East Cobb Arts & Entertainment

CenterStage North 2024 season in limbo at The Art Place

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CenterStage North 2024 season in limbo
Lisa Clark and Bob Winsted played leading roles in “Fireflies,” a Texas-based romantic comedy staged at The Art Place in August. Photo: CenterStage North

One of metro Atlanta’s longest-running community theaters said it may not be able to offer a 2024 season due to changes at the Cobb County-owned facility where it stages performances.

Jonathan Liles, managing director of CenterStage North, told East Cobb News that Cobb PARKS (Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs) officials informed him last month that the theater organization won’t be able to have Sunday shows at The Art Place-Mountain View in East Cobb starting next year “due to staffing.”

He said The Art Place will no longer furnish an employee for Sunday activities, including rehearsals and stage set-up, even though CenterStage North pays for an employee to assist with lighting and other technical issues on its show days.

This year, The Art Place discontinued Sunday piano recital activities.

CenterStage North shows take place on Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons, typically over a two-week period in The Art Place’s theater that seats between 125-210 people.

Ticket sales fund operational costs for CenterStage North, including rental fees at The Art Place. The board members and actors are all volunteers, as are those who assist with the performances.

“CSN is on a mission to save the arts in Cobb County,” Liles said in a message responding to a request for from East Cobb News for comment. “Without Sundays, we are unable to support this mission.”

The Art Place
The Art Place holds art classes and exhibitions as well as CenterStage North shows.

But Liles said the main concern isn’t operational but financial.

“Without the Sunday revenue, I cannot afford to stay open,” he said.

“The majority of our revenue comes from subscription sales to shows and donations, and we are one of the few arts organizations that stays solvent using this model.”

In addition to Sunday being the best day for volunteer availability, Liles said the Sunday matinees are “the only time some patrons can see a performance. . . . It generates critical revenue that funds operating costs covering the next production.”

Liles said he is meeting with county officials next week to discuss the matter, and he said he’s proposing “creative scheduling with the existing staff” to come up with a solution.

East Cobb News contacted the county for more information.

Spokesman Ross Cavitt said that Cobb PARKS “is dealing with the fact that the Art Place is not staffed for a seven-day-a-week operation with only two full-time and two part-time staffers. The Art Place is the only art center open on Sundays for rentals.”

He said with the center’s hours—10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday—”it has been challenging to keep them staffed,” and that the average Sunday patron turnout is around 30.

The rest of CenterStage North’s 2023 schedule—including a political comedy, “The Outsider,” and its annual Christmas holiday show—will go on.

But this is the time of year that the theater finalizes its schedule for the next year. Liles said that hasn’t been happening, and subscribers have been asking.

“When our patrons ask us why we have not announced our next season, we had to inform them what was happening and that we are unsure that we will be able to have performances next year,” he said.

He said that CenterStage North has no other place to go if it can’t work something out to remain at The Art Place.

“We would have to go on hiatus” in 2024 at the very least, he added.

CenterStage North is an all-volunteer non-profit that has staged community theater performances in Cobb County since the 1970s, initially in the Smyrna area.

The theater group’s current name was adopted in the 1980s and it staged shows at The Steeple House Arts Center, which was located on Johnson Ferry Road at Paper Mill Road.

Center Stage North volunteers work on a set design at The Art Place.

CenterStage North later began leasing space at The Art Place, located on Sandy Plains Road near the Mountain View Regional Library and the Tim D. Lee Senior Center, and began staging full seasons, with quarterly performances, plus special shows for the Christmas holidays.

CenterStage North was set to expand its season subscription to five shows in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic was declared and performances stopped in 2020, and returned in limited fashion in 2021.

Liles said support for the arts has been decreasing since then, and that only CenterStage North and a few children’s theaters serve the East Cobb area.

He noted that in Cobb County “ball fields are open on Sundays. Why not the performing arts facilities? There are organizations clamoring to rent on Sundays if the facility is open.”

