Mentoring Makes a Difference

How Cobb benefits from strong mentors in the community

Executive Director of Marietta Mentoring for Leadership M. Marjorie Kellogg says it’s proven that students who engage in quality mentoring programs graduate at higher rates and have less truancy, drug use or other risky behaviors. “Our graduation rate is 87 percent compared to a state rate of about 68 percent,” she adds. “A consistent, caring mentor can help alleviate issues of homelessness, poverty and neighborhood issues that many of our children face.”

When a child feels they’re not alone in dealing with day-to-day situations, they’re better able to forward themselves in their education, social and home values and in their future. According to a Ventures study by Big Brothers Big Sisters, students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52 percent less likely than their peers to skip a day of school and 37 percent less likely to skip a class. The same study found that youth who met with mentors regularly were 46 percent less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs and 27 percent less likely to start drinking. Supporting daily living means more to children and teenagers than may be perceived; 40 percent of a teenager’s waking hours are spent without companionship or supervision.

“Mentors serve as a prevention and intervention strategy and reduce the risk factors that inhibit young people’s ability to learn in the classroom and at home,” says Maryellen Gomes, mentor coordinator and school social worker for the Cobb County School District. Gomes works with Cobb Mentoring Matters, which serves students K–12 in Cobb County Schools and places mentors in the 112 schools within the district. “The unique aspect of the program is that it is mentor driven, meaning mentors choose the school that they wish to serve in,” she adds.

The Impact of Mentoring

Of the students participating in Mentoring for Leadership, 85 percent are from extremely low-income families; 80 percent are from single parents; 22 percent live with a guardian other than a parent; and 17 percent have been homeless at some time in the last two years. Mentors are matched based on gender, common interests and similar career aspirations, as well as, whenever possible, similar background and culture. Through mentoring, students also work in group activities to further their understanding of the school curriculum and community, grow socially and learn team building and leadership skills.

“Cobb Mentoring Matters was created to address the needs of students in Cobb County Schools and is currently the only district wide mentoring program,” Gomes says. “Our mission is to empower at-risk youth in our community to make positive life choices that maximize their personal potential. We accomplish this by matching and placing our students in a one on one relationship or in a group match of 2–4 students.” On their website, cobbmentoringmatters.org, they invite members of the community to “pay it forward” in a list of 10 reasons to become a mentor. With the belief that one organization cannot do it all, collaboration is key to their success. Internally, it begins with working with several departments within the district — the school counselors, social workers, teachers, PTA and school parent counsel groups are the first line of defense.

Externally, they’ve partnered with several faith-based organizations and civic organizations that have provided mentors, and Gas South has continued to provide support through sponsoring End of the Year activities, as well as training sessions for their mentors throughout the year. “The research is conclusive that youth with mentors are more likely to report positive behaviors and less likely to report negative ones; young people believe mentoring provides them with support and guidance to lead productive lives; and the field of mentoring has grown significantly but a mentoring gap exist, so we still have much to do!” Gomes says.

The Mentoring for Leadership program began with only 20 students and currently serves an average of 75 and Kellogg believes mentoring teaches young adults to advocate for themselves — a survival skill that can help them work through difficult life situations. She matches students of high potential and low support with a community mentor who can guide and encourage students to excel in school, graduate on time and go on to college or a career. They work with Marietta City Schools, Life University, First United Methodist Church, Leadership Cobb and Walton Communities. And Mentoring for Leadership’s success is shown in their students: 80 percent of students who have participated in the program improved their grades, report that they have learned from their mentors and say they have learned valuable skills like how to be respectful, work as a team, make honor roll and never give up.

Becoming a Mentor

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor can apply online at mentoringforleadership.org. A training program and background check are the next steps. “Once they are matched with an individual student, they participate in organized monthly activities that encourage collegiality and foster academic and social growth in the students,” Kellogg says. “They also arrange outings just to go out for a coke or a hike so they can chat.” A similar process exists for Cobb Mentoring Matters; on their website, click “I want to be a Mentor” and you’ll be contacted within 24 hours. After filling out an application and a 90-minute orientation, you’ll be asked for two references, fingerprints and, once cleared, you’ll be given a badge to begin the student matching process. Mentors with Cobb Mentoring Matters are asked to commit to one school year with their mentee for only one hour per week at the school.

“Mentors serve as a prevention and intervention strategy and reduce the risk factors that inhibit young people’s ability to learn in the classroom and at home,” Gomes says. “Our hope is that mentors can also connect with their mentee’s parent and teacher to discuss how they can assist with issues at home or with school work. We want them to have fun and hopefully develop a relationship that will continue throughout the students education and maybe beyond!”

