Powder Springs Messenger Newspaper Events for Powder Springs and Cobb County, GA 

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21st Annual Mother’s Day Pow-Wow in Canton, GA May 8th and 9th

by Chipa Wolfe

Mother’s Day celebrations have been around since mothers first appeared as even the Bible recognizes Eve in bestowing her with the title “Mother of All the Living”. Hindu scripture credits the Great Mother, Kali Ma, with the invention of writing through alphabets, pictographs and beautiful sacred images. Ancient Egyptians believed that Bast was the mother of all cats on Earth, and that cats were sacred animals.
During the 1600’s, England celebrated a day called “Mothering Sunday”, which was a time in which many of the servants that lived with their employers were encouraged to return home to Honor their Mother. It was customary to return home with a special cake to celebrate the occasion. Mothering Sunday is a Christian celebration that is actually celebrated throughout Europe even though this date has been traditionally called “Mothering Sunday” it is slowly but surely adhering to the universal call name of, “Mother’s Day”. In Spain the holiday is directed toward a more religious concept as it is dedicated through love and affection to Mother Mary.
In the early 1900’s a woman named Anna Marie Jarvis went on a letter writing campaign to have a day dedicated to honor our mothers here in the United States. The passing of her own mother fueled her passion, as she wanted to assure a day of observance in which all mothers would be remembered. She asked that white carnations be the official Mothers Day symbol. President Woodrow Wilson signed the executive order that proclaimed Mother Day a National Holiday.
Native people of the world have always celebrated Mothers Day in one form or another as they recognize the gift of gender, which supports all Life. Women have been recognized as being all-powerful by even the mightiest of warrior as they have a systematic cycle of biological balance and necessity. American Indian women have been known to be the “Nations Life Source” as they are the significant tribe spinsters of the human web in which we are attached.
Children are nurtured into adulthood through the guidance of the Mother as well as uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, and fathers. The mother is the safe guard to a child’s wellbeing and her many stories are delivered in a manner that teaches them a lifetime of do’s and don’ts. Mother Goose is a good example of such stories as is Peter Rabbit, etc and where they may not be of American Indian origin, think about the adoptive song “Rock a Bye Baby” as the wind blows in the treetops. It was the cradleboard with baby that swayed from the branch while mother lent herself to daily chores while chanting a favored song.
Native America has been misconstrued by many to being pagan-istic because of their conceptual ideas regarding their relationship with the Creator (God) and his works. For years, many people thought American Indians were praying to a host of many Gods simply because they would subscribe to his works with titles. A native person may lend to a tree as his sister, a bear or horse as his brother, the sky as his father, and the Earth as his Mother. Finally, after many, many years, we are hearing others addressing the world we live on as Mother Earth. One Creator, much creation! The plants are referred to as sisters, the animals are brothers, and so forth.
Today, Christians and others are using the endearing name Mother Earth to create an alliance with one of God’s greatest gifts, Earth. My wife is a Lakota Indian from South Dakota and in the Lakota language they have a beautiful saying, ”MitaKuye Oyasin” which simply means, “We are all related”. It’s just words but if you put these words to work, we find ourselves not serving false idols or gods but rather, lending reverence and respect to the Mother of life via the Father of life.
Every Mothers Day weekend in Canton, Georgia we host our Cherokee County Indian Festival and Mothers Day Pow Wow on the Etowah River. Where we pay tribute to the Earth's bountiful and forever giving necessities of life, we are all about saying thanks to Mom by recognizing them in our main arena through dance and song. Among the Cherokee people, the women are held to the highest of esteem as they were the ones that would not only breathe life into the tribes but also recognized for their rational mindset and heart. It was the “Beloved Woman”, that would let the men know when they were to go into war. It was the woman that decided the fate of a captive. These were high positions of honor and to this day the Cherokee have a Beloved Woman within their