Proposed Cobb precinct changes would move away from schools

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The Cobb Board of Elections and Registration will consider a proposal next week to relocate nine voting precincts from schools for the 2020 elections, including three in East Cobb.

The precincts at Dickerson and Dodgen middle schools and Lockheed Elementary School are among those to be considered for relocation by the five-member board next Monday.

Under the proposal the Dickerson precinct would move to Lutheran Church of the Incarnation (1200 Indian Hills Parkway), and the Dodgen precinct would move to the Episcopal Church of St. Peter and St. Paul (1795 Johnson Ferry Road).

The Marietta 6A precinct at Lockheed would be moved to the Redeemed Christian Church of God-Heaven’s Gate Church (816 Pickens Industrial Drive).

Most of the other proposed precinct changes elsewhere in the county also involve moving from schools to churches or community centers.

Per Cobb Elections:

“Any objections must be filed in writing before the time of the hearing or presented orally during the hearing. If no objection is made, the Board will adopt this change at that time.”

Also on Tuesday’s elections board agenda is a proposal to divide the Bells Ferry 3 precinct in northeast Cobb and create Bells Ferry 4.

Here’s a proposed map of the two precincts; voters remaining in Bells Ferry 3 would continue to vote at Noonday Baptist Church (4120 Canton Road). Voters in the new Bells Ferry 4 precinct would vote at Shiloh Hills Baptist Church (75 Hawkins Store Road).

Two members of board of elections are appointed by the Cobb legislative delegation, and one each are chosen by the Cobb Democratic and Republican parties and the Cobb Commission Chairman.

The elections board meets Jan. 13 at 4 p.m. in the conference room at West Park Government Center, 736 Whitlock Ave., in Marietta.

Any precinct changes made by the elections board are subject to final approval by the Cobb Board of Commissioners next Tuesday, Jan. 14.

 

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Cobb school board Democrats decry vote for electing officers

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The Cobb Board of Education met for only 20 minutes Tuesday to elect officers for the 2020 calendar year, but most of it was taken up with the explosive charge by one member that the process for doing so isn’t above board.

Jaha Howard, Cobb school board member
Jaha Howard

“Something stinks,” second-year board member Jaha Howard said after the board’s Republican majority voted 4-2 for fellow party member Brad Wheeler to serve as chairman.

Another Republican, David Banks of East Cobb, was voted vice chairman in a similar fashion and by a similar vote.

Both votes were conducted without any board discussion at its annual organizational meeting.

Howard, who represents the Campbell and Osborne clusters in South Cobb, nominated his fellow Democrat, Charisse Davis, of the Walton and Wheeler clusters. But they were the only two votes for her in a series of votes strictly along party lines.

The board’s other Democrat, David Morgan, was not in attendance.

The four Republicans are all white males and the three Democrats are black. Davis is the only woman on the seven-member board.

Related stories

After the votes for Wheeler and Banks prevailed, Howard lashed out, saying “everything is behind closed doors” pertaining to board discussions about officers before the meeting, and that the activity in open session is “vote, hurry and go on.”

He said that in communicating with colleagues before the vote about nominating Davis—also starting her second year on the board—he was troubled to hear familiar concerns about her, including a lack of experience.

Charisse Davis, Cobb Board of Edcucation
Charisse Davis

“These reasons keep coming up,” Howard said.

“What is it? Is it gender bias? Is is racial bias? Is it a political party bias? . . . The public deserves to hear why you’re choosing somebody.”

Shortly after taking the gavel, Wheeler said that for each individual board member, “that’s their call” on how they vote.

“I’ve been in this situation before. It’s who the board majority has confidence in.”

In brief comments, Davis noted that while “the vote is the vote,” this is the fourth consecutive year that either Wheeler or David Chastain, last year’s chairman, has served as chairman.

Howard, who touched off controversy last year that resulted in the board voting to ban members’ public comments, said that “most efforts to have more conversations in the light of day seem to be frowned upon.”

Brad Wheeler, Cobb Board of Education
Brad Wheeler

Republican board member Randy Scamihorn said he’s not heard from Howard or Davis about their concerns. He said that his decisions on voting for officers are “personal” and that “I try to to make it for the betterment of the board and school district.”

