Thanks to East Cobb real estate agent Ariel Starke (@ArielStarke on Instagram) for sending along these photos of homes decked out for the holidays, with lights, trees and other displays.
The photo above is from the Five Lakeside neighborhood off Casteel Road.
If you’d like to share your photos, we’ll be posting them through the holidays (and that includes New Year’s). E-mail us: editor@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll share them with the community!
Normandy neighborhood off Casteel Road.Normandy neighborhood off Casteel Road.Ariel’s children decorating the family Christmas tree.
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Mountain View Regional Library staff is hosting the Caring Heart Foundation’s Holiday Toy Drive through Friday,Dec. 20. The three county libraries serving as toy drive collection locations for the local nonprofit organization are:
West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw (770-528-4699)
South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton (678-398-5828)
Suggested donations of new, unwrapped toys for children ages 2-17 include action figures, sports equipment, dolls, arts and crafts sets, board games, building sets, toy vehicles, pretend play and dress up sets, puzzles and books.
The Holiday Toy Giveaway program will be held at Mountain View Regional Library on Saturday, Dec. 21. The Caring Heart Foundation team will have gifts set up from 1 to 3:30 p.m. for registered families to select toys.
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Another weekend loaded with holiday events is already underway in East Cobb, but there’s plenty going on through Sunday:
From 8-11 Saturday morning, the East Cobb Lions Club Pancake Breakfast is serving up pancakes, sausage, juice and coffee at East Cobb United Methodist Church (2325 Roswell Road). Kids can have their picture taken with Santa, and if you bring an unwrapped toy you’ll get a free raffle ticket. The cost is $7.50 per person, and proceeds go to Lions Club programs to provide free eye screenings for needy students.
From 10-4 Saturday, the St. Andrew UMC Nativity Display continues. The public is invited to celebrate the birth of Jesus. It’s free to attend in the Keheley Center at the church (3455 Canton Road), but any donations you care to make will benefit Cobb Senior Services.
From 10-2 Saturday, warm up and enjoy the festive season at the Mugs & Mocha event at the Sewell Mill Library (2051 Lower Roswell Road). Cool beans will be serving up the java, and you can purchase a handcrafted mug and enjoy free ceramic ornaments, crafts for kids and a visit from Santa.
The Sewell Mill Library also is having an opening event for its latest art gallery exhibit during the Out and About Reception from 2-4. The works are from local artists from the Sewell Mill Cultural Center’s Atlanta Artists Center. The exhibit will continue through Jan. 7.
For four shows only, the Johnson Ferry Christmas Festival takes place this weekend, with shows at 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the Baptist church (955 Johnson Ferry Road). The choir and orchestra will be featured with a traditional sing-along.
From 6:30-10:30 p.m. Saturday, it’s local artist John Driskell Hopkins’ Sounds of the Season Holiday Show at Olde Towne Athletic Club (4950 Olde Towne Parkway). Hopkins and the Joe Gransden Band will perform a special Christmas concert, with dinner prepared by celebrity chef Rusty Hamlin, and dancing, in a benefit for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. To purchase tickets, click here.
On Sunday, The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road) is having its holiday-themed Empty Bowl Brunch from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Guests can choose a bowl made by students at The Art Place and enjoy homemade soup on premises. The cost for the bowl is $15 each, and the proceeds will benefit MUST Ministries.
On Sunday evening, the public is invited to the Christmas at East Cobb Concert from 4-7 at East Cobb UMC, featuring a holiday choir, instrumentalist, children, and an audience sing-along in the Sanctuary. That gets underway at 5, preceded by a Bethlehem-inspired petting zoo at 4, and following everything will be s’mores and a bonfire.
You’ll find more details about those events and can check out more of our calendar listings for this weekend and beyond.
Send your events to us and we’ll post ’em here: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.
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Submitted graphic and information below includes details on East Cobb dropoff spots—at WellStar East Cobb Health Park Tuesday and the WellStar Administration building on Sandy Plains Road and Three 13 Salon on Canton Road on Thursday:
Cobb Christmas partners with Cobb County Department of Transportation and CobbLinc to create the county’s most unique and memorable holiday program, Stuff-A-Bus. Think of Stuff-A-Bus as the opposite of Santa’s sleigh, Santa uses his sleigh to deliver gifts and Cobb Christmas makes a CobbLinc bus our sleigh for collecting gifts.
