Wendy Parker

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

East Cobb early voting guide for the 2024 general election

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Georgia runoff elections

From Oct. 15-Nov. 1, Georgia and Cobb voters can cast their ballots in person in advance of the Nov. 5 general election.

The 2024 elections feature new some boundaries due to court-ordered redistricting, particularly in races for the Cobb Board of Education.

The Cobb Board of Elections and Cobb GIS are providing an estimated wait-time map that will be updated several times a day during the early voting period.

When, where, how to vote

Early voting will take place at select locations around the county, including the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road) as follows:

  • Oct. 15-18, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 19, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 20, Sunday, 12-5 p.m. (East Cobb Govt. Center)
  • Oct. 21-25, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 26, Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Oct. 27, Sunday, 12-5 p.m. (East Cobb Govt. Center)
  • Oct. 28-Nov. 1, Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

There is no early voting from Nov. 2-4. On election day, Nov. 5, voters will go their assigned precincts.

For more locations for early voting, click here. Cobb voters can cast early ballots at any location in the county regardless of where they live.

Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls (click here for details).

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Oct. 25. You can get an application online from the Georgia Secretary of State’s office by clicking here.

There is an absentee ballot drop box at the East Cobb Government Service Center that is open during early voting hours.

Absentee ballots must be received in person or by mail at the Cobb Elections office or delivered to a designated drop box by 7 p.m. on Nov. 5, when the polls close for good on election day.

To check your voter registration status, and to get a customized sample ballot, visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s My Voter Page.

Who/What’s on the ballot?

The U.S. Presidential race headlines a lengthy ballot for Georgia voters, but there are many local elections to be decided.

Cobb voters will decide whether to approve a 30-year sales tax to fund expanded bus transit operations, including a transfer station in East Cobb and the restoration of previous routes along Roswell and Johnson Ferry roads.

In East Cobb, voters will choose a new Post 5 member to the Cobb Board of Education, following the retirement of four-term member David Banks.

The candidates are both first-timers, Democrat Laura Judge, and Republican John Cristadoro. They are parents of students in the Walton High School attendance zone.

The Post 5 boundaries were changed during a court-ordered redistricting that placed some of the Wheeler attendance zone in Post 6. Post 5 includes most of the Walton and Wheeler zones, along with some of the Pope zones (map here).

Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, a Democrat, is seeking a second term and is being opposed by Republican Kay Morgan.

Other countywide races include District Attorney, Sheriff, Tax Commissioner, Superior Court Clerk and State Court Clerk. Non-partisan judicial races were decided during the May primaries.

The Georgia 11th Congressional District that includes East Cobb is on the ballot, as are all legislative seats.

Those legislative seats with East Cobb constituencies include districts 32, 33 and 56 in the Georgia Senate, and districts 37, 43, 44, 45 and 46 in the Georgia House.

There will be special elections in 2025 to determine District 2 and District 4 on the Cobb Board of Commissioners, after a court ruling struck down the county’s home rule claims for redistricting,

Those elections are do-overs from the May primaries using now-invalidated electoral maps.

District 2 had included some of East Cobb put has been pushed west of the Powers Ferry Road corridor.

Most of East Cobb is now represented by District 3 Commissioner JoAnn Birrell, a Republican, whose current term expires at the end of 2026.

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Cobb proposes ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units

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A series of proposed code amendments to be heard by the Cobb Board of Commissioners in November includes a measure that would permit small homes to be built in residential backyards.Cobb proposes ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units

What are called “accessory dwelling units,” or ADUs, would be allowed in most residential zoning categories. They could be as large as 850 square feet and house up to three unrelated adults and up to six children, as well as maximum parking for five cars in a driveway or garage and another vehicle off-street.

Unlike “tiny houses,” which are mobile, the ADUs under the proposed Cobb ordinance would be required to be permanently structured and hooked up to utilities serving the primary home.

The property owner also must live on the premises and the smaller unit could not be used as a short-term rental.

Only a few counties in Georgia allow ADUs, which have been touted as a way to address housing affordability issues.

Cobb’s average home sales price surpassed $500,000 for the first time in 2024.

Developers also promote ADUs as a way for homeowners to earn rental income (example recently in the city of Atlanta) or to provide housing for a family member, such as a senior, and for college students.

The proposed ADU code amendment (you can read it here) will first be heard by the Cobb Planning Commission on Nov. 5, followed by public hearings to be held by Cobb commissioners on Nov. 12 and Nov. 21.

