Welcome Stockbridge s newly elected councilmember s for 2012 With the New Year, also came new city council

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1 C I T Y NEWS Stockbridge Link OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY OF STOCKBRIDGE What s Inside the LINK King s family history in Stockbridge...2 City paints fire hydrants...3 Welcome Stockbridge s newly elected councilmember s for 2012 With the New Year, also came new city council New Fire Station 80% members in Stockbridge. Newly elected council complete...3 members Robin Buschman, Richard Steinberg and Alphonso Thomas were sworn-in on January 9, 2012 Community Bike Ride Every during the regular scheduled city council meeting. 3rd Sunday...3 Here s more about your councilmember s: City s New User Friendly Website...4 Entering her first two-year term, Robin Buschman Employee s Anniversary...4 joins the Council after being very active in the community by helping during the last two years cleaning up the cemetery near Memorial Park, attending every Finance Committee meeting in 2010 and every 2011 Holiday Festival a success... 5 Community Relations Meeting in Councilwoman Buschman also initiated the idea of dividing the concert Merle Manders Conference series with the movie series and actually came up with Center...5 naming both events. She is also involved in the Memorial Day Parade and many other city events. Buschman Ted Strickland Community stated, I am excited that the people of Stockbridge Center...6 chose me to be their Voice and I am honored to fulfill the position of Councilwoman. Rock Quarry Road Bridge Welcome New Businesses..5 Project Underway...7 Councilman Richard Steinberg is married to Anna Space heaters need space...7 (Realtor at Metro Brokers in Stockbridge). Prior to joining the Council, Steinberg worked over 40 years City of Stockbridge Directory...8 in Domestic and International Business and Economic Development. He is presently self employed with RCS Global Insights (Consulting). I would like to restore our citizens faith in Stockbridge City Government and I want to use my extensive business background to return economic vitality to our community, stated Steinberg. Councilman Steinberg encourages citizens to speak with him directly at rsteinberg@cityofstockbridge-ga.gov or Article continued on page 2 Comfortably South of Atlanta WINTER 2012 B U S C H M A N S T E I N B E R G T H O M A S

2 2 Stockbridge Link The King s family history in Stockbridge Martin Luther King, Sr., was born Michael King on December 19, 1899, in Stockbridge, Georgia. The eldest son of nine children born to James and Delia King who worked as sharecroppers in order to make a living for their family. As a boy King, Sr. attended school in Stockbridge from three to five months a year in an old framed building, where Mrs. Lowe, the wife of the pastor of Floyd s Chapel Baptist Church taught 234 children in all grades. Mayor Lee Stuart Mark Alarcon Robin Buschman Harold Cochran Richard Steinberg Alphonso Thomas King also attended church with his family at Floyd s Chapel where he gained confidence as a singer and had a growing sense of a call to preach. In 1917, despite his educational deficiencies, he was trained by the ministers of his church. At fifteen, he delivered a trial sermon at Floyd s Chapel and was licensed to preach. As a young country preacher he occasionally visited Atlanta. At twenty he left Stockbridge and settled in Atlanta. King, Sr. known by family and all as Daddy King was an important civil rights leader in his own right. He was a civil rights activist, prominent pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 40 years and known most notably as father of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Floyd Chapel was first built in 1880 according to church history. In 1920, the church was a wood framed church with steep plank steps facing the east. There were oil lamps hanging on each side of the wall, a coal heater and the floors were not carpeted. The bathroom facilities were located outside. At this time the Pastor was Reverend Sanders. In 1949, under the leadership of Reverend R. B. Thomas, a new church was built. The old wood frame building was torn down and the church was erected with the existing blocks. This structure was turned to face First Street. Carpet was installed and the benches were made of wood. The church is located at 104 First St. Martin Luther (Michael) King, Sr. Born December 19, 1899 Stockbridge, GA Died November 11, 1984 Atlanta, GA Spouse Alberta Williams King ( ) Children Martin Luther King, Jr. (Deceased) Christine King Farris Alfred Daniel Williams King (Deceased) Photo above: provided by Richard Avedon: Martin Luther King, Jr. with his father and son, 1963 Info provided by: King encyclopedia, htm; National Archives at Atlanta, ; Small town newspaper, AAIBAJ&sjid=ohEGAAAAIBAJ&pg=1383, ; Welcome Newly elected Stockbridge councilmember s Councilman Alphonso Thomas is a life-long resident of Stockbridge, married and have article continued from page 1 four children. His professional career has involved working with neighborhood groups on stabilization and enhancements projects. Thomas co-founded the Stockbridge Civic Association and currently serves as the president. I ve seen significant changes in the growth and development of Stockbridge over the years and rather than sitting on the side lines, I ve been an active participant, stated Councilman Thomas. Part of my vision includes improving City Services, hosting more Town Hall meetings, adding additional traffic lights and become more local business friendly in the community. I have a clear vision of how the City of Stockbridge growth patterns should continue in order to become one of the most desirable places to live and work.

