Peachtree City UPDATES – Week of October 24, 2011

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Halloween Events and Safety Reminders, Noel November, Operation Pill Drop, Job Postings, and more . . .

Halloweekend of Events!
Get set for a Spooktacular weekend of events leading up to Halloween on Monday, October 31. Friday night, October 28, kicks off the second and final weekend of the Peachtree City Fire Department Haunted House and Trail at Leach Fire Station #81 on Paschall Road at Highway 74. The Optimist Club is also sponsoring a House of Clues for children age 10 and under. Tickets for the Haunted House & Trail are $11 for adults, $9 for students (night passes for an additional $6 allow repeat visits through the house and trail), and House of Clues tickets are $4 for children 10 and under. The Haunted Houses and Trail will be open from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights.

While at Leach Fire Station, take advantage of the Fire Department Pumpkin Sale, which continues through the weekend, offering great “pumpkin patch” photo opportunities every day, the chance for kids to meet firefighters and see equipment, and pick out that perfect carving pumpkin for the big day. Pumpkins are also on sale at Weber Station #83 Peachtree Parkway just south of Crosstown Rd.

Shakerag Knoll on McIntosh Trail is the place to be on Saturday, October 29.
• Civitan Great Chili Challenge – 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
• Dog Park Howl-O-Ween – 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. (spectators welcome)
• Not So Frightful Story Telling @ The Fred – 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. (storytelling, costume contests, and trick-or-treating)
Make an afternoon of it with the whole family!

Halloween concludes with trick-or-treating on Monday, October 31. Homes giving out candy should turn on their porch light, and trick-or-treaters should only go to homes with the porch light on the evening of Monday, October 31.

Halloween Safety Tips & Reminders

BEFORE HALLOWEEN
• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective. Make sure that shoes fit well and that costumes are short enough to prevent tripping, entanglement, or contact with flame.
• Consider adding reflective tape or striping to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
• Secure child’s name, address, and phone number in costumes on a bracelet.
• Masks can limit or block eyesight – consider non-toxic, hypoallergenic makeup instead.
• Use only costumes, wigs, and accessories labeled as flame resistant.
• Think twice before using simulated knives, guns, or swords. If such props must be used, be certain they do not appear authentic and are soft and flexible to prevent injury.
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries for all children and escorts. Use only battery-powered lanterns or chemical light sticks in place of candles in decorations and costumes.
• Teach children their home phone number and to how call 9-1-1 if they have an emergency or become lost.
• Review the “stop-drop-roll” procedure with children in case clothes catch on fire.
• Openly discuss appropriate and inappropriate behavior at Halloween time.
• Consider individually packaged healthy food alternatives (or safe non-food treats) for those who visit your home.
• Eliminate tripping hazards on your porch and walkway.
• Check around your property for planters, low tree limbs, support wires, or other items that could trip up young children rushing from house to house.
• Learn or review CPR skills to aid someone who is choking or having a heart attack.
• Consider safe party guidelines when hosting an adult or office party.

BEFORE NIGHTFALL ON HALLOWEEN
• A good meal prior to parties and trick-or-treating will discourage youngsters from filling up on Halloween treats.
• Consider fire safety when decorating. Do not overload electrical outlets with holiday lighting or special effects, and do not block exit doors.
• While children can help design a jack-o-lantern, if sharp utensils are used, leave the carving to adults.
• Always keep jack-o-lantern and hot electric lamps far away from drapes, decorations, flammable materials, and areas where children and pets will be standing or walking.
• Plan and review with children the trick-or-treating route and behavior that is acceptable to you. Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade, or skateboard. Agree on a specific time when revelers must return home.
• Confine household pets for the evening of doorbells. Be sure all pets have collars and proper identification tags. Consult your veterinarian for further advice.
• Remind all drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly throughout the community.
• Adult partygoers should establish and reward a designated driver.

