ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful recently received a 2025 Governor’s Circle Award for its outstanding achievements in community beautification and environmental sustainability. The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation (KGBF) presented the award in recognition of exemplary performance in litter reduction, waste minimization, and community greening.

To qualify for the Governor’s Circle Award, affiliates must be certified and in good standing with Keep America Beautiful (KAB), the national nonprofit that oversees state and local programming. Additionally, the affiliate must be an active member of the KGBF network. Certified KAB affiliates are required to effect meaningful, positive, and lasting change by directly addressing community needs in the areas of litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, and beautification.

“Across Georgia, we’re focused on creating clean, green, and beautiful communities for everyone to enjoy,” said Natalie Johnston-Russell, executive director of the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation. “This year’s award recipients exemplify what’s possible when passion meets action, and we’re proud to recognize their outstanding contributions.”

“This Governor’s Circle Award reflects the extraordinary dedication of our Keep Conyers–Rockdale Beautiful Council members, volunteers, and community partners who consistently demonstrate what is possible when service and stewardship are placed at the forefront of community development,” said Commissioner Tuwanya Smith. “Their commitment to litter prevention, beautification, and environmental education continues to strengthen the quality of life for residents across Rockdale County.”

“From neighborhood cleanups and recycling initiatives to community engagement and volunteer outreach, KCRB has set a high standard for civic responsibility and environmental leadership,” Commissioner Smith added. “I am proud of the work being done through this organization and grateful for the passion and professionalism that have earned this statewide recognition. This award affirms that our collective efforts are making a lasting and meaningful impact.”

About Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB):

Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) empowers residents, partners, and volunteers to create a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant Conyers–Rockdale community through education, public action, and environmental stewardship. Through community cleanups, recycling initiatives, and signature programs like the Great American Cleanup and Rivers Alive, KCRB mobilizes volunteers and partners to reduce litter, promote sustainability, and enhance community pride across Conyers and Rockdale County.

About the Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation: The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation has a 48-year history of doing the little things that make a big difference in Georgia’s communities. Established in 1978, we aim to educate and inspire Georgians to take action every day to improve and beautify their community environments. The Keep Georgia Beautiful Foundation supports approximately 70 local affiliates across the state, and its programs represent 82% of Georgia’s population. We also strive to engage new communities and individuals in our efforts to end littering, promote recycling and waste reduction, and beautify communities. For more information, visit www.kgbf.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

Rockdale County Secures $2.5 Million in Federal Funding for High Priority Community Projects and Services

Congressman David Scott and Senator Jon Ossoff Deliver Key Investments for FY 2026

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County announced today that it has been awarded $2.5 million in federal funding for three vital community projects in the Fiscal Year 2026 Congressional appropriations process. The funding, secured through the efforts of Congressman David Scott and Senator Jon Ossoff, will support veterans’ services, trail connectivity, and enhanced senior care programs.

“This federal investment represents a significant commitment to the quality of life for Rockdale County residents,” said Chair and CEO of Rockdale County, JaNice Van Ness. “We are grateful to Congressman Scott and Senator Ossoff for their leadership in securing these critical resources for our community.”

Congressman David Scott approved funding for two projects totaling $665,200:

Rockdale River Trail Improvements – $500,000 This funding will connect two currently disconnected portions of the Rockdale River Trail, providing residents with enhanced access to business centers, downtown Conyers, recreational opportunities, and the historic Monastery of the Holy Spirit. The trail connection will promote active transportation, economic development, and community wellness.

Rockdale Veterans Transportation Program Vehicle Acquisition – $165,200 This investment will allow Rockdale County to purchase a new vehicle to supplement its Veterans Transportation Program, which provides honorably discharged Rockdale County veterans of any age with reliable transportation to the Veterans Hospital in Decatur and VA clinics in Stockbridge and Covington.

Senator Jon Ossoff secured funding for:

Senior Center Satellite Project – $1,900,000 Rockdale County Board of Commissioners will use this investment to dramatically improve access to critical services for senior citizens throughout Rockdale County, including the expansion of Meals on Wheels and other essential programs. The satellite facility will ensure that aging residents receive the support they need closer to home.

