Coweta & Fayette United Way Shoebox Personal Care Packages Collection

Please join the United Way in creating personal care packages for homeless men, women and children by donating a shoebox filled with a combination of items listed below.

The shoeboxes will be distributed to The Community Welcome House, One Roof Ministries, Coweta County DFCS, Angel’s House, Bel Air Family Center, Promise Place, Fayette Youth Protection Home, and Fayette County DFCS.

Fill a shoebox with some of these suggested items:
Travel size shampoo - deodorant - travel size soap - toothbrush and paste - travel size lotion -hair comb / brush - sun protector - lip balm - adhesive bandages - hand towels - antibiotic ointment -warm socks - female hygiene products- - travel size hand sanitizer - travel size tissue packs - travel size baby wipes - non-alcoholic mouthwash - travel size water bottles - rain poncho - re-sealable zipper storage bags - prepaid phone call cards. We cannot accept any used or pre-opened items. If decorating your box, please allow for safety inspections by making sure your shoebox can be opened.


Drop off locations:
• Coweta County: United Way of Coweta & Fayette office at 61 Hospital Rd., Newnan 770-254-3755.
• Fayette County: Images by Rainy, 255 East Lanier Ave, Fayetteville 30214 770- 460- 0319

Collection begins February 9 and ends March 20, 2009. For questions about drop-off or the shoebox project please call United Way of Coweta & Fayette Counties’ office at 770-254-3755.

UNICEF Offers Kids a Chance to Win a $5,000 Scholarship

I received an email from UNICEF today regarding a contest they are currently running for creative kids under the age of 14. It's an annual contest where children submit a greeting card design. The winning design is turned into an official UNICEF greeting card, sold exclusively at Pier 1 Imports stores across the country during the holiday season. See the 2008 winning picture on the right.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the cards sold at Pier 1 go to the U.S. Fund for UNICEF to help in its mission to decrease the number of preventable childhood deaths from 25,000 each day to zero.

The winner receives a grand prize $5,000 scholarship, and $500 worth of art supplies for their school. This year's theme is "Joy to the World". Click this link for more information on the Pier 1 Imports/UNICEF greeting card contest

Be sure to download an entry form soon, because the contest ends March 6th.

Upcoming Speedway Children’s Charities Kobalt Tools 500 Events

Atlanta Motor Speedway Chapter set to host Clay Shoot and Fast Talk

The Atlanta chapter of Speedway Children’s Charities will host two fundraising events preceding the Kobalt Tools 500 on March 8, the 2^nd Annual Clay Shoot on March 5 and the Fast Talk presented by AutoTrader.com at Club One on March 6.

The 2^nd Annual Clay Shoot will feature instruction from the USA Olympic Shooting team and 2008 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series champion Johnny Benson will be in attendance in addition to other NASCAR drivers and celebrities.

The SCC Clay Shoot will be hosted at the Cherokee Rose Sporting Resort in Griffin, just minutes from Atlanta Motor Speedway, and prizes will be awarded to the top-three finishers in each of three divisions. On-site registration begins at noon on Thursday, March 5 or you can register in advance online at www.speedwaycharities.org.

One night later, Fast Talk presented by AutoTrader.com will include dinner, drinks and a viewing of Georgia Power Qualifying Night from one of the most unique and luxurious seats in NASCAR, Atlanta Motor Speedway’s Club One. The event will also feature a post-qualifying question-and-answer session.

The question-and-answer session will feature notable NASCAR luminaries, including Speedway Motorsports, Inc. owner Bruton Smith and NASCAR president Mike Helton, among other speakers. The event will be hosted by Performance Racing Network’s Doug Rice. Fans wanting to attend can register online at www.speedwaycharities.org.

Updates to the NASCAR drivers and celebrities attending these events will be posted to www.speedwaycharities.org as confirmed. For more information on either event or Speedway Children’s Charities, please contact Shaun Birindelli at shaunb@atlantamotorspeedway.com.

Making a difference in a child’s life is the focus of Speedway Children’s Charities and we strive to do this in collaboration with the non-profit organizations we support nationwide.

Individually, SCC’s local chapters identify the needs of children in their communities and award grants to local organizations that address them.

