🌱 Elections Director Steps Down + Georgia Tech Federal Funding Push

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Patch newsletter. Let's get this day started off right.

But first, today's weather:

Clearing and warmer. High: 81 Low: 63.

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

1. Janine Eveler, the elections director for Cobb County for the past 12 years, is stepping down following the chaos of the 2020 election, which caused long lines and delays due to the pandemic and new voting machines. Eveler’s resignation is part of a series of similar resignations by elections directors in Georgia, including in Fulton, Gwinnett, and DeKalb, as well as Augusta-Richmond and Macon-Bibb counties. Despite the controversy, Eveler remains committed to the importance of free and fair elections, saying it is virtually impossible for anyone to get away with fraud with so many eyes on the process. (MSN)
2. Georgia Tech is leading a push to secure $500 million in federal funding for a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub program that will help create jobs and economic benefits through regional manufacturing of clean energy products. The program was enacted as part of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 and has already been allocated $500 million by Congress. Georgia has been identified as having the resources to be a leader in renewable energy, and Atlanta is considered a hub of innovation and technical knowledge. (Atlanta Business Chronicle)
3. The Willco Group at Keller Williams Cityside will be hosting its first annual Easter Egg Hunt. The event, which is free and open event to the public, is scheduled for Thursday, Apr. 6, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at 3350 Atlanta Road in Smyrna. Participants are encouraged to bring their baskets to collect prizes; refreshments will be provided. RSVP at 404-225-2571. (AllEvents)

Today in Smyrna-Vinings:

• Infant & Toddler Storytime at Smyrna Public Library (10:30 AM)
• Teen Time: Crafts with a Cause at Smyrna Public Library (6:00 PM)
• Karaoke Tuesdays at Juicy Crab Smyna (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Smyrna Elementary PTA has posted a shout-out to one of its sponsors. Rev Coffee Roasters recently hosted an elementary school and gave a portion of their sales to the school. (Smyrna Elementary PTA via Facebook)
• Fulton County Juvenile Court has partnered with the Department of Arts & Culture to create an outdoor space called the "Courtyard of Second Chances" for young adults who pass through the Juvenile Justice Center. The space is designed to be a therapeutic environment that incorporates independent quiet areas, an upgraded cafeteria, a special events space, a restorative garden, and play areas to stimulate the senses and promote healing and wellness among young adults. The design also adopts a trauma-informed approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on justice-involved youth. (Fulton County GA Gov.)
• Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services responded to a horse rescue early Friday morning after the animal was found stuck in a creek. The Large Animal Response Group was also called in to help. The rescue teams were able to remove the horse safely, but unfortunately, the animal later succumbed to its injuries. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
• The Bomb Squad of Cobb County Police Department is organizing the Beeping Easter Egg Hunt on Apr. 8, at Horizon Field-Acworth Sports complex, specifically for blind or visually-impaired children. They encourage sharing the information to reach out to as many interested participants as possible. (Cobb Co. Police Department via Facebook)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Tuesday! I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow with another 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.