East Cobb Holiday Events

Avenue East Cobb tree lighting reminders for Friday’s event

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As we noted previously, the Avenue East Cobb is holding its first tree lighting celebration on Friday.Avenue East Cobb tree lighting reminders for Friday's event

The event is from 5:30-8 p.m. in the public plaza area, and the retail center has prepared a few reminders for those wishing to attend:

  • Getting here – Parking is free and open to the public. Should parking fill up, we suggest parking at Merchant Exchange across the street. Parking will fill up quickly, we recommend carpooling or using ride-share to ensure a smooth arrival & departure.

  • Important Details – Activity Row begins at 5:30 PM. Lines for the activations will close at 7:15PM in preparation for Santa lighting the tree. At that time we recommend gathering in The Plaza.

  • Event Highlights – A detailed schedule of events can be found on our website, including the activations in activity row.

Avenue East Cobb also will be holding a Menorah lighting event for Hanukkah on Sunday, Dec. 29, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the plaza area.

Send us your holiday event news!

If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!

This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

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Ga. Symphony continues tradition with Holiday Pops concert

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Ga. Symphony continues tradition with Holiday Pops concert

Submitted information and photo:

Get in the holiday spirit with the Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s annual Holiday Pops, presented by Moore Colson. These special seasonal concerts will take place on December 7th and 8th at the Marietta Performing Arts Center.

GSO Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville will lead the orchestra and 100-plus members of the GSO Chorus in performances of timeless favorites and fresh new classics including music from The Nutcracker, Winter Wonderland, Hanukkah Fantasy, The Twelve Days of Christmas, Silent Night, and more. At the conclusion of the concert, audience members will be invited to join in caroling alongside the chorus, certain to be a magical holiday experience.

Adding to the festive fun of the season, St. Nick himself will be making an appearance as a guest conductor! A special Santa photo opportunity will be available to patrons following the concerts.

Tickets are $15–$45, and are now available through georgiasymphony.org/all-events.

Send us your holiday event news!

If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!

This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

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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!

Mountain View Arts Alliance seeks holiday cabaret performers

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Cobb PARKS and the M0untain View Arts Alliance are holding a holiday cabaret, and is seeking performers for the Dec. 23 show at The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road). From an e-mail message soliciting participants:

Performers of all ages and types will be performing holiday pieces throughout the evening, and at intermission, attendees are encouraged to check out the silent auction out front, where 50% of the proceeds will go to the Best Friends Animal Society!

The cost to register to perform is $10 per artist, and can be done so by clicking here.

The performances must be connected to the holidays and there’s a maximum time limit of seven minutes. The content must be family-friendly (no profanity or content relating to drugs, sex, violence, etc.) and participants will be asked to participate in at least two of workshop days of rehearsals.

Tickets are on sale for $18 person and can be purchased by clicking here.

Send us your holiday event news!

If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!

This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website or social media pages.

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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!

Lassiter Craft Fair leads off holiday events in East Cobb

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Lassiter Craft Fair, East Cobb Weekend Events

Just after the turn into November is the start of a number of holiday-related events in the East Cobb area: the Lassiter Craft Fair.

The fundraiser of the Lassiter PTSA takes place Saturday and Sunday at the school (2601 Shallowford Road), featuring dozens of vendors and the work of local artists, concessions, raffle prizes and a bake sale.

Clothing, jewelry, wreathes, ornaments, custom gifts, wood decor, handbags and wallets, knitwear, quilling and clay pots, food items and candles and bath oils are among the items that will be on display and for sale.

Admission is free and the hours are 10-5 Saturday and 11-4 Sunday.

The organizers are updating activities and feating artists who’ll be there for holiday and other shopping items on its Facebook page.

As we’ve noted previously, we’d love to tell the community about holiday events that are open to the public, for our calendar listings and even for coverage of Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s.

Please click here to learn more, and follow the instructions below as you submit your items to us.

