East Cobb Community Service Archives

Cobb’s Center for Children and Young Adults receives donation

November 14, 2020 1:25 PMNovember 14, 2020 9:17 AM by Wendy Parker

Center for Children and Young Adults donation

Submitted information and photos:

Pure Farmland recognized The Center for Children and Young Adults (CCYA) in Marietta and its positive impact in the community through a recent check donation of $1,000. The endowment is part of the 2020 Pure Growth Project, an initiative launched by Pure Farmland earlier this year to ensure community gardens and farms continue to thrive, and to help increase the availability of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables nationwide. CCYA was selected as a 2020 grant recipient to support its commitment to providing nourishment and a safe place for homeless youth to live, thrive, and heal, which is needed now more than ever during this critical moment in time.

After receiving 167 applications from community gardens and farms across 31 states, 50 organizations were carefully selected to receive grants, totaling $100,000 in financial support, to nurture these unique neighborhood spaces.

On its nearly 5-acre campus, CCYA houses a flourishing farm-to-table garden that is “blooming with possibilities.” The garden is the non-profit’s source of over 2,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables for hundreds of youth residents, low-income staff and their families, churches, construction workers, and neighborhood and civic groups. Youth housed on-site can apprentice in the garden and use the fruits and vegetables in cooking classes or to enjoy in meals. In addition, CCYA hosts a farmer’s market stand to bring more fresh produce to its community, which is currently considered a food desert.

Pure Farmland is celebrating the organization’s exemplary stewardship and the impact its hard work has on the neighborhood. The award of $1,000 will be used to complete the campus garden plans for the year – including the purchase of enhanced soil bags to fill cinder blocks that line garden rows and inhibit weeds, and for seeds and plants to companion every row. During these uncertain times, CCYA is expanding its production to enhance access to healthy, nutrient dense food, and allowing the specialization of food production for kids.

“Big thanks to the Pure Growth Project grant program for allowing CCYA, in close partnership with the Cobb Master Gardeners, to complete optimal growth plans for the year,” said Maureen Lok, legacy board member and Cobb Master Gardener for CCYA. “A therapeutic opportunity is presented through this milieu for youth as it provides a foundation for vocational and life skills training through garden apprenticeships. Equally an oasis of tranquility and beauty, its effect is palpable, as youth, staff, neighbors, and visitors alike feel compelled to comment on its aesthetic appeal.”

“At Pure Farmland, we’re dedicated to increasing access to fresh, locally grown produce nationwide. Which is why we’re thrilled to join forces with the hard-working individuals at CCYA as part of the Pure Growth Project, to help further their mission and strengthen the local Marietta community,” said Erin Thacker, MA, RDN, brand manager for Pure Farmland. “It is important now more than ever to support local neighborhoods and encourage the next generation to grow sustainably sourced produce.”

For more information, please visit pure-farmland.com/impact/. Pure Farmland is a brand of Smithfield Foods.

Walton marching band to hold final 2020 recycling event Saturday

November 6, 2020 12:44 PMNovember 6, 2020 8:37 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Leaders of the Walton Marching Raider Band have announced that their final recycling event of the year – known for accepting metal, electronics and paint – will be held this Saturday, November 7th. Proceeds support the marching band program and help provide a high-quality experience for East Cobb students attending George H. Walton Comprehensive High School.

The final recycling event of 2020 will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walton High School, 1590 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062.

Support of the event is especially needed this year due to the novel coronavirus and its impact on regular band fundraising activities.

All residents and businesses are welcome to donate and support this Walton Marching Raider Band event. People who have cleaned their homes during the pandemic and don’t know what to do with the metal, electronics and paint they want to dispose of and local businesses who are in the same situation are all welcome to support the event.

The Walton Marching Raider Band is participating in a limited number of school events and following stringent protocols including wearing masks and being physically distanced during outside performances.

Here’s more information, including a list of items that will be accepted and how you can pay; the cost is a $10 donation per car.

