Wendy Parker

Editor/publisher, East Cobb News, hyperlocal site serving the East Cobb community of metro Atlanta with 24/7 news, events and information.

Man held without bond for threats at East Cobb sports bar

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Mazzy's, East Cobb food scores

An East Cobb man is being held without bond for threatening to shoot the manager of a Roswell Road sports bar, according to an arrest warrant.

Andrew Bradley Thompson, of Sheila Lane, has been charged with a felony count of aggravated assault and misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence and loiter prowl, according to his Cobb County Adult Detention Center booking report.

The report said that he was taken into custody on Jan. 3. The warrant states that around 3:30 a.m. that day, he went to the Mazzy’s Sports Bar and Grill at 2217 Roswell in a Land Rover and threatened to shoot the restaurant manager.

The restaurant had been closed for several hours at the time of the incident, according to the warrant.

Police said Thompson said to “watch out for a red dot” while pointing a laser at the restaurant entrance with the intent to invoke fear of a firearm.”

Officers found a 12-gauge shotgun inside his vehicle and two shotgun shells they believe Thompson left at the front doors on purpose, “for the purpose of intimidating the employees of the establishment and warning them of imminent danger, which he intended to cause,” according to the warrant.

The warrant further states that police conducted an alcohol search on Thompson in his vehicle and “detected a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitting from his breath.”

The suspect also “had glassy bloodshot eyes and slurred speech,” according to an officer’s description in the warrant and Thompson said he suffered from PTSD.

Officers determined he wasn’t safe to operate the vehicle, the warrant said, and Thompson was taken into custody,

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East Cobb Restaurant Update: Alumni Cookie Dough closing

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Alumni Cookie Dough

A little more than three years after opening at Woodlawn Square Shopping Center, the Alumni Cookie Dough location is closing in East Cobb this week.

Co-franchisees Eric and Leana Tatum made the announcement on a social media posting Monday, saying the last day of business is Saturday.

The message to customers said that “your love and loyalty have meant the world to us, and we are forever grateful for the community we have built together.”

In response to a request for information from East Cobb News, Eric Tatum said the business was not profitable and “our landlord was nice enough to give us a manageable deal on early termination of our commercial lease.”

He said he’ll be looking for employment after the store closes.

The Tatums—he’s a Walton High School graduate—opened an East Cobb location of the Athens-based novelty food shop in October 2021, serving up cookie dough-based desserts, ice creams, sundaes, pretzel bites and more.

In addition to its original location in Athens, Alumni Cookie Dough also operates stores in Milton and Cumming. Another store in the Augusta area closed in 2023.

The Tatums were vendors at the Taste of East Cobb and invited local school and community organizations for special events.

The East Cobb store will observe regular hours until Saturday’s closing, “pending icy weather,” the closing message said. “We’ll probably close around 6pm on Saturday.”

Hours are 1-9 Wednesday-Thursday and 12-10 Friday-Saturday.

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Weather Update: Winter storm warning issued for Cobb, N. Ga.

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Weather Update: Winter storm watch issued for Cobb, N. Ga.

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UPDATED, Thursday 3 p.m.:

The National Weather Service has upgraded the forecast to issue a winter storm warning from 7 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency across the state.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

We’ve got more specifics from the National Weather Service this morning about the upcoming winter weather:

A winter storm watch has been issued for Cobb and most of North Georgia from 7 a.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday.

The precipitation is forecast by mid-to late Friday afternoon, and continuing through Friday evening.

The chance of precipitation is 90 percent, with temperatures hovering at or below freezing.

Across the watch area, anywhere from one to seven inches of snow, sleet, freezing rain and other precipitation is possible, with higher totals expected in the mountains.

In Cobb and metro Atlanta, the expectation of snow/ice could be anywhere from two to four inches, particularly above Interstate 20.

Cobb DOT crews are preparing to treat roads, and Cobb County Emergency Management is working with GEMA to monitor conditions in the area, according to Cobb government.

There’s no update Wednesday yet from the Cobb County School District. Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said Tuesday that any decision about Friday classes and activities is expected to be announced on Thursday.

The NWS forecast Wednesday morning said snow is likely before 4 p.m. Friday, then a mixture after that with a high near 34 and a low around 29.

Saturday should be partly sunny but only with a high of 36 and a low dipping into the teens.

On Sunday, the forecast has sun returning to the area with a high around 40 and a low around 25.

Here’s the extended Cobb-area forecast for the moment; we will be updating with information about closures and related details as they are announced.