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what your organization is doing for our community events calendar.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

 

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!

 

Avenue East Cobb to debut holiday tree lighting event

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The Avenue East Cobb holiday events
Santa’s been at Avenue East Cobb before, but now he’ll be a featured part of a tree lighting celebration.

For the first time, Avenue East Cobb will have a tree lighting celebration to kick off the Christmas season.

For several years, Avenue East Cobb has held a Menorah lighting with the Chabad of Cobb synagogue at the start of Hanukkah.

The retail center on Monday announced that “The Lighting of Avenue East Cobb” will take place on Friday, Nov. 22, from 5:30-8 p.m. Featured components include live holiday music and a visit from Santa Claus before the countdown begins to lighting the 26-foot-high tree.

The event takes place at the plaza, and will include face-painting, live reindeers, a magician, photo ops and roaming entertainment.

All of those activities are free; the Santa’s Express train rides are $6 a rider or $8 per rider on Santa’s sleigh.

The sponsors are the LGE Community Credit Union and East Cobb Church.

The longstanding Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park returns on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 5-8 p.m.

That event, organized by the volunteer Friends for the East Cobb Park, is also free of charge, but the parking areas will fill up fast.

Send us your holiday event news!

If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!

This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Editor's Note: Introducing 'The Power of Local' initiative

 

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The Power of Local: Send us your fall/holiday event news!

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It’s starting to feel like fall, and many fall activities are already under way.

We love this time of year, from the leaves changing color to the festive celebrations surrounding Halloween, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas and New Year’s.

If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!

This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.

Keep in mind that these are for non-commercial events—if you’re a business and are having special sales around the holidays, please get in touch with us individually for advertising information.

We’ll be glad to customize a campaign that fits your needs and budget and targets the community-minded customers you want to reach! Many of them come to East Cobb News every day to find out what’s happening in this place we call home.

Of course, businesses holding community events, especially for charitable reasons, are welcome to pass along details of those events for publication here.

Special how-to details are included below about submitting your information. We’ll publish these events on our calendar listings, and may feature some of them in stories.

As these final months of 2024 continue, you’re also welcome to send photos and write-ups of events as they take place.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are enjoying this special time of year, when friends, families, neighbors and the community at large come together.

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love to hear from you!

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what your organization is doing for our community events calendar.

Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Editor's Note: Introducing 'The Power of Local' initiative

 

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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!

Cobb PARKS Holiday Artisan Market accepting vendors

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Submitted information:

Join us for the 2024 Holiday Artisan Market Friday, December 13 – Sunday, December 15 at Cobb County Civic Center! This festival will feature retailers and artists and will showcase handmade goods, fine arts, performing arts, and more!

Applications are open!

To apply for our Holiday Artisan Market, complete the application and email it, along with photo references, to holidaymarket@cobbcounty.org. Be sure to pay the vendor fee here. 

Vendors will need to complete the application and pay the fee for submissions to be considered complete. Applications will have a rolling acceptance until November 6th or until full.

To apply for our Merry Marketplace: Youth Market, a free entrepreneurial opportunity for ages 13-17., complete the following application and email it, along with photo references, to tonya.mccain@cobbcounty.org. Space is limited so apply today! 

Please email holidaymarket@cobbcounty.org if you have any questions.

 

 

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July 4 celebrations in Cobb: Where and how to celebrate

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The City of Marietta is the focal point of July 4 public festivities in Cobb County with its “Let Freedom Ring” parade, followed by the “4th In the Park” celebration at the Marietta Square.Cobb fireworks New Year's Eve

More than 100 groups are taking part in the parade, which starts at 10 a.m. Thursday at Roswell Street and Victory Drive. The route continues west along Roswell Street to the Square, then heads up Cherokee Street and ends at the Cobb 911 building on North Marietta Parkway.

Marietta Police said that road closures along the parade route will begin at 9:15 a.m. Spectators are asked not to sit on the walls of the Marietta National Cemetery or stand on headstones.

