Newnan-Coweta Magazine Sep/Oct 2009

September/October 2009 | $3.95

M A G A Z I N EA Times-Herald Publication

• Airsoft at ”Area 13”• Wake up and smell the lavender• Coloring contest winners

ArtISSUE

the

Also inside:

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Established 1995

A publication of The Times-Herald

Publisher

Sam Jones

Editor

Angela McRae

Art Director

Deberah Williams

Contributing Writers

Carolyn Barnard, Janet Flanigan, Holly Jones, Meredith Leigh Knight,

Katherine McCall, Alex McRae, Tina Neely, Elizabeth Richardson,

W. Winston Skinner, Jeremy Williams, Martha A. Woodham

Illustrations

Katherine McCall

Photography

Bob Fraley, Jeffrey Leo, Tara Shellabarger

Circulation Director

Naomi Jackson

Sales and Marketing Director

Colleen D. Mitchell

Advertising Manager

Lamar Truitt

Advertising Consultants

Doug Cantrell, Mandy Inman, Candy Johnson,

Jeanette Kirby, RoseMary Reid, Christine Swentor

Advertising Design

Debby Dye, Graphics Manager

Sandy Hiser, Jonathan Melville, Sonya Studt

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION,

call 770.683.6397 or e-mail [email protected].

Newnan-Coweta Magazine is published bi-monthly by The Times-Herald, Inc., 16 Jefferson St., Newnan, GA 30263.

Subscriptions: Newnan-Coweta Magazine is distributed in home-deliverycopies of The Times-Herald and at businesses and offices throughoutCoweta County. Individual mailed subscriptions are also available for$23.75 in Coweta County, $30.00 outside Coweta County. To subscribe, call770.304.3373.

Submissions: We welcome submissions. Query letters and published clipsmay be addressed to the Editor, Newnan-Coweta Magazine at P.O. Box1052, Newnan, Georgia 30264.

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© 2009 by The Newnan Times-Herald, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproductionin whole or in part without written permission is prohibited.

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WINNER OF FIVE 2009 GAMMA AWARDS (for issues published in 2008)

Gold Award for Best Series, Silver Award for Best Single Issue, Bronze Award for Best

Single Cover, Bronze Award for Best Profile, Bronze for General Excellence

MAGSMAGAZINE ASSOCIATION OF THE SOUTHEAST

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William W. Thomasson

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Marianne C. Thomasson

4 | N E W N A N - C O W E T A M A G A Z I N E

MAGAZINESpecial FeaturesWeb extras you’ll find only online. Lookfor the computer icon throughout everyissue to lead you to the special content atnewnancowetamagazine.com.

Book giveaways

Contests

Recipe Box

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Links of local interest

ON OUR WEBSITEwww.newnancowetamagazine.com

ON OUR COVER

Flowers are a favorite subject for artist Gloria Perkins ofSharpsburg, whose “Spray of Poppies” graces ourcover. Perkins recently had the honor of painting atMonet’s gardens in France.

– Photo by Bob Fraley

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contents9 THE ART ISSUE

10 FOLK ART

In an effort to tie in their formalfurnishings with a more casual new home,Anne and Taylor Josey began collectingfolk art.

16 PAINTING WITH MONET

Coweta artist and teacher Gloria Perkinsrecently spent 10 evenings in ClaudeMonet’s garden capturing the serenesetting on canvas.

22 OUT OF AFRICA

With the support of her husband and son,Wallene Jones of Newnan opened anAtlanta art gallery offering authenticAfrican art.

28 COLLECTING FOR

A REASON

Murray and Martha Ann Parks have alltypes of art at their home in Newnan andsay the art they buy or hang must “speakto us.”

34 FOR THE LOVE OF ART

AND ARTISTS

Helen Hayes is still going strong at 94 andsays that associating with artists is agreat way to stay young.

40 WONDERS IN SCULPTURE

Carol Harless has won acclaim for hersculptures all over the world, and local artlovers can find some of her piecesdisplayed right here at home.

46 COLORING CONTEST

WINNERS

Meet the budding artists who won ourrecent Newnan-Coweta MagazineColoring Contest!

September/October 2009

Features

Departments

In every issue

34

54

72

66 AIRSOFT

At Area 13 in northern Coweta, enthusiastsof these military style games learnsportsmanship and camaraderie.

48 MEET A READER

Meet O.P. Evans Middle School art teacherChad Loftin, who uses art in the classroomto help his students with problem solving.

50 COWETA COOKS

World traveler and well-known local cookPatty Gironda encourages serving updishes with a bit of artistic flair.

54 TINA’S TIPS

With the fall flea market and garage saleseason just around the corner, local DIY-er’s have lots of possibilities for turningTrash into Treasure.

60 THE THOUGHTFUL GARDENER

Think you can’t grow lavender in theSouth? Think again—and prepare for awonderful sensory experience in thegarden.


72 SADDLE UP

At Foxhorn Farm nearMoreland, Ed and Mary WoodMoor have created their ownbit of horse heaven.

76 THE BABY FILES

A new mom learns what it’slike to travel with a babyduring a 24+ hour airplaneflight to the Philippines.

78 LOCAL HERITAGE

A Haralson family may haveties to Chester Arthur, apresident who, like BarackObama, has had his birthplacequestioned.

8 EDITOR’S LETTER

80 THE BOOKSHELF

81 INDEX OF

ADVERTISERS

82 LAST LOOK

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>FROM THE EDITOR

have been so excited about this Art Issue ofNewnan-Coweta Magazine I could hardly waitto get it into your hands! Artists are fascinatingpeople, and I absolutely love reading profiles ofthose who make and collect art. There’s always

something interesting going on inside their heads,and I enjoy learning what it is.

Last year I signed up for a one-evening begin-ner art class but soon realized I was way out of myleague. I sat there in tears trying to draw a simplefigure and was jealous of all the other students whowere sketching and painting away. Ever the perfec-tionist, I couldn’t make mine look like the model ondisplay, and that was very frustrating to me. Later, Irealized I shouldn’t have expected so much from aone-evening, copy-and-paint class. I should havejust signed up for “real” art classes instead!

You know what I’d love to paint? Light. I havefinally come to the realization that what really ringsmy bell is a painting full of shadows and light, thosefluctuations in color that come from rays of sun oreven moonbeams. But how on earth do you paintsomething as ephemeral as light? I have a feelingthe artists out there know.

A few years ago, I was in Florida and cameacross an art supply store that had the sweetest lit-tle set of watercolor paints you’ve ever seen. Ibought the tiny kit and a small pad of paper andheaded for the beach. That evening, I sat beneath asetting sun sketching and then painting what Ithought was a not-too-bad likeness of some inter-esting seaweed. As I pondered a career changeand fantasized about my gallery opening, a smallblack dog ran right smack dab across my paintingand sullied my masterpiece!

As we close this issue of the magazine I’mheaded for the beach again, and ill-manneredbeach doggies or no, I think I’ll be taking the water-colors with me. I’m inspired by all the Coweta artistswho take risks every time they pick up the tools oftheir craft. And besides, you never know when youmight feel the urge to capture the light. Or someinteresting seaweed.

Fondly,

Angela McRae, [email protected]

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S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2 0 0 9 | 9

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ARTBy Janet Flanigan | Photos by Bob Fraley


‘It has meaning to us’

Taylor and Anne Josey collect folk art, and arecent anniversary gift to each other wasStephanie L. Jordan’s “Two Pigs in the Grass.”

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People begin collectingart for various reasons.

For Taylor and AnneJosey of Newnan, the

purchase of a new home gotthem started collecting folk art.

“When we purchased this house,we noticed it was more casual thanour previous home, but our furniturewas fairly formal,” said Taylor. “So,”said Anne, “we looked at each otherand said ‘I guess we’ll have to startcollecting folk art to bring the homeand furniture together!’”

They bought their first piece –“The Sailors” by an artist named

The Joseys’ artwork ofpears on a vintagewindow frame is byartist Mary Klein.

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themes of extreme mental states,unconventional ideas and fantasyworlds.

“One of our favorite artists isEric Legge, and we were introducedto Eric at a fundraising party atCrawford-Talmadge Plantationseveral years ago,” Anne said. “Theyhad paintings hanging from the trees.It was so cool, and we wanted threeof Eric’s paintings but we didn’t haveour checkbook with us, and he let ustake them and mail him a check –imagine!” They’ve picked up a fewmore “Legges” over the years asthey’ve grown in their appreciation ofhis work.

“It’s hard for me to pick afavorite; it’s like selecting a favoritechild,” says Taylor, “but if I have to

pick one I’m partial to Jim Suddeth’spainting of a turnip truck – it takesme back to my roots. I also like itbecause many of Suddeth’s works havea similar theme and this one isdifferent.”

The Joseys say when purchasingart, you absolutely must buy whatyou like and not what you thinkmight become valuable, even thoughseveral of the artists they found earlyon have become extremely collectible.“When we buy it’s because it hasmeaning to us,” says Anne.

Buying art does not mean youhave to spend thousands or evenhundreds of dollars, although worksby recognized artists can be verypricey. But fantastic finds can be hadfor just a few dollars for that special

Koho – from the Atlanta ArtsFestival. They purchased a secondwork by the artist titled “CarrotCoconut Cake,” but they haven’tseen her work around in some time.

When the Joseys begancollecting, they were drawn to artistswho are “self-taught,” “primitive” or“outsider artists.” Self-taught/primitive artists are untrainedprofessionally and often don’trecognize themselves as “artists.”

The term “outsider art” was firstused by a New York art critic in theearly 1970s as an English synonymfor the French term “art brut,”meaning “rough or raw art.”Outsider artists generally have nocontact with mainstream artinstitutions, and often their art has

— Anne Josey

“The Sailors” by Koho

“ ... welooked ateach otherand said ‘Iguess we’llhave to startcollecting folkart to bringthe home andfurnituretogether!’”

09_0910_8-15 8/24/09 12:32 PM Page 12

place on your wall or shelf.“Buy what you like” was a

consideration for the Joseys, butbudget was too, particularly in thebeginning. “We were very fortunateto have picked up some pieces for apretty good price that now are muchmore valuable,” says Anne. One suchwork is by the well-known artist John“Cornbread” Anderson. It portrays aflock of guinea hens and a fox, andthe artist has painted in the middle,rather camouflage-style, the words“Mr. Low Profile.” Cornbread is aformer narcotics officer who oftenpaints quail, guinea hens and foxes ofhis native Georgia. The Joseys’ largecanvas is a double-sided treasurebecause on the back is a portrait ofcountry singer Mary ChapinCarpenter.

Taylor and Anne support manyCoweta artists as well. One of theirvery favorite pieces is by talentedyoung painter Elizabeth Turner, aNewnan High grad who is now asenior at the University of Georgiastudying fine art with a major inpainting. Elizabeth’s self-portrait onrusted tin – which many people alsocomment looks like Christ with acrown of thorns – is one of theJoseys’ most commented-uponpieces. She also painted the portraitof the Josey sons, T (short for Taylor)and Sam, during her junior andsenior years in high school. Anne andTaylor also have several works createdby Elizabeth’s mother, popular localartist Sherry Cook. An encausticpainting by Vintage Flea store ownerand artist Valerie Dumas is on a wallin the living room, and a couple ofpieces by Daly Lee, another popularlocal artist, hang in various locationsincluding the stairway going upstairs.Lee is known for her colorful, boldstyle that seems an extension of heroutgoing personality.

