Month: November 2025

East Cobb residential real estate sales, Oct. 27-31, 2025

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North Ridge, East Cobb real estate sales
North Ridge

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

5021 Rodrick Trace, 30066 (Oxford Manor): $400,000

Lassiter

3375 Holliglen Drive, 30062 (Woodbine Station): $490,000

3017 Lana Lane, 30066 (Creekside Oaks): $760,000

4434 Trickum Road, 30066 (North Landing): $340,764

2676 South Arbor Drive, 30066 (Arbor Bridge): $675,000

3599 Downing Street, 30066 (Churchill Falls): $433,100

4332 Highborne Drive, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $1.225 million

3819 Havenrock Drive, 30066 (Lassiter Cove): $1.05 million

3875 Wintergreen Court, 30066 (Villa North Highlands): $390,000

Marietta

1313 Merrifield Lane, 30062 (East Park): $660,000

874 Soaring Circle, 30062 (Eagle Ridge): $335,000

Pope

2466 Chimney Springs Drive, 30066 (Chimney Springs): $645,000

Sprayberry

1830 Butterfly Way, 30066 (Village at Sandy Plains): $670,000

1850 Donald Drive, 30062 (Hasty Acres): $445,000

2813 New South Drive, 30066 (Piedmont Station): $250,000

2604 Alcovy Trail, 30062 (East Cobb Walk): $518,000

2637 Watercrest Court, 30062 (Autumn Lake): $462,500

3163 Oak Springs Way, 30066 (Oak Creek Estates): $430,000

1585 Blackwell Road, 30066 (North Ridge): $800,000

2646 Arbor Glen Place, 30062 (Arbor Glen): $320,000

Walton

833 Serramonte Drive, 30068 (Villas at Parkaire): $374,000

311 Rolling Rock Road, 30067 (Atlanta Country Club): $2.75 million

1490 Dansford Court South, 30068 (Penhurst): $1.025 million

1172 Mitsy Hollow Drive, 30068 (Mitsy Forest): $550,000

1634 Princeton West Trail, 30068 (Princeton West): $730,000

4943 Secluded Pines Drive, 30068 (Rose Oak): $695,000

Wheeler

2059 Clearwater Drive, 30067 (Freywood Estates): $394,999

53 Weatherstone Parkway, 30068 (Weatherstone): $645,000

3300 Windy Ridge Parkway, Unit 520, 30339 (Horizon): $339,500

443 Langley Oaks Drive, 30067 (Sibley on Papermill): $1.625 million

190 Kenley Court, 30068 (Magnolia South): $500,000

20 Ashton Woods Drive, 30068 (Ashton Woods): $685,000

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East Cobb Weather Update: Freeze warning to start the week

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East Cobb Weather Update: Freeze warning to start the week
It was warm enough to play catch at East Cobb Park Sunday, but cold, windy weather will be around through the middle of the week.

The first part of this week is going feel like the winter.

A freeze warning is in effect for Cobb County and much of north Georgia Monday morning as a cold front moves through the Deep South.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City said the freeze warning will be in effect from 1 a.m. Monday through 10 a.m. Monday, as temperatures could dip below freezing.

Combined with wind gusts of around 30 mph, conditions will feel like they’re a good bit below zero.

Monday’s high will be only around 40, with some sunny skies.

Monday night will be colder, with lows in the mid- to low-20s, according to the forecast, with highs reaching around 50.

The skies will be clear and sunny, but wind gusts could be as high as 25 mph.

A freeze watch will be in effect from 7 p.m. Monday to 10 a.m. Tuesday, with highs on Veterans Day forecast to be in the high 40s.

By Wednesday the weather we’ve been enjoying will start to return, with sunny skies and highs in the low 60s. The lows will be in the low 40s, and this pattern will continue through the end of the week.

Saturday’s high is expected to be in the low 70s, and Sunday’s in the high 60s, when a chance of rain will move into the area.

For more local weather information, please click here.

 

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Cobb to start public hearings on proposed stormwater fee

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Cobb to start public hearings on proposed stormwater fee
Flooding along Columns Drive in East Cobb after a storm in 2024. ECN file photo.

The first of two public hearings on a proposed stormwater fee in Cobb County and other code amendments will take place next week.

The hearings are scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday before the Cobb Board of Commissioners. The hearings, during a regular BOC meeting, are being delayed by a day due to Veteran’s Day holiday on Tuesday.

Currently Cobb stormwater customers are charged through their water and sewer bills based on the amount of impervious surfaces on their properties.

