The Switzer Library parking lot is turning into a playground for big wheels and flashing lights this September. The 3rd Annual Touch-a-Truck event gives kids the rare chance to climb behind the wheel, honk a horn, and pretend they’re in charge of some of the coolest vehicles around.
From fire trucks to construction rigs, little ones can explore the machines they usually see rumbling down the street. Even better, they’ll get to meet the drivers who operate them. It’s two hours of pure childhood joy, where buttons can be pressed without parents having to say no for once.
Date: Friday, September 26, 2025
Time: 2 pm to 4 pm
Admission:
Free
Address:
Switzer Library
266 Roswell Street
Marietta, GA 30060
For more information, please contact the Switzer Library Children’s Department at (770) 528-2331.
The long-empty lot on Marietta Square known locally as the “Goldstein Gap” is finally set for new life. On September 29, 2025, the Marietta Historic Board of Review unanimously approved plans for a new Ted’s Montana Grill at 77 North Park Square. The property has remained vacant since owner Philip Goldstein razed the Cuthbertson building in 2010. Since then, multiple redevelopment proposals fell through, including plans for a brewery and a five-story building.
The “Goldstein Gap” where the Cuthbertson building once stood.
The approved project will be a single-story, steel-framed structure totaling 4,311 square feet, including a partial basement of 315 square feet on the 4,423-square-foot site. To maintain the visual rhythm of the Square, the design incorporates a second-story fascia that matches the scale of neighboring buildings.
Elevation and interior layout of the new Marietta Square building at 77 North Park Square.
The exterior will feature brick veneer with cement plaster and precast accents such as belt courses, a water table, and soldier coursing. Architectural touches include a projecting cornice, flat metal canopies supported by pipe rods, and aluminum windows designed to resemble steel windows. Inside, details will echo historical elements with historical lines, patterned glass, transoms, and authentic mahogany trim and paneling. Construction is expected to be completed by June 2027.
The fence surrounding the “Goldstein Gap” is decorated with Chalktoberfest art, an event sponsored by the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art.
Ted’s Montana Grill was founded in 2002 by media entrepreneur Ted Turner and George W. McKerrow, the founder of LongHorn Steakhouse. The restaurant is inspired by 19th-century saloons, offering a relaxed setting for enjoying hearty meals with a nod to American heritage. The concept grew rapidly, at one time peaking at 55 units nationwide. Today there are 27 locations across the U.S., with Georgia leading the way at 11, and soon to be 12 when the Marietta Square location opens.
Side view of 77 North Park Square.
Known for its eco-friendly approach and warm hospitality, Ted’s Montana Grill has become synonymous with bison on the menu. In fact, it serves more bison than any other restaurant group in the world. Guests can expect flavorful bison burgers and hand-cut steaks, along with other American classics, all complemented by the restaurant’s sustainability practices like paper straws, Boraxo soap, and small-batch cooking to minimize food waste.
North Park Square and the future location of Ted’s Montana Grill.
The cornerstone of Ted’s Montana Grill is bison, praised for both its nutrition and taste. Bison meat is naturally lean, higher in iron and protein than other proteins, and free from hormones or steroids. Flavor-wise, it’s tender, mildly sweet, and never gamey, making it ideal for everything from juicy burgers to hearty steaks.
The Cuthbertson building was demolished in 2010 due to structural issues.
Alongside bison, Ted’s emphasizes locally sourced produce and antibiotic-free chicken. With a food waste percentage of only 1.62 percent compared to the industry average of 3 to 4 percent, the restaurant continues to push forward with environmentally conscious operations.
Marietta residents may already be familiar with Ted’s Montana Grill through its three other area restaurants: Barrett Pavilion in Kennesaw, Parkaire Landing in East Cobb, and The Avenue West Cobb. The upcoming Marietta Square location will add to that footprint, giving locals yet another chance to enjoy Big Sky-inspired dining without leaving the county.
Address:
Ted’s Montana Grill (Coming in late 2027)
77 North Park Square
Marietta, GA 30060
About The Marietta Historic Board of Review:
The Marietta Historic Board of Review is the body that protects and regulates development within the Downtown Marietta Historic District, ensuring new construction, renovations, and other exterior changes are visually compatible with historic buildings and structures. The Board issues certificates of approval for exterior changes, issues guidelines for things like public art, and has the authority to approve the preservation, relocation, or demolition of historic structures.
