At April’s Rally on the Runway fundraiser at the Georgia Aquarium, 10-year-old Nick from Roswell/East Cobb and Rally Kids from throughout Georgia who are fighting or surviving cancer, each took 47 steps down the runway as a reminder that everyday 47 children are diagnosed with cancer.
The evening’s host was longtime Rally supporter and Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle Grady Jarrett. Jarrett along with other NFL players walked with each model down the runway. Nick was joined on the runway by Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Donavan Mutin, where the two struck a pose to excited cheers from the crowd. That evening more than $780,000 was raised for pediatric cancer research. Joined by NFL players, the kids also got a chance to have a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium prior to the event. You can see Nick modeling at about the one-minute mark here.
Last summer, he was having fun when he suddenly became fatigued and tired all the time. His parents knew something was wrong and after a few hours at the hospital, it was confirmed that Nick had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nick immediately started treatment and has been fighting cancer ever since. Nick loves sports especially baseball. Within the first six months of his diagnosis, he and his family decided to raise money to help fight childhood cancer. Nick and his family have raised $50,000 and are going to be able to name a research grant in his honor.
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The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team proudly hosted their 10th semi-annual Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, April 24th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, dedicated to honoring our local heroes – police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and military personnel. The event was a huge success, with the largest turnout they have seen to date!
PrimeLending served BBQ with a variety of sides and drinks, sponsored by Arrow Exterminators. Attendees were welcome to use the patio to enjoy their meal, or they could take it on the road, ensuring that our hardworking heroes could enjoy a well-deserved break amidst their duties. In addition to the delicious lunch, each attendee received a goodie bag filled with awesome items as a token of appreciation for their service and dedication.
Additional sponsors for the event included Amerispec /All Atlanta Inspection Services, First American Home Warranty, American Home Shield, and Chick-fil-A East Lake. For more information about upcoming community events hosted by the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team, please visit www.JaniceOverbeck.com.
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The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary will hold its 10th annual Kettle Krush 5K run/walk on May 18 at 8 a.m. in Marietta Square. New this year is a tot trot for children ages 5 and under.
The event strives to “krush” poverty, homelessness and human trafficking while supporting youth enrichment and veterans in metro Atlanta.
Special prizes to the top team with most participants (minimum of 10 participants to be eligible) in five categories – individual, school, business, church and running club. For more information, contact Pam Hendley at pchendley614@gmail.com.
Awards to top overall and Masters male and female winners and medals on ribbons to top three finishers in 16 age categories from 10 & under through 80 & over.
To register online, see https://bit.ly/2024KettleKrush or visit Big Peach Running Co. (1062 Johnson Ferry Rd., Marietta). Cost to register is $30 (5K) and $25 (tot trot) through May 8. From May 9-15 online or through May 17 at BPRC is $35 (5K) and $30 (tot trot). Race day registration is $40 (5K) and $35 (tot trot).
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Sheltering Grace Ministry’s “Tiny Feet Society” Invites you to its Fundraising Annual Banquet that will take place on April 18th, 2024, at 6:00PM at the Atlanta Country Club located at 500 Atlanta Country Club Lane, Marietta, Georgia 30067.
Sheltering Grace Ministry is a non-profit maternity home that provides a residence and resources such as education and counseling to homeless pregnant women in the Metro Atlanta area.
Sheltering Grace Ministry has helped many women since opening its doors over eighteen years ago. It is the only program in Cobb County, Georgia with the primary focus of serving pregnant homeless women over the age of 21. Sheltering Grace Ministry strives to relieve a crisis and to make a fundamental change in a woman’s life and future.
The Banquet will feature a live music band, a cocktail hour with hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, a silent auction, and a special celebrity speaker.
Tickets are $75 each, and $500 for a table of 8.
Save the date: April 18th, 2024, 6:00PM at the Atlanta Country Club, 500 Atlanta Country Club Lane, Marietta, Georgia.
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The Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance is seeking community volunteers for the Adopt-A-Mile Spring event from 9-10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 along Powers Ferry at Terrell Mill Road.
Meet up and enjoy complimentary refreshments at 8:30 a.m. at the Kroger Fuel parking lot, Powers Ferry & Terrell Mill, 1310 Powers Ferry Rd., Marietta, GA 30067.
The event is hosted by the Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance, in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful, and supported by Kroger and Take 5 Oil Change. All supplies and safety equipment will be provided at the event. Any participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone.
