Month: October 2018

At East Cobb synagogue service, ‘this is the beginning of healing’

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Brian Pearle, Temple Kol Emeth, East Cobb synagogue service
Pittsburgh native Brian Pearle (left) greeted by well-wishers at a special solidarity service Tuesday at Temple Kol Emeth. (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

As he and his daughter lit a candle at an East Cobb synagogue service on Tuesday, Brian Pearle choked up talking about his hometown.

He grew up in the Squirrel Hill neighborhood of Pittsburgh where 11 members of a synagogue were murdered Saturday in the worst mass killing in American Jewish history.

Pearle also knew several of the victims who were attending a bris at the Tree of Life synagogue when they were shot to death. The alleged gunman was taken into custody after a standoff, and after authorities said he posted anti-Semitic messages online.

Reciting the names of other places of mass shootings—Sandy Hook, Charleston and Parkland—Pearle admitted it was unfathomable that the place he called home for much of his life will be included on that list.

“It just hasn’t sunk in yet,” Pearle said at a special solidarity service at Temple Kol Emeth. “It torments me that the place I’ve called home could forever be remembered as one of those places. That just hurts me deeply in my soul.”

“You can’t really describe the feeling,” he said after the service, with many participants approaching him and his daughter Rachel, who had her bat mitzvah at Kol Emeth, with shows of support.

He said Squirrel Hill, with stately homes and many schools and places of worship, felt like the safest place in the world.

Two of the victims he knew well, brothers Cecil and David Rosenthal, who were fondly remembered in Pittsburgh and beyond. Earlier on Tuesday, they were laid to rest in the first of the funerals for the shooting victims.

“Everything you’ve read about them, that’s exactly who they were,” Pearle said, fighting back some emotion. “It could not be more accurate. They were great guys, would give you the shirt off their back.”

Pearle was among those speaking during a “call to action” segment of the service, which was quickly organized by Kol Emeth leaders on Sunday.

Other attendees urged the crowd to vote, contact their elected officials and treat one another with generosity, love and kindness and emphasize those qualities with their children.

Rebecca Tullman, the synagogue’s religious school director, said it was particularly tough to address the shootings during Sunday services with youth.

“It’s really hard to explain to kids why some people hate you, because of your religion,” she said.

Tullman, Kol Emeth president Rachel Barich and Rabbi Steven Lebow offered prayers for peace and special messages. The audience recited the Mourner’s Kaddish and sang, including “If I Had a Hammer” and “Oseh Shalom.”

 

Kol Emeth choir

 

“There has always been anti-Semitism and there always will be,” said Lebow, but recent political discourse and rhetoric “has done little” to tone down those sentiments.

The Pittsburgh shootings took place at the end of a week that included the arrest of a man for allegedly mailing pipe bombs to members of Congress and former presidents Clinton and Obama and the shooting deaths of two black customers at a Kentucky supermarket in what’s also being investigated as a hate crime.

“When will this madness end?” asked Lebow.

He urged Cobb schools, local churches and politicians to do more to practice and preach tolerance, not just for Jews, but for others from racial and other minority groups, as well as immigrants.

Barich said she was heartened by a co-worker asking her how she was doing when she arrived at her job on Monday.

“I didn’t expect to be approached as if I needed support,” Barich said. “That was very much appreciated.”

Barich said the support from around East Cobb, especially other faith communities, at Tuesday’s service also was uplifting.

“This is the beginning of healing.”

Pearle agreed, calling this “a good beginning. “This was therapeutic, this was cathartic.”

He was last in Pittsburgh last month, as his son is considering attending college there.

“The next time I go home, I’ll probably be a wreck,” Pearle said.

On Nov. 15, Kol Emeth will hold its annual Thanksgiving Ecumenical Service. This year’s theme, “Harmonizing the Voices of Humanity,” is “still very appropriate,” Barich said.

“We’re moving forward,” she said. “That’s what we Jews do.”

 

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East Cobb Elections Preview: District 44 Georgia House

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District 44 Georgia House, Chinita Allen, Don Parsons

East Cobb’s longest serving legislator has some rare general election competition this year. Republican Don Parsons was first elected to serve the District 44 Georgia House seat in 1994.

His Democratic opponent is Chinita Allen, who like many in her party campaigning for legislative seats in East Cobb, is a first-time candidate.

She is a teacher at Chalker Elementary School and is the mother of children in the Lassiter High School cluster. Parsons worked for many years for BellSouth and is a consultant in the telecommunications field.

Allen did not have a primary opponent. Parsons easily defeated Homer Crothers in the Republican primary in May.

Candidate websites

Allen’s focus is on economic development, education, health and civil rights.

She supports increased education spending for K-12. The Georgia Science Teachers Association’s District 3 Science Director (which includes Cobb, Marietta and Douglas schools) and the Georgia STEM Laureate, Allen wants the state to establish more “science, STEM and career pathways.”

Parsons supports expanding 5G wireless technology across the state. He also has supported cutting personal and business income tax rates, additional funding for public K-12 education in Georgia and a proposed constitutional amendment on the November general election ballot for victims’ rights.

More recently, he has cited the addition of 700,000 new private sector jobs, the preservation of HOPE Scholarships and full funding of K-12 education under Republican leadership in state government since 2010.

“We can’t go back!” he said earlier this week.

Allen has stressed her grassroots campaign against a better-financed opponent and has noted that she’s among 191 women in both parties running for state office in Georgia (and several others in East Cobb as well).

