East Cobb Families & Youth Archives

Wright Center Eagle Scout projects celebrated at court of honor

February 18, 2021 3:34 PMFebruary 18, 2021 1:12 PM by Wendy Parker

Thanks to Janis Hylton of the Cobb Master Gardeners and the Wright Environmental Education Center, for the information and photo:

The Master Gardeners and Volunteers at Wright Environmental Education Center are proud of and grateful to the recently-awarded Eagle Scouts who accomplished their Eagle projects on the property. Ryan Dean, Brooks Hess, and Dominic Krueger received their Eagle Awards at the Boy Scout Troop 1011 Court of Honor at Mt. Bethel UMC on Sunday, January 31, along with Marlowe Elmiger and Austin Jordan. All completed very meaningful projects.

The Eagle projects at Wright Center are:

Ryan Dean expanded the Frog Pond and installed a new liner. His team caught the frogs and tadpoles, drained the pond, excavated a new section and replaced the old liner with a new one. New pond plants were added along with a ton of large rocks laid around the perimeter on which the frogs can sun themselves. The project helps facilitate the growth of the frog population.

Brooks Hess and his team built a Plant Jail – four walls rising above a raised platform floor with bars installed in two of the walls. The structure is an invasive plant exhibit designed as a display area for the “dirty dozen” most prevalent invasive plants at Wright and to teach others about the damage that invasive plants do.

Dominic Krueger made several improvements at Wright. He built and installed rustic benches and a swing to provide convenient seating on the front porch of the education center. He and his team also planted native plants.

Judy Beard, Master Gardener Chair at Wright Center, and MG Janis Hylton attended the ceremony to honor the Scouts and their families.

For more info on Wright Center, go to www.cobbmastergardeners.com

Click on “Where We Dig,” then “Wright Environmental Education Center.”

Marietta Museum of History to hold black women’s history event

February 18, 2021 3:54 PMFebruary 18, 2021 9:48 AM by Wendy Parker

Marietta History Museum hours

Submitted information:

The Marietta Museum of History will be hosting its monthly Pop-In event on Saturday, February 20th from 10:30am-3:30pm. Pop-Ins provide children and their families the opportunity to interact with the Museum through themed activities and crafts. Join us in February for crafts and activities geared towards women in black history, currently these will be “Make and Take” so families may enjoy them at home while the Museum adheres to current health guidelines. Our “Black Women’s History” crafts are included with admission! The Museum’s new health policies and procedures are posted on our website.

When: February 20th, 2021
10:30am-3:30pm

Where: Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot Street, Marietta, GA 30060

Cost: Admission to the Museum during the Pop-In will be $5 per person with a family cap of $20!

The Museum uses ordinary objects to tell the extraordinary stories of Marietta and Cobb County. Current temporary exhibits include: The Man with the Camera: Photographs by Raymond T. Burford, Made by Her Hands: The Beauty, Warmth and Stories of Local Quilting, and Votes for Women: A Portrait of Persistence which is organized by the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery. This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative.

For more information, call 770-794-5710 or visit www.MariettaHistory.org.

Cobb NAACP Black History Month events continue

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Kids Care collecting food drive donations in Cobb through Feb. 13

February 6, 2021 2:45 PM by Wendy Parker

Cobb Kids Care food drive

Submitted information and photo:

KIDS CARE, a Marietta based nonprofit who creates, supports & implements youth community service projects, is hosting a FOOD DRIVE NOW – FEB 13, 2021. Non-perishable food items are being collected to distribute to people who are homeless & food insecure in Cobb County.

For a list of food items requested please see https://kids-care2018.org/food-items-needed-1.

All donated food that is collected will be given to Cobb Senior Service, Center for Family Resources, The Salvation Army, and M.U.S.T. Ministries. These organizations, and many others in Cobb County, are graciously feeding the many people in our community who are food insecure.

Donations can be made in three ways. 1. In kind donations can be dropped off at the one time Drive Thru Drop Off . 2. In kind donations can be dropped at Drop Off Boxes located around town. 3. Monetary donations can be made directly to the KIDS CARE food drive-this money will be directly used to purchase food which will then be donated to the above organizations. https://kids-care2018.org/donate-1

DRIVE THRU DROP OFF: FEB 13th 11 am – 3 pm @ Marietta High School Performing Arts Center Parking Lot. Please use the Manning Rd. entrance/exit.

