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Hey neighbors,
It’s the first full weekend of 2026 and everyone's actually back! Schedules are real again, and suddenly it's Thursday and you're thinking "wait, do we have any plans?"
Here's how I’m thinking about this weekend: I wanted to find things that make the weekend feel like a weekend without requiring a ton of coordination and work. Not a big production, not something that eats up Saturday, just a couple of quick wins that leave you feeling like you did something.
This edition has a few of those easy and low key activities.
There's a free Sunday afternoon concert at St. Catherine's that sounds fancy (cello + piano, classical program) but is genuinely designed to be welcoming. It includes short commentary from the artists so you're not sitting there confused, a reception after where you can grab a cookie and say hi, and you're home before the Sunday night scramble starts. If you've been wanting something that feels a little more "grown-up" than errands but is still low key, this is the move.
Saturday, the Square is back in full weekend mode: Farmers Market opens at 9, Artisan Market right across the street, Glover Park for a reset if you've got kids who need to run around. I included a whole "free morning on the Square" itinerary in this issue if you want a “copy-paste” plan.
On the food front: Aapka Food Adda in Merchant's Walk should be on your radar - Especially if your normal dinner rotation has gotten stale. Indian street food (chaat, pav bhaji, samosas) plus comfort foods like curries are on the menu! It's casual, it travels well, and it's a nice change of pace when you need one.
Also in here: a spotlight on Atlanta Swim Academy for anyone thinking ahead to swim lessons, a recycling drop-off that benefits Pope High School's band program, three real estate listings across the price spectrum, and a terrier mix named Zane at Mostly Mutts who looks like he's ready to be somebody's best friend.
Let's have a good one.
- Andrew
In Today’s Connect:
🎻 Cello + piano in a church with great acoustics (and snacks after)
🧺 The Square is back in business with markets
🍛 Chaat, curry, naan, done
🏊 Year-round swimming lessons that actually build skills
♻️ Win-win opportunity where Pope Band benefits, you declutter
🐶 A terrier mix with big sidekick energy
For the first “real” weekend back, what’s your ideal low-key win?
- 🎻 A “grown-up but easy” outing (concert / arts — home before Sunday night)
- 🧺 A market morning + stroll on the Square (Farmers + Artisan + Glover Park)
- 🍛 A new dinner spot / takeout that feels like a treat (break the usual rotation)
- ♻️ Productive errand energy (declutter + recycling drop-off + done)
- 🛋️ Cozy reset at home (walk, coffee, absolutely no schedule)
Did we miss an event or have a business to recommend? Reply to this email!
Duo Arpeggione (free Friends of Music concert)
If you want a plan that still gets you home before the Sunday-night scramble, this is the move. St. Catherine’s Friends of Music concerts are free, welcoming, and held in a sanctuary that’s genuinely known for great acoustics, so even if you’re not a “classical person,” it still lands.
What makes this one special: this recital (“Simplicity and Turbulence”) is built to be easy to follow, with short, insightful commentary from the artists so you’re not just sitting there wondering what you’re hearing. The program includes Bach, plus a couple of contrasting pieces (including an American work and an Italian dance written by a Hungarian cellist).
What to expect (aka: not intimidating):
Free + open to the public (show up, sit down, enjoy).
Piano + cello with two experienced performers: pianist Catherine Lan and cellist Claudio Jaffe.
A post-concert reception where you can meet the artists (even if you just pop in for a cookie and bounce).
Quick “go/no-go” checklist:
If you’ve been craving something a little more “grown-up” than errands… go.
If you need something that works as a date, a solo reset, or a “bring your older kid who likes music” outing… go.
If you’re worried you’ll feel out of place… you won’t. It’s designed for the community.
Where: St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church (571 Holt Rd, Marietta)
When: Sun, Jan 11 | 3:00–5:00 PM
Cost: Free / open to the public
🍛 Aapka Food Adda (Merchant’s Walk)
2995 Johnson Ferry Rd Suite#410, Marietta, GA 30062
When you’re sick of the “default dinner rotation” (pizza, burgers, repeat), Aapka Food Adda is a fun reset that works great on a weeknight. The vibe is casual and family friendly. Think Indian street food (snacky, crunchy, saucy) plus comfort foods like classic curries that feel like a warm blanket when it’s cold and gray outside.
This is also a great “everyone gets what they want” spot: you can go fully snack-mode with chaat, build a family-style spread with curries + naan, or just grab one bowl + one bread and call it a win. Plus tons of fully vegetarian options on the menu.