Chick-fil-A is expanding in Marietta with the grand opening of its newest restaurant at Barrett Parkway and Powder Springs Road. Doors will open on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 6 am, with longtime local Owner-Operator Sandeep Kapoor leading the way. This marks Kapoor’s second Chick-fil-A in the area, joining his Macland Crossing location, which will temporarily close this fall for a rebuild.
On opening day, guests are invited to show their best cow-inspired look, from full costumes to simple spotted accessories. Anyone dressed in cow attire can enjoy one free entrée or kid’s meal on opening day, available inside the restaurant or in the drive-thru.
The new restaurant, located at 6652 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy SW, will welcome Guests Monday through Friday from 6 am to 10 pm, and Saturdays from 6:30 am to 10 pm. In addition to dine-in, drive-thru and carry-out, the restaurant will offer catering and Mobile Thru service. Families will also appreciate the addition of an on-site playground.
Sandeep Kapoor has been part of Chick-fil-A since 2002. In 2017, he took over the Macland Crossing restaurant, which he will continue to lead after its rebuild. Alongside his wife Valerie, Kapoor is known for mentoring Team Members, creating career opportunities, and giving back to the local area.
As part of the opening, Chick-fil-A, Inc. will donate $25,000 to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to support hunger relief. Kapoor’s restaurants also participate in the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program, donating surplus food to nonprofits. The Barrett Parkway & Powder Springs Road location will create around 100 new jobs for Marietta and Powder Springs residents.
Opening Day:
Thursday, October 2, 2025, at 6 am
Address:
Chick-fil-A Barrett Parkway & Powder Springs Road
6652 Ernest W Barrett Pkwy SW
Marietta, GA 30064
Did You Know?
Chick-fil-A recently held a tasting of a new Chicken & Waffles Sandwich at the Sprayberry location in East Cobb. The exclusive test item combines crispy fried chicken with warm waffles for a sweet-and-savory flavor pairing. Read more about Chick-fil-A’s new Chicken & Waffles Sandwich…
We recently asked some of the top nonprofit organizations in Cobb County to share with us how they are making a difference. Additionally, we wanted to know what volunteer opportunities were available that we could share with readers. So, if you’re looking to get more involved in the community, representatives from A.G. Rhodes, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue, SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center, Special Needs Cobb, and United Military Care would love to hear from you.
A.G. Rhodes
As one of Atlanta’s oldest nonprofit organizations and few nonprofit nursing homes in Georgia, their roots trace back to more than a century ago when Amos Giles Rhodes came to Atlanta and founded Rhodes Furniture. He donated the land and funds for A.G. Rhodes’ first location, which opened in 1904 at the corner of Boulevard and Woodward Avenue where the company’s flagship location still operates today. Read more about A.G. Rhodes…
Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue
Since 2004, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue has been a beacon of hope for homeless, vulnerable, and medically fragile dogs and cats in Cobb County. Its mission is simple but powerful: save lives, provide healing, offer training, and place animals in loving forever homes. But the organization’s impact reaches far beyond rescue. Read more about Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue…
SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center
SafePath is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that is accredited by both the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia (CACGA). SafePath advocates for victimized children (neglect, emotional aggression, physical violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, etc.), ensuring they have access to the best support system and resources possible. Read more about SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center…
Special Needs Cobb
Since 1956, Special Needs Cobb has served adults with developmental disabilities in Cobb County, and since the late 1990s, they have maintained a growing network of group homes — 23 today. These homes aren’t institutions; they’re just that — homes. They’re in residential neighborhoods and filled with routines, joy, and care. They are often the last option for individuals who would otherwise be forgotten. Read more about Special Needs Cobb…
United Military Care
At United Military Care (UMC), the mission is simple: You served, we care. This local, nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families across the state, providing essential services, resources, and community connections that help restore hope and stability. Read more about United Military Care…
It takes more than walls to be home. A few years ago, Special Needs Cobb CEO, Debbie Day, received a call that stopped her in her tracks. The state needed an emergency placement for an 85-year-old with developmental disabilities. She was blind. She had no family and no clothes. Her name was Miss Louise.
