Events and happenings: The Week of Dec. 12

Dec. 16—Switzer Library hosting exhibit, events on iconic Fox Theatre

Fox in the Box, an interactive banner exhibit on the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, will be on display from Dec. 22 to Jan. 27 in the Charles D. Switzer Library, 266 Roswell Street in downtown Marietta.

The Switzer Library is presenting upcoming programs for all ages related to the Fox Theatre, including a birthday celebration and a Fox Theatre architectural design/build challenge for children.

The Fox in the Box exhibit features banners on the Fox Theatre timeline of American History, the Civil Rights Movement, economics and the importance of communities. The exhibit is touring public libraries throughout the state as a partnership of The Fox Theatre Institute outreach program and Georgia Public Library Service.

Children are invited to the library to create replicas of the Fox Theatre at The Arch of Fox event to celebrate the venue and its architectural designs on Dec. 19 from 1 to 3 p.m. Models of the Fox for the STEM challenge may be brought to Switzer Library through Dec. 27.

The 4,665 seat Fox Theatre performing arts venue is a landmark on Peachtree Street in Midtown Atlanta. Widely known as the Fabulous Fox, it has more than 500,000 visitors a year to over 250 performances. It opened on Dec. 25, 1929.

A birthday celebration at the library for the theatre will be Dec. 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and open with a showing of the hour-long documentary The Legend Lives On: Atlanta's Fox Theatre. Attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately in festive wear from the late 1920s to the late 1970s. The winner of a "best dressed" contest will be awarded tickets to an upcoming show at the Earl & Rachel Smith Strand Theatre on Marietta Square.

As performances of the Nutcracker ballet are a holiday tradition at the Fox, a screening of Nutcracker: The Motion Picture will be presented at the library on Jan. 3 at 2:30 p.m.

Cobb County libraries will be closed for holidays on Dec. 23-26, Jan. 1-2 and Jan. 16.

For more information, visit cobbcat.org or call 770-528-2320.

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Upcycle your tree with Keep Cobb Beautiful

Recycle live Christmas trees from Dec. 25 to Jan. 7 at Bring one for the Chipper locations in Cobb County.

Recycled trees will be chipped into mulch and used throughout the county for beautification projects, soil erosion prevention, lakes, pond and water retention efforts.

Please remove all ornaments, lights and bases before dropping off the tree.

Do not bring wreaths or garlands. No other items will be accepted.

For more information and locations, visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/keep-cobb-beautiful/news/bring-one-chipper-0.

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Keep Cobb Beautiful Volunteer Appreciation Gala

Keep Cobb Beautiful hosted its first Volunteer Appreciation Gala since COVID at the Cobb Galleria on Dec. 9.

It was an evening that was kicked off by the local high schools' NROTC Color Guard, Invocation by the First Christian Church of Mableton Executive Minister Barry Smith and a performance by the Pebblebrook High School Gospel Choir directed by Evelyn White. During dinner, there was an informative sustainable energy presentation by Dr. Jairo Garcia.

The following awards were presented by KCB Executive Director Kimberly White and Board Chair Barry Krebs:

— Adopt-A-Mile Youth Group of The Year — Boy Scout Troop 2319

— Adopt-A-Mile Civic Group of The Year — Pakistani American Friends of Atlanta

— Adopt-A-Mile Business Group of The Year — OldCastle Infrastructure

— Environmental Education Award — Dr. Eden M. Hunt, Kennesaw Mountain High School

— Special Appreciation Award — Precinct Two Officer Michael Hill

— Special Appreciation Award — Grace Williams

— Recycling Partnership Award — Keep Smyrna Beautiful Recycling Center

— Outstanding Business Group of The Year — Randstad US

— Volunteer of The Year Award — Jeff Padgett, Friends of Mableton

Following the awards presentation, Cobb Commission Chairwoman Lisa Cupid delivered some remarks and Jazz violinist Brooke Alford captivated the crowd of 200-plus with her talent.

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Holiday fun with Friends of Mableton

Cobb Commissioner Monique Sheffield joined the Friends of Mableton, First Christian Church of Mableton, Lions Club and Lee Sanders for their Mableton Square party on Dec. 10.

