ACAP Cobb & Cherokee will offer its free monthly educational program on Thursday, December 19, 2024. The program is in person at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Kapperman-Williams Hall, 2881 Canton Road, Marietta, GA. The program begins at 6:30 p.m.
This month’s topic is the “Funding Sources as Loved Ones Need More Care.” Navigate the cost of medical and long-term care with confidence. Our program explores funding options like private savings, insurance, government programs, VA benefits, and reverse mortgages. Learn to identify financial resources and consult trusted professionals, ensuring your loved ones receive the care they need without undue stress.
The program will be presented by Ritika Kapoor, Chief Operating Officer of Elderlife Financial Services.
ACAP Cobb & Cherokee is a chapter of ACAPcommunity.org, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization established in 2012. ACAP Cobb & Cherokee meets on the third Thursday of each month at Covenant Presbyterian Church, Kapperman-Williams Hall, 2881 Canton Road, Marietta, GA.
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Nearly 3,400 graduates will receive their degrees during Kennesaw State University’s Fall 2024 Commencement ceremonies Dec. 10-13.
KSU undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students will be recognized during eight Commencement ceremonies at the Convocation Center on the Kennesaw Campus. The Fall 2024 graduates represent 120 majors and hail from 37 states in the U.S.
Kennesaw State’s Fall 2024 graduating class also includes: • 507 first-generation college graduates • 34 military veterans • Graduates ranging in age from 18 to 72 • 966 students graduating with the honor of cum laude, magna cum laude or summa cum laude
Commencement schedule Tuesday, Dec. 10 10 a.m. – College of Computing and Software Engineering (undergraduate students); Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences (psychology undergraduate students) 3 p.m. – Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences (undergraduate and graduate students)
Wednesday, Dec. 11 10 a.m. – Bagwell College of Education; College of Science and Mathematics 3 p.m. – Wellstar College of Health and Human Services
Thursday, Dec. 12 10 a.m. – Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology; College of the Arts3 p.m. – College of Computing and Software Engineering (graduate students); College of Architecture and Construction Management
Friday, Dec. 13 10 a.m. – Coles College of Business (graduate students, management and marketing undergraduates) 3 p.m. – Coles College of Business (undergraduate students in all other majors) For more information about the graduation ceremonies, visit the Commencement website.
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LiveSafe Resources is proud to present the honorees for the 40th Anniversary Tribute to Women of Achievement. Each year, the organization honors fifteen women leaders, nominated by their peers, who demonstrate outstanding leadership in their personal, professional, and volunteer endeavors. These fifteen outstanding women from the metro Atlanta area were recently chosen through a competitive application process, and one of them will also be named “2025 Woman of the Year” at the Tribute to Achievement awards gala on March 21, 2025.
The women to be honored this year join a prestigious group of more than 600 honorees over the past 39 years known as the Academy of Women Leaders, who have been recognized for their contributions in their professions and the community. The 2025 honorees include:
Angela Blank, Community Advocate & Volunteer
Edith Boy, Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
Charisse Braxton, Sr. Director Clinical Operations, Kaiser Permanente of Georgia
Sandra Butler, CEO and Founder, Advanced Skin Care
Kimberly Carroll, Deputy Court Administrator, Cobb County Superior Court Administration
Cassy Ferrell, Senior Vice President, Treasury Operations, Georgia’s Own Credit Union
Judy Fitzgerald, Executive Director, Voices for Georgia’s Children
Kate Gaffney, Director of Pro Bono, Atlanta Legal Aid Society
Rachel Harmon, Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science, Oxford College of Emory University
Jessica Lee, Director of Ticket Operations, Atlanta Braves & Truist Park
Freda Lyon, Vice President of Emergency Services, Wellstar Health System
Betsy Madrerohon, Vice President, Commercial Banker, Capital City Bank
Ashley Palmer, Judge, State Court of Cobb County
Jennifer Stanley, Physician Liaison, Northside Hospital
Heather Walker, Chief Deputy, Cobb County Tax Commissioner’s Office
The 2025 Tribute to Women of Achievement gala will take place at the Atlanta Marriott Northwest at Galleria Friday, March 21 at 6:00 pm. Individual tickets and corporate tables are available for purchase. The evening will feature a social reception, dinner program, silent and live auction, and an after party.
