Events and happenings: The Week of Feb. 6
Feb. 7—Smith-Gilbert Gardens' annual Volunteer Orientation
Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road NW in Kennesaw, will have its annual Volunteer Orientation on Feb. 21 and Feb. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon each day.
Throughout the two-day orientation, volunteers will learn more about the Gardens and what it means to be a volunteer there. Volunteers will learn in-depth information about the different service opportunities and upcoming projects, like the Garden with Wings Butterfly Exhibit training in June.
This orientation is for both new and returning volunteers. Volunteers must have completed an application and background check before attending the orientation.
For more information, contact info@smithgilbertgardens.com. Volunteer Orientation sign up is https://bit.ly/3Xfe7Cn.
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Art Blooms 2023
During the months of April and May, Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road NW in Kennesaw, invites the community to experience selected pieces from the permanent sculpture collection surrounded by over 22,000 daffodil blooms planted in unique patterns.
The Gardens' permanent sculpture collection features 31 outdoor pieces representing international and national artists. Joining the featured pieces will be a selection of artwork by local and regional artists addressing this year's theme, Metamorphosis.
The two-month exhibit includes a series of weekend artists' demonstrations and workshops for all ages. In May, a student installation featuring sculptures by the Master Craftsman Program and Fabric and Textile Department at Kennesaw State University will join the exhibit. KSU's Theatre and Performance Studies Department will bring performing arts to the exhibit with their immersive play, The Seedling. The play will be performed on the weekends of April 21 and 28.
Art Blooms is included with regular Garden admission. Weekly timed tickets for the exhibit will be available at www.smithgilbertgardens.com.
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The Great Backyard Bird Count starts Feb. 17
The Great Backyard Bird Count for 2023 begins on Feb. 17.
Participants can join Smith-Gilbert Gardens, 2382 Pine Mountain Road NW in Kennesaw, on Feb. 17-18 for this unique citizen-science program.d
Citizen-science projects like the Backyard Bird count are an important part of tracking the health of the world's 10,000 bird species. The data collected during the four day program is sent to scientists who use the data to determine changes in local and migratory bird populations. Last year, an estimated 385,000 people from 192 different countries participated worldwide.
Guided tours are on Feb. 17 at 10 a.m. and every hour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 18. Pre-registration is not required. In addition to guided tours of the Gardens, visitors will receive a bird identification guide to help track the birds they see.
Visitors will observe the birds in an area of the Gardens for 15 minutes or more and use the provided identification guide to document all the birds seen or heard within that time frame.
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Get SHIP-shape to understand Medicare programs
A program on Medicare by Georgia State Health Insurance Program is scheduled for Feb. 13 at 2 p.m. at Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta Street in Powder Springs.
Georgia SHIP is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Georgia. Georgia SHIP is administered through the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services.
The interactive presentation is designed to help beneficiaries identify and understand Medicare programs and plans, including Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap policies), Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and other related coverage options.
For more information, visit shiphelp.org.
For more information on resources and programs offered by the library, call 770-439-3600 or visit cobbcat.org.
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April deadline to file for homestead exemption
It's time to apply for homestead exemptions.
Residents can use an online form to submit their 2023 application. It must be received by April 1 to be eligible for the current tax year's exemption.
As a Cobb resident, homestead exemptions reduce the amount of property taxes one pays for their home. Homestead exemptions are deducted from the assessed value of the qualifying property, 40% of the fair market value. Exemptions only apply to homestead property one owns and occupies as their legal residence. Residents can have a homestead exemption on only one property. If married, by law, one can only have one homestead exemption between themselves and their spouse.
For more information, visit https://cobbtax.org/property/exemptions.php.
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A story and a family journey offered at weekly program
Sweetwater Valley Library's Family Walk and Storytime will meet Feb. 13 at 10:30 a.m. in the Threadmill Complex, 5000 Austell-Powder Springs Road in Austell.