“We need women running and winning at every level,” she said recently. “What we have seen is the result of the absence of more women in elected office.”

 

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East Cobb Sports Update: Walton and Pope volleyball reach state finals

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Two East Cobb teams will be playing for state championships Saturday in the Georgia High School Association volleyball tournaments, and they won’t have to venture too far from home.GHSA logo, Walton and Pope volleyball

The Walton and Pope volleyball teams will be playing in back-to-back matches in the finals at Marietta High School.

Pope, which downed Creekview Tuesday in a comeback victory, will be meeting fellow Cobb school Allatoona in the Class 6A championship match that begins at 4 p.m.

The Lady Greyhounds are 39-9 and are in the finals for the first time since they won their last state title in 2011 (they also won state in 2009). Since then, Pope has finished in the Sweet 16 three times, the Elite 8 once and last year the Final Four.

Pope lost the first game to Creekview 25-19 on Tuesday but came back to sweep the match by scores of 25-17, 25-17 and 25-10.

Walton had little trouble dispatching North Gwinnett in straight sets on the road Tuesday to reach the state finals yet again. The Lady Raiders (40-3) will defend their Class 7A state championship at 6:30 p.m. against Milton.

Walton is attempting to win its fourth consecutive state title. The Lady Raiders have a total of 12 GHSA crowns and are heavily favored to make it 13.

The Walton and Pope matches will conclude a day of four title matches at Marietta High School (1171 Whitlock Ave.). All-session tickets are $8 a person. For more information visit the GHSA volleyball page.

 

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East Cobb Elections Preview: District 45 Georgia House

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District 45 Georgia House, Matt Dollar, Essence Johnson

An East Cobb legislator who’s had little opposition in recent years is like his fellow incumbents in the area. Republican Matt Dollar, who has held the District 45 Georgia House seat since 2003, is facing a Democrat who’s a first-time candidate.

She’s Essence Johnson, a human resources and management professional. Dollar is a real estate broker who graduated from Pope High School. They were unopposed in the May primaries. District 45 is mostly in East Cobb and includes some of Sandy Springs.

Johnson has identified three priorities in her campaign: education, health care and economic development. She supports expanding the HOPE Scholarship program, full funding for Quality Basic Education and increased funding for pre-K and technical college programs.

Her health care objectives include an expansion of state Medicaid and greater insurance provider choice. Medicaid expansion, she says, would bring billions of federal funding to Georgia that would help those with lesser incomes: “Health care should not be wealth care.”

Johnson, whose husband is a small business owner, also has said she will push for access to capital, tax incentives, and technical support for entrepreneurs.

Candidate websites

Dollar also cites education in his platform, along with economic growth and tax issues.

He has supported full funding of QBE, which happened for the first time in the 2018 legislative session. He also has worked to increase funding for school safety initiatives.

On taxes, Dollar voted for cuts to the state personal and business tax rates this year, and says that “I have never, and will never, vote for a tax increase.”

Dollar has not had any Democratic opposition since 2010. He has high ratings from the National Rifle Association, the American Conservative Union and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce.

Johnson was inspired to run for office after participating in the Women’s March in Atlanta in Jan. 2017. She has been endorsed by Georgia’s WIN List, which supports pro-choice Democratic women candidates.

 

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Alex Gaines Law having complimentary estate planning workshops

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The Alex Gaines Law office (3101 Cobb Parkway, Suite 124) is starting a series of free estate planning seminars this week that continue through Nov. 15.

The dates are Nov. 1, 3, 9 and 15. There’s a Saturday breakfast on Nov. at 10:30 a.m. and 1-hour weekday Lunch & Learn workshops on Thursday, Nov. 1, Friday, Nov. 9 and  Thursday, Nov, 15  from 12-1 .p.m.

Here’s additional information they’ve submitted:

These interactive estate planning talks are designed to help guests learn how to avoid common estate planning mistakes and ways to protect their children, families, property, and assets. 
 
Everyone needs an estate plan! All courses cover the same information. Breakfast & childcare is available upon request. Seating is limited and registration is required.

Follow this link for more information and to sign up.

 

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Police to hold East Cobb crime forum in wake of burglaries in Asian, Indian communities

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Police are sending out word that there’s going to be an East Cobb crime forum Thursday night to address a rash of burglaries affecting citizens of Asian and Indian descent.Cobb Police, Holly Springs Road suspicious person, East Cobb crime forum

The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the East Cobb Senior Center (3322 Sandy Plains Road).

Here’s more from Lt. Nathan McCreary, head of the Cobb Police Precinct 4 Criminal Investigations Unit:

The forum will focus on the increase in burglaries targeting the Asian and Indian community in East Cobb County. All citizens are invited to attend and encouraged to participate. The presentation will include crime stats and methods for all citizens to use to decrease the potential of becoming a victim.

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Cobb CCRPI scores drop after state changes student assessment formula

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Mt. Bethel ES, Cobb CCRPI scores

One of the most complicated measurements of academic progress in the state of Georgia has been streamlined in order to become less complicated. But the Cobb CCRPI scores for 2018, which were released Monday, are lower across the board than last year.

The drops include schools in East Cobb, which still had some of the highest figures in the Cobb County School District and in Georgia.

The CCRPI—which stands for College and Career Ready Performance Index—is a state accountability measure that gauges overall achievement results and how schools are preparing students for the next level of education.

