Cobb schools closed on Friday, Jan. 19; other East Cobb openings/closures/updates

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East Cobb Park, Cobb schools closed Friday
Sunshine helped melt much of the snow, including at East Cobb Park, but icy roads are expected to freeze over again Thursday night. (East Cobb News photo by Wendy Parker)

The word’s just come down that for the third day in a row, Cobb schools will be closed on Friday.

The Cobb County School District cited “hazardous road and travel conditions throughout the county,” and that includes a number of areas of East Cobb.

The major roads are clear for the most part, but along roads without the direct sunshine that helped the melting process today, there’s still a lot of ice and slush. That’s expected to freeze over again tonight as temperatures drop down into the mid-to-low 20s.

When we went out earlier this afternoon, we noticed this too, especially along Robinson Road near Fullers Park, and along Robinson on either side of Old Canton Road.

That’s one of a couple dozen or so icy patches in East Cobb that remain treacherous. Earlier today, some social media postings included a lot of ice on Hembree Road near Pope High School, and around Walton High School.

Other areas where ice has been an issue include:

  • Sandy Plains Road at Wigley Road and north on Wigley Road;
  • Several areas along Mabry Road;
  • Ebenezer Road;
  • Several spots along Bells Ferry Road;
  • Barnes Mill Road;
  • Roswell Road near Barnes Mill;
  • Post Oak Tritt near Johnson Ferry Road;
  • Shallowford Road east of Johnson Ferry;
  • Johnson Ferry Road at Oak Drive;
  • Sewell Mill Road near Old Canton Road;
  • Johnson Ferry at the Chattahoochee River;
  • Several areas along Powers Ferry Road.

Cobb County government will have normal working hours on Friday.

Mt. Bethel Christian Academy will be holding classes as normally scheduled on Friday.

The Walker School also announced it would be trying to make a go of classes on Friday, tweeting out this message not long after the Cobb announcement:

On Friday, warmer weather is expected to stick around longer, with highs into the low 50s and lows in the high 20s, with the chance of ice returning again Friday night.

It’s going to get gradually warmer over the weekend, into the low 60s by Sunday.

It’s also expected to be mostly sunny, with partly cloudy skies on Sunday and rain on Monday.

Send us your weather news and photos, if you have them, to: editor@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post them here.

 

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Police arrest alleged gang members following Bells Ferry Road robberies, shooting

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Circle K Bells Ferry Raod
The Circle K location at 1760 Bells Ferry Road. (Marietta Police photo)

Three men have been arrested by Marietta Police after two Bells Ferry Road robberies and a shooting and stabbing incident during an apparent drug deal last week.

Police said Thursday that Anthony Dishawn McCuen, 19, and Antonio Williams, 43, have been charged with with aggravated assault with intent to murder.

Demarquez Simmons, 19, and McCuen have also been charged with two counts of armed robbery each for alleged incidents on Jan. 10 at a Circle K convenience store at 1760 Bells Ferry Road.

Marietta Police allege that Simmons and McCuen are members of the Gangster Disciples gang, and they have also been charged with violating the Criminal Street Gang Act.

According to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, McCuen and Simmons reside in Northeast Cobb, on Fairington Drive and Bristol Lane, respectively. Both in custody at the Cobb County Adult Detention Center. Williams is from Marietta, police said.

Police said they received reports of gunfire around 8:30 p.m. last Wednesday, Jan. 10, near Bells Ferry Road and Williams Drive, which is near the Circle K. Investigators said a dispute broke out near the Circle K parking lot about a narcotics purchase in which Williams allegedly stabbed McCuen.

According to police, McCuen ran after Williams and shot him several times. Police said Williams is recovering but did not detail his injuries.

Simmons was also involved in the dispute, according to police, who said he initially provided a false identification.

Police said two hand guns were located near the original crime scene, which prompted them to expand their investigation. According to police, McCuen and Simmons also had committed two armed robberies at the same Circle K earlier that day, in the morning.

The investigation also led to stolen items in Simmons’ possession, according to police, who said they are connected to a vehicle break-in on the previous day, Tuesday, Jan. 9.

McCuen also faces charges of firing a weapon near a street, possession of a firearm while committing a crime and theft by receiving.

Simmons is also charged with giving a false name and date of birth, possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, obstruction of an investigation, two counts of possessing a firearm during the commission of a crime and is wanted for a probation violation.

Marietta Police are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Det. Braxton at 770-794-5380.

 

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Cobb begins thawing out from winter storm: Thursday mid-day closings, weather, roads, schools update

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NWS Snowfall Map, Cobb winter storm

As temperatures climbed toward freezing this morning, Cobb County government offices and libraries opened, and road clean-up continued, aided by some very welcome sunshine.

Late last night, Cobb spokesman Ross Cavitt said that around 200 accident calls were reported to county 911 dispatchers within the first 24 hours of the storm, including 15 stranded motorists, 10 hit-and-run incidents and two needing fire extrication from their vehicles.

No serious injuries have been reported, but the roads are still icy and slushy in some places.

Earlier this morning Cobb DOT said there were 50 reports of black ice throughout the county overnight:

Most major roads in good shape but side streets, especially those in shade, remain problematic. Be safe if you are venturing out. Fortunately traffic is light.

If you’re a CobbLinc rider, local and paratransit service began at noon, but XPress bus services are cancelled today.

Temperatures could reach the high 30s or even 40 by mid afternoon, with lows tonight and overnight falling back into the mid-to-low 20s.

Then it’s getting warmer starting Friday, and for most of next week. Friday’s highs could get into the low 50s and by Sunday we could get into the high 60s.

Related story

We a few updates about openings, closings, cancellations and postponements from East Cobb businesses, faith communities and other organizations beyond what was posted on the link just above, but we’ll keep adding to this list below during the afternoon.

We’ll also update with news about whether Cobb schools will have classes Friday. They’re closed again today, and today’s school board meetings have been postponed to next Thursday.

We’ll also be catching up with some other news that we’ve been wanting to post here the last couple days—and there’s a lot going on to share in East Cobb—starting later today and tomorrow as well.

