Snapshot of the July 16 drive-thru. There were 331 total people served, 357 food boxes given, 101 dairy boxes, 87 produce boxes, about 300 masks and 20 cases of water.
Snapshot of the July 16 drive-thru. There were 331 total people served, 357 food boxes given, 101 dairy boxes, 87 produce boxes, about 300 masks and 20 cases of water.
At the July 28 BOC meeting, Cobb commissioners presented a proclamation to the Public Safety team in appreciation of their efforts to keep our community safe during these unprecedented times.
An unidentified volunteer with the Community Access Group of the Cobb County Community Services Board recently helped to beautify Sweetwater Park in Austell.
Pictured are the volunteers with the Community Access Group of the Cobb County Community Services Board that recently helped to beautify Sweetwater Park in Austell.
Teens in the Cobb County Cooperative Extension 4-H Program spent part of their summer collecting toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board’s Mothers Making A Change program.
Pictured is Aarsheya Gunjal, who helped collect toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board's Mothers Making A Change program.
Pictured at right is Anaiah Papi, who helped collect toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board's Mothers Making A Change program.
Pictured is Venja Gunjal, who helped collect toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board's Mothers Making A Change program.
On Sept. 6, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services Batt. 3, T8, E21, and T21 participated in Lexy Trout’s welcome home ceremony from her last chemo treatment.
District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill recently toured the facilities at Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb and met with CEO Cyrl Kitchens.
Pictured is a combination photograph from District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupid’s newsletter showing members of the community at the Sept. 3 opening of the Teasley Community Center.
Members of the family volunteer group Little Helpers delivered treats and thank you notes to emergency workers to show their appreciation on the anniversary on 9/11. Pictured are Ella Cooper of Marietta, Ava Smith of Roswell and Kim Cooper of Marietta with firefighters from Cobb County Fire Department Station No. 20.
Little Helpers volunteers Ava Smith of Roswell and Ella Cooper of Marietta assembled hygiene kits for Marietta-based MUST Ministries. The non-profit organization is in need of toiletry items as well as food. The pandemic has increased the demand for food eight times more than a normal year. To volunteer or donate check out mustministries.org. The drop off site is MUST Donation Center, 1280 Field Parkway in Marietta. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Pictured, from left, are Jemma Brown dressed as a unicorn; Tommy Somerville dressed as a Hawaiian girl; and Alesa Smith, volunteer coordinator at Bristol Hospice, dressed in a Space costume.
Recently, the Bells Ferry Civic Association cleaned up litter on their adopted mile just north of Chastain Road. Pictured are some of the community volunteers who helped the BFCA Board pick up 21 bags of debris. If one would like to participate by adopting an area for regular cleanup, contact Keep Cobb Beautiful at https://www.cobbcounty.org/keep-cobb-beautiful.
- From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner Joann Birrell's newsletter
The Rotary Club of Marietta has partnered with Cobb Thanks You for Your Service. Volunteers from both groups distributed 150 comfort care kits and meals to veterans in the Marietta and Cobb County area.
Pictured from left are North Cobb Civitan Club president Kimberly Warren and Chattahoochee Tech Advancement coordinator Amanda Henderson, who also serves as secretary for the club.
Last month, National Cremation Service of Atlanta organized their first annual Thanksgiving Food Drive along with their neighboring businesses in the Grove Park Plaza in Marietta. Together with Pho Vietnamese Eats, Atlanta West Dentistry, Dev’s Donuts, Vital Link Satellite and Nina’s Dominican Hair Salon, the plaza raised nearly 600 food items to benefit Marietta-based MUST Ministries. MUST Ministries has been providing food, shelter and clothing to those in need for more than 39 years.
Pictured are Little Helpers of Atlanta families from Roswell, Marietta, John’s Creek, Kennesaw and Lilburn that teamed up with The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta.
Pictured is Audrey and Penny Nour of Marietta with Abrianna Garcia of Lilburn, playing violin, of the family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta.
Pictured are Ava Smith of Roswell, Lily Stauffer of John's Creek and Abrianna Garcia of Lilburn of the family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta.
Pictured, from left, are Cobb County Community Services Board’s Director of Specialty Services Lauren Baird, LPC CPCS and Cobb County Mental Health Court Teams’ Forensic Certified PEER Specialist Robin Ogden, CPS.
Pictured from left are Melissa Jacobson and Rhonda Jacobson, both of Cumberland Diamond Exchange; Jinger Robins, CEO of SafePath; Mark Jacobson of Cumberland Diamond Exchange; and Hana Laine, community resource coordinator with SafePath.
Pictured is Pam Younker, Community Development Officer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Six Flags Over Georgia donated over 100 plush bears to CHOA through the Buy One Give One Bear Program.
Pictured is Megan Benvenuto, executive director at the Northwest YMCA. Six Flags Over Georgia made food drive donations to the Northwest YMCA of Atlanta Hunger Relief efforts.
Pictured are participants at the Gift Pick-Up location at Gateway Martial Arts in Austell for Safe Space Property Management's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive.
Pictured are participants at the Gift Pick-Up location at Gateway Martial Arts in Austell for Safe Space Property Management's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive.
Pictured are participants at the Gift Pick-Up location at Gateway Martial Arts in Austell for Safe Space Property Management's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive.
Pictured are some of the presents that neighbors in The Quad at Meeting Park in downtown Marietta chose for people in substance use recovery at Cobb County Community Services Board’s Recovery in Motion program.
Pictured are some of the neighbors in The Quad at Meeting Park in downtown Marietta chose names to provide gifts for people in substance use recovery at Cobb County Community Services Board’s Recovery in Motion program.
On Dec. 29, East Marietta Spikes 10U head coach Fred Pearse and members of the team dropped off more than 125 jackets and blankets at the MUST Ministries Donation Center in Marietta.
Pictured at Iron Tribe Fitness—East Cobb with the coat and blanket collection box are, from left, East Marietta Spikes 10U players J.R. Pearse, Connor Fettig and Jack Penticuff.
Pictured is Princess Odom, clinical program coordinator for Cobb County Community Services Board’s Mothers Making A Change program, with one of the 30 bound journals donated to the program by the Cobb Chamber.
Pictured are some of the We Thrive on Riverside volunteers that recently removed 40 bags of litter from Blairs Bridge Road and neighboring Riverside Parkway in Austell.
Sweetwater Mission along with volunteers from the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA food boxes to families at The Waverly Mobile Home Park in Mableton.
Sweetwater Mission along with volunteers from the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA food boxes to families at The Waverly Mobile Home Park in Mableton.
Sweetwater Mission along with volunteers from the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA food boxes to families at The Waverly Mobile Home Park in Mableton.
Pictured is Cobb Commissioner Monique Sheffield with members of Destiny World Church during their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Of Service litter cleanup.
Thank you so much to Superior Plumbing for sponsoring the Superior Pets for Patriotic Vets program and to United Military Care for their donation of 20 doggie back packs for veterans who adopt through the program!
On hand to accept the donation were the following, from left, are Katie Cunningham, Superior Plumbing; Mike Nichols, Cobb Senior Services Veterans Connection; Seanna Abbott, Cobb County Animal Services Field Operations Manager; Nigel Ramtahal, Cobb County Animal Services Shelter Supervisor; and Jacob Arnold, Cobb County Animal Services Shelter Operations Manager.
-Cobb County District 3 Commissioner JoAnn K. Birrell
Pictured are the children that District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill witnessed picking up trash along the sidewalk on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Pictured is the group of volunteers that helped clean up litter and shopping carts near the intersection of East West Connector near Floyd Road on Jan. 30, 2020.
Pictured are two of the volunteers that helped clean up litter and shopping carts near the intersection of East West Connector near Floyd Road on Jan. 30, 2020.
Pictured is Pastor Barry Smith of First Christian Church of Mableton who, along with church volunteers, worked hard to distribute USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 4.
Pictured is a group of volunteers from First Christian Church of Mableton, which provided labor during Sweetwater Mission’s distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
Pictured are volunteers from First Christian Church of Mableton, which provided labor during Sweetwater Mission's distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
First Christian Church of Mableton’s Executive Minister Barry Smith, along with church volunteers, provided labor during Sweetwater Mission’s distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
Pictured are volunteers from First Christian Church of Mableton, which provided labor during Sweetwater Mission's distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
Pictured are volunteers Debbie Ginocchio and Ricky Caldwell from First Christian Church of Mableton, which provided labor during Sweetwater Mission’s distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
Pictured is Dunce Hat Colin, one of the volunteers from First Christian Church of Mableton, who provided labor during Sweetwater Mission's distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
Volunteer and outreach leader Lynn Hirsch is a local grandma who found a meaningful focus during the pandemic by preparing and delivering lasagnas since October.
Kelley Kolling, Georgia Regional Leader, is proud of the growth of the Georgia Lasagna Love team. She is dedicated to feeding families in the metro Atlanta area while working a full-time job.
Kirsten Glaser, Georgia Regional leader and a Cobb County resident, displays her lasagnas that will feed local families. She has a full-time job but makes time for many volunteer hours each week.
Cheryl Peddie, an energetic volunteer and outreach leader, is a Cobb County mother. She is pictured preparing for a monthly lasagna donation to feed local school children.
Kelley Kolling and Kirsten Glaser, Lasagna Love Georgia Regional leaders, prepare 30 lasagnas for a monthly drop off to local charities. They have opportunities for Lasagna Chefs to join them for weekly, biweekly or monthly family matchings but help with these monthly drop offs would be appreciated. For more information, visit lasagnalove.org.
Pictured are First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers Angela and Jessie signing in neighbors for the USDA Food Box distribution that the church hosted on Feb. 11.
Pictured is the prayer led by First Christian Church of Mableton's executive minister Barry Smith at the USDA Food Box distribution hosted by the church on Feb. 11.
The McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA’s Non-profit Partner of the Year, Atlanta Community Food Bank, participated by helping the Y provide hunger relief efforts on Feb. 11.
Pictured from left are K'Veenio and Colin Smith, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
Pictured from left are Frank and Jermaine Quantro and K'Veenio and Colin Smith, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
Pictured from left are Frank Quatro, Debbie Ginochio, Veronica and Ricky Caldwell and Barry Krebs, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
From left are Jermaine and Frank Quantro, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
Kim Krebs, left, and Gail Naylor were some of the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that distributed USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission on Feb. 18.
Pictured is a prayer led by First Christian Church of Mableton executive minister Barry Smith on Feb. 18 as church volunteers hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
Pictured from left are Steve Hamilton and Clint Naylor, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
Pictured is the group of volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton working together to provide 137 families with USDA food boxes.
Pictured are volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton hustling to provide 137 families with USDA food boxes on Feb. 19.
Pictured are Michelle and Neil Ward with Terri, volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton, who distribute USDA food boxes on Feb. 19.
Pictured are Ricky Caldwell, Jessie and Debbie Ginochio, volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton, that distributed USDA food boxes on Feb. 19.
Thank you to Woodrush Homeowners Association for cleaning up Shaw Road on Feb. 23. Great team work to keep our neighborhood looking great. -From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner Joann Birrell’s newletter
Pictured, center, is Barry Smith, executive minister of the First Christian Church of Mableton performing the dedication and prayer at the Feb. 25 food box distribution.
From left are First Christian Church of Mableton executive minister Barry Smith, Cobb County Library System Mary Wood and Katherine Zavala at the USDA Food Box distribution.
Early on the morning of Feb. 26, Sherwood Smith, executive director of First Christian Church Food Pantry, discovered a large donation of 1,399 pounds of food under the canopy at the door.
Early on the morning of Feb. 26, Sherwood Smith, executive director of First Christian Church Food Pantry, discovered a large donation of 1,399 pounds of food under the canopy at the door.
Pictured are Sweetwater Mission volunteers helping unload pallets for the March 5 food distribution to 160 families at The Waverly Trailer Home Park in Mableton.
Pictured is Sweetwater Mission volunteers setting up the unloaded pallets for the March 5 food distribution to 160 families at The Waverly Trailer Home Park in Mableton.
Pictured is the Vinings Cove homeowners Litter Clean-Up featuring Patty Rech, Bilal Azonboni, Jeff Padgett, Patty Auch and Andre Rech. Mike and Patty Seal were not pictured.
Pictured is Barry Smith, Rose Bailiff and Pastor Andy Daniell, who is flexing his muscles, at the First Christian Church of Mableton's USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
Pictured are Cobb County Public Library Representatives Mary Wood and Katherine Zavala at the First Christian Church of Mableton's USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
Pictured are Pastor Andy Daniell and greeters Jaliene, Veronica and Jessie at the First Christian Church of Mableton’s USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
Pictured are Cumberland Community Church volunteers Terri and Neil at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
Pictured are director Debbie Ginocchio with Mableton Improvement Coalition Chairman Ray Thomas at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
Pictured is executive minister Barry Smith with the teamwork lesson at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
Pictured are volunteers Terri, Ricky, Terry, Colin, Ziare, Heaven and Seven getting instructions at the First Christian Church of Mableton as they help Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
Pictured is greeter Jessie gathering information at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
Pictured are Jasmine L., Susan Holiday Mealer, Monica DeLancy, Virginie Tayo, Damond Carter and Barry Krebs, from We Thrive Riverside Renters Association and the South Cobb Lions Club, who helped celebrate DeLancy’s birthday by removing litter from Blairs Bridge Road, Riverside Parkway and Cityview Drive over the weekend.