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Cobb not-for-profits approved for $842K in CARES Act funding

November 2, 2020 2:23 PM by Wendy Parker

Good Mews 30th birthday — *The Good Mews Animal Foundation of East Cobb is among the CARES Act not-for-profit recipients.*

The Cobb Board of Commissioners has approved federal CARES Act funding totaling $842,500 for 68 non-for-profit organizations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The organizations were recommended by SelectCobb, the economic development arm of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, and will receive grant funding for personnel and operational expenses.

They include community service organizations, animal welfare groups, special-education schools and arts entities.

The cash grants range from $2,500 to $25,000, and will go organizations that are locally-operated. They include the following:

$25,000

MUST Ministries
Nobis Works

$20,000

MDE School of East Cobb
liveSAFE Resources Inc.

$15,000

The Georgia Ballet Inc.
The Center for Family Resources
The Extension
Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Metro Atlanta
Good Mews Animal Foundation
Friends of the Strand
Davis Direction Foundation

$10,000

Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art
Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption
Food Security of America
Curing Kids Cancer Inc.

$2,500

Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society
Family Promise Cobb County
Marietta Police Athletic League

The full list of recipients can be found here. In July commissioners approved $2 million for the not-for-profits; all CARES Act funding must be designated and distributed by Dec. 31.

Commissioners also voted last week to allocate an additional $57,864 in emergency food funding from the CARES Act to 25 Cobb organizations, including MUST, the Noonday Baptist Association and the YMCA of Metro Atlanta.

Each organization will receive $2,314 and the full list can be found here.

United Military Care to provide free BBQ for veterans on Saturday

November 2, 2020 12:10 PMNovember 2, 2020 8:47 AM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb veterans aid group

On Saturday the East Cobb-based United Military Care organization will be holding a free barbecue lunch for veterans, and this year it’s going to be a drive-through event.

The pickup period takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at their offices (1220 Canton Road, across from the Olde Mill Shopping Center) and you can sign up by calling 770-973-0014 or by e-mailing peggyb@unitedmilitarycare.org.

Proof of veteran status is required when you pick up your food. Non-veterans can purchase meals for $10 to help fund programs to help veterans in crisis. Volunteers will be holding signs thanking veterans for their service.

Last year we visited United Military Care at its Veterans Day event and wrote about the organization’s efforts to provide food, financial, housing and other assistance to veterans in need.

More updates about the event are posted on UMC’s Facebook page.

East Cobb resident named to Tommy Nobis Center board of directors

October 25, 2020 12:39 PM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information and photo: Jerry Chang, Tommy Nobis Center Board of Directors

Tommy Nobis Center, a Marietta-based nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment, recently elected Jerry Chang as a new board member.

Chang is senior managing director and partner at Ankura, a management consulting firm with clients in the legal, corporate, government, and nonprofit sectors. Chang has over 25 years of experience specializing in valuation and financial advisory, including mergers and acquisitions, strategic partnerships, strategic planning, and litigation support. He attended Georgia Tech before earning his BBA in finance, with honors, from Georgia State University and his MBA in business and finance from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. He holds the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation and was a member of Leadership Atlanta’s class of 2020.

“I am honored and excited to serve on the Board of Directors of Tommy Nobis Center,” says Chang. “I am looking forward to helping transform the lives of many people with disabilities.”

Chang believes that people with disabilities deserve to be treated with respect and dignity and given the opportunity to work toward financial independence. He supports the inclusion of all people in the workplace.

“Jerry’s experience and passion will be an incredible asset to our board,” says Dave Ward, President and CEO of Tommy Nobis Center. “His expertise and servant’s heart are the perfect combination for helping us achieve our mission and change lives.”

Cobb Library Foundation to hold virtual gala on Wednesday

October 24, 2020 1:16 PMOctober 24, 2020 9:13 AM by Wendy Parker

Mark Victor Hansen, Cobb Library Foundation virtual gala

The Cobb Library Foundation‘s annual “Booked for the Evening” fundraising gala that’s held in the fall is going virtual this year.

The event is Wednesday, Oct. 28, starting at 6:30 p.m., and the guest is Mark Victor Hansen, best-selling author of “Chicken Soup for the Soul.”

The honorary chairman is Dr. Grant Rivera, Marietta City Schools Superintendent. The event includes auction items, and individuals not attending online can still participate in that portion of the evening.

