East Cobb Community Service

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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Submitted information:

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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Cobb Chamber announces 2024-25 Leadership Cobb Class

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Submitted information:Cobb Chamber annual golf tournament

Leadership Cobb, the Cobb Chamber’s premier leadership development program, has selected 60 new participants for the 2024-2025 class.

Founded in 1983, Leadership Cobb brings together diverse business and community leaders for a 10-month journey focused on personal and professional growth. The program accomplishes this through leadership training, teambuilding, and educational experiences highlighting our community’s greatest success stories and most significant ongoing challenges.

Congratulations to the members of the 2025 Class:

  • Benjamin Andrews, Advanced Technology Development Center
  • Eliese Bernard, Wellstar Health System
  • Melanie Brueggemann, Croy Engineering
  • Toby Carmichael, City of Acworth
  • Colt Chambers, The Alley Stage
  • Ollie Clemons, Jr, City of Austell
  • Elizabeth Colletti, Cobb Chamber of Commerce
  • Carl Crumbley, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services
  • Denise Czarnik. Smyrna Public Safety Foundation
  • Sean Ditzel, Abernathy Ditzel Hendrick, LLC
  • Mariel Ellis, Gas South
  • Owen Farist, Gregory, Doyle, Calhoun & Rogers, LLC
  • Sean Ferrell, LGE Community Credit Union
  • Kellie Fletcher, BDR Partners
  • Rachel Franklin, Cobb & Douglas Public Health
  • Kim Franz, Cobb Travel & Tourism
  • Molly Gillis, Gillis Law Firm, LLC
  • Christopher Gulledge, Cobb County Government
  • BJ Haisten, Brasfield & Gorrie, LLC
  • Brad Humphrey, HNTB Corporation
  • Evan Ingram, Goshen Valley
  • Anthony Iorillo, CROFT & Associates, INC
  • Rich Jakob, Atlanta United FC
  • Earnest Johnson, Georgia Power Company
  • Chyeena Kellogg, Cultured Ag Inc.
  • Brittany Lambert, Walton Communities, LLC
  • Adebola Lamikanra, Genuine Parts Company
  • AikWah Leow, Cobb County District Attorney’s Office
  • Alyssa Liguori, Northside Hospital
  • J.D. Lorens, Cobb County Department of Transportation
  • BJ Martin, W&A Engineering
  • Jesus Martinez, Peach Tree Commercial Capital, LLC
  • Jenn McNeely, Delta Air Lines
  • Lisa Mello, LiveSafe Resources
  • Stephanie Meyer, Chattahoochee Technical College
  • Cheryl Morgan, Dobbins Air Reserve Base
  • Stacey Nicely, Atlanta Braves
  • Angela Orange, Marietta City Schools
  • Nehemiah Pace, Atlanta Falcons Football Club
  • Ashley Palmer, Cobb County State Court
  • Kirstin Popper, kirpop
  • Kevin Pounds, MUST Ministries
  • Troy Refuge, Refuge Law, PLLC | DTSpade Specialized Real Estate
  • Keisha Register, City of Marietta
  • Nick Rider, Mauldin & Jenkins, LLC
  • Rico Short, Apex Endodontics P.C
  • Rick Shumpert, Kennesaw Police Department
  • Douglas Simmons, Cox Communications
  • Kelli Spearman, Freeman Mathis & Gary, LLP
  • Alina Stevens, All-Pro Pest Services, Inc
  • Casey Tanner, Kennesaw State University
  • Eric Trehern, The Home Depot
  • Joy Ugi, American Council of Engineering Companies Georgia
  • Naporsha Valentine, Allstate – Law Office of Marcus A. Blackwell
  • Danny Vander Maten, Cresa
  • Gretchen Walton, Cobb County School District
  • Chris Wasserman, Wasserman Talent Solutions
  • Chad Williams, GB’s Lake & Stable
  • Jen Willis, Summit Heating and Air
  • Nick Winbus, Dallas Smith & Company, LLC

Jennifer New, Mount Paran Christian School, and Greg Mize, The Atlanta Braves, will be Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. Joyette Holmes, Georgia State Board of Pardons & Paroles, and Eddie Wade, Croy Engineering, will be the Vice Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. The 2024-2025 class theme is “Bring It Home.”

