East Cobb Community Service

First responders, veterans treated to appreciation lunch

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First responders, veterans treated to appreciation lunch

Submitted information and photos:

How many times has a first responder positively impacted your life without you even realizing it? Probably more times than you can count. Recently, the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team hosted three events in one week focused on the mental health of our local heroes to thank them for their services.

On October 9th, Janice opened her office’s front doors to all Firefighters, Police, Sheriff’s Deputy, Veterans, and local community heroes alike for the semi-annual First Responders Appreciation Lunch. These heroes were hungry for barbeque and appreciation, being the largest turnout of the semi-annual lunch in five years. Sitting down with officers who put their lives on the line every day, Janice heard their stories, laughed with them, and offered the well-deserved rest from protecting our community.

Leftover sweets from the event were not wasted, instead delivered to the Cherokee County 911 center, one of the first 911 Centers in the nation to create a foundation specifically for the mental health and overall nutritionment of the dispatchers.

The Cherokee County 911 Center has even adopted an office dog, named Ruby, to help lighten the emotional weight of the difficult conversations they face daily. Emergency operators are an often neglected aspect of crisis responding, but with this 501(c)(3) foundation, the community can give back to those on call for us 24/7. GA Senator John Albers explains that other public safety offices have established foundations for officers in times of need, which is revolutionary for the holistic health of first responders.

“Let’s say a dispatcher gets cancer, this is where we can help them out personally and internally.” The foundation acknowledges a budget gap hindering the ability to rightly serve our first responders in their times of need without additional tax burdens.

Janice also interviewed U.S. Congressman Rich McCormick about the lack of first responder mental health awareness that exists at the “Fireside Chat” on October 15th.

As an ER Doctor and a U.S. Marine, Congressman McCormick has a vital perspective on the physical and mental challenges first responders face on a daily basis. Working with community members, business owners like Janice Overbeck, and a U.S. Congressman was a great start to serve our local heroes and make lasting change in Metro Atlanta. This change can take form through policy initiative, supporting foundations, or simply saying thank you to a local hero.

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

First responders, veterans treated to appreciation lunch

First responders, veterans treated to appreciation lunch

First responders, veterans treated to appreciation lunch

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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild donates items for hurricane relief

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East Cobb Quilters' Guild donates items for hurricane relief
Linda Agnello dropping off donated quilts and other items at a quilting shop in North Carolina.

The East Cobb Quilters’ Guild is holding its annual community service meeting Friday at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road), and will be announcing that more than 3,500 quilts and other items will be donated to local charities and organizations.

As this was being planned, Hurricane Helene swept through the North Carolina mountains, causing massive devastation.

Here’s how a local couple responded to help those in need in that hard-hit area, and in particular a sister quilting guild in Asheville:

“Imagine setting up our quilt show, expecting the show to open the next morning. Instead, you awake to widespread devastation for miles around. That was the reality for the Asheville Quilt Guild on September 26 when Hurricane Helene left its mark. 

“Steve and Linda Agnello have been in touch with the Asheville quilt show chair. Her request was not for donations for the Guild, which she believes will be fine. The guild wants contributions ‘to go to help the people in the area, NOT [the] guild.’

“The Asheville Guild extends thanks for your care and concern. Please remember that recovery will be an extended process for the region and the people living there.

“Help is also needed here in Georgia and in our surrounding states. There are many fine organizations delivering much-needed help. One organization with a wide reach is the United Way. Online donations can be made here. You can select the state to which your funds will be sent.

“Donations of finished quilts will be collected at the October meeting. Steve and Linda will collect and arrange delivery of quilts to a quilt store or other agency in the area that is distributing quilts to those people most affected by Helene.”

If you want to help, click here for information on how to donate to the Western North Carolina area. There are links for financial contributions and information on how to donate quilts.

