and leverage our member’s talents and resources to make a difference in our home community.”

Focused on the future, business growth, leadership development, entrepreneurship, and community enhancement, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce is now poised, with its new logo, tagline, website, and Total Resource Campaign to bring together leadership from business, government, non-profits, and education to address the needs and issues of Fayette County now and in the near and long-term future.
Anyone interested in further information is welcome to contact the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.—





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National Math and Science Award Finalists Announced

Three of the five educators selected as Georgia finalists for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) are Fayette County teachers.

Catherine Douthard at Cleveland Elementary is one of two teachers selected as a math finalist, and Gail Frantz and Nancy Boyle, both of Peeples Elementary, are two of three teachers selected as science finalists.

Fayette has had four teachers win the PAEMST for Georgia since 1990, all of them in K-6 mathematics. If Frantz or Boyle wins in science, they will make history for the county. Both say they are honored to have the opportunity to represent Georgia and Fayette County.

“It is an honor to be selected as a finalist for this award. Developing a love for science in my students has always been my passion, and I am grateful for the acknowledgement I have received. If chosen as the state winner, I would be proud to represent Fayette County Schools and the state of Georgia,” says Frantz.

Like Frantz, Boyle is excited about being chosen as a finalist and added, “I love to incorporate science into all areas of our curriculum. By preparing young children to think, use, and develop basic scientific vocabulary we set the stage for future scientific learning. Being scientifically literate has become more and more critical to our nation’s future work force.”

Douthard is also proud to represent Fayette in the competition and hopes to join the past mathematics recipients when the National Science Foundation announces the 2010 winners in several months. Fayette won its last K-6 mathematics award in 2001.

Each awardee receives a citation signed by the President of the United States, a $10,000 award from the National Science Foundation, and gifts from a broad range of donors. Awardees and their guests are honored during events that take place in Washington, DC. These events include an award ceremony, celebratory receptions, professional development programs, and discussions with policy-makers on how to improve mathematics and science education.

The PAEMST is the highest recognition that a kindergarten through 12th-grade mathematics or science teacher may receive for outstanding teaching in the United States. Enacted by Congress in 1983, this program authorizes the President to bestow up to 108 awards each year. The National Science Foundation administers PAEMST on behalf of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Awards are given to mathematics and science teachers from each of the 50 states and four U.S. jurisdictions: Washington, D.C.; Puerto Rico; Department of Defense Schools; and the U.S. territories as a group (American Samoa, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). The teachers are recognized for their contributions to teaching and learning and their ability to help students make progress in mathematics and science.

In addition to honoring individual achievement, the goal of the award program is to exemplify the highest standards of mathematics and science teaching. Awardees serve as models for their colleagues, inspiration to their communities, and leaders in the improvement of mathematics and science education.

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Parents Learn How to Plug Into Their Power at Workshop

As students return to the classroom, so do their parents.

Next Thursday, August 19, the Fayette County Public School System’s Exceptional Children’s Services Department will present its first parent workshop of the year, “Parent Power: Plug Into Your Power as a Parent.” The workshop will begin at 6 p.m. at Rivers Elementary, 461 Sandy Creek Road.

Parents of exceptional Children are invited to learn how to get the new school year off to a great start with tips on establishing routines, cutting down on chaos, and organizing their children’s paperwork.

Kathryn Clemens, behavior support teacher for Exceptional Children’s Services, will be the special guest.
Light refreshments will be served along with door prize drawings. The workshop is free, but reservations are required. Reservations can be made through August 18 by calling parent mentor Allison Stevenson, 770-460-3911, ext. 239 (office), 770-668-6314 (cell), or via email at stevenson.allison@mail.fcboe.org.

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Fayette’s Students are Head of Class in Math I and II

When it comes to math, Fayette County’s students know how to crunch numbers. So much so, that they outperformed every school district in Georgia, except Forsyth, on the End of Course Test (EOCT) for Math I and Math II.

Approximately 800 students statewide failed the exam in Math I and Math II in May. Those students who passed did so by earning C’s and D’s, but Fayette’s students did better by earning the equivalent of B’s on both tests.

