EAST COBBER Front Covers

1996

Cover Photos taken by Michael Drewitz

January 1996: Jane Carithers

February 1996: “Spin” Baker

March 1996: Lillian Lurye and Patti DiTuri

April 1996: Tom McCleskey

May 1996: Debbie Coleman

June 1996: Bill Taaffe

July 1996: Joseph Fitzgerald

August 1996: Martha Gray

September: 1996: Paul Ross

October: 1996: Dr. Betty Siegel

November 1996: Rev. Tim Morrison

December 1996: Mary Greenway-Karras

January 1996: Jane CarithersAfter 20 years of service to all of Cobb County, Jane Carithers, was named Citizen of the Year by the East Cobb Division of the Cobb County Chamber of Commerce. The award is co-sponsored by the East Cobb Kiwanis, Civitans, Rotary and Lion’s Clubs.

As owner of Carithers Flower Shop, Jane has donated flowers and decorating services to a wide-range of charities from fundraising balls to PTA raffles. She also serves on the State Board of Human Resources. Jane explains her extensive commitment to the community, “I like people... and when they express a need, I want to help.”

Jane grew up in West Cobb, moved to East Cobb as a newlywed and remembers East Cobb as “country”. She enjoys the cultural diversity and community spirit that has evolved in East Cobb.

Jane believes, “you get a lot done if you don’t sit around and think about it.”

February 1996: “Spin” BakerLast year, “Spin” Baker formed the “Smile High Squadron.” An ex-Navy pilot, “Spin takes sick children on flights in military training aircraft formerly used by Navy pilots. Working primarily through Camp Sunshine, a support program for kids undergoing cancer, leukemia and other serious illnesses, Spin has taken at least thirty kids, and sometimes their family members, for 30 minute rides in a T-34 aircraft. Spin makes this special experience happen by donating his time and seeking corporate sponsors who underwrite the cost of each flying mission.

After retiring from the Navy last summer, Spin began working as a community relations director for MediaOne. He is also involved in Boys Club of Cobb County, a scoutmaster, on the board at the Children’s Center of Cobb County, a member of the East Cobb Rotary Club, and other charitable organizations.

An East Cobb resident for 5 years, Spin lives in the Princeton Corners subdivision with his wife, Phyliss and his two children, Chris, a sophomore at Walton High School, and Tricia, a fourth-grader at East Side Elementary.

March 1996: Lillian Lurye and Patti DiTuriAs co-presidents of the Eastern Cobb County Council of PTAs, Lillian Lurye and Patti DiTuri lead 34 PTAs to find ways to improve the academic lives pf East Cobb’s children. They also work with other PTA councils in Cobb County school system provides “high-quality educa-tion.” As Lillian explains, “the PTA is not just fundraising for schools; we also address literacy, safety and legislative issues.” Their volunteer positions require them to spend countless hours attending and planning meetings, problem-solving for PTA presidents, and participating in workshops. To help parents become more aware of issues affecting their children, Patti and Lillian have been involved in developing TV programs that are broadcast on public access channels. Patti reflects, “when you do for all children it filters back to your own children.”

Lillian lives in the Wellington subdivision, with her husband, Don, and two daughters, Leah, and eight-grader at Hightower Middle School, and Jessica, a third-grader at Murdock El-ementary School. A resident of East Cobb since 1986, Patti DiTuri lives in the Concord Square subdivision with her husband, Michael, and her son, Chris, en eight-grader at Simpson Middle School.

April 1996: Tom McCleskeyFor 17 years, Tom McCleskey has served Cobb County as executive director of the Cobb YMCA. Tom oversees the successful implementation of a myriad of fitness programs - from youth soccer to ballet classes - to aerobics - for all ages. The YMCA also sponsors blood drives, parenting classes, and an annual community Easter sunrise service. “We build strong families and strong kids, the end result [is] stronger communities,” says Tom.

Tom lives in the Sibley Forest subdivision with his wife, Colleen, and his two children, Clare and Connor. He especially likes the “strong sense of volunteerism that exists” in East Cobb.

Pictured with Tom on the front cover (l-r): Claire McCleskey, Lindsey Nipaver, Nathan Naider, Lenny Sekimoto, and Connor McCleskey.

May 1996: Debbie ColemanThis year’s Mother-of-the-Year, Debbie Coleman, is featured on this month’s front cover. Debbie was “shocked” to hear she had won this unique distinction. Moreover, she was “pleased and touched that my child wrote this.”

Debbie expresses her feelings about being a mom: “My daughters are my first priority. I am there for them all the time. They depend on me… I enjoy being around them.”

Debbie and her family moved to East Cobb six years ago from Minnesota. She lives in the Wick’s Creek subdivision with her husband of 21 years, Scott, and her two daughters, Heath-er, 15, and Jennifer, 13.

In addition to her mother duties of “shopping and as a chauffeur,” Debbie works part-time as a kindergarten aide at Wood Acres Day School and plays on her subdivision’s tennis team.

June 1996: Bill TaafeOf course, Bill Taaffe was “delighted” when he heard he was designated as the EAST COBBER’s first Father of the Year. But, as the president of the Wheeler High School Touchdown Club, he observed, “there are so many great parents in East Cobb who could’ve received this award.”

A father of two boys, Damon, 20, and Jaron, 17, Bill credits his wife Joyce as the key to his success as a parent. Although he is busy as a futures trader, he has always “made his wife and kids” his first priority. His favorite part of fatherhood is “every living moment of it…” A vo-racious reader, Bill enjoys reading up on philosophy and religion. The Taaffe family has lived in the Somerset subdivision since 1979.

