Tuesday, October 31

Stay safe this Halloween. A couple of reminders - while driving, watch out for kids who may not be watching out for you. Carry a flashlight or glow stick so you can be seen. Inspect candy before indulging. If you take a share of the kids' candy for yourself, it's totally ok with us. Be sure to hide it in an empty bag of frozen veggies and store in the freezer. They'll never know.

Monday, October 30

2020 2nd place

Enter Cobb PARKS photo contest by Thursday -- Did you take photos as you were out enjoying Cobb parks and facilities this year? Enter your best pictures from fairs and festivals, sports activities,  nature and wildlife and anything else that shows why you enjoy spending time at any county park.

Enter up to 10 of your best shots in the 18th annual "Fun in the Park" Photo Contest. The entry deadline is Thursday, Nov. 2. The contest is open to everyone. See the rules and download the entry form on the photo contest web page. The winners get bragging rights all day!

Details here: https://bit.ly/3LL3Zyk

Friday, October 27

Cobb County District Attorney Flynn Brody will be hosting an Opioid Epidemic Town Hall 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1.  Cobb community partners will provide updates and information on what is being done from educational, prevention and awareness perspectives. Organizations have been working together to assess gaps in services and making sure the county is providing as much assistance to make sure Cobb is a great place to live, work and play. This event will also provide some safety and trial related updates.

Please click here for more information.

Thursday, October 26

Cumberland Hopper

Leave your car behind and get on the CobbLinc or a new driverless bus next time you are commuting.

• CobbLinc is a public bus system that runs around Cobb, to downtown and back, and to midtown Atlanta. The CobbLinc commuter bus is accessible with a breeze card that is used for the MARTA system. 
   
• The CobbLinc's Cumberland Circulator has made the Cumberland area ultra-accessible for work and play. Whether you are going to work, attending an event in the area, or enjoying the local restaurants, the green and blue circulators make stops around the Cumberland district, Windy Hill Road and Powers Ferry corridor, and are free to use. The Circulator Blue runs in a loop with stops at Cumberland Transfer Center, Cumberland Mall, Akers Mill Square, Cobb Galleria and Truist Park. The Circulator Green stops at The Battery Atlanta, Atlanta Marriott NW, Hyatt Regency, Hilton Garden Inn and other nearby popular spots. The circulators run noon - midnight Monday-Saturday,  and from 11:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Sundays.  Passengers can use the CobbLinc BusTime app to plan their next trip, get estimated arrival times and track the bus location. 
  
  The BusTime app is available on the app store or you can do it all from here. For more information on the CobbLinc,  click here.
   
• The Cumberland Hopper, currently being tested, is also an excellent option for travel around the Cumberland area. The modernized transportation system provides driverless shuttles that take passengers on sidewalks, avoiding any traffic issues. The Cumberland Hopper is part of the Cumberland Community’s Cumberland Sweep initiative to connect the area better. The blue route of the Cumberland Hopper goes both directions on the I-285 Transit and Pedestrian Bridge (over I-285 to The Battery Atlanta), and the green route travels around the Galleria Office Park area.  Both routes are free until March 2024. 
  
  For more information on the times and routes for the Cumberland Hopper, click here. 

Wednesday, October 25

 

Cobb Police Chief Stuart VanHoozer has authorized officers to proudly wear a pink version of the department's patch during October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This heartfelt gesture was initially envisioned by Officer Natalie Anaya last year, who created pink stickers that look like the uniform patch logo. Her inspiration came from a close family friend's triumphant battle with breast cancer.

 Got salmon, magenta, pastel or hot pink in your closet? Pink out with Cobb County employees on Friday, Oct. 27.

Show your support:

 Use social media and other platforms to share breast cancer awareness information, early detection tips, and the importance of regular screenings.

Participate in fundraising: Join or organize fundraising activities like charity walks, runs, or pink-themed auctions to raise money for the cause.

Honor survivors and remember loved ones: Share stories of breast cancer survivors and remember those who have lost their lives to this disease.

Tuesday, October 24

October is heavy in awareness observances. We at Cobb County Communications try our best to publicize the days that we can and pick those relevant to the wider population. We cannot hit them all because there are literally hundreds if you count observance days, weeks, and months. 

