The Athens-Clarke County
Leisure Services Department

E-Newsletter

Have a Look!

The Lyndon House Arts Center announces the opening of the 47th Juried Exhibition. The show is curated by Miranda Lash, the Ellen Bruss Senior Curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver. The exhibition will go on view on March 3, 2022 and will continue through May 21, 2022.

Miranda Lash reviewed 656 works of all media submitted for review by 237 Athens area artists. Of these, Ms. Lash selected 160 works of drawing, metal work, painting, photography, sculpture, video, and more. In addition, multiple awards have been selected by the Juror to be announced on opening day.

Throughout the run of the exhibition, the Lyndon House Arts Center will host artist talks in the galleries on Third Thursdays, March 17, April 21 and May 19 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays, April 2 and April 23 at 2:00 p.m.

To see the show on March 3, please register for your preferred timeslot. Following the opening day, all walk-in visitors are welcome throughout the exhibition run during regular open hours.

Gallery hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. All exhibitions are free and open to the public. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, please call 706-613-3623.

Hike into History

Take a guided hike with Trails and Open Space staff.

Learn about the social, economic, and natural history of our public spaces. This special hike at Ben Burton Park is scheduled for Saturday, February 26 from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m.

The fee is $2 for ACC residents and $3 for non-residents.

Wear clothing and shoes for hiking. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Register online.

For more information, please call 706-613-3620.

A New Name!

The Leisure Services Department hosted a dedication ceremony at Lay Park on Sunday, February 20. The park’s gymnasium was officially named after longtime Lay Park Facility Supervisor Willie Hull.

From 1976-2010, Hull was the park’s facility supervisor. Over the years, he has been recognized for his commitment to the community with awards, including the “Promise Award”, presented by the Black Men of Athens and the “Emancipation Proclamation Pioneer” Award.

In 2021, the gym name change was unanimously approved by the Athens-Clarke County Mayor and Commission.

For more information, please call 706-613-3596.

Congratulations!

Governor Brian P. Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp announced the recipients of the 10th annual Governor’s Awards for the Arts and Humanities to honor outstanding individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to Georgia through their work in these fields. The awards are presented in partnership with the Georgia Council for the Arts and Georgia Humanities.

Lyndon House Arts Center Program and Facility Supervisor Didi Dunphy was one of the recipients of this prestigious award.

Following a competitive nomination process, 10 members of the arts and humanities communities from across Georgia were awarded with this year’s honor. The recipients represent a diverse group of individuals and organizations that have contributed to, and supported the growth of, Georgia’s thriving creative industries through community involvement, pioneering programs, and long-term financial commitment.

“It’s my honor to congratulate the individuals and organizations who have earned this year’s Governor’s Award for the Arts and Humanities, and thank them for the contributions they have made to our state and culture,” said Governor Kemp. “These recipients are great examples of Georgia's creative industries, which play a key role in the economic health of our state, not only providing jobs, but also contributing to our growing tourism numbers.”

Congratulations to Didi Dunphy!

Now Hiring!

The Leisure Services Department is now hiring for 120 summer positions. Applications are currently being accepted for summer positions with camps and aquatics.

Pay begins at $15 an hour. Mid-summer bonuses, dependent on position, range from $200 - $400.

Applicants may apply online at www.accgov.com/jobs.

For more information, please call 706-613-3090.

On Stage

The East Athens Educational Dance Center will present its annual production performance “Moving Mountains” at the Morton Theatre on Saturday, February 26, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. & Sunday, February 27, 2022 at 3:00 p.m.

This performance highlights the advanced level of accelerated students enrolled in East Athens Educational Dance Center’s classes. Special guest performances will include members of Ballethnic Dance Company and Ballethnic Youth Ensemble. “Moving Mountains” is a showcase of dance demonstrating the resilience, joy, and complexity of the human spirit expressed through choreography and music. Dancers of all ages articulate the shared emotions of the collective group using a range of dance forms and music genres - from classical to contemporary. With the goal of leaving the audience with a sense of joy, the choreography inspires perseverance to overcome obstacles and difficult situations with fluidity, grace and determination. This performance is dedicated to the memory of Ronnie Anderson.

Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show (pending availability). Groups of 10 or more may purchase tickets at $10 each by calling the Morton Theatre Box Office at 706-613-3771. Tickets are available online or at the Morton Theatre Box Office, weekdays from Noon to 4:00 p.m.

Please note that the Morton may operate under reduced seating capacity for performances. Some seating and rows will be closed to allow for social distancing.

Persons are required to wear a mask in public and private indoor spaces with limited exceptions. The mask requirement is regardless of vaccination status. For details, please visit www.accgov.com/coronavirus.

For more information, please call 706-613-3770.

Happy Birthday!

Make a wish! The Leisure Services Department will present a special birthday party for Bear Hollow Zoo’s resident bears Athena, DJ, and Yonah.

Bear Hollow Zoo will host this special birthday celebration Saturday, March 19 from 10:00 a..m. – 1:00 p.m.

The community is invited to join this celebration and watch the bears unwrap their presents and enjoy their cake. A birthday card will be available to be signed by well-wishers and there will be crafts, as well.

This program is free and open to the public. Registration is not required.

For more information, please call 706-613-3580.

Limited Tickets Available

Athens Creative Theatre (ACT)'s own Athens Musical Theatre Orchestra presents Peter Stone and Maury Yeston’s “Titanic the Musical” at the Morton Theatre. This special production is scheduled for Friday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m.

The musical play Titanic examines the causes, the conditions, and the characters involved in one of the quintessential disasters of the twentieth century. Featuring choral, instrumental, and theatrical talent from the Athens community and surrounding areas, telling the story of the Titanic from boarding to sinking through music and dramatization.

Tickets are available online.

For more information, call 706-613-3770.

Summer Camp Online
Registration in March!

The Leisure Services Department announces its slate of summer camp programs for 2022. The Department offers the most diverse selection of award winning summer camps in Northeast Georgia including day camps highlighting art, nature education, sports, and theatre. Opportunities are available for children from ages 6-17

Camp listings are available at www.accgov.com/myrec. Online registration begins Saturday, March 19 at 9:00 a.m. for Athens-Clarke County residents. Non-residents may register beginning Monday, March 21 at noon. Online registration will take place at www.accgov.com/myrec

Scholarships are available for qualifying ACC residents. Parents who wish to apply for a scholarship must do so in person at a Leisure Services Department facility office. Applicants must apply for a scholarship at least five business days prior to registering for a program or camp. Applicants must have a valid email address. More information, including required documentation, is available at www.accgov.com/scholarship.

For more information, please call 706-613-CAMP.

ACCGov Leisure Services Online Registration

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers a diverse selection of activities highlighting the arts, environmental science, recreation, sports,
and holiday events for adults and children.

All registration takes place online at www.accgov.com/myrec .

ACCGov Leisure Services Scholarships

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department offers scholarship to qualifying Athens-Clarke County children.

Scholarships allow participants to pay less than the program fee.

For more information, including required documentation,
please visit www.accgov.com/scholarships

Georgia Recreation and Park Association

Agency of the Year

Populations: 80,000 - 150,000

2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2012, 2019, 2021

The Athens-Clarke County Leisure Services Department

205 Old Commerce Road, Athens, GA 30607

www.accgov.com/leisure

706-613-3800