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| ISSUE# 093 | MONDAY, June 22, 2026 | HENRY COUNTY GA |
Happy Monday!
The reviews are in, and if opening weekend is any indication, Henry County's new Aquatic Center may have a hit on its hands.
Today, we're taking a look at what residents had to say after the facility's first weekend, a proposal that could eventually reshape how homeowners pay property taxes, and a statewide literacy summit that will bring educators from across Georgia to Henry County next month.
We're also looking ahead to one of the county's biggest summer celebrations as Hot Summer Fest returns to Hampton on July 2.
Let's get into it. 🦅👁️
The Aquatic Center Is Open. Here's What People Think
HENRY COUNTY — Henry County's new Aquatic Center and Water Park opened Saturday, welcoming families eager to try the county's newest summer attraction.
The facility features indoor and outdoor pools, a lazy river, waterslides, a surf simulator, splash areas, and cabanas. Judging by social media, many visitors left impressed.
"We had a great experience!" wrote one resident, while another called the facility "truly amazing."
Not everyone loved the pricing, with some residents noting that the cost can add up for larger families. Others argued that the fees help maintain the facility and manage crowds.
Why it matters: The Aquatic Center is one of Henry County's largest recreational investments in years, and the opening weekend suggests it could become a popular summer destination. Check hours, admission prices, attractions, and park information.
Could Lower Property Taxes Be Coming to Henry County?
GEORGIA — State lawmakers are discussing a proposal that could eventually give counties a new way to lower property taxes on primary residences.
Under the idea, counties could ask voters to approve an additional 1-cent sales tax and use the revenue to offset property taxes. Supporters say it could provide relief for homeowners, while critics argue it would shift costs to shoppers and renters.
The proposal stalled in the House last week, but lawmakers are expected to continue the conversation.
Why it matters: If the proposal moves forward, Henry County voters could one day be asked whether they'd trade a slightly higher sales tax for a lower property tax bill. See what lawmakers are considering.
Hot Summer Fest Returns to EchoPark Speedway July 2
HAMPTON — One of Henry County's biggest summer celebrations returns July 2 as Hot Summer Fest takes over EchoPark Speedway.
The annual event features fireworks, live entertainment, family activities, and opportunities for residents to celebrate Independence Day a few days early. Organizers expect thousands of visitors to attend the third annual festival.
Why it matters: With July 4 falling later in the week, Hot Summer Fest gives local families a chance to kick off the holiday close to home. See the full entertainment lineup, parking information, and event schedule
Henry County to Host Statewide Literacy Summit
HENRY COUNTY — Educators from across Georgia will gather in Henry County on July 20 for the 2026 Georgia Association of Literacy Advocates (GALA) Literacy Summit.
The event will bring together teachers, administrators, literacy leaders, and policymakers to discuss reading achievement and evidence-based literacy instruction. State School Superintendent Richard Woods is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.
Why it matters: Reading proficiency remains one of the biggest challenges facing schools across Georgia. The summit puts Henry County at the center of a statewide conversation about improving student outcomes. Learn more about the summit, speakers, and registration information
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Tip #11: Don't Google It. Ask It
Free Tool Reminder: ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini are all free to use. You don't need an account to get started with Gemini. All three work for today's tip.
You probably Googled something today. Maybe twice. And you got what Google always gives you: a list of links and the job of figuring out which one to click.
There's a faster way.
When you ask an AI tool the same question, you skip the links entirely. You get an actual answer. Conversational, specific, and already filtered down to what you need.
Here's a real example. Type "best time to plant tomatoes in Georgia" into Google and you'll get a dozen articles to sort through. Ask Claude or ChatGPT the same thing, and you might get something like: "In Georgia, the best time to plant tomatoes is mid-March through early April after the last frost. If you're in the Metro Atlanta area, aim for after April 1st to be safe."
Done. No clicking. No scanning. No tabs.
This works for everyday questions. What should I know before hiring a plumber? What does this ingredient do in a recipe? How do I write a formal complaint letter? AI doesn't hand you a map. It walks you to the door.
One thing to keep in mind: AI can still get things wrong. For anything medical, legal, or financial, verify what it tells you. But for everyday questions? It's faster than anything you've used before.
Try This: The next time you reach for Google, stop. Type that same question into ChatGPT, Claude, or Gemini instead. See what comes back.
EyeQ Glossary
Conversational Search: Asking an AI tool a question in plain, everyday language and getting a direct answer back, instead of a list of links to search through yourself.
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⚽ World Cup Watch Party Round Up ⚽
De La Villa Mexican Restaurant | 1092 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough | (678) 782-7400
Hacienda Bar and Grill | 131 S Point Blvd, McDonough | (470) 781-1158
DaVinci NY Style Pizza | 1035 GA-155 S, McDonough | (678) 432-0712
Linq Kitchen and Cocktails | 910 Eagles Landing Pkwy, Stockbridge | (470) 278-2455
Crown Pizza Bar | 114 MLK Sr Heritage Trail, Stockbridge | (678) 884-5412
Cantina 1942 | 6429 Tara Blvd, Jonesboro | (770) 756-9831
If you know of more locations, send them along. 📧[email protected]
MONDAY, JUNE 22
Monday Night Cruise · 📍 Summit Racing Equipment, 20 King Mill Rd, McDonough · 🕐 6–8PM · FREE · The weekly themed cruise-in rolls on — check Summit Racing's social for this week's vehicle category.
