🌱 Raises For City Employees Approved + Public Safety Calls Meeting

Hello, everybody! It's me, Danielle Fallon-O'Leary, your host of the Smyrna-Vinings Daily — back in your inbox with all the most important things happening in town these days.

But first, today's weather:

Downpours in the afternoon. High: 64 Low: 50.

🏘️ Looking to differentiate yourself from other real estate agents in Smyrna-Vinings? Partner with the Smyrna-Vinings Patch and gain access to a targeted, engaged audience through our premium newsletter sponsorships. Click here to learn more.

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

1. The City Council approved $1.3 million in raises for Smyrna city employees. The raises go into effect on Jan. 1. According to City Administrator Joe Bennett, they encompass a cost of living adjustment, merit increases, and an extra $2,000 raise for certified public safety positions. (MDJOnline.com)
2. The Atlanta Public Safety Commission is planning a special meeting to discuss strategies for reducing youth violence in the metro area. The meeting will be held on Dec. 13 in the Atlanta City Hall in response to the fatal murder of two teenagers near Atlantic Station. (FOX 5 Atlanta)
3. Cobb County elementary school students teamed up with police from nearby Marietta for the annual Shop with a Cop event this week. Marietta City Schools chose 60 students for the event, who were then given $250 to spend on holiday gifts and necessities. According to organizer Lt. Gretchen Ingram, the event is funded entirely by donations. (MDJOnline.com)

Today in and around Smyrna-Vinings:

• A Christmas Tradition At Strand Theater, Marietta (6:00 PM)
• Eric Gales At Buckhead Theater, Atlanta (8:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Chanukah is coming up! Join Chabad of Smyrna and Vinings for the Giant Gelt Drop and Menorah Lighting event on Tuesday, Dec. 20. (City of Smyrna, GA Government via Facebook)
• Bring home a new furry family member for the holidays! Check out these pets available for adoption in the Smyrna-Vinings area and meet Fin, Gills, Dalton, and more. (Smyrna-Vinings Patch)
• Are you looking to get out of the house this weekend and maybe participate in the holiday spirit? Check out this list of five things to do this weekend in Cobb County, including the Georgia Festival of Vendors, Snowman Saturday in Smyrna, and Christmas at Piedmont Church. (MDJOnline.com)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Terminus Ballet presents "A Christmas Carol Told Again" (December 9)
• Georgia Festival of Vendors 2022 (December 10)
• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing (December 10)
• Jazz at the Ballroom Presents "HOLIDAY IN" (December 17)
• Holidays on Stage and Screen (December 17)
• Add your event

Gigs & services:

• Give the gift of inner peace 🎁 (Details)
• Add your gig or service

You're all caught up for today! I'll see you soon.

— Danielle Fallon-O'Leary

About me: Danielle Fallon-O’Leary is a senior writer 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.