Keep Cobb Beautiful Adopt-A-Mile program is a partnership that allows individuals and/or groups to improve the appearance of our community. Sign up at https://powersferryca.com/adopt-a-mile-cleanup.html or email volunteer@powersferryca.com. In the event of inclement weather, an email will go out the night before to all registered participants.
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MacKenzie Scott’s Yield Giving announced Tommy Nobis Center (TNC) as one of the Yield Giving Open Call’s awardees working with people and in places experiencing the greatest need in the United States. Tommy Nobis Center received $2 million.
Tommy Nobis Center is a Marietta-based nonprofit that has provided employment services to youth and adults with disabilities for over 46 years. Their innovative programs and services educate, train, and employ individuals as they pursue their career goals.
In March 2023, Yield Giving launched an Open Call for community-led, community-focused organizations whose explicit purpose is to enable individuals and families to achieve substantive improvement in their well-being through foundational resources.
“We are thrilled and honored to receive such a meaningful gift,” says President & CEO, Dave Ward. “It will make a tremendous impact for the people we serve throughout the metro Atlanta area and nationwide.”
The Open Call received 6,353 applications and initially planned for 250 awards of $1 million each. In the Fall of 2023, organizations top-rated by their peers advanced to a second round of review by an external Evaluation Panel recruited for experience relevant to this cause and underwent a final round of due diligence. In light of the incredible work of these organizations, as judged by their peers and external panelists, the donor team decided to expand the awardee pool and the award amount.
“We are excited that our partnership with Yield Giving has resonated with so many organizations,” said Cecilia Conrad, CEO of Lever for Change. “In a world teeming with potential and talent, the Open Call has given us an opportunity to identify, uplift, and empower transformative organizations that often remain unseen.”
More information on the Yield Giving Open Call and other initiatives can be found at www.leverforchange.org.
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In September of 2023 the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K, along with the Kiwanis Club of Lost Mountain, sponsored the annual Youth Charity Golf Tournament. While being a most enjoyable outing, the event raised over $34,000 as everyone that day helped “Tee it up for the Kids.” The proceeds were then divided between the two Kiwanis Clubs.
On Feb. 8 the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K, invited representatives from charities the club supports to receive a donation. At a regular Kiwanis Club meeting, checks totaling $17,400 were distributed to representatives of the following charitable organizations: Jeff Romig, Camp Twin Lakes; Gracie Rodriguez, Kate’s Club; Susan Worsley, North Georgia Angel House; Jonathan Fancher, Empower Cherokee; Rev. Gary MacDonald, Murphy-Harpst; Brenda Rhodes, Simple Needs GA; Lori Baker, Next Step Ministries; Brian Caims, Restore Place; Dona McKee, Path to Shine; Glenda Bell, Family Promise; Angela Thornton, Center for Chlidren and Young Adults; Dennis Steele, Mountain Top Boys Home and Tom Gonter, Must Ministries.
The Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K is very proud to have presented donations to these worthwhile organizations. We wholeheartedly congratulate them for the services they provide and will continue to lend support.
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Delta Community Credit Union Logo (PRNewsFoto/Delta Community Credit Union)
Delta Community Credit Union, Georgia’s largest credit union with more than $8.6 billion in assets, is accepting entries for its 19th Annual College Scholarship Program. Delta Community will award a $5,000 scholarship to five deserving students to assist with the cost of their college education. Applicants will be awarded scholarships based on their academic achievement, community involvement and essays on the following topic:
With an understanding that financial literacy is an important subject often omitted from school curriculums across many grade levels, Delta Community has developed a nationally recognized Financial Education Center, providing consumers of all ages with comprehensive knowledge of money, saving, banking, investing and more. As you embark on your future, how do you plan to use key financial tips learned along your journey to help you reach your goals?
“Our annual scholarship program emphasizes the importance of financial education, which we believe is essential to everyone’s personal and professional journeys,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “As champions of community education, we take pride in helping exceptional students pay for the cost of higher learning so they can focus on pursuing their goals and ambitions.”
Applicants must be Delta Community members seeking a first-time undergraduate degree and enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university during the 2024-2025 fall semester. Students must complete the Delta Community 2024 scholarship application online by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2024, in order to qualify, and the award recipients will be announced in early April.
In addition to its annual Scholarship Program, Delta Community offers scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and provides hundreds of free classes in metro Atlanta through its Financial Education Center.
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The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is excited to announce the official unveiling of The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry. This revolutionary approach to food distribution is an updated concept to the CFR’s former food pantry, designed to empower families with a personal shopping experience while continuing to emphasize the importance of making healthy and nutritious food choices and getting the most out of their shopping budgets.
