Due to the wet weather, those events are being pushed back to Sunday, including trick-or-treating and a Mega Awesome Costume contest conducted by East Cobb Church.
The Boo Bash is now slated for 1-3 p.m. Sunday at The Avenue (4475 Roswell Road).
A scheduled outdoor viewing party for Saturday’s Georgia-Florida football game has been cancelled.
There’s a 60 percent chance of rain during the day Saturday, dropping to 30 percent Saturday night. Highs will be in the mid-60s and lows in the mid-40s.
On Sunday, Halloween, will be partly sunny with highs in the high-60s and lows also in the mid-40s.
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Among them is a request by INV3GRP LLC to rezone 3.4 acres on Merneil Drive from R-20 to RA-4 for an 11-home detached single-family subdivision (Z-73, agenda item here) and shown on the aerial map above.
The property is a vacant lot south of Post Oak Tritt Road, and while RA-4 housing is located nearby, the Cobb Zoning Office is recommending denial, saying it doesn’t fit the lower-density housing on Marneil Drive.
The lot is also designated for low-density residential use on the county’s future land use map.
The next case, Z-74 (agenda item, stipulation letter), is on the consent agenda because there has been no announced staff or community opposition.
It’s a request to rezone 1.14 acres from R-30 to R-20 for two single family homes on Wesley Chapel Road.
It’s an undeveloped lot belonging to Glennis F. Willis, who also owned 49 nearby acres that were rezoned in September 2020 for an 81-home subdivision near Garrison Mill Elementary School.
That property, which falls on either side of Wesley Chapel Road, is currently being developed into what will be called the Garrison Park subdivision.
Another East Cobb case on the consent agenda, Z-76, is being requested by Lot One Homes Inc. It would rezone a half-acre on Lassiter Road, just west of the intersection at Johnson Ferry Road, from low-rise office to RA-5 for two homes.
It’s a vacant lot between a convenience store and the Garland Square residential community, which is zoned suburban condominium (agenda item, stipulation letter).
Z-76 also is on the consent agenda, and the Cobb Zoning Staff has recommended approval (as it has Z-74) with some condition.
Both of those applicants are being represented by noted Cobb zoning attorney Garvis Sams.
The full agenda for Tuesday’s hearing can be found here; it will take place at 9 a.m. in the second floor board room of the Cobb government building (100 Cherokee St., downtown Marietta).
COVID-19 protocols are being followed, including mandatory masks and a limit on in-person attendance due to social-distancing.
The hearing also 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.
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The World Series is bringing with it an expanded transit service this weekend. CobbLinc will operate additional trips for Route 10, Route 25, and the Circulator on Friday, Oct. 29, Saturday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Oct. 31. Routes 10 and 25 will run additional outbound trips and a sweeper trip as described below. For complete routes and maps, go to http://cobbcounty.org/…/cobblinc-service-adjustments…
Route 10
Additional outbound trip: Midnight from Marietta Transfer Center ending at MARTA Arts Center Station at 12:51 a.m.
Additional outbound trip: 12:30 a.m. from Marietta Transfer Center ending at MARTA Arts Center Station at 1:17 a.m.
Sweeper split-trip: earliest departure 2:15 a.m. (possibly later due to traffic) from Cumberland Transfer Center
One bus will go to Marietta Transfer Center
A second bus will go to MARTA Arts Center Station
Route 25
CobbLinc Circulator Route Map. For a larger view click here.
Additional outbound trip: Midnight from Cumberland Transfer Center ending at MARTA H.E. Holmes Station at 1:20 a.m.
Sweeper trip: earliest departure 2:15 a.m. (possibly later due to traffic) from Cumberland Transfer Center
Circulator
The Circulator will operate a combined route prior to 5 p.m.
The Circulator Blue and Green routes will be operating according to the normal printed schedules starting at 5 p.m.
Circulator Blue – runs continuously/frequency depends on traffic
The first trip pull out: 5 p.m. at Cumberland Transfer Center
The last trip ends: 1:50 a.m. at Cumberland Transfer Center
Service ends at 1:50 a.m.
