Wendy Parker

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

InCommunity receives grant from Cobb County Friendship Club

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InCommunity receives grant from Cobb County Friendship Club
L-R: Marie Jernigan, Cobb County Parks Department; Jocelyn Roper, Cobb County Finance; Shannon McClure, Interim Director of Development, InCommunity; and Sylvia Robinson, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office

Submitted information and photo:

InCommunity (www.incommunityga.org), which provides support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, was recently recognized by the Cobb County Friendship Club, a long-standing committee of Cobb County employees dedicated to giving back to local organizations.

At an event held on December 4th at the Sewell Library & Cultural Center, InCommunity was awarded a $1,000 grant for 2024. This is the first year InCommunity has received a grant from the Friendship Club, which has contributed over $3 million to community organizations since its founding in 1972.

This support comes directly from the generosity of 806 Cobb County employees who contributed to the fund this year through workplace giving, without any reliance on taxpayer funds from the general budget. At the event, District 3 County Commissioner JoAnn Birrell delivered remarks highlighting the importance of the Friendship Club’s mission. InCommunity was honored to join other inspiring organizations, including Sunshine on a Rainey Day, Special Needs Cobb, and Cobb County Special Olympics, who were also recognized with grants for their impactful work.

The Friendship Club’s investment strengthens InCommunity’s ability to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

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Cobb-Marietta Coliseum Authority names new GM and CEO

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Submitted information and photo:

Cobb-Marietta Coliseum Authority names new GM and CEO
Charles Beirne

The Cobb-Marietta Coliseum & Exhibit Hall Authority has announced the hiring of Charles Beirne as General Manager & CEO.

With more than 25 years of venue management experience, Beirne will be responsible for the administrative oversight and strategic growth of the Cobb Galleria Centre, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Galleria Specialty Shops and ArtsBridge Foundation.

“Charlie is uniquely qualified for this position because of his combination of experience leading convention centers, entertainment venues and performing arts centers,” said Jerry Nix, Chairman of the Authority. “Additionally, as we prepare to launch the renovation and expansion of the Cobb Galleria Centre in 2025, Charlie brings expertise in this area that is a perfect fit for our future growth.”

Beirne joins the Authority from the Broward County Convention Center Expansion and Hotel Project, where he was regional general manager responsible for the day-to-day operations of the convention center, which is currently undergoing a $1.4 billion expansion project. He has operated and expanded a variety of other facilities including the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center where he was responsible for the day-to-day operations of the convention center, two theaters, and an arena, as well as the Atlantic City Convention Center, where he held a variety of roles including regional general manager for the convention center and arena. Beirne is a graduate of Lebanon Valley College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

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Power-Jackson Cabin restoration approved at Hyde Farm

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Power-Jackson Cabin restoration approved at Hyde Farm
Workers inspect the Power-Jackson Cabin after it was moved to Hyde Farm. Cobb Landmarks photo.

After being moved from Post Oak Tritt Road in August, the Power-Jackson Cabin will soon undergo restoration work at its new home at Hyde Farm in East Cobb.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 Tuesday to fund the restoration work for $354,000, preserving the 1840s-era structure for use at Hyde Farm, a Cobb PARKS educational and recreational facility.

The contract was awarded to Leatherwood Inc., a Tennessee-based company that restored 13 structures at Hyde Farm in 2014.

The work will include setting a stone foundation, installing wide plank flooring, repairing logs as necessary and installing a front porch to the log cabin. The building also will be coated with an insecticide and waterproofed, according to Leatherwood’s scope of work.

“As a collaborative community effort, moving the cabin to and restoring the cabin at Hyde Farm honors the history of Cobb County by saving this valuable historic asset,” stated an agenda item for Tuesday’s meeting.

Commissioner JoAnn Birrell of East Cobb asked Cobb PARKS director Michael Brantley what specific plans might be in store for the cabin once it’s restored.

He said there are several possibilities as Hyde Farm expands, including using the cabin as a nature center, and for other educational functions.

Also being considered are using the cabin as part of a walking tour around the pond at Hyde Farm, he added, but no final decisions have been made.

Hyde Farm, located off Lower Roswell Road near the Chattahoochee River, is where two other Power family cabins exist, as part of a working 1840s farm that was in family hands until the 1990s.

According to the agenda item, the original cost of the Power-Jackson Cabin restoration was set at $321,000, but extra funds were needed to replace wood elements that deteriorated “greater than was originally anticipated.”

The funding is coming from the 2011 Cobb Parks SPLOST.

The Power-Jackson Cabin is regarded as one of the oldest existing structures in Cobb County. Cobb Landmarks, a Marietta non-profit, raised more than $70,000 to move the cabin to Hyde Farm.

The Power-Jackson Cabin, possibly built before 1840 by farmer William Power, was located on 13 undeveloped acres on Post Oak Tritt Road near McPherson Road that was part of a 2023 zoning case.

Landowner Kenneth B. Clary sought rezoning for a single-family subdivision, but issues over the cabin and possible Power family burials complicated the issue.

Clary later withdrew the rezoning request, and his family agreed to allow Cobb Landmarks to remove the cabin.