Wheeler, last year’s board vice-chairman, pledged to work with all board members and said that “I think this position represents our best collectively.”

After the board meeting, Davis wrote on her Facebook page that “seemingly everyone who has expressed an interest in being chair over the years, except Mr. Morgan, has been chosen. This includes newly sworn-in members, women, non-educators, and even a Democrat that served some years ago.

“However, in a district comprised of 62.6% students of color, there has never been a person of color chosen as chair. It’ll happen.”

Wheeler, who represents the Harrison, Hillgrove and McEachern clusters, is one of four board members up for re-election in 2020, along with Banks (Pope and Lassiter), Scamihorn (Allatoona, Kennesaw Mountain and North Cobb) and Morgan (Pebblebrook and South Cobb).

The board also approved its 2020 meeting schedule, and changed those dates from the third Wednesday to the third Thursday of the month, with a few exceptions.

The first regular work session and business meeting for the school board take place on Jan. 16.

The rest of the 2020 school board meeting schedule can be found here.

 

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Tell us what you think—take the East Cobb News reader survey!

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Mabry Park Opening

At the start of a new year, we’d like to ask our readers what they think of what we post here on East Cobb News. We promise this short survey won’t take much of your time.

Just fill out the form at the link below, and feel free to add any additional thoughts about what you read at East Cobb News. What’s happening in East Cobb is why you come here, and we want to better serve your interests and understand what you value about this community resource.

Fill out the form

Unlike corporate-owned media, we answer above all to our readers, with the objective of meeting the news and information needs in our community. Your answers will help us tailor our product to make it really appeal to what’s important to you.

Don’t be bashful—tell us what we’re doing well, what we could do better or different. We appreciate your readership and look forward to delivering more community news and information that’s relevant to you as we continue in 2020.

I’m always accessible to field your questions, hear complaints and try to explain why we do what we do at East Cobb News. E-mail me: wendy@eastcobbnews.com.

There’s not a deadline for this; we’ll be collecting responses for most of the month of January, so please feel free to complete the survey as you can.

Thanks so much, and Happy New Year!

 

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Walton, Wheeler rep on Cobb school board seeks chair role

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The Cobb Board of Education meets Tuesday in its 2020 organizational meeting, at which it will select its chair and vice chair for the year.

Charisse Davis, Cobb Board of Edcucation
Charisse Davis

Charisse Davis of Post 6, which includes the Walton and Wheeler clusters, said she’s interested in becoming chair.

It’s a duty that includes running meetings and representing the board in an official capacity.

“I’ve expressed my interest to serve as chair, a role that many other board members have held, even in their first term,” Davis noted in her January newsletter.

The first-term Democrat, who lives in the Campbell cluster, was nominated for vice chair last year, shortly after taking office. But the board’s four-member Republican majority voted for two of its own members for the leadership roles after multiple votes.

The 2019 chairman was David Chastain, of the Kell and Sprayberry clusters, and the vice chair was Brad Wheeler of West Cobb. Per board rules, officers cannot serve in the same roles in consecutive years.

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The board had a 6-1 Republican majority until Davis and Jaha Howard of South Cobb joined in 2019.

During the year, they sparred with Republicans on issues including revisiting the school senior tax exemption and equity and diversity matters in the Cobb County School District. Votes to formally consider them were defeated in party-line votes, as was a proposal by Davis for formalize a process for communicating with the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

Regarding the senior tax exemption issue, Davis has said she wants to examine closing loopholes, not do away with the exemption altogether.

“Right now, the age-based tax exemption, which exempts anyone 62 and over who applies for it from paying school taxes in Cobb (regardless of your income or any other qualifier), amounts to $122.7 million,” Davis wrote in her October newsletter. “That represents 27% of our total residential property tax digest and Cobb’s age-based exemption has more of an impact on our school funding than any other metro district.”

The four GOP members also voted in August to bar board members from making comments at meetings after Howard had spoken out in that forum on non-school matters. Both he and Davis decried the ban as censorship.

Tuesday’s meeting starts at 1 p.m. in the board room at the CCSD Central Office, 514 Glover St., Marietta. Board members also will vote on meeting dates for 2020.