The county distributed the proposed code amendments (summarized here, with links) but hasn’t publicized the upcoming hearings nor has it explained explained why the ordinance is being subject to revisions now.

Typically Cobb updates its ordinance twice a year, in January and September, but that pattern hasn’t happened recently.

East Cobb News has left a message with the county seeking comment and further information, and has contacted District 3 commissioner JoAnn Birrell as well.

Richard Grome, president of the East Cobb Civic Association, said his group is analyzing all the proposed code amendments, but “we are not at a point in our analysis, at this time, to make a definitive announcement or take a position on any of” them.

Cobb’s current ordinance permits no more than two unrelated adults living together, and one vehicle for every 390 square feet of living space.

There aren’t provisions for allowing ADUs, but the proposed code amendment stipulates the following:

a. ADU shall not exceed 50% of the gross square footage of the primary single-family dwelling unit or 850 square feet.

b. ADU shall be no more than one-story in height, not to exceed the height of the primary single-family dwelling unit.

c. A minimum of one off-street parking spot shall be provided for the ADU.

d. ADU shall be connected to the utilities meters of the primary structure.

e. ADU shall be located only in the rear yard, and shall adhere to the side and rear yard setback of the primary structure.

f. Maximum impervious surface coverage for the lot shall not exceed the zoning district limitation.

g. ADU must adhere to all other standards for accessory structures in the zoning district.

h. There shall be no more than one ADU per single-family lot.

i. ADU shall not be utilized as a short-term rental property.

j. The owner(s) of the property shall reside in either the primary single family-dwelling unit or the ADU.

k. Property owner(s) shall sign an affidavit stating that the ADU is not in conflict with any applicable covenants, conditions, deed restrictions, or bylaws.

ADUs have been mentioned as part of a Cobb Unified Development Code that was first proposed in 2021 but has been put on hold.

There were public meetings last December, and tentative plans for more feedback and adoption in 2024, but nothing further has been issued since an outside consultant released this code assessment in November 2023.

It didn’t specifically mention adding ADUs to the code, but it does call for reviewing and updating accessory uses and structures.

“The list of accessory uses will include some of the current accessory uses, with definitions and standards as appropriate. It will also include additional accessory uses or structures that may be appropriate, such as automated teller machines,” wrote the consultant, Clarion Associates LLC, a nationwide land-use and planning firm.

County officials said the UDC was a long overdue measure to streamline development standards and zoning categories.

But some Cobb residents declared the UDC to be a “war on the suburbs” that would increase density in traditional single-family neighborhoods.

County officials have contended that in response that “what you see in your neighborhood is going to pretty much be the same.”

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Cobb Drug Treatment Court recognizes five new graduates

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Cobb Drug Treatment Court recognizes five new graduates

Submitted information and photo:

Judges, elected officials, community members, court staff, attorneys, family members, and friends packed the Cobb Superior Court Ceremonial Courtroom to congratulate the five newest Cobb County Drug Treatment Court graduates. The graduates, staff, family, and friends shared moments of tears and laughter as they detailed their journey. The overriding theme was a sense of accomplishment, hope, and excitement for the next chapter of their lives.

The Drug Treatment Court is an alternative to incarceration for individuals involved in the justice system with a substance use disorder. The 18–24-month program uses a combination of close supervision, individualized evidence-based treatment, and recovery support to hold offenders accountable for their actions and teach them to be productive members of the community.

One of the graduates shared, “My experience in Drug Court has been a roller coaster ride of ups and downs in the beginning but leveled out towards the end. Drug Court changed my life by teaching me how to deal with the highs and lows of life without escaping through using drugs.”

Superior Court Judge Kimberly A. Childs presides over the Drug Treatment Court and the multi-disciplinary team administering the program. After the graduation ceremony, she reflected that “these graduates exemplify the need for and importance of an evidence-based recovery and treatment program in our criminal justice system. Our community should be proud of the commitment Cobb County has to helping those with substance use disorder transform their lives. Through the efforts of our dedicated team and with the continued support of our stakeholders, these 5 graduates are now sober, independent, and productive members of our society.”

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East Cobb Weekend Events: String quartet; Music in the Park; more

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East Cobb Weekend Events: String quartet; Music in the Park; more

Music is in the air—both indoors and out—and will headline weekend events in and near East Cobb.

Sunday afternoon music-lovers can choose from dueling concerts if you will, starting with the sounds of the Atlanta-based Amadeus String Ensemble (pictured above) at 3 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road). It’s the season opener of the church’s 2024-25 Friends of Music concert schedule.

