🌱 Mental Health Pop-Up Event + Fatal Shooting Investigation

Hello, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Macon Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening in our community.

But first, your local weather:

• Saturday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 94 Low: 72.
• Sunday: A t-storm around in the p.m.. High: 90 Low: 73.

Here are the top three stories today in Macon:

1. Macon Mental Health Matters (MMHM) is organizing a Mental Health Pop-up Gym event at the South Bibb Recreation Center today, Jul. 8, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., offering activities such as yoga, drum circles, meditation, and a car show in partnership with local car clubs. District 7 Commissioner Bill Howell and his Saturday Morning Breakfast Club will sponsor a free breakfast for all attendees. MMHM Coordinator Andrea Cooke expressed excitement about the event, emphasizing its growth and impact on the community's mental well-being. (41 NBC News)
2. The Bibb County Sheriff's Office is conducting an investigation into a fatal shooting that occurred on Lindwood Drive late Thursday night. Responding to a call, deputies discovered 28-year-old Dawud Gillion unresponsive inside a residence, and Deputy Coroner Richard Robinson pronounced him dead at the scene. Investigators are currently working to determine the cause of Gillion's death, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Bibb County Sheriff's Office or Macon Regional Crime Stoppers. (41 NBC News)
3. Macon's homicide rates for 2023 have decreased compared to the previous year, and Chief Coroner Leon Jones credits this decline to citizens adopting conflict resolution methods instead of resorting to violence. Jones emphasizes the importance of common sense and responsible gun use, urging people to think before pulling the trigger. Violence prevention programs, including Jones' "Stop the Killing" initiative and community leaders' efforts, are also contributing to the reduction in homicides. (wgxa.tv)

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Today and tomorrow in Macon:

Saturday, July 8

• Native American Games At Ocmulgee Mounds National Park (2:00 PM)

Sunday, July 9

• Ranger Talk At Ocmulgee Mounds National Park (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• All About Animals Rescue shared an update about its three-legged dog, Gizzard, now known as Brock. You can see cute pictures of Brock at the link! (All About Animals Rescue via Facebook)
• Join the Bibb County School District today, Jul. 8, at 11:00 a.m. for a special event featuring a giveaway of student bookbags and teacher supplies. Parents are required to accompany their child/children to receive items. (Bibb County School District via Facebook)
• Introducing the impressive lineup of treats for Great Macon Baking Week 2023! Participating restaurants are showcasing their signature desserts and delights, including banana pudding, wedding cookies, chocolate pecan pie, cupcakes, and more. (Visit Macon via Facebook)

You're officially in the loop for today! I'll be back in your inbox soon with your next update.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.