Candidates on the Issues: Georgia State House District 37

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Georgia House District 37 Democrats
Cobb Board of Elections

This is the first of a week-long series of posts on East Cobb News about candidates in the May 22 primaries where there are contested party races. In the East Cobb area, there are five such contested races. To start here is information about those vying for Georgia State House District 37.

There are three Democrats on the May 22 primary ballot, with the winner facing Republican incumbent Sam Teasley, who has no GOP opposition.

District 37 includes portions of Northeast Cobb (see map above) as well as a good bit of the city of Marietta and some of West Cobb.

Bill Bolton, Georgia State House District 37 Democrats
Bill Bolton

Bill Bolton is an engineering consultant who lives in East Cobb. On his website, he has laid out details on a number of issues, and wants to limit resources for the implementation of Obamacare, educate the children of immigrants “and work with them and their families to return to their countries,” reduce drug crimes to misdemeanors and support the creation of casinos in Georgia under the state lottery.

“I am a Democrat and I want my party to change. Obviously, I am not a Republican but I have been labeled as a libertarian in prior races,” said Bolton, who has previously run for governor and for mayor of Marietta. He also ran for the 37th district seat in 2012, 2014 and 2016.

Here’s more from Bolton about other issues.

Ragin Edwards of East Cobb was a candidate in the 2017 6th Congressional District special election. A global sales operations manager for a technology firm, Edwards is a graduate of Pope High School and Georgia Tech.

Ragin Edwards, Georgia House District 37 Democrats
Ragin Edwards

On her campaign website Edwards said she is running for what she calls “common sense gun reform,” improving education in Georgia, tax legislation to benefit middle-class families and state Medicaid expansion, among other issues (more on her platform here).

Her campaign slogan is “Truth and Transparency Now!” and she calls herself “the voice for the unheard.” Here’s more from Edwards about her candidacy.

Mary Frances Williams has lived in the city of Marietta all her life, and her late father, Howard Atherton, served as Marietta mayor and in the legislature.

Mary Frances Williams, Georgia House District 37 Democrats
Mary Frances Williams

A social worker, she has been a lobbyist for various family and children’s non-profits at the state capitol. Williams’ priorities include better funding of public education, improving access to health care and transportation issues. Here’s more from Williams on those and other issues.

On her Facebook page she said while she applauds Gov. Nathan Deal’s decision to fully fund Quality Basic Education, “the Quality Basic Education formula is 33 years old and needs to be modernized. When elected, I look forward to working to update the way public education is funded in Georgia.”

State Rep. Sam Teasley, Georgia State House District 37
State Rep. Sam Teasley

Teasley is the vice chairman of the House Republican Caucus and was first elected to represent District 37 in 2010. He serves on the following committees: Banks and Banking; Education; Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications; Ethics; Insurance; and Ways and Means.

A realtor, Teasley believes in limited government and his campaign website indicates that his top priorities are job creation, education and government accountability.

Related coverage

 

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Cobb Young Professionals holding charity golf tournament at Indian Hills

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The registration deadline for next Monday’s event is this coming Wednesday at noon. From the Cobb Chamber of Commerce:Cobb Chamber of Commerce

Join the future leaders of Cobb County for an afternoon on the golf course! Cobb Young Professionals will host its annual charity golf tournament on Monday, May 21 at Indian Hills Country Club, presented by The Waters Team, Affinity Home Lending. The charity tournament will begin with 8 a.m. morning registration, a putting contest and a shotgun start. A 2:30 p.m. reception will follow with prizes. Individual players without a foursome team will be given an opportunity to be paired after registration. Proceeds from the tournament will go to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

The cost is $70 per golfer and $280 per foursome, which includes a round of golf, breakfast, one reception drink ticket, boxed lunch and a donation to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Additionally, participants are encouraged to bring cash for mulligans, extra drinks, raffle tickets and other opportunities to donate to the charity of the winner’s choice. Deadline for registration is Wednesday, May 16 at noon.

Businesses can take advantage of the unique marketing opportunity through a hole sponsorship. Sponsorship participation provides an opportunity to show support to Cobb Young Professionals and the Cobb Chamber, as well as help the organization give more to the winning charity. This year’s sponsors include The Waters Team, Affinity Home Lending as Presenting Sponsor; Croy Engineering and Enterprise Holdings as the Platinum Sponsors and O’Dell & O’Neal as the Silver Sponsor. For a full list of 2018 sponsors and event information, visit cobbchamber.org.

For more information about Cobb Young Professionals or to become a hole sponsor at the tournament, contact Rebecca Chadwick at 770-859-2368 or rchadwick@cobbchamber.org.