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Marietta Art in the Park returns to Square for Labor Day weekend

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Art in the Park
The work of South Carolina artist Michael Allen will be featured at Art in the Park.

Submitted information:

Art in the Park has been a part of the Marietta Square’s history since 1986 and takes place in and around the Historic Marietta Square and Glover Park on Labor Day weekend. It is a Marietta signature event and tradition that celebrates the arts featuring local and national artists from around the country.

This fine art extravaganza features an artist market, children’s art alley, and the famous Painted Pots. Art displayed will include paintings, photography, pottery, graphic arts, sculptures, jewelry, and woodworking from 175 of the country’s finest artists. Festival guests will also have the opportunity to visit the unique shops and boutiques; restaurants, museums and galleries, take in a historic walking tour plus much more, all within walking distance of the festival.

The festival is free with plenty of available parking in the Cobb County Park Decks located on Waddell St. at Lawrence St (daily rates apply).

The festival was selected as a Top 200 Art Festival by Sunshine Artist Magazine. As a matter of fact, Marietta Art in the Park is listed as #13 in the nation in the Fine Art and Design category. The festival has always been about the art and artists and we are proud of this accomplishment.  The festival began 37 years ago and has become one of the premier fine art shows in Atlanta, and the only one in Cobb County. This fine art extravaganza features the Artist Market, representing the best in fine handcrafted works by 175 artists from all over the country. Art displayed during the festival includes paintings, photography, pottery, graphic arts, sculptures, jewelry, woodworking and much more. Also included in the festival is the Children’s Art Alley and the Chalk Spot. The festival supports both Marietta City Schools and Cobb County Schools through fund raising efforts during the festival.

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Johnson Ferry Conservatory for the Arts closes after 27 years

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Johnson Ferry Conservatory for the Arts closes
Conservatory students performing a recital in April. Photo: Johnson Ferry Conservatory for the Arts

A music school at Johnson Ferry Baptist Church that provided private one-to-one instruction to children closed earlier this month after 27 years.

The Johnson Ferry Conservatory for the Arts announced on a social media posting Monday that it was with “heavy hearts” that it was closing its doors.

The church website noted in a separata message that Johnson Ferry recently hired a consultant to conduct a child safety review across the organization.

“It has been determined that we can no longer allow one adult to be in a room alone with one child. Of course, this directly impacts our model for private music lessons. So, after much prayer and discussion, we have decided that we will be closing the doors of the Conservatory.”

The final day of operation was Aug. 5.

East Cobb News left a message with the church seeking further information. Communications director T.J. King sent a statement nearly identical to the conservatory message, adding that since its inception, the school’s objective has been to “give each student a first-class music lesson in a safe Christian environment.”

The conservatory had more than 20 teachers at the time of its closure, offering instruction in guitar, piano, bassoon, oboe, saxophone, clarinet, viola, violin and voice. The school also conducted recitals (see video below, from April) and other special events featuring the students.

The conservatory message ended by saying that “it has been a privilege to teach thousands of children in East Cobb, and watch them develop their God-given gifts. We pray God’s very best for all of them!”

King added that Johnson Ferry is continuing a children’s music program on Wednesday evening and has student choirs during the week.

“Our church and its many ministries are healthy and growing and we are excited about what the future holds,” King said.

 

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‘Harmonies for Homes’ concert to benefit Habitat for Humanity

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Submitted information:Harmonies for Homes concert

Two well-known musicians will headline the third annual “Harmonies for Homes” concert to be held on Sunday, October 8 benefiting Habitat for Humanity of NW Metro Atlanta. The concert will be held for the first time at the beautiful outdoor City Green amphitheater in Sandy Springs. Tickets and sponsorships are available at: citysprings.com/events/harmonies-homes.   

The singer-songwriter event will feature renowned artist, Emily Saliers of Indigo Girls, and guitarist and singer, David Ryan Harris of John Mayer Band. This year Habitat will also welcome Chesley McNeil, Morning Meteorologist from 11Alive, as emcee for the event.  

