henry factbook 2015

FACTBOOK2015 HENRY COUNTY

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Henry Factbook 2015 5

Welcome to the 2015 Henry County

FactbookYou hold in your hands the second edition of

the Henry County Factbook, bigger and better this year thanks to support from enthusiastic county fans who fill our stories, photo frames and advertising spaces.

Throughout the past year that our inaugural edition was on the stands at places like the Henry County Chamber of Commerce, restaurants, libraries and city halls, we heard great response from readers who kept their copies handy for reference and enjoyment.

And what a community it is, as for 30 years the Henry Neighbor – the county’s largest circulation newspaper – has documented.

In Factbook, you can see the elected officials who guide their jurisdictions, who act as stewards of public resources and who are eager to meet their constituents.

Our education pages celebrate the accomplishments of Henry County Schools, a public school system incorporating new techniques and ideas.

Our business section explores the advantages of proximity to metro Atlanta as well as the county’s strategic position between the state capital and the Port of Savannah – a transportation hub of increasing importance.

Sports and recreation are a big part of extracurricular and family life, in a county where family values are cherished and where friendships are forged on playing fields, in gymnasiums, at parks and on playgrounds.

Our senior community is vibrant, with several senior centers functioning as daily gathering places for those who have much to share – not only memories of the past, but also new skills and activities that combine learning and fun.

Parks, libraries and annual events are just part of what makes this county a community. There are also volunteers and executive directors who staff the county’s nonprofits and aim to make life better for all residents.

If you are reading Factbook, chances are you may already have the big picture of Henry County. We invite you to get to know it much, much better.

Noreen Cochran

Editor

what’s inside:

factbook staff

Index of Advertisers 6Government 7Education 22Test Scores 28Business 36Sports & Recreation 46Senior Living 52Community 59

Otis Brumby IIIPublisher

Lee B. GarrettGeneral Manager

Wade StephensV.P. Advertising

Brian T. ClarkManaging Editor

Noreen CochranEditor

Christine FonvilleContributor

Maurice DixonSports

Katherine FryePhotographer

Cristy McAbeeAdvertising

Beth PoirierJennifer HallCarlos NavarreteGraphics

Cover and additional photography courtesy Pro Studio at the Garden Cottage


INDEX OF ADVERTISERSC&C Fence 41Candace Carpet One 15CapSouth Partners 38City of Hampton 72City of Locust Grove 70Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy 33F&F Floor Covering 64Foundation Sports 51Georgia Lawn Equipment 16Georgia Pool Supply 17Grand Furniture 10Harding Plumbing, Heating & Cooling 3Pilgreens Steakhouse 50Henry County Senior Services 55Home Rec 48KirbyG’s Diner & Pub 21Main Street McDonough 13Massage Envy 49McDonough Business Development 39Mrs. Winner’s 8Mount Carmel Personal Care 56Natural Enclosures Fence Company 69New Creation Christian Academy 25Pampered Beauty 60Patrick Rentals 45

Peachtree Peddlers 43Piedmont Henry 11Cravings Home Cooking 40Piorra Mattress 20Primrose Schools 30Pro Tree 4Southern Crescent Technical College 31Southside Realtors 29St. James Catholic Church 34, 61State Farm 2Stockbridge Main Street 18Tara Dermatology Center 65Henry NeighborNewspaper 71Terrell’s Pools & Spas 63The Bridge Oyster Bar 19The Italian Oven Restaurant 67The Palms at Lake Spivey 54The Paw Pad 12University of Georgia, Griffin 27Westbury Health and Rehab 57Wilson Bros. Nursery & Landscaping 14Woodward Academy 35


GOVERNMENTELECTED OFFICIALS, IMPORTANT NUMBERS AND CITY PROFILES


Henry Factbook 20158

government u STATE LEGISLATORS

EMANUEL JONESDistrict 10 State Sen.

D-Decatur (770) [email protected]

RICK JEFFARESDistrict 17 State Sen.

R-McDonough (678) 432-7676

[email protected]

JOHN YATESDistrict 73 State Rep.

R-Griffin (770) 227-1474

[email protected]

DEMETRIUS DOUGLAS District 78 State Rep.

D-Stockbridge (404) 656-7859

[email protected]

SANDRA SCOTT District 76 State Rep.

D-Rex (404) 656-0314

[email protected]

PAM STEPHENSONDistrict 90 State Rep.

D-Decatur (404) [email protected]



DAVID KNIGHTDistrict 130 State Rep.

R-Griffin(678) 464-4926

[email protected]

DALE RUTLEDGEDistrict 109 State Rep.

R-McDonough (404) 656-0109

[email protected]

ANDY WELCH District 110 State Rep.

R-McDonough (770) 957-3937

[email protected]

BRIAN STRICKLAND District 111 State Rep.

R-McDonough (404) [email protected]

government

u COUNTY PROFILEIncorporated: May 15, 1821Population: 214,000Total area: 322 square miles140 Henry Pkwy.McDonough, Ga. 30253 (770) 288-6000www.co.henry.ga.usHenry County, created in 1821 from Creek Indian lands, recognizes Patrick Henry, Virginia patriot. McDonough, the county seat, is named for Commodore Thomas McDonough who was victorious over the British on Lake Champlain during the War of 1812. The state Legislature later divided land originally set aside as Henry County into Butts, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Newton and Spalding counties and large portions of present-day Rockdale and Fayette counties.Source: Henry County website


Financing Available!

government


u COUNTY COMMISSION

TOMMY SMITHChairman

[email protected](770) 288-6001

BO MOSSDistrict 1

[email protected](770) 288-6001

BRIAN PRESTONDistrict 2 bpreston

@co.henry.ga.us(770) 288-6001

BLAKE PRINCEDistrict 4 bprince

@co.henry.ga.us(770) 288-6001

GARY BARHAMDistrict 3 gbarham

@co.henry.ga.us(770) 288-6001

BRUCE HOLMESDistrict 5 bholmes

@co.henry.ga.us(770) 288-6001

ADDRESS: 140 Henry Pkwy., McDonough, 30253


Henry Factbook 2015 11© 2015 Piedmont Healthcare 02857-1212

piedmonthenry.org


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government

Population: 23,000While maintaining its Southern charm, McDonough is a thriving, picturesque community that is the center for activities, art and commerce for the county and the southern arc of metro Atlanta. The beautiful and historic Square is surrounded by a thriving business district offering unique shops, antiques and both casual and fine dining.It has a 1920s prototype service station as its welcome center, located on the Square, which is the headquarters of both Main Street McDonough and McDonough Hospitality and Tourism. The city is also home to the annual American Amateur Baseball Congress’ Roberto Clemente World Series for 7- and 8-year-olds.

u CITY PROFILE: MCDONOUGH


Based on current market conditions, the top brokers of RE/MAX of Georgia – including McDonough-based RE/MAX Advantage owner Chuck Blackman – recently named the top housing trends to watch in 2015.n Housing inventory will remain tight. “There will not be enough homes on the market to

meet buyer demands,” Blackman said in a statement. “While many homeowners have recouped some equity in their homes, they still may not be ready to sell in 2015.”

n Prices will continue to increase, but likely at a slower rate.

Home prices will continue their upward rise in 2015, but at a slightly slower pace as the market begins to stabilize and return to normal.

n Investor activity will continue to slow down, making room for “traditional buyers.”

“The high percentage of investor purchases we have seen over the past few years is slowing down,” Blackman said. “Investors typically purchase with cash, which is attractive to sellers. Fewer investor purchases in 2015 will open the door for more traditional buyers.”

n Millennials will become largest first-time group of homebuyers.

“By the end of 2015, millennials are expected to represent the largest group of first-time homebuyers,” Blackman said. “This group tends to favor smaller homes in more urban areas – these areas in Georgia will likely benefit from millennial purchasing activity in 2015.”

n Lending restrictions are expected to loosen. “This year is expected to bring a loosening in


Fun for the Entire FamilyAnnual Main Street Events:

Ladies Night Out • Movies on the Square • Summer Concert Series

Scarecrow Contest • Trick-or-Treat on the Square • Fall Festival

Merchants Holiday Open House • Small Business Saturday

Santa Saturdays on the Square • Geranium Drop

Visit mainstreetmcdonough.com for more information on these and other Downtown events!

Experience Main Street McDonough!

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Welcome Center: 678.782.6230

government

McDonough agent: top 5 real estate trends credit requirements,” Blackman said.

“Buyers with good credit and steady employment may be able to secure a loan even if they don’t have enough for the traditional 10 or 20 percent down payment.

“Additionally, more buyers may be eligible for home loans this year as previous foreclosures and short sales come off their credit reports.”

Information: (770) 898-1700 or www.remax-georgia.com

NEIGHBOR STAFF


u MCDONOUGH: ELECTED OFFICIALS

BILLY COPELANDMayor

[email protected]

(678) 618-6307

ROGER PRUITTAt Large rpruitt

@mcdonough-ga.gov(678) 491-7051

GAIL NOTTIAt Large gailnotti

@juno.com(404) 610-7906

RUFUS STEWARTDistrict 1rstewart


CRAIG ELRODDistrict 3

[email protected]

(678) 739-7469

KAMALI VARNERDistrict 4kvarner


SANDRA VINCENTDistrict 2 svincent


government


Address for all:



government

Sheriff’s reserve unit helps keep county safe for 40 yearsThe Henry County Sheriff’s

Office recently marked a milestone with the 40th anniversary of the formation of the Sheriff’s Reserve Unit.

The unit is comprised of members who assist the county’s police officers and are certified much like the county’s deputies.

“Reserve members go to mandate school, get certified, have full arrest powers and go through the appropriate training so if you encounter a reserve deputy, you should not be able to tell the difference between them and a full-time deputy in form or function” said Sheriff Keith McBrayer.

Although most of the members have full-time jobs, Capt. Floyd Palmer said the

unit is always available to assist when needed.

“We have about 20 reserve deputies at this time and we do whatever we can to assist,” Palmer said.

The members work closely with the community and provide safety at public events like high school football games as well as help out at the county jail if needed when officers are out on leave. McBrayer said the need for the unit came out of necessity when serial killer Paul John Knowles, dubbed the “Casanova Killer,” led deputies on a chase from McDonough to Stockbridge in 1974.

“It was shortly after this widespread manhunt that the sheriff’s office determined they did not have enough full-time deputies to quickly respond to

a major crisis and the Sheriff’s Volunteer Reserve Force was formed,” he said about its original name.

If a national emergency or time-sensitive case, such as a missing person, occurs in the county, McBrayer said he knows he can count on the reserve unit to jump into action.

“It amazes me that these guys do this for free, with any contributions they receive going to fund the entire unit’s necessary equipment needs such as radios, uniforms and guns,” McBrayer said.

“They don’t have a budget, they don’t get county tax dollar money and they give us a great avenue to keep the county safe.”

Information: http://bit.ly/1CHXfa7.