What to order (easy, no-regrets lineup):
Start with “chaat” if you want the full “street food” experience: pani puri or samosa chaat are beginner-friendly and fun to share.
Get one buttery, shareable comfort plate: pav bhaji is the move - scoop, dip, repeat.
Pick a main that travels well: chana masala is a solid go-to, or go creamy with paneer butter masala. My personal favorite though is the Lamb Saag.
Don’t skip the bread: garlic naan is the safe pick, but grab chili garlic naan if you want heat.
Add a sip: mango lassi is basically dessert-with-benefits (and a great “spice reset”), or go classic with masala chai.
Perfect for:
Family dinner where the adults want flavor and the kids can still find something approachable
Takeout nights (it holds up well + reheats nicely)
Vegetarian-heavy groups and mixed groups (lots of options either way)
Quick pro tips:
If you’re new to Indian spice levels, order mild/medium, then add heat with chutneys and sides.
Order one extra naan beyond what you think you need. Future-you will be grateful.
If you can’t decide, look for a thali (it’s the “sampling platter” shortcut).
More: Menu / details
🏊 Atlanta Swim Academy (East Cobb)
732 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068
If you’re trying to get ahead a jump on swimming season (or you’ve got kids who treat every body of water like a magnet), Atlanta Swim Academy is one of East Cobb’s most established, no-drama options for building confidence in the water.
They’ve been family-owned and operated since 1985 and they’ve never moved locations, which is part of why so many local families think of ASA as a community staple, not a trend. Their facility is built for year-round training: it boasts three climate-controlled indoor pools, including a junior Olympic-sized lane pool, so classes keep rolling even when the weather isn’t cooperating
More about their background: Our Story
What they offer (choose your lane)
1) Weekly swim lessons
Most families land here first—consistent lessons that build comfort + skills over time, without needing to "cram" in the summer.
2) Private lessons
If your swimmer is nervous, needs extra attention, or you’re trying to reach a specific goal (floating, deep end comfort, strokes), private can be the fastest path to “we’re not panicking anymore.”
3) SwimFIT (pre-competitive / swim team prep)
For kids who are moving beyond basics and want more technique and structure, SwimFIT is designed as a bridge to competitive swimming (ages 8–13).
Details: SwimFIT program
4) Camp H2O (summer childcare)
If you’re already thinking about summer: Camp H2O combines pool time + structured activities, with a daily swim lesson built in.
Details: Camp H2O
It’s a fit for you if:
You want a weekly activity that actually builds a life skill (not just entertainment)
Your kid needs structure + repetition to gain confidence in the water
You’d rather avoid the summer-only rush and keep momentum year-round
You’ve got a kid eyeing swim team eventually (hello, SwimFIT)
How to get started
Browse options + program info: Atlanta Swim Academy
Find/contact them: Contact page
Where: 732 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta, GA 30068
Call or text: (770) 973-3120
Email: [email protected]
Hours (front desk/store):
Mon–Tue 2:00–7:30 PM
Wed–Thu 10:00 AM–7:30 PM
Fri 2:00–7:00 PM
Sat 9:00 AM–5:00 PM
Sun 9:00 AM–5:30 PM
More: Official site
2404 Pondside CT Ne, Marietta, GA 30062
4528 Lashley Court Ne, Marietta, GA 30068
816 Hillwood Dr, Marietta, GA 30068
🌮 Tin Lizzy’s Cantina at The Avenue East Cobb has closed
If you’ve driven past The Avenue lately and thought “wait… is that place dark?” — yep. Tin Lizzy’s (Avenue at East Cobb) was one of several recent closures tied to Southern Proper Hospitality Group’s end-of-year shutdowns.
If you’re a “patio queso + tacos” family (or it was your easy post-shopping dinner), this one’s worth knowing now so you don’t end up pulling into a dead parking spot on autopilot.
We’ll miss you Tin Lizzy’s!
Source: East Cobb News
🚧 Marietta Square: Piastra is closing temporarily — returning as “Asher & Rose Modern Grocers” (reopening Jan 19)
Piastra is pausing its current restaurant concept after 10 years so they can renovate and relaunch as Asher & Rose Modern Grocers — a cafe + grocery concept with a focus on locally grown/raised/made products. The article notes the bar is expected to remain open, and the relaunch is planned for January 19.
