Elton on the Square, Artisan Markets & MLK Weekend 🎹

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I don't know about you, but January always feels like a breath of fresh air after the holidays.

The decorations are down, the house finally looks normal again, and we're all quietly settling back into our daily rhythms.

This week's issue is packed with ways to ease into the long weekend.

If you're looking for a real date night, Greggie and The Jets is bringing full Elton John energy to the Strand on Friday, the kind of show that makes you remember why you leave the house.

Saturday's perfect for a slower pace: coffee and a stroll through the Marietta Square Artisan Market, or maybe finally checking out Bird Watcher Supply Company to set up that backyard feeder you've been thinking about.

Monday's MLK Day tribute at the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre is a meaningful way to spend the holiday morning. And if you're looking for something quieter, the trails at McFarlane Nature Park are waiting.

The weekend forecast looks crisp and clear (but cold). Layer up and watch for ice on the roads.

Stay warm out there.

- Andrew

Have an event to share? Reply to this email!

Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre
117 N Park Square, Marietta, GA 30060 (Marietta Square)
Friday, Jan 16, 2026
8:00 PM – ~10:20 PM (VIP experience: 6:30–7:30 PM • Regular seating begins: 7:30 PM)
Tickets: $41–$86 (VIP options available)
Details + tickets: Event page

If your January needs a little sparkle (and a reason to actually leave the house), this is the easiest “real date night” win on the calendar.

Greggie and The Jets is a full-on classic-era Elton John tribute.

Big piano energy, big sing-along moments, and the kind of soundtrack that makes you remember you do still know all the words.

The show is structured in two sets with an intermission, so it feels like a full night out without being a marathon.

And the Strand on the Square is one of those venues that makes everything feel a little more special.

Dress up if you want, or just show up and let the music do the work.

If you’re doing dinner first, aim to be parked and walking toward the theatre by 7:15 PM.

Marietta Square can get busy on a Friday night, and you’ll want a few extra minutes to settle in before the lights go down.

In the Pavilions at Eastlake shopping center near Marietta, Mezza Luna Italian Restaurant & Bar is one of those rare East Cobb gems that feels upscale yet totally approachable.

Opened by chef-owner Giovanni Tortorici, this neighborhood Italian spot turns out handmade pastas, tender veal dishes, and an impressive list of seafood specials that change nightly.

Standouts include the lobster ravioli with saffron cream sauce and branzino piccata, while regulars swear by the garlic knots that arrive fresh and piping hot before every meal.

The dining room is intimate without being stuffy: white tablecloths, soft lighting, and staff who remember your favorite wine by the second visit.

It’s ideal for date night or small family celebrations, with generous portions and a surprisingly kid-friendly early dinner hour.

Ask for a patio table when the weather’s mild; it’s one of the coziest corners in East Cobb.

Don’t skip the limoncello mascarpone cake when it’s available.

Details & menu: mezzalunamarietta.com

If your idea of heaven on earth includes a vibrant backyard with colorful birds, this East Cobb staple is a must-visit.

Bird Watcher Supply Company has been helping locals set up feeders (and outsmart squirrels) since 1988, and it’s the kind of place where staff will actually walk you through what to buy for your yard.

For instance, I was having issues with squirrels getting into our feeder, so they recommended a few “squirrel proof” options that solved the issue!

Beyond seed, feeders, and birdhouses, it’s also sneaky-good for nature-y gifts and home/garden finds. Great for birthdays, host gifts, or a “just because” pick-me-up.

Pro tip: Ask what’s best for winter visitors right now, then go home and turn your kitchen window into a little birdwatching station. Something about seeing birds in your yard is just magical (especially a hummingbird).

Cobb County commissioners approved a preliminary 2028 SPLOST (Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax) project list this week, and the public feedback window is officially open.

The county is hosting a series of community engagement meetings (all 6:00–8:00 PM) where residents can react to the draft project list, ask questions, and flag priorities before the final version is set.

For East Cobb folks, the first nearby meeting is Thursday, Jan 15 at the Tim D. Lee Senior Center on Sandy Plains, with another close-to-home option on Thursday, Jan 29 at Fullers Recreation Center.

If you can’t make a meeting, the county also has an online feedback survey and the full PDF project list posted on the same page.

Source: Cobb County Government

The Cobb County School District Board of Education held its annual leadership vote at a special-called meeting on January 6.

