Week of June 1, 2009

KC and the Sunshine Band set to perform in Mableton

KC and the Sunshine Band will perform at Mable House Amphitheatre Saturday, June 13. The band is still as popular as they were when they first danced onto the music scene 36 years ago. Harry Wayne Casey, KC for short, developed a unique fusion of R&B and funk, with a hint of a Latin percussion groove, producing such hits as "Get Down Tonight," "That's the Way (I Like It)" and "Shake Your Booty."

The show begins at 8 p.m. and the amphitheatre is located at 5239 Floyd Road in Mableton. Ticket prices range from $20 to $46. Tables in front of the stage that seat four are available for $300. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 770-819-7765, visit the Jennie T. Anderson Theatre box office in the Cobb Civic Center or visit mablehouse.org.

The Art Station hosts summer art camps for middle schoolers

The Art Station-Big Shanty is offering summer art camps for middle school age children. Space is limited.

• Pottery on the Wheel camp: $97 (ages 11-13)
  Monday-Friday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
  June 8-12
  June 15-19
  June 22-26
  July 6-10
  July 13-17
  
  
• Black and White Photography camp: $85 (ages 11-13)
  Monday-Friday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
  June 15-19 (week one)
  July 20-24 (week two)
  
  
• Multi-Media Art camp: $85 (ages 10-13)
  Monday-Friday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
  June 22-26
  July 20-24
  

The Art Station is located at 2050 Kennesaw Due West Road, Kennesaw. For more information, call 770-514-5930 or visit artstationcobb.org.

County Web site more efficient and user-friendly

Cobb has made it even easier to access valuable information and resources. The county recently unveiled a redesigned homepage with improved navigation and features to help visitors stay informed and conduct business with the county efficiently. The streamline design improves readability, with the goal of helping first time visitors find information quickly and regular visitors enjoy easy access to frequently updated alerts, announcements, news and video sections.

A wide range of online services and information is available, including downloading forms and applications, registering for parks and recreation activities, applying for employment and reviewing property tax records. The county is consistently working to improve navigation and design and feedback is always welcome. Residents are encouraged to visit the new page at cobbcounty.org and provide feedback.

Cobb libraries offer summer reading fun for the whole family

The Cobb County Public Library System invites families and children to participate in the annual summer reading program that kicks off June 1 and runs through Aug. 1. The program is a nationwide effort designed to encourage children to read and promote family reading activities.

This year's mottos are "Be Creative @ Your Library" for children and "Express Yourself @ Your Library" for teenagers. There will be many free community activities, such as story times and crafts for children, workshops for teens and chances to win prizes and giveaways. Readers in grades 6-12 who read a book, write a review and enter a name can win an MP3 player or Barnes and Noble gift certificate.

Those who join the summer reading program will receive a free reading register to track family reading progress. Participants can attend a free end-of-summer celebration Aug. 1, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Central Library in Marietta. To sign up, visit any Cobb library branch, where program packets and event schedules are available. For library event details, visit any of the 17 county libraries or visit cobbcounty.org/library.

Summer readers can also earn Hawks and Thrasher tickets

The Cobb Public Library System is taking part in the fifth annual Atlanta Hawks and Atlanta Thrashers "Check-It-Out Reading Challenge," running June 2 through Aug. 15 for students in kindergarten through 12th grade. By reading at least five books, participants can earn a free ticket to a Hawks game and a free ticket to a Thrashers game.

After reading their selected books, participants can visit checkitoutreading.com to receive their rewards. Each student completing the program can choose from among three Hawks and three Thrashers selected home games to use the free tickets. Additional tickets for families of participants can be purchased at discounted prices. The last day to register for the Reading Challenge is Aug. 15. For more information, log on to checkitoutreading.com or visit one of the 17 county libraries.

Race to enter the Marietta Soap Box Derby

The Marietta Soap Box Derby will be held 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., Saturday, June 13, at Marietta High School, 1171 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta. This free family-friendly event is an official qualifying event for the All-American Soap Box Derby. Soap Box Derby racing is for children 8-17 years old. For more information about entering the race or becoming a race sponsor, contact Devan Seabuagh at 678-794-8232 or devan.seabaugh@maas911.com.

Residents can review schedule for tax assessor site visits

Georgia law requires property owners and occupants be provided reasonable notice prior to a site visit conducted by or on behalf of the Cobb County Tax Assessors. For a list of properties and subdivisions scheduled for a site visit within the next 90 days, visit the Web site cobbassessor.org or the office at 736 Whitlock Ave., Marietta.

Road closure alerts

• North Church Lane will be closed to thru traffic between Atlanta Road and Collins Springs Drive Monday, June 1, through Wednesday, Oct. 28, to replace the bridge over CSX railroad. For detour information, visit the "Road Reports" section at cobbcounty.org/dot.
• Flint Hill Road will be closed to thru traffic between Warren Drive and Perkerson Mill Road Wednesday, June 3, through Monday, Aug. 31, to install a new culvert. For detour information, click here, visit the "Road Reports" section at cobbcounty.org/dot.