Events and happenings: The Week of Feb. 6
Feb. 10—Weekend lane closures on I-75 from I-575 to Canton Road in Marietta
Contractors for the Georgia Department of Transportation will install lane closures on I-75 this weekend in Marietta.
These closures are related to a bridge preservation project on I-75 at three locations in Cobb and one location in Fulton County.
Three right lanes will be closed on I-75 southbound from the I-75/I-575 interchange to Canton Road and one right lane will be closed on on the ramp to Canton Road Connector northbound beginning Feb. 10 at 10 p.m. to Feb. 13 at 5 a.m.
This project will replace or repair the bridges' concrete overlay, substructures and superstructures, and bridge joints. This $10.7 million project is scheduled for completion in fall 2023.
For more information, call 511, visit 511ga.org or download the Georgia 511 app.
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Galentine's event at The Book Worm Bookstore
The Book Worm Bookstore, 4451 Marietta Street in Powder Springs, will have a Galentine's Event on Feb. 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
There will be games, including a scavenger hunt of book finding around the store. Participants should bring their own dinner and dessert.
There will be a complimentary glass of wine or sparkling cider, a "Who Wrote It?" pack, other surprises and a discount on any purchases made during the evening.
Space is limited. Tickets are $20 per person and must be purchased in advance at https://thebookwormonline.com/event/galentine-event/.
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Insurance Commissioner King launches new fraud reporting system
Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John F. King announced that the agency's Criminal Investigations Division has launched a new portal for reporting suspected insurance fraud.
"Citizens, insurance companies and law enforcement agencies can now report suspected acts of criminal insurance fraud easier than ever before using our new online complaint portal," said Commissioner King. "The Coplogic Desk Officer Reporting System through Lexis Nexis offers a streamlined process for filing a complaint directly to our office."
All complaints submitted through the portal will be reviewed by the Criminal Investigations Division staff to determine if further investigation is needed, at which time it will be assigned to a Special Agent for investigation. People submitting complaints will be informed during the process if the complaint is rejected, approved or if additional information is needed.
The complaint portal can be accessed by visiting https://secure.coplogic.com/dors/en/filing/submitreport?dynparam=1676054424655.
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Marietta Tree Keepers hosts Free Trees event on Feb. 11
The Marietta Tree Keepers will host a Free Trees event on Feb. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Farmers Market on Marietta Square, weather permitting.
The event is a celebration of Georgia's Arbor Day, which is in February. Tree bareroot seedlings will be given away until supplies run out. The variety of trees are Swamp Chestnut Oaks, Redbud, Red Cedar & Bald Cypress. Radio show host Ashley Frasca of Green & Growing will be on site to answer gardening questions.
Members of the MTK have been promoting the value of trees to the community since it was founded in 2002. MTK has over 150 members and has planted over 5,000 trees around the city. The 501(C)3 non-profit organization works closely with the City of Marietta to plant trees along public right-of-ways. Those wishing to become a member or make a donation can learn more by visiting MTK's website at www.mariettaga.gov/committees/treekeepers.
For more information, call 770-424-4664.
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Feb. 24 is registration deadline for Marietta's 2023 Citizens' Government Academy
Registration is available until Feb. 24 for Marietta's 2023 Citizens' Government Academy.
This free seven-week course will begin on March 16. It is designed to acquaint residents and business owners with the structure of city government and to provide them with pertinent information presented by city staff. This program will also feature tours of city facilities in an entertaining and informative manner.
The academy is open to any city resident or business owner over the age of 18. There will be seven sessions beginning March 16. A reception and graduation ceremony will complete the course on May 10 at the City Council meeting.
Classes will meet in and tour various city facilities. City employees and department heads will give overviews of services provided and answer questions from participants. A schedule outlining the topics to be discussed is available at https://www.mariettaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/14496/2023-Schedule?bidId=. The location of each meeting will be determined by the nature of the departments' mission, and will be provided to participants in advance of each session.
Enrollment is limited to the first 25 students to register. Please submit the registration form to Pam Peacock at ppeacock@mariettaga.gov or register at https://bit.ly/3Yn918f.
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Inaugural Marietta the Gathering Festival coming March 4
Marietta the Gathering is a new festival to be held each March in Glover Park on Marietta Square celebrating Geek community, pop culture and the arts.
The festival will be March 4 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will include:
The Guild Show, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., a collection of art makers, merchandisers, crafters and smiths.
Tourney Alley on East Park Square, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., will be a street full of board games, tabletop gaming, card tournaments and possibly a video game arcade.