Here’s the schedule for the rest of the day, also per MPD:

  • 10:00 AM until 9:00 PM Festival in the park activities (art/craft vendors, food trucks, concession stands, carnival games and kids play areas with large inflatables etc.)

  • 12:00 Concert featuring Scott Thompson

  • 2:00pm Bell Ringing Ceremony

  • 2:30pm Concert featuring The Atlanta Concert Band

  • 7:00pm Concert Featuring The Tulani

  • 8:00pm Concert Featuring Savannah Jack

  • Dark (somewhere around 9:30 PM) FIREWORKS!

More here from the city’s July 4 website, including a parking map.

Police said the fireworks will be launched from the First United Methodist Church parking lot, which as a result of state law will be unavailable for parking the whole day.

Road surrounding the square also will be closed all day Thursday, although nearby parking decks will be available.

No fireworks can be used on the decks, nor are open alcohol containers and consumption allowed there as wll.

Some other traveling tips from police, given the traffic restrictions:

  • Parking will be challenging, especially with the First United Methodist Church parking lot closed.  PLEASE CONSIDER USING A RIDE SHARE SERVICE.

  • UBER/LYFT drivers will take you anywhere, but the city has DESIGNATED an easy intersection to give YOU quick access with limited walking as well as give the drivers easy access so they can keep moving and minimize your ride costs.  PLEASE use the intersection of Lawrence Street and Waddell Street as your drop off and pick up locations.

  • It is supposed to be ABOVE normal temperatures, please stay hydrated and plan accordingly.

  • Pets can NOT cool off as quickly as you can. PLEASE keep them hydrated and guard against having them standing for too long on hot pavement.

Other nearby communities will be having their own July 4 events, including the City of Roswell, the City of Sandy Springs and the City of Woodstock.

Cobb Travel and Tourism has more options, including celebrations in Acworth, Kennesaw and Six Flags.

For those wishing to set off their own fireworks, Cobb County government sent out a reminder this week that fireworks may be discharged until midnight both Wednesday, July 3, and Thursday, July 4.

Here’s more from the county about when and where you can use fireworks, and other restrictions and safety tips:

Fireworks and other pyrotechnics are prohibited at all county parks. This includes historic sites, recreational areas or state property. It is illegal to use them within 100 yards of an electric plant, water or wastewater treatment plant, gas station, refinery, electric substation, jail, helipad, hospital, nursing home or other health care facility.You must be 18 or older to purchase or ignite fireworks. It is illegal to let young children play with them.

For more information click here.

 

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We Wish You A Merry Christmas, East Cobb! Happy New Year!

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We Wish You A Merry Christmas, East Cobb! Happy New Year!

Below is another clip from a concert last Saturday at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church featuring Coro Vocati, an Atlanta-based choral ensemble (previous videos here).

Here at East Cobb News, we’d like to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Unless there’s major breaking news, we’ll publish again on Tuesday, the day after Christmas.

All of the past week’s news, calendar listings and more can be found on our newsletter, the East Cobb News Digest, which is published on Sunday.

It’s free and you can subscribe by clicking here.

To check on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services in East Cobb, visit our special landing page for that information.

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Cobb Sheriff’s Office distributes toys via ‘Santa on Wheels’

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Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Submitted information and photos:

On Saturday, Dec. 9, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) spread extra joy by distributing toys to chosen underserved communities in Cobb County through its annual program, Santa on Wheels, also known as Santa Sobre Ruedas. This initiative, a collaboration between the Sheriff’s Office and the Foundation, aims to provide free toys to households facing financial challenges during the holidays. Thanks to the collective efforts of the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, Cobb Sheriff’s Foundation, and the generous contributions from Cobb County residents, thousands of toys were collected and passed out this holiday season.

