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Fabulous February continues! Community events February 17 – 23.

February 16, 2012 Leave a Comment

It’s a fabulous February in East Cobb with plenty to see and do. Though the temperature is all over the place, the faintest hint of Spring in the air marks the beginning of consignment season in East Cobb! Here’s a sampling of events happening this week around East Cobb and the metro area. For even more ideas and activities, check out our online event calendar here.

Every Tuesday and Saturday, Feeding Time at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of their resident animals as they are being fed. 4pm. Admission: $8/adults. $6/seniors. $5/ages 3-12. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055.

Trail Hikes, Every Saturday and Sunday. A docent guides you on a journey through the Chattahoochee Nature Center trails using biofacts and activities to spark you “natural” curiosity. 1pm. Admission: $8/adults. $6/seniors. $5/ages 3-12. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055.

The Ladies Man, through February 19. An amorous doctor’s innocent lie leads to chaotic compounded mistakes involving a suspicious wife, a grumpy mother-in-law, an assertive female patient and her jealous Prussian husband, plus a well-intentioned patient with a serious lisp. Previews: January 15 & 17: 8pm ($12). Tuesday-Saturday: 8pm. Sunday: 2:30pm & 7pm. No 7pm performance on February 19. Wednesday, February 15, only: 2:30pm. $20-$33. Theatre in the Square, 11 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta. More info: 770-422-8369 orwww.theatreinthesquare.com.

Cobb County Junior Basketball Tournament through February 19. Season and championship tournament for 6^th-8^th graders from Cobb, Cherokee, and Paulding counties as well as North Fulton schools. Games start at 5pm, Monday-Friday, and 9am, Saturday-Sunday. $5/adults. $3/students. Hudgins Hall at Cobb Civic Center, 548 W. Marietta Parkway, Marietta. More info: www.ccjbc.com.

Polk Street Playerspresent “Coming Apart” by Fred Carmichael through February 18, directed by Barbara Rudy. A couple, both successful writers, opens the play with the simultaneous declaration “I want a divorce!”. Neither does, actually. Hilarity ensues as they try to continue living together in divided space and the wife writes a book that parallels the situation. Performances Fri/Sat Feb. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8pm, Sun. Feb. 12 at 2:30pm and Thurs. Feb. 16 at 8pm. The Stellar Cellar at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 161 Church St., Marietta GA 30060, near the Marietta Square. Tickets $12.50-$20 (Sat. dinner shows Feb. 4, 11). For reservations, call the Box Office 770/218-9669.

Red Letter Jesus, through March 10. Eleven years after his sold-out run of The Gospel of John at Theatre in the Square, Brad Sherrill returns to the Alley Stage to bring new life to Jesus’ words as written in Matthew, Mark and Luke. Previews: Sunday, February 5, & Tuesday, February 7: 8pm. $12. Tuesday-Saturday: 8pm. Wednesday: 2:30pm & 8pm (except February 8 – no 2:30pm show). Sunday: 2:30pm. $18-$24. Theatre in the Square, 11 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta. More info: 770-422-8369 or www.theatreinthesquare.com.

Oscar and Felix, a new look at The Odd Couple by Neil Simon presented by CenterStage North. An update to the classic comedy with characters in an all-new setting. Thursday-Saturday: 8pm. Sunday: 2pm. $12 online. $15 at door. Thursday & Friday, February 23-24: Coffee & dessert shows. Sunday: February 25: Dinner show at 6:30pm for $25. The Art Place Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. More info/tickets: 770-509-2700 or www.theartplace.us; 770-331-0079 or www.centerstagenorth.org. February 16-19, 23-25

Explore Passages, through May 15. Passages, a worldwide traveling exhibition, allows people of all interests to experience the creation of the book that has altered history, shaped cultures, inspired minds and changed lives. The 23,203-square-foot, interactive, non-sectarian traveling exhibition uncovers the rarely revealed saga and diverse personalities of those who lived and died to capture, preserve, translate and study the Bible. On view now through mid-May, 2012. Buy your tickets now atExplorePassages.com.

February 17
Spring Consignment Sale at St. Peter & Paul. Friday, February 17 from 9-4 and Saturday, February 18 from 9-noon. Find high quality, gently used children’s Spring/Summer clothing (sizes 0-14), toys, baby equipment, furniture and more! Everything 30% off on Saturday. No strollers before 11am on Friday. 1795 Johnson Ferry Road in East Cobb.

