New Year, Same Neighbors — Let's Kick Off 2026 Together 🎉

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Happy New Year, neighbors!

Well, we made it. Another lap around the sun, and here we are. A little tired from the holidays, maybe still finding pine needles in weird places, but ready for whatever 2026 has in store.

Me and the wife are keeping it pretty mellow this first weekend.

We're thinking Friday night pizza, maybe catching Garden Lights one last time before they flip the switch off, and definitely some quality couch time.

No shame in that game.

If you're itching to get out, though, I've got you covered. The Marietta Square Art Walk is calling for anyone who wants that "we did something" feeling without a big production. And if the kids or grandkids have cabin fever?

There's a free time capsule activity idea in this edition at Sewell Mill that's genuinely cool. Record predictions, film silly green screen videos, the works.

However you're ringing in the new year, I hope it involves good food, good people, and maybe a nap or two.

Here's to 2026!

- Andrew

(click to jump to the section)

Marietta Square, Marietta
Friday, Jan 2, 2026
5:00–9:00 PM
Free
Details: Event page

If you want “big city energy” without actually going into the city, this is the move.

Marietta Square Art Walk is a free, self-guided stroll around the Square where local artists pop up in shops and galleries, the restaurants feel extra lively, and you can just wander at your own pace (no schedule pressure).

It’s easy to do as a family. Grab pizza or burgers first, let the kids window-shop the lights and storefronts, and call it a win.

Or make it a date night: start with a drink, browse the art, then post up for dessert somewhere on the Square.

Parking is the only real strategy.

Aim to arrive a little before 5:00 if you want the easiest spot, then plan to walk a few blocks and make a loop.

Peach State Pizza is a go to spot for families who want something easy but a little upgraded from the usual chain pie.

Thin crust pizzas come with fun topping combos, plus big salads including a popular Caesar with kale, fresh herbs, and plenty of garlic in the dressing.

The patio looks out on a green space where younger kids can wiggle while adults finish a slice.

Inside is casual and loud enough that no one worries about spilled milk or dropped crayons.

It works well for a Friday night after practice or a quick weekend lunch before errands at the Avenue.

Details & menu: Restaurant website.

Aqua Tots Swim School East Cobb focuses on year round swim lessons for kids as young as 4 months through early teens.

Classes run in a warm indoor pool, which keeps little ones comfortable while they practice floating, kicking, and rollover breathing.

Certified instructors follow a structured curriculum that moves kids through levels, but the tone stays upbeat and play based.

Parents like that the same teachers are in the water each week, which helps cautious swimmers build trust and confidence.

It is a strong choice for January when families are thinking about lake and pool season but still want an easy after school routine.

With flexible scheduling and small class sizes, it works well for siblings who need different levels at overlapping times.

Browse/learn more: Business website.

An early-morning house fire displaced a family in the Arthur’s Vinyard neighborhood off Johnson Ferry Road (near Oak Lane) after flames broke out in the garage around 3:45 AM on Monday, Dec. 22.

Cobb Fire officials said crews worked quickly to bring the fire under control. No one inside the home was hurt, though one firefighter reportedly suffered minor burns while battling the blaze.

The Red Cross was contacted to help the family with immediate needs like temporary housing and next-step support. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Source: FOX 5 Atlanta

Good Mews Animal Foundation — the East Cobb no-kill cat shelter on Robinson Road — finished as one of the leading recipients in this year’s GAgives campaign (GivingTuesday on Dec. 2).

According to figures compiled by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits, 443 donors pledged $113,050 in online donations, beating Good Mews’ $100,000 goal. The shelter was also listed among the top pledge-getters statewide, with animal-focused nonprofits making up a big share of the overall top 10.

For local families who’ve adopted, volunteered, or donated before, it’s a pretty great “community wins” moment — and a reminder that this kind of care (medical support, adoptions, and ongoing programs) is powered mostly by neighbors.

Source: East Cobb News

A new report says Lockheed Martin has told Indian officials it could set up a manufacturing hub in India for the C-130J if India selects the aircraft as part of a major transport-plane expansion.

In a response shared with the Cobb County Courier, a Lockheed Martin spokesperson said the company is not currently in negotiation with India — but has responded to RFIs tied to India’s Medium Transport Aircraft program, which could range from 40 to 80 aircraft. That program would require some co-production in India, but Lockheed said it would still keep full-rate production in Marietta for global customers.

The company also said the opportunity could add about 12 aircraft worth of production in Marietta (roughly six months of added work) and help extend the program’s viability — including Marietta jobs and the broader supply base — well into the 2040s. Lockheed emphasized Marietta is currently the sole C-130J military airlift production line.

Source: Cobb County Courier

One of the best end-of-year traditions in Cobb Schools: high school students partnering with younger kids to make sure the holidays feel a little more like the holidays.

Cobb Schools shared highlights from multiple “Shop With” events where counselors and social workers identify students based on need — then high school volunteers help them shop for gifts and essentials.

At Pope High School’s 18th annual “Shop with a Greyhound,” more than 200 Brumby Elementary students were paired with Pope students at Target, each with $115 to spend on toys and colder-weather essentials.

Other events (including Kell, Walton, Lassiter, and Allatoona) layered in extra joy — wrapping stations, face painting, ornament decorating, and even photos with Santa — with older students often raising thousands of dollars to make it happen.