Here’s a brief rundown of some of the local donations to be made at Friday’s event:

  • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – Bereavement Diapers, Scent Pads
  • Northside Hospital – Scent Pads
  • Cobb Schools Homeless Education Program – Flannel Blankets
  • Cobb County Meals on Wheels – Placemats
  • Ryan’s Case for Smiles – Pillowcases
  • Cobb Division of Family & Children Services – Quilts
  • Cobb Family Advocacy Center – Quilts
  • Barbara Crafton Center for Women at the Extension – Quilts
  • Quilts Across American with Tiny Stitches Quilt Shop – Quilts

For more on the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild community service work, click here.

East Cobb Quilters' Guild donates items for hurricane relief

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Tommy Nobis Center moves into new facility near Truist Park

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Tommy Nobis Center moves into new facility near Truist Park

 

Submitted information and photo:

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

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

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

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

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

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

Submitted information and photos:

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

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

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

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

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

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance conducts fall cleanup project

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East Side ES Cub Scout Pack 744 celebrates 50th anniversary

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East Side ES Cub Scout Pack 744 celebrates 50th anniversary

Submitted information and photo:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thanks for Giving annual food drive to get underway

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Submitted information:Center for Family Resources

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

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

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

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

Read more about how you can help here.

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Cobb Diaper Day to be held virtually through Oct. 31

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Submitted info and photos:

The 16th Annual Cobb Diaper Day is being held virtually throughout October 2024. Through the efforts of the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund – Cobb Diaper Day Committee, more than two million diapers have been donated to assist low-income families in Cobb County. The goal this year is to collect over 100,000 diapers.

Organizations, companies and individuals are encouraged to participate in various  ways:

  • Make a donation at www.cobbdiaperday.com.
  • Purchase diapers on Amazon through the Cobb Diaper Day Wish-list.
  • Declare a day to collect diapers from fellow employees, organization members, neighbors or friends.
  • Drop off donations on one of our community collection days at the Cobb EMC Solar Flower Garden in Marietta, GA: October 22 and October 24, 2024 from 2 PM to 6 PM.

Cobb Diaper Day was founded by the late Barbara Hickey in 2008 to help families in Cobb County. Barbara envisioned the community coming together to support local families in need and reminded us all that it is often the little things in our lives that make the biggest difference. 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 additional challenges:

  • Food stamps do not include hygiene products such as diapers.
  • On average, the cost to purchase diapers is approximately $100/month.
  • Daycare centers require parents to provide their own diapers.

To help ease some of the burdens of the thousands of families in critical need, diaper donations will be distributed to the community through the following community partners:

  • Cobb Douglas Public Health
  • Communities in Schools of Georgia in Marietta/Cobb County
  • LiveSafe Resources
  • MUST Ministries
  • Ser Familia
  • Simple Needs GA
  • Sweetwater Mission
  • The Center for Family Resources

For additional information, please visit www.cobbdiaperday.com or donate to the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund to support the efforts. To arrange for a diaper pick-up or for any other questions, please email DiaperDayCobb@gmail.com.

Cobb Diaper Day to be held virtually through Oct. 31

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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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‘Kendra Give Back Event’ to include Avenue East Cobb store

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'Kendra Give Back Event' to include Avenue East Cobb store

The Kendra Scott store at Avenue East Cobb is taking part in a “Kendra Give Back” event Friday to benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s AFLAC Cancer and Blood Disorders Center during Childhood Cancer and Sickle Cell Disease Month.

It’s part of the Kendra Cares charity, a creative arts program that “brings the magic and joy of Color Bar to pediatric hospitals across the country, giving patients and their caregivers a break from their everyday to design their own piece of customized jewelry at no cost.

“Patients are guided through creative activities consisting of multiple stations including choosing from colored stones and metal styles to create a custom piece of jewelry and reflecting on their experience through writing a note of gratitude to someone special in their life.

On Friday from 1-3 p.m., shoppers at the Avenue store who mention Children’s Healthcare at checkout will have 20 percent of their purchase to go to the cancer and blood disorders center.

You can also shop online Friday and Saturday use the code GIVEBACK-CHOA24 at checkout at www.kendrascott.com.

