Cobb school board candidate profile: Laura Judge, Post 5

Laura Judge has said that her son inspired her run for the Cobb Board of Education more than a year ago.Laura Judge, Cobb school board candidate

As early voting gets underway in the 2024 general election, Judge reiterated that kids—her own and well as others—remain the focal point of her campaign.

“The [school board] representative didn’t match what was in our home,” Judge said, a reference to retiring school board member David Banks.

Running to succeed him, she added, is “being that role model for them.”

A Democrat and first-time candidate for public office, Judge is seeking the Post 5 post, which comprises most of the Walton and Wheeler and some of the Pope attendance zones.

Her daughter is in 5th grade at Mt. Bethel Elementary School and her son is a freshman at the School for International Studies at North Cobb High School, a magnet program.

Judge, who runs a content marketing company with her husband, will be facing Republican John Cristadoro, also a political newcomer and Walton-zone parent. Neither candidate had a primary opponent.

The winner will follow retiring four-term Republican Banks, who’s been a lightning rod during his tenure on the board.

The Post 5 seat is one of three on the seven-member Cobb school board currently occupied by Republicans, who hold a 4-3 majority.

While the East Cobb-based seat is in one of the remaining Republican strongholds in Cobb County, Democrat Charisse Davis represented the area when Post 6 still included the Walton and Wheeler zones.

In recent years, partisan differences have become more pronounced on the board. In announcing her candidacy last year, Judge said she doesn’t want “radical change,” and reiterated that point in a recent East Cobb News interview.

“This should be about our kids,” she said. “My platform—I don’t think these are partisan things.”

You can visit Judge’s campaign website by clicking hereEast Cobb News has interviewed Cristadoro and will be posting his profile shortly.

“I want our district to stay the beacon it is but make improvements along the way so everyone can feel included,” Judge said.

Her three priorities would address fiscal, literacy and communications issues she said can be better in the Cobb County School District.

Cobb school board candidate profile: Laura Judge, Post 5
The Post 5 lines redrawn in 2023 include most of the Walton and Wheeler and some of the Pope attendance zones.

Finances

A former member of Watching the Funds-Cobb—a citizens group that scrutinizes Cobb school district finances—Judge said a decision by the board in July to cancel plans for a $50 million events center exemplifies spending and communications concerns.

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale strongly pushed the center as a venue for graduation ceremonies, but the district didn’t release a detailed site plan.

Watching the Funds was opposed from the beginning, and released those plans shortly before Ragsdale recommended the project be scuttled. The plans included an arena-style facility and expanded meeting space.

“It should have come to someone leaking the plans to see what they were doing,” Judge said.

She said she heard from parents who wondered what the value was and how it boosted students’ education.

“We don’t do things sight unseen,” she said. The special events center “was sight unseen.”

Literacy

Judge got involved with literacy issues after her daughter’s struggles with reading.

She said the Cobb school district has made strides with post-COVID literacy initiatives, but she still has “not seen measurable goals.”

Judge supports new programs along those lines that include more dyslexia screening, among other things.

Right now, she said those issues are largely undertaken at the school level, but “I would like to see this addressed as a district.”

She said 75 percent of Cobb students are reading on grade level, and that number hovers around 85 percent at schools in the East Cobb area, but she would like to see those numbers go up.

Communications

Cobb school district and school board critics have complained for several years that there’s not enough transparency on key issues, including meeting agendas and the budget.

Cobb posts meeting agendas roughly 48 hours in advance of meetings, the minimum for doing so for in Georgia school districts.

Judge would like to see those agendas posted even earlier, to give the public more time to digest what’s coming up.

The same goes for public budget hearings that are required by law. But she said the schedules for those hearings need to be made “more responsive,” and not right before the budget is adopted in the spring.

Judge also would like to see the Cobb school district revive the parent advisory councils that were at schools.

She said that the Cobb school district’s success may have prompted some defensiveness in response to some of those critics.

“My impression is they don’t like criticism,” she said. “When you’ve done well for so long, I can understand that.

“People come here for the schools, and when [the distict is] questioned, it’s a defense mechanism.”

She added that “we can work with constructive criticism. It gives us an idea of how we can improve.”

Safety

Keeping students in a safe environment is “not just about shootings,” Judge said.

The recent deadly shooting at Apalachee High School prompted a number of threats in Cobb, including Dickerson Middle School, and Walton High School, that the Cobb school district has said are not actual threats to those campuses.

“I know our district takes every threat as a serious threat, and I believe we have really good security,” she said, referring to the district’s police department.

“But what I miss is a conversation with the parents. The community just needs the reassurance.”

At the September board meeting, Ragsdale said he would be making a security presentation when the board meets again later this week.

Judge said other safety issues concern those students who don’t feel secure due to such matters as anti-Semitic threats. The Cobb school district has done away with a “No Place for Hate” program prepared by the Atlanta office of the Anti-Defamation League.

Book removals

Judge has been among those parents questioning Ragsdale’s removals of books in school libraries he said contain sexually explicit content.

“I believe that our superintendent thinks he is keeping our kids safe,” Judge said. “What I can’t entirely agree with is the superintendent’s unilateral decision to remove books he has deemed inappropriate. True parental involvement and choice means having a transparent process allowing parents or caregivers to review and challenge book removals.”

Judge said the Cobb school district should use the expertise of media specialists “to make sure that our students are reflected and educated properly. Their voices in this process are also important. This ensures a balanced approach respecting all viewpoints.”

