USEFUL LINKS

Daniell festival and 5K race, Tours of Strand Theatre, Sprayberry helps younger readers, YMCA, YWCA, more....

Cobb families benefit from YMCA "Partner with Youth" campaign

Summer is a time for kids to be adventurous, be active and just be kids.

However, 25 percent of Georgia children in kindergarten through 12th grade are responsible for taking care of

themselves after school, according to a 2009 study by the Georgia Afterschool Alliance. Instead of being home alone, children have the opportunity to participate in supervised summer camps or in team sports, thanks to the Metro Atlanta YMCA Partner With Youth annual campaign. The YMCA is
committed to providing financial assistance to those who cannot afford the full price of Y programs. The YMCA Partner With Youth annual campaign raises money for this purpose. All annual campaign funds remain in the local community, giving children and families an opportunity to get involved in Y
programs.

The YMCAs in Cobb County set a 2010 goal to raise $200,000 for the Partner With Youth annual campaign. “The number of families with children receiving financial assistance is five times greater this year than last,” says Becky Shipley, McCleskey-East Cobb and Northeast Cobb YMCA executive director. “The
need to provide positive programs for young people becomes greater each year.”

YMCA members, volunteers, businesses and leaders in Cobb County contributed more than $233,057 to the 2009 Partner With Youth annual campaign. These funds made a difference to more than 1,000 Cobb children and teens who participated in summer camp, swim lessons and youth sports.

“It was such a blessing to have our three children attend a real camp full of wonderful experiences and memories,” says Catherine, a Cobb County mother. “The Partner With Youth annual campaign did more than just help out: it gave my children something they will take with them and remember forever.”

Through YMCA summer camp, children learn new skills, make life-long friends and discover the outdoors. Teen programs like Mission:Atlanta encourage teens to become socially responsible in their community. Swim lessons serve the community by teaching water safety and swimming skills. Offering youth sports, outdoor summer camps and other recreational activities for children and teens, the McCleskey-East Cobb, Northwest and Northeast Cobb YMCAs make a difference in the lives of Cobb County’s youth. All annual campaign funds benefit local Cobb County children and families.

To join the effort and help a child today, donate at www.giveymca.org.

Women of Achievement celebrates 25 years

The 2010 Tribute to Women of Achievement will take place on Friday, March 26, from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Cobb Galleria Centre. The women honored have made extraordinary contributions to family, community, charity and their professions. This is the twenty-fifth year that the YWCA has recognized Women of Achievement.

Former Governor Roy Barnes, State of Georgia, and Mitzi Smith, President of Sundial Pluming, are the 2010 Tribute to Women co-chairs. Joining them as Honorary co-chairs are Johnny Isakson, United States Senator, and the Honorable Juanita P. Stedman, Juvenile Court of Cobb County.

A silent auction, chaired by Linda Flournoy, will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the theme will be “Open Your Hearts and Purses to Women" and will feature a selection of purses and surprise items. The awards recognition dinner begins at 7p.m.

The YWCA Tribute to Women of Achievement is the single largest fundraiser for the YWCA of Northwest Georgia, whose most important goal is helping women achieve self-sufficient and productive lives for themselves and their families. The awards recognition dinner and silent auction raise awareness of and monies for the YWCA’s important programs including: Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault, Child Development, Economic Empowerment, and Women’s Leadership.

To become an event sponsor, purchase a ticket or table or for more information, visit www.ywcanwga.com. The reservation deadline is March 15, 2009.

For more information about nominations and sponsorship, contact Kimberly Jorgensen at 770-423-3582 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Daniell Middle School

Spring fest brings race and much more to Daniell

JJ Daniell Middle School PTSA is excited to announce SpringFest 2010 featuring:

WHEN: Saturday, April 24, 2010

WHERE: JJ Daniell Middle School • 2900 Scott Road • Marietta, GA 30066

TIME: 9:00am - 2:00pm (5K Race begins at 9:00am; 1K Fun Run begins at 9:15am)

Proceeds from this major fundraiser will be used to refurbish the covered play area in our physical education department and to provide agendas for next year's students. This will be a great event for our students, families and community!