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance to hold Adopt-a-Mile cleanup

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Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance to hold Adopt-a-Mile Event

Submitted information and photo:

Seeking community volunteers for the Adopt-A-Mile Fall event from 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 along Powers Ferry at Terrell Mill Road. Meet up and enjoy complimentary refreshments at 8:30 a.m. at the Kroger Fuel parking lot, 1310 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30067.

Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance is pleased to host this bi-annual event, in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful, and supported by Kroger and Take 5 Oil Change. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided. Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.

Keep Cobb Beautiful’s Adopt-A-Mile program is a partnership that allows individuals and/or groups to improve the appearance of our community. In the event of inclement weather, an email will go out the night before to all registered participants. 

Sign up by clicking here. Email: volunteer@powersferryca.com Learn more: powersferryca.com.

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Catholics4Habitat raise walls on 50th home in Cobb County

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Submitted information and photos:

On Saturday, the Catholics4Habitat raised the first walls on their 50th Habitat home in the City of Austell. Kevin Reilly serves as Coalition Chairman and says the Coalition is incredibly proud to reach this landmark. “This group of Catholic churches has remained together to faithfully raise the money and build a Habitat home every year, he says. “We are proud to live out our faith through building affordable homes for deserving families.”

Life will soon be improved for future homeowner, Emmanuel and his four-year-old daughter, who currently live in a one-bedroom apartment in Mableton. Emmanuel has been working as a Lyft driver for six years and desires to own a home with more space for them in a safe neighborhood. When asked what he would like to say to the sponsors and volunteers that make homeownership possible for families like his, Emmanuel said, “God bless you for improving the lives of individuals, families, communities, and the needy by providing affordable homes.” ​<

The churches represented in the Coalition include: Holy Family Catholic Church, Catholic Church of St. Ann, St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Catholic Church of the Transfiguration. Long time Coalition leader Jim Nee will be serving as house lead.

“This amazing coalition is our longest running coalition and I could not be prouder to see them reach this important milestone,” says Jessica Gill of the Northwest Metro Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. “Fifty families have achieved financial stability and provided a decent home for the next generation because of their dedication.”

Catholics4Habitat raise walls on 50th home in Cobb County
NW Metro Atlanta Habitat director Jessica Gill and Catholics4Habitat coordinator Kevin Reilly.

Matt Hobby Classic raises $29K for childhood cancer research

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Update: Matt Hobby Classic raises $29K for Rally Foundation

We got a lot of interest in last week’s post about the Matt Hobby Classic, the Pope High School football fundraiser to honor a late Greyhounds player and benefit pediatric cancer research.

Volunteer Jennifer Dunaway tells us that more than $29,000 was raised from sales from the special T-shirt (a new one is designed each year) for the Rally Foundation.

The check shows $23K, but she said an additional $6 was raised after that. Since the Matt Hobby Classic began, more than $400,000 has been raised for the Rally Foundation.

The co-chairs for the event this year are Rylee Johnson and Lisa Aldridge.

And to top off the evening, the Pope football team defeated Sprayberry to run its record this season to 2-2.

Update: Matt Hobby Classic raises $29K for Rally Foundation

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Cobb Make-A-Wish 5K returns in October after 5-year hiatus

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Submitted information:Cobb Make-A-Wish 5K returns in October after 5-year hiatus

After a five-year hiatus, the Make-A-Wish Georgia 5K is back, promising a fun-filled, family-friendly event on Oct. 5that supports granting wishes for critically ill children in Cobb County.

Currently, 15 critically ill children in Cobb are waiting for their wishes, which range from travel experiences and medical equipment to meeting celebrities.

“We are thrilled to partner with Cobb County once again with the return of the Make-A-Wish Georgia 5K,” said Tim Earley, CEO of Make-A-Wish Georgia. “This event not only helps fund life-changing wishes but also brings our community together in a fun and meaningful way.”

This year’s race will feature a shirt design by Sneha Shastri, the winner of the road race design contest. Participants can choose from seven different sponsor levels, as well as options for individual and team entries in both timed and untimed categories. The Make-A-Wish 5K is also a qualifying event for the Peachtree Road Race.

The race will start and finish at the Marietta Square, offering runners and walkers the chance to experience the scenic beauty of historic Marietta.

