Coloring for College

 College is expensive now, and in 18 years it will even cost more.  That is why by starting now you may be able to save some money.  Path 2 College is having a coloring contest for a college scholarship.  This is a great way to let your child have fun, and maybe win some money for their future at the same time.

 Parents looking for ways to save for their children’s future higher education needs have a chance this month to win some cash for that purpose.

Georgia’s college savings program, Path2College 529 Plan, is holding a statewide coloring sweepstakes for children in pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade.

Plan Director Mitch Seabaugh said students should color “Hootie the Wise Old Owl” and complete the sentence, “When I graduate, I’m going to be a _,” for a chance to win money to put toward college.

Seabaugh said the contest is open throughout September, which is also national College Savings Month. Coloring sheets and official rules can be found at www.Path2College529.com. Entries must be submitted by a parent or legal guardian, postmarked by Sept. 30 and received by Oct. 5.

The winner will be drawn at random in mid-October and will receive $1,529 as a college savings contribution, said Seabaugh. The winner’s school also will receive $1,000.

The Path2College 529 Plan offers college savings accounts to Georgia families which are federal and state income tax-free. The program is managed by TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. which is part of the New York City-based TIAA-CREF financial services organization.

For more information see the Henry Daily Herald.

Legacy Build

Do you know about the Legacy Build?  This is a week long even to help rebuild and renovate houses for those in need.  The build ends this Friday, and it is the largest build they have had.  They still need volunteers and donations, so keep reading to see how you can help.

Henry County Fuller Center for Housing Inc. is embarking on its largest renovation project yet.

The McDonough-based nonprofit is the official host of the Fourth Annual Millard Fuller Legacy Build, Sept. 9-14.

The Legacy Build is a week-long cause in which volunteers worldwide help rebuild and renovate houses for those in need. It is named in memory of Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity and The Fuller Center for Housing Inc. Henry County Fuller Center is a local covenant partner of the Americus-based Christian charity.

Shane Persaud is president of the Henry County Fuller Center. He said the nonprofit will be working on at least four major renovation projects using local and out-of-town volunteers.

Henry and other Fuller Center covenant partners around the world have set a collective goal to build or rehabilitate 100 homes during the week. Persaud said the event is an all-volunteer effort reliant on donated time, money and supplies.

Organizers plan to kick-off Legacy Build with a dinner at 5 p.m. Sunday at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church, 397 Racetrack Road in McDonough.

Construction days are Sept. 10-14, culminating with closing ceremonies and a dinner at 7 p.m. Sept. 14 at Wesley Chapel.

Persaud said the organization is still accepting volunteers and donations.

To learn more about the local partnership or to register for the Legacy Build, visit the Henry County Fuller Center for Housing Inc. web site at www.hcfullercenter.org, call 678-551-0800, or e-mail info@hcfullercenter.org. For more about the Legacy Build, visit www.fullercenter.org. 

For  more information see the Henry Daily Herald.

Petty visits the McDonough Walmart

The King of Racing was at the Walmart in McDonough Friday before the AdvoCare 500 race on Sunday.  The meet and greet attracted all ages that were fans of his race team for years.  Petty is celebrating his 20th year of retirement after his last race, where his car caught fire.  Petty escaped injury that day and was able to salute his fans in his final laps on the track.

Four-year-old Lawrence Cooley was a little shy at first in the presence of greatness, but the King quickly put him at ease as he signed autographs in the shadow of his former palace, Atlanta Motor Speedway.

King Richard Petty greeted race fans at the Wal-mart SuperCenter in McDonough Friday leading up to the speedway's grand ball with a full weekend of racing capped off by the AdvoCare 500, Sunday.

Petty is celebrating his 20th year of retirement from the sport that made his name a household word.

The NASCAR legend dominated the racing circuit throughout the better part of three decades, ending his career at Atlanta Motor Speedway, November 15, 1992 at the AMS Hooter's 500. 

Petty's popularity has not waned and fans stood in line for chance to meet their racing hero.

Randy Ricther was among the many fans who was able to have memorabilia signed by Petty Friday afternoon.

"I have been a fan for life," he said. 

 Now Ricther is sharing his love for racing and admiration for Petty with his 4-year-old daughter Rachel who was greeted by the smiling NASCAR icon as he took time to pose with each fan and talked to the children as they filed past.

