Upcoming town hall; Public Safety Block Party; South Cobb Citizen of the Year nominations

• Atmosphere Matters, Clean Safely and $ave. 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, April 4. Switzer Central Library, 266 Roswell St., Marietta. Free. Class will focus on using green cleaning recipes to clean your home without the use of costly and dangerous chemicals. Take home a sample.

• Make Ahead Mediterranean Meals. 6:30-8 p.m., Monday, April 11. East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. Meal time can be made easy by making meals ahead of time. In this demonstration, learn how to make healthy one dish meals that will last all week, saving you time and energy. Come and taste a sample.

• Board of Commissioners regular meeting. 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 12. BOC Room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta.

• Board of Zoning Appeals variance hearing. 1 p.m., Wednesday, April 13. BOC Room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta.

• How to Do Business with Cobb seminar. 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 14. Cobb County Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with Cobb County School District and Cobb County Government staff who make the purchasing decisions. To RSVP, send an email to [email protected].

• Public Safety Education Block Party. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 16. Cobb Park, 2776 Sanford Road, Smyrna. Bring your friends, family and neighbors to enjoy fun, food and music.

Seniors in need can apply for financial assistance

Cobb Senior Services staff is now accepting applications for financial assistance to help low income seniors 60 years old and older who are experiencing financial difficulties. Seniors may be eligible to receive limited financial help for delinquent rent, dental assistance, prescription assistance and utility assistance. Participants must be Cobb County residents, 60 years old or older and meet income guidelines. Restrictions apply and an application appointment is required. For details, call 770-528-5364.

Make plans to attend District Four town hall

Town hall meetings are great chances to share progress around our district and county and discuss issues and ideas. Make plans to attend our next District Four town hall 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 21, at South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton. Invite your friends and neighbors as well!

Other District Four town halls this year are scheduled for Aug. 18, Oct. 20 and Dec. 15. For more information, visit cobbcounty.org/cupid or call 770-528-3312.

South Cobb Citizen of the Year nominations needed

The South Cobb Citizen of the Year is an award created by the South Cobb Rotary in 1986 and co-sponsored by the South Cobb Area Council of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce.

The choice for a recipient is not limited to a resident of the South Cobb area. Selection is not limited to members of the Cobb Chamber or the South Cobb Rotary Club. Rather, the South Cobb Citizen of the Year honor is bestowed upon the person who has made the South Cobb area a better place to live and work through definable, exceptional deeds. Most importantly, there are no specific criteria on the qualifications and accomplishments of the individual chosen. On the contrary, this award is to honor an individual whose impact through the years will be recognized and regarded with pride throughout the area as a role model.

To nominate someone for South Cobb Citizen of the Year, please access the nomination form by clicking here and provide as much information as you can. All nomination forms must be received by noon, Friday, April 15.

Cobb responds to inquires about lead in water

Our Cobb County Water System staff understands that nationally people are very concerned about levels of lead in drinking water, as USA Today and every local and national news affiliate picked up a story about this topic all over the country. Those stories focused on the number of systems with lead in excess of the Action Level. Cobb County Water customers can learn more about what our Water System and Cobb County-Marietta Water Authority are doing to prevent and monitor lead levels by visiting https://cobbegov.org/index.php/water-taste-report.

Cobb County Water customers may also call the Water System's senior project manager, Kathy Nguyen, and operations manager, Ken Jacob, if they would like to discuss this topic in greater detail. Their contact information is:

Ken Jacobs: 770-419-6359
Kathy Nguyen: 770-419-6244

Please know our water system staff is working very closely with Cobb County- Marietta Water Authority staff on this issue to make sure customers have accurate and up-to-date information.

New job listing; Career Connections workshops

-- CobbWorks sent information on the following job opening. Click on it for more information.

Production/general assembly

-- Join Sweetwater Mission for Career Connections Every Thursday evening

Sweetwater Mission now has activities scheduled every Thursday evening for job seekers, career changers and others seeking direction and life/work balance.

Here is the schedule for this week and next:

Thursday, April 7: Resume Writing/Cover Letter Skills: Panel Discussion
Get your questions answered by our panel of experts!
Thursday April 14: Resume Building
Experts help you put together that perfect resume and cover letter

Sweetwater Mission is located at 6289 Veteran's Memorial Highway (on the corner of Line Street and Hotel Street) behind Wade Heating and Air. Meet in Suite 12-C. The entrance is in the rear of the building near the donation drop-off area. For more information, call 770-819-0662 ext. 11 or email at [email protected].