Many Schools Offering Georgia Pre-K Program Currently Accepting Registrations for 2009/2010 School Year

If you are the parent of a child who is 4 or almost 4, now is the time to start looking into options for Georgia's Pre-K program held at many schools and childcare centers in the state. Children who turn 4 years of age on September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2010, whose parents are Georgia residents, are eligible to attend the Georgia Pre-K Program. Georgia Pre-K Program is voluntary for both families and communities.

Many public and private schools are currently accepting registrations for the free Georgia Pre-K program. It is a good idea to register at more than one school. Space is limited at each school and the demand is often high. The childcare centers typically offer Pre-K to current students and siblings first while public schools often give first priority to children who live within their zoning borders. Below I have a list of schools who offer the Georgia Pre-K in Fayette, Henry and Coweta counties with links to their sites where available.

It is important to find the school that is right for your child. Make sure you visit each school and get a level of comfort with the teachers and the classroom. I advise looking at the schools which are geographically closest to you first as bus service my not be available. Check the school's policies before you register. If you need after-care, it's important to know that not all schools offer after-care.

For more information on the GA Pre-K program go to the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

Fayette County Schools w/ GA Pre-K:

Adams' Little Peoples Complete Daycare, 547 E. Lanier Ave, Fayetteville, (770) 461-6613
Brooks Elementary, 119 Price Road, Brooks, (770) 719-8150
Crabapple Lane Elementary, 450 Crabapple Lane, Peachtree City, (770) 487-5425
Hood Avenue Elementary, 490 Hood Ave., Fayetteville, (770) 460-3560
Inman Road Elementary, 677 Inman Rd., Fayetteville, (770) 460-3565
Kids 'R Kids #14, 1241 Robinson Rd., Peachtree City, (770) 631-3400
Kids 'R Kids #39, 10 Lexington Pass, Peachtree City, (770) 631-3555
Kids 'R Kids #45, 95 Creekwood Trail, Fayetteville, (770) 719-9100
LaFayette Kid's World - Carnegie, 130 Carnegie Place, Fayetteville, (770) 461-7199
LaFayette Kid's World - Marquis, 125 Marquis Drive, Fayetteville, (770) 460-9149
LaFayette Kid's World - Tyrone, 115 Palmetto Rd., Tyrone, (770) 487-5567
North Fayette Elementary, 609 Kenwood Road, Fayetteville, (770) 460-3570
Oak Grove Elementary, 101 Crosstown Road, Peachtree City, (770) 631-3260
Peachtree City Elementary, 201 Wisdom Road, Peachtree City, (770) 631-3250
Primrose School of Peachtree City N. 400 Kedron Dr., Peachtree City, (770) 486-1404
RealKids Academy, 291 Jenkins Rd., Tyrone, (770) 969-7307
Robert J. Burch Elementary, 330 Jenkins Road, Tyrone, (770) 969-2820
Starr's Mill Academy Preschool and Childcare, 1361 Highway 74 South, Senoia, (770) 486-8399

Henry County Schools w/ GA Pre-K:

