East Cobb Families & Youth

Cobb library’s summer reading program registration underway

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Submitted information:

Cobb County Public Library invites the community to its annual Summer Reading Kickoff Party, a celebration of books, community, and summertime fun, on Saturday, June 7, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Switzer Library, conveniently located near the Marietta Square at 266 Roswell St. NE, Marietta, GA 30060.

Last year’s kickoff event drew over 1,400 attendees and featured the memorable debut of the library’s new mascot, Rita Book, whose name was selected from over 200 imaginative submissions from the community.

This year’s event promises even more excitement with the theme “Color Our World,” encouraging readers of all ages to explore the diverse world of stories, cultures, and ideas that make our lives richer. Families can anticipate engaging craft stations for all ages, lively music from the in-house DJ, interactive activities, opportunities to win exciting prizes, and photo opportunities with beloved mascots Rita Book and Dewey.

“Our Summer Reading Program reflects months of careful planning, typically starting six to seven months in advance, all to ensure it provides meaningful and fun experiences for readers of all ages right here in Cobb County, a go-to destination for family fun,” states Slone Williams, Community and User Engagement Division Manager. “With over 400,000 library cardholders, we are dedicated to creating a program that is both inclusive and enjoyable for every family in our community. We extend our sincere gratitude to our numerous community partners, county departments, and the Cobb Library Foundation, whose ongoing support makes this vital initiative possible year after year.”

The community is encouraged to register for the summer reading challenge at cobbcat.org/summer or sign up at any library branch to begin logging their reading, earning rewards, and participating in the many engaging programs scheduled throughout June and July.

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East Cobb teen named Swim Across America junior ambassador

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East Cobb teen named Swim Across America junior ambassador

Submitted information and photo:

Swim Across America, a national nonprofit dedicated to raising money for cancer research through nationwide swimming events has selected Kahn Peterson, an East Cobb resident, to join other elite metro Atlanta swimmers for Swim Across America Atlanta’s 2025 Junior Ambassador program. Kahn is a sophomore at Campbell High School in Smyrna.

Fifteen students from 11 schools were selected out of 50 applicants to serve in the 2025 Junior Ambassador (JA) program for Swim Across America—Atlanta (SAA—Atlanta). This is the first year Peterson has served. This year, he launched the first SAA-Atlanta team from Campbell High School. The team has set a goal to raise $5,000 for Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. To date, SAA—Atlanta has raised $3.7 million.

Junior Ambassadors work in tandem with the Junior Advisory Board and an accomplished Core Event Committee that includes Olympians and master swimmers who are supporting the Atlanta open water event at Lake Lanier Olympic Park on Saturday, September 20, 2025 (www.swimacrossamerica.org/atlanta). This year’s event will be funding 5 young investigators focusing on leukemia, osteosarcoma, neuroblastoma and survivorship research here in Atlanta at the Aflac Cancer & Blood Disorders Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

In 2024, the Junior Advisory Board and Junior Ambassadors collectively raised almost $100,000.

The Atlanta open water event hosts nearly 20 Olympian supporters each year. Olympians swim and volunteer alongside 750 swimmers and volunteers over either a half-mile, one-mile, or 5K course. To join or donate to Peterson’s team, visit his personal fundraising page. You do not have to be a student at Campbell to participate. The entire community is encouraged to be involved!

Kahn tells us that he’s also a competitive swimmer for Swim Atlanta at the Mt. Bethel location, and for the last two years he’s qualified for the Georgia High School Association state meet as a team member at Campbell, where he’s a student in the school’s International Baccalaureate program.

He’s also a summer lifeguard and an assistant coach for his neighborhood swim team in Jacksons Creek, and is recruiting some of his Campbell teammates to join him in the Swim America cause: “Raising money for cancer research through something I love—swimming– is something I am very excited about!:

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization, or about any recognitions, to share with the community. We love to get photos and stories like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are enjoying the spring, and year round!

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

 

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Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

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Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day
All photos by Katie Beth Rogers, Mt. Bethel Church

Submitted information and photos:

Opening day at Mt. Bethel Church recreation was Saturday, March 15 with a record number of post-covid participation filling the fields and the gyms.

Nearly 1000 athletes ages 4 -12 and 200 coaches from the Mt. Bethel Church community in East Cobb County  played soccer, volleyball, flag football and baseball.

