GSO’s season-ending show to feature Ukrainian mezzo-soprano

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Submitted information and photo:GSO's season-ending show to feature Ukrainian mezzo-soprano

Having escaped the dangers of war, Ukrainian refugee Tetyana Vakhnoska is grateful for the opportunity to sing in the Georgia Symphony Orchestra’s season-ending performance of ‘Beethoven’s Universe.’ Two performances of this awe-inspiring, innovative, multimedia concert experience are scheduled to take place May 18-19, 2024, at the Dr. Bobbie Bailey and Family Performance Center in Kennesaw, Ga.

Vakhnoska is one of four winners of the GSO’s Beethoven’s 9t national vocal competition. She is a renowned, state-awarded mezzo-soprano who graduated from the National Academy of Music in Lviv, Ukraine, and was a leading opera singer at the National Opera in Lviv for 15 years. She has toured internationally with concerts and opera productions in Poland, Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, China and the United States.

In 2022, following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Vakhnoska, her husband and their then 11-year-old son made the difficult decision to leave their hometown of Lviv for a new life in the U.S. “It was very, very scary and I had to save my son,” she said in a recent interview with GSO Executive Director Suzanne Tucker. She and her family settled in Park Ridge, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. She credits the kindness of many Americans in helping her and her family to resettle.

“I sang solos in Beethoven’s 9th many times in Ukraine and it was always festive, like a celebration,” Vakhnovska said. Since immigrating, she has been a soloist in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and in Bruckner’s “Te Deum” with the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra.

Vakhnovska will be joined in the GSO’s ‘Beethoven’s Universe’ performance by fellow vocal competition winners and featured soloists: soprano Emma Robertson, tenor William Green and bass/baritone Jacob Lay.

In addition to Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9,” this unique musical program includes Eric Whitacre’s composition, “Deep Field,” which will be performed live by the orchestra and 100-plus members of the GSO Chorus to the film “Deep Field: The Impossible Magnitude of our Universe.” Combining stunning imagery from the Hubble Space Telescope, never-seen-before galaxy fly-bys and custom animations, the film creates an immersive, unforgettable journey from planet Earth to the furthest edges of our universe. Audience members will be encouraged to take a more active role in the piece via a free app on their mobile devices.

Tickets are $15-$45. For more information, and to purchase tickets online, visit georgiasymphony.org/all-events.

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Civil rights complaint filed over Cobb schools book removals

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Cobb school district pulls sexually explicit books
“Flamer” was among the books removed from Cobb school district libraries last fall for sexually explicit content.

A federal civil rights legal advocacy organization has filed a complaint against the Cobb County School District for its removal of more than two dozen books from school libraries.

The National Women’s Law Center on Monday said it was asking for federal investigations into the removals in Cobb as well as public schools in Collier County, Fla., for what it claimed was “creating a hostile environment for students through practices that include censoring books and learning materials that feature, tell the stories of, or are written by  LGBTQIA+ people and people of color.”

The Cobb school district, in two separate actions last fall and in April, removed books Superintendent Chris Ragsdale said contained “lewd, vulgar and sexually graphic content.”

The moves, which included defenses of those decisions by Ragsdale, were criticized by some parents, students and teacher advocates in Cobb as censorship.

The NWLC is claiming those actions violate Title IX, a federal law banning sex discrimination in educational institutions receiving federal aid, as well as Title VII of the 1964 U.S. Civil Rights Act.

“Censorship of books sends a message to students of color and LGBTQIA+ students that they do not belong, that they are not safe to be who they are, and that they do not deserve to be reflected in what they read and learn,” said Melody Oliphant, Executive Director of the Georgia Youth Justice Coalition, which has been outspoken against the book removals, in a release issued by the NWLC.

The release also quoted an unnamed Cobb school district student who said that the book removals have “created fear in all students — especially Black, brown, and LGBTQIA+ students — that they are not safe to go to school every day.”

One example cited in the complaint involves Walton High School, where the NWLC alleges an effort by students to form a Gay-Straight Alliance was shut down by the Cobb school district.

Cobb also is at the heart of a related controversy, after Due West Elementary School teacher Katie Rinderle was fired for reading a book to her fifth-grade class about gender identity.

Cobb said its dismissal was prompted by a new “divisive concepts” law. Rinderle’s appeal to the Georgia Board of Education was denied, and she has filed a lawsuit against the Cobb school district.

The NWLC is asking for the removed books to be restored to Cobb school library shelves and for future removals to be halted.

The complaint also wants the Cobb school district to create clear mission statements and policies that “value diversity and are committed to ensuring safe, inclusive, and supportive campuses free from discrimination.”

The Cobb complaint by the NWLC can be read by clicking here.

Ragsdale has been adamant in defending the book removals on both occasions, reading from lengthy prepared remarks.

