East Cobb Events Archives

Atlanta Parrot Head Club event to celebrate new craft beer law

September 6, 2017 6:08 PM by Wendy Parker

Members of the East Cobb-based Atlanta Parrot Head Club like to say they don’t need a reason to relax at local watering holes and enjoy the sounds of Jimmy Buffett and related musical acts.

But this Saturday, they really have a good reason to throw a public party and that’s just what they’ve decided to do.

They’re staging what they’re calling a Jimmy Buffet tailgating event at Red Hare Brewing (1998 Delk Industrial Blvd.) in part to mark the recent enactment of SB 85, also known as the Georgia craft beer law.

That law, which passed the Georgia legislature earlier this year after several years of industry lobbying, went into effect Sept. 1. It allows establishments that brew their own beer to make limited direct sales to the public.

As the Atlanta Parrot Head Club notes, “nor do [patrons] have to have a wrist band checked off off or exchange tickets for drinks. They will be able to pay for individual drinks—much like going to a bar—and they will be able to buy a limited amount of six packs, growlers, etc. to go.”

According to the Georgia Craft Brewers Guild, Red Hare is one of two Cobb craft breweries, and there are about three dozen across Georgia. The other Cobb craft brew business is Ironmonger Brewery, located just across from Red Hare on Delk Road (2129 Northwest Parkway).

The Atlanta Parrot Head Club event Saturday takes place from 12:30 p.m.—5:30 p.m. and admission is free. The Tiki Brothers Band, whose playlist includes Jimmy Buffett and rock classics, will play from 1-5, and Carne 250 Texas BBQ products will be sold.

The club, which describes itself as “a Jimmy Buffett fan club with a community service problem,” participates in several community service events throughout the year, including next Saturday’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s run at Kennesaw State University.

The next monthly gathering of the Atlanta Parrot Head Club is Sept. 21 on the patio of The Wing Café and Tap House (2145 Roswell Road) where it meets the third Thursday of each month.

Marietta-Cobb Career Expo is next week; includes readiness workshops

September 5, 2017 4:10 PM by Wendy Parker

Details about the Marietta-Cobb Career Expo are being distributed to the public by Cobb County Government:

Learn how to sharpen up your resume and interview successfully at free readiness workshops and then put those skills into action during the Marietta/Cobb Career Expo. WorkSouce Cobb staff will host Expo Readiness Workshops 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 12, at the Cobb County Civic Center. Topics will include career expo success, resume writing, interviewing, netserving, job search over 40 and resume critique. Registration is required. Register by visiting worksourcecobb.org. For more information, call 770-528-4300.

The Marietta/Cobb Career Expo will be held 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 14, at the Cobb County Civic Center. Employers including Atlanta and North Georgia Building Trades Council, Bank of America, Cana Communications, Carmax, Caraustar, Georgia Tech Police, Hooters, Lockheed Credit Union, Omni Hotel, Verizon, Roswell Police Department and Walden Security will be in attendance looking for qualified candidates. The Civic Center is located at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta.

PHOTOS: Holy Smoke Festival at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church

September 4, 2017 6:34 PM by Wendy Parker

Barbecue served up by Williamson Brothers, family activities, live music by local artist Jay Memory, a parachute jump team, antique car show and more were packed into a gorgeous Labor Day Monday afternoon at the Holy Smoke Festival.

The venue and hosts were Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, and organized by its men’s ministry. We’ll just let the pictures tell the story, with a few words here and there, as East Cobb celebrated the holiday weekend in festive style (ICYMI, our photos from the Temple Kol Emeth Noshfest on Sunday).

More photos in the slideshow below from the antique car show and more at the Holy Smoke Festival.

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PHOTOS: Temple Kol Emeth Noshfest celebrates Jewish food, music & culture

September 3, 2017 5:25 PM by Wendy Parker

The first of the two-day Temple Kol Emeth Noshfest took place under beautiful skies Sunday, as one of East Cobb’s biggest Labor Day holiday weekend events got underway.

Noshfest continues on Monday, and Labor Day in East Cobb also includes the Holy Smoke BBQ and Festival, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Johnson Ferry Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road). Details here for what’s on tap.

The Noshfest celebration of Jewish food, music and culture included exhibitors, especially local artists, merchants and other businesses.

