🌱 $60K For Imagination Library + Kiwanis Club Online Auction

Morning, Marietta! Here's everything you need to know to get this Monday started off right.

First, today's weather:

Warmer with some sun. High: 57 Low: 33.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. Last month, the Marietta Community Foundation (MCF) promised a dollar-to-dollar match for donations of up to $20,000 to the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. After the initial goal was quickly achieved, the foundation's board of directors raised the match to $30,000, which the community has once again met. Now, $60,344 is being deposited to enroll eligible children in the Imagination Library, of which the MCF is a local partner. (Subscription: Marietta Times)
2. Last year, the Kiwanis Club of Marietta was forced to cancel its annual Pancake Days event. Though the all-you-can-eat pancakes and silent auction won't make its return this year, the organization is hosting an online auction through Mar. 31. Over 100 businesses have donated products to fill 60 baskets; you can see available baskets and register to bid here. (WTAP)
3. This week's weather forecast calls for spring weather here in Marietta! Today and tomorrow call for warmer, partly sunny weather with gentle breezes. Wednesday will be mild with periods of sun, with a high of 66; Thursday is expected to be mild and partly cloudy with a high of 67. Visit the link for the full forecast, courtesy of Patch and AccuWeather. (Marietta Patch)

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Today in Marietta:

• Diamond Painting - BB2C Makerspace (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Saturday night, Marietta College edged out an 81-79 victory against Christopher Newport University. The Pioneers will advance to the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball Tournament Final Four. (WTKR)
• Should gas prices continue to rise, the Marietta Police Department has a plan to cut back on its fuel consumption. According to Marietta Police Chief Aaron Nedeff, the department would likely implement strategies from the last gas price spike of 2008, including downtown foot patrol and bike officers. (WTAP)

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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll see you soon.

— Dan Casarella

About me: Dan Casarella is a writer, podcast producer, and small business development specialist who formerly worked in late-night television. He’s produced many talk segments, including with President Joe Biden, Kobe Bryant, and Chadwick Boseman. Dan studied Media Studies and Production at Temple University. He also enjoys running, painting, and the highs and lows of Philadelphia’s sports teams.