Ain’t Misbehavin’,a Tony Award-winning celebration of the music of Thomas “Fats” Walker, a creative jazz songwriter of the 1920s and 30s who penned over 400 songs in his career, many of which have entered the classic repertoire of jazz standards that are still being performed today. Presented by Atlanta Lyric Theatre. Thursday-Saturday: 8pm. Sunday: 2pm. Saturday, March 3: matinee at 2pm. $30-45/adults. $25-40/seniors & students. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. More info/tickets: 770-293-0080 or www.earlsmithstrand.org; 404-377-9948 or www.atlantalyrictheatre.com. February 17-19, 23-26, March 1-4

February 18
Genealogy 101 presented by the Genealogy Society of Cobb County. 9:30am-12:30pm. Registration: 9am on January 21. Classes are free. Set of course materials (notebook with class handouts and a genealogy-related book) available for $35 by January 10 or $45 thereafter. First Presbyterian Church, 189 Church Street, Marietta. More info/to register: www.cobbgagensoc.org.

Marietta Square Winter Farmer’s Market featuring products that are grown and produced in Georgia, including produce, plants, honey, breads, cheese and other items. 9am-12pm. Rain or shine. Saturdays through March 31. Glover Park-Marietta Square. More info: 770-499-9393 or www.mariettasquarefarmersmarket.net.

Free Arts and Crafts at Lakeshore Learning Store. 11am-3pm. Ages 3 and up. Make a Design-Your-Own Notebook, Be Mine! Valentine Mailbox, My Little Log Cabin, or Super Silly Storybook Character! Lakeshore Learning Store, 4287 Roswell Road, Marietta. More info: 770-578-3100 or www.lakeshorelearning.com.

Green Thumb Gardening Series: Floral and Culinary Herbspresented by Marietta Council of Garden Clubs. Registration: 8:30am. Presentations: 9-11am. Lunch and private tour of local garden or nursery included. $30. Limited space. Pre-registration required. Marietta Educational Gardening Center, 505 Kennesaw Avenue, Marietta. More info: 770-426-0536 or newtonms1968@gmail.com.

Gullah Culture and Cooking with Sallie Ann Robinson, author and cultural historian. 11am-3pm. Ms. Robinson,will share good stories and good food in the kitchen at Barrington Hall with her tales of growing up in the Gullah culture on Dafuskie Island, SC, giving a glimpse into a vanishing way of life. 11am-3pm. Free. Barrington Hall, 535 Barrington Drive,Roswell. More info: 770-640-3855 or www.roswellgov.com.

Mad Tea Party! Come in your zaniest outfits and be prepared to have a silly old time as we have a real teas shaman teach us everything we ever wanted to know about teas. Oh, and one more thing…there’s a rumor that the Queen of Hearts may show up…Hold on to your heads; it’s going to be a crazy time! 1-4pm. $35/couple. $25/couple-museum members. $10/each additional guest. Space is limited. Reservations required. Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee Street, Kennesaw. More info: 770-427-2117 or www.southernmuseum.org.

February 19
Kabbalah Café. Delve into the mystical secrets of Judaism based on the Chassidic teachings of Tanya. This tale of two souls will give you the tools to understand yourself in unprecedented ways. 9:30-10:30am. Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. More info/to register: 770-565-4412 or www.chabadofcobb.com.

The Locomotive Half Marathon and Thunder 5K. 7:30am start for half marathon. 8am start of 5K. Park at Town Center Mall. Shuttle buses will run to race start starting at 6am. Last bus leaves mall at 7am sharp. Pasta Party and Expo on Saturday, February 18, 4-7pm, at the Ben Robertson Center, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw. Bibs will be available for pick-up at the Expo or on race day beginning at 6:30am at the mall. Half marathon: $26 until February 16; $70 thereafter. 5K: $25 until February 16; $30 thereafter. Register at any Big Peach Running store or online at www.active.com. Town Center Mall, 400 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway, Kennesaw. More info: Mark Vescio, 678-895-2631 or www.locomotiveraceseries.com.

February 20
Spring Tennis Classes begin at Cobb tennis centers. Classes meet 1 hour per week (1/2 hour for tots classes) for 6 weeks. $72 ($97/non-residents). Tots classes: $36 ($61/non-residents). More info/to register: Terrell Mill Tennis Center, 770-644-2771 or Harrison Park Tennis Center, 770-591-3151 or prca.cobbcountyga.gov.

7^th Annual Tea and Hat Show. An informal tea and fashion show. A guest speaker will share her personal relationship and history with hats. Attendees are encouraged to wear their hats and share their personal stories. Noon & 2:30pm. $15. Limited seating. Advance reservations required. Archibald Smith Plantation Home, 935 Alpharetta Street, Roswell. More info/reservations: 770-641-3978 or www.archibaldsmithplantation.org.

February 21
The Newcomers of Cobb County hold a general meeting on the third Tuesday of each month at 10am, John Knox Church, 505 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta, 30067.

Concert Band and Philharmonic, presented by Kennesaw State University School of the Arts. Conductors: John Culvahouse and Michael Alexander. 8pm. Admission: $10/$8. Dr. Bobbie Bailey Performance Center, Kennesaw State University, 1000 Chastain Road, Kennesaw. More info: 770-423-6650 or www.kennesaw.edu.