The job listings provided are opportunities gathered by CobbWorks staff and other contributors in an effort to help share employment information with jobseekers. Although care has been taken to ensure the accuracy, completeness and reliability of information provided, we are not responsible for errors, omissions or changes. Job information and availability are subject to change without notice.

Food program helps those in need

If you are looking for a way to stretch your hard earned money, are a parent worried about what your children are eating or are on a fixed income, the OneHarvest food box program at Powder Springs First United Methodist Church, may be for you.
There are no applications or qualifications to order OneHarvest food boxes. It is open to anyone who wants to order, regardless of income level.

OneHarvest boxes are ordered through local churches with a monthly deadline and a single delivery date each month. There are several boxes to choose from, each being pre-packed and frozen. The April order deadline is April 13. To view the March menu or find more information about the program, click here. Order online at oneharvest.com or from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays at Powder Springs FUMC, 4329 Marietta St., Powder Springs.

Learn how to conduct business with county

Make plans to attend the 2016 How to do Business with Cobb seminars, where you will learn about vendor opportunities, network with local business owners and hear about the local vendor preference. The next workshop will be held 5-7 p.m., Thursday, April 14, at the Cobb County Safety Village, 1220 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet with Cobb County School District and Cobb County Government staff who make the purchasing decisions. To reserve a spot for you and your colleagues, send an email to [email protected]. Later this year, a second seminar will be held 5-7 p.m., Oct. 20, in the BOC Room on the second floor of 100 Cherokee St., Marietta.

Bring family to Public Safety Block Party

Bring your friends, family and neighbors to enjoy fun, food and music at the Public Safety Education Block Party 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday, April 16. The free event will be held at Cobb Park, 2776 Sanford Road, Smyrna.

Join the fun with local fire and police departments, Animal Control, 911, the Community Emergency Response Team, the Neighborhood Safety Commission and Safe Kids Cobb County.

Mableton Town Square ribboncutting

Cobb County’s newest green space, the Mableton Town Square, is complete. A ribbon cutting ceremony will be held 10:30 a.m., April 28, to celebrate.

This $2.2 million project rerouted Church Street around a football field-sized green space and created a new roadway called Mableton Town Square. This connects Old Floyd Road with the new square built in front of Mableton Elementary School. This joint project among Cobb Community Development, PARKS and DOT was funded by the 2011 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax.

Business Spotlight: Against All Odds Fitness

Meet April Arlene Owens with Against All Odds Fitness LLC, located at 5900 Maxham Road in Austell. Owens is an advocate for youth fitness and believes it is important for children to learn about fitness and healthy living at an early age. She has a partnership to teach fitness with Clay Elementary School, Milford Elementary School, Building Foundations Learning Academy in Mableton and the Smyrna Community Center.

Owens believes Zumba is the perfect way to connect kids to fitness because it's fun and kids don't feel like they are working out. Children who work out have a better self image, develop better interpersonal skills and are more likely to maintain a healthy life style through adult hood. Owens is hoping to add youth fitness programs to many more schools and day cares in Cobb County in the near future.

Against All Odds Fitness also offers classes for families and adults in Zumba, cardio kick-box, Pilates and yoga as well as Zumba children's birthday parties The studio is also available for workshops and events. You can learn more about Against All Odds Fitness at aaofit.com or by contacting the organization at 404-955-0955 or [email protected].

This "Business Spotlight" section provides the opportunity to showcase businesses in our district, but is not an endorsement of the business or a guarantee of the quality of products or services provided. If you would like your business or a business you frequent in District Four to be highlighted, please email me at [email protected].

Learn about homeowners' rights

Cupid in the Community

Addressed leadership and staff of the Atlanta Federal Bureau of Prisons for its Women's History Program, Working to Form a More Perfect Union: Honoring Women in Public Service and Government.
Had a great time with John Helton of CobbWorks at General Assembly's private event for Atlanta business leaders on Addressing Contemporary Workforce Development Issues in the High Tech Industry.
Partnered with Cobb County Purchasing to host a subcontractor event for smaller businesses seeking work on larger county contracts.
Joined leadership of Boys Scouts of America, Home Depot and Genuine Parts to observe the newly-formed Boy Scout and Cub Scout troops at Riverside Intermediate.
Enjoyed fellowship with South Cobb Rotary members and recognizing essay contest winners of Garrett Middle School as they addressed 'Being their Brother's Keeper" while reflecting on Rotary's Motto "Service Above Self."
Attended East Cobb Business Association's Fire Awards, Promotion and Recognition Ceremony.
Addressed Cobb Faith's Partnership and how they can be more engaged in local government.
Attended the county's recognition program for Cobb County Police.
Held biweekly community zoning meeting for Mableton, Smyrna and Marietta cases.