3 City paints fire hydrants As some of you may have noticed recently, the City of Stockbridge has painted a few of its fire hydrants a different color. In the fall of 2011 the Stockbridge City Council amended our ordinance to change the color of fire hydrants. The change has mandated that all Stockbridge owned fire hydrants are to have the bonnet (top) and nozzle caps painted green with the body portion remaining silver. Along with painting, water department employees will catalog and assign a number to each fire hydrant. Some of you may be asking why are we changing the color of the fire hydrants. There are currently three water utilities located in close proximity to Stockbridge: Stockbridge Water System, Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority, and Clayton County Water Authority. All three water systems have their hydrants painted silver. We want to enable people like developers, city employees, and customers that utilize temporary water meters which are attached to hydrants be able to easily identify our fire hydrants. New Fire Station 80% Complete 3 Stockbridge Link Stockbridge Mayor Lee Stuart & School Board Member Erik Charles Host Community Bike Ride 3rd Sunday of each month beginning in March These rides are open to all ages and will continue at the same place and time every 3 rd Sunday of the month beginning in March at 3 P.M. The only requirement to participate is that everyone must wear a helmet. Join us as we make smart choices for a healthier tomorrow! Location: Reeves Creek Trail --accessed through Memorial Park on the back side of the park. Photos: Above--bike rider participants; Right--Mayor Stuart The new City of Stockbridge Fire Station Number 9 at 122 Rock Quarry Road, built by Henry County Splost, is 80% complete and will be finished soon. The building is 9,396 square feet and include three bays, sleeping quarters, kitchen, laundry, common living area and staff offices. The new station serves Stockbridge by responding to fire calls and Emergency Medical Service (EMS). Building inspections are also part of the responsibilities of the Henry County Fire Department to ensure the safety of the citizens of Stockbridge and Henry County. This includes pre-construction meetings, inspections of new construction, as well as inspections of existing buildings.

4 4 Stockbridge Link H elp shape the future of Stockbridge! The City of Stockbridge Introduces Livable Centers Initiative Study Update to the public The City of Stockbridge, in cooperation with the Atlanta Regional Commission, will host public meetings and share information on its Livable Centers Initiative (LCI) Study. The update reviews existing conditions in central Stockbridge and, with community input, develop a long-term vision for the future. The LCI Draft Plan open house is scheduled for Monday, January 23, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and the final LCI Plan presentation will be on Monday, March 5, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at City Hall. Stockbridge Gets New, Improved User-Friendly Website The City of Stockbridge has launched its new website! The new site has a welcoming appearance and is very easy to navigate. The City has dedicated itself to providing citizens with up-to-date information, and access to online documents. Citizens can view the City Calendar, view upcoming events, make online payments and so much more. We encourage citizen input on the new site. Check it out! Are You Connected? WE ARE! Cityy Join us now on for all the latest news and events in the City We re also on FACEBOOK, Make sure to LIKE City of Stockbridge stockbridgeinfo. City of Stockbridge Employee Anniversary Jeff Bledsoe- 18 Years Jack Jones, Sr.- 15 Years Offie Barnes- 14 Years Christopher Burdett- 11 Years Pamela Brooks- 9 Years Terry Kight- 6 Years Justine Kelley- 6 Years Kimberly Barnett- 6 years Wynonia Williams- 5 Years Marvin turner, Jr.- 5 Years Marvin Brown- 5 Years Annette Anderson- 5 Years James Whitwood- 4 Years Heidi Sewell- 4 Years Paul Saunders- 4 Years Christopher Swanson- 2 Years Raymon Gibson- 2 Years Dawnn Johnson- 1 Year

5 5 Stockbridge Link The City of Stockbridge Welcomes the Following New Businesses AAA Carwash & Mini Storage ABC Tutoring Services All in One Accounting Ameris Bank BIC Consultant Group Comprehensive Medical Clinic Dominican Hair Styles Eagles Landing Periodontic s G & K Party Kreations Harmony House Greetings, LLC Interior Finishes Kim s Baby Boutique Lighthouse Fellowship Church Marianna s Pro Salon Mercys Quality Home Care New-Ink Media Group Next Generation Bible Church Rainford Law Firm Resources Unlimited The Sales Center Realty Group Sew Personal Designs Studio Cuts of Eagles Landing Stars & Sky Kiddie Spa Subdivision Service Inc. Thom Sawyer Logistics Solution Tony s at Brentwood Trans Tax America LLC Watch Me Grow Learning Center Wessels & Dixon, P.C. holiday festival a success On Tuesday, November 29th, 2011, several hundred people filled the Merle Manders Conference Center for family fun and good cheer. Santa visited and children enjoyed a variety of activities and entertainment with refreshments. Photos: Holiday Festival participants Receive 20% Discount On Your Next Event If you live or have a business in the City of Stockbridge, you receive a 20% discount off of meeting and event space at Merle Manders Conference Center. Visit for information on booking your next Corporate meeting or Special Event 111 Davis Road, Stockbridge, GA ext. 222