Emily Saliers is one half of the Grammy Award-winning folk rock music duo, Indigo Girls, along with Amy Ray. Over the years, they have sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, as well as earned six Grammy nominations. In 1989, they were nominated for Best New Artist and took home the Grammy for Best Contemporary Folk Album. Indigo Girls’ latest critically acclaimed album Look Long was released in the spring of 2020.

Saliers plays acoustic and electric guitars, as well as banjo, piano, mandolin, and ukulele. Saliers has written many of the Indigo Girls’ fan-favorite songs and concert standouts such as “Closer to Fine,” “Get Out the Map,” “Least Complicated,” “Power of Two,” and “Galileo” to name a few. A documentary about the 40-year journey of the Indigo Girls, “It’s Only Life After All,” intimately covering their lives as artists and activists, debuted to rave reviews at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. 

David Ryan Harris is an American guitarist and singer based in Los Angeles, California. Born in Evanston, Illinois, Harris moved to Atlanta at a young age to launch his career. Harris has had a varied career as a musician. 

He has been performing on stage since the 1980s when he served as the front man for the Atlanta rock group, Follow for Now. The band was given a record deal and released their self-titled in 1991. The band toured with such acts as Fishbone, HR of Bad Brains, Pearl Jam, Faith No More, and 24–7 Spyz. While Harris continues to promote his solo act, he can frequently be seen on stage performing with artists such as John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Santana, Sister Hazel, Better Than Ezra, and Collective Soul.

Tickets for the concert are $200 each and tax-deductible sponsorships begin at $1,000. Every guest receives two drink tickets with admission. Guests should bring a chair or blanket, and food truck selections and beverages will be available for purchase. This year’s concert is being presented by sponsor Bercher Homes. This event raises proceeds to support Habitat’s mission to continue building, refurbishing, and repairing homes for families in need in Cobb, Douglas, and Paulding counties.  

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Cobb Energy Centre holding ‘Sweet 16’ open house event

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Cobb Energy Centre Sweet 16 open house

Submitted info:

In celebration of its 16th anniversary and to thank the community for its continued support, Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre will host a Sweet 16 Community Day & Open House Celebration on Sunday, Aug. 27 from 12 to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-register at cobbenergycentre.com.

Those who pre-register can enter to win select prizes throughout the day (check-in required). Patrons new and old will be introduced and reintroduced to the magic that happens within the state-of-the-art Centre year-round, including free performances by resident companies Atlanta Ballet and The Atlanta Opera and the Centre’s arts education arm, ArtsBridge Foundation. The event also will include appearances by Blooper, the Heavy Hitters and Harry the Hawk; Anchor Lana Harris and Meteorologist Rodney Harris from Atlanta News First; Star 94 DJ Skye Smith, music, food trucks, children’s activities (face painting, balloon artist, magician and crafts), building tours, free classes and much more.

Prize drawings throughout the afternoon will include a Golden Ticket package with tickets to The Atlanta Opera, Atlanta Ballet and select other concerts and comedians at the Centre; Braves tickets, a 50-inch TV, an Igloo IMX24 cooler, stays at multiple area hotels and more!

Don’t forget to visit the Kessel D. Stelling Ballroom for cooking demonstrations by the Centre’s culinary team and a showcase of the versatile meeting and event space featuring several event industry partners.

For more information and to pre-register, visit cobbenergycentre.com/sweet16.

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Cobb Parks accepting entries in Fun in the Park Photo Contest

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East Cobb Park reopens
East Cobb Park

Cobb PARKS is accepting entries in its 18th annual Fun in the Park Photo Contest. (The photos in this post are what we’ve taken in the past on our visits to parks in the East Cobb area; we’ve never submitted them for the contest.)