The major change from the original proposal—which was tabled last year after heated opposition from citizens—includes a flat $4.75 per month for residential customers.

Commercial and institutional customers would also be billed $4.75 month per 3,700 square feet of impervious surface.

The fee would apply to customers in unincorporated Cobb and the City of Mableton, whose stormwater management is handled by the county. Five of Cobb’s six other cities charge their own stormwater fees; Marietta does not.

At a BOC work session last month, Cobb Water System director Judy Jones said that a stormwater fee is badly needed because not enough revenue is being generated to maintain the aging system, and to address a growing backlog (you can watch a replay here).

Those issues were made more urgent following flooding in 2021 that damaged the homes and properties of many East Cobb residents, some of whom said a new stormwater fee wouldn’t solve their problem.

That’s because homeowners were on the hook for expensive repairs if the county couldn’t determine if their property was on a county plat. Other critics have condemned what they have called a “rain tax.”

Commissioner JoAnn Birrell of District 3 in East Cobb has been opposed to an additional fee since the county transfers revenues from the water department to the general fund.

Jones admitted during the work session that a fee is not going to solve all of the county’s stormwater issues, but it “allows us to enhance our services. We need to get caught up with what we have outgrown.”

She also said the revenues transferred from the water system to the general fund aren’t enough to fund stormwater repairs.

In the current Cobb fiscal year 2026 budget, that transfer amount is $11 million, but only $300,000 comes from stormwater revenue.

Cobb is spending more than $9 million in FY 2026 for stormwater services; the proposed stormwater fee would generate around $17 million a year.

You can click through the slides presented at the work session below; the county has provided further information at a special Stormwater Funding page. Another hearing will be held Nov. 20 prior to a BOC vote on the stormwater fee and other proposed code amendments.

The BOC meeting begins at 9 a.m. in the second floor board room of the county office building at 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta. You can view the full agenda by clicking here.

You also can watch the hearing on the county’s website and YouTube channels and on Cobb TV 23 on Comcast Cable.

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Dickerson MS teachers spring to action, save student’s life

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Dickerson MS teachers spring to action, save student's life

Megan Fisher and Maureen McLaughlin are sisters who teach health and physical education at Dickerson Middle School.

Recently they had to rely on their training and their sense of duty to save the life of a student who was in distress in the gym.

The student began to look ill after swallowing from a bottle of water. Fisher noticed he was choking on a plastic bottle cap, and she and Maureen worked to apply the Heimlich maneuver and back blows until the cap came loose.

“It’s one of those moments where you hope your instincts take over,” McLaughlin said in a release by the Cobb County School District. “We’ve trained for emergencies like this, but you never really think you’ll have to do it.”

Fisher added: “It felt longer than it probably was because our adrenaline was pumping. But as soon as I saw what was happening, I knew Maureen was there to help me. It was comforting to have her there.”

Here’s the rest of the story, which explains the sisters’ training with the Dickerson First Responder Team, which has CPR-certified staff and conducts drills throughout the school year to stay sharp.

“Because of their quick actions, they saved a life,” Dickerson principal Bradley Blackman said. “They didn’t panic. They didn’t run away. They jumped right in and did what they were trained to do.”

The sisters also were honored by the Cobb school district in its “Heroes Among Us” award.

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Pope cross country runner seeks to defend state championship

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Pope cross country runner seeks to defend state championship

Submitted information and photo:

Pope High School senior Josie Hutchinson is chasing history this weekend as she seeks to defend her GHSA 5A Girls Individual Cross Country State Championship title, one year after leading the Pope Greyhounds to a team state championship.

Known for her grit, leadership, and grounded personality, Hutchinson has built an impressive athletic résumé. The five-time GHSA state champion boasts titles in both cross country and track and field, including the 3200m, 4x800m relay, and team championships. Over the past three seasons, she has finished in the top three in 19 of her last 25 cross country races she has run in Georgia. She holds five school records and multiple county and regional honors.

“She’s the GOAT for Pope High School cross country,” said Coach Cathi Monk. “Josie goes above what’s required in her preparation. She’s a fierce competitor and an even better person.”

Hutchinson’s drive runs deep in her roots. The daughter of Joe and Christin Hutchinson, Josie credits her family’s athletic and faith-filled foundation for shaping her determination. Her father, a former Little League World Series champion and standout at Wheeler High School, recognizes her innate competitiveness: “Some kids just have that desire to work hard — Josie has it.”

Beyond her athletic success, Hutchinson’s leadership and compassion have defined her legacy at Pope. She is known for mentoring younger runners, rallying teammates before races, and cheering competitors at the finish line — a gesture parents and coaches call the “Josie Effect.”