tribe as a manner of respect and tradition in which they can consult upon. The Mothers Day Pow-Wow in Canton, Georgia has become one of the largest and most acclaimed cultural gatherings on the east coast and Native American artist, dancers, singers, and drummers travel from across the country and as far away as Canada and Mexico to participate in dance competitions, trade and commerce. The event may attract American Indian people from across the country but it is actually produced for the general public, as our goal is cultural exchange through fellowship, feast and fun. The Pow-Wow is a two-day festival in which we represent a multi-tribal element of arts, crafts, foods, dance and entertainment while tricking everyone into an educational arena.
This event is in it’s twenty first year and is known for being the Renaissance Festival version of “Dances With Wolves” while main-taining the reverence and respect of those we represent. There are other semi-similar events out there but we are proud to have the best of the best in the southeast when it comes to authenticity, audience appeal and audience participation. Our showcase is Vegas quality and for an outdoor festival we deliver a broad spectrum of acts such as, Ray Pena (Raptor Man), who flies the worlds fastest animal through the hair of the unsuspecting audience. Ray’s birds of prey show host numerous self-propelled free flight birds that make for great pictures and even greater memories. Warriors on Horseback battle it out in a mock reenactment that is derived from a traditional warriors song called the Sneak-up. Everyone seems to love the Aztec Dance Company as they fill up the dance arena with high energy and lots of laughter, as the viewing guest becomes participants. Dance competitors dance for cash & prizes in numerous categories and styles such as Men’s Traditional, Ladies Jingle, Grass Dance, and the fast and flashy high energy Fancy Dancers. Watch as our Native Specialty act transforms himself into numerous life forms while performing the elaborate and mystical Hoop Dance. Walk through a real Indian tipi (teepee) village and check out authentic woodlands Wigwam. Meet “Thunder” a 2,200 pound 100% bull buffalo (Bison). Watch as I attempt to ride this friendly monster and then rest his huge head in my lap. Thunder has been on the Wolfe farm since he was five days old and he will be nineteen years old this July 17th. Thunder serves as an ambassador for the Yellowstone Herd in Wyoming where the last strain, of genetically pure wild buffalo roam. You can learn more about these majestic animals at: www.buffalofieldscampaign.com “The truth is, this herd belongs to you”.
Our market place allows for guest to browse and shop some very unique and interesting booths that are adorned with lots of handcraft and a bit of fine art by such artist as David Behrens, Lola Rios, and Mark Barfoot. Leather, bones, pottery, beads, canvas, stained-glass, herbs, soaps & scents, clothes and more. While walking the river walk and viewing the many sights you will savor the smells of Native cuisine at its best such as, gator tail, roasted corn, Indian fry bread, Pima wraps, Shrimp wraps, elk, and sadly enough, buffalo. (Not Thunder).
We all know that what makes moms special is their ability to be moms and with that we have to recognize the kids, as no engine, no caboose, = no Papoose. We do have kids activities such as pony rides, etc. but they are often intrigued as are their fathers by our primitive skills demonstrators such as hide tanning, flint napping (arrowhead makers), fire by friction, and archery teachers. Where we do adhere to the common sense delivery of social consciousness opposed to the rigid silliness that political corrective-ness often imposes, we are about having a good time.
So, with that said, know this. For the most part, we call each other Indian, Native American, American Indian, First Nations, etc., along with one another’s inherent name. We are prideful in our attempt to deliver you an intertribal event that promotes the integrity of a diverse group of proud people. In the end, we are a collective work of not only Native Americans but, Americans. When you come out to see us this Mothers Day weekend, we hope you are open to having a great time and in the midst of the day you are compelled to call us brother, friend, and/or simply say hello. Sometimes its not important that we remember what things mean in another’s language so much as it is that we remember what it means in our own. MitaKuye Oyasin or “We are all related” for somewhere down the road, however far, we all come from the same mother. Bring your camera and don’t forget mom…
For more information go their webite at: www.rthunder.com 