Pictured are Damond Carter and Malee Sutton, from We Thrive Riverside Renters Association and the South Cobb Lions Club, who helped celebrate DeLancy's birthday by removing litter from Blairs Bridge Road, Riverside Parkway and Cityview Drive over the weekend.
If you know of an instance of benevolence — on any scale — and are willing to share with MDJ readers, tell us your story.
Send an email to mdjnews@mdjonline with the subject line: Act of Kindness.
Monday, March 15
Pictured are Cumberland Community Church volunteers Terri and Neil at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
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Pictured are director Debbie Ginocchio with Mableton Improvement Coalition Chairman Ray Thomas at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
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Pictured is executive minister Barry Smith with the teamwork lesson at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
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Pictured are volunteers Terri, Ricky, Terry, Colin, Ziare, Heaven and Seven getting instructions at the First Christian Church of Mableton as they help Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
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Pictured is greeter Jessie gathering information at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
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Pictured are volunteers loading cars at the First Christian Church of Mableton helping Sweetwater Mission distribute USDA Food Boxes on March 12.
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We had wonderful weather on March 12 as volunteers from the First Christian Church Of Mableton, Cumberland Christian Church and South Cobb Lions Club assisted Sweetwater Mission in distributing USDA Food Boxes containing fruit, milk, chicken meatballs, cheese, vegetables and cereal to 166 hungry families. We also provided 246 kids meals and kids drinks to the cars that drove through The Waverly Trailer Home Park. A special volunteer Ray Thomas, the chairman of the Mableton Improvement Coalition, pitched in help us load cars. We had a great time and enjoyed the perfect weather as we served our neighbors.
Pictured are Jasmine L., Susan Holiday Mealer, Monica DeLancy, Virginie Tayo, Damond Carter and Barry Krebs, from We Thrive Riverside Renters Association and the South Cobb Lions Club, who helped celebrate DeLancy’s birthday by removing litter from Blairs Bridge Road, Riverside Parkway and Cityview Drive over the weekend.
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Pictured are Damond Carter and Malee Sutton, from We Thrive Riverside Renters Association and the South Cobb Lions Club, who helped celebrate DeLancy's birthday by removing litter from Blairs Bridge Road, Riverside Parkway and Cityview Drive over the weekend.
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Monica DeLancy celebrated her birthday with her friends from We Thrive In Riverside Renters Association and the South Cobb Lions Club by serving her neighbors in removing litter from Blairs Bridge Road, Riverside Parkway and Cityview Drive this weekend.
Cityview Drive is an important road in our community due to the traffic at Six Flags and the EpiCenter. This road is open for adoption.
Pictured is the early crew from the Nickajack Road litter cleanup on March 13, who removed over 30 bags of litter, six tires and lots of debris.
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Thank you to the volunteers who removed over 30 bags of litter, six tires and a lot of debris from Nickajack Road on March 13. A special thanks to Lisa Almodovar Roy and Patty Auch who arranged the litter clean-up. Our friend, Paul Susko, who has managed this adopt-a-mile for many years is recovering from an illness. I am sure that he is very proud of the excellent work that our volunteers displayed. As a special treat, Patty made up bags of candy to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick's Day with the saying, "If you see a piece of litter, pick it up and all of the day you will have good luck." Hopefully, all of our volunteers had fantastic luck.
-Barry Krebs
Friday, March 12
Pictured is Barry Smith, Rose Bailiff and Pastor Andy Daniell, who is flexing his muscles, at the First Christian Church of Mableton's USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
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Pictured is the car line at the First Christian Church of Mableton’s USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
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Pictured are Cobb County Public Library Representatives Mary Wood and Katherine Zavala at the First Christian Church of Mableton's USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
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Pictured are hot meals being served by Odell Thompson and Gail Parke at the First Christian Church of Mableton's USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
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Pictured holding the free food sign is Melissa Martin at the First Christian Church of Mableton’s USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
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Pictured are Pastor Andy Daniell and greeters Jaliene, Veronica and Jessie at the First Christian Church of Mableton’s USDA food box giveaway on March 11.
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March 11 gave the First Christian Church Of Mableton volunteers perfect weather to distribute our 230 USDA Food Boxes to hungry families.
These food boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission contained fruit, milk, cheese, chicken meatballs, vegetables and cereal. We also provided over 700 sets of kids meals and kids drinks as well as 252 hot meals to our neighbors who drove through.
As a special treat, Cobb County Public Library representatives Mary Wood and Katherine Zavala joined us to pass out educational arts and crafts to the children. We had a lot of fun working together to serve people in our community.
-Barry Krebs
Thursday, March 11
Had a bad day! I thought so after calling the Post Office about the package that was lost, the lady said she would check with carrier and took the tracking number. Later I spoke to a receptionist to cancel an appointment. After that came a call from credit card company saying that I had to fill out one line I missed, but later she called and it was ok. Then I emailed and called Cobb tax office about my handicap card. All the people, I spoke to were so nice - the women from the post office, the receptionist, LaVonda from the credit union and Yolanda from Cobb County Tag office. I sat there for a few quiet minutes and thought about my day, the nice people I spoke to and who helped me. The kindness and smiles in their voices as they listened to my troubles. I had a good day!
-Carol Huff
Monday, March 8
Pictured is Debbie Ginocchio, Howard Koepka and Barry Smith at Sweetwater Mission's March 5 food distribution in the Wavlery Trailer home park.
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Pictured are Sweetwater Mission volunteers helping unload pallets for the March 5 food distribution to 160 families at The Waverly Trailer Home Park in Mableton.
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Pictured is Sweetwater Mission volunteers setting up the unloaded pallets for the March 5 food distribution to 160 families at The Waverly Trailer Home Park in Mableton.
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Sweetwater Mission held a USDA Food Box distribution on March 5 at The Waverly Trailer Home Park in Mableton whereby 160 families were provided with fruit, dairy, cereal, vegetables, meat and a desert. They also provided close to 400 kids meals and kids drinks to parents with school age children. Special guest Howard Koepka with the Noonday Association of Churches pitched in to help make this food distribution a success. We appreciate him and all of the volunteers who work every week to make sure that their neighbors do not go hungry.
Sweetwater Mission is in need of volunteers. To learn more about this terrific organization, visit www.sweetwatermission.org.
The Hancourt Litter Clean-Up Crew and Sanders Road Group.
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Thank you very much to Terri Marsh from the Hancourt Manor Clean-Up Crew and DeBorah Johnson from the Austell Community Taskforce for organizing the Adopt-A-Mile litter clean-up on March 6 that resulted in 16 bags of litter being removed from Sanders Road and Flint Hill Road in Austell.
Flint Hill Road is open for adoption.
Pictured is the Vinings Cove homeowners Litter Clean-Up featuring Patty Rech, Bilal Azonboni, Jeff Padgett, Patty Auch and Andre Rech. Mike and Patty Seal were not pictured.
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We appreciate the Vinings Cove Homeowners headed up by Patty Rech who removed 15 bags of litter from their adopted Buckner Road in Mableton on March 6.
While Buckner Road is adopted, there are many roads that are available.
Pictured is Doris Moss leading the Federation of North American Explorers-Atlanta Troop in litter clean-up on March 6.
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Pictured are the Federation of North American Explorers-Atlanta Troop in litter clean-up on March 6.
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Pictured is a group photo of the litter cleanup volunteers on Discovery Boulevard on March 6.
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Pictured is Gregg Corlew giving out Chick-Fii-A gift cards during the litter clean-up on March 6.
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Pictured are some of the young men in the litter clean-up on March 6.
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The Legacy At The River Line HOA assisted by the Federation Of North American Explorers-Atlanta Troop on March 6 removed 40 bags of litter and two tires from Discovery Boulevard. Everybody worked hard and the Explorers earned some community service credits as well. A special thanks to Gregg Corlew for arranging the event and Ray Thomas with Mableton Improvement Coalition who hung in afterwards to help remove 14 bags of litter from the Veterans Memorial Highway bridge that borders Fulton County.
If you or your group is interested in litter cleanup, please contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She will get you the training and supplies needed to keep your mile looking good.
- Barry Krebs
Friday, March 5
Participants at We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association’s Black History Month family game day on Feb. 28.
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Participants at We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association’s Black History Month family game day on Feb. 28.
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Pictured are participants at We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association's Black History Month family game day on Feb. 28.
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We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association hosted a Black History Month family game day on Feb. 28 at the Thrive Resource Center at Kingsley Village Apartments in Austell. Families were treated to ice cream from the ice truck, played video games On the Game Truck, played board games and Black History Month trivia. Community Partners were Peace and Kindness food pantry and PKOTS for providing snack bags and prizes. Also thank you to Girl Scouts of Atlanta for setting up an information booth about Girl Scouts resources.
- Monica DeLancy
Pictured are the cars lined up to receive USDA Food Boxes distributed at The First Christian Church of Mableton on March 4.
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First Christian Church of Mableton executive minister Barry Smith, Frank Quatro and Debbie Ginocchio on March 4.
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Pictured are the groceries at the food distribution at the First Christian Church of Mableton on March 4.
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Pictured is Jermaine Jones, Colin Smith and Clint Naylor at the First Christian Church of Mableton food distribution on March 4.
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Pictured are hot meals served by Lalo, Gail Naylor and Odell Thompson at the First Christian Church of Mableton food distribution on March 4.
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The First Christian Church of Mableton hosted their weekly USDA Food Box distribution, which provided 289 families with nutrition on March 4. The food boxes were supplied by Sweetwater Mission and contained milk, fruit, cereal, dairy products, meat, vegetables and a dessert. They also prepared 250 hot meals. We appreciate all of hte hard work of the volunteers and their willingness to serve others.
- Barry Krebs
Wednesday, March 3
Early on the morning of Feb. 26, Sherwood Smith, executive director of First Christian Church Food Pantry, discovered a large donation of 1,399 pounds of food under the canopy at the door.
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Early on the morning of Feb. 26, Sherwood Smith, executive director of First Christian Church Food Pantry, discovered a large donation of 1,399 pounds of food under the canopy at the door.
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Early on the morning of Feb. 26, Sherwood Smith, executive director of First Christian Church Food Pantry, discovered a large donation of food under the canopy at the door.
He hoped it had stayed dry and out of the rain. He thought it looked like the results of some kind person’s food drive, and he says, “Thank You!” to that person.
All food donations must be weighed, and it took some time and work to process this donation. It came to 1,399 pounds.
“This will help a lot,” Smith said, “especially these large cans of food and bottles of juice. We can now give more to our large families.”
First Christian Church Food Pantry serves more than 5,000 families in Cobb County.
Affiliated with the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the Food Pantry follows the guidelines handed down for safe client service during this pandemic. Since July 5, 1990, Marietta First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) has “spread the love of Christ” through its food pantry, providing emergency food to families in need.
Food donations from the public are gratefully accepted. Someone will be present at 569 Frasier Street on Wednesdays, Fridays and Mondays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the best times to bring donations. Please do not leave cloth or cardboard containers without a person to receive them.
Especially appreciated are single-serve pop top items, juices, canned meat, canned vegetables, bread spreads and other common meal staples. Volunteers are also invited to help with the processing and distribution of the food.
First Christian Church Food Pantry is open to the public of Cobb County on Mondays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To receive free food, please bring photo ID and birthdates of all persons in the family. Any specific family can be served emergency groceries here once a month.
“For more than 30 years,” says Rev. Wilma Zalabak, senior minister of First Christian Church, “this church has found a large piece of its mission in serving families experiencing food insecurity. It is one way we show that we care for our community.”
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) meets in-person with masks, distance and sanitizing, following current health guidelines, at 11 a.m. on Sundays, two blocks north of the Cobb County Civic Center, 569 Frasier Street in Marietta. The worship service is streamed on Facebook and posted later in the day on YouTube.
Pictured is a group shot of Sweetwater Mission being assisted by First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers to provide USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 26.
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From left are First Christian Church of Mableton executive minister Barry Smith, Cobb County Library System Mary Wood and Katherine Zavala at the USDA Food Box distribution.
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Pictured from left is Debbie Ginocchio, Coach Tony, Ricky Caldwell and Veronica at the USDA Food Box distribution on Feb. 26.
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Pictured is a group photo of Coach Tony and the Elite Sports Athletes who assisted with the USDA Food Box distribution.
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Sweetwater Mission assisted by the First Christian Church of Mableton provided USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 26 to 91 families located near the Waverly Trailer Home Park. Coach Tony and his Elite Sports athletes pitched in to help distribute the boxes. Mary Wood and Katherine Zavala with the Cobb County Library System also created fun and educational activities and crafts to give to families with young children.
Pictured are the Mableton Improvement Coalition volunteers Patricia Auch, Jeff Padgett, Doug Moss and Barry Krebs.
Special-Jesus Meza
On Feb. 27, the Mableton Improvement Coalition volunteers removed 35 bags of litter, 11 tires and six shopping carts from the historic downtown Mableton area. We worked hard and had fun at the same time.
while these roads are adopted, there are still many other roads that are open for the Adopt-A-Mile program. If one commits to the AAM program, they get a sign on each side of the mile showing everyone who travels on the road who the person or group is that is keeping it looking good.
Thank you to Woodrush Homeowners Association for cleaning up Shaw Road on Feb. 23. Great team work to keep our neighborhood looking great. -From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner Joann Birrell’s newletter
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Pictured, center, is Barry Smith, executive minister of the First Christian Church of Mableton performing the dedication and prayer at the Feb. 25 food box distribution.
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Pictured are volunteers Don Harris and K'Veenio at the Feb. 25 food box distribution.
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Pictured are volunteers Kim Krebs, Odell and Justin at the food box distribution.
