East Cobb Events Archives

Jump-start your January with the East Cobb News community events calendar

January 4, 2018 8:08 PM by Wendy Parker

We keep adding to the East Cobb News community events calendar all the time, so Monday’s post on things to do this week has a few more additions.

It’s going to be a big weekend at Pope High School on Saturday, as we noted earlier, with the community ribbon-cutting for the new gymnasium, as well as the “Bring One for the Chipper” tree recycling event and all kinds of activities at public libraries in the East Cobb area.

That’s just the start of a healthy variety of activities, events and courses for all ages, and for a lot of good causes to start the year. The following is a sample of (mostly) free events throughout the month.

On Monday, parents of students with disabilities can learn more about becoming advocates for their children at a free workshop starting at 10 a.m. at Art It Out (255 Village Parkway, Suite 580). Education Rights 101 is led by Tim Schwartz, an attorney who specializes in students’ rights. You’ll need to register by calling 770-726-9589.

There’s a free concert next Sunday, Jan. 14, at 4 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road) as part of their continuing community concert series. The Summit Trio is made up of three Kennesaw State music faculty members, performing on the piano, cello and violin.

Quilting devotees can meet internally regarded quilter Elizabeth Barton on Saturday, Jan. 20 from 2-4 at the Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Road), who will talk about what inspires her as an artist, as well as a teacher of the craft, as well as design and fabric dyeing. Call 770-509-2725 to register.

Fitness activities always abound in January, and the best-known community run to start off the year is the Polar Bear Run, which now is a qualifier for the Peachtree Road Race. The 30th annual event takes place as usual at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road), with several start times, including the 5K at 8:30 a.m. Registration fees range from $25-$35 and signup can be done online here.

There’s so much more to do by checking our full events calendar for this week, this month and beyond. Send your calendar listings to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post them here!

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!

East Cobb This Week: Library events; new Pope gym opens; tree recycling

January 2, 2018 2:18 PM by Wendy Parker

It’s the first business day of 2018, and while Cobb schools don’t get back into session until Thursday, there’s plenty to do in East Cobb during the first full week of the new year.

Many of those activities will be at public libraries, including the new Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road), which is having an orientation session from 7-8 tonight that includes a chance to sign up for classes, as well as film screenings and other special events later in the week.

On Thursday “The Adventures of Robin Hood” classic film screening takes place from 2-4 at Sewell Mill.

Also on Thursday, at the East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Road), there will be a screening of “The Return of the Pink Panther” from 1-3, that’s part of the Movie Matinee Club. The East Cobb branch also will be having a senior Tai Chi Wellness Class from 11:30-12:30 that requires registration.

On Saturday is the first of the “Murderino” murder-mystery film screenings at Sewell Mill. “The Night of the Hunter” will be shown from 11-1.

Also on Saturday, Sewell Mill will be holding an Introduction to Podcasting session from 2-5, with speakers from the Podcast Atlanta collaborative. The event also includes a podcast-ready microphone that will be raffled off.

A new regular event begins Thursday at the Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Road), and it’s for knitting, crocheting and related crafting devotees. “I’d Rather Be Stitching” is a weekly drop-in session from 1-3.

Also at Mountain View on Saturday is an art event for middle and high school students. “#TeenSpace Light Painting” goes from 2-4 and you’ll need to register for this one-time workshop.

Saturday is the day to get your Christmas tree recycled through Keep Cobb Beautiful’s “Bring One for the Chipper” event. Drop off your trees at Fullers Park or Noonday Creek Park or two Home Depot locations between 9-4 and get free mulch in exchange.

Also on Saturday, Pope High School (3001 Hembree Road) will christen its new gymnasium with a community ribbon-cuttting ceremony at 3:15 p.m., followed by varsity basketball games starting at 4 p.m. between the Greyhounds girls and Chattahoochee High School, and the boys tipping off at 6 p.m.

Check out our full events calendar for this week and beyond. Send your calendar listings to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post them here!

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!

Here’s looking at you, East Cobb: Community events, people and happenings in 2017

December 31, 2017 7:04 AM by Wendy Parker

solar eclipse, East Cobb Park — *East Cobbers take in the solar eclipse in August at East Cobb Park. (East Cobb News photos and slideshow by Wendy Parker)*

Previously we posted about the notable news stories in East Cobb during the past year. What follows is a photo gallery of other East Cobb community events since East Cobb News launched in July.

Related coverage

Top East Cobb headlines for 2017

Click on the photo for a related story and photo link, and scroll all the way down for a gallery of even more photos from our first six months of publication.

Enjoy, and Happy New Year!

Skip Wells Memorial Ride

Braves dedicate Sandy Plains Baseball field

East Cobber Parade marches down Johnson Ferry

East Cobb Garden Tour debuts

Mt. Zion UMC celebrates 125th anniversary

East Cobb Rotary Club’s Dog Day Run

Labor Day BBQ and Classic Cars at Holy Smoke Festival

A new community piano for East Cobb Park

13th annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Service

But wait, there’s more!

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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!