  

Compton Elementary School Has Wonderful Partners in Education
Compton ES would like to send a big THANK YOU to our Partners In Education: Waffle House and BJ's Membership Club for their continued hard work and dedication to our students and community. On March 4th, BJ's representatives celebrated Dr. Seuss' Birthday by reading stories to our Kindergarten classes. They hosted a celebration with these classes with juice and cupcakes and some wonderful surprises. Waffle House sponsored our Dad's Breakfast on March 17th by feeding over 165 of our Handsome Dad's and their children. We want to thank Scott Woodard and the employees of our local Powder Springs Waffle House for the delicious, hot breakfast that we served.

Recycle Collection Center Now Available
The City of Powder Springs has opened a Recycle Collection Center at the Public Works Facility, 3006 Springs Industrial Drive. The Collection Center will be open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Acceptable recyclables are paper, cardboard, magazines, books, plastic, metals and glass. All household recyclables can be co-mingled in plastic bags and de-posited in the recycle bin located inside the fence at Public Works. This is a FREE SERVICE.

Events 

Curfew for Minors
Parents please remember the City of Powder Springs has a curfew for minors. Curfew hours (Under the age of 18) are as follows: Sunday through Thursday 11:00pm - Friday and Saturday 12:00 Midnight. The Powder Springs Police Department is strictly enforcing this curfew!

Neighborhood Incentive Grant
LOOK FOR NEIGHBORHOOD INCENTIVE GRANT INFORMATION IN THE NEXT POWDER SPRINGS MESSENGER! The City of Powder Springs believes in building strong neigh-borhoods. The Neighborhood Incentive Grant Program was established to support those groups dedicated to the improvement and revitalization of their communities. Start thinking about how to make your neighborhood a better place.

Powder Springs Water Customers
City of Powder Springs Water Customers: You may pay your water bill at our drive-thru, window from 8:00am - 4:00pm - Monday through Friday. You must have your water bill to pay at the drive-thru window.

 END OF CITY'S INFORMATION

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Cobb County Parks and Recreation News
Cobb County Parks and Recreation website offers lots of opportunities for family fun. Go to their website and see all the activities they have to offer. You are sure to find something for everyone in your family! Their website is www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov



New Twist On An Old Favorite - Kickball for Kids
Rhyne Park Girls Softball is bringing back a childhood classic. Kickball will be offered as a team sport for the first time this spring at Rhyne Park. Like baseball and softball, there will be traditional teams that play in a league format with a championship playoff at the end of the season. This is a good introduction to team sports, a fun way for children to get exercise, and an opportunity for parents to get involved. Kickball will be offered for boys and girls ages 4-18. The cost is $65 for ages 6 and under and $85 for ages 7 and over. Discounts are offered if you bring a sibling or friend to register. For more information call, (770) 801-5343 or (678) 283-2660. You can also visit the website at www.rhynepark.com. 
 

RON ANDERSON CENTER EVENTS
Ron Anderson Recreation Center Powder Springs Offers Numerous Activities and Opportunities
 Healthy Walking: The Ron Anderson Recreation Center would like to welcome all walkers to participate in the Healthy Walking Program. This activity is free and open to the public from 10:00am-12:00pm Monday through Friday.
 English Spanish Second Language: The Ron Anderson Recreation Center is offering classes teaching English and Spanish as a second language. The classes begin Tuesday, March 10th and the classes will run through the May 31st. Come and enjoy learning in a fun and encouraging atmosphere.
This is just a small sample of all the activities and Cobb County Parks to visit for more information visit The Cobb County Parks and Recreation website at: www.prca.cobbcountyga.gov

 __________COBB NEWS_________

Al Bishop Complex Manager Recognized by USSSA: Brooks Tinsley, the facility manager of Cobb's Al Bishop Complex, was recently voted into the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) Hall of Fame in the Director category for his long time support of slow pitch softball. He joins previous complex managers Rusty Simpson and Frank Breeden who have also been inducted into the Hall of Fame. Also, the Al Bishop Softball Complex was voted into the Hall of Fame for serving as a host facility for USSSA tournaments for the past 30 years, making the Al Bishop Softball Complex the first complex to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. Congratulations to Brooks for this well deserved recognition for all his hard work and dedication to softball programs in Cobb County.