Cobb’s average of 79.6 (out of a maximum score of 100) is nearly three points higher than the state average, but lower than the 82.9 score from 2017.

Student performance is assessed in several ways, and they differ according to school level. They include content mastery, progress, closing performance gaps, readiness and graduation rates.

The Georgia Department of Education made some changes to its formula in the spring (here’s a PDF that breaks it all down, but as stated above, it’s really complicated). These changes were done to reduce the number of indicators to measure.

‘They’ve redone the math’

It’s the third time in the last five years that the state has changed the formula, and both Georgia and Cobb officials are urging parents not to compare 2018 scores to those in years past.

“Whatever analogy you want to make—apples to apples, oranges to oranges—this is reflected across the state,” said John Floresta, the Cobb schools chief strategy and accountability officer. “They’ve redone the math.”

He said the changes that are being felt the most are at the elementary school level.

One was to remove “challenge points” for “exceeding the bar” activities that allowed some schools to get a score of more than 100 points.

The other major calculation that affected scores was the “closing the gap” measurement. In essence, Floresta said, there’s now a lower ceiling for the highest-performing schools, while that ceiling has been raised for lower-performing schools.

A good example is at Timber Ridge Elementary School in East Cobb, which last year had a score of 100.5, a school that “exceeded the bar.” This year, Timber Ridge’s CCRPI score is 93.3.

Like many schools in East Cobb, Timber Ridge students did very well in content mastery at 98.6 and also scored above 90 in progress and readiness. But Timber Ridge’s closing the gap number, which comprises 15 percent of an elementary school’s score, was 78.6.

“The frustration is with the principals and staff more than anything else,” Floresta said. “It’s the reality of how they’ve redone the categories. We just want to know what our kids know.”

On the other hand, Mt. Bethel Elementary School was a perfect 100 in closing the gap, along with Wheeler High School.

Those East Cobb elementary schools that had double-digit drops had closing the gap scores that in some cases were below 50 (full East Cobb school results here).

Ups and downs

Some East Cobb schools came close to the maximum in 2018: Walton High School (96.3), Lassiter High School (95.8), Simpson Middle School (94.7) and Dodgen Middle School and Hightower Trail Middle School (both 91.8).

At the elementary school level the leaders included Mt. Bethel (95.6) and Timber Ridge’s 93.3. They were among the 19 schools in Cobb that had averages of 90 or more.

Some schools did report sizable increases in their CCRPI scores from 2017. Among them are Simpson Middle School, which jumped from 89.9 to 94.7, one of the biggest moves up among Cobb middle schools.

Seven schools got perfect scores of 100 in content mastery, including Walton, Lassiter, Pope, Dickerson Middle School and Murdock and Sope Creek at the elementary school level.

“Although we are glad to see strong CCRPI scores yet again, we are more focused on supporting our teachers to identify what their students know and immediately acting on what they learn about their students,” Cobb schools Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said in a statement.

School-by-school breakdowns have been provided by the Cobb County School District, and you can click on this page to see the full table.

 

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East Cobb Elections Preview: District 43 Georgia House

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District 43 Georgia House, Sharon Cooper, Luisa Wakeman

One of the most powerful leaders in the state legislature is being challenged by a first-time candidate in the District 43 Georgia House race.

State Rep. Sharon Cooper (pictured at left), a Republican who is the chairwoman of the House Health and Human Services Committee, has held the East Cobb-based seat since 1997, and has had little opposition in recent years.

Her opponent is Democrat Luisa Wakeman (right), a nurse who also has a background in the financial services industry.

Wakeman was unopposed in the primary; Cooper’s only Republican opponent disqualified for owing back taxes right before the primary.

A retired nurse and former nursing educator whose late husband was a physician, Cooper has long based her platform around health care issues. More recently, Cooper has pointed to efforts to make it easier for first-responders to to administer Naloxone to those suffering from opioid overdoses.

She also has cited her work to address hospital and trauma-care needs in rural parts of the state, and her advocacy with the Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force. Cooper sponsored a bill that was passed in 2018 that allows local communities to create task forces to investigate allegations of elder abuse among at-risk seniors.

Wakeman supports expansion of Medicaid in Georgia and has been critical of what she said is Georgia’s “unwillingness to address their 300,000-person coverage gap through previous legislation” that has reduced the network of insurance providers.

Candidates websites

Sharon Cooper | Luisa Wakeman | District 43 map

Wakeman also wants full funding for public schools in Georgia and is in favor of ballot initiatives that would address special education needs and teacher compensation.

Cooper has said that while the current funding formula for public education in Georgia needs to be changed, “we must make certain that any change in the school funding formula reduces, not raises, the amount Cobb is required to give.”

In 2016, Cooper voted in favor of HB 757, the so-called Religious Liberty bill, that would strengthen legal protections for those who oppose same-sex marriage. That bill was vetoed by Gov. Nathan Deal, and since then Cooper has said a federal solution may be the best option.

Wakeman, the mother of a daughter in the LGBT community, said such laws are discriminatory. She also opposes campus carry laws.

Her other main campaign issue is advocating changes to state financial priorities. Wakeman said recent changes in the federal tax code could mean Georgians may have to pay $3.6 billion in state taxes over the next five years.

Cooper hasn’t had general election opposition since 2010, when she won with nearly 67 percent of the vote.