 

 

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New Gritters Library offers community programs and classes

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New Gritters Library offers community programs and classes

 

Submitted information and photos:

In-person programs for all ages are on the 2025 calendar for the new Gritters Library, including storytime sessions and programs on literacy, health and wellness, language, and driver safety. Registration at cobbcat.org is preferred for some Gritters programs.

The January-and-beyond lineup at Gritters Library features a range of programs and activities within the comfortable space designed to serve the growing community, said Cobb Library Director Keith Schuermann, who started in his leadership role one month ago, succeeding Helen Poyer, who retired December 31. 

“We strongly encourage the neighbors from around Gritters Library and beyond to visit and explore the programs offered by the Gritters staff and community partners,” Schuermann said. “The reality of Gritters Library is already starting to fulfill in a meaningful way the vision of serving as a true community focal point.”

The new Gritters facility opened in November as a replacement for the library built in the early 1970s on the same site at 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta 30066, off Canton Road, one mile north of the Piedmont Road intersection. The new building also includes space for CobbWorks, Cobb PARKS, and the Northeast Cobb Community Center.

Upcoming programs at Gritters Library for children include:

  • Baby Storytime, organized for babies six weeks to 18 months old and their caregivers, features stories, songs, rhymes and fingerplays each Tuesday at 10 a.m.
  • Toddler Storytime for children 18 to 36 months old and caregivers meets every Thursday at 11 a.m.
  • Cobb Collaborative is presenting Storytime Basics Playground Palooza, a series designed for children ages two to five accompanied by a participating adult, on five consecutive Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. starting January 15. The interactive Storytime workshops are based on five principles of early literacy and child development: Maximize Love, Manage Stress; Talk, Sing, and Point; Count, Group, and Compare; Explore Through Movement and Play; and Read and Discuss Stories. Registration at cobbcollaborative.org/events is requested.
  • Bad Art Club for Tweens & Teens, a program for young artists ages 9-17 to have “the freedom to do anything and go with the flow,” meets Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 5 p.m. Registration is required.

Upcoming adult programs at Gritters Library include:

  • Stretch and Stroll, a community walking and stretching session for adults, meets 2 p.m. Thursdays, including Jan. 9, Jan. 23, Feb. 6, and Feb. 20. Children are welcome with an adult caregiver. Participants are asked to wear comfortable clothes and athletic shoes, and to bring an exercise mat and water. No registration is required.
  • The AARP Smart Driver Course will be offered Monday, Jan. 13 for individuals age 16 and up. The course runs 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break. Participants should bring lunch and a beverage, and members are asked to bring their AARP cards. The course cost for supplies, to be paid by check or cash at check-in, is $20 for AARP members and $25 for non-members. Space is limited and registration is required. For information on the course, visit https://www.aarp.org/auto/driver-safety.
  • Beginner Yoga with Airi Yoga, a local yoga studio, will be led by certified instructor Iri Kim on Monday, Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. Registration is required and space is limited. Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat or beach towel, and to wear comfortable clothing.
  • Gritters English Conversation Group will meet for eight consecutive weeks starting 5 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14. The library recommends the group for adult intermediate to advanced English Language Learners (ELL) speakers to practice speaking English with other learners led by Gritters Library staff.  
  • The Computer Basics: Gmail class meets Wednesday, Jan. 15 at 2 p.m. The course is designed novice Gmail users and does not require prior computer knowledge. Space is limited and registration is required.
  • The Gritters Book Discussion Group for readers of fiction and non-fiction age 18and up meets the last Thursday of the month at 11 a.m. The Jan. 30 title is the novel The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Register at cobbcat.org.

For information on the full set of programs offered at Gritters Library during the winter of 2025, visit cobbcat.org or call 770-528-2524.

The regular hours for Gritters Library are Monday through Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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Cobb schools, county preparing for winter weather forecast

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Cobb schools, county preparing for winter weather forecast

Related:

UPDATED, Wednesday, 12:28 p.m.:

A winter storm watch has been issued for Cobb and North Georgia from 7 a.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday.

ORIGINAL REPORT:

Cobb County government and Cobb County School District officials said Tuesday that they’re closely monitoring weather reports for a likely winter storm later this week.

The National Weather Service forecast includes a strong chance of precipitation Friday into Saturday as temperatures are expected to plunge well below freezing.

The forecast includes an 80 percent chance of rain Friday night, which could include snow, sleet and freezing rain and temperatures expected to fall into the high 20s.

The NWS forecast is predicting the most severe weather for north Georgia to fall along a line north of Interstate 20.

At a special Cobb Board of Education meeting Tuesday, Cobb school district Chris Ragsdale said that “we intend, if a call needs to be made, you will hear about the call Thursday before Friday, if the case needs to be called for school.”