For Math I, 59 percent of Fayette’s students tested at the performance level, 27 percent exceeded it and only 14 percent did not meet performance standards. In Math II, 54 percent met performance standards, 25 percent exceeded and 21 percent failed.

Compared to state percentages, 52 percent met standards in Math I, 13 percent exceeded and 36 percent failed. Math II scores show 43 percent met standards, 9 percent exceeded and 48 percent failed.

The more challenging curriculum is faster paced and introduces the complex math concepts of algebra, geometry and statistics to students sooner than before. In the standards based math classrooms, teachers talk less, spending less time “telling” and more time facilitating student conversations about the current math concept. Students become doers of math with the teacher coaching and assisting them in developing their own understanding.

Math Coordinator Lynn Ridgeway says Fayette’s high EOCT scores is attributed to teacher training that took place one year before implementation of the standards, and total teacher buy-in.

“Instead of looking for ways around this curriculum, we viewed it as an opportunity for us to become better at the teaching and learning of mathematics,” says Greg Mason, the math department chair at McIntosh High.

Everyday, Fayette’s teachers teach, reflect and revise. Math I and Math II teachers meet weekly to discuss content to be taught, appropriate instructional strategies to be used and develop common assessments.

The school system also helps students with mastery of the new standards through electives for Math I and II. These courses allow students to be concurrently enrolled in their Math I or II courses and in the matching math elective. The elective provides a preview of upcoming math vocabulary and skills in their math course and a review of prior skills that a student is still struggling to master.

“Our middle and high school math faculties have put in countless hours of preparation and independent professional learning. They have worked extremely hard to implement this new curriculum. Many of our high school math teachers have remarked that students are coming from our middle schools with a rich math vocabulary and a deeper understanding of the middle school math standards. This prior knowledge has contributed to the successful learning of the Math I and Math II content that is reflected in the EOCT scores,” says Ridgeway.

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Teachers Get Ready for the New Year

Teachers at Spring Hill Elementary spent last week getting ready to welcome students back on Monday by participating in The Leader in Me™ elementary program.

The all day training session, based on Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” and Edwards Deming’s “Profound Knowledge,” was lead by Muriel Summers, principal of AB Combs Magnet Elementary School in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina. The school, which enrolls students from more than 58 countries, is recognized as the first leadership elementary school in the nation, and 97 percent of the students are performing at or above their grade levels based on statewide assessments.

The goal of The Leader in Me™ process is to help develop essential life skills and characteristics students need to be successful in the 21st century. Its principles are integrated into the school’s core curriculum and focus on building self-confidence, decreasing discipline referrals, leadership training, improving academic performance, and raising levels of accountability and engagement among both parents and students.

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UGA announces 2010 Charter Scholarship recipients

Editor's Notes:  Super kudos to the following Fayette County graduates who received this honor from UGA!

Laura Eckhardt / Peachtree City / Starr’s Mill High School
Sadie Mason / Peachtree City / McIntosh High School
Elliott Tanner / Peachtree City / Starr’s Mill High School
Matthew Winn / Peachtree City / McIntosh High School

University of Georgia incoming freshmen have been selected to receive the Charter Scholarship for the 2010-2011 academic year.

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

In-state students receive $1,000 per year in addition to the HOPE Scholarship. Out-of-state recipients are given full or partial non-resident tuition differential waivers with their $1,000 annual scholarships.

The average SAT score of this year’s Charter Scholars exceeded 1400 and their average high school GPA exceeded 4.0.Usually the top six to eight percent of incoming freshmen are recognized as Charter Scholars.

The award is renewable for an additional three years if the recipients maintain certain academic standards.

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Farm to Table, Event Featuring Local Food and Chefs Benefits Land Conservation

Pam Young with Southern Conservation Trust and Twila Dove of Two Doves Farm at the farm outside Fayetteville.

Southern Conservation Trust is hosting “Farm to Table, A Celebration of Land, Local Farmers and Fresh Food”, on Thursday evening August 26th at the Whitewater Creek Community Clubhouse in Fayetteville.

