A CobbLinc bus will travel around the county, picking up toys to help brighten the holidays for Cobb's children. You can help the Cobb Christmas Stuff-A-Bus drive by dropping off new, unwrapped presents through Thursday, Dec. 14, at locations all over Cobb.
Cobb Christmas provides a minimum of three age-appropriate toys to each child, ages 3 - 13, with the 9 to 13 age group having the greatest need.
Cobb Christmas is a nonprofit, nondenominational organization dedicated to helping low-income families in our county during the holiday season. Volunteers run it 100 percent, so all donations go directly to help the community. Families receiving gifts go through a qualification process.
Attention small business owners! Grab a cup with us at Coffee & Conversations, 7:30 - 9 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Morning Shift, 745 Chastain Road, Suite 1000, Kennesaw.
Connect with County staff, network with neighboring businesses and learn how Cobb is available to support your business growth.
Give feedback about Cobb County's study regarding the effectiveness of the county's supplier diversity program. The first virtual public communication session will be held at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 9. During these public communication sessions, community members can go on record with comments about doing business with the county or its marketplace.
Register below to attend the public communication sessions:
The 2024 Cobb County Disparity Study, conducted by Griffin & Strong P.C., will look at the past five years of contracts in construction, goods, and services- including architecture and engineering services- and then recommend modifications or adjustments if needed. The study will also examine the use of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses.
If you're not receiving the PARKS monthly newsletter, here's what you've missed:
The "Fun in the Park" photo contest winners have been selected from the biggest pool of entries ever. Thanks to everyone who submitted more than 350 pics of how you have fun in Cobb's parks. The top spots went to . . . click here to see all the favorites and their photos.
PARKS has created a new Activity Guide to make it easier to find programs, classes, sports activities and more at all of our facilities. Registration will be a breeze with links from each activity to its description and sign up location.
Please note that on Friday, Dec. 8, all Cobb Libraries will open later than usual at 1 p.m., as staff will be training. We appreciate your understanding and apologize for any inconvenience.
Check the research and digital page here for access to hundreds of databases and resources covering a variety of topics available year-round.
New Elections Director starts work
Cobb's new elections director is on the job! Tate Fall visited Cobb County's government building on Monday to meet the Chairwoman and County Manager.
Fall, seen in the picture with Public Services Director Dr. Jatunn Gibson (left), and Board of Elections and Registration Chair Tori Silas (right), was hired earlier this year. She was the Deputy Director of Elections for Arlington County, Virginia. She also worked for the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and graduated from Auburn University with a master’s degree in Public Administration with a certificate in Election Administration.
She is eager to help our talented elections team gear up for the 2024 election.
Take a joy ride with us
Shadrack's Christmas Wonderland is offering $10 OFF when you sign up for their VIP Text Line! On your phone*, click https://slktxt.io/Z3Kr and reply with the short code COBB. *The link does not work from a computer.
The amazing light show at Jim R. Miller Park is open every night 6 - 10 p.m. through Jan 7, including holidays, rain or shine.
On select weekends, drop by Santa's Village for games, activities, and pics with the man in red.
Santa's Village will be open 6 - 10 p.m. on these dates:
Dec. 8 - 10 - "The Gift of Giving" Join Cobb Parks in providing the best gift of the holiday: the gift of giving. Bring a gift for children (ages birth to 18) in need this holiday season.
Dec. 15 - 17 - "Home for the Holidays" Bring out the whole family wearing your best ugly Christmas outfits. Be ready for family photo opportunities!
Santa's Village is $10 per child at the door. Adults accompanying children are free. No pets allowed. For questions about the Santa Village, please call 770-528-8875.
Cobb has an abundance of fun and festive holiday events happening this holiday season.
This week, the first Hanukkah candles are lit. Several menorah lighting events are scheduled to celebrate the Jewish holiday.
Tuesday, Dec. 6 - Celebrate the season of light and learn about the different winter solstice light celebrations from around the world. Come build your own candle holder to celebrate your winter festival, 6 - 7 p.m. at Mountain View Regional Library. This program is in partnership with Etz Chaim Synagogue and is intended for adults. Registration is required. Register here.
Wednesday, Dec. 7 - Mega Chanukah Event at 5:30 p.m. at The Battery, Atlanta. More information here.
Sunday, Dec. 10 - Menorah lighting at 6:30 p.m. on Marietta Square. More information here.
Sunday, Dec. 10 - Menorah lighting at Avenues East Cobb at 5:30 p.m. and a real helicopter will drop the chocolate gelt coins! More information here.
Friday, Dec. 8 - Seniors,mix it up with your old friends and make some new friends at the Jingle Mingle 1 - 3 p.m. at the Cobb Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta. Registration is $12 per person and required by Tuesday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m. For more information and to register, click here or contact the Senior Wellness Center at 770-528-5355.
RESCHEDULED for this Friday, Dec. 8 - The new date for the Mable House Lights the Night is 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. this Friday, Dec. 8. See the tree lighting, get photos with Parker Barker (mascot), and there will be entertainment, a gingerbread showdown, popcorn, cocoa, a candy cane hunt, movie, and you can shop at the 12 Days of Christmas Holiday Market.
The first meetings about the proposed Cobb Unified Development Code are happening this week and we want your input. The project aims to create a one-stop document that will tear down obstacles and encourage development and redevelopment in identified centers while preserving the unique character of the county’s rural areas. The project will also protect existing neighborhoods, conserve natural and historic resources, support economic development and provide an opportunity for various housing types.
Come to one of our public meetings to learn more about the UDC:
6 - 8 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 6, Windy Hill Community Center, 1885 Roswell Street SE, Smyrna
6 - 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 7, North Cobb Regional Library, 3900 S Main Street, Acworth
CobbTV's YouTube channel highlights the latest county meetings, informational videos and live events. Subscribe to the channel so you don't miss an update.
The Lewis A. Ray Library Branch in Smyrna has reopened following renovations. Check out the video to see what is new and how our library system used changing demographics in the area to guide the design.
Cobb County's Public Safety Director Mike Register talks about the latest issues involving police, fire, 911, EMA and Animal Services. Check out this latest edition where the Director talks about new initiatives to protect the public.
A lot happens during the seven days between newsletters. Keep up with the most up-to-date Cobb County news on social media. You'll be informed of new events and programs, cancellations/delays, emergencies, disruptions to services and more.
• Not on social media? Get a daily "quick hit" of what's happening in Cobb County on the NEWCobb Blog here.
Upcoming public meetings