“What happens if a book removed reflects our community’s values? Some of these books that have been removed have been on our shelves for years, why did the district just find out about them? How do we need to address our operational or procurement policies as a team focused on our students? Both our board and district policies must reflect a wide range of perspectives, ensuring educational content meets the needs of our community and follows state standards, while fostering a respectful dialogue among all stakeholders.”

Leadership challenge

In summing up her campaign pitch, Judge said that “I want our leadership to match the stellar schools that we have.”

She said that she’s “not going to be someone that’s going to pick fights. Our kids should be able to see us working together. We agree on a lot more than we disagree, because it’s not just about my kids, but all of our kids.”

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Cobb early voting wait-time map for 2024 general election

Cobb early voting wait-time map for 2024 general elections
For a larger view, click here.

Early voting is underway in Cobb and Georgia for the next three weeks, and some long lines have already been reported at some of the polling stations in the county.

One of them is at the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road), which in recent election cycles has been one of the most-visited sites for early voting.

It’s one of 12 early voting precincts that will be used between now and Nov. 1. Another is the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road). Voters can go to any of these 12 regardless of where they live in the county.

Since the 2020 elections, the Cobb GIS office, in conjunction with Cobb Elections is providing a wait-time map in real time (link here).

The map is updated throughout the day by the site managers and is only an estimate.

As we noted earlier, here is the early voting schedule:

  • Oct. 15-18, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 19, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 20, Sunday, 12-5 p.m. (East Cobb Govt. Center)
  • Oct. 21-25, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 26, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 27, Sunday, 12-5 p.m. (East Cobb Govt. Center)
  • Oct. 28-Nov. 1, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The East Cobb Government Center also is the site of an absentee ballot drop box that is open during early voting hours.

For more early voting information in Cobb, click here. Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls (click here for details).

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Oct. 25. You can get an application online from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office by clicking here.

To check your voter registration status, and to get a customized sample ballot, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

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Transit tax opponent files ethics complaint against Cupid

The head of a citizens group opposing the proposed Cobb transit tax has filed an ethics complaint against Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid.

Lancee Lamberton of the Cobb Taxpayer Association on Monday alleged that Cupid, the primary supporter of the 30-year one-percent sales tax, is “running an advocacy campaign” to promote what’s being called the Cobb Mobility SPLOST with what should be a neutral education campaign.

He cited a state law saying that those publicly-funded campaigns should not take a position.

Transit tax opponent files ethics complaint against Cupid
Lance Lamberton

Voters in Cobb began going to the polls Tuesday with the transit tax referendum on their ballots. If approved, the tax would collect an estimated $11.4 billion over 30 years to fund an expansion of the existing CobbLinc bus system, including 108 new miles of routes and several transfer stations.

A transfer station and two bus routes are being planned for East Cobb, which hasn’t had bus service since the recession.

The county is paying an Atlanta consulting firm $287,000 to produce information about the referendum, including a page on the county government website, but opponents have said that information is not neutral.

In his complaint, filed with Cobb County Clerk Pam Mabry, Lamberton said a video and flyer as part of the education campaign states that “‘this initiative seeks to improve the county’s transit infrastructure with a focus on safety, flexibility, and reliability tailored to meet the specific needs of our growing community and local economy.’ Moreover, county staff, including the county manager and the director of the DOT, among others, are enlisted to make these advocacy statements in the videos.”

Those statements include the following, according to Lamberton’s complaint:

“M-SPLOST can make transit faster, more frequent and more reliable with 73 miles of BRT. It helps you by-pass traffic like when you are on a train.”

“The Cobb transit plan could transform bus stops and transfer points, creating a safer and welcoming accessible experience.”

And finally:

“Check this out! Discover how transit is connecting our community with opportunities and find out how Cobb’s MSPLOST referendum could expand transit services in our county.”

Lamberton wrote that “clearly the language of these statements express opinions in favor the SPLOST proposal, and as the highest elected official in County government, it is incumbent upon the Chairwoman to refrain from temptation to do so, and to prohibit county staff from doing so, as is proscribed under state law, cited above. In short, those who make the laws should not break the laws.”

East Cobb News has left a message with Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt seeking comment from Cupid.

It’s unlikely that the Cobb Ethics Board would hear Lamberton’s complaint “in an expeditious manner,” i.e., before the Nov. 5 election.

Lamberton’s group is one of two that has been vocal against the referendum.

Last week former Cobb Chamber of Commerce president John Loud, other business leaders and Republican elected officials held a rally opposing the tax.

While the three Democratic commissioners, including Cupid, voted to put the proposed tax out to referendum last year, Republican commissioners JoAnn Birrell and Keli Gambrill were opposed.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Fluffy Fluffy Cafe eyes November opening

East Cobb Biz Scene: Fluffy Fluffy Cafe eyes November opening

A small vacant space at the Merchant’s Exchange Shopping Center looks non-descript for the moment, with its windows blocked out to indicate renovations.

Behind the scenes, a new franchise of a small chain, the Fluffy Fluffy Dessert Cafe, is being prepared for a likely November opening.

The franchisee is truly local.

After a long career in the technology sector, Tri Phan recently began considering entrepreneurial opportunities. His daughters attend Walton High School, and he wants his new business to be community focused.

“I’ve been looking for a place in East Cobb,” he said, initially pursuing a coffee/tea establishment. “Even if this wasn’t a franchise, I’d want to operate it the same way.”

He settled on Fluffy Fluffy Cafe, a dessert cafe with a wide array of coffees and teas, plus a few savory items (menu here.)

The headliner, Phan says, is Japanese souffle pancakes.East Cobb Biz Scene: Fluffy Fluffy Cafe eyes November opening

Fluffy Fluffy grew out of an original concept in Toronto, and has expanded to nearly a dozen franchises in the United States, including two in metro Atlanta, Duluth and Tucker, which is having a Nov. 9 grand opening.