“Spring has definitely sprung around here” said Mt. Bethel Director of Recreation Dan Boswell. “We’ve seen a steady increase in registration of our year-round program especially in the past two years.”

In 2024 the recreation ministry, celebrating its 35th anniversary this year, fielded over 2,350 athletes with the support of 550 coaches. That represented all seasons and summer camps combined. “We are especially pleased by this spring season’s growth and are honored at the opportunity to reach so many families in our East Cobb community who love sports and our church,” said Boswell.

Mt. Bethel Church is here to lead people to trade the pursuit of more for a life worth pursuing in Jesus Christ. We serve our community in truth, freedom and purpose of God’s Word. The church is located at 4385 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta, GA. It serves the East Cobb County Georgia and international online communities with worship, connection, training and the pursuit of God to multiply leaders for the broader Church. Please visit us at mtbethel.org and find us on social for more information on Mt. Bethel Church or summer activities for children’s recreation or camps.

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Mt. Bethel Church draws 1K for youth recreation open day

Send Us Your News!

Let East Cobb News know what’s going on with your organization,. We love to get photos like the above, as well as calendar event listings and more, to share with the community.

We want to be the go-to source for all the many ways people in East Cobb are enjoying the spring, and year round!

It’s what we call The Power of Local, and we’d love for you to take part!

Pass along your details/photos/videos/information to: editor@eastcobbnews.com, and please observe the following guidelines to ensure we get everything properly and can post it promptly.

Send the body of your announcement, calendar item or news release IN TEXT FORM ONLY in the text field of your e-mail template. Reformatting text from PDF, JPG and doc files takes us longer to prepare your message for publication.

We accept PDFs as an accompaniment to your item. Images are fine too, but we prefer those to be JPG files (more than jpeg and png). PLEASE DO NOT send photos inside a PDF or text or any other kind of file, but d0 send them as attachments to your email.

Of course, send us links that are relevant to your message so we can direct people to your website.

Thanks for your cooperation and we look forward to hearing from you!

 

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Every Sunday we round up the week’s top headlines and preview the upcoming week in the East Cobb News Digest. Click here to sign up, and you’re good to go!

Scouting America to hold service project at East Cobb Park

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East Cobb Park plants

Lee Miller of the Foothills District of the Atlanta Area Council for Scouting America (based nearby across from Truist Park) says the organization is inviting all scout members of the council to a service project at East Cobb Park in early May.

It’s a cleanup project of Sewell Mill Creek on May 3 from 10-2, and includes cleaning up debris along the creek, environmental education sessions, team-building activities, and prizes for the most trash collected.

Participants will earn community service hours, learn about conservation and sustainability, improve the local ecosystem and meet other scouts.

Interested scouts should show up at East Cobb Park (3322 Roswell Road) “ready to learn and have fun! Youth and adults of appropriate ages and abilities are welcome. Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet.”

For more information, contact Wade Patrick: wade@wadepatrick.com.

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Cobb Library System to hold mid-winter school break events

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Cobb library tax forms

Submitted information:

The Cobb County Public Library events calendar for Mid-Winter Break features a range of programs for young children, students and adults. School is out for students and educators Feb. 17-21 for the Cobb County and Marietta City school districts, and for many independent schools and homeschool families.

Activities during the week at Cobb libraries cover arts and crafts, music, STEM projects, story sharing, games and dance. 

Upcoming scheduled youth programs at CCPL locations include:

Pokémon Meetup, a game program for children in grades 1-5, is 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 15 at Mountain View Regional Library, 3320 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta 30066. No registration is required. For more information, call 770-509-2725.

Pokémon Club for children ages 6-12 and families meets 3:30 p.m. Mondays at West Cobb Regional Library, 1750 Dennis Kemp Ln NW, Kennesaw 30152. Pokémon Club is a drop-in event. No registration is required.

Monday Teen Create, a chance for teens to engage in science and art by creating STEM experiments and art projects, meets 2:30 p.m. Mondays at Switzer Library. All materials are provided.

Tamil Storytime for children ages 5-8 and their participating adults, meets 3 p.m. on select Saturdays at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068. Guest presenter Jeya Maran leads the program featuring reading, songs and games all in the Tamil language. Registration is required. Visit cobbcat.org for details.

For information on CCPL events, visit cobbcat.org or call 770-528-2326.