 

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East Cobb Biz Notes: More Sandy Plains Marketplace tenants include Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

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The teardown of the old Mountain View Elementary School is almost complete, and the construction signs around what’s left of it are hinting at what’s to come in what’s being called the Sandy Plains Marketplace mixed-use development.Bad Daddy's Burger Bar, Sandy Plains Marketplace

The anchor of the Fuqua Development project is a Publix GreenWise organic store, as noted here last month.

The Atlanta retail site ToNeTo is reporting that other tenants include several restaurants with growing presences in the metro area, including a Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and MOD Pizza.

Food joints also include First Watch and Jim ‘N Nick’s Bar-B-Q and there’s going to be another Hollywood Feed, a boutique pet supply retailer, which also opened in East Cobb in January at Woodlawn Square.

Fuqua, which is the developer of The Battery Atlanta, developed a concept similar to the Sandy Plains Marketplace called the Kennesaw Marketplace. That’s recently opened and is anchored by a Whole Foods Market (prompting the closure of Harry’s on Roswell Road this time a year ago).

Last October Cobb commissioners gave the greenlight to rezoning the former Mountain View school grounds, on nearly 14 acres. Fuqua and East Cobb-based Brooks Chadwick Capital LLC also had to come back to the commission to get approval for a self-storage facility near the back of the property that was opposed by some residents of the adjacent Hunters Lodge neighborhood.

Grand opening

Flooring Atlanta has moved into East Cobb at 2214 Roswell Road, and is having a grand opening celebration Saturday from 11-3. There will be free food and drinks in addition to music, including a live Mariachi performance at 1.

Flooring Atlanta, the new name for what had been Carpet Surplus, also has showrooms in Kennesaw, Roswell and Norcross.

Business of the Year

The East Cobb Business Association has named EAST COBBER magazine its 2018 business of the year at a luncheon last week that surprised publisher Cynthia Rozzo.

She’s marking 25 years since beginning the monthly lifestyle magazine, and recently staged the 23rd EAST COBBER parade and community festival. Rozzo also will receive an ECBA Honorary Lifetime Membership.

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East Cobb advance voting takes place this week at 3 locations

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East Cobb Government Center, Cobb Police Precinct 4, East Cobb advance voting

This is the week for East Cobb advance voting, and you’ll have more than one place to cast your ballot in person before the Nov. 6 election day.

As we noted last week, Cobb Elections is opening additional venues for advance voting due to high turnout.

In addition to the usual location at the East Cobb Government Service Center (above, 4400 Lower Roswell Road), you’ll also be able to vote at Noonday Baptist Church (4120 Canton Road), and the East Cobb Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

Advance voting hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be no voting on Saturday, Nov. 4.

You can check estimated wait times at advance polling stations here; Cobb government says it’s updating them four times a day.

According to Cobb Elections, more than 26,000 people voted early in person, and more than 16,000 absentee ballots have been received. Those numbers don’t include those who voted yesterday.

We’re continuing our coverage of East Cobb races with our voters guide. It includes previews of all races in the community, from Congress to Cobb Commission to Cobb school board and Georgia State Senate.

In the coming week, we’ll have profiles of candidates running for the Georgia House and take a look at state and local ballot issues.

East Cobb Election Guide

Elections Previews

 

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East Cobb sports update: Pope softball finishes as state runner-up; Walton, Pope volleyball advance to semifinals

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Pope softball

Two East Cobb teams made it to the Elite 8 of the Georgia High School softball tournament this week, and turned in strong performances. The Pope softball team finished second in Class 6A, while Lassiter was third in Class 7A.

The Greyhounds came out of the elimination bracket to reach the finals in Columbus on Saturday, but fell to Cobb County rival Harrison 6-3.

Pope’s season started in August with a loss to the Hoyas. Along the way the Greyhounds compiled a 33-6 record, a school record for wins, captured their region in undefeated fashion and have now made three championship game appearances since 2012.

Lassiter also won its region and qualified for the Elite 8. On Friday, the Trojans lost to Mill Creek 3-0 in the Class 7A semifinals to end their season. Lassiter’s first loss in the double-elimination tournament was to eventual state champion East Coweta.

Also on Saturday, the Walton volleyball team rolled on in the Class 7A quarterfinals. Playing in their home gym, the Lady Raiders trounced Lambert in a sweep to advance to the semifinals on Tuesday at North Gwinnett.

The finals will be Saturday at Marietta High School.

Walton, the defending state champion, is 40-3 and is heavily favored to continue its dynastic run through the state of Georgia.

Lassiter also reached the state tournament in Class 7A, but fell to West Forsyth Saturday in the quarterfinals. The Trojans were 29-6 this season.

The Pope volleyball team also has reached the semifinals in Class 6A, and will meet Creekview on Tuesday. The Greyhounds are 38-9 on the season and defeated Glynn Academy Saturday to advance.

 

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Update: Another delay for East Cobb Jason’s Deli opening

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East Cobb Jason's Deli opening

We got a message today saying that the East Cobb Jason’s Deli opening has been pushed back again, to mid-November.

We noted on Monday, which was to have been the opening, that construction delays resulted in a delay to Nov. 5.

Greg Feltner, the managing partner for the East Cobb Jason’s Deli, said in an e-mail this afternoon that the renovations are taking longer than expected, and here’s why:

“The building is more than 30 years old, so we basically had to gut the inside and start from scratch. The construction crew did not realize how long that would take.”

He didn’t mention a specific date because the construction crew is replacing all the tile in the kitchen, “which we were told is at least a 10-day job.”