Painting of aturnip truck byJim Suddeth

Tree painting byTodd Alexander

“Dance to theMusic” byKenson


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Another local talent Taylor andAnne enjoy is David Boyd Jr. “He is soincredible,” says Anne. “I just love thisdoor painting,” she says of the largerpiece in an upstairs bathroom. Boydgave Anne the smaller painting as a giftwhen she left one job to begin a newone as a symbol of opening a new doorand a new beginning.

The Joseys recently celebrated 20years of marriage and honored eachother – how else? – with the purchaseof a painting.

The painting of a church, at left, is byEric Legge but is also signed bylegendary folk artist Howard Finster.The painting below is by Jim Suddeth.

“We told our boys we had our portrait donefor our anniversary, and we came home with thispainting called ‘Two Pigs in the Grass,” Annesaid.

Next on the horizon is Anne’s 50th birthdayin a few months, and she has put Taylor onnotice. “I told Taylor get ready, I want a (Steve)Penley for my 50th!” NCM


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Painting on tin by Eric Legge

ElizabethTurner's self-portrait onrusted tin

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WITH MONETBy Elizabeth Richardson | Photos by Bob Fraley


Gloria Perkins' bold wardrobeand bold brushstrokes attest toher love for color.

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— Gloria Perkins

Gloria Perkins came outof the womb loving color.“The beauty of color has

been a part of my soul for as long as Ican remember,” said Perkins.

That passion prompted Perkins toleave the corporate world in order topaint and teach full-time in CowetaCounty. She surrendered to a worldof cerulean skies, crimson flowerpetals and emerald hills — a worldwhere every surface is a medium,right down to her vibrant wardrobechoices.

“Everything to me is a potentialpainting,” she said.

Perkins is an oil painter. Hersubjects are typically still lifes, florals– especially roses – and landscapes.She describes her style as “classicalrealism with an impressionistic flair.”

Up close, her paintings aredistinguished by thick, chunky brushstrokes that, when viewed at adistance, smooth out to reveal theirsubject.

“To me, oil has the luminosity ofcolor that other mediums don’t seemto have,” said Perkins. She paints “allaprima,” meaning she finishes herpieces while the paint is still wet andforgiving.

After studying with MasterPainter Huihan Liu in France, she fellin love with “Plein Air painting,” orthe process of painting outdoors. Themethod, to Perkins, is about

“Everything tome is a potential

painting.”

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“capturing a moment in time thatwill never be replicated again.”

She attempts to complete thepiece within three hours time bypainting “quickly and deliberately.”These paintings carry emotion forher – she can look at her picture laterand remember what the breeze feltlike and what time of day it was.

“Nothing is more rewarding thanto finish a painting and know it’sgood,” she said. “As soon as I finishone, I start thinking about theexcitement of another.”

Perkins remembers doing“nothing but coloring” from the timeshe was five. Her grandmotherencouraged her talent. Her motherwas later responsible for encouragingher teaching. She’s now had students

for three decades.When she was in high school,

she began working as an operatorpart-time for what was formerlySouthern Bell. She continuedworking there until she retired inexecutive management.

Perkins started delving into theart world in her late twenties andstarted teaching sporadically to juggleher left brain with her right brain.

“The more I taught, the more Iwanted to teach,” she said. “Art keepsus up. I love to see the excitement ofa new student. Enthusiasm forpainting is key. I have loved art andpainting all my life. And I love beingwith people and sharing.”

Many of her students aretechnical-minded people who need to

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“I admire Monetbeyond belief.”

— Gloria Perkins

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“get out of their left brain.” Some useart as therapy to work through healthor personal issues, or just breakmonotonous routines by exercising anew skill.

Perkins recently got re-inspiredby and reconnected to the art worldwhile also adding to her already-prestigious list of accolades.

Perkins visited Paris with herhusband, Jim Satterfield, in June, andshe got to paint the town red. Shehad the extraordinary honor ofspending 10 evenings in the Frenchpainter Claude Monet’s garden tocapture the serene setting on canvas.

She and nine other artists were

allowed in Monet’sgardens after hours, when the museumwas closed to the public. Night after nightshe painted Monet’s flowers, the waterlilies, weeping willow trees and even theview of the hillside chapel where Monet isburied.

“I admire Monet beyond belief,” saidPerkins. “Every day was unbelievable.

Gloria Perkins‘ subjects are typically still lifes,florals and landscapes.

Sunflowers inCrockery

Gloria Perkins isinside her home inSharpsburg, above,and outsideenjoying Plein Airpainting, at right.

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Every stroke that I put on mycanvas was right. The Monetspirit was there. It was a veryemotional process.”

Perkins and her husband tooktime to explore the countrysideand take photographs for futurepaintings. She quickly discoveredthat France has “perfect roseseverywhere” – along with noshortage of art aficionados.

On June 10, she entered aPlein Air paintingcompetition at the HotelBaudy. The paintings werejudged and Perkins’ piecewas selected as the favorite.She was presented theClaude Monet Certificate bythe mayor of Giverny,France, and she was alsoinvited to participate in anart exhibition in Paris inOctober.The honor quickly opened

up another door of opportunity –an art gallery in Paris invitedPerkins to contribute pieces to anexhibition in the town of Pacyfrom Sept. 17-27.

She’s also going to beteaching four art classes in NewZealand and Australia nextFebruary and March. In a year’stime, she easily comes in contactwith 150 students.

“Painting and color make mehappy,” said Perkins. “Whenyou’re painting, you’re in totalcontrol of the decision-making –and that’s freeing. Artists are verysharing, giving people, and there’sa sense of camaraderie.”

Perkins recommends paintingto anyone who wants a creativeoutlet or a pastime.

“Anybody that has the desireto paint, can – desire is all youneed.” NCM

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N.Y. Police Department. She wasraising her two small children whenher sister moved to Kenya andinvited Wallene to visit with Keithand daughter Lori, both under age10 at the time. “I told my sister assoon as she had a room for me andthe kids, we’d be there. She got therein April; we were there by July!”

Like an African folk tale withunexpected twists and turns,Wallene’s life has followed its own

interesting and unanticipated paths.After her divorce, she happilymarried a wonderful man namedBob Jones (sadly, he passed away sixyears ago). When they first married,she took Bob to visit her family andfriends in Africa in 1979. Friends athome asked them to purchase someauthentic African art and bring itback to the States. She and Bobrealized this could be a fun sidebusiness, and over time it became a

OF AFRICABy Janet Flanigan | Photos by Bob Fraley


A well-stamped passport is like amini storybook, and Wallene

Jones of Newnan and her sonKeith Washington each hold a seriesof passport “novellas” if you will,containing myriad tales of their tripsto Africa in search of treasures fortheir Atlanta art gallery, Gems ofAfrica.

In 1970, Jones was a youngdivorced mother working as adetective for the Nassau County,

09_0910_22-27 8/24/09 12:38 PM Page 22


full-time business for Bob, eventhough the two never actuallyopened a New York gallery. Anotherlife twist came when son Keithgraduated from Morehouse Collegeand offered to buy into their businessas a partner – and create a gallery inAtlanta.

“We were very unsure aboutAtlanta,” says Wallene, “but Keithconvinced us to participate inAtlanta’s National Black Arts Festival.

This was about 15 years ago and wenever sat down one time during thatfestival. I’m not kidding. We soldeverything we had and after that, wefigured there might be a market herein Atlanta for authentic African art.”

Keith researched locations fortheir gallery and eventually found thespot for Gems of Africa in the

Poncey-Highland area, and they’venever looked back.

“It’s been 13 years,” Keith sayswith a satisfied smile. The two goshopping in Africa twice yearly, andeach trip includes a visit to SouthAfrica and other countries which varydepending on which stock is runninglow. Keith says, “Sometimes people

Wallene Jones says this doll is from the Ndebele Tribe inSouth Africa and is made of South African fabric with plasticand glass beads. The rings around her neck are made of metaland symbolize her bond and faithfulness to her husband andwould only be removed after his death.

Wallene’spersonalcollection is awalk throughtime and thehistory ofAfrican culture.

Wallene Jones and son KeithWashington at her home inNewnan

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think they need to spend a lot on art.but we have some items that areliterally just a couple of dollars all theway up to several thousand.” Manycustomers feel like they arepurchasing the art until they can gothemselves.

Wallene’s personal collection is awalk through time and the history ofAfrican culture. There is a pleasingjuxtaposition of contemporaryAfrican artists blended withtraditional artwork. She does notgroup her art by country or evennecessarily by artist but by how itpleases the eye. There are a fewcollectibles from other nations,including China and Malta, andhumorously, even a signed Alan

“Guitar Man” by Peter Sibeko is a pastelfrom South Africa.

Lerato Motau of South Africa created this piece,“Time to Gossip.” She uses marble dust to createthe texture in her pieces.

ColorfulAfrican potterypieces areamong thetreasuresWallene Joneshas collectedon trips toAfrica.

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Jackson photo is blended into thetreasures, but almost all are from theworld’s second largest continent.

“My sister (who now lives inNew York) gave us these statues oflinked lovers from Cameroon,”Wallene says of a pair of small figureson the living room table. “The chainhas them eternally linked.”

Marriage is taken very seriouslyin Cameroon, and marriagenegotiations may last months or evenyears, even if the couple meets non-traditionally. Depending on thereligion, men in Cameroon maymarry multiple wives, so they may belinked with many wives forever.Fortunately for Wallene and Bob,they were linked only to each other!

The two bronzes standing guardon either side of the front door arefrom the tiny African Republic ofBenin. This mighty nation, knownfor its bronze art, has a rich militaryculture and in ancient times even hadelite corps female military soldiers.The actor Djimon Hounsou knownfor “Blood Diamond,” “Gladiator”and “Beauty Shop” is from this tinycoastal nation.

A haunting driftwood sculptureof a warrior and his wife fromMozambique holds its place of honorin the dining room. Like so manyAfrican nations, Mozambique isrediscovering its heritage after acolonial past – it gained itsindependence from Portugal in 1975– and a lot of Mozambique art has aPortuguese influence. Whenapproaching the stairway, visitors aregreeted by ebony sculptures fromTanzania created by the Makondepeople. The Makonde traditionallycarve abstract household objects,figures and masks.

Some of the most “jaw-dropping” pieces in her home includeSouth African pottery such as thelamp in the den. The bowls, platters,

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vases and lamps are created byceramic artists who handcraftanimals, flowers and other shapes outof their high-end ceramics and shape

Wallene’s den forincredible impact.“They made that finialfor that lamp special forme,” Wallene says,laughing with childlikepleasure.

Throughout thehouse are many batik pieces by theworld-renowned Ugandan artistNuwa Nnyanzi. Nnyanzi is a self-taught artist who is known as the“Master of Batiks,” and his work hasbeen collected by Coca Cola, theWorld Health Report and OxfordUniversity Press. Nnyanzi comes togive batik workshops at the Atlantagallery a few times throughout theyear and teaches his technique toanyone who wants to learn.

At the top of the stairs, an

High-end ceramicartists in SouthAfrica handcraftanimals, flowersand other shapesonto their waresbefore painting themin brilliant colors.

