Week of July 25, 2011

Help support local library and hear from bestselling author

The Cobb Library Foundation will host New York Times bestselling novelist Joshilyn Jackson Friday, July 29, as part of its "Booked for Lunch" 2011 author series. The event will be held at Indian Hills Country Club and doors open for the fundraiser at 11 a.m. Tickets are $25 each, including lunch.

Jackson's debut book, "gods in Alabama," won SIBA's 2005 Novel of the Year award and was a number one BookSense pick. She won Georgia Author of the Year for her second novel, "Between Georgia," which was also a number one BookSense pick. This made Jackson the first author in BookSense history to receive this status in back-to-back years. Her third novel, "The Girl Who Stopped Swimming," was a Break Out book at Target and has been shortlisted for the Townsend Prize for fiction. All three books were chosen for the Books-A-Million Book Club. Her latest novel is "Backseat Saints." All event proceeds will help fund the Gail Rogers Honorary Scholarship. To purchase tickets, visit www.cobbcat.org/foundation.

 

Residents offered inside look at public safety departments

Cobb Department of Public Safety staff will host a fall session of the Citizens Public Safety Academy. The program provides a unique opportunity for Cobb residents to gain inside looks at various units of the public safety. During the course, participants will experience the Emergency Communications Center, fire and police organizations and the role each plays in protecting Cobb residents. The 13-week program is free and applications are being accepted until Friday, July 29. Classes will be held every Tuesday evening and the location changes from week to week depending on what is being discussed. The program is scheduled to tentatively start Tuesday, Sept. 20, and end Tuesday, Dec. 13. The class is limited to 25 students and acceptance is on a first come, first serve basis. For more information, call the DPS training center at 770-590-5650 or email Renee Cameron at renee.cameron@cobbcounty.org.

 

Attend special event and adopt deserving animals

Residents can help "find forever homes for our homeless friends" at Cobb Animal Control's Adopt-A-Thon Saturday, Aug. 6. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and be held at the shelter, located at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Participants will enjoy vendors, food, animal rescue groups, police K-9 demonstrations, raffles, special adoption rates and a chance to meet the new on-staff veterinarian. This event is part of Cobb Animal Control's effort to compete in the ASPCA Save More Lives Challenge. The goal of the challenge is to save more lives in the short term and increase the potential to save more lives in the future. Adopt-A-Thon events will be held 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10, and Saturday, Oct. 8, as well. For more information on the event, or to make a secure donation, visit cobbcounty.org/animalcontrol.

 

Tips on how to reduce your water bill

If you water your lawn or have a pool, your water bill may be higher than normal. TV23 staff spoke with Kathy Nguyen, of Cobb Water, to share some tips on reducing your bill.

 

Special hearing on millage will precede board meeting

The Cobb Board of Commissioners will hold the third public hearing on the adoption of the 2011 millage rate, 7 p.m., Tuesday, July 26, in the BOC Room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta. The special hearing will be followed by the regular meeting, including an item to set the 2011 millage.

 

Families invited to enjoy scavenger hunt in local park

Staff from Cobb Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs and Cobb Water System will present part of the summer family series Outdoor Romping and Creek Stomping Tuesday, July 26. The Family Scavenger Hunt event will be held 9-11 a.m. at Kennworth Park. All ages are invited and educators from the Watershed Stewardship Program and the Natural Resources Program will facilitate the adventure. Registration is required and the cost is $2 per person. Space is limited. For more information or to register, email karen.faucett@cobbcounty.org or call 770-528-8803.

 

Find transportation options after bus routes discontinued

At midnight on Aug. 1, Cobb Community Transit bus service on routes 35, 65 and 70 will be discontinued. To make the transition as smooth as possible for all affected residents, Cobb Department of Transportation staff is offering guidance and information on other transportation options. These options include: carpooling and vanpooling; shuttle services; bicycling; telecommuting; walking and private transportation vendors. For travel training, trip planning or more information about your personalized mobility, contact DOT's planning division at 770-528-1679 or planning@cobbcounty.org. The Cobb County Transportation Resource Directory provides information about various options available. To view this directory, visit cobbcounty.org/cct.

 

Upcoming reading celebration a fun time for whole family

Families are invited to enjoy the Summer Reading Program celebration 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Central Library. The party will include games, crafts and entertainment. The Central Library is located at 266 Roswell St., Marietta. For more information, call 770-528-2330.

 

 

Southbound State Route 120 Alternate ramp to be closed tonight

Georgia Department of Transportation staff plan to close the southbound State Route 120 Alternate ramp at Roswell Road to night paving Monday, July 25, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. The detour route will be to continue east on Roswell Road to Greenbriar Parkway, then execute a U-turn and continue west to the new cloverleaf exit onto southbound SR-120 Alternate.

 

CSX closing several railroad crossings for repair

Several CSX railroad tracks or crossings in Cobb will be closed for repair within the next several weeks. Listed below are the dates and locations of closures:

• July 25-26, East Dixie Avenue (city of Marietta)
• July 27-28, Waverly Way (city of Marietta)
• July 27-28, White Circle
• Aug. 1-2, Mossy Rock Road
• Aug. 3-4, Smith Street (city of Acworth)
• Aug. 3-4, Acworth Industrial Park (private)
  

 

New transportation project opening will reduce traffic in Cobb

Cobb dignitaries will celebrate the Windy Hill Road ribbon cutting 11 a.m., Wednesday, Aug. 10, at Jim Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road. The ceremony will officially open two miles of newly-constructed roadway which connects Windy Hill Road to Macland Road. This project will provide long-term congestion relief for the county and aligns with Cobb's commitment to reduce traffic congestion and improve transportation needs. For more information, call 770-528-3693.

 

Workshop will highlight how to effectively do business with county

People interested in learning how to conduct business with Cobb County are invited to a workshop 5:30-7 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 17. Representatives from companies that provide goods and services such as: computer hardware and software, public safety, tools and hardware, electrical repair and supplies, plumbing, audio/visual equipment, furniture, chemicals, janitorial supplies and custom printing are welcome. The meeting will be hosted by Cobb County Purchasing Department and held in the Cobb Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. To RSVP for this free event, contact Inger Eberhart ar 770-528-3317 or inger.eberhart@cobbcounty.org.

 

For the latest news and information happening around the county including emergency road closures and severe traffic delays, text "follow cobbcountygovt" to 40404 or find Cobb County Government on Facebook. You can also find fun and informative county videos on YouTube.