There’s a distinct difference between a traditional food pantry and a choice pantry: Regular food pantries pre-pack meals and groceries, limiting shoppers from selecting specific items, while choice pantries grant shoppers the freedom to choose their food items. At The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry, families will enjoy an experience similar to shopping at a regular grocery store. Each food item is assigned a certain number of points, and visiting families will receive a points budget to make their selections.
To enhance the experience, every shopper will be accompanied by one of the CFR’s dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers. These volunteers will provide nutrition information, share good shopping techniques, and offer valuable insights. This interaction not only aids the CFR clients during their trip to The Family Cupboard but also helps them make informed decisions about food, promoting healthier and smarter choices for their families.
“We understand the importance of nourishing the mind, body, and soul, and that’s why our mission is to make every trip to The Family Cupboard a journey toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling family life,” says Melanie Kagan, Chief Executive Officer of the CFR. “By enabling families to select their own food, we aim to help reduce food waste, optimize inventory, and utilize funding more efficiently.”
The Family Cupboard opened to the public in January, is available by appointment only, four days a week. To learn more about this exciting new Choice Pantry, click here.
The CFR remains grateful for the continued generosity and commitment of its community. Together, through initiatives like The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry, we can continue to uplift Cobb families and strengthen our community one step at a time.
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Amy Hurewitz, mother of Wheeler High School junior Ian Hurewitz, sends along new that her son has earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
He’s a member of Troop 1818, of the Georgia Scouts BSA, and consists of Jewish members from the North Atlanta, Roswell, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, East Cobb, Sandy Springs, Decatur and Dunwoody areas.
His Eagle Scout project, she reports, consisted of building a shed in the back of his synagogue, Bongregation B’nai Torah of Sandy Springs, creating a rubber mulch path and planting gardenia bushes to beautify the area.
In his scouting career, Ian has earned 55 merit badges (only 21 are required), and enjoys helping other Scouts reach their rank requiremens.
In his non-scouting time, he leads youth religious services at his synagogue, plays the bassoon in a wind ensemble and creates 3D animations on his computer.
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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) spread extra joy by distributing toys to chosen underserved communities in Cobb County through its annual program, Santa on Wheels, also known as Santa Sobre Ruedas. This initiative, a collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the Foundation, aims to provide free toys to households facing financial challenges during the holidays. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, and the generous contributions from Cobb County residents, thousands of toys were collected and passed out this holiday season.
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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild is proud of its long history of community service. Its members freely give their time and energy to create quilts, placemats,
Beads of Courage bags, and pillowcases for donation to area charities. This year it was decided that some of the placemats with a patriotic theme would be used by Cobb County Senior Services as gifts at their annual Veteran’s Christmas Luncheon.
“Our Veterans were so touched with having placemats that were especially made for them and loved being able to take them home as a keepsake. A heartfelt thanks from our Veterans and everyone at Cobb County Senior Services to the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild for their generous gift,” commented Andrea Rapowitz, Cobb County Senior Services Volunteer Services Manager.
In 2023, the Guild donated a total of 2,430 items to local organizations, an almost 100% increase compared to 2022. Donated items included: 344 quilts for Cobb County DFCS, for children who have been taken into foster care; 737 pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles, for children in hospitals in the Atlanta area and around the state of Georgia; and 524 placemats for Cobb County Meals on Wheels program, for older adults and disabled individuals who receive home meal delivery. A new recipient this year was Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Guild donated 825 Beads of Courage bags to give to their patients who are coping with serious illnesses.
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East Cobb resident John Driskell Hopkins, founding member of the Zack Brown Band, is organizing another holiday benefit concert for his charity, Hop On A Cure Foundation, which is dedicated to research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Hopkins, who was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease two years ago, will be playing host to a “Sounds of the Season” concert Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.
He’s released his fourth annual holiday album, “Let’s Get Frosty!” and other entertainers on hand at the concert will include members of Yacht Rock Revue, and friends including, Ruby Velle, Emily Saliers of the The Indigo Girls, David Ryan Harris, Lily Faith Hopkins and more!
Since Driskell and his wife founded the organization in 2021, Hop On A Cure Foundation has raised more than $2.5 million, held more than 100 events and awarded more than $1.5 million in grants, including The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Emory University.
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Jay Cunningham and Cobb Community Foundation director Shari Martin.
