🐻‍❄️ Polar Bear Run Weekend + New East Cobb Library Plans Revealed

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Hey y’all,

My wife and I have been eyeing the Polar Bear Run for three years now, and we’ve always found some excuse not to sign up. That ends now!

This Saturday, we're finally doing it, even if "doing it" means she actually runs the whole thing while I huff and puff for my life and hope to make it to the finish in one piece.

If running in January isn't your thing (understood), Hamp & Harry's on the Square makes for an easy Friday date night. Oysters, cocktails, and prime people-watching though, given the weather situation, it might be better to stay home. Your call!

Some big news this week: Cobb County dropped its draft 2028 SPLOST project list, and East Cobb has some robust projects planned, including a $25M new library to replace the Parkaire Landing branch. Public feedback meetings start this month if you want to make your voice heard!

Oh, and if you haven't winterized your outdoor faucets yet, our seasonal tip has the 10-minute checklist. Its getting cold this weekend…. like seriously cold. Don’t skip this.

Planner's below. See you out there.

- Andrew

Have an event to share? Reply to this email!

Johnson Ferry Baptist Church
955 Johnson Ferry Rd, Marietta
Sat, Jan 24, 2026
8:30 AM start
$30–$35 (5K) + kids’ Cub events

The Polar Bear Run is the kind of local tradition that feels like a community reunion: you’ll see serious runners chasing a fast time, parents pushing strollers, kids buzzing for the Cub Dash, and neighbors bundled up with coffee just there to cheer.

But you’re also going to run into a bunch of friends and neighbors you might not have seen in a while. We’ve been down there (even though we didn’t run - shhh) and always have a great time.

It’s a feel-good race with a real purpose. The proceeds support Johnson Ferry High School’s student music mission trip participants (so every entry fee is helping send students out to serve through music).

The Polar Bear Run is also billed as a Peachtree Qualifier, meaning your official finish time from this race can be used as a qualifying result for the Peachtree Road Race (per the race’s own details and Atlanta Track Club’s qualifying framework) on the 4th of July!

Atlanta Track Club assigns Peachtree start waves based on submitted qualifying times, so this is a simple way to chase a fast 5K time that can translate into a better Peachtree placement if you’re the competitive type.

It’s famously cold and also unusually comfortable for a January race because there’s real indoor space to warm up before and after.

If you’ve ever finished a winter 5K with frozen fingers and a weirdly happy heart, you already understand the appeal. (If you haven’t: this is the one to try.)

Not running but want the shirt + support the cause? There’s a “Polar Bear Fan Club” option (“don’t make me sweat, just send me my shirt!”).

Check out the Fan Club option

Details + registration:

If your ideal winter night is warm lighting, a great cocktail, and a front-row seat to the Marietta Square buzz, put Hamp & Harry’s on your short list.

It’s a New American spot with a lively bar, patio tables for people-watching, and a menu that’s built for “order a few things and share” or “go big with a real dinner.” (Bonus: it’s an easy pick for a pre-show / post-stroll Square night.)

What you’re getting: creative small plates + chef-crafted entrees, with an emphasis on local sourcing and seasonal ingredients. Expect a mix of steaks, seafood, and Southern-leaning comfort, plus specialties like raw oysters and seasonal fish when available.

Brunch angle: Weekend brunch runs Saturday & Sunday, 10 AM–3 PM, and it’s very much a slow and chill vibe with brunch classics and cocktail energy.

Menu: Dinner • Brunch

Reserve: OpenTable

If this weekend’s weather has you firmly in “no thanks, I’m staying home” mode, Simply Fresh Market is one of East Cobb’s best-kept secrets for eating well without cooking.

It’s a neighborhood market with a gourmet, grab-and-go lineup: entrees, soups, salads, sides, dips, desserts, juices — the kind of place that saves a weeknight (or a cold weekend) in one stop.

They also do “Fill the Fridge” style ordering for meal prep and hosting help — just point at what you want and let them handle the rest.

Bonus: need a last-minute “I didn’t forget you!” gift? Their gift baskets + décor are genuinely cute, and gift wrapping is complimentary. (Heads-up: baskets typically need 48 hours’ notice.)

