Wendy Parker, Author at East Cobb News

Candidates on the Issues: Cobb Commission District 3

May 18, 2018 3:21 PM by Wendy Parker

Cobb Commission District 3 map — *Cobb Elections map*

This is part of a week-long series of posts on East Cobb News about candidates in the May 22 primaries where there are contested party races. This post includes information about those vying for Cobb Commission District 3.

There are two Republicans and two Democrats on the primary ballot. District 3 includes most of Northeast Cobb, the Town Center Mall area and a good bit of the city of Marietta. It has been redrawn since the Republican incumbent, JoAnn Birrell, was first elected in 2010.

JoAnn BIrrell — *Cobb Commissioner JoAnn Birrell*

Birrell, a former lobbyist and consultant, is seeking her third term. She is touting her record against tax hikes, greater support for public safety and advocating redevelopment of the Canton Road corridor and the creation of Mabry Park.

She voted to cut the millage rate in 2016, and said she does not support raising the property tax millage rate to help solve Cobb estimated $30 million to $55 million budget for fiscal year 2019.

Birrell has advocated for the creation of a special one-cent sales tax earmarked for the Cobb Police Department, similar to what exists for the Cobb Fire Department, with a corresponding reduction in the general fund millage rate. No state legislation for a referendum was submitted.

Last year, Birrell came under fire for proposing the closure of the East Cobb Library, which is on the potential closing list again this year.

Her GOP opponent is Tom Cheek, an account manager for a software firm that services the restaurant industry. He recently moved into the district from West Cobb and was a vocal critic of former Cobb commission Chairman Tim Lee regarding his handling of the Atlanta Braves stadium deal.

Cheek has campaigned on reforming SPLOST, reducing county spending and curbing development that doesn’t conform to the land use plan.

He’s also fought the county on reforming the Cobb Medical Examiner’s Office and filed suit against Cobb in 2016, claiming a pedestrian bridge to SunTrust Park was improperly earmarked with 2016 SPLOST funds.

His SPLOST proposal calls for having a referendum to remove what he calls “infeasible” projects on the 2016 SPLOST.

Cheek also opposes TODs, or “transit-oriented developments” along Highway 41 and is skeptical of a state law passed this year creating a new metro Atlanta transit authority.

At a recent candidates forum, he also said he wants to see more detailed figures about how big the county budget gap really is.

Home-schooling mother Caroline Holko is running as a Democrat, and she admits to having liberal views in what’s regarded as a conservative district.

She supports greater transit options for Cobb citizens and is not opposed to raising the millage rate in paying for services such as libraries and senior services, saying raising the millage rate by 1 mill would cost the owner of a $250,000 home an extra $100 a year.

At a candidates forum this month, she said “I don’t really support any significant budget cuts.” Holko also has asked for an audit of the Cobb Tax Assessors office. She has said her support for a property tax increase is predicated on “realistic property assessments.”

Jim Smith, Cobb Commission District 3 candidate — *Jim Smith*

Retired Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority manager Jim Smith, who has been involved with the Canton Road Neighors civic group, is the other Democrat, and like Holko he is a first-time candidate.

In the campaign he has been vocal about paying county employees better. “We’re trying to do more with less,” he said at a campaign forum this month. “We’re not giving people a living wage and benefits to keep them here.”

Smith has been critical of Birrell’s and Cheek’s opposition to raising taxes, and on his Facebook page has detailed delays in road repairs as an example of lagging county services due to tight spending.

Related coverage

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EAST COBB WEEKEND EVENTS: Marietta Greek Festival; Cobb Wind Symphony Young Person’s Concert; more

May 18, 2018 1:13 PM by Wendy Parker

Marietta Greek Festival

We may be dancing around some raindrops all weekend, but the dancing—as well as eating and shopping and so much more—will go on rain or shine at the Marietta Greek Festival. It leads off a festive slate of East Cobb Weekend Events, as another school year comes to a close and summer activities will be coming soon.

The 28th annual Marietta Greek Festival is a three-day extravaganza of food, shopping, fun and a celebration of Greek culture, kicking off at 3 on Friday and lasting until sundown on Sunday at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Catholic Church (3431 Trickum Road).

A $5 admission ticket is charged for adults, while kids 12 and under get in for free. If you can’t park onsite, a free shuttle will be provided at the following locations, and parking is also free:

Simpson Middle School – 3340 Trickum Road;
Church of Latter-Day Saints – 3195 Trickum Road;
Lassiter High School – 2601 Shallowford Road.

The hours are from 3-11 Friday, 10-11 on Saturday and 11-6 on Sunday.

There’s a main food tent, a selection of street food options, desserts and beverages, all representing the rich culinary range of Greece.

The entertainment schedule covers the span of the festival, and there are vendors, cooking demonstrations, children’s activities and church tours.

Proceeds from the festival benefit Northwest Atlanta Metro Habitat, The Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, Inc., a Greek Orthodox women’s ministry that works with other Christian philanthrophies.