The weekly program, which meets Mondays, is designed for babies and toddlers to join their parents and caregivers in a 30-minute walk. This will be followed by a storytime featuring animated storytelling and fun songs that encourage everyone to move together. Upcoming sessions include Feb. 20 and 27, and March 6 and 13.
The library is located on the first floor of the Threadmill Complex, which has a floor plan is large enough that parents can push strollers while walking with ease. The walk path is a loop that passes water fountains in the historic facility.
For more information, visit austellga.gov or contact Sarah Berry or Char Leigh Roberts at 770-819-3290 or at berrys@cobbcat.org.
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Senior Services accepting vendor applications for upcoming expo
Applications are being accepted for the "Live Your BEST Life! Marketplace and Expo" on May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Cobb Civic Center, 548 South Marietta Parkway in Marietta.
Northside Hospital will, once again, provide free health screenings.
Those with products or services to sell, this is an opportunity to be front of hundreds of people. Last year vendors sold jewelry, skin care, home décor, chocolates and more!
Request an application by sending an email to CobbSeniors@cobbcounty.org with "Expo" in the subject line.
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Library card provides access to online learning, software
Free with one's Cobb County Public Library Card, LinkedIn Learning is an online learning site that hosts a constantly growing library of over 3,000 courses that include over 130,000 videos.
Courses cover a variety of topics, including business, design, web development and multimedia skills; and software — Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and open source applications.
For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3X7Gv9m.
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Galentine's Day at The Avenue West Cobb
The Avenue West Cobb is hosting a special Galentine's Day event on Feb. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Guests will have the opportunity to celebrate their friendship with old friends — and new ones. During the free event, guests can browse pop-up booths from their favorite tenants. Atlanta Portrait Studio will also be on-site to capture memories at a flower wall backdrop. Other activities include a live DJ, caricature artists, Tippy Tap bar cart with rosé and prosecco wine and a chocolate fountain bar.
Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. Guests can reserve their spot at www.eventbrite.com/e/galentines-day-tickets-519021325757?utm_campaign=mall-events&utm_medium=web&utm_source=avenuewestcobb.com.
For more information, visit https://www.avenuewestcobb.com.
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Local student Mathletes to compete in Cobb County Math Contest
Middle School Mathletes from Cobb County schools will compete in a local contest from the MATHCOUNTS Competition Series on Feb. 11 at Marietta High School.
The competition has been organized by the Cobb County Chapter of Georgia Society of Professional Engineers.
A total of five teams will compete. Schools represented at the event include Cooper Middle School, Dickerson Middle School, Dodgen Middle School, Simpson Middle School and The King's Academy.
Teachers and students have been preparing for the competition since the fall. Students will compete individually and as a team in written and fast-paced oral matches. Subjects covered will include algebra, probability, statistics and geometry. Winners will receive prizes and will advance to the MATHCOUNTS state finals, to be held in Buford, at The Water Tower on March 13.
MATHCOUNTS is a national program designed to improve math skills among U.S. students.
The program focuses on middle school students, who are at a crucial stage in developing and sustaining mathematical interest and ability. Students who do not begin developing strong problem-solving, logical thinking and analytical abilities in middle school face an uphill battle later in their academic and professional career.
The 2023 MATHCOUNTS Competition Series will consist of approximately 40,000 students, representing more than 5,000 schools from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. Territories and the Department of Defense and State Department affiliated schools.
For more information, visit www.mathcounts.org.
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Acworth Egg Hunt on March 31
On March 31, the skydiving bunny returns.
The City of Acworth and Freedom Church invite families to participate in the return of the Acworth Egg Hunt at the Acworth Sports Complex, 4000 South Main Street on the baseball fields. Gates open at 6 p.m.
For more information, visit www.acworthegghunt.com.
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Acworth Art Fest
The Acworth Art Fest will return to downtown Acworth on April 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The event will feature booths from over 50 whimsical and talented artisans from around the country offering paintings, pottery, folk art and jewelry. There will also be fare from Acworth's own eateries and treats in the food court.