Circulator Green – runs continuously/frequency depends on traffic
The first trip pull out: 5 p.m. at Cumberland Transfer Center
The last trip ends: 2:15 a.m. at Windy Hill Road and Powers Ferry Road/Hyatt Regency
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Wellstar Health System, one of the largest and most integrated health systems in Georgia, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced that it is expanding access to COVID-19 monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapies at several of its eleven existing infusion locations, with Wellstar Cherokee Health Park being the first Wellstar facility to launch this program. Wellstar is the first healthcare provider in Georgia to join the mAb Health Equity Initiative.
Wellstar Health System is first expanding access to the mAb infusion treatment for eligible patients at Wellstar Cherokee Health Park, effective October 29, with additional locations rolling out in the coming weeks. With the expansion, Wellstar will be able to substantially increase the total number of patients receiving the therapy. Patients can receive the mAb treatment at Wellstar Cherokee Health Park location seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. To confirm eligibility for the treatment and book an appointment, patients should contact 770-956-STAR (770-956-7827).
If administered within 10 days of the onset of COVID-19 symptoms, the one-time therapy – administered through infusion – has been shown to be highly effective in neutralizing the virus and preventing symptoms from worsening. MAb treatment is used to help prevent the progression of the disease that might otherwise require hospitalization for people who are at high risk for developing severe COVID-19 illness and have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus or are unvaccinated and have been exposed to someone who has tested positive.
On March 17, 2021, HHS announced it was investing $150 million to increase access to mAb therapy for high-risk patients in underserved and disadvantaged communities across the country. With support from KPMG LLP, HHS is developing new prototype models for expanding access to mAb treatment, leveraging an existing network of healthcare partners, including Wellstar.
The therapy is the first COVID-19 treatment granted Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for outpatient use. A Phase 3 clinical trial showed that the antibody therapy reduced the risk of hospitalization or death by up to 70% in patients who received the drug intravenously compared to those who received a placebo.
To be eligible for mAb treatment, patients must meet the EUA definition of “high risk.” The FDA Emergency Use Authorization provides additional information on eligibility for mAb treatment. Treatment is offered regardless of immigration status, health insurance coverage, or ability to pay.
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A treatment for COVID-19 is here and is available in every state at hundreds of locations across the country. With the help of KPMG, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), state and local health departments, and local hospitals and health clinics, eligible patients will have increased access to mAb treatment in a growing number of underserved and disadvantaged communities through this initiative. Authorized by the FDA, monoclonal antibody therapy (mAb) is available to patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 and are considered at high risk for progressing to severe COVID-19 and/or hospitalization.
To learn more about eligibility and find a treatment location near you, visit https://crushcovid.com.
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The Cobb County School District has been posting several pieces on its website about the Nov. 2 SPLOST VI referendum, illustrating what has been—and will be—constructed with previous and continuing sales tax revenues.
One of them is the upcoming replacement of Eastvalley Elementary School, which has been earmarked for $31.6 million in current SPLOST V funding.
But since an architectural contract was approved in February 2020—right before the COVID-19 pandemic—there’s been little information forthcoming about construction details.
That work is expected to be done by December. When we saw the district’s post about Eastvalley dated Monday, it included three renderings (shown at top and below), so we thought we’d ask again.
Here’s what a district spokeswoman passed along on Wednesday:
“Once details for the Eastvalley replacement school are finalized and the contract awarded, construction is expected to begin in 2022. The new facility is scheduled to welcome students in August 2023.”
The Atlanta architectural firm of Smallwood, Reynolds, Stewart, Stewart & Associates, Inc. hired by the Cobb school district designs a wide variety of buildings, including schools, among them Duluth High School and Lithonia High School in metro Atlanta.
The new Eastvalley campus is projected to be built to include 136,110 square feet and 61 classrooms, and could hold around 962 K-5 students. It’s one of three elementary school replacement projects in the current SPLOST V, which expires at the end of 2023.
Eastvalley parents have been pressing the district about overcrowded conditions for years at the Eastvalley campus on Lower Roswell Road, which was built in the early 1960s to hold around 400 students.
This year Eastvalley has more than 700 students and more than a dozen trailers, whose conditions have been called “deplorable.”