The Trust is partnering with the farmers of the Fresh South Market, a farmers’ market open Wednesdays and Saturdays in Peachtree City. Local farms, including Two Doves Farm, Minter’s Farm and Country Gardens, will provide natural meat and locally grown produce. Chefs representing Pascal’s Bistro, Georgia Shrimp Company, My Chef Nancy and others will turn the local harvest into mouth-watering dishes.

Buying and enjoying local food, also known as “slow food” is a growing movement across the world that supports local farmers and promotes healthier eating. Trust Executive Director Abby Jordan said, “Local food uses fewer chemicals so our streams are less polluted, uses less energy to transport so our air is cleaner, is more nutritious, and helps keep our community farmland in production. Local agriculture continues the historic farming tradition in the Southern Crescent.”

“Farm to Table will feature stations of locally grown food prepared by our favorite local chefs, Georgia wines and Terrapin Beer brewed in Athens. Business sponsors include Synovus, Bank of North Georgia, Brent Scarbrough Fund, Brown Nelms & Co, Sanderson Law, The Complete Insurance Store, Senior Helpers and Charter Bank. Farms and chefs are donating their goods and time, and proceeds from ticket sales and an auction will support the Trust’s conservation work,” explained Pam Young of the Trust.

Southern Conservation Trust is a Fayette County-based conservation nonprofit that owns, manages and protects 1400 acres of farms, forests and environmentally sensitive land in the Southern Crescent. The Trust hosts environmental programs and enhances its three public preserves in Fayette County with trails, overlooks and re-introduction of native species. As a regional land trust the Trust works with willing landowners to permanently protect open space that benefits the community and can offer tax benefits for the landowner.

Farm to Table takes place Thursday, August 26th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Whitewater Creek Community Clubhouse off Redwine Road in Fayetteville. Ticket price is $75. More information is available at www.sctlandtrust.org or by calling the Trust office 770-486-7774.

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Fayette County Real Estate Agency Donates Book Bags, Back-to School Supplies

Real estate agents Melissa Wallace, Dot Bosworth, Cheryl M. Green, and Cecilia Taylor, along with CARE Coordinator Karen Spangler, load the book bags on a cart at the LaFayette Educational Center.

Local Keller Williams Realty agents, through the company’s Cares for Kids program, donated 250 book bags filled with school supplies to help students and their parents prepare for back-to-school.

Agents spent the day on August 3 visiting schools around Fayette County delivering book bags filled with paper, pencils, crayons, folders and other supplies that will be distributed to children whose families need assistance with providing classroom materials for the new school year.

About 110 of the book bags were given to the CARE (Children at Risk in Education) program that will oversee distribution to children throughout the school system who are in need. Karen Spangler, the program’s coordinator, says this is the first year she can remember where parents started calling before school started to request assistance with supplies.

“Many of these parents didn’t need help last year, but because of the economy they need help now. This donation couldn’t have come at a better time,” says Spangler.

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This is a sad one... Infant death, mother arrested in Fayetteville

The Fayetteville Police Department served multiple arrest warrants on Kaisha Poulson charging her with Felony Murder-one count, Cruelty to Children-2 counts, and Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor-1 count.

On Sunday, March 7, 2010 the Fayetteville Police Department received a 911 call of a 2-month old infant male not breathing at 350 Bates Avenue, Fayetteville, GA. The death was investigated due to suspicion of the cause of death of the infant. An autopsy was performed by the G.B.I. along with toxicology tests. The final results came back on the toxicology as death by methamphetamine intoxication. The mother of the infant, Kaisha Poulson, was charged with the murder of the 2-month old. She was also charged with cruelty to children in relation to an incident in which she had shown a 14-yr-old child how to use methamphetamine. Ms. Poulson was served all warrants at the Fayette County Jail.

DAR and SAR Ring Bells to Celebrate America's Freedom

Musket shots were fired on the old Fayette County Courthouse grounds on July 4th as the James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and the Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution gathered to celebrate America's independence at the annual "Let Freedom Ring" ceremony.

Names of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were read aloud, and followed with a bell being rung for each of the 13 original colonies. 