Thursday openings

  • Transfiguration Catholic Church
  • XenGo Fusion Kitchen & Sushi
  • The Avenue East Cobb
  • Ted’s Montana Grill
  • Johnny’s New York Pizza
  • Book Exchange
  • St. Andrew UMC, at 1 p.m.
  • Once and Again Books
  • The Art Place-Mountain View, at 1 p.m.
  • East Cobb and NE Cobb YMCA open until 7 p.m.

Thursday closings/cancellations

  • Tonight’s Walton PTSA open house and general meeting
  • All practices/activities for East Marietta Basketball
  • The Cobb Watershed Stewardship program’s Privet Pull Mob for this afternoon at Noonday Creek Park

Send your weather news and photos and we’ll post it here: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

 

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Cobb schools closed Thursday; latest East Cobb closings, cancellations, delayed openings and more

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With a forecast of more sub-freezing temperatures tonight and overnight, Cobb schools will be closed again on Thursday.

The Cobb County School District said the closure is for students and staff for the second day in a row.Cobb County School District, Cobb schools closed Thursday

The Cobb Board of Education work session and regular meeting, both scheduled for Thursday, have been postponed to next Thursday, Jan. 25.

A state of emergency declared by Gov. Nathan Deal for 83 counties in Georgia, including Cobb, remains in effect.

Temperatures are expected to dip back into the teens tonight and overnight, as any snow and ice that melted today will refreeze and create black ice.

Weather conditions may not reach above freezing in Cobb until Thursday afternoon. Here’s what Cobb County government posted earlier Wednesday afternoon:

Bill Shelton, Cobb County DOT Road Maintenance Director, says crews are restocking supplies of gravel for what will be a long day and night of treating roads. “I don’t see conditions on the roads changing much overnight,” Shelton said. “Even when the temperature gets above freezing Thursday, shady spots and low-lying areas will not thaw out. So we will keep running routes and treat all those areas to make sure roads are safe.”

Shelton says so far Cobb DOT crews have;
– Put down 3400 gallons of brine before the snow started,
– Used 300 tons of salt and 1200 tons of gravel since the snow fell,
– Eight trucks continuously running routes, with others restocking material.

Related story

Thursday Closings

  • The Walker School;
  • Mt. Bethel Christian Academy;
  • The Wood Acres School;
  • Eastside Christian School;
  • All campuses of Kennesaw State University;
  • Nobis Works Center;
  • Gracepoint School;
  • St. Catherine’s Episcopal preschool;

Thursday Cancellations

  • Morning sessions at Studio 348 for Women cancelled. Afternoon sessions still scheduled;

Thursday Postponements

  • East Cobb Middle School PTSA meeting and volunteer appreciation scheduled for Thursday will be held Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 6 p.m. in the ECMS Media Center;
  • Primrose School at East Cobb’s parent information meeting tonight at 6:30, was scheduled for Camps Kitchen & Bar, rescheduled to Sunday, Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m. at the same venue;

Thursday delayed openings

  • Cobb County Government, 10 a.m. Thursday; Cobb libraries 11 a.m.;
  • Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Thursday;
  • East Cobb and Northeast Cobb YMCA, 10 a.m. Thursday (tentative);
  • St. Ann Catholic Church parish office, 10 a.m. Thursday. No 6:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. Mass services;
  • Mansouri Family Dental Care, noon-5:30 p.m.;
  • Olde Towne Athletic Club, opening at noon;
  • Atlanta Swim Academy, opening at 1 p.m., all morning classes cancelled.

We’ll be continuously updating other closings, cancellations, postponements and road and weather news for the rest of your Wednesday afternoon and evening here.

Send your weather news and photos and we’ll post it here: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

 

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Wednesday winter weather update: Cobb government closed; motorists asked not to travel as roads remain icy; closures, delayed openings and more

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Winter Storm, Jan. 17, 2018
Many areas of East Cobb got a half-inch to an inch of snow Tuesday; temperatures are not expected to rise above freezing until Thursday.

Here’s your mid-day Wednesday Cobb winter weather update, and we’ll keep adding more information as we get it the rest of the afternoon:

Cobb County government offices will be closed all day today because of the icy road conditions, and with temperatures not expected to rise out of the 20s.

That includes courts, public libraries and all CobbLinc bus service. Late last night county officials had indicated a delayed starting time of 10 a.m., but road conditions have made it hazardous to travel, as ice is packed under snow.

Related story

Accidents are taking place in many areas; Marietta Police said this morning that at least 15 accidents have taken place in the city, and that number is expected to climb. There’s no word yet on major accidents in the East Cobb area, but we will update any information that becomes available.

Any roads with melting ice are expected to refreeze tonight, and crews will be back out treating major routes. The Cobb Commute link has updates on roads that have been treated.

Cobb government sent out this message via social media earlier this morning:

Cobb DOT crews spent the night treating roadways and crews continue to work the roads, now on their second run over their countywide routes. But as the snowfall moves out, the number of accidents in the county has increased, with police reporting some hills and bridges impassable.

County officials will get more updates from the DOT crews and make a determination later today when to resume operations.

Related story

After Tuesday’s snow, temperatures fell dramatically below freezing. Cobb DOT had work crews out all night and into the morning, but because of icy conditions and sub-freezing temperatures into Thursday afternoon, motorists are advised not to get out on to the roads unless they have to.

As of 11 a.m. Cobb schools have not communicated any new information, including whether there will be classes on Thursday.

As of this writing the temperatures are in the mid teens in East Cobb, with highs projected only in the low to mid-20s. Lows tonight are forecast to fall back into the teens, with highs in the 40s expected on Thursday, but not until the afternoon.

East Cobb News will continue to update this post during the day with the latest information about closures, cancellations, postponements and other weather-related news.

Send your weather news, and photos if you have them, to: editor@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post them.