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Cobb to increase water and sewer rates through 2029

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Cobb to increase water and sewer rates through 2029

The Cobb Board of Commissioners voted 4-1 Tuesday to raise water and sewer rates for each of the next five years.

Starting next year, residential and commercial customers will pay an additional 3.5 percent for water and sewer services each year through 2029, according to estimates presented by the Cobb County Water System at Tuesday’s meeting.

Judy Jones, the water system’s director, said the additional revenues are necessary due to rising costs for purchasing water wholesale and for wastewater treatment plant construction projects.

(More details of water, sewer and stormwater charges can be found by clicking here.)

Commissioner JoAnn Birrell of East Cobb, the only vote against, noted that while the Cobb-Marietta Water Authority is charging Cobb higher rates for water, “I cannot support this” because the county continues to transfer water revenues to its general fund budget for other expenses.

She has consistently 0pposed rising rates because of the transfer practice. Cobb, which topped out at a 10 percent transfer several years ago, now takes five percent of annual water revenues as it attempts to reduce that figure by a percent each year.

According to Jones’ presentation, the average increase for customers will be $1.90 a month, or a 2.8 percent increase.

She said the average residential customer in Cobb uses 5,000 gallons of water a month and is charged $67.50 for water, sewer and stormwater.

When asked to explain the multi-year charges, Jones said it helps for long-term planning of services and maintenance.

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PHOTOS, VIDEOS: Holiday Lights celebration at East Cobb Park

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East Cobb Park Holiday Lights

Several hundred people gathered at East Cobb Park at sunset on Sunday for the 19th Holiday Lights celebration.

Two giant trees framing the concert stage glistened with colorful lights against the darkened skies following a brief countdown.

The Dodgen Middle School Pops band performed, and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived on their sleigh as the event culminated, having their pictures taken with children and their families.

The trees were lit by Butch Carter, owner of Honest-1 Auto Care, who is the 2024 East Cobb Citizen of the Year.

The celebration was organized by the volunteer group Friends for the East Cobb Park, with Wellstar Health Systems as the presenting sponsor.

Also sponsoring the event were the Rotary Club of East Cobb and Frameworks Gallery.

Congregation Etz Chaim will be holding a Menorah Lighting at East Cobb Park on Dec. 25, the first day of Hanukkah, starting at 5:55 p.m.

Click the middle button below to view the slideshow.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

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Cobb Police release footage of pet dog shooting by officer

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Cobb Police release footage of pet dog shooting by officer

Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer said Monday that an internal investigation is continuing into the shooting death of a pet dog last week by an officer making a 911 call to a residence in South Cobb.

During a brief press conference at Cobb Police headquarters in Marietta, VanHoozer said that while the event was “tense and unpleasant,” no apparent department policies have been violated.

Cobb Police released a four-minute segment of officer bodycam footage from the Dec. 2 incident at a home off Macland Road near Powder Springs (see below; the video is graphic and reader discretion is advised.)

Police were responding to a 911 call about a reported missing person in the area when they arrived at the home of Justin and Tessa Carr around 8:40 p.m.. They own two dogs and according to the initial police report, the dogs began to leave the home.

Police said one of the dogs ran toward an officer, who “perceived the dog’s actions as potentially threatening” and then shot the animal in self-defense.

That dog was named Zeta (photo above), who was fatally wounded.

VanHoozer said Monday (you can hear his comments here) that he watched the video footage, pledging transparency and a better understanding of the incident. But he said he didn’t any conclusions about possible contact between the officer and the animal.

“Part of doing right is to look into what happened to see if we can do better as a profession,” he said.

He offered condolences to the family of Zeta, saying that “it’s very, very sad to lose a dog, a friend, man’s best friend.”

The officers have not been cleared of wrongdoing, and they are back on duty, VanHoozer said, adding that more information will be coming out as open records requests have been filed.

The Carrs have started a Facebook page and are raising funds for legal action they’re planning against the police.

They said on that page after the incident that Zeta never showed aggression to humans or animals, except for barking.

Tessa Carr said she took a video of the dog’s corpse and has no intention of releasing it publicly but “in case I need it for later.”

She added that “we are not going to stop until we have real answers. . . I wanna know what the Cobb County Police Department’s training looks like for situations like these. Most of all, I wanna know who’s gonna make this right for my family, my friends, and most of all Zeta.”

Editor’s Note: Viewer discretion is advised.