Jared Cline, a member of the Button Gwinnett Chapter Children of the American Revolution, led the pledge of allegiance to the American Flag.

The Declaration of Independence is a statement adopted by Congress which listed the grievances against King George III and announced the 13 colonies were no longer a part of the English Empire.  The vote to declare independence from England was on July 2, 1776, but the statement was not adopted until July 4, 1776.  By this time, the American colonies had been at war with England for over a year.  While adopted on July 4th, it is generally believed the final signatures on the Declaration were not completed until August 2, 1776.

The James Waldrop Chapter DAR and the Marquis de Lafayette Chapter SAR are chartered in Fayetteville.










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More Fayette Students Taking AP Courses, Pass Rate Holds Steady

The latest Advanced Placement (AP) scores released by the College Board show that more Fayette students took AP exams compared to last year while maintaining an overall 70 percent pass rate.

AP classes and exams are administered by the College Board, which also administers the SAT. AP classes offer rigorous college-level learning options to students in high school. Students who receive a 3, 4 or 5 on AP exams may receive college credit.

The total number of Fayette students taking the exams increased one percent in 2010. As was the case last year, the most tested subjects were United States History, English Language and Composition, and English Literature and Composition.

Fayette’s students outpaced the nation in scoring higher passing rates in the majority of subjects tested. The College Board will release detailed national data in the fall.

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Sons, Daughters and Children of the American Revolution Showcased in Peachtree City July 3 Parade

 The streets of Peachtree City were lined with residents and guests on July 3rd as everyone waited for the annual tradition of kicking of Independence Day celebrations in "Peachtree City" style.

Members of the Marquis de Lafayette Sons of the American Revolution Chapter Color Guard started the parade off by the firing of their muskets which rallied the crowd for one of the biggest parades in the metro Atlanta area.

Joining the Sons of the American Revolution on their float were members of the Augustin Clayton, General Daniel Newnan, Fayette Starr’s Mill and Pulaski Daughters of the American Revolution Chapters, and members of the Button Gwinnett Chapter Children of the American Revolution.

The Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution is chartered in Fayette County.

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Melvin Named Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year

Michael Melvin of Starr’s Mill High with (R) Principal Audrey Toney and Fayette County Public Schools Social Studies Coordinator Cathy Geis.

Two years in a row, the Georgia Council on Economic Education has selected a Fayette County teacher as the Georgia Economics Teacher of the Year.

Michael Melvin of Starr’s Mill High has received the 2010 award. He helped coach the 2009 Starr’s Mill Economics Challenge team to a third place finish at the national competition, a first in the Fayette County Public School System’s history.

Nominees for the award must be teachers in either public or independent schools in Georgia who are either teaching a course in economics or integrating economics into their courses at any grade level, K-12. Teachers must demonstrate knowledge of economics appropriate to the grade level or courses being taught, an ability and willingness to use a variety of appropriate methods and resources in teaching economics, and enthusiasm and creativity in teaching economics.

Last year’s winner was Shelby Garner of Spring Hill Elementary. Since 1998, a total of six Fayette County teachers have received the prestigious award.

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National Night Out 2010 at Target Stores in Fayetteville and Peachtree City on August 3, 2010

The Fayette County Sheriff's Office wants to remind you that National Night Out Against Crime 2010 is happening at the Target Store in Fayetteville from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and the Target Store in Peachtree City from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m..

The purpose of the event is to help our citizens meet and receive valuable crime prevention information from your Public Safety Professionals. Law Enforcement and Fire/EMS personnel from Fayette County, Fayetteville, and Peachtree City will be on hand to talk with you about safety related issues.

For more information about NationalNight Out Aagainst Crime, vist their web site at www.nationalnightout.org

Fayette County Students Score High with End of Course Tests

The majority of Fayette County 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 US History, Economics/Business/Free Enterprise, American Literature and Composition, and Ninth Grade Literature and Composition with the majority scoring in the “exceeds” category. In comparison to last year, Ninth Grade Literature and Composition had the largest jump in the “exceeds” performance level with a gain of 4 percentage points.

