The City of McDonough is celebrating and reflecting on 200 years of history. Citizen engagement plays a pivotal role in the growth and prosperity of any city. It strengthens the bond between local authorities and residents, enhances decision-making processes, and fosters a sense of ownership and pride within the community. In the City of McDonough, this concept has taken center stage as the Mayor and Council work diligently to cultivate greater engagement among its citizens. Recognizing its importance, the City of McDonough’s leadership is actively seeking to create an inclusive environment that empowers residents to contribute their ideas, concerns, and...
Begin to Heal
In 2006, at eight months pregnant, Lori Beth Blaney was in a head-on automobile accident resulting in the loss of her daughter Rachel. In the aftermath, Blaney began to look for others online who experienced loss and researched how to begin to heal. During her search, a few similarities stood out to her from those who shared their own experiences. “There were two things that came through in every single conversation that everyone struggled with,” said Blaney. “Those two things were a sense of avoidance by family members, friends, or the medical staff about the loss, and the other was...
A Labor of Love
A part of Henry County history is coming back to life. “So much history, so much beauty! A gem of Hampton,” says Kendra Sutherland, the woman taking on the task of a historic fixer-upper. Now this big city girl is calling Hampton home after falling in love with a house, originally built in 1900, that needed renovations. Much needed renovations. Her Hampton house journey has taken her from a fixer-upper to a complete redo. Even though people may have thought she bit a little more than she could chew. It didn’t matter because this house meant something to her. “She’ll...
Disc Golf, Anyone?
People from near and far are interrupting their travels on I-75 and stopping in Henry County for a new sporting adventure. What started as an ordinary recreational offering for local residents is rapidly growing into something much bigger. J.P. Moseley Park has become a destination of choice for many aficionados of disc golf, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. The park now has a 37-hole layout that gives players the option of choosing whether to play nine, 18, or all of them in one day. The more recently developed holes are especially challenging, and the officials would...
Cultivating Beauty, Resilience, and Tradition
In the heart of Locust Grove, a blossoming paradise awaits those seeking vibrant colors, fresh scents, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. Strickland Farms, owned by Thomas and Tara Strickland, is a testament to the power of resilience and the pursuit of a dream. What began as a personal journey of healing has grown into a beloved community treasure, where flowers and vegetables flourish in harmony. Thomas Strickland’s life took an unexpected turn when he endured a life-altering accident that left him with a broken back. This transformative experience ignited a profound desire within him to create something meaningful...
Scoop. Pass. Cradle. Score.
It’s the sport you’ve probably heard of but know little to nothing about – lacrosse – and it’s growing here in Henry County. Currently, there are four schools in the county fielding boys’ lacrosse teams: Ola High School, Union Grove High School, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy, and Strong Rock Christian School. Numerous coaches and players from these teams began playing lacrosse on a Henry Youth Lacrosse (HYL) rec team. “The first youth lacrosse offering in Henry County was part of a multi-sport sampler the YMCA offered in 2007,” recalls Jeremy Porter, head coach of the Union Grove High School boys’...
Beautiful Legacy – Remembering Greg Horton
Greg Horton was not the type of person to seek the spotlight. Somehow, though, it found him. Not in a flashy way, but in the steady way he quietly stepped up to fill the needs he saw in his community. After years of selling his barnwood products on consignment and at craft fairs, he and his partner Roger Custin decided to put down roots and open a storefront in Stockbridge. They took an old restaurant in Historic Downtown Stockbridge and turned it into BarnBeautitul, a showpiece and a destination for the downtown district. It did not take long after opening...
CHOA Tips: Protect Your Child This Summer
Many people are afraid of snakes, especially venomous ones, and that’s OK. It’s normal to feel fearful of creatures that could cause harm. But the best thing you can do to prevent snake bites is learn about snakes in your area and, most importantly, leave them alone. Our top tips to prevent snake bites: New Parenting Podcast for Georgia Families Did you know Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta launched a parenting podcast for Georgia parents? The Hope and Will Parenting Podcast features harrowing stories from Georgia parents, complemented by insight from Children’s pediatric specialists. Each episode serves up valuable firsthand insight...
Charge into the Future
Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy Celebrates Academic Signing Day National Signing Day for athletes announcing their intentions to attend and play sports for a certain college has grown in popularity over the years. So much so that television networks like ESPN sometimes cover the moment an athlete announces his or her decision. Several years ago, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy decided to recognize the students who were making their decision based on academics. Some students added moments of drama similar to the athletic event, choosing one school’s hat over another or revealing a t-shirt beneath a jacket, but for most, it was...
Honoring 52 Years of Coaching Brilliance
A.C. McCullers has always been passionate about sports. Throughout high school, McCullers participated in football, baseball, basketball, and track. He then moved on to play football in college at the University of Chattanooga. After graduating from college, his love for sports influenced him to begin coaching. He took his first job in 1968 as the head football coach at North Whitfield High School in Dalton. While there, McCullers noticed an opening for a girls’ basketball coach. He accepted the position and coached girl’s basketball every year of his career until his retirement. “It’s just something I’ve enjoyed doing, and I’ve...