Quick details:

Cobb County commissioners approved a preliminary 2028 SPLOST project list at the Jan. 13 meeting, and now the county’s in “tell us what you want” mode — with open house-style community meetings running January through March and an online feedback survey for anyone who can’t make it in person. (The county says public input will shape the final list headed for approval on April 28, 2026.)

For East Cobb readers, a few standout line items in the draft include a $25M new East Cobb Library facility (meant to replace the current branch in Parkaire Landing, which the county notes is a rental unit), an $8.204M expansion of the Tim D. Lee Senior Center, and parks funding that includes Tritt Park construction plus funds tied to the broader Tritt property plan.

Source: Cobb County Government (project list PDF: 2028 SPLOST Project List)

If you’ve ever tried to follow Cobb school spending and felt like you needed a decoder ring, Watching the Funds – Cobb just made things simpler. The group launched a new website that pulls together direct links to district budgets, board agendas, and financial reports, plus practical “how-to” guides for watching meetings, submitting public comment, and filing open records requests.

The headline feature: an anonymous tip form designed for people who want to flag concerns without attaching their name. The group also says it’s building toward a searchable archive of documents and research from the past five years — basically, a one-stop hub for anyone who wants to keep tabs on how decisions get made.

Source: The Georgia Sun (group page: Watching the Funds – Cobb)

Cobb Community Foundation (in partnership with KSU) announced its newest Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) cohort — a six-month leadership program that mixes online coursework with in-person workshops.

The idea is pretty straightforward: invest in the people running the organizations we all rely on, then help them come out of the program with sharper systems, stronger strategy, and a real plan to scale.

The selected leaders represent arts, education, family services, mentoring, and grassroots community support — and each participating organization is slated to receive a $5,000 unrestricted grant upon successful completion.

Source: Cobb Chamber

A small-but-meaningful community upgrade: the Marietta Police Department announced a new interview room designed specifically for children — with a mural and art details created through a volunteer collaboration with Marietta High School students (National Art Honor Society) and their teachers.

The goal is to make an intimidating moment feel more human — a space that’s warmer and less scary for kids who may be victims or witnesses, while still giving officers a quiet, private place to do careful work.

Source: WSB-TV

Gritters Library is hosting the KSU Museum of History and Holocaust Education exhibit “Enduring Tension: (En)Countering Antisemitism in Every Age” (on display Jan 9–Jan 28).

It’s designed to give historical context and prompt the bigger question of what it looks like to actively push back against hate in everyday life.

The library will also host an International Holocaust Remembrance Day program on Monday, Jan. 26 (1–2 PM) with KSU’s Katy Matello — and the event is listed as no registration required.

Source: Cobb County Government

Meet Nala, a beautiful tan-and-white Pit Bull Terrier mix who’s equal parts curious, affectionate, and eager to please.

Weighing in at 54 pounds, Nala arrived at Cobb County Animal Services as a lost dog back in October, and while no one has come forward to claim her, she’s quickly become a volunteer favorite for her calm, loving personality.

Nala walks politely on leash, takes treats gently, and greets everyone she meets with a wagging tail and bright eyes.

She’s up to date on vaccines, microchipped, and heartworm negative. Plus, she’ll be spayed before heading home. Volunteers describe her as “the perfect mix of friendly and mellow,” and it’s easy to see why. Whether she’s lounging in the sun or exploring the yard, Nala always checks back in for a quick hug.

She’s currently waiting patiently in Run #26, hoping for a family who’ll give her the home she deserves.

One filled with soft blankets, steady walks, and plenty of love.

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

Hours: Tue–Sun, 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM • Closed Mon

Phone: (770) 499-4136

Profile: Adopt Nala on Petfinder

If you’ve been waiting for a loyal companion with plenty of heart, Nala might just be the perfect match.

🧚 Enchanted Woodland Trail — Chattahoochee Nature Center (Roswell) | Open daily (except Dec 24–26 & Dec 31–Jan 1) | Included with general admission | More: Event page
Bundle up and wander the trails spotting fairy houses and tiny gnome homes tucked into the woods.