February 22
Accident Avoidance Workshops presented by Marietta/Cobb Driver’s Education at Walton High School. Open to any permitted/licensed driver with basic vehicle control. At least one parent required to attend the entire program with their students. $225 per parent-student team or $265 if both parents attend. All attendees eligible for Defensive Driving Certificates. Siblings 10-13 welcome to attend both sessions at no extra charge. February 22: Classroom session: 6:24pm-9:30pm and February 25-26: Driving sessions: 7:45am-12:45pm or 1:30-6:30pm. Walton High School, 1590 Bill Murdock Road, Marietta. More info/to register: 770-262-7009.

Preventing Heart Disease: Fish Oil, COQ10, Garlic, Statins – What Works? Presented by Dr. William, Cooper, Medical Director of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Emory healthcare Association Professor of Surgery. 6pm. $10 includes dinner, presentation, notebook and gift. Indian Hills Country Club, 4001 Clubland Drive, Marietta. More info/reservations: 770-956-7827.

February 23

The Creator’s Kids Music Class, 10-10:45am at St. Peter St. Paul Episcopal Church 1795 Johnson Ferry Rd Marietta Ga 30062. Classes will be led by Katie Simmons, music teacher at St. Peter St. Paul. This free Young Children’s Music and Movement Class is open to children ages 18 months-4 years old and their parents. No registration required, no contracts, come any Thursday at 10am. This is a parent/child class, so parents are asked to stay and participate to enjoy the music with their child. Class includes songs that teach commands, rhythm, repetition, guided instrument play, dance, and children’s Praise and Worship songs.

Guided Tour of the Strand. Get a behind-the-scenes peek at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre. Learn about the history of the theatre dating back to the 1930s, recent renovation efforts and fun facts about the theatre business. 11am. $5. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. More info: 770-293-0080 or www.earlsmithstrand.org.

Cobb Young Professionals presented by Cobb Chamber of Commerce for young professionals in their 20s and 30s. 5:30-7:30pm. General admission: $20 online (by noon, February 22) or $20 at door. Members: Free online (by noon, February 22) or $20 at door. Dave & Busters, 2215 D and B Drive, Marietta. More info: 770-980-2000 or www.cobbchamber.org.

Do you know of an event happening around East Cobb? Email the details to events@eastcobber.com. Include “Event Listing” in the subject line. Make sure you don’t miss a moment of merriment and Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/EASTCOBBER.

Filed Under: Kids & Family, [Featured], [PostToSocial] Tagged With: Community Events

Forget the Roses this Valentine’s Day!‏

February 14, 2012 Leave a Comment

On Valentine’s Day, our thoughts go to the significant relationship in our life. Is it fulfilling, harmonious, loving and communicative? Do you enjoy each other? Do you laugh together? Most of us would probably say that our relationship could be better. Rather than wanting your partner to change so things would be better, perhaps it is time to see how you could show up differently and make the difference that you are seeking.

Here are 3 ideas that may help you to see what you could bring to the marriage that would create a more loving, beautiful relationship.

1. GIVE UP THE BLAME GAME

a) Blaming, criticizing or judging your mate will guarantee an unhappy marriage.

b) Most judgment of another is actually a reflection of something we are not happy about our self. When we realize that and are willing to own it, we are free to create our relationships differently.

c) So…..the relationship that is most important to work on, the one that transforms all others is the relationship we have with ourselves.

d) I have discovered that when I accept myself just as I am, then and only then can I accept others unconditionally.

e) All of the relationships that we use as our excuse for feeling bad are simply manifestations of our disconnect from our self, our higher self, our higher power, our inner being.

Exercise: Make a list of all of your positive aspects. Be real! Dig deep if you have to! Perhaps you haven’t looked at what is good about you in many years. Now is the time!! Read your list every day for 21 days. Look into your eyes in a mirror and declare, “I AM A LOVING, KIND, WONDERFUL PERSON!”

2. LET GO OF THE PAST

a) Your history is not your destiny!

b) Everyone has a story about their relationship that has been written over a period of years. Sometimes negativity that lives in that story can take on a detrimental life of its own.

c) Write a new story on how you want to feel in your relationship. Think outside of the way it has been. For instance, you want to feel loved and accepted; you want kindness and respect. You get the idea. Be passionate in your story. Let it all out. What would feel so good????

Exercise: Find things to praise and appreciate about your spouse, both mentally and verbally. Show that you respect them and that they make a difference in your life. Do this for 21 days. My guarantee is that if you don’t see a shift in your relationship after 21 days, you can have your old story back.

3. LIVE IN GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION

a) There are more good things about your life and your relationship than there are bad. We focus on what’s wrong until what’s wrong becomes dominant in our marriage.

b) The idea here is to focus on what’s right until what’s right becomes the dominant thought.

c) Wayne Dyer: “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at will change.”

d) You may have to prove this to yourself to believe how powerfully your thoughts affect your life and consequently all of your relationships.

