City takes stronger security measures

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The Marietta City Council recently voted 7-0 to approve the use of a $20,000 metal detector for anyone attending meetings in the City Council Chambers.

This action bans the carry of not only guns but also stun guns, pepper spray and other items.

During the meeting, City Manager Bill Bruton said three people will be needed to operate the screening.

Mayor Steve Tumlin said screeners already are in place for facial recognition and temperatures before people can enter the City Council Chambers.

Councilman Reggie Copeland, chairperson of the council’s Public Safety Committee, said several people have been concerned about the lackof security and are happy to see the council moving in this direction. Information: mariettaga. gov/838/council-videos

Even though Avon and Avondale Estates Garden Clubs received a $1,000 grant in December to update the front yard of Avondale Elementary School, more help is needed to complete the project.

The progress thus far would not have been possible without the efforts of a multitude of volunteers, according to a press release, but more funding and more volunteers is required for success.

Ways to help:

■ Funds are being provided by each garden club and the Plant America Grant; however, this is a huge project and financial donations are welcome and will be put to good use.

■ Donations of books on gardening, nature, animals, ecology and related topics suitable for ages pre-k through fifth grade, either new or gently used, are welcomed.

■ Printing services for photo release forms and invitations are needed. The invitations will be to the “Open Garden celebration scheduled to be held when the majority of the work is completed.

■ Pizza and beer money for the volunteer landscaping crew.

If you can provide any of the above needs, please email aesprojectvolunteer@gmail.com To order a tribute brick:

■ Email AE Sbrickorders@ gmail.com

■ Provide your name, mailing address, and exact wording you want on the brick.

■ You will be contacted as to where to send the check made payable to Avon Garden Club.

To volunteer: send email to aesprojectvolunteer@gmail.com JUANITA LOVE FOR THE AJC

Upcoming

■Opening Saturday: full attractions at Stone Mountain Park. April 3-11 will be Spring Fun Break. Attractions include Dinosaur Explore, the Great Locomotive Chase Adventure Golf, Scenic Railroad and SkyHike. $59.95 unlimited admission for annual membership for ages 12+, $25.95 for ages 3+, $22.95 for ages 12+, $19.95 for ages 3 to 11, free for children ages 2 and younger. 1000 Robert E. Lee Blvd., Stone Mountain. Daily capacity will be limited. Mountain Membership reservations are required. Attractions passes: Stonemountainpark. com/tickets-specials/tickets

■In person: Heartsaver CPR and AED class. 7-9:30 p.m. March 18 and April 15. $75/class. Shallowford Annex, Dunwoody. Students will learn the techniques OFCPR and use of an AED for adults, children and infants. A course card will be included with registration and is valid for two years. Register: secure.rec1. com/ga/dunwoody-ga/catalog

■Online: 35th Annual Artistic Affair fundraiser for the Spruill Center for the Arts in Dunwoody. 7-8 p.m. March 20. Free. The silent auction opens March 15. VIP packages for $100, $250, $500, $1,000 or $2,500: bit.ly/30gxvdx Register: Spruillarts.cbo.io

■ In person: Heart Infused Kilometer Event (H.I.K.E.). 11 a.m. to noon March 27 and monthly. Laurel Creek Trail at Arabia Mountain, Dekalb County. piedmont.org/womensheartsupport, calendly.com/ womens-heart-atlanta/whphike-club