The event, made possible by Goody's Powder and Petty's Garage, brought back memories of the driver's final salute to fans at nearby AMS in Hampton. 

In his final race, back in 1992, Petty was involved in an accident and his car caught fire.

However, he escaped any injury and his crew was able to get the No. 24 back on the track so he could finish his final run.

Petty made his grand exit from the track by taking 10 laps, waving and saluting his loyal fan base.

Race weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway begins with the Jeff Foxworthy Grit Chips 200, Friday and the NRA American Warrior 300 Saturday, finishing Sunday with the Sprint Cup Series race.

For more information see the Henry Daily Herald.

Essential Tools for Your Apartment

You never know when you are going to have to fix a screw on a table or measure a wall for a piece of art work.  There are some essential tools that everyone needs in their apartment.  These tools can help you with everyday projects and emergencies.

When it comes time to move, a good toolkit is a must have. Whether you're taking measurements, hanging artwork, or assembling furniture, there are a few items you'll want to have on hand.
After I graduated college my dad put together a basic toolbox for me, which at the time I didn't think I'd have much use for. Little did I know how useful it would become as I bounced around from one apartment to the next. I've found that one of the most convenient aspects of a toolbox is having everything in one location, so that come time to take on a project I know exactly where to find (or at least look for) what I need. While there are many ways to beef up your toolbox, these 10 items are a great place to start:


• Tape Measure
• Hammer
• Screwdriver
• Level
• Box Cutter
• Stud Finder
• Pliers
• Cutting Pliers
• Saw
• Flashlight
Renting in the city, where space is limited, makes a compact and useful toolkit quite advantageous. One of the more highly used items I've added is an assortment of nails, screws, hooks and small accessories. Often these pieces are left over from purchasing in bulk and not needed again for some time. Throw the extras in your toolbox, so you're not repurchasing every time you move or need to hang something on the wall.
 
For more information see Apartment Therapy.

New Family Resource Center in Mcdonough

A Family Resource Center has opened in Mcdonough with Henry County Schools.  The center has school materials on a variety of subjects and volunteers to help with academic and social issues for children and families in the area.  They are now open by appointment, but will soon be open on a daily schedule once they have a group of parent volunteers to staff the center.

The Henry County School System has now opened the doors to its Family Resource Center in Mcdonough.

According to Henry County Schools, the center provides tools and materials for parents to help students thrive outside the classroom. The tools cover a wide array of school subjects and social issues.

"We are organizing a group of dedicated parent volunteers to assist visitors when they stop by the center for materials and support," Center Coordinator Anna Arnold said. "Right now, we are open by appointment."

The center is adjacent to the Henry County Schools' Administrative Offices.

"The purpose of the Family Resource Center is to help families implement strategies and programs that promote and enhance the academic achievement of our children and strengthen partnerships among parents, teachers, administrators, other school personnel, and the community," said Arnold.

She said the Family Resource Center is aimed to promote academic achievement for students. 

For more information please see McDonough 11

Stockbridge, Georgia Beautiful Images

The beautiful Stockbridge City Hall

 Panola Mountain State Park- Stockbridge, Georgia

Stockbridge golf is part of the Eagle's Landing Country Club.  The natural beauty of the landscape adds to the appeal of the golf course.

Beautiful Sunset in Stockbridge, Georgia

Sounds of Summer Concert

The Henley Varner Band is a music group from McDonough, Georgia with almost a century of combined music experience.  The band will play every genre of music at their concerts, insuring that there will be something for everyone to enjoy.  The concert will be held August 18th, 2012 at 630pm.  The lawn will open at 6pm for people to set up their areas to watch the show.

The concert is free for everyone.  Parking will be available free of charge at City Hall. Finally,  attendees are encouraged to bring picnics or refreshments to the show. 

How does one begin to describe a band that encompasses every format of music in their repertoire? It starts with one word ,Class. The Henley Varner Band is a multi-talented musical group based in McDonough, GA. A variety of styles such as Pop, R&B, Jazz, Neo Soul & Oldies. This Six piece band with over 80 years of combined experience will give you an evening of entertainment you won't forget.



For more information please go to the Stockbridge website.