Exercise:

1) Write 5 things you truly appreciate about your life.

2) Write 5 things you truly appreciate about your partner.

3) Read these every day for 21 days remembering the good times in your life and in your marriage.

You are the architect of your life. You choose the thoughts that control your feelings and emotions that drive your life. There are no victims. You are at choice every day to think about yourself, your spouse and your life as you would like them to be. Don’t focus on what is, focus on what is possible.

Did you try this exercises? Did they work for you? Click “Chime In” to comment on our Facebook page. We’d love to hear from you!

(Reprinted from Tricia Molloy’s Working with Wisdom e-newsletter. Read more at triciamolloy.com.)

Filed Under: Kids & Family, [Featured], [PostToSocial] Tagged With: Tricia Molloy, Valentine's Day

Fabulous February: Community Events February 10-16

February 9, 2012 Leave a Comment

It’s a fabulous February in East Cobb with plenty to see and do, including a multitude of ways to celebrate with the ones you love. Here’s a sampling of events happening this week around East Cobb and the metro area. For even more ideas and activities, check out our online event calendar here.

Every Tuesday and Saturday, Feeding Time at the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Join a naturalist for an in-depth look at one of their resident animals as they are being fed. 4pm. Admission: $8/adults. $6/seniors. $5/ages 3-12. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info: 770-992-2055.

Winter Bird Seed Sale through February 12. Feed your feathered friends premium birdseed and benefit the Chattahoochee Nature Center. Pre-sale orders can be placed online or at the Nature Store. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. Pick up at Nature Center February 17-19. More info: 770-992-2055 orwww.chattnaturecenter.org.

Oscar and Felix, a new look at The Odd Coupleby Neil Simon presented by CenterStage North. An update to the classic comedy with characters in an all-new setting. Thursday-Saturday: 8pm. Sunday: 2pm. $12 online. $15 at door. Thursday & Friday, February 23-24: Coffee & dessert shows. Sunday: February 25: Dinner show at 6:30pm for $25. The Art Place Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. More info/tickets: 770-509-2700 or www.theartplace.us; 770-331-0079 or www.centerstagenorth.org. February 10-12, 16-19, 23-25

February 10
Polk Street Players present “Coming Apart” by Fred Carmichael, directed by Barbara Rudy. A couple, both successful writers, opens the play with the simultaneous declaration “I want a divorce!”. Neither does, actually. Hilarity ensues as they try to continue living together in divided space and the wife writes a book that parallels the situation. Performances Fri/Sat Feb. 10, 11, 17, 18 at 8pm, Sun. Feb. 12 at 2:30pm and Thurs. Feb. 16 at 8pm. The Stellar Cellar at St. James’ Episcopal Church, 161 Church St., Marietta GA 30060, near the Marietta Square. Tickets $12.50-$20 (Sat. dinner show Feb. 11). For reservations, call the Box Office 770/218-9669.

Martinis & Music. Celebrate art exhibits, volunteers, sponsors and community involvement with music. 5:30-8:30pm. $8 includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar. Free admission for members. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street, Marietta. More info: 770-528-1444 or www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org.

Cobb Executive Women Luncheon. Program: Women’s Health Panel. $20 online (by noon, February 8). $35 at door. Registration/General networking: 11am. Program: 11:30am. The Georgian Club, 100 Galleria Parkway, 17^th Floor, Atlanta. More info: 770-980-2000 or www.cobbchamber.org.

Cobb County Master Gardeners Lunch and Learn: Edible Gardening. Louise Weyer will show how ornamentals and edibles planted together make an attractive unusual and functional blend in the landscape and suggest plant selections and how to care for and maintain your edible garden. Bring your lunch. 12-1pm. Cobb Water Lab, 662 S. Cobb Drive, Marietta. More info: www.cobbmastergardeners.org.

1st Annual Father-Daughter/Mother-Son Valentine’s Day Dance. Formal attire is suggested. 6:30-8pm. $5/couple. $2/each additional dance partner. Powers Ferry Elementary School, 403 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta. More info: 770-578-7936.

Twyla Tharp’s The Princess and the Goblin, a story of a courageous young girl who confronts the trials of coming of age, presented by Atlanta Ballet with the Atlanta Ballet Orchestra and students from the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. Friday-Saturday: 8pm. Saturday, February 11: matinee at 2pm. Sunday: 2pm. $20-$135. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. More info/tickets: ticketmaster.com or atlantaballet.com. February 10-12, 17-19

February 11
Genealogy 101 presented by the Genealogy Society of Cobb County. 9:30am-12:30pm. Registration: 9am on January 21. Classes are free. Set of course materials (notebook with class handouts and a genealogy-related book) available for $35 by January 10 or $45 thereafter. First Presbyterian Church, 189 Church Street, Marietta. More info/to register: www.cobbgagensoc.org.

