East Cobb Families & Youth Archives

Cobb libraries holding free summer food service events

May 31, 2021 3:32 PMMay 31, 2021 11:28 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

The Cobb County Public Library System is teaming up with Georgia Educational Resources (GER) to host free Summer Food Service Program distribution events in June and July for children ages 18 and younger.

Children will receive seven days of breakfast and lunch emergency meals on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Distribution will take place in library parking lots at six locations across the county. Recipients will remain in their cars.

The Cobb library continues to seek ways to partner with community agencies to help address food insecurity in Cobb County, said Terri Tresp, Division Director of Branch Services.

“We’re a learning organization and children struggle to learn when they are hungry,” Tresp said. “We worked with GER last summer at one library location. This year, we’re thrilled to be able to expand service to more residents.”

Libraries offering the food events on Tuesdays in June include:

Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta: 10 am-11 am Tuesdays, June 8-29. 770-509-2725

Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta: Noon to 1 pm Tuesdays, June 8-29. 770-528-2524

Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta: 2-3 pm, Tuesdays, June 8-29. 770-509-2711

Cobb Libraries hosting the drive-through food events in June and July include:

Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta: 10 am-noon Thursdays, June 10-July 29. 770-528-2320

Stratton Library, 1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta: 1:30-3:30 pm Thursdays, June 10-July 29. 770-528-2522

South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton: Fridays, June 11-July 30, 10 am to noon. 678-398-5828

Georgia Educational Resources, a children and family social service agency based in Mableton, is a certified SFSP sponsor which provides food to distribution sites. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program has helped feed children since 1975. The program is administered locally by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

For information on Cobb library programs and resources, visit cobbcounty.org/library.

Wheeler HS to hold free football and cheer camp on Sunday

May 18, 2021 3:08 PMMay 18, 2021 10:32 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and graphic:

Wheeler High School football head coach Bryan Love is hosting a free football and cheer camp this Sunday May 23 from 4-6 p.m. at the Wheeler football stadium for current youths pre-K to 5th grade.

No equipment needed just shorts, cleats or tennis shoes and bring a water bottle with your name on it.

You can pre-register via email at WheelerYFB@gmail.com.

Walton HS mock trial team finishes 3rd in state competition

March 26, 2021 3:31 PMMarch 26, 2021 11:25 AM by Wendy Parker

Walton HS Mock Trial team

Submitted information and photo:

The 2021 Georgia Mock Trial State Finals Tournament was held last weekend and Walton High School’s team made it to the final four, ultimately placing third in the state out of 99 teams. Co-led by Superior Court Judge Jason Marbutt and local attorney Bill Atkins, along with Chris Sprague, an administrative judge with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board and attorney Petal Walker, Walton’s team finished with a 9-1 record, only losing in its final round to the eventual champion.

“Mock trial is a great way for kids to learn about our court system,” Judge Marbutt said. “More importantly, it’s a great way for kids to learn about themselves. They have to stand their ground in legal disputes, control their emotions amidst disagreement and remain calm even when things don’t go how they expect. Being able to be in an actual courtroom enhances the experience for the kids, and I was happy I could offer a safe space for them.”

Teams are six-12 competing students who present one side of the case each round, being assigned to either the plaintiff or defense. Students on the Walton High School team are Jenny Krakowski, Elise Johnson, Grace Hardy, Piran Terlesky, Andrew Lee, Mika Dennerline, Sanya Kaushal, Gryffin Crowder-White, Collin Marbutt, Sarah Hardy and Omar Inan.

The 2021 mock trial season operated differently this year due to the pandemic. Instead of a single Saturday of competition, teams used Zoom to compete virtually in rounds held throughout the week and weekend over the course of seven weeks. Instead of competing the traditional way by regions, all teams competed in a statewide competition. Prelim rounds began the weekend of Jan. 30, followed by mid-level rounds in early March. The top 32 teams from the mid-level round then moved on to compete in the state finals tournament last weekend.

During the 10 rounds of competition, Jenny Krakowski won six Best Attorney awards, Elise Johnson won three Best Attorney awards, Gryffin Crowder-White won three Best Witness awards, Sarah Hardy won a Best Witness award and Omar Inan won a Best Witness award. Only one attorney and one witness can win an award each round.

This tournament is hosted by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar.