Participants can submit up to 10 of their favorite photos taken at county and city parks until Nov. 2. Entries are not accepted for photos taken at national parks or those outside Cobb County.

The categories include nature and wildlife, sports and action and general, and there is no charge to enter the contest.

Here’s some very specific information on photo files and how to label and submit them:

Photos should be in full-size jpeg format with no watermarks or signatures on the image. Name the files with your name, category and photo # – (example: John Doe_NW_01). This would represent your file as John Doe > Nature and Wildlife > photo #1. Digital photos must be accompanied by an entry form. Entries that are submitted by email will need entry information in the email with the category for each picture and number indicated. Cobb PARKS reserves the right to not accept photos deemed inappropriate.

Submit entries to Mark.Chandler@cobbcounty.org.

Plaques will be awarded for first, second, third and honorable mention for each category.

Judges will be provided by the Cobb Photographic Society and Cobb County PARKS. Winners will be notified by email by the first week in December.

Nearly 400 photos were submitted for the 2022 contest (previous winners’ photos here)

More rules and information can be found by clicking here; or by calling 770-528-8831.

Mabry Park Opening
Mabry Park
Ebenezer Road park, Cobb parks master plan
Ebenezer Downs Park

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ArtsBridge Foundation to hold gala at Cobb Energy Centre

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ArtsBridge Foundation 2023 gala
Photo: Chris Savas via ArtsBridge Foundation

Submitted information and photo:

ArtsBridge Foundation is counting down to its biggest annual fundraiser with tickets and sponsorships available for the 2023 Overture Gala on Aug. 5.

Charlie and Erin Chesnutt confirmed as the event’s chairpersons, while Allen Devlin of Atlanta News First will be the master of ceremonies. Mr. Chesnutt is a senior vice president and treasurer/special advisor to the CFO with Atlanta-based Genuine Parts Company while Ms. Chesnut is a marketing and communications executive contributing writing to Alabama-based TPI Publications/Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. Devlin is weekday anchor for ANF’s afternoon and evening broadcasts.

Themed “A Night at the Cabaret” the Gala celebrates ArtsBridge Foundation’s year-round mission impacting the lives of thousands of Georgia K-12 students through arts education and financial aid subsidy programs.

The Gala will feature a cabaret cocktail hour, a sumptuous gourmet three-course meal prepared by Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre Executive Chef Nick Alvarez, theater-in-the-round style entertainment by winners of the 2023 Georgia High School Musical Theatre Awards (a.k.a. “The Georgia Dozen”), a live auction featuring stellar packages and big-ticket bidding encouraged by Auction Horizon, and an after-party featuring a live band in the Kessel D. Stelling Jr. Ballroom.

Alvarez’s cabaret-themed menu for the occasion includes a baby romaine salad featuring heirloom tomatoes, shaved parmesan, frico and sherry Caesar dressing, followed by a duo of grilled New York steak and Chilean sea bass accompanied by confit fingerling potatoes, crusted baby fennel, Swiss chard, soubise and Périgueux. The evening’s vegetarian main course option features spiced baby eggplant, fennel, fingerling potatoes and quinoa almond crumble with skordalia. Dessert features a peach ricotta cheesecake, gluten free shortbread, bruléed marshmallow and almond crumble.

“We greatly appreciate the generosity of our longtime sponsors and supporters of ArtsBridge Foundation who already stepped up to support ‘A Night at the Cabaret,’” said Jennifer D. Dobbs, executive director. “As we countdown to the big event, we are looking for additional community businesses and leaders to join us in support of youth arts education through any of our Gala sponsorship levels.”

The Gala fundraising goal is $150,000 to support the organization’s Title I Adopt-A-School Financial Aid Subsidy Program, which subsidizes admission and bus transportation for thousands of deserving children throughout the state. Gala sponsor levels include Supporting Cast Member ($1,000), Spotlight Sponsor ($3,500), Showstopper ($5,000), Headliner ($10,000) and Premier ($25,000). Additional details for each level of support, including individual tickets ($350), may be found at https://bit.ly/ArtsBridge2023OvertureGala or by contacting Dobbs at 770-916-2803.

