🌱 Georgia Hospitals Police Force Law + Party For The Paws Celebration

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter — here to impart all the most important things happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Showers and a heavier t-storm. High: 84 Low: 66.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Smyrna-Vinings, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

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

1. Georgia hospitals created a police force to protect staff against growing violence from patients and visitors. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp recently signed a law that boosts criminal penalties for assaults against hospital staff and allows hospitals to create independent police force policies. This new law is thought to protect Georgia hospital workers against increasing acts of violence from patients. (WABE 90.1 FM)
2. In nearby Brookhaven, Puppy Haven will host its sixth annual Party for the Paws event to support the Atlanta Humane Society. The party will boast both the 10th anniversary of Puppy Haven and the 150th anniversary of the Atlanta Humane Society. The event will feature live music, vendors, food, drinks, and entertainment for local children. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. This week, the Smyrna Fire Department launched the Smyrna Safe Business Program. The program is intended to help businesses build resilience and preparedness in case of an emergency, and businesses that graduate from the program will be recognized by the mayor and council as Smyrna Safe Businesses. The first of the five sessions focuses on Hazard Identification and developing strategies for business preparedness. For more information on the program, click here. (Smyrna Fire Department)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

• Family Scavenger Hunt, At Georgia Aquarium [Atlanta] (12:00 PM)
• Food Truck Tuesdays, At Taylor-Brawner Park (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Join the Smyrna Elementary PTA and Foundations for spirit night on Monday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23. From 12:00-3:00 p.m., enjoy biscuits, burgers, fries, and more. (Smyrna Elementary PTA via Facebook)
• The Museum of Illusions opens Friday, May 19, at the Atlanta Station. Visitors can become immersed in an interactive journey through optical illusions, puzzles, and more than 80 exhibits. (Gwinnett Daily Post)
• The annual Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade returns to the Westside trail this Saturday, May 20. Created by Chantelle Rytter and the Krewe of the Grateful Gluttons, this annual parade brings community and creativity to Atlanta. (KABE)
• A team of Georgia Tech researchers developed an automatic feeding machine for gorillas at Zoo Atlanta. The ForageFeeder allows the primates to more naturally forage for their food rather than have the staff deliver food at regular intervals. The machine is $400 and is easy to manufacture and modify. (Georgia Tech College of Engineering)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Maya Eventov Artist Show : Textures of Nature (May 20)
• Microchip & Vaccination Clinic for Dogs & Cats - Low Cost (May 21)
• GO Kickball Summer Social, Coed, Adult Leagues - Registration Deadline June 8th (June 8)
• Add your event

Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with 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.