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Volunteers Sean and Colin Smith participate at the food box distribution.
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Pictured are some of the greeter volunteers at the Feb. 25 food box distribution.
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The First Christian Church of Mableton hosted a food distribution on Feb. 25 where they provided a record 292 hungry families with a USDA Food Box, supplied by Sweetwater Mission. The food boxes contained milk, fruit, potatoes, taco meat, vegetables, cheese, yogurt, cereal and Kenny's Pies. Sweetwater Mission also brought 500 batches of kids meals and kids drinks which ran out while the church had prepared 260 hot meals which were also depleted. All of the volunteers had a great time and enjoyed the spring-like weather as we worked together to provide nourishment to our neighbors.
-Barry Krebs
Monday, Feb. 22
Pictured is the group of volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton working together to provide 137 families with USDA food boxes.
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Pictured are Debbie Ginochio and Ricky Caldwell at the Feb. 19 Sweetwater Mission USDA food box distribution.
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Pictured are volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton hustling to provide 137 families with USDA food boxes on Feb. 19.
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Pictured is Jessie, one of the volunteers who checked in cars, at the Feb. 19 USDA food box distribution.
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Pictured are Michelle and Neil Ward with Terri, volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton, who distribute USDA food boxes on Feb. 19.
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Pictured are Ricky Caldwell, Jessie and Debbie Ginochio, volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton, that distributed USDA food boxes on Feb. 19.
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On Friday, Feb. 19, Sweetwater Mission hosted a USDA Food Box distribution that provided 137 hungry families with fruit, taco meat, yogurt, milk, cereal, vegetables, cheese and Kenny's Pies at the Waverly Trailer Park. Volunteers from Cumberland Community Church and the First Christian Church of Mableton worked together to provide the labor to get the cars loaded. We all had fun as we served our neighbors. Sweetwater Mission is in need of volunteers. Visit www.sweetwatermission.org to find out more about this important charity.
-Barry Krebs
Pictured from left are Carmen Freemin, Jeff Padgett, Brandas Thompson, Quentin Thompson, Dorris Moss, Doug Moss, Benjamin Griffin and Jeremy Griffin.
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The Mableton Improvement Coalition volunteers braved the cold morning on Feb. 20 to remove 31 bags of litter from their adopted Floyd Road.
We had a great time together and took pride in a job well done.
The section of Floyd Road from Hicks Road to the East West Connector is open for adoption. For more information, please contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She can provide you with everything that you need.
-Barry Krebs
Friday, Feb. 19
Julia Pichon, standing, is a participant in the Thriving Families project.
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Monica DeLancy, standing, is the executive director of We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association.
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Pictured are students participating in the winter break activities.
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Pictured are students participating in the winter break activities.
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On Wednesday, Feb. 17 the Thrive Resource Center at Kingsley Village Apartments in Austell was the site of winter break activities and the Thriving Families Workshop.
Students on winter break were able to get a hot lunch and take part in activities. That evening was the first Thriving Families Project workshop. Ten families will take part in a six-month program learning about parent leadership, civic engagement, character skills, community engagement and routes to home ownership. We Thrive in Riverside Renters Association was the sponsor of the winter break program and Thriving Families project.
- Monica DeLancy
Pictured from left are K'Veenio and Colin Smith, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
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Pictured from left are Frank and Jermaine Quantro and K'Veenio and Colin Smith, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
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Pictured from left are Frank Quatro, Debbie Ginochio, Veronica and Ricky Caldwell and Barry Krebs, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
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From left are Jermaine and Frank Quantro, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
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Kim Krebs, left, and Gail Naylor were some of the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that distributed USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission on Feb. 18.
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Pictured is a prayer led by First Christian Church of Mableton executive minister Barry Smith on Feb. 18 as church volunteers hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
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Pictured from left are Steve Hamilton and Clint Naylor, who on Feb. 18 were among the volunteers of First Christian Church of Mableton that hosted 157 families receiving USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission.
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On Feb. 18, the First Christian Church Of Mableton volunteers hosted 157 families that drove through the church parking lot to get USDA Food Boxes supplied by Sweetwater Mission. The food boxes contained milk, yogurt, fruit, taco meat, vegetables, cheese, cereal and Kenny's Pies. They were also provided with hot meals. We really enjoyed serving our neighbors.
-Barry Krebs
Tuesday, Feb. 16
The South Cobb Litter Clean-up Crew. From left are Barry Krebs, Sheldon Roush, Ron Kirby, Lester Dean and Frank Osukayo.
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The South Cobb Lions Club removed 14 bags of litter from the East West Connector in Austell and 12 bags of litter from the portion of South Gordon Road that intersects with Mableton Parkway. We enjoyed our time together as we worked quickly and safely. Both sections of those roads are open for adoption. The East West Connector is a highly visible road with lots of traffic. The Adopt-A-Mile sign would be great advertising for a business or church who is located near the East West Connector. If you would like more information about the Adopt-A-Mile program, contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org.
- Barry Krebs
Monday, Feb. 15
Pictured is director Debbie Ginocchio and volunteers at Sweetwater Mission's USDA Food Box distribution on Feb. 12.
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Pictured is executive minister Barry Smith with volunteers at Sweetwater Mission's USDA Food Box distribution on Feb. 12.
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Pictured are the sign in volunteers at Sweetwater MIssion's USDA Food Box distribution on Feb. 12.
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Pictured are volunteers Terri, Maria and Neil Ward at Sweetwater Mission's USDA Food Box distribution on Feb. 12.
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Pictured are volunteers distributing the kid's meals at Sweetwater Mission's USDA Food Box distribution on Feb. 12.
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On the morning of Feb. 12, Sweetwater Mission hosted a USDA Food Box distribution with help from the First Christian Church of Mableton and Saint Thomas Church volunteers. Each box contained milk, fruit, cheese, yogurt, taco meat, cereal, vegetables and Kenny's Pies. We had a good time as we provided 151 families with food boxes along with kid's meals at The Wavery Trailer Home Park in Mableton. Sweetwater Mission needs additional volunteers. Please visit www.sweetwatermission.org to find out more about this charity that does fantastic work in our community.
- Barry Krebs
Friday, Feb. 12
Pictured is the group of volunteers at the First Christian Church of Mableton hosted a USDA Food Box distribution on Feb. 11.
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Pictured are First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers Angela and Jessie signing in neighbors for the USDA Food Box distribution that the church hosted on Feb. 11.
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Pictured are First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers Justin and Rose at the USDA Food Box distribution that the church hosted on Feb. 11.
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Kim Krebs serves hot meals at the USDA Food Box distribution hosted by First Christian Church of Mableton on Feb. 11.
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Pictured is the prayer led by First Christian Church of Mableton's executive minister Barry Smith at the USDA Food Box distribution hosted by the church on Feb. 11.
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Pictured are First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers Pam and Steve Hamilton at the USDA Food Box distribution hosted by the church on Feb. 11.
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On Feb. 11, the First Christian Church of Mableton hosted a USDA Food Box distribution. Supplied by Sweetwater Mission, we were able to provide vegetables, yogurt, cheese, fruit, milk, cereal, Kenny's Pies and hot meals to 210 families that live in the community. We also have begun distributing meals and milk/juices to families with children. It was busy. But, we had a terrific time working together and helping our neighbors.
-Barry Krebs
Pictured are cars lined up at the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA’s hunger relief event on Feb. 11.
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The McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA’s Non-profit Partner of the Year, Atlanta Community Food Bank, participated by helping the Y provide hunger relief efforts on Feb. 11.
Pastor Luveni, left, presents Mark Brown with a hat to thank him for volunteering each week.
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The McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA hosted a hunger relief event on Feb. 11 for local community members. The YMCA’s Non-profit Partner of the Year, Atlanta Community Food Bank, participated by helping the Y provide hunger relief efforts.
During the event, Y volunteers packaged 300 boxes of food for Cobb and Marietta residents. Boxes contained a variety of fresh fruits, canned goods, granola bars and vegetables. Since March, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta has provided 543,422 meals to those in need.
Thursday, Feb. 11
Volunteer and outreach leader Lynn Hirsch is a local grandma who found a meaningful focus during the pandemic by preparing and delivering lasagnas since October.
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Kelley Kolling, Georgia Regional Leader, is proud of the growth of the Georgia Lasagna Love team. She is dedicated to feeding families in the metro Atlanta area while working a full-time job.
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Kirsten Glaser, Georgia Regional leader and a Cobb County resident, displays her lasagnas that will feed local families. She has a full-time job but makes time for many volunteer hours each week.
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Cheryl Peddie, an energetic volunteer and outreach leader, is a Cobb County mother. She is pictured preparing for a monthly lasagna donation to feed local school children.
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Kelley Kolling and Kirsten Glaser, Lasagna Love Georgia Regional leaders, prepare 30 lasagnas for a monthly drop off to local charities. They have opportunities for Lasagna Chefs to join them for weekly, biweekly or monthly family matchings but help with these monthly drop offs would be appreciated. For more information, visit lasagnalove.org.
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Lynn Hirsch is a volunteer for a new organization with a growing presence in Georgia and specifically in Cobb County and their mission is kindness.
Lasagna Love was started at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic when the founder was looking for a way to help mothers in her community. She and her toddler started making and delivering lasagnas to neighborhood families who were struggling, whether that struggle was financial, emotional or they were simply feeling overwhelmed.
Lasagna Love has since grown into a national movement, with 15,000 volunteers all cooking and delivering meals to families in their communities. What the organization does is simple - feed families, spread kindness and strengthen communities. Lasagna Love's mission is not only to help address the incredible rise in food insecurity among families, but also to provide a simple act of love and kindness during a time full of uncertainty and stress.
Families in need, whether it be financial, emotional or health related, can request a meal on the website and within 10 days, a Lasagna Love volunteer in the area will deliver a meal in a contactless way with kindness and care. The organization tries to honor dietary needs when possible. They also encourage people to nominate those people in their lives who have needs of any kind as well as local heroes like healthcare workers, teachers, front line workers, police and fire departments, and first responders. Some of the volunteers have delivered meals to fire stations, to a family of police officers and recently began partnerships with Kell High School and Tapp Middle School to show appreciation to Cobb County teachers during this very difficult time. No questions are asked, no judgements are made and no one is turned away. Families are welcome to request a meal once a month.
The organization is proud of the 354 Georgia volunteers including 44 Lasagna Love chefs who live in Cobb County. They have delivered hundreds of meals in the last few months but hope to reach many more families in Cobb and around the state. The need is great right now and the volunteers are prepared to provide their neighbors with some special TLC in the form of a meal.
Lasagna Love has partnerships with several metro area food banks who are including flyers inviting their clients to request homemade meals from the organization and would welcome partnerships with Cobb County community charities. It hopes to reach those families with food insecurities in this way.
Gabrielle Tobin, 14, is a very impressive star in both her local Cobb community and across the nation. She created her organization, 40MustardSeeds, as a way to give back to her peers through projects including school supply donations. While working on her Girl Scout Gold Award, Gabrielle decided to create a series of videos titled, "For Math's Sake Peer-to Peer videos." The videos serve to help students understand fundamental math concepts. They are publicly available and are now being watched nationwide.
Gabrielle has been featured on Good Morning America, Fox 5 and other local news outlets. She was the recipient of the Martin Luther King Humanitarian Award in 2019 and was recognized as a "Georgia Game Changer."
-From Cobb County District 2 Commissioner Jerica Richardson's newsletter
Monday, Feb. 8
Pictured is the car line where First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers worked hard to distribute USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 4.
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First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers working hard to distribute USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 4.
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Pictured are First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers working hard to distribute USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 4.
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Pictured are First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers working hard to distribute USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 4.
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Pictured are First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers working hard to distribute USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 4.
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Pictured is Pastor Barry Smith of First Christian Church of Mableton who, along with church volunteers, worked hard to distribute USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 4.
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Volunteers from the First Christian Church Of Mableton worked hard to distribute USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 4 containing milk, chicken, cheese, fruit, yogurt, cereal, Kenny's Pies and vegetables to 165 families. These food boxes along with a new feature, meal bags for children, were supplied by Sweetwater Mission. There were also hygiene items and hot meals available to the families that drove through the church parking lot. It was hectic. But, we had a good time together serving our neighbors.
Pictured is a group of volunteers from First Christian Church of Mableton, which provided labor during Sweetwater Mission’s distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
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Pictured are volunteers from First Christian Church of Mableton, which provided labor during Sweetwater Mission's distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
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First Christian Church of Mableton’s Executive Minister Barry Smith, along with church volunteers, provided labor during Sweetwater Mission’s distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
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Pictured are volunteers from First Christian Church of Mableton, which provided labor during Sweetwater Mission's distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
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Pictured are volunteers Debbie Ginocchio and Ricky Caldwell from First Christian Church of Mableton, which provided labor during Sweetwater Mission’s distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
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Pictured is Dunce Hat Colin, one of the volunteers from First Christian Church of Mableton, who provided labor during Sweetwater Mission's distribution of USDA Food Boxes on Feb. 5.
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On the morning of Feb. 5, Sweetwater Mission provided USDA Food Boxes containing fruit, milk, yogurt, cheese, taco meat, Kenny's Pies, cereal and vegetables to 215 families located close to the Waverly Mobile Home Park in Mableton. Volunteers from the First Christian Church of Mableton provided the labor to load up the boxes along with nearly 300 children's meals to the cars who drove through. We were extremely busy. But we worked together as a team to serve our community.