EAST COBB WEEKEND EVENTS: Christmas and Hanukkah celebrations; Cobb Wind Symphony; prep wrestling and more

December 15, 2017 1:15 PM by Wendy Parker

Holiday Lights East Cobb Park — *The Christmas tree at East Cobb Park will be joined on Sunday by Chabad of Cobb’s coin Menorah in an event that benefits Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.*

The last weekend of holiday activities before Christmas is busier than usual since some were rescheduled due to the winter storm, and that’s where we’ll lead off in noting East Cobb weekend events over the next few days:

The Empty Bowl Brunch at The Art Place-Mountain View (3330) Sandy Plains Road) was to have taken place last Sunday, but it’s just been moved a week, and at the same time this coming Sunday 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. as the original schedule. The cost is also the same; a $15 ticket gets you a handmade soup bowl to fill as often as you like, with the proceeds benefitting MUST Ministries;
Another delayed event is the final local holiday market of the season. The St. Nicholas Holiday Market goes from 12-4 on Sunday at Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church (3431 Trickum Road), with gift items, crafts, jewelry and Greek food goodies;
Also in its final weekend is the Good Mews Holiday Decor Market (1860 Sandy Plains Road), which is open until 6 on Friday, and from 10-6 Saturday and 12-6 Sunday;
Santa’s been making plenty of rounds in East Cobb, even with the snow, but there’s a special visit he’s got in store for pets Saturday at the Janice Overbeck Real Estate office (2249 Sewell Mill Road). Bring your furry family member(s) between 12-2 for free photos with St. Nick and refreshments;
One of your last chances to see a live Nativity Scene takes place from 7-9 tonight and Saturday at Wesley Chapel Road UMC (4495 Sandy Plains Road), and it’s a drive-through set up so you can stay in your car, and out of the cold;
Music is in the air all over East Cobb, led by the Cobb Wind Symphony Orchestra holiday concert at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road). It’s free to get in but they’ll gladly accept donations;
The same Lassiter Concert Hall is the venue at 7:30 p.m. Sunday for the Pope High School Fine Arts Showcase, but you MUST purchase tickets in advance. They’re $10 each and can be ordered here; there will be NO sales as the door;
On Sunday at 6:30 p.m., East Cobb UMC (2325 Roswell Road) is having its musical celebration of the Christmas season. “Chosen” features the church’s children’s and adult choirs and orchestra. It’s free, and the 4 p.m. concert is sold out, with seating limited for 6:30 p.m.; get your online tickets here;
As Hanukkah comes to a close, the Chabad of Cobb congregation is once again holding a Coin Menorah event at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road). Bring loose change and help what’s billed as the largest coin Menorah in the world; your contributions will benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta;
This isn’t on the holiday list of things to do, but is festive in its own way: The 47th annual Cobb County Invitational Wrestling Tournament takes place starting at 6 p.m. Friday and continues through Saturday afternoon at Lassiter High School (2601 Shallowford Road); it features all six East Cobb high schools, including Pope, the reigning county and state champion. Saturday’s slate starts at 8 a.m. and the championship round gets underway at 2:30 p.m.

Check out East Cobb Holiday Guide as well as our listings of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services.

Here’s our full Events Calendar, holiday or otherwise.

Did we miss something? Want to add a calendar listing? Please let us know! E-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post it!

Have a great weekend!

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!

PHOTOS: Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park

December 3, 2017 9:11 PMDecember 3, 2017 8:38 PM by Wendy Parker

Several hundred East Cobbers—many of them young children happily dancing with glowsticks and awaiting the arrival of Santa—gathered around the pavilion at East Cobb Park Sunday for the annual Holiday Lights celebration.

Sponsored by the Friends for the East Cobb Park, the event also has the support of WellStar East Cobb Health Park, the East Cobb Rotary and other community organizations and businesses.

Related Coverage

Holiday Guide | Stories

To see more East Cobb holiday events, please consult our Holiday Guide. Send your holiday news (including photos) to: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

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!

EAST COBB WEEKEND: Holiday Lights; Apple Annie; Bethlehem Walk; Santa visits; concerts and more

December 1, 2017 5:01 PMNovember 30, 2017 4:54 PM by Wendy Parker

Bethlehem Walk, Mountain View UMC, East Cobb weekend — *Bethlehem Walk at Mountain View UMC is marking its 25th anniversary.*

The first full week of the holidays in East Cobb culminates with a weekend schedule bursting with seasonal activities. Our continuously updated Holiday Guide has plenty more, but here are a few highlights of what’s going on through Sunday:

Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show: Fri 9-7, Sat 9-2, admission $3; Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road), now in its 37th year, with more than 100 artisan vendors, bake sale, raffle, overflow parking at and shuttle service from Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul. We’ll have extended coverage on Friday;
Carriage Rides & Santa Visits: Back again at The Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road) from 3-7 on Friday, as well as Dec. 8 and 15;
“The Story” Christmas at Eastside Baptist Church: A theatrical production with a full orchestra, choir and ballerinas; shows Friday 7 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. and Sunday 3 p.m. are free; 2450 Lower Roswell Road;
Breakfast With Santa & East Cobb Lions Club: From 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday at Powers Ferry UMC (245 Powers Ferry Road); cost is $7 a person;
St. Nick’s Cafe: The Art Place-Mountain View’s annual holiday program, with this year’s show entitled “What Could Go Wrong the Night Before Christmas?” Saturday 9 & 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m.; tickets are $15 and include Chick-fil-A meals to follow; 3330 Sandy Plains Road;
Holiday Fine Arts Showcase: Two shows with the combined bands, chorus and orchestra of Wheeler High School start at 2 and 4:30 Saturday (375 Holt Road); Tickets are $5 students/$10 adults and are good for both shows;
Bethlehem Walk: In 1992, Mountain View UMC (2300 Jamerson Road) began these self-guided tours of the scene of Jesus’ birth, featuring local citizen/actors, and followed by cider and baked goods. Saturday, Sunday and Dec. 8 & 9 from 7-9 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are accepted;
Christmas Packages: Johnson Ferry Baptist Church’s annual holiday celebration, with games, music, carriage rides, crafts, and more; Sunday 4-7:30 p.m., 955 Johnson Ferry Road;
Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park: The community-wide tree lighting festival, with music from the Dodgen Middle School band and a grand entrance from Santa Claus. Hot chocolate and snack sales to benefit the Friends for the East Cobb Park; Sunday 5-7 p.m., 3322 Roswell Road. Overflow parking at Fullers Park.

Did we miss anything? Have a holiday calendar item to share? E-mail it to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post it.

Have a great weekend!

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!

PHOTOS: Mt. Zion UMC Craft Show, which continues Saturday

November 10, 2017 6:11 PM by Wendy Parker

Several dozen vendors were displaying their handcrafted wares Friday at the 32nd Mt. Zion UMC Craft Show.

East Cobb Veterans Day observations continue Saturday and Sunday

November 10, 2017 5:10 PM by Wendy Parker

A number of schools and other organizations in East Cobb have had Veterans Day observations, but there are still quite a few going on Saturday—the Nov. 11 formal holiday—and also on Sunday.

In case you missed our weekend events preview, here’s what’s on tap for Veterans Day:

Two concerts, one Saturday at Transfiguration Catholic Church (1815 Blackwell Road) that starts at 2:30 p.m. featuring the Metropolitan Atlanta Community band and is followed by a commemorative mass at 5; and Sunday at 3 at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road). It’s the annual Veterans Day concert performed by the Cobb Wind Symphony, and it’s free to the public;
On Saturday, a couple new Veterans Day events in East Cobb: A car cruise theme is featured from 8-12 at Club Pilates East Cobb (2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 200); and a public celebration at Merchants Walk Shopping Center (1280 Johnson Ferry Road) from 11-8 includes sidewalk sales, a food truck and more;
If you’re up for a parade, the City of Marietta is holding its 13th Annual Veterans Day parade starting at 11 a.m. at Roswell Street Baptist Church, and winding its way to the square. That’s where a Veterans Day ceremony will take place at noon.

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!

EAST COBB WEEKEND: Veterans Day events; craft fair and concerts; football playoffs and more

November 9, 2017 7:56 PMNovember 9, 2017 7:15 PM by Wendy Parker

The Charlestones, East Cobb weekend — *The Charlestones, an a capella group from Charleston, S.C., perform at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church on Friday.*

The leaves are changing, and very quickly the season, as the upcoming East Cobb weekend slate of events takes on an autunmnal pre-holiday flair.

Saturday is Veterans Day, and events throughout the weekend are scheduled to observe and honor those who served in the military.

A number of East Cobb schools have had their special events during the week, and from 5-8 Friday the East Cobb Senior Center and both East Cobb YMCAs will serve up dinner, music and tributes. They had “sold out” of the free tickets before November rolled around, but you may want to call 770-509-4900 770-977-5991 to see if there’s any space that’s opened up at the last minute.

Also on tap for Veterans Day in East Cobb:

Two concerts, one Saturday at Transfiguration Catholic Church (1815 Blackwell Road) that starts at 2:30 p.m. featuring the Metropolitan Atlanta Community band and is followed by a commemorative mass at 5; and Sunday at 3 at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road). It’s the annual Veterans Day concert performed by the Cobb Wind Symphony, and it’s free to the public;
On Saturday, a couple new Veterans Day events in East Cobb: A car cruise theme is featured from 8-12 at Club Pilates East Cobb (2960 Shallowford Road, Suite 200); and a public celebration at Merchants Walk Shopping Center (1280 Johnson Ferry Road) from 11-8 includes sidewalk sales, a food truck and more;

And with the brisk weather now seemingly here for good, there’s post-season football, holiday crafts and music for all tastes:

Three East Cobb high school football teams reached the state playoffs, and they’re all in action Friday. Unbeaten Walton is at home against North Cobb, while Kell visits Flowery Branch and Pope travels to Dacula. Universal kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.;
Friday night temps will be dipping into the 30s, so if staying indoors is your thing, the 2017-18 Concert Series of St. St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road) continues with a free to the public 7:30 p.m. concert featuring The Charlestones, an a capella group from Charleston, S.C.;
The Pope Band XPlosion! event is from 7-9 p.m. Saturday at the school (3001 Hembree Road), and features all components of the band program, from the marchers to the jazz orchestra and smaller ensembles, with raffle proceeds supporting the young musicians;
This weekend also marks the return of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church Craft Fair, from 9-5 Friday and 9-4 on Saturday at the church (1330 Johnson Ferry Road); it’s organized by the church’s women’s ministry and includes a bake sale and silent auction.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a community calendar listing to share, for this weekend and beyond? Send it to us, and we’ll post it ASAP! E-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

Check out our full calendar listings for more things to do! Have a great weekend!

