East Cobb Community Service

Cobb schools to make food donations to MUST during closures

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MUST Ministries summer lunch program

The Cobb County School District sent out this statement Friday afternoon:

To continue to support Cobb students while schools are closed, the Cobb County School District is pleased to announce that the District is partnering with MUST Ministries to provide food to our students in need. 

By partnering with MUST Ministries, Cobb Schools will be able to extend the support to the entire family, not just those students who attend Cobb Schools.  

“We are thankful for this additional opportunity to partner with MUST Ministries. Partnering to help our Cobb families in need is truly an example of the community coming together,” said Superintendent Chris Ragsdale. “During this unprecedented time, there may be more families in need than just those who receive free and reduced lunches. By partnering with MUST, we will also be able to help those families.”  

The Cobb Schools Food and Nutrition Services kitchens are making large food donations to MUST Ministries, which MUST will use to feed Cobb families.  

“We are always honored to partner with Cobb County Schools year-round when it comes to taking care of at-risk children and their families. Currently, we serve 70 schools through 32 Cobb County school locations called MUST Neighborhood Pantries,” said Dr. Ike Reighard, President, and CEO of MUST Ministries. “With the schools closing and no access to the pantries, we have created the MUST Food Rapid Response effort to continue to meet the needs and expand to other families in need. We anticipate partnering with satellite locations to distribute family food boxes. While this is a work in progress, we hope to have locations and times settled by early next week.” 

Currently, MUST serves 1,500 families a month through Neighborhood Pantries and three main pantry locations. The MUST Food Rapid Response program will expand that reach. 

For more information about the MUST Food Rapid Response program including pick-up locations, times, and other details will be available on the MUST Ministries website next week.  

MUST has put together a list of what it’s going to need in particular while school’s out:

  • Beef stew
  • canned green beans
  • dry milk (carton)
  • pinto or baked beans
  • canned pasta
  • pasta bags
  • canned carrots
  • canned tuna
  • Chunky soup
  • canned corn
  • other beans;
  • canned potatoes
  • canned tomatoes
  • mac & cheese boxes
  • canned mixed vegetables
  • canned peaches and fruit
  • oatmeal bag/rice bag

These non-perishable food donations at 1280 Field Parkway in Marietta; you can also give financially by going to mustministries.com/give-help.

You can also buy food on the MUST list from Amazon by clicking here.

 

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East Cobb Rotary marks fundraising with Giveback Celebration

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East Cobb Rotary Dog Days Run
The East Cobb Rotary Dog Days Run is the primary fundraiser for the organization, which handed out more than $80K to community groups in 2019. (ECN file)

The Rotary Club of East Cobb announced this week it surpassed its 2019 fundraising goals for nearly two dozen local charitable organizations and is having a special “Giveback Celebration” event Tuesday evening at the Piedmont Church.

The club raised more than $82,000 (the goal was $80,000), mostly through the Dog Days Run 5K race each August at the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA.

The Rotary started the race in 2005, mostly by members who are running enthusiasts, and it’s grown to more than 900 runners last year.

Among the local beneficiaries and projects are:

  • Boy Scouts of America
  • Camp Kudzu
  • Camp Trach Me Away
  • Center for Family Resources
  • Cobb Library Foundation
  • Davis Direction Foundation
  • East Cobb Robotics
  • Family Promise
  • FODAC – Friends of Disabled Adults & Children
  • Georgia Care Connection Office
  • Good Samaritan Clinic of Cobb
  • Kidz 2 Leaders
  • Lekotek
  • Loving Arms Cancer Outreach
  • MDE School
  • Project Mail Call
  • Public Safety Celebration—Cobb Co. Public Safety
  • Rally Foundation
  • REAP (Reading Is Essential for All People)
  • Revved up kids
  • WellStar Community Hospice
  • McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA
  • AVID Wheeler High School

“Although it’s always satisfying to exceed expectations, what’s exciting is the impact this will have on the receiving organizations,” said Tammy Palmgren, East Cobb Rotary president-election and chairwoman of the Dog Day Run and the Giveback Celebration. “Seeing these connections made in real time always makes the Give Back Celebration quite an emotional experience.”

The East Cobb Rotary distributes funding after receiving applications from local organizations, and evaluation by a grant committee.

The club decided to hold its Giveback Celebration in the evening, instead of during its usual 7 a.m. Wednesday breakfast meetings at Indian Hills Country Club, due to larger crowds and to have more time to spend with the organizations it works with.

“I am hopeful everyone at the celebration will come away from the evening with a feeling of being one hundred percent appreciated and acknowledged,” Palmgren said.

