Wendy Parker

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

Cobb schools threaten suspensions for walkout protesters

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Wheeler name change

Amid possible protests on Friday in response to a school shooting in Barrow County, the Cobb County School District said that students who disrupt the school day “will, at a minimum, be suspended.”

A message that went out after school was dismissed on Thursday said that “students’ ability to express themselves is important to us, without disrupting school.”

Walkouts have been called around the country following the fatal shooting of two students and two teachers earlier this month at Apalachee High School.

The district said in response to further information from East Cobb News that “through national and local social media campaigns, we are aware some students could be planning to participate in a protest on Friday, September 20th, 2024.”

The response wasn’t more specific except to say that “as a reminder to families, we shared information about the District policy related to school attendance and behavior that causes a disruption to the school day.”

Published reports said some students were planning a protest at the Georgia Capitol Thursday to demand gun safety measures in schools, as legislators were meeting to discuss the subject.

The Cobb school district message to parents said that “as we continue to reflect and process the tragedy in Barrow,” students and staff are “actively invited to participate in school-sponsored memorials and the condolences” for the victims.

But “participating in disruptions to school could impact a student’s ability to participate in sports and other extracurriculars.”

One school that has organized a remembrance is Wheeler High School in East Cobb.

Principal Paul Gillihan said in a message to the school community that the homeroom period on Friday will provide an opportunity to “allow students a chance to have their voices heard and not miss any academic class time.”

He said that “this will also allow them to have a designated place (the football stadium) as a safe place to walk out to. The students who participate in this organized and safe event will not receive consequences as this has been cleared by the administration and will not disrupt any instructional time.”

Gillihan’s message said discussions to coordinate such an event began with student council members last week.

Tensions have been heightened in school districts following the Apalachee shooting, in which a 14-year-old student and his father have been charged.

Cobb school district officials said more than 60 reports of “threats” have been investigated since then, but none of them have been deemed a threat to a school campus.

They include Dickerson Middle School and Walton High School, which was subject to a brief lockdown on Tuesday after a bomb threat was reported.

The Cobb school district said that after multiple law enforcement agencies investigated, it was considered “not an actual threat.”

At a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday afternoon, some critics urged the district to discuss school safety plans and in particular, a request by school board member Tre’ Hutchins to increase use of technology to detect weapons.

But his concerns have not made it to the school board agenda.

“Apalachee High School has the same systems in place that we have,” said East Cobb resident Heather Tolley-Bauer of Watching the Funds-Cobb, a watchdog group. “And yet, here we are, another tragedy, all because a gun was brought into a school by a student.

“We are not asking you to share everything, we are asking you to consider everything. It is not a lot to ask. Will you be able to say you did enough? Because right now the answer is no.”

In 2018, following a mass school shooting in Florida, students at several high schools in Cobb, including Walton, Wheeler, Lassiter and Pope, took part in a walkout.

Some campuses locked their front gates, and at Walton school officials led an observance before classes began.

The district handed out in-school suspensions then, but in its message Thursday wasn’t more specific than the threats of class and activity suspensions.

It encouraged parents to visit the district’s website for its code of conduct policies.

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Cobb schools remove six more sexually explicit books

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The Cobb County School District announced Thursday that six more sexually explicit books have been removed from library shelves, bringing to 26 the number of titles that have been withdrawn over the last year.Cobb schools remove six more books from libraries; 26 in all

Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said during a Cobb Board of Education work session Thursday that the most recent removals, like the others, were deemed inappropriate for school children.

They include five books by fantasy author Sarah J. Maas:

  • “A Court of Wings and Ruin”
  • “A Court of Thorns and Roses”
  • “A Court of Mist and Fury”
  • “A Court of Frost and Starlight
  • “A Court of Silver Flames”

The other book is “Iron Fire” by David Ball, who writes historical fiction.

The work of both authors is aimed at young adult readers, although Maas’ books are also read by teenagers.

A Maas book was temporarily banned in Charlotte-Mecklenberg (N.C.) schools in late 2023 after a parental complaint.

“A Court of Mist and Fury” was among the 10 “most challenged books” for 2022 according to the American Library Association, covering library, school, and university materials and services.

A recent review of Maas’ work at Entertainment Weekly acknowledged the amount of sexual content in her books, but argues that “the reality of life is that passion, desire, lust, and love all occur alongside sadness, death, and war. Why are so many hell-bent on framing books that acknowledge that reality as lesser titles just because they’re popular with teenage girls (who, frankly, deserve more credit for driving pop culture and taste)?”

Ragsdale’s announcement came just before takingAstandcobb, a local citizens group, held a press conference “about pornography in Cobb schools.”

“I encourage you, especially those who defend this content, to read the excerpts before doing so,” he said in prepared remarks at the work session.