Alex Guthrie, Noshfest — *In addition to traditional Jewish folk music, The Alex Guthrie Band was among the featured acts. He’s a Lassiter HS grad whose group sports an acoustic and blues-infused sound.*

More sights below from the Noshfest, which continues Monday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Temple Kol Emeth is located at 1415 Old Canton Road. Parking is available across the street at Eastminster Presbyterian Church.

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EAST COBB WEEKEND: Labor Day festivals; football rivalries; live music & more

September 2, 2017 2:13 PMSeptember 1, 2017 1:17 PM by Wendy Parker

The sun’s out, after a couple of rainy (but much-needed) days, just in time for a packed and extended Labor Day holiday weekend calendar of things to do in East Cobb.

Friday’s got the busiest schedule, with all six East Cobb football teams in action, including a couple of backyard rivalry games. Kickoff for all games is 7:30 p.m.:

Walton (2-0) at Pope (0-1): The Raiders are in the Top 10 and face a young Greyhounds test in their first hostile environment. Pope is also aiding victims of Hurricane Harvey by asking those attending the football game to bring water bottles to donate. There will be collection bins located through the stadium;
Kell (0-1) at Lassiter (2-0): Another all-East Cobb battle and a non-region treat pits two teams that reached the state playoffs last season, and look like they have the goods to contend again;
Sprayberry (1-0) at Kennesaw Mountain (1-0): The Yellow Jackets won their season opener and play on the road for the first time;
South Cobb (1-1) at Wheeler (1-1): The Wildcats return home after their first win of the season at Centennial; don’t forget the Wildcat Nation Food Truck tailgating event that begins at 5:30 p.m. in the East Cobb Middle School parking lot. The proceeds will benefit the work of the ECMS and Wheeler PTSAs and foundations.

If you’d rather stay indoors while relaxing and dining (or just rockin’) to good music, there’s a good variety to choose from at several East Cobb restaurants and bars:

At Chicago’s Steak and Seafood (4401 Shallowford Road), the Tom Olsen Trio plays jazz favorites tonight, with Retrograde performing from the folk rock and acoustic genre Saturday. Both are from 7-10 p.m. at the SpeakEasy Lounge;
At Suburban Tap (1318 Johnson Ferry Road), the acoustic-Americana sounds of the Poverty Level band rev up at 10 p.m. Friday, after the prep football games are over;
The Wing Cafe & Tap House (2145 Roswell Road) has a high-energy rock lineup planned, with Band X performing party style Friday and Saturday, from 10 p.m.-1 a.m. each night;
The traditional weekend fare of dueling pianos is on tap Friday and Saturday at Red Sky (1255 Johnson Ferry Road) starting at 9; and there’s live music also starting at 9 on Friday at the Rose & Crown Tavern (1391 Powers Ferry Road).

The Good Mews Animal Shelter (3805 Robinson Road) is pitching in with Hurricane Harvey relief, serving as a dropping-off point for pet food and litter Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. They say no other items should be donated, and the goods collected are part of a PALS Atlanta effort to help out with dogs and cats affected by the terrible storms and flooding in Texas.

And finally, for the Labor Day weekend festivals. Luckily, they’re scheduled so that you can enjoy them both without missing much at all:

The Noshfest at Temple Kol Emeth (1415 Old Canton Road), takes place Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Monday, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free with two canned goods to be donated to MUST Ministries, food and drink tickets range from $1-$4 and can be purchased on-site, as you go. The Sunday lineup includes a cooking demonstration from the General Muir restaurant, a bagel-eating contest and live music from The Alex Guthrie Band (named after East Cobb’s own young music sensation) and Israeli dancing; Monday’s finale winds down with the Nu-Grass Americana sounds of The Chip McGuire Band;
On Monday, the Holy Smoke Festival returns to Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. In addition to BBQ meals served up by Williamson Bros. ($6 a plate), there will be a classic car show, live music, a Skydivers parachute jump team, and before all that gets underway, at 5K run and tot trot starting at 9 a.m. Admission is free.

Check out our full East Cobb News calendar listings for more events, this weekend and beyond. Did we miss anything? Do you have an item to share with the public? Contact us, and we’ll post it here! Send an email to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

Thanks for getting in touch, and have a terrific Labor Day holiday weekend!