The Spring Front Row Magazine Coming to a Facility Near You: The spring issue of the 'Front Row' magazine wil be available online and at all park facilities next week. The spring issue includes spring quarter class and program registration information plus summer camp registration information. The Front Row is your resource for all program and facility information for Cobb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. You may pick up a copy at your closest facility or you may download the information here. Upcoming Events - Mable House Arts Center

 
END OF COBB COUNTY NEWS

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VOLUME 16 ISSUE #1 - JANUARY/ FEBRUARY ISSUE

    Pictured above: Ms. Teresa Smith, representing Powder Springs, GA Home Depot in Powder Springs, Mr. Richard D. Sailors, former Mayor of Powder Springs and owner of Mableton Marble and Granite Company, and Dr. Jerry Dority, Principal of Tapp Middle School.

Pictured below: Mrs. Raina Savary, Mr. Linley Savary, and Leah Savary admiring the Japanese Maple tree during the dedication.  SEE STORY BELOW.

Tree Dedication in Memory of Elliot Savary

On Wednesday, December 17, 2008, Tapp Middle School hosted a Tree Dedication Ceremony in memory of a former Tapp student, Elliot Savary. Elliot was an 8th grader at Tapp in 2008 and was killed this past summer, when a drunk driver crashed into the family’s home in Powder Springs. The event was coordinated by Ms. Tammy Johnson, mother of a Tapp 6th grader, who worked with the Men of Tapp (a male mentoring program) to plan the ceremony. Home Depot in Powder Springs, where Crystal Guthrie is manager, donated the Japanese Maple Tree and Mableton Marble and Granite Company, headed by former Powder Springs Mayor, Richard D. Sailors, donated the marble marker. Elliot’s parents, Linley and Raina Savary, as well as his sister, Leah, and the Tapp Middle School family and friends were present for the dedication.

Wedding Announcement
Noelle Stewart and Chasen Barrett Foster were united in marriage on October 18, 2008 in a candlelight ceremony at John McEachern United Methodist Church.
Noelle is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Stewart of Powder Springs. Chasen is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kilcrease of Dallas, Ga and Mr. and Mrs. Mark Foster of Powder Springs, Ga., and the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Morgan of Powder Springs, Ga.
The Bride’s twin sisters, Natalie and Naomi were her Maids of Honor. She was also attended by Angie Giordano-Adams of New York City, Jessica Temporino Huff of Acworth, and Kerry Munro Levine of Atlanta. Chasen’s brother, Joshua Foster was his best man with Brett Dunlap, Vikash Gaudam, Brandon Archer and Keith Bruton as the groomsmen.
The Bride’s formal cathedral length gown of candlelight satin was encrusted with pearls, her cathedral length veil was anchored by a tiara. The veil was raised simultaneously by her twin sisters during the ceremony. She carried a fresh bouquet of roses and calla lilies and wore a six pence in her shoe. The bride was born in London and the six pence had been in her baby book for the future.
A special bouquet on the altar honored the bride’s deceased grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John Goff of St. Marys, Ga. and Mr. and Mrs. William Stewart of Bingley, Yorkshire, England and the grooms deceased great grandmother, Lillian Merritt
The ceremony was performed by Dr. James Higgins, senior pastor of McEachern Methodist Church. Mrs. Tanya Ghoreishi was the soloist performing, In This Very Room and the Ave Maria. She was accompanied by Mr. Brad Jent on the organ. The ceremony was directed by Mrs. Connie Parker.
Afterwards the guests enjoyed a lovely dinner reception at the Marietta Country Club with dancing music provided by First Flight.
The couple honeymooned for a week in Jamaica and a second week in New York City. They are now at home in Kennesaw.

  Powder Springs, GA Elementary School student with father & teacher.

Sergeant Timothy Hardaway Donates Flag to Powder Springs Elementary Flown Over Bagdad

