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Published Monday, December 07, 2009 in Local

Newnan Notes

By GINA L. SNIDER

City of Newnan Public Information Officer

Main Street Newnan's inaugural Cookie Walk is Friday from 5-8 p.m.

Come downtown to do your Christmas shopping and to stop in participating stores to receive a homemade cookie, along with the recipe for you to take home and share.

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Main Street Newnan is celebrating the "Festival of Lights" on Dec. 18-19. Save yourself the time in the kitchen and buy your homemade baked goods from local non-profits on the square Dec. 18 from 6-8 p.m. Come and join the caroling groups by stopping by the Main Street tent and getting your map of participating houses.

Dec. 19 from noon-4:30 p.m. will feature ballet groups and various entertainment groups on the Square. To participate in the bake sale, homes for carolers, or the float parade, e-mail Tina Darby, Main Street Coordinator, at tdarby@cityofnewnan.org.

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The Newnan Fire Department would like to share some tips on Christmas tree safety.

Choose Your Tree Carefully:

n A live tree that can be planted after Christmas will be more likely to stay fresh throughout the season than a cut tree. Choose a healthy one and water it moderately while in the house.

n When choosing a cut tree, look for freshness; the needles should be difficult to pull from the branches and shouldn't break when bent between your fingers.

n If purchasing an artificial tree, choose one that is labeled fire resistant.

Consider Where You're Placing Your Tree and Furniture:

n Position the tree away from fireplaces, heat registers, direct sunlight, and other sources of heat that can cause the tree to dry out prematurely or even ignite it.

n If rearranging furniture to make room for the tree, maintain clearance from sources of heat while maintaining safe exit ways and passageways.

Keep Your Cut Tree Fresh:

n Once home, spray the tree with water to remove dead needles and dust, then cut two inches off the base and immerse the cut end into water immediately.

n Place the tree in a sturdy stand, capable of holding a large amount of water.

n Check the water in the tree stand often. An average tree can consume a quart to a gallon of water every day.

n Do not allow the water level to drop below the base of the tree or pores will seal again, preventing water absorption. If pouring water in the basin is difficult, add ice cubes regularly.

Decorate The Tree Safely:

n Decorate a tree with miniature lights rather than the larger ones to prevent heat buildup and to lessen drying effects. Never use real candles on a tree.

n Inspect used lights carefully for frayed wires, broken sockets, or signs of wear.

n Use only UL listed lights and other electrical items and limit to no more than three strands or items per outlet.

n Turn off tree and exterior lights before leaving the house or going to bed.

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There were four new tax occupational licenses issued by the city. The business names are Espinoza Construction, Ga., Handyman, LLC, Lamey Blues and MOAB Fighting Concepts.

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Keep Newnan Beautiful knows that with the holiday season upon us, electronics are flying off the shelves at the local stores.

Disposing of your old electronics isn't always so easy. However, Coweta County does have an electronics recycling business. Creative Recycling is located at 85 North Industrial (just off of Weldon Road) in Palmetto. It's open Monday through Friday 9 a.m.-3 p.m. It will accept most household electronic equipment. There is a $10 processing charge for each TV brought in. For more information call Creative Recycling at 770-463-8868.

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The Engineering Department would like to remind everyone that for information citizens may go to www.cleanwatercampaign.org. To report any illegal dumping, call the City of Newnan Environmental Hotline at 770-253-1823.

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The city of Newnan Animal Control Officer, Cyndi Hoffman, gives holiday safety tips for pet owners.

n Decorations Can Be Dangerous -- Holiday decorations such as breakable Christmas ornaments, string, ribbon and Hanukkah dreidels should be kept out of paws' reach. These traditional decorations can cause choking or severe intestinal problems if swallowed. All holiday light strands, loose wires and electric cords can also pose serious dangers to your pet, especially puppies, who may chew on them.

n Go Without Tinsel -- Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

For more news and events in the city of Newnan, log on to www.ci.newnan.ga.us