Friday and Saturday are the last curtain calls for “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” a comedy musical revue that starts at 8 both nights at The Art Place-Mountain View (3330 Sandy Plains Road). It’s the last presentation for CenterStage North until August, when “On Golden Pond” will be featured;

If cooking at home, and making throw-back dishes is more to your taste, a new spring-and-summer series gets underway Saturday at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road).

It’s called Retro Recipes, and from 12-1 Saturday, you’re invited to bring an old family appetizer recipe as participants make and share dishes. The series runs through August;

Stick around at Sewell Mill for its monthly Local Lens feature from 4-5. This month’s film professional is Ashley Nichole Smith Carlson, an Atlanta filmmaker who will share her thoughts about her favorite films, and cinematic storytelling.

As the weekend winds down, and the last couple days of school approach, local musicians will be taking the stage Sunday at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road). It’s the Cobb Wind Symphony Young Person’s Concert, and pre-concert kids’ activities start at 2, with face-painting, an instrument petting zoo and other activities. The music starts at 3. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a calendar listing to share with the community? Send is to us, and we’ll post it! E-mail your information to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com. Check out our full Events Calendar, for the weekend and beyond, for more things to do.

Whatever you’re doing this weekend, enjoy!

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Walton High School Principal Judy McNeill retiring; Cobb school board adopts $1.2B budget

May 17, 2018 11:55 PMMay 17, 2018 8:27 PM by Wendy Parker

Longtime Walton High School principal Judy McNeill is retiring.

In making several principal-level appointments Thursday evening, the Cobb Board of Education accepted her retirement, effective Aug. 1, the first day of the 2018-19 school year.

Her successor was not immediately named. McNeill’s name was not included on a list of more than 200 retiring Cobb County School District employees who were honored at a luncheon last week.

McNeill has been at Walton nearly 30 years, and has overseen a school that’s generally been regarded as one of the best in the state of Georgia.

In what turned out to be her last year at Walton, McNeill oversaw the move to a new campus building and had to handle gun-control protests that included a walkout in February.

The Cobb district did not endorse the walkouts, and permitted principals to determine how their schools might honor victims of a Florida school shooting that sparked the planned demonstration.

In an interview with East Cobb News, McNeill said students had organized a memorial observation before classes that day, and discouraged students from following through with a walkout.

After some student protest leaders announced they had more than 2,000 signatures to walk out, only around 200 or so Walton students participated.

School board member Scott Sweeney, who represents the Walton attendance zone, said at the end of Thursday’s meeting that McNeill was “an absolute joy to work with. . . . We wish her the very best in her retirement.”

The school board also appointed David Nelson, principal at Daniell Middle School, as the new principal at Pine Mountain Middle School, and Faith Harmeyer, an assistant principal at Mt. Bethel Elementary School, as the new principal of Nicholson Elementary School.

Those appointments are effective June 1.

The school board formally adopted a fiscal year 2019 budget of $1.2 billion Thursday that includes a 1.1-percent raise for all district employees, a 1.1-percent bonus for many employees and STEP increases for eligible employees.

The budget, which goes into effect July 1, does not include a millage rate increase. Connie Jackson of the Cobb County Association of Educators had asked the school board to raise the millage rate from 18.9 mills to the limit of 20 mills for higher increases.

But Sweeney and David Chastain, who represents Post 4 in Northeast Cobb, opposed raising the millage rate any higher.

The vote was 6-1, with school board member David Morgan of South Cobb opposing. During a work session on Thursday afternoon, he pleaded for a raise in the millage rate, showing charts illustrating how Cobb’s starting teacher salary average of $42,364 is 9th out of 12 districts in metro Atlanta.

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UPDATE: East Cobb autistic man missing from foster home has been found

May 17, 2018 7:25 PMMay 17, 2018 6:33 PM by Wendy Parker

Shortly after 7 p.m., Marietta Police issued this update:

Two Public Safety Ambassadors observed Angelo walking on Cobb Pkwy near EMC Parkway – nearly four miles from his home. Angelo is being returned to his foster family now!

ORIGINAL STORY POSTED, 6:33 P.M.:

Back in March, a young man with autism living in the Sandy Plains Road and Scufflegrit Road area went missing, and he was discovered with a police request for the public’s help.

Angelo Michael Messineo, East Cobb autistic man — *Angelo Michael Messineo*

The same young man went missing again on Thursday, and Marietta Police want your assistance if you’ve seen him or know where he may be.

Angelo Messineo, 21, wandered away from his foster home at 1521 Evanston Court around 5 p.m. Thursday, according to Marietta Police.

They say he was last seen wearing a blue sweater with a white undershirt and brown khaki pants.

Police also said Messineo starts clapping his hands loudly when he becomes upset, does not remember numbers and may not know how to get back home.

The area around the foster home is being searched by police and fire crews, and police said anyone should call 911 with information on Messineo’s whereabouts.