Admission is free for the public to attend, but freewill donations are accepted.

The Friends for the East Cobb Park will hold another Music in the Park event Sunday at 4 p.m. featuring the familiar sounds of the Loose Shoes Duo.

Come to the concert shell at the park (3322 Roswell Road) and bring picnic fare, blankets/chairs and enjoy. The presenting sponsor is Wellstar Health System, and another concert is scheduled for Oct. 27.

The weather all weekend will be gorgeous, and the second Saturday of the month means it’s another Hyde Farm Walking Tour. Come to Hyde Farm (721 Hyde Road) with your walking shoes for a stroll through the Cobb PARKS-operated 1840s working farm for a 45-minute tour starting at 10 a.m.

It’s free, but you’re asked to register in advance for head-count purposes.

Later Saturday afternoon, it’s the Faith Lutheran School Fall Festival (2111 Lower Roswell Road) that’s open to the public. Enjoy family-oriented fun with petting zoo, bounce houses, carnival games, food and drink and a craft market of local vendors and artists running from 3-6 p.m.

On both Saturday and Sunday, it’s Chalkobterfest, a chalk art and beer festival presented by the Marietta-Cobb Museum of Art.

More than 80 artists, more than 100 different beer and 40 different wines will be served up on the Marietta Square to celebrate the onset of fall.

There also will be live music, food trucks and art vendors.

The main festival is 10-5 Saturday and 11-5 Sunday; the beer festival runs from 12-5 Saturday and you can buy tickets for the latter by clicking here.

Send Us Your News!

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

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Tommy Nobis Center moves into new facility near Truist Park

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Tommy Nobis Center moves into new facility near Truist Park

 

Submitted information and photo:

Tommy Nobis Center (TNC), a Marietta-based nonprofit that empowers people through employment, has moved to their newly renovated Cobb County location. Formerly located at 1480 Bells Ferry Road in Marietta, Tommy Nobis Center has provided education, training, and employment to people with disabilities for the last 47 years.

Formerly the Cobb Chamber of Commerce building, the fully renovated state-of-the-art facility is located on 1.7 acres at 240 Interstate North Parkway across I-75 from Truist Park in the hub of surrounding businesses. The new education and training center was designed to reflect the mission of TNC and to provide more classroom and training space to meet the needs of flourishing educational programs. 

“This is a major milestone for our organization,” says President and CEO, Dave Ward. “The new facility will allow us to double our impact in half the space and is centrally located making it more accessible to our program participants.”

A $5.86M three-year capital campaign launched in August of 2023 has already secured 90% of funds needed to fully subsidize the project. With leadership from Devon Jackoniski, the daughter of Tommy Nobis and significant support from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation and the Atlanta Falcons, The Imlay Foundation, and other major donors in Atlanta, this innovative endeavor will benefit our entire community, as employing people with disabilities helps the local economy and provides an untapped pool of talent for local businesses.

Tommy Nobis Center will host open house events on November 13th and 14th between 8:00am and 3:00pm.

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Italian restaurant, patisserie coming to Avenue East Cobb

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Drift Fish House and Oyster Bar
An Italian restaurant, Luga, and an adjoining patisserie, Giulia, will occupy the former Drift space at Avenue East Cobb.

A full-service Italian restaurant and an accompanying patisserie will be opening at Avenue East Cobb in 2025.

North American Properties announced Wednesday that Luga will occupy the former Drift Fish House and Oyster Bar space, serving up Italian cuisine that includes an expanded bar, an open kitchen, a private dining room and patio. The one-page menu includes “fresh antipasti, crisp salads, Roma-style pizzas, and house made pastas.”

The restaurant is a new concept by Ben and Seth Gjuka, brothers who opened Giulia, an Italian bakery, in Peachtree Corners in April. Their second location will operate adjacent to Luga and will serve pastries, croissants, sandwiches and a variety of coffee drinks.

NAP said that Luga and Guilia are expected to open next spring.

Next summer, Tenku Sushi Elevation will be opening in one of the new “jewel box” buildings that’s part of Avenue East Cobb’s recent redevelopment.

Tenku’s first restaurant, in Woodstock, offers a variety of Japanese dishes that include nigiri and sashimi, signature rolls, robata grills, omakase, and flame-seared marinated octopus.

The Avenue East Cobb location will have a rooftop bar.