The event was filled with performers, exhibitors, treats and hot chocolate. There were special appearances by the Pebblebrook Gospel Choir, Esau Afaou Praise Dancers, the Smith Acoustic Dou and Santa and Mrs. Claus.

Best Friends Animal Society attended with their mobile truck. Three homeless cats were adopted and will spend a warm and cozy Christmas in their new home.

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Cobb Police participate in annual Shop With A Cop

Cobb County Police Department officers recently participated in the annual Shop With A Cop, hosted by the Kermit Sanders Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 13.

Santa Claus even made an appearance to the event, which helps build a lasting positive relationship between children and law enforcement by giving them a positive experience while also giving kids the opportunity to shop for Christmas presents.

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Cobb Sheriff's Office participate in Cops and Kids event

The Cobb County Sheriff's Office participated in the annual Cops and Kids shopping event.

This holiday tradition brings together law enforcement officers and children in the community as they shop together around Target. This event was sponsored by the Kermit Sanders Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 13.

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Holiday book sale at your local library

Cobb Libraries' in-house Holiday Book Sale is going on during the month of December.

Participants can enjoy 30-50% off all available items on sale. The prices are: 10-cents for magazines; 50-cents for children's paperbacks and pocket paperbacks; $1 for DVDs and music CDs; $1 for oversized paperbacks and children's hardbacks; and $2 audiobooks, multi-disc DVDs and music CDs, and adult hardbacks.

Stop by any Cobb County library to see what items are available. Cash or check only. All sales final. All proceeds are invested back into the libraries.

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Tickets on sale Dec. 16 for Joe Gatto at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre

The Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, 2800 Cobb Galleria Parkway in the Cumberland area, will have comedian Joe Gatto on Feb. 23.

Gatto, a well-known comedian, actor, and producer, is best known for the hit TV shows "Impractical Jokers" and "The Misery Index." He is one of the founding members of The Tenderloins Comedy Troupe who has toured with a live comedy show to sold-out crowds across the world.

Tickets go on sale on Dec. 16 at 10 a.m.

For more information, visit cobbenergycentre.com.

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Trains, Trains, Trains! returns to the Southern Museum

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, 2829 Cherokee Street in Kennesaw, announced the return Trains, Trains, Trains!

The event, which will be Jan. 28-29, will feature the Museum's biggest model train display to date along with train-themed activities and historic trains.

The model train layouts will come in all sizes and feature a variety of themes, many of which have interactive buttons. Railroad artifacts will be on display for visitors to hold, touch and discover how they were used.

The General Emporium, the Museum's gift shop, will more than double in size for the event with a variety of train-themed items, from clothing and collectibles to toys and model trains.

Museum operating hours for the event are from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Regular admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors ages 65-plus and $5 for children ages 3-17, active-duty military with ID and university students with ID. Tickets are available online. Admission for Museum members is free.

Parking will be available at Swift-Cantrell Park, 3140 Old 41 Hwy NW in Kennesaw, with a free shuttle service.

For more information, visit www.southernmuseum.org or call 770-427-2117.

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Club for Adults with Special Needs meets Dec. 20 at Powder Springs Library

The next Meet Up for Adults with Disabilities session is Dec. 20 from noon to 1 p.m. at Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta Street in Powder Springs.

Adults with special needs are invited along with their caregivers for fun stories, crafts, movement and music. The club meets the third Tuesday of each month. Future meetings will be Jan. 17, Feb. 21 and March 21.

To register, call 770-439-3600.

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American Legion Post 29 to have All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast with Santa

The American Legion Post 29, 921 Gresham Avenue NE in Marietta, will host its monthly All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast on Dec. 17 from 8 to 11 a.m.

The public is invited to bring their families and enjoy breakfast with jolly old St. Nicholas. Cost is $10 per person dine-in, $12 per person take-out. This event is sponsored by the Sons of the American Legion Post 29 in Marietta. Proceeds go to support veterans charities.

For more information, visit www.post29marietta.org.

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Credit Union of Georgia hosts pet supply drive

Credit Union of Georgia will host a local pet supply drive, collecting donations for Kennesaw-based Mostly Mutts Animal Rescue.