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Scout Troop 1011 announces 38th annual pine straw fundraiser

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Submitted information:

2023 Dog Days Run
Scouts from Troop 1011, sponsored by the Rotary Club of East Cobb.

  • We are taking orders now through February 23 at scoutpinestraw.com

  • Rolls are $16 and bales are $7

  • Delivery will take place Friday, February 28- Saturday, March 1

  • Delivery is free with the purchase of 12 bales or 5 rolls (within a 5-mile radius of Mt. Bethel Church)

  • All proceeds benefit the Scouts of Troop 1011 for camping trips, merit badge activities, etc.

  • Scout Troop 1011 is sponsored by the East Cobb Rotary

 

 

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Eight youths graduate from Cobb diversionary court program

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Submitted information:East Cobb grandfather sentenced

Court officials and members of the Cobb County community gathered today [Dec. 15] in a packed Superior Court courtroom to celebrate eight graduates of Judge Kellie S. Hill’s Pinnacle-Cobb Diversionary Court for non-violent youthful offenders. Judge Hill, along with Attorney Jeanette van der Linden, proudly presented the graduates with their certificates of completion, and invited them to share insights about their transformative journeys through the program. The event was filled with a palpable sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the graduates’ next chapters.

“These eight young men have worked tremendously hard over the course of a year and have shown a true commitment to improving themselves with the resources they’ve received through this program,” said Judge Hill. “I could not be any prouder than I am today as a witness to the real changes each of them has made in their lives. They’ve gone from a mugshot to these handsome headshots on display in the courtroom today.”

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Tiffany Harris, who shared her inspiring journey of overcoming challenges and embracing freedom as a non-negotiable value. One graduate summed up the collective sentiment as he received his certificate, stating simply, “We made it.” Many expressed their gratitude to Judge Hill and Ms. van der Linden, with one participant saying, “This experience will stay with me forever.” Judge Hill emphasized her hope that the graduates seize this opportunity and ensure it does not go to waste.

Founded in 2022 by Judge Hill, Pinnacle-Cobb is a year-long program tailored for non-violent offenders aged 17 to 25. The program aims to reduce recidivism by fostering accountability and equipping participants with tools for personal growth and transformation. Participants are required to attend mandatory court appearances, complete reading and writing assignments, and engage in a supplemental online curriculum. Other program components include drug testing, community service, and public speaking opportunities. Graduates leave with enhanced life skills, a deeper sense of accountability, and the chance to move forward without a felony conviction—key elements for becoming productive and contributing members of society.

Judge Hill also announced an exciting update: Pinnacle-Cobb is rebranding as EXCEL Restorative Court. For more information about the program or to learn how to support it, please contact Attorney Jeanette van der Linden at (770) 359-8367. Judge Hill expressed her confidence that EXCEL Restorative Court will continue to provide young people with the resources and support they need to build successful futures, free from the stigma of a felony conviction.

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Children’s Healthcare to open family space at Truist Park

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Children's Healthcare to open family space at Truist Park

Submitted information:

The Atlanta Braves are reaffirming their dedication to the youngest fans in Braves Country with the new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park opening ahead of the 2025 season. Located in the Left Field Plaza between Truist Park’s Left Field Gate and Third Base Gate, the 30,000 square foot family space will measure over two times the size of the existing Hope & Will’s Sandlot. The new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park will be open on gamedays and accessible from The Battery Atlanta for non-gameday events and activities.

Features of the new Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Park will include:

  • More than 30,000 square-feet of space dedicated to creating a safe and fun experience for kids of all ages.

  • Reimagined kids’ zone with fan-favorite rock-climbing tower and other interactive play experiences.

  • BLOOPER’s Clubhouse for fans to meet BLOOPER and take photos during the game.

  • Hope & Will’s Sandlot, a kid-sized ball field featuring a scaled model of Truist Park’s outfield wall for organized and pick-up games.

  • Great lawn with seating to play and relax.

  • Collapsible batting cages for fans of all ages to practice their swing.

  • A 480-square foot video board on the Delta Deck will allow families to play without missing any of the Braves action.

  • Dedicated concessions and kid-focused merchandise as well.

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GSO to hold sensory-friendly concert at Wheeler HS

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GSO to hold sensory-friendly concert at Wheeler HS

Submitted information and photo:

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra opens the concert hall to all through sensory-friendly and family concerts, continuing a tradition begun nine years ago. These specially tailored performances will take place November 9, 2024 at Wheeler High School in Marietta, GA.

