Cobb County's Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 during its regular meeting last week to place a 30-year transit sales tax proposal before the voters in this November's election.
The approval means voters will decide the fate of a proposed list of transit and transportation projects formulated after the county conducted a Comprehensive Traffic Plan study and multiple rounds of community outreach. The Atlanta-Region Transit Link Authority approved the project list with a ridership study June 6.
Cobb Department of Transportation Director Drew Raessler said his department will lead a public education effort on the referendum. Teams will hold informational open houses, appear at county events, and visit various community groups before the vote this fall.
Information on the proposal and its project list can be found at cobbcounty.org/msplost. The site will be updated with more information in the coming weeks.
Policy forum, rodeo performances featured on holiday
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid will host her annual African American Public Policy Forum, 10 a.m. - noon, Wednesday, June 19, at the Jim R. Miller Park and Event Center, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. The event will feature speakers and a community discussion regarding the impact of public policy on the lives of Black people today.
A Juneteenth rodeo will be held noon - 5 p.m. at Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, Marietta. The Wild West in Color Rodeo and Agricultural Expo will showcase African American cowboys and cowgirls. Click here for more information.
Juneteenth marks the ending of slavery throughout the nation at the end of the Civil War. Cobb County Government offices will be closed Wednesday, June 19, in honor of the holiday. Many county services will remain available online at cobbcounty.org.
Primary runoff election selection Tuesday
Residents in parts of Cobb can vote 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18, in runoff races for the General and Nonpartisan primary. The May election resulted in two runoffs in the Democratic contest:
• US House race in District 14
(Includes parts of Austell, Kennesaw and Powder Springs.)
• Cobb Commission District 2
(Includes East Cobb, Smyrna and Vinings)
Vote at your designated precinct location. Only those who voted using the Democratic ballot in the May 21 race, voted nonpartisan, or did not cast a ballot in the May 21 election are eligible to vote in this runoff. Click here for more information.
MiniCon: Rise of the fandom Saturday
Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center invites you back to MiniCon, a free fan convention, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Fans of all ages are invited to celebrate everything fantasy, sci-fi, and anime with their community.
Young fans can start their day with an intergalactic-themed story time and craft before walking in the children’s costume parade. Throughout the day, participants of all ages can attend a variety of panel discussions, watch live entertainment, and shop the artist alley that features 30 local artists. Cosplay enthusiasts are invited to enter the cosplay contest in one of three categories: Youth, Teen, or Adult. Guests can wrap up the day singing along in cosplay karaoke.
Local food trucks will be on site. For more information regarding MiniCon 2024, email smcc@cobbcounty.org or call 770-509-2711.
Safety entertainment for the family
Climb into a firetruck, visit Sparky's House, and play with hands-on stations at Family Fun Safety Days at the Cobb Safety Village. The next events are 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, and July 15. Tickets are $5 per person, with a family max of $20 (under 2 years old are free). Don't forget your snacks and water. No registration is required.
Group rates are available for 20 or more people. The Safety Village is located at 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.
Singers Lalah Hathaway and Eric Roberson will bring a lyrical Evening of Soul to the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre 8 p.m. Saturday, June 22. Gates open at 7 p.m.
The amphitheatre is located at 5239 Floyd Road, Mableton. Parking is free. Bring your own food, drinks, small coolers, chairs, or blankets. Food vendors will also be available on site. Tables are available for purchase. Get your tickets and more information here.
Pride meeting next week
Cobb Chairwoman Lisa Cupid will host a discussion on LGBTQ+ Pride Month 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at 100 Cherokee Street NE, Marietta. This in-person event is an opportunity to connect with others in the community and share experiences. The discussion will allow participants to learn, listen, and show their support. Light refreshments will be served.
Registration has started for summer quarter classes at Cobb senior centers. Choose from a variety of exercise and dance classes designed to keep you moving and healthy or unleash your creativity with art classes. Explore new interests with general knowledge courses and make new friends in a welcoming and social environment. Classes begin in July, so don't miss out!
Two easy ways to register:
• Visit any Cobb County senior center
• Register online at cobbseniors.org
Civic Center transformed for mini golf fans
Bring your putting skills to a miniature golf course at the Cobb Civic Center. The course will be open through July 27 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday - Thursday and 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Closed Sundays. Admission is $10 per person. For questions email nicohlas.wilson@cobbcounty.org.
The Cobb Civic Center is located at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Parking is free.