The gala will honor the 2025 Women of Achievement and highlight the work of LiveSafe Resources to serve victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in our community. Additionally, the evening will honor the recipient of the Pat Head Dignity Award, honoring a member of public safety who exemplifies the standard of “doing the right thing” when serving victims of domestic violence or sexual assault, and the Kim Gresh Survivor’s Award, given to a survivor of domestic violence or sexual assault whose unique story inspires others and reflects the mission of LiveSafe Resources.
“We are thrilled to honor these distinguished women who lead and serve the community at the 40th Annual Tribute to Achievement. Through community partnership and support, LiveSafe Resources is able to provide survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault the safety and support needed in order to rebuild their lives,” stated Lisa Mello, CEO of LiveSafe Resources. “Together we are creating generational change in our community, and we cannot do it without leaders like these amazing honorees.”
LiveSafe Resources thanks its event sponsors for their ongoing commitment to supporting victims impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault and invites the community at large to join this mission through a tax-deductible donation or by attending the gala on March 21, 2025
About LiveSafe Resources LiveSafe Resources is dedicated to building a community free from domestic violence and sexual assault where we all live safely. For questions about the Tribute to Achievement gala or Woman of the Year award, contact Megan Cannady at development@livesaferesources.org. For details on LiveSafe Resources’ programs and services for victims, or how to be part of the solution, visit www.livesaferesources.org. For the 24-hour crisis line, call 770-427-3390.
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Grace Resurrection Methodist Church is thrilled to announce its upcoming Christmas Concert, “Angels Visit When We Sing!” This joyful celebration of the season will take place during worship on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 11 a.m., in the beautifully decorated sanctuary of the church.
The concert will feature festive performances by the church’s talented music ministry, including the chancel choir and musicians, with opportunities for the congregation to join in the singing and embrace the true spirit of Christmas. The concert is family-friendly, and free.
In addition to celebrating the holiday season, this concert provides a great opportunity to meet Grace Resurrection’s new Senior Pastor, Rev. James Williams and his wife, Natalie. Known for his dynamic leadership and deep commitment to the community, Rev. Williams brings fresh vision and passion to this young East Cobb church. The congregation is excited for this new chapter under his guidance and invites everyone to be part of this special service and to get to know our new pastor.
Attendees are encouraged to dress in festive Christmas attire and come ready to worship and sing. We look forward to gathering together for this unforgettable morning of celebration.
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Get ready for a delightful start to the holiday season as the Apple Annie Arts & Crafts Show returns to St. Ann’s Catholic Church (4905 Roswell Road) on December 6 from 9 am – 6 pm and December 7 from 9 am – 2 pm, 2024. This beloved community event promises to bring an array of unique, handmade items and festive spirit to make your Christmas season bright!
Nearly 100 local artisans selling their exceptional handmade creations – find that perfect gift!
All indoors on one level across the St. Ann’s campus
$5 admission for ages 13 and up benefits local charities
Free shuttle from offsite parking (Episcopal Church of St. Peter & St. Paul at 1795 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta) so you don’t have to mess with the crowded parking lot
Don’t miss the Café, Bake Sale, Artisan Gift raffle, Handmade quilt raffle, and live music in a festive atmosphere
Free package check for large items
No strollers allowed
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to support local artisans and start your holiday season with joy and creativity. For more information, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/appleanniecraftshow.
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If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!
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Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
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All Cobb County Public Library locations will be closed on Friday, Dec. 6, for an annual in-service staff training day. The libraries will reopen for regular business hours on Saturday, Dec. 7.