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East Cobb art gallery to hold opening for sports art exhibit

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East Cobb art gallery sports art exhibit

LM Frame and Gallery of East Cobb will be the venue for an upcoming exhibit displaying the work of a notable sports artist.

An opening event for the exhibit will take place on Thursday, July 20, from 5:30-8 p.m. at its location at 1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 150.

The exhibit features the work of Jace McTier, based in Augusta, and will continue through Aug. 15.

He’s part of a family of artists that specializes in Impressionist, figurative and sports painting (Lucy and Jace McTier). His mother, Lucy McTier, has been among his influences, along with William Turner, Vincent Van Gogh, and the sports art of George Bellows and LeRoy Nieman.

Jace McTier’s sports art portraits include Tom Brady, Muhammad Ali, Serena Williams and Rory McIlroy.

A portion of sales from the exhibit at LM Frame and Gallery will be donated to the Tim Luke Hope for Minds charity, helping children with brain injuries.

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East Cobb bookstore begins middle book grade reading club

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Bookmiser, an independent bookstore in East Cobb, is starting a reading club for middle school students that has its first gathering next week.Bookmiser middle grade book reading club

The Middle Grade Book Club will hold its first meeting July 14 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Bookmiser (3822 Roswell Road).

The club, which is limited to 10 participants in grades 4-7, will meet the second Friday of every month after that.

Participation is free but books must be purchased from Bookmiser.

July and August books have been selected but future books will be chosen by participants and the club’s moderator, Carlie Sorosiak, a children’s author, creative writing teacher and former bookseller.

To register, click here.

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Mini-Con returns to Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center

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MiniCon, Sewell Mill Library weekend events

Submitted information:

MiniCon 2023 – a day of fantasy, sci-fi, anime, fandom, and gaming – will be held 10 am to 5 pm Saturday, June 24, at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068.

The third annual free family-friendly MiniCon features activities for all ages, including crafts, panels, a photo booth, role playing game demonstrations, miniature war gaming, a board game room, costume/cosplay contests, cosplay karaoke and more. Entertainment will include live music by Phantasm, Tim Between, and Stone Soup.

“If you like anything in the realms of gaming, cosplay, anime, sci-fi, comics, or fantasy, you will find something amazing to do at MiniCon,” said Jay Morgan, Creative Studios Librarian. “We’re also going to have special guests, live music, and even a theatrical performance of Beowulf. There’s even going to be a special storytime and crafts for the younger patrons. When I say MiniCon has got it all, I mean it has got it all.”

The 2023 line-up of MiniCon panels include:

  • 11 am: Voicing Acting
  • Noon: Cosplaying on a Budget
  • 1 pm: Pokemon Trivia
  • 2 pm: Sci-Fi & Fantasy Writer’s Workshop
  • 3 pm: Tabletop RPG: There and Back Again

MiniCon 2023 is presented by the Sewell Mill Library and Cobb County PARKS department.

For information on MiniCon 2023, call 770-509-2711 ext. 2.

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Shirley Chisholm show comes to Sewell Mill Cultural Center

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An addition to local Juneteenth-related events this weekend, via Cobb Commissioner Jerica Richardson:Shirley Chisholm show comes to Sewell Mill Cultural Center

New York playwright and actress Ingrid Griffith will be presenting her one-woman “immersive and interactive” show about 1972 presidential candidate Shirley Chisholm Saturday night at the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road).

It’s called “Unbossed and Unbowed,” and it starts at 7 p.m. in the black box theater.

The title is a variation of Chisholm’s campaign theme, “Unbossed and Unbought,” which also was the title of her memoir.

Chisholm was a Congresswoman from the New York City area when she launched the first campaign by a Democratic Party woman and the firt by an African-American of either major party.