African art andfurnishings arefeatured at the Joneshome in Newnan.

Unique pieces ofAfrican artworkserve as remindersof trips to Africa atthe Jones home inNewnan.

Keith Washington’s passporttells the story of travels he and

his mother have made to Africafor their African art gallery.

them on to whatever the vessel isbefore handpainting them inabsolutely brilliant colors. Vases canbe made into lamps like the one in

Sculptural piecesfrom Africa appearindoors and out atWallene Jones’home.

09_0910_22-27 8/24/09 12:39 PM Page 26


incredibly realistic charcoal sketch ofa young Ethiopian tribal membercatches the eye. Wallene muses,“That was probably one of the veryfirst pieces we brought back. Wetried and tried to find the artist butwe heard he had gotten on drugsand was lost. Such a shame.”

Another page in the story,another stamp in the passport, andwho knows what treasure Keithand Wallene will find on their nexttrip? NCM

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Martha Ann andMurray Parks havecleverly hungpaintings on theoutside of theirbookcases tomaximize everyavailableopportunity tohighlight art.


09_0910_28-33 8/24/09 1:16 PM Page 28

“I’ve never been sorryfor anything I’ve

purchased, but a lot of timesI’ve walked away from things

I’ve been sorry I walked away from,”says Martha Ann Parks of herpersonal art collection.

She and husband Murray Parkshave an extensive andvaried collection fromjug art tograndchildren’streasures; everythinghas a story and isdisplayed for a reason.

“Something hasgot to speak to us for areason and we’ll buy itor hang it,” saysMartha Ann. Anexample in her livingroom is an originalpainting by an airlinepilot named HaroldLarson. It is a view ofthe twinkling lightsseemingly from thecockpit with theCalifornia Mountainsin the distance. “Thisreminds me exactly ofthe view of when Ilived in Cucamonga inCalifornia for threeyears,” she says.

Her favorite workis by local artistMartin Pate and is ofher son Rob Esteswhen he was a toddler.

Although it was painted when Robwas a grown man, Martha Ann saysshe loves the innocence and discoveryof youth in the painting. She alsosays while Pate’s style is normally verytight, she asked him for a looser styleand for an unfinished look and sheloves the result.

Another piece, “Waiting forDad,” is a portrait of a little boy byNancy Dusenberry. Martha Ann saidit “reminds me of my grandson, andNancy is probably the mostaccomplished local artist we have atthe gallery along with Martin Pate.”She is referring to the Flint Gallery of

Panoply, an artgallery she opened in2007 as an extensionof her interior designbusiness that hasbeen a fixture inNewnan since 1987.“We purchase fine artfor so many of ourclients and many ofthem enjoy collectingthemselves, so it (thegallery) wassomething I had beenthinking of forawhile.”

While theycertainly support theartists in their gallery,much of their art isfrom artistsrepresented elsewherebecause theypurchase what haspersonal meaning tothem. A greatexample is a potteryplatter in the couple’shallway depictingtwo baby sea turtles.They bought it afteran up-close encounter

By Janet Flanigan | Photos by Bob Fraley

FOR A REASON

“Presence” by Martin Pate


09_0910_28-33 8/24/09 1:16 PM Page 29


A portrait of Martha Ann Parks by Anthony Stewart

Harrison Fisher prints

This book-lined dining room is also animportant area for displaying art at thehome of Murray and Martha Ann Parks.

09_0910_28-33 8/24/09 1:16 PM Page 30

with a sea turtle on St. Simons Islandawhile back. They don’t remember theartist’s name, and it’s neither anexpensive item nor likely to increase invalue. But it brings a smile and a greatmemory, so what is more treasured inthe long run?

There is art displayed everywhereyou look, and Murray and MarthaAnn turned their former den intotheir dining area to accommodatetheir need for more chairs at thedining room table. Martha Ann’smother, Martha Moultrie, suggestedthey put bookshelves and displaycases along one wall to house theirbooks and the display shelves to showtheir collectibles. Martha Ann hascleverly hung paintings on theoutside of her bookcases to maximizeevery available opportunity tohighlight art. One work shown hereis an incredible paper-on-canvas pieceof a female by a well-known

international artistnamed NatashaZupan. Over thefireplace is an AnthonyStewart portrait ofMartha Ann herselfnestled in this very sameroom.

Inside the bookcases aresome incredible blown glassbirds by artist Shane Fero.His pieces are achieved bythe controlled forcing of airinto clear glass tubes whilethe glass is molten, and thecolors are added in anoverlay technique. The birds areincredibly unique, fragile yetwhimsical. Murray gives themto Martha Ann for gifts, andshe buys him antiquekaleidoscopes.

Another favorite artist ofthe couple is Craig McMillan.

Glasspaperweights,fine glasswareand potteryappearthroughout theParks home.


09_0910_28-33 8/24/09 1:16 PM Page 31


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Martha Ann Parks’ Quick Tips for Displaying Your Art

Buy what you love.

There’s nothing wrong if it doesn’t match your color scheme – just put it where you want it and it will work fine.

But matching colors is fine too – it’s all good.

Spotlighting is really good if you can do it.

It’s nice to group things together a bit – if you have small collections or themes of photos, group them together for more impact.

Newnan sculptor Carol Harless created “Study in Time” forthe plaza at Erskine College in Due West, S.C., and MarthaAnn Parks has this artist proof of the “larger than life size”piece, which honors Parks’ mother, Martha Moultrie.

09_0910_28-33 8/24/09 1:16 PM Page 32

The versatile McMillan has severalof his works throughout the homeincluding his tree series. A verystriking new work is displayed atthe end of their hallway leading tothe bedroom, and it has created alot of talk among guests. The artisthas built a framed “box” a couple ofinches thick. He painted thebackground a stark black and hasfashioned a three-dimensional, old-fashioned woman’s gown, beginningwith the painted ivory bodice,ribboned and lovely. The flowinggown is a cut-screen panel overlay.Behind the screen are the “bones ofthe dress” with tiny rose buds and ahummingbird-like nest perched inthe branches. It is truly innovative.

Everywhere you look, there’s amemory, a story and a beautifulpiece of art reminding Martha Annand Murray of some wonderfultime in their life ... and there arestill plenty of nooks and cranniesleft. NCM

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Seth ColtrainComputer Science Major

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“The Newnan Center is extremely convenient and,in today’s economy, not having a commute is a financial boost. I also work on campus in a job

within my major that gives me experience in the technology industry. The Newnan

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Newnan’s Craig McMillan is the artistbehind “Maiden Duchesse” at theParks home in Newnan.

09_0910_28-33 8/24/09 1:16 PM Page 33

By Meredith Leigh Knight | Photos by Bob Fraley


FOR THE LOVE OF ART AND ARTISTS

09_0910_34-39 8/24/09 1:12 PM Page 34


Ask her what her secret is, andshe’ll wave her hand and say, “Pfff ...no secret,” but she does confide thatassociating with artists is a great wayto stay young.

“They are another breed,” shesays. “Don’t give me politicians orbusinessmen; I’m more interested inartists. Artists see what’s aroundthem.”

That love of art and artists haspropelled Hayes, a cancer survivor, toteach art for more than 40 years. Shecurrently holds four classes a weekout of the Coweta home she shareswith her daughter. Students are not

— Helen Hayes

Even when she’s notteaching, artist Helen

Hayes has plenty ofcompany. Interesting faces

adorn her walls – a dark-skinnedNative American woman, a smellyMoroccan holding basil, a Sheik witha mischievous look, a blacksmith witha kind face, and the dark eyes ofpeople she’s seen on the subway whilein her home state of New York.

“I like people. I don’t considerthem strangers. They are interestingto look at,” says the petite Hayes,whose wit and energy belie her 94years.

“Don’t give me politicians or businessmen;I’m more interested in artists.

Artists see what’s around them.”

“Welcome Spring”

09_0910_34-39 8/24/09 1:12 PM Page 35

“Esther”

“South Americans”

“South American Market”

“Native American”

“Paula and Michael”

“John Ericsson”


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only treated to Hayes’ expertise – sheis an international award-winningartist, classically trained at the ArtStudents League of New York, one ofthe foremost art schools in the world– but they also enjoy a hot cup oftea and homemade crumpets thattaste good enough to make anyonewant to become her pupil!

Hayes’ spacious and light homestudio is equipped with special easelsthat she designed (and her latehusband built) to accommodate all oftheir utensils.

“Artists have a lot of junk,” jokesHayes. “They come in rolling thesebig suitcases and I tell them, ‘Youaren’t moving in with me.’”

With wisdom, patience andhumor, Hayes instructs her studentson becoming better artists, especiallywhen it comes to her specialty,portraiture.

“Paintings last forever;photographs don’t,” said Hayes, whois an active member of the Newnan-Coweta Art Association and theFayette County Art Association.

“Pakistani native”

09_0910_34-39 8/24/09 1:13 PM Page 37


“If they are learning [to paintportraits], I tell them not to startwith their family. They know them

too well,” says Hayes. “I recommendthey start sketching from beautifulphotos from a newspaper or

magazine. I try to teachthem to paint a littledifferent, a little looser andto not be photographic.”

In addition, Hayesadvises her students to payclose attention to detailsaround the eyes, which shecalls “the doorway to thesoul.”

“It’s about learning tosee. Not every person isalike, and there aremillions of us. An artisthas to use the ability tosee. I do a lot of mentalsketching,” said Hayes,who estimated that she’spainted approximately

600 portraits. “I’ve never had onerefused.”

Part of that may stem from thefact that if Hayes isn’t happy with aportrait she’s doing, she will start

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At 94, Helen Hayes continues to paint for an hour or more each day.

09_0910_34-39 8/24/09 1:13 PM Page 38


over completely rather thantouching it up, sometimes evenselling both versions at theinsistence of patrons. Most ofHayes’ paintings, however, shegives as gifts.

“If you sell paintings, youhave to have a gallery,” saidHayes, “and that’s work. I’mdoing what I want to do.Anymore than that would be achore.”

Hayes cautions that artistsmust be very good to get rich,“otherwise, they live in the attic.”

“It’s not easy to make aliving as an artist. It’s not easyto be a businessman and anartist,” says Hayes. “So oftenyou need to get a manager and thenyou have to give him a commission,and all of that takes away from beingan artist, but it’s a wonderful hobbythat one can do at any age. Here I

am 94 and still painting.”Despite her busy teaching

schedule, she continues to paint anhour to an hour and a half each dayin her personal studio. The unique

space is hidden neatly in herbedroom closet along with all of hersupplies (primarily oils) and photosshe uses for inspiration. Hayes oftencombines several photos into one,depending on how she feels at themoment. Hayes says she likes for herpaintings “to tell a story,” often“adding elements of mystery.” Forexample, a scene with a snow skiercoming down the mountain mayinclude a mountain lion coming outof his cave up on the cliff above.

Although Hayes’ work isinfluenced by numerous professionalartists, it’s clear that her studentshave the most impact on her life.Hayes proudly tells of theiraccomplishments, saving clippingsfrom magazines of students whosework has been profiled.

“I love my pupils,” says Hayes.“They do more for me, than I do forthem.” NCM

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“When you castbronze, it’s scary.One mistake andyou can lose thewhole thing. Butwhen it works,it’s wonderful.”