 

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New Lassiter gym grand opening before Walton basketball games

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Lassiter gym grand opening

When Lassiter meets Walton in a varsity basketball doubleheader Tuesday, the games will have more than East Cobb and regional rivalry implications.

The occasion will be the first for the homestanding Trojans in their new gym.

The $15.66 million building, located next to the football stadium, is finally ready to be unveiled.

The girls’ game tips off at 6 p.m., but a grand opening celebration will take place at 5:20 p.m. The varsity boys will play starting at 7:30 p.m.

The 3,000-seat Lassiter facility, which was built with Cobb Ed-SPLOST IV revenues, was originally estimated to cost $10.8 million.

But that was for specifications for seating for 2,500, and was revised to include more capacity and factor in annual construction inflation of six percent.

The building includes varsity locker rooms for the Lassiter girls and boys basketball teams and the Trojans volleyball team, as well as locker rooms for visiting teams and a practice facility for the Lassiter wrestling team.

The Lassiter gym is the second new gym to open for an East Cobb school in recent months.

The new Walton gym was broken in by the Raiders’ state championship volleyball team in the fall.

That’s part of a new $31.7 million project at Walton that includes main and auxiliary gymnasiums, a wrestling room, a weight room, locker rooms, a main theater, a black box theater and band, orchestra and choral suites.

On Jan. 24, Walton will play host to Lassiter in basketball in its new gym.

In January 2018, Pope christened a new $24 million gym-fine arts complex with a basketball doubleheader.

 

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East Cobb food scores: Asahi; Kouzina Christos; more

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Asahi, East Cobb food scores

The following East Cobb food scores from Dec. 23-Jan. 3 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing to view details of the inspection:

Asahi Japanese Steak & Sushi
2960 Shallowford Road, Suite C9-11
January 2, 2020 Score: 95, Grade: A

Dunkin Donuts
2022 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 100
December 27, 2019 Score: 91, Grade: A

Espresso & Smoothies Drive Thru
1350 Terrell Mill Road
December 27, 2019 Score: 92, Grade: A

Firehouse Subs
4648 Woodstock Road, Suite 250, Roswell
December 27, 2019 Score: 63, Grade: U

Jordan Lounge and Hookah Bar
2755 Canton Road
January 2, 2020 Score: 94, Grade: A

Judy’s Country Kitchen
2745 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 106
December 26, 2019 Score: 81, Grade: B

Kouzina Christos
1453 Terrell Mill Road, Suite 125
December 31, 2019 Score: 87, Grade: B

McDonald’s
3010 Canton Road
January 3, 2020 Score: 96, Grade: A

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East Cobb roads affected by flooding as rainy weather continues

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Willow Point Parkway, East Cobb roads flooding

On Friday morning Paper Mill Road was closed at Old Paper Mill for several hours after being affected by flooding following the heavy rains Thursday.

Cobb County government said Old Paper Mill Road was reopened to traffic around 10:30 a.m., as work crews on the scene cleared out debris pushed into the drainage system by the rain.

Another road with flooding issues is Willow Point Parkway, between Lower Roswell Road and Little Willeo Road (see map above).

If you know of any roads that are experiencing flooding, please let us know by e-mailing: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

The National Weather Service in Atlanta said a flood watch remains in effect for extreme northwest Georgia, but that continued rain Friday will continue to present flood hazards in most of north and central Georgia.

Cobb is included in its hazardous weather outlook through Friday afternoon and into Friday evening, when the rain is expected to taper off.

Friday’s highs are expected in the lower 60s, with an 80 percent chance of showers and patchy fog.

The chance of rain is 60 percent tonight, and down to 40 percent on Saturday, with highs in the mid 50s.

Temperatures are expected to be near freezing on Saturday night, with partly cloudy skies.

The sun will return on Sunday, with highs in the mid 50s, with lows Sunday night in the mid 30s.

More sun will greet the first full week of the new year on Monday, with highs also in the mid 50s, but rain is in the forecast on Tuesday.

