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Hey neighbor — World of Illumination's opening weekend is here, and if you've been on the fence about booking, now's the time. 

The candy-themed light show at White Water runs through January 4, but opening weekend traditionally sells the fastest slots—especially Saturdays. We're planning a Tuesday night run next week to skip the lines entirely, but if you want the opening-weekend energy, book ahead and aim for an 8 pm or later window. Full logistics and ticket links below.

Friday's Candlelight Shopping event (5–8 pm on the Square) is legitimately the best time to scout holiday gifts before Black Friday chaos hits. 

The stores stay open late, there's usually mulled cider or hot chocolate at a few spots, and you can knock out local shopping in one relaxed evening stroll. 

Park in the Cherokee Street deck before 5:30 pm—after that, you're circling. 

We're also eyeing Thursday's one-night-only Gilbert & Sullivan performance at The Strand (world-class comic opera in an intimate venue).

The cannoli are excellent, the espresso is legit, and it's perfect for a mid-shopping break during Candlelight Shopping or a quick Saturday morning pick-me-up before hitting the farmers market.

Full weekend planner's below with 20+ options—I'd bookmark two or three backups in case things sell out. Enjoy!

Best,
Andrew

In Today’s Connect:

  • ⭐ Opening weekend for the light show—plus our guide to parking, timing & which slots move faster 

  • 🥐 The new Italian bakery where the cannoli alone are worth the trip 

  • 🍕 One food hall that solves "everyone wants something different" better than anywhere else 

  • 🏡 Three active listings from $469K starter to $1.65M showcase estate 

  • 📰 Eight schools win $70K for innovations, plus this week's community events 

  • 🐾 The 84-pound Lab mix who's been waiting too long for his second chance 

  • 💼 Paid high school internships opening next month, plus seasonal gigs hiring now 

  • 📅 20+ picks from comic opera to comedy—and one free activity that feels like exploring ruins

Or hit reply and tell us what we missed!

World of Illumination: "Candy Rush"
Six Flags White Water
250 Cobb Pkwy N, Marietta, GA
Opening Friday Nov. 14, closes Jan. 4
6:00–10:00 pm
Timed entry
One ticket per vehicle, starting at $39.99
Event info & tickets

We've been watching people book this since tickets dropped, and opening weekend typically sells the fastest slots. 

If you've been on the fence about whether it's worth the hype or the drive up Cobb Parkway, this is the year it's back with a completely refreshed theme and new display sections

White Water's lot handles the traffic better than most pop-up locations, and the whole setup feels more polished than the traveling versions you might've seen elsewhere. 

It's also one of the few holiday outings that works equally well for toddlers and teenagers, which is genuinely rare.

Why it's worth it

A mile-long drive-through of synchronized holiday lights set to music with a candy theme—think larger-than-life gingerbread villages, sugar-plum fairies, and displays your kids will reference until New Year's. 

The whole show takes about 20–30 minutes once you're inside (not counting the queue), and it's genuinely impressive how they time the music to your car radio. 

It's one of those rare family outings where nobody has to get out of the car, bathrooms aren't a crisis, and everyone leaves happy.

Quick facts

  • Hours & season: Tue–Sun, 6–10 pm (opens Fri Nov 14; runs through Jan 4). Open rain or shine. Actually kind of magical in light rain.

  • Tickets: Online only; choose an arrival window (your check-in time, not a guaranteed entry minute). Prices start around $39.99 per vehicle + tax; no gate sales. Book ahead for Saturdays.

  • Audio: Tune your FM radio to the show's station at the entrance (posted on signage). Keep the windows up and volume comfortable. It's loud.

  • Vehicles & pets: Standard cars/SUVs fine; no buses, limos, or trailers. Sprinter-type vans allowed up to ~10 ft tall with normal turning radius. Pets can ride along but stay inside the car.

  • Safety: Stay in your vehicle the entire time; no stopping or exiting on the course. Seriously, they'll politely nudge you along if you try.

Local game plan (parking & timing tips)

  • Best windows: Later slots (after 8 pm) typically move faster on weekends; weeknights are noticeably lighter than Saturdays. If you can swing a Tuesday or Wednesday next week, you'll breeze through.