It’s the only school in East Cobb to get a rebuild in the current SPLOST. If the extension is approved by voters, SPLOST VI will generate revenues for a rebuild for Sprayberry High School and classroom additions at Kincaid, Mt. Bethel, Murdock, Sope Creek and Tritt elementary schools.
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UPDATED, SATURDAY, OCT. 30: Richardson’s office sent out a message Friday evening that the town hall meeting has been cancelled and that it will be rescheduled.
From the office of District 2 Cobb commissioner Jerica Richardson:
Join us on Nov. 2 from 6 – 8 p.m., for our Cobb Mobility SPLOST Town Hall at the Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center amphitheater. It is located at 2051 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30068.
The purpose of this town hall is to provide information on Cobb Mobility SPLOST, including:
• How this differs from the SPLOST referendum approved by voters in November 2020 • The referenda options available • Initial investment options identified based on data and public input from the 2021 Comprehensive Transportation Plan Update (in progress) • Public involvement opportunities to provide input on these options
Some background:
A call for a Cobb Mobility SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) referendum for November 2022 is being considered by the Cobb Board of Commissioners.
Like the existing Cobb government SPLOST approved by voters in 2022 and Cobb school SPLOST to be voted on Nov. 2, this sales tax would also charge one-percent on a purchase, but only to fund transit projects, for a maximum of 30 years.
Local jurisdictions also can impose a one-percent sales tax for up to five years for surface transportation projects. In Cobb that’s being done under the county government SPLOST.
In 2012, Cobb voters soundly rejected an Atlanta regional transportation sales tax (called a T-SPLOST).
Public transit in East Cobb is sparse compared to the rest of the county; the only CobbLinc service is along Powers Ferry Road, connecting Marietta to the Cumberland area. A bus line from Marietta to Sandy Springs was eliminated in the 2009 recession due to low ridership.
The county information sheet on the Cobb Mobility SPLOST indicated that it is expected to be drafted in January 2022, followed by an estimate of generated revenue and the development of a project list, most likely to be compiled by county commissioners.
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The following East Cobb food scores for the week of Oct. 25 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:
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Like many others in the metro-Atlanta area, Cobb County Police is excited that our Braves are vying for Major League Baseball’s championship in the Fall Classic. Though we are celebrating along with everyone else, the Cobb County Police Department is also taking our role of maintaining public safety very seriously. We continue as the lead public safety agency at Truist Park, The Battery, and the surrounding areas. With the increased traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian), we have increased our footprint in all areas, and the public will notice a marked increase in patrol officers. Our department has coordinated extensive operations plans with Atlanta Braves, Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, Cobb County Sheriff’s Office, and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies who have either assisted with personnel resources or will be affected by the increased flow of traffic into their own jurisdictions.
Even with our increased presence and extra security measures, we still need the public’s help in keeping this a safe and fun event for all. We encourage all visitors to Cobb County to remember to Lock-Take-Hide. While visiting for the games or out at any other venues, please make sure to Lock your vehicle when you park. Take anything of value out of your car before you leave home (or your hotel, if visiting). And if you can’t remove items of value from your car, be sure to Hide them in the trunk long before you arrive at your destination. Purses, laptops, and handguns are high-value targets for thieves and are usually the items taken from vehicles that are broken into. Please visit Cobb Travel and Tourism (www.travelcobb.org) for additional information on other events and venues if you are visiting Cobb County for the first time.
See something, say something.
Yes, we will be out in numbers, but we can’t see everything and be everywhere. If you notice something out of place or a crime being committed, please call 9-1-1. Officers working in the area will be responding to 9-1-1 calls at The Battery and the surrounding areas in as quickly a manner as possible. With the increased number of officers on foot patrol our response time to calls will be greatly decreased (faster). Reporting criminal or suspicious activity as soon as possible can help keep everyone safe and quite possibly could avoid a potentially major dangerous situation for all.
We will have a number of officers on hand specifically to help direct traffic flow (both vehicular and pedestrian). In addition, our Twitter feed (@cobbpolice1) will post updates of any traffic events and/or emergencies. We’ll also post any newsworthy updates through Twitter as well. If you aren’t following us yet, head over to Twitter and add @cobbpolice1.