 

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Census recruiters coming to Cobb tag offices next week

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East Cobb Government Center, Cobb Police Precinct 4

From Cobb County government:

The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people to assist with the upcoming April 2020 Census. Census recruiters will be on-site at the East, North and South Cobb County tag offices from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Monday, Jan 6 and Friday, Jan 10. Stop by to learn more and apply. Find office locations here: www.cobbtax.org/locations/MVLocations.

 

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Smith-Gilbert Gardens seeks volunteers for docent training

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Smith-Gilbert Gardens docent training

Submitted information and photo:

Smith-Gilbert Gardens seeks volunteers to join their Docent Training class of 2020, which begins in late January. Docents are the outgoing volunteers who lead interactive tours of the gardens for all types of groups and casual garden visitors. Beyond leading tours, docents also help with environmental education programs like Garden Stories, Butterfly Ambassadors, Scout programs, guided bird walks and more. Docents are the key link between Smith-Gilbert Gardens’ mission to be a resource for education, the physical collections at the gardens, and garden visitors.

No prior gardening experience is required – trainees will learn all they need to know. This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone who enjoys learning and teaching others. Due to the garden’s hours and popular tour booking times, some weekday morning availability is required.

Training begins Monday, January 27 from 9:30 to noon, at Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road, Kennesaw; and continues on each following Monday through March 2. Trainees will learn the history of the Hiram Butler House and surrounding property, the plant and sculpture collections at the gardens, and everything else they need to know to lead a fun, informative tour at Smith-Gilbert Gardens. Upon completion of training, new docents can start leading tours right away!

Anyone interested in joining the Docent Training class of 2020 should submit their New Volunteer Application online at https://smithgilbertgardens.com/support-us/volunteer/ , and will be required to submit to a background check and drug screen. For further information, please contact Kathy Post at (770) 919-0248, or email kpost@kennesaw-ga.gov.

Smith-Gilbert Gardens houses more than 4,000 species of plants on 17 acres in Kennesaw, GA. United by woodland paths, the gardens consist of separate groupings with individual elements of fascination. These include the Bonsai Exhibit, Paladino Camellia Garden, Crevice Garden, Rose Garden, and American Conifer Society Reference Garden. 

 

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East Cobb school board post draws another GOP candidate

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Another Republican challenger has emerged as a candidate for the Post 5 seat on the Cobb Board of Education.Shelley O'Malley, Cobb school board candidate

Shelley O’Malley, a Delta Air Lines pilot and U.S. Navy veteran, filed paperwork on Dec. 26 with the Georgia Government and Transparency and Campaign Finance Commission declaring her intent to accept campaign contributions.

She is seeking the seat currently held by third-term GOP incumbent David Banks. Post 5 includes the Pope and Lassiter attendance zones.

O’Malley has been involved as a parent in the Rocky Mount Elementary School, Simpson Middle School and Lassiter High School communities.

Banks has not formally declared whether he’s seeking re-election.

Matt Harper, an IT manager and former Murdock Elementary School teacher, has announced his candidacy as a Republican, as has attorney Rob Madayag, who’s been critical of how the Cobb County School District handles bullying issues.

O’Malley’s community service work includes serving as a vice president of the Cobb Veterans Memorial Foundation, which formed in 2015 to build a memorial to honor veterans in the county.

Her husband Brian is also a Navy veteran and they have three children: Shannon, a former swim captain at the University of Georgia, Lauren, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, and Luke, a freshman at Lassiter.

O’Malley is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, where she was the captain of the varsity basketball team and was president of the tennis club while earning a mechanical engineering degree.

She also has volunteered with the Stringrays Swim Team and is a church school co-teacher at Transfiguration Catholic Church.