Hutchinson’s personal record of 17:31.49 ranks among Georgia’s best. She plans to continue her running career next year at Samford University, but first, she and the Greyhounds will defend their 5A titles this Saturday in Carrollton, Georgia.

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Apple Annie to host Sprayberry Craft Show vendors

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Apple Annie

Here’s an update to our story from last week about the cancellation of the Sprayberry Craft Show, possibly until 2028, due to construction at the high school:

The organizers of the Apple Annie Arts and Craft Show said Thursday that they’re taking in 16 additional vendors, including some from the Sprayberry show.

The late and abrupt cancellation of the Sprayberry show left some of those vendors without a key date in their holiday schedule.

Apple Annie takes place Dec. 5-6 at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (our calendar listing details here).

“Many artisans use these holiday shows as a significant source of income, and we are happy to be able to support these small business makers this year,” said the Apple Annie organizers on their Facebook page:

“The additional selected artisans followed the same application submission and jury process, just as other show artisans do. They will set up in St. Ann’s downstairs classrooms, so be sure to visit their booths while at the show December 5-6! There will be an additional cash-only show entrance near these downstairs classrooms.”

The Apple Annie show benefits programs of the St. Ann’s Council of Catholic Women, while the Sprayberry Craft Show has been a major fundraiser for the Sprayberry PTSA.

The local holiday shopping season gets underway this weekend with the Lassiter Craft Fair and the Good Mews Holiday Harvest Market.

 

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Columns Drive traffic project to remove and replace trees

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Cobb delays Columns Drive median tree-cutting after protests

Here’s another update to the Columns Drive traffic safety improvement project that we’ve been reporting on (here and here) in recent months:

Starting Friday Cobb DOT will begin work to remove roughly a third of the trees in the medians that have been deemed unsafe.

DOT said in a statement Wednesday that 47 of the 157 trees in the Columns Drive medians that are within the right-of-way will be taken down. Work crews will be clearing away tree stumps, dead trees and what department officials are saying is the “selective pruning of dozens of others.”

DOT said it was responding to a number of reports of falling trees.

But more than 1,000 residents in the area signed a petition in protest, entitled “STOP Cobb County’s Plans to Cut Down Trees on Columns Drive Median.”

That prompted community meetings with Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, and traffic engineers consulted an arborist who identified the trees that posed a threat to motorists.

She said in a message to East Cobb News on Wednesday that the project will continue into January. After the initial phase, 50 new trees and mulch will be installed in the medians and “hundreds of shrubs” will be planted near the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area entrance at the end of Columns Drive.

“We believe this solution will make Columns Drive safer and more attractive,” Cobb DOT Director Drew Raessler said in a statement issued by the county. “We appreciate the residents who worked with us on this project — their input was invaluable in shaping the vision for this popular corridor.”

There also will be post-installation maintenance through spring 2026.

“This is a great result for this project,” Birrell told East Cobb News.

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Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration theme asks for an ‘Amen’

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East Cobb interfaith service: 'Embracing responsibility'
Clergy and speakers at the 2024 Interfaith Thanksgiving Service ham it up for the cameras. 

The 21st annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration will take place Nov. 20 at Temple Kol Emeth in East Cobb, featuring music, messages and prayers involving more than 20 local faith communities.

This year’s theme is “Amen is Just the Beginning,” and according to organizers, it’s “a reminder that each of us needs convert our words and prayer into action.” (Here’s our report from the 2024 service.)

The service begins at 7 p.m. The doors open at 6:30 p.m., and online registration is required at this link. A clear-bag policy also will be in place. Parking is available at Temple Kol Emeth (1415 Old Canton Road) and across the street at Eastminster Presbyterian Church (3125 Sewell Mill Road).

The offering will benefit the Give-A-Gobble Campaign of Atlanta.

The service is familiar to those in the past, and with many participating congregations returning, representing the Jewish, Muslim, Roman Catholic, Baptist, Baha’i, Disciples of Christ, Hindu, Episcopal, Sikh, Mormon and Unitarian Universalist faiths.

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East Cobb Weekend Events: Holiday markets and fairs

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Good Mews 30th birthday
The Good Mews Holiday Harvest Market returns on Saturday.

November is here, which means holiday shopping events are getting underway, and if you’re interested in getting some of that done early, a couple of events in East Cobb are worth your time.

The longstanding Lassiter Craft Fair returns this weekend to the halls of Lassiter High School (2601 Shallowford Road), run by the Lassiter Band Boosters Association.