Cobb government said Tuesday afternoon that road crews will be ready to treat more than 400 miles of roads if/when necessary.

Thus far, there are no closures reported.

The forecast calls for sunny skies on Wednesday with a high of around 40 and a low of around 20.

On Thursday, more sun and high of 40 are in the forecast, with a low of 26.

The high on Friday is expected to reach only 36 with a low around 30.

The chance of precipitation is in a range of 50-90 percent/

Clear, but cold weather returns for the weekend, with highs ranging between 38-42 and lows between 22-26.

The MUST Ministries warming shelter will be open every evening at least through Friday, as overnight temperatures are expected to be at or below freezing.

Here’s the extended Cobb-area forecast for the moment; we will be updating with information about closures and related details as they are announced.

 

 

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Chastain, Cristadoro chosen for Cobb school board leadership

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Chastain, Cristadoro chosen for Cobb school board leadership
John Cristadoro takes the oath of office joined by his family. From Cobb County School District streaming video.

Just minutes after being publicly sworn in as a new member of the Cobb Board of Education, John Cristadoro was elected Tuesday to serve as vice chairman.

Cristadoro is a recently elected Republican from Post 5 in East Cobb, succeeding retiring GOP member David Banks.

David Chastain of Post 4 in Northeast Cobb was elected to serve as chairman for 2025.

Their duties include presiding over board meetings and representing the board in an official capacity.

During a special organizational meeting Tuesday, the votes were both 4-3 along party lines, reflecting the Republicans’ 4-3 majority on the board.

The board also set the 2025 meeting schedule (you can read it here), starting with the first work session and voting session of the year on Jan. 16.

Democratic board member Becky Sayler of Post 2 in South Cobb proposed an amendment that would have the work sessions and voting sessions on separate days to invite more public participation.

But that motion and two others she offered failed along the same party lines by 3-4 votes.

She also made a motion for fellow Democrat Tre’ Hutchins to become board chair, but that also defeated by the same 3-4 split.

Republicans have held the majority on the school board for the past decade, and have rotated the leadership roles ever since.

In November, Hutchins was re-elected without opposition to a second term to Post 3 from South Cobb. Republicans Randy Scamihorn and Brad Wheeler were re-elected in November, while Cristadoro defeated Laura Judge, like him a parent in the Walton High School cluster.

Hutchins, Scamihorn, Wheeler and Cristadoro took their official oaths of office Tuesday morning, then repeated the procedure publicly before the meeting.

Cristadoro, who runs a digital media company, was joined by his wife and two children, who attend Walton High School and Dickerson Middle School.

Chastain, a Wheeler High School graduate who is in his third term, will be serving as chairman for the fourth time.

Cristadoro’s vote into leadership as a first-year member is a departure from recent practice.

In 2021, Charisse Davis, a Democrat who represented the Walton and Wheeler clusters, was nominated for vice chair for a third consecutive year, but didn’t have the votes.

Instead, the vice chair role that year went to Banks, who was beginning his fourth term, and who had several public disputes with Davis.

She said she had been told that she was too new to the board for a leadership role. After the 2021 vote, Davis wrote i on social media that “sharing leadership opportunities strengthens our board, and subsequently, the district. I do not believe it best serves the district to recycle leadership opportunities amongst the same couple of people.”

Davis did not seek a second term in 2022.

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

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Whitfield Woods, East Cobb real estate sales
Whitfield Woods