East Cobb Labor Day weekend event schedules for Noshfest, Holy Smoke firming up

August 25, 2017 11:00 AM by Wendy Parker

A week from now is the Labor Day holiday weekend, and two of East Cobb’s signature festivals for that extended weekend are finalizing their schedules.

At the Noshfest, it was announced this week that the Alex Guthrie Band, which is gaining recognition for its “earthy soul” performances in metro Atlanta, Georgia and the South, will be playing next Sunday, Sept. 3, at 1 p.m.

Guthrie is returning to his East Cobb roots, where he stood out as a young musician at Simpson Middle School and Lassiter High School. Want to know what “earthy soul” sounds like? Here’s a 2015 clip of the Alex Guthrie show at the renown Eddie’s Attic in Decatur:

This will be the 7th year for the Noshfest (official website here); admission is free but they ask that you bring two cans of food to be donated to MUST Ministries. Food and drink tickets can be purchased in advance or at the gate. The festival hours are 11am-5pm Sunday and 11am-4pm on Monday at Temple Kol Emeth (1415 Old Canton Road).

Here’s the full entertainment schedule as it stands now for the Noshfest, according to its Facebook page, which provides regular updates for the event:

Sunday, September 3, 2017

11:00 am Flag raising, National Anthem
11:10 am Israeli Dancing (Lessons and Demonstration)
11:30 am Kyra Goldman (Singer/Songwriter)
12:30 pm General Muir Cooking Demonstration
1:00 pm The Alex Guthrie Band
2:00 pm Kagan Entertainment (DJ and MC)
2:00 pm Annual Bagel Eating Contest
2:30 pm Krav Maga Demonstration
3:00 pm The Haskells formally known as TJT’s (Classic Rock Band)

Monday, September 4, 2017

11:00 am Flag raising, National Anthem
11:10 am Israeli DJ Ruby
12:00 pm Atlanta Fever (DJ)
1:00 pm Peyton Parker, The Voice Contestant
2:00 pm The Chip McGuire Band (Nu-Grass Americana Band)

Holy Smoke Festival, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church — *The antique car show at the 2016 Holy Smoke Festival featured more than 100 golden oldie buggies. (East Cobb News photo by Wendy Parker)*

A retro car show returns as one of the main features of the Holy Smoke Festival from 11am-3pm Monday at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road), but the barbecue bash includes a lot more in the way of entertainment.

Admission to the festival is free; food plates catered by Williamson Bros. cost $6 each and can be ordered ahead of time (see event website for more).

There’s also a 5K run and tot trot at the church that starts at 9am (more info here); registration fee for the 5K and virtual run is $25 through Sunday; after that it’s $30. There’s no charge to sign up youngsters under 5 for the tot trot. The proceeds for from the race benefit Predisan Health ministries in Honduras.

Here’s more about what’s on tap at Holy Smoke, which drew more than 10,000 visitors last year:

kids play area
silent auction benefiting Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Storehouse Ministries
Antique car show (over 100 cars) and the Silver Wings Skydivers parachute jump team
plenty of activities for the family
vendor area
live music

These events and more can be found at the East Cobb News events calendar; if you have a listing to share with the public, please e-mail us: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

EAST COBB WEEKEND: High school football; Mt. Paran consignment sale; live music and more

August 24, 2017 7:07 PM by Wendy Parker

Spirit of Rush, The Wing Cafe & Tap House, East Cobb live music — *The Spirit of Rush cover band plays Saturday night at The Wing Cafe & Tap House.*

The high school football season swings into full action this weekend as most East Cobb schools have games, including three in the community, while several local restaurants and bars are offering a variety of live music and entertainment. Here are a few samples, and check out the East Cobb News full calendar listings for the weekend and beyond:

An all-East Cobb gridiron battle takes place at Lassiter (which won its opener last week against Johns Creek), where the Trojans play host to Pope. It’s the season opener for the Greyhounds under first-year coach Tab Griffin, a former Pope player and graduate;
Sprayberry opens its season under debut coach Brett Vavra (who once played for the Yellow Jackets) against Osborne; Walton (1-0), which won a thriller at the Corky Kell Classic, plays at home for the first time, against Brookwood; after losing 52-0 to Marietta, Wheeler (0-1) hits the road at Centennial; all kickoff times are 730pm; Kell is off this week;
Fans of classic rock from the 1970s and 1980s can indulge in their favorites at two live shows this weekend at The Wing Cafe & Tap House (2145 Roswell Road). On Friday, the Rush cover band Spirit of Rush will play from the Canadian progressive band’s iconic “Permanent Waves” album, from 10pm-1 am; on Saturday, ’80s tribute band Shyanne will play at the same venue, at the same time;
There’s also live music at Red Sky Tapas and Bar (1255 Johnson Ferry) with the regular Friday-Saturday stand-bys, the 88 Licks Dueling Pianos Show; at Chicago’s Steak & Seafood (4401 Shallowford Road), the featured weekend acts at the SpeakEasy Loung are Jack Collins on Friday and Paul Joseph on Saturday, from 7:30pm-10pm each night;
Live music also is on tap Saturday at 9pm at the Rose and Crown Tavern (1931 Powers Ferry Road); and the Sunday Funday Open Mic at Keegan’s Irish Pub (4401 Shallowford Road), where sign-up starts at 6:30 pm.;
The late summer consignment sale season continues this weekend with the All 4 Kids Children’s Consignment Sale at Mt. Paran Church of God North (1700 Allgood Road); hours are 9:30am-8pm Friday and 9am-1pm Saturday.

Did we miss something? Do you have a calendar item to share? Send your event listing to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post it, free of charge!

Please keep in touch, and have a great weekend!

PHOTOS: Partial solar eclipse passes over East Cobb Park

August 21, 2017 6:17 PM by Wendy Parker

solar eclipse, East Cobb Park

The parking lot was full and so was East Cobb Park on an atypical Monday. The first solar eclipse to pass over the United States in nearly 100 years could be spotted—at least partially—in sunny, clear skies over East Cobb, and many took off from work and school to take in the spectacle.

solar eclipse, East Cobb Park

While some schools allowed their students to witness the event outside, some cancelled plans late, unable to verify the safety standards of special viewing glasses purchased for the occasion.

Down the street on Roswell Road, at least one East Cobb business closed early due to the eclipse.

solar eclipse, Cactus Car Wash

At the park, spectators tested out their glasses beforehand, and got a little excited when some clouds covered the sky minutes before the arrival of the moon.

solar eclipse, East Cobb Park

The front quad of East Cobb Park looked like it was a weekend, with picnickers and sun-gazers scattered about in anticipation.

solar eclipse, East Cobb Park

Right around 2:35, with the eclipse only a minute away, nearly all heads in the park craned skyward, as the moon partially passed over the sun, momentarily darkening an otherwise bright day over East Cobb.

solar eclipse, East Cobb Park

With metro Atlanta not located in the eclipse’s “Path of Totality,” there weren’t many “oohs” and “aahs” coming from spectators at the park. But their attention was totally focused on the sun for the two or three minutes of partial eclipse visibility.

solar eclipse, East Cobb Park

Moments after the eclipse had moved on, streaking toward its final U.S. destination near Charleston, S.C., East Cobb Park returned to its usual Monday afternoon look.

solar eclipse, East Cobb Park

(East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

EAST COBB IN PICTURES: Photos from the first 6 weeks of East Cobb News

August 17, 2017 2:40 PM by Wendy Parker

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East Cobb News has been online for about six weeks, and already we’ve covered quite a few events in the community that you may not have seen—averaging about two a week, sometimes more.

Since we’re new, and picking up new readers all the time, we thought we’d serve up a “best of” photo gallery from these events. Because we launched in the middle of the summer, we have a lot of outdoors and sports-related pictures, but they’re all popular community events we enjoyed attending. As we continue to grow, we plan to cover all kinds of events that capture the essence of the East Cobb community, and the spirit of the people who live here.

That’s why we’re asking for your help. If you know of a community event you’d like for East Cobb News to cover in the future, or have photos of an event that’s taken place that you’d like to share, please contact: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

East Cobb News is practicing the community-collaborative approach to local news, and reader/organization contributions are always welcome! When you submit your news and photos, you’re helping us serve our readers better. East Cobb is a big place with so much going on, and we want to earn your trust and become this community’s leading source of real-time news, events and information.