The fair includes more than 100 vendors selling handcrafted items including holiday gifts and decor, woodworking, jewelry, crochet/knitting, bath and body, candles, pottery, wreaths, and more. There also will be a bake sale, concessions and raffle prizes on-site.

Hours are 10-5 Saturday and 11-4 Sunday and admission is free.

Also on Saturday, the Good Mews Holiday Harvest Market is back to benefit operations at the no-kill cat shelter. In addition to artisan market items, you’ll be able to shop for books, puzzles and games, purchased cat products and enjoy a bake sale and other activities.

The market takes place from 10-4 at Good Mews (3805 Robinson Road), and admission is free.

For more information about what’s going on in East Cobb, check out our full calendar listings.

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East Cobb restaurant update: Giulia, Luga openings announced

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Luga, East Cobb food scores

We’ve had a message in for a couple weeks about this, and just got confirmation today about two long-awaited twin Italian-themed restaurants/eateries at Avenue East Cobb:

“This Friday, Giulia, an authentic Italian bakery and patisserie, opens at East Cobb’s favorite gathering spot, building on the success of its first location at The Forum Peachtree Corners. Known for its commitment to natural, high-quality ingredients, Giulia serves signature pastries such as delicate croissants and savory sandwiches alongside expertly crafted coffee drinks from bold espressos and smooth macchiatos to frothy cappuccinos. The 900-square-foot space is nestled between Barre3 and Luga, the owners’ forthcoming Italian restaurant.

“Following Giulia’s debut, the Gjuka brothers will introduce their newest concept, Luga, opening to the public on November 24. Spanning 4,400 square feet, the Italian restaurant pairs casual elegance with layered textures, natural materials, and lush botanicals to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Its seasonal menu showcases fresh antipasti, crisp salads, Roma-style pizzas, and house-made pastas – each crafted with the same dedication to quality that defines the brothers’ culinary approach.”

That message came from Jamestown, Avenue’s property manager. It’s been a little more than a year since the Gjuka brothers announced they would be occupying the former Drift space with accompanying concepts.

Last week Giulia and Luga had their first health inspections, which occasionally take place before an official opening.

Giulia’s hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., similar to the Peachtree Corners location.

There’s not an opening date set yet for another forthcoming restaurant at Avenue. Tenku Sushi Elevation will be opening in one of the new “jewel box” buildings that was 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.

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Results from the 1st annual Walton-Wheeler chess tournament

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Results from the 1st annual Walton-Wheeler chess tournament

Thanks to Sean Kurkjian, an AP History teacher at Wheeler High School, who passed along to us these photos of his students who took home trophies last week at the first-ever Walton-Wheeler chess tournament.

Wheeler Chess Club members Rajveer Gaikwad and Dwij Bapat took home first place in the tournament, which was held at Walton.

Here’s more what it was all about from the Walton High School Chess Club Instagram account:

“On October 25, 2025, we teamed up with Wheeler High School’s president and vice president to host our inaugural inter-school chess tournament at Walton High School!

“20 participants battled it out for $105 in prizes ($50 | $30 | $25), showing off incredible strategy and sportsmanship.

“We’re excited to make this a recurring tradition, building stronger collaboration and a thriving chess culture across Cobb County schools.”

Results from the 1st annual Walton-Wheeler chess tournament

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2025 East Cobb Elections: Marietta mayor barely re-elected

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Longtime Marietta Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin was narrowly returned to office on Tuesday in an election that was closer than expected. Georgia runoff elections

Tumlin, who has been mayor for 16 years, defeated first-time candidate Sam Foster by fewer than 100 votes (updated results are here) 6,762 to 6,675.

Foster is a 24-year-old recent Kennesaw State graduate who won seven of the city’s 13 precincts, some by large margins.

But Tumlin overcame a late deficit when the final votes were cast to claim 50.32 percent to 49.68.

Several East Cobb precincts are in the City of Marietta, including 4B, which Tumlin barely won, and 6B, which Foster won easily.

Voters in East Cobb did not have a contested city council race, as incumbents Andre Sims (Ward 6) and Joseph Goldstein (Ward 7) were re-elected without opposition.

Ward 7 Marietta Board of Education incumbent Holly Berens was re-elected without opposition, while the new Ward 6 member is Christina Rogers. She defeated Tony Viola with nearly 57 percent of the vote (results here).

The races were officially non-partisan, but Tumlin, a former Republican legislator, received open support from GOP organizations. Foster, who’s involved with the A Better Cobb advocacy group, outraised Tumlin and was supported by Democratic State Rep. Gabe Sanchez, a Democratic Socialist who scored a major Georgia House upset last year.

