COBB
National park celebrates upgraded trails
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area will host a family trail ride from 10 a.m. to noon April 20 at Sope Creek in southeast Cobb County to celebrate completion of an extensive trail improvement project.
“With the new opening of more than six miles of trails for bicycling, this will be a great place for family rides,” Superintendent Patty Wissinger said.
The improvement project began in 2008 with a grant funded by the Coca-Cola Company and administered by the National Park Foundation. Patrick Fox
Burn ban to take effect May 1
The Cobb County fire department issued a reminder this week about a ban on open burning that takes effect May 1 and extends through Sept. 30.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources issued the ban on open burning for all counties in Georgia. Residents may not burn leaves, tree limbs, or other yard waste, forest land, or use air curtain destructors for land clearing. Andria Simmons
Amateur Radio classes set this month
Amateur Radio General Class License classes will be 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 20 and 27 at American Legion Post 294, 3282 Florence Road, Powder Springs.
Participants must possess a Technician Class Amateur Radio License and must attend all three Saturdays.
While the classes are free, the fee is $14 for the Federal Communications Commission exam on April 27.
Registration: Elden Morris, 770-713-4403 or N1MN@att.net. Carolyn Cunningham for the AJC
Kennesaw planning farmers market
Kennesaw's Downtown Development Authority is looking for vendors to sell fruit, vegetables, baked goods and locally grown products at the city's farmers market May 7 through Oct. 29. The market's ninth season will be 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays at the Adams Park soccer field parking lot, 2753 Watts Drive, Kennesaw. Information: Julia McPherson at 770-794-7075 or jmcpherson@kennesaw-ga.gov. Tucker McQueen for the AJC
Science programfor homeschoolers
Natural Resources Management will host a science program for third- to fifth-grade homeschooled students 2:30-4:30 p.m., Friday at Heritage Park. "Natural Connections" includes a study of animal class, symbiosis and the use of microscopes. A nature walk is also included and other ages are welcome. The fee is $2 per student and registration is required. Info: Kaye Wilson at 770-528-8824 or kaye.wilson@cobbcounty.org Jaime Sarrio
Historical society event on first Cobb Countians
The Cobb Landmarks and Historical Society will host Jim Lanford of the Coosawattee Foundation at 7 p.m. April 25 for a lecture about the first inhabitants of Cobb County.
Participants will learn about archaeological sites and new discoveries in north Georgia and gain understanding of history of its native people.
The event will be at Anderson House, 65 Whitlock Ave., Marietta. Information: 770-426-4982 or cobblandmarks.com Meghan de St. Aubin
GWINNETT
Snellville installing motorcycle safety signage
Snellville City Council Member Bobby Howard, along with Allstate agents Dale Gainey, Ralph Martinand Todd Croker are encouraging motorcycle safety in Snellville by installing Motorcycle Crossing signs at several intersections within the city.
The new signage will help remind all motorists to be more mindful of sharing the roads. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Spring cleaning workshop next week
Learn about hazardous substances in the home and how to store and dispose of them properly at a free workshop 7 to 8 p.m. April 18 at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Dr., Lawrenceville. Attendees from unincorporated Gwinnett County or the city of Lilburn can qualify for a maximum 5 percent credit toward their Stormwater Utility Fee for the following year. Information: 678-376-7193 or dwrswreg@gwinnettcounty.com Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Ministry kicks off corporate fundraising
The Norcross Cooperative Ministry’s Restoring Hope! initiative has begun its corporate fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $1 million over the next five years to fund three programs that will benefit the Norcross area.
Those programs include working with 100 families to pull them out of poverty; increasing food distribution and emergency housing along with providing non-food items to families in need; and expanding local awareness of the issues facing poor families in the area. Dan Klepal
It’s always Black Friday at the animal shelter
Every Friday is Black Friday at the Gwinnett Animal Welfare and Enforcement Center, 884 Winder Highway in Lawrenceville. All mostly black dogs and cats are available for a $30 cash veterinarian fee which includes spaying or neutering, the first round of vaccinations, and a microchip. Information: www.gwinnettanimalcontrol.com or call 770-339-3200. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Suwanee Day accepting applications
Exhibitor and entertainment applications are now being accepted for Suwanee Day on Sept. 21. The deadline for exhibitor applications is June 1. The deadline for entertainment applications is May 15.