Proceeds benefit the Cobb County Public Library System, and you can register and get more information by clicking here.

Individual tickets start at $35, and sponsorships are also available starting at $500.

Among the programs funded by foundation include the Connecting Cobb Internet hotspot program, Cobb GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science), free public computers with Internet access, literacy programs, summer reading programs and more.

The foundation is a non-profit volunteer organization that provides financial and other assistance to the Cobb library system, including community partnerships.

Cobb gets federal grant to establish a Family Justice Center

October 22, 2020 7:07 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: Cobb Family Justice Center, Ga. Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Cobb District Attorney Joyette M. Holmes announces that her office and its partners have been awarded a four-year grant worth up to $400,000 to create a Family Justice Center, where victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse can receive services in a single location.

“It is exciting that Cobb County has such great collaboration and support among victim-service providers, law enforcement and county government that we were successful in seeking out this opportunity,” DA Holmes said. “The partnering agencies are committed to the establishment of a Family Justice Center for our community so that we can serve the victim where they are rather than the victim having to seek services where the agencies are located. This streamlining of services will provide a safe place for victims and survivors to go to receive wrap-around and holistic services. I am devoted to leading in the planning, implementation, and ongoing partnership to build a Family Justice Center for Cobb County.”

Partners include LiveSAFE Resources, SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc., along with Cobb County Government, the Cobb Sheriff’s Office and Police Department, the Solicitor General’s Office, and Legal Aid of Cobb County. Partnering agencies and offices will have the opportunity to house representatives in the new center to serve victims.

Tracey B. Atwater is the Executive Director of LiveSAFE Resources.

“Too often, those seeking help after victimization must visit various service providers and agencies in order to get the assistance they need. This incredible new project will allow us and our community partners to better serve those in need by creating a collocated space, reducing barriers for victims seeking help,” she said.

Jinger Robins, Chief Executive Officer of SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Inc., also welcomed the project.

“What a great day for Cobb County citizens! The successful award from the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council of funding for a Family Justice Center will serve all citizens in Cobb County and further ensure victims of crime are able to have the best access to all the services they deserve. SafePath is honored to be one of the partnering agencies as we work collaboratively to connect victims to services as they heal,” Robins said.

The grant is administered through Georgia’s Criminal Justice Coordinating Council with federal dollars from the Victims of Crime Act. Only two other Georgia communities, Waycross and Macon, were awarded grants to create family justice centers. Savannah has the only existing center in Georgia.

The family justice center model has been identified as a best practice in the intervention and prevention of domestic violence by the U.S. Department of Justice’s Office on Violence Against Women. Documented and published outcomes include reduced homicides, increased victim safety and empowerment, reduced fear and anxiety for victims and their children, and reduced recantation by victims receiving this level of support.

Agencies that provided support for Cobb’s center in the application process include Center for Family Resources; Cobb Collaborative; the Division of Family and Children’s Services; Kennesaw State University’s WellStar College of Health and Human Services; police departments of Acworth, Kennesaw and Smyrna; the Georgia Commission on Family Violence; and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Council of Georgia.

Planning and establishing the center will require significant community buy-in. Cobb’s leaders are planning a virtual community meeting in early December to begin discussions.

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Six Cobb seniors receive ‘lifetime achievement’ proclamations

October 19, 2020 1:16 PMOctober 19, 2020 9:10 AM by Wendy Parker

Cobb seniors lifetime achievement

Submitted information and photos:

The Senior Citizen Council of Cobb County celebrated National Senior Citizen Day by selecting six outstanding Cobb senior citizens to receive Life Achievement proclamations from Cobb County. These distinguished individuals were presented with their proclamations in a ceremony
at the Cobb Board of Commissioners meeting on October 13.

The Life Achievement award recipients were called up separately and Commissioners JoAnn Birrell and Keli Gambrill read their individual proclamations aloud. The six honorees were Dr. Julie Bolen, Dr. Betty Ann Cook, Ms.Shelle O’Loughlin, Ms. Jessica Townley, Ms. Jeanene Abernathy, and Ms. Mildred White (who was unable to attend).

