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April 2012

70th Annual Yaarab Shrine Circus & Carnival

Opening April 27th, the Yaarab Shrine Circus will take over the fairgrounds at Jim Miller Park. This is the world's largest Shrine Circus that features top performers including heart-pounding thrills presented by the Tarzan Zerbini Circus.  See Lion Dance, Magnificient Morris Elephants, high-wire, electrifying acrobatics, The Chinese Arial Pole, The Zerbini Liberty Horses, contortion artists, Rolling Globes, sword dancing, bungee acrobatics, camels, dogs and ponies performances, The Flying Preciados on the highwire, lots of Shrine clowns and much, much more.

The Yaarab Shrine Circus and Carnival lasts for 10 days and goes through May 6th. Back again this year are unbelievable ride specials. On Thursday, April 26th, the carnival will open a day early and charge just $15.00 for unlimited rides that day and that day only! Also, $20.00 unlimited rides Monday - Thursday and $25 unlimited rides for Friday - Sunday.  A new savings for circus lovers this year is the launch of the Walgreen’s Advance Discount program. Advance discount tickets for the Shrine Circus and Midway Carnival ride packages, with advance savings up to 50% off, will be available to purchase at all metro-Atlanta Walgreens stores beginning April 1, 2012.

The circus opens at 7:30pm on Friday, April 27th. 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. Gate admission to the Shrine Circus and Midway Carnival circus tickets are available at the gate - $10 for adults; $6 per child. Parking is $5. For more information on the 70th anniversary celebration of The World’s Largest Shrine Circus and Midway Carnival, please call (404) 872-5818 or see the Shrine Circus web site.

Registration Time for Cobb Summer Camps

Cobb Parks offers summer camps meeting the needs of almost any interest.  Camps are offered in arts and performance, recreation programs, tennis, golf, and therapeutics for special needs individuals.  New for this year are nature-related camps held at Hyde Farm in East Cobb. Registration for many programs are coming up in the next few weeks.  Below are the start dates and times for registrations of the various programs:

For more information, see the summer camp page on the park's web site.  Many camps fill up fast, so don't be left out this summer.  Online registration is available for many camp programs.  If you do not have a PIN number and log-in ID, be sure to do so prior to the registration start date.  Contact the facility of interest for information on how to acquire your PIN and Log-in ID.

Cobb Tennis League - Cobb's Tennis League for Everyone!!!!
The Cobb Tennis League is a tennis league where you compete in singles play 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 30th. The Cobb Tennis League is a great way to enjoy fun competition and to meet new people!  Registration for the spring league is currently in progress with an entry deadline of April 23rd.  For more information and registration brochure, see the Cobb Tennis League web site.

Spring Break Art Camps at Mable House

As you know, spring break is almost here and what better way for your kids to spend it than at the Mable House Arts Center’s 'Spring Break Art Camp'! This year’s theme is 'Multicultural Art', where your child will create unique pieces of art from around the world. You do not want to miss this! Our Spring Break Art Camp is split into two camps: ages 6-9 and ages 10-12 years old. The camp is April 2nd-5th (the facility will be closed Friday for Good Friday Holiday) from 9:00am–3:00pm. The camp costs $85 and all your children will need to do is bring a ready-to-eat lunch, wear clothes that can get a little messy and get ready to have a blast! Please call the Mable House Arts Center at (770) 819-3285 with any questions. We are limited on space so register today.

Garrison Mill Elementary makes "Money for Mabry Park !"
Students at Garrison Mill Elementary School are supporting Mabry Park. From March 15-29, every homeroom collected money for this new passive park located in northeast Cobb. The "MONEY FOR MABRY PARK!" fundraiser was supported by Principal Kyle Geisler and was a great success.

Pictured to the left Garrison Mill Elementary School Principal Kyle Geisler receives a Mabry Park cap from Debra Kushnick, Garrison Mill School SIS Clerk and Secretary of the Friends of Mabry Park Executive Board.

Thank you, Principal Geisler, for supporting Mabry Park, and thanks to Debra for working tirelessly to help pioneer and execute this fundraiser. This program will serve as a model for similar future fundraisers. For more information regarding Mabry Park, see the "Friends of Mabry Park" website.

Cobb Teams Shine at State Championships

On Saturday, March 3rd, Cobb County teams proudly received medals in two age divisions of the GRPA State Youth Basketball Championships. The 8 & under team, represented by South Cobb, fought hard in the tournament, hosted by the College Park Recreation Department, to bring home the 2nd place trophy in the age division. Our 17 & under team, represented by Powder Springs, traveled to Savannah and came home with the 1st place trophy! We are very proud of our winners and the great sportsmanship they showed throughout all of the post-season tournaments!

2012 State Finalists (8 & under) from South Cobb

2012 State Champs (17 & under) from Powder Springs

“Toddler Time” - Play, Learn, Explore, and Grow Together Outdoors

Toddlers (ages 2-4 years) bring a parent, grandparent or your favorite adult and join us for a fun time learning about NATURE through songs, stories, a nature hike and more. This program will take place Wednesday, April 18th at 10:00am-11:30am and 12:00pm-1:30pm. The program will be held at the Wright Enviromental Education Center located at 2661 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta, 30062 (Parking for this park is on Post Oak Tritt Road behind the Chestnut Ridge Christian Church). Pre-registration is required and the cost per session is only $2.00 per child. Dress for the weather and activities. We will go on a hike and we might get dirty. To register your toddlers, get directions or additional information contact: Karen Faucett at karen.faucett@cobbcounty.org or call (770) 528-8803.

Volleyball Night at Ron Anderson Recreation Center

Come join us for Volleyball Night at Ron Anderson Recreation Center. We have an open gym for adults and teens who would like to come out and play volleyball. It is FREE to participate - just come on by. Volleyball night is every Wednesday night from 6:00pm-9:00pm. A great way to make some new friends, get some exercise and have some fun!!! For information, contact Lionel Garrett at (770) 439-3611.

Now Offering Arty Parties for Birthdays
Our art centers are now offering Arty Parties for Birthdays! The Mable House Arts Center, The Arts Place - Mountain View and The Arts Station - Big Shanty are available for art-inspired birthday parties! Available party days and times are subject to programming and staff availability. Contact us to schedule your party at least 3 weeks prior to your requested date. Parties are available for children ages 4-12 years old costing $5 to $7 per child, plus a room rental fee of $10 per hour and a refundable deposit of $50. For more information, contact your local arts center.

Exciting Classes Offered at Ward Recreation Center

Part-time Positions Available
Swim Instructors / Lifeguards - Applications are currently being accepted for 31 lifeguard positions. The positions will be working at one of four indoor aquatic centers: Central Aquatic Center, Mountain View Aquatic Center, West Cobb Aquatic Center and South Cobb Aquatic Center. Applicants must be age 15 or older, must have American Red Cross Lifeguard certification, and must be able to pass water and skills tests. Applications accepted through April 24th. For more information, contact your local Cobb County aquatic center.

Parks Worker - This position performs general facility maintenance and custodial duties. Duties include, but are not limited to, mowing grass, picking up trash and loose paper, dragging and lining of athletic fields, weed eating and cleaning of restrooms as well as event set-up of tables, chairs stages, tents, etc...  This position requires the employee to work evenings and weekends. There are 10 positions available and the salary for this position is $7.25 per hour. Applications accepted through April 9th. For an application send a request to iris.vollenweider@cobbcounty.org.