 

 

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Nov. 18-22, 2024

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Ashley Lake, East Cobb real estate sales
Ashley Lake

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

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

Kell

None

Lassiter

4187 Arbor Spring Drive, 30066 (Arbor Bridge): $575,000

3603 Woodlark Drive, 30075 (Hedgerow): $690,000

Pope

2294 Woods Field Lane, 30062 (Post Oak Square): $620,000

Sprayberry

1503 Monarch Drive, 30062 (Glen Crest): $640,000

2737 Harper Woods Drive, 30062 (Harper Woods): $586,000

537 Chapman Drive, 30062 (Woodgate): $367,000

1356 Sheffield Parkway, 30062 (Allgood Farms): $530,000

151 Kathryn Drive, 30066 (Brookhaven): $320,000

2760 Vintage Reserve Lane, Unit 18, 30066 (The Vintage Club): $450,000

3840 Kensington Drive, 30066 (Canterbury Park): $445,000

1107 Powell Wright Road, 30066: $490,000

2141 Wilmington Circle, 30062 (Rutherford): $510,000

289 Lancaster Circle, 30066 (Huntington Woods): $450,000

2270 Jomarc Way, 30062 (Waverly Woods): $344,000

1318 Liberty Hill Road, 30066: $605,000

1113 Lullwood Court, 30066 (Ramblewood): $405,000

Walton

2251 Meadow Wood Court, 30062 (Meadow Wood): $$560,000

558 Rivercliff Trace, 30067 (Rivercliff): $1.86 million

1846 Mallard Lake Drive, 30068 (Mallard Lake): $789,000

1709 Kinsmon Cove, 30068 (East Hampton): $895,000

851 Tisdale Trail, 30068 (The Reserve at Olde Towne): $675,000

4454 Chattahoochee Plantation Drive, 30067 (Chattahoochee Plantation): $1 million

4360 Kings Way, 30067 (Kings Cove): $585,000

3333 Sewell Mill Road, 30062: $1.65 million

1355 Lake Colony Drive, 30068 (Lake Colony): $745,000

Wheeler

1989 Barnes Mill Road, 30062 (Ashley Lake): $697,000

783 Oak Trail Drive, 30062 (Stoneoak Pointe): $640,000

2363 Ashton Woods Court, 30068 (Ashton Woods): $565,000

126 Ridgetree Lane, 30068 (Sentinel Lake): $825,000

260 Blue Sky Drive, 30068 (Beverly Hills Estates): $682,000

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Editor’s Note: An expression of gratitude during the holidays

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I’m writing as the holiday season is getting underway, and as 2024 heads to its conclusion.

I don’t know about you, but I find hard to believe how quickly this year has transpired.

First of all, thanks to East Cobb News readers for your readership and your financial support.

Now halfway into our eighth year, we’re building readership and sustainability for the long haul.

The challenges facing local news entities are steep, but your support of East Cobb News—financially and otherwise—has been so important.

We made it through another election year, and covered so many stories that matter to the people who live and work here, and we’re proud of our work.

At this time of year, I take pause and take stock of what it means to serve the community.

A few numbers to share: We’re on track to average around 100,00 pageviews a month and 60,000 unique visitors monthly.

That last figure is encouraging, because our coverage area is around 200,000 people. As the only daily all-online news source in this community, it’s heartening to know that so many of you take the time to engage with the content that is published here.

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

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

We really appreciate the financial support as we strive to serve you with more news that’s relevant to you, and as we continue this experiment in redefining what local news can mean for the East Cobb community.

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

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

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

We offer this news resource as a public service to the community, but we’re also a small business. We want to continue telling the stories of the people that make East Cobb a special place to call home for many years to come.

Donate today!

We also believe that local news and local business go hand-in-hand, and our advertisers are much like our readers—they tell us how much they like how deeply local we are. They want to reach local audiences, and there’s not a better-engaged readership in East Cobb than those who are part of East Cobb News.

But there’s so much more we want to do!

In the coming year, we want to go more in-depth with the news and features that our readers come to expect, especially involving local government and schools.

These activities are always on the front burner, but with November’s election results they’re sure to continue to be in the spotlight.

We also want to highlight the many things that people are doing to make the East Cobb community even better than it is.

In the meantime, I’d like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy New Year!

Seasons Greetings East Cobb and thanks for your readership!

 

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Banks recognized in farewell to Cobb school board tenure

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Banks recognized in farewell to Cobb school board tenure

In his final meeting as a Cobb Board of Education member, David Banks was recognized Thursday by his colleagues and Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale for 16 years of service.

During board recognitions and in Ragsdale’s remarks, Banks was honored for the four terms in which he has served as in Post 5 in East Cobb.

Banks, a Republican, did not seek re-election this year for the seat that covers the Walton, Pope and some of the Wheeler attendance zones.

He will be succeeded in January by John Cristadoro, a Republican and a parent of two students in the Walton area.

“It’s been an awesome time,” said Ragsdale, who called Banks “the staunchest supporter of our schools, everywhere in the district.”

A retired technology executive, Banks said in January that he wouldn’t run again, citing age.

“It’s been a great journey,” Banks said in an exchange with Ragsdale during a Thursday night board business meeting. “I wish I had started about 10 years younger.”

He said he is proud of his advocacy in advancing STEM education throughout the district, and in pushing for a new school district central office building in 2010.

Banks also referenced several East Cobb high school attendance zones that have been in his post over the years, saying it’s “been great being a part of those programs. That’s what I’m going to miss.”

But, who narrowly won re-election in 2020, has been a controversial figure during portions of his tenure.

In that re-election bid four years ago, he said the biggest long-term challenge facing the Cobb school district was “white flight,” vowing to work for it “not to become a school system like Atlanta, DeKalb and Clayton.”

