🌱 Local Theatre Honored W/ Telly Award + Opposition To Transit Reform

Hello, Marietta! I'm here in your inbox today to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town.

But first, your local weather:

• Friday: Times of clouds and sun. High: 79 Low: 56.
• Saturday: Showers around in the p.m.. High: 74 Low: 52.

Here are the top three stories today in Marietta:

1. Marietta's Jennie T. Anderson Theatre's streaming production of "The Wild Party" has been awarded the Telly Award for Best Long-Form Entertainment, recognizing excellence in video and television across various platforms. The show, produced by Cobb Parks and the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre, garnered critical acclaim and received accolades, including Cole Spivia winning Broadway World's Best Costume Design award. The production aimed to create a unique hybrid of live theatre and filmmaking, offering an innovative experience for the audience and showcasing the theater's commitment to breaking boundaries in the Atlanta community. (Cobb County Courier)
2. Opponents of the upcoming 2024 transit plan in Cobb County are organizing in preparation for the proposed referendum to secure the necessary funds, with concerns raised about the potential urbanization of the area. Lance Lamberton, president of the Cobb County Taxpayers Association, emphasized the importance of maintaining Cobb County's suburban character. Some residents, including Marietta real estate agent Pamela Reardon, expressed worries about increased crime associated with MARTA expansion, while Cobb County transportation director Drew Raessler argued that expanding transit is vital for economic growth, population demands, and meeting the needs of residents. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)
3. Eleven-year-old Ta'Kari Tatum from Varner Elementary School in Powder Springs was recognized by the Cobb County Board of Commissioners for his mental health-focused community service project. Inspired by athletes Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka, as well as personal experiences and changes in his classmates' behavior during the pandemic, Tatum created "Snap It" rubber band bracelets. He distributed them across several states, raised over $1,200 for the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), and published an autobiography called "Snap It" about processing his grandfather's death. Tatum's commendable efforts also earned him Georgia's Gifted Student of the Year award and a role as a national spokesperson for NAMI. (Cobb County Courier)

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Today and tomorrow in and around Marietta:

Friday, May 26

• The Black ATL Comedy Tour 2023 At Monticello ATL (5:00 PM)
• Frankie Lisco (Acoustic) At Brewster's Neighborhood Grille (7:00 PM)
• Glover Park Concert At Glover Park (8:00 PM)

Saturday, May 27

• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing At Body & Brain Yoga Tai Chi (1:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Marietta City Schools sponsored Marietta High School seniors to revisit their elementary schools to walk the halls one last time before graduation! Photos are available at the link. (Marietta City Schools via Facebook)
• The Marietta Police Department is hiring! Find out more information about the job openings here. (Marietta, Georgia Police Department via Facebook)
• On Wednesday, May 24, the City of Marietta Public Works Department held its annual appreciation luncheon to thank all public works employees. Congratulations to Jammie Newsome, who received the Meritorious Service Award from Public Works Director Mark Rice. Newsome has been honored for her work in helping the Public Works Department to obtain national accreditation from the American Public Works Association. (City of Marietta, Ga., Government via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• HUGE Memorial Day Sale at Sunny & Ranney (May 26)
• Aura Reading & Chakra Balancing (May 27)
• Living Hope Church's STELLAR Vacation Bible School! (Jun. 5)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today! See you soon for your next 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.