Events and happenings: The Week of Jan. 2
Jan. 6—First District 3 town hall of 2023 scheduled
The next District 3 town hall meeting will be Jan. 18 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta.
At the meeting, participants can learn about all the technology being used by the Cobb Police Department on a regular basis and what it is like to be a member of the Cobb team. Participants can view cool tech including recon robots, drones and FLOCK systems, then hear directly from Chief VanHoozer and Public Safety members about how they can become part of the technological future of policing.
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MLK Day of Service
The Austell Community Taskforce will have a Martin Luther King Jr. Community Clean-up on Jan. 16 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The meeting place will be in the parking lot of the South Cobb Recreation Center, 875 Riverside Parkway in Austell.
To register, visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090c4cacac2da7fe3-drmartin#/.
The Cobb Trade Show 2023
The Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway in the Cumberland area, will have The Cobb Trade Show 2023 on Jan. 22 from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Jan. 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Cobb Trade Show is a curated fashion event produced by the Atlanta Apparel Exhibition Group. For over a decade, it has been offering a mix of premium, dresswear, footwear, accessories and the ever-changing streetwear apparel.
For more information, visit https://cobbtradeshow.com/.
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Dinosaur Adventure
The Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway in the Cumberland area, will have Dinosaur Adventure from Jan. 28-29.
This prehistoric exhibit features big dinosaurs from 65 million years ago. Children of all ages can enjoy a variety of dinosaur-themed activities — fossil searches; Jurassic jeeps, themed-obstacle courses, riding their favorite dinosaur.
For more information, visit https://cobbgalleria.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-2023/.
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Medical assistance for seniors
Cobb seniors with low income may be eligible to get financial help for some medical services.
Share the Care is a financial assistance program for Cobb County residents over 60 years old and living with Alzheimer's or other dementia, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury or other neurological condition.
Share the Care can aid with prescriptions, medical supplies, hearing, dental and vision services. STC will provide limited financial assistance with vouchers up to $2,000 based on requested services.
To see if one is eligible for the program, fill out a form at https://bit.ly/3GlM7pZ or call 770-528-5364.
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CPR saves lives
Sign up for a four-hour Heartsaver CPR course that teaches lay rescuers when to phone 911, how to give CPR, how to use an AED and how to provide relief from choking.
This course is for anyone needing to respond to workplace or home emergencies. The class will take place Jan. 12 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the Cobb County Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive in Marietta. This course does not offer an American Heart Association card with completion.
To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/3W6TS9r.
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Learn about radon and receive a free test kit
January is Radon Action Month.
Residents can learn about the dangers of radon at a Radon Safety Education class on Feb. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m. via Zoom.
Radon is an inert, colorless and odorless naturally-occurring radioactive gas that is dangerous in high amounts. Cobb County is among the top three counties in the state with high radon levels.
Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. It claims 21,000 lives annually, including around 800 in Georgia. The gas is formed from the breakdown of uranium, found in high concentrations in granite and rocky soils in the state's northern half. As radon is released into the soil, it can enter buildings through the foundation and well water, eventually building up to dangerous levels.
Register for the class at https://bit.ly/3Zih2Mv.
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Special Olympics Georgia Polar Plunge
Special Olympics Georgia will have the 14th Annual Polar Plunge on Feb. 25 from 9:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Cauble Park in Acworth.
The Polar Plunge is one of Special Olympics Georgia's "coolest" and largest fundraising events through the efforts of the Law Enforcement Torch Run Program. All proceeds raised go to help provide 26,620 Special Olympics Georgia athletes free year-round sports training.
For more information and to register, visit polarplungega.org.
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Horizon Gala
Tickets are now on sale for the 2023 Horizon Ability Gala.
The event will be held on March 3 at the Tanyard Creek Overlook at the Acworth Community Center.
It includes a unique fine dining experience, silent auction, live auction and jazz ensemble. Proceeds from the Gala go directly to the Horizon League and will help keep registration costs down and offer quality programs. Within the last several years, businesses and residents of Acworth have donated over $300,000 to this cause.
For more information or to buy tickets, visit www.horizonabilitygala.org.
The Horizon Ability Gala not only raises funds to advance its mission, to strive for a better quality of life for children and adults with special needs, but also raises awareness for the cause. For more information about the Horizon League, contact Lauren Ham at lham@acworth.org or 770-917-1234.
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Marietta Sixth Grade Academy to do scoliosis screening
Marietta Sixth Grade Academy Principal Corey Lawson has sent out a letter to parents and guardians of students regarding the state mandated annual scoliosis screening for every 6th and 8th grader.
