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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On Wednesday, officials from the non-profit, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and community leaders were on hand for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The location at 4651 Woodstock Road is in the Sandy Plains Village Shopping Center, and takes up 7,000 square feet, much larger than its previous space in Marietta.
The new facility also can have large furniture items delivered, as well as donations of selling clothing, home goods, and more that are then sold at a discount.
Here’s what MUST said after the opening event:
“A heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Our new location brings a fresh and inviting space for you to explore. We’re stocked with a wide array of items, from clothing and accessories to home goods and treasures waiting to be discovered. Your visit to the MUST Marketplace not only offers you fantastic shopping finds but also contributes to our vital mission of serving our neighbors in need.”
To donate large items such as furniture to the East Cobb store, 770-790-3900 in advance.
The MUST Marketplace is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is thrilled to announce its annual fundraising gala, set to take attendees on “A Tour of Italy.” This illustrious event will be held on April 20, 2024, at the Cobb Galleria Centre, promising an unforgettable night filled with enchantment, celebration and philanthropy.
The 2024 gala has the honor of being co-chaired by Al Martin, External Affairs Manager at Georgia Power Company, and Britt Fleck, Regional Director at Georgia Power Company. Their combined expertise and dedication will guide attendees through the picturesque landscapes of Italy while emphasizing the CFR’s essential services and its overarching goal to keep children housed one family at a time.
“We are honored to be part of a community that recognizes the importance of supporting organizations like the Center for Family Resources,” said the co-chairs. “We are committed to making the CFR annual gala a resounding success and to furthering the organization’s mission of creating lasting positive change in the lives of families in our community.”
Attendees can expect a curated Italian experience, from wine tastings to entertainment, all while strolling through scenes reminiscent of Italy’s most visited cities. Each detail of the evening aims to immerse guests in the cultural richness of Italy while shedding light on the impact of their contributions.
Proceeds from the gala will directly fund the CFR’s vital programs, supporting local families in need. These initiatives include but are not limited to emergency financial assistance, food pantries, housing solutions and employment resources.
“We’re incredibly honored to have the support of Al and Britt, two incredible community champions, as our chairs this year,” said Melanie Kagan, Chief Executive Officer for the CFR. “With their support and the captivating theme of Italy, we’re confident this will be our most memorable gala yet.”
Supporters unable to attend the gala can still make an impact. The CFR encourages donations of any size, and there will also be opportunities to bid in an online silent auction, featuring unique items and experiences.
The CFR remains grateful for the continued generosity and commitment of its community. Together, through events like the annual gala, we can continue to uplift families and strengthen our community.
About The Center for Family Resources
Since its inception, the Center for Family Resources (CFR) has been a beacon of hope for families in crisis. Through a holistic approach, CFR offers a range of programs and services aimed at empowering families to achieve stable and sustainable lives. Rooted in community collaboration and driven by a relentless commitment to service, CFR is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together for the greater good. For more information visit TheCFR.org.
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The day started out with dreary skies, but the weather did not dampen the mood for 18 enthusiastic volunteers who turned out on Saturday, October 14 for the Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance’s (PFCA) Fall Adopt-A-Mile Cleanup. The event was held in conjunction with Keep Cobb Beautiful at the Kroger Fuel Center parking lot at 1310 Powers Ferry Rd. The volunteers fanned out along a stretch of Powers Ferry at Terrell Mill Rd. to pick up trash, and In just 90 minutes, collected enough litter to fill 40 trash bags.
“This was our best turnout ever, and having Kroger and Keep Cobb Beautiful management people participate also made this day quite special,’ ” said Patti Rice, PFCA president. ‘Keep Cobb Beautiful even dedicated a truck, trailer and driver to shadow the various teams so that the bags got collected as each segment of work wrapped up.’
“Kroger also donated Starbucks coffee and other refreshments for the volunteers, and another local business, Custom Signs Today, donated directional signs for the event.