What follows below are the latest closings/delayed openings/cancellations/postponements from this morning, not including those we posted last night on the link above:

Closings

  • Mass and all activities at Holy Family Catholic Church
  • Dog City Bakery
  • Haven, The Dog Spot
  • Tritt Animal Hospital
  • Rescued Too
  • Johnny’s New York Pizza
  • Ronald Sachs Violins
  • East Cobb and Northeast Cobb YMCA
  • All activities at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation
  • LGE Community Credit Union
  • All Fidelity Bank branches
  • Kids’ Zone Daycare and Learning Center
  • Club Pilates East Cobb
  • Lemon Grass Thai Restaurant
  • Montrose Animal Hospital
  • Studio 348 for Women
  • Book Nook Marietta
  • Office and activities at St. Andrew UMC
  • Peace Love and Pizza
  • All activities at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church
  • Gigi’s Cupcakes
  • Once & Again Books Shallowford
  • Cat Clinic of Cobb
  • Book Exchange
  • Chick-fil-A Lassiter
  • All activities at Eastminster Presbyterian Church
  • Offices and all acitivities at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church
  • Intrigue Salon
  • Kids Kuts Salon
  • Atlanta Swim Academy
  • Three-13 Salon
  • Righteous Que
  • Free-Flite Bicycles
  • Mansouri Family Dental Care
  • All activities at Eastside Baptist Church
  • Parisian Nail Salon
  • Massage Heights East Cobb

Openings

  • Zaxby’s Lower Roswell Road, 11 a.m.
  • Muss & Turner East Cobb, noon
  • Frankie’s Italian restaurant, Roswell Road
  • Loyal Q, 11 a.m.
  • Winston’s Food and Spirits
  • Terrell Mill Animal Hospital, 10 a.m.
  • Chick-fil-A Woodlawn Square, open until 4 p.m.
  • Marietta Donuts, open until 5 p.m.
  • Marietta Fish Market, 4 p.m. depending on road conditions
  • Chick-fil-A East Lake
  • The Wing Cafe and Tap House
  • WellStar East Cobb Health Park
  • Marietta Ice Center revised schedule for public skating sessions: 1:15-3:15 p.m.; 3:30-6 p.m.; 6:15-8:45 p.m.

Cancellations

  • East Cobb UMC Wednesday Night Supper

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Cobb schools closed Wednesday; county included in state of emergency; updated closures/cancellations/delayed openings

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NWS Snowfall Map

Updated Wednesday story, 12 p.m.

UPDATED, 8:35 P.M. and 10:55 P.M. Tuesday

Shortly before 8:30 tonight, the Cobb County School District announced that Cobb schools will be closed on Wednesday, for students and staff, “due to road and travel conditions.”

Gov. Nathan Deal has declared a state of emergency for 83 counties in Georgia, including Cobb, and non-essential state government offices will be closed Wednesday.

Cobb DOT crews are working in 12-hour shifts, starting at 5 p.m. today, and switching to fresh crews at 5 a.m. Wednesday, to treat major roads with a salt and gravel mix as between a half-inch to an inch of snow is forecast to fall on Cobb, and turn to ice as temperatures reached freezing.

Cobb County government is on a delayed opening Wednesday until 10 a.m., including libraries.

With the wind chill, temperatures in the morning could feel as cold as several degrees below zero. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Cobb and most of north Georgia until 10 a.m. Wednesday and a wind chill advisory is in effect until 7 a.m.

CobbLinc will delay the start of all bus services until 10 a.m.

Snowfall began falling in East Cobb a little after 7 tonight, as temperatures fell to around the freezing mark.

The Walker School also is closed on Wednesday, as are Mt. Bethel Christian Academy, the Wood Acres School, Gracepoint School and Faith Lutheran School.

All campuses of Kennesaw State University are closed on Wednesday, but dining services will continue. All campuses of Chattahoochee Tech also will be closed Wednesday.

The Eastside Christian School open house scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed a week to Jan 24 at 9:30 a.m. All classes are cancelled Wednesday.

The St. Catherine’s Episcopal preschool is closed Wednesday, as is the St. Ann Catholic preschool.

At Transfiguration Catholic Church, preschool, PREP classes and Adult Education classes are cancelled Wednesday, and perpetual adoration will be closed until noon.

The Northeast Cobb Business Association luncheon Wednesday has been cancelled.

The East Cobb YMCA and Northeast Cobb YMCA are delaying opening until 10 a.m.

Olde Towne Athletic Club is opening at noon Wednesday.

More updates will posted here as they become available.

ORIGINAL REPORT, posted 4:55 p.m.: 

With public and private schools already having cancelled Tuesday evening events, here’s the latest Cobb winter storm update. We’ll keep posting additional information as we have it, including any news about Cobb schools for Wednesday.

The Cobb County School District has been saying this afternoon that “a decision about school for Wednesday will be made either late tonight or early tomorrow morning.”

Send your news about cancellations/postponements to: editor@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll add it here.

Weather Conditions

From the National Weather Service, precipitation is expected to come through a line from Carrollton to Canton and into northeastern Georgia around 6 p.m. tonight (as shown in map above), and as temperatures plunge dramatically.

Temperatures were in the high 40s in the East Cobb area around 4:30 p.m., but dropping temperatures, along with the wind chill, could make it feel a few degrees below zero overnight and into early Wednesday morning.

Closings/cancellations/postponements

  • Cobb County government, including libraries, is closing at 6 tonight, and programs and events scheduled for tonight are cancelled or rescheduled. All government offices, agencies and facilities are slated to open on a delayed basis on Wednesday at 10 a.m.;
  • The East Cobb and Northeast Cobb YMCA branches are cancelling all after school activities, as well as paid programming. The branches plan to stay open until 7:30;
  • Transfiguration Catholic Church is cancelling all evening parish activities and meetings, PREP classes and adult ed classes, and Perpetual Adoration is closed from 6 tonight to noon Wednesday. Tonight’s 7 p.m.  Mass will be held “as long as the weather holds up,” according to a social media post from around 1 p.m.;
  • St. Ann Catholic has cancelled Wednesday Mass services at 6:30 a.m. and 9 a.m.;
  • The Walker School is cancelling all after school-activities, including practices and games;
  • The Wood Acres After School Tree House is closing at 5 p.m.
  • After-school care at Mt. Bethel Christian Academy is closing at 5 p.m. and North campus athletics are cancelled;
  • All after-school activities at Eastside Christian Academy will conclude at 5:30, and pickup is required by that time. JV basketball games at Mt. Paran are cancelled;
  • All campuses of Kennesaw State University are closing at 5 p.m., and all night classes after that are cancelled;
  • The same goes for all campuses at Chattahoochee Tech, closing at 5 p.m.;
  • The Walton High School wrestling team’s picture day and senior night event scheduled for Wednesday has been postponed a week, to Jan. 24.