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

1680 Pinefield Road, 30066 (Willow Creek): $515,000

4042 Silver Fir Court, 30066 (Whitfield Woods): $485,000

1868 Blackwater Way, 30066 (Country Meadows) $498,000

1966 Wenlok Trail, 30066 (Stocktons Chase): $510,000

1385 Smokey Mountain Court, 30066 (Jamerson Forest): $400,000

2044 Shallowford Road, 30066: $250,000

1756 Jody Drive, 30066 (Shallowford Oaks): $550,000

1780 Latour Drive, 30066 (Keheley Bend): $400,000

Lassiter

3800 Galloway Drive, 30075 (Loch Highland): $630,000

2695 South Arbor Drive, 30066 (Arbor Bridge): $560,000

3616 Stonehenge Way, 30066 (Stocktons Mill): $500,000

3281 Creek Hollow Drive, 30062 (The Glenns): $371,000

Pope

2195 Smoke Stone Circle, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $699,000

3207 Saddleback Mountain Road, 30062 (Chestnut Creek): $512,000

3185 Casteel Road, 30062 (Five Lakeside): $1.855 million

2167 Fox Hound Parkway, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $375,000

3390 Williams Road, 30062: $620,000

2697 Tritt Springs Trace, 30062 (Post Oak Springs): $640,000

2704 Long Grove Drive, 30062 (Madison Hall): $1.225 million

Sprayberry

2107 Carefree Circle, Unit 11, 30062 (The Crossings of East Cobb): $390,000

2400 Black Oak Drive, 30066 (Bristol Mill): $420,000

3867 Maybreeze Road, 30066: $750,000

2766 Macby Walk, 30066 (Sandy Mill): $399,500

2349 Milstead Circle, 30066 (Landsdowne): $515,000

1841 Kinridge Road, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates): $515,000

3035 Wayward Drive, 30066 (Oak Knoll): $385,000

Walton

4402 Blackland Drive, 30067 (Sanders Field Estates): $850,000

4010 Muirfield Lane, 30068 (Pinecrest): $850,000

1704 Barrington Circle, 30062 (Haverford): $1.06 million

916 Sunny Meadows Lane, 30062 (Walton Creek Estates): $1.24 million

3239 Lost Mill Trace, 30062 (The Preserve at Lost Mill Trace): $1.445 million

Wheeler

150 Old Farm Road, 30068 (Weatherstone): $454,000

3501 Brookview Drive, 30068 (Cross Gate): $600,000

13 Ancient Oak Court, 30067 (Ancient Oak Court): $570,000

2571 Crockett Drive, 30067 (Red Oak Park): $336,250

780 Gardenside Circle, 30067 (Gardenside at Powers Ferry): $300,000

800 Old Paper Mill Drive, 30067 (Old Paper Mill): $950,000

3052 Robinson Road, 30068 (Cobb Estates): $400,000

630 Creekwood Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $510,000

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Richardson’s Cobb commission seat declared vacant by judge

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Cobb adopts state electoral maps; Richardson in limbo

Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson said she is pursuing legal options after a Cobb judge this week declared her seat immediately vacant.

Superior Court Judge Ann Harris on Tuesday upheld the commission’s vote to declare a vacancy after the county lost a legal effort in court to keep her in office. You can read the ruling by clicking here.

“I will be reviewing the Court order to determine what, if any, other options are available in the attempt to continue to fight for Georgia’s Republic,” Richardson wrote in a social media posting shortly before her term expired on Tuesday.

She had filed an appeal to remain in office until her successor is chosen in a special election in April.

In a statement issued by the county, Cobb County Attorney William Rowling said “the Court’s well-reasoned decision affirmed the correctness of the County’s determination that the Office of BOC District 2 Commissioner is vacant, given that Commissioner Richardson does not reside within BOC District 2 under the currently applicable state legislative map.”

It’s unclear how the commission will be constituted when it holds its first meeting on Jan. 14. An interim replacement for Richardson could be appointed through the special election.

The term of District 4 Commissioner Monique Sheffield also expired on Tuesday. Special elections for District 2 and District 4 will culminate in April.

County ordinance requires that commissioners reside in the district they represent.

Richardson, a Democrat elected to the District 2 post in 2020, moved to a home in East Cobb that was later drawn into District 3 during reapportionment.

She and the board’s other two Democrats tried to claim home rule powers in 2022 to draw commission electoral maps after balking at the Georgia legislature’s maps.

Her District 2 initially included some of East Cobb, but the redrawn maps placed most of East Cobb in District 3, represented by Republican JoAnn Birrell.

For more than two years, commissioners used the “home rule” maps to conduct county business, and the Cobb Elections Board used those maps in the May primaries.

Along the way, Richardson reiterated what she said was an “unprecedented” action to force her from office. As the dispute lingered, she decided to run for the 6th Congressional District, but was routed by U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath in the Democratic primary.

And court rulings later reaffirmed that only the legislature can conduct county reapportionment in Georgia.

The May primary elections in District 2 and District 4 were thrown out by a Cobb judge, who ordered the special elections.

Here’s more of what Richardson posted on Tuesday:

“It is now precedent that the General Assembly has the blanket permission to remove a sitting elected official, at any time, and for any reason.

“While the General Assembly should not work to unilaterally overturn elections, they clearly and legally have the ability to, in accordance with this ruling. The future of elected representation is at stake in this state. Not only does the ruling reaffirm this undemocratic power, it also renders the purpose and authority of local state delegations powerless, local law unnecessary, and local calendars a voluntary exercise. A state representative in one area can override a whole group of state representatives in a completely different part of the State with impunity.