The East Cobb location will occupy nearly 2,000 square feet next to Jersey Mike’s when it opens. It will be among several new eateries at Merchant’s Exchange, including Katana Sushi and Hibachi and J’MZ and artisanal coffee and tea spot with juices, light breakfast items, bowls and bakery items.

“It was just time for a change, said Phan, who left his technology job as a product manager earlier this year when it was purchased by another company.

For now, as the location is being built out, Phan—who earned an MBA from the University of Michigan—is laying some marketing and promotional groundwork.

He hoping for a soft opening by the end of October with a grand opening in November, but hasn’t set any hard dates.

Phan said the opening hours for Fluffy Fluffy Cafe will be 10-8 Sunday-Thursday and 10-9 on Friday-Saturday.

Pause Studio sets grand opening

Pause Studio will have a flotation therapy chamber.

Pause Studio, which provides holistic wellness services, will hold its grand opening at Avenue East Cobb on Nov. 2 from 12-6 p.m. (475 Roswell Rd, Suite B-420).

Based in Los Angeles,, Pause will be opening its first franchise location outside of California, featuring wellness treatments, including floatation therapy, infrared saunas, LED light therapy, IV therapy, contrast therapy, cryotherapy, and naturopathic medicine.

Its been our passion to open a state-of-the-art wellness studio in our own backyard, helping us realize our vision of providing the community with modern, holistic lifestyle solutions that nurture both mind and body,” says franchise owner Lisa Benson, who is local. Our mission is to lead Atlantas wellness space through unparalleled service, education, and by offering approachable and affordable solutions that empower everyone to live healthier, happier lives.”

A company release said the new Pause Studio is the first in Cobb County to receive health department approval for cold plunges and float tanks.

The grand opening includes food, drink mini-services from partners, a raffle, giveaways, studio tours and more. Initial Founding Discovery Packages at are being sold for 50 percent off, along with 20 percent off other packages and founding memberships.

Helping those in need

A number of businesses, religious institutions and other organizations have been collecting donations for Hurricane Helene victims in North Carolina.

Suburban Tap has been loading up several vehicles to transport to those needing assistance, as the restaurant notes on its Facebook page:

They’ve been asking for the donations on their social media channels for the last few days, and last week offered specials for refugees from Hurricane Milton in Florida.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Sept. 23-27, 2024

East Cobb real estate sales, Brookview Manor
Brookview Manor

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records.

They include the street address, subdivision name and sales price listed under their respective high school attendance zones:

Kell

4520 Blackwater Trail, 30066 (Country Meadows): $400,000

Lassiter

4444 Ormond Trace, 30066 (Hampton Ridge): $740,000

3443 Highborne Court, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $775,000

3061 Hillside Trail, 30066 (Windsor Oaks): $860,000

4650 Trickum Road, 30066 (North Landing): $409,000

3576 Clementine Court, 30066 (Churchill Falls): $400,500

2140 Wenlok Trail, 30066 (Cork Wren): $405,000

Pope

3046 Wendgate Drive, 30062 (Wendwood): $460,000

3709 Heddington Lane, 30062 (Garrison Parc): $1.255 million

2980 Windrose Drive, 30062 (Windrush): $715,000

2779 Chimney Springs Drive, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $593,500

2802 Regents Park Lane, 30062 (Regents Park): $675,000

2873 Wynfair Drive, 30062 (Gates Point): $500,000

Sprayberry

1086 Azalea Circle, 30062 (Eastwood Forest): $369,900

2777 Stillwater Lake Court, 30066 (Stillwater Lake): $587,000

2402 Wistful Way, 30062 (Brookview Manor): $1.18 million

2562 Blakely Court, 30066 (Morgan Station): $395,000

2540 Waterstone Way, 30062 (Autumn Lake): $485,000

1820 Romans Drive, 30062 (Hasty Acres): $375,000

2051 Kinridge Road, 30062 (Piedmont Bend): $450,000

644 Joel Drive, 30066 (Addison Heights): $355,000

Walton

1020 Fairfield Court, 30068 (Indian Hills): $650,000

3626 Oxford Trace, 30068 (Princeton West): $763,000

826 Serramonte Drive, 30068 (Villas at Parkaire): $382,500

4080 Summit Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $847,400

2990 Octavia Circle, 30062 (Vestavia Hills): $1.88 million

630 Willow Knoll Drive, 30067 (The Columns): $1.2 million

1866 Whitmire Place, 30068 (East Hampton): $1 million

1540 Old Hunters Trace, 30062 (Hunters Trace): $650,000

4612 Woodlawn Gates Lane, 30068 (Gates at Woodlawn): $850,000

1430 Waterford Court, 30068 (Willow Point): $740,000

Wheeler

3452 Greenfield Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $650,000

71 Pioneer Trail, 30068 (Pioneer Woods): $495,000

3087 Gant Quarters Way, 30068 (Gant Quarters): $550,000

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East Cobb early voting guide for the 2024 general election

Georgia runoff elections

From Oct. 15-Nov. 1, Georgia and Cobb voters can cast their ballots in person in advance of the Nov. 5 general election.

The 2024 elections feature new some boundaries due to court-ordered redistricting, particularly in races for the Cobb Board of Education.

The Cobb Board of Elections and Cobb GIS are providing an estimated wait-time map that will be updated several times a day during the early voting period.

