Bipartisan, Bicameral Bill introduced
to establish Ocmulgee Mounds
as Georgia’s first National Park & Preserve | |
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U.S. Representatives Austin Scott (GA-08) and Sanford Bishop (GA-02), alongside U.S. Senators Jon Ossoff and Reverend Raphael Warnock, introduced bipartisan legislation to establish Georgia’s first National Park.
Reps. Scott and Bishop and Sens. Ossoff and Rev. Warnock introduced the bipartisan, bicameral Ocmulgee Mounds Park and Preserve Establishment Act, which would establish Ocmulgee Mounds and surrounding areas in Middle Georgia as a National Park and Preserve.
The House bill is cosponsored by 11 other members of Georgia’s Congressional Delegation: Reps. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (GA-01), Drew Ferguson (GA-03), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Rich McCormick (GA-06), Lucy McBath (GA-07), Mike Collins (GA-10), Barry Loudermilk (GA-11), Rick Allen (GA-12), David Scott (GA-13), and Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14).
The area is the ancestral home of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been inhabited continuously by humans for over 12,000 years. American Indians first arrived in the area during the Paleo-Indian Period hunting Ice Age mammals. Around 900 CE, the Mississippian Period began, and Muskogean people constructed mounds for meeting, living, burial, agricultural, and other purposes, many of which remain today and would be encompassed in the new U.S. National Park and Preserve.
“The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has worked closely with Senators Ossoff and Warnock and Representatives Scott and Bishop to help develop and review the draft Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve Bill. We are in full support of the draft text and proposed boundary of the Ocmulgee Mounds National Park and Preserve unit. We are thrilled to see this bill introduced and stand ready to support this legislation every step of the way,” said David W. Hill, Principal Chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. “It has been a privilege and honor to collaborate with these Senators, Members, and their staff to establish Georgia's first National Park and Preserve. The Ocmulgee Mounds, Ocmulgee River, and all of middle Georgia hold historical significance to The Muscogee (Creek) Nation. We are ready to help preserve and co-manage the land which holds the rich cultural history, natural resources, and recreational opportunities that a National Park and Preserve will bring to Georgia.”
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450 trees being planted
in Pleasant Hill, East Macon
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“450 trees; that’s a lot!” A’niya Langford, a 4th grade student at Williams Elementary, said in amazement, going slightly off her script to the chuckles of the crowd standing before her.
Ms. Langford was serving as Mistress of Ceremonies for a celebration marking the start of work to plant 79 new trees behind her school. The ceremonial planting was attended by Mayor Lester Miller, Mayor Pro Tem Seth Clark, Dr. Sundra Woodford with the Board of Education and United Way of Central Georgia, Superintendent Dr. Dan Sims, Williams Elementary Principal Dr. Cynthia Jones, and several dozen students.
“This is going to change the look of Williams Elementary School,” Mayor Lester Miller told everyone.
“This is so humbling to see the love you’re showing here in Pleasant Hill,” said Dr. Jones. “Trees and plants provide a natural sanctuary for children to explore, learn, and develop. They teach children important lessons about the environment and sustainability.”
This is the third planting Macon-Bibb has undertaken with partners to begin planting 450 new trees at seven sites in the Historic Pleasant Hill Neighborhood and in East Macon. The first two sites were Jefferson Long Park and Mattie Hubbard Park, which together received 42 trees.
“Driving here, I took the long way through the neighborhood so I could see the progress,” Mayor Pro Tem Clark said, marveling at the 42 new trees in the other two parks and all the ones laid out at the school. “This is a new day for Pleasant Hill. Every person deserves that fresh air and that fresh shade that trees offer, and that’s what’s coming here.”
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On Thursday, May 9, Macon-Area Habitat for Humanity and Macon-Bibb County welcomed home families to four brand-new homes, each built on formerly blighted property in Lynmore Estates.
“It’s a great day in Macon-Bibb, especially when we can welcome not one, not two, not three, but four families home,” Mayor Lester Miller told them. [Our Blight Fight] “is about more than just tearing down…it’s about putting back together, about building back together. It’s about strengthening neighborhoods one neighborhood at a time, one family at a time, one home at a time.”
“We’re very appreciative and grateful for this opportunity,” said Natasha Calhoun after receiving her keys.
Minnie Simmons followed shortly after, saying, “I am so grateful for the love in our house, so thank you all so much.”
“These homes are all built with so much love, hard work, and a lot of joy and laughter on the jobsite,” said Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Ivey Hall. “So, you all helped turn these four blighted lots into homes for our families that we celebrate today. And thanks to y’all, we’re not stopping with these four homes or this neighborhood.”
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Macon named a Great American Main Street
Community invited to celebrate at concert
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NewTown Macon and Macon-Bibb County hosted a press conference on Friday, May 10 on Coleman Hill overlooking beautiful Downtown to celebrate NewTown Macon's recent designation as a Great American Main Street!