To see more photos and read stories about these events, please click the links below.

EAST COBB WEEKEND: Brass band concert; consignment sales; high school football; Mt. Zion UMC celebration

August 17, 2017 11:06 AM by Wendy Parker

*The Wasted Potential Brass Band, in concert Saturday as part of the The Art Place-Mountain View’s Summer Stars Concert Series.*

The weather may still feel like Dog Days, but the calendar of events in East Cobb for this weekend is filling up with a fall-like flair.

All kinds of school events, including the return of high school football, grace the weekend slate of activities. Here’s a sampling, with links for more details:

The Kell and Walton football squads will be playing Saturday in the Corky Kell Classic at the Georgia State Stadium—formerly known as Turner Field—in downtown Atlanta, while the Lassiter Trojans also hit the road on Friday, opening their season at Johns Creek;
The Wheeler Wildcats are the only East Cobb team playing at home, and that’s on Friday at 7:30 against their ancient rivals, the Marietta Blue Devils. After some fierce online voting, WSB-TV announced that its Sports Zone crew will be on at Corky Kell Stadium (375 Holt Road) as its very first game of the week;
Pope and Sprayberry fans—sit tight, your season openers are next week;
Bargain clothes hunters will have a big weekend, too, with children’s consignment sales going on at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church (4385 Lower Roswell Road) and the NOWAMOM sale at Sandy Plains Baptist Church (2825 Sandy Plains Road);
If you’ve got unwanted electronics and metal objects, the Pope High School Band will gladly take them at the school (3001 Hembree Road) from 9-4 Saturday. It’s the band’s annual recycling event, and there’s a flyer to download at the link for a list of accepted items;
The next-to-last Summer Stars Concert Series event of the season takes Saturday at The Art Place-Mountain View (3330 Sandy Plains Road), and the entertainment is from the Wasted Potential Bass Brand. It’s a New Orleans-style band based in Atlanta. The gates open at 7 p.m., with the band revving up at 7:30. Bring a blanket and relax on the lawn for free, or buy a table for 8 for $40. Either way, bring your own food (but as always, alcohol is not allowed);
On Sunday, one of East Cobb’s most venerable faith communities is having a birthday. Mt. Zion United Methodist Church (1770 Johnson Ferry Road) is turning 125 years old, and the public is invited to celebrate. There will be only one service, at 10 a.m., followed by a festival of food, games, and more, lasting until 2 p.m. (and perhaps longer).

Click the East Cobb News calendar page for more events this weekend, and beyond. Help us make the calendar even better by sending your items to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

Please stay in touch, and have a great weekend!

Wheeler is first Georgia high school to receive STEAM certification

September 13, 2017 4:34 PMAugust 14, 2017 5:35 PM by Wendy Parker

Wheeler High School, STEAM program

Word’s just come in from the Cobb County School District that Georgia Superintendent of Schools Richard Woods will be on hand Tuesday as Wheeler High School will be recognized as a STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) school, adding to its longstanding designation as a STEM school.

Wheeler becomes the first high school in Georgia to earn STEAM certification, and it’s a process that’s been a couple years in the making, starting with STEAM symposia and including a trip to Barcelona, Paris and London in June as part of the STEAM International Tour.

Here’s the rest of the CCSD release with details about Tuesday’s events:

Mableton is the first entire school in Cobb County to earn STEAM certification, which means 100% of the student population is involved in STEAM learning.

Wheeler is the first program in Cobb County to achieve STEAM certification. Program certification requires a designated group of students that are representative of the overall demographics of the school to complete a STEAM program. Cobb County School District Superintendent Chris Ragsdale will attend the Wheeler High School STEAM certification ceremony.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 15 (The STEAM certification and banner ceremonies will take place separately at each school.)

Mableton Elementary School – 9:00 a.m.

Wheeler High School – 1 p.m.

WHERE:

Mableton Elementary School: 5220 Church Street, Mableton, Ga. 30126

Wheeler High School: 375 Holt Rd NE, Marietta, GA 30068

WHY: To document the first state-level STEAM certifications in Cobb County and what the certifications mean for the success of CCSD students.

Here’s more about the Georgia Department of Ed’s STEAM program, which certified Henderson Mill Elementary School in DeKalb County as its first STEAM school this spring.