The comments by Banks, a strong conservative Republican, triggered a response from then-Democratic board members Charisse Davis and Jaha Howard, with whom he sparred on a number of racial and cultural matters.

Banks also has used his newsletter to decry COVID-19 vaccines and to referr to the illness as the “China virus”
and come under for fire for social media comments disparaging the Roman Catholic Church.

At Thursday’s meeting, Banks expressed his appreciation for “all the friends I’ve made here. In a way I’m going to miss it. But life goes on. I’ve still got my wife to take care of and she’s got me to take care of.

“This has been a great school system. It’s been great getting to know people over the years, and sometimes I’ve been able to help people.”

Banks recognized in farewell to Cobb school board tenure
David Banks is presented with a plaque by Superintendent Chris Ragsdale and Cobb school board colleagues.

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Pope state champion athletes honored by Cobb school district

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Pope state champion athletes honored by Cobb school district
Pope volleyball team members recognized by the Cobb Board of Education for their Class 5A state championship.

Submitted information and photo:

Pope High School recently capped off an incredible Fall Sports season by winning three 5A state championships in Volleyball and Cross Country. All three state champions were congratulated and celebrated at the December Board of Education meeting.

The 2024 Volleyball title was the Lady Greyhounds 6th championship all-time and second in the last three years. The Greyhounds won the 2022 6A title and took runner-up in 2023. Two senior players, Amanda Vlkovic and Ellis Crawford, were also recently named Cobb’s Athlete of the Week. The state champs finished the 2024 season 36-5, closing out with a 16-game win streak.

“This state title was an incredible accomplishment for us,” said Head Community Coach Erica Miller. “We didn’t start the season as strongly as in years past. We played in so many close sets that we were not afraid of stress or pressure or having to compete fiercely to win. With this earned mindset and the earned confidence that comes from proving yourself repeatedly, we accomplished our dream!”

In Cross Country, the Lady Greyhounds long-distance runners ran a crushing Final 5A race in Carrollton, placing runners first, second, eighth, ninth, and thirteenth. Their overall score was 29 points. To put this in perspective, second-place McIntosh scored 152 points, giving Pope a huge margin of victory of 123 points! This team is full of talent, including overall individual state champion (and AOW winner) Josie Hutchinson. Josie outran the field to finish the 5K race at 19:15.40, nine seconds faster than her second-place teammate, Aislynn Dunn. The other three Pope finishers were Kate Rytlewski (8), Louise Delgado (9), and Ahna Hicks (13). To make things even more interesting, four of these girls are underclassmen, which means this team will be dominant for years to come.

“These ladies all have an incredible amount of talent,” said Head Coach Cathi Monk. “Winning the state title was actually a relief. Having as much team talent as we did challenged the coaching staff to make sure we did all the little things to make sure the girls were successful. Pope has a culture of inspiring athletes to do extraordinary things, and I am glad this team was able to contribute to that.”

Another highlight at Pope is their Flag Football team, which won last year’s Division 3 state championship over District rival Allatoona. This year’s team is picking up right where last year’s left off by winning Area 6 to host the first round of the playoffs. Their overall record is 21-2, and the team is ranked #73 nationally and #7 in the state. Junior QB Abbey Bensman was recently named the Division 3 Area 6 Player of the Year, and senior receiver Addie Daughtry was named Area Offensive Player of the Year. In addition, senior defender Mac Wiley was selected as Area Co-Defensive Player of the Year.

The Greyhounds Flag team took full advantage of playing at home and downed Chattahoochee and Hughes in the first round on Thursday night (December 5). They now advance to play Peach County in the Quarterfinals on December 9.

“It’s a special time around here right now,” said Greyhound Athletic Director Josh Mathews. “All these teams have been impressive, exhibiting top-level focus and determination. As someone who sees a lot of athletic events each year, these teams have demonstrated high levels of excellence. Excellence is uncommon, but Pope has been displaying it on the court, the course, and the field this year.”

That excellence is also being recognized at the collegiate level. Pope’s Class of 2025 has already had 17 student-athletes sign National Letters of Intent to pursue their sport and education at the next level. This represents 3.6% of the senior class, nearly double the national average of 2%. These athletic and academic standouts represent ten sports and 14 schools from the Power Five, D1, D2, NAIA, and D3 levels.

“This group shows why we have had such great performances over the last few years. With another signing day still to come in April, this will be one of Pope’s largest classes of college signees. Watching these young women and men obtain this highly sought-after opportunity to play at the next level has been a true treat. I can’t wait to see how they each further their educational and athletic careers in college and beyond,” concluded AD Mathews proudly.

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Fox Family holiday lights display continues through Jan. 7

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Fox Family holiday lights display continues through Jan. 7
The Fox Family holiday lights display in 2023.

The 17th running of the Fox Family holiday lights display in East Cobb got underway on Dec. 1, and it lasts every night through Jan. 7.

As we’ve noted previously, that continues into to the new year due to the Orthodox Christmas. The Foxes, who live in Clary Lakes, are of the Greek Orthodox faith.

The display takes place at their home, 2994 Clary Hill Court (accessible via McPherson Road, just north of Post Oak Tritt Road; see map below), each evening from 6-11 p.m.