Cobb Community Foundation (CCF) presented Superior Plumbing’s Jay Cunningham with the 2023 James L. Rhoden, Jr. Award for Visionary Philanthropy at the Marquee Monday event hosted by the Cobb Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 11.
The James L. Rhoden, Jr. Award for Visionary Philanthropy was created by the Board of Cobb Community Foundation in conjunction with its 10th anniversary in December 2003, to honor founder, Jim Rhoden. The award is voted on annually by the Board to recognize and honor a Cobb business and community leader who makes significant contributions to our community through gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Nominees are recognized in Cobb County for their commitment to improving the quality of life for Cobb residents and meeting critical needs of the community as demonstrated by their leadership and/or service work.
CCF Board President Kim Gresh was the presenting speaker and praised Cunningham for the many ways that he makes Cobb County better. The father of seven children and a grandfather, it is understood that family is in the forefront of everything he does. Said Gresh, “His business’s logo is hard to miss and can be found all over this county in football stadiums, at the North GA State Fair, the Big Shanty Festival, the Taste of Kennesaw. He serves on the board of trustees for the Wellstar Health System, The Strand Theatre, Must Ministries and many others. He is a Tommy Nobis Center Community Champion and serves on way too many Cobb civic organizations to name.”
Here are just a few examples of ways he invests in Cobb County:
The Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Cunningham Family building in Kennesaw
The Superior Plumbing VECTR Center, an academic transition support center for veteran students and their dependents
Superior Pets, an initiative pairing sheltered animals with deserving veterans
Furthermore, he actively urges local businesses to contribute both financially and physically to their communities. In essence, Jay’s dedication to advancing with purpose, challenging conventional thinking, and uplifting those facing obstacles around him is truly praiseworthy. His inclination to participate in discussions that test the boundaries of established thought often leads to rewarding results for many within our community.
We are proud to name Jay Cunningham as this year’s recipient of the James L. Rhoden Visionary Philanthropist award.
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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild is proud of its long history of community service. Its members freely give their time and energy to create quilts, placemats,
Beads of Courage bags, and pillowcases for donation to area charities. Often gathering in small groups to sew, members also benefit from the friendships that develop and deepen while these projects are created. This year they exceeded their original goal of 1,250 by almost 200% creating a total of 2,430 items.
“Our members use their love of quilting and sewing to share these items with others in our community. Even though we do not know them personally, we feel a connection to each of the recipients through our community partners outreach,” commented Caroline Benefield, president of the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild.
In 2023, the Guild donated a total of 2,430 items to local organizations, an almost 100% increase compared to 2022.Donated items included: 344 quilts for Cobb County DFCS, for children who have been taken into foster care; 737 pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles, for children in hospitals in the Atlanta area and around the state of Georgia; and 524 placemats for Cobb County Meals on Wheels, for older adults and disabled individuals who receive home meal delivery.A new recipient this year is Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Guild has made and is donating 825 Beads of Courage bags to give to their patients who are coping with serious illnesses.
“Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta has been incredibly blessed by the beautiful Beads of Courage bags made by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild. Members use their talents and favorite fabrics to create bags for the beads our cancer patients “earn” – whether the beads are from chemo treatments, blood draws, or other types of tests. Our precious patients hold tight to the beads and the bags. They give them strength, encouragement, and hope. That is what it is all about – HOPE! We are very grateful!” stated Pam Younker, community development officer, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
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A couple of new fitness centers in East Cobb are collecting gifts and toys for children in need this holiday season.
The Strongvibe studio at Paper Mill Village (147 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 4110) is having a holiday party on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and is asking attendees to bring a gift for Cobb students who are experiencing homelessnesss.
Owner Erica Manning has started a wishlist spreadsheet (you can read it here) where you’re asked to indicate what items (and how many) you’ll be bringing.
The items include clothing, shoes, pajamas, coats and gift cards. Just sign up accordingly and you can bring your items during regular studio hours through the holiday party.
RSVP at erica@strongvibefit.com or 770-573-4010.
Stretch Zone East Cobb is pairing with East Cobb-based Simple Needs GA to collect holiday toys in a drive that continues through Dec. 15.
The studio (4371 Roswell Road, East Cobb Crossing Shopping Center) is accepting a variety of unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Stretch Zone will offer donors a free stretch session (up to two per customer) with a new or existing contract.
“Many of the families referred to us by school social workers and others have missed out on other local holiday programs because of unforeseen circumstances,” Simple Needs GA founder Brenda Rhodes said. “We want them to experience the spirit of Christmas just the same. In 2022, SNGA supplied Christmas gifts to about 300 Cobb County kids from over 100 families.”