The Cobb County Police Department is proud to be part of this historic occasion. And our #1 priority is to maintain a safe environment for all as we celebrate and root on our hometown Braves.
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Bandwagon-jumping is nothing new with the success of a local sports team.
The Cobb County School District is urging citizens to vote to extend the Special-Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) for schools by noting in a post that leads its website how schools have benefitted from having the Atlanta Braves in the county.
The proposed SPLOST VI, if approved by voters, would generate nearly $900 million from 2024-2029 for construction, maintenance and technology projects for both Cobb and Marietta schools.
Saying that “Cobb County will also win big due to the Braves’ success on the diamond,” the Cobb school district noted how out-of-town fans during the playoffs have already been boosting the local economy—and school SPLOST coffers by extension:
“Now, with worldwide attention focused on pro baseball’s most celebrated stage, Cobb County residents will once again benefit from outside money being spent locally, this time thanks to Astros fans. Every drink, snack, and souvenir purchased by every baseball fan at Truist will help fund education in Cobb County.
“Those 40,000+ fans won’t just be spending money at the park; they will also purchase many other items locally, like meals and gas, that help fund local businesses and services. The economic impact from the 2021 Braves will be felt long after the Commissioner’s Trophy is presented to the team.
“The NLCS and the World Series are high-profile events that bring notice to Cobb County, but they also bring dollars and help to stimulate and prosper our local economy. While most don’t often think of the economic impact of sports at the local level, they are incredibly significant. While we cheer for our home team to end Atlanta’s 26-year World Series win drought, we can also cheer that our local schools are being helped by dollars from Houston fans.”
The post linked to related news stories and a special video the district produced to promote the SPLOST but didn’t break down any dollar figures.
The one-percent sales tax was first approved by Cobb voters in 1998, but some critics wonder why the Cobb and Marietta school districts wanted a referendum two years before the current SPLOST expires.
There’s been some political pushback, both in terms of how previous school SPLOST funding has been distributed, and against current Cobb school board spending practices.
That prompted a reaction from Cobb superintendent Chris Ragsdale, as well as from parents and citizens working to extend the sales tax, including those advocating for a rebuild of Sprayberry High School.
As the Braves swept to a 6-2 Game 1 victory over the Astros Tuesday night in Houston, the Cobb school district posted a similar SPLOST message on its social media channels.
The Eastvalley project is to be funded with revenue from the current SPLOST V, but a timetable for construction hasn’t been announced. The former ECMS campus is slated to be demolished by December.
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Additional police and security will be out in force around Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta this weekend for the first World Series games in Cobb County. (ECN file)
Here’s a very late addition to the Cobb Board of Commissioners meeting lineup Tuesday night:
Just as the Atlanta Braves are set to play their first World Series game in 22 years, commissioners will be approved spending up to $350,000 in “emergency” security and other costs for games played this weekend at Truist Park.
The vote was a unanimous 5-0.
The Braves play the Astros in Houston Tuesday and Wednesday; Games 3, 4 and 5 (if necessary) would be at Truist Park Friday, Saturday and Sunday, all evening games.
The county sent out a release late Tuesday afternoon saying that the money will come from its reserve and the expenses “could include such things as supplies, equipment, signage, and overtime.”
Cobb Finance Director William Volckmann told commissioners most of the money will be used for additional overtime for security and law enforcement.
County spokesman Ross Cavitt said in the release that Cobb public safety officials have been holding meetings with Major League Baseball and state and local officials.
Cobb Public Safety Director Randy Crider said in the release that baseline security procedures have already been established stemming from plans for the MLB All-Star Game, which was to have been at Truist Park in July.
This weekend’s games will be the first World Series games to be played in Cobb County by the Braves. The franchise won its only World Series in 1995 in Atlanta at Atlanta Fulton-County Stadium.
Their last World Series was played at Turner Field in downtown Atlanta in 1999, when the Braves lost to the New York Yankees.
The Cobb statement said Cobb Police have cancelled leave, strengthened shifts and added special units “in order to increase manpower around the stadium.”
The release didn’t say how much more personnel would be in force, nor what any extra security or traffic measures would entail.