  • Route sanity: Approach on Cobb Pkwy heading north so you're turning right into the White Water entrance. Bring patience, snacks, and make a bathroom stop before you queue. There's no bailing once you're in line.

  • Make a night of it: Grab hot cocoa or a warm bite near the Square first (Marietta Diner stays open late), then head to the lights around 7:30 pm for a solid Friday night.

Just Opened

4475 Roswell Rd, Marietta, GA 30062
Suite 1410

🥐 Luga Giulia (bakery open now)

The Avenue's newest addition just opened its bakery last week—November 7 to be exact—and it's already proving exactly what proper Italian café culture looks like in East Cobb.

This is the second location from brothers Ben and Seth Gjuka, who built a following at The Forum Peachtree Corners with their original Giulia bakery. 

The 900-square-foot space sits between Barre3 and the brothers' forthcoming full-service restaurant Luga (opening November 24), creating what will eventually be a full Italian dining corridor at The Avenue.

What sets this place apart: everything's made with natural, high-quality ingredients, and you can taste the difference. 

The croissants come in multiple flavors—not just plain butter, but creative variations that rotate. We've tried the cannoli (flawless), a cappuccino that's properly frothed, and one of their savory sandwiches layered with ham, mozzarella, and just the right amount of fresh greens. The focaccia is excellent for a quick lunch, and the tiramisu has become our go-to afternoon pick-me-up. They also offer tarts, full cakes for special orders, and espresso drinks that run the gamut from bold straight shots to smooth macchiatos.

The counter-service setup keeps things moving efficiently during lunch rushes, and the patio works beautifully when the weather cooperates—which it should through most of this month. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, making it perfect for morning coffee runs, mid-shopping breaks during Candlelight Shopping events, or a light late-afternoon snack. 

This is the bakery/café concept; the full-service Luga restaurant opening later this month will span 4,400 square feet with a 28-seat bar, open kitchen, private dining room, patio, and a seasonal menu featuring Rome-style pizzas, house-made pastas, and fresh antipasti. But for quick, excellent Italian bites right now, Giulia's already delivering.

Our Favorites

🍕 Marietta Square Market (Food hall • local eats + sweets)

One of those rare spots that genuinely solves the "everyone wants something different" problem—and does it exceptionally well. 

I’d probably been to the square 100+ times before I ever went into the food hall. Boy, was that a mistake.

Opened in March 2019 in a renovated warehouse space next to the railroad tracks, this 18,500-square-foot food hall has become one of the most successful dining destinations in the Atlanta suburbs, with annual sales approaching $12 million and foot traffic rivaling Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market. 

That success isn't accidental: the space features 20+ carefully curated vendors serving everything from authentic vegan Jamaican cuisine at B.A.D. Gyal Vegan to wood-fired Neapolitan pizza at Forno Vero, Japanese-American chicken tenders at PONKO Chicken, Thai specialties, Korean dumplings, Cuban empanadas at D'Cuban Café, barbecue at Smokehouse Q, Mediterranean plates, burgers at Lucky's, sushi, ramen, and a 1922 trolley converted into the Tiki Trolley bar serving craft cocktails.

The layout works brilliantly: seating for 225+ people inside plus a massive outdoor patio wrapping two sides of the building that's dog-friendly (supervised, well-behaved dogs welcome on the patio). 

Hours are Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. We've used it for lazy Saturday lunches when nobody can agree on anything, quick weeknight dinners when cooking feels impossible, and group gatherings where dietary restrictions would normally complicate things—it handles all of it. The space has genuine energy without feeling chaotic, and it's authentically kid-friendly.

Bonus: it's steps from Marietta Square, making it perfect for pairing with Candlelight Shopping Friday, weekend farmers markets (Saturdays 9 a.m.-noon in the adjacent parking lot), or any Square events. They also run regular activities—trivia Thursday nights, music bingo Tuesdays, kids eat free Tuesday nights—that keep it feeling like an actual community gathering spot rather than just a dining option. 

The variety is real: you can grab birria tacos while trains roll by on the back patio, split a wood-fired pizza, or let everyone order exactly what they want and still sit together. That flexibility is worth its weight in gold during holiday season chaos.