The Jason’s Deli space at Merchants Exchange (1205 Johnson Ferry Road) has been the home for Sage Social Kitchen, Chequers Seafood and Steak and Houlihan’s.

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Cobb schools student safety pledge to parents: ‘This is the most important thing we do’

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Cobb schools student safety measures
Officer Phil Bradford was appointed to a new emergency management specialist role with the Cobb County School District police. (East Cobb News photo by Wendy Parker)

As they were rolling out a new website dedicated to safety issues, officials—as well as officers— from Cobb schools tried to reassure parents at an East Cobb town hall meeting Thursday that they were being proactive in dealing with a variety of threats to students, teachers and staff alike.

The new site, called Cobb Shield, includes much of the material presented to the audience of around 50 parents at the Lassiter Concert Hall.

Some of them had specific questions about threats of violence, accidents, assaults and bullying, but school officials said they couldn’t answer some of those questions in public.

One came from a Lassiter mother, who wanted more information about a report of bullet casings that were found in a classroom during the current school year.

John Adams, the Cobb schools deputy superintendent for human resources and operations, told her that a communication was sent to parents from the Lassiter administration. When she said she hadn’t received it, Adams said that he “couldn’t comment on an ongoing investigation.”

Adams said the matter “illustrates how . .. students have to be our eyes and ears” in reporting such incidents.

Being watchful was the watchword at the town hall, which featured leaders of the Cobb County School District Police force, which has 65 uniformed officers.

Many of them have years of previous law enforcement service, including Cobb Police. Capt. Wayne Pickett, a former Precinct 4 commander in East Cobb, is one of them, and he’s second-in-command to Chief Ron Storey, also a Cobb Police retiree.

Cobb schools student safety measures
Capt. Wayne Pickett of CCSD said that Code Red drills serve as “a way to surveil” how well schools are prepared for serious threats of violence.

The department average is 26 years of experience, according to Adams, and 12 officers have SWAT training. “We want mature officers who have some experience,” Storey said.

Pickett detailed how ongoing “Code Red” drills are working, especially at the high school level, which are supposed to  have one each semester.

He said the unannounced drills are designed to train staff, teachers and students to be better prepared for suspicious persons activity. During the drills, a plain-clothes officer comes to the school and tries to go as far as possible before being noticed.

“The administration has no idea we’re coming,” Pickett said. They’re told “We’re in a Code Red right now. What are you going to do?”

More than anything, he added, school police want to gauge how prepared each school is, with a checklist of around 25 items to keep in mind.

“There’s no way to pre-plan such a stressful activity,” Pickett said. “It’s snapshot of what they do. Do they know the policies for Code Red?”

After a drill, school police meet with administrators to identify successes and improvements. If there are enough problems at a school, another drill may be ordered.

A report is sent up the administrative line at the district, all the way to the superintendent.

Pickett said “we haven’t had too many that are bad. Most are exceptionally good.”

Cobb schools student safety measures
The AlertPoint system, Ofc. Phil Bradford said, “empowers every member of the staff to take action” to ensure safety.

When a parent asked about inspecting Code Red drill reports, Adams said that’s also something that’s not available to the public, for security reasons.

Officer Phil Bradford, another Cobb Police veteran, heads up a newly created position with the school police as emergency management specialist. He updated the Lassiter audience about the AlertPoint emergency communications system that’s gradually being rolled out at every school in the district.

It’s a $5 million system that was begun in the wake of the Parkland, Fla., school shootings, and features a device issued to teachers and staff. The card-type device allows them to trigger an alert to designated first responders in case of any kind of emergency, from a suspicious person to a health issue.

“The badge identifies who you are and where you are,” Bradford said. “Most important, it leads to instant action.”

Flashing lights and beeper alarms are activated in the case of a Code Red alert and the entire school is notified of a lockdown.

High school classrooms are being issued AlertPoints now, to be followed by those at the middle school and then elementary school level.

An active-shooter training video has been shown to staff for more than a year. Bradford said a safety video has just been completed for elementary students, and another for high school students should be done soon.

Those videos, and other safety-related measures, will gradually be added to the Cobb Shield webpage, said Adams, a former Cobb Police officer. That page also will include a tip line, which is expected to be fully functional by the spring semester.

He encouraged parents to contact him with suggestions at: john.adams@cobbk12.org.

“This is the most important thing we do,” Adams said.

 

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Nearly two dozen Cobb criminal street gang defendants get long sentences

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The Cobb District Attorney’s Office said Friday that 23 people have been sentenced to long prison terms for a range of gang-related criminal offenses in the county in 2015 and 2016.Cobb criminal street gang defendants

In a release, DA’s office spokeswoman Kim Isaza said that members of Get Money Squared, Wildlyfe and 2200, three criminal street gangs with roots in Cobb, pleaded guilty to drive-by shootings, drug offenses, thefts, car break-ins, assault, street-gang terrorism, criminal trespass, disrupting a public school and firearms violations.

One of the crimes tied to the defendants included a car break-in on Manning Road in the East Cobb area in January 2016.

Another case tied to the crime spree, according to prosecutors, was a drug sale at Windy Hill Road and Circle 75 Parkway in May 2016.

Isaza said Cobb Superior Court Judge Reuben Green handed down sentences ranging from 10 years to 20 years.

She said many of them were given first-offender status, which means that if they complete their custody and probation periods without further incidents, their records will be sealed.

