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November 2009

Cobb County Staff, Programs and Facility Honored

The Georgia USSSA (United States Specialty Sports Association) Hall of Fame recently honored a long-time Cobb County employee and a nationally known county facility. Brooks Tinsley, manager of the Al Bishop Softball Complex, and the Al Bishop Softball Complex itself were inducted into the Georgia USSSA Softball Hall of Fame during ceremonies in Covington. Tinsley, a 26-year Cobb employee and manager of the Bishop Complex since 2000, was inducted in the Directors' category, while the Al Bishop Softball Complex became the first Georgia softball facility to be included in the hall of fame. Tinsley joins Rusty Simpson (1989-2000) and Frank Breeden (1978-89), Bishop’s two former managers, as hall of fame inductees in the Directors' category. The Bishop Complex was recognized for its 31 years of hosting USSSA-sanctioned events, including 11 world tournaments. Pictured are the three facility managers the Al Bishop Softball Complex has had since it opened in 1978: (L to R) Brooks Tinsley, Rusty Simpson and Frank Breeden.

Wendy Collins, Recreation Coordinator at the Fullers Recretion Center, received the Cobb County 'Customer Service Award' for the summer quarter. Wendy has been with the department since 2000 and she is responsible for many innovative programs and special events that are run by the department.  Pictured (L to R) are County Manager, David Hankerson; Wendy Collins; Recreation Program Manager, JC Redd; Department Director, Eddie Canon; and Recreation Services Division Manager, Terrence Ramsey. Congratulations Wendy!!!

Cobb’s 'Holiday of Trees' received the Innovative Program Award of 2009 at the Georgia Recreation Park Association District 5 Banquet.  The 'Holiday of Trees' was held last December and proceeds from the event benefited the March of Dimes and Special Olympics GA-Cobb. Clintina Mitchell, the Recreation Coordinator of the Therapeutics unit, was instrumental in creating this event.  Clintina and Erin Long of Cobb's Human Resources Department headed up the committee made the event a success. The event offered sales of trees and wreaths that were decorated by various groups and individuals, live entertainment, arts and crafts, and of course a visit from Santa. Thousands of people turned out for this event and over $10,000 was raised for these worthy causes. Pictured (L to R) are Erin Long; Department Director, Eddie Canon; and Clintina Mitchell.

Photo Contest Deadline November 3rd
The entry deadline is approaching for the 2009 'Fun in the Parks' Photo Contest. From all of those great shots you took in Cobb's parks this past year, submit your best recreation and cultural affairs photos for the 2009 'Fun in the Parks' Photo Contest. We are looking for photos that capture your enjoyment of Cobb's parks. Your pictures can capture youth at play, sports and action, nature and wildlife, or just a picnic under the shade tree. Enter your best shots for fun and awards.  The entry deadline is November 3rd. For more information, follow this link.

Ovation Award Winners Named

The inaugural Ovation Awards presentation was recently held at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre in Marietta. Ovation is an annual awards event to recognize individuals who make a significant contribution to the arts in Cobb County. The winners of this inaugural event are:

Outstanding Instrumentalist - Mandy Kirkpatrick
Outstanding Technical Director - Tami Gallagher
Outstanding Techie - Chris Barber
Outstanding Dance Performance - Janusz Mason
Outstanding Actor - Tom Milley
Outstanding Volunteer - Barbara Hollis
Outstanding Instructor - Robert Adams
Distinguished Business Leader - Randall Heard
Outstanding Visual Artists - Teresa Barnes
Outstanding Vocal Performer - Jevares Myrick
Outstanding Ensemble/Arts Organization - South Cobb Arts Alliance

Congratulations to the 2009 Ovation Award winners!

Charity Tennis Tournament a Success at Lost Mountain

Recently the Lost Mountain Community Tennis Association held its inaugural Halloween Charity Fright Festival Tennis Tournament to raise money for the community tennis association and the Calvary Children’s Home. The event was held at the Lost Mountain Tennis Center. The tournament included events for men, women and children. There were 110 entrants in the tournament which raised funds for the LMCTA of which a donation will be made to Calvary Children’s Home. Donations were also accepted as many community partners and players generously supported this endeavor.

