East Cobb Food Scores: Westfield Tavern; El Serranito; more

Westfield Tavern opening East Cobb

The following food scores have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

El Serranto
2520 Shallowford Road, Suite 100
February 5, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Goldbergs Bagel Co. & Deli
1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite A110
February 8, 2024 Score: 80, Grade: B

Hibachi Stop
2856 Delk Road, Suite 305
February 8, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

The Phoenix at Johnson Ferry
9 Sherwood Lane
February 7, 2024 Score: 99, Grade: A

Sedalia Park Elementary School
2230 Lower Roswell Road
February 6, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Shish Kabob Mediterranean Grill
2060 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 280
February 9, 2024 Score: 82, Grade: B

Tijuana Joe’s Cantina
690 Johnson Ferry Road
February 8, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

Westfield Tavern
4401 Shallowford Road, Suite 138
February 5, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Windy Hill Athletic Club
135 Interstate North Parkway
February 6, 2024 Score: 97, Grade: A

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Georgia Celebrates Quilts Show seeks quilts for competition

East Cobb Quilters' Guild, Georgia Celebrates Quilts Show

Submitted information:

Georgia Celebrates Quilts® Show, presented by the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild, is a juried and judged quilt show, with over 300 quilts competing for Best of Show and other top ribbon and cash awards totaling $4,000. All styles of quilts are eligible to be submitted including traditional, contemporary, done by machine or by hand. Entries are now being accepted until Friday, March 29, 2024. For complete details on how to enter the competition visit https://www.georgiacelebratesquilts.com/enter-a-quilt/

About East Cobb Quilters’ Guild

Since its founding in 1982, the East Cobb Quilters’ Guild has promoted and advanced the art of quilting and fostered community goodwill. There are more than 340 members from throughout the greater Atlanta metropolitan area and beyond. The guild meets monthly and sponsors lectures, workshops, and exhibits that educate members and the community about quilting and encourage the highest standards in design and techniques. Every two years they produce Georgia Celebrates Quilts® – the state’s largest judged and juried quilt show – set for June 6 – 8, 2024 at the Cobb County Civic Center. In the months leading up to the show the guild will present “Quilts on Display” with quilt exhibits at four regional libraries and three arts centers. Additionally, the guild contributes hundreds of quilts, placemats, Beads of Courage bags and pillowcases to nonprofit organizations. For additional information about the guild – www.ecqg.com and the show – https://georgiacelebratesquilts.com.

 

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Powers Ferry ES ‘Terrific Kids’ honored by Golden K Kiwanis

Powers Ferry ES 'Terrific Kids' honored by Golden K Kiwanis
L to R: Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K members Jim Perry and Rosie Teague; Elayna Wilson, Principal of Powers Ferry Elementary School; Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K members Paul Smith, KCMGK President and member John Kone

Submitted information and photo:

Twenty four Powers Ferry Elementary School  students were presented with a “TERIFFIC KIDS” certificate on February 1st, 2024. Terrific Kids, sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in showing “RESPECT” during the month of January. 

Jim Perry, Past President of the Kiwanis Club of Marietta Golden K explained, “Terrific Kids  is a character-building program that recognises students for modifying their behavior. The program encourages kids to become the best version of themselves.  Kids determine what being terrific means to them, then develop their own goals and use peer mentoring to hold themselves accountable for the actions they take each week. When a participant  achieves a goal, he or she is recognized for being a Terrific Kid.”

Elayna Wilson, Principal of Powers Ferry ES and Aimee Pieree of the Powers Ferry ES staff presided over the presentation.  A brief party followed the ceremony whereby students that received a certificate received a scrumptious “good bag” filled with delicious snacks.

The presentation was held at 8 am so as not to interfere with students “rest of the day” activities.  A great way to start the school day … a “Teriffic Kids” certificate and morning snack. Congratulations to all of the Powers Ferry Elementary School “TERIFFIC KIDS.” 

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Super Chix to open third Atlanta location at Avenue East Cobb

Super Chix to open Avenue East Cobb

Super Chix, a fast-casual restaurant that specializes in chicken dishes, will be opening its third location in metro Atlanta this summer at Avenue East Cobb.

North American Properties, which manages the retail center at 4475 Roswell Road, said the Texas-based franchise will occupy 3,800 square feet near the Sephora store and that the franchisee is East Cobb resident Missy Newks.

