Wendy Parker

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

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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Fall back: Eastern Standard Time begins Sunday morning

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Fall back: Eastern Standard Time begins Sunday morning

Daylight hours have been getting a little bit shorter as the fall has arrived.

On Sunday morning, the window will get shorter still

Eastern Standard Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, so you know what that means: set your clock back an hour before going to bed Saturday night.

While daylight will arrive earlier in the morning—around 6 a.m.—it’s going to get dark around 6 p.m. most days as the middle of autumn continues.

The weather, however, will feel more like Indian summer for the next week. High temperatures are expected in the 60s through the middle of next week, with highs reaching 70 by the end of the week.

And sunny skies are in the forecast all throughout the week.

Georgia is among the states that has considered making legislative changes to stay on Daylight Saving Time year-round, or at least to stop the clock-changing every six months, but no bill have passed.

Eastern Standard Time continues through March 6.

 

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East Cobb weather update: Frost advisory for Saturday a.m.

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East Cobb frost advisory
Frost advisory area is shaded in light blue.

We went from Indian summer to an early winter within the span of a week or so.

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a frost advisory for Saturday morning for much of NorthG Georgia, including Cobb County.

The advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. Saturday to 10 a.m. Saturday, as temperatures are expected to hover around the freezing mark.

“Frost could harm sensitive outdoor vegetation,” according to the advisory. “Sensitive outdoor plants may be killed if left uncovered. Some counties in the Advisory may only have frost in isolated, sheltered locales.”

Friday’s overnight low is expected to be in the low 30s, as clear weather moves into the East Cobb area after some rain earlier this week.

Friday’s high is around 60, and similar highs will be in effect through the weekend, all with sunny skies.

Overnight lows Saturday-Monday will be around 40.

By Tuesday, warmer weather will return, with sunny skies and highs in the high 60s, warming up to near 70 by Thursday of next week.

Lows through the end of next week are expected to be in the mid 40s.

For more local weather information, click here.

 

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Church eyes East Cobb neighborhood for new worship facility

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Church eyes East Cobb neighborhood for new worship facility
A site map of the proposed Grace Resurrection Methodist Church site on Oak Lane.

A new faith community in East Cobb wants to build its own worship facility in a residential area, which isn’t unusual.

For the last three years, Grace Resurrection Methodist Church has leased a former church building at Roswell Road and Indian Hills Parkway.

But Grace Resurrection, which was formed by former members and a former senior pastor of Mt. Bethel Church in 2022, wants have its own facility.

Grace Resurrection is seeking to build a 15,000-square-foot building and a 286-space parking lot on 6.5 acres of undeveloped land surrounded by subdivisions.

The land, owned by the Barkis Family Revocable Trust, is located near the intersection of Oak Lane, Casteel Road and Bill Murdock Road. It contains a single-family home and like surrounding property is zoned R-30.

Grace Resurrection doesn’t need rezoning since houses of worship are zoned in residential categories.

But the Cobb County code requires that worship facilities in residential areas have “primary access” to and from major or arterial roads.

The point of access would be on Oak Lane, which is considered by the county to be a collector or neighborhood road.

The church will be requesting a waiver from that requirement at a Cobb Board of Zoning Appeals hearing on Dec. 10 (you can read the filing here).

The BZA is a five-member appointed body that hears such matters as zoning variances and appeals for waivers to county zoning ordinances.

The church also is requesting a variance to reduce a required 50-foot setback to eight feet for an accessory structure, a 6,200-square-foot playground.

In a statement, Grace Resurrection told East Cobb News that it is “exploring long-term options for a permanent church home to support its growing congregation. One of the properties under evaluation is a nearly seven-acre parcel on Oak Lane in East Cobb. This location is one of several being considered, and no decisions have been made regarding its future use.”

The statement didn’t identify any other properties, and indicated that its application before the BZA is a “request for clarification” as it does due diligence in the zoning process.

Grace Resurrection has hired noted Cobb zoning attorney Kevin Moore to handle the case. There’s been some concern expressed on social media channels, especially over traffic and environmental issues.

Applicants before the BZA are asked to “state what hardship would be created by following the normal terms of the ordinance.”