 

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East Cobb, NE Cobb YMCA volunteer, teen leader to be honored

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Submitted photos and information:

McCleskey-East Cobb and Northeast Cobb YMCA volunteers and teen leaders of the Year will be honored on Feb. 10 at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Celebration of Community Champions: 2020 Vision event at the Cobb Galleria. Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young will be honored with the Bransby Christian Leadership Award.

Molly Khan YMCA volunteer
Molly Khan

McCleskey-East Cobb / Northeast Cobb Family YMCAs

Volunteer of the Year: Molly Toland Khan joined the YMCA with her family in 2012. New to Marietta, Molly found community and friendship at the Y, joining spin class and connecting with other families. She currently serves on the board and community engagement committee with the McCleskey East-Cobb / Northeast Cobb Family YMCAs

Quote about Molly from Y staff member Becky Shipley: “Molly’s time and efforts contribute to strengthening the foundation of the community. She currently serves on our board community engagement committee and oversees the success of our local school food pantry by recruiting volunteers and organizing food pick up day. Molly has grown the pantry’s outreach to serve over 50 families each month.

Quote from Molly: “My path to serve really became clear when I got more involved in our Y community programs which ensure all children have equal access to reaching their full potential. I want to be an example to my children that being a part of a community is about helping and serving others.”

Fatima Gonzalez YMCA volunteer
Fatima Gonzalez

Teen Leader of the Year: Fatima Gonzalez’ first connection with the YMCA was through youth soccer and swim lessons nine years ago. She is currently involved as the Leaders Club president. She has attended YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders School for two summers and has attended three global service leadership trips. After high school graduation, Fatima plans to attend college in Georgia so she can continue her YMCA involvement.

Quote about Fatima from Y Staff Member Rachel Singer: “Fatima embodies teen leadership and commitment to giving back to the community. She makes time to volunteer and takes the opportunity to lead by example. Fatima is someone I can easily say truly believes in the Y and has been grateful for all of the opportunities that have presented themselves because of her commitment.”

Quote from Fatima: “It is crucial to make time to be involved with the Y because it is our duty to serve our community. It is our duty as servant leaders to give back to the community that raised us and leave it better than it was before. I have found that I feel at home at any Y, even in other states or in other countries like Costa Rica or England. The Y has the ability to unite complete strangers and make them family. I don’t know of any organization that is even comparable to the work, service and impact of the YMCA.”

 

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East Cobb resident earns Cobb Chamber’s public service award

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Susan Hampton, Cobb Chamber public service award
Susan Hampton with outgoing Cobb Chamber of Commerce president Mitch Rhoden. (Cobb C of C photo)

At its annual gala dinner Saturday, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce presented East Cobb resident Susan Hampton with its Mack Henderson Public Service Award, given to “someone who is outstanding in their commitment and dedication to enhancing the quality of life for the citizens of Cobb County.”

Hampton has organized the East Cobb Business Association’s appreciation events for Cobb Police Precinct 4 officers and Cobb Fire personnel, and is part of the newly formed Cobb County Public Safety Foundation.

Over the last year, she has been outspoken in favor of better pay and benefits for Cobb public safety workers.

In being presented the award Saturday, the Chamber called Hampton a “tireless advocate for Cobb’s public safety personnel. Whether it’s acting as a vocal supporter for higher wages or organizing an appreciation event for local law enforcement, this award winner devotes her volunteer efforts to the community she serves.”

Hampton also is active with the Cobb County Coalition of Business Associations, “working with the coalition’s founders and other committed volunteers continuing the legacy of Barbara Hickey, lending her hand whenever it is needed,” according to the Chamber’s presentation.

The Cobb Chamber also honored former U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson at the gala dinner. The Republican from East Cobb was presented with the Chamber’s Senator Johnny H. Isakson Leadership Award, which has been renamed in his honor.

The Chamber has dedicated the 10th floor of its new offices at 1100 Circle 75 Parkway in Isakson’s name.

Sen. Johnny Isakson, Cobb chamber
Retired U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson speaks at the Cobb Chamber gala dinner Saturday. (Cobb C of C photo)

 

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Cobb Stuff A Bus toy, food collections take place this week

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Submitted graphic and information below includes details on East Cobb dropoff spots—at WellStar East Cobb Health Park Tuesday and the WellStar Administration building on Sandy Plains Road and Three 13 Salon on Canton Road on Thursday:

Cobb Christmas partners with Cobb County Department of Transportation and CobbLinc to create the county’s most unique and memorable holiday program, Stuff-A-Bus. Think of Stuff-A-Bus as the opposite of Santa’s sleigh, Santa uses his sleigh to deliver gifts and Cobb Christmas makes a CobbLinc bus our sleigh for collecting gifts.