Two retail stores are slated to come to Avenue East Cobb later this year.

Women’s clothing boutique Nic + Zoe is expected to open for the holidays near the Kendra Scott store.

Over the winter, luxury bedding company Boll & Branch will be opening next to the Barnes & Noble store.

A Super Chix fast-casual restaurant recently opened at Avenue, adding to a slate of new eateries that includes Round Trip Brewing Co.

Also opening at Avenue is eLo Vegan Lifestyle, the flagship store for natural body products. Slated to open soon is a Pause Studio location.

NAP said the new additions will make Avenue East Cobb 96 percent leased, compared to the 75 percent occupancy rate when it took over management of the retail center in 2021.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Peace, Love and Pizza; Hong Kong Star; more

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Peace Love and Pizza, 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:

American Deli
2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2194
October 9, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

Atlanta Country Club
500 Atlanta Country Club Drive
October 9, 2024 Score: 85, Grade: B

China Great Wall
1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 302
October 7, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Domino’s Pizza
1230 Powers Ferry Road
October 8, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Fugu Express
2900 Delk Road, Suite 2000
October 8, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Hong Kong Star
4719 Lower Roswell, Suite 110
October 10, 2024 Score: 94, Grade: A

La  Strada
2930 Johnson Ferry Road
October 10, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Mediterranean Express
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 100
October 10, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Parc at Piedmont
999 Hood Road
October 9, 2024 Score: 94, Grade: A

Peace Love & Pizza
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 154
October 7, 2024 Score: 97, Grade: A

Planet Smoothie
1050 East Piedmont Road, Suite 200
October 7, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Starbucks
31 Johnson Ferry Road
October 10, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Tea Time
3162 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 116
October 10, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Willy’s Mexicana Grill
4250 R0swell Road, Suite 120
October 9, 2024 Score: 89, Grade: B

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

Submitted information and photos:

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance is pleased to announce that a group of 19 community volunteers picked up 380 pounds of trash at the group’s Adopt-A-Mile Fall event in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful on Saturday, Oct. 5.

Wearing bright yellow vests, the participants gathered everything from illegal stick signs to general roadside litter into 55 orange trash bags along Powers Ferry Road from Terrell Mill Road to Wildwood Parkway. Keep Cobb Beautiful also sponsored a pop-up recycle drop-off station in conjunction with the event at the Kroger Fuel parking lot on Powers Ferry, collecting 38 Hefty bags of renewable items, 300 pounds of glass and 40 pounds of general recyclable material from 41 residents.

“It’s amazing to see local residents and business leaders join forces to keep our community clean and vibrant,” said Kedrick Green, PFCA’s Adopt-A-Mile coordinator. “The PFCA strives to create opportunities for volunteers to give back and also be a part of a bigger initiative.”

Area neighborhoods and organizations represented included Riverwalk at Wildwood, Riverstone at Wildwood, Girl Scouts, Valencia Hills, Terrell Mill Estates, Hyde Park, Flats at Riverwalk, Lassiter High School, Stratford Grove and Wynne’s Ridge Condominiums.

Volunteers enjoyed complimentary refreshments provided by Kroger. The event was additionally supported by Take 5 Oil Change, Custom Signs Today and cheered on by the firefighters at Cobb County Fire Station 19.  Keep Cobb Beautiful’s Adopt-A-Mile program is a partnership that allows individuals and/or groups to improve the appearance of our community. Learn more: powersferryca.com.

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

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Lassiter leads Cobb high schools in 2024 graduation rates

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Lassiter High School graduation rate

For the third year in a row, Lassiter High School led the Cobb County School District in its graduation rate in 2024.

According to data released by the Georgia Department of Education, 98 percent of Lassiter’s Class of 2024 (435 of 444 seniors) received their diplomas in May.

That’s just above 97.6 percent for Walton and Harrison and 97.3 percent for Pope.

Cobb’s overall graduation rate was 87.9 percent, up from 87.7 percent in 2023 and above the Georgia average of 85.4 percent, according to a Cobb school district release.

In addition, the graduation rates at Sprayberry High School was 90.8 percent, a 3.3-percent increase from last year, the highest jump in the district.

The figures are compiled as part of what the state calls the “4-Year Cohort Graduation Rate.”

That is defined as follows:

“The number of students who graduate in four years with a regular high school diploma, divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduation class.”

The federal rate is calculated in the ninth grade, and includes even students who are enrolled only for a day.

