East Cobb Families & Youth

East Cobb Cub scouts camp under the stars at McFarlane Park

by

Cub scouts McFarlane Park

Submitted information and photos:

Cub Scouts is a program that brings families together to learn new things and accomplish fun challenges. Pack 797, chartered to St. Peter and St. Paul Episcopal Church on Johnson Ferry Road, serves over 100 elementary-aged children from East Cobb. 

On Saturday, September 11, 98 Scouts and parents gathered for their first campout of the year held right in East Cobb at McFarlane Park. The “Movie Under the Stars” Campout was designed for families to have fun, get to know each other, and for new campers to experience camping close to home. Families arrived at 5:00 PM to set-up their tents, enjoyed hot dogs from the grill, a moving campfire with a 9/11 moment of silence, watched a movie under the stars, and slept comfortably in their tents overnight.

Sometimes it is hard for parents to see how much value Scouting can bring to their family, especially if it is all new to them. The outdoor component of the program can be intimidating for some, and while Cub Scouts is designed to introduce families to the outdoors, children gain much more benefit from the program than just an appreciation of nature and how to be prepared in all elements. Scouting introduces children to countless skills and experiences, brings families closer together, and ultimately builds children into values-based leaders. Pack 797’s Campout was a terrific first experience for many of the new Cub Scout families and a great kick-off to the fall for the returning Scouts as well.

McFarlane Nature Park was a terrific host located off of Paper Mill Road on Farm Road.  It’s 11.5 acres was once the centerpiece of extensive agricultural acreage owned by the late Atlanta attorney Hughes Spalding, Sr. William and Florence McFarlane bought the property in 1958. When Florence McFarlane died in 1990, she willed her land to the community. The Park has been a terrific and appreciated resource for Pack 797 and other Scouting groups in the area.  

Packs and Troops in Marietta are welcoming new Scouts throughout the fall. If you are interested in learning more about joining Cub Scouts or Scouts BSA, visit www.AtlantaBSA.org/Join. 

Cub scouts McFarlane Park

Cub scouts McFarlane Park

Cub scouts McFarlane Park

Related story:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Youth mental health town hall is Tuesday at Sewell Mill Library

by

Last week we briefly mentioned an upcoming town hall focusing on youth mental health, as September is Suicide Prevention Month.Sewell Mill Library Youth Mental Health Town Hall

That’s taking place on Tuesday starting at 6 p.m. in the amphitheater at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road).

It’s being presented jointly by District 2 Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson and the Cobb Collaborative, a non-profit that works with struggling families and children.

Here’s more from the Cobb Collaborative about the issue, and how you can sign up to attend:

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. A very important component to preventing suicide is taking proper care of mental health. Approximately half of all individuals who die by suicide have a diagnosed mental health condition and research shows that 90% of them have experienced symptoms consistent with their conditions. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), “Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S.” 

Awareness, advocacy, and action for mental health should begin early in life. Per the American Academy of Pediatrics, “It is imperative that we improve efforts around early recognition of mental health needs among children and adolescents and foster greater awareness of early warning signs. Early identification of mental health problems needs to be encouraged in preschool, childcare, K-12 education, health, child welfare, juvenile justice and substance use settings. Staff in these settings require additional training and technical assistance to understand the early warning signs of mental health problems, what to do about them and where to make referrals for further assistance.”  

The event starts at 6 p.m. with a tabling session, followed by a speaker panel at 7 p.m.:

All are invited to come to listen to the panelists, have questions answered, and have an educational and enjoyable evening while learning about the importance of youth mental health. Register at: bit.ly/2YBNaQJ or via registration event link at www.cobbcollaborative.org. 

For more information, contact Irene Barton, Cobb Collaborative Executive Director, at ibarton@cobbcollaborative.org 

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Youth mental health town hall slated for Sewell Mill Library

by

From the office of Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson:Suicide Prevention Month, Sewell Mill Library youth mental health town hall

September is Suicide Prevention Month, so we are partnering with Cobb Collaborative to host a town hall regarding youth mental health.

On Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Sewell Mill Library at 6 p.m. we will have a tabling event where various organizations around Cobb will be present to answer questions regarding their mental health resources. We will have a panel of experts to talk about the subject starting at 7 p.m. at the amphitheater behind the library. We will use the black box theater inside should we face inclement weather.

Registration for the event can be found here.