4 Ever Learning Academy, 689 Jonesboro Rd., McDonough, (678) 432-1809
Barrington Academy, 810 Flat Rock Road, Stockbridge, (770) 474-0772
Bright Star Learning Center @ Locust Grove, 655 Strickland Rd., Locust Grove, (770) 898-9500
Children's Friend #30, 1605 Highway 42 N., McDonough, (770) 954-1680
Concordia Early Learning & Preschool Academy, 5006 Hwy 155 N, Stockbridge, (770) 389-4668
Cornerstone Academy at Eagles Landing, 4075 Eastlake Pkwy, McDonough, (770) 957-3077
Cornerstone Academy of Lake Spivey, 700 Flippen Road, Stockbridge, (770) 474-5844
Discovery Point #32, 101 Monarch Village, Stockbridge, (678) 289-1005
Discovery Point at Stoney Brook, 94 Stoney Brook Way, McDonough, (678) 432-7029
Eagle's Landing P.R.E.P. School, 110 Northpark Trail, Stockbridge, (770) 389-9393
Eagles Landing Daycare and Learning Center, 420 Eagles Landing, Stockbridge, (770) 474-9301
Early Years, 1217 Leguin Mill Rd., Locust Grove, (770) 320-8220
East Lake Academy, Inc., 1924 Hwy. 155 North, McDonough, (770) 914-3811
Fairview Kids Academy, 2765 East Atlanta Rd., Ellenwood, (770) 474-1979
Frazier World, 171 Racetrack Rd., McDonough, (770) 957-7858
Hudson Bridge Day Care, 1801 Hudson Bridge, Stockbridge, (770) 389-0038
Jodeco Academy, 4250 Jodeco Road, McDonough, (770) 954-9353
Kids 'R' Kids #46, 1071 Jodeco Road Way, Stockbridge, (770) 389-1119
La Petite Academy - Fairview, 300 Fairview Rd., Ellenwood, (770) 474-1803
La Petite Academy - Highway 138 W, 925 Highway 138 W, Stockbridge, (770) 389-1003
Little House Academy, 2345 Mt. Carmel Rd, Hampton, (770) 707-1004
Locust Grove Academy, 84 Carter Lane, Locust Grove, (770) 898-4916
Luella Academy, 235 Walker Drive, McDonough, (770) 914-1933
McIntosh Trail ECDC, 217 Ridge St., Locust Grove, (770) 957-3524
Meadowbrook Learning Academy, 3198 Jodeco Road, McDonough, (770) 957-8365
My Child's Place, 432 Fairview Road, Stockbridge, (770) 474-2400
Superior Learning Academy, 99 City Square Blvd, McDonough, (770) 898-9817
The Sunshine House #64, 300 Eagles Pointe, Stockbridge, (770) 389-0856
The Sunshine House #68, 49 Woolsey Road, Hampton, (770) 210-7290
The Sunshine House #87, 1108 Bear Creek, Hampton, (770) 897-0603

Coweta County Schools w/ GA Pre-K:

Academy of Smiles, 80 Cypress Drive, Newnan, (770) 253-2147
All Stars Early Learning Center, 2493 East Highway, Newnan, (770) 252-5252
Arbor Springs Elementary, 4840 North Hwy 29, Newnan, (770) 463-5903
Arnco-Sargent, 2449 Highway 16 W, Newnan, (770) 254-2830
Bobby Welch Elementary, 240 Mary Freeman Rd., Newnan, (770) 254-2597
Bundles of Joy Achievement Center, 13 Saint John Circle, Newnan, (770) 253-6709
Canongate Elementary, 200 Petes Rd., Sharpsburg Local, (770) 463-8010
Carousel Early Learning Center, 127 Jefferson Street, Newnan, (770) 253-0806
Connie's Education Station, 2418 Highway 16, Newnan, (770) 251-1359
Discovery Point #28, 11 Market Square Rd, Newnan, (770) 252-2166
Discovery Point Child Development Center, 3052 Highway 154, Newnan, (770) 254-1880
Eastside Elementary, 1225 Eastside Schol, Senoia, (770) 599-6621
Grantville Elementary School, 5725 Highway 29, Grantville, (770) 583-2873
Jefferson Parkway School, 154 Farmer Industrial, Newnan, (770) 254-2771
Kids 'R Kids #37, 3025 Hwy 154 Bldg, Newnan, (770) 502-1777
Kids 4 Kompany Learning Academy, Inc., 615 Greison Trail, Newnan, (770) 502-9802
Moreland Elementary, 145 Railroad Street, Moreland, (770) 254-2875
Newnan Academy of Preschool & Child Care, 210 Jefferson Park, Newnan, (770) 253-6629
Newnan Crossing Elementary, 1267 Lower Fayette, Newnan, (770) 254-2872
Newnan Head Start, 80 East Newnan Rd., Newnan, (770) 253-0673
Poplar Road Elementary, 2925 Poplar Rd., Sharpsburg, (770) 254-2740
Senoia Kids Academy, 180 Village Cir., Senoia, (770) 599-4498
Thomas Crossroads, 3530 East Highway, Sharpsburg, (770) 254-2751
Wahoo Creek Academy, 161 Redwine Dr., Newnan, (770) 304-9897
Wee Steps Early Learning Academy, 2990 Poplar Road, Sharpsburg, (770) 252-8007
Western Elementary, 1730 Welcome Rd., Newnan, (770) 254-2790
White Oak Elementary, 770 Lora Smith Rd., Newnan, (770) 254-2860
Willis Road Elementary, 430 Willis Road, Sharpsburg, (770) 304-7995