 

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Wheeler Academic Bowl team finishes as state runner-up in ‘High Q’ competition

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The Wheeler Academic Bowl team of Aaron Moss, Rex Martin, Andrew McEntaggart and Andrew Benecchi finished as state runner-up Saturday in WSB-TV’s “High Q” competition.

North Atlanta High School won the championship and $5,000 in scholarship money, while Wheeler takes home $3,000 in scholarship money. Wheeler Academic Bowl

It’s been a good spring for the Wheeler team, which finished second in March in the GATA state championships. The JV team won its first state championship in March.

The Academic Bowl competition is in game-show quiz format, and contestants are asked questions about a broad range of topics, including art, history, politics, science and literature.

Wheeler geography teacher and coach Sean Kurkjian has been the team’s sponsor for several years.

 

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The East Cobb News weekly newsletter for May 13, 2018 is out!

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Catch up with all of the past week’s headlines and take a look at what’s coming up this week with the convenient East Cobb News weekly newsletter.

The East Cobb News Digest is delivered to your e-mail inbox every Sunday, and contains so much more, including the best calendar listings anywhere in East Cobb and convenient community information.

Subscribing to the newsletter is free and easy (just click the signup button below). We don’t sell or rent our e-mail listings to anyone, although we do send out major breaking news alerts to our subscribers.

We know you’re busy, and that you don’t want to miss out on what’s going on around you. Sign up today and be part of East Cobb’s only daily news source, independently operated and with a totally local focus.

This week’s top stories include good news for several East Cobb high schools, the start of advance voting, a harrowing plot to “buy” a child at a local supermarket that ended in an arrest and a life sentence for a man who killed his wife.

(Here’s more about East Cobb News).

Please send along news tips by e-mailing: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

You can send calendar listings to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.

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Thanks for reading East Cobb News. Whatever you’re doing, have a great week!

East Cobb advance voting for May 22 primaries starts Monday

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East Cobb Government Service Center, East Cobb advance voting

One more week remains until the May 22 primaries, and East Cobb advance voting will take place during that week.

Any eligible voters can vote Monday-Friday, May 14-18, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the East Cobb Government Service Center (4400 Lower Roswell Road). The same hours and dates are also in effect for other advance voting locations, and you’re free to vote there also, regardless of where you live:

  • South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton;
  • Boots Ward Recreation Center (Lost Mountain Park), 4845 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs;
  • NorthStar Church, 3413 Blue Springs Road NW Kennesaw.

Advance voting also continues from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday at the Cobb Elections headquarters, 736 Whitlock Ave., Marietta.

There is no advance voting next Saturday, May 19, or next Monday, May 21.

As of Friday, Cobb Elections said that 2,303 individuals had voted early in person, and another 902 had done so by mail.

If you’re waiting to vote on May 22 and you’re not sure where your precinct is, you can check at the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.

Related stories

 

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Cobb Master Gardeners Spring Tour includes new Hyde Farm Community Garden and Murdock ES Gardens

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Hyde Farm Community Garden, Cobb Master Gardeners Spring Tour

This one’s from our calendar listings and a bit more to follow. Saturday should be fabulous for the Cobb Master Gardeners Spring Tour, which is being held at several locations around East Cobb, including the new Hyde Farm Community Garden.

The tour lasts from 10-5, and on-site tickets will cost $20. The sites can be visited in any order:

Experience how art meets science at six (6) fabulous gardens in East Cobb! This year’s lineup features four private gardens, the newly constructed Community Garden at Hyde Farm and the gardens at Murdock Elementary School.

Teams of Master Gardeners will be on hand to educate gardeners young and old on plant selection, soil preparation, and best practices that were learned and applied over the years thanks to their UGA training and continuing education. And this year, we want to engage all of your senses with music, art, photography and food preparation as you wander through.

Admission is free for children 17 and under.

And now for the specifics of each location, and what you’ll find when you get there:

Jazz It Up At Joe’s, The Washington Garden (2192 Deep Woods Way)

From tots to teens to empty nest, Master Gardener Joe Washington’s garden of 34 years has evolved. The sound of soft jazz is the perfect match for a stroll from the sunny front to the shady back – the perfect spot to kick back and relax! A variety of native and non-native plants complement the hardscape features. Joe has enjoyed years of designing and completing his garden projects with an eye toward low maintenance and simplicity of care. As a special treat, visitors “of a certain age” will learn that you are never too old to garden if you adopt some helpful adaptive gardening tools and techniques.