Jasaes Hardaway was a student in Shannon Young and Carol Burrow’s kindergarten class at Powder Springs Elementary School during the 2007 – 2008 school year. He was a quiet boy, but he became particularly withdrawn around the holidays. When asked what was wrong, he said that his father was in the Army and would be deployed to Iraq soon for a very long time. The students in Ms. Young and Mrs. Burrow’s class sent Jasaes’ father going away cards. Sergeant 1st Class Hardaway was very moved by the students’ well-wishes. On Friday, January 9, 2009, Sergeant 1st Class Timothy Hardaway of the 10th Mount Division presented Powder Springs Ele-mentary School with an American flag that was flown over the Headquarters of the Multi-National Corps in Baghdad, Iraq on October 20, 2008.What started as a small gesture to help one student has resulted in a huge honor for an entire school community.
Mrs. Darlene H. Mitchell, principal of Powder Springs Elementary school introduced Sergeant 1st Class Timothy Hardaway to the student body and staff of the school. She stated that Sergeant Hardaway would like to make a special presentation to our school. Al-though Sergeant Hardaway was being deployed to Baghdad on the same day, he still took time out of his schedule to present the flag to Powder Springs Elementary School.
Sergeant Hardaway told of how he put the cards on his wall in Iraq and would read them everyday. The cards helped him to make it through all the tough times in Iraq. He presented the flag and certificate to the school. He ended by expressing his appreciation of the small gesture and thanked all the students.
Jasaes took the stage and thanked his fellow classmates for thinking of his dad and making the cards for him last year. He told the crowd that his dad was leaving for Iraq today and presented his dad with cards from his current 1st grade class. Sergeant Hardaway will add these to his wall of cards.
Mrs. Darlene H. Mitchell ended the ceremony by thanking Sergeant Hardaway for his service and dedication to our country and reminded us all that the little things in life we do can make a huge impact on others.

 

   Powder springs Compton Elementary School Students

Remembering Our Soldiers During the Holidays
Compton’s Student Council sponsored a collection of items to be sent to soldiers. Students had fun collecting, packing and seeing the boxes mailed. They filled large stocking with items such as chips, puzzles, hand wipes, tooth paste, gum, phone calling cards, letters and stories written by the students.

END OF VOLUME 16 ISSUE #1 - JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2009

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VOLUME 15 ISSUE #16 - UPDATED JANUARY 1, 2009

Junior BETA Club at Cooper Middle School Sponsoring Angel Tree for Families in Need During Christmas                                              

(Pictured above) The Junior BETA Club at Cooper Middle School is sponsoring an Angel Tree for the Powder Springs and Austell neighborhoods. The purpose of an Angel Tree is to acquire donations of clothing and toys to distribute to families who "might not be having a Christmas". The tree is decorated with pink and blue paper angels numbered with ages from 6 months to 12 years. People are asked to take an angel and buy a present for a child of the age and sex indicated by the angel. The donations will be taken to the Sweetwater CAMP location on Friday, December 19th. Community residents, Cooper parents, students and faculty are encouraged to participate.

Kemp Elementary PTA Reflection Contest Winners
  Congratulations To Following Powder Springs, GA Kemp Students That Won at the District PTA Reflections Contest. Their entries will move to state competition. Winners from Kemp Elementary - (Those who placed 1st or 2nd go on to State judging) Visual Arts: K Trent Arnold - 2nd Place, 2nd - Melody Cantrell -2nd Place, 4th - Amber Hearn - 3rd Place, 5th - Janna Jernigan - 2nd Place Photography: K Darren Lang - 2nd Place, 3rd - Amanda Reif - 1st Place, 4th - Austin Briggs, 2nd Place, 4th - Meghana Sridhar - 3rd Place Dance Choreography: 5th - Erica Wright - 1st Place Music Composition: 5th - Jacqueline Faciane - 1st Place Literature: 3rd - Paris Berrian - 2nd