The week prior to Cobb Christmas’ Annual Distribution, a CobbLinc bus travels through the county to Stuff-A-Bus host sites gathering donations of food and toys. Host sites can be businesses, schools and other entities that have organized toy and food drives.

This program would not be successful without the help of local businesses, schools, and other organizations that serve as host sites for Stuff-A-Bus. Volunteers at these locations organize food and toy drives and begin promoting and collecting in November. A Cobb Christmas representative schedules a date and time for the bus to make a stop at their location to collect the items which have been donated. All donations are stored and transported to IAM Local Lodge 709 —the Cobb Christmas Distribution Site-during distribution week.

Cobb Stuff a Bus

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Coach, park advocate named East Cobb Citizens of the Year

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East Cobb citizens of the year
Tom Bills and Mack Cobb (center, with plaques) are joined by, from left, East Cobb Area Council president Dan Byers, Cobb Chamber CEO Sharon Mason and incoming Cobb Chamber president John Loud. (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

The new recipients of the East Cobb Citizen of the Year award have been revealed, and a long streak of keeping the news a surprise to the winners has been maintained.

At a Tuesday morning breakfast of the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, Mack Cobb wore a Pope letter sweater, with a light-blue P against a backdrop of darker blue. He was asked to speak about the youth football programs he’s been involved with for nearly 50 years.

Tom Bills was part of a special presentation about the past, present and future of East Cobb Park, as the organization’s first treasurer.

Both men did that, but as the co-citizens of the year, an honor that’s been shared only once since the award began in 1991.

“I don’t know what to say,” said Cobb, holding up papers with prepared remarks. “I came here to talk about football.”

He’s coached middle-school feeder football programs for Pope, Lassiter and Walton, as well as for the Cobb YMCA.

When asked later about why he’s coached sixth-through-eighth graders for so long, his reply was swift: “They’re kids,” Cobb said, with a spark in his eyes.

A favorite moment came during a practice when a player rushed to Cobb, put something in his hand and asked him to hold onto it. It was a bloody tooth.

“I want to put it under my pillow,” the boy told Cobb.

Mack Cobb, East Cobb Citizen of the Year
Mack Cobb poses with members of the Pope community, including head football coach Tab Griffin (back row, at right), who played for him as a middle-schooler.

One of his former players was in attendance at the event at Indian Hills Country Club. Tab Griffin, who’s been the Pope varsity coach for the past three years, said Cobb’s been one of the more influential figures in his life, far beyond football.

“He always taught you so much about non-football things,” Griffin said. “Hard work. Making good grades. Respecting others. You don’t realize how much you’ve learned from him until you’re out in the real world.”

Griffin said those life lessons came every day in practice and at games, not in any overbearing fashion, but as part of developing trusting relationships with other people. That was the strength of Cobb’s influence.

“Now that I’m a father and a coach, I try to instill them with the things that I learned from him,” Cobb said.

Tom Bill, East Cobb Citizen of the Year
Tom Bills was surprised at being named the East Cobb co-Citizen of the Year, as he is presented his plaque by 1992 recipient Johny Johnson.

Bills was an engineering consultant in private practice when he got involved with efforts nearly two decades ago to buy land to purchase what became East Cobb Park.

He lives in the nearby Mitsy Forest neighborhood, and served as the first treasurer of the Friends for the East Cobb Park.

Over the years, he’s served the non-profit board in various capacities, including president from 2003-05. Now, Bills is a senior construction project manager for the Cobb Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

“I always thought that my award was the park,” Bills said.

He got involved in the volunteer group’s work, he said, because a park nearby “would be good for our neighborhood.”

It turned out to be a long-term commitment that included an ambitious fundraising project that continues today.

Before long, Sunny Walker, Mary Karras and Kim Paris—founding members and driving forces of the Friends group—got him fully involved, after initially asking him to evaluate an environmental impact study.

“Mary signed me up for 20 years,” he said.

He said as the organization’s treasurer, every single contribution, no matter the size, was important.

Among them were from kids who turned over big bags of change they solicited from golfers on the Indian Hills driving range.

“That meant as much to us” as the bigger checks, Bills said, “because it showed the support of the community.”

Bills’ other community work includes volunteering with activities at Walton High School, Keep Cobb Beautiful, and the Cobb Veterans Foundation.