 

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The Art Place, Sewell Mill winter art classes start soon

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The Art Place winter classes, Tween Improv
Registration is underway for winter art classes that start in January at The Art Place (3330 Sandy Plains Road) and the Sewell Mill Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road). Here’s a sampling of what’s going on at The Art Place:
New This Winter: Tween Improv ($120)
Begins January 11th from 12:30-2pm until February 29th

Students will exercise their sense of play through improv games and warm ups that are the foundation of improvisational comedy. Our teacher will work with these young improvisers to help enhance their ability to communicate with others and develop confidence in their own creativity while working as part of an ensemble. This class is a great way to enhance acting skills, boost confidence, and nail your next audition. Most importantly, this class will be tons of fun! Graduation show in the Black Box theater Saturday, February 29th at 2pm. Course Code #12405

Start Paint 101 with Karl ($136)
Begins January 15th from 7pm-9pm until March 4th

This beginners class offers an introduction to painting and its basic elements. Through demos, direct experience and observation, students will learn the art of mixing paints, using a variety of painting tools and creating satisfying compositions while solving color problems that stump new painters. The last few weeks will be spent applying techniques discussed and demoed during class to reinforce understanding and execution of knowledge. Supply List online at www.artplacemarietta.org .Course Code: 11934

Knitting With Coleen ($124)
Begins January 15th from 2pm-4pm until March 4th
Whether you’re a beginner starting from scratch or a knitter who wants to revisit knitting basics, this class is for you. We will discuss and practice knitting basics as needed and continue on with intermediate and Advanced techniques and stitches the class progresses. Class time includes New Skill, time to discuss problems and concerns, and individual help as needed. Supply list for beginners online. Experienced knitters, bring your projects to class! Course Code 11617

Many more classes are available – please check out our full listing by following this link: https://www.artplacemarietta.org/winter2020adultclasses.

 

At Sewell Mill, winter classes for youths, teens and adults include clay, painting, dance, photgraphy, music, glass mosaic, needle felting with wool, public speaking and more.

For information and to register, click here. More details also are available by going to the front desk at the library during regular opening hours.

 

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Georgia Ensemble Theatre season begins with ‘She Rocks’

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Submitted information and graphic:Tara Vaughn's She Rocks

Georgia Ensemble Theatre (GET), the professional North Fulton theatre company, kicks off the new year with SHE ROCKS: Tara Vaughan’s The Women of Rock. This concert experience will run January 2nd – 19th, 2020, Wednesdays through Sundays, at the company’s home in the Roswell Cultural Arts Center. Back in 2016, GET brought in the hugely popular Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience, which is the same band that will back up Tara Vaughan for this phenomenal show. Northside Hospital, long-time partner of GET and supporter of the community, will sponsor the production.

About the Show:

Tara Vaughan is a bona fide superstar. Her soulful vocals and piano techniques are reminiscent of a bygone era, but still have a unique and modern sensibility. In her vocal style, you can hear echoes and influence of legends like Patsy Cline and Sam Cooke. Her abilities on the piano are strongly influenced by rock icons like Carole King and Elton John.

SHE ROCKS celebrates women artists and songwriters of the 1960s – 1980s, woven together with songs and stories. Backed by an all-star band, Tara performs music from artists like Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Aretha Franklin, Blondie, Heart, and many more. In this unique review, Tara Vaughan masterfully presents an evening of classic rock and roll with the focus on female artists and songwriters.

Ticket prices for SHE ROCKS: Tara Vaughan’s The Women of Rock, start at $33. Book early for best prices. Tickets are on sale now at www.get.org, or by calling the Box Office at 770-641-1260.

 

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Gas prices rise in Georgia for the 2020 New Year

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Georgia gas prices New Year

Submitted information:

Georgia gas prices increased slightly at the start of the work week. Georgia motorists are now paying an average price of $2.42 per gallon for regular unleaded gasoline. Monday’s state average is 4 cents more than a week ago, 3 cents less than last month, and 33 cents more than this time last year.

It now costs $36.30 to fill a 15-gallon tank of gasoline. That is $6.30 less than what motorists paid in May of 2018, when pump prices hit their peak of $2.84 per gallon.

“AAA forecasts that 104 million Americans will travel by car – the most on record – for a year-end holiday,” said Montrae Waiters, spokeswoman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. “The substantial number of motorists has caused some state averages to increase heading into the holiday week, but these jumps aren’t big and won’t last long or linger past the holiday season.”

National Average

Today’s national average is $2.57, which is 3 cents more than last week, and 1 cent less than a month ago. While the national gas price average increased marginally, it is noticeably less expensive as compared to last year’s holidays – by nearly 21 cents. This is a welcome relief for motorist hitting the road for end of year travel.

