July 19, 2024 * Issue 387 | |
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The Middle Georgia Regional Library (MGRL) has a new home in West Macon-Bibb County! The Library Annex at the Macon Mall is officially open and providing several resources for our community.
“The new Library Annex location will not only offer us the opportunity to serve those patrons again, but we also hope that the close proximity to the pickleball courts, mall shoppers, Planning & Zoning, Board of Elections, etc. will help us reach an even greater cross-section of the Community,” said MGRL Board Chair Chris Howard.
The Annex offers hundreds of books, meeting and study spaces, computers, printing, 3D printing, and programs for people of all ages. This move also helps streamline operations at the Washington Memorial Library by relocating some administrative offices into a larger, more efficient facility. The Annex will serve as the new home for MGRL’s Affiliate Services, Book Delivery, Mailroom, and Cataloging Departments.
“We can now serve all 7 counties in a quick and efficient manner,” said MGRL Director Jennifer Lautzenheiser. “We’re already happier to come to work every day.”
“We’re doing bigger and better things in Macon and that’s because of the community and wonderful partners,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We can’t wait for everyone to take advantage of this great resource right here!”
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On Tuesday, July 16, crews from Reeves Construction started repaving nearly 2.5 miles of Columbus Road as part of Macon-Bibb’s #PavingTheWay program, an effort to repave, restripe, and fix the worst roads in the county.
“For too many years, a lack of funding meant our roads deteriorated faster than we could fix them,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We are putting millions more into this work to begin catching up by focusing on our worst roads.”
Macon-Bibb hired RoadBotics to study every mile of county-owned roads and rated them from 1 (best) to 5 (worst) based on potholes, cracks, structural integrity, and other signs of damage and deterioration. The roads being focused on during this first round of Paving the Way are the ones rated 4 and 5.
This initiative is funded with nearly $15 million from the general fund, Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST), and state Local Maintenance & Improvement Grants (LMIG). The amount allocated is nearly five times more than used in previous years.
“Crews have made significant progress on the worst roads in our county, and we continue to push forward to make sure the work is completed,” says County Manager Dr. Keith Moffett. “Based on the success of this study and focused work, we are preparing to go ahead and conduct another road study so the next list of roads can be put together.”
On Tuesday, the County Commission approved $243,000 in LMIG funding to purchase road quality scanning and analysis software to study more roads and determine which need repaving and other repairs. There are about 1,100 centerline miles of county-maintained roads in Macon-Bibb County. With so many paved roads to repair and maintain, it is crucial to public safety that those roads are evaluated and catalogued to determine which areas are in most need to repair.
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Our Public Works crew began tearing down the blighted and empty former motel near the corner of Ingleside and Riverside drive on Wednesday, July 17. This clearance will make room for River Edge Behavioral Health’s new Peer Support and Community Adult Center.
“We are excited to be able to play a role in the revitalization of an area that was no longer serving the community a purpose,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “We’re grateful for the important work River Edge does in our community, and we look forward to seeing this new Center being built.”
The Center will be aimed to support people facing a mental health challenge or psychiatric disorder. It will allow individuals to gain insight from one another. Peer Group support and a Peer Support Specialist will help individuals transition out of negative circumstances and into positive ones.
River Edge welcomes all adults experiencing Behavioral Health (BH) issues, who struggle with significant challenges, past or present, to the center. This may include traumatic events, mental health concerns, and/or substance use. The center will also serve Individuals with Developmental Disabilities (IDD).
“The center will enable individuals to gain a deeper level of independence through teaching and reinforcing daily living skills, encouraging community integration, and offering volunteer and vocational programs,” says Cass Hatcher, Chief Executive Officer for River Edge Behavioral Health. “We aim to achieve this by assisting individuals through offering ongoing education and teaching the skills necessary to attain self-determination.
The 35,000-square-foot center will include large group rooms, a common area, arts & crafts rooms, calming rooms, a teaching kitchen, and an inclusive gymnasium.
The Center will serve as a safe place for those seeking help through weekly support groups by providing a welcoming environment for anyone age 18 and over seeking a sense of belonging.
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YouthUp, Inc. will hold its “Real Talk for Stronger Families” parent/teen gathering on Monday, July 22, 2024, at Theron Ussery Community Center (816 North Macon Park Drive) at 6:00 p.m. Partnering with Macon Violence Prevention and the Recreation Department, YouthUp is holding the monthly sessions to foster more open communication for youth and their parents and grandparents to find solutions to issues teens may be facing.
“We want everyone to have a seat at the table and to have a voice in improving our lives and our futures,” says YouthUp Executive Director Amanda Smith.