In its response, Grace Resurrection said that “to grant the requested variance and allow the development of the Church campus would in minimal impact upon adjacent properties and residences as the surrounding roads are arterials.”

The northwestern part of Barkis property is located at the curved intersection of the three roads, and is bordered on the south by the Blake Ford subdivision and on the east by the Greyfield neighborhood.

There is no other non-residential use of property in the area, and there are a number of other nearby larger parcels along Oak Lane that are also owned by family trusts.

Grace Resurrection initially was leasing the former Lutheran Church of the Incarnation site on Indian Hills Parkway from the Southeastern Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.

In April 2023, the synod sold that property to the adjacent Congregation Etz Chaim synagogue for $1.1 million.

In its statement to East Cobb News, Grace Resurrection said it “remains committed to transparency, responsible planning, and being a good neighbor in the East Cobb community. We will continue to provide updates as our evaluation process moves forward and as additional information becomes available.”

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Cobb public libraries to hold children’s Halloween events

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Be a Halloween Hike Station host at East Cobb or Fullers Park!

Submitted information:

Cobb libraries will be destinations Friday for children seeking Halloween events and activities. Costumes are encouraged – not required – for the Oct. 31 daytime programs.

Costume Storytime, a program for babies, toddlers and preschoolers with their caregivers, is 10:30 a.m. at Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068.

Creepy Carnival begins 10:30 a.m. at Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta 30060, with a special storytime in the Children’s Department followed by a parade through the library, and crafts and activities for all ages.

(Not-So) Spooky Storytime is a 10:30 a.m. event organized for children ages two through five and caregivers at Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta 30066, with stories and trick-or-treating around the library.

The Costume Parade at Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta Street, will feature a special storytime starting at 11 a.m. and a trick-or-treat parade through the library, crafts and a bubble dance.

Spine-Tingling Tales, a 3:30 p.m. program designed for children age 6 and up at Gritters Library is a gathering of “chilling tales of haunted houses, creepy creatures, and things that go bump in the night” along with trick-or-treating in the library.

Halloween Face Painting for children ages 3 and up is 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068, in the Parkaire Landing Shopping Center. The design options include “a spooky or magical look.”

For information on programs at Cobb County Public Library locations, visit cobbcounty.gov/library or call 770-528-2326.

 

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Georgia ‘Apply to College Month’ to waive application fees

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Submitted information:Georgia 'Apply to College Month' to waive application fees

The Georgia Student Finance Commission (GSFC) has partnered with the University System of Georgia (USG), the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), and private institutions to provide application fee waivers to Georgia high school seniors through the Apply to College Month initiative. Over 60 Georgia colleges and universities have agreed to waive their application fees for high school seniors between November 1 and 30.

“As the home of many top-ranking higher education institutions, Georgia has a program for any Georgian looking to advance their education and career,” said Governor Kemp. “Whether at a USG, TCSG, or private institution, we want Georgia students to know that they can receive a great education that will set them up for success without having to leave this state. I’m grateful that so many Georgia colleges and universities are waiving application fees during Apply to College Month, adding to the work of GEORGIA MATCH to make it easier for families to navigate the college admissions process.” 

This is the fifth year GSFC has promoted application fee waivers in November. There is no limit on the number of schools a student may apply to using the application fee waivers. While application fees vary by institution, cost savings to high school seniors applying to multiple colleges can be significant.

“Our mission is to make it easy for Georgia seniors to continue their higher education in the Top State for Talent,” said Georgia Student Finance Commission President Chris Green. “Through the incredible support of our postsecondary partners—the University System of Georgia, the Technical College System of Georgia, and the Georgia Independent College Association—thousands of high school seniors can now apply to college for free. Apply to College Month empowers students to take full advantage of GEORGIA MATCH, fee waivers, and the more than $1 billion in scholarships and grants available each year to help them succeed.”

Students who apply through the GEORGIA MATCH direct admissions dashboard in November will automatically have their application fees waived. The full list of participating schools and information on how to access the application fee waivers may be found at GAfutures.org. 

The mission of the Georgia Student Finance Commission is to help students pursue higher education with the least out-of-pocket costs possible. Students interested in learning more about application fee waivers, GEORGIA MATCH, scholarships, and grants can schedule a meeting with their regional GSFC Outreach representative by visiting gafutures.org/outreach.

