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.
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 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.
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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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.
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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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.
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.
Cobb DOT aerial rendering
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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, 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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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.
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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.
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 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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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.
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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:
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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.
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.
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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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.
Guests brought their pets, and Haven the Dog Spot was handling dog adoptions.
The food samplings ranged from sliders and tacos to desserts and cool drinks.
Live martial arts demonstrations and other fitness activities also attracted young people of all ages.
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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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Ever since Scott Sawant opened Zeal Kitchen & Bar in late 2013, his debut East Cobb restaurant on Johnson Ferry Road never had much to worry about when health inspectors arrived.
The twice-a-year inspections had resulted in three perfect scores of 100, a few more in the 90s and just one below that, an 86.
The graduate of Wheeler High School and its culinary program had carved out a niche in an East Cobb restaurant scene suddenly brimming with high-end options, focusing on what he calls a “chef-driven” menu catering to a decidedly suburban palate.
When Zeal’s familiar inspector from Cobb and Douglas Public Health showed up unannounced (as all inspectors do) on April 5, however, something very different was about to transpire.
Instead of the usual half-hour or so it took to conduct the inspection, this one lasted longer, more than two hours, by his accounting. It took place between lunch and dinner, he said, before staff could conduct a post-lunch cleaning.
Several violations, in the kitchen and around it, even regarding the menu and where the health inspection reports were posted, began to pile up. The result: A score of 61 for Zeal, a failing grade. This had never happened before.
Here’s a link to the full report, which included citations for improper storage of food, unlabeled chemical spray bottles, and one that was made especially public, a buildup of mildew in the front kitchen area.
“Mildew is a word that’s so scary for customers,” said Sawant, who added that he didn’t smell any, and that he has long contracted with a company that does such hygiene-oriented cleaning on premises weekly.
Sawant was shocked and upset. He thought some of the violations were technicalities, such as a container of grits not being warmed at a proper temperature, although he said he explained to the inspector that the container wasn’t in the kitchen area and the grits weren’t going to be served. However, that was good for a nine-point deduction.
Another violation indicated that Zeal’s bar menu didn’t disclose that one of the cocktails is made with egg whites, although that information is on the main restaurant menu.
“We fixed everything right away,” Sawant said.
When inspectors arrived several days later (as they do to follow up a failed inspection), Zeal received a perfect score of 100 (here’s the link to that report).
Sawant said he was alternately relieved but also still concerned about what his regular customers, as well as potential new customers, would think. Zeal has won several awards, including at the Taste of Marietta, and for its gluten-free options.
“It feels like you failed somebody in a relationship,” he said. “We’ve had good relationships with so many of our customers for nearly five years.”
He decided that being forthcoming about the inspection was the best way to go. He sent out an e-mail to “friends and community supporters” (East Cobb News also received a copy) explaining what had happened. He said that while he disagreed with the score, “my goal is to continue to focus on doing the right things and the right outcomes will follow.”
Sawant told us in an interview this week that failing a health inspection is far worse than getting bad reviews, since the latter “are so subjective.” He said he estimates the lost business to the restaurant since the failed inspection has cost him around $36,000.
But fixing the problems, he said, are paramount. A second failed inspection could result in at least the temporary closure of a restaurant.
“If you fail again, you don’t deserve to serve the public,” Sawant said. “I’m fine with that.”
It’s been a difficult month or so for Sawant and his Zeal staff of 28 for other reasons, too. One of their fellow employees, Alexander Seidnitzer, died in a motorcycle accident on Johnson Ferry Road in late March, and Zeal held a special event at the restaurant in his memory.
Sawant, who got his start in the restaurant industry by working at LaMadeleine at Providence Square and then by serving that company as a corporate trainer, said he’s tapped into that background, and by tightening food storage and cleaning procedures, during what’s been his most challenging time as a business owner.
He said a number of customers have sent him messages of support, and only one has been negative.
“We’re going to continue to do what we do,” Sawant said, “because we’ve been doing so well.”
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The flowers outside Eastside Baptist Church aren’t officially part of Friday’s Sope Creek Garden Club Plant sale that kicks off a full slate of East Cobb Weekend Events, but it’s certainly an enticing invitation to get and stay outdoors.
The weather’s going to be splendid most of the weekend, with cloudy skies and a chance of rain showers on Saturday.