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Cobb school board members briefed about new Kroger Terrell Mill tax abatement

May 19, 2018 5:15 PMMay 17, 2018 3:55 PM by Wendy Parker

Powers Ferry-Terrell Mill development, MarketPlace Terrell Mill, Kroger Terrell Mill tax abatement

The day after the Cobb Development Authority approved issuing $35 million in bonds for a tax abatement for a portion of a new East Cobb commercial project, developers’ representatives explained the situation to the Cobb Board of Education.

The school board is typically briefed on tax breaks heard by the authority, due to their impact on school tax revenue.

The developers of the MarketPlace Terrell Mill, a mixed-use retail and residential development on the site of the present Brumby Elementary School, were seeking a break for the portion of the project that is to include a Kroger superstore.

Brian Fratesi, a vice president for Connolly Investments and Development, which is building the project, said during a school board work session Thursday that MarketPlace Terrell Mill is “a gateway to East Cobb.”

The abatement would cover only the Kroger portion of the $120 million project, which was approved in February in a zoning case by the Cobb Board of Commissioners. The 23.9 acres at the northwest corner of Terrell Mill Road and Powers Ferry Road includes aging commercial, shops, restaurants and office space.

Brumby is relocating to a new campus on Terrell Mill Road in August, and its sale prompted the MarketPlace project, seen as a linchpin of redevelopment in the Powers Ferry corridor.

Fratesi said the Cobb County School District currently gets around $34,000 in annual tax revenues from existing commercial activities on that site.

By the time the tax abatement period ends, 11 years after it begins, he estimated the school district would receive more than $500,000 a year in tax revenues from MarketPlace complex.

The Kroger store would be exempt from taxes its first year of operation, then would gradually pay an assessed tax value phased in over a 10-year period, in rising increments of 10 percent each year.

Fatesi said the Kroger is slated to be in the second phase of the project, with the first phase calling for the construction of restaurant and retail space, a self-storage unit and a nearly 400-unit luxury apartment complex.

When asked about the rental units’ impact on school enrollment, Fatesi said it would be minimal, since they’re expensive, one- and two-bedroom apartments being marketed primarily to Millennials and downsizers.

The MDJ reported that two members of the Development Authority voted against the bonds, including Karen Hallacy of East Cobb, concerned about a precedent being set by retailers for getting tax abatements.

But two East Cobb board members were ecstatic. Scott Sweeney, whose Post 6 includes the Powers Ferry area, said the MarketPlace proejct “will help our tax digest in the long run.”

He said that the per-student share coming from commercial tax revenue in Marietta City Schools is higher than Cobb’s, at around $1,400 a year, because of what that city derives from its commercial digest.

“I do like the project,” said board member David Banks of Post 5 in Northeast Cobb. “It’s good and I think the whole county will benefit.”

Fatesi said the first phase of MarketPlace could break ground by August or September, with completion expected 18-24 months after that. The Kroger would be completed in another 18 to 24 months, he said.

The board also heard outlines of another proposed tax abatement for a manufacturing company that is looking to expand its operations to near SunTrust Park and The Battery.

A research and development facility would bring more than 800 high-paying jobs in what’s being dubbed “Project Dashboard.” The company, which is seeking more than $260 million in development bonds for a tax abatement, is not being identified for the moment.

Jack DiNardo, a commercial real estate relocation expert who represents the company, told board members discussions on its potential Cobb move are in “progress,” and that a decision could come “sometime this summer.”

He said a requested tax abatement would be for $21 million.

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Woman who ran holistic clinic on Johnson Ferry Road gets 75 months for fraud

May 16, 2018 4:29 PM by Wendy Parker

A woman federal prosecutors say was not a licensed naturopathic doctor but claimed to be was sentenced to more than six years in prison today after operating a string of holistic medical practices that included a clinic on Johnson Ferry Road.

Isabel Kesari Gervais, 61, received a 75-month sentence from a federal judge in Birmingham. She pleaded guilty last summer to wire fraud, identity theft and making false statements. As part of her sentence, she also must forfeit $108,146 in proceeds from that illegal activity, according to a release issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for North Alabama.

While the charges stemmed from a case in Alabama, Gervais also ran naturopathic clinics in Arkansas, Kansas and Georgia over the last 15 years. Federal prosecutors said that in addition to defrauding patients, she also changed her identity numerous times and ran advertisements making claims for medical services she was not licensed to offer, including cancer treatment.

From 2004 and 2008, Gervais ran The Chiron Clinic at 1000 Johnson Ferry Road, across from Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. According to a federal sentencing memo, Gervais, who went by the name Debrah Lynn Goodman at the time, fell behind on her rent at the East Cobb business in 2005, and in February and March of that year, “the leasing company began seriously demanding payment.”

The memo said she legally changed her name to Isabell Gervais in April 2005 and left for Alabama following a divorce.

She returned to Georgia in 2009 to open a clinic in the Cumberland area, the same year a local magazine ad carried the headline “Dr. Isabell Heals Mind, Body and Spirit in East Cobb.”

She moved to Arkansas and Kansas before relocating again to the Birmingham area in 2015. That’s where she started a clinic promising medical services to cancer patients, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office there, although she wasn’t licensed to practice medicine.