Awareness is Key

Lindsay Penticuff

Believe it or not, there are medical conditions affecting our family members, friends, neighbors or co-workers that we know very little about or that they even exist. Two such illnesses include Hepatitis C and Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism (DVT/PE). Hep C is a viral infection that affects primarily liver cells and multiple strains exist, and DVT/PE is a condition that occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein.

“Hep C is a chronic infection, which multiple health problems can arise,” says Dr. Danny Branstetter, infectious disease specialist for WellStar Health System. It affects all ages, genders and races, but higher incidence is reported in individuals born between 1945-1965. Other at-risk groups include: injection drug users, including one-time users and even if it was a “long time ago;” recipients of blood transfusions, blood products or an organ transplant before 1992; homemade tattoos or piercing where someone used non-sterile equipment; and infants born to Hep C positive mothers. Less frequent transmission, Branstetter says, includes individuals who share personal items like a toothbrush or razor with a Hep C patient, and someone who has sex with someone who has Hep C.

The infectious disease is most commonly asymptomatic, which means a patient will not look or feel sick, and most individuals would not be aware of having the infection without being tested. Branstetter says an estimated 2.7 million people are infected in the United States, and doctors diagnose about 30,000 cases each year.

He adds that in an acute infection, only about 20-30 percent are symptomatic (showing symptoms of the disease) enough to make someone seek medical attention. Most report a fever, abdominal pain, jaundice (a yellow tint to skin and eyes) and a poor appetite. “Other symptoms that are common among all viral infections, including the common cold, are fever, joint aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, changes in the color of stool (lightening) and urine (dark) are also possible,” Branstetter continues. “These usually occur around 4-12 weeks after infection.”

In chronic infection, which about 80 percent of individuals infected with Hep C will develop, there are very few symptoms until the stage of liver disease. “The paucity of symptoms recognizable by individuals, as well as healthcare providers, stresses the importance of testing,” he says. “Healthcare providers may be able to detect abnormalities in liver function tests on routine screening.” He adds that multiple health problems, including Cirrhosis and liver cancer, are a result of the infection, and complications from and directly related to Hep C can lead to death.

However, Branstetter says thereare multiple treatment options, some with cure rates greater than 95 percent in less than eight weeks. “Specific treatment options are individualized based on the strain of Hepatitis C and co-morbidities along with the stage of liver disease present,” he says, adding that increased awareness and new treatment options are leading to increased testing by health professionals and an increased number of individuals seeking testing and treatment.

It Can Happen to Anybody

“Grossly” under diagnosed, yet preventable, Dr. Sharvari Rangnekar, a WellStar medical specialist in Marietta, says DVT/PE is a result of blood clots that usually develop in the lower leg, thigh or pelvis but can also occur in the arm. PE is a condition where blood clots are developed in the lungs. Usually, the cause of this is a clot migrating from some other parts of the body, mainly from DVT.

“It is important for the public to know about DVT/PE because they can happen to anybody and can cause serious illness, disability and in some cases, death,” Rangnekar says. “The good news is that DVT is preventable and treatable if discovered early. PE is a condition where blood clots are developed in the lungs. Usually the cause of this is a clot migrating from some other parts of the body, mainly from DVT.”

In September 2014, the Cobb County Board of Commissioners signed a proclamation at the request of the Georgia Thrombosis Forum in honor of Thrombosis Awareness Month. Rangnekar is a member of GTF and serves on the committee for the Patient Support Group within the organization. Dr. Atul Laddu, a retired physician/researcher from Suwanee, founded GTF in 2011 with a mission to spread awareness of thrombosis throughout Georgia.

“The incidence of thrombosis is very high, yet not known to many people,” Laddu says. At just 14 years old, his grandson suffered two massive clots in both of his lungs after a prolonged back surgery. “While statewide and citywide numbers on thrombosis are not widely available, nationwide numbers are very alarming,” Laddu says. “Thrombosis, including DVT and PE, affects around 300,000–600,000 people in the United States annually, according to the CDC.” The Surgeon General has determined 100,000–180,000 people die every year due to thrombosis — that is more than breast cancer and AIDS combined. “One person is diagnosed with a blood clot every minute,” Laddu continues. “One person dies from a blood clot every six minutes. The total cost of treating these conditions in the U.S. is in excess of $8 billion.”