Super Chix, which features grilled chicken sandwiches (which the chain dubs “The Last True Chicken Sandwich”), hand-cut fries and frozen custards, has locations in Peachtree City and near Perimeter Mall in Dunwoody.

It was started in 2014 and was purchaed in 2018 by Darryl Neider, formerly with Five Guys,

It’s the fourth new restaurant/eatery to open at Avenue in recent weeks, along with Peach State Pizza, Press Waffle Co. and Tin Pin Gaming Bar.

Round Trip Brewing Co., which originated in Westside Atlanta in 2021. is slated to open a German-style craft brewhouse and restaurant in the spring, but an opening hasn’t been announced.

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2024 Taste of East Cobb festival scheduled for May 4

Taste of East Cobb 2023

The Walton Band Parent Association, which puts on the Taste of East Cobb food festival, announced Tuesday that May 4 is the date for the 2024 event.

It’s being held once again at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road), and applications are being accepted for restaurants, vendors and sponsors.

The hours are 11-5, with food samplings from local restaurants, live music, and demonstrations and swag from local businesses (East Cobb News was a proud first-time participant!)

Interested applicants can sign up and get more information by clicking here.

The proceeds benefit the Walton band programs, and since last year’s event here’s what they accomplished:

August – December 2023

  • The Walton Raider Marching Band played almost every Friday night last fall and cheered on the Walton Raiders all the way to the State Championship game. (Our marching band had its longest football season ever!) Go Raiders!

October 2023 (We won the top honor at every competition!)

  • Walton Raider Marching Band competed at the Super Bowl of Sound Marching Band Competition and won: Grand Champion Band, Most Entertaining Band Award, Best Overall Color Guard, Best Overall Percussion, Best Overall Front Ensemble, Best in Class AAAAA Band.

  • Walton Raider Marching Band competed at the Buford Music for All Affiliate Marching Band Competition and won: AAAA Outstanding Musical, Visual, General Effect, and Overall First Place.

  • Walton Raider Marching Band competed at the Kennesaw Mountain Marching Invitational and won: Best in Class, Best Color Guard, Best Musical Performance, Best General Effect, and Best Visual Performance.

Check out the show “Alice Underground” here

November 2023

  • Walton Raider Marching Band marched at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World.

December 2023

  • Walton band students performed their winter concert at Walton High School. There were four levels of concert bands.

January 2024

  • The Walton Percussion Ensemble was invited to perform at the GMEA (Georgia Music Educators Association) In-Service Conference in Athens, GA.

  • Many Walton band students performed in the All-State Jazz Band and the Atlanta Youth Symphony Orchestra.

February 2024

  • Many Walton band students performed in the GMEA District 12 Honor Bands just this past weekend.

2024 Taste of East Cobb festival date announced.
Photo: Walton Band Parents Association

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Gaming On; Sprayberry TD fundraiser; more

East Cobb Biz Scene, Tin Pin opening

Welcome to East Cobb Biz Scene, a weekly roundup of openings, closings and other news involving local businesses in East Cobb, and the people behind them.

We’ll be running this feature on Monday, when we focus on small businesses, and invite members of the business community to let us know what’s going with their businesses, including community activities.

At the end of a hectic week, I spent some time Friday afternoon checking out the grand opening of the Tin Pin Game Bar at Avenue East Cobb (4475 Roswell Road).

It’s been open for about a week, but the after-school hour schedule for this event was ideal for families and others wanting to unwind with pinball and other arcade games that were free during the grand opening hours.

It’s a sliver of a space next to Tin Lizzy’s in the former Benni’s Cubano space, and Friday’s pleasant weather was very inviting for leaving the door open, as well as patio dining.

Tin Pin has a sports bar atmosphere, although kids were running around everywhere (and in the case of my quickie video last Friday, waving behind me!).’

Tin Pin opening

Tin Pin opening

Tin Pin opening

Tin Pin opening

Tin Pin opening

Also new at Avenue

Tin Pin wasn’t the only new entry at Avenue to open over the weekend. A women’s boutique, Boho Trace, has opened in Suite 1725 (the former Olea Oliva! space). It’s a women-owned shop started by CEO Devon Sawyer, who’s dedicating her new business in the memory of her mother, who died suddently in 2021.