Prosecutors said received payment from a woman seeking cancer treatment, but did not provide the needed medical services. With other patients, they said she conducted a few tests and wrote out a few prescriptions, and “through her misrepresentations about licensure and qualifications, fraudulently induced patients to pay her thousands of dollars.”

Prosecutors said during her 15-year spree, Gervais changed personal names, business names, medical practices and abandoned rental properties, all in an effort “to avoid legal action and detection.”

“The word ‘doctor’ means something,” assistant U.S. attorney Erica Barnes Williamson said in the sentencing order. “Diplomas on a wall signal something. Licensure, references in publications, and referrals are important. As a society, we rely on these things to determine who to trust with our health and with our money. The court must send the message that it is not okay to simply make it all up.”

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East Cobb Weather Alert: Advisory issued due to heavy rains and possible hazardous roads

May 16, 2018 10:51 AM by Wendy Parker

The East Cobb area is included in a special weather statement issued by the National Weather Service about the potential for hazardous roads due to heavy rain this morning.

Around two inches of rain have fallen in parts of East Cobb, and around 10 a.m. the NWS included this area, as well as North Fulton, Forsyth, North Gwinnett and outlying areas, in its advisory.

The advisory period was to last until 11 a.m. due to the stationary rain showers, but the potential for road hazards could last much of the day. More rain is expected in East Cobb as the day continues.

Here’s the information the NWS is passing along for now:

“Heavy rain may cause temporary street flooding especially in poor drainage areas.

“Some locations in the path of these storms include Atlanta, Marietta, Gainesville, Cumming, Homer, Sandy Springs, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Smyrna, Dunwoody, Milton, Duluth, Sugar Hill, Suwanee, Buford, Chamblee, Norcross, Doraville and Braselton.

“Motorists should slow down and be prepared for possible loss of control due to hydroplaning.”

South Cobb is included in a flash flood warning also issued this morning by the NWS, and that warning is expected to last until the middle of the afternoon.

Slow-moving showers are expected to continue through most of the rest of the day and tonight, according to the NWS. Localized flash-flooding is possible in low-lying areas, especially around creeks, rivers and streams.

More rain is in the forecast for Thursday and through Friday night, with the chance of rain dropping through the weekend.

*Lower Roswell Road at Old Canton Road around 10 a.m. today (Georgia 511 photo).*

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Candidates on the Issues: Georgia State House District 44

May 16, 2018 6:09 AM by Wendy Parker

This is part of a week-long series of posts on East Cobb News about candidates in the May 22 primaries where there are contested party races. In the East Cobb area, there are five such contested races. This post includes information about those vying for Georgia State House District 44.

There are two Republicans and one Democrat on the May 22 primary ballot. District 44 includes a major portion of Northeast Cobb (see map above) and areas around and including Town Center Mall.

Incumbent Republican State Rep. Don Parsons is running to retain the seat he has held since 1995. A long-time Bell South employee, and now a consultant in the telecommunications industry, Parsons is chairman of the House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee, and is a member of the Appropriations Committee, the Health & Human Services Committee and the Ways & Means Committee.

He has been a vocal advocate for expanding 5G wireless technology across the state, and has said on his Facebook page that if re-elected “in the 2019 Georgia General Assembly, it is imperative that we eliminate barriers put in place by many Georgia municipalities and counties.”

He also has supported cutting personal and business income tax rates, additional funding for public K-12 education in Georgia and a proposed constitutional amendment on the November general election ballot for victims’ rights.

Parsons has not taken a formal position on transit options currently facing the Cobb Board of Commissioners following the passage of a metro-wide transit bill, HB 930, in the legislature this year. Here’s more on his campaign website.

His Republican opponent is Homer Crothers, a retired consultant in the manufacturing industry who considers himself a strong conservative. He supports full funding of the Quality Basic Education Act and reducing the state income tax.

Crothers does not have a campaign website but he does have a Facebook page outlining some of his positions, including being pro-life and espousing many other traditionally conservative views.

Crothers, who says he is running to be a “citizen legislator,” also has been active in his community association, and is current president of the Ebenezer Farms Homeowners Association.

Awaiting either Parsons or Crothers in November is Democrat Chinita Allen, a longtime school teacher in Cobb County, currently at Chalker Elementary School. She is unopposed in the primary.

According to her campaign website, her top priorities would be economic development, education, health and civil rights.

Allen advocates increased education spending for K-12. A member of the Georgia Science Teachers Association and a Georgia STEM Laureate, she said the state needs to establish more “science, STEM and career pathways.”

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BREAKING NEWS: Second suspect in Bells Ferry Road murder arrested

May 15, 2018 5:42 PM by Wendy Parker

Updating a story from a couple of weeks ago: Marietta Police say they have taken into custody a second suspect wanted for a Bells Ferry Road murder last month.

Marietta Police said their detectives and the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force arrested Je’Marquise Wright, 17, in connection with the murder of 19-year-old Tyon Gorman.

