County by county news for Friday

Cobb County board members made no decisions about which schools will be repaired. Instead, board members instructed district staff members to come up with a list of suggestions from which the board will choose at a later date. Wayne Washington

Road to close for movie filming

The intersection of West Park Square and South Park Square in downtown Marietta will close during morning hours Monday Oct. 14 while movie crews film a driving scene for “Dumb and Dumber To.”cq. The sequel to 1994’s “Dumb and Dumber” with Jeff Daniels and Jim Carrey will continue filming Monday afternoon and Tuesday in Glover Park on the Marietta Square. Information: www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

KSU to build $38.7 million rec center

Kennesaw State University broke ground Thursday Oct. 10 on a $38.7 million recreation and activities center that will include an indoor track, two swimming pools, five basketball courts, eight tennis courts and a weight and fitness center. The 176,000 square-foot center will be named for Betty Siegel, who retired in 2006 after 25 years as KSU president. The university is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week. Information: www.kennesaw.edu. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Marietta to hold citizens academy

Marietta will give a behind-the-scenes look at local government at a five-week citizens’ government academy from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 4 at City Hall, 205 Lawrence St.

Members must be 18 or older. Registration deadline is Oct. 25. Information: 770-794-5507 or www.mariettaga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Church to host community fall festival

Providence Baptist Church will host a community fall festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at the church, 1773 Hawthorne Avenue, College Park. Events will include a farmer’s market, games and prizes, free clothing and groceries, kids zone, pony rides, vendor’s market and a BBQ and fish fry. Singer and actress Chandra Currelley, pianist Mose Davis, the Ballethnic dance company, the Providence Baptist Church Mass Choir and others will perform.

Information: 404-209-1423. Veronica Fields Johnson

Marietta offers gun safety seminar

The Marietta Police Department’s Training Unit will host a Firearm Safety Seminar6:30 p.m. Wednesday at Marietta City Hall Council Chambers, 205 Lawrence St.

The lecture-based seminar is designed for civilians, and will cover topics including safety, laws, and alternative weapon usage. Information packets will be provided.

Free. Firearms not allowed.

Information: send e-mail to dbaldwin@mariettaga.gov or call 770-794-5370. Sandra Marshall Murray

GWINNETT

Cops: 15 dogs, cat, rabbit, squirrel in filthy home

Deputies were serving an eviction notice on Bennett Road in Grayson when they found 15 dogs, one cat, one rabbit and a squirrel at the home, which was filled with urine and feces, according to officials Some of the animals were found inside the home, which they accessed through an open door, investigators said. Other animals were in backyard cages, which were overgrown with weeds and foliage.

Animal Control officers were called to the scene, and the home’s resident, Linda Coker, was issued 16 citations for animal neglect. Alexis Stevens

6 finalists vie for Teacher of the Year

Gwinnett County Public Schools has narrowed to six the finalists for its Teacher of the Year: Heather Watkins, Mulberry Elementary; Stacey Dunlap, Simpson Elementary; Lissette McRea, Berkmar Middle; Carol Williams, Summerour Middle; Ashley Allgood, Brookwood High; and Hyunjin Son, Gwinnett School of Mathematics, Science, and Technology. A selection committee comprised of GCPS educators narrowed the field from 26 semifinalists. Teacher of the Year will be announced at a banquet Nov. 7. Nancy Badertscher

Suwanee accepting 2014 events

Suwanee hosts some 40 events each year, including festivals, foot races, and food truck events. To ensure your event is considered for the 2014 event calendar, complete and return the event application found at www.suwanee.com by December 6. Applications are reviewed, and applicants notified regarding the status of their application by the end of January. Once the City’s event calendar is adopted early in 2014, additional events are not typically added. Info: contact Amy Doherty at adoherty@suwanee.com or 770-945-8996. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Wilbanks tapped for district consortium

Gwinnett schools superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks has been named co-chair of the new Large Countywide and Suburban District Consortium that includes the leaders of 15 large suburban school systems who share ideas and resources and advocate for policies and practices aimed at improving public schools. Nancy Badertscher

24-hour pet adoptions this weekend

The Gwinnett County Animal Welfare & Enforcement Center will host a Pet Revolution including 24-hour pet adoptions 7 p.m. today until 7 p.m. Saturday at the shelter, 884 Winder Highway, Lawrenceville..