July 1996: Joseph FitzgeraldPictured on our front cover is East Cobb resident, Joseph Fitzgerald, 24. After years of training he finally earned a spot on the USA Team Handball Olympic Team. In between his practice sessions two times a day, Joseph has spent the last year introducing the sport to middle school students throughout Cobb County.

A popular sport in Europe and Asia, Team Handball is just gaining recognition in the U.S. A quarterback on his college team explains, Joseph explains, “Team handball involves a lot of contact, throwing and jumping. It’s kind of like playing soccer with your hands.”

Joseph is looking forward to representing the United States at the Games. “There is no other opportunity to rep-resent the USA, like military, and make our country proud.”

In addition to his own perseverance, Joseph is grateful for the support of his family and the corporate sponsor-ship of Cumberland Mall.

A resident of Indian Hills Country Club Estates, Joseph noted how friendly his neighbors have been to him. In fact, when he is finished traveling on behalf of USA Team Handball, he hopes to “teach in Cobb County and give back to the community that has been so good” to him.

August 1996: Martha GrayMartha Gray .On this month’s cover id one of the seven East Cobb “community heroes” se-lected to be torch bearers in the Olympic Torch Relay. Martha was nominated by her friend, Christine McCabe, who believed Martha should carry the torch because of the way she has overcome some personal hardships, raised three terrific children, and gets involved in the community.

Martha describes her torch experience, “I got to carry the torch on opening day in Atlanta. Although it’s difficult to explain, watching children’s faces and the special bonding between the spectators that occurs in those short moments I was carrying the torch in unbelievable… it’s special.”

An East Cobb resident for 24 years, Martha has seen East Cobb grow which she thinks is “wonderful… because of the conveniences it has brought. However, zoning needs to be watched carefully.” Martha lives in the Indian Hills subdivision with her son David, 17. She also has two grown children, Jennifer, 21, and Katie, 20.

September 1996: Paul RossTo celebrate the Back-to-School season, we photographed Sprayberry High School’s princi-pal Paul Ross with the school’s mascot, “Sting.” This past spring, Sprayberry was designated as a National School of Excellence. Redbook magazine also recognized Sprayberry as being the best school in Georgia and nationwide.

Mr. Ross, who was awarded Principal of the Year in Georgia last year, is quick to point out that his outstanding staff and administration team are a vital factor in earning these honors for the school. He explains, “the teachers are empowered to take ownership of the school… we all get excited about what we’re doing and we care about the welfare of the students… We make a special effort to recognize and reward the students academically.”

Mr. Ross lives in Marietta with his wife, Catherine, an assistant principal at Walton High School. Married for 31 years, they have two grown daughters.

October 1996: Dr. Betty SiegelGracing our front cover this month is East Cobb resident Dr. Betty Siegel. A dynamic leader throughout the metro area, Dr. Siegel serves on a myriad of community boards. However, she is best known for her role as president of Kennesaw State College--now Kennesaw State University-- since 1981, and president of the Cobb Chamber for 1996. Dr. Siegel was the first woman to head an institution in the University System of Georgia. “I feel blessed indeed to have enjoyed this wonderful profession and this exceptional position. Each year has been more exciting and energizing than the previous one,” enthuses Dr. Siegel. As president of the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, she is spearheading an effort to “heighten awareness of the important role arts play in economic development.”

Betty lives in the Somerset subdivision with her husband, Dr. Joel Siegel. Her two grown chil-dren are pursuing their doctoral degrees. A resident of east Cobb for 15 years, Betty ob-serves, “I am delighted with the lush natural beauty of the neighborhoods, fine homes and excellent schools in East Cobb.”

November 1996: Rev. Tim Morrison

To help us celebrate the EAST COBBER Parade and Festival on November 16, we asked Rev. Tim Morrison, also known as “Dr. T.,” to be on our front cover. In addition to his duties as pas-tor of the Pilgrimage Church United Church of Christ, Rev. Morrison started a clown ministry four years ago. He describes its purpose, “It’s more than putting on makeup and acting goofy. Each clown must find their face and develop a character… we bring a sense of hope and laughter to people in a tough situation…” Along with the twelve clowns he has trained, Rev. Morrison visits children’s hospitals in the metro area. “We touch the pain, take away the boredom, and ease the anxiety.” His clowns will be part of the fun and festivities at the EAST COBBER Parade and Festival.

Rev. Morrison lives in the Raven Woods subdivision in East Cobb with his wife Marta and his son, Sean. An East Cobb resident since 1991, he enjoys the taste of country--- “although it’s disappearing”--- and small town flavor that East Cobb offers with all the benefits of a big city.

December 1996: Mary Greenway-KarrasEvery year, the YWCA of Cobb County recognizes women in the county who represent the highest standard of professional excellence and who also make valuable contributions to the community. Out of the 26 women nominated this year, Mary Greenway-Karras was des-ignated the “Woman of Achievement.” Over cover person for this month, Mary is a senior vice president at Riverside Bank. Ms. Karras was recognized for her involvement in the Cobb Chamber. She is the recipient of the lifetime membership three times, active in Cobb Execu-tive Women and serves on the executive committee of the Leadership Cobb Alumni As-sociation. In 1986, Mary was looking for a way to get involved in East Cobb and since “the service clubs would not let women in” she started the East Cobb Civitan Club.

A native Southerner, for the past 17 years, Mary has been involved in Cobb County. She has witnessed the “growth” in East Cobb and observes, “people are exceptionally nice in this melting pot.”