Seed What It’s All About at Murdock Elementary School (2320 Murdock Road)

Kindergarteners and First Graders enhance their science education at Murdock outside by planting a summer vegetable garden entirely from seeds and harvesting the vegetables in the fall! Students and staff will be on-hand to demonstrate how seamlessly the indoor classroom and outdoors work together to enrich their educational programs. And, visitors will learn to hone their garden skills with several hands-on demonstrations including proper pruning techniques from the Master Gardeners. Don’t be late for class!

Farm to Table, Hyde Farm Community Garden (726 Hyde Road)

There is no better place to prepare and taste your veggies than right on the farm! And there is no better place for growing them than at the historic Hyde Farm property in East Cobb. The Community Garden at Hyde Farm was opened for “bed renters” in late 2017. The newest project of the Cobb Master Gardeners, the garden features 50, 4’ x 8’ raised beds and a large pollinator garden. Visitors will not only experience how a community garden works, but learn the health benefits of growing and preparing the harvest in the adjacent kitchen. Come on in!

On the Waterfront, The Lok Garden (1811 Baldwin Farms Drive)

Twenty years ago, the lakeside garden of Master Gardener Maureen Lok and her husband, Jan Michael, was a “boring” mix of lawn, junipers, and “meatball shrubs.” No traces remain. Today, they are surrounded by a healthy assortment of native and favorite trees and perennials. Their vision is a peaceful, shady retreat for the family to enjoy and for flora and fauna to flourish. Their garden is a certified Wildlife Habitat. Like many lots in Cobb County, steep slopes and erosion have presented drainage and gardening challenges. Learn how they have redesigned the garden to meet those challenges and oh yes, take in that view!

Thanks for the Memories, The Young Garden (4066 Sweat Creek Cove)

Pat and Tom Young’s garden is affectionately known as “Waldo Gardens.” It bears the name of a special kitty that passed not long before they built and moved into their home in 2007. Their garden is a living album of people, pets, and plants loved. The Youngs painstakingly restored the topsoil removed during construction and blended the formal front yard into the steep, natural, yet stunning back which is also certified Wildlife Habitat. Guests will enjoy discovering the garden’s special features and perhaps get a glimpse of the resident breeding hawks.

The Artful Gardener, The Hebert Garden (4145 Jefferson Township Parkway)

Split rail and picket fences, colonial style homes, and large lots welcome you to the enclave of Jefferson Township. Master Gardener and former art educator Jayne Hebert took full advantage of all her yard has to offer. The garden features a wide variety of flowering perennials, parterre raised beds, grape vines, blueberries, fruit and nut trees, and more, all set against a lovely backdrop of the home and 100-year-old barn. Her artistic eye is apparent as you will discover artfully integrated garden antiques with flea market finds. Visitors will especially appreciate her handmade deer fencing.

More information and a tour map can be found here.

 

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High Meadows student from East Cobb among ‘Letters About Literature’ winners

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High Meadows School, Ella Schultz

Thanks to Jean Hunter, English teacher at High Meadows School, for the above photo and information about three students, including one from East Cobb, who recently participated in the national “Letters About Literature” program.

They are, from left, Aviv Newman, Ella Schultz of East Cobb, and Kate Hurd:

Every year tens of thousands of students across the nation send their letters to the Center for the Book at the Library of Congress. Writing a letter to your favorite author might not sound like something you’d get an award for, but for several students at High Meadows School in Roswell GA, that’s exactly what happened.

This year High Meadows 6th and 7th graders participated in Letters About Literature, an annual Library of Congress national competition where young writers can express themselves to an author who’s had an impact on their lives. Several High Meadows’ students received letters back from authors, including Sharon Creech, Kate DiCamillo, and Ann Martin, who all took the time to respond to these budding writers. Three of these students were honored along with other state winners on Saturday May 5th and were able to read their letters as part of the ceremony. The following High Meadows’ students won awards at the state level, and the two first place winners will now advance to judging at the national level:

  • Ella Schultz received a first-place award and wrote her letter to Phoebe Gilman, author of Jillian Jiggs. Ella moved to the United States in second grade and could not speak, read or write English. In her letter, Ella described how the book, read and re-read over and over by her soon-to-be-best-friend, aided her growing understanding of English.

Those judging the letters include authors, publishers, librarians and educators. This competition challenges students through the process of crafting letters that reflect their personal responses as readers, directly back to the authors they admire most. By encouraging personal reader response and reflective writing, the contest facilitates a program which helps to enhance purposeful reading that promotes successful writing. The day’s ceremony is a testament to the abilities achieved by these young writers.

