SUMMER BREAKT TIPS
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FAMILY LIVING
SPLASHING ON THE SHOALS
There ’ s nothing better than relaxing on the beach with the sound of the waves soothing the soul . The warmth of the sun gently kissing your skin and a sweet breeze occasionally brushing you with a little reprieve from the heat makes it easy to escape the stress of the summer . Unfortunately , not all of us are blessed with waterfront property , and close access to cooling water activities ... or are we ?
If you live in our Newton County area , you ’ ve probably driven past some of our beautiful river scenery . However , not everyone knows there are a lot of places situated along these pastoral views
that will allow you to dip your toes , or even your whole body , in the cooling current of the creek .
In Porterdale , two parks offer easy access to the Yellow River . Just a few blocks off the main road and a little North of the Historic Porterdale Mill Lofts is the Yellow River Park . This park has easy access for kayaks , canoes , fishing , and swimming . You can find a grassy spot to sit in the shade while soaking in the sounds of the birds , frogs and the water . I have heard if you investigate a little , you can even find a rope swing to help propel you to the middle of the water . This stretch of the river is usually peaceful and calm .
Cedar Shoals Park is a little more off the beaten path . Located on the edge of the Village of Porterdale , at the end of River Front Road is another area of the Yellow River . There is a nice shallow pool , and depending on the water ’ s depth and current , it is the perfect landing from the natural water slides and rapids above . If you head back up the river by foot , you can find plenty of little alcoves and large flat rocks , perfect to set up your picnic basket and towels for a day . Each access point offers a different opportunity for adventure , from the calm cooling pools , the rushing rapids to the natural fords . The fords are the rock paths across the river that are only visible when the water levels are low , and you can carefully walk across and view wooded islands and rock formations otherwise not accessible by foot .
Also in Newton County , you can find Factory Shoals . Located at 450 Newton Factory Bridge Road in Covington . This park is larget with trails and over 450 acres . Nature and wildlife are abundant in this serene public park where you can wade and swim in the Alcovy River along the bank . However , just across the street from the entrance to the park , you can find a trail to the river on the other side of the bridge . If you don ’ t mind a little walk through the woods , the water is even better at the end . These access points to the water are full of great pools to immerse yourself in the water . Some families like to bring their floats to laze around on or to use
JULY 2018
as a small raft to glide over the rocks or do a little wild water rafting . There is plenty of room for everyone to have a great time , yet it never seems to be crowded .
So , when you are looking to get a little cooled off , bypass the pool and head out to Newton County and immerse yourself not only in the water but the beautiful experience of the natural shoals on our rivers . Make some memories and be sure to take some pictures because it will be worth the little trip . By Laura Hansen The Metro Times
SUMMER BREAKT TIPS
Shivern Jeter , Director Foster Care Friends , Inc .
Summer is a great time for parents / guardians to introduce students to healthy routines . As a middle school parent liaison , honorary school social worker , PTO president and guidance counselor , I have witnessed the positive impact of parent support . Here are a few ideas to consider :
- Encourage your child to read books , magazines and newspapers followed by a written essay and a discussion to increase vocabulary and writing skills . - Check the county ’ s required summer reading list for the new school year .
- Google websites for students to practice assignments , including but not limited to math problems .
- Visit the public library often and inquire if summer enrichment resources are available .
- Search for summer camps . Some may be free .
- Practice healthy bedtime routine weeks before the start of the new school year .
- Introduce healthy eating and exercise habits .
- Shop for school supplies and clothing before the first week of school .
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MORE THAN JUST BOOKS
Have you been to the library lately ? Things sure have changed . Besides being a center for free access to great literature , many have evolved into more of a community center . As the Outreach Specialist for the Conyers-Rockdale Library , I am available to help you discover great resources , which includes assistance for blind , disabled and homebound patrons .
Free PINES Library Card and Access Across the state . Every resident of Georgia is eligible to receive a free library card . PINES ( Public Information Network for Electronic Services ) is Georgia ’ s “ borderless library ” system that allows PINES cardholders free access to more than 10 million books and other materials in 300 library branches ( Rockdale and Newton are included ) and affiliated service locations throughout the state . They also provide free delivery of books from other libraries to your home library . By the way , you can visit and use resources from any PINES library .
Free Park
Passes : Zoo Atlanta , Georgia State Parks and Historical Sites , and Discovery BackPacks , Michael C . Carlos Museum , Center for Puppetry Arts , and Go Fish Education Center . Check with your local branch for availability .
Free Classes and Programs . Each county and branch have their own list . Here ’ s a sample of July events at Nancy Guinn Memorial Library . Visit their calendar at www .
conyersrockdalelibrary . org for details . Writing Workshops Cooking Demos Puppet Shows Computer Classes Zumba
( Newton County ’ s July events weren ’ t available at press time . Visit their calendar at www . newtonlibrary . org )
Free Digital Resources are available with a PINES card :
Learning Express Library- tests , tutorials , and ebooks about career Prep , career advancement , college entrance exam , the GED , citizenship ( and Recursos Para Hispanohablantes , everything is offered in Spanish , too .)
Mango-Choose from over 72 languages to learn .
Flipster-access to magazines
Galileo-online access to thousands of periodicals and scholarly journals . Over 10,000 journal titles are provided in full-text . Other resources include encyclopedias , business directories , and government publications .
Tumblebooksaccess to picture books and language learning
There are many more resources in our libraries , such as meeting rooms , study rooms , computer labs , genealogy and law centers . Visit your local branch to find out more . Traveling to any other spot in Georgia and want to check out their programs ? Take your card and visit www . pines . georgialibraries . org .