 

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John Driskell Hopkins to perform holiday show at Olde Towne

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John Driskell Hopkins, Olde Towne holiday concert

Submitted information and photo:

John Driskell Hopkins (founding member of the Zac Brown Band) has released his third holiday album, entitled Our Finest Gifts, this time with  ATL Collective.The new album, with R&B-themed holiday tunes, is available for purchase or download on johndriskellhopkins.com, and is now available for download wherever you get your music — including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Pandora. 

WATCH VIDEO FOR “HAPPY SEASON”

ATL Collective is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching Atlanta’s music community by connecting artists to professional development, financial support and exposure to audiences. They are known to hand pick the finest musicians in town to collectively recreate the greatest albums ever recorded. 

The new album follows the success of the 2017 holiday album, You Better Watch Out, with The Joe Gransden Big Band; and In the Spirit: A Celebration of the Holidays, released in 2015 with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra (and on vinyl in 2016). 

Recorded at Hopkins’ studio — Brighter Shade Studios — Our Finest Gifts will feature appearances by Trombone Shorty, Ruby Velle, Dionne Farris, David Ryan Harris, Jason Eskridge and Maureen Murphy.

“I can’t begin to express how excited I am to be releasing my third Christmas album,” said Hopkins. ”I am so grateful to ATL Collective and all of these amazing artists who are part of this collaboration. It means so much to share my love of the holidays through music, and I think everyone will enjoy these R&B-themed holiday tunes.”

The new album was recorded at Hopkins’ own Brighter Shade Studios — a stunning and expansive 2500 square feet, includes an oversized, flexible-use main recording space large enough to hold a 30-piece orchestra. The space also boasts a voice-over booth, machine and mixing room, lounge and full-service bar — made of Sapele (from Taylor Guitars) with customized song lyrics carved into the wood. The space is garnished with hallmarks of Hopkins esteemed career, including guitars, awards, photos and mementos from his musical journey.

HOLIDAY CONCERTS
PUDDLES’ PITY PARTY HOLIDAY JUBILEE
Friday, November 29 | 7:30 p.m.
Center Stage
1374 W Peachtree St NW
Atlanta, GA 30309

CAMP TRACH ME AWAY HOLIDAY CONCERT
FEATURING JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS
Sunday, December 1 | 3:00 p.m.
Heritage Sandy Springs
610 Blue Stone Road
Sandy Springs, GA 30328
Holiday Music featuring John Driskell Hopkins

BALSAM RANGE ART OF MUSIC FESTIVAL
Saturday, December 7 | 7:00 p.m.
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
John Driskell Hopkins and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra

JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS’ SOUNDS OF THE SEASON
Saturday, December 14 | 11 a.m. and 7 p.m.
Olde Towne Athletic Club 
4950 Olde Towne Pkwy
Marietta, GA 30068
John Driskell Hopkins And The Joe Gransden Big Band — both performances will feature an evening benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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Mountain View Library Thanksgiving food drive ends Sunday

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Mountain View Regional Library

Submitted information:

Sunday is the final day to donate canned and non-perishable food items to the Thanksgiving Food Drive at the Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 30062.

All food collected through November 24th will be distributed to local families in need by Caring Heart Foundation, a local non-profit organization. Items accepted for the Food Drive include corn, rice, green beans, peas, carrots, dry beans, stuffing, canned fruit, gravy, candied yams, boxed potatoes and cranberry sauce.

Mountain View Library hours are Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Monday-Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

For information, call 770-509-2725 or visit www.cobbcat.org/event/thanksgiving-food-giveaway/all/.

 

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Home Depot Foundation donates $200K for veterans’ home repairs

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Submitted information:

The Home Depot Foundation veterans' home repairs
The Home Depot Foundation logo. (PRNewsFoto/The Home Depot Foundation)

NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity is pleased to announce The Home Depot Foundation has provided a $200,000 grant award that will provide housing and repairs for senior-aged Veterans in need in our community.

The grant will be used for critically needed home repairs of U.S. States veterans over the age of 55 in Cobb, Douglas and Paulding counties.

“The Home Depot Foundation shares our commitment to honor our veterans with safe, warm and dry affordable shelter,” said Jessica Gill, CEO, Northwest Metro Atlanta Habitat. “The Foundation respects these heroes who have given so much for us, and we are grateful to be the organization to facilitate these important repairs.”

Critical repair projects could include roof and HVAC repairs, adding insulation and weather stripping, installing wheelchair ramps or renovating bathrooms and doorways to accommodate disabled veterans. Last year, NW Metro Atlanta Habitat served 26 deserving veterans through this program in Cobb Douglas and Paulding counties. Anyone interested in participating should contact James Maner at Jmaner@nwmetroatlantahabitat.org or 770-432-7954, x109

 

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East Cobb art show to benefit suicide prevention efforts

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East Cobb art show, Passionate Artists with a Cause

Thanks to Mary Wyman for asking us to share information about an art show in East Cobb  she’s involved in next weekend that will aid suicide prevention efforts.