PHOTOS: East Cobb Senior Center celebrates 22nd anniversary

August 11, 2017 7:02 PMAugust 11, 2017 5:53 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobb Senior Center

The 22nd anniversary of the East Cobb Senior Center was celebrated by a couple hundred patrons on Friday with a “Gone With the Wind Theme,” but it didn’t end there.

Lunch was dubbed “Barbecue at 12 Oaks” after the name of theO’Hara plantation at Tara in the book and film. Attendees were summoned to the buffet when their table names were called out, in honor of “GWTW” characters Ashley Wilkes, Mellie Hamilton and Scarlett O’Hara.

East Cobb Senior Center

Among the honored guests were Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce and Commissioner JoAnn Birrell. Cobb Senior Services Staff, dressing every bit the part, were the hostesses for the festivities.

East Cobb Senior Center

Square dance and line dance music suddenly turned modern, with “The Twist,” “Woolly Bully,” and “Blue Suede Shoes” providing an energetic mid-day exercise that continued into early afternoon.

East Cobb Senior Center

A little slow dancing was mixed in with a dash of easy-going hip-hop . . .

East Cobb Senior Center

. . . followed by a return to some oldies that kept quite a few couples, and a number of good friends, on the dance floor during a festive afternoon. (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

East Cobb Senior Center

Sponsors, donors sought for East Cobb Public Safety Appreciation dinner

August 10, 2017 12:25 PM by Wendy Parker

The East Cobb Business Association and the East Cobb Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce are organizing an appreciation dinner next month for Precinct 4 Cobb Police personnel.

Susan Hampton, one of the event co-chairs, said the first organizing committee meeting was Wednesday, and the groups are seeking sponsors and donors at all levels
East Cobb Business Association

The event first began in 2013 as a way of showing thanks to officers serving the East Cobb area, and the effort also includes a similar celebration for all of Cobb Fire Department personnel in March.

In addition to a dinner, public safety personnel being honored will receive gift cards, raffle prizes and other donated gifts of appreciation.

The presenting sponsor is the WellStar East Cobb Health Park.

Hampton said the sponsorship levels are as follows for both events:

Platinum ($1,000): Signage at police and fire events; 2 representatives at each banquet; official recognition at both events, and at ECBA and East Cobb Council events;
Gold ($500): signage at the police event; 2 representatives at the police event or the firefighters event; signage recognition;
Silver ($250): Signage recognition at both events.

As for the donor levels, Hampton said one of the most popular forms of giving for businesses, organizations and individuals alike is a $25 “Thank A Hero” contribution that includes a card at the events with the giver’s identification.

The $25 total, Hampton said, is ideal for those wishing to offer gift cards.

Checks are payable to “Public Safety Celebration” and are tax-deductible. They may be mailed to:

East Cobb Business Association

Attention: Public Safety Celebration

P.O. Box 70814

Marietta, GA 30007

Here’s more from Hampton and Kim Paris, another longtime East Cobb community activist, who’s the other co-chair:

“We continue to work together to plan these appreciation events, and to raise the funds necessary to insure their success. We are reaching out to individuals, businesses, civic and other nonprofit organizations, schools, neighborhoods and churches, and hope you will join us in support of our community’s public safety heroes!”

Contact: Susan Hampton: susan.hampton@lionbank.com; Kim Paris: kim.paris@wellstar.org.

PHOTOS: Walton football teams celebrate Raider Day

August 6, 2017 6:02 PM by Wendy Parker

Raider Day, Walton football — *(East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)*

Walton football players from all grade levels and the larger school community turned out at Raider Valley Sunday afternoon for the annual Raider Day celebration.

Games, concessions, music, a dunking booth, paint-facing, T-shirt projectile scrums (courtesy of the Walton Robotics team) and lots of footballs in the air abounded, as Walton football boosters created an atmosphere of anticipation for the season ahead.

The Raiders varsity team will hold a scrimmage on Friday against Archer, with the season opener less than two weeks away, against North Gwinnett on Aug. 19 in the Corky Kell Classic.

Walton’s home opener at Raider Valley is Aug. 25 vs. Brookwood.