In the Georgia Public Service Commission special elections, both Republican incumbents were defeated.

Alicia Johnson downed Tim Echols and Peter Hubbard beat Fitz Johnson, both around 62 percent of the vote, and will serve out the last year of the remaining terms (results here).

The PSC regulates utility rates in Georgia, and they will be the first Democrats to serve on the board since 2006. Those seats are both up in 2026, and Echols and Johnson have said they will seek their old offices.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Vanilla Café; Johnny’s Pizza; Gusto!; more

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Vanilla Cafe e Gelato opens Avenue East Cobb

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

Brazil Pizza
279 Powers Ferry Road, Suite B
Oct. 31, 2025, Score, 85, Grade: B

Brewster’s Neighborhood Grille
3595 Canton Road, Suite C-17
Nov. 3, 2025, Score: 93, Grade: A

Dodgen Middle School
1725 Bill Murdock Road
Nov. 4, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Gusto!
688 Johnson Ferry Road
Nov. 3, 2025, Score: 83, Grade: B

Howlin’ Willy’s Hot Chicken
4250 Roswell Road, Suite 600
Nov. 4, 2025, Score: 91, Grade: A

Johnny’s Pizza
4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 155
Nov. 4, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Little Caesars
2200 Roswell Road, 180
Nov. 3, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Marco’s Pizza
2986 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100
Oct. 31, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Mzizi Coffee Roaster
2995 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 220
Oct. 31, 2025, Score: 83, Grade: B

Press Waffle Co.
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1810
Nov. 4, 2025, Score: 92, Grade: A

Seed Kitchen and Bar
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 504
Nov. 6, 2025, Score, 100, Grade: A

Shish Kabob Mediterranean Grill
2060 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 280
Nov. 6, 2025, Score: 65, Grade: U

Starbucks
1207 Johnson Ferry Road
Nov. 3, 2025, Score: 87, Grade: B

Stem Wine Bar
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 516
Nov. 6, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Subway
2520 East Piedmont Road, Suite A
Oct. 31, 2025, Score: 88, Grade: B

Super Chix
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 400
Nov. 3, 2025, Score: 96, Grade: A

Tea Time
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 116
Oct. 31, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Vanilla Café e Gelato
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1010
Nov. 3, 2025, Score: 100, Grade: A

Yogli Mogli
3605 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 150
Nov. 3, 2025, Score: 92, Grade: A

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East Cobb Republican political activist Pam Reardon dies

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Pam Reardon, an East Cobb resident who was a candidate for the Cobb Board of Commissioners in 2024 and was involved in Cobb and Georgia Republican politics, has died.East Cobb Republican political activist Pam Reardon dies

Her death was announced over the weekend by Salleigh Grubbs, the former head of the Cobb GOP, and Josh McKoon, the chairman of the Georgia Republican Party.

Reardon served both bodies in a variety of positions. A native of Canada and a retired real estate agent, Reardon had been suffering from cancer.

“Pamela Reardon was a shining star whose legacy will continue to inspire,” Grubbs said on her Facebook page Saturday.

“As her friend, I was blessed to witness her unwavering dedication to her values and her unrelenting passion for serving others.”

McKoon wrote Sunday that Reardon’s “unwavering commitment to our values and her tireless efforts to serve those around her have left an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her.”

For many years Reardon volunteered in party activities and for candidates, and was involved in efforts to challenge voter eligibility following a Georgia elections law in 2021.

She invited a progressive journalist into her East Cobb home in the summer of 2021, only to throw him out during an on-camera interview.

Reardon was a frequent speaker at commissioners’ public comment sessions, then decided to take the political plunge herself in 2024.

She qualified as a candidate for Cobb Commission District 2 during a dispute over electoral maps. But court rulings upholding legislative-drawn maps, meant that she was a resident instead of District 3, and a special election was called that resulted in Democrat Erick Allen being elected to that seat.

Reardon was from Calgary, Alberta, and came to the Atlanta area in the late 1980s. She became an American citizen in 1996, and she and her husband Tom had six children and eight grandchildren.

In addition to her political activities, Reardon also was an officer with the women’s council at the Catholic Church of St. Ann, and served on the board of directors at the Family Life Restoration Center in Mableton.

Cobb Elections Board member Debbie Fisher, a Republican from East Cobb, provided this remembrance to East Cobb News:

“When I first joined the Republican Party, I had no idea what I was getting into. I was working full time, traveling about half the time, and politics was nowhere near the top of my to-do list. Somehow, I got railroaded into becoming a precinct officer — and that’s when Pam Reardon entered my life.