“Google them. Use community web sites. Go to the book store. Go to the public library. I trust you will conclude that like rated R movies children should not be provided unrestricted access to all media.”

He said the Cobb school district has more than a million total media assets and “will remain broadly inclusive of the diverse individuals, groups, stories, and experiences of our nation.

If parents wish to introduce their children to such subjects outside of schooltime, Ragsdale said, they are free to do so.

But as “a public school serving over 100,000 students, we are not going to impose that choice on other people’s children.”

At a board meeting Thursday night, several parents objected to the continuing book removals, and some wore purple shirts saying “Ban Bias Not Books.”

One of them is Mary Davis, mother of a middle-school student, who read from an author, Emma Kress, who said that “when we ban books, we teach them that some people, possibly even them, can and should be made invisible.”

Quoting Kress again, Davis said that that “in my experience, people, young ones included, a quite good about making choices about what to read.

“It’s a powerful thing that a child can sit down with a book they’re not yet ready for or do not need. It’s a powerful thing for a child to know that the adults surrounding them enough to trust that they can choose books for themselves.

“You can put the books back. You can open the doors to the library and invite children into the joy of reading.”

The Kress book that Davis held up, “Dangerous Play,” is not among those removed from Cobb school libraries.

On Friday, takingAstandcobb said that “our county saw over 40 parents, students, men, women, gay, straight, of faith and not, defend Cobb’s children. We’re supporting a Board that is removing porn from schools and calling out those who support the sexual exploitation of children.”

The group’s leaders are Francisco Vega, a pastor at A.R.C. City Church in West Cobb and parent Arielle Kurtz.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Reveille Café; Los Arcos; more

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Reveille Cafe, 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:

Brumby Elementary School
815 Terrell Mill Road
September 18, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

East Cobb Middle School
825 Terrell Mill Road
September 18, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Jersey Mike’s
2014 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 300
September 18, 2024 Score: 89, Grade: B

Jimmy John’s
1337 Powers Ferry Road
September 18, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant
2145 Roswell Road, Suite 190
September 20, 2024 Score: 82, Grade: B

Los Arcos Mexican Restaurant
3101 Roswell Road, Suite 104
September 18, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Reveille Café
2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 1140A
September 17, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

Taco Hub
2800 Canton Road, Suite 1220
September 18, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

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Cobb citizens group to protest ‘pornography in Cobb schools’

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A group of citizens who say they’re “taking a stand against pornography in Cobb schools” will hold a press conference Thursday before a Cobb Board of Education meeting.Cobb school district pulls sexually explicit books

An e-mail from an account called “takingAstandcobb” said the press conference will start at 5 p.m. at the Cobb County School District Central Office, 514 Glover Street, in Marietta and that two school board members will be present.

A follow-up message in response to a question from East Cobb News identified those school board members as Randy Scamihorn and Brad Wheeler, the current and most recent chairmen. Both are Republicans who are up for re-election in November.

When East Cobb News asked for information about “takingAstandcobb,” the response indicated that “we are a group of Cobb Citizens that have fully researched the book contents, and believe the public has a right to be fully informed.”

No names were disclosed.

The message also said that a representative from Gays Against Groomers will be on hand for the press conference.

It’s a national organization that is “fighting back from inside the community against the sexualization, indoctrination and medicalization of children happening under the guise of “LGBTQIA+,” according to its website.

That also includes opposition to “queer theory and gender ideology being taught in the classroom.”

Those issues have been the subject of controversy in the Cobb school district for the last year.

The district has removed 20 books because of what Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said include sexually explicit, lewd, obscene and vulgar content that aren’t appropriate for children.

Cobb schools also fired a Due West Elementary School teacher last year for reading a book to her fifth-grade students about a boy who questions his gender identity. The district said that was a violation of a new “divisive concepts” law in education in Georgia.

The teacher, Katie Rinderle, is suing the district.

At the same time, those protesting the book removals have said the objections from the district are largely due to LGBTQ content.

But at a school board meeting in August, East Cobb resident JoEllen Smith read from books that complained explicit content.

Her remarks were not aired on the district’s livestream due to “federal regulations” because of their explicit nature.

Later, Smith said that “there are hundreds of pro-LBGT books that don’t include kiddie porn. And it’s unfairly conflating homosexuality to pedophilia which is stigmatizing our gay youth.”

The Cobb school board will hold a work session at 3 p.m. Thursday and a voting meeting at 7 p.m., with an executive session in between.

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

The open meetings also will be live-streamed on the Cobb County School District’s BoxCast channel and on CobbEdTV, Comcast Channel 24.

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Cobb schools: Walton HS bomb report ‘not an active threat’

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Walton HS sports complex pedestrian bridge

A bomb threat was reported at Walton High School on Tuesday, according to a message that went out to the school community.