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Walton Drama to present fall musical production of ‘9 to 5’

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Submitted information:

Come see Walton Drama’s production of 9 to 5Walton Drama to present fall music production of '9 to 5'

November 6-9 in the Walton Theater
General Admission $15; Students tickets $10

Middle school students get free popcorn on Friday night and high school students on Saturday night.

Tickets on sale NOW at waltondrama.com.

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Town Center CID holds state of the district and awards event

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Town Center CID holds state of the district and awards event

Submitted information and photos:

Town Center Community held its fourth annual State of the District at the Governors Gun Club in Town Center, Ga. on Oct. 28. The event, hosted by Town Center’s Community Improvement District (CID) and its non-profit placemaking partner, the Alliance, brought together industry leaders, community members and key stakeholders to discuss the district’s 2026 vision and celebrate the winners of the 2025 Townie Awards.

This year’s program explored how the strategic reinvention of retail and commercial properties can strengthen neighborhoods, drive innovation and foster more resilient, inclusive communities. Key topics included the role of partnership and collaboration in redevelopment, how underutilized large-scale properties can become transformational assets, and national and regional trends in placemaking, mixed-use, and adaptive reuse.

2025 Townie Award Honorees

This year’s awards program honored leaders who have been a part of Town Center Community’s rich history and have made significant contributions to Town Center’s success, including:

Townie Award Honorees

  • Town Center Champion – Cobb County Precinct Commander Major W.A. Mitchell and his team of officers at Precinct 1
  • Commercial Champion – Ecologie Vintage

“Our event this year underscores the importance of redevelopment for the long-term success of our community,” said Tracy Styf, executive director of the Town Center Community Improvement District. “As we look to the year ahead, we’re eager to position the district as a regional destination for mixed-use development and look forward to working with all partners to make our vision a reality.”

Highlights of this year’s program included a fireside chat featuring Ellen Dunham-Jones, professor and director of the Urban Design Program at the Georgia Institute of Technology, and Sarah Nurmela, Mayor Pro Tem from the City of Westminster, Colorado, and director of planning and development for the Town of Erie, Colorado, along with a community update from Tracy Styf.“Town Center proves what’s possible when collaboration meets commitment.

As we move into 2026, updating our Master Plan will be a key step in shaping how we grow and thrive over the next decade, ensuring Town Center continues to evolve as a place where people want to live, work and connect,” noted Britt Fleck, vice chair of the CID board of directors.

During the event, Town Center Community announced more than $130,000 has been raised for the Lanie Ship Hoover Fund, which supports future trail, park, and greenspace projects in the Town Center area.

This year’s Presenting Sponsor was:

  • Kennesaw State University

This year’s Gold Sponsors included:

  • Capital City Public Affairs
  • Council for Quality Growth
  • Croy Engineering
  • Kimley Horn
  • Son & Son’s

This year’s Silver Sponsors included:

  • Brightview Landscapes
  • Cobb Chamber
  • Cooper Carry
  • Croft & Associates
  • Dentons
  • Denyse
  • LGE Credit Union
  • Pond & Company
  • Rainey & Vaughan LLC
  • Vulcan Materials Company

About the Town Center Community

Town Center Community is comprised of the Town Center Community Improvement District (CID) and its nonprofit partner, the Town Center Community Alliance.

The Town Center CID, established in 1997, is focused on safety, beautification, economic growth, and infrastructure improvements within the district. For larger infrastructure projects, the CID leverages its funding to complete the critical first steps like planning, studies, and initial concept design that make projects more competitive for federal, state, and local funding.

Established in 2015, the Town Center Community Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on bringing quality-of-life improvements and programs to the Town Center Community. The Alliance is run by a board of directors and relies on donations from the public, community partners, corporate sponsors, and the Town Center CID to fully fund and develop projects and programs. From public art and aesthetic fixtures to small parks and bikeshare, the Alliance helps attract businesses and residents to the area, boost economic development and shape a sense of community.

Together, the Town Center CID and the Alliance work to make Town Center Community one of the most accessible, prosperous and exciting areas in Metro Atlanta.

www.towncentercid.com

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