Glover Park Panelists will be rom 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Glover Park Stage Performers will be from 6 to 8 p.m. There will also be food vendors on site.
For more information, email specialevents@mariettaga.gov.
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Marietta Fire announces 2022 MFD Award recipients
On Feb. 6, Chief Tim Milligan and the Marietta Fire Department celebrated the achievements of Marietta Fire personnel at a annual department awards ceremony.
The following awards were presented during the ceremony:
— Jennifer Jones — Kennestone EMS Coordinator — MFD Thank You Award
— Lee Ann Matthews — Citizenship Award
— Firefighter Chelsea Dick — Rookie of the Year
— Firefighter David Sheffield — Firefighter of the Year
— Firefighter Engineer Lee Braswell — FFE of the Year
— Lt. Phillip Olson — Officer of the Year
— Firefighter Ryan Conniff — Medal of Merit
— Firefighter Jacob Hitechew — Medal of Merit
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Registration now open for 7th Annual Marietta Shamrock Shuffle
The Marietta Police Athletic League invites the public to create a team and register today for the Lucky 7th Annual Marietta Shamrock Shuffle 5K Walk/Run.
This Peachtree Road Race Qualifier will take place March 18 at 8 a.m. on Marietta Square, 75 East Park Square in Marietta. There will be a welcome and warm-up at 7:30 a.m.
Onsite registration will be available starting at 7 a.m. on race day and at Packet Pick-up on March 17 from 3-7 p.m. at the Hugh L. Grogan Jr. Community Center, 510 Lawrence Street in Marietta. Proceeds will support Marietta PAL's youth academic, sports and recreation programs. Register is also available at https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Marietta/ShamrockShuffleMarietta.
Marietta PAL is a non-profit organization which believes "it's better to build youth than mend adults." Through free and low-cost youth programs, PAL helps to prevent juvenile crime and violence by providing educational, civic, athletic and recreational opportunities which create trust and build understanding between law enforcement and youth.
For more information, visit www.MariettaShamrockShuffle.com or www.MariettaPAL.org.
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Marietta Police opens registration for Women's Self-Defense classes
Marietta Police Department is offering 12-hour Rape Aggression Defense classes.
R.A.D. is a simple yet effective self-defense course for women only. The techniques are designed to be quick and effective in delivering pain to vulnerable locations on the attacker's body. The courses are designed so that women of all fitness levels and ages will successfully learn options to escape attacks. The R.A.D. program is based on a 12-hour course, delivered over four 3-hour classes.
Participation in all four classes is necessary to complete the course. Participants must be 14 years of age. A parent or female guardian must attend with anyone 16 and under. No jewelry is allowed during class. Gym attire is recommended.
For the General Women's class, register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/february-womens-self-defense-class-tickets-507461369617.
For the High School Seniors class, register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/april-rad-for-high-school-seniors-tickets-507463335497.
For more information, email Lt. Gretchen Ingram at gingram@mariettaga.gov.
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Senior Citizen Council of Cobb County's annual meeting is Feb. 24
Sen. Michael Rhett and Rep. Sharon Cooper will be guest speakers at the Senior Citizen Council of Cobb County's annual meeting on Feb. 24.
Their presentations will focus on health and human services for senior citizens. After the presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions.
Both Sen. Rhett and Rep. Cooper bring a depth of experience in the areas of assessing needs and creating legislation to benefit seniors. Sen. Rhett has a doctorate
degree in educational leadership and is on the Georgia Senate Senior Health and Human Services Committee. Rep. Cooper is a master's level registered nurse who chairs the Health and Human Services Committee in the Georgia House of Representatives.
The SCC annual meeting will be held at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta. The general meeting will start at 10 a.m. and should conclude by 12:45 p.m. All seniors are encouraged to register for this free meeting. To register, visit https://seniorcitizencouncilofcobb.org/.
The Senior Citizen Council of Cobb was created in 1973 and is celebrating 50 years of connecting and advocating for Cobb County senior citizens.
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City of Kennesaw named Top 10%
The City of Kennesaw was recently awarded the "Leading the Way Award" by ETC Institute.
As a recipient, Kennesaw has ranked in the top 10 percent of all cities surveyed in the U.S. in three areas: satisfaction with the overall quality of services, satisfaction with customer service provided by employees and satisfaction with the value residents think they receive for local taxes and fees.
ETC Institute created the award to recognize local governments for outstanding achievement in the delivery of services to residents.