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

Cobb Sheriff Santa on Wheels

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Cobb Police SWAT ‘Santa Project’ delivers holiday cheer

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Submitted information:Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

In 2018, officers from the Community Affairs Unit started the Cobb County Police Department SWAT Santa Project.  This now annual project takes place leading up to Christmas each year. It is a chance to give deserving families an opportunity to have an enjoyable and blessed Christmas. The SWAT Santa Project is a huge undertaking by Cobb County Police Department employees and volunteers that begins each October with the Cool Cars and Cops car show. The drawing for the SWAT Santa Raffle is held at the car show and the funds raised from the raffle are used to purchase gifts for the children at Christmas time. Over the years, raffle prizes and gifts have been donated by many generous businesses and individuals that help support this worthy cause. 

Children are identified with the help of local school counselors.  Each child creates a wish list that is compiled by the department’s Community Affairs Unit. Officers, non-sworn volunteers, and of course “SWAT Santa” himself, went shopping on December 14 at the Wal-Mart Supercenter located at 6520 Ernest Barrett Parkway in Marietta. Oftentimes, the gifts the children put on their list are not for themselves, but for parents and siblings so that they can experience the joy of giving.  This daylong shopping spree always brings joy to those involved.

All the gifts purchased at Wal-Mart will be transported to Due West United Methodist Church located at 3956 Due West Road in Marietta, where volunteers from the congregation, the community, and department, will wrap the gifts.  On Thursday, December 21, and Friday, December 22, the gifts were delivered to the homes of the children taking part in the SWAT Santa Project

SWAT Santa will be adorned in a blue Santa suit with Cobb County Police patches to demonstrate the partnership with the police department and the community. Instead of a sleigh pulled by reindeer, SWAT Santa will be making his rounds in one of the department’s armored SWAT response vehicles, known as Bearcats. Santa cheerfully visits houses, apartment complexes, and hotels, bringing his helpers and an endless supply of ice cream with him.

Anyone seeking further information about the SWAT Santa Project can reach out to Lt. McCloskey or Sgt. Grimstead at (770) 499-3984.

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‘Bring One for the Chipper’ dropoff spots include Fullers Park

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tree recycling, Bring One for the Chipper, Keep Cobb Beautiful

Fullers Park in East Cobb will once again be a location for Keep Cobb Beautiful’s “Bring One for the Chipper” Christmas tree recycling drive.

Citizens can drop off their trees starting Christmas Day through Jan. 6, 2024 for conversion into mulch, beautification projects, wildlife habitats and other useful materials.

The locations include two Home Depot stores in East Cobb: at Providence Square Shopping Center (4101 Roswell Road) and Highland Plaza Shopping Center (3605 Sandy Plains Road)

There will be a limited supply of samplings at those Home Depot stores from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day.

Trees must be dropped off in the designated areas of the locations only and all lights, ornaments and tree stands must be removed.

Flocked trees will not be accepted because they are harmful to wildlife. No other items will be accepted.

For more details about locations and addresses, click here.

Keep Cobb Beautiful also will be providing free mulch. E-mail keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org for information.

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To request free mulch please email keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org.

Ex-Kell basketball star’s holiday event assists 100+ families

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Ex-Kell basketball star's holiday event assists 100+ families

Submitted information and photos:

Portland Trail Blazers Rookie Point Guard Scoot Henderson and his fourth annual O.D.D Holiday, hosted by the Henderson family and Next Play 360 was a magical and festive-filled event for more than 100 families across Marietta, Georgia and Portland, Oregon on Monday December 18.

O.D.D Holiday stems from Scoot Henderson’s personal mantra, O.D.D (Overly Determined to Dominate). In an effort to be the best version of himself and impact others throughout his communities to do the same, Scoot and Next Play 360 started the first O.D.D Holiday in 2019. O.D.D Holiday operates under the idea that every family deserves the warmth of the holiday spirit, and the ability to create cherished memories.