🐾 Paws to Read with Tucker — North Cobb Regional Library (Kennesaw) | 11:00 AM | Free (registration required) | More: Event page
Kids (grades 1–5) can read one-on-one to therapy dog Tucker in a low-pressure, confidence-boosting setup.

🦕 Jurassic Quest — Cobb Galleria Centre | Fri 12–8 PM | Tickets | More: Event listing
A huge indoor dino experience with life-size animatronic dinosaurs and lots of kid-friendly “walk around and explore” energy (great cold-weather backup plan).

🧚 Enchanted Woodland Trail — Chattahoochee Nature Center (Roswell) | Open daily (except Dec 24–26 & Dec 31–Jan 1) | Included with general admission | More: Event page
Bundle up and wander the trails spotting fairy houses and tiny gnome homes tucked into the woods.

🐻 Polar Bear Run (5K + Cub Runs) — Johnson Ferry Baptist Church (East Cobb) | 5K @ 8:30 AM | Cub Run (ages 4–5) @ 9:40 AM | Cub 50-Yard Dash (ages 2–3) @ 9:45 AM | More: Race site
A classic East Cobb winter race morning with a fast, friendly vibe and kid-sized add-on runs right after.

🚂 Trains, Trains, Trains! — Southern Museum of Civil War & Locomotive History (Kennesaw) | 9:30 AM–5:00 PM (Sat & Sun) | Tickets required | More: Event page
The museum’s biggest annual event packs in model train layouts, train-themed activities, and plenty of “wow” moments for kids who love anything with wheels.

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market — Marietta Square | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM | Free to attend | More: Market info
An easy Saturday morning stroll for local produce, baked goods, coffee, and a very “run into your neighbors” vibe.

🧺 Marietta Square Artisan Market — Marietta Square | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM | Free to attend | More: Event page
Great for browsing handmade art, gifts, and local makers when you want an outing that isn’t loud or chaotic.

🦕 Jurassic Quest — Cobb Galleria Centre | Sat 9 AM–6 PM | Tickets | More: Event listing
A huge indoor dino experience with life-size animatronic dinosaurs and lots of kid-friendly “walk around and explore” energy (great cold-weather backup plan).

🧚 Enchanted Woodland Trail — Chattahoochee Nature Center (Roswell) | Open daily (except Dec 24–26 & Dec 31–Jan 1) | Included with general admission | More: Event page
Bundle up and wander the trails spotting fairy houses and tiny gnome homes tucked into the woods.

🦕 Jurassic Quest — Cobb Galleria Centre | Sun 9 AM–5 PM | Tickets | More: Event listing
A huge indoor dino experience with life-size animatronic dinosaurs and lots of kid-friendly “walk around and explore” energy (great cold-weather backup plan).

🧚 Enchanted Woodland Trail — Chattahoochee Nature Center (Roswell) | Open daily (except Dec 24–26 & Dec 31–Jan 1) | Included with general admission | More: Event page
Bundle up and wander the trails spotting fairy houses and tiny gnome homes tucked into the woods.

🎸 Landslide: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac — Strand Theatre (Marietta Square) | 8:00–10:30 PM | Tickets required | More: Event page
A crowd-pleasing, sing-along kind of night for anyone who knows the words to “Dreams” without thinking.

🎻 Chamber Music at Old Zion: Celebrating Black Voices — Zion Heritage Museum (Marietta) | 7:00–8:00 PM | Tickets required | More: Event page
A short, beautiful concert in an intimate setting that feels like a “hidden gem” evening out.

😂 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage (Marietta) | 8:00–9:30 PM | Tickets required | More: Event page
A tight, upbeat standup show in a small room where the laughs come fast.

🥧 National Pie Day at Pie Bar — Pie Bar (Marietta Square) | 11:00 AM–9:00 PM | Pay-as-you-go | More: Event page
A perfectly simple “treat yourself” stop that doubles as an easy low-key date idea.

