| ISSUE# 040 | THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2026 | HENRY COUNTY GA |
Good morning, Henry County ☀️☕
If you’ve got your coffee in hand, you’re in the right place!
The Eagle Eye is up early, keeping watch on what’s happening so you don’t have to.
Today’s mix really captures the range of what’s happening right now, from a first-year teacher in Hampton already making a real impact in the classroom, to a major court case unfolding next door in Conyers that could have ripple effects here, to a new celebrity chef restaurant in McDonough bringing something fresh to the local food scene.
We’ve also got a free Jazz Under the Stars event this weekend that you might want to plan for now.
And if you missed them the first time, the McDonough mom who built a powerful community for local families, and the Locust Grove baker who made her mark on the Food Network are here too!
Let’s get into it!
A First-Year Teacher Is Already Making a Big Impact in Hampton
HAMPTON — A first-year teacher in Hampton is already making a difference in the classroom, helping middle school students improve their reading skills in a meaningful way. Instead of sticking to traditional methods, she’s using creative, hands-on approaches to get students more engaged and confident when it comes to reading.
The results are showing up quickly, with students making noticeable progress and gaining a stronger connection to learning. For a community like Henry County, stories like this are a reminder that sometimes the biggest impact starts right inside the classroom. Read more in Fulton Neighbor
Supreme Court Takes Up BioLab Case in Neighboring Conyers
CONYERS — A case tied to the 2024 BioLab fire in neighboring Conyers is now headed to the Georgia Supreme Court, and the outcome could impact communities across the region. At the center is whether residents exposed to toxic smoke can require the company to cover long-term medical monitoring, even if they aren’t showing symptoms yet. The fire sent a chemical plume across Rockdale County, raising ongoing concerns for nearby areas, including some communities in Henry County. A decision here could shape how Georgia handles environmental exposure cases moving forward. Read more at Georgia Public Broadcasting
Celebrity Chef Brings Upscale BBQ Spot to McDonough
MCDONOUGH — A new restaurant from Atlanta chef Todd Richards is putting a fresh spin on barbecue right here in Henry County. His new spot, Que-Riosity, blends classic Southern barbecue with an upscale, grill room feel, offering everything from smoked ribs and chicken to oysters and craft cocktails. Richards, a James Beard recognized chef, opened the restaurant after moving to McDonough, saying he wanted to give locals a high-quality dining option closer to home instead of always heading into Atlanta. It’s a sign that McDonough’s food scene is continuing to grow beyond chains and into something more elevated and unique. Read more at Atlanta Magazine
Jazz Under the Stars Returns This Saturday with a White Soirée Theme
ELLENWOOD - If you’ve been looking for the perfect way to spend your Saturday night, Henry County just made it easy.
Henry County Parks and Recreation is bringing back Jazz Under the Stars this weekend, and this year’s theme adds a little extra flair. It’s a White Soiree, with guests encouraged to dress in all white for an evening of live music, good food, and community under the night sky.
The event takes place Saturday, April 18, at Village Park in Ellenwood. Gates open at 6 p.m., with the show starting at 7 p.m., featuring a live performance from Five Men on a Stool.
“This is really about creating a space where families and neighbors can come together and just enjoy the moment,” says Katrina Wagoner, Special Events Coordinator for Henry County Parks and Recreation. “We want people to feel like they can come out, relax, and experience something special right here in their own community.”
Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for the evening. And if you’re planning to come hungry, you’re in luck. A variety of food trucks will be on site, serving up Caribbean, Mexican, and Cajun flavors throughout the night for purchase.
“This is one of those nights where you don’t have to go far to have a great experience,” Wagoner adds. “Everything you need is right here in Henry County.”
She Didn’t Have a Village. So She Built One for 19,000 Moms
MCDONOUGH - “I had absolutely no village.” Martine Stefanovic says. She had just left New York, the life she knew, the friends, the rhythm, the ease of connection. First Wisconsin, then Georgia. Two young kids, a new marriage, and no one around her.
“I was drowning in postpartum. I realized it was postpartum loneliness.”
In New York, life had been full. “Happy hours, girls trips every year… to go from that to zero, I knew I needed to build community.” So when she arrived in Georgia, she made a decision. “My number one goal is to build community. I’m gonna get friends.”
When she couldn’t find it, she created it. In 2019, she started a Facebook group with about 50 moms. “This is not like I wanted this to become my business. I needed this community.” She poured into it, even using her own money to bring people together. “I would pay $60 and say, ‘If you come, you get a free cup of coffee.’” Because for her, connection had to be real. “You can talk a good talk, but if you don’t see it…”
Then came COVID, and everything shifted. “Where can I find toilet paper?” she laughs. “Moms really leaned on the community.” What started as a digital space became something deeper. Two moms meeting for brunch turned into three, then thirty. Today, McDonough Moms is nearly 19,000 women strong.