“As someone who is a passionate advocate for community engagement, I’m excited to host Portland’s inaugural annual O.D.D Holiday event, and see my family continue the tradition back home in Marietta, GA at Next Play 360,” said Scoot Henderson. “My dedication to community service in the two places that I call home go hand-in-hand with my commitment to making a lasting impact beyond the court. This initiative represents love, unity and our family mission to help build up our communities, not just during the holiday season, but always.”, said Scoot Henderson about the event.

To prepare for the holiday celebration, on December 16, TedX Portland hosted a O.D.D Holiday wrapping event, where eight of the Scoot’s Suits participants were invited for a community giveback event, private tour and professional development workshop. Earlier this year, Scoot’s Suits was created in partnership with INDOCHINO, which provides custom suits to young professionals in Marietta and Portland. The participants wrote holiday cards and wrapped presents for the O.D.D Holiday event, and had the opportunity to hear from a TedX Portland speaker, take professional headshots, undergo a professional development workshop, and attend a NBA game.

On December 18, children and families were able to pick-up their holiday gifts. Scoot and Next Play 360 partnered with PUMA, Footlocker, and Ayesha Curry’s brand Sweet July to provide donations for more than 100 families. Donated items included coats, PUMA t-shirts, sweatshirts, winter hats, cookware and more.

Ex-Kell basketball star's holiday event assists 100+ families

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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

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East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

Submitted information and photos:

East Cobb Quilters’ Guild is proud of its long history of community service. Its members freely give their time and energy to create quilts, placemats,

Beads of Courage bags, and pillowcases for donation to area charities. This year it was decided that some of the placemats with a patriotic theme would be used by Cobb County Senior Services as gifts at their annual Veteran’s Christmas Luncheon.

“Our Veterans were so touched with having placemats that were especially made for them and loved being able to take them home as a keepsake. A heartfelt thanks from our Veterans and everyone at Cobb County Senior Services to the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild for their generous gift,” commented Andrea Rapowitz, Cobb County Senior Services Volunteer Services Manager.

In 2023, the Guild donated a total of 2,430 items to local organizations, an almost 100% increase compared to 2022. Donated items included: 344 quilts for Cobb County DFCS, for children who have been taken into foster care; 737 pillowcases for Ryan’s Case for Smiles, for children in hospitals in the Atlanta area and around the state of Georgia; and 524 placemats for Cobb County Meals on Wheels program, for older adults and disabled individuals who receive home meal delivery. A new recipient this year was Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. The Guild donated 825 Beads of Courage bags to give to their patients who are coping with serious illnesses.

East Cobb Quilters’ Guild provides holiday gifts for veterans

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East Cobb artist to be featured in ‘Hop On A Cure’ concert

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East Cobb resident John Driskell Hopkins, founding member of the Zack Brown Band, is organizing another holiday benefit concert for his charity, Hop On A Cure Foundation, which is dedicated to research into amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).East Cobb artist featured 'Hop On A Cure' concert

Hopkins, who was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease two years ago, will be playing host to a “Sounds of the Season” concert Wednesday, Dec. 20 at the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta.

He’s released his fourth annual holiday album, “Let’s Get Frosty!” and other entertainers on hand at the concert will include members of Yacht Rock Revue, and friends including, Ruby Velle, Emily Saliers of the The Indigo Girls, David Ryan Harris, Lily Faith Hopkins and more!

Available tickets start at $59 each and they can be purchased here: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0E005F6FBDAD3343.

Since Driskell and his wife founded the organization in 2021, Hop On A Cure Foundation has raised more than $2.5 million, held more than 100 events and awarded more than $1.5 million in grants, including The Sean M. Healey and AMG Center for ALS at Emory University.

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East Cobb Weekend Events: Coro Vocati; Dance Spectacular; more

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Coro Vocati; East Cobb weekend events
The Atlanta-based professional singing company Coro Vocati will be performing Saturday at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church.