“ ‘We invested almost 40 million dollars in bringing the new Kroger to the community but along with that goes the commitment of time to help keep it clean,’ said Nigel Vereen, 1310 Powers Ferry Rd Kroger store leader. ‘Hopefully people can see us out in the community, and they’ll do their part in keeping our community clean as well.”
“The PFCA had almost doubled its adopted stretch of Powers Ferry Road since its last event in April and organizers were hoping that a sufficient group of volunteers would turn out to canvas the larger area. They were pleased that the number of participants and collections both exceeded expectations with nearly twice the number of volunteers and three times the amount of litter collected as compared to any previous Adopt-A-Mile event.
“ ‘Helping clean up our county allows us to give back to the community,’ said Sanjay Rane, a PFCA area homeowner. ‘It was fun and interesting.’
“While most of the 18 participants were local residents, there were several who represented local businesses while others traveled from areas beyond the PFCA to lend a hand.
“ ‘This is the first time I’ve ever participated in anything like this, so it was very exciting,’ said Daniel Withers of Sandy Springs. ‘One hundred percent I’ll be back.’
“ ‘This community project fits with our mission which is pro-environment, pro-sustainability and pro-community engagement,’ said Logan House, an arborist with Peachtree Arborists of Conyers. ‘We perform tree work here in this area, so we wanted to participate in this community project.’
“ ‘These cleanups really make a difference, and we’re already planning the next one for April 2024,’ said Kedrick Green, PFCA’s Adopt-A-Mile coordinator. ‘We encourage community associations and area businesses to get involved.’ “
ABOUT POWERS FERRY CORRIDOR ALLIANCE
The Powers Ferry Corridor Alliance is a non-partisan, non-profit community group composed of individuals, HOAs and businesspeople who are working together for the betterment of the general area of Powers Ferry and Terrell Mill in East Cobb County, Georgia. The PFCA’s purpose is to promote quality growth and revitalization, to support our local public schools, and to help the community’s overall economic vibrancy. For more information, visit online at powersferryca.com or email contact@powersferryca.com.
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On Wednesday, October 11th from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM, The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team held an appreciation barbecue lunch to honor local police, firemen, EMT’s and military. Churchill Mortgage 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. Additional sponsors for the event included: First American Home Warranty, American Home Shield, All Atlanta Inspection Services, and Chick-fil-A East Lake. Local Cobb County and surrounding area first responders, police, fire, detective units, and military were all invited. For more information on community events at the Janice Overbeck Team office, visit: www.JaniceOverbeck.com
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The 15th Annual Cobb Diaper Day is being held virtually throughout October 2023. 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 variousways:
Declare a day to collect diapers from fellow employees, organization members, neighbors or friends.
Drop off donations on one of our community collection days:
Johnson & Alday Law Firm – 219 Roswell St. NE, Marietta, GA : October 16-20, 2023, during business hours.
Cobb EMC Solar Flower Gardenin Marietta, GA: October 24, 2023 from 2 pm to 6 pm and October 26, 2023 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
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Precinct 4 officers and staff enjoying a Public Safety Appreciation Celebration at Olde Towne Athletic Club. ECN file.
Three organizations, including the East Cobb Business Association, are putting together an appreciation celebration for Cobb Police Precinct 4 personnel next month and are collecting donations from the public.
Susan Hampton, who’s a co-chair of the joint effort with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and the Cobb Public Safety Foundation, said the event will take place in November and the deadline for making donations is Nov. 1.
Precinct 4 personnel are treated to a night of food and entertainment and are presented with gifts and door prizes as a show of appreication from the community (see our previous coverage).
She said that gift cards “are ideal” and that popular items include gift cards in general, as well as for those for big-box stores, restaurants and AMEX/Visa/Master Card gift cards. The suggested amounts are $25, $50 and $100.
Hampton said that you can make donations online at the Cobb Public Safety Foundation website or contact her at 404-218-6216 or Susan.Hampton6216@gmail.com.
If you’re writing a check, make it payable to “CCPSF, Inc.” and include “public safety celebration” in the memo line.