If we missed the cause that is closest to your heart, we apologize. There are 31 days in the month and it's just not enough to go around. So here we go - We encourage everyone to take note of these important causes, read up about them, and do what you will to give your support.

• Hispanic Heritage Month    (continued from Sept.)
• ADHD Awareness Month    
• LGBTQ+ History Month    
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month  - get screened!
• Cybersecurity Awareness Month - change your passwords to something stronger
• Depression Awareness Month - please ask for help if you need it
• Down Syndrome Awareness Month
• Dyslexia Awareness Month
• Eczema Awareness Month
• Filipino-American History Awareness Month
• Liver Cancer Awareness Month - are you at risk?
• National Bullying Prevention Month - speak up, speak out
• National Vegetarian Month 
• Sober October
• Socktober - this is real
• Spina Bifida Awareness Month  
• National Book Month  - Read a new book. 
   

Monday, October 23

We've got pumpkin on the brain today. Pumpkins in the park. Pumpkins on the doorstep. A co-worker handed us cute little pumpkins for our desks today. There is much more fun to be had with pumpkins if you're an engineer. KSU engineering students are figuring out the best way to hurl pumpkins through the air in the annual Pumpkin Launch, on Thursday, Oct. 26 this week from 2 - 5 p.m. at Neusoft Technologies Soccer Field (on the Marietta campus). Koger Drive, Marietta, GA 30060. Y'all are invited to watch. Read about it here.

Cobb kids can splat their old pumpkins after Halloween at the Pumpkin Smash, 6 - 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3 at Ward Rec Center. There is no charge to smash, bask and smush your pumpkin to smithereens. Extra pumpkins will be available for purchase. Register here.

Friday, October 20

Get outside in Cobb and witness the change of seasons. Whether you want to hike gravel trails, go for a stroll on a paved path, or mountain bike along challenging routes, we have a list of three close-by parks to add to your weekend plans: 

Heritage Park at 60 Fontaine Road, Mableton, features unpaved soft surface hiking trails, a boardwalk over Nickajack Creek, picnic tables, and historic Concord Cemetery and ruins of the Concord Woolen Mills. The 105-acre nature preserve offers excellent views of wildlife. Dogs are allowed. 

Allatoona Creek Park at 5690 Stilesboro Road, Acworth, features fun mountain bike rides for intermediate and beginner riders. The park offers seven trails that can be biked or hiked (0.4-5 miles), as well as picnic tables and a public restroom. Dogs are allowed. Visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/parks/parks-and-nature/locations/allatoona-creek-park for more info.

East Cobb Park at 3322 Roswell Road, Marietta, features a paved and rustic path. The paved trail offers creek overlooks and makes for a perfect stroll. The unpaved trail is toward the back of the park and is more secluded for nature explorers. The park has picnic pavilions and a playground area for family fun.  

Please keep dogs on their leash except in designated dog parks and take proper safety precautions on trails.

Thursday, October 19

Artists in Cobb County and beyond - get your 15 minutes of fame on the new Room C podcast that highlights and celebrates local artists. Visual artists, audio artists, writers, actors, musicians, singers, animators, fashion designers, movie makers, dancers, puppeteers, performance artists, and all artists we haven't named yet are invited to appear. The podcast is produced at Cobb's Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center in their Creative Studio. If you would like to be showcased, please contact them at sewellmillarts@gmail.com or call us at 770-509-4988.

Wednesday, October 18

If you like to dress your pet in costumes, or just look at dressed-up pets, we have some treats for you:

-- Harvest Fest, Oct. 21, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. - Costume contest for humans and pets at 2 p.m. at Glover Park Marietta. Other events: Pie eating contest, Touch-A-Truck, Scarecrows in the Square, Halloween Happenings kids’ festival (ages 12 and younger). More information here https://www.mariettaga.gov/1258/HarvestFest

-- Hoots n' Howls, 1 - 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 at The Battery Atlanta. Halloween fun, music, and dog costume contest to benefit Rock for Rescues and other rescue organizations. $5 to enter contest. The Costume Categories include: Pet/Owner Look-Alike, Most Sporty (Favorite team / Player) and Most Creative. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/212294505200087/?acontext=%7B%22event_action_history%22%3A[]%7D

-- Spooktacular Trunk or Treat, 3 - 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 30, at Cobb Animal Services 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Doggie treats and people treats! Have a hauntingly good time at our Trunk or Treat event! Free pet adoptions, treats for kids and pets, face painting, an ice cream truck and more. More info: https://www.cobbcounty.org/animal-services/events/15929

Tuesday, October 17

Looking for volunteer opportunities?  We have listed several options with our county agencies and partners at https://www.cobbcounty.org/communications/volunteer-programs.