In addition to women’s outfits, Boho Trace sells accessories, shoes, swimwear, and more. Hours are Monday -Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 12-5 p.m.

Also at Avenue, a family lounge has opened, between Tin Lizzy’s and Panera Bread, with public restrooms, a mother’s l0unge, electronic charging stations and a kids’ play area with lounge seating.

Lounge hours are Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 12-6 p.m.

Biz luncheons in February

The guest speaker at the Feb. 20 luncheon of the East Cobb Business Association is Dr. Eric Plasker of Plasker Family and Performance Chiropractic, who will speak about “healty longevity in business and life.” He’s the author of “The 100 Year Lifestyle,” speaks regularly on wellness topics.

The luncheon takes place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rich Hart Global Studios (2030 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 270-280). The cost ranges from $20-$30 and you can sign up by clicking here.

The following day, Wednesday, Feb. 21, the Northeast Cobb Business Association will hold its monthly luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road).

The guest speaker is Roger Tutterow, economics professor at Kennesaw State University. The cost is $20-$35; more info by clicking here.

Jewelry fundraiser to help Sprayberry TD club

Rebecca Deutsch of Park Lane Jewelry, has announced her latest fundraiser in the East Cobb area to help a community organization.

Between now and Wednesday (Feb. 7), she’s doing a give-back fundraiser on behalf of the Sprayberry High School Touchdown Club, donating 50 percent of the proceeds.6-7:30

The booster club is aiming to raise $1,000, and Park Lane offers more than 200 different products between $22-$200. For the full listings, visit https://parklanejewelry.com/f/3276.

Your order will be shipped directly to you. For information call 404-769-3502.

Strong Hearts, Strong Lives session

Several East Cobb wellness professionals are holding a special session Thursday to promote better lifestyle and fitness habits related to heart health.

“Strong Hearts, Strong Lives” takes place from 6-7:30 p.m. at the StrongVibe Fitness Studio in Paper Mill Village, 147 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 2110. (We profiled StrongVibe and owner Erica Manning last fall, shortly after she opened.)

Also on hand will be Dr. Dolapo Babalola of the Living at Your Finest Wellness office on Johnson Ferry Road, and Dr. James Cullison of Mojo Vitality, also at PMV.

The event will include free scans, meditation sessions, food and giveaways. It’s free to the public and you can RSVP by emailing erica@strongvibefit.com.

Send us your biz news!

We’d love to hear from local businesses about what’s going on in the local business scene: Openings, ribbon-cuttings, closings, anniversaries, new management, etc.

We also take tips from the public about these items as well, so if you see something, let us know,

E-mail us: editor@eastcobbnews.com with your information, questions, photos, announcements, etc.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Jan. 16-19, 2024

Kensington, East Cobb real estate sales
Kensington

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports. They include the subdivision name, high school attendance zone and sales price:

Jan. 16

2991 Lassiter Road, 30062 (Pope): $490,000

2906 Octavia Circle, 30062 (Vestavia Estates, Walton): $1.495 million

2798 New South Drive, 30066 (Piedmont Station, Sprayberry): $247,500

728 Blackwell Circle, 30066 (Sprayberry): $423,ooo

Jan. 17

1881 O’Shea Lane, 30062 (Wicks Creek, Pope): $627,000

4325 Sprucebough Drive, 30062 (Kensington, Pope): $623,000

821 Serramonte Drive, 30068 (Villas at Parkaire, Walton): $385,000

Jan. 18

314 Cove Island Way, 30067 (Kings Cove, Walton): 4790,000

3041 Whitehurst Way, 30068 (Country Place East, Wheeler): $365,000

2987 Clearbrook Drive, 30068 (Country Place East, Wheeler): $465,000

4643 Kempton Place, 30067 (Whitehall, Walton): $765,000

303 Smokerise Circle, 30067 (Chimney Trace, Wheeler): $200,000

Jan. 19

2753 Terrell Trace Drive, 30067 (Terrell Trace, Wheeler): $332,000

2441 Woodmere Drive, 30068 (Weatherstone, Wheeler): $140,200

83 Lakeshore Drive, 30067 (Hidden Valley, Walton): $450,000

1492 Shadowrock Drive, 30062 (Woodstream, Sprayberrt): $630,000

2039 Dayron Court, 30062 (Piedmont Chase, Sprayberry): $719,000

2240 Spalding Drive, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates, Sprayberry): $354,700

901 Chesterfield Drive, 30066 (Sprayberry): $447,000

1502 Parkaire Crossing, 30068 (Parkaire Crossing, Walton): $282,500

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East Cobb On the Spot: Tin Pin Game Bar Grand Opening

Tin Pin Grand Opening

We’re rolling out a new feature at East Cobb News, posting short videos from around the East Cobb community, highlighting events, people and a variety of topics.