Children’s Unicorn Book Series comes to Mountain View ES

March 11, 2021 3:22 PMMarch 11, 2021 12:17 PM by Wendy Parker

Emily Isabel, Unicorn Children's Book Series — *Emily Isabel*

Children’s author Lisa Caprelli and 12-year-old students Sofia Swade and Emily Isabel connected with Mountain View Elementary School students Wednesday as part of Caprelli’s Reading Across America tour.

Caprelli is the author of the Children’s Unicorn Book Series, Unicorn Jazz, which celebrates diversity, belonging and believing in others.

Swade and Isabel are young actresses who’ve been taking part in efforts to encourage reading and literacy.

Here’s more from the girls’ publicists:

“They are part of the Unicorn Jazz kid’s club, a musically-inspired brand dedicated to creating and sharing happiness for kids through stories and digital media. It is through this wonderful educational platform that Sofia and Emily have the opportunity to encourage boys and girls their age to dream big, dance, sing and read! Sofia and Emily even regularly donate their allowances to charity initiatives to get more books in the hands of students and pediatric patients at local children’s hospitals!”

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Town Center at Cobb to hold Easter Bunny photo sessions

March 10, 2021 2:49 PMMarch 10, 2021 11:35 AM by Wendy Parker

Town Center Easter Bunny Photos

Submitted information:

The Easter Bunny is making a triumphant return! Town Center at Cobb will welcome the Easter Bunny for an egg-cellent holiday experience from March 17-April 3. Local families are encouraged to celebrate the season with memorable Easter Bunny photos. Prioritizing the well-being of its guests, Town Center at Cobb has put in place increased health and safety precautions for the photo experience, including social distancing from both the Easter Bunny and guests, face-covering requirements, contactless payment options and enhanced sanitization following CDC recommendations.

WHAT:
Photos with the Easter Bunny
Celebratory professional photos with beloved Easter Bunny

WHEN:
March 17-April 3
Monday-Saturday, 12-7 p.m. / Sunday, 12-6 p.m.

WHERE:
Town Center at Cobb in Center Court
400 Ernest Barrett Parkway
Kennesaw, GA 30144

HOW:
Reservations can be booked by visiting bit.ly/TCCEaster2021. Appointments are recommended but not required. Walk-in visits are available as space allows. Families should review the COVID-19 guidelines prior to their photo session.

For more information, visit towncenteratcobb.com.

Related story

The Avenue East Cobb to hold Easter-themed spring festival

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NOWAMOM spring consignment sale scheduled for March 13

February 23, 2021 2:23 PMFebruary 23, 2021 11:15 AM by Wendy Parker

NOWAMOM spring consignment sale

Submitted information:

Everything babies and kids need for Spring & Summer! Mark your calendars now for the NOWAMOM Kids Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 13th, 2021 from 9 AM – 2 PM at Sandy Plains Baptist Church in Marietta. (near Sprayberry High School)

Save 60- 90% on warm weather clothes & gear, brought to you by NOWAMOM, the Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples club.

While most of our sellers are moms with twins or triplets (or more!), the sale is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! We have baby and children’s clothes, toys, and gear all the way to Junior’s sizes!

Psst: Visit our webpage www.NowamomSale.org to score an early bird pass to get in before the public!

Cobb 4-H accepting plant sale pre-orders for March pickup

February 20, 2021 1:37 PM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo:

Cobb 4-H staff is hosting its annual plant sale to raise funds for 4-H youth development, programming, supplies and scholarships. The quote “To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow” by Audrey Hepburn is this year’s plant sale theme. Not only is gardening therapeutic, but many of the plants offered will get your yard ready for spring by adding color and vibrancy to brighten your days.

Plant sale pre-orders are being accepted through March 5 at the UGA-Cobb Extension Office. There are limited quantities of all varieties, so plants are sold on a first come, first serve basis. You can pre-order by stopping by the Extension Office 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday, and placing your order in person with a Visa/MasterCard/Discover Card, cash, check or money order. You can also mail your plant sale order form with a check or money order to: 678 South Cobb Drive, Suite 200, Marietta, GA 30060. Make all checks payable to Cobb Extension/4-H.

Plant sale pick up will be held 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday March 20, at the Jim Miller Park covered arena. For more information, call 770-528-4070.