Applications are available at www.suwaneeday.com. Karen Huppertz for the AJC
Sikh exhibition coming to Norcross
Gurudwara Guru Nanak Mission Society in Norcross aims to create awareness of the historical significance of the Sikh community and its legacy through an upcoming exhibition featuring a rare collection of personal belongings of Sikh Gurus.
Hundreds of rare art and artifacts of Sikh heritage will be on display from Monday - April 20 at the Sikh temple, 1158 Rock Bridge Road, Norcross. Andria Simmons
NORTHSIDE
Canton drowning victim identified
Canton police Thursday identified a teenager who drowned while swimming with a friend Wednesday afternoon as Jon Thomas Bettis, 17, of Canton.
Officers were dispatched to Hickory Log Creek Reservoir after the friend called to report a swimmer struggling in the water around 1:45 p.m. The friend reportedly tried to assist before swimming to the shore to call for help, police said.
The teen's body was found around 5 p.m. by Cherokee County divers, police said. Mike Morris and Angel K. Brooks
Groups join to mail care packages to troops
Johns Creek, the Johns Creek Veterans Association, Park Place at Newtown School volunteers, Taylor Road Middle School, and State Bridge Elementary School teamed up recently to provide care packages to the 1st Battalion, 41st Field Artillery Alpha Battery in Kandahar Province.
About 90 boxes, each with food, snacks and games, were mailed to soldiers. Boxes with field-grade socks and T-shirts were sent to platoon sergeants to distribute.
The "Alpha Aces," as the unit is called, was selected because they are based in Georgia at Fort Stewart. Patrick Fox
Canton to proceed with study of fire services
The Canton City Council last week voted to proceed with a $14,000 fire protection feasibility study by the Ecological Planning Group. The move follows the defeat of an up-to $6 million bond issue at the polls last month.
The bond would have paid for three additional stations in growing areas of the city, plus renovation of the downtown station. Mark Woolsey for the AJC
Woodstock to host special waste pick-up
Waste Management will have a special week of appliance and scrap metal pick-up for Woodstock residents on their usual trash day the week of April 22.
Stoves and ovens, washers and dryers, dishwashers, water heaters, air purifiers, humidifiers and refrigerators and freezers without refrigerant are welcome.
Allowable scrap metal includes dismantled play set equipment, copper wire and pipe, lawn furniture, tire rims, sinks, bicycles, grills and lawnmowers with fluids removed.
Information: woodstockga.gov, 770-592-6000. Michael Alpert for the AJC
Educator of the Year nominations sought
Keep Roswell Beautiful is accepting nominations for its annual Educator of the Year Award.
Nominees should be public or private school teachers in Roswell who demonstrate exemplary efforts in environmental education or beautifying the city.
Submit a one-page Microsoft Word document detailing your name and relationship with the nominee; the nominee’s name, school, grade and subject taught; and a description of the nominee’s accomplishments, including why he or she deserves the award.
Nominations are due April 12. Email your nomination as an attachment to Vicki Culbreth at vculbreth@roswellgov.com. Patrick Fox
Milton police to hold golf tournament
The Milton Police Department will hold a “K-9 Support” golf tournament May 1 to raise funds for a new K-9 officer to replace a retired police dog.
The tournament will be at Echelon Golf Club at 501 Founders Drive in Alpharetta. It includes registration and breakfast at 8 a.m., a shotgun start at 10 a.m., and a reception and awards ceremony at 3 p.m.