Information: 770-339-3200 or www.gwinnettcounty.com, select Police then Animal Welfare and Enforcement. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Lilburn Daze celebrates 40th anniversary

The Lilburn Daze Arts & Crafts Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in Lilburn City Park. Events includes arts, children’s activities, music and food. Proceeds are returned to the community as scholarships, youth art competitions, school and library equipment, public safety and health support. Info: www.lilburndaze.org. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Cumming parking facility construction to begin

Construction of the first of two new parking facilities to be built in downtown Cumming in conjunction with the $100 million courthouse and jail project is scheduled to begin Tuesday. The parking facilities are part of the new courthouse and jail project, funded by the voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax VII program. The first parking facility to be built will be located at the intersection of Castleberry Road and Maple Street.

Information: forsythco.com Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Youth Day celebrated in Roswell

“Hats Off to Roswell” is the theme of this year’s Youth Day Celebration that kicks off with the 17th Annual Historic Roswell 5K Road Race at 9:45 am today at the Roswell United Methodist Church, to register visit www.active.com The annual parade begins at 10 am at the First Baptist Church on Mimosa en route to Roswell Area Park on Woodstock Road, where the celebration continues with a festival and free lunch for kids 15 and under (while supplies last).

A Roswell tradition since 1950, the festivities honor its youth as the future of the community and its most valuable resource. Information: 770- 641-3705. Staff

Reinhardt sets homecoming events

Reinhardt University in Waleska is planning a round of events to mark its Homecoming Weekend Oct. 18-19. The Reinhardt Eagles will take on Bellhaven University in football at noon Oct. 19 at Ken White Field. Also planned: a pep rally, talent show, fall festival and a concert and dance. Info: www.reinhardt.edu  Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Forsyth sets electronic recycling event

Keep Forsyth County Beautiful will hold an electronics recycling event 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Cumming Fairgrounds parking lot 3 off Castleberry Road. Laptops, CD players, cellphones and microwaves are among the items that will be accepted with a minimum donation of $5 per carload.

Information: forsythco.com. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Alpharetta library hosts exhibit by local artists

The Alpharetta Library Branch will host the Alpha Arts Guild Art Exhibit at the library, 238 Canton St., Alpharetta, daily during library hours through the end of the year.

The display features artwork in a variety of styles and mediums by members of the Alpha Arts Guild, an organization for North Fulton-based artists. Information: 770-740-2425  Veronica Fields Johnson

Road work set on Cherokee highways

The Georgia Department of Transportation has awarded a $4.1 million contract for safety improvements to Ga. 20 and Ga. 140 in Cherokee County.

The project will include improving signage and pavement markings on both highways, guardrails and edge line/centerline rumble strip installations.

Work is set to be complete by the end o fJune of 2014, but no start date has been set. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

ATLANTA

Clergy donates supplies to students

Students at Cascade Elementary in west Atlanta will receive backpacks and school supplies as the result of a donation from the Concerned Black Clergy of Metropolitan Atlanta.

Members of the Concerned Black Clergy presented 500 backpacks and a check for $1,000 to Principal Sylvia Hall at their September board meeting, according to Atlanta Public Schools’ Talk Up APS website.

The backpacks were filled with books and other supplies, and the money will be used to fulfill additional student needs during the school year. Mark Niesse

APS reassigns teachers for enrollment

Atlanta Public Schools is finishing the process of moving teachers to different schools to accommodate unexpected changes in student enrollment.

Teachers will begin working in their new classrooms Sept. 16 in traditional schools and Sept. 30 in year-round schools.

About 6,500 students began school after the traditional school year started Aug. 7, and total enrollment was about 455 fewer students than the school district had estimated. Mark Niesse

4-day weekend planned for students

Most Atlanta public school students are preparing for a four-day Columbus Day weekend.

Students in traditional schools have days off on Friday, which is a teacher professional learning day, and on Monday for Columbus Day.

Students in schools using a year-round calendar only have off on Monday. Mark Niesse

Benefit for playwright today at Woodruff

The Ivy & Roses Community Fund Inc. and Pi Alpha Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. host a tribute to Author and Playwright Pearl Cleage 8 p.m. today at the Woodruff Arts Center, 1280 Peachtree St. that includes theatrical performances, readings, and live music.

Information: celebratepearl2013.brownpaperticket.com Sandra Marshall Murray

DEKALB

Lawmakers to host youth town hall

State lawmakers from DeKalb County will host a youth town hall on Oct. 22 to help young residents voice their concerns.