Isaza said the defendants are between 20-27 years old and come from Cobb, Woodstock, Lawrenceville, Atlanta, and Dothan, Ala. The last of the defendants was sentenced last month, she added, and all of them pleaded guilty to racketeering.

Investigating the case were the Cobb Police Anti-Gang Enforcement Unit, Smyrna Police, Marietta Police and Cobb County School District Police.

“Members and associates of these gangs admitted that they sold drugs, broke into dozens of cars to commit thefts and committed acts of violence against people outside the gangs, all to increase their status within the criminal organization and further the gangs’ violent reputations,” said Cobb Senior Assistant District Attorney Jaret Usher, who prosecuted the case, in a statement.

 

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East Cobb Halloween Weekend Events: Festivals, Haunted Theater, Trunk or Treat and more

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East Cobb Halloween Weekend Events

We’re off to a wet, cold start, but that’s about all that can dampen a packed slate of East Cobb Halloween Weekend Events. Saturday will be rainy and chilly too, but Sunday through Oct. 31 promise to be warmer and very sunny.

On Saturday morning, hearty souls will be out early with their running shoes on, in the Haunted Hustle Run at the Northeast Cobb YMCA (3010 Johnson Ferry Road) to benefit both Y branches in East Cobb.

This is for kids, young and old, from the folks at Zaxby’s at 2981 Delk Road: Touch-A-Truck, from 11-3 Saturday. The vehicles to explore will come from local law enforcement, a stretch Hummer, USPS mail truck, and dump truck and more. Wear a costume for “truck” or treating.

The Avenue East Cobb will be holding its Fall Festival Saturday from 3-7 around the shopping center (4475 Roswell Road), with trick-or-treating, games, face-painting, games, prizes and live acoustic music starting at 5 in front of Stockyard Burgers.

Another Community Fall Festival, from 5-7 Saturday at Paper Mill Road Baptist Church  (3227 Paper Mill Road), that’s open to the public, with trick or treating, games, door prizes and more.

Stay warm indoors with the start of Pope High School’s Haunted Theater. This year’s production is “The Circus,” a Halloween thriller with friendly clowns and performers including the bearded lady, a contortionist and a two-headed human, among other creatures. The show starts at 6 p.m. Saturday.

Also indoors, all day Saturday, is the GirlsFIRST Jr. Robotics workshop, from 9-4 at the old East Cobb Middle School (380 Holt Road). It’s for girls grades 6-8, as they will learn about a variety of STEM opportunities and speak to women in STEM fields. Lunch is also being provided.

Saturday’s also the day to deposit old and unused medications on national Medication Take Back Day. Visit WellStar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road) between 10-2.

Saturday night, cozy up indoors at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road) for the U.S. Navy Jazz Band Concert, which starts at 7. It’s free to the public.

Sunday’s going to be sunny and in the 70s, perfect for outdoor fun. From 4-6, enjoy another Sunday Funday concert at East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road). Bring a picnic and take in the sounds of The Loose Shoes Band.

Also from 4-6, the public is invited to a Trunk or Treat at Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church (4495 Sandy Plains Road).

With Halloween stretching into the middle of the week, we’ll stretch our calendar a few days ahead too.

On Monday, it’s a Halloween Food Truck from 5-8 at Paper Mill Village (255 Village Parkway). There will be face painting, live music from the East Cobb School of Rock and all kinds of food truck fare, including Cousins Maine Lobster, Deep South Biscuit and Cattywumpus Grill.

Last call for Trunk or Treat is on Halloween day itself, Wednesday from 6-7:30 p.m. at Powers Ferry United Methodist Church (245 Powers Ferry Road). After collecting candy treats, a hot dog dinner will be served.

Check our full calendar listings for more things to do in East Cobb this weekend, and beyond.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a calendar item you’d like to share with the community? Send it to us, and we’ll spread the word! E-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com, and you can include a photo or flyer if you like.

Whatever you’re doing this weekend, make it a great one! Enjoy!

 

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East Cobb Elections Preview: District 32 Georgia State Senate

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District 32 Georgia State Senate, Kay Kirkpatrick, Christine Triebsch

The District 32 Georgia State Senate race is a rematch from last year’s special election.

Kay Kirkpatrick (pictured at left), a Republican retired orthopedic surgeon who won that election to succeed Judson Hill, is once again facing family law attorney Chrstine Triebsch, a Democrat (pictured at right).

Kirkpatrick won a runoff against Triebsch by 57-43 percent for the seat that covers most of East Cobb and some of Sandy Springs.

Neither of them faced primary opposition in May. They were part of a candidates forum in early October sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Cobb-Marietta.

They discussed health care, taxes, public safety and other issues on a panel with candidates in other Cobb senate races.

Triebsch said that in the Republican-dominated Georgia state government, “we need a two-party system.” She said her platform is comprised of “common sense and compassion” and fresh approaches for jobs, health care, education and the environment.”

Kirkpatrick said her objective has been to “bring a voice of reason to state government” and has focused on improving health insurance options, public safety and services for military veterans.

Candidate websites

At the League of Women Voters forum, they differed on tax issues. Kirkpatrick voted for a state tax cut for individuals and businesses and said “I would like to look for more savings [in places such as state agencies] and cut taxes further.

Triebsch said that before cutting taxes, new sources of revenue must be found. She’s also against eliminating the state income tax.

On health care issues, Triebsch supports expanding Medicaid in Georgia and preserving the Affordable Health Care Act, or Obamacare.