Cost to play is $125 per golfer or $500 for a team of four. Sponsorship levels include $7,500 (platinum), $3,000 (gold) and $1,500 (silver). To register, sponsor or make a donation, call 678-242-2570 or email ara.baronian@cityofmiltonga.us. Andria Simmons
ATLANTA
Health walk Saturday at Greenbriar Mall
The Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority will host a health fair and heart walk Saturday at Greenbriar Mall. The 8 a.m. walk will follow registration and a warm-up session at 7:30 a.m. The health fair is 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. It will include free screenings for diabetes, high blood pressure, dental, cholesterol, and other ailments. The Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness, Alzheimer's Association, Grady Health Center Infectious Disease Program, Humana, FootFittR Diabetic Foot Wear, Decatur Pediatric Group, will to provide information and health screenings. Information: aachealthfair@yahoo.com. Gracie Bond Staples
Ultimate frisbee event this weekend
Paideia School will hold its eighth Paideia Cup Ultimate Frisbee Tournament 9 a.m. Saturday and Sunday at Python Park athletic fields at 1201 Clarendon Ave., Avondale Estates. Teams from across the country, including players from Massachusetts, Ohio and Missouri will come to compete for the Paideia Cup – a symbol representing the best in youth Ultimate spirit and competition. About 200 competitors are expected. Admission is free. Staff
County GOP to host neurosurgeon-author
Dr. Benjamin Carson, a pediatric neurosurgeon and author who gained national attention at last month's Conservative Political Action Committee Conference, will speak 7:30 p.m. April 25 at the Fulton County Republican Party at the Westin Buckhear, 3391 Peachtree Road NE. Tickets: $150. Information: www.fultongop.org David Wickert
Production confronts fatherless epidemic
Sharon Keys Ministries, Inc. presents "Missing Daddy," a theatrical production that confronts the fatherless epidemic, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 27 at the Kroc Community Center, 967 Dewey St. S.W. The play chronicles the life of Marsha and the consequences she faces as a child of an absent father. Tickets: $20. Information: sharon@sharonkeysministries.com or 678-469-9983. Mea Watkins
DEKALB
Comment sought on policy changes
The new DeKalb County school board is proposing several policy changes and is giving the public until April 19 to post comments about them on the system’s website.
The policies govern the advisory role of school councils in hiring principals, the protocol for school board meetings, guidelines for public comment at meetings, process for policy adoption and ethics and staff conflicts of interest.
Information: dekalb.k12.ga.us/. Ty Tagami
Crosswalk safety demonstration planned
A crosswalk safety demonstration, lead by several DeKalb County leaders, DeKalb County Public Works — Transportation, Planning and Engineering Division, and the DeKalb County Police Department, will be held at 3:30 p.m. April 24. The demonstration, which will include details about the state mandated rules requiring vehicles to stop at high-intensity activated cross walks (HAWK) pedestrian signals, will take place at Buford Highway and Pinetree Plaza, 5200 Buford Highway, Doraville. Mea Watkins
Thurmond to discuss state of schools
DeKalb County interim schools superintendent Michael Thurmond will speak to a parents group Wednesday about the state of the school system. The talk with the Emory Lavista Parent Council starts at 9:15 a.m. at the Coralwood School, 2477 Coralwood Dr., Decatur. For information about the group, go online to www.emory-lavista.org. Ty Tagami
Gala to benefit perfoming arts youth
The DeKalb County Police Athletic League Plus, Inc. will hold an annual black-tie fund-raising event to benefit DeKalb youth who participate in the performing arts. The Pal Plus Youth Explosion Gala takes place at 4 p.m. April 27 at the Porter Sanford III Performing Arts & Community Center, 3181 Rainbow Drive, Decatur.
Information: 770-724-7436. Mea Watkins
Crime prevention program planned
A training program aimed to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie will take place at 6:30 p.m. April 25 at the Manuel Maloof Auditorium, 1300 Commerce Drive, Decatur. National Night Out (NNO), “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” attendees will learn the history of NNO, what is needed to organize an event for their community, and how to receive NNO resources.
Information:www.onedekalb.com. Mea Watkins
DeKalb seniors can go for the gold
Registration is underway for the 26th Annual DeKalb County Senior Olympic Games. Competitive events will be held across the county May 6-17. Registration ends April 29 and the games are open to the public. DeKalb residents, and those from other counties, who are 50 and older, are welcome to participate in events that range fro bowling to line dancing to track and field. Applications are available online at www.co.dekalb.ga.us/parks/, or at all DeKalb County recreation centers, libraries and some senior centers. Information: 404-687-2751. April Hunt
SOUTHSIDE
Henry police officer cited for off-duty heroics
Officer Rebecca Roubieu of the Henry County Police Department was awarded the Law Enforcement Commendation Award for her actions in assisting the victims of an overturned vehicle Jan. 9 while she was off-duty.
The award was presented by the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution.
Roubieu has been with the HCPD for about a year and a half. Monroe Roark for the AJC
