Master Gardener Sale & More Spring Events

_{Welcome to the 169 new readers who joined 5,778 other East Cobb residents this week.}

What's up, neighbors!

We're heading to the Cobb Master Gardener Plant Sale at Jim R. Miller Park on Saturday and honestly can't wait. More than 85 vendors, locally grown plants, an "Ask a Master Gardener" booth where you can get real answers before you spend anything, and a kids corner with face painting. Mother's Day is three weeks out, so the timing is pretty perfect if you've been putting that off. We'll be picking up a few things for the back bed we've been ignoring since last fall.

If you want to get out Friday night, Comedy on the Square at the Alley Stage is a good call. Professional stand-up, cabaret seating, 18+. Two nights this weekend if Saturday works better too.

Sunday we're just going to be outside. Weather looks good and we're not going to waste it.

Before you scroll down, the Kyle Pitts story in this week's local news is worth your time. He showed up at the McCleskey-East Cobb YMCA spring break camp, handed over a $21,500 check to cover the week for 60 kids, ran races with them, and signed mini footballs. No cameras rolling, no press release. Just a guy doing something good in his community. Made us feel pretty good about this neighborhood. Full weekend planner, local news, and a couple of spotlights below.

_{This issue is sponsored by Peachy Insurance}

Summer is getting booked. If your family is anything like ours, you've probably already locked in at least one trip, maybe a beach week, maybe flights somewhere. Feels good to have it on the calendar.

But here's something most people don't think about until it's too late: what happens to your house while you're gone for a week?

A pipe bursts Tuesday. You don't find out until Saturday when you walk in the door to wet carpet and a water bill that looks like a typo. Or a storm knocks a limb through a window Wednesday night, and your house sits open to the elements for four days before anyone notices.

Most homeowners policies cover the damage itself, but the longer it goes unaddressed, the worse it gets, and insurers can push back on damage that "could have been mitigated" if someone had been around. That's not a technicality. That's a real conversation claims adjusters have with homeowners every summer.

A few things worth sorting out before your trip, not after:

Peachy Insurance is Atlanta-based and built to answer these kinds of questions fast. No pressure, no upselling. Just a clear picture of where you stand before you leave town.

Get a quote or coverage review here: peachyinsurance.com OR text/call us 404-600-1660 (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)

Friday–Saturday, April 17–18
10:00 AM–4:00 PM
Jim R. Miller Park
2245 Callaway Rd SW, Marietta, GA 30008
Free admission & parking

Your yard has been staring at you since February. This weekend, you can actually do something about it.

The Cobb County Master Gardeners are back with their 26th Annual Plant Sale at Jim R. Miller Park, and this thing is LEGIT. Over 85 specialty vendors from across the Southeast fill the covered arena with locally-grown perennials, herbs, native plants, shrubs, honey, pottery, and yard art. These are not Lowe's plants. They come from people who grow them, know them, and can tell you exactly where they'll thrive in your yard.

Here's what makes this different from every other plant sale you've been to. To even become a Cobb County Master Gardener, you have to complete a 50-hour UGA certification course. Then you have to put in at least 25 volunteer hours every single year just to stay active. In 2024, the 220 volunteers in this program donated over 17,000 hours to this community. These are not hobbyists with a raised bed and a Pinterest board. They maintain 16 community and demonstration gardens across Cobb County and have been doing it since 1980. When one of them tells you a plant will do well on the shady side of your back fence, they've probably grown it themselves.

The "Ask a Master Gardener" booth is on-site both days so you can get real answers before you spend a dime. Mother's Day is three weeks out, so they'll have gift containers ready to go too, plus a white elephant table full of gardening goods and a kids corner with free face painting and a scavenger hunt.

There’s also a Bloom Booth full of kid-friendly activities, and organizers say it’s a very family friendly event.

According to the MGVOCC, the fastest sell-outs are very consistent year to year:

Two full days. Free parking. Free admission.

Master Gardener plants tend to run out by mid-afternoon on Friday, so if you are interested in grabbing Master Gardener plants, come early!

My wife and I end up here more than we probably should for a sandwich spot in a strip mall on Sandy Plains.

George and Anne have been running Hoboken since 1996, and you feel it the second you walk in. They know people by name, the bagels are baked fresh every morning in over a dozen varieties, and the whole operation runs on three people. That's not a small thing. If you grew up in New Jersey or New York and have been quietly disappointed by every bagel you've had down here, this is the place.

The sandwiches are the reason to come. Their signature is called The Marietta, chicken salad with grapes and pecans on homemade bread, and it has a real following around here. Even people who think they hate grapes in chicken salad come around on it. The Hoboken is smoked turkey, Swiss, and honey mustard on whole wheat. The Italian sub is ham, salami, and provolone on fresh baked Italian bread.