Scoliosis is an abnormal curvature of the spine that can appear during the years of rapid growth and if detected early can prevent further spinal deformity.
A mass screening date will be offered at the school. Parents and guardians will be notified beforehand in writing of the date if they choose to have their child screened at the school.
Scoliosis screenings can also be performed with one's medical provider. The local Health Department also offers the screening and can be contacted at 770-514-2300.
Those that decide to have this done outside of the mass screening need to have the Department of Public Health Form 4400 — Certificate of Scoliosis Screening completed by a licensed provider and returned to the school within 90 days of the start of year.
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Free pet adoptions on Jan. 7
Best Friends Animal Society, 1692 Oak Street SE in Marietta, will host a pet adoption event on Jan. 7 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with Lifeline Animal Project where all adoption fees will be waived.
For more information, visit bestfriendsatl.org.
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Digitization program at South Cobb Regional Library canceled
The Jan. 10 program on preserving memories on digital media at the South Cobb Regional Library has been canceled.
The program will be rescheduled at a later date.
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College Football Championship Watch Party
Live! at The Battery, 825 Battery Avenue SE in the Cumberland area, will have a College Football Championship Watch Party on Jan. 9 at 5 p.m.
Participants can grab a standing room ticket, cheer on the teams that will compete for the 2023 title, enjoy game day chants and giveaways.
For more information, visit https://liveatthebatteryatlanta.com/events/.
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Culture Collision Trade Show 2023
The Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway in the Cumberland area, will have the Culture Collision Trade Show from Jan. 27-29.
Attendees can buy, sell and trade sports cards, collectibles, sports memorabilia and sneakers all under one roof. The family-friendly event will feature a basketball court, trade nights, discussion panels, several events throughout the weekend and free gifts available for children.
For more information, visit https://cobbgalleria.com/events/culture-collision-trade-show-2023/.
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35th Annual Polar Bear Run
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road in East Cobb, will have the 35th Annual Polar Bear Run on Jan. 28.
THe race is a Peachtree Qualifier road race featuring a flat course in East Cobb and chip timing through Horizon Race Timing. The race will be held rain, snow or shine.
For more information, visit https://www.polarbear-run.com/.
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Trains, Trains, Trains
The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee Street NW in Kennesaw, will have Trains, Trains, Trains from Jan. 28-29.
The two-day event includes a model train layout and related groups from throughout the region displaying their wares.
For more information, visit https://southernmuseum.org/event/trains-trains-trains-3/.
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YMCA of Metro Atlanta waiving joining fees for new members in January
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta announced it is removing joining fees for new members until Jan. 23.
To obtain a Y membership, visit https://ymcaatlanta.org/join. For a complete list of the 19 YMCA of Metro Atlanta locations, visit https://www.ymcaatlanta.org/locations/.
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Kennesaw Parks & Rec to host Annual Book Swap
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation will host its annual Book Swap event at the Ben Robertson Community Center on Jan. 14 from 8 to 11 a.m.
Area residents interested in participating can drop off gently used hardcover or paperback books, music CDs, DVD movies and vinyl records Jan. 12-13 from noon to 8 p.m. and receive a ticket redeemable for the same number of items during "open swap" time on Jan. 14.
Books must have their front and back covers intact and be in good condition. CDs, DVDs and vinyl records must be in their original cases and fully operable. Magazines, software, VHS or cassette tapes, adult content, unauthorized or illegal material will not be accepted.
Items will be organized into the following categories: Fiction, Children, Teen, Non-Fiction, DVDs and CDs/Vinyl. This swap is completely free. Items cannot be purchased with money. Any remaining items left at the end of the swap will be donated.
Kennesaw Parks & Recreation needs volunteers to assist with set-up, execution and breakdown of event activities. Assistance is needed during drop off and at the
event with receiving, sorting, counting and bagging items. Volunteers must have the ability to bend, stoop, stand and lift up to 20 pounds.
For more information, visit https://www.kennesaw-ga.gov/bookswap/.
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Learn how to preserve memories on digital media
January is Get Organized and Be Productive Month.
In order to help organize one's memories, the South Cobb Regional Library is offering a special digitization program on Jan. 10 from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
This special program is offered using a kit from Georgia Public Library Service and will help participants learn about the different tools that one can use to preserve memories — including an Ion Conversion Turntable, an Ion Tape Recorder, a ClearClick QuickConvert 2.0 Photo, Slide, Negative Scanner and more.