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The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta (“JLCM” or “The League”) will host its 29th annual Mistletoe Market, a premier two-night philanthropic shopping event to help raise funds for the JLCM, from November 9 through November 11 at the Cobb County Civic Center in Marietta. The JLCM is a nonprofit organization which serves women and children in Cobb County by advancing social activism-focused projects that benefit the local community. More than 60 local vendors will participate in this year’s charity holiday event.
“The League is excited to welcome back our many returning merchants and to be able to continue to grow the number of merchants year after year in support of our local community,” said Cristin Kennedy, JLCM’s 2023-24 VP of Fund Development. “This event is not only our League’s largest and most impactful fundraiser, but it’s a wonderful time to highlight local artists and small businesses. It most definitely is a win-win event.”
JLCM’s Mistletoe Market, which has been a holiday tradition in Cobb County, metro Atlanta, and across the Southeast for almost 30 years now will feature locally created, premium goods, and shoppers will have access to personalized gifts, holiday décor, jewelry and much more.
Tickets for the event’s special Premier Night and Market Days, which will be sold separately, are available at jlcm.org. Premier Night tickets are $25, and Market Days tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Dates and hours of operation listed below:
Premiere Night: Thursday, November 9, from 6-9 p.m.
Mistletoe Market Days:
Friday, November 10, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 11, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Premiere Night access allows guests to be the first to shop our merchants. The first 100 guests will receive an exclusive shopping bag and all can enjoy light bites, beverages, and entertainment.
“Mistletoe Market is not just a reason to have fun while shopping for you or your loved ones,” said Tammy Thorpe, 2023-24 JLCM President. “It’s an event that truly makes a difference in our community. The public’s support of the market allows JLCM to meet the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.”
Proceeds from the 2022 Mistletoe Market helped JLCM supply kits containing household essentials and file organizers to teens in foster care who graduated in Spring of 2023, which positively impacted 15 deserving students. The League also provided period products to Cobb County women and girls in public schools and local community partners, as more than one in four women struggle to purchase period products due to lack of income according to the Alliance for Period Supplies.
The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta will continue to accept merchant applications for this year’s market. Interested artisans and businesses can email MistletoeMarket@jlcm.org for more information.
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MUST Ministries has relocated its Marketplace store to East Cobb.
The Marietta-based non-profit’s retail store at Sandy Plains Village (4651 Woodstock Road) is in a soft opening phase, selling clothing, furniture, home goods, and more at a discount, with proceeds benefitting its programs.
A grand opening event will be on Nov. 1, from 4-6 p.m. at the store. The event includes refreshments, special discounts and a tour of the new facility.
The store sells donated items to assist MUST’s mission of helping those in need of housing and dealing with the effects of poverty. In July, MUST closed the Marketplace location at Cobb Parkway, and since then has been renovating the larger space at Sandy Plains Village.
The Marketplace is open from 10-5 Monday-Saturday and is holding a special sale through this Saturday of 20 percent off furniture items.
MUST announced that the new location is accepting non-food donations, something that couldn’t be done at the former site.
For large items such as furniture, call the MUST Marketplace 770-790-3900 in advance.
MUST’s donation center on Field Parkway in Marietta is remaining open and is open from 9-5 Monday-Saturday.
For more information on the Marketplace, click here. Updates are also being provided on the store’s Facebook page.
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James Whitcomb (holding signs) with friends and family members who supported his 15-mile swim on Sept. 11 at the Mountain View Aquatic Center.
As we’ve updated over the last couple of years, East Cobb resident James Whitcomb has undertaken “mega” swims on the Sept. 11 date to raise funds for a charity that assists first responders.
It’s called the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation, and Whitcomb has received pledges for his swims at the Mountain View Aquatic Center.
This year was his most ambitious endeavor yet, as he vowed to swim 15 miles. He started at around 6 a.m. and finished right before 5:30 p.m., taking a few short breaks along the way.