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CenterStage North production of ‘I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!’ starts Friday

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I Love You, You're Perfect, Now Change, CenterStage North, The Art Place-Mountain View

The last CenterStage North production of the spring and summer starts a week-long run on Friday The Art Place-Mountain View (3330 Sandy Plains Road). It’s Joe DiPietro’s “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change!” and six performances will take place through next Friday, May 19.

It’s billed as “a witty musical revue that tackles modern love in all its forms: from the perils and pitfalls of the first date to marriage, children, and the twilight years of life.”

The story is told in a series of vignettes and songs, and “traces the overall arc of relationships throughout the course of a life.”

The shows this weekend are at 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, as well as 8 p.m. next Thursday-Saturday, May 17-19.

Tickets are $20 each and can be ordered online.

Check out our calendar listings for more things to do in East this weekend and beyond.

Auditions for CenterStage North’s August production of “On Golden Pond” will take place next week, May 15-16 at The Art Place, and include cold readings from the script (here are some of the available “sides” that will be read.).

Those auditions also will be at The Art Place from 7-9 each night. Here’s more about what they will include, as well as what roles will be filled, what the rehearsals will be like over the summer, and how to get in touch if you’re interested:

Production runs from August 10-18 for two weekends. Rehearsals will be in Marietta and will start the first week of June and most likely will be on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. No rehearsals the week of July 4th. For more information please contact the director, Karen Worrall at karen@worrall.org

Roles available:
Norman, 79, tart-tongued and observant and very direct
Ethel, 69, energetic, sweet and upbeat
Chelsea, late 30’s -early 40’s, pretty, smart and confident, except around Norman
Bill, a dentist and Chelsea’s fiancé, 45, attempts to charm Norman
Billy, a typical 13-year-old with a bit of an attitude who winds up bonding with Norman and Ethel.
Charlie, the postman, 40ish, affable and simple

 

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Walton, East Cobb high schools fare well in latest U.S. News rankings

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Walton High School has been named one of the Top 10 public high schools in Georgia by U.S. News, but other East Cobb high schools also fared well in the annual rankings that were released on Wednesday.

Walton comes in at No. 9 on the Georgia list, the highest-ranked Cobb County high school. Nationally, Walton is listed at No. 314, as well as No. 96 among charter schools and No. 144 among STEM schools across the country.

The next-ranked Cobb high school in Georgia is Lassiter at No. 21, followed by Pope at No. 26 and Wheeler at No. 49.

Kell and Sprayberry were not ranked statewide or nationally by U.S. News, which included 450 Georgia high schools in its rankings.

In the magnet school rankings, Wheeler ranks No. 230 nationally.

U.S. News basis its rankings on a variety of academic measurements, and explains its methodology here.

However, U.S. News has come in for criticism for its high school rankings (as well as college rankings it also releases annually).

Last year, the American Enterprise Institute wrote that too much emphasis is placed on Advanced Placement results, concluding that the “rankings promote the notion that the best high schools are the ones with the highest outcomes.”

The Atlantic has written previously that the U.S. News high school rankings, which began in 1998, are harmful and have a formula that’s too simplistic.

The Cobb County School District eagerly shared the news on its social media channels on Thursday, noting that eight of the 16 high schools in the system were included in the national rankings.

 

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Man arrested after trying to purchase a child at an East Cobb Kroger store

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An East Cobb man has been arrested and charged with criminal solicitation of a child after attempting to purchase a 7-year-old girl from an East Cobb Kroger store on Monday, Cobb Police said.Cobb Police

Einodd Samimi, 62 or 63 years old, is in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center, charged with felony counts of criminal solicitation and enticing a child, according to Cobb Sheriff’s Office information.

Cobb Police said a woman and her granddaughter were at the Kroger store at 2100 Roswell Road, in the Pavilions at East Lake Shopping Center, around 7 p.m. Monday, when the grandmother said she noticed a man following them.

She said the man was making “inappropriate comments” and offered to buy the child for $200, police said.

According to Cobb Police, “the grandmother confronted the male when he asked to purchase her granddaughter at the Kroger, and a ‘large crowd’ of shoppers chased the male through the store and to his vehicle.”

Police added that detectives arrested Samimi at his home. The place of arrest noted by the Cobb Sheriff’s Office is on Coventry Township Place, located off Barnes Mill Road, near the Kroger.

Samimi, who was born in Iran, is being held on $20,000 bond, according to the Sheriff’s Office. Police said the grandmother also told them the same man previously had offered her $100 for the child at a Wal-Mart on Cobb Parkway.

Cobb Police said they’re continuing to investigate and anyone with information is asked to contact the Cobb County Crimes Against Children unit at 770-801-3470.

