COBB
Marietta police revamp citizen volunteer program
The Marietta Police Department is rolling out a newly redesigned Citizen Volunteer Program.
Volunteers previously performed only basic clerical tasks, but now specialized training will be offered to qualified volunteers to meet their specific interests.
Some assignments will include: photography/videography, detectives’ assistant, special events coordination, transportation management, and cyber system coordination.
Applicants must submit to a screening process. Info: Officer Don Smith at 770-794-2364.
Andria Simmons
Florida man charged in Kennesaw car wreck
A Florida man, Keven T. Inman, 29, was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI after police said he hit another car near Kennesaw late Wednesday night, sending the second car careening off the road and fatally injuring its driver.
The crash happened about 11 p.m. Wednesday on Kennesaw Due West Road, a short distance from Kennesaw Mountain High School, where the dead man worked as a custodian.
Cobb police spokesman Michael Bowman said investigators believe Inman, the driver of a 2008 Suzuki Forenza, rear-ended a 2000 Saturn SW2 at a high rate of speed. After the collision, the Saturn ran off the right side of the road.
The Saturn’s driver, John “Steve” Bryan, 51, of Powder Springs, was taken to WellStar Kennestone Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Bryan had just gotten off work and was going home.
Both Inman and his brother, a passenger, were injured in the crash. David Ibata
Marietta invites kids to read in square
Marietta City Schools will host its tenth “Marietta Reads” event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 29 in Glover Park. The event, created to encourage children to read, will include a book fair, celebrity readers and drama and dance performances. For more information on the event, contact Jill Sims at 770-422-3500 ext. 228.
Daarel Burnette II
Palmer Middle School seeks craft vendors
Palmer Middle School, 690 N Booth Rd. NW in Kennesaw, is looking for craft and business vendors in metro Atlanta to participate in the Craft-A-Palooza Holiday Craft & Business Bazaar.
The event will take place 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 3. For vendor applications, please contact Fallbazaar@palmer.ptsamail.com. Kenneth Musisi
Buy a diamond, get a gun
Mike Geller, the owner of D. Geller and Son Jewelers, which has two locations in Cobb County is giving away a voucher for hunting rifles with any purchase of $2,499 or more.
The promotion comes just in time for deer hunting season, which begins Oct. 20, giving outdoorsmen a chance to kill two birds with one bullet.
“The first customer we had in today saw the billboard and decided to go ahead and buy that diamond ring,” Geller said.
He’s even had a few female customers take advantage of the rifle giveaway.
Geller said there’s been “a couple” of complaints but, so far, business has been brisk.
“We’ll definitely be doing this again,” he said.
Christian Boone
GWINNETT
Drug and alcohol prevention teen challenge
H.O.O.K.E.D. (Helping Others Organize Kreative Everyday Differences) Teen Club meets 10 a.m. to noon today at Shorty Howell Activity Bldg., 2750 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Duluth for a drug and alcohol prevention challenge.
H.O.O.K.E.D. teens, grades 7 to 12, are trained as leaders in the community to assist with a variety of activities and events.
Information: call 770-418-2331.
Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Acworth cops offer teen driving class
The Acworth Police Department will host a PRIDE Teen Driving Class 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 9.
The course is designed to help parents and their teen drivers, ages 14 to 16, learn what they need to do during the 40 hours of supervised practice driving time required by Georgia law.
Registration forms are at www.acworth.org/files/homepage/PRIDE.pdf. Information: Officer Jeff Rose at 678-801-4073 or jrose@acworth.org.
Kenneth Musisi
KSU State to break ground on museum
Kennesaw State University will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the Bernard A. Zuckerman Museum of Art from 1 to 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at the construction site adjacent to the Dr. Bobbie Bailey & Family Performance Center.
Bernard A. Zuckerman, a retired businessman and donor, will join school officials for the ceremony.
The 9,200-square-foot museum, a privately funded facility, will house the University’s permanent art collection and serve as a cultural resource on contemporary art.
The museum is expected to open in fall 2013. Information: www.kennesaw.edu/arts.
Kenneth Musisi
Kennesaw to offer citizen police academy
-The Kennesaw Police Department will sponsor a Citizens Police Academy on Thursdays for 11 sessions beginning next week from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the police station, 2539 J. O. Stephenson Ave., Kennesaw. Applicants must be at least 21-years-old and submit to a criminal history check. The free, information-only program will feature sessions on criminal investigations, traffic operations and use of force. Application deadline is Tuesday. Information: www.kennesaw-ga.gov or contact Officer Scott Luther at 770-919-0651 or sluther@kennesaw-ga.gov.
Veronica Fields Johnson
Women of Faith conference in Gwinnett
Award winning artist Amy Grant and best-selling author Patsy Clairmont will be featured during the Women of Faith conference through today at the Gwinnett Center Arena, 6400 Sugarloaf Parkway.
The event, which hits 23 cities is the United States, is the among the largest faith event for women.
