Events and happenings: The Week of Jan. 16
Jan. 19—JO GIVES Inc. scholarship opportunity for high school seniors
JO GIVES Inc., the nonprofit arm of the Janice Overbeck Real Estate Team, has created a monetary scholarship to reward a graduating high school senior for establishing new or innovative ways to preserve the environment.
The winner will be awarded a grand prize of $2,000 to go towards their higher education.
To apply, seniors need to send in an application. This can be found on the JO Gives website under Scholarships. They will also need to provide two references, a Guidance Counselor referral and an essay or video that can be submitted to janice@janiceoverbeck.com. The essay or video should explain how their past and current activities demonstrate their entrepreneurial commitment to preserving the environment, detail what they have learned from their activities and how they plan to apply them in the future. This scholarship is available to all graduating high school seniors.
The application deadline is May 15 and winners will be notified on or before June 8.
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Human Trafficking Awareness Forum is Jan. 28
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Did you know that the average age of entry into the commercial sex market for girls is 12-14 years old? Cobb County is inviting all parents, students and community members to attend "An Eye-Opening Experience on Human Trafficking" on Jan. 28 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at East Cobb Middle School, 825 Terrell Mill Road in Marietta.
This immersive experience will feature:
— Human Trafficking Simulation Experience — catch a glimpse into the world of trafficking through dramatic replications of various "recruitment" scenarios.
— Panel Discussion — Expert law enforcement officers with Cobb County Police Departments Crimes Against Children Unit will share data and tools to protect ourselves from human trafficking
— Artistic Expression — Youth participants will enjoy an interactive experience creating awareness posters that they may take away to continue the discussion with their peers and community.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-eye-opening-experience-into-human-trafficking-tickets-499856493227.
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The Lutzie 43 Foundation opens 2023 Prepared For Life Scholarship application
The Lutzie 43 Foundation has opened the 2023 Prepared For Life Scholarship.
The application will remain open until March 17. The PFL Scholarship program utilizes character development and a safe driving curriculum. These programs equip students with lessons and tools to be positive ambassadors for safe driving and leave a lasting legacy.
The Lutzie 43 Foundation has awarded over 78 scholarships totaling more than $325,000 since 2017, with 12 PFL Scholarships distributed in 2022. This year, the foundation hopes to reach more students through the 2023 scholarship application and award a new class of recipients.
This scholarship program prepares recipients to be ambassadors for safe driving among their peers, family and friends. The PFL Scholarship officially stands for Prepared For Life Scholarship, but to close family and friends, PFL stands for Philip Francis Lutzenkirchen.
Lutzenkirchen attended Lassiter High School in Marietta and continued his education and football career at Auburn University. Lutzenkirchen passed away in 2014 as a passenger in a distracted and impaired driving accident. The foundation began shortly after and is on a mission to end distracted and impaired driving through the 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative.
For application requirements and to apply, visit https://lutzie43.org/scholarship-application/.
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Award-winning food author to speak at KSU
Michael W. Twitty, a renowned African American Jewish writer, culinary historian and educator, will speak at Kennesaw State University on Jan. 26 as part of the Paul and Beverly Radow Lecture Series on Jewish Life.
The lecture will be at 3:30 p.m., followed by a book signing at 4:45 p.m. in the Stillwell Theater, 471 Bartow Avenue NW in Kennesaw.
Twitty's newest book, "KosherSoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew," is out now and won the 2023 Everett Family Foundation Book of the Year award through the Jewish Book Council. He was also the first African American to win two James Beard Awards for writing and Book of the Year with "The Cooking Gene: A Journey through African American Culinary History of the Old South," which traced Twitty's ancestry through food from Africa to America and from slavery to freedom.
Named by Southern Living magazine as one of 50 People Who Are Changing the South, he raises awareness about the impact racism had on Southern cuisine and the influence African American food had on shaping American cuisine. He also teaches a class, "Tracing Your Roots through Food," on Masterclass and ClassCentral.
For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
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Vendors needed for South Cobb event
The Cobb Collaborative and The First Christian Church of Mableton are looking for vendors to participate in a community event on May 6.
This will be an opportunity to connect with neighbors and chat with organizations that offer resources to help empower families and communities to thrive.
To sign up for a free vendor booth, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/south-cobb-community-resource-fair-vendor-booth-registration-tickets-514337526387.
For more information, contact Barry Smith at barry@fcc-m.com or call 404-421-3751.