But the Cobb County School District said late Tuesday afternoon in response for information from East Cobb News that “there is not an active threat to Walton High School.”

A message from Principal Stephanie Santoro that was sent out around 3 p.m. said that the threat was called into 911, and “our team immediately reported the threat to multiple law enforcement agencies.”

She said in the message those agencies are now conducting an investigation.

“Currently, while there is an increased law enforcement presence, there has been no interruption to the school day, and dismissal is on schedule,” according to the message, which was not more specific.

There were social media reports of a lockdown at Walton that the district did not confirm nor deny when asked by East Cobb News.

It’s the second time an East Cobb school has been what appears to be the subject of false threats in as many weeks, two weeks after a deadly shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder.

Last week, the Cobb County School District said a student at Dickerson Middle School was charged with making threats, but said the student is “not a threat to the school.”

It was among the more than 50 such incidents the district said it has received since the Apalachee shootings that have “not been proven to be actual threats to a Cobb school.”

WSB-TV reported Tuesday afternoon that in addition to the Walton incident, Northview High School in North Fulton went on lockdown, and that a sweep of that campus by police “determined that there was no threat.”

The Cobb school district said that there was no evacuation at Walton.

“We take each reported threat very seriously, including increased law enforcement so the school day can continue without disruption,” a district spokesperson told East Cobb News in a statement.

On Tuesday, the message that went out to the Walton school community said the number of reported threats in the Cobb school district has now grown to more than 60, and that “almost all these incidents were the result of bad behavior on the part of people who are seeking to disrupt the school day.

“Our administration, the District, and law enforcement take every rumored threat seriously and are thoroughly investigating. Once we have an update, we will update you.”

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Lion’s Gate continues special events after ‘misunderstanding’

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Lion's Gate continues special events after 'misunderstanding'

A request for a land-use permit at the Lion’s Gate Estate luxury rental home on Paper Mill Road has been withdrawn by the property owner.

That’s because such a permit isn’t needed to hold special events there, according to Dennon Smith, the representative of his family’s nearly 18,000-square-foot French Mediterranean mansion across from the entrance to Atlanta Country Club.

He told East Cobb News that a recent weekend rental there led to a noise complaint by a neighbor, who suggested that Lion’s Gate obtain a land-use permit for special events.

As a rental property, Lion’s Gate allows up t0 20 people to stay overnight (and up to eight couples on the upper floor), with a maximum of 12 vehicles allowed at any given time.

Smith said the property has received all the proper permits since it was converted from his family’s home to a rental estate in 2018.

He said that after filing for the land-use permit—which was to have been considered by Cobb officials this month—county zoning staff said the property was properly permitted for that use.

“It was a kind of misunderstanding,” said Smith, who grew up in the home and graduated from Walton High School.

“We realized that this was kind of redundant.”

He said the incident in question took place “on a weekend where there were guests in the home” but that the specific use of the home was not considered a special event.

Smith said neighbors have been notified of the matter and that “it’s not a big deal.”

The land-use permit would have increased the permitted parking to up to 50 cars, as long as those renting the facility hired a valet service.

The Lions Gate home (website here) was built in 2003 and sits well behind the gates fronting Paper Mill Road. The residence has 15 rooms, as well as nine fireplaces and space for dinner parties, weddings and family gatherings and weekend retreats.

There’s also a movie theater with a 3-D projector, a disco room, two bars and a wine cellar.

In addition to serving as a venue for weekend and holiday retreats, Lion’s Gate holds weddings and other kinds of special events, including dinner parties and family gatherings, as well as such events as post-prom parties.

Smith said the property holds a couple of special events a month, and is the setting for occasional film production work.

There are noise monitors all throughout the gated 3.21-acre property which includes a 40,000-gallon swimming pool, but he said there haven’t been many complaints.

“We know the neighbors well,” said Smith, who added that the family also operates a similar rental property in the North Carolina mountains.

When Cobb revised its short-term rental ordinance in 2022, Smith said Lion’s Gate updated its permit to conform to the new requirements.

Smith said the business generated from the rentals has been a healthy one, and “it allows us to keep the house in the family.

“We didn’t want to quite let it go, and [making it a rental facility] was sort of a compromise.”

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Town Center Community to hold State of the District event

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Submitted information:Town Center Community to hold State of the District event

Town Center Community will host its third annual State of the District event on October 22 at 8 a.m. at the Governors Gun Club, located at 1005 Cobb Place Blvd. NW, in Kennesaw. This annual gathering brings together industry leaders, community members and key stakeholders to discuss the district’s growth and success, its vision for 2025 and to recognize the winners of the 2024 Townie Awards, which celebrate outstanding community leaders, developers and businesses in the Town Center area.

