Findhelp platform earns statewide award for innovation
Cobb County was honored this month as one of Georgia's technology leaders for its successful implementation of findhelp.cobbcounty.gov, a digital platform designed to simplify access to social services and community resources.
The Georgia Technical Authority awarded the county with a 2025 Technology Innovation Showcase award for its program. Launched in 2024 with funding from an ARPA grant, the findhelp initiative provides residents with a centralized online hub connecting them to vital services such as mental health support, housing, food assistance, healthcare, employment, and education.
Since its official launch, findhelp.cobbcounty.gov has recorded more than 18,700 searches as of January 2025. More than half were related to housing needs, with additional high demand for food, financial, and health assistance. Cobb County plans to continue expanding the platform, increasing resource listings, and exploring new integrations to further improve access and outcomes for residents. Go here for more information.
Tuesday event to provide help to veterans, military families
Free groceries and haircuts for veterans are just a sample of the numerous services that will be offered during the annual We Care Vet Fair 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 21, at the Cobb County Civic Center, 548 S. Marietta Parkway, Marietta. Parking and entry are free
More than 100 local, state, and federal agencies will be there to aid veterans, current military, family members, and caregivers. Experts will help with legal support, claims and appeals, and healthcare assistance. There will also be employment opportunities, including onsite interviews, professional headshots, and resume assistance. Current service members should have their military identification while others should bring their DD214 or other equivalent military records.
Cast your ballot for city elections, public service commissioner
Advance voting will continue through Friday, Oct. 31,for the Nov. 4 Public Service Commissioner Special General and Municipal General Election. Municipal elections will be held for voters in the incorporated cities of Acworth, Austell, Kennesaw, Mableton, Marietta and Powder Springs. The public service commission election is for all voters.
There is no voting on Saturday, Nov. 1, through Monday, Nov. 3.
Verify your voting information on the state My Voter Page
High school students in grades 9 - 12 can apply now for the 2025-26 Cobb County Youth Commission. The program provides an opportunity to learn about the inner workings of local government, engage in civic affairs, and become leaders of change in the community.
Previously, students designed service projects, ran town halls, engaged with staff and community leaders, and visited the state capitol.
Most sessions will be held in the evenings and some on weekends. Apply by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29.
Hayrides, heroes, and haunted thrills await at the annual Fall Festival of Fun 5 - 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at Jim R. Miller Park in Marietta. Take a ride on the hay-bale express, visit the candy fairies, play carnival games for prizes, and snap some family pics at photo booths with your favorite storybook, movie and superhero characters. Parking, entry, performances, and most activities are free.
When darkness falls, head over to the Cobb PARKS Haunted House for thrills and chills. The Haunted House will be open nightly throughOct. 31 at Jim R. Miller Park. Pre-registration is required. Admission is $5. Hours vary. Register for the Haunted House here.
And there are even more events in Cobb County for the entertainment of your discerning ghouls and goblins.
Oct. 24 - Trunk-or-Treat at North Cobb Regional Library. Enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun with candy, giant games, crafts, and special guests. This event is 4 - 6 p.m. rain or shine and all ages are welcome. Registration is encouraged.
Oct. 25 - Trunk or Treat with the Cobb Police Department at 1285 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta (grassy lot) from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Donate two big bags of candy when you sign up. Drop donations at any precinct or police HQ by Oct. 24. RSVP Here.
Oct. 26 - Halloween Hike in East Cobb Park and Fullers Park, 6 - 7:30 p.m., hosted by the Friends of East Cobb. More details here.
Oct. 27 - Spook-Tacular at Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center. 5 - 7 p.m.
Oct. 28 - Glow in the Dark Night Ride - 9 p.m. at Allatoona Creek Park. Halloween ride on the mountain bike trails. All ages. $3. Go here for information.
Declutter your home responsibly at upcoming Keep Cobb Beautiful events:
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Oct. 25 - Medication Disposal events. Dispose of old, unwanted medications safely and responsibly at three drop-off sites. Get location details here.