Browse vendors & hours: https://mariettasquaremarket.com

3825 Emerson St, Marietta, GA 30062

$469,000

  • 3 beds

  • 2 baths

  • 1,668 sqft

  • 0.63 acres

Realtor:
Michael Fitzgerald
(404) 478-9859
[email protected]

Click here to view.

3402 Devoe Ct, Marietta, GA 30062

$607,500

  • 5 beds

  • 3 baths

  • 2,919 sqft

  • 0.21 acres

Realtor:
Heidi Wentz
(770) 356-2562

Click here to view.

1680 Bill Murdock Rd, Marietta, GA 30062

$1,650,000

  • 6 beds

  • 7 baths

  • 8,191 sqft

  • 0.71 acres

Realtor:
Shanna Marie Burris
(678) 938-4346

Click here to view.

🏫 Cobb Tank Awards Nearly $70K to Innovative School Projects

Eight Cobb County schools earned nearly $70,000 in funding at the annual Cobb Tank competition on Nov. 6, where educators pitched innovative classroom projects "Shark Tank"-style to a panel including school administrators and a Kennesaw State professor.  

Projects spanned from Pebblebrook's "Cells in Motion" digital microscopes for biology learning to environmental sustainability initiatives and sensory development programs. Schools competed for grants up to $10,000 to bring their boldest educational ideas to life.

Why it matters: This investment in teacher-driven innovation demonstrates the district's commitment to creative, hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for the future—from elementary through high school levels.

🕯️ Marietta Square Candlelight Shopping — Friday 5–8 pm

The Square's stores extend their hours Friday evening for a festive shopping stroll—think seasonal window displays, in-store specials, and a genuinely pleasant way to scout holiday gifts before the Black Friday crowds arrive. 

Family-friendly, free to attend, and a good excuse to support local shops while the Square's lit up for the season. 

Grab dinner at one of the Square restaurants after (or before) and make an evening of it. 

Why it matters: easy way to keep holiday spending local and discover shops you might've missed during normal hours.

🎁 Library Holiday Décor Swap (Mountain View Library) — Saturday 10:30 am–12:30 pm

"Shop the swap" for free (if you donate) and affordable finds on Saturday morning.

It's a smart way to refresh your holiday decorations on a budget, and kids can help pick new-to-you items for craft projects or home displays. 

No cost to participate, and you're not obligated to donate in order to take something home—though it helps keep the swap stocked for future years. 

Bring reusable bags for easier carrying.

🐾 Meet Buddy: Your New Best Friend is Waiting

If you're looking for a dog who looks like he embodies pure joy, meet Buddy. This 5-year-old Labrador Retriever mix appears to have that classic Lab enthusiasm for life – the kind that makes you smile the moment you see his happy face.

At 84 pounds, Buddy is a substantial guy, and at 5 years old, Buddy has outgrown the puppy chaos but still has plenty of get-up-and-go for adventures. Labs are notoriously food-motivated, which typically makes them responsive to training and eager to please.

Buddy has been waiting at Cobb County Animal Services (Kennel #56) for his second chance. This gentle giant is ready to show a lucky family what unconditional love looks like.

Thursday — Nov 13

🎻 Lassiter High School Orchestra – Winter Concert | Lassiter Concert Hall, Lassiter High School (2601 Shallowford Rd) | 7:00 pm | Free (confirm on site) | More
Family-friendly concert featuring Lassiter’s orchestras in their first big performance of the school year.

Men’s Recharge Breakfast | Mt. Bethel Church – Fellowship Hall | 6:45–8:00 am | $12 | More
Early-morning men’s gathering with hot breakfast, teaching, and table discussion; registration requested.

📚 Adult Take-Home Craft Kit: Fall Acorn Garland (Pickup) | East Cobb Library (Parkaire Landing) | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | Free | More
Stop by the desk for a fall garland kit to assemble at home; while supplies last.

📚 Preschool Storytime | East Cobb Library (Parkaire Landing) | 10:30–11:00 am | Free | More
Short stories, songs, and movement for preschoolers with a caregiver.