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Since a team of experienced business leaders officially launched Cobb County Business Bootcamp (CCBB) in March, nearly 150 small businesses joined the new organization focused on helping Cobb-based minority-owned small business owners.
CCBB exists to support these owners at all stages of their enterprise, from evolving their idea to securing launch funds, from solving complex questions of marketing, sales, operations or finance to determining when to expand or sell.
“I recommended The CCBB to a few fellow business owners and encouraged them to join,” said Jodi Holtz, founder of Cobb-based Happy Helper Organizing. “Their team is really helpful, and the website tips and roundtables were beneficial.”
Courses around people management (i.e., hiring, onboarding, development and training), leadership and a course titled “Is entrepreneurship for you?” are for small business owners. The experienced CCBB team provides free tools, knowledge and Done With You consulting services providing support to write a successful business story. They also offer weekly webinars on topics such as financial literacy, marketing tips and website reviews.
“We assembled a range of seasoned experts, each with a proven record, who created an A-to-Z business program with DIY online courses, live workshops, peer-to-peer roundtables and done-with-you consulting services,” said CCBB President Brian Kramer. “Our commitment is to provide minority small business owners much needed support to not only survive but also thrive and grow.”
The brainchild of Kramer and a small group of longtime business collaborators, CCBB’s growing community is free, available thanks to a federal grant established in 2022. Kramer’s team secured funding through a competitive national request for proposal process, with resources now available to sustain CCBB for several years. The team used the second half of 2023 to prepare initial content, with a soft launch taking place in March 2024.
With original, team-assembled content informed by the Cobb County business landscape, CCBB offers six multi-course pathways with focus on sales, marketing, operations, finance/legal, human resources and entrepreneurial evolution.
In addition to the educational pathways, CCBB also provides a mix of live or in-person member events as well as an online community platform for collaboration. The CCBB team also helps members connect with qualified and vetted subject matter experts with a history of support for small businesses.
“We want any minority small business owner in Cobb County to know we’re open, our services are free, and we are eager to help them succeed,” said Kramer. “One of our key differentiators is that CCBB is set up to help many types of businesses, from mom-and-pop startups in a home office or kitchen to retail businesses or franchises across the community.”
Cobb County Business Bootcamp is a community of established business owners helping fellow business owners to find success. Since officially opening, CCBB accepted 139 business owners as member participants. The detailed application process, open to business owners 21 and older, is available online via TheCCBB.com/apply.
“It’s a team of embedded mentors providing the opportunity to grow business, develop relationships and find fellowship,” said Evan Summers, founder of Now Schmear This. “I’m looking forward to The CCBB’s launch of Done With You services providing a side-by-side mentor who will help with growth for my business and for me professionally.”
For convenience, the CCBB website includes six language options—English, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Mandarin and Hindi—tailored to serve Cobb County’s diverse array of small businesses.
“One of the biggest challenges faced by minority small business owners is simply deciding when and how to tackle the challenges they face,” said Laurie Genevish, CCBB Director of Development and Delivery. “Our evolving curriculum is designed to give everyone a place to start and to see things through to a solution with expert input, listening and exploring all the facets of the business opportunity.”
With offices based in a shared workspace at Roam Galleria Parkway at 3101 Cobb Pkwy. SE in northwest Atlanta, the CCBB team aspires and is on track to achieve engagement with over 200 members by the end of 2024.
“The CCBB’s services resonate with me on many levels, as the organization is both local and easily accessible within the community,” said Robert Joseph, Ph.D., co-founder of Team MindShift. “Their topics align perfectly with what I need as an entrepreneur, and the opportunity to network with others adds tremendous value.”
CCBB encourages diverse applicants including all races, LGBTQ, veteran and/or women-owned businesses.
“A community of like-minded and supportive people is so very important. It’s the being AND the doing,” said Kristen Santos, a certified professional coach and licensed occupational therapist who founded Kristen Coached Me. “Being in a community helps me become the entrepreneur I desire so I can do good work!”