— Carol Harless

Carol Harless is shown with thewax pattern for a bronze portraithead titled "JB: America's Chef."The finished bronze of JamesBeard will be on display at theSalmagundi Club in New York withthe Audubon Artists, 67th AnnualExhibition Sept. 14-Oct. 2, 2009.

09_0910_40-45 8/24/09 1:10 PM Page 40


On July 17, 1994,Newnan’s Carol Harless

was among the 91,000frenzied fans who packed

Pasadena’s Rose Bowl to watchItaly face off against Brazil in thefinals of soccer’s World Cup.

After 120 minutes of regular andovertime play, the teams were scoreless.For the first time, the World Cupwould be decided by penalty kicks.

Italy’s Franco Baresi was the firstplayer to take a shot on goal. TheItalian superstar stared at the target,moved forward and smashed the ball,only to watch it sail over the goal.

Brazilian fans erupted in joy. Adevastated Baresi collapsed to hisknees and bent backwards, his faceburied in his hands.

Brazil went on to win the match3-2, but by then, Harless wasn’tpaying attention to the scoreboard.Baresi’s moment of agony had justprovided the inspiration for her nextsculpture.

“It was mesmerizing,” Harlesssays. “As soon as I saw it, I knew Ihad to create that moment.”

Two years later, the result,“Striker’s Near Miss,” was on displayin New York as Atlanta hosted the1996 Olympics.

“It was a perfect fit,” Harlesssays. “Events really came together onthat one.”

Harless’ works have brought herinternational recognition and acclaim,but sculpting was the furthest thingfrom the Georgia native’s mind whenshe enrolled at Shorter College inRome, Ga.

Harless studied applied sciencesand pre-med, hoping for a career in

By Alex McRae | Photos by Bob Fraley and courtesy of Carol Harless

CAPTURING WONDERS IN SCULPTURE

"Lady of the House" (2008) is Carol Harless‘ scale model inclay, 1/3 life size (26 inches tall), that was the basis for hersculpture of the same name now on display in Newnan‘sGreenville Street Park.

09_0910_40-45 9/11/09 2:53 PM Page 41


“Yellow Card“2007Bronze20 inches tall x 17 inches wide x 7 1/2 inches deep

medical illustration.She found time foronly one studio artclass before realizing itwas impossible topursue art and scienceat the same time.

“We were alwaysin science lab,”Harless says. “Therewas no time for catanatomy and otherclasses, too.”

After graduation,Harless joinedAtlanta’s Centers forDisease Control(CDC). While there,she met and marriedher husband, Joe, whowas working withCDC officials todevelop teachingmethods.

Business took thecouple toMontgomery, Ala.,

Carol Harless shows the life size sculpture of "Striker's Near Miss" (1996) made of Celluclay,wire, rags, resin and wood. At right she is shown in her studio, and hanging overhead are two of the bronzesfrom her circus-inspired piece “Le Cirque, Troupe A.”

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New York City, and Washington, D.C., where Harlessenrolled in a sculpture class taught by Joan Danziger.

Harless showed great promise, and Danzigerurged her to get formal training, but it was yearsbefore the family business allowed Harless time tocatch her breath, much less an artistic second wind.

In 1989 she was finally able to pursue her artisticdreams and enrolled in sculpture classes at WestGeorgia College.

She molded figures from wax and clay, studiedanatomy and sweltered in the heat of the foundry,mixing muscle and metal to produce somethingmagical.

“When you cast bronze, it’s scary,” she says. “Onemistake and you can lose the whole thing. But whenit works, it’s wonderful.”

It didn’t take long for Harless to realize she’dmade the right move.

“I began to believe I had a gift for it,” she says.For Harless, the inspiration for a work is as

important as the execution.“I look for the most beautiful and fleeting

moments you can capture,” she says. “If I see it and Ican’t forget it, I want to create it.”

The work is dusty, dirty and physicallydemanding, but Harless doesn’t mind the mess.When a sculptural foundry informed her theycouldn’t fashion the copper frame for a sculpture onher schedule, Harless hired her plumber to teach herhow to bend, fit and join copper pipe.

“If you’ve got a leak, I can handle it,” she laughs.Harless has drawn inspiration from athletes,

dancers and even a troupe of circus aerialists flyingthrough the air with hoops. But she is equally movedby moments of quiet introspection.

“Study in Time,” a sundial at South Carolina’sErskine College, features a seated young womanpondering an open book. The intense focus ofconcert violinist Chee-Yun moments before aperformance evoked “Eight Measures Away.”

Harless’ works are found in private collections,college campuses, corporate offices and publicfacilities around the world, but she always finds timeto honor the places and people that make Newnanand Coweta County special.

After Newnan native Charles Wadsworth startedreturning home for a series of fundraising concerts torefurbish the Newnan City Auditorium, Harlessreturned the favor. A bronze bust of the musician

09_0910_40-45 8/24/09 1:10 PM Page 43


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Carol Harless of Newnan says she was humbled by the public reception her “Lady of the House” piecegot when the large version of the statue shown here was installed at the Greenville Street Park.

09_0910_40-45 8/24/09 1:10 PM Page 44


dominates the entrance to thelovingly restored auditoriumthat now bears Wadsworth’sname.

Visitors to Newnan’sGreenville Street Park are metby Harless’ “Lady of theHouse,” which depicts a womanholding aloft a decorativebargeboard like the ones thatadorn many of Newnan’shistoric homes.

“The public reception it gotwas humbling,” she says. “I’m soglad I get to do somethingpeople enjoy.”

With more medals, accoladesand awards than she can count,Harless could rest on herreputation, but has no plans toslow down. “I’m always seeingthings that interest me,” she says.“As long as you can stay with thewonder of it, you’re fine.” NCM

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Carol Harless’ works have been displayed in more than 40 regional,national and international juried shows hosted by such prestigiousorganizations as the National Sculpture Society, the CatharineLorillard Wolfe Art Club, Audubon Artists, Pen and Brush and theInternational ARC Salon.

She has been elected to membership in Allied Artists of America,Audubon Artists and the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club.She recently received the Richard Brooks Visionary Award ofDistinction, which recognizes individuals for their contributions tothe arts in Coweta County.

Works currently on public display include “Lady of the House” atNewnan’s Greenville Street Park; “Study in Time” sundial at ErskineCollege, Due West, S.C.; “Grief,” inspired by Martha Graham’s dance“Lamentation” at the Martha Graham School in New York City; bustof Charles Wadsworth at Wadsworth Auditorium in Newnan; and“Dancers” at the corporate offices of HPG, Inc. in Newnan.NCMNCM

“Striker’s Near Miss” is now on loan for display at the corporateoffices of Price Waterhouse in New York City.

Carol Harless, sculptor

09_0910_40-45 8/24/09 1:10 PM Page 45


Carson Tabor Newnan-Coweta Magazine congratulatesCarson Tabor of Newnan and Holden Smith andEmily Whitehead, both of Sharpsburg, winners ofour Summer Fun Coloring Contest!

Carson won the category for those 4 andunder. Holden won for those 5-8, and Emily wonfor those 9-12.

Each child won a prize package that includedart supplies. Sponsors of the contest were ArnallGrocery Co., Scott’s Bookstore, Linda’sPlayhouse and The Rock Ranch.

09_0910_46-53 8/24/09 1:01 PM Page 46


Holden Smith

Emily Whitehead

09_0910_46-53 8/24/09 1:01 PM Page 47


Meet a Newnan-Coweta Magazine

READER ... CHAD LOFTINO.P. Evans Middle School art teacher Chad Loftin has

been enthralled with art since Pre-K days at MaggieBrown School. Local art classes were a big inspirationto him, as were upper level private classes with CherylVickers, who became his teacher at Evans. Loftin trans-ferred from Evans to East Coweta Middle School, in thedistrict of his father, a special education teacher, andwas influenced there by art teacher Ron Almand. Underthe tutelage of all of his instructors, including EastCoweta High School art teacher Carol Toole, Loftin was atwo-time nominee and one-time participant in theGovernor’s Honors Program. He went on to earn a degreein Art Education from the University of West Georgia,including a stint traveling abroad in France. Nowadays, itseems all Loftin wants to talk about is his “kids.”

He is inspired to use art in the classroom for “problemsolving.” Loftin is concerned that modern influences suchas media and texting have reduced students’ ability to per-

form complex tasks, and he is using art as a way to digdeeper into the psyche, in a fun way, so they can tap intotheir creativity.

“I’m a completely different teacher than the otherswho came before me,” Loftin says. “I’m only the third artteacher at Evans since 1973 (after Cheryl Vickers andChrissy Singleton, who left four years ago to start the artprogram at Lee Middle). Can you believe that? It’s suchan honor and my program is completely on the shouldersof those that went before me. God has given me someawesome opportunities. I’m quiet and my work isvery quiet.”

Newnan High art teacher Carol Toole is alwaystelling Loftin to “find your dynamic voice,” he said, and to“go bigger” because he sketches and paints small. “Mypreference is for smaller pieces,” he said. “I love sketch-ing in my book but I’m cutting loose a bit – I just bought a36 x 48 canvas. Now, what am I going to do with it?”

Do you have a favorite season of the year? Are you inspired by the weather in your work?My favorite season is right in between the seasons – in between spring and summer and betweensummer and fall. The seasons do figure in my work because there are breezes, there are pockets ofclouds and the skies are azure blue.

Your kids are freer to express themselves in your classes. Did you ever have a doubt that you would seekto make a living as an artist in some form or fashion?No, never.

For many, art is their therapy or relaxation. Where do you go to get away from work?I exercise, work out, do push-ups, I love to read. But I mostly love my sketchbook!

Which is preferable, fame or fortune? Neither. Loyalty and respect are better in my opinion.

What is your favorite no-brainer TV program?“Monk” and “Psych.” They are both crazy mystery shows.

Is there another talent that you really appreciate that you don’t personally have the knack for?I always thought it would be nice to be able to play a sport, so I guess athletics.

Do you cook or are you more of a pre-prepared kind of person?Pre-prepared. I can do anything with PB and J!

What word would describe the greatest height of happiness and the lowest form of sorrow for you?Happiness – Joy. Sorrow – Hopeful. I look for hope in the dark because I believe God is there evenwhen he’s silent. NCM

09_0910_46-53 8/24/09 1:01 PM Page 48


09_0910_46-53 8/24/09 1:01 PM Page 49


> COWETA COOKS


By Janet Flanigan | Photos by Bob Fraley

World travels inspire Newnan cook

09_0910_46-53 8/24/09 1:02 PM Page 50


rtists perform in and on many mediums, andPatty Gironda delights in the kitchen – andon television and in the blogosphere. Thischild of the South has become a daughterto the world as more of it opens to her.Many Cowetans watch Patty prepareher culinary specialties on her Homeat Last! television program onNuLink and Charter cable networksand many also read her popular

blog of the same name. The Louisiana native traces her family roots back

to Virginia blue-bloods to whom culinary arts wereserious business. The enlightened Virginian ThomasJefferson famously went into debt rather than eat anddrink poorly, and the mentality of fine living issomething Patty understands. However, she does notrecommend debt to do it!

“I just think we should treat ourselves well; Idon’t believe in eating or drinking with plastic,”she says.