Requested items include gift cards, Bath & Body Works products, art supplies, African-American baby dolls and accessories, Legos, VTech and Leapfrog educational toys, bike helmets, Fisher-Price play sets, board and card games, and gloves, mittens, hats and scarves in adult and older teen sizes.
For information email eastcobb@stretchzone.com or call 770-282-7941.
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Chattahoochee Tech Student Populations Specialist Catherine Smith and Special Populations & Title IX Coordinator Shanequa Warrington at the Golden Eagle Food Pantry’s “Everything but the Turkey” distribution day.
Submitted information and photo:
The Chattahoochee Tech Golden Eagle Food Pantry is making the Thanksgiving holiday better for nearly 100 college students and their families in need.
On Thursday, Nov. 16, the Golden Eagle Food Pantry distributed “Everything but the Turkey” Thanksgiving food packages, which included items ranging from canned corn, green beans and cranberry sauce to boxes of potatoes, stuffing and gravy packets. The food pantry’s mission is to directly serve college students who suffer from hunger and food insecurity, which is a lack of consistent access to enough food. An estimated one in three students experience food insecurity on college campuses across the country, according to the National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE). Food insecurity may impact not only college student health but also their ability to perform well academically and stay in school.
“It’s hard for students to be successful in class if they’re hungry and struggling to pay for food,” said Shanequa Warrington, the college’s Special Populations & Title IX Coordinator. “We want our students to focus on studying and not worry about being hungry. It’s vital for us to provide them with the resources they need in order to succeed.”
The Golden Eagle Food Pantry was established at Chattahoochee Tech four years ago to help college students who struggle with paying for food. All supplies are based upon donations and are available to students as long as supplies are continually received. For more information about the food pantry and how to help, visit: www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu/Golden-Eagle-Food-Pantry/
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Wellstar hosted its second Day of Service on Thursday, November 9th. Wellstar Day of Service creates volunteer opportunities for team members to support local community-based organizations that address social determinants of health. This year, Wellstar team members served community partners that provide access to food and housing, which were identified as priority health needs in Wellstar’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment and Implementation Plan.
Wellstar Health System hosted its first Day of Service in 2019, where team members served over 1,000 hours supporting 13 healthy food access agencies. Due to the pandemic, Wellstar could not host an annual Day of Service from 2020-2022. As we emerged from the pandemic, Wellstar relaunched the annual Day of Service this year with over 300 registered volunteers.
As a nonprofit, community-based health system, our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. “We are so blessed to be part of a community that cares,” said Candice L. Saunders, president and CEO of Wellstar Health System.
The impact of this event will expand beyond a single Day of Service, nurturing these community partnerships through ongoing volunteer opportunities and program collaboration.
The Giving Garden:
– The garden was established in October 2016 with just a handful of volunteers working on the land behind a local church. Since then, the Giving Garden has donated over 10,000 pounds of organic produce and 12,000 eggs to the Sweetwater Mission Food Pantry. In addition to the Sweetwater Mission, the garden has also been responsible for gathering donations such as other food items, books, and coats for families in need across the community.
– About the Our Giving Garden volunteer project: Volunteers worked on garden maintenance (weeding, harvesting, mulching, or planting), helped with an improvement project, and stock the pantry.
The Gateway Center:
– The Gateway Center connects people experiencing homelessness with the support necessary to become self-sufficient and find a permanent home.
– About the Gateway Center volunteer project: Volunteers worked on food assistance projects, making sandwiches and plating meals.
MUST Ministries:
– Founded in 1971 by the Rev. Wayne Williams, MUST Ministries’ initial programs included a grocery bus ministry for older adults, a youth tutoring program, and outreach ministries to young people. Since its inception, MUST has fulfilled Wayne’s vision of connecting people who have a desire to help those who need help the most.
– About the MUST Ministries Community Room volunteer project: Volunteers worked on projects that benefit MUST clients, such as packing hygiene kits, making birthday kits, and preparing stocking stuffers and reading kits for the MUST Toy Shop. Volunteers at the donation center sorted and packed 500 hens and fresh produce for Thanksgiving (from Tip Top Poultry and Concrete Jungle) and non-perishable food boxes and bags, which were distributed at Cherokee High School to approximately 125 families in the Canton area.
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From L-R: Sharon Mason, President & CEO of the Cobb Chamber; Irene Barton, 2023 East Cobb Citizen of the Year; Greg Teague, 2023 Cobb Chamber Chairman. Photo courtesy Cobb Chamber.