BY CHRISTINE FONVILLE

Staff / Katherine FryeFrom left, Capt. Floyd Palmer and Lt. Chuck Harrison of the sheriff’s reserve unit celebrate its 40th anniversary.


u HAMPTON: ELECTED OFFICIALS

STEVE HUTCHISONMayor

[email protected]

(770) 946-4306

CHARLIE HEARNCouncilman

[email protected]

(678) 920-0785

MARY ANN MITCHAMCouncilwoman

[email protected]

(678) 920-4231

HENRY BYRDCouncilman

[email protected]

(678) 449-6734

MARTY MEEKSCouncilman

[email protected]

(770) 891-3543

HAROLD “WILLIE” WALLS

Councilmanwwalls

@cityofhampton-ga.gov(678) 920-8652

ZACHERY DANIELCouncilman

[email protected]

(678) 920-0833

government




1704 Hudson Bridge RoadStockbridge, GA 30281

In front of Kroger

Primo Grill • Spa Crest Spas • Thera Sauna • Hayward Equipment • Doughboy A/G PoolsBioGuard Chemicals • Brighter Day Saunas • Aqua Rite Salt Chlorinator

770-507-2258 • georgiapoolsupply.com

u CITY PROFILE: HAMPTONgovernment

Population: 7,100 Hampton enjoys the benefits of a small town atmosphere, while being comfortably south of Atlanta. It is home to the Atlanta Motor Speedway, located less than two miles from downtown Hampton. Tour a brewery in the old jailhouse, or take a historic walking tour, buy Georgia-grown food, beverages, merchandise, books and more. The historic Hampton train depot was built in 1881. In 2013, Hampton was one of 217 cities designated as a Playful City — the only city in Henry County to achieve this designation. It means youth are encouraged to participate actively, not passively. Visit the parks complete with splash pad, playground equipment, tennis court, soccer goals, basketball court, and much more.


Welcomes You!

cityofstockbridge-ga.gov 770.389.7900

STOCKBRIDGE MAIN STREET

Whether for business or pleasure, Stockbridge is where life happens. We are conveniently located 20 miles south of Atlanta and 12 miles east of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. With convenient access to both I-75 and I-675, Stockbridge is often recognized as the gateway to Henry County. Not only do we have strong supportive economic development for local business, we also take pride in our community with a wide variety of public services and events. We thrive of the diversity of our community and the quality of our businesses!

government


u CITY PROFILE: STOCKBRIDGEPopulation: 27,000 The city of Stockbridge is located in the northern part of Henry CountyConveniently located 20 miles south of Atlanta and 12 miles east of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Stockbridge is often recognized as the gateway to the county. The city has close proximity to I-75 as well as I-675. Supportive economic development, excellent public services and small-town hospitality are all reasons why Stockbridge continues to enjoy tremendous growth. The city takes pride in community and quality businesses. Staff / Katherine Frye

Stockbridge Mayor Tim Thompson reviews his state of the city address at city hall.

Stockbridge mayor reviews year Stockbridge residents can expect

2015 to be a year focused on new development for the city’s downtown area and infrastructure expansions using Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax funds. Mayor Tim Thompson revealed the city’s goals for the year and reflected on the city’s 2014 accomplishments during his state of the city address in February.

Some of the highlights of 2014, he said, included new businesses, new pedestrian trails and successful community events.

“One thousand business licenses were awarded in 2014 and residents anxiously awaited new businesses’ opening day, such as Krispy Kreme,” he said. “Goodwill viewed Stockbridge as the best place to open a corporate career center and a number of independently owned businesses, such as Autumn Leaves of Stockbridge, opened last year and enjoyed doing business here.”

Beautification and enhancement projects, like the completion of the Reeves Creek Trail project, gave

citizens more opportunities to walk and ride bikes on the 1.5-mile trail from Flippen Road to Memorial Park, he said. The city also hosted several community events attended by large crowds, Thompson said, including the annual Christmas Festival which attracted about 1,000 participants and guests.

Thompson said 2015 will be a year of opportunities and advancements for the city, especially for the downtown area, which was recognized by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in January.

“With Stockbridge attaining Main Street status, we can make more of an effort to become a destination city where people want to come to spend time, spend money and enjoy family activities in a welcoming environment,” he said. “New development for the downtown area will mean jobs and ensure a nice location for citizens to enjoy for decades to come.”

More efficient, effective and user-friendly technology to help streamline tasks, such as obtaining a business license, are also in the works.




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government

u STOCKBRIDGE: ELECTED OFFICIALS

ROBIN BUSCHMANCouncilwoman

rbuschman@cityofstockbridge-ga.

gov(678) 713-8729

TIM THOMPSONMayor

tthompson@cityofstockbridge-ga.

gov(770) 315-4485

ALPHONSO THOMASCouncilman

athomas@cityofstockbridge-ga.

gov(678) 951-5562

LAKEISHA T. GANTT

Councilwomanlgantt

@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

(678) 215-9787

REGINA LEWIS WARD

Councilwomanrward

@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov

(678) 215-7900

ANTHONY S. FORDCouncilman

aford@cityofstockbridge-ga.

gov(678) 215-6142

ADDRESS: 4640 N. Henry Blvd.Stockbridge, Ga. 30281


government

u LOCUST GROVE: ELECTED OFFICIALS

ROBERT PRICEMayor rprice

@locustgrove-ga.gov

KEITH BOONECouncilmanVERNON ASHE

Councilman

WILLIE JAMES TAYLOR

Councilman

FRANCES WARDCouncilwoman

SAMMY BROWNCouncilman

OTIS HAMMOCKCouncilman


ADDRESS: 3644 Hwy. 42

Locust Grove, Ga. 30248(770) 957-5043



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government

Population: 5,700 Locust Grove is a dynamic and growing city dedicated to friendly hometown values, the preservation of the city’s rich and diverse heritage and the stewardship of vast natural and cultural resources which will allow growth and prosperity for many years to come. Located within 35 miles of downtown Atlanta

to the southeast at I-75 and Bill Gardner Parkway, the city offers a growing selection of retail, dining, lodging and business opportunities. The city is home to Tanger Outlet Center and a unique train-watching platform where residents and enthusiasts can watch more than 40 trains passing through Locust Grove each day, just steps away from unique shops and restaurants.

u CITY PROFILE: LOCUST GROVE


Education


! PRIVATE SCHOOLS! PUBLIC SCHOOLS

! TEST SCORES ! SYSTEM INFORMATION

) IMPORTANT NUMBERS



education

! HENRY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

RODNEY M. BOWLERSuperintendent

Email: [email protected]

JOSH HINTONDistrict 2


PAM NUTTChair | District 1Email: pam.nutt

@henry.k12.ga.us

DONNA MCBRIDEDistrict 4


MIKE GRIFFINVice-Chair | District 3Email: michael.griffin

@henry.k12.ga.us

ANNETTE EDWARDSDistrict 5




education

Special PhotoUnion Grove High School junior Cailin Tingle works at Moye’s Pharmacy in McDonough as part of her work-based learning experience.

Working students shineNEIGHBOR STAFF

Henry County high schools’ Work-Based Learning initiative is dedicated to providing high school students with valuable work experience and career guidance.

Henry County Schools has a very active program in each of its nine high schools.

Woodland High School senior Shenoa Brown was the February 2015 student of the month. Brown was working at the Fairview Recreation Center through the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department four to five days a week and put in about 30 hours there.

Her responsibilities included greeting members, answering questions, processing payments for various programs and membership fees and other clerical duties.

“Shenoa has proven to be a very responsible employee and a great team player,” Bull Martin, Brown’s supervisor, said in a statement.

The benefits of participating in the program were obvious to Brown, she said,

and she wants other students to take full advantage of it.

She has applied to attend Georgia State University in the fall.

Debbie Hibben, work-based learning instructional leader at Woodland, gave Brown glowing reviews when describing her student and the example she sets for her peers.

“Shenoa is a most responsible young woman,” Hibben said in a statement. “I would trust her with any level of responsibility commensurate with her ability and training.”

Union Grove High School junior Cailin Tingle was the March 2015 student of the month. Tingle, the owner of a 3.71 grade point average with plans for a career in health and medicine, was employed by Moye’s Pharmacy in McDonough.

While undecided on her college choice, Tingle said she is certain of what subject she wants to study, which is why working in a business like Moye’s Pharmacy is a perfect fit for her.



education

‘WHATEVER IT TAKES’Hickory Flat Charter Elementary School in McDonough recently

wrapped up its second year as Henry County’s first charter elementary school, at which Principal Marla Surette spent her first year as a top administrator.

Previously, she was the assistant principal at Bethlehem Elementary School in Locust Grove.

Surette said her experiences at Bethlehem helped her make the transition to principal, but her new school’s new charter status – which includes hands-on learning activities in subjects like dance, culinary arts and horticulture – has been a big change.

“The biggest difference in coming into Hickory Flat as a principal has been in learning, navigating and maximizing the flexibility our charter status allows us,” she said. Surette said her greatest challenge was to build upon Hickory Flat’s “reputation for excellence and continue the great work” being done, but she had help from the community.

“One great highlight this year has been the strengthening of the bond between the school and our community through hosting Innovation Station parent and community events that were attended and showcased the learning successes of our students,” she said.

The growth of the school’s Parent Teacher Organization has also been an asset for Surette and the school.

“This group of dedicated parents and teachers works diligently to provide support and resources to the school,” she said.

Surette said her ongoing goal for the school “is to do whatever it takes to meet our mission of ensuring educational, individualized success for each student.” Assistant Principal Dewayne Grant said Surette is helping to make the mission a reality by supporting the school’s initiatives and encouraging the community to do the same.

“I think Principal Surette did a great job taking our charter school innovative and expanding upon it,” he said. “She stepped into this role and was very inquisitive, accepted the challenge head-on [and] learned as much as she could to build upon what we started, which is why I believe our teachers, parents and stakeholders are happy to have her here.”

Surette has been with the county’s school system since 2004.She began teaching 26 years ago after graduating from Arizona State

University and taught for 17 years in Arizona, Florida and Georgia.She earned her Ph.D. in curriculum instruction at Mercer University

in 2013.

STORY BY CHRISTINE FONVILLE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATHERINE FRYE


The Georgia Department of Education released its third round of College and Career Ready Performance Index results in December, based on data from the 2013-14 school year.

According to spokesman Matt Cardoza, the department invented the statewide accountability system, implemented in 2012 to replace the No Child Left Behind measurement called Adequate Yearly Progress, after the U.S. Department of Education granted Georgia’s waiver from No Child on Feb. 9, 2012.

The index measures schools and school districts on a 100-point scale, replacing the pass/fail system under AYP.

The inaugural scores for the 2011-12

school year were released in May 2013 and for the 2012-13 year, April 2014.

The December 2014 release speeds up the cycle for a reason, Cardoza said.

“In order for schools [and] districts to use the results to drive school improvement, the earlier they receive the reports, the better,” he said.

The state recalculated scores for all three years before releasing the 2013-14 results in December.

“Since the first ‘study year’ of CCRPI implementation in 2012, the state has received valuable feedback from education partners and the public, and has revised and refined the CCRPI to make a more meaningful report,” Cardoza said in a statement. “The 2013 data was calculated for the first time reflecting the new calculation and the 2012 scores were recalculated applying the new calculation

methodology.”For example, the elementary school overall

score from 2011-12 was 83.4 in May 2013, but has been recalibrated to 74.5.

“The updated calculations require schools and districts to meet greater expectations to earn high scores,” Cardoza said.

As a result, scores dipped, from an overall 74.1 in 2012 to 72.0 in 2014.

Henry County Schools’ scores also fell from last year, but 36 schools scored above the state – 21 elementary, 10 middle and five high schools.

