🦅👁️ Mark Your Calendar, Henry County

Good morning, Henry County.

We've got two important dates for your calendar this morning.

Early voting begins today across Henry County, and after months of anticipation, the county's new aquatic center finally has an official opening date.

We've also got an unusual courthouse gate crash, a look at what's coming to Jodeco Road, and a new EyeQ tip that might save you money the next time you need a flyer designed.

Let's get into it. 🦅👁️

MCDONOUGH -A Spectrum employee is facing charges after deputies say he crashed a company work truck into the security gate at the Henry County Superior Court facility early Saturday morning. The crash happened around 3:39 AM off John Frank Ward Boulevard. The gate collapsed onto a county owned vehicle inside the secured area, causing serious damage. The driver, identified as Pierre Purys, allegedly left without telling anyone. McDonough Police flagged it to the Henry County Sheriff's Office, and deputies tracked him down and booked him on charges of interference with government property and hit and run. Sheriff Reginald B. Scandrett said his office takes courthouse security seriously and credited deputies for moving fast on the case. Get the details on the courthouse gate crash

MCDONOUGH - We've been counting down to an early June opening for Henry County's new aquatic center, and we want to set the record straight before you make weekend plans around it. The county's official page now lists the opening date as June 20. The wait gives you more time to get excited about what's coming: a 30-foot slide tower, lazy river, wave rider, indoor competition pool, and a rooftop bar with views over the county. Mark your calendar for the 20th, and we'll keep you posted as the date gets closer. Get the latest from Henry County's Aquatic Center page

GEORGIA - Summer road trip season is here, and if you've ever wondered whether you can pull over and catch some sleep at a Georgia rest area, the answer is yes, as long as you're not setting up camp. Georgia law allows normal, customary, and temporary use of rest areas for resting and sleeping while traveling. Just don't pitch a tent. If you're headed out of town this summer, it's worth knowing your options before you're running on empty at mile marker 100. Read what Georgia law says about rest stops

Bubba's 33 — The Bridges at Jodeco, Stockbridge Texas Roadhouse's fastest-growing brand is coming to the outparcel in front of Costco on Jodeco Road. Permit issued, building plans approved, construction starting within 30 days. 📅 Expected opening: Late 2026 – Early 2027

Chef G. Garvin's Seafood & Oyster Restaurant — The Bridges at Jodeco, Stockbridge A white tablecloth seafood concept from the celebrity chef and Atlanta Hawks Chief Culinary Officer — fresh oysters daily from his own South Carolina reefs. Located next to First Watch at 2245 Jodeco Road. Official name announcement still coming. 📅 Expected opening: TBD — groundbreaking date not yet announced

Manifest Wellness Spa — Re-Grand Opening — McDonough Dr. Shaye Allen-Sullivan marks a new chapter for this energy healing and wellness space at 192 B W Campground Road. Free community experience at noon, ribbon cutting at 3:30PM. 📅 Opening: Friday, June 12

Free Tool Reminder: This week's tip works with the free version of ChatGPT at chatgpt.com. No upgrades needed.

Have you noticed those flyers showing up all over your Facebook and Instagram feed? Vivid colors. Gorgeous food photography. Smiling faces that look almost too real. You probably assumed someone hired a graphic designer. Maybe even a photographer.

They didn't. They used ChatGPT.

The same tool you've been using to write emails and prep for tough conversations can also design a flyer from scratch. You describe what you want and it builds it. No design skills. No Photoshop. No stock photo subscription. Just a prompt.

Here's the image I created for this tip in under a minute.

One prompt. That's it. I asked ChatGPT to create a bake sale flyer for a church in Locust Grove. It added the smiling congregation, the baked goods table, the stained glass window detail, and all the text on its own.

Here's the prompt I used:

"Create a vibrant flyer for a church bake sale fundraiser hosted by Holy Methodist Church in Locust Grove, Georgia. The fundraiser is to repair a beautiful stained glass window. Feature a warm diverse group of smiling church members gathered around a table full of homemade cookies, cakes, and pies. Include text: Holy Methodist Church Bake Sale, Sunday June 28th, Locust Grove GA, Homemade Baked Goods Made With Love. Use warm inviting colors."

That's it. One paragraph and ChatGPT did the rest.

One honest heads up. ChatGPT sometimes misspells words inside images. If your text comes out slightly off, just re-run the prompt. It usually corrects itself.

Try This

Think of something you'd normally need a flyer for. A yard sale. A neighborhood cookout. A birthday party announcement. Open ChatGPT and describe it just like I did above. Include the event name, date, location, and the vibe you want.

You don't need a designer anymore. You just need the right words.