“It’s because of the direct outreach to families throughout our community by amazing nonprofit organizations that we had a 43% decline in our homicide rate,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “I want to thank YouthUp and all our MVP partners for working daily to create stronger families and better futures for our children.”
The sessions are open to the public, but space is limited, and registration is required. To secure your seat at the table, email youthupmacon@yahoo.com or call 478-733-8602.
During the session, there will be food provided before the facilitators walk the guests through icebreaker activities, discussing the topic for the evening, asking about challenges the families face, and working together to find solutions. “This month’s session is about the dangers of CBD gummies containing THC,” said Smith. “This was a topic requested by teens during the June meeting.”
During the gatherings, teens will often join YouthUp’s Youth Leadership Council, where they will plan and implement fundraisers, youth rallies, and community cleanups. The Council is an elite group of teens who want to make a positive impact in Macon-Bibb through community engagement focused on nonviolent resolution to conflict. They also attend other community events to encourage each other.
"We are deeply grateful for our partnerships with MVP, Community Foundation of Central Georgia, the Peyton Anderson Foundation, and the Parks and Recreation Department," said Smith. "It STILL takes a village."
YouthUp is part of the Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program, having received a $20,000 grant from Macon-Bibb County through the Community Foundation of Central Georgia. The organization has completed its first year in the program and has applied for funding for a second year of classes and other programming such as Real Talk for Stronger Families.
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Community Wellness Event
to focus on women's health | |
The Girls Dig Deeper Initiative (GDDI) – in partnership with Piedmont Macon and Macon-Bibb County Recreation – will hold a Community Wellness Event at the Rosa Jackson Community Center (1211 Maynard Street) on Saturday, July 20, from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. The event is open to the public, but GDDI is asking people to register to help with planning. To register, click here.
“We’re holding this event primarily for women to help them access valuable health resources and improve the overall well-being of our community,” says Najiva Timothee with GDDI.
Key topics and services will include: stroke awareness and prevention, maternity services, nutrition, blood pressure checks, BMI and Hip-to-Waist ratio checks, breast cancer information and self-screening tutorial, heart health, and eating healthy on a budget.
GDDI received $15,500 in grant funding in 2023 from the Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program. In the first round of funding, they received $5,500 and in the second round this year, they received $10,000 to offer leadership development programs designed to help young girls overcome barriers such as childhood poverty, chronic absenteeism, poor academic achievement, disability, adverse childhood experiences and community violence.
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Men's Mental Health Meet-up Tuesday | |
The monthly Men’s Mental Health Meet-up, hosted by Macon Mental Health Matters (MMGM) and the Macon Violence Prevention (MVP) program, will conclude its first series of meetings on Tuesday, July 23, at 7:00 p.m. at Churchills on Cherry (557 Cherry Street). Another series of meet-ups will be announced at a later date once organizers take time to evaluate the program and begin to expand its reach.
“We are creating a safe space for men to talk about their challenges and mental health, and the response has overwhelmingly been thankful, supportive, and caring,” says MVP Coordinator Jeremy Grissom. “Men often do not focus on their own feelings or mental health due to societal expectations on what it means to be a man, but we want them to know that it’s okay to not be okay.”
“We want them to know people care.”
Grissom hosts the meet-up, giving men a chance to take a break, reflect on their lives, seek advice, and realize that they are not alone in what they face. No matter the story told, no matter the feelings conveyed, no matter the struggles discussed nor the challenges, each was met with affirmative nods and knowing looks…and words of encouragement and support.
Grissom let them know that that was exactly what the gatherings were for, to provide a purposeful place where men could get together without any boundaries and with guards let down, all to support each other.
You can find more information on the MMHM website and by following MMHM on Facebook.
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On Saturday, July 13, the National Association of County Information Officers (NACIO) announced during its annual Awards of Excellence program that Macon-Bibb County’s Office of Communications was the recipient of three awards.
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The Hub received a Meritorious Award in the E-newsletter category.
- The Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Middle Georgia Regional Airport Runway Extension received an Excellence Award in the General Informational Campaign category.
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“We are More Similar Than Not” received a Best of Category Award in the Featured Article / Editorial category.
“Good communication has been at the core of my administration, going back even before I took office, and our team never stops trying to find new, innovative, and creative ways to tell the story of our government and community,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “It takes this level of dedication and out of the box thinking to make an impression on people and help make sure they understand what we’re doing to make sure every day is a great day in Macon-Bibb.”
Each year, NACIO hosts the program to honor “the innovative, creative, and outstanding work of county government communicators and state county associations communications departments.” This year’s winners were announced at the National Association of Counties’ annual conference in Florida.
“It’s an honor to be recognized on a national level for this effort,” says Public Relations Specialist Edna Adams.