Karen Fox told us this week that “Santa will make visits on select Friday and/or Saturday evenings beginning 12/7, weather permitting.”

You can check the display’s special Facebook page for updates on that, as well as for other information that’s subject to change during the event.

The dazzling show this year includes the following, per her note to us:

“The display has a light tunnel, many handmade animated decorations, two snowmakers and two interactive craft stations. One station is a Letter to Santa table where children can write a letter to Santa and either give it to Santa or put it in our Santa mailbox. Second is a memorial ornament station. Visitors can either bring an ornament or make an ornament to honor someone who has passed and hang it on the memorial tree. The memorial tree is in honor of my Dad who I lost to Covid in 2022 and of my younger brother who died unexpectedly earlier this year. My Dad was and is my inspiration for our display. My childhood Christmas memories of my Dad have always included his love of decorating our home, particularly the outside. I have also dedicated a special corner of our display for my Dad, affectionately referred to as Poppy, and for my brother, Tom.”

There’s also playlist of the music that visitors can listen to in their cars on 88.3FM. Here’s what you’ll hear this year:

  • 1. Amazing Grace-Yule
  • 2. Christmas Canon-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  • 3. Christmas Eve Sarajevo-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  • 4. Deck the Halls-Mannheim Steamroller
  • 5. Let It Snow-Dean Martin
  • 6. Light of Christmas-Owl City
  • 7. Little Drummer Boy-King and Country
  • 8. Mad Russian Christmas – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  • 9. Miracle on 34th Street Overture-Bruce Broughton
  • 10. Linus and Lucy-Vince Guaraldi
  • 11. Queen of the Winter Night-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  • 12. Sleigh Ride-The Ronettes
  • 13. Wizard in Winter-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
  • 14. Candy Cane Lane-Sia
  • 15. Merry Christmas-Ed Sheehan & Elton John
Some of those selections also are subject to change, so check the Facebook page for updates. Fox also said that there will be several youth groups that have scheduled visits, some with caroling, and the Facebook page will have more details.
Fox Family Christmas Light Display

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St. Catherine’s Christmas concert features Gate City Brass

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Submitted information and photo:

Enjoy the sounds of the holidays as The Friends of Music ministry of St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church in Marietta, Ga. hosts Christmas with Gate City Brass, on Dec. 22, 2024, at 3 p.m. The live performance is part of St. Catherine’s 2024-25 community concert series.

Gate City Brass is a professional quintet based in Atlanta, Ga. The group is led by director and trumpeter Wayne Bennett, and includes trumpeter Chris Savage, tubist Trevor Kiefer, hornist Taylor Helms and trombonist Garrett Coscolluela.

The musical program will feature traditional Christmas favorites and original arrangements by members of the ensemble.

All Friends of Music events are free to the public and donations are accepted. General seating is first-come, first-served. No tickets are necessary. All concerts are held at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church, which is located at 571 Holt Road. For more information, email stcats@stcatherines.org or call 770-971-2839.

Send Us Your News!

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

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

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East Cobb retail update: Nic+Zoe opens at Avenue

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A new retail store has opened at Avenue East Cobb and on Thursday held a grand opening.East Cobb retail update: Nic+Zoe opens at Avenue

It’s Nic+Zoe, a women’s clothing and accessories store (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1000, next to Vanilla Cafe).

Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-8, Sunday 12-6.

The brand is based in Boston and features knitwear clothing lines. It operates stores in similar affluent suburban areas in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Colorado and Illinois.

The East Cobb store (1,200 square feet) is the second Nic+Zoe in the South, joining another outlet in Charlotte.

Nic+Zoe was founded in the late 2000s by a knitwear designer, Dorian Lightbown. After starting as a wholesaler, Nic+Zoe (named after Lightblown’s children) began an e-commerce operation, then opened its first retail store in 2014.

“What started with a sweater has become a mission to bring the artistry, adaptability and comfort of premium knitwear into your wardrobe,” the company states on its website.

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East Cobb Weekend Events: Holiday Lights; Apple Annie; more

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2022 East Cobb Park Holiday Lights
East Cobb comes alive Sunday with its annual Holiday Lights celebration, from 5-8 p.m.

Holiday celebrations headline this weekend’s events calendar, and Santa sightings will be in abundance.

On Friday and Saturday is the return of the venerable Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road).

Show hours are from 9-6 Friday and 9-2 Saturday featuring more than 100 vendors with handmade creations gift items, a cafe and bake sale, raffle items, a quilt raffle and holiday music.

Admission is $5 admission for ages 13 and up and proceeds benefit local charities; parking is free on-site and also at the Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road), with free shuttle service.

Starting Friday for three nights only is Mountain View Church’s longstanding Bethlehem Walk display that’s been ongoing since 1992 (2300 Jamerson Road at Trickum Road).

From 7-9 p.m. through Sunday, the public is invited to take part in an interactive recreation of the scene in Bethlehem at the birth of Christ, talking to shopkeepers, signing the census and paying taxes and enjoy hot cider and refreshments.

At the end of the display is the manger bearing the swaddling infant Jesus.