When, where, how to vote

Early voting will take place at select locations around the county, including the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road) as follows:

  • Oct. 15-18, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 19, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 20, Sunday, 12-5 p.m. (East Cobb Govt. Center)
  • Oct. 21-25, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 26, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 27, Sunday, 12-5 p.m. (East Cobb Govt. Center)
  • Oct. 28-Nov. 1, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is no early voting from Nov. 2-4. On election day, Nov. 5, voters will go their assigned precincts.

For more locations for early voting, click here. Cobb voters can cast early ballots at any location in the county regardless of where they live.

Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls (click here for details).

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Oct. 25. You can get an application online from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office by clicking here.

There is an absentee ballot drop box at the East Cobb Government Service Center that is open during early voting hours.

Absentee ballots must be received in person or by mail at the Cobb Elections office or delivered to a designated drop box by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5, when the polls close for good on election day.

To check your voter registration status, and to get a customized sample ballot, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

Who/What’s on the ballot?

The U.S. Presidential race headlines a lengthy ballot for Georgia voters, but there are many local elections to be decided.

Cobb voters will decide whether to approve a 30-year sales tax to fund expanded bus transit operations, including a transfer station in East Cobb and the restoration of previous routes along Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads.

In East Cobb, voters will choose a new Post 5 member to the Cobb Board of Education, following the retirement of four-term member David Banks.

The candidates are both first-timers, Democrat Laura Judge, and Republican John Cristadoro. They are parents of students in the Walton High School attendance zone.

The Post 5 boundaries were changed during a court-ordered redistricting that placed some of the Wheeler attendance zone in Post 6. Post 5 includes most of the Walton and Wheeler zones, along with some of the Pope zones (map here).

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, a Democrat, is seeking a second term and is being opposed by Republican Kay Morgan.

Other countywide races include District Attorney, Sheriff, Tax Commissioner, Superior Court Clerk and State Court Clerk. Non-partisan judicial races were decided during the May primaries.

The Georgia 11th Congressional District that includes East Cobb is on the ballot, as are all legislative seats.

Those legislative seats with East Cobb constituencies include districts 32, 33 and 56 in the Georgia Senate, and districts 37, 43, 44, 45 and 46 in the Georgia House.

There will be special elections in 2025 to determine District 2 and District 4 on the Cobb Board of Commissioners, after a court ruling struck down the county’s home rule claims for redistricting,

Those elections are do-overs from the May primaries using now-invalidated electoral maps.

District 2 had included some of East Cobb put has been pushed west of the Powers Ferry Road corridor.

Most of East Cobb is now represented by District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, a Republican, whose current term expires at the end of 2026.

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Cobb proposes ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units

A series of proposed code amendments to be heard by the Cobb Board of Commissioners in November includes a measure that would permit small homes to be built in residential backyards.Cobb proposes ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units

What are called “accessory dwelling units,” or ADUs, would be allowed in most residential zoning categories. They could be as large as 850 square feet and house up to three unrelated adults and up to six children, as well as maximum parking for five cars in a driveway or garage and another vehicle off-street.

Unlike “tiny houses,” which are mobile, the ADUs under the proposed Cobb ordinance would be required to be permanently structured and hooked up to utilities serving the primary home.

The property owner also must live on the premises and the smaller unit could not be used as a short-term rental.

Only a few counties in Georgia allow ADUs, which have been touted as a way to address housing affordability issues.

Cobb’s average home sales price surpassed $500,000 for the first time in 2024.

Developers also promote ADUs as a way for homeowners to earn rental income (example recently in the city of Atlanta) or to provide housing for a family member, such as a senior, and for college students.

The proposed ADU code amendment (you can read it here) will first be heard by the Cobb Planning Commission on Nov. 5, followed by public hearings to be held by Cobb commissioners on Nov. 12 and Nov. 21.

The county distributed the proposed code amendments (summarized here, with links) but hasn’t publicized the upcoming hearings nor has it explained explained why the ordinance is being subject to revisions now.

Typically Cobb updates its ordinance twice a year, in January and September, but that pattern hasn’t happened recently.

East Cobb News has left a message with the county seeking comment and further information, and has contacted District 3 commissioner JoAnn Birrell as well.

Richard Grome, president of the East Cobb Civic Association, said his group is analyzing all the proposed code amendments, but “we are not at a point in our analysis, at this time, to make a definitive announcement or take a position on any of” them.

Cobb’s current ordinance permits no more than two unrelated adults living together, and one vehicle for every 390 square feet of living space.

There aren’t provisions for allowing ADUs, but the proposed code amendment stipulates the following:

a. ADU shall not exceed 50% of the gross square footage of the primary single-family dwelling unit or 850 square feet.

b. ADU shall be no more than one-story in height, not to exceed the height of the primary single-family dwelling unit.

c. A minimum of one off-street parking spot shall be provided for the ADU.

d. ADU shall be connected to the utilities meters of the primary structure.

e. ADU shall be located only in the rear yard, and shall adhere to the side and rear yard setback of the primary structure.

f. Maximum impervious surface coverage for the lot shall not exceed the zoning district limitation.

g. ADU must adhere to all other standards for accessory structures in the zoning district.

h. There shall be no more than one ADU per single-family lot.

i. ADU shall not be utilized as a short-term rental property.

j. The owner(s) of the property shall reside in either the primary single family-dwelling unit or the ADU.

k. Property owner(s) shall sign an affidavit stating that the ADU is not in conflict with any applicable covenants, conditions, deed restrictions, or bylaws.

ADUs have been mentioned as part of a Cobb Unified Development Code that was first proposed in 2021 but has been put on hold.

There were public meetings last December, and tentative plans for more feedback and adoption in 2024, but nothing further has been issued since an outside consultant released this code assessment in November 2023.

