
FRIDAY EDITION - March 13, 2026
Eagle’s Landing • Stockbridge • McDonough • and Beyond
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Morning Eye Opener News
Wing of the Community: From 200 Volunteers to 30. Piedmont Henry Is Rebuilding Its Heart
An Eye On What’s Happening
Dad Joke of The Day
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👁️ Morning Eye Opener 👁️
CURATED NEWS & UPDATES
Georgia Pre-K Families Could Win $1,529 for College Deadline to Apply Is March 31

HENRY COUNTY- Georgia families with children enrolled in a DECAL-licensed Georgia Pre-K program can now enter a statewide sweepstakes that could award $1,529 in college savings through the Path2College 529 Plan. Parents, grandparents, or guardians can apply online at path2college529.com/pre-k, and entries are open to eligible Pre-K students across the entire state. The deadline to apply is March 31, and four winners from different regions of Georgia will be randomly selected. Learn more here
Henry County Braves Fans Get New Way to Watch Games

ATLANTA - Atlanta Braves fans in Henry County now have a new way to watch games with the launch of Braves.TV a streaming service that carries more than 140 regular-season games without local blackout restrictions. The service costs about $19.99 per month or $99.99 for the full season and can be watched on phones, tablets, and smart TVs. For many south metro Atlanta fans, the new platform could make it easier to follow the Braves all season long without needing traditional cable. Learn more at CBSNews.com
Wings Of The Community
From 200 Volunteers to 30. Piedmont Henry Is Rebuilding Its Heart

STOCKBRIDGE - Before the pandemic, Piedmont Henry Hospital had more than 200 volunteers helping guide patients, greet visitors, and support hospital staff.
Today, the program is rebuilding with about 30 committed volunteers as the hospital works to restore one of the most human parts of the patient experience.
“We’re in the business of bad days. Seeing a friendly face can make a huge difference.”
“We’re in the business of bad days,” said Laura Whitaker Shortt, Director of Community Relations and Volunteer Services. “People come here when something is wrong. So seeing a friendly face can make a huge difference.”
Many of those friendly faces are senior volunteers who help throughout the hospital. They greet visitors at information desks, drive courtesy carts to help patients reach appointments, assist staff in departments like the NICU, and work in the hospital gift shop.
But the impact they have often goes far beyond their assigned duties.
One volunteer, known throughout the hospital as Ms. Fran, has been serving patients for three decades. At 90 years old, she still volunteers three days a week. If she notices a patient sitting alone before surgery, she may wait for them to finish their procedure, find their room afterward, and stop by to make sure they are not alone.
Another volunteer, Ms. Cheryl Hardin, once helped calm a nervous patient preparing for surgery simply by talking with her and her family. During their conversation, they discovered they were both Washington Redskins (now Washington Commanders) fans.
Weeks after the surgery, the patient returned to the hospital with a gift for Cheryl. A vintage Washington Redskins sweatshirt, brought as a thank you for the comfort she offered during a frightening moment.
Stories like that capture the quiet power of volunteers.
“They’re choosing to be here,” said Sherrita Emerson, Auxiliary Services Specialist for Volunteer Services. “They bring joy and help make our patients happy.”
Whitaker Shortt says the hospital is looking for what she calls service leaders, volunteers who take ownership of helping others and supporting their community.
The hospital hopes to rebuild the program closer to its pre-pandemic size so that more patients and families can experience the comfort volunteers bring.
Those interested in volunteering can contact Sherrita Emerson at 678-604-1666 for more information.
📅 An Eye On What’s Happening 📅
THINGS TO DO THIS WEEKEND
📅 Friday, March 13, 2026
Fresh produce, local goods, and healthy options for the whole family. 162 Keys Ferry St. 9:00am–4:00pm
Fall Line Beer Tasting and Small Bites | McDonough
Enjoy a relaxed evening tasting curated beers paired with small bites in an intimate downtown setting. Ideal for date night or a laid-back night out with friends. $35 McDonough 6:30pmLive music nights. Catch a set while enjoying great slices. Davinci's NY Style Pizza, 1035 GA-155 S, 7:00pm
📅 Saturday, March 14, 2026
Critter Fun Day at Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary | Locust Grove A three-hour guided sanctuary adventure for kids ages 4–12, led by animal care team members with hands-on wildlife interaction.Noah's Ark Animal Sanctuary 9am- 12noon
Coffee with a Cop | Lovejoy A relaxed community event where residents can connect with law enforcement over coffee. Panera Bread 9:00am–11:00am
Luella High Hosts First Annual Community Food Fest | Locust Grove
Food trucks, pop-up vendors, live music, and family fun come together on the Luella High School campus for a community celebration that supports the school. 1:00 pm-10:00 pmAtlanta Spring Craft and Vendor Market | Locust Grove
Browse handmade goods, local vendors, and seasonal finds during this outdoor spring market at Tanger Outlets, featuring a wide variety of creative small businesses. 10:00am-4:00pmLeather & Lace Field Party at The Smith Family Ranch | Stockbridge
Get ready for a high-energy night dance party under the stars. Expect DJs, dancing, celebrating, and a bold leather and lace theme that promises a lively crowd. The Smith Family Ranch, 1950 E Atlanta Rd Starts at 5:00pm
📅 Sunday, March 15, 2026
Introduction to Archery at Panola Mountain Panola Mountain State Park, Stockbridge · Sessions at 1pm and 2:30pm · $20/person · Ages 8+ Call 770-389-7801 to register
Creator's Club: Flower Bookmarks | McDonough A hands-on maker workshop where you'll craft beautiful floral bookmarks to take home. Story on the Square $10 | 2:00pm-4pm
WORTH THE TRIP
Pepsi SWAC Basketball Tournament, Gateway Center Arena, College Park · March 9 to 14 · HBCU championship basketball, ESPN+ · Ends Saturday so this weekend is the last chance
Atlanta St. Patrick’s Day Parade | Atlanta
One of Atlanta’s longest-running traditions featuring marching bands, festive floats, and Irish celebration in Midtown March 14th 12:00pmAtlanta Science Festival | Atlanta
The Atlanta Science Festival brings hands-on experiments, live demos, and interactive events to venues across the city. A fun and brain-boosting Worth the Trip outing for families, date nights, or anyone who loves discovering something new. All MarchAIM HIGH: Tuskegee Airmen Children's Museum of Atlanta · Through May 10 · Great for families
Spotlight Your Business or Non-Profit Here!
Are you a local business or nonprofit making a difference here in Henry County? We’d truly love to hear your story. The Eagle Eye Digest is all about celebrating the people, organizations, and purpose driven work that help our community grow and thrive.
A feature in The Eagle Eye Digest puts your mission in front of engaged neighbors who care about supporting local businesses, meaningful causes, and the leaders behind them. If you’d like to be considered for an upcoming spotlight, click the button below and share what you’re building.
😂 DAD JOKE OF THE DAY
Why did the math book look sad?
Because it had too many problems!😄