The week prior to Cobb Christmas’ Annual Distribution, a CobbLinc bus travels through the county to Stuff-A-Bus host sites gathering donations of food and toys. Host sites can be businesses, schools and other entities that have organized toy and food drives.
This program would not be successful without the help of local businesses, schools, and other organizations that serve as host sites for Stuff-A-Bus. Volunteers at these locations organize food and toy drives and begin promoting and collecting in November. A Cobb Christmas representative schedules a date and time for the bus to make a stop at their location to collect the items which have been donated. All donations are stored and transported to IAM Local Lodge 709 —the Cobb Christmas Distribution Site-during distribution week.
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The various bands, orchestras, coral music groups and other fine arts groups at Wheeler High School performed two shows Saturday in the Holiday Showcase at the school’s performing arts center.
The event was the culmination of many weeks of rehearsals and involved dozens of students in the Chorale Chorus, the Beginning Orchestra, the Philharmonia Orchestra, the Sinfonia Orchestra, the Concert Band, the Symphonic Band and the Full Orchestra.
In the second show, the Bel Voce Chorus, the Wind Ensemble Band, the Chamber Orchestra and the Theater took the stage.
The music teachers include Mark Hoskins and Anthony Higdon (band), Ebony Collier (chorus), Dwayne Wasson and April O’Keefe (orchestra), Dayna Strickland (theater) and Lisa Casey and William Rembert (visual art).
The photos and videos are from the opening concert.
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Members of the East Cobb Business Association, Northeast Cobb Business Association and Marietta Business Association gathered at the WellStar East Cobb Health Park Tuesday for a joint holiday party.
Participants enjoyed food, drink and musical entertainment and donated unwrapped toys for the Toys for Tots.
The health park (3747 Roswell Road) will be the venue for a public holiday party Thursday from 5:45-7:45 p.m. It’s free with refreshments and includes Santa & Mrs. Claus, tree lighting and entertainment from the Dickerson Middle School Chorus and Dance Stop studios.
Here’s more about what’s coming up at the end of a busy week and weekend in East Cobb for holiday events, including the Apple Annie craft show, Holiday Lights, the Wheeler Fine Arts Holiday Showcase concerts, the Bethlehem Walk and more.
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Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park returns Sunday, Dec. 8. (ECN file photos)
The first full week in December is the busiest of the holiday season in East Cobb, with many public events, services and shows on tap.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s coming up between now and next Sunday:
Thursday, Dec. 5
WellStar East Cobb Health Park Holiday Event, 5:45pm – 7:45pm, WellStar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road), free with refreshments and includes Santa & Mrs. Claus, tree lighting and more! Entertainment will be provided by Dickerson Middle School Chorus & Dance Stop.
Georgia Festival Chorus: The Glory of Christmas, 7 p.m, Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road). The public is invited to an evening of music to celebrate Jesus Christ. Free admission. No tickets required. Doors open at 6:45 p.m.
Friday-Saturday, Dec. 6-7
Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show, 9-6 Friday, 9-2 Saturday, Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road). Artisans will be showcasing handmade items in a variety of categories, from holiday décor, woodworking, painting, jewelry, stained glass, fabric crafts, and more! Admission is $3 per person 13 & up, with proceeds going to local charities. Baked goods, soup, sandwiches and beverages will be available. Parking is at the church and overflow lots are at the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road), with shuttle bus service provided. For information, click here.
Friday, Dec. 6
Crafting With Heidi, 3-4 p.m. East Cobb Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road), enjoy some holiday crafting, led by a 4th grade Girl Scout troop. Free, but registration is required by calling 770-509-4900.
Carols for Christmas, the Glorious Mystery, 7:30– 9:30 p.m., Mt. Bethel UMC (4385 Lower Roswell Road); the church’s Chancel Choir and Orchestra are featured during an evening of joy and reflection.
The Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show takes place at the Catholic Church of St. Ann.