“Then, to know that the cosponsor of this bill felt it was inconsequential to remove me because I was ‘young and urban and should move to the Southside’ to ‘protect his community’ and make sure that the ‘representation matched’ bodes an unstable future for this State and is indicative of the fear that has permeated our communities

“Trust and believe that my vacancy is but a canary in the coal mine for what is to come. We have already seen other legislative bills chip away at the essence of the delicate checks and balances that have made our Country great. It is a slippery slope that we find ourselves on, and the fact that I am being removed from office this much later than originally thought is only because those in opposition struggled to file a legitimate legal challenge against the County for over a year.

“The County fought hard to prevent this precedent and stop a government branch from encroaching on local control. As an institutionalist, I am quite proud of the County’s legal work in defending a Constitutional procedure put in place to specifically protect the checks and balances between the State and the County, and the diligence of the community along the way.”

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Cobb Commission Chairwoman swearing-in event set

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Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid will take the oath of office for her second term on Monday at a swearing-in ceremony at the Cobb Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Parkway).

The event is free and is open to the public and starts at 6 p.m. You’re asked to contact her office at 770-528-3306 or email allin@cobbcounty.org if you’d like to attend.

A Democrat, Cupid won re-election in November over Republican Kay Morgan.

Cupid was the first woman and first African-American to hold the position, which is elected countywide.

But her tenure thus far marked by a number of mostly partisan issues that were eventually shelved.

They included a major overhaul of private trash services, a proposed stormwater fee and a plan to allow accessory dwelling units in residential backyards.

Cupid and her Democratic colleagues also claimed home rule powers to draw commission electoral maps in an attempt to keep Commissioner Jerica Richardson in her seat.

That move was eventually struck down in the courts, and Richardson’s seat has been declared vacant and special elections will be held early this year for two commission district seat.

Cupid also pushed through a vote to call a referendum to impose a transit tax in Cobb. It would have collected nearly $11 billion over 30 years, but was soundly defeated by voters in November.

An ethics complaint was filed against Cupid by Lance Lamberton of the Cobb Taxpayers Alliance, who claims she “engaged in unethical behavior by using taxpayer dollars to promote passage” of the transit tax.

A Cobb Ethics Board hearing was to have been held in December but was cancelled because there was not a quorum.

Lamberton said the meeting has been rescheduled for Monday at 4 p.m., two hours before Cupid’s swearing-in ceremony.

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Cobb school board to hold 2025 organizational meeting

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The Cobb Board of Education is holding a special called meeting Tuesday to swear in newly elected members and vote for officers for 2025.

The meeting begins at 12:30 p.m. in the board room at the Cobb County School District Central Office, 514 Glover St., in Marietta.

The meeting also will be live-streamed on district’s BoxCast channel and on CobbEdTV, Comcast Channel 24.

The board maintained a 4-3 Republican majority in November elections, as GOP incumbents Randy Scamihorn and Brad Wheeler won re-election.

In East Cobb’s Post 5, Republican newcomer John Cristadoro was elected to succeed retiring GOP member David Banks.

They will take the oath of office, along with Democratic incumbent Tre’ Hutchins, who was unopposed.

Then board members will then choose a chairman and vice chairman for the 2025 meetings. Last year, Scamihorn served as chairman so he cannot be elected to the same post this year.

Republicans have rotated officers among themselves in recent years, as the votes have been along partisan lines.

The board also will set the schedule for its 2025 meetings on Tuesday.

The first official meetings of 2025 are on Jan. 16.

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Pope HS Band to hold community recycling fundraising event

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Submitted information:

Saturday, January 11th, 2025
9:00am – 2:00pm
Northeast Cobb Family YMCA (next to WALMART)
3010 Johnson Ferry Road, 30062
ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT POPE HIGH SCHOOL BAND!
We accept paint, metals, electronics, appliances, and paper shredding – while you watch! DONATION $15 per car + disposal fees, where applicable. For details, disposal fees, and to view our flyer along with a list of accepted recyclables, please visit our website:

http://www.popeband.com/recycling.html
Onsite Payment can be made in cash, credit card, or check payable to PBPA.
Pick-Up services are available WITH ADVANCED RESERVATION, within a 5-mile radius of Pope HS, based on truck and volunteer availability. (Sorry, for your security – NO document pick-ups)!
**RESERVATION IS REQUIRED** for pick up and payment must be made in full by cash or check (no credit cards) at time of pick up. These slots are very limited. To make a reservation for residential or business pick up, please visit our website at http://www.popeband.com/recycling.html
Business Pick-Up Fee: $100 plus any TV, monitor, laptop, large item or paint charges.
Residential Pick-Up Fee. $50 plus any TV, monitor, laptop, large item or paint charges.
Questions? Contact popebandrecycling@gmail.com and/or visit http://www.popeband.com/recycling.html

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Tornado causes damage to homes in East Cobb neighborhood

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Tornado causes damage to homes in East Cobb neighborhood
Photo: Cobb government

The National Weather Service said that a tornado briefly touched down in East Cobb in storms Sunday night.