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!

EAST COBB WEEKEND EVENTS: Lassiter Craft Fair and holiday markets; baby fair; community piano; and more

November 2, 2017 5:48 PM by Wendy Parker

Halloween is over, November has begun and with it the earliest of two months of holiday-related activities. East Cobb weekend events through Sunday include ongoing holiday markets, a maternity and baby fair, two pet-related events and the unveiling of a new community piano.

Check out our full calendar listings for more, this weekend and beyond, but here’s whats highlighted for the next few days:

Lassiter Craft Fair (2601 Shallowford Road), runs 10-5 Saturday and Sunday, with more than 100 booths featuring handmade crafts and products and includes a bake sale and other concessions to benefit the Lassiter Band;
Mt. Bethel UMC Ribbons and Holiday Handcrafted Market (4385 Lower Roswell Road), is from 9-4 on Saturday, with more than 50 vendors, face painting for kids, a bake sale and lunch, with proceeds benefitting the church’s missions;
Good Mews Holiday Decor Market (1860 Sandy Plains Road) continues Saturday 10-6 and Sunday 12-6 and every weekend through Dec. 17, to benefit the shelter’s programs to rescue, nurture and adopt homeless cats and kittens;
Pet Events: An adoption day is Saturday from 9-12 at Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team (2249 Sewell Mill Road), to benefit the Homeless Pets Foundation; from 10-3 Sunday Good Mews is holding a vaccination and microchip clinic at its facility (3805 Robinson Road), and they do encourage you to make an appointment;
“Tommy” is getting tuned up to be played at Egg Harbor Cafe.
On Saturday at noon, the latest community piano, courtesy of Play Me Again Pianos, will be unveiled at Egg Harbor Cafe (4719 Lower Roswell Road); it’s the second such piano in East Cobb (see our posts here and here for more); “Tommy” will remain at the restaurant, just as “Sunny” sits under the upper gazebo at East Cobb Park;
If you’re expecting a child or recently had a baby, the WellStar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road) is holding a Baby and Maternity Fair Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. that includes medical information from health providers, vendors and more, and it’s free;
Football finales: The regular season is coming to a close Friday with Walton already having secured a playoff spot, and with Kell, Lassiter and Pope still in the hunt; Sprayberry and Wheeler will be concluding their seasons for sure. The Raiders, who also have earned a home playoff game, can go for a 10-0 regular season against Woodstock at Raider Valley.

Did we miss something? Do you have a calendar item to share? Please let us know, and we’ll post them to our full calendar listings. E-mail calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

Have a great weekend!

EAST COBB THIS WEEK: Last gasp for Halloween, library events, All Saints Day and more

October 30, 2017 2:30 PMOctober 30, 2017 1:06 PM by Wendy Parker

A very cold, wet and wintry weekend for Halloween events has passed, and temperatures are already rising to an autumn feel as November approaches.

To start the week off is tonight’s Cobb-Marietta Marching Band Exhibition (7 p.m. at McEachern High School), including the bands from Lassiter, Sprayberry and Wheeler. This part of the extravaganza has been delayed twice before by rain, but it’s clear today, and it should be in the low 50s tonight. Admission is $5.

Here’s what else is coming up in East Cobb through Thursday:

Most Halloween-related events were over the weekend, but at Powers Ferry UMC (245 Powers Ferry Road), they’re having a Trunk or Treat event on Halloween night, Tuesday, Oct. 31. It lasts from 6-7:30 p.m., and little trick or treaters are asked to wear their customes; in addition to candy, they’ll also be serving hot dogs;
Wednesday is Nov. 1, which for Roman Catholics is more than just the start of the month. It’s All Saints Day, a solemn Christian festival also known as All Hallows Day, and all three East Cobb parishes will be having special services. At Holy Family Catholic Church (3401 Lower Roswell Road), there’s a Tuesday vigil at 6:30 p.m., and Wednesday masses at 9 a.m., 12 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., the latter two are bilingual and a Spanish Holy Hour respectively; at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road), the services Wednesday are at 6:30 a.m., 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., with an All Souls mass Thursday at 7 p.m.; at Transfiguration Catholic Church (1815 Blackwell Road), a Spanish-language mass on Tuesday starts at 7 p.m., with Wednesday services at 12 p.m., 4 p.m. (children’s mass) and 7 p.m.;
The Page-Turners Book Discussion Group meets on Wednesday at the Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Road), and the book this month is “Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles. If you’d like to read up for the December session, the club is giving you some latitude: Choose a biography of Abigail Adams and prepare to talk about it on Dec. 6;
Stretch into November with Yoga for Seniors, Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. at the East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Road); registration is required for this event that’s part of the library’s continuing wellness program series;
Later on Wednesday, the East Cobb Library will hold another Family Fun Time event from 3:30-4:15, and is for children of all ages. Wednesday’s topic will a celebration of American Indian Heritage Month. The event is free, but all children must be accompanied by an adult;
After school on Wednesday is another installment of the Gritters STEAM Team series at the Gritters Library (880 Shaw Park Road). From 3:30-4:30 students from K-5 can learn about geodosic domes. Experts deliver the lessons and the kids engage in hands-on activity;
The Gritters Drama Club is newly formed and is working toward a performance on Nov. 18 at the Mountain View Regional Library. The group meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month from 3:30-4:30, and is aimed at students for 4th and 5th graders. The club leader is theater connoisseur and Gritters staff member Olivia McCurley. Registration is required.