Cobb County Business Bootcamp is a community of established business owners helping fellow business owners to find success. Launched in 2024 with a federally funded grant, the Cobb County Business Bootcamp is a program created for minority-owned small business owners and those dreaming of starting their own businesses in Cobb County, Ga. The program offers education, community and practical suggestions to launch and expand sustainable businesses. For more information or to apply, visit www.TheCCBB.com and follow @theCCBB on Instagram.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
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The event takes place from 5-8 p.m. and is free to the public.
There will be live music from local school children and a DJ, refreshments for purchase (benefitting the Friends volunteer group) and a visit from Santa Claus at sunse before the tree lighting.
All festivities take place in the back quad, around the concert stage, and include family photos with Santa.
The Friends group presents free community programming at the park, including spring and fall concerts, as well as Holiday Lights, and also sponsors a Garden Club that’s undertaking beautification projects.
Holiday Lights is also sponsored by Wellstar Health System.
Send us your holiday event news!
If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!
This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.
Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
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The sale continues daily through Dec. 14 in the portion of the parking lot at Highland Plaza Shopping Center (3605 Sandy Plains Road) along Gordy Parkway.
Send us your holiday event news!
If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!
This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.
Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.
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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
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Get ready to kick off the holiday season with joy and excitement! The Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team invites families to join us for our highly anticipated Sweets with Santa 2024 event. It’s a day full of festive fun, delicious treats, and magical memories for all ages.
On Saturday, December 14, 2024, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, come to 2249 Roswell Rd for an unforgettable day of holiday cheer! Guests will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, indulge in scrumptious sweet treats, and enjoy a ride on a trackless train. This event is the perfect opportunity for families to get into the holiday spirit and create lasting memories together.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Line closes at 4:00 PM)
Location: 2249 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA
Activities: Sweet treats, trackless train ride, free digital photos & printed photos with Santa
This festive event is free and open to the public, but we encourage everyone to RSVP to ensure they don’t miss out on all the fun. Secure your spot and save time by registering through Eventbrite. Go to https://janiceoverbeck.com/events/ and click “Register Here!”
“We are so excited to welcome families to our annual Sweets with Santa event,” says Janice Overbeck, founder of the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team. “It’s the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit, enjoy sweet treats, and create magical memories with Santa!”
Don’t miss out on this holiday tradition! Be sure to mark your calendars and come join us for a day filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of holiday cheer.
We can’t wait to see you there!
For more information about the event or to RSVP, visit https://janiceoverbeck.com/events/ or contact the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team at 404-585-8881.
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If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!
This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.
Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
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Kennesaw State University’s Bailey School of Music will present the 2024 Holiday Concert on Sat., Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. The annual concert features almost 280 KSU students performing as part of the Choirs, Wind Ensemble, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz I.
This year’s offerings will delight and surprise patrons as they are treated to a wide range of holiday music, from Duke Ellington and Tchaikovsky to a Brazilian folk song and an African American spiritual. New this year is the inclusion of Jazz I, bringing their unique sound to the holiday mix.
The Wind Ensemble begins the family-friendly concert with Kenny Bierschenk’s A Festival Christmas. Resplendent sounds of the season burst through in this familiar and joyful medley of holiday tunes, including Come, O Come, Emmanuel, The First Noel, and Hark the Herald Angels Sing.
John Wasson’s In the Christmas Mood takes holiday favorites and mixes them with the swing classic In the Mood. The result is the Wind Ensemble performing a medley giftwrapped for the audience, including Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer, Frosty The Snowman, and Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.
In 1960, jazz buffs might have found Duke Ellington’s record The Nutcracker Suite under the Christmas tree. The Jazz Band I will perform The Nutcracker Suite – Overture from the album featuring jazz interpretations of The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky, arranged by Ellington and Billy Strayhorn.