The board elected Randy Scamihorn (Post 1) as Board Chair and David Chastain (Post 4) as Vice-Chair for 2026.

They also approved the 2026 board meeting calendar, which is worth bookmarking if you track policy changes, rezoning conversations, school safety updates, or budget priorities.

The district notes the first regular board meeting of 2026 is January 22, so this is the moment when agendas start filling up for spring.

Source: Cobb County School District

If you’re in or near the St. Marys and St. Annes neighborhood area, Marietta Water is starting a big project focused on increasing reliability of water services.

Having begun Monday, January 12, crews will replace about 10,000 feet of 6-inch and 8-inch water mains across multiple streets, including Chowning Place, N St. Marys Lane, St. Johns Court, St. Teresa Terrace, and St. Annes Road.

The city says service should continue with limited to no interruption, and any planned outages will be communicated door-to-door in advance.

The timeline matters: the project is expected to run through the end of June 2026, which usually translates to a mix of lane shifts, work zones, and occasional “why is traffic weird here?” moments for commuters cutting through the area.

Source: City of Marietta

Cobb County DOT was selected for $8.45 million in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program.

The county says the money supports a Multi-Corridor Safety Improvements project targeting Olive Springs Road, Pat Mell Road, and Windy Hill Road, all identified as high-risk corridors in Cobb’s 2023 Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.

Proposed improvements include things most drivers (and pedestrians) immediately understand: new traffic signals, added turn lanes, roundabouts, raised medians, improved lighting, and better pedestrian and bicycle connectivity.

It’s not “starting tomorrow” news, since the county still needs to finalize a grant agreement before funds are formally obligated, but it’s a meaningful step toward safer day-to-day driving in some of the county’s busiest stretches.

This is amazing news for all of us - Yay safety!

Source: Cobb County Government

A cool local civics moment: Cobb County’s judicial circuit hosted 230 fifth-grade students from East Side Elementary School as part of its “Courtroom to Classroom” program.

The county describes it as a hands-on mock trial experience designed to make government and the legal system feel real, not just textbook material.

The write-up highlights broad participation from multiple judges and frames the day as community outreach that helps kids understand roles like judge, attorney, witness, and juror in a way that sticks.

If you’re a parent, it’s also a reminder that Cobb has more of these “learning outside the classroom” partnerships happening than people realize.

Source: Cobb County Government

Planning ahead for Monday: the City of Marietta announced that administrative offices (including Marietta Power and Water administrative offices) will be closed for Martin Luther King, Jr. Day on January 19.

The practical impact is sanitation: garbage, brush/yard waste, and recycling schedules change for the week.

The city directs residents to check the Marietta Trash Talk app or the city website for the holiday collection schedule.

If your neighborhood is split between City of Marietta and unincorporated Cobb service areas, this is the kind of “two systems, two schedules” week that can catch people off guard.

Source: City of Marietta

Hampton is described as a “fun, busy, & curious fellow” with a 6–8 energy level. The kind of dog who’s happiest with walks, hikes, yard play, and adventurous weekends. He also loves car rides, toys (squeaky/bouncy/fluffy are all “yes”), and is all-in on belly rubs.

What stands out: Hampton spent time in Mostly Mutts’ prison/foster training program and has learned a long list of skills, including: sit, stay, down, come, drop it, leave it, place, plus proper door etiquette and good leash manners. He’s also noted to greet friendly strangers without jumping.

Important fit notes:

Adoption fee: $299
See Hampton’s full profile: Hampton at Mostly Mutts
Apply to adopt (or to set up a meet & greet): Mostly Mutts Dog Adoption Form

📍 Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue & Adoption — 3238 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw, GA 30144
☎️ (770) 272-6888
⏰ Hours: Mon–Sat, 10 AM–3 PM (Closed Sunday) — more info: Mostly Mutts contact page

👶 Toddler Time — Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center (East Cobb) | 10:30 AM | Free | More: Event page
Books, songs, bubbles, and the easiest possible “we got out of the house” win for 18–36 months.

📚 Preschool Storytime — East Cobb Library (Marietta) | 10:30 AM | Free | More: Event page
Storytime geared for ages 3–5 with read-alouds + movement (and usually a little “stay and play” energy after).

🧪 Explore and Create: STEAM Craft — Powder Springs Library | 4:00–5:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
Hands-on craft time with a light STEAM angle (good for kids who like to tinker).