Every sandwich comes with your choice of chips, fresh fruit, or pasta salad, and the portions are HUGE. Reviewers literally talk about shoveling the egg salad back onto the bread. Anne bakes everything herself too, so if there's a cranberry muffin or coffee cake in the case when you walk in, grab it. Both go fast.

They close at 2pm on weekdays, noon on Saturdays. Not a drop-in at 1:45 kind of place.

If you've been ordering cookie cakes from Publix for every birthday party, teacher gift, and last-minute "we need something sweet," it's time to upgrade. Ali's Cookies has been baking everything from scratch since 1982 out of their shop in Market Plaza, and once you try one you'll understand why people get a little obsessed.

They carry over 20 flavors at any given time. The Cappuccino Crunch and Double Chocolate Chip get the most love in reviews, but the George Washington's Revenge is the sleeper pick if you like cherry.

They also do gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, which is harder to find than you'd think at a small bakery. The cookie cakes are the real move for parties and holidays. A decorated 12-incher starts at $50 and blows away anything from a grocery store.

The shop itself is small and spotless, the staff is friendly, and they do custom logo and photo cookies if you need something for work or an event. They also ship nationwide if you want to send a box to someone who misses Georgia.

Price: $
Hours:
Mon-Fri 10AM-6PM
Sat 10AM-5PM
Sun 10AM-2PM

Hendon Properties, an Atlanta investment firm specializing in aging retail centers, is breathing new life into the 65-year-old East Cobb Station on Roswell Road. After snapping up the property in 2024, Hendon is anchoring a major refresh with a Lidl discount grocery store, plus Burlington Coat Factory, Hibbett Sports, and 7 Brews Coffee.

If you've driven by that mostly-empty retail center recently and thought it looked rough, the facelift is real and underway. The upgrades appeal to a wider income range than the current shopping landscape, and Hendon has a solid track record turning stalled properties into neighborhood gathering spots.

More: Tone to Atlanta | East Cobb News

Cobb Planning Commission voted Tuesday to hold RaceTrac's rezoning request for a 24-hour gas station and convenience store at Bells Ferry and Barrett Parkway for 30 days to research traffic and environmental impacts.

The property sits directly across from Bells Ferry Elementary School and near a day care. Neighbors, particularly the Bells Ferry Civic Association, raised concerns about gas vapor emissions on a round-the-clock basis.

The commission will reconvene around May 7. If you live in that area or have kids at Bells Ferry ES, this is worth monitoring.

More: East Cobb News

Tight end Kyle Pitts showed up at the McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA's spring break camp Wednesday and handed over a $21,500 check from Whataburger to fully fund the week for 60 kids and families.

Pitts ran races with campers, signed mini footballs, and posed with Freddie the Falcon. It's the kind of moment that reminds you community is real, especially when pro athletes show up for the neighborhoods where they play.

More: East Cobb News

Wheeler High School's student-led "Civic Chats with the Wildcats" program has grown from an inactive club to 80+ members and 40,000 monthly viewers in just two years.

The Social Studies Honor Society created the program to help peers understand government and public service. This month, students were recognized on the House floor by State Rep. Lisa Campbell during a Capitol visit.

It's the kind of program that proves teens can engage meaningfully with democracy, and it's happening right here.

More: East Cobb News

There's a handsome gray tabby at Good Mews who came in from a county shelter looking for a better shot at finding his forever home. His name is Pork Tenderloin, and he's sweet but a little misunderstood. He's not standoffish, just cautious. When he's in the mood, he'll seek you out and happily park himself near you.

Pork Tenderloin can get overwhelmed a little faster than some cats, so he appreciates a calm household and people who take their time with him. He's not going to be demanding from day one, but if you understand cat body language and can respect his boundaries, he's going to warm up into a loyal, affectionate companion. The shelter staff say he has real potential to form a special bond with the right person.

Good Mews is a no-kill, cage-free rescue on Robinson Road in Marietta. They'll ask you to submit an inquiry and meet Pork Tenderloin in person before adopting. All Good Mews cats are fully vetted, spayed or neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, and FIV tested before heading home. You'll even get a complimentary bag of Science Diet cat food plus donated toys and supplies to get started.

Good Mews
3805 Robinson Road, Marietta, GA 30067
(770) 499-2287

📚 Preschool Storytime — East Cobb Library (4880 Lower Roswell Rd, Marietta) | 11:30 AM | Free | More: cobbcounty.gov
Stories, songs, and just enough structure to feel like you "did something" before lunch. No registration required.

📖 Tea & Talk Book Discussion — West Cobb Regional Library (1750 Dennis Kemp Ln, Kennesaw) | 2:00 PM | Free | More: cobbcounty.gov
This month's pick is The Correspondent by Virginia Evans. Low-key afternoon book club, good for a quiet weekday outing.