                                                             
The Bullock-Hope House for Cancer Patients
The Hope House, Georgia’s first privately owned home dedicated to providing comfort, healing, and a peaceful environment to those receiving cancer treatment and their families, officially opens its doors. The Hope House is located at 4391 Austell Powder Springs Road in Powder Springs. Unlike other multi-patient facilities that are found throughout the state, none offer the privacy and intimate home-like setting like that of the Hope House. The Hope House is distinctively unique because instead of housing several patients, the Hope House accommodates only one patient and the patient’s family, alleviating the patient’s being separated from family during the recovery pe-riod and the need for the family to find alternative (hotel) accommodations. The Bullock Hope House concept was created in the spring of 2005 after friends of the Bullock family had their daughter at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, for chemotherapy treatments. The family lived in Cedartown, Georgia and the parents were commuting on a daily basis to be with their daughter while she went through her treatment sessions. During that time, Connie and Randall Bullock, founders of the Bullock Hope House, had acquired the family homestead, and were deciding what they could do with the home. They offered the home as a free place for their friends from Cedartown to stay while their daughter was undergoing cancer treatments. Although they declined the offer, Connie and Randall knew what was meant to do with the house. “We felt that we could help others by opening our home to cancer patients, to save them travel time, money, and provide them with a free location closer to their treatment facility,” said Bullock. The Bullocks contacted the American Cancer Society to find out if there were any similar projects offering a private home for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy in the metro Atlanta area. Although there are several other group facilities in the state, there are no other private facilities like the Bullock Hope House in Georgia. A partnership between the Bullock Hope House and the American Cancer Society was formed. According to Monica Dean, Regional Mission Delivery Director for the American Cancer Society, South Atlantic Division, Inc., "As an organization dedicated to eliminating suffering from cancer, we are pleased to partner with the Bullock Hope House on this much needed resource in Cobb, Paulding and Douglas counties." The WellStar Cancer Program joined the partnership soon thereafter to assist in identifying patients who could benefit from the Bullock Hope House facility. This will ensure that the patients are scheduled by medical professionals based on individual needs, and to alleviate some of the financial worries associated with commuting and lodging while undergoing cancer treatments. The Bullock Hope House offers 2 bedrooms, 1 full bathroom, kitchen, dining area, living room, and laundry facilities. Guests at the Hope House will be furnished with all necessities, such as bed linens, towels, cooking utensils, etc. courtesy of the Hope House sponsors. Each room has been carefully decorated and furnished to encourage relaxation and recuperation in a homey atmosphere. The Bullock Foundation, a not-for-profit organization formed to support the Bullock Hope House, received its first monetary donation from Georgia Power Foundation, who is also a sponsor of the project. The Bullock Hope House is a 501c3 non-profit organization which provides housing for out of town patients and their caregivers. For more information about the Bullock-Hope House visit their website at www.bullockhopehouse.com 

Bailey’s Annual Christmas Feast a Big Success! By staff reporter   As the holidays draw closer, it can mean only one thing at Bailey’s Restaurant … it is their annual Christmas feast. A tradition started even before the Taoushiani’s owned the restaurant, but one they have vowed to carry on. “Each year it gets harder and harder to pull off,” said Theresa Taoushiani, co-owner of the restaurant. “But the good Lord willing we always seem to make it happen each year.” This year’s Christmas dinner took place on Sunday, December 14, from noon to 3 PM. At last year’s meal they actually lost count, Theresa half way laughs when she explains that “there were just hundreds and hundreds of peo-ple.” The traditional Christmas meal was designed to feed those less fortunate and the senior citizens in the area. This included residents in Cobb and Paulding Counties. With the recent economic events, the owners greeted many more needy families at this year's event. Those in attendence enjoyed such delicious foods as smoked turkey, mashed potatoes and green beans, the staff of Bailey’s and numerous volunteers worked very hard to make it enjoyable for all. The highlight of the event for the little ones was the appearance of Father Christmas. He distributed toys to the children and toiletries to the senior citizens. “We made sure that each child left with a new toy,” said Mrs. Taoushiani. “The stuffed toys were the last to go,” she said. “The children really liked the games and toys.” Local stores such as Publix and Kroger helped with the dinner by donating desserts and offering discounted prices on the turkeys. Food distributors made dona-tions and local organizations and school groups sent volunteers. Along with Father Christmas, Bo and Mary performed holiday classics and entertained those in attendance. “Each year we just try to do our best,” said Mrs. Taoushiani. “And have always managed to pull it off.