All of the honorees have a lifetime of professional accomplishment and years of devotion to the betterment of the Cobb community. A video of the awards ceremony can be accessed at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e8U_bsby-WQ&t=278s.

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PHOTOS: An East Cobb public safety appreciation luncheon

October 17, 2020 12:31 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb public safety appreciation luncheon

Submitted information and photos:

On Friday, October 16th, The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team held an appreciation barbeque lunch to honor local police, firemen, EMT’s and military personnel. The Capital City Home Loans grilling food truck served up burgers and hotdogs with a variety of sides sponsored by other local partners.

Attendees were welcome to use the “social distancing patio” to enjoy their meal or take it on the road. Event sponsors and members of the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team had a great time serving the 85+ guests and appreciating them for what they do day-to-day.

Additional sponsors for the event included: Arrow Exterminators, First American Home Warranty, Amerispec Home Inspection, Chick-fil-A East Lake, Panera Bread and Perrie & Associates. Local Cobb County and surrounding area first responders, police, fire, detective units and military were all invited. Lunch was also packed up and delivered to Cobb County 911 dispatch.

For more information on community events at the Janice Overbeck Team office, visit: www.JaniceOverbeck.com.

East Cobb public safety appreciation luncheon

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Delta Credit Union delivers care packages to Sedalia Park ES

October 17, 2020 6:19 AM by Wendy Parker

Delta Credit Union packages Sedalia Park — *From left, Delta Community Credit Union Manager Jill Dent, Sedalia Park Elementary School Assistant Principal Kahilah Rachel and Sedalia Park Elementary Support Staff Specialist Aunquize Perkins*

Submitted information and photo:

To show gratitude for teachers’ ongoing commitment to quality education during the COVID-19 health crisis, Delta Community Credit Union’s East Cobb location recently delivered care packages to teachers at Sedalia Park Elementary School.

The manager of the Delta Community branch on Johnson Ferry Road presented gift bags with snacks and personal supplies, such as hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes, and personalized thank you notes for the school’s teachers and support personnel.

“Thank you for giving so much of your time, and your heart, to children and our community,” said Jill Dent, manager of Delta Community’s Johnson Ferry Road branch. “This year, we are especially grateful for all you are doing, every day, for students in East Cobb.”

Sedalia Park Elementary, located at 2230 Lower Roswell Road, is one of 18 schools that Delta Community serves as a Partner in Education. The credit union, which is the largest in Georgia, has three branches and administrative headquarters in Cobb County.

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Davis Direction to hold substance abuse prevention event

October 13, 2020 9:43 AM by Wendy Parker

The Davis Direction Foundation, a Marietta-based addiction recovery non-profit, is holding a substance abuse prevention event, “Beyond the End Zone,” in East Cobb and virtually on Thursday. Davis Direction substance abuse prevention event

The event is from 5-7 p.m. in the conference center at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road) and will feature two guests from the football world.

They are Heisman Award Winner George Rogers, who will be in person to share his story of recovery (and the trophy will be there too!), as well as Las Vegas Raiders player Darren Waller doing the same via Zoom.

The $25 cost per ticket includes a BBQ dinner and auction and proceeds will benefit the foundation’s programs (more details here, and ticket purchases here).

Salvation Army Marietta Women’s Auxiliary to hold annual coffee

October 3, 2020 11:49 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information: Marietta Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary

The Salvation Army’s Marietta Corps will host this year’s annual membership coffee of the metro area’s Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary on Thursday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Any women who are interested in volunteering and learning more about how The Salvation Army and the Women’s Auxiliary work together “Doing The Most Good” throughout metro Atlanta are invited to this free event at the Marietta Corps, 202 S. Waterman St., Marietta.

For questions about the event, please contact Tonya Cheek at 404-578-2345. To RSVP, email Sheronda Anthony at sheronda.anthony@uss.salvationarmy.org.