🧠 Sensory Playtime — Mountain View Regional Library (Marietta) | 1:30 PM | Free | More: Event page
A calmer, sensory-friendly play setup for preschoolers (a great rainy-day backup plan).

🗣️ ESL with Cobb County Adult Education — Switzer Library (Downtown Marietta) | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
A practical weekly class if you (or a friend/neighbor) want structured English practice.

🧶 Adult Take-Home Craft Kit: Cardboard Loom Mug Rugs (pickup) — East Cobb Library (Marietta) | Pick up during library hours | Free | More: Event page
Grab-and-go craft kit while supplies last—perfect if you want something cozy to do at home.

🌵 Teen Take & Make: Pom-Pom Cactus (pickup) — West Cobb Regional Library (Kennesaw) | Pick up during library hours | Free | More: Event page
Quick craft kit for teens (mini pot + yarn) while supplies last.

🥽 Virtual Reality for Adults and Seniors — Vinings Library | 2:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
Try VR at the library—low-pressure and surprisingly fun.

🍽️ Lunch and Laughs: Kiosco Marietta Square — Senior Wellness Center (Marietta) | 2:15 PM | Registration required | More: Event page
Senior-friendly social lunch outing (good “meet people without effort” energy).

🧱 Lego Free Play — Switzer Library (Downtown Marietta) | 11:00 AM | Free | More: Event page
Drop-in building time for kids 5–12. Easy win if you need a plan to get out of the house.

👶 Playtime for Littles — East Cobb Library (Marietta) | 1:30 PM | Free | More: Event page
A toddler/preschool-friendly hang with play + movement (great for burning off post-nap energy).

🛍️ Marietta Square Artisan Market — Marietta Square | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free to browse | More: Event page
Locally made art + gifts on Mill Street — perfect for slow Saturday wandering.

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market — Marietta Square Farmers Market | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free to browse | More: Event page
Your classic “coffee + produce + stroll” Saturday morning move.

🧶 Crochet Meetup — Switzer Library (Downtown Marietta) | 9:00 AM | Free | More: Event page
Bring a project (or come to learn) — all skill levels welcome.

📚 Saturday Storytime (two sessions) — Lewis A. Ray Library (Smyrna) | 10:15 AM or 11:00 AM | Free | More: Event page
Stories + songs + wiggles, followed by playtime. Good “we did something” plan for littles.

🧩 Puzzle Rush: Adult Speed Puzzling Challenge — East Cobb Library (Marietta) | 5:00 PM | Free (registration required) | More: Event page
Teams of 2–4 race to finish the same puzzle. Nerdy. Competitive. Weirdly satisfying.

📚 East Cobb Book Club (two sessions) — East Cobb Library (Marietta) | 11:00 AM or 2:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
A friendly discussion group — solid way to meet people without the “networking” vibe.

🦻 Hearing Screening — Tim D. Lee Senior Center (East Cobb) | 12:00 PM | Registration recommended | More: Event page
Quick screening option if you’ve been putting it off (or want a baseline check).

🗣️ Cobb 2028 SPLOST Community Engagement Meeting — Tim D. Lee Senior Center (East Cobb) | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
If you’ve got opinions about roads, parks, libraries, or public safety projects, this is the “show up and weigh in” moment.

👵 Finding and Using Senior Services in Your Local Community — Covenant Presbyterian Church (Kapperman-Williams Hall) (Marietta) | 6:30 PM–8:00 PM | Free (RSVP) | More: Event page
A practical, caregiver-friendly overview of local resources for aging parents (and how to actually access them).

🍻 East Cobb Rotary “Thirsty Thursday” Social — Ted’s Montana Grill (East Cobb) | 5:00 PM–7:00 PM | Free to attend (food/drink extra) | More: Event page
Low-pressure community networking with friendly regulars—easy to pop in for one drink and bounce.

🎹 Greggie and The Jets (Elton John Tribute) — Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre (Marietta Square) | 8:00 PM | Tickets | More: Event page
A full “night out” show that’s basically built for singing along.

😂 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage (Marietta) | 8:00 PM–9:30 PM | Tickets | More: Event page
Low-commitment date night: show, then dessert/drinks nearby.