In April, after four more books were removed from shelves, he indicated that there will likely be further removals as district officials continue to examine the appropriateness of those titles.

“We are no more ‘banning books’ than we are banning rated R and NC17 movies,” he said last month. “What we are doing is not forcing taxpayers to fund students having unrestricted access to materials that are so sexually explicit and graphic they could not be read aloud in the board meeting without violating FCC regulations.

“What we are doing is giving parents peace of mind in knowing their children will not have unrestricted access to this content while at school.

“What we are doing is assuring Cobb County educators will not be forced to assume the heavy burden of incorporating lewd, vulgar, and sexually explicit materials into instruction and student conversations.

“What we are doing is refusing to force Cobb County taxpayers and educators to facilitate and advance the sexualization of children.”

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Delta Community Credit Union names East Cobb branch manager

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Delta Community Credit Union names East Cobb branch manager

Submitted information and photo:

Delta Community Credit Union is pleased to announce Corey Higman as the new manager of its Marietta Branch on Johnson Ferry Road. A Hillgrove High School Alumnus and Marietta resident, Higman has deep family roots in Cobb County and is excited for his new role.

“It is a privilege to serve the community that many generations of my family have called home,” Higman said. “My family has been working and living in this area for more than 60 years. My grandfather was one of the founding employees of the Cobb County Fire Department and my mother worked at stores and banks along Merchant’s Walk.”

Before beginning his career in financial services with Delta Community in 2018, Higman worked in the retail and restaurant industries. His leadership ability and commitment to sincere, personalized service allowed him to advance within the credit union, holding various positions, including manager of Delta Community’s Canton branch.

“I’ve centered my career around serving others and ensuring they receive the best products, service and care,” he said. “I am focused on leading my team of financial professionals, who are committed to positively impacting the lives of our members who live and work in East Cobb County.”

Higman looks forward to partnering with local schools, especially Title 1 schools, hoping to leverage the credit union’s financial education resources to support future generations.

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Networking news and notes; job expo

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Cafe Rivkah ribbon cutting

The Cobb County Economic Development department is holding its next “Coffee and Conversations” event Thursday at Cafe Rivkah in East Cobb (2100 Roswell Road, Suite 2104).

The event is from 7:30-9 a.m. and includes networking and learning for business owners, entrepreneurs and startups.

The featured speaker comes from the Urban League of Greater Atlanta and county economic development staff will be on hand with information on how Cobb supports business growth.

RSVP to Brittney Rasmussen at 770-528-1009 or brittney.rasmussen@cobbcounty.org.

Job & Resource Expo at Switzer Library

Also on Tuesday, Cobb Works is holding a free job and resource expo at its main branch, the Switzer Library (266 Roswell Street) in downtown Marietta from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Attendees can get on the spot help with resumes, meet employers and explore community resource partners.

Registration is not required; for more information click here.

Upcoming ECBA/NCBA luncheons

The featured guest at the May luncheon of the East Cobb Business Association is Robin C. Stern, who will be speaking about “AI for Business: Harnessing the Power of Google Gemini.”

The luncheon is Tuesday, May 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rich Hart Global Studios (2030 Powers Ferry Road, Suite 270/280).

The cost is $20-$30; for reservations and information click here.

The Northeast Cobb Business Association is having a women’s networking event Tuesday from 5-6:30 p.m. at Marlow’s Restaurant (2960 Shallowford Road).

The cost is $20 and includes food and drink; for reservations and information click here.

The NCBA’s monthly luncheon is Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piedmont Church (570 Piedmont Road).

The guest speaker is Cobb Sheriff Craig Owens, who will speak on fraud prevention and law enforcement.

For reservations and information click here.

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East Cobb residential real estate sales, April 22-26, 2024

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Breckenridge, East Cobb real estate sales
Breckenridge

