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Secondhand Gives a Second Chance

MUST Ministries’ MUST Marketplace has a new home, but the mission of giving back remains the same.

Everyone loves a good deal. But what if that good deal is also doing good? That’s exactly what happens at the MUST Marketplace, MUST Ministries’ thrift store. Proceeds from the MUST Marketplace go directly back into MUST’s programs, helping clients living in poverty with food, housing assistance, jobs assistance, clothing, medical care, and more.

“When we talk about the MUST Marketplace, we like to say that ‘secondhand gives a second chance,’” said MUST President & CEO Dr. Ike Reighard. “The generous donations that we receive through the Marketplace help us to create a fun shopping experience with lots of great finds at a low cost. And not only do we use those funds to help our neighbors in need, those very same neighbors are also able to shop here to provide goods for their families at deeply discounted prices, which they might not otherwise be able to afford. So, it’s a win-win-win, all the way around.”

For many years, the MUST Marketplace operated out of the MUST Headquarters in Marietta, just off US-41 near Barrett Parkway. When that building was purchased and occupied by GRACEPOINT School over the summer, MUST moved its headquarters to a newly renovated building beside the MUST Hope House and Donation Center, creating a campus of sorts for the nonprofit’s Marietta operations. This meant that the MUST Marketplace was going to need a new home, but Dr. Reighard said that was the plan all along.

“We have seen tremendous growth in the Marketplace, even with it being tucked up on a hill attached to our headquarters, so we knew it was time for it to have its own retail space and allow it to grow even more. This new location gives us more space for more items and provides more of a true, retail shopping experience,” he said.

After an extensive search, the MUST team landed on a 7,000-square-foot space in East Cobb, inside the Sandy Plains Village shopping center. Among others, the center houses the popular Movie Tavern and the Marketplace’s direct neighbor, Painted Tree Boutique.

The new location had its soft opening in October and an official grand opening on November 1. “We think it’s a great location for shoppers and donors alike,” Dr. Reighard said. “The new Marketplace is right in the heart of a heavily residential and retail area, and allows us to expand our mission and footprint to a new area of metro Atlanta. We’re thrilled with how the neighborhood has responded so far and can’t wait to see what’s in store with so much more space and walkability than our old location.”

Here’s how it works: people can donate gently used or new clothing, shoes, books, music, electronics, home décor, housewares, seasonal items, furniture, toys, and more either at the MUST Marketplace location (4651 Woodstock Rd., Roswell, GA 30075, Suite 100) or the MUST Donation Center (1280 Field Pkwy, Marietta, GA 30066). If you would like to donate furniture, MUST asks that you email the Marketplace team first to make sure they can accept it. That email address is crogers@mustministries.org.

Why thrift?

Thrift stores across the nation have seen a rise in shoppers for a variety of reasons. Some shoppers like finding a typically expensive item at an extremely low price (MUST Marketplace often has designer and name-brand items for less than $10) and other unique items that can’t be found anywhere else. Others understand the negative effect “fast fashion” has had on the environment and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with sustainable shopping. And, in the case of the MUST Marketplace, some enjoy the feeling of giving back when shopping at a nonprofit thrift store.

According to ThredUp’s Annual Resale Report for 2022, secondhand shopping is expected to grow 127 percent by 2026. The report also showed that the global secondhand apparel market will grow three times faster than the global apparel market overall, reaching a value of $82 billion in 2026, up $5 billion from the projections of the previous year.

Currently, there are more than 25,000 resale, consignment, and nonprofit resale shops in the United States and studies show that most shoppers are between the ages of 18-24, which might be attributed to the popularity of TikTok users showing off their unique finds.

How can I help?

Shop! Donate! Volunteer! All the funds raised from the MUST Marketplace go directly back into MUST’s daily mission to help our neighbors in need. MUST helps to feed, house, clothe, and offer hope to more than 70,000 people a year. If you love retail or have a retail background, also consider volunteering at the Marketplace. Volunteers help to keep the store organized and well-stocked and perform tasks such as helping to receive donations, checking customers out at the register, sorting and pricing items, merchandising new inventory, and assisting with online sales platforms. To sign up for volunteer shifts, visit mustministries.org/vols-short-term.

For more information on MUST Ministries and the MUST Marketplace, visit mustministries.org.

Donation Etiquette

Consider donating if:

  •  The item is in good condition.
  •  You no longer need or use it.
  •  It has sat in your closet for too long with little use.
  •  It is no longer your style.
  •  It is now too big or too small.
  •  You are downsizing to a new house and no longer have room for everything.
  •  It was a gift that you’ll never use but can’t return.
  •  Someone you know has passed away and you would like for their belongings to go to a good cause.