There are still a few holiday-related events taking place in East Cobb this weekend, largely of the performing arts variety.

On Friday, the East Cobb-based MDE Vocational Academy will be holding its annual Winterfest Market. Students from the special-needs school will be selling their homemade hot chocolate bombs, ornaments, Mason Jar cookie kits, pot holders, and other gift items, and Santa and Mrs. Claus are rumored to be making an appearance.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the school (1523 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 200) and admission is free.

On Saturday is the 4th annual Dance Stop Company Holiday Spectacular, featuring performers from the East Cobb-based dance school. Two shows will take place at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road)—at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Tickets are $15, and Dance Stop students get a free ticket with every single ticket purchase.

On Saturday night, St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road) will be the venue for “Christmas with Coro Vocati,” with carols and songs to celebrate the season.

Coro Vocati is an ensemble of professional singers based in Atlanta, and the program includes traditional carols, arrangements by modern composers, and Christmas-themed standards.

The concert begins at 7 p.m. and the public is invited to the free event, a presentation in the 12th Annual Friends of Music series at St. Catherine’s  Episcopal Church. A reception follows with opportunity to meet the artists.

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East Cobb fitness businesses holding holiday toy and gift drives

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Simple Needs GA

A couple of new fitness centers in East Cobb are collecting gifts and toys for children in need this holiday season.

The Strongvibe studio at Paper Mill Village (147 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 4110) is having a holiday party on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. and is asking attendees to bring a gift for Cobb students who are experiencing homelessnesss.

Owner Erica Manning has started a wishlist spreadsheet (you can read it here) where you’re asked to indicate what items (and how many) you’ll be bringing.

The items include clothing, shoes, pajamas, coats and gift cards. Just sign up accordingly and you can bring your items during regular studio hours through the holiday party.

RSVP at erica@strongvibefit.com or 770-573-4010.

Stretch Zone East Cobb is pairing with East Cobb-based Simple Needs GA to collect holiday toys in a drive that continues through Dec. 15.

The studio (4371 Roswell Road, East Cobb Crossing Shopping Center) is accepting a variety of unwrapped toys for children of all ages. Stretch Zone will offer donors a free stretch session (up to two per customer) with a new or existing contract.

“Many of the families referred to us by school social workers and others have missed out on other local holiday programs because of unforeseen circumstances,” Simple Needs GA founder Brenda Rhodes said. “We want them to experience the spirit of Christmas just the same. In 2022, SNGA supplied Christmas gifts to about 300 Cobb County kids from over 100 families.”

Requested items include gift cards, Bath & Body Works products, art supplies, African-American baby dolls and accessories, Legos, VTech and Leapfrog educational toys, bike helmets, Fisher-Price play sets, board and card games, and gloves, mittens, hats and scarves in adult and older teen sizes.

For information email eastcobb@stretchzone.com or call 770-282-7941.

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East Cobb’s Fox Family holiday lights display returns through Jan. 7

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East Cobb home holiday decorations 2022

Starting Friday and continuing into the new year is one of East Cobb’s most notable neighborhood holiday lights displays.

The Fox Family of the Clary Lakes subdivision in Northeast Cobb will be turning on a dazzling array of lights, accompanied and synchronized by music and even an animated skating pond.

The display, which takes about a month to put together and test, runs through Jan. 7, which is the Orthodox Christmas (resident Karen Fox is Greek Orthodox).

The hours are from 6-11 p.m. at the Fox home at 2994 Clary Hill Court (accessible via McPherson Road, just north of Post Oak Tritt Road; see map below).

This is the 16th year for the display, and Fox said that Santa will make visits on Friday and/or Saturday evenings beginning Dec. 10, weather permitting.

The weather could be an issue as the display gets underway, with a wet weekend in store. Fox said on a social media posting Thursday that “we are hoping to be at about 90 percent ready [Friday] evening, weather permitting. We will not put out any of our vintage items that can’t get wet if it is raining.”