The organization knew Miss Louise needed a safe, loving place to land. Immediately. Community partners helped gather clothing and essentials. And then, just as Special Needs Cobb had done for decades, they opened their doors. Miss Louise moved into one of their group homes. There were cozy blankets, warm meals, and a house full of new friends. She had caregivers by her side around the clock. And for the next three years, until she passed away at 87, Miss Louise lived in peace, comfort, and dignity.
Since 1956, Special Needs Cobb has served adults with developmental disabilities in Cobb County, and since the late 1990s, they have maintained a growing network of group homes — 23 today. These homes aren’t institutions; they’re just that — homes. They’re in residential neighborhoods and filled with routines, joy, and care. They are often the last option for individuals who would otherwise be forgotten.
The organization’s mission is to provide lifelong housing for adults with special needs, and that includes the full responsibility of maintaining and operating 23 properties year-round. This is no small task. The homes are under constant scrutiny from multiple governing bodies, including HUD and DBHDD, and they take pride in exceeding their rigorous standards mandated to keep them in operation. Special Needs Cobb has done so for 70 years! Many of its homes are now 25+ years old, and wear and tear is beginning to show with commercial-grade use.
The nonprofit is most in need of general operational funds that support it in keeping these homes running and safe. Its team of just five staff members manages it all. They’re on call after hours. They juggle urgent maintenance and other issues with grace and grit, including fundraising events. The nonprofit’s Annual Pars for Stars Golf Invitational on October 13, 2025 is open to the public. Your attendance helps them continue to thrive. Whether you are a golfer or just want to join them for lunch and fabulous auction, have fun and do good by visiting specialneedscobb.org and register today.
Here’s why donors can trust Special Needs Cobb:
Longevity — They are one of the oldest nonprofits in Cobb with nearly 70 years of trusted service.
They’re deeply embedded in the community, collaborating with families, schools, and care providers.
They’ve quietly, dependably supported over 90 residents a year — some for over 30 years.
But numbers only tell part of the story. It’s in stories like Miss Louise’s, and in the steady assurance the homes provide every single day. Special Needs Cobb believes everyone deserves a safe place to call home — for life. With your support, they won’t just keep the lights on — they will keep hearts full.
SafePath is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization that is accredited by both the National Children’s Alliance (NCA) and the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia (CACGA). SafePath advocates for victimized children (neglect, emotional aggression, physical violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, etc.), ensuring they have access to the best support system and resources possible.
SafePath’s primary role is to reduce the trauma for these children, and coordinate and facilitate conversations through the legal system (law enforcement, healthcare, DFCS, etc.) to make the process of navigating through a difficult situation more efficient and less stressful. Providing services to these children is central to what children’s advocacy centers do.
While SafePath receives some funding through grant allocations, their work is also supported through individual donations and fundraisers. And though volunteers cannot directly work with the children due to the highly sensitive nature of the work, they are more than welcome to support in other ways by volunteering onsite with a variety of tasks and at fundraisers, in addition to being educated on the prevention of child abuse.
If you would like to get involved with SafePath through volunteering, donating, or participating in an event, please contact Lindsey Dugan — Community Resource Assistant.
Since 2004, Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue has been a beacon of hope for homeless, vulnerable, and medically fragile dogs and cats in Cobb County. Its mission is simple but powerful: save lives, provide healing, offer training, and place animals in loving forever homes. But the organization’s impact reaches far beyond rescue.
Each dog that enters their program is paired with a trainer to build the skills needed for successful adoption. Through its partnership with the Metro Re-Entry Prison, incarcerated men train the dogs — gaining career-building skills while the Mutts receive round-the-clock care and attention. And because Mostly Mutts is committed to lasting success, it offers free lifetime training support for every adopted dog.
Businesses like yours have the power to be part of this life-saving mission. Whether it’s through financial sponsorships, in-kind donations, or group volunteering at the Rescue Center or bustling thrift store, there are many meaningful ways to make a difference. The Mostly Mutts Market is located at 5505 Bells Ferry Road in Acworth. With over 300 volunteers, the organization is a vibrant hub of purpose-driven teamwork — and they invite you to join them.
By supporting Mostly Mutts, you’re not just helping animals — you’re strengthening our entire community. Let’s work together to create more wagging tails, joyful families, and second chances.
