This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

🌱 Renaming 2 GA Army Bases + Election Bills + Abrams' Trek Turn

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

Kathy Cioffi, Community Contributor
|
(Patch)

Happy Saturday, Atlanta! Here's everything you need to know going on in Atlanta today.

First, today's weather:

Times of clouds and sun. High: 66 Low: 41.

🏡 Are you a local real estate agent? Let us help you generate leads, build your brand in Atlanta and stand apart from the competition. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 5 stories today in Atlanta:

  1. Nine military installations that honor Confederate figures, including Fort Benning and Fort Gordon in Georgia, will be renamed. This week, the federal Naming Commission announced it had narrowed its list of recommendations from over 34,000 it had received from the public. Dwight D. Eisenhower, George C. Marshall, Colin Powell and Harriet Tubman are among 87 candidates making the cut for the installations' new names. Fort Gordon, outside Augusta, was named after John Gordon, who commanded half of Robert E. Lee's army during the Civil War. Fort Benning, just outside of Columbus, was named after Henry Benning, a Confederate general. (Free: EffinghamHerald.net; Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
  2. Crossover Day was this week, marking a pivotal point in Georgia's legislative session. March 15 was the deadline for bills to pass at least one chamber — the state Senate or the House — to stay alive for the session. As education has been a particular focus for lawmakers this year, WABE spoke with Atlanta Journal-Constitution state education reporter Ty Tagami to sort through the education bills that did - or didn't - successfully "cross over." Tagami goes into detail about which bills are likely to become law and which ones didn't make the Crossover Day deadline. (WABE 90.1 FM)
  3. Stacey Abrams, two-time Georgia gubernatorial candidate and voter rights activist, recently added to her resume in a most entertaining fashion. Abrams, a self-proclaimed Trekkie, played a pivotal, albeit minor, role in this week's season four finale of "Star Trek: Discovery," portraying the 32nd century's President of United Earth. So what's next for Abrams? There's the November general election, which isn't exactly where no woman or man has gone before, but it's still something of a star turn for the qualifying candidates. (Atlanta Patch)
  4. Saturdays are ideal for adding furry friends to the family. If you've been thinking about adopting a fluffy ball of love and affection, consider beginning at a local rescue facility like Atlanta Humane Society, where many adorable cats and dogs are patiently waiting for their forever homes. With help from Petfinder, Patch has compiled this week's list of 50-plus animals available for adoption near you. (Atlanta Patch)
  5. Irish singing group Celtic Woman will return to the Peach State Saturday, Dec. 17. The holiday program, called "A Christmas Symphony," will be at Atlanta Symphony Hall and will feature the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. The most successful all-female group in Irish history, Celtic Woman has 12 Billboard number ones and 10 million album sales worldwide, plus two billion online streams to date. For information about the shows and more, visit aso.org/live. (encoreatlanta.com)

Today in Atlanta:

  • Snackyard fruit tree sale and festivities at Wild Heaven West End Brewery and Gardens. Peruse a curated selection of 35+ fruit tree and berry varieties from Thyme to Party that have been handpicked for their ability to thrive in Atlanta. (9:00 AM)
  • Superhero science day programming at Children's Museum of Atlanta. Kiddos will engage in hands-on activities inspired by some of their favorite superheroes. On stage, exploration of force and motion will help little ones sharpen their superhero skills. (10:00 AM)
  • STEM Gems Summit: Women Empowering Girls. STEM Gems is a movement to #GiveGirlsRoleModels and inspire girls and young women to choose careers in science, tech, engineering and math. (11:00 AM)
  • Creekwater Alpaca Farm Barn Tour. Our unique farm in Snellville has been the home of over 50 alpacas since 1993. We offer a safe, close up, hands-on experience unlike any other. Bring the family and enjoy petting the alpacas in their pen, bunnies, goats, miniature horses and pigs too! Toulouse geese also call Creekwater home, and you can enjoy it all with our public tours. (11:00 AM)
  • Kegs and Eggs Post St. Paddy's Brunch Party! Join early risers today for a post St. Patrick's brunch block party in Virginia Highland with multiple bars and restaurants participating. (11:00 AM)

From my notebook:

  • Public Information Officer Shannon Wiggins, City of East Point: "🆓️ MOVIES 🎬 NEXT WEEK: Join the City of East Point and the East Point Library on March 22 for a screening of two documentaries produced by Councilman Lance Robertson, "Hosea Williams-Unbought & Unbossed" and "Nelson Mandela-South Africa Election." Free 🍿 and refreshments!" (Nextdoor)
  • Public Information Officer Shannon Wiggins, City of East Point: "Check out these events from the ArtsXchange! - #EastPoint #art #family #dance #poetry" (Nextdoor)
  • Public Education Specialist Donna Mann, DeKalb County Police Department: "DeKalb Homeowners have until April 1 to file basic, special tax exemptions. The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's Office located at 4380 Memorial Drive will have extended hours from March 28-April 1 until 6 p.m. to accommodate walk-in customers applying for property tax exemptions. Homestead exemptions provide a reduction in annual property taxes and are available to individuals who own and occupy a home in DeKalb County as of Jan. 1, 2022. Homeowners who do not have an existing exemption have until the April 1 deadline to apply." (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, North Buckhead: "Dog trainer: I recently adopted a young 4+ year old 57-pound golden retriever mix, stray. She was obviously abused. She has bonded with me and is fine with my other dog and two cats, however she is terrified to leave the house and of loud noises. Any recommendations for a trainer that you think could help me with this special girl?" (Nextdoor)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Reynoldstown: "Lifeline is full. Another weekend trying to find fosters and adopters if anyone is interested. ♥️" (Nextdoor)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

  • Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin Returns for one night only (March 19)
  • Estate Planning Webinar 3/21 & 3/21 (March 21)
  • PRIDE Kickball Atlanta Spring Leagues (March 21)
  • DeKalb Symphony Masterworks Series No. 2 (March 22)
  • American Diabetes Association Diabetes Alert Day: Understand Your Risk (March 22)
  • Feeling Overwhelmed? Anxieties? Re-center yourself with Holistic Fitness for all levels! (March 24)
  • High Revelry for the High Museum Wine Auction (March 24)
  • John Stango Artist Show (March 26)
  • Independent Distilling 8 year Anniversary & Crawfish Boil with Mothers Best!! (March 26)
  • Add your event

Announcements:

Loving the Atlanta Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

Alrighty, you're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for another update.

— Kathy Cioffi

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

More from Atlanta