If you like the Square because it feels walkable + local, this is the kind of change that (hopefully) adds to that vibe.
Source: Yahoo News
👩🏫 Mount Bethel Elementary teacher earns a statewide math teaching award
A bright spot from right here in East Cobb: Heather Mullins (Mount Bethel Elementary) received the Excellence in Teaching Mathematics award from the Georgia Council of Teachers of Mathematics.
The district write-up calls out her classroom culture (kids feeling seen + safe) and notes the award has specific eligibility requirements (years teaching math in Georgia, evidence of growth in math instruction, strong math content foundation, etc.).
You go Heather!
Source: Cobb County School District
🎓 Cobb School Board elects 2026 leadership + approves the 2026 meeting calendar
In a Jan 6 special-called meeting, the CCSD Board of Education held its annual leadership vote and approved the 2026 board meeting calendar (with the first 2026 board meeting scheduled for Jan 22).
This is the kind of small civic update that matters if you like knowing where/when decisions get made (or you just want the meeting calendar handy when school topics pop up).
Source: Cobb County School District
🐾 Meet Zane
5 years, terrier mix
Zane is the kind of dog who sounds like he’d turn into your “shadow” in the best possible way: affectionate, playful, and very excited about becoming somebody’s permanent best friend. He came to Mostly Mutts from animal control and is now coming out of his shell more and more every day.
What stood out in his bio:
Big “happy energy” (he’s described as silly + loveable)
Dog introductions matter (he met other dogs with some excited barking/energy—so a meet-and-greet is key)
Best next step: go meet him, because he reads like a dog who bonds fast once he knows you’re his person
More: Zane’s adoption page
Thursday, Jan 8
🐾 Paws to Read: Read to Koda — South Cobb Regional Library (Mableton) | 10:30 AM | Free (registration required) | More: Event page
A sweet confidence-booster for early readers: kids read out loud to a certified therapy dog in 15-minute slots. It’s a bit further out, but we thought it was too adorable not to share!
🧱 Dream Rooted Declaration: Community Dream Wall — North Cobb Regional Library (Kennesaw) | Thu | Drop-in | Free | More: Event page
Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a community “add your piece” art wall—easy, meaningful, and low-pressure (great with older kids/teens too). Another one thats a bit further out but again - a great activity we didn’t want to exclude!
🧶 Take-Home Craft Kit: Cardboard Loom Mug Rugs (pickup) — East Cobb Library | Thu | Pick up during library hours (while supplies last) | Free | More: Event page
Grab a kit and do it at home later—perfect for a cozy weekend craft without committing to a timed program.
Friday, Jan 9
🛋️ Warehouse Liquidation FINAL Sale (50% OFF) — Classic Staging Warehouse (Marietta) | 9:30 AM–1:00 PM | Extra 50% off marked prices | More: Event page
A big “home-staging treasure hunt” for furniture, décor, art, rugs, and more—ideal if you’re hunting cheap-but-good home stuff or staging pieces.
Saturday, Jan 10
🧺 Marietta Square Farmers Market (Opening Weekend) — Marietta Square | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More: Market info
The classic Saturday morning move: coffee + produce + the “we did something wholesome” feeling before noon.
🛍️ Marietta Square Artisan Market - The Mill Street Lot (by the Square) | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free | More: Market info
Handmade goods + local makers - easy to pair with the Farmers Market for a one-stop square stroll.
♻️ Pope Band Recycling Day — Northeast Cobb YMCA | 9:00 AM–2:00 PM | Free | More: Details
Drop off cardboard, electronics, and more - plus you’ll be supporting the Pope High School band while you declutter.
🪲 Georgia Adopt-A-Stream Macroinvertebrate Monitoring Workshop — 662 South Cobb Dr (Marietta) | Sat | Time listed: 11 AM | Registration required | More: Event page
A hands-on water-quality training (best for adults/older teens who like science + outdoorsy volunteering). Great for the lover of all things nature!
🥁 Full Moon Drum Circle — East Cobb Park — East Cobb Park (Marietta) | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
Bring a drum if you’ve got one (or just show up and listen). Very laid-back, outdoorsy, and community-y.
Sunday, Jan 11
🎲 Second Sunday Game Day — Switzer Library (Marietta) | Time listed: 8:00 AM | Free | More: Event page
A bring-a-friend style hang with a library stack of board games ready to go (check the link for the game list + timing).