🌱 26th Annual Plant Sale & Expo (Day 1) — Jim R. Miller Park Covered Arena (2245 Callaway Rd SW, Marietta) | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free admission & parking | More: cobbmastergardeners.com
85+ specialty vendors with locally-grown plants, herbs, honey, pottery, and yard art. Free Kids Corner with face painting, scavenger hunt, and educational materials. Rain or shine under the covered arena.

🎭 The Beauty Project: Through the Looking Glass (Immersive Theater) — Smith-Gilbert Gardens (2382 Pine Mountain Rd, Kennesaw) | 10:30 AM–12:00 PM | Included with garden admission | More: smithgilbertgardens.com
KSU's immersive theater production winds through the garden paths with reimagined characters from Alice in Wonderland. Best for ages 10+ and families. Art Blooms sculpture exhibit is on display throughout.

🎪 Big Shanty Festival (50th Anniversary) — Downtown Kennesaw (Main St & Depot Park) | 10:00 AM–6:00 PM | Free admission | More: kennesaw-ga.gov
Kennesaw's biggest weekend of the year hits the half-century mark. 150+ arts and crafts vendors, 25+ food booths, live entertainment on multiple stages, kids zone, ReadyGo Dog Show, and a beer garden. Parade kicks off at 9:30 AM with 2,000+ kids from local schools marching. Parking at Swift-Cantrell Park with free shuttles running all day.

🌱 26th Annual Plant Sale & Expo (Day 2) — Jim R. Miller Park Covered Arena (2245 Callaway Rd SW, Marietta) | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free admission & parking | More: cobbmastergardeners.com
Day 2 under the covered arena. Same 79+ specialty vendors with locally-grown plants, herbs, honey, pottery, and yard art. Free Kids Corner still running. If you missed Friday, this is your last shot.

🎨 Cobb Spring Arts Festival — Jim R. Miller Park (2245 Callaway Rd SW, Marietta) | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free admission & parking | More: cobbcounty.gov
100+ booths of handcrafted art, jewelry, pottery, and textiles, plus food trucks, live performances, and Kidz Korner with interactive art activities. Happening right alongside the Plant Sale, so you can hit both in one trip.

🎨 Pop-In for Family Fun: Mountain to Marietta — Marietta History Center (1 Depot St, Marietta) | Activities 11:00 AM–2:00 PM, Museum 10:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free | More: mariettahistory.org
Monthly hands-on crafts and activities for families. This month celebrates how nature and history connect in Marietta. Easy add-on if you're already on the Square.

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market — North Park Square (41 Mill St, Marietta) | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free | More: mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com
65+ vendors with fresh spring produce, local honey, baked goods, flowers, and artisan goods. Peak spring selection right now.

🛍️ Marietta Square Artisan Market — Mill Street, Marietta | 9:00 AM–1:00 PM | Free | More: mariettasquareartisanmarket.com
Juried market of local fine artists and craftspeople right next to the Farmers Market. Paintings, photography, jewelry, and handmade goods.

🧶 Saturday Craft Club with Hawk Run Hollow Stitchers — Mountain View Regional Library (3320 Sandy Plains Rd, Marietta) | 10:30 AM–4:00 PM | Free | More: cobbcounty.gov
Drop-in for knitting, crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, or any portable craft. All skill levels, ages 12+.

🎭 The Beauty Project: Through the Looking Glass — Smith-Gilbert Gardens (2382 Pine Mountain Rd, Kennesaw) | 2:00–3:30 PM & 4:30–6:00 PM | Included with garden admission | More: smithgilbertgardens.com
Two more chances to catch KSU's immersive garden theater. Art Blooms sculptures and 25,000+ daffodil blooms on display throughout the grounds.

🎪 Big Shanty Festival (Day 2) — Downtown Kennesaw (Main St & Depot Park) | 12:00 PM–5:00 PM | Free admission | More: kennesaw-ga.gov
Quieter second day with all the same vendors, food, and entertainment. Sunday afternoon crowds are lighter and parking is easier.

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market (Sunday) — North Park Square, Marietta | 12:00 PM–3:00 PM | Free | More: mariettasquarefarmersmarket.com
Smaller Sunday market window. Nice way to wind down the weekend without Saturday morning crowds.

🏛️ SPLOST Public Input Meeting — City of Marietta | Evening | Free | More: mariettaga.gov
If you have opinions about roads, parks, libraries, or public safety projects, this is the final "show up and weigh in" meeting before the 2028 SPLOST list is finalized.

🎸 Banks & Shane in Concert — Earl Smith Strand Theatre (117 N Park Sq, Marietta) | 8:00 PM | Tickets required | More: earlsmithstrand.org
Atlanta's legendary party band brings four decades of high-energy covers and crowd singalongs to the Strand. VIP experience starts at 6:30 PM, regular doors at 7:00 PM. Two sets with intermission.