Cobb government said in a release Tuesday that around a dozen homes were damaged on Corral Drive and Bridal Path.

That’s located off Bryant Road, north of Sandy Plains Road

The Cobb release said NWS observers visited the area Tuesday to survey the damage, and determined the tornado to be in the Ef-1 category, with winds up to 95 mph.

“Several residents were displaced, and fire crews reported one minor injury,” the Cobb release said. “No tornado warnings were issued in Cobb County during the storm.”

The Cobb County Emergency Management office asking anyone who has property damage from the storm to visit the Damage Assessment Reporting Form.

Cobb government said Cobb DOT crews responded to 45 calls of trees blocking roads following the storm.

The injury in East Cobb came to an individual in a home that was struck by a tree, according to Cobb government, and that person sought medical attention.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Super Chix; Monticello; Bar 44; more

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

Bar 44
2755 Canton Road
December 30, 2024, Score: 96, Grade: A

Blimpie
1809 Canton Road, Suite 400
December 26, 2024, Score: 100, Grade: A

Monticello
2000 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 1200
December 27, 2024, Score: 59, Grade: U

Starbucks
3631 Sandy Plains Road
December 23, 2024, Score: 100, Grade: A

Super Chix
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 400
December 30, 2024, Score: 100, Grade: A

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New Year’s fireworks reminder from Cobb County government

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Submitted information:Cobb fireworks New Year's Eve

Pretty much every time around the New Year’s holiday, we receive a lot of questions on fireworks usage in Cobb. 911 receives a lot of calls complaining of illegal use of fireworks.
Cobb County Code bans the use of fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. with some exceptions including these for the New Year’s holiday:
  • Dec. 31 (New Year’s Eve) – Fireworks may be discharged until 1 a.m.
  • Jan. 1 (New Year’s Day) – Fireworks may be discharged until midnight.
Fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited at ALL county parks. This includes historic sites, recreational areas or state property. It is illegal to use them within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility.
Visit the Cobb website here for details on what the law says https://bit.ly/4fAfJ2F

PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Menorah Lighting at Avenue East Cobb

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Menorah Lighting at Avenue East Cobb
Rabbi Ephraim Silverman of Chabad of Cobb synagogue leading children in Menorah lighting festivities. ECN photos and videos.

The weather was inviting and the atmosphere was festive for the annual Menorah lighting Sunday at Avenue East Cobb.

Coming midway during the Hanukkah celebrations, the event sponsored by Chabad of Cobb drew many families with children, including students at the synagogue’s Cobb Jewish Preschool.

There was plenty of food and refreshments to nosh on, music aimed at youngsters and plenty of holiday lights festooning the Avenue’s public plaza area.

Kids chanted and sang along with Rabbi Ephraim Silverman, who reminded onlookers of the spiritual nature of the Jewish holiday that’s an eight-day tribute commemorating Jewish liberation from oppressors.

Silverman called for prayers for Israel and the Jewish people, especially in light of the continuing conflict with Hamas and other entities in the Middle East.

Hanukkah, he told East Cobb News later, reflects “the battle for the soul of Jewish life.” And each of the eight daily candles that are lighted “are the flames of the soul of Jewish life.”

The celebration of light, he added, is to encourage Jews to “live a soulful life, connected to God.”

He was asked how that message resonates with Jews today given the circumstances that include widespread anti-Israeli protests in the West, including the United States.

“In many ways, for a lot of Jewish people, it’s been kind of an awakening,” Silverman said.

He said that the prostestors—many of them waving Palestinian flags—”don’t represent many in this country. The same people who were burning Israeli flags were also burning American flags.”

Sunday’s festivities concluded with a traditional dropping of the gelt—chocolate coins–by ladder crew members of Cobb Fire Station 21.

Hanukkah continues continues through Thursday.

Menorah Lighting at Avenue East Cobb

Menorah Lighting at Avenue East Cobb
Spectators wait for the gelt drop provided by Cobb Fire Station 21.