If you are interested in giving us a hand, visit www.sweetwatermission.org. As you can tell by the pictures, we have a lot of fun as we work these events.
- Barry Krebs
Pictured from right are Ford, Robin Ford, Jeff Padgett and Barry Krebs.
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The South Cobb Lions Club and Mableton Improvement Coalition teamed up to remove 34 bags of litter from James Road, Lions Club Drive, Veterans Memorial Highway and Austell Road. We had fun as we worked to get our community looking better.
We would welcome any group who would be willing to adopt James Road. For more information, contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She will provide you with everything that you need to keep your mile clean.
- Barry Krebs
Thursday, Feb. 4
Students at Marietta High School were out in force to launch the Be THE Voice program.
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Students attending Marietta High School were out in force to launch the Be THE Voice program, an innovative peer-led movement for kindness.
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Students at Marietta High School were out in force to launch the Be THE Voice program.
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Students at Marietta High School were out in force to launch the Be THE Voice program.
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Students at Marietta High School were out in force to launch the Be THE Voice program.
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Students at Marietta High School were out in force to launch the Be THE Voice program.
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Students at Marietta High School were out in force to launch the Be THE Voice program.
Thanks to team leader Valerie Trotter, principal Keith Ball and all the enthusiastic students for supporting the Be THE Voice campaign by being the VOICE of kindness within their school and community. A big shout out to Cobb EMC for sponsoring this powerful movement for kindness at Marietta High School.
To learn more about innovative peer-led movement for kindness, compassion and inclusion, visit www.be-the-voice.org.
-Tran Smith
Tuesday, Feb. 2
A Super Teacher Icon mask created by Brandy Judkins.
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In less than one month, Cobb County School System lost three educators to COVID-19.
The first was Patrick Key. He loved Superman. Brandy Judkins came up with the idea to create masks with a Super Teacher Icon. Several teachers bought them to wear in his honor upon return to school for the spring semester.
Then, Dana Johnson and Cynthia Key were lost to the virus and interest in the masks soared.
The creators had a pop-up on Jan. 30 that sold out within an hour. They have raised $3,000 to date.
Monday, Feb. 1
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KIDS Care, a Marietta-based nonprofit who creates, supports and implements youth community service projects, is hosting a food drive now through Feb. 13. Non-perishable food items are being collected to distribute to people who are homeless and food insecure in Cobb County.
All collected food will be given to Cobb Senior Services, the Center for Family Resources, The Salvation Army, and MUST Ministries. These organizations, and many others in Cobb County, are graciously feeding the many people in the community who are food insecure.
Donations can be made in three ways.
1. In kind food donations can be dropped off at the one time Drive Thru Drop Off on Feb. 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marietta High School Performing Arts Center parking lot. Participants should use the Manning Road entrance/exit.
2. In kind food donations can be dropped at multiple Drop off boxes located around town. Drop off boxes are now available during the business hours now through Feb. 13 at School of Rock West Cobb, Hawg and Ale Smokehouse, Medalyn Salon & Med Spa, Brain Train Centers Inc. and Bach 2 Rock Sandy Plains.
3. Monetary donations can be made directly to the KIDS CARE food drive and this money will be directly used to purchase food which will be donated to the above organizations.
Sweetwater Mission and volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 29, 2020.
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Sweetwater Mission and volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 29, 2020.
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Sweetwater Mission and volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 29, 2020.
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Sweetwater Mission and volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 29, 2020.
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Sweetwater Mission and volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 29, 2020.
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Sweetwater Mission and volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 29, 2020.
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Pictured is the group of volunteers that helped clean up litter and shopping carts near the intersection of East West Connector near Floyd Road on Jan. 30, 2020.
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Pictured are two of the volunteers that helped clean up litter and shopping carts near the intersection of East West Connector near Floyd Road on Jan. 30, 2020.
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On Jan. 29, Sweetwater Mission assisted by the First Christian Church Of Mableton volunteers provided the USDA food boxes containing fruit,
chicken, milk, vegetables, cereal, bread and Kenny's Pies to 178 families in need located near The Waverly Mobile Home Park. Coach Tony and his Elite Sports athletes pitched in to help distribute the boxes.
On the morning of Jan. 30, volunteers showed up to clean up litter and shopping carts near the intersection of East West Connector near Floyd Road. The volunteers removed 27 bags of litter and around 30 shopping cars.
- Barry Krebs
Friday, Jan. 29
Pictured are volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributing USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 28, 2020.
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Pictured are volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributing USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 28, 2020.
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Pictured are volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributing USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 28.
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Pictured are volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributing USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 28, 2020.
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Pictured are volunteers of the First Christian Church of Mableton distributing USDA Food Boxes on Jan. 28, 2020.
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On the windy and cold evening of Jan. 28, the First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers were able to distribute USDA Food Boxes containing milk, chicken, fruit, dairy products, bread, desserts, vegetables and hot meals to 111 hungry families. Sweetwater Mission also provided cleaning products and Hispanic grocery items that are not normally available.
As a special treat, Catherine and Mary from the Cobb County Library System joined us to supply educational materials to families with children. Overall, we had a great time as we served our neighbors.
-Barry Krebs
Monday, Jan. 25
Pictured is a group shot of the litter cleanup volunteers on South Gordon Road.
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Pictured is are some of the litter cleanup volunteers on South Gordon Road.
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Pictured is DeBorah Johnson and the Mosses from the Austell Community Taskforce that cleaned up litter on South Gordon Road.
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Pictured is the Earth Warriors Group, which volunteered to cleanup litter on South Gordon Road.
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Pictured is the Steenhoeks, which were part of the litter cleanup volunteers on South Gordon Road.
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South Gordon Road was the focus of a couple of litter cleanups on Jan. 24.
The Austell Community Taskforce, led by DeBorah Johnson, removed 17 bags of litter including mattresses, tires and construction debris from the middle section of the road. The Earth Warriors, led by the Brackners, removed 19 bags of litter from their adopted mile that starts at the Veterans Memorial Highway and ends at Old Alabama Road.
We appreciate everyone who showed up and sacrificed their time to make the area look so much better.
We would like to get the middle section near Blairs Bridge Road and the far section that intersects with Mableton Parkway of South Gordon Road adopted.
If you are interested in the Adopt-A-Mile program, please reach out to Dawn at Keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She can provide the details and tools needed to keep one's mile looking good.
-Barry Krebs
Friday, Jan. 22
Pictured are the children that District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill witnessed picking up trash along the sidewalk on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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On Monday, as I was driving down Dallas Highway returning from the City of Acworth’s 2021 MLK Day of Service Celebration and listening to guest speaker Earnest Davis address one of life’s more persistent and urgent questions: “What are you doing for others?” I saw this group of children picking up trash along the sidewalk.
The children were in kindergarten, second and third grades and were accompanied by their moms who work as a nurse at WellStar and a teacher at Still Elementary.
Thank you for volunteering your time to keep our community beautiful and being an example for us all to follow.
If you are interested in the Adopt-A-Mile program, please contact Dawn at keepcobbbeatiful@cobbcounty.org. She can supply you with all of the information and tools you need to keep your mile looking good.
- From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Pastor Barry Smith leading the prayer at First Christian Church of Mableton on Jan. 21.
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First Christian Church of Mableton hosted a USDA Food Box distribution event on Jan. 21.
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First Christian Church of Mableton hosted a USDA Food Box distribution event on Jan. 21.
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First Christian Church of Mableton hosted a USDA Food Box distribution event on Jan. 21.
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First Christian Church of Mableton hosted a USDA Food Box distribution event on Jan. 21.
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First Christian Church of Mableton hosted a USDA Food Box distribution event on Jan. 21.
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The First Christian Church Of Mableton hosted on Jan. 21 a terrific USDA Food Box distribution event whereby fruits, bread, cereal, vegetables, school supplies, hot meals and Kenny's Key Lime Pies supplied by Sweetwater Mission were provided to 170 families in need. We had a really good time as we worked together to serve our community.
-Barry Krebs
Thursday, Jan. 21
Thank you so much to Superior Plumbing for sponsoring the Superior Pets for Patriotic Vets program and to United Military Care for their donation of 20 doggie back packs for veterans who adopt through the program!
On hand to accept the donation were the following, from left, are Katie Cunningham, Superior Plumbing; Mike Nichols, Cobb Senior Services Veterans Connection; Seanna Abbott, Cobb County Animal Services Field Operations Manager; Nigel Ramtahal, Cobb County Animal Services Shelter Supervisor; and Jacob Arnold, Cobb County Animal Services Shelter Operations Manager.
-Cobb County District 3 Commissioner JoAnn K. Birrell
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Tuesday, Jan. 19
Pictured are members of Destiny World Church at their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Of Service litter cleanup.
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Pictured is Cobb Commissioner Monique Sheffield with members of Destiny World Church during their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Of Service litter cleanup.
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Pictured are members of Destiny World Church enjoying Starbucks on their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Of Service litter cleanup.
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Pictured is DeBorah Johnson's group from Destiny World Church on their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Of Service litter cleanup.
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Pictured is Yolanda Walker's group from Destiny World Church on their Martin Luther King Jr. Day Of Service litter cleanup.
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Pictured are the members of the Queens Mill Road litter cleanup in Mableton.
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Pictured are members of the Queens Mill Road litter cleanup in Mableton.
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Pictured are members of early group at the Queens Mill Road litter cleanup in Mableton.
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We had a great turn out at the Destiny World Church's Martin Luther King Jr. Day Of Service litter cleanup.
We were able to remove litter from Factory Shoals Road, Riverside Parkway and South Gordon Road. Many thanks to DeBorah Johnson for arranging the event, Yolanda Walker for coordinating the event and Commissioner Monique Sheffield for advertising the event.
We also appreciate Starbucks for providing us with coffee, hot chocolate and pastries. Keep Cobb Beautiful was very helpful in supplying all of the tools and supplies. We had a lot of fun as we cleaned up the adopted miles around south Cobb.
We also had a fantastic time meeting together with friends to cleanup up Queens Mill Road in Mableton on Saturday. It was a little chilly. However, the activity and fellowship kept us warm. Special thanks to Commissioner Sheffield and Jeff Padgett for arranging the event.
-Barry Krebs
Thursday, Jan. 14
Pictured is Worship Leader Barry Smith from the First Christian Church Of Mableton.
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Sweetwater Mission along with volunteers from the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA food boxes to families at The Waverly Mobile Home Park in Mableton.
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Sweetwater Mission along with volunteers from the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA food boxes to families at The Waverly Mobile Home Park in Mableton.
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Sweetwater Mission along with volunteers from the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA food boxes to families at The Waverly Mobile Home Park in Mableton.
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On Jan. 8, Sweetwater Mission along with volunteers from the First Christian Church of Mableton distributed USDA food boxes containing vegetables, bread, cereal and fruit to 168 families at The Waverly Mobile Home Park located near Discovery Boulevard in Mableton.
We had lots of fun serving our neighbors while braving the cold and rain.
-Worship Leader Barry Smith, First Christian Church of Mableton
Wednesday, Jan. 13
On Jan. 9, more than a dozen volunteers met at the South Cobb Regional Library to clean up litter on the Padgett Landmon Adopted section of Clay Road.
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On Jan. 9, more than a dozen volunteers met at the South Cobb Regional Library to clean up litter on the Padgett Landmon Adopted section of Clay Road. Due to the good turnout, they decided to include removing historical Mableton area as well. The area looks much better now and they really enjoyed spending time with each other on this brisk morning.
If you are interested in the Adopt-A-Mile program, please reach out to Dawn at Keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She can provide the details and tools needed to keep one's mile looking good.
- From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield's newsletter
Monday, Jan. 4
For years we have played Trivia with friends on Monday nights at Johnny's Pizza in Kennesaw.
Chris and Lee are the proprietors and when the pandemic hit, their business came to a standstill. Mary and I decided to use some of our stimulus money to help our friends at Johnny's and first responders at the same time.
So every Monday night, when we would normally be plying Trivia, we ordered pizza for fire fighters and police officers. We began with the firefighters at Station 26, next door to Johnny's, and each Monday after that we bought pizza for the firefighters at Stations 8 and 16, plus Cobb Police Precinct 1 and the Kennesaw Police Department.
When I went to, or called, the various stations, all the officers were most appreciative of our offer. The Precinct Commanders even sent thank-you notes, which was unexpected but appreciated.
Chris and Lee made it through the worst of the crisis and Mary and I felt immense pleasure in being able to help in some small way. It was a win – win – win situation all the way around.
Here's a humorous sidebar to this story. We assumed that firefighters, being EMTs and Paramedics, would be more health conscious than police officers. When I requested their orders the police asked for an assortment of veggie and meat pizzas plus salads. The personnel at each of the three firehouses asked that all 10 pizzas be meat only. When offered salads, they declined. Not sure there is anything profound in this but thought it interesting.
- Barry Pencek, Acworth
Pictured is Princess Odom, clinical program coordinator for Cobb County Community Services Board’s Mothers Making A Change program, with one of the 30 bound journals donated to the program by the Cobb Chamber.
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Women at Cobb County Community Services Board’s Mothers Making A Change program received a much-appreciated holiday gift this month.
The Cobb Chamber donated 30 bound journals to the program, which assists mothers in substance use recovery.
“Journaling is part of the recovery process,” said Princess Odom, clinical program coordinator for MMAC. “Simply writing down thoughts and feelings helps our mothers understand themselves more clearly. It is an integral part of the larger process of substance use recovery. We greatly appreciate Cobb Chamber’s generous donation.”