To learn more about how your business can get involved, visit mostlymutts.org.
As one of Atlanta’s oldest nonprofit organizations and few nonprofit nursing homes in Georgia, their roots trace back to more than a century ago when Amos Giles Rhodes came to Atlanta and founded Rhodes Furniture. He donated the land and funds for A.G. Rhodes’ first location, which opened in 1904 at the corner of Boulevard and Woodward Avenue where the company’s flagship location still operates today.
A.G. Rhodes provides long-term care, short-term recovery, and therapy and rehabilitation services for more than 1,300 seniors each year at its three locations in metro Atlanta, including a Memory Care Community on its Cobb campus in Marietta that offers all private rooms and household living environment.
Using a person-directed approach to care, A.G. Rhodes tailors services to support the unique physical, mental, and spiritual needs and preferences of each elder. It provides nationally recognized programs like Horticultural Therapy and Music Therapy and offers other research-based programs and activities that incorporate animals, art, children, music, plants, and technology. They say they have a place in their hearts — and their homes — for volunteers of all ages to support these programs.
A.G. Rhodes is proud of their over 120 years of delivering compassionate care to seniors throughout metro Atlanta, and it continues to be one of the only mission-driven nonprofit nursing home providers that serves Cobb’s underinsured and underserved seniors. At the heart of its mission is a steadfast commitment to people: to the people they serve and their families, and to the compassionate Care Partners who work at A.G. Rhodes.
At United Military Care (UMC), the mission is simple: You served, we care. This local, nonprofit organization is dedicated to supporting veterans and their families across the state, providing essential services, resources, and community connections that help restore hope and stability.
The team is passionate about advocacy and believe that every veteran deserves to feel valued, seen, and supported. United Military Care ensures that no veteran feels alone by offering hands-on assistance with food, housing, healthcare access, mental health support, and more. In addition to case management services, the organization organizes and hosts community-centered ‘We CARE Vet Fair’ events across the state. These events bring community partners and government agencies at every level together, under a single roof, for a day of no-cost support to the veteran community. The next We CARE Vet Fair will be held at the Cobb Civic Center in October.
UMC’s programs are built on compassion and commitment, serving veterans of all ages and backgrounds. They walk alongside military families, honoring their service with the care and respect they’ve earned. Through local outreach events, veteran resource hubs, and direct support services, UMC is building a statewide network of hope and healing.
Veterans have already done their part for our country. Now it’s our turn to be there for them. Join UMC in their mission — volunteer, donate, or refer a veteran in need. Together, we can make sure no one who served ever stands alone.
The annual We CARE Vet Fair takes place at the Cobb Civic Center, bringing together over 100 organizations ready to support veterans, service members, and their families. From legal advice and healthcare resources to employment help and housing assistance, the fair is packed with services that make a difference.
Attendees can also take advantage of free resume reviews and professional headshots, perfect for stepping up a job search. With no sales pitches, no donation requests, and free admission and free parking, the event keeps the focus squarely on helping those who served.
Veterans and military families should bring their documentation to make the most of the fair (see list below). Complimentary snacks and drinks will be available while supplies last. The event is designed to make navigating veterans’ services less of a battle plan and more of a one-stop mission accomplished. This fair is open to veterans, active-duty service members, families, caregivers, and survivors.
Services offered include:
Veterans benefits assistance, claims, and appeals help
Legal support for discharge upgrades, appeals, and civil or family issues
Healthcare and mental health resources
Employment opportunities with onsite interviews
Free resume prep and professional headshot photos (time to retire that old selfie on your LinkedIn)
Guidance in housing, finance, and nutrition
Snacks and drinks will be available at no cost while supplies last, so you can refuel without digging through your wallet.
To keep things running smoothly, be sure to bring your:
DD214 or equivalent service documentation
VA claim or appeal paperwork
Legal documents if you’re seeking help with legal matters
Medical documentation if it applies
Current resume for job opportunities
Power of attorney if you’re representing someone else
Date:
October 21, 2025
Time:
8:30 am to 6 pm
Address:
Cobb Civic Center
548 South Marietta Parkway SE
Marietta, GA 30060
Admission:
Free
Parking:
Free
For more information, please contact United Military Care at info@unitedmilitarycare.org or call (770) 973-0014.