The show, called “Passionate Artists With a Cause,” will take place next Sunday, Oct. 27, from 3-6 p.m. at LM Frame + Gallery (formerly Thompson’s Frame Shop).

She’s among the artists, many of them from the Indian Hills area, who will have their artwork on display. A percentage of the sales will be going for suicide prevention work.

Wyman said this is the second year for the art show, which benefitted ALS research in its first year after the death of a golfer in the community.

This year, the decision to assist the American Association for Suicide Prevention came after an “unfortunate death.”

The art show is free to attend and is open to the public.

LM Frame + Gallery is located at the Shops at Woodlawn, 1062 Johnson Ferry Road, next to Big Peach Running Co.

 

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Congregation Etz Chaim food drive continues through October

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Congregation Etz Chaim food drive

Thanks to Gina Gory, a preschool teacher at Congregation Etz Chaim, for the information and photos:

Congregation Etz Chaim, along with the Atlanta Community at large is collecting food items between now and the end of October. These items will go the the Atlanta Community Food Bank and the Kosher items will be separated out and given to Jewish Family and Career.

It’s never too early to inspire our youth about the spirit of charity and giving back. The three year old Puppy class and their families donated several food items to help the cause. By participating in this event we are encouraging them to grow up with a healthy sense of compassion and a strong charitable spirit.

Upon depositing items in the collection bins we asked how this act of Tzedakah (charitable giving as a moral obligation) made them feel.

“My heart felt good. I felt happy. I felt better.”

Please consider donating your non-perishable food items to the Etz Chaim Lobby to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Congregation Etz Chaim is located at 1190 Indian Hills Parkway.

Congregation Etz Chaim food drive

 

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East Cobb dentist seeking volunteers for Free Dental Day

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East Cobb free dental day

 

For the ninth year, East Cobb dentists Michael and Azita Mansouri will be holding their free dental day event on Nov. 9, and they’re looking for hygienists and dental assistants to help out.

If you’re interested, go to the Mansouris’ website at https://www.naturalsmile.biz/free-dental-day-2019/ and fill out the volunteer form.

Here’s more about the free dental day, which typically serves about 300 or so people in need:

Doors will open at 5:00 am, and patients will be seen on a first-come, first-serve basis. It is recommended that participants arrive early, as lines for this event have started at 10 pm the night before the event in previous years. Before joining the line, participants must reply to the confirmation email or phone call that is sent out. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and they will receive one procedure of their choice: a professional dental cleaning, a dental filling, or an extraction.

This event is made possible by the non-profit organization, Dentistry From the Heart. This organization partners with thousands of dental professionals throughout the year to provide no-cost dental care to those without the means to acquire care.

“This is our favorite day of the year!” boasts Dr. Michael Mansouri. “We have been able to leave our mark on this community by giving back. So many people cannot afford dental treatments and do not have dental insurance. It is our great privilege to offer no-cost dental treatments to those in need.”

The 9th Annual No-Cost Dental Day event will be at Mansouri Dental Care & Associates (4720 Lower Roswell Road). For more information and a chance to win one of 10 guaranteed tickets, please visit us at https://www.naturalsmile.biz/free-dental-day-2019/ and like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MansouriDMD.

 

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East Cobb Wine and Vine Market to benefit local charities

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East Cobb Wine and Vine Market
For larger view click here

Submitted information:

On October 17th, 2019 at the Olde Towne Athletic Club, the East Cobb Civitans, along with the Georgia District Civitan Foundation and Friends for the East Cobb Park will host our 28 the annual “East Cobb Wine & Vine Market.”

This wine tasing and silent auction features over 100 items to bid on, and over 2 dozen wines to sample. There will be a live raffle drawing and a wine pull.

Your involvement in supporting this event has resulted in over $390,000 being donated to LOCAL charities!

These have included:

  • The East Cobb Park – Over $180,000 in donations for the park’s creation and development
  • Must Ministries: Providing shelter, clothing, food and support for homeless families
  • Center for Family Resources: Intervention & training to prevent and support homeless families
  • The Center for Children and Young Adults: A shelter & home for abused & neglected youth
  • Project Mail Call: Sends boxes of supplies and surprises to our deployed soldiers
  • Opportunity Knocks for Youth: Mentoring for Middle School aged Foster kids
  • Fragile Kids Foundation: Providing resources for the medically fragile
  • The Georgia Ballet’s “Dance Abilities”: Dance classes for special needs students
  • Camp Big Heart – A week long summer camp for developmentally disabled campers
  • Right in the Community: Supporting group homes for the developmentally disabled
  • Great Prospects – A social organization for adults with special needs.