MMAC is a highly structured, trauma-responsive, gender-specific program for women with substance use disorders who are pregnant and/or have children. Priority admission is given for pregnant women.
Behavioral health experts say journaling is an effective component in working through emotional struggles with stress, depression, substance use and anxiety. Community service boards like CCCSB use journaling as a tool to help individuals identify stressors, create action plans and to manage anxiety.
The Cobb County Community Services Board is a public safety net that offers mental health and substance use programs and services regardless of ability to pay.
Pictured are some of the We Thrive on Riverside volunteers that recently removed 40 bags of litter from Blairs Bridge Road and neighboring Riverside Parkway in Austell.
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We Thrive On Riverside volunteers recently removed 40 bags of litter and lots of debris from their adopted Blairs Bridge Road and neighboring Riverside
Parkway in Austell.
We appreciate Monica DeLancy for making all of the arrangements. Afterwards, we celebrated with some Zaxby's. We had fun as we worked together in the fabulous weather.
Those interested in the Adopt-A-Mile program can contact Dawn at keepcobbbeautiful@cobbcounty.org. She will provide everything that one needs to keep their mile clean.
- Barry Krebs
Thursday, Dec. 31
Pictured is the graphic T-shirt and a journal given to the youth at Cobb County Community Services Board's George W. Hartmann Center.
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Youth at Cobb County Community Services Board's George W. Hartmann Center had an extra special holiday with gifts from area businesses and community members.
Each youth received a graphic T-shirt with a favorite theme, a journal to write in and stockings with small gifts and candy.
The George W. Hartmann Center is a co-ed, structured residential substance use disorder recovery program for adolescents, ages 13-17. Hartmann provides 24 hour supervised, planned living and recovery services in a therapeutic environment.
"It is important for our youth to know that people in the community care and are championing their recovery," said Wilbert Martin, program director of the Hartmann Center. "It certainly made the holiday more special, and they were very appreciative."
Sixteen T-shirts, each with a special significance to the youth, were provided this year by Tod Citron Foundation board member Harry Pence. The Tod Citron Foundation supports efforts at CCCSB and has provided funds for furniture and other items to the agency this year.
InTandem Promotions provided each youth with a journal and a pen, as journaling is an integral part of substance use recovery.
On Dec. 29, East Marietta Spikes 10U head coach Fred Pearse and members of the team dropped off more than 125 jackets and blankets at the MUST Ministries Donation Center in Marietta.
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Pictured at Iron Tribe Fitness—East Cobb with the coat and blanket collection box are, from left, East Marietta Spikes 10U players J.R. Pearse, Connor Fettig and Jack Penticuff.
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When the East Marietta Spikes 10U travel baseball team learned that Marietta-based MUST Ministries was in need of coats during the cold, winter months, they stepped up to the plate.
Since Dec. 16, the team has rallied together with community partners to collect nearly 90 new and gently used coats for children and adults, in addition to collecting almost 40 new blankets. All items are being donated to MUST Ministries, which shared a message on its social media channels in late December asking the community for help.
“We have an urgent need for winter coats! Our normal coat drive was unable to happen this year and it has led us to being unable to meet the need,” the post stated.
East Marietta Spikes 10U team members have set up collection boxes for coats and blankets at the following locations:
Iron Tribe Fitness–East Cobb, 4719 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.
CycleBar–East Cobb, 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Suite 450 in Marietta.
Merchant’s Exchange Barber Shop, 4400 Roswell Road, Suite 174 in Marietta.
D-Bat–Marietta, 1666 Roswell Road in Marietta.
The collection boxes will remain in place through most of January 2021 and items can be donated during regular business hours.
“This is an incredible opportunity for our East Marietta Spikes to support those in need in our community during a year that’s been quite difficult for so many people, as well as show these young men what it means to give back to others,” said Fred Pearse, East Marietta Spikes 10U head coach. “We encourage those in our area to dig through your closets, or even visit your local store, and please give back to this great need.”
To set up a collection box at one's business, email the East Marietta Spikes at info@emspikesbaseball.com.
Thursday, Dec. 24
The Annual Children's Christmas Program, which is sponsored by Saint Joseph Knights of Columbus Council 4599 and the Saint Vincent de Paul Society, was a huge success. Donations from Saint Joseph Catholic Church parishioners provided over 1,000 gifts, which included toys and clothes to make sure that over 485 needy youngsters in Cobb County will have a visit from Santa this year.
In addition to the local families served, the groups also provided hundreds of toys and new clothing to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite Hospital; Mary’s Shelter, which operates a home for unwed mothers; and Calvary Children's Home, which is a home for 35 to 40 children in the metro Atlanta area that are orphaned or need to live apart from their families.
Wednesday, Dec. 23
Pictured is the Gift Pick-Up location at Gateway Martial Arts in Austell for Safe Space Property Management's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive.
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Pictured are participants at the Gift Pick-Up location at Gateway Martial Arts in Austell for Safe Space Property Management's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive.
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Pictured are participants at the Gift Pick-Up location at Gateway Martial Arts in Austell for Safe Space Property Management's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive.
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Pictured are participants at the Gift Pick-Up location at Gateway Martial Arts in Austell for Safe Space Property Management's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive.
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Safe Space Property Management's 2nd Annual Holiday Toy Drive was held on Dec. 19 for the children of Domestic Violence Survivors.
With the help of local businesses and kind-hearted people, the 501(c)3 tax exempt, nonprofit organization was able to sponsor 38 kids this year who received toys and coats.
Last year, the nonprofit was able to couple the Gift Pick-Up with their Support Group Meeting, where they raffled off gifts for the mothers and even a Christmas Turkey. Because of the pandemic, a Drive-Thru was set up at two locations - Gateway Martial Arts, 1355 East-West Connector in Austell; and Clip Culture Barbershop, 6309 Roswell Road NE, Suite 2D in Sandy Springs.
Pictured is Brittany Mills, the lead direct service professional at the Recovery In Motion Program.
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Pictured are some of the presents that neighbors in The Quad at Meeting Park in downtown Marietta chose for people in substance use recovery at Cobb County Community Services Board’s Recovery in Motion program.
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Pictured are some of the neighbors in The Quad at Meeting Park in downtown Marietta chose names to provide gifts for people in substance use recovery at Cobb County Community Services Board’s Recovery in Motion program.
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Neighbors in The Quad at Meeting Park in downtown Marietta served as “angels” for people in substance use recovery at Cobb County Community Services Board’s Recovery in Motion program.
Serving as this year’s Angel Tree sponsors, neighbors chose from one of 20 names to provide gifts like coats, pots and pans, boots and more.
“We are so grateful that these neighbors chose to host an Angel Tree on behalf of those we serve,” said Dawn Smith, program supervisor at CCCSB’s Recovery in Motion Program. “It is very important when in substance use recovery that individuals know that people care. This kind act of giving goes a long way in making our residents feel special and loved.”
Recovery in Motion is a semi-independent, 24-hour, supervised program that houses individuals with substance use disorders. Serving both adult males and females, the program offers onsite staff, on-call nursing, transportation to clinical services, community meetings and life skills. Individuals receive clinical services CCCSB’s Outpatient Program and are required to attend treatment programs.
The program is just one of five behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disabilities residential programs offered at CCCSB. In addition to residential programs, CCCSB offers numerous day services and operates the 24-hour Behavioral Health Crisis Center on County Services Road in Marietta.
Pictured is Primrose student Betsy Binicewicz using red and green paint to make a card for residents at Trinity Hospice Care of Georgia.
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Pictured is Primrose student Abigail O’Dell with the Christmas tree/green paint for a card to the residents at Trinity Hospice Care of Georgia.
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Students at the Primrose School of Acworth at Bentwater, 3664 Cedarcrest Road in Acworth, recently partnered with Trinity Hospice Care of Georgia this holiday season.
Every student made a card and wrote letters to residents in nursing homes and rehabilitation facilities for the holiday season. The residents have very limited visitors and the Primrose students wanted to help make their holiday a little brighter. The children's messages offered a connection to home, a bridge of caring and a taste of the holidays.
Friday, Dec. 18
Leslie Hammond, vice president of Vinings Bank, who recently bought lunch for our public safety employees.
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A big thank you to Leslie Hammond, vice president of Vinings Bank, who recently bought lunch for our public safety employees. Major Bullock was able to take about 40 meals back to the precinct. The meals were all served in the parking lot out of the Varsity Truck.
Station 21 recently escorted Santa to a nearby neighborhood.
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Many thanks to Station 21 for escorting Santa to a nearby neighborhood. Residents of all ages and Santa really appreciated the additional red lights.
We Support Our Police's recent fund drive raised money to benefit the Cobb Police Athletic League.
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We Support Our Police's recent fund drive raised money to benefit the Cobb Police Athletic League. They recently presented a check for $4,250. Thank you so much for your support.
-From Cobb County District 2 Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Thursday, Dec. 17
Pictured is Pam Younker, Community Development Officer at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Six Flags Over Georgia donated over 100 plush bears to CHOA through the Buy One Give One Bear Program.
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Pictured is Megan Benvenuto, executive director at the Northwest YMCA. Six Flags Over Georgia made food drive donations to the Northwest YMCA of Atlanta Hunger Relief efforts.
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Pictured is a Toys for Tots Marine with a complimentary voucher to Six Flags Over Georgia for Holiday In The Park.
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Pictured is a Toys for Tots Marine with a $7,000 check donated by Six Flags Over Georgia.
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To celebrate the Holiday Season of Giving, Six Flags Over Georgia and White Water along with its guests, donated to community partners for a Week of Giving.
On Tuesday, the park donated more than 100 plush bears sold through the Buy One Give One Bear Program to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta patients. For more information about the program, visit https://www.sixflags.com/overgeorgia/events/buy-bear-donate-bear.
The parks also made food drive donations to Northwest YMCA of Atlanta Hunger Relief efforts and lastly, donated 100 tickets to 25 families through the Atlanta Toys for Tots program. This will bring joy to many kids and their families and provide a Christmas gift under the tree for the families to visit Six Flags Over Georgia.
Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Georgia is open daily through Jan. 3, except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com/HolidayInThePark.
Pictured from left are Melissa Jacobson and Rhonda Jacobson, both of Cumberland Diamond Exchange; Jinger Robins, CEO of SafePath; Mark Jacobson of Cumberland Diamond Exchange; and Hana Laine, community resource coordinator with SafePath.
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Cumberland Diamond Exchange presented SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center with donations collected for their in-store Giving Tree.
The staff and clients of Cumberland Diamond Exchange participated in donating various items to put under the tree. The items included clothes for children, toys for children, toiletry kits, art supplies and gift cards. These items will help the families and children that SafePath serve this holiday season.
The donations were presented by Mark, Rhonda and Melissa Jacobson of Cumberland Diamond Exchange to Jinger Robins, CEO of SafePath, and Hana Laine, community resources coordinator of SafePath.
Wednesday, Dec. 16
Pictured, from left, are Cobb County Community Services Board’s Director of Specialty Services Lauren Baird, LPC CPCS and Cobb County Mental Health Court Teams’ Forensic Certified PEER Specialist Robin Ogden, CPS.
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On Dec. 10, the Cobb County Chapter of the National Association of Mental Illness partnered with the Cobb County Community Services Board to ensure that their annual tradition of celebrating the holidays continued despite the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our usual celebration of everyone coming together, sharing a meal, making crafts, singing holiday songs and giving gifts had to be cancelled,” said Lauren Baird, director of Specialty Services at CCCSB. “But we are grateful that the spirit of community partnerships and serving individuals living with mental illness continued.”
NAMI sent 50 boxed lunches from Jason’s Deli to the agency’s Specialty Services program in Austell, where staff from each of the programs, (Assertive Community Treatment, Intensive Case Management, Psycho Social Rehabilitation-Groups, PEER program, Supported Employment and Mental Health Court) had prepared 50 gift bags. These holiday treats were then delivered to the individuals enrolled in these services who, in the past, have participated in this annual tradition.
“While our activities were different, we were still able to offer holiday cheer to those we serve,” said Baird. “We are grateful to our partnership with NAMI Cobb and all the great work they do in the Cobb community.”
Cobb County Community Services Board provides treatment and recovery services for individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and intellectual and developmental disabilities in the greater Cobb County community.
NAMI Cobb provides education programs, support and advocacy for individuals living with a mental health condition, their families, caregivers and friends as well as the local communities in Cobb County, while also supporting Cherokee, Douglas, Carroll, Bartow and Paulding counties.
Pictured is Kinman Smith, general manager of the Bojangles in Kennesaw at 4071 Cherokee Street in Kennesaw.
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Four local Bojangles restaurants donated $3,000, which was 20% of their total sales on Giving Tuesday, Dec. 1, to the Wellstar Foundation of Wellstar Health System. The participating locations were Marietta-Cobb Parkway, 681 Cobb Parkway N. in Marietta; Lithia Springs, 885 Thornton Road in Lithia Springs; Kennsaw, 4071 Cherokee Street in Kennesaw; and Marietta-Franklin Gateway, 1183 Franklin Gateway in Marietta.
“As a not-for-profit, donations are critical in ensuring our hospitals, care sites and communities all have access to life-saving medical resources," said Julie Teer, senior vice president and Wellstar Foundation president, upon receiving the donation. "We are grateful to our partners, like Bojangles ATL restaurant group, for supporting Wellstar this Giving Tuesday and all year-round as we continue to lead in the fight against COVID-19 in Georgia. These contributions enable us to safely treat a growing number of COVID-19 patients, as well as address the healthcare needs of our patients across every service area with world-class care.”