Cobb DOT/Roads

The Cobb DOT road maintenance division has been pretreating roads with brine this morning and is treating roads with salt and gravel mix on designated major routes this afternoon. Between a half-inch and an inch of snow is expected in Cobb. A total of 15 crews will be rolling out by 5 p.m., with another similar number of crews to follow at 5 a.m. Wednesday.

Emergency Information

The Cobb 911 office issued this information around 3 p.m. Tuesday:

Cobb County and much of North Georgia is preparing for the possibility of hazardous weather. Here are some numbers that you might need. Call these numbers instead of 911 if there is not an emergency. Call 911 if you need the fire department, an ambulance or the police. 911 is unable to give time frames on power outages.

Do Not Call 911 unless it is a life-threatening emergency. This would include someone who is utilizing life-sustaining equipment that requires electricity. 911 will not report your outage to any utility company.

Cobb EMC
770-429-2100
CobbEMC.com

Georgia Power
888-660-5890
GeorgiaPower.com

Marietta Power & Water (Marietta City)
770-794-5150
MariettaGA.gov/151/Power-Water

Cobb County Water System
770-423-1000
CobbCounty.org

Cobb County Police (non-emergency)
770-499-3911

 

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Cobb schools cancel Tuesday evening activities ahead of winter weather

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UPDATED, 11:20 A.M.

From CCSD:

All afternoon and evening activities are canceled for Tuesday, January 16, except for ASP which will operate on a normal schedule. Parents are encouraged to pick up students from ASP as early as possible.

Classes resumed today in the Cobb County School District after Monday’s Martin Luther King holiday, but the system released this statement shortly before 9 a.m. regarding the winter weather advisory issued yesterday about the National Weather Service: Cobb schools closed

We are monitoring weather forecasts and temps for late Tuesday into Wednesday, January 17, and the impact the weather may have, if any, on Tuesday evening activities and Wednesday classes.

Marietta City Schools have cancelled all Tuesday evening exracurricular activities.

In East Cobb, the only postponement/cancellation we have thus far is Johnson Ferry Christian Academy delaying its scheduled open house tonight to next Monday, Jan. 22 at 7 p.m. in the chapel.

Some school districts in north Georgia, including Bartow County, are releasing early today, but thus far Cobb has not indicated that will be happening here.

Tuesday’s high temperatures in Cobb and metro Atlanta are expected to be in the high 40s.

The snow isn’t expected until late this afternoon, with very cold weather moving in this evening.

That winter weather advisory area includes Cobb and goes into effect from 5 p.m. tonight to 7 a.m. Wednesday. In addition, a wind chill advisory has been issued that also includes Cobb from 9 p.m. tonight to 1 p.m. Wednesday.

The NWS has extended its advisory area to include most of Georgia; the map below was issued earlier this morning.

More updates will be posted here when they become available.

National Weather Service

 

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East Cobb restaurant scores: Catfish Hox; Drift; Mirko; Moxie Burger; Red Sky; Seed; and more

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Mirko Pasta, East Cobb restaurant scores

The following East Cobb restaurant scores from Dec. 13-Jan. 12 have been compiled by the Cobb & Douglas Department of Public Health. Click the link under each listing to view details of the inspection:

Atlanta Country Club 
500 Atlanta Country Club Drive
December 21, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Baskin Robbins 
4811 Lower Roswell Road
December 13, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Bradley’s Bar & Grill/Dogwood Catering 
4961 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 117
December 19, 2017 Score: 91, Grade: A

Catfish Hox 
2595 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 101
December 14, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Cherry On Top Delights 
4665 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 107
December 21, 2017 Score: 96, Grade: A

Delkwood Grill 
2769 Delk Road
December 28, 2017 Score: 85, Grade: B

Delray Diner 
2475 Delk Road
January 9, 2018 Score: 62, Grade: U
January 12, 2018 Score: 79, Grade: C

Derek’s 
1438 Canton Road
January 11, 2018 Score: 92, Grade: A

Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar 
4475 Roswell Road, Suite 1410
December 28, 2017 Score: 91, Grade: A

Frankie’s Italian
3085 Canton Road
January 4, 2018 Score: 88, Grade: B

Fugu Express 
2900 Delk Road, Suite 2000
December 14, 2017 Score: 81, Grade: B

Kumo Hibachi Sushi 
2595 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 103
January 4, 2018 Score: 90, Grade: A

La Carreta 
1252 Roswell Road
December 29, 2017 Score: 82, Grade: B

Longhorn Steakhouse 
4721 Lower Roswell Road
December 21, 2017 Score: 93, Grade: A

Marietta Crawfish & Seafood 
1420 Roswell Road
December 18, 2017 Score: 92, Grade: A

Mazzy’s Sports Bar & Grill 
2217 Roswell Road, Suite A-200
December 19, 2017 Score: 86, Grade: B

McDonald’s 
1291 Bells Ferry Road
January 11, 2018 Score: 89, Grade: B

McDonald’s 
3101 Roswell Road
January 10, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

Minas Emporium 
2555 Delk Road, Suite B4
December 15, 2017 Score: 82, Grade: B

Mirko Pasta 
1281 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 120
December 29, 2017 Score: 96, Grade: A

Montana’s Bar & Grill
2995 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 330
December 20, 2017 Score: 82, Grade: B

Moxie Burger 
255 Village Parkway, Suite 110
December 13, 2017 Score: 93, Grade: A

Papa John’s Pizza 
4811 Lower Roswell Road
December 13, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Red Sky Tapas & Bar 
1255 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 16
December 13, 2017 Score: 87, Grade: B

Rocky Mount Elementary School 
2400 Rocky Mountain Road
December 13, 2017 Score: 100, Grade: A

Sabor do Brasil 
2800 Delk Road, Suite E
January 2, 2018 Score: 73, Grade: C

Sam’s BBQ-1
4958 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 108
December 28, 2017 Score: 99, Grade: A

Seed Kitchen & Bar 
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 504
December 21, 2017 Score: 96, Grade: A

Simpson Middle School 
3340 Trickum Road
December 13, 2017 Score: 97, Grade: A

Starbucks (Inside Kroger)
4880 Lower Roswell Road
January 11, 2018 Score: 99, Grade: A

Stem Wine Bar 
1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 516
January 12, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

Subway 
2561 Windy Hill Road
January 8, 2018 Score: 90, Grade: A

Wendy’s 
2238 Roswell Road
January 5, 2018 Score: 100, Grade: A

Winston’s Food & Spirits
1860 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 101
December 27, 2017 Score: 80, Grade: B

 

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Cobb winter weather forecast: chance of light snow starting Tuesday afternoon

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NWS Forecast Map

UPDATED, 5:30 p.m.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for Cobb and most of north Georgia that begins at 4 p.m. Tuesday and continues through 7 a.m. Wednesday.