The City of Kennesaw conducted a Community Survey in 2016 and 2022, assessing resident satisfaction with city services. The City of Kennesaw has used these results as a tool for strategic planning and benchmarking over the years.
ETC has administered the DirectionFinder Survey to nearly two million residents in all 50 states since 1999.
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Town hall meeting on Feb. 16
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid and District 4 Commissioner Monique Sheffield will host a town hall meeting to discuss the City of Mableton on Feb. 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Cobb County Public Safety Police Academy, 2435 East-West Connector in Austell.
Representatives from Community Development, Elections, Finance, Fire, PARKS, Police, Tax Assessor's Office, Tax Commissioner, Transportation and the Water System will be present to answer questions.
For more information, contact deedra.watts@cobbcounty.org or call 770-528-3311.
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Sweetwater Mission annual gala
Sweetwater Mission hosted their 15th Annual Empty Plate Gala at the Larry Bell Recreational Cobb Civic Center on Feb 3.
Supporters in attendance were from churches, civic organizations, elected officials, first responders all with the common goal to help raise money for the organization. Sweetwater Mission supplied over 37,000 families with more than 4.1 tons of food last year. This gala was an effort to gain additional donations so that they may continue the work in the community. There was a silent auction, a chance to donate on the spot along with a live auction featuring trips and prizes.
The event was anchored by actor, Palmer Williams Jr, from TV shows "House Of Payne" and "Love Thy Neighbor." There was a jazz band and plenty of time to socialize.
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Donate pop tabs to the Ronald McDonald House
Community Cabinet Member Donna Court has partnered with Commissioner Jerica Richardson and the Cobb libraries to host a pop tab drive at Sewell Mill Library and East Cobb Library.
Ronald McDonald House helps families with children experiencing illnesses or injuries during their time in need. The pop tabs collection program helps raise funds to house families while their children are in the hospital. To learn more about Ronald McDonald House, visit https://armhc.org/what-we-do/.
Residents can donate the pop tabs off of soda cans, food cans and other aluminum containers, bring them to the libraries and place them in the little Ronald McDonald house.
For more information, contact Donna Court at senior_community@d2cobb.com.
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Musical production returns for encore performance next week
The rock musical "Next to Normal" will be returning to the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, 548 S. Marietta Parkway in Marietta, for 10 performances from Feb. 16-26.
"Next to Normal" explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness. Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards, including Best Musical Score and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, "Next to Normal" was also chosen as "one of the year's 10 best shows" by critics around the country, including The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, Rolling Stone and The New York Times.
To purchase tickets, visit https://atlantalyrictheatre.com/shows/next-to-normal/.
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Smith-Gilbert Gardens' annual Volunteer Orientation
Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road NW in Kennesaw, will have its annual Volunteer Orientation on Feb. 21 and Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon each day.
Throughout the two-day orientation, volunteers will learn more about the Gardens and what it means to be a volunteer there. Volunteers will learn in-depth information about the different service opportunities and upcoming projects, like the Garden with Wings Butterfly Exhibit training in June.
This orientation is for both new and returning volunteers. Volunteers must have completed an application and background check before attending the orientation.
For more information, contact info@smithgilbertgardens.com. Volunteer Orientation sign up is https://bit.ly/3Xfe7Cn.
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Art Blooms 2023
During the months of April and May, Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road NW in Kennesaw, invites the community to experience selected pieces from the permanent sculpture collection surrounded by over 22,000 daffodil blooms planted in unique patterns.
The Gardens' permanent sculpture collection features 31 outdoor pieces representing international and national artists. Joining the featured pieces will be a selection of artwork by local and regional artists addressing this year's theme, Metamorphosis.
The two-month exhibit includes a series of weekend artists' demonstrations and workshops for all ages. In May, a student installation featuring sculptures by the Master Craftsman Program and Fabric and Textile Department at Kennesaw State University will join the exhibit. KSU's Theatre and Performance Studies Department will bring performing arts to the exhibit with their immersive play, The Seedling. The play will be performed on the weekends of April 21 and 28.
Art Blooms is included with regular Garden admission. Weekly timed tickets for the exhibit will be available at www.smithgilbertgardens.com.
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The Great Backyard Bird Count starts Feb. 17
The Great Backyard Bird Count for 2023 begins on Feb. 17.
Participants can join Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road NW in Kennesaw, on Feb. 17-18 for this unique citizen-science program.d
Citizen-science projects like the Backyard Bird count are an important part of tracking the health of the world's 10,000 bird species. The data collected during the four day program is sent to scientists who use the data to determine changes in local and migratory bird populations. Last year, an estimated 385,000 people from 192 different countries participated worldwide.