MONDAY, JUNE 8

Monday Night Cruise · 📍 Summit Racing Equipment, 20 King Mill Rd, McDonough · 🕐 6PM–8PM · FREE · Weekly themed cruise-in — check Summit Racing's social for this week's vehicle category.

CSI: Clue Chasers · 📍 Nash Farm Park, 4361 Jonesboro Rd, Hampton · 🕐 10AM–Noon · Ages 9–13 · $80 first child | $75 siblings · Runs June 8–11. Register at hcprd.org.

Sewing Camp · 📍 North Mt. Carmel Recreation Center, 307 N. Mt. Carmel Rd, Hampton · 🕐 9AM–3PM · Ages 8–17 · $230 · Runs June 8–12. Register at hcprd.org.

TUESDAY, JUNE 9

Tasty Tuesdays – Divine 9 Greek Night · 📍 Clark Park, 111 Davis Rd, Stockbridge · 🕐 5:30PM–8PM · FREE · Step show, stroll contest, live band, food trucks, and prizes — City of Stockbridge's summer series.

THURSDAY, JUNE 11

Henry County Aquatic Center – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony · 📍 1177 Henry Parkway Connector, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–11AM · FREE · The official ribbon cutting for Henry County's new $55M aquatic facility ⚠️ The facility does NOT open for general admission until June 20

Local Farmers Market · 📍 97 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🕐 10AM–2PM · FREE · Every Thursday through August 27 — Henry County Master Gardeners with perennials, vegetables, and native plants.

Tuned Up Thursday – Karaoke Night · 📍 1942 On The Square, 30 B Keys Ferry St, McDonough Square · 🕐 8PM · Every Thursday · Hosted by Mr. Impeccable — happy hour, dinner, and karaoke on the Square.

FRIDAY, JUNE 12

Strait Country – A Tribute to George Strait · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9PM–11PM · Doors 6PM · $20 GA · 21+ after 8PM · Honky-tonk classics to heartfelt ballads — every George Strait hit performed live on the Southern Roots stage.

Friday Nights with DJ Jada Byrd · 📍 1942 On The Square, 3B Keys Ferry St, McDonough Square · 🕐 7PM · Every Friday · DJ Jada Byrd brings the energy to the Square — food, drinks, and good vibes all night.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13

Henry County Fishing Tournament · 📍 Nash Farm Lake, 4361 Jonesboro Rd, Hampton · 🕐 6AM–11AM · FREE to attend · Divisions: 12 & Under, 13–17, 18 & Up · Co-hosted by Georgia DNR. Register at hcprd.org or call 770-288-7300.

Men's Health to Men's Wealth Conference · 📍 97 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🗓 Saturday, June 13 · 🕐 8AM–4:30PM · Ticketed via Eventbrite · Organized by Maclin Williams, this full-day conference covers four areas — mentorship, business, relationships, and health — through panel discussions and fireside chats designed to help men lead better at work, at home, and in the community.

6th Annual Summer Sunset Groove Day Party · 📍 Jason T. Harper Event Center, 95 Lake Dow Rd, McDonough · 🕐 Doors 5PM | Show 6PM–9PM · FREE · Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Chapter Henry County presents The Red Sample, hosted by Ebonee J, with DJ 100K.

Gospel Fest: Tye Tribbett, Jekalyn Carr & Zacardi Cortez · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🕐 8PM · From $87 via Ticketmaster · Three of gospel's biggest voices — rain or shine, no refunds, no umbrellas.

SUNDAY, JUNE 14

B.R.A.K.E.S. Teen Pro-Active Driving School · 📍 EchoPark Speedway, 1500 Tara Place, Hampton · 🕐 June 13–14 · FREE · Ages 15–19 with learner's permit or license and 30+ hours of driving experience — a free defensive driving program. Register at putonthebrakes.org

SAVE THE DATE

Charlie Wilson · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🗓 Saturday, June 27 · 🕐 8PM · From $129 via Ticketmaster · Uncle Charlie returns to Stockbridge with contemporary jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips added to the lineup — box office open Thursday through Saturday, noon to 6PM.

Jazz Fest: Walter Beasley, Gerald Albright, JUBU & Julian Vaughn · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🗓 Saturday, July 18 · 🕐 8PM · From $74 via Ticketmaster · Two-time Grammy winner Gerald Albright headlines alongside smooth jazz legends Walter Beasley, JUBU, and Julian Vaughn — four of the genre's most recognized names on one stage right here in Henry County. Tickets are moving, so grab yours early.

Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣

Why don’t oysters donate to charity?
Because they’re shellfish. 🤣

That’s your Bird’s Eye View this Monday.

Whether you're making plans to vote, counting down to the aquatic center opening, or keeping an eye on what's coming to Jodeco Road, plenty is happening across Henry County this week.

Got a tip, a story, or an event to share? Email [email protected].

Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️