“The latest CCRPI scores for our schools, while not where we would prefer them to be, are not unlike the drop seen across most of the state of Georgia,” Superintendent Rodney Bowler said in a statement. “This was somewhat to be expected as the state continues to increase the achievement bar in all areas.”


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education

! TEST SCORES

Henry schools beat state CCRPI scoresBY NOREEN COCHRAN


education

! TEST SCORES: CCRPIELEMENTARY SCHOOLS 2013 2014State elementary schools 77.8 72.6 iHenry elementary schools 78.1 78.6 hAustin Road Elementary 67.0 71.3 hBethlehem Elementary 68.5 74.3 hCotton Indian Elementary 77.7 67.8 iDutchtown Elementary 83.7 74.2 iEast Lake Elementary 87.5 85.6 iFairview Elementary 75.2 68.1 iFlippen Elementary 82.8 76.4 iHampton Elementary 79.3 65.3 iHickory Flat Elementary 83.2 81.8 iLocust Grove Elementary 63.6 66.8 hLuella Elementary 83.4 87.6 hMcDonough Elementary 74.1 68.7 iMount Carmel Elementary 79.8 74.9 iNew Hope Elementary 83.3 89.8 hOakland Elementary 62.0 70.5 hOla Elementary 83.4 82.8 iPate’s Creek Elementary 83.1 81.3 iPleasant Grove Elementary

84.9 81.3 i

Red Oak Elementary 73.3 83.7 hRock Spring Elementary 80.7 85.1 hRocky Creek Elementary 84.0 81.3 iSmith-Barnes Elementary 76.4 79.8 hStockbridge Elementary 78.6 86.0 hTimber Ridge Elementary 78.5 80.7 hTussahaw Elementary 79.8 80.7 hUnity Grove Elementary 79.2 75.7 iWalnut Creek Elementary 78.6 70.2 iWesley Lakes Elementary 67.5 76.4 hWoodland Elementary 86.1 84.9 i

Source: Georgia Department of Education

Note: 2013 scores are for the second round of CCRPI results, collected during the 2012-13 school year and reported in April 2014. 2014 scores are for the third round, using data collected during the 2013-14 school year and reported in December 2014.


MIDDLE SCHOOLS 2013 2014State middle schools 74.6 74.1 iHenry middle schools 79.7 74.4 iAustin Road Middle 78.4 79.5 hDutchtown Middle 85.4 86.9 hEagle’s Landing Middle 79.1 74.5 iHampton Middle 73.5 76.0 hHenry County Middle 74.4 65.8 iLocust Grove Middle 77.4 75.7 iLuella Middle 75.7 78.7 h Ola Middle 87.2 83.1 iStockbridge Middle 75.3 79.2 hUnion Grove Middle 88.0 88.2 hWoodland Middle 84.7 88.6 h

HIGH SCHOOLS 2013 2014State high schools 71.8 68.4 iHenry high schools 70.5 68.0 iDutchtown High 80.2 71.9 iEagle’s Landing High 68.2 69.8 hHenry County High 66.1 55.2 iLocust Grove High 65.8 67.0 hLuella High 63.7 63.3 iOla High 79.4 76.9 iPatrick Henry High 61.1 35.2 iStockbridge High 66.3 64.8 i Union Grove High 86.1 84.7 iWoodland High 69.6 70.0 h



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education

! TEST SCORES: SAT2013 2014

Perfect score 2400 2400U.S. 1498 1497 iState 1452 1445 iSystem 1376 1367 iDutchtown 1350 1361 hEagle’s Landing 1504 1525 hHenry County 1294 1225 iLocust Grove 1342 1365 hLuella 1336 1309 iOla 1433 1464 hPatrick Henry (now Excel) n/a 1230Stockbridge 1312 1286 iUnion Grove 1556 1528 iWoodland 1369 1371 h


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education

! HENRY COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLSAcademy for Advanced Studies 401 E. Tomlinson St. McDonough, Ga. 30253

Austin Road Elementary 50 Austin Road Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Austin Road Middle 100 Austin Road Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Bethlehem Elementary 1000 Academic Pkwy. Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

Cotton Indian Elementary 1201 Old Conyers Road Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Dutchtown Elementary 159 Mitchell Road Hampton, Ga. 30228

Dutchtown High 149 Mitchell Road Hampton, Ga. 30228

Dutchtown Middle 155 Mitchell Road Hampton, Ga. 30228

Eagle’s Landing High 295 Tunis Road McDonough, Ga. 30253

Eagle’s Landing Middle 295 Tunis Road McDonough, Ga. 30253

East Lake Elementary 199 East Lake Road McDonough, Ga. 30253

Excel Academy330 E. Tomlinson St.McDonough, Ga. 30253

Fairview Elementary 458 Fairview Road Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Flippen Elementary 425 Peach Drive McDonough, Ga. 30252

Hampton Elementary 10 Central Ave. Hampton, Ga. 30228


Hampton High 795 Hampton-Locust Grove Road Hampton, Ga. 30228

Hampton Middle 799 Hampton-Locust Grove Road Hampton, Ga. 30228

Henry County High 401 E. Tomlinson St. McDonough, Ga. 30253

Henry County Middle 166 Holly Smith Drive McDonough, Ga. 30253

Hickory Flat Elementary 841 Brannan Road McDonough, Ga. 30253

Locust Grove Elementary 95 Griffin Road Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

Locust Grove High 3275 S. Ola Road Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

Locust Grove Middle 3315 S. Ola Road Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

Luella Elementary 575 Walker Drive Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

Luella High 603 Walker DriveLocust Grove, Ga. 30248

Luella Middle 2075 Hampton-Locust Grove Road Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

McDonough Elementary 330 Tomlinson St. McDonough, Ga. 30253

Mount Carmel Elementary 2450 Mount Carmel Road Hampton, Ga. 30228


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New Hope Elementary 1655 New Hope Road Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

Oakland Elementary 551 Hwy. 81 West McDonough, Ga. 30253

Ola Elementary 278 N. Ola Road McDonough, Ga. 30252

Ola High 357 N. Ola Road McDonough, Ga. 30252

Ola Middle 353 N. Ola Road McDonough, Ga. 30252

Pate’s Creek Elementary 1309 Jodeco Road Stockbridge, Ga. 30281



Pleasant Grove Elementary 150 Reagan Road Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Red Oak Elementary 175 Monarch Village Way Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Rock Spring Elementary 1550 Stroud Road McDonough, Ga. 30252

Rocky Creek Elementary 803 Hampton-Locust Grove Road, Hampton, Ga. 30228

Smith-Barnes Elementary 147 Tye St. Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Stockbridge Elementary 4617 N. Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Stockbridge High 1151 Old Conyers Road Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Stockbridge Middle 533 Old Conyers Road Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Timber Ridge Elementary 2825 Ga. Hwy. 20 McDonough, Ga. 30252

Tussahaw Elementary 225 Coan Drive McDonough, Ga. 30252

Union Grove High 120 East Lake Road McDonough, Ga. 30252

Union Grove Middle 210 East Lake Road McDonough, Ga. 30252

Unity Grove Elementary 1180 LeGuin Mill Road Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

Walnut Creek Elementary 3535 McDonough Pkwy. McDonough, Ga. 30253

Wesley Lakes Elementary 685 McDonough Pkwy. McDonough, Ga. 30253

Woodland Elementary 830 N. Moseley Drive Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Woodland High 800 N. Moseley Drive Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

Woodland Middle 820 N. Moseley Drive Stockbridge, Ga. 30281

! PRIVATE SCHOOL L IST INGSAnother Brilliant Child Montessori Academy-McDonough- (770) 957-9998www.abcmontessori.us

Bible Baptist Christian SchoolHampton- (770) 946-4700biblebaptistchristianschool.com

Community Christian SchoolStockbridge- (678) 432-0191communitychristianschool.net

Creekside Christian AcademyMcDonough- (770) 961-9300www.creeksideacademy.org

Closer Look Christian AcademyMcDonough- (770) 320-8608www.closerlookacademy.com

Heritage Baptist Christian School- Locust Grove(770) 320-7735www.hbcsga.org

High Point Christian AcademyStockbridge- (678) 289-9701www.hpcacademy.org

Lake Dow Christian AcademyMcDonough- (770) 957-5728

Living Word Christian AcademyMcDonough- (770) 954-0797livingwordchristianacademy.net

North Henry AcademyStockbridge(770) 389-1591www.northhenryacademy.com

People’s Baptist AcademyMcDonough(770) 914-7388www.peoplesbaptistacademy.org

Strong Rock Christian SchoolLocust Grove(678) 833-1200strongrockchristianschool.com

Schools advertising in Factbook:

Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy- McDonough(770) 957-2927www.elcaonline.org

New Creation Christian AcademyMcDonough(770) 898-9728www.nccacademy.net

Primrose SchoolStockbridge(678) 289-4777www.primroseschools.com

Woodward AcademyCollege Park(404) 765-4000www.woodward.edu



education

EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATIONLuella High School art teacher John Wood

was named a finalist for teacher of the year April 13 by Georgia Superintendent Richard Woods and the Georgia Department of Education.

The 13-year teacher is the second Henry County educator in the past three years to be a top 10 finalist.

Eagle’s Landing High School teacher Barbara Rosolino was a finalist in 2013.

Wood was named Henry County Schools’ teacher of the year in October.

Wood bested 50 teachers locally to move on to the state competition, where he has been selected among the top 10 of 151 teachers of the year from across the state.

“The selection caught the humble teacher by surprise,” school system spokesman J.D. Hardin said in a statement, but Wood said he is ready to represent the county with the potential to become the state’s teacher of the year.

“I am extremely excited to represent Henry County and Henry County Schools as a Georgia teacher of the year finalist,” said Wood. “It is my goal to spread the word of the amazing endeavors we as a school system are moving towards. It is truly an honor.”

Wood grew up in metro Atlanta and is a graduate of Mount Zion High School.

He earned degrees from Georgia Southern and Georgia State University.

He started his teaching career in Henry County in 2002.

“Henry County Schools is proud of John Wood and his recent accomplishment of being named a top 10 finalist for Georgia teacher of the year,” Henry County Schools Superintendent Rodney Bowler said in a statement. “We rely upon outstanding, dedicated teachers to impact our youth and inspire them to strive to be the best they can be in school and beyond.

“John’s dedication to his students in and outside of school has made a strong impression across Henry County, and we are extremely

proud that a panel of judges from across Georgia received the same impression and named him a finalist for the state’s top teaching honor.”

Luella High School Principal Jerry Smith agreed.

“John Wood is a great example of how a teacher can care, have high expectations, help students daily to reach those expectations and inspire them to do great work, even beyond what they thought they could do,” he said in a statement. “He understands that the arts make those connections for students among all their areas of study. He works tirelessly because he wants the best for his students and cares deeply about his community, knowing that the arts help build a positive, supportive society.

“We Lions are very proud of him. He is the pride of the Luella Pride.”

Smith said Wood’s “strong passion for teaching” encompasses impacting students on their level and engaging them in ways beyond the typical classroom.

BY NEIGHBOR STAFF


More than 90 percent of Henry County public schools earned three or more stars in the inaugural school climate ratings, based on information gathered in the 2013-14 school year.

According to Matt Cardoza, spokesman for the rating system’s driver, the Georgia Department of Education, “school climate refers to the quality and character of school life – the ‘culture’ of a school.”