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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-based tutoring group to hold Red Cross blood drive

by

East Cobb tutoring group blood drive

Walton High School students Abhishek and Abhinav Kona reached out to pass along the word that the tutoring group they helped co-found, the American Assimilation Helpline, will be holding a blood drive over the weekend.

They and Elly Kang of the Marist School started the non-profit in 2017 to provide free, virtual, one-on-one academic assistance to students from low income, immigrant and refugee backgrounds. Since then, they estimate they’ve connected with more than 750 students with the help of more than 400 tutors (some of whom are seen in the photo above).

The AAH also has been getting involved in community efforts closer to home, including the Cobb Adopt-A-Mile Program, CPR training and blood drives.

Their next blood drive event in conjunction with the American Red Cross will take place on Sunday, Sept. 5, from 2-7 p.m. at the Lutheran Church of the Incarnation (1200 Indian Hills Parkway).

As for the ongoing tutoring program with AAH, Abhishek and Abhinav report that the subjects include English, Math, Science and Social Studies, as well as Computer Science.
“The unique setup of pairing the student and tutor for a focused 1hr tutoring session provides a significant opportunity for the student and tutor to freely work on individual needs and help with better understanding of the subject. Today, AAH! has students from all over the United States and countries across the globe, including South Korea, Japan, India, Brazil, and Romania.

“AAH! Founders and tutors from different backgrounds and believe in ‘Knowledge is power and knowledge shared power multiplied’ and teaching is rewarding experience. AAH looks forward to reaching out to students in need of help while providing an opportunity for those wanting to reduce educational gaps between marginalized and privileged students.”

Related stories:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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-based Widow Strong non-profit to hold fundraiser

by

Widow Strong fundraiser

Submitted information:

Widow Strong invites you to its Red Carpet Fundraiser and Streaming Television Premiere of its new partner program, Rebuild & Restore, on Saturday, August 28, 2021. 

Widow Strong is a 501c3 registered nonprofit, founded by 180 Your Life author, speaker, & Atlantan, Mishael Porembski, and is headquartered in Marietta, GA. Widow Strong serves the widows and their children both locally & nationally through online workshops & resources, in-person and online grief support, as well as growing local chapters with a focus on widow empowerment and leadership training. Learn more at WidowStrong.com

Rebuild & Restore is a home makeover style show that partners with Widow Strong and focuses on renovating widows’ homes while restoring their hearts. The show debuts on Pure Flix, a national and international online streaming network, on September 1, 2021. Learn more here. 

The Widow Strong Red Carpet Fundraiser begins Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. at Life University’s Socrates Cafe. Shari Rigby, an actress known for the film Overcomer, will be in attendance to represent Pure Flix. Rebuild & Restore Co-Hosts, Shannen Fields, International Christian Film Festival’s People’s Choice Actress of the Year for 2021, and Ken Fletcher, DIY expert and show creator, will also be attending the VIP reception and premiere episode screening with a panel discussion afterward.

Rebuild & Restore is an official selection of the Christian Worldview Film Festival 2021. The episodes were filmed across Atlanta and focus on helping local widows and their children. There are 22,000 widows across the Atlanta area, and Widow Strong is committed to providing them help beyond the casserole. Watch the trailer here. 

Saturday’s event is in-person, and will also be streamed online and viewed across the country. The in-person option includes the opportunity for a meet-and-greet with the cast of Rebuild & Restore. Several widows will also share their stories of triumph after tragedy. View our digital dashboard for this event by clicking here. 

Related story:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Town Center at Cobb to hold ‘Under the Sea’ art event for kids

by
Submitted information: Town Center Cobb Under Sea

Town Center at Cobb is celebrating all of its junior shoppers with the ‘Under the Sea’ Kids Club Event in partnership with Marietta Cobb Museum of Art on Saturday, Aug. 28 from 1-3 p.m. in Center Court. Families can enjoy sea-themed crafts with the museum’s director of education, Allison Frink, alongside mermaid and pirate appearances; a selfie station; retailer and business stations; goody bags for the kids (while supplies last); take-home activities; door prizes; and more!

WHAT:
Town Center at Cobb ‘Under the Sea’ Kids Club Event with Marietta Cobb Museum of Art

WHEN:
Saturday, Aug. 28
1-3 p.m.

WHERE:
Town Center at Cobb in Center Court
400 Ernest Barrett Pkwy NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144

For more information, please visit towncenteratcobb.com. Connect with Town Center at Cobb on Facebook and Instagram.