GSO Music Director and Conductor Timothy Verville will lead the orchestra in a forty-five minute program as they perform music from some of the greatest heroes of cinema, including the epic sounds of Captain Jack Sparrow, the Dark Knight, the Man of Steel, and many more. Up to 30 minutes before or after each concert, children and families are invited to touch and experience a myriad of instruments first-hand as part of a musical petting zoo.

As a KultureCity Sensory Inclusive Certified organization, the GSO is proud to offer a sensory-friendly performance for individuals with sensory sensitivities and their families, where audience members can experience orchestra music without any of the constraints of a standard performance. Individuals are free to move about, dance, speak, sing, or vocalize, and have access to a quiet room for sensory breaks.

GSO patron Sarah Arrington shares, “As a mother of a child with special needs, the Sensory Friendly concerts really spoke to me. In that environment, [my son] can experience the music without limitations. To see the smile on his face when he gets to put his hands on the instruments in the Instrument Petting Zoo…where else can kids put their hands all over real instruments?! My son put his cheek on the cello to feel the vibrations. It was a magical experience for him.”

People of all ages and abilities will delight in the discovery of an orchestral experience that invites and welcomes all to the world of classical music.

Tickets are priced at just $10, and are now available through georgiasymphony.org/special-events.

 

 

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East Side ES Cub Scout Pack 744 celebrates 50th anniversary

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East Side ES Cub Scout Pack 744 celebrates 50th anniversary

Submitted information and photo:

On October 6th, Cub Scout Pack 744 of Marietta celebrated its 50th anniversary of their founding at McFarlane Park, marking five decades of building young leaders and fostering a sense of adventure. Chartered by Eastside Elementary since its inception, Pack 744 has been a cornerstone of the community, with hundreds of Scouts and families impacted over the years.

Cub Scouting is part of the Scouting program of Scouting America, formerly known as Boy Scouts of America, available to youth from kindergarten through fifth grade, 5 to 10 years of age, and their families. In Cub Scouts, youth are encouraged to make friends, be helpful to others, and do their very best no matter the outcome. With the help of powerful learning projects and exciting outdoor activities, we aim to teach children that doing their best can be a fun and rewarding experience—no matter the difficulty of the challenge.

The anniversary event welcomed eight former Cubmasters, including Mark Roberts (2022-2024), David Linsey (2020-2022), Chris Ray (2016-2019), Hilary Thornton (2014-2016), John LaVoy (2013-2014), Steve Kleinrichert (2009-2010), Scott Lovell (2008), and Zett Quinn (2005-2007), who shared memories of their time leading the Pack. Each Cubmaster reflected on the adventures, challenges, and camaraderie that shaped Pack 744 and guided it to success. Former Committee Chairs, Den Leaders, and scout alumni also attended. Cubmaster James Stovall, who is now coming through the Pack for a second time with his youngest son Luke, expressed his gratitude to these former leaders and shared his excitement for the Pack’s future.

The Pack’s vision—”We want to be the most fun and adventurous pack in Georgia, preparing our Scouts for both Scouting and life”—is evident in their activities. In the past year, Scouts have explored Cumberland Caverns spending overnight in a cave in Tennessee, rafted the Nantahala River in North Carolina, and are preparing for a mountain biking event at Blankets Creek in Cobb County. With over 100 participants registered for SpookyRee, an upcoming camping weekend at Bert Adams Scout Camp in Covington, the Pack is as adventurous as ever.

State Senator Kay Kirkpatrick, representing Georgia’s 32nd District, was also in attendance. A dedicated supporter of Scouting, Senator Kirkpatrick praised the Pack’s enduring commitment to service and community. She and her husband, both lonhg-time Scout supporters, recently hosted Scout Day at the Capitol, in which Pack 744 proudly participated.

The anniversary’s theme, “Scouting: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” captured the essence of Pack 744’s legacy. With 63 families, including 26 new families in the last six months, the Pack continues to grow and thrive. Much like other organizations, Pack 744 faced a dip in participation during the COVID era, but today, it is rebuilding with energy. The pack continues to recruit more youth than are graduating out each year, signaling a bright and adventurous future ahead.