“The State of the District event offers businesses valuable insight into the strategic developments shaping our community’s economic landscape,” said Tracy Styf, Executive Director of Town Center Community. “By coming together, we can foster strong partnerships that will benefit the entire Town Center area for years to come.”

This year’s event will feature two panel discussions:

The World Stage Panel will explore the impact of Kennesaw State University joining Conference USA and Fifth Third Stadium’s selection as a training base for the 2026 World Cup. Panelists include:

  • Rachel Rogers, Vice President Sports Sales & Engagement of Cobb Sports Alliance
  • Randy Koporc, Regional President of Fifth Third Bank
  • Teddy Parrish, President & CIO of Parrish Capital

The Economic Drivers and Resilience Panel will examine how Town Center’s diverse industries contribute to economic resilience and development. Panelists include:

  • Ashley West, Regional Economic Development Manager of Georgia Power Economic Development
  • Mike Alexander, COO of Atlanta Regional Commission
  • Michael Davis, Co-founder and Partner of D&G Development Group

All proceeds from the State of the District event will go to the Lanie Shipp Hoover Fund, which supports future trail, park and greenspace projects in the Town Center area.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for organizations and businesses to support the event. Current sponsors:

  • Gold Sponsors: Capital City Public Affairs, Cobb Travel & Tourism, Crane Elder Law Firm, Croy, Georgia Power Foundation, Son & Sons
  • Silver Sponsors: Arcadis, Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Cooper Carry, Council for Quality Growth, Dentons, DeNyse, Kennesaw State University, LGE Credit Union

Tickets and event sponsorships are available online at towncentercid.com/surveys-events

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East Cobb resident named among ‘Top 100 Females in Oncology’

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East Cobb resident named among 'Top 100 Females in Oncology'
Dean Crowe, founder of The Rally Foundation

Submitted information:

East Cobb resident Dean Crowe, the executive director and founder of The Rally Foundation, was recently named one of the Top 100 Women in Oncology by OncoDaily.

Also, this year marks the 90th anniversary of the Harvard Business School Club of Atlanta. In celebration of this event, the Club will be holding a 90th Anniversary Gala this Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Cherokee Town Club, where 100% of the net proceeds from the Gala will fund Social Enterprise Initiative (SEI) scholarships to benefit Georgia nonprofit leaders.

At the event, they will be awarding the Club’s inaugural Social Impact Award. This award will go to a Georgia based social entrepreneur who has made a difference in the life of others and whose organization has had a significant community impact. 

This year, the award will be going to Dean Crowe, Founder and CEO of Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. As a direct result of her participation in the Harvard program, Rally became involved in advocacy work promoting childhood cancer research. 

To date, that advocacy work has secured $223 million in new federal funding for research into cancers that specifically affect children, adolescents, and young adults.  Dean’s experience exemplifies the impact that the Club’s scholarship program has had on our community, at both a local and national level.  It also exemplifies why many scholarship recipients tell us that the program “changed my life.” 

She will also be taking part in CureFest, where Rally is a platinum sponsor, on Saturday, Sept. 21. Rally has been taking part for the past for 9 years. This is also part of Rally to the Capitol, a family-friendly rally to the US Capitol to come together as one voice for children with cancer at 2 p.m. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Several Rally families from Georgia will be there as well.

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Cobb Truck-A-Palooza returns to Town Center at Cobb

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Submitted information:Cobb Truck-A-Palooza returns to Town Center at Cobb

Whether you’re a truck enthusiast or just looking for a fun-filled family outing, mark your calendar for Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., and head to Town Center at Cobb mall for an unforgettable day.

From fire engines to police motorcycles, the mall’s back parking lot will transform into a playground for both kids and adults. This is your chance to get up close and personal with some of the largest and most impressive trucks around. Let your inner 5-year-old run wild as you explore everything from SWAT vehicles to steam shovels.

But that’s not all—this event is also for a great cause! All proceeds from Truck-A-Palooza will benefit the Cobb County Safety Village, helping fund vital educational safety programs for the community. So not only will you have fun, but you’ll be making a positive impact, too.

Charge up your camera for the ultimate photo opportunities with these massive machines, and be ready to make some amazing memories!

Event Details:

  • Date: Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024
  • Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. (rain or shine)
  • Location: Town Center at Cobb, 400 Ernest W Barrett Parkway NW, Kennesaw (Back parking lot near the food court)
  • Cost: $5 per person (family pack: $20 for up to six people), children under 2 are free
  • Tickets: Available at the gate (cash and credit cards accepted)

Proceeds Benefit: Cobb County Safety Village educational safety programs

Don’t miss out—come for the trucks, stay for the memories!