Guided tours are on Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. and every hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 18. Pre-registration is not required. In addition to guided tours of the Gardens, visitors will receive a bird identification guide to help track the birds they see.
Visitors will observe the birds in an area of the Gardens for 15 minutes or more and use the provided identification guide to document all the birds seen or heard within that time frame.
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Get SHIP-shape to understand Medicare programs
A program on Medicare by Georgia State Health Insurance Program is scheduled for Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta Street in Powder Springs.
Georgia SHIP is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Georgia. Georgia SHIP is administered through the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services.
The interactive presentation is designed to help beneficiaries identify and understand Medicare programs and plans, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap policies), Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and other related coverage options.
For more information, visit shiphelp.org.
For more information on resources and programs offered by the library, call 770-439-3600 or visit cobbcat.org.
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April deadline to file for homestead exemption
It's time to apply for homestead exemptions.
Residents can use an online form to submit their 2023 application. It must be received by April 1 to be eligible for the current tax year's exemption.
As a Cobb resident, homestead exemptions reduce the amount of property taxes one pays for their home. Homestead exemptions are deducted from the assessed value of the qualifying property, 40% of the fair market value. Exemptions only apply to homestead property one owns and occupies as their legal residence. Residents can have a homestead exemption on only one property. If married, by law, one can only have one homestead exemption between themselves and their spouse.
For more information, visit https://cobbtax.org/property/exemptions.php.
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A story and a family journey offered at weekly program
Sweetwater Valley Library's Family Walk and Storytime will meet Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Austell.
The weekly program, which meets Mondays, is designed for babies and toddlers to join their parents and caregivers in a 30-minute walk. This will be followed by a storytime featuring animated storytelling and fun songs that encourage everyone to move together. Upcoming sessions include Feb. 20 and 27, and March 6 and 13.
The library is located on the first floor of the Threadmill Complex, which has a floor plan is large enough that parents can push strollers while walking with ease. The walk path is a loop that passes water fountains in the historic facility.
For more information, visit austellga.gov or contact Sarah Berry or Char Leigh Roberts at 770-819-3290 or at berrys@cobbcat.org.
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Senior Services accepting vendor applications for upcoming expo
Applications are being accepted for the "Live Your BEST Life! Marketplace and Expo" on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway in Marietta.
Northside Hospital will, once again, provide free health screenings.
Those with products or services to sell, this is an opportunity to be front of hundreds of people. Last year vendors sold jewelry, skin care, home décor, chocolates and more!
Request an application by sending an email to CobbSeniors@cobbcounty.org with "Expo" in the subject line.
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Library card provides access to online learning, software
Free with one's Cobb County Public Library Card, LinkedIn Learning is an online learning site that hosts a constantly growing library of over 3,000 courses that include over 130,000 videos.
Courses cover a variety of topics, including business, design, web development and multimedia skills; and software — Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and open source applications.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3X7Gv9m.
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Galentine's Day at The Avenue West Cobb
The Avenue West Cobb is hosting a special Galentine's Day event on Feb. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Guests will have the opportunity to celebrate their friendship with old friends — and new ones. During the free event, guests can browse pop-up booths from their favorite tenants. Atlanta Portrait Studio will also be on-site to capture memories at a flower wall backdrop. Other activities include a live DJ, caricature artists, Tippy Tap bar cart with rosé and prosecco wine and a chocolate fountain bar.
Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Guests can reserve their spot at www.eventbrite.com/e/galentines-day-tickets-519021325757?utm_campaign=mall-events&utm_medium=web&utm_source=avenuewestcobb.com.
For more information, visit https://www.avenuewestcobb.com.
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Local student Mathletes to compete in Cobb County Math Contest
Middle School Mathletes from Cobb County schools will compete in a local contest from the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series on Feb. 11 at Marietta High School.
The competition has been organized by the Cobb County Chapter of Georgia Society of Professional Engineers.
A total of five teams will compete. Schools represented at the event include Cooper Middle School, Dickerson Middle School, Dodgen Middle School, Simpson Middle School and The King's Academy.
Teachers and students have been preparing for the competition since the fall. Students will compete individually and as a team in written and fast-paced oral matches. Subjects covered will include algebra, probability, statistics and geometry. Winners will receive prizes and will advance to the MATHCOUNTS state finals, to be held in Buford, at The Water Tower on March 13.