🎸 Marietta Ukulele Group — Switzer Library (Marietta) | 10:30 AM | Free | More: Event page
Bring your uke (or just your curiosity) and sit in on a friendly all-skill-levels jam.

😂 Comedy on the Square — The Alley Stage (Marietta) | 8:00–9:30 PM | Tickets required | More: Event page
A Saturday night option that beats scrolling on the couch and doesn’t require a fancy plan.

🛡️ Cybersecurity for Seniors — Switzer Library (Marietta) | 9:00 AM | Free (registration required) | More: Event page
A practical workshop on spotting scams and protecting personal info online.

🧘 Wellness Week — The Avenue East Cobb | Jan 25–31 | Various activities (some free) | More: Event page
A full week of wellness-focused pop-ups and classes that’s an easy excuse to reset your routine.

If you’ve already explored Sope Creek and Mabry Park a dozen times, here’s your new hidden gem.

The Wright Environmental Education Center sits quietly off Johnson Ferry Road and somehow still flies under most people’s radar.

Despite its small size, it delivers a full dose of nature. Think shaded forest canopy, a trickling creek, and a scenic wetland boardwalk that meanders through 19 acres of protected wildlife sanctuary.

The trail system is short and easy (about 2 miles total), making it ideal for a peaceful solo walk or a slow meander with kids who like to peek over the boardwalk railings for turtles and songbirds.

Because the property was a private rescue garden for decades, the density of native plants and azaleas feels almost cinematic, especially when the morning light filters through the “urban forest.”

Check the Cobb County Parks calendar for “Open Garden” days, as this center is usually reserved for educational groups. Arrive early to snag one of the few parking spots available at the trailhead or the adjacent Chestnut Ridge Christian Church lot. Bring a travel mug from Cool Beans Coffee Roasters (a 15-minute drive from the Square) and enjoy the stillness before the afternoon rush.

The wetlands and rain gardens attract a high volume of birdlife, so bring binoculars if you have them. Families often enjoy the “backyard” feel of the center, which features benches and swings tucked along the trail for quiet observation. It’s a perfect “slow-down” activity after a morning of errands in the nearby Merchant’s Walk area.

Don’t miss the Rain Garden near the renovated Wright house—it’s a favorite for local photographers. The trails are exceptionally well-maintained by Master Gardener volunteers, and the transition from the upland forest to the lowland boardwalk offers a quick change in scenery that feels like a much longer hike than it actually is.

Free parking is located on Post Oak Tritt Road (next to the church). Restrooms are available inside the center during public hours, but since they are limited, it’s a good idea to stop at the East Cobb Library or the Merchant’s Walk Shopping Center just three minutes away.

Website

Map: Google Maps

With a potential winter storm arriving around the weekend, which may include cold air, ice build-up, sleet or snow… now’s the time to do any last minute prep you can before this storm blows in!

🏠 Exterior quick check:

🔧 Inside:

📍 Ice & storm prep: This system could bring freezing rain that weighs down trees and power lines and creates slick driving conditions.

🚗 Winter-ready essentials:

🔋 Battery test: If the car battery is older, it’s cheaper to test/replace now than in the middle of a cold-weather commute.

⚠️ Driving caution: Ice, sleet, or wet snow could make roads slick. Slow down and watch bridges/overpasses, which freeze first under cold storms like the one expected.

Emergency Plumbers LLC
📞 (404) 882-2499
🌐 emergencyplumbersllc.com
A locally owned emergency plumbing team serving East Cobb and the Metro Atlanta area — good for leak checks, burst pipe prevention, and winter readiness.

TE Certified Electrical, Plumbing, Heating & Cooling
📞 (770) 667-6937
🌐 tecertifiedelectricians.com
Local home-services company offering HVAC, heating and basic plumbing support in East Cobb/Roswell/Kennesaw, perfect for furnace/heat-pump tune-ups ahead of a storm.

Accurate Care Automotive
📞 (770) 425-2277
🌐 accuratecareauto.com
Independent auto repair & tire service in Marietta (great for pre-storm battery tests, brakes, and winter safety inspections)

Looking for a new role or paid experience close to home? Here are six East Cobb-area jobs and internships hiring now.