Gorman was found lying in front of businesses at a small strip shopping center on Bells Ferry Road at Williams Drive with a gunshot wound, according to police, who said a vehicle left the area after the shooting and was heading north on Bells Ferry Road.

Police said Gorman died at WellStar Kennestone Hospital, and Mehki Hilali, 18, was arrested on May 3 and charged with murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and aggravated assault with intent to murder.

Police had asked for the public’s help in finding Wright, who is charged with murder, aggravated battery, aggravated assault with intent to murder and street gang terrorism.

He is being held without bail, according to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, which indicated that Wright was apprehended at 2121 Windy Hill Road, the address for an apartment complex, and booking began around 3 p.m. today.

Marietta Police said they found “multiple weapons and narcotics” in Wright’s possession when he was arrested, and that additional charges are pending.

Marietta Police said they have made all the arrests they expect to make in the case but that anyone with information should call their detectives line directly at 770-794-6990 or contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS if they wish to remain anonymous.

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Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K-9 Run to provide service dog for a veteran

May 15, 2018 5:00 PM by Wendy Parker

The fourth running of the Northeast Cobb Business Association 5K-9 Run is taking place on June 9, and this year the event will be raising money for the purchase and training of a service dog for a military veteran.

The run starts at 8 a.m. at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road), and NCBA is soliciting sponsorships (between $250 and $5,000) as well as accepting online registrations (between $10 and $25 in advance).

Frank Wigington of the NCBA said past events have raised funds for dogs for the Cobb County Police Department, the Cobb Sheriff’s Office and for an autistic child in East Cobb.

This year, the business group asked Cobb Superior Court Judge Reuben Greene to assist in finding a recipient for a service dog, and a veteran who is dealing with PTSD and other issues has been identified.

In remarks to his counterparts at the East Cobb Business Association on Tuesday, Wigington said the costs for the purchase and training have grown since the initial events raised around $15,000 each.

He said if this year’s event raises more money than what’s needed for the veteran’s dog, other proceeds will be provided to the Cobb Fire Department to purchase oxygen masks for dogs dispatched for rescue work, and possibly for iPads for special needs students in Cobb County.

“The money will be spent, but it will be spent wisely,” Wigington said.

The 5-K9 Run includes a puppy trot for children 8 and under that’s $10 in advance, and $15 on race day. The 5K run/walk is $25 in advance and $30 on race day.

Awards are presented to overall and masters winners, as well as several children’s age groups.

Anyone who is entered can bring their dog along for the event.

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Cobb schools budget for FY 2019 slated to be adopted on Thursday

May 15, 2018 10:37 AM by Wendy Parker

A Cobb schools budget proposal of nearly $1.2 billion for fiscal year 2019 is expected to be approved on Thursday night, after the Cobb Board of Education holds its final public hearing on the budget earlier that afternoon.

That hearing begins at 1:30 p.m., followed by a board work session at 2 p.m. The board will reconvene for the business meeting at 7 p.m. All will take place at the Cobb County School District central office, 514 Glover St., in Marietta.

The proposed FY 2019 budget (details here) includes a 1.1 percent pay raise for all employees and a 1.1 percent bonus for many others, but does not include a millage rate increase.

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale included the pay raise after $10.2 million in state funding was added in May following the elimination of education austerity cuts.

The school district’s fiscal year begins on July 1.

Connie Jackson, the head of the Cobb County Association of Educators, has asked for a 3.6 percent raise be given for employees, and has pressed for the additional funding to come from a property tax increase.

That millage rate of 18.9 has not changed in a decade, and Jackson has suggested raising that to the maximum 20 mills.

Also on Thursday night’s agenda is the appointment of a new principal at Nicholson Elementary School, as well as a number of recognitions. Among the East Cobb students and schools to be recognized are the Shallowford Falls Elementary School’s Reading Bowl champions, Pope High School state wrestling champion Max Druhot, East Side Elementary School robotics student Abhijeet Ghosh and the Kell High School FIRST World Championship team.

The full agenda can be found here.

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Candidates on the Issues: Georgia State House District 37

May 14, 2018 3:59 PM by Wendy Parker

Georgia House District 37 Democrats — *Cobb Board of Elections*

This is the first of a week-long series of posts on East Cobb News about candidates in the May 22 primaries where there are contested party races. In the East Cobb area, there are five such contested races. To start here is information about those vying for Georgia State House District 37.

There are three Democrats on the May 22 primary ballot, with the winner facing Republican incumbent Sam Teasley, who has no GOP opposition.

District 37 includes portions of Northeast Cobb (see map above) as well as a good bit of the city of Marietta and some of West Cobb.

Bill Bolton, Georgia State House District 37 Democrats — *Bill Bolton*

Bill Bolton is an engineering consultant who lives in East Cobb. On his website, he has laid out details on a number of issues, and wants to limit resources for the implementation of Obamacare, educate the children of immigrants “and work with them and their families to return to their countries,” reduce drug crimes to misdemeanors and support the creation of casinos in Georgia under the state lottery.