Decorated Canine Disc Throwing Performer, Gail Mirabella, Shares Insights and Wisdom on Dogs, Kids, & Doing the Work You Love

Gail Mirabella entertains audiences of all ages with her fast paced and fun act, “Dynamo Flying Dogs”. She is currently touring with the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The circus will be appearing from February 13^th through 22^nd at Phillips Arena in Atlanta.

In 2005, Gail – who had also worked full time for many years in the pharmaceutical industry – decided to leave her “day job” to focus on her dogs and her love of everything having to do with them. In addition to her many public appearances, she has been much in demand to teach courses in agility, obedience, disc and flyball. Gail Mirabella has garnered regional titles in canine disc competitions throughout the United States, and has won the right to attend several world finals and founded the New England based Yankee Flyers Dog and Disc Club, of which she remains president.

Gail was a member of the Purina^® Incredible Dog Team for five years, traveling the country sharing her expertise, giving demonstrations and entertaining crowds at sporting events, festivals and fairs as well as on television’s Today Show, Tonight Show and Late Night with David Letterman.

Candace Robichaux, owner of LocalKidFun.com had the chance to talk with Gail recently. Surrounded by her 12 dogs, many of whom she rescued from shelters, Gail spoke candidly about how she made the leap to working with her dogs full-time, tips on travelling with dogs, why dogs are important for kids and some quick training tips you can use at home.

Q: A few years ago you left your corporate job to pursue your passion for your dogs full-time. What made you finally decide to leave the security of your job and go join the circus?

A: I had been doing agility training and working dogs for a long time on a part-time basis. I’m always stressed about leaving my dogs when I have to go to out for a short time. I wonder what they are up to. When my mom passed away 10 years ago, I realized that life is too short to be stuck behind a desk all day. With the emotional support of my family, I decided to finally do what makes me happy. My family supported me because they know once I put my mind to something I get it done. At first I was planning on opening a dog training facility. I set myself up financially when I left my job and knew I could always go back to the corporate world if I had to. When you do make that leap, you will look back and ask yourself why you didn’t do it sooner. My advice to others: figure out what you are passionate about, secure yourself financially, then take the leap into doing what you love. You will never regret giving it a try.

Q: You have been traveling with your dogs to many different cities on your tour with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Can you give us some tips on traveling with pets?

I am first and foremost a firm believer of safety with the dogs. I currently have 12 dogs. I purchased a large cargo van and a crate for each dog. The crates are secured to the walls of the van and to each other. I can’t stress strongly enough how important it is to secure dogs in a crate or seatbelt while in the car. I’ve had 5 friends who were in terrible car accidents with their dogs and the dogs were killed. One person had a fender bender and their dog was killed because it was on his lap and the airbag crushed it. You wouldn’t put your two year old in a car without securing them. You should do the same for your dogs. It’s not just for the dog’s safety. You wouldn’t want a 30-50 lb projectile flying forward and then back into a child that might be in the car. Also, don’t ever let your dog stick their head out the window. I was a vet tech for 7 years and can recall many animals coming in with eye injuries due to something flying into their eye or a branch slicing their eye open. Safety is number one.

Q: Dogs thrive on routine. How have you managed to keep them on a schedule during your travels?

My dogs still eat twice a day, at the same time every day. They get let out often. I have kennels set up in my trailer and the dogs get fed in their crates. I also set up a yard outside my trailer at each location. If it’s warm out, I leave the door to the trailer open and they can come in and out as they please. I am sitting on the couch in my trailer surrounded by dogs right now. The key to keeping the dogs happy is trust. Dogs don’t stress out if they trust their owner or handler. Also, having multiple dogs helps. They keep each other entertained.

Q: Have your dogs ever disobeyed your command or made a big mistake during a performance? How did you get them back on track?

