Elizabeth Porter Center Sponsors 'Real Talk' Motivational Program

1. The Elizabeth Porter Recreation Center, 370 Montgomery St., is sponsoring "Real Talk," an afternoon of motivational speaking featuring athletes, actors and leadership professionals. The event, which runs from 3 to 6 p.m. today, is open to teens and adults and involves speches based on real-life experiences. Professional personalities from the sports, media, acting and leadership fields will reinforce the importance of life skills, morals accountability, positive attitudes, healthy living (physical, mental and emotional), good decision making and spiritual growth.

Networking opportunities will be available and there will be free giveaways during the event. For information, call 770-794-5637 or visit this link for more details.

2. Yacht Rock sails back to Marietta on Friday for the latest installment of the Glover Park Summer Concert series. The concert designed to bring the Nation of Smooth into Marietta Square may begin at 8 p.m., but get there early with chairs, wine and cheese to claim your spot in the park.

3. Cobb Master Gardeners will go to the birds today for its regular lunch and learn at noon today at . "Birds in the Backyard" will be presented by Marge Igyarto, who will explain how to convert your backyard to attract a wide variety of birds. For information, call 770-528-4070 or visit cobbmastergardeners.org.

4. Local artist Philip Myrick, whose fascinating work combines broken music records or old film reels to create sillouettes of celebrities, has a grand opening from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Studio, 48 South Park Square. If you haven't experienced this talented young man's work before, check it out in this and then stop by the Studio.

5. Today is Take Your Dog to Work Day and Ugly Dog Day. It would be best to get permission for one of these days and don't be offended if someone suggests that your dog should celebrate the other day.