DVT is one of the most preventable conditions, Laddu says. Simple lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious diet, regular exercise, weight control, drinking a lot of fluid, not sitting for long periods of time, frequent getting up and walking during airplane travel and frequent breaks during long drives are some simple techniques that will help you avoid getting these conditions. A physician diagnoses thrombosis, but family members could get an early sign that their loved ones may get into trouble. Leg pain, leg swelling, difficulty in breathing, chest pain, numbness in arms and disorientation could be the early symptoms that could warn a visit to the doctor or ER.

One aspect that sets GTF apart from other medical organizations is its youth initiative. Varun Rangnekar, a student at Johns Creek High School and Dr. Rangnekar’s son, is one of 12 young people who help plan and manage a majority of the forum’s work. “This burning passion from the youth is the primary reason for the success of this forum,” Varun Rangnekar says. “We wish to educate the community about this condition and some simple prevention techniques.” Young members give a presentation annually before the Harvard University and North American Thrombosis Forum, as well as obtain proclamations signed by state, county and city officials regarding the importance of thrombosis awareness, meet with critical contacts and organize booths at various festivals and events to share information about GTF and this condition.

“[GTF] has provided me with an opportunity to further my passion of educating the community about the dangers of thrombosis,” Varun Rangnekar says. “Working with Dr. Laddu has been a great learning experience that has allowed me to transfer my energy in a positive direction while giving back to the community.”

To learn more about thrombosis, visit GTF online at gtfonline.com, the North American Thrombosis Forum website natfonline.org or search for “DVT” on medicinenet.com.

Get Ahead in the Career World with Higher Education

Pamela A. Keene

Sharde Beatty knows the importance of having a degree to advance her career. While her knowledge of property management came at her mother’s knee, when she decided to add child care to her work profile, she turned to Chattahoochee Technical College and enrolled in its early childhood education and development certification program. But there’s more to Beatty’s story. “I knew it would be my way to further my career and increase my pay so three years ago, I earned my certificate from Chattahoochee Tech,” she says. “That way, I could work in the after-school program at the apartment complex I managed.”

But for Beatty, something was still missing. “I had loved business since high school, taking business ethics and business law back then, so I just kept thinking about how I could become my own boss,” says the determined 28-year-old. “I was getting a divorce and had a son, so it was time to restart my life. I really wanted to go into residential real estate.” She earned her real estate license in September 2014 and soon started working with Berkshire-Hathaway Home Services Georgia, but says she realized that to be truly successful, she needed a business degree.

Once again Beatty turned to CTC, enrolling in the college’s business management degree program, where she’s two semesters from graduation. “Studying for my two-year degree has been a tremendous help to me and opened up a whole new world,” says Beatty, who was the college’s 2015 recipient of the GOAL award and went on to compete in the Georgia GOAL program. “Everything I’ve learned at Chattahoochee Tech has prepared me for a successful career — communications, understanding contracts and fine-tuning my computer skills. So many people want to start their businesses, but they don’t realize that the first, and most important step, is getting your degree. And because I want to become a broker, having my degree is a must.”

Potential employers agree that a resume that includes a college certificate or degree influences hiring decisions. “Earning a degree demonstrates to us that a person has set a goal in higher education and successfully achieved that goal,” says Melissa Hulsey, president of Ashton Staffing Inc., in Kennesaw. “It shows that people want to better themselves and become life-long learners; it definitely moves those candidates to the front of the line.”

Career assessment becomes an important part of earning a certificate or degree. Chattahoochee Technical College offers three business tracks: Business Administration, Accounting and Business Management. “All students in the business programs at CTC have access to FOCUS, a self-paced computer-based workshop that helps them determine the best career path for them,” says Annette Davis, career services coordinator at Chattahoochee Tech. “As soon as students come to CTC they have access to our career center and all it has to offer. We have many tools to help them develop a plan for their careers. From working with the career center and their advisers to tapping into resources on our website, our main goal is to help them get into the right program from the beginning and to be successful.”

Sometimes finding the perfect career takes a circuitous path. In 2001, Kris Okun moved to Georgia from New Jersey where he had worked in graphic design and computer programming. “I wanted to make a new start, and Georgia’s great economy, the weather and real estate prices drew me to this area,” says the now 43-year-old. “Besides, I wanted to follow my passion as a musician, to teach piano and pursue piano studies.” He taught in-home private lessons for almost 12 years. Then he became a father and his life changed. “I was teaching 40 to 46 students in the late afternoons and evenings, plus practicing about eight hours a day, and I really wanted to have time to spend with my son,” Okun says. “I realized that I would only see him on the weekends, so I realized I needed to make another change.”