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

April 22

108 Vintage Club Circle Unit 2, 30066 (Vintage Club Condos, Sprayberry):$440,000

1441 Merrifield Lane, 30062 (Richmond Place at East Park, Marietta): $680,000

2976 Grey Squirrel Court, 30067 (The Village, Wheeler): $394,000

4005 Manor House Drive, 30062 (Mar-Lanta, Pope): $415,000

4009 Rock Mill Drive, 30062 (Rock Mill, Lassiter): $410,000

3445 Winfair Place, 30062 (Woodbine, Lassiter): $400,000

4893 Hawk Trail, 30066 (Falcon Crest, Lassiter): $385,000

4715 Walden Lane, 30062 (Chimney Springs, Pope): $628,000

April 23

1322 Vayda Court, 30066 (Overlook at Bells Ferry, Marietta): $349,900

5050 Merton Lane, 30068 (Cobblestone Manor, Walton): $990,000

3761 Guildhall Trail, 30066 (Canterbury, Sprayberry): $865,000

103 Augusta Drive, 30067 (St. Augustine Place, Marietta): $269,250

2831 Hitchcock Mill Run, 30068 (Princeton Mill, Wheeler): $825,000

2701 Fernvalley Road, 30066 (Piedmont Hills, Sprayberry): $410,000

4429 Freeman Road, 30062 (Pope): $1.115 million

2810 Foothill Trail, 30066 (Caribou Hills, Sprayberry): $437,000

1701 Parkaire Crossing, 30068 (Parkaire Crossing, Walton): $280,000

1789 Chadds Lake Drive, 30068 (Chadds Lake, Walton): $1 million

April 24

3016 Greenfield Drive, 30068 (Indian Hills, Wheeler): $513,000

2922 Governors Court, 30066 (Piedmont Place, Sprayberry): $290,000

2723 Lange Court, 30062 (Holly Springs East, Pope): $465,000

4640 Gateside Lane, 30067 (Column Gate, Walton): $1.25 million

April 25

401 Carryback Drive, 30068 (Mulberry Farms, Walton): $447,671

3250 Old Mill Trace, 30067 (Mill Trace, Wheeler): $1.175 million

1413 Twin Branches Circle, 30067 (Twin Branches, Wheeler): $300,000

795 Gardenside Circle, 30067 (Gardenside at Powers Ferry, Wheeler): $520,000

224 Webney Drive, 30068 (Sentinel Lake, Wheeler): $1.1 million

3011 Eglantine Court, 30062 (Princeton Corners, Walton): $750,000

1584 Greyson Ridge, 30062 (Greyson Knoll, Sprayberry):$585,000

3268 Crawford Circle, 30066 (Addison Heights, Sprayberry): $370,000

3859 Sandy Plains Road, 30066 (Hamlet Greene, Lassiter): $439,900

April 26

1417 Vayda Court, 30066 (Overlook at Bells Ferry, Marietta): $365,000

3105 Hilltop Drive, 30066 (Overlook at Hilltop Drive, Sprayberry): $815,500

2515 Cedar Canyon Road, 30067 (Cedar Canyon, Wheeler): $240,000

4342 Hampton Woods Drive, 30068 (Hampton Woods, Walton): $695,000

2730 Fernvalley Road, 30066 (Piedmont Hills, Sprayberry): $390,000

581 Parliament Street, 30066 (Downing Street of Town Center, Sprayberry): $550,000

96 Alicia Court, 30062 (Heartwood, Pope): $525,000

4554 Wenden Lane, 30062 (Breckenridge, Pope): $815,000

3393 Clair Circle, 30066 (Shaw Woods, Sprayberry): $410,100)

3584 Downing Street, 30066 (Churchill Falls, Lassiter): $518,000

3586 Candlewood Trail, 30066 (Stocktons Mill, Lassiter): $550,000

4441 Windsor Oaks Circle, 30066 (Windsor Oaks, Lassiter): $765,000

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Cobb Tax Assessor’s office to hold taxpayer info sessions

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Cobb equity report

Cobb County property tax notices have gone out this week, and assessments are going up again.

The Cobb Tax Assessor’s Office is holding special information sessions starting next week to provide assistance and information to taxpayers who may be thinking of appealing their assessments.

The first of those sessions takes place Tuesday, May 14, from 6-8 p.m. at East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Road). Another session there takes place at the same time on June 4.

Sessions continue during the appeal season in June, including on June 3 and 10 at the Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Road) from 6-8 p.m.

Cobb Tax Assessor Stephen White is projecting a 7.5 percent increase in the Cobb tax digest from 2023, when it rose by 13 percent.

The estimated Cobb tax digest is expected to surpass $60 billion for the first time, following a record 2023 tax digest of around $55 billion.

“The real estate market is still moving forward in Cobb County,” but not as much as the last two years, White said in an interview with Cobb government spokesman Ross Cavitt (you can watch it here).

Cobb Tax Assessors valuation map 2024
Cobb properties to be revaluated this year are indicated in blue. For a larger view, click here.

“I don’t see them as accelerating as fast as in the prior years.”

That may not be much of a consolation for homeowners who have seen their assessments skyrocket in recent years, and without a millage rate rollback by the Cobb Board of Commissioners.

“Instead of going through 65 miles an hour last year, we’re going through 35,” is how White described the somewhat cooling effect of the assessments.

The digest projection guides commissioners during the budget process, which takes place over the summer. The Cobb government fiscal year 2025 runs from Oct. 1, 2024 through Sept. 30, 2024.

The 2024 assessment notices are based on valuations during calendar year 2023.

For the county as a whole, the average home sales price last year was $477,783, an increase from $457,065 in 2022.

But that average price jumped even higher in the two years before that, from $346,715 in 2020 to $400,799 in 2021.