Menorah Lighting at Avenue East Cobb

Menorah Lighting at Avenue East Cobb

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Dec. 9-13, 2024

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Chase Estates, East Cobb real estate sales
Chase Estates

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

4395 Reef Road, 30066 (Lamplighter): $409,000

1604 Barrier Road, 30066 (Lamplighter Ridge): $377,999

1382 Mountain Overlook Court, 30066 (Jamerson Forest): $345,000

Lassiter

2603 Chadwick Road, 30066 (Dover Crossing): $355,000

2992 Forest Chase Terrace, 30066 (Forest Chase): $405,000

Pope

2116 Lamplight Drive, 30062 (Chadds Walk): $850,000

3884 Vinyard Way, 30062 (Arthurs Vinyard): $640,000

3203 Woolbridge Lane, 30062 (Dorset): $755,000

3400 Dry Creek Road, 30062 (Hickory Bluff): $535,000

4572 Shallowford Road, 30075 (Mountain Creek): $455,000

2801 Regents Park Lane, 30062 (Regents Park): $625,000

2041 Londonberry Court, 30062 (Chase Estates): $685,000

3281 Ethan Drive, 30062 (Hembree Hills): $665,000

4642 Smoke Rise Lane, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $758,667

Sprayberry

1981 Allgood Road, 30062 (Glen Cove): $735,000

491 Embry Lane, 30066 (Addison Heights): $473,000

2332 Ventana Crossing, 30062 (Keswyck Commons): $475,000

354 Timber Way East, 30066 (Piedmont Hills): $477,000

Walton

4693 Trinity Court, 30068 (Princeton Lakes): $750,000

3850 Sentry Crossing, 30068 (Indian Hills): $3.85 million

4561 Rutherford Drive, 30068 (East Hampton): $1 million

1620 Nuthatch Court, 30062 (Chestnut Springs): $581,500

Wheeler

2935 Leafwood Drive, 30067 (Stratford): $365,000

2313 Tuxedo Drive, 30067 (Tuxedo Estates): $470,000

2905 Leafwood Drive, 30067 (Stratford): $575,000

575 Lullingstone Drive, 30067 (Glens at Powers Ferry): $490,501

935 Hickory Leaf Court, 30067 (Oaks at Powers Ferry): 4470,000

2820 Scottish Mill Way, 30068 (Princeton Mill): $730,000

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Editor’s Note: Thanks, East Cobb News readers, for a great 2024!

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While enjoying some days off for the Christmas holiday, I wanted to take some time to thank East Cobb News readers as 2024 draws to a conclusion.

As I write this, we’ve surpassed 1.4 million page views and more than 725,000 unique visitors for the year. 

In a year with some eventful happenings, including some major elections, those are good numbers to have.

Our newsletter growth also has been very solid this year, as we recently surpassed 9,300 subscribers.

We’ve done this through the daily grind of sustained news coverage and word-of-mouth promotion, as readers come to us when they want to know what’s happening in this community.

Whether it’s coverage of local government and politics, schools news, crime, traffic, zoning, or new businesses and restaurants, readers have told us repeatedly how much they value what they get in one place—whether it’s daily on our site, via social media postings or through the newsletter.

I also want to thank those of you who have contributed to our continuing readership campaign this year, and our advertisers who appreciate the value of regular exposure to a dedicated, growing audience that makes up the East Cobb News readership. 

The deeply hyperlocal focus of all that we do—editorial and advertising—has been a successful formula as we continue in our eighth year of operation.

East Cobb News is all-online, publishing every day, with timely, professionally reported news and useful community information that makes a difference for the people who live here.

That’s who we do this for, and if you like what you see here and you haven’t donated before, consider making a contribution at whatever amount you like.

Simply put, East Cobb News readers are at the center of what this is all about. Unlike many other media outlets, we don’t charge to read our coverage, and we never will. No paywalls here.

Donate today!

As 2025 commences, we want to go more in-depth with the news and features that our readers come to expect. 

Our community continues to grow and evolve in many ways, and some of our best story ideas come from you.

So if you have story ideas, news tips, photos or anything else to share that you think might be of interest to our readers, let us hear from you!

I want to hear from you about what you value in East Cobb News, and ask how we can make this site better. I will be sending a reader survey out in early January, and I would appreciate the feedback.

In the meantime, I’d like to wish you all a Happy New Year! We’ll be on a lighter posting schedule for the rest of the year, but stay tuned for our roundup of top stories of the year and other features as we approach New Year’s.

Seasons Greetings East Cobb and thanks for your readership!

 

AAA activates ‘Tow to Go’ for year-end holidays

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Submitted information:AAA activates 'Tow to Go' for year-end holidays

AAA will help stranded motorists while keeping impaired drivers off the road this holiday season, as the Auto Club Group has activated its Tow to Go program in Georgia and other select states.