A member of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, Kirkpatrick said she hears more from constituents about health insurance issues than just about anything else, especially the costs of premiums on the individual market.

“There’s a lot we can do to rein in the big carriers,” she said.

As for Medicaid expansion, Kirkpatrick said a problem bigger than expansion is that “we have to fix a system that is broken.”

On education matters, Triebsch advocates a new funding formula to replace the Quality Basic Education Act, which is more than 30 years old. She opposes vouchers for private schools.

School choice, she said, “is not a choice if the choice is not a public school.”

Triebsch says she supports better pay for teachers and efforts to reduce class size.

Kirkpatrick said she wants to “support teachers in a different way” with funding also being directed to address social issues, including more support for counselors. She also is stressing school safety and has been appointed to a special Senate study committee on the subject.

Related coverage

 

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Cobb SAT scores for 2018 paced by Pope, Lassiter and Walton

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Pope High School, Cobb SAT scores

Similar to what we posted last week about Cobb ACT scores, the Cobb SAT scores for 2018 are in, and three East Cobb schools led the way in the county.

Walton’s average score of 1,262 once again led all Cobb schools, followed by fellow East Cobb schools Lassiter (1,204) and Pope (1,203).

They were among 12 high schools in Georgia with a mean score of 1,200 above (out of a maximum 1,600).

Wheeler’s mean score was 1,147, followed by Kell (1,059) and Sprayberry (1,049).

Cobb’s 1,107 average outpaced both the Georgia and national mean scores (see chart below).

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) is administered by the College Board, and tests students in two cluster subject areas: Math and ERW (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing). The score grading is from 400 to 1,600.

According to Cobb schools, more than 70 percent of the 2018 graduating class in the district took the new SAT.

Two East Cobb schools had mean increases of 20 percent or more: Pope (39) and Walton (20). Lassiter’s mean score is 15 percent better than 2017.

“The growth that we have seen this year on our SAT scores is amazing. We are extremely proud of our students for the focused and intentional effort they have put into achieving a high level of success on their SATs,” Pope Principal Tom Flugum said in a statement released by Cobb schools.

“These results are a testament to the commitment of our staff and students to continually improve so that they can learn, grow, and lead both now and in the future.”

Here are the six East Cobb high school scores, as well as the Cobb, Georgia and national results. ERW is an abbreviation for Evidence-Based Reading and Writing.

# Test Takers ERW Mean Math Mean 2018 Overall Mean 2017 Overall Mean
Kell 198 541 518 1,059 1,091 (-32)
Lassiter 480 602 602 1,204 1,189 (+15)
Pope 307 608 596 1,203 1,164 (+39)
Sprayberry 255 540 509 1,049 1,040 (0)
Walton 528 628 634 1,262 1,242 (+20)
Wheeler 273 576 571 1,147 1,153 (-6)
Cobb 5,472 563 544 1,107 1,088 (+19)
Georgia 542 522 1,064 1,050 (+14)
National 536 531 1,068 1,060 (+8)

 

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Cobb library hours expanding Nov. 5, featuring earlier Saturday hours

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Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center, Cobb library hours expanding

The Cobb County Public Library System has announced that expanded operating hours will start Monday, Nov. 5, for most branches.

That’s due to the recently approved county budget, which also added Sunday hours at regional branches, including Mountain View.

The biggest change is in Saturday hours. Many branches open late in the morning or in the early afternoon.

All Cobb branches, with one exception, will open at 10 a.m. starting Nov. 10. Those branches currently close at 6; the new closing time will be at 5 p.m. (The Windy Hill branch will remain closed on Saturday.)

Currently, the East Cobb and Mountain View branches open at 11 a.m. Saturday, while Gritters and the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (pictured above) open at 1 p.m.

In addition, opening times on Thursday and Friday will be at 10 a.m. at larger branches, including Mountain View, East Cobb and Sewell Mill, that currently open at 11 a.m. The closing time for those branches on those days will stay at 6 p.m.

Gritters is classified as a mid-size branch and also will have new Thursday and Friday hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Hours will remain unchanged at branches open on Sunday, from 1-5 p.m.

For more information call 770-528-2320 or visit the Cobb library website.

A quick note if you’re visiting any Cobb library branch, for Friday only: They’re all opening an hour later than usual, at noon, for staff in-service training.

 

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Cobb teachers of the year honored at rally-style celebration

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Cobb teachers of the year, Keelan Seabolt, Lassiter
Lassiter students cheer on science teacher Keelan Seabolt, who’s also the school’s STEM coordinator.

Submitted photos and information are from the Cobb County School District about Tuesday’s special celebration for Cobb teachers of the year on a countywide basis.

We’ve posted before about Fred Veeder, the Dodgen Middle School seventh-grade math teacher who was named the county’s teacher of the year for 2018.

He was on hand for the celebration at Roswell Street Baptist Church, and so were students, staff and each school’s teacher of the year. Teachers also were honored for Marietta City Schools, Chattahoochee Technical College, Life University, Georgia Highlands College and Kennesaw State University. Jayne Becker, East Side ES, Cobb teachers of the year

The event was put on by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce as part of its “Give Our Schools a Hand” program.