This year’s theme is “Celebrate What Matters”.
Information: www.womenoffaith.com/events/atlanta/.
Shelia M. Poole
Author Stuart Woods to speak in Lawrenceville
Author Stuart Woods will speak at the Gwinnett County Public Library’s “Lunch and Listen” series at noon Wednesday at Garden Plaza, 230 Collins Industrial Way, Lawrenceville.
Woods is the author of 25 novels. Seating is limited for the event. Tickets cost $12 in advance and $15 at the door. To purchase tickets, call 770-978-5154, visit www.gwinnettpl.org or visit your local Gwinnett County Public Library branch.
David Wickert
NORTHSIDE
Davis execution memorialized on stage
The Dancing Goat Theatre, 10700 State Bridge Road in Johns Creek presents My Date with Troy Davis 8 p.m. today.
Daniel Glenn, Dancing Goat co-founder and artisitic director, plays the character in the one man show. The humorous monologue traces how Glenn’s life became intertwined with that of a world-famous inmate who some dispute was innocent.
Tickets: $15 Information: www.performingartsnorth.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Woodstock Friday Night Live event set
The Woodstock Downtown Development Authority invites the public to spend the first Friday of each month in downtown Woodstock and take in the restaurants and stores.
Merchants will stay open until 9 p.m. and will have themed activities for each night, with the “Oktoberfest” theme on Oct. 5. Information: 770-924-0406. Kenneth Musisi
Teens can learn about moviemaking
Students in grades 6-12 can start learning how to make movies Saturday in a workshop at the Sandy Springs Library. “Teen Film Workshop” starts at 2:30 p.m. at 395 Mt. Vernon Highway.
The class is for beginners and will offer practical advice and an overview of equipment needs. Information: 404-303-6130. Johnny Edwards
Alpharetta Rotary Club donates books
The Rotary Club of Alpharetta recently donated 1,500 books to the Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA after school program as one of their Rotary projects for Literacy program.
The book donation included picture books for babies, educational series, juvenile fiction, craft books and much more.
The Ed Isakson/Alpharetta Family YMCA has 29 after school programs, serving over 1,800 children after school in the North Fulton area. Information: www.clubrunner.ca/alpharetta. Kenneth Musisi
Dream Mile to benefit children’s causes
Johns Creek will be the host site for the 14th annual Dream Mile Sept. 22 at the State Farm Campus, 11350 Johns Creek Parkway.
The event benefits Vibha’s Child Development Projects in India and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.
Nationwide, the event has raised more than $1 million to support more than 60,000 children.
This year’s Dream Mile features a 5K walk, a 5K run and a 10K Run. There will be refreshments for all registrants and games for children and adults. Information: http://thedreammile.org/atlanta
Patrick Fox
Forsyth fire report wins national recognition
The Forsyth County Fire Department’s 2010 annual report has snagged a pair of national honors. The report garnered a “superior” designation in the National Association of County Information Officers 2012 Awards of Excellence competition.
It was also named “best in class” in the annual reports category. The department has published the report since 2005. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
ATLANTA
Hearing delayed for Atlanta educator
An employment hearing for Juanessa Booker, an Atlanta testing coordinator, has been delayed until Oct. 8. Booker, who worked at Scott Elementary, is challenging efforts to fire her from Atlanta Public Schools. She is accused of directing and coordinating cheating on 2009 state exams, according to the district. Jaime Sarrio
Oncology practice pays $4.1 million settlement
Georgia Cancer Specialists, which has 27 offices in the state, has agreed to pay $4.1 million to settle claims it violated the False Claims Act by billing Medicare for services that were not permitted under the agency’s rules, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The resolution closes a federal investigation into the practice’s billing for evaluation and management services on the same day as a related procedure — which generally is not permitted. Bill Rankin
Chambliss presents medals to WW II vet
Senator Saxby Chambliss will present the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, and Ranger Tab to Stanley M. Sasine for his service as a member of the 5307th Composite Unit (Provisional) – also known as Merrill’s Marauders – during World War II.
Sasine was authorized but never received the medal. Sen. Chambliss will present the medals at 11:30 a.m. Monday at his Atlanta office. Kenneth Musisi
‘Dress for Success’ scheduled for Sunday
The Salvation Army’s Dress for Success is 2 p.m. Sunday at the Salvation Army Red Shield Services, 400 Luckie St. The event is a runway walk in which women wear business attire that has been donated to help them re-enter the workforce.
Atlanta City Councilwoman Felicia Moore will be the guest speaker.
The Salvation Armys says the wardrobe program is just one aspect of the organization’s efforts, including classed on personal and professional development and life skills, to help homeless people become independent. Jeremiah McWilliams
DEKALB
Special prosecutor to review Watson case
After receiving an internal affairs report examining possible preferential treatment given to a DeKalb County Commissioner during an incident this summer, the county solicitor Friday asked for a special prosecutor to investigate the case.
