Springing into new adventures 🌸🌱

March 8, 2024 * Issue 368

It’s Women’s History Month! Throughout the country, women are being celebrated for their contributions to society. On Tuesday, March 5, the Commission approved a resolution to recognize March 2024 as Women’s History Month in Macon-Bibb County.

The month is aimed at recognizing and spreading awareness of the importance of women in the history of the United States. American women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of the United States, Georgia, and Macon-Bibb County in countless recorded and unrecorded ways.

The resolution, which was sponsored by all Commissioners, highlights some women in our community who have made significant contributions locally and throughout the United States. The list includes the Honorable Verda Colvin, Justice of the Georgia Supreme Court, Poet Laureate of the State of Georgia Laura Rathburn, Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce President Jessica Walden, and many more. You can read the full resolution here.

We also want to highlight some of the incredible women who work on #TeamMaconBibb! Thank you for all that you do to keep our community going!

Macon-Bibb named national leader in violence prevention efforts

In a report released on Friday, March 1, Macon-Bibb County was named as one of the top 10 cities in the country for community violence prevention readiness, thanks to its Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program. The 2023 Violence Prevention Index (VPI) was released by Community Justice, a national organization advocating for community-led solutions to end gun violence.

“Our community came together 3 years ago to take a stand against violent crime…to protect our home,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “The work of more than 60 agencies and organizations is truly making a difference in our neighborhoods.”

In the VPI, Macon-Bibb County was tied for sixth out of 100 U.S. cities in the country ready to respond to gun violence. It was ranked on several categories, including outreach and hospital-based violence intervention programs; victims and survivor services; emergency and transitional housing; food assistance programs; workforce development programs; community-based mental health crisis response programs; and more. The full report can be found by clicking here.

MVP began in 2021 to address the issue of a rising homicide rate, similar to what other cities were seeing at the time.. Though leaders said from the beginning it would take several years to see full results, there was significant improvement in the first year. From 2022 to 2023, there was a nearly 43% reduction in homicides, from 70 to 40. The reduction in homicides for children (those 18 years old and younger) went from 15 in 2022 to 5 in 2023 – which is a 66.7% reduction in just one year.

Click here to read full story.

Fire Department unveils new fire engine during Push In Ceremony

There’s a new addition to our Fire Department and it’s now in service at Station #11 off of Riverside Drive. The Fire Department held a traditional Push In Ceremony on Wednesday to unveil its new, state-of-the-art fire apparatus. You can watch the full ceremony here.

“I want to thank our community for this,” said Fire Chief Shane Edwards. “Because of your support of the SPLOST, the tax dollars spent here in Macon-Bibb County, we’re able to make these purchases so that your Fire Department can remain a Class One, top-notch Fire Department in the state of Georgia.”

The 2024 Sutphen engine, purchased with Special Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) FUNDS, will replace the 1995 version which will now be a reserve apparatus. The 2024 version has advanced features, with an American flag grill, similar to the engine purchased in 2022.

This is the second Push In Ceremony the Fire Department holds for a new fire truck. The ceremonial Push In dates to the 1800s when crews returned from a call on horse-drawn equipment, that the horses were unable to push back into the fire station.

Before firefighters at Station 11 pushed in the truck, they transferred the water from the nearly 30-year-old truck, to the brand new one.

Marching into a better mindset with Wellness Weekend

Join our Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) team starting Friday, March 8, at 6:00 p.m. for the next the Wellness Weekend, which is a 3-day long opportunity for people to focus on their mental health. 

Yoga in the Plaza is happening Friday, March 8, at Cotton Avenue Plaza (intersection of Cotton Avenue and Second Street) beginning at 6:00 p.m. You can bring your own yoga mat, but if you don’t have one, some will be available. In case of rain, yoga will be moved to the McEachern Art Center (332 Second Street).

The next day, Saturday, March 9, is the Pop-Up Gym, at the L.H. Williams Community Center (325 Pursley Street), rain or shine, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. Like all events that weekend, it is free and open to everyone in the family. People will be able to consult with a licensed therapist, practice yoga and meditate, be part of a drum circle, get free produce from the Melanated Community Stimulation Project, and more. 

The final day – Sunday, March 10 – is the Healing Hike at 10:00 a.m. starting at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park (1207 Emery Hwy). The hike will allow people to walk at their own pace to clear their mind and talk with a mental health professional, if needed. 

You can find more information on the MMHM website, www.maconmentalhealthmatters.com and by following MMHM on Facebook. 

Election Day is Tuesday

Election Day is Tuesday, March 12, 2024 for the Presidential Preference Primary. You can vote from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. at your designated polling location. If you don’t know your nearest location, click here. You’ll need your ID when going to vote.

The next election is the General Primary & Nonpartisan Election which is on May 21, 2024. Early voting for that begins April 29 through May 17. You can find out more information by clicking here.

Real Talk for Stronger Families offers space for families to find solutions

YouthUp, Inc., a Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) partner, is hosting opportunities for families to sit down and talk through its new initiative Real Talk for Stronger Families.

“We want to offer parents and teens a place to gather and have meaningful conversations on navigating the ups and downs of today’s world,” said YouthUp Founder and Executive Director Amanda Smith. “YouthUp believes that it still takes a village and if we work together, our youth can reap the benefits.”

YouthUp, Inc. is a MVP grant recipient and has partnered up with the Recreation Department to host these monthly gatherings from March to October. The first meeting will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 at Rosa Jackson Recreation Center (1211 Maynard Street) at 6:00 p.m. Seats are very limited, so you must register by calling (478) 733-8602 or emailing youthupmacon@yahoo.com.

This month’s topic is Helping Our Kids Rise Above Peer Pressure. A light meal will be served at each gathering and attendees can offer tips and suggestions on what works for them and what doesn’t.