The Leadership Cobb class of 2025’s Yearlong Presenting Sponsor is Kennesaw State University Executive MBA & MBA Programs; and Legacy Sponsors are Genuine Parts Company, Croy Engineering, Mauldin & Jenkins, Accounting Consultants of Cobb, and Johnson & Alday, LLC. For more information about Leadership Cobb, contact Kai Lawrence at 770-859-2346 or klawrence@cobbchamber.org.

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Walton HS student at Troop 565 earns Eagle Scout designation

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Walton HS student at Troop 565 earns Eagle Scout designation

Submitted information and photos:

Theodore Adams Thomas of East Cobb, a student at Walton High School, has earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts, the Eagle Scout Award.

Thomas was recognized in ceremonies on Sunday, May 16, 5:00 pm at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church. A member of Troop 565 at Eastminster, Thomas is one of approximately 4 percent of all Scouts who attain the Eagle rank.

Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church, or synagogue-related service project to earn their Eagle; Thomas chose to improve the safety and quality of life of school children and neighbors in the Timber Ridge Elementary School zone by creating a path to school on Highway 120 frontage at the intersection of Highway 120 and Bishop Lake Road. Previously, the stretch of road was occupied by shrubbery behind a guardrail which prevented pedestrian traffic and forced anyone transiting the area to walk in the roadway on a very busy section of Highway 120/Roswell Road.

Thomas organized the removal of the shrubbery and laying a mulch path through coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, and 36 volunteers who assisted him in the labor. Thomas has served as Senior Patrol Leader, Chaplain’s Aid, and Scribe.

Honors he has received include Arrow of Light, Silver Explorer, 50-Miler, Gold Palm, and he holds the record for the mile swim at Camp Woodruff. Thomas joins other outstanding American citizens who have become Eagle Scouts, among them former President Gerald R. Ford, Jr., astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, cinematographer Steven Spielberg, and the head of the F.B.I., William Sessions.

Thomas is a member of Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation. He is Captain of Walton Swim and Dive, the defending 7A state champions, and active in the Engineering Honors Society, RPG Club, and E-Sports at Walton High School, where he is a Senior. He also swims with the Stingrays Swimming Club.

He is the son of Dominic and Elizabeth Thomas of Marietta and in interested in pursuing engineering and a career in military automotive technology.

Walton HS student at Troop 565 earns Eagle Scout designation

Walton HS student at Troop 565 earns Eagle Scout designation

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National Charity League of East Cobb volunteers on Impact Day

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National Charity League of East Cobb volunteers on Impact Day

Submitted information and photos:

On a 100 degree day, 105 members of the National Charity League (NCL) of East Cobb gathered at St. Ann Catholic Church for the 2nd Annual Impact Day. The event aimed to benefit The Sandwich Project, a nonprofit fighting food insecurity in Metro Atlanta. NCL East Cobb’s mission is to foster mother-daughter relationships in a philanthropic organization committed to community service, leadership development and cultural experiences. Lexi Bretl, a 2027 Ticktocker (daughter), said the day left her with “a great feeling of giving back to our community, and it was neat seeing everybody come together to make so many sandwiches!”

After a brief membership meeting, Silke Shilling, Former VP of Philanthropy, led the group through a Roots of Hunger Activity geared toward helping the young ladies understand the concept of how the greatest difficulties with food insecurity isn’t the lack of food, but rather the inequality of distribution and accessibility. The Ticktockers were given a brown bag with a various number of snacks in them upon their arrival. At Mrs. Shilling’s direction, they opened the bags to find that they did not all get the same amount. “It felt unfair not to get the same amount of food as my neighbor,” said Brooklyn Paulin, a 2026 Ticktocker.