DROP OFF BOXES are now available during business hours now thru Feb. 13, 2021 at:

West Cobb School of Rock (West Cobb – Kennesaw)

Hawg and Ale Smokehouse (Marietta Square)

Medalyn Salon & Med Spa (Wholefoods plaza Kennesaw)

Brain Train Centers Inc. (downtown Kennesaw)

Bach 2 Rock Sandy Plains (Marietta-East Cobb)

For more information on drop off locations visit: https://kids-care2018.org/drop-off-locations

Families, youth, schools, churches, gyms & individuals are encouraged to help us in this community service mission & provide food for those in need. Please help us gather donations from friends/family/co-workers and deliver them to our Drive Thru or Drop off locations. We will then pass your food donations onto those in need in Cobb County. THANK YOU FOR HELPING US HELP OTHERS!

Visit our website at www.kids-care2018.org to learn more about KIDS CARE Food Drive. Email: kindness@kids-care2018.org.

Pope student getting national attention as trick dog handler

December 26, 2020 4:13 PMDecember 26, 2020 2:59 PM by Wendy Parker

Pope student, trick dog handler

East Cobb resident Nicole Penson is excited to pass along news about her daughter, Sophie, a student at Pope High School, who’s getting national magazine attention for her award-winning exploits as a trick dog handler.

Sophie and her dog Ducky, a rescued border collie mix, will be featured in the January-February issue of the American Kennel Club magazine.

Here’s more from Nicole about Sophie’s work with canines and school activities:

“Sophie is a junior at Pope High School and has earned numerous awards through the AKC, Universal Canine All Stars, Do More with Your Dog!, Cyber K9, International Canine Events Grand Prix Dog Shows, Sundog Sport, World Online Dog Show, and International Dog Parkour Association. She is a Certified Trick Dog Instructor, Certified Stunt Dog Competition Judge and Certified Canine Conditioning Fitness Coach with Do More With your Dog!, achieving the rank of All Star Trainer of the Year as a trick dog instructor and the rank of silver medal as a stunt dog judge.

“She is the first and only triple crown trainer in the state of Georgia with 185 titled students total and currently the youngest handler in the world to put the titles of stunt dog grand champion and triple crown champion on a dog (also the first junior handler for both). Her dog Ducky is the first mixed breed in the world to earn the triple crown champion title and so far the only one in the USA; she is also the first dog ever (worldwide) to earn the L2AAS agility title with Universal Canine All Stars. Sophie and Ducky will soon be pursuing their third grand championship upon release of Do More With Your Dog’s new title, Trick Dog Grand Champion (TDGCH).

“At Pope High School, Sophie is a board member of SGA and Sources of Strength. A member of Science Olympiad, Creative Writing Club, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Social Studies National Honor Society, and Math National Honor Society. She is currently a state nominee for the Governor’s Honors Program (GHP) in Biology. She has also been a volunteer with Our Pals Place (OPP), a pet adoption facility, for six years. Sophie and Ducky are currently practicing trick routines in the hopes of performing for seniors who are confined in assisted living centers due to Covid restrictions.”

Pope Band to hold recycling fundraiser in mid-January

December 3, 2020 12:33 PM by Wendy Parker

East Cobber parade, Pope Band community show

Here’s a productive way to start the New Year, by getting rid of recyclable materials you don’t need and helping out the Pope Band. Submitted by the Pope Band Parents Association:

Recycling Fundraiser: Saturday, January 16, 9 am-2pm at the Northeast Cobb YMCA located at 3010 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, GA 30062 to support the Pope Band.

Bring your metal, electronics, appliances, paint and paper documents for shredding. Cost is $10 per car PLUS additional disposal fees of $40/TV, $30/monitor, $20/large item, $2-$25/paint container depending on size, and $20 for 1-8 standard boxes of paper for shredding. Pick-up of large items available within a 5-mile radius of Pope during the week prior with advance reservation. See www.popeband.com/recycle for complete details. For questions and pickup reservations, email popebandrecycling@gmail.com. Please wear a mask to help protect the volunteers.