WHEN TRICK-OR-TREATING
• A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children on their neighborhood rounds.
• Remind trick-or-treaters that by using a flashlight, they can see and be seen by others.
• Stay in a group, walk slowly, and communicate where you are going.
• Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods at homes that have a porch light on.
• Remain on well-lit streets and use sidewalks when available.
• If no sidewalks are available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic.
• Never cut across yards.
• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations.
• Always walk. Never run across a street.
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street or driveway.
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble seeing trick-or-treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will.
• Never consume unwrapped food items or open beverages that may be offered.
• No treats are to be eaten until they are thoroughly checked by an adult at home.
• Law Enforcement authorities should be notified immediately of any suspicious or unlawful activity.

AFTER TRICK-OR-TREATING
• Wait until children are home to sort and check treats. Though tampering is rare, a responsible adult should examine all treats and throw away any spoiled, unwrapped, or suspicious items.
• When in doubt throw it out.
• Try to apportion treats for the days following Halloween.
• Although sharing is encouraged, make sure items that can cause choking (such as hard candies), are given only to those of an appropriate age.

The Poison Control National Hotline number is 1-800-222-1222.

Operation Pill Drop
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office will be collecting potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs for destruction on Saturday, October 29, from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, 155 Johnson Avenue, Fayetteville. The service is free and anonymous; there are no questions asked or paperwork required. Participants in this initiative are simply asked to bring there unused or unwanted prescription drugs to this location where they can be destroyed. For more information, visit http://peachtree-city.org/CurrentEvents.aspx?EID=1916.

Recycling Center – E-Waste Expanded
The Peachtree City Recycling Center’s list of accepted e-waste has expanded to include virtually all electronic equipment with the exception of large appliances and items classified as hazardous waste, radioactive waste, bio-hazardous waste, or mercury containing devices. The center still CANNOT accept light bulbs, fire extinguishers, car batteries, air conditioners, or items containing mercury (such as thermostats, thermometers, smoke alarms, or boat switches). The Recycling Center is located off Highway 74 S. and Rockaway Rd., and is open Wednesday afternoons and Saturdays. For more information, visit www.peachtree-city.org.

Noel November Is Saturday, November 12
The Fayette County Board of Realtors will host Noel November on November 12 at the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center. This annual event features an auction of decorated Christmas Trees, wreaths, and holiday displays, with the proceeds benefitting several local charities. The public is invited to stroll the Winter Wonderland display during the free open house from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The dinner and auction begin at 6:00 p.m. Purchase tickets or make donations at www.noelnovember.com.

Help Wanted!
Peachtree City has several full-time and part-time positions posted at www.peachtree-city.org/jobs. Peachtree City also links to area jobs posted on the Chamber of Commerce and Fayette County Development Authority web sites.

Security Alarm Registration Required for All PTC Homes & Businesses
Registration is underway for all active security alarms in Peachtree City homes and businesses. Permit applications are available at the Police Department or online at www.peachtree-city.org/alarm, which also features a full copy of the ordinance, tips for alarm use, and useful questions to ask your alarm company.

Project Updates:

Easement Clearing on Highway 74 N – In November, Fayette County Water’s contractor (Rhino Services) will be clearing the water line easements on the eastern side of Highway 74 North from Peachtree Parkway North through Tyrone.

Library Lower Level Entrance CLOSED for Repairs – The lower level entrance to the PTC Library remains closed due to cracks in the masonry. Repairs are underway and will necessitate the partial closure of the back driveway behind the Library at times. Please drive with caution while construction is underway.

Don’t Forget . . .

Municipal Election Early Voting – Now – Friday, October 28, at the Fayette County Elections Office, 140 Stonewall Ave, Fayetteville (open 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.).

Fire Department Pumpkin Sale – Now – Halloween at Leach Fire Station #81 (Paschall Rd) and Weber Fire Station #83 (Peachtree Pkwy S). Sponsored by the Volunteer Firefighter’s Association, this event raises funds for training and equipment. Support a great cause, get your holiday decorations, take great photos of the kids in the pumpkin patch, check out the equipment, and visit with the firefighters.