When you create a nice meal, Patty says, place itartfully on a nice platter and use a pretty glass andeveryone will enjoy the effort, including you.

She and her husband Ron feel passionately aboutthe history and culture surrounding food and thepeople who prepare it. She says, “I love collecting theold ‘receipt’ cookbooks (probably the best-known isthe Charleston Receipts). My personal favorite isJonesboro Receipts which recommends having MintJuleps at 10 a.m. and then just about every hourexcept during the heat of the day – it’s a hoot!”

Always creating, refining and perfecting, Pattysays her world travels inspire her to recreate therecipes of the locales she and husband Rondiscover together. “Tuscany is very important tous. Ron is Italian-American, so I love to cook thatway. I’m a classic cook, I’d say classic-rustic; I liketo cook the way Italians do. I cook what is freshand in season that day.”

Her enthusiasm is palatable and after her worldtravels, she’s still raring to go, so it’s natural for her tosay, “Home at last! OK, Lights, Camera, Action!”

119 Ridley Avenue, LaGrange706-416-2396

Downtown LaGrange - Corner of Ridley Ave. and HaralsonAcross from the Courthouse

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Saturday — 12:00 noon - 10:30 p.m.; Sunday — 12:00 noon - 10:00 p.m.

1111 Bullsboro Drive, Suite 12, Newnan, GA 30265

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Patty’s Mediterranean

Chicken with Grapes

4 chicken breasts2 cups red seedless grapesor globe grapes (seed if nec-essary)1 small baby Vidalia withgreen top, coarsely chopped(or substitute 2 tablespoonschopped scallions for babyVidalia onions)1 garlic clove, finely chopped1 tablespoon each choppedfresh basil and sage5 tablespoons olive oilSalt and pepper, divided useFlour for dredging1/4 cup white wine fordeglazing1 teaspoon dried chivesPinch of Greek-style season-ing2 tablespoons butter3/4 cup chicken stock1 tablespoon cream


Place each chicken breast betweentwo pieces of plastic wrap andpound (with the flat side of a meatmallet or wooden rolling pin) until1/2 inch thick and doubled in size.Place flattened chicken pieces on aplate separated by parchmentpaper to avoid sticking. Cleangrapes and cut each grape in halfand set aside. Chop onions, garlicand fresh herbs and set aside.Prepare a large flat pan for flour(do not season).

To pan-fry chicken breasts: Heat oliveoil very slowly to a consistentmedium-high heat. Lightly saltand pepper each side of the chick-en breast before dredging in flour.One at a time, dip each breast inflour. Shake off excess flour andplace dredged chicken breast inhot oil and fry evenly on bothsides until golden in color.Remove fried breast to an oven-

safe platter. Place cooked chickenin a 300 degree oven until allbreasts have been fried.

To prepare grape sauce: After the lastchicken breast is fried, deglazepan with 1/4 cup of white wine.Add one tablespoon of butter andwhisk contents of pan until brownbits are scraped from pan. Addhalved grapes, fresh herbs, driedchives and Greek seasoning. Cookfor a few minutes and continue tomove grapes in pan. Add choppedgreen onions and garlic. Continuestirring. Add 3/4 cup of chickenstock and continue cooking foranother 3 or 4 minutes. Add addi-tional tablespoon of butter andheavy cream. Whisk together welland simmer gently for a few min-utes. Add salt. Add fresh crackedpepper. Reduce sauce to desiredthickness and pour over warmedchicken breast.

Home At Last! Chocolate Mint CocktailPatty’s Mediterranean Chicken with Grapes

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Home At Last!

Minted Simple Syrup

If you thought simplesyrup was just for sweettea, think again!

4 cups water4 cups sugar1 bunch of mint(washed)

In a large saucepan overmedium-high heat, bring4 cups of water to a boil.Remove pan from heatand add 4 cups of sugar.Stir for a few minutes tomelt sugar. Set aside.Cool simple syrup andplace in a large pitcher.Tie a bunch of minttogether with kitchentwine, leaving enoughtwine to create a tail.Dip the tied bunch ofmint into the simplesyrup, hanging the tailoutside of the pitcher foreasy removal. (For bestresults allow mint toremain in simple syrupfor 2-4 days). Removemint bunch and chill.

Easy Ideas for

Minted Simple Syrup

Pour 2 tablespoons ofMinted Simple Syrupinto a tall decorative

glass. Add soda water,squeeze the juice of halfa lime and add freshmint. Stir well.

Home At Last!

Homemade Chocolate

Liqueur (Sugar-free)

1 cup mocha coffeebeans (whole beans)2 Madagascar vanillabeans (split)1 fifth of vodka

Place the whole coffeebeans in a glass jar.Add split vanilla beans.Cover with the vodkaand place in a cool darklocation for 1 month,then strain liqueur intopretty decanter.

Home At Last!

Chocolate Mint

Cocktails

1-1/2 ounces ChocolateLiqueur1/2 ounce MintedSimple Syrup

In a shaker glass filledhalf-way with crackedice, add chocolateliqueur followed byMinted Simple Syrup.Stir until well-chilledand strain into a prettymartini glass.

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reative arts and crafts, yummy food, yardsales and flea markets galore ... it’s that time of

year! Fall is here and so is the Powers’ Festivaland all the fantastically fabulous yard sales and flea

markets that come with it!Have you been looking for a creative decorating

project for your home? You want something uniqueand extraordinary, easy to do, but that won’t cost alot? Now is the time and we’ve got some great projectideas for you. Not the creative type? I have been

blessed with some friends who have enough creativeideas to share with all of us.

They take something old and make it intosomething fantastic and new with a whole newpurpose, what I call “From Trash to Treasure!” Assoon as you walk into their houses you feel right athome. Here they share some of their most creativeproject ideas so that when you head out to thosefairs, yard sales and flea markets, you’ll know exactlywhat to look for.

By Tina Neely | Photos by Bob Fraley

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FFoorr tthhee KKiittcchheenn::

• Counter Tops with Character – When LeanneWilloughby remodeled her 1828 farmhouse, she saved allthe ppiinnee ssiiddiinngg from the old walls. Her father used thatpine to create her gorgeous new kitchen countertops.Cut, sanded, stained and clear coated, these countertopshave lots of character and a great story to tell!

• Turn a Chest of Drawers into an Island – Ericka Morganfound a chest of drawers a friend had thrown out, paintedit, added beadboard to the back side, had her husband cutsome butcher block for the top, and now it’s the center-piece for her new kitchen. It’s an island with character andpersonality, done for just a few dollars.

• Island Incubator – Yes, that’s right. An aannttiiqquuee cchhiicckkeenneegggg iinnccuubbaattoorr Leanne found at an online auction – andonce used as a cute country kitchen island – now sits as ahall table holding precious family photos.

Leanne

Willoughby

Ericka Morgan

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FFoorr tthhee BBaatthh::

• Leanne took an aannttiiqquueecchheesstt ooff ddrraawweerrss and used itfor her bathroom sink/vanity.Leanne and her fatherworked their magic toucheson the old discarded chest.They refinished it, addedsome wood pieces that weremissing, ordered new hard-ware, and turned it into asink vanity by cutting a holein the top and dropping in agalvanized tub for the sink!

• If the wood on the chestisn’t in good enough shape tostrip and refinish, give it aFrench Country look likeRenae Rumohr did; shepainted it and dropped in anew porcelain sink. It is stillbeautiful even after 15 yearsof use.

• Table Top Vanity – The mostgorgeous bathroom vanity –and by far the most creative– has to be the new masterbath vanity Renae and GuyRumohr made out of an oollddffaarrmm ttaabbllee. Using a table afriend had given them to sellin a yard sale, they cut a holein the top, dropped in thesink, added two unfinishedcabinet pieces underneathfor plenty of drawer space,and Renae herself added afantastic paint job resultingin a gorgeous master vanityworth thousands, for under$100. Topping off their cre-ation? A large mirror framedwith old barn wood.

• MMiirrrroorrss – Take aged win-dows and replace the glasswith mirror. Or do like Renaedid: Save beautiful old barnwood and use it to frame alarge mirror or antiquedresser mirror and hang itabove a sink.

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IIddeeaass ffoorr TTaabblleess::

• Leanne used an aannttiiqquuee ttooooll bbooxx andadded short legs to it she found online,making it just the right height to kickback and prop your feet on. Renae tookan oolldd lliibbrraarryy ttaabbllee and cut down thelegs, making it the perfect coffee tablefor her den.

• Make your own table from scratch.Old bbaarrnn wwoooodd ssiiddiinngg was used to makethe Willoughby children’s long play-room table and benches.

• Table with a view – Take an aged win-dow that still has all its glass panes andadd legs to it for a cute side table.

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IIddeeaass ffoorr SShheellvviinngg aanndd SSttoorraaggee::

• Got an old chest/trunk that’s broken? Ericka hung the lid on the walland uses it to shelve favorite trinkets. Lots of things can be used forshelves and storage – old cabinets, tops to armoires. Take the doorsoff, or leave them open, mount it to the wall, and fill it full of your mostfavorite treasures.

• Old/antique wooden ladders can be propped in the bathroom to holdhand towels or a creative way to hang magazines. An even more cre-ative way to display it? Hang on the wall like in Ericka and TroyMorgan’s house and put your favorite pictures in between the rungs,creating a much more interesting visual effect.

• Chicken Coop Cubbies – Leanne had the right idea to store all of herkids’ shoes and toys as they come in the door. She made cubbies outof what her chickens once nested in. Cute and country but so very cre-ative!

09_0910_54-59 8/24/09 12:59 PM Page 58


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Who knew the dresserdiscarded on the curb or the$10 yard sale chest could beturned into something sowonderful? Take the timebefore you throw somethingaway or pass by it at the fleamarket because it’s worn. Giveit some thought and you justmight turn it into somethingmagnificent.

So gas up the truck andset the alarm clock to get upearly and head to all thewonderful fall yard sales, fleamarkets, and even dumpsterdiscards in search of what willbecome your newly belovedand prized piece. Turning trashinto treasure is the ultimate inrecycling. You’ll have funshopping and creating andhelp the environment whileyou’re at it! NCM

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The

Tho

ughtful G

ardener


have always wanted a patio. Never a deck. Infact, I was horrified when my in-laws coveredtheir patio with a deck (although I have come to

love it!). My parents and my grandparents beforethem all possessed lovely brick or

stone patios – somehow it seems moregenteel, doesn’t it?

When we purchased our currenthome almost three years ago, we bought itmainly for the yard, but for me the pièce de résistance wasthe existing patio. A sweeping expanse of aged and mossystones overlooking the yard and creek – space for roomytables to seat lots of people, a fire pit, and wonderful curvedplanting beds bordering the stones. The year we moved in,I planted nothing. I simply examined and rejected plantafter plant in search of The Most Perfect Thing to borderthe patio. Which leads me to the only “non-Southern”plant I have pined for in my garden, lavender.

The rest of the time, I am quite happy with mygardenias, azaleas and hydrangeas. But the allure of lavenderis too great – fragrant lilac colored spikes billowing inEnglish country gardens, amethyst blossoms stark againstthe hot blue of the Mediterranean, and endless periwinklerows rolling across the hills of Provençe. Further convincingme are the stories of many Southerners now successfullygrowing and even harvesting lavender in the South.