Thank you for supporting the Pope Band and the environment.

website: www.popeband.com/recycle.html

email: popebandrecycling@gmail.com

Suicide prevention virtual walk honors late Walton student

November 16, 2020 1:05 PM by Wendy Parker

We got this message from Steve Kleinrichert, father of Tyler Kleinrichert, who was a freshman at Walton High School when he took his own life in August 2017.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Georgia chapter is conducting a virtual walk fundraiser he says is $6,000 away from being the tops in the country, and is asking for support for the work of “Team Tyler.”

Tyler’s brother Ethan is the team captain of what’s called the Out of the Darkness Georgia Experience. Here’s Steve:

A week ago, we gathered at one of Tyler’s favorite spots—East Cobb Park—and had our own small walk. We were joined by several friends including both Luke and Hope comfort dogs and their ministry team who also brought us sandwiches.

Tyler’s friends wanted to walk—so we did. And, along the way our participants placed painted stones with messages of love and hope to share with those we don’t know. Awareness is a big deal and many stones were found, some documented on Facebook accounts of people in our community unaware of why they were placed there.

Our team was continuing in the process of helping others, while honoring Tyler’s story. We have been a top 15 fundraising team since starting, but the awareness and help goes well beyond how those funds help the cause to support the efforts to deter and stop suicide. There have been many families counseled and directed to resources as a direct result of Tyler’s Tribe. We know of at least two lives saved—from our team alone, many other potential changes that could represent even more lives.

Our Tyler’s Tribe Team has brought suicide prevention into the open with local and national politicians, schools, Boy Scouts Atlanta, and Veterans groups. We have helped to set up training sessions through AFSP on how to spot and work with someone who may be suffering—getting them to the right resources. The task is long , but we have made inroads and the work continues. Funds have helped to establish a 988 emergency number that will be properly staffed, helped to fund education and prevention programs, and have helped to spotlight after care resources for survivors and friends and family of those lost.

I don’t think Team Tyler will raise $6000 on its own—but we can reach deeper and make a small contribution that leads to long reaching solutions. AFSP is the largest organization in the country working on these issues and the charitable organization contributes a large percentage to the cause with less going toward administration—thanks in large part to strong volunteerism.

Please consider any sized donation to our team – $1, $5, $20, $50, $100, $500 ALL help!

All of the donations go to help AFSP’s work in Georgia.

Walton marching band holding recycling fundraiser Saturday

September 10, 2020 1:49 PMSeptember 10, 2020 9:21 AM by Wendy Parker

Walton Band Garage Sale

Submitted information:

Leaders of the Walton Marching Raider Band have announced that their biannual recycling event – known for accepting metal, electronics and paint – will be held this Saturday. Proceeds support the marching band program and help provide a high-quality experience for East Cobb students attending George H. Walton Comprehensive High School.

The recycling event will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2020 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Walton High School, 1590 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062.

Support of the event is especially needed this year due to the novel coronavirus and its impact on regular band fundraising activities.

All residents and businesses are welcome to donate and support this Walton Marching Raider Band event. People who have cleaned their homes during the pandemic and don’t know what to do with the metal, electronics and paint they want to dispose of and local businesses who are in the same situation are all welcome to support the event.

The Walton Marching Raider Band is participating in a limited number of school events and following stringent protocols including wearing masks and being physically distanced during outside performances.

Wheeler student uses art, advocacy to assist young refugees

July 15, 2020 6:39 PMJuly 15, 2020 12:37 PM by Wendy Parker

Wheeler student assists refugees

Manav Shah, a student at Wheeler High School, sends along the following information and photos about his work with young refugees in Clarkston, and the “Liberated Voices” initiative he started to address issues they face in adapting to American society.

“As Manav interacted with youth at the refugee enclave in Clarkston, Georgia (called the Ellis Island of South), he realized that they faced an uphill battle during the resettlement process in United States. Manav’s further interactions led him to understand the various xenophobic experiences refugees faced on a daily basis resulting in drug abuse and even violence amongst these youth. To help refugee youth cope with these stressful conditions and combat discrimination, Manav started an initiative called “Liberated Voices” that engages youth in critical conversations regarding identity, racism and discrimination. He uses art as a vehicle of communication, because it is independent of language and literacy, and could be the portal into youth’s minds and what they have witnessed. His workshops features artists like Ai WeiWei and Bansky who have ignited social and racial change in local communities by creating ‘protest art’.