Tickets are $25 each and include heavy appetizers; must be 21 or older to attend.

 

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5th annual ‘Fore the Cure’ golf tournament returns to East Cobb

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Fore the Cure

Submitted information and photo:

Join us on Monday, October 28th at Indian Hills Country Club for the fifth annual “Fore the Cure” golf tournament benefiting It’s The Journey, a local 501c3 charitable organization that raises money exclusively for breast health and breast cancer programs in Georgia. This event is chaired by longtime East Cobb residents George and Kathy Bartelme.

“We love that It’s The Journey is a small organization making a big impact in our community. Since 2002, they have funded 335 grants totaling $14 million to support everything from breast exams, screening, diagnostics, genetic counseling and testing, biopsies, support services and to research, all right here in Georgia. As a breast cancer survivor, it meant a lot to me find an organization that was helping the women and men in my community in meaningful, tangible ways,” said Kathy.

The Bartelme support has evolved into an annual golf tournament that is now in its fifth year. The annual “Fore the Cure” golf tournament has raised over $200,000 since 2015. This year the tournament will take place on Monday, October 28th at the Indian Hills Country Club. Registration begins at 9:30 am, with a shotgun start at 11:00 am. Participants will receive the use of a golf cart, lunch, 18 holes of golf, players package and prizes for golf challenges. Individual, foursome, and corporate sponsorships are available as well as donations for the silent auction and in-kind gifts. It is a very fun tournament and players consist of both members/non-members of Indian Hills as well as men and women.

There will also be a silent auction the day of the tournament. Items for auction include golf packages, sports memorabilia, original artwork, themed gift baskets, and more.

For more information on the tournament, to sign up, or to donate, please visit: https://e.givesmart.com/events/dx7/

 

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MDE School of East Cobb to hold ‘Boots and BBQ’ fundraiser

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Submitted information:

The MDE School of East Cobb hosts “Boots & BBQ,” October 19, 7 to 10 p.m. at Pontoon Brewing Company in Sandy Springs, GA. The event is generously presented by the Cobb EMC Community Foundation.

The third annual event is a benefit for the MDE School, a non-profit, private school in East Cobb that serves K-12 children with varying special needs. The MDE School is the only school of its kind in Cobb County and provides an exceptional learning environment where students with special needs have access to academics, music, drama, adaptive PE, enrichment programs and life skills training. MDE serves students with Autism, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, communication disorders, and developmental delays.

Since MDE School’s inception in 2008, enrollment has increased from 3 to 50 students from all over metro Atlanta. MDE is able to uniquely serve children with special needs who cannot be served in a traditional educational environment, and addresses each students’ learning, social, cognitive, and developmental goals allowing their students to maximize their potential.

The fun-filled, casual evening for adults is $40 in advance and $45 at the door. Sponsors as of printing include Cobb EMC Community Foundation, Genuine Parts Company, Honest-1 Auto Care, Ms. Donna Maslia and Mr. Matthew Morton, Spectrum Behavioral Associates, and Mr. Steven and Mrs. Elizabeth Patrick. Sponsorships ranging from $250-$2,500 are still available.

Evening events include music by Shadowood, BBQ, local craft beer, raffle, and a silent auction with prizes ranging from $20 to $2,000. Proceeds from the event will go towards the MDE School arts and enrichment programs.

“Think cowboy boots and denim in a fun, casual atmosphere,” said Mindy Elkan, Executive Director for The MDE School, who said the event is projected to sell out.

“There are still opportunities to donate auction items,” said Elkan. She said you probably have something you know about or could offer as an auction item, citing examples such as your condo at the beach you could donate for a weekend, airplane tickets, pampering items such as a facial, manicure, or massage, or restaurant gift cards for a night out.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.mdeschool.org. Tickets will be available until the event sells out.

MDE School of East Cobb fundraiser

 

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Pope HS student creates Girl Scout art project for foster children

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Pope HS student, Kits4Kids

Submitted information and photos from Sheri Kell, who served as a project advisor:

Girl Scout Elisa Fontanillas is inspiring art and creativity among Georgia’s foster care children through the creation of the Kits for Kids project. Elisa, a senior at Pope High School in Marietta, has spent 8 months organizing the project and collecting donations for her Girl Scout Gold Award.  