The individual teachers of the year for all East Cobb schools are listed below:

  • Debbie Burdett, Addison ES, (2nd Grade)
  • Sayonara Aybar, Bells Ferry ES, (Special Ed)
  • Mandy Spence, Blackwell ES (Physical Education)
  • Shirley Davis, Brumby ES (ESOL)
  • Susan L. Cronin, Daniell MS (6th Grade Social Studies, ESOL)
  • Nancy Parsons, Davis ES (Target)
  • Sunny Williams, Dickerson MS (6th Grade AC ELA)
  • Fred Veeder, Dodgen MS (7th Grade Math, Cobb Teacher of the Year)
  • Addison Brooks, East Cobb MS (Special Ed)
  • Jayne Becker, East Side ES (1st Grade)
  • Lida Sacia, Eastvalley ES (2nd Grade)

    Fred Veeder of Dodgen Middle School, the Cobb Teacher of the Year, and Superintendent Chris Ragsdale.
  • Sharon Hanna, Garrison Mill ES (1st Grade
  • Kaitlin Hankinson, Hightower Trail MS (Special Ed)
  • Sarah Dupuis, Keheley ES (Media Specialist)
  • Lauren Hines, Kell HS (Physical Ed/Health)
  • Sheila Hitt, Kincaid ES (3rd Grade)
  • Keelan Seabolt, Lassiter HS (Science)
  • Libby Lippincott, Mabry MS (6th Grade Math
  • Carin Wilkes, McCleskey MS (PE/Health)
  • Missy Bain, Mt. Bethel ES (2nd Grade)
  • Ashley Montejo, Mountain View ES (3rd Grade)
  • Susann Peck, Murdock ES (Kindergarten)
  • Katherine Hines, Nicholson ES (Special Ed)
  • William Blythe, Pope HS (Science)
  • Oscar Tromp, Powers Ferry ES (5th Grade)
  • Laurie McGillis, Rocky Mount ES (Speech and Language Pathologist)
  • Anne Bernard, Sedalia Park ES (3rd Grade)
  • Lynn Boland, Shallowford Falls ES (Music)
  • Mary Colclasure, Simpson MS (8th Grade Math)
  • Rebecca Dershowitz, Sope Creek ES (Special Ed)
  • Marykay Wright, Sprayberry HS (Math)
  • Staci Carper, Timber Ridge ES (1st Grade)
  • Joni Adams, Tritt ES (3rd Grade)
  • Laura Speer, Walton HS (Math)
  • Michael Sawyer, Wheeler HS (U.S. History)

Susann Peck Murdock ES, Cobb teacher of the year

Laura Speer, Walton HS, Cobb teachers of the year

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East Cobb Elections Preview: Georgia 6th Congressional District

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Georgia 6th Congressional District, Karen Handel, Lucy McBath

A year after the most expensive U.S. House race in American history was waged in the Georgia 6th Congressional District, the seat could be closely contested again.

U.S. Rep. Karen Handel (left), a Roswell Republican, fended off Democrat Jon Ossoff in a special election despite being outspent in a race that raised more than $30 million.

This year, she’s being opposed by first-time candidate Lucy McBath (right), a nationally known gun-control advocate.

The 6th Congressional District, which includes most of East Cobb, North Fulton and north and central DeKalb, has been in Republican hands since former House Speaker Newt Gingrich first won in 1978.

6th District maps

But Handel, a former Georgia Secretary of State, won only after Ossoff, a political novice, barely avoided a runoff following a “jungle primary” in which she finished second. In the runoff, she got some of her strongest margins in East Cobb and was actively supported by commissioners Bob Ott and JoAnn Birrell.

Handel was unopposed in the Republican primary in May. McBath earned the Democratic nomination in a runoff.

A poll released Tuesday shows Handel with a four-point lead, which is within the margin of error.

The National Republican Campaign Committee has purchased $1.4 million in Atlanta TV air time for pro-Handel commercials that began this week.

Candidate websites

President Donald Trump won the 6th District with just 51 percent of the vote in 2016. Since succeeding former Rep. Tom Price, Handel has touted her vote for Trump’s tax cuts, but she opposes his steel and aluminum tariffs. (The 6th District includes the U.S. headquarters of Mercedes-Benz.)

McBath is a former Delta Air Lines flight attendant who lives in East Cobb. Her son, a Marietta High School graduate, was shot and killed in 2012 in Florida by an angry motorist for playing loud car music at a gas station.

Since then, she’s been an outspoken advocate for gun-control and other traditional liberal positions.

She wants to preserve the Affordable Health Care Act (referred to as “Obamacare”) with some changes, as well as expand Medicaid in Georgia. McBath has been critical of what she calls the “Trump-Handel Tax Scam” and supports citizenship for the “Dreamers,” the children of undocumented immigrants who have grown up in the United States.

Handel has advocated “repealing and replacing” Obamacare with a market-based alternative, as well as building a wall along the southern border of the U.S. to prevent illegal immigration.

Related coverage

McBath has been endorsed by EMILY’s list, a political action committee that supports pro-choice Democrats. Handel has the endorsement of the Susan B. Anthony List, which supports pro-life candidates.

During the campaign, Handel has raised questions of McBath’s East Cobb residency pertaining to her claiming homestead exemptions.

McBath noted that Handel, a former Georgia Secretary of State and candidate for the U.S. Senate and Georgia Governor, is only now running for re-election for the first time and that the incumbent “will do or say anything” to remain in power.

McBath made those remarks Tuesday in a debate with Handel that was conducted by the Atlanta Press Club. The video below is about a half an hour, and includes a heated exchange about gun-control, background checks for arms purchases and the National Rifle Association.

 

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