11^th Annual Chattahoochee Challenge 10K and 1-Mile Fun Run, official Peachtree qualifier along the Chattahoochee River benefiting the Chattahoochee Nature Center. 10K starts at 8am. $27 until February 9 or $32 race day. 1-Mile Run: 7:30am. $15. Register at any Big Peach Running location or online at www.active.com or www.chattnaturecenter.org. Chattahoochee Nature Center, 9135 Willeo Road, Roswell. More info/parking info: 770-992-2055, ext. 226, or www.chattnaturecenter.org.

3rd Annual Marietta Mardi Gras Run sponsored by Junior League of Cobb-Marietta to benefit various charitable community projects and agencies in Cobb County. Certified as a Peachtree Road Race qualifier. Shoes for the Cure will team up with the event for a shoe drive. ALL shoes are welcome- not just running shoes. There will be bins for drop off available. 5K starts at 8am; 1K starts at 8:45am; Tot Trot starts at 9am. $25 by February 6; $30 thereafter. Tot Trot: $15. Packet pick-up and dinner on February 10^th at The Red Eyed Mule on Church Street Extension and post-race celebration brunch at Marlow’s Tavern in Kennesaw. Marietta Square, Marietta. More info: Gary Jenkins, 678-795-0115 or Amber Harris, 678-770-0680 or www.marietta5k.com or www.jlcm.com.

2^nd Annual African American History Month Gala presented by Cobb County Library. Enjoy an afternoon of entertainment, culture and history in celebration of African American History Month. 2pm. Cobb Central Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta. More info: 770-528-2320 or www.cobbcat

February 12
Atlanta National College Fair. Students and parents can meet one-on-one with admission representatives from a wide range of national and international, two- and four-year colleges and universities. Learn about admission requirements, financial aid, campus environment and discuss individual needs with onsite counselors. Free. Registration online encouraged. 12-4pm. Georgia World Congress Center, Exhibit Hall B2, 285 Andrew Young International Boulevard NW, Atlanta. More info: www.nacac.net or 703-836-2222 or 800-822-6285.

A Mah Jongg Tournament Benefiting Etz Chaim Preschool will be held on Sunday, February 12, 2012, at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1190 Indian Hills Parkway.

Kabbalah Café. Delve into the mystical secrets of Judaism based on the Chassidic teachings of Tanya. This tale of two souls will give you the tools to understand yourself in unprecedented ways. 9:30-10:30am. Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. More info/to register: 770-565-4412 or www.chabadofcobb.com.

Valentine Dinner fundraiser for Thrive, the youth ministry at Sacred Tapestry United Methodist church. 6pm. $10/person for dinner and dance. Childcare available @ $5/child, including pizza dinner. Reservations required for event. Sacred Tapestry, 3000 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta. More info/reservations: 770-605-5083 or www.sacredtapestry.com.

The Cobb County Daylily Society will hold a meeting Sunday, February 12, 2012, at 2:00 PM in room 252 of the First United Methodist Church, 56 Whitlock Avenue.

February 13
Longing for Freedom. This exploration of slavery begins at the Bulloch Hall slave quarters with stories from children’s literature depicting life as an enslaved person in the 1800s and documented stories of Bulloch Hall slaves. The program concludes with a tour of the “Big House” and is presented from the perspective of the slave. For ages 8 to adult. 2-4pm. $6. Reservations required. Bulloch Hall, 180 Bulloch Avenue, Roswell. More info: 770-992-1731 or www.bullochhall.org.

February 14
Happy Valentine’s Day East Cobbers! Don’t forget to treat your sweetie today!

Quarterly Police Email Notification System (PENS) Meetings. The first quarterly PENS meetings will have Lieutenant Destiny Davidson of the Cobb County Police Department presenting crime trends in East Cobb County and provide crime prevention tips. There will also be time for questions and answers. Thursday, February 9: 7pm and Tuesday, February 14: 9:30am. East Cobb Government Center, 4400 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. More info: 770-499-3900.

February 15
Defensive Driving/Driver Improvement Class presented by Safe America. If you are already driving but want to lower the cost of your car insurance or if you’ve gotten a traffic ticket and need to take a defensive driving class, this class is for you. 6-hour class taught by certified instructors. Registration needs to be done in person due to a state form requiring signature. 6-9pm except February 25: 9am-3pm. Safe America Foundation, 2480 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. More info: 770-973-7233 or www.safeamericadrivers.org.

February 16
The Creator’s Kids Music Class will be offered every Thursday from 10-10:45am at St. Peter St. Paul Episcopal Church 1795 Johnson Ferry Rd Marietta Ga 30062. Classes will be led by Katie Simmons, music teacher at St. Peter St. Paul. This free Young Children’s Music and Movement Class is open to children ages 18 months-4 years old and their parents.

Do you know of an event happening around East Cobb? Email the details to events@eastcobber.com. Include “Event Listing” in the subject line. Make sure you don’t miss a moment of merriment and Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/EASTCOBBER.