Community zoning meetings

Thank you to all of you who participate in the regular Community Zoning Meetings to learn about and weigh on zoning cases in your community. Please note the following scheduling changes for this year.

Zoning cases in Austell and Powder Springs will be addressed on the second Wednesday of the month, from 6 to 7 p.m., at South Cobb Recreation Center, 875 Six Flags Drive, Austell.
Zoning cases in Smyrna, Mableton and Marietta will be addressed on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 6 to 7 p.m., at South Cobb Community Center, 620 Lions Club Drive, Mableton.

For a list of upcoming 2016 zoning cases please visit: zoning.comdev.cobbcountyga.gov/index.htm.

My office is happy to help share information about programs, activities and events around District Four and surrounding areas, but inclusion in the newsletter does not signify endorsement or guarantee the quality of programming included.

District Four Construction Update

Indicates project paid for with SPLOST funding

Road Closure Notice:

Factory Shoals Road
Factory Shoals Road is closed to thru traffic until May 9, between Six Flags Road and White Road.

Anderson Mill Road Sidewalks

Austell Road to White Way Drive – Monday through Friday
This project is substantially complete. Expect periodic lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The contractor will be performing punchlist work. EXPECT DELAYS

Floyd Road – Veterans Memorial to Clay Road

Veterans Memorial to Clay Road – Monday through Friday
Expect periodic lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with one lane remaining open in each direction at all times. The contractor will begrading, installing curb and gutter and performing signal work. Utilities will be relocating services. EXPECT DELAYS

Powder Springs Road at Cheatham Hill Road / Callaway Road

Monday through Friday
This project is substantially complete. Expect periodic lane closures from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The contractor will be performing punchlist work. EXPECT DELAYS

Riverside Parkway Sidewalk

Monday through Friday
This project is substantially complete. Expect periodic lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The contractor will be performing punchlist work. EXPECT DELAYS

Six Flags Drive (Factory Shoals Road to Riverside Parkway)

Monday through Friday
Expect periodic lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with one lane remaining open. The contractor will be building gravity wall, milling, installing curb and grading. Utilities will be relocating services. EXPECT DELAYS

Six Flags Drive (Riverside Parkway to Six Flags Parkway)

Monday through Friday
This project is substantially complete. Expect periodic lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The contractor will be performing punchlist work. EXPECT DELAYS

Walker Drive

Monday through Friday
The contractor will be installing fence, dressing and placing sod. No lane closures are anticipated.

White Road at Riverside Parkway

Monday through Friday
Expect periodic lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with one lane remaining open. The contractor will be widening roadway. Utilities will be relocating services. EXPECT DELAYS.

Road Resurfacing

Resurfacing operations are scheduled Monday - Friday. Expect lane closures between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. with one lane remaining open at all times on the following road: EXPECT DELAYS.

Hill Road between Brownsville Road and Brownsville Road**

** The above scheduled work is subject to change due to weather or construction progress.

I-285 at Atlanta Road Interchange Reconstruction - GDOT

Orchard Road is closed to through traffic through Jan. 5, 2017.

Atlanta Road–Saturday: The contractor will be removing concrete shoulders and dirt. Lane closures are anticipated. EXPECT DELAYS

I-285 northbound: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The contractor will be boring for fiber. No lane closures are anticipated.

I-285 southbound: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The contractor will continue to remove concrete shoulder, installing barrier walls and performing utility work. No lane closures are anticipated.

Atlanta Road: Monday through Friday
Expect periodic lane closures between 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with one lane remaining open. The contractor will be performing bridge work. Utilities will be relocating services. EXPECT DELAYS

I-285 northbound at Atlanta Road Bridge – Monday through Friday NIGHT WORK
Expect lane closures 9 p.m. - 5 a.m. The contractor will be performing bridge demolition. EXPECT DELAYS

GDOT Northwest Corridor (I-75/I-575) Managed Lanes

Frey Road: Lane closures from George Busbee Parkway to Campus Loop Road: 7 p.m.-5 a.m.