Serving up free meals for kids this summer
South Cobb Recreation Center
Meals are being served to children at the South Cobb Recreation Center throughJuly 12. Georgia Educational Resources, Inc. is providing free breakfast and lunch on weekdays to children 18 and younger. Breakfast can be picked up 9 - 10 a.m. and lunch is available for pick-up noon - 1 p.m. on a first-come, first-served basis. View the flyer here View the weekly food provided here
Library locations
Free, nutritious meals through July 26 are offered on a first-come, first-served basis at two libraries on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays:
• South Cobb Regional Library, 805 Clay Road, Mableton
• North Cobb Regional Library, 3535 Old 41 Highway, Kennesaw
No meals will be served Wednesday, June 19, or Friday, July 5. Breakfast is available 10 - 10:30 a.m. and lunch is served 11:30 a.m. - noon. The meals are free for children ages 18 and younger. Adults 19 years and older who are enrolled in school programs for persons with disabilities will also receive meals. Parents and caregivers must remain with the children during the meals. Click here for more information.
Workout center reopens to normal hours
Workout Central, a free gym for adults aged 55 and older, has resumed its regular hours. The facility includes a cardio and weight room. It is open weekdays.
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday and Friday
8:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday,
9:30 a.m. - 7 p.m. Thursday
Workout Central is located at the Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street, Marietta. Call 770-528-5637 for a free orientation.
Explore how to do business with the county
Cobb County Purchasing Department staff will host a the webinar "How to Do Business with Cobb County Government" at noon, Tuesday, June 18. This free informational series features a Cobb County department sharing details about their work, current/future procurement needs and specific points of contact. The June webinar will highlight the Cobb PARKS department and business opportunities for bid.
Please join the Cobb County Department of Transportation and CobbLinc for a workshop about potential site locations for the new South Cobb Transit Center. You'll have the chance to review and provide feedback on the final list of potential site locations at the workshop 6:30 pm Tuesday, June 18, at Connection Point Church, 888 East-West Connector, Austell.
DOT will also host a workshop 5 p.m. Thursday, June 20, for the Marietta Transit Center. This meeting will be held at Kennesaw State University on the Marietta campus, located at 860 Rossbacher Way in Marietta.
These new transit centers will enhance connections to other public transportation services. The transit centers will also offer new and modern amenities for passengers. Come out to share your ideas and opinions. DOT staff will be on hand to answer any questions.
Senior markets return in July
Calling everyone age 60 and older. Cobb County Senior Services is hosting multiple farmers markets around the county this summer. Qualifying seniors will receive $50 on a market benefit card for produce. One voucher per household per summer. Space is limited, so you MUST call to reserve your market benefit card at 770-528-1060. The dates and locations for next month are:
Tuesday, July 2
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
West Cobb Senior Center
4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs
Friday, July 19
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
North Cobb Senior Center
3900 South Main Street, Acworth
Tuesday, July 30
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Freeman Poole Senior Center
4025 South Hurt Road, Smyrna
Austell Senior Center is getting a makeover! From Monday, July 1, through Friday, Aug. 2, it will be undergoing renovations to create an even better space for you. The upgrades include a new activity room. While workers transform the center, activities will be relocated to Marietta and Freeman Poole Senior Centers. During the closure, you can reach out to Cobb Senior Services at 770-801-3400 or 470-544-2122.
Time running out on double pet deal
Cobb’s Animal Shelter is critically overcrowded. If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet, now is an excellent time to do so. For the entire month of June, adopt your new animal companion at these special rates:
CobbTV brings you coverage of public meetings, events, and stories of interest to those who live in Cobb. Visit www.cobbcounty.org/CobbTV and subscribe to our YouTube channel for more!
Chairwoman Lisa Cupid gave her annual State of the County address to the Cobb Chamber's Marquee Monday audience. Watch the presentation as the chairwoman highlights past accomplishments and looks forward to Cobb's future.
Cobb's Board of Commissioners voted to put the question of a Mobility SPLOST tax before the voters this November. The vote came after a presentation and Q&A session from Cobb Department of Transportation Director Drew Raessler. Check out the presentation here.
Board of Commissioners zoning hearing, 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 18
Board of Commissioners regular meeting, 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 25
Meetings take place at 100 Cherokee Street, 2nd floor unless otherwise noted. Many public meetings and hearings are broadcast live on CobbTV and YouTube and are available on demand on YouTube.
Events are subject to change.
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