Filed Under: Kids & Family, [Featured], [PostToSocial] Tagged With: Community Events

Corrigan Care Creates Day Care for Exceptional Children

February 8, 2012 Leave a Comment

Amy Corrigan with Paran and Rachel Hanthorn-Kolis.

For Founder and CEO Amy Corrigan, Corrigan Care is more than just a non-profit organization she founded: it is a way to honor her daughter Emmy’s life and continue the impact she had on other exceptional children and their families. Emmy Corrigan was diagnosed with Down syndrome. After overcoming many health challenges as an infant, she developed Parvovirus (Fifth Disease) when she turned two. She was in and out of the hospital, but ultimately lost her battle in December, 2009. Amy has turned this tragic loss into a wonderful legacy — Corrigan Care, Inc.

Continuing the organization’s mission “to make the world a better place by embracing parents and families of exceptional children,” Corrigan Care recently launched a Mom’s Morning Out (MMO) program for Special Needs Children and their siblings ages 6 months-3 years. The MMO is held at Mt Bethel UMC’s Nursery, Room D-8, every Wednesday from 9:30am-12:30pm. It gives parents that much needed “me-time” while their children are in a fun-filled, learning environment that encompasses therapeutic play while stimulating their desire to learn. Parents can partner with caregivers to maintain each child’s daily routine
while upholding their developmental goals.

“Because of our fundraising efforts,” explains Amy Corrigan, “if a child requires a nursing level of care, one is made available at no
additional cost.”

Corrigan Care’s MMO is an affordable, guilt-free option that delivers an invaluable service. With a minimum of three caregivers at all times, children are given individualized attention by the staff — all of whom have special needs kids or grand-kids of their own, as well as prior childcare experience. The weekly program accepts at least six special needs kids and welcomes their siblings. Each week, Lakeshore Learning Store is providing a craft project for the kids to explore their inner-artistry while providing a sensory
experience.

Amy Corrigan, an East Cobb resident, brings hands-on knowledge to this new MMO. She has served as the Education Director of the Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta for the past two years and played a part in bringing GiGi’s Playhouse – a Down Syndrome Awareness Center, to Atlanta. Current efforts extend from collaboration with other parents to promote understanding of children with disabilities to local Daisy Troops, with hopes to bring this presentation to East Cobb’s elementary schools.

For more information on Corrigan Care’s Mom’s Morning Out and the non-profit’s upcoming fundraiser, Emmy’s Putt Putt Classic, Saturday, April 21st, at The Fringe Miniature Golf at Aurora Cineplex in Roswell, visit www.CorriganCare.org, contact Amy Corrigan at amy@corrigancare.org, or 404-434-7893. Sign-up now. MMO SPACE IS LIMITED! Register online by Tuesday for the current week, or treat your friend to a morning out a with gift certificate. You deserve the morning out and your child will blossom at Corrigan Care’s Mom’s Morning Out!

(Reprinted from the February 2012 issue of EAST COBBER. Written by Lisa D’Arienzo)

Filed Under: Kids & Family, [Featured], [PostToSocial] Tagged With: Amy Corrigan, Corrigan Care

Summer Camp for Children with Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance

February 6, 2012 Leave a Comment

glutenfreekidsrock.blogspot.com

Camp Weekaneatit, a summer camp for children with celiac disease and gluten intolerance and their siblings will be held this year at Camp Twin Lakes – Camp Dream in Warm Springs, Georgia.

The Georgia Celiac Foundation annually organizes Camp Weekaneatit, a week-long overnight kids-only summer camp for children aged 8 to 17. Children with celiac disease and gluten intolerance are invited to apply as are their siblings. This year’s camp will take place from June 24^th – 29^th at Camp Twin Lakes – Camp Dream in Warm Springs, GA.

The focus of the gluten free summer camp is to help children develop and practice independent living and coping skills in a fun camp format. Games, group activities, workshops, sports and spirit are all tools used by camp counselors to help these special children as they adapt and live with their dietary restrictions. Traditional summer camp activities round out the week with swimming, boating, fishing, archery, ceramics, campfires, skits and more child-friendly activities. All meals and snacks are provided and are gluten free.

“Celiac disease is a chronic, life long, autoimmune disease in which people can not eat even small amounts of wheat, rye or barley,” said Dr. Jeffery Lewis, camp co-founder and medical director. “Imagine all the foods that have wheat flour and then consider the average kid’s diet and you can see how hard this is. We believe that all kids – whether they have cancer, heart disease or celiac disease – deserve the chance to have a fun, safe, summer camp experience. So, 5 years ago, we created Camp Weekaneatit, the Southeast’s first camp exclusively for kids with celiac disease and their siblings.”

Camp Weekaneatit is organized by Georgia’s chapter of Raising Our Celiac Kids (R.O.C.K.) in cooperation with the Georgia Celiac Foundation. Georgia R.O.C.K. is a support group for parents, families, and friends of children with celiac disease and gluten intolerance. The camp is seeking volunteers to serve as medical team members and camp counselors.

