Local News
New Help Desk Gives Second Chance
Cobb County is working to create innovative ways to help residents who’ve historically been forgotten or disregarded. The Cobb Second Chance Desk is the first effort of its kind in Georgia. This resource will help eligible people clear their records. In Georgia, 4.3 million people have criminal history – about 40% of workingage adults. The desk will help remove barriers that keep nonviolent people from being productive members of society. It will help with employment, financial aid, housing and other vital services. The Cobb Second Chance Desk will be a help desk housed in the Cobb Circuit Defender’s Office and staffed by Georgia Justice Project personnel to streamline the criminal record clearing process for those who were arrested in Cobb and are eligible by law for record clearing. The desk opened to the public June 25. Online appointments are available at cobbcounty.org/secondchance-desk or by calling 404-834-8604. This initiative is a partnership among the Cobb Circuit Defender’s Office, Cobb District Attorney’s Office, Cobb Solicitor General’s Office and the Georgia Justice Project.
Sculptures at Smith-Gilbert Gardens.
Smith-Gilbert Gardens Awarded Grant The Georgia Council for the Arts (GCA), a division of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, awarded a grant to Smith-Gilbert Gardens as part of its initial disbursement of grants for fiscal year 2022. A total of 218 organizations were awarded 266 grants, which provide more than $2 million in funding to arts organizations throughout Georgia. Additional grants for vibrant communities and cultural facilities programs will be awarded this fall. “As we emerge from this past year’s quarantine, the arts sector is vital to restarting the economy by attracting tourists, assisting with classroom learning, and igniting events to bring communities back together,” said GCA Executive Director Tina Lilly. “The 266 grants we have awarded will help cities and organizations leverage additional funds and bring people back to work, while providing fun and educational opportunities for Georgians across the state.” The grant will help Smith-Gilbert Gardens grow Art Blooms, which aims to provide emerging artists with a new exhibit platform. Art education programs for local students, weekly art programs for visitors, and a new temporary exhibit with regional and national artists will be added to complement the permanent collection, thanks to the grant.
Gobble Jog Returns to Marietta Square
Gobble Jog needs volunteers to help when the Thanksgiving race returns. 8
AROUND KENNESAW | August 2021
Gobble Jog, a Thanksgiving tradition for many families, will return to Marietta Square in November. The annual event, benefiting MUST Ministries, is one of the largest 10K races in the country, with more than 10,000 runners. The race wouldn’t be possible without the 250 volunteers who provide support, and there is a big need this year. “Half of our volunteers repeat each year but the other half are new ones, and this year will be more difficult,” said Brian Cartwright, Gobble Jog’s volunteer coordinator. “MUST needs volunteers in all areas, including packet pickup at the Civic Center the day before the race and help on race day.” All ages can volunteer, including teenagers and families with kids. Teenagers can volunteer as cheer squads to encourage racers along the route and finish line. This would be ideal for high school organizations like Beta Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes or National Honor Students. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.gobblejog.org and click on the Volunteer tab at the top of the page.