Did we miss something. Do you have a calendar item to share? Let us know? Send us your listings to calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post it.

Have a great week!

East Cobb community piano program expands to Egg Harbor Cafe

November 8, 2017 2:38 PMOctober 23, 2017 3:23 PM by Wendy Parker

Tommy, East Cobb community piano — *“Tommy” will make his debut at a ribbon-cutting ceremony Nov. 4 at Egg Harbor Cafe in East Cobb. (Photo provided by Play It Again Pianos)*

Back in July East Cobb Park was the benefactor of a community piano program thanks to Play Me Again Pianos, a local non-profit (previous East Cobb News post here).

“Sunny,” named after East Cobb Park advocate Sunny Walker and located in the upper gazebo, will have some nearby accompaniment of sorts soon, at Egg Harbor Cafe (4719 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 210), on Nov. 4.

That’s when “Tommy” will be unveiled during a ribbon-cutting at 12 p.m. Like “Sunny,” the first tunes played on “Tommy” will be by a young local student musician.

It’s the latest in a community piano program started last year by East Cobb-based Play Me Again Pianos, co-founded by Jason and Kelly Brett. Their aim is to purchase, restore, paint and place 88 pianos throughout the metro Atlanta area, designed for community use.

*Angela Lockman, East Cobb Middle School art teacher.*

“Tommy” is also locally painted, by Angela Decker Lockman, a visual arts teacher at East Cobb Middle School.

“Street pianos and public pianos inspire people to connect with each other in ways that were once common, but seem increasingly rare,” Jason Brett said. ”By adding our pianos to the landscape throughout the metropolitan area, we hope to nurture that connection into an evolution of Atlanta’s culture, community and the arts.”

Here’s Lockman, last year’s Middle School Art Specialist of the Year for the Cobb County School District, on how she went about her work:

“My vision was to translate what we love about our area onto eggs that cover the piano. There are 16 eggs that encompass fun places to visit, our sports teams, and even the lyrics to our state song, ‘Georgia On My Mind.’ Then as a nod to our host, we also incorporated two brightly-colored roosters and the Egg Harbor Cafe logo.”

The Bretts said “Tommy” is named after a member of the family-run Egg Harbor Cafe business. Unlike others in the family who had menu items named after them, there was no mention of Tommy on menus or business literature or logos.

Other Play Me Again Pianos are located in Chastain Park, The Woodruff Arts Center, Colony Square, the Dunwoody Nature Center, the Chamblee Rail Trail, Brookhaven, Ponce City Market, Atlantic Station and Alpharetta.

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!

EAST COBB WEEKEND EVENTS: Haunted Hustle Run; band festival; Walton-Lassiter football; Pope Theater; ‘Roman Reads’ and more

October 19, 2017 6:27 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb weekend events, Southern Invitational Music Festival — *The Sprayberry Band of Gold once again is host of the Southern Invitational Music Festival, from 10-10 on Saturday at Jim Frazier Stadium.*

It’s finally starting to really feel like fall, and with Halloween coming in just a little more than a week, so are the pumpkin-related East Cobb weekend events:

Kicking off one of many such Halloween activities on Saturday is the Haunted Hustle Race, a 1k/5k event at the Northeast Cobb YMCA (3010 Johnson Ferry Road). The shorter race starts at 7:30 a.m. with the feature event following at 8;
Don’t forget the ongoing Pumpkin Patches at several East Cobb churches that continue all the way to Halloween. They’re open daily and generally have extended hours on the weekends;
The high school football regular season is reaching its climax, and with crisp fall weather in the air the timing couldn’t be better for an East Cobb backyard rivalry game on Friday. It’s Lassiter at undefeated and state-ranked Walton, at 7:30 p.m. at Raider Valley (1590 Bill Murdock Road), with region and playoff implications on the line;
In other games on Friday, Kell is playing host to Carrollton, and Sprayberry is also at home against River Ridge. Wheeler and Pope travel to Campbell and Chattahoochee, respectively;
Sprayberry’s Jim Frazier Stadium (2525 Sandy Plains Road) will be an extra busy place this weekend, continuing on Saturday with the 34th annual Southern Invitational Music Festival. The hosts Sprayberry Band of Gold are putting on the judged competition that lasts from 10-10, with prep marching bands coming from around the Southeast;
Saturday also will be a quick turnaround for the Lassiter band, which is putting on the Lassiter Band Community Recycling Day from 9-4 at the school (2601 Shallowford Road);
While the weather’s supposed to be in the 70s and at least partly sunny this weekend, there are some indoor events worth noting here, including the Roman Reads Family Storytime session from 2:30-3:30 at Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Road). It’s aimed at grade school to middle school kids and is presented by the Wheeler High School Junior Classical League;
If you like your drama staged and indoors, there’s the Pope Theater version of “12 Angry Jurors” continues Friday and Saturday at 7, plus a Saturday matinee at 3 at the school (3001 Hembree Road).