Cobb also produces what it calls “a more complete” graduation rate, comparing the actual class sizes as they go through the 10th, 11th and 12th grades.

Those numbers have Kell and Pope at 100 percent, and with every other Cobb high school at least atd 97,3 percent.

“For students enrolled in Cobb Schools for at least 2 years, the District’s graduation rate jumps by 5.9 percentage points to 93.8% and steadily increases the longer a student is enrolled,” the Cobb release said.

“For students enrolled all four years of high school, Cobb’s ‘real’ graduation rate skyrockets to 99.1%.”

The Georgia Department of Education said its 85.4 percent graduation rate, which rose from 84,4 percent last year, is an all-time high.

“A total of 115 Georgia school districts recorded graduation rates at or above 90%, and 44 districts recorded rates at or above 95%. Georgia’s statewide graduation rate has increased by 18 percentage points since 2011,” Georgia School Superintendent Richard Woods said in a release.

Grad Class Size Total Graduates 2024 Rate 2023 Rate
Kell 371 342 92.2 93.8
Lassiter 444 435 98.0 98.4
Pope 446 434 97.3 95.6
Sprayberry 434 394 90.8 87.5
Walton 653 637 97.6 96.8
Wheeler 577 512 88.7 90.7
Cobb 9260 8188 87.9 87.7

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East Side ES Cub Scout Pack 744 celebrates 50th anniversary

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East Side ES Cub Scout Pack 744 celebrates 50th anniversary

Submitted information and photo:

On October 6th, Cub Scout Pack 744 of Marietta celebrated its 50th anniversary of their founding at McFarlane Park, marking five decades of building young leaders and fostering a sense of adventure. Chartered by Eastside Elementary since its inception, Pack 744 has been a cornerstone of the community, with hundreds of Scouts and families impacted over the years.

Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting program of Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, available to youth from kindergarten through fifth grade, 5 to 10 years of age, and their families. In Cub Scouts, youth are encouraged to make friends, be helpful to others, and do their very best no matter the outcome. With the help of powerful learning projects and exciting outdoor activities, we aim to teach children that doing their best can be a fun and rewarding experience—no matter the difficulty of the challenge.

The anniversary event welcomed eight former Cubmasters, including Mark Roberts (2022-2024), David Linsey (2020-2022), Chris Ray (2016-2019), Hilary Thornton (2014-2016), John LaVoy (2013-2014), Steve Kleinrichert (2009-2010), Scott Lovell (2008), and Zett Quinn (2005-2007), who shared memories of their time leading the Pack. Each Cubmaster reflected on the adventures, challenges, and camaraderie that shaped Pack 744 and guided it to success. Former Committee Chairs, Den Leaders, and scout alumni also attended. Cubmaster James Stovall, who is now coming through the Pack for a second time with his youngest son Luke, expressed his gratitude to these former leaders and shared his excitement for the Pack’s future.

The Pack’s vision—”We want to be the most fun and adventurous pack in Georgia, preparing our Scouts for both Scouting and life”—is evident in their activities. In the past year, Scouts have explored Cumberland Caverns spending overnight in a cave in Tennessee, rafted the Nantahala River in North Carolina, and are preparing for a mountain biking event at Blankets Creek in Cobb County. With over 100 participants registered for SpookyRee, an upcoming camping weekend at Bert Adams Scout Camp in Covington, the Pack is as adventurous as ever.

State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, representing Georgia’s 32nd District, was also in attendance. A dedicated supporter of Scouting, Senator Kirkpatrick praised the Pack’s enduring commitment to service and community. She and her husband, both lonhg-time Scout supporters, recently hosted Scout Day at the Capitol, in which Pack 744 proudly participated.

The anniversary’s theme, “Scouting: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” captured the essence of Pack 744’s legacy. With 63 families, including 26 new families in the last six months, the Pack continues to grow and thrive. Much like other organizations, Pack 744 faced a dip in participation during the COVID era, but today, it is rebuilding with energy. The pack continues to recruit more youth than are graduating out each year, signaling a bright and adventurous future ahead.

A significant highlight of the celebration was the international food tasting, where each Scout family made a dish to represent their cultural heritage. This showcased the Pack’s rich diversity, with dishes such as Southern smoked barbecue sliders, japchae (a Korean favorite of sweet potato noodles with meat and vegetables), Chinese dumplings, Russian angel wings pastry, crepes with beef, French apple tart, Dutch oven apple cobbler, and much more. The food offered a flavorful glimpse into the Pack’s international makeup and symbolized the spirit of unity within diversity that Scouting fosters.