Please do not donate if:

  •  The item has significant damage.
  •  It no longer functions properly.
  •  It has not been cleaned or would need more than minor dusting.
  •  You do not foresee someone wanting to buy it or use it.
  •  You think you would regret donating it and want it back, as donations are final.
  •  You do not have permission to donate the item.
  •  It is missing parts or the full set.

MUST Marketplace

Sandy Plains Village, 4651 Woodstock Rd Roswell, GA 30075, Suite 100
(in the same complex as the Movie Tavern)

Store Hours:
Monday – Saturday,
10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Donation Hours:
Monday – Saturday,
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

 

Putting Talent To Work For Cobb

Mike Whittle is a business owner dedicated to giving back.

K. Mike Whittle Designs Inc. — a family-owned business and staple in the Cobb County area — is well known for the finest in floral arrangements, gifts, and friendly, prompt service. Over the years, owner Mike Whittle also has developed a reputation as one of the community’s most giving, charitable business owners.

Mike Whittle’s journey into the floral industry began when he was only 13 years old, earning money selling soft drink bottles, cutting lawns and raking leaves, but he was eager to find ways to earn more.

Around that time, Whittle noticed cattails growing in a pond near his home in Smyrna. He ventured into that pond, cut the plants, and took them to Jonquil Florist hoping the owner would purchase them. “She asked me if I was interested in flowers, I told her that I had always loved flowers,” he recalls. “Then, she asked me if I could tie a bow, and I told her I didn’t think I ever had, but I thought I could, if she’d show me. She tied a corsage bow, gave me the ribbon, and told me to see what I could do.”

The florist was shocked when Whittle was able to tie the bow just as she had. She asked if he would like to help her in the flower shop over Mother’s Day weekend, and he agreed. He ended up tying more than 100 bows for orchid corsages, and Whittle continued to work in Ms. Betty’s shop, learning the trade and nurturing his gifts.

53 years later, Whittle is still in the industry, honing his skills, and making a difference in the lives of others. In the beginning, Mike worked with several area florists, including Petersens in Marietta before finally settling at a shop in Carrollton, Georgia with some dear friends. What Mike didn’t plan for was the reactions of others to his tasteful, opulent designs and charismatic personality. In a series of happenstances, Mike was approached and encouraged to open his own shop. After some discussions with friends in the funeral home industry and other area businessmen including Greg Litchfield, the wheels were set in motion and everything moved quickly. Following a trip to the bank and, hours later, a signed lease, Mike was prepared for late night renovations. After telling his wife, Vickie, and with her and others’ help and support, the opening of K. Mike Whittle Designs in the old Clark Library building, just off the square in Marietta was soon to be a reality.

When the time came for Whittle to tell the owners of The Flower Cart in Carrollton, Carolyn and Donald Threadgill, about his new venture, they were in full support as well. The 12 years spent working at their shop most certainly prepared him for the significant next step. They knew as well as Mike that a major benefit to owning his new shop would be working in closer proximity to his two grandchildren, so he never looked back.

Whittle opened the shop in October 2009, right in the middle of a recession, with a Christmas Open House. The rest is history, and “blessed” is the word he uses to describe his life today. “We have the best clientele in Cobb County and the surrounding area,” he says.

Located at 156 Church Street in Marietta, the shop also serves Kennesaw, Acworth, Powder Springs, Smyrna and Atlanta, but Whittle’s is equipped to send floral designs anywhere in the United States.

All in the details

K. Mike Whittle Designs offers full-service floral design and specialty services ranging from tropicals, plants, and a variety of fresh floral arrangements to silk and dried floral arrangements. The shop employs nine people full-time, with others on standby for seasonal work.

Whittle says the impeccable service he and his team can offer starts with a laser-focused attention to detail. He employs award-winning designers with years of experience spanning all aspects of the floral industry. Whittle and his team keep their ideas and floral offerings fresh and modern, attending shows and seminars to keep abreast of new products and trends.

“We are very detail-oriented to ensure our customers are taken care of in every way,” K Mike says. “We offer designs using unique and different flower varieties, and we continue our education through the Society of American Florists, the American Institute of Floral Design, Georgia Florist Wholesalers, Georgia State Florist Association, and the Florida State Florists’ Association.”

K. Mike Whittle Designs has a steadfast following of loyal customers who are happy to sing his praises any time they can. “Mike is so talented, and the quality of his work is unsurpassed,” says Wanda Callahan with Cobb’s 10 Women of Hope organization. “Not only does he provide exquisite floral designs, but his devotion to our community is also second to none.”