Cobb and Marietta are included in an area outlined in white in the map below, at right, that could get up to an inch of snow, starting late Tuesday afternoon. In addition, temperatures are expected to fall between five degrees above zero to zero Tuesday night and into Wednesday morning, in what the NWS refers to as wind chill values at “dangerous levels.”

NWS Winter Weather Advisory map

Original report, posted at 1:06 p.m.

In addition to really having to bundle up again—below freezing temperatures are back, along with wind chills that will make it feel like it’s in the single digits—there’s a chance of light snow for Cobb, metro Atlanta and most of northwest Georgia Tuesday afternoon.

The National Weather Service has issued a special weather statement that up to an inch of light snow is possible across an area above a line from LaGrange to Conyers to Commerce
as early as Tuesday afternoon and into Wednesday morning.

While Tuesday’s daytime highs could reach into the 50s, it’s in the late afternoon and evening hours that the precipitation is most likely to occur, and temperatures are expected to plunge into the high teens in metro Atlanta.

Wednesday’s temperatures are not expected to reach freezing, with lows also in the teens. Skies will be sunny, but the wind chill factor will linger at least through Wednesday.

Here’s more from the NWS advisory, which was issued early Monday morning:

Although forecast amounts will mainly be less than 1 inch, temperatures will be well below freezing Tuesday night. Any snow that falls, no matter how light will likely remain on the roads and ground through Thursday morning.

Low temperatures Wednesday morning will range from 12 to 20 degrees with wind chill readings from 10 above to near zero.

Temperatures are expected to drop into into single digits, so any snow that falls will stick.

We will update this forecast if it changes, which the NWS said is likely, including possible school closures.

The weather will get warmer for the weekend, with highs in the 50s and possibly even into the low 60s on Sunday, when a light chance of rain is in the forecast.

 

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East Cobb Biz Notes: Cobb Antique Mall relocates to Canton Road

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Cobb Antique Mall

After 15 years on Cobb Parkway at Gresham Road, the Cobb Antique Mall has relocated to Canton Road and is having what it’s terming a “soft” opening on Monday, starting at 10 a.m.

The new address is 2800 Canton Road, at the corner of Piedmont Road, in Suite 900 of the Piedmont Village Shopping Center (where a driver’s license office used to be). The phone number is 770-590-8989. The business received its new occupancy license on Jan. 9.

The Cobb Antique Mall closed at its old location on Dec. 15 to prepare for the move. The new store has 10,000 more square feet and according to management will feature many of the same vendors. Here’s more information for prospective vendors, with a Jan. 31 deadline for a year’s lease that includes either free rent or no commission taken for the year.

The hours for the Cobb Antique Mall are Monday-Saturday 10-7 and Sunday 12-6.

Salata to open Feb. 1

As we noted on Friday, the Salata restaurant at Providence Square (4101 Roswell Road, in the former Uncle Maddio’s spot), is opening on Feb. 1. At The Avenue East Cobb, Smallcakes, a cupcake and ice cream store, opened last week.

Also at The Avenue, J. Crew closed on Sunday as part of a larger reduction of stores for the clothing and apparel chain, and the Justice girls clothing store also will be closing soon.

Aspens halts Sunday brunch

The East Cobb location of Aspens Signature Steaks and Seafood (2942 Shallowford Road), is “taking a break” from serving Sunday brunch, but the announcement didn’t indicate when it might resume. Dinner service continues seven days a week starting at 5 p.m.

New East Cobb businesses

The following businesses are the first in East Cobb to be granted operating licenses in 2018:

  • A Healthy Liquid Seasoning, 2501 E. Piedmont Road, Suite 144 (groceries);
  • Anytime Fitness, 3595 Canton Road, Suite D (fitness center);
  • C.H. McCallum, LLC, 2943 Bentwood Drive (appraiser);
  • Dominican Beauty Salon, 2359 Windy Hill Road, Suite 270 (beauty salon);
  • Earth Clean Concepts, 2265 Roswell Road, Suite 100 (janitorial service);
  • Fay Alterations, 4651 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 108 (alterations);
  • Home Inspection Pros, 2350 Sumter Lake Drive (home inspection service);
  • Marco Silva, 3920 Canton Road, Suite 155 (fitness trainer);
  • Nancy’s Vintage Shop, 1050 E. Piedmont Road, Suite 102 (antique sales);
  • Marietta Technical Solutions, 3000 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 201 (computer service and repair);
  • Raven Microblading, 2627 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 202 (tattoo parlor);
  • Team Rehabilitation, 1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 340 (physical therapy);
  • Tyson Mayers, 2993 Sandy Plains Road, Suite 220 (insurance agent).

 

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The East Cobb News weekly newsletter for Jan. 14, 2018 is out!

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Ming's Asian Kitchen, East Cobb News Digest newsletter
Our most popular story this week on East Cobb News: The opening of Ming’s Asian Kitchen on Lower Roswell Road.

Catch up with all of the past week’s headlines and take a look at what’s coming up this week with our convenient weekly e-mail newsletter.

The East Cobb News Digest is delivered every Sunday afternoon, 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 link below). We don’t sell or rent our e-mail listings to anyone.

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.

We’re enhancing our newsletter—including more top local headlines—due to changes Facebook is making to its News Feed, which that may limit what you see if you follow or like East Cobb News on that social media platform.

The following people have become our first subscribers of 2018 (and the last from 2017):

Amy Ash, Rick Buckalew, Cynthia Lippert, Matthew Linskey, Nat Tinamoff, Sharon Hartley, Pauline Smith, Wanda Becker, Gwendolyn Clark, Dana Peterson, Frank Vineyard, James Murphy, Libby Coppedge, Dennis Fox, Brooke Stanchie, Deborah Flowers, Al Rondon, Sharon Spencer, Christine Waldner, Helen Tilden.