We’re calling it East Cobb On the Spot, and this will be posted near the end of the week, ideally with a focus on weekend activities.

For this first (and admittedly very unpolished) installment, we’re visiting the new Tin Pin Game Bar at Avenue East Cobb, an expansion of Tin Lizzy’s, in the former Bennie’s Cubano space.

In the coming weeks, we want to talk with citizens and others from around the local scene, and I promise: We’ll improve this a lot.

I want the focus to be on people in East Cobb and what is important and enjoyable to them, such as the young lad who was waving behind me in the video.

Maybe he can show me how to look into the camera!

We’ll have more photos and videos on the grand opening on Monday, when we’re also launching a regular column called the East Cobb Biz Scene.

It’s a roundup of openings and closings, stressing small and locally- owned and operated enterprises, community service and charity events, and more.

There’s so much going on around here that it’s time to put all those happenings in one place.

Stay tuned and please let us kmow what you think!

 

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Delta Community’s college scholarship program accepting entries

Submitted information:

Delta Community Credit Union philanthropic grants
Delta Community Credit Union Logo (PRNewsFoto/Delta Community Credit Union)

Delta Community Credit Union, Georgia’s largest credit union with more than $8.6 billion in assets, is accepting entries for its 19th Annual College Scholarship Program. Delta Community will award a $5,000 scholarship to five deserving students to assist with the cost of their college education. Applicants will be awarded scholarships based on their academic achievement, community involvement and essays on the following topic:

With an understanding that financial literacy is an important subject often omitted from school curriculums across many grade levels, Delta Community has developed a nationally recognized Financial Education Center, providing consumers of all ages with comprehensive knowledge of money, saving, banking, investing and more. As you embark on your future, how do you plan to use key financial tips learned along your journey to help you reach your goals?

“Our annual scholarship program emphasizes the importance of financial education, which we believe is essential to everyone’s personal and professional journeys,” said Hank Halter, Delta Community’s CEO. “As champions of community education, we take pride in helping exceptional students pay for the cost of higher learning so they can focus on pursuing their goals and ambitions.”

Applicants must be Delta Community members seeking a first-time undergraduate degree and enrolled full-time at an accredited U.S. college or university during the 2024-2025 fall semester. Students must complete the Delta Community 2024 scholarship application online by 5 p.m. ET on March 1, 2024, in order to qualify, and the award recipients will be announced in early April.

In addition to its annual Scholarship Program, Delta Community offers scholarships for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities and provides hundreds of free classes in metro Atlanta through its Financial Education Center.

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Roswell Road lane closures set for Saturday for resurfacing

Roswell Road resurfacing

Submitted information:

Contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) will install lane closures on State Route 120/Roswell Rd NE (SR 120) this Saturday night as resurfacing activities continue on roadway from SR 120 ALT to the Cobb County/Fulton County line. Resurfacing improves the condition of the deteriorating roadway and provides a smother ride for drivers.

Weather and on-site conditions permitting, one alternating right or left lane will be closed on SR 120 in the project area beginning 9 p.m. on Saturday, February 3 until 5 a.m. on Sunday morning. These lane closures will help ensure the safety of drivers and workers as crews begin milling, inlay and resurfacing operations on the roadway.

This $7.1 million resurfacing project is scheduled for completion in spring 2024.

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Georgia sample ballots released for 2024 presidential primaries

While the presidential primaries have yielded little drama thus far, voters will have options when they go to the polls in Georgia.

Georgia runoff elections

Democratic incumbent President Joe Biden and Republican former President Donald Trump were the winners of the first-in-the-nation primary in New Hampshire Jan. 23.

Both will be on Georgia’s March 12 primary ballot, and are heavily favored to win their parties’ nominations.

But they won’t be alone.

Biden is one of three Democrats listed on the Georgia ballot, along with Minnesota U.S. Rep. Dean Phillips and self-help author Marianne Williamson.