“I didn’t know Pam very well then, but one day I got a call from her. In that unmistakable, no-nonsense voice, she told me that if I wanted to be an officer, I needed to poll watch. I admitted I had no idea what poll watching involved and said I didn’t really have the time. Pam didn’t miss a beat — she simply told me to find the time and meet her. It was clear right away that saying “no” wasn’t an option.

“Out of respect for her position — or maybe fear of the unknown — I met with her, hoping for a little coaching. Instead, she handed me the law and the rules, told me to memorize them, and then assigned me to six precincts with detailed instructions on when to show up. Something told me you just didn’t say no to Pam. And that’s how my journey into elections began — all because of Pam Reardon.

“Over time, Pam and I became close friends. We had a lot in common, but we were both strong-willed, so our friendship came with plenty of lively (and sometimes heated) debates — which we both secretly loved. The longer I knew her, the more my respect grew. She was a force to be reckoned with — determined, tireless, and absolutely unshakable in her convictions. But beneath that fierce spirit was a kind and generous soul who gave endlessly of herself to help others.

“Pam didn’t take no for an answer. she was always focused on one thing: the win. Half the people in the Georgia legislature might not have been elected if it weren’t for Pam and her husband, Tom, who together knocked on more doors than anyone. Even Marjorie Taylor Greene was among those who benefited from Pam’s hard work during her first run for Congress.

“The only battle I ever saw Pam lose was the one with cancer. She fought it with every ounce of strength she had, but in the end, God had a different plan for her. Heaven gained a new pair of wings, and we lost a dear friend here on earth.

“We are all better for having known and loved our feisty, one-of-a-kind friend, Pam Reardon. She will be deeply missed — but never forgotten.”

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Bookmiser making temporary relocation plans after fire

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Bookmiser seeking temporary relocation volunteers after fire

Following up a story from late September about a fire that swept through a small East Cobb retail center, and as the clean-up process continues:

The Bookmiser bookstore is in the process of moving books, shelves and other items from the store at Village East center (3822 Roswell Road) for a temporary relocation.

That’s needed so fire remediation can take place, and owner Anell Gerson, her staff and others have been packing up.

A special 50 percent off sale for used and new books continues from 12-5 Sunday, and all sales are final. Bookmiser also is not doing any trades or taking any book donations for the time being.

Here’s what Gerson shared last weekend about what will happen after that:

“At some point, we will have to vacate the premises (as does every tenant in the center), and your volunteer help will get us closer to shopping center remediation and ultimately our return to full business.

“Empty boxes are waiting to be filled up. There will be a limited number of shifts per day, and they will fill up quickly. So if you miss out on this opportunity, we promise there will be more help needed either before our final departure, or upon our return and unpacking.”

The fire broke out at the Owl computer repair shop next door, and Bookmiser sustained extensive smoke and soot damage.

The other businesses facing Roswell Road also have had to close, and have had differing and sporadic operating hours.

They include the 348 Studio fitness center, a Chopstix Chinese restaurant, an upholstery store, a wax studio and nail salon.

There is one business at Village East that has remained open, and that’s the Stitched store around back, and down the hill. It’s a fabric and gift store that opened earlier this year, and the fire did some minor smoke damage.

But it is open during regular hours, and has been holding some Bookmiser events since the fire.

In the meantime, Gerson is asking Bookmiser customers to continue supporting the store in other ways:

Need a book? Email us at realbookmiser2@gmail.com or call 770-509-5611. We’ll check if we have it, if it’s in sellable condition, or if we can order it for you.

Shop online: Through our Bookshop.org storefront, you can order new books delivered straight to your doorstep. Prefer audiobooks? Visit our Libro.fm store for digital listening.

Gerson opened Bookmiser in 1998 in space on Sandy Plains Road near Woodstock Road, then opened at second location in East Cobb at the present location on Roswell Road. The original location closed in 2018.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Oct. 20-24, 2025

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Old Paper Mill, East Cobb real estate sales
Old Paper Mill