Okun cut back on his teaching and enrolled in the Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University, taking software classes. He also took the college’s mandatory business classes, including two semesters of accounting. “All of a sudden, everything fell into place for me. Because accounting was the pure application of logic, and my software design background and even my music use my mathematical side, it was the perfect choice,” he says.

Okun graduated last July with his Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting. “I know I’ll have great job security because of my BBA,” he says. “I’m especially grateful to KSU because of its deep Cobb County connections. My future is guaranteed and I realize that I’ve made an excellent investment.”

In 2014, KSU initiated the Hughes Leadership and Career Program in the Coles College of Business. “A recent survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers has projected that eight to 10 of all new business hires needed a bachelor’s degree, so we looked for ways to help ensure success for our graduates,” says Linda Malgeri, director of the Hughes Leadership and Career Program. “The three-course sequence — one for sophomores, one for juniors and one for seniors — is designed to give our students a competitive edge in the marketplace, and it’s required for every student enrolled in the Coles College of Business.”

The program focuses on various one-on-one support as students progress through their undergraduate degree at the Coles College. “Students interact with career coaches who focus on the student’s talents and strengths, but it goes far beyond what a student learns on paper,” she says. “Each course has strong written and oral components to prepare them for the business world. Our students are learning to identify their strengths, how to apply them to their career choices and how to articulate them to potential employers. This is a real game changer for our students and we’ve received an incredible response from students and employers alike.”

As the workplace becomes even more competitive, people who want to advance in business should consider pursuing a degree. With all the advances and changes in technology and the global economy, having a degree can truly provide a leg up on the competition.

Safety in the Digital Age

Jacqueline Frasca

Protecting Cobb’s seniors at home, in the community and online

There are many factors of safety and security issues in today’s highly digitized society; with financial accounts becoming more mobile for the sake of convenience, channels are created every day to breach security and run scams. While it is not unlikely for the most tech-savvy to fall into Internet scams, seniors in particular are at risk for a multitude of reasons. From giving out credit card information over the phone to email scams and account fraud, things are getting complicated and seniors must be guarded against these potential pitfalls.

Many Cobb leaders are heavily involved in helping protect seniors across all platforms, including Jason Marbutt, assistant district attorney with Cobb Judicial Circuit, who handles white collar, elder abuse and public integrity. “My job is to say ‘enough.’ My job is to say ‘not here, not now, not ever,’” he says. One of his many specialties is elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. “If I could personally prosecute every case involving elder victims, I would, but the sheer volume of cases means that every assistant district attorney in the office deals with these types of cases. The proliferation of identity fraud and the rise of white-collar crime can be directly correlated with the shifting of our economy to online services. So much of what we do as a society is now done from behind a keyboard, as opposed to face-to-face. You can’t reach through a computer screen and shake someone’s hand, and you can’t look someone in the eye to gauge whether they are who they say they are. Most of our transactions are now electronic and not with cash.”

‘A Virtual Playground for Crooks and Thieves’

According to Marbutt, with a few keystrokes, the Internet has become a “virtual playground for crooks and thieves” who can send out mass emails to numerous potential victims. Often, various sad (but tall) tales exist within to bait those who are lonely and overly trusting. “Fraudsters are looking for any means they can to obtain credit card information, banking account numbers, Social Security numbers or other identifying information of potential victims,” Marbutt says. “Sometimes they will use this information to gain access to accounts and drain money directly. Other times they will use it to open accounts in the name of the elder victim. Sadly, criminals will often take advantage of the trusting nature and kind hearts of elders to have the victim voluntarily give money away.”

“Fraud of many types is an issue for seniors. There are several factors at play: there are often sizable assets at risk like an owned home, a pension fund and retirement savings,” explains Craig Patterson of Celebration Village Acworth, an active senior living community. “These make for desirable fraud targets. Now, consider factors that may make these assets less guarded: There may be a trusted caregiver or financial advisor with access, the senior may have mild cognitive issues or even hearing loss that can cause confusion, the senior may be less likely to assume wrongdoing or be ‘too nice’ to shut down an aggressive party.” Carla Breakwell, also of Celebration Village Acworth, adds that seniors are less likely to report fraud afterward due to shame or embarrassment — and any loss for seniors is especially harmful, as their ability to recoup from earnings is diminished. Increased awareness and a few preparatory steps can immediately improve a senior’s security.