Check out our full calendar listings page for more things to do this weekend and beyond. Did we miss something? Have an event you’d like to share with the East Cobb community? E-mail your calendar listing to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post it ASAP! Here’s more information on how to send your news to East Cobb News!

Have a great weekend!

EAST COBB WEEKEND EVENTS: Mt. Bethel run; Oktoberfest; Pope & Walton homecoming; ‘The Rainmaker’ and more

October 6, 2017 6:06 AM by Wendy Parker

Holy Trinity Oktoberfest, East Cobb weekend events — *The 9th annual Oktoberfest takes place Saturday at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. (East Cobb News file photo)*

Fall is officially here, and it’s starting to look—and feel—like it. Fall festivals, homecoming football games and a special rendition of a Broadway classic are all on tap in East Cobb weekend events, and there’s so much more.

Check out our full East Cobb Events Calendar for more, but we’ve peeled off a few highlights:

Football Friday: It’s homecoming for the Pope Greyhounds and Walton Raiders, who kick off their games at 7:30 p.m. Lassiter is home to Roswell in a big region game, and both schools are observing Breast Cancer Awareness Month and a new program at Lassiter to provide education and support for suicide prevention efforts. Wheeler and Sprayberry are on the road, and Kell has the week off;
Fall School Festivals Get Started: October is a big month for school festivals, which are held by PTAs and foundations to raise funds for a variety of school programs. This Friday, the Sedalia Park Elementary School Fall Festival & Art Show (2230 Lower Roswell Road) runs from 5-8 p.m., and we’ll have more news about other school festivals as the month goes on;
Run for Habitat: Bright and early Saturday (about 7:30 a.m.), Mt. Bethel UMC (4385 Lower Roswell Road) will hold its Habitat Run fundraiser, with proceeds going for the church’s 9th Habitat for Humanity project. There will be award winner trophies, live music, a silent auction and refreshments, and race day registration starts at 6:30 a.m.;
Oompah, Brats and Beer: Oktoberfest is in its 9th year at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (2922 Sandy Plains Road), from 10 a.m to 7 p.m. Saturday, and as Lutherans celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Traditional German food and drink, Polka music, face-painting, horseshoes, a petting zoo and a church tour are all on the schedule once again. Overflow parking is next door at the Skip Wells Post Office;
Take a bow, please: CenterStage North and The Mountain View Arts Alliance are teaming up for another run of a Broadway (and in this case Hollywood) favorite, starting Friday and continuing through Sunday and again next weekend. “The Rainmaker” starts at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at The Art Place-Mountain View (3330 Sandy Plains Road);
Pumpkin Patches in full swing: 3 East Cobb Methodist churches are having their pumpkin patch sales all October, and they’ve got some special events coming up soon. The proceeds from the sales at East Cobb UMC, Mt. Zion UMC and St. Andrew UMC benefit church activities and get the Halloween season off to a festive start. We’ll be posting Halloween events at this link all month; please send your event so we can include it (e-mail address listed below).

Did we miss anything? Do you have anything to add? By all means, let us know, and we’ll post your information. Submit what you’ve got to calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll get it up toute de suite.

Thanks for reading East Cobb News, and have a great weekend!

East Cobb Pumpkin Patches continue all October, include special events

October 5, 2017 5:29 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb pumpkin patches, East Cobb UMC Pumpkin Patch — *Proceeds from the East Cobb UMC Pumpkin Patch support the Boy Scouts Troop 435. (East Cobb News photo by Wendy Parker)*

A few of the Methodist churches in the area are just now receiving their pumpkin supplies as the Halloween season approaches. East Pumpkin Patches are underway at three of the usual locations through Halloween Day, on Oct. 31.

At East Cobb UMC (2325 Roswell Road), the pumpkin patch is open from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The proceeds support Boy Scout Troop 435, and for more information you can visit the troop’s website and Facebook page. In addition to a basic pumpkin, suitable for pie-making and jack-o-lantern carving, the East Cobb UMC spread also has the following:

“Pie pumpkins, wee bees, red, green, and grey Indian, warted pumpkins, small, big, and bigger, captains, and just good ol’ carving pumpkins. Oh . . . and a carving contest where you can enter to win the $10,000 national prize.”

At Mt. Zion UMC (1770 Johnson Ferry Road), the patch is open from 12 p.m.-7:30 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m.-7:3) p.m. on Saturday, through Oct. 31. On Oct. 14, the church is holding a Party in the Patch from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. with trick or treats, games, and a lunch for purchase. That event is sponsored by the Mt. Zion Youth Group and Evangelism Team.