Other subjects tested include Mathematics I, Mathematics II, Geometry QCC, Physical Science and Biology.

Overall, Fayette outperformed the state in all subjects tested by 4 to 27 points. The biggest gap between the school system and the state was in Economics/Business/Free Enterprise where Fayette’s mean score was 452 compared to the state’s 425.

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Congrats! All Fayette County Schools Make AYP

The Fayette County School System has 100 percent of its schools making AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) for seven consecutive years.

Fayette is among 27 systems in Georgia with all schools meeting AYP requirements in 2010. Of these systems, most have less than 10 schools compared to Fayette’s 28.

All of Fayette’s schools have made AYP each of the seven years since the assessment was implemented.
AYP is one of the cornerstones of the federal No Child Left Behind Act of 2001. It is a measure of year-to-year student achievement on statewide assessments.

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PTCUMC Preschool Openings for 2010-2011 School Year

The Peachtree City United Methodist Preschool currently has openings for the upcoming school year in our two-day, 3-year-old class. To be eligible, children must be three years old by September 1, 2010 and potty trained. The class meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 AM – 12:00 noon, beginning August 24. Registration fee for this class is $110.00, with monthly tuition $110.00 as well. A Lunch Bunch hour is offered from noon to 1:00 PM each day for an additional fee. Our 3-year-old class is geared towards introducing children to the structure of a classroom and growing their love of school. Along with academics, Bible and Music class are offered. Social skills are also emphasized. The PTCUMC Preschool and Kindergarten has a total of 10 classes and 130 students. The school first became recognized as a Program of Excellence by the United Methodist Preschool Association of the North Georgia Conference in 1996 and has maintained the same high-quality programming in subsequent years, achieving recertification in 1998, 2001, 2005 and 2008. All classes are held at the PTCUMC Family Ministry Campus at 400 Windgate Road in Peachtree City. For more information please call Carolyn Long, PTCUMC Preschool Director, at 770.486.5538 or carolyn.long@ptcumc.org.

Fayette County School Bus Technician Top in State

One of the top 10 school bus technicians in Georgia helps maintain the Fayette County Public School System’s school bus fleet.

Lee Voyles placed seventh in the state at the fifth annual Georgia School Bus Technicians Competition held last month at North Georgia Technical College. The competition was held in conjunction with the 48th annual Georgia School Bus Technicians Workshop.

The competition consists of both a written examination and hands-on diagnostics. The written portion covers topics regarding electrical systems, brakes, engines, suspensions, drive trains and body systems. In the diagnostics portion, competitors troubleshoot and identify mechanical deficiencies in school bus components and systems. The competitor provides a detailed explanation of the cause of the specific defect or the proper techniques for correcting the defect.

The purpose of the competition is to help school bus technicians enhance their skills so that the safest school buses are utilized to transport children to and from school.

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Fayette Softball and Volleyball League Registration

TITLE OF LEAGUE: Adult (18 & Over) Softball Leagues

We are offering men’s softball and women’s softball. Each team will play ten games, all at McCurry Park. Official ASA Slow Pitch Softball Rules (without stealing) printed in the current edition of the Official Guide for ASA will be the governing rules unless superseded by our “league/park” rules.

Registration dates: July 6 through July 30
Season begins: Week of August 9
Fee: $415 per team with the following exception: If 50% or more of your players are not Fayette County residents, the registration fee is $465.


TITLE OF LEAGUE: Adult (18 & Over) Reverse Coed Volleyball League

Each team will play ten matches. All matches will be played on Friday nights at LaFayette Educational Center Gym.

Registration dates: July 19 through August 13
Season begins: August 20
Fee: $205 per team with the following exception: If 50% or more of your players are not Fayette County residents, the registration fee is $235.


Kenny Wallace
Athletic Coordinator
Fayette County Parks & Recreation Department
140 Stonewall Avenue West
Fayetteville, Georgia 30214
Phone: 770-716-4323
Fax: 770-460-1931 kwallace@fayettecountyga.gov

Charity Sale Benefits Fayette County After School Scholarship Program

From left, Kim Jones, store manager of Belk in Fayetteville; Karen Spangler, CARE (Children at Risk in Education) coordinator; Julia Simpson, after school program director; and Cheryl Bellinger, human resources manager of Belk in Fayetteville.

