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Community Corner

🌱 Dickens Atlanta's New Mayor + Tree Falls, Kills Boy + Boosters

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Atlanta.

Kathy Cioffi, Community Contributor
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(Patch)

Hello, neighbors! Kathy Cioffi here with today's Atlanta Daily.

First, today's weather:

Warmer with plenty of sunshine. High: 51 Low: 39.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Atlanta:

  1. Andre Dickens took the oath of office Monday afternoon as Atlanta's 61st mayor. Thanking his alma mater, Georgia Tech, a beaming Dickens addressed the crowd at Bobby Dodd Stadium, saying, "I stand here before you today to usher in a new day in the city of Atlanta." Noting issues such as poverty, crime, homelessness, and hunger are among the biggest challenges facing residents, Dickens said he wants to uplift "the soul of the city of Atlanta." The Atlanta City Council and Municipal Court of Atlanta were also sworn in. (Atlanta Patch)
  2. Drastic, and fatal, weather changes blew into Atlanta Sunday night. After a string of 70-degree days, low temperatures, rain and strong winds hit metro Atlanta early Monday morning, causing a tree to fall on a DeKalb County home and killing a 5-year-old boy. DeKalb County Fire and Rescue crews were called to the Glenwood Road home early Monday morning. "Crews made entry to make a rescue and heard people screaming at the time," said Captain Jaeson Daniels. Although rescuers were not able to save the boy, identified by his family as Zach, they were able to pull his mother, distraught but uninjured, to safety. (WTVC)
  3. The Pfizer COVID-19 booster for 12- to 15-year-olds was authorized Monday by the Food and Drug Administration, widening access to the third dose of the vaccine as COVID-19 daily infection rates remain in record territory. However, the shots won't be available to adolescents and younger teens in Georgia immediately, until the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky rules on the expanded access, expected later this week. Regulators also authorized a third Pfizer vaccine shot five months after the second dose, shortening the wait period for the booster by a month, and authorized the boosters to immunocompromised children ages 5-11. Booster shots are already recommended for everyone over 16 and are available in Georgia at CVS, Publix, Walgreens, Sam's Club, Ingles, Costco and Walmart pharmacies, as well as other commercial providers. Be sure to check online or by phone if providers require appointments before heading out to get vaccinated. (Atlanta Patch)
  4. If one of your New Year's resolutions is to find a new job, we've got you covered with a listing of nearly 90 openings across the Atlanta area and, in some cases, beyond. From hourly positions to salaried careers, this list offers something for just about anyone looking for a fresh start in 2022. (Atlanta Patch)
  5. "The Stolen Lady: A Novel of World War II and the Mona Lisa" by Laura Morelli has been selected by Roswell Reads for its 17th annual citywide book selection, an event that historically draws literary fans from across the metro area, and beyond. Morelli is an art historian and an award-winning USA Today bestselling historical novelist. Her latest novel, "The Stolen Lady," is based on the true story behind the biggest museum evacuation in history: the Louvre's efforts to keep the Mona Lisa and the rest of the Louvre's collection out of Nazi hands. Four events are planned throughout January: A pair of virtual book discussions Jan. 11; a virtual author presentation Jan. 29; a virtual writing workshop led by Morelli Jan. 31; and a family program with an art project for children. All events are free but registration is required. More information is at roswellreads.com. (Roswell Patch)

Today's Atlanta Daily is brought to you in part by our friends at Ring, the home security company. Ring does a lot more than doorbells: check out their full suite of smart home products at Ring.com. And thank you Ring for helping to make local news happen in Atlanta!

Today in Atlanta:

  • Hora de Cuentos en Español at the DeKalb County Public Library (10:00 AM)
  • Growing Healthy Babies at the DeKalb County Public Library (10:30 AM)
  • Graphic Novel Book Club at the DeKalb County Public Library (4:30 PM)

From my notebook:

  • The Atlanta Falcons celebrate Kyle Pitts becoming the first rookie TE to record 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ receiving yards since Mike Ditka in 1961. (📺: FOX) (Instagram)
  • The inauguration of Andre Dickens, the 61st Mayor of Atlanta, featured the official swearing-in ceremony, followed by the first organizational meeting of the new Atlanta City Council. (Facebook)
  • MARTA offered a reminder that federal mandate still requires face masks to be worn at all times while taking transit – including while inside stations, buses, trains, & streetcars. Customers who refuse to wear a mask are subject to a 12-hour suspension from the system. Thank you for wearing a mask. (Facebook)
  • Atlanta-Fulton County Emergency Management Agency (AFCEMA) noted that, with wind gusts in the 40-50 mph range and very saturated soil, we will see numerous downed trees and power lines. Power outages are possible. Travel cautiously. (Facebook)
  • City of Atlanta - Mayor's Office of Cultural Affairs asks residents to check out the January Newsletter! See our latest Art & Culture Updates including info on the restructuring of our Contracts for Arts Services program, the Atlanta Childrens Memorial and local happenings. (Facebook)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with your next update.

— Kathy Cioffi

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

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