By comparison, the 2019 average was $319,454.

State law requires counties and cities to provide annual updates on the fair market value of residential and commercial properties.

Revaluations take place in selected neighborhoods (seen in the blue on the map), and White said that figure this year is 140,000 properties.

White said only a small number of taxpayers—less than 3 percent—file appeals, and he anticipates fewer numbers will do so this year.

Property owners can find their assessment notices on the Cobb Tax Assessor’s website.

Each notice has a deadline date to make an appeal, and those appeals should be postmarked by no later  deadline to appeal date.

Taxpayers also go go in person to the Cobb Tax Assessor’s office, 736 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, to file an appeal.

For more information on filing an appeal, click here or email cobbtaxassessor@cobbcounty.org.

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Good Mews to hold TNVR workshop for new volunteers

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Submitted information:
Good Mews is hosting an upcoming FREE 2-Day TNVR (Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return) Workshop Friday-Saturday, May 18-19, to help recruit new volunteers while teaching the community about humane trapping and medical care of community cats. 
We will start with a short training class on Saturday. On Sunday, we’ll be taking a field trip to a local Cat Colony, where you can get hands-on experience trapping cats that will be sterilized, vaccinated, and returned home! 
Sign up by filling out the following form: https://docs.google.com/…/1UIzylD1huAtFrChlFHuP…/edit…
Good Mews to hold TNVR workshop for new volunteers

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Cobb redistricting lawsuit dismissed by Ga. Supreme Court

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Lower Roswell Road project delayed again
Jerica Richardson

As early voting in the Georgia primaries continues, the Georgia Supreme Court gave some clarity about how Cobb Board of Commissioners electoral maps will look—for the time being.

In a unanimous ruling issued Thursday, the high court dismissed a lawsuit by a Cobb married couple challenging the county’s assertion of home rule powers in drawing commission maps.

But the court, which struck down concerns by David and Catherine Floam over the uncertainty of which commission district they live in, didn’t address their underlying claim—that the three Democrats on the Cobb commission violated the Georgia Constitution.

That’s an issue that apparently will have be addressed in a future legal action.

With the primary election set for May 21 and the general election in November, it appears that the county “home rule” maps will be used this year.

That includes keeping a portion of East Cobb (see map below) in District 2, which is one of three commission seats on the ballot in 2024.

“No declaratory relief lies here,” the court concluded in its ruling (which you can read here).

The Floams live in an area of North Cobb that had been in District 3 (represented by Northeast Cobb Republican JoAnn Birrell). Maps approved in 2022 by the Georgia legislature would have kept them there, and included most of East Cobb in District 3 (yellow on the map below).

But the three Democratic commissioners, in trying to keep first-term Democrat Jerica Richardson in her East Cobb home in District 2, decided on a novel challenge in October 2022 to use maps drawn up by then-State Rep. Erick Allen, at the time the head of the Cobb legislative delegation.

Proposed Cobb commission redistricting map
Cobb commission District 2 (in pink) for the time being includes parts of East Cobb.

Those maps put the Floams in District 1, represented by Republican commissioner Keli Gambrill.

Gambrill was a plaintiff in the original lawsuit filed in early 2023, claiming that the state Constitution authorizes only the legislature to conduct political reapportionment at the county level.

In January, Cobb Superior Court Judge Ann Harris—who dismissed Gambrill as a plaintiff, saying she lacked standing—ruled with the Floams, but the county appealed. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in April, and ultimately decided they also didn’t have standing.

“The Floams may be uncertain as to whether they lawfully reside in District 1 or District 3, but this uncertainty, without more, is insufficient to support a declaration,” the Supreme Court ruled.

“The Floams must allege that they are at risk of taking some undirected future action incident to their rights and that such action might jeopardize their interests. They have failed to do so.

“By asking for a declaration that the BOC Amendment [the home rule vote] was illegal, the Floams are merely attempting to enforce rights that had already accrued and attempting to direct the future actions of the County, which is insufficient to state a claim for declaratory relief.”

Near the end of its ruling, the court did acknowledge that there are “very serious Constitutional issues with the BOC Amendment.”

Justice Charles Bethel, in a concurring opinion, noted his concern “about the possible effect of further delay” in determining the merits of Cobb’s decision.

“A delayed loss by Cobb could give rise to calamitous consequences inflicting serious expense and practical hardship on its citizens,” Bethel wrote. “Accordingly, I urge Cobb to act with all dispatch in obtaining a final answer on the legal merits of its chosen path.”

Bethel further speculated that “depending on the timeline of any future litigation, it would not be inconceivable for Cobb to find itself with three vacant Commission seats and the Commission unable to form a quorum, leaving its citizens without duly elected representation.”

He concluded his opinion by urging Cobb officials “to act with all due haste in securing finality.”