😂 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage (11 Anderson St, Marietta) | 8:00 PM | Tickets required | More: alleystage.org
18+, 2-drink minimum, cabaret-style seating. Reliable "we need a night out" plan right off the Square.

🎷 GSO Jazz & Juleps — The Gardens at Brumby Hall, Marietta | 5:00–8:00 PM | Tickets required | More: georgiasymphony.org
Kentucky Derby-inspired fundraiser for the Georgia Symphony Orchestra's 75th anniversary. Live jazz, bourbon tastings, silent auction, and a performance by the GYSO Honors String Quartet. Derby attire encouraged, prizes for best dressed and best hat.

😂 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage (11 Anderson St, Marietta) | 8:00 PM | Tickets required | More: alleystage.org
Same great concept, different night. Ideal if Friday is stacked but you still want a guaranteed-fun Saturday plan.

Where: Multiple locations around East Cobb
When: Saturdays year-round (April 17 at all locations)
Cost: Free to browse and visit | Items for purchase
More: cobbcounty.gov

The Saturday farmers markets are back in full swing by mid-April, and this is peak season for spring produce, plants, and local makers. Unlike the earlier winter markets, April farmers markets have flower vendors, hanging baskets, seedlings, and the full range of seasonal vegetables hitting peak freshness.

Best for families: The Marietta Square market (9 AM-noon Saturdays) has the most food trucks and highest foot traffic, plus you can extend it into coffee or breakfast at one of the Square restaurants. The Acworth market works if you're already nearby, but we typically skip it.

Best low-pressure option: Show up anytime between 9-11 AM, walk around, chat with vendors, grab what looks good. No tickets, no schedule, no commitment. If the kids are with you, most vendors hand out samples and are happy to chat about what they're selling.

Pro tip: If you’re okay with spending money: bring cash. Some vendors take cards, but cash moves faster and many have better prices for it.

The weather's great, the windows are open, and your dog is spending a lot more time outside. So is everyone else's. More walks, more kids on bikes, more neighbors stopping to say hi at the fence. That's all good until it isn't.

Here's the thing nobody wants to think about: dog bite claims are one of the most common liability payouts on homeowners insurance in the country. And they're not cheap. The average claim runs north of $50,000 when you factor in medical bills, legal costs, and settlements. That's not a pit bull statistic. That's all breeds, all situations, including the "he's never done that before" ones.

Your homeowners or renters policy likely includes some liability coverage for dog-related incidents. But there are gaps worth knowing about before you need to find out the hard way.

What to check:

1) Your liability limit. Most standard policies include $100K to $300K in personal liability. That sounds like a lot until you're looking at a medical bill, a lawyer, and a lost-wages claim from someone who got knocked down and broke a wrist. If your liability limit is on the lower end, an umbrella policy closes the gap for surprisingly little.

2) Breed restrictions. Some carriers exclude specific breeds entirely, or won't cover bite incidents involving them. If you have a Rottweiler, German Shepherd, Doberman, or any breed that shows up on exclusion lists, confirm in writing that your dog is covered. Don't assume.

3) Prior incidents. If your dog has bitten someone before, even if it was minor, your insurer may have added an exclusion at renewal without making it obvious. One prior incident can change your coverage entirely.

4) Where it happened matters less than you think. Liability typically follows you, not your property line. If your dog bites someone at the park, on a walk, or at a friend's house, your homeowners policy is usually still the one responding. Which means your limits matter everywhere, not just in your yard.

The easy move: Next time you're reviewing anything with your insurance provider, just ask: "Is my dog covered, and what's my liability limit for animal-related incidents?" That one question can save you a very expensive surprise.

Not sure where you stand? Peachy can pull it up and walk you through it in 10 minutes.

Luga Italian Eatery — Avenue East Cobb — Front-of-house and kitchen openings including host/hostess, line cook, busser, and dishwasher. Full-time and part-time available. 👉 Browse openings

Good Dog Veterinary Care — East Cobb — Veterinary receptionist and veterinary assistant openings at the all-dog practice on Johnson Ferry Road. Dog lovers encouraged. 👉 Browse openings

The Avenue East Cobb — Retail and restaurant openings across the shopping center. Good for part-time, weekends, and flexible schedules. 👉 See who's hiring

Cobb County School District — Certified and non-certified roles across 120+ schools. Bus drivers, food service, custodians, paraprofessionals, and teachers. Postings move fast—check often. 👉 Browse openings

Bonus help (free): CobbWorks — Job search support, résumé workshops, interview prep, and workforce training for Cobb County residents. Hands-on assistance and computer access. 👉 Get started