Trump is among 11 names listed on the Republican ballot that includes Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, South Carolina Sen. Tim Scott and technology entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, all of whom have dropped out and endorsed Trump.

Former South Carolina Nikki Haley, who is actively campaigning, is also on the Georgia GOP ballot.

She finished second in New Hampshire, collecting 43 percent of the vote to 54 percent for Trump, who also won the Iowa Caucuses.

Biden, who didn’t formally enter the New Hampshire primary due to Democratic National Committee schedule changes, still won 63 percent of the vote thanks to a write-in campaign.

The South Carolina Republican primary is Feb. 24, setting off a wave of primary contests in short order. That includes “Super Tuesday” on March 5, the week before Georgia, with voting taking place in 17 states and territories.

Voters choosing either primary ballot in Georgia also will be able to cast a write-in vote.

The Cobb Board of Elections has approved early voting for the presidential primary, starting Feb. 19 and continuing through March 8.

Among the early voting locations will be the East Cobb Government Services Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road) and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center (3332 Sandy Plains Road).

For more information on early voting, click here.

On primary day, March 12, voters will go to their regularly assigned polling stations between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Presidential primaries are held separately in Georgia from Congressional, state and local primaries, which this year will be on May 21.

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Cobb State Court Clerk introduces QR codes to track cases

Submitted information and photo:Cobb State Court Clerk introduces QR codes

Drivers who get traffic tickets in Cobb County will notice something new on their citations–a QR code. The little black-and-white checkered code that gained widespread usage during the COVID-19 pandemic has been added to the ticket to make it easier to find a case, access information, and determine the next steps.

The Georgia Department of Driver’s Services mandates police agencies use a uniform traffic citation template,  but agencies can customize the back side with local court information. After almost a year of development and testing, the Cobb State Court Clerk’s office implemented the QR code system-wide.

The old citations only included the clerk’s website, which contained basic court information on traffic fines and fees, court dates, and payment options. Users had to visit a different web page to locate their case.  The new QR code system will allow users to quickly find and monitor court dates, view docket updates, change their address, and, in allowable cases, pay fines online with one scan rather than visiting multiple sites.

“We are always looking for innovative ways to assist customers with locating case information, following and updating records, and making these records accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said State Court Clerk Robin Bishop. While technology streamlines processes, the State Court Clerk reiterated, “We are still available by phone 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday, as well as in person at our public service counters at 12 E. Park Square, Marietta, to assist the public.”

The Clerk’s Office worked with several Cobb County agencies on this new tool, including the Cobb Police Records Management team, Cobb’s website team, and Information Technology Services team members.

QR codes will not only be on citations. The Clerk’s Office has duplicated this concept at the State Court building, with a “Follow Your Case” QR code visible when users come in for various criminal and civil hearings, interactive screens, and coming soon on some court notices. 

The Cobb State Court Clerk’s Office maintains the records of all court proceedings in the State Court of Cobb County, including all traffic offenses, misdemeanors, and civil actions.

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Ex-Marietta City Council member running for Cobb Commission

Reggie Copeland, who served a term on the Marietta City Council from 2018-2021, announced Tuesday he will be running for the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

In a brief e-mail message, Copeland said he will be running as a Democrat in the May 21 primary for District 2, which includes the City of Marietta.

He is the second candidate to express interest in the seat being vacated by Democrat Jerica Richardson, who is running for 6th District Congress.

Previously, former Cobb Board of Education member Jaha Howard filed a declaration of intent form with Cobb Elections, also for the Democratic primary.

Copeland, who is a counselor, said he will be providing more details about his priorities and platform soon.

In his e-mail announcement, he said that “I don’t see myself literally as just running against another candidate but I am running for ‘All’ people in Cobb County.

“The reason I am running is to improve the quality of life for ‘ALL’ individuals through a process call legislation via best practices, policies, and procedures,” he said.

Copeland represented Ward 5 on the Marietta City Council and was a controversial figure during his time in office.

A judge dismissed his request in 2018 for a restraining order against fellow council member Andy Morris following an argument in a meeting.

A city employee filed an ethics complaint against Copeland for verbally attacking her during a meeting, but that complaint was dismissed.

In 2019, he was charged with obstructing police after a traffic accident. Months later he said he feared for his life as a black man in dealing with law enforcement.

Copeland, who was chairman of the city council’s public safety committee at the time, was sentenced as a first offender and ordered to have an anger management evaluation.