⛪ “First Step” — East Cobb Church — East Cobb Church (Waumba Land Room 2126) | 11:00 AM | Free | More: Event page
A short “get to know the church” session—especially good if you’re new, church-shopping, or curious about the campus and what’s next.
🎻 Duo Arpeggione (Friends of Music concert) — St. Catherine’s Episcopal Church | 3:00–5:00 PM | Free | More: Details
The “we want to do something nice” outing that doesn’t require a babysitter, tickets, or late-night stamina.
Thursday, Jan 8
🧣 Scarf Style 101 — East Cobb Library | 11:30 AM | Free | More: Event page
A quick, hands-on workshop on easy ways to tie/drape scarves (bring one to practice with).
📊 Google Sheets for Adults — Switzer Library (Marietta) | Thu | Free | More: Event page
A practical “get your life together” skill-builder—good if you’re tracking budgets, lists, schedules, anything.
🧩 Adults with Special Needs Meet-Up — North Cobb Regional Library (Kennesaw) | Thu | Time listed varies on page—check details | Free | More: Event page
A welcoming social hour with games and conversation (participants are welcome to bring a caregiver/family member). A bit further out - but we wanted to include!
📜 Civil War Roundtable of Cobb County (monthly meeting) — Hilton Atlanta/Marietta Hotel & Conference Center | 7:00–8:30 PM (social starts 6:30) | Free | More: Event page
If you like local history talks that feel like a community club night, this is a solid weeknight outing.
💃 Taylor Swift, Britney Spears & Barbie Dance Party — dk gallery (Marietta Square) | 6:00–8:00 PM (Happy Hour) | Ticketed | More: Event page
Happy hour + guided “pop diva moves” + wine-down - honestly a fun group-friends plan.
🧠 Trivia with The Robys — Glover Park Brewery (Marietta Square) | 7:30–10:30 PM | Free | More: Event page
High-energy trivia night with a host duo vibe-easy "show up whenever" weeknight plan.
Friday, Jan 9
🎶 Marietta Ukulele Group — Switzer Library (Marietta) | 10:30 AM | Free | More: Event page
Bring your ukulele (or just come curious) for a friendly, low-pressure jam.
👩💼 Professional Women of East Cobb — Lunch Meeting — J. Christopher’s (East Cobb) | 11:30 AM | Registration required | More: Event page
Monthly networking + speaker lunch that’s great for local pro women, small-business owners, and reps looking to expand their circle.
🎤 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage (Marietta Square) | 8:00–9:30 PM | Ticketed | More: Show calendar
A solid “Friday night out” option that keeps the logistics simple: park once, grab dinner, go laugh. And if you’re looking for some weeknight fun - Wednesday nights are improv night! Stop in and laugh a lot!
🍷 Flights & Fondue Fridays — Stem Wine Bar (Marietta) | Friday evening | Menu-priced | More: Stem info
A cozy date-night lane: wine flights + fondue as the built-in plan.
Saturday, Jan 10
🎤 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage (Marietta Square) | 8:00–9:30 PM | Ticketed | More: Show calendar
If Friday got away from you, Saturday has the same easy “dinner + show” rhythm.
🌿 “Marietta Square Morning” (no schedule pressure, just vibes)
If you want a true “we left the house and it felt like a thing” win without committing to a timed event, make Marietta Square your Saturday morning basecamp. The move is simple: farmers market → artisan market loop → Glover Park reset → wander (with zero pressure to buy anything).
Source: Fayelle Ewuakye on Google
The easy flow (copy/paste itinerary)
1) Start at the Farmers Market (90% of the energy is here).
Show up early-ish so it still feels calm, then do one slow lap just to see what’s there before you decide anything. Even if you don’t buy produce, it’s peak “community Saturday” people-watching.
2) Cross the street to the Artisan Market (it’s basically a treasure hunt).
This is the fun “look at everything” stretch - handmade goods, art, gifts, and the kind of booths your kids will point at every 12 seconds.
3) Take a break in Glover Park (the built-in “let kids roam” moment).
Source: Drea N Eric on Google
Glover Park is the Square’s little green heart: benches, fountain, open lawn, and a playground - perfect for a snack break, stroller reset, or letting kids burn off the “I’m bored” energy.
4) Wander one block, then call it (or keep going).
Source: Magdi Rizk on Google
After the loop, you can keep it free by window-shopping, reading plaques/signs, or doing a slow “see what we find” lap around the Square. If you want to spend, great - but you don’t have to for this to feel like a full outing.