As a graphic artist and photographer, Elisa chose the project as a reflection of her own creativity. “My goal of these kits is to make sure foster kids are able to create art with their foster families and encourage their individual creative expression,” said Elisa.

After months of collecting paintbrushes, washable paints​​, paper, canvas, beads, yarn and many other art materials from local drop box locations at retailers and schools, Elisa recently recruited friends and classmates to help her assemble 200 kits. The kits were designed for age groups ranging from three to 12 years of age.

The kits were delivered to the Foster Care Support Foundation, where they will be distributed to the children. East Cobb Marietta Target, Roswell Blick Art Materials and the Roswell Road Kroger also generously donated supplies.

About Kits for Kids:

Kits for Kids is a charity organization set on creating art kits for kids in the foster care system through the Foster Care Support Foundation. We believe that by creating with families and individually, foster kids can express themselves freely through art. The kits were donated to the Roswell, GA-based Foster Care Support Foundation.

Pope HS student, Kits4Kids

Pope HS student, Kits4Kids

Pope HS student, Kits4Kids

 

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Davis Direction Foundation holding recovery conference

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Submitted information:

As drug abuse and overdoses continue to take lives and destroy families, innovative solutions are emerging in communities throughout the country. Sharing those solutions to “Fight Addiction and Fuel Recovery” is the theme for the 2019 national conference of Building Communities of Recovery.

The conference, in its second year as a showcase for solutions-based recovery programs, will be held Sept. 22-25 in Marietta, Ga. It is presented by the Davis Direction Foundation, which was founded by Missy and Michael Owen after they lost their 20-year-old son Davis to a heroin overdose in 2014.

By bringing solutions together in one place, the BCOR conference offers inspiration and hope to communities who are looking for ways to provide safe and sober environments, supporting people in recovery and encouraging them to live productively. According to the Surgeon General’s most recent report, there are more than 25 million people in recovery in the United States.

REGISTER HERE to take advantage of national experts and community innovators who will share their successes and lessons learned in four primary areas:

  • Medical and behavioral health
  • Education and prevention
  • Law and legal
  • Faith-based/spiritual

Keynote speakers will include Sara A. Carter, Fox News contributor and founder of the Dark Wire Investigation Foundation; Newt Gingrich, former Speaker of the House and a leader of Advocates for Opioid Recovery, a bipartisan initiative promoting evidence-based treatment for opioid addiction; and Dr. Kelly Clark, past president of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and founder of Addiction Crisis Solutions, which helps stakeholder groups transform addiction treatment into evidence-based care.

The conference kicks off at 7 p.m. (EDT) on Sunday, Sept. 22, with the movie premier of Not in Vein, open to the public in the Ballroom of the Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center.

Over the next three days, speakers will share their experiences in innovative solutions-based recovery programs. Examples:

  • The Centergy Project works with schools in Georgia, Illinois, Alabama, and Virginia to launch student and family support centers customized to the barriers and assets of each community.
  • In Panama City, Fla., a pilot project at the Bay County Jail Facility conducts resilience training for inmates who are addicted to opiates and other highly addictive substances. The program has reduced recidivism by 50 percent over two years.
  • Advocates for Opioid Recovery has relied on grassroots advocacy and successful use of social media to break down barriers to evidence-based treatment.
  • The complete program is available at https://www.buildingcommunitiesofrecovery.com/2019-bcor-conference-program/.

Harry Nelson, author of The United States of Opioids: A Prescription for Liberating a Nation in Pain, will be keynote speaker for the awards banquet on Tuesday. Sept. 24, recognizing advocates, organizers and partnerships that have worked tirelessly to fight addiction and fuel recovery.

Cost for the three-day conference is $399, or $299 for students, meals inclusive, with the exception of the Sept. 24 VIP dinner with plenary speakers costing $100.

The conference will provide educational opportunities that satisfy continuing education requirements for the following:

  • CMEs for medical professionals
  • P.O.S.T. credits for law enforcement officers
  • CEs for CADC, CAADC, CCS and CAC-I and CAC-II

Conference sponsors include Co-Host – WellStar Health System, The Zone, Cobb EMC Community Foundation, Mental Health for US, Atlanta Copier Rentals, DisposeRx, Advocates for Opioid Recovery, Kennesaw State University’s Center for Young Adult Addiction and Recovery, National Safety Council, Northside Hospital, Summit BHC, and Tanner Health System.

The conference will include an exhibit hall of various programs, sponsors, informational organizations and nationally identified innovative solutions.