The arrest of Samimi was announced as Cobb Police also said they have arrested a man who allegedly tried to kidnap an 11-year-old girl in a public restroom at Town Center Mall on Tuesday.

Police said the suspect came out of a stall and threatened the girl with a knife while her father waited for her outside the restroom.

Police said the girl screamed and escaped, and the suspect was chased down by mall patrons in a food court before being caught.

Cobb Police say they’re looking for witnesses with information about a female whom they think was involved in the incident, but who got away.

Police say the woman may be of Middle Eastern descent in her 30s. Anyone with information, or who may have taken videos or photos should contact the Crimes Against Children unit at 770-801-3487 or by e-mailing CobbSVU@cobbcounty.org.

Danzel Mitchell, 26, is being held at the Cobb jail without bond, and is charged with aggravated assault, attempted kidnapping, cruelty to children in the first degree and false imprisonment.

 

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Cobb spending an additional $160K for engineering design for Lower Roswell traffic improvements

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Lower Roswell traffic improvements
The intersection of Lower Roswell Road and Woodlawn Drive. (East Cobb News photo)

Long-delayed plans for Lower Roswell traffic improvements in the Johnson Ferry Road area are getting some action.

The Cobb Board of Commissioners last week approved a contract for $160,145 for additional engineering design work.

It’s the second time supplemental funding for design work has been approved for that project, bringing the total spending for pre-construction engineering to $650,000 in Cobb’s consulting contract with Smith Gresham and Partners.

The original contact was for $445,000. Cobb DOT said the extra funding was needed to “revise the original concept preliminary design and right-of-way plans.”

The project, which is the final phase of improvements in the Lower Roswell corridor, call for significant changes between Woodlawn Drive and Davidson Road, although no final plans have been determined.

They include a possible raised median along part of the route, longer turn lanes and improved traffic and pedestrian signals.

Lower Roswell traffic improvements
Cobb DOT map

It was initially approved in the 2011 SPLOST (initial project summary here and project concept here) and Cobb DOT officials held public open houses in 2012 to tout the changes.

But it has run into snags from the beginning.

The major concerns were from business owners on the north side of Lower Roswell, east from Johnson Ferry to Davidson. A raised median is proposed, but has not been formally approved, to cut down on left-turn traffic coming out of Parkaire Landing Shopping Center.

District 2 Cobb commissioner Bob Ott told East Cobb News he wanted changes that would have “the least amount of impact on those businesses.”

He said early designs called for a service road from the McDonald’s on Lower Roswell to Davidson to accommodate access to those businesses, but that road is not going to be built.

Ott said the additional design work was sought since the original proposal was made so long ago. Because the project is SPLOST-approved by voters, it must be completed. There isn’t a timetable for the design revisions.

Right-of-way purchases also remain outstanding. The elderly occupant of an old white house facing Lower Roswell at Woodlawn has passed away in recent months, and property acquisition is still in progress.

The Lower Roswell project includes additional sidewalks as well as through and turn lanes in and around the intersection at Woodlawn.

The total cost of the project, when finished, is expected to come to $6.2 million, with nearly half of that right-of-way purchases.

Lower Roswell traffic improvements
Cobb DOT aerial rendering

 

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Northeast Cobb man sentenced to life in prison for stabbing his wife to death

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A Northeast Cobb man has been sentenced to life in prison after pleading guilty to killing his wife last year, the Cobb District Attorney’s Office said. Donny Eaton, Northeast Cobb man sentenced

Donny Eaton, 65, entered the plea on Monday, when jury selection for his trial was expected to begin. The negotiated deal was accepted by Cobb Superior Court Judge Mary Staley, who handed down the sentence.

He was charged with malice murder, felony murder and aggravated assault, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

Eaton was arrested on April 4, 2017 after Roxane Tenore Eaton, 66, was found with what the Cobb DA said were “countless” stab wounds about her face and neck at their home on Liberty Hill Road.

According to the DA’s office, Eaton initially cut her throat with a pocket knife. Tenore Eaton had purchased a home in Florida where she wanted the couple to live to be closer to family, but he was opposed to the move.

After the stabbings, Eaton visited his mother’s grave in Floyd County, and confessed to emergency dispatchers there that he had stabbed his wife, the Cobb DA said. A welfare check was made at the Eaton home, where Tenore Eaton was found, and he turned himself into the Bartow County Sheriff’s Office, according to the Cobb DA.