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Center for Family Resources revamps Thanks for Giving event

September 26, 2020 12:13 PM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is asking the community to help them reach their goal of providing 1,000 Thanks for Giving Food Boxes for 1,000 families for this year’s reimagined Thanks for Giving event. Rather than hosting food drives throughout the area, supporters are asked to pack family food boxes themselves using a premade shopping list. The CFR is asking the community to get involved by becoming a Smart Stuffer Packing Partner, or by sponsoring or donating to this year’s “I’m Thankful For…” giving campaign. Celebrating its 35th year, Thanks for Giving provides everything a family needs to keep or create their own family traditions in ways that are meaningful to them.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges unlike any other for our community, including a rise in food insecurity, unemployment and incredible uncertainty,” said Melanie Kagan, CEO for the Center for Family Resources. “Due to restrictions on large gatherings and general health concerns, we are unable to conduct our event in the same manner as in previous years, however, we know the need is even greater. We are committed to providing Thanksgiving family food boxes to ensure families can celebrate the holiday in whatever way works best for them,” she continued.

Smart Stuffer Packing Partners will commit to donating pre-packed family food boxes ($60-$65 each) using a suggested shopping list, and deliver the completed boxes to a designated community drop-off location, or to the IAM Local Lodge #7091032, Marietta, in November. This event is a perfect way to invite colleagues, neighbors, family members and civic groups to participate and be involved with a great cause for the holiday season. Food boxes are distributed to families the week before Thanksgiving.

For more information on how you can get involved please visit www.thecfr.org/t4g.

Cobb commissioners narrowly approve new diversity council

September 22, 2020 8:37 PM by Wendy Parker

Cobb diversity council approved

By a 3-2 vote the Cobb Board of Commissioners Tuesday approved the creation of what will be called the Council for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation, a citizens’ body that will report to the county manager.

The objective of the appointed body will be to “develop proactive solutions embracing diversity by collaborating with government and community stakeholders to make Cobb County a more inclusive and enjoyable place for all citizens to live, learn, work and visit.”

(See previous ECN post here.)

The council was proposed by Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce, who was one of the votes in favor, along with commissioners Bob Ott and JoAnn Birrell of East Cobb.

But Lisa Cupid, the commission’s only black member, and its only Democrat, was one of the votes against the measure, saying it “was difficult to digest this with any seriousness.”

Not only was there not a work session, she said the resolution expressing the board’s sentiment in reaching out to the diverse communities of the county isn’t backed up by recent votes.

Among them was the board rejecting her proposal earlier this month for three county non-profits to provide rental assistance with federal CARES Act funding. That program will instead be administered by an out-of-county non-profit that’s also working with Cobb homeowners affected financially by COVID-related closures to make mortgage payments.

“This board doesn’t foster that kind of collaboration,” she said in reference to the Cobb non-profits, further objecting to the resolution initially being put on Tuesday’s consent agenda.

Cupid, who is challenging Boyce in the chairman’s race in November, said that while she supported the resolution in spirit, she understood how it might look if she voted against it. She said she first heard about the proposed council on Aug. 27, and at one point said she “just got tired of playing along.

“What’s the detriment to me if I say no right before an election?”

Republican commissioner Keli Gambrill of North Cobb opposed the resolution for other reasons, saying she thought it would be a “quasi-shadow government in the name of diversity.”

She also didn’t like that there wasn’t a work session and thought the council “would have a direct bearing on county policy.”

Birrell said she had some initial reservations but thought there had been ample time for commissioners to express their concerns about the resolution.

Ott, who is retiring at the end of the year, said he has been involved in three previous attempts to re-form what had been the Cobb Community Relations Council.

That body, formed in the early 1990s, has dissolved, and he said it’s important for there to be continuing dialogue in Cobb across racial, religious and cultural lines.

“We can’t just sit back while Rome burns,” Ott said. “Is this perfect? No.”

But he said “it’s more healthy when there is disagreement because it opens discussions and dialogue. It allows things to change.”

Ott said he was pleased that Ben Williams of the Cobb chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an occasional critic of the county on racial issues, endorsed the resolution.

During a public comment before the vote Tuesday, Williams said the language is “clear, strong and resolute, reflecting where this board is.”

Cupid said in reference to Williams’ remark that “I’m not convinced of that.”

Boyce was the only commissioner who did not take part in the discussion.