The Davis Direction Foundation is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to fight addiction and fuel recovery while serving as the national model for “Building Communities of Recovery” in the midst of a national opioid/heroin epidemic. The Davis Direction Foundation focuses on advocacy, education, harm reduction, prevention and recovery.

For more information, email info@davisdirection.com.

 

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East Cobb Catholic churches take part in new Habitat project

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East Cobb Catholic churches Habitat project

Submitted information and photo:

The 2019 Cobb County Catholic Coalition has partnered with NW Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity for the 27th year and, this year is building two houses for Habitat homeowners on Old Bankhead Highway in Mableton. The coalition has built and dedicated 42 homes since 1993.

The first nails were hammered on both homes Saturday, September 7 for the Gamble and Vonnordeck families— both well-deserving single mothers. The coalition is comprised of six churches: The Catholic Church of St. Ann, St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, The Catholic Church of The Transfiguration, Holy Family Catholic Church and St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Jessica Gill, CEO of NW Metro Atlanta Habitat, said, “No other Habitat coalition in our organization has remained dedicated as long and faithfully as the Cobb Catholic Coalition. And it is not just an annual build— coalition members serve tirelessly year-round as board and construction committee members, house leaders, crew leaders and in many volunteer roles that support our mission.”

“From not knowing if I can provide food for my son to the blessing of Habitat, I know God is good all the time. I now take my experiences and minister to other women within my church and at a local shelter to help them overcome,” said Ms. Vonnordeck.

“This house will allow me to provide a stable home in a safer neighborhood for my son to grow up … I also feel with the process I can teach my son about community, loving others and how to serve and give back to other in our community.”

Ms. Gamble added, “We are growing stronger every day and I know having our own home will make our lives so much sweeter! My oldest son wants a garden, birthdays, holidays, barbecues!”

 

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Brumby ES food pantry seeking meat and milk donations

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Brumby Elementary School food pantry
The food pantry at Brumby ES opened last November. (Special photo)

Parent Nicole Monge Mason is sending out word that the food pantry at Brumby Elementary School is in “dire” need of meat and milk, among other items, and that special hours are being set up for Monday donations.

That’s because the next shopping day for Brumby families in need is next Tuesday, Sept. 17. What the panty needs most are individually wrapped ground beef, turkey and chicken packages and gallon milk containers. Those donations can be dropped off at the school (815 Terrell Mill Road) Monday between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The pantry is open to families Tuesday from 12-2 and 4-6. Brumby is one of more than 30 schools in the Cobb County School District that has a pantry for students and their families.

Nicole says what’s critical about this shopping day is that it’s going to have to last through the fall break week from school (Sept. 21-27). Reduced-price breakfast and lunches won’t be served, so families will be loading up on extra food supplies. She writes in her message:

“The stresses and fears that we relate to on a daily basis PALES in comparison to what most families face on a daily basis when it comes to food insecurities and households in need.

“We have a unique opportunity to be apart of helping families and especially children NOT stress about where their next meal is coming from….at least for a few weeks and especially NOT during the fall break coming up.

“As a community we can be apart of the solution but overlooking the essential need that is right here looking us in the eye is only contributing to the problem…

More information about what’s needed at the Brumby pantry can be found at this online sign-up form.

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East Cobb Park founding member Sunny Walker dies at 71

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Sunny piano East Cobb Park
Sunny Walker at the unveiling of “Sunny” the piano at East Cobb Park in 2017. (ECN file photo)

The Friends for the East Cobb Park is sending out word that Sunny Walker, one of the key figures in the creation of East Cobb Park, has died.

Walker, 71, died on Aug. 27. She also was a past president of Friends volunteer organization, helping to raise money to buy the land on Roswell Road where the park continues today.

In 2017, a piano donated by the East Cobb-based Play Me Again pianos non-profit was named “Sunny” in her honor and located at the park’s upper-level gazebo.

Walker was named the 1993 East Cobb Citizen of the Year by the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Her other community activities included being a Chamber board member as well as its Leadership Cobb initiative. She also was a supporter of the Theatre in the Square in Marietta. From her obituary:

“Sunny is remembered for her unconditional love of people and her perpetual heart of service. Dedicated to the arts, she championed numerous projects that were important to her community and its cultural development. Sunny’s influence is ever-present and vast.”

Walker, who lived in Smyrna, grew up in Rome and moved to Atlanta after graduating from the University of Georgia. She and her sister started the family-owned Frameworks Gallery, located on Johnson Ferry Road.

She is survived by her sister Diane Spencer of Woodstock and four other siblings, two children and five grandchildren. Walker was preceded in death by her husband “Big Al” Walker.

 

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