Do you eat gluten free? Give us your best tips for cooking gluten free goodies that kids would enjoy. Share your recipes in the comments below or on our Facebook page, Facebook.com/EASTCOBBER.

Filed Under: Kids & Family, [Featured], [PostToSocial] Tagged With: Camp Weekaneatit, Georgia Celiac Foundation

Feel the Love! Community Events February 3 – 9, 2012

February 2, 2012 Leave a Comment

National Tennis Rating Program (NTRP) Classic Tennis Tournament through February 6. Events: MW (3.0-4.5)SD; Combo MX (6.0, 7.0, 8.0, 9.0)d. Entry fee: $17 singles; $12 doubles/per player. Online registration deadline: January 31. Terrell Mill Tennis Center, 480 Terrell Mill Road, Marietta. More info: 770-644-2771.

February 3
The Art of Comedy with humorist and impressionist Jim Gossett.. Two shows: 6:30pm (social hour at 6pm) and 8:30pm (social hour at 8pm). Cash bar with light hors d’oeuvres. $45 or $250/table of six. Space is limited to 90 guests per show. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street SE, Marietta. More info: 770-528-1444 orwww.mariettacobbartmuseum.org.

Angela Reign returns to The Strand, bringing her powerful vocals, her amazing band and their highly entertaining show. 8pm. $14.30. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 N. Park Square, Marietta. More info/tickets: 770-293-0080 or www.earlsmithstrand.org.

February 4
Genealogy 101 presented by the Genealogy Society of Cobb County. 9:30am-12:30pm. Registration: 9am on January 21. Classes are free. Set of course materials (notebook with class handouts and a genealogy-related book) available for $35 by January 10 or $45 thereafter. First Presbyterian Church, 189 Church Street, Marietta. More info/to register: www.cobbgagensoc.org. January 21, 28, February 4, 11, 18, 25 & March 10

21^st Annual Little Miss Cobb County Pageant sponsored by Miss Cobb County Pageant. Beauty titles will be awarded for Tiny Miss Cobb to Teen Miss Cobb plus a separate talent search for Talented Miss and Talented Teen. 9:30am-6pm. Southern Poly Tech, 1100 South Marietta Parkway, Marietta. More info: Gene Phillips, 770-435-6378 or www.misscobb.com.

Montana Skies Performance. Enjoy a unique new sound with the pairing of cello and fingerstyle guitar. Combining classic with modern, this group has created their own “new acoustic” sound with innovative original compositions and arrangements. 8pm. $12 advance tickets online or $15 at door. The Art Place – Mountain View, 3330 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta. More info: 770-509-2700 or www.theartplace.us.

GSO Jazz! Join the Georgia Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Sam Skelton as they present in evening of incredible big band jazz. 8pm. $30/adults. $25/seniors 60 & over. $10/students. Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. More info: 770-429-7016 or www.georgiasymphony.org.

February 5
Kabbalah Café. Delve into the mystical secrets of Judaism based on the Chassidic teachings of Tanya. This tale of two souls will give you the tools to understand yourself in unprecedented ways. 9:30-10:30am. Chabad of Cobb, 4450 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta. More info/to register: 770-565-4412 or www.chabadofcobb.com.

Family Day at the Marietta/Cobb Art Museum. Free admission and fun activities for the whole family. 1-4pm, except when museum is closed. Marietta/Cobb Museum of Art, 30 Atlanta Street, Marietta. More info: 770-528-1444 or www.mariettacobbartmuseum.org.

February 6
First Monday Breakfast sponsored by Cobb Chamber of Commerce. Speakers: Dr. William Cooper and Dr. Barry Mangel. Program: Health Hero Award & Honorary Commanders Class of 2012 Recognition. 7:30am. General admission: $60. Members: $28 online or $40 at door. Cobb Galleria Centre, Two Galleria Parkway, Atlanta. More info: 770-980-2000 or www.cobbchamber.org.

February 7
Fiddler on the Roof, Jr., through February 9, presented by the West Side Elementary Drama Club and its partner in education, theEarl Smith Strand Theatre. 7pm. $10. . Earl Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square, Marietta. More info: 770-293-0080.

February 8
Financial Peace University. Learn from Dave Ramsey how to achieve your financial goals by eliminating debt, saving for the future and giving. Classes meet once a week for 13 weeks. Three locations: Roswell United Methodist Church, 814 Mimosa Boulevard, Roswell: Sunday classes starting 6:30pm, January 8 and Wednesday classes starting 6:30pm, January 11. Johnson Ferry Baptist Church, 955 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta: Wednesday classes starting 6:30pm, January 18. Free preview January 11 at 6pm. Mount Paran North Church of God, 1700 Allgood Road, Marietta: Wednesday classes starting 7pm, February 8. $93 for complete course. Registration required. More info: www.daveramsey.com.