Participants can join for a memorable day of fun and fitness, and help make wishes come true for children in Cobb County.

https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-safety/make-wish-5k

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EAST COBBER magazine to stage 26th parade and festival

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East Cobb's parade returns

The 26th annual EAST COBBER Magazine parade and festival returns on Saturday, Sept. 14.

As in the past, the parade starts at 10 a.m. at Mt. Bethel Elementary School, then marches down Johnson Ferry Road to Olde Towne Parkway.

The event’s community festival takes place at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Laren Brown, the magazine’s owner, said that more than 60 local groups are expected, totaling 3,000 participants, with an audience expected of more than 10,000 attendees.

The participants include scout troops, marching bands, local businesses and civic organizations and more.

A special feature is the VIP treatment for teacher of the year honorees at local schools. “We know many families move to East Cobb for the excellent schools, and this is a unique way to celebrate and recognize our outstanding educators,” Brown said.

The festival includes entertainment, arts and crafts, concessions, carnival games, and local businesses. The presenting sponsor is CertaPro Painters returns, along with Custom Disposal and The Auto Accident Attorney as additional sponsors.

A traffic reminder that we’ll be repeating as the date gets closer—police will be shutting down north- and southbound lanes of Johnson Ferry Road between Roswell and Lower Roswell between 9:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. See route below.

Woodlawn Drive will be open, but traffic will be affected. For information, contact Laren Brown at 770-640-7070 or laren@eastcobber.com.

 

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Pope HS ‘Matt Hobby Classic’ to benefit the Rally Foundation

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Pope HS 'Matt Hobby Classic' to benefit the Rally Foundation
Senior Sam Mitchell is wearing Matt Hobby’s jersey No. 70 this season in his honor.

The Pope High School football team is playing host to Sprayberry on Friday in a key region game and East Cobb rivalry matchup.

Friday’s game also has been designated as the “Matt Hobby Classic,” a fundraising event honoring the late Greyhounds player and to benefit the Rally Foundation, which raises funds for research and treatments for childhood cancer.

Hobby was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in 2003 and died in 2006, shortly after graduating. The foundation was being formed at the same time by a Pope parent, and each season a home game serves as a fundraiser.

Buckets will be passed around the stands during the fame Friday in the “4Quarters4Research” for fans to fill with loose change. More than $300,000 has been raised for the Rally Foundation since its inception.

You can learn more about Matt here and the annual fundraiser here. Special T-shirts also are on sale with proceeds going to the Rally Foundatin.

The varsity football player who is wearing Hobby’s No. 70 jersey this season is senior offensive lineman Sam Mitchell.

He was chosen over the summer for embodying Hobby’s spirit.

 

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Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer for The Sandwich Project

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Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

Christi Vandaveer McCarey, a parent volunteer with the Walton High School Cheer Program, sends along the photos and details of a volunteer project last Tuesday on behalf of The Sandwich Project.

The Atlanta-area non-profit collects sandwiches every week to distribute to the homeless and food insecure, and partners with community organizations to put the meals together.

During the final week of their summer vacation, the Walton cheerleaders gathered in the school cafeteria and made 729 sandwiches.

“Besides a great team bonding experience they learned how these sandwiches will directly impact our local community by filling the gap and providing sandwiches to those around us that are food insecure this summer,” McCarey says.

If you or your organization are interested in helping out, visit The Sandwich Project Atlanta website for more information.

Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

Walton HS cheerleaders volunteer The Sandwich Project

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Cobb Chamber accepting 2024 Citizen of the Year nominations

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Cobb Chamber accepting 2024 Citizen of the Year nominations
Irene Barton, center, the 2023 East Cobb Area Council Citizen of the Year, with Cobb Chamber of Commerce leadership.

Submitted information:

The Cobb Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Citizen of the Year Awards. The Citizen of the Year Awards, created by Cobb County civic clubs and co-sponsored by the Cobb Chamber Area Councils and Cobb County business associations, have annually been presented to extraordinary individuals for the work they have done in Cobb County.