Admission is free but freewill donations will be accepted. For more questions and information e-mail:  bethlehemwalk@mv-church.org.

If you want an up close and personal visit with Santa Claus, it would be hard to beat his appearance Saturday morning at East Cobb Barber Shop (1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 148).

From 9-11, St. Nick will be on hand to meet with kids (free entry), and if you’d like to spread some holiday cheer, you can donate to Essie’s Gift Ministries, which serves families in West Georgia who are dealing with pregnancy and infant loss.

On Sunday morning, Grace Resurrection Methodist Church (1200 Indian Hills Parkway) is inviting the public to its 11 a.m. worship service that includes a Christmas concert.

The concert will feature performances by the church’s music ministry, including the chancel choir and musicians. The concert is family-friendly, and free.

As the sun sets on Sunday, East Cobb Park will be the focal point of celebrations, as the 19th Holiday Lights event takes place.

From 5-8 p.m., holiday music will abound from the concert stage, refreshments will be available for purchase (to benefit the work of the Friends for the East Cobb Park volunteer organization) and Santa Claus will make his arrival before the tree-lighting.

Family photos with Santa also will be available.

Admission is free, but the parking lot is expected to fill up. There will be overflow parking available at Wellstar East Cobb Health Park, but you’ll have to walk to and from the park.

Ongoing through Dec. 14: The Lassiter Bands Christmas Tree sale continues daily at the Highland Plaza Shopping Center (3605 Sandy Plains Road, at Gordy Parkway). Frasier firs will be cut on site, and wreaths, tree stands and disposal bag also will be available.

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East Cobb Food Scores: J. Christopher’s; Sidelines Grille; more

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J. Christopher's Woodlawn Square, East Cobb food scores

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

Asahi Japanese Steak and Sushi
2960 Shallowford Road, Suites C9-11
December 5, 2024, Score: 85, Grade: B

Chick-Fil-A Woodlawn
1201 Johnson Ferry Road
November 27, 2024, Score: 91, Grade: A

Chick-Fil-A Lassiter
3046 Shallowford Road
December 4, 2024, Score: 100, Grade: A

Cue’s Billiards
3372 Canton Road, Suite 140
December 4, 2024, Score: 92, Grade: A

J. Christopher’s East Lake Pavilions
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 50
December 2, 2024, Score: 90, Grade: A

J. Christopher’s Woodlawn Square
1205 Johnson Ferry Road, Suites 113-114
December 3, 2024, Score: 93, Grade: A

Mr. Wonton
3595 Canton Road, Suite 328
December 4, Score: 85, Grade: B

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen
2830 Windy Hill Road
December 5, 2024, Score: 90, Grade: A

Picture Show at Merchant’s Exchange
4400 Roswell Road, Suite 110
December 3, 2024, Score: 96, Grade: A

Sidelines Grille
4719 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 210
December 5, 2024, Score: 91, Grade: A

Starbucks/Pizza Hut at Target
1401 Johnson Ferry Road
December 2, 2024, Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks
2424 Roswell Road, Suite 1
December 5, 2024, Score: 100, Grade: A

Winston’s Food and Spirits
1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 101
December 5, 2024, Score: 87, Grade: B

Related:

 

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Sponsored Post: Is your dryer vent putting your home at risk?

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Please note: This is a paid advertisement.

When was the last time you cleaned your dryer vent? If your answer is “never,” you’re not alone. Many homeowners don’t realize how much lint and debris can build up in their dryer’s exhaust vent—or the serious problems this buildup can cause. From higher energy bills to house fires, neglecting this hidden part of your home can have major consequences.Sponsored Post: Is your dryer vent putting your home at risk?

Let’s break it down: Even when you regularly clean your dryer’s lint trap, some lint is expelled through the vent to the outside. Over time, this lint accumulates, restricting airflow. The result? A dryer that struggles to do its job, increased wear and tear on your appliance, and a fire hazard waiting to happen. In fact, “failure to clean” is the leading cause of dryer fires, according to FEMA’s National Fire Incident Reporting System. 

A Growing Problem

Years ago, clothes dryers were often located in basements or garages, venting directly outside through short, straight ducts. Today, many homes have dryers in more convenient but less vent-friendly spots like closets, kitchens, or upstairs laundry rooms. These setups require longer vents with twists and turns, creating more places for lint to gather and making cleaning far more challenging.

The Risks of Dirty Vents

Like a clogged artery, dirty vents force dryers to work harder, leading to longer drying times, higher energy bills, overheating, and excess wear and tear on the appliance. In extreme cases, the lint buildup can ignite. 

With age or other home repair work, dryer ducts can develop leaks or become disconnected. This allows hot, humid air and lint to exhaust into your home instead of outdoors, leading to potential mold or mildew growth and higher levels of indoor air pollutants from detergents and fabric softeners.

Recognizing the Signs

How do you know if you’re overdue for a cleaning? Here are key indicators:

  • Clothes take longer to dry.
  • No lint is expelled from exterior vent or damper flaps don’t open.
  • Excess lint is visible around the dryer or vent opening.
  • Dryer feels hotter than usual.
  • Unwanted odors or burning smell when dryer is running.
  • Increased humidity in laundry area.
  • Wet lint or water in dryer, transition hose or vent.
  • Error codes on newer dryers.