While much has changed since Pack 744’s founding in 1974 the values of Scouting remain constant. For 50 years, Pack 744 has instilled leadership, responsibility, and a love for adventure in young Scouts, preparing them for life and making a lasting impact on the community.

As the celebration concluded, it was evident that the Pack’s legacy is built on the dedication of its leaders, families, and Scouts. With a focus on adventure, service, and fun, Pack 744 is ready to continue its journey for another 50 years, growing stronger and carrying on the scouting legacy each step of the way.

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Cobb Library Foundation to hold ‘Casino Night’ fundraiser

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Submitted information:Cobb Library Foundation to hold 'Casino Night' fundraiser

Join us for an evening of fun, music, great prizes, and so much more at the elegant Atlanta Country Club on November 9, 2024 for the Cobb Library Foundation’s 3rd Annual Casino Night. Don’t miss out, buy your tickets now!

Can’t attend? Donate now (form below) and help us continue our mission to help our Cobb County Public Libraries be the best in the State! This year we have funded the Summer Reading Program, the North Cobb Regional Library Garden, purchased a new ScanPro for the Georgia Room, OBIE Projector that will be circulated throughout the Library System, an Illumination Station for the Vinings Library, and so much more! Thank you for your participation and support!

For more information and tickets, click here.

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

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Giverny Park, East Cobb real estate sales
Giverny Park

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

3583 Clementine Court, 30066 (Churchill Falls): $465,000

4301 Highborne Drive, 30066 (Highland Pointe): $680,000

Pope

3290 North Hembree Road, 30062: $850,000 (lot)

2242 Cedar Forks Drive, 30062 (Cedar Forks): $512,000

3347 Millinocket Road, 30062 (Cutters Gap): $412,000

4107 Twin Leaf Court, 30062 (Lost Forest Place): $915,000

3244 Rangers Gate, 30062 (Pine Springs): $415,000

Sprayberry

124 Vintage Club Circle, 30066 (The Vintage Club): $430,000

3120 Boyce Drive, 30066 (Princeton Pointe): $730,000

2777 Stillwater Lake Court, 30066 (Stillwater Lake): $587,000

1525 Kincaid Road, 30066: $510,000

2143 Ridgewood Court, 30066 (North Field): $330,000

1940 Kerry Creek Drive, 30066 (Kerry Creek): $691,000

405 England Place, 30066 (Canterbury North): $420,000

2111 Bungalow Park Drive, 30066 (Bungalow Park): $629,362

1651 Northwoods Drive, 30066 (Caribou Hills): $475,000

3186 Mary Drive, 30066 (Russell Plantation): $493,000

Walton

4080 Summit Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills): $847,400

2990 Octavia Circle, 30062 (Vestavia Estates): $1.2 million

617 Serramonte Drive, 30068 (Villas at Parkaire): $380,000

120 Woodlawn Drive, 30067 (Sanders Field Estates): $950,000 (lot)

4205 Cove Court, 30067 (Kings Cove): $764,000

4387 Cove Island Drive, 30067 (Kings Cove): $535,000

Wheeler

3760 Waterlilly Way, 30067 (Giverny Park): $1.3 million

70 Wagon Wheel Court, 30067 (Cherokee Crossing): $601,000

291 Lamplighter Lane, 30067 (Fox Hills): $465,000

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Bi-partisan interfaith panel to discuss worship safety

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An interfaith groups, Jews and Allies of Georgia, is holding a panel discussion Sunday in East Cobb on the subject of safety in houses of worship.Bi-partisan interfaith panel to discuss worship safety

The event is free and takes place from 4-7 p.m. in the Chimney Springs subdivision clubhouse (2465 Hearthstone Circle).

The invited speakers include State Sen. John Albers, a Republican who represents part of East Cobb, and Eric Castater, a Democrat seeking the State House District 45 seat.

The moderator is JoEllen Smith of East Cobb of Jews and Allies of Georgia and an advocate for legislation to protect houses of worship.

The discussion will examine security threats to places of worship in the United States as is occurring in Europe and elsewhere, and the need for additional measures to protect churches, mosques and synagogues and evaluating K-12 curricula for religious bias.

Anyone wishing to attend is asked to e-mail JewsAllies@gmail.com to RSVP.