The 60 Ticktockers were then tasked with equitably distributing the snacks to everybody in the room. The chaos in the room, as Mrs. Shilling pointed out, is what many food programs and families face trying to get the correct amount of food into the hands of those in need. She continued with some statistics that 1 in 8 Georgians, including 500,000+ children and numerous households with veterans, are affected by food insecurity. Miss Paulin said that “the event deepened my understanding and interest in world hunger. It also helped me understand the complexities of the food distribution system and of fixing the issue of equal food distribution.”

The Sandwich Project, established in 2020 in response to the challenges posed by COVID-19, is a nonprofit organization with a network of volunteers who make and deliver fresh, homemade sandwiches to people experiencing food insecurity throughout Metro Atlanta. With over 4,000 volunteers and more than 30 collection sites, they serve over 60 charities. Since June of 2021, NCL East Cobb has contributed an impressive 46,646 sandwiches to The Sandwich Project. Additionally, fifteen of our mother-daughter duos or trios from NCL East Cobb have generously donated over 625 sandwiches each.

Finally, with the generous support of Whole Foods Merchants Walk, Publix Charities, and Costco Perimeter, the members of NCL East Cobb demonstrated their commitment by making a total of 1,645 nutritious sandwiches! This more than doubles the sandwiches made at NCL’s first Impact Day last year. In an email to the chapter, Silke Shilling confirmed that the sandwiches were distributed the following day to the Community Assistance Center and St. Vincent de Paul Society, and will most likely be all eaten by Monday the 17th!

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all NCL East Cobb members for their participation and a special thank you to the individual members who dedicated extra time to make this initiative a resounding success!

For more information about NCL East Cobb, please visit https://www.nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/eastcobb/
For more information about The Sandwich Project, please visit https://www.thesandwichproject.org/.

National Charity League of East Cobb volunteers on Impact Day

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Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition begins work on 24th house

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Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition begins work on 24th house
Submitted information and photo:

On Saturday, the Cobb Interfaith Habitat Coalition (CIHC) and future homeowner Sandra hammered the first nails and raised the walls on the Coalition’s 24th house located in the City of Marietta.

Sandra serves as an Administrative Assistant in Development Services at the City of Marietta where she has worked since 2014. Her job helps to make the public’s experience with the City go smoothly. Sandra lives in an apartment complex in Kennesaw but is seeking a greater sense of community and financial stability through homeownership. An affordable mortgage did not seem attainable until she was selected through the City of Marietta Public Service Housing Program to build with Habitat. She will now benefit from affordable monthly mortgage payments that are not subject to major increases – which will enable her to retire comfortably in the future. Sandra most looks forward to cooking in a sunny kitchen, hosting holiday gatherings, and hopes to get a dog.

This year’s faith groups include 15 religious organizations and eight corporate partners. Religious partners include Smyrna First United Methodist Church, Bethany United Methodist Church, East Cobb Islamic Center, West Cobb Islamic Center, Temple Kol Emeth, Temple Sinai, Ahavath Achim Synagogue, St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Log Cabin Church, Covenant Church, Unity North of Atlanta Church, Macland Community Church, McEachern Memorial United Methodist Church, First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, and Due West Methodist Church.

Non-Faith Based Sponsors include Pinkerton & Laws Construction of Atlanta, Atlanta West Carpets, Moore Colson, Fortune-Johnson, Foresite Group, Nissan, Burke-Moore and Sentinel Lake Neighborhood.

“The CIHC motto ‘We Build to Coexist; We Coexist to Build’ says it all about this dedicated group of partner religious and corporate organizations,” says Jessica Gill, CEO, Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. “The Coalition remains true to its mission to better the community through homeownership.”

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Stretch Zone starts food drive for Wheeler HS food pantry

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Submitted information from Stretch Zone East Cobb (4371 Roswell Road), which is accepting food items as noted below through June 8:Stretch Zone starts food drive for Wheeler HS food pantry

Stretch Zone East Cobb is proud to announce the launch of a food drive to support the Wheeler High School Food Pantry. This initiative aims to ensure that no child goes hungry this summer by providing meals for families in need.

With approximately 50 percent of Wheeler High School students receiving free or reduced-cost lunches, the food pantry plays a crucial role in supporting these families. Stretch Zone East Cobb is stepping up to help fill the gap and provide much-needed resources for the community.

