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February 2007
Downtown Fayetteville — A good walking place?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When I think about where I’d like to retire, I imagine a couple of settings.
One is at pretty much any beach. The other is a walkable community. I really like the thought of being able to step outside my front door and walk to the grocery store, a restaurant, the dry cleaner — just about any place.
To tell the truth, I wish Fayetteville was more of a walking community. I’d love to see the Main Street area enlarged to include outdoor cafes, art stores and maybe some boutiques. In its current state, there just are many places I’d want to walk to.
If Fayetteville did have a large and walkable downtown, would you use it? What kind of stores would you like to see? Or do you think that Fayetteville and Fayette County is simply too car-oriented to make a walkable downtown a success?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Abby Brunks
Does Peachtree City need a flag?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Peachtree City has undertaken several marketing initiatives — including a new city logo and website — to promote the town with a more unified theme and look.
This week, the City Council will consider the creation of a city flag.
Though Peachtree City used to have a flag many years ago, the city has not flown a flag at City Hall for a decade or more, said Betsy Tyler, city spokeswoman.
Tyler said it was the city’s new logo — a colorful swoosh with two green leaves above the slogan “Peachtree City: Plan to Stay” — that prompted Mayor Harold Logsdon to propose a city flag. The flag, envisioned as the logo on a white background, would fly at City Hall plaza and be used as a backdrop at meetings, events and presentations.
As Peachtree City continues to mature, I think a city flag would help to unite citizens — new and old — around a common philosophy for our town.
Do you think Peachtree City should have its own flag? If so, what should it look like?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Donna Soper
There’s nothing fishy in Fayetteville
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Food. I love all kinds.
Thai, American, Mexican, Italian and Chinese. And in Fayetteville we’ve got plenty of restaurants that fit those categories.
But what we really need is more fish restaurants. I know Onyxx serves fish, but I’m wondering why Fayetteville doesn’t have a Red Lobster, a place dedicated to serving fish. The closest one is in Newnan.
I don’t want to drive that far. If you could put in an order for a Fayetteville restaurant, what would it be?
Permalink | Comments (5) | Categories: Abby Brunks
Online sex predators give me the creeps
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last Friday, Peachtree City Police made their 19th arrest in the department’s ongoing Internet child sex sting operation.
According to a story by my colleague Kathy Jefcoats, a 52-year-old man from Snellville engaged in “extremely” sexually-explicit conversations with an undercover police officer posing as a 13-year-old girl. The man was charged with violating the Computer Pornography and Child Exploitation Act of 1999.
Unless you’ve been living under a rock—like some of these suspects seem to be doing—you know that our local police have spent the last couple of years pursuing online sexual predators.
You’d think by now, if a predator was communicating online with an individual who they believe is underage, and they’re told to meet in Peachtree City, the conversation would end abruptly. But, then again, have you seen the “Dateline” investigations where the individuals have been caught on tape soliciting sex from a minor — twice?
As a Peachtree City parent, I want to believe that the police department is making my children’s world safer by thwarting the actions of some very disturbed individuals. But I still get the creeps when I see the words “sexual predator” and “Peachtree City” in the same headline.
What do you think of the Peachtree City police’s sting operation? Do you think predators will ever get the message not to mess with Peachtree City?
Permalink | | Categories: Donna Soper
Senior services — What would you like to see?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
For nearly 30 years, Fayette Senior Services, which used to be called the Council of Mature Adults, has operated out of a 4,000-square-foot building on Lee Street in Fayetteville.
If all goes as planned, a new, 22,000-square-foot facility will open in the fall on Center Drive, across from the Fayette County Justice Center.
Andy Carden, executive director of senior services, said the additional space will allow the organization to offer more services to a growing demographic.
In 2000, the U.S. Census reported that people age 55 and above made up a little over 18 percent of the county’s population. In 2006, that number rose to a little over 23.5 percent. People 65 and above made up 9 percent of the county population in 2000. By 2006, that figure had climbed to 10.5 percent.
Participants of Fayette Senior Services pay on a sliding scale for programs like Meals On Wheels and adult day care.
If you’re a senior citizen, currently caring for an elderly parent or will be helping a senior in the near future, what kind of services would you like to see offered at the new Fayette Senior Services Center?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Abby Brunks
What do you miss most about your hometown?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I would be unfaithful to my roots if I were to write about anything today without acknowledging that it’s Mardi Gras Day.
If you grew up in New Orleans, as my husband and I both did, you know that Mardi Gras is one of those truly cultural events that never leave you, no matter what city you presently call home. Throughout the day, I’ll be mentally transporting myself to the crowds on St. Charles Avenue, where families are enjoying a day of costumes, parades, music, dancing and, of course, great food.