The plant sale mentioned above takes place from 11-6 Friday at Eastside Baptist (2450 Lower Roswell Road), and there’s free admission. In addition to the plants, they’ll be selling decorative garden items, containers, plant stands and related items as part of one of their primary fundraisers;
A first-time 5K race and fun run takes place early Saturday at Mt. Bethel UMC (4385 Lower Roswell Road). It’s the Project 82 Kenya 5K Race for Good, a ministry of the church that works to provide education and health care services for orphaned children in Kenya. The registration cost is now $40, and sign-in starts at 6 a.m. on race day. It’s also a USATF qualifier and age-group winners will receive beaded necklaces made in the East African nation and brought back for the race;
One of the community’s tastiest days is Saturday, with the 13th annual Taste of East Cobb from 11-5, rain or shine, at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (955 Johnson Ferry Road). Admission is free for the Walton HS band fundraiser, and sample tickets vary from $1-$5, with nearly 30 local restaurants participating. There’s also live entertainment from the Walton Jazz Band, a Kids’ Zone, other vendors, a raffle and silent auction and a chance to vote on your favorite flavors;
Needle felting with a floral theme is the subject of a 2D Felted Spring Tulip Workshop from 2-4 Saturday at the Mountain View Regional Library (3330 Sandy Plains Road). The cost is $25 plus a $10 supply fee;
On Sunday morning, get up bright and early with the inspirations of Claude Monet’s gardens at an Art in the Park session at East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road). The session for all ages lasts from 8:30-11:30 a.m. (rain or shine) and is conducted by ABC Easel, which wants you to register beforehand by calling or texting 678-478-3002 or via email at abceasel@gmail.com.
Did we miss something? Do you have calendar item to share with the public? Send it to us, and we’ll post it. Our e-mail address is: calendar@eastcobbnews.com.
Check out our full calendar listings for more things to do, this weekend and beyond. Have a great weekend!
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An update to a shooting on Bells Ferry Road last Friday that left a man dead: One suspect has been taken in to custody, and police are looking for another man they’re saying is “wanted for questioning.”
Marietta Police said Thursday afternoon that Mehki Hilali, 18, has been charged with murder, aggravated battery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime and aggravated assault with intent to murder.
Tyon Demeko Gorman, 19, was found shot at a small strip shopping center on Bells Ferry near Williams Drive and later died at a hospital, according to police. They said that a white vehicle with a rear spoiler was seen leaving the area after the shooting and was heading north on Bells Ferry Road.
According to Cobb Sheriff’s Office records, Hilali has a Dallas, Ga., address, and was booked in the Cobb County Adult Detention Center Wednesday night and is being held without bond.
Police also have released the accompanying photo of another man, Je’marquis Wright, 17, (shown above), who is wanted for questioning about the shooting.
Marietta Police said anyone with information is asked to call their detectives line directly at 770-794-6990) or contact Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-TIPS if they wish to remain anonymous.
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Some readers have asked, and we’ve been been able to get an answer: Jason’s Deli is coming to East Cobb, where Sage Social Kitchen, Chequers Seafood and Houlihan’s have come and gone.
But it won’t be for a while.
The Texas-based fast casual eatery chain operates 275 restaurants in 28 states, including 16 in Georgia and two in Cobb, near Cumberland and Town Center malls.
Brandi Alexander, a spokeswoman for Jason’s Deli, told East Cobb News only that “this location is planned to open in fall of this year. Unfortunately, that is all of the information we can provide at this time.”
The Merchants Festival location (1401 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 334) has been empty for nearly a year since Sage Social Kitchen closed in April 2017, after only a few months in business.
In addition to traditional deli-style menu options, Jason’s Deli also serves burgers, salads (and a salad bar), vegetarian dishes, soups, pasta entrees and a kid’s menu.
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Local e-commerce retailer, Magnolia Ann has been named a winner of The 2018 American Small Business Championship by SCORE, the nation’s largest network of volunteer,expert business mentors. The Championship awarded this title to 102 entrepreneurs (2 per state) for their dedication to the success of their small businesses, awarding them an all-expense-paid trip to a training and networking event, SCORE mentoring and publicity throughout the year, and a chance to win one ofthree $15,000 grand prizes, made possible with the support of Sam’s Club.
Magnolia Ann earned the title of American Small Business Champion by submitting an online application describing what makes their business one of the best small businesses in their community, and how they plan to use the prizes to grow their business. Nominations that garnered at least 100 votes were then presented to a judging panel of small business experts that determined 102 winners including Magnolia Ann.
“We are so grateful to receive this recognition for the obstacles we have overcome as a small business.Thank you to our wonderful community both locally and online for supporting us and helping us succeed.This would not have been possible without you,” says Susie Simpkins, owner of Magnolia Ann.
Magnolia Ann is also eligible to win one of three additional $15,000 grand prizes, by being named Grand Champion. A judging panel of small business experts will select three Grand Champion from the group of small business champions this summer. Selection will be based on how effectively Champions utilize their prizes to grow business revenue or operations, as well as how effectively the winners promoted the Championship in the media and social media.
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A reader who saw Sunday’s fatal Powers Ferry Road crash alerted us to this GoFundMe page that has been started to pay for the funeral expenses for Miraylla Sousa, a 23-year-old woman who died in that wreck.