Saturday-Monday, Dec. 7-9
Bethlehem Walk, 7-9 p.m. each day, Mountain View UMC (2300 Jamerson Road). An East Cobb tradition since 1992, this interactive event allows visitors to walk through the streets of Bethlehem and haggle with shopkeepers, sign the census and pay taxes to Caesar Augustus’s collector. Dried fruits, apple ciders and fresh bread from the bakery also are available. The event is free but donations are accepted. For information, click here.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Art Place Gets Frozen, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The Art Place, (3330 Sandy Plains Road). Frozen fun for the whole family, featuring a 20-minute version of Frozen: The Musical presented by From the Top Theatrics. After the show, take a picture with a princess, make crafts, shop at a holiday market and enjoy hot coco. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Tickets are $15. Sessions are 11-1 (click for tickets) and 2-4 (click for tickets).
Wheeler Fine Arts Holiday Showcase, 2-5:30 p.m., Wheeler HS Performing Arts Theatre (375 Holt Road). Prelude Concert: 2 p.m. by the Symphonic & Concert Bands, Full Orchestra, Philharmonia & Sinfonia Orchestras, and Chorale Choir. Finale Concert: 4:30 pm by the Bel Voce Choir, Chamber Orchestra, and Wind Ensemble This is a combined fundraiser for the school’s fine arts programs. One ticket is good for both concerts! For information and tickets, click here.
Vivaldi Christmas Concert, 7-8:30 p.m., Eastminster Presbyterian Church (3125 Sewell Mill Road), featuring the church’s Chancel & Road Choirs.
Sunday, Dec. 8
Holiday Lights at East Cobb Park, 5-7 p.m., East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road). Tree lighting, holiday music and the arrival of Santa Claus. Proceeds from refreshment sales will be used for future park improvements.
Carols for Christmas, the Glorious Mystery, 6-8 p.m., Mt. Bethel UMC (4385 Lower Roswell Road); the church’s Chancel Choir and Orchestra are featured during an evening of joy and reflection.
To submit calendar items for holiday events that are open to the public, please send an e-mail to calendar@eastcobbnews.com.
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From 3-7 Friday The Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road) is kicking off holiday season festivities with its first tree lighting, Santa’s arrival and carriage rides.
There also will be holiday music and the tree lighting event will feature the Angel Tree Program from the Salvation Army of Marietta:
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides new clothing and/or toys for children of needy families. Each Angel Tree is decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age, and gender of a child who is in need of a gift. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags.
Santa Claus will be in Suite 400 and photos with him will be available for purchase. Other entertainment includes face painting. Carriage rides with Santa at The Avenue also will take place next Friday, Dec. 6, from 3-7 p.m.
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We’re noting a few things going on in East Cobb on Thanksgiving Day, and if you have anything to add please let us know by emailing editor@eastcobbnews.com.
A handful of Thanksgiving Day worship services include a Mass at 9 a.m. at the Catholic Church of St. Ann (4905 Roswell Road), and you’re asked to bring a non-perishable food item for the St. Vincent de Paul pantry.
At 10:30 a.m., there’s also a service at the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road).
Bradley’s Bar & Grill (4961 Lower Roswell Road) has done this before, and is doing it again this year: A Misfits Thanksgiving Dinner, for those who don’t want to spend the holiday alone. The restaurant is providing turkey, and you bring a side dish or dessert or pay $12 for the meal. It starts at 6 p.m., and karaoke begins at 9 p.m.
Early Thanksgiving Day is the Gobble Jog in Marietta to benefit MUST Ministries. If you’re out that early be advised of road closures in and around the Marietta Square until around 10:30 a.m.
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John Driskell Hopkins (founding member of the Zac Brown Band) has released his third holiday album, entitled Our Finest Gifts, this time with ATL Collective.The new album, with R&B-themed holiday tunes, is available for purchase or download on johndriskellhopkins.com, and is now available for download wherever you get your music — including iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and Pandora.
ATL Collective is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching Atlanta’s music community by connecting artists to professional development, financial support and exposure to audiences. They are known to hand pick the finest musicians in town to collectively recreate the greatest albums ever recorded.