In a response issued by Cobb County Government, Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid said only that “I am pleased that the County has prevailed in our appeal.”

Richardson, who claimed the legislative maps were an “unprecedented” action in unseating an incumbent in mid-term, declared her run for the 6th Congressional District before the Supreme Court hearing.

She has not commented publicly on Thursday’s ruling.

But a hopeful seeking to succeed her, East Cobb Democrat Kevin Redmon, said Thursday that “we are relieved that the Georgia Supreme Court unanimously dismissed the lawsuit challenging the District 2 map based on standing.”

He’s a former member of Richardson’s “community cabinet” who is in a five-way primary. Among the other hopefuls is former Cobb Board of Education member Jaha Howard and Allen, who drew up the “home rule” maps that for the time being are official.

The only Republican seeking the District 2 seat is Pamela Reardon of East Cobb.

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Cobb judge to serve as president Georgia judicial council

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Submitted information and photo:Cobb jurist to serve as president Georgia judicial council

Superior Court Judge Ann Harris of the Cobb Judicial Circuit, Marietta, became President of the Council of Superior Court Judges. Her term of office and those of President-Elect Superior Court Judge Richard “Bert” Guy Jr., of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit and Secretary Treasurer, Superior Court Judge B. Chan Caudell of the Mountain Judicial Circuit, will run through April 30, 2025.

Judge Ann Harris was elected to the Superior Court of the Cobb Judicial Circuit in July 2014 and was re-elected without opposition in 2018 and 2022. In addition to managing a full docket of criminal, domestic, and civil matters, Judge Harris presides over Cobb County’s Mental Health and Parental Accountability Courts. The former is a model court among the State’s mental health courts, and the latter is an award-winning program that seeks to transform chronic non-payers of child support into self-sufficient financially supportive parents through education, substance abuse treatment, and job assistance and placement. Over the past seven years, Judge Harris has participated in a cooperative effort with the Republic of Georgia to promote the independence of the Georgian judiciary and strengthen the rule of law in that country by assisting their judges in court and jury trial management. Chair of the CSCJ Pattern Jury Instructions Committee. She is also the Vice-Chief Judge of the Cobb Superior Court bench and is a member of the Weltner Family Law Inn of Court.

Before her election to the bench, Judge Harris served the people of Cobb County as an assistant district attorney for 19 years. In addition to prosecuting all types of serious felony offenses, she helped draft the first human trafficking laws in Georgia in 2006 and was a member of the regional human trafficking task force. Prior to her legal career, Judge Harris worked for several years as a senior consultant with an international information services consulting firm.

She earned her law degree from Vanderbilt University and her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University. She is a member of, and recently finished a two-year term as Chair, of the Board of Directors of MUST Ministries, a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting homeless and struggling families and individuals with housing, food, clothing, employment and other needs. She and her husband Jim, both devoted Auburn fans, have been married for 39 years and live in Smyrna with their two rescue dogs Bert & Willie.

The Council of Superior Court Judges is composed of the state’s 228 Superior Court judges and over 100 senior (retired) Superior Court judges. It was established by the state legislature in 1985 to further the improvement of the Superior Courts and the administration of justice in Georgia. The Council seeks to identify and propose solutions to problems common to all judges. Duties of the Council include developing and administrating Georgia’s Superior Court Judges’ budget, initiating and responding to legislative issues involving the Superior Court, drafting and proposing Uniform Superior Court Rules, preparing bench publications including pattern jury instructions, and certifying continuing judicial education.

The newly elected officers, Immediate Past-President, and administrative judges representing each of the ten judicial administrative districts in Georgia comprise the Council of Superior Court Judges’ Executive Committee, which is authorized to manage the projects and policies of the Council. Theyalso serve on the Judicial Council of Georgia with representatives of other classes of court to set policy for the judiciary. The Council’s central office is located in Atlanta.

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East Cobb Weather Update: Tornado Watch in effect Thursday morning

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The National Weather Service in Peachtree City has issued a tornado watch for North Georgia, including Cobb County, until 1 p.m. Thursday.

A lint of thunderstorms is moving through this morning, and conditions are favorable for the formation of tornadoes.

Temperatures will be in the mid 70s, reaching into the high 70s and low 80s later in the afternoon as the rain dissipates.

The forecast calls for sunshine by the end of the afternoon and into Thursday evening.

East Cobb Food Scores: Chicken Salad Chick; Frankie’s; more

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Chicken Salad Chick, East Cobb food scores

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

Chicken Salad Chick
4101 Roswell Road, Suite 811
May 7, 2024 Score: 100, Grade: A

Chopsticks China Bistro
3822 Roswell Road, Suite 113
May 7, 2024 Score: 92, Grade: A

Frankie’s Italian Restaurant
3100 Roswell Road
May 7, 2024 Score: 85, Grade: B

Mirko Pasta
1281 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 120
May 10, 2024 Score: 88, Grade: B

What’s For Lunch
2995 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 440
May 10, 2024 Score: 91, Grade: A

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East Cobb students named National Merit Scholarship winners

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More than a dozen high school seniors from East Cobb have been named recipients of National Merit Scholarships for 2024.