Volleyball Development Camp · 📍 JP Moseley Recreation Center, 1041 Millers Mill Rd, Stockbridge · 🕐 TBD · Ages 8–14 · $85/session · Runs June 22–25. Register at hcprd.org.
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
SCTC Summer Chill — Henry County Campus · 📍 Southern Crescent Technical College, Henry County Campus · 🕐 11AM–1PM · FREE · Ice cream, community connection, and a chance to learn about SCTC programs — sponsored by the Student Government Association.
Tasty Tuesdays — City of Stockbridge · 📍 Clark Park, 111 Davis Rd, Stockbridge · 🕐 5:30–8PM · FREE · Step show, stroll contest, live band, food trucks, and prizes — the summer series continues.
Line Dance Tuesdays with Janice · 📍 4518 N Henry Blvd, Suite 109, Stockbridge · 🕐 6:30PM · Tickets required · Every Tuesday — beginner friendly, high energy, and a genuinely fun way to spend a Tuesday night in Stockbridge.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 24
Walk It Out Wednesday · 📍 Arabia Mountain Nature Center, Lithonia · 🕐 4–6PM · FREE · ~25 min from McDonough · A relaxed midweek hike with Ranger Doffice — no registration needed. (Close to Home)
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
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.
Business After Hours — Henry County Veterans Support Group · 📍 32 Jonesboro St, McDonough · 🕐 5:30–7PM · FREE · The Chamber's monthly mixer lands at an organization that serves Henry County veterans — connect with local business owners while supporting a good cause.
Adopt a Moo Moo · 📍 Chick-fil-A, 1321 GA-20, McDonough · 🕐 6–8PM · FREE · Chick-fil-A McDonough invites the community to meet the animals and learn how to help support local farm life — come dressed as a cow and you might just eat free.
Tuned Up Thursday — Karaoke Night · 📍 1942 On The Square, 30 B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 8PM · Every Thursday · Grab the mic or just grab a drink — Thursday nights on the Square always deliver.
FRIDAY, JUNE 26
Food Truck Frenzy Fundraiser · 📍 Village Park, 750 Fairview Rd, Ellenwood · 🕐 4–9PM · A portion of proceeds benefits IMPACT Alliance — food trucks, music, putting green, splash pad, and games for the whole family.
7 Summers — The Ultimate Morgan Wallen Tribute · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9–11PM · Doors 6PM · $34–$224 · 21+ after 8PM · Every Morgan Wallen hit performed live — for the fans who know every word.
Friday Nights with DJ Jada Byrd · 📍 1942 On The Square, 3B Keys Ferry St, McDonough · 🕐 7PM · Every Friday · Good music, good food, and good vibes on the Square all night.
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
Housing Hope Walk-a-Thon · 📍 Alexander Park West, 110 Jonesboro Rd, McDonough · 🕐 Sign-in 7AM | Walk 8AM–Noon · FREE · Pisteuo Development Inc. hosts Henry County's first affordable housing awareness walk — music, drinks, and snacks along the way.
Get-to-Stepping Fitness Walk · 📍 130 MLK Sr. Trail, Stockbridge · 🕐 9AM · FREE · The City of Stockbridge's community wellness walk heads toward Reeves Creek Trail — all are welcome.
K-New VCM Summer Pop-Up · 📍 Victory Christian Ministry, 1320 S Zack Hinton Pkwy, McDonough · 🕐 9AM–2PM · FREE · Family fun, vendors, free hot dogs, raffles, and featured gospel group Cogic Christkidz.
Sunflower Weekend at Southern Belle Farm · 📍 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough · 🕐 See site for hours · $25/person | Under 2 FREE · Runs June 27–28 · U-pick sunflowers, 30+ outdoor activities, and a free souvenir cup — one of Henry County's most photogenic weekends of summer.
Charlie Wilson · 📍 VyStar Amphitheater at The Bridge, 4650 N Henry Blvd, Stockbridge · 🕐 8PM · From $129 via Ticketmaster · Uncle Charlie returns to Stockbridge with saxophonist Mike Phillips added to the lineup — box office open Thursday–Saturday, noon to 6PM.
Def Van Jovi Crue — 80s Rock · 📍 Southern Roots Tavern, 15 Griffin St, McDonough · 🕐 9–11PM · Doors 6PM · $21–$148 · 21+ after 8PM · Def Leppard, Van Halen, Mötley Crüe — three of the biggest 80s rock bands honored in one wild Saturday night at Southern Roots.
SUNDAY, JUNE 28
Sunflower Weekend — Day 2 · 📍 Southern Belle Farm, 1658 Turner Church Rd, McDonough · $25/person | Under 2 FREE · Last day of the weekend — u-pick sunflowers, farm activities, and summer fun before the week begins.
MONDAY, JUNE 29
Henry County Summer Fest — Saturday, June 29, 4–9:30 PM, EchoPark Speedway (Atlanta Motor Speedway), 1500 Tara Place, Hampton. Confirmed via Henry Herald.
Bad Dad Joke of the Day 🤣
I used to hate facial hair...
but then it grew on me.🤣
That's your Monday edition of the Eagle Eye Digest.
As summer gets into full swing, we're keeping an eye on the projects, policies, and events shaping life here in Henry County, from new recreational amenities and education initiatives to decisions that could eventually affect homeowners' wallets.
We'll be back tomorrow with more local news, events, and stories from around the county.
Got a tip, a story idea, or an event to share? 📧 [email protected]
Stay sharp, stay local. The Eagle Eye Digest 🦅👁️