From now until the end of the drive, community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items at Stretch Zone East Cobb. As a token of appreciation, anyone who donates 10 items will receive a free stretch session.

Kelly Boatright, owner of Stretch Zone East Cobb, expressed her commitment to the cause, stating, “We believe in supporting our community, and the Wheeler High School Food Pantry is an essential resource for many families. By coming together, we can make a significant impact and ensure that our students have the nutrition they need to thrive.”

Items needed for the food pantry include:

  • 1-2 lb bags of rice and beans
  • Canned vegetables, soups, or chili
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Canned meals
  • Fruit snacks
  • Peanut butter crackers, chips, or crackers
  • Cereal
  • Noodles

Donations can be dropped off at Stretch Zone East Cobb during regular business hours. The food drive is an excellent opportunity for the community to unite and support local students and their families.

For more information about the food drive and how you can contribute, please visit Stretch Zone East Cobb or contact us at (678) 971-2905.

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Family Promise of Cobb County receives grant for housing support

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Submitted information:Family Promise of Cobb County receives housing support grant

Family Promise of Cobb County was recently awarded an $18,000 grant from Clayton Homes and Family Promise National that will ensure families in Cobb County receive the support they need to remain safely housed. 

The grant is a portion of the $1.3 million dollars that Clayton and Family Promise National are dispersing to the Family Promise network nationwide. The funds are a result of the recently announced partnership extension between Family Promise and Clayton. A Future Begins at Home, the program that arose from the collaboration, focuses on helping families who face homelessness remain in their homes and quickly regain stability. Since its inception in 2019, A Future Begins at Home has catalyzed millions in additional funding resulting in more than 25,000 families served.

“Thanks to the grant from Clayton and Family Promise National, we can provide children and families with safe, stable housing without funding concerns. Thank you, Clayton and Family Promise National, for your commitment to ending family homelessness and supporting our mission.” – Autumn Sines, Executive Director, Family Promise of Cobb County. 

In addition to the grant program, Clayton has donated 16 homes to the Family Promise network since 2019. These homes are used primarily as transitional housing for families working with Family Promise. The homes allow families to stay together and regain stability as they work to find a new home.

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Groundbreaking held for Cobb ‘Veterans Village’

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Groundbreaking held for Cobb 'Veterans Village'

Submitted information and photo:

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting America’s first responders, Gold Star families and military veterans, is bringing its commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness to the Atlanta area. The organization held a groundbreaking ceremony for its new “Atlanta Veterans Village” on May 17, 2024 in Mableton. When completed in 2025, the location at 65 S. Service Road will provide permanent and transitional housing to nearly 100 veterans in Atlanta and surrounding areas. 

At the groundbreaking, Tunnel to Towers (T2T) announced details of its plans to turn the former Wingate by Wyndam hotel into a Veterans Village. 

  • Long-term living spaces will include apartments with a bedroom, living room, kitchen and bathroom
  • The renovated facility will also have a gym, business center, great room, cafeteria and commercial kitchen
  • Male and female veterans will be able to live in the facility

The facility in Mableton is part of a nationwide Tunnel to Towers Foundation’s Homeless Veteran Program. In 2023, the Foundation provided housing assistance and services to more than 3,000 veterans. It also provides mortgage assistance to catastrophically injured Veterans, Gold Star families and Fallen First Responder Families with prior military experience. 

“This new Homeless Veterans Village in greater Atlanta is a part of Tunnel to Towers’ commitment to eradicating veteran homelessness nationwide. In a few short months, this facility which was once a blight on this community, will soon serve as a beacon of hope, says Gavin Naples, Vice President of the T2T Homeless Veteran Program. “We want to ensure that the men and women who served our country have a dignified home they can call their own and facilities like this one are the least we can do for those who sacrificed so much. We will not let our heroes down.”