Regional Prices

  • Most expensive Georgia metro markets – Savannah ($2.48), Brunswick ($2.47), and Atlanta-Hinesville-Fort Stewart ($2.43).
  • Least expensive Georgia metro markets – Catoosa-Dade-Walker ($2.35), Rome ($2.36), and Augusta-Aiken ($2.38).

For more Georgia gas prices, click here.

 

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East Cobb News readers favorite stories for 2019, and some photos

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East Cobber parade
A juggler from Timber Ridge Elementary School during the East Cobber parade in September.

Last week we rolled out our list of top stories in East Cobb for 2019, based on a mix of news value, what readers liked and impact on the community.

On the very last day of the year, we’re going to link what readers liked the most, and some of those stories are the same.

We’ve also compiled some photos that captured special events or just everyday life in East Cobb during the past year.

We hope you enjoy this retrospective, and we thank you for your readership. Unless there’s major breaking news, we’ll be posting again when it’s 2020.

Happy New Year East Cobb!

Readers’ top stories

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As Isakson retires, U.S. Senate colleagues pay tribute

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Video and text submitted by the office of U.S. Sen. Johnny Isakson:

In his 45-year public service career spanning from the Georgia general assembly to the U.S. Senate, U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., has made a lasting impact on countless areas of public policy. As he prepares to leave the Senate on Dec. 31, much of Isakson’s Senate legacy is highlighted in a video released today focusing on his impact on veterans, federal and state business policy, foreign policy and global leadership, education, and health care and how he has served more effectively by living his compassionate, bridge-building conservative values daily.

Isakson holds the distinction of being the only Georgian ever to have been elected to the state House, state Senate, U.S. House and U.S. Senate. In addition, in 2016 he became the first Georgia Republican ever to be elected to a third term in the U.S. Senate.

“Every day since I was first sworn in to the U.S. Senate on Jan. 4, 2005, it has been a privilege to serve Georgia in this role. I’ve done my very best to make sure Georgians’ best interests are reflected in my votes and policy work,” said Isakson. “Traveling our beautiful state and working with Georgians from Rabun Gap to Tybee Light to represent commonsense, conservative values and deliver meaningful results has been a joy, regardless of the political climate or season.

“I thank Georgians who have trusted me and the colleagues who have worked with me from the bottom of my heart. I thank my wife Dianne, and my family, my staff and many friends for their support. Without them, none of this would have been possible.

“I also thank our service members, veterans and their families for protecting the United States. It has been an honor to pay my gratitude through policy and constituent service work, which I hope has improved their lives.

“I look forward to remaining as active as possible in Georgia after my retirement from the U.S. Senate on Dec. 31.”

Veterans

Isakson, a veteran himself, served in the Georgia Air National Guard from 1966-1972. Isakson has been a member of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs since he joined the Senate in 2005.

Isakson became chairman of the Senate VA Committee in January 2015. From 2015 to 2019, under Isakson’s leadership, the Senate passed 63 pieces of legislation, and 57 of which have become law. These include significant reforms to improve accountability at the VA, expand VA education benefits, modernize the process for veterans’ appeals of benefit determinations, and overhaul the VA’s community care programs.

For a full list of Isakson’s accomplishments for veterans, click here.

Businessman

Applying the lessons learned throughout his 33-year real estate career, Isakson has aided Georgia communities during his 45 years in public service through planned development and by protecting Georgia’s transportation, energy and water interests, as well as job creators and employees.

For a full list of Isakson’s business-related accomplishments, click here.

Values

Isakson has earned a reputation as a compassionate, honest and bridge-building public servant throughout his long political career. Isakson’s faith has guided his entire life. He taught sixth-grade Sunday school at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Marietta, Georgia, for more than 30 years. Isakson has been a regular attendee at the weekly Senate prayer breakfast with Senate Chaplain Barry Black and served as co-chair of the National Prayer Breakfast in 2010.

For additional information about Isakson’s lifetime commitment to his values, click here.