“I am a Democrat and I want my party to change. Obviously, I am not a Republican but I have been labeled as a libertarian in prior races,” said Bolton, who has previously run for governor and for mayor of Marietta. He also ran for the 37th district seat in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Here’s more from Bolton about other issues.

Ragin Edwards of East Cobb was a candidate in the 2017 6th Congressional District special election. A global sales operations manager for a technology firm, Edwards is a graduate of Pope High School and Georgia Tech.

Ragin Edwards, Georgia House District 37 Democrats — *Ragin Edwards*

On her campaign website Edwards said she is running for what she calls “common sense gun reform,” improving education in Georgia, tax legislation to benefit middle-class families and state Medicaid expansion, among other issues (more on her platform here).

Her campaign slogan is “Truth and Transparency Now!” and she calls herself “the voice for the unheard.” Here’s more from Edwards about her candidacy.

Mary Frances Williams has lived in the city of Marietta all her life, and her late father, Howard Atherton, served as Marietta mayor and in the legislature.

Mary Frances Williams, Georgia House District 37 Democrats — *Mary Frances Williams*

A social worker, she has been a lobbyist for various family and children’s non-profits at the state capitol. Williams’ priorities include better funding of public education, improving access to health care and transportation issues. Here’s more from Williams on those and other issues.

On her Facebook page she said while she applauds Gov. Nathan Deal’s decision to fully fund Quality Basic Education, “the Quality Basic Education formula is 33 years old and needs to be modernized. When elected, I look forward to working to update the way public education is funded in Georgia.”

State Rep. Sam Teasley, Georgia State House District 37 — *State Rep. Sam Teasley*

Teasley is the vice chairman of the House Republican Caucus and was first elected to represent District 37 in 2010. He serves on the following committees: Banks and Banking; Education; Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications; Ethics; Insurance; and Ways and Means.

A realtor, Teasley believes in limited government and his campaign website indicates that his top priorities are job creation, education and government accountability.

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Cobb Young Professionals holding charity golf tournament at Indian Hills

May 14, 2018 12:40 PM by Wendy Parker

The registration deadline for next Monday’s event is this coming Wednesday at noon. From the Cobb Chamber of Commerce:

Join the future leaders of Cobb County for an afternoon on the golf course! Cobb Young Professionals will host its annual charity golf tournament on Monday, May 21 at Indian Hills Country Club, presented by The Waters Team, Affinity Home Lending. The charity tournament will begin with 8 a.m. morning registration, a putting contest and a shotgun start. A 2:30 p.m. reception will follow with prizes. Individual players without a foursome team will be given an opportunity to be paired after registration. Proceeds from the tournament will go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The cost is $70 per golfer and $280 per foursome, which includes a round of golf, breakfast, one reception drink ticket, boxed lunch and a donation to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Additionally, participants are encouraged to bring cash for mulligans, extra drinks, raffle tickets and other opportunities to donate to the charity of the winner’s choice. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, May 16 at noon.

Businesses can take advantage of the unique marketing opportunity through a hole sponsorship. Sponsorship participation provides an opportunity to show support to Cobb Young Professionals and the Cobb Chamber, as well as help the organization give more to the winning charity. This year’s sponsors include The Waters Team, Affinity Home Lending as Presenting Sponsor; Croy Engineering and Enterprise Holdings as the Platinum Sponsors and O’Dell & O’Neal as the Silver Sponsor. For a full list of 2018 sponsors and event information, visit cobbchamber.org.

For more information about Cobb Young Professionals or to become a hole sponsor at the tournament, contact Rebecca Chadwick at 770-859-2368 or rchadwick@cobbchamber.org.

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Wheeler Academic Bowl team finishes as state runner-up in ‘High Q’ competition

May 14, 2018 12:02 PM by Wendy Parker

The Wheeler Academic Bowl team of Aaron Moss, Rex Martin, Andrew McEntaggart and Andrew Benecchi finished as state runner-up Saturday in WSB-TV’s “High Q” competition.

North Atlanta High School won the championship and $5,000 in scholarship money, while Wheeler takes home $3,000 in scholarship money.

It’s been a good spring for the Wheeler team, which finished second in March in the GATA state championships. The JV team won its first state championship in March.

The Academic Bowl competition is in game-show quiz format, and contestants are asked questions about a broad range of topics, including art, history, politics, science and literature.

Wheeler geography teacher and coach Sean Kurkjian has been the team’s sponsor for several years.

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East Cobb advance voting for May 22 primaries starts Monday

May 12, 2018 12:05 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Government Service Center, East Cobb advance voting

One more week remains until the May 22 primaries, and East Cobb advance voting will take place during that week.

Any eligible voters can vote Monday-Friday, May 14-18, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road). The same hours and dates are also in effect for other advance voting locations, and you’re free to vote there also, regardless of where you live:

South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton;
Boots Ward Recreation Center (Lost Mountain Park), 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs;
NorthStar Church, 3413 Blue Springs Road NW Kennesaw.