Manav Shah

Amina, a participant of these workshops had lived in the United States for more than 5 years, but she was still very anxious to start high school. Amina and her family had left Somalia after the civil war broke out and were forced to live in refugee camps in Kenya. They were amongst the few who got a chance to move to the United States and have been in living in Clarkston, GA for the past few years. She was mocked at and called names like “penguin” as she would wear a hijab at her middle school. She was very worried that she would not fit in her high school.

Amina has been participating in workshops offered by LiberatedVoices and says that these workshops offer a safe environment for her to engage herself in critical conversations regarding identity, racism and discrimination with other refugee youth. She learned about ‘protest art’ and was able to sketch her own experiences with racism and persecution. Amina was able to explore what constitutes “American” identity, and how to be proud of her culture and religion.

Besides Clarkston, Manav has worked with Yazidi refugees in Lincoln, Nebraska and the Rohingya refugees in Chicago, Illinois, empowering about 500 middle-and-high school refugees and minorities. Manav’s honor comes with a $1,000 prize, which he plans to reinvest in his protest art workshops this summer. He has already been able to expand his workshops in Kenya with about 250 children and is in active conversations with refugee communities in Nepal, Belgium and Iraq. His other experience in race relations includes starting a Diversity Club at his school and an internship with Columbia University for research in refugee policies.

“This is what really motivated me – this almost unbreakable cycle of distress peers my age were facing helped me realize that things needed to change,” Manav said. “I’ve learnt so much and been so inspired by my young mentees! One of the biggest things that’s even applicable to my life is that even the smallest changes can make a huge impact. I’ve realized that everyone can change and re-engage in their communities in good ways! That really goes to anyone – especially high school students who want to get involved with improving race relations within their communities. Youth have the power to create any change they want to see if they are passionate. Just go for it!”

Wheeler student assists refugees

Wheeler graduate a finalist in national tuxedo design contest

July 3, 2020 2:54 PM by Wendy Parker

Wheeler student tuxedo design contest

Alexandria Said sends word about a Wheeler High School graduate, Ashton Cordisco, who’s one of five finalists nationwide in a contest for college scholarship money from the Duck Tape Company.

The contest rules require contestants to made a design out of duct tape, and here’s what Ashton, who’ll be attending the Savannah College of Art has—ahem—fashioned.

In order to help him out, you’ve got to click here so he can get votes in the final round. The winner gets $10,000 in college aid from the company, and voting ends July 10.

Ashton Cordisco

Ashton Cordico

Ashton Cordisco

East Cobb senior salute: Josh Cook, Walton High School

May 15, 2020 2:23 PMMay 15, 2020 8:21 AM by Wendy Parker

Josh Cook, Walton High School Senior

Josh Cook said he exhaled a little after finishing up the last of his exams a week before what would have been his graduation from Walton High School.

Like others in the Class of 2020, he won’t be going through traditional commencement exercises due to public gathering restrictions because of COVID-19.

While he misses seeing his school friends, Cook admitted that a different learning and social environment he’s experienced the last couple months has had some benefits.

“I’m sort of an introvert,” Cook said. “It hasn’t affected me all that badly. I know I will miss going through graduation and special events that come with being a senior.

“But this feels kind of relaxed for me.”

Cook said since schools were closed for in-person instruction in mid-March, “I have more free time than when I was at school.”

That’s enabled him to pace himself better for the stretch run of his senior year. Josh Cook Walton High School Senior

During his four years at Walton, Cook spent a lot of time helping other students get accustomed to being at a big, high-achieving school.

When he arrived as a freshman, he admitted he couldn’t find his way around the sprawling original Walton classroom building.

By the time Walton students moved into their new building in the fall of 2017, Cook was serving as a member of the Walton Ambassadors.

They’re students who help freshmen get around, giving tours and helping make them comfortable.

He also was worked in the Walton Counseling Office, earning a first-hour credit for his role assisting other students.