Global Leadership and Foreign Policy

Isakson, who previously served as the top Republican on the Senate Subcommittee on African Affairs, has been a long-term member of the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition recently honored Isakson with its Lifetime Achievement Award for his longstanding commitment to advocating for a strong U.S. foreign policy and strengthening America’s development and diplomacy tools across the globe.

For a full list of Isakson’s foreign policy-related accomplishments, click here.

Education

Isakson has served as chairman of the Georgia Board of Education and on the education committees in the Georgia general assembly and in Congress. He has helped write some of the most significant federal education policies in recent history and has always focused on bettering the lives of future generations through quality education.

Once in Congress, Isakson brought his experience to the U.S. House education committee, where he took part in writing the No Child Left Behind Act – comprehensive education reform enacted in 2002 to strengthen America’s public schools. In the Senate, Isakson became a member of the Senate education committee, and more a decade after No Child Left Behind was enacted, Isakson played a key role in the rewrite of the law to bring about much-needed updates to the country’s education policies.

For a full list of Isakson’s education-related accomplishments, click here.

Health Care

Isakson has sought common ground to improve the health of Americans and people throughout the world. Isakson’s efforts come amid his own challenges with Parkinson’s disease – a diagnosis that has not slowed down his commitment to helping others.

Isakson serves on two committees with jurisdiction over Americans’ health care: the Senate Finance Committee and the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions. During his Senate career, Isakson has worked tirelessly on bipartisan legislation to improve health care for veterans and for seniors with chronic conditions, fund research for rare diseases and combat the opioid epidemic – all while fighting his own battle with Parkinson’s disease.

For a full list of Isakson’s health care-related accomplishments, click here.

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Life Grocery and Cafe holding going out of business sale

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Life Grocery Cafe going out of business

After more than 40 years in business, Life Grocery and Cafe will be closing shortly after the first of the year.

The organic foods store, located at 1453 Roswell Road in the New London Shopping Center, announced on Dec. 26 that it would be closing in January because of “declining sales due to increased competition and increasing costs” and not being able to make improvements at its facility. The following also was on the store’s Facebook page:

“Additionally, our primary distributor has been unable to consistently provide us with quality products that our customers deserve, as they prioritize fulfilling orders for the bigger stores. It has become clear that with these dynamics, along with changing market conditions and shopping culture, we cannot continue to operate our business profitably.”

The store has begun a going out of business sale that continues all through this week, with a 10 percent discount for all customers and 15 percent for store members. The hours this week are as follows.

  • Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10-6;
  • Tuesday 10-5;
  • Wednesday closed;
  • Sunday 12-4.

All sales are final and no checks will be accepted. Life Grocery and Cafe was founded by Life Chiropractic College students in 1976 seeking healthy eating alternatives, long before Whole Foods and other supermarkets began offering organic products.

On Sunday night, Life ownership followed up with this message:

“The kind comments on social media and in the store have been heart-warming. We have received so many stories of how we have impacted lives and even saved lives through the years. One of our sweet customers suggested that we video customers in the store with their stories. We love the idea, but the tears that go with that are just too much to bear. We have already gone through enough boxes of tissues! If you feel so inclined, we’d love you send us a video or audio clip to lifegroceryandcafe@gmail.com and let us know what Life has meant to you.”

The store was able to end its lease two years early and also is selling equipment and fixtures. For inquiries call Ronnie Hudson at 770-977-9583 ext. 124 or email lifegroceryandcafe@gmail.com.

 

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The Battery Atlanta to hold 3rd annual New Year’s Eve bash

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Submitted information:The Battery Atlanta New Year's Eve

The Battery Atlanta will celebrate the New Year in style with our third annual New Year’s Eve Bash presented by Xfinity. Braves in-game host & Star 94.1 Atlanta on-air celebrity Mark Owens will emcee the entire evening of free programming.

The early innings, for those wishing to ring in the New Year early, will start at 6 p.m. in the Plaza. The Heavy Hitters and BLOOPER will be on hand as well as David Garibaldi, a performance painter who transforms blank canvas in minutes to music. At 8 p.m., balloon baseballs will drop in celebration of the New Year.

The late innings festivities start at 9 p.m., with the 12 South Band and David Garibaldi providing the entertainment from the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage. The midnight countdown will include pyrotechnics and 2020 will begin with a confetti and aerial fireworks display.