LavenderStory, photos and artwork by Katherine McCall

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The veil of lavendercolour that drawsacross the heat ofmidsummer is asrefreshing andquieting to the eye asits fragrance is to oursense of smell.

— Judyth A. McLeod,“Lavender, Sweet Lavender”

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In The Unlikely Lavender Queen,Jeannie Ralston details her personaljourney as she and her husband builda lavender farm in the hill country ofTexas and so transform themselvesand the economy there. Judyth A.McLeod in her book Lavender, SweetLavender cemented my decision whenI read this: “Lavender is a specialplant in the garden. No other plantthat I know of can so effectivelycreate a misty cool haze on a hotsummer day. The veil of lavendercolour that draws across the heat ofmidsummer is as refreshing andquieting to the eye as its fragrance isto our sense of smell. The soft greyfoliage is the perfect foil to theflowers. I know of no better plant toinstill a feeling of continuity andserenity to a garden.” I had foundThe Most Perfect Thing for my patio.

The history of lavender parallelsthe history of the people who haveenjoyed and found many uses for thisfragrant shrubby herb. The namecomes from the Latin lavare meaning“to wash.” This could refer towashing oneself, as the Romans didin their baths, or to washing one’sclothing. Most agree that lavenderwas first used by the Romans, whobrought it to England.

Initially gardens were forgrowing useful items – food,medicine, dyes and perfumes. TheElizabethans elevated the garden topure aesthetics with their intricateknot gardens where lavender was aprimary component. During theVictorian age, Gertrude Jekyllrevitalized interest in the cottagegarden with its more painterly andimpressionistic plantings. “Thequintessential cottage plant throughthe centuries was surely lavender. Itgrew easily and could be exchangedand propagated as slips. Wash dayswere made fragrant with old lavenderbushes over which linen,


09_0910_60-65 8/24/09 12:55 PM Page 63


handkerchiefs and underclothes weredried. The flowers were harvestedand used to fill sweet bags used toperfume drawers. Dried stems wereburned in sick rooms to deodorizethem. And lavender was animportant part of the housewife’smedical cabinet in days gone by,being used an as antiseptic, and torelieve headaches, and aching jointsand colds” (Judyth A. McLeod,Lavender, Sweet Lavender).

Selecting the proper plant andproviding the right growingconditions are two keys to growinglavender successfully in the South.The first step is selecting a type bestsuited for our hot, humid summers.There are over 30 species of lavender(Lavandula) with six sections:Lavandula (formerly Spica), Stoechas,Dentata, Pterostoechas,Chaetostachys and Subnuda. The

most commonly known and grownare the sections Lavandula, Stoechasand Dentata. Section Lavandula issometimes called hardy lavender orEnglish lavender and includes thelavandins. The lavandins, a more heattolerant hybrid, contain Lavandula xintermedia which is the best choicefor our Southern climate. TheSouthern Living Garden Book listsnine different cultivars under theheading Lavandula x intermedia, butthe two varieties recommended forthe South are “Provence” and“Sweet.” Section Dentata, known asFrench lavender, and SectionStoecha, known as Spanish lavender,are called tender lavenders.

The second step for flourishinglavender in the South is to rememberits origins: “Lavenders comepredominantly from dolomiticmountainous areas with relatively

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Dried lavender branches add afragrant touch indoors.

09_0910_60-65 8/24/09 12:55 PM Page 64


mild climates, a generalization, butuseful for a sensible approach to theirculture. From this we may learn thatlavenders need excellent drainage andalkaline soil to grow well” (Judyth A.McLeod, Lavender, Sweet Lavender).Select a spot with full sun andthorough drainage, such as a raisedbed or container; lavender will nottolerate wet feet.

In the late afternoon when theevening is drawing in, we enjoy abrief respite and my hedge of“Provence” lavender. I have neverseen it without several bees orbutterflies hovering, enjoying thefragrance with us, and I am remindedof Izaak Walton who said, “Let’s goto that house for the linen lookswhite and smells of lavender, and Ilong to be in a pair of sheets thatsmell so” (The Compleat Angler,1653). NCM

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An amazing family adventure on the Blue Ridge Scenic Railway is only a short drive away. It all starts at the historic depot in downtown Blue Ridge, Georgia. The train winds

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DON’T READ ABOUT HISTORY, ROLL THROUGH IT.DON’T READ ABOUT HISTORY, ROLL THROUGH IT.

Common name: Lavender

Botanical name: Lavandula

Description: Perennial shrub or subshrub, also considered a herb.

Most bloom in the spring and into the summer. Some varieties will

have a second flush in the fall.

Blooms: Highly fragrant spikes of pale purple, deep purple or

white flowers with contrasting silvery green foliage.

Cultivation: Locate in sunny spot with thorough and excellent

drainage. Adding a top dressing of lime and pruning will help the

plants do well.

Special notes: Harvest when at least two blooms have

opened and dry. Use in sachets, candles, wreaths, loose

arrangements or recipes.

Notes:

TheT

ho

ughtful Gardener

Lavender Sugar

Mix 1 cup of dried lavender blossoms

with a cup of sugar. Keep mixing as

you use, because it tends to separate

as it sits (Growing and Using

Lavender, Patti Barrett).

Lavender

vender_pla

ntindex 8

/24/09 9:

50 AM Pag

e 1

WEB EXTRA:The Thoughtful

Gardener Plant Index

Go to newnancowetamagazine.comto download your next

garden journal page, Lavandula.

09_0910_60-65 8/24/09 12:56 PM Page 65


Airs ft

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t’s Saturday morning about teno’clock and in a field are about ahundred guys, most dressed headto toe in military camouflage,

standing in a group gettingtheir orders. No, they are

not in Iraq. They aren’t even at FortBenning. They are in northern CowetaCounty on Kelly Farm Road andabout to play Airsoft.

In the middle of this crowd ofgladiators, barking out orders on amegaphone like General Pattonhimself, is Dave Shelnutt, call sign“Alpine,” and the group is at hishouse, about to enter Airsoft combat.

“Airsoft is a Military Simulation(MILSIM) sport invented to be morealong the lines of military training at acivilian level,” says Shelnutt. “AnAirsoft gun is a military replicaweapon that fires a 6mm plastic BBusing air compressed through amechanical process.”

Shelnutt, a project manager forComcast, grew up in Fort Gaines,Ga. near Lake Eufaula, an only childraised by his grandparents. “I neverhad brothers and sisters to play with,”he says. “It was a mile to the nearestneighbor’s house.” Army games andoutdoor sports, particularly huntingand fishing, became his surrogatebrothers – and outlets for fun.

“Fort Gaines was a beautiful placeto live,” says Shelnutt. “There wasmoss in the trees and everyone knewyou.” He went to school in Blakely,

Story and photos by Jeremy Williams

Military style sport drawing fans to northern Coweta

Stuart "Stuey" Grable, Nathan "Scooter"Burns and Jason "Tinman" Burns, all Cowetaresidents, participate in a recent Airsoft eventat Area 13.

09_0910_66-75 8/24/09 12:42 PM Page 67


boys to be able to play and makememories.

In 2001, the Shelnutt familymoved to 13 acres on Kelly FarmRoad. About that same time, his sonChad bought a spring-loaded Airsoftgun at a gun show. “I liked therealism of the guns,” he remembers.“And Airsoft guns were cheaper toshoot and maintain than weapons inother shooting sports.”

Shelnutt and his sons, along withvarious other friends and family,began playing in the woods behindhis house. Soon the property becameknown as Area 13, a reference to his13 acres and a twist on Area 51, thesecretive military base in Nevada wellknown as the subject of conspiracytheories and UFO tales.

Airsoft technology was rapidlyadvancing around the time Area 13was founded. “When electric gunsbecame popular, everyone was afraidto work on them,” recalls Shelnutt. “Itook one apart to learn to fix it. Sooneveryone I knew was bringing theirguns to me to be repaired.”

As the sport of Airsoft began togrow, Shelnutt found new

married his high school sweetheartDeborah shortly after graduation, andthey moved to the Palmetto areaseeking work in Atlanta. He soonfound it and the family was joined by

two sons, Justin and Chad.Now a father, Shelnutt wanted to

create the kind of environment forhis kids he longed for as a youngman. He wanted a place for his two

Dave “Alpine” Shelnutt,center, givescommands at Area 13.

Trent "Sniper" Palmer and, at back, Russell "Zero" Lightfoot, both ofPeachtree City, man their positions during an Airsoft event. Below at right isCowetan Brandon "B-Boy" Harrison.

09_0910_66-75 8/24/09 12:43 PM Page 68


opportunities to advance the gamelocally.

“I was driving down the highwayin November of 2008 and saw a signfor an Airsoft shop,” Shelnutt says.The proverbial light bulb appearedover his head. Hoping to build athriving local Airsoft community,Shelnutt walked through the door.“We discussed growing the sport inthe area, and I offered to help byhosting games at my field.”

It was a perfect idea. On Dec.27, 2008, the first game was held at

Jason "Tinman" Burnsand Sean "Dub"Dubroca are among thegrowing number ofCowetans to take upthe military style sportof Airsoft.

Stephen "Frontman" Burns is one ofseveral Burns family members whoparticipates in Airsoft.

09_0910_66-75 8/24/09 12:43 PM Page 69

When an Airsoft event, or Operation, isheld, there are many rules in place to keepplayers safe. Because airsoft guns shoot bbpellets at speeds of 400 feet per second oreven higher, there are specific guidelines inplace to prevent injury. First there are mini-mum engagement distances. That means withan automatic gun you cannot shoot someonewho is less than 15 feet away. Second, thereare rules for BB velocity. At most fields, anautomatic gun has to shoot 400 feet per sec-ond (fps) or less. Area 13’s rule is 420. A

Ken Takekawaand Dave

Shelnutt takethe lead at

Area 13.

Area 13. It was a great success withbetween 60 and 70 participants. Thenext game had more than 100.People from Marietta to Macon showup on any given Saturday just itchingto shoot someone. Now, once or twicea month, Shelnutt hosts some of thelargest Airsoft events in the state.

But Shelnutt’s love of Airsoft goesway beyond that of militarysimulated battles and winning theoperations.

“It’s always been important to meto build a community of kids andteens and give them something to doto keep them off the streets and outof trouble,” Shelnutt says. “Airsoftteaches kids sportsmanship and keepsthem active, and not in front of agaming system.”

However, you don’t have to beyoung to play. There are guys out

sniper rifle can shoot up to 500 fps, but cannot beused at distances less than 100 feet. Third, andmaybe most important, eye protection is required atall times.

Most fields, including Area 13 in CowetaCounty, require full seal safety glasses or goggles,and players under 12 are required to wear full-faceprotection. Most players stick with goggles orsealed glasses, but many local players have addeda creative flare to face and eye protection. Cowetaresident Jason Burns designed masks 1, 2, 3 and 4.Each was fashioned from a Mylar hockey maskwith stamped stainless steel covering the eye-holes. Mask 5 was designed by Coweta residentDouglas Foster and fashioned from an Iron Man

MASKS

1

2 3 4 5 6

09_0910_66-75 8/24/09 12:43 PM Page 70


there ranging from 10 to 40 or better.There are even a few young ladieswho don the camouflage and “slingplastic” with the guys.