Related story:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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 teen part of initial class of female Eagle Scouts

by

Cecelia Pumpelly, East Cobb female Eagle Scout

Submitted information and photo:

Marietta teen Cecelia Pumpelly will make history on August 8, 2021 when she is set to be recognized as one of Metro-Atlanta’s first female Eagle Scouts – a prestigious achievement attained by some of the country’s most noteworthy figures. Cecelia is among hundreds of young women who make up the Inaugural Class of female Eagle Scouts.

Cecelia graduated from Campbell High School IB program, is a National Merit Scholarship winner, and will be attending the honors program at University of Georgia in the fall to study economics and Spanish.

“Earning the rank of Eagle Scout takes hard work and perseverance, and we are honored to recognize Cecelia for this significant accomplishment,” said Tracy Techau, Scout Executive/CEO of the Atlanta Area Council, BSA. “Along the journey to Eagle Scout, young people gain new skills, learn to overcome obstacles and demonstrate leadership among their peers and in their communities. These benefits are invaluable for everyone, and we are thrilled that they are now available to even more youth.”

Young women have been part of Scouting for decades in co-ed programs offered by the Boy Scouts of America (BSA). The BSA expanded that legacy further in recent years by welcoming girls into Cub Scouts and then into Scouts BSA. Since then, tens of thousands of young women across the country have joined the organization’s most iconic program with many, including Cecelia, working their way toward the rank of Eagle Scout.

“Being a part of Scouting has changed me as an individual and likely the trajectory of my life. On a surface level, merit badges like Emergency Preparedness made me rethink how I wanted to change the world, shifting my focus from a medical degree to a position in public health.” “I have had the opportunity to know what it truly means to be a leader and a teacher, and that being able to grow in both those areas is just as much about developing the people you’re leading as it is developing yourself. Yet, most of all, Scouting has taught me that whatever the boys can do, the girls can do too!”

Cecelia is the first Eagle Scout in her Troop 2019, chartered to The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul in East Cobb. Eagle Scout is the program’s highest rank, which only about 6% of Scouts achieve on average. To earn it, an individual has to take on leadership roles within their troop and their community; earn a minimum of 21 merit badges that cover a broad range of topics including first aid and safety, civics, business and the environment; and they must research, organize and complete a large community service project.

Cecelia’s Eagle Scout project consisted of building a flag retirement box and three portable benches for the church. The box serves as a way for community members to properly dispose of their flags, as well as education on proper flag etiquette.

Packs and Troops around Metro-Atlanta are welcoming new Scouts throughout the fall. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Scout, visit www.AtlantaBSA.org/Join.

Related story:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Inaugural Cobb County Youth Commission seeking applications

by

Submitted information:

High school students in rising grades 9th through 11th are encouraged to apply for the Inaugural Cobb County Youth Commission. This will be an excellent opportunity to learn about local government, engage in civic affairs and become leaders of change in their community. It is also great experience to add to resumes or college applications.

The application process includes a recommendation from a community member — such as a teacher, counselor, principal, religious leader or community leader — who has known the youth for at least one year.

The program will include:

  • Weekend of leadership development activities and learning about Cobb County agencies and programs
  • Three quarterly meetings that may include leadership development activities and community projects
  • Many opportunities for participants to volunteer and gain leadership experience in Cobb County meetings, events or activities
  • Graduation ceremony

Participants in this pilot program will provide input into the design of future youth commission programs. The completed application, including the community member recommendation form, is due by 5 p.m., Friday, Aug. 20.

To apply, visit cobbcounty.seamlessdocs.com/f/rls0kj6072pj.

Cobb Youth Commission

Related story:

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

In the Layne Sports holding Back 2 School Bags ‘N Swag event

by

Former Wheeler High School basketball star D.A. Layne and his In The Layne Sports is holding the 3rd annual Back 2 School Bags ‘N Swag Giveaway right before the start of the school year.

The date is Saturday, July 31, from 2-6 p.m. at Terrell Mill Park (480 Terrell Mill Road), and there will be free food, prizes, games, music and other events.

Admission is also free, and all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

More information is included in the flyer below, and the link to register can be found by clicking here.

Back 2 School Bags 'N Swag

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Wheeler Youth Football to hold summer conditioning camp

by

Submitted information from the Wheeler Wildcat Youth Football and Cheer organization, which is conducting fall registration in the Cobb Football League and having a summer football conditioning camp every Sunday in July:

Wheeler youth football

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Hyde Farm, Ebenezer Downs to hold Cobb PARKS fishing rodeos

by

Submitted information:

Cobb PARKS staff is hosting its annual Fishing Rodeo in July. The competition is open to children ages 3-16 and trophies will be awarded for the five biggest fish overall. Participants must bring their own fishing gear and bait.