Truist Park has had five postseason games already in 2021, and the Braves clinched both of their previous series there, first against the Milwaukee Brewers and on Saturday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Cobb release did say the following:
“Cobb Police and Cobb DOT have a proven traffic plan to get people in and out of the area, and they will be coordinating with GDOT and our neighboring cities to make sure fans can get in and out of the area as quickly and safely as possible. With a popular convention at the Galleria this weekend, county leaders are hoping as many area businesses as possible will encourage their employees to work remotely this Friday.”
Commission chairwoman Lisa Cupid:
“Much like the Braves, we faced some adversity earlier this year. But we are eager for the eyes of the sports world to see the unique venue that is Truist Park and the Battery Atlanta which has helped solidify Cobb County as one of the premier tourist destinations in the southeast.”
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Just a reminder that there’s one advance voting location in East Cobb for the 2021 elections—The Art Place, 3330 Sandy Plains Road—where you can cast your vote in Education SPLOST VI referendum.
The advance voting hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and there isn’t going to be any voting until election day, Tuesday, Nov. 2.
Through Monday, Cobb Elections is reporting 6,018 people have voted in advance, including 1,169 at The Art Place.
If you elect to vote on Nov. 2, you’ll report to your usual election-day precinct, and Cobb Elections has sent along the following info for that, as well as for those dropping off absentee ballots:
For personalized precinct information, please visit My Voter Page.
For information on voting by mail, visit the Absentee Voting page or call (770) 528-2581.
Absentee ballots may be dropped off in person to a limited number of locations though Saturday, Oct. 30, as well as Monday, Nov. 1, and Tuesday, Nov. 2. Click here for details.
Those absentee ballot drop-off locations include the East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Road) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this week, including Saturday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday.
We’ll have more later in the week setting up the culmination of the 2021 elections, which include municipal elections in Cobb’s six cities, as well as school board races for Marietta City Schools.
The Cobb Ed-SPLOST VI, as we’ve noted before (our summary story from May; full project notebook here), would generate $894 million from 2024-2029 for school construction, maintenance and technology in the Cobb and Marietta school districts.
In Cobb, the big-ticket items are a rebuild of Sprayberry High School’s main campus buildings, as well as classroom additions at Kincaid, Mt. Bethel, Murdock, Sope Creek and Tritt elementary schools in East Cobb.
Cobb voters haven’t rejected a school SPLOST since the first referendum in 1998, but Cobb superintendent Chris Ragsdale has been actively defending the sales tax and how the money has been distributed following criticism of school district finances.
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The Tunnel Rats performing Vietnam-era pop tunes at the 2019 United Military Care Veterans Day event. (ECN file)
Back in 2019 we attended a Veterans Day tribute sponsored by the East Cobb-based non-profit United Military Care, which served up hot dogs, hamburgers, mid-20th century musical favorites and support.
United Military Care works with local veterans who are struggling with a variety of issues, including housing and homelessness, hunger, mental and physical health issues, isolation and tangling with the bureaucratic red tape of veterans agencies.
Last year, the group had a virtual food pick-up for veterans due to COVID-19, but next weekend its fourth annual “Give Thanks For Those Who Served” will be expanded to include a full range of festivities at East Cobb Park.
The date is Saturday, Nov. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at what it’s calling the “Hug A Hero” Pavilion.
The special theme will be “Strength In Numbers,” with a special recognition include the 80th anniversary of Pearl Harbor.
Also being honored is Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Broady, Jr., a combat veterans.
Here’s more from United Military Care on what else is featured on the schedule:
Kelly’s Zeroes’ living military timeline featuring equipment and memorabilia from WWI through the Vietnam War will also be on display with representatives from the Atlanta History Center’s Veteran History Project. Live music featuring popular songs from the 1940s through the 70s from Rome, Georgia band, GI Jive, the Marietta-based group, The Tunnel Rats, and Air Force Veteran Pam Cushenan is singing the National Anthem. United Military Care will provide free lunch and fun for the entire family and a special kids area, “All American Jr.” that features an American History trivia with great prizes, including two bicycles.