Your Hearing Matters: Signs and Symptoms of a Hearing Losspresented by Dr. Bret Greenblatt, WellStar audiologist. This program will concentrate on hearing loss, how to maintain healthy hearing, symptoms and consequences of a hearing loss and what to expect from a hearing exam. A question and answer sessions follows. 10am. Free. Cobb Central Library, 266 Roswell Street, Marietta. More info: 770-956-7827.

Parenting Teens Workshop at High Meadows School. Sue Blaney, author of Please Stop the Rollercoaster!, will be presenting a workshop at High Meadows School, 1055 Willeo Road, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Community Center.

February 9
College Fair. Meet representatives from over 100 post-secondary schools from all over the country. 5:30-7pm. Kell High School, 4770 Lee Waters Road, Marietta. More info: 678-494-7844.

The Creator’s Kids Music Class will be offered every Thursday from 10-10:45am at St. Peter St. Paul Episcopal Church 1795 Johnson Ferry Rd Marietta Ga 30062. Classes will be led by Katie Simmons, music teacher at St. Peter St. Paul. This free Young Children’s Music and Movement Class is open to children ages 18 months-4 years old and their parents. No registration required, no contracts, come any Thursday at 10am. This is a parent/child class, so parents are asked to stay and participate to enjoy the music with their child. Class includes songs that teach commands, rhythm, repetition, guided instrument play, dance, and children’s Praise and Worship songs. Parking is available on the south side of the church building, lower parking lot with large canopy by the walkway. For more information call 770-977-7473 or visit www.facebook.com/thecreatorskidsmusicclass .

Do you know of an event happening around East Cobb? Email the details to events@eastcobber.com. Include “Event Listing” in the subject line. Make sure you don’t miss a moment of merriment and Like us on Facebook at Facebook.com/EASTCOBBER.

Filed Under: Kids & Family, [Featured], [PostToSocial] Tagged With: Community Events

Publisher’s Note: We HEART You!

February 2, 2012 Leave a Comment

I recently re-read The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Album. It tells the story of Eddie, an amusement park maintenance man who dies while attempting to save a young girl on a broken ride. Eddie then goes on to meet five people on
the “other side.” Some he knows and some he does not but all have either impacted his life or been impacted by his life. All serve to help explain and help Eddie come to terms with his life, a life he sees as a failure.

The book raises some interesting points. The first is the interconnectedness of life. Some of the people Eddie encounters he did not even know or knew as distant acquaintances, yet their lives were irrevocably interwoven. Every life impacts so many others in ways we could never even begin to imagine. How many lives do we touch in our daily lives? Whose day have we brightened by a smile, a kind word, or thoughtful deed? Whose path have we made more difficult, perhaps without even realizing it? Like the proverbial stone creating ripples in the pool of water, our actions have far-reaching effects.

Eddie saw his life as worthless — he had lost those he had loved and worked at what he saw as a dead-end job, yet he comes to discover that everything had its purpose. How many times in our lives do we search for meaning? In this era of celebrity-hype, busy with the responsibilities of family and home, we can sometimes feel invisible and not the “success” we hoped to be. I believe we are all a part of a great plan that we haven’t even begun to understand. Hopefully, like Eddie in Album’s book, someday it will all be clear.

In the meantime, the EAST COBBER shines a light on the “regular” people right here in East Cobb who impact the quality of life not just in East Cobb, but in Metro Atlanta, and internationally. From the staff and students at Sprayberry High School receiving Georgia’s School of Excellence award to the parents and staff at East Cobb Middle School that came together to sponsor a Challenge Day that inspired students to respect each other and pursue their dreams, and the child care professionals many East Cobb moms and dads rely on (see our Child Care and Preschool Guide, pages 18-27) as well as the unnamed citizens who serve
the community through a local club or support group (see pages 60, 61 and 64), this monthly paper intends to make these good people visible by writing about them. Who knows where that ripple effect of kindness ends?

I am proud to shine a light on the East Cobbers making a positive difference, now and in the future, and in East Cobb and beyond.
This month’s premiere holiday is Valentine’s Day, when we take a moment to thank the people who have touched our heart and made a difference in our life. Consider this issue and every issue of the EAST COBBER one big Valentine’s Day card from me to you.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Cynthia M. Rozzo
Founder/Publisher
cynthia@eastcobber.com

Reprinted from the February 2012 issue of EAST COBBER. Founder and president of EAST COBBER, Cynthia Rozzo, created the free monthly publication, EAST COBBER, in 1993 to serve East Cobb County residents by providing a forum for them to share their ideas and a source for them to learn more about their community. Ms. Rozzo is also the proud producer of the annual EAST COBBER Community Parade and Festival. An East Cobb County resident since 1991, Ms. Rozzo lives in the Park Ridge subdivision with her husband, George Haralabidis, and three children, Lee,14, Nikos, 12, and Eleni, 10.