Awards are given to deserving individuals based on nine local area nominations: Acworth, Austell, Cumberland, East Cobb, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta, Powder Springs, Smyrna, Town Center, and West Cobb. Given to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model, these outstanding citizens are chosen for their definable, exceptional deeds, with which he or she has made their community a better place to live.

Nominations are now open through Friday, August 30 at https://tinyurl.com/z5p6rr2d. Thank you Presenting Sponsor, Capital City Bank. For more information on the Citizen of the Year Awards, contact Katie Guice at 770-859-2334 or kguice@cobbchamber.org. 

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KIDS Care, Cobb Police culminate school supply drive

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Submitted information:Cobb Kids Care food drive

KIDS CARE and the Cobb County Police Department are excited to announce the 4th annual Backpack and School Supply Drive. The program collects new backpacks and school supplies for Cobb county students in need. Donations will be accepted through July 20.
Donation drop-off locations/times:
  • All 5 Cobb County police precincts and Police Headquarters, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily through July 20.
  • Cobb Civic Center from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, July 20 at an event co-hosted by Keep Cobb Beautiful, at 548 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta.
Over the last three years, the organization donated 1,374 new backpacks with school supplies. Donations can also be made on the KIDS CARE website.

Dog Days Run, Lutzie 43 Road Race both set for Aug. 3

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2023 Dog Days Run
Scouts from Troop 1011, sponsored by the Rotary Club of East Cobb, in the 2023 Dog Days Run. ECN file.

Two of East Cobb’s most popular summertime community runs are just a couple weeks around the corner.

The Dog Days Run and the Lutzie 43 Road Race are both set for Saturday, Aug. 3.

The Rotary Club of East Cobb is the sponsor of the Dog Days Run, which starts and finishes at the MeCleskey Family-East Cobb YMCA (1055 East Piedmont Road).

The Lutzie 43 Road Race, organized by the Lutzie 43 Foundation, takes place at Lassiter High School (2601 Shallowford Road).

Both are major fundraisers for their sponsoring organizations. For the first time last year, the Rotary Club of East Cobb raised more than $100,000 from the run to benefit more than 20 community organizations.

Rotary Club past president Butch Carter said they’re still asking for sponsors, and Monday is the deadline for sponsors to get on the printed materials, including race shirts and programs.

The Lutzie 43 Foundation is named after Philip Lutzenkirchen, a former Lassiter and Auburn football star who was killed in a 2014 car crash. The organization works to educate young people about better decisions as drivers and as people.

Both are 5K races with numerous age- and sex-based categories that include post-race honors and recognitions.

Registration information and sign-up here: Dog Days Run | Lutzie 43 Road Race

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Delta Community opens applications for 2025 Philanthropic Fund

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Delta Community Credit Union philanthropic grants
Delta Community Credit Union Logo (PRNewsFoto/Delta Community Credit Union)

Delta Community Credit Union is now accepting grant applications for its 2025 Philanthropic Fund program. For the 12th year, the annual grant program will provide financial support to organizations that share Delta Community’s commitment to helping families manage their finances more effectively; improving the physical and financial well-being of young people; or enhancing educational and career opportunities for teens and adults. As Georgia’s largest credit union with more than $8.5 billion in assets, Delta Community looks forward to distributing a total of $150,000 to 20 nonprofit organizations throughout 2025.

“It is our privilege to support and invest in programs that positively impact the lives of metro Atlanta families,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, we operate under the ideal of good corporate citizenship and strive to strengthen the communities where our members live and work through our own direct efforts and by partnering with organizations that share our values and sense of responsibility.”

The application window closes on Aug. 30, 2024, at 5 p.m. ET. Applications must be submitted via the online portal at www.DeltaCommunityCU.com/PhilanthropicFund.

Since launching its Philanthropic Fund program in 2013, Delta Community has invested nearly $1.2 million in more than 220 organizations that offer educational opportunities, job and career training, and medical and human services support to families and individuals in need. In addition, Delta Community invests in local communities through scholarships, school partnerships and support for chambers of commerce and civic organizations. 

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