“A growing body of research indicates that schools with positive school climates have better test scores and higher graduation rates,” he said in a statement.

The ratings help determine if school is on the right path to improvement, state

Superintendent Richard Woods said.

“Students cannot learn in environments that do not support them,” Woods said in a statement. “A sustainable, positive school climate supports people feeling socially, emotionally and physically safe.”

Each school in Georgia received ratings of one to five stars, from excellent to unsatisfactory.

Cardoza said Georgia is the first state in the U.S. to include school climate as an early indicator in the index.

School climate ratings are required by law; Gov. Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 410, creating the ratings and other assessments, in 2012.

Its sponsors included District 17 State Sen. Rick Jeffares, R-McDonough.

“School climate determinations may utilize data from student health surveys, data on environmental and behavior indicators, data on student behavioral and school-based reactions, and teacher and parent survey instruments,” the bill stated. Data included attendance records, Cardoza said, because hostile school environments lead to truancy.

“If a child is not physically and mentally in attendance, learning cannot take place,” he said.

The responses generated from the surveys and data obtained from other key indicators provide helpful information for schools as they prepare their annual school improvement plans, Henry County Superintendent Rodney Bowler said.

“The latest rating system from the state, while it does not affect the CCRPI scores for schools or the district, provides each school with valuable information relating to the work they are constantly striving to improve alongside instruction,” Bowler said in a statement. “We know that the culture and climate of a school is vitally important to the ability of students and staff to perform at high levels. “This work and these ratings go hand in hand with our focus on the rigor, relevance, and relationships that are integral parts of each school community.”

Hampton High School did not receive a rating this first time due to this year being their first year open, school system spokesman J.D. Hardin said.

“State leaders have indicated that ratings all across the state will possibly fluctuate in the next ratings release when first-time allowances for some incomplete survey numbers and missing data samples are now counted against schools,” he said in a statement. “The newly released ratings do not currently penalize schools for certain areas where surveys or data have not met established baselines.”

He said schools’ CCRPI scores and star ratings may not line up as

one would expect. “There are instances where

high CCRPI-scoring schools could have a lower climate star rating, and low CCRPI-scoring schools could have high climate star ratings,” Hardin said.

Aaryn Schmuhl, assistant superintendent for learning and leadership, said a successful culture – one conducive to high levels of achievement and growth – takes support and commitment.

“We believe the partnership between parents, schools and the community [is] vital to ensure the success for students in our system,” he said in a statement. “We strongly encourage parents to be highly involved in their school on a consistent basis to foster the best culture possible for our school communities.”

The ratings are:n Five stars, or excellent –

Dutchtown and Pate’s Creek elementary schools; Ola and Union Grove middle schools.n Four stars, or above

average – Bethlehem, Luella, McDonough, New Hope, Pleasant Grove, Red Oak, Smith-Barnes, Timber Ridge, Tussahaw and Walnut Creek elementary schools; Dutchtown, Eagle’s Landing, Locust Grove, Luella and Woodland middle schools; Woodland High School.n Three stars, or average –

Austin Road, Cotton Indian, East Lake, Fairview, Flippen, Hampton, Hickory Flat, Locust Grove, Oakland, Ola, Rock Spring, Rocky Creek, Stockbridge, Unity Grove and Woodland elementary schools; Austin Road, Hampton, Henry County and Stockbridge middle schools; Dutchtown, Eagle’s Landing, Locust Grove, Luella, Ola, Stockbridge and Union Grove high schools.n Two stars, or below

satisfactory – Mount Carmel and Wesley Lakes elementary schools; Henry County and Patrick Henry high schools.

There were no one-star schools in Henry County.

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Climate rating deems most county schools average or aboveCOMPILED BY NOREEN COCHRAN


BUSINESSHenryFactbook2015(36) 36 7/15/2015 4:26:37 PM

u ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

u MARKETINGu TOURISM

u TOP 5 EMPLOYERS


business


HENRY COUNTY’S TOP 5 EMPLOYERS1. Henry County School System: 6,000 employeeswww.henry.k12.ga.us (770) 957-8086

2. Henry County Government: 1,566 employeeswww.co.henry.ga.us(770) 288-6000

3. Piedmont Henry Hospital: 1,281 employeeswww.piedmont.org/Henry(678) 604-1000

4. Federal Aviation Administration, air traffic control center: 800 employeeswww.faa.org(770) 210-7532

5. Phillips-Van Heusen Corp.: 660 employeeswww.pvh.com(678) 432-0309

Source: Henry County Development Authority

Tourism outlook optimistic

Tourism in Henry County is expected to increase in 2015 due to the county’s convention and visitors bureau’s focus on technology and year-round event promotion, an official said in March.

At a Stockbridge City Council meeting, county Director of Tourism Laura Luker presented council members with an update of what the bureau worked on last year and what plans are this year to keep visitors coming back.

Luker said the bureau uses the county hotel and motel tax to fund its annual $400,000 budget, which is used to encourage more hotel and motel bookings.

“We collected about $36,000 from the tax in 2014 from Stockbridge, but by leveraging each city’s money together, we are able to do more for each city and the county as a whole,” she said.

Last September, the bureau launched a new, redesigned website

with a focus on aesthetic and functionality that is more graphic-based, Luker said.

The website now gathers data and content created through keywords and tagging to see what information users are generating.

New this year is a special Weddings tab that offers users information about local vendors, caterers, florists and more. “We saw through our collected data that a huge amount of traffic was people searching for wedding information throughout the county and Stockbridge in particular has great wedding venues,” Luker said. “With the average wedding cost last year being about $29,000, we wanted to make sure brides are choosing Henry County for venues and resources like florists, photographer, caterers and more.”

A smartphone and tablet Web application, the Henry County Treasure App, went live in February.

Once downloaded, the app leads users to about 30 different locations around the county.



Kennesaw State University professor of economics Roger Tutterow said in his 2015 economic forecast at the South Metro Development Outlook conference in February that one of Henry County’s top assets is on an upswing.

Speaking to about 600 attendees at the Georgia International Conference Center in College Park, Tutterow said five indexes to “celebrate” are economic recovery, lower unemployment, residential housing construction, home equity values and factory output.

Citing a diminishing joblessness rate, Tutterow said its main drivers include transportation, like trucking and airlines, and the retail and wholesale trade sector, which encompasses stores, warehouses and distribution centers.

“When we look at transportation, trade and utilities, we have Clayton County, home of [Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport],” Tutterow said, “and of course, we have Henry County, where of course we have not only transportation growing but also trade.”

Tutterow said one of Henry County’s top industries will help expand the economy by 2.75 percent in 2015.

“We celebrate the fact that when we look at the manufacturing sector, manufacturing is performing better today than at any time in about eight years,” he said. “The manufacturing sector is expanding at a brisk pace.”

Tutterow said he is “bullish on manufacturing” for two reasons.

“First, businesses understand now that we as a country have made inroads toward getting sustained, uninterrupted, affordable energy for the first time in a couple of decades. Second, labor costs,” he said.

Tutterow said despite crude oil prices dropping, Saudi Arabia has not lowered production – making it more economical to run factory machinery and ship the products out – and wages in Asia have been rising as much as 9 percent as U.S. paychecks remained stable.

“More businesses are opting for relocating, reshoring here into the U.S., particularly

the Southeast, and of course Atlanta being the prime target with her manufacturing,” he said.

According to the Henry County Development Authority, some of the county’s largest workforces belong

to manufacturers like Austria-based plastic bottle company Alpla, which made McDonough its U.S. headquarters.

“Alpla has grown its Henry County workforce from less than 50 in 2001 to over 200 in 2014,”

company Director of Finance Michael Koenig said in a statement.

Other top county employers include Inline Plastics and De Wafelbakkers, each with about 100 workers, and Ken’s Foods with 325.


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Economist: Henry County factories key to ongoing recoveryBY NOREEN COCHRAN

“More businesses are opting for relocating, reshoring here into the U.S., particularly the Southeast, and of course Atlanta being the prime target with her manufacturing.”

-Roger Tutterow


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business


Norfolk Southern expands ‘Railroad University’ in McDonoughMore conductors, engineers and other

Norfolk Southern Corp. employees will be able to train quicker and more efficiently thanks to a recently opened building expansion at the training center campus, 101 Thoroughbred Drive in McDonough.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony in March, company CEO Wick Moorman said the 23,000-square-foot expansion will offer more classroom space, more student capacity and more technology-enabled interactive instruction for trainees.

“The facility originally opened 40 years ago and it’s remarkable how Norfolk Southern has changed and grown over the years in the same way that Henry County has transformed,” Moorman said. “Our new facility will double the capacity of what we’re able to do at our training center and serve as another step forward in the success of not only our company, but this area as a whole.”

The $5 million addition offers four new, full-sized classrooms with tablets, smart boards and touch screen technology.

New train simulations will also better equip and prepare trainees, Moorman said.

Additional upgrades include a welding pavilion, which was constructed to support instruction in engineering and bridge work, upgrades to the welding laboratory and a new locomotive crane installation in the mechanical shop.

Prior expansions included classroom space for management courses and technical training as well as three additional buildings for locomotive simulators, a communications and signals laboratory, a welding laboratory, small diesel and car shops, computer-based learning classrooms and a studio for producing training videos.

The latest addition will allow the company to go from serving about 400 trainees daily to 900 trainees, said facility Manager Dominik Browne.

Staff / Christine FonvilleThe expansion at Norfolk Southern in McDonough, aka Railroad University, offers more classroom space and high-tech instruction.



According to Jamie McCurry, senior director of administration and governmental affairs for the Georgia Ports Authority, growth and success for the ports of Brunswick and Savannah will have a positive economic impact on Henry County.

“Our job distribution is not centered on the coast but rather the metro Atlanta area,” he said in June. “We try to show just how relevant Georgia’s ports are to local economies and in Henry County, there are about 4,400 jobs directly related to business in the ports of Brunswick and Savannah.”

At the Henry Council for Quality Growth’s monthly luncheon, McCurry updated guests about the authority’s fiscal year, future plans and how more business in the ports translates to more business throughout the county and state.

McCurry said the first three quarters have been profitable, showing a 7 percent increase in total tons of imported and exported goods travelling through the ports.

Much of the reason for the increase in business, he said, was due to congestion in ports on the West Coast, leading to diverted imports and exports on the East Coast.

In order to keep up with demand, McCurry said there is a Savannah River project planned, which has been in the works since 2013, to deepen the river 47 feet.

Georgia has approved $266 million towards the project, but McCurry said an additional $400 million in federal funding is required.

McCurry said it is necessary to keep up with the demands of businesses like Kia, which has a U.S. plant in West Point, and Hyundai, which has a U.S. plant in Montgomery, Ala.

“The Port of Brunswick is the second busiest automobile port in the country,” he said. “Companies like Kia and Hyundai are importing everything they’re not making in Georgia and Alabama, which is great not only for our ports but for our state’s entire economy.”

Rather than focusing on expanding the ports’ facilities, McCurry said the best way to provide positive growth is to provide better access in and to cities like Savannah and Brunswick.

Henry Council for Quality Growth Director Steve Cash said the ports are important for business because they are a big part of people traveling through the county.

“With trucks driving goods to and from the port into Atlanta and beyond, our county is in the right place to reap the benefits,” he said.


business

Port authority: 4,400 jobs in Henry related to portsBY CHRISTINE FONVILLE “I believe the expansions and

deepening project will have a lot to do with the continuation of people coming to and through Henry County.”