Wright Center Eagle Scout projects celebrated at court of honor

February 18, 2021 3:34 PMFebruary 18, 2021 1:12 PM by Wendy Parker

Thanks to Janis Hylton of the Cobb Master Gardeners and the Wright Environmental Education Center, for the information and photo:

The Master Gardeners and Volunteers at Wright Environmental Education Center are proud of and grateful to the recently-awarded Eagle Scouts who accomplished their Eagle projects on the property. Ryan Dean, Brooks Hess, and Dominic Krueger received their Eagle Awards at the Boy Scout Troop 1011 Court of Honor at Mt. Bethel UMC on Sunday, January 31, along with Marlowe Elmiger and Austin Jordan. All completed very meaningful projects.

The Eagle projects at Wright Center are:

Ryan Dean expanded the Frog Pond and installed a new liner. His team caught the frogs and tadpoles, drained the pond, excavated a new section and replaced the old liner with a new one. New pond plants were added along with a ton of large rocks laid around the perimeter on which the frogs can sun themselves. The project helps facilitate the growth of the frog population.

Brooks Hess and his team built a Plant Jail – four walls rising above a raised platform floor with bars installed in two of the walls. The structure is an invasive plant exhibit designed as a display area for the “dirty dozen” most prevalent invasive plants at Wright and to teach others about the damage that invasive plants do.

Dominic Krueger made several improvements at Wright. He built and installed rustic benches and a swing to provide convenient seating on the front porch of the education center. He and his team also planted native plants.

Judy Beard, Master Gardener Chair at Wright Center, and MG Janis Hylton attended the ceremony to honor the Scouts and their families.

For more info on Wright Center, go to www.cobbmastergardeners.com

Click on “Where We Dig,” then “Wright Environmental Education Center.”

Marietta Museum of History to hold black women’s history event

February 18, 2021 3:54 PMFebruary 18, 2021 9:48 AM by Wendy Parker

Marietta History Museum hours

Submitted information:

The Marietta Museum of History will be hosting its monthly Pop-In event on Saturday, February 20th from 10:30am-3:30pm. Pop-Ins provide children and their families the opportunity to interact with the Museum through themed activities and crafts. Join us in February for crafts and activities geared towards women in black history, currently these will be “Make and Take” so families may enjoy them at home while the Museum adheres to current health guidelines. Our “Black Women’s History” crafts are included with admission! The Museum’s new health policies and procedures are posted on our website.

When: February 20th, 2021
10:30am-3:30pm

Where: Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot Street, Marietta, GA 30060

Cost: Admission to the Museum during the Pop-In will be $5 per person with a family cap of $20!

The Museum uses ordinary objects to tell the extraordinary stories of Marietta and Cobb County. Current temporary exhibits include: The Man with the Camera: Photographs by Raymond T. Burford, Made by Her Hands: The Beauty, Warmth and Stories of Local Quilting, and Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence which is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.

For more information, call 770-794-5710 or visit www.MariettaHistory.org.

Cobb NAACP Black History Month events continue

Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Kids Care collecting food drive donations in Cobb through Feb. 13

February 6, 2021 2:45 PM by Wendy Parker

Cobb Kids Care food drive

Submitted information and photo:

KIDS CARE, a Marietta based nonprofit who creates, supports & implements youth community service projects, is hosting a FOOD DRIVE NOW – FEB 13, 2021. Non-perishable food items are being collected to distribute to people who are homeless & food insecure in Cobb County.

For a list of food items requested please see https://kids-care2018.org/food-items-needed-1.

All donated food that is collected will be given to Cobb Senior Service, Center for Family Resources, The Salvation Army, and M.U.S.T. Ministries. These organizations, and many others in Cobb County, are graciously feeding the many people in our community who are food insecure.

Donations can be made in three ways. 1. In kind donations can be dropped off at the one time Drive Thru Drop Off . 2. In kind donations can be dropped at Drop Off Boxes located around town. 3. Monetary donations can be made directly to the KIDS CARE food drive-this money will be directly used to purchase food which will then be donated to the above organizations. https://kids-care2018.org/donate-1

DRIVE THRU DROP OFF: FEB 13th 11 am – 3 pm @ Marietta High School Performing Arts Center Parking Lot. Please use the Manning Rd. entrance/exit.