“At the moment when you’re tempted to get behind the wheel while impaired, think again and allow wisdom to guide you. Set aside those keys and let your fingers dial Tow to Go,” said Montrae Waiters, AAA – The Auto Club Group spokeswoman. “AAA will then send a truck to take you and your vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.” 

It’s important to note that AAA service technicians expect to respond to calls from more than 860,000 drivers with car trouble during the upcoming holidays. So, treat Tow to Go as a last resort. Before you party, identify a designated driver or ride-sharing service to plan for a safe ride home. 

  • Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 24th to 6 a.m. Thursday, January 2nd.
  • For service, call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246.
  • Available in Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, North Dakota, Nebraska, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Colorado (Denver), North Carolina (Charlotte), Indiana (Fort Wayne/South Bend).

The Auto Club Group has provided the Tow to Go program for over 25 years. Since its inception, Tow to Go has removed more than 30,000 impaired drivers from the roadway.

‘Tow to Go’ Guidelines

  • Free and available to AAA members and non-members.
  • Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10-mile radius.
  • Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those who did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.
  • In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.
  • Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.

Visit the AAA Georgia Newsroom

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Editor’s Note: Have a blessed and Merry Christmas, East Cobb!

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Have a blessed and Merry Christmas, East Cobb!
Keeping it light and fun: The Atlanta-based Gate City Brass takes a bow after performing a Christmas concert last weekend.

Well, all that’s left now is to enjoy Christmas.

All the rushing around in busy stores and weaving through East Cobb traffic is over.

I don’t know why, but I’m like many who wait until the last minute to tie up loose ends.

But what’s been a festive season is reaching its peak.

While Christians will be celebrating the birth of Jesus on Wednesday, our Jewish neighbors will begin eight days of Hanukkah as well.

It’s a time for all of us, regardless of our religious views—or whether or not we even have them—to step back and take stock of the many blessings we have in our community.

I write this, on Christmas Eve, shortly before attending a candlelight service.

This day has been difficult personally for the last few years because it’s the day my mother began her final journey after a long battle with lung cancer.

But this was always her favorite time of year, and I know she would have enjoyed the Christmas concert at the church I’ve been attending.

Last Sunday, the Atlanta-based Gate City Brass performed at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, which has magnificent acoustics in its sanctuary.

For several years, they’ve had a group of members organize three or four concerts a year and invited the public. They asked me to help out with publicity, but for someone who can’t carry a tune across the room, I’ve enjoyed the experience immensely.

The talent and dedication it takes to learn to play music, and do it well, has always amazed me.

The Gate City Brass members arranged many of the Christmas classics that we’re familiar with, and I recorded a couple of those tunes for you to enjoy below.

They’re a bit different than what you may be used to hearing, but these renditions certainly added more fun and enjoyment for the Christmas season for me.

We’ll be taking off Christmas Day but will be back later in the week with more holiday coverage, including a Hanukkah Menorah lighting and other festivities to bid farewell to 2024 and say hello to the new year to come.

Merry Christmas East Cobb!

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East Cobb restaurant update: 101 Bagel Cafe closes

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East Cobb 101 Bagel Cafe closes

Less than three years after its opening, the 101 Bagel Cafe has closed in East Cobb.

There’s a sign on the door acknowledging the closing and green mesh around what had been a small patio in the front of the location at 4811 Lower Roswell Road, at the intersection of Johnson Ferry Road.

The news was first reported Tuesday by ToNeTo, which said there is only one 101 Bagel Cafe that remains open, in Milton/Crabapple.

The chain’s website still lists the East Cobb location, but a button for online ordering goes to the Milton/Crabapple location.

The closure in East Cobb follows other 101 Bagel Cafe closures in recent months, including on Akers Mill Road.

That was the original 101 Bagel Cafe opening in 2018. Rob Miller was the franchisee there and in East Cobb, and he also operated a location in Duluth that also has since closed.

The Dunwoody location also has closed, while the Milton location opened last year.

When Miller opened in East Cobb in April 2022, he said the New York-style concept—featuring Catskills water for boiling and then baking bagels—would find a niche in a competitive market.

He was going up against East Cobb mainstays Bagelicious and Goldbergs Bagel, not far away in the Johnson Ferry corridor.

101 Bagel Cafe’s closing follows the Flying Biscuit, which shuttered in September at Parkaire Landing, and as the Lower Roswell-Johnson Ferry area is preparing for major traffic improvements that have caused concerns for some business owners in the area.

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