County by county news for Friday

Registration is open to girls and boys currently in grades 1 through 8. Registration will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at Marietta High School. Practice will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays starting at 6 p.m. at Marietta High.

The Marietta Track Club is affiliated with the Marietta School System. Information: mariettatrackclub@gmail.com.

Andria Simmons

Sorority hosts benefit for scholarship fund

The Omicron Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. is hosting “Zetas Zumba for Education” to benefit the Ola Hill Memorial Scholarship Fund.

The two Zumba sessions will be 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday at Pure Energy Fitness, 1115 Powder Springs Street, Suite 1, Marietta.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at okzzumba2013.eventbrite.com. Cost: $10 per session.

Information: info@omicronkappazeta.org. Kenneth Musisi

Leadership Cobb accepting nominations

Leadership Cobb, a leadership development program, is accepting nominations for its 2013-2014 class.

All nominations should be submitted through the Cobb Chamber website before Feb. 22.

Information: Michele Bickerstaff at mbickerstaff@cobbchamber.org. Jaime Sarrio

Free session on growing plans

A free workshop on growing blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and muscadines will be help 6:30-8 p.m., March 4, at the Cobb County Water Lab, 662 South Cobb Drive , Marietta.

Information, check cobbextension.com or call 770-528-4070. Jaime Sarrio

Powder Springs seeks theater contractor

Powder Springs officials are seeking proposals to build the Ford Center Theater behind the Powder Springs Library, 4181 Atlanta St. A pre-proposal meeting will be 10 a.m. Feb. 6 at City Hall, 4484 Marietta St.

Proposals must be submitted before 10 a.m. Feb. 22.

Information: cityofpowdersprings.org/DocumentCenter/Index/165 or Croy Engineering at 770-971-5407 or eflynn@croyengineering.com. Carolyn Cunningham

Cobb County 4-H Club hosts sale and seminar

In the month of March, Cobb County 4-H Club is having its annual plant sale and free seminar.

This year’s assortment of plants includes blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, figs, muscadines, Admiral Semmes azalea, crape myrtles, edgeworthia, heuchera, forsythia, viburnum and loropetalum. Orders for plants will be accepted through March 8.

Also, a free seminar on growing and caring for blueberries, blackberries, raspberries and muscadines will be presented on March 4, at the Cobb County Water Lab, 662 South Cobb Drive , Marietta.

Information: cobbextension.com or 770-528-4070. Meghan de St. Aubin

GWINNETT

Body found near Gwinnett interstate identified

A corrections work detail was cleaning debris off Dawson Boulevard and Graves Road near the interstate on Jan. 23 when they discovered the body of 24-year-old Leviticus D. Charleston, of Stone Mountain next to a concrete barrier near a small ravine and could not be seen from I-85. Just after 10 p.m. on Jan. 11, Gwinnett police received calls about a man walking northbound on I-85 was struck by a vehicle in that area. Police and firefighters searched the area but nothing was found at the time, police said.

Anyone with information should call Det. T.P. Corradino at 678-442-5624. Mike Morris

Chamber hosts awards dinner tonight

The Gwinnett County Chamber of Commerce will host its 65th annual dinner today to honor recipients of its 2012 Public Service Awards.

Barbara Howard, of Suzanna’s Kitchen, is recipient of the Citizen of the Year award. Winner’s of the chamber’s Public Service Awards are: Judge Stephen Franzen, Gwinnett County Juvenile Courts; Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris; David McCleskey of Gwinnett County Public Schools; Mary Kay Murphy of the school board; along with Paige Havens and Joe McCart who work in the private sector. In addition, the Jackson Jinright Charitable Foundation and Partnership Against Domestic Violence will receive the humanitarian award given in honor of D. Scott Hudgens. Dan Klepal

GEHC to host ‘Peanuts’ exhibit

The Gwinnett Environmental & Heritage Center, 2020 Clean Water Dr., Buford, will sponsor and host, “Peanuts…Naturally” Saturday through April 28.

The exhibit takes a light-hearted look at Charles Schulz’s exploration of the natural world through Peanuts comic strips, videos, objects, and interactive stations.

Admission: $3.50-$10.50.

Information: 770-904-3500 or www.gwinnettEHC.org.

Kenneth Musisi

County’s day at Capitol upcoming

The annual Gwinnett Day at the Georgia Capitol is Feb. 13. The event includes an invitation-only luncheon, photo opportunity at the Governor’s office and proclamations in both the Senate and House declaring Gwinnett Day.

It concludes with a reception at the Freight Room at the Georgia Depot across the street from the Capitol.