What Can You Do About It?

The National Fire Protection Association and most dryer owner’s manuals recommend having your dryer vent professionally cleaned every year. This simple step improves efficiency, reduces energy costs, extends your dryer’s life, and most importantly, keeps your home safer.

Why Choose Mama Bear Dryer Vent Care? 

When it comes to dryer vent cleaning, not all companies are created equal. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Veteran-Owned Expertise: With the integrity and reliability of a veteran-owned business and with 19 years of HVAC experience, we understand the science of airflow and the art of problem-solving.
  • Thorough Inspections: Using our camera and airflow meter, we assess your dryer vent system to identify any blockages, disconnections, leaks or other issues.
  • Expert Cleaning: Using specialized tools and techniques, we remove all lint, debris or animal nests. We provide you with before-and-after photos of the inside of your vent, as well as before-and-after airflow meter readings to see the impact of a thorough cleaning.
  • Top-Notch Repairs: We use premium InOvate® products to fix or upgrade your vent system, ensuring it meets code requirements, provides optimal airflow and protects against pest and weather intrusion.
  • Certified and Insured: Choosing the right professional for dryer vent cleaning isn’t just a matter of convenience; it’s about safety, expertise, and compliance. The CSIA Certified Dryer Exhaust Technician (C-DET) is the only nationally recognized credential for dryer vent cleaning. This certification signifies that a technician has been tested and proven knowledgeable in the comprehensive safety standards and performance measures regulated by the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). We are insured through Berkshire Hathaway for your peace of mind.

Take Action Today!  

Don’t wait for a costly repair—or worse, a fire—to remind you of the importance of regular maintenance. Schedule a professional dryer vent inspection or cleaning today.

Visit MamaBearDryerVentCare.com or call/text (404) 491-1531 to book your service. Let Mama Bear take care of the dirty work so you and your dryer can breathe easier! 

 

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East Cobb school renovation projects on school board agenda

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Timber Ridge Elementary School, East Cobb Schools, Georgia milestones
Timber Ridge Elementary School

The Cobb Board of Education will be asked Thursday to approve contracts for renovations and to take preparatory steps for replacement projects at several elementary schools in East Cobb.

One agenda item is recommending a contract for $7.691 million for an HVAC replacement, roof replacement, flooring replacement and restroom modernization at Timber Ridge Elementary School.

Another item is recommending three contracts totaling more than $415,000 to conduct parcel surveys and soil testing needed for the design of annex replacement projects at Kincaid, Mt. Bethel, Murdock, Sope Creek and Tritt elementary schools.

Those items and others will be discussed at a board work sessions starting at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, and are listed as action items for the board voting meeting that begins at 7 p.m.

You can view the agendas for the public meetings by clicking here.

An executive session is scheduled in between the public meetings, which will take place in the board room of the Cobb County School District’s central office (514 Glover Street, Marietta).

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

Thursday’s meetings also will the last for Post 5 board member David Banks, who is retiring after serving four teams as Republican from the East Cobb area.

He will be succeeded by Republican John Cristadoro, a first-time office-holder who will be sworn in in January.

The East Cobb renovation projects are being funded in the current Cobb Education-SPLOST VI collection period. Also on Thursday’s agenda are contracts for the purchases of school buses and Cobb school district police vehicles.

The district is recommending spending $4.287 million ($31.9 million in SPLOST VI funds) for 25 school buses.

Another contract for $379,925 would be used to buy seven 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe 4WD pursuit vehicles for the district’s police department.

School board members also will be asked to approve $100 million in short-term construction notes to continue SPLOST VI construction projects in 2025. Another vote in January will include specifics of a competitive bidding process for the sale of the notes, which are loans that must be paid back by the end of next year.

District staff also will present to the school board proposed changes in administrative policies over school admissions, including the school choice transfer program and other transfer options (pp. 63-104), non-traditional students and home study students.

Other proposed provisions address employee recruitment, leaves and absences and compensation guides and contracts.

The district also will present its 2025 legislative priorities, but did not provide details in the meeting agenda.

Related:

 

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ACAP Cobb/Cherokee chapter to hold December info session

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Submitted information:ACAP to hold program in East Cobb for senior living options

ACAP Cobb & Cherokee will offer its free monthly educational program on Thursday, December 19, 2024. The program is in person at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Kapperman-Williams Hall, 2881 Canton Road, Marietta, GA. The program begins at 6:30 p.m.

This month’s topic is the “Funding Sources as Loved Ones Need More Care.” Navigate the cost of medical and long-term care with confidence. Our program explores funding options like private savings, insurance, government programs, VA benefits, and reverse mortgages. Learn to identify financial resources and consult trusted professionals, ensuring your loved ones receive the care they need without undue stress.

The program will be presented by Ritika Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer of Elderlife Financial Services. 

ACAP Cobb & Cherokee is a chapter of ACAPcommunity.org, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2012. ACAP Cobb & Cherokee meets on the third Thursday of each month at Covenant Presbyterian Church,  Kapperman-Williams Hall, 2881 Canton Road, Marietta, GA. 