Monday, October 16

Vision To Learn is a recipient of the I Partner With My Public Library Award presented by Let’s Move in Libraries, a non-profit promoting collaboration for community health. VTL provides students with vision screenings, eye exams, and prescription glasses – free of charge for the children and their families. Cobb County Public Library locations have hosted on-site mobile Vision To Learn clinics since 2018.

The first library system in Georgia to host Vision To Learn, Cobb County Public Library is the busiest VTL/public library partner in the United States. During summer break 2023 alone, VTL’s professionally trained and licensed staff provided 694 eye exams at Cobb libraries, resulting in 484 children receiving new glasses. To reach students during summer break, libraries in seven states have partnered with VTL, founded in 2012 with one mobile clinic visiting California schools.

In February, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners approved $264,000 of the county’s federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocation to support Vision To Learn clinics at Cobb libraries over the summer breaks of 2023-2026. The Cobb BOC approved $247,800 for Vision To Learn’s four-year partnership with Marietta City Schools. The Vision To Learn visits are part of the Cobb Library’s collaboration with Learn4Life, Metro Atlanta Regional Education Partnership. L4L’s Early Literacy Change Action Network (CAN) identified Vision To Learn as a “Bright Spot” for providing underserved children meaningful outcomes to promote students’ success. Several Cobb library workers are members of L4L’s Early Literacy CAN.

Cobb Library Communications Specialist Tom Brooks, an L4L Early Literacy CAN member, submitted the successful award nomination letter for Vision To Learn. The award nomination to honor the charity’s work at libraries across the nation cites the advocacy of Vision To Learn professionals and supporters calling for communities to act to close the “glasses gap” of children in need to support literacy, grade-level reading, and wellness. As communities ensure students have food and school supplies, everywhere in the country should strive to ensure all have the glasses they need, Vision To Learn officials say. 

For the inaugural year of the I Partner With My Public Library Award, 55 nominations were received from 22 states, and 10 community collaborators were selected as award recipients. 

Sunday, October 15

Check out the highlights of the week that was Cobb County.  This week's TOP 5 is up at https://youtu.be/_Yu3q9WygL4
Subscribe to our YouTube page while you are there for all sorts of updates and informational videos about Cobb County!

Friday, October 13

We now have the capability to send text messages to notify residents of significant events in the county. This new alert system is reserved for important events only (boil water alerts, major road closures, evacuations, etc.).

To enroll, text ALERTS to 68217.

Thursday, October 12

We know it is a little early, but this exciting announcement couldn't wait! Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland, in partnership with Cobb County PARKS, makes its grand debut at Jim R Miller Park and Event Center this holiday season. This all-new, award-winning drive-through light show will surely be a highlight of your festive celebrations. Open nightly November 17, 2023, through January 7, 2024, cutting-edge technology and timeless holiday charm create an unforgettable experience. From the comfort of your vehicle, take a magical journey through custom-built light displays perfectly synchronized to the merry melodies of Christmas.

Click here for all the details: https://www.cobbcounty.org/communications/news/parks-announces-exciting-new-holiday-attraction

To purchase tickets, visit: https://www.shadrackchristmas.com/marietta-ga

Wednesday, October 11

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

The Fall Book Sale opens its doors at 9 a.m. Friday at Cobb Civic Center and runs through the weekend, Oct. 13-15. You may find treasures among the books, DVDs, books on CD and audio cassettes. And look for hidden gems like comics or vinyl records!  Prices range from 10 cents to $4.

Hours are 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, then 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday.  Acceptable forms of payment are debit, credit, cash, and checks. On Friday until 1 p.m. electronic devices are not permitted. The event will only sell up to two boxes of items at a time on Friday until 1 p.m. Plan to pay and take items to your vehicle before returning to shop some more. Cobb Civic Center is located at 548 South Marietta Pkwy SE, Marietta. Parking is free. All profits from this book sale go directly to buying more items for Cobb County Public Library’s 15 branches and bookmobile.