✍️ Marietta Writing Circle: Aspiring Authors | East Cobb Library (Parkaire Landing) | 2:00–4:00 pm | Free | More
Bring pages or ideas and workshop them with other local writers in a supportive group.

🎭 NY Gilbert & Sullivan Players: Pirates of Penzance One Act & Selected Favorites | Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | 7:30–9:30 pm | Ticketed | More
Touring comic-opera company performing Pirates of Penzance highlights plus fan-favorite G&S numbers in a small, historic venue.

Friday — Nov 14

🕯️ Candlelight Shopping | Marietta Square | 5:00–8:00 pm | Free | More
Stroll the Square under twinkle lights with extended shop hours, treats, and small-business holiday browsing; parking is easiest in the Cherokee St deck before 5:30 pm.

Saturday — Nov 15

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market | 41 Mill St | 9:00 am–12:00 pm | Free | More
Local produce, baked goods, and grab-and-go breakfast options—arrive by 10:00 am for the best selection.

🎨 Marietta Square Artisan Market | Mill St by the Square | 9:00 am–1:00 pm | Free | More
Outdoor market of makers and artists—great for unique, handmade holiday gifts.

🏛️ Pop-In for Family Fun: Sounds of the Century | Marietta History Center, 1 Depot St | 10:00 am–4:00 pm (crafts 11:00 am–2:00 pm) | Free | More
Hands-on crafts and themed activities tied to 20th-century history—easy museum day for elementary-age kids.

🍽️ Marietta Square Food Tour | Around the Square | 11:00 am–2:00 pm | ~ $75 | More
Guided walking tour with multiple restaurant tastings plus local history—no driving, stroller-friendly where sidewalks allow.

🚗 World of Illumination (Opening Weekend) | Six Flags White Water (250 Cobb Pkwy N) | 6:00–10:00 pm | From ~$39.99/car | More
Drive-through mile-long light show synced to music—reserve a time slot; later hours usually have quicker lines.

Sunday — Nov 16

🚗 World of Illumination | Six Flags White Water (250 Cobb Pkwy N) | 6:00–10:00 pm | From ~$39.99/car | More
End the weekend with a cocoa-and-car-ride tradition; queue up a family playlist and cruise the lights.

Thursday — Nov 13

🎟️ Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Marietta Theatre Company) | Theatre in the Square | 8:00 pm | Ticketed | More
Musical comedy about rival con artists on the French Riviera—big laughs and clever songs in an intimate black-box setting.

Friday — Nov 14

🌿 Forest Bathing & Tai Chi | Mabry Park (East Cobb side) | 8:45–9:30 am | Ticketed | More
Slow, guided walk and gentle Tai Chi focused on stress relief and connecting with nature; bring water and wear comfortable shoes.

📚 Garden Storytime (Adults welcome with kids) | East Cobb Library (Parkaire Landing) | 10:30–11:00 am | Free | More
Nature-themed stories and simple activities inspired by Smith-Gilbert Gardens; good for preschoolers and early elementary.

📚 Adult Take-Home Craft Kit: Fall Acorn Garland (Pickup) | East Cobb Library (Parkaire Landing) | 10:00 am–5:00 pm | Free | More
If you missed Thursday’s pickup, you can still grab a kit today while supplies last.

🕯️ Candlelight Shopping | Marietta Square | 5:00–8:00 pm | Free | More
Date-night friendly: stroll with a warm drink, duck into shops, and plan dinner on or just off the Square.

🍸 Art of the Cocktail | Marietta Cobb Museum of Art | 6:00–8:00 pm | Ticketed | More
Sip themed cocktails while exploring the galleries; often includes a featured mixologist and light bites.

🎟️ Dirty Rotten Scoundrels (Marietta Theatre Company) | Theatre in the Square | 8:00 pm | Ticketed | More
Second performance of the weekend—great paired with dinner and a post-show stroll.

🎭 Sanders Family Christmas | Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | Evening showtimes | Ticketed | More
Beloved bluegrass-gospel musical set in 1941; multiple performances run Nov 7–23—check the Strand’s schedule for exact times.

🎤 Comedy on the Square | The Alley Stage | 8:00–9:30 pm | ~$34.60 | More
Stand-up showcase from local and touring comics—easy walk from the Square’s restaurants and parking.

