🌱 Georgia Public Broadcasting New CEO + Local Small Business Awards

Good morning, neighbors. It's me, Sean Peek, your host of the Douglasville Patch newsletter — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in our community today. In this issue, you'll get updates on...

• Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) named new CEO
• Douglasville local asked to mentor contestants on American Idol
• Douglas Co. Chamber of Commerce "Small Business Awards"

But first, today's weather:

Humid with clouds and sun. High: 89 Low: 71.

Here are the top five stories in Douglasville today:

1. Governor Brian Kemp announced a new CEO of Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB) yesterday. Bert Wesley Huffman, who joined GPB in 2014 as the first Vice President for Development and Marketing, was serving as interim CEO after Teya Ryan's retirement this past May. (Georgia Public Broadcasting News)
2. American Idol auditions occurred across the state yesterday, with locals lining up to showcase their skills. Douglasville native Megan Danielle, Season 21's runner-up, will be assisting the show during this upcoming season, serving as a mentor to the new contestants. Be sure to tune in this season, which will air on Sundays starting in the Spring 2024. (WGXA-TV)
3. The Douglas County Chamber of Commerce recently announced the winners of its annual Small Business awards - Jim Gable, recipient of the Legacy in Business Award, and Douglas County Parks and Recreation, recipient of the Health Hero Award. Gable was presented with this award for his contributions to multiple ministries both locally and internationally. The Douglas County Parks and Rec Department was given the Health Hero award for its ongoing efforts to serve our community and for offering more opportunities for health and fun. (Douglas County Chamber of Commerce)
4. The Douglas County Humane Society is looking for volunteers to help run their Dog Playgroups, which occur every Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Playgroups help get every dog out of their kennel for some fun and socialization, and volunteers are needed to transport dogs to and from the play area and to monitor the activity. If you're interested in helping this worthy cause, simply show up to any Playgroup and the staff will get you acclimated. (Douglas County Humane Society via Facebook)
5. In search of some things to do in the community next week? Douglasville Calendar has rounded up the latest happenings in and around town. On Aug. 10, the Douglasville Cultural Center will be hosting a "Tasty Treats Pop Up Party" where you can shop local and sample culinary delights. Also on Aug. 10, the Douglasville Police Department will host another Community Enrichment Meeting to discuss topics impacting the community. Head over to the link for the full list of upcoming local events. (City of Douglasville)

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Today in Douglasville:

Saturday, August 5

• Great Start Farm Tour with Alpacas At 1320 Dorris Road (9:00 AM)
• Summer Community Job Fair At Douglasville Police Department (10:00 AM)
• Weekend Adoption Event At PetSmart (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• August is National Black Business Month, and there are multiple local Black-owned businesses that you can support right here in Douglasville. Looking to get fit and have fun? Check out HOTWORX, a 24/7 fitness studio located on Chapel Hill Road. (Douglas County Chamber via Instagram)
• The South Paulding High School Spartans got a shout-out from Chick-fil-A! You can read more about their work on the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy's Impact project here. (South Paulding High School via Facebook)
• Mark your calendars to support the New Manchester High School Bands at their annual Spirit Night, occurring next month on Friday, Sep. 8 at 5:00 p.m. The fun event will include skating and laser tag, and the $15 admission supports the bands' efforts to provide great musical experiences and fantastic performances. (New Manchester High School Bands via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (August 7)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Saturday! I'll see you around.

— 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.