The following week, on Oct. 21, Mt. Zion is holding a Movie in the Patch from 7:30 p.m.-10 p.m. featuring “Charlie Brown and the Great Pumpkin” and “Hocus Pocus.” Bring chairs and a blanket; popcorn and lemonade are provided and no RSVP is required.

At St. Andrew UMC (3455 Canton Road) the “Pumpkin Church” patch hours are from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 12-8 p.m. Sunday.

* * * * * * * *

We’re just getting started with our compilation of Halloween events, leading into the Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year Holiday seasons.

If you have events you’d like to share with the East Cobb community—holiday or not—we’ll be glad to post them. E-mail us at calendar@eastcobbnews and we’ll add them to our calendar listings. Feel free to send photos, flyers and of course contact information as East Cobb News aims to make our calendar listings the best around!

You can also send breaking news and news tips anytime—check out our submission guidelines for more information.

Fore the Cure golf tournament at Indian Hills to benefit breast cancer programs

October 5, 2017 10:32 AM by Wendy Parker

For the third year, the Fore the Cure Golf Tournament will take place Oct. 30 at Indian Hills Country Club, and donations and sponsorships are being sought.

The day-long event—which will be held rain or shine—is a fundraiser for the Atlanta-based It’s The Journey, a non-profit that promotes breast health and funds breast cancer programs.

Fore the Cure was started in 2015 by East Cobb residents Kathy Bovey Bartelme and her friend Helen Hvizdak, who were were looking for a local breast cancer organization to support.

“We love that It’s The Journey is a small organization making a big impact in our community,” Bartelme said. “They have raised $13 million since 2002 to support everything from breast exams, to biopsies, to research, all right here in Georgia. As a breast cancer survivor, it meant a lot to me find an organization that was helping the women and men in my community in meaningful, tangible ways.”

Fore the Cure has raised $96,000 in its first two golf outing events, and last year 164 people took place.

The Oct. 30 event starts with registration at 8 a.m. and a shotgun start at 9:30 am. The cost is $125 per person and includes cart, 18 holes of golf, lunch, and prizes for golf challenges.

Individual, foursome, and corporate sponsorships are available as well as donations for the silent auction and in-kind gifts. In previous tournaments, players have consisted of both members/non-members of Indian Hills as well as men and women.

There will also be a silent auction, which is open to the public to attend. Items for auction include golf packages, sports memorabilia, original artwork, themed gift baskets, and more.

For information and to register, click here for a sign-up flyer with details that include sponsorship packages, handicap scores and more.

PHOTOS: 22nd annual East Cobber parade and festival

September 16, 2017 4:37 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobber parade, Walton flag team — *The Walton High School flag team marching in the East Cobber parade. (East Cobb News photos and slideshow by Wendy Parker)*

A host of organizations, schools, churches and businesses took part in the East Cobber parade down Johnson Ferry Road Saturday and a community festival that followed at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church.

Started in 1995 by East Cobber magazine publisher and founder Cynthia Rozzo, the parade has grown to include several dozen organizations representing a wide variety of community life in East Cobb.

Among those walking the 0.8-mile trek from Mt. Bethel Elementary School to Johnson Ferry Baptist were elected officials, civic leaders, scout troops, school bands and cheerleaders, local businesses and librarians shuffling book carts from the Cobb County Public Library System.

East Cobber parade, Mt. Bethel ES — *Unicyclists from Mt. Bethel Elementary School.*

East Cobber parade, Wheeler HS band — *The Wheeler High School marching band.*

East Cobber parade — *Young attendees taking in the sights of a community parade, and waiting for candy thrown by participants.*

East Cobber parade, Pope HS — *The Pope High School marching band.*

East Cobber parade, East Cobb Rotary Club — *Members of the East Cobb Rotary Club.*

East Cobber parade, The Lady Lions Cheer Team — *The Lady Lions Cheer Team from Smyrna.*

East Cobber parade, School of Rock — *Student from the School of Rock Playing hits from the 1970s.*

Check out more photos from the East Cobber parade and festival:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

EAST COBB TRAFFIC ALERT: Road closures for East Cobber parade

September 15, 2017 11:13 AM by Wendy Parker

The one Saturday out of the year in which you can actually see unicyclists pedaling down Johnson Ferry Road is this Saturday. That means it’s time for the East Cobber parade, which begins at 10 a.m. and includes some significant closures along one of East Cobb’s busiest traffic arteries.

If you’ve experienced this before, the schedule is familiar, and remains essentially the same. Cobb Police will be shutting down Johnson Ferry Road between Roswell Road and Johnson Ferry Road between 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

There may be some changes to this, in terms of time and precise closure points. Sometimes you can drive all the way to Princeton Lakes Drive, where the parade route begins, out of Mt. Bethel Elementary School, up until around 9:45 a.m.

It’s best to observe the 9:30-11 window, and the Roswell-Lower Roswell boundaries, especially to give yourself time to find parking and a vantage point, and in case there are any logistical changes.