Advance voting also continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Cobb Elections headquarters, 736 Whitlock Ave., Marietta.

There is no advance voting next Saturday, May 19, or next Monday, May 21.

As of Friday, Cobb Elections said that 2,303 individuals had voted early in person, and another 902 had done so by mail.

If you’re waiting to vote on May 22 and you’re not sure where your precinct is, you can check at the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.

Cobb Master Gardeners Spring Tour includes new Hyde Farm Community Garden and Murdock ES Gardens

May 11, 2018 1:20 PM by Wendy Parker

Hyde Farm Community Garden, Cobb Master Gardeners Spring Tour

This one’s from our calendar listings and a bit more to follow. Saturday should be fabulous for the Cobb Master Gardeners Spring Tour, which is being held at several locations around East Cobb, including the new Hyde Farm Community Garden.

The tour lasts from 10-5, and on-site tickets will cost $20. The sites can be visited in any order:

Experience how art meets science at six (6) fabulous gardens in East Cobb! This year’s lineup features four private gardens, the newly constructed Community Garden at Hyde Farm and the gardens at Murdock Elementary School.

Teams of Master Gardeners will be on hand to educate gardeners young and old on plant selection, soil preparation, and best practices that were learned and applied over the years thanks to their UGA training and continuing education. And this year, we want to engage all of your senses with music, art, photography and food preparation as you wander through.

Admission is free for children 17 and under.

And now for the specifics of each location, and what you’ll find when you get there:

Jazz It Up At Joe’s, The Washington Garden (2192 Deep Woods Way)

From tots to teens to empty nest, Master Gardener Joe Washington’s garden of 34 years has evolved. The sound of soft jazz is the perfect match for a stroll from the sunny front to the shady back – the perfect spot to kick back and relax! A variety of native and non-native plants complement the hardscape features. Joe has enjoyed years of designing and completing his garden projects with an eye toward low maintenance and simplicity of care. As a special treat, visitors “of a certain age” will learn that you are never too old to garden if you adopt some helpful adaptive gardening tools and techniques.

Seed What It’s All About at Murdock Elementary School (2320 Murdock Road)

Kindergarteners and First Graders enhance their science education at Murdock outside by planting a summer vegetable garden entirely from seeds and harvesting the vegetables in the fall! Students and staff will be on-hand to demonstrate how seamlessly the indoor classroom and outdoors work together to enrich their educational programs. And, visitors will learn to hone their garden skills with several hands-on demonstrations including proper pruning techniques from the Master Gardeners. Don’t be late for class!

Farm to Table, Hyde Farm Community Garden (726 Hyde Road)

There is no better place to prepare and taste your veggies than right on the farm! And there is no better place for growing them than at the historic Hyde Farm property in East Cobb. The Community Garden at Hyde Farm was opened for “bed renters” in late 2017. The newest project of the Cobb Master Gardeners, the garden features 50, 4’ x 8’ raised beds and a large pollinator garden. Visitors will not only experience how a community garden works, but learn the health benefits of growing and preparing the harvest in the adjacent kitchen. Come on in!

On the Waterfront, The Lok Garden (1811 Baldwin Farms Drive)

Twenty years ago, the lakeside garden of Master Gardener Maureen Lok and her husband, Jan Michael, was a “boring” mix of lawn, junipers, and “meatball shrubs.” No traces remain. Today, they are surrounded by a healthy assortment of native and favorite trees and perennials. Their vision is a peaceful, shady retreat for the family to enjoy and for flora and fauna to flourish. Their garden is a certified Wildlife Habitat. Like many lots in Cobb County, steep slopes and erosion have presented drainage and gardening challenges. Learn how they have redesigned the garden to meet those challenges and oh yes, take in that view!

Thanks for the Memories, The Young Garden (4066 Sweat Creek Cove)

Pat and Tom Young’s garden is affectionately known as “Waldo Gardens.” It bears the name of a special kitty that passed not long before they built and moved into their home in 2007. Their garden is a living album of people, pets, and plants loved. The Youngs painstakingly restored the topsoil removed during construction and blended the formal front yard into the steep, natural, yet stunning back which is also certified Wildlife Habitat. Guests will enjoy discovering the garden’s special features and perhaps get a glimpse of the resident breeding hawks.

The Artful Gardener, The Hebert Garden (4145 Jefferson Township Parkway)

Split rail and picket fences, colonial style homes, and large lots welcome you to the enclave of Jefferson Township. Master Gardener and former art educator Jayne Hebert took full advantage of all her yard has to offer. The garden features a wide variety of flowering perennials, parterre raised beds, grape vines, blueberries, fruit and nut trees, and more, all set against a lovely backdrop of the home and 100-year-old barn. Her artistic eye is apparent as you will discover artfully integrated garden antiques with flea market finds. Visitors will especially appreciate her handmade deer fencing.

More information and a tour map can be found here.