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Nov. 8 - Community Recycling Event at Jim R. Miller Park. This is the big one! Accepting electronics, appliances, metal, textiles, clothing and shoes. More information and RSVP here.
Events are free.
Young adult authors gather at library festival
The North Cobb Regional Library will host its first Young Adult Author Fest at noon Saturday, Oct. 25. The event features ten bestselling YA authors, including Becky Albertalli and Julian Winters. It's a unique opportunity for teens and young adults to engage with their favorite writers, discover new stories, and be inspired by diverse voices. Go here for more information.
The Fest schedule includes:
Noon - Panel discussion on "This World and Others: Writing the Real, the Unreal, and Everything in Between".
1 p.m. - Signing and vendors sessions.
2:45 p.m. - Panel "The Time is Now: Writing for the Contemporary Teen".
North Cobb Regional Library is located at 3535 Old 41 Highway, off Blue Springs Road and near North Cobb High School.
Furry companions for fall available for you
Trunk or Treat with Cobb County Animal Services will take place 3 - 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 27. Enjoy free pet adoptions, face painting, snacks, and the Bookmobile, at 1060 Al Bishop Drive, Marietta. Go here for more information.
Cobb County Animal Services is celebrating the autumn season by helping pets find their forever homes. Throughout October 2025, adoption fees for all pets are just $40. Even better, the fee will be waived entirely with a donation of cat or dog food.
This special gives families the chance to welcome a new furry friend while also supporting other shelter pets still waiting for homes. Dogs and cats available for adoption are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up-to-date on age-appropriate vaccinations.
Library branch temporarily closing next week
Kemp Memorial Library will be closed Monday, Oct. 27, through Friday, Oct. 31, for parking lot paving. The library’s bookdrop and curbside pickup service will not be available during the closure. It is scheduled to reopen Saturday, Nov. 1.
As of Saturday, Oct. 25, items reserved by library patrons for pickup at Kemp will be relocated to the West Cobb Library through the closure period.
Kemp Memorial Library is located at 4029 Due West Road, Marietta. For information on resources and programs offered by the library, visit cobbcounty.gov/library or call 770-528-2527.
Proposed code amendments up for public review
County Code amendments will be presented at the Board of Commissioners work session 1:30 p.m. Oct. 28, in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room, David Hankerson Building, 100 Cherokee Street, Marietta.
At 9 a.m. Nov. 12, and 6 p.m. Nov. 20, the Board of Commissioners will conduct public hearings to solicit comments and input on proposed amendments to certain chapters, articles, divisions, and sections of the Official Code of Cobb County, Georgia. Adoption of the code amendments will be considered at the Nov. 20 meeting, following the second public hearing.
Residents can learn how to assist first responders during times of crises in their community. Join Cobb's CERT volunteers. The next series of classes begins Nov. 1. Learn these skills:
Support Cobb youth programs at 4-H by purchasing a box of fresh fall produce. Each produce box includes an assortment of seasonal vegetables. The fundraiser runs through Nov. 7.
Sell your creations at upcoming holiday craft fair
Cobb PARKS is looking for vendors for its upcoming Holiday Artisan Market at the Cobb County Civic Center in December. Held in conjunction with the Artisan Market, there will be a special Merry Marketplace pop-up shop featuring young entrepreneurs (ages 10 - 17) showcasing and selling their homemade goods. Applications for vendors close Nov. 6 or when the event is full, so don't wait.
Download the appropriate application here and send to the designated email. The Holiday Artisan Market, which will include holiday performers, craftmaking and unique gifts from local artisans, will take place Dec. 5 - 7. The Merry Market will be held Saturday, Dec. 6. The Cobb County Civic Center is located at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta.
Cobb Elections is preparing for two elections in November and a robust Advance Voting period. One is a special election and it can be confusing to some voters. Check out this summary to be sure when and where you can cast your ballot.
Commissioner Erick Allen hosted the directors of Cobb's two largest Community Improvement Districts. Watch his podcast to learn more about how CIDs operate and what they do for Cobb!
A lot happens around the county that just doesn't fit into one weekly newsletter. Get more news and information from the Cobb departments you want to hear from.
