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April 2009

MHBA Announces 2009 Schedule

Music legend B.B. King is just one of the many entertainers signed up to perform at the Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre this season. Other famous artists scheduled include The B-52s, Kenny G., Montgomery Gentry, Peter Frampton, KC and the Sunshine Band, Smoke on the Mountain, and the Marshall Tucker Band.

King, who will perform Wednesday, September 2, has personified blues music for more than half a century with signature hits such as “The Thrill Is Gone,” “Payin’ The Cost To Be The Boss” and “How Blue Can You Get.” He has released more than 50 albums since he started recording in the 1940s. It will be the first time King has performed at the Mableton venue.

“It’s a higher level of artist than we’ve had before”, Cultural Affairs Director Elizabeth Weaver said of the new season, noting each performer was requested in surveys of previous concert-goers. “I think this is a good representation of our ‘please bring them’ list.”

Country duo Montgomery Gentry, consisting of Eddie Montgomery and Troy Gentry, will open the season Friday, May 29. The two have spent a decade on the national stage with more than 20 charted singles and hit the top of the singles charts three times, with “If You Ever Stop Loving Me,” “Something To Be Proud Of” and 2007’s “Lucky Man.”

KC and the Sunshine Band, known for the classic dance song “That’s the Way (I Like It),” will perform on Saturday, June 13. Smooth jazz saxophonist Kenny G. will take the stage accompanied by the Cobb Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, June 20. The Marshall Tucker Band, which hit the charts with “Pretty Little Love Song,” will perform its Southern rock on Friday, June 26 .

New Wave rock band The B-52s, known for the hits “Love Shack,” “Rock Lobster” and more, will bring their trademark vocals Friday, August 14. Classic rocker Peter Frampton, whose “Do You Feel Like I Do” became a charted hit in 1976 on one of the best-selling albums in history, will play on Wednesday, August 19. “Smoke on the Mountain,” a bluegrass gospel musical, will close the season September 18-20 .

Tickets for individual shows range from $15 to $55. Four-person tables in front of the stage are available for $350 per show. The Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre is located at 5239 Floyd Road in Mableton. To buy tickets, call the box office at (770) 819-7765, visit the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre box office in Marietta or go to mablehouse.org. Single tickets go on sale April 20 at 10:30am.

67th Annual Yaarab Shrine Circus & Carnival

Opening April 24th, the Yaarab Shrine Circus will take over the fairgrounds at Jim Miller Park . The Yaarab Shrine Circus and Carnival goes through May 3rd. Back again this year are unbelievable ride specials including the “SNEAK-A-PEEK-RIDE-A-THON”. On Thursday, April 23rd, the carnival will open a day early and charge just $10.00 for unlimited rides that day and that day only! Also, $15.00 unlimited rides Monday, April 27th - Thursday, April 30th.  Other special days include: Monday, April 27th is Dollar Day – Circus admission $1.00 for children and many food items are $1.00; and Tuesday, April 29th – all active armed forces and public service personnel admitted FREE to the circus (with proper I.D.). On Thursday, April 23th the gigantic flea market will open. The flea market will be packed with furniture, toys, household items, clothes and much, much more.

The circus opens the 10-day event at 7:30pm on April 24th. Performance times are Monday-Friday at 7:30pm; Saturdays 11:00am, 1:00pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm and Sundays at 1:00pm, 4:30pm and 7:30pm. Gates to the carnival open at 5:00pm Monday-Friday; Saturdays at 10:00am; Sundays at noon. General admission to Jim R. Miller Park is free; circus tickets are available at the gate - $10 for adults; $5 per child. Parking is $3 per car.

21st Annual Youth Service Day Celebration At Cobb County Civic Center
The Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department, Cobb Community Collaborative and several local agencies will join the global movement of “seeing youth as valued resources,” while making a positive difference in their own communities. Sponsored by State Farm Companies Foundation, millions of youth in the United States and in more than 100 countries plan simultaneous service events and service-learning projects to celebrate Global Youth Service Day. During last year's event, as many as 500 youth ages 5-25 participated in educational sessions, recreation activities and games for the entire family.

This year's celebration will be held at the Cobb County Civic Center on Saturday, April 25th beginning at 9:00am. For more information please contact Joan Trent, Cobb Community Collaborative at (770) 514-9742 or email jtrent@cobbcollaborative.org or call J.C. Redd, Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department at (770) 528-8454.

The Cobb recreation centers will also have events on April 25th for Global Youth Service Day, so come out and support your community by giving back and taking part in our Youth’s Service Day projects.  At Ron Anderson Recreation Center, the project is entitled 'Keeping Wild Horse Creek Park Beautiful'. Come out from 9:00am-12:00pm, then we will head over to the Cobb County Civic Center and join in the celebration for Global Youth Service Day! It’s free and open to the public. For more information please contact staff at Ron Anderson Recreation Center at (770) 439-3611.