 

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Traffic changes announced for 2024 North Georgia State Fair

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Submitted information:Traffic changes announced for 2024 North Georgia State Fair

Fairgoers heading to Jim R. Miller Park for the 2024 North Georgia State Fair, Sept. 19 – 29 will encounter a new traffic pattern designed to improve access to parking areas. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office has reconfigured traffic flow around the park to reduce congestion in nearby residential areas.

The most significant change involves Callaway Road, which runs along the park’s western side. It will be limited to local traffic only. Sheriff’s deputies will restrict access from Callaway Road to Al Bishop Drive, and signage will clearly indicate that fair parking is not accessible from Callaway Road.

Traffic from Powder Springs Road and Austell Road will be directed to County Services Parkway for access to the fair parking lots.

Click here for the new route.
Click here for more fair info.

Cobb seniors can enjoy a free, fun Friday at the fair on Sept. 20. Cobb County invites adults 55 and older to Senior Day, a morning of activities and entertainment without the crowds. Click here for Senior Day info.

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KSU’s ‘HatchBridge Incubator’ lends a hand to biz startups

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KSU's 'HatchBridge Incubator' lends a hand to biz startups

Kennesaw State University’s HatchBridge Incubator, which started in July 2023, provides training and guidance for those in the Atlanta suburbs wishing to start their own businesses.

Since then, the incubator has hosted 51 different startup projects in a variety of programs

“People need mentorship and accountability when they’re creating a startup,” said Colin Ake, HatchBridge’s director of incubation and commercialization, in a university release. “What we do is provide support for all the people who are building something in the suburbs.”

Here are more specifics about the program:

“HatchBridge offers programs where entrepreneurs refine their ideas, research potential markets, receive business coaching from incubator staff, launch their businesses, and work to make them grow. Entrepreneurs can then continue working to build their companies at the incubator as they refine products, business plans, and raise money to fund their growth.

“While bringing their startups into being, HatchBridge members get access to workstations or offices, tools such as laser cutters and 3D printers to make product prototypes, a content studio to make promotional videos, podcasts, and more. They also belong to a digital community of fellow startup builders who inspire and support each other.

“Being based at and part of Kennesaw State makes HatchBridge a natural stop for university researchers, alumni, and even students to bring their inventions to market. But the incubator is open to anyone who is building a business.”

Ake said that the focus is to “serve entrepreneurs who live and build in the suburbs. They need community, support, and accountability in proximity to where they live.”

One of them is recent KSU graduate Jordan St. Louis, who is using his degree in software engineering to Generalized Robotics, a company that has developed a camera for emergency vehicles that provides a 360-degree view and has been tested by the Clayton County Police Department. Generalized Robotics was in the first two HatchBridge programs.

Ake has more than a decade of experience building startups, including his alma mater, Georgia Tech, and the HatchBridge staff has similar backgrounds.

Next year, the incubator will be moving to a larger stand-alone space at 1111 Chastain Road, the former General Bookstore building.

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The Power of Local: Send us your fall/holiday event news!

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It’s starting to feel like fall, and many fall activities are already under way.

We love this time of year, from the leaves changing color to the festive celebrations surrounding Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s.

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.

Keep in mind that these are for non-commercial events—if you’re a business and are having special sales around the holidays, please get in touch with us individually for advertising information.

We’ll be glad to customize a campaign that fits your needs and budget and targets the community-minded customers you want to reach! Many of them come to East Cobb News every day to find out what’s happening in this place we call home.

Of course, businesses holding community events, especially for charitable reasons, are welcome to pass along details of those events for publication here.

Special how-to details are included below about submitting your information. We’ll publish these events on our calendar listings, and may feature some of them in stories.

As these final months of 2024 continue, you’re also welcome to send photos and write-ups of events as they take place.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are enjoying this special time of year, when friends, families, neighbors and the community at large come together.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love to hear from you!

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.

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

 

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Cobb Library System release Hispanic Heritage Month booklist

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The period of Sept. 15-Oct. 15 is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month by the U.S. Congress.Cobb Library System release Hispanic Heritage Month booklist

The Cobb Public Library System has published an extensive booklist as part of the local observances, including titles in history, culture and more, for children and adults.

The federal agencies leading the official national observance include the Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum (website here).

There was a festival on Sunday hosted by the city of Marietta, and future local events include a concert on the green Saturday at Logan Farm Park in Acworth and an Hispanic Heritage Fiesta on Oct. 12 at Thurman Springs Park in Powder Springs.