Woodlawn Drive will remain open, and is a good route to find a place to watch the parade—the Johnson Ferry Baptist Church parking lot will be available—but expect delays due to the closures.

Princeton Lakes Drive will be closed entirely from 8 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday as the parade route assembles at Mt. Bethel Elementary School and heads south on Johnson Ferry Road.

Cobb DOT also is setting up detours at the following intersections, and these too have been done in previous years:

Intersection of Roswell Road and Indian Hills Parkway;
Intersection of Lower Roswell Road and Indian Hills Parkway;
Intersection of Roswell Road and Timber Ridge Road;
Intersection of Lower Roswell Road and Timber Ridge Road.

If you can’t get to the parade but want to watch, it’s being streamed live on East Cobber‘s Facebook page (link here) and Instagram account (link here).

The festival begins at 11 a.m. in the Johnson Ferry Baptist parking lot near the athletic fields. Here’s a full list of parade and festival participants. Here’s more on this weekend’s events in East Cobb.

EAST COBB WEEKEND: East Cobber parade & festival; garden tour; Sunday Funday & more

September 14, 2017 7:33 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb weekend events, East Cobber parade — *The Walton High School band, including the flag team, will once again participate in Saturday’s East Cobber parade. (East Cobb News photo by Wendy Parker)*

After a harrowing week of stormy and fall-like weather, the East Cobb weekend schedule is perfectly suited for the Indian Summer-like conditions that are on tap.

In other words, get—and stay!—outdoors! In addition to some local rivalry football tilts, one of East Cobb’s biggest most festive events returns, while another that figures to become a big hit makes its debut. Check our full calendar listings for more, but here are some of the highlights of a jam-packed schedule of events designed to soak up some welcome sun and warmth in mid-September:

Walton vs. Wheeler football, Friday, 7:30 p.m.: Raider Valley (1590 Bill Murdock Road) is the site for this backyard bout, which also is a key regional game. The Raiders are 3-0 and Wheeler is 2-1;
Lassiter Homecoming: Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. Friday, followed by the 3-0 Trojans vs. Marietta at 7:30 (2601 Shallowford Road);
East Cobber Parade & Festival, Saturday 10 a.m.: Johnson Ferry Road from Princeton Lakes Drive to Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road) for the parade, featuring dozens of schools, faith communities, organizations, businesses, elected officials and more. The festival featuring exhibitors, food, live music and more takes place in the church parking lot from 11-3;
East Cobb Garden Tour, Sunday 12-5 p.m.: The inaugural event, sponsored by the Cobb Master Gardeners, starts at the McFarlane Nature Park (280 Farm Road) and extends to several nearby Chattahoochee Plantation homes;
Sunday Funday at East Cobb Park, Sunday 4-6 p.m.: Free family entertainment includes live music from The LooSe ShoEs Band. Bring a blanket and picnic food in the last Sunday Funday of the summer. 3332 Roswell Road.

Check out our full calendar listings for more events, including more football games and live music. Did we miss something? Would you like to let the community know about your event? E-mail us: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

Please keep in touch, and have a great weekend!

EAST COBB WEEKEND: Summer-to-fall events, emergency training & more

September 7, 2017 2:22 PM by Wendy Parker

Fall is just about here, and not just because of the dropping (and very pleasant!) temperatures we’ve enjoyed in East Cobb this weekend. That in-between summer and fall feeling is also evident in this weekend’s local events calendar:

The finale of the 2017 Summer Stars Concert Series takes place Saturday at The Art Place-Mountain View (3330 Sandy Plains Road), featuring local musician Kip Rogers. “In Season” will feature some of his mellow, lyrical tunes, perfect for-season changing relaxation. Doors open at 7; the concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Lawn seating is free, and tables of 8 cost $40;
If you prefer mellow relaxation of another kind, the East Cobb-based Atlanta Parrot Head Club is throwing a Jimmy Buffett tailgate party from 12:30-5:30 p.m. Saturday at Red Hare Brewing (1880 Delk Industrial Blvd.), in part to celebrate the enactment of a new Georgia craft beer law. Admission is free, and there will be live music (albeit not Buffett, brew and BBQ for purchase;
Visit our events calendar for more live music options, including regularly scheduled sessions at selected East Cobb restaurants and taverns;
With hurricane season upon us (and coastal Georgia under evacuation orders), the Cobb Emergency Management Agency is offering certified emergency training for citizens around the county, including at East Cobb’s Catholic Church of St. Ann on Saturday. It’s an all-day commitment, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and continues Sept. 16 and Sept. 23. Call the church at 770-552-6400 ext. 6019 for more information;
Another weekend-ish event that actually takes place on Monday is an author event at The Book Exchange (2932 Canton Road), and featuring Amber Brock, author of “A Fine Imitation.” It begins at 6 p.m. and refreshments follow;
There’s a light schedule on the high school football front, with Lassiter, Walton and Wheeler all enjoying a bye week. Two teams have home games: Sprayberry vs. Campbell and Pope vs. Johns Creek. Kell visits Rome, and all three East Cobb teams in action Friday are trying to bounce back from losses.

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