In November 2021, he was defeated for re-election in a runoff with Carlyle Kent, who got 71 percent of the vote.

UPDATED:

After this story was posted, Copeland sent what he called a “complaints file” to East Cobb News (you can read it here) and said that “these FACTS will be shared with the community at large, as I host round tables while on my exciting campaign trail. Also, I will make this information available to ALL that have questions regarding your story.

“As a matter of fact we have already shared the FACTS with numerous citizens and they were elated to find out the real FACTS! Please know that I appreciate FACTS not fake news or alternative facts.”

ORIGINAL REPORT:
A native of Marietta, Copeland was a standout athlete at Marietta High School. He earned an undergraduate at Piedmont College, a master’s in education and counseling from the University of Georgia and a master of divinity from Emory University.

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Dental office proposed for former Mt. Bethel Community Center

Mt. Bethel Church Community Center rezoning

For the second time in a year, the former Mt. Bethel Community Center is being eyed for professional use.

A rezoning request was withdrawn without prejudice last summer when the Cobb Zoning Office recommended that the building at 4608 Lower Roswell Road be granted designation for a limited professional services permit (LPSP).

MRE Properties, the applicant, sought a low-rise office (LRO) designation, but zoning staff said an LPSP would be more appropriate to the residential neighborhoods surrounding the site.”

A different applicant wants to convert the 6,060-square-foot building into a dental office. Marianna Kovitch, who has a practice in Buckhead, initially sought LRO rezoning and has hired noted zoning attorney Kevin Moore, who represented MRE Properties.

An initial hearing is scheduled before the Cobb Planning Commission on Tuesday in the first zoning hearings of 2024.

The land has been zoned residential because its owner is Mt. Bethel Church, which has been putting up selected properties for sale since departing the United Methodist Church in 2022.

A preliminary staff analysis of Z-5-2024 (you can read it here) also is recommending deletion to LPSP.

Such a use “will minimize impact to residential neighbors while allowing continued use of the existing site,” the analysis said, adding that the LRO category on that 1.13-acre parcel does not conform to the Cobb County Comprehensive Plan

It also indicates that no new major modifications or additions are being planned for the building, which would be open for dental services Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

In a stipulation letter dated Jan. 29 (you can read it here) Moore wrote that his client was in agreement with the staff recommendation of LPSP specific to dental, medical and administrative use. He also is seeking a waiver that LPSP is specific to the property owner.

The Cobb Planning Commission meeting Tuesday will take place starting at 9 a.m. in the second floor board room of the Cobb government building (100 Cherokee St., downtown Marietta).

Here’s a summary agenda; you can read through the full agenda by clicking here.

The meeting will be live-streamed on the county’s website, cable TV channel (Channel 24 on Comcast) and Youtube page. Visit cobbcounty.org/CobbTV for other streaming options.

The Planning Commission recommendations will be considered by the Cobb Board of Commissioners on Feb. 20.

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East Cobb Food Scores: Fresh To Order; Moxie Burger; more

Fresh to Order, East Cobb food scores

The following food scores have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:

Arbor Terrace of East Cobb
886 Johnson Ferry Road
January 30, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Blackwell Elementary School
3470 Canton Road
February 2, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Fresh To Order
1333 Johnson Ferry Road
January 29, 2024 Score: 81, Grade: B

Green Coyote Cantina 
255 Village Parkway, Suite 330
January 29, 2024 Score: 87, Grade: B

Legacy Ridge at Marietta 
840 Lecroy Drive
January 29, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Lomi Restaurant
2555 Delk Road, Suites A5-A7
February 1, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

Moxie Burger
255 Village Parkway, Suite 110
January 29, 2024 Score: 99, Grade: A

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy
4385 Lower Roswell Road
February 1, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Papa John’s Pizza
1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 105
February 2, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

The Solana East Cobb 
1032 Johnson Ferry Road
February 1, 2024 Score: 90, Grade: A

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Cobb Police shoot man with a gun in East Cobb neighborhood

Cobb Police said Wednesday that an officer shot a man with a gun after confronting him on Columns Drive in East Cobb Tuesday evening. Northeast Cobb car crash, Cops on Donut Shops

Officer Joseph Wilson said in a release that police received numerous 911 calls around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday saying that a man was walking down Columns Drive and firing his gun.