 

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Aug. 26-30, 2024

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Canterbury, East Cobb real estate sales
Canterbury

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

2004 Eula Drive, 30066: $756,325

1811 Rockybranch Pass, 30066 (Spencers Mill): $500,000

Lassiter

2444 Mountain View School Road, 30066 (Shallowford-Trickum Crossroads): $573,500

3311 Cranmore Chase, 30066 (Northampton): $1.225 million

Pope

25 Ashleigh Terrace, 30062 (Heartwood): $615,000

4691 Three Springs Court, 30062 (Chimney Springs): $560,000

3701 Heddington Lane, 30062 (Garrison Parc): $1 million

2410 Prince Howard Way, 30062 (Corinth): $660,000

3390 Falling Brook Drive, 30062 (Falling Brook): $700,000

Sprayberry

628 Lockhart Court, 30066 (Canterbury Ridge): $359,900

2810 Wood Forest Road, 30066 (Woodgate): $355,000

2312 Barrett Cottage Place, Building 11, 30066 (Cottages at Bells Ferry): $350,000

329 Rockmoor Trail, 30066 (Piedmont Hills): $460,000

1535 Blackwell Road, 30066 (North Ridge): $425,000

428 Nottingham Drive, 30066 (Canterbury): $840,000

396 Shiloh Manor Drive, 30066 (Shiloh Manor): $540,000

2912 Crimson Rose Lane, 30062 (Rosemoore at Harper Woods): $525,000

2640 Plains Court, 30066 (The Plains): $330,000

3771 Courson Street, 30066 (Canterbury): $800,000

1597 Park Lane, 30o66: $330,000

3366 Sanford Drive, 30066 (Glendale): $400,000

Walton

4833 Rivercliff Drive, 30067 (Rivercliff): $1.45 million

3239 Sewell Mill Road, 30062 (Mulberry Park): $723,000

3239 Sweet Buckeye Drive, 30066 (North Chesnut Grove): $545,550

4499 Dobbs Crossing, 30068 (Woodlawn Commons): $856,003

801 Fox Hollow Close, 30068 (Fox Hollow): $595,000

1259 Promontory Lane, 30062 (Waltons Reserve): $888,000

172 Kings Row, 30067 (Kings Cove): $780,000

1141 Mitsy Forest Drive, 30068 (Mitsy Forest): $490,000

88 Parkside Circle, 30068 (Riverside at Mulberry Farms): $755,000

371 Green Oak Ridge, 30068 (Riverhill): $750,000

4940 Heritage Trace Court, 30068 (Heritage Trace): $586,000

Wheeler

3216 Brookview Road, 30067 (Terrell Mill Estates): $575,000

3445 Hallmark Drive, 30067 (Terrell Mill Estates): $700,000

2416 Cedar Wood Court, 30068 (Cedar Cove): $657,500

3762 Waterlilly Way, 30067 (Giverny Park): $1.995 million

2806 Staunton Drive, 30067 (Hyde Park): $554,500

79 Rhodes Drive, 30068 (East Valley Estates): $425,000

110 Yancy Drive, 30067 (Hamby Acres): $395,000

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East Cobber 2024 Parade: Staving off the rain to celebrate

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East Cobber 2024 parade
The Pope High School band and cheerleaders from Addison Elementary School.

The skies were ominous Saturday morning, looming dark and heavy over East Cobb with rain in the forecast.

But as Cobb Police began closing off the busiest stretch of Johnson Ferry Road shortly before 10 a.m., the weather did parade-goers and participants a big favor.

The wet stuff held off long enough for more than 60 organizations, bands, school groups, businesses and more to take part in the 26th East Cobber magazine parade.

By the time the accompanying festival began at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, there was a bit of a drizzle, but not enough to scare away those stopping by booths, enjoying food and music and other entertainment.

This was the second year for the parade and festival since a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19 and an ownership change.

East Cobber founder Cynthia Rozzo was enjoying Saturday’s event for the first time as a spectator, after handing the magazine and the parade/festival to her successor, Laren Brown.

Rozzo took photos, waved at friends even did a brief interview with a local television news station.

The sense of community that’s been built up since the first parade Rozzo organized in 1993 unfolded in familiar fashion across one of East Cobb’s busiest thoroughfares, with plenty of schools represented.

In addition to public school teacher and employees of the year and three high school bands, private schools also took part the march, from Johnson Ferry Christian Academy and Eastside Christian School.

So did a number of political candidates and three members of the Cobb Board of Commissioners—a quorum—on a float.

Two standbys were Cobb librarians pushing their carts, and The Twilight Twirlers.

The chief sponsor was CertaPro Painting, with Custom Disposal and Auto Accident Attorneys Group as additional sponsor.

Click the middle button below to begin the slideshow.

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Cobb school board chairman responds to safety concerns

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The chairman of the Cobb Board of Education responded to concerns from parents and students following a deadly school shooting in Georgia last week by saying the board and Cobb County School District “have doubled and tripled down on keeping your children and grandchildren safe” over the long term. Randy Scamihorn, Cobb school board

Republican Randy Scamihorn, who is up for re-election in November, said in a “Just the Facts” newsletter issued by the district that he’s heard from parents and students since four people were killed at Apalachee High School in Winder.