According to the port authority’s website, the economic impact specific

to Henry County includes more than 5,000 20-foot equivalent units – aka shipping containers – of imported goods, for a total weight of more than 39,000 tons per year, and more than 5,000 tons of exports per year.



Staff / Katherine FryeFrom left, Jack Bowdoin, Clate Wall and Bill Herndon discuss plans for the Henry Council for Quality Growth.

THE GOLD STANDARD FOR GROWTH

From economic development to education, transportation to quality-of-life issues in Henry County, the Henry Council for Quality Growth made headlines for hosting events and helping to spread the word about what is happening in the community, making the organization the Henry Neighbor’s newsmaker of the year.

Throughout the year, luncheon meeting guest speakers like economist Roger Tutterow and Superintendent Rodney Bowler gave attendees information about the county’s continued growth and changes.

Council Executive Director Steve Cash attended functions outside the county as well, including an Economic Engines of the Southside panel discussion in Sandy Springs.

Speakers included Miguel Southwell, general manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Darlene Hawksley, real

estate and business engagement director of the Fort McPherson development authority, and Joseph Folz, Porsche Cars North America attorney, discussing recent investments and developments on the south side and how these projects will impact each other.

“Development will move further south and Henry County has the infrastructure, roads, affordable land and space to meet that head-on,” Cash said. “The Henry Council for Quality Growth is excited and ready to be involved.”

Encouraging growth and continued enhancement of the community’s well-being is exactly what the membership-based organization strives to do, said chairman Jack Bowdoin.

“The council started with builders and developers but it is no longer just a real estate-related organization; it is a county-wide organization with the goal to improve [the] quality of life where we live,” Bowdoin said. “Our membership continues to grow and we’re

still looking for members of [several] different committees, like transportation and education, who are invested in our county’s growth.”

At any one of the council’s monthly luncheons, attendees are likely to chat with school board members, city council representatives, mayors and more, which is one of the reasons why the council is vital to the community, said Bill Herndon, council member and then-chair of the Henry County Development Authority.

“Since we’ve become more mainstream, people come to our meetings and see representatives from every political body in the county,” Herndon said. “The interaction that business owners, city officials and others have will help build relationships and facilitate the kind of growth and improvements us residents want to see.”

For more information on the council and to see a list of upcoming events and meetings, visit www.hcfqg.com.




business

The I-75 express lanes project will benefit the whole south metro region, Henry County Chamber of Commerce President David Gill said at the 13th annual South Metro Development Outlook in February in College Park, at which about 600 business and government leaders sought economic development ideas and opportunities.

Gill spoke during a session on transportation with fellow panelists Georgia Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Todd Long, Clayton County Chairman Jeff Turner and MARTA General Manager and CEO Keith Parker; attendees included Stockbridge Mayor Tim Thompson.

“One of the malicious lies – I shouldn’t say lies – misconceptions about Henry County is that Henry County is where traffic goes to stop,” Gill said.

Rush-hour commuters who routinely hit the brakes on I-75 south between state routes 138 and 155, will, in 20 years if nothing is done, take nearly 30 minutes to drive 12 miles.

“The I-75 managed lane project is designed to help us with this situation,” Gill said about reversible, barrier-separated toll lanes for passenger cars.

When it opens in January 2017, its benefits will extend to “everyone in this room,” he said.

“The first, probably for us, is the immediate benefit of $180 million being spent in our community,” Gill said. “That will be not only Henry County but the surrounding counties.”

It can help deepen the talent pool from which corporations draw their employees.

“Because of the [decreased] travel time, that effectively increases our workforce in our area by some 30- to 50,000 people in a 45- to 60-minute commute range,” Gill said.

But the most important economic development aspect, he said, is gaining “reliability of travel time.”

“As we talk with people about locating businesses and various things in Henry County, one of the things they like is our close proximity to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” Gill said, “but they are

I-75 EXPRESS LANES: A REGION AWAITSBY NOREEN COCHRAN concerned that the traffic may constrict

their ability to get there.” The Atlanta Aerotropolis Alliance,

formed last year, may make the airport an even more attractive destination in the near future.

“The alliance is focused on building a business hub and economic marketing

block that will attract more companies, more businesses, more retail and more housing into the communities that are immediately adjacent to and neighbor to Hartsfield-Jackson,” Atlanta Regional Commission Executive Director Doug Hooker said during the conference’s opening session.

“One of the malicious lies – I shouldn’t say lies – misconceptions about Henry County is that Henry County is where traffic goes to stop.”

-David Gill


business


Marketing tips for local businessesHenry County entrepreneurs got advice

and lessons from business professionals on how to market their services and products during Henry County Libraries’ fourth lunch and learn session.

Speaking to an audience of about 15 attendees, guest speakers discussed marketing and how future business owners should get the word out about their products.

Advice for new entrepreneurs included: n Understand the term “marketing” and

how it relates to advertising and selling a product or service. n Choose target markets and understand

how to appeal to those customers.n Use social media to promote a product

or service.Ric Calhoun, professor of business at

Gordon State College in Barnesville, said the term “marketing” is a broad topic that covered many parts of business and advertising.

“Marketing encompasses a lot of stuff, including how your customers relate to your product, advertising and owner and consumer relationships,” he said. “There are numerous ways to promote an item, but the end goal should be customer relationships and making

sure your customers walk away with a good feeling from purchasing what you have to offer.”

Calhoun said the four P’s of marketing are price, products, promotion and place, and are important aspects of selling goods or services.

Another vital aspect of promotion to keep in mind is that for every product, there will be a target market, said author and entrepreneur Judiffier Pearson.

“When starting out, many business owners wonder, ‘Should I try and market to everyone?’ and the answer is ‘no,’” said Pearson. “It’s more about who your product connects with and who it resonates with, so there is a lot of research and work involved when learning about marketing before stepping into the more tactical realm of advertising.”

In today’s industry, both Pearson and Collette Taylor, owner of D&W Solutions Email Marketing, said customer relations and retention should be the goal for entrepreneurs.

“Once you retain customer referrals, word-of-mouth advertising can go a long way,” said Taylor.

This can especially be true when marketing a brand or product using social media like Facebook or Twitter, she said.

“An owner needs to know what people are saying on social media because it’s constantly

affecting that entrepreneur’s brand,” Taylor said.

Taylor recommended using Google Alerts, which sends an email any time something is posted online about a selected topic, and engaging with customers who review products online.

When it comes to promoting a brand using social media, Pearson and Taylor said appealing to emotions and sharing stories to make the information more retainable can help customers and entrepreneurs stay connected.

“Research demographics and make sure the target market is who will be interested,” said Taylor. “Different emotional connections will be made with people with depending on what kind of marketing is used.”

Business owners should also consider how a customer’s experience will affect their brands positively or negatively, Pearson said.

“Marketing is a two-way street; it’s about connection, so don’t over-promise and under-deliver because that starts to tarnish your brand,” said Pearson.

“When you promise and deliver or, on top of that, under-promise and over-deliver, you start to build a connection and trust with customers where they don’t want to let you go.”



Hiring and Firing: Tricky areas for new businessesBusiness owners and future entrepreneurs can avoid some of the main

issues associated with human resources thanks to tips given by attorney Melissa Malcom.

During the small business lunch and learn session presented by the Henry County Public Library System and sponsored by the Henry County Development Authority, the fifth and final session wrapped up with how to manage employees.

Malcom, who specializes in business and employee law, was on hand to answer questions from a group of about 10 participants at the luncheon.

Topics such as knowing the difference between independent contractors and employees, hiring and firing personnel and understanding business law were the focus of the session.

One of the biggest challenges business owners face, Malcom said, is understanding the differences between an independent contractor and an employee.

“In Georgia, the Department of Labor can come in and will want to see a checkbook from the last three years of every person you’ve paid and it will be up to you to prove you’ve paid payroll taxes on your employees or have proof of hiring independent contractors,” she said. “Businesses are being audited more frequently than ever before.”

Malcom gave the following tips for understanding the distinctions

between an employee and personal contractor: n Talk to an attorney to look at how an independent contractor will

be paid. n Discuss who provides necessary tools and office space.n An independent contractor must have his or her own business card.n A written agreement with an independent contractor is always a

good idea. n If the person working for you is in the same line of work as you and

you designate their working hours, that is an employee.Best practices for hiring and firing employees were also discussed at

the luncheon. Although it is legal to fire an employee for no reason in Georgia,

Malcom said, it is never a good idea.“You can fire somebody for a good reason, a bad reason or no reason

at all, it just can’t be an illegal reason,” she said. “The problem with firing someone for a bad reason, however, is

because it is often unbelievable and unreasonable, which is not likely to be believed.”

Business owners should know and understand illegal reasons for not hiring or for firing an employee, which include discrimination.

Malcom said it is illegal to ask an applicant for a Social Security number or if he or she is a U.S. citizen because authorized noncitizens may work in the country and asking the questions constitutes discrimination.



business

Development Authority has new website, marketing planThe Henry County

Development Authority unveiled its new website and marketing plan during a presentation to the Henry County Commission by then-Executive Director Bob White and then-treasurer, now chairman Geoffrey Cauble.

White and Ben Wright, president and CEO of Atlas Advertising, had earlier made a presentation to the authority board introducing Atlas as the

firm chosen to create a new economic development website and branding and marketing strategy.

The website is part of the authority’s branding initiative and marketing strategy to strengthen its mission of promoting economic development by attracting new investments and jobs, and retaining and expanding existing industries.

During the county commission presentation, White and Cauble highlighted the key points and

desirability of the county as a business destination.

They also revealed the authority’s new tagline, “Connecting Business in Atlanta’s New South.”

White said it illustrates the county’s proximity to the city of Atlanta, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and the Port of Savannah.

Cauble said the website is particularly important as it serves as “the No. 1 place that site selectors and companies start with

when selecting a community; the first impression, if you will, for our community.”

The website offers information on topics that include strategic advantages, incentives and financing, business site locators, demographic information, workforce and training information, small business and entrepreneur resources, retention, and expansion and relocation services.

Information: (770) 288-8000 or www.choosehenry.com

BY NEIGHBOR STAFF

CHOOSE HENRY

Special PhotoKRYSTAL COMBO: From left, Assistant County Manager Cheri Hobson-Matthews, Krystal General Manager Maxine Wilson, McDonough Mayor Billy Copeland and Krystal Regional Director of Operations James Smith celebrate the store’s grand re-opening at 939 Hwy. 155 S. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and city proclamation. Information: www.krystal.com


SPORTS AND RECREATION


u ATHLETE OF THE YEAR

u SCHOLAR-ATHLETES

u AQUATIC CENTER



sports &recreation

High School Athlete of the YearNow a two-time winner of the

Henry County female athlete of the year award, Dutchtown senior Tiara Scott is also the Henry Neighbor athlete of the year.

Due to her repeat perfor-mance, Scott edged out other noteworthy seniors like Eagle’s Landing’s Aaron Dore, who was honored as the county male ath-lete of the year at the same recent ceremony at Union Grove, and ELCA’s Dazmon Cameron, who recently became the first male athlete from Henry County to be named Gatorade baseball player of the year.