When officers arrived, police confronted him near the front door of a Columns Drive home and ordered him several times to drop the weapon, Wilson said.

When the suspect refused, according to Wilson, an officer fired at and struck the suspect, who was taken to Wellstar Kennestone Hospital.

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case and in a release Wednesday afternoon, said the suspect was identified as Thomas Yarborough, 83, of Marietta.

The GBI said Yarborough is in critical condition and no officers were injured.

The GBI will turn over the findings of its investigation to the Cobb District Attorney’s Office.

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GOP-backed Cobb school board redistricting bill signed into law

Following up last week’s story about a GOP Cobb school board map that passed the Senate; the same bill was approved by the House Monday by a party-line vote and was signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Brian Kemp.

GOP-backed Cobb school board redistricting bill passes House
State Sen. Ed Setzler’s Cobb school board electoral map would split the Walton and Wheeler attendance zones. For a larger view click here.

The Georgia legislature was ordered to draw new maps last month by a federal judge as part of a continuing lawsuit alleging that the 2022 maps diluted minority voting strength under the U.S. Voting Rights Act.

The judge, Eleanor Ross, will review the newly approved map.

The 2022 maps pushed most of the East Cobb area (Walton and Wheeler attendance zones) out of Post 6 and into the Cumberland-Vinings-Smyrna area.

That’s one of three posts held by Democrats on the seven-member Cobb Board of Education. Republicans hold a 4-3 majority and three of the GOP-occupied seats expire at the end of this year.

That includes Post 5 in East Cobb, where four-term Republican David Banks is retiring. The new map, sponsored by GOP Sen. Ed Setzler of Acworth would include most of the Wheeler zone in Post 6.

The 2022 maps had Walton, Wheeler and Pope clusters in Post 5, with Kell, and most of the Lassiter and Sprayberry clusters in Post 4, which is represented by Republican David Chastain.

The new maps were introduced despite the objections of the Democratic-majority Cobb legislative delegation. Rep. Teri Anulewics of Smyrna, the delegation chairwoman, has introduced her own maps, and legislation has passed the House.

Democrats contend the Setzler map continues to pack minority voters into limited areas and reduce their political influence.

Qualifying for school board races is in early March, with primaries in May. Thus far Democrat Laura Judge and Republican John Cristadoro, parents in the Walton zone, have announced their candidacies for the Post 5 seat.

(Note: While school board posts are drawn by the legislature, school attendance zones are determined administratively by the Cobb County School District.)

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, Jan. 8-12, 2024

Blackjack Hills, East Cobb real estate sales
Blackjack Hills

The following East Cobb residential real estate sales were compiled from agency reports. They include the subdivision name, high school attendance zone and sales price:

