Henry County Times

“We have networked with United Way partners to make a greater impact,” she said. “We don’t just want to make a small impact, but we believe that by networking with all the organi- zations coming in, we can have a greater impact.” Lemons touted partnerships with a number of local entities for helping to bolster her organi- zation’s goals. Those groups include United Way, the National Christina Foundation, Midwest Food Bank, Home Depot, Kirkland Employment Agency, the Clark Foundation, Play Hard Elite and The Henry County Times. She emphasized that Miracle Mission Hope House, currently at 466 Simpson St., in McDonough, is working with United Way to offer child well- being programs for children from infants to 12th grade. The group, she said, has other plans on the horizon as well. “One of the most important things we are looking forward to is, first of all, trying to get a larger building,” said Lemons. “It is our goal to become a one- stop shop where we meet all the needs of individuals and fami- lies. If we are blessed to get that building, then we’ll bring in other partners and have all of us in one location.” From Staff Reports Susan Harrison fondly recalled her slot-machine days during a recent casino activity for resi- dents at Laurel Park in Stockbridge. “When I could, I went to the slot machines three times a month, said Harrison, resident council vice president. “Today, I won $200, and spent the tickets on gifts that I like. Plus the food was delicious.” Laurel Park and Griffin Home Care recently teamed up to offer the residents a chance to play blackjack, roulette, and craps in a “Vegas Extravaganza.” About 40 residents gambled for approximately two hours, including one bedbound resi- dent via Skype. The casino event was selected as part of a Committed to Caring project. The excited residents stopped by the dining room early to get a sneak peek at the casino decoration. When the festivities finally kicked off at 2:30 p.m., many of them were waiting in line to enter the casi- no. Residents were greeted at the door and escorted to the game of their choice -- blackjack, craps, or roulette. Each resident received $1,000 in fun money from the dealer for betting. Staff members of Laurel Park and Griffin Home Care served hors d’oeurves and mocktails to resi- dents and family members. The day also featured music by Dale Hinton from Oak Park Baptist Church, and volunteers from Global Impact Ministries helped serve the residents snacks and assist them in their playing. At the end of the day, residents cashed out their winnings and received tickets to claim prizes. Two residents even won $8,000 in casino money. Excitement was evident in one of the big winners from the casi- no, Ms. Laurel Park 2017, Linda Atwood. “I won, and won big!” she exclaimed. “I enjoyed it, and can’t wait until we do it again.” Lady Luck didn’t smile quite as much on Resident Council President Sheila Owens. Nevertheless, Owens said is already looking forward to her next chance at the casino. “I broke even, but I can’t wait to do it again,” said Owens. When the casino day was over, Martha Wilkerson was among the residents who were grateful for a new experience at the casi- no. “I have never been that close to anything like that,” she said. “It was so much fun.” The Henry County Times March 21, 2018 Page 14 McDonough • 770-957-6314 www.TheHenryCountyTimes.com PASS TIME IN LINE. | READ THE NEWSPAPER Only $33 per year to zip codes 30228, 30248, 30252, 30253 & 30281 and $39 per year to all other zip codes! Name: Address: Phone: Times The Henry County “Celebrating Henry County” Mail your check and this form to: The Henry County Times P.O. Box 2407 McDonough, GA 30253 TOP QUALITY NAME BRAND • Household Items • Antiques • Furniture •Ladies • Mens • Children Items 770-957-8868 • 401 Racetrack Rd. • McDonough Monday - Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Donʼt miss even lower discounts with the Color Tag Sales - EVERYDAY! Why Pay Retail! Laurel Park residents enjoy a ‘Vegas Extravaganza’ Residents at Laurel Park and Griffin Home Care were recently treated to a casino event, Vegas Extravaganza” featuring blackjack, roulette and craps. Special photo Impact , from page 7 Red Cross Blood Drive Special to the Times A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held on Wednesday, March 28 from 3-7 p.m. at Bethany Baptist Church, 4 North Bethany Road in McDonough. To get started you can down- load the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit red crossblood.org or call 1-800- RED CROSS (1-800-733- 2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or drivers license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individ- uals who are 17 years of age (age 16 with parental consent), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.