DROP OFF BOXES are now available during business hours now thru Feb. 13, 2021 at:

West Cobb School of Rock (West Cobb – Kennesaw)

Hawg and Ale Smokehouse (Marietta Square)

Medalyn Salon & Med Spa (Wholefoods plaza Kennesaw)

Brain Train Centers Inc. (downtown Kennesaw)

Bach 2 Rock Sandy Plains (Marietta-East Cobb)

For more information on drop off locations visit: https://kids-care2018.org/drop-off-locations

Families, youth, schools, churches, gyms & individuals are encouraged to help us in this community service mission & provide food for those in need. Please help us gather donations from friends/family/co-workers and deliver them to our Drive Thru or Drop off locations. We will then pass your food donations onto those in need in Cobb County. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HELP OTHERS!

Visit our website at www.kids-care2018.org to learn more about KIDS CARE Food Drive. Email: kindness@kids-care2018.org.

Pope student getting national attention as trick dog handler

December 26, 2020 4:13 PMDecember 26, 2020 2:59 PM by Wendy Parker

Pope student, trick dog handler

East Cobb resident Nicole Penson is excited to pass along news about her daughter, Sophie, a student at Pope High School, who’s getting national magazine attention for her award-winning exploits as a trick dog handler.

Sophie and her dog Ducky, a rescued border collie mix, will be featured in the January-February issue of the American Kennel Club magazine.

Here’s more from Nicole about Sophie’s work with canines and school activities:

“Sophie is a junior at Pope High School and has earned numerous awards through the AKC, Universal Canine All Stars, Do More with Your Dog!, Cyber K9, International Canine Events Grand Prix Dog Shows, Sundog Sport, World Online Dog Show, and International Dog Parkour Association. She is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Certified Stunt Dog Competition Judge and Certified Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach with Do More With your Dog!, achieving the rank of All Star Trainer of the Year as a trick dog instructor and the rank of silver medal as a stunt dog judge.

“She is the first and only triple crown trainer in the state of Georgia with 185 titled students total and currently the youngest handler in the world to put the titles of stunt dog grand champion and triple crown champion on a dog (also the first junior handler for both). Her dog Ducky is the first mixed breed in the world to earn the triple crown champion title and so far the only one in the USA; she is also the first dog ever (worldwide) to earn the L2AAS agility title with Universal Canine All Stars. Sophie and Ducky will soon be pursuing their third grand championship upon release of Do More With Your Dog’s new title, Trick Dog Grand Champion (TDGCH).

“At Pope High School, Sophie is a board member of SGA and Sources of Strength. A member of Science Olympiad, Creative Writing Club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Social Studies National Honor Society, and Math National Honor Society. She is currently a state nominee for the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) in Biology. She has also been a volunteer with Our Pals Place (OPP), a pet adoption facility, for six years. Sophie and Ducky are currently practicing trick routines in the hopes of performing for seniors who are confined in assisted living centers due to Covid restrictions.”

Pope Band to hold recycling fundraiser in mid-January

December 3, 2020 12:33 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobber parade, Pope Band community show

Here’s a productive way to start the New Year, by getting rid of recyclable materials you don’t need and helping out the Pope Band. Submitted by the Pope Band Parents Association:

Recycling Fundraiser: Saturday, January 16, 9 am-2pm at the Northeast Cobb YMCA located at 3010 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30062 to support the Pope Band.

Bring your metal, electronics, appliances, paint and paper documents for shredding. Cost is $10 per car PLUS additional disposal fees of $40/TV, $30/monitor, $20/large item, $2-$25/paint container depending on size, and $20 for 1-8 standard boxes of paper for shredding. Pick-up of large items available within a 5-mile radius of Pope during the week prior with advance reservation. See www.popeband.com/recycle for complete details. For questions and pickup reservations, email popebandrecycling@gmail.com. Please wear a mask to help protect the volunteers.

Thank you for supporting the Pope Band and the environment.

website: www.popeband.com/recycle.html

email: popebandrecycling@gmail.com

Suicide prevention virtual walk honors late Walton student

November 16, 2020 1:05 PM by Wendy Parker

We got this message from Steve Kleinrichert, father of Tyler Kleinrichert, who was a freshman at Walton High School when he took his own life in August 2017.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Georgia chapter is conducting a virtual walk fundraiser he says is $6,000 away from being the tops in the country, and is asking for support for the work of “Team Tyler.”

Tyler’s brother Ethan is the team captain of what’s called the Out of the Darkness Georgia Experience. Here’s Steve:

A week ago, we gathered at one of Tyler’s favorite spots—East Cobb Park—and had our own small walk. We were joined by several friends including both Luke and Hope comfort dogs and their ministry team who also brought us sandwiches.