Ready to race in the 5K or participate in the 1K Fun Run? Sign up for the 5K or 1K by Friday, April 2, 2010 to take advantage of the discounted registration fee of only $15 (after April 2nd, registration fee will be $20.) Included in your early registration fee is a commemorative t-shirt designed by a JJ Daniell Middle School student, a free oil change from Firestone Complete Auto Care (a $30 value), and several specific offers from community businesses. Sign-up early and invite your friends, family, colleagues and neighbors. The more people who participate, the more fun everyone will have!

JJ DANIELL STUDENTS & FAMILIES:
Click here to download a 5K Race and 1K Fun Run Registration Form

COMMUNITY RUNNERS & WALKERS:
Click here to download your Registration Form

Looking to market your product or service? If you have a business or know someone who does, SpringFest 2010 offers great visibility! Sponsorships start as low as $50 for a 10'x10' space and offers you the opportunity to reach hundreds of customers. For more information regarding sponsorship commitment levels, contact Anita Hagins-Jones, Sponsorship Chair, by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 770-363-4190.

Are you an artist or crafter? Sell your artwork, jewelry, crafts or other handmade items in the Arts and Crafts Market Place at SpringFest 2010! A 10'x10' booth space is only $50, and with Mother's Day, Graduation, and Father's Day just around the corner, SpringFest 2010 gives you a great sales opportunity during a prime gift-buying season. Please contact Dana Groves Reeves, Arts & Crafts Marketplace Coordinator, by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 404-644-3310.

Lend a hand and volunteer! Help make this a great event by volunteering your time. We have several opportunities available in two-hour increments. Please contact Valerie Holmes, Planning Committee Co-Chair, by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone at 770-910-5417.

Keheley Elementary School

Professional Potter Assembly
March 19th, 2010- Professional potter, Dianne Quammen, is set to come and talk with Keheley students March 19 about her career as a potter. She will give demonstrations on wheel thrown pottery. If time permits each student will touch the pottery as it spins on the wheel. We also need some parent volunteers from Keheley on March 19, so if you are interested please email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The assembly will be all day. Any help that day would be greatly appreciated.

Kell High School

Robotics Team

The Kell Robotics Team won an Environmental Excellence Award from SeaWorld/Busch Gardens. Kell High School is one of eight schools in the country to receive this prestigious honor.

Car crashes are the number one killer of teenagers. Unlike driver’s education, the Accident Avoidance Workshops specializes in teaching our students how to respond when everything goes horribly wrong to improve their chances of avoiding a fatal accident. This is a seven-hour, parent-participation program done in the student’s own vehicle, and it will be returning right here at Kell March 11 through March 14. The program is certified as a Level 5 Defensive Driving program by the National Defensive Driving Institute. Both students and parents alike are eligible to receive a defensive driving certificate for completing this program. Kell High School offers this program at a discount, but space is limited.

For more information, you can view the invitation on Kell’s website at www.cobbk12.org/kell/ . To register, call 770-971-0571.

Dates to remember

March 15 - Current ninth-grade registration packets go home
Current ninth-grade registration March 22 through March 26

Sprayberry High School

Sprayberry takes part in "Read Across America"

Students from Sprayberry High School visited feeder schools, Addison, Keheley, Bells Ferry and Sedalia Park Elementary School to read to students K through grade three this past Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

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Sprayberry Touchdown Club golf tournament March 28

Help support the Sprayberry football team with a round of golf March 28 at Bradshaw Farms. Cost for the scramble format is $110.00 per golfer or $400.00 per foursome. Sponsorships are also available, and players can win prizes for longest drive, closest to the pin, and most accurate drive. There's also a chance to win a car with a hole in one contest.

For more information, go to www.sprayberryfootball.com.

Around Cobb County

Guided tours of the StrandTheatre

Want to get a “behind-the-scenes” peek at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre?

The Strand now offers guided tours of the historic theatre and event rental space. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the theatre dating back to the 1930s, recent renovation efforts and fun facts about the theatre business. The tour ends on the rooftop Cobb Terrace with an excellent view of Marietta Square and Kennesaw Mountain.