Anne McCoy, Liz Bishop, Betty Meeks, Mary Mimes, Kat Corley, Trish Steiner, Cain Wickham, Spencer Kollas, Timothy Cent, Warren Hoss, Darcy Oxman, Siggy Sigler, Ralph Stewart, Ans Vonhof Basch, Jo Greenstein, Rebecca Dempsey, Nancy Grabe, Bob Ott, Verona Reed, Maggie Carlock.

Adrienne Dickerson, Barb Russell, A. Quillen, Clifford Huffaker, Heidi Depriest, Greg Bishop, Carol Huffaker, Dorothy Miley, Don Fleenor, Joel Blanchard, Brenda Littell, Jliz Faizi, Channing Longo, Barbara Eubanks, Libby Barnett, Deborah Sumling, William Hunter, Sara Jane Lombardi, Adrian Palacios, Shandy Bosnak.

Gabriele Selman, Linda Pace, Virginia Welch, Tiane Hamler, Kelly Thomas, Linda Prickett, Vic Anapolle, Kim Lovello, Heidi Rogerson, Josh Clark, Jenn English, Barbara Anchors, Emma Lankford, Vickie Milne, Wayne Kemp, Debbie Vaky, Carol Pettrow, Leah St. Denis.

Thanks for subscribing, and for reading East Cobb News!

Leadership Cobb seeking nominations for 2018-19 class

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Press release:

Leadership Cobb, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s premier leadership development program, is seeking nominations for members of the 2018-2019 class.Cobb Chamber of Commerce

Class members will be selected from business, industry, education, government and other professions, as well as from volunteer, civic and religious organizations. Leadership Cobb develops leadership skills and promotes professional and personal growth through experiential learning opportunities.

Class members are introduced to a variety of viewpoints, illustrating the array of economic, political, educational and social factors at work in Cobb County. Leadership Cobb program days combine lectures and dialogue with speakers, as well as class member interaction with leaders representing all facets of the Cobb community.
           

Nominees should be able to assume increased community responsibilities, as the program demands significant time and effort for 10 consecutive months.

Attendance is mandatory for all regularly scheduled events, which usually are held one day per month, plus two three-day retreats in the fall and spring and periodic evening sessions. The program begins fall 2018 and runs through spring 2019.

The program, which is in its 35th year, provides a learning environment that enhances personal and professional growth to benefit the community and the region.

The deadline for nominations is Monday, Feb. 12, 2018. Fill out a nomination form online at www.cobbchamber.org or email the nominee’s name, title, employer, mailing address, email address and business or mobile telephone number to Michele Howard at mhoward@cobbchamber.org. 

Tripp Boyer of Wells Fargo Advisors and Christina Martin of Kaiser Permanente will be co-chairs for the 2018-2019 program year. The Yearlong Presenting Sponsor is Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business Executive MBA Programs.

For more information on the Leadership Cobb nomination and selection process, please contact Michele Howard atmhoward@cobbchamber.org.

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East Cobb teachers earn grant money at ‘Cobb Tank’ competition

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Hightower Trail teachers, East Cobb teachers, Cobb Tank

Teachers from three East Cobb schools have been awarded grant money for lab ideas pitched at the Cobb County School District’s annual “Cobb Tank” competition.

A total of $71,00 in grant money was handed out to teachers at 10 schools in the district. They include Zakary Jezequel and Amy Morris at Hightower Trail Middle School (above, all photos submitted by CCSD), who will receive $6,595 to develop a project in which students will race toward a healthy lifestyle using spin bikes.

At Kell High School, English teacher Lauren Forbes’ grant of $1,600 is for an “Escape from the Ordinary Classroom” program, as her students will take a true literary escape in their studies.

Lauren Forbes, Kell High School

Dickerson Middle School teacher Lawton Willingham is receiving a Cobb Tank grant worth nearly $11,000 for a music prototyping and programming program.

Lawton Willingham, Dickerson Middle School

The program is modeled after the TV program “Shark Tank.” All recipients pitched their “Cobb Tank” ideas at CCSD headquarters. Per a CCSD release, here’s how the competition went:

Through lively, creative, and effective presentations, many involving their students, the teachers appealed beneath TV camera lights for the sharks to fund their ideas to enhance classroom instruction.

A panel of judges, or “sharks,” included several school district teachers and administrators, including assistant superintendent David Chiprany, a former principal at East Cobb Middle School and Wheeler High School, as well as business and community leaders.

A video presentation of the entire competition will be made available later this month on Cobb edTV, the school district’s cable access channel.

Cobb Tank 2017 contestants

 

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With Facebook changes coming, here’s how to never miss a post from East Cobb News

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Earlier this month, East Cobb News turned six months old, as this community-focused news resource strives to cover more events and provide readers with local information they can’t get anywhere else.Wendy Parker, East Cobb News

Most of you find us through search engines like Google, but many of you also have East Cobb News stories delivered to you through social media channels, especially Facebook.

If you get East Cobb News stories mainly through Facebook, what you’ll see from us in your newsfeed will be changing very soon.

In fact, you’ll be getting less and less of what East Cobb News and other publishers share with you, even though you may like and follow our Facebook page and want to get your news this way.

That’s because Facebook this week announced major changes in what users will get in their news feed and will begin limiting the content you see from news organizations like ours.

“As we roll this out, you’ll see less public content like posts from businesses, brands, and media,” Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg wrote on his Facebook account.

Facebook hopes this change will increase the quality of the news in your feed and give users more time to connect with the people most important to them.

Many of you rely on Facebook to see the content we post every day on East Cobb News. As I have learned as publisher and in a previous job covering East Cobb for AOL, many of our most engaged users, active East Cobb citizens, congregate on Facebook to share the latest news with their friends and neighbors.

It’s a shame that Facebook is making this move while upstart, independent local news outlets, like East Cobb News, are fighting to fill the gap left by newspapers and other media organizations. We’re just getting going with East Cobb News, and building an engaged readership, online as well as in the community.

One thing you can do if you follow the East Cobb News Page is to change your News Feed settings to “See First” (as shown at left) instead of “Default.” This prioritizes the pages you want to see, and was introduced a couple years ago by Facebook. Here’s more about See First, and for now, it appears it’s remaining as a user option.

As things change, however, we’re also finding that more and more East Cobb citizens are are signing up every day for our free weekly newsletter, the East Cobb News Digest, which is delivered every Sunday afternoon.