Cobb Diaper Day drive being held virtually through September

September 21, 2020 12:34 PM by Wendy Parker

Cobb Diaper Day

Submitted information:

The Cobb Diaper Day Committee announces that it is holding its 12^th Annual Diaper Day virtually, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The annual community-wide effort to collect diapers for low-income families is occurring throughout the entire month of September. Organizations, companies and individuals are encouraged to donate to the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund (managed by Cobb Community Foundation), purchase diapers through their Amazon Wish-list and hold diaper drives, especially during Diaper Need Awareness Week, being held September 21 – 27. All diaper donations will be given to the Cobb Douglas Public Health Teen Pregnancy Program, Communities in Schools of Georgia in Marietta/Cobb County, liveSAFE Resources, MUST Ministries, Ser Familia, Simple Needs GA and Sweetwater Mission for distribution to help ease some of the burdens of the thousands of families in critical need.

Through the efforts of the Cobb Diaper Day Committee, founded by the late Barbara Hickey, more than one million diapers have been donated to assist low-income families in Cobb County. The goal this year is to donate more than 110,000 diapers.

Low-income families often have the daily stress of choosing between food and diapers. Prolonged wearing of a wet diaper causes diaper rash, and a crying baby leads to more stress in the home. Low-income families also face the facts that:

Food stamps do not include hygiene products, such as diapers.

On average, the cost to purchase diapers is approximately $100/month.

Day care centers require parents to provide their own diapers.

Barbara Hickey reminded us all that, oftentimes, it is the little things in our lives that make the biggest difference, when she envisioned the community coming together to support local families in need.

For more information, visit www.cobbdiaperday.com.

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Cobb proposes Council for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation

September 19, 2020 10:29 AM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb anti-Semitic incidents — *Faith leaders in East Cobb attended an event at Temple Kol Emeth in August following the discovery of anti-Semitic graffiti scrawlings in nearby neighborhoods. (ECN file)*

An effort to reconstitute a dormant human relations commission in Cobb County will come before county commissioners on Tuesday.

Chairman Mike Boyce is proposing the creation of the Cobb Council for Peace, Justice and Reconciliation, with the intent to “develop proactive solutions embracing diversity by collaborating with government and community stakeholders to make Cobb County a more inclusive and enjoyable place for all citizens to live, learn, work and visit.”

Council members would be appointed by commissioners, and several organizations also would have appointed members, including the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, the Cobb chapter of the NAACP, the Cobb chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Cobb County Bar Association and Kennesaw State University.

Additional members who “represent the diversity within Cobb County” would be chosen by council members, and those in county government leadership positions “will serve as subject matter experts as issues/opportunities arise.”

The proposal to create the council comes after commissioners approved an anti-racism resolution in June, following protests sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black man, at the hands of Minneapolis police.

Last month, faith and community leaders gathered to offer a message of hope and love after anti-Semitic graffiti was found spray-painted in neighborhoods in East Cobb.

It was at that event, at the Temple Kol Emeth synagogue in East Cobb, that commissioner Bob Ott said a new appointed body was in the works.

The former human relations commission dissolved due to what he said was veering away from its mission.

That panel was formed after Cobb commissioners approved a resolution condemning “the gay lifestyle” in 1993. That came about when then-commissioner Gordon Wysong of East Cobb objected to county arts funding that included the Theater in the Square, which had been showing a play about a gay relationship.

The anti-gay resolution caused a national media frenzy and prompted Atlanta Olympic organizers to pull volleyball matches slated for the Cobb Galleria Centre and a torch relay route in the county before the 1996 Olympics.

The issue dogged Bill Byrne, the county chairman at the time, as he ran for his old seat in 2012 and he had to answer to it when he ran for commissioner in 2014.

Among those involved with the human relations commission was Rabbi Steven Lebow, recently retired from Kol Emeth, who organized a protest against the anti-gay resolution on the Marietta Square.