For more information, or to register for this and other upcoming free programs, visit www.acapcommunity.org/events, or contact Mr. Christian Kuswita, ACAP Cobb & Cherokee chapter co-coordinator, at cobbcherokee@acapcommunity.org.

 

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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Kennesaw State announces fall 2024 commencement ceremonies

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Submitted information:KSU logo

Nearly 3,400 graduates will receive their degrees during Kennesaw State University’s Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies Dec. 10-13.

KSU undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students will be recognized during eight Commencement ceremonies at the Convocation Center on the Kennesaw Campus. The Fall 2024 graduates represent 120 majors and hail from 37 states in the U.S.

Kennesaw State’s Fall 2024 graduating class also includes:
• 507 first-generation college graduates
• 34 military veterans
• Graduates ranging in age from 18 to 72
• 966 students graduating with the honor of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude

Commencement schedule
Tuesday, Dec. 10
10 a.m. – College of Computing and Software Engineering (undergraduate students); Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences (psychology undergraduate students)
3 p.m. – Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences (undergraduate and graduate students)

Wednesday, Dec. 11
10 a.m. – Bagwell College of Education; College of Science and Mathematics
3 p.m. – Wellstar College of Health and Human Services

Thursday, Dec. 12
10 a.m. – Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology; College of the Arts3 p.m. – College of Computing and Software Engineering (graduate students); College of Architecture and Construction Management

Friday, Dec. 13
10 a.m. – Coles College of Business (graduate students, management and marketing undergraduates)
3 p.m. – Coles College of Business (undergraduate students in all other majors)
For more information about the graduation ceremonies, visit the Commencement website.

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LiveSafe Resources announces Women of Achievement honorees

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Submitted information:liveSafe Resources

LiveSafe Resources is proud to present the honorees for the 40th Anniversary Tribute to Women of Achievement. Each year, the organization honors fifteen women leaders, nominated by their peers, who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their personal, professional, and volunteer endeavors. These fifteen outstanding women from the metro Atlanta area were recently chosen through a competitive application process, and one of them will also be named “2025 Woman of the Year” at the Tribute to Achievement awards gala on March 21, 2025.

The women to be honored this year join a prestigious group of more than 600 honorees over the past 39 years known as the Academy of Women Leaders, who have been recognized for their contributions in their professions and the community. The 2025 honorees include:

  • Angela Blank, Community Advocate & Volunteer
  • Edith Boy, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
  • Charisse Braxton, Sr. Director Clinical Operations, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia
  • Sandra Butler, CEO and Founder, Advanced Skin Care
  • Kimberly Carroll, Deputy Court Administrator, Cobb County Superior Court Administration
  • Cassy Ferrell, Senior Vice President, Treasury Operations, Georgia’s Own Credit Union
  • Judy Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Voices for Georgia’s Children
  • Kate Gaffney, Director of Pro Bono, Atlanta Legal Aid Society
  • Rachel Harmon, Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science, Oxford College of Emory University
  • Jessica Lee, Director of Ticket Operations, Atlanta Braves & Truist Park
  • Freda Lyon, Vice President of Emergency Services, Wellstar Health System
  • Betsy Madrerohon, Vice President, Commercial Banker, Capital City Bank
  • Ashley Palmer, Judge, State Court of Cobb County
  • Jennifer Stanley, Physician Liaison, Northside Hospital
  • Heather Walker, Chief Deputy, Cobb County Tax Commissioner’s Office

The 2025 Tribute to Women of Achievement gala will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria Friday, March 21 at 6:00 pm. Individual tickets and corporate tables are available for purchase. The evening will feature a social reception, dinner program, silent and live auction, and an after party.

The gala will honor the 2025 Women of Achievement and highlight the work of LiveSafe Resources to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. Additionally, the evening will honor the recipient of the Pat Head Dignity Award, honoring a member of public safety who exemplifies the standard of “doing the right thing” when serving victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, and the Kim Gresh Survivor’s Award, given to a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault whose unique story inspires others and reflects the mission of LiveSafe Resources.

“We are thrilled to honor these distinguished women who lead and serve the community at the 40th Annual Tribute to Achievement. Through community partnership and support, LiveSafe Resources is able to provide survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault the safety and support needed in order to rebuild their lives,” stated Lisa Mello, CEO of LiveSafe Resources. “Together we are creating generational change in our community, and we cannot do it without leaders like these amazing honorees.”

LiveSafe Resources thanks its event sponsors for their ongoing commitment to supporting victims impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault and invites the community at large to join this mission through a tax-deductible donation or by attending the gala on March 21, 2025

About LiveSafe Resources
LiveSafe Resources is dedicated to building a community free from domestic violence and sexual assault where we all live safely. For questions about the Tribute to Achievement gala or Woman of the Year award, contact Megan Cannady at development@livesaferesources.org. For details on LiveSafe Resources’ programs and services for victims, or how to be part of the solution, visit www.livesaferesources.org. For the 24-hour crisis line, call 770-427-3390.