She was dubbed “Fighting Shirley” for her tenacity on racial, gender and social issues during her political career.

She was the first black female member of Congress when she was first elected in 1968, and served until 1983.

In her presidential bid, Chisholm received votes in 14 states and finished seventh among Democratic candidates. She also was the first woman to be invited to a presidential debate.

Chisholm died at the age of 80 in 2005.

Griffith, who has been involved in numerous off-Broadway theater productions, has performed the Chisholm show in the New York area and is in the Atlanta area this weekend with another show scheduled for Decatur.

She said on her website about the show that “I’ve been moved to write and share Shirley Chisholm’s story in the hope that more people will become aware of her contributions and appreciate how her voice resonates today.

“I’m drawn to tell stories about the immigrant experience, about being an outsider and daring to be one’s self. I’m interested in social norms and cultural barriers that keep girls and women down, and in stories that promote and celebrate girls and women’s empowerment.”

The Sewell Mill Library performance of “Unbossed and Unbowed” is free but you’re asked to sign up in advance by clicking here.

Griffith also is accepting donations for her work at this link.

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Cobb Library System compiles booklists for Pride Month

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Cobb Library System 2023 Pride Month booklist

The Cobb County Public Library System has compiled an extensive booklist for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month, which is observed in June.

The titles range from children’s picture and non-fiction books to teen and young adult fiction and adult titles.

The Cobb library system provided similar resource lists for Black History Month and Women’s History Month earlier this year.

In her weekly e-mail newsletter, Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid referenced the Pride Month booklist, saying “this month-long observation recognizes all members of the LGBTQ+ community, their historical roots, and allies that fight for their fundamental human rights and equality. It honors their bravery and influence. We take time to consider LGBTQ+ victims of hate crimes and those who continue to face violence, discrimination, and other injustices.”

Pride Month has been observed in June to honor the start of the modern gay rights movement, stemming from the Stonewall protests that took place in New York in June 1969.

More information about the Cobb Library Pride Month booklist can be found by clicking here.

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Summer art camps set for The Art Place, Sewell Mill Cultural Center

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The two Cobb Department of Parks, Recreational and Cultural Affairs facilities in East Cobb with summer art programs are continuing registration.Sewell Mill Cultural Center summer art camps

Some classes are close to filling up for camp slots in June and July, and those parents wishing to sign up their children can check availability and costs by clicking here.

The Art Place-Mountain View (3330 Sandy Plains Road) is calling its summer programs “The World Tour Art Camp,” which start June 5 and conclude on July 28.

The age groups range from ages 6-18, and explore art history, music and dance across continents and geographic regions of the world.

There are special cabaret camps, camps for wheel pottery, 3D sculpture and manga and anime drawing.

At the Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center (2051 Lower Roswell Road), the theme is “The Great Create,” with a variety of classes in painting, pottery and performing arts.

The format includes two half-day camps that combine for an all-day experience and occasionally will include non-art field trips, activities and outdoor play.

The Art Place summer art camp

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Cobb Library Foundation to hold ‘Booked for the Evening’ gala

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The Atlanta Country Club in East Cobb is once again the venue for the Cobb Library Foundation’s annual “Booked for the Evening” fundraising gala.Cobb Library Foundation gala

It’s set for Friday, June 9, and the guest speaker is author Patti Callahan Henry, the author of 16 historical and contemporary novels, and a podcast host featuring her novels.

She is the recipient of The Christy Award Book of the Year, The Harper Lee Distinguished Writer of the Year and the Alabama Library Association Book of the Year.

A resident of the Birmingham area, her latest novel, “The Secret Book of Flora Lea,” was recently published, and is a New York Times bestseller.

It’s the story of a woman who discovers a rare book that has connections to her past, long-held secrets about her missing sister and their childhood spent in the English countryside during World War II.

The subjects of some of her previous novels include Florence Nightingale, C.S. Lewis and the 1838 shipwreck of the Pulaski off the coast of Savannah

The honorary chairman of the event is Gary Miller, CEO and President of Greystone Power.