The Chamber Singers will perform the Brazilian folk song A Nossa Lapinha. This rousing arrangement is based on a celebration that ends Christmas and takes place on Three Kings Day. Participants write their hopes for the new year on slips of paper and put them into the Lapinha, a nativity scene. Made of dried leaves and incense, the Lapinha is then burned, in the belief that nativity items are holy and should not be reused. Some believe that not burning the items brings bad luck in the new year.
Fast forward a few millennia to Cool Yule by the Jazz Band I, which is a delight for the band to play and for the audience to hear. This jovial jaunt on television personality Steve Allen’s tribute to the holiday season, courtesy of Sherman Irby, bears a resemblance to the classic style of the Count Basie Orchestra.
The Combined Trebles will thrill patrons as they exchange alleluias in the African American spiritual A Christmas Alleluia, arranged by Undine Smith Moore. This spiritual was originally written for the Spelman College Glee Club in 1971.
Not to be outdone, the Mixed Choirs will perform Abreme la Puerta, arranged by Cristian Grases. This traditional folk song from Puerto Rico is usually sung at Christmastime. Singers knock on the door of a neighbor or friend’s house and ask them to “open the door!” so they may come in and celebrate Christmas together.
In a delightful way to end this year’s Holiday Concert, the Combined Choirs and Symphony Orchestra will perform A Musicological Journey Through the Twelve Days of Christmas by Craig Courtney. It starts with a chant, and each successive day finds a different (and hilarious) parody. Expect incognito appearances by musical greats, ending with a pseudo-Sousa Stars and Stripes Forever.
The 2024 Holiday Concert will be held on Sat., Dec. 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the Morgan Concert Hall in the Dr. Bobbie Bailey and Family Performance Center. Tickets are available online or by calling 470-578-6650. Please purchase tickets early, as this event will sell out quickly.
Send us your holiday event news!
If your organization or entity is holding such an event that’s open to the public, please send East Cobb News your information and we’ll be glad to post it!
This can include festivals, pumpkin patches, Thanksgiving activities, holiday concerts, Christmas tree and Menorah lightings, New Year’s celebrations and fundraisers.
Pass along your details to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.
Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.
We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file. Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.
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Last week Cobb County Government released information about the first of three installments of a Unified Development Code.
The UDC incorporates zoning, planning and land-use with design, landscaping, architectural and other guidelines into a single comprehensive planning guide.
In metro Atlanta, the cities of Atlanta and Roswell have implemented UDCs, as has DeKalb County.
It’s been more than two years since Cobb officials began presentations to bring various regulations into one process under the UDC, but little has been presented to the public since then.
Some citizens have objected, calling the UDC “a war on the suburbs.” No public meetings are pending regarding the most recent updates.
The new material includes a 97-page public draft of the UDC (you can read it here) that includes general provisions, transitional provisions, definitions, terms of construction and related topics. Related documents can be found by clicking here.
The primary updates for the first installment cover administrative articles that establish procedures for the review of all development applications, including applications for rezoning, special land-use permits, for subdivisions and for zoning variances.
According to a draft public review questionnaire, This article consolidates the decision-making bodies and review procedures from the current Zoning Ordinance into a single chapter. This is done in in order to better improve the usability and readability of the County’s land development regulations, as discussed in the [November 2023] Code Assessment.”
The questionnaire further states that “the way development applications are reviewed and decisions are made is not changing significantly.”
Among the changes is an additional step in the development process that requires zoning and land-use permit applicants to hold a community meeting before their case is reviewed by county staff.
“The goal of the Neighborhood Meeting is to provide an opportunity for applicants and nearby residents to discuss a project at an early stage,” questionnaire states.
Also new is an administrative variance procedure to address “limited, discrete changes to development standards such as required building setbacks to accommodate specific site conditions, as long as these changes would not impact the surrounding community.”
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From L-R: Left to Right: Chief Deputy Rhonda Anderson (CCSO), Sheriff Craig Owens (CCSO), Sgt. John Beasley (CCSO), Sgt. Anthony Mosby (CCSO), Assistant Chief Deputy Gina Hawkins (CCSO).