East Cobb students named National Merit Scholarship winners
Omer Mustafa Inan, left, of Walton High School, receiving the 2024 Georgia STAR student of the year trophy.

The Evanston, Ill.-based corporation has announced two rounds of recipients, and will announce more in the summer.

On Wednesday, 10 East Cobb students were among 2,500 nationally to win $2,500 scholarships, who are  the finalists “in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors,” the National Merit Scholarship Corporation said in a release.

They include Omer Inan of Walton High School, the Georgia STAR student for 2024.

They were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors who evaluated academic records, test scores, school and community leadership activities, student essays and high school recommendations.

The NMSC finances most of the following single-payment scholarships, and students may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.

  • Param Jaydev Desai, Wheeler. Probable career field: Healthcare
  • Vaishnavi Gogineni, Wheeler. Probable career field: Medicine
  • Zhikai Huang, Walton. Probable career field: Engineering
  • Omer M. Inan, Walton. Probable career field: Electrical Engineering
  • Daniel Lin, Walton. Probable career field: Mechanical Engineering
  • Neva C. Miller, Blessed Trinity Catholic. Probable career field: Marine Biology
  • Christian Alejandro Phanhthourath, Wheeler. Probable career field: Science/Research
  • Maariya S. Sheikh, Campbell. Probable career field: Medicine
  • Brock A. Stoller, Fellowship Christian. Probable career field: Computer Science
  • Lydia Y. Zeng, Walton. Probable career field: Surgical Medicine

In late April, the NMSC announced 770 recipients of its corporate scholarship awards, including four from East Cobb.

Those scholarships were funded by corporate sponsors who are children of their employees, live in communities the companies serve or who plan college studies in the field the sponsor wishes to encourage.

The scholarship amounts ranged from $1,000 to $10,000 and are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate study.

  • Venya N. Gunjal, Wheeler. Probable career field: Medicine (Truist Financial Corp.)
  • James P. Davis, Walton. Probable career field: Computer Science (Liberty Mutual)
  • Shria S. Manikkoth, Walton. Probable career field: Law (Leidos, Inc.)
  • Asmita Saraswat, Wheeler. Probable career field: Industrial Engineering (Truist) Financial Corp.)

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Cobb County School District retirees honored at luncheon

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Cobb County School District retirees honored at luncheon
Bells Ferry ES Principal Gail May served 38 years in the Cobb County School District.

Cobb County School District employees who are retiring at the end of the current academic year were honored at a luncheon last week at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

They include Bells Ferry Elementary School Principal Gail May, who is concluding a 38-year career in the district.

She’s among the more than 200 personnel—teachers, bus drivers, principals, food services assistants, an assistant superintendent, and a variety of support staff—who contributed nearly 5,000 years of service, according to the district.

Here are the retirees from schools in East Cobb:

  • Addison ES: Tanya Sattelmeier
  • Bells Ferry ES: Randa T. Burden, Gail May, Will Tyler
  • Blackwell ES: Lisa J. Casazza
  • Brumby ES: Charlene Elizabeth Brisco, Lorri Ocker
  • Daniell MS: Frances Hebb
  • Davis ES: Kathryn Farrar Bernier, Laura Welch
  • Dickerson MS: Maureen Andrizzi, Tammi Jacobson
  • Dodgen MS: Debbie Amodeo, Daniel J. Clark, John Jeffres, Kimberly Solomon
  • East Cobb MS: Denise Boykin, Chenedra Garnigan, Aleem Shaw, Leetonia A. Young
  • East Side ES: Renee Mitchell
  • Eastvalley ES: Sandra Magee
  • Garrison Mill ES: Donna Bramlett, Robin A. Brown
  • Hightower Trail MS: Janet Grooms, Teresa Mullaney
  • Keheley ES: Jennifer Eitenmiller
  • Kincaid ES: Mandy Gai Robertson, Vicki L. Scheffel, Patricia J. Williams
  • Lassiter HS: Wylie Brown, Lynne McLaughlin, Carol Pizza, Ann Rives, Paul Stadtmuller
  • Mabry MS: Daisy Tsui
  • McCleskey MS: Lisa Day
  • Murdock ES: Christy Garvin, Brenda J. Holmquist
  • Nicholson ES: Michele Myers, Kelley Cone O’Hare
  • Pope HS: Mary Bowen, Elizabeth Bristol Malte, Jenny Young
  • Powers Ferry ES: Karmen Callaway, Dianne Steinbeck
  • Simpson MS: Laurie Bartlow, Valerie Page
  • Sope Creek ES: Robin Crispin, Ida Lowrie, Michelle Patterson, Sherona Pfaff
  • Sprayberry HS: Carlos Barrera, Rosa D’Astoli Santaiti
  • Timber Ridge ES: Janine L. Espriella, Heidi Holman Wolff
  • Tritt ES: Kelle Laushey
  • Walton HS: Felicia Glass
  • Wheeler HS: Cynthia R. Carwise, William Rembert, Celeste Sorensen