Hannah Harrison, call sign“Princess,” plays often and is fond ofsaying, “I want to give the phrase‘playing like a girl’ new meaning.”

For those who’d like to get outthere and shoot ’em up with the restof the guys, Shelnutt says to simplygo to www.area13airsoft.com andlook for upcoming games. “We areeven hoping to host more charityevents in the near future,” Shelnuttsays.

And when Shelnutt explainsAirsoft to someone there is alwaysone universal question he has toanswer: Does it hurt?

“Yes, it can,” he beams, “if you’renot tough!” NCM

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mask. Burns designed masks 6and 7 from hulk masks. Mask 8is a standard mesh Airsoft mask.

7

8

09_0910_66-75 8/24/09 12:43 PM Page 71

Jumps are painted in their distinctivered and green Foxhorn Farm colors,and trails wind through the woodsaround their home. A sign announcesthat the drive to the barn is called“Equestrian Lane.” And if a visitordidn’t pick up on the couple’s love fortheir horses outdoors, their home isfilled with equine portraits, with

their horses Willow and Vegas in theplace of honor over the mantelpiece.

Foxhorn Farm is located inBexton Downs, where barns andriding rings are part of thelandscaping. Ed, a real estate agentwith Parks & Mottola, and a partner,Jim Nygaard, created the equestrian-themed development in 1998, carving

or Ed and Mary WoodMoor, good things come in

threes: The couple has created a pieceof horsy heaven in Coweta Countyon 33 acres near Moreland for theirthree horses, three dogs and threecats.

Their tidy four-stall barnoverlooks paddocks and pastures.

By Martha A. Woodham | Photos by Bob Fraley


Ed and Mary WoodMoor enjoy their horsesat their 33-acre horsefarm near Moreland.

09_0910_66-75 8/24/09 12:43 PM Page 72

it out of a former Coweta Countyfarm. Back in the 1970s, Ed says,Coweta residents who had farmedwere getting away from row croppingor keeping cows, putting their landinto pine trees for timber. Now, asmore people who want to keep horsesmove into the county – or just wantsome space – the pine-covered land is

being restored as pasture. “We put in the ponds and the

roads and pastures,” says Ed. “Noteverybody who lives here has horses,but they like to be around horses.”

Ed, a Marietta native, marriedinto an old Coweta family that hasspecialized in real estate for decades,and his wife has loved horses ever

since she can remember. The twomet in 1979 on a blind date whenEd moved to Newnan so he could gobird hunting regularly.

Mary Wood Moor is thedaughter of the late Howard Parks,who was the “son” in his father’s realestate company, G.E. Parks & Son.Over the years, the firm evolved into


Mary Wood Moor remembers when her first horse livedin the LaGrange Street backyard of her family’s home.

Ed Moor

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the well-known Parks & Mottola,where her brother, Pick Parks, is aformer partner.

When Mary Wood Parks was achild in Newnan, few people rodeEnglish, so her first horse, astrawberry roan named Trigger, wasequipped with a Western saddle witha horn to hang onto. Sometimes sheneeded it. Once a barking dogspooked Trigger, and he took off,heading for home on LaGrangeStreet. She and her friend, KatieCamp, were riding double.

“Trigger didn’t stop until hereached the barn, and we stayed onuntil he turned into the driveway andwe slid off!” says Mary Wood, stilltriumphant over the fact that shecould ride despite not having anylessons.

Trigger was a gift from herparents, who took pity on theirhorse-crazed daughter. “I saved mypopsicle money to buy a horse for aslong as I can remember,” she says.“Finally, Daddy said, ‘You’ve savedenough money.’”

Mary Wood recalls a Newnan ofanother era, a time when Triggercould live in the backyard of theParks’ LaGrange Street home.Sometimes he escaped and got intothe neighbors’ flower gardens. Therewas so little traffic that Mary Woodcould ride through downtown to takeTrigger to the farrier. Eventually, likemany girls, she fell out of love withhorses and became interested in boys.When she was a teen, she gave upriding.

Thirty years later, in the late1980s, Mary Wood had theopportunity to begin riding againwith the couple’s friends, Julie andFrank Haralson, who have a farm onSmokey Road and who rode to thehounds. As members of MidlandFoxhounds, a foxhunting club whoseterritory includes Coweta County,

the Haralsons needed help keepingtheir horses fit, and Mary Wood wasonly too happy to help.

“Now I’m foxhunting and stillnever had a lesson,” she says,laughing.

Eventually Mary Wood wanted a

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Portraits of Ed and Mary Wood Moor'shorses Willow and Vegas have a placeof honor over the mantel.

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horse of her own to hunt. The Moors bought Star, a10-year-old off-the-track Thoroughbred that had beenstarved. Boarded at a cattle farm on Smokey Road,Star needed another horse as a companion, and MaryWood needed a riding buddy. Unlike his wife, Ed didnot ride as a child, but he was game. The couplebought Willow, a Thoroughbred-Percheron-QuarterHorse crossbred, and he began taking lessons. Soon Edwas foxhunting, too.

The Moors’ horse family would eventually grow toinclude Vegas, a Quarter Horse-Thoroughbred cross,and the late, much-missed Panzer, Willow’s half-sister,whose physique lived up to her name. She was whathorsemen call “bottomless” because she never tired.Panzer was always there at the finish of a fast-pacedhunt, which could last for as long as four or five hours,says Mary Wood.

After years of hunting hard, the Moors and theirhorses have slowed down. They are no longer membersof Midland Hounds and Bear Creek Hounds, anotherclub which is based in Coweta County, but theysupport their activities. Much of the Moors’ riding isdone on their farm or on friends’ farms nearby. At 31,Willow is retired, but Mary Wood exercises Star andVegas, 22 and 16 respectively, four or five days a week.

With all of the development north of Atlanta,many people have come to Coweta in search of a newhome for their families and horses. And despite theshowplace farms he has sold, the place Ed Moor callshome is still first in his heart.

“We had more fun doing this ourselves,” he recalls.“Now it looks as though it’s been here a long time.”

Of course it does. It’s heaven for horses. NCM

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recentlytraveled withmy daughter,husband and sister toManila, the capital of thePhilippine Islands, to visitmy parents who are currentlyliving there. Many people have noidea where the Philippines are, so ifyou are unfamiliar with just how far itis let me break it down for you. Thefirst leg of our flight was 15-1/2hours, the second leg – following atwo-hour layover in Japan – was 4-1/2hours, and long story short it tookmore than an entire day to reach ourdestination. Here is a short glimpseinto a 24-hour trip with a 7-month-old.

When we arrived at Hartsfield, Ifelt somewhat ridiculous runningaround with all of our stuff, but thiswas the first time we had flown withLilly and I was determined to havewhat we needed. Twenty-four hoursis a long time to be traveling,

especiallyif you’re

unprepared.Making it

through security wassurprisingly simple,

considering we had three laptops, astroller, a car seat, diaper bag, purse,travel bed, and two other oversizedcarry-on bags. (We had checked eightother bags between us.)

Every time I fly I am somewhatdisturbed at the “don’t carry this on”box outside the security check. Likeme, you may have wondered aboutsome of the items in this enormousglass case that are “not allowed.” Forexample, under what circumstanceswould a person try and sneak on ablower? Or an enormous jungle-whacking machete? Perhaps they’ll

have need of a can of gasoline or asawed-off shotgun? Surely TSAdoesn’t think terrorists are going towalk through security with ablowtorch! I hardly feel saferknowing they are screening for thoseitems since I’m quite sure those are

not the dangers we arethreatened by!

After security, we made it tothe terminal and decided we had

plenty of time to sit down for lunch.Some 45 minutes and the slowest

service imaginable later, wewere sprinting to the gate

(with food we hadfinally gotten to go),

only to find outit was the final

boarding call. We

ABABY

ONBOARD!

By Carolyn Barnard

> BABY FILES

09_0910_76-84 8/24/09 12:52 PM Page 76


were last to board and the otherpassengers, realizing our plane washardly going to be full, had spreadout into seats that were obviously notgoing to be occupied, which madethings pretty snug for us.

It was in this cozy sittingarrangement that we found ourselvesin a little bit of a situation in themiddle of the flight. After dinner wasserved, bringing what can only bedescribed as a nauseating aroma tothe plane, I fixed Lilly a bottle.Ordinarily this is not a hazardoustask. I shook the bottle as always, butwhen I took the top off it shot out ofmy hand, flew across Lilly’s car seat,hit the elderly Japanese womansitting next to us square in the face,and landed in her dinner. Her

husband was so shocked he chokedon his red wine and she, bless herheart, started laughing after theinitial shock wore off. Her laughterwas a huge relief considering that Ifound the whole spectacle absolutelyhilarious and stood no chance ofcontrolling my own hysterics. Lillyalso thought this was incrediblyamusing and laughed louder than allof us. They didn’t hold it against ussince she slept nine hours of the tripwithout making a peep!

A few hours and no sleep later, Ifound myself waiting outside thelavatory for a very awkward amountof time. When the man finallyemerged wearing an expression like,“You don’t want to go in there, trustme,” I sucked in my breath and tried

to be strong. After almost blackingout from lack of oxygen and a nearvomiting moment when I was forcedto breathe, I came out gasping. Itwasn’t until I made it safely back tomy seat at the front of the plane thatI realized not only was toilet paperstuck to one of my shoes, but also itwas trailing behind me on both feet.I had walked the entire length of theplane with toilet paper streamingbehind me like an imbecile!Mortified and petrified to touch thenasty stuff, I carefully removed itwhile my husband and sister laugheduntil they cried.

Suffice it to say we were allthrilled when that plane landed and,of course, the visit was well worth thetrip! NCM

I shook the bottle as always, but

when I took the top off it shot out of

my hand, flew across Lilly’s car

seat, hit the elderly Japanese

woman sitting next to us square in

the face, and landed in her dinner.

09_0910_76-84 8/24/09 12:52 PM Page 77


century ago, a member ofthe prominent Herndonfamily built a store building

in Haralson that wouldlater serve as the

community’s post office.The Herndons were leaders in

business, church and community lifein Haralson and the area to the southin Meriwether County for decades.

In all likelihood, they also wererelated to Ellen Arthur, the wife ofChester Arthur, America’s 21stpresident.

Arthur, who succeeded thepresidency when James Garfield diedof wounds from an assassin’s bullet,has been a footnote in the newslately. He and Barack Obama haveboth had their legitimacy as president

questioned because of rumors abouttheir birth.

Official records show Obama wasborn Aug. 4, 1961 in Honolulu. Agroup of disbelievers maintainsObama was actually born in Kenya.Independent sources – includingsnopes.com and Fact Check.org –have concluded the HawaiiCertificate of Live Birth for Obamais authentic.

Jess Henig and Joe Miller,writing for FactCheck, concluded:“The evidence is clear: BarackObama was born in the U.S.A.”Most prominent Republicans havealso stepped away from the Kenyastory.

Lynn Westmoreland, theCowetan serving in Congress, is oneof them. “The state of Hawaii hasproduced a valid birth certificate thatconfirms President Obama was bornthere,” Westmoreland spokesmanBrian Robinson said. “Rep.Westmoreland understands people’sconstitutional concerns about naturalborn citizenship and has announcedhis support for a bill that wouldrequire future candidates forpresident to produce a valid birth

certificate showing they were born inthe United States.”

