🌱 First Black Female Deputy Recognized + Food News In Atlanta

Hello again, neighbors. It's Saturday in Smyrna-Vinings and I'm back in your inbox with everything that's fit to print about what's happening in our community.

But first, today's weather:

Partial sunshine. High: 62 Low: 47.

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

1. The Fulton County Sheriff's Office will recognize the first Black woman deputy at the agency as part of Women's History Month. Johnnie Ruth Bussey joined the force in 1969 when the former chief suggested she apply and be hired. Bussey climbed the ranks and was promoted to deputy sheriff in the 70s. Bussey and Deputy Judy Guest served together as the first two women on the Honor Guard, and Bussey reached the status of captain and then major upon retirement. Bussey is currently living in Fulton County and will be honored at a breakfast this month for her achievements. (11Alive.com WXIA)
2. February brought a mix of restaurant openings and closings in Atlanta, with notable openings including Holeman and Finch and Bona Fide Deluxe, while closures included Serenidad and Revival. March continues to see changes in the Atlanta dining scene, with three big closures and the announcement of a new food hall, and several anticipated restaurant openings. Fishmonger is set to open a third location on Howell Mill, and the Daily is opening in the former Proof Bakeshop space in Inman Park. (Eater Atlanta)
3. After a 12-year free water policy, Atlanta water customers will face the disconnection of water for late payments. A round of notices went out on Thursday, giving residents the weekend to get enough money together to pay 25 percent of the bill by next Monday. The shutoffs will affect single-family residences first as it is difficult to blame one person in a multi-family residence. About $20 million is owed to the Atlanta Water Department. (FOX 5 Atlanta)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Self-Defense And The Legal System – Adventure Outdoors (10:30 AM)
• Women In Wine | Winery Class – The Oenophile Institute (1:30 PM)
• Mike Brookshire – American Legion (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Friends of Smyrna Library shared their special thanks to Christa McCay of the Marietta History Center for the amazing lecture on Sunday, Mar. 5 about Regina Rambo Benson. Also, a big thanks were given to all the Rambo cousins who took time out of their schedules to attend as well for a great afternoon! (Friends of Smyrna Library via Facebook)
• Keep Smyrna Beautiful is looking for morning and afternoon volunteers for the Smyrna Garden Tour on May 6. For more information and to sign up, you can click here. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• Saturday, Mar. 25 is the perfect opportunity to connect with public safety officials in your area. The Public Safety Forum will touch on a bunch of topics, such as community engagement, public safety and citizen response to an active shooter, and gun safety. (Smyrna Public Safety Foundation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Music from Seven Continents (March 18)

Alrighty, you're all good for today! See you soon for your next 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.