The last day to donate items will be Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. Donations can be

dropped off at Credit Union of Georgia locations. The wish list can be found on MostlyMutts.org, Amazon.com and Chewy.com. A few donation ideas are dog

blankets, cat litter, dog treats, cat scratchers and gift cards to Petco, PetSmart and Amazon.

For more information, visit www.CUofGA.org.

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Town Center at Cobb mall to host Holiday Market and Family Fair

Town Center at Cobb mall, 400 Ernest Barrett Parkway in Kennesaw, will have a Holiday Market and Family Fair on Dec. 16-17 from noon to 6 p.m.

The free event, held surrounding the Festival of Trees in the Belk Wing, will feature festive entertainment, holiday craft and gift vendors, local businesses and merriment — including giveaways and details regarding afterschool and camp programs.

For more information, visit towncenteratcobb.com.

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Taking Charge of Your Personal Safety

North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street inside Kennworth Park in Acworth, will have Taking Charge of Your Personal Safety on Dec. 12 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Participants can join a discussion on crime trends in Cobb County, as well as ways to improve personal safety skills. The event is presented by the Cobb County Police Community Affairs Division. Free, but registration is required.

For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.

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Holiday Craft Fair

Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Holiday Craft Fair on Dec. 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The craft fair will feature talented local crafters selling their beautiful creations. Participants can find the perfect gift for everyone on their holiday shopping list. Free, but registration is required.

For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.

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Culinary Creations: Holiday Cookies

North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street inside Kennworth Park in Acworth, will have Culinary Creations: Holiday Cookies on Dec. 13 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Cookies play an integral part of the holidays. Baking, decorating and giving cookies as gifts have become a tradition in many households. In this class participants will learn about holiday cookies from around the world, play a matching game and learn how to make Polish Kolaczki cookies. Cost is $3. Registration is required.

For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.

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Hospice Myths vs Facts

North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street inside Kennworth Park in Acworth, will have Hospice Myths vs Facts on Dec. 13 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Hospice care has been gaining significant traction after countless studies have documented its notable benefits. However, there are still a lot of misconceptions about hospice care from patients, families and caregivers alike. Participants can learn the truth about hospice and help dispel the stigma that surrounds this important service. The event is presented by Compassus Hospice. Free, but registration is required.

For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.

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Bow-tiful

Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta, will have Bow-tiful on Dec. 13 from 10 to noon.

Participants can up their holiday gift wrapping game by creating easy, festive holiday bows. Supply list available at the front desk. Snacks and a light beverage will be provided. Cost is $5. This activity is not eligible for online registration. Participants will need to contact the center.

For more information, call 770-528-5355 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.

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Wrapping up the Holidays

Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Road in Smyrna, will have Wrapping up the Holidays on Dec. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event, sponsored by Atherton Place, will help participants with all their present preparations. A maximum of 10 gifts will be wrapped, bowed and set with a pretty name tag. Free, but registration is required.

For more information, call 770-801-3400 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.

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Hot Chocolate Bar

Freeman Poole Senior Center, 4025 South Hurt Road in Smyrna, will have a Hot Chocolate Bar on Dec. 14 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Sponsored by DelMar Gardens of Smyrna, participants can customize their cup of chocolate with marshmallow, whipped cream, mint and more. Cost is $3. This activity is not eligible for online registration. Participants will need to contact the center.

For more information, call 770-801-3400 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.

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Italian Holiday Cassata Cake

Senior Wellness Center, 1150 Powder Springs Street in Marietta, will have Italian Holiday Cassata Cake on Dec. 14 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Participants can join Chef John and Patty and learn how to make Cassata cakes. In this interactive class, participants will be making their own mini-Cassata cake, participating in holiday fun and have a chance to have their name drawn for a giveaway. Cost $15. Registration is required.

For more information, call 770-528-5355 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.

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Holiday Carol-oke Party

Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Holiday Carol-oke Party on Dec. 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Participants can warm up their pipes for a fun and festive Holiday Karaoke Party. Lunch will be a Baked Potato Bar with all the trimmings. Participants can let loose with some holiday harmonies and some favorite tunes from the 50s, 60s and 70s. Cost is $8. Registration is required.

For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit https://www.cobbcounty.org/public-services/senior-services.