A significant highlight of the celebration was the international food tasting, where each Scout family made a dish to represent their cultural heritage. This showcased the Pack’s rich diversity, with dishes such as Southern smoked barbecue sliders, japchae (a Korean favorite of sweet potato noodles with meat and vegetables), Chinese dumplings, Russian angel wings pastry, crepes with beef, French apple tart, Dutch oven apple cobbler, and much more. The food offered a flavorful glimpse into the Pack’s international makeup and symbolized the spirit of unity within diversity that Scouting fosters.

While much has changed since Pack 744’s founding in 1974 the values of Scouting remain constant. For 50 years, Pack 744 has instilled leadership, responsibility, and a love for adventure in young Scouts, preparing them for life and making a lasting impact on the community.

As the celebration concluded, it was evident that the Pack’s legacy is built on the dedication of its leaders, families, and Scouts. With a focus on adventure, service, and fun, Pack 744 is ready to continue its journey for another 50 years, growing stronger and carrying on the scouting legacy each step of the way.

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Cobb Diaper Day to be held virtually through Oct. 31

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Submitted info and photos:

The 16th Annual Cobb Diaper Day is being held virtually throughout October 2024. Through the efforts of the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund – Cobb Diaper Day Committee, more than two million diapers have been donated to assist low-income families in Cobb County. The goal this year is to collect over 100,000 diapers.

Organizations, companies and individuals are encouraged to participate in various  ways:

  • Make a donation at www.cobbdiaperday.com.
  • Purchase diapers on Amazon through the Cobb Diaper Day Wish-list.
  • Declare a day to collect diapers from fellow employees, organization members, neighbors or friends.
  • Drop off donations on one of our community collection days at the Cobb EMC Solar Flower Garden in Marietta, GA: October 22 and October 24, 2024 from 2 PM to 6 PM.

Cobb Diaper Day was founded by the late Barbara Hickey in 2008 to help families in Cobb County. Barbara envisioned the community coming together to support local families in need and reminded us all that it is often the little things in our lives that make the biggest difference. Low-income families often have the daily stress of choosing between food and diapers. Prolonged wearing of a wet diaper causes diaper rash, and a crying baby leads to more stress in the home. Low-income families also face additional challenges:

  • Food stamps do not include hygiene products such as diapers.
  • On average, the cost to purchase diapers is approximately $100/month.
  • Daycare centers require parents to provide their own diapers.

To help ease some of the burdens of the thousands of families in critical need, diaper donations will be distributed to the community through the following community partners:

  • Cobb Douglas Public Health
  • Communities in Schools of Georgia in Marietta/Cobb County
  • LiveSafe Resources
  • MUST Ministries
  • Ser Familia
  • Simple Needs GA
  • Sweetwater Mission
  • The Center for Family Resources

For additional information, please visit www.cobbdiaperday.com or donate to the Barbara Hickey Children’s Fund to support the efforts. To arrange for a diaper pick-up or for any other questions, please email DiaperDayCobb@gmail.com.

Cobb Diaper Day to be held virtually through Oct. 31

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The Art Place’s Wizarding Academy celebrates 7th year

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The Art Place's Wizarding Academy celebrates 7th yearSubmitted information:

Join The Art Place’s Wizarding Academy as we celebrate Year 7 on Saturday, October 19th!

Wizarding students aged 6-12 will be welcomed into our magically transformed blackbox theater where they will attend classes led by witches and wizards, craft their own magical items, take pictures with their favorite characters, and more! We encourage all who attend to dress in their most magical attire.

There are two sessions, one from 11:00am-1:00pm and another at 2:30-4:30pm, each with three groups. Coordinate with your friends to sign up for the same session and group to ensure you share the adventure. Please sign up for one session only, projects will repeat. We want as many wizards and witches as possible to have the opportunity to experience the magic and mystery of Year 7.

Early bird price of $40.00 lasts through September 30th. The price will increase to $45.00 on October 1st. The Art Place is located at 3330 Sandy Plains Road Marietta, GA 30066. Please visit www.artplacemarietta.org or call (770) 509-2700 to register.

 

 

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Cobb Fall Break camps at Fullers Rec Center, The Art Place

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Cobb PARKS is offering two fall break camps in the East Cobb area from M0nday, Sept. 23 through Friday, Sept 27 at the following locations:The Art Place
Fullers Recreation Center Fall Break Camp:
Monday – Friday, Sept. 23 – 27, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
for ages 6 – 12 (Activity Code #41678).