Recorded at Hopkins’ studio — Brighter Shade Studios — Our Finest Gifts will feature appearances by Trombone Shorty, Ruby Velle, Dionne Farris, David Ryan Harris, Jason Eskridge and Maureen Murphy.
“I can’t begin to express how excited I am to be releasing my third Christmas album,” said Hopkins. ”I am so grateful to ATL Collective and all of these amazing artists who are part of this collaboration. It means so much to share my love of the holidays through music, and I think everyone will enjoy these R&B-themed holiday tunes.”
The new album was recorded at Hopkins’ own Brighter Shade Studios — a stunning and expansive 2500 square feet, includes an oversized, flexible-use main recording space large enough to hold a 30-piece orchestra. The space also boasts a voice-over booth, machine and mixing room, lounge and full-service bar — made of Sapele (from Taylor Guitars) with customized song lyrics carved into the wood. The space is garnished with hallmarks of Hopkins esteemed career, including guitars, awards, photos and mementos from his musical journey.
HOLIDAY CONCERTS PUDDLES’ PITY PARTY HOLIDAY JUBILEE Friday, November 29 | 7:30 p.m. Center Stage 1374 W Peachtree St NW Atlanta, GA 30309
CAMP TRACH ME AWAY HOLIDAY CONCERT FEATURING JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS Sunday, December 1 | 3:00 p.m. Heritage Sandy Springs 610 Blue Stone Road Sandy Springs, GA 30328 Holiday Music featuring John Driskell Hopkins
BALSAM RANGE ART OF MUSIC FESTIVAL Saturday, December 7 | 7:00 p.m. Lake Junaluska, North Carolina John Driskell Hopkins and the Atlanta Pops Orchestra
JOHN DRISKELL HOPKINS’ SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Saturday, December 14 | 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. Olde Towne Athletic Club 4950 Olde Towne Pkwy Marietta, GA 30068 John Driskell Hopkins And The Joe Gransden Big Band — both performances will feature an evening benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
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A not to be missed holiday tradition is back to delight audiences of all ages. The Nutcracker presented by Georgia Metropolitan Dance Theatre, Thanksgiving weekend. Immerse yourself in the magical tale of Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey through the delectable Kingdom of Sweets with the Sugar Plum Fairy.
Audiences will enjoy the gorgeous sets, updated costumes, magical special effects, and original choreography set to Tchaïkovsky’s timeless music. Prepare to be thrilled by exquisite solo performances from youth company dancers. The Nutcracker includes performances from our ten high school seniors in lead roles and the full company of over 120 local dancers, ranging in age from seven to eighteen, who train at Georgia Dance Conservatory on the Marietta Square.
Professional dancers D Patton White as Godfather Drosselmeyer and Raul Peinado as the Cavalier join our cast. We are pleased to welcome back former company dancers, Scott Reed and Michael Duncan, returning to perform from Cincinnati Ballet’s Professional Training program.
With four performances on Thanksgiving weekend, this awe-inspiring holiday classic promises to captivate audiences of all ages. Tickets on sale now!
The venue is the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre at the Cobb Civic Center (548 S. Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta).
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Since Thursday’s July 4 events in Marietta go on from mid-morning and well into the night, here’s what the police department has put together in terms of schedule, where to park, streets to avoid and more (illustrated above in city-provided map):
10:00 AM Parade The “Let Freedom Ring” parade begins on Roswell Street at Victory Drive. The parade will continue West on Roswell Street into the square, then turn North onto E Park Square and continue North on Cherokee Street all the way to the Cobb County 911 building at North Marietta Parkway. (86) different entries have registered to participate in this year’s parade! Road closures for the parade will begin at 9:20 AM.
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.) • 12:00-2:00pm: Concert featuring Scott Thompson • 2:00pm: Bell Ringing Ceremony • 2:30pm: Concert featuring Atlanta Concert Band • 7:00pm: Concert Featuring Chris Stalcup • 8:00pm: Concert featuring A1A – Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band
Dark (somewhere around 9:30 PM) FIREWORKS! Fireworks will be launched from the parking lot of First United Methodist Church (Whitlock at the loop). Due to state fire law, all of that parking lot will be unavailable for public parking the entire day.