 

 

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East Cobb weekend events: Oktoberfest; book sale; more

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Holy Trinity Oktoberfest, East Cobb weekend events

There’s a bit more fall in the air as a variety of seasonal events take place in East Cobb and beyond, and the weather should be perfect for the outdoor activities that are on tap:

Early on Saturday is the fall Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance Adopt-A-Mile Cleanup. It gets underway at  8:30 a.m. at the Kroger Fuel parking lot, 1310 Powers Ferry Road, and volunteers will be working in that area in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful.

All supplies and safety equipment will be provided; all you need to do is click here to sign up.

The monthly gathering of the East Cobb Park Garden Club takes place from 10-12 as work continues on Sunny’s Butterfly Garden (our previous story here). They’re looking for volunteers and all you have to do is show up if you’re interested.

Get your oompa on all day Saturday at the 13th rendition of Oktoberfest at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (2922 Sandy Plains Road), from 10-6.

It’s the church’s annual festival of German heritage and culture, featuring German food, a live polka band, craft fair, horseshoe tournament, and a kid’s area with bounce houses, face painting and more.

Bring canned food for MUST Ministries food pantry in place of an entrance fee: $7 or seven cans for each adult, $3 or three cans for each child or $20 for twenty cans for a family.

You can park at the U.S. Post Office after 1 p.m.

A bit off-calendar and just outside our coverage area: the Cobb Truck-A-Palooza Saturday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Town Center at Cobb (400 Ernest W Barrett Parkway).

There will be fire engines to police motorcycles for kids and adults, and all proceeds from Truck-A-Palooza will benefit the Cobb County Safety Village.

Admission os $5 adults and free for 2 and under, or $20 for a family/group up to 6 people.

The Cobb Library System’s Fall Book Sale is Friday-Sunday at the Cobb Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Parkway). Bring whatever you think you need to take away your purchases of books, CDs, magazines, puzzles and more, ranging in price from 10 cents to $4.

Hours are 9-5 Friday-Saturday and 1-5 Sunday and parking is free, along with admission.

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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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!

 

Thanks for Giving annual food drive to get underway

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Submitted information:Center for Family Resources

The thanks for Giving annual food drive is collecting donations to feed 1,000 families in need in Cobb County for the entire Thanksgiving week.

The drive is organized by The Center for Family Resources which serves Cobb County families experiencing homelessness or who may be in danger of becoming homeless. 

Community members are asked to participate by becoming an event sponsor, hosting a Thanks for Giving food drive, or making a charitable donation. Local schools can also support The CFR’s efforts by hosting a food drive. 

For donations of food, drop off your non-perishable food items Oct. 7 – Nov. 15 at the Cobb Family Advocacy Center, 277 SE Fairground Street, Marietta.

Read more about how you can help here.

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Cobb to monitor effects of Rockdale chemical plant fire

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Here’s what Cobb County Government and the Cobb Emergency Management Agency released late Wednesday afternoon, after saying on Monday the Rockdale chemical plant fire posed no local threat:Cobb to monitor effects of Rockdale chemical plant fire

“The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) has issued an advisory stating that a shift in weather patterns could push smoke from the BioLab facility in Rockdale County toward metro Atlanta. Winds from the southeast are expected late Wednesday. As the smoke settles near the ground after sunset, ‘there is a high likelihood that people across Metro Atlanta will wake up Thursday morning seeing haze and smelling chlorine.’

“While it is unlikely that any haze reaching Cobb County will contain chlorine at harmful levels, the GEMA advisory notes, ‘It is important to know that as the air settles each evening, smoke also settles toward the ground. As the air lifts back up in the afternoon and evening, the smell and haze should dissipate. Chlorine has a very low odor threshold, meaning you can smell it before it reaches a harmful level.

“ ‘We are working closely with GEMA and the EPA, and we are prepared to conduct air testing in Cobb County if necessary,’ said Cobb Emergency Management Agency Director Cassie Mazloom. ‘We requested testing earlier this week, and the EPA reported no traces of chlorine or hydrogen chloride were found.’

“Cobb County Fire Department’s HazMat team will also be on standby to conduct air quality testing should calls come in.

“No shelter-in-place advisories have been issued for Cobb County at this time.