Pictured are Little Helpers of Atlanta families from Roswell, Marietta, John’s Creek, Kennesaw and Lilburn that teamed up with The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta.
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Pictured are Lauren, Penny, Evie and Audrey Nour of Marietta of the family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta.
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Pictured is Audrey and Penny Nour of Marietta with Abrianna Garcia of Lilburn, playing violin, of the family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta.
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Pictured are Colby, Charlotte, Carrie and Cole Kuzontkoski of Kennesaw of the family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta.
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Major David Repass, Salvation Army of Metro Atlanta Corps Officer and Abrianna Garcia, Little Helpers volunteer.
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Wendy and Abrianna Garcia of Lilburn of the family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta.
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Pictured are Ava Smith of Roswell, Lily Stauffer of John's Creek and Abrianna Garcia of Lilburn of the family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta.
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The family volunteer group Little Helpers of Atlanta teamed up with The Salvation Army Metro Atlanta to help rescue Christmas by taking part in the red kettle campaign in front of Kroger on East Crossville Road. Families from Roswell, Marietta, John's Creek, Kennesaw and Lilburn rang the bell, sang holiday carols and even played musical instruments to encourage shoppers to donate.
Santa and volunteers from the Mableton Improvement Coalition at the Floyd Road Adopt-A-Mile litter cleanup.
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The Mableton Improvement Coalition hosted an Adopt-A-Mile litter cleanup of Floyd Road in Mableton. Santa made a special appearance. The group was able to remove over 30 bags of litter from Floyd and Hicks roads. The participants had lots of fun while improving the community.
Pictured are cars receiving food boxes at the First Christian Church Of Mableton, 878 Old Alabama Road in Mableton.
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Pictured are volunteers in the kitchen at the First Christian Church Of Mableton, 878 Old Alabama Road in Mableton, who distributed food boxes.
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Volunteers distributed food boxes at the First Christian Church Of Mableton, 878 Old Alabama Road in Mableton.
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Pictured is a volunteer that distributed food hot meals at the First Christian Church Of Mableton, 878 Old Alabama Road in Mableton.
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The First Christian Church Of Mableton, 878 Old Alabama Road in Mableton, hosted a Thursday night food distribution serving over 170 hungry families. Supplied by Sweetwater Mission, volunteers provided milk, vegetables, big pretzels, fruit, canned groceries, cereal and hot meals in an effort to help neighbors who are suffering due to the impact of COVID-19.
Thursday, Dec. 10
Nursing and rehabilitation centers PruittHealth – Austell, 1700 Mulkey Road in Austell, and PruittHealth – Marietta, 50 Saine Drive SW in Marietta, announced that they are looking for community members to help bring joy to their residents this holiday season.
COVID-19 has affected so many in the community and is changing the way many will celebrate the holidays this year. To combat the loneliness and social isolation, the centers are asking the community to send holiday greetings, words of encouragement, prayers, drawings and videos to their residents at https://www.pruitthealth.com/caring-cards.
Wednesday, Dec. 2
Last month, National Cremation Service of Atlanta organized their first annual Thanksgiving Food Drive along with their neighboring businesses in the Grove Park Plaza in Marietta. Together with Pho Vietnamese Eats, Atlanta West Dentistry, Dev’s Donuts, Vital Link Satellite and Nina’s Dominican Hair Salon, the plaza raised nearly 600 food items to benefit Marietta-based MUST Ministries. MUST Ministries has been providing food, shelter and clothing to those in need for more than 39 years.
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Pictured from left are North Cobb Civitan Club president Kimberly Warren and Chattahoochee Tech Advancement coordinator Amanda Henderson, who also serves as secretary for the club.
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Thanks to a donation of food from the North Cobb Civitan Club, the Chattahoochee Tech Golden Eagle Food Pantry is better able to help students with preparing meals this holiday season.
“The North Cobb Civitan Club focuses on acts of service in our community, and they jumped at the opportunity to help Chattahoochee Tech students,” said the college’s Advancement coordinator Amanda Henderson, who also serves as secretary for the club.
Well over a third of all college students struggle with food insecurity, noted Henderson, which means they are struggling to pay for food and don’t get enough to eat. The Golden Eagle Food Pantry was established in 2019 to help address that need at the college.
“Our members feel passionate about making an impact where we live and work,” said North Cobb Civitan Club president Kimberly Warren.
Civitan is a worldwide, all volunteer, nonprofit service organization for men and women serve local communities.
On the morning of Thursday, Oct. 29, the tropical storm caused widespread damage across Cobb County.
The high winds had knocked down a 150 year old oak tree on our property and it was across our driveway. My wife and I, along with my daughter and six year old granddaughter, began the difficult task of sawing the tree limbs trying to clear our driveway.
My mother-in-law, who is 96 years old, had a doctors appointment later that afternoon. This is when our new neighbors from across the street, Theresa and Robert Williams, showed up and worked tirelessly until all the limbs and debris were removed so we could use the driveway and get to our mailbox safely.
Our neighbors were a blessing to us that day and their kindness, generosity and goodwill should be acknowledged.
Thanks to Robert's efforts and many hours of hard work, he and I have completely cleared our yard.
Robert and Theresa's Act of Kindness and willingness to lend a helping hand will not be forgotten.
- Sue and Bud White
The Rotary Club of Marietta has partnered with Cobb Thanks You for Your Service. Volunteers from both groups distributed 150 comfort care kits and meals to veterans in the Marietta and Cobb County area.
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The Rotary Club of Marietta has partnered with Cobb Thanks You for Your Service.
The local veteran’s support group was founded by Mary Ansley Southerland, president of the Rotary Club of Marietta, and local businessman Mark Maloney. Assisted by volunteers from both groups, 150 comfort care kits and meals of turkey, dressing, vegetables and dessert were distributed to veterans living in properties managed by the Marietta Housing Authority; Zion Keepers – a ministry for homeless veterans in Marietta and Cobb; the Cobb County’s Veteran Court members, an organization founded and administered by Marietta Rotarian Judge Ruben Green. Additional recipients were in a tent home area in Cobb County occupied by veterans and to Marietta-based MUST Ministries.
The project was funded by a grant awarded to the Rotary Club of Marietta by Rotary District 6900.
Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Marietta included Southerland, Thomas Sherrer, Andrew Hairetis, Mark Wright, Marlys Williams, Mark Barbour and Julie O’Meara. Volunteers from Cobb Thanks You for Your Service included Maloney, Lt. Col. (Ret) Rick and Mary Jo Prouty, Darlene Geer, Daryle Yergler, Mary Chappel, Gina Davis, Capt. Paul and Hannah Johnston, Maj. Gen. (Ret) David and Jane Bockel, and Gino Johnson.
Each kit contained four rolls of Angel Soft toilet paper, a roll of paper towels, two loaves of wheat bread, a jar of creamy peanut butter, a jar of strawberry jelly, a jar of mayonnaise, two cans of chicken breast, two cans of tuna, a box of cereal bars, a bunch of green onions, two fresh apples, two fresh bananas, two fresh oranges, a bunch fresh celery, a box Saltine Crackers and two cups of mini cookies.
Darlene Geer and her team at the Acworth Ingle’s grocery store volunteered their time and efforts to pack the boxes.
The Rotary Club of Marietta is the oldest civic organization in Marietta and was founded in 1919. Many of the original founders’ descendants are members of the club today. The Club recently celebrated its 100th birthday and has sponsored many of the local Rotary clubs, the latest being the Atlana-Brasil Rotary Club in East Cobb.
Golden Krust served more than 300 meals in Marietta on Nov. 27.
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Golden Krust served more than 300 meals in Marietta on Nov. 27.
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Golden Krust served more than 300 meals in Marietta on Nov. 27.
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Golden Krust served more than 300 meals in Marietta on Nov. 27.
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A local franchise of the international Jamaican brand Golden Krust served more than 300 meals in Marietta on Nov. 27.
This is the third year, the franchise decided to close the doors from a regular operation and give away all meals absolutely free. Taking advantage of the Thanksgiving holiday, they fused the American tradition with a Jamaican twist.
The turkey was a jerk turkey, served with choice of curry chicken, rice and peas, jerk chicken, curry goat, oxtails, macaroni and cheese, cornmeal pudding and more.
"We are proud to serve the community," said Clifford Clarke, owner and native of Westmoreland, Jamaica. "Most people don't realized that this is how we grew up in Jamaica. What they celebrate around the world, was a frequent occurrence and experience for me growing up in Jamaica. When family visited from Canada, the USA and England, it would be a time of festivities, food and just great times. This would often be three or four times per year, including holidays. I also grew up with an open door policy, meaning anyone could show-up at your door at any moment. This feeling of acceptance, appreciation and love became my motivation for serving those less fortunate."
Friday, Nov. 20
Recently, the Bells Ferry Civic Association cleaned up litter on their adopted mile just north of Chastain Road. Pictured are some of the community volunteers who helped the BFCA Board pick up 21 bags of debris. If one would like to participate by adopting an area for regular cleanup, contact Keep Cobb Beautiful at https://www.cobbcounty.org/keep-cobb-beautiful.
- From District 3 Cobb County Commissioner Joann Birrell's newsletter
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Pictured is the tree that fell on the Walkers' property.
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The Walkers are in their late 80s and couldn’t remove a tree that had fallen during the night.
That morning constituent Jimi Richards came out and cut some of the tree back so the family could safely get to their mailbox and driveway. After Richards’ efforts, the Cobb Department of Transportation crew completely clear the area.
Thank you to Dallas Cain and road maintenance staff for lending a helping hand. And a special thanks to Richards, who wrote “Mr. & Mrs. Walker were happy with tears when they saw how great of a job everyone did for them.”
-From District 1 Cobb Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Monday, Oct. 26
Marietta High School sophomore Darby Dryden is collecting all types of books to donate to Books For Africa.
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Marietta High School sophomore Darby Dryden is collecting all types of books to donate to Books For Africa.
Dryden says her motivation is to help end the book famine in Africa and create a culture of literacy.
"Most African children have never owned a book of their own, and in many classrooms, 10-20 students share one textbook," Dryden said.
Books of all kinds are welcome including children's, teen, adult, fiction, nonfiction, textbooks at all levels and resource books.
To date, Dryden has donated 2,214 books. Her goal is 3,200 books to represent just a fraction of the 320 million books that end up in landfills annually.
There is a family in East Cobb that owns and operates a small produce company called Holland Botanical.
Jon and Janis Holland have been providing produce to the community for years and the pandemic has made them a very important part of the community. They deliver fresh produce to paying customers on a weekly basis, but every week they ask their customers if they know anyone in need.
The need could be from job loss, job stress/first responders or any other type of hardship. Then every Wednesday they provide fresh produce to three or four families in need. They call it wonderful Wednesday.
They are also planning on providing Thanksgiving dinner for several families. The Holland family is truly giving back to their community and I think it is just wonderful.
- Mo VanDeusen
Thursday, Oct. 22
The Powder Springs Business Group has pledged $250 to support Give Burns the Boot Campaign for the Cobb County Fire Department.
Give Burns The Boot is an annual fundraising initiative. Over 100 fire departments throughout Georgia join forces and collect funds to benefit the missions and programs of the Georgia Firefighters Burn Foundation. COVID-19 directly impacted the campaign in 2020, however the campaign is going virtual.
The Give Burns the "Virtual" Boot Campaign ends Dec. 31.
The Cobb Library System and Atlanta Community Food Bank staff are hosting another drive-through pantry at Stratton Library, 1100 Powder Springs Road SW in Marietta. The event will be held Oct. 21 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m..
Food will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, one package per family while supplies last. The package will be delivered to the cars of participants and it will contain up to 20 pounds of produce in addition to shelf stable items.
Senior Services food drive-ups will continue, but will move to Fridays at the main office in Marietta. The program provides shelf stable food for Cobb residents age 60 and older. An ID showing date of birth and Cobb County home address for each senior being served is required upon arrival. No appointment needed. These events take place 11 a.m. to noon, while supplies last, rain or shine. The next event will be on Oct. 16 at Cobb Senior Services, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta.
-From Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
Friday, Oct. 9
On Tuesday, Sept. 22, Officers Wells and Gould responded to a call for service to assist an elderly man.
The elderly man is a widower who had gone to the grocery store for food but found that he was unexpectedly overdrawn. He had enough money on him to buy food for his cat, but not enough to feed himself.
Someone contacted the police on his behalf and the responding officers supplied him with enough money out of their own pockets so he could make it until his pension check arrived on Friday. He was eternally grateful.
- From District 2 Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Thursday, Oct. 8
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, a franchised moving company with locations in Cobb County, recently partnered with Friends of Disabled Adults and Children to help the organization transport donations to their warehouse through weekly pick ups and drop offs.
Every Wednesday, FODAC sends the TWO MEN AND A TRUCK Marietta location a list of their community donors and the company sends a team of movers to pick up the donations and deliver them to the FODAC warehouse.
Since the start of the pandemic, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK helped collect donated medical equipment from the community so their volunteers could deliver the donations to hospitals and care facilities across the state. At the end of June, FODAC and TWO MEN AND A TRUCK were helping the Georgia Emergency Management Agency and FEMA deliver respiratory equipment, respiratory supplies, ventilators and CPAPs, with one truckload delivered to GEMA that totaled almost $1 million in COVID-19 supplies, according to Chris Brand, CEO of FODAC.
The moving company has a reputation for community involvement, helping several other nonprofits in the area as well, which led FODAC to reach out to the Marietta location for help.