It didn’t specifically mention adding ADUs to the code, but it does call for reviewing and updating accessory uses and structures.

“The list of accessory uses will include some of the current accessory uses, with definitions and standards as appropriate. It will also include additional accessory uses or structures that may be appropriate, such as automated teller machines,” wrote the consultant, Clarion Associates LLC, a nationwide land-use and planning firm.

County officials said the UDC was a long overdue measure to streamline development standards and zoning categories.

But some Cobb residents declared the UDC to be a “war on the suburbs” that would increase density in traditional single-family neighborhoods.

County officials have contended that in response that “what you see in your neighborhood is going to pretty much be the same.”

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Cobb Drug Treatment Court recognizes five new graduates

Cobb Drug Treatment Court recognizes five new graduates

Submitted information and photo:

Judges, elected officials, community members, court staff, attorneys, family members, and friends packed the Cobb Superior Court Ceremonial Courtroom to congratulate the five newest Cobb County Drug Treatment Court graduates. The graduates, staff, family, and friends shared moments of tears and laughter as they detailed their journey. The overriding theme was a sense of accomplishment, hope, and excitement for the next chapter of their lives.

The Drug Treatment Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals involved in the justice system with a substance use disorder. The 18–24-month program uses a combination of close supervision, individualized evidence-based treatment, and recovery support to hold offenders accountable for their actions and teach them to be productive members of the community.

One of the graduates shared, “My experience in Drug Court has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs in the beginning but leveled out towards the end. Drug Court changed my life by teaching me how to deal with the highs and lows of life without escaping through using drugs.”

Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Childs presides over the Drug Treatment Court and the multi-disciplinary team administering the program. After the graduation ceremony, she reflected that “these graduates exemplify the need for and importance of an evidence-based recovery and treatment program in our criminal justice system. Our community should be proud of the commitment Cobb County has to helping those with substance use disorder transform their lives. Through the efforts of our dedicated team and with the continued support of our stakeholders, these 5 graduates are now sober, independent, and productive members of our society.”

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East Cobb Weekend Events: String quartet; Music in the Park; more

East Cobb Weekend Events: String quartet; Music in the Park; more

Music is in the air—both indoors and out—and will headline weekend events in and near East Cobb.

Sunday afternoon music-lovers can choose from dueling concerts if you will, starting with the sounds of the Atlanta-based Amadeus String Ensemble (pictured above) at 3 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road). It’s the season opener of the church’s 2024-25 Friends of Music concert schedule.

Admission is free for the public to attend, but freewill donations are accepted.

The Friends for the East Cobb Park will hold another Music in the Park event Sunday at 4 p.m. featuring the familiar sounds of the Loose Shoes Duo.

Come to the concert shell at the park (3322 Roswell Road) and bring picnic fare, blankets/chairs and enjoy. The presenting sponsor is Wellstar Health System, and another concert is scheduled for Oct. 27.

The weather all weekend will be gorgeous, and the second Saturday of the month means it’s another Hyde Farm Walking Tour. Come to Hyde Farm (721 Hyde Road) with your walking shoes for a stroll through the Cobb PARKS-operated 1840s working farm for a 45-minute tour starting at 10 a.m.

It’s free, but you’re asked to register in advance for head-count purposes.

Later Saturday afternoon, it’s the Faith Lutheran School Fall Festival (2111 Lower Roswell Road) that’s open to the public. Enjoy family-oriented fun with petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games, food and drink and a craft market of local vendors and artists running from 3-6 p.m.

On both Saturday and Sunday, it’s Chalkobterfest, a chalk art and beer festival presented by the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art.

More than 80 artists, more than 100 different beer and 40 different wines will be served up on the Marietta Square to celebrate the onset of fall.

There also will be live music, food trucks and art vendors.

The main festival is 10-5 Saturday and 11-5 Sunday; the beer festival runs from 12-5 Saturday and you can buy tickets for the latter by clicking here.

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Tommy Nobis Center moves into new facility near Truist Park

Tommy Nobis Center moves into new facility near Truist Park

 

Submitted information and photo:

Tommy Nobis Center (TNC), a Marietta-based nonprofit that empowers people through employment, has moved to their newly renovated Cobb County location. Formerly located at 1480 Bells Ferry Road in Marietta, Tommy Nobis Center has provided education, training, and employment to people with disabilities for the last 47 years.

Formerly the Cobb Chamber of Commerce building, the fully renovated state-of-the-art facility is located on 1.7 acres at 240 Interstate North Parkway across I-75 from Truist Park in the hub of surrounding businesses. The new education and training center was designed to reflect the mission of TNC and to provide more classroom and training space to meet the needs of flourishing educational programs. 

“This is a major milestone for our organization,” says President and CEO, Dave Ward. “The new facility will allow us to double our impact in half the space and is centrally located making it more accessible to our program participants.”

A $5.86M three-year capital campaign launched in August of 2023 has already secured 90% of funds needed to fully subsidize the project. With leadership from Devon Jackoniski, the daughter of Tommy Nobis and significant support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons, The Imlay Foundation, and other major donors in Atlanta, this innovative endeavor will benefit our entire community, as employing people with disabilities helps the local economy and provides an untapped pool of talent for local businesses.

Tommy Nobis Center will host open house events on November 13th and 14th between 8:00am and 3:00pm.

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Italian restaurant, patisserie coming to Avenue East Cobb

Drift Fish House and Oyster Bar
An Italian restaurant, Luga, and an adjoining patisserie, Giulia, will occupy the former Drift space at Avenue East Cobb.

A full-service Italian restaurant and an accompanying patisserie will be opening at Avenue East Cobb in 2025.

