🌱 Cobb County Schools​ Solar Eclipse Concerns + Family Fun Glow Night

Hello there, Smyrna-Vinings. I'm here in your inbox this morning to get you caught up on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

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Now, today's weather:

A t-storm around in the p.m. High: 94 Low: 75.

Here are the top three stories today in Smyrna-Vinings:

1. In preparation for a total solar eclipse occurring on Monday, Apr. 8, 2024, Cobb County Schools has announced an early-release day for all grade levels due to "concerns over student safety." Despite the eclipse not passing directly over Georgia, the district aims to protect students' eyes from potential damage. While some parents welcome the decision as a safety measure, others express bewilderment, viewing it as a missed educational opportunity. Experts suggest that schools could have utilized protective equipment or pinhole cameras for a safe and educational eclipse-watching experience instead of closing for the event. Nonetheless, the district assures parents of providing ample time and information to make informed health decisions for their children. (11Alive.com WXIA)
2. The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) in partnership with Beep, an autonomous transport company, has introduced the Cumberland Hopper, a free, self-driving electric shuttle available for Atlanta Braves fans, local employees, and visitors in the Cumberland area. Operating on a predetermined route between Cobb Galleria and The Battery during evening events like Braves games, and circling through the Galleria business park on some work days, the shuttle is the first of its kind in Cobb County. The pilot program aims to gather feedback and information to incorporate autonomous vehicles into the planned Cumberland Sweep project, a multi-modal pathway connecting major destinations in the district. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
3. Smyrna Parks and Recreation is hosting a Family Fun Glow Night at the Smyrna Community Center on Sept. 15. From 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., families can come together to create glow-in-the-dark masterpieces using provided paint supplies and enjoy refreshments. The event requires registration, and the cost is $30 per person. Interested participants can register through this link. (City of Smyrna via Facebook)

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Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

Friday, July 28

• Spiked Pops Pop-Up At Prohibition Liquor (5:00 PM)
• Lauren Spencer-Smith Concert At Buckhead Theatre, Atlanta (7:15 PM)

From my notebook:

• Smyrna Parks and Recreation has teamed up with The Stout Brothers Smyrna Beer Market to introduce a Pickleball Fall League, commencing on Aug. 31 at Tolleson Park. Geared towards fostering a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere for the community, the league requires teams to register with a minimum of 6 players (3 women and 3 men) and a maximum roster of 10 players. You can register here! (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• A job opportunity for Sanitation Workers is available, offering competitive pay and benefits. The starting pay ranges from $15.76 to $20.09 per hour, depending on experience, with additional incentives. Interested candidates can apply through the provided link. (Smyrna Government)
• In case you missed it, an exciting Under the Sea Cookie Decorating Class is being held in August, inviting children between the ages of 5 to 12 to explore their creativity by decorating cookies inspired by their favorite movie. The class will take place on Saturday, Aug. 12, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Smyrna Community Center's Tulip Room. Registration can be completed here. (Smyrna Parks and Recreation)

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Featured events:

• Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (July 28)
• Gut Health Mini Workshop (July 29)
• Schoolhouse Brewing Adult Back to School Party (July 29)
• Steven Quartly Artist Show (July 30)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a content manager with content creation agency Lightning Media Partners and assists Patch.com with community newsletter curation. Danielle also holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders and works part-time as a pediatric speech therapist.