Struggling families will be able to get some assistance with after school care this school year thanks to those who bought tickets to the Belk Store Charity Sale in May.

Over $1,200 was raised for the Fayette County Public School System’s After School Program. The proceeds will help offset after school scholarships for 80 needy children.

The scholarships are for working families who have had financial reversals due to unforeseen circumstances such as medial, environmental or family emergencies. Families who meet the requirements for the free and reduced lunch program may apply for scholarships. Recipients are required to pay 25 percent of the after school program tuition.

“It is important for children to have a safe, fun place during the hours of three to six in the afternoon because that is when studies show that they can be the most vulnerable to predators or delinquency,” says Julia Simpson, director of the after school program. “It is crucial for children whose families may be in crisis to have a caring environment, and nothing can meet that need like the safety of their own school.”

Belk’s Charity Sale is held twice a year, providing an opportunity for local organizations to raise money and educate the community about their services. In exchange for a $5 donation, customers receive a ticket admitting them to the sale and entitling them to merchandise discounts. Proceeds from the ticket sales are retained by the charities.

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Honor Flight Board Member Receives U.S. Flag

When Honor Flight Fayette Board member Fred Smith went with friends to the Talladega race track to test his driving skills, he received a pleasant but unexpected surprise.

Since he was the only veteran in the group, he was presented with the United States flag that was flown on the pace car that day. As a retired pilot in the Air Force who is now working with World War II veterans, this gesture was especially meaningful and significant to him.

Honor Flight Fayette will make its 7th and last flight in September, making a total of almost 500 veterans that have gone on the one day trip to D.C. to see their memorial.

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McIntosh Grad Among Latest Winners of National Merit Scholarships

The names of more than 1,900 additional winners of National Merit Scholarships financed by colleges and universities have been announced with a recent McIntosh High graduate among them.

Matthew J. Winn, who graduated this spring, received a scholarship financed by the University of Georgia. He will attend the university in the fall; he has not decided on a major.

College-sponsored awards provide between $500 and $2,000 annually for up to four years of undergraduate study at the institution financing the scholarship. This final group of winners brings the number of 2010 National Merit Scholars to approximately 8,400.

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Meet and Greet Karen Handel, Republican Candidate for Governor in Fayetteville July 15

Meet and Greet with Karen Handel Republican Candidate for Governor Thursday, July 15 10:00-10:45am Fayette County GOP Office 111 Glynn Street South Fayetteville, GA 30214

Please come out and join Karen for a meet and greet on one of her many stops of the "Bring It On" Bus Tour. We will be stopping at the Fayette County GOP Office on the morning of Thursday, July 15th. Karen will be mingling and speaking to the crowd, and also speaking with local business owners and customers.

If you are able to attend, please RSVP to DanR@karenhandel.com or 770-740-0010. We hope to see you there, and thank you for your continued support.

Sandy Creek Student Gets Trip to Washington with Winning Essay

This summer was not the typical break from school for Anthony Taijeron-John, a rising senior at Sandy Creek High.

Anthony spent part of his summer vacation touring the nation’s capital with nearly 100 students from across Georgia as one of the essay winners selected to attend the 45th Washington Youth Tour, a prestigious, all-expense paid leadership experience sponsored by Georgia’s electric membership corporations.

Selected by Coweta-Fayette EMC, Anthony spent nine days in Washington, DC in June touring memorials, monuments, Mount Vernon, Ford’s Theater and the U.S. Supreme Court, and visiting with Georgia’s U.S. senators and representatives.

The program is designed to give students a taste of democracy in action, expose them to the nation’s rich history and encourage them to become politically aware citizens.

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Sandy Creek Students Nearly Sweep Writing Competition

Pictured (l-r) are Nia Decaille, English teacher Monica Dorner, Linda Wilkins, Principal Roy Rabold, Camara Carter and former Georgia School Superintendent Kathy Cox.