  • 9-11 a.m., July 10
    Lost Mountain Park, 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs
  • 9-11 a.m., July 17
    Ebenezer Downs Park, 4057 Ebenezer Road, Marietta
  • 9-11 a.m., July 24
    Hyde Farm Park, 726 Hyde Road, Marietta
  • 9-11 a.m., July 31
    Furr Family Park, 4570 Old Westside Road, Powder Springs
The entry fee is $5 per child. For registration or more information, visit cobbcounty.org/parks and click on the “Outdoor/Nature” tab. You can also contact John Purcell at 770-528-8825 or john.purcell@cobbcounty.org.

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

The Avenue East Cobb June Movie Night has free admission

by

Submitted information from The Avenue East Cobb:The Avenue East Cobb Movie Night

Family-friendly movies will be shown the last Thursday of every month through August beginning at sunset. Arrive early to enjoy fun, family activities. Movie titles will be announced at the beginning of each month on our website https://www.avenueeastcobb.com/events/

Summer fun continues on June 24th with the movie: SCOOB! – The never-before told stories of Scooby-Doo’s origins & the greatest mystery in the career of Mystery Inc. 

* This movie is FREE with NO RESERVATIONS REQUIRED! SAVE THE DATE!

* Family Fun Entertainment from 6-8pm. Enjoy an INFLATABLE OBSTACLE COURSE, BASKETBALL CHALLENGE and a DJ with Trivia and Games!

* Pick up dinner from onsite restaurants Drift Fish House, Tin Lizzy’s, Stockyard Burgers, Panera and Kale Me Crazy. Enjoy sweet treats from Smallcakes Cupcakery or Menchies.

* NO DRIVE-IN SPACES – ALL PICNIC STYLE. Bring folding chairs, tables, blankets. No umbrellas or tents permitted.

Related stories:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Timber Ridge Crystal Growing Competition announces winners

by

Timber Ridge Crystal Growing Competition

Back in March we posted about some East Cobb students who had created a virtual contest for Cobb students in the scientific endeavor of crystal growing.

The group is called STARS (for Structural Nucleic Acid Anticancer Research Society), which formed in 2019 in conjunction with students at Timber Ridge Elementary School.

STARS parent Susanna Huang got in touch to announce the winners of the 2021 Timber Ridge Crystal Growing Competition that the groups hosted together.

The group created introductory videos to share various effective crystal growing methods with students as well as to teach the principles of crystallography. Toward the end of the crystal growing competition season, the STARS Team created another series of videos that explained the crystal submission steps, further facilitating the submission process for students.

The winners are:

  • Brooke Bloxom for the title of Most Exciting Experiment
  • Most Elaborate Experiment
  • Elliott Neveln for the title of Clearest Crystal
  • Jahnavi Bhargava for the titles of Most Natural-Looking crystal and the Best Quality Crystal
  • Johnny Dickerson for the title of Best Crystal Shape
  • Ms. Judy Osborne for the title of Most Inspiring Crystal
  • Michael Duke for the title of the Most Innovative Crystal
  • Steven Huang for the title of Most Impressive Notebook Entries
  • Ryoma Takagi for the titles of Most Detailed Lab Notebook and Largest Creative Crystals

Medals of Scientific Excellence:

  • Elliott Neveln for winning the Best Salt Crystal Award for the K-2nd grade division because his salt crystal alone had the highest clarity and his salt crystal alone had an almost perfect cubical shape.
  • Steven Huang for winning the Best Salt Crystal Award for the K-2nd grade division because his hand-written lab notebook was the most detailed and reflected much thoughtfulness and intuition.

Some other award winners:

Best Creative Crystal Award for the K-2nd division because his creative crystal looked like a real, natural crystal, with colors of blues and glints of shiny specks.

Michael Duke for winning the Best Creative Crystal Award for the 3rd-5th grade division because his creative crystal was the largest in his grade division and because his lab report was very thorough with detailed observations and conclusions.Ms. Judy Osborne for winning the Best Creative Crystal Award for the teacher division because her crystal was beautifully cultivated, and the quality of this crystal was very evident.

Ryoma Takagi for winning the Championship of the entire 2021 Timber Ridge Crystal Growing Competition for his solid mastery of growing aluminum potassium sulfate, exceptional observation and note-taking skills, and immense diligence, creating a 15 paged lab notebook with 176 data points, tracking the growth of 10 massive alum crystals before putting the data points into Excel graphs and charts to make the crystal growth trends even the more so evident.

