Cobb County Government offices will be closed Thursday and Friday, Nov. 28-29, so our employees can celebrate Thanksgiving with their loved ones. We hope you and yours are also able to enjoy a relaxing holiday together. If you are searching for information on county services, many are available online at cobbcounty.org. Thank you.

Cobb County Water System encourages you to prevent sewer problems at home during the holidays. Fats, oils, and grease not managed properly can cause blockages in your plumbing and the sewer system. Once in the pipes, FOG cools and builds up causing blocked pipes and sewage to back up into homes, streets, or creeks. What can you do?

• Scrape and wipe leftovers off plates/pans into the trash.
• Pour FOG into an empty can/container & toss it in the trash.
• Use a sink strainer and empty the collected debris into the trash so it doesn’t become part of the FOG clog.
• Never put frying oil/grease or leftovers down the garbage disposal!

In Cobb, about 85% of sewer blockages are grease-related and occur in residential areas. Help protect the environment and reduce costs by properly disposing of FOG. Learn more at cobbcounty.org/FOG.

Since 2005, Santa's Elves for Seniors has been brightening the holidays for isolated Cobb County seniors who might not otherwise receive a gift or visit. Do you know a senior 55 and older living in Cobb County who could use some extra cheer this year?

Click here to make a nomination.

If you'd like to donate or sponsor a senior, please contact Andrea.rapowitz@cobbcounty.org. Monetary donations via cash or credit card are also welcomed to help support the program.

Cobb County Animal Services is offering a special "Thank You" during November. All pet adoptions are free this month. Stop by and find a companion for life. The shelter is located at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Animal Services is closed on Mondays and holidays. Appointments are preferred for adoptions. Click here to view the animals available.

Residents can also keep track of their pets through the free Cobb Animal Services' Microchip Clinic. Make an appointment for your pet to be chipped 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9, by emailing jessica.darrough@cobbcounty.org. Microchipping your dogs, cats, and birds is essential for their safety and increases the chances of being reunited if they ever go missing or are stolen. Once confirmed, your appointment will be at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta.

The Cobb County Board of Elections and Registration recently set the dates of the Special Elections for Cobb County Commissioner Districts 2 and 4.

• Qualifying will happen Dec. 18 - 20.
• The Primary Election will take place on Feb. 11.
• The Runoff Election (if necessary) will take place March 11.
• The General Special Election will be April 29.

The board had to wait until after November's General Election to set these dates, as they depended on a possible runoff (no runoff was necessary).  Advance voting will be available for these contests at select locations. Only Cobb Commission Districts 2 and 4 voters will be eligible to vote in this special election.

A Cobb County Superior Court Judge ordered this special election after ruling the county's use of home rule powers to draw its commission maps was unconstitutional.

Numerous community events are happening this holiday season. Here are a few for your consideration:

Tree Jubilee Pop-up Sugar Plum Market and special holiday programs - Through Dec. 12 at the Mable House Arts Center, various dates and times. Click here for more information and specifics on each event.

Must Ministries Gobble Jog – Thursday, Nov. 28. Information and sign up here.

Thanksgiving Holiday – Cobb County Government Offices closed Thursday-Friday, Nov. 28 - 29.

Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta – 5:30 - 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 30. Tree lighting at 7 p.m. followed by a free showing of the movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Smyrna tree lighting – 5 - 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3, in the Market Village.

Click here for more events.

Cobb County small businesses are invited to attend this quarter’s Coffee and Conversations 8 - 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at Bonnin's Bakery in Kennesaw. The event will provide a morning of networking and learning for business owners, entrepreneurs, and startups. This quarter’s featured content includes information on capital funding.
 
The bakery is at 4200 Wade Green Road, Suite 136, Kennesaw. RSVP to econdev@cobbcounty.org or by calling the Cobb County Economic Development Department at 770-528-2018.

Cobb County has partnered with FindHelp to create a new online resource that connects residents with local, vetted assistance programs. On the site, you can search for free or reduced-cost services like medical care, food, job training, and more. Residents can access this new portal by visiting findhelp.cobbcounty.gov. The initiative is funded through an allocation of the American Rescue Plan Act.

The Cobb Solicitor General's Office recently raised $18,000 dollars to support domestic violence survivors at LiveSafe Resources. The funds came from generous donations by sponsors, members of the community, and staff, who hosted the inaugural Cobb Solicitor General Sneaker Ball in October.