Submitted information and photos:
On Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024, the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office hosted a heartfelt retirement ceremony for K-9 Krush, a black Labrador retriever with over eight years of distinguished service. Held at the Advanced Operation Center, the event celebrated Krush’s remarkable contributions to public safety and his impact on the Cobb County community.
Trained by US K9 Unlimited in narcotics detection, K-9 Krush was a critical asset in hundreds of drug inspections, aiding in the seizure of approximately $4.5 million worth of drugs, cash, and assets. One of his career highlights was his largest single seizure of 17 kilograms of heroin.
The ceremony featured a retrospective of Krush’s career, recognition of his handlers—retired Sgt. Kite, Deputy Perez, and Sgt. Beasley—and a tribute to his unwavering dedication to public safety.
The most heartwarming moment of the ceremony came at the very end when K-9 Krush was reunited with his former handler, retired Sgt. Kite, whom he hadn’t seen in eight months. Overcome with excitement, Krush whimpered and eagerly jumped on Sgt. Kite. With his tongue hanging out and his eyes fixed lovingly on Sgt. Kite, it was clear he was thrilled to be reunited with the person who had been such an important part of his K-9 career. Sgt. Kite, now Krush’s retirement caretaker, expressed his gratitude and shared his excitement for Krush’s well-deserved retirement.
Krush will enjoy a slower pace of life, filled with lake swims, road trips, fetch, and plenty of affection. His legacy as a dedicated and skilled K-9 officer will continue to inspire the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office and the community it serves.
We thank K-9 Krush for his exceptional service and wish him a joyful and restful retirement!
Krush is reunited with his retired handler, Sgt. Kite.
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A shopper browses the merchandise at Casabella, where holiday items have been stocked since September. ECN photos and video.
Almost as soon as Christmas sales are over, Cathy Linton will begin making plans for the 2025 holiday shopping season.
The owner of the Casabella boutique home furnishings, decor, women’s clothing and gifts store at Merchants Exchange Shopping Center (website here) will order next year’s supply in January, with some items shipping as early as May.
“We’re not like the chains,” said Linton, who has owned Casabella for the last eight years of its 22-year history. “We can’t order any more” after that.
Since September, she and her staff have been stocking the shelves of the nearly 12,000-square-foot store with Christmas items of almost every imaginable holiday gift idea in mind: from trees, ornaments and college-themed merchandise, to jewelry and handmade goods.
Casabella also is expanding its supplies of Judaica items as Hanukkah begins this year on Dec. 25.
In an area with plenty of national chain powerhouses to compete against, Casabella has carved out a loyal niche of customers focused on local attention, as well as novelty.
One of the more popular features at Casabella for the holidays is a mechanical reindeer who turns his head while songs of the season are played.
Linton said that “kids come just to hear that every year.”
“It’s the only store like this in this area,” said Linton, a former corporate executive who lives in East Cobb and touts her partnerships with nearby organizations and vendors, including craftswomen who put their personal touches on their work.
“Local mom, local mom, local mom, local mom,” Linton said, pointing to items on the shelves that truly are locally sourced.
It’s all part of an effort to sell customers on the idea of shopping locally, and supporting local businesses, some of whom may be neighbors or people they know.
While Casabella’s shop local mantra is year-round, the theme is especially emphasized during the holiday season. In addition to Small Business Saturday, Casabella also urging its customer base to support what it’s dubbing “Pink Friday: Local First” in lieu of the corporate-themed Black Friday.
“We are lucky to have so many amazing locally owned gift shops that support each other throughout the year,” states the Pink Friday promotion. “We are all owned by local moms. We hire local and support local schools, sports teams and charities.”
That includes giving them a shout-out on her social media pages, and even making referrals with Findlay Rowe, Ivy Lane, Little Red Bird and Signatures.
“We send people to each other all the time,” Linton said. “So many of our people support the local shops. We want them all to succeed.”
She noted several new restaurants that have come to Merchants Exchange recently, and said that while it doesn’t necessary affect her foot traffic, “I just want small businesses to survive.”