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Wheeler High School senior is recipient of LGE scholarship

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Wheeler High School senior is recipient of LGE scholarship

Submitted information and photo:

LGE Community Credit Union is proud to announce that Sabrina Xing of Wheeler High School is the winner of a $2,500 scholarship through LGE’s 2024 Scholarship Program. These awards are designed to support educational opportunities for exceptional high school seniors from Bartow, Cherokee, Cobb, Douglas, Floyd, Fulton, Gordon, and Paulding counties.

She is one of nine students receiving the scholarships, which total $22,500.

“The LGE Scholarship Program reflects our commitment to supporting the education and development of the next generation,” said Chris Leggett, president and CEO of LGE Community Credit Union. “We are proud to invest in the futures of these students as they pursue their academic and professional goals.”

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‘Spot-zoning’ request in Fox Hills gets initial thumbs-up

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The Cobb Planning Commission on Tuesday voted to recommend modifying a rezoning request that would split a residential property in the Fox Hills subdivision for the construction of an additional home.

The vote was 3-0, with two members absent.

CO2 Creative Group, LLC, a Marietta developer, wants to renovate a home it owns on Huntsman Way and divide the back portion of a one-acre lot and build a home fronting Spring House Court, at a cul-de-sac.

In order to do that, it sought a change from R-30 zoning, which is the category of most homes in that part of Fox Hills, to R-20 (you can read the case file here).

To “spot zone” the land “is a bad precedent to set,” said Jackie Bettadapur of the East Cobb Civic Association.

Simon Holt of CO2 Creative said the Hunstman Way land was originally two lots, then combined by a previous owner in 1974. His firm bought the land in November for $412,000, and would build a similar-type house on the Spring House Court parcel.

He said it would be around 3,000 square feet with two stories and architecture similar to surrounding homes.

“The idea is to build a house that works well with the surrounding houses,” he said.

Holt said the impervious surface of the Spring House Court land would be 45 percent.

But two neighbors who tried unsuccessfully to buy that 22,813-square-foot parcel expressed concerns about stormwater runoff.

Jim Nee of Spring House Court said his back property has a 25-foot dropoff, and worried that there wouldn’t be proper monitoring of construction.

“I offered to buy the lot to keep it the way it is,” he said.

The Cobb Zoning Office recommended deleting the request to R-30 with conditions.

After questioning stormwater staff, the applicants and an opponent, District 2 Planning Commissioner David Anderson followed that recommendation and added several conditions.

They included a lot-size variance to build the new home, but require the developer to follow setback distances for R-30 construction and construct a 10-foot buffer.

Anderson also asked that an April 29 stipulation letter from the builder (you can read it here) be part of the recommendation, which also includes final elevations to be approved by the district commissioner.

Cobb commissioners will hear the case on May 21.

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Cobb Water System launches new online payment system

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Submitted information:Cobb Water System to ask for rate increase

As of May 6, 2024, we have a new billing system with a new Customer Self-Service portal.

This portal has enhanced features including the ability to submit online requests for: senior discounts, water service, payment plans, leak adjustments, general adjustments, etc. To make online requests please visit our new Customer Self-Service Portal: https://ccw-css.cobbcounty.org.

We are currently experiencing a very high call volume and extended wait times. For our Frequently Asked Questions, please visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/…/customer…/request-service.

We hope the new portal will provide an improved customer experience.

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Georgia Celebrates Quilt Show set for Cobb Civic Center

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Submitted information and photos:Georgia Celebrates Quilt Show set for Cobb Civic Center

The Georgia Celebrates Quilts Show will be held at the Cobb County Civic Center, Thursday, June 6th through Saturday, June 8th from 10am – 5pm. Immerse yourself in the world of quilting as the most talented quilters from around the state compete for cash prizes. Over 300 quilts will be on display in the quilt gallery. In addition to the gallery of over 300 quilts, the show will include a wide variety of vendors who come from all over the US, offering the latest quilt-related products for sale in the market areas. There will be quilted items and small treasures made by guild members for sale in The Quilt Store, along with fabric postcards, a raffle for gift baskets with each valued at $100 or more, commemorative pins, a sewing studio raffle, and a passport basket opportunity just for visiting the show.