“Celebration Village Acworth will hold workshops on specific ways to avoid fraud,” Breakwell says. “These will be for our residents but are open to the outside community. We’ll cover specific ways to ensure financial and information security for seniors, including telephone scams, identity theft, medical identity theft, Internet security and other topics. We include outside experts, including the local police departments, to make sure the information is relevant and informative.”

Sgt. Dana Pierce with Cobb County Police says his department’s Crime Prevention Function offers a variety of programs about crime prevention, including one for seniors that covers Internet scams, credit card or credit fraud, email spam and identity theft. “There is a criminal element out there that specifically targets our senior citizens,” Pierce says. “We have seen everything from identification theft and fraud to gypsy paving/roofing scams and false solicitations of free trips with a cash deposit.”

Playing Defense with Security

Trusted family members can help set up a few preventative measures, which can do wonders with senior security. “For example, set up email programs to not load images automatically,” Patterson says. “This makes malware less likely and can prevent future spam. If you receive a call or email asking for personal information or money, verify the identity of the person, but assume that it is not real until proven otherwise. Don’t be afraid to run any questionable situation through the ‘friends and family test.’ Ask them their opinion. If you can’t make it logical in your own words, it’s probably not.” Don’t be afraid to also call a bank, credit card company or financial institution and ask for their fraud prevention department, as they are a source if you find fraud or if you even suspect something’s not right.

“There is an old adage we use in crime prevention, and that is ‘one doesn’t get anything for free,’” Pierce says. “We encourage anyone, including the seniors in our community, to talk to a responsible person like a friend or a relative and discuss any offer they have been approached about. Do not give out any sensitive information, including date of birth, Social Security number or any bank (routing or account) information.”

In addition, seniors should be wary of anyone who wants to be paid via prepaid cards, which are very hard to track, unlike other credit card transactions that leave a paper trail so that law enforcement can recover your money and identify perpetrators if necessary. Confirming who is asking for money is key, too.

Several national and county resources exist to help with senior-focused tips and habits to make you more secure. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s “Money Smart for Older Adults” and the AARP’s Fraud Watch Network are both free resources. AARP offers a wealth of tips, alerts and more, as well as the Fraud Watch Helpline at 877-908-3360. “This number should be on every senior’s refrigerator and phone as a trusted and helpful resource,” Patterson says. “Seniors can call the same number and get on an email or regular mail list to be alerted of specific active fraud and receive general tips for prevention.”

“A common scam right now is for someone to call saying that you missed a court appearance and you will be arrested unless you pay a fine,” Marbutt says. “If someone calls you saying they are from any law enforcement agency, they will have a badge number. Look the number up yourself; don’t just dial the number given to you on the phone. If the agency doesn’t know the person who called you or the badge number does not match, then you are likely being scammed.”

In a world becoming more technology- and mobile-dependent, it’s important to keep personal information safe and pursue every measure to do so. As high-targets for fraud, teaching seniors what options they have for protecting themselves and their assets can make all the difference. Cobb’s resources for protecting senior information are always readily available to help them get the most out of the their golden years.

Holy Smoke Festival

Marietta.com

The Holy Smoke Festival takes place on Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2016 from 10 am to 3 pm on the fields of Johnson Ferry Baptist Church. The event features BBQ by Williamson Bros., a 5K Run (9 am), as well as children’s inflatables, games, food & product vendors, car show, silent auction, live music and more.

Date:
Labor Day, Monday, September 5, 2016 from 10 am to 3 pm

Admission:
Admission Free/Small charge for lunch

Address:
Johnson Ferry Baptist Church
955 Johnson Ferry Road
Marietta, GA 30068

Parking:
Free Parking

For more information, please call Betsy Freeman at (770) 794-2972 or visit JohnsonFerry.org

Evening with History: From the Dark Side

Marietta.com

Evening with History has taken a turn towards the darker side of history. This month is the 100th anniversary of the lynching of Leo Frank. Join former Marietta City Councilman, Van Pearlberg, as he discusses this darker side of Marietta’s history. $20 for non-members and $10 for members.

Date:
August 18th, 2015 starting at 6:15 pm

Admission:
$20 for non-members and $10 for members.

Address:
1 Depot Street
Marietta, GA 30060

Parking:
Free parking on Marietta Square and across the railway from Museum

For more information, please call 770-794-5710 or visit www.mariettahistory.org

West Cobb Street Festival

Marietta.com

The West Cobb Street Festival takes place on

Saturday September 17, 2016 from 11 am to 3 pm. The event features free children’s activities, live music, games, entertainment and food with a vast array of vendors. They will also be having a basketball shootout within the festival sponsoring three local charities. Come out and enjoy a great fun filled day and meet some great people and businesses within our community!