I-75 southbound:Entrance ramp closure at Delk Road to I-75 southbound follow posted detour: 9 p.m.-5 a.m., Monday, April 4,-Saturday, April 9.

Cumberland Boulevard: Lane shift from Interstate North Parkway to Akers Mill Road (north): now through May.

I-285 eastbound: Ramp closure I-285 eastbound to I-75 northbound follow posted detour: 10 p.m.-5 a.m., Friday, April 1-Saturday, April 2.

For weekly travel advisories, please visit www.dot.ga.gov/DS/GEL/NWC.

Windy Hill Road at I-75 Diverging Diamond Interchange

Windy Hill Road lane closure at I-75 overpass to cause significant delays and congestion
One westbound lane on Windy Hill Road is closed across the I-75 bridge overpass as work continues on the diverging diamond interchange. This lane closure will cause significant delays and traffic congestion for all traffic heading westbound on Windy Hill Road through the interchange, particularly, traffic traveling west to the I-75 south on-ramp and traffic going Windy Hill Road west to the I-75 north on-ramp.
This lane closure will continue indefinitely.

For up-to-the minute traffic 24/7, log onto www.cobbcommute.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter (@CobbDOT).

Monday through Friday: Windy Hill Road at I-75
Expect periodic lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with one lane remaining open. The contractor will be demoing bridge, grading, placing concrete and beginning wall construction. EXPECT DELAYS

INTERSTATE N PKWY WEST NORTHBOUND (ONLY) PERMANENT PARTIAL ROAD TRAFFIC SHIFT AND REROUTE INFORMATION

Effective, Monday, April 4. The following PERMANENT PARTIAL road traffic shift is necessary while road construction gets underway for traffic and safety improvements, including the construction of a roundabout on Interstate North Parkway West.

Interstate N. Parkway West Permanent Partial Road Traffic Shift: An approximate .2 mile section of the NORTHBOUND LANE on Interstate N. Pkwy West to Windy Hill Road will PERMANENTLY be shifted. This shift will occur mid-day, and as a result, northbound traffic will no longer be able to access Interstate N Parkway West, north of the Extended Stay hotel driveway, to Windy Hill Road.

Northbound Traffic (ONLY) Reroute Information: Northbound traffic on Interstate N Parkway West will be redirected onto Interstate North Parkway toward Spectrum Circle where it can access Windy Hill Road and I-75 north and south bound ramps. Currently, this permanent partial traffic shift will not affect I-75 northbound traffic heading southbound off Windy Hill Road onto Interstate N Parkway West.

Windy Hill Road Corridor Thoroughfare Improvements

Monday through Friday: Interstate North Parkway-Windy Hill Road to Interstate North Parkway East
Expect periodic lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with one lane remaining open. The contractor will be performing grading operations, signal work and building wall. EXPECT DELAYS

Monday through Friday: Between I-75 and Cobb Parkway (east and westbound)
Expect periodic lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with one lane remaining open on Windy Hill Road. The contractor will continue wall construction, placing GAB, placing curb and gutter and installing storm drainage. Utilities will be relocating services. EXPECT DELAYS

Monday through Friday: I-75 to Powers Ferry Road
Expect periodic lane closures 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with one lane remaining open. The contractor will be performing grading operations, signal work and building wall. EXPECT DELAYS

Updates and information about the upcoming Windy Hill Road projects will be provided at www.cobbdot.org.

David Baggett, construction ambassador, will be located at 2470 Windy Hill Road, Suite 126, throughout the duration of the project. He will meet regularly with businesses and the public to provide project updates, share information, and address project concerns. Baggett can be reached at [email protected] or 678-722-1740.

Get real time traffic updates on cobbcommute.org
Cobb County has launched this easy-to-use web tool to help users navigate traffic. Available on both desktop and mobile devices, www.cobbcommute.org shows users color-coded traffic speeds on major roads and highways and offers a look at LIVE traffic camera feeds around the county. Users have access to construction updates for major construction projects and can use filters to focus on a construction area of interest. The information comes directly from Cobb County's Department of Transportation's Transportation Management Center.

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For the latest news and information happening around the county including emergency road closures and severe traffic delays, text "follow cobbcountygovt" to 40404 or find Cobb County Government on Facebook. You can also find fun and informative county videos on YouTube.

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For current Board of Commissioners zoning hearing agendas and meeting minutes please visit the County Clerk's Web site