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Seeking young talent for upcoming showcase
Do you have a young artist, budding songstress or Broadway bound star in your home?
If so, check out the Art & Music Showcase on Feb. 11. The Kiwanis Club of Marietta sponsors this annual competition which is open to all 6th to 12th graders in Cobb and Marietta schools. Student deadline to register is Feb. 1. Prizes will be awarded.
For more information contact, Angela Sparks at asparks@marietta-city.org.
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Do you have your Emergency Preparedness Kit?
Do you have your Emergency Supply Kit handy?
Winter storms may not happen often across much of north and central Georgia, but when they do, the impacts to electricity, roadways, etc. can be crippling. Stay prepared all year long by having an emergency supply kit ready, should you be stuck at home or without power.
Items to keep on hand are non-perishable food and can opener, bottled water, first aid kit, prescription medication, hygiene items, battery operated radio, spare batteries, flashlights, extra clothing, extra cash, keep car gassed up for charging devices when power goes out and keep phone extra power packs charged.
For more information, visit https://www.weather.gov/ffc/wwpw_2021.
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Health officials to hold vaccination event
The Superior Court of Cobb County will offer COVID-19 and flu vaccines through Cobb and Douglas Public Health on Jan. 23 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the courthouse at 70 Haynes Street in Marietta.
Participants should bring ID, insurance cards and vaccine cards if available. Walkups welcome or schedule an appointment. The vaccinations will take place in Courtroom 2000 on the second floor.
There will be $100 gift cards available to those who receive their first or second COVID shot or bivalent booster. Offer valid while supplies last. Cobb and Douglas Public Health employees and children aged 11 and under are not eligible for the gift cards.
For more information, visit www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.
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Free adoption event at the end of the month
Cobb County Animal Control will have a free adoption event on the last Monday in January to select and take home a certified pre-owned pet.
No appointment is needed. The event will be 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1060 Al Bishop Drive in Marietta. The multi-point inspections include spay/neuter, vaccinations and microchipping.
For more information, visit CobbCounty.org/pets.
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Vinings Library to reopen Jan. 23
The Vinings Library, 4290 Paces Ferry Road in Vinings, will reopen Jan. 23 following repairs inside the facility.
The library has been closed for repairs due to flooding from a burst sprinkler line discovered Dec. 25. Hours are Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thursday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information, visit cobbcat.org.
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Falls Prevention for Senior Wellness Exercise Session is Jan. 18 at East Cobb Library
The Falls Prevention for Senior Wellness program starts Jan. 18 at 11 a.m. at the East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.
The session will include balance and strength exercises led by a physical therapist from PT Solutions Physical Therapy of Lower Roswell located in the Parkaire Landing shopping center. The free program is for adults ages 18 and up.
Future Falls Prevention for Senior Wellness sessions also include Feb. 15, March 15, and April 19.
For more information, call 770-509-2730 or visit cobbcat.org.
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Outdoor Story Strolls and Story Stroll Kits
The Georgia Public Library Service has launched a Story Stroll at the Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road in Roswell.
The Stroll is a set of 20 permanent displays along the Beaver Pond Trail at the Center, each containing one spread from an engaging children's book. Stories will be changed to accompany programs and events. Each story's panel also includes a QR code to enable those who are visually impaired to access an audio version. The story currently displayed is "I Took a Walk" by Henry Cole.
The Chattahoochee Nature Center and Georgia Public Library Service already have a partnership in place where library patrons across the state can check out the Library Family Pass, which provides four free admissions to the Center. The pass has been checked out over 2,000 times since 2019.
Access to the Story Stroll is included with general admission and free to Chattahoochee Nature Center members.
For more information, visit www.chattnaturecenter.org.
The Georgia Public Library Service is also launching 12 Story Stroll kits that public libraries in Georgia can check out through the PINES system to host local events.
This innovative project is among the first of its kind, enabling libraries across the state that may not have the funding to be able to implement a Story Stroll activity locally to do so. Only library staff, not patrons, can check out a kit, but patrons could ask their librarian to request one. Each kit contains a different children's picture book.
This project was made possible through federal ARPA funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
For more information, www.georgialibraries.org.
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MCS students to celebrate clean-up crews
Marietta city Schools students are celebrating employees who jumped in to help after water lines burst during December's deep freeze.
The Emily Lembeck Early Learning Center and Sawyer Road Elementary are holding celebrations to say thank you to the maintenance and custodial employees who came in over the holiday break to help clean up the water damage.