Tuesday, October 10

Visit Cobb Animal Services this month for the 𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗿𝗳𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗹𝘆 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘄𝗹-𝗼-𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹. From October 1 - 31, they're offering an irresistible deal: 𝗣𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗢𝗹𝗱: 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘! For all other lovable pets, the adoption fee is $30.  It's a small price to pay for a lifetime of love and companionship! For more information, call 770-499-4136 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/animal-services/adoption.

Monday, October 9

There is a lot to do at fall festivals and Halloween happenings all around the county in the next few weeks. Find out what's happening near you, in our round-up of events here.

Friday, October 6

Don't forget your jacket if you are headed to the Braves game on Saturday evening.  Temperatures will be a lot cooler than we have experienced lately.  We are all getting excited for the game, but also working hard to prepare.  Members of Cobb's Public Safety team talked with the media today, to discuss how they have been preparing for the upcoming crowds.  As an attendee, there are some things that you can also do, to be safe and have a fun time at the games:

• Be patient
• Dress for the weather
• Stay hydrated
• Have a plan -- know where your exits are, and where to meet your party if you get separated
• If you see something that doesn't seem right, contact law enforcement personnel

Go Braves! 

_______________________________________

Congratulations to the graduates of the 2023 Cobb 101 Citizens Government Academy.  A ceremony was held last night to mark the end of their ten-week course that was designed to provide an in-depth look at the many functions of county government. The program was held at various government buildings throughout Cobb County, allowing participants to experience what the county government does for our residents. Through a combination of presentations and hands-on projects, participants learned about vital community services including emergency services, law enforcement, communications, planning, zoning, finance, court systems, public works, special projects, parks and recreation, and more. Most importantly, participants were given the opportunity to connect with our local officials and county staff who provide these services. To learn more about the Cobb 101 program, please visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/communications/info-center/cobb101.

Thursday, October 5

Cobb & Douglas Public Health reminds you to get screened in October during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death for women in the United States and in Georgia. Cancers found earlier are more likely to be treated successfully. Take the time to do a self-exam and make an appointment for a mammogram.

Oct. 5 - Learn about coping strategies when you have breast cancer in Food for Thought: Breast Cancer Awareness"  noon - 1 p.m at the North Cobb Senior Center.

Oct. 17 - Breast Health Presentation - Learn the importance of breast exams for both men and women, 10 a.m. - noon at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center.

Oct. 27 - Learn about breast health, what is and isn't normal during a Breast Cancer Awareness Month presentation 11 a.m. - noon at the Tim D. Lee Senior Center

Learn more about CDPH's Breast & Cervical Cancer Program here.

Wednesday, October 4

Remember: Today at 2:20 p.m., ALL phones will receive the National Emergency Alert that FEMA is testing. If your phone is on silent, it may make a noise, vibrate or read out the alert.

Also, if you hear the Cobb County emergency sirens at noon, it is just the monthly test. It is ONLY a test.

Tuesday, October 3

Biketober has begun and the weather couldn't be better for it. Every time you go for a bike ride in October, you'll be doing something amazing for your health and fitness. 

The Biketober challenge is to get on a bike and explore the world on two wheels. Twenty counties in the Metro Atlanta region take part in the month-long event, sponsored by Georgia Commute Options. You can track your rides for prizes on the Biketober Challenge website: https://www.lovetoride.net/

If you don’t have a bike, Cobb County has many locations where you can ride a community bike.

Find a location in the Kennesaw/Town Center area here: https://www.towncentercid.com/bikeshare-program

Check out the 38 miles of bike trails and bike sharing locations in the Cumberland area here: https://cumberlandtrails.org/cumberland-bike-share/

Monday, October 2

It's Public Safety Appreciation Week. Thank a first responder for the work they do in our community!  Business groups, community groups, students and more get together to make and deliver gift baskets, write thank you letters to personnel, deliver catered food or snacks and put messages on  social media or marquees to celebrate and thank public safety agencies throughout Cobb and in Georgia. 

We are so proud of all of our Cobb County public safety employees, many of whom were recognized at the Cobb Chamber Public Safety Appreciation Luncheon on October 2.  Read more about the winners here: https://www.cobbcounty.org/communications/news/cobb-public-safety-heroes-honored-2023-awards-luncheon.