Volunteers are needed to make this a successful event.  Help is needed to set-up/take down, registration, food preparation and service, activity supervision, and clean-up. If you are interested in volunteering, or would like more information about Global Youth Service Day 2009, please contact Leslie Walker, Jr. at (770) 439-3611 Joan Trent at (770) 514-9742.

Cobb Singles League - Cobb's Tennis League for Everyone!!!!

The Cobb Singles League is a tennis league where you compete against other players of similar ability.  Levels range from NTRP 2.0-5.0.  The 2.0 level is for very beginners - this is a great opportunity to try out your first tennis league.  You do not need to be part of a team - you register individually and you will be matched against other players at your level. This is a flex league where you play when it is convenient for you and you can play anywhere in Cobb County where there are tennis courts (parks, clubs, or subdivisions). There are two seasons each year - spring season and fall season.  The spring season begins April 20th. The Cobb Singles League is a great way to to enjoy fun competition and to meet new people!!!  Registration for the spring league is currently in progress.  The entry deadline is April 10th.  For more information and registration brochure, see the Cobb Singles League web site .

More Egg Hunts Coming Soon! The annual Egg Hunt at Miller Park was cancelled due to rain. We have rescheduled and have more opportunities for egg hunt fun.  See below for upcoming events: Egg Hunt Friday, April 3rd 5:30pm - 7:00pm Ward Recreation Center Egg Hunt Schedule 5:30pm 3 years & under 5:45pm 4 & 5 years 6:00pm 6 & 7 years 6:15pm Special Populations Hunt 6:45pm Coloring Contest and Mad Hatter (decorated hats) judging Children's Art Activities Visits with the Easter Bunny Coloring Contest Food available for a fee. Prize eggs at each Hunt Egg Hunt And Bike Day Saturday, April 4th 11:00am – 2:00pm Ron Anderson Recreation Center For Details, call (770) 439-3611 Egg Hunt Schedule 12:00-12:30pm Toddlers - 5 yrs 12:45-1:15pm 6yrs - 7yrs 1:30 – 2:00pm 8yrs -10yrs Don’t forget!!! April is Bike Safety Month, so bring all your protective gear.
Tennis Fun and Radio Disney - Rescheduled Event Harrison Tennis Center, the Atlanta Tennis Association for Kids (ATAK), and Radio Disney are joining together for an afternoon of fun, food, and prizes at the new fantastic facility of Harrison Tennis Center. Come join us for a day dedicated to junior players. Everyone is invited to come see and play on the new QuickStart tennis courts. Harrison Tennis Center is the home of the first permanent 36' QuickStart tennis courts in the country. These courts are specifically designed for children ages nine and under, making learning tennis easy and fun. The event will be held at Harrison on Saturday, April 18th, from 1:00pm-3:00pm, so come join Radio Disney and ATAK for play, food, and prizes. For information, call Harrison Tennis Center at (770) 591-3151.
Upcoming Events
The Art Station - Big Shanty	through April 3 Gallery Exhibit	Expressions Exhibit A show by the students from the HEArts Program of The Harmony House Music and Arts Center of Kennesaw. The gallery is free and open to the public Monday- Friday, from 10:00am–5::00pm.
	April 17-25 Gallery Exhibit	Spotlight on the Arts Exhibit The gallery is free and open to the public Monday- Friday, from 10:00am–5:00pm.
	April 25 Art Event	Spotlight on the Arts 11:00am–2:00pm Exhibits that features the artwork of 14 local elementary schools, as well as performances by Lovinggood and Barber Middle School students. There will be demonstrations and art activities for children ages 4 and up.
The Art Place	April 2-24 Gallery Exhibit	Palma Rhoades Opening reception - April 2 from 7:00pm-900pm
	April 16-18 Theatre Performance	The Sound of Music Presented by the Christian Family Theatre April 16th and 17th at 7:00pm April 18th at 2:00pm and 7:00pm Adult Tickets: $10.00 Child & Senior Tickets: $7.00 (All Thursday Tickets: $7.00) For tickets, see website - www.christianfamilytheatre.org
	April 24-25 Theatre Performance	Schoolhouse Rock Live, Jr. Presented by the Curtain Call Youth Players Troupe 7:30pm performance Adult tickets: $9.00 / Students: $7:00 For tickets, see website www.ccyp.org
Mable House Arts Center	through April 8 Gallery Exhibit	Floyd Middle School Exhibit Artwork from the Middle School Students from Floyd Middle School that will blow you away! Monday - Friday 10:00am-5:00pm Call (770) 819-3285 for weekend hours