“Donny Eaton took the life of his wife in a gruesome manner, with it appearing that he was attempting to decapitate her, all because she wanted to be closer to her children and grandchildren in Florida to live out the remainder of their lives,” Cobb senior assistant district attorney Patricia Hull said in a statement. “Donny Eaton refused to leave their home in Georgia. If he couldn’t have her here with him in Georgia, he didn’t want her children to have her, either.”

 

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East Cobb restaurant scores: Camp’s; El Taco Mexican; Fuji Hana; Keegan’s; Suburban Tap and more

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East Cobb restaurant scores, El Taco Mexican

The following East Cobb restaurant scores from April 10-May 7 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link below each listing to view details of the inspection.

Related story:

Barista’s
4932 Lower Roswell Road
May 7, 2018 Score: 75, Grade: C

Bay Breeze Seafood Restaurant
2418 Canton Road
April 24, 2018 Score: 92, Grade: A

Camp’s Kitchen & Bar
255 Village Parkway, Suite 310
April 27, 2018 Score: 92, Grade: A

Canton Wings & More
3190 Canton Road, Suite 108
April 11, 2018 Score: 83, Grade: B

Cazadores Mexican Restaurant 
2731 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 160
April 12, 2018 Score: 83, Grade: B

Chick-Fil-A East Lake 
2105 Roswell Road
April 11, 2018 Score: 95, Grade: A

Coconutz Jamaican Restaurant
3349 Canton Road, Suite 201
April 13, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

El Rodeo Mexican Restaurant 
2719 Canton Road
April 20, 2018 Score: 83, Grade: B

El Taco Mexican Bar and Grill 
1050 E. Piedmont Road, Suite 136-140
May 1, 2018 Score: 80, Grade: B

Fuji Hana Steak & Sushi 
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 1
April 20, 2018 Score: 93, Grade: A

Hong Kong Star Chinese Cuisine 
4719 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 110
April 12, 2018 Score: 96, Grade: A

Keegan’s Public House 
4401 Shallowford Road, Suite 136
April 12, 2018 Score: 67, Grade: U
May 1, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

La Novia Taqueria
255 Village Parkway, Suite 330
April 24, 2018 Score: 92, Grade: A

Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant
2145 Roswell Road, Suite 190
April 11, 2018 Score: 95, Grade: A

Los Bravos
2125 Roswell Road, Suite B-40
April 16, 2018 Score: 92, Grade: A

Marlow’s Tavern
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 208
April 13, 2018 Score: 89, Grade: B

Moxie Burger 
255 Village Parkway, Suite 110
April 24, 2018 Score: 96, Grade: A

Nature’s Heaven
4750 Alabama Road, Suite 114, Roswell
April 23, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

Paris Bistro
2018 Powers Ferry Road, Suite B50
April 27, 2018 Score: 50, Grade: U

Peace Love & Pizza
1050 E Piedmont Road, Suite 154
April 17, 2018 Score: 76, Grade: C

Sabor do Brasil
2800 Delk Road, Suite E
May 1, 2018 Score: 83, Grade: B

Suburban Tap
1318 Johnson Ferry Road
April 11, 2018 Score: 86, Grade: B

Waffle House 
4875 Alabama Road, Roswell
April 24, 2018 Score: 87, Grade: B

Waffle House 
550 N. Greenbriar Parkway
April 27, 2018 Score: 96, Grade: A

Williamson Brothers Bar-B-Q 
1425 Roswell Road
April 24, 2018 Score: 95, Grade: A

WZ Tavern
3052 Shallowford Road, Suite 104
April 11, 2018 Score: 70, Grade: C

Zeal 
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 42
April 16, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

 

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East Cobb Biz Notes: Paper Mill Village food trucks returning in June

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Paper Mill Village food truck
East Cobb News file

Paper Mill Village announced today that it’s having food truck events again this year, in June and October.

There aren’t many other details available, but the food trucks will take place June 25 and Oct. 29 “with special performances by School of Rock East Cobb and Kids ‘N Motion / Encore Dance Studio!” according to the shopping center’s Facebook page.

Related coverage:

Openings and more

The Willow Park Boutique (137 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 2140), a women’s clothing and accesories store in the Paper Mill Village complex, is having a grand opening for its styling studio from 1-5 Thursday. A special VIP event is to follow.

My Fitness Studio (4290 Bells Ferry Road, Suite 154), a total TRX training center, is having a ribbon-cutting May 24. Master instructor Thi Le Wooten developed a workout program for her husband, a special forces Marine Corps veteran dealing with PTSD, and the business will have a focus on working with wounded military veterans. The ribbon-cutting takes place at 11 a.m. and will include food and a demonstration of TRX equipment.