The gift of giving

Cobb County is full of successful businesses of all sizes, serving all the needs imaginable of consumers. The difference, however, between a successful business owner and a business owner dedicated to giving back to the community is what makes Mike Whittle such a contribution to the Cobb County community.

Whittle says the main way he and his staff give back to the community is through the provision of flowers for charitable events. Rather than focusing heavily on advertising, Whittle lets his charitable contributions of gorgeous flowers serve as the message about him and his business. “We have always been there when people needed us. We choose to provide flowers when they are needed for the fundraisers in our area,” he says. “We are very proud to be able to support so many of our clients for these events, year after year, because they have been so good to us. One of the great things about our community is that we support each other even in the bad times, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Whittle supports schools, hospices, churches, women’s groups, the Fraternal Order of Police, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA), and garden clubs, to name a few. “We love to give to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta,” he says. “We do something for them every week, and we are there so often that my grandson calls it ‘his hospital.’ Pam Yonker and her team are absolutely wonderful to work with.”

As it turns out, for Yonker, community development officer for CHOA, the feeling is mutual. “I’m not sure there is anyone who can outdo Mike Whittle in giving back to the community,” Yonker says. “Whether it’s giving out flowers to people ‘just because’ or providing a whimsical arrangement every week to brighten the faces of the patients, parents, and the staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Town Center Urgent Care, Mike’s positive attitude and caring spirit are pervasive in our community. We are incredibly grateful for Mike and how he uses his God-given talents to minister to so many people!”

K. Mike Whittle Designs has been involved in numerous galas, both large and small. One of Whittle’s favorite events is a fundraiser for the Center for Family Resources, a Cobb County organization that works to serve families and individuals who are either homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. “It’s always beautiful and special,” Whittle says, “They give me a theme and let me be creative, which works best. We collaborate among our entire floral team and the event always turns out beautifully.”

Whittle says his mission is to be creative and satisfy each customer with plenty of customer service. When a client calls him with a budget, he will do the best that he can, no matter the size of the budget. The pressure to do more and spend more is not there, and customers appreciate that.

The list of Cobb community leaders who rave about K. Mike Whittle Designs is long and impressive. One would be hard-pressed to find anyone who isn’t a fan of Whittle and his amazing team. “Mike’s floral creations truly reflect his unique personality, which is often whimsical and surprising, and always designed with meticulous care,” says Patti Schoettler, an independent agent for AFLAC, known servant leader, and 2022 Kennesaw Citizen of the Year. “Mike has a heart for bringing joy to others through the gift of flowers, and countless organizations in our community can attest to his generosity.

Meant to be

Whittle makes no bones about the required mix of talent and passion needed to run his business, and how that recipe has been key to his success. “You have to have a God-given ability to do it, and do it right,” he says. “It’s also knowing the differences in flowers and how they work for different designs. I’ve done a lot of training through the years, and it enhances your creativity.”

And when it comes to a natural ability, well, that matters as well. “Being a florist gets in your blood, and you can’t get out of it. I have had an appreciation of flowers since Day 1! And, God has Blessed us from the start to what we have become today.”

Tree Lighting at The Battery Atlanta

The 8th annual Tree Lighting at The Battery takes Saturday, November 30, 2024, and features live music, guest appearances, and a movie following the lighting.

The fun starts early with live music from world-class talent The Free on the Pavilion Stage.

At 7 pm, the Braves In-Game Stadium Host Mark Owens and Blooper take over to welcome Santa to The Battery Atlanta to light the Christmas tree.

The evening ends with a screening of How The Grinch Stole Christmas on the plaza screen.

Date:
November 30, 2024

Time:
5:30 pm to 8 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
The Plaza at Battery Atlanta
755 Battery Avenue Southeast
Atlanta, GA 30339

For more information, please call (404) 494-1150 or email BatteryInfo@Braves.com

2024 Menorah Lighting at Marietta Square

Light Up the Night: Annual Menorah Lighting at Marietta Square Welcomes All

Celebrate Hanukkah with the annual Menorah Lighting at Marietta Square.  The joyous festival of Hanukkah is celebrated in a special way at Marietta Square, with the annual Menorah Lighting event.

One of the highlights of the event is the array of Hanukkah music that fills the air. Adding to the merriment, guests can indulge in free hot chocolate and donuts that complement the Hanukkah festivities.  Of course, it wouldn’t be Hanukkah without chocolate gelt! This popular Hanukkah candy is distributed freely, bringing smiles to faces young and old.