“To be able to win the award two years in a row just speaks volumes for the type of player Tiara is,” Dutchtown girls’ bas-ketball coach April Tate said.

“To be the heart of your soft-ball team and basketball team really speaks volumes about her.”

On the basketball court, Scott was a force in the paint, grabbing more than 10 rebounds a game and finishing strong through con-tact to average 12 points.

“I like the aggressiveness of basketball and how physical you can be,” Scott said.

“Other women’s sports don’t really allow you to be physical.”

In spite of the Lady Bulldogs’ inconsistent regular season, Scott

helped Dutchtown reach the Class AAAAA Final Four last season.

“She gives it all that she has,” Tate said.

“With her, it’s ‘I’m going to lay it all on the line and whatever it takes, that is what I’m going to do.’ She really is the heart of the team. Everything goes through her.”

Even though Scott is a tough basketball player and played the game well enough to continue doing so in college, she decided to play softball and become one of the newest pitchers at South-ern University in Baton Rouge.

“I know that she loves basket-ball but she also loves softball,” Tate said.

“As much as she has done for us in basketball, she is going to do just as much for Southern in softball.”

The Dutchtown softball team didn’t have as great of a season as the girls’ basketball team but Scott earned a 3.96 ERA with 77 strikeouts in 69 innings.

She also had a .381 batting average and scored 12 runs in 15 appearances.

Scott has earned a 3.5 grade point average and said she plans to major in nursing.

“Tiara is a great kid and not just in basketball, because her teachers spoke very highly of her,” Tate said.

BY MAURICE DIXON

“With her, it’s ‘I’m going to lay it all on the line and whatever it takes, that is what I’m going to do.’ She really is the heart of the team.”

-April Tate



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sports &recreation

Henry County Scholar-AthletesWhile participating in athletics on the high school level

was something they both said they enjoyed doing, Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy senior Davis Reynolds and Union Grove High School senior Noah Craft said they also had a passion for excelling in the classroom and being active in the community.

At ELCA, Reynolds was a member of the Beta Club, Math Honors Society and Spanish National Honor Society.

He graduated with a 4.2 grade point average, which made him the fifth-ranked student in his senior class.

“They are some great students,” said Reynolds of the four students with higher GPAs. “They definitely pushed me. I had to work.” Reynolds, a member of the football and track teams, earned the George Morris Student-Athlete Scholarship from the Touchdown Club of Atlanta.

“It’s a blessing from God,” Reynolds said. “I was definitely praying and hoping to find scholarships and get scholarships.”

Reynolds was also awarded a scholarship from the Southern Baptist Association of Christian Schools.

These funds will go towards his education at the University of Georgia, where he said he plans to major in accounting.

Reynolds also fills many roles – helping with maintenance, landscaping, events and operating the sound board on Sunday mornings – at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jonesboro, where his father, the Rev. Chris Reynolds, is senior pastor.

Craft, a member of the wrestling team, had an impact felt internationally. As vice president of the Spanish National Honor Society, Craft helped manage charity events with pur[SHOE]ing joy and The Pulsera Project.

“They collect shoes to donate to people in Central America – mostly Guatemala,” Craft said. “There are artisans all over Guatemala and some in Uganda who make bracelets and send them here. We sell them and it provides education, housing, food and scholarships for people over there.”

Craft, who was also a member of the National Honor Society and Future Business Leaders of America, said they donated 1,500 pairs of shoes and sold 700 bracelets.

This fall, Craft will attend the University of Alabama and pursue an international affairs degree.

“Those projects definitely had an impact because that is one of the things I want to do with international affairs,” said Craft, who had a 3.86 GPA. “I want to improve the welfare of the world because there are so many people who live below what we consider the poverty line.”

BY MAURICE DIXON



sports &recreation

CATCHING ONHenry County residents who are avid

anglers and kayakers or those just looking to enjoy a day on the water can take advantage of the county’s reservoirs as a great source for fishing, boating and more.

Jeff Scott and Maranda Stonica, both naturalists working for the Henry County Water Authority, said two reservoirs, Tussahaw and Upper Towaliga, are ideal bodies of water for various species of bream, bass and catfish.

The 1,466-acre Tussahaw reservoir, said Scott, is a favorite spot for fishers of large-mouth bass in particular.

An annual permit costs $45 per person.Senior citizens age 62 and up and

handicapped persons may purchase permits at the reduced rate of $25 per person.

The permits give users access to the reservoirs for outdoor recreational activities starting the first weekend in March and concluding the last weekend of November.

“About three years ago, we changed the permits from strictly fishing to include kayaking and electric boating as more and more people told us they were interested in doing more on the reservoirs,” said Scott.

The two reservoirs are open March through November on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The winter fishing season runs from December through the end of February. Any county resident, business owner or landowner may purchase a permit at the water authority’s main office, 1695 Hwy. 20 West in McDonough.

Information: www.hcwsa.com/fishing-boating

Staff / Christine FonvilleNataley Farmer, 13, daughter of Maranda Stonica, reels in a fish at the Cubihatcha Outdoor Education Center in Locust Grove.




sports &recreation

MAKING A SPLASHHenry County will be moving forward with plans to

build a world-class, competitive aquatic center facility.The idea for the facility, which is expected to feature a

50-meter pool for competitive swimming, a therapy and training pool and a multi-use family pool, started about four years ago as a way for a local family to honor a loved one’s memory.

“After Kenny and Dee Kirby lost their 5-year-old daughter in 2011, family and friends wanted to do something for the community to honor her memory,” said Neil Daniell, Kensley Grace Foundation board member. “We started [the foundation], a nonprofit dedicated to opening a world-class, family oriented, competitive swimming facility in Henry County.”

He said the Henry County Board of Commissioners’ support of a resolution approving an intergovernmental agreement with the Henry County Development Authority to rent 20 acres of county-owned land for the aquatic center was “the culmination of a lot of hard work by many people.”

Recently, County Attorney Patrick Jaugstetter said the county will rent the Henry Parkway property for 50 years to the development authority, which will rent to the foundation for 30 years with a 20-year extension option.

At the end of the lease, the county will own the facility, he said.

“The way the county’s Constitution allows us to enter into these long-term leases is that the construction has to be for public purpose,” he said, “and clearly this will be because this facility will drive economics, provide recreation and opportunities for the county.”

Daniell agreed.“Currently, local school systems and competitive swim

teams are busing children to nearby facilities in surrounding counties because Henry County does not have a facility like this, so it will serve the needs of the entire area population,” he said.

No taxpayer dollars will be allocated for the project.Daniell said the foundation expects to begin construction

in about three years.“We need to raise 80 percent of the about $18 million

needed to construct the facility and that amount includes two years of operating expenses before we can start to build,” he said, adding the foundation will save $2 million by not having to buy land.

Information: www.kensleygrace.com



SENIOR LIVING



senior living

Henry County quality growth ramps up with $53M senior housing

By summer 2016, senior citizens in Henry County will have a new option for luxury living in Stockbridge.

At a Henry Council for Quality Growth luncheon in February, guest speaker Bruce Nicely, managing partner for Buckhead-based developer Southern States Regional Center, said the Symphony at Eagle’s Landing will “change the face of senior living in the Southern Crescent.”

Nicely said residents should not expect a nursing home as the property is designed for independent, active seniors.

“Trends in senior housing are changing dramatically and there is a huge, booming, aging population that is staying healthier longer,” he said. “Seniors today are demanding a level of care in environments that are way

different than what you may be used to seeing on the south side of Atlanta.”

In the middle of the 55-acre community, an Emory Healthcare wellness center will provide medical care to both Symphony residents and seniors throughout the county.

“People outside of the Symphony community will also have the option of coming in and participating in some of the exercise programs, and that will be made available to seniors 65 and older,” Nicely said.

Council member Bill Herndon said the community will be the premiere high-end senior living property south of Atlanta.

“This is going to have tremendous attraction factor for our county,” Herndon said. “It will be a beautiful place that is going to have the kind of care everyone will appreciate.”

A new revenue stream will benefit the entire county economically, Nicely said.

“This is a $53 million construction project

that is sure to increase property values and global exposure to Henry County because $11 million of the $53 million is coming from foreign [investors] who are going to want to come see it,” he said.

Nicely said the community will create more than 500 jobs.

“Although we’re hiring about 75 people to operate the facility, the entire project will generate about 538 jobs for the county,” he said.

Its buildings will include 189 units in three primary structures, with 141 one- and two-bedroom independent living apartments, 24 assisted living units and 24 memory care units.

The community, next to Eagle’s Landing Country Club, will focus on providing residents with “an amenity-rich environment,” Nicely said, and will include a restaurant, bistro, full lounge, indoor pool, yoga studio, spa, workout room and more.




Information & Assistance

HENRY COUNTY SENIOR SERVICES

Do you or a cherished senior adult family member or friend need assistance or information? Not sure of where to begin? Our Information and Assistance specialist can help.

We can provide current information on opportunities and services available within your community to meet your specific needs. 770-288-6974

SENIOR CENTERS

MEALS ON WHEELS

The senior center offers a variety of activities and classes, health and wellness opportunities and educational programs for independent, active adults 55 and older. Quarterly calendars of activities, classes and events are available.

This program provides a hot, nutritious meal to senior adults who are unable to shop and cook for themselves. The meals are delivered mid-day by staff and/or volunteers.

Hidden Valley Senior CenterHeritage Senior Center Locust Grove Senior Center • 770-288-2002 • 770-288-7001 • 770-288-6974

PERSONAL CARE SUPPORTOur PCSS team provides quality in home services to eligible senior adults.

Council On AgingThe Henry County Council on Aging is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization made up of nineteen (19) volunteers who serve as directors. Directors are selected by each District’s commissioner and City Council members. The council’s primary objective is to support programs that serve Henry County senior citizens. Supported programs include Meal-on-Wheels, Nutrition Supplements, In-Homes Services, Senior Centers, and Volunteer Activities. The council members serve as advocates on behalf of the senior citizens of Henry County.

The Council’s primary fundraising event is the Miles-for-Meals Campaign which is held annually on the first Saturday in May.

www.co.henry.ga.us/SeniorServicesHenry County Senior Services


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senior living

Fire dept. helps senior citizens stay safe at home

Henry County’s senior citizens can avoid danger by following some professionals’ advice.

The Henry County Fire Department’s Capt. Michael Black and Lt. Wanda Maddox visited three senior centers in Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge to teach a program called Remember When.

“My best advice for senior citizens is to take your time no matter what you’re doing,” Maddox said. “Whether you’re out and about or in bed at home and you wake up to do something, take a minute to relax and gather your thoughts, then start moving at a comfortable pace for you.”

Black said kitchen safety can help prevent the department’s top emergency.

“We respond to about 1,200 fires related to

kitchen or cooking activity in Henry County each year,” Black said. “Cooking is still the No. 1 cause of house fires each year and it surpassed smoking years ago.”

Being aware and avoiding distractions are vital precautions, Maddox said.

“Staying in the kitchen while cooking is important,” she said.

“If you don’t pay attention to what you’re doing, something could catch fire or you could forget an appliance is on.” Maddox said having a pot or pan lid available at all times to cover a flaming frying pan is essential because it takes away oxygen from a fire and smothers it.

For those who have fire extinguishers, Black said it is important to shake the canister occasionally when not in use and immediately prior to active use to prevent the extinguishing agent from settling at the bottom.