Irene Barton, long active in East Cobb civic and community activities, has been named the East Cobb Citizen of the Year for 2023.
Barton, the executive director of the Cobb Collaborative, a non-profit agency, was honored Thursday morning by the East Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast at Indian Hills Country Club.
She’s been in that post since 2018, and her work has included launching the Connecting Cobb Veterans program (previous ECN post here), brought mental health, suicide prevention and trauma-credentialed training to more than 4,000 individuals through the Mind Your Mind mental health awareness campaign, distributed more than 8,300 books to children, installed more than 50 Little Free Libraries across the county and grown the membership from 78 to 125.
Barton is a member of the East Cobb Civitan Club and is currently its president.
She has been a board member of the McCleskey Family-East Cobb YMCA Board of Directors and the creation care team at the Catholic Church of St. Ann.
Barton also has been involved with the Georgia PTA, Cobb Community Alliance to Prevent Substance Abuse, Get Georgia Reading Cabinet, Cobb Executive Women,and Honorary Commanders Alumni Association.
Barton, a member of the Leadership Cobb Class of 2024, “has consistently put service above self in all she does, dedicating herself to helping improve the quality of life in East Cobb” in 25 years in the community, the Chamber said in a release.
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Warm sunshine bathed down on several dozen veterans, their families and supporters at East Cobb Park Saturday afternoon for an appreciation picnic.
Hot dogs, chips and cookies were available for all comers, and when a local band, the Tunnel Rats, wasn’t playing, patriotic and wartime music played on the sound system at the concert pavilion.
The tunes included Vera Lynn’s World War II classic, “The White Cliffs of Dover,” and when the “Star Spangled Banner” was played, many of the veterans in attendance stood at attention. Some placed their hands over their hearts, and others saluted.
The veterans ranged from more recent conflicts in the Middle East, Vietnam and even Korea.
Organized by East Cobb-based United Military Care and the Aviation History and Technology Center of Marietta, the event is meant to do more than show thanks and appreciation for those who served in the military.
It’s also part of a larger outreach project that involve other organizations to help connect veterans not just socially, but for services and support.
United Military Care has been doing that for more than a decade.
A newer group, Connecting Cobb Veterans, got going last year in association with the Cobb Collaborative non-profit, after spending time during the COVID-19 pandemic getting organized.
West Cobb resident Dan Valentine, one of the CCV leaders, said the group was founded because “we have so many great veterans’ service providers but we have so many veterans.”
With more than 40,000 veterans living in Cobb County, the need to connect them with all kinds of services—from housing and food assistance, to employment and education, and to navigate the Veterans Administration for benefits—is acute.
A handout at the picnic Saturday called a “family activity guide” provided information about how young people can become a “junior veteran ally” and encourages them to offer gratitude to veterans when they meet and encounter them.
“We’re doing a lot of outreach, getting veterans to reach out to other veterans,” said Dan Valentine of Connecting Cobb Veterans.
Another new initiative is the VECTR Center (Veterans Education Career Transition Resource Center), on the campus of Chattahoochee Tech in Marietta. It’s designed a one-stop destination for veterans to visit, call, e-mail or contact otherwise to access a wide variety of service providers.
“The idea is that anyone who has some sort of challenge or problem, they can go there,” said Valentine, who was an active-duty infantry soldier and supply pilot in the Army for seven years and served 18 more in the Army Reserve.
He said United Military Care director Kim Scofi was involved in efforts to better streamline access.
“Our focus isn’t about to provide these services, but to help them get the services they need,” he said.
Part of the outreach is aimed at family members, friends and even veterans who know other veterans, when they’re unaware of what may be available to them or who may reluctant to ask for help,
“Some of them are still in their shell a little bit, they want to tough it out,” Valentine said. “All we’re trying to do is tell them, and those who know them, that ‘if you want to move forward, we’ll help you.’ ”
Veterans wishing to get in touch can contact Connecting Cobb Veterans by visiting its website, dialing 404-479-1551 (phone or text) and via e-mail at veteranhelpccv@cobbcollaborative.org.
The next CCV meeting at the VECTR Center (980 South Cobb Drive) is Nov. 14.
The Marietta Veterans Day parade takes place next Saturday, Veterans Day, starting at 11 a.m. A ceremony follows at noon on the Marietta Square.
That event is organized by American Legion Post 29, the City of Marietta and the Aviation History and Technology Center.
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