The gala takes place from 6:30-10 p.m. on June 9 and tickets may be purchased by clicking here.

The Cobb Library Foundation provides support for the Cobb County Public Library System. For information e-mail: cobblibraryfoundation@gmail.com.

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East Cobb bookstore to hold launch event for ‘mom’ novel

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East Cobb bookstore launch event

With Mother’s Day coming on Sunday the East Cobb bookstore Bookmiser will hold a launch event for a mom-oriented novel.

Jennifer Golden is the author of “Anonymous Mom Posts,” and on Saturday she’ll be at at Bookmiser (3822 Roswell Road) from 1:30-3 p.m.

Mimosas and treats will be served, and you can click here to register.East Cobb bookstore launch event

Goldin is a Miami native and an audiologist by training and has done some writing on the side. Now a Dunwoody resident, this is Goldin’s first novel. Here’s what the story is about:

“Laura Perry is fed up with the snarky attitudes of the moms who post on the Hamilton Beach Moms’ social media page. She hopes the new anonymous posting feature will remind this community they are here to support each other. She enlists her friend, Gabriella, to be a co-moderator. While Gabriella is intrigued by the page, she wonders if the virtual interactions are doing more harm than good. She and Laura hatch a plan to organize an in-person fundraising event, hoping to help the moms connect in real life.

“But, as the moms start to reveal their secrets anonymously, irreverent comments pour in, and the page ignites with controversy. With the in-person event approaching, will one mom’s plan for revenge bring the entire community to the brink?!”

Author website: AuthorJeniferGoldin.com.

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LM Frame and Gallery to hold ribbon-cutting for expanded space

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LM Frame and Gallery expanding

The LM Frame and Gallery is opening expanded gallery space at its existing location at the Shops of Woodlawn (1062 Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 150) and will hold a special ribbon-cutting ceremony later this month to celebrate.

The ribbon-cutting, which is being held in association with the East Cobb Business Association, takes place on May 18 at 5:30 p.m. and the event will include a special art exhibit of local artists featuring Aboriginal works.

The custom framing store and contemporary art gallery is owned by Christophe and Caroline Choquart. Framing work includes traditional paintings, 3D objects, needlework, posters and more.

New Businesses

The following businesses in East Cobb were granted licenses in April by the Cobb Community Development Agency:

  • Cindy’s Stitch Studio, 4901 Olde Towne Parkway, Suite 100 (tutoring services)
  • Drea Nicole Photography, 2000 Powers Ferry Road, Suites 1-4 (photography studio)
  • Larry’s Kitchen, 3910 Canton Road, Suite 140 (restaurant)
  • PT Solutions Physical Therapy, 4401 Shallowford Road, Suite 100 (physical therapy)
  • Scooter’s Coffee, 2943 Canton Road, Suite 1600 (coffee and tea store)

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Walton HS Winter Guard reaches finals of world championships

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Walton Winter Guard reaches world championships finals

The Walton High School Winter Guard team recently competed in the finals of the Winter Guard International World Championships in Dayton, Ohio.

Thanks to Christopher Johns, Walton’s associate band director, for the information and the photos.

The WGI is a competition for color guard teams that in Walton’s category included more than 140 teams. The Walton students were among 20 groups to reach the finals in the Scholastic A Class, and the only team from Georgia to get that far, finishing in 13th place.

The Walton Winter Guard, which is a part of the Walton Band program, finished the season prior to that undefeated and was named the Scholastic National A Champions in the Southern Association for Performing Arts competition circuit.

The Walton Winter Guard is led by coach Scott Beck and staff members Jordan Casey, Jenn Cunningham, Stephanie Stewart, Adam Sage, and Michael James.