Click here to learn more about MVP.

Let’s Rock, Macon-Bibb!

Atrium Health Navicent Amphitheater announces new shows

We are just days away from the first show at our new Atrium Health Navicent Amphitheater with ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd on March 24.

In the last week, four new shows have been announced. Those include:

Lauren Daigle's “The Kaleidescope Nights” on July 31
Justin Moore & Randy Houser’s “The Country Round Here Tonight Tour” on September 7
Dwight Yokam with The Mavericks on June 13
Fully Loaded Festival with Bert Kreischer, Mark Normand, Dave Attell & more on June 12

Tickets for all shows are now on sale as well for other shows that have already been announced such as Riley Green, Anthony Hamilton, Turnpike Troubadours, Jason Aldean, and more. You can buy tickets here.

Cherry Blossom Festival turns Macon-Bibb PINK

The Cherry Blossom Festival is BACK next Friday, March 15 and runs through March 24. On top of the food, rides, and excitement at Carolyn Crayton Park, you can experience amazing shows and nightly concerts.

We're ready to rock the Coca-Cola Entertainment stage with our Nightly Concert Series which features local, regional, and national artists performing each night of the 10-day festival. Gate entry is $10 every day and the Nightly Concert Series is included in your admission. Children 10 and under are free. A clear bag policy is in effect and guests are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs.

This year's lineup includes Demun Jones, Parmalee, Cash's Juke Joint, DJ BlakJak, The Return, The Velcro Pygmies, AJ the DJ, Blanco Brown ft. The Ying Yang Twins, Bryce Leatherwood and ERNEST. For a full lineup and more about the 2024 Festival, visit www.Cherryblossom.com

Gardens at Brookdale offers potato growing class

Want to learn how to grow your own potatoes this season? Now is your chance to learn how! The Gardens at Brookdale and University of Georgia Macon-Bibb County Cooperative Extension are hosting the 5th Brookdale Gardening Series on Saturday, March 16 from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. and Sunday, March 17, from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

“Potato. Potahto. Regardless of pronunciation, this course focuses on the simplicity of planting, caring for, and harvesting your tubers,” said Gardens Manager Susan Fisher. “Seating is limited so bring a chair and some gloves!”

Potatoes are an easy vegetable to grow for feeding the family. They are a cool season, most often planted in early spring in Georgia. You’ll learn all the ins and outs to growing the crop and you’ll even be able to take home your own potato plant (while supplies last).

The classes are free and open to everyone in the family. You must register prior to the class and you can do so by clicking here.

Since the start of the Gardens at Brookdale last spring, we have harvested more than 4,000 pounds of fruits, vegetables, and herbs that go straight to the Brookdale residents’ tables for each meal.

Business Owner Named U.S. Small Business Administration's Small Business Award Winner!

From the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce: U.S. Small Business Administration named Central Georgia’s Unified Defense and Prince Service & Mfg owner Eric R. Williams as the Small Business Person of the Year award winner for Georgia. Unified Defense and Prince Service & Manufacturing are combined metals manufacturing companies based in Macon and Byron, Georgia.

U.S. SBA Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman announced the National Small Business Week (NSBW) 2024 Award Winners, composed of business owners, lending partners, and advocates who embody the grit and determination that power our nation’s economy and ensure

disaster-impacted communities can recover.

“Our 2024 National Small Business Week award winners exemplify excellence, innovation, and commitment, and the SBA is proud to showcase their incredible achievements and impact on their communities and our economy,” said Administrator Guzman.

The NSBW Award Ceremonies will take place April 28 - 29, 2024, at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Washington, D.C., where Administrator Guzman will recognize the national award winners and individual state winners, and also announce the top honor of National

Small Business Person of the Year from among the individual state winners.

Local business owner, Eric R. Williams, serves as president of the combined companies. He is a board member of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce, with Prince Manufacturing and Unified Defense invested as the Chamber’s top-tier Regional Influencers. Last

year, Prince Manufacturing was awarded the Greater Macon Chamber’s Workforce Development Champion of 2023.

The full national news release about the award and its U.S. recipients can be found here.

Shamrock 'n' Ride scavenger hunt returns

From Bike Walk Macon - Are you ready for Macon’s quirkiest bicycling and walking event? Grab your gaudiest green gear and get ready to get silly on Saturday, March 9, 2024, with Bike Walk Macon. It is our pleasure to invite you to join us for the 2024 Shamrock ‘n’ Ride: Scavenger Hunt - a super fun, challenging, and family-friendly event.

This signature fundraiser supports Bike Walk Macon's mission to make bicycling and walking a safe and convenient option for transportation and recreation for everyone in Macon-Bibb County. Your participation in the event or generous donation directly contributes to enhancing the safety, connectivity, and overall enjoyment of our streets.

Click here to learn more!

About the Hub

The Hub is Macon-Bibb County's source of information for employees, residents, businesses, and partners. With this regular e-blast, the Office of Communications provides a consistent flow of information about the efforts and successes of the consolidated government and partners to strengthen Macon-Bibb as the Hub City of Middle Georgia.

Office of Communications

The Office of Communications include Media Relations, MaconBibbTV, and Customer Service. Its goal is to provide people information about the consolidated government and partner organizations,

and to give them the chance to provide feedback, ask questions,

and request services.

The Office has earned multiple

recognitions for its efforts.

Macon-Bibb County

Macon-Bibb County is the fourth largest city in Georgia. Created on January 1, 2014 after being approved by the voters, it is Georgia's newest consolidated government and serves about 155,000 residents and thousands more visitors.

Its governing body consists of 10 Commissioners, with the Mayor serving as its Chair and the Chief Executive Office of the administration.