November 6th is the perfect fall day to give thanks for real American Heroes. “Our objective for the day is twofold, first to kick off Veterans Month by giving thanks for the men and women who served in the military protecting us, and, second, to bring together the community, both old and young, to enjoy a great free day in the park,” said Kim Scofi, President of United Military Care, Inc.
Special thanks to our Pearl Harbor Sponsor, Datascan for their continued support. The event will feature nonprofits, businesses, and social clubs that cater to Veterans around the Marietta area.
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Bodybar Pilates will be opening in East Cobb (3460 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 120)on November 8.
It’s in the new Sandy Plains Marketplace shopping center, and is the second Bodybar location in Georgia.
Grand opening events will take place starting Nov. 1 and include the following:
Founding Member Classes – Nov. 1 and Nov. 2
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony – Nov. 2 at 11 a.m.
BODYBAR 101 – Nov. 3 – Nov. 6
Open Bar Event – Nov. 6
Studio owner Joe Stockman’s local business background includes sales and business consulting, and he’s been involved with the Cobb Chamber of Commerce and Leadership Cobb, the North Cobb Rotary Club, the Kennesaw Business Association and the Northwest Cobb Family YMCA Advisory Board.
He says he had never been exposed to Pilates before, “but once I started to learn more about the brand, its values and the approach it takes to business management, I was sold. As a Cobb County local, I know that there isn’t another fitness concept like it, and I’m so looking forward to creating a community of people who love and support each other in East Cobb.”
The Bodybar Pilates classes run 40-50 minutes, providing a full-body workout that, according to concept literature, “is high-intensity, low-impact and perfect for increasing flexibility, muscle strength, posture and boosting overall health.”
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Former professional basketball player Julius Erving is scheduled to be the featured speaker at The Salvation Army Marietta Corps’ Red Kettle kick-off on Nov. 6 at Marietta Corps beginning at 11 a.m.
Internationally recognized as “Dr. J,” Erving was a dominant basketball player of his era having scored more than 30K points in his 16-year professional career with the American Basketball Association and National Basketball Association.
“Money raised through these kettles in Cobb County provides much needed funding for The Salvation Army’s programs and services in our area,” said Jose Valentin, co-commander of the Marietta Corps that serves Cobb and Douglas counties.
The Red Kettle kick-off, which will be held at 202 Waterman St. in Marietta, is free and open to the public. Following the one-hour event, tours of the facility are available.
Following the kick-off, the red kettles will be available in front of Cobb businesses from Nov. 8 through Dec. 24. Donations will also be accepted online at salvationarmyatlanta.org/Marietta.
In addition, checks can be mailed to The Salvation Army Marietta, 202 Waterman St., Marietta, GA, 30060.
For more information, please contact David Nutt, event co-chair, at nutt_d@bellsouth.net or 678-409-5229.
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For the first time in the 2021-22 school year, fewer than 100 active COVID-19 cases are being reported in the Cobb County School District.
The district’s weekly case notification report shows 86 cases currently, but 13 of them are at Mountain View Elementary School in East Cobb.
That’s the only school in the 112-campus district that’s in double figures this week, as cases continue a steady drop since the start of the school year.
Last week, that figure was at 136, under 200 for the first time since the first week of classes in early August.
But a surge in COVID-19 cases across the South ramped up those figures dramatically later into late August, surpassing 1,000 active cases at one point and prompting the entire 5th grade at East Side Elementary School in East Cobb to learn remotely for nearly two weeks.
This week, most schools are reporting no cases at all, including the following in East Cobb:
The Georgia Department of Public Health keeps a 7-day moving average of COVID-19 figures, and for Cobb County that number is dropping toward that threshold, at 118 cases per 100,000 according to date of onset.
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Under the leadership of Sheriff Craig Owens, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office will become the first sheriff’s office in the state to provide its detainees around-the-clock access to behavioral and mental health services.
Beginning Nov. 15, the Adult Detention Center will have a full-time psychiatrist on staff and be able to quickly assess, diagnose, and treat patients with mental health issues. The staff will also include psych registered nurses and licensed practical nurses.
