Zen Notes & Musings: Can-A-Thon, Therapy Cows, Chick-fil-A, Christmas Parade
By John Winters, Publisher
The 35th annual Coweta Can-A-Thon was another success. Organizers said more than 210,000 items were donated. All food, and money donations, go to the Coweta Community Food Pantry, located at 253 Temple Ave., in Newnan. For more information call 770-683-7705 or email [email protected].
* * *
A new study by the University of West Georgia said the university: “contributed $577 million to the region’s economy during the state’s 2017 fiscal year … UWG’s economic impact has climbed 30 percent in the last six years. Sixty-four percent of this year’s contribution came from direct expenses from the university, according to the study. The remaining $207 million, or 36 percent of its contribution, came from investing those dollars in the region by UWG students, employees, vendors and other sources,” the study said.
* * *
Michigan State University is now offering students therapy cows. For $10, students can pet cows for 30 minutes at MSU’s Dairy Cattle Teaching and Research Center. In the past, MSU has held similar events with dogs. This is the first time using cows. Farm Manager Andrea Meade said, “The whole idea is kind of a new concept that’s going through the animal world right now. People are really realizing more and more the benefits of how therapeutic animals are, according to news reports.”
* * *
A new Mexican restaurant is opening up where The Corner Tavern used to be.
Los Abuelos Mexican Grill is “coming soon” according to a sign outside the restaurant near Target. Our Google translator said it means “The Grandparents.”
* * *
Chicken chain KFC is debuting an Enviro-Log that it says smells like its signature product, 11 herbs and spices and all, Fox reports.
* * *
It depends on whom you ask, but Chick-fil-A is expected to become the third-largest restaurant chain in the country pretty soon. Estimates are either next year or 2020 for sure. The top two spots are held by McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Chick-fil-A currently is at No. 7 but moving up fast.
* * *
Piedmont Newnan Hospital held a donor reception that included recognition to Holland M. Ware and Faye Hendrix-Ware for their donation that led to the opening of the hospital’s new 18-bed Advanced Care Unit.
* * *
Keep Newnan Beautiful had a very successful year. According to the organization, 162 volunteers worked 2,902 volunteer hours who helped cleanup 48 public spaces. In addition, the organization recycled 3,375 gallons of paint; shredded 30,287 pounds of paper, recycled more than 47 tons of tires and 10,000 pounds of electronics. Congrats and thank you for keeping us “beautiful.”
* * *
When Santa Claus visited Piedmont Newnan’s Starry Night event, he made sure to bring along friends to brighten spirits of young patients who weren’t able to leave their hospital rooms. The special visit from Santa, Elsa, Anna, Rapunzel, Spider Man and Superwoman brought smiles!
* * *
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Newnan Christmas Parade.
Winners were: Large Business – 1st Place: Piedmont Newnan Hospital,
2nd Place: J&M Pool Services. Small Business, 1st Place: Baxter & Sons Towing, 2nd Place: Charles Davis Realty Team. Non-Profit/Civic, 1st Place: Luke’s Big Heart, 2nd Place: Bridging the Gap. Church, 1st Place: Foundation Christian Church, 2nd Place: East Newnan Baptist. School, 1st Place: Western Elementary, 2nd Place: Caterpillar House. People’s Choice was awarded to Foundation Christian Church
* * *
Wondering what the best food items to donate to food pantries? Wonder no more, thanks to Brandpoint Services. Top six categories are: canned fruits and vegetables; beans and peas; protein such as canned meat, chicken, fish and of course, peanut butter; soups and stews; and seasonings – from cooking oil to dried herbs. Now you know so be sure and help stock up our local food pantries.
* * *
A big thank you to Golf Life Ladies, also known as “The Social Golf League.”
They recently donated $20,000 to the Coweta Samaritan Clinic. The golf league works to help women learn the game of golf in a fun environment, while benefiting a 501(c)(3) with all proceeds at the end of each season.
* * *
The Tomato House, a fine dining establishment located in the heart of downtown Senoia and a favorite among locals, has closed. A new restaurant is moving in, but no word yet on what it will be.