Participants will be able to try out these different forms of tech and see how they could use them to organize their memories. Participants can stop by at any time during the program to see how these pieces of technology work.
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Youth town hall to discuss mental health issues
The Cobb Youth Commission will present a Mental Health Town Hall on Jan. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Papa Johns Headquarters in The Battery, 788 Circle 75 Parkway in the Cumberland area.
This is a forum for the youth of Cobb County to learn and share about high school struggles with social media, friendships, anxiety around the future after graduation, where to go for advice and help. There will be a panel of speakers, resources and discussion generating ideas, awareness and change. Pizza will be served.
To RSVP, visit https://form.jotform.com/223555546628161.
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Register now for ultimate frisbee competition
Get active with Cobb PARKS coed ultimate frisbee in 2023.
Registration is open through Jan. 30. The cost is $25 for an eight-game guarantee. All games will be played Monday night at Terrell Mill Park. League play is scheduled to begin Feb. 13.
This is a draft league so everyone will register as an individual or pair and be drafted by team managers chosen by the league coordinator. In order to be listed as a pair both players must list each other's name during registration. Participants may not sign up with more than one pair.
Register at cobbparks.org. For more information, contact conor.hoyne@cobbcounty.org.
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Cobb County Wellness Garden to break ground on Jan. 11
A groundbreaking ceremony will take place on Jan. 11 at 3 p.m. at the Cobb County Farm Bureau, 2850 Powder Springs Road in Marietta, to publicly kickoff a joint initiative among the Cobb County Farm Bureau, Master Gardener Volunteers of Cobb County, WellStar Health Systems Inc. and Cobb County Conservation District to increase access to free or affordable fresh produce to those in need in Cobb County.
The Wellness Garden will offer free educational programs that teach recipients healthful ways of incorporating this produce into their diets.
The Cobb County Farm Bureau has donated approximately a 1/2 acre of vacant land for the purposes of growing produce. The design, construction, planting plans and maintenance of the garden will be supervised by the Cobb County Master Gardener Volunteers in conjunction with the Farm Bureau's volunteers and staff. The garden will be maintained by volunteers from the partner organizations. Once operational, the group will collaborate with WellStar Health Systems, local churches and community organizations to distribute food and help maintain continuing support.
The project seeks to address food insecurity and poor health outcomes due to poor nutrition in parts of Cobb County. These concerns are noted in the Cobb County Community Health Needs Assessment and Cobb Douglas Public Health Department studies and reports. It is hoped that this program will serve as a model for other Wellness Gardens and boost local efforts to provide locally grown produce to those who need it most.
Funding for the initial construction and maintenance of the garden will be provided through gifts and grants to the Wellness Garden. MGVOCC will be responsible for administering any funds received.
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Sweetwater Valley Library's all ages Walking Group meets Jan. 7
The All Ages Walking Group will meet Jan. 7 at 11 a.m. at Sweetwater Valley Library in the Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Austell.
The group is scheduled to meet, rain or shine, inside the building on the first Saturday of each month to promote walking and healthy step-counts among neighbors.
For more information on the facility, visit austellga.gov. For more information on the group, contact Sarah Berry or Char Leigh Roberts at 770-819-3290.
Sweetwater Valley Library is open Monday-Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday-Friday from 1 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Privet Pull on Jan. 18
Privet is a non-native, invasive plant that out-competes native species.
The Cobb County Water System will be removing privet from the landscape to help restore habitat and native plant species on Jan. 18 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Leone Hall Price Park, 4715 Stilesboro Road in Kennesaw.
Clippers, gloves and tools that pull the privet right out of the ground by its roots will be provided. Participants should dress for weather and bring water to drink. Work will be done by a creek, but participants do not have to get their feet wet.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/privet-pull-tickets-203857020837.
For more information, contact Watershed Stewardship Program at water_RSVP@cobbcounty.org.
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Polymer Clay Trinket Dish at Kemp Memorial Library
Kemp Memorial Library, 4029 Due West Road in Marietta, will have a Polymer Clay Trinket Dish project on Jan. 19 and Feb. 16 from 1 to 2 p.m.
Participants can create a one of a kind trinket dish with polymer clay. This will be a two meeting project.
Participants can learn the basics of creating colorful clay rolls to use in their design then create their trinket dish. Participants should bring a small oven safe container which will act as a mold for their clay dish to the second meeting. The clay dishes will need to be baked in the container. Instructions will be provided.