Tyler’s friends wanted to walk—so we did. And, along the way our participants placed painted stones with messages of love and hope to share with those we don’t know. Awareness is a big deal and many stones were found, some documented on Facebook accounts of people in our community unaware of why they were placed there.

Our team was continuing in the process of helping others, while honoring Tyler’s story. We have been a top 15 fundraising team since starting, but the awareness and help goes well beyond how those funds help the cause to support the efforts to deter and stop suicide. There have been many families counseled and directed to resources as a direct result of Tyler’s Tribe. We know of at least two lives saved—from our team alone, many other potential changes that could represent even more lives.

Our Tyler’s Tribe Team has brought suicide prevention into the open with local and national politicians, schools, Boy Scouts Atlanta, and Veterans groups. We have helped to set up training sessions through AFSP on how to spot and work with someone who may be suffering—getting them to the right resources. The task is long , but we have made inroads and the work continues. Funds have helped to establish a 988 emergency number that will be properly staffed, helped to fund education and prevention programs, and have helped to spotlight after care resources for survivors and friends and family of those lost.

I don’t think Team Tyler will raise $6000 on its own—but we can reach deeper and make a small contribution that leads to long reaching solutions. AFSP is the largest organization in the country working on these issues and the charitable organization contributes a large percentage to the cause with less going toward administration—thanks in large part to strong volunteerism.

Please consider any sized donation to our team – $1, $5, $20, $50, $100, $500 ALL help!

All of the donations go to help AFSP’s work in Georgia.

Walton marching band holding recycling fundraiser Saturday

September 10, 2020 1:49 PMSeptember 10, 2020 9:21 AM by Wendy Parker

Walton Band Garage Sale

Submitted information:

Leaders of the Walton Marching Raider Band have announced that their biannual recycling event – known for accepting metal, electronics and paint – will be held this Saturday. Proceeds support the marching band program and help provide a high-quality experience for East Cobb students attending George H. Walton Comprehensive High School.

The recycling event will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walton High School, 1590 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062.

Support of the event is especially needed this year due to the novel coronavirus and its impact on regular band fundraising activities.

All residents and businesses are welcome to donate and support this Walton Marching Raider Band event. People who have cleaned their homes during the pandemic and don’t know what to do with the metal, electronics and paint they want to dispose of and local businesses who are in the same situation are all welcome to support the event.

The Walton Marching Raider Band is participating in a limited number of school events and following stringent protocols including wearing masks and being physically distanced during outside performances.

Wheeler student uses art, advocacy to assist young refugees

July 15, 2020 6:39 PMJuly 15, 2020 12:37 PM by Wendy Parker

Wheeler student assists refugees

Manav Shah, a student at Wheeler High School, sends along the following information and photos about his work with young refugees in Clarkston, and the “Liberated Voices” initiative he started to address issues they face in adapting to American society.

“As Manav interacted with youth at the refugee enclave in Clarkston, Georgia (called the Ellis Island of South), he realized that they faced an uphill battle during the resettlement process in United States. Manav’s further interactions led him to understand the various xenophobic experiences refugees faced on a daily basis resulting in drug abuse and even violence amongst these youth. To help refugee youth cope with these stressful conditions and combat discrimination, Manav started an initiative called “Liberated Voices” that engages youth in critical conversations regarding identity, racism and discrimination. He uses art as a vehicle of communication, because it is independent of language and literacy, and could be the portal into youth’s minds and what they have witnessed. His workshops features artists like Ai WeiWei and Bansky who have ignited social and racial change in local communities by creating ‘protest art’.

Manav Shah

Amina, a participant of these workshops had lived in the United States for more than 5 years, but she was still very anxious to start high school. Amina and her family had left Somalia after the civil war broke out and were forced to live in refugee camps in Kenya. They were amongst the few who got a chance to move to the United States and have been in living in Clarkston, GA for the past few years. She was mocked at and called names like “penguin” as she would wear a hijab at her middle school. She was very worried that she would not fit in her high school.

Amina has been participating in workshops offered by LiberatedVoices and says that these workshops offer a safe environment for her to engage herself in critical conversations regarding identity, racism and discrimination with other refugee youth. She learned about ‘protest art’ and was able to sketch her own experiences with racism and persecution. Amina was able to explore what constitutes “American” identity, and how to be proud of her culture and religion.