MATHCOUNTS is a national program designed to improve math skills among U.S. students.
The program focuses on middle school students, who are at a crucial stage in developing and sustaining mathematical interest and ability. Students who do not begin developing strong problem-solving, logical thinking and analytical abilities in middle school face an uphill battle later in their academic and professional career.
The 2023 MATHCOUNTS Competition Series will consist of approximately 40,000 students, representing more than 5,000 schools from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories and the Department of Defense and State Department affiliated schools.
For more information, visit www.mathcounts.org.
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Acworth Egg Hunt on March 31
On March 31, the skydiving bunny returns.
The City of Acworth and Freedom Church invite families to participate in the return of the Acworth Egg Hunt at the Acworth Sports Complex, 4000 South Main Street on the baseball fields. Gates open at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.acworthegghunt.com.
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Acworth Art Fest
The Acworth Art Fest will return to downtown Acworth on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event will feature booths from over 50 whimsical and talented artisans from around the country offering paintings, pottery, folk art and jewelry. There will also be fare from Acworth's own eateries and treats in the food court.
For more information, visit www.visitacworth.com.
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Live at Logan Farm Park
The Acworth Arts Alliance will be partnering with the City of Acworth to bring Live at Logan Farm Park on April 22.
The event will feature a free concert. Live at Logan Farm Park is the annual Acworth Arts Alliance and the Acworth Art House fundraiser. Event proceeds from sponsor tables support the Acworth Arts Alliance, specifically to fund a scholarship for students pursuing a degree in art as well as to fund arts initiatives in underfunded programs and among the underserved in the community.
For more information or to purchase a table, visit www.acworthartsalliance.org.
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Senior Warriors Gentle Movements
Senior Warriors is designed for Acworth's active adult, age 55-plus population.
Participants can join instructor Omar Welch to use traditional Korean movements to increase balance, mental focus and movement. The goal is to help students continue to be the best they can be in all things.
Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee Street in Acworth.
For more information, visit www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
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City of Acworth's Senior Luncheon
Every third Wednesday of the month, the City of Acworth holds a Senior Luncheon at the Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee Street in Acworth.
Participants can join for lunch and play rounds of Bingo with prizes. The program is free to all seniors, but one must RSVP to attend. Reservations will be accepted the week before the event.
To RSVP, call 770-917-1234.
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Strand Theatre to present silent film classic
Audiences are invited to a screening of the 1926 silent film, "Flesh and the Devil," on Feb. 12 at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square in Marietta.
Directed by Clarence Brown, the film stars Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Lars Hanson and Barbara Kent. It has been selected for preservation in the National Film Institute and registered in the Library of Congress.
There will be an organ pops pre-show performed by John McCall at 2:30 p.m. Strand House Organist Ron Carter has developed a rich musical score for the film screening.
For tickets, call 770-293-0080 or visit earlsmithstrand.org.
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YMCA of metro Atlanta opens registration for 2023 Summer Day Camp
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta announced registration is open for all summer day camp sessions at its 18 locations in metro Atlanta.
Space is available on a first come, first-serve basis. Registration can be completed online or in-person at Y locations.
Cobb County's YMCA locations are McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, 1055 E. Piedmont Road in Marietta; Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, 3010 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta; and Northwest Family YMCA, 1700 Dennis Kemp Lane in Kennesaw.
For registration and more information, visit https://ymcaatlanta.org/camp/day-camp.
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Coffee with a Cop
The Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Coffee with a Cop on Feb. 6 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Start the New Year off with some safety tips. Participants can speak with a Community Affairs Officer from the Cobb County Police Department. Officer Justice will discuss the topic of scam prevention. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Music of the American War Between the States
The West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs, will have Music of the American War Between the States on Feb. 8 from 10 to 11 a.m.
19th century America was a cultural 'backwater' with few orchestras, no professional composers and no 'classical' musical language. It was a country trying to discover itself. Participants can trace American music leading up to the 'Brothers War,' the music of slavery and the hope for the future. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-8200 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Techno Talk: Emails
The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street in Acworth, will have Techno Talk: Emails on Feb. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.
This class aims to eliminate frustration with sending, receiving and organizing one's emails. Space is limited to eight. Participants must bring their own laptop. The event is presented by the North Cobb Regional Library. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Personal Safety
The West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs, will have Personal Safety on Feb. 9 from 9 to 10 a.m.
Participants can join Officer M. Justice from the Cobb County Police Department to learn how to identify scams and personal safety techniques. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-8200 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