Store the fire extinguisher on the opposite

side of the kitchen away from the stove, he advised.

Smoke alarms, Black and Maddox said, are also paramount; batteries should be changed twice a year and the alarm should be checked once a month.

An escape plan is also recommended.“Most house fires do happen at night and

you have to practice an escape route in order not to panic,” Maddox said.

The free classes, which attracted about 20 participants each, were a partnership between the fire department and Piedmont Henry Hospital. The program was developed by the National Fire Protection Association and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to help older adults live safely at home for as long as possible.

The department offers free smoke alarms and help with installation; call (770) 288-6600 or visit www.co.henry.ga.us/Fire.




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senior living

CARE GIVER: Retired counselor helped students succeed

Eagle’s Landing High School Lead Counselor Susann Livingston retired last week after 30 years of working for Henry County Schools.

Many of her colleagues and students agreed she helped maintain a caring and positive culture through leading by example.

“Susann has been with our high school since it opened 25 years ago and she truly is the heart of Eagle’s Landing High,” said Principal Gabe Crerie. “The culture of this school is one of family, caring and positivity and she is one of those people that’s made the school what it is today.”

Livingston, a McDonough resident, began her career at Henry County Middle School — back when it was known as Henry Junior High — as an eighth-grade English teacher, but pursued a different path after being offered a position as a counselor.

Once she transferred to Eagle’s Landing as a counselor, Livingston said she knew she was in the right place.

“The reason I’ve

stayed with this school is because the standards and expectations for our students have always been extremely high,” she said. “Everyone works together to help our students reach and maintain their own success.”

Instilling a good work ethic and stressing the importance of critical thinking and decision-making are skills Livingston said she worked to pass on to the students she counseled.

The highlight of her career, she said, was each graduation ceremony during which she watched students who had struggled in the past reach their goals and receive their diplomas.

“Many of the students I worked with faced physical or academic challenges and started out with low grades earlier on, but then talked with me about changing and doing what was necessary to achieve and get better grades,” Livingston said.

Assistant Principal Al Kizzie said Livingston’s penchant for going above and beyond her duties helped many students throughout the years achieve and succeed.

“She’s been an outstanding lead counselor,” Kizzie said. “She invested time in students that were struggling the most and saw the potential in

them to do better and be successful.”

Livingston said she plans to keep working part-time but will also enjoy spending more time working with the ministry

at Glen Haven Baptist Church in McDonough, camping with her husband, William, and being involved in their two grandsons’ school activities.


“She invested time in students that were struggling the most and saw the potential in them to do better and be successful.” -Al Kizzie



senior living

SENIOR LIVING RESOURCESHenry County Senior ServicesHeritage Senior Center 1050 Florence McGarity Blvd. McDonough, Ga. 30252(770) 288-7011Lead Coordinator: Nita Kerr

Hidden Valley Senior Center 600 Spraggins Memorial Pkwy. Stockbridge, Ga. 30281(770) 288-7015Lead Coordinator: Brenda Wesley

Locust Grove Senior Center280 Mose Brown DriveLocust Grove, Ga. 30248(770) 288-7004Lead Coordinator: Melissa Sloanwww.co.henry.ga.us/seniorservices/

Senior communities advertising in Factbook:

Mount Carmel Personal Care Home3084 Mount Carmel RoadHampton, Ga. 30228(770) 946-3376Director: N.R. Khoriwww.MountCarmelAssistedLiving.com

The Palms at Lake Spivey8080 Summit Business Pkwy.Lake Spivey, Ga. 30236(770) 477-7207Director: April Watsonwww.ThePalmsAtLakeSpivey.com

Staff / Katherine FryeAbove, from left, Cindy Collins, arts and crafts teacher at the Heritage Senior Center, talks with Florence Hines about con-structing a bracelet during class. Left, Bernice Andrews paints the feathers of a bird in a cherry tree during oil painting class at the Heritage Senior Center in McDonough.


COMMUNITYHenryFactbook2015(59) 59 7/15/2015 4:48:45 PM

Henry County residents had the opportunity to run alongside animals in April at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary during the fifth annual Zebra Dash.

The event is named in honor of a zebra named Evidence that lived at the sanctuary after being rescued from an accident on I-75 in 2008.

The sanctuary in Locust Grove is home to birds, bears, exotic cats, foxes, wolves, primates, reptiles and other animals that were once neglected or abused but now reside there permanently.

“The 5K starts in our pasture and the runners will have access to the area where llamas, horses and baby pigs are housed,” said volunteer coordinator Selena Ensley.

The race path continues over to the lion, tiger and bear habitats where runners can get a

better view of these animals.Assistant Director Charlie Hedgecoth said

about 350 people participated in the race last year.

“We raised between $5,000 and $6,000 at last year’s event,” he said.

Events like the 5K help fund the nonprofit’s ongoing efforts to provide a better life for its wild animal inhabitants.

One of the projects that this year’s race will benefit is a special habitat for one of the sanctuary’s newest residents.

“We’re working on building a big habitat for our new brown bear Gideon, who was rescued from a closed-down zoo last year,” Ensley said.

“He has severe arthritis from living on concrete for decades, but his new home will cater to his physical needs and provide a swimming area, enclosed shelter and plenty of enrichment items and activities.”

Information: www.noahs-ark.org


Noah’s Ark in Locust Grove hosts fifth annual Zebra Dash

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Staff / Katherine FryeThe Zebra Dash at Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary benefits animals like Golden the tiger, pictured with volunteer coordinator Selena Ensley.

I survived the rainbowOn April 4, I participated in my

first Color Run 5K held at Atlanta Motor Speedway in Hampton. The No. 1 lesson I learned before it began? Make sure to keep your mouth closed and wear sunglasses — especially while going through the five different color stations. I figured no one wanted to walk around with rainbow-inspired teeth. However, I found out that many actually did. Some even rolled around in the color dust on the ground, to make sure to be completely covered. I expertly walked around them.

The 3.1-mile course looped around the outside of the speedway with color stations that included pink, orange, blue, yellow and sparkly glitter about every kilometer. And for the most part the route was even and simple enough for a walker like myself, except for one steep hill.

My takeaway from my inaugural experience of the “Happiest 5K on the Planet” was that everyone —

including myself — was definitely happy, colorful and full of energy – despite that one uphill climb! There were walkers and runners of all ages — from babies being held and in strollers to toddlers, teens, young adults and seniors. It was refreshing to see such a variety of participants ready and willing to get splashed with color!

The morning started out a bit cold and rainy; however, luck was on our side and the rain ended right before packet pickup began at 7 a.m. Once the sun came out, it brought the warmth we all were looking for and beautiful weather throughout the 5K.

When we finished and received our splash of silver glitter, each participant also received a gold medal and bonus color packets that each group of friends used to douse on each other in one big rainbow-colored explosion! And, of course, being my first time, it was only fitting that I was doused with just a bit extra. I guess it was part of my initiation phase.

Thanks, friends.

BY LATRIA GARNIGAN

community



Weekday MassesMonday – Saturday 8:30 a.m.

Weekend Mass ScheduleSaturday 4:00 p.m.Sunday 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 12:45 p.m. & 5:00 p.m.

Nursery11:00 a.m. Sunday Mass

Confession Wednesday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. (or by appointment)

Holy HourWednesday 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

St. James the Apostle Catholic Church1000 Decatur Road Hwy 155

McDonough, GA 30252770.957.5441

www.stjamesapostle.com

“Come follow me and I will make you fishers

of men.” Mark 1:17

community

RECREATION CENTERSHenry County has several recreation

centers located in Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge. To find out more information about a specific center, call the recreation office at (770) 288-7300 or visit www.co.henry.ga.us/parksrecreation/RecreationCenters.shtml.

Fairview Recreation Center35 Austin RoadStockbridge, Ga. 30281

Heritage Park 97 Lake Dow RoadMcDonough, Ga. 30252

Jason T. Harper Event Center95 Lake Dow RoadMcDonough, Ga. 30252

J.P. Moseley Recreation Center1041 Miller’s Mill RoadStockbridge, Ga. 30281

Locust Grove Event Center280 Mose Brown DriveLocust Grove, Ga. 30248

Locust Grove Recreation Center10 Cleveland St.Locust Grove, Ga. 30248

Nash Farm Park 4361 Jonesboro RoadHampton, Ga. 30228



County events bookend month of heritage celebrations

Black History Month, marking its own heritage with 39 years as a national celebration, this year in Henry County included a display on genealogy, mental health talk sessions and an honors ceremony.

The fourth annual Stockbridge Community African-American Heritage Celebration was at Red Oak United Methodist Church in Stockbridge Feb. 28.

Hosted by Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas, it was a program of dance, music, song and praise.

Like the 2014 event, it highlighted the contributions of county residents, organizers said.

“Last year’s program was truly phenomenal,” said 2015 co-host Shana Thornton. “It involved community youth and leaders spotlighting the importance of black history. I am elated to be participating again with the festivity to present critical information for all community members.”

Committee liaison Mildred Reed said the 2015 ceremony had a new aspect.

“This year’s celebration will feature the presentation of the Unsung Hero awards, where local churches and organizations have nominated a member to receive this

recognition for their service to the Stockbridge community,” she said. “This award, along with Community Service awards, the Humanitarian Award, the Leadership Award, the Stockbridge Footprint Award and the Civic Leadership Award will be presented to individuals that have served the Stockbridge community.”

The Rev. Spencer T. O’Neal of Global Impact Christian Ministries was the keynote speaker.

The nonprofit Mental Health in the African-American Community held weekly open discussions.

Moderator and nonprofit founder Carolyn McKenzie said the discussions were an appropriate way to observe the heritage celebration.

“Mental illness has become an epidemic in the African-American community,” she said. “We need to look into our culture to see if there is a relationship between the genetics of our race and the mental illness gene.”

The discussions also provide support for African-Americans who feel alone, she said.

“Black people are family oriented and [the nonprofit] wants to ensure that people who have mental illnesses are not isolating themselves,” McKenzie said.

The Genealogical Society of Henry and Clayton Counties invited residents to see its African-American heritage display at its

headquarters, the historic Brown House at 71 Macon St. in McDonough.

The centerpiece of its exhibit was “The History of Henry County Training School,” a new book by society board member Dorothy Tuck written as an asset for the libraries of the society, the Georgia State Archives and the Henry County Board of Education.

“Since practically all Henry County African-Americans attended the school before integration, it’s a great source for information on families that live here,” she said.

Spending four months researching and writing the book, often for six hours a day, Tuck said she never learned why the institution, one of 5,000 funded by former Sears Roebuck and Co. CEO Julius Rosenwald, was called a training school.

“The schools emphasized the basics – reading, writing, arithmetic and some form of history. Since they were in the rural South, agriculture was also emphasized,” she said. “So, I can only surmise that the words ‘training school’ came from its curriculum, which emphasized the basics to get a job.”

In 1967, the school’s parent-teacher association changed the name to West Side High School.

“Apparently, they felt the name ‘Henry County Training School’ was no longer appropriate,” Tuck said.

File PhotoFrom left, Stockbridge Mayor Pro Tem Alphonso Thomas and the Rev. Jacqueline Rose-Tucker prepare for Black History Month.

BY NOREEN COCHRAN



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Staff / Christine FonvilleAbove, Henry County Police officers and local children enjoy the Sirens for Santa event at the Merle Manders Conference Center in Stockbridge.