Besides Clarkston, Manav has worked with Yazidi refugees in Lincoln, Nebraska and the Rohingya refugees in Chicago, Illinois, empowering about 500 middle-and-high school refugees and minorities. Manav’s honor comes with a $1,000 prize, which he plans to reinvest in his protest art workshops this summer. He has already been able to expand his workshops in Kenya with about 250 children and is in active conversations with refugee communities in Nepal, Belgium and Iraq. His other experience in race relations includes starting a Diversity Club at his school and an internship with Columbia University for research in refugee policies.

“This is what really motivated me – this almost unbreakable cycle of distress peers my age were facing helped me realize that things needed to change,” Manav said. “I’ve learnt so much and been so inspired by my young mentees! One of the biggest things that’s even applicable to my life is that even the smallest changes can make a huge impact. I’ve realized that everyone can change and re-engage in their communities in good ways! That really goes to anyone – especially high school students who want to get involved with improving race relations within their communities. Youth have the power to create any change they want to see if they are passionate. Just go for it!”

Wheeler student assists refugees

Wheeler graduate a finalist in national tuxedo design contest

July 3, 2020 2:54 PM by Wendy Parker

Wheeler student tuxedo design contest

Alexandria Said sends word about a Wheeler High School graduate, Ashton Cordisco, who’s one of five finalists nationwide in a contest for college scholarship money from the Duck Tape Company.

The contest rules require contestants to made a design out of duct tape, and here’s what Ashton, who’ll be attending the Savannah College of Art has—ahem—fashioned.

In order to help him out, you’ve got to click here so he can get votes in the final round. The winner gets $10,000 in college aid from the company, and voting ends July 10.

Ashton Cordisco

Ashton Cordico

Ashton Cordisco

East Cobb senior salute: Josh Cook, Walton High School

May 15, 2020 2:23 PMMay 15, 2020 8:21 AM by Wendy Parker

Josh Cook, Walton High School Senior

Josh Cook said he exhaled a little after finishing up the last of his exams a week before what would have been his graduation from Walton High School.

Like others in the Class of 2020, he won’t be going through traditional commencement exercises due to public gathering restrictions because of COVID-19.

While he misses seeing his school friends, Cook admitted that a different learning and social environment he’s experienced the last couple months has had some benefits.

“I’m sort of an introvert,” Cook said. “It hasn’t affected me all that badly. I know I will miss going through graduation and special events that come with being a senior.

“But this feels kind of relaxed for me.”

Cook said since schools were closed for in-person instruction in mid-March, “I have more free time than when I was at school.”

That’s enabled him to pace himself better for the stretch run of his senior year. Josh Cook Walton High School Senior

During his four years at Walton, Cook spent a lot of time helping other students get accustomed to being at a big, high-achieving school.

When he arrived as a freshman, he admitted he couldn’t find his way around the sprawling original Walton classroom building.

By the time Walton students moved into their new building in the fall of 2017, Cook was serving as a member of the Walton Ambassadors.

They’re students who help freshmen get around, giving tours and helping make them comfortable.

He also was worked in the Walton Counseling Office, earning a first-hour credit for his role assisting other students.

A counselor wrote that Cook would often come in early to help students and families before the start of the school day, and during the second semester, he rearranged his scheduled to do the same thing.

“He has proven to be an asset to the counseling department,” the counselor wrote. “He is professional, fun, trustworthy and compassionate.”

Cook suffered a stroke at birth and he has impaired vision as a result that prevents him from driving. He said being a part of the Walton Drama Club and the Walton Chorus has helped “bring me out a bit.”

The COVID-19 crisis also has kept him from a dining room host job he truly enjoys at the Chick-fil-A at East Lake. “I really love working there,” he said, hopeful he’ll be able to get back when the dining room reopens.

In the meantime, he’s been enjoying walking and hiking near his home off Paper Mill Road that’s close to the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, something he’s been doing for a number of years.

And he’s staying in touch with former school friends at Sope Creek Elementary School and in Zoom meeting with other teens at the Buckhead Church, where he attends.

Cook has been accepted to Georgia Southern University, where he plans to major in hospitality management. A self-described “world’s biggest Disney World fan,” Cook said he isn’t sure how and when his college career will get underway, but he’s learning to take the virus-related disruptions in stride.

“It’s disappointing, of course,” he said of the high school graduation postponement, which Cobb school district officials are hoping to have at a later time if possible.

“Some students are very upset that they didn’t get to have their prom and a normal graduation.