The STARS team wrote in to say that over the summer they’re having a free, virtual summer camp to provide students with hands-on experiments and to teach students important note-taking and observational skills to further prepare them for the fall crystal growing competition.

Check their website for further details by clicking here.

Related stories:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Gritters Library to hold free vision screenings for children

by

Submitted information:Gritters Library vision screenings

The Vision To Learn mobile clinic will visit Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, on June 14, June 15, and June 16. Clinic hours are 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.

Vision To Learn is a national nonprofit that provides free vision screenings, eye exams and free glasses for children in need. The 2021 summer break clinic visits will operate under health and safety protocols of Vision To Learn and Cobb County. Registration is required and space is limited. 

For the VTL at Gritters registration forms, visit www.cobbcounty.org/library/news/vision-learn-back-register-now-free-eye-exams-and-glasses-space-limited.  

The generosity of Vision To Learn and VTL supporters has resulted in more than 900 eye exams in Cobb County with over 600 children receiving free glasses. Vision To Learn has provided mobile clinic visits at Cobb libraries since mid-2018.

The VTL events at Cobb Libraries’ are part of collaboration with Learn4Life, Metro Atlanta Regional Education Partnership to make our region a more equitable and prosperous community.

For information on Gritters Library programs, visit cobbcounty.org/library or call 770-528-2524.

Related stories:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Cobb libraries holding free summer food service events

by

Cobb library summer food service program

Submitted information:

The Cobb County Public Library System is teaming up with Georgia Educational Resources (GER) to host free Summer Food Service Program distribution events in June and July for children ages 18 and younger.

Children will receive seven days of breakfast and lunch emergency meals on a first-come, first-served basis, while supplies last. Distribution will take place in library parking lots at six locations across the county. Recipients will remain in their cars.

The Cobb library continues to seek ways to partner with community agencies to help address food insecurity in Cobb County, said Terri Tresp, Division Director of Branch Services.

“We’re a learning organization and children struggle to learn when they are hungry,” Tresp said. “We worked with GER last summer at one library location. This year, we’re thrilled to be able to expand service to more residents.”

Libraries offering the food events on Tuesdays in June include:

  • Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta: 10 am-11 am Tuesdays, June 8-29. 770-509-2725
  • Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta: Noon to 1 pm Tuesdays, June 8-29. 770-528-2524
  • Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta: 2-3 pm, Tuesdays, June 8-29. 770-509-2711

Cobb Libraries hosting the drive-through food events in June and July include:

  • Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta: 10 am-noon Thursdays, June 10-July 29. 770-528-2320
  • Stratton Library, 1100 Powder Springs Road, Marietta: 1:30-3:30 pm Thursdays, June 10-July 29. 770-528-2522
  • South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton: Fridays, June 11-July 30, 10 am to noon. 678-398-5828

Georgia Educational Resources, a children and family social service agency based in Mableton, is a certified SFSP sponsor which provides food to distribution sites. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Summer Food Service Program has helped feed children since 1975. The program is administered locally by the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning.

For information on Cobb library programs and resources, visit cobbcounty.org/library.

Related stories:

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Wheeler HS to hold free football and cheer camp on Sunday

by
Submitted information and graphic:

Wheeler High School football head coach Bryan Love is hosting a free football and cheer camp this Sunday May 23 from 4-6 p.m. at the Wheeler football stadium for current youths pre-K to 5th grade.

No equipment needed just shorts, cleats or tennis shoes and bring a water bottle with your name on it.

You can pre-register via email at WheelerYFB@gmail.com.

Wheeler football camp

Related stories

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Walton HS mock trial team finishes 3rd in state competition

by

Walton HS Mock Trial team

Submitted information and photo:

The 2021 Georgia Mock Trial State Finals Tournament was held last weekend and Walton High School’s team made it to the final four, ultimately placing third in the state out of 99 teams. Co-led by Superior Court Judge Jason Marbutt and local attorney Bill Atkins, along with Chris Sprague, an administrative judge with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board and attorney Petal Walker, Walton’s team finished with a 9-1 record, only losing in its final round to the eventual champion.

“Mock trial is a great way for kids to learn about our court system,” Judge Marbutt said. “More importantly, it’s a great way for kids to learn about themselves. They have to stand their ground in legal disputes, control their emotions amidst disagreement and remain calm even when things don’t go how they expect. Being able to be in an actual courtroom enhances the experience for the kids, and I was happy I could offer a safe space for them.”

