🌱 Podcast Recounts Local Rescue + Last Day For Exploration Challenge

Morning, neighbors. I'm here with your Saturday edition of the Douglasville Patch newsletter, filled with all the local information you need to know right now. Including updates on...

• A new podcast recounts a local rescue from September 2009
• The last day to join the Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge
• Georgia ranks No. 15 in the country for AP scores

But first, today's weather:

Heavy rain and a thunderstorm. High: 50 Low: 43.

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Here are the top five stories in Douglasville today:

1. A podcast has been posted recounting a rescue from the Sweetwater Creek flash flood in September 2009. The catastrophic event killed 10 people and caused millions of dollars in damage for Douglasville residents. Hear the story of how Zach Stephney, a 37-year-old shop foreman, rescued then-stranger, Melissa Brooks. (StoryCorps)
2. Douglas County Travel and Tourism is inviting the community to join the Clinton Nature Preserve Exploration Challenge. Today (Apr. 8) is the last day to enter the challenge. Participate in your favorite outdoor activity at Clinton Nature Preserve and send a selfie, name, and your county to info@exploredouglascountyga.com for a chance to win one of three prizes! (Press Release Desk)
3. Celebrate Easter Fun Day today, Apr. 8! Bright Star Church is hosting a free Easter event for all ages from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will have an Easter egg scramble, contests, jump houses, photo stations, games, and food. Four separate Easter egg scrambles will be available based on special needs and age groups. (Allevents.in)
4. Douglasville is raising awareness for Alzheimer’s disease with a community event. "The Longest Day" is being held at 11 a.m. on Jun. 24 at O’Neal Plaza. There will be vendors, line dancing, and yoga. The event is open to all ages. (Patch)
5. According to new data, 21.2 percent of Georgia public high school graduates passed at least one Advanced Placement examination, which could lead to savings of around $91 million on college costs. Despite this, the number of Georgia students taking AP exams has declined slightly over the past 10 years, and there are racial disparities among the students who take the exams. Georgia is ranked 15th in the country for AP scores. (Subscription: Douglas County Sentinel)

Today in Douglasville:

• Alpaca Shearing Day At L&R Alpaca Haven Farm (8:00 AM)
• Egg-Cited Adoptions At PetSmart (1:00 PM)
• STARR Night Out At 2135 Fairburn Road (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Douglasville Police Department is hosting a music festival and barbecue cook-off on May 13 at 12 p.m. Show off your singing skills, come for the barbecue, or register as a vendor for this fun community event. (Douglasville Police Department via Facebook)
• Douglas County Celebration of Youth Leadership is Apr. 13! High school students are invited to attend the event at the Douglasville Conference Center. Scan the QR code here to RSVP. (Douglas County Happenings via Facebook)
• The Douglas County District Attorney's Office is co-hosting MOTUS Theater’s JustUs Monologues on Tuesday, Apr. 25. Hear about frontline accounts of the criminal justice system. Tickets are free! (Douglas County DA's Office via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• The City of East Point Wednesday Wind Down in the Point (May 3)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday off right. I'll be in your inbox soon with your next 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.