The Digest includes highlighted stories from the previous week and a glimpse of what’s on tap in the coming week, as well as useful community information.

Due to the changes being made by Facebook, I will be including a few more links from stories of the past week in the newsletter. Eventually I may increase the frequency of the newsletter to a couple times a week and send out alerts for major breaking news. East Cobb News does not sell or rent its newsletter subscriber list to anyone.

The simplest way to deal with these changes, if you are a Facebook user and get your news from East Cobb News, is to subscribe to our newsletter. If you haven’t done so, it’s free, and signing up is easy. After clicking the button below, you’ll never miss an important story about what’s going on in East Cobb.

 

Thanks for your readership of East Cobb News, and please let us know what you think. Feel free to contact me anytime at: wendy@eastcobbnews.com or call 404-219-4278.

East Cobb seniors sound off on proposed fee increases at town hall

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East Cobb Senior Town Hall meeting
Cobb commission chairman Mike Boyce faced a full house at the East Cobb Senior Center Friday (East Cobb News photos by Wendy Parker)

Before Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce made his case for increasing charges for senior services, including the creation of an annual membership fee, he issued an apology.

Not for the idea of raising fees. As he reiterated several times, often to the derision of some in attendance at a town hall meeting at the East Cobb Senior Center Friday morning, “We’re all in this together” in addressing Cobb’s mounting budget problems.

Rather, Boyce regretted the way the announcement was handled in November, when commissioners voted to impose an annual $60 membership fee to use Cobb senior centers and in some cases charge steep increases in renting rooms for events at those facilities.

Those new charges are set to go into effect on Feb. 1, but because of strong pushback from seniors, Boyce scheduled a series of town hall meetings this month.

The first was at the East Cobb center on Sandy Plains Road, one of the busiest of the five senior centers run by the county, and with a robust schedule of activities and organizations that meet there.

“You’re angry because you feel like we’re shoving this down your throat,” Boyce said to a standing-room only crowd. “That’s why we’re here.”

East Cobb Senior Town Hall

Many were angry about any increases in general, with some citing living on fixed incomes, and wondering how much the new charges would help solve a budget deficit projected to be $30 million or more for fiscal 2019.

“I’m hoping it’s only $30 million,” Boyce said, rattling off a long list of things that the county isn’t buying these days—including public safety and senior services vehicles—due to the budget crunch.

He deflected criticism that the county’s obligation for SunTrust Park is contributing to the budget woes, which were $20 million for fiscal 2018. Cobb pays $8.4 million annually for its share of the new home of the Atlanta Braves.

When an attendee charged that the county is “Mickey Mousing us around” instead of addressing funding for the stadium, Boyce was adamant:

“The Braves didn’t create this hole. All they did was accelerate the inevitable.”

Of the $405 million fiscal year general fund budget for 2018, around $170 million is earmarked for required services under state law: public safety, courts, roads and water.

A longer list of “essential” services includes code enforcement, finance and budget and planning and zoning. That totals another $146 million.

The longest list of all, “desired” services, has the smallest budget sum of the three: $86 million, and it’s where the budgets for popular programs for parks, libraries and seniors all come from.

Each senior center costs around $250,000 a year to operate, but county officials estimate only 6,100 of Cobb’s 165,000 seniors use them at all.

When a senior asked why the elderly are being asked to share the burden this way, Boyce offered his standard response—”because we’re all in this together”—to a chorus of boos and groans.

“You may not like the answer, but if we don’t fill this [budget] hole, we may have to close places,” he said.

East Cobb senior town hall

Boyce faced greater opposition to the room rate increases, which in some cases would be 200 or 300 percent higher than what they are now, as well as class fees.

Currently, the Foxtrotters Dance Club pays $120 for its monthly events, and the Marietta Golden K Kiwanis Club pays the same amount for several meetings a year at the East Cobb center.

Those rentals would go up to $200 an event. Class fees would go up from $48 to $112 and $160 for painting classes and from $30 to $50 for yoga and tai chi sessions.

Some worried that their fellow seniors may drop out of coming to the centers, which have become a vital social hub.

One suggestion Boyce said he definitely would take back to the commissioners is a $5 monthly fee, which may be more affordable for some seniors who can’t pay $60 in advance.

After the town hall meeting, East Cobb senior resident Chris Vail said he appreciated Boyce taking the heat, and for apologizing at the outset.

Vail is member of the Golden K Kiwanis, which has met at the East Cobb Senior Center for 22 years. He’s concerned that higher charges for room rental and other club activities would cost the organization $12,000 a year, about the same amount of money the group raises for various children’s charities every year.

“That would put us out of business,” said Vail, a retired police officer from Albany, Ga., and a former Congressional investigator. “There’s a lot of benefit for us to be here.”

He said a user fee for seniors would be fine with him “as long as it is reasonable.” Vail said while he was glad for the chance to be heard, “I only pray that they will listen to us.”

Additional town hall meetings will take place week at the North Cobb, West Cobb, Freeman Poole and Marietta senior centers. The commissioners will discuss the feedback at a work session later this month before scheduling a vote on the new fees.

East Cobb Senior Town Hall

 

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Salata to open in East Cobb on Feb. 1; Smallcakes opens at The Avenue; J. Crew closing

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Salata East Cobb

It’s been a busy week on the new restaurant front in East Cobb. In addition to the opening of Ming’s Asian Kitchen we posted on Wednesday, Salata, the long-awaited salad and healthy foods eatery that’s been preparing space in Providence Square Shopping Center, has announced that it will open for business on Feb. 1.

The announcement came late Thursday on the Salata Twitter feed as well as the company’s Facebook page, although there was no news posted when we went by earlier today.

It’s the third Georgia location for the Houston-based Salata, which is at Atlantic Station and Glenridge Point. Salata has nearly 70 restaurants, mostly in Texas, as well as California, Illinois and Oklahoma.

J. Crew The Avenue
The J. Crew store at The Avenue is one of five to close in Atlanta this month.

The salads can be made with a selection of more than 50 vegetable toppings, 10 dressings, fruits, cheeses, fish, chicken and turkey and egg, croutons, bacon and pasta and protein options. In addition to salad wraps, Salata serves soups, desserts, lemonade and teas.