North American Properties announced Wednesday that Luga will occupy the former Drift Fish House and Oyster Bar space, serving up Italian cuisine that includes an expanded bar, an open kitchen, a private dining room and patio. The one-page menu includes “fresh antipasti, crisp salads, Roma-style pizzas, and house made pastas.”

The restaurant is a new concept by Ben and Seth Gjuka, brothers who opened Giulia, an Italian bakery, in Peachtree Corners in April. Their second location will operate adjacent to Luga and will serve pastries, croissants, sandwiches and a variety of coffee drinks.

NAP said that Luga and Guilia are expected to open next spring.

Next summer, Tenku Sushi Elevation will be opening in one of the new “jewel box” buildings that’s part of Avenue East Cobb’s recent redevelopment.

Tenku’s first restaurant, in Woodstock, offers a variety of Japanese dishes that include nigiri and sashimi, signature rolls, robata grills, omakase, and flame-seared marinated octopus.

The Avenue East Cobb location will have a rooftop bar.

Two retail stores are slated to come to Avenue East Cobb later this year.

Women’s clothing boutique Nic + Zoe is expected to open for the holidays near the Kendra Scott store.

Over the winter, luxury bedding company Boll & Branch will be opening next to the Barnes & Noble store.

A Super Chix fast-casual restaurant recently opened at Avenue, adding to a slate of new eateries that includes Round Trip Brewing Co.

Also opening at Avenue is eLo Vegan Lifestyle, the flagship store for natural body products. Slated to open soon is a Pause Studio location.

NAP said the new additions will make Avenue East Cobb 96 percent leased, compared to the 75 percent occupancy rate when it took over management of the retail center in 2021.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Peace, Love and Pizza; Hong Kong Star; more

Peace Love and Pizza, East Cobb food scores

The following food scores have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

American Deli
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2194
October 9, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

Atlanta Country Club
500 Atlanta Country Club Drive
October 9, 2024 Score: 85, Grade: B

China Great Wall
1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 302
October 7, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Domino’s Pizza
1230 Powers Ferry Road
October 8, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Fugu Express
2900 Delk Road, Suite 2000
October 8, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Hong Kong Star
4719 Lower Roswell, Suite 110
October 10, 2024 Score: 94, Grade: A

La  Strada
2930 Johnson Ferry Road
October 10, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Mediterranean Express
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100
October 10, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Parc at Piedmont
999 Hood Road
October 9, 2024 Score: 94, Grade: A

Peace Love & Pizza
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 154
October 7, 2024 Score: 97, Grade: A

Planet Smoothie
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 200
October 7, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks
31 Johnson Ferry Road
October 10, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Tea Time
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 116
October 10, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Willy’s Mexicana Grill
4250 R0swell Road, Suite 120
October 9, 2024 Score: 89, Grade: B

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

Submitted information and photos:

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance is pleased to announce that a group of 19 community volunteers picked up 380 pounds of trash at the group’s Adopt-A-Mile Fall event in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Wearing bright yellow vests, the participants gathered everything from illegal stick signs to general roadside litter into 55 orange trash bags along Powers Ferry Road from Terrell Mill Road to Wildwood Parkway. Keep Cobb Beautiful also sponsored a pop-up recycle drop-off station in conjunction with the event at the Kroger Fuel parking lot on Powers Ferry, collecting 38 Hefty bags of renewable items, 300 pounds of glass and 40 pounds of general recyclable material from 41 residents.

“It’s amazing to see local residents and business leaders join forces to keep our community clean and vibrant,” said Kedrick Green, PFCA’s Adopt-A-Mile coordinator. “The PFCA strives to create opportunities for volunteers to give back and also be a part of a bigger initiative.”

Area neighborhoods and organizations represented included Riverwalk at Wildwood, Riverstone at Wildwood, Girl Scouts, Valencia Hills, Terrell Mill Estates, Hyde Park, Flats at Riverwalk, Lassiter High School, Stratford Grove and Wynne’s Ridge Condominiums.

Volunteers enjoyed complimentary refreshments provided by Kroger. The event was additionally supported by Take 5 Oil Change, Custom Signs Today and cheered on by the firefighters at Cobb County Fire Station 19.  Keep Cobb Beautiful’s Adopt-A-Mile program is a partnership that allows individuals and/or groups to improve the appearance of our community. Learn more: powersferryca.com.

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

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Lassiter leads Cobb high schools in 2024 graduation rates

Lassiter High School graduation rate

For the third year in a row, Lassiter High School led the Cobb County School District in its graduation rate in 2024.

According to data released by the Georgia Department of Education, 98 percent of Lassiter’s Class of 2024 (435 of 444 seniors) received their diplomas in May.

That’s just above 97.6 percent for Walton and Harrison and 97.3 percent for Pope.

Cobb’s overall graduation rate was 87.9 percent, up from 87.7 percent in 2023 and above the Georgia average of 85.4 percent, according to a Cobb school district release.

In addition, the graduation rates at Sprayberry High School was 90.8 percent, a 3.3-percent increase from last year, the highest jump in the district.

The figures are compiled as part of what the state calls the “4-Year Cohort Graduation Rate.”

That is defined as follows:

“The number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma, divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduation class.”

The federal rate is calculated in the ninth grade, and includes even students who are enrolled only for a day.

Cobb also produces what it calls “a more complete” graduation rate, comparing the actual class sizes as they go through the 10th, 11th and 12th grades.

Those numbers have Kell and Pope at 100 percent, and with every other Cobb high school at least atd 97,3 percent.

“For students enrolled in Cobb Schools for at least 2 years, the District’s graduation rate jumps by 5.9 percentage points to 93.8% and steadily increases the longer a student is enrolled,” the Cobb release said.

