Alcovy HS Chorus to present ‘A Heartfelt Christmas’ | Christmas Parade Through Downtown Madison This Saturday | Piedmont Newton named Maternity Care Access Hospital

EAST METRO Top Stories for December 12th Publish Date: December 12th     Commercial: From the Ingles Studio, Welcome to The Community Podcast. This Podcast brings you the top stories from the Rockdale-Newton Citizen and the Morgan Citizen.   Today is Friday, December 12th and Happy birthday to Frank Sinatra I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Times Journal Alcovy HS Chorus to present ‘A Heartfelt Christmas’Christmas Parade Through Downtown Madison This SaturdayPiedmont Newton named Maternity Care Access Hospital Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on milk   These stories and more are coming up in today’s edition of the Community Podcast for Rockdale, Newton, and Morgan Counties! Please like, follow, and subscribe.   BREAK: Villa Rica Wonderland Train STORY 1: Alcovy HS Chorus to present ‘A Heartfelt Christmas’   Mark your calendars: the Alcovy High School Chorus is bringing all the holiday feels with “A Heartfelt Christmas” on Dec. 19 at Ebenezer United Methodist Church (2555 Stanton Road, Conyers). Doors swing open at 1:30 p.m., and here’s the best part—admission? Totally free. No tickets, no fees, just music that’ll probably make you tear up a little (or a lot). So, grab your family, your friends, or even that neighbor you’ve been meaning to catch up with, and come soak in the magic. It’s Christmas, after all—why not make it a little more special? STORY 2: Christmas Parade Through Downtown Madison This Saturday  Downtown Madison is about to feel like a Hallmark movie come to life on Saturday, Dec. 13. The annual Holiday Parade kicks off at 4 p.m., and then it’s all about Caroling by Candlelight in Town Park from 5 to 7 p.m. This year’s parade theme? “Here We Come A-Caroling.” Expect floats decked out in holiday cheer, horses, classic cars, local groups, and, of course, the Morgan County High School Marching Bulldog Band. Oh, and Christine Lambert is this year’s Grand Marshal—she’ll be leading the way. After the parade, grab some hot cocoa and head to Town Park. There’ll be carols, the Mayor’s Christmas tree lighting, marshmallow roasting, and even Santa and Mrs. Claus. And the music? The Missile Toes—a local band with a swing-meets-Rockabilly vibe—will reimagine Christmas classics with a high-energy twist. It’s free, it’s festive, and it’s Madison at its best. Don’t miss it. STORY 3: Piedmont Newton named Maternity Care Access Hospital    Piedmont Newton Hospital just earned a big nod from U.S. News & World Report as a Maternity Care Access Hospital—an honor that highlights hospitals providing critical maternity services in underserved areas. This isn’t just a shiny title. It’s about keeping communities from becoming maternity care deserts, where families might otherwise struggle to find the care they need. Out of 900 hospitals evaluated nationwide, only 147 made the cut—just 16%. The recognition is based on hard data—things like C-section rates, newborn outcomes, and breastfeeding support. It’s a reminder that access to safe, reliable maternity care isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.799.6810 for more info. We’ll be right back Break: INGLES MARKETS 10 STORY 4: Downtown development project vote postponed    In a surprise twist, developers behind a controversial downtown Madison project yanked their zoning requests just minutes before Monday night’s city council meeting. The move left council members and residents—many ready to speak against the proposal—scrambling. “This is news to us,” said Councilman Eric Joyce, thanking attendees for showing up, no matter their stance. The project? A bold, three-story mixed-use complex on Hancock Street, dreamed up by Preston Snyder, who’s rebuilding after a fire destroyed his businesses. But critics, like Celia Murray of the Madison Historic Coalition, argue it’s too big, too modern, and a threat to the town’s historic charm. The debate resumes March 9. STORY 5: Rockdale SWCD Poster/Photo Contest award winners honored The Rockdale County Soil and Water Conservation District recently celebrated some seriously talented students with its annual poster and photo contests. This year’s theme, “Home is Where the Habitat Is,” encouraged students to explore the importance of natural and managed habitats in conservation efforts. From kindergarten to high school, kids across the district got creative, submitting posters and photos that showcased their unique takes on the theme. Winners? Oh, there were plenty. First-place entries earned $50, second place $30, and third place $20. Top entries now head to the state competition. The awards were handed out at the Rockdale County Board of Education meeting and The Wilson Academy ...