Here’s the full menu.

The hours of operation will be Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Salata is located in the freestanding former Uncle Maddio’s space at 4101 Roswell Road, Suite 1100. The phone number is 470-200-0876 and online ordering will be available.

Comings and goings at The Avenue

At The Avenue East Cobb, there’s good news and bad news: Smallcakes, a cupcake and ice cream shop, has opened in Suite 1550, next to the soon-to-be-shuttered Justice, a girls clothing store, and two doors down from Panera Bread.

It’s the second attempt in East Cobb for Smallcakes, which had a location at 2424 Roswell Road. The chain operates around 200 stores in 31 states.

J. Crew, the clothing retailer, is preparing to shut down operations at The Avenue. According to a report at Tomorrow’s News Today, it’s one of five Atlanta-area stores to close this month, and the last day of business is Sunday. When we went by today, however, the store was nearly empty, as packing up was continuing.

 

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EAST COBB WEEKEND EVENTS: St. Catherine’s concert; nutrition workshop; MLK celebration and more

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The Summit Trio, St. Catherine's Episcopal Church, East Cobb weekend events
The Summit Trio will be performing Sunday at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church.

We’ve got a short, but impactful selection of East Cobb weekend events on tap through the extended holiday weekend (and please do check out our full calendar listings for more):

  • On Saturday, you can get your diet, health and nutrition plans in order for the new year at a special presentation by WellStar from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Road). A nutrition expert will be on hand providing tips on making dietary changes. The workshop is free but registration is required by calling 770-509-2730;
  • The Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road) continues its horror movie series from 11-1 Saturday with a screening of “The Girl With All the Gifts,” a  2016 British post-apocalyptic zombie thriller directed by Colm McCarthy. It’s free and you can bring your own food and drink to the black box theater, but the film is for adults only;
  • The concert series at St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Road) continues Sunday at 4 p.m. with a performance by The Summit Trio, Kennesaw State University faculty members specializing in the piano, violin and cello. The event is free but free-will donations will be accepted;
  • On Monday, school will be out and local government closed in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. national holiday. The official Cobb County and Cobb NAACP celebration is from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday at Turner Chapel AME Church (492 North Marietta Parkway), with WSB TV’s Fred Blankenship serving as emcee.

Did we miss anything? Do you have a calendar listing to share, for this weekend or beyond? Let us know! E-mail your information to: calendar@eastcobbnews.com and we’ll post it right away. Have a great weekend!

 

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Sandy Plains Softball announces free clinics as spring registration continues

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As the new year dawned we posted that several East Cobb youth baseball organizations were continuing spring registration, and that’s also the case on the softball front. The Sandy Plains Softball Association has announced that it will be holding several free fundamentals clinics later this month as the sign-up period continues.Sandy Plains Softball

The dates for those fundamental clinics are from 6-7:30 p.m. on Jan. 23 (Tuesday) and Jan. 25 (Thursday) at Sandy Plains Park, 2977 Gordy Parkway (our calendar listing has more).

After those clinics is a Fun Day on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 12- 2 p.m. at the same venue, and it includes walk-up registration. Evaluations are on Sat. Feb. 3, starting at 10 a.m.

Sandy Plains Softball also is accepting applications for the Allison Beasley Scholarship, which will be awarded to one recreation league (non-travel) team girl during the spring season. The scholarship is named for a former Sandy Plains Softball Player who died at the age of 12 in a car accident in 2015.

The above link has full information to apply, including a required letter from each applicant about “what softball means to me,” and where to send that and the forms. The deadline is March 10 and the winner will be announced shortly after that. The selected girl will wear  jersey No. 10, the same number Beasley wore, in her honor during the season.

Opening Day is March 17.

Online registration for Terrell Mill Girls Softball starts on Saturday and continues through Feb. 25. We’ll post more information about that as we get it.

If you have youth sports news to share, we’ll be glad to post it. This can include photos, awards, registration information, as well as calendar and event listings. Please e-mail: editor@eastcobbnews.com.

 

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Keep Cobb Beautiful recycling grant to expand list of plastics in pilot project

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Thanks to a $50,000 grant, selected Cobb County residents will soon be able to recycle some plastic items that now get sent to landfills. Keep Cobb Beautiful

The Hefty EnergyBag program will allow Keep Cobb Beautiful, an agency of Cobb County government, to divert currently non-recyclable plastics—including a variety of basic household items—for recycling.

The grant, awarded by Keep America Beautiful and Dow Packaging and Specialty Plastics, was announced last week, and implementation details are still to come, including a timeline for the start of the program. Cobb County and Boise, Idaho were selected as local governments to receive the grant funding.

KCB will purchase orange Hefty EnergyBags that will be distributed to households participating in the pilot project. Plastics that are now commonly thrown out with general trash—such as chip bags, juice pouches, frozen vegetable bags, pet food bags, candy wrappers and utensils—will be collected in the bags and set aside for curbside pickup with regular trash bags.

Instead of being sent to a landfill, however, the orange bags will be delivered to a WestRock materials facility in Marietta, and recycled plastic items will be converted into renewable energy resources. Other participants in the Cobb program include the hauling company American Disposal and other local groups to be announced later.

The Hefty EnergyBag program was launched by Dow in 2014 and the first full-scale program got underway in Omaha in 2016.

“Keep Cobb Beautiful Inc. is excited about this innovative program and is looking forward to bringing plastic recovery options and technology to Cobb County residents,” Kimberly White, executive director for Keep Cobb Beautiful, said in a statement.

 

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Reminder: East Cobb Senior Center town hall meeting on senior fees is Friday

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East Cobb Senior Center

A couple weeks ago we posted the notice that the East Cobb Senior Center is the first venue for several town hall meetings this month on proposed fee increases for senior services in Cobb County.

That first town hall is coming up Friday, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., and will be hosted by Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce.

The East Cobb Senior Center is located at 3332 Sandy Plains Road, and the town hall meeting is free and open to the public.

Cobb commissioners have approved imposing an annual membership fee for seniors for the first time, at a charge of $60. The non-resident fee is $90, but at a commission meeting in November, a number of seniors, including some who regularly use the East Cobb Senior Center, strongly objected.

Boyce said he wants to collect further feedback before the fee changes, which also would cover spring classes and offerings, go into effect Feb. 1.

 

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