Business concierge service

The Cobb Community Development Agency, which grants business licenses, has recently begun what it calls a “business concierge” service out of its economic development unit to assist new and growing businesses. Here’s more about the program:

Cobb County values our business community and understands its importance on our local economy. Whether our businesses are at the initial stage of their business concept or an established business looking to expand, we know there are many variables to consider and we are here to help.

Our Business Concierge Services assists current and prospective business owners who are looking to start, expand and relocate their business in Cobb County. This program is part of a comprehensive business retention and expansion program designed to better understand and address the needs of our local businesses. 

For more information, please contact our Business Concierge Team at econdev@cobbcounty.org or 770.528.2018.

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Cobb Police issue Mattie’s Call for man missing from Northeast Cobb group home

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Jaden Thornton, Cobb Police Mattie's Call

Cobb Police have issued a Mattie’s Call for a young man with Asperger’s Syndrome who went missing last week from a group home in the Northeast Cobb area.

His name is Jaden Thornton, and he was last seen on Thursday at 576 Hawkins Store Road, after walking away from a group home, according to Cobb Police.

Police said Thornton is bi-polar and has an IQ between 65-71. Police said he was last seen wearing a red hooded sweatshirt, light grey shorts and brown Adidas shoes.

Cobb Police said if he is located to contact them at 770-499-3911.

 

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JOSH community meeting Tuesday to detail ‘suburban-style’ image survey

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JOSH community meeting

On Tuesday another JOSH community meeting will solicit public input on continuing efforts to develop a Johnson Ferry-Shallowford master plan. A new image preference survey for possible future development in the area is the main subject, following protests from some that what they had to choose from was too dense.

The meeting takes place from 7-9 p.m. Tuesday at Chestnut Ridge Christian Church (2663 Johnson Ferry Road) and here’s what District 2 Cobb commissioner sent out on Friday about what’s on the agenda:

Previously, staff was scheduled to present a conceptual plan on Tuesday, May 8. Instead, staff will utilize the May 8 community meeting to facilitate the additional IPS.

The focus of the session will be a second Image Preference Survey that is concentrated on suburban-style development concepts. The survey will include more-specific residential, commercial and office development types that would be more typical of a neighborhood activity center and transitional areas within a suburban community. In addition, there will also be images reflecting greenspace and park options, stormwater management options, and streetscape elements.

Staff will still conduct an “Open House” format meeting to present the conceptual plan in upcoming months.

Jason Gaines of Cobb Community Development told us that final meeting has tentatively been scheduled for May 23 but that has not been announced as of now.

Related stories

 

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May book group discussions scheduled at libraries in East Cobb

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All four public library branches in East Cobb have ongoing book group discussions, and here’s a sampling of what’s on tap in May, with information courtesy the Cobb County Public Library System:

Gritters Tuesday Afternoon Book Club at Gritters Library on Tuesday, May 8 from 2 pm – 3 pm. We will be discussing Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi. 770-528-2524;

Men’s Book Club at East Cobb Library on Saturday, May 12 from 11:30 am – 12:30 pm. Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink. Women interested in military, horror, and sci-fi are welcome to join. 770-509-2730;

Mountain View Evening Book Discussion at Mountain View Regional Library on Tuesday, May 15 from 7 pm – 8:30 pm. Hillbilly Elegy by J.D. Vance. 770-509-2725;

Read, Think, Talk at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center on Wednesday, May 16 from 10:30 am – noon. Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. 770-509-4988;

Book to Movie Club at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center on Wednesday, May 16 from 6 pm – 8:30 pm. Share your thoughts about Shoeless Joe by W.P. Kinsella and then watch the book’s film counterpart. 770-509-4988;

On Thursday May 17, East Cobb Morning Book Discussion meets 11 am – 12:30 and the East Cobb Afternoon Book Discussion is at 2 pm at East Cobb Library. The May selection is The Tea Girl of Hummingbird Lane by Lisa See. 770-509-2730.

 

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Aloha to Aging inaugural gala in August will honor Dr. Betty Siegel

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Thanks to Cindy Theiler for sending us advance notice of a very special event the East Cobb-based Aloha to Aging is holding later this summer. The non-profit organization has expanded its services to a five-county area, and is having this fundraiser to help with those growing obligations.