He reiterated that parents should visit the district’s Cobb Shield vertical devoted to safety issues, and that includes information about a tip line and the district’s public safety staff.

Scamihorn said the mother of high school twins wrote to ask “can we do something about treating schools so they do not seem like prisons?” 

A retired Cobb educator, Scamihorn replied that “we know some of our safety decisions are inconvenient. Some of my family members are teachers, and yes, I am required to check in just like everyone else. If we have to choose between convenience and keeping your children safer, we choose safety every time.”

In his newsletter, Scamihorn didn’t reference an incident this week that led to criminal charges against a Dickerson Middle School student for making threatening statements toward another student.

The district said the student is not considered a threat to the school, and that’s one of more than 50 reported incidents that have “not been proven to be actual threats to a Cobb school.”

Nor did Scamihorn indicate if the school board, which meets next week, would take up a proposal by colleague Tre’ Hutchins to implement further safety measures.

They include implementing a School Support Officers program of non-post certified personnel to assist the district’s 81-member police force, and asking for technological assistance for detecting weapons at schools and at events, games and other functions in the district.

Hutchins also is asking for a financial analysis of those three items.

He proposed those measures following the shootings of former students at the McEachern High School parking lot in February (and a stabbing incident at Sprayberry in March), but couldn’t get a discussion placed on the board meeting agenda. 

That’s because board policy requires either the superintendent, chairman or a four-member board majority to add agenda items. 

Earlier this week, Heather Tolley-Bauer of Watching the Funds-Cobb, a school watchdog group, said the policy “is the worst example of representative democracy that you will ever see. . . . We are talking about enhancing the safety and security of our schools and they want to call us the activists?”

At the end of his newsletter Friday, Scamihorn countered critics who “have argued for ‘defunding the police,’ taking guns out of school police officers’ hands, moving money from safety to other areas of interest, blaming community crime on the schools, criticized safety drills, and fought against money spent on the crisis response system in our schools.

“Instead, the School Board and Superintendent have doubled and tripled down on keeping your children and grandchildren safe. Because of these and other safety investments we have made, the ‘feeling’ our students and parents have is one of security, not fear.”

The board will hold a work session next Thursday afternoon and a voting meeting Thursday night but agendas have not been published. 

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Richardson pens note to constituents of ‘old District 2’

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Richardson pens note to constituents of 'old District 2'
Richardson at a Cobb Board of Commissioners meeting in March 2024.

Cobb commissioner Jerica Richardson sent out a newsletter Friday afternoon with a message for her former constituents in District 2.

Her seat was declared vacant by her colleagues Tuesday (she recused herself), following the adoption of state legislative-approved electoral maps that drew her out of her East Cobb home.

That action—after a nearly tw0-year-long partisan dispute—triggered a 10-day notice that will allow her to appeal to Cobb Superior Court.

Proposed Cobb commission redistricting map
The ‘old District 2’ is indicated in pink.

Richardson will be able to serve while she pursues her last-ditch effort to stay in office through the end of her term on Dec. 31, or possibly to extend her tenure while a special election to determine her successor takes place in early 2025.

Her District 2 included a good portion of East Cobb, including her home off Post Oak Tritt Road, under maps Democratic commissioners approved under “home rule” claims that were later ruled to be a violation of the Georgia Constitution.

Now, most of East Cobb is in District 3, while the District 2 boundaries fall along I-75 and include most of the Smyrna/Cumberland area, pushing as east as the western side of Powers Ferry Road, close to where Richardson formerly resided.

Richardson is a first-term Democrat who was narrowly elected in 2020 to succeed retiring Republican Bob Ott. She decided not to seek re-election amid the map controversy and was defeated in May by U.S. Rep. Lucy McBath in the 6th Congressional District primary.

Richardson hasn’t stated her plans after she leaves office, but she is expecting her first child.

Most of East Cobb is in Commission District 3 under state-approved reapportionment maps.

Here’s Richardson’s note to District 2 citizens:

“As a district, we have been through so much in such a short amount of time. As one of the most diverse districts, we found unique ways to collaborate across party, position, location, background, and so much more. We cannot forget the model of collaboration we seek to achieve where so many communities today struggle to be civil.

“In the midst of all the pressure, we accomplished so much, and it was because our community chose to recognize there is real value in appreciating what makes us different, and building on what makes us similar. There was so much richness in our district from Johnson Ferry/Shallowford area to Powers Ferry Corridor/Little Brazil, to the Battery, to the Vinings Village, and the houses along the river at Cochise, the ever growing Smyrna, the historic Rose Garden, and winding through the subdivisions all around Walton, Wheeler, and Pope. We had members of our community from all walks of life.