Hosted by Congregation Ner Tamid, this festive gathering aims to bring the community together, regardless of faith or background.

Date:
Sunday, December 28, 2024

Time:
6:30 pm

Admission:
Free

Address:
Glover Park Stage at Marietta Square
50 E Park Square
Marietta GA 30060

Parking:
Marietta Square Parking

For more information, please call 678-264-8575 or visit mynertamid.org.

Santa in the Square

After kicking off the holiday season with the Marietta Square Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa’s Workshop opens at the Marietta Museum of History. Bring the kids to visit Santa’s Workshop on select dates in December.

Photos with Santa are available, and afterward visitors are encouraged to visit the shops and restaurants surrounding the Square for fun holiday gifts and great food and drinks.

Santa’s Arrival:
Thursday, December 5, 2024 at the Christmas Tree Lighting.

Santa’s 2023 Schedule:

  • Friday, Dec. 6 – Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024
  • Thursday, Dec. 12 – Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024
  • Thursday, Dec. 19 – Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024

Admission:
Reservations are limited and required, they are unable to accept walk-ups so be sure to book your spot as soon as possible.

Address:
Marietta Museum of History
1 Depot St,
Marietta, GA 30060

Parking:
Marietta Square Parking

Christmas Wonderland

Christmas Wonderland’s spectacular drive-through light show took place at Jim R Miller Park from late November 2023 through early January of this year. This award-winning holiday spectacle employed state-of-the-art technology and the allure of the holiday season to captivate visitors. This radiant wonderland could be enjoyed from the cozy interior of your car as you traveled through specially designed light installations, all set to the cheerful tunes of Christmas songs.

In 2024, it appears that Christmas Wonderland will not take place in Marietta/Atlanta but will still take place in Sevierville, TN., Johnson City, TN., Charlotte, NC., Tryon, NC., and Madison, AL. For a closer Christmas and holiday light show, check out the Lights of Life or the World of Illumination, both located here in Marietta.

The Light Show

The exhibit dazzles with a 300-foot RGB tunnel that envelopes you in a cascade of shifting colors. Marvel at 50-foot-tall luminous Christmas trees and expansive walls of shimmering lights. As you drive along, you will discover the lives of North Pole residents like elves, reindeer, and of course, Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Get a glimpse of toy manufacturing, learn about reindeer training, and witness other delightful activities that will entertain everyone in your vehicle as you gear up for the holiday season.

Extend the Magic at Santa’s Village

The enchantment continues even after the light tour concludes. Inside the Jim R Miller Event Center, guests can explore Santa’s Village for a fully immersive North Pole experience. Enjoy a variety of activities such as ice tubing, inflatables, and photo opportunities. With attractions for kids and adults alike, along with food and mouth-treats, it promises to be a fun holiday memory for all. And don’t forget to visit Santa Claus for pictures and holiday cheer.

A Tradition Two Decades in the Making

With nearly 20 years of experience in creating drive-through holiday light exhibits set to music, the family-run Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland in Marietta brings their passion for Christmas to life through this intricate blend of lights and melodies. So, pack up your car, set your radio, and get ready for an awe-inspiring experience.

Dates:
November 17, 2023 through January 7
Though it appears that this event is not coming back to Marietta, be sure to check out Lights of Life or World of Illumination.

Times:
Monday through Friday from 6 pm to 10 pm
Saturday and Sunday from 6 pm to 10 pm (or later)
Including Holidays, Rain or Shine

Admission:
$39.95 per car.

Address:
Jim R Miller Park
2245 Callaway Road
Marietta, GA 30008

For more details and ticket purchases, please call (423) 652-0120 or visit https://www.shadrackchristmas.com/marietta-ga.

Nourishing Children’s Imaginations

As the local point of contact for the Get Georgia Reading Campaign, the Cobb Collaborative works to promote literacy in Cobb County through a community-wide reading initiative that unites families, educators, and community partners. Data reveals that children who read proficiently by the end of third grade are four times more likely to graduate from high school — paving the way to higher education, better employment opportunities, and improved health outcomes. As one of many solutions geared toward improving outcomes for children and families, proficient literacy and language skills have been proven to directly influence the opportunities and successes of their lives.

We are beyond thrilled to serve as the local point of contact for the Get Georgia Reading Campaign and to build a partnership of engaged stakeholders in order to move the needle on access to reading materials in our community. There is a direct link between reading skills and high school graduation rates, which of course leads directly to employment opportunities, economic stability and ultimately, the health of our communities. It’s not an exaggeration to note that proficient readers become engaged citizens.