The event runs from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Lou Walker Senior Center, 2538 Panola Road, near Lithonia. All county youth are encouraged to attend. April Hunt

Colorful 5K run scheduled

The Color Vibe, a fun run 5K company, will host a “colorful” run for all ages Nov. 23 in downtown Stone Mountain. Participants will be blitzed with a non-toxic, biodegradable color powder made of dyed cornstarch. A dance party will take place after the run. A portion of proceeds will go to the Stone Mountain Village Visitors Center.

Information and registration, visit www.thecolorvibe.com or email support@thecolorvibe.com. Mea Watkins

DeKalb health fair to focus on prevention

DeKalb County’s parks department, in connection with the Decatur alumni chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, will host a health fair early next month.

The Scottdale Community Health Fair will focus on education and preventive care, including cooking demonstrations, in a bid to help people improve their health.

The fair runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Tobie Grant recreation center, 644 Parkdale Dr., Scottdale. April Hunt

Registration open for basketball leagues

DeKalb County parks is accepting registration through November for a winter adult basketball league at all county recreation centers.

Cost is $320 per team an eight-game season that begins in December. Participants must be 35 or older and provide their own uniforms for the league.

Information: 770-414-2113. April Hunt

Senior home seeking donations of linen

Mountain View Personal Care Home is seeking donations for a linen shower that will take place 2 p.m. Oct. 12 at 3675 Kensington Road.

The facility is home to 32 seniors and needs new twin sheet sets, pillow cases, blankets and throws, mattress pads and comforters, along with bath towels and wash cloths. Items can be delivered at the shower or 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday-Friday.

Tours and food will be offered at the shower, along with descriptions of volunteer opportunities.

Mail tax-deductible gift cards or donations to Mountain View Personal Care Home, Box 85, Avondale Estates, Ga., 30002. Staff

Tucker to fund cityhood study

Tucker Together has become the latest cityhood group to raise enough money to fund a study to determine whether it should become a new city in DeKalb County.

Group director Michelle Penkava said the group reached its $30,000 goal in just one month and will soon hire the Andrew Young School of Policy Studies at Georgia State University to create a financial and service study for the area.

At least three other cities, some with overlapping borders, are under review in DeKalb. Organizers for a city of Briarcliff, Lakeside and Stonecrest are also funding studies. April Hunt

SOUTHSIDE

College Park intends to set up night court

College Park city officials are working on setting up a night court program. It’s planned for the first and fourth Tuesdays of each month beginning Jan 7. City Manager Terrence Moore says discussions have been taking place on staffing and funding. He says increasing police department and municipal court caseloads are driving the program. Plans are for the court to hear such cases as minor criminal offenses and code-enforcement issues. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

VITAL volunteers help Fayette schools

More than a dozen newly trained members of the Volunteer Initiative to Assist Learning will soon be working in Fayette County schools.

The VITAL program began last month as a partnership between the school system and the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.

Participants will provide classroom teacher support and office assistance at three elementary schools and the Alternative School.

More volunteers are needed; call Sharon Walters at 770-460-3990, ext. 243. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Forest Park hosts autumn festival

The City of Forest Park will be hosting the 28th annual Autumn in the Park Festival on Saturday October 19th, 2013 from 10:30am to 5:30pm at Starr Park. Admission is free. There will be Arts and Crafts, informational booths, games, food and a variety of live entertainment.

For more information contact 404-363-2908  Staff

Commissioner hosts masked ball

Henry County Commissioner Bruce Holmes will host the Second Annual Commissioner’s Masked Ball from 7-11 p.m. Oct. 31, in the Egyptian Ballroom of the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. A.J. “Buddy” Welch Jr., June Wood, and Dr. Cynthia McCray will be honored during the evening’s festivities.

All proceeds benefit the Commissioner Bruce Holmes Youth Foundation. Tickets may be purchased through Eventbrite at www.cbhyf.eventbrite.com.

Information: 404-310-0460 or 770-597-7544. Monroe Roark for the AJC

Henry town hall on Common Core

State Rep. Demetrius Douglas is hosting an informational town hall Oct. 17 in Stockbridge on the ABC’s of Common Core Standards. State and local education experts will provide information about the Common Core Standards.

The 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. event will be at Stockbridge City Hall, 4640 North Henry Boulevard in Stockbridge. Tammy Joyner

Clayton hosts town hall on Obamacare

State Rep. Demetrius Douglas is hosting an informational town hall meeting on the Affordable Care Act also known as “Obamacare” 10a.m. - noon Oct. 19 at the Lovejoy Community Center, 11622 Hastings Bridge Road in Lovejoy. Tammy Joyner