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Community Corner

🌱 Robot Aids Restaurant + Romance Scams + Slave Cemetery Revived

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, people of Atlanta! It's me again, Kathy Cioffi, your host of the Atlanta Daily.

First, today's weather:

Warmer with plenty of sun. High: 56 Low: 35.

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Here are the top five stories today in Atlanta:

  1. A Buckhead restaurant is addressing staffing shortages with a server who never gets tired and won't call in sick: a robot named Servie. Tuesday, the Wing Factory began using the robot to deliver orders, and it's proven a staffing decision that owner Michael Giovine says is "pretty cool — rolls around to the different tables, helps us out." The extra assistance came in handy on Super Bowl Sunday, the restaurant's busiest day of the year, when rising food prices made automation even more important. "If we can save on labor with the robot, we can help absorb those food costs," Giovine said. (WSB Atlanta)
  2. There's no better day to offer stern warnings about romance scams than on Valentine's Day. According to the FBI, romance scammers have stolen millions from unsuspecting Georgians. While people of all ages are victims of swindlers, the FBI said older women are most often targeted by amorous thieves wooing them out of their money, personal and financial information. In 2020, romance scams cost Americans over $281 million, the FBI said, with over $9 million stolen from 515 victims in the Peach State alone. Anyone who believes they're the victim of a romance scam should report the activity to the Internet Crime Complaint Center. Also, the FBI encouraged anyone who has been swindled to immediately call their banks, credit unions and credit card companies. They should also report the illegal activity to the website or application where contact began. (Atlanta Patch)
  3. An Atlanta area slave cemetery that had become nearly invisible after years of neglect has been restored. Smyrna, which took over the Mount Zion Cemetery in 2019, will hold a dedication ceremony Feb. 20 for the renewed site after spending $100,000 to clear trees, build a fence and wall, improve landscaping and restore headstones. "It was in a complete state of disrepair. You wouldn't even recognize it," said Smyrna councilman Travis Lindley. Founded after the Civil War by former slaves, the church's cemetery was the final resting place for slaves and their descendants. "This cemetery is a place on the landscape that tells part of the African American history of Smyrna," said Smyrna museum manager Jennie Eldredge. "This is a testament to their lives, their struggles and accomplishments." (Brunswick News)
  4. Significant changes in representation are coming for some neighborhoods with this year's Atlanta City Council redistricting. Generally, the trend will be southside districts expanding and northside ones shrinking. Following the new 2020 U.S. Census data, the council's 12 local districts must be redrawn to have roughly equal populations, which translates into changes for a council that just elected new members late last year. The council's Committee on Council will handle the redistricting and is working to finalize a timeline of public hearings and legal reviews, with the aim of finishing by year's end. The districts must be ready for the next election in 2025. (SaportaReport)

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Today in Atlanta:

  • The Battery Atlanta has lined up a heartwarming mix of events and offerings the community is sure to swoon over, including Wine, Dine & Be Mine specials at CRÚ Food & Wine Bar. (9:00 AM)
  • This Valentine's Day at Children's Museum of Atlanta, kids and caregivers are invited to join the museum's reading of "Love Makes a Family" by Sophie Beer and craft colorful cards for their loved ones in the Art Studio. They will also enjoy a heartbeat dance party at the Science Bar and even practice animal yoga! (9:45 AM)
  • Score a hole-in-one at Puttshack on Valentine's Day. Looking to take a date night to the next level on Galentine's Day, Valentine's Day or any time of the year? Tee up, eat up and drink up at Puttshack. Conveniently located at The Interlock in Atlanta's bustling West End, Puttshack welcomes couples, singles, families, friends, and groups to enjoy a high-energy, tech-infused mini golf experience. (4:00 PM)
  • For a fun Valentine's Day dinner, visit Mrs. P's Bar & Kitchen! Open all day today, the restaurant will offer a dinner-for-two deal for $125. The dinner includes a bottle of wine, an appetizer, two entrees and a dessert to share. Reservations are encouraged. (5:00 PM)
  • Join us on Valentine's evening for Illuminarium Atlanta After Dark. Both WILD After Dark and the Bar at Illuminarium will be open 7 p.m.-11 p.m. for a special Valentine's Edition. (7:00 PM)

From my notebook:

  • City of Atlanta Fire Rescue Department said that, on Nov. 17, 2021, Atlanta Fire Rescue responded to a working fire at the Cowans' residence within three minutes. Today, the Cowans dedicated their afternoon to showing appreciation to every responding fire station and firefighter for saving their dream home. #AFRD (Facebook)
  • Check out this photo of the Atlanta BeltLine, capturing a beautiful day and the start of a stunning sunset. (Facebook)
  • Nicole Beiner, Neighbor: Interested in getting a quality product to kickoff or boost your pickleball game? I've been playing for a while and finally found a company that fits my needs. Diadem Sports has incredible paddles, CBD Roll-ons, balls, bags, and more. It has continued to spread as several of the top colleges, coaches, and junior players embrace the brand and what its represents. With worldwide partners and distributors, Diadem is making a global impact in the tennis and pickleball market - and it's just getting started! Join team Diadem today! As a part of Team Diadem, I get phenomenal prices on products. View the products and contact me to place your order and I will create a custom quote! https://diademsports.com/ (Patch)
  • Nextdoor Neighbor, Wisteria Gardens: "I was trying to expand my clientele here in the west side of Atlanta. I do all types of lawn work, I will drop my card here in case anyone needs any work." (Nextdoor)

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Events:

  • Feeling Overwhelmed? Anxieties? Re-center yourself with Holistic Fitness for all levels! (February 14)
  • Atlanta Gathering of Angels (February 16)
  • Anna Razumovskaya Artist Show (February 18)
  • Hammond B3 Jazz Legend Tribute to Jimmy Smith Emory University Performing Arts Studio (February 25)
  • GO Volleyball League Registration - Brookhaven (March 9)
  • GO Softball League Registration - Piedmont Park (March 9)
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Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday. I'll catch up with you bright and early 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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