“Many of the men and women in our custody would likely never have entered the criminal justice system if someone ensured they had access to quality mental health services at various stages of their lives,” said Sheriff Craig Owens. “From intake to discharge, we are committed to getting our detainees the help they need so they never have to walk back through our doors again.”
The new mental health program will utilize the American Psychiatric Association’s assessment and treatment plan formulation, leading to patient-specific support. The Sheriff’s Office and the healthcare team will place emphasis on suicide prevention and substance abuse support.
“Wellpath supports the Sheriff’s vision to treat our patients with the dignity and compassion they deserve by enhancing the mental health services being provided, said Zela Guirola, Group Vice President of Partnership Development. “We are committed to providing 24/7 mental health coverage, enhanced staffing, intensive programming, and discharge planning focused on finding resources to support inmates upon discharge back into the community. These soft handoffs to community resources will support the continuation of care resulting in better served communities.”
The Sheriff’s Office will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony when the program launches to celebrate the launch of this momentous shift in prioritizing detainee care.
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The mother of four children in the Walton High School cluster who pushed for the Cobb County School District to drop its mask mandate during the 2020-21 school year has declared her intent to run for the Cobb Board of Education.
CCSD map
Amy Henry, who moved with her family to East Cobb from DeKalb County in 2019, filed her declaration with the Cobb Board of Elections and Registration on Tuesday.
It says she is running as a Republican in Post 6, which includes most of the Walton and Wheeler clusters and part of the Campbell cluster.
That seat is currently held by first-term Democrat Charisse Davis, who has not announced whether she’s seeking re-election.
That school year began with all-virtual learning after Superintendent Chris Ragsdale initially announced in-person classes, but switched due to high COVID-19 metrics.
“They need to have a normal childhood,” Henry told the school board in March. “We’re teaching them that they’re dirty. We’re creating a fearful environment that for these kids cannot be normal.”
That was right before other Cobb school parents filed a lawsuit trying to overturn the mask mandate (Henry wasn’t one of them). The suit was dropped when Ragsdale said in May that masks would be optional for 2021-22.
When contacted by East Cobb News, Henry declined to comment on why she’s running and to state her priorities, saying she wanted to wait until she makes a formal announcement at the Cobb Republican Party breakfast on Nov. 6.
She’s also involved in the revived East Cobb Cityhood effort, and has listed as her campaign chair Cindy Cooperman, who handles publicity for the current Cityhood committee.
Post 6 has traditionally been in Republican hands. In 2018, Davis, who lives in the Campbell cluster, edged two-term GOP board member Scott Sweeney, who is now the chairman of the state board of education (and also is part of the Cityhood group).
That seat is one of three up for grabs in 2022 elections, with the lines for those three posts expected to change.
Members of the Cobb legislative delegation will redraw Cobb Board of Education post boundaries after the first of the year, following Congressional and legislative reapportionment.
In Post 4 (Sprayberry and Kell clusters), three-term Republican incumbent David Chastain has said he is seeking re-election but hasn’t formally announced; the only announced Democrat is Kennesaw State University student Austin Heller (previous ECN story here).
Democrat Jaha Howard, a first-term board member from Post 2 (Campbell and Osborne clusters), recently announced his intent to run for state school superintendent.
Republicans hold a 4-3 majority on the school board. In 2020, three of the current GOP members won re-election to maintain that edge.
Davis and Howard have challenged their GOP colleagues on racial and equity initiatives and have questioned the Cobb school district’s COVID-19 protocols, often leading to contentious disputes at board meetings.
In 2019, the Republican majority passed a policy change to bar board members from making comments during public meetings, with Davis and Howard objecting, calling it censorship.
In late 2020, after the elections, the GOP members approved a policy change that allowed board members to add agenda items to public meetings only if a board majority approved.
At the October board meeting, and in a party-line vote, the Republicans approved a resolution condemning Antisemitism and racism that the Democrats said took them by surprise. Davis was absent from the meeting.
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Ghouls, goblins and football enthusiasts unite. A fang-tastic fall experience is brewing at Avenue East Cobb as the lifestyle center prepares to host its first-ever Boo Bash and Game Day viewing party on Saturday, October 30. The Halloween-themed community celebration, happening from 1 to 6:30 p.m. in partnership with East Cobb Church, will include spooky-fun festivities for boos of all ages.