	April 20-May 22 Gallery Exhibit	World of Art Exhibit Reception: Saturday, April 25, 7:00-9:00pm Juried art exhibit showcasing many genres including turned wood, photography, ceramics, glass, and pastels.
	April 24-25 Theatre Performance	Alice in Wonderland Theatre Project Performance at The Mable House Barnes Amphitheatre April 24 & 25 at 7:00pm and April 26 at 3:00pm Join the Theatre Project’s Footlights for our spring performance of Alice in Wonderland. This performance at the Amphitheatre will be like no other you have seen, complete with dance choreography that will bring Alice’s journey down the rabbit hole to life! Tickets are $5 for adults and Free for children under 12 Tickets go on sale the week before the performance begins at the Mable House Art Center.
	For more information about upcoming events at The Mable House visit www.mablehouse.org
Civic Center - Jennie T. Anderson Theatre	April 4 Theatre Performance	Mickey Rooney & Jan Rooney Encore Series For information, call (770) 528-8490
	April 18 Theatre Performance	Vicki Lawrence Encore Series For information, call (770) 528-8490
	April 24-26 Theatre Performance	Sussical the Musical           Cobb Children's Theatre For information, call (770) 480-1266
Civic Center - Hudgins Hall	April 11	Snap On Tools – Tool show
	April 18-19	Eastman Gun Show
	April 25	Global Youth Service Day For information call (770) 528-8454
Jim Miller Park	April 11	Georgia Street Rod 15th annual swap meet 8:00am-4:00pm Collector cars and parts available for purchase. Admission: $3.00 / under 12 free For information call (770) 517-6701
	April 23-May 3	Yaarab Shrine Circus, Carnival and Flea Market Midway rides for all ages, food, refreshments and games. Circus performances thoughout the week.  See article above for more information or call (770) 425-2331.
East Cobb Park	April 22	Celebrate Earth Day at East Cobb Park 4:00pm-6:30pm Activities will include guided hikes, learning games and an information scavenger hunt!   Last hike leaves at 6:00pm.  The rain-out location is Fullers Recreation Center.  For more information, contact Wendy Collins at (770) 509-2737.
Ron Anderson Recreation Center	April 4	Egg Hunt and Bike Day 11:00am-4:00pm Bring the entire family and ride your bicycles around Wild Horse Creek Park. See egg hunt times in article above.
	April 22-23	Job Readiness Seminar For ages 15-24, learn skills to improve your chances of finding a job.
Ward Recreation Center	April 3	Egg Hunt 5:30pm-7:00pm See article above for details.
Therapeutic Recreation	April 18	Earth Day Event at the Park 10:00am-2:00pm at Sweetwater Park It’s time to play in the dirt again! The TRS Unit will collaborate with Keep Cobb Beautiful to beautify one of our parks in Cobb County. We will plant 8-10 trees and learn about the trees as we plant them.
	April 24	Spring Formal 2009 “Moonlight & Magnolias - A Southern Tradition” Join us at the historic Marlow House for our Annual Spring Formal on Friday, April 24th from 7:00pm-11:00pm. The evening will consist of hors d’oeuvres, dancing, socializing and having fun. Make sure you come dressed to impress! Professional photographs will be taken from 6:30-7:30pm only by Sims Photography.
Al Bishop Softball Complex	April 4	Southern Star Classic ISA Men's Open Slow-Pitch Classes Upper D, Lower D
	April 11	April Showdown USSSA Men's Open Slow-Pitch Classes C3-C2, D1
	April 17-19	Double Play Classic ASA Youth Fast-Pitch 18-A, 16-A National Qualifiers
	April 25	Peach State Showdown USSSA Men's Open Slow-Pitch Classes C3-C2, E
Harrison Tennis Center	April 18	Radio Disney Tennis Fun Harrison Tennis Center 1:00pm-3:00pm Free event for children with fun, prizes and food!!! For information, call (770) 591-3151
Pitner Road Park	April 4-5	SAE Annual Flying Contest 8:00am Teams from engineering schools around the world will be demonstrating their flying skills of their radio controlled plane that they built from scratch. Free to the public.

Annual SAE Contest at the Cobb County Radio Control Club Airfield

The Cobb County Radio Control Club will host the Society of Automotive Engineers annual flying contest at the airfield at Pitner Road Park on April 4-5. Teams from engineering schools around the world will be demonstrating their flying skills of their radio controlled plane that they built from scratch. Approximately 700 students will attend the event. The contest will begin at 8:00am on April 4th and conclude at 12:00pm on April 5th . The event is open to the public and admission is free.