FODAC’s mission is to provide durable medical equipment such as wheelchairs and hospital beds at little or no cost to individuals with disabilities and their families. The items regularly donated to FODAC that TWO MEN AND A TRUCK transports are medical equipment, such as wheelchairs, hospital beds and home furniture. The donated furniture and household goods are put in their thrift shop with the proceeds supporting their mission to help people with disabilities in the community.
Monday, Oct. 5
Little Helpers volunteers Ava Smith of Roswell and Ella Cooper of Marietta assembled hygiene kits for Marietta-based MUST Ministries. The non-profit organization is in need of toiletry items as well as food. The pandemic has increased the demand for food eight times more than a normal year. To volunteer or donate check out mustministries.org. The drop off site is MUST Donation Center, 1280 Field Parkway in Marietta. Hours are Tuesday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Pictured, from left, are Jemma Brown dressed as a unicorn; Tommy Somerville dressed as a Hawaiian girl; and Alesa Smith, volunteer coordinator at Bristol Hospice, dressed in a Space costume.
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Pictured is Marion Leake dressed as a Hippie Flower Child.
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Pictured from left are Alesa Smith, Jemma Brown, Angela Smith and Luisa Hunte.
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Pictured from left are Jim Purvis dressed as a chaplain, Melanie Massie dressed as Chewbacca and Jemma Brown dressed as a unicorn.
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Pictured is Marion Leake dressed as a Hippie Flower Child.
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Pictured is Connor Smith dressed as a Penguin. Smith is a volunteer who sits with Alzheimer’s patients.
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Pictured is Jemma Brown dressed as a unicorn.
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Bristol Hospice, 2849 Paces Ferry Road SE in the Cumberland area, performed its fourth parade for confined residents in skilled nursing facilities on Oct. 4.
Bristol Hospice is committed to lifting the spirits of these residents who have been in social isolation from their loved ones since March 2020 when COVID-19 social distancing and other measures were instituted to safeguard against the virus.
The staff at Bristol wanted their community to know how much they are loved and wanted to give them a reason to remain hopeful despite being socially isolated.
At each event, the resident’s smiles and laughter lifted the spirits of the staff as they sang and danced to entertain them.
On Oct. 4, at The Social at Vinings, the seniors were allowed to sit outside for this parade.
Alesa Smith volunteer coordinator at Bristol spear-headed the parade. Staff were dressed in a variety of costumes as they sang, danced and interacted with the residents, maintaining social distancing.
Several staff members brought their pets, some dressed in costumes as well.
Bristol Hospice will continue to hold these parades for all confined nursing home residents for as long as COVID-19 precautions remain in effect.
Wednesday, Sept. 23
Members of the family volunteer group Little Helpers delivered treats and thank you notes to emergency workers to show their appreciation on the anniversary on 9/11. Pictured are Ella Cooper of Marietta, Ava Smith of Roswell and Kim Cooper of Marietta with firefighters from Cobb County Fire Department Station No. 20.
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Friday, Sept. 18
Pictured is a combination photograph of a luncheon thanking the hardworking Cobb Senior Services staff.
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District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill recently attended a luncheon to thank the hardworking Cobb Senior Services staff. Other county employees who've consistently helped with Meals on Wheels and our food drives for seniors were also invited.
“I would like to thank the county for supporting and appreciating Senior Services employees," said Dr. Jatunn Gibson, Cobb Senior Services director. "Thanks to administration and the commissioners. And a special thank you to our liaison Commissioner Keli Gambrill. Thank you to all for your support during COVID-19.”
Pictured is Magistrate Court Judge Brendan Murphy and his team, who have donated food to Cobb Senior Services.
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Cobb Senior Services staff is also holding a drive-up service on Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to noon or while supplies last at Cobb Senior Services, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta.
Cobb residents age 60 and older are invited to receive shelf stable food. An ID showing date of birth and Cobb County home address for each senior being served is required upon arrival. No appointment needed.
Special thanks to Magistrate Court Judge Brendan Murphy and his team, who have donated food to Cobb Senior Services. Residents can make a monetary donation to help continue these needed services by visiting cobbcounty.org/seniors.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Monday, Sept. 14
Pictured is a combination photograph from District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupid’s newsletter showing members of the community at the Sept. 3 opening of the Teasley Community Center.
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On Sept. 3, members of the Rose Garden Community in Smyrna came together to celebrate the opening of the Teasley Community Center.
This opening was years in the making as residents have seen the use of the building transition through different organizations and purposes. Residents spoke up about their concerns and stepped up to let the county know their desires for the building. Their dedication to the community is commendable and an example of how community engagement pays off.
Thank you to the Public Services Agency, Cobb PARKS, Cobb Communications, Police Precinct 3 and former Councilwoman Maryline Blackburn and new-elect District Four Commissioner Monique Sheffield for helping make this event a success.
-From District 4 Cobb County Comissioner Lisa Cupid's newsletter
Friday, Sept. 11
The Master Gardeners of Cobb County have taken on a community garden behind the Austell Senior Center.
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There's a lovely new project the Master Gardeners of Cobb County have taken on at Austell Senior Center.
The Extension Agriculture agent Hallie Harriman, director Hope Warren and Master Gardener coordinator Renae Lemon joined a group of master gardeners at the community garden behind the center for a renovation. They pulled weeds, cleaned the beds and planted a fall crop to help get the gardens started.
A couple of the master gardeners will remain in close contact with the center to help instruct and educate the gardeners with their beautiful garden beds.
On Sept. 6, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services Batt. 3, T8, E21, and T21 participated in Lexy Trout’s welcome home ceremony from her last chemo treatment.
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On Sept. 6, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services Batt. 3, T8, E21, and T21 participated in Lexy Trout's welcome home ceremony from her last chemo treatment.
Lexy is nine years old and was admitted into Scottish Rite Hospital on Jan. 1 with a severe headache. The test results came back as brain cancer, finding three tumors on her brain. After several surgeries, chemo therapy and radiation over the past nine months, Lexy is now cancer free.
Lexy's parents wanted a big welcome home for her after being discharged from her last chemo treatment so her friends, family, neighbors and the Cobb Fire family showed up big for her. Lexy rang the bell on T21 to symbolize her last treatment.
She won her battle with cancer with many additional hurdles to overcome due to COVID-19. Congratulations Lexy! Thank you so much for inviting us, it was such an honor to be part of something so special.
-From Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
Cobb Senior Services staff, with funding from the Atlanta Regional Commission, is able to purchase meals at a discounted rate from local restaurants.
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Cobb Senior Services staff has achieved a double tap on COVID-19.
With funding from the Atlanta Regional Commission, we are able to purchase meals at a discounted rate from local restaurants, including Rafferty’s, Carrabba’s and Murph’s. The food is then given to our senior residents in addition to donated shelf stable goods. Cobb Senior Services also uses Murph’s every other week for Operation Meal Plan, which provides meals to six senior high rise facilities throughout Cobb County.
These initiatives help seniors and keep restaurants open at the same time. I am very proud of the team and their teamwork. Senior Services has also encouraged a competition among the courts. Judge Murphy with the Magistrate Court has delivered a reported six car loads of food. I believe this is what the world needs to see. Communities working together for the good of all.
If you know a hungry senior, call 770-528-5364 to inquire about Meals on Wheels.
District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill recently toured the facilities at Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb and met with CEO Cyrl Kitchens.
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I recently visited Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb and meet with a few of their leaders including CEO Cyrl Kitchens.
I toured the facilities and learned more about what they are doing to serve our community through these challenging times. It's surprising how little people in our area know about Good Samaritan or the services it provide. Good Sam Cobb was founded 16 years ago with a mission to spread the love of Christ by providing quality healthcare to those in need.
To learn more about the services offered, including medical, dental, health education, counseling and a pharmacy, visit Goodsamcobb.org.
Good Sam Cobb will host a free flu vaccine event on Sept. 16. Call 770-419-3120, ext. 101 to schedule an appointment.
Staff is a few weeks away from opening up a new behavioral counseling center in the administration building in front of the clinic on Roberta Drive. Much of those renovations were made possible through a grant from Cobb County.
Thanks for your service to the families, businesses and ministries in District One. Good Samaritan Health Center of Cobb is a non-profit, 501(c)3 Federally Qualified Health Center and ministry serving the under-served.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill
Sweetwater Mission and First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers providing USDA food boxes at apartment complexes around south Cobb County.
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Sweetwater Mission and First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers providing USDA food boxes at apartment complexes around south Cobb County.
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Sweetwater Mission and First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers providing USDA food boxes at apartment complexes around south Cobb County.
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Sweetwater Mission and First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers providing USDA food boxes at apartment complexes around south Cobb County.
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Sweetwater Mission and First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers providing USDA food boxes at apartment complexes around south Cobb County.
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Sweetwater Mission and First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers providing USDA food boxes at apartment complexes around south Cobb County.
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On Thursdays, Sweetwater Mission and the First Christian Church of Mableton volunteers work together to provide USDA food boxes that contain produce, frozen meat, milk and bread to hungry families in three different apartment complexes around south Cobb County. They also supply hot meals, grocery items, books and Bibles to the community.
Thursday, Sept. 10
Teens in the Cobb County Cooperative Extension 4-H Program spent part of their summer collecting toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board’s Mothers Making A Change program.
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Pictured is Aarsheya Gunjal, who helped collect toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board's Mothers Making A Change program.
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Pictured at right is Anaiah Papi, who helped collect toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board's Mothers Making A Change program.
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Pictured is Venja Gunjal, who helped collect toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board's Mothers Making A Change program.
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Teens in the Cobb County Cooperative Extension 4-H Program spent part of their summer collecting toiletries and other items to create make-up gift bags for participants in the Cobb County Community Services Board's Mothers Making A Change program.
The bags are a special treat for the moms, who are in substance use recovery.
MMAC, also known as Women’s Treatment & Recovery Support, is a highly structured, trauma-responsive, gender-specific program for women with substance use disorders who are pregnant and/or have children. The residential program is typically six months in length - offering counseling, childcare and employment and housing placement services.
"It means a lot that these kids did something special for these women," said Kamryn Rock, MMAC program supervisor. "We’re talking about women who often feel hopeless, alone, defeated and have been broke down and abused in every way possible. For this group of kids to intentionally do something for them, it shows the women the world still cares about them and that they are not alone. I think it says even more coming from a group of kids because that is pure innocence and kindness."
MMAC has a high success rate and recently graduated four more women from its program last month.
An unidentified volunteer with the Community Access Group of the Cobb County Community Services Board recently helped to beautify Sweetwater Park in Austell.
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Pictured are the volunteers with the Community Access Group of the Cobb County Community Services Board that recently helped to beautify Sweetwater Park in Austell.
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The Cobb County Community Services Board is excited about a new partnership with Cobb Parks & Recreation.
Earlier this summer, individuals in the intellectual/developmental disability Community Access Group started volunteering twice a week at Cobb County area parks. The group picks up trash from playgrounds, weeds gardens and performs other general clean-up activities to help keep the county parks looking great.
Community Access Group services at Cobb County Community Services Board are individually planned to meet an individual’s needs and preferences for active community participation. The goal is to improve an individual’s access to the community through increased skills and natural supports. Volunteering is one way to achieve this goal.
Supplied with gloves, trash bags, tongs and plenty of water, the group recently beautified Sweetwater Park and Clarksdale Park in Austell, and Wild Horse Creek Park in Powder Springs. They will continue to volunteer Mondays and Wednesdays weather permitting.
"We look for ways to actively participate in our community," said LaTasha Hogan, Disability Services Program Supervisor for Community Access Services at Cobb County Community Services Board. "It is a great outdoor activity for a few hours a week that enhances quality of life for everyone."
By volunteering, members of the group are making a valuable contribution to the community. Jimmy Gisi, Director of Cobb PARKS, says volunteers are important to keeping Cobb parks beautiful.
"With resources at the level that they are right now, we are excited to have volunteers to help us maintain Cobb County's parkland," Gisi said. "With more than 6,000 acres of parkland in our inventory, volunteers play a vital role in maintaining our quality parks. We are excited to have Cobb County Community Services Board as a partner."
Friday, Aug. 21
Pictured is a combination photograph showing the drive-thru Back to School event held Saturday, Aug. 15.
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Cobb Parks held a drive-thru Back to School event Saturday, Aug. 15. We want to thank our community partners including Amerigroup, Wal-Mart, Cobb PARKS, Cobb DA's Office, Cobb County Water System and Keep Cobb Beautiful for their generous donations. Although school is virtual, the children still need school supplies.
Pictured is a combination photograph of Swift Justice coming together for Q-19 on Friday, Aug. 14 to benefit Feed America.
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Years ago, Deputy Chief ADA Jesse Evans and other athlete-colleagues in the Cobb DA's Office formed the Swift Justice running team to support local charitable causes, engage in community activities outside normal prosecution responsibilities, promote healthy habits, and build camaraderie. On Friday, Aug. 14 Swift Justice came together for Q-19 (quarantine/COVID 19) to benefit Feed America.
Q-19 Virtual Run is a 19-minute run/walk that can be done anywhere. Swift Justice decided to make it a group event around the courthouse, abiding by distancing guidelines and wearing masks when appropriate. We also CHALLENGE all of our local law enforcement partner agencies - and Barry Morgan Cobb County Solicitor General's Office to participate in Q-19, to leave a larger charitable footprint for Feed America.
-From Cobb County Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
Thursday, Aug. 13
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3 Chicks Flock By Night, a local yard greetings company, announced a collaboration with Kemp Elementary School to spread some much needed cheer during the Student/Teacher Meet and Greet.