“I’ll admit, in 50 years from now, when you talk with your grandchildren about your graduation, it’s going to be really strange to try to explain it.”

Kids Care collecting ‘Kindness Cards’ for COVID-19 workers

May 4, 2020 12:09 PMMay 4, 2020 7:59 AM by Wendy Parker

Kids' Care Kindness Cards

Submitted information from Kids Care, a youth-oriented community service and volunteer organization that’s sending “Kindness Cards,” notes of appreciation to local COVID-19 frontline workers:

To date, 400 Kindness Cards of encouragement and thanks have been collected by KIDS CARE & given to Cobb County Hospital Staff, Fire, EMS, Police & 911 Dispatch Personnel during this challenging time.

Please bring your home-made offerings of “Thanks” to any of the business locations listed on our website as a Kindness Card Drop Off Location. We will be collecting Kindness Cards for a few more weeks.

In addition, email jannd@forartssakeusa.com, your message and a greeting card with your written message will be delivered to a Frontline worker for you.

All details can be found at https://www.kids-care2018.org.

FYI: There is an East Cobb dropoff location, at the entrance to Williams-Sonoma store at The Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 800).

You can drop off cards there from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday curbside, weather permitting. During inclement weather the box will be placed under the store awning.

Cobb architecture firm starts quarantine coloring contest

April 29, 2020 12:56 PMApril 29, 2020 8:48 AM by Wendy Parker

Cobb architecture firm quarantine coloring contest — *Coloring book contestants Olivia and Caitlin Silva of Marietta.*

Submitted information and photo:

Kennesaw-based architectural firm CROFT & Associates has launched a Quarantine Coloring Book that turns client renderings into coloring pages for kids and adults.

“We thought it would be a fun way to lift spirits and boost morale,” said Stacey Chapman, Vice President, Corporate Strategy at CROFT. “Our architects and graphic designers loved repurposing the renderings. It meant a lot to them to know that their work would now be a source of joy and inspiration.”

CROFT selected renderings of community mainstays it has designed in recent years, such as fire stations, community centers and churches. To add to the educational component, each coloring activity offers fun facts about the building and the role it plays in the community.

The series began with CROFT’s rendering of a local fire station. Artists were encouraged to share finished pieces on social media and tag their own neighborhood fire station with a message of thanks.

“We wanted the coloring book to be entertaining, educational and uplifting,” added Chapman. “We saw it as a way to foster connection and celebrate community, especially those in our community who are getting us through these challenging times.”

How to Participate: The downloadable coloring pages are available on CROFT’s website and Facebook page. Coloring artists can submit their finished works into the CROFT Quarantine Coloring Book Competition. Completed artwork can be submitted via CROFT’s Facebook (@CroftandAssociates) or Instagram (@croftandassociates) pages or by email to schapman@croftae.com. Artists are encouraged to use the hashtag #CROFTColors.

All entries must be received by noon Fridays. Winners are selected weekly. The prize is a kid’s architecture kit consisting of a sketch pad, colored pencils, an architectural scale and architecture book.

For more information on CROFT, visit www.croftae.com.

Deadline nears for B’nai Brith Enlighten America Essay Contest

April 6, 2020 2:58 PMApril 6, 2020 12:39 PM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information from the Achim/Gate City Lodge Atlanta chapter of B’nai Brith International:

Enlighten America, our annual Essay Contest for 7th thru 9th-grade students encourages respect and tolerance of our friends’ and neighbors’ diverse religious beliefs and racial/cultural backgrounds. Learn how to enter this contest by reading this document. All entries must be received by Friday, April 10, 2020. Winners will be announced in mid-May, 2020.

Winners in each grade category will receive the prizes listed below:

First-place winners will be awarded $350.

Second-place winners will be awarded $250.

Third-place winners will be awarded $150.

The Enlighten America Essay Contest serves as a framework or “model of instruction” designed to support teachers in the implementation of the Reading and Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Grades 6-8, Grades 9 and the English Language Arts (ELA) Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) (see pages 19 -25 for specific standards) for 7th grade, 8th grade, and 9th grade in the following writing skill areas:

Text Types and Purposes

Production and Distribution of Writing

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

Range of Writing

We hope that schools, teachers, and students will benefit through the Enlighten America Essay Contest as a teaching and learning activity to promote student success as it relates to the Georgia Performance Standards.

You can get more details by clicking there; the organization also is noting that the awards ceremony has been rescheduled to Aug. 30 due to the Coronavirus.

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