Team members include Laylah Gaines, Abigail Martin-Hoster, Sarah Musau, Emily Balado, Jordyn Sewell, Hailey Klim, Rowen Black, Victoria Markey, Katherine Parfenov, Olivia Reilly, Quinn Reilly, Madeleine Hodges, Misora Furuya, Olivia Nice and Lejla Hadzic.

Walton Winter Guard reaches world championships finals

Walton Winter Guard reaches world championships finals

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Rotary Club of East Cobb to sponsor ‘Movies in the Park’

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We mentioned in a previous post that the Friends for the East Cobb Park volunteer group that presents special events at the park was working on a new entertainment feature, showing family-friendly movies a few times a year.Movies in the Park debuts

What’s being called “Movies in the Park” debuts next Friday, April 14, with the showing of Tom Hanks’ rendering of Fred Rogers in “It’s A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood.”

The film starts at 8 p.m. and like the Music in the Park concerts is free to the public. You can bring food, chairs and blankets.

The presenting sponsor is the Rotary Club of East Cobb, which is adding to an expansive list of community activities.

The Rotary Club holds a Dog Day Run in August that raises more than $100,000 for local charities, and is involved in the Wheeler High School AVID program.

More recently, the Rotary Club agreed to become a charter sponsor of a Boy Scout troop at Mt. Bethel Church, which dropped that status due to insurance issues.

The Rotary Club also sponsors a first responders lunch and organized a forum in 2022 for the East Cobb Cityhood referendum.

Another Movies in the Park event is tentatively slated for the fall.

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Sewell Mill Library marks 5th anniversary with historical exhibit

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Sewell Mill Library Historical Exhibit
The Sewell Mill Library historical exhibit will include a rendering of the original Wheeler High School campus from 1964.

The Sewell Mill Library and Cultural Center is celebrating its 5th anniversary this year (our story from opening day in late 2017) with a special exhibit of historical photos of the community.

Starting Thursday, April 6 and running through May 13, the center’s art gallery will exhibit scans of historic photos of the Marietta and and East Cobb communities, featured in three large wall collages.

The Cobb County Public Library System said that “drawn from local archives and private collections—including the library!—the images invite you to step back in time and get a sense of the deep roots in Sewell Mill’s neighborhoods.”

Bruce Thompson, the branch manager for the Sewell Mill Library who had a similar position with the former East Marietta Library, provided the photos and had this to say about the exhibit:

“These images will introduce the historic neighborhoods around Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center to newcomers—and to each other. I’ve solicited and scanned photos and newspaper clippings from Kennesaw State University Archives, Marietta History Center, various local places of worship, and Cobb Library’s own wealth of historic images. The exhibit will include familiar scenes and maybe some that are less so, even for long-time residents.”

The exhibit will be open during regular library hours: Monday-Wednesday 10-8, Thursday-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5.

All Cobb library branches will be closed on Good Friday, April 7, and Easter Sunday, April 9. They will be open Saturday, April 8.

Sewell Mill Library Historical Exhibit

Sewell Mill Library Historical Exhibit

Sewell Mill Library historical exhibit

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Music in the Park concert at East Cobb Park postponed

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East Cobb Park Music in the Park

We got a lot of interest from our story last week about the start of the spring Music in the Park concert series at East Cobb Park.

Sunday was to have been the kickoff event for the four-concert series with the local duo The Woodys, but the Friends for the East Cobb Park said Thursday that’s been called off due to an illness in the group.

“Their performance will be rescheduled to a later date this spring,” the Friends group said in a social media message. “We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience or dashed hopes—we were looking forward to it too!”

The other scheduled concerts are April 16, April 30 and May 21.

The Friends group also will begin a new feature next month called Movies in the Park, in which a family-friendly film is shown on a large screen near the pavilion.

Group president Kurt von Borries tells us they’re still working on finalizing a date for that event, but the film is “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” starring Tom Hanks.

That film series is sponsored by the Rotary Club of East Cobb.

For more details and information about events at East Cobb Park, click the Friends group calendar listings.

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