Teams are six-12 competing students who present one side of the case each round, being assigned to either the plaintiff or defense. Students on the Walton High School team are Jenny Krakowski, Elise Johnson, Grace Hardy, Piran Terlesky, Andrew Lee, Mika Dennerline, Sanya Kaushal, Gryffin Crowder-White, Collin Marbutt, Sarah Hardy and Omar Inan.

The 2021 mock trial season operated differently this year due to the pandemic. Instead of a single Saturday of competition, teams used Zoom to compete virtually in rounds held throughout the week and weekend over the course of seven weeks. Instead of competing the traditional way by regions, all teams competed in a statewide competition. Prelim rounds began the weekend of Jan. 30, followed by mid-level rounds in early March. The top 32 teams from the mid-level round then moved on to compete in the state finals tournament last weekend.

During the 10 rounds of competition, Jenny Krakowski won six Best Attorney awards, Elise Johnson won three Best Attorney awards, Gryffin Crowder-White won three Best Witness awards, Sarah Hardy won a Best Witness award and Omar Inan won a Best Witness award. Only one attorney and one witness can win an award each round.

This tournament is hosted by the Young Lawyers Division of the State Bar.

Related stories

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Children’s Unicorn Book Series comes to Mountain View ES

by
Emily Isabel, Unicorn Children's Book Series
Emily Isabel

Children’s author Lisa Caprelli and 12-year-old students Sofia Swade and Emily Isabel connected with Mountain View Elementary School students Wednesday as part of Caprelli’s Reading Across America tour.

Caprelli is the author of the Children’s Unicorn Book Series, Unicorn Jazz, which celebrates diversity, belonging and believing in others.

Swade and Isabel are young actresses who’ve been taking part in efforts to encourage reading and literacy.

Here’s more from the girls’ publicists:

“They are part of the Unicorn Jazz kid’s club, a musically-inspired brand dedicated to creating and sharing happiness for kids through stories and digital media. It is through this wonderful educational platform that Sofia and Emily have the opportunity to encourage boys and girls their age to dream big, dance, sing and read! Sofia and Emily even regularly donate their allowances to charity initiatives to get more books in the hands of students and pediatric patients at local children’s hospitals!”

Sofia Swade
Sofia Swade
Lisa Caprelli
Lisa Caprelli

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

Town Center at Cobb to hold Easter Bunny photo sessions

by

Town Center Easter Bunny Photos

Submitted information:

The Easter Bunny is making a triumphant return! Town Center at Cobb will welcome the Easter Bunny for an egg-cellent holiday experience from March 17-April 3. Local families are encouraged to celebrate the season with memorable Easter Bunny photos. Prioritizing the well-being of its guests, Town Center at Cobb has put in place increased health and safety precautions for the photo experience, including social distancing from both the Easter Bunny and guests, face-covering requirements, contactless payment options and enhanced sanitization following CDC recommendations.

WHAT:
Photos with the Easter Bunny
Celebratory professional photos with beloved Easter Bunny

WHEN:
March 17-April 3
Monday-Saturday, 12-7 p.m. / Sunday, 12-6 p.m.

WHERE: 
Town Center at Cobb in Center Court
400 Ernest Barrett Parkway
Kennesaw, GA 30144

HOW:
Reservations can be booked by visiting bit.ly/TCCEaster2021. Appointments are recommended but not required. Walk-in visits are available as space allows. Families should review the COVID-19 guidelines prior to their photo session.

For more information, visit towncenteratcobb.com.

Related story

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!

NOWAMOM spring consignment sale scheduled for March 13

by

NOWAMOM spring consignment sale

Submitted information:

Everything babies and kids need for Spring & Summer! Mark your calendars now for the NOWAMOM Kids Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 13th, 2021 from 9 AM – 2 PM at Sandy Plains Baptist Church in Marietta. (near Sprayberry High School)

Save 60- 90% on warm weather clothes & gear, brought to you by NOWAMOM, the Northwest Atlanta Moms of Multiples club.

While most of our sellers are moms with twins or triplets (or more!), the sale is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! We have baby and children’s clothes, toys, and gear all the way to Junior’s sizes!

Psst: Visit our webpage www.NowamomSale.org to score an early bird pass to get in before the public!

Related stories

 

Get Our Free E-Mail Newsletter!

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!