Michael Alpert for the AJC

Vendors wanted for Grayson festival

The 34th Grayson Day Festival will be Saturday, April 27. Vendor applications are being accepted now. For parade rules, guidelines and applications visit www.cityofgrayson.org.

Karen Huppertz for the AJC

Fitness and nutrition classes starting

Can’t get motivated? Join Ines Beltran, Cooperative Extension agent, to learn healthy cooking and eating habits while exercising and losing weight from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Feb. 27 at Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road. Cost is $15 for seven weeks payable in cash. Registration required by calling 770-985-4713. Karen Huppertz for the AJC

NORTHSIDE

Canton police make arrest in shooting

Canton police have made an arrest in a Wednesday shooting stemming from a family dispute. Police say Heriberto Munoz-Jaurez, 32, is charged with aggravated assault in the shooting of his brother-in-law, Hector Hernandez, age 30.

Hernandez suffered a gunshot wound to the upper chest and is in stable condition at Kennestone Hospital.

Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Meeting set for Forsyth courthouse/jail project

Turner/Winter Construction, a joint venture, will hold an open house at 4 p.m. Wednesday at the Forsyth Conference Center, 3410 Ronald Reagan Blvd., Cumming, to talk about the upcoming Forsyth County Courthouse and Detention Center project.

Subcontractors and craftsmen interested in participating are invited. Construction is set to start in July.

Attendees should send registration information to gchichester@tcco.com by 2 p.m. Monday. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Stretch of greenway closed in Forsyth

The Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth County was closed Thursday following Wednesday’s storms which caused flooding and downed trees.

Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Department officials say cleanup is underway, and they hope to re-open the almost 7-mile stretch by Saturday. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Cherokee early voting for runoff ends today

Today is the last day to vote early in Cherokee County in the Georgia House District 21 special election runoff.

Voters can cast ballots from 8:30 a.m to 5 p.m. at the Cherokee County Elections Office, 400 E. Main St., Canton.

On Tuesday, voters will chose between Scot Turner and Brian Laurens, who are seeking to fill the seat vacated by Sean Jerguson. Mark Woolsey for the AJC

Hungry Ear Coffee House music event

The Hungry Ear Coffee House event featuring live performances in folk, smooth jazz and acoustic music, will be 8 p.m. Saturday at Northwest Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 1025 Mount Vernon Highway NW, Sandy Springs.

Tickets: $5, plus canned good donation. Kenneth Musisi

Tax preparation volunteers needed

The Community Assistance Center seeks volunteers to prepare taxes for lower income residents in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs.

Volunteers are needed for four hours per week during the evening, or 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. No experience is required.

Simple tax law training will be provided through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program of the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign.

For training and certification requirements, visit www.atlantaprosperity.org.

Information: Carlos Diaz, vita@ourcac.org. Mea Watkins

ATLANTA

Immigrants get work authorization help

The Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials and others will help people apply for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program Feb. 9 at 2750 Buford Highway.

The DACA program allows illegal immigrants who came to this country as children to obtain a federal work authorization for two years as long as they are under age 31 as of June 15, 2012, and came to the U.S. before age 16.

Pre-registration is required. Informtion: www.georgialatinovote.com/daca. David Wickert

Columnist to speak at Atlanta Press Club

Dave Barry, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and author of “Insane City,” will speak at the Atlanta Press Club 7:30 a.m. Feb. 14 at The Commerce Club, 191 Peachtree Street N.E., Suite 4900. Cost is $25 for members; $35 for non-members. Register: 404-577-7377. Mea Watkins

Grandmother picks up tabs to help

Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic School is collecting beverage can pull tabs for the Ronald McDonald House Charities and gotten help from a far-away supporter. Helen Makowski, grandmother of Immaculate Heart student Olivia Bily, heard of the school’s efforts and asked all her neighbors in New York to collect their tabs. Nancy Badertscher

Hall recognized for community initiative

District 2 Councilman Kwanza Hall was recently recognized for his Year of Boulevard initiative at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Empowerment Congress Leadership Institute held in Los Angeles.

Hall and seven other city councilmembers from eight cities, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Newark, Oakland, Nashville, and Denver, were recognized for their innovative, community-based initiatives.