Since we moved to Peachtree City, my husband and I have tried to recapture our fond memories of Mardi Gras by sharing king cakes with our children’s schools and Scout groups, tossing dozens of beads to neighborhood families and even hosting parties with Cajun and Creole fare. Yet nothing beats being there.
Since Peachtree City is a suburb of the cultural melting pot known as Metro Atlanta, it got me thinking that there might be special days and holidays when many of you feel like my family does today. You long for an annual tradition or celebration that was unique to your hometown. Or maybe you just miss a particular food or dish that can’t be found here.
Where are you from and what brought you to Peachtree City? What do you miss most about your hometown?
Permalink | Comments (4) | Categories: Donna Soper
Does PTC need an education commission?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
When it comes to education, Peachtree City does not have a unified voice. Cele Eifert, a Peachtree City resident and longtime school volunteer, wants to change that.
Eifert, who is scheduled to speak at the City Council meeting tonight, wants to form a Peachtree City Commission on Education. This volunteer board would monitor education issues, advise the mayor and council and make recommendations.
“The City is lacking an official body that focuses solely on the educational requirements and concerns of its citizens,” Eifert says. “Consequently, when issues and/or dealings arise in the city that involve education, that component may only get cursory attention or perhaps be overlooked, disregarded or mischaracterized.”
Eifert said it’s possible the commission would consider the full range of issues — from early childhood education through vocational/technical training and even higher education. The commission would serve as a liaison between the city and the Fayette County Board of Education.
Do you think Peachtree City needs an education commission? If so, what would do you think its responsibilities should be?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Donna Soper
School redistricting — task force in the future?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
It’s a fact of life for parents with children in a growing school system, but the word “redistricting” makes me want to run for cover.
No one wants to see their child uprooted from a situation that is both familiar and comfortable.
In the last two years, the Fayette County school system has undergone two rounds of redistricting, and it’s preparing for another this fall.
The most recent redistricting, which involved the county’s six middle and five high schools, created a lot of angst among parents who felt their concerns were being ignored by the school system.
Sam Sweat, assistant superintendent of operations, is hoping to change that perception. At the board of education retreat last month, Sweat proposed creating a redistricting task force that would include representation from each of the county’s 17 elementary schools.
The purpose of the task force would be to improve communication between school parents and the school system’s core redistricting committee. The task force might make recommendations. It’s an effort by the school system to make a difficult process more transparent, Sweat said.
Has your child been redistricted? What do you think of the task force proposal? Do you think parent involvement will help or hinder the process?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Donna Soper
A weighty issue — obesity in children
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I might be stepping on some toes here, but I want to talk about overweight kids.
The CDC says that nationally, among all races, 19 percent of kids 6 to 11 years old are overweight, according to an AJC story from last summer about the “obesity epidemic.” The same story quoted Dr. Flavia Mercado of Grady Health System saying that about 33 percent of Georgia elementary school children are too heavy. That’s too many.
I know plenty of these obese kids. I see them at malls, restaurants and on vacation, giving little regard to the crap they’re eating. It bothers me so much that sometimes I want to walk over and tear the french fries right out of their mouths.
I don’t remember having many overweight friends when I was a teenager. Yes, I know times have changed and kids spend countless hours on the computer, but that’s no excuse for obesity.
I’ll be the first to admit that our house isn’t health food central, but my husband and I try to encourage good eating habits. Of course, we have the usual chips, crackers and ice cream. But I’ve also told my kids to eat an apple or some yogurt when their hungry. So far, it seems to be working, but I know adulthood and all its weighty trappings isn’t that far off.
What’s a parent to do when it comes to helping kids make healthy food choices? How do you encourage your kids to eat healthy stuff? Do any of you parents have a secret you’re willing to share?
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Abby Brunks
Will you speak out about PTC buffers?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Last fall, Peachtree City's code enforcement officials clamped down on homeowners who were pruning or cutting down bushes in the greenbelt along Lake Peachtree and Lake Kedron to improve their lake views and access. The homeowners complained to the City Council about the violation notices, saying they were just trying to maintain the landscape and prevent overgrowth of kudzu. In many cases, the homeowners thought they had permission. The city decided it was time to review ordinances to clarify definitions of buffers and other protected areas and to determine what is permitted on publicly and privately owned property along both lakes. That's why the city is holding a workshop on at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 13, at city hall to review proposed changes to ordinances on buffers and greenbelts along lakes. The city would like homeowners, particularly those who live within 100 feet of either lake, to attend the workshop to voice their opinions. Are you one of the homeowners snagged in Greenbelt-gate? Do you live along Lake Peachtree or Lake Kedron? How do you think the buffer ordinances should be changed?Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Donna Soper
Should Fayette County get on the bus?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Maybe you saw the story about Express buses that now serve commuters in 12 of the 13 metro counties around Atlanta.