A counselor wrote that Cook would often come in early to help students and families before the start of the school day, and during the second semester, he rearranged his scheduled to do the same thing.

“He has proven to be an asset to the counseling department,” the counselor wrote. “He is professional, fun, trustworthy and compassionate.”

Cook suffered a stroke at birth and he has impaired vision as a result that prevents him from driving. He said being a part of the Walton Drama Club and the Walton Chorus has helped “bring me out a bit.”

The COVID-19 crisis also has kept him from a dining room host job he truly enjoys at the Chick-fil-A at East Lake. “I really love working there,” he said, hopeful he’ll be able to get back when the dining room reopens.

In the meantime, he’s been enjoying walking and hiking near his home off Paper Mill Road that’s close to the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, something he’s been doing for a number of years.

And he’s staying in touch with former school friends at Sope Creek Elementary School and in Zoom meeting with other teens at the Buckhead Church, where he attends.

Cook has been accepted to Georgia Southern University, where he plans to major in hospitality management. A self-described “world’s biggest Disney World fan,” Cook said he isn’t sure how and when his college career will get underway, but he’s learning to take the virus-related disruptions in stride.

“It’s disappointing, of course,” he said of the high school graduation postponement, which Cobb school district officials are hoping to have at a later time if possible.

“Some students are very upset that they didn’t get to have their prom and a normal graduation.

“I’ll admit, in 50 years from now, when you talk with your grandchildren about your graduation, it’s going to be really strange to try to explain it.”

Kids Care collecting ‘Kindness Cards’ for COVID-19 workers

May 4, 2020 12:09 PMMay 4, 2020 7:59 AM by Wendy Parker

Kids' Care Kindness Cards

Submitted information from Kids Care, a youth-oriented community service and volunteer organization that’s sending “Kindness Cards,” notes of appreciation to local COVID-19 frontline workers:

To date, 400 Kindness Cards of encouragement and thanks have been collected by KIDS CARE & given to Cobb County Hospital Staff, Fire, EMS, Police & 911 Dispatch Personnel during this challenging time.

Please bring your home-made offerings of “Thanks” to any of the business locations listed on our website as a Kindness Card Drop Off Location. We will be collecting Kindness Cards for a few more weeks.

In addition, email jannd@forartssakeusa.com, your message and a greeting card with your written message will be delivered to a Frontline worker for you.

All details can be found at https://www.kids-care2018.org.

FYI: There is an East Cobb dropoff location, at the entrance to Williams-Sonoma store at The Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road, Suite 800).

You can drop off cards there from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday curbside, weather permitting. During inclement weather the box will be placed under the store awning.

Cobb architecture firm starts quarantine coloring contest

April 29, 2020 12:56 PMApril 29, 2020 8:48 AM by Wendy Parker

Cobb architecture firm quarantine coloring contest — *Coloring book contestants Olivia and Caitlin Silva of Marietta.*

Submitted information and photo:

Kennesaw-based architectural firm CROFT & Associates has launched a Quarantine Coloring Book that turns client renderings into coloring pages for kids and adults.

“We thought it would be a fun way to lift spirits and boost morale,” said Stacey Chapman, Vice President, Corporate Strategy at CROFT. “Our architects and graphic designers loved repurposing the renderings. It meant a lot to them to know that their work would now be a source of joy and inspiration.”

CROFT selected renderings of community mainstays it has designed in recent years, such as fire stations, community centers and churches. To add to the educational component, each coloring activity offers fun facts about the building and the role it plays in the community.

The series began with CROFT’s rendering of a local fire station. Artists were encouraged to share finished pieces on social media and tag their own neighborhood fire station with a message of thanks.

“We wanted the coloring book to be entertaining, educational and uplifting,” added Chapman. “We saw it as a way to foster connection and celebrate community, especially those in our community who are getting us through these challenging times.”

How to Participate: The downloadable coloring pages are available on CROFT’s website and Facebook page. Coloring artists can submit their finished works into the CROFT Quarantine Coloring Book Competition. Completed artwork can be submitted via CROFT’s Facebook (@CroftandAssociates) or Instagram (@croftandassociates) pages or by email to schapman@croftae.com. Artists are encouraged to use the hashtag #CROFTColors.