IMPORTANT NOTES from MPD:
1. ROADS ON THE PARADE ROUTE WILL BE CLOSED 40 MINUTES BEFORE, AND DURING THE PARADE. 2. THE ROADS SURROUNDING THE SQUARE WILL BE CLOSED ALL DAY. 3. Please consider using a ride sharing service to drop you off and pick you up with ease. 4. If you park in one of the parking decks, we have some helpful reminders for you:
Please back into the parking space so your exit will be easier and quicker;
Fireworks are NOT allowed to be used on any of the parking decks near the Marietta Square;
Open alcohol containers / consumption are not permitted on the parking decks.
5. Local businesses and restaurants will be open on their own normal holiday schedules. 6. Parking will be challenging, especially with the First United Methodist Church parking lot closed. PLEASE CONSIDER USING A RIDE SHARE SERVICE. 7. 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. 8. It is supposed to be ABOVE normal temperatures, please stay hydrated and plan accordingly. 9. 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.
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The following July 4 events in and near East Cobb are free and open to the public:
Kennesaw will have its annual Star Spangled Spectacular 6-10 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, at the Historic Train Depot, 2828 Cherokee Street. The event features two stages of live music, festive entertainment, food vendors, kids activities and a fireworks display. Admission is free. The fireworks are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, the fireworks will be rescheduled for Saturday, July 8. Click here for more information and here for temporary street closures;
Marietta’s Fourth in the Park celebration begins 10 a.m. Thursday, July 4, and includes a parade, free live concerts, museum tours, arts and crafts show, food, carnival games, and a fireworks finale. Click here for more information;
More on the Marietta Parade: The start is 10 a.m. at Roswell Street Baptist Church and travels west on Roswell Street, north on East Park Square past Glover Park and the Square, down Cherokee Street and ends at North Marietta Parkway. The end of the parade marks the start of the festival on the Marietta Square. Food concessions, arts and crafts and carnival will provide plenty to do for the whole family.
Powder Springs will hold its SpringsFest on the 4th event 4-10 p.m. Thursday, July 4,at Powder Springs Park (3899 Brownsville Road, Powder Springs). There will be a food court, local vendors, artisans, entertainment, DJ, live performances, bounce houses, a game truck, face painters, kids games and a fireworks show. Click here for more information;
At sundown on July 4 is the start of a fireworks show at the Indian Hills Country Club (4001 Clubland Drive). The event is dubbed Member Appreciation Night but the public is invited to the clubhouse area and enjoy the display;
Acworth will present live music and fireworks at Cauble Park (4425 Beach Street, Acworth) Thursday, July 4. Live music will start at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks will begin at approximately 9:30 p.m. (subject to change depending on weather). Admission to the event and concert is free. Click here for more information;
The 5th Annual Barbecue & Bluegrass: A 4th of July Celebration on the Grounds of Barrington Hall (535 Barrington Drive, Roswell), takes place from 11-4. Free admission, no reservations required. Barbecue, beverages and desserts will be available for purchase from the Mill Kitchen Restaurant and Bar. The Smokerise Bluegrass Band will provide music, and the festivities include games on the lawn and hayrides in the front yard;
The 20th Annual Roswell Fireworks Extravaganza will be held Thursday, July 4 at Roswell High School on the front lawn. The program includes live stage performances, a Kids Zone and great food! Picnic blankets, chairs, and the entire family are allowed, but dogs, tobacco and alcoholic beverages are not. Click here for more on the Roswell events;
Also on July 4, the Stars and Stripes Celebration Fireworks display will take place in Sandy Springs, on the lawn of the Concourse Corporate Center (5 Concourse Parkway, Atlanta. The lawn opens at 7:30 p.m. with music from Bogey and the Viceroys, with the fireworks starting at 9:45 p.m. Picnic fare and blankets are allowed; pets, tents, outdoor cooking, drones, alcohol and personal-use sparklers will not be permitted.
Relaxing the Cobb noise ordinance
The county’s noise ordinance prohibits discharging consumer fireworks after 9 p.m., but the Independence Day holiday is among the exceptions.
