Atlanta: A Hub for Tech, Wellness, and Community Events
Atlanta has always been a bustling city teeming with talent, and recent events continue to underline its importance as a tech and innovation hub. Former GE executive Jeff Immelt recently spoke at the Rotary Club of Atlanta on September 16, where he heaped praise on Georgia Tech and its unparalleled contributions to technology and innovation. “Georgia Tech is awesome. You’ve got one of the finest institutions,” Immelt remarked, encouraging the audience to leverage this powerhouse further to elevate Atlanta’s tech scene.
However, Immelt noted that while Atlanta is making strides in cybersecurity, it still faces challenges competing with Silicon Valley, particularly in AI. “Atlanta has to create an ecosystem because you are not going to get as much money that’s in Silicon Valley,” he said. But not everyone agrees with Immelt’s somewhat cautious outlook. Mark Begor, CEO of Atlanta-based Equifax, countered that Atlanta boasts a strong AI community and mentioned the influx of investment from tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Microsoft. “This is a big tech town,” Begor said.
Opportunities for Community Involvement and Recognition
If you’re looking to give back, Remote Area Medical (RAM) is seeking volunteers for its free dental, vision, and medical clinic in Stone Mountain from December 6 to 7. The clinic, held at Berean Christian Church, needs not only medical professionals but also general support volunteers to help with setup, teardown, and overnight patient greeting. You don’t need to be in the healthcare field to lend a hand; any help is welcomed.
On another front, the commission seeking to honor Atlanta’s first female mayor, Shirley Franklin, is asking for public input on September 24 at City Hall. Various programs initiated by Franklin during her tenure, such as the Clean Water Atlanta project and the Mayor’s Youth Program, illustrate her impactful leadership.
Exhibitions and Shows: Celebrating Artistic Expressions
Head over to the Young Harris College Campus Gate Art Gallery to witness “Watermarks,” an art exhibition by Ted Whisenhunt that delves into the rivers and streams of Southern Appalachia. The exhibit, open through September 26, encapsulates the cultural and environmental essence of the region through various media forms.
For a dose of humor, Dad’s Garage Theatre is presenting two shows this fall: “Mother, May I Sleep With Improv,” running on Saturdays from October 5 to November 9, and “Murder, She Improvised,” which will run on Fridays from October 4 to November 15. Both shows promise laughter and engaging plots created on the spot from audience suggestions.
Initiatives and Announcements in Health and Education
During the recent Health Connect South gathering, a top FDA official raised concerns about the decline in U.S. life expectancy, attributing it to healthcare disparities and the prevalence of chronic diseases. Solutions to improve healthcare delivery and collaboration among health companies were discussed extensively.
Meanwhile, the Georgia River Network is hosting their annual Fall Float on the Flint Paddle Trip from October 4 to 6. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy a scenic paddle down the Flint River, complemented by camping, catered meals, and educational workshops.
In conjunction with various awareness months, the Atlanta Men’s Health Summit will take place on November 16 at Ebenezer Baptist Church. This event aims to highlight and address physical and mental health challenges facing vulnerable populations.
Wellness and Green Initiatives
Atlanta continues to make strides in wellness and environmental sustainability. Pause Studio is set to open at Avenue at East Cobb this October, offering a range of holistic wellness services including floatation therapy and infrared saunas. Founders Lisa and Evan Benson are thrilled to bring these science-backed modalities to their community.
The South River Forest is also receiving much-needed attention. The DeKalb County Board of Commissioners recently passed a resolution to protect this vital natural resource, aiming to transform it into one of Atlanta’s preserved and cherished urban forests.
Awards, Appointments, and Cultural Events
Atlanta Public Schools have been recognized for their excellence in financial reporting, receiving the Certificate of Excellence from the Association of School Business Officials International for the 15th consecutive year. This award celebrates the district’s high standards in transparency and financial management.
The Center for Puppetry Arts is debuting “Pancho Rabbit and the Coyote,” a new puppetry adaptation that highlights the immigrant experience, while Alliance Theatre has elected Kendrick Smith as their new board chair for the next two years. Smith will steer the theatre through significant projects, including the opening of the Goizueta Stage for Youth and Families.
Finally, City of Refuge is gearing up for its annual “The Gathering” event on October 17, aiming to inspire continued community support and celebrate the organization’s impactful programs and services.