“For students enrolled all four years of high school, Cobb’s ‘real’ graduation rate skyrockets to 99.1%.”

The Georgia Department of Education said its 85.4 percent graduation rate, which rose from 84,4 percent last year, is an all-time high.

“A total of 115 Georgia school districts recorded graduation rates at or above 90%, and 44 districts recorded rates at or above 95%. Georgia’s statewide graduation rate has increased by 18 percentage points since 2011,” Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods said in a release.

Grad Class Size Total Graduates 2024 Rate 2023 Rate
Kell 371 342 92.2 93.8
Lassiter 444 435 98.0 98.4
Pope 446 434 97.3 95.6
Sprayberry 434 394 90.8 87.5
Walton 653 637 97.6 96.8
Wheeler 577 512 88.7 90.7
Cobb 9260 8188 87.9 87.7

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East Side ES Cub Scout Pack 744 celebrates 50th anniversary

East Side ES Cub Scout Pack 744 celebrates 50th anniversary

Submitted information and photo:

On October 6th, Cub Scout Pack 744 of Marietta celebrated its 50th anniversary of their founding at McFarlane Park, marking five decades of building young leaders and fostering a sense of adventure. Chartered by Eastside Elementary since its inception, Pack 744 has been a cornerstone of the community, with hundreds of Scouts and families impacted over the years.

Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting program of Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, available to youth from kindergarten through fifth grade, 5 to 10 years of age, and their families. In Cub Scouts, youth are encouraged to make friends, be helpful to others, and do their very best no matter the outcome. With the help of powerful learning projects and exciting outdoor activities, we aim to teach children that doing their best can be a fun and rewarding experience—no matter the difficulty of the challenge.

The anniversary event welcomed eight former Cubmasters, including Mark Roberts (2022-2024)David Linsey (2020-2022)Chris Ray (2016-2019)Hilary Thornton (2014-2016)John LaVoy (2013-2014)Steve Kleinrichert (2009-2010)Scott Lovell (2008), and Zett Quinn (2005-2007), who shared memories of their time leading the Pack. Each Cubmaster reflected on the adventures, challenges, and camaraderie that shaped Pack 744 and guided it to success. Former Committee Chairs, Den Leaders, and scout alumni also attended. Cubmaster James Stovall, who is now coming through the Pack for a second time with his youngest son Luke, expressed his gratitude to these former leaders and shared his excitement for the Pack’s future.

The Pack’s vision—”We want to be the most fun and adventurous pack in Georgia, preparing our Scouts for both Scouting and life”—is evident in their activities. In the past year, Scouts have explored Cumberland Caverns spending overnight in a cave in Tennessee, rafted the Nantahala River in North Carolina, and are preparing for a mountain biking event at Blankets Creek in Cobb County. With over 100 participants registered for SpookyRee, an upcoming camping weekend at Bert Adams Scout Camp in Covington, the Pack is as adventurous as ever.

State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, representing Georgia’s 32nd District, was also in attendance. A dedicated supporter of Scouting, Senator Kirkpatrick praised the Pack’s enduring commitment to service and community. She and her husband, both lonhg-time Scout supporters, recently hosted Scout Day at the Capitol, in which Pack 744 proudly participated.

The anniversary’s theme, “Scouting: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” captured the essence of Pack 744’s legacy. With 63 families, including 26 new families in the last six months, the Pack continues to grow and thrive. Much like other organizations, Pack 744 faced a dip in participation during the COVID era, but today, it is rebuilding with energy. The pack continues to recruit more youth than are graduating out each year, signaling a bright and adventurous future ahead.

A significant highlight of the celebration was the international food tasting, where each Scout family made a dish to represent their cultural heritage. This showcased the Pack’s rich diversity, with dishes such as Southern smoked barbecue sliders, japchae (a Korean favorite of sweet potato noodles with meat and vegetables), Chinese dumplings, Russian angel wings pastry, crepes with beef, French apple tart, Dutch oven apple cobbler, and much more. The food offered a flavorful glimpse into the Pack’s international makeup and symbolized the spirit of unity within diversity that Scouting fosters.

While much has changed since Pack 744’s founding in 1974 the values of Scouting remain constant. For 50 years, Pack 744 has instilled leadership, responsibility, and a love for adventure in young Scouts, preparing them for life and making a lasting impact on the community.

As the celebration concluded, it was evident that the Pack’s legacy is built on the dedication of its leaders, families, and Scouts. With a focus on adventure, service, and fun, Pack 744 is ready to continue its journey for another 50 years, growing stronger and carrying on the scouting legacy each step of the way.

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Cobb Library Foundation to hold ‘Casino Night’ fundraiser

Submitted information:Cobb Library Foundation to hold 'Casino Night' fundraiser

Join us for an evening of fun, music, great prizes, and so much more at the elegant Atlanta Country Club on November 9, 2024 for the Cobb Library Foundation’s 3rd Annual Casino Night. Don’t miss out, buy your tickets now!

Can’t attend? Donate now (form below) and help us continue our mission to help our Cobb County Public Libraries be the best in the State! This year we have funded the Summer Reading Program, the North Cobb Regional Library Garden, purchased a new ScanPro for the Georgia Room, OBIE Projector that will be circulated throughout the Library System, an Illumination Station for the Vinings Library, and so much more! Thank you for your participation and support!

For more information and tickets, click here.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Sept. 16-20, 2024

Giverny Park, East Cobb real estate sales
Giverny Park

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports and Cobb County property records.