Early Learning Work: The Basics

Incredibly, the human brain doubles in size in the first year. It keeps growing to about 80 percent of adult size by age 3 and 90 percent — nearly full grown — by age 5. That’s why the earliest years are critical to developing strong readers and engaged students. Our commitment to literacy begins with our youngest residents and their families and is anchored by The Basics.

The Basics consists of five principles that were distilled from scientific literature by the Achievement Gap Initiative at Harvard University to create equity across all backgrounds for every child. The framework uses a public health approach called socioecological saturation to achieve this. We know that parents and caregivers want the best for their children, yet all kids today are subject to stress and competing demands on their time and resources. We also acknowledge that parents give care and attention within their own contexts, whether that is cultural or experiential. In the spring of 2021, the Cobb Collaborative was selected as one of only 10 sites across Georgia to bring The Basics collective impact model to our community. The five principles support social, emotional, and cognitive development of children up to 5 years old, helping to boost brain development and improving kindergarten readiness. The principles combine scientific rigor with a broad coverage of key domains of early-childhood development and are simple enough to commit to memory for efficient program implementation:

  1. Maximize Love, Manage Stress
  2. Count, Group and Compare
  3. Talk, Sing and Point
  4. Explore through Movement and play
  5. Read and Discuss Stories

The Collaborative offers training to community partners and shares print and digital resources supporting The Basics. We also offer interactive and engaging parent/caregiver workshops and distribute Basics Bundles, which include tactile objects that support the five principles along with a tip sheet. Our Basics resources are available in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Learn more at thebasicscobbcounty.org.

Little Free Libraries

Driven by the motivation of increasing access to books, the Collaborative has helped to establish 22 Little Free Libraries across Cobb County. Little Free Library (LFL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to putting books in the hands of children and adults in communities around the world. These book-sharing boxes remove barriers to book access by being available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day with free accessibility. They operate under the “Take One, Leave One” theory which encourages readers to not only take a book, but to leave one for others when there is an ability to do so. Research tells us that starting from birth, frequent and interactive book reading is associated with cognitive and language development. One of the most successful ways to improve the reading achievement of children is to increase access to books, especially at home. This is a quintessential collaborative effort, with additional partners including the Cobb County School District, United Way of Greater Atlanta Northwest Region, Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, businesses, civic associations and private foundations.

Any community benefits from the addition of a Little Free Library, but we have an intentional focus on under-resourced neighborhoods because we know that children in low-income households have approximately ONE book per 300 children versus middle income households who enjoy approximately 13 titles per child. We are grateful for support that helps us install and maintain LFLs in order to grant free access to books across Cobb County.

Literacy and Justice For All

We are honored to work alongside Marietta City Schools to create a language-centered ecosystem and learning environment for children from birth to third grade. The goal of the “Literacy and Justice for All” grant is to use a community-wide commitment to the Science of Reading to empower every child in Marietta to be a proficient reader by the end of third grade. This work is critically important as schools address both the significant learning loss resulting from the pandemic and the gaps in opportunity that often occur around literacy in our communities. Marietta-based investments from the United Way includes teaching resources, trauma-informed training, professional development, social-emotional learning, community programming, early learning opportunities, personnel, and evaluation.

The collective goal is not to “beat the odds” for a small number of children, but to change the odds for every child. The Cobb Collaborative leads “Literacy Ambassador” volunteers from each of Marietta City Schools elementary campus. Ambassadors share their unique perspectives as parents, family members, and caregivers of current students and are a “trusted voice” to their peers. Ambassadors are champions for their school, Marietta City Schools, and the Literacy & Justice For All initiative. They are an integral piece of the process of bringing educators and community leaders together to tackle the issue of literacy and helping every child be on a path of reading proficiency and ultimately to leading a life of self-determination.

“Pop Up” Book Giveaways

We enjoy collecting gently loved books and distributing them at community events, restocking our Little Free Libraries and building classroom libraries for teachers. The Collaborative distributed 5,123 books in the past year. We invite anyone who is cleaning out bookshelves to keep us in mind if you have children’s books. We’ll be happy to redeploy those! Many low-income neighborhoods are “book deserts,” meaning that it is difficult to access children’s books. Books develop and nourish children’s imaginations, expanding their worlds. They create questions and provide answers. Books inspire us.


The Cobb Collaborative is a membership of nonprofit organizations, local government, businesses, faith-based organizations, educational institutions, professional organizations, associations, and residents who share ideas, expertise, and resources to improve outcomes for children and families in Cobb. Visit www.cobbcollaborative.org to learn more.