Three rising seniors at Sandy Creek High took the top three placements in the 14th Georgia History Day Essay Contest, nearly sweeping the entire competition sponsored by “Georgia Voyager” magazine and the Brunswick-Golden Isles Visitors Bureau.

The winners are (first place) Linda Wilkins; (second place) Nia Decaille and (third place) Camara Carter. Their winning essays will be published in the “Georgia Voyager” magazine. Over 2,000 Georgia students wrote essays on this year’s theme, “Georgia Authors.”

The winners were recognized at a special Georgia History Day ceremony held at the Georgia Department of Education in May. Awards are given to first, second, third and fourth place winners at the middle and high school levels. The competition is open to all Georgia students in grades 6-12.

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Fayette County School FY2011 Budget Approved, No Cuts to Employees or Students

The Fayette County Board of Education unanimously approved the 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 approved 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 1.7 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, students 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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Fayette County CRCT Scores Among Top in Georgia

The 2010 CRCT results show Fayette County students are among the top statewide in subjects tested at all grade levels.

In comparison to the critical grade levels where students must pass reading in third grade and both reading and math in fifth and eighth grades to get promoted, only Forsyth County and a handful of smaller school systems posted higher scores in some subjects.

Overall, test scores remain high across all subjects and grade levels, soaring well above state averages. Students showed the greatest gains in math in grades 3, 5 and 8, posting 1.6, 1.9 and 6.3 points, respectively, above last year’s scores. Likewise, eighth graders also posted significant gains in both science and social studies with increased scores of 1.3 and 4.5 points, respectively.

The CRCT is a curriculum-based test given to students in grades 1-8 in the subjects of reading, English Language Arts and mathematics. In grades 3-8, science and social students are added.

It is projected that all schools will have all groups make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) this year with the exception of one sub-group at Sandy Creek High and one sub-group at Fayette County High. A small sub-group at Sandy Creek did not have enough students make the AYP cut score on the English Language Arts portion of the GHSGT (Georgia High School Graduation Test); a small sub-group at Fayette County did not have enough students make the AYP cut score on the math portion of the GHSGT. Both schools are working with their groups during the next few weeks to help them prepare for a retest in July. The outcome of the retest could change both schools’ status to passing in these categories.

The Fayette County Public School System thanks its teachers and students for their hard work and will continue to address areas of improvement with additional strategies.

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Let Freedom Ring July 4 in Fayetteville

The Annual Let Freedom Ring Ceremony will take place at 2:00 PM on Sunday, 4 July 2010, at the Old Courthouse Lawn in Fayetteville, Georgia.  During this short but meaningful ceremony, the signers of the Declaration of Independence will be read, and a bell will be rung in their honor. The event is free and open to the public.  Bring lawn chairs for seating.  

 

The James Waldrop Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution and the Marquis de Lafayette Chapter Sons of the American Revolution sponsor this event. For additional information contact Susan Sloan, Commemorative Events Chairman for James Waldrop Chapter DAR, at 770-461-2458 or jandssloan@mindspring.com. 

PTC Sees Rise in Number of 'Entering Auto' Offenses

Peachtree City Police remind all residents to lock their vehicles and remove all valuables. See email for full info.

Over the past few weeks, the Peachtree City Police Department has seen a rise the number of entering auto offenses. Once again, subjects are targeting vehicles that have been left unlocked, and those that have valuables visible inside them.

Whether parking your vehicle at your residence, at a public facility, or in a shopping center, please remember the following so as to minimize the risk of becoming a victim:

•Always lock your vehicle.

•Always remove valuables, such as purses, GPS devices, cell phones, laptops, among other items.

•Do not leave your keys in your vehicle.

•Do not program “home” into your GPS device. If a subject steals your keys and your GPS, it is easy for them to progress to burglarizing your home.

•Always be alert to suspicious people who are waiting in parking lots and watching where you are hiding or placing your valuables.

•Keep a record of all serial numbers and account numbers to aid law enforcement in recovering your items.

•If you see something suspicious, call 911 immediately.

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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