The school’s newly appointed principal, Billy Pritz, the PTA Board and 3 Chicks Flock coordinated to share a positive message, Together We Shine. Cobb County Schools will come together virtually to start the new school year on Aug. 17. To highlight the theme, the yard display company filled the school’s lawn with pink flamingos and yard signs of encouragement for faculty and students.
“While starting school looks a lot different this year, I thought this would be an uplifting surprise for everyone," said Pritz. "Our students are a part of our amazing learning community. I value the positive energy shown from our parents and faculty. Together we are dedicated to excellence in education and unity at Kemp Elementary. My hope is that our positive light will shine as an example to others — and if pink flamingos draw attention to that, then I’m all for it."
Victory International Center, 5228 Brookwood Drive SW in Mableton, started providing free non-perishable food to the community and the church will endeavor to continue this effort every first Saturday and Sunday of the month from 3 to 6 p.m.
Please volunteer, tell neighbors and register online at rccgvic.com/welfare.
-From District 4 Cobb County Commissioner Lisa Cupids' newsletter
Friday, Aug. 7
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National Night Out Against Crime, a community and law enforcement effort, was celebrated by the Riverside/Austell community on Aug. 4, with a movie on the lawn at Parkview Apartments.
Everyone respected their social distance and free masks were distributed at the well-attended event. There were also complimentary beverages, school supplies, Census reminders and take home gifts.
This year's National Night Out honored Cobb County Officer Rivion Cole. Former colleagues of Officer Cole were in attendance to honor the memory of their brother.
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When the Cobb County School District announced plans to hold in-person ceremonies for the 2020 graduating class, the Cobb County Department of Transportation (Cobb DOT) responded with staff, personnel and resources to help make these ceremonies a success.
McEachern High School’s Cantrell Stadium was chosen as the location for all 16 ceremonies because its size allowed room for social distancing. However, this location posed some traffic-related challenges, including on-going construction zones and road closures in the area surrounding the school.
To successfully manage traffic around the ceremonies, Cobb DOT staff developed a traffic control plan to route graduation traffic around multiple construction projects with short notice. Changeable message boards were placed in strategic locations to guide traffic flow to and from the ceremonies.
Crews installed a portable camera at Macland Road and Old Lost Mountain Road to monitor traffic and adjust signal timing as needed. Additional traffic devices were placed on New Macland Road to funnel traffic onto Old Lost Mountain Road. As a result, the traffic was managed safely and efficiently.
-From Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
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On July 24, Cobb Police Deputy Chief J.D. Adcock along with members of the Cobb County Police Department, Precinct III, presented "Good Samaritan" awards to members of the Nantahala Outdoor Center for their efforts in locating a 15-year-old autistic youth who went missing on July 13 in the Chattahoochee River near Paces Mill Park.
It was originally reported that he was lost while on the river. Precinct 3 officers, Sgt. Tompkins, FTO Beiermann, FTO Talps, Officer Janke, Officer Moreland and Officer Garrett, responded and quickly assessed the situation and determined this to be an urgent rescue operation. The factors considered were the outdoor temperature of 94 degrees, the low functioning abilities of the child, the vast wooded areas surrounding the park and the usual risks associated with any river search effort.
Every available officer responded and spread out in search of the child. They covered all of the likely locations where previous rescues had shown potential for success - Power Island, The Diving Rock, Sandy Point, etc.
After meeting with the family and questioning other witnesses it was determined that the teen was removed from the river at the boat ramp by Jerimiah Thorne who works for the Nantahala Outdoor Center. Thorne specifically remembered assisting the child from the river but at the time did not realize that he had been separated from his group, nor did he realize that the child was autistic. With this development the search transitioned to a land search operation.
All of the officers, volunteers and even employees of the Nantahala Outdoor Center fanned out and began to search the trails, fields and roadways near the boat ramp. After 31 minutes, the teen was located on the hiking trails, midway between Paces Mill Park and Cochran Shoals Park. He was escorted back to Paces Mill Park and reunited with his family safely.
- From District 2 Cobb County Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Monday, Aug. 3
Jennifer Wilkes shared the below Facebook post by her daughter, Kendall Wilkes - a senior at Harrison High School, with the Marietta Daily Journal.
"Let's face it, most of us are not happy about what school will look like in two weeks. Kids need social interaction, especially those with special needs. After hearing my mom discuss this with one of her best friends, who has a special needs daughter, I knew I wanted to do something to help moms like Mrs. Kim. After much thought and consideration, I have decided to start a group called Hoya Helpers ... don't let the name deter you from helping if you go to another high school ... I will want help from students at various high schools.
Here's how it will work:
Upon completion of our daily work, Hoya Helpers will volunteer to work with special needs children on their school work, a few hours each week.
We will truly work with the students and give their parents a much needed break.
The exact time will be determined by the volunteer and the family you are helping.
If you are interested in helping out, please message me or text me. Also, please let me know if you know a family that could use our help.
I am very excited to work with everyone, especially sweet Lainey Barfield!
Important note: This is a completely volunteer opportunity and there is no charge for interested families."
Erica Miller shared the following with the Marietta Daily Journal:
"A local neighbor, Bob Kilinski from Indian Hills, started a nonprofit organization a few years ago. He gave a car away to someone working at Every Woman Works. She was a single mother with children. He also paid her tax, tag and title. At the same time he bought himself a new vehicle. His daughter asked how he liked his new car. He said he felt better about the car that he gave away. She challenged him to do it again. Last week, he gave his 100th car away. He doesn’t pick the mothers. He allows nonprofits and churches to pick the single mothers with children. He meets them on the same day that he gives them the car and pays their tax, tag and title."
Mandy Swartwood shared the following Facebook post by her neighbor Rebecca McAfee Partain to the Hardage Farm Moms Group with the Marietta Daily Journal:
"I would love to help support those of you in the neighborhood who are working and now having to virtual learn. Thinking of ways to come around you. PE at the basketball courts twice a week? Art lessons in the home? Helping with virtual learning so you can run errands? This is going to take a village. Let me know how I can come alongside you!"
Friday, July 31
At the July 28 BOC meeting, Cobb commissioners presented a proclamation to the Public Safety team in appreciation of their efforts to keep our community safe during these unprecedented times.
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At the July 28 BOC meeting, Cobb commissioners presented a proclamation to the Public Safety team in appreciation of their efforts to keep our community safe during these unprecedented times.
Dedicated employees from the Emergency Communications department, Fire & Emergency Services, Animal Services, Cobb County Police and the Emergency Management Agency worked non-stop to ensure residents, businesses and employees were apprised of each development by providing professional and efficient services during the coronavirus pandemic.
Thank you to all our frontline workers for their commitment to Cobb County.
-From Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce's newsletter
Snapshot of the July 16 drive-thru. There were 331 total people served, 357 food boxes given, 101 dairy boxes, 87 produce boxes, about 300 masks and 20 cases of water.
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Snapshot of the July 16 drive-thru. There were 331 total people served, 357 food boxes given, 101 dairy boxes, 87 produce boxes, about 300 masks and 20 cases of water.
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"As our liaison commissioner, I wanted to thank you, Commissioner Gambrill, for your continued support of Senior Services and especially for highlighting the work that we have done and will continue to do," said Dr. Jatunn Gibson, director of Cobb Senior Services. "It meant a lot for the staff to know that you shared comments about Senior Services at the BOC meeting. It is good for the staff to hear that they are making an impact in the Cobb community, and that their work is recognized. Thank you."
We are appreciative of how hard Jatunn and the entire Cobb Senior Services staff has worked to continue serving our older residents during the pandemic.
Ioana Bovo-Nicolescu, division manager, presented the idea to have a drive-thru for Cobb seniors where we can provide shelf-stable food to seniors in need. Many of our existing partners provided items to assist and many residents have donated to support our efforts. We started the drive-thrus on April 16, and have since given out 2,260 meals. Other items that we've distributed during the drive-thru includes - produce (for the past 5-6 weeks), phones (land line phones with larger numbers), crossword, Sudoku and coloring books, toiletries (paper towels, toilet paper, soaps, lotion, shampoo, hand sanitizer, wipes) and masks.
Snapshot of the July 16 drive-thru. There were 331 total people served, 357 food boxes given, 101 dairy boxes, 87 produce boxes, about 300 masks and 20 cases of water.
Merline Tippens, program specialist, coordinates the collection of all donations, schedules drop-off times for donations and works with staff who volunteer to box and bag all items for our drive-thru. These items are also used to supplement our Meals on Wheels delivery.
Jobcy Alexander, nutrition manager, has rerouted all of our deliveries for Meals on Wheels to accommodate schedules of recipients and to make sure Cobb staff is able to deliver to all who are on our list. During the pandemic, many of the volunteers who usually deliver meals could not, so we reverted to staff. The innovative scheduling and changes to routes allow us to, on average, deliver three-days a week with minimize contact, while delivering approximately 1,400 meals serving 280 plus Meals on Wheels clients. We have documented a 22% increase in the request for Meals on Wheels since mid-March.
Swannie Wilson, transportation manager, and Tamira Dennis, transportation supervisor, adjusted all routing to deliver Meals on Wheels as wells as continue to offer demand response to seniors seeking rides to medical appointments.
Allison Hall, project/technology manager, continues to monitor the needs of each center as we plan for a safe reopening in the future. She monitors our needs for personal protective equipment and keeps Cobb Senior Services current with changes to make sure that we are in a safe working environment.
Kathy Lathem, strategic partnerships manager, makes sure information is shared with our staff, our partners and on a county level through Cobb Communications. She has pitched in during the pandemic to help in all areas and continues growing our partnerships to address specific needs associated with COVID-19.
Sandee Panichi, deputy director, provides leadership to our staff and works to ensure we are operationally-sound with all of the changes to our centers and deliveries to seniors. She even finds time to go on Meals on Wheels routes and work the drive-thru. She continues to find ways for Cobb Senior Services to improve and meet our changing needs during this pandemic.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Thursday, July 30
YMCA volunteer loads boxes of food into the bus.
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Volunteers prepare packs of food for local families in need.
Meals from the YMCA that will go to feed students enrolled in Marietta City Schools.
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The YMCA of Metro Atlanta has played an integral role in hunger relief efforts during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Since March 16, The Y has provided 116,456 grab-and-go meals and 28,311 family packs of food, for a total of 229,700 individual meals. Through partnerships with World Central Kitchen and Common Market, the YMCA continues to increase its contributions.
In Cobb County, the McCleskey – Northeast Cobb YMCA and Northwest Cobb YMCA have collectively packed 12,007 back packs of food for Marietta City School students and families living in low income apartment complexes. The McCleskey Northeast Cobb YMCA is also helping provide free breakfast and lunch to students all summer long. In the past two weeks, 6,550 meals were served to Marietta City School students.
Tuesday, July 27
The Episcopal Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, 1795 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta, is partnering with There's Hope For The Hungry to provide free food for those in need on the first Tuesday of each month.
The next offering will be Aug. 4 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Participants can drive by, follow signs through the church parking lot, pick up a box of food that will be placed into one's car. Participants do not need to leave their car. The food will feed four people for two weeks.
For more information, contact Tom Martin at 678-427-0416.
Friday, July 24
Pictured are images from a parade for 19 youth in foster care that graduated from high school or received a GED.
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Pictured are images from a parade for 19 youth in foster care that graduated from high school or received a GED.
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We were proud to participate in the parade last week and share the excitement of our graduates.Nineteen youth in foster care graduated from high school or received a GED, and one young adult recently graduated from college. The celebration included foster families, case workers, stakeholders, public safety personnel and others, including community leaders. We will forever remember the class of 2020 who faced a great challenge, but are posed to positively impact our future.
-From District 1 Cobb County Commissioner Keli Gambrill's newsletter
Pictured is some of the food items needed for the “50 with $50” Food Drive.
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In the United States there are currently over 11 million Americans unemployed.
Imagine trying to pay rent, utilities and feed your family with little to no income. We can’t solve the national problem however we can support our community.
Cobb schools team with MUST Ministries to stock food pantries. Please consider being part of the “50 with $50” Food Drive.
We are challenging 50 families to spend $50 to purchase items to help fill Cobb School Pantries. We also invite you to call on two families to participate.
The drop off date is Sunday, July 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the parking lot at Massey Automotive, 2050 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.
The following items are requested canned corn, canned mixed fruit, canned pasta, canned veggies, chunky soup, jelly, instant noodles, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned pasta and rice.
Every precaution will be made to maintain “safe distance.” Participants do not need to get out of their car to drop off donations. Participants will be eligible for 10% off at the Zaxby’s at this location on this date.
For more information, contact Fred Massey at 404-731-4466.
-From Cobb County District 2 Commissioner Bob Ott's newsletter
Wednesday, July 22
Shelly Browne
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Today’s #KennesawCares highlights Shelly Browne and Blue Thanksgiving, a non-profit that provides support to the Kennesaw Police Department, 911 Center and surrounding counties’ law enforcement agencies.
Browne, owner of All-Star Chem-Dry in Kennesaw, was able to donate 45 KN95 masks to members of Blue Thanksgiving so they can continue supporting first responders during COVID-19. Blue Thanksgiving has donated over 1,000 meals, 700 bottles of hand sanitizer and 4,500 face masks to various law enforcement agencies, fire stations and 911 dispatch offices throughout Cobb County. The organization has been donating meals throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, for both our police officers and 911 operators.
While providing for our law enforcement officers and public safety personnel was their main objective, they also strive to support local business owners by purchasing these meals from local restaurants, including - Paul's Pot Pies, Major Q's BBQ, Zaxby's, Pasta Bella, Marietta Pizza Co. and Pisano's. Funding for their pandemic project came from a private donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.