But for Martine, the number isn’t the point. “I think the most rewarding part is seeing relationships being formed outside of the group.” She’s intentional about what the space feels like. “We have to be like toxic kindness… like unlimited rainbows.” Because every new mom who joins should feel safe, a place where she can ask questions, be vulnerable, and not be judged.
That same instinct to fill a gap has carried beyond the group. After struggling to piece together summer plans for her own kids, Martine launched Henry County’s first Summer Camp Expo, bringing families face-to-face with local programs in one place. “I’ve been sitting on this idea for a while… I was scared, but I said, I’m going to do it.” Hundreds of families showed up.
Because that’s what she does. She sees what’s missing and builds it.
“I would love for McDonough Moms to be a space where moms can come in order to meet another mom and build a village.”
And for thousands of women across Henry County, that’s exactly what it’s become.
If you’re a local mom looking for connection, you can request to join the McDonough Moms group on Facebook: facebook.com/groups/mcdonoughmoms
Missed Monday's Tales from the Perch? Crumbles by Nicole is worth the read.
Nicole Silva at her bakery in Locust Grove, where every cupcake starts with the same passion that first began in her home kitchen.
The Locust Grove baker who made it to the Food Network finale has been serving up fresh-baked favorites for nearly a decade. 👉 Catch the full story here
Visit Crumbles by Nicole
📍 3988 GA 42, Locust Grove, GA 30248
📞 (678) 764 2340
🌐 https://www.crumblesbynicole.com/
THURSDAY, APRIL 16
Story Time on the Patio — Chick-fil-A Jodeco 📍 Chick-fil-A · Jodeco Rd, McDonough 🕐 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Free · All ages Partnered with Henry County Library System. Stories, crafts, and fun activities.
Networking for Introverts — Panel Discussion 📍 Henry County · Location TBD 🕐 Time TBD · Free · Chamber event
Book to Screen Book Club 📍 Story on the Square · 19 Griffin St, McDonough 🕐 6:00 PM · Free Book clubs are free — purchase the book from Story on the Square to support the store.
FRIDAY, APRIL 17
Rumble in the Grove — TCW Live Wrestling 📍 City Hall Front Lawn · Locust Grove 🕐 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM · Free · All ages Family wrestling, food trucks, outdoor fun. Warm-up event the night before Locust Grove Day.
School of Rock — The Henry Players 📍 The Henry Players Theater | 136 Hood Street, McDonough. Runs thru April 26, 2026. A struggling musician poses as a substitute teacher and transforms his prep school class into a rock band. Fun, music, and heart — brought to life by Henry County's own community theater. The Henry Players have been serving the community since 1991. Tickets at simpletix.com
Spring Wine Tasting with The Sorting Table 📍 19 Griffin Street, McDonough, GA 30253 🕕 Friday, April 17 · 6:30 p.m. Story on the Square is hosting an intimate guided wine tasting featuring five exceptional varietals from The Sorting Table, a respected wine importer. Seats are limited to 50 guests, and early bird tickets are $50. A great date night or evening out in downtown McDonough.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18
Spring Plant Extravaganza 📍 Heritage Park · Jason Harper Arena · 99 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Shop early for best selection! Stock up for spring at the Henry County Master Gardeners' Annual Plant Sale! Browse indoor plants, perennial and annual flowers, vegetable seedlings, and gently used pots, garden décor, and tools.
Locust Grove Day 2026 📍 Downtown Locust Grove & Claude Gray Park · Free · All ages · Starting at 10:00 AM, Henry County's beloved annual celebration takes over downtown. The festival takes place on the front lawn of City Hall with arts and crafts vendors, food trucks, kids' rides, and live music. Dancing at Claude Gray Park starts a 6:00 PM with live music by BMuzick Band, followed by a fireworks show at 8:45 PM. Bring your lawn chairs and the whole family for one of Henry County's favorite days of the year!
Jazz Under the Stars 📍 Village Park · 750 Fairview Rd, Ellenwood
6:00 PM gates open · 7:00 PM showtime · FREE event · Dress in all white and enjoy a night of live jazz under the stars featuring Five Men on a Stool. Bring your lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an evening of music, community, and great food for purchase, with Caribbean, Mexican, and Cajun food trucks on site.
Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣
What do you call cheese that isn't yours?
Nacho cheese🤣
And just like that, you’re in the know!
From impact in a Hampton classroom to decisions being weighed just outside our county, today’s stories are a reminder that both the small moments and the big ones shape our community. Add in a growing food scene here in McDonough and a free night of music under the stars this weekend, and there’s plenty worth paying attention to.
We’ll be back in your inbox tomorrow.
Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️