Coleman Hill is also the site of Bragg Jam's Second Sunday concert on Sunday, May 12, at 6:00 p.m., and both are inviting the community to come out and celebrate the national recogntion. Playing that night will be BlakPearl, and it promises to be a great night with friends and family. The show is, as always, free!
During the press conference on Friday, Mayor Lester Miller, Georgia Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn, Dr. Kirby Godsey, Alex Habersham, Anissa Jones, and Josh Rogers spoke about the work to revitalize Downtown and thank all of the partners, government agencies, business owners, and residents that have pulled together in recent years to make it all happen.
“Macon’s success can be attributed to our shared vision for the community,” said Josh Rogers, President & CEO of NewTown Macon. “Through the Macon Action Plan, our community has collectively identified the future we want and we’re building that future together. That’s what sets our revitalization efforts apart from others across the nation and it’s how we’ll continue to ensure Maconites are leading downtown’s revitalization.”
The Great American Main Street Award, given by Main Street America, is the only award in the nation that recognizes communities whose successes serve as a model for comprehensive, preservation-based revitalization efforts in their historic downtowns and commercial corridor districts.
"We are a community that has invested in itself time and time again, prioritizing locals to lead the revitalization of Macon, and always finding new ways to work together to find solutions to the challenges we face," said Mayor Lester Miller. "That’s how we’ve been able to leverage more than $950 million of public-private investment downtown the last 2 decades: by working as a team."
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Commission presents Mayor with brick
commemorating 700th #BlightFight demolition
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At the Commission Meeting on May 7, the Commissioners joined together at the podium to present Mayor Lester Miller with a special gift: a brick from the 700th blighted and dangerous structure removed from a neighborhood as part of the ongoing Blight Fight.
“We know that this is just a single milestone, and your Commission is behind you. Here’s to 700 more; congratulations,” Mayor Pro Tem Clark said.
“I think we can all agree that we’re doing great work in that area. We say time and time again that this is more than tearing down; it’s about building up,” replied Mayor Lester Miller, pointing out the millions the Commission has put toward beginning the in-fill process.
The 700th demolition happened at 1160 Holt Avenue, an abandoned house with a large hole in the roof, the foundation appearing to crumble, walls falling in, and obvious signs of fires inside.
Read more about the 700th demolition
and the #BlightFight here.
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Wellness Weekend grows to 4 days | |
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The Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) team is hosting its monthly Wellness Weekend this weekend, and it began Thursday night with its newest event, Tea in Tees. The now four-day series of events is a chance for people to focus on improving their mental health through a variety of activities. All events during the weekend are free and open to everyone in the family.
“With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, this is the perfect chance to expand on our successful weekend and provide people with more chances to focus on their mental health!” says Andrea Cooke with MMHM. “These weekends help us reduce stigma and put greater emphasis on the deliberate efforts to make Macon the most mentally healthy city in Georgia.”
The second-ever Tea in Tees was held Thursday evening at Chic Culture, Inc. (446 Cotton Ave, Suite 1) as way, according to organizers Jamice Bentley-Terry and Ashley Monique from Chic Culture and Ashley Monique Designs, for women, “to feel lighter, free, safe, and loved by community.”
“Women are the most frequent attendees at our wellness weekend events, and we are hoping this encourages more to take full advantage of this resource,” says Andrea Cooke with Macon Mental Health Matters. “By expanding the weekend of events, we have more chances for collaboration, that the work to reduce the stigma associated with accessing services is truly working.”
“The more resources, the better. There are so many facets in our community, and if we can offer more and do more, then let’s get to it,” add Bentley-Terry and Monique. “It’s something that we as women have been longing for: a space to feel safe and comfortable.”
See the graphic for weekend’s schedule, and you can find more information on the MMHM website and by following MMHM on Facebook.
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Picnic in the Park
Food Truck Festival
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Mark your calendars for a delicious event! Our Recreation Department is having another Picnic in the Park Food Truck Festival with more than a dozen vendors on Saturday, May 11. It’s happening from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., rain or shine, in Carolyn Crayton Park (150 Willie Smokie Glover Drive). This will be the second festival of 2024, and the 8th overall since Recreation began hosting them. The event is free and open to the public, but the food must be purchased.
“Our goal in Recreation is to Build Healthy Communities Through People, Parks and Programs,” says Senior Administrative Assistance Kalyn Collins. “Our Picnic in the Park Food Truck Festivals are a great way to support local vendors, foster community engagement, and facilitate cultural exchange.”
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YouthUp, Inc. presents 2nd annual
Celebrity Chef Cook-Off
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YouthUp, Inc. – a recipient of Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) funding in 2023 – is hosting its second annual Celebrity Chef Cook-Off, a fundraiser benefiting youth members of its Youth Leadership Council (YLC). This year’s Cook-Off will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Lizzie Chapel Baptist Church (1180 Bartlett Street).