All entries must be received by noon Fridays. Winners are selected weekly. The prize is a kid’s architecture kit consisting of a sketch pad, colored pencils, an architectural scale and architecture book.

For more information on CROFT, visit www.croftae.com.

Deadline nears for B’nai Brith Enlighten America Essay Contest

April 6, 2020 2:58 PMApril 6, 2020 12:39 PM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information from the Achim/Gate City Lodge Atlanta chapter of B’nai Brith International:

Enlighten America, our annual Essay Contest for 7th thru 9th-grade students encourages respect and tolerance of our friends’ and neighbors’ diverse religious beliefs and racial/cultural backgrounds. Learn how to enter this contest by reading this document. All entries must be received by Friday, April 10, 2020. Winners will be announced in mid-May, 2020.

Winners in each grade category will receive the prizes listed below:

First-place winners will be awarded $350.

Second-place winners will be awarded $250.

Third-place winners will be awarded $150.

The Enlighten America Essay Contest serves as a framework or “model of instruction” designed to support teachers in the implementation of the Reading and Writing Standards for Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects Grades 6-8, Grades 9 and the English Language Arts (ELA) Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE) (see pages 19 -25 for specific standards) for 7th grade, 8th grade, and 9th grade in the following writing skill areas:

Text Types and Purposes

Production and Distribution of Writing

Research to Build and Present Knowledge

Range of Writing

We hope that schools, teachers, and students will benefit through the Enlighten America Essay Contest as a teaching and learning activity to promote student success as it relates to the Georgia Performance Standards.

You can get more details by clicking there; the organization also is noting that the awards ceremony has been rescheduled to Aug. 30 due to the Coronavirus.

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!

Sprayberry HS to host panel discussion on youth anxiety

February 20, 2020 12:38 PM by Wendy Parker

Dr. Ganielle Hooper, a pediatric mental health specialist with a practice in East Cobb, passes along the following information about a film screening and panel discussion she’s holding March 9 from 6-7:30 p.m. in conjunction with Sprayberry High School: Sprayberry youth anxiety panel discussion

I invite you to join other parents, teachers, students & mental health professionals at the Sprayberry High School theater, as Dr. Ganielle Hooper of Axis Hope, LLC hosts a viewing of the documentary ANGST, followed by a panel discussion on Anxiety.

The event is FREE and open to the entire community. Bring the kids! (appropriate for ages 10 & up).

ANGST is a 43 minute award-winning documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety, while providing hope and solutions. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps. Hosted and sponsored by www.axishope.care/events and Sprayberry High School.

Come Early, Bring the Family, Seating is Limited. Over 200 RSVP’s already!

To RSVP (for FREE), click here: https://www.showclix.com/event/angst-axis-hope-sprayberry-high-school

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, NE Cobb YMCA volunteer, teen leader to be honored

January 29, 2020 4:29 PM by Wendy Parker

Submitted photos and information:

McCleskey-East Cobb and Northeast Cobb YMCA volunteers and teen leaders of the Year will be honored on Feb. 10 at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Celebration of Community Champions: 2020 Vision event at the Cobb Galleria. Ambassador Andrew Young and Dr. Walter Young will be honored with the Bransby Christian Leadership Award.

Molly Khan

McCleskey-East Cobb / Northeast Cobb Family YMCAs

Volunteer of the Year: Molly Toland Khan joined the YMCA with her family in 2012. New to Marietta, Molly found community and friendship at the Y, joining spin class and connecting with other families. She currently serves on the board and community engagement committee with the McCleskey East-Cobb / Northeast Cobb Family YMCAs

Quote about Molly from Y staff member Becky Shipley: “Molly’s time and efforts contribute to strengthening the foundation of the community. She currently serves on our board community engagement committee and oversees the success of our local school food pantry by recruiting volunteers and organizing food pick up day. Molly has grown the pantry’s outreach to serve over 50 families each month.

Quote from Molly: “My path to serve really became clear when I got more involved in our Y community programs which ensure all children have equal access to reaching their full potential. I want to be an example to my children that being a part of a community is about helping and serving others.”