All-Star Impact

The Atlanta Braves are champions on and off the field

The Atlanta Braves recently released a report detailing the team’s impact on our community — from its economic effect on the field, including winning a national championship, to its many charitable works and community grant programs. The full report is available at braves.com/give but here are a few of the highlights.

Braves by the numbers

According to the report, the Atlanta Braves Foundation invested $500,000 last year in Cobb County non-profits and schools. Additionally, Truist Park and The Battery Atlanta generated more than $38 million in combined tax revenue during the 2022 fiscal year. Nearly $10 million of that revenue was allocated to the Cobb County Board of Education. And it should be noted that Truist Park is now net positive for Cobb County taxpayers.

Additional impacts “by the numbers” include the following:

  •  17, 656 game tickets were donated during the 2022 season.
  •  1,150 veterans served through The Warrior Alliance Home Base at The Battery Atlanta.
  •  45,000-plus pounds of fresh produce and 2,100 hot meals were distributed through the Home Plate Project presented by Chick-fil-A.
  •  $1.4 million-plus in community grants and sponsorships were provided to 92 non-profit organizations.
  •  Two wishes were granted at Truist Park with Make-A-Wish Georgia.

Community partnerships

In addition to its partnership with Make-A-Wish Georgia, the Atlanta Braves have joined forces with Northside Hospital, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Susan G. Komen Georgia, Athletes Against Anxiety and Depression, and the American Red Cross among many other charitable organizations. According to the report, the Braves are “committed to supporting the health and well-being of our fans across Braves Country through a variety of efforts and initiatives.”

Moreover, in 2022, Braves staff volunteered at non-profit organizations and local projects across the metro area, accumulating more than 1,100 hours of service to the community. Among their many efforts, they hosted holiday events, planted a community orchard, served at the Hank Aaron All-Star school, and sorted holiday gifts for foster children.

Growing the game

The Braves continue to help grow the sports of baseball and softball through multiple efforts that create access to playing opportunities in under-served communities. The team’s recent efforts include assisting in the construction of a new park and turf fields in Gresham Park in south Atlanta, which is considered a hub for growth and development of Black baseball and softball players.

Additionally, the Braves and 7G Foundation hosted the first-ever Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park featuring top high school baseball players of Native American descent for a workout and showcase game in front of pro scouts and college coaches.

A lasting impact

Both the team and the Atlanta Braves Foundation do more for the community than can be summarized on one page in this magazine. But from the above, one can conclude that Cobb County and metro Atlanta are impacted deeply by this team and their efforts. One final initiative of note: After the passing of Braves legend Henry “Hank” Aaron, the team created the Henry Louis Aaron Fund in his honor. The fund pledges to continue Aaron’s passion for creating more opportunities for minorities in baseball — both on the field and in the front office. To learn more about the Atlanta Braves Foundation and the ways you can support our community, visit braves.com/give.

Brumby Hall & Gardens

A hidden gem — and Scarlett O’Hara — await…

Residents of Cobb County know that it is a special place with a seemingly endless variety of parks and other green spaces, entertainment and sports venues, museums and other cultural institutions, a major university, and much more. It is a mission of this publication to inform locals and visitors about all that our great county has to offer. It is especially rewarding to share the news on so-called “hidden gems,” places that deserve a little more recognition. One such locale is Brumby Hall & Gardens.

Picture it: You’re standing in a brick-paved courtyard; there’s a calming fountain on one end and an historic, impeccably maintained home on the other end. This intimate and peaceful setting is lined with trees and floral splendor. As you stroll slowly through the greenspace, taking in the sounds of the birds and fragrant flora, your destination is just ahead — a cozy, romantic gazebo.

Doesn’t this sound like the perfect location for a wedding, a baby shower, or even a corporate event? Well, what if I told you this hidden oasis not only was nearby, but in fact, is just minutes from Marietta Square? There is, indeed, an almost magical atmosphere to Brumby Hall & Gardens, so we asked representatives Deborah Koss and Lindsey Wiles to tell us all about it. But first, here’s a brief history lesson on the property (which is now cared for by the City of Marietta).

Brumby Hall & Gardens

According to the city, Brumby Hall is a pre-Civil War home built by Colonel Arnoldus V. Brumby in 1851 while he served as the first superintendent of the nearby Georgia Military Institute (GMI), which was located where the Hilton Marietta Hotel & Conference Center stands today. The house was used as a makeshift hospital during the Civil War, and survived Gen. Sherman’s torch during the burning of Atlanta as an apparent courtesy to Col. Brumby since the men had attended West Point at the same time (U.S. Military Academy).