Both schools were damaged after pipes burst because of the cold temperatures. MCS employees stepped in to help, minimizing the damage and getting schools put back together so students could return to class on Jan. 4.
Employees will be treated to an Italian lunch on Jan. 18 at 11:15 a.m. at the ELC and then an in-school parade at Sawyer Road Elementary at 1 p.m. The parade will consist of student signs and music.
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First annual Zen Evo Trot for Chocolate 5K is Jan. 28
Avenue West Cobb, 3625 Dallas Highway, Suite 470 in Marietta, will have the first annual Zen Evo Trot for Chocolate 5K on Jan. 28 at 8 a.m.
Zen Evo Chocolate is healthy, all-natural, regionally made dark chocolate.
Each participant will receive a protein pack along with a race day shirt. Participants will also receive an individually wrapped flavor of Zen Evo dark chocolate along with their finisher medal.
Packet pick-up begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8 a.m. and a 9 a.m. awards ceremony.
For more information, visit https://www.avenuewestcobb.com/event/Chocolatey-Hot-Trot-5K/2145567686/.
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Upcoming events at The Strand Theatre
The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square in Marietta, will have the following events:
— Jan. 20 at 8 p.m. will be An Evening with Shawn Mullins.
— Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. will be a screening of the 1942 film, Casablanca.
— Jan. 22 at 8 p.m. will have a free organ concert, presented by the Atlanta Theatre Organ Society.
— Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. will be Indie Film Night, presented by the Cobb International Film Festival.
— Jan. 27 at 8 p.m. will be a screening of the 1948 film, Alfred Hitchcock's Rope.
— Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. will be a screening of the 2005 film, Pride and Prejudice.
— Jan. 29 at 3 p.m. will be Sweet Seasons — A Celebration of the Music and Life of Carole King.
— Feb. 3 at 8 p.m. will be a screening of the 1962 film, To Kill A Mockingbird.
For more information, visit https://earlsmithstrand.org/.
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Town hall with State Rep. David Wilkerson
State Rep. David Wilkerson will be holding a town hall meeting to discuss Mableton on Jan. 18 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cobb Public Safety Police Training Center, 2435 East West Connector in Austell.
This event is to inform those who have signed a petition to de-annex from Mableton and upcoming events.
Voters approved incorporating the City of Mableton during a referendum in the Nov. 8 general election.
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Lifelong Learning: The Swinging 60s
The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street in Acworth, will have Lifelong Learning: The Swinging 60s on Jan. 17 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.
The 1960s were a time of change and innovation. From beach movies to the British invasion, popular culture focused more and more on young people. The fashions and fads of the 60s have become iconic. Participants can enjoy a blast from the past with this swinging activity featuring discussion questions to get the party started. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at Senior Wellness Center
The Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta, will have a Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Jan. 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Participants can learn some surprising facts about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and then spend time expressing one's self and painting a quote that inspires them. Cost is $8. Registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-5355 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Breakfast with a Chiropractor
The Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Breakfast with a Chiropractor on Jan. 17 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Participants can join Dr. Ralph Schipske of Highland Family Chiropractic for breakfast and an informational discussion on Chiropractic care and one's health. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Healthy Gut = Healthy Life
The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street in Acworth, will have Healthy Gut = Healthy Life on Jan. 19 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Strength, vitality, wellness and contentment have a common origin: gut bugs. Current research demonstrates a link between gut health and overall well-being. This class explores the connection between the gut and the brain, as well as healthy ways to eat nutrient rich food that promote intestinal health, emotional wellbeing and boost immunity. The program is presented by the Cobb Retired Senior Volunteer Program. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Importance of Being Healthy
The Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta, will have Importance of Being Healthy on Jan. 19 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Participants can learn tips and strategies to ensure their resolutions will be successful and to make 2023 their healthiest year yet. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-5355 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Diamond Painting
The Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Diamond Painting on Jan. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Participants can create a colorful piece of art with this technique, which is a lot like a combination of cross-stitch and paint-by-numbers. Cost is $3 supply fee paid at the door. Registration is required.
For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Hearing Screenings
The West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs, will have Hearing Screenings on Jan. 20 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Hearing problems can negatively affect every area of one's life. Participants can find out if they have hearing loss with this free screening. Registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-8200 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Peace of Mind Checklist
The West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs, will have Peace of Mind Checklist on Jan. 20 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Mayes-Ward Dobbins will lead this discussion about documents every person needs including wills, power of attorney, Georgia directive healthcare and pre-planning documents. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-8200 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
