Originally

formed in response to a proposed power plant just over the county line

in south Fulton, the association is composed of representatives of 30

north Fayette neighborhoods and has expanded its scope to cover a variety

of issues.

County Commission

Chairman Greg Dunn, Superintendent of Schools John DeCotis and Fayette

County Fire Chief Jack Krakeel were guest speakers for the afternoon event.

Each shared information regarding his area of expertise, answered questions

and visited with attendees. Members of the Fayette County Fire and Emergency

Services Department and a representative from the Fayette County Sheriff's

Department also were on hand to share information and answer questions

from those who braved the nippy weather to attend.

The proposed

power plant was an ongoing topic of conversation throughout the day. The

NFNA invited representatives from Safeguard South Metro, a fellow neighborhood

group currently spearheading the fight against the power plant, to have

a table to disseminate information and to speak at the event. Commission

Chairman Dunn was asked to speak at various times during the afternoon

event to update the crowd regarding the status of the power plant.

Local physician

Dr. Claire Willie hosted a mini-health fair, taking blood pressure, testing

for diabetes and answering health questions. Ed Johnson, president of

the Fayette County NAACP, and financial advisor Reggie Barnes manned information

tables while a group of volunteers provided information on voter registration.

Face painting,

fresh popped popcorn, snacks and drinks were just a few of the fun events

planned by organizers. Prizes including gift certificates from local restaurants

and vendors were given out throughout the day.

The NFNA is

comprised of approximately 30 neighborhoods in a loosely defined area

between New Hope Road, Westbridge Road, Ga. Highway 85 and Ga. Highway

138. The 80 to 85 representatives from member subdivisions meet regularly

to address issues of interest to the community. According to association

President Virgil Fludd, the association addresses a broad scope of issues

including education, roads, zoning and, most recently, the power plant.

"The association

is an issue based organization," he said. "However, we do not

just address problems that might be detrimental to property values or

our quality of life."

Fludd briefly

touched on a number of areas the group has on the agenda including working

with the county commissioners to locate a community park in the area.

Another focus of the group is encouraging neighbors to get to know each

other better. The idea of the community picnic was one way the group chose

to attempt to bring neighbors together.

Nadine Tift

and Tonya Truesdale, along with many other volunteers, coordinated the

multipurpose picnic and membership drive. Families and organizations were

encouraged to join the NFNA, to gather information regarding the county

and, said Fludd, "just have fun and get to know each other."

Annual membership is $20 for families and $50 for companies and organizations.

For information

regarding the association, phone Virgil Fludd at 770-719-8380.