. This year’s show features the raffle quilt “Kaleidoscope,” created by guild members. Tickets for the raffle are sold in bundles of six for $5.00 and can be purchased online at  https://www.georgiacelebratesquilts.com/rafflequilt/ until June 5, 2024, at noon.

The show is being held at the Cobb County Civic Center – 584 South Marietta Parkway SE, Marietta, GA 30060 – Thursday, June 6th through Saturday, June 8th from 10 am to 5 pm. There is plenty of free parking and handicap access. Tickets are $10 at the door or online at www.georgiacelebratesquilts.com/tickets.

For additional information visit  www.GeorgiaCelebratesQuilts.com.

Georgia Celebrates Quilt Show set for Cobb Civic Center

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Cobb Library System’s summer reading program starts May 13

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Submitted information:

Embark on a literary adventure with Cobb Library’s Summer Reading Program! Running from May 13 to July 30, 2024, this inclusive program is designed for all ages, offering many opportunities for family bonding, community engagement, and shared learning experiences. With exciting events and prizes awaiting you, mark your calendars and join us for a summer filled with exploration and enrichment at the library.

  • Children: Begin building language and reading skills. Reading to young children, even infants, increases word recognition and vocabulary!

  • Students: Students are at risk of losing 2-3 months of reading and math skills over the summer. Keep students learning and engaged by encouraging them to complete Summer Reading!

  • Adults: Make time for yourself to experience the joys of reading – it’s a great way to relieve stress and strengthen your brain! As little as 15 minutes a day is proven to make a difference!

For more information, click here.

 

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East Cobb Biz Scene: Buckhead Butcher Shop opens 2nd store

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Buckhead Butcher Shop opens East Cobb
“We’re not selling products, we’re selling an experience,” Buckhead Butcher Shop executive chef Leonard Lewis said. ECN photos

As he considered expanding from his original store in Atlanta, Buckhead Butcher Shop owner Connor Boney said coming to East Cobb was high on his list.

He also was looking at another possibility in the Alpharetta-Johns Creek area, but decided on the former Cleaver and Cork space at the Shops of Woodlawn on Johnson Ferry Road (next to Big Peach Running Co.)

“It’s a great location and fits our clientele,” Boney said, citing a wealth of other local businesses and opportunities to get involved in community activities.Buckhead Butcher Shop opens East Cobb

The Buckhead Butcher Shop opened on May 1, and like its older counterpart sells premium beef and meats and select seafood products, along with charcuterie items, side dishes, spices, eggs, prepared pasta meals, condiments and more.

Boney and his wife Katie (the company’s chief financial officer) started the Buckhead Butcher Shop in 2020, not long after the start of COVID-19.

He was a co-owner of Revere Meat Co. in Forest Park, which specialized in locally sourced meat processing and distribution. One of his employees there, Sam Fender, came over to help open the Buckhead Butcher Shop, as pandemic closures continued.

Buckhead Butcher Shop started as box-truck operation, selling meats to largely home-bound customers as restaurants remained closed, then took up temporary store space in Peachtree Heights.

The Buckhead store has moved to a location off West Paces Ferry Road, and includes space for cooking classes and private events.

“This how we started,” Fender said, looking around the black-clad walls and decor at the East Cobb store. “This is similar to the first store, with the same aesthetic.”

For now, Fender and executive chef Leonard Lewis—who served in a similar capacity at Bones, an iconic Atlanta steakhouse—are handling the operations in East Cobb, which is open for retail sales from daily.

The beef comes primarily from Creekstone Farms of Oklahoma, which specializes in black Angus. Seafood is sourced from around the world, with salmon from Norway, tuna from Costa Rica, to name two examples.

The objective, Lewis said, is to help home cooks.

“We’re not selling products, we’re selling an experience,” he said. “We want to make everything connect with you.”

Fender noted the competition in the area: the New York Butcher Shoppe, and long-standing businesses such as the Cajun Meat Co.

He said he not only welcomes the competition—”it keeps your standards high”—but says their presence reflects a strong opportunity in this market.

“We’re trying to get people back to the dinner table,” Fender said, “and enjoying meals and one another.”

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Buckhead Butcher Shop

1062-D Johnson Ferry Road

678-402-6996

Open daily 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

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East Cobb resident earns public health communication award

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Valerie Crow, the director of communications for Cobb and Douglas Public Health, has been named the 2024 recipient of the Georgia Public Health Association Communications Excellence Award.

East Cobb resident earns public health communication award
Valerie Crow, Cobb and Douglas Public Health

The honor was awarded on May 3 at the association’s annual convention on Jekyll Island.

Crow has held that position for 10 years. She attended Sope Creek ES, Dickerson MS and Walton HS and still lives in East Cobb.

She is involved with the Chattahoochee Plantation Women’s Club and attends Johnson Ferry Baptist Church.

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