Ted Decker, President and CEO of The Home Depot, also attended the groundbreaking. The Home Depot Foundation is one of the nonprofit’s earliest partners, supporting the T2T mission from the start. The Home Depot Foundation pledged to donate $500,000 to the new facility in Austell as renovations get underway.Tunnel to Towers is in the process of several transformative projects aimed at making a tangible difference in the lives of those it serves. A similar project was completed by T2T last November in Houston, TX where the Foundation converted a former hotel into a high-end, affordable apartment complex. It now provides permanent and transitional housing to more than 100 veterans in the greater Houston area. 

The Foundation’s Homeless Veteran Program currently provides housing to Veterans in Riverside, CA, Los Angeles, CA, Austin, TX, and Phoenix, AZ. Additionally, it is in the process of creating homes for Veterans in twenty other cities including Las Vegas, NV, Denver, CO, and Orlando, FL. 

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Cobb school students earn 2024 Kiwanis ‘Silver Pen’ awards

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2024 Kiwanis Silver Pen Awards
(Front) Margy Rogers, Kiwanis Club Marietta Golden K; Mila Kornuth, Silver Peb award winner and Dana Popovich, Kiwanis. (Back) Jim Perry and Paul Smith, Kiwanis

Submitted information and photos:

In May of 2024, The Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K proudly presented the coveted Silver Pen award to students from 5 Cobb County Elementary Schools. Fourth graders from Acworth, Addison, Powers Ferry, Rocky Mount and Tritt Elementary Schools were presented with the award. In addition, a FIFTH GRADE Silver Pen award was presented to a student from Powers Ferry Elementary School.

The awards included: A Silver Pen; $25 dollars in cash in the form of uncirculated 1 dollar coins from a US mint and an engraved plaque

The topic of the essays that the 4th grade (and 5th grade) students wrote about this year was “What They Want to be When When Grow Up.” The essays were submitted for judging  at the school level, then winning essays from each school were further submitted for judging by a team of Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K judges. After the rigorous judging process was completed, final Silver Pen award winners from each school were announced.

As Jim Perry, past president of Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K stated, “There were some first this year that are worthy of note:  

  • We presented six awards this year, which is an all time record, adding two new schools: Addison and Powers Ferry.
  • We presented the first Fifth Grade Silver Pen Award ever anywhere in the Georgia District of Kiwanis at Powers Ferry Elementary School.
  • The winning student at Acworth Elementary School has been taught by a teacher who has now had four Silver Pen Award Winners!
  • The mother of the winning student at Acworth Elementary School was a Key Club member when she attended North Cobb High School!

Parents, faculty, staff, and Kiwanis members were privileged to recognize these talented students who displayed their respective thinking and writing skills.  

  • Acworth – Elias Nunez – Pilot
  • Addison – Mila Kornuth – Pro Golfer
  • Powers Ferry – 4th Grade – Isaque  Fernandes – Professional Soccer Player
  • Powers Ferry – 5th Grade – Jaden Artiga Hernandez – Police officer
  • Rocky Mount – Quinnlyn Davis –  Veterinarian
  • Tritt – Lucy Hostetler – Author

The Silver Pen award is a national award and everyone is extremely proud of these exceptional writers. We wholeheartedly congratulate them and we are confident that these talented writers will be successful in whatever professions they choose.

2024 Silver Pen Awards
(L-R) Paul Smith, president of Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K; Jim Perry, Kiwanis; Gitma Davis (mom), Quinnlyn Davis, Silver Pen award winner; Nate Davis (dad) and Dana Popovich, Kiwanis.

 

2024 Silver Pen Awards
Paul Smith, Kiwanis; Lucy Hostetler, Silver Pen award winner: Jim Perry and Dana Popovich, Kiwanis.

 

2024 Silver Pen Awards
(L-R) Jim Perry, Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K; Paul Smith, President Kiwanis; Jaden Artiga Hernandez, 5th grade Silver Pen winner; Isaque Fernandes, 4th grade Silver Pen winner, Rosie Teague and Dana Popovich, Kiwanis.

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Tommy Nobis Center raises $200K+ at Galaxy of Stars luncheon

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Submitted information and photo:Tommy Nobis Center raises $2K+ at Galaxy of Stars luncheon

Tommy Nobis Center, a Marietta-based nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities enter or return to employment, hosted its 26th annual Galaxy of Stars luncheon on Friday, May 3, 2024 at the Georgia Aquarium’s Ocean Ballroom.