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

1575 Willow Drive, 30066 (Willow Creek): $515,000

4486 Bay Court, 30066 (Lamplighter): $365,000

Lassiter

4484 Windsor Trace, 30066 (Windsor Oaks): $730,000

4047 Idlewilde Meadows Drive, 30066 (Idlewilde): $1.325 million

2446 Turtle Brook, 30066 (Turtle Rock): $365,175

Marietta

741 Soaring Drive, 30062 (Eagle Ridge): $481,000

714 Trevett Way, 30062 (The Gates at Hamilton Grove): $405,000

1849 Toccata Lane, 30067 (The Townes at Marietta): $420,000

1345 Pinebreeze Way, 30062 (The Pines at East Worthington): $455,000

Pope

2163 Mitchell Road, 30062 (Cadence): $1.17 million

1811 Murdock Road, 30062: $1.875 million

2892 Holly Springs Road, 30062 (Ashford Pines): $493,000

Sprayberry

2595 Alcovy Trail, 30066 (East Cobb Walk): $499,000

2592 Alcovy Trail, 30066 (East Cobb Walk): $525,000

2420 Bob Bettis Road, 30066 (Village North): $399,000

2170 Northfield Court, 30066 (North Field): $370,000

3799 Apple Way, 30066 (North Ridge): $450,000

2390 Morgan Road, 30066: $310,000

2564 Silver Star Drive, 30066 (East Cobb Walk): $620,000

1829 Rugby Road, 30062 (Hasty Acres): $385,000

Walton

2506 Octavia Lane, 30062 (Sylvan Heights): $815,000

904 Willeo Place, 30068 (River Forest): $810,000

4755 Columns Drive, 30067 (Rivercliff): $2.695 million

762 Bedford Oaks Drive, 30068 (New Bedford): $585,000

4420 Nassau Way, 30068 (Princeton Walk): $795,000

872 Bayliss Drive, 30068 (Woodland Trails): $469,000

Wheeler

1910 Cedar Glenn Way, Unit 4400, 30339 (The Flats at Riverwalk): $375,000

448 Langley Oaks Drive, 30067 (Sibley on Papermill): $1.275 million

3345 Hallmark Drive, 30067 (Terrell Mill Estates): $755,000

1135 Timberland Drive, 30067 (Terrell Mill Estates): $820,000

2770 Beverly Hills Drive, 30068 (Beverly Hills Estates): $575,000

907 Wynnes Ridge Circle, 30067 (Wynnes Ridge): $285,000

1917 Pine Bluff, 30062 (Woodmont): $470,000

2683 Meadowlawn Drive, 30067 (Sandpiper): $253,500

3190 Powers Ford, 30067 (Old Paper Mill): $1.15 million

403 Greenfield Court, 30068 (Indian Hills): $560,000

640 Smithstone Road, 30067 (Dogwood Park): $400,000

11 Cecil Drive, 30068 (Kathleen Place): $340,000

141 Indian Hills Court, 30068 (Indian Hills): $535,000

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Walton volleyball team earns ‘Sweet 16’ state championship

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Walton volleyball team earns 'Sweet 16' state championship
Photo and videos courtesy Cobb County School District.

It’s been a long time since the Walton High School volleyball team won a Georgia state championship.

Four years, to be exact, which is an eternity for the Raiders program that has had three head coaches in the last four years.

But first-year coach Ashley Jones inherited a talented roster, and Walton exacted some revenge on Thursday in defeating defending Georgia High School Association Class 6A champion Alpharetta for its 16 state title.

The Raiders lost the first set 25–16, then won the last three sets by scores of 25–23, 25–21, and 27–25 to down top-seeded Alpharetta.

Here’s more from the Cobb County School District:

“Walton’s championship match featured several outstanding performances. Sophomore outside hitter Addison Contestabile led the team with 15 kills. Senior right-side hitter Simone Searles added 12 kills. Senior libero Ella Cobb was credited with 22 digs, and junior middle blocker Scarlett Holden led the team with six blocks. The Championship MVP Award went to sophomore setter Janie Myers, who assisted on 32 kills and had 11 digs of her own.”

Myers added that “I’m just so proud of all of us. I didn’t do this all by myself. This is such a special group of girls. This feels awesome.”

Jones, who was hired from Marietta High School over the summer, said in the CCSD release that “we said from practice number one that this was our year to win it all. To give these seniors, who haven’t experienced a championship and have been with the program for four years, to give them this win in their last season, that’s super special.”

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Tuesday elections to decide Georgia PSC and Marietta races

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UPDATED, TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 7:33 P.M.:

Follow real-time updates from Tuesday’s elections at this link; we’ll have further updates with the final results on Wednesday.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

The 2025 elections end on Tuesday with voters going to their assigned precincts to cast votes.East Cobb advance voting

For voters in East Cobb, there will be two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission appearing on their ballots.

Some voters in East Cobb also also will be eligible to vote in Marietta municipal elections.

The polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at all precincts.

You can check your voting status and precinct location and get a personalized sample ballot by visiting the GA My Voter Page from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office.

In order to vote in person, you must produce one of six forms of photo identification.