Jan. 8

3980 Cliffmont Circle, 30068 (Fairvue at Indian Hills, Walton): $865,000

4205 Cove Court, 30067 (Kings Cove, Walton): $625,000

3702 Hembree Lane, 30062 (Hembree Hills, Pope): $342,000

Jan. 9

Sims Drive, 30066 (Heatherwood, Lassiter): $921,300

3980 Cliffmont Circle, 30068 (Fairvue at Indian Hills, Walton): $825,000

2355 Carrington Way, 30067 (Tuxedo Estates, Wheeler): $310,000

330 Hamilton Court, 30068 (Hamilton Trace Townhomes, Wheeler): $230,000

968 Pine Valley Drive, 30062 (Eastwood Forrest, Sprayberry): $320,000

2476 Sewell Mill Road, 30062 (Walton): $780,000

1045 Plainview Drive, 30066 (Sprayberry): $210,000

3270 Trickum Road, 30066 (Sprayberry): $545,000

3751 Apple Way, 30066 (North Ridge, Sprayberry): $475,000

Jan. 1o

3265 Beechwood Drive, 30067 (Terrell Mill Estates, Wheeler): $637,500

1923 Clearwater Drive, 30067 (Hamby Acres, Wheeler): $279,900

3538 Turtle Cove Court, 30067 (Dover Mitcham, Wheeler): $599,900

969 Bridgegate Drive, 30068 (Bridge Gate, Walton): $729,000

3949 Tall Pine Drive, 30062 (Tall Pines, Walton) $531,000

1980 Trophy Drive, 30062 (Sandy Plains Estates, Sprayberry): $328,500

Jan. 11

3909 Brave Trail, 30062 (North Indian Springs, Pope): $315,000

2326 Wilderness Way, 30066 (Natures Cove, Sprayberry): $450,000

2833 Pine Meadow Drive, 30066 (Pine Meadow, Sprayberry): $350,000

2829 Cobb Place Manor Court, 30066 (Cobb Place Manor, Sprayberry): $290,000

1411 Windburn Drive, 30066 (Shaw Woods, Sprayberry): $290,000

Jan. 12

4251 Columns Drive, 30067 (Columns Drive at Atlanta Country Club, Walton): $1.3 million

1231 Blackjack Court, 30066 (Blackjack Hills, Sprayberry): $490,000

4110 Meadow Way, 30066 (Northwind Meadows, Kell): $368,750

2141 Preswick Drive, 30066 (Tremont, Kell): $470,000

508 Parkaire Crossing, 30068 (Parkaire Crossing, Walton): $250,000

674 Highland Court, 30068 (Wimbledon Place, Walton): $245,000

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Cobb school district opens 2024-25 school choice slots

Campbell High School lockdown

The Cobb County School District has opened up its annual period for school choice transfers for the following school year.

The deadline to apply for a school choice transfer for the 2024-25 academic year is Feb. 16.

According to the school district, “available space at a school is based on permanent classroom space. In the event that the number of transfer requests exceeds the available capacity of a school, the District will conduct a random lottery.”

Parents have the flexibility to transfer their children under transfer provisions of Georgia’s Quality Basic Education Act.

The following schools in East Cobb have the following availability:

Elementary Schools

  • Blackwell, 140 slots
  • Brumby, 25
  • Davis, 125
  • Keheley, 158
  • Kincaid, 69
  • Mountain View, 56
  • Nicholson, 126
  • Powers Ferry, 59
  • Sedalia Park, 249
  • Shallowford Falls, 266
  • Timber Ridge, 68
  • Tritt, 73

Middle Schools

  • Daniell, 199
  • Mabry, 197
  • McCleskey, 335
  • Simpson, 10

High Schools

  • Kell, 392
  • Lassiter, 33
  • Pope, 30
  • Sprayberry, 150

The full list can be found by clicking here; schools that do not have any seats available are not listed.

The link also has further information on eligibility criteria for the transfer program.

Parents will be informed of transfer approval before spring break, and they must accept an approved transfer by March 29.

For questions about the transfer program, e-mail: Student.Transfers@cobbk12.org.

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Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opened by Center for Family Resources

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens
Photos courtesy The Family Resource Center

Submitted information:

The Center for Family Resources (CFR) is excited to announce the official unveiling of The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry. This revolutionary approach to food distribution is an updated concept to the CFR’s former food pantry, designed to empower families with a personal shopping experience while continuing to emphasize the importance of making healthy and nutritious food choices and getting the most out of their shopping budgets.

There’s a distinct difference between a traditional food pantry and a choice pantry: Regular food pantries pre-pack meals and groceries, limiting shoppers from selecting specific items, while choice pantries grant shoppers the freedom to choose their food items. At The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry, families will enjoy an experience similar to shopping at a regular grocery store. Each food item is assigned a certain number of points, and visiting families will receive a points budget to make their selections.

To enhance the experience, every shopper will be accompanied by one of the CFR’s dedicated and knowledgeable volunteers. These volunteers will provide nutrition information, share good shopping techniques, and offer valuable insights. This interaction not only aids the CFR clients during their trip to The Family Cupboard but also helps them make informed decisions about food, promoting healthier and smarter choices for their families.

“We understand the importance of nourishing the mind, body, and soul, and that’s why our mission is to make every trip to The Family Cupboard a journey toward a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling family life,” says Melanie KaganChief Executive Officer of the CFR. “By enabling families to select their own food, we aim to help reduce food waste, optimize inventory, and utilize funding more efficiently.”

The Family Cupboard opened to the public in January, is available by appointment only, four days a week. To learn more about this exciting new Choice Pantry, click here.

To donate food items, please visit The Family Cupboard Amazon List.

The CFR remains grateful for the continued generosity and commitment of its community. Together, through initiatives like The Family Cupboard Choice Pantry, we can continue to uplift Cobb families and strengthen our community one step at a time.

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

Family Cupboard Choice Pantry opens

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