Sherry Boston , Dekalb County solicitor said she wants someone outside the jurisdiction to decide if charges of driving while intoxicated may be warranted against Commissioner Stan Watson.
Watson was reportedly intoxicated at a Decatur-area bar in July and verbally abusive to a woman he said stole his wallet.
An officer who responded allowed Watson to leave the scene, though the commissioner returned moments later to get a ride from a staffer at the bar.
Watson was not charged.
April Hunt
Celebrate Animals Week upcoming
Gov. Nathan Deal and Dunwoody Mayor Mike Davis have proclaimed Monday through Sept. 30 as Celebrate Animals Week.
WellPet Humane, a pet charity veterinary clinic, will host an informal Run/Walk 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 30 at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody.
The free event will have vendors, music, a silent auction, pet adoptions and other events.
Proceeds will go to to an animal welfare campus in Chamblee run by WellPet Humane.
Information: www.wellpethumane.com.
Kenneth Musisi
Muslims host ‘Day of Dignity’ for homeless
With growing religious tension around the world, local American Muslims are looking to build bridges to their local communities by serving the homeless with free hot meals, medical checkups, flu shots, haircuts and additional supplies.
SHARE Atlanta has partnered with several community organizations for seven Day of Dignity charitable events taking place at multiple locations in Clarkston as well as Atlanta on Sunday.
Day of Dignity is an annual nationwide campaign by Virginia-based Islamic Relief USA.
Information: www.irusa.org.
Kenneth Musisi
Woman says she stole $144,000 from church
The former accounts payable manager for Dunwoody Baptist Church pleaded guilty Friday to bilking her employer of nearly $144,000.
DeKalb County Superior Court Judge Tangela Barrie handed Patricia Padgett a 20-year sentence, with three years to serve in prison and the remainder on probation, court officials said.
Barrie also ordered Padgett to repay $143,955 to the church after the defendant pleaded guilty to four counts of theft by taking.
Padgett, 54, was responsible for collecting revenue from the church’s various activities, including offerings, daycare tuition and fitness center payments, and for depositing the money into a church bank account.
Between 2006 and 2009, prosecutors said, the woman skimmed money from the deposits she made for the church, putting incremental amounts of the cash into her own bank account.
Padgett was arrested in February 2010.
Marcus K. Garner
SOUTHSIDE
Learn Henry history from the talking “dead”
McDonough Arts, a nonprofit organization, will host the second annual “Spirits of McDonough City Cemetery Tour” from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 20 and 2:30 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21.
The tour provides an entertaining look at the history and heritage of Henry County through the people who experienced it. Nine “spirits” dressed in period attire (Civil War through early 90s) will share tales of life as it was back then.
Tickets: $10 adults, $5 children (12 and under). Information: 404-660-3813 or www.mcdonougharts.net. Kenneth Musisi
Henry Chamber celebrates tourism
The public is invited to the Toast to Tourism Business After Hours event at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at Panola Mountain State Park, 5089 Flat Bridge Rd., S.W., Stockbridge. The Henry County Chamber of Commerce/Convention and Visitors Bureau will premier a series of videos featuring local residents promoting the county at the event. Attendees are encouraged to come early to enjoy park activities including archery, fly fishing demonstrations and tree climbing. Activities are free and parking is $5 per car. Information: Laura Luker at 770-957-5786Veronica Fields Johnson
South Fulton Library back on track
The renovation and expansion of the South Fulton Library is back on track.
The project, part of a $275 million countywide construction program, got held up in April amid commissioners’ concerns that Evergreen Construction won the job by bidding zero for pre-construction services, whereas other companies typically bid tens of thousands of dollars.
The job went back out for bid and Evergreen won again, this time bidding $25,000 for pre-construction services. The company is now charging a fee of 4.3 percent of the total building cost instead of 4 percent.
A spokeswoman for the library system said construction budget won’t surpass $4.2 million. Johnny Edwards
Eagle’s Landing plans charity event
Eagle’s Landing Country Club is sponsoring a charity car and bike show and motorcycle ride on Sept. 30. Proceeds benefit MDA — Augie’s Quest, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and ClubCorp Employee Partner Care Foundation. The ride starts at Harley Davidson of Clayton County and ends at Eagle’s Landing Country Club. There will be vendor booths, entertainment by The Leadfoot Band, an auction, food and drink concessions, a kid’s zone and more. Register: www.eagleslandingcc.com. Sponsorships and vendor opportunities are available. More info: Anne Belcher: 770-389-2000 x117 or anne.belcher@ourclub.com
Nancy Badertscher
Henry road project gets $1.26 million boost
The Henry County Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment of $1.26 million for a transportation project on Fairview Road in northern Henry County. The project is being overseen by Henry’s Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax program. Funds were taken from two other road projects in the area and allocated for the Fairview project.Monroe Roark for the AJC`