Frequently Asked Questions:
Q. Where can I get tickets / How much are tickets?
A. No tickets required, this is a FREE event.

Q. Can kids attend Late Innings?
A. Absolutely! All events throughout the evening are family friendly.

Q. Is Parking Free?
A. Parking in the public decks (Red, Green, Purple) is free for the event.

Q. What is included?
A. All entertainment listed is free for the public. Food & Beverage is available for purchase at any of our restaurants, and mobile beverage carts will be in the Plaza area.

Q. Where is this taking place?/Where is the Plaza?
A. All of the entertainment will take place in the Plaza, which is the open area in front of SunTrust Park by the Omni/Comcast Building.

 

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Cobb fireworks reminder for New Year’s Eve

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Submitted information from Cobb County government:Cobb fireworks New Year's Eve

Cobb County ordinance bans use of fireworks from 9 p.m. to 10 a.m., with several exceptions per Georgia law. The exceptions are January 1, the last Saturday and Sunday in May, July 3, July 4, the first Monday in September, and December 31 of each year. On these dates, consumer fireworks may be discharged until midnight, except on New Year’s Eve, when they may be discharged after midnight until 1 a.m. And always be considerate of your and your neighbors’ pets. Most are not fond of fireworks.

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Top East Cobb stories for 2019: Cityhood proposal unveiled, then stalls

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East Cobb city forum
Mindy Seger of the anti-city group East Cobb Alliance debates David Birdwell of the Committee for Cityhood in East Cobb in November. (ECN photo by Wendy Parker)

After finally going public with their plans in early 2019, leaders of the East Cobb cityhood initiative announced in December they would not be pursuing legislation in 2020 that would call for a referendum.

The Committee for Cityhood in East Cobb, Inc. held or appeared at a few town hall meetings in the spring, but then didn’t come back to the public for several months, after a cityhood bill had been introduced in the Georgia legislature and as opposition grew to include a grassroots citizens’ organization.

Even after a group of financial experts reaffirmed the financial viability of the proposed city (with one dissenting view), the cityhood group faced hostile response from opponents who suspected developers’ interests behind the push.

They also contended that tax rates would go up with a new city that would add an unwanted extra layer of government.

That was certainly the sentiment at a town hall meeting at Wheeler High School in November, and at a debate the following day before the East Cobb Business Association.

East Cobb News Cityhood Coverage

By then, other local elected officials, including those serving on the Cobb Board of Commissioners and legislators, said they hadn’t been kept up to date by cityhood leaders, including seeing a revised map of the proposed city.

It was only after the cityhood legislative effort was delayed to 2021 that the cityhood group acknowledged that only an outline of a new map had been produced, and not any revised details.

In explaining the decision to hold off on legislation in the new year, cityhood leader David Birdwell said that “we want to take the time to do this right” and that better efforts to communicate and engage with the community are needed.

“We live in a special place and we’re all passionate about doing the right things for our neighborhoods. Many members of this committee—and all of the members of the Independent Finance Group—started out as skeptics of cityhood. For all of us, an objective look at the facts led to only one conclusion: Cityhood would result in an overwhelming net positive for the people of East Cobb.”

The anti-cityhood East Cobb Alliance said it will continue to maintain opposition and considers the legislation sponsored by State Rep. Matt Dollar of East Cobb active when the General Assembly session begins in January.

After debating Birdwell at the ECBA event, Alliance leader Mindy Seger acknowledged that “there’s kind of been a political awakening” in East Cobb over the cityhood issue.

“It’s gotten people engaged,” Seger said, “and that’s a good thing.”

 

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

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Mountain View Regional Library

Submitted information:

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

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

The countdown events will include:

  • Gritters Library, 880 Shaw Park Road, Marietta, 30066, starts at 11:15 a.m. 770-528-2524.
  • Lewis A. Ray Library, 4500 Oakdale Road, Smyrna 30080. (770) 801-5335
  • Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 30066. 770-509-2725
  • West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Lane, Kennesaw 30152. 770-528-4699
  • Vinings Library, 4290 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta 30339. 770-801-5330

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

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

 

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