The Art Place Fall Break Mixed Media Art Camp:
Monday – Friday, Sept 23 – 27, 1 – 4 p.m.
for ages 8 – 11 (Activity code #38756).The cost for each camp is $125 per child (Cobb residents) and $187 for non-residents.

Register for arts and rec camps here.

Find more activities in the PARK Fall 2024 Activity Guide.

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Cobb Youth Leadership announces 2024-25 class members

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Cobb Youth Leadership (CYL), a development program for high school juniors and sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, has announced the members of its 2024-2025 class.Cobb Chamber of Commerce

A total of 54 students have been selected, including the following from high schools in East Cobb:

  • Amol Balakrishnan, Lassiter High School
  • Arvind Balakrishnan, Wheeler High School
  • Anya Dhir, Walton High School
  • Lila Fraley, Wheeler High School
  • Marie Hable, Wheeler High School
  • Sophie Hortman, Lassiter High School
  • Thomas Linton, Pope High School
  • Madison Lockhart, Pope High School
  • Sameel Mistri, Wheeler High School
  • Brody Tanner, Johnson Ferry Christian Adcemy
  • Leo Waldron, Walton High School

Orientation begins on Monday, followed by a fall retreat in August and monthly program activities until graduation in April, 2025.

Here’s more from the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, which oversees CYL, about the program:

Created in 1989, the program provides students a unique opportunity to learn about their community, develop leadership skills, as well as meet and interact with students from other high schools. Students attending public or private high schools or home-school students must complete and submit an application for CYL in the spring of their sophomore year. Students participate in the program during their junior year of high school.

Allan Bishop, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Julie Peck, Hub International, will be Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. Tripp Boyer, Boyer Ramey Wealth Management, and Luci Hogue, Scotland Wright Associates, will be the Vice Co-Chairs for the 2024-2025 program year. The 2024-2025 class theme is “Connected in Leadership.”

Thank you to Yearlong Presenting Sponsor, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Youth Champion Sponsor, Six Flags Over Georgia.

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Shakespeare for young audience set for Sewell Mill Library

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Submitted information and graphic: Shakespeare for young audience set for Sewell Mill Library

Atlanta’s Shakespeare Academy presents Tempest, Junior!, a 45-minute version of the comedy appropriate for children ages 4-7, at Sewell Mill Library & Cultural Center, 2051 Lower Roswell Road, Marietta 30068, on Wednesday, July 10 at 7 p.m.

The free Theatre for the Very Young production in the Sewell Mill Black Box Theatre will feature much audience engagement while introducing Shakespeare language and characters to kids. The cast is four energetic professional actors and puppets.

For information on the Atlanta Shakespeare Co., visit shakespearetavern.com.

For information on programs and resources of Sewell Mill Library, visit cobbcat.org or call 770-509-2711.

 

 

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Walton HS student at Troop 565 earns Eagle Scout designation

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Walton HS student at Troop 565 earns Eagle Scout designation

Submitted information and photos:

Theodore Adams Thomas of East Cobb, a student at Walton High School, has earned the highest advancement award the Boy Scouts of America offers to Scouts, the Eagle Scout Award.

Thomas was recognized in ceremonies on Sunday, May 16, 5:00 pm at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church. A member of Troop 565 at Eastminster, Thomas is one of approximately 4 percent of all Scouts who attain the Eagle rank.

Each candidate must earn 21 merit badges and successfully complete a community, church, or synagogue-related service project to earn their Eagle; Thomas chose to improve the safety and quality of life of school children and neighbors in the Timber Ridge Elementary School zone by creating a path to school on Highway 120 frontage at the intersection of Highway 120 and Bishop Lake Road. Previously, the stretch of road was occupied by shrubbery behind a guardrail which prevented pedestrian traffic and forced anyone transiting the area to walk in the roadway on a very busy section of Highway 120/Roswell Road.

Thomas organized the removal of the shrubbery and laying a mulch path through coordination with the Georgia Department of Transportation, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, and 36 volunteers who assisted him in the labor. Thomas has served as Senior Patrol Leader, Chaplain’s Aid, and Scribe.

Honors he has received include Arrow of Light, Silver Explorer, 50-Miler, Gold Palm, and he holds the record for the mile swim at Camp Woodruff. Thomas joins other outstanding American citizens who have become Eagle Scouts, among them former President Gerald R. Ford, Jr., astronaut Neil A. Armstrong, cinematographer Steven Spielberg, and the head of the F.B.I., William Sessions.