For more information, visit www.visitacworth.com.
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Live at Logan Farm Park
The Acworth Arts Alliance will be partnering with the City of Acworth to bring Live at Logan Farm Park on April 22.
The event will feature a free concert. Live at Logan Farm Park is the annual Acworth Arts Alliance and the Acworth Art House fundraiser. Event proceeds from sponsor tables support the Acworth Arts Alliance, specifically to fund a scholarship for students pursuing a degree in art as well as to fund arts initiatives in underfunded programs and among the underserved in the community.
For more information or to purchase a table, visit www.acworthartsalliance.org.
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Senior Warriors Gentle Movements
Senior Warriors is designed for Acworth's active adult, age 55-plus population.
Participants can join instructor Omar Welch to use traditional Korean movements to increase balance, mental focus and movement. The goal is to help students continue to be the best they can be in all
things.
Classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee Street in Acworth.
For more information, visit www.acworthparksandrecreation.org.
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City of Acworth's Senior Luncheon
Every third Wednesday of the month, the City of Acworth holds a Senior Luncheon at the Acworth Community Center, 4361 Cherokee Street in Acworth.
Participants can join for lunch and play rounds of Bingo with prizes. The program is free to all seniors, but one must RSVP to attend. Reservations will be accepted the week before the event.
To RSVP, call 770-917-1234.
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Strand Theatre to present silent film classic
Audiences are invited to a screening of the 1926 silent film, "Flesh and the Devil," on Feb. 12 at the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre, 117 North Park Square in Marietta.
Directed by Clarence Brown, the film stars Greta Garbo, John Gilbert, Lars Hanson and Barbara Kent. It has been selected for preservation in the National Film Institute and registered in the Library of Congress.
There will be an organ pops pre-show performed by John McCall at 2:30 p.m. Strand House Organist Ron Carter has developed a rich musical score for the film screening.
For tickets, call 770-293-0080 or visit earlsmithstrand.org.
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YMCA of metro Atlanta opens registration for 2023 Summer Day Camp
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta announced registration is open for all summer day camp sessions at its 18 locations in metro Atlanta.
Space is available on a first come, first-serve basis. Registration can be completed online or in-person at Y locations.
Cobb County's YMCA locations are McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA, 1055 E. Piedmont Road in Marietta; Northeast Cobb Family YMCA, 3010 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta; and Northwest Family YMCA, 1700 Dennis Kemp Lane in Kennesaw.
For registration and more information, visit https://ymcaatlanta.org/camp/day-camp.
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Coffee with a Cop
The Tim D. Lee Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road in Marietta, will have Coffee with a Cop on Feb. 6 from 10 to 11 a.m.
Start the New Year off with some safety tips. Participants can speak with a Community Affairs Officer from the Cobb County Police Department. Officer Justice will discuss the topic of scam prevention. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-509-4900 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Music of the American War Between the States
The West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs, will have Music of the American War Between the States on Feb. 8 from 10 to 11 a.m.
19th century America was a cultural 'backwater' with few orchestras, no professional composers and no 'classical' musical language. It was a country trying to discover itself. Participants can trace American music leading up to the 'Brothers War,' the music of slavery and the hope for the future. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-8200 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Techno Talk: Emails
The North Cobb Senior Center, 3900 South Main Street in Acworth, will have Techno Talk: Emails on Feb. 9 from 1 to 2 p.m.
This class aims to eliminate frustration with sending, receiving and organizing one's emails. Space is limited to eight. Participants must bring their own laptop. The event is presented by the North Cobb Regional Library. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-975-7740 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
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Personal Safety
The West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway in Powder Springs, will have Personal Safety on Feb. 9 from 9 to 10 a.m.
Participants can join Officer M. Justice from the Cobb County Police Department to learn how to identify scams and personal safety techniques. Free, but registration is required.
For more information, call 770-528-8200 or visit www.CobbSeniors.org.