Raider Day, Walton football

Raider Valley, Walton football

PHOTOS: Lutzie 43 Road Race at Lassiter High School

August 5, 2017 4:23 PM by Wendy Parker

The East Cobb chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Lutzie 43 Foundation were the beneficiaries of the 3rd annual Lutzie 43 Road Race Saturday morning.

The race is named in the memory of Philip Lutzenkirchen, the former Lassiter and Auburn football star killed at the age of 23 in a 2014 car accident. His family started the foundation to help educate young people with a focus on developing leadership, community service and character-building skills.

Lutzie 43 Road Race

Lutzie 43 Age-Group Winners

WOMEN

10-under: Gracie Petroff
11-14: Allison Brown
15-19: Julia Balot
20-24: Avery Sechrest
25-29: Shelby Madison
30-34: Gabrella Klas
35-39: Jenny Baker
40-44: Denise Hoying
45-49: Jennifer Christensen
50-54: Jill Sechrest
55-59: Kathy Carlson
60-64: Kathy Webster
65-69: Kathie Coleman
Masters: Tracy Morgan
Grand Masters: Mary Shortt

MEN

10-under: Collin Crossk
11-14: Trenton Nolen
15-19: Jacob Balot
20-24: Cody Corden
25-29: Yibram Maldonado
30-34: Michael McGreevey
35-39: Jeff Goin
40-44: Jim Hoying
45-49: Frank McManus
50-54: Donny Neal
55-59: Kurt Handler
60-64: John Tramontanis
65-69: Bill Shaughnessy
Masters: Thomas Bourne
Grand Masters: Scott Vogel

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PHOTOS: Sandy Plains Baseball-Atlanta Braves Foundation field rededication at Harrison Park

August 5, 2017 2:44 PM by Wendy Parker

Atlanta Braves, Sandy Plains Baseball — Cobb commissioner JoAnn Birrell, Sandy Plains Baseball players and present and former Atlanta Braves cut the ribbon at Field 2 at Harrison Park Saturday. (East Cobb News photos and slideshow by Wendy Parker)

Several dozen uniformed players from the Sandy Plains Baseball Association gathered on Field 2 at Harrison Park Saturday morning to celebrate a renovated field, courtesy of the Atlanta Braves Foundation, and in the name of former Braves great Chipper Jones.

Jones wasn’t in attendance, but several current and former Braves were, including Sid Bream, Brian Hunter, Marvin Freeman, Sean Newcomb and Luke Jackson, as well as Braves executive Mike Plant.

The “Chipper Jones Field” was the second the Braves foundation has paid to renovate in East Cobb (there’s also one at Fullers Park), and that’s one of the 10 the organization will refurbish in a 10-year period throughout metro Atlanta.

Sandy Plains Baseball Association

Atlanta Braves Foundation, Sid Bream — *Sid Bream, playoff hero for the Braves in 1992, signs autographs for the Sandy Plains players.*

Atlanta Braves Foundation, Sandy Plains Baseball Association, Harrison Park

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EAST COBB WEEKEND: Triathlon; Lutzie Run; Sandy Plains BB & SB; prep football picture day; Good Mews clinic

August 4, 2017 11:29 PMAugust 4, 2017 2:16 PM by Wendy Parker

Sandy Plains Baseball Association, Harrison Park

This weekend’s events in East Cobb are heavy on sports and recreation, including a cluster of events Saturday morning in the Mountain View area:

The East Cobb Triathlon starts early at the Mountain View Aquatic Center. About the same time, 5k and fun runners will be on their marks at Lassiter High School for the Lutzie 43 Road Race, honoring the memory of former Trojans football star Phil Lutzenkirchen and benefit the East Cobb chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes;
Later in the morning, at the adjacent Harrison Park, two events are going on simaltaneously, both starting at 11. The dedication of a new “Chipper Jones” ball field courtesy of the Atlanta Braves Foundation, for the Sandy Plains Baseball Association, takes place on Field 2. From 11-1, the Sandy Plains Softball Association is holding its “fun day” and walkup registration for the fall season;
The high school football season is fast approaching, and the Pope Greyhounds are having their pancake breakfast and picture day starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday. From 2-4 Sunday, Raider Day takes place at Walton High School;
Also on Sunday, the Good Mews cat shelter is having a microchip and vaccination clinic from 10-3, and nail clippings also will be available.