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Henry County library advocates back in action

A group of volunteers promoting the value of the Henry County Library System has recently started back up again after taking a break.

They are looking for other members to join them in support of the branches in Hampton, Locust Grove, McDonough and Stockbridge.

Shana Thomas-Thornton, chairperson of the Friends of the Henry County Libraries, said its role is to promote the free services provided for everyone in the community.

“An important part of the group is advocacy and support, which means when we believe that literacy and education are for both children and adults who will use that knowledge to continue to grow, learn and benefit Henry County,” she said.

After “a couple of years on hiatus,” Thomas-Thornton said the group is back in action with new members and a new enthusiasm for letting residents know how important libraries are.

The group meets the fourth Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. at the McDonough branch, 1001 Florence McGarity Blvd., and is open to everyone.

“We meet monthly to brainstorm different ideas, including theme days at the library, talent shows,

fundraisers and more,” said group secretary Cara Richardson.

The group also hosts a quarterly book drive which helps fund a youth summer enrichment program.

Thomas-Thornton said many residents may not realize that libraries offer more than just books.

They can serve as a tool for helping people find jobs, connect with and learn new technology and continue education into adulthood, she said.

“There are people that think that libraries will become obsolete, but with electronic book programs, enrichment programs, job searching and skill training, academic competitions and so much more, libraries continue to be a great, free resource sitting in our backyards,” she said. “We want to help people take advantage of everything libraries have to offer.”

Now the group is looking for more people of all ages to give their input on how to promote the library system at a local level.

“We have a diverse group of individuals, including current and retired educators, high school students and business owners who are really reviving this group and we welcome anyone else to join us,” Richardson said.

Each meeting is open to the public.

Information: http://on.fb.me/1dkQ3s0.

Staff / Katherine FryeFrom left, Shana Thomas-Thornton, Friends of the Henry County Libraries chair, and Cassandra Ryan, communications liaison, sort books for a book sale at the McDonough Public Library.


community

Libraries Cochran Public Library174 Burke St., Stockbridge(678) 432-5353, option 7

Fairview Public Library 28 Austin Road, Stockbridge(678) 432-5353, option 3

Fortson Public Library 61 McDonough St., Hampton(770) 288-7233

Locust Grove Public Library115 LG-Griffin Road, Locust Grove(678) 432-5353, option 4

McDonough Public Library / Administration1001 Florence McGarity Blvd, McDonough(678) 432-5353, option 6



191 Medical Blvd. u Stockbridge, Ga. 30281 u 770.991.1000

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NEWCOMER’S GUIDEU.S. post offices Hampton998 Hwy. 19-41Hampton, Ga. 30228Phone: (770) 946-4669

Locust Grove4050 Hwy. 42Locust Grove, Ga. 30248 Phone: (770) 898-6042

McDonough100 Postmaster DriveMcDonough, Ga. 30253Phone: (678) 432-4319

Stockbridge110 Walter WayStockbridge, Ga. 30281Phone: (770) 507-5483

UtilitiesCable TV:Charter Communications (800) 955-7766Comcast(800) 266-2278AT&T (800) 288-2020

Dish Network (888) 661-8432Direct TV: (855) 854-4388Natural gas:For a list of companies providing natural gas, call the Georgia Public Service Commission at (404) 656-4501 or visit its website at www.psc.state.ga.us.Electricity:Georgia Power: (888) 660-5890Central Georgia EMC: (770) 775-7857Snapping Shoals EMC: (770) 786-3484Telephone:AT&T(800) 288-2020Water:Henry County Water Authority(770) 957-6659If you live within city limits, contact the following:Hampton(770) 946-4306Locust Grove(770) 957-5043McDonough(770) 957-3915Stockbridge(770) 389-7900



Staff / Katherine FryePeter Bonner examines a shutter from a window used in the Tara set from ‘Gone With the Wind’.

Hampton residents may not realize their city is home to one of the most memorable movie sets in film history, but local historian and Hampton resident Peter Bonner found a Tinseltown treasure in their own backyard.

In an old barn that sits on the property of what was once the residence of Georgia Sen. Herman Talmadge and his wife Betty, lies, in pieces, the façade of Tara, the plantation where Scarlett O’Hara lived in the classic 1939 film, “Gone With the Wind.”

Bonner, who conducts historical tours of the Jonesboro and Lovejoy areas, said he grew up in the area and described the location of the set, which was at times thought to have been burned down or missing, as one of the area’s “worst kept

secrets.”“After filming ‘Gone With the Wind,’ the

façade was never used again in a film and in 1959, it was packed up and sent to Georgia where photographs show a welcome-home party for its arrival in Atlanta,” Bonner said.

After that, the location of the iconic front door, windows and antebellum-style columns became a mystery, but Bonner said many people in the Lovejoy and Hampton areas thought it was on the Talmadge property, hidden from sight.

It was, in fact, and Bonner discovered Mrs. Talmadge had bought the pieces for $5,000 not long after its arrival in Atlanta.

“Although her vision of displaying the pieces in a custom-built museum never came to fruition, ‘Gone with the Wind’ is still bringing tourism dollars to the metro Atlanta area and the South,” Bonner said.

Bonner and volunteers are working to restore Tara’s original façade, which includes the doors, windows, shutters and porch.

Volunteer Sam Patton said being able to touch a piece of Hollywood history is what made him want to help with the restoration.

“I had no clue that Tara still existed and that it was so close to my home,” said the Fayetteville resident.

“I thought it had been destroyed, but working to identify each piece of the façade and help with this project has been very rewarding.”

Bonner said local residents may want to walk in Scarlett’s footsteps.

“I’ve had hundreds of people come down to this old barn to see these pieces of Tara,” he said. “I believe the history and story will keep people coming.”

Local historian finds GWTW movie set in Hampton barnBY CHRISTINE FONVILLE



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HENRY COUNTY BY THE NUMBERSHENRY COUNTYMedian age: 35.3Race: White 54.5%Black: 39.6%Hispanic: 6.3% Asian: 3.3%Median Household Income: $60,781Square Mileage: 324Latest population estimate: 213,869Average house price: $165,661

STOCKBRIDGEMedian age: 34.7Race: White 28.8%Black: 55.7%Hispanic: 9.5%Asian: 7.6%Median Income: $54,180Square Mileage: 13

Latest population estimate: 27,265Average house price: $136,656

MCDONOUGHMedian age: 31.8Race: White 34.8%Black: 58.2%Hispanic: 6.1%Asian: 1.8%Median Income: $46,362Square Mileage: 13Latest population estimate: 22,834Average house price: $177,709

HAMPTONMedian age: 31.5Race: White 52.7%Black: 39.0%Hispanic: 8.6%

Asian: 0.8%Median Income: $47,121Square Mileage: 5Latest population estimate: 7,104Average house price: $182,083

LOCUST GROVEMedian age: 32.9Race: White 55.7%Black: 37.4%Hispanic: 5.3%Asian: 1.7%Median Income: $55,716Square Mileage: 10Latest population estimate: 5,648Average house price: $168,132

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, RE/MAX Advantage, Georgia MLS



community

ANNUAL EVENTSJANUARYFirst Day Hike, Panola Mountain State Park, StockbridgeMLK Annual Parade and Program, McDonoughMLK Day of Service, Panola MountainMLK Prayer Breakfast, Stockbridge

FEBRUARYAfrican-American Heritage Display, McDonough Ladies’ Night Out, through December, McDonoughStockbridge Community African-American Heritage Celebration, Stockbridge

MARCHEaster egg hunt, Locust GroveFlashlight Easter egg hunt, HamptonPictures with the Easter bunny, Locust GroveSpring yard sale, Locust GroveYellow Pollen Street Festival, Hampton

APRIL5K Foamfest, HamptonA Walk in the Past Festival and Car Show, HamptonAtlanta Motorama, HamptonBelles, Bulls and Buck$, McDonoughCities’ Week in HamptonCities’ Week, McDonoughCities’ Week, StockbridgeHands on Henry Day, various locationsLocust Grove DaySpring Arts Festival, McDonoughStrawberry picking, through May, McDonoughTaste of Henry, McDonoughZebra Dash, Noah’s Ark, Locust Grove

MAYGeranium Festival, McDonoughMemorial Day commemoration, HamptonMemorial Day service, Heritage Park, McDonoughMemorial Walk, StockbridgePeach Stand Road Race, Locust GroveRelay for Life, McDonough

JUNEArcheaology Camp, HamptonCaribbean Cultural Festival, McDonoughFarmers market, through October, Locust GroveFriday farmers market, through August, HamptonGirls’ Night in the Grove, Locust GroveMovies on the Square, McDonoughPeach and berry picking at Gardner Farm, Locust GroveSummer concert series, McDonoughThursday Thunder and Friday Night Drags, Hampton

JULYJuly Festival and Parade, HamptonFourth of July Celebration, McDonoughFirecracker 5K and 10K Road Race, HamptonNoah’s Ark Adventure Safari Camp, Locust GroveCinema on the Square, McDonoughSounds of Summer, StockbridgeMovies on the Square, McDonoughSummer concert series, McDonoughJuly 4th Fireworks, Hampton

AUGUSTGeranium Slam Tennis Tournament, McDonoughModel train exhibit, HamptonMovies on the Square, McDonoughSummer concert series, McDonough

SEPTEMBER15th Street Pizza & Pub Brewfest, StockbridgeBear Creek Festival, HamptonBridgefest, StockbridgeGeorgia State Fair, HamptonGroovin’ in the Grove, Locust GroveHenry County Rodeo, HamptonSouthern Belle Farm, seasonal activities through December, McDonoughVeterans Day parade, Stockbridge

OCTOBERBrewgaloo Beer Festival, McDonoughChili Cook-off, HamptonFall Festival, McDonough

Fall Festival, Noah’s Ark, Locust GroveFall yard sale, Locust GroveFamily Nights, Locust GroveFarm Heritage Day and Antiques Show, McDonoughHalf-Marathon, StockbridgeHaunting the Grove, Locust GroveKiwanis Henry County Fair, McDonoughPumpkin Patch and Fear the Woods, StockbridgeScarecrow Contest, McDonoughScarecrow Village, Locust GroveTrick or Treat on the Square, McDonoughTrunk or Treat, Locust GroveUndead Dash Fun Run, HamptonWipeout Run 5K, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Hampton

NOVEMBERChristmas tours and Tree Farm, through December, StockbridgeGift of Lights, HamptonGirls’ Night in the Grove, Locust GroveMerchants Open House, McDonoughOld-Fashioned Christmas, McDonoughSimply Southern Jubilee, Nash Farm, HamptonSmall Business Saturday, McDonoughTanger Moonlight Madness Sale, Locust GroveTree lighting, HamptonVeterans Day Marker Display, HamptonVeterans Day Service at Heritage Park, McDonough

DECEMBERAtlanta Festival Ballet’s “The Nutcracker,” McDonoughChristmas at Home parade, HamptonChristmas in the Grove, Locust GroveChristmas with the Arts, McDonoughGeranium Drop, McDonoughHoliday Festival, StockbridgeJingle Jog, McDonoughSanta Saturdays on the Square, McDonoughTour of Historic Homes, HamptonTruett’s Grill New Year’s Eve Nugget Drop, McDonough

Note: dates and events subject to change.


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