Starting at 1 p.m., Avenue East Cobb will be activated with a monstrous trick-or-treating family adventure. Upon arrival, guests should check-in at the pop-up Concierge in the Central Boulevard to grab a stroll map highlighting treat stops. After gathering all the goodies, Boo Bash attendees are encouraged to meet back in the Central Boulevard at 2 p.m. for East Cobb Church’s Mega Awesome Costume Contest featuring silly challenges, music and dancing. The winner of the costume contest will receive an Avenue East Cobb Experience Basket of items from onsite retailers and restaurants. While exploring the center, revelers can indulge in complimentary face painting, balloon art and photo-worthy roaming entertainment.
A doggy costume contest will also be hosted from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by Gussied Up Pet Boutique, a new pop-up retailer opening at Avenue East Cobb on October 21. Created by Beth Simpson at the height of the pandemic, Gussied Up Pet Boutique offers a large collection of pet clothing and accessories; toys and bedding; and a wide range of gifts for animal lovers.
Inspired by her dog Gus and the massive increase in pet adoptions, Simpson launched her first short-term store at Avalon during its inaugural Holiday Market in 2020, an idea initially sparked by Simpson’s interest in opening at the Alpharetta mixed-use destination. The success of the shop’s debut led Simpson to extend her lease, participate in Avalon’s 2021 Spring Market and prospect other locations with North American Properties (NAP).
“NAP is unrivaled in creating community-driven environments where retailers and restaurants can thrive and forge authentic relationships with shoppers. After having such a positive experience with the team at Avalon, I knew this was a partnership I wanted to expand on,” said Simpson. “Pets are such an important part of our lives and I love building inviting spaces where owners feel welcomed to bring their furry friends in-store and treat them with exceptional products. We can’t wait to meet our neighbors in East Cobb and invite everyone to join us on October 24 for the grand opening celebration.”
The doggy costume contest will be held at Gussied Up Pet Boutique, located next to Bravura and Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa. One winner will be announced at 3 p.m. during the Mega Awesome Costume Contest and receive a special Gussied Up Pet Boutique dog basket. Regular shopping hours for the store will be 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Learn more about Gussied Up Pet Boutique online.
Following the Boo Bash, football fans are invited to show their team spirit as the Central Boulevard transforms into the ultimate outdoor tailgate zone ahead of the Georgia versus Florida rivalry showdown. The football viewing party kicks off at 3 p.m. and the game will be broadcasted on a giant LED screen.
All Boo Bash and Game Day activities will be located in the Central Boulevard between Kale Me Crazy and Banana Republic. Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar will also provide drinks for purchase at its pop-up bar in the Central Boulevard all afternoon long. Guests are encouraged to grab to-go food from Avenue East Cobb restaurants to dine on during the game.
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The Cobb County School District announced Thursday its graduation rates for the Class of 2021, and three high schools in East Cobb are near the top of the list.
Pope High School had a 97.2 percent graduation rate, second only to Harrison High School, which led the district at 97.7 percent (full table below).
Lassiter and Walton tied for third at 96.1 percent; they were among the six schools in the 16-high school district at or above 96 percent, according to a release.
Also in East Cobb, Kell’s graduation rate was 88.9 percent, Wheeler’s was 87.1 percent and Sprayberry’s was 86.3.
The Cobb school district average was 87.2 percent, ahead of the statewide average of 83.7 percent.
All of those figures are calculated by the U.S. Department of Education, which covers a four-year period, including students who are enrolled for a minimum of one day over that time.
Here’s how the Cobb school district is explaining what it calls a more accurate reflection of graduation rates, and as shown in the table below:
“The federally mandated method for calculating the 4-year graduation rate includes all students expected to graduate in 2021, including those enrolled for a single day. When examining the graduation rate for students enrolled for a minimum of two years in Cobb Schools, the graduation rate for the district is 92.3%. The graduation rate climbs to 94.6% for students enrolled for three years in Cobb. Cobb’s 16 traditional high schools all have graduation rates above 91% for students who attended all four years.”
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The following East Cobb food scores for the week of Oct. 18 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing for inspection details:
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