Cobb Youth Basketball Wraps Up Another Successful Season

The Cobb County youth basketball program had a great showing in the 2009 post season. Ten teams in 5 age groups represented Cobb County in the Georgia Recreation & Parks Associations 5th District tournaments throughout northwest Georgia . Of those teams, 4 teams went on to the 2009 GRPA State Championships that was held March 6-7. The 17U and 14U teams traveled to Savannah where the 14&U Powder Springs team brought home the runner–up trophy. In its inaugural season for the 8&U boys' tournament, Cobb County teams placed 1st and 2nd in the district level so they were both invited to Rome for the State Championships where the 8&U Powder Springs team also brought home the runner–up trophy.

The Cobb County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department would like to congratulate all of the teams that participated, from the county tournament level all the way to our state tournament teams on a job well done. You all demonstrated great sportsmanship and did an excellent job of representing Cobb County youth basketball!

Exciting Recreation Center Programs and Events Offered

SPRING BREAK FUN - Each of the Cobb recreation centers will be open April 6-9 from 10:00am-6:00pm for spring break activities and fun! Contact your closest recreation center for information.

FREE YOGA CLASS -Enjoy yoga’s benefits of relaxation, increased flexibility and strength. Whatever your level of physical fitness, join us in a casual atmosphere. Maximize your health and fitness and reduce the symptoms of stress and tension. The class meets Thursday’s at Fullers Recreation Center from 7:00pm-8:00pm.  Please contact Fullers Recreation Center at (770) 509-2737 for further information.

HEALTHY WALKING - The Ron Anderson Recreation Center would like to welcome all walkers to the building to participate in the Healthy Walking Program. The class is free and open to the public from 10:00am-12:00pm, Monday through Friday.

BIKE DAY - In celebration of Bike Safety Month, Ron Anderson Recreation Center will hold a bike day on April 4 from 11:00am-4:00pm. Bring the entire family and ride your bicycles around Wild Horse Creek Park. This is a great opportunity to make another magical childhood memory! Bring all your protective gear!

JOB READINESS SEMINAR - Are you a dedicated worker? Are you between the ages of 15-24 and looking for a job? Come out to Ron Anderson Recreation Center on April 22-23 for our multi-day workshops and learn the skills that will help you obtain a job. Topics include: First Impressions: Overcoming stereotypes, Educational exploration: Setting goals for your future, Effective Job Searching, Resume Writing, Interview Skills, Dressing for Success, and Workplace Etiquette.

AARP TAX-AIDE AVAILABLE - Now through April 15th, IRS trained volunteers will be preparing taxes at Fullers Recreation Center each Thursday from 9:00am–1:00pm.  This is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.  This service is available to any low to moderate income taxpayers.  Please call (770) 509-2737 or email Wendy.Collins@CobbCounty.org for more information. 

New Tennis Programs at Fair Oaks Tennis Center

New facility manager Wayne Miller is starting up new programs at Fair Oaks Tennis Center. For more detailed information, contact Fair Oaks at (770) 528-8480.

DOUBLES STRATEGY CLASS - For the player that has completed the advanced beginner class, played a few seasons of league play, has a basic understanding of how to hit the ball and is now ready to learn how to play. The focus of the class is to prepare the player to join a beginning level league team. The class will meet Tuesdays 7:00pm–8:30pm for six weeks starting April 14. The cost is $65 per six week session.

JUNIOR TENNIS CLINICS - For the junior player that has completed the advanced beginner class and wants to play on entry level league teams or tournaments. Tuesday, Friday or Saturday clinics available. Come once, twice or three times a week to this ongoing program.

TUESDAY MORNING ROUND ROBINS - Meets every Tuesday morning from 9:00am–11:00am. Open to anyone who wants to play on a Tuesday morning.  The fee to participate is $3.00 per person ($2.00 for seniors 60+).

NEW TEAMS FORMING - We are now forming beginning level junior, men and woman ALTA  and USTA league teams for the summer season. Teams usually practice once a week and play one match a week. The seasons are six to seven weeks of round robin play followed by a three week tournament for teams finishing first or second in their division.

Volunteers Wanted
The Natural Resource Management Unit is looking for a few good volunteers.  Opportunities include working with scouts, schools, trail maintenance, gardening and habitat improvements.  Contact Kaye Wilson at (770) 528-8824 or Kaye.Wilson@cobbcounty.org for more information. 

Volunteers, Tutors and Mentors Needed
Ron Anderson Recreation Center is looking for positive and energetic role models to enhance the lives of our youth in the community. Come to Ron Anderson Recreation Center and sign up today. Contact Tiffani Ephrom or Leslie Walker, Jr. at (770) 439-3611.