The event brought together more than 400 corporate leaders, community supporters, and friends to honor the impact of Tommy Nobis Center’s programs, celebrate its participants, and raise much needed funds to support growth of programs.

This year’s Galaxy of Stars theme was Building Brighter Futures. Masters of Ceremonies, WSB-TV Anchors Justin Farmer and Linda Stouffer kicked off the event. Participants in The Academy at Tommy Nobis Center took the stage to thank the event sponsors and attendees for their support followed by a welcome and comments from President & CEO Dave Ward.   

“This year’s event was truly amazing,” said CEO Dave Ward. “It was inspiring to hear the stories of success and honor the champions in our community.”

Tommy Nobis Center presented four awards to recognize the hard work and dedication of outstanding individuals who have contributed greatly to building inclusive communities where employment success is possible.

The award winners included:

Tommy Nobis Rising Star Award – Presented to Niarchos (Nick) Wright, an assistant supervisor at Tommy Nobis Center’s EPA mailroom in Atlanta. Although Nick was born deaf, he has exhibited outstanding achievement and exceptional character since he was a young child. He did not let living in silence, silence him from achieving his goals. During his 17-year career at Tommy Nobis Center, he has steadily advanced and has excelled in every position he has held, becoming a mentor and role model to his teammates.

Community Champion Award – Presented to Karen Dernavich, a Client Success Director for Jabian Consulting. Karen loves to ponder the possibilities in every situation and inspire others to join her in the endeavor to innovate and achieve results. Her mantra and method is to ‘Love God, Love People, Solve Problems’ and this shapes her approach to leadership. Karen is deeply committed to serving her community with a special devotion to the Disability Community.  She founded The Duet Project, a non-profit dedicated to providing music therapy scholarships in Georgia. Karen has become a steadfast advocate and a true champion of Tommy Nobis Center’s mission.

Family Member Advocates Award – Presented to Katherine and Jay Wolf, founders of Hope Heals Camp that provides resources and relationships to families experiencing disabilities. Having miraculously survived a catastrophic stroke at the age of 26, Katherine navigated the long and difficult recovery with the enduring support of her husband, Jay.  Together, they have shared their journey of steadfast hope through their books, Hope Heals and Suffer Strong, and at speaking events both live and online before millions. They leverage their redemptive story to encourage those with broken bodies, broken brains, and broken hearts and have inspired countless people disrupting the myth that joy can only be found in a pain-free life.

Lifetime Achievement Award – Presented to Alan Moak, retired business owner and corporate executive. Alan has a servant’s heart and is always stepping up to help in the community in any way he can. He has a heartfelt passion for the mission of Tommy Nobis Center as his son, Chris, successfully completed training at TNC, which has enabled him to be successfully employed since 2012. Alan served on the TNC Board of Directors for a decade and served as chair for three years. Under his leadership, TNC made great strides in developing innovative programs to help students with disabilities find their pathway to success. He spearheaded the initiative to sell the TNC facility and purchase the new training and education center in the Cumberland area which will make a huge impact in many lives for years to come. He has been actively involved with many organizations including Boy Scouts of America, Young Life, C3G Career Networking Group, and Baptist Health Systems. He has served in his local church throughout his life and currently serves as an Elder at Christ Covenant in Atlanta.

The event that raised $218,000 to directly support programs and services for people with disabilities was sponsored by Cobb EMC Foundation, WSB-TV, and Publix Super Markets Charities. A recording of the event can be viewed at https://tommynobiscenter.org/galaxy.  

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Volunteers take part in Sewell Mill Creek cleanup project

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Sewell Mill Creek cleanup project

Submitted information and photos from reader Wade:

Saturday morning, May 4, local Scouts and Rotarians braved the rain to join Friends for the East Cobb Park and Cobb Water to clean trash from the banks of Sewell Mill Creek in East Cabb Park.

2 hours and a lot of hands removed some interesting artifacts!

Sewell Mill Creek cleanup project

Sewell Mill Creek cleanup project

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