🌱 Beyond The Front Porch Painting Fundraiser + Back To School Event

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this Saturday started off right with a quick review of the most important things happening around town, including updates on...

• A local paint-and-sip fundraiser for Beyond the Front Porch.
• DSCO and Gaston Telecommunication's upcoming FirstNet Back to School event.
• Douglas County Fire/EMS Department's safety demo for local summer campers.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A shower and t-storm; humid. High: 89 Low: 74.
• Sunday: A thunderstorm in spots. High: 89 Low: 69.

Here are the top five stories today in Douglasville:

1. Today (Jul. 15), from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., Beyond the Front Porch is hosting its 11th annual fundraiser to support monthly educational field trips for students and parents in Douglas County and the surrounding area. This year's "Painting with a Purpose" paint-and-sip event will be held at Painting with a Twist in Douglasville (9453 GA-5) and includes music, food, giveaways, and of course, painting. Participation is $39 per person and is open to all ages, but adults 21 and older may BYOB. (Douglasville Patch)
2. Looking to soak up that last bit of summer family fun before school starts next month? Mark your calendar for the FirstNet Back to School event on Saturday, Aug. 5, hosted by the Douglas County Sheriff's Office and presented by Gaston Telecommunications. The event will be held at the AT&T store at 9559 Ga-Hwy 5, Suite 206, nestled just behind McDonald's, for a day filled with vendors, music, and giveaways from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Take advantage of complimentary meals and seize the opportunity to gather essential school supplies, guaranteeing a memorable day of fun and festivity. (Douglas County Sheriff's Office (Georgia) via Facebook)
3. Douglas County Fire/EMS Department's Life Safety Educator/Inspector Reese graced the Ike Owens Community Center in Douglasville on Wednesday, Jul. 12, imparting vital fire safety knowledge to the enthusiastic students participating in Camp Funtastic Day. The participants reveled in the opportunity to learn about crucial elements such as recognizing the sound of smoke alarms, methods of emergency exit, the significance of firefighter gear, and an exclusive tour of a Fire Engine Truck. Gratitude extends to Engine 10’s diligent crew, Sgt. Kellogg, Sgt. Danneman, and Firefighter/EMT Ortega, contributed to this educational event amidst their busy schedules. (Douglas County Fire/EMS Department via Facebook)
4. The Douglas County School System has commenced its annual School Supplies Drive, inviting contributions until Jul. 17. Donors can deposit their contributions at the DCSS Central Office located at 11490 Veterans Memorial Hwy during standard office hours, while larger organizations can schedule a pickup by calling 770-651-2039. Regardless of its size, each donation significantly influences a student's academic progression, underscoring the importance of community participation in this noble cause. (Douglas County Georgia Schools via Facebook)
5. In a grim revelation, at least 73 young victims in Georgia have tragically succumbed to gun violence thus far in 2023, including the two local teens who were killed in the Mar. 4 shooting outside of a "Sweet 16" birthday party in Douglasville. Beyond the fatal cases, dozens more have sustained injuries from gunfire since the start of the year. Conversations with bereaved families in metro Atlanta underline a growing plea among parents for a halt to this devastating wave of gun violence. (WSB Atlanta)

Calling Douglasville business owners: reach local readers, attract a crowd, and make a splash with your events this summer! We have a limited number of sponsorships available to amplify your events and increase attendance among your target audience. Click here to learn more about our sponsorships.

Today and tomorrow in Douglasville:

Saturday, July 15

• 50+ Adult Picnic At Willing Workers Community Club Park (10:00 AM)
• Porch Leaner Paint At L&R Alpaca Haven Farm (1:00 PM)
• Painting With A Purpose BTFP Fundraiser At Painting with a Twist Douglasville (2:00 PM)

Sunday, July 16

• Whole Fit 247-Fitness Camp At New Jerusalem SDA Praise & Worship (9:00 AM)
• Rug Tufting At Studio Unlimited (12:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• If you have a sweet tooth, you won't want to miss Naturally Cake's pop-up dessert truck at 2981 Chapel Hill Road this weekend! Find the truck in the package store parking lot today (Jul. 15) and tomorrow (Jul. 16) from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Naturally Cake)
• Take a "Sunday Makebreak" at your local Michael's store tomorrow! From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. on Jul. 16, you can stop in the Douglasville Pavilion Michael's to make a free friendship bracelet. Get the details and RSVP at the link. (Activity Hero)
• The City of Douglasville shared that two of its finance employees, Assistant Finance Director Shane Byrd and Accounting Manager Heather Campbell, attended the GFOA (Government Finance Officer's Association) Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon in May. Byrd and Campbell got the opportunity to network with public finance colleagues from all across the U.S. and Canada and attended sessions on budgeting best practices that they brought back home to Douglasville. (Douglasville Georgia)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Painting with a Purpose BTFP Fundraiser (July 15)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you all soon for another update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.