Citizens may discharge fireworks until midnight on Wednesday, July 3, and Thursday, July 4.
More fireworks do’s and don’ts
From the Cobb Fire and Emergency Services Department:
Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks. Only those 18 and older can legally use fireworks in Georgia.
Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don’t realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose beforediscarding it to prevent a trash fire.
Fireworks can mean misery for pets. Thousands are sedated every year after being frightened by fireworks. Others are so distraught they bolt and get lost or injured.
Keep pets indoors, close the curtains and play music to drown out the noise. Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and tag and is microchipped in case it bolts and becomes lost.
Fireworks can still be enjoyed if at the same time care and consideration are given to pets, livestock and animals living in the surrounding area.
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A 2018 photo of flags in front of Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church for Memorial Day. (ECN file)
Here’s a glimpse what’s going on in and around East Cobb for the Memorial Day holiday weekend:
Saturday The Marietta Pops Orchestra Spring Concert features movie themes, orchestrations, pop standards and sing-alongs, from 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. For info contact: marietttapopsorchestra.org or 770-874-8525.
Sunday TheCheatham Hill Walk at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park includes a guided interactive tour by historian Brad Quinlin around Cheatham Hill, the Illinois Monument and the Dead Angle. Programs are at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Parking is at the Illinois Monument parking lot, 947 Cheatham Hill Drive, Marietta.
Monday The Marietta Memorial Day 5K/10K Run takes place at the Sprayberry Square Shopping Center (2550 Sandy Plains Road) starting at 7:30 a.m. The entry fees range from $30-$40 and are free for veterans. Scenic course, finisher medals, tech shirts, awards for the top 3 overalls, top 3 masters overalls, grand master overall, senior master overall, and all the regular 5-year age groups. To sign up and for information, click here.
The Marietta Memorial Day Observance is a long-standing tradition, beginning at 12 noon at the Marietta National Cemetery (500 Washington Ave.). This year’s keynote speaker is Brig. Gen. Diana Holland of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division, and the honoree is the Georgia Vietnam Veterans Alliance. For more information, click here.
The Roswell Memorial Day Service begins at 11 a.m. at Roswell City Hall (38 Hill St.), and the guest speaker is Colonel (Ret) Patricia S. Blassie, Deputy Director, Directorate of Manpower, Personnel and Services, Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC), Robins Air Force Base. A picnic and concert follows, and BBQ will be available for purchase. For more, click here.
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Jessica Loewy of the Junior League of Cobb-Marietta has sent out this message for anyone wishing to take part, since they’re bringing back their Mistletoe Market this November:
The Junior League of Cobb-Marietta is excited to announce the return of Mistletoe Market. Mark your calendars and save the date of November 14-17, 2019 at the Cobb County Civic Center. Mistletoe Market had 25 successful years and JLCM is so excited to bring back this beloved holiday market.
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On Christmas Eve a year ago, I stepped inside church doors for the first time in a very long while and found a seat in a pew.
This church was packed for a candlelight service that resonated with the faces, and the voices, of children. Many of them were invited to come to the front for a special word of scripture.
A young family sat beside me, including a baby held by her father the whole time. Occasionally, she cooed and smiled, as the song surrounding her, surrounding all of us, wafted through the sanctuary.
The music soared, and so did we.
“Peace be with you.” We grasped the hands of those around us and greeted one another with those words.
These are the usual practices and scenarios at church services every Sunday here in East Cobb, and elsewhere.
But as someone who drifted away from faith as a teenager, I felt immediately reconnected with a spirituality that has long eluded me.
Since Christmas Eve last year, I haven’t been back to church, either, mainly because I’m still not sure what I believe. All I know is that the peacefulness of being in that sanctuary on that evening hasn’t left me.
Neither has the sense that it’s moments like those that really reflect the meaning of the season.
The holidays have flown by, and as usual, I have found them overwhelming. The secular activities of shopping and gift-giving, Santa visits and tree lightings are fine and festive, as are office and school parties.
So is helping those less fortunate with the provision of food, clothing, home supplies and gifts for children as volunteers, and with charities.
