City of Newnan Website

‘Newnan Notes' Special Georgia Cities Week Edition

By Gina Snider; City of Newnan Public Information Officer

Guest writer Mayor Keith Brady

April 19, 2010

Join us as the City of Newnan celebrates Georgia Cities Week this week. The theme chosen for the week is ‘Energy to Transform.' In Newnan, activities are planned throughout this week to teach citizens about the role of local government and the importance of civic involvement. 

A city inspired art contest was held in the local high schools.  Art students were encouraged to participate in submitting their best entries of art in depicting this year's theme, ‘Energy to Transform,' in celebration for Georgia Cities week. The top 5 art pieces will be displayed at the Carnegie. The winners will be announced this week.

On Thursday, Main Street's Taste of Newnan will be held from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. in downtown on the square. The Taste of Newnan is a tradition for good food, fun and entertainment. For more information visit www.mainstreetnewnan.com

Keep Newnan Beautiful reminds you that Earth Day is Thursday, April 22^nd.  In celebration of Earth Day the Newnan High School Environmental Club is sponsoring activities at the Taste of Newnan including the Winged Ambassadors (with birds on hand), the Forestry Commission (seedlings and information available), and the OK Hippies Band - playing music for your entertainment!  KNB will feature a display with information about our programs and upcoming events. Come join the fun!

The city of Newnan Animal Control Officer gives some spring time tips for pet owners.

• Screen Yourself
  Many pet parents welcome the breezy days of spring by opening their windows. Unfortunately, they also unknowingly put their pets at risk-especially cats, who .are apt to jump or fall through unscreened windows. Be sure to install snug and sturdy screens in all of your windows. If you have adjustable screens, make sure they are tightly wedged into window frames.
    
• Buckle Up!
  While every pet parent knows dogs love to feel the wind on their furry faces, allowing them to ride in the bed of pick-up trucks or stick their heads out of moving-car windows is dangerous. Flying debris and insects can cause inner ear or eye injuries and lung infections, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury, or worse! Pets in cars should always be secured in a crate or wearing a seatbelt harness designed especially for them.
    
• Spring Cleaning
  Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition in many households, but be sure to keep all cleaners and chemicals out of your pets' way! Almost all commercially sold cleaning products contain chemicals that are harmful to pets. The key to using them safely is to read and follow label directions for proper use and storage.

• Let Your Garden Grow-With Care
  Pet parents, take care-fertilizers, insecticides and herbicides keep our plants and lawns healthy and green, but their ingredients aren't meant for four-legged consumption and can be fatal if your pet ingests them.  Always store these poisonous products in out-of-the-way places and follow label instructions carefully. Time to let your garden grow! But beware, many popular springtime plants-including Easter lilies, rhododendron and azaleas-are highly toxic to pets and can easily prove fatal if eaten. 
• Ah-Ah-Achoo!
  Like their sneezy human counterparts, pets can be allergic to foods, dust, plants and pollens. Allergic reactions in dogs and cats can cause minor sniffling and sneezing as well as life-threatening anaphylactic shock. If you suspect your pet has a springtime allergy, please visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
    
• Pesky Little Critters
  April showers bring May flowers-and an onslaught of bugs! Make sure your pet is on year-round heartworm preventive medication, as well as a flea and tick control program. Ask your doctor to recommend a plan designed specifically for your pet.
     
• Out and About
  Warmer weather means more trips to the park, longer walks and more chances for your pet to wander off! Make sure your dog or cat has a microchip for identification and wears a tag imprinted with your home address, cell phone and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

The City of Newnan has issued six new business licenses this week. The new businesses are Beast Mode Muzik, L.L.C., C.E. Jenkins Construction, Inc., Encore Décor, Hans Mixdorf, Octane, Inc. and Our Secret Store.

The City runs sweeper trucks throughout the city streets to prevent debris and other polluting materials from reaching bodies of water by way of the City's storm water sewer and drainage systems. The sweepers pick up trash, dirt, leaves, grass clippings, chemicals, motor oil, and more that can contaminate the environment. The City also inspects storm drain inlets, pipes, and culverts and clears them of debris and sediment when needed.  Please help us to prevent flooding, keep our waterways clean, and keep our sidewalks clear by bagging your leaves and grass clippings and not piling leaves, debris, and grass clippings in the streets and gutters. Please report any clogged storm drain inlets or illegal dumping to the City of Newnan Environmental Hotline at 770-253-1823.