The gala is Aug. 18 at Kennesaw State University, and is honoring Dr. Betty Siegel, the former long-time president of the school, a critical figure in its growth from a junior college to the third-largest university in Georgia.Aloha to Aging inaugural gala

Some background on Siegel, in case you weren’t aware, she’s been diagnosed with dementia, and this MDJ story from last fall illustrates not only her situation, but her husband’s role as a caregiver:

Aloha to Aging’s Inaugural Gala will honor retired Kennesaw State University’s former president Dr. Betty Siegel. Proceeds from the event will fund programs and services to ensure enhanced quality of life for seniors, their care partners, and the community. 5 p.m., reception and silent auction; 6:30 p.m., dinner and program. Tickets are $125 per person. KSU Center, 333 Busbee Dr., Kennesaw.

More info: Alohatoaging.org/inaugural-gala or info@alohatoaging.org.

Background:

Since 2009, Aloha to Aging, Inc. (a 501c3 organization) has been empowering family caregivers, aging care recipients, volunteers and our community in a positive, nurturing manner through quality-targeted programming.

     Due to the organization’s popularity and need in the community, Aloha to Aging has expanded its east Cobb County-based services and programs to include participants in a five-county area, including Cobb, Cherokee, DeKalb, Fulton and Paulding. In addition, many of its programs are mobile and can be and are facilitated at locations convenient to participants. Last year the organization served more than 2,900 people (including volunteers) from middle school to up to 99 years young and the numbers are growing.

     Aloha to Aging provides a number of quality programs and services, including:

–       Aloha Day Club (2 locations – east and west Cobb); therapeutically structured, social day respite program for adults 55 and older who are no longer driving and are in need of engaging activities, exercise and socialization outside their residence

–       Monthly support groups focused on Alzheimer’s disease, family care givers and Parkinson’s disease

–       Two Simulation Programs for both age-health related and cognitive changes

–       Numerous monthly education and weekly specially designed wellness programs specifically aimed to meet the needs and interest of seniors and family caregivers

     With the increasing senior population across the nation, especially in the Atlanta/Cobb County area, our unique programs are needed even more to ensure enhanced quality of life for our seniors, their care partners and our community.

     To help fund these needed programs, Aloha to Aging will host its inaugural gala honoring Dr. Betty Siegel, Kennesaw State University’s former president, at KSU Center in Kennesaw on Aug. 18. This fun-filled evening will include dinner, drinks, and a live and silent auction. Individual gala tickets are $125 per person and sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $10,000. 

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PHOTOS: 13th Annual Taste of East Cobb at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church

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Taste of East Cobb
Photos and slideshow by Wendy Parker

More than 30 local restaurants and other local businesses, organizations and political candidates turned out Saturday at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church for the Taste of East Cobb.

The event raises funds for Walton High School’s band programs, and the jazz orchestra provided live entertainment as guests noshed, tapped their feet and enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of fun.

Taste of East Cobb

Taste of East Cobb

Taste of East Cobb

Guests brought their pets, and Haven the Dog Spot was handling dog adoptions.

Taste of East Cobb

Taste of East Cobb

The food samplings ranged from sliders and tacos to desserts and cool drinks.

Taste of East Cobb

Taste of East Cobb

Taste of East Cobb

Live martial arts demonstrations and other fitness activities also attracted young people of all ages.

Taste of East Cobb

Taste of East Cobb

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East Cobb students honored as Georgia Scholars, and at Cobb Career Tech Awards night

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Several East Cobb students have been honored this week by the Georgia Department of Education as well as the Cobb County School District’s Career, Technical and Agricultural Education program.

Ten students from East Cobb High Schools are among those named Georgia Scholars by the state education department, which recognizes graduating seniors “who have achieved excellence in school and community life;”

  • Walton: Ekta Deshmukh; Daniel Hudadoff; Madelyn Johnson; Laura Key; Adarshini Raja;
  • Pope: Belanie Jones; Loren Tsang;
  • Wheeler: MJ Lock; Hisham Kashif;
  • Lassiter: Taylor Van Horn.

On Wednesday, Cobb schools held its first inaugural awards gala for Career, Tech Technical and Agricultural Education students at Kennesaw Mountain High School. Most Cobb high schools had a CTAE student of the year, and for East Cobb schools they were the following:

  • Austin Kline, Kell;
  • Hunter Peterson, Lassiter;
  • Shivani Patel, Sprayberry;
  • Laney Jones, Walton;
  • Hannah Obenhoff, Wheeler.

In addition, Kell’s Madelyn Handy and Sprayberry’s Hoang (Olivia) Nguyen were named Youth Apprenticeship Students of the Year.

The following students from East Cobb were named students of the year at their respective middle schools:

  • Theodore Parker, Daniell;
  • Scott Dobo, Dodgen;
  • Latasia Neal, East Cobb;
  • Anna Sorokoff, Mabry;
  • Nathaniel Gant, McCleskey.

 

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