Facts about Arthur’s birth areharder to ascertain. Biographical datain his lifetime often listed 1830 as hisbirthdate, but the Arthur familyBible shows Oct. 5, 1829.

At the Chester Arthur HistoricSite near Fairfield, Vt., there is a re-creation of a small dwelling and a

Clockwise from upper left: Chester Arthur, Ellen Arthur,President Barack Obama, William Lewis Herndon

Presidential birthplaces in question?

By W. Winston Skinner

HARALSON FAMILY MAY HAVE TIES TO CHESTER ARTHUR

> LOCAL HERITAGE

09_0910_76-84 8/24/09 12:52 PM Page 78


large stone designating the spot asthe site of “the cottage where wasborn Chester A. Arthur.” A morerecent marker acknowledges theArthurs moved there about a yearafter the future president was born.

Nancy and Christopher Benbowin their book on presidential homes –Cabins, Cottages and Mansions –listed alternatives to Fairfield forArthur’s birthplace as Waterville, Vt.and Dunham, a town in Quebec. It“may never be known with absolutecertainty where … Arthur was bornand whether he was, in fact,constitutionally qualified” to bepresident, they wrote.

Another scholar, Doug Wead, inThe Raising of a President, notedcorrespondence by Arthur’s mother,Malvina, who died 12 years beforeher son became president, satisfiedmost critics in the 1880s. Her “wordsfrom the grave assured her son’srightful place in American history,”Wead wrote.

Wherever he was born, Arthurmarried Ellen Lewis Herndon in1859, two years after her father, aNaval commander, gave his life whenhis ship foundered off the NorthCarolina coast with 500 people onboard. Legend says William LewisHerndon was last seen standing onthe deck of the sinking CentralAmerica in full uniform.

Ellen and her mother were givena home in New York by the gratefulAmerican public. A monument tothe commander was erected at theU.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis,Md. The memorial to William LewisHerndon is the focus of an annualritual that involves midshipmenseeking to scale the lard-coatedobelisk.

William Lewis Herndon and theHaralson bunch were probablyrelated, according to Jill Herndon, afamily researcher who can document

her connection to the presidentialfather-in-law. “What works for youis that most of the Herndons arerelated,” she said. “This is not liketracking ‘Smith’ – not at all. It is arelatively finite universe.”

Others in the family treeinclude William Henry Herndon,Abe Lincoln’s law partner andbiographer, and Johnny Mercer, theSavannah-born songwriter who

wrote “Moon River.”Newnan accountant Art Murphy

is a descendant of the HaralsonHerndons. He had never heard ofthe possible Arthur connectiongrowing up, but did know that hismother’s family came from Virginia– so did William Lewis Herndon –and that the given name “Lewis” waspresent in the Coweta/Meriwetherbranch.

Another tantalizing genealogicaltidbit popped up in an old article onWilliam Lewis Herndon’s family inthe Virginia Magazine of Historyand Biography. The article listedRuth Cheatham Drewry, widow ofone of William Lewis’ relatives,living in Griffin, one county awayfrom Haralson Herndons in 1904.

There are plenty of genealogicaltrails to trace to prove for certain ifEllen Arthur, who died the year herhusband was nominated to run forvice president, was related to CowetaCounty’s Herndons. Chester Arthur’strue birthplace may also be shroudedin the mists of time, and those whowant to believe Barack Obama wasborn overseas will likely never beotherwise convinced.

If the Westmoreland-backed billis passed, perhaps future presidentswill be more fortunate. “Thislegislation, we think, could prevent asimilar controversy from happeningagain,” Robinson said. NCM

The memorial to William LewisHerndon is the focus of an annualritual at the U.S. Naval Academythat involves midshipmen seekingto scale the lard-coated obelisk.

09_0910_76-84 8/24/09 12:52 PM Page 79

want it – or Dempsey – to burden hisnew life with his younger wife andfour-year-old twin sons.

With rusted pipes, crumblingwalls, a Swiss-cheese roof and bile-

green floors, Birdsong needsa little more than paint,Dempsey soon realizes. Notto mention the house has asquatter. Ella Kate Timmonsand her ancient cockerspaniel Shorty are not mak-ing Dempsey’s life any easier.Shorty growls and snaps atDempsey, and Ella Kateattacks with shotguns andbroom handles.

Ella Kate took care ofDempsey’s great-great-uncleNorbert and Birdsong beforeNorbert died, leaving thehouse to Mitch. Birdsongbelongs to the Dempseyfamily, not the thievingKillebrews, in Ella Kate’sopinion; and while Dempseymay have the right firstname, her last nameis poison.

Add to that apair of hoveringFBI agents and a

D.C. reporter determined toprove Dempsey’s guilt in thebribery scandal, and life inGuthrie isn’t much betterthan it was in D.C.

Still, Dempsey is deter-mined to see the projectthrough. She has madefriends in the father/sonlawyer team of Carter andTee Berryhill, who are han-dling the family estate. Plus,she wants to unravel themystery of Ella Kate’s hatredfor her father and grandfa-ther and see what Birdsongcould really be like. Withevery stripped cabinet andscraped up tile, Dempseylearns more about herselfand her family’s past. Slowlybut surely, she is going to

The Fixer UpperBy Mary Kay AndrewsHarper, $25.99Reviewed by Holly Jones

Dempsey Killebrew is tired ofeveryone asking her what she is goingto do with her life. It’s not her faulther boss Alex Hodder was accused oftrying to bribe a United StatesCongressman, her job as a lobbyist ismysteriously gone, Alex won’t returnher phone calls and Dempsey’s par-ents think she is either crazy or stu-pid. It’s not her fault – right?

At the beginning of Mary KayAndrews’ latest novel, The FixerUpper, Dempsey is lost. Her fatherMitch thinks the best solution is forher to get out of Washington, D.C.and go to Guthrie, Ga. Mitch hasinherited an old plantation house,Birdsong, and he wants Dempsey toslap a few coats of paint on the place,clean it up and flip it. It’s not worthmuch, but Mitch certainly doesn’t

THE BOOKSHELFpull her family’s home and her ownlife out of the ruins; and no one –not the FBI, her boss, her father orElla Kate – is going to stop her.

The Crowning Glory of Calla Lily PonderBy Rebecca WellsHarper, $25.99Reviewed by Holly Jones

I know the moon and the moonknows me.

Fans of Rebecca Wells’ DivineSecrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood knowthe author’s respect – even love – forthe moon. In Wells’ latest novel, TheCrowning Glory of Calla Lily Ponder,the Moon Lady is an ever-presentguardian angel for main characterCalla Lily Ponder.

The novel is about Calla Lily’slife growing up and coming of age inLouisiana. Her childhood is idyllic.Her parents, Papa and M’Dear, adoreher, and her two older brothers,Sonny Boy and Will, are her champi-


09_0910_76-84 8/24/09 12:52 PM Page 80


ons and playmates. La Luna, whereCalla grew up, is the quintessentialMayberry, where neighbors are familyand kids hang out drinking OrangeCrushes at the roller rink. There aresome incidences of racial tension andalcoholism, but she learns from thesemoments, and they don’t directlyhurt her.

For the most part, she is blissful-ly happy. Papa and M’Dear let herhelp out in the studio where theyteach ballroom dancing, and she alsoloves assisting M’Dear in her one-booth salon, the Crowning Glory.M’Dear teaches Calla about the heal-ing and restorative powers in a goodshampoo, cut, color or coif, simplymassaging someone’s head to removethe anxiety and negative emotions aperson might be feeling. Calla is con-vinced M’Dear has magic hands, andshe wants nothing more than to growup and be just like her colorful, lov-able mother.

At 16, however, Calla losesM’Dear to breast cancer. Then,Calla’s childhood sweetheart Tuckgoes off to college and completelyforgets about her. She still has hergoal of becoming a hairdresser andreopening the Crowning Glory inM’Dear’s honor, but Calla feels sud-denly abandoned, like everyone sherelies on is destined to leave her.

Instead, Calla leaves La Luna.She goes to beauty school in NewOrleans where she meets new friendsand rescues old ones. Tragedy strikesthere, too, testing Calla’s faith inGod, M’Dear and the Moon Lady.Somehow Calla emerges from this,becoming the person she was meantto be – not M’Dear, but someonestronger, more independent and justas well-loved.

Calla Lily Ponder is a trueSouthern girl. She is a daughter, a sis-ter, a wife, a friend, a healer, a hair-dresser and a devotee of the moon.Most importantly, she is an amazingcharacter in Rebecca Wells’ latestbook whom readers will fall in lovewith instantly. NCM

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS

November/December 2009 Ad Deadlines

Published: November 6, 2009; Contract Ads: September 23, 2009; New Ads: October 2, 2009.

Call 770.683.6397 for details and advertising information.

Lee-King and Lee-GoodrumPharmacies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Let them eat Toffee! . . . . . . . . . . 21

Loads of Joy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Main Street Newnan . . . . . . . . . 53

Marvin Windows and Doors . . . 57

McManus Family & CosmeticDentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Morgan Jewelers/Downtown . . 27

Newnan Academy Preschool &Child Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Newnan Utilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Phillips Dental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Piedmont Newnan Hospital. . . . . 2

Radiation Oncology Services . . . 3

Roscoe Jenkins Funeral Home . 25

Southern Crescent EquineServices. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

The Southern Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

StoneBridge Early LearningCenter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Towne Club at Peachtree City . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Traditions in Tile & Stone . . . . . . 59

Uniglobe McIntosh Travel . . . . . 53

University of West Georgia . . . . 33

Valentine Weight Loss . . . . . . . . 75

Watts Furniture Galleries . . . . . . 64

Wesley Woods . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Wedowee Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

West Georgia Center for Plastic Surgery . . . . . . . . . . . 21

An Affair to Remember. . . . . . . . 51

Artisan Jewelry Company. . . . . 32

Bank of Coweta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

BB&T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Bella Modella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Blalock Lakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Blue Ridge Scenic Railway. . . . . 65

Cardiovascular Consultants of Georgia, P.C. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Center For Allergy & Asthma . . . 5

The Centre For Performing & Visual Arts . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Charter Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Chin Chin Newnan ChineseRestaurant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Coweta-Fayette EMC . . . . . . . . . 83

Crescent Veterinary

Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Crossroads Podiatry . . . . . . . . . . 37

Discovery Point ChildDevelopment Centers . . . . . 74

Downtown Church of Christ . . . 27

Farm Bureau Insurance . . . . . . . 71

First United Methodist Church of Newnan. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Franklin Road Animal Clinic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Heritage Retirement Homes ofPeachtree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

The Heritage School . . . . . . . . . . 37

Hollberg's Fine Furniture . . . . . . 37

Kimble’s Events By Design. . . . . 27

09_0910_76-84 8/24/09 1:23 PM Page 81

Nature’s artwork is one of the things we love about fall. If you’ve got a photo you’d like considered for “Last Look,”send a copy to Newnan-Coweta Magazine, P.O. Box 1052, Newnan, GA 30264 or e-mail it to [email protected](300 dpi JPEG format). Please send copies or digital images only, as photos will not be returned.

>LAST LOOK

— Photo by Deberah Williams


09_0910_76-84 8/24/09 12:52 PM Page 82

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Newnan-Coweta Magazine Sep/Oct 2009