Source: Cobb County School District

Local business + community impact: LGE Community Credit Union announced its Community Outreach Foundation presented $389,598 to local nonprofit organizations at its annual celebration breakfast on Dec. 10.

LGE said the milestone pushed the foundation’s lifetime giving total to over $3 million, with recipient nonprofits invited to share impact stories with LGE employees.

The credit union also noted that proceeds from events and individual contributions are matched (up to an annual maximum) and then donated to support organizations and neighbors in need.

Source: LGE Community Credit Union

Pongo is a young adult grey and white Domestic Short Hair mix listed as a medium sized male cat at Cobb County Animal Services.

At just over 2 years old, he is past the tiny kitten stage but still has plenty of playful energy ahead.

His profile notes that his compatibility with kids, dogs, and other cats is unknown, so a meet and greet at the shelter is the best way to see if he is a match for your family.

Cat adoptions through Cobb County Animal Services are typically 115 dollars and include basic vaccinations, de worming, spay or neuter, a combo test, and a microchip.

The county recommends scheduling an adoption appointment, though walk ins are also welcomed on most open days.

Available at Cobb County Animal Services - 1060 Al Bishop Dr, Marietta, GA 30008

Hours: Tuesday through Sunday, 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed Monday and holidays • Phone: (770) 499-4136

Profile: Pongo (708) on Petfinder

🍭 World of Illumination: Candy Rush — Six Flags White Water, Marietta | Evening timed-entry slots | Ticketed (per car) | More: Event details
A drive-thru holiday light show packed with candy-themed displays and music, running through Sunday night.

🧇 Stranger Things Trivia — High Note (Hamp & Harry’s), Marietta | 7:00–9:00 PM | Free to play | More: Event page
Grab a table and see who in your group still remembers the Upside Down details.

🎨 Marietta Square Art Walk — Marietta Square, Marietta | 5:00–9:00 PM | Free | More: Event page
Stroll the Square for a First Friday mix of shops, galleries, and live “walk-around” vibes.

🌲 Bring One for the Chipper (Tree Recycling) — Various Cobb County locations | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Free | More: Cobb County info
Drop off your undecorated Christmas tree for recycling (mulch), with multiple convenient county sites. See the flyer with locations near you.

🚗 Caffeine & Octane ATL — Town Center at Cobb, Kennesaw | 9:00–11:30 AM | Free | More: Event page
A massive, family-friendly car meet—great for a quick morning outing before the week ramps up.

🍷 Comedy UnCorked — Broken Anchor Winery, Acworth | 7:00–9:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Tickets
A wine-forward night out with live comedy—easy “first weekend of the year” date night energy.

🎤 Behnam Bani Concert — Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Cumberland | 8:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event info
Big show night if you want a “real” evening out.

🧵 Marietta Craft Club: January MeetUp at Stitched — Stitched, Marietta | 7:00–9:00 PM | RSVP | More: Follow on Facebook
Bring a project (knit, crochet, scrapbook, anything) and settle in with other local makers.

🎭 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage, Marietta | 8:00–9:30 PM | Ticketed | More: Event page
Stand-up in an intimate room right off the Square—great if you want laughs without a big trek.

📚 Southern Foodways Cookbook Club — Marietta | 1:00–3:00 PM | Ticketed | More: Event page
A hands-on cookbook club experience built around Southern food culture (and a seriously social vibe).

🎭 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage, Marietta | 8:00–9:30 PM | Ticketed | More: Event page
Saturday night version for anyone who missed Friday (or wants round two).

If you need a cabin-fever reset that doesn’t involve another playground… go make something.

Inside Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, Cobb Library has Creative Studios—a free multimedia space where you can:

The “wow, we did a real thing” plan (90 minutes): Bring one old tape (VHS/home movies) and digitize a clip so you can actually watch it again without hunting for ancient equipment.

Pro tip: Reserve ahead—calling is the fastest way.

More: Sewell Mill Library Creative Studios info

Bonus free hack for later: Cobb Libraries also offer park + museum passes (free/discounted) with your library card. See options: Park & Museum Passes

The first week of January is a great time to do a quick safety sweep—especially if you’ve been running the fireplace more, hosting family, or doing extra laundry.

Chimney Solutions
CSIA-certified technicians for chimney inspections, cleanings, and repairs (including video scan inspections) across the Marietta/East Cobb area.
(770) 255-1300
Website

Mama Bear Dryer Vent Care
Veteran-owned, CSIA C-DET certified dryer vent specialists for cleaning, inspections, repairs, and reroutes (based in Marietta and serving East Cobb).
(404) 491-1531
Website

Lightning Bug Electric
Family-owned, licensed & EATON-certified electricians with 25+ years of experience, including smoke/CO detector installs in Marietta/East Cobb.
(404) 471-3847
Website

Help pack and deliver food, diapers, and essentials to local families, with some opportunities that work for parents and kids together.

Sign up or learn more: Volunteer opportunities.

Lend a hand with park events, fundraising projects, or light cleanup days at one of East Cobb’s favorite playgrounds.

Fill out the quick interest form here: Volunteer sign up.

Greet visitors, offer directions, and help patients get to appointments at the health park on Roswell Road.

Start the application process: Wellstar volunteer page.

Support youth teams as a coach or volunteer and help with practices, games, and positive sideline energy.

Details and registration: Coach and volunteer registration.