Date:
Saturday September 17, 2016 from 11 am to 3 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
2655 Dallas Highway suite 110
Marietta, Ga 30064

Parking:

Located adjacent to Target shopping complex, lots of parking available

For more information, please call 770-427-1889 or visit https://www.facebook.com/events/1705428039712623/

Housing Market Continues in Upswing

Lindsay Penticuff

The real estate market in Cobb County continues to improve as we roll in to 2015. “The current real estate market is in the upswing,” says Phyliss Graham, 2015 president of the Cobb Association of Realtors, which includes approximately 1,400 licensed real estate brokers and sales persons in Cobb. “Starting in 2013, it has steadily been climbing out of the housing slump that had a hold of the community, county, state and nation as a whole.”

According to Coldwell Banker’s March 2015 Market Watch program, the number of units sold in March 2015 were up by 8 percent from last March, and sales were up 24 percent from February 2015. There were 660 homes sold in March and 532 sold in February. Additionally, the average number of days a home remained on the market was down 13 percent from last March — 69 days to 60, and the average listing price increased from $264,000 in March 2014 to $300,000 in March 2015.

“The future of Cobb County looks exceptionally well,” Graham says. “We will continue to have positive growth in the county. We have some Fortune 500 companies moving to and around Cobb County.” These include Comcast, which will be locating its headquarters in the new Atlanta Braves development, in addition to Vonage Business Solutions and Greenway Health that expanded to Cobb last year.

Graham adds that during the association’s March 18 meeting, the group also received “excellent updates” from Cobb Chamber of Commerce President and CEO David Connell. “He gave the association an update on the Atlanta Braves stadium and the area,” she says. “This will bring positive growth to the area and help the community be a vibrant focal point for new transferees and up and coming graduating students.”

Cobb’s continued success in the housing market can be attributed to:

Great school systems
Low crime rates
Community involvement
Proximity to highway and interstate systems
Public parks
Proximity to Downtown Atlanta
Smyrna’s and Vinings’ work, play and live areas

Color Me Free 5K Color Run

Marietta.com

Join Georgia Cares in its first annual “Color Me Free” 5k! Get ready to be doused in colored paint throughout the course of your run (don’t worry, it is washable!). Don’t forget to wear white so your colors will show!

Georgia Cares is the single, statewide coordinating non-profit agency connecting services and treatment care for child victims of sexual exploitation and trafficking. Georgia Cares serves any and all youth who have been victimized in the state of Georgia. Child Victims of Sex Trafficking and Exploitation are robbed of the freedom to make choices, have a voice, and live their life without the horrors of abuse and rape. The goal for Georgia Cares is to give victims their freedom back- and assist them in becoming healthy, productive members of society. Join Georgia Cares at the 5K color run race to celebrate your freedom, and to free victims of child sex trafficking in Georgia.

For more information on the event and how to become a sponsor, please visit the Georgia Cares website:
http://www.gacares.org/georgia-cares-color-me-free-5k.html

Date:
Sunday, July 26, 2015 at 8 am

Admission:
5k Run/Walk: $35.00
Phantom Runner: $35.00

Address:
Jim R. Miller Park
2245 Callaway Rd SW Marietta, GA 30008

Parking:

For more information, please call 404-602-0068 or visit http://www.gacares.org/georgia-cares-color-me-free-5k.html

Cobb EMC’s Annual Meeting

Marietta.com

Come and learn about Cobb EMC’s progress, ways to save on your electric bill and exercise your right to vote.

Each Cobb EMC member who registers will receive four free North Georgia State Fair tickets with unlimited rides and free parking to use when the fair is in town, and a chance to win BIG door prizes.

Activities

Energy efficiency booth
Power line safety demo
Kids fun zone
Cobb and Douglas Public Health learning activities: Nutrition, safe sleep, sports, safety and more

Door prizes*

Tablets
Visa® gift cards
Bill credits
Big Green Egg® grills
Refurbished Cobb EMC truck
*Prize winners will be solely responsible for all applicable taxes.

Date:
Saturday, Sept. 17, 2016 from 8 am to 11:30 am
Member registration begins at 8 am and closes at 9:30 am

Admission:
Free for Cobb EMC members

Address:
Jim R. Miller Park
2245 Callaway Rd SW
Marietta, GA 30008

Parking:
Free

For more information, please call 770-429-2100 or visit CobbEMC.com/AnnualMeeting

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