Fatima Gonzalez

Teen Leader of the Year: Fatima Gonzalez’ first connection with the YMCA was through youth soccer and swim lessons nine years ago. She is currently involved as the Leaders Club president. She has attended YMCA Blue Ridge Leaders School for two summers and has attended three global service leadership trips. After high school graduation, Fatima plans to attend college in Georgia so she can continue her YMCA involvement.

Quote about Fatima from Y Staff Member Rachel Singer: “Fatima embodies teen leadership and commitment to giving back to the community. She makes time to volunteer and takes the opportunity to lead by example. Fatima is someone I can easily say truly believes in the Y and has been grateful for all of the opportunities that have presented themselves because of her commitment.”

Quote from Fatima: “It is crucial to make time to be involved with the Y because it is our duty to serve our community. It is our duty as servant leaders to give back to the community that raised us and leave it better than it was before. I have found that I feel at home at any Y, even in other states or in other countries like Costa Rica or England. The Y has the ability to unite complete strangers and make them family. I don’t know of any organization that is even comparable to the work, service and impact of the YMCA.”

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 student raising funds for YMCA Global Service trip

January 28, 2020 7:30 AM by Wendy Parker

Izaiah Hooper, Walton student, YMCA Global Service trip

In December we posted a fundraising appeal from a Lassiter student who’s part of a YMCA Global Service project this summer to the Republic of Georgia.

Izaiah Hooper, a student at Walton High School, is part of the same program, and is asking for community help to collect $3,000 in donations by May 1. As he explains:

“Only a select amount of teens get to go on this trip and I was picked! We would fly out there and stay at the YMCA there and help out for 10 days around the camp. I would learn new leadership skills to bring back to my community and I would be able to help the locals there.”

Izaiah has been involved in various community service work in addition to the YMCA, having raised funds for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at the age of 13). He also has been a page in the Georgia State Senate.

Izaiah has more information about him and the leadership program at his YMCA page, including a button where you can make a donation.

Send us your news!

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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!

Wheeler student talks about cultural differences at Jewish school

January 27, 2020 12:37 PMJanuary 24, 2020 4:08 PM by Wendy Parker

Ashleigh Ewald

Submitted information and photo about Wheeler High School student Ashleigh Ewald, at left, who recently spoke to students at an Atlanta Jewish school with Rukaiya Masika, an Atlanta-area high school student from the Congo:

Rukaiya Masika is a 17 year old Atlanta metro high school student who is originally from the Congo of Africa. She shared her story about being born in the Congo and having to flee to another country because of the war going on in her native land. She described her tiring journey of traveling by foot from Congo to Uganda and recalled not being able to feel her legs from exhaustion. Rukaiya had to attend boarding school because her mother could not afford to feed her; the school provided food instead. She spoke about her hardships and even about being bullied by kids in her new school. Some kids teased her because of her cultural differences and even wearing a hijab (a religious garment used as a head covering).

She encouraged the students to be themselves and that fitting in is a waste of time because their difference is also their strength. Questions were posed at the end where one 5th grader asked if Rukaiya would be able to see her family again. Rukaiya replied by saying that some of her family was already in the United States; however, due to the exodus from her country she does not know who her father is. She then gave the students advice about staying hopeful in difficult situations and of the importance of always being themselves.

The audience consisted of 5th through 8th graders who rotated into the classroom to hear the stories being presented by the speakers. Ashleigh speaks about being born in the time of the One Child Policy. She was born on October 6, 2002, when the One Child Policy was happening. She discussed how being born a girl and cleft-affected were not safe combinations during the One Child Policy.

The students were in dismay, and Ashleigh continued by telling them how she felt fortunate to be alive. She went on about being adopted from Shenyang, China, at the age of 4 and being brought to live in Georgia. Then, she spoke about being put up for adoption a second time because of the possibility that her first adopted parents didn’t know how to care for a traumatized child. Ashleigh then revealed that foster home experiences are different for each child and that some grow out of the system.

Ashleigh shared her middle-school experiences of trying to cope with the need to be accepted, discussing how hanging out with the “cool kids” to try and fit in only slows down an individual from achieving their dreams.