Yet there’s something that I’ve found missing, something that I’ve only found in a sanctuary, or in connecting with the Christian traditions of the season. Perhaps it’s just another mid-life occasion in which I’m reflecting on the forces that shaped me.
Earlier this week, I heard Handel’s “Messiah,” the whole magisterial thing, performed by New York Philharmonic on a radio program. If that doesn’t uplift you, nothing will.
It made me think about how such music has started bringing back a little closer to God. So have some of the liturgies, many of the Psalms and an appreciation for the richness and variety of what’s available in this East Cobb community we call home.
Many of our local churches have opened their doors to the public for concerts, nativity scenes and other events this season. They’ll do the same on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
If you’re like me and unsure about what you believe, or you’re if simply looking to find a sense of peace, consider taking a step inside.
And may peace be with all of you this holiday season!
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The weather was frightful on Saturday morning, but thanks to those at the Delta Community Credit Union not only for getting out in the cold rain to help out with Toys for Tots but also for passing along the photo and information from its event at Highland Plaza Shopping Center on Sandy Plains Road.
Branch manager Eddie Johnson is pictured with Kristin Klingshirn, from The Bert Show on radio station Q100, as part of the Great Toy Drop taking place across metro Atlanta.
Donations will benefit the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots campaign, which provides gifts for underprivileged children during the holidays.
Toys for Tots will also be accepted from Dec. 10-23 at metro Atlanta Publix stores. For more information, visit the Q100 website.
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The Pope Fastpitch softball team is gathering some holiday cheer for needy kids with a Toys for Tots collection at Friday’s varsity basketball games.
Those bringing unwrapped toys will receive free admission to the girls game against Dunwoody, which tips off at 6 p.m. The boys will play at 7:30 p.m.
The goal is to collect a record number of toys for the softball team to later this month as it volunteers to help the U.S. Marines with its Toys for Tots toy drive.
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Next week a toy collection drive that includes the county’s transit service will take place across the county. The CobbLinc ‘Stuff A Bus’ dropoff points include three in East Cobb, on designated days and at specific times.
Donations of unwrapped toys, food and monetary contributions will be accepted to assist needy children and their families during the holiday season.
It’s part of the Cobb Christmas program, an all-volunteer non-profit organization, and which “provides a minimum of three age-appropriate toys to each child, ages infant through 15.” Participating families go through a qualification process.
The collections in East Cobb will take place as follows:
Monday, Dec. 10, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at WellStar East Cobb Health Park (3747 Roswell Road);
Tuesday, Dec. 11, from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., at WellStar administration building (805 Sandy Plains Road);
Wednesday, Dec. 12, from 2:30 p.m to 3 p.m., at Three-13 Salon (2663 Canton Road).
The full dropoff schedule and other details about Cobb Christmas can be found at this link.
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Destiny Center & SPI Theatre will be hosting its Annual “Holiday Relief” program with Toys For Tots on Saturday, Dec.15 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All community participants will receive a complimentary table top Christmas Tree along with decorations to be able to participate in the “2018 Christmas Tree Challenge.” They will also receive a wrapped toy for the kids, popcorn, a tour of the facility and watch a LIVE “Holiday” performance by Spoken Images’ talented performers.
This is a free event for the community and is for kids and adults of all ages!!
During the free event, you will be given the opportunity to support the work of Holiday Relief with a tax-deductible charitable donation. Your generosity and monetary gift will have a positive impact on the Performing Arts within the Cobb County Community. All donations are tax-deductible.
The Christmas Tree Challenge/Holiday Relief program will be held at the SPI Theatre at 3378 Canton Rd., Marietta 30066. For more information visit https://www.spitheatre.com/.
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!
Destiny Center & SPI Theatre will be hosting its Annual “Holiday Relief” program with Toys For Tots on Saturday, Dec.15 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. All community participants will receive a complimentary table top Christmas Tree along with decorations to be able to participate in the “2018 Christmas Tree Challenge.” They will also receive a wrapped toy for the kids, popcorn, a tour of the facility and watch a LIVE “Holiday” performance by Spoken Images’ talented performers.