Choose-your-own-adventure time options
The 45-minute “we got out of the house” version
One lap of the Farmers Market
One lap of the Artisan Market
10-minute Glover Park breather
The 2-hour “this felt like a real morning” version
Slow browse both markets
Playground + fountain break in Glover Park
Window-shop a few blocks / people-watch / take photos
The 3-hour “we made a day of it” version (still free)
Markets + park time
Bring your own coffee/hot chocolate in a thermos
Do a little “Square scavenger hunt” (below)
Finish with a walk around the historic streets just off the Square
Kid-friendly “Square scavenger hunt” (keeps things moving)
Find the fountain and toss in one penny “wish” (optional)
Spot 3 different dogs (bonus: smallest + fluffiest)
Pick your favorite market booth sign (best name wins)
Find something handmade out of wood and something handmade out of clay
Take one “album cover photo” on the Square (dramatic pose encouraged)
Parking + logistics (so it stays low-stress)
If you want simple, close parking, the city lists options + rules here: Downtown Marietta Parking
A very easy default for market mornings: City lot at 41 Mill Street (close to the market area).
If you want the set-it-and-forget-it option, the City Hall Parking Deck (205 Lawrence Street) is listed as free for public parking on weekends.
What to bring (makes it feel effortless)
Thermos + snacks (turns it into a “picnic morning” for basically $0)
Reusable bag (even if you only pick up one thing)
Stroller/wagon if you’ve got little ones (the Square is stroller-friendly)
A light blanket for Glover Park lawn time
🧰 15-minute Water Damage Prevention (because winter time surprise leaks are super common!)
Step 1 (5 min): Find your main water shutoff.
If you’ve never turned it before, label it. During a real leak situation, seconds matter - and you don’t want to be playing “which valve is this?”
Step 2 (5 min): Check the usual suspects.
Under-sink cabinets (especially on exterior walls)
Behind the washing machine
Water heater area
The hose bib outside (make sure hoses are disconnected)
Step 3 (5 min): Make a mini leak kit.
Toss this in a bin under the sink: a small wrench/pliers, a roll of towels, a cheap shower curtain liner (for quick floor protection), and a sharpie + painter’s tape for labeling.
Note - As someone who has had a big leak (and big insurance claim) I cannot recommend leak detectors more. They’re small, cheap devices you put in areas that are prone to leaks (like under cabinets) that make big noise when moisture is detected. Mine have now saved me several times!
I prefer the Govee brand - They’re on amazon!
Need a pro? (Local help)
Plumb Doctor Plumbing and Hydro Jetting
Family-owned Marietta plumbing team (serving East Cobb) for leak repairs, water heaters, drain clogs (including hydro jetting), and 24/7 emergencies.
(770) 912-8922
Website
Georgia Water Leak Detection Company
Non-invasive leak detection (slab, hidden pipe, underground) to pinpoint the source fast before you start opening walls.
(470) 454-5051
Website
Relief Remediation
24/7 water damage mitigation + structural drying (and mold help if needed) for when a leak/burst pipe turns into a bigger cleanup.
(770) 741-0183
Website
If you’re hiring, job hunting, or helping a teen find something part-time, these are the cleanest local starting points:
Customer Service Representative — City of Marietta (Downtown Marietta)
Front-desk/customer support role with the city.
Recreation Leader (Part-Time) — City of Marietta Parks & Rec (Custer Park)
Great “active + people-facing” part-time option (often evenings/weekends).
Fire Educator Technician (Safety Village) — Cobb County Government (Marietta)
Public safety education/community-facing role (note: this one may close quickly).
Foreman, Sustainability / Waste & Beautification — Cobb County Government (Cobb County)
Field/operations role with the county’s sustainability/beautification team.
Production Assembler (Chattahoochee Tech Training Program) — Lockheed Martin (Marietta)
Training-path entry into a major Marietta employer (good “career-ladder” energy).
Material Handler / Warehouse / Inventory — Lockheed Martin (Marietta)
Warehouse/inventory track at Lockheed (operations/logistics lane).
Cashier — The Home Depot (Marietta – Roswell Rd store)
Straightforward retail role that can work for part-time schedules.
Apply: Cashier – Marietta, GA
(USA) Tire & Battery Technician (Automotive) — Sam's Club (Marietta – Cobb Pkwy S)
Part-time auto-services role (tire/battery center).
If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.
Thanks for reading Our Newsletter! We’ll have more updates for you next week!