Saturday — Nov 15

🎁 Winter Holiday Décor Swap | Mountain View Regional Library (Sandy Plains Rd) | 10:30 am–12:30 pm | Free | More
Bring gently used holiday décor and swap for something “new-to-you”—a budget-friendly way to refresh for the season.

📝 Estate Planning: “Building & Protecting Legacies” | East Cobb Library (Parkaire Landing) | 1:00 pm | Free (registration requested) | More
Attorney-led session on wills, trusts, and basics of planning at different life stages; good starting point if you’ve been putting this off.

🎼 Georgia Philharmonic: The Famous People & Brahms | Lassiter Concert Hall (2601 Shallowford Rd) | 7:00 pm | Ticketed | More
Program featuring music inspired by notable figures plus a Brahms work, performed by the region’s volunteer symphony.

🥕 Marietta Square Farmers Market | 41 Mill St | 9:00 am–12:00 pm | Free | More
Pick up fresh ingredients for weekend cooking before the crowds and parking fill up.

🎨 Marietta Square Artisan Market | Mill St by the Square | 9:00 am–1:00 pm | Free | More
Browse handmade jewelry, art, and décor from local makers—good add-on stop after the farmers market.

🍽️ Marietta Square Food Tour | Around the Square | 11:00 am–2:00 pm | ~ $75 | More
Adults-or-older-teens outing with multiple tasting stops and a guide; advance booking recommended.

🎭 Sanders Family Christmas | Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre | Evening showtimes | Ticketed | More
Another chance to catch the Sanders family’s bluegrass-gospel Christmas story—family-friendly but we’ve slotted it here as a night-out option.

🚗 World of Illumination (Opening Weekend) | Six Flags White Water (250 Cobb Pkwy N) | 6:00–10:00 pm | From ~$39.99/car | More
Drive-through synchronized light show—reserve your window; later slots tend to move faster.

🎤 Comedy on the Square | The Alley Stage | 8:00–9:30 pm | ~$27.60 | More
Different lineup than Friday; cozy room and walkable to post-show drinks on the Square.

Sunday — Nov 16

🕍 Temple Kol Emeth – Middle School Friendsgiving | Temple Kol Emeth (East Cobb) 5:00–7:00 pm | Ticketed/RSVP | More
Friendsgiving-style evening for 6th–8th graders with food and games; RSVP required via the congregation’s youth events page.

Mt. Bethel Church – Membership Class | Mt. Bethel Church (Chapel) | 11:00 am | Free (registration requested) | More
Learn about Mt. Bethel’s beliefs, ministries, and ways to get involved; designed for adults considering joining the church.

🚗 World of Illumination | Six Flags White Water (250 Cobb Pkwy N) | 6:00–10:00 pm | From ~$39.99/car | More
Good Sunday-night cap: load the car, bring travel mugs, and enjoy the drive-through lights before the school week.

Sope Creek Paper Mill Trail: History Meets Adventure

3760 Paper Mill Rd SE

This remarkable site at 3760 Paper Mill Rd SE combines Civil War history with hands-on nature exploration. The 1-mile basic trail takes you to towering stone ruins, or extend to a 2.7-mile loop that includes Sibley Pond and creek crossings. Built in 1855 and destroyed by Union troops in 1864 for its role producing Confederate currency paper, these cathedral-like ruins now offer one of metro Atlanta's most photogenic hiking destinations.

Morning strategy (8-10 AM):
Beat the crowds—parking fills by 10 AM on weekends. November's cooler temps mean less fog over the creek and better visibility through fallen leaves. Start with Sibley Pond near the trailhead for wildlife spotting—fish jump at dawn, turtles sun on logs, and herons hunt the shallow edges. Kids can safely fish from the shore (no license needed under 16). The wooded descent to ruins stays shaded all morning, perfect for the 0.5-mile walk down.

Ruins exploration (the main event):
The multi-story stone walls stand 15-20 feet tall—kids feel like they're exploring an ancient castle in the middle of Georgia woods. You can walk through the structures (watch for uneven ground), climb onto lower walls for photos, and spot the small spillway waterfall beside the ruins. The creek here is wide and shallow over angular boulders—bring water shoes for creek walking. Flat rocks along the banks are ideal for young kids who want to play near water without deep wading. November's lower water levels expose more rocks and beach areas.