YLC teens help plan and work this event, an exciting competition in which community leaders prepare and bring their best dish to compete for awards and prizes. This year’s competition features Macon pastors, as well as a “Mystery Chef” (a community leader well-known for their service), and has dishes like A Taste of the Bahamas, Baked Ziti, Pork Chops over Rice, and Wings with Secret Sauce.
“You don’t want to miss this exciting…and delicious…event to help us work with the youth of our community,” says Executive Director Amanda Smith. “We’re so grateful for our chefs for stepping forward to show off their culinary skills!”
It’s only $20 (payable in advance or at the door) to sample all eight dishes and vote for your favorite. The votes are then tallied, and winners are announced and presented with awards. YouthUp also provides bread baskets on every table, an array of desserts, and tea, lemonade, or water for all attendees – no one goes away hungry!
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Rec Dept hosts Family Movie Night | |
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Our Recreation Department is holding its monthly Family Movie Night on Friday, May 17, 2024, in Carolyn Crayton Park (150 Willie Smokie Glover Drive), in front of the Round Building on the great lawn. Seating and concessions will open at 7:30 p.m., and the show will begin at 8:30 p.m. This month, families can come out and enjoy Aquaman & The Lost Kingdom together.
“Our Movie Night is a great way for families to come together and enjoy a movie while creating lasting memories,” says Recreation Programmer Natalie Allen. “This event provides a safe space for families to socialize and connect, and for kids to have fun without having to worry about the cost of entertainment.”
Families can bring their own blankets, chairs, tents, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages., and there will be complimentary popcorn. People are not allowed to drive their vehicles onto the lawn.
The next Movie Nights will be on June 14, July 12, and August 16.
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Rev Up your Macon pride:
Score a free ‘Macon, Georgia’ license plate, stock up
on Macon Bacon merch for the season, & more
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Visit Macon – in partnership with Macon’s beloved collegiate summer baseball team and in celebration of the Macon Bacon 2024 Baseball Season– will host a Free License Plate Day on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. at Luther Williams Field! Anyone that wants a free Macon, Georgia logo license plate can pull in on this day and grab one or have it installed onto your car for free as well.
While at the ball field, enjoy a complimentary shaved ice (while supplies last) and be sure to visit “The Pork Shop” – official merchandise store of the Macon Bacons – to get the latest fan gear ahead of the summer season. Macon Bacon players will have open practices for anyone wanting to watch on as they get warmed-up for a great season.
“Not only will anyone who pulls through the parking lot receive a Macon, Georgia branded license plate, but there will also be free snow cones and a chance to see some of the team… maybe even Kevin!” invites President & CEO of Visit Macon, Gary Wheat. “In celebration of National Travel & Tourism Week at this time, as Macon-Bibb County’s destination marketing organization, we are thrilled to offer anyone who wants one a free front license plate, and will even install it for you without you needing to leave your car!”
Source: Visit Macon
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Traffic Engineering seeking input
for pedestrian safety grants
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Macon-Bibb County Traffic Engineering is seeking public input to help guide its decision-making process when applying for grants to improve pedestrian safety. Currently, a survey is available online through May 17, 2024.
This grant is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy and Macon-Bibb’s Vision Zero strategy. Traffic Engineering will be applying for up to $6 million in funding to help make Clinton Road safer for all people, as well as connecting the nearby neighborhoods to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. The grant will also help with funding for sidewalks along Gray Highway from Shurling Drive to Old Clinton Road and Woodlawn Drive.
“Based on the number of crashes, injuries, and fatalities, we have a strong case to make safer alternative routes for people to get around the area, and people’s input can highlight their experience with safety and traffic in the area,” says Weston Stroud, Traffic Safety Manager. “We want to connect the stores in the area to the apartments and homes to Northeast High and Appling Middle Schools with sidewalks, multiuse trails, and safer paths.”
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Early voting for Macon-Bibb County began Monday, April 29, and will take place through Friday, May 17, with polls open at three locations.
Board of Elections Office
Macon Mall, 3661 Eisenhower Parkway
(Below Burlington Coat Factory)
Elaine H. Lucas Senior Center
132 Willie Smoker Glover Drive
(Inside Carolyn Crayton Park)
Theron Ussery Community Center
815 North Macon Park Drive
All locations are open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, May 4 & 11, from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The Board of Elections Office is also open for early voting on Sunday, May 12, from 1:00-5:00. All people need to bring with them is their photo ID, and they are not allowed to wear any campaign-related clothing, accessories, or paraphernalia.
The Primary and General Election will take place
at polling locations around the county on May 21, 2024.
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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.
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The Office of Communications include Media Relations, event planning, photography and video services, criss communication, and more. 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.
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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.
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