Thomas is a member of Emerson Unitarian Universalist Congregation. He is Captain of Walton Swim and Dive, the defending 7A state champions, and active in the Engineering Honors Society, RPG Club, and E-Sports at Walton High School, where he is a Senior. He also swims with the Stingrays Swimming Club.

He is the son of Dominic and Elizabeth Thomas of Marietta and in interested in pursuing engineering and a career in military automotive technology.

Walton HS student at Troop 565 earns Eagle Scout designation

Walton HS student at Troop 565 earns Eagle Scout designation

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‘Widow Strong’ Mother’s Day event set for East Cobb Park

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The non-profit organization Widow Strong, a component of the East Cobb-based Life Transformed Christian Counseling, is holding a special Mother’s Day-related event Sunday at East Cobb Park for families without fathers.

It’s called “Pampering and Portraits,” and it’s for widows with their children, grandchildren and other family members from 2:30-5:30 p.m.

There will be lunch, a mini photography session and a pampering gift bag

You can go to the LTCC office at 3827 Roswell Road, Suite 104 for the portrait and gift bag, then go to the park (3322 Roswell Road) and look for the Widow Strong tent for grilling, games and a potluck meal.

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Rally on the Runway event includes East Cobb cancer patient

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Rally on the Runway event includes East Cobb cancer patient

Submitted information and photo:

At April’s Rally on the Runway fundraiser at the Georgia Aquarium, 10-year-old Nick from Roswell/East Cobb and Rally Kids from throughout Georgia who are fighting or surviving cancer, each took 47 steps down the runway as a reminder that everyday 47 children are diagnosed with cancer.

The evening’s host was longtime Rally supporter and Atlanta Falcons Defensive Tackle Grady Jarrett. Jarrett along with other NFL players walked with each model down the runway. Nick was joined on the runway by Atlanta Falcons Linebacker Donavan Mutin, where the two struck a pose to excited cheers from the crowd. That evening more than $780,000 was raised for pediatric cancer research. Joined by NFL players, the kids also got a chance to have a behind the scenes tour of the aquarium prior to the event. You can see Nick modeling at about the one-minute mark here.

Last summer, he was having fun when he suddenly became fatigued and tired all the time. His parents knew something was wrong and after a few hours at the hospital, it was confirmed that Nick had acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Nick immediately started treatment and has been fighting cancer ever since. Nick loves sports especially baseball. Within the first six months of his diagnosis, he and his family decided to raise money to help fight childhood cancer. Nick and his family have raised $50,000 and are going to be able to name a research grant in his honor.

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Model Atlanta Regional Commission seeking youth applicants

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Submitted information:ARC Cobb open house

Attention high school students interested in getting more involved in their community — The Atlanta Regional Commission offers an exciting opportunity just for you. The Model Atlanta Regional Commission (MARC) is a youth leadership program designed to explore the planning challenges facing our region. Through engaging activities and discussions with peers who share your interests, you’ll delve into topics like transportation, sustainability, and community development.

MARC is open to rising 10th and 11th graders who live or go to school in the 11-county Atlanta region (Cherokee, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fayette, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, and Rockdale counties, as well as the city of Atlanta).

Apply now before the May 3 deadline. This program is completely free, but spots are limited, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.

Click here to apply.

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Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra seeks young musicians

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Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra seeks young musicians

Auditions have begun for the Marietta-based Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra, which is seeking young musicians for the fall 2024 season.

The program is one of the largest in the Southeast, serving students from 17 metro counties in elementary through high school. It includes five orchestras and seven instrumental chamber ensembles, including jazz and percussion.

Two students currently in the program are Antonia Patel, a member of GYSO’s Camerata orchestra, who joined GYSO three years ago, and her brother Aidan, a violinist in the philharmonic orchestra who first auditioned for GYSO five years ago.

“I love the challenge of playing harder and harder music and seeing my friends each week,” Antonia Patel said.

Here’s more from the GYSO about the program, plus information on auditions and scholarships:

What sets GYSO apart is its dedication to providing a nurturing and supportive environment for young musicians to develop their skills and perform at the highest level. Led by professionals in their fields, each ensemble works tirelessly to prepare for performances throughout the year, giving students a comprehensive music experience that fosters excellence on both an individual and collective level.

For more information about the GYSO program, audition process or need-based scholarships, visit georgiayouthsymphony.org.

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