The proposed Council for Justice, Peace and Reconciliation would serve under the direction of Cobb County Manager Jackie McMorris and included in its mission is the following:

” . . . identify opportunities across a broad spectrum to assist in the education and mitigation of systemic, institutional, and structural racism. It shall provide opportunities for members of the community to participate in small group discussion, anti-racism training, and access resources to foster and improve open and honest communication among governmental entities, Cobb County residents and employees. It shall inform the community about the goals of CJPR and encourage organizational and community partnerships through conferences, workshops, and special events.”

You can read the agenda item here and the proposed resolution here.

The Cobb commissioners meeting starts at 7 p.m. Tuesday in the second floor board room of the Cobb government building, 100 Cherokee St., in downtown Marietta.

You can watch online on the county’s website, as well as its Facebook and YouTube pages and on Cobb TV23 on Comcast Cable.

Rotary Club of East Cobb delivers food to MUST Ministries

September 19, 2020 9:00 AMSeptember 19, 2020 8:15 AM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Rotary MUST Ministries

Submitted photo and information:

Members of the East Cobb Rotary Club met socially for about 15 minutes in September when they brought nearly $1,000 worth of canned goods and mac and cheese for MUST Ministries. MUST is a volunteer organization in Cobb County dedicated to helping homeless and struggling individuals for food, housing, clothing, and employment. Check them out at WWW.MustMinistries.org.

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MUST leader on COVID challenges: ‘Let’s not let this define us’

September 15, 2020 5:59 PM by Wendy Parker

Rev. Ike Reighard said he realized how serious COVID-19 was going to be when churches and casinos closed at the same time in March, as lockdowns began.

Cobb non-profit funding delayed — *Rev. Ike Reighard*

“When Heaven and Hell agree, we ought to take note,” quipped the senior pastor at Piedmont Church in East Cobb and president and CEO of MUST Ministries.

He told an in-person and online meeting of the East Cobb Business Association Tuesday that one of Cobb County’s prominent non-profits had its hands full tending to the crushing need for food, clothing, shelter and job assistance as pandemic-related closings threw thousands out of work and homes, and needing help providing the basics for their families.

Before they could do that, he said, the MUST staff had to reorganize its own staff, especially since they couldn’t rely on a volunteer army of around 17,000.

Instead of serving around 33,000 people in a typical year in an eight-county area, MUST has provided some form of help to nearly 125,000 people since March alone.

“We’ve already quadrupled what we do in an entire year,” Reighard said.

That includes more than a million meals, a million pounds of food for direct distribution and via pantries, putting up 238 households in motels when the MUST shelter closed and serving 78,000 total households in one form or another.

Another 400,000 meals have been provided to school students over the summer, in conjunction with the Cobb County School District, as well as other partnerships.

“To witness how people come together like this is one of the most encouraging things I’ve ever seen,” he said. As overwhelming as the needs have been, “even more overwhelming is the generosity of this community.”

He was asked to inspire business leaders who like so many have been adversely affected by the economic impact of the response to the virus.

Brimming with his usual enthusiasm, Reighard said the only way to approach such daunting challenges is that “you have to choose your attitude.

“We decided we would have to rise above the situation. We weren’t going to shut our doors. We just couldn’t disappear in our community when our community needs us the most.”

He said his staff had to “get really creative” when its main food supplier, the Atlanta Community Food Bank, became overwhelmed with requests from other non-profits.

MUST volunteers helped distribute student meals at various schools that were paid through the federal school lunch program.

With the Cobb County School District phasing in classroom returns next month, Reighard said work is finishing on restocking 39 food pantries in some of those and other schools.

Next month, MUST will break ground on a new 130-bed shelter on its current campus on Cobb Parkway near Bells Ferry Road. It’s the first phase of a two-phase process to nearly double capacity, as construction will continue into MUST’s 50th year in 2021.

Reighard said while needs in the community will remain high and the challenges to provide basic services will prove considerable, “let’s not let that define us.

“We’ve got a lot of obstacles ahead of us, but we’re going to get through this. The best is yet to come.”

MUST continues to accept donations at its donation center (1280 Field Parkway, Marietta), from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For information on making financial contributions, click here.

