Many good things have contributed to the amazing start to the season for the Braves. One of the biggest factors is how well many of the depth position player signings and acquisitions have worked out for Atlanta, such as Dominic Smith and Jorge Mateo. But the best of all was the trade for Mauricio Dubon, whose versatility has been extremely valuable for the Braves. Alex Anthopoulos has always made good moves on the margins, and this year is no different.
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Hawks Announce Plans For Their Annual Holiday Game Fueled By Georgia Natural Gas
The Atlanta Hawks have announced the plans of their annual Holiday Game fueled by Georgia Natural Gas, the team’s official natural gas provider, on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 p.m. during the team’s game against the Chicago Bulls. The evening will showcase a variety of holiday-themed activations, including festive music, family-friendly entertainment and appearances from Santa and other seasonal characters.
“Our annual Holiday Game fueled by Georgia Natural Gas will highlight the spirit of the holidays and create memorable experiences for fans and families across Atlanta. We look forward to spreading the joy of the season both on and off the court again this year,” said Andrew Saltzman, Hawks President of Business Enterprise and Chief Commercial Officer.
In addition to a lineup of festive in-arena entertainment, all fans in attendance will receive a limited-edition red and white holiday beanie courtesy of Georgia Natural Gas. Each beanie will be shipped to the arena in a compostable bag and sustainably disposed of, in collaboration with Georgia Natural Gas, reflecting a broader commitment to reducing waste and fostering a greener future.
“Atlanta Hawks fans are some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the NBA, and the Holiday Game is a great tradition that brings even more excitement to their holiday season,” said Aimee Henderson, Director of Retail Mass Markets for Georgia Natural Gas. “We’re thrilled that our partnership with the Hawks gives us an opportunity to be a part of it while spreading warmth and holiday cheer to our community in a more sustainable way.”
Holiday programming will continue throughout the game with enhanced in-game elements, including themed video features, seasonal greetings from Hawks players, live holiday carolers on the concourse and special performances from the Hawks Entertainment Team.
At halftime, children from the Arthur M. Blank Family Youth YMCA will take part in a special on-court toy giveaway with an array of gifts displayed at center court. Participants will collect as many items as possible, creating a joyful moment that celebrates the spirit of giving. All remaining toys will be donated to the Atlanta Mission to support families in need during the holiday season.
The game will also feature a selection of festive food and beverage offerings for fans to purchase throughout the concourse, including the State Farm Holiday Plate featuring beef wellington and seasonal sides, an eggnog milkshake topped with nutmeg-dusted whipped cream and a candy cane, and an eggnog martini finished with a swirl of nutmeg-dusted whipped cream.
More Atlanta Hawks News:
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Braves News: Mauricio Dubon, Hurston Waldrep, Week Ahead, More
Andrelton Simmons plies his trade in Mexico
The Athletic caught up with former Braves shortstop – and one of the most gifted defenders at the position in the history of the game – Andrelton Simmons who, at 36, returned to organized baseball in Mexico last season.
Link below.
In a fun “Where are they now” segment, here is an update on Andrelton Simmons.
Atlanta, GA
Woman fatally stabbed on MARTA train near Oakland City Station; riders question transit safety as World Cup nears
A man accused of fatally stabbing a woman aboard a MARTA train is now in custody, as the violent attack raises new concerns about safety across Atlanta’s transit system.
According to police, 52-year-old Margaret Swan was riding a MARTA train near the Oakland City Station on May 30 when she was stabbed to death.
Investigators say officers quickly arrested the suspect, identified as John Elijah Matthews, at the station shortly after the attack.
Swan’s ex-husband, Jerry Swan, said he was devastated when his daughter called to tell him what happened.
“I was happy they caught him, but in my mind the thought was why did he do that to such a nice person,” he said.
Jerry Swan described Margaret as a devoted grandmother who loved spending time with her family.
“She was on her way to keep one of her grandbabies when it happened,” he said.
The deadly stabbing has also left some MARTA riders uneasy about safety on the transit system.
Nahsar Alexander, who says he rides MARTA every day, told CBS News Atlanta the attack is alarming.
“That was an innocent lady,” Alexander said. “If she didn’t do anything, what’s stopping someone from hurting me?”
MARTA officials say nearly 300 officers are assigned throughout the transit system to help keep riders safe. Additional officers were visible Monday at stations, including patrols on motorcycles.
The agency says security measures are also expected to increase ahead of the FIFA World Cup, when Atlanta is expected to see a major influx of visitors.
MARTA says its current security resources include more than 12,000 cameras across rail stations, buses and railcars, along with a Real Time Crime Center monitored during operating hours. Officials also say undercover officers regularly patrol stations, buses and trains.
Ahead of the World Cup, MARTA plans to activate its Emergency Operations Center during matches and fan events, deploy its Mobile Command Vehicle at key locations and partner with outsidxe law enforcement agencies for additional support.
Officials say additional train patrols and crowd control teams will also be used throughout the system.
Some riders say the increased police presence is reassuring, but concerns remain.
“Yes, but even with more police officers crime is still going to happen,” Alexander said.
Matthews is facing a murder charge.
MARTA says all staff not directly involved in operations or policing will also serve as Transit Ambassadors during the World Cup to assist riders and monitor activity across the system.
Atlanta, GA
Raccoon tests positive for rabies after attacking dog in metro Atlanta
Gwinnett County officials are warning residents to use caution after a raccoon tested positive for rabies over the weekend.
Officials say the raccoon attacked a dog near Biltmore Oaks Drive in the Bethlehem area on May 26.
Testing revealed that the animal was infected with the potentially deadly virus.
The disease, which can be transmitted through bites and scratches from infected animals, is almost always fatal in humans once symptoms occur. Those symptoms include muscle aches, fever, vomiting, and general weakness and discomfort.
The National Association of State Health Veterinarians says all unvaccinated dogs and cats exposed to a rabid animal need to be quarantined for four months and vaccinated one month before being released.
Georgia is a rabies-endemic state, which means the virus can be found in wildlife year-round. Officials say that means it’s important for residents to make sure their pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations and avoid animals that may be behaving in unusual ways. Earlier in May, a DeKalb County raccoon tested positive for rabies.
If you have been bitten or scratched by any stray animals or an animal suspected to have rabies, seek medial care immediately and let your provider know about the possible exposure. After that, contact GNR Public Health at (770) 339-4260 and ask for the on-call epidemiologist.
To report an animal behaving in an unusual way, call the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Bite Office at (770) 339-3200, ext. 5576.
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