The approved projects were submitted through the competitive Congressional Community Project Funding process, which allows local governments to request federal support for high-priority community initiatives.

For more information about these projects, please contact Jennifer Rutledge, Director of Government Affairs for Rockdale County at (770) 278-7009 or Jennifer.Rutledge@rockdale26.soliademo.com.

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Rockdale County Offers Free Tax Preparation Services at Johnson Park

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Rockdale County residents can receive free basic tax preparation assistance during the 2026 tax filing season through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Post 1 Commissioner Tuwanya Smith is pleased to host a VITA site that will be managed by The Accounting Cure, LLC, a local CPA firm, in partnership with The Tax Cure and Relief Foundation, Inc. and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Sigma Eta Lambda Chapter.

The program will operate at Johnson Park in Conyers from January 31 through April 16, 2026, offering services on Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The initiative is designed to support eligible individuals and families by providing free basic federal and state tax return preparation. Services are delivered by trained IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers who help taxpayers file accurate returns and identify eligible credits and refunds at no cost.

“This program helps ensure Rockdale County residents have access to reliable and trustworthy tax assistance during tax season,” said Commissioner Tuwanya Smith. “We are grateful for our partnership with The Accounting Cure LLC, The Tax Cure and Relief Foundation Inc., and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., in making these services available to the community.”

The VITA program primarily serves low- to moderate-income households, people who generally make $69,000 or less, individuals with disabilities, limited English-speaking taxpayers, and families who may not otherwise have access to professional tax preparation services. Appointments and eligibility requirements may apply.

Residents planning to participate are encouraged to bring all required tax documents, including photo identification, Social Security cards or ITIN letters, and tax forms such as W-2s and 1099s.

Program Details

• Location: Johnson Park, 1781 Ebenezer Rd SW, Conyers, GA 30094
• Dates: January 31 – April 16, 2026
• Hours:
  • Thursdays: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
  • Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Cost: Free

For more information about eligibility, required documents, or scheduling, residents may contact The Tax Cure and Relief Foundation, Inc. at (770) 678-8785, email info@thetaxcure.org, or visit www.thetaxcure.org.

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Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful Launches “Pop the Cork” Cork & Wine Glass Recycling Initiative

ROCKDALE COUNTY, Ga. – Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful (KCRB) is proud to announce the kickoff and official launch of Pop the Cork, a community recycling initiative focused on glass bottle and natural wine cork recycling. The official kickoff week will take place January 31 through February 7, 2026.

The Pop the Cork Initiative provides Rockdale County residents with a convenient and environmentally responsible way to recycle clean glass bottles and natural wine corks. All drop-offs will take place at the Rockdale County Transfer Center (formerly known as the Recycling Center), making participation simple while supporting local recycling efforts.

Glass bottles collected through the initiative will be recycled into new products, and natural wine corks will be repurposed or recycled through specialized partners. Please note that synthetic or plastic corks cannot be accepted.

How to Participate:
During kickoff week (January 31–February 7, 2026), residents are encouraged to bring their materials to the Rockdale County Recycling Center. Following the launch, Pop the Cork will operate as an ongoing program.

• Acceptable Items: Clean, empty glass bottles and natural wine corks.
• Requirements: All materials must be free of liquids, food residue, and contaminants.
• Eligibility: Participation is open to all Rockdale County residents, restaurants, event venues, and community partners.

Join the Pop the Cork Spotlight

To celebrate community involvement, KCRB is launching the Pop the Cork Spotlight, a monthly feature highlighting individuals and partners who support the initiative. To get involved:

1. Take a photo of your recycling efforts (dropping off bottles or collecting corks).
2. Tag KCRB on social media.
3. Use the hashtag: #PopTheCorkRockdale

Each month, KCRB will select a resident, business, or volunteer to be featured on their platforms for helping make a difference in Rockdale’s sustainability goals.

For more information, partnership opportunities, or volunteer involvement, please contact Keep Conyers-Rockdale Beautiful at kcrb@rockdale26.soliademo.com or 770-278-7052.

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