A player’s party was held at the Aspen’s restaurant on Dallas Highway in Marietta. LMCTA President, Andre Squires thanked everyone for participating in the tournament and supporting LMCTA and Calvary Children’s Home. The LMCTA board members were also present, which includes Vice-President Jim Hunter, Staff Liaison Traci Thomas, Secretary Sandy Moore, board member Henry Oliver and Treasurer Angela Bay. Brian Busby, the Director of Administration at Calvary Children’s Home, thanked everyone for supporting Calvary Children’s Home and highlighted Calvary’s history and mission in the community. Jennifer McMurray, a recipient of a home and family at Calvary shared her story of what Calvary Children’s Home has meant to her.

Several local businesses in the community donated prizes in support of the event to include Babolat, Golfsmith, Momsoncall, Home Depot, Cobb EMC, Suzuki, La Parilla, Aspen’s, Moe’s, Sotto Sotto, and Cross Creek. It was clear by the turn out for the tournament and the community support that the 2009 LMCTA Halloween Charity Fright Festival Tennis Tournament was a success.

Annual Candy Cane Hunt to be held at The Mable House

Come and join the Cobb County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department as we celebrate our Annual Candy Cane Hunt at the Mable House Art Center on Saturday, December 5th from 10:00am-12:00pm. The event allows boys and girls 12 and under an opportunity to participate in many holiday activities such as cookie decorating, marshmallow roasting, and arts and crafts.  There wlll also be live entertainment for the entire family. Santa is schedule to arrive and will be available for pictures with the children. For more information, please call (770) 528-8454. Admission and parking are free.

2010 Encore Schedule Announced

The Jennie T. Anderson Theatre has announced its 2010 Encore Series schedule.  As in the past, a variety of quality shows will be part of the Encore series. Season tickets will go on sale November 2nd and individual tickets go on sale November 18th. To order tickets, call the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre Box Office at (770) 528-8490 or order your tickets online at www.Ticketmaster.com. See the Encore Series schedule below:

Cheer Fest '09 at Cobb Civic Center

Cobb will host the Second Annual Cobb Cheer Fest '09 at the Cobb Civic Center. This competition will be held on November 8th.  The Cheer Fest is a opportunity for recreational cheerleaders ages 5-14 to compete in cheer and dance.  Each team will have 2 minutes and 30 seconds to perform its routine that can be set to music.  Awards will be given to teams and individuals of the top three teams in each age category. Spectators are encouraged to support their favorite teams. The entry deadline for teams to compete is October 23rd.  For more information and registration forms, follow the link to the web site.

The Art Station – Big Shanty News

The Art Station – Big Shanty in Kennesaw has awesome art classes beginning in November (new winter classes will be available to preview on our website, www.artstationcobb.org. Please call (770) 514-5930 for more information or to register for a class - we would be happy to assist you!

Arts and Crafts for Kids: Lots of hands-on experience for younger artists. We will paint, draw, cut, glue, and mold clay. This fun class helps develop creativity and sharpens the imagination. For ages 6–10, this class meets on Wednesdays from 4:30–5:30pm beginning November 18th. The cost is only $50 for 5 weeks of art fun!

Ultimate Art: You’re a closet artist, a secret Van Gogh, an undiscovered Leonardo. In this beginning studio class, you can try EVERYTHING - watercolor, acrylic, oil and experimental media - stuff there’s no name for yet!  When you decide what you like best, you will design your supply list. For ages 11–16, this class meets on Tuesdays from 5:30pm–7:00pm beginning November 3rd. Pay only $90 for this fabulous 6 week course!

Paint What You See/Draw What You Dream: Polish your skills and master your medium in intermediate and advanced art. You will receive highly individualized instruction in an environment bursting with creativity where experimentation and personal expression are encouraged. This 6 week course is for ages 16 and up. The class is on Tuesdays from 7:00–9:00pm beginning November 3rd and the cost is only $90.

Instant Piano Workshop: Ages 14 and up on Tuesday, November 17th from 6:00–9:00pm. Experience the joy of playing piano without years of lessons! You will learn all the chords needed to play any song. Only $45 for Cobb residents for this exciting one day workshop!

Gift Certificates: Art classes make a perfect gift for that creative loved one or friend - they make excellent stocking stuffers! The Art Station – Big Shanty has several designs to choose from for both children and adults. You can view a few of them on our website at www.artstationcobb.org.