Her car was struck by a car driven by Ryan Michalski, 31, who also died. Thus far the fundraiser has exceeded the $10,000 goal set by organizers, just a day after the appeal went out. They noted that Sousa was on her way to visiting her mother when the crash took place.
Sousa, who is from Brazil, also leaves behind a brother and a two-year-old nephew. We’re working to get more information about that as Cobb Police continue investigating the wreck.
Police said witnesses told them the car driven by Michalski had been speeding in the northbound lane of Powers Ferry Road, and was passing other cars in the center turn lane, then veered into a southbound lane and crashed into Sousa’s car at Meadowbrook Lane, just north of Powers Ferry Elementary School.
Michalski’s car caught fire, according to police, who said he and Sousa were pronounced dead at WellStar Kennestone Hospital.
According to an obituary for Michalski, who lived in the East Cobb area, he was a guitarist and musician. Donations are being accepted in his memory to the Shepherd Center in Atlanta.
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Three of the four Cobb commission District 3 candidates on the May 22 primary ballot turned out Tuesday night for a wide-ranging forum in Marietta, and explained their views on the county budget, spending and taxes, traffic and transit, zoning and development and other issues.
Tom Cheek
The only candidate not present was the person who currently holds that Northeast Cobb seat. Republican JoAnn Birrell, who is running for her third term, was a no-show at the forum, which was sponsored by the Cobb County Civic Coalition.
The other sitting commissioner seeking re-election, Republican Bob Weatherford of District 1 in West Cobb, also was absent.
The event was moderated by Dick Yarbrough, a columnist for The Marietta Daily Journal.
The two Democratic District 3 candidates, James Smith and Caroline Holko, said they favored raising the millage rate to solve the county’s estimated $30 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2019.
Birrell’s primary opponent, civic activist and software account manager Tom Cheek, who described himself as a “ferocious taxpayer advocate,” said he wants to see more detailed figures about how big the budget gap really is.
“No one has convinced me of the accuracy” of the projected budget deficit, he said in response to an audience question posed to all the candidates. “Until we get a grip on proper budgeting . . . I’m not ready to give up the millage rate we have now.”
Cheek advocates taking unused SPLOST dollars for lower-tier projects and placing them in the general fund budget (via a referendum process), looking to privatize some government functions and getting out of “the parking deck business . . . the golf course business . . . and the [Braves] stadium security business.”
Caroline Holko
The Cobb general fund millage rate is currently 6.76, a figure that was lowered in 2016. Birrell, who has said she does not favor increasing property taxes, voted for that reduction.
Smith, a retired Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority manager who’s involved with the Canton Road Neighbors civic group, frequently cited the lack of pay raises and benefits for county workers in his remarks about taxes.
He noted that salaries for Cobb firefighters and police officers are 12 and 17 percent, respectively, below the national average. “We’re trying to do more with less,” he said. “We’re not giving people a living wage and benefits to keep them here.”
While Cobb rightfully touts itself as having one of the lowest tax rates in the metro Atlanta area, Smith said, “but at what cost?”
Cheek also noted that a starting full-time police officer’s salary in Cobb is less than the pay for a part-time county commissioner, and he would work to change that.
Holko, a former non-profit administrator and home-schooling mother with liberal views, admitted she doesn’t come from a “traditional political background” in a conservative district. She advocates more transit options for Cobb citizens, and opposes proposed cuts in the Cobb library system and increases in fees for senior services.
James Smith
Holko said raising the property tax rate one mill would cost an average Cobb homeowner around $100 more a year. “I can blow that in Target in about five minutes,” she said.
She and her family moved to Cobb from New Orleans several years ago, attracted by the tax rate but also the services they provide.
However, she said, “to watch that continued to be chipped away at is heartbreaking.”
When asked to specify how she would cut the budget, she said “I don’t really support any significant budget cuts.”
Smith said he would like to see the line items in county government departments, and it’s “darn near impossible” to get that information now.
Cobb commission chairman Mike Boyce, a Republican from East Cobb, has suggested a 1.1-mills increase but hasn’t released a full budget proposal. He’s scheduled budget town hall meetings for next month, with budget adoption in July.
On the subject of transit, Holko urged the marketing budget for CobbLinc be increased “so people know it exists.”
Smith said that “whatever we do needs to go to a referendum.” Cheek is more doubtful increasing transit, citing heavy costs and a small ridership for commuting. He’s also skeptical of a new state law to create a new Atlanta-area regional transit authority.
The candidates agreed on the need for greater transparency and on zoning and development and sticking to the land use plan, and concurred that stipulation letters agreed to by developers should not be used to circumvent the county code.
District 1 challengers Kelli Gambrill and Forrest Shealy also participated in the forum.
Advance voting began in Cobb on Monday, and continues through May 18.
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