Afternoon plan (11 AM-4 PM):
Follow the creek downstream from the ruins on the eastern bank trail. The path includes creek crossings on stepping stones (can be slippery—hiking poles help) and leads to a second set of mill foundations on the opposite bank that most visitors miss. For the full loop, take the tributary creek uphill to signpost SC6, cross via stepping stones, and wind through forest to Sibley Pond—the entire circuit takes 1-1.5 hours at a family pace.

Hidden features:
A small historic cemetery sits in the middle of the trail network between Sope Creek and Cochran Shoals—ask rangers for directions or look for signage at SC junctions. The numbered trail markers (SC3, SC4, SC27, etc.) with maps at each intersection make navigation easy. Adventurous families can extend their hike by connecting to the Cochran Shoals Trail system for up to 8.5 miles total.

Parking tips:
$5 cash-only fee (envelope system at lot entrance). No restroom facilities at this trailhead. Bring extra shoes—trails can be muddy after rain, and creek exploration guarantees wet feet. Water bottles essential (no fountains). Dogs allowed on leash but watch for mountain bikers sharing trails.

Best for November:
Lower creek levels, fewer insects, fallen leaves reveal creek bed features, cooler temps make the uphill return comfortable. Pack layers—forest stays 10° cooler than open areas.

Learn more about Sope Creek on the National Park Service website.

Cold-Snap Prep: 20 Minutes Now Stops $8,000 in Burst Pipe Damage

Georgia's weather swings from 70°F afternoons to hard freezes overnight with almost no warning, and that's exactly when pipes burst. When temperatures hit 28°F or below for more than a few hours, water inside exposed pipes freezes, expands, and cracks the line—leading to flooding that costs $8,000-$15,000 once you factor in water remediation, drywall replacement, and ruined flooring.

Here's the good news: most freeze damage is completely preventable with about 20 minutes of work split between outdoor and indoor tasks. This isn't theoretical—this is the specific checklist that saves East Cobb homes every winter.

Outside (8-10 minutes):

Disconnect all hoses from outdoor spigots. Even "frost-free" spigots fail when hoses stay attached—the trapped water creates back-pressure that defeats the frost-free mechanism. Unhook every hose, drain them, and store them in the garage.

Cover your spigots. Foam spigot covers run $3-5 at East Cobb Ace Hardware on Johnson Ferry Road and provide real insulation. In a pinch, wrap with old towels secured with plastic wrap or duct tape. Don't skip garage spigots—they're always the first to freeze since they don't get interior heat.

Shut down your irrigation system. Find your vacuum breaker or backflow preventer (usually a brass or green plastic valve near outdoor spigots), turn it off, and open the manual drain valve if you have one. If you're unsure about your setup, spending $75-100 for professional winterization with compressed air is worth it to avoid a $2,000 spring repair.

Locate your main water shutoff right now. It's either in a ground box at the curb (needs a meter key) or inside near your water heater. When a pipe bursts, you have maybe 60 seconds before serious damage begins. Find it tonight, not during the crisis.

Inside (10-12 minutes):

Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls. Most East Cobb homes have kitchen or bathroom sinks on outside walls—open those cabinets overnight to let warm air reach the pipes. This one step prevents the majority of kitchen sink freeze-ups.

Let problem faucets drip. A pencil-thin stream of water (both hot and cold sides running) can't freeze. Target any faucet on an exterior wall or in an unheated space. Yes, it wastes water, but it's vastly cheaper than a burst pipe. Catch the drip in a bucket for plants if you want to offset waste.

Keep your thermostat at 55°F minimum. If you're traveling, never drop below 55°F. The $30 you "save" on heating gets obliterated by a single freeze incident. Even at home, avoid big overnight setbacks during freeze warnings—steady temps protect pipes better than temperature swings.

Close your garage door completely. It's not airtight, but it adds a critical buffer layer. Older East Cobb homes often have exposed water lines in garages—wrap those with foam pipe insulation ($7 for a 6-foot section at Home Depot).