The Moore/Trezevant family owned the house for many years, with daughter Matilda “Tilly” Trezevant its final occupant until 1995. A group known as Friends of Brumby Hall became overseers for the house for several years, holding meetings in the home and furnishing the interior with period antiques. In 2018, the Marietta Gone With the Wind Museum, a popular tourist attraction on the Marietta Square for decades, needed a new home. With the Tara-like facade and large front porch, Brumby Hall seemed to be the perfect location. After the move, the Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel and Conference Center, which had previously overseen the almost 15,000 square feet of gardens, relinquished caretaker duties to the City of Marietta. Thanks to the city’s Parks & Recreation Department, the gardens have become a virtual wonderland of floral delight. A favorite venue with brides-to-be due to the beauty and tranquility that permeates the house and gardens, it appears that nature’s “perfect spot for a wedding” will not remain a hidden gem very long.

Since the city took over, officials have been overseeing a series of updates and improvements to both the home and the gardens. According to Wiles, who is communications manager for the City of Marietta, there are four total gardens that are available for facilities or for event rentals, She says that with recent enhancements “it’s easier for visitors to walk [around] and see the spaces, and it’s more inviting for weddings and any other kind of events — more so than it has been in the past.”

If you’re planning a wedding or another type of event soon, place Brumby Hall & Gardens on your list. Koss, facilities coordinator, says they can accommodate just about anything for up to 200 guests. “We’ve had a number of baby showers, engagement parties, birthday parties, bar mitzvahs, so we even had a reception after a funeral,” she said. “So, yes, we have all sorts of events in the gardens.”

Additionally, you may choose your own vendors, or work with the vendors approved by Brumby Hall. There’s a full list of approved providers on the facility’s website, as well as a thorough FAQ page to answer most questions related to bookings. Visit brumbyhallmarietta.com for details.

All the gardens can be rented year-round, and they can be both tented and heated for slightly inclement weather. Plus, if your event includes guests from out of town, the adjacent Hilton Atlanta Marietta Hotel and Conference Center (and its golf course) are a convenient option for overnight or weekend stays. “I think we’re lucky that we are right next to the Hilton,” Wiles said. “We have the use because the city of Marietta owns the conference center and also owns the museum. We have the use of that parking lot right there, so that’s convenient. Also, if you were to get married at the gardens, you could have your guests stay at the Hilton right there. So, convenience is a big thing.

“We are very close to the Marietta Square and everything that the square has to offer,” she continued. “I think the gardens are just a lovely place to get married. In one of our bigger gardens, we have a pavilion and a gazebo already, and those are structures people can utilize for ceremonies and receptions. So, I think it’s just a good outdoor experience, and it doesn’t feel like you’re in the middle of a city, but you have the convenience of being right here.”

Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum

According to museum officials, the Marietta Gone with the Wind Museum has been a mainstay in Marietta since 2003, when it opened in the historic Old Thomas Warehouse Building near the Marietta Square. The museum moved to its new home (Brumby Hall) in April of 2018. Following a series of upgrades, officials held a grand reopening this past June.

“Making that move, there was a lot of improvements and repair work that needed to be done to the house before that. Our facilities crew did a lot of repairs — HVAC work, repairs to the siding, the roof, and that took up a good deal of funds. After that, over the last couple of years, we’ve worked slowly to enhance the gardens in the back,” said Wiles.

With an extensive collection of memorabilia relating to the book and movie, you do not have to be a die-hard fan of the film to enjoy the vast history surrounding one of the world’s most beloved books and movies. The book has never left bookshelves since 1936, and the film is the number-one box office movie of all time (when allowing for inflation).

This exclusive exhibit is owned by Vicky Lynn Rogers who has been collecting these items for more than 30 years. Mrs. Rogers currently owns and operates the Gone With the Wind Remembered Museum in Cleburne, Texas. It features several original pieces as well as items that are extremely rare, including one of the most iconic costume pieces from the movie, the mourning bonnet worn by Scarlett O’Hara, played by Vivien Leigh. Additionally, there are one-of-a-kind pieces including, the Shantytown dress, and Rhett Butler’s (Clark Gable) jacket. The collection also includes the original Dan Sayre Groesbeck painting which hung in Loews Lobby during the premier of Gone With the Wind on Dec. 15, 1939. The museum is also home to the six original Walter Plunkett costume sketches which include Scarlett’s iconic green BBQ dress.

