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Community Corner

Frugal Family

Marietta Patch provides a selection of great bargains for the whole family each Wednesday morning.

We're all watching our family budgets these days. Whether shopping with coupons or looking for two-for-one deals, we're taking advantage of all sorts of offers and savings that help us stretch our dollars.

This column is dedicated to giving you five great local deals each week that will help your family's bottom line, and since we do the scouting for you, you can save time as well as money.

You are a big part of this column. Let us hear about the deals you've seen. Just add them to our comment box. Then come back each week and see what we've uncovered together.

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This week, Frugal Family scoured our local sources to come up with fun - and free - family activities sponsored by the Parks and Recreation Department, free library programs for all kids of all ages, an arts and crafts festival, a free children’s workshop making Mother’s day gifts and a Mom’s Night Out.

Wednesday, May 4 - Ultimate Playdate in the Park @ East Cobb Park. The popular seasonal - and FREE -event known as the Ultimate Playdate encourages families to take an outdoor break for some fresh air and family-friendly music.   Each Wednesday from 4 - 7 p.m. through June 29, and September 7 - October 2.  Jay Memory, founding member of the national act Memory Dean, performs old favorites and leads children in sing-alongs. Just show up and bring a picnic! 3322 Roswell Road.  For more info go to www.eastcobbpark.org .

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Thursday, May 5 - Mom's Nite Out at Town Center at Cobb from 6 – 8 p.m. Swag bags given to the first 200 guests. Town Center at Cobb invites moms to let their hair down at the 3rd Annual National Mom’s Nite Out. This free event is a guilt-free excuse for moms to take the night off to relax and enjoy a celebration of motherhood. The mall will be “mom” central for mothers to come together for a great social networking opportunity. The event at both malls will feature pampering stations, food and beverage sampling, shopping incentives, sampling of products, and giveaways at each location.

 Thursday, April 28 through Friday, May 6 - CobbKids Library Programs – FREE.  NOTE: NEW HOURS AS OF MAY 1. The Cobb Library System has an array of free programs for babies to teens: from baby & toddler story times, to movie matinees, puppet shows, creative writing &more. Programs for teens include Young Adult Book Club, Anime, Teen Movie Matinee. Check out the CobbCat website for information on programs, dates and locations. See website for programs which vary by library, storytimes events and new hours.  http://www.cobbcat.org/CobbKids.html

 Saturday, May 7 - Lowe's Build and Grow Clinics For Kids – FREE.  10 – 11 a.m. Register to build a Heart Flower Vase for Mother's Day. From project basics to giving your child the opportunity to say, "I built it!", Build and Grow kid's clinics are a great way to help build confidence! Each participant receives a free apron, goggles, a project themed patch, and a certification of merit upon completion of their project. Register in Advance - register early to avoid all spaces being full! 2650 Dallas Hwy.  (770) 794-4778 lowesbuildandgrow.com.  

MAY-RETTA DAZE ARTS & CRAFTS FESTIVAL: The 35th annual festival takes place from May 7-8, 2011 at Glover Park in the historic Marietta Square. The festival features exhibitors and artists showcasing handmade goods including painting, pottery, woodwork, metal, glass, fabric, soap, candles and more. All work is made and displayed by the artist, and the event draws both local Georgia artists as well as artists from around the Southeast. The event also features activities for the kids and live entertainment. For more information, call (770) 794-5601.

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