😂 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage (Marietta) | 8:00 PM–9:30 PM | Tickets | More: Event page
More laughs at the Saturday show for those who couldn’t make it to Friday.

🎟️ Marietta Gun Show (Day 1) — Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center (Marietta) | 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | Tickets | More: Event page
A big vendor-style show that pulls in crowds—go early if you hate lines and parking hunts.

🎟️ Marietta Gun Show (Day 2) — Jim R. Miller Park & Event Center (Marietta) | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Tickets | More: Event page
Shorter Sunday hours—good if you want to swing through without committing your whole day.

🕊️ Martin Luther King Jr. Day Event — Jennie T. Anderson Theatre (Marietta) | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
Cobb County’s annual tribute (music, performance, spoken word) — meaningful and easy to attend locally.

If you’ve lived in East Cobb for years and never wandered into McFarlane Nature Park, you’re not alone. And that’s part of its charm.

Tucked quietly behind Paper Mill Road, this 11-acre community green space feels like a private retreat more than a public park.

Maintained by the Cobb Land Trust, it’s a rare mix of open meadow, shaded forest trails, and preserved farmland that gives a glimpse of what East Cobb looked like before the cul-de-sacs.

This park is small but layered with texture. Towering pines, a restored 19th-century farmhouse, a butterfly garden, and a sloping field perfect for picnics or cartwheel races. It’s also one of the most tranquil photo spots in the county: weddings, senior portraits, and even impromptu family shoots often happen here on sunny weekends.

Morning strategy (8–10 AM):

Start your walk on the loop trail that circles the meadow and weaves through the back forest.

Mornings are the best time for birdwatching: you’ll likely see cardinals, chickadees, and red-bellied woodpeckers darting between tree trunks.

If you pause quietly near the pollinator garden, you might catch a glimpse of monarch butterflies that overwinter in the area. Bring a thermos of coffee. There are benches perfectly placed for a slow start to your day.

Afternoon plan (2–5 PM):

Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for an easy outdoor afternoon. The open pasture beside the old McFarlane farmhouse makes a calm, scenic picnic spot with plenty of room for kids to explore.

The Cobb Land Trust often posts weekend volunteer projects or guided history walks on their website. They’re low-key, family-friendly, and a great way to meet fellow nature lovers.

If you’ve got curious little ones, take the side trail along the tree line: it connects to a small creek spur where you can spot tadpoles and collect smooth stones.

Hidden features:

Parking & bathrooms:

Free gravel lot with about 20 spaces. It’s small, so mornings are easiest for parking. There are no public restrooms, but nearby East Cobb Park (less than a 5-minute drive) has full facilities if you’re planning to stay out for a while.

Why locals love it:

McFarlane Nature Park is the kind of place that makes you slow down. No playgrounds, no loud sports fields, just trees, trails, and space to breathe. It’s one of East Cobb’s best-kept secrets for an easy, restorative morning without leaving town.

Learn more: Website

January in East Cobb is peak cold season. It’s also when a few small habits can prevent a very expensive (and very stressful) home incident.

1️⃣ Use the “3-foot rule.”

Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet away from heat sources (space heaters, fireplaces, wood stoves, even candles). Curtains, bedding, throw blankets, kids’ backpacks, the whole pile.

More: NFPA heating safety

2️⃣ Plug space heaters straight into the wall.

Skip extension cords and power strips. Choose a heater with tip-over shutoff and overheat protection, and keep it on a flat, hard surface.

3️⃣ Turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.

A heater running “just for a minute” becomes “oops, I forgot” fast. This one habit cuts a ton of risk.

More: U.S. Fire Administration heating fire safety

4️⃣ If you use a fireplace, keep it maintained and contained.

Use a screen, don’t burn trash/wrapping paper, and make sure your chimney/fireplace is inspected and cleaned as recommended before heavy-use season (creosote buildup is real).

We’ve heard horror stories of people’s claims being denied because people didn’t keep their chimney’s maintained!

5️⃣ Do a 60-second detector check.

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors this weekend (and replace batteries if anything chirps). It’s the easiest safety win you’ll get all month.

If you want a quick policy checkup to make sure your coverage reflects any home upgrades (or you’re not missing something basic), Peachy can help: peachyinsurance.com

Local Pros Who Can Handle It For You:

If you’ve got an hour this month (or want something weekly), these are the best “start here” links:

More county-run options in one place: Cobb County volunteer programs