Gone with the Wind Museum

2024 HarvestFest and Scarecrows In The Square

Visit Marietta Square for the annual HarvestFest (formerly the Harvest Square Arts and Crafts Festival) on Saturday, October 19, 2024 from 9 am to 5 pm. The event includes HarvestFest Market featuring a wide variety of unique handmade items from a local artist and craftsmen as well as Fall fun for the entire family.  The HarvestFest festival also includes Halloween Happenings Kids Festival, Touch-A-Truck, Costume Contest, Pie Eating Contest, a College Football Watch Area, and Scarecrows in the Square.

Schedule:

  • HarvestFest Market & Halloween Happenings Kids Festival – 9 am to 5 pm
  • Touch-A-Truck – 10 am – 2 pm
  • Pie Eating Contest – 11:30 am (ages 6-12) and 12:00 pm (ages 13 and up)
  • Costume Contest 2 pm to 3 pm (contestants arrive at 1:30 pm)
  • Farmers Market – 9 am to noon.
  • College Football Watch Area

HarvestFest Market: Handmade Arts & Crafts
HarvestFest Market will feature many local and area artists and craftspeople from around the southeast. Exhibitors will include handmade arts & crafts including painting, pottery, woodwork, metal, jewelry, glass, fabric and floral designs.

Halloween Happenings Kids Festival
Halloween Happenings is a fun-filled festival designed for children ages 12 and younger. Kids can come dressed in their favorite costume with a trick-or-treat bag. With carnival games, inflatable houses, candy, and other special activities, this event offers a safe and exciting way to celebrate the fall season. No registration is required for the kids costume contests.

Touch a Truck
Festival-goers of all ages will love the Touch-A-Truck event, where many City of Marietta vehicles will be on display for an up-close experience. Visitors can explore firetrucks, police cars, tractors, tow trucks, and more! This year’s participants include the City of Marietta Parks, Recreation, and Facilities; the City of Marietta Fire Department; the City of Marietta Police Department; and the City of Marietta Public Works, among others.

Costume Contest
Come dressed in your best handmade costume for the Costume Contest at Glover Park Stage. Contestants should arrive at 1:30 PM to receive a contestant number, with the contest starting at 2:00 PM, beginning with the youngest participants. Categories include 1st to 3rd place winners for each age group: 1 year old and younger, 2 to 3 years old, 4 to 6 years old, 7 to 8 years old, 9 to 10 years old, and 11 to 12 years old. There is also a group category, with 1st to 3rd place awarded to groups of at least two contestants of any age. The event will conclude with a pet costume contest at 3:00 PM, featuring an Overall Grand Prize and 1st to 3rd place winners.

Pie Eating Contest
This year’s Fall Festival will feature an exciting Pie Eating Contest for participants aged 6 and older. Are you ready to prove you’re Marietta’s fastest pie eater? The City of Marietta is collaborating with Pie Bar on the Marietta Square to create an unforgettable dessert-eating experience. The contest is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th, right before the Halloween Happenings event. Participation is free, but contestants must be 6 years or older to join the fun.

Scarecrows in the Square
The annual Scarecrows In The Square competition will be showcased throughout the park during the festival. Schools, clubs, businesses, and non-profits are invited to apply to participate.  Accepted organizations can then bring their scarecrows to Glover Park at Historic Marietta Square for a chance to win awards. Prizes will be awarded for Best In Show and 1st Place in each category: School/Club, Business, Government, Non-Profit, and Best Overall. Participants are encouraged to join in the HarvestFest Halloween Happenings by hosting kids’ activities or offering treats at their scarecrow displays during the event.

The Big Chicken Cornerback’s Coop: A College Football Watch Area
Local college football is coming to the streets of Marietta at the “Coop” on East Park Square.  Bring your chairs and grab some food from the local vendors and be a part of the watch party.

Farmers Market
Though not an official part of the festival, The Marietta Square Farmers Market will also take place nearby during part of the festival – from 9 am to noon.  The market takes place in the parking lot across the railroad tracks from the Marietta History Center at 25 Mill St, Marietta, GA 30060.

Date:
Saturday, October 19, 2024

Time:
9 am to 5 pm

Address:
Glover Park, Marietta Square
75 E Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060

Parking:
Marietta Square Parking

Admission:
Free

The Marietta Parks and Recreation Department sponsors this event each fall.  For more information, please call (770) 794-5601.

Ghosts of Marietta Walking Tour Scarecrow
Marietta Square Trolley Tours Scarecrow
Black Dress / Red Wagon Scarecrow