Here are the details:
Distance swam: 15 miles / 528 laps / 26,400 yards
Total swim time 9 hours, 20 minutes, 50 seconds
Average 1-mile swim time:37 minutes, 22 seconds
Fastest 1-mile swim time: 32 minutes, 31 seconds
Total break time: 1 hour, 21 minutes, 35 seconds
Heartbeats throughout swim: 66,638
Arm strokes (per arm): 13,728
Funds raised to date: $21,305
Original target raise amount: $35,000
A friend also made a video of the event that you can watch by clicking here.
Whitcomb said he’s still accepting donations and updates about next year’s event at www.swim2help.org.
“I know that our military, first responders, and their families appreciate your help,” he said.
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The Catholics 4 Habitat coalition hammered the first nails and raised the first walls on two simultaneous, neighboring home builds on Frasier Street in Marietta. Using lots donated by the City of Marietta earlier this year, the coalition is building its 48th and 49th Habitat homes with Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. The faith coalition has never missed a year of building in its 31 years of existence.
The 2023 Coalition includes: 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.
The two houses will become homes before the holidays for City of Marietta public servants Tracey and Di’Ana.
Tracey has been working for the City of Marietta for almost 20 years and was the first woman employee of the Sanitation Services Division of Public Works. Her hard work and leadership paved the way to her current position of Sanitation Foreperson.
She has strived to buy a home for five years, but even with homebuyer assistance programs, has not been able to qualify for a mortgage large enough to match the rising housing costs. Tracey has a compassionate spirit and exhibits God-given love for others. She excited to have a kitchen where she can bring others together and provide space for her 85-year-old mother.
Tracy says, “I love my job — it has enabled me to use my CDL to help other employees to better provide for their families,” She continues, “It also has shown other women that they can achieve this goal.”
Di’Ana is a Marietta City Schools bus driver. She says she originally chose this line of work because it provided the perfect schedule to spend quality time with her daughter Saniah, now 15. The family currently lives in an apartment in Marietta.
Di’Ana says she loves her job. “I love my kids and my students are like my babies, all 100-plus of them! The work environment at Marietta is nothing less than family. I want to become a homeowner because I want to break the cycle of renting and building someone else’s dreams rather than focusing on my dream of providing my daughter with a forever home that we can pass down for generations,” she says.
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Seven students from high schools in East Cobb have been named to the 2023 class of Cobb Youth Leadership, a development program from high school juniors.
The Cobb Chamber of Commerce said in a release that the program is sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and includes interactive participation.
The students recently had their orientation session and will be introduced to community leaders and activities in public safety, public service, business and entrepreneurship, arts and culture, health and sports and armed forces:
“Through six evening programs during the course of the school year participants in the CYL program are introduced to local, state, and national leaders. They also receive information on the responsibility, ethics, and tools for effective leadership, as well as potential career paths for after graduation. The monthly programs run from August through April. They cover topics such as community service, arts & culture, armed forces, and business. Students also participate in one overnight retreat where they focus on team building and personality inventories.”
This year there are 55 students participating, and they include the following from East Cobb schools:
Josh Markwood and Kali Sweeney, Wheeler High School
Aidan Matthews, Walton High School
Ryan Duckett, Lassiter High School
Sam Moon and Rebekah Ives, Sprayberry High School
Dylan Tolchinski, Pope High School
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The McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA is seeking volunteers on Saturday, Sept. 9 to pack and distribute food to local families in need. Attendees will also assist with beautification upgrades at Green Acres Baptist Church. Community members are invited to take part in the service project from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. or 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. at Green Acres Baptist Church located at 591 Pat Mell Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080.
This event is part ofthe YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Annual Days of Service events. The Y is hosting this year’s annual events on Friday, Sept. 8 and Saturday, Sept. 9. The organization will bring together volunteers from across the metro Atlanta area to complete service projects benefiting neighbors and partners in need. Working together with volunteers, staff and partner organizations, the Y aims to make a measurable collective impact within the community.
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!