She said a Facebook page dedicated to the display is providing weather and scheduling updates, including a playlist of the music that visitors can listen to in their cars on 88.3FM. Here’s what you’ll hear this year:

1. Amazing Grace-Yule
2. Christmas Canon-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
3. Christmas Eve Sarajevo-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
4. Deck the Halls-Mannheim Steamroller
5. Let It Snow-Dean Martin
6. Light of Christmas-Owl City
7. Little Drummer Boy-King and Country
8. Mad Russian Christmas – Trans-Siberian Orchestra
9. Miracle on 34th Street Overture-Bruce Broughton
10. Linus and Lucy-Vince Guaraldi
11. Queen of the Winter Night-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
12. Sleigh Ride-The Ronettes
13. Wizard in Winter-Trans-Siberian Orchestra
14. Candy Cane Lane-Sia
15. Merry Christmas-Ed Sheehan & Elton John

The Fox display has been nominated in the current Home Holiday Hunt competition through Dec. 27.

Fox Family Christmas Light Display

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East Cobb Weekend Events: Apple Annie; Holiday Lights; more

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2022 East Cobb Park Holiday Lights
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be back at East Cobb Park Sunday for Holiday Lights.

With the start of December comes a busy slate of holiday festivities in the East Cobb area, leading off on Friday with the return of the Apple Annie Arts and Crafts Show.

More than 100 vendors will be selling their wares from 9-6 Friday and 9-2 Saturday at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road), along with food from an on-site café and treats at the bake sale.

There also will be the Artisan Gift and Handmade Quilt raffles and plenty of holiday music. Admission is $5 and proceeds benefit local charities.

Overflow parking is at The Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road), with free shuttle service.

Friday marks the first of a five-show holiday performance of an unusual twist on “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol” at CenterStage North Theatre/The Art Place.

Subtitled “A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts,” this the 15th annual tour by the Styckes Upon Thump Repertory Company.

Shows are Friday and Saturday night, as well as Dec. 8 and 9, with a matinee at 2 p.m. this Sunday only.

On Saturday, holiday fun for the whole family is in store at tbe Sewell Mill Cultural Center’s Winter Festival.

It takes place from 10-3 at the library and cultural center (2051 Lower Roswell Road) amid the facility’s 12 Days of Christmas market, and will include holiday arts and crafts workshops, gift-wrapping, kids’ storytime and photos with Cobb PARKS. The event is free, but registrations is required for the photo sessions.

If you want holiday music to enjoy, the Cobb New Horizons Symphony is holding its annual Sounds of the Seasons Concert from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Road). Admission is free.

An East Cobb tradition since 1992 returns Saturday, Sunday and Monday evenings. It’s the Bethlehem Walk display at Mountain View Church (2300 Jamerson Road), and the interactive event takes place from 7-9 p.m. each night.

Visitors walk through the streets of Bethlehem to recapture the atmosphere leading up to Christ’s birth, followed by treats and hot apple cider.

Putting a festive bow on the weekend will be the presentation of Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park as it turns dark on Sunday.

There will be music from local school children and a DJ and hot chocolates and other treats before the park’s trees are lighted and Santa Claus arrives on his sleigh. Kids can have their photos taken with St. Nick.

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Lassiter Bands Christmas tree sale continues through Dec. 9

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Lassiter Band Christmas tree sale

The Lassiter Bands annual Christmas tree sale is underway, and continues through Dec. 9. It’s one of the main fundraisers for the Lassiter Band Booster Program, and takes place daily.

The site is the same—the parking lot of the Highland Plaza Shopping Center on Shallowford Road at Gordy Parkway.

The trees are 6-12 foot locally source Frazier firs that are fresh-cut on site. Also available are 22′ or 32′ Frazier fir bough wreaths, tree stands and disposable bags.

The hours are Saturday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday-Friday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

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