🌱 Lewis A. Ray Library Closing For Renovations + Back To School Event

Good morning, everybody! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Let's get this week started off right with a quick review of the most important things happening around town.

But first, your local weather:

• Monday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 89 Low: 62.
• Tuesday: Mostly sunny and warm. High: 90 Low: 67.

Here are the top three stories in Marietta today:

1. The Lewis A. Ray Library in Cobb County will temporarily close on Aug. 7 for approximately three months to undergo a renovation project led by the Cobb County Property Management Department. The library will be transformed into a dedicated Family Services branch, with a focus on children's collections, resources, and programming, featuring enclosed children's program and study rooms, reconfigured staff and service desk spaces, and updated furniture. The library, located in the Oakdale neighborhood near Smyrna and Mableton, has served the community for 56 years. (Cobb County Courier)
2. The owners of the Amber Grove apartment complex in Cobb County are organizing a back-to-school event to improve its reputation, as some view it as a crime-prone area. The management company aims to change the complex's culture by involving police, fire, and nonprofit organizations to create a better living environment. The event, held after the complex was purchased by Cushman and Wakefield in April, includes activities for children and donations from vendors and contractors, aiming to engage the community and create a positive impact. (11 Alive)
3. Marietta resident Ishan Nayak, a 21-year-old with developmental disabilities, is about to face a significant change in his life as he finishes high school. Once he turns 22, he will no longer be able to attend school, putting a burden on his parents to find day programs near their Atlanta suburb. However, the limited availability of services and programs for adults with disabilities and long waiting lists for Medicaid waivers make it challenging for families like the Nayaks to access the support they need. Despite the obstacles, Ishan's joyful and grateful spirit inspires his family to continue seeking the best options for his future. (ABC 23)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Marietta:

Monday, July 24

• Marietta Business Association Monthly Luncheon At The Foxglove (11:30 AM)
• Farmers Market At Kennesaw First Baptist Church (3:30 PM)

Tuesday, July 25

• Christmas In July At The Avenue West Cobb (5:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The Marietta Police Department is encouraging parents to make sure their children know important information like their address, telephone number, and how to contact a parent or guardian. Kids should stay aware of their surroundings, avoid distractions from devices, refrain from engaging with strangers, and report any unsafe situations to a trusted adult. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• Are you looking for a local vegan restaurant? Check out B.A.D. GYAL at the Marietta Square Market! (Marietta Square Market via Facebook)
• The Marietta Parks and Recreation Department is accepting applications for the 46th Annual Harvest Square Arts and Crafts Festival, to be held on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Marietta Square. Booth spaces are available for $100, and the application deadline is Friday, Sep. 15, at 5:00 p.m. (Marietta Parks & Recreation via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Holocaust Education Symposium (July 25)
• Southern-Fried Gaming Expo (July 28)
• Donations Needed: Backpack & School Supply Drive (July 29)
• Schoolhouse Brewing Adult Back to School Party (July 29)
• Steven Quartly Artist Show (July 30)
• Add your event

You're officially in the loop for today. I'll catch up with you soon with a new update!

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.