Newnan Notes: Citizen Academy returns
By GINA SNIDERCity of Newnan Public Information Officer
Newnan Citizen Academy is back this year, a free six-week course provided to city residents, business owners, and property owners, over the age of 18, to educate and inform the citizens of Newnan about every aspect of city government.
The course will be an intensive, hands-on program on how city departments operate and how critical decisions are made that affect the quality of life in Newnan. Participants are given the opportunity to tour city facilities and hear directly from department managers, professional staff, and elected officials. Gina Snider, the city of Newnan’s public information officer, will be the liaison for the academy.
A graduation of the class will be held during an October Newnan City Council meeting.
The class will be limited to 30 people. All participants will receive a notebook filled with information relating to each class, will participate in a group project and a certificate upon completion. Participants must be willing to commit to the required time for the program.
Registration begins Aug. 6 and goes through the month of August. The applicants will be chosen first that live within the city limits. Beyond that, applicants in Coweta County will be on a first-come, first-serve basis. Contact Gina Snider at 770-254-2358 or by email at gsnider@cityofnewnan.org to register.
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Keep Newnan Beautiful is aware of many families who have resolved to live more eco-friendly lives. This doesn’t have to be as difficult as it might sound! Here a few green practices you can put to use with just a little effort.
1. Recycle and reuse. Recycling is one of the top ways to reduce your impact on the environment. A lot of what is put into the trash can be recycled or reused. A recycling service can recycle paper, cardboard boxes, plastic bottles, and some food packaging. Empty coffee cans can be cleaned and used to store flour, sugar, pasta, or even things like sewing supplies or toys. Used clothing and household items can be donated to thrift stores.
2. Become more energy efficient. Greater energy efficiency at home is a noble goal to strive for. Turning lights off when they aren’t needed, keeping your thermostat a little lower in winter and higher in summer, and buying more energy-efficient appliances are just a few easy ways you can change your habits. Hand-washing dishes and hanging your clothes to dry instead of using the dryer require a little more effort, but save a lot of energy in the long run. You can also make a difference by installing solar panels and thereby relying less on coal-driven energy.
3. Minimize your driving. Driving is one of the major contributors to our environmental problems. Not only are we rapidly consuming an irreplaceable resource (oil), we are also adding to our planet’s pollution. Every small effort helps. Trade in your car or truck for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. Plan your errands so that you combine trips as much as possible. Walk or ride your bike as much as possible.
4. Vote with your wallet. Don’t forget about your power as a consumer! Make it a point to support green companies and local businesses whenever possible. Food that is produced locally is greener because it doesn’t have to be shipped long distances. In addition, buying from local businesses means that your money stays in the community.
There are many ways you can reduce your carbon footprint and live greener. Simply finding a handful of small ways to change your habits can really make an impact.
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There was one new occupational tax certificate issued by the city. The business is C.S. Toggery, LLC. For more information on tax occupational licenses or city taxes please contact the Finance Department at 770-253-2682.
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The Carnegie schedule of events is:
• Wednesday, Aug. 1, 10 a.m. Family Movie – “Journey 2: The Mysterious Island,” rated PG.
Reservations are required for all programs. Check out the city store located in the Carnegie. They have city logo items for sale. Chip clips are on sale now for $1.50. Call 770-683-1347 for more information on the Carnegie.
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Newnan Animal Warden Cyndi Hoffman reminds everyone that even on a relatively mild 85 degree day, it takes only 10 minutes for the interior of a car to reach 102 degrees — and within 30 minutes, the inside of the car can be a staggering 120 degrees.
Leaving windows open a few inches does not help. Furthermore, when it comes to the body’s ability to cool itself, canine physiology is vastly different from that of humans. While humans have sweat glands all over their bodies that help regulate body heat, dogs cool down mostly by panting, which is much less efficient than sweating. In only a short amount of time, a dog with a high body temperature can suffer critical damage to his nervous system, heart, liver and brain.
If you’re out and about on a hot day and see an animal alone in a car, you should immediately try to find the car’s owner. If you have no luck, or if the owner refuses to act, contact local law enforcement and call 911 immediately.