“This is a community that I grew up in for nearly 20 years. It’s where my brothers took the journey from Mt. Bethel elementary to Walton High School. I recall receiving my first library card when East Cobb Library was a stand-alone building in what is now a fully grown Merchant’s Walk. I remember walks at the Avenue with my family and our visitors, visits to Cumberland Mall, and the new memories at The Battery!

“This district is where I purchased my first home, and am currently growing my family with my soon-to-come baby girl. I have so much pride in representing the community where I am from, and my heart breaks that I will no longer be able to do so. Even more so that it would be taken in a way that will not only affect me, but future district representatives all around the state. I know that’s part of the reason why the community fought so hard. I recall when this map was first drawn, the press asked me—’Are you angry?’ It took no more than a second to reply with ‘I am inspired.’ I was inspired because when these maps hit the docket at the State Capitol, it was my community that called. A diverse community that at all times never ceases to amaze me.

“We fought a hard battle over the last three and a half years and faced a significant amount of misinformation, but it did not stop us or our office from serving you. You continued to show up, volunteer, ask for work to be done, held us accountable, and pushed us to work harder and bring more voices to the table.

“So, I thank you for the honor and privilege of being able to serve you as the District 2 Commissioner. While the district no longer exists as it was, it was the district I was proud to live in and even more proud to represent. On the heels of Hurricane Katrina, as a teenager, it was this community that embraced our young family. Where we struggled, neighbors pitched in to help; and to fast forward to today where I had the opportunity to represent the community that has given so much to me fills my heart with joy and gratefulness.

“Now, we must take the next step and continue our commitment in serving. We must meet our new district and never forget that what brings us together is so much greater than what separates us. My door is always open.”

Richardson’s comments after the vote to declare a vacancy on Tuesday are included below.

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East Cobb Park featured in Cobb PARKS fall activities guide

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East Cobb Park is featured in the Cobb PARKS fall activities guide, which includes listings of classes, events and other happenings through the end of the year at county parks and recreation centers and cultural facilities.East Cobb Park featured in Cobb PARKS fall activities guide

There’s a full-page spread about the park on pp. 50-51, as well as other spotlights on recreational activities for youth and adults, as well as information about art and music classes, swimming and tennis lessons, yoga and exercise classes, therapeutic programs and special events.

There are also listings of each facility in the county, including address, hours and contact information.

The guide is online and is available by clicking here; more info at Cobb PARKS website.

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East Cobb traffic update: Johnson Ferry Road parade closings

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East Cobb traffic update: Johnson Ferry Road closings Sat.

The EAST COBBER parade is still on for Saturday morning, rain or shine, but a reminder that a portion of Johnson Ferry Road will be closed during that time.

Specifically, police will put up barricades between Roswell Road and Lower Roswell Road from 9:45 a.m. to 11 a.m. Princeton Lake Road will be closed from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Woodlawn Road is the best alternate route but traffic will be affected. On the east side of Johnson Ferry, Little Willeo Road also is an option if you need to get around the parade.

Police will set up additional detours at the intersections of Indian Hills Parkway with Roswell Road and Lower Roswell Road.

The parade marches off from Mt. Bethel Elementary School (1210 Johnson Ferry Road) at 10 a.m., then heads southbound on Johnson Ferry to the Johnson Ferry Baptist Church south parking lot at Olde Towne Parkway.

The accompanying festival begins at 11 a.m. in the church’s north parking lot, and lasts until 3 p.m.

Admission to everything is free; more event details here.

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First responders, military, veterans invited to luncheon

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East Cobb public safety appreciation luncheon

Submitted information:

The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team is proud to host its 11th semi-annual First Responders & Military Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, October 9th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. This event, held twice a year, is dedicated to honoring our local heroes in Cobb County, including police officers, firefighters, EMTs, military personnel, and veterans.

Join us for a full-spread BBQ lunch featuring delicious pulled pork and pulled chicken, provided by PRIME Lending. Attendees can enjoy their meal on our spacious patio, network with fellow first responders, or take their food to go.

As well as many of our other wonderful sponsors will be supporting our heroes. Arrows Exterminators will provide beverages, First American Home Warranty will provide sweet treats, All Atlanta Ameri Spec and Perrie & Associates will be giving away fun swag items as a gift to those who tirelessly serve the Marietta community.

This heartfelt event is free for all first responders from Cobb County and the surrounding areas, including police, fire, detective units, and active/retired military personnel. We look forward to celebrating and expressing our gratitude to those who serve our community with dedication and bravery.

For more information on community events at the Janice Overbeck Team office, visit www.JaniceOverbeck.com/events and RSVP on our Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JaniceOverbeckRealEstateTeam/.

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