To get a head start on the season, Casabella held an open house with special sales in early November.
Linton also highlights special areas of merchandise—such as college-themed goods—on her social media pages.
For gift-hunters, there’s no shortage of ideas, even down to snack items and last-minute Thanksgiving food prep assistance.
One thing Casabella is not is an online store. Even during COVID-19, while it was closed for a few months, Linton and her son made home deliveries to customers who called in their orders.
“People want to come in and walk around,” she said. “They know the ladies who work here.”
Losing that personal touch, she added, would change the dynamic of the business and the shopping experience that she’s tried to maintain.
Casabella is located at 4400 Roswell Road, Suite 128. Hours are Monday-Saturday 10-6, and Sunday 12-5. Closed Thanksgiving.
Cathy Linton, at right, has been Casabella owner for the last 8 years.
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A third location of the Johnson Ferry Road-based Marietta Donuts will be opening soon, and will be the second in East Cobb.
A social media posting last week indicated that the new space is in the Sprayberry Collection shopping center (2520 East Piedmont Road, Suite 3) and that plans are to open before Christmas.
Sokcheat Heng opened the first Marietta Donuts next to a gas station (now Shell) at 1282 Johnson Ferry Road with his girlfriend and business partner, Sophal Chhim, in 2016.
In addition to a wide variety of doughnuts, the shop sells fritters and kolaches, a Polish-style pastry with sausage, as well as croissants, cinnamon rolls, eclairs, breakfast biscuits, bagels, coffees and teas.
In 2021, a second Marietta Donuts opened on Cobb Parkway in Kennesaw.
East Cobb News has left a message with Marietta Donuts seeking more information.
Sprayberry Collection is located on East Piedmont near Sandy Plains Road and Sprayberry High School. The small retail center used to house Cafe 33 and other small businesses but there are mostly empty storefronts now.
But it’s also located near the now-razed Sprayberry Crossing Shopping Center that’s being redeveloped. The first phase of that project, EVOQ of East Cobb, is a 55-and-older apartment building that is under construction.
Townhomes and retail spaces also are planned for the redevelopment which has been named East Cobb Walk.
The Marietta Donuts space will take up 1,200 square feet that formerly was occupied by a hair salon at Sprayberry Collection.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
Sunday and Monday were unseasonably warm in East Cobb, and the weather is expected to get colder and wetter by the time Thanksgiving Day arrives.
Temperatures were expected to reach 70 with sunny skies by Monday afternoon, and they’ll stay as high as the low 60s until Friday.
That’s when colder temperatures will settle in for a few days, including a very chilly weekend.
The Turkey Day forecast calls for highs in the low 60s and lows in the mid 40s, along with a moderate chance of rain that could start by Wednesday evening.
That’s all the precipitation that’s in the forecast for the next week or so, but you’ll need to bundle up for Black Friday and beyond.
Highs on Friday are expected to get only to 50 degrees, and similar highs are expected for Saturday and Sunday.
Next Monday, it may not get out of the 30s, and overnight lows from Friday through the middle of next week are likely to stay at or below freezing.
Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!
Friday night’s first tree lighting at Avenue East Cobb brought out all ages.
Many of them, of course, were children, who waved red- and green-colored glowsticks as they awaited a visit from Santa.
Their parents sipped hot chocolate and munched on fare from nearby restaurants on a chilly night at the public plaza, and some huddled around heaters.
Live music played up to the culmination of the evening’s highlight—the lighting of the tree.
Shortly before 8 p.m., the tree lights went on just in front of Round Trip Brewing Co., and kids rushed to scoop up mounds of confetti.
For the next month or so, the retail center will be decked out with festive lights.
You can see the dazzling display after dark from Roswell Road as you enter, and follow trees decorated with lights and colors all around the parking and public areas.
It’s a real sight to behold.
On Dec. 29, Avenue East Cobb will hold a Menorah lighting event during Hanukkah.
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