Launched in Jan. 2012, the Year of Boulevard initiative aims to provide public safety and increase opportunities for families in District 2’s Boulevard corridor, which has the highest concentration of poverty in the southeastern U.S. Kenneth Musisi

DEKALB

Avondale rejecting street side mailboxes

Although the U.S. Post Office has made street side mailboxes official policy, Avondale Estates mayor Ed Rieker said it goes against a longtime city ordinance requiring mailboxes on houses. He said the city’s still having discussions with post office officials who want new Avondale homeowners to either add curb-side boxes or pick up their mail at the Clarkston sorting office. Rieker added that curb-side boxes would require mail trucks, an “inefficient” and congestive process in a pedestrian-based city like Avondale where mail carriers still go house-to-house on foot. Bill Banks for the AJC

New leaders at Tucker Business Association

The Tucker Business Association has inducted William Rosenfeld, owner of Rosenfeld Jewelry, as the group’s new president and Josh Batchelder of Financial Planning Solutions will serve as senior vice president. Bob Smith of Insphere Insurance Solutions is the new secretary and Harry Strack of Tiger Tax Services has taken over as treasurer.

The group meets monthly to promote and support Tucker businesses. April Hunt

‘Learn and Earn’ work program launched

DeKalb County Workforce Development is taking applications for Learn and Earn, a new program that provides dislocated workers with pay and-on-the-job training.

The program is open to adults seeking jobs through the Workforce Investment Act.

The county is also seeking employers that would like to partner and offer jobs through the program.

Jobs must pay between $27,000 and $60,000 a year. Workers receive training over a specific period of time, while employers can receive up to half of the worker’s wages for a 90-day training period.

Information: 404-371-6288.

April Hunt

Final meeting about trash service changes

The county will hold a final meeting at 9 a.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Middle School, 3535 Dogwood Farm Road, to discuss making curbside recycling and trash pickup the same day. For $265 a year, residents had been receiving twice weekly trash pickup and recycling pickup and yard trimmings once a week with no volume limit.

The next question will be whether DeKalb moves to once weekly trash pickup.

Information: 404-371-3689.

April Hunt

Commissioner hosting meeting Saturday

Stan Watson, an at-large county commissioner, will host his monthly legislative breakfast 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Chapel Hill Middle School on Dogwood Farms Road. Speaking at the event will be representatives from theHartsfield-Jackson Airport, the DeKalb-Peachtree Airport and the county’s department of Watershed Management. April Hunt

Library book sale open to public

The Friends of the Decatur Library will host a book sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the library, 215 Sycamore St. Sale items include gently used books, DVDs and CDs.

Prices start at 50 cents and only cash or checks will be accepted. Information: 404-370-8450. Veronica Fields Johnson

SOUTHSIDE

College Park to hold gun buyback program

The city of College Park is sponsoring a gun buyback program from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at the College Park City Auditorium at 3631 Main Street in College Park.

The program is open to the public. The program is completely anonymous, and open to anyone wishing to present a gun for cash. The city is paying $100 for any workable handgun and $150 for any workable rifle, shotgun or assault-style rifle.

Remove any ammunition prior to attending the event. John Thompson for the AJC

Zumba classes set in Palmetto

The Palmetto Youth League is offering Zumba classes from Tuesday through March 30 at the Carter Recreation Center, 204 Taylor Circle.

Class times are 5:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 11 a.m. Saturday. The high-energy classes with help you get in shape for the summer. Bring a towel and water bottle.

Information: Regina O’Neal, 678-237-1745; Bernard Knox, 678-416-0084. Lisa Gibson for the AJC

Bond refinancing nets $4 million for Henry

Customers of the Henry County Water & Sewerage Authority will see a $4 million savings from a two-part bond refinancing that was recently completed.

The first part of the refunding program closed Feb. 15, 2012, resulting in a savings of more than $2.48 million.

The second part closed in November, proving a savings of more than $1.58 million.

Tammy Joyner

McDonough sponsors ladies night out

The City of McDonough’s February Ladies Night Out on the McDonough Square will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 14. Participants will enjoy shopping and dining at the various restaurants and businesses in the area.

Information: 770-898-9868.

Veronica Fields Johnson

CPR course offered in Union City

A video-based, instructor-led CPR class is being offered 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday (Feb. 2) at the Depot, 5060 Union St. in Union City.

The course, Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED, teaches students critical skills needed to respond to and manage a first aid, choking or sudden cardiac arrest emergency in the first few minutes until emergency medical services arrives.

Information: 770-515-7879; tinyurl.com/bx9cjuq.

Lisa Gibson for the AJC

CPR/first aid course at Piedmont Henry

Piedmont Henry Hospital will offer a HeartSaver CPR & First Aid course from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 8.

Taught by a certified American Heart Association instructor, the course includes instruction on CPR, use of an automated external defibrillator and first aid for adult and pediatric victims.

The first aid portion includes medical, injury and environmental emergencies. Registration is required. Actual course length may vary.

Information: piedmonthenry.org/classes/prevention or 678-604-1040. Monroe Roark for the AJC