They include the street address, subdivision name and sales price listed under their respective high school attendance zones:

Kell

None

Lassiter

3583 Clementine Court, 30066 (Churchill Falls): $465,000

4301 Highborne Drive, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $680,000

Pope

3290 North Hembree Road, 30062: $850,000 (lot)

2242 Cedar Forks Drive, 30062 (Cedar Forks): $512,000

3347 Millinocket Road, 30062 (Cutters Gap): $412,000

4107 Twin Leaf Court, 30062 (Lost Forest Place): $915,000

3244 Rangers Gate, 30062 (Pine Springs): $415,000

Sprayberry

124 Vintage Club Circle, 30066 (The Vintage Club): $430,000

3120 Boyce Drive, 30066 (Princeton Pointe): $730,000

2777 Stillwater Lake Court, 30066 (Stillwater Lake): $587,000

1525 Kincaid Road, 30066: $510,000

2143 Ridgewood Court, 30066 (North Field): $330,000

1940 Kerry Creek Drive, 30066 (Kerry Creek): $691,000

405 England Place, 30066 (Canterbury North): $420,000

2111 Bungalow Park Drive, 30066 (Bungalow Park): $629,362

1651 Northwoods Drive, 30066 (Caribou Hills): $475,000

3186 Mary Drive, 30066 (Russell Plantation): $493,000

Walton

4080 Summit Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $847,400

2990 Octavia Circle, 30062 (Vestavia Estates): $1.2 million

617 Serramonte Drive, 30068 (Villas at Parkaire): $380,000

120 Woodlawn Drive, 30067 (Sanders Field Estates): $950,000 (lot)

4205 Cove Court, 30067 (Kings Cove): $764,000

4387 Cove Island Drive, 30067 (Kings Cove): $535,000

Wheeler

3760 Waterlilly Way, 30067 (Giverny Park): $1.3 million

70 Wagon Wheel Court, 30067 (Cherokee Crossing): $601,000

291 Lamplighter Lane, 30067 (Fox Hills): $465,000

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Bi-partisan interfaith panel to discuss worship safety

An interfaith groups, Jews and Allies of Georgia, is holding a panel discussion Sunday in East Cobb on the subject of safety in houses of worship.Bi-partisan interfaith panel to discuss worship safety

The event is free and takes place from 4-7 p.m. in the Chimney Springs subdivision clubhouse (2465 Hearthstone Circle).

The invited speakers include State Sen. John Albers, a Republican who represents part of East Cobb, and Eric Castater, a Democrat seeking the State House District 45 seat.

The moderator is JoEllen Smith of East Cobb of Jews and Allies of Georgia and an advocate for legislation to protect houses of worship.

The discussion will examine security threats to places of worship in the United States as is occurring in Europe and elsewhere, and the need for additional measures to protect churches, mosques and synagogues and evaluating K-12 curricula for religious bias.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to e-mail JewsAllies@gmail.com to RSVP.

 

 

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East Cobb weekend events: Oktoberfest; book sale; more

Holy Trinity Oktoberfest, East Cobb weekend events

There’s a bit more fall in the air as a variety of seasonal events take place in East Cobb and beyond, and the weather should be perfect for the outdoor activities that are on tap:

Early on Saturday is the fall Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance Adopt-A-Mile Cleanup. It gets underway at  8:30 a.m. at the Kroger Fuel parking lot, 1310 Powers Ferry Road, and volunteers will be working in that area in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful.

All supplies and safety equipment will be provided; all you need to do is click here to sign up.

The monthly gathering of the East Cobb Park Garden Club takes place from 10-12 as work continues on Sunny’s Butterfly Garden (our previous story here). They’re looking for volunteers and all you have to do is show up if you’re interested.

Get your oompa on all day Saturday at the 13th rendition of Oktoberfest at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (2922 Sandy Plains Road), from 10-6.

It’s the church’s annual festival of German heritage and culture, featuring German food, a live polka band, craft fair, horseshoe tournament, and a kid’s area with bounce houses, face painting and more.

Bring canned food for MUST Ministries food pantry in place of an entrance fee: $7 or seven cans for each adult, $3 or three cans for each child or $20 for twenty cans for a family.

You can park at the U.S. Post Office after 1 p.m.

A bit off-calendar and just outside our coverage area: the Cobb Truck-A-Palooza Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Town Center at Cobb (400 Ernest W Barrett Parkway).

There will be fire engines to police motorcycles for kids and adults, and all proceeds from Truck-A-Palooza will benefit the Cobb County Safety Village.

Admission os $5 adults and free for 2 and under, or $20 for a family/group up to 6 people.

The Cobb Library System’s Fall Book Sale is Friday-Sunday at the Cobb Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Parkway). Bring whatever you think you need to take away your purchases of books, CDs, magazines, puzzles and more, ranging in price from 10 cents to $4.

Hours are 9-5 Friday-Saturday and 1-5 Sunday and parking is free, along with admission.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what your organization is doing for our community events calendar.

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Thanks for Giving annual food drive to get underway

Submitted information:Center for Family Resources

The thanks for Giving annual food drive is collecting donations to feed 1,000 families in need in Cobb County for the entire Thanksgiving week.

The drive is organized by The Center for Family Resources which serves Cobb County families experiencing homelessness or who may be in danger of becoming homeless. 

Community members are asked to participate by becoming an event sponsor, hosting a Thanks for Giving food drive, or making a charitable donation. Local schools can also support The CFR’s efforts by hosting a food drive. 

For donations of food, drop off your non-perishable food items Oct. 7 – Nov. 15 at the Cobb Family Advocacy Center, 277 SE Fairground Street, Marietta.

Read more about how you can help here.

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