One sentence stood out: “Now Fayette is the only holdout.”
I felt ashamed — and envious. Why wouldn’t Fayette County want an option like that?
Express buses provide transportation for workers going from the suburbs to downtown Atlanta. The buses would reduce interstate gridlock, which Fayette County people complain about on a regular basis.
Here are some costs to consider if you want to ride the Express bus. A regular one-way ticket costs $3 and a round-trip is $5. A 20-ride pass good for 20 one-way rides is $45 and a 40-ride pass costs $85. I don’t know about the rest of you, but this sounds pretty reasonable to me. And if you want to do a little more investigating yourself on the subject, go to www.grta.org, click the XPRESS Regional box on the left side and then scroll down to fares and tickets.
I’ll admit I’m one of the lucky people. I only have a seven- mile commute to work. But I have a close friend who travels downtown five days a week. I know she would love to have the Express bus as an option. But I notice a strong sentiment against buses that I just don’t understand. Personally, I’m all for it.
Why are you for or against Express buses in Fayette County?
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: Abby Brunks
Random drug testing in Fayette schools — A real deterrent?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Fayette County school system is considering a random drug testing program for high school students involved in extracurricular activities.
Who would be tested? Student athletes as well as members of 4-H, student council, the drama club, etc. The goal of the program, according to Assistant Superintendent Sam Sweat, would be to give students a reason to say “No” that their peers will accept.
In similar programs already established in Upson and Douglas counties, a predetermined number of students are randomly selected by an independent company’s computer each month for testing by mouth swabs or urine samples. The first time a student tests positive, the student is required to attend counseling with his or her parents. A second positive test incurs a suspension from a team activity for 30 days. A third positive test results in suspension from all extracurricular activities for the entire school year. No law enforcement officials are involved.
The Fayette school system is still exploring the idea, but Sweat said he thinks it’s time for the community to consider it, given the increasing number of local teenagers involved with drugs and alcohol.
Do you agree with that idea? Do you think the program would deter students from using drugs and alcohol? How would you feel about your child being tested?
Permalink | Comments (10) | Categories: Donna Soper
Do you spoil your kid?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I know it’s well over a month since Christmas/Hanukkah ended, but I’m still fretting because I spent $50-plus for some perfume my 14-year-old daughter “had to have.”
Every time I walk by that little pink bottle, I just sneer. I don’t buy things like that for myself so why I would I buy it for my kid? Like many parents, I just couldn’t say no to a once-a-year-request. I caved in again.
Her birthday is Thursday and she requested a combo fax/scanner/printer machine. Yes, It’s already purchased. And I’m asking myself, “Why would a kid that just turned 15 need a fax machine or a scanner, for that matter? Is she running a small business out of her bedroom?”
Let’s not go there.
So I ease my mind by figuring I’m bound to get some use out of her new birthday present. How does that sound for rationalization?
Maybe I need to start a new program — S.A., or Spoilers Anonymous.
“My name is Abby Brunks. I’m the mother of a spoiled child.”
“Hi, Abby!”
No, that’s not the answer.
It’s time to face my spoiling demons head on and just say no. In the meantime, I could use a little help from you fellow bloggers. Please send me some examples of how you spoiled your own children or stories you’ve heard about other kids. Have you made a purchase like I did that gnawed at your conscience? I want to hear how other parents justify an extravagant purchase. Maybe that’ll make me feel better.
Permalink | Comments (3) | Categories: Abby Brunks
PTC — Good starting spot for Tour de Georgia?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Tour de Georgia, the 5-year-old bicycle race, has released its official route. At 667 miles, it’s the longest professional cycling race this year.
For the past two years, Fayetteville benefited as the host of the second stage of the race. This year Peachtree City will serve as the starting point for the entire seven-day race, which begins April 16. More than 100 cyclists will line up near Lake Peachtree and travel 97 miles through Zebulon and Barnesville on their way to Macon.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development estimates the race has generated a statewide economic impact of $121 million for the 12 host cities and other towns along the route since 2003. A local organizing committee, including Lauren Yawn, the city’s tourism chief, lobbied hard to bring the race to Peachtree City and is now planning events to surround the race. Chris Aronhalt, partner in race organizer Medalist Sports, estimates 10,000 to 20,000 spectators will turn out for the race start.
Do you think Peachtree City was a good choice for the race start? Do you plan to go or would you rather avoid the crowds? If you do go, what types of activities and entertainment would you like to see at the start?
Permalink | Comments (1) | Categories: Donna Soper
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