A: I do agility and Frisbee in the show. It’s very high paced and high energy, if they make a mistake it’s usually a handling error. I train the dogs by the American standards of dog training - teach them basic obedience first then the tricks like Flyball, Frisbee, agility, etc. I typically use herding breeds and a couple rat terriers in the act. When they make a mistake, it’s not the dog. They are out to please you. Their reward is the fun, catching the Frisbee is the reward. Recently one of the dogs missed a Frisbee because he looked down at a carrot left by a previous act. I never have trouble getting them back on track because they love it so much. When they miss, it’s no big deal, but when they catch a Frisbee, the crowd goes wild. The dogs look like they are having a blast and they are.

Q: How do you recognize what mood your dogs are in?

A: I can just tell if they start looking around, their ears go down, their tails drop, etc. I may already know about something that stresses out a particular dog from practice. I have one dog who stops whenever she sees a shadow. I never get mad at them. I figure out what I can do to keep them from stressing. I build them up & build them up with positive reinforcement until they are ready. I rescued one dog who had very little human contact. She was a basket case and I took her on as sort of a project. Now she performs in front of thousands of people and the music and lights. It took a long time, but we developed a very strong bond. I make it lots of fun for the dogs and use lots of positive reinforcement, lots of treats. If they start stressing out, I back off on that trick and go back to something they feel more comfortable with. One time I put a dog out there that just wasn’t ready, but I needed him as a backup. He didn’t perform all the tricks well, but he was out there jumping around and having fun and the crowd went wild anyway.

Q: Besides your dogs, what is your favorite animal or act performing in the circus?

I love the elephants. They are majestic, huge and able do things that you wouldn’t imagine like sitting upright on their hind legs. A neat trick they do during the act is when a couple of elephants lay down and smaller ones slide down them. It’s a lot of fun to watch and you can tell the elephants are happy, with their ears flapping. Backstage the elephants are calm and cool and each has its own personality. They are very intelligent. Sometimes I work with the elephant handlers to try to teach one of them to catch a Frisbee. There’s one who can catch a stick with his trunk. It would be cool to someday have the elephant throw a Frisbee and a dog catch it.

Q: My dog takes off every time we let her off the leash or gets out of the fenced back yard. What is your advice for handling this situation and what tips can you give other people when training their dog?

A: With this problem, I would go into a fenced area and begin working with your dog on recall. If you always use the word “come”, change it to something else. I use the word “here”, it sounds a lot more pleasant and higher pitched. A dog shouldn’t come on its name. Dogs should always look at you on its name. For example, call “Jake”, when the dog looks at you then throw a treat. If the dog crosses a busy street and you call their name you don’t want them running back across the street to you. Their name should cause them to pause, look at you and wait for the next command. For your treats, use something good like a piece of turkey hot dog or cut up string cheese. All positive reinforcement is the key. Then when you’re not in the fenced in area use a flexi lead and let them roam as far as they want. Then call their name and say “here”. When they come to you give them a treat. Eventually this may teach them to stay with you and listen to your recall commands. If they do take off, the best thing you can do is run in the opposite direction. Otherwise, it becomes a game for them and they think they have the pack following them.

Q: You entered your first junior dog competition when you were 10 years old. Why do you think dogs are so important to kids?

A: Dogs offer a bond. I had lots of friends, but there was something special about the bond with my dog that couldn’t be replaced. It made me mature and really helped with my self-esteem through my teenage years. I was seeing a psychologist when I was young because I had very low self esteem. The psychologist actually told my parents to buy me a dog of my own instead of just the family dog. For my 14th birthday I got a wolf hybrid named Timber. He lived for 14 years and even went to college with me. I had someone to talk to and cry to, someone always with me. It gave me self-worth, something relying on your for friendship. They are always happy to see you, never make fun of you, no matter what your hair looks like or if you have ugly shoes, the dog doesn’t care. Having a pet can give kids some direction. Another option is the local 4H clubs. Some 4H clubs have competitions at agriculture or state fairs. When I was doing Frisbee shows with my dogs independently at state fairs, I loved to see the 4H competitions. There would be a young child with a chicken that he groomed and trained. The pride in the child’s face was priceless.