Check out more calendar listings here, for this weekend and beyond. Didn’t see your event? Would you like to share your calendar listing with the community? Please e-mail: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

Please stay in touch, and have a great weekend!

PHOTOS: East Cobb Rotary Club’s 12th Annual Dog Days Run

July 29, 2017 12:08 PM by Wendy Parker

Several hundred runners and onlookers gathered early Saturday morning at the McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA for one of the top sports and recreation events in East Cobb: The Rotary Club of East Cobb’s 12th annual Dog Days Run.

The 5K course started at the YMCA, then wound its way up East Piedmont, east along Sewell Mill Road, south on Old Canton Road, and westbound on Roswell Road on the return to the Y.

As they finished, participants were cooled off by water sprayed from a Cobb Fire Department engine (and the dogs liked it too).

Dog Days Run

While many brought their dogs—big and small—to run or jog along, watch, or just splash around, there were serious runners, age-group medals and plenty of raffle prizes, courtesy of race sponsors such as Muss & Turners (wine tasting), Honest-1 Auto Care (oil changes) and McKendrick’s (steak dinners).

For many participants, getting out and running, jogging or just walking on a cool, pleasant morning with friends, family and neighbors was reason enough to take part in one of East Cobb’s more popular outdoor events in the Dog Days of summer.

Dog Days Run

Have a look at more photos from the Dog Days Run:

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EAST COBB WEEKEND: Dog Days Run; Pins for Paws; real estate seminar; new Walton HS open house & more

July 28, 2017 1:28 PMJuly 28, 2017 12:23 PM by Wendy Parker

Walton High School

Because one school ribbon-cutting event this week isn’t enough (and also, because it’s right before the start of a new school year): The new Walton High School administration and classroom building will be officially opened on Sunday, starting with ribbon-cutting ceremonies at 1:30 p.m. and an Open House to follow (1590 Bill Murdock Road).

The next day, students will finally get to enjoy some elbow room as they start classes in a building that can better accommodate them. Having been subject to massive overcrowding myself (as a Wheeler student when Walton opened, too many years ago), I understand the feeling. We’ll be out there on Sunday to document all the proceedings.

The Walton ribbon-cutting comes at the end of a busy and varied weekend of events in East Cobb. See our full calendar listings for so much more, and send yours along if you don’t see it to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com). We’ve pulled out a few highlights here:

The Rotary Club of East Cobb is holding its 12th annual Dog Days Run that starts at 7:30 Saturday morning at the McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA (1055 East Piedmont Road), and race-day registration is available for both the 5K and fun run;
The East Cobb-based Good Mews Animal Foundation is holding a bowling fundraiser Sunday from 2-4 at AMF Bowling on Cobb Parkway. Pins for Paws includes lots of related fun, including raffle tickets;
If you’re thinking of buying a home for the first time, the Janice Overbeck Real Estate team is holding a free seminar from 11-1 Saturday at its Keller Williams North Atlanta office at 2249 Roswell Road;
At the end of a long week why not enjoy some Open Mic entertainment? From 7-10 p.m. Sunday at Keegan’s Irish Pub (4401 Shallowford Road), the local acoustic duo The Woodys (who were in action earlier this week at the Paper Mill Village food truck) will perform your requests. Sign-up starts at 6:30 p.m.

Did we miss something? Do you not see an event you think the community ought to know about? Let us know if you have calendar items to share, for this weekend and beyond. We’re working to have the best calendar listings in East Cobb, so have a look around and let us know what you think!

Have a great weekend, and stay in touch!

PHOTOS: Paper Mill Village Food Truck

July 24, 2017 10:40 PM by Wendy Parker

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A heavy mid-afternoon rainshower didn’t dampen the mood for Monday’s food truck event at Paper Mill Village, the last before Cobb school children return to classes. If anything the weather cooled things off, making for a pleasant early evening for food, ice cream cones, chalk painting and hopscotch and more fun.

A few of the trucks cancelled due to mechanical problems, but Philly Connection, Queen of Cream, the Blaxican and Big C’s Chicago Kitchen showed up, as did The Woody’s acoustic duo.

Another food truck is slated for the fourth Monday in August. (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

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Lutzie 43 Age-Group Winners

WOMEN

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