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High Meadows student from East Cobb among ‘Letters About Literature’ winners

May 11, 2018 12:50 PM by Wendy Parker

High Meadows School, Ella Schultz

Thanks to Jean Hunter, English teacher at High Meadows School, for the above photo and information about three students, including one from East Cobb, who recently participated in the national “Letters About Literature” program.

They are, from left, Aviv Newman, Ella Schultz of East Cobb, and Kate Hurd:

Every year tens of thousands of students across the nation send their letters to the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress. Writing a letter to your favorite author might not sound like something you’d get an award for, but for several students at High Meadows School in Roswell GA, that’s exactly what happened.

This year High Meadows 6^th and 7^th graders participated in Letters About Literature, an annual Library of Congress national competition where young writers can express themselves to an author who’s had an impact on their lives. Several High Meadows’ students received letters back from authors, including Sharon Creech, Kate DiCamillo, and Ann Martin, who all took the time to respond to these budding writers. Three of these students were honored along with other state winners on Saturday May 5^th and were able to read their letters as part of the ceremony. The following High Meadows’ students won awards at the state level, and the two first place winners will now advance to judging at the national level:

Ella Schultz received a first-place award and wrote her letter to Phoebe Gilman, author of Jillian Jiggs. Ella moved to the United States in second grade and could not speak, read or write English. In her letter, Ella described how the book, read and re-read over and over by her soon-to-be-best-friend, aided her growing understanding of English.

Those judging the letters include authors, publishers, librarians and educators. This competition challenges students through the process of crafting letters that reflect their personal responses as readers, directly back to the authors they admire most. By encouraging personal reader response and reflective writing, the contest facilitates a program which helps to enhance purposeful reading that promotes successful writing. The day’s ceremony is a testament to the abilities achieved by these young writers.

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CenterStage North production of ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!’ starts Friday

May 10, 2018 7:14 PM by Wendy Parker

I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, CenterStage North, The Art Place-Mountain View

The last CenterStage North production of the spring and summer starts a week-long run on Friday The Art Place-Mountain View (3330 Sandy Plains Road). It’s Joe DiPietro’s “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” and six performances will take place through next Friday, May 19.

It’s billed as “a witty musical revue that tackles modern love in all its forms: from the perils and pitfalls of the first date to marriage, children, and the twilight years of life.”

The story is told in a series of vignettes and songs, and “traces the overall arc of relationships throughout the course of a life.”

The shows this weekend are at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, as well as 8 p.m. next Thursday-Saturday, May 17-19.

Tickets are $20 each and can be ordered online.

Check out our calendar listings for more things to do in East this weekend and beyond.

Auditions for CenterStage North’s August production of “On Golden Pond” will take place next week, May 15-16 at The Art Place, and include cold readings from the script (here are some of the available “sides” that will be read.).

Those auditions also will be at The Art Place from 7-9 each night. Here’s more about what they will include, as well as what roles will be filled, what the rehearsals will be like over the summer, and how to get in touch if you’re interested:

Production runs from August 10-18 for two weekends. Rehearsals will be in Marietta and will start the first week of June and most likely will be on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. No rehearsals the week of July 4th. For more information please contact the director, Karen Worrall at karen@worrall.org

Roles available:
Norman, 79, tart-tongued and observant and very direct
Ethel, 69, energetic, sweet and upbeat
Chelsea, late 30’s -early 40’s, pretty, smart and confident, except around Norman
Bill, a dentist and Chelsea’s fiancé, 45, attempts to charm Norman
Billy, a typical 13-year-old with a bit of an attitude who winds up bonding with Norman and Ethel.
Charlie, the postman, 40ish, affable and simple

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Walton, East Cobb high schools fare well in latest U.S. News rankings

May 10, 2018 9:35 AM by Wendy Parker

Walton High School has been named one of the Top 10 public high schools in Georgia by U.S. News, but other East Cobb high schools also fared well in the annual rankings that were released on Wednesday.

Walton comes in at No. 9 on the Georgia list, the highest-ranked Cobb County high school. Nationally, Walton is listed at No. 314, as well as No. 96 among charter schools and No. 144 among STEM schools across the country.

The next-ranked Cobb high school in Georgia is Lassiter at No. 21, followed by Pope at No. 26 and Wheeler at No. 49.

Kell and Sprayberry were not ranked statewide or nationally by U.S. News, which included 450 Georgia high schools in its rankings.

In the magnet school rankings, Wheeler ranks No. 230 nationally.

U.S. News basis its rankings on a variety of academic measurements, and explains its methodology here.

However, U.S. News has come in for criticism for its high school rankings (as well as college rankings it also releases annually).

Last year, the American Enterprise Institute wrote that too much emphasis is placed on Advanced Placement results, concluding that the “rankings promote the notion that the best high schools are the ones with the highest outcomes.”

The Atlantic has written previously that the U.S. News high school rankings, which began in 1998, are harmful and have a formula that’s too simplistic.

The Cobb County School District eagerly shared the news on its social media channels on Thursday, noting that eight of the 16 high schools in the system were included in the national rankings.

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