Keep interior doors open overnight. Laundry rooms and mudrooms on exterior walls need heat circulation. If those rooms don't have dedicated vents, leave doors open so warm air can reach the pipes in the walls.

If disaster strikes: The second you see water, shut off the main supply immediately. If water is near outlets or your electrical panel, kill power at the breaker (only if you can do this safely without standing in water). Then call a licensed plumber—burst pipes aren't DIY repairs. Document everything with photos before cleanup for insurance.

East Cobb businesses that can help:

Morningside Plumbing
They've specialized in East Cobb freeze prevention for 20+ years and know every weird pipe configuration in these neighborhoods. They'll winterize irrigation systems, add insulation to vulnerable pipes, and do full freeze-prep inspections for around $125-150. They answer their phone on weekends.
(770) 998-1998
Visit website

Mr. Handyman of Canton, Woodstock, and Marietta
Perfect for smaller jobs the big companies don't want—installing pipe insulation, fixing stuck shutoff valves, adding foam covers to outdoor spigots, or wrapping crawl space lines. They've been serving East Cobb since 2003 and their techs will walk you through prevention steps while they work.
(770) 591-0020
Visit website

General guidance from the American Red Cross on winter weather preparedness: https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm.html

Jobs/Internships

Whether you're a high schooler looking for your first gig, a college student building experience, or someone seeking a career change, East Cobb's job market is active this week.

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

Georgia Tech Research Institute Summer Internship

5-week paid positions at Cobb County Research Facility
Ages 16+, hands-on STEM projects, June-July 2026
Applications open ~December 5th

Microsoft Discovery Program

4-week paid internship at Atlanta campus (July 2025)
For Cobb County high school seniors heading to college
All majors welcome, not just tech

CobbWorks B.O.S.S. Program (Ages 16-24)

Paid work experience + free education tuition
Career coaching for income-eligible Cobb residents
Call 770-528-4300 or email [email protected]

HIRING NOW - RETAIL & HOSPITALITY

Seasonal & Holiday Positions:

Honey Baked Ham (3405 Dallas Hwy, Marietta)

Sales/production associates + FREE HAM for employees
Extended hours November-December

Williams-Sonoma (East Cobb)

Cashiers, stock associates (must be available Nov-Dec)

Hollister (Town Center at Cobb)

Stock associates, 3-4 shifts/week

Year-Round Openings:

Smallcakes East Cobb (4475 Roswell Rd)

Front counter staff, bakers (flexible daytime shifts)

McCray's Tavern East Cobb (4880 Lower Roswell Rd)

Hosts/hostesses, barbacks
Email: [email protected]

Massage Envy Sandy Plains Centre (1205 Johnson Ferry Rd)

Front desk sales, estheticians
$12-14/hr + commissions + free monthly massage/facial

PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Avenue East Cobb - Guest Relations Coordinator

Property management, event coordination, tenant relations

East Cobb Family Dentistry - Experienced Dentist

Practice captain role with clinical autonomy

Primrose School at East Cobb at Sprayberry - Lead Preschool Teachers

No nights/weekends, benefits included

PuroClean of East Cobb - Administrative Assistants, Assistant Technicians

Kids Can Occupational Therapy Services - Licensed OTs

Valid GA license required, collaborative setting

COLLEGE INTERNSHIPS

Cobb County Government - Various departments

$20/hr, 40 hrs/week (must be enrolled in GA college)

Cobb County DA's Office - Unpaid positions (academic credit available):

Criminal Investigations (juniors/seniors in criminal justice/pre-law)
Appellate Division (law students only)
Victim Witness Assistance (social work, psychology, criminal justice majors)

UGA Young Scholars Program - 5-week paid agriculture/environmental science research

Ages 16+, post-sophomore year

FREE CAREER HELP

CobbWorks Career Resource Center
463 Commerce Park Drive, Marietta
Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

✓ Job search assistance
✓ Resume help
✓ GED support
✓ Career counseling

📞 770-528-4300
Website
[email protected] (B.O.S.S. Program)

If you want to read any of our previous issues, check them out HERE on our website.

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