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – Thursday, October 27, 7:00 p.m., at McIntosh High School. Presented by McIntosh High School Drama Department (Additional showings October 29 at 2:00 and 7:00 p.m.). Tickets are $10 at the door.

Toys for Tots “Touchdowns and Toys” – Friday, October 28, Fayette County/Sandy Creek Football Game (at FCHS). Fans are asked to bring new, unwrapped toys or monetary donations for collection at the entrance gates. The toy collection campaign will continue through December 18 at many local businesses and organizations throughout Fayette and Coweta Counties. A complete listing of toy collection sites, volunteer opportunities, and requests for assistance can be found http://newnan-ga.toysfortots.org.

Peeples Elementary “Pumpkin Fun Run,” – Saturday, October 29. This 5K /1 mile run or walk begins at 8:30 a.m., at Peeples Elementary on 153 Panther Path. Register by October 15 to guarantee a T-shirt. Silent Auction and race proceeds benefit Peeples Elementary PTO. For more information and registration, visit www.peepleselementary.org.

Civitan Great Chili Challenge – Saturday, October 29, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Shakerag Knoll (191 McIntosh Tr). Chili tasting & judging, bake sale, raffle drawing, costume contest, face painting, petting zoo, and more! Visit www.linecreekcivitan.org for more information.

MacDuff Crossing Fall Festival – Saturday, October 29, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at MacDuff Crossing Shopping Center (Hwy 54 W). Store to store Trick or Treating, 1:00 children’s costume contest, pet adoptions, and canned food drive.

Dog Park Howl-O-Ween – Saturday, October 29, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m., at the Peachtree City Dog Park, 191 McIntosh Trail. Spectators welcome! Costume contest, tennis ball throwing contest, and the crazy pet trick contest. Other activities include the bone-stacking event, face painting, photos with your dog and owners can paint their own ceramic dog bowls for home use. There is a nominal fee for all activities except for the costume and crazy pet trick contests. Grand prizes for each contest and raffles. Howl-O-Ween is the only fundraising event for the Peachtree City Dog Park, which is completely user funded – www.ptcdogpark.com.

Not So Frightful Storytelling & Halloween Party @ The Fred – Saturday, October 29, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Free family event. Visit www.amphitheater.org for more information.

Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street – Saturday, October 29, 2:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. performances, at McIntosh High School. Presented by McIntosh High School Drama Department. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Fayette County Branch NAACP 14th Annual Freedom Fund Banquet – Saturday, October 29, 7:00 p.m., at the Wyndham Peachtree Conference Center. The keynote speaker will be the Honorable Congressman John Lewis, with WSB-TV’s Erin Coleman as Mistress of Ceremony. The tickets are $60. For information, call 770-719-0806 or 770-856-3271, or visit www.fcnaacp.org.

Halloween – Monday, October 31. The City of Peachtree City does not change the date for trick-or-treating.

Gracepointe Church Harvest Family Fun Night – Monday, October 31, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at 665 Hwy 74 S, Ste 500. Free event for children in the community – candy, fun, games, bounce house, and prizes.

Municipal Election Advance Voting – Monday, October 31 – Friday, November 4, at the PTC Library UPSTAIRS, Tyrone Library, and Fayette County Elections Offices (8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.). No voting on Monday, November 7.

Municipal Election – Tuesday, November 8, 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. at your REGULAR POLLING PLACE (for polling locations, visit www.sos.ga.gov/mvp). Peachtree City Library voting is upstairs. Peachtree City residents who vote at Rising Starr Middle School for County and State Elections vote at Braelinn Elementary School for municipal elections.

Mac Madness (Basketball) at McIntosh High School – Tuesday November 8, at McIntosh High School. Meet the MHS basketball teams as the Chiefs open against Walton HS. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., the Varsity Girls play at 6:00 p.m., and the Varsity Boys play at 7:30 p.m. Adults $5.00 and Children $2.00. All the teams will be introduced and a Silent Auction will be conducted.

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