Cobb non-profits can apply for relief grants with SelectCobb

August 29, 2020 12:09 PMAugust 29, 2020 8:02 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Cobb County Government is partnering with SelectCobb to offer the county’s not-for-profit organizations a $2M funding opportunity to help mitigate financial hardships created by the coronavirus pandemic. The SelectCobb Not-For-Profit Grant will provide up to $25,000 to eligible, Cobb-based 501c3 non-profits to use on rehiring and maintaining personnel and other COVID-related expenses.

The SelectCobb Not-For-Profit Grant application opened Thursday, Aug. 27 on www.selectcobb.com/nfpgrants. Applications close on Friday, Sept. 11 at 5 p.m.

“Cobb County is home to a strong and robust non-profit community,” says Kevin Greiner, president and CEO of Gas South and Chairman of SelectCobb for the Cobb Chamber. “Our non-profits serve Cobb’s most vulnerable populations. And, while each organization has felt the impact of the pandemic through decreased revenue, each has been called to meet a higher demand of service. We are so grateful to be able to partner with Cobb County Government to provide the SelectCobb Not-For-Profit Grant as a financial lifeline to these organizations.”

To be considered for the SelectCobb Not-For-Profit Grant, non-profit organizations must meet the following requirements:

Not-for-profit organization must be a 501(c)(3) organization that files a 990, 990N or 990-EZ form with the IRS;

Not-for-profit organization must have 100 or fewer full-time, W-2 employees, i.e., employees working at least 30 hours per week or 120 hours per month;

Not-for-profit organization headquarters or primary location must be in Cobb County;

Not-for-profit organization may be home-based or located in commercial space;

Not-for-profit organization must have been in continuous operation for a minimum of 1 year as of July 28, 2020;

Not-for-profit organization must have a current registration with the Secretary of State’s office and be current on all required 990 filings, and;

Not-for-profit organization must certify if they have received PPP and/or CARES Act SBA loans funds as of time of application submittal.

“I’m grateful that the Cobb County Board of Commissioners in partnership with the Cobb Chamber has found another way to give hope to these significant partners in our county,” said Mike Boyce, Cobb County Chairman of the Board of Commissioners.

Once the application period closes, SelectCobb staff will review all applications to ensure eligibility. All eligible applications will be reviewed by an independent selection committee to recommend grant recipients and grant amounts, per the eligible tiers. A scoring matrix will be used to review each application so that it is a fair and equitable process. For a full list of eligibility requirements and more information about the application process, visit www.selectcobb.com/nfpgrants.

East Cobb Rotary plans ‘No K’ event in lieu of Dog Days Run

July 30, 2020 1:01 PMJuly 30, 2020 8:56 AM by Wendy Parker

Dog Days Run

Instead of what would have been the 15th anniversary of its 5K Dog Days Run next month, the Rotary Club of East Cobb is conducting its biggest fundraiser in different fashion fitting the times.

What it’s calling a “No K” run will still be taking place starting in August, culminating with a final event on Oct. 17, and you don’t even have to run. You can if you like, but it’s a virtual event that will still include prizes for participants. The proceeds of entry fees will still be used to help a number of local organizations and charities that the Rotary Club works with.

The race typically drew around 1,000 runners on a 5K course at and around the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, but COVID-19 concerns aren’t going to make that possible.

Here’s more about how the process will work:

We’re hoping to enable thousands of our neighbors to contribute to our community through not running. It’ll be a footrace-themed event that will play out on social media and DogDaysRun.com through August, September and October will conclude with a live recap and awards ceremony on Facebook Live from McCleskey East Cobb YMCA on October 17. We’ll still have folks registered to not run. We’ll still have awards for participants in all age groups. It’ll still count for the Grand Prix. We’re just not actually racing.

There’s a full list of beneficiary organizations at the same link above, and they include the Atlanta Area Council of the Boy Scouts, Center for Family Resources, East Cobb Robotics, the MDE School of East Cobb, the Cobb Public Safety Celebration, the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA and the AVID program at Wheeler High School.

Before the pandemic, the Rotary Club set a hefty fundraising goal, of $125,000 (last year it raised $82,000 from the Dog Days Run).

More registration information will be coming soon and can be found here. The Rotary Club also provides updates on its Facebook page.

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