Ashleigh started becoming a follower and a gossiper. In addition, Ashleigh informed the students that they will become the people they associate with, and so they should be mindful of that. Students were urged to be good to all and that people remember the way you treat them later on. Then, she explained how, ever since she dropped from that group, she was able to focus more on her goals and who she was, helping her get to her dream of being a U.S. Senator and motivational speaker. Her inspiration came from meeting a Holocaust survivor, and she knew she wanted to be a politician who will protect human rights. Finally, she wrapped up her speech by discussing how to slowly gain self-confidence and not seek acceptance from others. Ashleigh gave them advice on how being different is power rather than on fitting in. The unique is original!

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 to hold kid-friendly ‘Noon Year’s Eve’ parties

December 28, 2019 11:33 AMDecember 28, 2019 8:32 AM by Wendy Parker

Mountain View Regional Library

Submitted information:

Families can celebrate the start of 2020 early with kid-friendly “Noon Year’s Eve” parties on Tuesday at five Cobb County Public Libraries. The free December 31st programs will feature crafts, storytime, dance and music, and more ahead of the countdowns to noon.

The countdown parties start at 11 a.m. Tuesday, except for the official 11:15 a.m. start at Gritters Library. The Cobb library events will occur as the first hours of 2020—and new decade—are celebrated several time zones away.

The countdown events will include:

Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta, 30066, starts at 11:15 a.m. 770-528-2524.

Lewis A. Ray Library, 4500 Oakdale Road, Smyrna 30080. (770) 801-5335

Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 30066. 770-509-2725

West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw 30152. 770-528-4699

Vinings Library, 4290 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta 30339. 770-801-5330

Cobb County Libraries will close early on December 31st at 5 p.m. and will be closed January 1st. Regular hours resume January 2nd.

For information on upcoming library programs and resources, visit www.cobbcat.org.

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!

Lassiter student raising funds for YMCA Global Service trip

December 10, 2019 3:48 PMDecember 10, 2019 1:47 PM by Wendy Parker

The following information comes from Lourdes Gonzalez, a sophomore at Lassiter High School, where she’s in the band program, as well as the Lassiter-Pope-Kell Navy Junior ROTC program. Lourdes Gonalez, Lassiter student Global Service trip

She’s also involved with the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, where she’s involved in its Leaders Club, and she’s been accepted by the YMCA of Metro Atlanta’s Global Service program for a trip to the Republic of Georgia trip next summer.

She’s asking for assistance to raise $3,000 by May 1, 2020, and has more details here about her background, the trip and the Leaders Club, which she says “has changed the way I go through life. It has taught me essential skills and techniques I need in order to look at challenges from a different perspective. I am now more confident and able to understand, compromise and give my input to any type of situation.”

Pope student creates Girl Scout art project for foster children

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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 libraries to hold special events Thanksgiving week

November 24, 2019 10:24 AM by Wendy Parker

Submitted information:

Cobb County Public Libraries will close at 5 pm on Wednesday, November 27 and will be closed Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29. Cobb libraries will open at 10 am on Saturday, November 30 for the regular weekend schedule.

Upcoming Cobb library events and activities include:

Teen Trivia at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center on Monday, November 25 from 2 pm – 3 pm. Teens 13 and older will be putting their pop culture skills to the test. 770-509-2711

Kids Crafternoon at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center on Tuesday, November 26 from 2 pm – 3 pm. Get ready for Thanksgiving by making your own decorations. This program is recommended for children ages 3-7. All materials will be provided. 770-509-2711

Family Fun Time at East Cobb Library on Wednesday, November 27 from 3:30 pm – 4:15 pm. This Thanksgiving themed fun time for families with children of all ages lasts 40-50 minutes and can include books, activities, a short film, parachute play, music, and a craft. 770-509-2730

FLL Robotics – STEM Project Presentation at East Cobb Library on Saturday, November 30 from 1 pm to 2 pm. Join a team of five students as they present their projects for the National First Lego League and demonstrate their mission: City Shaper. This competition lets kids design innovative ways to tackle problems in large cities now and for the future. Any child interested in LEGOs and STEAM is invited to attend. No registration required. Children under 9 must be accompanied by an adult. 770-509-2730

For more events and activities, visit www.cobbcat.org

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!

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