6 6 Stockbridge Link Ted Strickland Community Center The Center is open for booking birthday parties, showers, meetings, etc. For more information contact: Al Barnes (770) ext. 225 Hugh Hamilton (770) ext Berry St Stockbridge GA Receive 20% Discount On Your Next Event

7 Rock Quarry Road Bridge Project update The north side of the bridge ramp is currently being backfilled and the City is currently working on the relocation of the water main. Also, the first bridge supports have been constructed over the railroad 7 Stockbridge Link Detour for the new bridge: Travelling from 138 southbound on Rock Quarry Road, the road will be closed just before the bridge. Travelling northbound on 138 from Eagles Landing Parkway the bridge will be closed just after Red Oak Road. Drivers are encouraged to use Banks Road as their detour over to Flippen Road. Red Oak will still be available. Also, the new Railroad Street alignment will be in place and drivers will be able to use that road if needed (such as the trucks needing to get to the transfer station). Remember Space Heaters Need Space Henry County Fire Department Reminds Citizens to Heat Their Homes Safely When temperatures drop and stretch people financially as they attempt to heat their home, many will turn to alternative heating sources. Unfortunately, some of these sources can result in fires that cause serious injury or death. According to the United States Fire Administration (USFA), in 2006 an estimated: 64,100 home structure fires were a result of home heating, 540 civilians lost their life to fire, 1,400 civilians were injured by fire, $943 million in property damage was assessed, sixteen percent of all home fires were heating fires, three out of four civilians were killed in home heating fires that involved space heaters, and half of home heating fires occurred in December, January, and February. While these numbers are frightening, nearly all of these fires are preventable, said Captain Sabrina Puckett. We can reduce the number of home heating fires in our community by taking some simple precautions and using heating equipment properly. Keep or maintain a 3 foot clearance between all heating equipment and anything that can burn. Inspect and maintain heating equipment regularly for safety. Be sure to have fixed space heaters installed by a qualified technician, according to manufacturer s instructions or applicable codes. Or, make sure a qualified technician checks to see the unit has been properly installed When buying a new, portable space heater, make sure it has the label showing it is listed by a recognized testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Never use a space heater to dry clothing. Do not use your oven to heat your home. Install smoke alarms in every bedroom, outside each sleeping area, and on every level of the home. For the best protection, interconnect all smoke alarms throughout the home. When one sounds, they all sound.

8 Lee Stuart Mayor Ray Gibson City Administrator Nicole Vasquez City Clerk David Milliron Treasurer Dawn Gindrup Accounts Payable A Newsletter Written for the Citizens. Provided by City of Stockbridge. Publisher: Ann Almond cityofstockbridgenews@yahoo.com City Hall 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA Address To: City of Stockbridge 4640 North Henry Blvd. Stockbridge, GA (770) (770) x210 (770) x234 (770) x203 (770) x213 (770) x209 Wynonia Williams (770) x207 Occupational Tax Clerk Dawnn Johnson Human Resources (770) x237 Charlene Cheatwood (770) x202 Customer Service Supervisor Jack Jones (770) Public Works Supervisor Jeff Bledsoe (770) Water Dept. Supervisor Pre Sorted Standard U.S. Postage PAID Stockbridge, GA Permit No. 163 Brad Holtsinger (770) Wastewater Supervisor Dan Dickson (770) Sewer Collections Supervisor General Maintenence (770) GIS (770) x217 Stormwater (770) x235 Merle Manders Conference Center Heidi Sewell (770) x222 Event Manager Miranda Roberts (770) x221 Director of Events Ted Strickland Community Center Al Barnes (770) x225 Facilities Coordinator Hugh Hamilton (770) x224 Facilities Coordinator Municipal Court Information (770) Henry County Police North Precinct Accident/Incident Reports (770) Reach Your Community in the Stockbridge Link Special Rates for Advertisers Next Issue (April 2012) Full Page...$ /2 Half Page...$ /4 Quarter Page...$ /8 One-Eighth...$75.00 Business Card...$ cityofstockbridgenews@yahoo.com Contact: (404)