Mile Posts Newsletter                                                                                    Winter 2015


Greetings!

  

Happy New Year!

 

There has been a lot happening behind the scenes at Newton Trails, including continued negotiations for the railroad corridor, a new and improved website, and the introduction of two new board members. We're looking forward to working with volunteers on the trails in Oxford and Porterdale during the upcoming MLK Jr. Day of Service on January 19th and invite you to join us.  

 

Learn more about what has been happening and about future opportunities to get involved at our upcoming social at Bullritos on January 22nd. Also, check out the most recent story by Tamela Mills about Newborn Mayor Greg Ellwanger and why he supports trails. 

 

Happy Trails,

  

Ellen Moyle, Chair of the Communication Committee 

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Join Us!
 
Your membership helps Newton Trails promote, develop and sustain a connected system of greenway trails.  

  

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New and Renewing Members 
 
Harold and Nancy Alexander
Tonya Bechtler
Amy Blackstone
Hugh Burnett
and Josephine Kelly
Nita Carson
Maurice and Kim Carter
Lowell Chambers
and Melanie Sheets 
Arline Chapman*
Walt Davis
Cheryl Delk-Franklin and
Fred Franklin 
Cathy and Denny Dobbs
Asher Dozier
Denise and Gregg Ellwanger*
Rob and Jean Fowler
Myra Frady
Chad Frey
Esta Geoffroy
Debra Griffith
Hunter Hall
Ida Harris
Leigh Hays
Connie Hollis
George Hutchinson
Vejaye Johnson
Robert Jordan
Heather King
Heather Knapp
Sarah Lanners
William Love
Whitney Mauk
Kendra, Lee, Lilly,
and Max Mayfield
Molly McGehee
and Daniel Parson
Larry McSwain
Barbara Morgan
Matt, Ellen, Elliott,
and Isaac Moyle
Alison Nolley
Kimberly Nolley
Vanessa Nolley
Aimee Norton
Mandi and Paul Oeland
Hoyt Oliver
Sallie and Jonathan Paschal
Neil and Carol Penn
Devra Phillps
Florian Pohl
Julia Richardson
Jeffrey Riley*
Jerry Roseberry*
Bob Rutland
Steve Speller
Kelly Stone
Mary Spivey Tilson
Sara and Randy Vinson
Connie and David Waller
Patricia White
* A special welcome to the mayors of Porterdale, Mansfield, Newborn, and Oxford.

  

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Support trails in our community through shopping rewards programs! 

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Feature Story

 

This is a story of government refocusing its priorities when its citizens redefine theirs.

 

Newborn, a picturesque and historical town of more than 800 in eastern Newton County, may be removed from the bustle of urban life, but its residents share connections to the same changing needs and attitudes as Atlanta and beyond.  Read more 

News
Norfolk Southern Requests NITU Renewal

Norfolk Southern Railroad requested this month that Newton Trails renew its Notice of Interim Trail Use with the Federal Surface Transportation Board.  The current NITU, which originated in August 2014, is set to expire in February and must be renewed as negotiations regarding the approximately 15-mile railroad corridor from Covington to Newborn continue. Read more

 H.B. Fuller Grant Funds New and Improved Website

A big thank you to H.B. Fuller, a global adhesives manufacturer with facilities in Newton County, for a $1,500 grant that helped fund our new and improved website. On the site, you'll find news and feature stories, event information, trail maps and descriptions, beautiful pictures, and more. Read more

Please Welcome Our New Board Members
Newton Trails is proud to introduce of two new board members, Vanessa Nolley and Ashier Dozier. We thank Gigi Cruikshank for her service as she rolls off the board after a one-year term. Read more about the Newton Trails board.
Events
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service on the Trails
Monday, January 19th, 2015. Trail work time is 9:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
We are partnering with Hands on Newton for the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on the Oxford and Porterdale Trails. Community members are invited to participate in the full schedule of activities or meet us at the trails. Read more
Newton Trails Social at Bullritos
Thursday, January 22nd (6:00-7:00 p.m.)
Join other trail supporters for chips and salsa, the latest trail news and a good time at Bullritos located at 10327 Industrial Blvd, Covington, GA 30014 (Across from Walmart). We'll even buy your first drink if you're a Newton Trails member. Read more
Covington Community Bike Ride
Sunday, February 1st (3:00 p.m.), from the Covington Square
The Community Bike Ride is a monthly, no-drop, group bicycle ride co-sponsored by Newton Trails, the Covington-Newton County Visitors Center, and Main Street Covington. t is the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon any time of year. Read more  
Community Trail Walk at the GA Wildlife Federation 
Saturday, February 28 (2:00 p.m.)
Bring your family and friends out to explore the trails at the Georgia Wildlife Federation's Alcovy Conservation Center. Meet in the GWF parking lot at 11600 Hazelbrand Road. Read more
Trail of the Month
Trail of the Month:Presidential Range Rail Trail
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) just recognized New Hampshire's Presidential Range Rail Trail. Read more on the organization's webpage about this trail and RTC's advocacy for the development of a nationwide trail network from former rail lines. Read more
 
Newton Trails T-shirt Contest
And the Winners Are ...
T-Shirt
 
Congratulations to Arline Chapman and Chad Frey, winners of a  Newton Trails t-shirt. Become a member or renew your membership today and you could be our next winner. If you can't wait another three months, you can purchase a t-shirt and other merchandise in our online store.