According to Cobb Elections, turnout in early voting was very light.

The Georgia Public Service Commission elections are being determined in a statewide vote, and two Republican incumbents are being challenged by Democrats. The terms are for four years.

Republican incumbent Fitz Johnson of Vinings (website) is being challenged by Democrat Peter Hubbard (website).

Another Republican incumbent, Tim Echols (website) is opposed by Democrat Alicia Johnson (website).

Here’s a PSC primer from WABE; more from the Associated Press.

In Marietta, all the races are non-partisan, and also are for four-year terms.

East Cobb voters eligible for City of Marietta elections will be choosing Mayor as well as seats in Ward 5, 6 and 7 of the Marietta City Council, and Ward 5, 6 and 7 on the Marietta Board of Education.

Mayor Steve “Thunder” Tumlin, who has been in office 16 years, is seeking another term from 24-year-old Sam Foster in a non-partisan race that has drawn some attention.

Tumlin has been a legislator and served as chair of the Marietta school board. Foster, a recent Kennesaw State graduate, is part of A Better Cobb, which advocates for increased transit and mobility and affordable housing options.

Ward 5 includes most of East Marietta, and the election this year features the two men who have held that seat in recent years. Incumbent Carlyle Kent (website) is seeking a second four-year term. In 2022 he unseated Reggie Copeland, who is trying to win back his old seat (website).

In City Council seats for Ward 6 and Ward 7, only the incumbents qualified—Andre Sims and Joseph Goldstein, respectively.

In the Ward 5 Marietta school board race, incumbent Angela Orange (website) is seeking re-election, and is facing first-time candidate Jessie Bonner Jr. (website).

The Ward 6 school board race is an open seat, and the candidates are Christina Rogers (website) and Tony Viola (website).

In Ward 7, school board member Irene Holly Berens is running unopposed.

(You can view the Marietta ward maps by clicking here).

For more election day information from Cobb Elections, click here.

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CFR seeking donations for 2025 ‘Thanks for Giving’ program

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Submitted information:Center for Family Resources
For Dee R., a single mother in Cobb County, this Thanksgiving means more than a meal—it’s a moment of relief, dignity, and hope.
After losing her job, child support, and food assistance all at once, Dee faced a series of hardships that left her struggling to stay afloat. A caring Cobb County School District counselor connected Dee with The Center for Family Resources (CFR), marking a turning point in her story.
Through CFR’s Food Security Program, Dee now shops weekly at the organization’s choice food pantry, selecting groceries her family needs and her child enjoys. “The choice pantry gives families dignity and control,” she says. “When life feels unpredictable, that simple act means everything.”
In July, Dee found new employment and is rebuilding stability for her family. This November, she’ll receive The CFR’s Thanks for Giving food box—complete with everything for a traditional Thanksgiving meal and enough food for the week. Thanks for Giving is a massive, county-wide food drive that helps to feed 1,000 Cobb County families for the entire week of Thanksgiving. Presented by Lockheed Martin, this program relies on monetary and food donations from local businesses, schools, churches, and community groups.
“For families like mine, it’s one less thing to worry about,” Dee says through tears. “We won’t be sad this year.” She says learning to ask for help is a form of strength. “At The Center for Family Resources, it doesn’t feel like charity—it feels like respect, support, and hope.”
The Center for Family Resources has hosted the “Thanks for Giving” food drive for 39 years—helping children and families to have a traditional Thanksgiving meal. “When kids are out of school for Thanksgiving break, a lot of families suddenly lose access to the meals they depend on every day,” says Melanie Kagan, CEO of The Center for Family Resources. 
“In addition, with funding for the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) program potentially being paused or interrupted, making sure those children are fed isn’t just about providing necessary food— it’s about giving families a little relief, a little dignity, and the chance to truly enjoy the holiday together.”
The organization is grateful to their Presenting Sponsor, Lockheed Martin, as well as the Bountiful Sponsor, Genuine Parts Company; the Gather Sponsors, SouthState Bank and Miller Mechanical Contractors & Engineers; the Cornucopia Sponsors, Renasant Bank, Smith + Howard, and Southwire; and the Friends Sponsors: ASTA America, Chatfield Contracting, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Ed Voyles Automotive, Georgia’s Own Credit Union, Henssler Financial, Huff Electric, JWM Contractors, Marietta Power & Water, Moore Ingram Johnson and Steele, Paraklete Financial, Pinnacle Financial, and Tri-State Utility Products, Inc.
To learn more or get involved, visit TheCFR.org/events/#Thanks. To donate, visit bit.ly/477q45A.

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