“The shift in winds could last several days. Although chlorine concentrations are not expected to be hazardous, individuals with sensitive respiratory conditions should follow the Georgia Department of Public Health’s precautions, which are listed [here].‘

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East Cobb Food Scores: Tijuana Joe’s; 101 Bagel Cafe; more

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East Cobb Tijuana Joe's

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

101 Bagel Cafe
4811 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 112
October 2, 2024 Score: 74, Grade: C

Canton Cook III Restaurant
2063 Canton Road
October 1, 2024 Score: 88, Grade: B

Chin Chin Chinese Restaurant
617 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 1
October 1, 2024 Score: 84, Grade: B

Eastvalley Elementary School
380 Holt Road
October 3, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Great Wall Chinese & Sushi Bar
1275 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 180
October 2, 2024 Score: 78, Grade: C

IHOP
2520 Delk Road
October 2, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

La Carreta 
1252 Roswell Road
October 1, 2024 Score: 97, Grade: A

Los Bravos Mexican Restaurant
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 42
October 3, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

The Orient
3050 Windy Hill Road
October 3, 2024 Score: 83, Grade: B

Tijuana Joe’s Cantina 
690 Johnson Ferry Road
October 1, 2024 Score: 92, Grade: A

Timber Ridge Elementary School
5000 Timber Ridge Road
October 4, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Wendy’s
2238 Roswell Road
October 1, 2024 Score: 96, Grade: A

Zama Mexican Cuisine
2550 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 300
October 3, 2024 Score: 93, Grade: A

Related:

 

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Avenue East Cobb to debut holiday tree lighting event

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The Avenue East Cobb holiday events
Santa’s been at Avenue East Cobb before, but now he’ll be a featured part of a tree lighting celebration.

For the first time, Avenue East Cobb will have a tree lighting celebration to kick off the Christmas season.

For several years, Avenue East Cobb has held a Menorah lighting with the Chabad of Cobb synagogue at the start of Hanukkah.

The retail center on Monday announced that “The Lighting of Avenue East Cobb” will take place on Friday, Nov. 22, from 5:30-8 p.m. Featured components include live holiday music and a visit from Santa Claus before the countdown begins to lighting the 26-foot-high tree.

The event takes place at the plaza, and will include face-painting, live reindeers, a magician, photo ops and roaming entertainment.

All of those activities are free; the Santa’s Express train rides are $6 a rider or $8 per rider on Santa’s sleigh.

The sponsors are the LGE Community Credit Union and East Cobb Church.

The longstanding Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park returns on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 5-8 p.m.

That event, organized by the volunteer Friends for the East Cobb Park, is also free of charge, but the parking areas will fill up fast.

Send us your holiday event news!

If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!

This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.

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.

Editor's Note: Introducing 'The Power of Local' initiative

 

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Pope students named to Georgia schools advisory council

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Pope High School students Ansley Bruder and Felipe Zimelewicz Pires are among the 74 students selected from across the state to serve on the Georgia Superintendent of Schools 2024-2025 Student Advisory Council.Pope students named to Georgia schools advisory council

According to the Georgia Department of Education, ” these students will meet with Superintendent [Richard] Woods to provide feedback on the impact of state policies in the classroom.

“Members of the Student Advisory Council will also discuss other education-related issues, serve as the Superintendent’s ambassadors to their respective schools, and participate in service projects to benefit schools and students.”

Bruder, a junior, and Pires, a senior, are the only students serving on the council who are from the Cobb County School District. They were chosen from among more than 1,500 applicants.

Council members are from grades 10-12 in Georgia public high schools. Their application process includes writing an essay relating to education issues, “including curriculum and graduation requirements; the impact of federal- and state-mandated assessments in the classroom; the importance of teacher recruitment and retention efforts to students’ classroom experience; and access to opportunities and resources for students in rural areas,” the Georgia DoE said in a release.

“”These young leaders represent the future of Georgia, and their voices are crucial as we continue to shape the direction of education in our state. I look forward to hearing their ideas, insights, and perspectives as we work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Woods said in the release.

The full list of council members can be found by clicking here.

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Cobb-Marietta marching band exhibition set for October dates

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Cobb-Marietta marching band exhibition set for October dates

High school marching bands from the Cobb County School District and Marietta City Schools will be featured on the first two Mondays in October in the Cobb-Marietta Marching Band Exhibition.

The event—which dates back to 1972—takes place Oct. 7 and Oct. 14 at Walter Cantrell Stadium at McEachern High School (2400 New Macland Road, Powder Springs) starting at 7 p.m. each evening.

Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for students, and the Cobb school district will be live-streaming the festivities.

The bands from Kell and Wheeler high schools will be performing on Oct. 7, while the Lassiter, Pope, Sprayberry and Walton bands are scheduled for Oct. 14.

For more information, click here.

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