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Rockdale County proclaims local Master Gardener, marks Child Abuse Prevention Month and hears plans for new farmers market
Summary
The Board proclaimed April 14, 2026 as Cesar Matrendola Appreciation Day and declared April Child Abuse Prevention Month; resident Leslie Lambert announced a Rockdale Farmers Market opening April 19 (Restoration Storehouse) and weekly Wednesday markets at Pine Lawn Park starting April 22.
The Rockdale County Board of Commissioners opened its April 14 meeting with two proclamations and public remarks launching a new farmers market.
The Chair read a proclamation recognizing Cesar Matrendola for 23 years of volunteer service with the University of Georgia Rockdale County Extension Office and as co‑founder of the Memorial Arboretum at Conyers Horse Park; the Board declared April 14, 2026 as Cesar Matrendola Appreciation Day. The honoree thanked the Board and noted there are about 40 Master Gardeners in the group and invited residents to join upcoming training.
The Board also proclaimed April 2026 as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Rockdale County and invited leaders from Positive Childhood Alliance and Rockdale DFACS to accept the recognition. Diane Howington, executive director of Positive Childhood Alliance, and Veronica Parrott, County DFACS director, thanked the Board and highlighted collaborative prevention efforts and long‑term community services dating back to their establishment in 1989–1990.
During public comment, Leslie Lambert promoted the opening of the Rockdale Farmers Market: Sunday, April 19 from 1–4 p.m. at Restoration Storehouse on Parker Road (1400 Parker Road) and starting Wednesday, April 22 from 3–6 p.m. at Pine Lawn Park (entrance near Saint Simon’s Episcopal Church). Lambert said the market is a partnership among Rockdale County, the Soil & Water Conservation District, UGA Extension Global Growers, Saint Simon’s Episcopal Church and Restoration Storehouse, and urged residents to shop, spread the word and recruit farmers and cottage vendors.
The Chair and commissioners expressed support for the market and noted the county hopes the initiative will increase family activities, highlight arts and culture, and boost local small businesses.
What happens next: Organizers will accept vendor signups and prepare for the April 19 opening; county communications and the community magazine may promote the new market.