“It’s truly rewarding to get honored for our unique and creative ideas to promote the work of Macon-Bibb County,” says Public Relations Specialist Olivia Walter. “I’m so proud of these awards, but I’m even prouder to be on Team Macon-Bibb.”
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The Mercer Tennis Classic is gearing up for another U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) Pro Circuit tournament and this year, organizers are expecting more of the world’s best with an upgrade in the cash prize. The USTA announced sponsoring $100,000 in prize money.
“This doesn’t happen to a lot of tournaments,” said Eric Hayes, Mercer Tennis Classic Director. “We’re going to get top 50 players in the world.”
This is the tournament’s 11th year in Macon-Bibb County. Since then, we have hosted some of the best players in the world, some of which played in Wimbledon earlier this month, and some like Danielle Collins (2016), Jessica Pegula (2018), and Emma Navarro (2020-22), who are completing in the 2024 Olympics.
“We’re so excited to be able to host this event once again at our SPLOST-funded John Drew Smith Tennis Center,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “This a great opportunity to show these players what Macon-Bibb County is all about. Thank you to the Recreation Department, Macon Area Tennis Association, and all of our partners who make this tournament happen.”
The Mercer Tennis Classic has featured players with major titles, including 2014 Macon singles champ, Kateryna Bondarenko, of Ukraine, and her sister, Alona, who she teamed with to win the 2008 Australian Open Doubles title, and 2010 French Open singles champion Francesca Schiavone, of Italy, who was the tournament’s top seed in 2018.
“The Mercer Tennis Classic is important in our city, it elevates Macon as a brand,” said Tennis & Pickleball Tournament Director Bobby Walker. “It allows adults and young people to see world-class tennis within 15 minutes of their home and there aren’t many chances in sports to be able to do that.”
The tournament starts the week of October 14 at the John Drew Smith Tennis Center (). For ticket sales and more information visit www.ustamaconclassic.com.
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Our Recreation Department is holding its monthly Family Movie Night on Friday, July 19, 2024, in Carolyn Crayton Park (150 Willie Smokie Glover Drive), in front of the Round Building on the great lawn. This movie night was originally scheduled for July 12, but was rescheduled.
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 The Little Mermaid.
“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 Night will be August 16.
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Bragg Jam returns for it’s 25th year
of bringing music to Macon | |
On July 27, 2024, music will be flowing through the streets of Downtown Macon as we celebrate the 25th year of Bragg Jam.
The Bragg Jam Concert Crawl has been noted as one of the most fun nights in music in Macon since 1999 and this year it features headlining act Digable Planets. There will be over 100 musicians performing on six stages throughout downtown Macon.
General admission tickets are $40 to get you access to all six stages. Upgrading to a VIP ticket for $125 will give you full access to the Bud Light VIP Lounge at the Blacksmith Shop (665 Poplar Street) with air conditioning, private bathrooms, a DJ, an open bar, and a ton of fun activities. You can also purchase this year’s t-shirt as an add-on to your ticket.
Join us at Society Garden beginning at 12pm for Bragg Fam where kids can enjoy crafts, music, and dance to a DJ. Bragg Fam starts before the Concert Crawl, so the kids will be good and tired when it’s time for the parents to enjoy the Concert Crawl! Tickets are $10 per adult with up to 4 kids.
Tickets are on sale at BraggJam.org, and are also available day-of at Central Ticketing located at The Blacksmith Shop.
“Bragg Jam has been the source for so many long-lasting memories for people through-out the years and it’s an experience that you don’t want to miss,” said Olivia Walter, Bragg Jam President. “This year we have an amazing lineup that features a wide range of music from hip-hop to country to soul to rock & roll. We are thrilled to offer something for everyone!”
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Macon-Bibb County Planning & Zoning (MBPZ) needs your input as the department works to update the Design Guidelines for central business districts and historic districts. You can take the survey by clicking here.
The survey is for all residents, property owners, and stakeholders in the central business districts and historic districts interested in changes to building exterior, new constructions, and demolitions in historic districts. The historic districts included in this initiative are Intown, Central Business District, Vineville, and Cherokee Heights. Each district represents an integral part of Macon's rich cultural and architectural heritage
“We are seeking community input to ensure that everyone involved in the planning and review process is using modern, consistent and well-defined criteria,” says MBPZ Executive Director Jeff Ruggieri. “Based on citizen input and experts’ point of views new design guidelines will be devised to better safeguard the character of our historic districts.”
MBPZ hired qualified consulting firm, Ethos Preservation, to facilitate the creation of the new guidelines. To ensure anonymity, the authorship of all responses in the survey will be kept confidential and will only be visible internally within the Ethos Preservation team.
The deadline for the survey is August 19, 2024. For more information, please visit the project’s website at www.preservemacondistricts.com.
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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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