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Volume 15 Issue #14 - October/November 2008

Seven Springs Art Festival Photos

       POWDER SPRINGS, GA SEVEN SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL PHOTO

     POWDER SPRINGS, GA SEVEN SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL PHOTO

  POWDER SPRINGS, GA SEVEN SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL PHOTO

  POWDER SPRINGS, GA SEVEN SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL PHOTO 

  POWDER SPRINGS, GA SEVEN SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL PHOTO

  POWDER SPRINGS, GA SEVEN SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL PHOTO

  POWDER SPRINGS, GA SEVEN SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL PHOTO

  POWDER SPRINGS, GA SEVEN SPRINGS ART FESTIVAL PHOTO

Seven Springs Art Festival Winners

The Seven Springs Art Festival winners were: Ann, Bill, and Emily Cockerill each won First Place in painting, 3-dimensional, and photography divisions respectively with the cash award of $150.00 each in the Seven Springs Arts Festival of Powder Springs Oct. 18. Ann Cockerill won 1st Place in the Oil Painting division her piece was called: "Tuscan Summer" and was painted from her trip to Italy. Emily Cockerill won 1st Place in the Photography division her photograph was called: "Green Door" and was a digital manipulation photograph.. Bill Cockerill won 1st Place in the 3-dimensional division and his award was for his entire body of work including the porcelain vase which was hand turned, altered and inlayed. The judges were: Robert Meredith, Ernest Varner, and Elizabeth Weaver. Robert and Ernest are both nationally known artists and Elizabeth is head of the Cobb Cultural Arts Department.

Incredible Edible Pumpkin Recipe Contest Winners were: Presentation:  Emily Myers, Atlanta Pumpkin Dip; Taste: Dawn Anderson, Powder Springs Pumpkin Butter; Best Overall: Emily Myers, Atlanta Pumpkin Dip. Recipes will be available to pick up at the Country Store of Seven Springs.

Pumpkin Carving/Decorated Contest Winners: Ages 4 and under - 1st Place: Casey Corbin, Douglasville, Screw Teeth Pumpkin; 2nd Place: Christopher Neal, Douglasville, Antler Pumpkin; 3rd Place: Aiden Fowler, Powder Springs, Martian Pumpkin. Ages 5 - 8 years: 1st Place: Acacio Levitt, Acworth, Dracula Pumpkin; 2nd Place: Caelan Newton, Powder Springs, Caelan De Ninja Pumpkin; 3rd place: Mary Edwards, Kennesaw, Warrior Pumpkin. Ages 9 - 11  years: 1st Place: Janna McCombs, Powder Springs, Cat Pumpkin; 2nd Place: Dylan Mossor, Powder Springs, Jack Skellington Pumpkin; 3rd Place John Tracy, Powder Springs, Jack o lantern. Ages 12 - 15 years: 1st Place: James Tracy, Powder Springs, Jack o' lantern; Ages 16 up: 1st Place: Jeanniee McGuire, Powder Springs, Jack o' lantern.

Costume Contest Winners: Ages 4 and under: 1st Place: Casey Corbin & Christopher Neal, Douuglasville, Cowboys; 2nd Place: Isabel Evans, Powder Springs, Amish Girl; 3rd Place: Isabella Edrish, Powder Springs, Pirate Girl; Ages 5 - 10 years: 1st Place: Ellie Burgy, Powder Springs, Leopard; 2nd Place: Janna McCombs, Powder Springs, Diva Girl; 3rd Place: Aelan Newton, Powder Springs Ninja.

North Georgia State Fair Lions Vision Screening Project Huge Success! (Pictured above) Lions from the Austell, East Cobb, Marietta, South Cobb, Kennesaw-Acworth, Paulding County, Woodstock, Atlanta Latino, and West Cobb clubs manned a booth again this year to provide free vision tests for the community. From Thursday, September 18 until Sunday, September 28, 2008, Lions checked 1358 people, about 200 more than last year. Most of the folks were fine, either their vision didn’t need correcting or their current corrective lenses still worked well for them. Many older folks were counseled to have annual eye exams, especially those who indicated they knew they had a problem but had been lax in having it checked out. A few parents stopped by to thank the Lions for their help the previous year and share how the child’s performance in school had improved as a result of wearing glasses. Known for working to end preventable blindness, Lions participate in a vast variety of projects important to their communities. Their projects range from cleaning up local parks to providing supplies to victims of natural disasters. If you are interested in finding out more about the Lions Club, contact Bob Wagner, 770-429-8467, or Betty Dean, 770-427-8722.