Tours are offered Monday and Friday mornings at 10 a.m. Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at the box office.

More information is available at www.EarlSmithStrand.org or 770-293-0080, The Strand box office, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta, Ga.

Get your tickets to Osmond Brothers concert this Saturday

Cobb County will welcome the Osmond Brothers, Wayne, Jay and Jimmy, to the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre Saturday, March 13. The brothers have been performing for audiences for almost 50 years and will display their singing talents beginning at 8 p.m.

The Jennie T. Anderson Theatre is located inside the Cobb Civic Center at 548 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta.

For more information, call 770-528-8490 or visit cobbcounty.org/prca.

Cobb dignitaries will gather 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 9, to host the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the East Cobb Library. The new facility is almost double the size of the old Merchant's Walk Library at more than 16,800 square feet. Designed to meet current and future needs of our patrons, it features a children’s activity room, study rooms and a well-equipped multipurpose room with a multimedia board that supports Web-based training programs. There is also spaced geared specifically toward teenagers, self-checkout stations for added convenience and a vending area. The East Cobb Library is located at 4880 Lower Roswell Road in the Parkaire Mall in Marietta.

Al Bishop Tournament Calendar

Learn how to do business with the county

The Cobb County Purchasing Department will host the quarterly "How to Do Business with Cobb County" seminar 5 p.m., Wednesday, March 10, at 1772 County Services Parkway, Marietta. It will last about an hour and topics will include how to become a registered vendor, how to find bid opportunities and how to submit bids. The public is invited because the event is free and no registration is required. For more information, contact Bill Thomas at 770-528-8425 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

4-H plant sale taking pre-orders

Many residents support Cobb 4-H's annual plant sale to enhance their landscapes with perennials, azaleas and other plants and shrubs. With more focus on organic, pesticide-free food, there is an increased interest in growing fruits and vegetables. The sale offers a selection of blackberry, blueberry and raspberry plants that are appropriate for Cobb County. A small investment in berry bushes will provide the owner many years of fruit.

In addition to enjoying a beautiful landscape and fresh berries, plant sale purchases also support many local 4-H programs. Last year, scholarships were provided for 4-H'ers to attend summer camp and the overnight speech competition at Rock Eagle 4-H Center. Transportation costs to county and state events were also subsidized. Plant sales also fund the Awards Banquet, an annual program that highlights and recognizes individual achievements and contributions to the community. 4-H was able to donate school supplies and holiday meals after last year's flood.

More Cobb events and meetings......

March 11-13 - All 4 Kids consignment sale. Jim Miller Park. Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Consignment sale for children of all ages featuring clothing, toys, equipment and maternity clothes. For more information, visit all4kids.com.

March 12 - Lunch and learn: growing vegetables. Noon. Central Library, 266 Roswell St., Marietta. Learn how to successfully grow vegetables that thrive in your area. Bring your lunch to enjoy during the presentation.

March 13-14 - 13th annual model train show sponsored by the Piedmont Division of the NMRA. Cobb Galleria. Features more than 250 vendor tables, seven operating train layouts, hands on layout for kids, model train contest, raffle, white elephant table, door prizes and free parking. Admission: $8, children 12 and under free. Admission good for both days. For details, visit themodeltrainshow.com

March 16 - The BOC zoning hearing scheduled for March 16 has been rescheduled for 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 23. BOC Room, second floor, 100 Cherokee St., Marietta.

March 17 - Board of Tax Assessors meeting. 10 a.m. 736 Whitlock Ave, Marietta.

March 17 - Cobb Works Youth Council meeting. 2 p.m. Mansour Center. For more information, call 770-528-8075.

March 20 - Kennehochee Amateur Radio Club Hamfest. 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Jim Miller Park. Indoor building for equipment dealers and flea market. 116 acres for all types of tailgating. $6, adults; free, under 12. Free parking. For more information, call 404-630-1249.

March 20 - Cobb 4-H Club plant sale pick up. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Jim Miller Park.