Basic polymer clay colors will be available. If one has a certain color scheme in mind, please bring a few polymer clay packets of choice. All other materials will be provided.
For more information, email maria.dominguez@cobbcounty.org.
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Division of Family & Children Services Public Information session at Switzer Library
The Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta, will have Tanisha Moreland and her team will present an overview of what The Division of Family and Children Services offer on Jan. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m.
They will discuss general information about the Office of Family Independence: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Family Medicaid, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; Grandparents Raising Grandchildren; Aged, Blind and Disabled Medicaid and Pauper Burials.
Registration is not required.
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Noonday Creek Habitat Demonstration Site Workday
The Cobb County Water System will have a Noonday Creek Habitat Demonstration Site Workday on Jan. 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
They will teach how to conduct a habitat survey and working to remove invasive plants at the Noonday Creek Trailhead, 3015 Bells Ferry Road NE in Marietta.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/noonday-creek-habitat-demonstration-site-workday-tickets-110694058910.
For more information, contact Cobb County Watershed Stewardship Program at 770-528-1482 or water_rsvp@cobbcounty.org.
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Adopt-A-Stream Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Workshop
The Cobb County Water System will have a Adopt-A-Stream Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Workshop on Jan. 21 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Cobb County Water Quality Laboratory, 662 South Cobb Drive in Marietta.
The macroinvertebrates — insects, mollusks and crustaceans — found in a stream are excellent indicators of the condition of both water quality and habitat. This workshop will focus on collection techniques for either rocky or muddy bottom streams and macroinvertebrate identification.
A quality assurance test is available at the end of the workshop for those who wish to test their skills. Volunteers who identify the macroinvertebrates with 90% accuracy and pass the written test with a score of 80% or better will be considered a QA/QC volunteer for one year.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/georgia-adopt-a-stream-macroinvertebrate-monitoring-workshop-tickets-118680018129.
For more information, contact Watershed Stewardship Program at water_RSVP@cobbcounty.org.
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Don't Miss the Boat! Have fun on a cruise!
Is cruising something you're curious about? Not sure where to start?
The Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street in Marietta, will have Don't Miss the Boat! Have fun on a cruise! on Jan. 21 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Guest presenter Chris Lydle and Adult Services Librarian Sindee Wooley will be talking all things ocean cruising and sharing their own cruising experiences. Topics covered will be cruise lines, cabin categories, activities on board, destinations, dining options and tips for a better experience.
For more information, call 770-528-2320.
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Stream Habitat Assessment Workshop
The Cobb County Water System will have a Stream Habitat Assessment Workshop on Jan. 25 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at the parking lot on the corner of South Cobb Drive and Pearl Street, 680 South Cob Drive in Marietta.
The Stream Habitat Assessment Workshop provides hands-on experiences for how to conduct a stream habitat survey.
Participants, ages 16 and up, will learn to give scores to certain stream characteristics, such as bank stability and vegetative buffer, to evaluate a stream's health and how readily it could support aquatic organisms. Participants will walk in the stream to look at nine different standards of habitat quality and take a short hike with wet feet to a second location on the same stream to compare higher and lower quality habitat assemblages.
Participants should wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes that are suitable for walking in shallow streams with uneven terrain. Light-weight quick-dry pants and old tennis shoes or hiking boots that one doesn't mind getting soaked and muddy are recommended. Rain boot type shoes or waders are not recommended for this workshop.
The workshop takes place away from the vehicles in areas with no access to restrooms or water fountains. Participants should expect to scurry up and down stream banks in several locations. Participants will be exposed to the weather and natural elements. Participants may want to bring a snack, sunscreen and other comfort needs.
Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/stream-habitat-assessment-workshop-tickets-344761239147.
For more information, contact Cobb County Watershed Stewardship at water_rsvp@cobbcounty.org.
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Lunch & Learn: Intro to Beekeeping & Planting for Pollinators
The Cobb County Water System will have Lunch & Learn: Intro to Beekeeping & Planting for Pollinators on Jan. 27 from noon to 12:45 p.m.
The event will be a hybrid presentation.
Planning ahead is the key to successful gardening and spring is just around the corner. Participants can join an informative session on planting for native pollinators and how to get started if they are considering introducing honey bees to their garden. Participants will explore native plant options, how to plan one's garden layout and tips for success in both gardening and apiculture.
To register, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunch-learn-tickets-50487319933.
A link to online event will be emailed one week prior to event.
For more information, contact the Cobb County Watershed Stewardship at water_rsvp@cobbcounty.org.
