By Andrew Wilkins

There is more to life than politics.

Sometimes it’s important to stop and think about what actually brings us together— and realize it must be more than lines on a map.

All the world’s happenings are available to you though modern media, but that can be a distraction from what’s happening in your community. While there are big changes happening at the federal level, city and state government are steadily making decisions that impact your day-to-day lives.

I’ve got a lot of experience reporting the news— mainly writing about what’s already happened— but I’d rather help give you the tools to influence lawmakers on the front. The weekend events listing is a humble sampling of some of the fun events in Northwest Georgia, and an important piece to re-engaging locally. Politics is about solving difficult problems, a process made easier when you’re working with people you already know and trust.

State seal of Georgia

Georgia’s General Assembly is considering legislation to protect the region’s carpet industry, after toxic chemicals used to make carpets stain resistant were found in drinking water.

Local 3 News wrote about the issue this week.

In the story, state Rep. Casey Carpenter said only the chemical manufacturers should be liable for injury, not the companies that he says employs about 50,000 in Northwest Georgia. He is the HB211‘s sponsor, along with four other NW Georgia representatives: Rep. Jason Ridley, Rep. Steve Tarvin, Rep. Matt Barton, and Rep. Mike Cameron.

Also in the story, an attorney said carpet manufacturers are trying to avoid liability and if this bill is passed taxpayers will be forced to fund the cleanup.

Last year, the EPA established a legally-enforcable standard for PFAS in drinking water. The EPA has linked PFAS to “cancers, impacts to the liver and heart, and immune and developmental damage to infants and children.”

If you have an opinion on the bill, contact the sponsors by email or phone here.

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FRIDAY

The veteran-owned Legion Cafe Battlefield Post 214 is open Thursday through Sunday; check their Facebook page for breakfast and lunch hours. The cafe is a fundraiser for the post, and is part of the legion’s mission to serve veterans and the community.

The cafe also provides free meals for seniors over 60-years-old in Walker and Catoosa Counties (some criteria must be met). Call for more details about the program or cafe at 423-645-3378 or 706-866-3992.

American Legion Battlefield Post 214, 540 Park City Rd, Rossville, GA

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Live at Farm to Fork, Blackwater Southern takes the stage Friday night. The band plays Southern rock and classic country and say they are always open to requests from the crowd!

120 General Lee Dr, Ringgold, GA * 8:30 pm * free

SATURDAY

The Catoosa County Library is hosting a Cat in the Hat Family Fun Jam Saturday morning, creating crafts based on the characters from the iconic author known as Dr. Seuss.

108 Catoosa Cir, Ringgold * 10 am – 1 pm * free

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Featuring the music of John Mellencamp, Pink Houses is performing at The Ringgold Depot Opry this weekend.

In its 31st year, the opry has moved to a quarterly schedule and each show is raising money for a non-profit organization. This show benefits the Hunter Worley Foundation, dedicated to helping parents who’ve had the sudden loss of a child.

155 Depot St, Ringgold * doors @ 6 pm, music @ 7 pm * $10, cash @ the door

SUNDAY

Georgia Winery‘s Paint & Sip Party let’s guests try their hand at painting while enjoying some of the winery’s fruity product.

Hosted by the winery and Artsy U, admission gets you a glass of wine, art supplies, and your own creation to bring home. Get tickets at the link below.

6469 Battlefield Pkwy, Ringgold * 3 pm – 6 pm * $45

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